Each day, you will be amongst people you have known before and mingle with many others you are not accustomed to. Have it in mind that they will see the example of a Muslim in you. So make sure they see in you the best example and the finest image in. order for them to understand that the word 'Muslim' embodies virtue' and nobility. Allah has asked you to proclaim proudly:
"Verily, I am commanded to serve Allah with sincere devotion; and I am commanded to be the first of those who submit to Allah in Islam .... I would if I disobeyed my Lord, indeed have fear of the chastisement of a Mighty Day.... it is Allah I serve, with my sincere (and exclusive) devotion ...." (Q39:11-14).
EXCEL: After the above recognition and proclamation, the next thing is to excel in your observance of Allah in all your dealings. Understand that He keeps watch over you, sees you and encompasses all that is of concern to you -wherever you are. Indeed:
"Allah sees well all that they do" (Q3:163)
for He is "never absent (at any time or place)" (Q7:7).
So, know that whenever heart is conscious of Allah's observance, it will never be approached by Shay tan, the accursed. Hence, consolidate your heart with devotion to Allah and be vigilant of your surroundings and do not be among the unmindful multitude.
PERFORM: One sure way of staying away from the multitude is to perform the obligatory duties which Allah has enjoined upon you, at their appointed times. .Do not neglect them by relying on performing them at a later time because you are busy with work, in some company or other excuses. This isa deception of your own self and of your own whim against which Allah warns you
" ...nor follow you the lust (of your heart), for it will mislead you from the path of Allah"(Q38:26).
Be steadfast in salaat and acts of good deed and do not be lazy in performing your obligatory duties for they are Allah's right over you and they draw you nearer to Allah but away from the multitude:
"My servants. draws not near to me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him ... " (Hadith Qudsi/Bukhari).
UPEREROGATORY: Spend whatever time you can in performing voluntary works as duties of obedience. When the multitude are heading for a concert show or he dinner party, stand up during the night in vigil, perform the sunna prayers, observe the voluntary fasts, increase your recitation of the Glorious Qur'an with deliberation and understanding so that your soul is healed and your heart is comforted. Continue your remembrance of Allah and
"let your tongue remain busy constantly in the remembrance of Allah"
as Rasulullah (PBUH) advised Abudullah ibn Busr (Tirmidhi), Increase your appeal for forgiveness and the praising of Allah for it is a shining light away from the dark depths of the multitude.
PLEASURES OF THE WORLD: In the delights of life and pleasures of the world, you will see that which inclines the heart, impresses the mind, attracts the eye and comforts the weak spirit. Do not allow these to take you away from your height and cause you to forget the hereafter. Remember the warning of Allah:
"(Do not) strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them, "the splendor of the life of this world, through which We test them: but the provision of your Lord is better ad more enduring. Enjoin prayer on your people and be constant therein ... " (Q20:131-132).
Be aware that although the multitude of men values these pleasures of this world, they do not weigh the wing of a gnat nor do they lead to honour or virtue in the sight of Allah.
HARAM/HALAL: Be very careful of the multitude. What Allah has made haram (unlawful) for the select few (the believers), these people consider it halal (lawful). Hence when they commit a haram (unlawful) act, they will feel neither absurd nor will they refrain from perpetuating it. Take care not to follow their whims nor mix with them in their sins. The multitude of men have made zina (fornication and adultery), hugging and pecking the unrelated opposite sex, drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, gambling and other acts of vanity and evil lawful for themselves although Allah's Messenger (PBUH)
"commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good (and pure) and prohibits them from what is bad (and impure) ... " (Q7:157).
ENCOMPASS:
"And Allah has full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not" (Q12:21).
Encompass with knowledge, the affairs of the multitude and then with an eye of insight, scrutinise them all. You will find in the multitude a group of people displaying their ignorance about Allah, dishonouring the Prophet (PBUH), faulting the Qur'an and disgracing fellow Muslims. Do not be with such people until they turn to a different theme (Q4:140).
Finally, use the commendable character you've achieved in Ramadan, the perfection of yourself and your straight manners to teach what being a Muslim means. You will find it more fruitful and beneficial. May Allah make it easy for us. (Amin)
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited