“…as compared with the life of the hereafter, the life of this world is nothing but a brief passing enjoyment” (Quran, Ar-Rad: 26)
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I. Intent Purification |
2 – 15 |
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3. The End of A'lim [Islamic scholar] who is lost in this world |
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II. Imaniyat [The Believers] |
16 – 19 |
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III. Following the Book of Allah and the Traditions of Prophet
Rasullah (s.a.) |
20 – 24 |
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IV. Ibadat |
25 – 60 |
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49. Tragic end of those who disregard fasting [intentionally] |
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V. Social Obligations |
61 – 84 |
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62. Compensation for praying and seeking Maghfirah for parents
after death |
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80. Sharpening knife before putting down goat [for slaughtering] |
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83 |
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83. Prohibitation of mutilation [of body] |
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VI. Mua'mlat |
85 – 100 |
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VII. Morality: Good Virtues & Bad Behaviour |
101 – 116 |
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VIII. Comprehensive Ahadith |
117 – 181 |
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130. Abandoning of sign, taking care of obligations, abundance of Zikr |
131 |
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131. Zakah, compassion for blood relation, right of poor and Neighbour |
132 |
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143. Worldly gains of modesty and behaving nicely with parents |
144 |
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146 |
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148 |
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149. Signs of beloved servants, usurping the rights of neighbours, the end of ill-gotten gains |
150 |
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156. What advice Rasulullah (s.a.) gave to Ummah just five days before he (s.a.) passed away |
157 |
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158 |
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159 |
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159. Scriptures of Abraham and Moses & ten Commandments of
Rasulullah (s.a.) |
160 |
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162 |
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163 |
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164 |
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166. What shortcomings will develop in Muslim Ummah before the commencement of Qayamah? |
167 |
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171. Have the company of Mumin and don't invite evildoers at food |
172 |
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172. Punishment of fornication in Akhirah, accusation and
backbiting |
173 |
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176 |
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IX. Islami Dawah and its Relevant Topics |
182 – 200 |
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182 |
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183 |
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183. Islamic Dawah [calling the people to fold of Allah] is the blessings of both the worlds |
184 |
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X. Struggle for Iqamatuddeen |
201 – 207 |
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206. The consequence of discarding the struggle for Allah's Deen |
207 |
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XI. Means to Sustain Da'ees Ilallah |
208 – 305 |
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213 |
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214 |
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214. Emphasis on Nawafil and Tahajjud and abstinence from exaggeration |
215 |
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243. The dialogue about Za'kreen [who remember Allah and His
Angels] |
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244. The Za'kir [One who remembers his Lord] in the sight of Allah |
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279. Consequences about unmindful-ness about concern for Akhirah |
280 |
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305 |
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XII. Model of Rasulullah (s.a.) |
306 – 360 |
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306 |
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XIII. Model of Prophet's Companions |
361 – 410 |
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XIV. Social Contacts and Public Affairs |
411 – 430 |
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XV. Concern for Akhirah & Love for Jannah |
431 – 451 |
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The Provision for Akhirah
(Zad-e-Rah)
CHAPTER -I
INTENT PURIFICATION
1. Basis of the acceptance of deeds
Translation: Narrated by Abu Hurairah (r.a.): Rasulullah (s.a.) said,” On the
Day of Judgment, humans will be raised [treated or examined] in accordance to
their intention (for good deeds)” [Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: On the Day of Judgment, Allah will not consider outward
appearance of humans; rather their intentions would be taken into consideration
for all good deeds. Allah knows what was the inclination of their hearts. Their
deeds will be accepted or rejected accordingly
[next]
2. Basis of reward in Akhirah
Translation: Narrated by Abdullah Ibne Omar
(r.a.): He asked from Rasulullah (s.a.), O Prophet of Allah! “Tell me about
Jihad and Ghazwah?” [i.e. what kind of Jihad is rewarded and under what
conditions, the Mujahid is deprived of it]
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, O Abdullah, “If you had
fought with the intention to get reward in Akhirah and remained steadfast till
the end, you will then get the reward of your performance and will be enlisted
with those who are steadfast. But if you had fought out of arrogance or for
show off, Allah will raise you on the Day of Judgment on the same condition”.
O Abdullah! With what intentions you fought and
under what state you were killed, under the same conditions you will be
resurrected”.
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
3. The end of A’lim [Islamic scholar] who is lost
in this world
Translation: It is narrated by Ibne Abbas (r.a.)
that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The person whom Allah graced with the knowledge
of His Deen but he showed miserliness in teaching it to others and even if he
teaches to others, he collects remuneration for it and builds his own world.
Such persons will have bridle of fire on the Day of Judgment and an angel will
declare pinpointed to him that he is the person whom Allah favored with the
knowledge of Deen but he showed miserliness in teaching it to others and
collected money even to whom he taught and thereby built his own world. This
angel will constantly go on making this declaration till the end of
accountability on the Day of Judgment”. [What a disgraceful situation it would
be!]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
4. Learning the Deen for earning the world
Translation: It is narrated by Abdullah Ibne
Maswood (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.), addressing the people, said, “What will
happen when you will be involved in sedition, your youngsters will be grown up
and your elders will reach the fag end of their old age and the sedition will
be taken as tradition and if anyone gets up to fight against the sedition
[innovations], people will allege that this man is not doing good”.
Someone then asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “When such
crisis will fall upon the Ummah?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When the number of
honest and trusted people will be on decline and the number of power seekers
will be rampant. The true learned scholar of Deen will be on decrease and the
number of the learners of Deen will be on increase. Deen will be studied for
earning the worldly gains. People will do good deeds but for the sake of
material benefits”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Notes: “Sedition” here stands for
that state of decline and decadence that persists generations after generation
to the extent that the decline in Deen is considered as the right way and those
who will try to correct the situation will be nicknamed disdainfully. People
will say that those who have started the movement for improvement are incorrect
and their entire struggle is anti-Islamic. This condition will prevail at the
time when the number of people learning the Deen will abound but their
intention will not be clean. These will be the professional scholars of Deen,
apparently striving for their Akhirah but, in fact, the inherent objective will
be to earn the worldly benefits. Greed of the material gains and getting into
political power will be the dominant features of this age.
[next]
5. The knowledge of the Qur’an and the purity of
intention
Translation: Imran Ibne Hussain (r.a.) narrates
that he passed through a person who was reciting the Qur’an [for reminding
others]. When he finished, he appealed to the people for monitory help.
Seeing this scenario, Imran Ibne Hussain (r.a.)
said, “I have heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying: One who recites the Qur’an should
beg from Allah alone. There will be some individuals in my Ummah who will
recite the Qur’an for begging from the people”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
6. The worst abode of pretenders
Translation: It is narrated by Abdullah Ibne
Abbas (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “In the Hellfire, there is a valley
from which the Hell itself seeks refuge four hundred times every day. This
valley has been prepared for the pretenders of the Ummah of Rasulullah (s.a.),
for the bearers of the Book of Allah, for the one who spends in the way other
than Allah, for the one who performs Hajj and for the one who goes out for
Jihad [struggle] in the way of Allah”.
[If these acts are performed hypocritically for
the sake of pretension, they are doomed and their abode will be the valley in
the hellfire: Translator]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja – Ch.
Al-Riya]
[next]
7. Disrespect of Allah
Translation: It is narrated by Abdullah Ibne
Maswood (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The person who performs Salah
articulately while he is in public [with all precautions and fear and correctly
performs Ruku and Sajud] and when he is alone, he offers his prayers with
recklessness, such person is disrespectful to his Sustainer and makes a fun of
Him”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
8. Importance of sincerity of intention
Translation: It is narrated by Abu Umamah (r.a.)
that a person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and inquired that a man participates in
Jihad for reward and for recognition in this world, will he get the reward?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “He will get nothing”.
That person repeated his question three times and each time he (s.a.) gave the
same answer, “He will get nothing”.
At the end Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT)
will accept only that Amal [action/deed] which is performed for Him and only to
seek His pleasure”.
[From Abu Dawood & Nisa’i]
[next]
9. Pretension is Shirk [making partners with
Allah
Translation: Omar Ibne Khatt'ab (r.a.) narrates
that one-day he went to Masjid-e-Nabavi [the Masjid of Rasulullah (s.a.)] and
found that Maa’z Ibne Jabal (r.a.) was sitting by the grave of Rasulullah
(s.a.) and crying. He inquired, “What makes you to cry?”
Maa’z (r.a.) replied that he heard one thing
from Rasulullah
(s.a.) that had caused me to cry: He (s.a.)
told, “Even the slightest pretence tantamount to Shirk [making partners with
Allah]”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: Only this is not the Shirk
that a man bows down before an idol and puts sacrifice on its altar. But the
greatest Amal [action] if a person performs for the pleasure of others, or for
show-off or for feeling elated in their eyes; in fact, he commits an act of
Shirk. ‘To please’ is the right of Allah and he has shared it with others.
[next]
10. Who deserves the help of Allah?
Translation: It is narrated by a person from
Madinah that Mua’via (r.a.) wrote to Aisha (r.a.) requesting her to advise him
in the briefest possible words.
In respond Aisha (r.a.) wrote, Blessings of
Allah be upon you. I have heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Those who are
desirous to get the pleasure of Allah and do not care for the displeasure of
others, Allah helps such people and the displeasure of others does not cause
any damage to them. But those who seek the pleasure of others at the cost of
displeasure to Allah, Allah deprives them of His helping hands and throws them
to the vagaries of humans. As a result, they remain deprived of the help of
Allah and also they do not get any assistance from those whom he pleased at the
cost of displeasure to Allah”. Blessings of Allah may be upon you.
[From Tirmizi -Chapter: Persuasion]
[next]
11. Reward of seeking Akhirah
Translation: It is narrated by Zaid Ibne Thabit
(r.a.) that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “The person whose objective of
life is [the attainment of] this world, Allah will deprive him of the peace and
contentment of his heart and will always be running after the greed of
collecting wealth an insatiable wants. He will get only that portion from this
world that Allah had allotted to him. And those, whose objective is [the
attainment of] Akhirah, Allah will shower upon them the peace and contentment
of heart, protect it from the greed of wealth and they will get positively the
allotted fortune of this world “.
[Al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb]
[next]
12. The Purity of intention and the reward of
Akhirah
Translation: Anas Ibne Malik (r.a.) narrates
that while traveling with Rasulullah (s.a.) on return back from Ghazwah Tabuk
[the battle of Tabuk], he (s.a.) said during this journey, “Some people were
left behind in Madinah but in fact they have been [constantly] with us in every
valley and every mountain pass that we crossed throughout this journey. They
were left behind only because due to some [honest] excuses”.
[From Bukhari & Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith connotes that if
anyone had the intention to do some good deed but due to some inability
[excuses], he could not perform it, Allah will not deprive him from the reward
of that Amal [action].
[next]
13. Purity of intention and reward of Allah
Translation: Abu Darda (r.a.) narrates from
Rasulullah (s.a.) that he (s.a.) said, “One who goes to bed with the intention
to get up for Tahajjud [nightly prayers] but due to deep slumber, he could not
arise till the dawn breaks, the Salah of Tahajjud will be recorded to the
credit of his account and the sleep [of that night] will be counted as reward
from his Sustainer”.
[From Nisa’i & Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
14. Invaluable fruits of Sincerity
Translation: Maa’z Ibne Jabal (r.a.) narrates
that when Rasulullah (s.a.) was deputing him to Yemen, he said, “O Prophet of
Allah! Please give me some advice”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Keep your intention
clean [from all kinds of impurities. What ever you do, do it for the pleasure
of Allah. In that case], a few deeds will suffice you [for your salvation] ”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb & Al-Ha’kim:
Chapter –Sincerity]
[next]
CHAPTER -II
IMANIYAT [THE BELIEVES]
15. Iman, Islam, Ehsan and signs of Doomsday
Translation: It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“You should ask me about Deen” But people, out of respect, were generally
hesitant to ask questions from him (s.a.). [And every body was desirous that
someone comes from outside and puts questions to Rasulullah (s.a.). This way,
they will also be benefited]
So, a person came and sat very close to him (s.a.) and asked, “O Prophet of
Allah! What is Islam?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Not to associate partners with Allah, establishing
Salah, paying Zakah, and fasting in Ramadan”.
He confirmed it and asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is Iman?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Belief in Allah, His angels, His Scriptures, His
Messengers, resurrection in Akhirah and believing that whatever is happening in
this world is in accordance to His planning and discretion”.
He confirmed it and asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is Ehsan?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You fear Allah as if He is before your eyes. But if
you cannot see Him, then [you take it for granted] He is watching you”.
He confirmed it and asked, “O Prophet of Allah! When the dooms-day will come?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The way you are ignorant of it, similarly, I am also
ignorant about its appointed hours but I can tell you its signs”.
“When you see that the woman has become the Master of her lord, take it as the
sign that the dooms-day is at hand”.
“And when you see the bear-footed, dumb, deaf and naked people have become the
master of the land, take it as the sign that the dooms-day is at hand”.
“And when you see that the shepherds are competing with one and other in
constructing high-rise buildings, take it as a sign that the dooms-day is at
hand”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb -Ref: Bukhari & Muslim]
Explanatory Note: Literary meaning of Iman is conviction and trust in Allah.
Islam means total surrender to Allah. Ehsan means to do something artistically
with excellence.
The objective of the third question was how a man can be a pious and dutiful
slave of Allah? Rasulullah (s.a.) replied to this question that man couldn’t
attain the best of deeds with best of intention unless he develops a constant
vision that he is seeing Allah and he is present before Him or he is constantly
under the watch of Allah. The essence of this concept is this that without
constantly living under the conviction that either he is seeing Allah or Allah
is watching him wherever he is and whatever he is doping; one cannot attain
perfection with adoration in any of his action or deed. Further, the woman
becoming the master of her Lord means that she is disobedient to her husband.
Similarly, when the slave girl shows high headedness to her master, sons become
arrogant to fathers, youngsters become disrespectful to elders, these are the
approaching signs of the dooms-day. The second visible sign will appear when
the uncivilized and dunce become the rulers of this earth. The third sign will
appear when the people of low profile and the poor abound in wealth and it is
expended in constructing tall and magnificent buildings in competition to
others. When these signs are visible, it means that the dooms-day is at hand.
As regards its timing, it is known to Allah alone.
[next]
6. Kalimah Tayyeba and Sincerity of Heart
Translation: From Zaid b Arqam (r.a.),
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who recites, La Ilaha Ilallah with sincerity will
enter intoparadise”.
People asked, “What is Ikhlas [Sincerity]?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It connotes that
accepting this Kalimah, one must restrain from all that Allah has prohibited”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
And Musnad Ahmad has quoted [this Hadith] from
Rifa’a Juhni (r.a.) in these words, “One who stands witness with sincerity that
there is no deity except Allah, confirms that I am the Messenger of Allah and
follows the straight path, he will enter into paradise”.
And Tirmizi narrates, “The person who recites
Kalimah and keeps himself aloof from Kaba’air [great sins] will go to Jannah
[paradise]”.
Explanatory Note: All the above three narrations
are extremely important. Mere recitation of Kalimah – La Ilaha Illallah, is no
guarantee of Heaven. Along with it, following the straight path as ordained by
Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) and never approaching even to the proximity of
[Kaba’air] great sins, are essential requisites to get into paradise.
