On one occasion, whilst walking amongst his soldiers, Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaidah رضي الله عنه gave a beautiful piece of advice which actually was a reflection of the fear of Allah Ta‘ala within his own heart. He said, “Remember! There are many people, who put on a very good appearance and wear spotlessly clean clothing but their hearts are soiled.”
This advice stresses upon us that, if the outer appearance is important, then the inner condition is far more important. Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم used to make the following du‘aa:
اللهم اجعل سريرتي خيرا من علانيتي، واجعل علانيتي صالحة.
“O Allah! Make my inner better than my outer and make my outer good as well.” (Sunan Tirmizi #3586)
This was the way of the people of the past. Greater emphasis was placed on the internal qualities of a person. Sayyiduna Abu ‘Ubaidah رضي الله عنه continues, “There are many people who are concerned and occupied in making themselves respectable in the eyes of people, whereas in reality they bring embarrassment and disgrace upon themselves. Wipe out your old sins by doing good deeds all the time.” (Siyaru Aa’laamin Nubalaa vol. 1, pg. 18)
(Sayyiduna Abu Ubaidah bin Jarraah رضي الله عنه pg.34)
REFLECTIONS
The Importance of Self-reformation
Hazrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee حفظه الله mentioned:
There are two types of injunctions. One is that which relates to the outer-self (e.g. salaah, fasting, etc.), and the other is that which relates to the inner-self (e.g. ridding the heart from jealousy, pride, etc.). Rectifying the inner-self is also imperative and it cannot be achieved without a tutor (shaikh).
(Ihyaauddeen.co.za)