Purifying the Soul

                  In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Allah (S.W.T) says in the Noble Qur'an after He swore several times in surat Ash-Shams, (Verses 9&10), what can be translated as, "Indeed he succeeds who Zak-Kaha purifies his ownself, and indeed he fails who Das-Saha corrupts his ownself."

Imam Ibn Katheer says: "This verse means: He who purified his soul obeying Allah (S.W.T), and purified it from vices and bad manners, he succeeded. And he who corrupted it by immersing it in sins and disobeying Allah (S.W.T), he utterly failed." This verse was also interpreted by Ibn Abbas (R.A.). He said: "He whom Allah (S.W.T) purified his soul, he succeeded, and he whom Allah (S.W.T) corrupted his soul, he failed utterly." The prophet (S.A.W.) frequently used to say in his supplication: "Oh Allah! Grant me the sense of piety and purify my soul as You are the best to purify it, You are its Guardian and its Master…" {Reported by Imams Muslim and Ahmad}

Allah (S.W.T) also said in surat Al-A'la, (Verse 14), what can be translated as, " Indeed whosoever purifies himself shall achieve success." which means he purified his soul from the evil morals and followed what Allah (S.W.T) revealed to His prophet (S.A.W.).

Purifying the souls of people was one of the most important tasks of the great messengers including the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). Allah (S.W.T) described him in surat Al-Baqarah, (Verse 151), what can be translated as, "Similarly We have sent (Muhammad) of your own, reciting to you Our verses and sanctifying you, and teaching you the book and Al-Hikmah…"

Also Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Emran, (Verse 164), what can be translated as, "Indeed Allah conferred a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, reciting unto them His verses, and purifying them …" He (S.A.W.) purifies them with what is revealed to him. He purifies their convictions and their conduct because man's life in this world and his destiny in the Hereafter do not succeed with knowledge only; rather there has to be purification.

"Taz-ki-yah": Linguistically, it means spiritual cleansing, growth, and blessing. Based on this, purification from the Islamic perspective means cleansing the soul from corruption, and growing it with the belief in Allah, and by doing good deeds and refraining from doing evil so that the soul will be blessed in this world and in the Hereafter.

The purified soul is the one that is purified according to Allah's legislation and deserves all the beautiful traits in this world and the great rewards in the Hereafter.

"Tad si yah" (Corruption) is the opposite of "Taz-ki-yah" (purification) because corruption makes the soul filthy with sins and disobeying Allah (S.W.T). So, the soul deserves all the bad traits in this world and the severe punishment in the Hereafter.

The Noble Qur'an proclaimed that man success depends on purifying his soul, and that failure is the result of corrupting the soul. Allah (S.W.T) swore to confirm this reality several times; the fact that shows its seriousness.

The prophet (S.A.W.) confirmed that man's righteousness or corruption starts with the heart. If the heart is righteous, man becomes righteous, and if the heart is corrupted, man becomes corrupted. The prophet (S.A.W.) says: "Truly in the body there is a lump of flesh which, if it be good, the whole body is good, and which, if it be corrupted, the whole body is corrupted. Truly it is the heart."{Reported by Imam Bukhari}

In another Hadith, the prophet (S.A.W.) told us that the immediate reason for the righteousness or the corruption of the heart is the way it deals with sins that confront it. If the heart accepts those sins and embrace them, a dark spot is left behind in the heart. If the heart rejects those sins, a bright spot is left behind. The prophet (S.A.W.) said: "Trials are presented to the hearts like a mat, one stick at a time. If any heart accepts it, a dark spot is left in it. If any heart rejects it, a bright spot is left in it. Consequently, the hearts become two types: Bright heart like the Safa that gets no harm from any sin as long as the skies and the earth exist, and a dark heart that does not know any good deed and does not reject any evil unless it is from its whims and desires." {Reported by Imam Muslim}

This is confirmed in the Noble Qur'an: Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Mutaffifeen, (Verse 14), what can be translated as, "Nay! But on their hearts in the raan (covering of sins and evil deed) which they used to earn."

In an authentic hadith reported by Imam At-Trmizi that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said: "When a person commits a sin a dark dot is dotted on his heart. Then if that person leaves that evil deed, begs Allah to forgive him, and repents, then his heart is cleaned, but if he repeats the evil deed, then that covering is increased till his heart is completely covered with it, and that is Ar-Raan which Allah mentioned (in the Qura'n)…" Be careful! All our convictions and our deeds have direct influence on our hearts to the extent that those convictions and those deeds will either purify the hearts or kill them or make them sick.

The heart was made by Allah (S.W.T) to be the place for reasoning, contemplation, peace, calm, belief, pity, mercy. Allah (S.W.T) says about the Non-believers in surat Al-A'raf, (Verse 179), what can be translated as, "…They have hearts wherewith they don’t understand…"

Allah (S.W.T) also said in surat Muhammad, (Verse 24), what can be translated as, "Do they not then think deeply in the Qur'an, or are their hearts locked up?"

Allah (S.W.T) also said about the believers in surat Al-Fath, (Verse 4), what can be translated as, "He it is Who sent down As-Sakinah (tranquility) into the hearts of the believers."

Allah (S.W.T) also said in surat Al-Hadid, (Verse 27), what can be translated as, "…And We ordained in the hearts of those who followed him (Jesus) compassion and mercy…"

Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Ash-Shu'ra', (Verses 88 & 89), what can be translated as, "The day whereon neither wealth nor sons will avail, except him who brings to Allah a clean heart.'

Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Qaf, (Verse 33), what can be translated as, "…And brought a heart turned in repentance (to Allah)." And there are many other verses that describe the hearts and their tasks.

Allah (S.W.T) describes the Noble Qur'an that it is a cure and healing for heart sicknesses:

Allah (S.W.T) said in surat Al-Esra', (Verse 82), what can be translated as, "And We send down from the Qur'an that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…"

Allah (S.W.T) also said in surat Yunus, (Verse 57), what can be translated as, "…There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (the Qur'an) and a healing for that in your breasts (the heart)…"

The diseases that afflict the hearts are two:

• Diseases of doubts: A man may be afflicted with one that is in the roots of the Deen or its branches. The Noble Qur'an clarifies these doubts and eliminates them for everyone who has the correct understanding and belief. If these diseases persist in the heart, they corrupt its vision.
• Diseases of whims and desires: A man may be afflicted with one desire that Allah (S.W.T) tests him with. This desire may dominate and control the heart. In the Noble Qur'an, there is a cure for this disease for everyone who has the correct understanding and belief. If this desire settles in the heart, it will destroy it.

Both of these diseases are behind the corruption of the hearts. With their corruption, people get corrupted, and with the people's corruption, the society gets corrupted. Life is then transformed to a life of misery and hardship. At this point, there will be failure in this life and in the Hereafter.

In next Khutbahs, we will talk more about the means and practical ways that help purify the souls. "In sha'llahu ta'la"

The Practical Means for Tazkyiah (Soul Purification):

Useful Knowledge:

The most important task for man after knowing Allah (S.W.T.) is Tazkiyah or (soul purification). Man's success or failure in this life and in the Hereafter depends on whether man purifies his soul or not. Islam prescribed to us means that help purify the souls. It is a must that we use these means when we are in the process of Tazkiyah or (soul purification). We can not use any means that are not prescribed by Islam.

The process of soul purification is an on-going process as long as man is alive. It is implied by the sincere submission to Allah (S.W.T.) who created man and Jinn for no purpose other than the sincere submission to Him alone. Allah (S.W.T) says the Noble Qur'an in surat Ath-Tharyat, (Verse 56), what can be translated as, "I did not create the Jinn and the humans but to ya'bodoon (submit to me)." "The "ibadah" is a collective noun that includes every thing that Allah (S.W.T.) loves and accepts from sayings and the physical acts; the hidden (acts by heart) and the openly (acts by limbs). The acts by limbs are many, which we start with the useful knowledge:

The useful knowledge is the first means to purify the soul. This is every knowledge that brings man closer to Allah (S.W.T.), increases man's fear of Allah (S.W.T.) and guides man to do good deed. This knowledge includes the knowledge of Islamic rules that apply to Aqheeda, acts of worship, dealings. This knowledge also includes other types of knowledge that guide man to contemplate about Allah's creation, His great power and perfection.

Knowledge is the foundation of deeds and its guide. It is as useless to do something without knowledge as having knowledge without a deed. Allah (S.W.T.) ordered us to have knowledge before the deed: Allah (S.W.T.) says the Noble Qur'an in surat Muhammad, (Verse 19), what can be translated as, "(O Muhammad) Have knowledge that there is no god except Allah and seek forgiveness for your sin and for the believers males and females." So, Allah (S.W.T.) commanded the messenger Muhammad (S.A.W.) that he has to have knowledge of the Oneness of Allah first followed by asking for forgiveness which is an action. Imam Al-Bukhari in his authentic book cited this verse to show the importance of knowledge and that it should precede the deed.

The useful knowledge based on the Oneness of Allah (S.W.T.) is the fundamental and first practical means to purify the soul and bring it closer to Allah (S.W.T.). It is also the means to increase the fear of Allah (S.W.T.) and corrects the path and increases belief. For this reason, seeking knowledge is one of the greatest acts of worship. There are many verses and Ahadiths that show the importance of knowledge, its status in the sight of Allah (S.W.T.), and the position of those who have knowledge.

For knowledge to have an effect in the process of Tazkiyah of the soul, two conditions must be met:

• Good deeds must follow knowledge with sincerity for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.), performed according to their rules upheld equally by the scholar and the student.
• The person who has knowledge must avoid the arguments that lead to animosity and evil soul.

The first condition includes:

Acting according to the knowledge. Allah (S.W.T.) warned us from knowledge that is not followed with action and from a saying that is not followed with action. The prophet (S.A.W.) also clarified to us that the scholar would be asked on the Day of Judgment about his knowledge and what he did with it. Did he seek it and teach it for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.) alone.

The prophet (S.A.W.) also used to ask Allah (S.W.T.) the useful knowledge and seek His refuge from the knowledge that is useless. So, the prophet (S.A.W.) used to say: "Oh Allah, I seek your refuge from a knowledge that is not useful, from a heart that does not humble, and from a soul that is not satisfied and from a supplication that is not granted."

Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali said: "If someone does not acquire this useful knowledge, he will fall into the four things that the prophet (S.A.W.) used to seek Allah's refuge from. His knowledge will be against him. So, he will not benefit from it because his heart does not humble before Allah (S.W.T.) and his soul is not satisfied with this world. Rather he is holding tight to this world and always seeking it. His supplication will not be heard because he does not obey Allah's orders and does not refrain from anything that displeases Allah." Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali also said: "A sign of the people of knowledge is that they are humble, they hate reverence and people's high remarks of them, they do not look down on people, they are always seeking the Hereafter taking from this world only what they need, they are constantly worshipping Allah (S.W.T.). The more knowledge they have, the more fearful of, the more humble, and the more submissive to Allah (S.W.T.) they become."

The second condition is:

Avoiding arguments because this will lead to evil soul, and the animosity towards others. In an authentic Hadith the prophet (S.A.W.) said: "No people got misguided after they were guided, but they were plagued with argument." Then, the prophet (S.A.W.) recited what Allah (S.W.T) says the Noble Qur'an in surat Az-Zukhrf, (Verse 58), what can be translated as, "…They quoted it for you not except for argument. Nay! But they are a quarrelsome people."{Reported by Imams At-Trmthi, Ahmad and Abn Majah}

A scholar from the Salaf generation said: "If Allah (S.W.T.) loves a man, He will provide to him the opportunity to do good deeds and keep off the argument. And if Allah (S.W.T.) wants harm for a man, He will keep off the good deed and will plague him with argument."

Imam Malik said: " Argument concerning knowledge turn off the light of knowledge and stiffen the heart."

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Bassri heard a folk arguing. So, he said: "These people are bored with worship, they find it easy to talk in vain, and their righteousness is diminished so they vainly talked."

Some of the effects of the useful knowledge on purifying the soul:

• The Muslim would know the correct Aqheedah, strengthen his belief and keep away from false beliefs.
• The Muslim would know the rules of Halal and Haram and all that he needs from the rules of worship and dealings.
• The Muslim would know the due right of every act of worship. This way he is not busy doing a recommended deed and forgetting an obligatory deed.
• The knowledge would protect the Muslim from everything that would destroy him, like the whims and desires and Satan’s traps.
• The knowledge helps the Muslim fear Allah (S.W.T.), love Him, and get closer to Him.
• The knowledge helps the Muslim become more humble with others.
• The knowledge helps wipe out the sins because knowledge is from the greatest good deeds. Allah (S.W.T) says the Noble Qur'an in surat Huod, (Verse 114), what can be translated as, "…Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds…" and the prophet (S.A.W.) says: "Follow the bad deed with a good one that will wipe it off." Omar (R.A.) used to say: "A man walks out with sins like the mountains of Tehamah (to a circle of knowledge). If he hears some knowledge, he fears Allah, reassesses himself and repents. So, he leaves the circle of knowledge with no sin. So, do not leave the circles of knowledge."
• The knowledge helps Muslim long for the Hereafter and takes only what he needs from this worldly life. So, he is not busy going after things that will vanish in this life instead of being busy running after the everlasting life in the Hereafter.

So, we should all help one another to acquire the correct knowledge through learning it and teaching it. This must include all; man, women, children, young and old with no exception. We must also know that we can not achieve knowledge unless we are patient, perseverant, and persistent and struggling with our own self and benefiting from our time instead of wasting it. Also, everyone who learns something useful should teach it to others. This way, Tazkiyah or soul purification is collective and continuous until we meet Allah (S.W.T.).

Good knowledge and righteous deeds are strongly related; the knowledge that does not lead to good deed is not a good knowledge. Also, the deed that is not based on the correct divine knowledge is not a good deed and will not be accepted by Allah (S.W.T.).

The good deed includes all kinds of good deeds; it is not restricted to the acts of worship. It includes everything that pleases Allah (S.W.T.); sayings, actions (seen as well as hidden).

The most notable deeds that help purify the soul are the pillars of Islam: Salah, Zakah, Fasting, and Hajj (the mandatory and the recommended ones).

  The prayer is the main pillar of Deen, the key to Paradise, and the first thing that person will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment. Salah is the second pillar of Islam after the two declarations of Islam. It is the only act of worship that was prescribed during the night when the prophet (S.A.W.) was ascended to the sky. Many verses as well as Ahadith show the importance of the prayer.

There are conditions that must be met for the prayer to be an effective means for the purification of the soul. The most important of these conditions:

• The Salah must be complete, well performed on time without any compromise, performed exactly as the prophet (S.A.W.) performed it, and performed sincerely only for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.).
• The Muslim must perform Salah with all solemnity, submissiveness and full submissive a fully aware heart. This is because Salah without full submissiveness is like a body without a soul. The Muslim can never be successful unless he prays with full submissiveness. Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "Successful indeed are the believers. Those who offer their prayers with all solemnity and full submissiveness." {Al-Mu'minun, 1 &2}

How do we accomplish all solemnity and full submissiveness in Salah?

The following actions help the Muslim to become full submissive in his Salah:

• The Muslim must recognize the importance of Salah. He must realize that it is a connection between him and Allah (S.W.T.). He must perform the Salah out of his conviction that it is an order from Allah (S.W.T.). He must know that Salah wipes out sins and lifts him to higher degrees and protects him from committing sins.
• The Muslim must push away all thoughts from his mind when he is performing Salah. He must keep away all things that interfere with his concentration and focus on what he is doing in Salah. He must keep away all things that interfere with his humility during Salah like various sounds (pagers, cell phone), pictures….. He must focus his eyes on the place of his prostration and never turns left or right or look up.
• The Muslim must contemplate the verses that he or the Imam is reciting. He must look into the meanings of these verses. He must contemplate death and its fright, grave, the people gathering on the Day of Judgment, and the various events of the Day of Judgment. The prophet (S.A.W.) reinforces this in his Hadith: "Pray like you are leaving this world."{Authentic Hadith reported by Imams Abn Majah and Ahmad.}

The more submissive the Muslim has in his prayer, the more reward he will get. With full submissive, the Muslim feels content, his soul is reassured, and Salah will have its effective deterrent against evil. With that, Salah becomes one of the greatest means to purify the soul and lift it to higher degrees closer to Allah (S.W.T.).

  Zakah is the third pillar of Islam. It is the growth, purification and blessing. It is one of the means that help purify the soul. Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them…"{At-Tawbah, 103}

Because of its importance, Zakah was associated with Salah, in the Qur’an, in 82 verses. Abu Bakr (R.A.) said: "I will fight every one who disassociates Zakah from Salah." He indeed fought those who did with the companions’ consensus.

Zakah will not have its fruits unless three conditions are met:

• The Muslim must keep away from hypocrisy, showing off, and reminding people of his generosity. Allah (S.W.T.) does not accept a good deed unless it is for his sake only. Allah (S.W.T.) cancels the reward of the charity when the charity-giver hurts people and boasts with his generosity. Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "O you who believe! Do not render in vain your charity by reminder of your generosity or by injury…" {Al-Baqarah, 264}
• The Muslim must spend from what he loves, not from what he hates. He must be content with what he spends. Allah (S.W.T.) expressed that in the following verse: Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety), unless you spend (in Allah's cause) of that which you love…" {Al-Emran, 92} This closeness to Allah (S.W.T.) will not be attained until you spend from what you love, and you spend it generously. This way, you free your soul from being a slave to your money and stinginess that impede purification of the soul.
• The Muslim must spend from the good earnings, not from the bad ones. Imams Bukhari and Muslim reported that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "If a person gives in charity of the value of even a date out of his pure earning, and Allah accepts only that which is pure, Allah accepts it with His Right Hand and fosters it for him, as one of you fosters the colt, till it becomes like a mountain."

This way, Zakah will be a practical and a fruitful way to purify the soul. Zakah is a practical test for the believer to obey Allah (S.W.T.) who orders him to spend. It is also a means to purify the soul from stinginess. This way, Zakah will pave the way to success. Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful." {Al-Hashr, 9} Zakah is also a practical way with which the believer shows his gratitude and his thanks to Allah (S.W.T.).

  Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. Allah (S.W.T.) prescribed it upon other nations in the history of humanity. Allah (S.W.T.) made the month of fasting so special that he revealed in it the Qur’an.

The greatest benefit attained in the month of Ramadan is Taqwa. Allah (S.W.T.) says what can be translated as, "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa." {Al-Baqarah, 183}

This month is a great training school for the soul. In it, the soul quits its whims, desires, and needs, and learn patience. The Muslim also abstains from everything that causes breakfast from dawn to sunset. For fasting to achieve its role in purifying the soul, two conditions must be met:

• Fasting must be done for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.). It must be done out of belief in Allah (S.W.T.) and hoping his rewards. It must not be done as a habit. This way, the real meaning of fasting is realized. Imams Bukhari, Muslim and others reported that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "Whoever observes the fasting during the month of Ramadan, believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, will have his/her past sins forgiven."
• Abiding by the orders of the prophet (S.A.W.) during the month of Ramdan helps us understand the meaning of this act of worship. For example, the prophet (S.A.W.) ordered us to have some food just before dawn prayer, he also ordered us to break our fast quickly after sunset and that our breakfast should be done only with few date fruits or some water. He also ordered us to supplicate to Allah (S.W.T.) when breaking our fast.

