In times of trial: Take back your heart

No one likes to fall. And few people would ever choose to drown. But in struggling through the ocean of this life, sometimes it’s so hard not to let the world in. Sometimes the ocean does enter us. The dunya does seep into our hearts.

And like the water that breaks the boat, when dunya enters, it shatters our heart. It shatters the boat. Recently, I was reminded of what a broken boat looks like, of what happens when you let everything in. I was reminded because I saw someone, just like me, fall in love too much with this life and seek to be filled by the creation. So the ocean of dunya shattered her boat, as it had shattered mine, and she fell out into the water. But she stayed down too long, and didn’t know how to come back up or what to hold on to.

So she drowned.

If you allow dunya to own your heart, like the ocean that owns the boat, it will take over. You will sink down to the depths of the sea. You will touch the ocean floor. And you will feel as though you were at your lowest point. Entrapped by your sins and the love of this life, you will feel broken. Surrounded by darkness. That’s the amazing thing about the floor of the ocean. No light reaches it.

But, this dark place is not the end. Remember that the darkness of night precedes the dawn. And as long as your heart still beats, this is not the death of it. You don’t have to die here. Sometimes, the ocean floor is only a stop on the journey. And it is when you are at this lowest point, that you are faced with a choice. You can stay there at the bottom, until you drown. Or you can gather pearls and rise back up—stronger from the swim, and richer from the jewels.

If you seek Him, God can raise you up, and replace the darkness of the ocean, with the light of His sun. He can transform what was once your greatest weakness into your greatest strength, and a means of growth, purification and redemption. Know that transformation sometimes begins with a fall. So never curse the fall. The ground is where humility lives. Take it. Learn it. Breathe it in. And then come back stronger, humbler and more aware of your need for Him. Come back having seen your own nothingness and His greatness. Know that if you have seen that Reality, you have seen much. For the one who is truly deceived is the one who sees his own self—but not Him. Deprived is the one who has never witnessed his own desperate need for God. Reliant on his own means, he forgets that the means, his own soul, and everything else in existence are His creation.

Seek God to bring you back up, for when He does, He will rebuild your ship. The heart that you thought was forever damaged will be mended. What was shattered will be whole again. Know that only He can do this. Seek Him.

And when He saves you, beg forgiveness for the fall, feel remorse over it—but not despair. As Ibn ul Qayyim (RA) has said: “Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.”

There is a powerful and amazing thing about tawbah (repentance) and turning back to Allah (swt). We are told that it is a polish for the heart. What’s amazing about a polish is that it doesn’t just clean. It makes the object that is polished even shiner than it was before it got dirty. If you come back to God, seek His forgiveness, and refocus your life and heart on Him, you have the potential to be even richer than if you’d never fallen at all. Sometimes falling and coming back up gives you wisdom and humility that you may never otherwise have had. Ibn ul Qayyim (RA) writes:

One of the Salaf [Pious Predecessors] said: “Indeed a servant commits a sin by which he enters Paradise; and another does a good deed by which he enters the Fire.” It was asked: How is that? So he replied: “The one who committed the sin, constantly thinks about it; which causes him to fear it, regret it, weep over it and feel ashamed in front of his Lord—the Most High—due to it. He stands before Allah, broken-hearted and with his head lowered in humility. So this sin is more beneficial to him than doing many acts of obedience, since it caused him to have humility and humbleness—which leads to the servant’s happiness and success—to the extent that this sin becomes the cause for him entering Paradise. As for the doer of good, then he does not consider this good a favor from his Lord upon him. Rather, he becomes arrogant and amazed with himself, saying: I have achieved such and such, and such and such. So this further increases him in self-adulation, pride and arrogance—such that this becomes the cause for his destruction.”

Allah (swt) reminds us in the Qur’an to never lose hope. He says: “Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against their souls [by sinning], despair not of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful,’” (39:53).

