Prohibition of the Treachery and Breaking one’s Covenant

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 277
Prohibition of the Treachery and Breaking one’s Covenant

Allah, the Exalted, says:

O you who believe! Fulfill (your) obligations.” (5:1)

And fulfill (every) covenant. Verily! The covenant will be questioned about.” (17:34)

1584. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever possesses these four characteristics is a sheer hypocrite; and anyone who possesses one of them possesses a characteristic of hypocrisy till he gives it up. These are: when he is entrusted with something, he proves dishonest; when he speaks, he tells a lie; when he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous; and when he quarrels, he behaves in very imprudent, evil, insulting manner.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1585. Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Umar and Anas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “For every one who breaks his covenant, there will be a (huge) flag on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said: `This flag proclaims a breach of covenant by so-and-so.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1586. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every one who breaks a covenant will have a flag by his buttocks on the Day of Resurrection. It will be raised higher according to the nature of his breach. Behold, there will be no greater a sin with respect to breaking the covenant than that of a ruler who breaks his covenant with the Muslim masses.”
[Muslim].

1587. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah, the Exalted, says: `I will contend on the Day of Resurrection against three (types of) people: One who makes a covenant in My Name and then breaks it; one who sells a free man as a slave and devours his price; and one who hires a workman and having taken full work from him, does not pay him his wages.”’
[Al-Bukhari].

Some Verdicts Pertaining to Supplications

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 252
Some Verdicts Pertaining to Supplications

1496. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who is favoured by another and says to his benefactor: `Jazak-Allah khairan (may Allah reward you well)’ indeed praised (the benefactor) satisfactorily.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1497. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not invoke curses on yourself or on your children or on your possessions lest you should happen to do it at a moment when the supplications are accepted, and your prayer might be granted.”
[Muslim].

1498. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave becomes nearest to his Rubb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications in prostrations.”
[Muslim].

1499. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “The supplication of every one of you will be granted if he does not get impatient and say (for example): `I supplicated my Rubb but my prayer has not been granted‘.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration of Muslim is: “The supplication of a slave continues to be granted as long as he does not supplicate for a sinful thing or for something that would cut off the ties of kinship and he does not grow impatient.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah! What does growing impatient mean?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is one’s saying: `I supplicated again and again but I do not think that my prayer will be answered.’ Then he becomes frustrated (in such circumstances) and gives up supplication altogether.

1500. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “At what time does the supplication find the greatest response?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “A supplication made during the middle of the last part of the night and after the conclusion of the obligatory prayers.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1501. `Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever a Muslim supplicates Allah, He accepts his supplication or averts any similar kind of trouble from him until he prays for something sinful or something that may break the ties of kinship.” Upon this someone of the Companions said: “Then we shall supplicate plenty.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is more plentiful (in responding).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1502. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say when he was in distress: “La ilaha illallahul-Azimul-Halim. La ilaha illallahu Rabbul-`Arshil-`Azim. La ilaha illallahu Rabbus-samawati, wa Rabbul-ardi, wa Rabbul-`Arshil-Karim. (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah the Incomparably Great, the Compassionate. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah the Rubb of the Mighty Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah the Rubb of the heavens, the Rubb of the earth, and the Rubb of the Honourable Throne).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Prohibition of Envy

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 270
Prohibition of Envy

Allah, the Exalted, says:

Or do they envy men (Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and his followers) for what Allah has given them of His Bounty?” (4:54)

1569.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Beware of envy because envy consumes (destroys) the virtues just as the fire consumes the firewood,” or he said “grass.”
[Abu Dawud].

Some cases where it is permissible to Backbite

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 256
Some cases where it is permissible to Backbite

1531. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: A man sought permission for audience with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He said, “Give him permission but he is a bad member of his tribe.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1532. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I do not think that so-and-so understands anything of our Faith.
[Al-Bukhari]

Al-Bukhari said: Al-Laith bin Sa`d, who is one of the narrators of this Hadith, said: The two men mentioned by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in this Hadith were hypocrites (i.e., they revealed Faith and concealed disbelief).

1533. Fatimah bint Qais (May Allah be pleased with her) said: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said to him: “Muawiyah and Abul-Jahm sent me a proposal of marriage.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Muawiyah is destitute and he has no property, and Abul-Jahm is very hard on women.”
[Bukhari and Muslim].

