for myself first...
For those who are just getting into the deen, just starting to enjoy the taste of Iman and are still on that first 'high'. This is just some advice for myself and for you, as Allah swt says [translation] "remind, for verily the reminder benefits the believers".1) If praised by anyone regarding anything, immediately seek refuge in Allah. Truly arrogance is a disease that is just waiting for its chance to invade the heart. Do not allow yourself to feel happy when someone praises your deeds, instead feel shy as if a secret of yours has been made public.
2) Humility is the first step in learning, do not allow yourself to think that anything you have learned has made you better than anyone else for as soon as such a thought enters your mind you have once again lowered yourself in maqam. We learn to please Allah, to benefit ourselves in the hearafter, and to serve others. The first of which commands humility, the second of which requires humility, and the third of which develops humility.
3) Do not call another to good until you have established in your heart your insignificance in comparison to Allah.
4) Do not enjoy talking about any jahil activities you did before Allah swt blessed you with this deen. Such thoughts should force you to cry and seek forgiveness.
5) Realize that just as Allah swt has blessed you with Islam, and blessed you with Iman, and opened your heart to the realities of this deen, just as you now feel that obedience to Allah is obvious, remember how you did not give it it's due before, how you neglected Allah swt's rights upon you and took this deen lightly. Just as Allah swt has blessed you with Islam, He can take it away. Make istighfar, praise Allah and thank Him for you have done NOTHING to earn Allah swt's mercy.
6) Do not stop and take inventory of the knowledge you have gained, boasting about it and taking pride in its discussion. Do not be like the builder who builds a home piece by piece and decides to stand and admire the construction thus far, until the home begins to crumble due to lack of its completion and maintenance. Our home we are building is in Jannah, and we should not sit back to look at it until we are dead and gone, for truly it is of no benefit to us until we leave this place.
7) As soon as you learn a few ayaat or ahadith, take a look at yourself and ask yourself if this knowledge has changed your demeanor, enhanced your relationship with Allah swt, and increased your remembrance of Allah. If it hasnt, you need to renew your intention.
May Allah swt make us among those whom He loves...ameen
posted by Iboo LaL @ 4:31 PM
Comments: 3
