LESSON OF THE DAY 1271

Ayahs of the Day:

Woe to every backbiting critic who gathers money and multiplies it, assuming his money will make him last. But no -- he will be flung into destruction. And what will convey to you what destruction is? The fire of God alight, which rises to the hearts, indeed closed over them, in distended columns. [104: 1 to 9]

Hadith of the Day:

A Muslim is the one who avoids harming Muslims with his tongue and hands. And an emigrant (Muhajir) is the one who gives up (abandons) all what Allah has forbidden. [Bukhari]

Wise Quote of the Day:

The total and lasting mistake is to have free time and not betake yourself to Him or for the obstacles to be few and not journey to Him. [Ibn Ata'Allah]

Guidance of the Day:

Express Gratitude for Your Home: Think about your home for a minute. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, a room in someone else's house, or your own home, it's yours to use. It's your space. What in the world would you do without it? How would you survive? It's remarkable to reflect on how fortunate your are to have a home, a place to rest, a haven of potential peace. When was the last time you consciously expressed gratitude for your home?

Take a deep breath and express gratitude for your lovely home. Despite its imperfections, it's yours. You live in your home. It protects you from the elements of hot and cold, and against everything from insects to strangers. It helps keep you alive and comfortable. Yet, for the most part, it is taken entirely for granted. I'm asking you to take a few moments every day, for the rest of your life, to quietly reflect on the joy of having a home -- whatever it looks like and however hard you work to maintain it. Taking part in the expression of gratitude does many things. It puts your attention on how lucky you are instead of all that needs to be done. It helps to keep things in perspective.

When times are difficult, it reminds you that, despite the difficulty, you are indeed fortunate to be alive and to have a home. When you are overwhelmed by the work involved in having a home, or by the cost or all that goes along with it, gratitude will help keep you pointed in the right direction. Gratitude is a very powerful emotion. It brings forth the best in you and helps you maintain your emotional bearings. It helps you be happy. Enjoy the feelings of gratitude and, perhaps for the first time, really enjoy the privilege of having a home. [Carlson, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff -- with your family]

Food for Thought:

Religion is the dominion of the soul. It is the hope of life, the anchor of safety, the deliverance of soul. Religion is the fear and love of God; its demonstration is good works; and faith is the root of both, for without faith we cannot please God; nor can we fear and love what we do not believe. Religion is not an escape from life; it is life. It is not an abstraction; it is a career. It is the metaphysics of people.