Zainab Habib
What has happened to us Muslims these days?
Why have we forgotten our Islamic ways?
The courtesies and etiquette our Prophet (saw) had taught
All those years of his training, have they been lost?
Take for example, the command to greet
Each other cheerfully whenever we meet.
To return the greeting or one better than it
Of the rights Muslims have on each other, one is this
Far from answering, we just turn away
Wondering what the person wants from us today.
Another way of bonding is a handshake
While the hands are touching, sins are erased
As for the smile, our Prophet (saw) has said
It’s a form of charity that Allah rewards well
But as for us, we’re so reluctant to smile
It’s as if our treasure will be depleted each time
And when someone does something for us, how few
Say “Jazaak Allah” – “May Allah reward you”
For only from Allah is there true recompense
So the best thanks there is, is to supplicate for them.
And when we sneeze, do we say “Alhamdulillah”?
Our Prophet (saw) has said when you sneeze, praise Allah
When we hear others say this whenever they sneeze
Do we say “Yarhamukallah”- “On you Allah’s Mercy”
And when we hear of a death, or someone is sick?
Do we supplicate for them? Are we sympathetic?
Are we affectionate to young, respectful to old?
Serve widows and orphans without being told?
Do our neighbours have little while we have so much?
Are we kind to them, even if they don’t thank us?
Do we feed the poor? Are we generous to our guest?
When someone invites us, do we happily accept?
In our wedding feasts, do we differentiate?
Or do both our rich and poor participate?
Do we give away things, but with a heavy heart?
When it’s something with which we don’t wish to part
Do we put in a good word when someone needs help?
Or do we just leave it to be done by someone else?
Although we’ve been told by our Prophet (saw) that do
Intercede for each other and Allah will reward you.
These deeds may seem trivial but they’re important you know
They’re effective in making our Deeds Account grow.
To be loved by Allah – if that is our goal
Then follow the ways of His Prophet (saw), we’re told
“Say (O Muhammad) : “If you do love Allah, follow me: Allah will love you and forgive you your sins for Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.” (Quran 3;31)