Etiquette of Drinking Water

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 111
Etiquette of Drinking Water

757. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to breathe three times in the course of a drink (he used to drink in three gulps).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

758. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not drink in one gulp like a camel, but in two or three (gulps). Mention the Name of Allah (i.e., say Bismillah) when you start drinking and praise Him (i.e., say Al-hamdu lillah) after you have finished (drinking).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

759. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) forbade breathing into the vessel while drinking.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

760. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Milk mixed with water was brought to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). On his right side was sitting a bedouin and on his left was sitting Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) drank from it and handed the rest to the bedouin saying, “One who is on the right has preference, then again the one who is on the right.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

761. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A drink was brought to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and he drank (some) from it. On his right was a boy and on his left were some elderly people. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to the boy, “Would you permit me to give rest of this drink to these on my left?’‘ The boy said: “O Messenger of Allah, I would certainly not give preference to anyone in anything that might come to me from you.” So he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) handed over the rest of the drink to him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Eating from what is in front of One

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 104
Eating from what is in front of One

740.  `Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I was a boy under the care of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and as my hand used to wander around in the dish, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me once, “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is in front of you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

741. Salamah bin Al-Akwa` (May Allah be pleased with him) reported on the authority of his father: A man ate with his left hand in the presence of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), whereupon he said, “Eat with your right hand.” The man said: “I cannot do that.” Thereupon he (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “May you not be able to do that.” It was vanity that prevented him from doing it and he could not raise it (the right hand) up to his mouth afterwards.
[Muslim].

Prohibition of wearing Silk for men and its permissibility for Women

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 122
Prohibition of wearing Silk for men and its permissibility for Women

804. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not wear silk (clothes). For whoever wears (them) in this life will be deprived of them in the Hereafter.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

805. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Silk (clothes) are worn only by him who has no share in the Hereafter.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

806.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who wears silk clothes in this life shall not wear them in the Hereafter.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

807. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) holding a piece of gold in his left hand and a silk (cloth) in his right hand. Then he said, “These two are forbidden for the males of my Ummah.”
[Abu Dawud].

808. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Wearing of silk and gold has been made unlawful for males and lawful for the females of my Ummah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

809. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited us from eating or drinking in gold or silver utensils and from wearing silk and brocade, or sitting on (anything made from) them.
[Al-Bukhari].

Prohibition of Miserliness – Riyad-us-Saliheen

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 61 : Prohibition of Miserliness

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient. And belies Al-Husna. We will make smooth for him the path for evil. And what will his wealth avail him when he goes down (in destruction)?” (92:8-11)

“And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, then they are the successful ones.” (64:16)

563. Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Beware of oppression, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection; and beware of stinginess because it destroyed those who were before you. It incited them to shed their blood and deem unlawful as lawful.”
[Muslim].

 

Obligation of Obedience to the Ruler in what is Lawful and Prohibition ofObeying them in what is Unlawful

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 80
Obligation of Obedience to the Ruler in what is Lawful and Prohibition of
Obeying them in what is Unlawful

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger (Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority.” (4:59)

663. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is obligatory upon a Muslim to listen (to the ruler) and obey whether he likes it or not, except when he is ordered to do a sinful thing; in such case, there is no obligation to listen or to obey.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

664. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever we took a pledge of allegiance to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to hear and obey, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would say to us, “As far as you are capable of.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

665. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “One who withdraws his hand from obedience (to the Amir) will find no argument (in his defense) when he stands before Allah on the Day of Resurrection; and one who dies without having sworn allegiance will die the death of one belonging to the Days of Ignorance.’
[Muslim].

Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who dies having defected from obedience (to the Amir) and discards his association with the main body of the (Muslim) community, dies the death of one belonging to the Days of Jahiliyyah.”

666. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Hear and obey even if an Abyssinian slave whose head is like a raisin is placed in authority over you.”
[Al-Bukhari].

667. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is obligatory upon you to listen and obey the orders of the ruler in prosperity and adversity, whether you are willing or unwilling, or when someone is given undue preference to you.”
[Muslim].

668. `Abdullah bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We accompanied Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on a journey. We halted at a place to take a rest. Some of us began to set right their tents, others began to graze their animals while others were engaged in competing with one another in archery when an announcer of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) announced that people should gather for Salat. We gathered around the Messenger of Allah and he ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) addressed us, saying, “Every Prophet before me was under obligation to guide his followers to what he knew was good for them and to warn the evil thing which he knew. As for this Ummah, it will have sound state and in its early stage of existence; but the last phase of its existence, will be faced with trials and with things you do not recognize. There will be tremendous trials, one after the other, and to each the believer will say, `That is it’. Whenever a trial arrives the believer will say: `This is going to bring about my destruction.’ When this passes, another calamity will approach and he will say: `This surely is going to be my end.’ Whosoever wishes to be removed from the Fire (Hell) and admitted to Jannah should die with faith in Allah and the Last Day; and he should treat others as he wishes to be treated. He who swears allegiance to an Imam, he should give him the pledge in ratification and the sincerity of his heart. He should obey him to the best of his capacity. If another man comes forward as a claimant (when one has already been installed), behead the second.”
[Muslim].

669. Wa’il bin Hujr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Salamah bin Yazid Al-Ju`f (May Allah be pleased with him) asked Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “O Prophet of Allah! Tell us, what you command us to do if there arises over us rulers who demand of us what is due to them and refuse us what is due to us.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) turned away from him, but he repeated the same question. Thereupon Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Listen to them and obey them. They are responsible for their obligations and you are accountable for yours.”
[Muslim].

670. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There will be discrimination after my death and there will be other matters that you will disapprove.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah! What do you command us to do when we are encountered with such happenings?” He answered, “Give what is due from you and supplicate to Allah for your rights.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

671. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever obeys me, obeys Allah; and he who disobeys me, disobeys Allah; and whosoever obeys the Amir (leader), in fact, obeys me; and he who disobeys the Amir, in fact, disobeys me.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

672. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If a person notices in his ruler what he dislikes, he should show patience because he who departs from the (Muslim) community a cubit, dies like those who died in the Days of Ignorance.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

673. Abu Bakrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who insults the rulers Allah will insult him.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Excellence of Conveying Glad Tidings and Congratulations

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 95
Excellence of Conveying Glad Tidings and Congratulations

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“So announce the good news to My slaves. Those who listen to the Word [good advice La ilaha illallah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and Islamic Monotheism] and follow the best thereof (i.e., worship Allah Alone, repent to Him and avoid Taghut).” (39: 17, 18)

“Their Rubb gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased (with them), and of Gardens (Jannah) for them wherein are everlasting delights.” (9:21)

“But receive the glad tidings of Jannah which you have been promised! “ (41:30)

“So we gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy.” (37:101)

“And verily, there came Our messengers to Ibrahim (Abraham) with glad tidings.” (11:69)

“And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed [either, because the messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Lut (Lot)]. But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaq (Isaac), and after Ishaq, of Ya`qub (Jacob).” (11:71)

“Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room), (saying): `Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya (John).”’ (3:39)

(Remember) when the angels said: `O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, Allah gives you the glad tidings of a Word [`Be!’- and he was! i.e., `Isa (Jesus) the son of Maryam] from Him, his name will be the Messiah `Isa.” (3:45)

708. `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) gave glad tidings to Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) about a palace of hollowed pearls in Jannah, free from noise and toil.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

709. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One day, I performed my Wudu’ in my house and then set forth with the determination that I would stick to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and spend the whole day with him. I came to the mosque and asked about him. The Companions told that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had gone in a certain direction. Abu Musa added: I followed him inquiring until I came to Bi’r Aris (a well in the suburb of Al-Madinah). (There) I sat down at the door till he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had relieved himself and performed Wudu’. Then I went to him and saw him sitting on the platform of the well with his shanks uncovered and his legs dangling in the well. I greeted him and returned to the door of the garden, saying to myself, “I will be the doorkeeper of the Messenger of Allah today.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) came and knocked at the door. I said; “Who is that?” He said: “Abu Bakr.” I said, “Wait a moment.” Then I went to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! Abu Bakr is at the door seeking permission to enter.” He said, “Admit him and give him the glad tidings of Jannah.” I returned and said to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him): “You may enter and Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has given you the glad tidings of (entering) Jannah.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) came in and sat down on the right side of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and suspended his legs into the well and uncovered his shanks, as the Messenger of Allah had done. I returned to the door and sat down. I had left my brother at home while he was performing Wudu’ and intending to join me. I said to myself: “If Allah intends good for him (i.e., to be blessed to come at this time and receive the glad tidings of entering Jannah), He will bring him here.” Someone knocked at the door and I said, “Who is it?” He said, “Umar bin Al-Khattab.” I said, “Wait a moment.” Then I proceeded towards Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). I greeted him and said, “Umar is at the door, seeking permission to enter. He said, “Let him in and give him the glad tidings of entering  Jannah.”  I  went  back to `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him)  and said to him, “Messenger of Allah has given you permission as well as glad tidings of entering Jannah.” He entered and sat down with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on his left side and dangled his feet into the well. I returned to the door and sat down and said to myself: “If Allah intends good for my brother, He will bring him here.” Someone knocked at the door and I said, “Who is it?” He said, “Uthman bin `Affan.” I said, “Wait a moment.” I went to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about his arrival. He said, “Let him in and give him glad tidings of entering Jannah together with a tribulation which he will have to face.” I came back to him and said, “You may enter; and Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) gives you the glad tidings of entering Jannah together with a tribulation that will afflict you.” He got in and saw that the elevated platform round the well was fully occupied. So he sat on opposite side. Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab (May Allah be pleased with him) a subnarrator has reported: The order in which they sat down indicated the places of their burial.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 Another narration adds: Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ordered me to guard the door. When `Uthman was told (about the misfortune) he praised Allah then said: “Allahu Musta`an (His help is to be sought).”

(The interpretation of Sa`id bin Al-Musaiyab is that the graves of Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) are by the side of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), in the same position they took when they sat next to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) while the grave of `Uthman is away from their graves, in the public graveyard of Al-Madinah known as Baqi` Al-Gharqad).

710.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting in the company of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) were also present. All of a sudden the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) got up and left us. When he was late to return to us we began to worry lest he should meet with trouble in our absence. I was the first to be alarmed and set out in search of him until I came to a garden belonging to BanuNajjar (a section of the Ansar). I went round it looking for an entrance, but failed to find one. However, I saw a stream of water flowing into the garden from a well outside. I drew myself together like a fox and slinked into the place and reached the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He said, “Is it Abu Hurairah?” I replied in the affirmative. He asked, “What is the matter with you?” I replied, “You were sitting with us and then you left us and delayed for a time. Fearing you had met with some adversities we got alarmed. I was the first to be alarmed. So when I came to this garden, I squeezed myself like a fox and these people are coming behind me.” He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) gave me his sandals and said, “O Abu Hurairah! Take these sandals of mine, and whoever you meet outside this garden testifying that La ilaha illallah (There is no true god except Allah), being assured of it in his heart, give him the glad tidings that he will enter Jannah.’‘ (Abu Hurairah then narrated the Hadith in full).
[Muslim].

711. Ibn Shumasah reported: We visited `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was in his deathbed. He wept for a long time and turned his face towards the wall. His son said:O father, did not the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) give you the good news of such and such? Did he not give you glad tidings of such and such?” Then he (`Amr) turned his face towards us and said: “The best thing which you can count upon is the affirmation that: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah), and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. I have passed through three phases. I remember when I hated none more than I hated the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and there was no other desire stronger in me than that of killing him. Had I died in that state, I would have definitely been one of the dwellers of Fire (Hell). When Allah instilled the love for Islam in my heart, I went to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, `Extend your right hand, so that I pledge allegiance to you.’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stretched out his right hand, but I withdrew my hand. He said, `What is the matter, `Amr?’ I said, `I wish to lay down same conditions.’ He asked, `What conditions do you wish to put forward?’ I replied, `To be granted forgiveness.’ He said, `Do you not know that (embracing) Islam wipes out all that has gone before it (previous misdeeds). Verily, emigration wipes out all the previous sins, and the Hajj (pilgrimage) wipes out all the previous sins.‘ Thereafter, no one was dearer to me than Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and none was more respectable than him in my eyes. So bright was his splendour that I could not gather enough courage to look at his face for any length of time. If I were asked to describe his feature, I would not be able to do so because I have never caught a full glimpse of his face. Had I died in that state I could have hoped to be one of the dwellers of Jannah. Thereafter, we were made responsible for many things and in the light of which I am unable to know what is in store for me. When I die, no mourner, nor fire should accompany my bier. When you bury me, throw the earth gently over me and stand over my grave for the space of time within which a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed so that I may enjoy your intimacy, and in your presence ascertain what answer can I give to the Messengers of my Rubb (the angels in grave).”
[Muslim].

Dignity and Tranquility

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 92
Dignity and Tranquility

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And the (faithful) slaves of the Most Gracious (Allah) are those who walk on the earth in humility and sedateness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” (25:63)

703. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I have never seen Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) laughing so heartily that his uvula could be seen. He used to smile only.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Brevity in Preaching

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 91
Brevity in Preaching

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Invite (mankind, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) to the way of your Rubb (i.e., Islam) with wisdom (i.e., with the Divine Revelation and the Qur’an) and fair preaching.” (16:125)

699. Shaqiq bin Salamah reported: Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) used to preach to us once every Thursday. A man said to him: “O Abu `Abdur-Rahman, we love your talk and we wish that you preach us every day.” He said: “There is nothing to prevent me from doing so, but I don’t lest I bore you. I follow the same method in preaching to you that Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) adopted in preaching to us for fear of boredom.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

700. `Ammar bin Yasir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Prolonging Salat (prayer) and shortening the Khutbah (religious talk) indicate the religious knowledge of the person. Make your Salat long and your sermon short.”
[Muslim].

701. Mu`awiyah bin Al-Hakam As-Sulami (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: While I was in Salat with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), a man in the congregation sneezed and I responded with: `Yarhamuk-Allah (Allah have mercy on you).’ The people stared at me with disapproving looks. So I said: “May my mother lose me. Why are you staring at me?” Thereupon, they began to strike their thighs with their hands. When I saw them urging to me to remain silent, I became angry but restrained myself. When Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) concluded his Salat. I have never before seen an instructor who gave better instruction than he, may my father and mother be sacrificed for him. He neither remonstrated me, nor beat me, nor abused me. He simply said,“It is not permissible to talk during Salat because it consists of glorifying Allah, declaring His Greatness as well as recitation of the Qur’an,” or he said words to that effect.” I said: “O Allah’s Messenger, I have but recently accepted Islam,  and Allah has favoured us with Islam. There are still some people among us who go to consult soothsayers.” He said, “Do not consult them.” Then I said: “There are some of us who are guided by omens.” He said, “These things which come to their minds. They should not be influenced by them.”
(Muslim).

702. `Irbad bin Sariyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One day, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) delivered a very effective speech, as a result, eyes shed tears and hearts became softened. A man said: “O Prophet of Allah! It sounds as if this is a farewell speech, so advise us.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I admonish you to fear Allah, and to listen and obey even if a black slave has been appointed as your leader. For whoever among you lives after me will see much discord. So hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs who will come after me. Adhere to them and hold fast to them. Beware of Bid`ah (in religion) because every Bid`ah is a misguidance.”
[Abu Da wud and At-Tirmidhi].

Obligation of Rulers to show Kindness to their Subjects

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 78
Obligation of Rulers to show Kindness to their Subjects

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.” (26:215)

“Verily, Allah enjoins Al-`Adl (justice) and Al-Ihsan (performing duties in a perfect manner), and giving (help) to kith and kin, and forbids Al-Fahsha’ evil deeds and Al-Munkar (all that is prohibited) and Al-Baghy (oppression). He admonishes you, that you may take heed.” (16:90)

653. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “All of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards. The ruler is a guardian and responsible for his subjects; the man is a guardian and responsible for his family; the woman is a guardian and is responsible for her husbands house and his offspring; and so all of you are guardians and are responsible for your wards.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

654. Abu Ya`la Ma`qil bin Yasar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any slave whom Allah makes him in charge of subjects and he dies while he is not sincere to them, Allah will make Jannah unlawful for him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not look after his subjects with goodwill and sincerity, will be deprived of the fragrance of Jannah.”

A narration in Muslim is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A ruler who, having control over the affairs of the Muslims, does not strive diligently for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely, will not enter Jannah with them.”

655. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicating in my house: “O Allah! Treat harshly those who rule over my Ummah with harshness, and treat gently those who rule over my Ummah with gentleness.”
[Muslim].

656. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Banu Isra’il were ruled by the Prophets. When one Prophet died, another succeeded him. There will be no Prophet after me. Caliphs will come after me, and they will be many.” The Companions said: “O Messenger of Allah, what do you command us to do?” He said, “Fulfill the pledge of allegiance to which is sworn first (then swear allegiance to the others). Concede to them their due rights and ask Allah that which is due to you. Allah will call them to account in respect of the subjects whom He had entrusted to them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

657. `Aidh bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I visited `Ubaidullah bin Ziyad and said to him: “Dear son, I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, `The worst of rulers are those who treat their subjects harshly. Beware, lest you should be one of them.”’
[Al-Bukhari].

658. Abu Maryam Al-Azdi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said to Mu`awiyah (bin Abu Sufyan) (May Allah be pleased with them): I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “If Allah invests to someone the affairs of the Muslims and he (i.e., the ruler) ignores their rights, denies their access to him and neglects their needs, Allah will not answer his prayer or realize his hopes and will act towards him with indifference on the Day of Resurrection.” So Mu`awiyah appointed a person to keep a vigil on the necessities of the people and to fulfill them.
[Abu Dawud and  At-Tirmidhi].

Excellence of Leading an Ascetic Life, and Virtues of Simple Life

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 55
Excellence of Leading an Ascetic Life, and Virtues of Simple Life

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, the likeness of (this) worldly life is as the water (rain) which We send down from the sky; so by it arises the intermingled produce of the earth of which men and cattle eat: until when the earth is clad in its adornments and is beautified, and its people think that they have all the powers of disposal over it, Our Command reaches it by night or by day and We make it like a clean-mown harvest, as if it had not flourished yesterday! Thus, do We explain the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, laws, etc.) in detail for the people who reflect.” (10:24)

“And put forward to them the example of the life of this world: it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything. Wealth and children are the adornment of the life of this world. But the good righteous deeds that last, are better with your Rubb for rewards and better in respect of hope.” (18:45,46)

“Know that the life of this world is only play and amusement, pomp and mutual boasting among you, and rivalry in respect of wealth and children. (It is) as the likeness of vegetation after rain, thereof the growth is pleasing to the tiller; afterwards it dries up and you see it turning yellow; then it becomes straw. But in the Hereafter (there is) a severe torment (for the disbelievers-evildoers), and (there is) forgiveness from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure (for the believers-gooddoers). And the life of this world is only a deceiving enjoyment”. (57:20).

“Beautified for men is the love of things they covet; women, children, much of gold and silver (wealth), branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. This is the pleasure of the present world’s life; but Allah has the excellent return (Jannah with flowing rivers) with Him.” (3:14).

“O mankind! Verily, the Promise of Allah is true. So let not this present life deceive you, and let not the chief deceiver (Satan) deceive you about Allah.” (35:5).

“The mutual rivalry (for piling up of worldly things) diverts you. Until you visit the graves (i.e., till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of piling up, you would not have been occupied yourselves in worldly things)”. (102:1-5).

“And this life of the world is only amusement and play! Verily, the home of the Hereafter is the real life if they but knew”.  (29:64).

457. `Amr bin `Auf Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent Abu `Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah (May Allah be pleased with him) to Bahrain to collect (Jizyah). So he returned from Bahrain with wealth. The Ansar got news of it and joined with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in the Fajr prayer. When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) concluded the prayer, they stood in his way. When he saw them, he smiled and said, “I think you have heard about the arrival of Abu `Ubaidah with something from Bahrain”. They said, “Yes! O Messenger of Allah!”. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Rejoice and hope for that which will please you. By Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that this world will be opened up with its wealth for you as it was opened to those before you; and you vie with one another over it as they did and eventually it will ruin you as it ruined them”.
[Muslim].

458. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sat on the pulpit and we sat around him. He said: “What I am concerned most is the flourishment and the beauty of this world will be available to you”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

459. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The world is sweet and green (alluring); and verily, Allah is making you to succeed each other, generations after generations in it in order to see how you act. So beware of this world  and beware of women”.
[Muslim].

460. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Allah, there is no true life but the life of the Hereafter”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

461. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Three (things) follow a dead person: Members of his family, his property and his deeds. Two of them return; and one remains with him. The people and his wealth return; his deeds remain with him”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

462. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Among the inmates of Hell, a person who had led the most luxurious life in this world will be brought up on the Day of Resurrection and dipped in the Fire and will be asked: `O son of Adam! Did you ever experience any comfort? Did you happen to get any luxury?’ He will reply: `By Allah, no, my Rubb.’ And then one of the people of Jannah who had experienced extreme misery in the life of this world will be dipped in Jannah. Then he will be asked: `O son of Adam! Did you ever experience any misery? Did you ever encounter difficulty?’ He will say: “By Allah, no my Rubb, I neither experienced misery nor passed through hardship”.
[Muslim].

463. Al-Mustaurad bin Shaddad (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “This world (i.e., its pleasures and duration) in comparison with the Hereafter is (similar to the amount of water) one gets when he puts his finger in the sea. Let him then see what it returns with”.
[Muslim].

464. Jabir bin `Abdullah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was passing through the bazaar with his Companions on his both sides, when he saw a dead skinny lamb. He held its ear and said, “Who of you would like to have it for a dirham”. They replied, “We do not like to get it for nothing, and what shall we do with it?”. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Would you like to have it for nothing?”. They replied, “Had it been alive, it would have been defective because it is skinny; but when dead it is of no use”. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Truly, the world is more contemptible to Allah than this (the dead lamb) is to you”.
[Muslim].

465. Abu Dharr (May allah be pleased with him) reported: I was walking with the Prophet on the stony ground in Al-Madinah in the afternoon when Uhud Mount came into sight. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Abu Dharr!” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, here I am responding to you”. He said, “If I had as much gold as the weight of Uhud, it would not please me to have a single dinar out of it with me after the passage of three days, but I would hold back something for the repayment of a debt. I would distribute it among the slaves of Allah like this and like this and like this.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) pointed in front of him, and on his right side and on his left side. We then walked a little further and he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The rich would be poor on the Day of  Resurrection, except he who spent like this and like this and like this,”. and he pointed as he did the first time. “But such persons are few”. Then he said, “Stay where you are till I come back to you”. He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) walked ahead a little further in the darkness of the night and disappeared from my sight. I heard a loud voice. I said (to myself): “The Messenger of Allah might have met (mishap or an enemy)”. I wished I could go after him but I remembered his commanding me to stay till he came back. So I waited for him; and when he came, I made mention of what I had heard. He asked, “Did you hear it?”. I said, “Yes”. Then he said, “It was Jibril (Gabriel), who came to me and said: `He who dies among your Ummah without having associated anything with Allah (in worship) will enter Jannah.’ I said: `Even if he committed illicit sexual intercourse or steals?’ He (Jibril) said: `Even if he has committed illicit sexual intercourse or steals”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

466. Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If I had gold equal to Mount Uhud (in weight), it would not please me to pass three nights and I have a thing of it left with me, except what I retain for repayment of a debt”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

467. Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Look at those who are inferior to you and do not look at those who are superior to you, for this will keep you from belittling Allah’s Favour to you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

This is the wording in Sahih Muslim. The narration in Al-Bukhari is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)  said: “When one of you looks at someone who is superior to him in property and appearance, he should look at someone who is inferior to him”.

468. Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with ihm) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May he be miserable, the worshipper of the dinar and dirham, and the worshipper of the striped silk cloak. If he is given anything, he is satisfied; but if not, he is unsatisfied”.
[Al-Bukhari]

469. Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw seventy of the people of the Suffah and none of them had a cloak. They had either a lower garment or a blanket which they suspended from their necks. Some (cloaks) reached halfway down to the legs and some to the ankles; and the man would manage to keep it in his hand to avoid exposing his private parts.
[Al-Bukhari].

470. Abu Hurairah (May allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The world is the believer’s prison and the infidel’s Jannah”.
[Muslim].

471. `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 until the morning, do not expect to live until the evening; (do good deeds) when you are in good health before you fall sick, and (do good deeds) as long as you are alive before death strikes”.
[Al-Bukhari].

472. Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to such an action which, if I do Allah will love me and the people will also love me.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Have no desire for this world, Allah will love you; and have no desire for what people possess, and the people will love you.”
[Ibn Majah]

473. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) spoke at length regarding the worldly prosperity that people had achieved and said: “I saw that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would pass his days in hunger and could not get even degraded dates to fill his stomach”.
[Muslim].

474. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) died when my house was void of any edible thing except for a small quantity of barley I had on a shelf and from which I kept eating it for a long time. Then when I measured what was left of it, it soon finished.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

475. `Amr bin Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with him) the brother of Juwairiyah (May Allah be pleased with her), the Mother of believers) reported: (When he died) Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) left neither a dinar nor a dirham nor a male slave nor a female slave, nor anything else except his white riding mule, his weapons and his land which he had given in charity to wayfarers.
[Al-Bukhari].

476. Al-Khabbab bin Al-Aratt (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We emigrated with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) seeking the pleasure of Allah and expecting our reward from Him. Some of us died without enjoying anything of it. Among them was Mus`ab bin `Umair (May Allah be pleased with him), who was killed in the battle of Uhud, leaving only a small coloured sheet of wool (which we used as his shroud). When we covered his head with it, his feet were exposed, and when we covered his feet with it, his head was uncovered. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) told us to cover his head and to put some Idhkhir (i.e., fragrant grass) over his feet. Others among us enjoy prosperity.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

477. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Were this world worth a wing of mosquito, He would not have given a drink of water to an infidel.”

[At-Tirmidhi].

478. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily! The world is accursed and what it contains is accursed, except remembrance of Allah and those who associate themselves with Allah; and a learned man, and a learning person.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

479. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not crave for property lest you should be absorbed in the desire of worldly life.”
[At-Tirmidhi]

480. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were repairing our thatchy hut when Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) passed by and asked us, “What are you doing?” We said, “The thatch had gone weak and we are repairing it.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I see the sure thing (death) approaching sooner than this.”
[Abu Dawud].

481. Ka`b bin `Iyad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, there is a Fitnah (trial) for every nation and the trial for my nation (or Ummah) is wealth.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

482. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no right for the son of adam except in these (four) things: A house to live in, a cloth to cover therewith his private parts, bread and water.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

483.  `Abdullah bin Ash-Shikhkhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) while he was reciting (Surat At-Takathur 102):

“The mutual rivalry (for hoarding worldly things) preoccupy you. Until you visit the graves (i.e., till you die). Nay! You shall come to know! Again nay! You shall come to know! Nay! If you knew with a sure knowledge (the end result of hoarding, you would not have been occupied in worldly things). Verily, you shall see the blazing Fire (Hell)! And again, you shall see it with certainty of sight! Then (on that Day) you shall be asked about the delights (you indulged in, in this world)!” (102:1-8)

(After reciting) he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Son of adam says: `My wealth, my wealth.’ Do you own of your wealth other than what you eat and consume, and what you wear and wear out, or what you give in Sadaqah (charity) (to those who deserve it), and that what you will have in stock for yourself.”
[Muslim].

484. `Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “O Messenger of Allah! By Allah, I love you.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Think about what you are saying.” The man repeated thrice, “I swear by Allah that I love you.” He (Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “If you love me, you should be ready for acute poverty; because poverty comes to those who love me, faster than a flood flowing towards its destination.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

485. K`ab bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Two hungry wolves sent in the midst of a flock of sheep are no more destructive to them than a man’s greed for wealth and fame is to his Deen.”

[At-Tirmidhi]

486. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) slept on a straw mat and got up with the marks left by it on his body. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah! Would that you make us spread out a soft bedding for you.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “What have I to do with the world? I am like a rider who had sat under a tree for its shade, then went away and left it.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

487. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The poor will enter Jannah five hundred years before the rich.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

488. Ibn `Abbas and `Imran bin Al-Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I looked into Jannah and saw that most of its dwellers are the poor; and I looked into Hell and saw that most of its inmates were women.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

489. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I stood at the gate of Jannah and saw that most of those who enter it were poor, whereas the rich were held back; but those who were destined to go to Hell were ordered to be sent there (immediately).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

490. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The most truthful statement a poet has ever made is the saying of Labid: Everything besides Allah is vain.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Undesirability of Aspiring for Office

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 81
Undesirability of Aspiring for Office

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“That home of the Hereafter (i.e., Jannah), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons).” (28:83)

674. `Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Do not ask for position of authority. If you are granted this position without asking for it, you will be helped (by Allah) in discharging its responsibilities; but if you are given it as a result of your request, you will be left alone as its captive. If you take an oath to do something and then find a better alternative, you should adopt the latter and expiate for your oath.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

675. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “O Abu Dharr, I see that you are weak and I like for you what I like for myself. Do not rule over (even) two persons, and do not manage an orphan’s property.”
[Muslim].

676. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Why do you not appoint me to an (official) position?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) patted me on the shoulder with his hand and said, “O Abu Dharr, you are a weak man and it is a trust and it will be a cause of disgrace and remorse on the Day of Resurrection except for the one who takes it up with a full sense of responsibility and fulfills what is entrusted to him (discharges its obligations efficiently).”
[Muslim].

677. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You will covet for getting a position of authority, but remember that it will be a cause of humiliation and remorse on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari]

Clarity of Discourse

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 89
Clarity of Discourse

696. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said something, he would repeat his words thrice so that the meanings would be understood fully; and whenever he came upon a group of people, he would greet them, and he would repeat salutation thrice.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

697. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: the speech of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was so clear that all those who listened to it would understand it.
[Abu Dawud].

Clemency, Tolerance and Gentleness

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 74
Clemency, Tolerance and Gentleness

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“…who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinun (the good-doers).” (3:134)

“Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e., don’t punish them).” (7:199)

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e., Allah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient – and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e., Jannah and of a high moral character) in this world.” (41:34,35)

“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.” (42:43)

632. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to Ashaj Abdul-Qais (May Allah be pleased with him), “You possess two qualities that Allah loves. These are clemency and tolerance.”
[Muslim].

633. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is Forbearer and loves forbearance in all matters.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

634. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is Forbearer and He loves forbearance, and rewards for forbearance while He does not reward severity, and does not give for any thing besides it (forbearance).”
[Muslim]

635. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever forbearance is added to something, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn from something, it leaves it defective.”
[Muslim].

636. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin urinated in the mosque and some people rushed to beat him up. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Leave him alone and pour a bucket of water over it. You have been sent to make things easy and not to make them difficult.”
[Al-Bukhari].

637. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult, cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings to them and do not repulse (them).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

638. Jarir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good.”
[Muslim].

639. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to give him advice, and he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not get angry.” The man repeated that several times and he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied (every time), “Do not get angry.”
[Al-Bukhari].

640. Abu Ya`la Shaddad bin `Aus (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily Allah has prescribed Ihsan (kindness) for everything. So when you kill, you must make the killing in the best manner; when you slaughter, make your slaughter in the best manner. Let one of you sharpen his knife and give ease to his animal (in order to reduce his pain).”
[Muslim].

641. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was given a choice between two matters, he would (always) choose the easier as long as it was not sinful to do so; but if it was sinful he was most strict in avoiding it. He never took revenge upon anybody for his own sake; but when Allah’s Legal Bindings were outraged, he would take revenge for Allah’s sake.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

642. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having polite and tender nature.”
[At-Tirmidhii].

The Just Ruler

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 79
The Just Ruler

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, Allah enjoins Al-`Adl (justice) and Al-Ihsan (performing duties in a perfect manner).” (16:90)

“And be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are the equitable.” (49:9)

659. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give protection with His Shade* on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade (i.e., on the Day of Resurrection), and they are: A just ruler; a youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is attached to the mosque; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful and high ranking woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): `I fear Allah’; a person who gives a charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand might not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

* The Shade of Allah to which this Hadith refers to is the shade of His Throne.

660. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The just will be seated upon pulpits of light.” Those who are fair with regards to their judgement and their family and those who are under them.”
[Muslim].

661. `Auf bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of your rulers are those whom you love and who love you, and those who supplicate Allah in your favour and you supplicate Allah in their favour. The worst of your rulers are those whom you hate and who hate you; and whom you curse and who curse you.” It was asked (by those who were present): “Should not we oppose them?” He said, “No, as long as they establish Salat; as long as they establish Salat in your midst.”
[Muslim].

662. `Iyad bin Himar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The people of Jannah will be of three kinds: A just successful ruler, a man who shows mercy to his relatives, and a pious believer who has a large family and refrains from begging.”
[Muslim].

Honoring the Guest

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 94
Honoring the Guest

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Has the story reached you, of the honoured guests [three angels; Jibril (Gabriel) along with another two] of Ibrahim (Abraham)? When they came in to him and said: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ He answered: `Salam (peace be upon you),’ and said: `You are a people unknown to me.’ Then he turned to his household, and brought out a roasted calf [as the property of Ibrahim (Abraham) was mainly cows]. And placed it before them, (saying): `Will you not eat?”’ (51: 24-27)

“And his (Lut’s) people came rushing towards him, and since aforetime they used to commit crimes (sodomy), he said: `O my people! Here are my daughters (i.e., the women of the nation), they are purer for you (if you marry them lawfully). So fear Allah and degrace me not with regard to my guests! Is there not among you a single right-minded man? ”’ (11:78)

706. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him show hospitality to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him maintain good relation with kins; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day,  let him speak good or remain silent.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

707. Abu Shuraih Khuwailid bin `Amr Al-Khuza`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should accommodate his guest according to his right.” He was asked: “What is his right, O Messenger of Allah?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied: “It is (to accommodate him) for a day and a night, and hospitality extends for three days, and what is beyond that is charity.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In Muslim it is added: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is not permissible for a Muslim to stay so long with his brother till he makes him sinful.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, how can he make him sinful?” He replied, “He prolongs his stay with him till nothing is left with the host to entertain him (guest).

Modesty and Courtesy towards the Believers

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 71
Modesty and Courtesy towards the Believers

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And be kind and humble to the believers who follow you.” (26:215)

“O you who believe! Whoever from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern towards the disbelievers.” (5:54)

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa [he is one of the Muttaqun (the pious)].” (49:13)

“So ascribe not purity to yourselves. He knows best him who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him [i.e., those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)].” (53:32)

“And the men on Al-a`raf (the wall) will call unto the men whom they would recognise by their marks, saying: `Of what benefit to you were your great numbers (and hoards of wealth), and your arrogance (against Faith)?’ Are they those, of whom you swore that Allah would never show them mercy. (Behold! It has been said to them): `Enter Jannah, no fear shall be on you, nor shall you grieve.”’ (7:48,49)

602. `Iyad bin Himar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah has revealed to me that you should humble yourselves to one another. One should neither hold himself above another nor transgress against another.”
[Muslim].

603. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Wealth does not diminish by giving Sadaqah (charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who serves another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will exalt him in ranks.”
[Muslim].

604. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) passed by some children and greeted them (by saying As-salamu `alaikum to them). Then he said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do the same.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

605. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A slave-girl of Al-Madinah would take hold of the hand of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and take him wherever she desired.
[Al-Bukhari].

606. Al-Aswad bin Yazid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) was asked: “What did Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do inside his house?” She answered: “He used to keep himself busy helping members of his family, and when it was the time for Salat (the prayer), he would get up for prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari].

607. Tamim bin Usaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) while he was delivering a Khutbah and said: “O Messenger of Allah, a stranger (meaning himself) has come to inquire about his Deen. He is quite ignorant about his Deen.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) interrupted his Khutbah and turned to me. Then a chair was brought for him and he sat on it. He started instructing me what Allah had taught him. Then he resumed his Khutbah and completed it.
[Muslim].

608. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) finished eating his food, he would lick his three fingers (i.e., the forefinger, the middle finger and the thumb). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone of you drops a morsel, he should remove anything harmful from it and then eat it. He should not leave it for Shaitan.” He commanded us to clean out the dish saying, “You do not know in what portion of your food the blessing lies.”
[Muslim].

609. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every Prophet has tended sheep.” He was asked: “And did you?” He replied: “Yes, I tended them for a few carats for the Makkans.”
[Al-Bukhari].

610. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If I am invited to a meal consisting of a sheep’s foot or shoulder, I would respond and I would accept as a gift a shoulder or a foot of a sheep.”
[Al-Bukhari].

611. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had a she-camel called Al-`Adba’ which would not allow any other camel to surpass her. A bedouin came riding his camel which outstripped it. The Muslims were much grieved at this. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perceived it and said, “It is Allah’s Way that he lowers whatever raises itself in the world.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Excellence of Simple Living and being Content with Little

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 56
Excellence of Simple Living and being Content with Little

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Then, there has succeeded them a posterity who have given up As-Salat (the prayers) [i.e., made their Salat (prayers) to be lost, either by not offering them or by not offering them perfectly or by not offering them in their proper fixed times] and have followed lusts. So they will be thrown in Hell. Except those who repent and believe (in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)), and work righteousness. Such will enter Jannah and they will not be wronged in aught.” (19:59,60)

“So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world, said: `Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given! Verily, he is the owner of a great fortune.’ But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: `Woe to you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds’.” (28:79,80)

“Then, on that Day, you shall be asked about the delights (you indulged in, in this world)!” (102:8)

“Whoever desires the quick-passing (transitory enjoyment of this world), We readily grant him what We will for whom We like. Then, afterwards, We have appointed for him Hell; he will burn therein disgraced and rejected (far away from Allah’s Mercy).” (17:18)

491. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The family of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never ate to the fill the bread of barley for two successive days until he died.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: Never did the family of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) eat to the fill, since their arrival to Al-Madinah, the bread of wheat for three successive nights until his death.

492. `Urwah from `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported that she used to say to Urwah (May Allah be pleased with him): “O son of my sister, by Allah, I used to see the new moon, then the new moon, then the new moon, i.e., three moons in two months, and a fire was not kindled in the house of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). “I (`Urwah) said, “O my aunt, what were your means of sustenance?” She said; “Dates and water. But it (so happened) that Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had some Ansar neighbours who had milch animals. They used to send Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) some milk of their (animals) and he gave that to us to drink.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

493. Abu Sa`id Maqburi reported: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said that he happened to pass by some people who had a roast lamb before them. They invited him, but he declined, saying: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) left the world without having eaten his fill with barley bread.”
[Al-Bukhari].

494. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) neither ate on a dining cloth, nor ate soft bread throughout his life.
[Al-Bukhari].

One narration adds: He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never even saw a Samit lamb.

495. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I have seen your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he did not find enough of even the inferior quality of dates to eat and fill his belly.
[Muslim].

496. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had never seen bread made out of fine flour throughout his life, since Allah commissioned him until his death. He was asked, “Did you not have sieves at the time of the Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never saw a sieve.” He was asked, “How did you manage to eat barley bread made of unsieved flour?” He said, ”We used to ground it and then blew away the husk, and what remained we kneaded into dough.”
[Al-Bukhari].

497. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went out (of his house) one day, or one night, and there he met Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) also. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “What made you leave your houses at this hour?” They said, “It is hunger, O Messenger of Allah.”    He said, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, what made you leave, made me also leave, so come along!” And he went along with them to a man from the Ansar, but they did not find him in his house. When the wife of that man saw the Prophet, she said, “You are most welcome.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to her, “Where is so-and-so?” She said, “He went to fetch some fresh water for us.” In the meantime, the Ansari came back, saw Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and his two companions and said: “Praise be to Allah, today no one has more honourable guests than I.” He then went out and brought them a bunch of date fruit, having dates, some still green, some ripe, and some fully ripe, and requested them to eat from it. He then took his knife (to slaughter a sheep). Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Do not kill a milch sheep.” So he slaughtered a sheep for them. After they had eaten and drunk to their fill, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to Abu Bakr and `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them), “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you will certainly be questioned about this treat on the Day of Resurrection. Hunger brought you out of your homes, and you do not return to your homes till you have been blessed with this treat.”
[Muslim].

498. Khalid bin `Umar Al-`Adawi reported: `Utbah bin Ghazwan, the governor of Basrah, delivered a Khutbah. He praised Allah, glorified Him, then said: “Amma b`adu, verily, the world has been given the news of its end and is running to meet its end swiftly. Nothing is left out of it but a very little amount. Similar to the remainder in a dish whose owner is collecting it to drink; and you are going to move to an abode which knows no end, and you should proceed there with the good before you, for we have been informed (by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) that a stone would be thrown at one side of the Hell and it would travel down for seventy years but would not reach its bottom. By Allah, it will be filled (with men and jinn). Do you find it strange? We have been informed (i.e., by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) that the distance between two shutters of the gate of Jannah is forty years (distance). And a day would come when it would be fully packed; I was the seventh amongst the seven who had been with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and we had nothing to eat but the leaves of the tree until the sides of our mouth were injured. We found a sheet which we tore into two and divided between myself and Sa`d bin Malik. I made the lower garment with half of it and so did Sa`d. Today, there is none amongst us who has not become the governor of a city, and I seek refuge with Allah that I should consider myself great while I am insignificant to Allah.”
[Muslim].

499. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) showed us a sheet and a thick lower garment and said to us Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was wearing them when he died.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

500. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: By Allah, I am the first Arab who shot an arrow in the Cause of Allah. We fought along with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when our food was only the leaves of Hublah and Samur trees (wild trees) until one of us would defecate like the droppings of sheep.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

501. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “O Allah, make the provisions of family of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) bare subsistence.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

502. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: By Allah other than Whom there is none worthy of worship, I used to press my stomach against the earth owing to my hunger; I would tie a stone over it. One day, I was sitting on the way they usually take when the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) passed by me. When he saw me he smiled at me and knew my condition and my feelings. He called me and I replied, “At your service, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Follow me.” So I followed him. Having arrived at home, he sought permission and entered. He allowed me in and I, too, entered. He found milk in a bowl and asked, “Where is this from?” He was told that it was a gift for him from so-and-so. He called me and I responded: “At your service, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Go to the people of As-Suffah and usher them in.” He Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) explained: The people of As-Suffah were guests of Islam; they had no family, no property and no relations. When Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to receive something in charity, he would send it to them without taking anything from it. When he received a present, he would send for them and share it with them. On this occasion, I disliked to give them anything. I said to myself: “This meagre quantity of milk will not be enough for all the people of As-Suffah! I am more deserving of it than anyone else. By drinking it I may attain some strength. When they come, he will order me to give it to them. I do not expect that anything will be left for me from this milk.” As there was no alternative but to obey Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). I went and called them. They came and sought permission which was granted. They took their seats. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) called me and I responded, “At your service, O Messenger of Allah.” He then said, “Take the milk and give it to them.” I took the bowl and gave it to one man who drank his fill and returned it to me, and I gave it to the next and he did the same. I went on doing this till the bowl reached Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). By that time all had taken their fill. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) took the bowl, put it on his hand, looked at me, smiled and said, “Abu Hirr.” I said, “At your service, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Now you and I are left.’‘ I said, “That is true, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Sit down and drink.” I drank, but he went on saying, “Drink some more.” I said, “By Him Who has sent you with the Truth, I have no room for it.” He said, “Then give it to me.’‘ So I gave him the bowl. He praised Allah, uttered the Name of Allah and drank the remainder.
[Al-Bukhari].

