Lead by Example

Almost all of us at one time or another looked down upon someone. We can easily pin point many things wrongs with others, but we don't manage to see our own faults. It is important before pointing fingers at someone else we recognize we are not perfect either. Instead of wasting time recognizing what's wrong with someone else we should fix ourselves. No one takes criticism from someone who makes the same mistakes, therefore it is best to set an example. One should lead by example and practice what you preach. Just as U.S. keeps telling other countries to not produce nuclear weapons, as long as America does not stop producing and getting rid of their own nuclear weapons no other nation is going to follow them. A common example everyone can relate to is parents telling their children to do this and that but they themselves do not do the same. If the parents do not pray five times, but ask their children to pray, children will very unlikely pray as well. Parents need to set good examples first so that children are great Muslims and citizens of this world. If each parents were to think like this we can easily change the world.

Safe guard of Tongue & Good Manner

1. Do not talk carelessly and without thinking. Whenever there is need to talk, talk very reasonable otherwise keep silent.
2. Do not call anybody dishonest or curse anyone, because if he is not so it will return to you.
3. If anyone accuses you or uses indecent language against you, then you can reply him by using the same words. If you exceed then that , it should be a Sin. It is better if you ignore the indecent behavior.
4. Do not talk double facedly
5. Do not talk ill of anyone or listen such talks about others.
6. Never tell a lie or praise anyone in flattery. Do not praise anyone too much even behind his back.
7. Do not back bite. If it is not true, it would be a slander which is a sin.
8. Do not pick a dispute with anyone and try to bolster up your words.
9. Do not laugh too much. It destroys the glare of the face and hardens the heart.
10. If you have talked ill of anyone , get it excused by him. If he is dead, pray for salvation.
11. Do not make false promises.
12. Do not makes jokes that disgrace other people.
13. Do not brag of about your possessions, art, or workmanship
14. Do not repeat or propagate hearsay. It is usually false.
15. Do not talk haltingly nor exaggerate or length your speech. Speak only as so much needed.
    
16. Do not appreciate or be attentive towards one's singing or music.
17. Do not laugh at anyone's ugly face pr imitate bad actions and gestures.
18. If you come to know of someone's defects or faults, cover them and do not make them public.
19. If anyone seeks your advice, give the best and most reasonable advice honestly.
20. It is improper to taunt a sinner. However something can be said as a advice to him.
21. Do not lie upon your belly.
22. Do sit at any place pushing others aside.
23. If anyone comes to meet you, than move a bit to make a room for him. It would be gesture of respect for him
24. Do not try to sit at a prominent place at a gathering, but take a seat where ever available.
25. While sneezing put your palm or handkerchief on the mouth and sneeze softly.
    

Material Gains by Devotion and Good Acts

1. Sustence is increased
2. Receives blessings and all kinds of abundance
   
3. Removal of difficulties and harassment
4. Easy accomplishment of all legitimate desires
5. Life becomes a pleasure
6. There are plenty of timely rains and all evils are warded off
7. Allah becomes very kind and helpful
8. The Angels are ordered by Allah to keep heart of such a person ever strong
9. Get true respect and honor
10. His status is raised and becomes very popular
11. The Holy Quran becomes a source of deliverance for such a person ever strong
12. Gets better compensation for any loss
13. Experiences gradual increase in the blessings of Allah day by day and increase in his wealth.
14. Experiences comfort and peace of mind and heart
15. His benefits pass on his generations
    
16. His mysterious tidings in life
17. Angels give good tidings at the time of death
18. His span of life is increased
19. Remains immune to poverty and starvation
20. Experiences abundance in things which are small in quantity
21. Removing and cooling of wrath of Allah.
    

The above mentioned are some of the gains which a true believer gets on accounts of devotion and submission to Allah and avoiding sins.

Material Loss by Sins

Human beings are always in loss on account of sins committed by them. Due to them they suffer here and in the Hereafter. Sins manifest themselves in worldly affairs also. A person engaged in sins-

1. is deprived of learning and knowledge
2. faces decrease in sustenance and living
3. dreads the rememberance of Allah
   
4. fears men, particularly good and pious persons
5. faces difficulties in most of his affairs
6. loses purity of heart
7. feels weakness of heart and body
8. is debarred from submission and devotion
9. his life is shortened
10. is deprived of capabilities of repentence
11. loses weight and abhorrence of sins after some time
12. is humilated in the sight of Allah
13. loses his brain and wisdom
    
14. is cursed by Holy Prophet (PBUH)
15. is deprived of good wishes of the Angels
16. faces shortage of crops
17. loses modesty and sense of self-respect
18. loses the sense of the exalted-ness of Allah
19. loses the blessings and benedications of Allah
20. is surrounded by difficulties and calamities
21. satans are deputed over him
22. loses peace of mind and heart
23. is deprived of the capability of reciting Kalima at the time of death
24. loses hope in the Mercy of Allah and dies without repentance

Life of This World

This world is nothing but a journey for humans; however, we always forget that. We are too involved in this life, trying to gather as much riches as possible and making a name for ourselves. Those who spend their lives devoted blindly to worldly goods, will realize that they consumed all their lives chasing illusions. We all know one day we will die, but it is difficult for us to comprehend. Many of us will only realize our true purpose of life on earth after we die. At that point it will be too late, we will be begging Allah to give us another chance to do everything right. Most of us are very attached to this world and are scared of the idea that we have to leave everything behind.

Death is inevitable, it will happen sooner or later; no one can escape death. Why do we keep trying to gather as much materialistic goods as possible when we know that we cannot take any of it with us to grave? No matter how much wealth a person has, he/she is never satisfied with it; Our whole life goes by trying to gain wealth and fame. The Prophet (PBUH) saying, "If the son of Adam (the human being) had two valley of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam's son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him.". Even if a person has all the wealth in the world, as long as he/she does not have faith in Allah, life is very empty and meaningless. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Riches does not mean, having a great amount of property, but riches is self-contentment."

None of the materialistic wealth gathered during the time in this world will help us or will come of use after we die. Many individuals know this but they still devote much of their life gathering as much as wealth as possible. People need to be concerned more about gaining good deeds and pleasing Allah because these deeds are the ones that are going to save them from the hell fire. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When carried to his grave, a dead person is followed by three, two of which return (after his burial) and one remains with him: his relative, his property, and his deeds follow him; relatives and his property go back while his deeds remain with him."

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer. When you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive till the morning; and when you survive till the morning do not except to be alive till the evening; (Do good deeds) when your are in good health before you fall sick, and (do good deeds) as long as you are alive before death strikes.” Death comes when least expected, therefore, a person needs to be prepared at all times. Many individuals postpone good deeds or becoming a better Muslim for another time. Some think, ‘When I am old I will be better Muslim’, however, only Allah knows if they will even make it to old age. Being alive today is not guaranteed, how can one expect tomorrow to be guaranteed. It is important to be in remembrance of Allah at all times, and asking for forgiveness for past sins and guidance to the straight path. In Surah al Ra’d Ayah 20, Allah says, “The life of this world is nothing but a flitting pleasure”. Life of this world will pass by quickly, one should be more concerned about permanent life. What we plant here in this life, we reap in the next life. Actions in this world will determine one’s destination after death. In Surah al Al’a, Allah says, “But may you prefer the life of this world although the life to come is better and more enduring". Just as a traveler who does not make a motel that he is visiting his home, a true believer should not imagine this world to be his real home and act as if he will live here forever.