The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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Excellence of Walking Solemnly (Towards the Mosque) to perform As-Salat(The Prayer) and other Religious Duties

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Chapter 93
Excellence of Walking Solemnly (Towards the Mosque) to perform As-Salat (The
Prayer) and other Religious Duties

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart.” (22:32)

704. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When the Iqamah are pronounced, do not come to it running, you should walk calmly with tranquillity to join the congregation. Then join in what you catch for and complete what you miss.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

  In Muslim it is added: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “For when one of you is walking for Salat, he is, in fact, engaged in Salat.”

705. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I accompanied the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) while we were returning from `Arafat. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) heard behind him a loud noise of beating and of driving the camels forcibly. He pointed towards it with his whip and said, “O people! Proceed calmly. No virtue lies in rushing.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Contentment and Self-esteem and avoidance of unnecessary begging ofPeople

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Chapter 57
Contentment and Self-esteem and avoidance of unnecessary begging of People

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And no moving (living) creature is there on earth but its provision is due from Allah.” (11:6)

“(Charity is) for Fuqara (the poor), who in Allah’s Cause are restricted (from travel), and cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not, thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their mark, they do not beg of people at all.” (2:273)

“And those, who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor niggardly, but hold a medium (way) between those (extremes).” (25:67)

“And I (Allah) created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone). I seek not any provision from them (i.e., provision for themselves or for My creatures) nor do I ask that they should feed Me (i.e., feed themselves or My creatures).” (51:56,57)

522. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Richness is not the abundance of wealth, rather it is self-sufficiency.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

524. Hakim bin Hizam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I begged Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and he gave me; I begged him again and he gave me. I begged him again and he gave me and said, “O Hakim, wealth is pleasant and sweet. He who acquires it with self-contentment, it becomes a source of blessing for him; but it is not blessed for him who seeks it out of greed. He is like one who goes on eating but his hunger is not satisfied. The upper hand is better than the lower one.” I said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, by Him Who sent you with the Truth I will not, after you, ask anyone for anything till I leave this world.” So Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) would summon Hakim (May Allah be pleased with him) to give his rations, but he would refuse.  Then ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) would call him but he would decline to accept anything. So ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said addressing Muslims: “O Muslims, I ask you to bear testimony that I offer Hakim his share of the booty that Allah has assigned for him but he refuses my offer.” Thus Hakim did not accept anything from anyone after the death of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), till he died.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

525. Abu Burdah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him)  said: “Six of us accompanied Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in an expedition. We had one camel with us; we rode it in turn. Our feet got injured and my nails also fell out. We wrapped up our feet in rags; and because of this the campaign came to be known as Dhat-ur-Riqa` (the Campaign of Rags).” Abu Burdah (May Allah be pleased with him) says: Abu Musa reported this Hadith but regretted having done so. He said, “Would that I had not mentioned it!” He said so because he disliked to disclose anything concerning his deeds.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

526. `Amr bin Taghlib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some booty or prisoners of war were brought to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and he distributed them, giving some men and neglecting others. Then, he was informed that those whom he had not given a thing were displeased. On this the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) praised Allah and glorified Him and said, “It is a fact that I give to one and overlook another. The one I ignore is dearer to me than the one I give. I give to those in whose hearts I perceive anxiety; others I leave with the richness and contentment that Allah has put in their hearts. One of them is `Amr bin Taghlib.” Upon this `Amr bin Taghlib said, “By Allah I shall not accept a herd of red camels in exchange for what the Prophet said (about me).”
[Al-Bukhari].

527. Hakim bin Hizam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The upper hand is better than the lower one; and begin (charity) with those who are under your care; and the best charity is (the one which is given) out of surplus; and he who wishes to abstain from begging will be protected by Allah; and he who seeks self-sufficiency will be made self-sufficient by Allah.”  
[Al-Bukhari].

528. Abu Sufyan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not be importunate in begging. By Allah! If one of you asks me for something and I give it to him unwillingly, there is no blessing in what I give him.”
[Muslim].

529. `Auf bin Malik Al-Ashja`i (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Seven, eight or nine people, including myself, were with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on an occasion when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remarked, “Would you pledge allegiance to Messenger of Allah?” As we had taken oath of allegiance shortly before, we said, “We have already done so, O Messenger of Allah.” He again asked, “Would you not pledge allegiance to Messenger of Allah?” So we stretched out our hands and said, “We have already made our pledge with you, O Messenger of Allah, on what should we make a pledge with you?” He said, “To worship Allah and not to associate anything with Him, to perform the five (daily) Salat and to obey.” Then he added in a low tone, “And not to ask people for anything.” Thereafter, I noticed that some of these people who were present did not ask anyone to pick up even the whip for them if it fell from their hands. [Muslim].

530. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If one of you would keep begging (of people) until he meets Allah (on the Day of Resurrection) his face will be without a shred of flesh.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

531. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was on his pulpit (in the mosque) delivering a Khutbah (religious talk) about Sadaqah (charity) and begging, he said, “The upper hand is better than the lower hand, the upper hand is the one which gives and the lower hand is the begging one.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

532. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who begs to increase his riches is in fact asking only for a live coal. It is up to him to decrease it or increase it.”
[Muslim].

533. Samurah bin Jundub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Begging is a cut that a person inflicts upon his face; except for asking a ruler, or under the stress of circumstances from which there is no escape.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

534. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who suffers poverty and seeks relief from people, he will not be relieved; but he who seeks relief from Allah Alone, he will be relieved sooner or later.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

535. Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who guarantees me that he will not beg anything from anyone, I will guarantee him (to enter) Jannah.” I said, “I give you the guarantee.” Then Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) never begged anything from anyone.
[Abu Dawud].

