In the name of Allah the most Gracious
The most Merciful

WEAKNESS OF A HUMAN BEING
HOW IT CAN BE CONVERTED TO STRENGTH?
WHAT ALLAH [SWT] LOVES? WHAT ALLAH [SWT] HATES?

Da'ee Ahmed Moait
Wednesday 11^th March 2009
Bangalore India

Alhamdulillah Hi Rabbil Al Ameen!
In The Name Of Allah [swt],
Most Beneficent Most Merciful
We had the immense fortune and blessing from Allah [swt] to attend this amazing talk by Da`ee Ahmed Moait
The summary to the best of my capacities and understanding is jotted below.
All good is from Allah [swt] and any mistake in this narration and communication is from my ignorance.
May Allah [swt] accept our efforts and increase us in our sincerity to please Him alone, Ameen!

Da`ee Ahmed Moait started by calling our attention to: Surah Al-Baqara 165

And yet among the people are those who take other than Allah [swt] equals to Him. They love them as they should love Allah [swt]. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah [swt]. And if only they who have wronged would consider that when they see the punishment, they will be certain that all power belongs to Allah [swt] and that Allah [swt] is severe in punishment.  

Whoever loves anybody, anything, even oneself equal to, or more than Allah [swt] is in grave error. The quality of a Fasiq [defiantly disobedient] is highlighted as one who is in a state of continuous sinning despite of the knowledge of the sin. This happens to be the highest level of sin before Kufr. The people in the early Islam were of the view on whether to give an Islamic burial to a Fasiq or to throw his body into desert.

Love of Allah [swt] is a duty, and is a sign of a Momin. Our way of thinking and our behavior in no way reflects that we love Allah wa Rasooluhu more than ourselves.

Hadith: You will never be a believer unless you love Allah and rasuluhu above anyone and everyone

Ask yourself who is the most beloved to me?

When Allah [swt] created Adam and us, he created us with a trial of two major diseases which are Arrogance and Envy.

Arrogance generates ultimate sins- the sins of Iblees lanatullah [the satan Shaitaan]. Envy generates Arrogance over Allah [swt]. If a person has these two qualities, even in ducts they will destroy him completely.

Having these two qualities one cannot have true emaan, in spite of the fact he or she has good deeds. They are the true obstacles of all goodness. 

Prophet Mohammed [PBUH] said that a dot [atom] of arrogance prohibits one from entering Jannah. Envy destroys a person both internally and externally.

If I am a believer, I have to get rid of my arrogance and Envy.

Insaan is a noun derived from the verb Nisiyan i.e to forget. One of the qualities of mankind is that we forget very easily. The word Insaan is mentioned 65 times in the Quraan.

Few qualities of man [Insaan] mentioned in the Quraan with their description & cure in the light of the Quraan & the Sunnah 

1.  BEAUTY

Surely We created man of the best stature

At-Tin 95:4

He hath created man. He hath taught him utterance. Ar-Rahman 55:3-4

Beauty of any kind is a gift from Allah [swt] so that we thank Him [swt] and humble ourselves to Him[swt] and attribute all credit to Him [swt]. A true believer and a Momin recognize any beauty he/she has as a bounty from The Creator and is humble with gratitude for it. One has to return this gift towards Allah [swt] with humble & humility.

2.  IGNORANCE 

We did indeed offer the Trust to the Heavens and the Earth and the Mountains; but they refused to undertake it, being afraid thereof: but man undertook it; - He was indeed unjust and foolish;  Al-Ahzab: 72.

(A manner [trust] is the covenant,the oath, the commitment of La-Ilaha-Illalah with complete belief. Comprehend & make it a constitution in your life meaning live accordingly with it, carry it and spread it. Meaning the submission and surrender the belief and the oneness of Allah [swt])

First of all we cannot plead ignorant or give any excuse for being ignorant as we have been bestowed with the faculty of seeing, hearing and understanding. Hence a true believer is always is in the quest for knowledge. A believer also acknowledges that all the knowledge and intelligence he/she has is a gift from Allah [swt]. By this way a believer is humble towards Allah [swt] for what he knows and possesses. A Momin seeks knowledge with humble & humility.

3.  WEAK

Allah [swt] doth wish to lighten your (difficulties): For man was created Weak (in flesh).  An-Nisa: 28.

A believer is strong and firm in dealing with the world and accepts weakness only when dealing with Allah [swt].

