I had a very bad experience recently with a supposed very religious
electrician. He lied about his credentials, cheated me on the price
and never returned to finish the work after being paid. His family
seemed to be very religious and I was saddened to see any Muslim in this
world that would not have more fear of Allah.
I was reminded of something very important though today.
Everyone who comes into our life has come for a reason, whether good or
bad and we must say Al-hamdililah for everything.
You cannot go to Jannah if you owe a debt to anyone and you
cannot be in the company of the righteous if you are a liar. May Allah
protect us all from those who practice haram in Islam, whether in
business or in personal dealings.
Extract from the book "Purification of the Soul"
By Ibn ul Qayyum al Jawziyya, Imam Abul Hameed al Ghazali and Ibn Rajab al hanbali.
Four Poisons of the Heart
1. Unnecessary Talking
Umar Ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said:
"A person who talks too much is a person who often makes mistakes,
and someone who often makes mistakes, often has wrong actions. The Fire
has a priority over such a frequent sinner."
2. Unrestrained Glances
It has been related that the Prophet (s) once said words to the effect:
"The glance is a poisoned arrow of shaytan. Whoever lowers his gaze
for Allah, He will bestow upon him a refreshing sweetness which he will
find in his heart on the day that he meets Him."
3. Too Much Food
Al-Miqdam ibn Ma'd Yakrib said:"I heard the Messenger of Allah (s) say:
"The son of Adam fills no vessel more displeasing to Allah than his
stomach. A few morsels should be enough for him to preserve his
strength. If he must fill it, then he should allow a third for his food,
a third for his drink and leave a third empty for easy breathing."
4. Keeping Bad Company
Allah's Apostle said:
"The example of a good companion (who sits with you) in comparison
with a bad one, is I like that of the musk seller and the blacksmith's
bellows (or furnace); from the first you would either buy musk or enjoy
its good smell while the bellows would either burn your clothes or your
house, or you get a
bad nasty smell thereof."
And consult with them in ways that are best and most gracious."
(Al Qur'an, 16:125)
