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Hidden Arrogance, For The Sake of Allah, Ramadan Planning

Issue 343 » September 9, 2005 - Shaban 5, 1426

General

Living the Quran

An-Nahl (The Bee)
Chapter 16: Verse 23

Hidden Arrogance
"There is no doubt that Allah knows what they keep secret and what they make public. He does not love people puffed up with pride."

Generally, the attitudes of people with hidden arrogance vary greatly from that of the arrogant. The most significant difference between the two is that an arrogant person can be readily recognised from his outward appearance, whereas it is difficult for someone with hidden arrogance.

Their method of concealing arrogance is quite devious; primarily, they try to put forth themselves as ideal people. It is essential for them to be known as "virtuous," being the reason why they aim to present themselves as "perfect" and "innocent." Earning the praise and approval of others, to be admired by them, and thus, appeasing their arrogance becomes their main pursuit.

Such a type of arrogance is dangerous; it is something like an iceberg. (About 90 percent of its mass is below the surface of the water.) It is easy to avoid people who are arrogant, in common sense of the word, since they are easily recognised. But, it is difficult with those who conceal their arrogance. Their arrogance becomes obvious only in time, making it more difficult to admonish them or to explain to them the situation they are in.

Those who conceal their arrogance and claim purity for themselves may for a while manage to hide their pride from others, but Allah surely knows and makes known what is concealed in their hearts.

Source:
"The Arrogance of Satan" - Harun Yahya
Understanding the Prophet's Life

For The Sake of Allah

What does it mean to do everything fi sabilillah, for the sake of Allah, which should be the core and substance of our lives? People are in the habit of classifying life's activities into those which are mundane and those which are religious. Remember, though, only those things done for the sake of Allah are the 'religious' things. Everything that is done for other than Allah however 'religious' it may seem - is a worldly act. If a person prays showily, it is a worldly act; if he fasts to expose his spirituality it is a worldly act; but if he earns thousands of pounds to support his family and to spend for the cause of Islam, seeking only Allah's pleasure, it is a highly spiritual act. The Prophet reminded us:

Many people fast but gain nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst; and many people pray all night but gain nothing from their night Prayers except sleeplessness. (Darimi.)

What is of most importance to us is not the outward form of our actions. Although we perform all our duties and conform to all the protocols, it is the sincerity of purpose and intention behind our actions that really matters. The Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, emphatically stated: 'Actions are judged only by intentions and everyone shall have what he intended.' (Bukhari, Muslim.)

Purpose and intention are like the soul of a body or the inner capability of a seed. Many seeds look alike, but as they begin to grow and bear fruit, their differences become manifest. The purer and higher the motive, the greater the value and yield of our efforts. For all our daily actions, we should remind ourselves of the motives behind our deeds. This may be the best way to ensure the purity and exclusiveness of purpose and intention.

Source:
"In The Early Hours" - Khurram Murad
Cool Tips!

Gearing up for Ramadan!

Five reasons why we must plan for Ramadan

Have you noticed that each year, Ramadan goes by faster and faster? This blessed month can’t be left to become a blur in our memories. It has to be more than that time of the year we squeeze in fasting amongst the other things we do daily.

One way to make the most of Ramadan is to plan beforehand. Here are five reasons why you should plan for Ramadan:

Reason #1: To be in "Ramadan mode"
If you plan, you will mentally prepare for it, and it will force you to see it as the special month it is outside of your regular routine the rest of the year.

Reason #2: To adjust your schedule
By planning in advance, you can adjust your work, sleep and meal schedules in such a way as to make time for Suhoor, Iftar, etc. That means, for instance, that if you usually study late, you can instead sleep earlier and start studying after Suhoor in the early morning hours.

Reason #3: You can plan Ramadan family time
 Calling a family meeting about a month in advance, explaining the importance of Ramadan, its implications for the family and the need to eat Iftar together when possible as well as to attend Tarawih prayers, for example, will allow all family members to adjust their work and school schedules accordingly. That will, Insha Allah, make Ramadan a blessing not just to every person in the family, but to the family as a whole.

Reason #4: To do good at high Sawab times
Match Ibadat with specific times that carry more reward. Prepare to do Itifkaf, increase asking Allah for forgiveness in the last ten nights of Ramadan. Plan to give increased Sadaqa this month. Plan to visit that relative you may have not seen for months, if not years.

Reason #5: You can plan Dawa activities during Ramadan
Some Muslims have gone to soup kitchens and made meals during Ramadan, while they were fasting. This is a great Dawa opportunity to explain what Ramadan and Islam are about. Planning in advance for such an activity gives you the time to call up a soup kitchen in your area, explain what you want to do, and get your act together. You can also plan school Dawa activities in Ramadan by planning in advance, by meeting with the principal or teacher beforehand, preparing a presentation, etc.

Source:
"Nine reasons why we must plan for Ramadan" - SoundVision.com