hidden gems-mustafa umar

8/6/2019 Hidden Gems-Mustafa Umar

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Hidden Gems

PRACTICAL WISDOM FROM THEPROPHET OF ISLAM

Compilation & Commentary by:

Mustafa UmarAssoc. Director Islamic Society of Corona-Norco


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Mustafa Umar, 2009

All rights reserved. This publication may beduplicated and distributed with the expresspermission of the author.

Edited by: Sean IqbalCover & Layout: Faiz Dadabhoy

Printed in the USA


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In the name of God,the Compassionate,

the MercifulThis booklet is a selection of the sayings ofMuhammad, the last Messenger of God sent

to guide mankind.

The wisdom of a Prophet is not like that ofany other man. It is revealed by the All Wiseand All Knowing, while human thoughts areconfined by the limitations of the intellect.

Every saying in this booklet has been selectedwith the following considerations:

Usefulness in everyday life Straightforwardness


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Brevity Ability to be easily memorized and

referenced

These brief words of wisdom provide solu-tions to common problems that frequently

occur throughout life.

Therefore, it is recommended that the mean-ings be memorized, if possible, or at leastkept nearby for reference purposes.

A brief explanation follows each saying in

order to:

Restate the point of wisdom in differentwords


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Extract other lessons that may not be

directly apparent upon a casual reading

All sayings are authentically attributed to theProphet and references to the sources areprovided with the Arabic text.

May God allow us to benefit from thesetimeless gems of wisdom.


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Table of Contents

Gem 1: The Natural Religion 1

Gem 2: Excel in Everything 2Gem 3: Maintain Good Conduct 3Gem 4: Dont Overfill Your Stomach 3

Gem 5: Dont Criticize Food 5Gem 6: Beware of Extravagance and Arrogance 6Gem 7: Dont Be a Slave to Money 7Gem 8: Fear Excessive Luxury 7Gem 9: Wealth Is a Test 9

Gem 10: Appreciate What You Have

10Gem 11: True Wealth Is Contentment 11Gem 12: Choose Your Friends Carefully 12Gem 13: Dont Be Selfish 13Gem 14: Be Sincere 13Gem 15: Guide Others to Good 14Gem 16: Create Positive Change 15

Gem 17: Control Your Anger 16Gem 18: Avoid the Irrelevant 17

Gem 19: Watch Your Tongue 18Gem 20: Dont Laugh Excessively 19

Gem 21: Dont Forget God 20


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Gem 22: Dont Speak Ill of Others 21Gem 23: Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt 23Gem 24: Think Before You Speak 24

Gem 25: Learn From Your Mistakes 25Gem 26: Seize the Day 26

Gem 27: What Goes Around Comes Around 27Gem 28: Dont Exaggerate 28Gem 29: God Wants You to Make Effort 28

Gem 30: Whats Done Is Done 30Gem 31: True Worship 31Gem 32: Life Is a Test 32Gem 33: The Believer Never Loses 33Gem 34: True Wisdom Is to Prepare for Death 34

Gem 35: Life Is a Journey 35Gem 36: Its Whats Inside That Counts 36Gem 37: True Superiority Is in Piety 37Gem 38: Cleanliness Counts 38Gem 39: Build Good Habits 39Gem 40: The Insignificance of This World 40


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1

The Natural Religion

Every child is born with a natural disposEvery child is born with a natural disposEvery child is born with a natural disposEvery child is born with a natural disposi-i-i-i-

tion towards the truth buttion towards the truth buttion towards the truth buttion towards the truth but his parentshis parentshis parentshis parentsthen make him a Jew, a Christian, or a firethen make him a Jew, a Christian, or a firethen make him a Jew, a Christian, or a firethen make him a Jew, a Christian, or a fireworshipper.worshipper.worshipper.worshipper.

All people have a natural inclination to be-lieve in one God and accept His true reli-gion, but external influences divert them andlead them astray.


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2

Excel in Everything You Do

God has prescribed excellence in everGod has prescribed excellence in everGod has prescribed excellence in everGod has prescribed excellence in every-y-y-y-thing you do.thing you do.thing you do.thing you do.

All actions, even seemingly insignificantones, should be performed completely andproperly.


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3

Maintain Good Conduct

The best of you have the best conduct.The best of you have the best conduct.The best of you have the best conduct.The best of you have the best conduct.

Behave properly, because good conduct is ameasure of inward excellence.

Dont Overfill Your Stomach


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A mA mA mA man doesnt fill any vessel worsean doesnt fill any vessel worsean doesnt fill any vessel worsean doesnt fill any vessel worse thanthanthanthanhis own stomach. Small meals that keephis own stomach. Small meals that keephis own stomach. Small meals that keephis own stomach. Small meals that keepthe back straight are sufficient. If thatthe back straight are sufficient. If thatthe back straight are sufficient. If thatthe back straight are sufficient. If thatisnt possible then keep a third for food, aisnt possible then keep a third for food, aisnt possible then keep a third for food, aisnt possible then keep a third for food, a

third for drink, and a third for space tothird for drink, and a third for space tothird for drink, and a third for space tothird for drink, and a third for space tobreathe.breathe.breathe.breathe.

An amount of food that is enough to keepthe body healthy is sufficient. Refrain fromovereating because it is unhealthy and leadsto many other problems.


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5

Dont Criticize Food

The ProphetThe ProphetThe ProphetThe Prophet never criticized any food. Ifnever criticized any food. Ifnever criticized any food. Ifnever criticized any food. Ifhe liked something he ate it and if he dihe liked something he ate it and if he dihe liked something he ate it and if he dihe liked something he ate it and if he dis-s-s-s-liked it he left it for others.liked it he left it for others.liked it he left it for others.liked it he left it for others.

Different people naturally have differenttastes. However, there is no need to com-plain if you dont get what you want.


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6

Beware of Extravagance

and Arrogance

Eat, drink,Eat, drink,Eat, drink,Eat, drink, dressdressdressdress,,,, and spend,and spend,and spend,and spend, withwithwith with neitherneitherneitherneitherextravaganceextravaganceextravaganceextravagance nnnnor arrogance.or arrogance.or arrogance.or arrogance.

Extravagance is wastefulness while arroganceblinds from the truth.


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7

Dont Be a Slave to Money

Cursed is the slave of gold and silver.Cursed is the slave of gold and silver.Cursed is the slave of gold and silver.Cursed is the slave of gold and silver.

Money has an inherent attraction that canenslave people and ruin their lives. Dont livein pursuit of wealth.

Fear Excessive Luxury


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Poverty is not what I fear for you. Rather,Poverty is not what I fear for you. Rather,Poverty is not what I fear for you. Rather,Poverty is not what I fear for you. Rather,IIII fear that the world will open up its tre

fear that the world will open up its trefear that the world will open up its trefear that the world will open up its trea-

a-a-a-

sures for you the way it opened up forsures for you the way it opened up forsures for you the way it opened up forsures for you the way it opened up forthose before you. You will compete for itthose before you. You will compete for itthose before you. You will compete for itthose before you. You will compete for itthe way they competed for it and it willthe way they competed for it and it willthe way they competed for it and it willthe way they competed for it and it will

destroy you the way it destroyed them.destroy you the way it destroyed them.destroy you the way it destroyed them.destroy you the way it destroyed them.

Prosperity has the ability to cause even more

problems than poverty. One must learn


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from the past and be careful not to fall into

the same trap that others once fell into.

Wealth Is a Test

Every community has had a test. The testEvery community has had a test. The testEvery community has had a test. The testEvery community has had a test. The testof my community will be wealth.of my community will be wealth.of my community will be wealth.of my community will be wealth.

Wealth is a blessing from God that has beenloaned to every individual. They will be heldaccountable on the Day of Judgment as tohow they used it.


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10

Appreciate What You Have

Look at those people who are less fortLook at those people who are less fortLook at those people who are less fortLook at those people who are less fortu-u-u-u-nate than you, not at those who are morenate than you, not at those who are morenate than you, not at those who are morenate than you, not at those who are morefortunate than you so that you do notfortunate than you so that you do notfortunate than you so that you do notfortunate than you so that you do notbelittle the blessings of God upon you.belittle the blessings of God upon you.belittle the blessings of God upon you.belittle the blessings of God upon you.

Everyone has been given different blessingssuch as health, wealth, beauty, or intelligenceand must be thankful for what they have.


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Place yourself in proper perspective relative

to others so that you will be thankful.

True Wealth Is Contentment

Prosperity should not be measured by mProsperity should not be measured by mProsperity should not be measured by mProsperity should not be measured by ma-a-a-a-terial possessions. True wealth is coterial possessions. True wealth is coterial possessions. True wealth is coterial possessions. True wealth is con-n-n-n-tentment of thetentment of thetentment of thetentment of the heart.heart.heart.heart.

Money cannot buy happiness. True satisfac-tion lies in being satisfied with what you

have.


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12

Choose Your Friends Carefully

A person follows the path of hisA person follows the path of hisA person follows the path of hisA person follows the path of his friends,friends,friends,friends,so be careful whom you befriend.so be careful whom you befriend.so be careful whom you befriend.so be careful whom you befriend.

Your companions have a strong ability toinfluence the way you think and behave, sobe careful when choosing them.


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13

Dont Be Selfish

None of you truly believes until he lovesNone of you truly believes until he lovesNone of you truly believes until he lovesNone of you truly believes until he lovesfor his brother what he loves for himself.for his brother what he loves for himself.for his brother what he loves for himself.for his brother what he loves for himself.

Be selfless and want for others what youwould want for yourself.

Be Sincere in Deeds


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Deeds are based upon their intentionsDeeds are based upon their intentionsDeeds are based upon their intentionsDeeds are based upon their intentions

and every person will be rewarded accorand every person will be rewarded accorand every person will be rewarded accorand every person will be rewarded accord-d-d-d-ing toing toing toing to what hewhat hewhat hewhat he intenintenintenintendeddeddedded....

God knows what is in the hearts and willjudge the sincerity of an action rather thanits outward manifestation.

Guide Others to Good

Whoever guides towards a good action Whoever guides towards a good action Whoever guides towards a good action Whoever guides towards a good actionreceives the same reward as its performer.receives the same reward as its performer.receives the same reward as its performer.receives the same reward as its performer.


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Encouraging others towards a good deed is sogreat that it is as though you did the deedyourself.

Create Positive Change

Whoever sees something bad should co Whoever sees something bad should co Whoever sees something bad should co Whoever sees something bad should cor-r-r-r-rect it with his hand. Ifrect it with his hand. Ifrect it with his hand. Ifrect it with his hand. If one isone isone isone is unable tounable tounable tounable tothen with his tongue. If still unable thenthen with his tongue. If still unable thenthen with his tongue. If still unable thenthen with his tongue. If still unable then

he should at least hate it in his heart.he should at least hate it in his heart.he should at least hate it in his heart.he should at least hate it in his heart.


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This is the weakest level of faith.This is the weakest level of faith.This is the weakest level of faith.This is the weakest level of faith.

If you see something wrong dont just sit

there, fix it! If unable to do so, then at leastknow that it is wrong and hate it in yourheart.

Control Your Anger

The strong one is not the expert fighter.The strong one is not the expert fighter.The strong one is not the expert fighter.The strong one is not the expert fighter.


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The truly strong is heThe truly strong is heThe truly strong is heThe truly strong is he who controls hi who controls hi who controls hi who controls him-m-m-m-

self when angry.self when angry.self when angry.self when angry.

The real measure of strength is not mere

muscle, but rather self control.

