IMPORTANCE OF SEEKING PROTECTION FROM SHAITAAN

When ever we start praying or reading Noble Qur’an, we have been instructed to recite:

“Auzo Billahe Minash Shaitaanir Rajeem” means “O Allah! I seek protection from the cursed Shaitaan”

When Allah (s.w.t.) created Adam from the soil and ordered the angels to prostrate him, every one complied with the order except Shaitaan. On his refusal, he was expelled but he vowed that he will seduce and mislead men till the specified time to avenge his expulsion. He is a sworn enemy of human race. Men cannot see him but he watches us all the time. Hence it is extremely important to be on our guard.

We should seek Allah’s refuge for protection against this cunning enemy. The prayer for protection from Shaitaan should not be restricted to recitation orally but should understand the meaning, experience sincerely by our hearts together with the realization of the Might and Power of Allah (s.w.t.)

PIETY: The most important pillar of protection from Shaitaan is piety. As soon as any evil thought comes to our minds, we should remember Allah (s.w.t.). As stated in Noble Qur’an: “When a Satanic thought starts to bother the pious ones, they understand and see the light.” (7:201)

Then we should resort to zikr because we know that this is the work of Shaitaan as he is our sworn enemy as stated in Holy Qur;an: “Children of Adam, did We not command you not to worship Shaitaan? He was your sworn enemy: (36:60)

At the time of anger, Shaitaan encourages man to return the opponent’s argument and subsequently may lead to violence but if he remembers Allah he will be calm. Similarly, one of the acts of piety is to visit parent’s graves.

If one gets an idea to do any good deed for which one is absolutely certain that it is good then one should immediately perform that deed. If an idea comes in one’s mind and he is sure that it is a sin, then he should remember Allah and seek his refuge. But if an idea comes to our mind for which we are not sure whether it is good or sinful, for such situations our Infallible Imams (a.s.) have given this formula; “every act which is in accordance with our desires are Satanic and that act which is against our desires is virtuous.”

TRUST: People who rely on worldly resources, Shaitaan overpower them, but will not come near those who have trust in Almighty. As stated in the Noble Qur’an:  “(Muhammad), when you recite the Qur’an, seek refuge in Allah from the mischief of the most wicked Shaitaan. Shaitaan has certainly no authority over the believers who have trust in their Lord.” (16:98, 99)

“…..Have trust in Allah if you are true believers.” (5:23)

Addressing the Holy Prophet, Allah says: “….Forgive them and ask Allah to forgive and consult with them in certain matters. But, when you reach a decision, trust Allah. Allah loves those who trust Him.” (3:159)

We should always have trust in Allah for our benefits of this world or for Hereafter. For worldly things, we should make concerted efforts and trust Allah for the results, but should not have greed.

Trust in Allah is based on the following:

He has unlimited ability to perform any thing. He knows every thing potent or latent in our hearts. He has unlimited love for His creatures. His enormous love for humanity could be realized by the following event: When the ummat of Prophet Nooh was destroyed by his curse. He used to make earthen pots and sell it for his subsistence. One day, an angel came to him and purchased all the earthen pots and started to break them right in front of him. Prophet Nooh objected and protested for this act. The angel said that because he had paid for those pots and they were his property. He could do what ever he wanted with them.

Prophet Nooh said that he felt sorry because he had made them with his own hands. The angel replied that he had made them but did not create them. How much pain the Almighty Allah must have felt when thousands of people were drowned due to his curse!

If we have true and real trust in Allah, then we will not be afraid of any thing or any one.

Hence make Allah your pleader and have trust and confidence in Him, leave every thing to Him to take care and you need not worry.

If we think for a moment who cures a sick man, physician or medicine?Who made the medicines, who embodied cure in the basic ingredients of a medicine? Who made the physician, who directed the physician for correct diagnosis? There are numerous cases where the physicians either could not diagnose the sickness or erroneously prescribed wrong medicine resulting in patient’s death. Hence, every benefit we get, every success we achieve, every potential loss averted, is with Allah’s will.

Trust in Allah should be everlasting and not seasonal! Of course, nothing can be achieved in a short time. It requires persistent and continuous efforts.

There are three stages of trust on Allah; first the basic one in which a Muslim should not consider Him less than an attorney in our society. Second, at least have that much trust as a child has in his mother. Third is the stage of “the sincere ones” in which category the Prophets and Infallible Imams are placed. Their life revolves around the Allah’s will. Prophet Ibrahim belonged to that category. When the Nimrod’s forces threw Prophet Ibrahim in the mammoth fire and he was still in the air when Jibreel came to him and asked: “Do you need any thing?” He replied: “Yes, but not from you.” Jibreel asked: “Then with whom?”

Prophet Ibrahim replied: “With Him who is fully aware of my needs. What ever is His wish is my wish!”

It is reported that once a man came to Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) and complained of poverty. The Imam told him to go back to Kufa and get a shop on rent. He replied that he did not possess any capital. Imam told him not to worry about it. When he reached Kufa, he complied with Imam’s instructions. A man brought some merchandise and asked him to buy it. He replied that he did not have money to pay but the seller offered him credit. Likewise, few more people came and sold merchandise to him on credit. Simultaneously, purchasers also arrived and his business flourished. Allah has promised sustenance to every human being and He arranges circumstances.

A person asked the Commander of the Faithful; “What is the limit of believe?”

The Imam replied: “Faith” He asked: “What is the limit of faith?” The Imam replied; “Trust in Allah”

The effectiveness of cause is dependant on the Will of Allah. So we should not give credit to the cause but to the Will of Allah. Similarly, there is a tradition: “Innamal Aa’maalo Binniyyaat” It means the acceptance of our deeds is dependent up on our “Intentions”.

Only Allah (s.w.t.) is fully aware of the state of our minds and our intentions.

