[16].Surah An-Nahl [The Bees]: Ayat 37-38

Ayat 37. If you (O Muhammad  [SAWW](PBUH) covet for their guidance, then verily Allah guides not those whom He makes to go astray (or none can guide him whom Allah sends astray). And they will have no helpers.

Ayat 38. And they swear by Allah their strongest oaths, that Allah will not raise up him who dies. Yes, (He will raise them up), a promise (binding) upon Him in truth, but most of mankind know not. 

 

Hazrat `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah  [SAWW](PBUH) used to say: "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-`afafa wal-ghina (O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-sufficiency)".  [Muslim Book 37, Chapter 17, Hadith # 6566]. 

Lesson : as mentioned above in Surah An-Nahl Ayat 37. verily Allah guides not those whom He makes to go astray." This Hadith contains four words, the meanings and implications of which constitute its essence. These words are guidance, piety (fear of Allah), chastity and sufficiency. Guidance here means guidance at every turn of life and steadfastness on the path of truth. Fear of Allah is the greatest means of piety and strongest defense against sins. Chastity is the state of being free from what is unlawful. Self-sufficiency is the antonym of poverty and here it means the self-contentment. What it implies is that one should not care for what people possess. In view of all these qualities, the prayer of the Prophet (PBUH) mentioned in this Hadith is very comprehensive and valuable.