A New Dawn

Foreward

Today’s student is faced with many challenges and tough

situations. From competitions in studies to peer pressure to
even bullying; life as a stuent has become difficult. To help us Disclaimer
deal with these problems, we need to turn to our role models
and who better than the Holy Prophet Ē.
This is not a scholarly work and should not be taken as
one. Religious and theological rulings should not be derived
This book narrates the story of a few students going from this book. This book is intended to be a mere reminder,
through a typical school day. Alongside this narrative are
various hadith and citations. These have been given to serve
as reminders of how the Prophet Ē had dealt with various
situations and how he might have acted had he been on
Stillness held the bedroom.
campus today.
“Drrring!”
A boy’s hand emerged from the covers and turned off the alarm
clock. He saw the time.
 “Ah man! Who set the alarm for six o’clock?” the boy thought “Between a person and kufr and shirk is the abandonment of the
to himself. The stillness returned. He went back to sleep. The prayer.”
morning sun crept through the boy’s window while he slept
comfortably. (Sahih Muslim)

“Umar! Get up! You’re late!” yelled his mother from

downstairs. “I set your alarm for six o’clock so that you would wake The Prophet Ē said:
up for Fajar.” Umar threw off his blanket, scrambled to get ready and
rushed down to the car. Luckily, he reached school with three “He who offers the Fajr prayers will come under the Protection of
minutes to spare. The teacher had not arrived yet Allah.”
(Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet Ē said in his narration of a dream that he saw:

"He whose head was being crushed with a stone was one who learnt
the Quran but never acted on it, and slept ignoring the compulsory
prayers."
(Sahih Al Bukhari)

Commentary: Most people have formed a daily routine to help bring

order to their hectic schedules. And what better way to start off the
day than with a supplication to Allah?

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad Ē said:

 Meanwhile, a traffic jam prevented Hasan from crossing the
intersection just in front of his school. Car horns sounded, and
exhaust fogged the windows. Hasan sat quietly, knowing nothing
could be done. He kept thinking, “Why did I have to watch that movie
last night?” He then remembered that it was the coolest thing out
this month. Everybody was talking about it
His watch showed 8:15. The roads were given a jolt. Red
changed to green; smoke cleared; cars zipped by. Hasan entered
class to find a few of his friends and also his teacher already
present. Greetings of peace from his friends welcomed him, yet his
mind was only focused on rushing to his desk. He merely threw up
his hand in the air as a response, accompanied by a mumbled
‘hello.’
The Prophet Ē said:
“There are four characteristics, whoever has them is a pure hypocrite,
and whoever has one of them has one of the attributes of hypocrisy
until he gives it up: when he speaks, he lies; when he makes a pledge
he betrays it; when he makes a promise he breaks it; and when he
disputes he resorts to obscene speech.”
(Sahih Muslim)
Commentary: Keeping appointments is just like fulfilling promises.
The Messenger of Allah Ē said:
"By Him in Whose Hand is my life! You will not enter Jannah until you
believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I
inform you of something which, if you do, you will love one another?
Promote greetings (i.e., say: As-Salamu `Alaikum) amongst
yourselves.''
(Sahih Muslim)
Beloved Messenger of Allah Ē said:
"Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins
forgiven (by Allah) before they depart.''
 (Abu Dawud)
Commentary: ‘Asalam o alaikum’ means 'peace be on you.’ Saying
only ‘Asalam o alaikum’ brings ten hasnaat; adding ‘warehmatullahi
wa barakatu hu’ brings thirty.
The teacher was kind enough to allow the late comers into
class. Everyone settled in by 8:30, and finally the teacher called the
students to attention.
“Welcome, class. So, who has prepared our topic for today?”
the teacher inquired. This question brought a noticeable change in
all the students. Umar’s head immediately dropped, just like a plane
which had lost its engines and was entering a nose dive. He had not
studied. Then, he looked up for a second, glanced around the room
and made eye contact with those who had also lost their engines:
Hasan, Ali, and Saif. Contrary to this site of diving planes, across the
room, two hands sprung up. These students eagerly hoped to grasp
a chance to share their knowledge. In the corner of the room sat a
quietly slumbering student with his head resting against his shoulder.
He exuded such calmness that it spread to the neighboring students.
The teacher surveyed this peculiar site and asked, “Ali, why
don’t you start us off?”
Ali remained silent.
“Did you study anything yesterday?” the teacher inquired
Again, Ali remained silent.
“Did anyone study anything yesterday?” The only positive
response came from the same two eager students. The rest of the
class was silent.
“What should we do? How can we learn anything today if the
majority isn’t prepared?”
Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
“He whose two days are equal [in accomplishment] is a sure loser”.
(Sunan al Darami)
Abu Hurayrah  relates that the Prophet Ē said:
"For him who embarks on the path of seeking knowledge, Allah will
ease for him the way to paradise."
(Sahih Muslim)
Comment: Time is a precious commodity that one should try to
utilize fully.
Class continued. The teacher decided to at least introduce the
subject for the class. As she discussed, some of the diving planes
pulled out of their nosedives. Saif and Ali straightened up. Now that
the teacher was talking, there was no threat upon them. They began
chattering amongst themselves.
Umar was sitting next to them and whispered, “Focus guys. We
already don’t know anything.”
“So?” Saif retorted. “It’s not like she knows any better or will
teach us anything useful. Remember that time in science class. We
were supposed to be learning about chromosomes and genes but
instead we studied ‘chronosone and jeans.’ Well, that was the way
she spelt it on the chalkboard. And she kept saying over and over
again, ‘Human have forty-six pair.’ Where was the ‘s’! Useless, man.”
Ali snickered a little, while Umar simply turned away.
The Prophet Ē said:
“Seek knowledge and train to be dignified and calm while seeking
knowledge, and humble yourselves with those whom you learn
from.”
(Tabaraani)

