Explaining Sūrah an-Nāzi’āt – Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

Explaining Sūrah an-Nāzi’āt
تفسري جزء عمّ :Original Title
Original Author: Muḥammad Ibn Ṣāliḥ al-‘Uthaymīn
Translator : Abu az-Zubayr Harrison – authentic-translations.com

Contents of the article

Sūrah al-Nāzi’āt: Verses 1-14
The Explanation of Verses 1-14
Sūrah al-Nāzi’āt: Verses 15-26
The Explanation of Verses 15-26
Sūrah al-Nāzi’āt: Verses 27-33
The Explanation of Verses 27-33
Sūrah al-Nāzi’āt: Verses 34-41
The Explanation of Verses 34-41
Sūrah al-Nāzi’āt: Verses 42-46
The Explanation of Verses 42-46
Appendix: The Believer and Disbeliever at the Time of Death

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Explaining Surah an-Naziat – Shaykh Uthaymeen [PDF]

The Prohibition of Burying People in Houses – Shaykh Al-Albaani

Taken from Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah of Shaykh Al-Albaani
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

No. 3112 – On the authority of ‘Aeysha that ProphetsallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam said: ‘Perform a portion of your prayer in your homes and do not make your homes as graves unlike the Jews and the Christians who placed graves in their homes.Indeed the house in which the Qur’aan is recited will be made apparent to the people of the Heaven just as the stars are made apparent to the people of the earth.’

Dhahabi said at the end of this hadeeth:

‘This hadeeth has a clean Isnaad and its text isHasan. It is a prohibition of burying people in houses and there is a supporting narration with another chain.The Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam –prohibited building over graves and if the people were to be buried in their homes, then graves and houses would become one thing.

Prayer in a graveyard is prohibited, whether it is a prohibition due to dislike or a prohibition meaning Haraam. The Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam –said: ‘The best prayer of a man is in his house except for that which is obligatory.’So it is appropriate that homes are not taken as graves.

As for the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – being buried in the house of ‘Aa’ishah then this is specific to the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam.Just as his garment being spread out under him in the niche of his grave was specifically for him and just as it was specific to him that they each Companion prayed over him, individually, without an Imam, since he was their Imam in life and in death, in the Dunyaand in the Hereafter.

Just as it was also specific to him that his burial was delayed for two days, contrary to his Ummah for whom it is not allowed to delay the burial, since the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – is protected from change after death unlike us.They delayed his burial so that everyone could pray over him at his house and, therefore, the delay was due to that matter and also their being hesitant regarding his death for half the day until Abu Bakr came forward with his opinion.This was the reason for the delay.’

[Taken from ‘Silsilah Ahadeeth As-Saheehah’ vol.7 Hadeeth no.3112p.306-307]

All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow his guidance.

What is the Ruling of Reciting the Qur’aan for the Deceased in his House? – Shaykh bin Baaz

Taken From the Fatawaa of our Shaykh, Allaama Mufti of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abdul Azeez bin Abdullaah Bin Baz
Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya 

The Question:

Is reading the Qur’aan for the deceased- by placing copies of the Qur’aan in the home or house of the deceased – where some Muslim neighbours and friends come and each one of them reads a part for example, then they go off to their work and they are not paid for reciting …… And after they finish reciting they supplicate for the deceased and gift him the reward for reciting the Qur’aan … Does this recitation and supplication reach the deceased and is he rewarded or not?  I hope for a benefit and I am grateful to you….. Taking into account that I heard some of the scholars saying that it is absolutely prohibited, some saying it is disliked and some saying it is permissible.

The Answer:

This action and the like of it has no foundation and it is not recorded on the authority of the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – nor on the authority of his Companions -radiAllaah anhum that they used to read for the deceased.

Rather the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘Whoever does an action which we have not commanded then it is rejected.’

Narrated by Muslim in his authentic book and Bukhari mentioned it without a complete chain but he was decisive about its authenticity.

Also, in the two Saheehs of Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of ‘Aeysha -radiAllaah anha on the authority of the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – who said: ‘Whoever innovates in this matter of ours, that which is not from it, it will be rejected.’

In the Saheeh of Muslim on the authority of Jaabir -radiAllaah anhu that the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – used to say in his Khutbah on Fridays: Amma ba’d:

Indeed the best speech is the Speech of Allaah, the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam– and the worst of the affairs are the innovated ones.  Every innovation is a Bida’ and everyBida’ is misguidance.’

Nisa’ee mentioned an extra wording with an authentic chain: ‘and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.’

As for charity for the deceased and supplicating for them, then that benefits and reaches them and the Muslims are in consensus aboutthat.

And with Allaah is the capability and Allaah’s aid is sought.

