Spiritual Health and Purification of the Soul

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Erasing Worldly Fears [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Not being close servants of Almighty Allah who put their trust in Him, people who do not live by the morals of Islam inevitably harbor groundless fears. They constantly go in dread of the future, of being alone, of losing their property and health. They greatly fear having an accident and, most importantly, are afraid of death. ...[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One of the perpetual fear people have regarding the future is growing old. As they grow old, they experience changes in their bodies; wrinkles appear on their faces, their hair begins to fall out and starts turning white, and their sensory organs gradually lose their sensitivity. Each one of these effects of old age terrifies those who are unaware of the morality of religion. In case of a serious illness, they wonder if their children will care for them. They also think fearfully about how they will face death one day. Another major concern of elderly people is the loneliness they live in after their spouses have passed away. They think about how they will manage to live in the absence of their partners.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]These are simply the unavoidable fears and troubles one suffers in the absence of faith. For believers, however, the situation is otherwise. They have none of these fears. They believe there is goodness in everything, since whatever happens, it occurs under the control of Almighty Allah. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]They expect no more than Allah's guidance and pleasure, for they consider Him alone as their real protector and helper. Besides, they are aware of the fact that they have nothing to fear in this world ...[/FONT]​

Read more: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1254573313805&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout#ixzz0frJVHa1g

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Want to be Closer to Allah, But Don't Know How!​

[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The influence of a close friend is greater than one can imagine. One must take heed who he chooses as a close friend. Knowing our tendencies to incline to people and the worldly life, Allah warns us not to get side tracked.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]( O ye who believe let not your riches or your children divert you from the Remembrance of Allah if any act thus, the loss is their own.) (Al-Munafiqun 63:9)[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Actions must lead to the cleansing of the heart of all that is displeasing to Allah. This might not be easy, especially for the younger generation. Yet they must remember they are the torchbearers of Islam and they are the ones who can influence their peers better than older people. What a better blessing is it than one knowing that he is doing all he can to gain the pleasure of his Creator?[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif](Thus, then, if he be of those Nearest to Allah, there is for him Rest and Satisfaction, and a Garden of Delights.) ([FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Al-Waqi`ah 56:88,89)[/FONT][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To maintain closeness with Allah, besides the above recommendations, one may engage in Dhikr or remembrance of Allah as often as one can[/FONT]

Read more: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1239888393624&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout#ixzz0g2z89JJB​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Seeking inner peace through prayers in Islam[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The focus of this article is how inner peace can be achieved through prayer in Islam? Islam truly is one religion that preaches peace in all its forms, be it inner peace, peaceful society or a peaceful world. Islam in all its manifestations is a religion of peace and progress. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Islamic preaching starts from individual and through individual reform moves to collective benefit of a society and the world at large. This is a very practical approach because individual is the basic integer of the world, if every individual finds peace this will translate to a peaceful, satisfied and a perfect world.[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Prayer is a connection between man and God. Every religion in the world has emphasized on prayer as a means of communication and a way to contact God. Prayer holds a very important place in Islam, through prayer one can find peace because it gives one a feeling of connection with the supreme force which is in control of the destiny of the universe ...[/FONT]

http://www.helium.com/items/1524492-inner-peace-through-prayer-in-islam

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Door of Repentance Is Wide Open [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It is never too late for a true Muslim to repent to Allah, and to shed tears for the wrong doing he has committed, keeping in mind that if one manages to escape the punishment of mortals, he will not for sure escape the punishment of Allah in the Hereafter. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]So, it is better to start a new leaf and let bygones be bygones. As long as you are sincere in your repentance, Allah Almighty will accept your Repentance and forgive you your sins. ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658486142&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah allows those who do good to have a good life[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Apart from His promise that we will have happiness and peace of mind if we surrender to Him and to the fate that He has determined for us, Allah also promises us that He will allow those who have faith and trust in Him and perform good actions to have a good life in this world:[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Anyone who acts rightly, male or female, being a believer, We will give them a good life and We will recompense them according to the best of what they did. (Surat an-Nahl: 97)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]... There is good in this world for those who do good, and the abode of the hereafter is even better. How wonderful is the abode of those who guard against evil… (Surat an-Nahl: 30)[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There are many good things in this world. In order to have a good life, one thing we need is friends we can trust and with whom we can enjoy a relationship of mutual affection and real intimacy. Allah lends His support to His servants who have sincere faith in Him and who trust Him by giving them friends who are good Muslims like themselves-trustworthy, honourable people who are friends of Allah. That is why a Muslim is never lonely. One of Allah's greatest gifts to the faithful is to ensure that they always have friends with them - fellow-Muslims whom they can trust, whom they love and respect and whom they hold in greater honour than they hold themselves ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamandkarma.com/contentment.html