Amr bin Shu`aib  on the authority of his father who heard it from
his father reported, Messenger of Allah Ē said:
“He is not one of us who shows no mercy to younger ones and does
not acknowledge the honour due to our elders.”
(Sunan Al Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)
 “Ok, class. We’ll meet again after our break,” announced the
teacher. “Where’s the attendance sheet?”
“I need to sign my name real quick,” Umar replied. While he
went to get the sheet from Ali, a thought came in his mind. Jamal
had asked him to mark his proxy today. As Umar’s hand reached for
that sheet, his ears became warm. His heart throbbed. Signing
proxies always created this uneasiness, but his friend would be at a
loss if he did not mark it.
The sheet received only one signature. Umar handed it to the
teacher.
“I don’t need to check it, do I?” the teacher asked. “I trust you.”

Prophet Muhammad Ē said:

“Whoever wants to please the people by displeasing Allah, Allah will
be displeased with him and will make the people displeased with him
also. And whoever wants to please Allah by displeasing the people,
Allah will be pleased by him and will make the people pleased with
him also.”
(Sunan Al Tirmidhi)

Commentary: One should always try to help or please others.

However, if one’s ideals are being compromised or if one’s actions are
at odds with those of the crowd, then one should try to keep in mind
that pleasing Allah is of far greater importance.
Abdullah bin Mas'ud  reported: The Prophet Ē said:
"Truth leads to piety and piety leads to Jannah. A man perisists in
speaking the truth till he is enrolled with Allah as truthful. Falsehood
leads to vice and vice leads to the Fire, and a person persists on
telling lies until he is enrolled as a liar."
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Umar met all of his friends outside the classroom.
“Hey, Ali! How’s it going, bud?” Umar asked.
“It’s all good, dude,” replied Ali. One by one, Umar met Hasan
and Saif as well. As they talked, one of their classmates walked by.
Umar caught a glimpse of him; it was Imran. The two had met a year
ago. Once before, Umar was walking home in the pouring rain when
a car stopped next to him. The door opened; it was Imran and he
offered to take Umar home. Ever since, the two have been friends.
Umar wanted to meet Imran but was too tangled up in his own
group which was discussing the daily gossip. Without splitting from the
group, Umar yelled out a ‘hello’ to Imran who graciously received it.
The two proceeded in their separate ways. The group of boys then
argued about some movie as they headed towards the common room.
As if the common room had some special power, the seemingly
tight knit group of boys split, and they went their separate ways. One
of Umar’s friends called him over from across the room.
“Hey, Jamal,” replied Umar. “Where were you this morning?
What was so important that you had to miss the class?”
“Oh, nothing really. I just didn’t feel like coming,” Jamal
explained.
“Soon you won’t be able to sit for your exams if you keep
skipping classes, and then you’ll have to beg the principal to let you
take the exam. You’re a lazy buffoon.” Umar said loudly. Everyone in
the common room started looking at Jamal, and he was embarrassed.

