LESSON OF THE DAY 1262

Ayahs of the Day:
Do you see the one who prevents the devotee from praying? Do you see if he is following direction? Or if he enjoins conscience? Do you see if he scoffs at truth and turns away? Doesn't he know God sees? If he doesn't desist, We'll drag him by the forelock -- a lying -- sinning forelock -- then let him call on his council: We will call the infernal guard. Don't obey him, but bow down and draw near. [96: 9 to 19]

Hadith of the Day:
Do not insult the dead, for they have moved on to what they sent forth. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:
The presence of taqwa is recognized by three things: Rushing to fulfill Allah's commands; Seeking nothing from people; Speaking and acting only for what benefits one in this life and in the Hereafter. [Shaqeeq al Balkhi]

Guidance of the Day:
Don't talk behind their backs. When you talk behind someone's back, it says far less about the person you are discussing than it does about our own character, about your need to be critical and your need to talk behind other people's backs. It's like hitting a person who is down -- the person you are talking about is not able to defend himself or herself. It's not fair.

Furthermore, if you pay careful attention to how you feel when you are critical about someone behind that person's back, you'll notice that you'll feel a little mean-spirited, as if your conscience is trying to tell you something Deep down, you know that in most instances it's wrong to be critical of others behind their backs.

When you talk behind the backs of other people, it can also make the person you are gossiping with a little insecure. After all, if you're saying those thing about someone else, what assurance do others have that you're not doing the same thing about them when they are not around? This lack of integrity greatly contributes to increased cynicism in our family and our world because no one feels that anyone else is ultimately trustworthy. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:
We have to ask ourselves how our individual presence can change the course of humanity for the good. If we change, humanity changes. We just have to look at what is before us and start right where we are. We need to see where we can help, and then act in a way that fulfills our personal errand for humanity. Every act has its effects. How do you plan to fulfill your errand to humanity?