Marriage - Benefits of Marriage

The wife is the refuge that Allah has prepared for a man to find tranquillity in. Allah, the Most High, says;

وَمِنْ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦٓ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَٰجًۭا لِّتَسْكُنُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةًۭ وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ ٢١

"And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect.." 

(Surah Ar-Rum, : Ayat 21)

Thus, Allah mentioned that the wife is a source of tranquillity. He also described her as a garment, as He says:

أُحِلَّ لَكُمْ لَيْلَةَ ٱلصِّيَامِ ٱلرَّفَثُ إِلَىٰ نِسَآئِكُمْ ۚ هُنَّ لِبَاسٌۭ لَّكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لِبَاسٌۭ لَّهُنَّ ۗ عَلِمَ ٱللَّهُ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَخْتَانُونَ أَنفُسَكُمْ فَتَابَ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَفَا عَنكُمْ ۖ فَٱلْـَٔـٰنَ بَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَٱبْتَغُوا۟ مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ ۚ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَكُمُ ٱلْخَيْطُ ٱلْأَبْيَضُ مِنَ ٱلْخَيْطِ ٱلْأَسْوَدِ مِنَ ٱلْفَجْرِ ۖ ثُمَّ أَتِمُّوا۟ ٱلصِّيَامَ إِلَى ٱلَّيْلِ ۚ وَلَا تُبَـٰشِرُوهُنَّ وَأَنتُمْ عَـٰكِفُونَ فِى ٱلْمَسَـٰجِدِ ۗ تِلْكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا تَقْرَبُوهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ ءَايَـٰتِهِۦ لِلنَّاسِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَّقُونَ ١٨٧

"It has been made permissible for you to be intimate with your wives during the nights preceding the fast. Your spouses are a garment for you as you are for them. Allah knows that you were deceiving yourselves.2 So He has accepted your repentance and pardoned you. So now you may be intimate with them and seek what Allah has prescribed for you.3 ˹You may˺ eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful ˹of Him" 

(Surah Al-Baqarah,: Ayat 187)

Which is better for a young man, to have a garment to cover himself and a dwelling to seek shelter in, or to remain naked and alone without a place of refuge?

Marriage is beneficial for young people in general. It enhances their mental well-being, promotes masculinity, and serves as a foundation in society. A wife is a support for obedience and a pillar in the trials of life. Therefore, do not hesitate, young man, to make a firm decision to enter the gate of marriage, hoping for happiness.

Dutifulness to the Parents and Maintaining Family Ties

 

Dutifulness to the Parents

Allah has made parents the source of happiness, the garden of compassion and affection. Their rights are immense, and their goodness surpasses all other creations. There is no one greater in kindness - nor more virtuous - than parents.

Being dutiful to parents is the character of the prophets, the habit of the righteous, and the cause of relieving distress, multiplying blessings, and answering prayers. It opens the heart and makes life sweet. Allah Almighty said in the description of His prophet Yahya, peace be upon him: 

“And dutiful to his parents, and he was not a disobedient tyrant”. (Surah Maryam: 19:14)

And He said about Jesus, peace be upon him: 

وَبَرًّۢا بِوَٰلِدَتِى وَلَمْ يَجْعَلْنِى جَبَّارًۭا شَقِيًّۭا ٣٢

“And dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant”. 

(Surah Maryam: Ayat 32)

Being dutiful to parents is the virtue of noble people, evidence of excellence and perfection, and it is a path to Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "The father is the middle door of Paradise (i.e. the best way to Paradise), so it is up to you whether you take advantage of it or not." 

(Narrated and authenticated by At-Tirmidhi)1

Their rights are obligatory, next to the rights of Allah the Almighty: 

۞ وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًۭا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًۭا فَخُورًا ٣٦

“Worship Allah ˹alone˺ and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, ˹needy˺ travellers, and those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful,” 

(Surah An-Nisa: : Ayat 36)

Being dutiful to both parents is a beloved deed to Allah and is superior to striving in the cause of Allah. Ibn Mas'ud, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated: “I asked the Prophet, peace be upon him, which action is dearest to Allah and he replied, “Prayer at its proper time.” I asked what came next, and he replied that it was kindness to parents. I asked what came next and he replied that it was jihad in path of Allah'. (Bukhari and Muslim)."1

Being dutiful to parents is a path to Paradise. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Let him be humbled, let him be humbled. It was said: Allah's Messenger, who is he? He said. He who finds his parents in old age, either one or both of them, and does not enter Paradise”.