Also the believer feels strong due to the fact that he is connected to Allah [swt] the owner of all the power [one of Allahs [swt] attributes or qualities is that He [swt] is All Powerful].

The believer is weak in front of Allah [swt] & strong in dealing with people

4.   WORRY & FEARFUL

Truly man was created very impatient; - Fretful when evil touches him; Al-Ma`rij: 19-20.

Fear could be physical, emotional or spiritual. Fear indicates weak emaan or negative emaan.

A momin has no fear as his emaan helps him overcome all these fears. A momin has no fear as he believes in Allah[swt]. He fears most, the anger and punishment of Allah [swt].

Thus any other kind of fear is insignificant in the perception of a momin. A momin affects others & he is not affected by others. Our only fear should be the anger & fear of Allah [swt].

5.  ARGUEMENTATIVE

We have explained in detail in this Qur'an, for the benefit of mankind, every kind of similitude: but man is, in most things, contentious.  Al- Kahf: 54.

This is an offshoot of ignorance. A knowledgeable never argues. Arguing is a state of ignorance and lies. Prophet Mohammed [pbuh] said (of the meaning of) that there is no reason to argue at all. A person, who abstains from argument even if he was right, attains a high level in paradise. 

A believer maintains silence, harmony, peace and practices a constant state of Zikr of Allah [swt] [conscious and repeated state of remembrance and awareness of Allah [swt]]. This is the reflection of true knowledge and wisdom.

There are 3 kinds of Argue

     -     With people

-      In receiving knowledge

-      With Allah [swt]

Seeking knowledge with humble & humility, zikr of Allah [swt] and gaining wisdom of knowledge is the only cure for this & apply this to the following point too.

6.  DENIAL & FIGHTING ALLAH [SWT] [questioning /complaining  / challenging]

He has created man from a sperm-drop; and behold this same (man) becomes an open disputer!    Al Nahal: 04.

This reflects the quality of a person who disbelieves in the existence of Allah [swt]. This is the quality of an atheist. If one truly believes in the existence of the Creator why will he argue or question anything happening with and around him? Majority of the Muslim ummah is in the state of denial of Allah [swt] like an atheist does. Hazrat Ali (RA), the famous companion of the Prophet used to say: I am surprised over human being, created with weak liquid, put in a hole of liquid & he is arrogant

7.  IN HURRY

  Man is a creature of haste: soon (enough) will I show you My Signs; then ye will not ask Me to hasten them!  Al Anbiya: 37.

The prayer that man should make for good, he maketh for evil; for man is given to hasty (deeds).  Al- isra: 11.

To be in haste and state of urgency in anything one does. This is because of the attitude I want to get what I want. Deep within a person like this is not calm at all. The outcome of haste is anger. One will never hurry physically unless he hurries mentally.

A believer hurries towards Allah [swt], to the mercy of Allah [swt] and in seeking forgiveness with Allah [swt]. A believer is convinced that everything is ordained and he has no need to rush whatsoever.

Tip: Don't be late for any appointment as this creates a state of hurry and rush leading to anger and upset. If you believe in the Qadr from Allah [swt] then you are calm & composed. And always when you are in a hurry you always will develop a habit of lies making excuses and blaming others which will make you a major sinner and develop in you a lot of bad habit an diseases.

8.  STINGY (MISERLY)

Say: "If ye had control of the Treasures of the Mercy of my Lord, behold, ye would keep them back, for fear of spending them: for man is (every) niggardly!"   Al- Isra : 100.

And niggardly when good reaches him;-  Al Ma`rij: 21.

Niggardly means ungenerous, stingy, meager, miserable, miserly & measly

 A person is stingy, as he does not believe that Allah [swt] is providing. He does not believe that if he spends on goodness it will be banked with Allah [swt] [Bank of Elahi] that will give the best rewards in Aakhira.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique [RA] was the forerunner in spending for the cause of Allah [swt]. Anything he received he moved it forward.  Even on the day when he accepted Islam, he took the message forward and spread it to 5 people on the same day, all of them accepted Islam and were in the most ten people who were informed glad tidings of Jannah.

There cannot be a man like Hazrat.Abu Bakr Siddique [RA] in terms of spending in the cause of Islam. 

Why dont you send your money in the bank account of Allah [swt] so that the money works for you?