[next]
17. Blessings of good deeds
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) asked from
Rasulullah (s.a.), “O Prophet of Allah: will we be accountable for the deeds of
Shirk [idolatry] committed during the time of Jahilyah [days of ignorance
before Islam]?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those who will do good
deeds in Islam will not be made accountable for Shirk [idolatry] committed
during Jahilyah but those who will commit bad deeds in Islam will be
accountable for the bad deeds of both the periods”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
18. State of Iman
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports:
Rasulullah (s.a.) visited
a youth who was about to die.
He (s.a.) asked, “Under what state you are?”
The youth said, “O Prophet of Allah! I feel
hopeful of the Rahmah [kindness] of Allah but equally, I am fearful of my
sins”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Under such conditions
[as at the time of death], Allah fulfils both the expectations. Allah will
protect him from what he fears [from Hellfire] and grant him of what he was
hopeful [the Paradise]”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith teaches us the
lesson that a Mumin neither feels despondent from the mercy of Allah nor
nurtures no concern about the consequences of his sins. This state of Iman has
also been described in these words: “Iman is in between hope and fear”. Expectation
of kindness from Allah leads to good deeds and fear of the consequences of
sins leads towards repentance and seeking pardon
from Him.
[next]
CHAPTER -III
FOLLOWING THE BOOK [OF ALLAH] AND TRADITION
[OF PROPHET (s.a.)]
19. Emphasis on fulfillment of Obligations
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.), while
giving a Khutba said, “Allah has ordained right for everyone. So fulfill what
is due to each. Be aware, Allah has declared some obligations [fulfill them],
and designated some ways and methods [follow them], permitted some things [use
them], and prohibited certain things [don’t go near them]. The Deen, which He
has designed for you, it is easy and balanced, comprehensive and all
encompassing. It is not suffocating”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: From “suffocation”, it means that you will neither feel
deprived by following the Deen nor it will retard the progress of human’s life.
The highway of Deen is vast and smooth.
[next]
20. Deep involvement with the Qur’an
Translation: Abu Shareeh Khizai (r.a.) says that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) came to us and said, “Do you stand witness that there
is no deity except Allah and I am the Messenger of Allah?” People confirmed it
affirmatively.
After that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One end of
this Qur’an is in the hands of Allah and the other end is in your hands. So
hold it fast, you will never go astray, nor you will ever meet destruction
after that”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
21. The Testament of Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: Ibne Abbas (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) addressed us at the time of his last Hajj to Makkah and said,
“I am leaving behind for you the thing if you hold it fast, you will never go
astray: the Book of Allah and the traditions of His Prophet (s.a.)
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
22. Significance of the Revival of Sunnah
Translation: Omar b Aauf (r.a.) narrates that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) said to Bilal b Harith (r.a.),” O Bilal! Be aware”.
He (r.a.) said, “O Prophet of Allah, “About what you are asking me to be aware
of?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those who will revive
my Sunnah after it is forgotten will get the reward equal to one who has been
practicing it and the reward of those who were holding it will not be reduced.
And those who will innovate something in Deen against the consent of Allah and
His Rasul (s.a.), he will be punished equal to one who was practicing it
without making any reduction in the punishment of those who were practicing
it”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
23. Extraordinary reward for following Sunnah
Translation: Ibne Abbas (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Who will uphold my tradition while the Ummah is
suffering from Fasad [is deviated], he will get the reward equal to hundred
martyrs”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: Such a tremendous reward he
will get because in spite of the fact that his environment was not conducive
and encountering immense opposition all around, he did not compromise with the
wrongful attitude of the people. Rather, he stood firm as witness with his life
and demonstrated that the salvation lies only in following life
pattern of Rasulullah (s.a.).
[next]
CHAPTER – IV
IBADAT
24. Miswak [tooth brush] and the pleasure of Allah
Translation: From Aisha (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Miswak [tooth brush]
cleans the mouth and is a means to get the pleasure of Allah “. In another
narration: “it increase eyes sight”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
25. Wadhu -Recognition of Muslim
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Gabriel asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “What is Islam?”
He (s.a.) said, “The Islam is: You bear witness
that there is no deity except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah;
establish Salah and pay Zakah; perform Hajj and Umrah; take shower when it is
essential; make wadhu correctly; and fast during Ramadan”. The questioner asked
if he maintains all these, would he be considered as Muslim?
Rasulullah (s.a.) confirmed, “Yes”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima]
Explanatory Note: It is a part of the long
Hadith of Gabriel, which has been narrated in different manner This Hadith
deals with Hajj, Umrah and wadhu. The purpose of quoting this Hadith is to give
due emphasis on performing wadhu correctly the way Rasulullah (s.a.) did. The
good wadhu will lead to concentration in prayers and create the condition of
devotion and fear. The devil will be least able to pollute the Salah and that
will be a great success.
[next]
26. Azan – Protection from punishment
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When Azan is called for Salah in any habitation, Allah
protects it from the punishment of the day”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
27. Azan: the commitment of Pardon and Paradise
Translation: Aqabah b Amir (r.a.) quotes from
Rasulullah (s.a.), “Your Lord is extremely pleased with the shepherd when he
calls for Azan from a mountaintop and offers Salah.
Allah (SWT) responds: Look to my slave, he is
calling for Azan away from habitation and offers prayers, he fears me, I will
pardon him and reward him with paradise”.
[From Abu Dawood and Nis’ai]
[next]
28. The first question on the Day of Judgment
Translation: From Abdullah b Qurt (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The first question on the Day of Judgment will be
asked about Salah. If he succeeds, he will come out with flying colors in the
rest of his deeds. If he fails in the evaluation of his Salah, his entire deeds
will be spoiled”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: This is so because Salah is
the practical demonstration of Tawheed [Oneness of God] and is the foundation
of Deen. If the edifice is sound, the entire structure will be strong. If the
foundation is weak, the entire structure will be infirm.
[next]
29. Time to extinguish inferno of sin
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “At the time of every prayer an angel declares: O the
progenies of Adam! Get up to extinguish the fire that you have ignited”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: In between two Salah, people
commit a lot of mistakes [sins] both small and great which may transform into
hellfire in the next world. The angle, therefore, calls: come to Masjid to
extinguish the fire ignited by you, offer prayers and beg His pardon. Only His
pardon can put out this fire.
[next]
30. The beloveds of Allah
Translation: Anas b Malik(r.a.) heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying. “Those who habitat the houses of Allah are His beloved friends”.
[From Tabrani] Explanatory Note: Those who
habitat the houses of Allah [Masajid] and render services for them, they are
the beloved slaves of Allah.
[next]
31. Attachment with Masjid, the proof of Iman
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When you see a person attending Salah in congregation
in Masjid on a regular basis, you confirm that he is a Mumin”.
[From Tirmizi & Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
32. Steps towards Salah in Congregation
Translation: Ubai b Ka’ab (r.a.) narrates that
the house of an Ansari was far away from the Prophet’s Masque but he was
regular in attending Salah in the Masjid without losing any one. Someone asked
him, “Why don’t you get a donkey to enable you to attend the Masjid both in hot
weather and during the night?”
He replied, “I do not prefer to have residence
near Masjid. I want to come on foot and get the reward for each step in coming
to and from the Masjid”. Hearing this Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) will
reward him for each step”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
[next]
33. Salatul Fajr and Isha in the eyes of Sahabah
Translation: Abdullah Ibne Umar (r.a.) says that
when we did not find any one at the time of Fajr and Isha in congregation, we
used to have bad presumption about him.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima,
Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: They were presuming such
persons as hypocrites who were mostly found absent in Fajr and Isha. There was
no electricity. People could hide themselves easily. The hypocrites, whose
hearts were devoid of Iman, used to abstain. The Qur’an has depicted their
picture in these words: “they come to prayer but under compulsion with no
interest”
[next]
34. Matters to think for Imam
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who leads the prayer should fear Allah. He should
know that he is accountable for the followers [behind him in Salah]. If he
leads the prayer in perfect order, he will get the reward equal to his
followers with no decrease in their reward. But if his leadership [in Salah] is
defective, he himself will be the loser and his followers will suffer nothing”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
35. Preference for offering non-obligatory
prayers in house
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) says that
he asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Is offering of non-obligatory prayers in house
better than in Masajid?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Don’t you see how close
my house is from Masjid? Offering non-obligatory prayers in house is more
preferable to me than in the Masjid but the obligatory prayers must be offered
in the Masjid”.
[Ibne Ma’ja & Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
36. Stealing in the prayer
Translation: From Abu Qatada (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The worst thief is that who commits stealing in his prayers”.
People asked. “O Prophet of Allah! What means the stealing in prayers?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It means that he does
not perform Ruku and Sajud in perfect order”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani & Ibne
Khazima]
[next]
37. Disintegration of Islamic order
Translation: From Abu Umamah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “A time will come when the order of Islam will fall apart one by
one. When something will disintegrate, people, instead of removing the disorder
will be contented with the remaining part. The first thing that will fall apart
will be the order of justice [Rightful guided Khilafah] and the last thing will
be the order of Salah”. [Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban]
Explanatory Note: It means that gradually the
foundation of Deen will start crumbling one by one. First the political
sovereignty of Islam will wither away, resulting in fast dwindling of the
system till the last link of the chain will be lost too. Most of the people
will abandon Salah and that will be the last stage of decadence.
[next]
38. Significance of Zakah in Deen
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) narrates,
“We have been ordained to establish Salah and pay Zakah. One who offers Salah
but does not pay Zakah, his Salah will not be
accepted by Allah”.
In other version, such person is not Muslim and
his deeds will not benefit him [on the Day of Judgment].
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
39. Zakah, the right of Allah
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When you have paid Zakah on your wealth, you have
fulfilled your obligation to Allah. And one who has accumulated ill-gotten
gains and expends in the way of Allah, he will get no reward but, on the
contrary, it would be a sin”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima &
Ibne Heban]
[next]
40. Fasting in Ramadan and Traviah
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah has prescribed fasting in Ramadan obligatory and
I have introduced Salatul Traviah for you. Those who will fast
in Ramadan and offer Traviah with Iman and
expecting reward, they will be as clean from sin as they were when born”.
[Al-Targheeb & al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: In Hadith the word “Qaya’m”
has been used which means Traviah. On who is Mumin and does these two things,
expecting reward in Akhirah, all his sins will be pardoned. As regards sins
pertaining to rights of the people, they will be pardoned only when either the
right is returned to the rightful person or he forgives with pleasure.
[next]
41. Emphasis on Sehri [i.e., eating before dawn
breaks]
Translation: Abdullah b Harith (r.a.) narrated
from a companion of Rasulullah (s.a.) that he went to him (s.a.) at the time
when he was taking Sehri. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Taking Sehri is the blessing
granted by Allah. So, never give up taking Sehri”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: Jews were not accustomed to
take Sehri while fasting. It was an innovation introduced by their Rabbis or
they were restrained by Allah to have Sehri in consequence to their
transgression. Simple and easy directives were given to the Ummah of the last
Prophet of Allah and Sehri is one of them. Sehri helps in remembering Allah
well during day time and creates ease in other works. This is the blessing of
Sehri.
[next]
42. Fasting, the Zakah of body
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There is a Zakah [purification] of every thing. The
Zakah of the body is fasting and the fasting is half Sabr”.
[From Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: According to modern research
all the Muslims and non-Muslims Doctors are of the opinion that through fasting,
as per Muslim’s tradition, one gets rid of a lot of dangerous diseases. And
that “fasting is half Sabr” means: it is an Ebadah that is comparatively more
pure than others and is free of pretension, and the spiritual power that one
gets in sustaining control over the self is equal to half of what one can get
from all the rest of the Ebadah.
[next]
43. Fasting is a shield
Translation: Uthman b Abul A’s (r.a.) reports
that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “The way a shield protects you in the
battle field, similarly, fasting is a shield that will protect you from
Hellfire”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
44. Prayers for breaking fast and its big reward
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Muslim
who fasts and recites this Du’a [with the breaking of his fast] ‘ O the
Magnificent Allah, the Al-Mighty, the Supreme! You are my Lord, there is no
deity except you, pardon my enormous sins and only Thou can pardon my great
sins [Translation f the Du’a], he will be cleaned of his sins as if he is born today”.
[Al-Targheeb WA Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
45. Etiquette of Fasting
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Fasting is not just giving up eating or drinking. The
real fasting is to keep away from useless and absurd acts and restrain from
lustful talks. So one who is fasting, if he is rebuked or put to altercation,
he should declare that he is fasting, he is fasting”. [i.e., he is not in a
position to argue]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima &
Ibne Heban]
[next]
46. Fasting while traveling
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) says that we
were traveling with Rasulullah (s.a.), some of us were fasting and some were
not. We stopped at one place and it was a very hot day. Those who have blanket
were most comfortable and were under shadow while some were protecting
themselves just by hands. At this juncture, those who were fasting fell down
and those who were not, got up, fixed their tents and watered their rids
[animals].
[Seeing this condition] Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“Today, those who were not fasting collected all the Ajr [reward]”. In another
tradition it is said, “The companions (r.a.) opined that the traveler who has
the stamina, preferably, should fast and the traveler who feels week should
preferably not fast”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: Perhaps it was the journey for
the Conquest of Makkah that occurred in Ramadan. During this journey at some
place, Rasulullah (s.a.) broke his fast so that others might follow him (s.a.).
But some fasted because Rasulullah (s.a.) did not ordain to do it. When they
stopped at some place, those who were fasting were feeling run down but those
who were not got up with zeal, fixed their tents and watered the riding
animals.
[next]
47. Topic Same
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) passed through a person who was lying unconscious under the
shadow of a tree and people were sprinkling water upon him. Rasulullah (s.a.)
inquired, “What happened to him?” People said, “O Prophet of Allah! He was
fasting, could not sustain and fell down unconscious". Rasulullah (s.a.)
said, “Fasting, while traveling is no good. It is essential for you to get the
benefit of Allah’s given concessions”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: The person who is bodily week
and is likely to encounter such situation due to fasting, he should enjoy the
benefit of Allah’s given concession.
[next]
48. Significance of Ramadan fasting
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If someone [intentionally] abandons even one day of
fasting in Ramadan without any excuse, permissible in Shariah [state of
sickness or traveling], if he fasts for the whole of his life, will not be able
to compensate for this day”.
[Tirmizi & Abu Dawood]
[next]
49. Tragic end of those who disregard fasting
[intentionally]
Translation: Abu Umamah Al-Baheli (r.a.) reports
that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “While, I was sleeping two persons
came, they hold my shoulder, brought me to a rugged
mountain and asked me to climb over it. I told
them that I cannot climb”.
They said, “Climb, we will make it easy for
you”.
So I climbed and when I reached the middle of
the mountain,
I heard the sounds of crying extremely
I (s.a.) asked, “What these cries are?
They replied, “These are the cries of the people
in the Hellfire”.
Then I advanced further, I saw some people who
were hanging upside down, their jaws have been torn apart and were bleeding.
I (s.a.) inquired, “Who are these people?”