REPENTANCE (TAUBAH)

Repentance could be defined as a feeling of being ashamed, sorry and regretful for past sins. Oral admission of sins is not sufficient for a pure and sincere repentance.

Following three ingredients are required for repentance:

1. He must be disgusted by heart for his past sins and his “self” should have a feeling of shame, regret, and sorrow.
2. He must make a firm decision not to indulge in sinning in future.
3. If, because of indulgence in to a particular sin, he has done something, which could be compensated, then he must take a firm decision for its compensation. For example: If he owes money to people, usurped property or stolen money, he must return it to the owner at the first available opportunity. In case he is not in a position to pay at present, he should try to get the owner’s consent or satisfaction through what ever means available at his disposal to pay in future.

If a Muslim commits sin, he should not be disappointed from Allah’s Blessings because, the path of spiritual migration, self refinement, and ascent towards Almighty Allah (s.w.t.) remains for ever open and is never closed except where Allah expressly declines acceptance.

Qur’anic Verses:

1. When the faithful come to you, say to them, “Peace be upon you. Your Lord has decreed for Himself to be All-Merciful. Any one of you who commits a sin out of ignorance, then repents, reforms himself, will find that Allah is All-Forgiving and All-Merciful. (6:54)
2. Allah will only accept the repentance of those who commit evil in ignorance, if they repent immediately. Allah is All-Knowing and All-Wise. (4:17)
3. To those who commit sins in their ignorance then repent and reform, your Lord is certainly All-Forgiving and All-Merciful. (16:119)
4. It is He who accepts the repentance of His servants, forgives their evil deeds, and knows all about what you do. (42:25)
5. ….Allah loves those who repent and those who purify themselves. (2:222)

Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.): A person recited the sentence: “I seek God’s forgiveness” in the presence of Imam Ali (a.s.). He said: “May your mother lament for you, do you know what repentance is? The repentance can be defined with the following six parameters:

1. Feeling ashamed and regretful for the past sins.
2. Taking firm decision for avoidance of sins for ever.
3. Paying all the dues of the people so that when he meets All-Mighty Allah on the Resurrection Day, he does not have any pending claims against him.
4. All the religious obligations (Wajibat) which have not been performed in the past should be discharged as make up (Qadha) obligations.
5. Should feel so sad about his past sins that all the bodily flesh formed as a result of eating forbidden (Haram) should be melted in a manner that skin should touch the bare bones until the new flesh is reformed again.
6. The inconvenience and hardship of worshiping should be imposed upon the body as a compensation for the pleasures it feasted because of past sins. Only after performing all the above, you may recite the sentence “I seek forgiveness from Allah.

Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.) said: "After repenting, a person becomes like someone who has never sinned, and the one who is continue sinning while reciting the phrase of repentance on his tongue is like someone who ridicules himself.

The happiness of All-Mighty Allah from seeing a sinner repenting is much more than the joy of a lone traveler who finds his missing animal together with the provisions of journey in a dark night."

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Delaying repentance is a sort of arrogance and deceit; continuation of delay results in confusion and astonishment; excuses in front of Allmighty Allah (s.w.t.) is total destruction and persistence in sinning is due to feeling secured against Divine punishment and except the people who are losers no one else feels secure against it.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) used to offer repentance seventy times a day, while he was infallible.

When a servant of Allah offers a pure and firm repentance, All-Mighty Allah loves him and deletes all his past sins. The narrator asked: ‘O Son of Prophet! How are the sins deleted? He replied: " The two angels responsible for writing his deeds forget about his sins, simultaneously, All-Mighty Allah orders his bodily parts, limbs and different places on earth to cancel his sins from their register of deeds. Thus, he meets All-Mighty Allah (s.w.t.) in a manner whereby nobody and nothing is a witness to his sins.

Apart from classification of sins into Major or Greater Sins and Minor Sins, the sins may be broadly divided it to two types; Moral Sins and Practical Sins.

Moral Sins are: Hypocrisy, wrath, arrogance, egotism, harshness, oppression, deceit and treachery, back-biting, accusation, criticizing, fault-finding, slander, breach of promise, lying, love of world, greed, stinginess, rejecting parents’ rights, cutting family ties, ungratefulness, extravagance, jealousy, vilification, cursing, and other obscene characteristics.

Practical Sins are: adultery, stealing, homosexuality, giving and receiving interest, usurping of public property, cheating, breach of trust, drinking alcoholic beverages, eating pork and other forbidden meats, gambling, false testimony, accusing innocent person of adultery, refraining from offering mandatory prayers and fasting, refraining from Hajj pilgrimage, refraining from “Amre Bilmaruf and Nahi Anil Munkar”

In response to Prophet Adam’s prayers for the humanity in the face of long life of Shaitaan to distract people, Allah (s.w.t.) in His Divine Mercy had promised following:

1.      If a man intends to commit sin, nothing will be recorded in his Deed Sheet. But if he commits that sin then it will be recorded.

2.      If a man intends to do good deed, it will be recorded right away. If he performs that good deed, it will be multiplied ten times.

3.      If a man sincerely repents for his sins before the time of death, Allah (s.w.t.) will forgive him.

As no one knows when his death will arrive, hence it is recommended by our Sacred Imams to repent as soon as possible.

IMAM HASAN IBNE ALI AL-ASKARI (A.S.)

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) was born on 10 Rabiul Akhar 232AH in Samarrah, Iraq.

Asker in Arabic means army. The reason for this name being given to the Imam was that the Abbasid Caliph wanted to impress the Imam with his military strength and he arranged an army parade. After the parade, the Imam asked the Caliph to look between his two fingers. The Caliph was impressed by the army much superior in number to his and he named the Imam as “Askari”

The Imam spent his life from childhood to adulthood in the house where his father, Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) was to remain house arrest. Even then the Imam continued his duties of preaching and explaining the Noble Qur’an and the knowledge of Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The Imam had written a complete Tafseer on Qur’an. Imam’s life was not at peace even under house arrest. He was taken to Baghdad, questioned and put in prison there.

