KhaledDee AbuAbdullah

An interesting read I came across online-

Yahya bin Mu’adh said: “I do not order you to abandon this life, but to abandon sin. Disinterest in this life is a virtue, but abandoning sin is a religious obligation. Surely, you are more in need of establishing the obligation, than collecting virtues and minor good deeds.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.10 [English translated version])

‘Aun bin Abdullah said: “Both this life and the Hereafter are in the heart just like the two sides of a scale; whichever is heavier will overweigh the other.” (Tazkiyatun-Nufus,p. 129)

Al-Hasan was once asked about, who will be screaming in horror the most on the Day of Judgment, meaning from Allah’s torment. He said: “A man whom Allah had granted bounties, which he used in disobedience of Allah.” (Al-Hasan Al Basri, p.47)

‘Umar said: “Zuhd in this life brings comfort to the heart and body.” (Tarikh Umar, p. 26)

Al-Hasan said about our Salaf, the companions: “I met some people who would not feel elation at anything that they earn in this life, nor grieve for anything in it that they do not acquire.” (Az-Zuhd, by Imam Ahmad, p.230)

Imam Ahmad said: “Zuhd towards this life pertains having short hopes.” (Madarij-us Salikin, vol.2, p.3780)

Abdullah bin ‘Umar said: “This life is like Paradise for the disbeliever, and like jail for the believer. The example of the believer when his soul departs his body, is the example of a man who was in jail and was released from it, so he goes about in the earth and travels all around it.” (Sharh As-Sudur, p.13)

“O mankind! Be aware that the arrows of death have already been targeted towards you, so beware of them. Yet, here you are erecting the bows of prolonged hopes before you, so beware of them, as well. The lures and tests of life are surrounding you from every direction, so erect a barrier between you and them. Do not be deceived by your current easy life, for it is bound to vanish, its dwelling will end in departure and its string is bound to be pull back and become short.” (Al-Aqibah, p.69)

Anas bin ‘Iyad said: “I saw Sawfan bin Salaim;if he was told that tomorrow will be the Day of Resurrection, he would not have much more acts of worship to perform than what he already had performed.” (As-Siyar, vol.5, p.366)

‘Umar bin Abdul Aziz said in a speech that he gave: “This life is not your permanent residence; for Allah has written that it is bound to end and its people depart it. There are many people who build and establish what is minute and bound to perish. There are many dwellers, who feel ease but will soon depart their dwellings. Therefore, may Allah grant you His Mercy, prepare for the journey using the best means that are available to you. Provide yourself with adequate provisions, and surely, the best provision is Taqwah (piety). Since this life is not permanent dwelling or an everlasting home, then the believer should be either a stranger living in a strange land, dedicating his attention to going back to his homeland. Or, the believer should be like a traveler who does not remain in any particular area. Ratjer, he travels by night and day towards his place of residence.” (Jami’ul-Ulum Wal-Hikam, p.379)

Bilal bin Sa’ad reminded us: “People of Taqwah! You were not created to perish, but to be transferred from one stage to another. You were transferred from (your father’s) loins to wombs, then from wombs to this life, then from this life to graves, then from graves to the Stand (great Gathering on the Day of Resurrection) and then from the Stand to eternal dwelling, either in Paradise or the Fire.” (As-Siyar, vol.5, p.91)

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: “Stay away from the busying aspects of life, and surely, life has abundant busying aspects. Every man who indulges in an aspect of life that fills his time, then the door he opened will open ten more doors of busying aspects for him.” (Az-Zuhd, by Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak, p.189)

Ibn As-Simak said: “If life lures one to taste its delights because his heart covets life, the Hereafter will make him taste its bitterness because his heart turned away from it.” (Shadhratudh-Dhahab, vol.1, p.304)

Sufyan At-Thawri said: “I know that a man loves this life when I see him greet its people often!” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.7, p.37)

“As for the poor who is righteous and does not beg people you see that people do not talk to him. And if they have to greet him, they do so from far away for fear that his poverty might be contagious. If they ask him about his condition, they ask with a grim face and in true disinterest in his condition. But when a man of position or wealth in this life comes, they stand to greet him and welcome him with open arms, even though he might not be among those who pray. His actions might be evil, wicked, and have stench that accompanies them, yet he is welcomed from the heart because he owns dirhams and dinars! In contrast, the righteous poor person, who if he swears that Allah does something, Allah might fulfill his wow for him, is not important enough to be considered present or absent. But he, who might not weigh more than the wing of a mosquito with Allah, is given heartily welcomes. This is life!” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.16 [English translated version])

Abdullah bin ‘Aun said: “Those who were before us (the Companions, and the second and third generation of Islam [after them] who are called the Salaf As-Salih) would leave for this life what remained with them after taking care of their Hereafter. You, on the other hand, leave for your Hereafter what remains after taking care of your life!” (Sifatus-Sawfah, vol.3, p.101)

“The life of this world is short, and the most rich in it are still poor. Death is about to strike you and bring the smell of the wind of estrangement, even before you depart this life, and make known to you the imminent orphaning of your offspring. Therefore, wake up from your sleep of heedlessness and thoughtlessness, and remove love of this life from your heart. Surely when the slave closes his eyes and perishes, he will wish that he is given respite, but his request will be denied.” (‘Iddatus-Sabirin, by Imam Ibn Al-Qayim, p.329)

Abu Hazim said: “He who discovers the true reality of life, will not feel delight in time of ease or feel grief for a hardship.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.17 [English translated version])

Ali (radiyallahu anhu) said: “Whoever has six qualities, will leave no path to Paradise and away from the Fire, but will have taken it. They are: 1. He knows Allah and obeys Him. 2. He knows the devil and disobeys him. 3. He knows Truth and follows it. 4. He knows Falsehood and stays away from it. 5. He knows life and avoids it. 6. He knows the Hereafter and seeks it.” (Al-Ihya, vol.3, p.221)

Al-Fudail bin ‘Iyad said: “Entering this life is easy, but departing from it is very hard. (He means being delivered from its lures and danger to Allah’s mercy and forgiveness)” (Al-Ihya, vol.3, p.224)

