10-24-2003, 05:43 PM
The Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to offer the following dua':
<b>"O Allah, keep me in the company of the poor. Let me die in poverty, raise me with the poor on the Day of Judgement."</b>
Aisha once asked the Prophet, "Why do you ask to be kept in the company of the poor, let you die in poverty and raise you with the poor?"
Rasulullah replied, "The poor will enter the Paridise before the rich." After a pause he added, "O Aisha, never turn a needy person away from your door. Give him something, though it be only a piece of a date. Respect the poor and love them in spite of their poverty. If you bring the poor and needy closer to you, Allah will bring you closer to himself."
When I remember the humble character of the Prophet, I love him more, and appreiciate more the blessings I have been given. He is truly a Mercy sent to us form Allah, and if we all make an effort to be a bit more like the Prophet, insha Allah we will be a better people. May Allah shower his mercy on His Ummah.