The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 185
The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur’an

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 184
Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur’an

1023. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to study the Qur’an, tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity.
[Muslim].

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur’an in a Pleasant Voice

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 182
The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur’an in a Pleasant Voice

1004. AbU Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of AllAh (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur’an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1005. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1006. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reciting Surat Wat-Teen Waz-Zaitun (Chapter 95) during the `Isha’ prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1007. Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.
[Abu Dawud].

1008. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite the Qur’an to me.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I like to hear it from others.” Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa’. When I reached the Ayah: `How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?’ (Having heard it) he said, “Enough! Enough!” When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

Supplication if one Fears (Harm)

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 173
Supplication if one Fears (Harm)

981. Abu Musa Al-Ashari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), feared mischief from a people, he would supplicate: “Allahumma inna naj`aluka fi nuhurihim, wa na`udhu bika min shururihim (O Allah! We ask You to face them, and seek Your Protection against their evil.”
[Abu Dawud and An-Nasa’i].

Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

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

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased

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

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

 

Permissibility of expressing feelings of agony in Serious Illness

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 149
Permissibility of expressing feelings of agony in Serious Illness

914. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I visited the Prophet ({PBUH) while he was suffering. I said: “(O Messenger of Allah!) You suffer too much.’ He said, “Yes, I suffer as much as two men of you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

915. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to visit me when I had a severe pain. I said: “I am suffering from such trouble as you are observing. I am a wealthy man and the only heir of mine is my daughter.” (Then Sa`d narrated the whole incident).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

916. Al-Qasim bin Muhammad reported `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “Oh, my head.” (It was hurting due to pain.) Thereupon the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Rather it is I who says: `Oh, my headache.”’ (Then Al-Qasim narrated the complete narration).
[Al-Bukhari].

Excellence of Hand shaking at the time of Meeting

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 143
Excellence of Hand shaking at the time of Meeting

885. Abu Khattab Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked Anas: “Did the Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) use to shake hands?” He said: “Yes.”
[Al-Bukhari].

886. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the people of Yemen came, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The people of Yemen have visited you. They are the first to introduce the tradition of handshaking.”
[Abu Dawud].

887. Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Two Muslims will not meet and shake hands without having their sins forgiven (by Allah ) before they depart.”
[Abu Dawud].

888. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah! When a man meets a brother or a friend, should he bow to him?” He said, “No.” The man asked whether he should embrace and kiss him? The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “No.” He asked whether he should hold his hand and shake it? The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Yes.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

889. Safwan bin `Assal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A Jew asked his companion to take him to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam); and when they came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), they asked him about the nine clear signs (given to Prophet Musa). Safwan narrated the long Hadith which concludes: They kissed the hands and feet of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “We testify that you are a Prophet.”
[At-Tirmidhi] (Unapproved Hadith).

890. In a narration of Ibn Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) at the end of the narration of the Hadith ) he said: “We came near the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and kissed his hand.”
[Abu Dawud] (Weak Hadith).

891. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Zaid bin Harithah came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he was in my house. Zaid knocked at the door. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) rose to receive him, trailing his garment. He embraced and kissed him.
[At-Tirmidhi].

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

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

The Excellence of Reciting the Qur’an

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 180
The Excellence of Reciting the Qur’an

991. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Read the Qur’an, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Muslim].

992. An-Nawwas bin Sam`an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “The Qur’an and its people who applied it, will be brought on the Day of Resurrection preceded with Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al-`Imran arguing on behalf of those who applied them.”
[Muslim].

993. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.”
[Al-Bukhari].

994. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The one who is proficient in the recitation of the Qur’an will be with the honourable and obedient scribes (angels) and he who recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

995. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The believer who recites the Qur’an is like a citron whose fragrance is sweet and whose taste is delicious. A believer who does not recite the Qur’an is like a date-fruit which has no fragrance but has a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Qur’an is like a colocynth whose fragrance is so sweet, but its taste is bitter. The hypocrite who does not recite the Qur’an is like basil which has no fragrance and its taste is bitter.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

996. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur’an and abases others.”
[Muslim].

997. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (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].

998. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A man was reciting Surat Al-Kahf, and a horse was tied with two ropes beside him. As he was reciting, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer, the horse began to trample voilently. The man came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in the morning and mentioned the incident to him. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “That was tranquillity which descended as a result of the recitation of the Qur’an.

999. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam is a letter and Mim is a letter.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1000. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not memorize any part from the Qur’an he is like the ruined house.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1001. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The one who was devoted to the the Qur’an will be told on the Day of Resurrection: `Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last Ayah you recite.”’
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

Prohibiting Woman from Traveling Alone

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 179
Prohibiting Woman from Traveling Alone

989. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to make a journey of one day and night unless she is accompanied by a Mahram (husband or any other relative to whom she is prohibited to marry).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

990. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No man must not be alone with a woman except in the presence of  her  (Mahram). No woman should travel except in company of a (Mahram).” A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have been enrolled for such and such expedition, and my wife left for Hajj.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Go and perform Hajj with your wife.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

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

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

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

Chapter 177
Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

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

Desirability of returning Home by Day

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 176
Desirability of returning Home by Day

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

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

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

Desirability of returning Home soon after the Accomplishment of a Task

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 175
Desirability of returning Home soon after the Accomplishment of a Task

984. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Travelling is a torment because it deprives a traveller of his food, drink and sleep. So when one of you has accomplished his purpose of journey, let him return home quickly.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication on Alighting at a Halt

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 174
Supplication on Alighting at a Halt

982. Khaulah bint Hakim (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whosoever alights somewhere and says: `A`udhu bikalimat-illahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek refuge with the Perfect Words of Allah from the evil of what He has created),’ nothing will harm him until he leaves that place.”
[Muslim].

983. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) set out on a journey, he would say by nightfall: “Ya ardu, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-illahu, a`udhu billahi min sharriki wa sharri ma fiki, wa sharri ma khuliqa fiki, wa sharri ma yadibbu `alaiki; a`udhu billahi min sharri asadin wa aswadin, wa minal-hayyati wal-`aqrabi, wa min sakinil-baladi, wa min walidin wa ma walad [O land, my Rubb and your Rubb is Allah, I seek refuge in Him from your evils, the evils of what you contain, the evils of what has been created in you, and the evils of what walks upon you. I seek refuge in Allah from lions, black serpents, scorpions and from the inhabitants of the place, and from the parent (i.e., Satan) and his offspring who inhabit a settlement (i.e., helpers from amongst the devils)].”
[Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 172
Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

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

Glorification of Allah by a Traveler while Ascending and Descending

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 171
Glorification of Allah by a Traveler while Ascending and Descending

975. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we ascended (a height) we would proclaim: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest),” and when we descended (from the height) we would proclaim: “Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection).”’
[Al-Bukhari].

976. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and his army ascended a height, they would proclaim: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest),” and when they climbed down, they would proclaim: “Subhan Allah (Allah is free from imperfection).”
[Abu Dawud].

977.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) returned from Hajj or `Umrah and ascended a height or hill, he would recite thrice: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).” Then he would say, “La ilaha ill-allahu wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shay’in Qadeer. Ayibuna ta’ibuna `abiduna li-Rabbina hamidun. Sadaq-Allahu wa`dahu, wa nasara `abdahu, wa hazamal-ahzaba wahdahu [None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, Who has no partner, to Whom the sovereignty belongs, to Whom all praise is due, and Who is Able to do all things. We are those who return (in safety), feel penitence, worship Allah, prostrate before our Rubb and praise Him. Allah has fulfilled His Promise, helped His slave (i.e., Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) and He Alone vanquished the Clans].”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

978. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), I intend to set out on a journey, so counsel me.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fear Allah, and ascending towards the raised ground, you should recite: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).” When the man turned away, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Allah! Shorten the distance for him and make the journey easy for him.” [At-Tirmidhi].

979. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We accompanied the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in a journey, and when we climbed up a height, we proclaimed aloud: “La ilaha illallah (There is no true god except Allah)” and “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest).” The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) admonished us saying, “O people, take it easy. He Whom you are calling is not deaf or absent. He is with you (i.e., by His Knowledge), He is Hearing and He is Near.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication at the time of Riding

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 170
Supplication at the time of Riding

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

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

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

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