In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent,   the Most Merciful 

The Qur’an is a book of guidance sure without doubt to those who fear Allah (Qur’an 2: 2).  There is no other or better guidance than the Book of Allah.  Its  unique and incomparable comprehensive teachings guide mankind at all ages. It covers all subjects affecting mankind be it physical, material, economical, social, cultural political, legal, religious and  spiritual.  It talks not only of us  and our environment but also the events and circumstances affecting us.   Allah says in the Qur’an that nothing has been omitted from it (Qur’an 6: 38).

 Alhamdullillah Islam covers all aspects of life. Allah has perfected Islam for us and made it complete.  Allah subhana wa ta'ala (s.w.t.) says:

“This day I have perfected your deen  (religion) for you,  completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your deen.” (Qur'an 5: 4)

Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  also said,  

“I have not left anything that Allah ordered you except that I have ordered you with it,  nor anything that Allah forbade you except that  I forbade you from it.” (Reported Saheeh and compiled by Al-Baihaqee.)  

The comprehensive teachings in the Holy Qur’an  and the Sunnah serve as a favour of Allah to us.  Islam, indeed, is the complete and thus the perfect religion and way of life for all mankind.  In this paper, I have chosen 15 Islamic teachings and none is less important than the other.   I have benefited,   Alhamdullillah,  from preparing for this paper and I ask forgiveness from Allah subhana wa ta’ala (s.w.t.) for any of the shortcomings it might carry.   I pray to Allah to help me apply His teachings (which include His Messenger’s teachings) in all aspects of life and I appeal to you to accept my humble effort.   I believe that understanding each teaching is very important for applying it in our practical and day to day lives.  Besides, if we set examples and give real life experiences of the benefits of following the commandments of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.), our friends, neighbours and relatives will also follow the Right Path, Insha Allah.  In this paper I have made an effort to put forward my understanding of some Qur’anic ayaat (verses) and authentic ahadith of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  in the following important topics in Islam:

1. Acquiring authentic Islamic knowledge

2. Learning the concept of Tawheed  (absolute oneness of Allah)

3. Worship and devotion to Allah with sincerity (for the pleasure of Allah only)

4. Love for the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and make him as our role model

5. Application of Islamic concept of justice in all aspects of life

6. Importance of Islamic education from childhood

7. Role of the mosque in the community

8. Controlling worldly desires and temptations

9. Importance of charity and protection from ar-riya’ (show off)

10. Importance of sabr (patience)

11. Importance of shukr (thanking Allah)

12. Tauba (Repentance)

13. Refraining from the evil consequences of the tongue

14. Avoiding pride

15. Taqwa (fear of Allah)

 

1. Importance of Acquiring Knowledge

Prophet  Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) has emphasized the acquiring of knowledge and has stated this act as a duty of every Muslim:

Anas Ibn malik has reported that the messenger of Allah has said, “Seeking of knowledge is incumbent on every Muslim.” (Ibn Majjah 1/224 and Tirmidhi 218)

From various narrations we learn the need to acquire knowledge especially on the following: knowledge of Allah, His names and all His Attributes; knowing what is expected as regards to servitude to Him and what mutual rights exist between us; knowledge of Allah’s Book –The Qur’an; and knowledge about the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his companions. 

Alhamdullillah in this age of communication and technology acquiring knowledge becomes easy. Thanks to the Internet, CDs,  publishing houses and magazines, mosques and Islamic centers.  However our barriers in this advanced fast paced world are time and our own nafs (desires). These two suggest to us that there are other important things in this worldly life that we need to attend to, that we need to spend more time for doing our jobs for promotion and or security reasons,  and that we cannot do anything about the Ummah today as it is a lost cause. The best solution to combat these is to read about the fazail or the benefits of acquiring Islamic knowledge every time the shaitan attacks us with these thoughts.

Rasul Allah (s.a.w.s.) told us that when a person seeks out a path to learn about Islam, this is a sign that Allah loves him/her and that He wants good for him/her in this life and the next. Subhanallah!  Is there anything greater than this that can inspire us?

Besides this from various ayaat of the Qur’an and authentic narrations of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) we the Believers (Muslims) have been promised:

· Full appreciation of His Oneness

· Fear of Him

· An easy way to paradise

· A lofty rank

· High and noble status

· Blessings from Allah

· Supplications of all that exists between the heavens and the earth

· Face beaming in brightness and beauty on the day of judgement

All these and more, for seeking (Islamic) knowledge!

Can anything in the world benefit us more than this noble teaching? Besides the wanting of  rewards,  the other reasons for seeking knowledge include the desire to remove ignorance from oneself and others about Islam, to be able to worship Allah  properly and finally to be able to defend our values and ideas, our faith or in short Islam with rational reasoning and  convincing evidence from authentic sources (i.e., the Qur’an and Sunnah). 

After convincing ourselves on the importance of acquiring authentic knowledge of Islam, we need to think on the ways how we can acquire or learn it.  If we are tied up with our respective jobs and do not have time to join formal schools and programs on Islam, we can still learn Islam through the following ways:

1. Buying Islamic books, CDs on Islam based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah;

2. Subscribing to Islamic magazines that give authentic and relevant knowledge from the Islamic viewpoint and letting the entire family read and discuss it;

3. Download and read authentic Islamic materials from the Internet (Islamic websites);

4. Subscribing or joining the email lists from refutable Islamic websites (known for their adherence to the Qur'an and the Sunnah);

5. Attend seminars and lectures of Muslim scholars and duat (propagators) known for their adherence to the Qur’an and the Sunnah; and

6. Participate regularly with family and friends in the activities of the Islamic centres and mosques. 

In order to execute the above activities, we need to make seeking knowledge a pleasant and interesting experience, especially for the younger members of our family as well as community.  We need to reserve at least half to one hour daily for this purpose.  In addition, we need to help fund or support organizations that teach authentic knowledge of Islam. 

 

2. Learning the concept of Tawheed

There are numerous Ayaat (Verses) of the Qur’an that point out that Allah wants us to know Him as the Only True God who alone is worthy of worship and who alone deserves all praise:

“Verily your Allah is One, Rabb of the heavens and the earth and all between them and the Rabb of every point at the rising of the sun!”(Qur'an 37: 4-5)

“What! Do they seek a Din other than God’s, whereas unto Him surrenders whoso is in the heavens and the earth, willingly or unwillingly, and unto Him all must return.” (Qur'an 3: 83)

The concept of Tawheed  (absolute oneness of Allah) has Three categories:

1. Tawheed Ar Ruboobiyah  (i.e., Oneness of Allah’s Divinity: He is the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer), the Creator, the Sovereign, the Provider, the Manager of the whole mankind’s affairs).

2. Tawheed Al Ulooheeyah according to which Allah alone deserves to be worshipped.

3. Tawheed  Al Asmaa was Sifaat which states that Allah alone deserves the most magnificent names and attributes.

The concept of Tawheed is the most basic and fundamental concept of Islam. Islam means exclusive and total submission to Allah, the Only True God. Acceptance of this belief is not restricted to the lips but demands suitable attitude of man in his action and thoughts; thus, a very deep understanding extending to every aspect of life at all times.

As far as action is concerned, whether right or wrong, it must be decided according to the commandments of Allah and not one’s desire, what the intelligentsia  suggest, what the society approves,  what our forefathers did or what our families and relations  prefer. These are actions taking us towards Shirk (association) with Allah:

“And who is more astray than one who calls on [invokes] besides Allah, such as will not answer him till the Day of Resurrection and who are [even] unaware of their calls [invocations] to them? And when mankind is gathered [on the Day of Resurrection], they [false deities] will become their enemies and will deny their worshipping.”  (Qur'an 46:5-6)

 “And when it is said to them: ‘Follow what Allah has sent down’, they say, ‘We  will follow (only) what we found our fathers doing.’ What! Even if their fathers did not use their reason at all, nor were guided?”  (Qur'an  2: 170)

“If you obey most of those on earth,  they will lead you astray from the path of Allah. They follow nothing but conjectures, and they do nothing but lie.” (Qur'an 6: 116)

Thus if we want to be true practicing Muslims we must break the three formidable idols whom we unconsciously take as our Gods:

1. Nafs or Self desires,

2. Blind conformity with society and culture, and

3. Obedience to human beings and man-made laws in preference to God's law, the Shari'ah.

In addition, we need to know and understand that in Islam, there is no bifurcation in knowledge into secular and religious. This would amount to Shirk. Shirk postulates that besides or instead of Allah the Almighty, there are other creators and law-givers for physics and biology,  economics and politics,  etc. Such alleged law-givers may be man and his pure reason,  ancient mythological characters or simply nature in secular terms. Islamic naturalism and Islamic rationalism under this concept of Tawheed are qualitatively different from atheistic or secular counterparts.  Extending the application of this concept into our daily lives would include refraining from other major sins like:

a. loving others and the world above Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.),

b. taking enemies of Allah as friends and supporters,

c. denying the finality of Prophethood,

d. denying the Sunnah,

e.  judging other than the Shari’ah,

f.  ridiculing or hating any aspect of Islam,

g. believing that salvation can be obtained by following any other religion, and

h. disregard for the teachings of Islam (i.e., not learning and following Islam).

3. Worship and devotion to Allah

The sole purpose of our creation, the goal and the end of our lives is to worship and serve Allah subhana wa ta’ala alone.  Allah (s.w.t.) says:

“And I have not created jinn and mankind except to worship  and serve Me.”  (Qur'an 51: 56)

This establishes without doubt that we have to be fully aware of the meaning of  this term and command -- i.e., to worship,  the purpose for which we have been created,  and anyone or anything that does not fulfill its  purpose of existence is  bound to be a failure. Thus  our success depends upon understanding the true meaning of ‘ibaadah’ (worship).

This word is derived from the word ‘abd’, which means servant and slave,  thus ‘ibaadah’ means to perform the duties of a servant as does a slave or a bondsmen. Thus what Allah expects of us is that we must be loyal to Him Alone and no one else. We should follow His commandments only;  and we should honour and revere Him alone by kneeling and prostrating ourselves to Him in our day to day prayers (i.e., according to the Sunnah of His great Messenger (s.a.w.s.).

Since a servant is never really free from his duties and his job is a fulltime one, so it is with us to fulfil our duties to Allah Who Alone is our Rabb. At every step in our lives from childhood to old age,  whether asleep or awake,  whether eating or drinking, in everything we say and do, we must be conscious and be aware of how our Master and His Messenger (s.a.w.s..)  want it to be done.  If done according to His commands (i.e., according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah), it becomes an act of worship.

Generally, the acts of Prayer (salah), Almsgiving (Zakat), Fasting (sawm), Pilgrimage (Hajj) and so on are considered ‘ibaadah’. We must  constantly remind ourselves that these have a deeper significance. They are means by which our lives can be transformed truly in accordance with the commands of Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.).

In our busy and fast paced lives the salah constantly reminds us that we are slaves of Allah and not of anyone in this world. The sawm (including the optional fasts) are means of disciplining our bodies and strengthening our souls. The zakat brings home the truth that wealth is only a gift of Allah and not ours to keep. The hajj is a reminder of our gathering on the last day of judgement (Aakhirah). Thus each act of ritual worship prepares us for a life spent totally in worship to Allah when performed (according to the Qur'an and the Sunnah) in full understanding of their meaning and purpose.  

  

4. Love for the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and make him as our role model 

“Say: ‘If it be that your fathers,  your sons, your brothers, your mates or your kindred the wealth that you have gained;  the commerce in which you fear a decline;  or the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger or the striving in His cause;  then wait until Allah brings about His decision; and Allah guides not the rebellious.’” (Qur’an 9: 24)

Based on the above Ayah, Allah (s.w.t.) makes it clear that besides acknowledging the Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.) to be His Prophet and Messenger, we are expected to love him dearly. The lives of the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) are full of instances of the uncompromising love that they had for him.  One may ask,  how can we have the same kind of love when we haven’t seen the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as compared to his companions?

This brings out the importance of studying the seerah (biographies) of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  along with the Qur’an and the Sahih Hadith for it is very true that to truly love someone, one must know that person well enough. 

Alhamdullillah, today we have  many good biographies of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). We only need to read and understand them in order to benefit from his life, as he is the best model for all of us.  In fact, even non-Muslims who read the Prophet’s life were impressed of his personality.  Example is Michael Hart, a non-Muslim, who studied the Prophet’s life.  He was thoroughly impressed in the Prophet’s personality that he has ranked him first among the most influential and successful people of the world. 

It is very unfortunate that in today’s world magazines and newspapers many Muslim youngsters read the lives of film stars, politicians, singers, sportsmen and other personalities.  Many of our youths of today take these people who are mostly non-Muslims as their role models. If we sincerely want our younger generation to follow the footsteps of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), we must make the study of seerah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  part of their curriculum in school,  if possible, or at least at home. The struggle that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) went through so that the Message of Allah could reach us should touch the heart of every Muslim in all generations.  Everyone of us is indebted to him that we ought to love him as the great Prophet and Messenger of Allah. However, loving the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  is not the same as loving our dear ones.  This love  is expressed by total and unquestionable obedience to his commands and by following his Sunnah.  Allah subhana wa ta’ala says:

“You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern of conduct for him who hopes in Allah and the Final Day, and who remembers  Allah much.” (Qur’an 33:21)

“...So take what the Messenger gives you and refrain from what he prohibits.” (Qur’an, 59:7)

“We sent not a Messenger, but to be obeyed, in accordance with the leave of Allah...”  (Qur’an, 4: 64)

“He who obeys the Messenger, obeys Allah...”  (Qur’an, 4: 80)

“O you who believe!  Obey Allah,  and  obey the Messenger, and make not vain your deeds!” (Qur’an, 47: 33)

The term “ati-ullah wa ati-ur-rasool” meaning obey Allah and obey the Messenger is found at various places in the Qur’an. These verses show that obeying Allah and the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) cannot be separated.

Finally another important reason for us to really adore the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is by understanding his role in our eternal success.  We must know that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)  is a mercy for all of us:

“We have sent you not (O Muhammad!) but as a mercy for all creatures.” (Qur’an 21: 107)

Another way of expressing our love besides obeying him is to send praise and blessings on him.  Allah subhana wa ta’ala commands:

“Verily, Allah sends blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels ask Allah to bless him.  O you who have believed, ask Allah to send blessings upon him, and (you) greet him with peace.”  (Qur’an, 33:56)

It is for our own benefit that we send blessings on the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Every time we hear the Prophet’s name or title, we should say: (s.a.w.s.) “Sallah Allahi wa ‘alayhi wasallam” meaning: “May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.”  The following Ahâdîth remind us of the rewards of sending blessings on our great Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

Anas Bin Malik narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)  said,  “He who invokes one blessings upon me, Allah will shower ten blessings upon him and obliterate ten (of his) sins and elevate him by ten ranks.” (Tirmihdi, 922 and Nasa’i)

‘Abdullah Bin Amr  narrated that He who invokes blessings upon Allah’s Messenger once, Allah and His Angels shower seventy blessings upon him.”  (Tirmidhi 935 and Ahmad)
 

5. Application of the Islamic concept of justice

The concept of Justice in Islaam is very important and it is something the Muslim ruler and the ruled must apply in all matters without exception.  The Islamic concept of Justice is manifested in the Shari’ah which is the best way to justice and an embodiment of Allah's Infinite Mercy.

Allah is the Absolutely Just and Infinitely Merciful. He has created everything for a purpose and in perfect harmony and balance. Justice for man therefore lies in obeying what He has laid down as right and avoiding what He has laid down as wrong and establishing rewards and punishments on the basis of His standards of judgements.  Man-made laws,  based on enquiry,  pure reason, logic or empiricism have inherent deficiencies being rooted in human imperfections. These laws change according to change in human values and standards.  However the Qur’an states:

“The Word of the Rabb does find its fulfillment in truth and in justice. None can change His Words: for He is the One Who hears and knows all.”  (Qur’an 6:115)

It is this justice that every Muslim must strive to achieve as our Rabb commands:

“O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. For not the lusts (of your departure), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.”  (Qur'an, 4:135)

In today’s world  with its  western influence, the human criteria  and standards of right and wrong are undergoing drastic changes. With the trend towards vegetarianism Muslims are labeled as cruel (for slaughtering cows, etc. for food); while in most other part, Islam is associated with violence, and fundamentalism with terrorism. One is to decide here with the help of Islamic principles and not man-made stories  as to who to side. Is this so-called terrorism an incurable disease?  Or is it really a symptom of a very wide spread open attack of targeted injustice?  To some, especially those who know nothing or know but very little of Islam, this requires very deep thinking and understanding; however our total faith in the Shari’ah and Fiqh guides us to come to correct conclusions.  Islam is the religion of peace, justice and piety:

“Allah does command you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between people that you judge with justice.  Verily how excellent is the teaching,  which He gives you!  For Allah is He Who hears and sees all things.”  (Qur’an, 4:58)

“Allah commands justice, the doing of good, and giving to kith and kin, and He forbids all indecent deed, and evil and rebellion. He instructs you that you may receive admonition.”  (Qur’an, 16:90)

“O you who believe!  Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice.  Be just: that is next to piety.  And fear Allah for Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.”   (Qur'an, 5:8)
 

6. The importance of Islamic Education right from childhood

Indeed it is a great blessing from Allah for a youth to be guided towards worship and be befriended by the righteous.   Every Muslim youth needs to seek Allah’s guidance since the youths in today's world are generally vulnerable to various temptations of life: music,  video games,  movies, televisions, clubs,  women,  fashion, drug addictions, gambling, etc.   Knowing that prevention is better than cure,  correct values have to be inculcated starting from childhood.  Herein lies the responsibility of every Muslim parent. We parents must be concerned about the education of our children especially the Islamic aspect of it.  We need to understand that in today’s world children are inquisitive.  They need to know the reasons for everything that they are asked to do. Therefore, it becomes incumbent upon us to explain to them Islam in its purest or authentic form (i.e., according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah.  If we do not know it, it is necessary for us to find out and keep on learning and teaching our children.  For their Islamic foundation to be strong, it is our duty as parents to strive to learn and practice all aspects of Islam at all times and share our knowledge to others, especially to our children. It is necessary to explain to them what Allah wants from us or what is expected of us as Muslims.  We need to strengthen our eeman (faith) so that we actually do whatever we say or convey to others: 

“O you who believe! Why say you that which you do not? Grievously hateful in the sight of Allah is that you say that which you do not.” (61: 2-3)

For the all round education of our children, an Islamic school is the best option.  Let us send our children to schools that offer authentic Islamic education.  Let us take guidance from the following Prophet’s statement:

“A father gives his child nothing better than a good education.” (Mishkat 4977, Tirmidhi and Baihaqi)

For others to benefit from Islamic knowledge, which is certainly the good or the best education, we need to encourage other parents to send their children to Islamic schools.  In addition, we should spend our resources, talent,  time,  money and effort to help support Islamic institutions that provide authentic knowledge of Islam.

 

7. The role of the mosque in the community

Prayer is one of the ways of preparing us for all time worship – i.e.,  a life in submission to His Will and obedience to His Commands. Worship encompasses all mutual relationships of man-- his rights and duties towards his family, relatives, friends,  neighbours, towards the leaders of the community and towards the Muslim ummah (nation) at large. 