Majmoo’ Fatawa – Ibn Baaz vol. 4 p. 339

The Question:

We wish from the eminent Shaykh that he clarifies for the Muslims the ruling of reciting the Qur’aan over the dead, is it permissible or not?  And what is the ruling of the Ahadeeth that mention this?

The Answer:

Reading over the dead has no foundation which can be relied upon nor is there any legislation for this.  Indeed what has beensanctioned is reading the Qur’aan amongst the living so they can benefit and reflect upon the Book of Allaah and understand it.  As for reciting over the deceased at his grave or after his death – before his burial – or reading for him in any place so that the reward can be gifted to him, then we do not know of a foundation for it.

Some scholars have authored works and written many books, of them there are those who have allowed and encouraged reciting the whole of the Qur’aan upon the deceased and they regarded it from the same category of giving charity with wealth.  There are those from the people of knowledge who say that these matters are dependent upon evidence; which means that they are from aspects of worship so it is not permissible to perform them except with what the Sharia’ affirms.

The Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘Whoever does an action which we have not commanded then it is rejected.’

There is no evidence for this issue – as far as we know – which indicates the permissibility of reciting for the dead.

There is no evidence regarding this issue from what we know which indicates the legality of reading over the dead, so it is necessary to remain upon the original foundation which is that worship is dependent upon evidence.

So reciting for the dead should not be done, in contrast to giving charity on their behalf, supplicating for them, Hajj, Umrah and paying off debts, then these matters benefit them.

There are texts which mention this and it is established from the Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – that he said: ‘When the son of Aadam dies his actions are severed except for three: recurring charity,knowledge which he can benefit from or a righteous child who supplicates for him.’

And Allaah –Subhanahu – said:

<< And those who came after them [i.e. after his Companions] say: ‘Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful’ >>

[Hashr:10]

So, Allaah has praised those who came later because they supplicated for those who preceded them.  This indicates theallowance of supplicating for the deceased of the Muslims and that itdoes benefit them.  Likewise, charity benefits them due to theaforementioned hadeeth.

It is possible to give charity to the poor and needy people with the money used to hire someone to recite over the dead with the intention that it is for the deceased and that the deceased benefits with this money and saves himself from the vulgarity of Bida’. 

It is established in the Saheeh that a man said: ‘O Messenger of Allaah my mother has passed away and did not leave a bequest and I think that if she had spoken she would have given charity.  Will she receive a reward if I gave charity on her behalf?’

The Prophet – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – said: ‘Yes.’

So the Messenger – sallAllaahu alayhi wa sallam – clarified that charity on behalf of the deceased benefits him and likewise Hajj and Umrah on his behalf.

There are ahadeeth which mention this, likewise paying off debt benefits him.  As for a reward for the deceased for reciting Qur’aan or gifting it to the dead, praying or optional fasting on his behalf then all of this has no basis and what is correct is that it is not fromthe Sharia’.

Majmoo’ Fatawa – Ibn Baaz vol. 4 p. 340- 341

All Praise belongs to Allaah, may His peace and blessings be upon our final Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow his guidance.

Prohibition of Mourning beyond Three Days (For Women)

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 354
Prohibition of Mourning beyond Three Days (For Women)

1774.  Zainab bint Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) said: I went to Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), when her father Abu Sufyan bin Harb (May Allah be pleased with him) died. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) sent for a yellow coloured perfume or something else like it, and she applied it to a slave-girl and then rubbed it on her own cheeks and said: “By Allah, I have no need for perfume, I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying from the pulpit, `It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for the dead beyond three days, except for the death of her husband; in which case the period of mourning is of four months and ten days.”’ Zainab said: I then visited Zainab, daughter of Jahsh (May Allah be pleased with her) when her brother died; she sent for perfume and applied it and then said: “Beware! By Allah, I don’t feel any need of perfume but I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying from the pulpit, `It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn the dead beyond three days except in case of her husband (for whom the period is) four months and ten days.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Prohibition of Bewailing the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 302
Prohibition of Bewailing the Deceased