They told me, “They are those who intentionally
abandoned fasting, eating and drinking in the month of Ramadan”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima &
Ibne Heban]
[next]
50. Eid – The day of reward
Translation: Sa’d b Aws Ansari narrates from his
father, Aws Ansari (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When the day of Eid comes,
the angles of Allah take position at the corners of each street and declare, “O
the Believers! Proceed to your Lord Who is very merciful, tells you about the
good deeds, favors you with Tawfeeq to practice them and then award you with
big rewards. He ordained you for Traviah and you did it, He ordained you to
fast during the day time and you fasted, you followed the directives from your
lord, now come and pick up your prizes”. When the people complete their Eid
prayers, an angle announces, “O the people! Your Lord has pardoned you, so
returned to your homes with flying colors. This is the reward of Eid Day and
this day is known in the world of angles as the Day of Reward.”
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
51. Haste in performing obligatory Hajj
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O the people! When Hajj becomes obligatory, make haste
in its performance as none of you knows when and what obstruction may fall in
its way”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
52. Consequence of neglecting Hajj
Translation: Abu Umamah (r.a.) narrates from
Rasulullah (s.a.), “If a person is not a poor, not sick and there is no
restriction form a tyrant ruler, even then he is not performing Hajj, it makes
no difference as to whether he dies as a Jew or a Christian”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baihaqi] Explanatory
Note: If the performing of Hajj has become obligatory and there is no
restriction, even then if it is not performed, the Iman is in danger.
[next]
53. The pilgrims of Haram in the sight of Allah
Translation: From Jabir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Those who proceed on Hajj and Umrah are the honorable guests of
Allah (SWT). Allah called them to His house and they responded. Now whatever
prayers they made before Him, He granted them”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb}
Explanatory Note: There are different versions
of this Hadith. In some, the pilgrims ask for pardon, Allah accepts it. In
some, it is stated that Allah also pardons those about whom, the pilgrims pray
for their Maghfirah [pardon]. However, it must be clearly understood that the
sins that pertain to human rights will not be excused till the person [whose
rights have been usurped or violated] himself forgives it.
[next]
54. Women’s Jihad – Hajj and Umrah
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) quotes from
Rasulullah (s.a.), “The Jihad [struggling in the way of Allah] for the elders,
the week and womenfolk is the performing of Hajj and Umrah”.
[From Nisa’i]
[next]
55. The True Hajj
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) narrates
that a person asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Who is the Haji [one who performs the
Hajj]?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Whose hair are in
disarray and putting on dirty cloths”.
The man asked, “What action of Hajj is the
best”?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Reciting loudly the
Talbeeh of Labbaik and sacrificing animal”.
The man asked, “What is the meaning of
Als-Sabeel”?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It means the transport
and the traveling expenses”.
[From Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells us that what
kind of Pilgrimage Allah likes. Rasulullah (s.a.) elaborates that Hajj is a
worship of total devotion. Those who intend to visit the House of their beloved
Allah; they should have little or least botheration about their food, dress and
shower. Whatever time they get should utilize it in praying, reciting, crying
and seeking the pardon of Allah.
In the last question, the man, referring the
word “Als-Sabeel” of Verse 47 of Al-Imran, asked what it connotes? Rasulullah
(s.a.) explained that there must be proper
arrangement of transport to reach the House of Allah and traveling expenses for
the journey.
[next]
56. Allah’s especial bounties for the people of
Arafat
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said,”When pilgrims cry and beg near the mount of Arafat, Allah
(SWT) gets down to the first sky [close to this world] and says to His angles:
Look to my slaves, in what condition they have come to Me with hairs in
disarray and covered with dust”.
XXX
Explanatory Note: It appears from this Hadith
that when people reach Arafat and are totally absorbed in begging and crying to
their Lord with hope, secretly and loudly, the mercy of Allah is especially
showered upon them.
[next]
57. Sacrifices and Sincerity
Translation: From Ali b Talib (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “O people! Sacrifice [animal], shed the blood of animals for
reward in the Akhirah. Though the blood of the animals apparently falls on the
ground but, in fact, it is deposited with Allah (SWT) [in the account of one
who sacrifices]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Notes: In the Hadith, the word of
“Hirz” has been used. Hirz is that box in which people keep their cloths etc.
On the day of Adha, sacrifice is the greatest source of reward. The blood of
animal, in our limited vision, falls on the ground and becomes valueless. But
as the Prophet of Allah says it goes directly to the treasure of Allah to the
credit of one who sacrifices it.
[next]
58. Who is the unfortunate?
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) says: the person whom I blessed with
health and financial prosperity and he enjoys this condition continuously for
five years, he did not care to come to Me, he is unfortunate”.
[Al-Targheeb – Ibne Heban]
Explanatory Notes: Health and prosperity are two
great favors of Allah. Who has got these blessings, he should try utmost to
cement his relation with Allah and be thankful to Him both through words and
deeds. But getting these favors, he does not turn to Allah, not one, two, three
but completely for five years for performing Hajj to the House of Allah, what
can be more unfortunate thing than this event. He should know it clearly that
the One who has made these favors to him, can take them back instantly and
there is no guarantee that will he ever get them back.
[next]
59. Balance in Ebadah
Translation: From Ziad b Nuaim Hadrami (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah has ordained four Ebadah, obligatory in Islam. A
person who performs three Ebadah and neglects the fourth one, the three will
not benefit him till he acts upon all the four. The four obligatory Ebadah are:
Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This and other Ahadith,
falling in the same category tell us the importance of Salah, Zakah, Sawm and
Hajj in Deen. Especially, they constitute a great significance for today’s
Muslims. A large number of Muslims have abandoned Salah. Even those who perform
Salah don’t pay Zakah. Some fast but don’t go near Salah nor pay Zakah. Some
care for Salah, Sawm and Zakah but are neglecting Hajj. Rasulullah (s.a.) warns
such people to perform all the four with equal emphasis. If you take care of
only three and neglect the fourth, you will be in great trouble in the Akhirah.
Allah (SWT) will ask that He made four fundamentals obligatory Ebadah not
three, two or one: who authorized you to make this division? Being the slave,
how you became the master?
Committing to Kalimah, becoming Muslim,
acknowledging the position of servitude and being the follower of My Prophet
(s.a.), how you revolted against the established fundamentals of Deen? Brother
and sisters, think over this scenario. What reply you will have on the Day of
Judgment? What a tragic consequence you will be encountering on that Day!
[next]
CHAPTER -V
SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS
60. The rights of Parents
Translation: Abu Umamah (r.a.) narrates that a person asked from Rasulullah
(s.a.), “What rights parents have on their children?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “They are your heaven and hell”.
[From: Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: If you take care of them and meet your obligations, you will
earn paradise but if you don’t do that, you will land in hell.
From another Hadith and the directives of the Qur’an, it appears that the
position of mother is higher than that of the father. The Qur’an, after giving
due emphasis over nice treatment with parents, describes the trouble and
hardship which the mother sustains during pregnancy, nursing and caring. The
onerous right of mother can be understood from the following Hadith: Translation:
A person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! I carried my
mother on my back from Yemen and performed Hajj, putting her always on my back.
I circulated around the House of Allah, hurriedly walked between Safa and
Marwah, went to Arafat, came to Muzdalfah, threw pebbles in Manaa with her on
my back. She is too old to move around at all. I have performed all these acts
keeping her on my back. Have I fulfilled her rights or my obligations to her?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No”. The man asked, “Why not”? Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“It is because she sustained all the trouble and hardship with the prayer that
you be alive and what you have done with her, it was with the intention that
she may die soon”
[next]
61. Paradise under the foot of the mother
Translation: Mua’via b Jahemah (r.a.) reports
that his father went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! I want
to participate in Jihad and have come to seek your consent”. Rasulullah (s.a.)
asked, “Is your mother alive?” He said, “yes”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Keep you busy in her
service. Heaven lies under her foot”.
[Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: Rasulullah (s.a.) knew that
his mother was alive. She was old and was in dire need of his services but the
son was desirous to participate in Jihad. He (s.a.) advised that the
battlefield of Jihad is in your house. Go and take care of your mother This
Hadith does not mean at all that whose parents are alive should not come out of
his house for the service of Deen. The parents of the most of the Sahabah
(r.a.) were alive but they were going out for Jihad and Dawah Ilallah.
[next]
62. Compensation for praying and seeking
Maghfirah for Parents
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If some one’s parent died and he had been disobedient
to them in their lifetime. He becomes conscious of it and starts praying for
them regularly. Allah will treat him as obedient to his parents and save him
from the consequences of his disobedience”.
[Baihaqi – Al-Iman]
[next]
63. Nicely dealing with parents after death
Translation: Abu Usaid Malik b Ibne Rabia
Sa’aidi (r.a.) narrates that we were sitting with Rasulullah (s.a.), a person
from Banu Salmah came and asked him (s.a.), “O Prophet of Allah! My parents are
dead. Is there any right of my parents left with me to fulfill?” Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Yes. After the death of parents, it is obligatory upon children
that they should pray for them, seek their Maghfirah [pardon] from Allah,
fulfill their commitments, and nicely treat the relations akin to them and to
be respectful to their friends and entertain them”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Ibne
Ma’ja & Ibne Heban]
[next]
64. Treating nicely with Maternal Aunt
Translation: Abdullah b Umar(r.a.) reports that
a person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! I have
committed a great sin. Is there any possible chance for me to
repent for it?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “Are your parents
alive?”
He said, “No”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) again asked, “Have you any
maternal aunt?”
He said, “Yes”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Go and serve her”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: The general condition of Tawba
[repentance] is this that man repents for his deeds, cries in heart and seeks
Allah’s pardon. But Rasulullah (s.a.), under wider spectrum of Knowledge from
Allah (SWT), understood that if fair and nice treatment is given to mother or
maternal aunt, this sin could be washed out. None could envision such a way out
except the Prophet of Allah.
[next]
65. Respectability to Teacher
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Learn about Deen, develop modesty and seriousness for
acquiring the knowledge of Deen and be humble and submissive to your teachers
[or from whom you learn]”.
[From: Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb-Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: It is a confirmed opinion of
scholars that after Allah and His Rasul (s.a.) the highest position is that of
parents and then that of the teacher. They [parents] are the physical guardians
and the teacher is the guardian of Deen. After physical nourishment, training
of Deen and morality starts. Parents are like the architects and teachers
decorate and beautify the building.
[next]
66. The rights of the husband
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) reports
that a woman came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Women
have sent me to you as their representative: You see Jihad is obligatory only
on men. If they get wounded, they get reward. If they are martyred, they live
alive with their Lord and will be harvesting rewards from Him. We the womenfolk
protect their houses and children behind them. What reward we would get?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You communicate it to women with whom you come in
contact, “Being obedient to husbands and recognizing their rights is equal to
Jihad but a very few of you will behave like this”.
The same Hadith has appeared in Tabrani whose
contents are as follows: The women’s representative said to Rasulullah (s.a.),
“The womenfolk have sent me as their representative and every woman, weather
she knows it or not, prefers my coming over to you: See, Allah is the Lord and
Master both of men and women and you have been appointed as Messenger to both
the genders. Jihad has been made obligatory on men and not on women. If they
kill the enemy, they get a reward and Ghanimah [war booty]. If they are
martyred, they get a bountiful life to live with their Lord. What acts of
obedience should we do which equals to their Jihad?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Obedience to their
husband and recognizing their rights has the same status as that of Jihad for
men. But rarely you will do it”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
67. The right of wife
Translation: From Sumrah b Jundab (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Woman has been created out of rib. If you want to straighten
it, you will break it. Be nice to her, you will enjoy a happy life”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb; Ibne Heban]
Explanatory Note: Woman is created from rib. It
means her temperament, process of thinking and method of working are somewhat
different than man. In the family, the husband is the head and has the upper
hand. If a husband does not care for the feelings and sentiments of his wife
and insists to get his opinion prevailed, the home will be deprived of the true
pleasures of life. Rather, it will become hell of infighting. That is why
Rasulullah (s.a.) is educating men to be nice and decent with wives. If it is
not practiced, it will end in divorce and that is the most hated thing in the
Shariah of Allah. It is the last resort.
This Hadith does not tell that women are crooked
and men are very nice but through it Rasulullah (s.a.) communicates that in the
secular systems, people do not treat women nicely. You are the slaves of Allah,
so behave with them kindly.
In some other Hadith, the last phrase is “Be
nice to womenfolk”.
It means Rasulullah (s.a.) is directing husbands
to remind each other for treating their wives nicely. That is, you be nice
yourself to your wives and advise others to do the same.
[next]
68. Right of children
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Be kind to your children and give them good education
and Tarbiyah [training]”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
69. Tarbiyah (training) of family and children
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When Allah gives authority to someone over others,
irrespective of fact whether the number is small or large, on the Day of
Judgment, Allah (SWT) will put him to question about those who were under his
control. Has he established the commands of Allah over his subordinates or
destroyed them through negligence? He will be specifically questioned about his
family members”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: The husband will be asked
about his wife, children and those who were under his care that how far he
educated them about Deen and provided moral training. If he has tried his best
to educate them about Deen and make them good Muslims, he may get relief
otherwise, he will be in great trouble, irrespective of the fact howsoever he
himself is religious minded and Allah conscious.
[next]
70. Right of poor Muslims
Translation: Umar b Khattab (r.a.) says that it
was asked to Rasulullah (s.a.), “What is the best deed?” Rasulullah (s.a.)
said, “To please the heart of a Mumin is a matter of great reward: If he is
hungry, feed him: if he has no cloth, get him cloths; if he has some
unfulfilled need, meet it”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb – From Tabrani]
[next]
71. Meeting the wants of needy Muslims
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When a Mumin feeds a Mumin while he is hungry, Allah
(SWT) will feed him with the fruits of paradise on the Day of Judgment.
If a Mumin quenches the thirst of a Mumin while
he is thirsty, Allah will serve him with “Al-Raheequl Al-Makhtoom” [the sealed
nectar – free of intoxication] from heaven.