AVOID THE IRRELEVANT

Its better for a Muslim to leaveIts better for a Muslim to leaveIts better for a Muslim to leaveIts better for a Muslim to leave whatwhatwhatwhatdoesnt concern him.doesnt concern him.doesnt concern him.doesnt concern him.


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Dont waste time with matters that dont

concern you, especially other peoples affairs,because there are many other importantthings that require your attention.

Watch Your Tongue

Whoever believes in God and the HereaWhoever believes in God and the HereaWhoever believes in God and the HereaWhoever believes in God and the Hereaf-f-f-f-ter should say something good or keepter should say something good or keepter should say something good or keepter should say something good or keepquiet.quiet.quiet.quiet.


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If you have nothing beneficial to say then it

is better to not say anything at all.

Dont Laugh Excessively

Dont laugh too much because excessiveDont laugh too much because excessiveDont laugh too much because excessiveDont laugh too much because excessive

laughter kills the heart.laughter kills the heart.laughter kills the heart.laughter kills the heart.

Excessive joking and entertainment might

make you heedless of the meaning and pur-pose of life.


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Dont Forget God

Dont speak too muchDont speak too muchDont speak too muchDont speak too much without reme without reme without reme without remem-m-m-m-bebebeberrrring God because this hardens theing God because this hardens theing God because this hardens theing God because this hardens theheart. Indeed, the furthest from God areheart. Indeed, the furthest from God areheart. Indeed, the furthest from God areheart. Indeed, the furthest from God are

the hardthe hardthe hardthe hard----hearted.hearted.hearted.hearted.

Excessive speech or thought without the re-membrance of God causes heedlessness. The


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mind remains conscious of what it constant-

ly remembers.

Dont Speak Ill of Others

The ProphetThe ProphetThe ProphetThe Prophet asked, Do you know whatasked, Do you know whatasked, Do you know whatasked, Do you know whatbackbiting is? They replied, God andbackbiting is? They replied, God andbackbiting is? They replied, God andbackbiting is? They replied, God and

His Messenger know best. HeHis Messenger know best. HeHis Messenger know best. HeHis Messenger know best. He said, It issaid, It issaid, It issaid, It is


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to mention something about anotto mention something about anotto mention something about anotto mention something about anothhhher iner iner iner in

his absence that he would dihis absence that he would dihis absence that he would dihis absence that he would disssslike.like.like.like.The ProphetThe ProphetThe ProphetThe Prophet was then asked, What if I was then asked, What if I was then asked, What if I was then asked, What if Ispeak the truth about him?speak the truth about him?speak the truth about him?speak the truth about him?HeHeHeHe then replied, If you speak the truththen replied, If you speak the truththen replied, If you speak the truththen replied, If you speak the truth

then you are backbiting and if you liethen you are backbiting and if you liethen you are backbiting and if you liethen you are backbiting and if you liethen you are slandering.then you are slandering.then you are slandering.then you are slandering.

Dont speak ill of anyone in his absence evenif it is true, unless it is necessary for a legiti-mate reason.


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Give Others the

Benefit of the Doubt

Be careful of forming bad opinions aboutBe careful of forming bad opinions aboutBe careful of forming bad opinions aboutBe careful of forming bad opinions about

others. Unjustified accusations are amongothers. Unjustified accusations are amongothers. Unjustified accusations are amongothers. Unjustified accusations are amongthe most untruthful forms ofthe most untruthful forms ofthe most untruthful forms ofthe most untruthful forms of speech.speech.speech.speech.

Give others the benefit of the doubt and donot assume bad things about them since youwould want the same for yourself.


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Think Before You Speak

It is enough to considerIt is enough to considerIt is enough to considerIt is enough to consider someone a liar ifsomeone a liar ifsomeone a liar ifsomeone a liar ifhe repeats everything he hears.he repeats everything he hears.he repeats everything he hears.he repeats everything he hears.