(Muslim)2

Have Hope for Your Parents

Make your parents hopeful that you will be among those whose conduct is virtuous and whose character is noble, with a steadfast commitment to righteousness and a distance from wicked deeds and immoral actions. Do not fall prey to deviation, or become a captive to pleasures and desires, or a victim of ignorance and whims.

Do not squander your hope as well as theirs in you for a moment of temptation or an hour of negligence. Choose your companions wisely and seek their company. For if the soul is left to its whims, it will go astray and lead others astray. But if it is purified, it will acquire the beauty of righteousness, the gentleness of virtues, and the excellence of character.

And whoever does not control himself from indulging in doubtful matters has fallen into heedlessness, torn their conscience, ruined himself, lost the respect of others, and killed the hopes of their parents and relatives them..

Maintaining Family Ties

Maintaining family ties, known as "Silat al-Rahim," is among the acts of worship that are beloved to Allah and one of the best forms of obedience. It is from Allah's bounty and generosity that He has made maintaining family ties a source of blessings and an increase in the servant's provisions. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “He who wishes to have his earnings grow (and be blessed) and his term of life prolonged, he should keep ties with his kin” Related by Al-Bukhari”. (Agreed upon)1

It is obligatory for a Muslim to be connected and maintain ties with their relatives. It is preferable to designate a specific day of the week to visit relatives and engage in conversations with them. This practice brings tranquillity to the heart.

Maintaining family ties should not distract a person from seeking knowledge, spreading the message of Islam, or benefiting others. Visiting relatives is a blessing in life, and whoever desires an increase in blessings should increase his efforts in maintaining family ties. Ibn At-Tin2 , may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Maintaining family ties is a means of success in obedience and abstaining from disobedience. After death, it remains as a beautiful remembrance, as if the person has not died".3

A Muslim should not underestimate the importance of maintaining family ties. Showing kindness to relatives is the duty of every person, as they deserve care, attention, respect, and protection. Allah, the Most High, says: 

“وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ مِنۢ بَعْدُ وَهَاجَرُوا۟ وَجَـٰهَدُوا۟ مَعَكُمْ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ مِنكُمْ ۚ وَأُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْأَرْحَامِ بَعْضُهُمْ أَوْلَىٰ بِبَعْضٍۢ فِى كِتَـٰبِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌۢ ٧٥.” 

And those who later believed, migrated, and struggled alongside you, are also with you. However, only blood relatives are now entitled to inherit from one another, as ordained by Allah. Surely Allah has ˹full˺ knowledge of everything.1

(Surah Al-Anfal: : Ayat 75)

Maintaining family ties is a means of success in life and a source of wealth. Allah, in His wisdom, has made it a means of honour. Keeping family ties is a noble act of worship and one of the best deeds. Amr ibn Dinar1, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "There is no step taken after the obligatory acts of worship that carries greater reward than visiting relatives."2

Your relative is a part of you. If you treat them well, you are treating yourself well. If you withhold kindness from them, you are depriving yourself. And Allah created the kinship and named them after Himself, and our Lord promised to maintain the connection of those who maintain ties with them. The prophet Mohammed, peace be upon him, said: “Are you not satisfied that I should keep relationship with one who joins your ties of relationship and sever it with one who severs your (ties of relationship)? They (the ties of blood) said: Certainly so. Thereupon He said: Well, that is how things are for you.” (Agreed upon)3

The bond of kinship is connected to the Throne of Allah, saying: "Whoever maintains me, I maintain him. Whoever severs me, I sever him." (Agreed upon)1

Maintaining family ties wards off afflictions, by the permission of Allah, and elevates calamities from a person. Whoever is connected with Allah (Al-Raheem) receives every goodness, and no one severs him. But whoever is cut off by the Almighty, no human being can maintain them, and they will live in distress.

How to Keep a Good Relationship with My Kin?

Maintaining family ties is achieved through making a commitment to visit them, honouring and respecting them, visiting them when they are sick, facilitating assistance to those in need, and checking on their well-being.

In modern means of communication, there are aids to fulfil this act of worship. Through staying connected, the bridge of compassion and love extends. By exchanging letters and messages, the bond of friendship is sustained. And by conveying greetings, the covenant is renewed.

