Excellence In our Words and Actions National Nasirat Workshop 2013

Challenges, Values & Actions We have discussed the Challenges we face living in Today’s society We have learned our Islamic Values We understand how important Confidence is Now what??

Now is the Time for Action! Knowledge only goes so far - your actions and words need to go hand in hand to express your values. That is the change that knowledge should bring about in you today!

Action 1.Importance of Action 2.How to Act

I know I should do something…. will I actually do it?

When we learn something, the teacher has done their job. It is now up to us to put it into action!

Islam teaches us that our Words and Actions are what bring us closer to Allah Ta’ala Not our words alone

Q: What is a Hypocrite? A: Someone who says one thing, but does another. In other words, someone who knows what they SHOULD do, but their ACTIONS are the opposite

Okay, then what have you learned so far? Why are actions important?

Lets get to the How… How will you know what to do?

Our heart tells us the right way! Allah has made us very smart. Listen to your heart, and ask yourself this question: Is this action going to bring me closer to Allah or away from Him?

Excellence in Our Words 1.Telling the Truth

Therefore, the action maybe the same, but since its being done for different reasons, it has different results

Excellence in our Words 2. Speaking appropriately

Inappropriate Words… …take us off the right path …take us off the right path Swearing Lying Gossiping Vulgar topics Impolite words – are used on tv, but are not ‘nice’ words

Excellent Words of the Holy Prophet sa He always spoke the truth He was always kind and caring in his speech He never yelled or shouted, or said hurtful things

Hadith Speaking without thinking leads to Trouble

Excellent Actions Helping others Be caring Look for opportunities to make someone's life easier

Nothing is heavier in the scales of Allah than the excellence of conduct One who is not thankful to others, is not thankful to Allah The Holy Prophet sa emphasized Excellence in Character

Excellent Actions of the Prophet sa He was the best in Hospitality He gave away his possessions to help others He never thought of himself and always put the feelings and comfort of others first

Scenario #1: Hospitality Someone is coming to your house, and you are busy doing your homework. Your mom asks you to help clean up, what should you do?

People can read Your Thoughts! Your frustration and negative feelings will be sensed by your guests! You will not have done this act to win the pleasure of Allah. You did it so your mom wouldn’t yell at you. Is this excellence in our actions?

Scenario # 2: In Nasirat Class Your teacher asks if someone can stay after class to help clean up the masjid before you leave. You really want to get home, but think that your teacher will like you more if you offer to help. So you end up staying and helping and your teacher is happy. Is this good enough?

Scenario #3: Babysitting Your Mom leaves for an hour and puts you in charge of your younger siblings. She asks you to finish your homework before watching TV. As soon as she leaves, all of you run to the TV and start watching, because you know that you can still finish your homework before she comes back. What is wrong with this situation?

So what is the Importance of Actions?

To Sum it up… Bring your words and actions in line with your heart. When all three are lined up, you will become a great person, who has excellent character, high values, and a pure heart. Inshallah!