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
“The example of a good companion and a bad companion is like that
of the seller of musk, and the one who blows the blacksmith's
bellows (respectively). So as for the seller of musk then either he will
grant you some, or you buy some from him, or at least you enjoy a
pleasant smell from him. As for the one who blows the blacksmith's
bellows then either he will burn your clothes or you will get an
offensive smell from him.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
“A man will follow the way of his close friends, so let one of you look
to whom he takes as a close friend.”
(Sunan Al Tirmidhi)
Commentary: Friends can gain much from each other by spending
time together. When with a group of friends, one might want
consider his or her actions carefully, as he or she might be rubbing
off on or influencing others.
Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
“Insulting a Muslim is disobedience to Allah.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
"If anyone disgraces his brother for a sin, he will not die before
committing it himself."
(Sunan Al Tirmidhi)
Commentary: The Prophet Ē never advised someone by insulting the
person. Rather, a better approach may be to talk to the friend in
private and advice him or her sincerely.
Jamal changed the topic and asked, “Did you hear about
Ahmed?”
“Um, no,” Umar said.
“Well. Do you remember how Ahmed used to blab on and on
about getting a new car?”
“Yea, he told me about that.”
“Oh,” Jamal mocked Ahmed’s voice, “This new car so many
cool features. It can go really, really fast. It has a TV and a fridge. It
can even drive up walls. Blah, blah, blah. And remember how he
made fun of your car?”
Umar sighed. He remembered the first day Ahmed brought his
brand new car to school. Everyone flocked to Ahmed and begged him
to drive them around the city. Just a few months ago, all the
attention was on Umar because he had just bought a new car. Now
things changed; his heart craved just a little for the people to come
back to him.
“Well, that loser’s car got stolen yesterday!” Jamal started
laughing. His face was beaming with joy. “He is so dumb!”
Umar let out a small smile because he did not want Jamal to
think his story was not as entertaining as he felt it was. Even though
Ahmed had lost the one thing which had entertained the crowd,
Umar did not seem to enjoy his loss that much. His heart had been
tinged with jealously but not enough to allow Umar to delight in
Ahmed’s misfortune.
Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi  reported: A man came to the Prophet Ē
and said, "O Messenger of Allah, guide me to such an action which,
if I do Allah will love me and the people will also love me.'' He Ē said:
"Have no desire for this world, Allah will love you; and have no desire
for what people possess, and the people will love you.''
(Sunan ibn Majah)
Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
“Do not look to those above you. Look to those below you, as it will
more likely remind you of Allah’s favors bestowed on you.”
(Sahih Bukhari)
Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
"Do you know what backbiting is?" They said, "God and His
Messenger know best." He then said, "It is to say something about
your brother that he would dislike." Someone asked him, "But what if
what I say is true?" The Messenger of God Ē said, "If what you say
about him is true, you are backbiting him, but if it is not true then you
have slandered him."
(Sahih Muslim)
Commentary: If one happens to be present in an ongoing discussion
about someone else, try to change the subject before it heads down
the wrong way.
 Meanwhile, in the common room, a group of boys and girls
including Hasan were chatting and laughing.
“Oh yea, that reminds me of what happened to Immad!”
Hasan exclaimed. “So, we were in English class. Both of us went to
talk to the teacher about our essays. Immad gave his paper first,
being the topper in English and all. And do you know what the
teacher said?”
“What?” asked Sara.
“Well, she destroyed him! She was like, ‘This is ridiculous. It’s
totally off topic. There isn’t any flow. It doesn’t even make any
sense.” A few members of the group laughed.
“No way!” Immad shouted. “She just wanted me to fix the end
a bit.”
Hasan said, “Dude, you should have seen his face. He was Prophet Muhammad Ē said:
about to cry. Topper of the babies.”
"Woe to him who lies in his talk to make the people laugh, Woe to
“Hey, now you’re just making stuff up.” him! Woe to him!"
“That was lame,” Sara responded. “Just ignore him, Immad.” (Abu Dawud)
“Oh, come on. It was hilarious. You’re just fake not-laughing,” Comment: Many people find themselves exaggerating things in order
Hasan replied. to be respected amongst friends. However Islam teaches that a
“Immad, I believe you and you don’t have to take this. Let’s go Muslim is the most humble being on earth, and he or she shies away
get some chips.” Sara and Immad then walked to the tuck shop. from fame and encourages the truth.

