Commentary ~ The Good Life Is Achieved Through The Performance Of Good Deeds

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Whoever wants the good life – sufficient provision, peace of mind, health, etc. – should strive to do good deeds, performing them only for Allah. Allah said:

“If they (non-Muslims) had believed in Allah, and went on the Right Way (i.e., Islam) We should surely have bestowed on them water (rain) in abundance.” (Quran 72:16)

In a Qudsi Hadith, the Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) related that Allah said, “Had my slaves obeyed Me, I would have provided them with rain during the night, caused the sun to rise upon them during the day, and I would not have made them listen to the sound of thunder.”

Abu Sulaiman Ad-Darani, one of the most eminent of scholars during his time, said, “Whoever makes pure [his intentions and deeds], then his life is made pure [and good] for him. Whoever does the opposite, then his life is made bitter and spoiled for him. Whoever does good deeds in the night is provided for during the day. And whoever does good deeds during the day, is provided for during the night.” It is related about a Shaikh that he would go from one gathering to another, stopping at each gathering only to make this announcement: “Whomsoever it pleases to remain in a state of safety, health, and prosperity, then let him fear Allah.” Al-Fudail bin ‘Iyad, a well-known scholar of the first century, said, “Whenever I disobey Allah, I perceive the effects of that [sin] in the treatment I receive from my riding animal and my female servant.” Whenever you are going through a difficult situation in life, try to remember some blessing for which you were not thankful, or some sin from which you have not repented. Allah said:

“Verily! Allah will not change the (good) condition of a people as long as they do not change their state (of goodness) themselves (by committing sins and by being ungrateful and disobedient to Allah).” (Quran 13:11)

“None has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers.” (Quran 21:87)

“So We answered his call, and delivered him from distress. And thus We do deliver the believers (who believe in the Oneness of Allah, abstain from evil and work righteousness).” (Quran 21:88)

“And they said: “Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us).” (Quran 3:173)

“So they returned with Grace and Bounty from Allah. No harm touched them.” (Quran 3:174)

“And my affair I leave to Allah.” (Quran 40:44)

“So Allah saved him from evils that they plotted (against him)” (Quran 40:44)

“That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah.” (quran 18:39)

“It was better for you to say, when you entered your garden: “That which Allah wills (will come to pass)! There is no power but with Allah.” (Quran 18:39)

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 315

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Hadith ~ If anyone testifies

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Obada (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “If anyone testifies: ‘La illaha illa Allah (None has the right to be worshipped except Allah) Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, and that Jesus is Allah’s servant and His Messenger and His Word (Be! And he was) which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is the truth, and Hell is the truth,’ Allah will admit him into Paradise no matter what deeds he had done, even if those deeds were few.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 50, Page 377, Number 210

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Commentary ~ “Whatever Hardship You Are Afflicted With Is A Result Of What Your Own Hands Have Reaped”

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Many people, and not just non-Muslims, become resentful when they or someone they love is afflicted with a calamity. To be sure, many people around the world are afflicted with difficult hardships and trials. Upon contemplating the situation of many among them, I asked myself, “How perfect Allah is! Indeed, He is the most generous of all, and generosity necessitates forgiveness. Then why is it that so many people are being punished?” It did not take long for me to find the answer to that question, for I came to the realization that most people lead worthless lives: they do not contemplate the numerous signs that point to the oneness of Allah; they care not about Allah’ commands and prohibitions; instead, they live as beasts do, caring for nothing except for food, drink, pleasure, and sleep. And here I am not referring only to non-Muslims, for there are many Muslims who apply the teachings of Islam only when doing so is easy or in agreement with their desires; otherwise, they blindly follow their lusts, caring not about how they earned their wealth – whether it is from lawful or unlawful sources. If it is easy for them to pray, they will pray; otherwise, they will forsake compulsory prayers. Others among them perpetrate grave sins, without afterwards feeling any remorse or guilt. Thus I came to know that, for many people, the punishments, trials, and afflictions that befall them – however great they may be – are less severe than the severity of their sins. Upon suffering a calamity, one might call out, “Why did this happen to me?” Yet he forgets the many sins he perpetrated throughout his life. And in his old age, a man might suffer a great deal of humiliation, to the degree that, by just looking at him, people pity him; yet perhaps they do not know that he is just being punished for not having fulfilled Allah’s rights during his youth. So whenever you see one who is being punished, know that it is because of his sins.

