Remembrance of Allah ---The Importance of Remembrance

Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) brings joy, happiness, sustenance, and honor. It necessitates being mindful of Allah, increasing in worship, turning to Him in repentance, and nearness to Him. It is a remedy for various ailments. Ibn 'Awn1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Remembrance of Allah is a cure, while remembrance of people is a disease."2 Another incident is reported where a man complained to Al-Hasan Al-Basri about the hardness of heart, and he advised him, "Soften it with the remembrance of Allah."3

Through remembrance of Allah, ranks are elevated, sins are forgiven, calamities are repelled, difficulties are eased, and it brings comfort to the hearts. Allah, glorified be He, says:

ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَتَطْمَئِنُّ قُلُوبُهُم بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ أَلَا بِذِكْرِ ٱللَّهِ تَطْمَئِنُّ ٱلْقُلُوبُ ٢٨

"those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.." 

(Surah Ar-Rad: Ayat 28)

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, advised someone, 

"Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah." 

(Narrated by At-Tirmidhi)4

Through remembrance of Allah, hearts come alive. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "The example of one who remembers his Lord and one who does not remember Him is like that of the living and the dead." 

(Narrated by Al-Bukhari)1

No one truly understands the greatness of Allah more than those who remember Him frequently, as abundant remembrance is a sign of sincerity towards Allah.

References

1 Abu 'Awn 'Abdullah ibn 'Awn ibn Artaban Al-Muzani Al-Basri, born in 66 AH and died in 151 AH. Sources: Siyar A'lam al-Nubala' (364/6).

2 Tarikh al-Islam (101/4).

3 Rawdat al-Muhibbin (p. 167).

4 Book of Invocations, Chapter on the Virtues of Remembrance, Hadith number 3375, narrated by Abdullah ibn Busr, may Allah be pleased with him.

Book of Invocations, Chapter on the Virtues of Remembrance of Allah Almighty, Hadith number 6407, narrated by Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him.

Gratitude - How do I express gratitude for Allah's blessings?

 Gratitude should come from your heart, tongue, and actions. Expressing gratitude in the heart means recognizing the blessings and attributing them to its Creator. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَمَا بِكُم مِّن نِّعْمَةٍۢ فَمِنَ ٱللَّهِ ۖ ثُمَّ إِذَا مَسَّكُمُ ٱلضُّرُّ فَإِلَيْهِ تَجْـَٔرُونَ ٥٣

“Whatever blessings you have are from Allah. Then whenever hardship touches you, to Him ˹alone˺ you cry for help"

(Surah An-Nahl : Ayat 53)

Expressing gratitude with the tongue involves praising and thanking the Bestower of the blessings. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "'Alhamdulillah' (Praise be to Allah) fills the scales." 

(Muslim)1

Expressing gratitude with your actions means utilizing the blessings in ways that please Allah and refraining from using them in disobedience or sin. The happiest of people are those who make blessings a means to draw closer to Allah and attain success in the Hereafter. The most miserable are those who follow their desires and indulge in worldly pleasures while neglecting gratitude for Allah's blessings.

Be content with what Allah has provided for you, and you will be among the most grateful people. Remember that expressing gratitude for Allah's blessings is a form of worship. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, "The one who eats and is grateful is like the one who fasts and is patient." 

(Narrated by Al-Hakim)2

References;

1 Book of Purification, Chapter on the Virtue of Wudu, Hadith number 223, narrated by Abu Malik al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Al-Mustadrak, Book of Foods, Hadith number 7194, narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah

be pleased with him.

Al-Hakim refers to Abu Abdullah bin Muhammad al-Naysaburi al-Shafi'i, who was born in 321 AH and died in 405 AH. Tabaqat al-Fuqaha al-Shafi'iyah (198/1), Siyar A'lam al-Nubala' (162/17).