The five times assembling of the Muslims at the call of the Adhan for a single common purpose at the mosque creates the discipline, unity, brotherhood, fellowship and equality that is required of an organized community with a universal mission – i.e., to be  witness to the Truth.

There is great encouragement in the Sunnah for men to pray in the mosque and the reward associated with it is tremendous.  It makes the person eligible for Allah’s shade on the Day of Judgment, when we will be in the extreme heat and there will be no shade except His shade:

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) said,  “Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His.  They are: 1. a just ruler, 2. a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, 3. a man whose heart is attached to the mosque, 4. two men who love each other for Allah’s sake,  meeting for that and parting for that. 5. a man who is called by  a woman of beauty and position but he says,  “I fear Allah”, 6. a man who gives in charity and hides it,  such that his left hand does not know what his right hand gives in charity, and 7. a man who remembered Allah in private and so his eyes shed tears.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari (Eng. translation) vol. 2,  hadeeth no. 504) 

Prayer in the mosque for men has more rewards than prayer in the house.  Every step which he takes is rewarded with one degree and his sins will be forgiven: 

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The congregational prayer of anyone amongst you is more than twenty five (or twenty seven) times in reward than his prayer in the market or in his house; for if he performs ablution completely and then goes to the mosque with the sole intention of performing the prayer, and nothing urges him to proceed to the mosque except the prayer, then, on every step which he takes towards the mosque, he will be raised one degree or one of his sins will be forgiven. The angels will keep on asking Allah’s forgiveness and blessings for everyone of you so long as he keeps sitting at his praying place. The angels will say, ‘O Allah, bless him! O Allah, be merciful to him!’ as long as he does not do Hadath or a thing which gives trouble to the other.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) further said, “One is regarded in prayer so long as one is waiting for the prayer.”  (Bukhari 3/330) 

 

8. Controlling desires and temptations

Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) by way of a warning and as a reminder said, “I have not left a  fitnah (trial, calamity or cause for calamity) more than (the fitnah) with women for men.”

Indeed, this world is full of temptations, which leads those who cannot resist them to the Hellfire,  and amongst them is that which comes from women. However Allah the Most Merciful who has created man with all his inherent biological traits has also offered him solutions for overcoming these tendencies. To possess sensuous desires is human;  to control them is being a Muslim.  Allah subhana wa ta’ala says:

“Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty, that will make for better purity for them… and say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty….  O you believers,  turn you all towards Allah that you may attain success.” (Qur'an 24: 30, 31)

Thus Allah guides us against our own  evil desires and worldly temptations and promises  true success to the one who is truly guided. The provision that we need to protect ourselves is to fear Allah:

“And as for him who feared standing before his Rabb and restrained himself from impure evil desires, verily Paradise will be his abode.” (Qur'an 79: 40, 41)

Another important fact that we must remember is that anything that leads to haraam (unlawful) is haraam itself.  Thus watching television and or movies must be avoided as we are unconsciously violating Allah’s laws.  Besides movies,  as a form of entertainment, is letting a lot of un-Islamic values and ideas creep in our minds and thus must be totally censored from our lives.  In addition, any other activities where there is unnecessary intermingling of sexes must be avoided.  We need to pin point how each one of us is a culprit of this satanic practice and make a conscious effort of rectifying ourselves and then helping others around us to avoid any unlawful or evil deed that can destroy our eeman (faith).

 

9. Avoiding Ar-riya’ (show off) while giving Charity

The benefits of charity are numerous:

“The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears’ every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).”  (Qur’an, 2:261)

“…that which you give for charity, seeking the Countenance of Allah, (will increase); it is those who will get a recompense multiplied.” (Qur’an, 30:39)

There are other numerous Qur’anic verses that stress the importance and benefits of giving charity; however, if one has to reap the benefits of this act, one must follow certain manners: Firstly it must be given from Halal earnings and secondly to be truly under the shade of Allah one must give only to seek the pleasure of Allah and not for any worldly benefit like fame, good reputation, etc. Allah warns us, 

“O you who believe! Do not render vain your charity by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and he does not believe in Allah nor in the last Day.”  (Qur’an, 2: 264) 

Ar-riya’ is to do deeds in order to earn the praise and recognition of people. This is a sin in Islam, which destroys all the benefits of good deeds and brings on a serious punishment for the one who commits it, if he does not earn Allah’s forgiveness.  It is human nature to desire and enjoy the praise of others.  This is a temptation from Satan which we must fight.  The All-Knower who is also our Creator has thus kept this reward for His most sincere and pure servants who can overcome their own desires (nafs) and the whispering of Satan.

Thus whenever after doing a righteous deed we feel that it has gone unnoticed or that people have not appreciated it, instead of feeling disgusted and ill about others, we must thank Allah that He has helped us with the intention of doing it for Allah’s sake.

