Ayah of the Day:
So behold the traces of the mercy of God, how God enlivens the earth after its death: that is the One who will give life to men after they are dead. Indeed He is capable of all things. [30: 50]
Hadith of the Day:
If you wish to know what God thinks of you, look at your own hearts and see how you feel about Him. He is the way you think of Him. If you resent Him, He will resent you. [Hakim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The world is like a mountain. Whatever you say, good or evil, will come back to you. If you imagine that you spoke beautifully, but the mountain returned an ugly echo, that is absurd. [Mawlana Rumi]
Guidance of the Day:
Happiness eludes all those who seek it for its own sake. True happiness is the by-product of the journey. What do all the things that cause us to experience a true and lasting happiness have in common? They all assist us in our quest to fulfill the purpose of our lives. They are all activities that help us along the path toward the-best-version-of-ourselves.
This life is a journey. Happiness is merely a by-product of the journey. Dedicate yourself to the journey. Develop a strong, uncompromising commitment to becoming the-best-version-of-yourself. Make the decisions of your life with that purpose and goal in mind. Take time each day to visualize that person you are capable of becoming. If you cannot visualize the better person you wish to become, you cannot become that better person. The more specific your visualization, the faster and more effectively you will be transformed into that better version of yourself. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
The art of thanksgiving is thanks living. It is gratitude in action. In gratitude for your own good fortune you must render in return some sacrifice of your life for other life. Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Thursday, June 28, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 875
Ayah of the Day:
God is the one who sends the winds that raise the clouds, spreading them in the sky at will, then rendering them into pieces, and you see rain emerging from within them; and when God touches with it whichever servant God will, then they rejoice. [30: 48]
Hadith of the Day:
God Most High says: Those who do not show patience toward troubles and pains predestined for them and revolt against the fate that I set right for them may as well search for another Sustainer than I. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The really long-lived are not those who live long but those who can make their lives as fruitful as possible. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
The shape, form, and content of our lives are determined by our decisions. Some of our decisions are small, while others are large. Yet to some extent, each decision impacts not only what we do, but also what we become. Life comes down to a series of choices and decisions. We find ourselves constantly at a crossroads.
There are a thousand possible paths. You must decide which path is best for you. It is not a decision that you must make today. Take the time necessary to become familiar with your legitimate needs, deepest desires, and talents. Start to make the small decisions of your day-to-day life in alignment with your essential purpose. By honoring the meaning and purpose of your life in the small things, you will discover that the larger questions looming in your life become clearer and clearer. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
I have no yesterdays, time took them away; tomorrow may not be-----but I have today. Today is the only time we can possibly live. We live on a moving line between past and future. That line is our life line.
God is the one who sends the winds that raise the clouds, spreading them in the sky at will, then rendering them into pieces, and you see rain emerging from within them; and when God touches with it whichever servant God will, then they rejoice. [30: 48]
Hadith of the Day:
God Most High says: Those who do not show patience toward troubles and pains predestined for them and revolt against the fate that I set right for them may as well search for another Sustainer than I. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The really long-lived are not those who live long but those who can make their lives as fruitful as possible. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
The shape, form, and content of our lives are determined by our decisions. Some of our decisions are small, while others are large. Yet to some extent, each decision impacts not only what we do, but also what we become. Life comes down to a series of choices and decisions. We find ourselves constantly at a crossroads.
There are a thousand possible paths. You must decide which path is best for you. It is not a decision that you must make today. Take the time necessary to become familiar with your legitimate needs, deepest desires, and talents. Start to make the small decisions of your day-to-day life in alignment with your essential purpose. By honoring the meaning and purpose of your life in the small things, you will discover that the larger questions looming in your life become clearer and clearer. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
I have no yesterdays, time took them away; tomorrow may not be-----but I have today. Today is the only time we can possibly live. We live on a moving line between past and future. That line is our life line.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 874
Ayah of the Day:
We have already sent messengers to their people before you, and they brought them clear proofs. Then We took vengeance on those who sinned, while it was Our duty to help the believers. [30: 47]
Hadith of the Day:
Thankfulness creates love and unity among people, and unity is mercy. To be unthankful creates division among people and disunity causes pain. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A man will have no abode to dwell in after his death, except what he builds before he dies. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The journey of the soul is difficult. Life is difficult. It is those who imagine that life is easy or should be easy who end up the unhappiest. It is the friction of life, the challenges of life, the ebb and flow of the unexpected, that all work together to help us fulfill our essential purpose and destiny. Along the way there are barriers and obstacles to be overcome. The obstacles that confront us along the way--------disappointments, failure, loss, fear, addiction, discouragement, fatigue, anger, hatred, laziness, and the struggle between good and evil.
Everything in our lives should be seen in relation to this path and embraced or rejected accordingly. It may seem simple. It may seem oversimplified. Genius is the ability to capture complexity with a simple vision. Simplicity is the key to perfection. Embrace this simple vision and it will help you unveil and celebrate your genius. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
If a person does not enjoy the worship and services of the Lord, he no doubt would be out of place in heaven. It is not talking but walking that will bring us to heaven. Heaven is a place prepared for those who are prepared for it.
We have already sent messengers to their people before you, and they brought them clear proofs. Then We took vengeance on those who sinned, while it was Our duty to help the believers. [30: 47]
Hadith of the Day:
Thankfulness creates love and unity among people, and unity is mercy. To be unthankful creates division among people and disunity causes pain. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A man will have no abode to dwell in after his death, except what he builds before he dies. [Ali radi Allah anhu]
Guidance of the Day:
The journey of the soul is difficult. Life is difficult. It is those who imagine that life is easy or should be easy who end up the unhappiest. It is the friction of life, the challenges of life, the ebb and flow of the unexpected, that all work together to help us fulfill our essential purpose and destiny. Along the way there are barriers and obstacles to be overcome. The obstacles that confront us along the way--------disappointments, failure, loss, fear, addiction, discouragement, fatigue, anger, hatred, laziness, and the struggle between good and evil.
Everything in our lives should be seen in relation to this path and embraced or rejected accordingly. It may seem simple. It may seem oversimplified. Genius is the ability to capture complexity with a simple vision. Simplicity is the key to perfection. Embrace this simple vision and it will help you unveil and celebrate your genius. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
If a person does not enjoy the worship and services of the Lord, he no doubt would be out of place in heaven. It is not talking but walking that will bring us to heaven. Heaven is a place prepared for those who are prepared for it.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 873
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is sending you the winds as heralds, to let you taste of divine mercy, and so ships may sail by divine direction, and so you may seek from the divine bounty, so that you may be thankful. [30: 46]
Hadith of the Day:
Thankfulness is to realize that all you receive is given; to value what you receive; to express your gratefulness to the one who gave. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be not secure from God's deception, though you see a hundred good fortunes. If you imagine certainty, rub your eyes. For God's deception is so swift that your spirit, even if terrestrial, may perceive itself as celestial. [Mawlana Rumi]
Guidance of the Day:
Our conception of happiness is often fatally flawed by the belief that fun equals happiness. I am not suggesting you should spend your life avoiding fun. Fun is an important part of a healthy and happy life. But fun for the fun's sake rarely leads to any type of lasting happiness. The challenge is to learn to have fun doing the things that matter most. Fun increases our happiness when it is infused into those activities that help us become the-best-version-of-ourselves.
Your ability to experience happiness will be limited only by your ability to grasp the meaning and purpose of your life. In every decision, we choose happiness or misery. When we choose to become the-best-version-of-ourselves we choose happiness, and when we choose by default to become a-second-rate-version-of-ourselves we choose misery. There is only one question: Will what you are about to do help you become the-best-version-of-yourself? If the answer to that question is "Yes," do it without hesitation. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it ill behooves any of us
To find fault with the rest of us.
And among the signs of God is sending you the winds as heralds, to let you taste of divine mercy, and so ships may sail by divine direction, and so you may seek from the divine bounty, so that you may be thankful. [30: 46]
Hadith of the Day:
Thankfulness is to realize that all you receive is given; to value what you receive; to express your gratefulness to the one who gave. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be not secure from God's deception, though you see a hundred good fortunes. If you imagine certainty, rub your eyes. For God's deception is so swift that your spirit, even if terrestrial, may perceive itself as celestial. [Mawlana Rumi]
Guidance of the Day:
Our conception of happiness is often fatally flawed by the belief that fun equals happiness. I am not suggesting you should spend your life avoiding fun. Fun is an important part of a healthy and happy life. But fun for the fun's sake rarely leads to any type of lasting happiness. The challenge is to learn to have fun doing the things that matter most. Fun increases our happiness when it is infused into those activities that help us become the-best-version-of-ourselves.
