In his spiritually impactful address at the Islamic Centre on Thursday evening, following the Isha prayer, the esteemed Imam of Masjid al-Nabawi, Sheikh Dr. Salah Al-Budair, shared 12 essential pieces of advice rooted in Islamic principles and moral guidance.
Dr. Al-Budair’s first advice emphasized adherence to the core teachings of Islamic Sharia—its doctrine, law, ethics, and conduct. He highlighted that true human happiness is found in aligning with these divine principles.
He reminded the audience to prioritize the Hereafter over worldly desires, warning that the pursuit of material wealth alone could result in a loss of sufficiency. In contrast, those who focus on the Hereafter will find both spiritual contentment and worldly provision.
“Worldly desires are the greatest illness,” he said. “The cure is to resist these desires. Hearts find peace through God-consciousness, obedience to Allah, good character, and treating others well.”
His second piece of advice was to believe in divine decree (Qada and Qadar), stating that such belief brings resilience in the face of hardship and helps ease the suffering of others.
Thirdly, Dr. Al-Budair stressed the importance of preserving and performing the five daily prayers. He called it the defining mark of a Muslim and emphasized punctuality and sincerity in prayer.
Among his other key pieces of advice were:
Promoting peace among individuals
Spreading beneficial knowledge
Attending gatherings of Allah’s remembrance
Choosing good character and avoiding envy
Guarding one’s speech, speaking kindly, and concealing others’ faults
Avoiding insults and encouraging compassion
Steering clear of sinful company
Keeping the company of the righteous, as it nurtures good habits and character
The Dhivehi translation of this special lecture was delivered by the Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed.