And when a Mumin puts on cloth to a Mumin who is
naked, Allah will clad him with heavenly dress on the Day of Judgment”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
72. Reward for helping the needy
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When a person feeds his brother and quenches his
thirst with water, Allah will keep him away from Hellfire at a distance equal
to seven ditches of fire and the distance in between two ditches will be equal
to a journey of five hundred years”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
73. Drawing attention to good deeds
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates from
Rasulullah (s.a.), “One who guides some one to a good deed, he will get the reward
equal to one who acts upon it. Allah likes that one who is in trouble is helped
[irrespective of the fact whether he is a Muslim or a non-Muslim]”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
74. Kindness with servants
Translation: From Abu Bakr (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “That man will not enter into heaven who is using his power and
authority in wrong way [harsh to his servants and slaves]”. People asked, “O
Prophet of Allah! Have you not told us that this Ummah will have greater number
of slaves and orphans in comparison to others?” He (s.a.) replied, “Yes, I told
you”. You treat them the way you are behaving with your children, feed them
what you eat yourselves”. People asked, “What worldly thing will be beneficial
in Akhirah?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The horse that you feed [maintain] to
ride towards battle field for Jihad in the way of Allah; treating nicely the
slave who acts at your place and if he is regular in Salah [he is a Muslim], he
deserves better treatment from you”. [Explanatory Note: This Hadith discusses
about slaves. It is also applicable to domestic servants]
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad, Ibne Ma’ja &
Tirmizi]
[next]
75. To burden to capacity
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Your slaves have the right upon you that you provide
them with food and water; dress them, put upon them the burden of work that
they can bear with and if you put them to heavy duty help them”. O the servants
of Allah “Don’t put them in pain and harshness those who are the creatures of
Allah and humans like you”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban]
[next]
76. Reward for being nice to servants
Translation: From Umar b Huraith (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The lighter you take work from your servants, the more
reward you will get”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Abu Yaa’li]
[next]
77. Kindness to animals
Translation: Jabir B Abdullah (r.a.) narrates
that a donkey passed by the side of Rasulullah (s.a.) whose face was
stigmatized and profusely bleeding form his nostrils. [Seeing this] Rasulullah
(s.a.) said. “Curse is upon the person who has done it. He (s.a.) then
announced not to stigmatize face or beat at the face”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban &
Tirmizi]
[next]
78. Prohibition of target shooting on the animals
Translation: It is narrated that Abdullah b Umar
(r.a.) passed through some kids of Quraish who were target shooting on some
birds or chicken with an understanding with the owner of the birds that the
arrow that will miss the target will be his [owner]. When the boys saw Ibne
Umar (r.a.), they took to their heels. Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) asked, “Who has
done it? Curse is upon him who has done it. Rasulullah (s.a.) has cursed upon
the person who uses animate objects for target shooting”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari & Muslim]
[next]
79. Incident of a camel
Translation: Yahya b Murrah (r.a.) reports that
he was sitting with Rasulullah (s.a.), a camel, running fast, came to him
(s.a.), sat down before him (s.a.) on his knees and tears were rolling down
from both of his eyes. Rasulullah (s.a.) asked me, “Go out and find out its
owner. Something had happened to him [and that is why he is crying]”. I came
out in search of the owner and came to know that it belongs to an Ansari. I
brought him to Rasulullah (s.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) asked him. “What has
happened to your camel”? He said. “I don’t know the cause of his crying. We
benefited from him and irrigated our gardens and dates trees by carrying water
on his back. Now he is no good for watering purpose. Last evening we decided
among ourselves to slaughter him and distribute his meat”. Rasulullah (s.a.)
said, “Don’t slaughter him. Give it to me with price or no price”. The Ansari
said, “O Prophet of Allah! You take it without price”. The Narrator [of the
Hadith] says, “Rasulullah (s.a.) put the signs of Baitulmal [state treasury] on
that camel and then sent him to be included amongst the state owned animals”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad]
[next]
80. Sharpen knife before putting down goat [for
slaughtering]
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.) passed through a person who was putting his leg on the
face of goat, sharpening the knife and she was watching it. Rasulullah (s.a.)
said, “Will she not die before you slaughter it? Do you want to give her a
double death?” In another version, words are like this: “Do you want to give
her a repeated death? Why couldn’t you sharpen your knife before pulling her
down?”
[next]
81. Don’t kill an animal before another one
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) narrates
that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Slaughter the animal with sharpened
knife and don’t kill an animal in front of another”. He (s.a.) further said,
“When you slaughter an animal, do it the fastest way”.
[next]
82. Subject Same
Translation: Al-Shirred (r.a.) says that he
heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Who kills [even] a sparrow for nothing, it
will complain to Allah on the Day of Judgment: O Allah! This man killed me
uselessly and not for the sake of meat”.
Explanatory Note: Killing of animals for the
sake of pleasure is a great sin. They can be hunted only for food and that is
because their Creator has permitted humans to do so.
[next]
83. Prohibition of mutilation [of body]
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) says
that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “One who has mutilated a living being
and he dies before repentance, Allah will mutilate him on the Day of Judgment”.
[Musla: means mutilation of body parts]
[next]
CHAPTER – VI
MUA‘MLAT [AFFAIRS]
84. Rightful means of earnings
Translation: From Jabir b Abdullah (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O the
people! Fear Allah and don’t adopt wrongful means for earnings because no one
can die till he gets his entire [allotted] providence that may come belatedly.
So be fearful to Allah and use honest means for earnings your provision. Take
only rightful earnings and don’t go even near to wrongful means”.
[From Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
85. The earnings of a laborer
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The best earnings is that of a laborer, provided, he
performs his job with sincerity and well wishing”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
86. Earnings with hard labor
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah loves that Mumin who earns his leavings with
hard labor”.
[Al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
87. Trade
Translation: Jumaiy b Umair (r.a.) narrates from
his uncle that someone asked from Rasulullah (s.a.) about the best means of
earnings. He (s.a.) said, “Trade [or business] that is free from all kinds of
methods prohibited by Allah and earnings through manual labor”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
88. Concept of correct means of earning
Translation: Ka’ab b Ujrah (r.a.) narrates that
a person passed by Rasulullah (s.a.), Sahabah (r.a.) observed that he is
actively involved in earning his living. They asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Had his
struggle been in the way of Allah, how fine it would have been”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If he is out to
struggle for his little children, it is in the way of Allah. If he is
struggling for taking care of his old parents, it will be in the way of Allah.
If he is working to protect himself from spreading his hands to others, it will
also be ch33unted in the way of Allah. But if he wanth3 to earn for show off or
getting supremacy over others, then his entire effort will be counted in the
way of Satan [devil]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Notes: The entire life of a Mumin is
Ebadah and all his actions and deeds earn reward for him. The wide connotation
that Islam presents about life of abstinence, Taqwah and Ebadah is very much
visible from this Hadith. In another Hadith, it is ordained: “Whatever is
expended by a Mumin on his person, on his wife, on his children and on his
servants, it is all Sadaqah and Ebadah and he will be rewarded for it”.
[next]
89. The Correct concept about wealth
Translation: Sufyan Suri (RA) said, “At the time
of Prophet
(s.a.) and guided Caliphs, wealth was considered
as a pernicious object but in our time it has become the shield of a Mumin. If
these Dinar and Durham had not been with us, the kings and the rich would have
made us their handkerchief [subservient]. Today if someone has some wealth, he
should invest it into business so that he earns profit and increases his
capital. If he is poor, he will first sell his Deen. Expending from honest
earnings is not extravagancy”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: “Kings and the rich would have
made us their handkerchief”. It means, if we would have no wealth, we would have
been forced to visit these people and they would have used us for their
objectives. But we have wealth, so we are free from them. During the time of
Prophet (s.a.) and his Companions (r.a.), their Iman was strong. That is why
they were save from all kinds of worldly temptations but today the Iman is weak
and in the state of poverty, people will be inclined to sell their Iman. So
this is an advice from Sufyan Suri (r.a.) and not an advocacy to lead a life of
luxury.
The last sentence of his advice means that there
is no extravagancy if your earnings are honest. Extravagancy comes under the
category of Haram. For instance, if someone is dressing nicely, taking good
food, you cannot say he is extravagant. The condition is this that his fine
cloths and his delicious food have been obtained through honest means of
living.
[next]
90. Persuasion to give loan
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Every loan is a Sadaqah”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: If a man of means gives loan
to some poor man, it is a good deed, he will get the reward from Allah. It is
because he has eased the difficult situation of the poor. Allah will ease the
condition of the creditor on the Day of Judgment.
[next]
91. Under the same heading
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If a Muslim gives loan once to a Muslim, he will be
receiving such a big reward as if he has given the same amount twice”.
[From: Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
92. The reward of giving relief to debtor
Translation: From Huzaifah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Angles approached a person [after his death] from amongst the
Muslims who passed before you and asked: Have you done
anything good in your worldly life?
He said, “No”.
They said, “Try to recollect”.
He said, “I used to give loans to people and
direct my servants to allow more time, if they are hard-pressed and cannot pay
back in time and if the debtor is solvent, be kind to him”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) directs the
angles to forgive his mistakes”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari]
Explanatory Note: Sometime it happens that Allah
likes an action of His slave so much that He ignores his sins and entitles him
for the paradise. There are a lot of such instances in Ahadith. Who knows, when
and what action of a slave is appreciable by his Lord!
[next]
93. Subject Same
Translation: Buraidah (r.a.) heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying, “One who gives loan to a distressed person for a fixed time, one
Sadaqah [reward of a good deed] is recorded in his account every day. If he
[the debtor] could not pay by the appointed time, he [the creditor] extends the
time limit, then two Sadaqah [the reward of two goods deeds] will now be
credited to his account [the account of the creditor] every day”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
94. Accepting interest
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who accumulates interest-bearing wealth, he ends
in poverty”.
The words of another Hadith are: “The
interest-bearing wealth, howsoever it grows, it ends in adversity”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja wa Ha’kim]
[next]
95. The tragic end of the usurer
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “On the Night of Accession when I reached the seventh
sky, I saw upward and there was lightening and thunder.
I passed through people with swollen bellies
looking like a house full of snakes, visible from outside.
I (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who are these people?”
He said, “They were eating interest [Al-Riba]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad &
Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
96. Subject Same
Translation: From Sumrah b Jundub (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “In the night I saw two persons came to me and carried
me to Baitul Muqaddas. We proceeded ahead till we reached a river of blood in
which a man was standing and on the bank of the river there was another man
with stones in his hands. The man standing in the river when he tries to come
out of it, the man at the bank by throwing stones on his face forces him to
retreat where he was standing. This was the constant scenario: Whenever he
tries to come out, he was not allowed to do so. When he reaches the bank, he is
forced to retreat by throwing stones on his face.
I (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who is that man in the
river?”
He said, “He is the person who was eating
interest [Riba] in the world”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari]
[next]
97. Depriving [someone] from inheritance is a sin
Translation: Sa’lim quotes from his father,
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) that when Ghailan b Salamah Thaqafi (r.a.) entered into
Islam, he had ten wives. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Select four wives from them
[and leave the rest]”. During the Khilafah of Umar (r.a.), he divorced all his
[four] wives and divided his wealth amongst the brothers of his father [uncles].
When Umar (r.a.) got the news, he called for Ghailan (r.a.) and said, “I think
Satan [the devil] had heard the news of your death and he had conveyed it to
you. Perhaps you will now live for a few days. That is why you have divorced
your wives to deprive them form inheritance and divided your wealth amongst
your uncles”.
“I swear by Allah, you have to turn back to your
wives and take back your divided wealth. Otherwise, I will make your wives
inherited by force and direct the people to throw stones on your grave as the
grave of Abu Righal is stoned”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: Allah (SWT) has fixed the
share of inheritance. None has the right to deprive the inheritor in any way.
It will be counted as a great sin. If there is an Islamic state and someone is
behaving like that, it is its responsibility to disallow such acts of
transgression.
Stoning is a punishment meant for those who are
condemned. This Hadith shows that depriving an inheritor is an act of curs.
Abu Rijal was an Arab of Jahilyah. He conspired
with Abraha and guided his army, advancing towards Makkah for the demolition of
Allah’s House [Haram]. That is why the people used to stone the grave of this
cursed man.
[next]
98. Significance of people’s rights
Translation: From Aisha (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “There will be three types of recorded sins:
* Sins that Allah will never forgive: It is
associating partners with Him. Allah says in Verse 48 of Surah Al-Nisa: “Lo!
Allah forgives not that a partner should be ascribed to Him”
* The second recorded sin will be the violation
of human rights. Allah will not let it go till the oppressed gets back his
right from the oppressor.
* The third recorded sin will be the violation
of rights between Allah and His slaves. Now it is up to Allah, weather to
punish or forgive him. [It is within His discretion]”.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
99. Subject Same
Translation: Abbas b Mirdas (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) prayed for his Ummah in the evening of the Day of Arafah.
Allah (SWT) responded, “I have accepted your prayers. I will forgive the sins
of your Ummah but those who have usurped the rights of others, there will be no
relief for them till I recover the rights of the oppressed from the oppressor”.
[From Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: No one should get confused
from this Hadith about the concept of Maghfirah [pardon] from Allah. Both the
laws of reward and punishment have been vividly described in the Qur’an and the
Sunnah of Rasulullah (s.a.) and for that it is sufficient to go through this
collection of Ahadith.
[next]
CHAPTER -VII
MORALITY: GOOD VIRTUES & BAD BEHAVIOR
100. Tawakkal – Trust in Allah
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who
is poor and goes to people for help, he deserves to be rejected. But if he puts
his needs before Allah [for its fulfillment], either Allah will give him
provision in this world or will grace him with His bounties after death”.
[Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith educates us about Tawakkal [trust]. It teaches us
to put our every need before Allah. He has every thing for us. Why then to
repose trust in humans like us who have nothing to offer?
[next]
101. Patience
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.), addressing the women of Ansa’r said, “If three children of
anyone of you pass away and she bears it, expecting reward in Akhirah, she will
get into paradise”. Hearing this, one of the women asked, “O Prophet of Allah!
If two pass away and she bears it [will she go to paradise?]”
Rasulullah (s.a.) confirmed that she would also
go to Jannah.
Another Hadith tells that a woman came to
Rasulullah (s.a.) with a baby in her laps and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Pray
for my child. I have already buried my three children”.
Rasulullah asked, “Are your three children
dead?” She said, " Yes”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Then, you have attained
a great protection against fire [It means your three children will protect you
from the Hellfire]”.
[AL-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
[next]
102. Perseverance
Translation: Abdullah b Abu Awfa (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.) kept waiting in certain Ghazwah [from attack] till the
sun was about to set, he (s.a.) got up and addressed, “O people! Don’t desire
to fight the enemy. Pray to Allah to keep you under His protection. But when
you encountered the enemy, have patience with conviction that Paradise lies
under the shadow of the sword”. After that he (s.a.) prayed to Allah, “O Allah,
the revealer of the Book, the mover of the clouds, the destroyer of the enemies,
annihilate them and give us victory over our enemies”. [Enemy attacked after
that and the Muslims were the successful]
[Form Bukhari & Muslim]
[next]
103. Protection of secrets
Translation: From Jabir b Abdullah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If someone talks with you while looking around
[cautiously], take his talk as a trust with you”.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: Even if he has not requested
you to keep his talk as secret, it should be kept like that. It would not be
correct to share it with others without his permission. It would be a breach of
trust. His very looking around, while talking, means that he wants the contents
to be kept in secret.
[next]
104. Decent behavior
Translation: From Huzaifah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Don’t be imitators and think that if others do good to us, we
will do good to them. If people are oppressive to us, we will be oppressive to
them. You are to prepare yourself to the extent that if people do well, you
will do well but if they are no good; you will not be oppressive upon them
[rather, be nice with them].
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
[next]
105. Etiquette of Assemblies
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No one should remove a sitting person from his place
to sit there but the people already sitting in the assembly should make room
for the incoming brother”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
106. [Subject Same]
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When three persons are together, two of them should
not converse among themselves, leaving the third one aside”.
We asked, ” What, if they are four”. He said,
“Then, no harm”. In the narration of Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.), “It is so
because it [the first situation] will cause grief to him [the third one]”.
[From: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
107. Subject Same
Translation: Umru b Shuaib (r.a.) narrates from
his father that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It would not be correct for a person
that he should sit in between two persons without their permission”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood &
Tirmizi]
[next]
108. Dress
Translation: Abu Yafoor (r.a.) narrates that a
person asked from Abdullah b Umar (r.a.). “What type of dress should I wear?”