“(What is the matter with you?) When a single disaster smites you, although you smote (your enemies) with one twice as great, you say: “From where does this come us?” Say (to them), “It is from yourselves (because of your evil deeds).” And Allah has power over all things.” (Quran 3:165)

And this brings us to the point:

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 313

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Hadith ~ Prick he recieves from a thorn

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Sa’eed Al-Khudri and Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “No fatigue, no disease, no sorrow, no sadness, no hurt, no distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he recieves from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for it.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 3, Page 121, Number 35

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Commentary ~ From the Wise Sayings of Luqman (pbuh)

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

“If you’re in prayer, take care of your heart; if you’re eating, take care of your throat; if you’re in another man’s house, take care of your eyes; if you are among people, take care of your tongue. Remember two matters and forget two matters: Remember Allah and death; forget any good that you have done to another and any evil that was done to you by another.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 190

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Ayaat 1-8 ~ Ta-Ha

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

1. Ta-Ha.

2. We have not sent down the Qur’an to thee to be (an occasion) for thy distress,

3. But only as an admonition to those who fear (Allah),-

4. A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

5. The Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne.

6. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

7. If thou pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter): for verily He knoweth what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

8. Allah. there is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.

Sura 20. Ta-Ha

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Commentary ~ Our Pious Predecessors and Their Fear of Allah

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Commentary ~ Our Pious Predecessors and Their Fear of Allah

Ibn Mas’ud (May Allah be satisfied with him) used to say: “Indeed, with the passing of nights and days, your stay on this earth is decreasing, yet your deeds will remain preserved and death will come suddenly. Whoever sows seeds of goodness will reap a harvest of hope. Whoever sows evil will reap the harvest of misfortune and regret. Indeed, each shall reap of that which he sows. The one who works slowly shall not be prevented from his share, and the one who works eagerly will not get more than is decreed for him (referring to wordly pursuits). Any blessing that is received from Allah and any protection from evil is also from Allah. The ones who fear Allah are the leaders, along with the scholars, and joining their company can only lead to personal benefit.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 49

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Hadith ~ I am with him if he remembers Me

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘Allah’ Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Allah says: ‘I am just as My slave thinks of Me, (I am Able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too remember him in Myself, and if he remembers Me in a group of people I remember him in a group that is better than his, and if he comes one span nearer to Me I go one cubit nearer to him, and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him, and if he comes to Me walking I go to him running.’ (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapiter 51, Page 379, Number 214

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Ayaat 30-33 ~ Fussilat

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Listen to Recitation

30. In the case of those who say, “Our Lord is Allah”, and, further, stand straight and steadfast, the Angels descend on them (from time to time): “Fear ye not!” (they suggest), “Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), the which ye were promised!

31. “We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: Therein shall ye have all that you shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for!-

32. “A hospitable gift from One Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!”

33. Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah, works righteousness, and says, “I am of those who bow in Islam”?

Sura 41. Fussilat

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Commentary ~ Allah’s complete Justice and Mercy

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

It is related that a woman went to the Prophet Dawud (PBUH) and said, “O Prophet of Allah, is your Lord an oppressor or is He just?” The Prophet replied, “Woe unto you, O woman, He is the All-Just, Who never oppresses. What is your story?”

She explained that she was a widow with three daughters and that she provided for them by what she would spin with her hands. She explained, “Yesterday, I tied what I had spun into a red cloth to sell in the marketplace so as to provide for my children. As I was walking, a bird came and snatched the cloth from me and flew away, leaving me with nothing to sell for the provision of my children.”

As the woman was speaking to Dawud (PBUH), someone came knocking on his door. He gave permission for them to enter and learned that they were ten businessmen bringing with them one hundred dinars each. They said, “O Prophet of Allah, give this wealth to the one that is deserving.” Dawud asked them what had brought them to him with their wealth.

They explained, “O Prophet of Allah, we were on a boat, the wind was very violent, and we were about to drown when a bird came and dropped a red cloth upon us. In this cloth was some yarn and with this we were able to block the hole in the ship until the winds subsided and we vowed that each one of us would give one hundred dinars in charity. So give that amount to whomever you please.” Dawud turned to the woman and said, “Your Lord does business for you in the land and in the sea, yet you ask whether He oppresses!” He gave the 1000 dinars and said: “Spend this on your children.”

PBUH: Peace be upon him

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 68

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