The Muslim must keep away from sins as he must keep away from allowed acts during fasting like eating, drinking. Imam Bukhari reported that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "Whoever does not abandon falsehood in word and action then Allah has no need that he should leave his food and drink."

When these conditions are met, fasting becomes a great mean to purify the soul. It is a practical training to submit the soul to Allah (S.W.T.), it is also a practical training on patience, control and self-restrain from whims, desires and rage. It is also training for the soul to quit doing evil and to hurry to obey Allah (S.W.T.). It is also training the soul to appreciate the blessings of Allah (S.W.T.). This is attained when someone stops having these blessings for a short period of time to realize how great these blessings are. If those blessings are to continue without any interruption, their appreciation will be lost.

  Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is distinguished from the other acts of worship in that it is a spiritual, physical and financial act of worship. It must be performed once in a lifetime for the capable. It must be performed in a specific place and a specific time. He who performs it will witness many worldly benefits as well as the benefits in the Hereafter. The greatest benefit is the attainment of the pleasure of Allah (S.W.T.) and His forgiveness. For Hajj to play its role in purifying the soul, some conditions must be met:

• Sincerity in performing Hajj for the sake of Allah (S.W.T.) alone.
• The Muslim must keep away from foul language, dispute and disobedience of Allah (S.W.T.) and everything that harm others.

Imams Bukhari, Muslim and others reported that the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) said, "Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage) and dos not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, no disputes unjustly, then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him."

This way, Hajj becomes a practical way to purify the soul. It is a practical training for the soul when the Muslim suffers hardships in his travel. It is a training because the Muslim teaches himself to obey Allah (S.W.T.) through his application for the rituals of Hajj and his pillars. Also, the Muslim’s deeds are done out of his absolute obedience to Allah (S.W.T.), through his absolute submission to Allah (S.W.T.) because many acts of Hajj can not be understood by the mind, like circling the Ka’bah, kissing the black rock… Hajj is a great lesson that teaches patience through the hardships of travel, leaving home, and staying away from family and children. For this reason, Omar (R.A.) said: "Pack and go to Hajj. It is one of two ways to do Jihad."

Hajj is also a treatment for the sickness of the soul like stinginess, egoism, hatred, and arrogance. This is done when the Muslim spends his money to travel, to lodge and to slaughter. This is also done when the Muslims are in one uniform clothing, one harmonious call, calling one Elaah. They are gathered under the brotherhood of Islam. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab. Nor is there a difference between a white and a black. This is also done when Muslims get together on the mountain of Arafah where Satan is so humiliated. The prophet (S.A.W.) said: "There is no day that Satan feels so small, and so humiliated like he feels on the day of Arafah. This is because he sees how great the forgiveness of Allah (S.W.T.) to his people."

After this presentation for the pillars of Islam, it is clear to us how important these pillars in purifying the soul and training it. So, we must perform them and understand their meanings and benefit from their good fruits

(Friday speech delivered by Imam Mohamed Baianonie at the Islamic Center of Raleigh, NC)

