Sh Faraz: 2 Principles of excellence

At last week's halaqa, Shaykh Faraz mentioned two hadiths which lay the basis of the two principles of excellence:

1."...........Be avid for that which benefits...." (Related by Muslim, on the authority of Abu Hurayra – God be pleased with him)

Din reflects: Benefits being from this world and the next world. But we should keep in mind that the benefit of this world are at their best when they are a means for the next world. How do we do that with normal worldly actions? We do that via intention.

2. "From the excellence of a man's Islam is to leave that which does not concern him." [A sound (hasan) hadith, transmitted by Tirmidhi and others]

Din reflects: That would include lowering one's gaze in public and not looking to see what all others are doing, unless one can benefit them or oneself. It would also entail avoiding pointless gossiping about others or tale bearing. "Oh, so and so is doing such and such"......"Oh guess who had a fight with whom". Or even having thoughts about what others are doing when it is of no benefit to oneself. Its about maximizing one's benefit by focusing on things that matter for one self in this world and the next.