1534. Zaid bin Al-Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We set out on a journey along with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and we faced many hardships. `Abdullah bin Ubaiy (the chief of the hypocrites at Al-Madinah) said to his friends: “Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) until they desert him.” He also said: “If we return to Al-Madinah, the more honourable (meaning himself, i.e., Abdullah bin Ubaiy) will drive out therefrom the meaner (meaning Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).” I went to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about that and he sent someone to `Abdullah bin Ubaiy. He asked him whether he had said that or not. Abdullah took an oath that he had not done anything of that sort and said that it was Zaid who carried a false tale to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Zaid said: I was so much perturbed because of this until this Verse was revealed verifying my statement:

When the hypocrites come to you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)), they say: `We bear witness that you are indeed the Messenger of Allah.’ Allah knows that you are indeed His Messenger, and Allah bears witness that the hypocrites are liars indeed.” (63:1) Then the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) called the hypocrites in order to seek forgiveness for them from Allah, but they turned away their heads.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1535. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): Abu Sufyan is a niggardly man and does not give me and my children adequate provisions for maintenance unless I take something from his possession without his knowledge. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to her, “Take from his possessions on a reasonable basis that much which may suffice for you and your children.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Prohibition of Recounting of Favors

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 278
Prohibition of Recounting of Favors

Allah, the Exalted, says:

O you who believe! Do not render in vain your Sadaqah (charity) by reminders of your generosity or by injury.” (2:264)

“Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury.” (2:262)

1588. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) observed: “There are three (types of) people to whom Allah will neither speak on the Day of Resurrection nor look at them nor purify them, and they will have a painful chastisement.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it three times. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) remarked: “They are ruined. Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “One who lets down his lower garments (below his ankels) out of arrogance, one who boasts of his favours done to another; and who sells his goods by taking a false oath.”
[Muslim].

The Prohibition of Backbiting and the Commandment of Guarding one’sTongue

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 254
The Prohibition of Backbiting and the Commandment of Guarding one’s Tongue

Allah, the Exalted, says:

And backbite not one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting). And fear Allah. Verily, Allah is the One Who forgives and accepts repentance, Most Merciful.” (49:12)

And follow not (O man, i.e., say not or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge. Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart, of each of those ones will be questioned (by Allah).” (17:36)

Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18)

1511. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must either speak good or remain silent.”
[Muslim].

1512. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Who is the most excellent among the Muslims?” He said, “One from whose tongue and hands the other Muslims are secure.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1513. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever gives me a guarantee to safeguard what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I shall guarantee him Jannah.
[Al-Bukhari].

1514. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “A person utters a word thoughtlessly (i.e., without thinking about its being good or not) and, as a result of this, he will fall down into the fire of Hell deeper than the distance between the east and the west.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1515. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A man utters a word pleasing to Allah without considering it of any significance for which Allah exalts his ranks (in Jannah); another one speaks a word displeasing to Allah without considering it of any importance, and for this reason he will sink down into Hell.
[Al-Bukhari].

1516. Abu ‘Abdur-Rahman Bilal bin Al-Harith Al-Muzani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A man speaks a good word without knowing its worth, Allah records for him His Good Pleasure till the day he will meet Him; and a man utters an evil word without realizing its importance, Allah records for him His displeasure till the day he will meet Him.”
[Imam Malik and At-Tirmidhi].

1517. Sufyan bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Tell me, of something to which I may remain steadfast.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: My Rubb is Allah and then remain steadfast.” Then I said: “O Messenger of Allah! What do you fear most about me?” He took hold of his own tongue and said: “This.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1518. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not indulge in excessive talk except when remembering Allah. Excessive talking without the Remembrance of Allah hardens the heart; and those who are the farthest from Allah are those whose hearts are hard.
[At-Tirmidhi]

1519. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He whom Allah saves from the evil of that which is between his jaws and the evil of that which is between his legs will enter Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1520. ‘Uqbah bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “How can salvation be achieved?” He replied, “Control your tongue, keep to your house, and weep over your sins.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1521. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the son of Adam gets up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: `Fear Allah for our sake because we are with you: (i.e., we will be rewarded or punished as a result of what you do) if you are straight, we will be straight; and if you are crooked, we will become crooked.”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

1522. Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Inform me of an act which will cause me to enter Jannah and keep me far from Hell.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You have asked me about a matter of great importance, but it is easy for one for whom Allah makes it easy.” He added, “Worship Allah, associate nothing with Him in worship, offer As-Salat (the prayer), pay the Zakat, observe Saum (fasting) during Ramadan and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House of Allah, if you can afford it.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) further said, “Shall I not guide you to the gates of goodness? Fasting is a screen (from Hell), charity extinguishes (i.e., removes) the sins as water extinguishes fire, and standing in prayers by a slave of Allah during the last third part of the night.” Then he recited: “Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Rubb in fear and hope, and they spend (in charity in Allah’s Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (32:17,18) Then he added, “Shall I tell you of the root of the matter, its pillar and its highest point?” I replied: “Yes! Certainly, O Prophet of Allah.” He said, “The root of this matter (foundation) is Islam, its pillar (mainstay is) As-Salat (the prayer) and its highest point is Jihad (fighting in the Cause of Allah).” Then he asked, “Shall I tell you of that which holds all these things?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” So he took hold of his tongue and said, “Keep this in control.” I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Shall we really be accounted for what we talk about?” He replied, “May your mother lose you! People will be thrown on their faces into the Hell on account of their tongues.

1523. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you know what is backbiting?” The Companions said: “Allah and His Messenger know better.” Thereupon he said, “Backbiting is talking about your (Muslim) brother in a manner which he dislikes.” It was said to him: “What if my (Muslim) brother is as I say.” He said, “If he is actually as you say, then that is backbiting; but if that is not in him, that is slandering.
[Muslim].

1524. Abu Bakrah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Delivering the sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage on the day of Sacrifice at Mina, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily your blood, your property and your honour are as sacred and inviolable as the sanctity of this day of yours, in this month of yours and in this town of yours. Verily! I have conveyed this message to you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1525. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: I said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Such and such thing of Safiyyah (May Allah be pleased with her) is sufficient for you.” (She means to say that she was a woman with a short stature). He said, “You have indeed uttered a word which would pollute the sea if it were mixed in it.” She further said: I imitated a person before him and he said, “I do not like that I should imitate someone even (if I am paid) in return such and such.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1526. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “During the Mi`raj (the Night of Ascension), I saw a group of people who were scratching their chests and faces with their copper nails. I asked, `Who are these people, O Jibril?’ Jibril replied: `These are the people who ate flesh of others (by backbiting) and trampled people’s honour.”’
[Abu Dawud].

1527. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The blood, honour and property of a Muslim is inviolable for another Muslim.
[Muslim].

Justification of Cursing the Wrongdoers without Specifying one of them

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 265
Justification of Cursing the Wrongdoers without Specifying one of them

Allah, the Exalted, says:

No doubt! the Curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (polytheists, wrongdoers, oppressors).” (11:18)

“Then a crier will proclaim between them: `The Curse of Allah is on the Zalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers).”’ (7:44)

It has been authentically reported that the Messenger of Allah said, “Curse of Allah is upon those women who wear false hair, and those women who prepare such.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Curse of Allah is upon the one who eats Riba (usury).” And he also cursed the painters of pictures of living objects. And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Curse of Allah is upon him who make changes in land boundaries (to deprive others).” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said, “Curse of Allah is upon the thief who steals (even) an egg.” He also said, “Curse of Allah is upon the one who curses his parents.” And: “Curse of Allah is upon the one who sacrifices an animal for other than Allah.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Who invents heresies in religion here (Al-Madinah), and upon those who supported him, is the Curse of Allah and the angels and all the people.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Allah! Curse be upon Ri`l, Dhakwan and Usaiyyah, the three tribes of Arab who are disobedient to Allah and His Messenger.” He also said, “Curse of Allah is upon the Jews who turned the graves of their Prophets into places of worship.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) cursed those men who imitate women and those women who imitate men.

All these Ahadith are authentic, and are reported by Al-Bukhari or Muslim or by them both. These Ahadith will be cited under their respective chapters, In sha’ Allah.

Prohibition of Suspicion

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 272
Prohibition of Suspicion

Allah, the Exalted, says:

O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins.” (49:12)

1573. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Prohibition of Giving False Testimony

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 263
Prohibition of Giving False Testimony

Allah, the Exalted, says:

And shun lying speech (false statements).” (22:30)

And follow not (O man, i.e., say not or do not or witness not) that of which you have no knowledge.” (17:36)

Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18)

Verily, your Rubb is Ever Watchful (over them).” (89:14)

And those who do not witness falsehood…” (25:72)

1550. Abu Bakrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not inform you of one of the gravest of the cardinal sins?” We said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “To join others as partners with Allah in worship and to be undutiful to one’s parents.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sat up from his reclining position (in order to stress the importance of what he was going to say) and added, “I warn you making a false statement and giving a false testimony. I warn you against making a false statement and giving a false testimony.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept on repeating this (warning) till we wished he should stop.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Prohibition of Maligning

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 268
Prohibition of Maligning

Allah, the Exalted, says:

And those who annoy believing men and women undeservedly, bear on themselves the crime of slander and plain sin.” (33:58)

1565. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A (true) Muslim is one from whose tongue and hand the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (Emigrant) is he who leaves the deeds which Allah has prohibited.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1566. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who desires to be rescued from the fire of Hell and to enter Jannah, should die in a state of complete belief in Allah and the Last Day, and should do unto others what he wishes to be done unto him.
[Muslim].

The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allah

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 244
The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

And the remembering (praising) of (you by) Allah (in front of the angels) is greater indeed [than your remembering (praising) of Allah in prayers]” (29:45)

Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you.” (2:152)

And remember your Rubb by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words, in the mornings and in the afternoons, and be not of those who are neglectful.” (7:205)

And remember Allah much, that you may be successful.” (62:10)

Verily, the Muslims (those who submit to Allah in Islam) men and women… (up to)… And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah).” (33:35)

O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify His Praises morning and afternoon [the early morning (Fajr) and `Asr prayers].” (33:41,42)

1408. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection)‘.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1409. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The uttering of the words: “Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection), Al-hamdu lillah (all praise is due to Allah), La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah) and Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)’ is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises.”
[Muslim].