1657. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The deceased is tortured in his grave for bewailing over him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1658. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who (on befalling a calamity) slaps his cheeks, tears his clothes and follows the ways and traditions of the Days of Ignorance is none of us.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1659. Abu Burdah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: (My father) Abu Musa got seriously ill and lost his consciousness. His head was in the lap of a woman of the family and she began to wail. When Abu Musa recovered his consciousness, he said: “I am innocent of those from whom Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is innocent. Verily, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) declared himself free of (the responsibility) for a woman who wails, shaves her head and tears up her clothes.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1660. Al-Mughirah bin Shu`bah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who allows (others) to wail over his death, will be punished for it on the Day of Resurrection.’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1661. Umm `Atiyyah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: At the time of giving the pledge of allegiance, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) took from us an oath that we would not wail.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1662. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When `Abdullah bin Rawahah (May Allah be pleased with him) became unconscious, his sister began to weep and shout: “Alas! For the mountain among men. Alas! for such and such (mentioning his virtuous qualities).” When he recovered his consciousness, he said: “I was asked (disapprovingly, by the angels) about everything you said concerning me whether I am as you said.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1663. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited Sa`d bin `Ubadah during his illness. He was accompanied by `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf, Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas and `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with them). When they entered his house, they found him unconscious. The Messenger of Allah asked, “Has he died?” They replied: “No, O Messenger of Allah.” Hearing this the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began to weep. When his Companions saw this, they also began to weep too. He said, “Listen attentively: Allah does not punish for the shedding of tears or the grief of the heart, but takes to task or show mercy because of the utterances of this (and he pointed to his tongue).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1664. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If the wailing woman does not repent before she dies, she will be made to stand on the Day of Resurrection wearing a garment of pitch and a garment of scabies (Allah knows the nature thereof).”
[Muslim].

1665.  Asid bin Abu Usaid reported: A woman who had taken a pledge of allegiance at the hand of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Among the matters in respect of which we gave the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) the pledge not to disobey him in any Ma`ruf [i.e., all that Islam ordains (V:60:12)] was that we should not slap our faces, bewail, tear our clothes up and tear out our hair (in grief).”
[Abu Dawud].

1666. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone dies and the mourner gets up and says: `Alas! For the mountain among men. Alas! For the chief …’ and such like, Allah will put two angels in charge of him who will beat on the breast and ask him (disapproving): `Were you like that?‘ ”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1667. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Two things are signs of disbelief on the part of those who indulge in them: Slandering one’s lineage and wailing over the dead.”
[Muslim].

Instructing the Patient’s family to be kind to him – Consoling thePatients and showing kindness to one Facing Death Sentence

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 148
Instructing the Patient’s family to be kind to him – Consoling the Patients and
showing kindness to one Facing Death Sentence

913. `Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A woman belonging to the Juhainah tribe came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) after having conceived from Zina. She submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! I am liable to Hadd (punishment ordained by Allah), so execute it.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) called her guardian and said, “Treat her well and bring her to me after delivery.” He acted accordingly. Then the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) commanded to tie her clothes firmly around her and then stoned her to death. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then offered funeral prayer for her.
[Muslim].

Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 162
Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

948. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: A man said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam):My mother has died suddenly. I think that if she were able to talk (alive) she would have given in Sadaqah (charity). So, if I give Sadaqah now on her behalf, will she get the reward?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes (she will be rewarded for that).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

949. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him.”
[Muslim].

 

About Speedy Repayment of the Debts of a Deceased Person and Preparationof Burial

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 159
About Speedy Repayment of the Debts of a Deceased Person and Preparation of
Burial

943. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The soul of the deceased believer remains pending on account of the debt till it (the debt) is repayed.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

944. Hussain bin Wahwah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When Talhah bin Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) fell ill, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to visit him and said, “Verily, I think that Talhah is about to die. So inform me when he is dead and make haste (in burying him). Indeed, it is improper for the corpse of a Muslim to be kept lying unburied among his family members.”
[Abu Dawud].

 

Good Words to be Uttered before a dying Person and his Family

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 152
Good Words to be Uttered before a dying Person and his Family

920. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her): The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you visit a sick or a dying person, you should utter good words because the angels say `Amin’ at what you say.” She added: When Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) died, I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah, Abu Salamah has died.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed me to supplicate thus: “Allahummaghfir li wa lahu, wa a`qibni minhu `uqba hasanatan [O Allah, forgive me and him, and bestow upon me a better future (give me a better substitute)].” So I supplicated as he directed, and Allah gave me a man who was better for me than Abu Salamah (i.e., the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)). (The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) married Umm Salamah afterwards.)
[Muslim].

921. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When a person suffers from a calamity and utters: `Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji`un. Allahumma ujurni fi musibati, wakhluf li khairan minha (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. O Allah! Compensate me in my affliction, recompense my loss and give me something better in exchange for it), then Allah surely compensates him with reward and better substitute.” Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) died, I repeated the same supplication as the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had commanded me (to do). So Allah bestowed upon me a better substitute than him (I was married to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).
[Muslim].

922. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man’s child dies, Allah, the Exalted, asks His angels, `Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?’ and they reply in the affirmative. He (SWT) then asks, `Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ and they reply in the affirmative. Thereupon He asks, `What did my slave say?’ They say: `He praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return).’ Allah says: `Build a house for my slave in Jannah and name it Baitul-Hamd (the House of Praise).”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

923. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allah, the Exalted, says: `I have no reward except Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who shows patience and anticipates My reward when I take away his favourite one from the inhabitants of the world.”’
[Al-Bukhari].

924. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A daughter of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent a message to him that her son was at his last breath, and requested him to come to her. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent back the informer saying: “To Allah belongs what He takes and what He gives, and everything has a limited period (in this world). So ask her to endure patiently, and expect the reward of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 153
The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Wailing is unanimously forbidden (Haram) as will be mentioned later on. There are some Ahadith which forbid us from crying over somebody’s death, and which inform us that the dead will be tormented in their graves as a result of their relatives crying over their death. This prohibition applies only to those cases where crying is accompanied with lamenting and wailing. Weeping without these two is, permissible; and the Ahadith in support of this are many, including the following:

925. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited Sa`d bin `Ubadah during his illness. He was accompanied by `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf, Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas and `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began to weep. When his Companions saw this, their tears also started flowing. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you not hear, Allah does not punish for the shedding of tears or the grief of the heart, but punishes or bestows mercy for the utterances of this (and he pointed to his tongue).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

926. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A grandson (child of the daughter) of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was presented to him while the child was at his last breath. Tears began to flow from the eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Sa`d said to him: “What is this, O Messenger of Allah?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is mercy which Allah has placed in the hearts of his salves. Allah bestows His Mercy on the merciful among His slaves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

927. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to his son Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was breathing his last. The eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began shedding tears. `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf  (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah, you too weep?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Ibn `Auf! It is mercy.” Then he began to weep and said, “The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Rubb. O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your departure.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 154
Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

928. Abu Rafi` Aslam (May Allah be pleased with him), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who washes a dead body and conceals what he notices of physical defects, he will be forgiven forty times.”
[Al-Hakim].

 

Following the Funeral, and Matters relating to Illness and Death

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 144
Following the Funeral, and Matters relating to Illness and Death

894. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has ordered us to visit the sick, to follow the funeral (of a dead believer), respond to the sneezer (i.e., by saying to him: Yarhamuk-Allah after he says: Al-hamdu lillah), to help those who vow to fulfill it, to help the oppressed, to accept the invitation extended by the inviter; and to promote greetings (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

895. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim (i.e., he has to perform five duties for another Muslim): to return the greetings, to visit the sick, to accompany funeral processions, to accept an invitation, to respond to the sneezer [i.e., to say: `Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah bestow His Mercy on you),’ when the sneezer praises  Allah].”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

896. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: `O son of Adam, I was ill but you did not visit Me.’ He would say: `O my Rubb, how could I visit you and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Thereupon He would say: `Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him (you would have known that I was aware of your visit to him, for which I would reward you) you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.’ He would submit: `My Rubb, how could I feed You and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ He would say: `Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would certainly have found (its reward) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked water from you but you did not give it to Me.’ He would say: `My Rubb, how could I give You (water) and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Thereupon He would say: `Such and such a slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him to drink you would have found (its reward) with Me?”’   
[Muslim].

897. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and (arrange for the) release of the captive.”
[Al-Bukhari].

898. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who visits his brother in Faith, will remain engaged in picking the fresh fruits from the garden of Jannah till he returns.”
[Muslim].

899. `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at dawn, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till dusk. If he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till the morning; and he will have (his share of) reaped fruits in Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

900. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young Jewish boy who was in the service of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) fell ill. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to visit him. He sat down by his head and said to him, “Embrace Islam.” The little boy looked at his father who was sitting beside him. He said: “Obey Abul-Qasim (i.e., the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).” So he embraced Islam and the Prophet ü stepped out saying, “Praise be to Allah Who has saved him from Hell-fire.”
[Al-Bukhari].

 

Supplication to be made soon after a Person’s Death

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 151
Supplication to be made soon after a Person’s Death

919. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) when his eyes were open soon after he died. He closed them (the eyes) for him and said, “When the soul is taken away, the sight follows it.” Some members of his family began to weep. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not supplicate for yourselves anything but good, for the angels say `amin’ to what you say.” Then he ü said, “O Allah! Forgive Abu Salamah, raise his rank among those who are rightly-guided and grant him a successor from his descendants who remain behind. Grant him pardon and us, too. O Rubb of the worlds. Make his grave spacious for him and give him light in it.”
[Muslim].

 

Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 150
Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

917. Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He whose last words are: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah) will enter Jannah.”
[Abu Dawud].

918. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Exhort your dying men to recite: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah).”
[Muslim].