Your ability to experience happiness will be limited only by your ability to grasp the meaning and purpose of your life. In every decision, we choose happiness or misery. When we choose to become the-best-version-of-ourselves we choose happiness, and when we choose by default to become a-second-rate-version-of-ourselves we choose misery. There is only one question: Will what you are about to do help you become the-best-version-of-yourself? If the answer to that question is "Yes," do it without hesitation. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
There is so much good in the worst of us,
And so much bad in the best of us,
That it ill behooves any of us
To find fault with the rest of us.
Monday, June 25, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 872
Ayahs of the Day:
Whoever was ungrateful will be responsible for his ingratitude, and whoever acted with integrity will make their own bed, so God may reward from the bounty divine those who had faith and did good. For God does not love the ungrateful. [30: 44,45]
Hadith of the Day:
Whoever is unthankful toward others who help him will not be thankful to God. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Life, be it long or short, is composed of few breaths. Whoever is born must also die. You were nourished for death; and you were brought into the world in order to be taken away from it. [Fariduddin Attar]
Guidance of the Day:
Happiness is not success. Happiness is not pleasure. Happiness is not fun. Too many people equate happiness with success, physical pleasure, and fun. These are the myths that distract us from following true happiness. Happiness is not success. What level of success do you imagine will make you happy? The happiness born from the achievement of that success would be very short-lived. Once you have climbed that mountain, you will cast your gaze to the peak of another, higher mountain. Only those who were happy before they became successful are still happy, and their success has perhaps increased their happiness. But those who were not happy before their success are still not happy.
Success contributes to our happiness only inasmuch as it helps us become the best-version-of-ourselves. Happiness is not physical pleasure. What physical pleasure can be sustained? Physical pleasure is fleeting and when detached from our essential purpose leaves emptiness as its aftermath. Physical pleasure creates lasting happiness in our lives only when it helps us become the-best-version-of-ourselves. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Beware of no man more than yourself. So long as we are full of self we are shocked at the faults of others. Let us think often of our own sin, and we shall be lenient to the sins of others. God lends a helping hand to the man who tries hard. Deliver me, O Lord, from that evil man----myself.
Whoever was ungrateful will be responsible for his ingratitude, and whoever acted with integrity will make their own bed, so God may reward from the bounty divine those who had faith and did good. For God does not love the ungrateful. [30: 44,45]
Hadith of the Day:
Whoever is unthankful toward others who help him will not be thankful to God. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Life, be it long or short, is composed of few breaths. Whoever is born must also die. You were nourished for death; and you were brought into the world in order to be taken away from it. [Fariduddin Attar]
Guidance of the Day:
Happiness is not success. Happiness is not pleasure. Happiness is not fun. Too many people equate happiness with success, physical pleasure, and fun. These are the myths that distract us from following true happiness. Happiness is not success. What level of success do you imagine will make you happy? The happiness born from the achievement of that success would be very short-lived. Once you have climbed that mountain, you will cast your gaze to the peak of another, higher mountain. Only those who were happy before they became successful are still happy, and their success has perhaps increased their happiness. But those who were not happy before their success are still not happy.
Success contributes to our happiness only inasmuch as it helps us become the best-version-of-ourselves. Happiness is not physical pleasure. What physical pleasure can be sustained? Physical pleasure is fleeting and when detached from our essential purpose leaves emptiness as its aftermath. Physical pleasure creates lasting happiness in our lives only when it helps us become the-best-version-of-ourselves. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Beware of no man more than yourself. So long as we are full of self we are shocked at the faults of others. Let us think often of our own sin, and we shall be lenient to the sins of others. God lends a helping hand to the man who tries hard. Deliver me, O Lord, from that evil man----myself.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 871
Ayahs of the Day:
Say, "Travel the earth and see how those before you ended up; most of them were idolaters." so set your aim for true religion before there comes a day from God that cannot be averted------on that day they will be divided. [30: 42,43]
Hadith of the Day:
The one who is unthankful for whatever little he gets will not become thankful when he is given a lot. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
You disobey Him using His favors, yet disobedience does not make Him withhold His favors. How can you love other than this Generous God? Or how could you disobey this Compassionate Lord? [Imam al-Haddad]
Guidance of the Day:
If you make great decisions, you will live a great life. Models give us visual starting points that bring great clarity to our unique situations. Most people need to know not only if a certain act is right, wrong, good, or best, but also why a certain action is right, wrong, good, or best. If you can take people one step further and show them how a certain action will help or hinder them from becoming the-best-version-of-themselves, most people will then at least be filled with desire to do what is good, true, noble, and right. Even if they are unable to convert that desire into action, you have at least given them a vision that will live with them always.
Are you dedicated to your development physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually? Dedicate yourself above all else to becoming the-best-version-of-yourself. It is the best thing you can do for your spouse, your children, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your employer, your nation, your family, and yourself. The best thing you can do is to become the-best-version-of yourself, because it is doing with a purpose. Embrace your essential purpose. Celebrate your best self. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Every new day begins with possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. Think in terms of day's resolutions, not the year's. To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy.....is to set our own conditions to the events of each day. To do this is to condition circumstances instead of being conditioned by them.
Say, "Travel the earth and see how those before you ended up; most of them were idolaters." so set your aim for true religion before there comes a day from God that cannot be averted------on that day they will be divided. [30: 42,43]
Hadith of the Day:
The one who is unthankful for whatever little he gets will not become thankful when he is given a lot. [Ahmad]
Wise Quote of the Day:
You disobey Him using His favors, yet disobedience does not make Him withhold His favors. How can you love other than this Generous God? Or how could you disobey this Compassionate Lord? [Imam al-Haddad]
Guidance of the Day:
If you make great decisions, you will live a great life. Models give us visual starting points that bring great clarity to our unique situations. Most people need to know not only if a certain act is right, wrong, good, or best, but also why a certain action is right, wrong, good, or best. If you can take people one step further and show them how a certain action will help or hinder them from becoming the-best-version-of-themselves, most people will then at least be filled with desire to do what is good, true, noble, and right. Even if they are unable to convert that desire into action, you have at least given them a vision that will live with them always.
Are you dedicated to your development physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually? Dedicate yourself above all else to becoming the-best-version-of-yourself. It is the best thing you can do for your spouse, your children, your friends, your colleagues, your employees, your employer, your nation, your family, and yourself. The best thing you can do is to become the-best-version-of yourself, because it is doing with a purpose. Embrace your essential purpose. Celebrate your best self. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Every new day begins with possibilities. It's up to us to fill it with the things that move us toward progress and peace. Think in terms of day's resolutions, not the year's. To get up each morning with the resolve to be happy.....is to set our own conditions to the events of each day. To do this is to condition circumstances instead of being conditioned by them.
Friday, June 22, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 870
Ayah of the Day:
Corruption has spread on land and on sea because of what people have earned by their acts, to make them taste some of what they have done, that they might turn back. [30: 41]
Hadith of the Day:
Try and show patience at the very moment the misfortune strikes, as this is the best. Patience is the essence of devotion and the foundation of saving oneself from sin. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Those who value their parents and regard them as a means to obtain God's mercy are the most prosperous in both worlds. Those who regard parents' existence as a burden or who become weary of them inevitably suffer the most severe hardships in life. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
In almost every moment of the day, we find ourselves being confronted with questions and opportunities. Our lives are a constant flow of decisions. What will I eat? What will I wear? Where will I go? Whom will I go with? What will I do? What will I buy? Where will I live? Life is always asking us questions. Often they seem small and insignificant, but in truth they can significantly impact our lives. We have options, I could watch television for an hour every day or exercise for an hour every day. I could eat McDonald's every day for lunch or I can have a soup and a salad. We choose between various options a hundred times a day, and our choices impact our health, happiness, well-being, and destiny.
We find ourselves constantly on the crossroads. No sooner do we make one decision and take three or four steps down either path than we come upon two roads diverging in a yellow wood......again. The fork in the road is constantly appearing in our lives. The ability to choose comes from a sense of purpose. Direction comes from an understanding of where we are going. If we don't know where we are going, we are lost. When we have a sense of our purpose, the decisions of our daily lives can be easily assessed with the purpose in mind. Directions emerge in our lives by bringing our decisions before alter of our essential purpose. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody. To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves; let us be above such transparent egotism.... If you can't say good and encouraging things, say nothing. Nothing is often a good thing to say, and always a clever thing to say.
