LESSON OF THE DAY 1101

Ayahs of the Day:
And listen for the day when the caller calls from a place nearby, the day they will really hear the cry; that is the day of resurrection. It is We who gave life and death, and the journey is to Us. [50: 41 42,43]

Hadith of the Day:
God has disliked that you talk too much about others, ask too many questions and waste your property. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The good does not come to man in just any way but only through the door of sincerity. So be sincere! [Ibn Ata'Allah]

Guidance of the Day:
While we have lofty ideals for social reform and world change, our real purpose in life is to work on ourselves. This at first may seem selfish or uncharitable, but it is honest, and in the long run we will make more of a contribution to society when we are clear than when we are in any way confused. The greatest service we can offer to others is to purify, sanctify, and know our own self. Then, and only then, are we in the proper position to give. Until then, we are taking.

This does not mean that we are to run off to a cave and meditate until we are realized. Our work on ourselves may involve a great deal of social service. We can be nurses, teachers, and therapists, but we must always bear in mind that we are really using these avenues to expand our own consciousness. Serving others with all our heart does not contradict working on ourselves; to the contrary, it supports it. Until the end, we must remember to use everything we do as a vehicle for our own awakening. [Cohen, The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore]

Food for Thought:
Politeness is an inexpensive way of making friends. Nothing is ever lost by courtesy. It is the cheapest of pleasures, costs nothing, and conveys much. It pleases him who gives and receives and thus, like mercy, is twice blessed. We secure friends not by accepting favors but by doing them.