1410. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who utters a hundred times in a day these words: `La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli sha’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him; His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),’ he will have a reward equivalent to that for emancipating ten slaves, a hundred good deeds will be recorded to his credit, hundred of his sins will be blotted out from his scroll, and he will be safeguarded against the devil on that day till the evening; and no one will exceed him in doing more excellent good deeds except someone who has recited these words more often than him. And he who utters: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’ one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1411. Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “He who utters ten times: `La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahulmulku wa lahulhamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli sha’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent),’ he will have a reward equal to that for freeing four slaves from the progeny of Prophet Isma`il.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1412. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allah?” It is `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi’ (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’.
[Muslim].

1413. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Wudu’ is half of Salat, and the expression: `Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection)’ fills the Balance, and the expression: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ fills the space between the heavens and the earth.”
[Muslim].

1414. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said to him, “Teach me a few words to recite frequently.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu; Allahu Akbar kabiran, wal-hamdu lillahi kathiran, wa subhan-Allahi Rabbil-`alamin; wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahil-`Azizil-Hakim (there is no true god except Allah the One and He has no partner with Him; Allah is the Greatest and greatness is for Him. All praise is due to Him. Allah, the Rubb of the worlds is free from imperfection; there is no might and power but that of Allah, the All-Powerful and the All-Wise.)”’ The bedouin said: “All of these for my Rubb. But what is for me?” Thereupon he (Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “You should say: `Allahummaghfir li, warhamni, wahdini, warzuqni (O Allah! Grant me pardon, have mercy upon me, direct me to righteousness and provide me subsistence)‘.”
[Muslim].

1415. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) concluded his prayer, he would beg forgiveness from Allah thrice and then would recite: “Allahumma Antas-Salamu, wa minkas-salamu, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram (O Allah, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!” (Imam) Al-Awza`i, one of the narrators of this Hadith, was asked: “How forgiveness is to be sought?” He answered: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say: `Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)’.”
[Muslim].

1416. Al-Mughirah bin Shu`bah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say at the conclusion of prayer: “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai’in Qadir. Allahumma la mani`a lima a’tayta, wa la mu`tiya lima mana`ta, wa la yanfa`u dhal-jaddi, minkal-jaddu (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him, His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent. O Allah! None can deny that which You bestow and none can bestow that which You hold back; and the greatness of the great will be of no avail to them against You).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1417. It has been reported that `Abdullah bin Zubair (May Allah be pleased with them) used to recite after Taslim at the conclusion of every Salat (prayer): “La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai’in Qadir. La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah. La ilaha illallahu, wa la na`budu illa iyyahu, Lahun-ni`matu, wa lahul-fadlu, wa lahuth-thana’ul-hasan. La ilaha ilallahu, mukhlisina, lahud-dina, wa lau karihal-kafirun (there is no true god except Allah; He is One. To Him belongs the dominion and to Him is all praise, and He is Powerful over all things. There is no power and might except with (the help of) Allah. There is no God but Allah and we worship none except Him, to Him belongs the bounty and to Him belongs the grace, and to Him belongs all excellent praise; there is no deity but Allah. We reserve our devotion exclusively for Him though the disbelievers may detest it).” Ibn Az-Zubair said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to celebrate Allah’s Greatness in those terms after every Salat (prayer).
[Muslim].

1418. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The poor Emigrants came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “The wealthy have gone with the highest ranks and lasting bliss.” He asked: “How is that?” They replied: “They offer Salat (prayer) as we offer it; they observe fast as we do; (and as they are wealthy) they perform Hajj and `Umrah, and go for Jihad, and they spend in charity but we cannot, and they free the slaves but we are unable to do so.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not teach you something with which you may overtake those who surpassed you and with which you will surpass those who will come after you? None will excel you unless he who does which you do.” They said: “Yes, please do, O Messenger of Allah” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You should recite: Tasbih (Allah is free from imperfection), Takbir (Allah is Greatest), Tahmid (Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times after each Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Abu Salih, the subnarrator of the Hadith said, when Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) was asked about the manner of reciting Tasbih, Tahmid and Takbir, he said, “Recite: “Subhan-Allah, wal-hamdulillah, wallahu Akbar’, till all are recited thirty-three times.

1419. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who recites after every prayer: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shai’in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea.
[Muslim].

1420. Ka`b bin `Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are some words, the reciters of which will never be disappointed. These are: Tasbih [saying `Subhan-Allah’ (Allah is free from imperfection)], thirty-three times, Tahmid [saying `Al-hamdu lillah’ (praise be to Allah)] thirty-three times and Takbir [saying `Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Greatest)] thirty-four times; and these should be recited after the conclusion of every prescribed prayer.”
[Muslim]

1421. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to seek (Allah’s) protection after prayers in these words: “Alla-humma inni a`udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a`udhu bika min an uradda ila ardhalil-`umur, wa a`udhu bika min fitnatid-dunya, wa a`udhu bika min fitnatil-qabr (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness and from being sent back to a feeble age; and, seek refuge with You from the trials of this life and those of the grave).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1422. Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) took hold of my hand and said, “O Mu`adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: “Allahumma a`inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni `ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner).
[Abu Dawud].

