8 Habits of Highly Effective Muslims!

Hadhrat Haatim asam (R.A.) was a famous Ulama and noble student of Hadhrat Shaqeeq Balkhi (R.A.). Once his Shaikh Shaqeeq (R.A.) inquired from him, ‘Haatim, how long have you been with me?’ ‘Thirty three years’, replied Haatim (R.A.); the Shaikh then inquired, ‘How much have you learnt from me in this period?’ Haatim (R.A.) replied, ‘I have learnt eight Masaa’il (Islamic rules).’

‘Inanaa, Lillaahi Wa Innaailaihi Raajioon. My life has been wasted on you.’ Haatim (R.A.) replied, ‘Sir, I have learnt eight Mas’alaas (Islamic rules) only. I cannot tell you a lie. Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said, ‘Tell what are these Mas’alaas?’ Haatim (R.A.) replied:

1. ‘I have seen everyone loves something or another - His wife, his children, his wealth, his friends, etc, but I have seen that when a person is lowered into the grave, then all the objects of his love are separated from him. Therefore, I started loving good deeds instead, so that when I am lowered into my grave, my beloved will accompany me, and not be separated from me even after death.’ Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.) said, ‘You have done well.’

2. ‘I have read the words of Allah Ta’aalaa in the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an states, ‘And as for him who fears to stand before his Lord (for the account) and restrained (held back) himself from low desires, verily the Garden (Jannat) that will be his home.’ (Chapt. 79 :Vr. 40-41) I believe in the truth of Allah Ta’aalaa’s words and therefore stopped my nafs (love of ones self) from desires, so much so, that it became steadfast in the obedience of Allah Ta’aalaa.’

3. I have seen that whosoever loves and values a thing of this world, keeps it safely. I have read the words of Allah Ta’aalaa.. The Holy Qur’an says: ‘That which is with you passes away and that which is with Allah is lasting.’ (Chapt. 16 Vr. 96) Because of this verse anything of value that reached me I advanced it to Allah Ta’aalaa, so that it could be secured forever.

4. Viewing the world I have seen some people, turning towards their wealth as a manner of honour and greatness, others turning towards lineage (parentage) yet others do things that become a source of vanity and pride. In the view of the words of Allah Ta’aalaa the Holy Qur’an says: ‘Verily the noblest amongst you in the sight of Allah Ta’aalaa is the one who is the most mindful of his duties.’ (Chapt. 49 :Vr. 13) I became mindful of the commands of Allah Ta’aalaa so that I may be honoured in his sight.

5. I have seen people taunting (insulting), finding fault and abusing each other. This is motivated (started) by jealousy which they have for one another. The Holy Qur’an says: ‘It’s we who have apportioned (divided) among them their livelihood in the life of the world and we have raised some of them over others in rank, so that some of them may take others in service.’ (Chapt. 43. Vr. 32Q) ‘If all the people are of equal rank then why will one not work and why should one be employed. This will upset the order of the world.’ Due to this verse I have left jealousy. I became independent of the entire creation. I became aware of the fact that the distribution of provision lies solely in the control of Allah Ta’aalaa. He gives any amount to whomsoever he wishes, therefore I had left animosity (envy). I have understood that man’s prosperity is not relative solely to his effort, instead it is a gift from the Master of the universe, hence I do not get angry.

6. I have observed that practically everyone has quarrels and harbors enmity. Having pondered, I saw that Allah Ta’aalaa has commanded in the verse. The Holy Qur’an says, ‘Surely, the Satan is your enemy, so treat him as an enemy. (Do not make him your friend).’ (Chapt. 35 Vr. 6) Thus, I have chosen him as my enemy I try my best to stay away from him, because Allah Ta’aalaa declared him as an enemy.

7. I have seen everyone striving for their daily bread, due to this they disgrace themselves in front of others and take unlawful things. Then I read the verse of Allah Ta’aalaa: ‘And there is no moving creatures on earth but its sustenance dependant on Allah.’ (Chapt.11 Vr. 6) I saw that I am also amongst those walking on the earth whose provision is the responsibility of Allah Ta’aalaa. I have utilised my time in those activities which Allah Ta’aalaa has ordained, and gained time by not undertaking the responsibility of Allah.

8. I have seen the people depending on the creation, some on their properties others on their business, whereas others depend on their health and their strength. These people in spite of being part of the creation yet show total dependence on the creation. I have read the verse of Allah Ta’aalaa: ‘And whosoever trusts in Allah, He is sufficient for him.’ (Chapt. 65 Vr. 3) Thus, I have put my reliance and confidence in Allah. ‘I have found that all kinds of good actions fall within these eight masaa’il, therefore whoever practices these masaa’il has put into practice the contents of all four divine scriptures,’ said Hadhrat Shaqeeq (R.A.)