Today's Reminder
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Living The Quran
Salvation
Luqman (Luqman) Sura 31: Verse 22
"And whosoever submits his face to God and is virtuous has indeed grasped the most unfailing handhold, and unto God is the end of all affairs."
Submitting one's face to God implies submitting one's entire being to Him, as in Arabic the face is a metonym for one's essence. Virtuous renders muhsin, which indicates one who performs ihsan, that is, virtue, or literally doing what is beautiful or what makes things beautiful. The manner in which being virtuous or doing what is beautiful is connected to submitting one's face, or essence, to God indicates that the full depth of islam — the reality of "submission" — is attained by performing all actions with virtue and beauty.
Both islam and ihsan control passions and conceits, the former by channeling and neutralizing them from without through the dictates of the Shariah, and the latter by dissolving them from within. But when passions and conceits are dissolved from within, many of the prescriptions and prohibitions that pertain to the outer neutralizing discipline of islam do not need to be imposed, because the actions they enjoin arise organically from within. Submitting one's face as a muhsin could thus be understood to be the most unfailing handhold, a term understood as a metaphor for salvation.
Compiled From:
"The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary" - Seyyed Hossein Nasr
From Issue: 944 [Read original issue]
Understanding The Prophet's Life
Protection of Faith
Ask Allah to grant you an abundance of livelihood that is halal and tayyib (lawful and pure); to grant you the means of income that should at least be enough for you to meet your needs with ease, so that while being contented with whatever you have, you may be happy and have a due portion of worldly enjoyments.
A minimum of worldly resources is necessary even for the protection of faith. Do not be negligent in trying to secure some portion of the world. Indeed, this is part of ibadah (worship) and is essential in order to ensure a degree of excellence in the other acts of ibadah. So do try to earn at least this minimum of livelihood, considering it a part of your religious obligations. At the same time, hold fast to the belief that you are bound to receive what Allah has ordained for you. Treading on forbidden paths will not earn you any more than what is your apportioned share. Also keep in view the directive of the Prophet, blessings and peace be upon him: “Be moderate in seeking [wealth]” [Kanz al-Ummal]
Compiled From:
"Dyning and Living for Allah" - Khurram Murad
From Issue: 959 [Read original issue]
Cool Tips!
Time-Management Tips
1. First things first: Figure out the real priorities in your life. What's worth spending an hour on? What comes first? What is a must-do and what is good-to-do?
2. Allocate time consistently to activities that matter. Unless you plan for and schedule time for community work, or studies, or attending to parents, spouse, or children, on daily basis, it's not considered important enough to you; chances are you will eventually start neglecting these high priority actions.
3. Schedule your day around five daily prayers. No compromises. This will not only develop your discipline but also your will-power to live a purposeful life.
4. Plan for significant events in your life yearly. Whether it's getting married, or applying for university, or going to Hajj, or paying Zakat, or attending a conference, or organizing a community event, plan for it so other trivial matters do not distract you from your goal.
5. Be an early riser. Schedule your important tasks, especially that require mental exercise, earlier in the day, and see the Baraka (blessings) from Allah do the magic!
6. Honour other's time. Aim to make it to the meetings, classes, events 10 minutes before the start time. If you are running late, inform the other parties. Honouring other's time is part of fulfilling your promise. Breaking a promise not only causes inconvenience to others but also makes you lose respect in their sight.
7. Just do it! Don't waste any opportunity to do good. Don't wait to 'get old' to fix your life. If you are not willing to live a purpose-driven, productive life now, then how do you expect Allah to give you a chance in the future?
8. Be optimistic and futuristic. Do not let failures and disappointments in life distract you from your lofty goals. Look beyond the temporal realities and plan for the future that matters. Otherwise, you may remain a loser now, as well as in the future.
9. Think of a positive legacy you would like to leave, regardless of the time you have. Make your intention today to make a positive difference in your life and the lives of others. If you die tomorrow, your intention will count as your plan for a mission-driven life. But it won't happen if you don't act today to develop a firm intention and plan.
Compiled From:
"9 Things You Can Do To Revive the Prophet's Time-Management Sunnah" - Taha Ghayyur
From Issue: 973 [Read original issue]