LESSON OF THE DAY 334

Ayahs of the Day:
And God calls to the abode of peace; and guides anyone, at will, to a straight path. For those who have acted rightly is happiness and more: no dust will cover their faces, and no ignominy. They are the company of the Garden, where they shall abide. [10: 25,26]

Hadith of the Day:
Every sin of a martyr is forgiven except debt. [Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Love your friend with some reserve,
for he might become inimical to you someday.
Despise your enemy with some reserve,
For he might become your friend someday. [Ali radi Allah anhu]

Guidance of the Day:
It is common knowledge that to offer and to accept advice is an obligation, this being among the most important duties which flow from La ilaha illa'llah. No Muslim can avoid either of them; he is not excusable if he remains silent when he sees something reprehensible. Rather he must change or remove it at one of the three degrees of faith mentioned in the hadith: "When one of you sees something reprehensible, he should change it with his hand. If he cannot do this, then with his tongue; and if he cannot, then with his heart, which is the weakest degree of faith."

The first degree, which is to effect the change with one's "hand" can usually be achieved only by those in positions of power and high office, and those appointed by the ruler as judges and police magistrates, and those who have dedicated themselves to struggle for God's sake. The second degree, which is to effect the change by speaking, is available to majority of Muslims, although it is a more emphatic duty for the scholars, since they are aware of the rulings laid down by God the Exalted, and they know how to speak and how to restrain and admonish people by means of sermons and wise words.

The third degree is to change it with one's heart, in which the heart must find it unpleasant and hateful, and implore God to remove it. This is the act of one who is powerless to change it with his hands or tongue. A man who is content with a sin is party to it, even if he is in the East and the perpetrator (of the sin) is in the West. [Key to the GARDEN]

Food for Thought:
This world is our mirror, it mirrors our faults and failings as well as the Divine within us. Every rose is a reflection of a smile or a kind word, and every thorn is the result of an unkind word or action.