Corruption has spread on land and on sea because of what people have earned by their acts, to make them taste some of what they have done, that they might turn back. [30: 41]
Hadith of the Day:
Try and show patience at the very moment the misfortune strikes, as this is the best. Patience is the essence of devotion and the foundation of saving oneself from sin. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Those who value their parents and regard them as a means to obtain God's mercy are the most prosperous in both worlds. Those who regard parents' existence as a burden or who become weary of them inevitably suffer the most severe hardships in life. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
In almost every moment of the day, we find ourselves being confronted with questions and opportunities. Our lives are a constant flow of decisions. What will I eat? What will I wear? Where will I go? Whom will I go with? What will I do? What will I buy? Where will I live? Life is always asking us questions. Often they seem small and insignificant, but in truth they can significantly impact our lives. We have options, I could watch television for an hour every day or exercise for an hour every day. I could eat McDonald's every day for lunch or I can have a soup and a salad. We choose between various options a hundred times a day, and our choices impact our health, happiness, well-being, and destiny.
We find ourselves constantly on the crossroads. No sooner do we make one decision and take three or four steps down either path than we come upon two roads diverging in a yellow wood......again. The fork in the road is constantly appearing in our lives. The ability to choose comes from a sense of purpose. Direction comes from an understanding of where we are going. If we don't know where we are going, we are lost. When we have a sense of our purpose, the decisions of our daily lives can be easily assessed with the purpose in mind. Directions emerge in our lives by bringing our decisions before alter of our essential purpose. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Speak ill of no man, but speak all the good you know of everybody. To speak ill of others is a dishonest way of praising ourselves; let us be above such transparent egotism.... If you can't say good and encouraging things, say nothing. Nothing is often a good thing to say, and always a clever thing to say.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 869
Ayahs of the Day:
God is the one who created you and provided you sustenance; and make you die and then revive you. Can any of your idols do any of that? Glory to God, who is beyond any association they attribute. [30: 40]
Hadith of the Day:
Faith has two halves. One half of it is thankfulness, and the other half is patience. The highest form of patience is shown at the moment when misfortune strikes. [Daylami]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Give your life for that cup of divine wisdom. How can you succeed without endurance and patience? To wait for the sake of that cup is no hardship. Show patience, for patience is the key to joy. [Mawlana Rumi]
Guidance of the Day:
If you do not know where you are going, you will never get there. Our ability to discern any question or opportunity in our lives depends primarily on our understanding of where we are and where we wish to go and, more important, our understanding of who we are and who we wish to become. Most people don't know what they want. Most people don't know who they are. Most people don't know who they are capable of becoming.
When we don't know who we are, what we want, or where we are going and why, we are very susceptible to becoming pawns in other people's schemes. Knowing who we are (strengths, weaknesses, needs, talents, and desires) and what we are here for (to become the-best-version-of-ourselves) is the knowledge that liberates us from the modern enslavement of a life of meaninglessness and gives our lives back to us once more. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do. Salvation is contained in two virtues: belief in God, and obedience to the sacred laws. The knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation.
God is the one who created you and provided you sustenance; and make you die and then revive you. Can any of your idols do any of that? Glory to God, who is beyond any association they attribute. [30: 40]
Hadith of the Day:
Faith has two halves. One half of it is thankfulness, and the other half is patience. The highest form of patience is shown at the moment when misfortune strikes. [Daylami]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Give your life for that cup of divine wisdom. How can you succeed without endurance and patience? To wait for the sake of that cup is no hardship. Show patience, for patience is the key to joy. [Mawlana Rumi]
Guidance of the Day:
If you do not know where you are going, you will never get there. Our ability to discern any question or opportunity in our lives depends primarily on our understanding of where we are and where we wish to go and, more important, our understanding of who we are and who we wish to become. Most people don't know what they want. Most people don't know who they are. Most people don't know who they are capable of becoming.
When we don't know who we are, what we want, or where we are going and why, we are very susceptible to becoming pawns in other people's schemes. Knowing who we are (strengths, weaknesses, needs, talents, and desires) and what we are here for (to become the-best-version-of-ourselves) is the knowledge that liberates us from the modern enslavement of a life of meaninglessness and gives our lives back to us once more. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Three things are necessary for the salvation of man: to know what he ought to believe; to know what he ought to desire; and to know what he ought to do. Salvation is contained in two virtues: belief in God, and obedience to the sacred laws. The knowledge of sin is the beginning of salvation.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 868
Ayah of the Day:
Whatever excess you invest in people's property to make more profit does not grow with God; but whatever alms you give seeking the favor of God, these are the one's that make double. [30: 39]
Hadith of the Day:
God shows compassion and forgives the sins of those who show patience, do not complain, and hide their troubles from others when a misfortune befalls themselves or their property. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
You talk about loving God while you disobey Him; I swear by my life that this is something very strange. If you were true in your love, you would obey Him, for a lover obeys whom he loves. [Rab'ia al-Adawiya]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us must learn to make decisions consistent with the guiding principles that emerge from a clear and cohesive understanding of our essential purpose: to become the-best-version-of-ourselves. As children, we know deep within ourselves how we should act in certain situations. We don't always act that way, but we know. The most common name we give that gentle voice within us is conscience. There is a lot to be said for a clear conscience. The idea doesn't get much airtime these days, but there is a tremendous tranquility born from knowing that you are doing the right thing for the right reasons.
As we grow older, we seem to lose this gift of knowing which is the better way to act. We stop listening to the voice of conscience and begin to seek out the opinions of the many other voices that distract us from the voice within. As a result, one of the real dilemmas that people face every day is the inability to look at a given situation and decide which is the best way to act. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile. Find joy in simplicity, self-respect, and indifference to what lies between virtue and vice. Love the human race. Follow the Divine.
Whatever excess you invest in people's property to make more profit does not grow with God; but whatever alms you give seeking the favor of God, these are the one's that make double. [30: 39]
Hadith of the Day:
God shows compassion and forgives the sins of those who show patience, do not complain, and hide their troubles from others when a misfortune befalls themselves or their property. [Tabarani]
Wise Quote of the Day:
You talk about loving God while you disobey Him; I swear by my life that this is something very strange. If you were true in your love, you would obey Him, for a lover obeys whom he loves. [Rab'ia al-Adawiya]
Guidance of the Day:
Each of us must learn to make decisions consistent with the guiding principles that emerge from a clear and cohesive understanding of our essential purpose: to become the-best-version-of-ourselves. As children, we know deep within ourselves how we should act in certain situations. We don't always act that way, but we know. The most common name we give that gentle voice within us is conscience. There is a lot to be said for a clear conscience. The idea doesn't get much airtime these days, but there is a tremendous tranquility born from knowing that you are doing the right thing for the right reasons.
As we grow older, we seem to lose this gift of knowing which is the better way to act. We stop listening to the voice of conscience and begin to seek out the opinions of the many other voices that distract us from the voice within. As a result, one of the real dilemmas that people face every day is the inability to look at a given situation and decide which is the best way to act. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile. Find joy in simplicity, self-respect, and indifference to what lies between virtue and vice. Love the human race. Follow the Divine.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 867
Ayah of the Day:
Give your kin their rightful due, and the poor and the wayfarer too: that is best for those who seek the favor of God; and they are the one who thrive. [30: 38]
Hadith of the Day:
Misbehavior unbefitting a believer dishonors a man and renders him ugly, while conscience and good behavior render one beautiful and likable by men and God. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Appeal to no one but Him to relieve you of a pressing need that He Himself has brought upon you. For how can someone else remove what He has imposed? And how can he who is unable to free himself of a pressing need free anyone else of one? [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
It is critically important that we treasure the time we do have to be alone. If we respond to our need for solitude by going shopping by ourselves, our need for solitude may be partially satisfied, but the distractions of music, other people, and the host of desires that will rise from "the mall experience" will prevent us from drinking from the well of solitude.
In order to achieve the soul-searching that we desire and legitimately need, it is important to find a quiet place to be alone. Only in that silence and solitude are we able to remember that we already know the things that will bring us lasting happiness. It would be lovely if our souls growled every time they were hungry the way our stomachs do. But they don't. The voice of the hungry soul is confusion, questions, and a general sense being overwhelmed. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
The basic difference between physical and spiritual power is that men use physical power but spiritual power uses men. The great need of today is the spiritual power necessary for the overthrow of evil, for the establishment of righteousness. And that spiritual power begins in the surrender and submission of the individual to God.