536. Qabisah bin Al-Mukhariq (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I stood as surety for a debt and came to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to seek his help in discharging it. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Wait till we receive charity and I shall give you out of it.’‘ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added, “O Qabisah, begging is not lawful except for three people. One who has incurred debt (for assuming guarantee), for him begging is permissible till the guarantee is discharged and he should then refrain; a person whose property has been destroyed by a calamity is allowed to beg till he attains self-sufficiency; a person who meets with dire necessity (due to hunger) provided that three men of understanding from his people affirm the genuineness (of his poverty), for him begging is lawful till he attains means of his subsistence. Other than these, O Qabisah, anything received through begging is unlawful, its recipient devours it unlawfully.”
[Muslim].

537. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A needy person is not the one who goes from door to door, begging and is turned away with a morsel or two or with a date or two. But a needy person is the one who does not have enough to live upon, and neither from his appearance it occurs that he is needy and should be given alms, nor does he himself beg anything from others.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

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Chapter 66
Desirability of visiting the Graves for men, and that they should say

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

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

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

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

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

Abomination of longing for Death

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Chapter 67
Abomination of longing for Death

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

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

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

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

Excellence of a Grateful Rich Man – Riyad-us-Saliheen

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Chapter 64 : Excellence of a Grateful Rich Man

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him, and believes in Al-Husna. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).” (92:5-7)

“And Al-Muttaqun (the pious and righteous) will be far removed from it (Hell). He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification. And who has (in mind) no favour from anyone to be paid back. Except to seek the Countenance of his Rubb, the Most High. He surely, will be pleased (when he will enter Jannah).” (92:17-21)

“If you disclose your Sadaqat (alms-giving), it is well; but if you conceal them and give them to the poor, that is better for you. (Allah) will expiate you some of your sins. And Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” (2:271)

“By no means shall you attain Al-Birr (piety, righteousness – here it means Allah’s reward, i.e., Jannah), unless you spend (in Allah’s Cause) of that which you love; and whatever of good you spend, Allah knows it well.” (3:92)

571. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Alah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives knowledge which he applies and teaches it.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

572. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Envy is justified in regard to two types of persons only: a man whom Allah has given knowledge of the Qur’an, and so he recites it during the night and during the day; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and so he spends from it during the night and during the day.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

573. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some of the poor Emigrants came to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said to him, “The wealthy have obtained all high ranks and everlasting bliss.” He asked, “How is that?” They replied: “They offer Salat as we do, and observe Saum (fasting) as we do, but they give in Sadaqah (charity) and we do not, and they emancipate slaves and we cannot.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not teach you something whereby you will catch up with those who have preceded you and will get ahead of those who follow you, and no one will surpass you unless he does the same as you do?” They said, “Surely, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Say: Subhan Allah, and Allahu Akbar, and praise Him (by saying Al-hamdu lillah) thirty-three times at the end of every Salat.” They returned to him and said: “Our brothers, the possessors of wealth, having heard what we are doing, have started doing the same.” Messenger of Allah  (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “This is Grace of Allah which He gives to whom He wishes.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

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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

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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].

Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes

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Chapter 65
Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Encouraging Livelihood by (working with) Hands and Abstaining fromBegging

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Chapter 59
Encouraging Livelihood by (working with) Hands and Abstaining from Begging

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Then when the (Jumu`ah) Salat (prayer) is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working).” (62:10)

539. Zubair bin `Awwam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is far better for you to take your rope, go to the mountain, (cut some firewood) carry it on your back, and sell it and thereby save your face than begging from people whether they give you or refuse.”
[Al-Bukhari].

540. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is better for anyone of you to carry a bundle of wood on his back and sell it than to beg of someone whether he gives him or refuses.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

541. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(Prophet) Dawud (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ate only out of that which he earned through his manual work.”
[Al-Bukhari].

542. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(Prophet) Zakariyya (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was a carpenter.”
[Al-Bukhari].

543. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No food is better to man than that which he earns through his manual work. Dawud (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), the Prophet of Allah, ate only out of his earnings from his manual work.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Prohibition of Miserliness – Riyad-us-Saliheen

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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

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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].

Numerous ways of doing Good

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Chapter 13
Numerous ways of doing Good

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

“And whatever good you do, (be sure) Allah knows it.” (2:197)

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it.” (99:7)

“Whosoever does a good deed, it is for his ownself…” (45:15)

117.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Which action is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Faith in Allah and Jihad in the way of Allah.” I asked: “Which neck (slave) is best (for emancipation)?” He said, “That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them to its masters”. I asked: “If I cannot afford (it)?” He said, “Then help a labourer or work for one who is disabled”. I asked: “If I cannot do (it)?” He said, “You should restrain yourself from doing wrong to people, because it (serves as) charity which you bestow upon yourself”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

118.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you get up in the morning, charity is due from every one of your joints. There is charity in every ascription of glory to Allah; there is charity in every declaration of His Greatness; there is charity in every utterance of praise of Him; there is charity in every declaration that He is the only true God (worthy of worship); there is charity in enjoining good; there is charity in forbidding evil. Two Rak`ah of Duha (Forenoon prayer) is equal to all this (in reward)”.
[Muslim].

119.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The deeds of my people, good and bad, were presented before me, and I found the removal of  harmful objects from the road among their good deeds, and phlegm which might be in a mosque left unburied among their evil deeds”.
[Muslim].