Gratitude to Allah -- The Importance of Gratitude

Allah has bestowed upon you His great blessings and has showered you with abundant gifts, so that you may express gratitude for them. Gratitude is the purpose behind His creation and command. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًۭٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ٧٨

"And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful." 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat 78)

Allah has informed us that those who do not show gratitude to Him are not truly His sleeves. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ ١٧٢

"And be grateful to Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship." 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:172)

Allah praised the first messenger He sent to the earth for his gratitude. He said: 

ذُرِّيَّةَ مَنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ عَبْدًۭا شَكُورًۭا ٣

"O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant. 

(Surah Isra: ayat 3)

He commanded His servant, Moses, to receive the prophethood and teachings with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says:

قَالَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّى ٱصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِرِسَـٰلَـٰتِى وَبِكَلَـٰمِى فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ١٤٤

 "O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf :144)

He praised His beloved, Ibrahim (Abraham), for his gratitude for His blessings. Allah says about him: 

وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةًۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ١٣

[He was] grateful for His favors. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat13)

Allah commanded the family of the prophet David (Dawud) to work with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"They made for him whatever he desired of sanctuaries, statues,1 basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking pots fixed ˹into the ground˺. ˹We ordered:˺ “Work gratefully, O  family of David!” ˹Only˺ a few of My servants are ˹truly˺ grateful."

 (Surah Saba: Ayat 13)

Allah commanded His messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, to be grateful. He said to him: 

بَلِ ٱللَّهَ فَٱعْبُدْ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ٦٦

"Rather, worship (only) Allah and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Zumar: Ayat 66)

The first advice that Allah gave to mankind was to be grateful to Him and to their parents. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍۢ وَفِصَـٰلُهُۥ فِى عَامَيْنِ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ ١٤

"And be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination."

 (Surah Luqman: : Ayat 14)

The prophets also commanded their people to be grateful. Ibrahim said to his people:

إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْثَـٰنًۭا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًۭا فَٱبْتَغُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرِّزْقَ وَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لَهُۥٓ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ١٧

“You worship besides Allah nothing but idols, simply creating lies about them. Those you worship besides Allah certainly cannot give you any provision. So seek provision from Allah ˹alone˺, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.." 

(Surah Al-Ankabut: 29:17)

The best supplication is the prayer for assistance and seeking His pleasure with gratitude for His blessings and worship. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "I have pondered over the most beneficial supplication, and I found it to be seeking assistance according to His pleasure. Then I saw it in the following verse:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ١

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٢

ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٣

مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ ٤

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ٥

“In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help."

(Surah Al-Fatihah: Ayat 5)

When Satan, the enemy of Allah, realized the value and significance of gratitude, and that it is the most important act of worship, he made it his ultimate goal to cut people off from it. He said, ;

ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ ١٧

"Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf : Ayat 17)

The grateful ones are a minority among the creation, so be among that blessed few. Allah, the Almighty, says;

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"And few of My servants are grateful." 

(Surah  34:13)

Every blessing that does not bring you closer to Allah is a trial. Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Adhere to gratitude for blessings, for a blessing that has been taken away from people and returned to them."1 When you realize that Allah continues to favour you with His blessings, even as you disobey Him, then be cautious and fear Him.

When a servant attains a position with Allah, he should preserve it and remain steadfast in it. Then, when he thanks Allah for what He has given him, Allah grants him something even better than it. But if he neglects gratitude, Allah gradually leads him astray.

Blessings are connected to gratitude, and more blessings are bestowed upon those who are grateful. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

"And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" (Surah Ibrahim: 14:7)

Through gratitude to Allah and obedience to Him, the doors of this world and the Hereafter open up for His servant. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ ٩٦

Allah says; "And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (Surah Al A'raf: Ayat 96)

References:

1. Madaarij al-Saalikeen by Ibn Qayyim (100/1)

1 Tarikh Dimashq by Ibn Asakir (446/48).

Various Acts of Obedience - What are the acts of worship that I should increase in?