9.  DENYING & BELITTING THE BOUNTIES

But if We give him a taste of (Our) favours after adversity hath touched him, he is sure to say, "All evil has departed from me:" Behold! He falls into exultation and pride.   Hud: 10

This is a common disease in people. Firstly one does not believe that these gifts and bounties of beauty, status, wealth, family etc are from Allah [swt]. Secondly not accepting whatever we have with a spirit of gratitude and contentment.

A believer is just the opposite. He believes that whatever is bestowed on him is from Allah [swt]; he has immense gratitude in words and action and is content within. Have Emaan n look to the bounty which Allah [swt] gave you.

10.       ARROGANCE

Nay, but man doth transgress all bounds, In that he looketh upon himself as self-sufficient.

Al-Alaq: 6

Yet when We bestow Our favors on man, he turns away and becomes remote on his side (instead of coming to Us), and when evil seizes him he gives himself up to despair!  Al- Isra: 83.

Lowest level of arrogance is in committing sins and the highest level is in denying the existence, the bounties, and the mercy of Allah [swt].

Note:

Ignorance arrogance and stingy you have one you them all mixed with bad manner because you r in the state of denial.

A believer is humble and always in the state of bowing down, seeking forgiveness and hoping in the mercy of Allah [swt]. Lowest level of arrogance against Allah [swt] is committing sins & the highest level is the denial of Allah [swt] even denying the Rahmah of Allah [swt].

11.       OPPRESSING ONESELF

And He giveth you of all that ye ask for. But if ye count the favors of Allah [swt], never will ye be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude.  Al- Ibraheem: 34.

The opposite of this is the journey of Emaan. Be content with zikr of Allah [swt] & believe the forgiveness & maghfirah Of Allah [swt] (Spending day and night looking hungry swiftly to spend to purify yourself).

Seeking real journey of Emaan, knowing Allah [swt] will make you content. The Zikr of Allah [swt] is power. You believe that Allah [swt] is the Forgiver, owner of Taubah.

12.       DENYING THE EXISTENCE & QADR OF ALLAH [SWT]

Truly man is, to his Lord, ungrateful; Al Hadiyat: 06.

When trouble toucheth a man, He crieth unto Us (in all postures)- lying down on his side, or sitting, or standing. But when We have solved his trouble, he passeth on his way as if he had never cried to Us for a trouble that touched him! thus do the deeds of transgressors seem fair in their eyes!  Yunus: 12.

When some trouble toucheth man, he crieth unto his Lord, turning to Him in repentance: but when He bestoweth a favour upon him as from Himself, (man) doth forget what he cried and prayed for before, and he doth set up rivals unto Allah [swt], thus misleading others from Allahs [swt] Path. Say, "Enjoy thy blasphemy for a little while: verily thou art (one) of the Companions of the Fire!"  Az-Zumar: 08.

Human Beings deep inside have the knowledge of the existence of Allah [swt], His blessings and destiny but most people deny this truth. They live in this world created by Allah [swt], showered by the bounties, blessings and gifts, use them each moment but yet deny the truth. 

Seeking real journey of Emaan, knowing Allah [swt] will make you content. The Zikr of Allah [swt] is power. You believe that Allah [swt] is the Forgiver, owner of Taubah.

13.       TO FEEL DESPAIR

Yet when We bestow Our favours on man, he turns away and becomes remote on his side (instead of coming to Us), and when evil seizes him he gives himself up to despair! Al-Isra: 83.

He said: "And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord, but such as go astray?" Al-Hijr: 56.

Despair from the rahmah & maghfirah Of Allah [swt]. Apply this to the status of emaan, money, jobs, marriage & everything, Committing sins & not believing in the mercy of Allah [swt] is a great despair. Combat this with faith & zikr of Allah [swt]. Seeking real journey of  Emaan, knowing Allah [swt] will make you content. The Zikr of Allah [swt] is power. You believe that Allah [swt] is the Forgiver, owner of Taubah.

All the above is the Generator of strength of Journey of Imaan

How do we gain

The Love of Allah [swt]?

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique [R] gave all he had to please Allah [swt]. May Allah [swt] raise us with people like him, Ameen.

There are qualities that Allah [swt] loves. By adhering to these qualities, we hope to gain the love of Allah [swt]. Allah [swt] loves

1.  Al-Ehsaan Wal Mohsineen

And spend of your substance in the cause of Allah [swt], and make not your own hands contribute to (your) destruction; but do good; for Allah [swt] loveth those who do good.  Al- Baqarah :195.