Confirm what you hear so that you dontend up spreading rumors and false informa-

tion.


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Learn From Your Mistakes

A believer is notA believer is notA believer is notA believer is not stung from the same holestung from the same holestung from the same holestung from the same holetwice.twice.twice.twice.

Everyone makes mistakes, but the key is tolearn lessons from them and to avoid repeat-

ing them.


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Seize the Day

Two blessingsTwo blessingsTwo blessingsTwo blessings which many people waste which many people waste which many people waste which many people wasteare health and free time.are health and free time.are health and free time.are health and free time.

Take advantage of health before sickness andfree time before busyness.


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Dont Exaggerate

Exaggeration is destruction.Exaggeration is destruction.Exaggeration is destruction.Exaggeration is destruction.

Dont exaggerate beyond the limits in speechor actions.

God Wants You To Make Effort


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Some Companions asked, Messenger ofSome Companions asked, Messenger ofSome Companions asked, Messenger ofSome Companions asked, Messenger of

God, should we use medicine when sick?God, should we use medicine when sick?God, should we use medicine when sick?God, should we use medicine when sick?The ProphetThe ProphetThe ProphetThe Prophet replied, Yes, you may usereplied, Yes, you may usereplied, Yes, you may usereplied, Yes, you may usemedicine. God has not created any dimedicine. God has not created any dimedicine. God has not created any dimedicine. God has not created any dis-s-s-s-ease without also creating its cure, eease without also creating its cure, eease without also creating its cure, eease without also creating its cure, exxxxceptceptceptceptold age.old age.old age.old age.

Put your trust in God but do not abandonthe means He created for you. Once youhave taken the necessary steps, dont worryand leave the rest to God. This principle

applies to all aspects of life.


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Whats Done Is Done

If something happened to you dont say,If something happened to you dont say,If something happened to you dont say,If something happened to you dont say,If only I hadnt done that, things wouldIf only I hadnt done that, things wouldIf only I hadnt done that, things wouldIf only I hadnt done that, things wouldbe different. Rather, say, God decreed itbe different. Rather, say, God decreed itbe different. Rather, say, God decreed itbe different. Rather, say, God decreed itand did whateverand did whateverand did whateverand did whatever HHHHe wanted.e wanted.e wanted.e wanted.

Never look back and regret the past. Feelsorry for what you did and only look back tolearn lessons from your mistakes so you


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wont repeat them.

The Highest Level of Worship

SomeoneSomeoneSomeoneSomeone said to thesaid to thesaid to thesaid to the ProphetProphetProphetProphet,,,, Inform meInform meInform meInform meaboutaboutaboutabout sinceritysinceritysinceritysincerity.... HeHeHeHe replied,replied,replied,replied, SiSiSiSinnnncercercerceriiiitytytyty isisisis

to worship God as if youto worship God as if youto worship God as if youto worship God as if you cancancancan see Him.see Him.see Him.see Him.Although you can't see Him, knoAlthough you can't see Him, knoAlthough you can't see Him, knoAlthough you can't see Him, know that w that w that w thatHe sees you.He sees you.He sees you.He sees you.


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Strive to worship God with such devotion as

if you are directly in His presence. Realizingthat He sees you should help you perfectyour worship.

Life is a Test

This world is a prison for theThis world is a prison for theThis world is a prison for theThis world is a prison for the believer andbeliever andbeliever andbeliever and

paradise for the nonparadise for the nonparadise for the nonparadise for the non----believer.believer.believer.believer.

The believer, eagerly awaiting Paradise, feels

trapped in this world, while the non-believer,


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unwilling to face death, sees this world and

its enjoyments as Paradise.

