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Make dua for us all
STEADFAST
On the Path to Righteousness
Change can happen sometimes in the blink of an adjusted perspective. For many Muslims living in the West, it is simply the realization that it is just as hard to live in a self-styled prison of ego and desire as it is to strive toward the right path. Freedom of choice and religion only develops and grows when it is exercised.
There is no doubt that the diagnosis of the causes behind an individual's deviation is a primary step towards treatment. But what is the cure?
Concentrate on tarbiyah (constant self-development) particularly from the spiritual aspect. See everyday challenges as an opportunity to exercise truth, patience, good deeds, courage and constancy. One is encouraged to nurture his emaan by performing righteous deeds as Allâh says, "O you who believe, believe in Allâh and His Messenger..." [4:136] Usually, emaan is present in the hearts of people but still, they are encouraged to nurture and increase it.
Be sincere and truthful to Allâh
Ikhlaas (sincerity) is a privileged characteristic for those who seek Allâh's pleasure. Its absence displaces a person's deeds, and it is a requirement by everyone as Allâh says, "And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, making their religion sincere for him and offer salahs perfectly and give zakah and that is the right religion." [98:5] Ibn-Al-Qayyim, may Allâh's mercy be upon him, further clarifies the effect of Ikhlaas and truthfulness on a persons perseverance on the path of Islâm. He said, "A person experiences difficulty in abandoning (bad) habits and customs only if he does so for the sake of other than Allâh. As for he who abandons them truthfully and sincerely with his heart, he does not experience any difficulty except in the first attempt, to be tested whether he was truthful or not. So if he remains a little patient during that difficulty, desire would not last any longer."
Being fearful of an evil death
A sincere believer must be overwhelmed with the fear of dying in a state that would displease Allâh. This was the condition of the righteous predecessors- due to a constant fear of an evil death while in a state of Islâm since, if a person falls victim to a sin, a state of negligence and transgression, it overpowers his heart and mind. A state in which his light is extinguished, and his vision blocked- a moment when no reminder would benefit- here, death might surprise him. He would die in a state that would attain the wrath of Allâh. Therefore, one must always be fearful of an evil death and hence, use every moment in a manner that pleases Allâh, even though uncertain whether it is accepted by Allâh or not. He says, "And those who give that which they give (good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether accepted or not) because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning)." [23:60]
Duaa (supplication)
Supplication is a Muslim's refuge and resort when he is encountered with hardship in this world. One must always turn to Allâh and seek His assistance. Allâh's Messenger used to supplicate, "O rotator/turner of the heart, make my heart steadfast on your religion." (Tirmidhi) And he also used to say, "O Allâh, increase my knowledge and do not let my heart deviate (from the truth) after you have guided me and grant me mercy from You. Truly, you are the bestower." [3:8] These and many other forms and occasions of supplication makes one realize his need to invoke Allâh for guidance searching for its causes and abstaining from all that blocks a persons urge to obtain it.
Persistence in doing good
The best of deeds and the most beloved of it are those which a person does constantly as Allâh's Messenger said, "And the most beloved of deeds to Allâh are those which are regularly done even if they were little." (Bukhari & Muslim) Regular persistence in doing good deeds eventually becomes a habit and a part of ones daily life after an initial struggle to practice it. This persistence in good deeds (salahs, charity, siyaam, and thikr...) will make one live in the light of steadfastness and righteousness, and far away from deviation and its causes.
Advice and counseling
When someone starts showing the signs of deviation, he must be immediately advised, as it is one of the rights on a fellow Muslim. Jabir bin Abdullah said, "I made a pledge to Allâh's Messenger to offer salah, pay zakah and advise every Muslim." (Bukhari & Muslim) Counseling one another was the trend practiced by the companions of the Messenger of Allâh and if any of them showed any signs of weakness, they would never hesitate in advising him. This must be our case. We must not ignore anyone at the time of his weakness in emaan, because such ignorance is a way of assisting Satan against our brother.
Participating in the dawah work
There are many fruits obtained doing dawah. One who strives in seeking guidance for people is certainly guided by Allâh. The one, who calls people to do good deeds, will in turn be motivated to perform the deeds he is asking people to do. Being involved in dawah keeps one from acts that might result in deviation. There is a sweetness of emaan a person feels when he observes people turning to Allâh instead of observing things forbidden by Him.
After spending some time pondering over this problem and its causes and remedies it is clear that emaan is a blessing for which we each must strive. If it is missing, it is we who misunderstand or underestimate the power of our relationship with Allâh. We must acknowledge the great value of strong emaan. It is a lifelong challenge we must accept with joy. And for those who succeed, they will be the first to acknowledge that it is not due to their mental agility or consistent efforts as much as it is a bounty from Allâh, a bounty that deserves to be protected and cared for in our hearts and in our lives.
http://www.abdurrahman.org/character/fallingintosin.html
:ma:
