The Essence of Life: Someone asked the respected Shaikh-ul-Islam Mufti Muhammad Taqi Usmani Sahib, "Hazrat, what is the essence of life?" Hazrat stated these 20 points: (1) Always express gratitude to Allah in every situation. (2) Strive that throughout your entire life, no one complains about you to another human being; complaining to the Lord is a far more distant matter. (3) Never compete with family members. Accept the loss, but do not compete. You will see the result yourself later. (4) Do not say anywhere, "I am a scholar, give me a concession/favor." This is an inappropriate act. Strive to become a giver. (5) The best dining mat (Dastarkhwan) is the one at home. Whatever is in your destiny, you will eat it like kings. (6) Do not place hope in anyone except Allah. (7) With each coming day, increase your hard work further. (8) It is appropriate to keep a distance from the gatherings of the wealthy and the arrogant. (9) Give charity (Sadqah) every day in the morning, and recite Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) in the evening. (10) Bring sweetness into your speech. (11) Do not speak in a loud voice even to a small child. (12) Respect the place from where you receive your sustenance (Rizq) with all your heart and soul. The more respect you show, the more your sustenance will increase, Insha'Allah. (13) Strive to sit in the company of successful people in life. One day or another, you too will surely become a part of that group. (14) Respect the skilled person of every field and treat them with courtesy, no matter which field they belong to. (15) The more morally and politely you deal with parents, teachers, and relatives, the more blessings (Barakah) there will be in your sustenance and life. (16) Adopt moderation in every task. (17) Maintain relations with common people as well; you will get to learn a lot from this too. (18) Do not complain about one person to another. Our beloved Holy Prophet (ﷺ) did not like those who complain. (19) Present everything in a positive manner; this will resolve many problems. (20) Keep your tongue quiet in the gatherings of elders. In the end, he taught the following supplication (Dua) to be read with diligence in difficult times, stating that it will bring great benefit, Insha'Allah: "رَبَّنَا آتِنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً وَّهَيِّئْ لَنَا مِنْ أَمْرِنَا رَشَدًا" (Our Lord, grant us from Yourself mercy and prepare for us from our affair right guidance.)
