The Gardens of Paradise

Here is a beautiful quote on the value of not just our day, but each and every breath we take. I remember hearing in a lecture that each and every breath that is not taken for the sake of Allah will be a cause for regret on the Day of Judgement. If that is the case, then how about our entire lives that are wasted in pursuit of trivial things of no benefit in dunya and akhira?

“Each of your breaths is a priceless jewel, since each of them is irreplaceable and, once gone, can never be retrieved. Do not be like the deceived fools who are joyous because each day their wealth increases while their life shortens. What good is an increase in wealth when life grows ever shorter? Therefore be joyous only for an increase in knowledge or in good works, for they are your two companions who will accompany you in your grave when your family, wealth, children and friends stay behind.”

-Imam Ghazali

Sometimes you might ask someone “How is your day?” to which some will reply by answering “same thing, different day!” This is a response that is truly astonishing because these people have clearly not understood the importance of their time, hence their belitting the value of their day. They see the passing of days as insignificant, thus their lack of enthusiasm to better themselves and their surroundings. Each day should be looked at longingly,it should be seen as a day of opportunity, a day in which one can either free himself from the pits of the fire or earn himself the gardens of paradise. If someone does not see his day in this way, then soon will come a time wherein his soul will be snatched away, leaving him no time to do good deeds and he will cry out:”My Lord, Return me to my life prior so that I may do good!”

Once while reading a book, I came across this quote and thought I would share it. This incident shows the huge disparity between the mindset of the early generations of Muslims and the latter ones.

 ‘Uqbah ar-Rasibi said: I entered upon al-Hasan while he was eating, and he said: “Come eatwith me.” I said: “I have already eaten until I can eat no more.” He said: “Subhan Allah!Does the Muslim eat until he can eat no more?!”” 

So the advice towards the Muslims is taken from the same book, where the author prescribes gradually reducing one’s intake of food until he (or she) arrives at a moderate level, and the best of affairs are the moderate ones. He should cut himself down to just enough so that he is not prevented from worship, and is able to preserve his strength. He should feel neither hungry nor full. Only then will his body become healthy, his aspirations high, and his conscience clear. If he eats any more than this,he will be driven to sleep more, and will have lower intellect.” 

One method I personally use is that I stop eating all heavy meals after 9 pm and only eat light meals such as fruits and vegetables. Eating heavy meals prior to sleep decreases the quality of one’s sleep and leaves one drained out of energy on waking up, despite having slept for 8-10 hours.

However when you eat a light meal before you go to sleep, you will feel refreshed and ready to go for a whole new day of productivity after only 6-7 hours of sleep.

A poet said:

“Consider the case of a person who possesses

the whole world, can he take with him in the grave more

than cotton and a shroud?”

Abu ‘Uthmaan Sa’eed bin Ismaa’eel An-Naysaaburi said:

“Whoever governs himself by the Sunnah – in word and deed – will speak with wisdom. But whoever governs himself according to his own desires will speak heresies, because Allah Tabaaraka wa Ta’aalaa said:

“And if you obey him (the Messenger) you will be guided” [Surat An-Noor: 54]

- Abu Nu’aym in Al-Hilyah 10/244, and others.

After mentioning this and other similar narrations, Shaykh Al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“It is as they said, for if a person does not follow what the Messenger came with he will act according to his own wishes. Thus he will be one who follows his desires without guidance from Allaah.”

- Minhaaj As-Sunnah 5/117

This summer, one of the most exciting events in the history of the city of Toronto is going to take place. It is the conference Journey of Faith, with the theme being “Love of the Prophet(saw)” and with speakers such as Sh. Waleed Basyouni, Dr. Bilal Philips, Sh. Abdiraheeme Greene, Sh. Abdulbary Yahya, Tawfique Chowdhury and more.

So we invite the brothers and sisters all over the globe to let us take a Journey in the path of the believers, as the Brothers of The Last Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him. Let us take a Journey that will impact our lives with the sweetness of the Sunnah. Let us take a Journey that will allow us to express our LOVE for The Mercy to Mankind. Let us take a Journey that will engage our faith in pleasing Allah (SWT). O Muslims - Let us take a Journey - A Journey of Faith!

Presenting…

The 1st Annual Islamic Conference
JOURNEY OF FAITH
Theme: Love of the Prophet (PBUH)
July 12th, 13th (Sat, Sun)
Metro Toronto Convention Center – South Building

This is the summer you will never forget – for it will take you on a Journey of a Lifetime
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS NOW!!!

“Say: If you love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your faults, and Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.”
[3:31]

“Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah ; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure.”

[48:29]

WWW.JOURNEYCONFERENCE.COM
info@journeyconference.com