Ibne Umar (r.a.) said, “You put on such a dress that the dunce should not take
you as foolish and the wise people do not object”. He asked, “Of what price?’
Ibne Umar (r.a.) replied, “Should be in between five and twenty Durham [Dollars
in the present day currency]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: We should keep in mind that at
that time, five Durham were sufficient but in today’s currency, it is quite
meager. People could get the complete dress in five Durham. [For the sake of
understanding, it would be better to measure the cost of a dress in terms of
dollar – Translator]
[next]
109. Greed and Miserliness
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Avariciousness and Iman cannot go together in the
heart of a person”.
[From: Nisa’i]
[next]
110. Prohibition from Resemblance
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.) has cursed those men who resemble like women and those
women who resemble like men”.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Tirmizi,
Nisa’i, and Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
111. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) has cursed the man who dresses like woman and the woman who
dresses like man”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Nisa’i,
Tirmizi and Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
112. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that a
eunuch was brought to Rasulullah (s.a.) whose both hands and legs were
decorated with henna.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “What type of man he is
and why he has used henna?”
People replied, “To resemble like womenfolk”.
He was deported from Madinah and inhabited at
Naqee.
People asked, ‘ O Prophet of Allah, “Why don’t
you kill him?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I have been prohibited
from killing [Muslims] those who are offering Salah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood]
[next]
113. Immorality
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O the youth of Quraish: protect your private parts
[i.e., don’t commit fornication]. Those who pass their youth with modesty and
chastity, they will get into paradise”.
An other Hadith tells, “One whose youth is safe
from the evils of youth, he will be entitled to get into paradise”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim &
Baihaqi]
[next]
114. Subject Same
Translation: Muhammad b Munkadir (r.a.) narrates
that Khalid b Walid (r.a.) wrote to Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.), “There is a gay
person in the outskirts of Arabs. [What punishment be given to him or what
should be done with him?”]
Abu Bakr (r.a.) called for consultation the
Companions of Prophet (s.a.) that included Ali b Talib (r.a.).
Ali (r.a.) said, “This sin was committed by a
nation [the people of Prophet Lot (r.a.)] and you know what a horrible
punishment was given to them by Allah. In my considered opinion, this man
should be thrown in fire. The Companions of Prophet (s.a.) agreed that he
[sinner] should be thrown in fire and by the order of the Caliph Abu Bakr
(r.a.) he was burnt in fire.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb: Baihaqi]
Explanatory Note: Qur’an does not describe the
punishment of this crime. It is the responsibility of the Islamic State to
decide about the nature of punishment within its jurisdiction. The punishment
will be given to both [involved in this heinous crime]. Where there is no
Islamic State, the Muslim community can resort to some form of punishment,
after consultation with the Islamic scholars.
[In the Hadith the word used is Nakaha. It means
same sex marriage as we see around in the Western societies. Translator]
[next]
115. Nurturing the evil thoughts
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The amount of fornication that is destined for the
progenies of Adam, they will commit it.
The fornication of eyes is to look passionately;
The fornication of ears is to hear lusty things;
The fornication of tongue is to talk about lusty
things;
The fornication of hands is to hold lustily;
The fornication of legs is to walk for it;
The fornication of heart is to desire for it;
The private parts will either complete it or
restrain from it.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim, Bukhari, Abu
Dawood and Nis’ai]
In another tradition quoted by Abu Dawood and
Muslim, “Hands commit fornication by holding, legs commit fornication by
walking towards it and kissing is the fornication of mouth”.
Explanatory Note: This Hadith is of great
significance. It deals with the following three aspects of the issue.
1 The bottom line is this that man should not
allow to nurture lusty thoughts in the heart. If he sustains it, nothing can
stop him from committing the sin. If the heart is the breeding ground of ill
feelings, the rest parts of the body will strive to attain it. Therefore, the
first and the foremost thing is to keep the heart clean.
2 This Hadith does not mean that the man is
destined to commit fornication. But it tells that if the Iman is not properly
cemented and polished, man cannot protect himself from committing fornication
and other sins.
3 The forehand steps of fornication [as
mentioned in this Hadith] also fall in the same category. Rasulullah (s.a.) has
prohibited to talk, to look and to hear lustily with women. If man can protect
himself from lusty behavior, he can protect himself from committing
fornication. It must be crystal clear that accountability lies also in
nurturing ill feelings.
[next]
CHAPTER – VIII
COMPREHENSIVE AHADITH
[This Chapter contains those Ahadith which deal with different aspects of
human’s life at a time]
116. Entitlement for double reward
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There are three
persons who will be doubly rewarded:
* The person from the people of the Scripture who believed his Prophet as well
in Muhammad (s.a.);
* The slave who fulfills the rights of Allah and equally the rights of his
master;
* And the person, who has a slave girl, gives her good education, grooms her
with nice training, sets her free and then marries with her. He will get double
reward”.
[From Bukhari & Muslim]
[next]
117. Islam, Hijrah and Hajj
Translation: Ibne Shammasa (r.a.) narrates that
when we visited Umro b Al-Aa’s (r.a.) at the time of his death, he cried for a
long time and then describing his story about entering into Islam, said, “When
Islam entered into my heart, I came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and asked him (s.a.)
to extend his hands for Bai’yah [personal commitment]”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) extended his hands but I pulled
back mine.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “What happened to you,
O Umar?”
He said, “I want to put a condition”.
He (s.a.) asked, “What condition you want to
put?”
He said, “Whatever sins I have committed before
entering into Islam may be pardoned”. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Omar! Don’t
you know that Islam demolishes all the previous sins as Hijrah and Hajj pardons
all the sins committed before these events”.
[Form: Muslim]
[next]
118. Trust, Wadhu and Salah
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “One who has no trust, he has no Iman; one who has no Taharah
[cleanliness], he has no Salah, and one who does not perform Salah, he has no
Deen. Salah has the same position in Deen as head in the body”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: Amanah [trust] is the apposite
of embezzlement. One who has the quality of Amanah, he will not be lacking in
fulfilling the rights of others, irrespective of the fact, whether it pertains
to Allah, Prophet (s.a.), parents or relatives. Mumin must necessarily be
trustworthy.
Salah is not possible without Wadhu and Taharah
and those who do not offer prayer, how can they be Muslim? The way a body is
useless without head. Similarly, the one who neglects his Salah, he has
demolished his entire Deen.
[next]
119. Steadfastness, Wadhu and Salah
Translation: From Rabeeiah Al-Jurashi (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Be steadfast on your Deen as it is an excellent
quality. Be careful about wadhu [so, there is no shortcoming in it]. Salah is the
best deed [and there is no Salah without wadhu]; feel shy of earth, as it is
your root [your mother]. On the Day of Judgment, it will present the deeds of
everyone before Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
120. Ten Deeds
Translation: Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) narrates that
he asked
Rasulullah (s.a.), “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me
some practices
[Amal] that lead me to heaven and keep me away
from Hellfire”. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You have asked for a great thing and
it will be convenient for those whom Allah makes it easy”. After that he (s.a.)
said, “Be obedient to Allah and don’t make any partner with Him, establish
Salah, pay the Zakah, fast in the month of Ramadan and perform Hajj to Allah’s
house”. Then he (s.a.) said, “Should I tell you about the doors of goodness:
fasting is shield, Sadaqah eradicates sins the way water extinguishes the fire,
and offering prayers after midnight [Tahajjud]”. Rasulullah (s.a.) then recited
verse 16 of Surah Al-Sajdah from the Qur’an: “Who forsake their beds to cry
unto their Lord in fear and hope and spend of what We have bestowed upon them”.
He (s.a.) then said, ““Should I tell you things that are like head, pillar and
hump of Deen”.
I said, “Surely, O prophet of Allah!”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The head [essence] of
Directive or Command [from Allah] is Islam, its pillar is Salah and its hump is
Jihad”.
He (s.a.) then asked, “Should I tell you what is
the basis of all the good things”.
I said,” Surely, O prophet of Allah!”
Rasulullah (s.a.) holding his tongue said, “Have
full control over it”.
I said, “Will we be accountable for what we
speak?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Maa’z: have a long
life! [Don’t you see]? The irresponsible talks from tong lead the people into
Hellfire”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: In this Hadith, Jihad has been
compared with hump. It means great deed. The emphasis is given to keep the
control on tong. It means that people must think before they speak. If the
tongue goes out of control, a lot of sins will be committed. He will use
abusive language, do backbiting, and be accusative. These sins come within the
per view of “the rights of others”, the violation of which will lead men to
Hellfire in spite of their prayers and fasting.
In connection with Tahajjud, Rasulullah (s.a.)
had quoted Verse 16 of Al-Sajdah. It means the believers in Allah rise from
sleep, give up their bed and call unto their Lord with love and fear and expend
in the way of Allah out of the wealth given by Him. No body knows what a
pleasure and consolation Allah has put in these actions and deeds.
[next]
121. Iman, Islam, Hijrah, Jihad
Translation: Omro b Absah (r.a.) reports that a
person asked from Rasulullah (s.a.), “What is Islam?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You surrender to Allah
in its totality and the Muslims are safe from your hands and tongue”.
He asked, “What is the best in Islam?”
Rasulullah (s.a.), “Al-Iman”.
He asked, “What is Iman?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You believe in Allah,
His angles, His Scriptures, His Messengers and the life after death”.
Ha asked. “What is the best of Iman?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Al-Hijrah”.
He asked, “What is Hijrah?”
Rasulullah Said, “You give up evil doings”.
He asked, “What Hijrah is the best?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Al-Jihad”.
He asked, “What is Jihad?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You fight with
idolaters when you encounter them”.
He asked, “What Jihad is the best?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Mujahid whose horse
is killed and he himself becomes martyred”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
122. Six things that may lead to paradise
Translation: From Jabir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “If three things are found in a person, Allah will take him under
His protection and let him enter into paradise: Kindness to weak, affection to
parents and good behavior to slaves. And if three qualities are found in a
person, Allah (SWT) will provide him a place under His thrown when there will
be no shadow beside it: To perform Wadhu when feeling inside abhorrence for it,
to go to Masjid for Jamaa'h [for congregational prayers] in darkness and to
feed the hungry”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
123. Salah, Saum Sadaqah
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) narrates that he heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying to Kaa’b b Ujrah (r.a.), “O Kaa’b b Ujrah! The Salah
brings closeness to Allah, the Saum shields [against Hellfire], and the Sadaqah
eradicates sins as water extinguishes fire. O Kaa’b b Ujrah (r.a.)! People are
of two kinds: one who sells himself for this world and puts his neck into
trouble, the other who buys himself and saves his neck from Hellfire”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: It means that there are two
kinds of people in this world. One: ‘the slave of this world”. They will get
punishment from Allah. The others are those who have saved themselves from the
love of this world and served Allah constantly. They will be saved from
Hellfire on the Day of Judgment.
[next]
124. Six deeds -the surety of paradise
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.), addressing the people sitting around him, said, “You guarantee
me six things, I will assure you paradise”.
People asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What are
those [six] things”?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “[Offering] Al-Salah,
[paying] Al-Zakah, [protecting] Al-Amana [trust], [taking care of] organs of
procreation, stomach and tongue”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
125. Salah And Jihad
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Performance of two persons delights our Lord very
much: One who, leaving behind his wife, children and warm bed [during winter],
proceeds to offer Salah [for Tahajjud]. Allah (SWT) addressing His angles says,
“Look to my slave, he, leaving his bed, wife and children, is standing in
prayers, expecting My favors and fearful of My punishment. The other man, who
fights in the way of Allah, his army got defeated and ran away but he,
understanding very well the consequences of running away from field and the
reward of being steadfast in the battle, continued fighting till he is killed.
He does it simply because out of expectation of my reward and fear of
punishment. Allah (SWT), addressing His angels says: Look to my slave. He
returned to battlefield for getting My reward and is fearful of My punishment.
Look, he continued fighting till he breathed his last”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
126. The Ten Commandments
Translation: Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) administered me ten advices [Commandment]:
1 “Don’t make partners with Allah, even if you
are killed or put on fire for it.
2 Never be disobedient to your parents, even if
they command you to give up your wife and your wealth.
3 Never give up your obligatory [Fard] Salah.
One who leaves the obligatory Salah intentionally, he is deprived of the
protection of Allah.
4 Never take alcohol; it is the source of all
kinds of lewdness and evil deeds.
5 Keep away from the disobedience of Allah as it
invokes His wrath.
6 Never turn back in front of an army, even if
every one of your people is killed.
7 When the people are caught in a common
calamity, stay with them [don’t run away].
8 Expend on your family members in terms of your
capability.
9 Be vigilant and forceful about the training of
your family members.
10 And make your family members fearful of Allah
in meeting His rights”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: Advice # 2: Some Islamic
scholars are of the opinion that if parents tell to divorce the wife, it should
be carried out without any hesitation. In the author’s opinion, it should not
be generalized.
In his opinion, if the parents are
Allah-conscious and they present some aspects about the wife of their son that
justifies divorce, the son must do it, howsoever he may be attached to his
wife. But if they have no reasonable justification but insist for divorce, it
will not be acceptable and be taken as disobedience to parents. As laid down in
the Qur’an: if the husband and wife cannot not live together according to
dictates of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.), this relation can be broken as a last
resort.
Advice # 9: It does not mean that the training
is imparted through the process of outright beating. It connotes that when the
verbal persuasions fail towards training, the stick can be used. Even in such
situation, Rasulullah (s.a.) has directed that it [beating] should not cause
injury or break the bone and no beatings on the face. He (s.a.) has even
forbidden beating the animals on their faces. Parents as well as the teachers
should properly note this advice.
[next]
127. The Companionship and Closeness with
Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who is poor, have a big family whereas his Salah
is perfect [beautiful] and doing no backbiting of Muslims, on the Day of
Judgment, he will be in my company as my two fingers are close together”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: He will be close to Rasulullah
(s.a.) because, in spite of the fact, he is poor and has a big family, he is
not worried and has no misgivings about Allah. He cements his relation with
Allah through Salah.
[next]
128. Three improper deeds
Translation: From Thauban (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “There are three actions that should not have been committed:
1 It is not correct for an Imam that, ignoring
his followers [Musalli behind him] prays or supplicates for himself alone. If
he does it, he is dishonest to his followers.
2 If you visit some one’s house, don’t peep in
it without permission. If you do it, it is equal to entering into the house
prior to permission.
3 Don’t pray [individually or collectively] when
there is a tremendous pressure of natural call. First get relief from it”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood]
[next]
129. The worthless and the miser of greatest
magnitude
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The worthless amongst the people is he who does not
beg from his Lord and the worst miser is he who does not wish Salaam to any
one”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: In Arabic language the word
“A’jiz” is used for weak, useless and also for the foolish people.
