The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

AbdurRahman.Org

Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah

Category: Islam

The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 217
The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.” (2:183-185)

1215. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

   In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah says: `(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward‘.”

   In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (SWT) says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

1216. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you’ and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?” He replied, “Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, “Where are those who observe fasting?” So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.”
[Muslim].

1218. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1219.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1220.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1221. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 201
Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

[In the previous chapter, the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has been reported by `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah Sunnah after the obligatory Maghrib prayer].

1122. `Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform two Rak`ah before Maghrib prayer.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: “He who may so wish.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1123. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak`ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1124. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we used to perform two Rak`ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: “Did Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perform them?” He replied: “He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so.”
[Muslim].

1125. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu’adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak`ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.
[Muslim].

The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 185
The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e., after a sexual discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey, or any of you comes from responding to the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e., sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour to you that you may be thankful.” (5:6)

1024. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “On the Day of Resurrection, my followers (or Ummah) will be summoned `Al-Ghurr Al-Muhajjalun’ from the traces of Wudu’. Whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1025. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard my Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) as saying, “The adornment of the believer (in Jannah) will reach the places where the water of Wudu’ reaches (his body).”
[Muslim].

1026. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who performs the Wudu’ perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.”
[Muslim].

1027. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performing Wudu’ the way I have just done it and said, “He who performs Wudu’ like this, his previous sins will be forgiven and his Salat and walking to the mosque will be considered as supererogatory act of worship.”
[Muslim].

1028. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.”
[Muslim].

1029. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to the (Baqi`) cemetery and said, “May you be secured from punishment, O dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish we see my brothers.” The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah! Are not we your brothers?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not come into the world yet.” They said; “O Messenger of Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born yet?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?” They said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of Wudu’; and I will arrive at the Haud (Al-Kauthar) ahead of them.”
[Muslim].

1030. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?” The Companions said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Performing the Wudu’ thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next As-Salat (the prayer) after observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”
[Muslim].

1031. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Wudu’ is half the Iman.”
[Muslim].

1032. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever of you performs Wudu’ carefully and then affirms: `Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la sharika Lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa Rasuluhu [I testify that there so no true god except Allah Alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger],’ the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him. He may enter through whichever of these gates he desires (to enter).”
[Muslim].

In the narration in At-Tirmidhi, it is added: “Allahummaj-`alni minat-tawwabina, waj-`alni minal-mutatahhirin (O Allah make me among those who repent and purify themselves).”

The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 211
The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

1159. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We left Makkah with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for Al-Madinah, and when we were near `Azwara,’ he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) alighted (from his riding-camel) raised his hands in supplication to Allah for a while and prostrated himself. He remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself (again), and remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself for the third time. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I supplicated my Rubb and made intercession for my Ummah, and He granted me one-third of them. So I again prostrated myself in gratitude to my Rubb. Then I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah, and He granted me another third of them. Again I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah and He granted me the last third of them. So I fell into prostration out of gratitude before my Rubb.”
[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 202
Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

[Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) has narrated that he performed two Rak`ah after the Fard prayer of `Isha’ with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). `Abdullah bin Maghaffal has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said, “There is a Salat between every Takbir and Adhan.”

This proves that apart from the four Rak`ah Fard, there are also two Rak`ah Sunnah of the `Isha’ prayer). See Ahadith No. 1098 and 1099.

 

Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of theNoble Qur’an

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 183
Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble
Qur’an

1009. Abu Sa`id Ar-Rafi` bin Al-Mu`alla (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an before you leave the mosque?” Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’an. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is `Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil `Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which is As-Sab` Al-Mathani (i.e., the seven oft-repeated Ayat) and the Great Qur’an which is given to me.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1010. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported about Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112): The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”

According to another version, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to his Companions, “Is anyone of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur’an in one night?” They considered it burdensome and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Surat Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1011. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man heard another reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about it as if he considered it to be of little reward. On that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1012. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Surat Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Muslim].

1013. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! I love Surat-Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah, (the) One].” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Your love for it will admit you to Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1014. `Uqbah bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do you not know that last night certain Ayat were revealed the like of which there is no precedence. They are: `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of the daybreak’ (Surah 113), and `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of mankind’ (Surah 114).”
[Muslim].

1015. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to seek protection against the evil of jinn and the evil eyes till Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took to them for seeking Allah’s protection and left everything besides them.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1016. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “There is a Surah in the Qur’an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is `Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’ (Surat Al-Mulk 67).”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1017. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1018. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.”
[Muslim].