Utilize any permissible means to strengthen the bonds with your relatives when performing this act of worship.

Inviting your relatives, directing them, guiding them, and advising them is more obligatory for you than offering them to others. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَأَنذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ ٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ ٢١٤

“And warn, [O Muhammad], your closest kindred.” 

(Surah Ash-Shuara, :Ayat 214)

My Relatives Mistreat Me.

Relatives are not equal when it comes to maintaining kinship, love, and mercy. Upholding family ties is a great act of worship that should not be done in response to people's actions nor abandoned due to the neglect of others. A Muslim is one who maintains ties with their relatives, even if they sever ties with them, not seeking any reward but purely for the sake of worshipping Allah, the Most High. The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said, “The one who maintains ties of kinship is not the one who reciprocates. The one who maintains ties of kinship is the one who, when his relatives cut him off, maintains ties of kinship." (Al-Bukhari)1

Even though the Prophet's own relatives who were disbelievers harmed him severely, he still maintained ties with them and said, “But I will uphold the ties of kinship with you.” (Muslim)2

Allah, glorified be He, says to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, despite their enmity towards him,:

ذَٰلِكَ ٱلَّذِى يُبَشِّرُ ٱللَّهُ عِبَادَهُ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَعَمِلُوا۟ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ ۗ قُل لَّآ أَسْـَٔلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ أَجْرًا إِلَّا ٱلْمَوَدَّةَ فِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ ۗ وَمَن يَقْتَرِفْ حَسَنَةًۭ نَّزِدْ لَهُۥ فِيهَا حُسْنًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ شَكُورٌ ٢٣

“Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." 

(Surah Ash-Shuraa, : Ayat 23)

When a relative mistreats you, respond with kindness. This is the Islamic prescribed remedy. The one who does evil to you should be met with good. This act brings honour and elevation in the sight of Allah and earns respect from people. It requires self-control and restraining oneself from responding in kind. Allah, the Most High, says:

ٱدْفَعْ بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ ٱلسَّيِّئَةَ ۚ نَحْنُ أَعْلَمُ بِمَا يَصِفُونَ ٩٦

“Repel, by [means of] what is best, [their] evil.” 

(Surah Al-Muminun, : Ayat 96)

Those who humble themselves before Allah can only attain this noble characteristic.

And there is another form of goodness in response to their mistreatment, which is to suppress anger. This is a characteristic of the people of Paradise. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

۞ وَسَارِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ ١٣٣

ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِى ٱلسَّرَّآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَٱلْكَـٰظِمِينَ ٱلْغَيْظَ وَٱلْعَافِينَ عَنِ ٱلنَّاسِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ ١٣٤

"And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous * Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good." 

(Surah Al-Imran : Ayat 133-134)

In contrast, responding to their mistreatment with the same is the abandonment of maintaining family ties, fuelling division, and falling into the traps of Satan. A man came to the Prophet Muhammed, peace be upon him, and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have relatives whom I maintain ties with, but they cut off ties with me. I am kind to them, but they behave rudely towards me. I am patient with them, but they are ignorant towards me." The Prophet, peace be upon him, responded, "If it is as you say, then it is as if you are feeding them ashes. And you will continue to have the support of Allah against them as long as you remain in this state." 

(Muslim)1

References:

1 Book of dutifulness and Family Ties, Chapter on the Virtue of Pleasing Parents, Hadith number (1900), Narrated by Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Sahih Bukhari, Book of Prayer Timings, Chapter on the Virtue of Praying at Its Appointed Time, Hadith number (527), and Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, Chapter on the Superiority of Believing in Allah, Hadith number (85).

2 Book of dutifulness, Family Ties, and Manners, Chapter on the Humiliation of One Who Does Not Enter Paradise Despite Attaining the Presence of His Parents in Their Old Age, Hadith number (2551), Narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Sales, Chapter: "Whoever desires expansion in provision" (2067), and by Muslim in the Book of Righteousness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Good Manners, Chapter: "Maintaining Family Ties and the Prohibition of Cutting Them" (2557), from the hadith of Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 He is Abu Muhammad Abdulwahid bin At-Tin As-Safaqsi, who passed away in 611 AH. Shajarat al-Nur al-Zakiyyah fi Tabaqat al-Malikiyyah (242/1).

