Reformation of the Self

  From the following authentic hadith in Sunnan Abī Dāwūd, we shall learn various means by which Muslims can exit this world and meet Allah as a honored martyr. Jabir ibn ‘Atik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said “There are seven martyrs besides one who is killed in the way of Allah: The victim of plague is a martyr, The one who drowns is a martyr, The one who dies of chest pain is a martyr, The one who dies of stomach infection is a martyr, The one who burns to death is a martyr, The one who is crushed under something is a martyr, And the pregnant woman who dies giving labor is a martyr.” May Allah—in His Infinite Mercy—make me and you die a glorious death as a martyr. Aameen      

  In the book al-Zuhd wal-Raqā’iq   Bakr ibn Abdullah reported that Talq ibn Habib (RA) explained Taqwa as follows: “Godfearing righteousness is to act in obedience to Allah upon a light from Allah hoping in the mercy of Allah. Godfearing righteousness is to abandon disobedience to Allah upon a light from Allah, fearing the punishment of Allah.” In short, Taqwa is fearing Allah, obeying His Dos and staying away from Don’ts. May Allah grant us true piety. Aameen.  

  Calumny is all about malice. Whenever we talk about people behind their backs with the intention to harm or derided them, then we are engaged in calumny, especially so when what we say about them is untrue. And to understand the gravity of this vice, let’s read what the Prophet (SAW) said in this regard: Hudhaifah RA said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The person who goes about with calumnies will never enter Jannah.”_(Bukhari and Muslim) That is how serious the sin of calumny is in the sight of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime. May Allah save us from the evil of our own selves. Aameen.

    Today, let’s examine a Sahih hadith from the Collection of Imam Ahmad on the importance of contributing to the society and doing good until the very end. It goes thus: Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:   “If the Resurrection were established upon one of you while he has in his hand a sapling, then let him plant it.”   May Allah grant us comprehension and application of the truth. Aameen.