‘Umar bin Abdul-Aziz said in a speech he gave: “There is a provision for every journey, so take the best provision, (which is) At-Taqwah; from this life to the Hereafter. Be just like those who have just witnessed Allah’s torment, so that you feel fear (from His torment) and eagerness (for His forgiveness). Do not have prolonged hopes because your hearts will become hardened and you will submit to your enemy (satan). Verily, Allah did not give reason to have prolonged hopes to the one who might not live to see the night after the morning or to see the morning after the night, surrounded by traps of death that might overcome him between these two times. Only those who feel safe from Allah’s torment and the horrors of the Day of Resurrection should feel assured and secure (and none should feel this way in this life). As for he who attends to a concern only to find that other concerns strike him, how can he feel safe? I seek refuge with Allah from ordering you to do what I forbid for myself, for if I do, my trade will fail and my poverty will be utterly exposed on a Day, during which only truth and sincerity will avail.” (Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, vol.9, p.283)

Muhammad bin Abu ‘Imran said: “A manasked Hatim Al-Asamm, ‘what is the foundation of your firm trust in Allah?’ Hatim said, ‘Four qualities: I knew that my sustenance would not be eating by anyone other than I, so my heart felt secure. I knew that others would not perform my righteous work, so I am busy performing it. I knew that death comes all of a sudden, so I rush to (fulfill my religious duty) before it strikes. I knew that I will never be absent from Allah’s Eye, wherever I may be, so I always feel shy from Him.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.20 [English translated version]

Abdullah bin Al-Mubarak said: “O son of Adam! Prepare for the Hereafter and obey Allah, as much as you need Him; or make Him angry, as much as you can bear the Fire! All praises are due to Allah, we can never sufficiently praise Him as He should be praised, only He can do that Himself. We often disobey Him because of our ignorance and He pardons us with His Mercy.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.20 [English translated version]

Al-Fudail bin ‘Iyad said about the believer: “In this life, the believer feels sadness and grief, directing his attention at taking enough provision (for the Hereafter). He who feels like, in this life, then his efforts will be directed at collecting what benefits him when he returns home; he does not compete with the residents of the area where he lives, among whom he is a stranger. He lives in the midst of their might, but it does not grieve him that he is not mighty among them.” (Jami’ul-Ulum Wal-Hika, p.379)

Wuhaim bin Al-Ward said: “Beware of cursing satan in public, and being his friend in secret!” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.21 [English translated version]

Al-Hasan said: “You wish you could live as long as Noah (pbuh) lived, even though Allah’s order (death) strikes at someone’s door every night!” (Az-Zuhd by Al-Hasan Al-Basri)

Abu Hazim, Salamah din Dinar said: “If modest provisions are enough for you in this life, then what is barely enough will suffice you. If what is sufficient for you does not sustain you, then nothing will.” (Sifatus-Safwan, vol.4, p.65)

“What part of life should the Muslim avoid and which was criticized in the Qur’an?” Abu Safwan was asked this question and he replied: “Every aspect of life that you covet for the sake of this life, is criticized. Every aspect of this life that you love for the sake of the Hereafter, is not included in the chastised aspects of life.” (Tazkiyatun-Nufus, p.128)

Ali (radiyallahu anhu) described this life in these words: “Its allowed aspects lead to being reckoned and its forbidden aspects lead to the fire.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.22 [English translated version])

Al-Hasan said: “O son of Adam! Life is only days, so if our day passes, your life becomes shorter.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.22 [English translated version])

Yahya bin Mu’adh said: “Poor is the son of Adam, if he fears the Fire as he fears poverty, he will enter Paradise.” (Al-Ihya, vol.4, p.170)

Hasan Al-Basri described the life: “By He in whose Hand is my life! I met people (the Salaf) who were as disinterested in this life as they were in the sand they walked on. (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.23 [English translated version])

Al Fudail describedthe difference between days as: “Yesterday passed, today there is in action and tomorrow is hope.” (Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam, p.381)

One of our Salaf wrote to one of his friends: “My brother, you might think that you will reside even though in reality you continue traveling, driven to death which is headed towards you. Meanwhile, life’s term is being shortened while you are traveling and what you have spent of your life will not be returned to you until the Day of At-Taghabun (the Day of Judgment when some people will lose themselves and some others will win their eternal happiness).” (As-Siyar, vol.8, p.427)

Sufyan said: “Beware of Allah’s anger with regards to three: beware that you fall into shortcomings concerning what He has commanded you. Beware that He sees you while you are feeling discontent concerning the provision He has granted you. Beware of feeling dismay at your Lord if you seek a procession of this life, but cannot acquire it.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.24 [English translated version]

Ibrahim Al-Ash’ath said: “I heard Al-Fudail saying, ‘The slave’s fear from Allah is as substantial as his knowledge of Him, and his disinterest in this life is as substantial as his interest in the Hereafter.’” (As-Siyar, vol.8, p.426)

A wise man once said: “Everyone (a believer) who hears about Paradise and the Fire, would spend the next hours obeying Allah, remembering Him, praying to Him, reciting the Qur’an or giving charity.” A man asked him, “I cry a lot (it means fear from Allah).” The wise man said, “It is better for you to smile while admitting your error, than cry while feeling pride in your (good) actions, for the latter’s deeds will not be ascended higher than his head.” The man asked him for advice and he said: “Leave this life to its people, just as they left the Hereafter to its people. Be like a bee in this life, if she eats, she eats pure food, and if she feeds, she feeds pure food; and if she falls on something she does not break or fracture it.” (Al-Fawa’id, by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, p.153)

Al-Hasan said: “Death has exposed the reality of this life and did not leave chance for the wise person to delight in it.” (Tarikh Baghdad, vol.14, p.444)

Abu ‘Ubaidah An-Naji said: “We visited Hasan Al-BAsri just before he died and he said to us, ‘Welcome and may Allah greet you with the Salaam (in Paradise). I ask Him to allow us to reside in the dwelling of eternity (Paradise), your visit is good if it was sincere and you observe patience afterwards. Do not hear the reminder (death) with your ears and talk about it (without acting on it), for those who saw Muhammad (pbuh), witnessed his tremendous vitality when the flag was raised to him. He did not engage in placing bricks over bricks, or pillars next to pillars (building mansions and palaces for himself). May Allah grant His mercy to someone who lived modestly, ate little, wore modest clothes, cried for the error, ran away from the punishment and sought the mercy, until the end of his life came while he was like this.” (Tabaqat Ash-Shafi’iyah, vol.6, p.78)