3 Fath al-Bari by Ibn Hajar (416/10).

1 He is Abu Muhammad Amr ibn Dinar Al-Jumahi, their patron from Makkah, Al-Athram. He was born during the rule of Muawiyah in 45 AH or 46 AH and passed away in 126 AH. Siyar A'lam al-Nubala (5/300), Tadhkirat al-Huffaz by Al-Dhahabi (1/85).]

2 Mentioned in Makarim al-Akhlaq by Ibn Abi al-Dunya (p. 82).

3 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Manners, Chapter: "Whoever maintains ties, Allah

will maintain ties with him," Hadith number (5987), and Muslim in the Book of Righteousness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Good Manners, Chapter: "Maintaining family ties and the prohibition of severing them," Hadith number (2554), from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Manners, Chapter: "Whoever maintains ties, Allah will maintain ties with him," Hadith number (5989), and Muslim in the Book of Righteousness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Good Manners, Chapter: "Maintaining family ties and the prohibition of severing them," Hadith number (2555), from the narration of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.

1 Book of Etiquette, Chapter: The One who Maintains Family Ties is not the One who Reciprocates, Hadith number (5991), narrated by Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Book of Faith, Chapter: Regarding the saying of Allah, the Most High, "And warn your closest kindred," Hadith number (204), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Book of Goodness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Etiquette, Chapter: The Obligation of Maintaining Family Ties and Prohibition of Cutting Them Off, Hadith number (2558), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Purification of the Heart - Remember death and visit graves.

A wise person has to remember death every day and night, repeatedly reminding their heart of it, to counter their desires. Indeed, frequent remembrance of death is a shield against arrogance and, by the permission of Allah, a protection against panic. The death of others serves as a reminder of your own mortality.

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to frequently visit graves day and night. However, when it was Aisha's night, he would not visit Al-Baqi cemetery. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, "Every night of mine, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, would go out to Al-Baqi at the end of the night." 

(Muslim)1

Visiting graves sharpens one's resolve for the Hereafter and diverts one's gaze from worldly matters. The Prophet Mohammed peace be upon him said, "Visit graves, for they remind you of the Hereafter." 

(Ibn Majah)2

So, keep death in front of your eyes to rectify your affairs, and visit graves to revive your heart.1

References'

1 Book of Funerals, Chapter: What to say upon entering graves and supplicating for its inhabitants, Hadith (974).

2 Book of Funerals, Chapter: What has been mentioned about visiting graves, Hadith (1569), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

Purification of the Heart - Avoiding Temptations

Islam teaches the importance of purity of belief and heart. It warns against polluting the heart with doubts or defiling it with desires. In times when people are far from the guidance of the Prophet, the need to hold fast to the sources of Islam becomes even more important. The Prophet said, "No time will come upon you but the time following it will be worse than it. 

(Al-Bukhari)1

One of the effects of temptations is that anyone who leans toward them will be affected by their corruption. The Prophet said, "And whoever looks at them [temptations], they will take hold of him." 

(Bukhari)2

Pure and true Islam teaches the importance of following the two lights: the Quran and the Sunnah. It warns against anything that goes against them, as it leads to corruption of the heart.

When doubt enters the heart, it is difficult to remove it. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "When a servant exposes himself to misfortune, Allah leaves him to himself."3

Neglecting one's duties, rushing towards evil deeds, and relying on television broadcasts as a guide lead to destruction. When the heart is darkened by numerous sins, it becomes burdensome to perform righteous deeds, while accepting falsehood becomes easy. During a time when the revelation was descending and the companions were closely adhering to the Prophet, peace be upon him, he expressed his concern about tribulations. When he saw Umar ibn Al-Khattab holding a portion of the Torah, his face changed color, he said, "Are you confused, O son of Al-Khattab? By the One in whose hand is my soul, I have brought it to you pure and clear. Do not ask them about anything, for they may tell you the truth and you reject it, or they may tell you falsehood and you believe it. By the One in whose hand is my soul, if Moses were alive, he would have no choice but to follow me." 

(Narrated by Ahmad)1

Whoever exposes themselves to doubts and desires, and then seeks to rectify their heart, will find it resistant. Many have stumbled and been destroyed, and many have strayed without hope of being retrieved. The soul is greedy when you give it a chance, so restrain it with the reins of obligations and prohibitions. Whoever exercises patience against their desires will reap abundant fruits.