And so, this is a call to all those who have become enslaved by the tyranny of the self, imprisoned in the dungeon of the nafs (self) and desires. It is a call to all those who have entered the ocean of dunya, who have sunk into its depths, and become trapped by its crushing waves. Rise up. Rise up to the air, to the Real world above the prison of the ocean. Rise up to your freedom. Rise up and come back to life. Leave the death of your soul behind you. Your heart can still live and be stronger and purer than it ever was. Does not the polish of tawbah remake the heart even more beautiful than it was? Remove the veil you have sewn with your sins. Remove the veil between you and Life, between you and Freedom, between you and Light—between you and God. Remove the veil and rise up. Come back to yourself. Come back to where you began. Come back Home. Know that when all the other doors have shut in your face, there is One that is always open. Always. Seek it. Seek Him and He will guide you through the waves of the cruel ocean, into the mercy of the sun.

This world cannot break you—unless you give it permission. And it cannot own you unless you hand it the keys – unless you give it your heart. And so, if you have handed those keys to dunya for a while—take them back. This isn’t the End. You don’t have to die here. Reclaim your heart and place it with its rightful owner:

God.

By: Yasmin Mogahed.

Qiamullail

"Menghidupkan Malam Hari"

Definisi

Qiamullail adalah merujuk kepada amalan beribadat pada malam hari dengan mengerjakan solat-solat sunat seperti solat Sunat Taubat, Tahajjud, Witir dan lain-lain, serta amalan-amalan seperti membaca Al-Quran, berzikir, beristighfar, berdoa dan sebagainya. Ibadah Qiamullail sangat digalakkan di dalam Islam. Qiamullail boleh dikerjakan secara berseorangan atau secara beramai-ramai.

Fakta

Imam Syafie pernah menunaikan solat fardhu isyak dan juga fardhu subuh dengan menggunakan satu wudhu'. Beliau berqiamullail sepanjang malam. "Demi Allah, kalau kita nak kepada Allah, Allah akan sayang pada kita", - Imam Syafie.

"Amalan sunat adalah pintu kepada keredhaan Allah".

Allah sayang kita dengan 3 cara

1. Allah berikan istiqamah yang berterusan kepada kita; konsentrasi / rasa untuk beramal secara berterusan.
2. Diberi pintu-pintu keampunan atau taubat siang dan malam; manusia pun akan banyak beristighfar, melakukan solat taubat.
3. Dia timbulkan rasa kasih sayang kita untuk Nabi Muhammad s.a.w; manusia akan banyak berselawat (ubatilah rasa resah, tidak tenang, gundah-gulana dengan berselawat keatas Nabi Muhammad s.a.w).

"Sesiapa yang cari tempat bergantung kepada Allah,

Allah akan beri tempat untuk dia bergantung" - Hadith Nabi.

Berdoa

Berdoalah agar kita dapat menunaikan qiamullail kekal sehingga tua / akhir hayat.

"Sesungguhnya ada satu masa di tengah malam itu iaitu masa yang berkat,

yang doanya akan dimakbulkan Allah s.w.t." - Hadith Nabi.

Faktor-Faktor Memudahkan Qiamullail

1. Sukar, kecuali orang yang diberi taufik / hidayah.

2. Faktor-faktor luaran yang perlu dijaga bagi memudahkan Qiamullail:

• Jangan makan terlalu banyak (akan mengantuk / tidur lebih).
• Jangan penatkan diri dengan terlalu banyak bekerja di siang hari.
• Berehat atau tidur seketika antara waktu selepas zuhur dengan sebelum waktu asar.
• Menjauhi dosa-dosa kecil atau besar.

3. Faktor-faktor dalaman yang perlu dijaga bagi memudahkan Qiamullail:

• Kosongkan hati, bersihkan hati. Berusaha untuk tidak bermusuh, putus silaturrahim, benci, marah, etc.
• Selalu untuk rasa takutkan Allah / fikirkan azab Allah kepada kita.

"Tidak akan masuk syurga bagi orang yang putuskan hubungan".

Source: Ceramah - Ustaz Roslan Mohamed

What happens after death?