1423. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you has done his Tashahhud during Salat (prayer), he should seek refuge in Allah against four things and say: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min `adhabi jahannam, wa min `adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the mischief of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).”
[Muslim].

1424. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was in Salat (prayer), he used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after Tashahhud and before the concluding salutations: “Allahum-maghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a`lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma Anta a`lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqqadimu, wa Antal-Mu’akh-khiru. La ilaha illa Anta (O Allah! Forgive my former and latter sins, which I have done secretly and those which I have done openly, and that I have wronged others, and those defaults of mine about which You have better knowledge than I have. You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire. None has the right to be worshipped but You.”
[Muslim].

1425. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite frequently in his bowing and prostration: “Subhanak-Allahumma, Rabbana wa bihamdika. Allahum-maghfir li (O Allah! You are free from imperfection and I begin with praising You. Forgive my sins).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1426. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite in his bowing and prostration: “Subbuhun Quddusun, Rabbul-mala’ikati war-ruh [You are the Most Glorious. The Most Holy. You the Rubb of the angels and of Jibril
[Muslim].

1427. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Glorify your Lord in Ruku` (bowing posture) and exert yourself in supplication in prostration. Thus your supplications are liable to be accepted.”
[Muslim].

1428. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave becomes nearest to his Rubb when he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating.”
[Muslim].

1429. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say in his prostration: Allahum-maghfir li dhanbi kullahu: diqqahu wa jillahu, wa `awwalahu wa akhirahu, wa alaniyatahu wa sirrahu (O Allah! Forgive all my sins, the small and the great, first and the last, the open and the secret).”
[Muslim].

1430. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: One night I missed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) from his bed. I searched for him. When I found him he was in bowing or prostrating posture and was reciting: Subhanaka wa bi hamdika. La ilaha illa Anta (You are free from imperfection and I begin praising You. There is no true god except You).

Another narration is: My hand fell over his feet while he was in prostration with his feet erect. He was supplicating: “Allahumma inni a`udhu biridaka min sakhatika, wa bi-mu`afatika min `uqubatika, wa a`udhu bika minka, la uhsi thana’an `alaika, Anta kama athnaita `ala Nafsika (O Allah! I seek protection against Your Wrath in Your Pleasure. I seek protection in Your Pardon against Your chastisement, I am not capable of enumerating praise of You. You are as You have lauded Yourself).”

1431. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he asked, “Is anyone of you unable to earn a thousand good deeds?” One of those present asked: “How can one earn thousand good deeds in a day?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “By saying: Subhan Allah a  hundred times, then one thousand good deeds will be recorded for him or one thousand sins will be blotted out from his record.”
[Muslim].

1432. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every morning charity is due from every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., Subhan-Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of praise of Him (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of profession of Faith (i.e., La ilaha illallah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Greatness (i.e., Allahu Akbar) is an act of charity; and enjoining good is an act of charity and forbidding what is disreputable is an act of charity; and two Rak`ah prayer which one offers in the forenoon (Ad-Duha) will suffice for all this.”
[Muslim].

1433. Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet  said, “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].”
[Muslim].

1434. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1435. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Exalted says: `I am as my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1436. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Mufarridun have gone ahead.” He was asked, “Who are the Mufarridun?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Those men and women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of Allah.”
[Muslim].

1437. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “The best way to celebrate the remembrance of Allah is to say: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1438. `Abdullah bin Busr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One of the Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah. There are many injunctions of Islam for me. So tell me something to which I may hold fast.” He said, “Keep your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1439. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “For him who says: `Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),’ a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1440. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I met Ibrahim (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on the Night of Ascension (Al-Asra), and he said to me: `O Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a plain levelled land. The plants grow there by uttering: Subhan-Allah, Al-hamdu lillah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar (Allah is free from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true god except Allah; and Allah is Greatest).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1441. Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not inform you of the best of your actions which are the purest to your Rubb, which exalt you to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite your necks?” They said, “Certainly.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Remembrance of Allah the Exalted.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1442. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and I went to see a woman. She had date-stones or pebbles in front of her, and she was counting and reciting Tasbih. [`Subhan-Allah’ (Allah is free from imperfection)]. He said, “Shall I not inform you of what is easier or better than this for you?” You should say: `Subhan-Allahi `adada ma khalaqa fis-sama’, wa subhan-Allahi `adada ma khalaqa fil-ardi, wa subhan-Allahi `adada ma baina dhalika, wa subhan-Allahi `adada ma Huwa Khaliqun, wallahu Akbaru mithla dhalika, wal-hamdu lillahi mithla dhalika, wa la ilaha illallahu mithla dhalika, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billahi mithla dhalika (Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of what He created in the heaven; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number of His creatures in the earth; and Subhan-Allah, equal to the number in between them; and Subhan-Allah equal to the number of those He will create).’ Then say: `Allahu Akbar’ (Allah is Greatest) in the same way. Then say: `Al-hamdu lillah’ (praise be to Allah) in the same way. Then say: `La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) in the same way. Then say: `La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (there is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah) in the same manner.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1443. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Shall I not guide you to a treasure from the treasures of Jannah?” I said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah!” Thereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(Recite) `La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah’ (There is no change of a condition nor power except by Allah).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Worship in the time of Tribulations