Praising the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 163
Praising the Deceased

950. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some Companions happened to pass by a funeral procession (bier) and they praised him (the deceased). The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” Then they passed by another funeral procession and they spoke ill of the deceased. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “(O Messenger of Allah,) what do you mean by `He will certainly enter it?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You praised the first person, so he will enter Jannah; and you spoke ill of the second person, so he will enter Hell. You are Allah’s witnesses on earth.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

951. Abul-Aswad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Al-Madinah, and while I was sitting beside `Umar bin Al-Khattab, a funeral procession passed by. The people praised the deceased, and `Umar bin Al-Khattab said: “He will certainly enter it.” Then another funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “He will certainly enter it.” A third funeral procession passed by and the people spoke ill of the deceased. He said: “He will certainly enter it.” I (Abul-Aswad) asked: “O Amir Al-Mu’minin (i.e., Leader of the Believers)! What do you mean by `He will certainly enter it’?” He replied: “I said the same as was said by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `If four persons testify the righteousness of a Muslim, Allah will grant him Jannah.’ We asked: `If three persons testify his righteousness?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even three’. Then we asked: `If two?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even two.’ We did not ask him (regarding the testimony) of one.”
[Al-Bukhari].

 

Superiority of one who is Bereaved of his Infants

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 164
Superiority of one who is Bereaved of his Infants

952. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any Muslim who loses three children before they reach the age of maturity, will be granted Jannah by Allah, the Exalted, out of His Mercy for them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

953. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A Muslim whose three children die (in infancy) will not be touched by the Fire (of Hell) except for the fulfillment of Allah’s Oath.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

[Allah’s Oath here refers to His Ayah: “There is not one of you but will cross over it (Hell).” (19:71) And the crossing will be across the `Bridge’ set over the Hell.]

954. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Only men benefit from your talks, so please fix a day for us, to teach us the knowledge which Allah has taught you.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) fixed a day and directed them to assemble. When they gathered, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to them and taught them what Allah had taught him. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then said, “Any woman of you whose three children die (in infancy) they will be a guard for her against Fire (of Hell).” One of the women asked: “What if she loses two?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Even two.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Desirability of visiting the Graves for men, and that they should say

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 66
Desirability of visiting the Graves for men, and that they should say

581. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(In the past) I forbade you from visiting graves, but visit them now.”

In another narration Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever wants to visit a graveyard, let him do so, because it reminds us of the Hereafter.”
[Muslim].

582. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her): reported Whenever it was her turn to spend with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), he used to go to the Baqi` (graveyard in Al-Madinah) at the last part of night and say, “May you be safe, O abode of the believing people. What you have been promised has come to you. You are tarried till tomorrow and certainly we shall follow you if Allah wills. O Allah, forgive the inmates of the Baqi`-al-Gharqad.”
[Muslim].

583. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to teach them (i.e., the Companions) whenever they came out to visit the graveyard to say: “As-salamu `alaikum ahlad-diyyari minal-Mu’minina wal-Muslimina, wa inna in sha’ Allahu bikum lahiqun. As’alul-laha lana wa-lakumul- `afiyyah  (May you be safe, O inmates of the abodes of the believers and the Muslims, and if Allah pleases, we shall follow you, we pray to Allah for well-being for ourselves and for you).”
[Muslim].

584. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) passed by the graves at Al-Madinah. He turned his face towards them and said, “May you be granted safety, O inmates of the graves. May Allah forgive us and you. You have preceded us, and we are to follow.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 65
Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Everyone shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Jannah, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception (a deceiving thing).” (3:185)

“No person knows what he will earn tomorrow, and no person knows in what land he will die…” (31:34)

“…when their term comes, neither can they delay nor can they advance it an hour (or a moment).” (16:61)

“O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers. And spend (in charity) of that with which We have provided you, before death comes to one of you, and he says: `My Rubb! If only You would give me respite for a little while (i.e., return to the worldly life), then I should give Sadaqah (i.e., Zakat) of my wealth, and be among the righteous [i.e., perform Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) and other good deeds].’ And Allah grants respite to none when his appointed time (death) comes. And Allah is All-Aware of what you do.” (63:9-11)

“Until, when death comes to one of them (those who join partners with Allah), he says: `My Rubb! Send me back. So that I may do good in that which I have left behind!’ No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected. Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another. Then, those whose Scales (of good deeds) are heavy, they are the successful. And those whose Scales (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose their ownselves, in Hell will they abide. The Fire will burn their faces, and therein they will grin, with displaced lips (disfigured). `Were not My Verses (this Qur’an) recited to you, and then you used to deny them?’ They will say: `Our Rubb! Our wretchedness overcame us, and we were (an) erring people. `Our Rubb! Bring us out of this; if ever we return (to evil), then indeed we shall be Zalimun (polytheists, oppressors, unjust, wrong-doers, etc? He (Allah) will say: `Remain you in it with ignominy! And speak you not to Me!’ Verily! There was a party of My slaves, who used to say: `Our Rubb! We believe, so forgive us, and have mercy on us, for you are the Best of all who show mercy!’ `But you took them for a laughing stock, so much so that they made you forget My remembrance while you used to laugh at them! Verily! I have rewarded them this Day for their patience, they are indeed the ones that are successful. He (Allah) will say: `What number of years did you stay on earth?’ They will say: `We stayed a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep account.’ He (Allah) will say: `You stayed not but a little, if you had only known! Did you think that We had created you in play (without any purpose), and that you would not be brought back to Us?”’ (23:99-115)