It was narrated that al-Bara’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

We went out with the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the funeral of a man from among the Ansaar. We came to the grave and when (the deceased) was placed in the lahd, the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) sat down and we sat around him, as if there were birds on our heads (i.e., quiet and still). In his hand he had a stick with which he was scratching the ground. Then he raised his head and said, “Seek refuge with Allaah from the torment of the grave”, two or three times.

Then he said: “When the believing slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with white faces like the sun, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. They bring with them shrouds from Paradise and perfumes from Paradise. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O good soul, come forth to forgiveness from Allaah and His pleasure.’ Then it comes out easily like a drop of water from the the mouth of a waterskin. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that shroud with that perfume, and there comes from it a fragrance like the finest musk on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this good soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the best names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is opened, and (the soul) is welcomed and accompanied to the next heaven by those who are closest to Allaah, until they reach the seventh heaven.

Then Allaah says: ‘Record the book of My slave in ‘Illiyoon in the seventh heaven, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is returned to his body and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Allaah.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘My religion is Islam.’ They say, ‘Who is this man who was sent among you?’ He says, ‘He is the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).’ They say, ‘What did you do?’ He says, ‘I read the Book of Allaah and I believed in it.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘My slave has spoken the truth, so prepare for him a bed from Paradise and clothe him from Paradise, and open for him a gate to Paradise.’ Then there comes to him some of its fragrance, and his grave is made wide, as far as he can see. Then there comes to him a man with a handsome face and handsome clothes, and a good fragrance, who says, ‘Receive the glad tidings that will bring you joy this day.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which brings glad tidings.’ He says, ‘I am your righteous deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, hasten the Hour so that I may return to my family and my wealth.’

BUT when the disbelieving slave is about to depart this world and enter the Hereafter, there come down to him from heaven angels with black faces, bringing sackcloth, and they sit around him as far as the eye can see. Then the Angel of Death comes and sits by his head, and he says, ‘O evil soul, come forth to the wrath of Allaah and His anger.’ Then his soul disperses inside his body, then comes out cutting the veins and nerves, like a skewer passing through wet wool. When he seizes it, they do not leave it in his hand for an instant before they take it and put it in that sackcloth, and there comes from it a stench like the foulest stench of a dead body on the face of the earth. Then they ascend and they do not pass by any group of angels but they say, ‘Who is this evil soul?’ and they say, ‘It is So and so the son of So and so, calling him by the worst names by which he was known in this world, until they reach the lowest heaven. They ask for it to be opened to them and it is not opened.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited (interpretation of the meaning):

“for them the gates of heaven will not be opened, and they will not enter Paradise until the camel goes through the eye of the needle”
[al-A’raaf 7:40]

He said: “Then Allaah says, ‘Record the book of My slave in Sijjeen in the lowest earth, and return him to the earth, for from it I created them, to it I will return them and from it I will bring them forth once again.’ So his soul is cast down.” Then the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) recited the verse (interpretation of the meaning):

“and whoever assigns partners to Allaah, it is as if he had fallen from the sky, and the birds had snatched him, or the wind had thrown him to a far off place”
[al-Hajj 22:31]

He said: “Then his soul is returned to his body, and there come to him two angels who make him sit up and they say to him, ‘Who is your Lord?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ They say, ‘What is your religion?’ He says, ‘Oh, oh, I don’t know.’ Then a voice calls out from heaven, ‘Prepare for him a bed from Hell and clothe him from Hell, and open for him a gate to Hell.’ Then there comes to him some of its heat and hot winds, and his grave is constricted and compresses him until his ribs interlock. Then there comes to him a man with an ugly face and ugly clothes, and a foul stench, who says, ‘Receive the bad news, this is the day that you were promised.’ He says, ‘Who are you? Your face is a face which forebodes evil.’ He says, ‘I am your evil deeds.’ He says, ‘O Lord, do not let the Hour come, do not let the Hour come.’”

Narrated by Abu Dawood, 4753; Ahmad, 18063 – this version was narrated by him. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1676.

Top 10 tips for a Muslim in an open office environment

In today’s day and age, it is difficult for a Muslim to find a halal job, one that is ethical, clean, but most importantly that offers a halal environment. Most of us, especially those who live in the west, are caught up in open office environments, which are mostly mixed environments with no clear code of interaction between the two sexes. These environments are seldom safe from social dramas, love stories, tensions, and what is now known as “office politics”.

