Materialism 62 12 But when they see some

Materialism [62: 12] But when they see some merchandise or some amusement, they break up for it, and leave thee standing. Say, ‘That which is with Allah is better than amusement and merchandise, and Allah is the Best Provider

The Greatest exemplar Promised Messiah (as): It is easy to understand that the object of man's life should be to become the beloved of God Almighty. Until a man becomes so, he has not succeeded in life. But this object is not attained until you obey the Holy Prophet truly. The Holy Prophet has shown by his conduct the real significance of Islam. So follow that Islam if you want to become the beloved of God. (Al-Hakam, January 24, 1901)

Buying Happiness Will having lots of money buy happiness? Will it help you attain peace? Yes, No, Maybe? Please share your thoughts.

King of Prophets Kings are generally very fond of outward exhibitions of pomp and show and, in fact, this is one of their primary means of expressing their all exalted status. The Holy Prophet, however, was absolutely free from all such trappings. We do not find these grandeurs in his life. In Hadith - which is a compilation of his sayings - it has been stated about him that someone sent a silk dress to him as a present. He put it on and offered his prayers. Afterwards he took it off and remarked: For simple people these dresses are unsuitable. Sahih Bukhari

Garments of faith Mu’az ibn Anas relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) said, “One who having the capacity to wear rich garments abstains from wearing them out of sense of humility before Allah will be called by Allah on the Day of Judgment in priority to all others and will be given a choice to put on whichever mantle of faith he prefers. ” Riyad-ul-Saliheen Hadith #805

The Greatest Household of All time Urwah narrated that’ Aisha (ra) the wife of the Holy Prophet (sa) said to me: “Oh my nephew, we used to see the crescent, and then the crescent, in this way we saw three crescents in two months and no fire (for cooking) used to be lit in the house of Allah’s Messenger (sa). I said, “Oh my aunt then what used to sustain you? ” Aisha (ra) said, “Two dates and water. ” Sahih Bukhari

Modesty Zaid ibn Talha reported God's Messenger as saying, “Every religion has a character and the character of Islam is modesty. ”

Pursuit of our time Will you stand in line for hours on Black Friday to get a deal on some merchandise or is there a better use of your time? Give examples.

Humility His humility knew no bounds. When sitting among his followers, ordinarily clothed, eating the same food as they did, he did not occupy a very special place. Many a time, people were mistaken as to who was the Holy Founder of Islam. Abu Bakr (ra) who later became the First Caliph of Islam, was older than he and perhaps had a longer beard, I don't know, but something in him led some strangers to address him as the Prophet of God. In a respectful attitude he would then turn to the Holy Prophet (sa) and lead them to him. Seal of Prophets (sa) Khalifatul Masih 4 th (ra) pg 18

Simplicity and Love for the Poor His love for the poor was so deep that he used to pray for himself in these words: “O Allah, keep me poor in my life and at my death, and raise me at the Resurrection among those who are poor. ” Nisai Abu Hurairah reported, "God's Messenger never criticized any food (presented to him) but would eat it if he liked it. Otherwise, he would leave it (without expressing dislike). ” Sahih Bukhari

Looking Down on Others On one occasion he was told that one of his companions, Sa’ad, who was a well to do person, was boasting of his enterprise to others. When the Prophet (sa) heard this, he said, “Let no man imagine that his wealth or standing or power is the result merely of his own efforts or enterprise. That is not so, your power and your position and your wealth are all earned through the poor. ” Tirmidhi

A Tale of Two Kings Famous Egyptian Pharaoh, Tutankhamen, was buried with all his belongings full of gold and rubies, mountains of gold, etc. His funerary mask that was placed on his mummy alone is insured by the Cairo Museum for $650 million dollars. He went to his grave with all of his belongings. Yet the Holy prophet (sa), on his death bed, had but a few coins left and he called for even those coins to be them distributed among the poor. Abu Dhar (ra) narrated that Allah’s messenger (sa) said, “If I had gold equal to the mountain of Uhud, it would not please me that any of it should remain with me after three nights, except what I would keep for repaying debts. ” Sahih Bukhari

Scenario “I am working 7 days a week and have no time for Jamaat activities. However, I do find time to come for Friday Prayer occasionally. Hey, I'm just trying to get ahead and take care of my family. My plan is to work really hard for a few years and get a head start. ” Good or bad idea? Please share your thoughts.

[13: 29] ‘Those who believe, and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort;

Inner Peace A close friend of a late multi-millionaire from Pakistan once told me a surprising tale of utter despondency. Once he complimented his friend on his great achievement and success. Instead of being pleased, the multimillionaire’s spontaneous reaction was most surprising. He opened up the front buttons of his shirt and moved his hand as if he was about to rend his chest apart using his nails like the claws of an animal. He exclaimed: ‘Woe to this success. If one could tear open my chest and see within, one would find nothing but a raging fire. ’ Some confess to this hard reality; some do not. None can defeat human nature. One can succeed in amassing colossal wealth and have access to all amenities and luxuries of life. But there is no begrudging the fact that there are few, if any, rich people who are truly happy and content. Islam’s response to contemporary issues by Khalifatul Masih 4 th (ra) pg 258

Pearls of Wisdom Huzur (atba) said that “today we see that the world has sunk into materialism and forgotten God. More than 80 per cent of people have no interest in religion. Wealth and other material attractions have estranged them from God. In these circumstances, it seems impossible to counter the forces of falsehood and materialism, to make the majority of humankind recognize God, and to establish the spiritual supremacy of the Holy Prophet. But we believe in the words of the Promised Messiah that he was sent for this very purpose and that it will, insha`Allah, be fulfilled. Hence, we should not become despondent due to people’s denial, for the signs of God’s succor keep reassuring us that if we seek God through Him, He will cause paths to open up before us. ” Khalifatul Masih 5 th (atba) Friday sermon 11 -22 -2013

Pearls of Wisdom While paying attention to our outward appearance being in line with Islam, we should not exercise too much formality, ostentation nor concern in the appearance of our clothes — Ahmadi missionaries should have a demeanor of a true believer. Khuddam should focus that their outward appearance is in line with Islam. Indeed, Islam enjoins wearing of clean clothes, but too much formality in clothes is not allowed. People would present fine clothes to the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) and he would use them, but he did not give too much attention to the appearance of his clothes. It is of course all right to use a clothes’ brush on one’s garments, but too much fuss over such matters is not liked. Some people feel forlorn if they do not have a specific kind of attire to wear to specific occasions. One should wear whatever one has with confidence. This advice is particularly important for Ahmadi missionaries, and is also in general for all Ahmadies. Everything should be done in moderation. Khalifatul Masih 5 th (atba) Friday Sermon March 13, 2015