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The best deeds after the obligatory ones are the voluntary acts of worship; as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Allah the Exalted has said: 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (prayer or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him. When I love him I become his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks (something) from Me, I give him, and if he asks My Protection (refuge), I protect him”. 

(Al-Bukhari)1

The best voluntary acts that a servant can do are as follows:

1. Night prayer:

The voluntary prayers are among the most virtuous acts of worship in the sight of Allah. The precious hours of the night are a time of great value. Standing in prayer during the night is a characteristic of the righteous believers who are promised the gardens of eternal bliss. It is an indication of the strength of intellect and faith, and a means of drawing closer to the Lord of all worlds, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “If you people greet all whom you meet, provide food, care for the wellbeing of your kindred, and pray at night when people are asleep, you will enter paradise in peace. 

(Ibn Majah)2

Among the virtues of the people of faith is their standing before Allah in the darkness. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

كَانُوا۟ قَلِيلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ ١٧

“They used to sleep but little of the night” 

(Surah Adh-Dhariyat :Ayat 17)

The righteous used to compete in prayer and worship during the darkness of the night, finding in it a pleasure in their souls that cannot be compared to the pleasures of this world. Abu Sulayman Ad-Darani1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "By Allah, if it were not for standing in prayer at night, I would not have loved this worldly life."2

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, never neglected night prayer, whether during travel or at home. He would perform it while standing, sitting, and even on his feet during his journeys, even if he was not facing the qiblah.3

The righteous used to criticize those who neglected night prayer. Al-Hasan Al-Basri4, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "No one abandons night  prayer except due to a sin they have committed."1

This is based on the advice of the Prophet peace be upon him to Abdullah bin Umar2, may Allah be pleased with them both, where he said, "What an excellent man Abdullah is if he only prays at night." After that, Abdullah bin Umar would hardly sleep at night.3.

And the prophet said to Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas4, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrated: "O Abdullah, do not be like so-and-so who used to pray at night and then abandoned it." (Agreed upon)5

One of the honours of servitude to Allah is worshiping Him at night. The soul does not reach its highest honour except through its devotion to Allah. It is not fitting for a righteous young person to abandon night prayer, even if it is just for half an hour before dawn, during which they can engage in intimate conversation with their Lord at a time when the gates of the 

heavens are open. The early generations of Muslims would not forsake night prayer. Tawus1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "I never thought that anyone would sleep during the pre-dawn hours"2

2. Abundance in Remembrance of Allah:

Remembrance of Allah is the scale of elevation and honor. It is more than what is perfumed by the tongue. It is an open door between the servant and his Lord, as long as the servant does not close it with their heedlessness. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Indeed, through remembrance, Allah Almighty grants the Remembrancer His remembrance, as He says:

فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ ١٥٢

“So remember Me; I will remember you.” 

[Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayat 152]

If there was nothing in remembrance except for this alone, it would be sufficient in its excellence and reward."3. By increasing in remembrance, the servant ascends in the sight of his Lord, and our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to remember Allah at all times.4

Remembrance brings happiness to the heart and a sense of intimacy with Allah. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Once Sheikh Al-Islam told me: 'I do not leave remembrance except with the intention of giving my soul rest and tranquillity, preparing myself for the remembrance to come.'"1

3. Recitation of the Holy Quran:

The holy Quran is the pillar of the Ummah (Muslim community), the source of wisdom, the sign of the message, and the light for the eyes and insights. By reciting it and acting upon it, one's status is elevated, his rank is increased, and his faith is strengthened.

The magnificent Quran is the foundation of knowledge and its branches. It is from the Quran that morals and manners are derived. Safeguarding the Book of Allah is a means of protection, by the permission of Allah, from evils and tribulations. It serves as a fortress against doubts and desires. Therefore, recite the Quran on your tongue while contemplating its meanings with your heart.

4. Fasting Three Days Every Month:

Our Lord, Almighty and Glorious, (Allah) is characterized by gratitude. He rewards abundantly for even small acts of worship. The Ummah of Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a blessed nation. They work little in a short lifespan and are rewarded greatly. They surpass other nations in the Hereafter.