Mohsineen are through people who have the quality of Ehsaan. They are the ones who are EXTRA kind to mankind and other creations. These are people who work hard to gain richness in terms of knowledge and wealth and give the same for the sake of Allah [swt]. They give extra mixed with kindness. For being a mohsin you have to have the following two qualities:- 

     1. Have to have the means in terms of money, character or good manners.  

     2. They are willingness to spend whatever they have very fast in the path of Allah [swt].

2.  Tawwabeen  

For Allah [swt] loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.  Al Baqarah: 222.

Tawwabeen are those who repent and seek forgiveness. Apply this to the status of emaan, money, jobs, marriage & everything, committing sins & not believing in the mercy of Allah [swt] is a great despair. Combat this with faith & zikr of Allah [swt]. Seeking real journey of emaan, knowing Allah [swt] will make you content. The zikr of Allah [swt] is power. You believe that Allah [swt] is the forgiver, owner of taubah.

3.  Mutahareen 

He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.  Al-Baqarah: 222.

And Allah [swt] loveth those who make themselves pure.  At-Taubah: 108.

These are people who are clean. Cleanliness has two dimensions:

1. Physical cleanliness

2. Spiritual cleanliness.

We all understand Physical cleanliness. Spiritual cleanliness is to clean up our heart and our tongue. One is not clean unless his heart is clean and one whose heart is clean is clean otherwise too.

4.  Istaqama

- Keeping Covenant With Allah [swt]

- Taqwa         

Nay.- Those that keep their plighted faith and act aright,-verily Allah [swt] loves those who act aright. Al-Imraan: 76.

Istaqamah is being steadfast / Keeping Covenant with Allah [swt] & Taqwa is Fear of Allah [swt] and consciousness and awareness of Him.

5.  Patience  

And Allah [swt] loves those who are firm and steadfast.  Al-Imraan: 146.

These are people having patience with the Qadr [destiny] ordained by Allah [swt]. Patience with what Allah [swt] give or take, if Allah [swt] give they spend, they give and show gratitude and thanks. If Allah [swt] takes it back, they will be patient and be in the state of content, trust and not looking at others. Also to be patient against the bad manner and the ignorance of others. In summary patience with Allah [swt], patient toward Allah [swt], Patient for Allah [swt] to gain the pleasure of Allah [swt].

Recommendation:

Read the book Patience and Gratitude by Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyya.

6.  Mutawakkaleen

It is part of the Mercy of Allah [swt] that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for (Allah's [swt]) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when thou hast taken a decision put thy trust in Allah [swt]. For Allah [swt] loves those who put their trust (in Him).  Al-Imraan : 159.

One of the attributes of Allah [swt] is Al-Wakeel [The Trustworthy]. The people who have complete Trust in Allah [swt] are Mutawakaleen.

Tawwakul is  the status of the heart. This is to trust in Allah [swt] and rely on Him alone in all outcomes and situations. There are 75 verses in the Quran emphasizing trust in Allah [swt].

7.  Muqseteen

for Allah [swt] loves those who are fair (and just).  Al- Hujrat: 09.

Muqseteen are people who establish and practice justice [adl] with kindness.

8.  People with Power & Strength

Allah [swt] will bring a people whom He loveth and who love Him, humble toward believers, stern toward disbelievers, striving in the way of Allah [swt], and fearing not the blame of any blamer.

Al Maida 54

Also check As-Saff : 04

These are people with power and strength of their body, soul, knowledge, manner, character and relationship. They are strong internal and external and most of all they are strong in emaan.

There are qualities in man Allah [swt] does not love.

By struggling to abstain from these, we hope to gain the love of Allah [swt].

Allah [swt] does not love the following:

1.  The Aggressor

for Allah [swt] loveth not transgressors. Al-Baqarah: 190.

People, who are aggressors, do so due to absence of emaan. There is aggression in all aspects of life e.g. marriage, inheritance, with subordinates, with neighbors and so on. The verses in Quran that highlight aggression command and order not to indulge in this sin. They aggress against the rule of Allah [swt].

2.  Mischievous & Those who spread all kinds of mischief

When he turns his back, His aim everywhere is to spread mischief through the earth and destroy crops and cattle. But Allah loveth not mischief. Al-Baqarah: 205.

And Allah [swt] loveth not those who do mischief.  Al-Ma`idah: 64.

