WE had already, beforehand, taken the covenant of Adam, but he forgot: and We found on his part no firm resolve.” (Qur'an 20:115) The two characteristics that are given of Adam (peace be upon him) are shared by his children: 1) we forget, and 2) we have no firm resolve. These are our weaknesses, however, they are not excuses for not trying to improve. The cure for forgetfulness is constant reminder. It is important for a Muslim to constantly remind him or herself of his purpose in life and what is his aim in this world and in the Hereafter, otherwise it can be very easy to “forget” and get side-tracked by the life of this world. The cure for lack of resolve is patience; to be firm in our resolve, we simply have to face our personal issues, push ourselves to stick to our goal and purpose in life regardless of the consequences. However, if you do forget or lack resolve, and if you do fall behind and make mistakes like our forefather Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) did, then remember the mercy of Allah and seek repentance from Him and never give up trying. Reward is with Allah Narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): A black man or a black woman used to sweep the mosque and he (or she) died. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked about him (or her), and was told that he (or she) had died. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked, “Why did you not inform me? Show me his (or her) grave.” So he went to his (or her) grave and offered funeral prayer.” (Sahih Bukhari, No. 448) How many times have we passed by people whom we didn't notice or recognize since they were doing ‘menial jobs'. Have we ever thought that such people may perhaps be much better than us in the eyes of Allah? The story of this man or woman who would clean the mosque is a deeply moving story from the Seerah. He (or she) was someone that no one noticed and when he (or she) died, the companions thought that they wouldn't bother the Prophet (peace be upon) to pray upon him (or her) and they simply buried him (or her) and prayed upon him (or her) without the Prophet (peace be upon him). But the Messenger (pbuh) noticed his (or her) absence, and enquired about it. When you are sincere and productive, and do your part to be in service of Allah, don't worry if no one notices. Allah knows what you are doing and insha'Allah you will be rewarded for it on the Day of Judgment. Just be sincere and keep going. Productive ancestors Salim Mawla Abi Hudhayfah was the slave of Abu Hudhayfah (may Allah be pleased with him). They both accepted Islam in the early years of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) call. Abu Hudhayfah initially adopted Salim as a son but the two simply became brothers and companions when adoption was prohibited. In the absence of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Salim led the Muslims in prayers at the Masjid Quba' during migration from Makkah to Madina. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) regarded Salim as an authority to teach the Qur'an, and recommended the Muslims to learn it from him directly. Being a participant in the Battle of Badr, Salim fought in all of the military expeditions along side the Prophet (peace be upon him). Salim had a passion for speaking out against injustice, even if it meant reprimanding his own people. He had a very close relationship with Abu Hudhayfah throughout his life. They were both martyred in the battle of Yamaah during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr.
