It was narrated that a Muslim scholar asked one of his students, “What have you learned while you have been in my company?”

The student replied, “I have ‏ learned eight things.”

First:

First, I looked to the creation and noticed that everyone has taken someone as their loved one. However, when they go to their grave, their loved one leaves them behind. Therefore, I made my good deeds to be my loved one so that they will keep me company in my grave.

Second:

I reflected upon Allah’s saying:

وَأَمَّا مَنْ خَافَ مَقَامَ رَبِّهِ وَنَهَى النَّفْسَ عَنِ الْهَوَىٰ " النازعات :40 "

"And as for him who fears to stand in the presence of his Lord and forbids the soul from low desires". (Chapter 79 verse 40).

As a result I struggled against my desires until I reached a stable state of Allah's obedience.

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Third:

I noticed those possessed something of value and guarded and preserved it. Then I reflected upon Allah's verse:

"مَا عِندَكُمْ يَنفَدُ وَمَا عِندَ اللَّهِ بَاقٍ وَلَنَجْزِيَنَّ الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا أَجْرَهُم بِأَحْسَنِ مَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ"

"What is with you passes away and what is with Allah is enduring; and We will most certainly give to those who are patient, their reward for the best of what they did." (Chapter 16 Verse 96).

As a result whenever something valuable falls in my possession, I give it for the sake of Allah so that it would be with Him for me.

Fourth:

I saw people seeking nobility and honor through their wealth, family-names, and positions and as I have none of that, I reflected upon Allah’s verse:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَاكُمْ مِنْ ذَكَرٍ وَأُنْثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَاكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَائِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوا ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ أَتْقَاكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ" ألحجرات 13

"O Mankind! Surely We have created you of a male and a female, and made you into tribes and families so that you may know each other; surely the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is most aware (Taqwa) of Allah; surely Allah is Knowing, Aware" (chapter 49 verse13).

As a result, I worked hard to attain Taqwa in order to gain nobility in His sight.

Fifth:

I saw that people envy each other but when I reflected upon Allah’s saying:

أَهُمْ يَقْسِمُونَ رَحْمَتَ رَبِّكَ ۚ نَحْنُ قَسَمْنَا بَيْنَهُمْ مَعِيشَتَهُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۚ وَرَفَعْنَا بَعْضَهُمْ فَوْقَ بَعْضٍ دَرَجَاتٍ لِيَتَّخِذَ بَعْضُهُمْ بَعْضًا سُخْرِيًّا ۗ وَرَحْمَتُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ مِمَّا يَجْمَعُونَ" الزخرف32

“Is it they who apportion thy Lord's mercy? We have apportioned among them their livelihood in the life of the world, and raised some of them above others in rank that some of them may take labour from others; and the mercy of thy Lord is better than (the wealth) that they amass" (chapter 43 verse 32)

As a result, I left jealousy.

Sixth:

I saw people having enmity and I reflected upon Allah's saying:

إِنَّ الشَّيْطَانَ لَكُمْ عَدُوٌّ فَاتَّخِذُوهُ عَدُوًّا ۚ إِنَّمَا يَدْعُو حِزْبَهُ لِيَكُونُوا مِنْ أَصْحَابِ السَّعِيرِ" فاطر 6"

"Lo! the devil is an enemy for you, so take him as an enemy. He only summons his faction to be owners of the flaming Fire"(chapter35 verse 6)

As a result I left enmity and made sure that Satan was my only enemy.

Seventh:

I saw people humiliating themselves for the sake of provision and sustenance and then I looked at the saying of Allah:

"وَمَا مِنْ دَابَّةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى اللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّ فِي كِتَابٍ مُبِينٍ

"And there is not a beast in the earth but the sustenance thereof depends on Allah. He knows its habitation and its repository. All is in a clear Record" (chapter 11 verse 6)

As a result I occupied myself with my duties towards Allah and left my property with him.

Eighth:

Eighth, I found them relying on their business, buildings and health and I thought about the verse,

"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, He will suffice him".

As a result, I put my trust only on Allah.

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