The question is, as a Muslim, one who wants to be productive and representative of their religion, how should you face such a situation? The classical answer is to get out of there! And find a halal job with a halal environment, but one can imagine, the repercussions of such an answer on the wider spectrum of the Muslim community.

This question has been on my mind as I was recently thrust into an office environment, and realised that things are ‘slightly’ different there than in my usual ‘All-Muslim’ work environment. I turned for advice to a couple of very experienced friends of mine, and I’ve put their answer below plus a bit on my take about this whole issue in the following top 10 tips:

1. Make sure the job you’re working at is at least halal (from an ethical and religious point of view), it’s bad enough you having to face work with a non-halal environment, at least make sure the income you earn is halal.

2. Set your religious parameters as soon as you start work: Prayer times, Friday Prayer breaks, not shaking hands with those of the opposite sex, whatever it is, make sure it becomes clear as soon as you join. The way to do it, is not to announce these actions, but simply go about and do them, as if expecting the other person to understand. If they raise any questions, then you explain briefly about your religious customs and duties, otherwise you may go into more detail if they show more interest. If you’ve had a bad start to the job, and now suddenly you want prayer breaks/friday break.. etc, expect some resistance, and people saying “well, he didn’t used to pray before!?” Best thing here is to speak to your manager about your new demands and explain its importance.

3. Smile, talk, and be polite to everyone. Don’t form mini-groups within the office, you don’t want to be associated with ‘them lots’ or ‘those over there’, be neutral, and you’ll avoid 99% of office politics. This is especially true if they are a group of Muslims/Non-Muslims in your office, be pleasant to both sides.

4. Never ever gossip/backbite. It’s forbidden in our religion, and will only lead you to trouble. I remind you here of the dangerous repercussions of backbiting, simple read Chapter 18, Verse 12, where Allah says: “O ye who believe! Avoid suspicion as much (as possible): for suspicion in some cases is a sin: And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhor it… But fear Allah. For Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.” Moreover, regarding gossip, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said in a simple hadeeth that a person who leaves what’s none of his/her business is a sign of their good Islam. If other people start gossiping, attempt to change the subject, or simply ignore it, never ever add fuel to the fire!

5. If a person starts regaling you with their sexual exploits, night out stories or chat up thoughts about another member of staff, a half smile is needed and either a polite withdrawal or excuse to leave, just mentally thank Allah he made you who you are and a wish he brings the other person to guidance. Do not stand listening unless you can’t get away, in which case, if you have to stand or sit there, just mentally make a list of the things you need to do so you look disinterested but not rude, you don’t have to join in the laughter at dirty jokes, just the half smile and leave, when possible. If you can change the subject then do so if not withdraw. If someone asks ‘don’t you find it funny?’, just say ‘its not really my humour’ or a big smile and ‘not really’. Don’t forget to smile, that way you are not insulting.

6. If anyone starts teasing you or making jokes about your behaviour, such as reading the Quran, then a chuckle and ‘well its the best book I’ve ever read’ will work wonders. I find a half laugh, half smile, shrug and ‘well that’s how I am’ works wonders. Offer a religious explanation if someone asks straight out and not during teasing.

7. If the office is mixed (which will most probably be the case) and any woman or man starts hitting on you just refuse to be drawn and make certain your behaviour is exemplary. Never allow a woman or man to stand too close to you or walk you into a corner. Invites trouble. If they do, reverse quietly. If you find anyone starts getting too personal, buys you gifts, food or hangs about by your desk, then be polite but slightly preoccupied.

8. If you find yourself getting attracted to a member of staff in the office (it happens, we’re only human! & Shaytaan is working hard) ask Allah for guidance & strength, and start doing voluntary fasts, it’ll push these thoughts away and set your mind straight.

9. Most important people in the building are the support staff, e.g. post room, reception, cleaners. Always give them a polite greeting and a smile and if they empty your bin whilst you are there thank them, but keep the smile muted if they are from the opposite sex.

