7 Pieces of Advice to Abu Dharr (RA)

In this specific narration, the companion Abu Dharr (ra) approached the Messenger of Allah and said, "Advise me," leading to a series of timeless golden principles. Imam Abdulatif Friday Khutbah Series — Quba Masjid Hayes

1. The Foundation of Taqwa

The first and greatest advice given was to have Taqwa of Allah. Taqwa means living with the constant awareness that Allah (swt) is watching you. This mindfulness transforms a believer’s behavior, guiding them to obey Allah's commands and avoid prohibitions in both private and public life.

2. Recitation of the Quran and Dhikr

The Prophet (saw) advised sticking to the recitation of the Quran and the remembrance of Allah. He described this practice as a light for the believer in this world and a store of deeds for the Day of Judgment. Imam Abdulatif emphasized that the Quran is a spiritual lifeline; just as we feed our bodies, we must feed our souls through regular contact with the Book of Allah.

3. Avoiding Excessive Laughter

While joy is permitted, the Prophet (saw) cautioned against excessive laughter, noting that it "kills the heart and removes the light from your face". Constant, pointless laughter can lead to heedlessness (Ghaflah) and weaken a person's sense of accountability, eventually making the heart hard and unresponsive to spiritual reminders

4. Courage in Faith

Believers are advised not to fear the blame of others when acting for the sake of Allah. This is a call to integrity—practicing your religion openly and staying true to your values regardless of societal pressure or vilification. If Allah is pleased with us, the disapproval of people carries no weight.

5. The Power of Perspective

To combat discontent and depression, the Prophet (saw) provided a powerful prescription: "Look at those below you and do not look at those above you". By looking at those with less wealth, health, or family, a believer avoids undervaluing Allah's blessings and cultivates true gratitude.

6. The Monasticism of Action

Unlike other religions where spiritual seekers might withdraw from society, the Prophet (saw) stated that the "monasticism" of this Ummah is Jihad (striving in the path of Allah). A religious person in Islam does not retreat; instead, they participate in the community, fight injustice, and support the welfare of others.

7. Sincerity and Service

A Muslim is not meant to be self-centered. True faith involves reaching out to others and serving the community. Those who volunteer and serve their fellow believers are considered among the best in the eyes of Allah