Three Pieces of Advice
Our topic today is about three pieces of advice which the Prophet (PBUH) gave to one of his companions and which resonate as advice for every Muslim until the Day of Judgment. It was narrated by Abu-Ayub Al-Ansari that a man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: Oh Messenger (PBUH), teach me something and be concise. So the Messenger (PBUH) said to him: “When you are performing your Salat, do so as if it is your last salat. Don't say things which you later have to apologize for, Do not seek what is in other people' s hands”.
This companion came to the Prophet (PBUH) to ask for advice, and he knew that he could not memorize too much, so he asked the Messenger (PBUH) for concise advice.
The first piece of advice concerns the salat. The Prophet (PBUH) told him to get up for every salat and perform it as if it's his last salat. The best way of achieving serenity and tranquility while praying is to imagine that the angel of death is standing next to you, waiting for you to finish the salat so that he can take your soul. If you do that, then you will perform each of the components of the Salat slowly and with deliberation. As soon as you stand up and enter into the Salat, you will truly know that Allah (SWT) is bigger than the whole world. He is bigger than your family, your job and your wealth. He deserves more attention and demands utmost concentration.
The second piece of advice which the prophet (PBUH) gave to the asking companion was to control and monitor his tongue. A Muslim must watch very closely every word he says. If he is not going to say something good, then it is best for him to keep silent. Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say what is good or keep quiet, and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not hurt (or insult) his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, should entertain his guest generously”. ‘Uqbah bin 'Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), “How can salvation be achieved?” He replied, “Control your tongue, keep to your house, and weep over your sins”.
The final piece of advice which the Prophet (PBUH) gave to the companion was to seek only what is in the hands of Allah (SWT) and not that which is in the hands of people. Ask Allah (SWT) only, because everything comes from him Alone as Allah (SWT) says: “What you have runs out and what Allah has is everlasting”
When you want something either in this life or the next then ask Allah (SWT). Do not be envious of the property of other people. Our Prophet (PBUH) also told us to think of Allah's gifts to us and avoid comparing ourselves with others. And if we were to do so, it should be with those who are less fortunate. Only then can we truly value Allah's blessings to us without undermining them. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Look at those who are lower than you, (financially) but do not look at those who are higher than you, for indeed that is more worthy (so that you will) not belittle Allah's favours upon you”. This means that you will never be satisfied unless you overlook other people's property and fortunes. I pray to Allah to grant us sincere prayers, to secure our tongues and to provide for us. Ameen.