LESSON OF THE DAY 693

Ayahs of the Day:
We ordained a rite for every people, that they would celebrate the name of God over the domestic animals that God provided them. But your Lord is one single deity, so submit to God. And bring good news to the humble ones. Those whose hearts are afraid when mention is made of God, and those who patiently endure what afflicts them, and those who practice prayer and give of what We have provided them. [22: 34,35]

Hadith of the Day:
A talebearer and the one who breaks ties of kinship will not enter Paradise. [Bukhari & Muslim]

Wise Quote of the Day:
Learn from those who know more than you do and teach those who know less than you do. [Ibn Mus'ud]

Guidance of the Day:
Seven qualities are said to be causes of pride: education and knowledge; religious piety; the fame and nobility of one's family and ancestors; physical attractiveness or physical strength; wealth; achievement; and the number of one's admirers and followers. In reality, none of these qualities necessarily produces arrogance. On the contrary, they are positive values for which every person strives. The real cause of arrogance is stupidity, and the inability to comprehend what is offered as knowledge. Yet there is no other medicine but knowledge for curing this stupidity.

A superior education and acquired learning are the first and most dangerous cause of pride. This case is most difficult to cure because its cause is also its medicine. To acquire knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim. Therefore to refuse to learn so as not to be proud of one's knowledge is not a solution for this problem. The solution is in educating ourselves that the superiority of knowledge depends solely on the sincerity of the intention to act upon it.

To learn how to apply our knowledge in everyday life and to teach it to others for Allah's sake alone, without any wish to receive compensation or recognition from people, is a whole spiritual and social education in itself. Anyone who has reached this stage will not feel superior to the lowest and most ignorant person in existence. [The Path of Muhammad]

Food for Thought:
False words are not only evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil. Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all. One ought to have a good memory when he has told a lie.