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Methods of Remembering Allah[/FONT]

How can you remember Allah throughout the normal course of your day without withdrawing from the routine of your daily worldly life?​

How can you ensure that your personal life, family life, professional life and other activities all continue in full swing, and yet, at the same time, ensure that your life as a whole - every moment of it - is permeated with remembrance of Allah?​

Such an all-pervading remembrance can be an onerous task, but one you can accomplish - with some ease. Let me remind you of four states of consciousness that you must strive to develop by remembering certain things, absorbing them and reminding yourself of them often.​

1- Say to yourself: I am in Allah's presence; He is watching me. ...​

2- Say to yourself. Everything I have has been given to me by Allah. ...​

3- Say to yourself: Nothing in this world can happen without His permission. ...

4- Say to yourself: I am going to return to Allah one day and that day could be today. ...​

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Read more: http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1229319089251&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam/DIELayout#ixzz0iDUIJor0​

 

[Cordoba]

Hold Your Head Up High

Reliance on Allah ​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Self-confidence is thus borne of total reliance and trust in Allah. It is knowing that at every step of your journey, Allah is there assisting you. If you constantly hold yourself back believing that you are weak and incapable and blame your [FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]incompetence on minor inadequacies, then you are bound to fail.[/FONT][/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]You must never allow yourself to believe or feel that Allah has treated you unfairly or that He has placed upon you a burden you cannot shoulder ...​

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[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Likewise, having hope is central to your efforts and your success. You must sincerely hope and believe that everything you do to earn the pleasure of Allah will lead you to fulfillment ...​

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[/FONT]Read more: [URL="http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357102317&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout#ixzz0iajIZXyT"]http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1209357102317&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout#ixzz0iajIZXyT[/URL]​

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet...nglish-Discover_Islam/DIELayout#ixzz0iajIZXyT​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Believers' Hopeful State[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Qur'an states that hopefulness is an important characteristic of believers and, at the same, an indication of their faith. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]People place their hope in Allah according to their degree of faith and will cherish a deep longing to obtain His mercy and infinite bounties because He has promised believers the most beautiful things in this world and in the hereafter. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]People will hope to secure these according to their degree of trust in Allah, their closeness to Him, and their submission and sincerity ...[/FONT]​

Read more: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658473780&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout#ixzz0igbUEYEk​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]God Increases His Blessings on Those Who Are Grateful [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Every person is in need of God at every instant of life. From the air one breathes to the food he eats, from the ability to use one’s hands to the faculty of speech, from being sheltered to being in a joyful spirit, one lives completely in need of what God creates and grants him. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Still, a vast majority of people do not perceive their weaknesses and that they are in need of God. They suppose that things develop spontaneously or that they acquire everything by their own efforts. This is an important error, as well as a serious ingratitude towards God. Ironically, people who render their thanks to a person for even an insignificant gift, spend all their lives ignoring the countless blessings that God gives them all through their lives. [/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]However, so great are the blessings granted to a person that one could never count them. [/FONT]​

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Read more: [URL="http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1154526126405&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout#ixzz0j4uPys9g"]http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1154526126405&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout#ixzz0j4uPys9g[/URL]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Being grateful is an important key for inner peace[/FONT]​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet’s Trust in Allah [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]An Example to all People[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Whatever the situation might have been, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) always submitted to Allah in the knowledge that there was beauty and goodness in all that He created. These words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) to his people as related in the Qur'an are a telling instance of that submission:[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif][If good happens to you it galls them. If a mishap occurs to you, they say, "We made our preparations in advance," and they turn away rejoicing. Say: "Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.] (At-Tawbah 9: 50-51)[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by his submission to Allah, was an example to all Muslims, and he warned that people would never have the power to alter anything that came from Allah:[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]"Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability." (Reported by Mailk)[/FONT]​

