The Advice of ‘Umar (radhi Allahu anhu)

If we all tried to improve our servitude to Allah individually, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will improve us all collectively.

Here are a set of rules to try to abide by every day of our lives insha’Allah. There is so much more guidance and naseeha in the Quran and Sunnah, but this is a beautiful and massively beneficial step in the right direction towards changing our selves and our lives.. and insha’Allah have less to regret in both this world and the next.

Try to follow the advice line by line. Teach your children whilst they are young. Teach your students, friends and family and support each other in implementing the advice of the man who the shayateen fear and the final Prophet Sallallahu ‘alahi wasallam said:

“If there were to be a prophet after me, it would have been Umar (radhi Allahu anhu).” [Timidhi, Volume p209]

The Advice of ‘Umar (radhi Allahu anhu)

• Place the affairs of your brother when they reach you upon the best of interpretations until there comes to you clarity which overcomes that.
• Do not think ill of a statement which comes from another Muslim if you can find a good interpretation for it.
• Whoever exposes himself to suspicion let him not blame those who then think badly of him, and whoever conceals his own and his brothers secrets, strength of choice will be in his hands.
• Hold fast to truthful companions, live with them closely for they are a charm at times of ease and an aid at times of difficulty.
• Stick to the truth even if the truth kills you.
• Do not ask about things which haven’t taken place for indeed, that which has already taken place is enough to preoccupy you from it!
• Do not seek help or take your affairs to someone who doesn’t wish to see you succeed, and do not befriend the sinful lest you learn from his sins and evil.
• Keep away from your enemy and be cautious of even your friend, except for the truthful and trusted friend.
• And no-one is trustworthy except him who fears Allah.
• Do not involve yourself with issues that don’t concern you.
• Humble yourself at the graves, lower yourself in obedience and stand firm against disobedience.
• And when it comes to your affairs, seek counsel only from those who truly fear Allah for indeed, Allah says,

“… Indeed, it is only those who have knowledge among His Slaves, that truly fear Allah.” [Surah Fatir 35:28]

Reference : Narrated by Sa’id ibn al-Musayyib in Rawdhat al Uqala (pg. 77-78]