One of the ways to achieve this is by fasting three days every month, which is equivalent to fasting the entire month. Each day of fasting is rewarded as if one has fasted for ten days, as a generous gift from Allah. It is a recommendation from the Prophet, peace be upon him, to Abu Hurairah2, may Allah have mercy on him. Abu Hurairah reported: "My beloved friend, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, advised me with three things: to fast three days every month, to perform the two units of Duha prayer, and to perform the Witr prayer before sleeping."(Agreed upon)1

References:

1 Book of Devotion, Chapter of Humility, Number (6502), from the Hadith of Abu Hurairah.

2 Book of Foods, Chapter of Feeding Others, Number (3251), from the Hadith of Abdullah bin Salam, may Allah have mercy on him.

Ibn Majah, full name Abu 'Abdullah Yazid ibn Majah al-Rabi'i al-Qazwini, was born 209 AH and passed away in 273 AH. Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, by Al-Dhahabi, volume 155/2. May Allah have mercy on him.

1 Abu Sulayman Abdur-Rahman bin Ahmad Ad-Darani was born in 140 AH and passed away in 215 AH. Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (182/10)

2 Az-Zuhd wal Raqaiq by Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi (p. 94).

3 3 Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Witr, Chapter: Witr Prayer during Travel, Hadith Number (1000), and Muslim in the Book of Prayer of Travelers and Shortening it, Chapter: The Permissibility of Voluntary Prayer on a Mount during Travel, where it is directed, Hadith Number (700) from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah have mercy on them both.

4 Abu Sa'id Al-Hasan bin Abi Al-Hasan Yasar Al-Basri, a Tabi'i Imam, was born in 21 AH and passed away in 110 AH. Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (563/4)

1 Nazhat al-Majalis wa Muntakhab an-Nafa'is (120/1)

2 Abdullah bin Umar bin Al-Khattab bin Nufayl Al-Adawi Al-Qurashi was born in 3 AH and passed away in 73 AH. Al-Iṣābah fī Tamyīz aṣ-Ṣaḥābah (290/6).

3 Narrated in Sahih Bukhari, in the Book of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Chapter: the virtues of Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them both), Hadith number 3739; and in Sahih Muslim, in the Book of Virtues of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Chapter: the virtues of Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them both), Hadith number 2479.

4 He is Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas As-Sahmi Al-Qurashi. He embraced Islam before his father. He passed away during the nights of Harrah while Yazid bin Muawiyah was the governor. Some sources mention the year 63 AH, while others mention a different year. Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-Ashab (956/3)

5 Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Tahajjud, Chapter: Disapproval of abandoning night prayer for someone who used to perform it, Hadith Number (1152), and Muslim in the Book of Fasting, Chapter: Prohibition of Fasting Continuously without a Valid Reason, Hadith Number (1159), from the narration of Abdullah bin Amr, may Allah have mercy on with them both.

1 He is Abu Abdur-Rahman Tawus bin Kaysan Al-Farisi, and later known as Al-Yamani Al-Jundi. He passed away in 106 AH. Source: Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (49/5)

2 Ibn Rajab (420/4)

3 Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib (p. 42)

4 Narrated by Muslim in the Book of Menstruation, Chapter: Remembrance of Allah in the state of sexual impurity and other situations, Hadith Number (373), from the narration of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.

1 Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib (42).

2 Abu Hurairah, whose full name is Abu Hurairah Abdur-Rahman ibn Sakhr Al-Dawsi, embraced Islam between Al-Hudaybiyah and Khaibar. He passed away in 57 AH. Al-Isabah

fi Tamyiz Al-Sahabah (348/7)

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Tahajjud Prayer, Chapter: Duha Prayer in the City, Hadith Number (1178), and by Muslim in the Book of Travelers' Prayer and Shortening It, Chapter: The Recommendation of Duha Prayer, and that the minimum is two units, the complete is eight units, the middle is four or six units, and the emphasis on maintaining it, Hadith Number (721).

