Posts

Showing posts from November, 2018

The nature of arrogance

Image
To believe oneself to be above average intelligence is not arrogance. To believe oneself to be handsome is not arrogance. To believe yourself to be the richest person in the world, if there is strong evidence, is not arrogance. Arrogance is rejecting the truth. If someone advises you properly about your flaws, but you refuse to listen simply because the advisor is seemingly poorer or less intelligent than you, this is arrogance. Thinking you are definitely a better Muslim than another Muslim is arrogance. Because Allah states we do not know a person's true ranking with Him, so to proclaim otherwise is rejecting the truth. Believing you can get away with sinning without repenting is arrogance. Common sense says otherwise, Allah states no one is guaranteed safety from the Fire, so why would you reject this truth? To conclude, believe in yourself and your strengths - this is self-awareness. But never delude yourself into thinking you are above the truth, for this is tr

Dealing with Deceit

Image
Thieves stealing your money and belongings. Co-workers plotting to prevent your promotion. Political rivals spreading lies and working for your character assassination. People who try to put you down by constantly asking for your time and effort. This world is filled with evil. Some against good countries and organizations. But there is evil which is aimed at us personally. For those who believe in the Day of Judgement, how should such evil be dealt with? Two things to keep in mind: The three stages of preventing evil in general, and the Day of Recompense. Muslims should be against all evil no matter who it is directed at. Ideally, the evil should be acted against. If not possible, spoken out against. If even speech is infeasible, then the Muslim should at least hate such evil. Thus, like an Islamic nation at war with an evil state, the Muslim should prepare and fight without being excessive. Make allies, showcase your achievements, verify before trusting, and refu

It's Not a Major Sin

Image
Short article inspired by Omar Sulayman, a recent friday khutbah, and a friend. Don't think about the size of the sin. Think about the One who you're disobeying. Allah always observes you. How dare you do in front of Him what you'd be ashamed to reveal to others? Is your Lord the lowest of your observers? How dare you disobey the One who gave you the hands and eyes you sin with? Are you not grateful? Are you not afraid He will take your life right now and punish you with a torment you can't even imagine? As humans, it's expected to slip up and indulge in sin occasionally. Maybe even frequently. But we must regret sinning everytime we do so. The sin must cause pain in your soul. Allah can forgive serial murderers if they repent. But your "minor sin" may cause eternal torment for you if you do not regret it. The video I based most of this article on:  https://youtu.be/i7g1t0AC72c