Main Topic
An in-depth discourse on spiritual reformation (islaah), focusing on the spiritual diseases of ujub (vanity/self-conceit) and kibr (pride/arrogance), the critical importance of attributing all success solely to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, and guarding good deeds from being destroyed by ostentation (riyakari).
Key Lessons
- Sitting in a spiritual gathering (majlis) is only the initial step; the real test of spiritual reformation (islaah) occurs in daily life—at home, in the workplace, and in social interactions.
- Ujub (self-conceit) arises when a person admires their own effort, intellect, or piety, forgetting that all ability (tawfiq) is a gift from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala.
- Self-admiration (ujub) serves as a stepping stone to arrogance (kibr), which manifests when one considers oneself superior and looks down on others.
- Seeking recognition, boasting about achievements, or publicising good deeds on social media stems from the nafs desiring praise, creating a veil between the servant and Allah.
- There is a vast difference between outward capability (qabiliyat) and divine acceptance (qubuliyat); spiritual success relies entirely upon Allah's mercy and acceptance.
- Good deeds must be preserved through humility and good character; mistreating, slandering, or oppressing others causes one's hard-earned good deeds to be transferred to them on the Day of Judgment.
Quranic/Hadith References
- Surah Hud (11:88): "Wa ma tawfiqi illa billah" (My ability to do things comes from none except Allah).
- Surah An-Nahl (16:53): "Wa ma bikum min ni'matin faminallah" (Whatever bounty you have is from Allah).
- Surah An-Nur (24:21): Highlights that without the grace and mercy of Allah, no one would ever be purified.
- Surah Yusuf (12:53): "Innan-nafsa la'ammaratum bis-su'" (Indeed, the nafs incites toward evil, except those upon whom my Lord has mercy).
- Hadith: Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: "When your good deeds make you happy and your evil deeds make you sad, then you are a believer."
- Hadith of the Bankrupt Person (Muflis): Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam explained that a person may bring abundant good deeds on Judgment Day, but will lose them to those he wronged or insulted in the world.
Hazrat Moulana Dawood Seedat Saheb