the four men in the mosque

"Time is witness that, surely, mankind suffers loss,
except for those of faith,
Who do good, and become a model of truthful living,
and together practice patience and constancy."
[surah al-Asr; 103]


Four Men entered a mosque and each busied himself in salah, humbly prostrating before Allah.

Each one said the "Allahu Akhbar" after first having made his intention, and began to pray with humility.

Meanwhile the Mu'adhdhin came in and gave the call to salah.

The first man blurted out to the Mu'adhdhin, "Are you calling to the prayer? Are you sure it is the right time?"

The second spoke on the spur of the moment, "You have wasted your salah by speaking during prayers!"

The third retorted, "Why did YOU speak? Tell your OWN self how to behave!"

The fourth mumbled, "Praise be to Allah! I wasn't a party to their arguments."

Thus all the four broke their salat and wasted it. The fault-finders went more astray than the one who made the original mistake.


Correct yourself before correcting others.