Importance of Time

There are among those who believe in the popular saying as "Time is Gold." Time in Islam is more than Gold or any precious material thing in this world.  Of all religions, only Islam guides mankind not only to the importance of time but also how to value it. Allah the Almighty and His Messenger, Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), very clearly tell us the value of time, why we must not waste it and how we can make use of our time wisely to increase our Eeman (Faith) and thus attain success, especially eternal success in the life hereafter. The following are some of the most important duties demanded of Muslims: 1.                Ensuring benefiting from time 2.                Utilizing leisure time 3.                Racing for good deeds 4.                Learning from the passage of time 5.                Seeking the superior times 6.                Planning and organizing time 7.                Fulfillment of time commitments 8.                Necessary awareness of time wasters Both the Qur'an and the Sunnah enjoin Muslims to be conscious of time. We are reminded that life in this world is nothing but temporary. We never know when death has been appointed for us. We must value time for the satisfaction of Allah the Almighty. For our guidance and success, we must never waste time nor abuse it. Ibn Abbas narrated that Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) said: "There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good." (Bukhari 8/421) Indeed, we displease Allah the Most High when we abuse time. We must remember that time must be spent to fulfill our very purpose in life that is to worship Allah all throughout our lives. Allah makes this very clear in the Qur'an when He says: I have only created Jinns and Men, that they may serve Me. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast (for ever). Qur'an (51:56-58) But celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration. And serve thy Lord until there come unto thee the Hour that is certain (i.e., death). Qur'an (15:98-99) Everything we do in accordance with the Qur'an and the Sunnah is an act of worship. Such worship must be done sincerely for the pleasure of Allah alone. We should make use of our time (which includes our "free time") in doing beneficial things especially those that will make us closer to Allah and earn His Mercy. We have to make use of our time wisely by knowing more of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. We must have correct knowledge of what Allah and His Messenger Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) have commanded us to do and at the same time to refrain from what they have forbidden us. This is imperative so that we earn Allah's pleasure and reward. Allah the Exalted makes it very clear, when he says: O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and make not vain your deeds! Qur'an (47:33) Corollary to the above divine commandment, we must ask ourselves: Have we been obeying Allah and His Messenger? To what extent have we used our time learning the Qur'an and the Sunnah in order to have correct Eeman (Faith), to do righteous deeds, to enjoin the Truth or do Da'wah, and be patient and constant? As time passes by, are we sure we are devoting our time for the sincere worship and pleasure of Allah the Most High? Are we taking guidance from the following very enlightening Ayat (Qur'anic verses)? By (the Token of) Time (through the ages), Verily Man is in loss, Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy. Qur'an (103:1-3) In line with the above Qur'anic injunction, we have to discipline ourselves by giving value to the importance of time. We must be prompt in doing good deeds, which will increase our faith and subsequently enable us to gain Allah's pleasure and mercy. Islam encourages Muslims to care for time, to utilize it wisely and not to waste it and to benefit from it. Besides, it holds them responsible for their time. We have to remember that on the Day of Judgment we shall be asked how we spent our lives, wealth and knowledge. In other words, we will be questioned on how we spent everything that Allah has given us as implied in the following Hadith: Narrated Abdullah Bin Mas`ud Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said: "A man shall be asked concerning five things on the day of resurrection: concerning his life, how he spent it; concerning his youth, how he grew old; concerning his wealth, whence he acquired it, and in what way he spent it; and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had." The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacles arise. For instance, he said, "Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist); or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter." (at-Tirmidhi, al-Baihaqi) The above Hadith urges Muslims to take the initiative, and not to delay good deeds; man's life is not free from impediments, such as those calamities, which can prevent him from accomplishing what could have been done earlier. Wise are those who grab available opportunities before being handicapped by obstacles. If we are to evaluate ourselves objectively, have we been spending our time wisely for the pleasure of Allah the Almighty? Have we been spending our lives based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah? Have we been practicing Muslims? How many of us are Muminoon (Faithful Muslims) and/or Mutaqqoon (God Fearing Muslims)? How much knowledge of the Qur'an and the Sunnah do we know? Do we practice what we learn and impart the same to others or at least share them to our families and kin? Have we ever enjoined to others what is right and forbid what is wrong? To be successful, we have to manage our time wisely by making plans for virtuous deeds that please Allah the Almighty. We must spend time learning Islam based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Another Year Passes By and Time Marches On O ye who believe! Fear Allah, and let every soul look to what (provision) He has sent forth for the morrow. Yea, fear Allah: for Allah is well-acquainted with (all) that ye do. Qur'an (59:18) Another year has passed; minutes move into hours => into days => into