Children’s rights over their children described by A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه also include the following:
Islamic knowledge, especially the excellences of Wudu, Ghusl, rulings of Salah and fasting, trust in Allah Almighty, contentment, abstinence from the world, sincerity, humility, trust, truth, justice, modesty, blessings of the protection of heart, tongue, etc. and also teach the vices of greed, love for the world, love for fame, showing off, self-praising, arrogance, breach of trust, lying, oppression, immodesty, backbiting, jealousy, envy, and other evils. (Fatawa Razawiyyah, vol. 24, p. 454)
In this saying of A’la Hadrat رَحْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَيْه, a total of 24 topics about ethics and spiritual diseases have been mentioned.
1. Trust in Allah Almighty
2. Greed
3. Contentment (to satisfy with what you receive)
4. Love for the world
5. Absentation from the world
6. Desire for respect
7. Sincerity (good deeds for Allah Almighty)
8. Showing off (doing virtuous acts to get more respect or money from people )
9. Amanat (trust)
10. Self-praising (to consider your qualities as your perfection)
11. Truth
12. Arrogance (to consider the other as inferior)
13. Justice
14. Breach of trust (to use an entrusted thing without permission)
15. Modesty (bashfulness according to the principle of Islam)
16. Lying
17. Protection of the heart (to be pure-hearted)
18. Oppression
19. Protection of the tongue (appropriate use of the tongue)
18. Immodesty (to make indecent conversation)
21. Humility
22. Backbiting
23. Jealousy
24. Envy
Parable no. 1
What did the woodcutter see? A woodcutter would shirk the work a lot, and instead of thanking Allah Almighty, he would complain all the time, ‘I don’t know if I can find excellent wood or not, if I can go home early or not.’ He would not like to cut wood in the forest. While he once went to the forest, he saw that the sparrows came out of their nests. They didn’t have any stuff nor food. They kept moving around and pecking at the grains for some time. When they returned, they had the crumbs in their beaks and fed them to their chicks. Upon seeing that, the woodcutter thought to himself, ‘I should also work hard and trust in Allah Almighty that He would also give me excellent sustenance.’
Tawakkul (trust in Allah Almighty)
Dear children! Allah Almighty is the Only Owner of everything. We should only trust in Him. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘If you trust in Allah Almighty as of right, you will get sustenance like a bird gets its sustenance. It moves out with an empty stomach but returns to its nest with a full stomach. (Tirmizi, vol. 4, p. 154, verse 2351) The best method of developing this good habit: Make this mindset that like a child goes to his mother for his every work, in a similar way, we should also make Du’a to Allah Almighty to get success in our works. Keep it in mind that trusting [in Allah Almighty] means that a person should trust in only Allah Almighty regarding all the works. Do not be happy about fertilizing, sowing a seed and watering the crops, and do not think that you are successful now. Instead, even after all these works, you should develop this mind-set that Allah Almighty is the Only One Who makes us successful. Make this intention that you will only trust in Allah Almighty regarding all your works. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 2
A dog and a piece of meat A dog carrying a piece of meat was going along the riverside. While moving ahead, his eyes fell on the river. When he saw his own reflection in the river, he thought that there was probably another dog in the river carrying a piece of meat and that it was a good idea to snatch it away from him. As this thought occurred to him, he moved towards the river water, and as he opened up his mouth, the piece of meat fell from his mouth into the river. That way, he lost the piece of meat due to his greed. Greed Dear children! The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘If Adam's son had two valleys full of gold, he would like to have the third valley [i.e., he already has two, he wants three], for nothing can fill the stomach of Adam's son except soil of the grave.’ (Bukhari, vol. 4, p.228, verse 6436) Our habit should not be that we feel a desire for everything. Having a desire to get another’s share after getting your own share, is greed and a bad habit. (For example, everyone gets a candy, a child has eaten his own candy and now he has a desire to snatch [the candy] from the other child.) The best method of developing this good habit: Be happy for whatever you have. Look at those people who have lesser than you have, and do not look at those who have more than you have. Make this intention that you will give up the habit of greed. Keep in mind that greed for sins is bad, on the other hand, greed for good deeds is good.
Parable no. 3
A weak donkey and the strong horses A weak donkey ended up in a stable whilst eating the grass. What he saw was that the strong horses were being served, there were also arrangements for excellent hay and cleanliness. He thought a lot to himself, leaving the stable. Now the donkey started shirking every work, he was always lost in thought of the stable. After some days, he passed by the stable. What he saw was that many horses were injured, one had a bruise on his neck and the other had a bruise on his leg. When the donkey enquired, he came to know that the horses had been to the battlefield in that very condition. Upon seeing that, the donkey started thanking Allah Almighty and satisfied with whatever Allah Almighty had given him. Contentment (a state of satisfaction with whatever you receive) Dear children! To satisfy with the thing being sufficient for you according to your need is a good habit. Likewise, to remain content with the thing being insufficient for you according to your need is a good thing. Whoever remains content with the thing being sufficient for him according to his need, he does not need anyone and he remains peaceful (as he stops thinking that his friend should give him a treat, his neighbour should offer him a lift on the motorbike). The best method of developing this good habit: Make this mindset that whoever has more wealth, he will also be in more danger of an enemy or thieves; and whoever has lesser wealth, his life will be more peaceful. Make this intention that you will remain grateful and patient for the thing you get. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 4
A bag full of gold coins A king went hunting with his minister. The king was also carrying a bag full of gold coins, while the minister was driven by greed for the bag. During the hunting, the minister had the opportunity and stole the king’s bag of gold coins. Hunting came to an end and they returned to the palace. Now the king remembered the bag. As he could not find it, he enquired the minister who said that he had no idea where the bag was missing. The king believed him, and the minister left for home. He stopped somewhere in the middle on his way to home and started counting the gold coins. In the meanwhile, the robbers ended up in there. They grabbed the bag from him and killed him as well. Love for the world Dear children! The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, ‘Love for the world is a root cause of every evil.’ (Moso’a Ibn Abe Al-Dunya, vol. 5, p. 22, Hadith 9) Whoever loves his Akhirah [hereafter], he can be faced with calamities in the world, but he has a hope from the blessings [Rahmah] of Allah Almighty that he will have abundant blessings in the eternal life of the Akhirah. Keep in mind, ‘Such love for the world is bad which causes destruction to the Akhirah.’ (Batini Beemariyon Key Ma’loomat, p.72) The best method of giving up love for the world: Love for the world diminishes by making charity and do good. Make this intention that you will not miss Salah, no matter what work you have to do in the world. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 5
A man with the shawl An important man from a country once came to see a king of the Muslims. He enquired the people about the king. The people said, ‘[He is] in the Masjid.’ He said that it was not time for any Salah. He went to the Masjid where there were simple carpets and a man with the shawl on him. There was no throne, no chair and nor any watchmen. Therefore, upon his return, he asked the people if they had made a fool of him. The people said, ‘No.’ Then one of them accompanied him to the Masjid, pointed towards the man with the shawl, and said that the man with the shawl is the king of the Muslims. Zuhd (absentation from the world) Dear children!! A good habit is that a bondman should leave such everything that keeps him away from Allah Almighty. Salah should not at all be missed because of playing a video game or using a mobile. A person came to the blessed court of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم and humbly said, ‘O Allah’s Prophet! Please let me know a deed due to which Allah Almighty loves me.’ The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم said, ‘Such a deed whereby Allah Almighty will love you is abstentation from the world. (Mosu’a li Ibn Abi Al-Dunya, vol. 7, p. 425, Hadith 33) Make this intention that you will live a simple life. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 6
A bear and a wolf A lion king in a jungle was famous for helping the weak animals and hunting the bad animals. A bear would look at the lion and thought to himself, ‘If I were famous like the lion, all the animals would respect me and none of them put his hand on my prey.’ Overpowered with this thought, he would always try to find an opportunity and roam around the jungle.’ The bear once passed by a female goat and said, ‘Goat sister! I am very strong. If you ever need my help, let me know.’ Having said that, the bear left. A wolf once took a kid away. The female goat ran to the bear and recounted the whole incident in one breath. That moment the bear had the opportunity to become famous. Therefore, he went on a mission to rescue the kid. Having reached in there, he started a fight with the wolf. The wolf beat the bear severely. News spread across the jungle that the bear was beaten by the wolf. Hence bad reputation instead of good reputation became the bear’s destiny. Desire for respect Dear children!! The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, ‘Two hungry wolves cause less destruction to a tribe of the goats than love for wealth, respect and fame does to the religion of a Muslim.’ (Tirmizi, vol. 4, p. 166, Hadith 2383) If you wish that you would be appreciated, praised, and ennobled by the family, this is not a good mindset. On the contrary, it should be that if you are appreciated by the family, you should not be proud of it. Instead, you should be grateful to Allah Almighty for He gave you such respect. The method of giving up this evil: Imam Ghazali stated: This is a root cause of every evil. (Ihya`-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 3, p. 342) Make this intention that you will thank Allah Almighty for every blessing. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 7
Journey to Hajj A merchant had been wanting to go for Nafl Hajj for some years. His money had been stuck somewhere for years, and he could not get it. He had an intention that if he got that money, he would go for Hajj, but he could not succeed to get it. As he earned a greater profit in a particular year, he set out on a journey to Hajj. During the journey, he came across a poor family that did not have any stuff to spend their lives nor anything to eat. The merchant gave his all money to the poor family in order to please Allah Almighty and came back to home. He lay down in vain to sleep at night. He just remained anxious whilst thinking about Hajj. He got up in the morning, performed Fajr Salah and reached the market. The man who had to repay the money to the merchant was already up there at his shop. After greeting, he handed over the money, thanked the merchant and departed. The merchant, on the other hand, returned [to home] as well and set out on the journey to Hajj once again. Hence, he achieved a return of his sincerity. Sincerity (to please Allah) Dear children! Whenever you want to do any work, do it with good intentions in order to please Allah Almighty. Sincerity means that a bondman performs good deeds only for Allah Almighty. (Mafhomam Mirqaat-ul-Mafatih, vol. 1, p.486) The best method of developing this good habit: Make this mindset that Allah Almighty is watching you. Make this intention that you will perform any righteous and permissible work in order to please Allah Almighty. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 8
Food and Salah A worshipper together with his servant went to attend a feast from a king. The worshipper ate less food but prolonged Salah with the aim of showing it to the king. As he came back to home from the feast, he was feeling extremely hungry. So, he asked the servant to bring him food. Upon this, the servant said, ‘If you ate less food but prolonged Salah with the aim of showing it to the king, perform Salah again in addition to eating food again.’ Showing off (to perform good deeds for people) Dear children! Worship should be performed to please Allah Almighty only. Your mindset should not be that you will get money, people will appreciate you, and people will respect you. Therefore, it is a bad habit to perform Salah in an excellent way, but rather you should perform Salah to please Allah Almighty only. The Beloved Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘Allah Almighty has declared Jannah [Paradise] as Haram [prohibited] for every show-off (people who worship to show off). (Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, vol. 2,3, p. 190 verse 7484) The method of developing this good habit: Develop this mindset that a show-off is such a fool that he is selling a reward and purchasing a torment. He is trying to please those people who cannot give anything to him in return for his good deeds. However, if those people come to know that he is worshipping not with the aim of pleasing Allah Almighty but with the aim of earning respect among the people, then the same people will start hating him. Make this intention that you will perform every good deed for Allah Almighty only. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 9
A man had to set out on a long journey. So, he entrusted a very big sack of lentil to his friend. Many days went by, but he did not return. One day the friend needed the lentil and he thought to himself that if he took some of it, no one would come to know and that his friend would not take it back after weighing it. However, the friend did not take any of it as it was Amanat (trust). Upon his return from the journey, the man came to see his friend and brought a bag full of gold coins. He gave it to his friend whilst saying, ‘I made a big profit. So, keep it.’ The friend brought the sack of lentil and gave it to him. The man said, ‘keep it as well.’ Amanat (trust) Dear children! If anything is handed over to anyone to take care of it or anyone receives anyone’s thing in any way, this is called Amanat. For example, if your friend hands a book over to you whilst saying ‘hold it, I am coming’, now this book is an Amanat of your friend with you. Amanat is not only limited to the things, but it also includes the secrets. For example, if your friend tells you something and asks you not share it with anyone, now this is Amanat. If you tell it to anyone, you will breach his Amanat. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم stated, ‘The signs of a Munafiq are three: whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; whenever he promises, he always breaks it; and he is trusted, he breaches his trust. (Muslim, p. 53, Hadith 211-214) The best method of developing this good habit: Breaching the trust is a very bad thing. Keep in mind that Allah Almighty is watching. Make this intention that we will also remain trustworthy. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 10
A boy in a village used to like his work only. He used to consider himself very intelligent, and he used to be very proud of his works. He used to remain lost in thought all the time and tell that he had done a brilliant job. None of the people would like his habit in the village. The elderly people would try to convince him that he should change his habit. However, he didn’t listen to anyone. One day he went to the jungle and lost his direction. He met some of men on the way, but due to his habit, he didn’t even ask anyone about the right direction. At last, by the time he reached his home being hungry and thirsty after two days, he had realized his mistake. He felt ashamed of his habit and repented. ‘Ajab [self-praising] Dear children! We should thank Allah Almighty for every blessing and we should not consider that it is our excellence. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘A self-praiser waits for the anger of Allah Almighty.’ (Mu’jam-e-Sagheer, vol. 1, p. 189) The method of refraining from this evil: Make this mindset that Allah Almighty has given every blessing. If a person is strong or beautiful, it is by the grace of Allah Almighty. Make this intention that we will thank Allah Almighty for every blessing. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 11
Advantage of speaking the truth A child would always speak the truth. He would not give up the habit of speaking the truth, no matter how hard time would arrive. While he was once playing with other local children, he broke the glass of someone’s house. An uncle immediately came out from that house. All the friends said, ‘We should disperse. If the uncle asks, we will say that we don’t know.’ However, when the uncle asked the child, ‘Speak the truth, I won’t say anything.’ Then the child told him the whole truth. So, the uncle liked the habit of speaking the truth and forgave him. Truth Dear children! If you feel that ‘if I speak the truth, I will be in trouble’, speak the truth even then, for there are a lot of advantages of speaking the truth. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has stated, ‘When a person speaks the truth, he does a good deed; and when he does a good deed, he becomes safe; and when he becomes safe, he enters Jannat.’ (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 2, p. 589, Hadith 6652) The best method of developing this good habit: Speaking the truth is an act that brings in deliverance and leads to Jannah. Make this intention that we will always speak the truth. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه
Parable no. 12
Disadvantage of considering someone as inferior While a person, who was a big sinner, once went past a person, who would worship in abundance, he saw that a cloud was hovering over the worshipper. The sinner thought to himself, ‘I am a big sinner and he is an extremely pious man. If I sit with him, I have a hope that Allah Almighty will have mercy on me as well.’ Having thought this, the sinner sat with the worshipper. The pious man felt really bad and thought to himself, ‘I am a superior worshipper and he is an inferior sinner.’ Therefore, he said to the sinner, ‘Get out from here.’ Upon listening to this, as the sinner moved from there, the cloud followed him as well, whereas the worshipper was left surprised. Arrogance (to consider others to be as inferior) Dear children! To consider yourself being better and others inferior is arrogance. The example of an arrogant person is that a servant puts on a king’s crown without permission and sits on his royal throne. So, like the servant gets severe punishment from the king, in a similar way, the arrogant person will be worthy of harsh punishment from Allah Almighty. The Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم has said, ‘If anyone has arrogance even equal to a particle, he will not enter Jannat.’ (Muslim, p. 61 verse 147) The method of refraining from this evil!! Make this mind-set that Allah Almighty has given every blessing. You should not behave insolently and make Allah Almighty angry. Make this intention that we will not display arrogance.