Various Acts of Obedience - Increasing in Acts of Obedience

Taking Care Of Your Parent - The Most Best Good Deed and Acts Of Obedience.

The fruit of knowledge is action, and the pleasure in life comes from increasing in righteous deeds. The sign of sincerity is an increase in acts of obedience, and the ascent of one's status in Paradise will be determined by the extent of effort exerted in performing virtuous actions.

The best among humans are those who serve as role models by consistently engaging in many virtuous actions. Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was praised by Allah for his devotion, as mentioned in the Quran. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةًۭ قَانِتًۭا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًۭا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ١٢٠

“Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah”. (Surah Nahl: Ayat 120).

Dawud, peace be upon him, “used to sleep half the night, then stand in prayer for one-third of it, and then sleep for one-sixth. He would fast one day and break his fast the next day”. (Agreed upon)1

Allah also praised Zakariya, his wife, and Yahya. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُۥ زَوْجَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًۭا وَرَهَبًۭا ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ ٩٠

“So We responded to him, and We gave to him John and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive”. 

(Surah Al-Anbiya : Ayat 90)

The righteous scholars used to engage abundantly in the worship of Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "I once witnessed Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah praying Fajr, then sitting and engaging in the remembrance of Allah until close to midday. Then he turned and said, 'This is my morning, and if I had not partaken of this lunch, my strength would have diminished.'"1

Sheikh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said about himself: "There are times when a matter, thing, or situation troubles my mind. So, I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Exalted, a thousand times - or more or less - until my heart finds solace and the difficulties are resolved." He also said, "During that time, I could be in the market, the mosque, on the road, or at school, and that does not prevent me from engaging in remembrance and seeking forgiveness until I attain what I seek."2

Ibn Kathir mentioned Ibn al-Qayyim, saying that may Allah have mercy on both of them, "I do not know anyone among the knowledgeable people in our time who worships more than him. He had a specific way in prayer, prolonging it greatly, lengthening his bowing and prostration, and many of his companions would sometimes criticize him for that, but he would not change or abandon it."3

Obedience is a light that is cast into the chests. So, increase in worshipping Allah and submitting to Him. It is the best means to achieve what one seeks. Increase in remembering Allah, reciting His book, and standing in prayer during the darkness of the night. When the heart becomes pure, it leaves its traces. And when it becomes abundant, it becomes more fruitful

References

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Night Prayer, Chapter: Whoever Sleeps Until Morning (Hadith No. 1131), and Muslim, Book of Fasting, Chapter: Prohibition of Fasting the Entire Year for Those Who Are Afflicted or Unable (Hadith No. 1159), from the narration of Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him).

1 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib, p. 42.

2 Al-'Uqud al-Durriyah fi Manaqib Ibn Taymiyyah, p. 21.

3 Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, (523/18)

Various Acts of Obedience - The World Is the Plantation for The Hereafter

 

Your lifespan, O human, in this life, is limited, and your rank in the hereafter is built upon the days you live. If you strive for righteousness, you will be among the fortunate. But if you neglect yourself in this life and waste your time, you will regret it in the hereafter. Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned that your position in the hereafter depends on your actions in this world. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ٣٩

"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." 

(Surah An-Najm: Ayat 39)

And He also says, 

كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ ٣٨

"Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained." 

(Surah Al-Muddaththir: Ayat 38)

You do not know when the Angel of Death will visit you. And when your soul is taken, your relatives, loved ones, and those around you will be occupied with worldly matters after your burial, busy striving in this life, which will make heedless of supplicating for you after your death.

Allah's decree in life is that people forget. For example, you may not pray for your great-grandfather, even though he is not far from you, even though he played a role in your existence in this life. And there will come a time when your grandchildren and those after them will forget to pray for you.

Therefore, if you realize this, and you know that people will be negligent about you after your death, then increase your righteous deeds and knock on every door of goodness in this world. Perhaps that will bring you closer to your Lord in the Hereafter.