Give your kin their rightful due, and the poor and the wayfarer too: that is best for those who seek the favor of God; and they are the one who thrive. [30: 38]
Hadith of the Day:
Misbehavior unbefitting a believer dishonors a man and renders him ugly, while conscience and good behavior render one beautiful and likable by men and God. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Appeal to no one but Him to relieve you of a pressing need that He Himself has brought upon you. For how can someone else remove what He has imposed? And how can he who is unable to free himself of a pressing need free anyone else of one? [Ibn Ata'Allah]
Guidance of the Day:
It is critically important that we treasure the time we do have to be alone. If we respond to our need for solitude by going shopping by ourselves, our need for solitude may be partially satisfied, but the distractions of music, other people, and the host of desires that will rise from "the mall experience" will prevent us from drinking from the well of solitude.
In order to achieve the soul-searching that we desire and legitimately need, it is important to find a quiet place to be alone. Only in that silence and solitude are we able to remember that we already know the things that will bring us lasting happiness. It would be lovely if our souls growled every time they were hungry the way our stomachs do. But they don't. The voice of the hungry soul is confusion, questions, and a general sense being overwhelmed. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
The basic difference between physical and spiritual power is that men use physical power but spiritual power uses men. The great need of today is the spiritual power necessary for the overthrow of evil, for the establishment of righteousness. And that spiritual power begins in the surrender and submission of the individual to God.
Monday, June 18, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 866
Ayah of the Day:
Haven't they seen that God expands and restricts the provision of anyone at will? Surely there are signs in that for people who believe. [30: 37]
Hadith of the Day:
Shame is a clear sign of faith, and the faithful are in Paradise. Shamelessness is a sign of suffering and cruelty, and the cruel are in Hell. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Those who are truly alone and in exile are those who are not connected with Him through belief and submission, or attach no importance to that relation. [Badiuzzaman Said Nursi]
Guidance of the Day:
The needs that correspond with our desire for peace are silence, simplicity, and solitude. Do you ever feel you just need a little time to yourself? Do you find yourself questioning the way you are living your life? Do you have questions about what is best for you now? Do you feel overloaded or overwhelmed? All of these are signs that you need a little silence, solitude, and simplicity. These feelings and questions are our spiritual desires trying desperately to be heard.
Depending on our situation in life, some of these will be easier to meet than others. A mother with young children may find it very difficult to find silence, solitude, and simplicity. We must remember that we are not talking about the constant silence, solitude, and simplicity of a monk. What we need and desire are small pockets of silence and solitude and a general structure of simplicity. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Who is Really Rich--------He who curbs his desires will always be rich enough. That man is rich whose pleasures are cheapest. To be satisfied with what one has; that is wealth. He who is content in his poverty is wonderfully rich.
Haven't they seen that God expands and restricts the provision of anyone at will? Surely there are signs in that for people who believe. [30: 37]
Hadith of the Day:
Shame is a clear sign of faith, and the faithful are in Paradise. Shamelessness is a sign of suffering and cruelty, and the cruel are in Hell. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Those who are truly alone and in exile are those who are not connected with Him through belief and submission, or attach no importance to that relation. [Badiuzzaman Said Nursi]
Guidance of the Day:
The needs that correspond with our desire for peace are silence, simplicity, and solitude. Do you ever feel you just need a little time to yourself? Do you find yourself questioning the way you are living your life? Do you have questions about what is best for you now? Do you feel overloaded or overwhelmed? All of these are signs that you need a little silence, solitude, and simplicity. These feelings and questions are our spiritual desires trying desperately to be heard.
Depending on our situation in life, some of these will be easier to meet than others. A mother with young children may find it very difficult to find silence, solitude, and simplicity. We must remember that we are not talking about the constant silence, solitude, and simplicity of a monk. What we need and desire are small pockets of silence and solitude and a general structure of simplicity. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Who is Really Rich--------He who curbs his desires will always be rich enough. That man is rich whose pleasures are cheapest. To be satisfied with what one has; that is wealth. He who is content in his poverty is wonderfully rich.
Friday, June 15, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 865
Ayah of the Day:
Whenever We let people taste mercy, they are glad of it, but when ill they have brought on themselves hits them, then they despondent. [30: 36]
Hadith of the Day:
Those who choose the eternal life in Heaven must keep under control their attachments to the attractions of this world and have shame in front of their Lord. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who is aware of God in his thoughts, God will restrain him in his limbs. [al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
Our exploration of the various types of desires brings us finally to our spiritual desires. They lie hidden from superficiality and frivolity in the deepest recesses of the human heart. Our spiritual desires in some ways are the subtlest of all, yet they reveal in the greatest of our legitimate needs. Perceiving and responding to our spiritual desires is the most essential aspect of personal development.
The yearnings of the senses call out to us with unerring consistency and draw attention to the needs and wants of our bodies, but our spiritual desires lie at the bottom of the deep, still waters of our being. The deepest desire of our hearts is not to do something or to have something, but rather for peace. We yearn endlessly for peace. We all long for the peace of knowing that who we are, where we are, and what we are doing is essentially good. We need to know that we are contributing to the happiness of others and that, however slowly, we are progressing toward becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves. This is the prescription for peace. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Who is really poor--------Not he who has little, but he who wishes more, is poor. The covetous man is always poor. He is not poor who has not much, but he who craves much. He is poor who does not feel content.
Whenever We let people taste mercy, they are glad of it, but when ill they have brought on themselves hits them, then they despondent. [30: 36]
Hadith of the Day:
Those who choose the eternal life in Heaven must keep under control their attachments to the attractions of this world and have shame in front of their Lord. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who is aware of God in his thoughts, God will restrain him in his limbs. [al-Qushayri]
Guidance of the Day:
Our exploration of the various types of desires brings us finally to our spiritual desires. They lie hidden from superficiality and frivolity in the deepest recesses of the human heart. Our spiritual desires in some ways are the subtlest of all, yet they reveal in the greatest of our legitimate needs. Perceiving and responding to our spiritual desires is the most essential aspect of personal development.
The yearnings of the senses call out to us with unerring consistency and draw attention to the needs and wants of our bodies, but our spiritual desires lie at the bottom of the deep, still waters of our being. The deepest desire of our hearts is not to do something or to have something, but rather for peace. We yearn endlessly for peace. We all long for the peace of knowing that who we are, where we are, and what we are doing is essentially good. We need to know that we are contributing to the happiness of others and that, however slowly, we are progressing toward becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves. This is the prescription for peace. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Who is really poor--------Not he who has little, but he who wishes more, is poor. The covetous man is always poor. He is not poor who has not much, but he who craves much. He is poor who does not feel content.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 864
Ayahs of the Day:
When affliction touches people, they pray to their Lord, turning to God repentant; but then when God allows them a taste of divine mercy, a segment of them attribute partners to their Lord, in effect ungrateful for what We have given them. So enjoy yourselves for a while, for you will soon know. [30: 33,34]
Hadith of the Day:
You must guard what your hands hold and where your feet go. And remember death: that all but your soul will return to earth. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Know that the flesh of the scholars is poisonous (whoever backbites them is liable to poisoning), and the way of Allah concerning those who insult them is well-known-------Allah will afflict them in this very world by death of the heart. [Ibn Asakir]
Guidance of the Day:
When life throws us a curve ball, our instinct is to react by picking up the phone and calling five of our friends to vent. We almost invariably regret this as the dust settles. Our first response should be to take the situation and our feelings about the situation to the classroom of silence. Sharing a situation with God in prayer can often ease our sadness and anxiety. I have never known anyone who felt violated after pouring his or her heart out to God.
We have a legitimate need and deep desire to share the triumphs and trials of our lives. We also have a desire and a need to be on the other end of a trust relationship. Our emotional needs and desires are vast and varied. It is one area of our lives that we must approach cautiously and that requires patience. Instant gratification has no place in the emotional realm. The fruits of emotional world are reserved only for those willing to participate selflessly. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them------everyday begin the task a new. Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.
When affliction touches people, they pray to their Lord, turning to God repentant; but then when God allows them a taste of divine mercy, a segment of them attribute partners to their Lord, in effect ungrateful for what We have given them. So enjoy yourselves for a while, for you will soon know. [30: 33,34]
Hadith of the Day:
You must guard what your hands hold and where your feet go. And remember death: that all but your soul will return to earth. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Know that the flesh of the scholars is poisonous (whoever backbites them is liable to poisoning), and the way of Allah concerning those who insult them is well-known-------Allah will afflict them in this very world by death of the heart. [Ibn Asakir]
Guidance of the Day:
When life throws us a curve ball, our instinct is to react by picking up the phone and calling five of our friends to vent. We almost invariably regret this as the dust settles. Our first response should be to take the situation and our feelings about the situation to the classroom of silence. Sharing a situation with God in prayer can often ease our sadness and anxiety. I have never known anyone who felt violated after pouring his or her heart out to God.
We have a legitimate need and deep desire to share the triumphs and trials of our lives. We also have a desire and a need to be on the other end of a trust relationship. Our emotional needs and desires are vast and varied. It is one area of our lives that we must approach cautiously and that requires patience. Instant gratification has no place in the emotional realm. The fruits of emotional world are reserved only for those willing to participate selflessly. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them------everyday begin the task a new. Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 863
Ayahs of the Day:
Turning to God repentant, be conscious of God and pray, and do not be idolaters. Who have divided their religion into sects, each faction pleased with its own. [30: 31,32]
Hadith of the Day:
You must guard the seven openings: your eyes, your ears, your nostrils, and your mouth. You must guard your body and what it contains: your heart, your stomach, and what is between your legs. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seek more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable. [al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Our deepest physical desires are for the things we need. The shallow desire has only one thing in mind, the instant gratification of pleasure. Our superficial wants are not even able to take into consideration the future pain that a present pleasure may cause us. The deeper desire of the heart------the desire to be healthy and physically fit-------takes into account the whole person and views the situation with our essential purpose in mind.
The only way to say no to anything is to have a deeper yes. In this case the deeper yes is for physical fitness, health, and well-being. But if you are not in touch with your deeper yeses, you will spend your whole life living out the shallow and superficial desires of your heart. What we truly "need" we deeply desire, but not at the shallow levels of our hearts. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
So fond are mortal men fall'n into wrath Divine, as their own ruin on themselves to invite. The Divine wrath is slow indeed in vengeance, but it makes up for its tardiness by the severity of the punishment.
Turning to God repentant, be conscious of God and pray, and do not be idolaters. Who have divided their religion into sects, each faction pleased with its own. [30: 31,32]
Hadith of the Day:
You must guard the seven openings: your eyes, your ears, your nostrils, and your mouth. You must guard your body and what it contains: your heart, your stomach, and what is between your legs. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
One who is content with learning alone is not learned, for the truly learned seek more than mere words. Divine guidance entails self-mortification, without which contemplation is unattainable. [al-Hujwiri]
Guidance of the Day:
Our deepest physical desires are for the things we need. The shallow desire has only one thing in mind, the instant gratification of pleasure. Our superficial wants are not even able to take into consideration the future pain that a present pleasure may cause us. The deeper desire of the heart------the desire to be healthy and physically fit-------takes into account the whole person and views the situation with our essential purpose in mind.
The only way to say no to anything is to have a deeper yes. In this case the deeper yes is for physical fitness, health, and well-being. But if you are not in touch with your deeper yeses, you will spend your whole life living out the shallow and superficial desires of your heart. What we truly "need" we deeply desire, but not at the shallow levels of our hearts. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
So fond are mortal men fall'n into wrath Divine, as their own ruin on themselves to invite. The Divine wrath is slow indeed in vengeance, but it makes up for its tardiness by the severity of the punishment.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 862
Ayah of the Day:
Incline your aim to religion as God given nature, according to which God created humanity: There is no altering the creation of God---that is the true religion, but most people do not know. [30: 30]
Hadith of the Day:
No one has swallowed anything more excellent in the sight of God than the anger he restrains, seeking to please God Most High. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A person often remembers the object of his love. One who is a lover of God, Exalted is He, also remembers Him, always and everywhere. This is the duty and proof of love; this much does love demand. [Shaykh Muzaffar Ozak]
Guidance of the Day:
We would do well to learn to listen to the deepest desires of our hearts, and we should follow them wherever they lead us regardless of the cost or sacrifice involved. Our fulfillment and happiness, our wholeness and holiness, depend upon us living out of the deepest desires of our hearts. Our deepest desires are directly linked to our legitimate needs. The careful pairing of our deepest desires and legitimate needs leads to the fulfillment of the human person-----physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The result is a life of unimagined balance of harmony, peace and prosperity.
Many of our physical desires fall into the category of wants. Every day we have dozens of physical wants that have no meaning beyond the attainment of pleasure. Our culture has in many ways promoted pleasure as the ultimate end in life or as the supreme good. But pleasure is not the ultimate end in life. We don't find our meaning and purpose in pleasure. The modern world proposes pleasure as the road to happiness. Those who only seek pleasure are not free or happy. They are enslaved by a thousand different addictions, and the end produced by their philosophy is not pleasure, but despair. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Worship renews the spirit as sleep renews the body. It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow. And what greater calamity can fall upon a nation than the loss of worship. The instinct to worship is hardly less than the instinct to eat. God is to be worshipped by faith, hope, and love. They that worship God merely from fear, would worship the devil too, if he appear.
Incline your aim to religion as God given nature, according to which God created humanity: There is no altering the creation of God---that is the true religion, but most people do not know. [30: 30]
Hadith of the Day:
No one has swallowed anything more excellent in the sight of God than the anger he restrains, seeking to please God Most High. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
A person often remembers the object of his love. One who is a lover of God, Exalted is He, also remembers Him, always and everywhere. This is the duty and proof of love; this much does love demand. [Shaykh Muzaffar Ozak]
Guidance of the Day:
We would do well to learn to listen to the deepest desires of our hearts, and we should follow them wherever they lead us regardless of the cost or sacrifice involved. Our fulfillment and happiness, our wholeness and holiness, depend upon us living out of the deepest desires of our hearts. Our deepest desires are directly linked to our legitimate needs. The careful pairing of our deepest desires and legitimate needs leads to the fulfillment of the human person-----physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually. The result is a life of unimagined balance of harmony, peace and prosperity.
Many of our physical desires fall into the category of wants. Every day we have dozens of physical wants that have no meaning beyond the attainment of pleasure. Our culture has in many ways promoted pleasure as the ultimate end in life or as the supreme good. But pleasure is not the ultimate end in life. We don't find our meaning and purpose in pleasure. The modern world proposes pleasure as the road to happiness. Those who only seek pleasure are not free or happy. They are enslaved by a thousand different addictions, and the end produced by their philosophy is not pleasure, but despair. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Worship renews the spirit as sleep renews the body. It is only when men begin to worship that they begin to grow. And what greater calamity can fall upon a nation than the loss of worship. The instinct to worship is hardly less than the instinct to eat. God is to be worshipped by faith, hope, and love. They that worship God merely from fear, would worship the devil too, if he appear.
Monday, June 11, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 861
Ayah of the Day:
Those who have gone wrong follow their desires without knowledge. So who guides those whom God has allowed to get lost? There are no saviors for them. [30: 29]
Hadith of the Day:
Value five things before they are finished and gone. Value your life before death comes, your good health before sickness comes, your youth before old age comes, your spare time before worldly affairs leave you none, and your wealth before it is lost. [Ibn Abi Dunya]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Buying is more American than thinking. It's called the consumer society because it consumes us. [Abdul Hakeem Murad]
Guidance of the Day:
We must learn to move beyond our superficial wants and begin to discover our deepest desires. The difference between our wants and our deepest desires is meaning. A desire is a want with meaning. Our deepest desires are things we want because we know they will help us become the-best-version-of-ourselves. The problem is, we are all too busy wanting that we have forgotten why we want whatever we want. We have disconnected our wants from our reason for wanting them.
Our needs and desires are divinely and providentially linked. If we can get beyond our shallow and superficial wants, we discover that our deepest desires are for the things we legitimately need. Beneath the multitude of wants that plague the surface of our hearts, we desire good things for good reasons. These are the deepest desires of our hearts. They are good because in them we hope to better ourselves, the world in which we live, and others. They are the deepest desires of our hearts because their fulfillment leads to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, and every being yearns to become all it is capable of being. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in elimination of nonessentials. The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.
Those who have gone wrong follow their desires without knowledge. So who guides those whom God has allowed to get lost? There are no saviors for them. [30: 29]
Hadith of the Day:
Value five things before they are finished and gone. Value your life before death comes, your good health before sickness comes, your youth before old age comes, your spare time before worldly affairs leave you none, and your wealth before it is lost. [Ibn Abi Dunya]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Buying is more American than thinking. It's called the consumer society because it consumes us. [Abdul Hakeem Murad]
Guidance of the Day:
We must learn to move beyond our superficial wants and begin to discover our deepest desires. The difference between our wants and our deepest desires is meaning. A desire is a want with meaning. Our deepest desires are things we want because we know they will help us become the-best-version-of-ourselves. The problem is, we are all too busy wanting that we have forgotten why we want whatever we want. We have disconnected our wants from our reason for wanting them.
