Malik recounts how a Muslim from the Helpers once came begging to the Prophet. The latter asked him what possessions he had at home. “Just a simple sheet in which I wrap myself and a cup out of which I drink

it. Two weeks later he reappeared before the Prophet, and in the account he gave him of what he had spent and what he had earned, it turned out that he had saved ten dirhams after meeting all his expenses

Experience is what we learn from others, for our expertise always comes at the cost of loss.

To concede defeat is the expression of one’s determination to try again to win what one has lost.

cannot be fulfilled in this world. He cannot find in this ephemeral world what he longs for above all else. One only has to think: what is the point of gaining anything in this world when one is bound to leave

cease. It is a fact that there is no great difference between acquiring a thing and not acquiring it: what is the value of an acquisition which the very next day is going to be turned to loss? Man expends

woman of the Quraysh arose and said, “Commander of the Faithful, are we to do what the Book of God says, or what you say?” “What the Book of God says,” replied Umar, and asked her the purpose of her question

self-interest. Everyone is so caught in the web of wealth and relationships that he does not know what to do and what not to do. In such a situation, only someone who can develop himself objective thinking can

Falsehood. He should see things as they indeed are. Along with this, he should have the ability to accept what he knows to be true willingly. If he realizes something is right, he should openly accept it, unhesitatingly

aimlessly, while some others lead a truly meaningful life. What accounts for this difference? If we are born with the same basic capacities, what is it that makes people become so different in the way they

people develop the awareness of life and its purpose. They learn about why God has created them and what sort of life God wants us to lead. They learn about God’s creation plan. They reflect on themselves

rifq (gentleness) what he does not grant to unf (violence). (Abu Dawud, Sunan, 4/255) The word rifq has been used in this hadith as an antithesis to unf. These terms convey exactly what is meant by violence

This hadith clearly indicates the superiority of the non-violent method. God grants to non-violence what He does not grant to violence is no simple matter. It has very wide and deep implications. It embodies

What Matters in the Hereafter?things, you will hear either the sadistic laughter of the oppressor or the pathetic cries of the oppressed. You will see people driven by the most terrible impulses to fulfil

himself in another world, a world where the power to make decisions will be God’s and not man’s. What Matters in the Hereafter? Lt. Col. Jaipal penned a book on his memories of hunting. Titled The Great

pastime. But Col. Jaipal did not have to search for a pseudo-excuse like this. He very openly admitted what others do not. Col. Jaipal was very fond of killing crocodiles. He writes that he loved tracking

Such a person differentiates between what is essential and what is not. Before engaging in any activities he sees what is necessary as his purpose. He thinks before he speaks. He gauges whether his words