One time a scholar asked one of his students, "You have spent a long time with me, what have you learned?" He said I learned eight things:
Love Your Deeds First
I looked to the creation. Everyone has a loved one. When he goes to the grave, he leaves his loved one.Therefore, I made my loved one my good deeds; that way, they will be with me in the grave.
Restrain Your Lust
Second, I looked into the verse, "But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from lust," therefore, I struggled against my desires so I could stay obeying Allah.
Devote All You Have To Allaah
Third, I saw that if anyone has something with him that is worth something, he will protect it. Then I thought about the verse,"That which you have is wasted away, and that which is with Allah remains, therefore, everything worth something with me I devoted to Him so it would be with Him for me.
Honour is in Taqwa
Fourth, I saw the people seeking wealth, honour and positions and it was not worth anything to me. Then I thought about Allaahs words, "Lo, the noblest of you in the sight of Allaah is the most aware of Allaah", so I did my best to become aware of Allaah in order to gain nobility in his sight.
Leave Jealousy
Fifth, I saw the people being jealous towards each other and I looked at the verse, "We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world", so I left jealousy.
Make Shaytan Your Only Enemy
Sixth, I saw the people having enmity and I thought about the verse, "Lo, the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy", so I left enmity and I took the Shaytan as my only enemy.
Do Not Debase Yourself
Seventh, I saw them debasing themselves in search of sustenance and I thought about the verse, "And there's not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof is on Allaah", so I kept myself busy with my responsibilities toward Him and I left my property with Him.
Put Your Trust in Allaah
Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse, "And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, He will suffice him", therefore, I put my trust only on Allaah.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited