Ramadan Message 2008 - Day 12

“It is not your wealth nor your sons that will bring you nearer to us in degree: but only those who believe and work righteousness these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied reward for their deeds while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high!” (Qur'an 34 Verse 37)

MuslimMessage Writes: Three Beloved Things

What are the things you love in this world? These things define your character and focus your priorities. Religious or not, these are the things which have direct effect on your relationships and attitudes to people. So ask yourself, “what are the three things I love in this world?”

Please take a pause now, think about it and answer yourself.

The last of the Prophets, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spared a moment to consider this same question. He (peace be upon him) thereafter said: “I was made to love three things from this world: perfume, women and prayer.”

This clearly indicates his interest in life. Perfume represents good and positive appearance, which is indicative of his endearing personal hygiene, nurtured interpersonal attributes and good public relations. Women represent his sympathy for the weak and oppressed, his love and high regards for the other half, particularly in a community where they are relegated to the background, he came to empower them. He further stopped the killing of female children, he even made successful upbringing of a female child a means of gaining Allah’s Pleasure and Paradise. Prayer epitomizes his dedication to the deen, his concern for his spiritual growth and the hereafter.

What are you three things you love most, what does these things say about you?

To show you this is not an exercise in futility, when the Rasul (peace be upon him) made that statement, his companions were with him, they quickly thought about themselves and voiced it.

Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “You have spoken the truth, O Messenger of Allah” (meaning that these statement of the Rasulullah truly represent his character, he continues), “I have been made to love three things from this world: looking at the face of the Messenger of Allah, spending my wealth for the Messenger of Allah and giving my daughter in marriage to the Messenger of Allah.”

Umar Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) was also present. He immediately said: “You have spoken truthfully, O Abu Bakr. I was made to love three things from this world: commanding the good, forbidding the evil and worn garments.”

Uthman Ibn Affan (May Allah be pleased with him), the 3rd Caliph was also present in the gathering. He said, “O Umar, you have indeed spoken truthfully. And I too have been made to love three things from this world: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and reading the Qur'an.”

Ali Ibn Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him), the 4th Caliph immediately commended the last speaker saying: “You have spoken truthfully, O Uthman! I was made to love three things from this world – serving the guest, fasting in the summer and fighting with the Sword.”

While they were still discussing, Angel Jibreel came and informed Allah’s Messenger: “Allah has sent me when He heard your discussion and has ordered you to ask me what I would have loved if I were to be from the people of this world.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) asked, “If you were to be from the people of this world what would you have loved?” Jibreel replied, “guiding those led astray, keeping the company of contented strangers and helping families afflicted with hardship.”

He continued: “The Lord of Honour loved three things from His servants: ‘Giving ones utmost, crying when in regrets, and being patient in times of poverty’.” (Hadith from Imam Ibn Hajjar Al-Asqalani)

Now think about your three beloved things again and compare to those things loved by your Creator, your Arch-Angel, your Prophet and the great leaders of the Believers, for they all desire to teach you the way of life.

The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)