AL-HUDA
Foundation, NJ U. S. A
Article 1 - Article 2 - Article 3 - Article 4 - Article 5 - Article 6 - Article 7 - Article 8 - Article 9 - Article 10 - Article 11 - Article 12
Ten Commandments for Peace of Mind
1. Do
Not Interfere In Others' Business Unless Asked
Most of us create
our own problems by interfering too often in
others’
affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our
way
is the best way, our logic is the
perfect logic and those who do not conform
to our
thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our
direction.
This thinking denies the existence of individuality and
consequently the existence of Allah Who has created each one of us in a
unique
way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way.
All men or
women act the way they do because God within them
prompts
them
that way. There is God to look after
everything. Why are you bothered?
Mind
your own business and you will keep
your peace.
2.
Forgive And Forget
This is the most
powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill
feelings
inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We
nurture
grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of
stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done
once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly
remembering
it. Get over this bad habit. Believe
in the justice of Allah. Let Him judge the act of the one who insulted
you. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive, Forget, and
march on. Love
flourishes in giving and forgiving.
3. Do
Not Crave For Recognition
This world is full
of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives.
They may praise you today because you are in power or useful to them,
but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement
and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yourself
in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the
aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely and leave the rest
to God.
4. Do
Not Be Jealous
We all have
experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know
that you
work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get
promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but
you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one
year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should
you be jealous? No. Remember everybody's life is shaped by Nature, which
has now become his/her destiny. If you are destined to be rich, nothing
in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help
you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your
misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away
your
peace of mind.
5. Change
Yourself According To the Environment
If you try to change
the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead,
change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the
environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change
and seem congenial and harmonious.
6. Endure What
Cannot Be Cured
This is the best way
to turn a disadvantage into an advantage.
Every day
we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents
that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them,
we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them
cheerfully thinking, "God wills it so, so be it." God's plan is beyond
our comprehension. Believe in it and you will gain in terms of patience,
inner strength and will power.
7.
Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
This maxim needs to
be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities
than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego.
Know your limitations. Why take on additional loads that may create more
worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external
activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayers,
introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your
mind that make you restless. Neat mind will produce greater peace of
mind.
8.
Meditate Regularly
Meditation calms the
mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of
peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly
for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during
the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily
disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing
the period of daily mediation. You may think that this will
interfere
with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your
efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.
9.
Never Leave the Mind Vacant
An empty mind is
the devil's workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep
your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively
follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide
what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social and
charitable work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a
sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting
physically,
occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of Allah’s name.
10.
Do Not Procrastinate and Never Regret
Do not waste time in
protracted wondering " Should I or shouldn't I?" Days,
weeks,
months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can
never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future
happenings. Always remember, God has His own plan, too for you. Value
you time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if
you
fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the
next time.
Sitting
back and worrying will lead to nothing. Do not brood over the past. Let
it go.
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