10. Finally, every morning make sure you pray the 2 rak’ah of Duha (minimum 2, you can pray up to 8 rak’ah if you want) before you go to work, it’ll help put barakah/blessing in whatever you do. Constant remembrance of Allah at all times, and dua dua dua! You’ll be fully equipped inshaAllah to face any situation that comes up at in any office.

These are some of the tips that myself and close friends of mine were able to brainstorm together, what about you? Any ideas? tips? Have you ever faced situations as a Muslim which you found particularly hard to tackle?

Share your experiences in the comments box below and help each other inshaAllah :)

By: productivemuslim.com

Petua Mencuci Hati

1. Dirikan solat dan banyakkan berdo'a - Ini adalah salah satu kaedah yang sungguh berkesan. Semasa berdo'a turut katakan "Ya,Allah jadikan hatiku bersih".
2. Selawat keatas Nabi Muhammad s.a.w paling minima 100 X sebelum tidur, Ini merupakan satu pelaburan yang mudah dan murah. Disamping dosa-dosa diampunkan, otak tenang, murah rezeki, orang sayangkan kita dan mencetuskan semua perkara kebaikan.
3. Solat taubat - Selain daripada memohon keampunan, dapat mencuci hati dan menenangkan minda.
4. Membaca Al-Quran - Selain dapat mencuci hati juga menenangkan jiwa, penyembuh, penenang, terapi. Sekurang-kurangnya bacalah "Qulhu-allah" sebanyak 3X.
5. Berma'af-ma'afan sesama kawan setiap hari - Semasa meminta maaf perlu sebutkan.
6. Bisikan kepada diri perkara yang positif - Jangan sesekali mengkritik, kutuk diri sendiri, merendah-rendahkan kebolehan diri sendiri. katakan lah "Aku sebenarnya......(perkara yang elok-elok belaka).
7. Program minda/cuci minda - Paling baik pada waktu malam sebelum tidur, senyum, pejam mata, katakan di dalam hati "Ya, Allah cuci otak aku, cuci hatiku, esok aku nak jadi baik, berjaya, ceria, bersemangat, aktif, positif". Menurut kajian saikologi, apa yang disebut sebelum tidur dapat dirakamkan sepanjang tidur sehingga keesokan harinya.
8. Berpuasa - Sekiranya dalam berpuasa terhindar dari melakukan perkara-perkara kejahatan.
9. Cuba ingat tentang mati (Sekiranya hendak melakukan sesuatu kejahatan, tidak sampai hati kerana bimbang akan mati bila-bila masa).
10. Kekalkan wuduk.
11. Bersedekah.
12. Belanja orang makan.
13. Jaga makanan - jangan makan makanan yang subhat.
14. Berkawan dengan ulama.
15. Berkawan dengan orang miskin (menginsafi).
16. Pesan pada orang, jadi baik.
17. Menjaga pacaindera (mata, telinga, mulut...dsb), jangan dengar orang mengumpat.

Source: fadzilahkamsah.com

Berdoa

Adab-Adab Berdoa

1. Berdoa dalam keadaan diri masih berwudhuk serta bersih dari sebarang kotoran, hadas dan najis.
2. Memulakan doa dengan membaca 'Bismillah' dan ucapan memuji-muji Allah serta berselawat ke atas Rasulullah.
3. Duduk dan mengadap ke kiblat.
4. Memohon ampun dengan merendahkan diri serta mengakui akan kesalahan diri di atas dosa dan kesalahan yang telah dilakukan.
5. Berdoa dengan bersungguh-sungguh serta memahami isi dan maksud doa, bukan semata-mata membaca doa.
6. Berdoa dengan penuh kusyuk, tawadhuk dan merendahkan suara.
7. Mendahulukan doa dan permintaan untuk diri sendiri terlebih dahulu sebelum berdoa untuk orang lain.
8. Mengulangi bacaan doanya sebanyak 3 kali bagi sesuatu hajat yang lebih berat atau yang lebih diutamakan.
9. Menghindari diri dari sesuatu yang ditegah dan dilarang oleh agama sama ada pada makanan, minuman, pakaian atau pekerjaan.
10. Berdoa untuk kaum muslimin dan muslimat secara keseluruhan untuk kesejahteraan mereka tidak kira yang masih hidup ataupun yang telah meninggal dunia.