Al-Fudail said: “Allah placed all the evil in one house and made coveting this life as its key, and placed all the goodness in a house and made Zuhd in this life as its key.” (Al-Ihya, vol.4, p.257)

“Abdullah bin Dawud narrated that our Salaf used to sleep a part of the night and then stay up to pray, recite the Qur’an, and invoked Allah for forgiveness, so that they spend their life in the best manner and in preparation for their Hereafter.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.28 [English translated version])

Abdullah bin Tha’labah (radiyallahu anhu) said: “Do you laugh, when your shrouds might already have been sewn by the tailor?” (Al-Aqibah, p.88)

“Man needs sufficient provisions on his journey through life, but the only sufficient provision to the Hereafter is Taqwah (piety, fear of Allah). Therefore, one should strive hard to be patient while observing Taqwah. Otherwise, he will cry, when it is time to leave, ‘My Lord, send me back’, but it will be said to him, ‘No’. The hedless should therefore wake up from his lazy trek through the stages of life. This especially should be the case, since as he travels, Allah shows him His signs, Allah brings fear to His slaves by these signs, to keep them from deviating from the Straight Path and correct religion. He whose means of journeying deviate him from the Straight Path, even though he witnesses the Signs of Allah that make him afraid, should rush to return to Allah by abandoning what made him deviate from the Path, all the while feeling remorse of his errors” (‘Iddatus-Sabirun, by Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, p.330)

Shamit bin ‘Ajlan described the people of this life, in their constant rush to acquire its riches, in that: “They are confused as if they are drunk; the rider among them is in a rush and the dismounted among them is running. Neither the rich nor the poor among them feels contentment.” (Sifatus-Sawfah, vol.3, p.346)

Muhammadbin Al-Hanfiyah said: “Every aspect with which one does not seek Allah’s Face alone, is bound to diminish.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.3, p.176)

One morning, a man asked Al-Fudail bin ‘Iyad how he was, and Al-Fudail disliked this question that people often asked, but said that he is in good health. The man asked again how he was, and Al-Fudail said: “What is it that you are asking about matters of this life or the Hereafter? If you’re asking about matters of this life, then know that this life has deviated us and took us far away. If you are asking about matters of the Hereafter, then what do you think of he whose errors have increased, whose righteous works decreased, and whose life nearing its end. He who has not yet prepared for his return to Allah, nor for death, nor humbled himself in anticipation for its coming, nor worked hard before it comes, nor beautified himself for its imminence (by performing good deeds and staying away from all types of evil) but has instead beautified himself for this life.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.8, p.86)

Yahya bin Mu’adh said: “Son of Adam, you seek (the splendor of) this life just like he who cannot do without it, but seek the Hereafter just like he who does not need it. However, you have been sufficed with regards to this life even if you do not seek it, but you will only earn the Hereafter if you vigorously seek it. So contemplate your affairs.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.33 [English translated version])

Bundar said that he accompanied Yahya bin Sa’ad (the renowned scholar of Hadith) for around twenty years and did not witness him disobey Allah once. (Mawarid-uz-Zaman, vol.3, p.276)

‘Ali (radiyallahu anhu) was described this life, he said: “What should I describe to you of it? Those who live comfortably in it, feel safe and secure; those who fall ill, feel grief; those who become poor, feel sad; those who become wealthy, fall into trials; its allowed aspects await reckoning and its disallowed aspects lead to the Fire.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.34 [English translated version])

The description of this wordly life

Yunus bin ‘Ubaid described this life when he said: “This life is just like a sleeping man who saw a dream in which he disliked some things and liked some things. Then he woke up from his sleep.” (‘Iddatus-Sabirin, p.355)

Shamit bin ‘Ajlan said: “There are two types of people who are tormented in this life. A man who was given wealth and is busy with it, and a man who was deprived of this life’s riches, so he follows its riches with his heart, and his inner self is nearing demise out of sorrow for his being deprived.” (Sifatus-Safwan, vol.3, p.347)

And when a man admonished this life, ‘Ali (adiyallahu anhu) said to him: “This life is a truthful dwelling for those who are truthful in it, a dwelling of a safety for those who understand its true reality, and a dwelling of richness for those who take (righteous) provisions from it.” (Abadud-Dunya wd-Din, p.134)

Al-Awza’I said: “Use the bounties that you enjoy to become stronger in running away from the Fire Allah has kindled, which leaps up over the hearts. You are in a temporary dwelling in which you are given fixed terms. You are a generation that came after previous generations that enjoyed the fruits and splendor of this life. They were taller than you and had stronger bodies. They built the earth more than you built it, they built on top of mountains and moved stones. They went about the earth with might and strength? However, the days and nights brought an end to their term in life, erased their trace, emptied their homes and removed them from people’s memory. So do you hear a sound from any of them or a whisper? They felt safe on account of their hoping to live longer, a legacy of hedless people and a morning that brought them sorrow and remorse.” (Ash-Shukr, p.15)

Abstinence in this worldly life

“Dear Muslims, Fakhr Ad-Daulah, ‘Ali bin Rukn, who was one of the kings of Buwaih dynasty, said: ‘I collected enough wealth for my children and their army to suffice for them for fifteen years to come.’ When he diedin the area of Rai, in Iraq, the keys to his treasures were with his sons who did not attend to his funeral, prompting some people to look for a suitable shroud for him. They finally bought a modest shroud for him from the Masqul’s caretake, while sons and soldiers disputed among themselves until his corpse disintegrated. They had to throw ropes at his corpse and pull it from distance, because of the stench, until it fell apart on the stairs of the castle. This occurred to Fakhr Ad-Daulah, even though he had left a legacy of two million dinars, eight hundred and fifty-six thousand dirhams and tremendous amounts of jewels, gems, pearls, diamonds and gold. These precious stones were worth a million dinars, for there were around fourteen thousand pieces of them! He also left tremendous amounts of silverware, furniture, weapons and carpets.” (Shadharat Adh-Dhahab, vol.3, p. 124)

