HOW TO SEEK ALLAH’S GUIDANCE

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH THE MOST GRACIOUS, THE MOST MERCIFUL

INTRODUCTION

When Adam (AS) and his wife were sent to the earth, Allah Promised them (and us) Guidance:

قُلنَا اهبِطوا مِنها جَميعًا ۖ فَإِمّا يَأتِيَنَّكُم مِنّي هُدًى فَمَن تَبِعَ هُدايَ فَلا خَوفٌ عَلَيهِم وَلا هُم يَحزَنونَ

We said: “Get down all of you from this place (the Paradise), then whenever there comes to you Guidance from Me, and whoever follows My Guidance, there shall be no fear on them, nor shall they grieve,” 2: 38

But whosoever refused Allah’s Guidance – then they will end up in Hellfire – FOREVER!

وَالَّذينَ كَفَروا وَكَذَّبوا بِآياتِنا أُولٰئِكَ أَصحابُ النّارِ ۖ هُم فيها خالِدونَ

“But those who disbelieve and belie Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) such are the dwellers of the Fire, they shall abide therein forever.” 2: 38

Allah Who is Al Adl (The Just) will surely Provide us with Guidance. 

Guidance, in Arabic, can be in 2 forms:

“Hidayah” or “Taufeeq” – ONLY comes from Allah

“Irshad” – comes from human beings such as the Prophet (SallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) or your parents or your religious teachers.

However, the ULTIMATE Guidance comes from Allah.

WHAT TYPES OF GUIDANCE DID ALLAH PROVIDE? 

Allah Provides His creations with Guidance through:

1. Direct Guidance such as when you pray – you seek His Guidance when you recite Al Fatihah –

اهدِنَا الصِّراطَ المُستَقيمَ

Guide us to the Straight Way

Did Allah mention to us what is this “straight path”? Yes – in the Qur’an.

2. Direct Guidance when you make du’a

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى 

“O Allah. I beg of You guidance, piety, chastity and free from the needs of His creations.” (Muslim)

3. Through the Qur’an

ذٰلِكَ الكِتابُ لا رَيبَ ۛ فيهِ ۛ هُدًى لِلمُتَّقينَ

“This is the Book (the Qur’an), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun “ 2: 2

So, what is the “straight path”?

 قُل تَعالَوا أَتلُ ما حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُم عَلَيكُم ۖ أَلّا تُشرِكوا بِهِ شَيئًا ۖ وَبِالوالِدَينِ إِحسانًا ۖ وَلا تَقتُلوا أَولادَكُم مِن إِملاقٍ ۖ نَحنُ نَرزُقُكُم وَإِيّاهُم ۖ وَلا تَقرَبُوا الفَواحِشَ ما ظَهَرَ مِنها وَما بَطَنَ ۖ وَلا تَقتُلُوا النَّفسَ الَّتي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلّا بِالحَقِّ ۚ ذٰلِكُم وَصّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُم تَعقِلونَ

وَلا تَقرَبوا مالَ اليَتيمِ إِلّا بِالَّتي هِيَ أَحسَنُ حَتّىٰ يَبلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ ۖ وَأَوفُوا الكَيلَ وَالميزانَ بِالقِسطِ ۖ لا نُكَلِّفُ نَفسًا إِلّا وُسعَها ۖ وَإِذا قُلتُم فَاعدِلوا وَلَو كانَ ذا قُربىٰ ۖ وَبِعَهدِ اللَّهِ أَوفوا ۚ ذٰلِكُم وَصّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُم تَذَكَّرونَ

وَأَنَّ هٰذا صِراطي مُستَقيمًا فَاتَّبِعوهُ ۖ وَلا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُم عَن سَبيلِهِ ۚ ذٰلِكُم وَصّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُم تَتَّقونَ

“Say (O Muhammad (Peace abd Blessing be upon him): “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty – We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Islamic law). This He has commanded you that you may understand.

 “And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it, until he (or she) attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person, but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidence, etc.), say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfill the Covenant of Allah, This He commands you, that you may remember.

“And verily, this (i.e. Allah’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqun. 6: 151-153

Even with the Qur’an – whether a person understands Arabic language or not – Allah may Guide those who has no knowledge of the Arabic language – or He will lead astray those who understands the Arabic language. In other words – through reciting the Qur’an – a person may become better in the eyes of Allah or he/she can become more misguided.

