قُل لا يَستَوِي الخَبيثُ وَالطَّيِّبُ وَلَو أَعجَبَكَ كَثرَةُ الخَبيثِ ۚ فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يا أُولِي الأَلبابِ لَعَلَّكُم تُفلِحونَ
“Say: Good and evil are not equal, even though you may be dazzled by the abundance of evil. So be mindful of Allah, O people of reason, so you may be successful.”
How can a heart be illuminated when its mirror reflects worldly figures only?
Or how can it journey to Allah, manacled with its passions?
Or how can it crave for entering the presence of Allah without being cleansed of the blemishes of its forgetfulness?
Or how can it understand the subtle nuances of mysteries, while it has yet to repent of its wrongdoings?
The heart will lose its transparency and brightness if it reflects only worldly figures. Passions and worldly concerns create obstacles in front of the heart on its way to Allah. If it continues to lose in its oblivion, it is not likely to wake up to the realities. Only a heart that is vigilant and alert to sins can tread the difficult path to salvation.
"O Allah, Owner of this perfect call and Owner of this prayer to be performed, bestow upon Muhammad ﷺ al-waseelah (a station in Paradise) and al-fadeelah (a rank above the rest of creation) and send him upon a raised platform which you have promised him. Verily, you never fail in Your Promise."
In imitation of the Prophet ﷺ, Muslims are expected to be merciful, to bring good, and to seek the benefit of others - all others not wish them harm or rejoice in the evil that befalls them.
Of the most manifest and clear signs in following the Prophet ﷺ , is having excellent character traits and qualities. This is because good character is of our inner garments. Unlike our outer garments when we pass from this world we take our inner garments with us and leave the former in this world.