While he was a prisoner in Baghdad, there was a severe drought. Rain had not fallen for some time. People were facing famine. A Christian priest came to rescue. He lifted his hands in prayer and rain fell. The Caliph was concerned that people may become Christian because of this. The Imam was consulted. The Imam told them when the priest shows that miracle, he will remove the doubts. Next time when the priest lifted his hands for prayers, the Imam told his companions to get the bone the priest had in his hands. The Imam told them that it was the bone of a Prophet and it was the effect of the bone that when lifted in prayer, Allah’s mercy rain will fall on earth. After this the Imam spread his prayer sheet and performed two rakats of prayers and lifted his bare hands for Dua’a. Before Imam’s prayer was finished, it started to rain heavily. As a reward for this, the Imam was allowed to go back to Samarrah under house arrest.

It was the tragedy of Muslim Ummah, that instead of being respectful to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) and getting benefits from them, the caliphs in power due to their own inferiority complex subjected the Infallible Imams to imprisonment.

Allama Majlisi had given a detailed account of Imam Hasan Askari’s marriage. Imam Ali al-Naqi wrote a letter in ‘Rum’, enclosed it with 220 Dinars in red purse and gave it to his friend Bashir ibne Suleiman and explained how to escort the grand daughter of the Emperor of Rum. Nargis Khatoon narrated the story to Bashir: “I am a princess. My mother was the vice-gerent of Jesus. My grandfather was anxious to marry me to his nephew. On the day of the proposed marriage, some abnormal events prevented the wedding.

One night, I saw a dream in which Jesus and Prophet Muhammad greeted each other and the Prophet asked my hand for his grand son Hasan Askari. When consent was given, the Prophet Muhammad solemnized the wedding. After some time, I had another vision in that Fatima, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad and Mariam, the mother of Jesus told me that I cannot marry Hasan Askari unless I become Muslim. This I accepted and saw Hasan Askari in my dream.” Bashir asked as to how she became a prisoner, she replied: “Hasan Askari told me that my father was planning to send an army against the Muslims, and that I should disguised myself and some of my women servants and go with the army. I did this and before long some army guards captured us.” Imam Ali al-Naqi gave her in the custody of her sister Hakima Khatoon. After a few days, Imam Hasan al-Askari was married to the grand daughter of Emperor of ‘Rum’.

Words of Wisdom: The Imam said: “Fear Allah, increase prostrations, be kind to neighbors, associate with your kin and carry out their rights, treat people kindly, mention Allah excessively and remember death, recite the Qur’an and send peace and blessings on Prophet because it has ten good deeds, generosity has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is extravagance, economy has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is stinginess, and courage has a certain extent and if it is exceeded it is recklessness. Death comes unexpectedly. Whoever sows good shall harvest happiness and whoever sows evil shall harvest regrets. Worship is not abundant fasting and praying, but worship is abundant pondering; it is the continuous thinking of Allah. What a bad man he is who has two faces and two tongues! He praises his brother when he is present and eats his flesh (back-biting) when he is absent. The love of the pious to the pious is a virtue for the pious, the hatred of the impious towards the pious is a merit for the pious and the hatred of the pious towards the impious is disgrace for the impious.

Vices have been put in a house and its key is lying. He, who praises an undeserving one, becomes as an accused person. Staying up makes sleep more pleasant, and hunger makes food more delicious.  Reaching Allah the All-Mighty is a journey not achieved, except by riding at night.

He said to al-Mutawakkil, the Abbasid Caliph: “Do not expect goodwill from one, whom you have offended, or loyalty from one whom you have betrayed, or sincerity from one whom you have suspected, because the hearts of others towards you are like hearts are like your heart towards them. From the disasters that break one’s back is a neighbor who, if sees a good deed conceals it, and if sees a bad deed, spreads it.

(In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful) is closer to the Greatest Names of Allah than the iris of the eye to its white. Do not dispute with others so that you lose your gravity, do not joke so that it is dared against you. Polytheism in people is more inconspicuous than the creeping of ants on a black cloth in a dark night.

Once, an-Nasir Lideenillah, the Abbasid caliph, visited the holy shrines of Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and Imam Ali al-Naqi (a.s.) in Samarrah. His vizier suggested to him that he should visit the tombs of his fathers of Abbasid kings, and he agreed. When he reached there, he found the graves dark and miserable where sweepings were accumulated and crows gathered. The vizier asked the king to take care and pay money to rebuild these graves, but the Abbasid king said,

‘How far! That is of no use’

The vizier asked, ‘why, O Ameer ul Momineen?’

He said, ‘Did you see the flourishing tombs of the pure Imams?’

The vizier said, ‘Yes’

The king asked, ‘Do you know the secret behind that?’

The vizier answered, ‘No’

An-Nasir Lideenillah said, ‘My fathers associated with Satan, and these masters associated with Allah, and all that which is for Allah remains, and all that which is for Satan perishes and disappears.

 Addressing one of his companions, the Imam said: “Allah the All-Mighty did not deprive the earth since He created Adam, and He will not deprive it until the Day of Resurrection, of an authority over His people. My son, who is named after the Messenger of Allah, will fill the earth with justice and fairness after it has been filled with injustice and oppression. He will hide in an Occultation, during which time no one shall be saved except one whom Allah fixes on the belief in his imamate and supplicating Allah to hasten his deliverance.

IMAM MAHDI (A.S.), THE AWAITED SAVIOUR

Imam Mahdi (a.s.) was born on 15 Shabaan, 255 AH at Samerra, Iraq. His father was Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.), the Eleventh Imam and his mother was Bibi Nargis Khatoon, the grand daughter of the Emperor of Rum.