So stay away from the causes and sources of temptations, for their proximity is a trial that can hardly be escaped. Those who hover around the flames are likely to fall into it. Safeguard yourself with the provisions of knowledge and seek the company of the righteous. Follow the path of truth and adhere to the path of guidance. Strive to preserve your beliefs.

The scholars used to advise one another to distance themselves from the sources of temptation. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said:

"The army of desires leads to deviation, and the army of false doubts. Whichever heart inclines towards them and seeks refuge in them, it will be saturated with them. Then its tongue and limbs will overflow with their consequences. If one consumes the doubts of falsehood, suspicions, suspicions, and fallacies will erupt from their tongue and actions."1

1 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "No time will come except that the time after it is worse than it," Hadith number (7068), narrated by Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 The book of tribulations, in the chapter "The tribulation of the one who remains seated is better than the one who stands," Hadith number (7082), narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

3 Majmoo' Fatawa Sheikh al-Islam (577/10).

1 In al-Musnad, Hadith number (15156), narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 Miftah Dar al-Sa'adah (140/1).

Purification of the Heart - Avoiding Sins

 Avoiding Sins

The heart fluctuates in this life between hardness and softness. When sins accumulate, it becomes hardened, and when a servant increases in acts of obedience, the heart becomes softened.

Sins have ugly consequences if they are committed hastily or accumulated. A spark may burn down a whole town, and sins are like shackles around people's necks, and destruction comes from persisting in them. Blessings disappear with sins, and retribution and punishment follow. The sinner finds that every matter he turns to is closed off or difficult to achieve.

Sins diminish the blessings of life. Whatever goodness the servant may miss out by committing a sin is multiplied many times compared to the pleasure and enjoyment gained from it. The punishment for wrongdoing will eventually come, even if it is delayed. Allah, the Most High, says:" 

لَّيْسَ بِأَمَانِيِّكُمْ وَلَآ أَمَانِىِّ أَهْلِ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ ۗ مَن يَعْمَلْ سُوٓءًۭا يُجْزَ بِهِۦ وَلَا يَجِدْ لَهُۥ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ وَلِيًّۭا وَلَا نَصِيرًۭا ١٢٣

(Surah An-Nisa 4:123)

Iblis was expelled from the abode of honor for neglecting to prostrate just once. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

قَالَ فَٱهْبِطْ مِنْهَا فَمَا يَكُونُ لَكَ أَن تَتَكَبَّرَ فِيهَا فَٱخْرُجْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ ٱلصَّـٰغِرِينَ ١٣

“[Allah] said, "Descend from Paradise, for it is not for you to be arrogant therein. So get out; indeed, you are of the debased.” 

(Surah Al-Araf: Ayat 13)

Adam was expelled from Paradise for partaking of a forbidden fruit. Allah, the Most High, says:

وَقُلْنَا يَـٰٓـَٔادَمُ ٱسْكُنْ أَنتَ وَزَوْجُكَ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَكُلَا مِنْهَا رَغَدًا حَيْثُ شِئْتُمَا وَلَا تَقْرَبَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلشَّجَرَةَ فَتَكُونَا مِنَ ٱلظَّـٰلِمِينَ ٣٥

فَأَزَلَّهُمَا ٱلشَّيْطَـٰنُ عَنْهَا فَأَخْرَجَهُمَا مِمَّا كَانَا فِيهِ ۖ وَقُلْنَا ٱهْبِطُوا۟ بَعْضُكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّۭ ۖ وَلَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُسْتَقَرٌّۭ وَمَتَـٰعٌ إِلَىٰ حِينٍۢ ٣٦

"And We said, 'O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree, lest you be among the wrongdoers.' But Satan caused them to slip out of it and removed them from that [condition] in which they had been." 

(Surah Al-Baqarah, : Ayat 35-36)

"A woman entered the Hellfire because of a cat that she had confined.1" "While a man was walking, dragging his dress with pride, he was caused to be swallowed by the earth and will go on sinking in it till the Day of Resurrection."2

Thus, sins lead to destruction. So be fearful of your sins and never feel secure from punishment. For the insignificance of sin in the eyes of a servant is great in the sight of Allah, indicating impending doom.

