*SELF KNOWLEDGE 1* *UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF!* *The Importance of Self-Knowledge* In Arabic self-knowledge is called *Ma’rifatul* - *Nafs* , which is knowledge about self. But what kind of knowledge? It is not the kind that has to do with knowing one's name, or father's name, or the place and date of one's birth. Self-knowledge deals with another aspect of our being. It is not related to our physical senses, rather it deals with the spiritual dimension of our lives. When we speak of the different dimensions of the spirit, and of our being, we should not forget that the human being is fundamentally different from other beings. Although we are anchored to the animal world in many ways, here we wish to focus on that which separates us from animals and is not found in them. To understand better why this topic is of such importance, perhaps it helps to quote a few verses of the Glorious Qur'an and Hadiths on the subject. In Surah al-Hashr, the Almighty Allah says: *“And be not like those who forgot Allah, so He made them forget their* *own souls;these it is that are the* *transgressors.” (59:19)* Here the Lord is saying that forgetting Him causes us to forget ourselves in turn, and ultimately leads us to transgression. There is an authentic Prophetic tradition that makes a similar point to that of this verse but looks at the matter from another angle: *“He who truly knows himself* *has known his Lord”.* This tradition implies that self-knowledge implies knowledge about the Lord as well. Awareness of oneself leads to awareness of the Lord. And likewise, one who is oblivious of the Lord is oblivious of him. If one is determined to learn about one's Lord, then the best way to accomplish the task is to learn about oneself. Another verse dealing with the topic is found in Surah al Ma'idah, where Allah says: *“O you who believe! Take care of yourselves; he who errs cannot* *hurt you when you are on the right path.” (5:105)* In this verse Allah is telling us to take care of ourselves, to pay attention to ourselves, that we must be careful about the well-being of our spirits, that we must be aware of the diseases of our souls, and how to cure them. He also tells us that we should pay attention to our duties, made obligatory on us as Muslims. Then He tells us that if we understand the way, that if we are faithful and committed believers, those who are misled will not harm us. From this we understand that our first duty is to take care of ourselves spiritually. Sometimes a question may arise here about the relationship between the believer and society. Does the above verse mean that we should focus on ourselves and not pay any attention to the society at large? To answer this question, it is essential to note that what is meant here is that we should take care of ourselves, and be familiar with our social and private duties, so that we can also be socially responsible. For instance, in Islam we are commanded to advise people to do good and forbid them from evil deeds. One who does not perform this duty is not considered a devout Muslim, the reason being that he is not helping the society to better itself. So, in Islam taking care of oneself spiritually is closely interwoven with being concerned with the welfare of the society as well. Conversely, it is important to remember that the society can greatly influence a person, weakening or strengthening one's faith. Another question that may come up is “Are we responsible for guiding non-Muslims as well?” The answer is an unequivocal yes, although the most important thing before doing that is to conduct oneself in such a pious, righteous manner that others are able to see the immense practical benefits of being a faithful Muslim. In inviting non-Muslims to Islam, we are continuing the job entrusted to the noble Prophet Muhammad (S) in his lifetime. It is also a duty demanded by our love for our fellow human beings. If we have found the way and the light, we should invite others to immerse themselves in the light and its blessings as well. After performing our personal and social duties, those who are still disbelieving and those who still insist on erring, will not be harmful to us. Perhaps they will bother you, and at most they may kill you, but they will not be able to take your faith away from you. On the contrary, these pressures strengthen your faith. The third verse on the importance of self-knowledge is found in the Glorious Quran, Surah Fussilat, 41:53: “ *We will soon show them our signs in the Universe and in* *their own souls, until it becomes quite clear to* *them that it is the Truth.” (41:53)* Allah says that very soon we will show them our signs, but what are these signs and where will they be found? Allah tells us that these signs are found in two places: meaning in the external world and in their own souls. This ayah tells us that by considering these signs which are within our own selves and which are in the universe, it will become completely clear that Allah truly exists. According to some interpretations this fact will not only be true, but will be the Truth itself. Continuing to explore the significance of understanding self is so vital to our conduct in life, once again we shall rely on the Glorious Qur'an for guidance. In everyday life when we purchase a new appliance or a gadget, we immediately turn to its manual for guidance in correctly operating it, believing that its manufacturer is the best source of guidance. So, it seems quite logical for a Muslim to turn to the Glorious Qur'an for instructions on correct conduct in life, convinced that the Maker and Creator of human beings is also the best source of guidance in learning about the immensely complex nature of human beings. Another verse pertaining to self-knowledge is in Surah al-Dhariyat: “ *And there are signs on the earth for those who are* *certain. And in your own* *souls (too); wi11 you not then see?” (51: 20, 21)* We learned that Allah has two kinds of signs, the ones in the external, physical world, and those within ourselves. Verse 20 deals with those signs that have to do with the physical realm. In it the Almighty God tells us that there are signs on the earth for those who believe. Immediately a question arises: why those should who already believe need the reassurances of such signs, and why should those who are not believers in God remain oblivious of them, yet more in need of them? The answer given by great scholars of Islam is that those who do not believe in a creator as the Lord and Sovereign of the universe, also tend not to look or pay attention to that which is before them remaining for the most part oblivious of signs which are readily discernible to believers. In the following verse, 21 of Surah al-Dhariyat, the Lord says: “ *And in your own souls (too); will you not then see?” (51:21)* This verse calls to our attention to the need to look for these signs within ourselves. We are clearly and unambiguously told that there are signs in the external world as well, and these are sources of guidance for us. From these verses it becomes clear to us that Muslims are urged not to focus on their souls to the exclusion of the physical, material world; and conversely, not to think that material affairs are all that matter. In India for instance, there are people who try to strengthen the power of their souls in order to enable themselves to perform certain deeds not ordinarily possible. But in so doing, they lose touch with the everyday life of the planet. That is not what faithful Muslims are commanded to do. Muslims are told the two go hand in hand and are complimentary to each other. When a scientist is working on a project in the laboratory, or a person is performing the most menial of tasks to earn an honourable living, he or she is carrying out one of God's commandments. It is again, one of the most distinct characteristics of Islam that the two worlds are never separated. In today's world, in Western societies in particular, we see countless examples of people who are totally alienated from themselves, seeking all in the material life. In more extreme cases, the alienation from the self has progressed to such a degree that being alone becomes painful and undesirable. Why? Because when such a person is alone, in a way he has lost contact with the eternal world, which is all he has. So being alone with his soul and spirit, he has to face a world which has no meaning to him and matters not to him. In trying to escape the inevitable loneliness, many resort to mind-altering drugs, such as alcohol and narcotics. A person with a healthy spirit can be alone yet not lonely. One who has forsaken a part of himself, his spirit, his consciousness, when alone, seeks to destroy it, rather than facing that which is excruciatingly painful; thus, resorting to drugs becomes an easy escape route. This is one reason why some societies use solitary confinement as a method of punishment for hardened criminals who already are serving life sentences and have nothing to lose by further acts of violence. But when a faithful Muslim is alone by himself, he is not lonely. As a matter of fact, being alone is prized by faithful Muslims. In conclusion, Amirul Mumin, Ali bin Abi Talib was reported to have said that *“Whenever the knowledge of a man increases,* *his attention to his soul also increases and he tries his best to* *train and purify' it”.* He also said *“The ultimate knowledge of a man is to know himself”.* We beseech Allah the Almighty to guide us towards the straight path leading to perfection; enlighten our darken hearts with the light of faith and His Knowledge; remove the dark intense veils of egotism, selfishness, whims and passions of self. Our Lord open our exoteric heart's eyes for witnessing Your Unique Beauty; strengthen us on the path of self-building and self-purification, remove from our hearts the love and desires of other than You; remove the veils of negligence and satisfy our thirst with the pure fountain of Your Love and Nearness. Oh God! Please enlighten our hearts with the heavenly light of faith and certainty by awakening us from the deep sleep of ignorance, so that we may discover our lost selves and do not waste our precious lives in ignorance like before.

🍃🌹🍃


Hadith


Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah


It was narrated from 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatadah (RA), from his father that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I stand in prayer, then I hear a child crying, so I make my prayer brief, because I do not want to cause hardship for his mother."

(Sunan an-Nasa'i, Book 10, Hadith 49)

This is so beautiful. Our Prophet was the most considerate person in the world. Alhamdulillah for such a role model. Let’s thank Allah for such a wonderful person to look up to. Let’s all say Sallallahu alaihi wasallam.♥

🔊🔊🔊 *Saturday Digest*❗


  A person character is not only judge by the company they keep, but also, the company they avoid.

Philosophy of Empathy" Don't do to others, what you would not want them to do to you.

*​TRUTH FOR TODAY*
   ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖
The Basic Principles Of Living A Life Worthwhile Is Perseverance, Setting A Goal, Having A Vision, Setting A Focus,  Acede  Patience And Most Importantly Hard Work And Commitment To What You Do .
If All This Basic Elements Are Been Put To Consideration Then You Are On The Track To Achieving Your Desired Potentials.
Take To Note That, The Great You Could Offer Yourself Is To Be The Best At Whatsoever You Find Yourself Doing.

 *"There is no short route to excellence and you can't compromise it's standard"*

                 

*STAY POSITIVE*

THE TRAGEDY OF ASSUMPTIONS

“A few days ago in the village, I went to an event, a house-warming ceremony.

When I entered the compound, I saw some village elders I knew sitting in one corner. I went up to them and started to greet them one after the other.

I shook their hands, even with the ones I didn't know until I got to one man. I didn't know him and when I extended my hand, he ignored it. After a few seconds, I withdrew the hand.

I felt very embarrassed and angry. Embarrassed for myself and angry at the man.

What was he feeling like, I thought. All those other men accepted my greeting, older men even. And to my knowledge, I hadn't done anything wrong. I gave him a very scornful look, greeted the remaining men and went to take a seat.

Now, even after I sat down, I was still pissed. I kept stealing glances at the man to see how he would react to other people.

Then I saw it...

He was blind!!!

His eyes were open, but he couldn't see at all! The other people who came to greet him had to touch him first, then take his hand if they wanted to shake hands with him.

Now my embarrassment level tripled. In addition to that, I felt stupid, very stupid. I was still angry, just angry at myself. I felt like that till I left the occasion.”

Assumption kills like poison. Any small thing, we assume...

Someone doesn't pick our calls, we assume he or she is avoiding us or is up to something...

Someone doesn't give us the money we asked for, we assume he or she is stingy and wicked...

Once we are turned  or rejected, we start assuming...

We don't put into consideration what the other party might be going through.

The guy that promised you money might get into a financial situation a day before he's supposed to give you the money.

The person that didn't pick your call was probably in a meeting or too busy at that moment, or even sleeping. He might not be in the mood  to take your call.

But we just assume instead...because it’s easier and it tends to make us the good guys...

Give someone benefit of the doubt.....make an excuse for that person......
It's not always as it seems.....

Lets laughs small jare!!!!

A policeman was checking the assignment of his two sons. He checked the senior child's work and flogged him. He turned to the junior child, opened his notebook and without saying a word, walked away.

The older child ask the younger one.
"U wey no sabi anytin, why papa no flog u?

The younger one replied: I put N200 inside my notebook!
U forget say papa na policeman
😁😄😃🏃🏻🏃🏻🏃🏻

*TITLE : PERFECTION*


_______________________________
Perfection was created
to make us feel imperfect,
but imperfect, of course,
is the perfect thing to be.

We spend every hour of every day,
every day of every week,
trying to be different,
trying to be unique.

Our nature is to search
for answers to life's questions,
concepts we don't understand,
like "What is perfection?"
You strive to be "perfect,"
a term you don't understand.

You should be yourself
before it gets out of hand.
Surely happiness is of priority
over a word like "perfection,"
so ask yourself this,
Who looks back in your reflection?

  *©🅰NALYTICAL 🅰NALIZER✍*

+2348132999998
_abassusman10@gmail.com

_Thanks for reading through do have a beautiful day ahead_