Our needs and desires are divinely and providentially linked. If we can get beyond our shallow and superficial wants, we discover that our deepest desires are for the things we legitimately need. Beneath the multitude of wants that plague the surface of our hearts, we desire good things for good reasons. These are the deepest desires of our hearts. They are good because in them we hope to better ourselves, the world in which we live, and others. They are the deepest desires of our hearts because their fulfillment leads to become the-best-version-of-ourselves, and every being yearns to become all it is capable of being. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone. The wisdom of life consists in elimination of nonessentials. The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 860
Ayah of the Day:
God presents you an example from your own domain: do you have slaves who share equally in what We have provided you, fearing them as you fear your own? Thus do We distinguish the signs for people who understand. [30: 28]
Hadith of the Day:
Remember your Lord often, so that you honor the solemn oath your soul made when it was created. Help others openly and secretly, for God helps those who help others. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Allah wishes us to be clean and pure, at times of prayer and at other times. But justice and right conduct, even in the face of spite and hatred, are nearest to piety and the love of Allah. [Abdullah Yusuf Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
The reason most of us neglect our legitimate needs is that we are too busy pursuing our illegitimate wants. We ignore our legitimate needs because we erroneously believe that if we get enough of our illegitimate wants, it won't matter that we are not taking care of our legitimate needs. This is a fallacy of monumental proportions, because you never get enough of what you don't really need. That's right. You never can get enough of what you don't really need.
Fulfillment comes not from having more and more of everything forever into oblivion. Fulfillment comes from having what you need. The whole world is chasing illegitimate wants with reckless abandon. We use all of time, effort, and energy in the pursuit of our illegitimate wants, hypnotized by the lie that our illegitimate wants are the key to our happiness. And at the same time, the gentle voice within us is constantly calling out to us, trying to encourage us not to ignore the wisdom we already possess. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Those who wish to transform the world must be able to transform themselves. Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control, these three alone lead life to sovereign power. Self-control is promoted by humility. Pride is a fruitful source of uneasiness. Inwardness, mildness, and self-renouncement do make for man's happiness.
God presents you an example from your own domain: do you have slaves who share equally in what We have provided you, fearing them as you fear your own? Thus do We distinguish the signs for people who understand. [30: 28]
Hadith of the Day:
Remember your Lord often, so that you honor the solemn oath your soul made when it was created. Help others openly and secretly, for God helps those who help others. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Allah wishes us to be clean and pure, at times of prayer and at other times. But justice and right conduct, even in the face of spite and hatred, are nearest to piety and the love of Allah. [Abdullah Yusuf Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
The reason most of us neglect our legitimate needs is that we are too busy pursuing our illegitimate wants. We ignore our legitimate needs because we erroneously believe that if we get enough of our illegitimate wants, it won't matter that we are not taking care of our legitimate needs. This is a fallacy of monumental proportions, because you never get enough of what you don't really need. That's right. You never can get enough of what you don't really need.
Fulfillment comes not from having more and more of everything forever into oblivion. Fulfillment comes from having what you need. The whole world is chasing illegitimate wants with reckless abandon. We use all of time, effort, and energy in the pursuit of our illegitimate wants, hypnotized by the lie that our illegitimate wants are the key to our happiness. And at the same time, the gentle voice within us is constantly calling out to us, trying to encourage us not to ignore the wisdom we already possess. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Those who wish to transform the world must be able to transform themselves. Self-reverence, self-knowledge, self-control, these three alone lead life to sovereign power. Self-control is promoted by humility. Pride is a fruitful source of uneasiness. Inwardness, mildness, and self-renouncement do make for man's happiness.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 859
Ayah of the Day:
God is the one who initiates creation and then repeats it, something most easy for God, to whom belongs the supreme pattern in the heavens and the earth, and who is the Almighty, and Supreme Wise. [30: 27]
Hadith of the Day:
Repent and ask your Lord's forgiveness before you leave this world. Before the world occupies all your time, hurry to do deeds to save yourself. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
In there daily lives people should maintain the delicate balance between material and spiritual values if they are to enjoy serenity and true happiness. Unbridled greed must be guarded against. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
We need each other, and this is our common bond as human beings. We are not as strong as we think we are. We are fragile. We are not independent as we pretend to be. Independence is a myth. We are interdependent. We need one another, and only with and for one another can we live. We are one in our need. We are beings of our need. Our health and happiness are intimately connected. Our legitimate needs are the secret language that unites the two. When we acknowledge our legitimate needs and base our lifestyle decisions upon them, we necessarily live healthier and happier lives.
Life should be a rich and rewarding experience. Our lives should be filled with moments of wonder and inspiration. Life is an expression of abundance and should be lived passionately. Know your needs. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Live in the active voice, rather than in the passive. Think more about what you make happen than what is happening to you. Be concerned with the things as they are, rather than as they might be. Live in the present tense, facing the duty at hand without regret for the past or worry over the future.
God is the one who initiates creation and then repeats it, something most easy for God, to whom belongs the supreme pattern in the heavens and the earth, and who is the Almighty, and Supreme Wise. [30: 27]
Hadith of the Day:
Repent and ask your Lord's forgiveness before you leave this world. Before the world occupies all your time, hurry to do deeds to save yourself. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
In there daily lives people should maintain the delicate balance between material and spiritual values if they are to enjoy serenity and true happiness. Unbridled greed must be guarded against. [Fethullah Gulen]
Guidance of the Day:
We need each other, and this is our common bond as human beings. We are not as strong as we think we are. We are fragile. We are not independent as we pretend to be. Independence is a myth. We are interdependent. We need one another, and only with and for one another can we live. We are one in our need. We are beings of our need. Our health and happiness are intimately connected. Our legitimate needs are the secret language that unites the two. When we acknowledge our legitimate needs and base our lifestyle decisions upon them, we necessarily live healthier and happier lives.
Life should be a rich and rewarding experience. Our lives should be filled with moments of wonder and inspiration. Life is an expression of abundance and should be lived passionately. Know your needs. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Live in the active voice, rather than in the passive. Think more about what you make happen than what is happening to you. Be concerned with the things as they are, rather than as they might be. Live in the present tense, facing the duty at hand without regret for the past or worry over the future.
Friday, June 08, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 858
Ayahs of the Day:
And among the signs of God is that the sky and the earth exist by divine decree; and when God calls you, a call from the earth, you will then come forth-----for everyone in the heavens and on earth belongs to God, to whom everyone submits. [30: 25,26]
Hadith of the Day:
A good state of being and action, right intentions, and seriousness and prudence in the use of God's gifts is one twenty-forth of the character of a prophet. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Realize your abject character and impoverishment, and you will gain dignity and wealth from the All-Powerful. [Imam al Muwdud]
Guidance of the Day:
The fulfillment of our legitimate spiritual needs leads us to place our essential purpose at the center of our daily lives. When silence, solitude, and simplicity become a part of the fabric of our lives, we are much less inclined to neglect our other legitimate needs. Only with the focus, perspective, and vitality that are born from the spiritual disciplines will we ever transform each moment and experience of our lives into opportunities to become the-best-version-of-ourselves. Spirituality brings clarity, directions, continuity, and integrity to our lives.
You already have everything within you that you need to make the journey. You must simply begin to honor the truth you already possess. We all have needs. We need air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat. We need to love and be loved. We need to accept and appreciate others and to be accepted and appreciated by others. We need to learn, to change, and to grow. We need to remember who we truly are and what matters most. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Do a deed of kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
And among the signs of God is that the sky and the earth exist by divine decree; and when God calls you, a call from the earth, you will then come forth-----for everyone in the heavens and on earth belongs to God, to whom everyone submits. [30: 25,26]
Hadith of the Day:
A good state of being and action, right intentions, and seriousness and prudence in the use of God's gifts is one twenty-forth of the character of a prophet. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Realize your abject character and impoverishment, and you will gain dignity and wealth from the All-Powerful. [Imam al Muwdud]
Guidance of the Day:
The fulfillment of our legitimate spiritual needs leads us to place our essential purpose at the center of our daily lives. When silence, solitude, and simplicity become a part of the fabric of our lives, we are much less inclined to neglect our other legitimate needs. Only with the focus, perspective, and vitality that are born from the spiritual disciplines will we ever transform each moment and experience of our lives into opportunities to become the-best-version-of-ourselves. Spirituality brings clarity, directions, continuity, and integrity to our lives.
