And just as this rule holds true for worship, it holds true for the affairs of everyday life as well. A person should not change direction every hour or chase a new idea at every moment; rather, he should remain upon his course until error becomes manifest. If it does become clear that he is mistaken, he must not allow himself to persist in that mistake. But so long as no error is evident, staying the course is better and a clearer sign of firmness. It shows that he is someone who never takes a step until he knows where to set his foot and when to lift it.

Some people give no thought to their ordinary affairs: each day they embrace a new notion and adopt a fresh perspective. This squanders their time and prevents their hearts from settling on anything. For that reason it is related from ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said, “If someone finds blessing in something, let him hold fast to it.” What a profound saying! It means: if Allah has blessed you in anything—whatever it may be—cling to it; do not flit about, now here, now there, for your time will slip away and you will build nothing. We ask Allah to keep us and you firm upon the truth and to make us among its callers and helpers.

***

153 – ʿUmar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever sleeps through his nightly portion—or part of it—and then recites it between the dawn prayer and the noon prayer, it will be recorded for him as though he had recited it during the night.” Reported by Muslim.