Perharps one of the things you have never been able to do is finding time to share with your spouse. The Prophet (PBUH) was so busy with the affairs of the state, yet he still found time for his wife's amusement and enjoyment. Once, he allowed some. Abyssinians to display their skill with spears in his mosque and he let his wife, Aisha had her fill of the show. Aisha herself narrated the event:
"The Messenger' of Allah (PBUH): covered me with his cloak while I watched tire Abysinnicans play in the mosque, they then stood: (in his place) for my sake until I was the one who got tired, so (you can) estimate the time a young: girl eager for amusement would wait (and he stayed that long).” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Disease: PRIDE
Pride is the first Sill ever committed (by Shaytan). Pride breeds disobedience (to Allah) and it is of two kinds- open and secret. Secret pride is the feeling of superiority (Kibr). When it is expressed in actions, it is called open pride or Takabbar. Self-conceit is the root of pride; it is self-contentment in the thinking that one is superior to others. Appreciation of one's own quality is not by itself pride but pride sets in when that appreciation is combined with a firm belief and joy that one is superior to others.
Symptoms
The first sign of pride is expressed by conducts such as looking askance, sitting cross-legged and walking with proud gait. A proud man does not walk alone. he likes that others should follow rum. If a poor person sits by him, he does not allow him to come close. A proud man finds it difficult to do menial chores even in his household. To diagnose pride in you, put on ordinary dress carry your necessary things from the market, accept invitation of the poor (if you are rich) and when you meet your friends or other persons, give them high or front places to sit. If your nature rebels against any of these, know that you have got pride in you so act swiftly!
Causes
The first cause of pride is education because the learned easily takes to pride because of his knowledge. He thinks himself the most respectable person while others are illiterate and ignorant. Another cause of pride is that of pedigree, family and ancestry. One who is honourable in pedigree and ancestry holds another in contempt though the latter might be superior to him in divine service and education. Beauty (especially in women) is another cause of pride. Wealth and riches also build up pride and so does physical strength and power
Effect
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
"Whosoever has got pride in his heart to the weigh of an atom shall not enter Paradise." (Muslim).
A proud man cannot love for others what he loves for himself as there is pride in him. He cannot give up hatred, he cannot stand on truth for
"pride is disdaining what is true and despising people" (Abu Dawud);
he cannot control anger and he cannot accept admonitions or criticism all because pride exists in him.
Cure
Pride cannot be removed by mere wish but by proper treatment. It requires that its causes have to be removed. Overcoming pride requires knowledge and action at the same time. A knowledge of self reveals that man was nothing before and came into being from a dirty fluid:
"We created man from a drop mingled sperm in order to try him" (Q76:2).
He will eventually be food for maggot in the grave, and this thought should humble rum. The knowledge of Allah also makes a man appreciate that pride is fit only to Allah.
Treatment based on actions is to conduct oneself with humility before the people and to follow the manner of the humble and the modest:
"Swell not your cheeks (for pride) at men. Nor walk in insolence through the earth: for Allah loves not any arrogant boaster" (Q31: 18).
In specific term, if your pedigree or family is your source of pride, know that you are claiming respect which belongs to another person - your fore-father, so who are you? If it's beauty, what about the stinking urine, and stool and blood that comes from under you? Strength? A few minute of severe headache is enough to make you the most miserable of men.
Heed the Prophet's advice:
"If anyone dies free from pride, he will enter Paradise" (Tirmidhi);
check your pride now!
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited