'Nasihah': Good Counsel in Islam

 

In the life of a Muslim, there is a very noble duty called “giving good advice.” In Arabic, this is called (giving) Nasihah. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Ad-Deenu an-Nasihah” (Muslim), which means, religion is based upon sincere advice.

 

But this advice must come with gentleness, with respect, with wisdom, and above all without arrogance or judgement. Giving advice in Islam is not merely words that come out of the mouth; it is a responsibility that comes from the heart, with the intention of helping a brother or sister towards goodness, towards the straight path that Allah has shown.

The pursuit of Wisdom

Seeking Knowledge & Believing in the Signs of Allah

Life is very temporary; like waves that gently reach a shore or any coastline, before they quietly pull away and return to the vast ocean. The universe, designed in an extraordinary and marvellous way, reflects the greatness of Allah’s creation. 

When you study the stars – thousands of them, too many to count – and see them hanging in the sky; when you observe the world around you, even the fine veins in leaves, all these details point to the wisdom of Allah. Yet, despite all this beauty, this world is only a passage; a temporary stage before eternal life.

 

The Holy Qur’an speaks of belief in the unseen: “Those who believe in the unseen, who establish prayer and give from what We have provided for them.” (Al-Baqara 2: 4)

 

This belief is not blind faith; it is a truth confirmed by revelation and reflection. As human beings, we are always in a state of learning. This process never stops. As long as we are alive, we continue to learn. Day by day, people make new and fascinating discoveries in science and nature. What we understood yesterday, we understand even better today. Still, knowledge – no matter how vast – remains incomplete. Theories try to explain reality, but they can never replace absolute truth. Only Allah holds all knowledge, and He will reveal it when the time is right; there is a fixed moment for that.

 

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Whoever sets out in search of knowledge is on the path of Allah until he returns.” (Tirmidhi)

Steps to overcome Addiction

  

Today, I address a matter that silently consumes lives, families, and societies – addiction. Whether it is tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or even excessive internet use, addiction is a form of slavery that chains the soul and weakens the body. It is a disease of desire, and its cure lies in faith, discipline, and sincere repentance.

About 20% of adults worldwide are addicted to tobacco, and millions more suffer from drug addiction. These habits destroy health, wealth, and spirituality. Islam offers powerful guidance to overcome them.

 

According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 5 adults worldwide (about 20%) are still addicted to tobacco, despite global efforts to reduce smoking. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reports that millions are addicted to natural and synthetic drugs, with rising trends in synthetic opioids and stimulants.

 

These substances are not just harmful – they are deadly. Tobacco alone causes over 8 million deaths annually. Drugs lead to overdose, mental illness, broken families, and crime. Alcohol contributes to liver disease, violence, and loss of dignity. These are not just health issues; they are spiritual crises. Allah says in the Qur’an:

 

“Do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful.” (An-Nisa 4: 30)

 

“They ask you about wine and gambling [which is also very harmful – an addiction]. Say, ‘In them is great sin and [some] benefit for people. But their sin is greater than their benefit.’” (Al-Baqara 2: 220)

Divine Mercy

  

In a world filled with distractions, pain, and uncertainty, there remains one truth that is stable and eternal: Divine Mercy. Allah, the Creator of all the worlds, is full of Rahma – that is, a tenderness and compassion that surpasses all human understanding. At the beginning of every Surah in the Qur’an (except Surah At-Taubah), we find this invocation: Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). These two attributes, Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim, are derived from the word Rahm, which means: the maternal womb – a symbol of deep love, protection, and gentleness. This shows that Divine Mercy is not merely an abstract concept, but a living reality that envelops all of creation.

In Surah Al-A’raf, Verse 157, Allah says: “My mercy encompasses all things.” And in Surah Az-Zumar, Verse 54, He says: “O My servants who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” These words are a comfort to the heart; a call towards hope, towards returning to Allah in repentance, towards light after darkness.

 

In a Hadith Qudsi reported by Bukhari and Muslim, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Allah said: My mercy prevails over My wrath.” This Hadith forms a foundation in Islamic understanding: Allah is Just, but His Mercy is vaster than His punishment. He gives every soul a chance to return sincerely to Him, in obedience.