Never Look At Anyone With Contempt

Main Topic

This talk focuses on the dangers of spiritual pride (taqabur), the importance of sincerity (ikhlas), and the essence of true spiritual reformation (islaah). The speaker emphasizes that carrying out good deeds should lead to gratitude (shukr), not looking down on others with contempt, and outlines how one must submit their personal desires (nafs) to divine guidance.

Key Lessons

• Avoiding Pride in Ibadah: When Allah Ta'ala grants tawfiq to perform good deeds, one should make shukr rather than belittle others who are not doing the same. Looking down on others with contempt is a sign of pride.
• Uncertainty of Acceptance: A person should never consider themselves superior to anyone, even a visible sinner, because no one knows if their own deeds are accepted (maqbul) by Allah Ta'ala or what hidden good deeds the other person might possess.
• Fixing Intention vs. Abandoning Deeds: Leaving a good deed out of fear of showing off (riya) or pride is itself a trap of Shaitan. Just as one cleans a container rather than throwing it away, one should rectify their intention (niyyah) and continue performing good deeds.
• True Guidance and Islaah: Seeking spiritual counsel from the mashayikh requires a sincere desire for treatment and cure, rather than merely seeking validation for what one's nafs already desires.
• Family Security and Practical Priorities: After fulfilling obligatory Hajj, securing a modest home for one's family provides peace of mind (sukoon) and protection, which should take priority over optional travels or extravagant spending.

Quranic/Hadith References

• Surah An-Nur (24:52): "And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger and fears Allah and is conscious of Him - it is those who are the attainers." The talk explains how this verse condenses guidance regarding Allah's rights, the Sunnah of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam, fear over past sins, and taqwa for the present and future.
• Incident of a Roman villager accepting Islam after hearing a Muslim prisoner recite this Quranic verse.
• Incident of a munafiq refusing the judgment of Nabi Sallallahu alayhi wasallam in a land dispute, highlighting how the seeks personal gain over true justice.