When the Imam (a.s.) was about 5 years old when his father, Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) was martyred on 8 Rabi-ul-Awwal 260 AH. When his body was ready for burial and the Muslims were waiting for the Prayers for the Dead, suddenly a handsome young boy appeared and led the prayers. Abbasid Caliph, al-Mo’tamid was also present. As soon as the prayers were finished, the Imam (a.s.) went inside his house. The Caliph realized the implications and ordered to search the house to find the Imam, but they could not find him. This was the commencement of “Ghaibat-e-Sughra” or “Short Occultation”. During this period, only the trusted appointees could meet the Imam (a.s.). During this period, the Imam had appointed his ambassadors to be in touch with the affairs of Muslims, answer any questions, direct the distribution of Khums to the deserving and needy. After about 75 years, the Major Occultation commenced which is continuing to-date.

There is a famous tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): “The Mahdi will be descended from me, he will be a man with open countenance and a face with high nose. He will fill the earth with equity and with justice, just as it has been filled with tyranny and oppression.”

Because of such reports, the unlawful governments were keeping a close watch on Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) and his family. Just like Pharaoh was killing the new born of Bani Isra’il to prevent the birth of Prophet Musa, the government of Banu Abbas was looking for the twelfth Imam. Allah (s.w.t.) wanted to conceal the Imam and prolonged his life for an undetermined period of time.

There are other examples in Islam when Prophets like Khizr, Jesus, Dawood, and Sheeth had longer life.

Occultation does not mean that the Imam (a.s.) is not guiding the people. He is conducting the work of guidance as the sun’s light penetrates the clouds to reach earth.

Numerous stories have been reported when the Imam (a.s.) responded to any call for help by any one whether Muslim or Non-Muslim.

One such story is about a pharmacist, Mr. Rizvi who was working in the dispensary at Karbala, run by the Government of Pakistan. One evening in 1958, he was returning from a hospital in Baghdad with a box full of medicines. The bus driver stopped at a place, Mehmudia, about half way to Karbala. He said they cannot proceed till next morning. The medicines were urgently required. Mr Rizvi became impatient and called the Imam-e- Zamana for help. Moments later a jeep pulled up at the side and a good looking young Arab came out and said: “Do you want to go to Karbala?” Without being told the address, the young man drove straight to the dispensary. When Mr. Rizvi turned to give some money, there was no body there, no jeep.

A second story is about an English man; Col Abdullah Baines, who was stationed at the Air Force base at Habibiya, a town some 22 miles South of Baghdad. During the Second World War, it was decided to evacuate the families of the Royal British Air Force to Damascus. Col Baines was leading the caravan of jeeps. They had to pass through a desert and a desert storm struck the caravan. They were lost in the storm as it was night time. Col. Baines and all his entourage were Christians. But he was familiar with Islamic History and stories of how Imam-e-Zamana helped people in distress. Col. Baines put up his hands in the shape of prayer, closed his eyes and said: “We are all Christians and may be sinners, but these children with me are innocent, they do not deserve to die in this manner. O Imam of the Time, help them get out of this desert.” His prayers had not even ended when he saw 2 horsemen were coming right through the eye of the storm. They asked Col. Baines “Do you want to go to Damascus?” He said: “Yes of course” They said “follow us”

Once the war was over, Col. Baines embraced Islam and changed his name to Abdullah Baines. After retirement from Army he settled in Kent. He himself told this story to the writer of the book to publicize this as much as possible.

During his Short Occultation, the Imam fixed the Black Stone of Ka’baa. The renowned Ayatullah Ardbeli narrates that Jaffer ibne Muhammad intended to perform Hajj but fell ill. He had heard that the government had removed the Black Stone for repair and re-install during forthcoming Hajj period. He was also aware that the Black Stone can only be installed by a Prophet or Imam. Hence he gave a letter for Imam Mahdi to Hisham with clear instructions that whoever fixes the Black Stone give the letter to him.

Hisham narrates that people were trying to fix the stone in vain. Suddenly a handsome young Arab appeared and fixed the Black Stone and went away. Hisham followed him when the young man turned back and said: “O ibne Hisham, give me Jaffer ibne Muhammad’s letter, he has asked me as to how long he will live, tell him that he will live for 30 more years” Saying this he disappeared. Hisham communicated Imam’s message to Jaffer ibne Muhammad. He died after 30 years.

About 50 people’s names are mentioned in the books who had seen the Imam during the Short Occultation.

Numerous stories of Imam Mahdi’s help of people in distress were recorded in a famous book: “Mulaqaat-e-Imam” or Meeting with the Imam. He will come, talk to people, resolve their problems and before they know it, he will disappear.

When the Imam Mahdi (a.s.) will reappear is known only to Allah (s.w.t). However, the signs have been elaborately mentioned in the books. It includes the general environment of oppression, moral indecency, and natural calamities.

Two famous supplications have been related to Imam Mahdi; Dua’a-e-Sabasab and Dua’a-e-Iftetah, which is recited during the month of Ramazaan.

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “One day, the Holy Prophet came to his companions. He was very happy. On inquiry from the companions, he said: “Jibra’eel came and brought greetings from Allah (s.w.t.) and said: “O Muhammad, Allah (s.w.t.) chose seven people from Bani Hashim; you, the Messenger of Allah, master of prophets, Ali ibne Abi Talib, the master of executors, Hasan and Hussain, the masters of grandchildren, Hamza, your uncle, the master of martyrs, and Jaffer, your cousin, who is flying everywhere in Paradise with angels and Excellency Qaem. The Jesus son of Mary will pray behind him when the Lord descends him on earth. And he is of the race of Ali (a.s.) and Fatima (s.a.) and children of Hussain”

It is recommended to read “Dua’a for safety and security of Imam Mahdi”:

                              Allah Humma Salle Ala Muhammadin Wa Aale Muhammad

            Allah Humma Kun Le Waliakal Hujjat Ibnal Hasan, Salawatuka Alaihe Wa Ala

            Aabaehi, Fi Hazehi Ssa’a Wa Fi Kulle Sa’atin, Walian Wa Hafiza, Wa Qaedan

            Wa Nasera Wa Dalilan Wa Aina Hatta Tuskenuhoo Arzaka Tauan Wa

            Tumatteuhoo Fiha Taweela.

                              O Allah, Bless Muhammad and his Progeny

            O Allah, be, for Your representative, the Hujjat (proof), son of Al Hasan, Your

            Blessings be on him and his forefathers, in this hour and in every hour, a   

            guardian, a protector, a leader, a helper, a proof, and an eye, until You make

            him live on the earth, in obedience (to You), and cause him to live in it

            for a long time. 

LUQMAN, THE WISE

Luqman’s advices to his son are narrated in Surah Luqman, which is the 31^st Surah of the Noble Qur’an.

Verse 12 says: “We gave wisdom to Luqman so that he would give thanks to Allah (s.w.t.). Those who give thanks to Allah (s.w.t.) do so for their own good. Those who are ungrateful should know that Allah (s.w.t.) is Self-Sufficient and Praiseworthy.”

Verse 13 says: Luqman advised his, telling him, O My son, do not consider anything equal to Him for it is the greatest injustice.”

Verse 16 says:  “O My son, Allah brings forth items of sustenance, even if they are as small as a grain of mustard seed, hidden in a rock or in the Heavens or the earth. Allah (s.w.t.) is Subtle and All-Aware.”

Verse 17 says: “O My son be steadfast in prayer. Make others do good. Prevent them from doing evil. Be patient in hardship. Patience comes from faith and determination.”

Verse 18 says: “Do not show people that you are an inferior person. Do not walk around puffed-up with pride; Allah (s.w.t.) does not love arrogant and boastful people.”

Verse 19 says: “Be moderate (slower) in your walking and your talking. The most unpleasant sound is the braying of donkeys.”

Shaikh Tabrasi says that there is difference of opinion about Luqman. Some say that he had the Divine knowledge but was not a Prophet. Others say that he was a Prophet.

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Luqman was steadfast in obeying Allah and refrained from His disobedience.”

Luqman gave admonitions to his son as detailed below:

Be a companion of the wise. Take from this world only that which is essential and enough for you. Also do not give up earning in this world that you may become needy. This world is a deep ocean. Innumerable people have drowned in it. It is essential for you to make faith your ship for saving yourself from the danger of this world. You should make ‘Reliance only in one Allah’ the sail of your ship. Your provision in the ship should be avoidance of the illegal and undesirable. Thereafter if you are saved, it is due to Allah’s Mercy and if you get destroyed it is because of your sins. You must set aside some hours in the day and night to acquire knowledge because there is nothing which can destroy it. Do not make the rich your enemy and do not keep company of oppressors. Do not make friendship with a sinner nor sit with a disgraced and notorious person.

My precious son! Fear Allah as He deserves to be feared. You should always be afraid of His chastisements. Similarly, also remain hopeful of His Mercy even if you have sinned totaling the sins of all men and jinn and be hopeful that He will forgive you. My son, if a faithful heart is cut open, two rays will come out of it. One light of the fear of Allah and the other light of hope from Allah. If both the lights could be weighed, both will be equal.

So the one who has truly and sincerely has believed in Allah will surely act honestly for Allah with a hope for good. One who acts in this way really believes in Allah and fears Him and the one who fears Him loves Him and the one who loves Him also obeys Him and the one who obeys Him makes himself eligible for His pleasure and Paradise. And the one who does not want His pleasure makes His punishment swift upon him.

Do you not see that Allah has not made the worldly bounties the reward of His obedience nor has he made the worldly hardships the punishments for His disobedience. Both the reward and punishment is promised in Hereafter.

O My son! Make a thousand friends because even a thousand friends are less but do not make even one enemy because one enemy is sufficient.

There are three signs of a sinner: He embezzles people’s wealth, tells lies and acts contrary to his words. There are three signs of ostentations (show off): He is slack in his worship while he is alone but makes a show of full attentiveness in worship while in public and he does it so that people may praise him. The envious has also three signs: He back-bites people and flatters them on face, feels happy when people are in trouble. There are three signs of extravagant: He eats things which are beyond his capacity and so also he wears likewise, and he feeds others crossing his limits of capacity. There are three signs of indolent (lazy): He is slack in doing good deeds and he postpones good deeds until and unless he is threatened and he becomes so lazy that the job is spoiled and thus he becomes defaulter. There are three signs of a negligent man: He is doubtful in his worship, becomes careless in matters of remembering his Lord and he forgets good deeds.

My son! Confront your enemy by avoiding the prohibited. Keep your soul clean of Allah’s disobedience. Keep your secrets hidden and your inner self pure.

Be content on what Allah has fixed for you so that you will always remain happy.

O My son! Never be envious. Never behave badly with others. These two evils harm none but you.

Do good to the deserving person and your purpose should be to please Allah. Be moderate in spending for others.

O My son! The best behavior is wisdom, acquiring for which is very essential. It is the religion of Allah and it is similar to a grown up tree which keeps it alive and standing. Its water is belief in Allah. Its root is prayer, which keeps it straight and steadfast. Its trunk is zakat and its branches are the efforts for maintaining brotherly relations with one’s brothers-in-faith merely for the pleasure of Allah. Its leaves are good morals. Its fruits are abandoning disobedience of Allah.

The greatest sin is the sin against religion and the greatest calamity is the danger to faith and the most profitable wealth is the wealth of heart. So enrich your heart with knowledge, faith and good morality. Remain pleased and happy on what Allah has fixed for you. A man, who is patient, gets halal provisions and he is protected from the chastisement in this world and Hereafter.