“Has not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism) to be affected by Allah’s Reminder (this Qur’an), and that which has been revealed of the truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e., Jews and Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fasiqun (the rebellious, the disobedient to Allah).” (57:16)

574. `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) took hold of my shoulders and said, “Be in the world like a stranger or a wayfarer.” Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) used to say: When you survive till the evening do not expect to live until the morning; and when you survive till the morning do not expect to live until the evening. While in good health (do good deeds) before you fall sick; and while you are alive (do good deeds) before death strikes.
[Al-Bukhari].

575. `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is the duty of a Muslim who has something which is to be given as a bequest not to have it for two nights without executing a written will.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In the narration of Muslim it is narrated as `three nights’. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Since I heard the Messenger of Allah say this, I have never spent a night without having my will with me.

576. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) drew a few lines and said, “One of them represents man and another indicates death; and a man continues like this until the nearest line (i.e., death) overtakes him.”
[Al-Bukhari].

577. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) drew up a square and in the middle of it he drew a line, the end of which jutted out beyond the square. Further across the middle line, he drew a number of smaller lines. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The figure represents man and the encircling square is the death which is encompassing him. The middle line represents his desires and the smaller lines are vicissitudes of life. If one of those misses him, another distresses him, and if that one misses him, he falls victim to another.”
[Al-Bukhari].

578. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by one of the seven afflictions.’‘ Then (giving a warning) he said, “Are you waiting for poverty which will make you unmindful of devotion, or prosperity which will make you corrupt, or a disease which will disable you, or senility which will make you mentally unstable, or sudden death which will take you all of a sudden, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst expected, or the Hour; and the Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

579. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Remember more often the destroyer of pleasures – death.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

580. Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When one-third of the night would pass, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would get up and call out, “O people, remember Allah. The Rajifah (i.e., the first Blowing of the Trumpet which will shake the whole universe and thus cause all life to cease) has come, followed by Ar-Radifah (i.e., the second Blowing of the Trumpet which will restore life and thus mark the Resurrection Day). Death has approached with all that it comprises. Death has approached with all that it comprises.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), I frequently invoke Allah to elevate your rank. How much of my supplications should I devote to you?” He said, “You may devote as much as you wish.” When I suggested a quarter, he said, “Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase it.” I suggested half, and he said, “Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you increase.” I suggested two-thirds, and he said, “Do whatever you wish but it will be better for you if you increase it.” I said, “Shall I devote all my supplications invoking Allah to elevate your rank?” He said, “Then you will be freed from your worries and your sins will be forgiven.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

 

Abomination of longing for Death

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 67
Abomination of longing for Death

585. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “None of you should wish for death. If he is righteous, perhaps he may add to (his) good works, and if he is a sinner, possibly he may repent (in case he is given a longer life).”
[Al-Bukhari].

     In Muslim, Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported : Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let none of you wish for death, nor he ask for it before it comes to him, because when he dies, his actions will be terminated; certainly the age of a (true) believer does not add but good.”  

586. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let none of you wish for death on account of an affliction that befalls him. If he has no alternative, let him pray: `Allahumma ahyine ma kanatil-hayatu khairan li, wa tawaffani idha kanatil-wafatu khairan li (O Allah! Give my life so long as the life is good for me, and take away my life if death is good for me)’.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

587. Qais bin Abu Hazim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went to visit Khabbab bin Aratt (May Allah be pleased with him) during his illness. He had been cauterized in seven places. He said: “Our companions who have died have left (this world) without having enjoyed the pleasures of the world (in order to get a great full reward in the Hereafter) while we have amassed wealth exceeding our needs for which there is no place to keep except in the earth. Had Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) not prohibited us from longing for death, I would have prayed for it.” Then we visited him again and he was building a wall. He said: “There is a reward in store for a Muslim in respect of everything on which he spends except for something he places in the earth (i.e., something exceeding our needs or essentials).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Sahih Bukhari : Book 37: Transferance of a Debt from One Person to Another(Al-Hawaala)

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 37:

Transferance of a Debt from One Personto Another (Al-Hawaala)

Volume 3, Book 37, Number 486:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Procrastination (delay) in paying debts by a wealthy man is injustice. So, if your debt is transferred from your debtor to a rich debtor, you should agree.”


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 487:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Procrastination (delay) in paying debts by a wealthy person is injustice. So, if your debt is transferred from your debtor to a rich debtor, you should agree.”


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 488r:

Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa:

Once, while we were sitting in the company of Prophet, a dead man was brought. The Prophet was requested to lead the funeral prayer for the deceased. He said, “Is he in debt?” The people replied in the negative. He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, “No.” So, he led his funeral prayer. Another dead man was brought and the people said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer.” The Prophet said, “Is he in debt?” They said, “Yes.” He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, ”Three Dinars.” So, he led the prayer. Then a third dead man was brought and the people said (to the Prophet ), Please lead his funeral prayer.” He said, “Has he left any wealth?” They said, “No.” He asked, “Is he in debt?” They said, (“Yes! He has to pay) three Diners.’, He (refused to pray and) said, “Then pray for your (dead) companion.” Abu Qatada said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Lead his funeral prayer, and I will pay his debt.” So, he led the prayer.


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 488h:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “An Israeli man asked another Israeli to lend him one thousand Dinars. The second man required witnesses. The former replied, ‘Allah is sufficient as a witness.’ The second said, ‘I want a surety.’ The former replied, ‘Allah is sufficient as a surety.’ The second said, ‘You are right,’ and lent him the money for a certain period. The debtor went across the sea. When he finished his job, he searched for a conveyance so that he might reach in time for the repayment of the debt, but he could not find any. So, he took a piece of wood and made a hole in it, inserted in it one thousand Dinars and a letter to the lender and then closed (i.e. sealed) the hole tightly. He took the piece of wood to the sea and said. ‘O Allah! You know well that I took a loan of one thousand Dinars from so-and-so. He demanded a surety from me but I told him that Allah’s Guarantee was sufficient and he accepted Your guarantee. He then asked for a witness and I told him that Allah was sufficient as a Witness, and he accepted You as a Witness. No doubt, I tried hard to find a conveyance so that I could pay his money but could not find, so I hand over this money to You.’ Saying that, he threw the piece of wood into the sea till it went out far into it, and then he went away. Meanwhile he started searching for a conveyance in order to reach the creditor’s country.

One day the lender came out of his house to see whether a ship had arrived bringing his money, and all of a sudden he saw the piece of wood in which his money had been deposited. He took it home to use for fire. When he sawed it, he found his money and the letter inside it. Shortly after that, the debtor came bringing one thousand Dinars to him and said, ‘By Allah, I had been trying hard to get a boat so that I could bring you your money, but failed to get one before the one I have come by.’ The lender asked, ‘Have you sent something to me?’ The debtor replied, ‘I have told you I could not get a boat other than the one I have come by.’ The lender said, ‘Allah has delivered on your behalf the money you sent in the piece of wood. So, you may keep your one thousand Dinars and depart guided on the right path.’ ”


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 489:

Narrated Said bin Jubair:

Ibn Abbas said, “In the verse: To every one We have appointed ‘ (Muwaliya Mawaliya means one’s) heirs (4.33).’ (And regarding the verse) ‘And those with whom your right hands have made a pledge.’ Ibn ‘Abbas said, “When the emigrants came to the Prophet in Medina, the emigrant would inherit the Ansari while the latter’s relatives would not inherit him because of the bond of brotherhood which the Prophet established between them (i.e. the emigrants and the Ansar). When the verse: ‘And to everyone We have appointed heirs’ (4.33) was revealed, it cancelled (the bond (the pledge) of brotherhood regarding inheritance).” Then he said, “The verse: To those also to whom your right hands have pledged, remained valid regarding co-operation and mutual advice, while the matter of inheritance was excluded and it became permissible to assign something in one’s testament to the person who had the right of inheriting before.


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 490:

Narrated Anas:

Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf came to us and Allah’s Apostle established a bond of brotherhood between him and Sad bin Rabi’a.


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 491:

Narrated Asim:

I heard Anas bin Malik, “Have you ever heard that the Prophet said, ‘There is no alliance in Islam?’ ” He replied, “The Prophet made alliance between Quarish and the Ansar in my house.”


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 492:

Narrated Salama bin Al-Akwa:

A dead person was brought to the Prophet so that he might lead the funeral prayer for him. He asked, “Is he in debt?” When the people replied in the negative, he led the funeral prayer. Another dead person was brought and he asked, “Is he in debt?” They said, “Yes.” He (refused to lead the prayer and) said, “Lead the prayer of your friend.” Abu Qatada said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I undertake to pay his debt.” Allah’s Apostle then led his funeral prayer.


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 493:

Narrated Jabir bin ‘Abdullah:

Once the Prophet said (to me), “If the money of Bahrain comes, I will give you a certain amount of it.” The Prophet had breathed his last before the money of Bahrain arrived. When the money of Bahrain reached, Abu Bakr announced, “Whoever was promised by the Prophet should come to us.” I went to Abu Bakr and said, “The Prophet promised me so and so.” Abu Bakr gave me a handful of coins and when I counted them, they were five-hundred in number. Abu Bakr then said, “Take twice the amount you have taken (besides).”


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 494:

Narrated Aisha:

(wife of the Prophet) Since I reached the age when I could remember things, I have seen my parents worshipping according to the right faith of Islam. Not a single day passed but Allah’s Apostle visited us both in the morning and in the evening. When the Muslims were persecuted, Abu Bakr set out for Ethiopia as an emigrant. When he reached a place called Bark-al-Ghimad, he met Ibn Ad-Daghna, the chief of the Qara tribe, who asked Abu Bakr, “Where are you going?” Abu Bakr said, “My people have turned me out of the country and I would like to tour the world and worship my Lord.” Ibn Ad-Daghna said, “A man like you will not go out, nor will he be turned out as you help the poor earn their living, keep good relation with your Kith and kin, help the disabled (or the dependents), provide guests with food and shelter, and help people during their troubles. I am your protector. So, go back and worship your Lord at your home.” Ibn Ad-Daghna went along with Abu Bakr and took him to the chiefs of Quraish saying to them, “A man like Abu Bakr will not go out, nor will he be turned out. Do you turn out a man who helps the poor earn their living, keeps good relations with Kith and kin, helps the disabled, provides guests with food and shelter, and helps the people during their troubles?”

So, Quraish allowed Ibn Ad-Daghna’s guarantee of protection and told Abu- Bakr that he was secure, and said to Ibn Ad-Daghna, “Advise Abu Bakr to worship his Lord in his house and to pray and read what he liked and not to hurt us and not to do these things publicly, for we fear that our sons and women may follow him.” Ibn Ad-Daghna told Abu Bakr of all that, so Abu- Bakr continued worshipping his Lord in his house and did not pray or recite Qur’an aloud except in his house. Later on Abu Bakr had an idea of building a mosque in the court yard of his house. He fulfilled that idea and started praying and reciting Qur’an there publicly. The women and the offspring of the pagans started gathering around him and looking at him astonishingly. Abu Bakr was a softhearted person and could not help weeping while reciting Qur’an. This horrified the pagan chiefs of Quraish. They sent for Ibn Ad-Daghna and when he came, they said, “We have given Abu Bakr protection on condition that he will worship his Lord in his house, but he has transgressed that condition and has built a mosque in the court yard of his house and offered his prayer and recited Qur’an in public. We are afraid lest he mislead our women and offspring. So, go to him and tell him that if he wishes he can worship his Lord in his house only, and if not, then tell him to return your pledge of protection as we do not like to betray you by revoking your pledge, nor can we tolerate Abu Bakr’s public declaration of Islam (his worshipping).”

‘Aisha added: Ibn Ad-Daghna came to Abu Bakr and said, “You know the conditions on which I gave you protection, so you should either abide by those conditions or revoke my protection, as I do not like to hear the ‘Arabs saying that Ibn Ad-Daghna gave the pledge of protection to a person and his people did not respect it.” Abu Bakr said, “I revoke your pledge of protection and am satisfied with Allah’s protection.” At that time Allah’s Apostle was still in Mecca and he said to his companions, “Your place of emigration has been shown to me. I have seen salty land, planted with date-palms and situated between two mountains which are the two ,Harras.” So, when the Prophet told it, some of the companions migrated to Medina, and some of those who had migrated to Ethiopia returned to Medina. When Abu Bakr prepared for emigration, Allah’s Apostle said to him, “Wait, for I expect to be permitted to emigrate.” Abu Bakr asked, “May my father be sacrificed for your sake, do you really expect that?” Allah’s Apostle replied in the affirmative. So, Abu Bakr postponed his departure in order to accompany Allah’s Apostle and fed two camels which he had, with the leaves of Samor trees for four months.


Volume 3, Book 37, Number 495:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Whenever a dead man in debt was brought to Allah’s Apostle he would ask, “Has he left anything to repay his debt?” If he was informed that he had left something to repay his debts, he would offer his funeral prayer, otherwise he would tell the Muslims to offer their friend’s funeral prayer. When Allah made the Prophet wealthy through conquests, he said, “I am more rightful than other believers to be the guardian of the believers, so if a Muslim dies while in debt, I am responsible for the repayment of his debt, and whoever leaves wealth (after his death) it will belong to his heirs. ”