THE DAILY ISLAMIC REMINDERS. Yaum Al-Khamis, 2nd day of Jumaadal Aakhir 1440, (Thursday, 7th February, 2019). ALWAYS REMEMBER THE FIRST COMMAND OF ALLAH. BismilLah Most of us know by heart the very first words that were revealed from the Qur’an to Noble Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). But sometimes we don’t reflect deep enough on the major life changing message that it contains. The circumstances of revealing those verses relate so much to the state that many people find themselves in today. This is the state of seeking meaning, seeking answers, clarity, purpose and direction. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) had a very good and comfortable life. He had an honourable wife whom he loved dearly, he had children, he had a good job, he was well respected in his community… he had a very successful and stable life. But something was missing. Something big was missing and it was aching his heart and he needed answers, he needed clarity, he needed meaning and understanding. What’s beyond this life? What’s the purpose? What’s the meaning? What’s next? Is this it? Marriage, children, job, living, dying…. This is it? But what’s in my heart? Why is it still searching? What is it searching for? What am I missing? He left everything behind and went in seclusion in a cave to think and reflect and listen attentively to what’s in his heart because he knew someone was listening and he knew there were answers. Then came the answer. “Recite!” “Recite what exactly?” “Recite I said!” “I don’t know how to recite what you’re asking me to recite … I can’t recite!!” Then he received the answer that gives meaning to everything he ever had to wonder about…“Recite in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous, Who taught by the pen, Taught man that which he knew not.” (Qur’an 96: 1-5). Beautiful, deep, subtle yet powerful answer that cannot be taken at face value. When Prophet Muhammad sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam needed to understand this life, he was then given the most truthful and most powerful answer: Read life through the lens of its Creator! He will teach you how to read life, how to read yourself, and how to find what you are looking for. It is not random “reading” or “reciting” that was instructed here. It was a specific instruction to know and understand the truth from its Source whose Name is The Ultimate Truth. Are you studying the Quran to know your purpose in life? Do you reflect on the fact that you can die anytime as such concentrate on what to do to please your CREATOR? Are you in the state of preparing for your interview tomorrow in the grave? Please sit down and reflect! Don't waste your time chasing just money neglecting your purpose. May ALLAH (Al-haadi, The Guide) keep guiding us all till Jannat becomes our abode. May Allah ease the suffering of all our oppressed Muslims in other parts of the globe. Aameen.