“Let’s go outside. There are too many people here and there’s
no place to sit,” Sara said. Immad followed Sara as she went out. The Prophet Ē said:
"A man is never alone with a woman except that Satan is the third
one.”
(Sunan Al Tirmidhi)

Commentary: Islam is a beautiful and complete religion and has laid
guidelines for every situation. Unnecessary interaction between the
genders should try to be avoided.
During the break, a few classmates stepped outside for some
fresh air. As they roamed around in the afternoon sun, Ali, Saif, and a
few other boys were drawn to “their spot.” The spot was simply a
secluded alley, littered with some trash and cigarette butts.
“Hey, you got a light?” One of the boys gave Saif a matchbox.
Most of the boys were occupied with their cigarettes. Smoke
permeated the entire group as the boys stood in their spot calmly and
coolly.
“Do you want a smoke, Ali?” asked Saif.
“You know I don’t smoke,” replied Ali.
“What! Are you really a man?”
Ali did not enjoy being in the presence of smoke, but he felt
bound to stay with his friends.
 Commentary: Today, it is well known that tobacco has many
deleterious effects on the body ranging from something as simple as
bad odor to serious diseases like a variety of cancers. Usually tobacco
receives all of the bad publicity but unhealthy foods, for example, can
also cause significant health problems.

Prophet Muhammad Ē said:

"Your body has a right on you."

"There is no harm or causing of harm (in Islam)."

"A person will not be able to move on the Day of Judgment until he
is asked about ... his body as to what he engaged it in."
(Sunan Al Timridhi)
 else from escaping. He thought, “What have I done? Oh, forgive me,
Allah.”

The break finished, and the students headed back to class. A

long lecture passed.
“Well that’s it for now,” the teacher said. “I’ll see you after
lunch break. But before you go, we still have about fifteen minutes,
so I would like to give you a surprise… A surprise quiz, that is.”
Groans of horror and pleads for mercy filled the room. The test
papers were handed out.
“Keep an eye on your own paper please,” the teacher ordered.
Silence filled the room. Only the sound of pencil scratching paper
reached the students’ ears. Umar wrote quickly. He rushed but
managed to finish before time was up.
“Turn in your papers,” requested the teacher. The silence was
broken. Umar stood up along with a few students. The shuffling of Our Beloved Prophet Ē said:
shoes and sliding of chairs now filled the room. As Umar walked to “One who cheats is not amongst us.”
the teacher’s desk, he noticed a few students exchanging words
under the cover of the noise. On his way out of the room, Umar (Sunan Al Timridhi)
walked by Hasan who still had his paper.
“What did you put for number two?” whispered Hasan.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah  said: I heard the Prophet Ē say:
An inaudible mumble escaped Umar’s lips reluctantly. He “A person committed a sin and said: ‘My Lord, I have sinned; forgive
usually avoided these situations. me.’ His Lord said: ‘Is My slave acknowledging that he has a Lord
“What?” asked Hasan, as he gestured to speak louder. Who forgives sins and punishes for them? I have forgiven My slave.’
Then as much time passed as Allah willed, then he committed a sin
Umar’s eyes glanced around the room and at the teacher’s and said, ‘My Lord, I have sinned; forgive me.’ His Lord said: ‘Is My
desk. The coast was clear. The answer came out of his mouth. He slave acknowledging that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and
left the room. His lips were pursed tightly as if to prevent anything punishes for them? I have forgiven My slave.’ Then as much time
passed as Allah willed, then he committed a sin and said, ‘My Lord, I
have sinned; forgive me.’ His Lord said: ‘Is My slave acknowledging
that he has a Lord Who forgives sins and punishes for them? I have
forgiven My slave,’ – three times…”
(Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Commentary: No one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. But
there is a safety net which is sincere dua. Isn’t it nice to know that
there is always a failsafe in place no matter what happens?
In order to settle down, Umar went to the courtyard. It was a
sunny day; quiet and peaceful. A few people were playing
badminton while others studied under the shade of the trees. Umar
sat down and took in the scene. He spotted a group of boys across
the courtyard. They were pointing and smiling as they looked at the
girls playing badminton.
Umar then overheard the conversation of two boys who were
sitting next to him. They were trying to decide where they should go to
dinner with their girlfriends. As he listened to them, a strange yet
familiar feeling came upon Umar. It was almost like the feeling he
used get when he was still hungry even after eating a full meal. It was
a craving for something more-dessert. This same need for something
more plagued him presently as he thought to himself, “I need to be
doing what these guys are doing. It’s the cool thing to do…” His line of
thought was interrupted by Ali, Hasan, and Saif.
“Dude, I’m starving,” barked Ali. “Let’s go to that new burger
place. They have some crazy deals.”
“I’m ready to eat!” added Hasan.
“Yeah, let’s do it,” agreed Umar.
The boys walked out to their cars. As Umar sat in the driver’s
seat, the thought of afternoon prayers came to mind; he had not
offered them yet. This thought floated in his mind and soon expanded
to his memory of the rushed morning. Fajar had been missed.
“You guys can all fit in Saif’s car, right?” Umar asked. I’ll join up
with you guys later.”