Abu Ad-Darda said: “He who feels that he is in need of this life, then he has no life.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.1, p.210)

Al-Hasan said while describing the life of this world: “This life is good for the believer. He works little (i.e. he is moderate in performing acts of worship), and takes enough provisions with him to Paradise. This life is bad for the disbeliever and the hypocrite, for he wastes his nights in it and the only provisions he collects from it, is being directed to the Fire.” (Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam, p.360)

Al-Hasan said: “In this life, the believer is just like a prisoner who strives hard to free his neck; he never feels safe until he meets Allah, the Exalted and Most Honored.” (Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam, p.269)

Ibn Mas’ud (raduyallahu anhu) said: “Everyone in this life is a guest whose wealth is a loan he took; the guest is bound to leave and give back what he took as a loan.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.37 [English translated version])

Abu Hazim, Salamah bin Dinar said: “The marketplace of the Hereafter is not popular now. Hence, buy from it when it is like this before there comes a day when its merchandise would become expensive (or scare), for then, you will not be able to buy little or much of it.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.3, p.242)

“The Salaf, the Companions and the second and third generations of Islam, are our example in the way, they lived modestly and were disinterested in the splendor and beauty of this life and its palaces and mansions. For instance, the second Caliph ‘Umar (radiyallahu anhu) gave the Muslims speeches from the Minbar (the podium) wearing an outer cloak that was mended twelve times. In contrast today, if someone’s clothes were torn, he would not even go to the mosque or attend the Jama’ah, so that people would noe see his torn clothes.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.38 [English translated version])

It was reported that ‘Isa (pbuh) said: “Who would build a house on top of the sea’s waves? This is the parable of life, so do not take it as a permanent residence.” (Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam, p.379)

When Masruq bin Al-Ajda’ passed by a pile of garbage while walking with his nephew in the city of Kufah in Iraq, he said to him: “Should I show you life, this is life! They ate it up and finished their provisions, wore it until it became worn out, rode on it until they made it tired, and shed each other’s blood, violated each other’s rights and cut the relations of the womb in it.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.2, p.97)

The righteous believers live just as Hassan Al-Basri described them: “May Allah grant mercy to some people who used this life as if it was a loan; they gave it back to He who has entrusted it to them and went away with a light weight (of burden).” (Al-Ihya, vol.3, p.221)

This worldly life is a dream

A man wrote to his brother: “This life is just like a dream, while the Hereafter is the time of waking up, and between them there is death. Therefore we are in the midst of a dream, and peace be to you.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.39 [English translated version])

Dirar bin Murrah said: “Iblis (Satan) said, ‘If I win three things from the son of Adam, I will have earned what I wanted from him: if he forgets his sins, thought high of his actions, and became fond of his opinion.’” (Sifatus Sawfan, vol.3, p.116)

One of the Salaf said: “Beware of the life of the world, because it is a magician more skilled than Harut and Marut. They could cause a separation between a husband and his wife, but this life separates between the slave and his Lord.” (Tasliyah Ahlil-Masa’ib, p.248)

Ad-Darda (radiyallahu anhu) said: “Everyone falls short of his wisdom and knowledge sometimes. If this life brought him an increase in money, he becomes happy and elated. Meanwhile, the nights and the days keep decreasing his life term, but he does not become sad on account of this decrease. What good will the increases in wealth bring, when the life-term is ever decreasing?” (As-Siyar, vol.19, p.483)

Yahya bin Muadh said: “I am amazed at he who grieves when he suffers a loss in wealth; why does he not grieve for the loss in his life term, as well?” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.41 [English translated version])

Al-Hasan said: “He whose wealth increases, his sins increase, and he whose speech multiplies, his lies multiply. He whose conduct becomes harsher, torments his own self.” (Kitab-us-Samt, p.85)

The attaining of happiness

Hasan Al-Basri said about this life: “I am amazed at those who were ordered to take provisions (At-Taqwah) and were told that the journey will commence soon (to the Hereafter), yet they play.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.42 [English translated version])

‘Ali (radiyallahu anhu) described the value of wealth and having many offspring as: “Goodness is not achieved when your wealth and offspring increase. Rather, goodness is achieved when your good deeds increase and your wisdom grows. There is no goodness in this life except for two types of people: a man who has committed mistakes so he rushes to repent from them, and a man who rushes to perform righteous good deeds. Certainly, acts of righteousness never bring a decrease, for how can the acts that Allah accepts ever cause loss?” (Sifatus-Safwan, vol.1, p.321)

Al-Hasan said: “By Allah! Anyone among mankind who earns abundance in his life but does not feel afraid that he is being tried and tested, then his deeds will decrease and his opinion will become obsolete. Whenever Allah withholds this life’s splendor from a Muslim slave, who thinks that he is allowed to excessively indulge in its delights, then know that he is being deprived because his good deeds have decreased and his opinion became obsolete.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.6, p.272)

An-Nu’man said: “We used to be among the mightiest people who had the strongest dynasties. One day, the sun sat, and we became the most humiliated among people. Whenever Allah fills a home with delight, He next fills it with tears.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.43 [English translated version])

“A man asked her (Hind bint An-Nu’man) about the details of what happened to them, when the King of Persia deprived them of their kingship and imprisoned her father until he died, after he used to be king of Iraq under control of Persia. She said: ‘One day, we woke up and whereas all Arabs would come to us for their needs, by nightfall all the Arabs fell pity for us.’” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.43 [English translated version])

“Ishaq bin Talhah said that when he visited Hurqah bint An-Nu’man one day, he asked her about the tales of the kings and the lessons that should be drawn from their fate. She stated: ‘What we enjoy today is better than we experienced yesterday. I read in early books that no household live in joy but will suffer tears later on, and that time will not show them a day that they like, without hiding another day for them that they will dislike.’” (Iddatus-Sabirin, p.326)

Umar bin Abdul Aziz said in a speech he gave: “You were created to remain forever, but will be transferred from one life to another. O Allah’s slaves, you now life in a life that contains food, but often brings pain in the throat while swallowing it, and contains drinks, but you often choke drinking. This life does not bring you a delight that comforts you, but takes away another delight, that you hate to lose. Therefore, work for the Life to come where you will end up for eternity.” (Al-Ihya, vol.3, p.288)