1019. Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Abu Mundhir! Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book is the greatest?” I replied: “It is `Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayum (Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living...)’.” (2:255) Thereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) patted me in the chest and said, “Rejoice by this knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!”
[Muslim].

1020. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) put me in charge of charity of Ramadan (Sadaqat-ul-Fitr). Somebody came to me and began to take away some food-stuff. I caught him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” He said, “I am a needy man with a large family, and so I have a pressing need.” I let him go. When I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) next morning, he asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing need and a big family. I felt pity for him so I let him go.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.” I was sure, according to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that he would return. I waited for him. He sneaked up again and began to steal food-stuff from the Sadaqah. I caught him and said; “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” He said, “Let go of me, I am a needy man. I have to bear the expenses of a big family. I will not come back.” So I took pity on him and let him go. I went at dawn to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) who asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I replied, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing want and the burden of a big family. I took pity on him and so I let him go.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.” (That man) came again to steal the food-stuff. I arrested him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and this is the last of three times. You promised that you would not come again but you did.” He said, “Let go of me, I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you.” I asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning.” So I let him go. Next morning the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked me, “What did your prisoner do last night.” I answered, “He promised to teach me some words which he claimed will benefit me before Allah. So I let him go.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “What are those words that he taught you?” I said, “He told me: `When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi from the beginning to the end  i.e.,[ Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi encompasses the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not fatigue Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great].’ (2:255). He added: `By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning’.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, he has told you the truth  though he is a liar. O Abu Hurairah! Do you know with whom you were speaking for the last three nights?” I said, “No.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He was Shaitan (Satan).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1021. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever commits to memory the first ten Ayat of the Surat Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).”
[Muslim].

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “(Whoever commits to memory) the last ten Ayat of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).”

1022. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), he heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: “This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before.” Then an angel descended through it, he said: “This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before.” He sent greetings and said: “Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contain                                                          s.”
[Muslim].

Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
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

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
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].

 

Helping a Companion

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 169
Helping a Companion

969. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: While we were travelling with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), a rider came and began to stare on the right and on the left. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who has an extra mount should hand it over to one who has none, and he who possesses surplus provision, should give it to him who is without provision.” He named various kinds of possessions until we began to think (realize) that none of us had any right to anything surplus.
[Muslim].

970. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made up his mind to go in an expedition, he would say to us, “O Muhajirin and the Ansar! There are among you such people who have no property and no kinsfolk. Let everyone of you take along with him two or three men. None of us had a spare animal we took rides by turn.” So I took two or three men with me and I rode my camel by turn equally with them.
[Abu Dawud].

971. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to lag behind while travelling and urge the weak to walk quickly. He used to take up someone behind him and make supplication for him.
[Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 172
Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

980. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Three supplications are answered without doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveller, and the supplication of the parent for his son.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 161
Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

946. Abu `Amr (also called Abu `Abdullah and also Abu Laila) from `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: After the burial of a dead man, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would stand by the grave and say, “Ask Allah to forgive your brother and supplicate for him for steadfastness because he is being questioned (about his deeds) now.”
[Abu Dawud].

947. `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “When you have buried me, keep standing near my grave till (for the time it takes to) a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed, so that I may feel your nearness and know what to reply to the angels sent by my Rubb.”
[Muslim].

 

Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
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].

 

Praising the Deceased

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
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].

 

Desirability of returning Home by Day

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 176
Desirability of returning Home by Day

985. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you stays away (from his family) for a long period of time, let him not surprise his family by night.”

  In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited us from coming back to our family at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

986. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would not come (back) to his family by night. He used to come in the morning or in the evening (before dark).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
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].

The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing aLeader

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 167
The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing a Leader

958. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night.”
[Al-Bukhari].

959. `Amr bin Shu`aib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A single rider is (accompanied with) Satan and two riders are (accompanied with) two Satans. Three riders form a group.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

960. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.”
[Abu Dawud].

961. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best number of companions is four; the best detachment is four hundred and the best army is four thousand; and twelve thousand men will not be defeated as a result of smallness of number.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from aJourney for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 178
Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from a
Journey for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

988. Ka`b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) returned from a journey, he would proceed straight to the mosque and perform two Rak`ah of (optional) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Chapter 177
Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

987. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We returned with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) from a journey; and when we entered the suburbs of Al-Madinah, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are returning in safety, turning to our Rubb, worshipping Him and praising Him).” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) continued repeating these words till we entered Al-Madinah.
[Muslim].

Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during theJourney and other matters relating to the Journey

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 168
Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during the Journey
and other matters relating to the Journey

962. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “When you travel through green and lush land, give the camels their due from the ground, and when you travel through a dry and barren land, make them walk quickly lest their strength falters. When you encamp at night, keep away from the roads, for beasts pass there and they are the resort of insects at night.”
[Muslim].

963. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) encamped at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he stayed a little before dawn he would raise his forearm and place his head on the palm of his hand.
[Muslim].

964. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep to travelling by night because the earth is folded (traversed more easily) during the night.”
[Abu Dawud].

965. Abu Tha`labah Al-Khushani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the people encamped during the journey, they would disperse in the mountain passes and valleys. (When) the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) noticed this he said, “Your act of scattering in the mountain passes and valleys is from Satan.” Afterwards the Companions kept close together whenever they encamped.
[Abu Dawud].

966. Sahl bin `Amr known as Ibn Al-Hanzaliyyah reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) happened to pass by a camel whose belly was sticking to its back (because of hunger), whereupon he said, “Fear Allah in respect of these dumb (animals). Ride them while they are fit, and slaughter them and eat their meat when they are fit.”
[Abu Dawud].

967. Abu Ja`far `Abdullah bin Ja`far (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made me ride behind him one day and confided something to me which I shall never disclose to anyone. (`Abdullah added:) He ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) preferred to screen himself from others when responding to the call of nature, either behind a wall or the trunk of a date-palm.
[Muslim].

Al-Barqani added: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) entered an orchid belonging to an Ansari and saw there a camel. When it saw him, it began to groan and its eyes shed tears. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) approached it and patted it on the hump and the base of its head until it quieted down. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Who is the owner of this camel? To whom does it belong?” An Ansari youth stepped forward and said: “It is mine O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Do you not fear Allah in respect of this beast which Allah has placed in your possession? This camel is complaining to me that you starve it and put it to toil.”
[Abu Dawud].

968. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we encamped, we would not offer (voluntary) prayers until we had unsaddled our beasts.
[Abu Dawud].

Supplication at the time of Riding

AbdurRahman.org's avatar by
Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 170
Supplication at the time of Riding

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“… and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride. In order that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Rubb when you mount thereon, and say: `Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts). And verily, to Our Rubb we indeed are to return!”’ (43:12-14)

972. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest),” thrice. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would supplicate: “Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadh al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-`amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin `alaina safarana hadha, watwi `anna bu`dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fissafari, wal-Khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`ta’is-safari, wa kaabatil-manzari, wa su‘il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli wal-waladi (Far removed from imperfection is the One Who has made this subservient to us, for we have no power to subjugate it, and certainly to our Rubb shall we return. O Allah, we ask You during this journey of ours for righteousness, piety and such deeds as are pleasing to You. O Allah, make easy for us this journey of ours and make the distance short for us. O Allah, You are our Companion during the journey and the Guardian of the family and the property in our absence. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travelling, unhappiness connected with ghastly scenes and evil turns in property and family).” When he returned, he recited this supplication making addition of these words: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are those who return; those who repent; those who worship and those who praise our Rubb).”
[Muslim].

973. `Abdullah bin Sarjis (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) proceeded on a journey, he would seek refuge in Allah from the hardships of the journey, and against deviation after guidance, and against the supplication of the oppressed, and occurrences of unpleasant events in the family and property. He would say: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`tha’is-safari, wa kaabatil-munqalabi, wal-hauri ba`dal-kauni, wa da`watil-mazlumi, wa su‘il-manzari fil-ahli wal-mal.”
[Muslim].

974. `Ali bin Rabi`ah reported: In my presence, a beast was brought to `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) for riding. When he put his foot in the stirrup, he said: “Bismillah (With the Name of Allah).” When he had settled himself on its back he recited: “Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. (All praise belongs to Allah Who has made this subservient to us, for we had not the strength to overpower it; and to our Rubb shall we return).” He then recited thrice: “Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah),” and then three times: “Allahu Abkar (Allah is Greatest).” Then he said: “Subhanaka inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li, innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta (You are far removed from imperfection I have wronged myself, so forgive me, because none but You can forgive sins).” Then he smiled. It was asked: “Why have you smiled, O Amir Al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers)?” He replied: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) doing as I have done. I (i.e., Ali) asked him (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) the reason for smiling. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `Your Rubb, Glorious is He, is pleased when His slave seeks His forgiveness. He (the slave) has firm faith that none except Allah Alone can forgive sins)’.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

AbdurRahman.Org : Islamic Knowledge – Islam, Sunnah, Salafiyyah