503. Muhammad bin Sirin (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I would fall in swoon between the pulpit of (the mosque of) Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and the chamber of `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) and every passer-by would put his foot on my neck thinking I was insane. I was not insane but I was awfully hungry.”
[Al-Bukhari].

504. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) died, his armour was mortgaged with a Jew for thirty Sa` (measures) of barley.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

505. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mortgaged his armour for a quantity of barley, and I took to him some barley bread and rancid fat. I heard him saying: “The family of Muhammad never possessed a measure of wheat from dawn to dusk although they were nine houses (to feed).”

[Al-Bukhari].

506. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw seventy of the people of As-Suffah and none of them had a cloak. They had either a lower cloth or a blanket which they suspended from their necks. Some reached half way down to the legs and some to the ankles, and one of them would manage to keep it in his hand to avoid exposing his private parts.
[Al-Bukhari].

507. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The mattress of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was a piece of tanned skin stuffed with palm fibres.
[Al-Bukhari].

508. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were once sitting in the company of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when a man from the Ansar came and greeted. As he was leaving, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “O brother of the Ansar, how is my brother Sa`d bin `Ubadah?” He replied, “He is well.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Which of you is desirous of visiting him?” Having said this he got up and we followed him. We were ten and odd in number and we had neither shoes nor light boots nor caps nor shirts. We walked on foot through the barren plain till we came to the residence of Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him). His people made way and Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) along with those who accompanied him went up to him.
[Muslim].

509. `Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of you, are my contemporaries, then those who follow them, then those who will come after them. (`Imran said, I do not know if he said this twice or thrice). Then, they will be followed by those who will testify but will not be called upon to testify; they will betray the trust, and will not be trusted. They will make vows but will not fulfill them, and obesity will prevail among them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

510. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O son of Adam, if you spend the surplus, it will be better for you; and if you retain it, it will be evil for you. You will not be reprimanded for storing what is enough for your need. First of all spend upon those who are your dependents.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

511. `Ubaidullah bin Mihsan Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever begins the day feeling family security and good health; and possessing provision for his day is as though he possesed the whole world.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

512. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Successful is the one who enters the fold of Islam and is provided with sustenance which is sufficient for his day’s needs, and Allah makes him content with what He has bestowed upon him.”
[Muslim].

513. Fadalah bin `Ubaid Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) say: “Happiness is due to him who is guided to Islam and possesses provision that suffices him for his day and remains content.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

514. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to bed hungry for several successive nights, nor did his family have a thing for supper for many consecutive nights; and their bread was mostly of barley.
[At-Tirmidhi].

515. Fadalah bin `Ubaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) led Salat, some people would fall down from their standing posture out of extreme hunger. They were of the people of As-Suffah. The nomad Arabs would say that they were insane. After concluding Salat, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would turn to them and say, “If you were to know what is in store for you with Allah, the Exalted, you would wish to augment your starvation and lack of provisions.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

516. Miqdad bin Ma`dikarib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) say: “No man fills a container worse than his stomach. A few morsels that keep his back upright are sufficient for him. If he has to, then he should keep one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for his breathing.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

517. Abu Umamah bin Tha`labah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mentioned the life of the world before him. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you not hear? Do you not hear? Simplicity (in life) is part of Faith, simplicity is part of Faith.”
[Abu Dawud].

518. Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent us in an expedition under the command of Abu `Ubaidah (May Allah be pleased with him) to intercept a caravan of the Quraish. He provided us with a bag of dates, apart from which he found nothing for us. Abu `Ubaidah (May Allah be pleased with him) gave each of us one date (every day). He (the narrator) was asked: “What did you do with that?” He said: We sucked that just like a baby and then drank water over that, and it was sufficient for us for the day until night. We beat off leaves with the help of our sticks, then drenched them with water and ate them. We then went to the seaside, when there appeared before us something like a big mound. We came near it and we found that it was a beast called Al-Anbar. Abu ‘Ubaidah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “It is dead (so it useless for us).” He then said: “No (but it does not matter), we have been sent by Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in the way of Allah and you are hard-pressed (on account of the scarcity of food), so you can eat that.” We, three hundred in number, stayed there for a month until we fattened up (having plenty to eat of that fish). He (Jabir) said: I saw how we extracted pitcher after pitcher full of fat from the cavity of its eye, and sliced from it compact piece of meat equal to a bull or almost like a bull. Abu ‘Ubaidah (May Allah be pleased with him) called thirteen men from us and he made them sit in the cavity of its eye, and he held one of its ribs and raised it erect and then saddled the biggest of the camels we had with us and it passed through it (the arched rib), and we carried large pieces of meat for use in our journey. When we came back to Al-Madinah we went to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and told him about that, whereupon he said, “That was a sustenance Allah had brought forth for you. Do you have any piece of meat left with you, for us to eat.” Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We sent to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) some of that (meat) and he ate it.
[Muslim].

519. Asma’ bint Yazid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The sleeves of the shirt of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reached his wrists.
[At-Tirmidhi].

520. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: On the day of the battle of Al-Khandaq (the Trench), we were digging the trench when a very hard boulder came in our way. The Companions went to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and told him about it. He said, “I will go down the trench to see it.” He stood up and it was noticed that he had tied a stone over his stomach due to intense hunger. We had not tasted anything for three days. He took up a spade and struck the hard rock with it and it turned into sand. I sought his permission to go home, (after reaching home I) said to my wife, “I have seen the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in a state that I am unable to endure. Have you got anything in the house?” She said, “I have a small quantity of barley and a lamb.” I slaughtered the lamb, ground the barley and put the meat in the cooking pot. Then I went to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). In the meantime the flour had been kneaded and the meat in the pot was nearly cooked. I said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, I have some food, will you come along with one or two Companions?” He asked, “How many men should go there?” I told him the number. He said, “It will be better if they are more in number. Tell your wife not to remove the pot from the hearth nor the bread from the oven till I arrive.” Then he said to the Muhajirun and the Ansar: “Let us go (to eat).”  They all rose (and went with him). I went to my wife and said, “Bless you, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), the Muhajirun, the Ansar and the whole company are coming.” She said, “Did he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ask you?” I replied in the affirmative. (When they arrived) Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to his Companions, “Enter, but do not crowd in.” Then he started breaking up the bread and putting meat on it. He would take from the pot and the oven then would cover them up, approach his Companions and hand it over to them. He would then go back and uncover the pot and the oven. He continued to break up the bread and put meat on it till all had eaten to their fill and still some of the food remained. Then he said to my wife,Eat from it, and send it as a present, for the people have been afflicted with severe hunger.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: Jabir said: When the trench was being dug, I noticed the signs of hunger on the face of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). I returned to my wife and said to her, “Have you got anything in the house? I have seen the signs of severe hunger on the face of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” She brought out a bag which contained a Sa` (a measure that equals approximately 3kg.) of barley. We had a lamb which was reared in the home. I slaughtered the lamb and she ground the flour for baking bread. I then cut the meat and put it in the cooking pot. When I was returning to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), my wife said to me, “Do not embarass me before Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions.” (She said this because she thought that the food would not be enough for everyone, for how can very little food cater for a thousand people?) When I came to him, I said to him in a low tone, “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we have slaughtered a small lamb and have ground a Sa` of barley. Please accompany me with a few of your Companions.” Thereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) announced in a loud voice, “O people of the Trench, Jabir has arranged a feast for you, so all of you are welcome.” And addressing me he said, “Do not take the pot off the fire, nor bake the kneaded flour till I arrive.” So I came home and he came ahead of the people. My wife said, “It will be a matter of disgrace for you (because there is not enough food).” I said, “I did only what you told me.” She brought out the kneaded flour and Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) spat into it, and invoked the blessing of Allah on  it, and then he spat into the cooking pot and invoked the blessing of Allah on it. Then he said, “Call another woman to help bake bread and let her take out from the cooking pot, but do not take it off the fire.” There were about a thousand guests. All of them ate till they left the food and went off. Our pot still bubbled as before and the dough was being baked as before.

521. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abu Talhah (May Allah be pleased with him) said to (to his wife) Umm Sulaim(May Allah be pleased with her), “I noticed some weakness in the voice of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and I feel it was due to hunger. Have you got any food?” She said, “Yes.” So she brought out barley loaves, took off her head covering, in a part of which she wrapped these loaves and then put them beneath my mantle and covered me with a part of it. She then sent me to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). I set forth and found Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sitting in the mosque in the company of some people. I stood near them whereupon Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Has Abu Talhah sent you?” I said, “Yes.” Thereupon he said to those who were with him to get up (and follow him). He went forth and so did I, ahead of them until I came to Abu Talhah and informed him. Abu Talhah said, “O Umm Sulaim, here comes Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) along with the people and we do not have enough (food) to feed them.” She said, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” Abu Talhah went out (to receive him) until he met Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and he came forward along with him until they both (Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and Abu Talhah (May Allah be pleased with him) came in. Then Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Umm Sulaim, bring forth what you have with you.” So she brought the bread. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) commanded that the bread be broken into small pieces and after Umm Sulaim (May Allah be pleased with her) had squeezed clarified butter out of a butter container and made it just like soup. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited over it what Allah wished him to recite. He then said, “Allow ten guests to come in.” They ate until they had their fill. They then went out. He (Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) again said, “Allow ten (more to come in)”, and he (the host) ushered them in. They ate to their fill. Then they went out. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) again said, “Allow ten (more),” until all the people ate to their fill. They were seventy or eighty persons.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 Another narration is: Anas said: When all had eaten, the remaining food was collected. It was as much as there was in the beginning.

Yet another narration is: Anas said: The groups of ten people ate by turn. After eighty persons had eaten, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and the family of that house ate, and there was still a quantity left over.

Another narration is: Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I visited Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) one day, and found him sitting in the company of his Companions, with a belt tied over his waist. I asked, “Why has Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) tied the belt on his waist?” I was told, “Due to hunger.” I went to Abu Talhah (May Allah be pleased with him) the husband of Umm Sulaim (May Allah be pleased with her) and said, “O father, I have seen Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) with a belt tied over his waist. I asked one of his Companions about the reason of it and he said that it was on account of severe hunger.” Abu Talhah  (May Allah be pleased with him) went to my mother and asked, “Have you got anything?” She said, “Yes. I have a piece of bread and some dry dates. Were Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to come alone, we could feed him his fill, but if he comes along with others, there would not be enough food.” Anas then narrated the Hadith in full.

 

Desirability of Seclusion at times of corruption committed by the peopleof the World

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 69
Desirability of Seclusion at times of corruption committed by the people of the
World

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“So flee to Allah (from His Torment to His Mercy – Islamic Monotheism), verily, I (Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) am a plain warner to you from Him.” (51:50)

597. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah loves a slave who is pious, free of all wants and the unnoticed.”
[Muslim].

598. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Someone asked Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Who is the best man?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) answered, “A believer who strives in the Cause of Allah with his life and his wealth.’‘ The man asked: “Who is the next?” He said, “One who retires into a narrow valley and worships his Rubb.”

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “One who fears Allah and safeguards people against his own mischief.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

599. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best possession of a Muslim will be a herd of sheep with which he retires to the top of a mountain or places where rain is expected to fall (pastures) so as to safeguard with his faith from tribulation.”
[Al-Bukhari].

600. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every Prophet has tended sheep”. He was asked: “And did you?” He replied, “Yes, I tended them for a few carats for the Makkans.’
[Al-Bukhari].

601. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of people is a man who is holding his horse’s rein in the way of Allah (in Jihad) and is galloping towards the place wherever he hears a call for war or detects a note of danger; he goes on proceeding, seeking martyrdom or death wherever it is expected. And a man who retires with some sheep in a mountainside or a valley. He performs Salat regularly and pays the Zakat, continues worshipping his Rubb, till death overtakes him. He does not interfere in the affairs of the people except for betterment.”
[Muslim].

Permissibility of Assistance without Greed

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 58
Permissibility of Assistance without Greed

538. Salim, son of Abdullah bin `Umar, from his father Abdullah; from `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would give me some gift, but I would say: “Give it to someone who needs it more than I.” Thereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would say, “Take it when it comes to you without begging and without greed, and add it to your property. Then use it yourself or give it away in charity. As for the rest, do not covet it.” Salim said: `Abdullah bin `Umar would never ask anything from anyone, nor would he refuse accepting it when it was given to him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Condemnation of Pride and Self-Conceit

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 72
Condemnation of Pride and Self-Conceit

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“That home of the Hereafter (i.e., Jannah), We shall assign to those who rebel not against the truth with pride and oppression in the land nor do mischief by committing crimes. And the good end is for the Muttaqun (the pious and righteous persons).” (28:83)

“And walk not on earth with conceit and arrogance.” (17:37)

“And turn not your face away from men with pride, nor walk in insolence through the earth. Verily, Allah likes not any arrogant boaster.” (31:18)

“Verily, Qarun (Korah) was of Musa’s (Moses) people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. Remember when his people said to him: `Do not exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah). Verily, Allah likes not those who exult (with riches, being ungrateful to Allah…(up to)… So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place.” (28:76-81)

612. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who has, in his heart, an ant’s weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah.” Someone said: “A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.”
[Muslim].

613. Salamah bin Al-Akwa` (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man ate in the presence of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) with his left hand. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Eat with your right hand.” He said: “I cannot.” Thereupon he (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “May you never be able to do that.” It was arrogance that prevented him from doing it, and he could not raise it (the right hand) up to his mouth afterwards.
[Muslim].

614. Harithah bin Wahab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud person.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

615. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There was a dispute between Hell and Jannah, and Hell said: `The haughty and proud are in me.’ The Jannah said: `In me are the weak and the humble.’ Thereupon Allah, the Exalted, judged between them saying: `You the Jannah are My Mercy, and through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish.’ (And addressing the Hell) He said: `You are My punishment to punish whom I wish amongst My slaves, and each one of you will have its fill.”’
[Muslim].

616. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will not look at him who trails his lower garment out of pride.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

617. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are three (types of) people to whom Allah will not speak on the Day of Resurrection, nor will He purify them, nor look at them, and they will have a painful punishment. These are: An aged man who commits Zina (illicit sexual act), a ruler who lies, and a proud poor person.”
[Muslim].

618. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah, the Exalted, says: `Honour is My Izar and Pride is My Cloak. Whoever vies with Me regarding one of them, shall be tormented.”’
[Muslim].

619. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “While a man was walking, dressed in clothes admiring himself, his hair combed, walking haughtily when Allah caused the earth to swallow him. Now he will continue to go down in it (as a punishment) until the Day of Resurrection.”
[Muslim].

620. Salamah bin Al-Akwa` (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Man continues to display haughtiness and arrogance until he is recorded among the arrogant and will be therefore afflicted with what afflicts them.”
[At-Tirmidhi].