He asked me: "Why did Abu Jahl die in disbelief while Abu Sufyan embraced Islam, despite both having been equal partners in hostility and leaders in faithlessness? And why does one person persevere on the path of guidance until death, while his friend—who may have exceeded him in knowledge and possessed far greater talents—relapses?"

Click here to add text.

**Consolations of Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah to Umar bin al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them both):**

**Between the Horizon of Objectives and the Governance of Adherence**

The Qur’an is the law of Islam, and the Sunnah is its application. A Muslim is required to respect this application just as they are required to respect the law itself. Allah gave His Prophet the right to be followed in what he commands and forbids because, in doing so, he does not speak of his own accord, but rather from the guidance of his Lord. Therefore, obedience to him is obedience to Allah, not blind submission to a mere human being.

To the hearts that return my affection and brotherhood,and to the souls that quench me with rivers of loyalty and purity;for the sake of God I have loved you, and with goodness I have remembered you,and in your absence I have raised your names in sincere prayer.O God, shower my loved ones with mercy that suffices them,and with blessings that fulfill their needs;turn away from them all harm and guard them with Your care.Grant their days tranquility and their hearts light,and decree for them happiness in this world, and success and grace in the Hereafter.Amen

Do not seek the measure of a man’s character in mosques alone, nor in gatherings of remembrance and acts of worship;for there, the finest words are often shown—though not always the truest selves.Test character where rights intersect,in buying and selling, in integrity with money,and in the division of inheritances, where souls are laid bare.Observe it in travel, where masks fall away;in neighborly relations, in marriage ties,and in times of dispute—for there true character is revealed, and integrity is rightly weighed.

People’s character is not revealed by their prayers or their fasting—without in any way belittling them, God forbid, for they are pillars of faith.Rather, it is revealed in the marketplaces, in dealings with money and wealth; in marriage and family ties; in fulfilling the rights of parents and relatives; in travel; in observing the limits set by God; and in respecting the rights of others.These are the true measures of moral character.

On the meanings of dutifulness (birr):Dutifulness is not a sermon to be delivered, nor an argument to be won; it is a character lived out—both in times of ease and in times of trial.It is a form of ingratitude to prevail over one’s parents with words, even when one is right, for arguing with parents is a defeat of manners before it is a victory of opinion.Part of true understanding of dutifulness is realizing that sitting with one’s mother, keeping her company, and bringing joy to her heart outweighs—before God—many voluntary acts of worship; for dutifulness is a form of worship that walks upon the earth and is not seen only in prostration.And from complete understanding is knowing that when parents grow old, their hearts may grow weary, their needs increase, and their patience diminish. The test then becomes greater, mercy more obligatory, and the divine command decisive:“Do not say to them even ‘uff.’”That is, do not show irritation, do not argue back, and do not make them feel that their presence is a burden upon you.Thus, dutifulness in old age is graceful patience, a gentle tongue, and a heart that remembers: those who cared for us when we were weak are the most deserving of our kindness and goodness when we grow strong and their strength fades.

*Kindness to Non-Believers in Islam: A Comparative Textual and Jurisprudential Study*

“Lady Mary in Judaism committed adultery; in Christianity she married; and in Islam, no man ever touched her.”