[next]
130. Abandoning of sin, taking care of
obligations, abundance of Zikr
Translation: The mother of Anas b Malik (r.a.)
said to Rasulullah (s.a.), “O Prophet of Allah! Advise me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Keep away from the
disobedience of Allah and that is the best Hijrah; be vigilant about the
obligations and that is the best Jihad; and remember Allah in abundance. You
cannot present anything to Allah better than plenty of His Zikr [remembrance of
Allah]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: These advices were rendered to
a woman. That is why taking care of obligations has been pronounced as “the
best Jihad” as Jihad and Qital are not obligatory on women. The last Nasiha is
about Zikr, which Allah loves very much. One who remembers Allah very much,
keeps away from His disobedience and will be very mindful of the obligations.
Remembrance of Allah is the essence of all Ebadah and the remembrance that is
devoid of these two blessings, will not be counted as Zikr but an exercise of
tongue.
[next]
131. Zakah, compassion for blood relations, right
of poor and neighbor
Translation: Anas b Malik (R) narrates that a
person from Banu Tamim came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah!
I am a very rich person. I have a family and cattle. So please tell me what
should I do and how should I expend my wealth?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You pay Zakah of your
wealth. Zakah will remove your spiritual impurities. Cement your relation with
your relatives and recognize the rights of poor, needy and neighbors [in your
wealth]”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
132. Protection of Salah and tongue
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) asked
Rasulullah (s.a.), “
O Prophet of Allah! What is the best deed?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Offering Salah on
time”.
I asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is the next
after that?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Don’t cause harm to
anyone by your tongue”. [No backbiting, no false accusation and not using bad
language for others]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
133. Jihad, Fasting, Traveling for earning
provision
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Fight [with the enemies of Islam], get Ghanimah [war
booty] besides Ajr [reward from Allah]; Fast, better your health [beside
getting Ajr]; and travel [for provision], get contentment [no stretching hands
before others for begging]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
134. Regulars in Salah, Saum and Zakah
Translation: From Aisha (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.)
said, “Three kinds of people will not face three things:
1 Those who are regular in Salah, Saum and
Zakah, Allah will not deal with them the way He would have dealt with those who
neglect these things.
2 The person whom Allah has taken under His custody
[due to his good deeds] will not be entrusted to someone else on the Day of
Judgment.
3 The person who loves a people, will be in
their company on the Day of Resurrection”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: The sense of second statement
is this that Allah’s good slaves will get His blessings in both the worlds. The
third statement means that one who has loved Allah, His Prophet (s.a.) and
Mumineen Saleheen in this world will be in their company on the Day of Judgment
but the one who loved the evildoers in this world will be kept with them in
Akhirah.
[next]
135. Three persons will be deprived of Allah’s
blessings
Translation: From Kaa’b b Ujrah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked the people to gather around the pulpit and we
assembled.
When he (s.a.) ascended the first step, he
(s.a.) said, “Ameen”.
When he (s.a.) ascended the second step, he
(s.a.) said, “Ameen”.
When he (s.a.) ascended the third step, he
(s.a.) said, “Ameen”.
When he (s.a.) descended [from the pulpit] we
asked: O the Prophet of Allah! We have heard to day something from you that we
never heard before”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said,” When I was ascending
the first step, Gabriel came and said: one who got the month of Ramadan but
could not attain pardon, he is lost. I said “Ameen”. When I was ascending the
second step, he said: he is deprived of the Rahmah [mercy] of Allah who heard
your name but did not pray for you. I said “Ameen”. When I was ascending on the
third step, he said: one who got his parents in old age, one or both, he did
not care to earn paradise through service to them, be deprived of the Rahmah of
Allah. I said, “Ameen”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim, Ibne Heban
and Ibne Khazima]
[next]
136. Who will be deprived of the fragrance of
Paradise?
Translation: Jabir B Abdullah (R) reports that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) came to our gathering and addressed, “O the Muslims:
Have fear of Allah and meet the rights of blood relations as the reward of
treating relatives nicely materializes soonest. Ward off from oppression and
transgression as its punishment is soon encountered and never be disobedient to
parents. In spite of the fact that the fragrance of paradise reaches to a
distance of a thousand miles but he will be deprived of it who has been
disobedient to parents, denying the rights of relatives, commits adultery in
old age, and one who, out of arrogance, keeps his pants [trousers] below the
ankles. Verily the authority and the arrogance only suit to Allah (SWT)”.
[Al-Targheeb WA Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
137. Who will get the companionship of Rasulullah
(s.a.)?
Translation: Ubaid (r.a.) narrates from his
father, Umair (r.a.) that he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying during the last
Hajj, “The friends of Allah are those who establish the five times Salah that
Allah has made obligatory on them, fast in the month of Ramadan for the
pleasure of Allah, pay Zakah with devotion and pleasure for Akhirah and protect
themselves from the
great sins that Allah has prohibited”.
A person from amongst his (s.a.) companions
asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What are the great sins? Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“They are nine:
1 Making partners with Allah is the greatest
sin;
2 Unjustified killing of a Mumin;
3 Escaping from battlefield [Jihad];
4 Making false allegations against innocent
women;
5 Learning and teaching of magic;
6 Usurping the wealth [and property] of the
orphans;
7 Accepting and paying [dealing in] interest;
8 Non-fulfilling the rights of Muslim parents;
9 Disrespecting Kaa’ba [the House of Allah] –
your Qiblah that you face both in life and death”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) continued to say, “And the
person who had kept away from these major sins, offered Salah correctly and
paid Zakah, definitely, he will be in the company of Rasulullah (s.a.) in the
vast gardens of heaven wherein the gates are made of gold ”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
138. Worthy and unworthy of Jannah [paradise]
Translation: From Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The miser, the fraudulent, and the dishonest who
misuses his power will not [be allowed to] enter into paradise. And from
amongst the slaves, the one who has artistically fulfilled the rights, both of
Allah and his master, will be the first to enter into Jannah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad &
Abu Ya’laa]
[next]
139. Seven big sins
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Protect yourself from seven devastating sins”.
People asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What are
those sins?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said,“Associating partners
with Allah, the magic, killing someone unjustifiably, involvement in interest
[both taking and giving], usurping the mal [wealth] of the orphan, running away
from the battlefield [Jihad] and raising false accusations against
innocent/chaste women”.
[From Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawood and Nisa’i]
[next]
140. With whom Rasulullah (s.a.) is displeased
Translation: From Ibne Abbas (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “He is not from amongst us who is not respectful to elders,
affectionate to youngsters, does not promote good and does not stop others from
evildoing”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad, Tirmizi]
[next]
141. Worldly gains of three good deeds
Translation: From Abu Umamah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Doing favor to others saves one from a disastrous death [i.e. he
dies on Iman and is saved from accidental death], and secret Sadaqah [expending
in the way of Allah] abates the wrath of Allah, and meeting the rights of the
relatives increases the age”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: Man commits a lot of great and
small sins that make Allah angry. His anger can be avoided by giving Sadaqah
secretly. Developing good contacts with relatives and meeting their rights
increase the age of man. This statement does not contradict with the destiny of
man.
[The increase in age by giving Sadaqah secretly
tantamount to his destiny -Translator]
[next]
142. People of high cadre
Translation: From Ubadah b Samit (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Should I tell you that what makes Allah to raise the
position of His slaves?”
People responded “Definitely, O prophet of
Allah!”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Be gentle with one who
is ignorant; pardon one who is oppressive against you; give to one, who denies
you, and fulfill the rights of your relative who does not
fulfill your rights”.
[All these deeds elevate the position of man]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baza’r &
Tabrani]
[next]
143. Worldly gains of Modesty and behaving nicely
with parents
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Keep away from mixing [meeting] with other’s women,
people will keep away from your women [or you will protect your women from
mixing with other men]; be nice to your parents, your children will be nice to
you; and the person to whom his Muslim brother approaches to beg his pardon, he
should excuse him, irrespective of the fact whether his statement is correct or
incorrect. If he does not pardon him, he will never reach to me at the fountain
of Kausar”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim]
[next]
144. Sure help from Allah for three persons
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) has made it incumbent upon Him to help the
three persons:
1 The Mujahid who is fighting in the way of
Allah;
2 The slave who wants to free himself by paying
an [agreed] amount to his master [but he hasn’t got so much money];
3 The person who wants to marry for leading a
chaste life. [but his poverty is causing hindrance to him]”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
145. Different forms of Sadaqah
Translation: From Abu Zur Ghaffa’ri (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “It is essential for every Muslim to do Sadaqah every day”. People
asked, “O the Prophet of Allah! We are not such men of means to pay Sadaqah
every day”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There are many ways of
doing Sadaqah: reciting Subhanallah, Alahmdulillah, La -Ilaha Illallah Wa
Allahuakbar; establishing Ma’roof; prohibiting others from Munkar; keeping the
way side clean; speaking loudly for a deaf man to make him listen [or
understand]; leading a blind man; guiding a person in attaining his objective;
making efforts in helping a man in distress; sharing the burden of an old man
by carrying it on your head. This all constitute as the acts of Sadaqah”. [It
means that all these acts tantamount to doing Sadaqah of mal [wealth] in the
way of Allah].
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban]
Explanatory Note: This is also the contents of
another Hadith with the addition from Anas b Malik (r.a.) that knowing so many
kinds of Sadaqah, we were never so much pleased as at this time after entering
into Islam.
[next]
146. Three testaments
Translation: Abu Zar Ghaffa’ri (r.a.) reports
that his beloved Prophet Rasulullah (s.a.) gave me some good advises, “Don’t
look towards those who are high above you in worldly position but look towards
those who are lower in status than you”. [It will fill your heart with
gratitude] He (s.a.) advised me [further], “Love the poor and be with them”. He
(s.a.) advised me [more], “You maintain contacts with your relatives even if
they are angry with you and are not considerate to you”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
147. Five things
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Who is going to hold the things that I am going to
tell, brings them into practice and communicates them to others?”
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) said, “O Prophet of Allah! I
am ready for it”.
Rasulullah (s.a.), holding his hands, told these
five things:
1 “Be Allah-conscious [have fear of Allah], you
will be the best worshipper;
2 Be satisfied with the provision Allah has allotted
to you, you will be the most contented person;
3 Be good to your neighbor, you will become
Mumin;
4 Prefer for others that you prefer for
yourself, you will become Muslim;
5 Don’t laugh too much as excessive laughing is
a death knell for heart”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: Advice # 3 connotes that
treating neighbors nicely is the demand of Iman. Similarly, advice # 4 tells
that it is the demand of Iman to prefer for others that you prefer for yourself
and advice # 5 warns that one who laughs too much is not serious and has no
concern for Akhirah. That is why he laughs too much. The more he laughs, the
more his heart will become hard.
[next]
148. Deeds that lead to heaven
Translation: Bra’a b A’zib (r.a.) narrates that
an A’rabi [Arab from countryside] came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O
Prophet of Allah! Tell me about deeds that lead me to Jannah [paradise]”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Though your question is the briefest but you have
asked for a big thing. If you want to enter into paradise, free some captive
and free some slave from bondage;” He said, “Are not both the same thing?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No. Free the captive
means that you free a salve [man or woman] totally and bear the cost by
yourself and free a slave means that you share the cost of his freedom with
others.”
* You donate your she-camel to someone to drink
its milk.
* You cement your relation with your relatives
who want to cut off from you.
* If you cannot do these things, then feed the
poor, arrange water for thirsty, tell good things to others and stop them from
evil-doings.
* Even if these things you cannot do, then
protect your tongue. and speak only the truth”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: In the Hadith the word
“Minhata” has been used. It means “milk-bearing she-camel. It is to be given to
someone for using its milk. . When no milk is there, she will be returned back
to the owner.
[next]
149. Signs of beloved servant, usurping the
rights of neighbor, the end of ill-gotten gains
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (R).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) distributes morality amongst humans the
way He distributes your Rizq [Provision]. Allah gives this world to everyone
whether He loves him [or her] or not but He gives Deen [Tawfeeq to follow Deen]
only to those whom He loves. So, those who get Tawfeeq to follow the Deen, they
are His beloved”.
“By Allah, who is the Master of my life, no one
can be Muslim till his heart and tongue become Muslim and no body can be Mumin
till his neighbor is safe from his “Bawa’iq”.
I [Ibne Maswood] asked, “O Prophet of Allah!
What is Bawa’iq?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Usurping of rights and
committing
oppression”.
He (s.a.) further said, “The person who earns
through wrongful means, Allah will not bless it; will not accept Sadaqah from
him when pays out of it, and if it is left behind after death, it will be his
traveler’s check to Hellfire. Allah does not eradicate evil by evil but evil by
good deeds. Verily, filth cannot remove the filth”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: The last words of Rasulullah
(s.a.) mean this that if ill-gotten gain is expended in the way of Allah, it
will not be counted as Sadaqah. He will not get any reward for it. It will not
reduce Allah’s wrath. To remove the evil, present rightful earnings to Allah.
If you want to clean and purify yourself spiritually, then don’t bring in
[earn] dirty earnings.
[next]
150. The wider connotation of Sadaqah
Translation: Sawban (r.a.), the freed-slave of
Rasulullah (s.a.), narrates that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The most excellent
Dinar [Dollar] is that which a person expends on his family, the Dinar that he
expends on his horse for Jihad in the way of Allah and the Dinar that he
expends on his companions, fighting in the way of Allah”. Abu Qilabah (r.a.)
said, “First is the Dinar expended on family”. Then he said, “Who can be
entitled of greater reward from Allah than who spends on his little siblings.
As a result, Allah will protect them from begging and extending hands before
others”.
[From Muslim & Tirmizi]
[next]
151. Subject Same
Translation: From Meqdam b Ma’dikarib (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “What you feed to yourself is a Sadaqah for you, what
you feed to your children is a Sadaqah for you, what you feed to your wife is a
Sadaqah for you and what you feed to your servant is also a Sadaqah for you”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad]
[next]
152. Subject Same
Translation: From Jabir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “When a Muslim plants a garden, what birds or poor men eat from it
will be recorded as Sadaqah to his credit. Similarly, the fruits stolen by
thief or taken away by force, will all be written in his deeds-scroll as
Sadaqah till the dooms day”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells about
planting a garden. In another Hadith, it includes cultivation. You put labor
and money in the growth of the garden. When it starts yielding fruits, some
birds and some poor men eat out of it. Some stolen by thieves and some is taken
away by force. Apparently, it is all loss but Rasulullah (s.a.) is saying that
the man will get reward for this loss.
[next]
153. Freedom of slaves, nice treatment with
orphans
Translation: Malik b Harith (r.a.) heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, ”One who feeds [takes care of] the orphan of a Muslim
parents till he stands on his own legs [gets maturity], definitely he will
enter into paradise.
And one who sets free a Muslim slave, he will be
saved from Hellfire. Every part of his body will be saved from fire in lieu of
every part of the slave’s body”.
[AL-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
154. Whose Sadaqah will not be accepted?
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “By Allah, Who has raised me with Deen Al-Haqq, will
not punish those who were kind to orphans, talked with them in soft-spoken
words, were merciful on their poor condition and were not showing off to their
neighbors with their superiority in wealth that Allah gave them”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) further said, “O the people of
the Ummah of Muhammad (s.a.)! He, Who has raised me with Haqq, will not accept
Sadaqah from the person who has poor relatives [deserving his help more than
anyone] but instead of giving them [his Sadaqah] he gives it to others”.
