FROM THE SPIRITUAL TREE
There is a tree beside my house. I call it the 'Spiritual Tree'. I derive spiritual inspiration from it. A tree is an evergrowing being that was initially a seed possessing the potential of becoming a full-grown tree. A seed takes food from the universe around it and then grows into a tree. The same is true with spirituality, the desire for which is intrinsic to, and an integral part of, the very nature of, every human being. To realize this spirituality, Man must derive spiritual food from the universe around him. A tree converts carbon-dioxide into oxygen; a spiritual person is one who can take positive lessons from negative situations. From this perspective, a tree is an embodiment of a spiritual personality. —Maulana Wahiduddin Khan
PRINCIPLE OF MERCY
Chapter 4 of the Quran has the following verse in relation to the laws of inheritance in Islamic Shariah.
If other relatives, orphans or needy people are present at the time of the division, then provide for them out of it, and speak kindly to them. (4: 8)
THIS verse implies that at the time of the division or distribution of the deceased person’s property, possessions and wealth, should such people be present who are not entitled by law to any share of the inheritance, then something should also be given to them from the inheritance. They should not be returned without receiving anything.
This verse appears to be one regarding the laws of inheritance laid out in the Quran, but we can find an important point of reference here for our prayers and supplications. When a believer reads this verse, he will be overcome with emotion and can call out,
‘O Lord, this is a similar situation for me regarding Paradise. I do not have anything or any deed that will make me deserving of Paradise. But in this verse of inheritance, You have declared Your principle that if those who are not deserving of the inheritance are present at the time of distribution, some amount should also be given to them as a mercy.’
There is tremendous solace in this verse of the Quran for a true believer. Taking this verse as a point of reference a believer can plead with God: ‘Lord, I am a totally undeserving person. But this verse of Your book shows that Your mercy is so overspreading that it covers even those who are undeserving. Lord, this very mercy of Your’s is a beacon of hope for me. With respect to this very principle established by You, I beseech You, that You grant me a portion of Your mercy in spite of my total ineligibility; that to one as undeserving as me, You grant a place in the Paradise that You have made exclusively for the deserving. I acknowledge that by Your laws of Shariah, I am not deserving of Paradise, but by Your law of mercy, I beseech You grant me entry into Your Paradise.’
A believer's prayer 'Lord, I acknowledge that by Your laws of Shariah, I am not deserving of Paradise but by Your law of mercy, I beseech You grant me entry into Your Paradise.'
Waste of Time
In this world, time is extremely limited.
We cannot afford to spend this precious
commodity on revenge or retaliation or
other such negative pursuits. The price we
have to pay for such futile engagement
is in terms of our own progress and
development coming to a halt.