Purification of the Soul

With Ramadaan just round the corner we should take this time to prepare ourselves for this spiritual journey. For it is the foolish who embark on a journey without any preparation.

All things in creation have a beginning, and our beginning is an awakening... the realization that within oneself all is not well. This awakening may come early in life, or it may come quite late. And even, perhaps, there might be several beginnings after periods of stagnation. Yet, each beginning holds the highest potential, and this is a great mercy from Allah.

Scholars of various schools of thought differ greatly regarding the nature and essence of the soul (nafs). Is it a part of the physical body or a non-essential characteristic of it? Is it an entity consigned to dwell within the physical body?, or is it an independent essence in itself? Is the nafs the same as the rûh (spirit)? Finally, what happens to the soul upon death? Is it confined to its body and its grave? If not, is it free to move about in the unseen spiritual world and on the earth?

Many people mistakenly assume that true wealth and real treasure is that of money. It is indeed true that wealth is a great blessing from Allah which He bestows upon His servants. And the one who earns it purely, and spends it properly, and gives it to those that deserve it, without a doubt earns a great reward from Allah.

The Muslim does not envy, since envy is not part of the Muslim characteristic, it will not befit the Muslim as long as he has a love of good for others and behaves unselfishly. This is because envy is a contradiction to the love of good for others and selflessness.

The Prophet Muhammed sallalahu alayhe was salam said: "There aren't any days greater, nor any days in which deeds done in them are more beloved to Allah Most High, than these ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah)...."

From the Book 30 lessons for those who Fast: It contains the most pertinent Quranic verses, authentic hadiths, delightful poetry and touching advice. It is, therefore, a book for the righteous when they meet for pleasant converstions. It is also a a gift for the wayfarers when they break their journeys for rest, a treasure for those who share mutual love and respect, when they assemble for picnics...

If the prayer does not prevent us from obscene and evil deeds then it is necessary to carefully scrutinise the deficiency within it and to correct it. There is no escaping from correcting one's prayer and there is no fleeing from bringing about khushoo' within it. So let us look at the causes and let us strive to treat them with the cure, just as we treat our bodies for their diseases.

There were days when the forces of the Muslims were dreaded by all those who opposed them, when people from all over the world would travel to to the lands of the Muslims to receive education, and when Arabic was the language of success. These days are all but gone. Muslims and Islam are generally looked down upon. Why? The Prophet said it is because of Wahn.