SOURCE: http://www.shaykh.org/
THE BLESSED MONTH OF DHUL-HIJJAH AND SELF-CONCEIT
by Abu Talha
from the teachings of Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Sahib
On the first night of the blessed month of Dhul-Hijjah after the Eisha Salaah, our Honorable Shaykh mentioned how lucky we were that Allah had given us this opportunity to fast during the forthcoming blessed 10 days.
"The days of which Allah takes oath by; if it wasn't for His Greatness, how could we ever reap the benefit of fasting. Bear in mind that a single fast is equal to the reward of fasting for an entire year! And by making Shukr; thanking Allah, we acknowledge His Magnificence, and this is what is required by us.
Expressing gratitude to Allah is the remedy of Self-Conceit (having an exaggerated sense of self-importance and the high ranks of one's deeds). When a servant of Allah thanks Allah he cannot be proud of doing that good deed, because in reality it was done due to only Allah's mercy and grace and its not by one's own capabilities".
It was further mentioned by Shaykh that "...as the reward is very great of good deeds in this month, similarly if someone does any sin is also liable for severe punishment. For example if one commits a sin in Leicester, would it be regarded the same in Makkah al-Mukarramah? If were to sin in the university would it hold the same weighting as the same in a place of worship? If one committed a crime against their Lord in the Holy month of Ramadaan would it be considered as if it were done in an normal month?
A sin knowingly committed in blessed times and moments are reprehensible, and certainly have a different grade of punishment. So be very careful [always, before committing sin], especially these nights which are very blessed".
May Allah give us the ability to understand the message of our Shaykh. May Allah give him a long-life. Ameen
LINK: http://shaykh.wordpress.com/2007/12/13/the-blessed-month-of-dhul-hijjah-and-self-conceit/
