REPEL BOREDOM FROM YOUR LIFE

One who lives a life of repetition and routine will almost inevitably become a victim of boredom, especially since man by his very nature tires from a lack of change.

You should contemplate the many forms of worship that are legislated in Islam. There are deeds of the heart, of the tongue, of the limbs and of wealth  by spending it for a good cause.  The prayer, alms giving, fasting, pilgrimages to Makkah, fighting in the way of Allah - these are only some examples of worship.  The prayer involves standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting.  If you desire relaxation, vitality  and continued productivity, then bring diversity into your work, your reading, and your daily life. In terms of reading for example, read a broad range of topics: the Qur'an, its explanation, the biography of the Prophet (Blessings and Peace be upon him) and his Companions, hadith, Islamic jurisprudence, history, literature, books of general knowledge and so forth.  Distribute  your time between worship and enjoying what is lawful, from visiting friends, entertaining guests, playing sports, or going on excursions: you will find yourself to  be a lively and bright person,  because the soul delights in variety and things that are new.

WORD EXPRESSION - WHAT I HEAR

"Sticks and stones may break my bones
but names will never hurt me"

Don't you believe that.  In fact, after the bruises have disappeared and the physical pain is gone, the inward  pain of hurtful words remain.

Words are powerful... yet meaningless until they are attached to a context.  The same words coming from two people are very seldom received in the same way. The same words phrased differently seldom have the same impact.  The same words coming from the same person will usually be interpreted in light of the speaker's attitude. Words can encourage either the stretching or shrinking of our lives.  If most of our conversation contain a negative bent, it is better to say nothing.

DOING GOOD TO OTHERS GIVES COMFORT TO THE HEART

The first person who benefits from an act of charity is the benefactor himself, by seeing changes in himself and in his manners, by finding peace, by watching a smile form on the lips of another person.

If you find yourself to be in difficulty or distress, show kindness to others, and you will be the first to find solace and comfort  Give to the needy, defend the oppressed, help those in distress, and visit the sick: you will find that happiness surrounds you from all directions.

An act of charity is like perfume - it benefits the user, the seller, and the buyer.  Furthermore, the psychological benefits that one receives from helping others are indeed great.  If you suffer from depression an act of charity will have a more potent effect on your sickness than will be the best available medicine.    

Even when you smile upon meeting others, you are giving charity.   

INSTILLING THE RIGHT ATTITUDES

A child's formative years are the most important for instilling the right attitudes:

Child specialists generally agree that early development in a positive setting is a main reason for the child's future successes. Attitudes we accept as children are usually the attitudes we embrace as adults.  It is hard to get away from our early training.  Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. Because the feeling and attitudes we form early in life become a part of it.  We feel comfortable with them even though they may be wrong.

Our attitudes are formed by our experiences and how we choose to react to them.  Therefore, as long as we live we are forming, changing or reinforcing attitudes.  There is no such thing as an unalterable attitude.     

A contributed article

ALLAH, THE MERCIFUL, THE COMPASSIONATE..

PINNED IN OUR HEARTS 'KALIMAT ALLAH'

ISOLATION AND ITS POSITIVE EFFECTS

If applied with a correct understanding, isolation can be most beneficial. In times of seclusion, one's thoughts may roam in that which is beneficial, in that which contains wisdom....

Only God knows the full benefits of seclusion, for in seclusion, one's mind develops, views are ripened, the  heart finds repose, and one finds himself to be in an ideal atmosphere for worship.  By remaining isolated at times, one distances himself from trials, from flattering the person who deserves no praise, and from the eyes of jealous and envious persons.  One is saved from the haughtiness of the proud and the follies of the idiot.  In isolation, one's faults, deeds, and sayings are all secluded behind a veil.

During periods of isolation, one is able to delve deep into a sea of ideas and concepts.  In such a state, the mind is free to form its opinions.

REPEL BOREDOM WITH WORK!