Waktu Terbaik Berdoa

1. Sesudah mengambil wudhuk.
2. Ketika azan dilaungkan untuk solat dan selepasnya.
3. Di antara waktu azan dan iqamah.
4. Ketika iktidal yang terakhir dalam solat.
5. Ketika sujud, terutamanya ketika sujud yang terakhir dalam solat.
6. Sesudah solat fardhu 5 waktu.
7. Di antara 2 mimbar sesusah khutbah pertama.
8. Sesudah imam membaca "waladh-dhoooolin".
9. Ketika kaum muslimin berkumpul dalam satu majlis.
10. Pada larut malam, terutamanya di sepertiga akhir malam.
11. Pada waktu sahur, sebelum fajar.
12. Setelah membaca atau setelah khatam al-Quran.
13. Ketika wukuf di Arafah, ketika mengerjakan tawaf dan mengerjakan saie.
14. Ketika minum air zam-zam.
15. Ketika mengunjungi orang sakit.
16. Ketika hujan turun amat lebat.
17. Waktu perbuasa dan hampir berbuka.
18. Waktu dalam kesedihan, kesusahan dan penderitaan.

Tempat Terbaik Berdoa

1. Di rumah sendiri.
2. Di Multazam, Masjidil Haram.
3. Di Makan Nabi Ibrahim a.s.
4. Dalam Hijr Ismail a.s.
5. Di Bukit Safa dan Marwah.
6. Di raudhah Masjid Nabi (Masjid Nabawi).
7. Di masjid dan surau.
8. Dalam Masjidil Haram di kala melihat Ka'abah atau di sisinya.
9. Di tempat-tempat wajib haji seperti Mina, Muzdalifah, Arafah dan di tiga jamrah.
10. Di dalam dan sesudah majlis pengajian, majlis ilmu, syarahan dan zikir.

Bulan Terbaik Untuk Berdoa

1. Rejab
2. Syaaban
3. Ramadhan
4. Zulhijjah (Bulan Haji)

Hari Terbaik Berdoa

1. Malam Jumaat dan siangnya.
2. Malam Hari Raya dan siangnya.
3. Malam Lailatul Qadar.
4. Malam Isra' Mikraj.
5. Malam Nisfu Syaaban.
6. Malam pertama bulan Rejab.
7. Hari Arafah.

Kenapa Mustajab Doa Pada Hari Jumaat?

Kerana pada hari Jumaat...

• Allah menciptakan Nabi Adam a.s.
• Allah menurunkan Nabi Adam a.s. ke bumi.
• Nabi Adam a.s. wafat.
• Ada saat mustajab di mana setiap orang yang berdoa di saat itu akan dimakbulkan Allah s.w.t. melainkan meminta yang haram.
• Berlakunya kiamat.

Source: Motivasi Diri - Dato' Dr. Hj. Mohd. Fadzilah Kamsah

Ten useless matters

Imam Ibn ul Qayyim al Jawziyyah

There are ten useless matters:

1 - Knowledge that is not acted on

2 - The deed that has neither sincerity nor is based on following the righteous examples of others

3 - Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter

4 - The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him

5 - A body that does not obey and serve Allah

6 - Loving Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure

7 - Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good

8 - A mind that thinks about useless matters

9 - Serving those who do not bring you close to Allah, nor benefit you in your life

10 - Hoping and fearing whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.

However the greater of these matters are wasting the heart and wasting time.

Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant hope. Destruction occurs by following one’s desires and having incessant hope, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allah.

How strange it is that when a servant of Allah has a [worldly problem, he seeks help of Allah, but he never asks Allah to cure his heart before it dies of ignorance, neglect, fulfilling one's desires and being involved in innovations. Indeed, when the heart dies, he will never feel the significance or impact of his sins.

Source: IloveAllah