How Pious Are You?

Ok, so this isn’t quite a quiz, but definitely an important checklist of things we need to do (or not do), in order that we may be counted amongst the mutaqoon (those who have taqwa):

The sign of scrupulous piety (al-wara`) is considering ten things mandatory upon oneself:

1. Guarding the tongue from backbiting due to the saying of the Most High: “Do not backbite one another.” [49:12]
2. Shunning suspicion due to the saying of the Most High:“Avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin.”[49:12] And also due to the saying of the Messenger, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam,“Avoid suspicion, for airing suspicion is the most lying form of speech.”[Musnad Ahmad]

Read the remaining eight points of piety at Fastaqim.

The Inner Manners Of Qur’an Recital

The Traditionalist shares with us Imam Ghazali’s explanation of how the worshipper should approach the special act of reciting the Qur’an.

Take everything in the Qur’an as guidance for yourself because it is for all creation. When it talks about the oppressors, sinners, etc. look at your life, act on what’s implied relative to your life. “Fastaqim kama umirta,” be steadfast as you were commanded. Imagine how the Prophet, peace be upon him, applied the Qur’an to his life – his hair turned gray! His companions asked why his hair had turned white. He, peace be upon him, said, “Sura Hud and its sisters made my hair white.” He was upright and truthful in following the Qur’an. He took every address to apply to himself personally.