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 239
The Excellence of Worship in the time of Tribulations

1366.   Ma`qil bin Yasar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The reward of worship performed at a time of trials is equal in reward to an emigration to me.”
[Muslim].

The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 233
The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka`bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (3:97)

1271. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The superstructure of) Islam is based on five (pillars), testifying the fact that La ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasul-ullah [there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) is the Messenger of Allah], establishing As-Salat (the prayers), paying Zakat (poor due), the pilgrimage to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)], and the Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1272. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) delivered a Khutbah and said, “O people! Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah) has been made incumbent upon you, so perform Hajj.” A man inquired: “O Messenger of Allah, is it prescribed every year?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remained silent till the man repeated it thrice. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Had I replied in the affirmative, it would have surely become obligatory, and you would not have been able to fulfill it.” Afterwards he said, “Do not ask me so long as I do not impose anything upon you, because those who were before you were destroyed on account of their frequent questioning and their disagreement with their Prophets. So when I order you to do something, do it as far as you can; and when I forbid you from doing anything, eschew it.”
[Muslim].

1273. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Faith in Allah and His Messenger.” Then he was asked: “What is next?” He replied, “Jihad (holy fighting) in the Cause of Allah.” Then he was asked, “What is after that?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1274. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage) and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1275. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The performance of) `Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous `Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1276. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said: “O Messenger of Allah! We consider Jihad as the best deed, should we not then go for Jihad?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best Jihad for you women is Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted by Allah).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1277. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of `Arafah.”
[Muslim].

1278. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The performance of) `Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (pilgrimage).” Or said, “Equal to the performance of Hajj with me.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1279. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “Allah’s obligation upon His slaves has become obligatory on my father in his old age. My father is very old and incapable of riding. May I perform Hajj on his behalf?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1280. Laqit bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “My father is a very old man and does not have strength to perform Hajj (pilgrimage) or `Umrah or to undertake the journey.” The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform Hajj and `Umrah on behalf of your father.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1281.  As-Sai’b bin Yazid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was seven years old when I was taken to perform Hajj (pilgrimage). This was during the time the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the Hajjat-ul-Wada` (Farewell Pilgrimage).

[Al-Bukhari].

1282. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came across a caravan at Ar-Rauha’ and asked who the people in the caravan were. They replied that they were Muslims. They asked: “Who are you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I am the Messenger of Allah.” Then a woman lifted up a boy to him and asked: “Would this child be credited with having performed the Hajj (pilgrimage)?” Whereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes, and you will have a reward.”
[Muslim].

1283. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the pilgrimage on an unsaddled camel which also carried his provisions (i.e., his Zamilah).
[Al-Bukhari].

1284. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Ukaz, Mijannah and Dhul-Majaz were markets during the pre-Islamic period. The Companions disliked trading there till the following Ayat of the Noble Qur’an were revealed: “There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Rubb (during pilgrimage by trading)…” (2:198)
[Al-Bukhari].

The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 236
The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves

Allah, the Exalted, says:

But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep (i.e., the path which will lead to goodness and success). And what will make you know the path that is steep? (It is) freeing a neck (slave).” (90:11-13)

1358.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who sets free a Muslim slave, Allah will deliver from the fire of Hell every limb of his body in return for every limb of the slave’s body, even his private parts.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1359.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “Which deed is most excellent?” He replied, “Faith in Allah and Jihad in His path.” I then asked, “Which slaves are most excellent (to set free)?” He replied, “Those who are held in high esteem by their people and whose value is higher.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Remembrance of Allah in the Morning and in the Evening

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 248
Remembrance of Allah in the Morning and in the Evening

Allah, the Exalted, says:

وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ

And remember your Rubb by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings, and in the afternoons and be not of those who are neglectful. (7:205)

وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا

And declare the perfectness of your Rubb before the rising of the sun, and before its setting.” (20:130)

وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ

And declare the perfectness of your Rubb and praise Him in the `Ashi (i.e., the time period after the midnoon till sunset) and in the Ibkar(i.e., the time period from early morning or sunrise till before midnoon).” (40:55)

فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ ۙ يَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ الْقُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصَارُ

In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is mentioned in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings. Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts from the remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue). (24:36,37)

إِنَّا سَخَّرْنَا الْجِبَالَ مَعَهُ يُسَبِّحْنَ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِشْرَاقِ

Verily, We made the mountains to declare the Perfectness of Allah with him [Dawud (David)] in the `Ashi (i.e., after the midday till sunset) and Ishraq (i.e., after the sunrise till midday). (38:18)

1451. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with praising Him)’ one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words.”

