Question: How do we rid ourselves of spiritual diseases like anger, stubbornness and hatred, which only fuel quarrels and distance our hearts?
Answer: Anger, jealousy, hatred, backbiting and such are all spiritual diseases for which the dhikr of Allah subhanahu wa’tala is a river that cleanses all. The Messenger of Allah sallallaho alaihe wa sallum told us that dhikr is a sure cure for the heart. The underlying principle and purpose of muraqaba is that, with frequent application, the love of Allah subhanahu wa’tala should become entrenched in our hearts and cure us of all these spiritual diseases. Our elders used to say that evil thoughts are chased away by dhikr. If you are steadfast in your muraqaba, then Allah subhanahu wa’tala will make the way obvious for you.
Question: Some young Muslims say that they feel distanced from Allah subhanahu wa’tala and hence confused about their direction. Advise them please.
Answer: The purpose of life is servitude to Allah subhanahu wa’tala, and whatever a person does in life goes toward or should go toward fulfilling that purpose. There is a difference between necessity and purpose. Whatever we might do in this life we do to fulfill necessities: we study and gain knowledge so that we may function in life and be in a better position to guide our children towards fruitful and successful lives. However, serving and pleasing Allah subhanahu wa’tala is our purpose, and it is forbidden and truly sad to sacrifice the purpose for necessity. So a person may spend his life however he wants just as long as he keeps this purpose clear in his head, and does every action in a way that is pleasing to Allah subhanahu wa’tala. If actions are pleasing to Allah subhanahu wa’tala, then He will grant us success both in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah subhanahu wa’tala will become ours if we give ourselves to Him, which means that we have to submit to His Will in everything that we do. Please Allah subhanahu wa’tala and you will see that He will put love and honor in people’s hearts for you.
A Companion asked Hadrat Aisha radhi Allah anha for advice. She said that if we please creation and in that process displease Allah subhanahu wa’tala, then Allah subhanahu wa’tala will put rebellion in the heart of creation toward you, such that the same creation we are trying to please starts hating us. She continued and said that if we displease creation but in that process please Allah subhanahu wa’tala, then Allah subhanahu wa’tala will put love in the hearts of creation so that those who may have opposed us in the past will love us and become our allies. Allah subhanahu wa’tala looks after the one who gives himself to Allah subhanahu wa’tala.
[Question and Answers – Shaikh Zulfiquar Ahmed (d.b.)]