Striving and Discipline

Striving and Discipline

Bliss (perfect happiness; great joy) belongs to the bondsman (a person who stands surety for a bond) who strives for Allah against his own nature and passions: he who then defeats his passion, wins Allah's pleasure, and the one whose intellect leaves behind the self which commands evil through his striving jihad, submission and humility in the service of Allah has won a great victory. There is no veil between the bondsman and Allah which is darker or more desolate (A desolate place is empty and not attractive, with no people or nothing pleasant in it) than that of self and passion; there is no better weapon to fight and destroy them than total need of Allah, glory be to Him, fear, hunger, thirst in the day and wakefulness at night.

When a person possessing these traits dies, he dies a martyr. If he lives according to the straight path, his end will take him to the greatest pleasure of Allah.

Allah said,

وَالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَا وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

And [as for] those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in our ways, and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. (29:69)

When you see someone striving harder than you, upbraid yourself, and reproach yourself in order to encourage yourself to do more. Put a halter of command and rein of prohibition on the self, and carry on as if you were a trainer who does not let his mount take a step unless it is completely correct.

The Messenger of Allah used to pray until his feet were swollen. He would say, 'How can I not be a thankful slave?' The Holy Prophet wanted to make his community consider this so that they would not neglect striving, toil, and discipline in any state. If you were to experience the sweetness of worshipping Allah, to see it’s blessing and be illuminated by its light, you would not be patient without it for a single hour, even if you were to be cut to pieces. No one turns away from it without being denied such benefits of protection and success from Allah as were attained by his forefathers.

Rabi' ibn Khuthaym was asked why he did not sleep at night. 'Because I fear to spend the night in sleep,' he replied.

Inspiration may come from many places but motivation - the love of life, daily drive and the will to thrive - that must come from you from within.

When the vision is clear, the results will appear. Keep your mindset positive as you work your plan, flourish, and always remember why you started.

Get busy living because life is too short to just be surviving and not thriving.

No civilization can thrive or survive if it refuses to adapt or change.

Authentic happiness is not selfish, egotistical or narcissistic, in fact, it is essential in order for humankind to thrive.

Those who live in a state of survival just watching their lives pass them by do not understand the power of living each day to the fullest.

Right or wrong, do it right for posterity (all future generations of people) to thrive on your dexterity (skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands).

An investment in yourself will never lead to regret.

Better education leads to more opportunities in life. An investment in higher education puts you amongst future leaders that can enhance your thinking, and allow you to thrive in thought-provoking conversations that will give you a winning edge in society.

Today, make yourself a priority and treat yourself accordingly.