My son, when the time for prayers comes, do not postpone it. Prayer is the base of religion.

My son! Never delay repentance because death arrives all of a sudden without warning.

Do not ridicule a man who falls in trouble and never stop doing good to others. Be honest so that you may remain needless of other’s wealth. Consider piety as a business which will give you a profit without investing capital. My son! If be you not be kind to a person whom you are oppressing, be kind to yourself because you are harming yourself through that oppression. My son! Talk less and remember Allah at all places. Keep control on yourself when angry so that you may not be ditched in Hell. Do good to the one who does good to you.

Consult the elders and be ashamed to consult the younger. Never be in the company of the sinners. Do not harm others otherwise they will become your enemy. 

DUA'A-E-TAWASSUL

Ayatollah Shaikh Tusi (R.A.) in his book, “Misbah” says that Imam Hasan Ibne Ali Al-Askari (A.S.) wrote this Dua’a for Abu Muhammad who requested him to teach him the proper way of reciting Salawaat. Allama Majlisi (R.A.) has mentioned this Dua’a on the authority of Ibne Babawayh (R.A.) who confidently says that there is no difficulty or problem that this Dua’a does not solve.

The Merciful Allah (S.W.T.) is beseeched in the name of and for the sake of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.S.) and his Ahl-ul-Bayt (A.S.) who is amongst the best human beings in status with Him. It is also known as “Quick-fulfillment-of-all-legitimate-desires” Dua’a.

      In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.

O Allah, (please do) Blessings to Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad

O Allah I beseech Thee, and turn towards Thee, through Thy Prophet of Mercy Muhammad, may Allah Bless him and his Progeny, and grant them peace. O Abul Qasim

O Messenger of Allah, O guide of Mercy, O intercessor of the community, O our chief, O

our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession, and advocacy before Allah, we put before you our open need; O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Commander of the Faithful, O Ali, son of Abu Talib, O decisive  argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Fatima Zahra, O daughter of Muhammad, O joy to the eye of the Prophet, O our chief, our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Hasan, son of Ali, O elected one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Abdallah, O Husayn, son of Ali, O martyr, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Ali, son of al-Husayn, O Zayn al-abidin, O Prostrator before Allah, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Jaffer, O Muhammad son of Ali, O knowledgeable one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Abdallah, O Jaffer, son of Muhammad, O truthful one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Ibrahim, O Musa, son of Jaffer, O tranquil one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Ali, son of Musa, O devoted one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Jaffer, O Muhammad, son of Ali, O generous, Taqi and pious one, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abul Hasan, O Ali, son of Muhammad, O guide (Hadi), and pure one (Naqi), O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O Abu Muhammad, O Hasan, son of Ali, O Wise one and Warrior, O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O inheritor of al-Hasan, O successor, O upright one, O proof, O awaited up riser, O Mahdi,

O descendant of the Messenger of Allah, O decisive argument of Allah over mankind, O our chief, O our master, We turn towards thee, seek thy intercession and advocacy before Allah, We put before you our open need, O intimate of Allah, Stand by us when Allah sits in judgment over us.

O our chief, O our master, O my chiefs, O my masters, I turn to Allah through you, O my Imams, my supporters on the days of my destitution, I seek your advocacy before Allah, I request you to speak in my favor before Allah, obtain pardon for me from Allah, and deliver me from my sins, through my love of you and nearness to you, obtain deliverance (for me) from Allah O my chiefs, O close friends of Allah, may Allah bless all of them, and curse the enemies of Allah who have oppressed them and will oppress them so be it, O Lord of the worlds.

GHEEBAH (BACK-BITING)

Back-biting means to speak someone’s defects behind him. If the defect we are speaking about is not present in that person, then it is allegation, which amounts to double sins. Truly, it is a taste-less sin.

When back-biting ingresses in to our conduct, it leaves adverse effects on the soul. One of which is enmity and hatred towards the victim, which gradually increases. At the time of death, when the veils of angelic realms are lifted, the back-biter may be brought to witness the station of his victims before Almighty Allah, and the honor and blessings bestowed upon them by the Almighty.

QUR’ANIC PRONOUNCEMENTS:

1. “…nor let some of you back-bite others” (49:12)
2. “Does one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother. But you abhor it” (49:12)
3. “Surely (as for) those who love scandal should circulate respecting those who believe, they shall have a grievous chastisement in this world and hereafter.” (24:19)
4. “Surely, the hearing and the sight and the heart, all of these shall be questioned about that.” (17:36)
5. “Wael (woe) to every slanderer, the defamer.” (104:1)
6. “Allah does not love public accusations unless one is truly wronged. Allah is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.” (4:148)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “O Ali, if some one hears the back-biting of his Muslim brother committed in his presence, yet he does not rally to his assistance, despite being capable of doing so, Allah shall humiliate him in this world and hereafter.”

On inquiry from Abu Zar (r.a.) as to what is Gheebah, he said, “It is to mention about your brother that which he detests.”

 “The listener is one of the two back-biters”

“Back-biting is worst than adultery. One indulges in adultery. Thereafter, if he really feels ashamed of it and makes true repentance, and sincerely seeks forgiveness, Allah forgives him. But if a person back-bites someone after this even if he repents, it is of no use until that person forgives him. That’s why back-biting is worse than adultery as it is bilateral, where as adultery concerns only Allah. Back-biting involves both Allah and the poor person who was back-bitten. Unless that person forgives, Allah will not forgive him” 

“No fire is faster in consuming dry wood than gheebah in consuming a devotee’s virtues”

Hazrat A’isha narrates, “Once a woman came to visit us and when she turned to go away, I made a gesture by my hand to indicate that she was short in height. There upon The Prophet, may Allah’s blessings be on him and his progeny, said, “You have committed her gheebah.”