The gathering of this worldly life

Al-Hasan said: “Amazing is he who laughs, even though the Fire is in front of him, and feels elation, while death is awaiting him!” (Tanbihul-Ghafilin, vol.1, p.212)

“A man beseeched Sufyan Ath-Thawri, ‘Advise me.’ Sufyan said: “Work for this life as much as your stay in it will be and for the Hereafter as much as your stay in it will be, and peace be to you.’” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol. 7, p.56)

Shaddad bin ‘Amr said: “The Hereafter is a true promise in which the Al-Able King will rule Alone. This life is a present delight from which the righteous and the wicked eat. Verily, he who hears and obeys (Allah) will not be subject to blame, unlike he who hears and disobeys. Therefore, do not consider this life significant, for it does not leave anyone in it, intact. Also, do not reject all aspects of this life, for the good of the Hereafter is only achieved through this life.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.46 [English translated version])

‘Ubaid bin ‘Umair said: “Every slave whose wealth increases, then his reckoning will increase, as well. Every slave whose following increase, then his devils will increase, as well. Every slave who gets nearer to the authorities (tyrants), will draw himself farther from Allah.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.47 [English translated version])

‘Umar (radiyallahu anhu) said: “Woe to he to whom this life represents his hope and the sins are his deeds, whose appetite is tremendous, whose wisdom is minute, who has knowledge of this life but is ignorant of the Hereafter.” (Al-‘Aqibah, p.90)

“Umar (radiyallahu anhu) wrote to Abu Musa Al-Ashari these precious words: ‘You will not achieve the best deeds dedicated to the Hereafter better than by observing Zuhd in this life.’” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.49 [English translated version])

Abu Hazim said: “If the way to enter Paradise by abandoning all what one loves in this life, Paradise will still be worth the price. What about it if one might enter Paradise by leaving one part out of thousand parts of what one loves in life? What about it if one might be saved from the Fire by enduring one part out of a thousand parts of what he hates to endure in life?” (Tanbihul-Ghafilin, vol.1, p.85)

Al-Hasan said: “He among mankind who will receive the least reckoning on the Day of Judgment, is he who reckons his own self in the life of the world for Allah’s sake. He who contemplate his intentions and actions; if whatever he has intended is for Allah’s sake, he persists in it, otherwise he refrains from doing it. Verily, reckoning on the Day of Judgment becomes heavy for those who were hasty in this life and did not hold themselves accountable. They will find that Allah has counted their deeds, including what equals an atom.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.50 [English translated version])

Salman bin Dinar said: “Whatever you would like to accompany you in the Hereafter, plant it today, and whatever you hate to accompany you in the Hereafter, then abandon it today.” (Sifatus Sawfah, vol.2, p.166)

Yahya bin Mu’adh said in his will and testament: “The night is long, so do not make it shorter by excessive sleeping. The day is pure, so do not stain it by your sins. Be like a passerby in this life, realizing that leaving comes after a little rest and that moving along comes faster than the respite.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.51 [English translated version])

Shamit bin ‘Ajlan said: “Whoever saw death in front of his eyes will not be bothered by having a difficult or an easy life.” (Sifatus Safwah, vol.3, p.342)

Muhammad bin Sauqah said: “If we were only tested with these two characteristics, we would deserve the punishment: one of us becomes richer and he delight, even though Allah did not witness from him a delight like it before with regards to a religious blessing he earned. One of us suffers a loss and he grieves more so than whatever Allah witnessed from him of grief for a loss he suffered in his religion.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.5, p.4)

Muhammad bin Wasi’ asked: “If you see a man crying in Paradise, would you not be amazed at his crying?” He was answered in the affirmative. So he asked them again, “What is more amazing is he who laughs in this life, while utterly unaware where his final destination will be!” (Al-Ihya, vol.3, p.137)

Sa’id bin Mas’ud said: “If you see the slave feel content when his wealth increases and his Hereafter decreases, then know that he is the cheated one who is being toyed with his own face, but is unaware of what’s happening to him.” (Mukashafatul-Qulub, p.157)

Abu Hurairah (radiyallahu anhu) said: “You have not been truthful to yourselves, you wish for what you cannot reach, collect what you cannot consume and build what you cannot inhabit forever.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.52 [English translated version])

Abu Muhriz At-Tafawi said: “When I was still young, I complained to our servant of the difficult times I was experiencing at the time, and she said to me, ‘Young man! Hold to the might of feeling contentful so that you can save yourself from the disgrace of need. Know that often, what has become little will again become whole as it used to be’. Ever since she said that, I felt the blessing of feeling contentful.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.53 [English translated version])

The disgrace of this worldly life

Shu’aib bin Harb said: “Whoever seeks the life of the present world should prepare himself for humiliation. Whoever prepares himself for humiliation, he lets himself loose and does not hold it by its bridle to any limit. In this case, the lawful and unlawful will become the same to him, and so will acceptance and rejection; he will run after money and rush behind this life’s splendors.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.53 [English translated version])

Abu Hazim said: “I wish that one of you would be as protective of his religion as he is protective of his shoes!” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.53 [English translated version])

“Allah, the Lord of the worlds Who created everyone and everything made the hereafter the dwelling of Reckoning and Recompense. He ordered that the present life of the world be the dwelling of endurance, striving hard and earning good deeds. We should assert that one’s striving in this life does not only pertain to the deeds that are solely dedicated to the Day of Return, but also to permissible matters of livelihood that direct to the good of the Hereafter. Therefore, this life is like the farm and the path that one uses to reach the Hereafter.” (Al-Ihya, vol.2, p.69)

Yahya bin Mu’adh said: “Abandoning excesses in life is hard, but abandoning Paradise is harder. Know that the bridal-money of Paradise requires abandoning of this life.” (Tanbihul-Ghafilin, vol.1, p.85)

Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “For every happiness, there is a moment of grief that follows it; and every house that was filled with joy, will one time be filled with sadness.” (Tasliyah Ahlil-Masa’ib, p.15)

The portion of this worldly life

One of our Salaf said: “O son of Adam, you need your share from this life, but more so, you need your share in the Hereafter. If you take care of your share in this life first, you will lose your share in the Hereafter and will soon lose your share in this life, as well. If you take care of your share in the Hereafter first, you will also win your share in this life and enjoy it perfectly.” (Fada’il-udh-Dhikr, by Imam ibn Al-Jawziyyah, p.19)

