السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ
It’s Tuesday 23rd June 2020. My chosen topic today is ‘Don’t be Influenced by Others’.
One of the most common problems in today’s society is that we get influenced by others, instead of us influencing them. We have fallen out with someone over some issue, and they decided to stop talking to us. What is our reaction? Fine, I will not speak with them any more. What does this action of ours prove?
We may have been brought up by our parents with beautiful character and habits. Our upbringing was almost perfect. We never used bad language, maintained ties with all, and were looked upon with respect and dignity. Then came the test – someone fell out with us.
That is the time to show your good upbringing and character. They have fallen out with you, but there is no need for you to fall out with them. If you meet them, greet them, and on occasions like ꜤEid or weddings, invite them, and be on good terms with them. If you treat them the same way they treat you, what is the difference between you and them?
It simply means that their bad character has influenced you; unfortunately, you were not able to influence them with your good character. That should never be the case. Yes, of course, there are limits. If you have tried a number of times to maintain ties and they will still not reciprocate, then fair enough, but even then, remain silent and do not let the ill feelings develop into enmity and hatred.
Today we have stooped so low because of being improperly influenced by others. It really is a shame that years and years of rancour and animosity passed by, and ꜤEid upon ꜤEid came and went. Alas, on the day the person passes away, we are usually one of the first to visit their house, and at the forefront in the cemetery making sure that everyone sees that we have turned up. What is the point?
Therefore, my message today is, make up with each and every one before it is too late. If the person or people you fell out with, regardless of who was right and who was wrong, have left this world, then pray for them and do some iysalis thawāb (perpetual reward) for them. Always maintain your good character, and make sure you influence others and not be influenced by their bad habits and character.
Almighty Allāh bestow all of us with the best character at all times, Āmeen.
جَزَاكَ اللَّهُ خَيْرًا
Request for DuꜤās
وَالسَّلَامُ Hanif Dudhwala