Seek Knowledge and Righteous Companions

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful, Most Compassionate

Assalaamu alaykum

Dear Friends

I pray that you are well.

The basis of our religion is knowledge. Without knowledge, we are unable to know our Creator and act on His commandments, which leads to all forms of distress.

قُلْ هَلْ يَسْتَوِي الَّذِينَ يَعْلَمُونَ وَالَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ ۗ إِنَّمَا يَتَذَكَّرُ‌ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ ﴿٩ ...

...Say "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" Only they will remember [who are] people of understanding. (9) [Qur'an, Az-Zumar 39:9]

The most important things to learn about is the character and life of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). We should have a daily routine of connecting with him (Allah bless him and give him peace) because he was sent to us as the best of examples in every aspect of life.

This knowledge and connection leads to love of Allah and love of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace). In turn, this love will translate into leading a life that is pleasing to Allah.

Islam is a practical religion that gives guidance regarding all aspects of human life. The need for companionship should be fulfilled by finding and being with good and righteous people. We should seek to be with those righteous people whom we look up to and want to emulate.

At the same time, we should not forget our family. We should be the best to them, as that’s what the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) has taught us. He (Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, "The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best to my family."

Our parents are the best doors to Paradise. We should not neglect them in our various pursuits, as neglect of our parents is a grave sin, and would be contrary to the example we are called to follow.

It is reported that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, has said, "Whoever comes into the morning and both his parents are pleased with him, he comes into the morning with two doors of Paradise open to him. Whoever goes into the evening and both parents are pleased with him, he goes into the evening with two doors of Paradise open for him. And if he has just one parent, then one door of Paradise is open to him. Whoever comes into the morning and both his parents are angry with him, he comes into the morning with two doors of Hellfire open to him. Whoever goes into the evening with both parents are angry with him, he goes into the evening with two doors of Hellfire open to him. And if he has just one parent, then one door is open for him."

After realizing this huge position of parents that the Prophet, Allah bless him and grant him peace, was telling the companions about, one of the Companions asked, "Even if the parents were oppressive to them?" The Prophet (Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, "Even if they oppress the child, even if they oppress the child, even if they oppress the child."

May Allah increase us in beneficial knowledge, grant us righteous companions, guide us to be the best to our family, and help us be excellent, respectful, kind, and obedient to our parents, and show them humility regardless of the power, position, wealth, and influence we may possess. Ameen.

And Allah knows best and He alone grant success.

Allahumma salli 'ala Muhammad wa 'ala aalihi wa sahbihi wassallam.

Wassalaam