You already have everything within you that you need to make the journey. You must simply begin to honor the truth you already possess. We all have needs. We need air to breathe, water to drink, and food to eat. We need to love and be loved. We need to accept and appreciate others and to be accepted and appreciated by others. We need to learn, to change, and to grow. We need to remember who we truly are and what matters most. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Do a deed of kindness;
Though its end you may not see,
It may reach, like widening ripples,
Down a long eternity.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 857
In the name of Allah the Compassionate, the Merciful
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is showing you lightning, occasion for fright and for hope, and showering rain from the sky, enlivening the earth thereby after its death. Surely there are signs in that for people who understand. [30: 24]
Hadith of the Day:
I take refuge in God from the curse of laziness. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The second level of obligatory worship does not have specific times. These duties are to be done now and always. They are exercised as the occasion presents itself in daily life. Such are kindness, forgiveness, concern for others, helping, protecting, feeding, advising, building and not destroying. [Imam Birgivi]
Guidance of the Day:
Silence. Solitude. Simplicity. Three great friends! They may be the subtlest of our legitimate needs, but when they are honored our spirits soar to unimaginable heights, and we are left only to wonder how or why we ever followed the promptings of all the jeering voices of this world.
When we attend to our legitimate spiritual needs, everything else seems to fall into perspective. Only then are we able to let go of the past, wait patiently for the future, and live with an intense passion for life in the joy of the here and now. We feel healthy. We feel more fully alive. Our lives fill with vitality, and life becomes an exciting adventure instead of the day-to-day drudgery of counting minutes away. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
We are all generals. Whatever action we take may influence the course of civilization. Do not think it wasted time to submit yourself to any influence which may bring upon you any noble feeling. There is no power on earth than can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple, and useful life.
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is showing you lightning, occasion for fright and for hope, and showering rain from the sky, enlivening the earth thereby after its death. Surely there are signs in that for people who understand. [30: 24]
Hadith of the Day:
I take refuge in God from the curse of laziness. [Bukhari & Muslim]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The second level of obligatory worship does not have specific times. These duties are to be done now and always. They are exercised as the occasion presents itself in daily life. Such are kindness, forgiveness, concern for others, helping, protecting, feeding, advising, building and not destroying. [Imam Birgivi]
Guidance of the Day:
Silence. Solitude. Simplicity. Three great friends! They may be the subtlest of our legitimate needs, but when they are honored our spirits soar to unimaginable heights, and we are left only to wonder how or why we ever followed the promptings of all the jeering voices of this world.
When we attend to our legitimate spiritual needs, everything else seems to fall into perspective. Only then are we able to let go of the past, wait patiently for the future, and live with an intense passion for life in the joy of the here and now. We feel healthy. We feel more fully alive. Our lives fill with vitality, and life becomes an exciting adventure instead of the day-to-day drudgery of counting minutes away. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
We are all generals. Whatever action we take may influence the course of civilization. Do not think it wasted time to submit yourself to any influence which may bring upon you any noble feeling. There is no power on earth than can neutralize the influence of a high, pure, simple, and useful life.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 856
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is your sleep at night and in the daytime, and your seeking of the divine bounty. Surely there are signs in that for people who listen. [30: 23]
Hadith of the Day:
Indeed the hand that gives is better than the hand that takes. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Your being on the lookout for the vices hidden within you is better than your being on the lookout for the invisible realities veiled from you. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We come to the spiritual need of simplicity. Simplicity is one of the governing principles of the universe, yet with every passing century humanity looks to greater complexity to solve its problems and improve its life. Who among us needs a little more complexity in their lives? None of us! What our lives desperately need is the liberation of simplicity.
If we once again listen to the gentle voice within, we will hear it counseling us many times a day to simplify our lives. When the voices of the world propose the multiple complexities of modern living, the gentle voice within will whisper: Why complicate your life? Over time we will learn to turn our backs on a multitude of opportunities in order to preserve the peace in our hearts that is born from the blessed simplicity that the world despises. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify your life and you will find the inner peace that the poets and saints of every age have coveted more than any possession. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
If God loved us as much as we love Him, where would we be? God may well be taken as a substitute for everything; but nothing can be taken as a substitute for God. The only important decision we have to make is to live for God; He will make the rest. Some people treat God like they do a lawyer; they go to Him only when they are in trouble.
And among the signs of God is your sleep at night and in the daytime, and your seeking of the divine bounty. Surely there are signs in that for people who listen. [30: 23]
Hadith of the Day:
Indeed the hand that gives is better than the hand that takes. [Bukhari]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Your being on the lookout for the vices hidden within you is better than your being on the lookout for the invisible realities veiled from you. [Ibn Ataillah]
Guidance of the Day:
We come to the spiritual need of simplicity. Simplicity is one of the governing principles of the universe, yet with every passing century humanity looks to greater complexity to solve its problems and improve its life. Who among us needs a little more complexity in their lives? None of us! What our lives desperately need is the liberation of simplicity.
If we once again listen to the gentle voice within, we will hear it counseling us many times a day to simplify our lives. When the voices of the world propose the multiple complexities of modern living, the gentle voice within will whisper: Why complicate your life? Over time we will learn to turn our backs on a multitude of opportunities in order to preserve the peace in our hearts that is born from the blessed simplicity that the world despises. Simplify. Simplify. Simplify your life and you will find the inner peace that the poets and saints of every age have coveted more than any possession. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
If God loved us as much as we love Him, where would we be? God may well be taken as a substitute for everything; but nothing can be taken as a substitute for God. The only important decision we have to make is to live for God; He will make the rest. Some people treat God like they do a lawyer; they go to Him only when they are in trouble.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 955
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is the constitution of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors; surely there are signs in that for those who know. [30: 22]
Hadith of the Day:
Need brings you closer to God than having more than you need. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The secret to happiness is to forget the past and forget the future and live in the present for the Creator. [Shaykh Abu Qanit al Hassani]
Guidance of the Day:
Every day life poses questions. We all have a need to search our hearts for answers to those questions. Every day we are faced with a myriad of choices and opportunities. We need time away from all the other voices to discern which of these choices and opportunities will enable us to become the-best-version-of-ourselves and which are merely distractions. These exercises are performed most effectively alone, in the precious solitude of the classroom of silence.
It is also in silence and solitude that life's preeminent challenge is proposed to us. Silence and Solitude unveil the person we are today with all our strengths and weaknesses, but they also remind us of the better person we know we can be. In the silence, we see at one time the person we are now and the person we are capable of becoming. In seeing these two visions at one time, we are automatically challenged to change and grow and become the- best-version-of-ourselves. It is precisely for this reason that we fill our lives with noise, to distract ourselves from the challenge to change. Commitment to the purpose of becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves is the singular key to living life meaningfully and passionately. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Selfishness is the great unknown sin. No selfish person ever thought himself selfish. The selfishness of man goes contrary to the spirit of nature and brings about all the evils for which men blame others rather than themselves. He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.
And among the signs of God is the constitution of the heavens and the earth, and the diversity of your languages and colors; surely there are signs in that for those who know. [30: 22]
Hadith of the Day:
Need brings you closer to God than having more than you need. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
The secret to happiness is to forget the past and forget the future and live in the present for the Creator. [Shaykh Abu Qanit al Hassani]
Guidance of the Day:
Every day life poses questions. We all have a need to search our hearts for answers to those questions. Every day we are faced with a myriad of choices and opportunities. We need time away from all the other voices to discern which of these choices and opportunities will enable us to become the-best-version-of-ourselves and which are merely distractions. These exercises are performed most effectively alone, in the precious solitude of the classroom of silence.
It is also in silence and solitude that life's preeminent challenge is proposed to us. Silence and Solitude unveil the person we are today with all our strengths and weaknesses, but they also remind us of the better person we know we can be. In the silence, we see at one time the person we are now and the person we are capable of becoming. In seeing these two visions at one time, we are automatically challenged to change and grow and become the- best-version-of-ourselves. It is precisely for this reason that we fill our lives with noise, to distract ourselves from the challenge to change. Commitment to the purpose of becoming the-best-version-of-ourselves is the singular key to living life meaningfully and passionately. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Selfishness is the great unknown sin. No selfish person ever thought himself selfish. The selfishness of man goes contrary to the spirit of nature and brings about all the evils for which men blame others rather than themselves. He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.
Monday, June 04, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 854
Ayah of the Day:
And among the signs of God is having created mates for you from yourselves that you may feel at home with them, creating love and compassion between you. Surely there are signs in that for people who reflect. [30: 21]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not despair because of little good fortune and many trials in life. Trust that there is great benefit deriving from these in this world and in the Hereafter. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be very polite towards the friends of Allah. Let your speech be wisdom and your looking reflection. [Muhammad ibn al Siddiq Ghumari]
Guidance of the Day:
Only in the area of spirituality do we come to understand most fully other legitimate needs--------physical, emotional, and intellectual--------and gain the insight to live a life that enriches, upholds, and protects our well-being in each of these areas. Our spiritual needs have a tendency to change as the seasons of our lives change. Each of us has a unique spiritual journey. In different stages of the journey, we have different needs. And yet, there are some needs that are unchanging and necessary in all seasons of our lives------silence, solitude, and simplicity. The way we seek to experience these habits of the soul may change, but all the same, they remain essential to our spiritual diet if we are to find lasting joy in this changing world.