The words of another Hadith are, “By Allah, Who
controls my life, will not look to such persons with compassion on the Day of
Judgment”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
155. Eleven commandments
Translation: Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) says that
Rasulullah (s.a.) held my hand, walked a while and then said, “O Maa’z! I am
advising you to having Allah-consciousness, speaking truth, fulfilling
commitment, liquidating of Amanah [Trust], committing no embezzlement, showing
kindness to orphan, protecting the rights of neighbor, controlling anger,
talking softly with people, wishing Salam and sticking to [and not dissociating
from] the Caliph of the time”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baihaqi]
Explanatory Note: The question arises that if
there is no Khalifah [and there is no Khilafah in the present context of the
world] what to do then? Sticking with whom -the Batil, the secular system, the
liberal democracies and their stalwarts, the secular political parties or the
opportunist self-styled demagogues? A, Muslim committed to Allah and His
Prophet (s.a.), cannot do it. Allegiance to any of these systems will be
contradictory to his or her Iman. What then should he do? Should he sit idle at
home and be the silent partner of the secular process, promoting godless creeds
and lose both the worlds? Or should he stand up, organize the likeminded
brothers and sisters and make genuine efforts to change the system, establish
Allah’s Deen in the body politic of the day and restore the lost system of
Khalifah or encounters his or her death in this process? What a magnificent
death it would be!
[This is the demand of his Iman. If he does it
so with determination and struggles collectively with a Jamaah, Allah’s help
will grace his efforts. And one day, there will be a Caliph, demanding our
allegiance for the deliverance of mankind from its current sufferings and
disbalances both on individual and collective levels. This is the destiny of
the Muslim Ummah and this Hadith pin-pointedly tells us to do so. Translator]
[next]
156. What advice Rasulullah (s.a.) gave to Ummah
just five days before he (s.a.) passed away
Translation: Kaa’b b Malik (r.a.) narrates that
he met Rasulullah (s.a.) five days before his Death and he (s.a.) was saying,
“There has been a Khalil [friend] of each Prophet and my Khalil [friend] is Abu
Bakr b Quhafa (r.a.) and Allah has made His Prophet Muhammad His Khalil
[friend]. Listen: the people before you had made the graves of their Prophets
places of prostration and I forbid you from doing it. [No prostration at my
grave].
Then he (s.a.) said, “O Allah! Have I delivered
[the message]”? He repeated it three times. Then He (s.a.) said, “O Allah1 Be
witness”. He repeated it too for three times.
He (s.a.) then fainted for a while. After
recovering, he (s.a.) said, “Allah! Allah! Fear Allah in treating your slaves:
Feed and dress them properly, and talk with them gently”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: These directives are also for
domestic servants. They should also be treated well.
[next]
157. Rights of the neighbor
Translation: Omro b Shuaib (r.a.) reports that
his grandfather heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “One who is scared of his
neighbor about his family and wealth and keeps his doors closed out of fear,
that neighbor is not Mumin and he is also not Mumin whose neighbor is not safe
due to his oppression and trespassing”
Rasulullah (s.a.) then asked, “Do you know the
rights of neighbor?”
“Help him, if he seeks it; give him if he wants
loan; help him, if he is poor; visit him, if he is sick; congratulate him, if
he gets some good news; console him, if he is in distress; if he dies, go
behind him up to graveyard; don’t obstruct his ventilation by building your
house higher than his except with his permission; don’t cause annoyance to him
by the smell of your cooked food except you share it with him; if you purchase
fruits, send to him as gift but if you cannot do so, bring it in your house
secretly and your children do not come out eating openly and cause sadness to
children of your neighbor”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
158. When the Iman is perfect
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Iman of a person will not be perfect till his
heart is not correct [or not sound]; and his heart will not be correct till his
tongue is just; and that person cannot enter into Jannah [paradise] whose
neighbors are not safe from his mischief”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad & Ibne Abi
Al-Dunya]
[next]
159. Scriptures of Abraham and Moses & Ten
Commandments of Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: Abu Zar Ghaffa’ri (r.a.) narrates
that he asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “What contained the Scripture of Prophet
Abraham (r.a.)?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Book of Abraham
contained all education in parables as follows: O self-deceived monarch, you
have been put to test by the authority entrusted to you. I haven’t sent you to
collect the heaps of the worldly gains but to deliver justice to the oppressed
as I cannot reject his cries [prayers], even if he is a disbeliever.
For intelligent person, it is essential that he
should distribute his time in an orderly fashion: some time for prayers,
sometime for self-evaluation, some time for contemplation over the miracles of
Allah in this cosmos and some for earning his livelihood.
For an intelligent being, it is essential that
he travels only for three things: in collecting food for Akhirah, making
efforts for his livelihood and getting rightful pleasure. It is also
indispensable for the intelligent to be mindful towards self improvement, keep
his tongue under control – the person who evaluates what he speaks, he will
deliver only what is useful and keep his mouth shut from useless talks”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah, “What contained the
Book of Moses?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It is entirely
consisted of admonitions and exhortations. For Example: I wonder for the person
who is sure of death and is involved in worldly pleasures. I wonder for the
person who is sure of Hellfire and laughs. I wonder about the person who
believes in destiny but desperately busy in acquiring this world. I also wonder
about the person who is observing the world and its ever-changing condition,
even then he makes it as his goal. I also wonder about the person who is sure
of accountability on the Day of Judgment and does no good deeds”.
After that I asked, “O prophet of Allah! Give me
some advice”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I advise you to have
fear of Allah as it is the root of all good deeds”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah! Some thing more”
Rasulullah (S} said, “Make incumbent upon you:
the recitation of the Qur’an and the remembrance of Allah. It will be the light
of guidance in this world and will be useful for you in the heaven [in the
Akhirah]”.
I asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Some thing more”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Protect you from laughing
too much. It is a death knell for the heart and destroys the charm of the
face”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me some thing
more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Make Jihad, [Struggle]
in the way of Allah, incumbent upon you. Jihad is the Ruhbaniyat [priesthood]
of my Ummah”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me some thing
more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Love the poor and sit
with them”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me some thing
more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Look towards those who
are lower than you in worldly gains and don’t look to those who excel you in
worldly status as it will not make you ungrateful to Allah”.
I asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me some thing
more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Say the rightful thing
even if the people do not like it”.
I asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Tell me some thing
more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Keep close watch over
your shortcomings and don’t be nosy about the shortcomings of the others and
you should not show temper over others if you are doing the same thing. This
defect is enough in a person who does not recognize his shortcomings but
running after in finding defects of others and get angry over others for
committing what he himself is doing”.
Then Rasulullah (s.a.) put his hands on my chest
and said, “O Abu Zar! The great statesman is one who is prudent and thinks
before he works. The greatest abstinence is to keep away from Haram [unlawful
things] and the greatest nobility Translation: Sa’lim (R) narrates from his
father, Abdullah b Omar (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Only two persons
are to be envied: The one whom Allah gave the knowledge of the Qur’an, he
recites it, practices it and teaches to others day and night. The other one is
the person whom Allah gave wealth and he expends it day and night at rightful
places”.
[next]
160. Who is to be envied?
Translation: Salim (r.a.) narrates from his
father, Abdullah b Omar (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Only two persons
are to be envied: The one whom Allah gave the knowledge of the Qur'an, he
recites it, practices it and teaches to others day and night. The other one is
the person whom Allah gave wealth and he expends it day and night at rightful
places”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
161. Who invites the wrath of Allah?
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas(r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When immorality and interest-based economy become
prominent in a society, take it for granted, that that habitation is destined
to meet the wrath of Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim]
[next]
162. Who will be kept in the tank of serum
[hellfire]?
Translation: From Abdullah b Omar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who recommends to withheld the prescribed
punishment and one who knowingly supports the Batil, Allah will be displeased
with such people till they repent. And if someone allegedly accused someone, he
will be placed at a wrongful place [hellfire] except that he repents and begs
pardon from his brother”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood]
[next]
163. Four Commandments
Translation: Jabir b Sulaim (r.a.) narrates that
he saw a person who was the center of people’s attention. Whatever comes out
from his mouth, they accept it without any difference. I asked, “Who is that
person?”
People said, “He is the Prophet of Allah”.
I said, “Alaika Assalamu” O Prophet of Allah!
[Upon you
peace].
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Don’t say: Alaika
Assalamu. This way people pray for the dead. Say, “Assalamu Alaikum”. [Peace be
upon you]
I asked, “Are you the Prophet of Allah?”
He (s.a.) said, “I am the Prophet of Allah Whom you
call at the time of distress and He removes it; and if there is no rain, you
call Him, He sends the rain and grows the crops; and when you are traveling in
a deserted and fore lawn place and your camel is lost, you call Him, He brings
your camel back to you”.
I said, “Give me some advice”. He (s.a.)
advised, “Don’t be accusative to any one and never use filthy language. [Jabir
(r.a.) adds that after that he never used filthy language neither against
slaves nor camel or goat]
Rasulullah (s.a.) gave another advice, “O Jabir!
Never underestimate the favor that you do to others [irrespective of the fact
howsoever small it is. It is of great value to Allah]. “Keep your trousers up
to your calf or at the most it should reach to your ankle. Be aware! Your Tahbund
[a cloth worn round the waist like a kilt] should never go down the ankles as
it is the sign of arrogance and Allah does not like it”. “If some one curses
you and describes your shortcoming to abase you, you should not do the same
thing in retaliation. Allah will take revenge from him”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Tirmizi
& Nisa’i]
[next]
164. Oppression, greed and miserliness
Translation: From Jabir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Keep aloof from committing oppression. Verily the oppression will
cause distress on the Day of Judgment. Don’t commit “Shuhha” as it had
destroyed the people before you. It had instigated them to commit bloodshed,
destroy life, honor, modesty and other sins”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
Explanatory Note: “Shuhha”, it stands for greed,
miserliness and selfishness – readiness to accept but unwilling to pay back.
[This was the specific character of the Jews.
Qur’an confirms it. Ref: The Qur’an 5: 42. Translator]
[next]
165. Five evil deeds
Translation: From Abdullah b Omar (R).
Rasulullah (s.a.) addressing the immigrant Muslims said, “There are five evils.
If you are involved in them or they penetrate amongst you, it would be
disastrous. I seek the refuge of Allah from your involvement in these evils.
1. Fornication: If it becomes common and open
[in the society], it will cause and infect so many diseases that were never
heard by the previous nations.
[How correct is this warning of Rasulullah
(s.a.). The epidemic of AIDS is the direct result of fornication -sex outside
wedlock. World is so much scared of it that it has become a terror of great
magnitude. Translator]
2. Defalcation in weight and measurement: If a
nation is involved in this evil, Allah penalizes it from draught and famine and
oppressive regimes overtake it.
3. Non-payment of Zakah: Rain stops pouring on
the people who commit this crime. Had there been no birds and animals in that
region, there would have been no rain at all.
4. Breach of commitment with Allah and His
Prophet (s.a.): When this breach becomes prominent, Allah imposes the rule of
non-Muslims that deprive them of so many things.
5. Not governing by Laws of Allah: If the Muslim
Rulers do not govern as per directives of the Book of Allah, Allah creates
disruption in the Muslim society and they start fighting among themselves
[From Baihaqi & Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: This was the address of
Rasulullah (s.a.) to the Muhajreen [immigrant Muslims]. It was essential as
they were to run the Islamic government in near future. They had better
understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah and were more experienced from
administrative point of view. During Jahilyah, they were the dominant in
business and trade and had better knowledge of the world and its affairs.
Further, they have more trust of the people of the land as they were custodians
of Kaa’ba and were very respectable to all the Arabs. That is why Rasulullah
(s.a.) directly addressed them and reminded the responsibility lying ahead of
them. In fact, the aforesaid directives are for the entire Ummah.
[next]
166. What shortcoming will develop in Muslim
Ummah before the commencement of Qayamah?
Translation: Tariq b Shehab reports that we were
sitting in the company of Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.), a person came and informed
us that the Jamaah [Salah in congregation] has started. Abdullah (r.a.) just
got up and we accompanied him. When we entered into Masjid, we saw people were
in Ruku. Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) recited Takbeer and went into Ruku. We
followed him and then proceeded ahead to join the Jamaah.
After Salah a person hurriedly came to us and
said, “Assalamu Alaikum, O Abu Abdur Rahman” [the Salam was especially for Ibne
Maswood (r.a.)]
Abdullah b Maswood said, “The Prophet of Allah
has rightly said”.
When we returned from Masjid, he went into his
house and we sat outside. Some brothers from us said,” Have you heard the reply
of Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) in respond to Salam. He, instead of saying: Wa
Alaikum Assalam, said: “The Prophet of Allah has rightly said”. Who is going to
ask him about it?
Tariq said, “I will ask him”.
When he came out of the house Tariq asked him
about it.
In reply, Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) narrated
this Hadith from Rasulullah (s.a.), “Near Qayamah, people will make Salam to
special persons within a gathering; People will be mostly interested in trade
and the wife will help her husband in business; People will mostly cut off
blood relations; People will conceal the truth and give false evidence; and
gambling will be common”.
[From Musnad Ahmad Vol. I]
[Explanatory Note: These signs are visible
everywhere in modern societies. They are fast approaching to their doomsday.
Translator]
[next]
167. Two things will be troublesome
Translation: From Wa’sila b Asqaa (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said. “Every building will be troublesome for its owner
except that which is like this-referring to his head. And every knowledge will
become troublesome for the person except that which he brings into practice”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: The first part of the Hadith
tells that it would be futile to construct tall buildings. It is not desirable.
That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) pointing towards his head gave the idea that the
height should not be beyond that. Those who carry an air of vanity in their
minds construct tall buildings. It connotes that they have little or no concern
for Akhirah and are totally buried in the quest of the worldly things.
[next]
168: Who will cry on the Day of Judgment?
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “On the Day of Judgment every eye will cry except the eye that had
not cast its sight on any Haram thing [prohibited things]; the eye that kept
awaken in the path of Allah and the eye that had wept even a bit out of fear
from Allah [have shed no tears even equal to fly’s head]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Asbahani]
[next]
169. Three beloved servants of Allah
Translation: From Abu Al-Darda (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There are three kinds of people who are beloved of
Allah:
1 The Mujahid [one who fights in the way of
Allah] whose army has deserted but he stands by and fights for the sake of
Allah to the extent that either he is killed or Allah helps him. Allah (SWT)
addressing His angels says. “Look to my slave. How wonderfully he is steadfast
in the battlefield and is fighting only for me”.
2. The one who is sleeping with his beautiful
wife on a
comfortable bed but when the time of Tahajjud
comes he gets up and stands before Allah. Allah [addressing angels] says,
“Look! he has left his sweet sleep and remembers Me. He could have kept
sleeping, if so desired”.
2 The person, who is traveling with a caravan,
sleeps for sometime, gets up in the last hours of the night and stands for
Tahajjud. He offers this prayer whether he is in distress or feeling
comfortable”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
170. Jealousy, animosity, Mutual love and Salam
Translation: From Abdullah b Zubair (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The sickness of the previous Ummah, jealousy and
animosity, will penetrate deep into you [in yours ranks and files]. Animosity
uproots the nations. It does not shave the head but destroys the Deen.