weeks => into months => into years - seemingly faster than ever; yet every moment is a precious component of life and every moment counts. Time - Use it, do not abuse it Our attitude towards time indicates our attitude towards the value of the capital of life. If we want to purchase something, we require financial capital; and if we want to do something in life, we require the capital of life, time. That is why the Qur'an exhorts us to value the time we have before life is up. Qur'an (63:10) Realize that... ·                     Time is the measure of life, time is an amaanah (trust), time is a gift from the Creator and its proper use will determine our outcome for eternity. ·                     We are born in time, live in time and die in time; time is the ambit within which we operate. What we do with time is what we do with our lives. ·                     Each one must realize that every moment that passes by is an opportunity gone, used or abused; never to return. Soon time will be up and we'll have to leave this physical world and give account for our lives. ·                     The more we remind ourselves of the responsibility of the present the better we get at living the moment and the better we live the present moment the better the consequence for the future. Our attitude towards the future influences our mind-set towards the rest of life. Being positive about life ahead is among life's greatest motivators. Hope is the best attitude one can harbor towards the future; this realistic expectation that something good or better could/will happen if only we continue doing the best we can. Remember that today well-lived makes yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Wise are the words of the one who said ... "I expect to pass through this world but once; any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now; let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." "O Allah! Make life a means for every dimension of goodness." [Prayer of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH)] The Characteristics of Time We are to bear in mind that time has certain characteristics, among of which are the following: 1.                Time passes quickly. 2.                Time that passes can never return, nor can it be compensated for, for time is irretrievable. 3.                Time is the most precious thing that man possesses. Muslim's Duty towards Time: Having all this great value and importance, time is to be duly appreciated and managed. In Islam there is no room for slogans like the so-called "killing time", for in Islam time is really valuable. In fact, wasting time is much more dangerous than squandering property, because unlike property, time cannot be compensated. Free time is a blessing that is overlooked, and not wholly appreciated by many people. This indicates that it's very important for a Muslim to try his utmost to husband his time and make the best use of it in beneficial things. A Muslim may use portion of his time in making invocations and supplications, celebrating the praises of Allah. The Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), used to supplicate: "O Allah! I seek refuge in You from sorrow and distress, and I seek refuge in You from disability and laziness." A Muslim should learn how to organize his time, and make a realistic plan for his worldly and religious duties, without any of them overlapping the other. That is to say that one should know how to arrange his priorities: the most important and the most urgent comes first, and carried out according to schedule. Organizing time also includes leaving a place for relaxation and entertainment, for 'all work and no play make Jack a dull boy.' One of the methods of managing his time properly is for a Muslim to get up early and sleep early, for early hours always yield great blessings. Starting his day with prayer and the supplication of the morning brings the Muslim Allah's grace. A Muslim should always bear in mind that every time has its own task that suits it. Doing tasks in their due times brings about peace of mind and comfort. Finally, we would like to cite the following Hadith of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), quoting from the Book of Ibrahim, peace be upon him: "A sane person, unless he is mindless, should have four hours: an hour to invoke to his Lord, an hour to count his own deeds, an hour to contemplate about the creation of Allah and an hour to satisfy his worldly needs." Verily, time is very important for our success both in this temporary world and the eternal world to come. If we waste time, if we abuse it, then we waste and abuse our lives. In the Life Hereafter we will be among the losers, who will suffer the torments in the Hell Fire, if Allah the Almighty will not forgive us. Therefore, if we really give value to our lives then, we must give due value to the importance of time. In general, sensible people know the importance of time. Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day, allow you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course! Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no drawing against the "tomorrow". You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success! The clock is running. Make the most of today. To realize the value of ONE YEAR, ask a student who has failed a grade. To realize the value of ONE MONTH, ask a mother who has given birth to a pre-mature baby. To realize the value of ONE WEEK, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper. To realize the value of ONE DAY, ask a daily wage laborer who has kids to feed. To realize the value of ONE HOUR, ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of ONE MINUTE, ask a person who has missed the train. To realize the value of ONE SECOND, ask a person who has avoided an accident. To realize the value of ONE MILLI-SECOND, ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics. Treasure every moment that you have! And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time ... and remember that time waits for no one. . . Yesterday is history, tomorrow a mystery, today is a gift, that's why it's called the present!

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