Two Levels of Moral Deficiency

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

1989 8 August 17 Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God (86) Abu Darda reports the Prophet as asking his companions: “Should I not tell you of the action that is best and most pure in the presence of your Lord; the action which will raise you up in the sight or God, and is better for you than great expenditure of gold and silver; better too than that you should meet your enemies in battle, striking their necks and they striking yours?” “Do tell us,” the Companions replied, “It is remembrance of God,” said the Prophet.

(AI-Tirmidhi)

The preacher of God’s word wishes people well, no matter how they treat him

1989 8 August 17 The preacher of God’s word wishes people well, no matter how they treat him (115) The Prophet besieged Taif for more than twenty days. When it became difficult for the Muslims to continue with the siege, he ordered them to withdraw. It was then suggested that the Prophet bring down a curse upon the heads of the Thaqeef tribe, but the Prophet merely raised both hands and prayed: “Lord, guide the Thaqeef, and bring them into the fold of Islam.” The Prophet was likewise told of the contumacy and disbelief of the Daus tribe, and again it was suggested that he should invoke a curse upon them, but the Prophet’s response was again to pray. “Lord, guide the Daus,” he begged, “and bring them into the fold of the faithful.”