3.  The Disbelievers

Allah [swt] will deprive usury of all blessing, but will give increase for deeds of charity: For He loveth not creatures ungrateful and wicked. Al-Baarah:276.

That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds, out of his Bounty. For He loves not those who reject Faith. Al-Room: 45.

True believers are beloved to Allah [swt]. On the other hand Allah [swt] hates the disbelievers and Kuffar.

4.  Zaalemeen (The oppressor and wrong doer)

As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah [swt] loveth not those who do wrong." Al-Imraan: 57.

Zaalemeen are the people who oppress themselves by sinning, not developing themselves with knowledge and not struggling to develop their Emaan. 

Those who oppress; oppress themselves Zalaameen who oppress others eventually are oppressing themselves too. People who lack Emaan, by nature oppress themselves and others.

5.  Self Loving / Egoistic / Arrogant Over Others

Serve Allah [swt], and join not any partners with Him; and do good- to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah [swt] loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious     -    An-Nisa:36.

And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah [swt] loveth not any arrogant boaster. Luqmaan: 18.

People who love themselves, have an ego and show arrogance over others are carrying with them the worst package of all. Allah [swt] does not like these qualities. The causes and reasons for this disease can vary ranging from looks to wealth to degree to intelligence etc.

6.  Arrogance

Undoubtedly, Allah [swt] doth know what they conceal, and what they reveal: verily He loveth not the arrogant.  An-Nahl: 23.

People who are arrogant against and above the truth. Prophet [pbuh] said Kibr [arrogance] severes [cuts] the truth [i.e. it makes one deny and ignore the truth]. Apply this to your daily life. Kibr is to cut the truth.

7.  Bad Tongue

Allah [swt] loveth not that evil should be noised abroad in public speech, except where injustice hath been done; for Allah [swt] is He who heareth and knoweth all things.  An-Nisa`:148.

People who carry a bad tongue and use it to oppress others with it are disliked by Allah [swt].

8.  The Betrayer

Contend not on behalf of such as betray their own souls; for Allah [swt] loveth not one given to perfidy and crime: An-Nisa`:107.

If thou fearest treachery from any group, throw back (their covenant) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms: for Allah [swt] loveth not the treacherous.  Al- Anfaal:58.

The highest level of betrayal is to betray the covenant with Allah [swt]. Allah [swt] also dislikes people who betray by committing sins, by not keeping their word and commitments with others.

9.  Spend thrift

 It is He Who produceth gardens, with trellises and without, and dates, and tilth with produce of all kinds, and olives and pomegranates, similar (in kind) and different (in variety): eat of their fruit in their season, but render the dues that are proper on the day that the harvest is gathered. But waste not by excess: for Allah [swt] loveth not the wasters Al-Ana`m: 141.

O Children of Adam! Wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah [swt] loveth not the wasters.  Al- A`araaf: 31.

Allah [swt] dislikes people who spend excessively on worldly affairs.

WARNING/CONCLUSION

Allah [swt] said: "By no means! Proceed then, both of you, with Our Signs; We are with you, and will listen (to your call).  As- Shu`arah: 15.

That man can have nothing but what he strives for;  That (the fruit of) his striving will soon come in sight:

Then will he be rewarded with a reward complete;   An-Najm: 39-41.

That Day will Man be told (all) that he put forward, and all that he put back.    Al- Qayamah: 13.

The real medication and Power for the above is the Real journey of emaan. The companions of the Prophet [PBUH] did it by sacrificing everything they had for this journey.

May Allah [swt] choose me to be the one to believe, to live the belief, to develop the belief, to be a role-model of the belief, to spread the belief, to elevate the name of Allah [swt], Insha-Allah and to spend every precious moment hour day strength money whatever Allah [swt] give me to his cause.

This is our duty, honor, happiness and the covenant of La-Ila-Ha-Illal-La.

A momin is full of joy, joy of emaan and joy of belonging and this is what generates happiness, tranquility, peace, security, love, compassion, mercy, manner and character, strength mixed with humility, thankfulness, and gratitude to the Almighty having chosen us!

Now when you heard the message, what you are going to do? Whats the value of this meeting when you do not value this, honor this, live with it and spread it???  Allah [swt] wants real people.

May Allah [swt] give us the Noor, Qabool, action and May allow us to fulfill the rights of the message. Ameen!