[Muslim].

1452. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and said, “What a trouble I suffered from a scorpion which stung me last night!” He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

Had you said in the evening: `A`udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek the protection of Allah’s Perfect Words from the evil of whatever He has created),’ it would not have harmed you.”

[Muslim].

1453. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to say in the morning:

Allahumma bika asbahna, wa bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur

(O Allah! With Your Power we have come to the morning, with Your Power we come to the evening, with Your Power we live, and we die, and to You will we return).”

In the evening he would say:

Allahumma bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur

(O Allah! With Your Power, we have come to the evening, by You do we live, by You do we die, and to You is the return).”

[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1454. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abu Bakr asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Teach me some words so that I may recite them in the morning and in the evening.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

Recite these words: `Allahumma fatiras-samawati wal-ardi, `alimal-ghaibi wash-shahadati, Rabba kulli shai’in wa malikahu. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, a`udhu bika min sharri nafsi, wa sharrish-Shaitani wa shirkihi

(O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth! Knower of the hidden and the exposed! Rubb of everything and every one. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but You. I seek Your Protection from the evil of my own self from the evil of Satan and from the evil of Shirk to which he calls).”’

The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) added: “Recite these words in the morning and the evening and when you go to bed.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1455. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When it was evening, the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate:

Amsaina wa amsal-mulku lillah, wal-hamdu lillah. La `ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu

(We have entered upon evening and the whole kingdom of Allah, too, has entered upon evening. Praise is due to Allah. There is none who has the right to be worshiped but Allah, the One who has no partner with Him).”

He (the narrator) said: I think that he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to follow the recitation with these words:

Lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shi’in Qadir. Rabbi as’aluka khaira ma fi hadhihil-lailati, wa khaira ma ba`daha; wa a`udhu bika min sharri ma fi hadhihil-lailati, wa sharri ma ba`daha; Rabbi a`udhu bika minal-kasali, wa suil-kibari; Rabbi a`udhu bika min `adhabin fin-nari, wa `adhabin fil-qabri

(His is the sovereignty and to Him is all praise due, and He is Omnipotent. My Rubb, I beg of you good that lies in this night and good that follows it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil that lies in this night and from the evil of that which follows it. My Rubb! I seek refuge in You from lethargy and the misery of old age. O Allah! I seek Your Protection from the torment of Hell-fire and the punishment of the grave).”

When it was morning, he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) would recite the same, replacing the words:

We have entered upon evening and the whole kingdom of Allah, too, has entered upon evening” with “We have entered upon morning and the whole kingdom of Allah entered upon morning.”

(Replace the words “Amsaina, amsa, hadhihil-lailati, ma ba`daha with Asbahna, asbaha, hadhal-yaumi, ma ba`dahu, respectively.)

[Muslim].

1456. `Abdullah bin Khubaib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite Surat Al-Ikhlas and Al-Mu`awwidhatain (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) three times at dawn and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1457. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who recites three times every morning and evening:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma`as-mihi shai’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i, wa Huwas-Sami`ul-`Alim (In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All-Knowing),’

nothing will harm him.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Source: Dar-us-salam English Publication of Riyad-us-Saliheen

Related Links:

Excellence of Fair Bargaining and Matters Relation to it

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 240
Excellence of Fair Bargaining and Matters Relation to it

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allah knows it well.” (2:215)

“And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people.” (11:85)

“Woe to Al-Mutaffifun (those who give less in measure and weight). Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure. And when they have to give by measure or weight to (other) men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be resurrected (for reckoning). On a Great Day? The Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Rubb of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?” (83:1-6)

1367.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man demanded of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for repayment of a loan and was harsh to him. His Companions were about to attack him, but he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Leave him, as the creditor is entitled to make a demand. Give him a camel of the same age as the camel that is due to him.” They said: “We find a better camel senior to it in age.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Then buy it and give it to him; verily the best of you is the one who is the best in discharging his obligations (repayment of loans).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1368.   Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys and demands for the repayment of loans.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1369.  Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who likes Allah to deliver him from the calamities of the Day of Resurrection, let him either give respite to a debtor or grant him remission (of loans) in straitened circumstances.”
[Muslim].

1370.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: `When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.’ So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1371.  Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A person from amongst the people who lived before you was called to account by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. No good deeds were found in his credit except that he being a rich man had (financial) dealings with people and had commanded his servants to show leniency to those who were in straitened circumstances. Upon this Allah, the Exalted, and Majestic said: `I am more entitled to this attribute, so waive (his faults).”’
[Muslim].