Once, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) stoned a man for commission of adultery. One of the persons present remarked to his friend, “This one was finished where he stood, like a dog.” Thereafter, the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) accompanied by the two men passed by a carcass and he said to them, “Now take a bite of it, you two” They said, “O Messenger of Allah, should we take a bite of a carcass?” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied, “That which you have taken of your brother was more rotten than this.”

“One who walks on the path of gheebah of his brother and divulging the defects, the first step that he takes will be into Hell and Allah shall divulge his defects in front of all creatures.”

“Whoever back-bites a Muslim spoils his fasts and breaks his wuzu and shall come on the Day of Resurrection with his mouth stanching more rotten than a carcass.”

“On the night of Mairaaj, I passed by a people who were scratching their faces with their finger nails. I said: O Gibraeel! Who are these people? He replied, “These are those who perpetrated the people’s gheebah and slandered their reputation.”

Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) addressed to his companion, Nawf al-Bakali: “Abstain from gheebah, for it is the food of the dogs of Hell fire. O Nawf, untrue is the one who claims to be of legitimate birth and yet devours the flesh of people through back-biting.”

Nahjul Balagha, sermon 140 is titled as: About back-biting and speaking ill of others.

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “One who spreads and talks about what he saw or heard about a believer is one of those who, as mentioned by Allah in Holy Qur’an, will taste a painful chastisement as he likes to expose evil deeds.” “Allah drives such person out of His shelter even if this man had fasted in Ramazaan.”

“The havoc wrought on the believer’s face by back-biting is swifter than the one wrought by ‘akalah’ (a disease that consumes the flesh) in the side of his body”

“Whoever does a favor to his brother by refuting his back-biting upon hearing it in a gathering, Allah shall save him from a thousand kinds of evils in this world and hereafter. And if he does not do so despite his ability to refute it, on him shall be the burden of one who commits his back-biting seventy times.”

“O You who have embraced Islam with your tongues but in whose hearts Islam has not entered, do not disparage Muslims and do not seek their defects. Verily, Allah will seek out the person who is after their defects; and one who has Allah after his defects will be humiliated even in his own abode.”

“Gheebah is equal to infidelity, and listening to and being pleased with it, is polytheism.”  

Imam Musa al_Kazim (a.s.) said, “If one speaks about a person in his absence about those of his traits which are actually present in him and people are also aware of it then it is not gheebah. But if he mentions some thing which is present in the person but people are unaware of it, it would be gheebah. Moreover, what he says is not present in the man, it is allegation.”

Back-biting Permissible in the following situations:

To protect Muslims from the evils of another person including the situation when one is required to vouch for the integrity of a marriage prospects.

When the person being talked about does not conceal his violations of the Divine Commands.

To describe the fault of a patient before a physician for purposes of treatment.

To criticize a narrator of a Tradition for authenticity. 

Cure for the spiritual disease:

The back-biter should purge this bad habit and nourish the roots of unity, sincerity and solidarity in his or her heart and follow these steps:

1. Reflect about the effects of back-biting in this world and life hereafter. Ponder over the golden words of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) and his Progeny and the consequent chastisement.
2. Even if one has enmity with a person he should not resort to back-biting. It is mentioned in traditions that the good deeds of the back-biter are transferred to the book of deeds of the victim and his bad deeds are transferred to the back-biter.
3. If possible, repent and seek the victim’s forgiveness. Otherwise seek mercy of Allah for him.
4. Make determination to get rid of this habit and control one’s tongue.
5. The back-biter should search if he has any traces of inferiority complex.

LYING

Lying is one of the Greater Sins. There are many verses in the Holy Qur’an denouncing lying. Some of them are reproduced below:

1.  “Consider how they create lies about Allah? This alone is a grave sin.” (4:50)

2.  “Those who do not believe in the miracles of Allah invent lies and they are liars.” (16:105)

3.  “Allah does not guide the liars and the unbelievers.” (39:3)

4.  “If any one disputes (your prophesy) after knowledge has come to you, say, “Let each of us bring our children, women, nafs and ourselves to one place and pray to Allah to condemn the liars among us.” (3:61)

5.  “….Allah is my witness that he is a liar” (24:8)

6.  “Stay away from wickedness, idols and false words.” (22:30)

7.  “Believers, have fear of Allah and always be friends with the truthful ones” (9:119)

8.  “And there are some people who say: We believe in Allah and the last day; and they are not at all believers.” (2:8)

9.  “And when they meet those who believe, they say: We believe; and when they are alone with their Shaitaans, they say: Surely we are with you, we were only mocking.” (2:14)

10.  (False accuser of adultery) “Never accept their testimony thereafter, they are sinful.” (24:4)

Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s) said, “Beware, I am informing you about the greatest mortal sins; associating anything with Allah, disobeying parents and lying”, “Beware of falsehood! Because falsehood blackens the face.”, “Avoid speaking falsehood, because it is a kind of evil and transgression. And both of them belong to Hell.”, “The three signs of hypocrite are: Lying, betraying trust and going back on his words.” “The advice of a liar has no value.” “The worst of the profit is from the trade called ‘lying’.” “When a believer speaks a lie, he is prone to committing every other sin, and when this happens, he commits kufr which then makes him enter Hell.” “Falsehood is inversely proportional to belief.” “The greatest of the sins is talkativeness and falsehood.” The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was describing his visit of Mairaaj to Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a.) saying, “On the night of Mairaaj, I saw a woman whose head resembled a pig and her body was like that of a donkey. It was because she spread discord and told lies.” “One who attributes something to me, which I have not said, shall sit in the Fire.” When Abu Zar (r.a.) inquired from the Holy Prophet about repentance by a person who intentionally spoken a lie, he (s.a.w.s.) replied, “The sin shall be erased by Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) and by the five- times prayers.”