"… When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help in Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit they could benefit you only with what Allah had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury they could injure you only with what Allah had recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry." (Reported by At-Tirmidhi)​

Read more: http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1158658503242&pagename=Zone-English-Living_Shariah%2FLSELayout#ixzz0j9wmMv1Z​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Calm[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]There is an old saying that goes: "The calmer the ocean, the deeper it is." Another old saying goes: "An empty cart makes more noise than the full cart." [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]These sayings point to the same thing: that calm is a virtue. There can be no doubt about the truth of this point. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The human mind works at its best when the surrounding environment is calm and settled. Likewise, it works at its best when the thinker's temperament is calm. When the human mind is beset with external or internal commotion, its powers become weak and it more easily falls prey to rashness and reckless passion. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]It is a strategy of debate to get one's opponent angry, since once the opponent loses his or her composure, his or her defeat is almost imminent, especially if one is able to keep one's cool and a smile on one's face. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Allah describes those who believe and rely on their Lord as being: "those who avoid the worst sins and shameful deeds, and, when they are angry even then forgive." [Sûrah al-Shûrâ: 37] ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-242-540.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Overcoming Anxiety[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Anxiety is an unavoidable part of life. Everyone in this world will have his or her share of worries. However, there are limits to how much worry there should be. Worry should not lead us to despair.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Some people try so hard to avoid anxiety that they are unable to cope with the real world. By fleeing from reality, they merely increase their worries.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]We need to cope with our anxiety in a rational, methodical way.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]First of all, we need to stop making unrealistic demands upon ourselves and upon the society in which we live. Many people worry over problems that are far beyond their scope to deal with. These problems are often so great that society as a whole cannot hope to solve them at the present time. Worrying about these matters does nothing but cause anxiety. ...[/FONT]

http://en.islamtoday.net/artshow-242-454.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Blessed Success[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]A person possessing a true and sincere desire for something is very likely, with the help of Allah, to achieve it in the end. Perseverance is the constant companion of those who are successful.

With exam time upon us, our students right now are facing times of anxiety and stress. It is necessary for parents to keep close tabs on their children at this time and help them to get through these times successfully.

I direct the following advice to our students who are facing their exams:

First of all, you have to get a grip on the anxieties associated with your studies:
1. Focus on the day at hand. Do not become excessively bogged down by your concerns. Know that Allah says: “And in the heavens is your providence and what you are promised.” [ Sûrah al-Dhâriyât : 22]

2. Consider the heavy toll that inordinate worrying has on your health, your body, and your mind.

3. Do not fret over past failures. Remember that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “If some misfortune befalls you, do not say ‘ If only I had done such and such… ' Instead say: ‘ Allah's decree and whatever He wills He does .' Truly, the words ‘ if only …' open the way for Satan's handiwork.”

4. Reconcile yourself to Allah's determination and decree. What Allah chooses for you is better than what you choose for yourself. Allah's messenger (peace be upon him) said: “How remarkable is the affair of the believer. Indeed all of his affairs are for the best, and this is the case for no one except a believer. If prosperity befalls him, he is thankful and this is good for him. If misfortune befalls him, he is patient and that is good for him.”

5. Instead of enumerating all of your worries, fears, and failures, count Allah's blessings – which are innumerable. Allah says: “If you count Allah's blessings, you will never account for them all. Indeed Allah is Forgiving, Merciful.” [ Sûrah al-Nahl : 18]

He also says: “If you count Allah's blessings, you will never account for them all. Indeed Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.” [ Sûrah Ibrâhîm : 34]

6. Do not be self-centered, thinking only of yourself. Try to do something for others. At least manage a smile and try to do something more for them. ...[/FONT]


Blessed Success | IslamToday - English

 

[Cordoba]

To Hope for "the best" from Allah

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Being positive involves submitting to Allah regardless of the conditions or situation, how events unfold, and the direction they take. It also involves meeting all events without anxiety or worry, and without the slightest doubt that for believers, all events eventually turn out for the best.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]One of the believers' most important characteristics is that they turn to Allah in all of their affairs and submit to their destiny wholeheartedly. Even if things do not turn out as planned, they do not get what they really wanted or lose something or someone they really loved - in short, in all circumstances - they turn to Allah and see the good and the best in every event. It is not possible to hear believers say: "Why did this happen?" or "If only such and such had not happened," for they are content with Allah from the start and have submitted to their destiny.[/FONT]​