Rasul Allah Ē said:
“Sight is a poisonous arrow of the devil. Whosoever, whether male
or female, protects himself or herself from evil glances, will be
granted a sweet eeman (faith) which will please his/her heart.”
(Tabrani)
“And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord
morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes
overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of the world;
and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our
Remembrance, one who follows his own lusts and whose affair
(deeds) has been lost.”
(Noble Quran Surah Al Kahf: verse 28)
“And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given
enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendor
of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord
is better and more enduring.”
(Quran Surah Taha: verse 131)
Comment: The feeling of being inferior to those people who “have it
all” can be countered with the knowledge that something better
awaits those who are patient.
“You will never give up a thing for the sake of Allah, may He be
glorified and exalted, but Allah will compensate you with something
that is better for you than that.”
(Classed as sahih by al-Albaani in Hijaab al-Mar’ah al-Muslimah)
Comment: Changing one’s plans to fulfill a commitment is a sacrifice
which will not go unrewarded.
The last period of class flew by quickly. A few assignments
were given to the students for tomorrow. The classmates said their
goodbyes and parted ways. Umar picked up his little brother Amir
from school then proceeded home. They were greeted by their mother
at the door. She led them into the living room, where they plopped
onto the sofa.
“How was your day, guys?” asked their mother.
“Fine. Nothing special,” replied Umar.
“Oh, just another ordinary day. Well, would you like a snack?”
“Nah. I already ate lunch.”
“What about you, Amir?” his mother asked. “You’re awfully
quiet.”
“Nothing happened. You just have to see my teacher
tomorrow,” Amir replied bluntly.
“Is everything all right?”
“Mother, please! You can ask my teacher tomorrow, Amir said
angrily.
“Was there another fight?” his mother asked softly. “You know
better than to fight.”
 “Don’t bother me! I don’t want to talk about it. You can ask my
teacher tomorrow.” Amir stormed out of the room. She kept silent. A
feeling of anxiety had gripped Umar throughout this exchange of
words, yet now a feeling of sadness encompassed the room,
emanating from his mother. Umar walked over and hugged his
mother.
“I’m sorry. You do so much for us.”
A man came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is
more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The
Prophet Ē said: “Your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The
Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?”
The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time,
“Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your father.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

Comment: Mothers do so much and deserve much more in return.

Furthermore, good family values and a strong family unit help form the
foundations of an upright society.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad Ē said:

“The most hated of speech to Allah is when one man says to
another, ‘Fear Allah,’ and he answers by saying ‘Mind your own
business.”
(Classed as sahih by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah)

