Forsaking this world for the sake of the next

Forsaking this world for the sake of the next

1985 9 September 23-24 Forsaking this world for the sake of the next (114) Some people from Iraq came to see Umar. When it was time for food, he brought them a big bowl containing whole wheat bread and olive oil, and asked them to eat. They started eating very slowly, and a little at a time. “I can see what you are doing, people of Iraq,” Umar said to them. “You know, if I wanted, I could have lavish and luscious food like you have. But we leave over our portion of the world so that we may partake of it in the hereafter. Have you not heard what God said about a certain group of people? ‘You squandered away your precious things in your earthly life.’”

God requires heartfelt devotion on our part

1985 9 September 23-24 God requires heartfelt devotion on our part (58) Abdullah Ibn Jud’an was an idolater, but a noble Arab also. He died before the start of the Prophet’s mission. In the time of ignorance, he performed many deeds that were commonly considered admirable. The Prophet was asked whether he would be rewarded for his good deeds. “He never uttered the words: ‘God, forgive me,’” the Prophet answered.

Islamic revolutions are brought about by Islamic people

1985 9 September 23-24 Islamic revolutions are brought about by Islamic people (66) In the Battle of Badr, a brave idolater asked the Prophet’s permission to join the Muslim army. His request was not granted. “Do you believe in God and His Prophet?” the Prophet asked him. No, “the man replied. I cannot accept help from an idolater,” the Prophet told him. Afterwards, the man proclaimed the testimony of faith, and entered the field of battle as a Muslim.

Seeking honour in this world causes disgrace in the next

1985 9 September 23-24 Seeking honour in this world causes disgrace in the next (59) Mu’awiya went out, and reached the spot where Abdullah Ibn Amir and Abdullah Ibn Zubair were sitting. When they saw Mu’awiya, Abdullah Ibn Amir rose to his feet, and Abdullah Ibn Zubair remained seated. Mu’awiya told them that the Prophet had said that whoever likes people to get up for him should prepare a place for himself in hell-fire.

The Prophet and His Companions

1985 9 September 23-24 The Prophet and His Companions (138)

A blessing for one, a curse for another

The Prophet presented Hakim Ibn Hazam with something after the Battle of Hunayn. Hakim thought little of it, so the Prophet gave him something else besides. “Prophet of God,” Hakim said, “which of your presents was better?” “The first one, “the Prophet answered. “Money is sweet and attractive,” the Prophet went on. “If one accepts it with magnanimity, and seeks to spend it correctly, then one is blessed in it. But one who takes it greedily, and spends it in an improper way, will not be blessed in it. He will be like one who eats, but is not replenished. And the hand that gives is better than the hand that takes.” “Even if one takes from you, Prophet of God?” Hakim asked. “Yes, even from me,” the Prophet answered.

To criticize is to point out mistakes, not to blame

1985 9 September 23-24 To criticize is to point out mistakes, not to blame (161) Abdullah Ibn Umar stayed absolutely apart from all the civil strife that followed Ali’s martyrdom. He used to say time and time again that he did not believe that it was right that Muslims should be spilling Muslims’ blood. That, he said, was why he was staying aloof. No one had any doubt about Ibn Umar’s sincerity piety and discernment, but some of his contemporaries blame him from one angle. “Why,” they said to him, “do you not go out and fight in this “holy war?” “Because I don’t think it is a holy war,” Ibn Umar replied. “This is internal strife amongst the Muslims themselves, not holy war.” But they were not satisfied with his answer. “We dismiss your opinion out of hand,” they said. “It seems that you want the companions of the Prophet to die out fighting among themselves. Then, when no one besides you is left, your name will be put forward for leadership of the Muslims.”

Two eyes that will not see hell-fire

1985 9 September 23-24 Two eyes that will not see hell-fire (33) The Prophet said: “Two eyes will not be touched by hell-fire: the eye that cries for fear of God, and the eye that spends the night keeping watch for the cause of God.”

Unselfishness in worldly matters

1985 9 September 23-25 Unselfishness in worldly matters (63) Younis Ibn Maisira said: “Moderation in the world does not consist of prohibiting lawful things, and wasting money. Moderation in the world is depending more on what is with God than on what is with oneself, and living in the same state whether suffering or not, and looking at those who praise you and those who criticize you equally where truth is concerned.”