Do not get stuck in thoughts about the past
We will not busy ourselves in worries about the past. Let us remain devoted to striving forward on the path of Allah. This is very important, because every moment takes me closer to the grave. Why should I waste time on thoughts that bring no benefit?!
Whatever to do, see whether Allah is pleased
True benefit lies in being mindful of what should be done and what should be avoided in the present; act (worship, deeds, work, etc.) only if there is benefit. For example: helping someone in a way that pleases Allah; think of something that please Allah; speak the words that please Allah. Refrain from responding to any call to action that would displease Allah; avoid thoughts or plans that would displease Him; and keep away from associating or conversing with people (or in situations) where Allah would be angered.
Our Beloved Prophet ﷺ said (meaning): Speak good, and you will gain reward; and remain silent from evil speech; you will be safe. Hakim, Tabarani
Let us become people of gratitude (shukr)
Everyone has countless blessings—so many that even thanking Allah for a single one can never truly be accomplished. When a person becomes grateful, striving to attain the pleasure of Allah becomes easier.
Abandon unnecessary actions is essential
We must give up unnecessary activities. Many sins occur within unnecessary actions. A sin is a sin—yet there are some sins that people do not even consider to be sins. These are extremely dangerous.
For example, among us are those who, even after finding the path of Allah, have not purified their thoughts regarding their Muslim brothers (or sisters). That is, one may feel that they themselves have found the right path, but they forget that this was only possible through Allah’s special mercy—not through any personal merit. As a result, they spend time fault-finding, exposing the shortcomings of other Muslim brothers, and even belittling them. This is a very bad habit for a Muslim!
Belittling others leads to arrogance
Sayyiduna Mu‘adh radiallahuanhu narrated that the Beloved Prophet ﷺ said (meaning): Whoever mocks or taunts his Muslim brother for a sin, will not die until he himself commits that same sin. Tirmidhi
Belittling others has become a widespread disease today! Yet this is clear arrogance, and arrogance is a vile and strictly forbidden act.
We may believe that our own path and understanding are correct—and indeed, the path of following the religion is indeed correct. Believing the correct path (that is, Allah’s Shariah) to be true is necessary. But based on that, considering oneself superior and treating others with contempt is never right. Islam never teaches that if you are upon the truth, you may belittle others. Rather, Islam teaches brotherhood and love. Indeed, arrogance proves that a person is near destruction even though he seems to be on the right path!
Everyone must live as brothers. If I am walking on the path of Allah and someone else is not, then—if there is opportunity—I should explain gently and with compassion. Where discipline is required, discipline may be applied within limits. But one must never consider oneself superior or the best. We are all brothers.
Even if there are differences of opinion in fundamental matters of Shariah, we are still not exempted from two responsibilities: avoiding actions that create discord (fitnah) in society, and keeping our own hearts pure. Careless comments, sarcasm, or remarks can cause fitnah, destroy brotherhood, and pollute the heart.
Extremism in any matter is inappropriate. Everyone has specific responsibilities that must be fulfilled. Muslims must live with one another as brothers. Being desperate to “correct” others is not right, just as it is not right to look at others with hatred or to harbor malice. Creating bitterness without proper knowledge or understanding is an even worse act.
Caution is also necessary in dealings with non-Muslims
Islam has taught proper conduct toward non-Muslims. Their evil actions are indeed evil, but based on those actions we do not know with certainty what their final outcome will be. We do not even know our own final outcome! Therefore, we must understand whether our dislike is truly for the sake of Allah, and whether the expression of that dislike is in accordance with the Sunnah.
Non-Muslims observe the character (akhlaq) of Muslims. Many have even become Muslims after being impressed. Muslims and non-Muslims can live together in the same society, engage in transactions, and even do business together. A Muslim should not be influenced by the character, behavior, or actions of non-Muslims; rather, through his own character, behavior, and actions, he should influence them.
How powerful is the effect of Allah’s mercy! Most of us have not fully realized it. Today, many people in the West are coming under the shade of Islam. The main reason is not verbal preaching, sermons, lectures, or books alone. The main reason is the beauty of Islam. Throughout history, the light of Islam has spread through the manifestation of its beauty. Verbal da‘wah, sermons, lectures, and books are certainly effective and beneficial—but the influence of character is far more effective and beneficial.
Those who, by Allah’s mercy, have truly dedicated themselves to illuminating their lives with the beauty of Islam are the ones who will succeed. By Allah’s mercy, they did not become arrogant; they became humble. They expressed gratitude. As a result, even many of their enemies became their friends.
To be exemplary, we must follow the Example Bearers
Let us strive to become good Muslims. Let us strive to become role models.
Purification through repentance has two dimensions: personal or spiritual development, and improvement in social conduct. Reform and continuous improvement in both are essential, because none of us can live isolated from society.
Allah’s mercy certainly exists—but I must make myself worthy of receiving it (meaning, I must strive and make effort to attain Allah’s mercy). That is why strong and consistent striving on the path of Allah is necessary.
By studying how Allah’s righteous servants lived throughout history—their character, conduct, and the way their thoughts were formed—we understand that they illuminated themselves with the pure teachings of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ. They did not stop at gaining knowledge alone; they acted upon it. In this way, they became worthy of being followed, mashaAllah.
O Allah! We also want to walk on Your path. Guide us on the path shown by Your Messenger ﷺ—the path upon which the noble Companions radiallahuanhum walked and set magnificent examples of success, and upon which those who came after them became deserving of Your reward. Guide us upon that very path. Aameen.
