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Every moment of our lives presents us with a choice.

We are constantly listening to two promises: the promise of Allah (SWT) and the promise of Shaitaan.

Allah promises reward, rank, and honor for those who act for His sake.

Shaitaan, on the other hand, whispers warnings of loss, poverty, and humiliation.

These conflicting promises apply to life's grand decisions and everyday moments.

The Fear of Poverty and Humiliation

The Prophet (ﷺ) highlighted a deep connection between the fear of poverty and the fear of humiliation.

Often, our reluctance to give in charity stems from a fear of financial loss and a desire to safeguard our sense of security and status.

Similarly, we resist forgiving others or humbling ourselves because of the imagined threat to our dignity.

Shaitaan exploits these fears relentlessly. When you feel hesitation to spend in the way of Allah, it’s as if 70,000 mouths of Shaitaan are clinging to your wealth, making you second-guess your decision.

The same is true for acts of humility: Shaitaan bombards you with thoughts of losing face, rank, or honor.

When the opportunity to give arises, Shaitaan whispers: “If you give, you’ll have less for yourself. Save it for security.” 

Yet Allah’s promise counters this, assuring us that every act of charity is an investment in our Hereafter and that our wealth will only grow through generosity.

Forgiveness: A Path to Honor

Forgiveness can feel even harder.

Shaitaan amplifies the voices of pride and ego:

“If you let this go, they’ll think you’re weak. What will people say? Hold onto the grudge—it’s the dignified thing to do.” 

These whispers convince us that forgiveness diminishes our honor, but the Prophet (ﷺ) reassures us: “Allah will not increase a servant in the ability to forgive except that He increases them in honor.”

The act of forgiving, of letting go for Allah’s sake, is a profound form of strength. It transforms the heart, elevates the soul, and fulfills Allah’s promise of honor and dignity.

The Universal Truth of Humility

The Prophet (ﷺ) taught, “No one humbles themselves for the sake of Allah except that Allah elevates them.” 

This is a universal promise. Whether it’s forgiving someone, letting go of pride, or spending in Allah’s way, humility is always met with divine elevation.

Imagine how transformative our lives would be if we prioritized Allah’s promise over Shaitaan’s whispers.

Instead of fearing loss, we would embrace every opportunity to please Allah, trusting in His rewards and wisdom.

Remember, Allah’s promise is never broken. It leads to lasting peace, honor, and rewards beyond imagination.