Immune Your Soul

We recite Surah Fatiha many times a day during our salah, testifying that Allah is the Owner of the Day of Judgment. This is a point of hope and assurance, that no matter what harm has befallen us, Allah will judge it on the Day of Reckoning. We have to be patient now, with the firm belief that no one will escape His Judgment on that day. At the same time, it is a reminder for us as well, that we have to ensure not to harm others, in order to avoid Allah’s Judgment for wronging someone else.

Too much of a good thing can turn out to be quite harmful. Everything is enjoyed to a limit, and going beyond that is unpleasant. When we overstuff our bellies, then we are destroying our health. Even if you love to eat pizza, when you overeat that same pizza, it will leave you in pain.

The believer’s love for the Prophet (peace be upon him) should be greater than our love for any other human being in this world.

What memories did you make today? A believer may achieve the status of one who regularly fasts during the day and spends the night in prayer, through his good manners.  (Riyadh-us-Salaheen)

We must remember how our Nabi (peace be upon him) felt when the people demeaned him. But how did he respond? What did Allah say about the end of those who go against the messenger of Allah? So follow his example. Hold on to your religion, and do not be discouraged or exceed the limits of Islam. “Allaah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not.” - Surah Yusuf (12:21)

When we begin any task by saying “bismillah: (In the Name of Allah), we dedicate it to Allah to get His blessings. We are His creation, and all our salah, our sacrifices, our whole lives, and our death are in His hands.

Salah is the most important and greatest of the Islamic pillars of action. In fact, it is the backbone of Islam, the symbol of faith, and the greatest of its bodily characteristics. One who abandons it – denying its obligation – is a disbeliever outside of the fold of Islaam. And we do not know of any difference of opinion regarding that among the scholars of the People of the Sunnah.

   Even when someone criticizes you with anger using demeaning words, don’t return an angry response, but don’t or ignore them. Instead, consider if there is any truth to what they said. Imam Shafi’i (may Allah be pleased with him), one of the founding imams of the Sunni school of thought, was called an evil, wicked man (faasiq). He raised his hands and supplicated to Allah, “O Allah, if he’s telling the truth, then forgive me, have mercy on me, and accept my repentance.”

You cannot love Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) without obeying him in every matter. If you claim to love him but do not follow his Sunnah, then your love is deficient.

Every believer who loves the messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) is justified in the anger felt when he is mocked or defamed in any way. However, we cannot exceed the bounds that Islam has set, and take the law into our own hands. Vigilante justice is not from the sunnah or Islamic jurisprudence. We must leave it to the authorities and to Allah. Almighty Allah said, “Truly, We will suffice you against the scoffers” [al-Hijr 15:95], and also “For he who hates you (O Muhammad, he will be cut off (from posterity and every good thing in this world and in the Hereafter)” [al-Kawthar 108:3]

O Turner of Hearts, keep my heart firm on your Path. -  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)