Beware of belittling sins, because when they accumulate upon a person, they destroy him. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Verily, the example of the belittling of sins is like a group of people who set up camp in a valley, and then one of them brought a stick, and another one brought a stick until  they baked their bread."

(Ahmed)1

Sin becomes magnified and its danger intensifies when a person openly commits it, belittles it, takes delight in it, or disregards Allah's covering. Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "Verily, you perform deeds that appear to you as insignificant as a strand of hair, but we used to count them among the destructive sins during the time of the Prophet, peace be upon him,." 

(Al-Bukhari)2

When death approached Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir, may Allah have mercy on him,3 he wept. He was asked, "What makes you weep?" He replied, "By Allah, I do not weep for a sin that I am aware of committing. But I fear that I may have committed a sin, considering it insignificant, while it is great in the sight of Allah."4

Sin is not limited to committing forbidden actions alone; rather, falling short in fulfilling obligations is also among the blameworthy deeds. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Repentance and seeking forgiveness can be a result of neglecting obligations and committing prohibitions. Many people are unaware of this"5

References:

1 In Al-Musnad, Hadith number (22808), from the narration of Sahl ibn Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 Book of Asceticism, Chapter on the Reprehensible Aspects of Sin, Hadith number (6492).

3 He is Abu Abdullah Muhammad ibn Al-Munkadir ibn Abdullah Al-Tamimi Al-Qurashi, born 30 AH and passed away in 130 AH. Siyar A'lam al-Nubala (353/5).

4 Revival of the Religious Sciences, (481/4).

5 Majmu' Fatwa by Shaykh al-Islam, (670/11).

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Drinks and Watering, Chapter on the Virtue of Giving Water, Hadith number (2365), and Muslim, Book of Righteousness and Maintaining Family Ties and Good Manners, Chapter on the Prohibition of Torturing a Cat or Similar Animals that Do Not Harm, Hadith number (2242), from the narration of Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Prophetic Hadiths, Chapter on the Hadith of the Cave, Hadith number (3485), from the narration of Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).

Remembrance of Allah --Seeking Forgiveness

Seeking forgiveness is the cause for the forgiveness of sins, entry into paradise, warding off calamities, and the increase of wealth and children. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

فَقُلْتُ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ غَفَّارًۭا ١٠

يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًۭا ١١

وَيُمْدِدْكُم بِأَمْوَٰلٍۢ وَبَنِينَ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ جَنَّـٰتٍۢ وَيَجْعَل لَّكُمْ أَنْهَـٰرًۭا ١٢

"So I said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers and give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.'"  

(Surah Nuh : Ayat 10-12)

It is also a means for a happy life and abundant blessings. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَأَنِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُمَتِّعْكُم مَّتَـٰعًا حَسَنًا إِلَىٰٓ أَجَلٍۢ مُّسَمًّۭى وَيُؤْتِ كُلَّ ذِى فَضْلٍۢ فَضْلَهُۥ ۖ وَإِن تَوَلَّوْا۟ فَإِنِّىٓ أَخَافُ عَلَيْكُمْ عَذَابَ يَوْمٍۢ كَبِيرٍ ٣

“And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a great Day”. 

(Surah Hud: Ayat 3)

Through seeking forgiveness, one's strength is increased. Prophet Hud said to his people:

وَيَـٰقَوْمِ ٱسْتَغْفِرُوا۟ رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِ يُرْسِلِ ٱلسَّمَآءَ عَلَيْكُم مِّدْرَارًۭا وَيَزِدْكُمْ قُوَّةً إِلَىٰ قُوَّتِكُمْ وَلَا تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ مُجْرِمِينَ ٥٢

"And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then rHim, and He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals." 

(Surah Hud: Ayat 52)

Seeking forgiveness is also a means for the descent of mercy from the heavens. Allah, the Most High, says: 

قَالَ يَـٰقَوْمِ لِمَ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ بِٱلسَّيِّئَةِ قَبْلَ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ لَوْلَا تَسْتَغْفِرُونَ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ٤٦

"He said, 'O my people, why are you impatient for evil before [i.e., instead of] good? Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allah that you may receive mercy?'" (Surah An-Naml: Ayat  46)

Seeking forgiveness removes sins and the harm of disobedience. Qatadah1, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Verily, this Quran guides you to your diseases and their remedies. As for your disease, it is sins, and as for your remedy, it is seeking forgiveness."2

The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to frequently seek forgiveness. He said,

There is (at times) some sort of shade upon my heart3, and I seek forgiveness from Allah a hundred times a day". 