120.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some people said to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away (all the) reward. They observe Salat (prayers) as we do; and give Sadaqah (charity) out of their surplus wealth.” Upon this he (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) following which you can (also) give Sadaqah? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) there is a Sadaqah, and in every Takbir (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar) is a Sadaqah, and in every celebration of praise (saying Al-hamdu lillah) is a Sadaqah, and in every declaration that He is One (La ilaha illallah) is a Sadaqah, and in enjoining of good is a Sadaqah, and in forbidding evil is a Sadaqah, and in man’s sexual intercourse (with his wife) there is a Sadaqah.” They (the Companions) said: “O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual need among us?” He said, “You see, if he were to satisfy it with something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to satisfy it legally, he should be rewarded”.
[Muslim].

121.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face”.
[Muslim].

122.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every day the sun rises charity (Sadaqah) is due on every joint of a person: you administer justice between two men is a charity; and assisting a man to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity; and a good word is a charity; and every step that you take (towards the mosque) for Salat (prayer) is a charity and removing harmful things from the road is a charity”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In Muslim, it is reported on the authority of  `Aishah  (May Allah be pleased with her) that Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Everyone of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar), praises Allah (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah), declares Allah to be One (i.e., La ilaha illallah), glorifies Allah, and seeks forgiveness from Allah (i.e., Astaghfirullah), and removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people’s path, and enjoins good and forbids evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty, will walk that day having rescued himself from Hell”.

123.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who goes to the mosque at dawn or dusk (for Salat), Allah prepares a hospitable abode for him in Jannah, every time when he walks to it or comes back from it”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

124.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: O Muslim women, never belittle any gift you give your neighbour even if it is a hoof of a sheep”.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

125. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Iman has over seventy branches, the uppermost of which is the declaration: `None has the right to be worshipped but Allah’; and the least of which is the removal of harmful object from the road, and modesty is a branch of Iman.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

126. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well, he went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: `This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.’ So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins”. The Companions asked: “Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A reward is given in connection with every living creature”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

     In the narration of Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is reported to have said: “Allah forgave him in appreciation of this act and admitted him to Jannah”.

Another narration says: “Once a dog was going round the well and was about to die out of thirst. A prostitute of Banu Israel happened to see it. So she took off her leather sock and lowered it into the well. She drew out some water and gave the dog to drink. She was forgiven on account of her action”.

127.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims”.
[Muslim].

Another narration says: “A man who passed by a branch of a tree leaning over a road and decided to remove it, saying to himself, `By Allah! I will remove from the way of Muslims so that it would not harm them.’ On account of this he was admitted to Jannah”.

According to the narration in Al-Bukhari and Muslim: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “While a man was walking, he saw a thorny branch on the road, so he removed it and Allah appreciated his action and forgave him”.

128.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who performs his Wudu’ perfectly and comes to Jumu`ah prayer and listens (to the Khutbah) silently, the sins which he has committed since the previous Friday plus three more days (i.e., 10 days) will be forgiven for him. One who distracts himself with pebbles during the Khutbah will not get the (Jumu`ah) reward”.
[Muslim].

129. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim or a believer washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin he has committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought is erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet walked is washed away with water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out cleansed of all sins”.
[Muslim].

130.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The five (daily) Salat (prayers), and from one Jumu`ah prayer to the (next) Jumu`ah prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals); provided the major sins are not committed”.
[Muslim].

131.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Should I not direct you to something by which Allah obliterates the sins and elevates (your) ranks.” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah”. He said, “Performing Wudu’ properly, even in difficulty, frequently going to the mosque, and waiting eagerly for the next Salat (prayer) after a Salat is over; indeed, that is Ar-Ribat”.
[Muslim].

132.  Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes the Fajr and `Asr (prayers) will enter Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

133.  Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a slave of Allah suffers from illness or sets on a journey, he is credited with the equal of whatever good works he used to do when he was healthy or at home”.
[Al-Bukhari].

134.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Every good deed is charity”.
[Al-Bukhari].

Muslim has reported the same on the authority of Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him).

135.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity from him and whatever is stolen is charity and whatever is subtracted from it is charity”.
[Muslim].

Another narration says: “If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from him”.

136.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The tribe Banu Salimah wanted to move nearer to the mosque. On learning this Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to them, “I heard that you intend to move nearer to the mosque”. They said, “That is so, O Messenger of Allah, we do want to do that”. He said, “O Banu Salimah, keep to your homes, your steps (to the mosque) are recorded”.
[Muslim].

Another narration says: “There is for every step (towards the mosque) a degree (of reward) for you“.
[Muslim].

137.  Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was a man, and I do not know of any other man whose house was farther than his from the mosque, and he never missed Salat (in congregation). It was said to him (or I said to him): “If you buy a donkey you could ride it in the dark nights and in the burning sand.” He said: “I do not like my house to be by the side of the mosque, for I (eagerly) desire that my steps towards the mosque and back from it should be recorded when I return to my family.” Upon this Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah has granted you all the rewards for you”.
[Muslim].

Another narration says:  “You will get the reward for what you have anticipated“.

138.  Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are forty kinds of virtue; the uppermost of them is to lend a (milch) she-goat (to someone in order to benefit from it and then return it). He who practices any of these virtues expecting its reward and relying on the truthfulness of the promise made for it, shall enter Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari].

139.  `Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Protect yourself from (Hell) Fire, by giving of half of a date (in charity)”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 In another narration `Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as saying: “Allah will surely speak with everyone of you without an interpreter. He (the man) will look at his right side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he will look to his left side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing but Hell-fire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from (Hell) Fire, by giving in charity even half a date; and if he does not finds it, then with a kind word”.

140.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah will be pleased with His slave who praises Him (i.e., says Al-hamdu lillah) when he eats and praises Him when he drinks”.
[Muslim].

141.  Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Giving in charity is an obligation upon every Muslim”. It was said (to him): “What about one who does not find (the means) to do so?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let him work with his hands, thus doing benefit to himself and give in charity.” It was said to him: “What if he does not have (the means) to do so?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Then let him assist the needy, the aggrieved.” It was said: “What about if he cannot even do this?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Then he should enjoin good.” He was asked: “What if he cannot do that?” He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “He should then abstain from evil, for verily, that is a charity from him”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Urging towards increasing Good Actions in later part of Life

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Chapter 12
Urging towards increasing Good
Actions in later part of Life

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Did We not give you lives long enough, so that whosoever would receive admonition, – could receive it? And the warner came to you.” (35:37)

Ibn `Abbas and others said that “long enough” in the Verse means sixty years. The Hadith which follows supports this. Others said it means eighteen years; Al-Hasan Al-Basri, Al-Kalbi and Masruq said it means forty years, it has also been reported by Ibn Abbas and others that whenever the people of Al-Madinah turned forty years of age, they would devote themselves completely to worship. “Long enough” in the Verse has also been interpreted to mean the age of puberty. Ibn `Abbas and the majority of Muslim scholars said that the “warner” in the Verse refers to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). `Ikrimah bin `Umaiyyah and others interpreted this word as the grayness or whiteness of hair”. Allah knows better.

112.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah excuses and grants forgiveness to a person until he attains the age of sixty years”.
[Al-Bukhari].

113. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) used to make me sit with the noble elderly men who had participated in the battle of Badr. Some of them disliked it and said to `Umar: “Why do you bring in this boy to sit with us when we have sons like him?” `Umar replied: “Because of the status he has, which you already know about (i.e., belongs to the source of knowledge and the house of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).” One day, `Umar called me and seated me in the gathering of those people; and I think that he called me just to show them (of my religious knowledge). `Umar then questioned them (in my presence). “How do you interpret the ayah of Allah: `When there comes the Help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) against your enemies) and the Conquest (of Makkah).”‘ Someone said that when Allah’s Help and the Conquest (of Makkah) came to us, we were called upon to celebrate the Praise of Allah and ask for His forgiveness. Some others remained silent and did not utter a word. Thereupon `Umar asked me: “Ibn `Abbas! Do you say the same.” I replied: “No”. He said: “What do you say then?” I replied: “That is the sign of the Prophet’s death about which he had been informed. Allah, the Exalted, says:

‘When there comes the help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) against your enemies) and the Conquest (of Makkah)’.

So declare the remoteness of your Rubb from every imperfection, and ask for His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives”.

On that `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I do not know anything about it other than what you have said”.
[Al-Bukhari]

114.  ‘ Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: After the revelation of (the Surah) “When the Help of Allah comes (to you, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) against your enemies) and the Conquest (of Makkah)” (110:1), Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite in every prayer: “Subhanaka Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahum-maghfir li (Far removed You are from every imperfection, our Rubb, and all praise is for You, forgive me, O Allah)”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited frequently in bowing and prostration: “Subhanaka Rabbana wa bihamdika, Allahum-maghfir li. (Far removed You are from every imperfection, our Rubb, and all praise is for You, forgive me, O Allah)”. He elucidated that it has been commanded in the Noble Qur’an to recite: “So glorify the Praises of your Rubb, and ask for His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives”. (V.110:1) And he (the Messenger of Allah) acted upon it.

According to the narration in Muslim, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) frequently recited these words just before he passed away: “Subhanaka Rabbana wa bihamdika. Astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika.” I (`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) asked him: “O Messenger of Allah! What are these new words which I hear from you repeatedly.” He replied, “A sign has been appointed for me relating to my people that I should repeat these words at the sight of that sign”. Then he recited Surat An-Nasr.

Another narration in Muslim related from `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) often recited, “Glory be to Allah and praise be to Him; I seek forgiveness of Allah and turn to Him in repentance.” I said to him: “O Messenger of Allah, I hear you recite frequently: `O Allah, You are free from every imperfection our Rubb and all praise is for You; I seek forgiveness of Allah and turn to Him in repentance.”’ He replied, “My Rubb has informed me that I would soon see a sign regarding my people, whenever I see it, I repeat this statement more often (of His Glorification and Praise and beg pardon of Him and turn to Him). Now I have witnessed the sign. The revelation of Surat An-Nasr and the victory is the conquest of Makkah.”

“When there comes the Help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) against your enemies) and the Conquest (of Makkah). And you see that the people enter Allah’s religion (Islam) in crowds. So glorify the Praises of your Rubb, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives.” (110:1-3)

115.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Allah the Rubb of honour and glory sent Revelation to His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) more frequently before his death than at any other time.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

116.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every one will be raised in the condition in which he dies”.
[Muslim].

Making Peace among People

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Making Peace among People

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma`ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind.” (4:114)

“…and making peace is better.” (4:128)

“So fear Allah and adjust all matters of difference among you.” (8:1)

“The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion). So make reconciliation between your brothers.” (49:10)

248. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “On every joint of man, there is charity, on everyday when the sun rises: doing justice between two men is charity, and assisting a man to ride an animal or to load his luggage on it is charity; and a good word is charity, every step which one takes towards (the mosque for) Salat is charity, and removing harmful things from the way is charity”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

249. Umm Kulthum bint `Uqbah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘The person who (lies) in order to conciliate between people is not a liar, when he conveys good or says (something) good”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration in Muslim added: She said, “I never heard him (she meant the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) giving permission of lying in anything except in three (things): war, conciliating between people and the conversation of man with his wife and the conversation of a woman with her husband”.

250. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) heard the voices of altercation of two disputants at the door; both the voices were quite loud. One was asking the other to make his debts little (so that he could pay them) and was pleading with him to show leniency to him, whereupon the (other one) said: “By Allah, I will not do that”. Then there came Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to them and said, “Where is he who swore by Allah that he would not do good?” He said: “O Messenger of Allah, it is me. Now he may do as he desires”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

251. Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was some quarrel among the members of Banu `Amr bin `Auf. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went with some of his Companions to bring about peace between them and he was detained. The time for Salat approached and Bilal (May Allah be pleased with them) went to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) and said to him: “Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has got late and it is the time for Salat. Will you lead Salat?” He said: “Yes, if you desire”. Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) proclaimed the Adhan and then pronounced Iqamah. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) stepped forward and commenced As-Salat. (He recited Takbir and the people followed him). In the meantime, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) arrived and, passing through the rows, took his stand in the first row. The people started clapping. It was the habit of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) that whenever he started praying, he would never look round. He paid no heed (to the clapping). When the clapping increased, he turned round and saw Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) beckoned him to continue performing Salat. But Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) raised his hands and praised Allah. Then he retreated, taking his steps backwards. When Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saw that, he went ahead and led Salat. When he finished Salat, he faced the congregation and said, “Why do you clap when something happens during the Salat. Clapping is only for women. If something happens in the course of Salat you should say, Subhan Allah. It is bound to attract attention. And you, Abu Bakr, what prevented you from carrying on with Salat, after I beckoned to do so?” He said, “It was not becoming for the son of Abu Quhafah to lead Salat in the presence of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Discharging the Trusts

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Discharging the Trusts

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily! Allah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due.” (4:58)

“Truly, We did offer Al-Amanah (the trust or moral responsibility or honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) to the heavens and the earth, and the mountains, but they declined to bear it and were afraid of it (i.e., afraid of Allah’s torment). But man bore it. Verily, he was unjust (to himself) and ignorant (of its results)”. (33:72)

199. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are three signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration adds the words: ‘Even if he observes fasts, performs Salat and asserts that he is a Muslim”.

200. Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) foretold to us two Ahadith. I have seen one (being fulfilled), and I am waiting for the other. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) told us, “Amanah (the trust) descended in the innermost (root) of the hearts of men (that is, it was in their heart innately, by Fitrah, or pure human nature). Then the Qur’an was revealed and they learnt from the Quran and they learned from the Sunnah.” Then the (Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) told us about the removal of Amanah. He said, “The man would have some sleep, and Amanah would be taken away from his heart leaving the impression of a faint mark. He would again sleep, and Amanah would be taken away from his heart leaving an impression of a blister, as if you rolled down an ember on your foot and it was vesicled. He would see a swelling having nothing in it.” He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) then took up a pebble and rolled it over his foot and said, “The people would enter into transactions with one another and hardly a person would be left who would return (things) entrusted to him (and there would look like an honest person) till it would be said: `In such and such tribe there is a trustworthy man.’ And they would also say about a person: `How prudent he is! How handsome he is and how intelligent he is!’ whereas in his heart there would be no grain of Faith.” Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman (May Allah bepleased with him) added: I had a time when I did not care with whom amongst you I did business, I entered into a transaction, for if he were a Muslim, his Faith would compel him to discharge his obligation to me; and if he were a Christian or a Jew, his guardian (surety) would compel him to discharge his obligation to me. But today I would not enter into a transaction except with so-and-so.
[Al-Bukh ri and Muslim].

201. Hudhaifah and Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with them) reported that they heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Allah will assemble mankind, and the believers will stand till Jannah will be brought near them. They will then go to Adam (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and say, `O our father, ask (Allah (SWT), that Jannah may be opened for us, but he will reply: `There was nothing that put you out of Jannah except your father’s sin. I am not the one to do that, go to my son Ibrahim (Abraham), the beloved man of Allah.’ Then Ibrahim (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when approached, will say: `I am not the one to do that, for I was only a friend; and that is not a lofty status but ask Musa (Moses) to whom Allah spoke.’ They will then go to Musa (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) but he will say: `I am not the one to do that; go to `Isa (Jesus), Allah’s Word and spirit.’ `Isa (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) will say: `I am not the one to do that.’ So they will come to me; and I will stand and be given permission. Amanah and ties of relationship will be sent forth and will stand on the sides of the Sirat (that is, the Bridge set over Hell-fire) right and left, and the first of you will pass like lightning.” I said (that is Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him)” :I ransom you with my father and mother, what is like the movement of lightning?” The Messenger of Allah replied, “Have you not seen how the lightning goes and returns in the twinkling of an eye? Next (group will pass) like the passing of the breeze, next like the passing of a bird, and the next with the speed of a running man, according to the quality of their deeds. (During all this time) your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) will remain standing on the Bridge saying: `O my Rubb, keep (them) safe, keep (them) safe,’ till men’s deeds are so weak that a man comes who will be able only to crawl. On both sides of the Bridge pronged flesh hooks, placed under command will be hung and will seize those about whom they receive command, some people being lacerated and escaping and others being thrown violently into Hell.” Abu Hurairah added: By Him in Whose Hand Abu Hurairah’s soul is, the pit of Jahannam (Hell) is seventy years in depth.
[Muslim].

202. Abu Khubaib `Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: When Az-Zubair, got ready to fight in the battle of Al-Jamal, he called me and said: “My son, whoever is killed today will be either a wrongdoer or a wronged one. I expect that I shall be the the wronged one today. I am much worried about my debt. Do you think that anything will be left over from our property after the payment of my debt? My son, sell our property and pay off my debt.” Az-Zubair then willed one-third of that portion to his sons; namely `Abdullah’s sons. He said, “One-third of the one-third. If any property is left after the payment of debts, one-third (of the one-third of what is left is to be given to your sons.” (Hisham, a subnarrator added: “Some of the sons of `Abdullah were equal in age to the sons of Az-Zubair, e.g., Khubaib and Abbad. `Abdullah had nine sons and nine daughters at that time)”. (The narrator `Abdullah added:) He kept on instructing me about his debts and then said: “My son, should you find yourself unable to pay any portion of my debt then beseech my Master for His help.” By Allah, I did not understand what he meant and asked: “Father, who is your Master?” He said: “Allah.” By Allah! Whenever I faced a difficulty in discharging any portion of his debt; I would pray: “O Master of Zubair, discharge his debt,” and He discharged it. Zubair was martyred. He left no money, but he left certain lands, one of them in Al-Ghabah, eleven houses in Al-Madinah, two in Basrah, one in Kufah and one in Egypt. The cause of his indebtedness was that a person would come to him asking him to keep some money of his in trust for him. Zubair would refuse to accept it as a trust, fearing it might be lost, but would take it as a loan. He never accepted a governorship, or revenue office, or any public office. He fought along with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with them).

`Abdullah added: I prepared a statement of his debts and they amounted to two million and two hundred thousand! Hakim bin Hizam met me and asked me: “Nephew, how much is due from my brother as debt?” I kept it as secret and said: “A hundred thousand.” Hakim said: “By Allah! I do not think your assets are sufficient for the payment of these debts.” I said: “What would you think if the amount were two million and two hundred thousand?” He said: “I do not think that you would be able to clear off the debts. If you find it difficult let me know.”

Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) had purchased the land in Al-Ghabah for a hundred and seventy thousand. `Abdullah sold it for a million and six hundred thousand, and declared that whosoever had a claim against Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) should see him in Al-Ghabah. `Abdullah bin Ja`far (May Allah bepleased with him) came to him and said: “Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) owed me four hundred thousand, but I would remit the debt if you wish.” `Abdullah (May Allah bepleased with him) said: “No.” Ibn Ja`far said: “If you would desire for postponement I would postpone the recovery of it.” `Abdullah said: “No.” Ibn Ja`far then said: “In that case, measure out a plot for me.” `Abdullah marked out a plot. Thus he sold the land and discharged his father’s debt. There remained out of the land four and a half shares. He then visited Mu`awiyah who had with him at the time `Amr bin `Uthman, Al-Mundhir bin Az-Zubair and Ibn Zam`ah (May Allah bepleased with them). Mu`awiyah (May Allah bepleased with him) said: “What price did you put on the land in Al-Ghabah?” He said: “One hundred thousand for a each share. Mu`awiyah inquired: “How much of it is left?” `Abdullah said: “Four and a half shares.” Al-Mundhir bin Az-Zubair said: “I will buy one share for a hundred thousand”. `Amr bin `Uthman said: “I will buy one share for a hundred thousand”. Ibn Zam`ah said: “I will buy one share for a hundred thousand.” Then Mu`awiyah asked: “How much of it is now left?” `Abdullah said: “One and a half share. Mu`awiyah said: “I will take it for one hundred and fifty thousand.” Later `Abdullah bin Ja`far sold his share to Mu`awiyah for six hundred thousand.

When `Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) finished the debts, the heirs of Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) asked him to distribute the inheritance among them. He said: “I will not do that until I announce during four successive Hajj seasons: `Let he who has a claim against Az-Zubair come forward and we shall discharge it.”’ He made this declaration on four Hajj seasons and then distributed the inheritance among the heirs of Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) according to his will. Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) had four wives. Each of them received a million and two hundred thousand. Thus Az-Zubair’s total property was amounted to fifty million and two hundred thousand.
[Al-Bukhari]

Urging one’s kith and kin to Obey Allah and refrain from evils

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Urging one’s kith and kin to Obey Allah and refrain from evils

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And enjoin Salat (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them (i.e., the Salat).” (20:132)

“O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell), whose fuel is men and stones.” (66:6)

298. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Al-Hasan bin `Ali (May Allah be pleased with them) took one of the dates of the Sadaqah (charity) and put it in his mouth, whereupon Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Leave it, leave it, throw it away. Do you not know that we do not eat the Sadaqah (charity)?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

299. `Umar bin Abu Salamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was a boy under the care of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and my hand would wander about in the dish. Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah before you start eating), eat with your right hand and eat from what is near to you”. I always followed this way of eating after this incident.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

300. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “All of you are guardians and are responsible for your subjects. The ruler is a guardian and responsible for his subjects; the man is a guardian of his family; the woman is guardian in her husband’s house and responsible for her wards; a servant is guardian of his master’s property and responsible for his ward. So all of you are guardians and are responsible for your subjects”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

301. `Amr bin Shu`aib reported on his father’s authority that his grandfather (May Allah be pleased with him) said: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Command your children to perform Salat (prayer) when they are seven years old, and beat them for (not offering) it when they are ten, and do not let (boys and girls) sleep together”.
[Abu Dawud].

302. Sabrah bin Ma`bad Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Teach a boy Salat (the prayer) when he attains the age of seven years, and punish him (if he does not offer it) at ten”.
[Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi].

The narration in Abu Dawud is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Order a boy to perform Salat (the prayer) when he is seven years old”.

Rights of Neighbors

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Rights of Neighbors

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbour who is near of kin, the neighbour who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess.” (4:36)

303. Ibn `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

304. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) commanded me thus, “O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and and give some of it to your neighbours”.
[Muslim].

    In another narration of Muslim, narrated Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him): My friend, (Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) advised me saying, “Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and give some to your neighbours and then give them out of this with courtesy.”

305. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.” It was asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration of Muslim is: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will not enter Jannah whose neighbour is not secure from his wrongful conduct”.

306. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Muslim women! No one of you should consider insignificant (a gift) to give to her neighbour even if it is (a gift of) the trotters of a sheep”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

307. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one should prohibit his neighbour from placing a peg in his wall”. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) added: Now I see you turning away from this (Sunnah), but by Allah, I shall go on proclaiming it.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

308. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day let him not harm his neighbour; and 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 speak good or remain silent”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

309. Abu Shuraih Al-Khuza`i (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 be kind to his neighbour; and 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 either speak good or remain silent”.
[Muslim].

310. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), I have two neighbours, to which of them should I send a present?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “To the one whose door is nearer to you”.
[Al-Bukhari]

311. `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of companions with Allah is the one who is best to his companions, and the best of neighbours to Allah is the one who is the best of them to his neighbour”.
[At-Tirmidhi].

Reverence towards the Sanctity of the Muslims

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Reverence towards the Sanctity of the Muslims

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And whosoever honours the sacred things of Allah, then that is better for him with his Rubb”. (22:30)

“And whosoever honours the Symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the piety of the heart”. (22:32)

“And lower your wing for the believers (be courteous to the fellow believers)”. (15:88)

“…if anyone killed a person not in retaliation of murder, or (and) to spread mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of all mankind”. (5:32)

222. Abu Musa (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The relationship of the believer with another believer is like (the bricks of) a building, each strengthens the other.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) illustrated this by interlacing the fingers of both his hands.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

223. Abu Musa (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever enters our mosque or passes through our market with arrows with him, he should hold them by their heads lest it should injure any of the Muslims”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

224. Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

225. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kissed his grandson Al-Hasan bin `Ali (May Allah bepleased with them) in the presence of Al-Aqra` bin Habis. Thereupon he remarked: “I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.” Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) looked at him and said, “He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

226. `Aishah (May Allah bepleased with her) reported: Some bedouins came to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and asked: “Do you kiss your children?” He said, “Yes”. They then said: “By Allah, we do not kiss them.” The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “I cannot help you if Allah has snatched kindness from your hearts”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

227. Jarir bin `Abdullah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who is not merciful to people Allah will not be merciful to him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

228. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you leads the Salat, he should not prolong it because the congregation includes those who are feeble, ill or old”. One version adds: “those who have to attend to work”) While offering prayers alone, you may pray as long as you like”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

229. `Aishah (May Allah bepleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would sometimes abstain from doing something he wished to do, lest others should follow him and it might become obligatory upon them.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

230. `Aishah (May Allah bepleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited his Companions out of mercy for them, from observing continuous fasting without a break. They said: “But you observe fast continuously”. He replied, “I am not like you. I spend the night while my Rubb provides me with food and drink”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

231. Abu Qatadah Al-Harith bin Rib`i (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I stand up to lead Salat with the intention of prolonging it. Then I hear the crying of an infant and I shorten the Salat lest I should make it burdensome for his mother”.
[Al-Bukhari].

232. Jundub bin Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone offers the Fajr (dawn) prayer, in congregation, he is in the Protection of Allah. So let not Allah call him to account, withdrawing, in any respect, His Protection. Because, He will get hold of him and throw him down on his face in the Hell-fire.’‘
[Muslim]

233. Ibn `Umar (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should not oppress him nor should he hand him over to (his satan or to his self which is inclined to evil). Whoever fulfills the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever removes the troubles of his brother, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and whoever covers up the fault of a Muslim, Allah will cover up his fault on the Day of Resurrection”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

234. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor lie to him, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim; his honour, his blood and property. Piety is here (and he pointed out to his chest thrice). It is enough for a Muslim to commit evil by despising his Muslim brother.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

235. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not envy one another; do not inflate prices by overbidding against one another; do not hate one another; do not harbour malice against one another; and do not enter into commercial transaction when others have entered into that (transaction); but be you, O slaves of Allah, as brothers. A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim; he neither oppresses him nor does he look down upon him, nor does he humiliate him. Piety is here, (and he pointed to his chest three times). It is enough evil for a Muslim to hold his brother Muslim in contempt. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother-in-faith: his blood, his property and his honour”.
[Muslim].

236. Anas (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one of you shall become a true believer until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

237. Anas (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or is oppressed”. A man enquired: “O Messenger of Allah! I help him when he is oppressed, but how can I help him when he is an oppressor?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You can keep him from committing oppression. That will be your help to him”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

238. Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A believer owes another believer five rights: responding to greetings, visiting him in illness, following his funeral, accepting his invitation, and saying `Yarhamuk-Allah (May Allah have mercy on you),’ when he says `Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah)’ after sneezing”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

  Muslim’s narration is, “There are six rights of a Muslim upon a Muslim: When you meet him, greet him; when he invites you, respond to him; when he seeks counsel, give him advice; when he sneezes and praises Allah, say to him: `May Allah have mercy on you (Yarhamuk-Allah)’; when he is sick, visit him; and when he dies, follow his funeral”.

239. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) commanded us to observe seven things and forbade us seven. He ordered us to visit the sick; to follow funeral processions; to respond to a sneezer with `Yarhamuk-Allah (May Allah have mercy on you)’ when he says `Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah),’ to help the oppressed and to help others to fulfill their oaths, to accept invitation and to promote greeting. He forbade us to wear gold rings, to drink in silver utensils, to use Mayathir (silk carpets placed on saddles), to wear Al-Qassiy (a kind of silk cloth) to wear fine silk brocade.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Excellence in doing Good to the Friends of Parents and other Relatives

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Excellence in doing Good to the Friends of Parents and other Relatives

341. `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The finest act of goodness is that a person should treat kindly the loved ones of his father”.
[Muslim].

342. `Abdullah bin Dinar reported: `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) met a bedouin on his way to Makkah, he greeted him, offered him to mount the donkey he was riding and gave him the turban he was wearing on his head. Ibn Dinar said to him: “May Allah make you pious! Bedouins can be satisfied with anything you give them (i.e., what you have given the bedouin is too much). Upon this, `Abdullah bin `Umar said, the father of this man was one of `Umar’s friends whom he loved best, and I heard Messenger of Allah saying, “The finest act of goodness is the good treatment of someone whom one’s father loves”.

Another narration goes: When `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) set out to Makkah, he kept a donkey with him to ride when he would get tired from the riding of the camel, and had a turban which he tied round his head. One day, as he was riding the donkey, a bedouin happened to pass by him. He (`Abdullah bin `Umar) said, “Aren’t you so-and-so?” The bedouin said, “Yes”. He (`Abdullah bin `Umar) gave him his donkey and his turban and said, “Ride this donkey, and tie this turban round your head”. Some of his companions said, “May Allah forgive you, you gave to this bedouin the donkey which you enjoyed to ride for change, and the turban which you tied round your head”.`Abdullah bin `Umar said,”I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, `The finest act of goodness is the kind treatment of a person to the loved ones of his father after his death,‘ and the father of this person was a friend of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him).
[Muslim].

343. Abu Usaid Malik bin Rabi`ah As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when a man of Banu Salamah came to him and asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Is there any obedience to parents left that I can show to them after their death?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Yes, to pray for them, to supplicate for their forgiveness, to fulfill their promises after their death, to maintain the ties of kinship which cannot be maintained except through them, and honour their friends.”
[Abu Dawud].

344. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I never felt jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as much as I did of Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her), although I have never seen her, but the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to mention her very often. Whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would cut it into pieces and send them to the women friends of Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her). When I sometimes said to him: “You treat Khadijah in such a way as if there is no woman on earth except her”. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would say, “Khadijah was such and such (commending her and speaking well of her), and I had children from her”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: And if he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) slaughtered a sheep, he would send meat to the friends of Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) as a present as much as would suffice them.

Another narration is: When a sheep was slaughtered, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would say, “Send this meat to Khadijah’s friends.” Once, Halah bint Khuwailid (May Allah be pleased with her), sister of Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her), sought permission of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to enter. He recognized and recalled to his mind the manner of Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) and was deeply moved. He said, “O Allah, she must be Halah bint Khuwailid”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

345. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I set out along with Jarir bin `Abdullah Al-Bajali (May Allah be pleased with him) on a journey and he served me. I said to him: “Don’t do that.” Thereupon, he said, “I have seen the Ansar doing this with Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and I swore by Allah, whenever I accompany anyone of the Ansar, I would serve him”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Calling to right guidance and forbidding depravity

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Calling to right guidance and forbidding depravity

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And invite (men) to (believe in) your Rubb [i.e., in the Oneness (Tauhid) of Allah – (1) Oneness of the Rububiyah of Allah; (2) Oneness of the worship of Allah; (3) Oneness of the Name and Qualities of Allah]. (28:87)

“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)

“Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwa (virtue, righteousness and piety)”. (5:2)

“Let there arise out of you a group of people inviting to all that is good (Islam).” (3:104)

173. Abu Mas`ud `Uqbah bin `Amr Al-Ansari Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action”.
[Muslim].

174. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone calls others to follow right guidance, his reward will be equivalent to those who follow him (in righteousness) without their reward being diminished in any respect, and if anyone invites others to follow error, the sin, will be equivalent to that of the people who follow him (in sinfulness) without their sins being diminished in any respect”.
[Muslim].

175. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said on the day of the Khaibar Battle, “I will give this banner to a person at whose hands Allah will grant victory; a man who loves Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and Allah and His Messenger love him also.” The people spent the night thinking as to whom it would be given. When it was morning, the people hastened to Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Every one of them was hoping that the banner would be given to him. He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) asked, “Where is `Ali bin Abu Talib?” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! His eyes are sore.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then sent for him and when he came, Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) applied his saliva to his eyes and supplicated. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) recovered as if he had no ailment at all. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) conferred upon him the banner. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah, shall I fight against them until they are like us?” Thereupon he (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “Advance cautiously until you reach their open places; thereafter, invite them to Islam and inform them what is obligatory for them from the Rights of Allah, for, by Allah, if Allah guides even one person through you that is better for you than possessing a whole lot of red camels”.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

176.  Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young man from the tribe of Aslam said, “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), I wish to fight (in the Cause of Allah) but I do not have anything to equip myself with (for fighting)”. He (the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “Go to so-and-so, for he had equipped himself (for fighting) but he fell ill.” So he (the young man) went to him and said, “Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sends you his greetings and says that you should give me the equipment that you have provided yourself with.” The man said (to his wife or servant): “O so-and-so, give him the equipment I have collected for myself and do not withhold anything from him. By Allah, if you withhold anything from him, we will not be blessed therein”.
[Muslim].

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