The third impediment to reformation of practice is to only keep immediate or short-term matters in view. Matters of faith and creed are long-term and relate to the Hereafter.
The fourth impediment to reformation of practice is the correlation between habit and practice...Once habits are formed it becomes difficult to shake them off. God commands to advice and even if there is an iota of faith in someone, advice works. A person had the habit of swearing. When a complaint was sent to Hazrat Musleh Maud (may Allah be pleased with him) he sent for the person and asked him why did he swear? The person swore and said who says I swear, without realizing what he was saying. These days people are drawn to watching unsuitable films on the internet etc. Their case is like taking an intoxicant, they do not eat, do not sleep, simply sit and watch films, not caring about their family, wife and children.
The fifth cause of impediment to reformation of practice is family: wife and children. The wife may have demanded something or the son may have asked for money which the father could not provide, or money may be required for treatment of an ailing child. The person may think of usurping the money left as a trust with him to meet his needs and not care about the consequences.
Borne out of undue indulgence some parents in particular in this liberal society – although this also goes on the underdeveloped countries – do not make their children conform to Islamic teachings. Someone living in the developed world marries his daughter off in Pakistan and on the very first day tells the son-in-law that his daughter’s upbringing has been very pampered and she is free to do what she wants so no restrictions should be put on her. The daughter is very haughty because of the father’s encouragement and does not think anything of her husband.
The sixth cause of impediment in reformation of practice is that man does not constantly watch himself. We should be mindful that the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) told us there are 700 commandments in the Holy Qur’an to be abided by.
There is the example of one shopkeeper going to Salat and the other keeping his shop open to attract all the customers while the first shopkeeper is away offering Salat! Complaint was received about Rabwah shopkeepers in this vein but now a report has been sent that they have all agreed to shut their shops during Salat times. Ahmadis all over the world need to be mindful of this matter.
The eighth impediment in reformation of practice is that it becomes extremely difficult to bring such reformation about unless the whole family is reformed. Everyone in the family should make an effort but the head of the family has an important role to play...Today we need to pledge that we will give sacrifice of our personal wishes, wishes of our family and will fully try to give each such sacrifice which brings about reformation of practice.
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