4. Through various prophets

وَلَقَد بَعَثنا في كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ رَسولًا أَنِ اعبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَاجتَنِبُوا الطّاغوتَ ۖ فَمِنهُم مَن هَدَى اللَّهُ وَمِنهُم مَن حَقَّت عَلَيهِ الضَّلالَةُ

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], “Worship Allah and avoid Taghut.” And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. (Quran, 16:36)

Every Prophet was sent unto his own nation for their guidance, but the Message of Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam – peace be upon him) was general for all mankind and jinn (a being created from smokeless flames).

السَّماواتِ وَالأَرضِ ۖ لا إِلٰهَ إِلّا هُوَ يُحيي وَيُميتُ ۖ فَآمِنوا بِاللَّهِ وَرَسولِهِ النَّبِيِّ الأُمِّيِّ الَّذي يُؤمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَكَلِماتِهِ وَاتَّبِعوهُ لَعَلَّكُم تَهتَدونَ

“Say (O Muhammad Peace and blessing be upon him): “O mankind! Verily, I am sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah – to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He); It is He Who gives life and causes death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad Peace and blessing be upon him), the Prophet who can neither read nor write (i.e. Muhammad Peace and blessing be upon him) who believes in Allah and His Words [(this Qur’an), the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and also Allah’s Word: “Be!” – and he was, i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) son of Maryam (Mary),], and follow him so that you may be guided. “ (7:158)

5. Through the numerous Creations of Allah – when pondering over these creations it will lead to Increased in Guidance, with Allah’s Will:

إِنَّ في خَلقِ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرضِ وَاختِلافِ اللَّيلِ وَالنَّهارِ لَآياتٍ لِأُولِي الأَلبابِ

الَّذينَ يَذكُرونَ اللَّهَ قِيامًا وَقُعودًا وَعَلىٰ جُنوبِهِم وَيَتَفَكَّرونَ في خَلقِ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرضِ رَبَّنا ما خَلَقتَ هٰذا باطِلًا سُبحانَكَ فَقِنا عَذابَ النّارِ

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.

Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): “Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose, glory to You! (Exalted be You above all that they associate with You as partners). Give us salvation from the torment of the Fire. 3: 190-191

“And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that you may find tranquility in them, and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect. And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the difference of your languages and colors. Verily, in that are indeed signs for men of sound knowledge.  And among His Signs is the sleepthat you take by night and by day, and your seeking of His Bounty. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who listen. And among His Signs is that He shows you the lightning, by way of fear and hope, and He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and therewith revives the earth after its death. Verily, in that are indeed signs for a people who understand”. [Qur’an 30:12-24]

Verily, the signs of Allah in the universe never manifest themselves clear except to those who possess pious hearts that constantly remember their Lord. This is because these hearts are introduced and connected with the marvelous universe through the Qur’an. This kind of connection exhorts the human heart to ponder over the visible book of Allah (i.e. the universe). The Qur’an establishes the connection between knowledge and the people who possess insight.  Therefore, it is stated in the Qur’an that the ones who find guidance in the signs of universe are a certain category of people as in the words of Allah:

The people mentioned in the above verse are the ones who really benefit from the signs of the universe. This is because they do not restrict their thinking to the apparent scenes or views they see but they extend this by thinking in the Maker and the Might through which He created this. They perfectly utilize their senses [sight, hearing, and intellect] to reach this conclusion along with the help of the Qur’anic verses that enable such senses acquire this knowledge which is the best ever. 

The signs of Allah are only revealed to those who have intellect which leads to knowing the truth [Allah]. However, the disbelievers do not put what they see in the universe beyond the realm of watching—i.e. they do not think about the Maker and the Creator. They even do not realize the wisdom behind this creation as in the words of Allah: “They know only the outside appearance of the life of the world”. [30:7]

Even Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was looking at the stars, the moon and the stars in order to understand the Truth, seeking His Guidance. Eventually after all these creations disappear, Ibrahim (AS) made a declaration:

إِنّي وَجَّهتُ وَجهِيَ لِلَّذي فَطَرَ السَّماواتِ وَالأَرضَ حَنيفًا ۖ وَما أَنا مِنَ المُشرِكينَ

“Verily, I have turned my face towards Him Who has created the heavens and the earth Hanifa (Islamic Monotheism, i.e. worshipping none but Allah Alone) and I am not of Al-Mushrikun”.” 6: 79

6. We have also been given the various faculties to seek Guidance – eyes, ears, brains, mouth, etc. 

SO, HOW DO WE SEEK ALLAH’S GUIDANCE?

1. Through the salah

• Salah with Khushoo’
• Pondering over what you are reciting in your salah
• Tahajjud prayer

Therefore Allah Informed us on the effect of the salah:

إِنَّ الصَّلاةَ تَنهىٰ عَنِ الفَحشاءِ وَالمُنكَرِ

“…Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.)…” 29: 45

2. Through the various du’a

• Choose the best du’a
• Choose the best times to make du’a

3. Through reciting with Qur’an with tadabbur – proper tarteel, understanding, pondering over the verses and acting upon them – NOT just in Ramadan – b ut DAILY!

4. Seeking knowledge through Islamic classes

5. Pondering over His Creations – travelling to see the natural wonder of Allah’s Creations

6. Have taqwa to Allah.

Through Allah’s Guidance will we achieve the ability to

1. Understand the purpose of life
2. Ability to worship Allah in the best of manners
3. Ability to seek His Forgiveness
4. Ability to be grateful to Him
5. Ability to be in the straight path
6. Recognise the acts of innovation
7. Minimise sins
8. Seek refuge in Allah from shaytan
9. Have Taqwa
10. Eventually, with Allah’s Mercy – enter Paradise

May Allah Bestow upon us His Guidance , Forgive is for our shortcomings, Give us the strength to do good deeds in order to please Him and Grant us Jannatul Firdaus.

“…This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion…” 5: 3

When these verses were revealed, even the Jews informed prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) that if this verse were to revealed up us, we will take this as a day of celebration, because Islam was completed for us. 

In fact, Allah Elevated us as “the best nations” when He Informed us:

كُنتُم خَيرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخرِجَت لِلنّاسِ تَأمُرونَ بِالمَعروفِ وَتَنهَونَ عَنِ المُنكَرِ وَتُؤمِنونَ بِاللَّهِ

“You [true believers in Islamic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and his Sunnah (legal ways, etc.)] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin Al-Ma’ruf (i.e. Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam has ordained) and forbid Al-Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden), and you believe in Allah…”  3: 110

Therefore, as a Muslim, surely we must try and understand what Islam means – complete submission to Allah – and you will then achieve peace. 

We cannot choose what we wish to obey on Allah’s Commands and what we choose to ignore. Hence Allah warned the children of Israel in the Qur’an surah al Baqarah (2) verse 85:

أَفَتُؤمِنونَ بِبَعضِ الكِتابِ وَتَكفُرونَ بِبَعضٍ ۚ فَما جَزاءُ مَن يَفعَلُ ذٰلِكَ مِنكُم إِلّا خِزيٌ فِي الحَياةِ الدُّنيا ۖ وَيَومَ القِيامَةِ يُرَدّونَ إِلىٰ أَشَدِّ العَذابِ ۗ وَمَا اللَّهُ بِغافِلٍ عَمّا تَعمَلونَ

“…Then do you believe in a part of the Scripture and reject the rest? Then what is the recompense of those who do so among you, except disgrace in the life of this world, and on the Day of Resurrection they shall be consigned to the most grievous torment. And Allah is not unaware of what you do.”

On many occasions, the things that we thought are good for us will have a bad consequences in the Hereafter, whereas the things that it is difficult for us to do or obey in relation to Allah’s Commands will bring us closer to Allah, as Allah Reminded us in the Qur’an surah al Baqarah (2) verse 216:

وَعَسىٰ أَن تَكرَهوا شَيئًا وَهُوَ خَيرٌ لَكُم ۖ وَعَسىٰ أَن تُحِبّوا شَيئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَكُم ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعلَمُ وَأَنتُم لا تَعلَمونَ

“…and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.”

ANALYSING THE VERSE 208 IN SURAH AL BAQARAH:

يا أَيُّهَا الَّذينَ آمَنُوا ادخُلوا فِي السِّلمِ كافَّةً وَلا تَتَّبِعوا خُطُواتِ الشَّيطانِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَكُم عَدُوٌّ مُبينٌ

“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.”

Ibn Mas’ud (RA) reminded us to pay attention when we recite verses of Quran that begins with “O, you who truly believe”, because what comes after this will be an important command or prohibition from Allah.

Taken from Tafsir Ibn Kathir:

Allah commands His servants who believe in Him and have faith in His Messenger to implement all of Islam’s legislation and law, to adhere to all of its commandments, as much as they can, and to refrain from all of its prohibitions. `Al-`Awfi said that Ibn `Abbas said, and also Mujahid, Tawus, Ad-Dahhak, `Ikrimah, Qatadah, As-Suddi and Ibn Zayd said that Allah’s statement:

﴿ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِى ٱلسِّلۡمِ ﴾

(Enter Silm) means Islam. Allah’s statement:

﴿ كَآفَّةً۬ ﴾

(…perfectly) means, in its entirety. This is the Tafsir of Ibn `Abbas, Mujahid, Abu Al-`Aliyah, `Ikrimah, Ar-Rabi` bin Anas, As-Suddi, Muqatil bin Hayyan, Qatadah and Ad-Dahhak. Mujahid said that the Ayah means, `Perform all the good works and the various pious deeds, this is especially addressed to those from among the People of the Scripture who embraced the faith.’

Ibn Abu Hatim reported that Ibn `Abbas said that:

﴿ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِى ٱلسِّلۡمِ ڪَآفَّةً۬ ﴾

(O you who believe! Enter Silm perfectly) refers to the believers among the People of the Scripture. This is because they believed in Allah, some of them still followed some parts of the Tawrah and the previous revelations. So Allah said:

﴿ ٱدۡخُلُواْ فِى ٱلسِّلۡمِ ڪَآفَّةً۬ ﴾

(Enter Islam perfectly.) Allah thus commanded them to embrace the legislation of the religion of Muhammad in its entirety and to avoid abandoning any part of it. They should no longer adhere to the Tawrah.

——————————————–

So for example we are now in December – it is the period where many people in the UK will be celebrating Christmas. Christmas is NOT our celebration and we must never imitate the disbelievers. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Warned us against imitating the disbelievers:

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “You will certainly follow the ways of those who came before you hand span by hand span, cubit by cubit, to the extent that if they entered the hole of a lizard, you will enter it too.” We said: “O Messenger of Allaah, (do you mean) the Jews and the Christians?” He said: “Who else?” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1397; Muslim, 4822. 

Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4031

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

The things in which the kuffaar are imitated include acts of worship, such as imitating them in matters of shirk, such as building (structures) over graves, building shrines and exaggerating about them. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “May the curse of Allaah be upon the Jews and the Christians, for they took the graves of their Prophets as places of worship.” Al-Bukhaari, 425; Muslim, 531. And he told us that when a righteous man among them died, they would build a place of worship over his grave, and install images therein, and that they were the most evil of mankind. Al-Bukhaari, 417; Muslim, 528. Nowadays there are instances of major shirk because of exaggeration concerning graves, as is well known to scholars and ordinary folk alike. The cause of that is imitation of the Jews and Christians. 

وَأَنَّ هٰذا صِراطي مُستَقيمًا فَاتَّبِعوهُ ۖ وَلا تَتَّبِعُوا السُّبُلَ فَتَفَرَّقَ بِكُم عَن سَبيلِهِ ۚ ذٰلِكُم وَصّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُم تَتَّقونَ

““And verily, this (i.e. Allah’s Commandments mentioned in the above two Verses 151 and 152) is my Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not (other) paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has ordained for you that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious)” 6: 153

Taking part in Christmas celebration and greeting is something we should avoid. Our belief of Eesa a.s is very different to the beliefs of the Christians. Allah discusses Eesa a.s. in the first 90 verses in Surah Al-Imran and other parts of the Quran. We should study these verses to understand our belief about Prophet Eesa a.s.

Allamah Ibn Taymiyyah r.a wrote a book called ‘Iqtidaus Siraatil Mustaqim li Mukhalfatil Ahlil Jaheem’. A large section of the book contains content regarding how we should not take part in celebrations of the non-Muslims. This matter is not light.

Islam encourages kindness towards the non-Muslims. We should respect them, visit them when sick, give them food and help them. This is termed as mudarat. This does not mean we should be sacrificing our deen in order to make them happy by following or taking part in their religious activities. This is termed as Mudahanat which is prohibited. We have a beautiful religion, why would a person want to do that which displeases the Almighty. So, people, follow the way of success. That is the seeratul mustaqeem (straight path).

Remember how Allah warned us in Qur’an surah al maidah (5) verse 2:

وَتَعاوَنوا عَلَى البِرِّ وَالتَّقوىٰ ۖ وَلا تَعاوَنوا عَلَى الإِثمِ وَالعُدوانِ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ شَديدُ العِقابِ

“Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Severe in punishment.”

Our religion is one and straight, it has taught us everything. Being indulged in the celebration of the non-Muslims can influence our iman. So, stay away and stick to the roots of success; Quran & Sunnah. Allah has given us a beautiful path, why then would we follow another path.

Al-‘Irbad ibn Sariyah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed with us one day. Then, he faced us and delivered an eloquent sermon that brought tears to our eyes and by it shook our hearts. It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this is a farewell address. What do you instruct for us?” The Prophet said, “I advise you to fear Allah, listen, and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is put in charge of you. Whoever lives after me will see many conflicts. You must adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the righteous, guided successors. Hold firmly to it as if biting with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4607

BE VERY AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING

1. Shaytan as our enemy

“O you who believe! Enter perfectly in Islam (by obeying all the rules and regulations of the Islamic religion) and follow not the footsteps of Shaitan (Satan). Verily! He is to you a plain enemy.” 2: 208

2. Death may be imminent

كُلُّ نَفسٍ ذائِقَةُ المَوتِ ۗ وَإِنَّما تُوَفَّونَ أُجورَكُم يَومَ القِيامَةِ ۖ فَمَن زُحزِحَ عَنِ النّارِ وَأُدخِلَ الجَنَّةَ فَقَد فازَ ۗ وَمَا الحَياةُ الدُّنيا إِلّا مَتاعُ الغُرورِ

“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).” 3: 185

“Verily, Allah! With Him (Alone) is the knowledge of the Hour, He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs. No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die. Verily, Allah is All-Knower, All-Aware (of things).” 31: 35

3. The attractions of the dunya

زُيِّنَ لِلنّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَواتِ مِنَ النِّساءِ وَالبَنينَ وَالقَناطيرِ المُقَنطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالفِضَّةِ وَالخَيلِ المُسَوَّمَةِ وَالأَنعامِ وَالحَرثِ ۗ ذٰلِكَ مَتاعُ الحَياةِ الدُّنيا ۖ وَاللَّهُ عِندَهُ حُسنُ المَآبِ

“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Paradise with flowing rivers, etc.) with Him.” 3: 14

“…Say: “Short is the enjoyment of this world. The Hereafter is (far) better for him who fears Allah, and you shall not be dealt with unjustly even equal to the Fatila (a scalish thread in the long slit of a date-stone).” 4: 77

4. The companions we choose

الأَخِلّاءُ يَومَئِذٍ بَعضُهُم لِبَعضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا المُتَّقينَ

“Friends on that Day will be foes one to another except Al-Muttaqun.” 43: 67

“Verily, your Wali (Protector or Helper) is Allah, His Messenger, and the believers, – those who perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat, and they bow down (submit themselves with obedience to Allah in prayer).” 5: 55

5. Culture and family do not compromise Islam

Marriages in Islam can be very expensive and wasteful. This is against Allah’s Command:

“…But spend not wastefully (your wealth) in the manner of a spendthrift . Verily, spendthrifts are brothers of the Shayatin (devils), and the Shaitan (Devil – Satan) is ever ungrateful to his Lord. 17: 26-27

CONCLUSION

Whether is a decision we have to take or the path that we choose, or something happens in our life, everything must be acted in accordance with the hope that Allah will be Pleased with it. All the ground rules have been laid out clearly in the Qur’an and authentic hadeeths. We have to make du’a to Allah to Guide us continuously so that we are able to lead a life which is pleasing to Allah.

« اللَّهُمَّ أَرِنَا الْحَقَّ حَقًّا، وَارْزُقْنَا اتِّبَاعَهُ، وَأَرِنَا الْبَاطِلَ بَاطِلًا، وَارْزُقْنَا اجْتنِاَبَهُ، وَلَا تَجْعَلْهُ مُلْتَبِسًا عَلَيْنَا فَنَضِلَّ، وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا »

O Allah! Show us the truth as truth, and bestow adherence to it on us. Show us the evil as evil, and make us stay away from it, and do not confuse us regarding the reality of evil so that we will not be led astray by it, and make us leaders for the believers.

(Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Surah Baqarah, Ayah: 213)

And we must NEVER forget – that our purpose in this life – is to worship Allah:

وَما خَلَقتُ الجِنَّ وَالإِنسَ إِلّا لِيَعبُدونِ

“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except they should worship Me (Alone).” 51: 56

May Allah continue to Guide us all in the straight path, Forgive us for our shortcomings and Grant us all Jannatul Firdaus.