If people appreciate our good gestures or deeds (example a donation towards a school),  we must not get carried away to think big or brag of ourselves but sincerely believe that thanks to His will that we have been able to do this act of generosity and praise is only for Allah. 

  

10. The Importance of Sabr (Patience)

“Seek help in patience and prayer…” (2: 45)

In line with the above commandment from Allah subhana wa ta'ala,  Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s)  has encouraged us to be patient when he said that Sabr (patience) is a source of light. Subhanallah! The definition is so apt for this is what it really is. Light is a source of energy. Sabr, too is a true Muslim’s source of energy -- potential spiritual energy.  We have to be patient and use this source of spiritual energy in good times and bad times, in times of scarcity and also in times of excess.  Abdur Rahmad ibn Auf  said, “We were tried by hard times and we showed Sabr but when we were tried in ease and excess we failed.” Thus, let us remember that at all times Allah is testing us and it is for us to build our power of patience so that we can remain steadfast on the commands of Allah and pass the test:

“And surely we shall try you something of fear and hunger,  and loss of wealth and lives and crops : But give glad tidings to the steadfast.” (Qur'an 2: 55)

Sabr has to be applied practically in two ways:

1. When something good and desirable comes our way. At such times we must control ourselves and not give into satanic plans and transgress the bounds of Allah:

“O you who believe!  Let not your riches or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah.  If any act thus, surely they are the losers.”  (Qur'an 63:9)

We need to show Sabr in times of obeying Allah’s commands when the Nafs wants to do the opposite.

2. In the process of abstaining from Ma’siyah (sin) difficulties and hardship

In times of difficulty (when we are tried of the death of our love ones) we must apply the principle of Sabr immediately and not after wailing aloud and mourning the loss. We need to remember to say sincerely, “Verily from Allah we come and to Him is our return.” And finally not to say anything that will make us sound unhappy with the will of Allah and to believe that sincerely in the heart that again this is a test from Allah (s.w.t.)and if we pass it Allah (s.w.t.) will elevate our status and will compensate us in a far better manner,  Insha Allah.  Let us take inspiration from the following statement of our Rabb:

“O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy: vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that you may prosper.”   (Qur'an 3:200) 

 

11. Importance of Shukr ( Gratitude to Allah)

It is for our benefit that we show Shukr (gratitude) to Allah the Almighty.   Allah the Exalted  tells us:

“And remember!  Your Rabb caused to be declared (publicly): ‘If you are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; but if you show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed.’”   (Qur'an 14:7)

“...And if any is grateful, truly his gratitude is (a gain) for his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, truly my Rabb is free of all needs, Supreme in Honor!”   (Qur'an 27:40)

“...Show gratitude to Allah.  Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of his own soul; but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all praise.”  (Qur'an31:12)

Gratitude for Allah’s favours is to be felt and expressed  by words and deeds in accordance to the commands of Allah(s.w.t.).  We have different ways to express our gratitude to Allah, namely:

· Shukr bi’ qalb i. e shukr (Thanking Allah by the by the heart) is achieved by being contented with what Allah has granted us and not being jealous or envious of material things that others may be blessed with.  This also includes intending good for all of Allah’s creations.

· Shukr bil leesan (Thanking Allah by the tongue) by saying Alhamdullillah (Praise be to Allah) at every ni’mah (blessing) of Allah showing to those around that we acknowledge that this is only from the mercy of Allah.

· Shukr bil jawaarih (Thanking Allah by the external senses i.e., amal  or actions) of every favour of Allah.  This must be used the way Allah wants it to be used and according to His commands. Thus, the ni’mah of eyes and good sight must be used to read the Qur’an,  see only halaal things, etc. Allah subhana wa ta’ala has shown us His Grace and given us ni’mah in many ways:

“If you would count the ni’mah (favours) of Allah, never could you be able to count them. Truly Allah is Oft-orgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur'an 16:18)

“Lo! Your Rabb is full of  Grace to mankind but most of them do not give thanks.” (Qur'an 27:73)

How to use Allah’s ni’mah and thus be grateful to Him is what we must seek to find out through obtaining ilm (knowledge) of the Qur’an and Sunnah. We must not be careless and heedless to the teachings of the Shari’ah. Allah says that man by nature is ungrateful and selfish.  But it is for our own interest that we fight our own nafs and our inherent nature in order to pass Allah’s test and achieve true success as Allah subhana wa ta’ala says:

 “…And if you show gratefulness,  I will give you more; but if you are ungrateful, verily My punishment is indeed severe.”  (Qur'an 14:7)

 Let us pray to Allah that we will always be grateful for all the favors that He has given us:

“O my Rabb (only God and Sustainer)!  Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favor which You  have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work  righteousness such as You  may approve and be gracious to You and truly do I submit (to You) in Islam.”  (Qur’an, 46:15)

  

12. Repentance

“…And turn to Allah in Repentance all you believers in order that you may be successful.” (Qur'an 24:31)

“…Surely Allah loves those who turn unto Him in repentance and loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur'an 2: 222)

Subhanallah! How merciful is our Creator! It is very difficult for us humans,  despite the rubbish we are, to forgive anyone for the smallest wrong against us.  And here He is the Most Perfect, and the Most Merciful, Who not only forgives but also loves the one who asks for it and also rewards it with a promise of success. But surely then this is something  that does not come very naturally to all and it is only those blessed with the true fear of Allah  that are the ones who seek forgiveness.

