LESSON OF THE DAY 984

Ayah of the Day:
Is it everyone whose chest God has opened to acquiescence, such that one is enlightened by his Lord? Woe, therefore, to those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of God; they are in obvious error! [39: 22]

Hadith of the Day:
O people! Give salams, feed the poor and needy, pray at night while others sleep, behave kindly toward your relatives, and you shall enter Paradise in peace. [Tirmidhi]

Wise Quote of the Day:
You must thank God for all that He has favored you with, you have no good thing, whether outward or inward, religious or worldly, but it comes from Him. [Imam al Haddad]

Guidance of the Day:
All of the great spiritual teachers and religions have placed a high importance on keeping good company. We are told to spend time in good fellowship, or to seek the company of Truth: those who are dedicated to thinking and living in a Godly way. There is much to be said for keeping good company. Through it, we give and receive support to reach our highest goals, and to remain strong in the face of adversity. It is the way to keep our spiritual batteries charged. It is the true purpose of community.

If you have just one or two spiritual friends with whom you can share your highest aspirations, you should consider yourself richly blessed. Spiritual communities are like lighthouses in a dark world. If you have contact with spiritual oriented people, whether or not you live in a formal community, you are very fortunate. If you are fortunate enough to have the benefit of sitting in the presence of a real spiritual master, one who teaches in Truth and Love, you are very fortunate, indeed. Such a teacher can offer Grace that can remove obstacles, lessen suffering, and save a great deal of time for your path--------lifetimes, perhaps. Cherish any opportunity you receive to be with a real teacher, as well as any group gathered in the name of God. [Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore]

Food for Thought:
Regret for the things we did can be tempered by time; it is regret for the things we did not do that is inconsolable. From that perspective, examine your life today. Think about some risks you have been unwilling to take----perhaps changing careers, following a dream, opening your heart to another person or being all you can be.