The reason why many people fail to recognize opportunity is because it comes disguised as hard work.
September 8, 2008
The reason why many people fail to recognize opportunity is because it comes disguised as hard work.
Download Printable Format (PDF)
The traditions—sunnah—of the Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, and the lives of his companions and those closely associated with them, serve as a major source of religious enlightenment in theory and in practice. This book forms a collection of inspiring thoughts, stories, quotes, sayings, and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, which have been presented in a simple and straightforward style. It further endeavours to present these ideas in the simplest and most direct way. In that it culls from authentic sources the sayings and deeds of the Prophet and those inspired by him, it brings to us a complete and, above all, human picture of true Islamic behaviour. Besides being an aid to personal study and individual training, this book will be of great benefit when read out at gatherings, as it is valuable for congregational recitations.
One way of presenting Islam is by means of interpretation, that is, by scholarly additions and explanations which make Islamic teachings more understandable and, in consequence, more effective. This has always been, and always will be, a part of the way to present Islam.
But another way of presenting Islam is to translate it into another language without any alterations, additions or explanations. This is the method adopted in this book, in which the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad, upon whom be peace, and his Companions have been collected and presented in a simple, straightforward style. The only additions are the separate headings under which the different sayings and incidents appear.
For centuries the lives of the Prophet and his Companions have served as models of a truly God fearing existence for all mankind, and will continue to do so until Doomsday. Hence God's preservation of this page of history with such exactitude that anyone who is sincere about learning from their example can know, even today, every detail of how they lived and died.
The present book, being a judicious selection from the deeds and saying which make up this model, gives an authentic picture of the Islamic way of life. With this book to throw light on the traditions of the Prophet and his Companions, one can pattern one's life in such a way as to be certain of receiving God’s succour and blessings during one’s life time, and His rewards in the Hereafter for the good deeds done in this life.
