Friday Nasiha

Living The Quran

Desire
Al Jathiyah (Kneeling Down) - Chapter 45: Verse 23 (partial)

"Do you see the one who took as his god his own vain desire (hawa) and [consequently] God left him to stray?"

Although in its literal sense, hawa can mean a passing whim, and inclination, or a desire, without necessarily leading to either the formulation or the expression of an opinion, the ulama have nevertheless used it to imply an opinion which originates in these impulses. Hawa has been defined as 'the pleasure-seeking inclination of the soul towards that which is not permitted by the Shariah.'

The Quran refers to hawa in contradistinction to guidance (huda, dhikr), and identifies it with deviation from the truth which the Quran itself has expounded. It is in this sense that the Quran warns the believers, on no less than twenty-five occasions, against the dangers and temptations of hawa and the hold that it can have on the hearts and minds of people. The phrase 'capricious people' (ahl al-hawa) typically refers to those who say what they please, and who violate the truth by indulging in corrupt and distorted interpretations which are unacceptable to the believer. For, whenever opinion is allowed to follow personal prejudice and desire, it leads to divergence from the truth and even to outright falsehood.

The personal desire to be the winner at all costs, regardless of the merit of one's case, and without concern for the well-being of others, is an instance of hawa. One of the worst forms of hawa is when personal craving for superiority and power masquerades under specious reasoning and plausible argumentation in the name of justice, piety, and truth.

Compiled From:
"Freedom of Expression in Islam" - Mohammad Hashim Kamali, pp. 140-141

From Issue: 684 [Read original issue]

Understanding The Prophet's Life

Courteous Conduct

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "My Lord has taught me manners, and thus gave me the best of manners." [Al-Shawkani] A litmus test of successfully refining the soul is the attainment of beautiful character, which culminates in what some refer to as courteous conduct (adab). The refined person is a beautiful person to interact with. His or her nature is pleasing to be around, and they are a source of ease and comfort to all who know them. This refined manner of interaction is the result of spiritual cultivation and was embodied by Prophet Muhammad.

Some scholars state that courteous conduct (adab) is a product of combining love with humility. The spiteful or arrogant heart cannot manifest courtesy to others. Such conduct is more than the actions we see; it is an expression of an inner beauty and serenity. This expression in turn fosters love between people. Islam's guidelines about the courteous conduct of daily life are meant to enhance overall social harmony, as a means to a spiritually healthy environment.

A believer should personify any conduct considered good-natured by societal norms. While particular manifestations of good conduct may vary in different cultures, a believer rightfully takes up any form of virtue as his or her own. For example, in most cultures it is considered good etiquette to help a weak or elderly person carry groceries or cross a busy street— and so it is clear that a believer should strive to do such things. The universal call to refined behavior may manifest in different ways for different societies, but all are essentially outward manifestations of an inward beauty.

Compiled From:
"Being Muslim: A Practical Guide" - Asad Tarsin

From Issue: 938 [Read original issue]

Cool Tips!

Islamic Call

[.. continued from previous issue]

The Five Results

First: to attain the position of inheritors of the Prophets, for they were the first callers and beacons of light in the field of propagation.

Second: to obtain prayers for your forgiveness from the creation for having taught the people goodness. Even the whale in the ocean will pray for the caller to truth.

Third: to gain great rewards equivalent to that of those invited. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'Whoever calls to a good tradition will have the reward as the one who followed it without reducing from their reward.'

Fourth: the development of the caller from being on who is called to one who calls. He influences others and is not influenced by others who call to evil.

Fifth: the caller will become a leader among his people and they will follow him. Allah Almighty describes the righteous and notes that they call upon Him saying: 'Cause us to be foremost among those who are conscious of Thee!' (Quran 25:74)

Compiled From:
"Thirty Lessons For Those Who Fast" - A'id Abdullah al-Qarnee

From Issue: 791 [Read original issue]