Comment: When not given properly, the advice from a friend can be
misinterpreted as an attack on character, instead of a loving gesture
of friendship. The person on the receiving end can try to keep an
open mind to avoid any misunderstanding.
 Umar was studying in his room when he received a text
message. It was Imran asking if he was free for dinner. Umar gladly
accepted the invitation because he had not sat down and talked with
Imran for months.
The two met each other in a restaurant.
“As-Salamu Alaykum, Umar,” greeted Imran. “How are you?”
“Walaikum As-Salam. I’m fine. And you?”
“Wonderful, Alhamdulillah. Let’s get down to business first.
What do you want to order?”
“Oh, let me see.”
A silence intervened as the two surveyed their menus, and
then they finally ordered. Imran asked, “So how’s the family?”
“Well…” Umar was not sure whether or not he should burden
Imran with his own stories.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Well, my mother was upset today because my little brother
has been getting into trouble at school lately.”
“That’s a tough situation. I can understand that there must be
some tension in the house.”
“Yea.”
“The best thing you can do is reduce your mother’s stress. Do
some extra chores; help out more around the house. Lessen her
work load so that she can focus on the issue with your brother. You
can also talk to your brother and maybe find out what’s going on.
Spend some time with him. Go play basketball together. At home
you guys can pray together in the evening. You know little brothers
enjoy spending time with their big brothers. So keep him company
and maybe that’s all he needs to soften up.”
“That’s a good idea. I’ll try it out. Thanks for helping me out. I
appreciate it.”
“Things will be fine. Inshallah.”
The food arrived, and the two ate their delicious meal. They
continued their conversation and jumped from discussing school life to
sports to politics.
Messenger of Allah Ē said, Allah, the Exalted, says:
“My love is due to those who love one another for My sake, meet one
another for My sake, visit one another for My sake and spend in
charity for My sake".
(Malik’s Muwatta)
Anas  reported, the Prophet Ē said:
"No one of you becomes a true believer until he likes for his brother
what he likes for himself".
(Sahih Al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
The Prophet Ē said:
"He who relieves a hardship of this Dunya (this earthly life) for a
believer, Allah will relieve a hardship of the Day of Resurrection for
him; He who makes it easy for an indebted person, Allah will make it
easy for him in the Dunya and the Hereafter; He who covers a Muslim
(his mistakes and shortcomings), Allah will cover him in the Dunya
and the Hereafter; Allah will be in the slave 's need, as long as the
slave is in his (believing) brother's need…"
(Sahih Muslim)
Commentary: An important part of maintaining a good relationship
consists of considering the other person’s needs, problems, and
overall well-being. When in a group of friends, one can divert the
attention from him or herself to others.
 life; all the attention had remained on Umar throughout the
conversation. “I’m pretty self-centered,” Umar thought.
“What does he do different that makes him such a good fellow?”
This question acted like a seed which was then implanted in his mind.
He pondered for a moment. Then as if from some miraculous
nourishment, the seed sprouted. The nourishment which created the
answer to this question was the realization that Imran’s life seemed
prioritized. Not once did he talk about girlfriends, driving cool cars, or
buying fancy gadgets. He cared about respecting others; he cared
about the troubles of his friend. And it was obvious through these
actions that he cared about something much greater; that was the
remembrance of Allah.
Stillness held the bedroom. The new day waited patiently for the
night to pass.

After dinner, Umar came home and had to finish some

schoolwork. As he sat at his desk reading his book, his mind
wandered over the day’s happenings; he could not focus. One event
kept recurring in his thoughts. The picture of the two guys discussing
their girlfriends and their dinner plans was stuck in his mind.
Umar’s books lay wide open; the pages staring at him. “What’s
the point? It’s useless. I’ll study, but the other guys will have all the
fun.” He closed the books and went to bed.
As he lay there, his dinner with Imran came to mind. “It was The Prophet Ē said:
fun,” he thought. “The food was good. And Imran, well, he’s a nice "For the ones whose concern is this world, Allah will scatter his affair,
chap.” He remembered how Imran had greeted him heartily; how he and place poverty between his two eyes. And he will not get from the
was well-mannered; how he had politely interacted with the waiter. world except what is written for him. And for the one whose intention
And finally, how he had taken the time to listen to his family is the Hereafter, Allah will gather for him his affair and place
problems and even offer some useful advice. Then Umar became contentment in his heart, and the world will come to him willingly."
embarrassed. He realized that not once did he ask Imran about his
(Sunan ibn Maajah, Sahih al-Jaami)
Abu Hurairah  reported: The Messenger of Allah Ē said: "Allah
the Exalted says: `I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with
him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will
remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I
will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of
angels).''
(Sunan Al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Comment: People tend to measure success by physical means; how

much money one has; how many cars, houses, etc. A believer’s
achievements are scrutinized according to a different standard. With
this realization, priorities in life can be properly made.
Daily life is usually filled with many necessary duties to family,
friends and coworkers. These responsibilities cannot be ignored.
However, this routine must not leave out an essential part which is
the remembrance of Allah, the true purpose of life. How can both of
these duties be fulfilled? A person can join these seemingly different
obligations by realizing that each and every action should be
accompanied by the thought that it is all being done for the sake of
Allah. The Prophet is a perfect example to follow.