Ibn Mas’oud (r.a.) once said, “A believer sees his sins as though it is a mountain which he is afraid may fall on him while the wicked person considers his sins as flies and he just drives them away like this (and he moved his hand over his nose in illustration).”

Thus, to be a true seeker of Allah’s forgiveness the heart must be conditioned. We must at all times be conscious of Allaah’s Ni’mah and at the same time be conscious of our sins due to our weakness. This will create in us faqar (opposite of pride, self interest and self–reliance) and a kind of humility. In this state of shukr and sabr and faqar one is likely to shed that tear of fear and repentance and complete awe of His majesty, which will grant him His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His.

 

13. Refraining from the evil consequences of the tongue

“Indeed successful are the believers, those who offer their prayers with (Khushoo) all solemnity and full submissiveness and those who refrain from evil vain talk.” (Qur'an Surah Momineen 23:1-3)

Here Allah mentions that refraining from evil vain talk is a sign of the successful believers. Allah also mentions this after he mentions Al-Khushoo. This is probably because vain talk hardens the heart and to observe full submission or fear of Allah during prayer one needs  a receptive and tender heart. Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) says,   “Allah does not look at your bodies nor your faces but he looks at your hearts (and actions).”

As for the heart, Allah has commanded us to love what He loves and to hate what He hates and the tongue only expresses what is in the heart.

The messenger of Allah,  Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) says, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or keep silent.” (Al-Bukhari8/482  and  al-Muslim1/75)

So before we talk we must ask ourselves: Will this saying of mine please Allah? Will this saying of mine bring me closer to Allah?  Is there good in it? Will what I say earn me the pleasure of Allah and bring me closer to paradise? Or will it earn Allah’s wrath and be the cause of my ruin in the hereafter? Is my talk about my brother going to be recorded as backbiting or slandering?  In short, we have to be very careful not to slander or backbite anyone.  Allah says in the Qur’an, “Woe to every slanderer and backbiter.”  (Humaza: 1)

The messenger of Allah said, “The gossip-monger will not enter Paradise.”

To overcome the evil habit of backbiting we need to remind ourselves constantly of its  evil consequences and the rewards for abstaining from it.  Once again it is human nature and desire to hear and talk of others, their private lives and their good and bad  traits. It is a Muslim only who can get over the habit by following certain rules:

· Firstly, always remember the punishment of Allah.

· Secondly, we must reflect on the Qur’anic verse, “O You who believe! Avoid suspicion as much  (as  possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin.  And spy not, neither backbite one another.  Would any of  you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother?  Nay, you would hate it. And  fear Allah: for Allah is  the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most merciful.”   (Soorah Hujurat 49:12)

· Thirdly fear that our own faults would be revealed.  This can be understood from the following Hadith:

Allah’s  Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “O you who believe with your tongues,  yet eeman has not entered your hearts. Do not backbite the Muslims,  nor follow their faults. For he who follows others then Allah will disclose his faults and he whom Allah reveals his faults, then Allah disgraces him in his own house.” (Abu Dawood 3/4862)

· Lastly the most important thing to keep in mind is that there is great reward to refrain from backbiting,  as Allah’s Messenger  (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever protects the honour of his brother in his absence Allah will protect his face from the fire on the day of Judgement.” (Saheeh sunan at –Tirmidhi 2/1575)

 

14. Avoiding Pride

Another important teaching that we need to know and implement is to avoid pride which is the fuel of disbelief.  Allah says in the Qur’an: 

“Certainly, Allah knows what they conceal and what they reveal. Truly He does not love the proud.” (soorah an-Nahl, 16: 23)

And the messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) explains what pride is:

“Pride is dissatisfaction with the truth and belittling the people.”  (Compiled by Muslim from Ibn masood.)

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah ibn Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah observed: “He who has in his heart the weight of a mustard seed of pride shall not enter Paradise.” A person (amongst his hearers) said: ‘Verily a person loves that his dress should be fine, and his shoes should be fine.’ He (the Prophet) remarked: ‘Verily Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people.’”  (Muslim Vol. 1, Hadith  164)

'Other verses of the Qur’an testify to the fact that pride is a characteristic of the disbelievers, those who deserve Allah’s severe punishment in the Hell-Fire:

“And when Our Verses (of the Qur’an) are recited to such a one, he turns away in pride, as if he heard them not – as if there were deafness in his ear.  So announce to him a painful torment.”  (Soorah Lukman: 31:7) 

The above Ayah is an admonition not only to all non-Muslims but also to Muslims who do not read, listen, study and follow the Qur’an.  Whenever the thought and the feeling of arrogance and superiority creeps in,  one must reflect upon the above Ayah of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam  in this matter.

