LESSON OF THE DAY 536

Ayah of the Day:
Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good advice, and debate with others in the most dignified manner. For your Lord knows best who is astray from the way of God, and knows best who are the ones who are guided. [16: 125]

Hadith of the Day:
Since the successful are always envied, use discretion in fulfilling your needs. [Tabarani]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Associate with people in such a manner that they weep for you when you die and long for you if you live. [Ali radi allah anhu]

Guidance of the Day:
Envy: To be displeased with another's good position and to wish for its elimination is envy (hasad). Envy has three stages: the natural human quality--in this degree of envy, man is excused and is not at fault; acting according to the demands of envy--in this degree, man is a sinner; opposing the demands of envy--in this degree, man is laudable and will be rewarded.

Generally, the basis of envy is pride (takabbur) and deceit (ghurur). Without any valid reason man seeks to withhold the bounties of Allah Most High. He desires (at times consciously and at times subconsciously) that just as he withholds from giving to others, Allah should also withhold His bounties from others. Envy is a disease of the heart. It is harmful to both one's spiritual life and worldly life. The harm to mans religion (spiritual life) consists in the eradication of his good deeds, and he becomes the victim of Allah's wrath.

The harm to his worldly life consists in frustration and worry, which perpetually afflicts the envious person. He is consumed by frustration caused by envy for another whose disgrace and fall he always anticipates. In this way the envious destroys his Hereafter in addition to destroying his worldly comfort and peace.

The Remedy: Envy is remedied by praising much the person against whom envy is directed. Praise him no matter how difficult this may seem. Honor him and meet him with respect and humility. [The Path to Perfection]

Food for Thought:
Proud people end in shame, but the meek become wise. Be humble, take advice, and become wise.