Al-Hasan Al-Basri wrote to Caliph ‘Umar bin Abdul-Aziz: “This life is temporary and not permanent; Adam was sent down to it as punishment. Therefore, O Leader of the Faithful, beware of this life and know that the best provision pertains to abandoning excessive indulgence in it and that wealth pertains to being deprived of its splendor. This life always has its victims. It brings disgrace to those who are mighty in it and poverty to those who collect it with greed. Its parable is poisons: when one unknowingly eats the poison, he will die as a consequence. Therefore, be like a wounded man who nurses his wounds for a while for fear of extended repercussions and endures the bitterness of the medicine so that his illness is not prolonged. Beware of this deceiving life, for it cheats and lures people with its beauty. Life lures with its false adornments and deceives with its hopes. It has beautified itself for those who seek it in marriage and became just like the beautiful bride at whom the eyes stare, whom the hearts adore and the inner self covets. However, life kills all of its husbands. Yet, its current husbands do not take a lesson from the fate of her ex-husbands whom it killed, nor do the latter advise the surviving former against its danger. However covets life, satisfies his desire from it and becomes further deceived by his excessive indulgence in its affairs. He becomes a tyrant who forgets the Return (to Allah), until his feet are removed from this life, and consequently, his sorrow increases and his grief intensifies. He departs this life without sufficient provisions and is introduced to the Last Life without having firm foundation to rely on. Beware of this life, O Leader of the Faithful! Even when you feel more delight in it as ever before, you should be more aware of it as ever before. Whenever owners of life’s splendor feel comfortable in this life, it is followed with an affliction. What seems delightful in this life is connected to hardship, and whatever is though permanent, is bound to vanish. The joys of this Life are mixed with sadness. Whatever leaves it never comes back and whatever is to come is unknown, so awaiting for it does not avail. Its wishes are unreal, its hopes are false, its core is impure and its essence is encompassed by grief. Verily, the son of Adam is always in danger from this life while still in it. Life was offered to your Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with its keys and treasures, but he refused to accept it. He dislike to covet what Allah does not prefer, or to elevate what His King has made lowly. It is Allah Who kept life’s splendor away from the righteous as a test for them and gave its abundance to His enemies as a trial from Him. It was reported that Allah the Exalted and Most Honored said to Moses (pbuh) ‘If you see riches coming, say, ‘this is on account of a sin for which the punishment is sent sooner rather than later.’ If you see poverty coming, say, ‘Welcome, O sign of the righteous.’” (Iddatus-Sabirin, p.331)

Malik bin Dinar said: “People of this life (everyone except the faithful Muslim believers) have departed it without tasting its most delightful part.” When asked what life’s most delightful part is, he said, “Knowing Allah, the Exalted.” (Madarijus-Salikin, vol.2, p.233)

Wuhaib bin Al-Ward said: “Zuhd in this life pertains to avoiding feeling sorrow for whatever of its splendor that you have missed or feeling joy for whatever of its splendor that Allah has granted you.” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.8, p.140)

“Make your seeking some aspects of this life based on your need, make your thoughts concentrated on drawing lessons, and rush to ensure your Hereafter. Perform the deeds of someone who is preparing to travel, for death gradually directs you to a day which you will never miss.” (Adab-ud-Dunya wad-Din, p.122)

‘Ali (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) wrote to Abdullah bin ‘Abbas (radiyAllahu ‘anhu): “Man feels sad when he does not acquire what was not destined of him, but delights at earning what would not have missed him. You’ Abdullah, should feel delight for what you have performed for your Hereafter, grieve for the part of your life you wasted and feel disinterest in whatever splendor you acquire in this life. Dedicate your vitality at what will come after death (perform the actions that will ensure your safety from Allah’s torment by His Mercy).” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.59 [English translated version])

Ibrahim At-Taimi said: “Not much time has passed between you and the people (the Companions of the Messenger of Allah [pbuh]), life came to them with its splendor, but they ran away from it. You, however followed it even though it did not come to you.” (Sifatus-Safwah vol.3, p.90)

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said about the companions and leaders of the second generation of Islam, the Tabi’in , and he was one of them: “I met some people who would not rejoice at the splendor of life when it came to them, nor dedicate their attention to any part of it that went away from them. This life was as worthless in their eyes as dust. One of them lived for fifty or sixty years during which he only owned the clothes that he wore, did not have a barrier between his body and the floor when he slept, and did not ask his family to cook a dish of food for him. When night came, they would be standing and then laying their foreheads on the floor (in Sujud [prostration]), with tears running down their cheeks.They begged their Lord to free their necks (from the Fire). Whenever they performed a good deed, they appreciated Allah for it and sked Him in supplication to accept it. Whenever they commited an error, they felt sad and begged Allah to forgive it for them, may Allah’s mercy and pleasure be on them. By Allah! They were not saved from the repercussions and evil consequences of sins, except through Allah’s forgiveness.” (Al-Ihya, vol.4, p.239)

Abu Ad-Darda (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “I love poverty in humbleness to my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored, I love death in eagerness to meeting my Lord, the Exalted and Most Honored, and love illness as an eradicator for my sins (for the illnesses that Allah tests His believing slaves with erase their sins and elevated their grade with Him).” (Az-Zuhd, p.217)

One of our Salaf said: “I am amazed at he who knows that death is certain, yet he rejoices. I am amazed at he who knows that (the) Fire is true, yet he laughs. I am amaze at he who witnesses how life changes the condition of its people, yet he feels safe in it. I am amazed at he who knows that Predestination is true, yet he tires himself (seeking the worldly pleasures).” (Mukashafatul-Qulub, p.157)

Abu Bakr Al-Marwadhi said: “I visited Ahmad bin Hanbal and asked him how he was and he replied, ‘Like he whose Lord has ordered him to fulfill the boligations, whose Prophet (pbuh) commands him to practice the Sunnah and the two angels (the ones on the right and left that record the deeds) demand that he corrects his actions. However, his heart seeks fulfillment of its desires and Iblis lures him to commit evil sins. Meanwhile, the Angel of Death is waiting to capture his soul and his children demand that he spend on them.’” (Said-ul Khatir, p.212)

