LESSON OF THE DAY 328

Ayah of the Day:
Yet when Our clear signs are rehearsed to them, those who do not look forward to meeting Us say, "Bring a recital other than this, or change it." Say, "It is not for me to change it of my own accord. I only follow what has been revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I disobeyed my Lord, the torment of a terrible day. [10: 15]

Hadith of the Day:
Whosoever shields a Muslim, God will shield him in this world and the next. And God continues to aid the servant so long as the servant is aiding his brother. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The deceased await your imminent arrival, so gather now your provisions for that journey. [Dawud Tai]

Guidance of the Day:
Inward struggle (mujahada) is an interaction between a man and his ego, which he drives toward that which is both immediate and ultimate benefit, and results in success and happiness, during which time it resists him and pulls him toward its whims, in accordance with its nature. It is also the interaction between him and his other enemies, the strongest of whom is Satan the repudiate. He has to guard himself against the latter, fight the disbelievers (who aggress), support Islam, rebut the people of falsehood, suppress the unjust, enjoin good, and forbid evil.

A man's ego (the nafs which incites to evil) is contained between his flanks and is the fiercest of his enemies. There is a tradition to the effect: "Your worst enemy is your ego which lies between your flanks." Because of this, the jihad against the ego is the "Greater Jihad," whereas jihad against armed enemies is the "Lesser Jihad."

Someone who eats just enough for his sustenance, sleeps just enough to gain rest, speaks only when appropriate, mixes with people only rarely--for fear of falling into some blameworthy form of conduct--is worthy to hold the reins of his ego, so that he may lead it along the path of the noble ones, which is the way of Shari'a. [Key to the GARDEN]


Du'a of the Week:
Allahumma azhib anniyal hamma wal huzn (O Allah remove from me grief and sorrow, ameen).

Food for Thought:
Moderate spending is half the earning, making friends is half the wisdom, and asking questions is half the knowledge.