Abu Al-Minhāl1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "No neighbor is dearer to a person in his grave than seeking forgiveness."2

So, increase in seeking forgiveness at all times, and it will rectify your religious and worldly affairs.

(Muslim)4

References:

1 He is Abu Al-Khattab Qatadah ibn Da'amah ibn Qatadah Al-Sadusi. He was born in 60 AH and passed away in 118 AH. Sīyar Aʻlām al-Nubalā'" (269/5) and "Taqrīb al-Tahdhīb" (453/1).

2 Jamiʻ al-ʻUlūm wal-Ḥikam (415/2).

3 "Mashāriq al-Anwār ʻalá Ṣaḥāḥ al-Āthār" (142/2).

4 Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, chapter on the recommendation of seeking forgiveness and increasing it, number (2702), from the narrationepent to 

of Al-Agharr Al-Muzani, may Allah be pleased with him.

1 He is Abdur-Rahman ibn Mut'im Al-Banani Al-Basri Al-Makki. He passed away in 106 AH. "Taqrīb al-Tahdhīb" (p. 350).

2 Jamiʻ al-ʻUlūm wal-Ḥikam (415/2).

Remembrance of Allah -- The Best Remembrance

The best remembrance is the recitation of the Holy Quran. The Prophetic Sunnah has provided various forms of remembrance, and the best of these remembrances are as follows:

“The words dearer to Allah are four: ‘How perfect Allah is and all praise is for Allah. None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone and Allah is great It does not matter which you say first.

(Muslim)1

"And "there is no might nor power except with Allah": It is one of the treasures of Paradise." (Agreed upon)2

“Whoever says: ‘Glory is to Allah, the Magnificent, and with His Praise (Subḥān Allāhil-Aẓīm, wa biḥamdih)’ a date-palm tree is planted for him in Paradise.” 

(At-Tirmidhi)3

“Two phrases which are dear to the Compassionate One and are light on the tongue but heavy in the scale are: “How perfect Allah is and I praise Him; and How perfect Allah is the Most Great.” (Agreed upon)4

“And the praise of Allah fills the scale. Glorification and praise fill up what is between the heavens and the earth”.

(Muslim)1

Saad Ibn. Abi Waqqas2, may Allah be pleased with him, said: Once when we were with the Messenger of Allah he asked whether any of us was incapable of acquiring a thousand daily, and when one of those who were sitting with him asked how any of them could acquire a thousand he replied, “If he says, Glory be to Allah, a hundred times, a thousand blessings will be recorded for him or a thousand sins will be removed from him.”

(Muslim)3

Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Virtue of Saying "La ilaha illallah" (There Is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah Is the Greatest), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise Be to Allah), and Other Forms of Remembrance, 

Hadith number 2694, narrated by Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

References

1 Book of Manners, Chapter on the Dislike of Being Named with Ugly Names and with No Benefit and Similar Matters, Hadith number 2137, narrated by Samurah ibn Jundub, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, Chapter: There is no Power or Strength except with Allah, Hadith number 6409, and Muslim, Book of Remembrance and Supplication and Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Merit of Lowering the Voice in Remembrance, Hadith number 2704, narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him.

3 Chapters of Invocations, Chapter number 3464, narrated by Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him.

4 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Oaths and Vows, Chapter: If One Says, "By Allah, I Will Not Speak Today" and Then Prays or Recites or Glorifies or Exalts Allah or Declares His Greatness, Hadith number 6682, and Muslim, Book of Remembrance and Supplication and

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

2 He is Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, and name of Abi Waqqas is Malik ibn Uhayb Al-Zuhri Al-Qurashi. He was the seventh person to embrace Islam and was one of the companions whom Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, consulted in matters of consultation (Shura). He passed away in 54 AH, or it was said 55 AH, or it may be different. Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-As'hab (606/2), Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz Al-Sahabah (62/3).

3 Book of Remembrance and Supplication and Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness, Chapter on the Virtue of Saying "La ilaha illallah" (There Is No Deity Worthy of Worship Except Allah), "Allahu Akbar" (Allah Is the Greatest), "Alhamdulillah" (Praise Be to Allah), and Other Forms of Remembrance, Hadith number 2698.