Siyar Abul-Hakam said: “Rejoicing in this life and feeling grief in anticipation for the Hereafter are never combined in one’s heart. If one of them resides in the heart, the other departs it.” (Sifatus-Safwah, vol.3, p. 13)

A wise man said: “How can someone rejoice in this life when his day consumes a part of his month, and his current month consumes a part of his year, and his current year consumes a part of his life? How can one rejoice when his life is passing through its stages towards its end, whereto his life will end in his death?” (Jami’ul-Ulum wal-Hikam, p.381)

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “While the nights and days pass, you will suffer loss in your life term, but your deeds will be fully recorded. Death comes all of a sudden, and he who has planted goodness, will soon harvest delights; while he who has planted evil, will soon harvest sorrow. Surely, for every farmer, the harvest comes from the seed that he has planted. Verily, he who is slow (with regards to performing acts of obedience to Allah) will not become faster on account of his wealth, while a miser will not attain more than what was destined for him. He who was given a bounty, then Allah has given it to him, while he who was saved from an evil, Allah has saved him from it. Verily, the chiefs are those who fear Allah, and the leaders are those who have knowledge in the religion; sitting with them offers sure benefit.” (As-Siyar, vol. 1, p.497)

The determination of the believer

Abu Ad-Darda (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “I used to be a merchant before Islam, but when Islam came I tried to practice the acts of worship, as well as being a merchant. When I could not combine both, I dedicated myself to worship (of Allah) and abandoned trade.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.67 [English translated version])

The everlasting eternity

Dear Muslims, contemplate the everlasting life in Paradise, where there are only delights and no sadness, joys without end and where the believers are given whatever they wish and more. Paradise, where there are delights that no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard the like of them, nor a heart ever imagined. These delights will never perish or spoil, not even when millions of years and tens of millions of years have passed. The Hereafter is the Life Eternal, which will come after one spends his term in the life of the present world. And how significant is a life term that rarely surpasses a hundred years, a third of which is spent when one is a child and thirty years after, and if one reaches the age of seventy spend in weakness and feebleness? A half of what is left of one’s term is spent in sleep, and some of it is spent in eating, drinking and working to earn a living. Only a small part of it is spent in the acts of worship, so is it worth it to buy the Life which is eternal with the little time one spends in worship? Verily those who do not rush to accept this trade have been cheated in their minds and truly imperfect faith in Allah’s Promise. (Said-ul Khatir, by IBn Al-Jawzi, p.452)

Abu Hazim Salamah bin Dinar said: “ Whatever has passed of this life is just like a dream and whatever is left of It is just a hope.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.69 [English translated version])

“We sought four traits, but did not achieve them because we did not seek them from their rightful resources; we sought richness in money, but richness is in contentment. We sought comfort in abundant, but comfort is really in having little. We sought honor in good mannerism (not for the sake of Allah), but honor lies in the Taqwah. We sought delight in food and clothes, but delight is in modesty and Islam.” ( Tanbihul-Ghafilin, by Nasr As-Samarqandi, p.128)

‘Ata Al-Khurasani once said: “I do not recommend you to take care of your life, for surely, you indeed take care of your life for which you are eager and protective! I recommend you to take care of your Hereafter, so take provisions from the perishable life to the Life Eternal. Consider yourselves having departed this life, and by Allah, you will surely depart it. Consider yourselves having tasted death, and by Allah, you will surely taste it. Consider that you have already arrived at the Hereafter, and by Allah, you will surely arrive at it.” (Sifatus-Safwah, by Ibn Al-JAwzi, vol.4, p.151)

Al-Balkhi said: “People utter three statements that they have incorporated in their life: they say that they are Allah(s slaves yet they work as free men do. This contradicts their statement. They say that Allah provides them with sustenance, yet their hearts are never content except by collecting the traits of this life and earning its splendor. This contradicts their statement. They say that there is no escaping death, yet they work as if they will never die. This contradicts their statement.” (Mukashafatul-Qulub, p.35)

The worldly life is fleeing

‘Ali (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said in a speech he gave: “Verily, the life of the present world has almost faded away and is near its end. Verily, the Hereafter has started its trek and has almost arrived. Verily, the track is set up today, whereas the race will be conducted tomorrow, to Paradise. Even though the awaited end is death, you are still enjoying a respite and after that there is an appointed fixed term that leads to horrors. He who works (righteous deeds) during the days of respite, before his term ends, then during the days of respite, before his term ends, then his work will benefit him and his hopes and wishes will not harm him and his works will grieve him.” ( Al-Aqibah fi Dhikri Al-Maut wal-Akhirah, by Imam Abu Muhammad, Abdul Haqq Al-Ashbilli, p.64)

Abu Hazim Salamah bin Dinar said: “Allah’s favor that He deprived me of much of this life’s splendor, is greater than what He has given of it. This is because I saw those whom He gave substantial wealth, and they were destroyed on its account (they became tyrants, spent their wealth in the disobedience of Allah).” (Hilyatul-Awliya, vol.3, p.233)

Dhun-Nun Al-Misri said: “The body’s weakness comes from illnesses, while the heart’s weakness comes from sins. And just as the body does not taste the delights of food when it is ill, the heart does not taste the delights of worship when it is sinful.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.72 [English translated version])

Salman Al-Farisi said: “Three characteristics amazed me and made me laugh, and three characteristics saddened me and made me cry. As for the former three, they are: he who greedily wises to acquire the things of life, even though death is pursuing hi; a heedless person, even though he is not left without being watched, for nothing escapes Allah’s Perfect Watch; and one who laughs, even though he does not know if the Lord of all that exists is angry or pleased with him. As for the three that saddened me until I cried, they are: missing the company of Muhammad (pbuh) and the loved ones, in the reference to the Companions who died before and after the Prophet died, during the lifetime of Salman al-Farisi, the stance before Allah the Exalted, and not knowing if I will be ordered to Paradise or Fire.” (Al-Aqibah, p.64)

Abu Dawud al-Sijistani described Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal as such: “I never heard Ahmad bin Hanbal mention the matters of the life of the present world.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.74 [English translated version])