1372.  Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave of Allah whom He had endowed with wealth, will be brought before Him. Allah will ask him: `What did you do in the world?’ (They cannot conceal anything from Allah.) He will say: `O my Rubb, You endowed me with Your wealth; I used to enter into transactions with people and it was my nature to be lenient to the insolvent ones. I used to give respite to those who were in straitened circumstances.’ Whereupon Allah will say: `I am more entitled than you to do this. So forgive my slave‘.” `Uqbah bin `Amir and Abu Mas`ud Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with them) said, “Thus we heard it from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).”
[Muslim].

1373.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of His Throne, on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except its shade.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1374.   Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) purchased a camel from me and weighed more than its price.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1375.   Abu Safwan Suwaid bin Qais (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Makhramah Al-`Abdi and I procured some drapery from Hajar and brought them to Makkah. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came and bargained with us for some trousers and we sold them to him. We had a person who weighed the cloth in order to fix the price. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Weigh and add a little to it.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Supplicating in one’s Absence

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 251
The Excellence of Supplicating in one’s Absence

Allah, the Exalted, says:

And those who came after them say: `Our Rubb! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith.”’ (59:10)

And ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women”. (47:19)

Our Rubb! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.” (14: 41)

1494. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his (Muslim) brother in his absence, the angels say: `May the same be for you too‘.”
[Muslim].

1495. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The supplication of a Muslim for his (Muslim) brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `A   meen! May it be for you, too‘.”
[Muslim].

Remembrance of Allah in all Conditions

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 245
Remembrance of Allah in all Conditions

Allah, the Exalted, says:

Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides..” (3:190,191)

1444. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to remember Allah at all times.
[Muslim].

1445. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone intends to have (sexual intercourse) with his wife, he should say: “Bismillah! Allahumma janibnash-Shaitana, wa jannibish-Shaitana ma razaqtana (In the Name of Allah, O Allah! Keep us away from Satan and keep Satan away from what You have bestowed upon us);’ and if Allah has ordained a child for them, Satan will never harm him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and itsExcellence, and its Manner

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 243
The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and its Excellence,
and its Manner

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Allah exalts the mention of His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and His angels supplicate Him to do so. O you who believe! supplicate Allah to exalt his mention and to grant him safety and security.

1397. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Whoever supplicates Allah to exalt my mention, Allah will exalt his mention ten times.
[Muslim].

1398. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The people who will be nearest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who supplicate Allah more often for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1399. Aus bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Among the best of your days is Friday; so supplicate Allah more often for me in it , for your supplications will be displayed to me.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah! How will our blessings be displayed to you when your decayed body will have mixed with the earth?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”
[Abu Dawud].

1400. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May his nose soil with dust in whose presence mention is made of me and he does not supplicate for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1401. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not make my grave a place of festivity, and supplicate Allah for me, for your supplication reaches me wherever you are.”
[Abu Dawud].

1402. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever someone greets  me, Allah returns the soul to my body (in the grave) and I return his greeting.”
[Abu Dawud].

1403. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned but he does not supplicate for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1404. Fadalah bin `Ubaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) heard some one supplicating after his prayer without praising Allah and without supplicating Allah for the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). With regard to him, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “This man rushed.” Then he called him and said, “When any one of you have performed Salat (prayer) and wants to supplicate, let him praise Allah first then glorify Him in the beginning and then he should supplicate Allah for me. Then he may supplicate for whatever he likes.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1405. Abu  Muhammad  Ka`b  bin `Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to us and we asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, we already know how to greet you (i.e., say As-salamu `alaikum), but how should we supplicate for you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: `Allahumma salli `ala Muhammadin, wa `ala `ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita `ala `ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma barik `ala Muhammadin, wa `ala `ali Muhammadin, kama barakta `ala `ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid [O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1406. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting in the company of Sa`d bin `Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him), when the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to us. Bashir bin Sa`d said: “O Messenger of Allah! Allah has commanded us to supplicate for you, but how should we do that?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept silent. We were much perturbed over his silence and we wished he did not asked him this question. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: `O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. And bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are the Praised, the Glorified,’ and the method of greeting (i.e., Salam) is as you know.”
[Muslim].

1407. Abu Humaid As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Messenger of Allah! How should we supplicate for you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Say: `Allahumma salli `ala Muhammadin wa `ala azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kama sallaita `ala Ibrahima; wa barik `ala Muhammadin wa `ala azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kama barakta `ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum-Majid (O Allah sent Your Salat (O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and his wives and offspring as You exalted the mention of the family of Ibrahim, and bless Muhammad and the wives and  the offspring of Muhammad as you blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are the Praised, the Glorious‘.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 229
The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

1255. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.”
[Muslim].

1256. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1257. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her)u reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays.
[At-Tirmidhi].