The noise of the world is preventing us from hearing the gentle voice within that always counsels us to embrace the-best-version-of-ourselves. We will begin to hear this voice again only when we make a habit of withdrawing from the noise of the world and immersing ourselves in silence. We needn't spend hours in silence each day, but nothing brings priority to our days like a period of silence each day. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
And among the signs of God is having created mates for you from yourselves that you may feel at home with them, creating love and compassion between you. Surely there are signs in that for people who reflect. [30: 21]
Hadith of the Day:
Do not despair because of little good fortune and many trials in life. Trust that there is great benefit deriving from these in this world and in the Hereafter. [Tirmidhi]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be very polite towards the friends of Allah. Let your speech be wisdom and your looking reflection. [Muhammad ibn al Siddiq Ghumari]
Guidance of the Day:
Only in the area of spirituality do we come to understand most fully other legitimate needs--------physical, emotional, and intellectual--------and gain the insight to live a life that enriches, upholds, and protects our well-being in each of these areas. Our spiritual needs have a tendency to change as the seasons of our lives change. Each of us has a unique spiritual journey. In different stages of the journey, we have different needs. And yet, there are some needs that are unchanging and necessary in all seasons of our lives------silence, solitude, and simplicity. The way we seek to experience these habits of the soul may change, but all the same, they remain essential to our spiritual diet if we are to find lasting joy in this changing world.
The noise of the world is preventing us from hearing the gentle voice within that always counsels us to embrace the-best-version-of-ourselves. We will begin to hear this voice again only when we make a habit of withdrawing from the noise of the world and immersing ourselves in silence. We needn't spend hours in silence each day, but nothing brings priority to our days like a period of silence each day. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes to us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.
Saturday, June 02, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 853
Ayah of the Day:
Among the signs of God is having created you from dust; then there you are, humankind, propagating widely. [30: 20]
Hadith of the Day:
God loves the poor person who has a large family and very little to support them but keeps working hard, is upright, doesn't ask help from others, and maintains his self respect. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Have faith, do not lose hope, wait patiently. He indeed will create a way to deliver you from your hardships. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
Our intellectual needs are many and varied. Most of us have a need for a professional intellectual focus. We need different forms of entertaining intellectual stimulation. But we must challenge ourselves to move beyond these intellectual comfort zones and to embrace writings that challenge us to ponder the deeper questions, truths, and mysteries of our existence. As Mark twain wrote, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."
Our bodies need regular exercise and a balanced diet, and so do our minds. You have a legitimate need to nourish your mind. If you choose the right diet of the mind, your life will be directed by ideas of excellence and greatness. If you allow the media and secular culture to select your intellectual diet, your life will be formed by distraction and mediocrity. Books change our lives. Begin your own Great Books collection. Choose books that will help you to achieve your essential purpose and become the-best-version-of-yourself. Make daily reading one of the defining habits of your life. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Life has taught me to forgive much, but to seek forgiveness still more. Life that ever needs forgiveness has for its first duty to forgive. They who forgive most, shall be most forgiven. "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," is only another way of saying, "I cannot forgive."
Among the signs of God is having created you from dust; then there you are, humankind, propagating widely. [30: 20]
Hadith of the Day:
God loves the poor person who has a large family and very little to support them but keeps working hard, is upright, doesn't ask help from others, and maintains his self respect. [Ibn Maja]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Have faith, do not lose hope, wait patiently. He indeed will create a way to deliver you from your hardships. [Shaykh Abdul Qadir Jilani]
Guidance of the Day:
Our intellectual needs are many and varied. Most of us have a need for a professional intellectual focus. We need different forms of entertaining intellectual stimulation. But we must challenge ourselves to move beyond these intellectual comfort zones and to embrace writings that challenge us to ponder the deeper questions, truths, and mysteries of our existence. As Mark twain wrote, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them."
Our bodies need regular exercise and a balanced diet, and so do our minds. You have a legitimate need to nourish your mind. If you choose the right diet of the mind, your life will be directed by ideas of excellence and greatness. If you allow the media and secular culture to select your intellectual diet, your life will be formed by distraction and mediocrity. Books change our lives. Begin your own Great Books collection. Choose books that will help you to achieve your essential purpose and become the-best-version-of-yourself. Make daily reading one of the defining habits of your life. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Life has taught me to forgive much, but to seek forgiveness still more. Life that ever needs forgiveness has for its first duty to forgive. They who forgive most, shall be most forgiven. "I can forgive, but I cannot forget," is only another way of saying, "I cannot forgive."
Friday, June 01, 2007
LESSON OF THE DAY 852
Ayah of the Day:
God brings the living forth from the dead, and brings the dead forth from the living; and enlivens the earth after its death. And this is how you will be resurrected. [30: 19]
Hadith of the Day:
There is a very narrow passage in front of us: none but the light in weight will be able to pass through it! [Bazzaz]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be faithful in your trusts, learn obedience, and settle your quarrels under the guidance of Allah's messenger. [Abdullah Yusuf Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
Our intellectual needs are never urgent, so it is easy to overlook them. When was the last time you said to yourself, "I urgently need to read a good book today"? It doesn't happen. Why? For one, our intellectual needs are not primary needs. If we neglect them we won't die. But mental vitality leads to physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality. To neglect our phenomenal abilities to think, reason, decide, imagine, and dream is to enormously limit our potential. Everything in our lives begins as a thought.
In the category of personal intellectual stimulation, we could read magazines about fashion, gardening, sports, finance, music, or any other area of interest. We will be entertained, but it is unlikely that we will be challenged to raise our standards and become the-best-version-of-ourselves. To really stretch ourselves, we must delve into the wisdom writings. Selections could include a variety of philosophical texts, the writings of countless spiritual leaders past and present. It is in these writings that the intellect comes face-to-face with the most profound questions and truths about the world, creation, God, humanity, and our individual journeys. Wisdom writings constantly hold before us a vision of the-best-version-of-ourselves. These writings seek not to entertain us, but to reveal to us who we are and why we are here. The wisdom writings gently call us out of our comfort zones and challenge us to improve, develop, grow, and live life to the fullest. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Only in winter can you tell which trees are truly green. Only when the winds of adversity blow can you tell whether an individual has courage or steadfastness. Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear. All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them but confront them.
God brings the living forth from the dead, and brings the dead forth from the living; and enlivens the earth after its death. And this is how you will be resurrected. [30: 19]
Hadith of the Day:
There is a very narrow passage in front of us: none but the light in weight will be able to pass through it! [Bazzaz]
Wise Quote of the Day:
Be faithful in your trusts, learn obedience, and settle your quarrels under the guidance of Allah's messenger. [Abdullah Yusuf Ali]
Guidance of the Day:
Our intellectual needs are never urgent, so it is easy to overlook them. When was the last time you said to yourself, "I urgently need to read a good book today"? It doesn't happen. Why? For one, our intellectual needs are not primary needs. If we neglect them we won't die. But mental vitality leads to physical, emotional, and spiritual vitality. To neglect our phenomenal abilities to think, reason, decide, imagine, and dream is to enormously limit our potential. Everything in our lives begins as a thought.
In the category of personal intellectual stimulation, we could read magazines about fashion, gardening, sports, finance, music, or any other area of interest. We will be entertained, but it is unlikely that we will be challenged to raise our standards and become the-best-version-of-ourselves. To really stretch ourselves, we must delve into the wisdom writings. Selections could include a variety of philosophical texts, the writings of countless spiritual leaders past and present. It is in these writings that the intellect comes face-to-face with the most profound questions and truths about the world, creation, God, humanity, and our individual journeys. Wisdom writings constantly hold before us a vision of the-best-version-of-ourselves. These writings seek not to entertain us, but to reveal to us who we are and why we are here. The wisdom writings gently call us out of our comfort zones and challenge us to improve, develop, grow, and live life to the fullest. [Kelly, The Rhythm of Life]
Food for Thought:
Only in winter can you tell which trees are truly green. Only when the winds of adversity blow can you tell whether an individual has courage or steadfastness. Nothing happens to anybody which he is not fitted by nature to bear. All problems become smaller if you don't dodge them but confront them.
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