YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The remedy for ignorance is asking questions. (Prophet Muhammad)
The spirit of enquiry is the hallmark of an open society and the above saying of the Prophet aptly illustrates this principle. A culture of curiosity and open-mindedness will foster development in any society by motivating its members to learn enthusiastically and enrich their knowledge. This is because awareness of one’s ignorance is half of knowledge, as it becomes a stepping-stone to seeking and finding answers. A questioning mind is like a flowing river that is replenished with fresh thoughts and ideas and continues on its journey.
How can we save ourselves from frustration?
Saving oneself from frustration involves cultivating patience and maintaining a positive mindset. The Quran emphasizes that frustration is often a temporary state, and one can manage it by recognizing that problems are also temporary.
One effective approach is to avoid letting external provocations affect you. By controlling your reactions and focusing on constructive actions, you can preserve your energy and time. The principle of patience is central here; it allows you to navigate difficulties without being emotionally overwhelmed.
In the Quran (39: 10), it is stated: ‘Truly, those who persevere patiently will be requited without measure.’ This verse highlights the importance of patience, suggesting that enduring hardships with a calm demeanor brings about divine reward.
Furthermore, recognizing that your emotions are under your control can help you remain focused on your goals, rather than being distracted by negative experiences or provocations.
How should a believer look at old age?
It is mentioned in the Hadith that it is a matter of regret if a man reaches the age of sixty but fails to enter Paradise. (Sahih al-Bukhari) Age here is not the issue, but rather the deep reality beyond.
The deep reality is that the greater the age, the more the experience. Yet in spite of more experience, one who does not do acts deserving of Paradise is undoubtedly ill-fated, in that he may be brought to the gate of Paradise yet will fail to go through it.
It is a known fact that everyone has only a limited lifespan in this world. From the moment a man is born, his countdown starts. The journey of life is actually a journey towards death, so when old age comes, it is like a half-death experience for him. Old age is something near death. It reminds man of death every morning and evening.
This being so, the individual should remember that when he reaches old age, he should reflect more and more upon death and the situation after death. He should bring this reality repeatedly to mind that, before his death, he finds himself in a condition of power, whereas suddenly, after death, he will find himself in a condition of helplessness.
This feeling demands that his heart be soft. He should be afraid of God’s grip and prepare himself as much as possible for the Hereafter.
One who reaches old age but does not get the sustenance of God-consciousness from his old age, is undoubtedly an unfortunate person, for the consequences of this are nothing but eternal ruination and everlasting regret.
How can one forgive those who wrong him?
Forgiving those who have wronged you is a noble act that brings a person closer to God. The Quran emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and reform, stating; Whoever pardons and amends will find his reward with God.’ (42: 40) This verse highlights that the higher moral ground is to forgive and seek reconciliation.
Forgiveness is not merely an act of kindness; it serves as a corrective measure for both the forgiver and the forgiven. It encourages the latter to reflect on their actions and strive for personal reform. By choosing to forgive, one can overcome feelings of bitterness and resentment, which can be detrimental to both mental and spiritual well-being.
Moreover, one should recognize that harbouring grudges can impact one’s relationship with God. As noted, leaving matters to God and bearing grievances with patience can lead to divine rewards in ways one cannot foresee. Thus, it is essential to cultivate a sense of compassion and understanding towards those who have wronged us, allowing for personal peace and spiritual growth.
In practical terms, if someone has wronged you, the first step is to acknowledge your feelings of hurt but then consciously decide to let go of the desire for revenge. If possible, one should communicate forgiveness directly. If not, praying for the person who has wronged you can also be a way to release negative emotions and seek inner peace.
How to avoid being an angry person?
Managing anger effectively is crucial for maintaining inner peace and avoiding negative consequences. One of the most significant strategies is to practise silence during moments of anger. When a person becomes angry, observing silence allows the intense feelings to subside, preventing a reaction that could escalate the situation.
It is emphasized that anger can be likened to a fire that ignites within the mind; therefore, remaining silent acts as a means to extinguish this fire. The Prophet Muhammad advised that when one feels angry, they should either sit down if standing or remain quiet if speaking. This practice of silence not only helps dissipate anger but also enables better decision-making in a calmer state of mind.
Furthermore, training oneself to redirect feelings of anger into positive actions can serve as a powerful tool for anger management. By consciously shifting focus away from the provocation and channeling that energy into constructive tasks, a person can regain control and prevent the negative spiral associated with anger.
Who according to Islam can be called a person of Virtue?
A person can be considered virtuous based on their moral character and ethical conduct. The Prophet Muhammad highlighted that the best among people are those who exhibit the finest moral character. In Islam, virtue is closely associated with how one treats others; thus, individuals who demonstrate kindness, honesty, and justice are esteemed highly.
A virtuous person is one who adheres to principles such as avoiding double standards and treating others as they would like to be treated themselves. This principle is encapsulated in the Hadith: ‘Behave with others as you would like them to behave towards you’. Furthermore, the Quran underlines the importance of good character, illustrating that those who repel evil with good and show patience and forgiveness are beloved to God.