Another area where we may err into this quite unknowingly is during idle discussion when we criticize acts of sin, maybe without naming the sinner.  Thus in the heart creeps the feeling that we are better than others and thus this whole exercise becomes an act of self-praise. It is a way of showing pride without openly showing it. A major cause of pride is our absolute contentment and satisfaction with self achievements and actions also known as ego. Its cure is to remember that we are all created from a substance that is discarded, that we were in the beginning a thing not worth mentioning. (Soorah al-Insaan: 1)

Pride stems from having many good qualities, whether that is practicing many good deeds, or being blessed with beauty, wealth, or power.  Iblis too had many good qualities and he was aware of it.  However it was pride over this that made him disobey the order of the Most Just.  It was pride that made him be cursed forever.

Pride is nothing but praise for what we know, what we have or what we are.  Pride usually comes as the result of lack of sufficient knowledge, understanding and implementation of Islam in its purest form. Pride is ignoring praise of Allah when in fact it is Allah Who is worthy of all praise and thus deserves to be  proud. Pride comes from true greatness and superiority and ultimate authority. Glory be to Him, the Great,  the Most High. He Alone is justly proud and all praise be to Him. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

 “Allah Almighty said, Pride is my cloak, and Glory is My wrap, so for he who competes with Me in either of these, I will cast him into the Fire.” (Reported by Imam Ahmad, Abu Dawood, and Ibn Majah from Abu Huraira)

 We must fear Allah’s punishment for those who are proud.  Let us read, study and follow the Qur’an, remember and worship Allah and refrain from having pride.  Insha Allah, if we do our duties as believers without any sense of pride then Allah will reward us and be among the successful dwellers of Paradise:

 “Only those who believe in Our Signs (Qur’anic Verses), who when they are recited to them fall down in adoration, and celebrate the praises of their Rabb (only God and Sustainer),  nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride.  They forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Rabb (only God and Sustainer), in  Fear and Hope.  And they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them.     Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them ¾ as a reward for their (good) Deeds.  Is then the man who believes no better than the man who is rebellious and wicked?  Not equal are they.  For those who believe and do righteous deeds are Gardens as hospitable Homes, for their (good) deeds.”  (Qur'an, 32:15-19)

 

15. Taqwaa (Fear of Allah)

The word Taqwa has been mentioned  251 times in the Qur’an and there is nothing in the English dictionary which can elaborate this word in its  true form. The word Muttaqoon has been translated by most commentators of the Qur’an as  the God-fearing (people) and thus Taqwa as the fear of Allah, the Only True God.

From  the Qur’an, (2:1-4;  3:133-135;  2:177) we learn that the word Taqwa is associated with:

·  belief in: Allah the Unseen, the revelation to prophet Muhammad and other prophets before him, the aakhira, the angels and the prophets,

·  performance of regular prayers,

·  paying zakat,

·  spending money in the way of Allah in ease and adversity to the kinsfolk,  the orphans, the poor and the needy,

·  controlling one’s wrath or anger,

·  forgiving others,

·   fulfilling one’s own commitment,

·   to sincerely repent and ask Allah for forgiveness for a sin committed,

·  to avoid wrongdoings after having sought forgiveness from Allah, and

·  to have patience in times of tribulation, adversity and times of stress.

These are some of the ways of achieving Taqwa and the traits of the muttaqoon. This word as earlier mentioned has occurred a number of times and the concept includes beliefs,  practices and good deeds and very often the muttaqoon has been promised rewards both worldly and heavenly every time he is asked to fear Allah.

The rewards for having taqwa in one word would be true ‘success’. Alhamdullillah this word has been explained in many ways so that we can truly and sincerely adopt  the path of the mattaquoon and be successful:

Allah loves the muttaqoon (3: 76).

Allah is with the Muttaqoon (2:194; 9: 37; 9: 124).

Allah is the friend,  supporter and helper of the muttaqeen (45:19).

Leaders are to be among the muttaqeen (25:74).

On the day of judgement the God-fearing will have no fear or grief (43: 68). And Allah has promised the ultimate success that is Paradise in a number of verses of the Qur’an (e.g., 15: 45-46;  51: 15; 52: 17;  54: 54;  68: 34;  47: 15). Subhan Allah!  What better friend and helper can one want than the one who is All-Mighty, the Most Just, the All-Hearing and the All-Knowing. 

We should sincerely pray to Allah to make us among the muttaqqeen and have mercy on us. If we are able to adopt Taqwa (fear of Allah) in our lives surely we will be the best examples of Allah’s servants and the most successful. 

These teachings are just few of the many virtuous Islamic teachings that we need to know, practice, and share to others as Muslims.  If we want success in this world and the life hereafter, we therefore need to have ample knowledge of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.