Asma Binte Umais asked the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), “O Messenger of Allah, if we desire something but verbally refuse it, is it a lie?” He (s.a.w.s.) replied, “Yes! Certainly every kind of falsehood is recorded (in the scroll of deeds) even the smallest of the small lies is written.” “One only tells lies because of his feeling of being lowly”

Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.) said, “Every believer is deprived from the taste of faith till he gives up lying seriously and also in jest.” “The disease of lying is the most dreadful of the (psychological) diseases.” “Every Muslim is supposed to avoid friendship and brotherhood with a compulsive liar. Because one who befriends a liar is considered a liar. Even if he speaks truth, he is not trusted.” “If a person merely claims that he hopes for the Divine rewards and fears Divine punishment, but does not perform good deeds nor refrains from sins, he is a liar.” “No man shall taste faith unless he abandons lying, be it serious or as a joke.” “If entities were materialized, surely truthfulness will stand with courage and cowardice would stand with lying.” “The truth teller achieves three things: (others) trust, love and respect.” “Lying is the most abominable trait”

Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.) said, “All the evils have been locked in a room and its key is lying”

Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said, “Certainly Allah has created the lock for every evil and the key to all these locks is drinking wine. But lying is worse than drinking.”

“Lying destroys faith”

Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) said, “One of the Divine punishments for too much lying is that Allah makes the liar afflicted with forgetfulness.” “To attribute falsehood to Allah and His Prophet is the greatest sin.”

One day Imam Jaffer al-Sadiq (a.s.) was seated with his son Ismail when one of his followers arrived, saluted him and sat down. When the Imam stood up and walked towards ladies portion, the man also followed up to the door. Imam bid farewell to him from there. Later, Ismail asked his father, “Why didn’t you invite him inside just for politeness sake?” The Imam (a.s.) replied, “It was not proper to invite him inside. I did not wish him to come inside. Neither did I wish that Allah should include me among those who say one thing and wish another.” “When ever you say ‘Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is the greatest) you must consider every thing between the earth and the sky to be lesser than Allah. Because when Allah sees that a person says Allahu Akbar only superficially, He says, “O Liar! You try to be smart with Me? By My Might and Honor I shall deprive you of My remembrance.” “Prophet Isa said that who lies repeatedly will not be respected.”

Show of Submission: A person who says to Allah ‘Thee only do we worship and Thee only we ask for help’, but his actions are such that day and night he is involved in the acquisition of wealth and is preoccupied in the satisfaction of his carnal desires. Can we consider this man to be truthful? Does this man really worship Allah?

A man prays, “O Allah, when I look at my sins, I weep and when I see your Mercy and forgiveness, I become hopeful and happy in anticipation that you will forgive me,” but when faced with temptations, he makes no serious effort to refrain himself and commits sinful acts without any misgiving.” The falsehood of such a person is clear.

We recite Ziarat for our Imams and say, “O Imam, I accept your sayings and act upon your commands and obey you.” In fact we obey our own desires. To fix this problem, we should make sincere efforts to improve ourselves.

Exceptions: Whenever there is a danger to life, honor and property, and if the danger can be avoided by lying, one is allowed to lie. Similarly, in order to make reconciliation between husband and wife one can tell a lie, because the intention is good without any ill will. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.), at the time of recording his will and testament, told Imam Ali (a.s.), “O Ali, Allah even likes a falsehood for the sake of peace and dislikes truth that spreads corruption.”

How to get rid of the habit of lying:

1. Repent and ask forgiveness from Allah.
2. Ponder over the causes that led to this habit, try to remove the cause.
3. Compare the advantages of truthfulness and harms of lying at individual and social levels.
4. Try to do good deeds, read religious books, be dutiful to parents, help needy.
5. Remember the tradition, “A believer does not feel the pleasure of faith in his heart until he gives up lying.”
6. Think of the embarrassment when people will discover your lies.
7. Know well that a liar has no dignity.

SECRET OF SUCCESS IN THIS WORLD AND HEREAFTER

Before you read this article, I humbly request and strongly recommend printing a hard copy and placing it at a conspicuous site so that you glance through it every day.

During the times of Holy Prophet (s.w.a.s.), a traveler came in his presence and asked some very critical questions relating to our lives in this world and for the Day of Judgment

Traveler: I do not want punishment (Azaab) to be written in my account.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Behave respectfully with your parents.

Traveler: I want to be known among the people as an intelligent person.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always fear Allah.

Traveler: I want to be counted among the Allah’s favorites.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Recite Holy Qur’an every morning and at night.

Traveler: I want my heart to be enlightened (Raushan and Munawwar) always.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Never forget Death.

Traveler: I never want to be away from Allah’s Blessings.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always treat fellow creatures well.

Traveler: I never want to be harmed by my enemies.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always have faith only in Allah.

Traveler: I never want to be humiliated.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Be careful of all your actions.

Traveler: I wish to have a long life.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always do Silai Raham (Goodness towards your relatives)

Traveler: I want my sustenance (Rizq) to increase.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always be in a state of ablution (Wuzu)

Traveler: I wish to stay free of punishment (Azaab) in the grave.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always wear clean and pure (Paak) clothes.

Traveler: I do not want to be burned in Hell Fire.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Control your eyes and tongue.

Traveler: How can I get my sins forgiven?

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always ask forgiveness from Allah with profound humility.

Traveler: I want people always to respect me.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Never extend your hand of need towards people.

Traveler: I want always to be honored.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Never humiliate any one.

Traveler: I do not want to be squeezed in the grave (Fishar-e-Qabar).

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Often recite Sura-e-Mulk.

Traveler: I want my wealth to increase.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Recite Sura-e-Waqia every night.

Traveler: I want to be safe and peaceful on the Day of Judgment.

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Do Zikr of Allah from Dusk to Night.

Traveler: I want to be in full attention and concentration during prayers (Namaaz).

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.): Always perform ablution (Wuzu) with concentration.