Hammad said to Dawud at-Ta’I: “O Abu Sulaiman, you are content with the little provisions you have.” He said, “Should I tell you about he who accepted less than what I accepted for myself, he who accepted this entire life instead of the Hereafter?” (Sifatus Safwah, vol.3, p.141)

Bishr bin al-Harith said: “Every person who loves this life hates to meet death, while those who are disinterested in this life would love to meet their Lord.” (As-Siyar, vol.10, p.476)

Sa’id bin Abdul-Aziz said: “He who has done good, should hope for the reward. He who has done evil, should not be shocked at receiving the punishment. He who has acquired might unjustly, then Allah will justly bring disgrace to him. He who has collected wealth unlawfully, then Allah will justly bring poverty to him.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.75 [English translated version])

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said: “The Faqih (who has knowledge in the religion), is he who is disinterested in this life, eager for the Last Life, has knowledge in the religion, often worships his Lord, refrains from breaching the honor of Muslims and from unjustly acquiring their wealth and sincerely advises them.” (Mukhtasar Minhajil-Qasidin, by Imam Ahmad bin Muhammad Al-Maqdisi, p.21)

“Know that wealth does not determine happiness or bring comfort in life. There are many wealthy people who increase in sadness and grief, as their wealth increases. Only a few of them are comfortable because they spend on their needs without extravagance and use their money to protect their honor from needing people’s help. They never complain and always use their wealth in Allah’s obedience. I know of some wealthy people who, if they wish to pay the Zakat due in their wealth, would sustain several thousand families. Yet, they often complain to me that they feel distressed and alone, for their life is void of happiness and full of various troubles and concerns. I also know of a man whose job is to call to the Adhan in the mosque, he is not wealthy and lives in a house owned by the mosque that he works at. He has many children to support, yet, all praise is due to He who grants contentment to whom he wills, he is content and works in the obedience of Allah. Surely, Allah uses whom He wills in His service and brings whomever He wills closer to His Mercy.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.76 [English translated version])

The approaching worldly life

Malik ad-Dari said that Caliph ‘Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu), placed four hundred dinars in a cloth and said to his servant: “Take this money to Abu ‘Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah (radiyAllahu ‘anhu), then wait a little while in his house to see how he spends it.” Umar’s servant went to Abu ‘Ubaidah and said to him, “Leader of the Faithful says to you that you should spend this money on your needs.” Abu ‘Ubaidah said, “May Allah keep relations with him and grant him mercy.” Anu ‘Ubaidah said to his servant, “Take this seven dinars to so and so…” until he gave all the money that was given to him by ‘Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) Umar’s servant went back to him and told what happened, and found that ‘Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) had prepared another amount for Mu’adh bin Jabal (radiyAllahu ‘anhu). Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) said: “Take this money to Mu’adh bin Jabal and remain in his house for a little while to see how he spends it.” Umar’s servant took the money and went to Mu’adh saying to him, “Leader of the faithful says that you should spend this money on your needs.” Mu’adh asked Allah to keep relation with ‘Umar and frant him mercy, then said to his servant, “Take this amount for the house of so and so, and this amount for the house of so and so,…” His wife came along and said to him, “By Allah, we are poor too, so give us some money.” Muadh (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) had only two dinars left, and he gave the money to his wife. Umar’s servant went back to ‘Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu), and told him what happened. ‘Umar (radiyAllahu ‘anhu) commented, “They are brethren, similar to each other.” (Life is a Fading Shadow, by Abdul-Malik Muhammad ibn Abdul Rahman al-Qasim, p.78 [English translated version])

Al Hasan said: “Allah the Exalted has ordained the acts of obedience, and helps one perform them, and has forbidden the acts of disobedience, and helps one avoid them. Work as much as you feel able to endure the blazing Fire, and know that you have no excuse if you end up in it.” (Az-Zuhd Al-Fa’ih, p.95)

At-Taimi said: “Two things prevented me from enjoying life’s delight: remembering death and remembering the stand before Allah.” ( Al-‘Aqibah, p.39)

The worst of people in grief

سورة الفرقان

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Surat Al-Furqan

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 وَهُوَ الَّذِي جَعَلَ لَكُمُ اللَّيْلَ لِبَاسًا وَالنَّوْمَ سُبَاتًا وَجَعَلَ النَّهَارَ نُشُورًا (47)

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And it is He who has made the night for you as clothing and sleep [a means for] rest and had made the day a resurrection.

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وَهُوَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلَ الرِّيَاحَ بُشْرًا بَيْنَ يَدَيْ رَحْمَتِهِ وَأَنْزَلْنَا مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً طَهُورًا (48)

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This is Sheikh Ahmad Musa Jibril’s Tawheed Course with The Three Fundamental Principles. These classes are the beginning of an entire ‘Alim program by him, insha'Allah.

There is no registration process as the classes are free for everyone. To study all you have to do is follow along in these classes.

At times quizzes or tests will be given out which will be announced on Facebook & Twitter. When the course is completed a final exam will be sent out. Those who followed along the classes and successfully pass will be issued a signed certificate of completing the program.

I have made it easier to make notes, I’ve made sure that the transcription document is displayed alongside the video. This helps me a lot when making notes, I hope it helps you and makes things easy for you. The transcription document is completed till class 37, this is the latest transcription document. May Allah reward the brothers/sisters who made this possible.

If Allah Wills (Quran 18:23-24)

Madinah Arabic App – Excellent One !!

As received Assalaamu’alaykum wa rahmatullaah wa barakaatuh السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته Madinah Arabic App Designed and Developed by Digital Jalebi Durus al-Lughathul Arabiyyah, is a compact Arabic Course in Three Parts for learners whose mother tongue is not Arabic. It is designed to teach Classical Arabic with Islamic Orientation along with the diction used in Modern Arabic. It is widely…

Marital Advice

“The rights of the spouses in the marital home begins when the two spouses embark upon one boat in the sea of life, and life is a sea of colliding waves, there are winds, there are delights to rejoice in, there are sorrows to grieve over and there is anger and happiness. Thus the ship requires cooperation from those aboard it and abundant means of safety upon it in order for the spouses to sail with ease, happiness and safety to the abode of the next life for which we pray to Allaah that it will be the paradise of the Lord of all that exists.” .