Friday Nasiha

An-Nahl \r\n (The Bee)
\r\n Chapter 16: Verse 128

Companions of Allah
\r\n Surely God`is with those who refrain \r\n from disobeying Him in awe of Him and who do good deeds (as if they \r\n saw him). (16:128)

The example below shows how necessary it \r\n is to pray and avoid major sins, and that both tasks \r\n are directly related to our own nature.

During a war, one soldier is well-trained and \r\n conscientious, while another is a recruit and a \r\n slave to his own self. The first one attends training exercises \r\n and struggle against his enemy. \r\n He never worries about his provisions and \r\n payment, because he knows that the government will provide \r\n him with all the necessary equipment, food & medical requirements. \r\n All he has to do is train for war and fight for his country. He helps \r\n out by supplying food and working in the kitchen. When \r\n asked what he is doing, he responds: \"Some of the state's chores.\" \r\n He does not say he is working for his living. The \r\n other soldier, on the other hand, does not tra , nor does he fight. \r\n When asked, he states that \"Its' none of my \r\n business, its' a government matter.\" He cares only about \r\n his livelihood and income, and deserts the battlefield to spend his \r\n time in the marketplace.

The first soldier advises him: \r\n \"Brother, you're supposed to be training for the country. That's why \r\n you are here. The king would meet your needs, because that's his role. \r\n You can't meet all your needs regardless of the time or place. As we're \r\n in a state of war, you might be accused of desertion or rebellion, and \r\n be punished. We have our duty and the king has his.” Imagine the trouble \r\n the second soldier would be in, if he ignores his friend's words.

O My Soul! The battlefield represents the worldly life. \r\n The trained soldier is a devout and pious \r\n Muslim who understands his role in life, and hence struggles against his \r\n self and the enemy. The other soldier is a sinner who \r\n ignores his duty, commits many sins, \r\n runs after the worldly life and ends up \r\n not trusting even his sustainer.

Training represents the daily prayers and \r\n other duties required of the believers. The \r\n war stands for the process through which the spirit achieves everlasting \r\n salvation - fighting our selfish desires. These two \r\n duties are easily understood: the First (the creation and maintenance \r\n of life) is the Creator's responsibility, while the second (beseeching \r\n from Him and relying on Him only) is ours. Only He who gives life, can \r\n sustain life with provision. If you need convincing, reflect \r\n on the fact that the weakest and most vulnerable creatures, \r\n such as the babies or newborn animals, get the best food.

Source:
\r\n “Humanity, Belief and Islam” – Bediuzzaman Said Nursi pp. 36-38

Ibaadah

Worship. Broadly speaking, \r\n ibaadah includes all acts pleasing to Allah \r\n (i.e. adhering to His Shariah), including \r\n thoughts, feelings and speech, as well as physical actions and \r\n the use of one's wealth. When contrasted with mu'aamalaat \r\n (human transactions and dealings), ibaadah means acts of devotional \r\n worship, for which there \r\n are no substantial worldly benefits; for instance, salaah, \r\n dhikr, recitation of Qur'aan, etc.

Source:
\r\n Glossary: Usool at-Tafseer – Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, pg 305) \r\n