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March 3rd, 2007
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Discretion and Success

Posted by Faraz Rabbani, Former SunniPath Instructor on March 3rd, 2007

Imam Bayhaqi transmits in his Shu`ab al-Iman that Mu`adh ibn Jabal related that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said,

“Seek assistance in secrecy to fulfill your needs, for anyone with blessings is envied.”

“Secrecy” here refers to keeping quiet about one’s plans and projects–particularly when there is no need to talk about them. The scholars mention that this is one of the proprieties of planning, and a strong means for the facilitation of one’s projects.

This is also closer to sincerity, which is another key to Divine Favor.

And Allah alone gives success.

شعب الإيمان - (ج 13 / ص 117)
عن معاذ بن جبل قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم :
استعينوا على نجاح الحوائج بالكتمان لها فإن كل ذي نعمة محسود


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Comment:
1
Written by:
Seekersdigest.org » Blog Archive » SunniPath Blog - » Discretion and Success
Posted on:
March 3rd, 2007 at 11:21 pm

[…] SunniPath Blog - » Discretion and Success […]

Comment:
2
Written by:
Jenny K
Posted on:
March 4th, 2007 at 2:56 am

Assalaamu’alaykum, Shaykh.

Insha Allah it’s okay to ask a question on this…
What does ’seek assistance’ mean here? And could you please give some examples of the types of plans and projects that are meant?
I guess speaking about one’s plans to those you wish to seek assistance from is an exception?
Thank you and jazak Allah khayr.
Salaam.

Comment:
3
Written by:
yasmeen khalid
Posted on:
March 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pm

A very useful advice.Alhamdulilah.

I wonder whether this “secrecy” is also a key to one`s ikhlas or sincerity to Allah swt.

Comment:
4
Written by:
abu hunain
Posted on:
March 5th, 2007 at 8:30 am

As salaamu ‘alaikum Br. Faraz,

What about discussing such projects and plans with ones spouse? Would it be recommended in such a case to discuss our plans with our wives and families?

Comment:
5
Written by:
alexandra
Posted on:
March 10th, 2007 at 7:13 pm

It has happened to me and other ppl I know a number of times–where a person who is happy and eager to spread good news, plans, or something of that nature (pertaining to the future) and then things go wrong “out of nowhere”. That’s why I think it’s best not to tell ppl about big plans or news unless really necessary–like when making marriage plans, etc. I think drawing unnecessary attention can reduce baraka and sometimes ikhlas, may Allah help us all.