Special Times, Special Places
 “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul-Hijjah. 

They said, “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.” (Bukhari, Book of the Two Festivals,18)

...

Taking a humble breather
"Anyone who possesses a speck of pride (kibr) in his heart will not enter Paradise." Muslim, Iman 149. The feeling of comfort, state of relaxation and lack of arrogance one experiences when in the presence of family, friends and those who have espoused good manners as ordered by Allah stem from the fact that one believes they will not be misunderstood by these people and will be accepted, no matt...

Being a Neighbor to the Hungry
"Whoever goes to bed while his neighbor is hungry is not a true believer." (Heysemi, Mecmeu'z-zevaid, VIII, 167)Selfishness is a trait found in man, but it is looked down upon in our religion. It is one of the most basic characteristics of the ego - the desire to feel pleasure and possess something. Saying, "I want it all, or let someone else have less or worse than me, and I do...