The Believer Never Loses

The life of a believer is truly amazing.The life of a believer is truly amazing.The life of a believer is truly amazing.The life of a believer is truly amazing.Everything that happens to him is good.Everything that happens to him is good.Everything that happens to him is good.Everything that happens to him is good.This is only true for a believer and noneThis is only true for a believer and noneThis is only true for a believer and noneThis is only true for a believer and noneelse. If something pleasant happens toelse. If something pleasant happens toelse. If something pleasant happens toelse. If something pleasant happens to

him, he is thankful and that is good forhim, he is thankful and that is good forhim, he is thankful and that is good forhim, he is thankful and that is good for


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him and if something bad afflicts him, hehim and if something bad afflicts him, hehim and if something bad afflicts him, hehim and if something bad afflicts him, he

is patieis patieis patieis patient and that is also good for him.nt and that is also good for him.nt and that is also good for him.nt and that is also good for him.

A believer is never overcome by difficulties.He realizes whatever happens is part of thegreater test of life. The disbeliever denies thistest and gains no benefit from afflictions.

True Wisdom Is to Preparefor Death


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Wise is he who controls his desires and Wise is he who controls his desires and Wise is he who controls his desires and Wise is he who controls his desires and

works for the afterlife. Foolish is he whoworks for the afterlife. Foolish is he whoworks for the afterlife. Foolish is he whoworks for the afterlife. Foolish is he whofollows hisfollows hisfollows hisfollows his desires and then hopes Goddesires and then hopes Goddesires and then hopes Goddesires and then hopes Godwill forgive him.will forgive him.will forgive him.will forgive him.

True wisdom is to see life in perspective andovercome your desires in order to pass lifes

tests. Foolishness is to hope that you willsucceed without making any effort.

Life Is a Journey


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Live in this world as if you are a strangerLive in this world as if you are a strangerLive in this world as if you are a strangerLive in this world as if you are a stranger

or a traveler.or a traveler.or a traveler.or a traveler.

A believer knows that he is only passing

through this world and does not take it as hisfinal destination. Like a traveler, he takesonly what he needs and leaves behind thatwhich will slow his journey.

Its Whats Inside That Counts


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God doesnt look at your appearances orGod doesnt look at your appearances orGod doesnt look at your appearances orGod doesnt look at your appearances or

your wealth. He looks at your hearts and your wealth. He looks at your hearts andyour wealth. He looks at your hearts and your wealth. He looks at your hearts andyour actions.your actions.your actions.your actions.

Outward appearances, empty deeds, and ma-terial possessions do not matter to God. On-ly sincere deeds really matter.

True Superiority Is in Piety

It was said to the ProphetIt was said to the ProphetIt was said to the ProphetIt was said to the Prophet, Who are the, Who are the, Who are the, Who are thebest people? He repliedbest people? He repliedbest people? He repliedbest people? He replied, The best of, The best of, The best of, The best of


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them are the most Godthem are the most Godthem are the most Godthem are the most God----conscious.conscious.conscious.conscious.

Your rank is not determined by your lineage,race, or wealth, but rather by how mindful of

God you are in your heart and actions.

Cleanliness Counts

Cleanliness is half of faith.Cleanliness is half of faith.Cleanliness is half of faith.Cleanliness is half of faith.


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Keeping yourself and your surroundings

clean has been compared with being half offaith. Strive for cleanliness even if no one elsecan see it.

Build Good Habits

The most beloved actions to God areThe most beloved actions to God areThe most beloved actions to God areThe most beloved actions to God arethose performed consistently, even if theythose performed consistently, even if theythose performed consistently, even if theythose performed consistently, even if theyare few.are few.are few.are few.

Although impulsive good deeds are benefi-


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cial, actions performed consistently are bet-

ter because they require more self-control,discipline, and commitment to God.

The Insignificance of This

World

This world compared with the HereafterThis world compared with the HereafterThis world compared with the HereafterThis world compared with the Hereafterisisisis nothing more than a drop in an ocean.nothing more than a drop in an ocean.nothing more than a drop in an ocean.nothing more than a drop in an ocean.


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This worldly life is virtually insignificant in

every aspect when compared with the He-reafter. Never prefer this world over the He-reafter.

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