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Believers pray for the best from Allah, given that they cannot know what is "the best" for them beforehand, for such knowledge is known only to Allah. For instance, believers who are fully committed to Islam may wish for another person to receive guidance, to accept and practice Islam, and may, hoping for this event, pray to Allah. Obviously, they want what is good and legitimate and have a good intention. However, they accept that "Allah knows best after all." As a person can have faith only if Allah wills it so, believers who see that those whom they love do not receive guidance realize that there must be some good in this and thus do not become sad or fall into despair ...[/FONT]​

http://www.hopefulnessinthequran.com/2.htm​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Impact of Hope in Allah's Mercy on Believers[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Hope in Allah's mercy and Paradise greatly influence a person's whole life, attitude toward life, sincerity of worship, and resolve. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Those who hope for Allah's mercy cannot do anything that He has forbidden, ignore something that He has commanded, say a bad word, or neglect the voice of his or her conscience. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]They advise people to good and right, discourage them from evil, and carry out with enthusiasm many other forms of worship Allah has commanded ...[/FONT]

http://www.hopefulnessinthequran.com/7.htm

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]How to be Content[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]In order to live in peace and harmony, in order not to be deceived with worldly entertainment, and not to be distracted with what others may have and in order to be content and satisfied with what you have: our Prophet, peace be upon him, advised us to look at those who are lower than us. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]By looking at the situations of those who have a lesser wage/salary, less position, less property or less wealth, we should be grateful to Allah for all the blessings we have in life. [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]To avoid anxiety and to avoid worries and uneasiness, one has to be content and satisfied with what he has. To fulfil your needs, desires and your worldly requirements, one has to look at the situation of those who are less fortunate. ...
[/FONT]
Contentment

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Heart & The Quran[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The more important part of your 'person' is your inner self. This inner self the Quran calls the qalb or the 'heart'. The heart of the Prophet was the first recipient of the Quranic message:[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Truly it has been sent down by the Lord of all the worlds, the Trustworthy Spirit has alighted with it upon your heart [O Prophet], that you may be one of the Warner ... [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Quran [/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]26:192-194[/FONT][FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif].[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]You will therefore reap the full joys and blessings of reading the Qur'an when you are able to involve your heart fully in your task ...[/FONT]

http://www.islamicity.com/articles/Articles.asp?ref=IC0812-3749

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Contemplate and Reflect[/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Worship Allah as if you see Him and witness Him with the eye, and if you do not see Him then go to the next station below this: then indeed He sees you. [/FONT]


[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]So the first station is to worship Him out of hope and desire. The next is to worship Him out of fear and awe this is why he said, "and if you do not see Him, then indeed He sees you." [/FONT]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]So it is necessary for the person to contemplate His Lord and that he know that Allah is Watching over you. Anything that you say or do or keep secret, Allaah, Exalted is He, Knows it. [/FONT]

http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=264

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]Be like a Valley[/FONT]

Be like the valley and not like the mountain.

Be humble and low so that you can collect all the rain water. ​

The valley is the place which is fertile, where the water flows and where the vegetations grows. ​

The mountain ( is high) yet their tops are bare...​

‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Azîz (*) said: ​

"None can reach the state of taqwa (God consciousness) until he possesses neither actions nor words that can be exposed to his embarrassment, either in this world or the Hereafter,” and he was once asked: "When does the worshipper reach the peak of taqwa?"​

So, he replied: "If he puts all the thoughts an desires in his heart on a plate and then wandered around in the market, he should not feel ashamed of anything there." ​

* ‘Umar bin ‘Abd al-‘Azîz is known in Islam as the Fifth Rightly-Guided Caliph​

 

[Cordoba]

[FONT=Arial,Geneva,Verdana,Sans-Serif]The Keys to the Life of the Heart[/FONT]

"The keys to the life of the heart lie in reflecting upon the Qur'aan, being humble before Allaah in secret, and leaving sins." ...


And from the ways of giving life to the heart is to leave the sins that kill it, as in the hadeeth,
"When the servant performs a sin a black spot appears on his heart, and if he seeks forgiveness this black spot is removed, and if he returns to sin the black spot grows until his heart becomes black ...

http://islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=256