By Allah! Who controls my life, you will not
enter into Jannah [Paradise] unless you are Mumin and you cannot be Mumin
unless you develop mutual understanding and love among yourselves”. Should I
tell you how Mutual love develops? “Popularize Assalamu Alaikum among you”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb Al-Tarheeb: Bezar]
Explanatory Note: Salam means Rahmah
[blessings]. When you wish someone with these words of love, you tell him
Brother, “May Allah bless you and protect you from all kinds of trouble and
worries”. In respond, he wishes same kind of sentiments reciprocally. Can there
be any kind of animosity traceable in such a Muslim society?. Again you declare
through these words of greetings that your life, property, and modesty are
safe. No danger or damage to your property and honor from my hands. The other
side also expresses similar feelings. How then jealousy and animosity can make
headway in that society? It is, therefore, essential that the tradition of
wishing “Assalamu Alaikum” be popularized in the society knowingly and
consciously.
[next]
171. Have the company of Mumin and don’t invite
evildoers at food
Translation: Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.) narrates
that he heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Don’t have the
company except with a Mumin and don’t serve food to anyone except to an
Allah-Conscious person [Don’t invite any transgressor to dinner]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban]
Explanatory Note: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.)
reports that someone asked Rasulullah (s.a.),” Who should constitute our
company?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, ”You sit in the company of those who remind
you to think about Allah; whose talk increases your knowledge about Islam and
whose deeds remind you about Akhirah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
172. Punishment of fornication in Akhirah,
Accusation and backbiting
Translation: From Rashid Ibne Sayeed Al-Meqrai
(r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “On the night of
Ascension I Passed through some people whose skin was being cut by a scissor of
fire.
I asked Gabriel, “Who are they?”
He said, “These are the people who were
decorating themselves to attract women for fornication”.
Then I passed through a well from which waves of
bad smell were coming out and heard sounds of extremely crying inside.
I asked Gabriel, “Who are they?”
He said, “These are those women who were
decorating themselves for fornication which was not permissible for them”.
I then passed through some men and women who
were hanging upside down.
I asked Gabriel, “Who are they?”
He said, “These are the people who were accusing
in the front and biting in the back. Allah (SWT) has ordained in His Book, “Woe
unto every slandering, fault-finder” [Ref: The Qur’an 104:1]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baihaqi]
[next]
173. Three Satanic works
Translation: From Abu Musa Asha’ri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “With the breaking of dawn, Satan [devil] spreads his
agents around the world to create transgression saying, “One
who misleads a Muslim to commit the greatest
sin, I will crown him”.
One agent comes and tells him, “I was after a
person, persuaded him to divorce his wife and he did it”.
Satan says, “He will marry again. It is not a
big deal”.
Another agent comes and says, “He has made a
person disobedient to his parents”.
Satan says, “Later on, he will become nice to
his parents.
This is not a big deal”.
The third agent comes and reports, “I was after
a person till he committed Shirk [Associating partners with Allah]”.
Satan says, “Yes, you did good job but not
worthy of crown”.
Then another agent comes and says, “I was after
a Muslim, inciting him constantly, till he killed an innocent person ”.
Satan says, “Yes, You have done the best job”
and he crowns that agent.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban]
[Explanatory Note: Killing of an innocent man is
a crime of a great magnitude. It tantamount to killing of the entire humanity
and saving one man’s life equals to survival of the entire humanity. Ref: The
Qur’an. Al-Ma’idah –32. Translator].
[next]
174. The Beloved and condemned followers of
Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The most beloved to me are those who have the best
morals, are soft spoken, affectionate to the people and the people love them”.
“The most condemned to me are those who are
backbiter, causing dissention between friends and accusative to innocent
people”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
175. Four Testaments of Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: Sa’d b Waqas (r.a.) reports that a
person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Advise me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Be indifferent to the wealth of others and feel
contented; protect yourself from greed of money as it is the greatest poverty;
offer Salah as it is the last Salah of your life; and don’t behave in such a
way that it may lead you to repent afterward”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim &
Baihaqi]
[next]
176. Four Blessings
Translation: From Ibne Abbas (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “If
someone gets four things, he gets the best of
both the worlds:
A heart full of gratitude, a tongue
ever-remembering Allah, a
body that sustains the calamities of life and a
spouse who protects the wealth of her husband and lives with modesty”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
177. Three calamities
Translation: From Fadalah b Ubaid (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Three kinds of people are troublesome:
1 The Amir whom you serve the best but he does
not recognize it and if you commit a mistake he will not pardon you [let you go
without punishment];
2 The bad neighbor, if you do good to him, he
will forget it but if he observes something wrong, he will propagate it
everywhere;
3 The wife who torments you when you are at home
and in your absence commits dishonesty with you [commits adultery]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
178. Avoid suspicion, be truthful and don’t go
near lying
Translation: From Hassan b Ali (r.a.) narrates that he
remembers [his grandfather] Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “You give up about what
you are in doubt and adopt where you are certain. Truthfulness gives confidence
and falsehood creates hesitation”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: One thing may be Halal [permissible]
or Haram [not permissible], may be right or wrong, truthful or untruthful, may
look sound in some aspects while in other aspects it may be misleading, it is
the demand of Iman of a Mumin to keep away from such doubtful things. This is
the sign of Allah-consciousness. For further study, Refer: Author’s another
book “Ra’he Amal”: Hadith # 130 & 131.
[next]
179. The three Blessings
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There is
no risk for Allah-conscious people in becoming rich and health is better than
wealth for those who fear Allah. The contentment and the pleasure of heart are
the blessings of Allah”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells about three
things. 1. There is no incompatibility between richness and Taqwah. If a God-fearing
person makes efforts to get rich, he will definitely make his Akhirah better
with his wealth. 2. Health is precious than richness. It will enable him to
worship more and more and struggle in His way for the establishment of His Deen
better than a week person. 3. If one has the contentment of heart, it is then
better than both the aforesaid blessings of Allah [i.e., wealth and health].
On the Day of Judgment, he will be questioned
about all the three blessing of Allah: Where you spend you wealth? Where and
how you used your health? Was it used for spreading the Deen of Allah? How far
you were thankful to Allah for the contentment you enjoyed in life? These are
the three blessings of Allah and you must appreciate them.
[next]
80. Nine Commandments
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “My Creator and Sustainer has ordained me for these
nine things:
1 Fear Allah both in public and in seclusion;
2 Be just whether in anger or in pleasant mood;
3 Be honest and well balanced both in richness
and poverty;
4 Cementing relation with one who wants to cut
it;
5 Giving him who wants to deny me;
6 Pardoning him who is excessive on me;
7 My silence will be that of contemplation;
8 My sight will be that of admonition;
9 My talks will be that of remembrance of
Allah”.
After that Rasulullah (s.a.) added, “Enjoin good
and shun away from evil”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith confirms that
these are the requisite qualities of a Da’ee Ilallah [calling the people to the
fold of Allah]. He has to develop and inculcate these attributes in his or her
character. It will make him or her an effective Da’ee.
[next]
CHAPTER -IX
ISLAMI DAWAH AND ITS RELEVANT TOPICS
181. The Concept of Islam
Translation: Mua’via b Haidatul Qushairi (r.a.) approached Rasulullah (s.a.)
and asked, “What message you have brought for us from our Rub, the Sustainer?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I have come with Deen Al-Islam”.
I asked, “What is the Deen Al-Islam?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You declare: I surrender to Allah (SWT) in its
totality and severe my relation from all that is worshipped other than Allah,
establish Salah and pay Zakah”.
[From Al-Istea’b]
Explanatory Note: This story of Dawah Ilallah pertains to Maccan period. It
tells that surrendering your life, your talents, your capacities, your
resources, everything to Allah is Islam. This is what Islam demands from its
adherents. Positively, this is the essence of Tawheed [monotheism].
In other words, a Muslim should deny surrendering his life, his talents, his
capacities and his resources to any authority other than Allah. He should cut
off from others. What he possesses is an Amanah [trust] from his Creator and he
is only its trustee. He is to use all these things only the way He ordains and
not in the way you and me like. If one goes against His declared will, he will
be violating the commitment that he has entered into with Allah after becoming
Muslim. This concept of Islam should be the criterion to judge our Iman.
The second thing that this Hadith confirms is this that Salah, Sawm and Zakah
were made obligatory in Makkan life but their details were prescribed later on.
[next]
182. The scope of Kalimah Tayyeba
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.) told his uncle,“O Uncle! I demand from the people only a
kalimah. If they accept it, they will become master of the entire Arab and the
Ajam [non-Arab world] will be under their domination by paying Jazyah [Poll
Tax]”.
People were astonished to hear these words from
Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “You are talking about one Kalimah. By your father,
we can accept ten Kalimah and asked: “What is that Kalimah?”
Abu Talib also said, “O My nephew! Tell me: What
is that Kalimah?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “LA ILAHA ILLALLAH”
[From Musnad Ahmad & Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith also pertains to
Dawah Ilallah in Maccan period. “La Ilaha Illallah” is not simply a Tawheedi
Kalimah. It stands for a Tawheedi system of life that controls the entire
spectrum of human society. It does not only establish Salah and Sawm but also a
system of life -a complete, all encompassing socio-economic and political
system. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) described that in its effect both the
Arab and non-Arab world will come within its domination. It was not possible
without a political domination of Islam. It was not possible at that time nor
it will be possible today or even in future.
[In fact, the Kalimah was a revolutionary
political slogan of the time. It motivated its followers to establish the authority
of Allah in the body politic of the day. Similarly, it can motivate us today,
if we really understand its scope and what it demands from each and every
Muslim and Muslimah. – Translator] This dialogue took place when a delegation
of tribal chiefs came to Abu Talib [uncle of Rasulullah (s.a.)] with the
complaint against him (s.a.), expecting that he will prevail upon his nephew
through his counseling and using his personal pressure to give up his efforts
of Dawah Ilallah [calling the people to the fold of Allah].
On another such occasion, Rasulullah (s.a.)
responded, “O my uncle! If they [the idolaters] place the sun in my right hand
and the moon in my left but I will not stop my mission that has been assigned
to me. I will carry it out till either I lay down my life for its sake or the
Deen of Allah becomes dominant” [Ibne Hisham. Vol. I]
It means the mission of Dawah Ilallah does not
stop till either a Da’ee gives up his life in this efforts or he succeeds in
getting the Deen of Allah established in the body politic of the time. There is
no alternative to it. Wherever the words “Izha’re Deen” have appeared in the
Qur’an, it stands for political domination of Islam. [Ref: Al-Fathe –28; Al-Saf
-9; Al-Tawba – 33].
[next]
183. Islamic Dawah [calling the people to the
fold of Allah] is the blessing of both the worlds
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) reports
that hearing the talks of tribal chiefs of the Quraish, Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“I have no temptation for what you are offering and no greed for your wealth.
The message that I am presenting before you does not mean that I want to
collect wealth or interested in getting any honor or respect or eager to get
into power. Allah has send me to you as His Messenger, graced me with His Book
and has ordained me to warn you about the evil consequences of your Batil
[wrong] system of life and give you glad tidings if you respond positively to
my Dawah Ilallah. I have delivered the message of my Rab [Sustainer] to you and
will continue to do so without any abatement. I was your well wisher before and
today too. If you accept my invitation now, you will be fortunate in both the
worlds”.
[Al-Badayah wa Al-Nahayah; Vol. III.]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith also pertains to
Dawah Ilallah in Makkan period. The last sentence needs especial attention. Had
the Dawah of Rasulullah (s.a.) been restricted only to some form of Ebadah and
not dealing with life and its entire spectrum or it would have been only for
the betterment of Akhirah, how he added the world and its affairs with that of
the life Hereafter? How his message was good for both the worlds? Or was it
just to prepare some good people? In fact, his (s.a.) Dawah Ilallah deals with
entire life and its problems. It guarantees to generate a benevolent society in
this world and the eternal success in the life Hereafter.
[next]
184. Introducing Islam
Translation: Umme Salemah (r.a.), wife of
Rasulullah (s.a.), narrates about the speech delivered by Ja’fer b Abi Talib
(r.a.) in the court of the Christian King Negus of Abyssinia [modern Ethiopia]
as representative of Muslims who migrated to that country.
Ja’fer Ibne Abi Talib (r.a.) said, “O The
Emperor! We were leading a life of Jahiliyah [ignorance], worshipping helpless
idols made by our own hands, eating dead corpses, involving in all kinds of
obscenities, disrupting blood relations, misbehaving with our neighbors and
each mighty was swallowing the week”.
“We remained in this condition for a
considerable long time. Then Allah raised a Prophet from amongst ourselves whose
nobility, truthfulness, honesty, trustworthiness, chastity and the purity of
character were well known to us. He invited us to the fold of Allah (SWT) for
His total obedience and worshipping Him alone, discarding the idols of stone
and goddesses who were worshipped by our forefathers”. Ja’fer Ibne Talib (r.a.)
continued his speech saying, “The Messenger of Allah commanded us for speaking
truth, committing no embezzlement in trust, fulfilling the rights of the
relatives, dealing nicely with neighbors, keeping away from the prohibited
things, stopping from bloodshed, keeping away from obscenities, false witness,
usurping the wealth of the orphans and raising false allegations against
innocent women. He (s.a.) directed us to worship Allah alone, associating no
partner with Him, establish Salah and pay Zakah”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: It is a very comprehensive,
precise and all encompassing introduction of Islam and its message. If Islam
would have been a simple passive invitation, there was no necessity of such a
big detail. It would have been sufficient to say that we just remember Allah
and have no concern with the rest of the life and its problems. Unnecessary the
Quraish have become inimical to us.
[In fact, Rasulullah (s.a.) was in search of a
Headquarter for the Islamic Movement to serve as its base. The migration of
early Muslims to Ethiopia was multidimensional. It was to provide some ease to
ill-treated Muslims and to make genuine efforts to get a base for spreading
Islam all around. Muslims got the first objective but they could not get the
second one due to sharp opposition from the king’s courtyards. Keeping the same
objective in view, Rasulullah (s.a.) himself went to Ta’if later on in the
tenth year of Prophethood but could not get it through. Ultimately, Madinah
became the HQ of the Islamic Movement as earmarked by Allah (SWT). Translator]
[next]
185. People in power do not like Islamic Dawah
Translation: Ali b Abi Talib (r.a.) reports that
Mafrooq b Umro Al-Shaibani asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “O Quraishi Brother! To
what you called for?” Rasulullah (s.a.) stepped ahead and said, “I invite you
to stand witness unto La Ilaha Illallah and that I am the Messenger of Allah”.
Mafrooq asked, “O Quraishi Brother! To what more you invite?” Rasulullah (s.a.)
in response recited Verses 151 –153 of Surah Al-Ana’m -Translation: “Say: Come.
I will recite unto you that which your Lord has made a sacred duty for you:
that you ascribe no partner unto Him and that you do good to parents, and that
you slay not your children because of poverty – We provide for you and for them
– and that you draw not nigh to lewd things whether open or concealed. And that
you slay the life that Allah has made sacred, save in the course of justice.
This He commands you, in order that you may think over it.
And approach not the wealth of the orphan save
with that which is better, till he reaches maturity. Give full measure and full
weight, in justice. We tax not any soul beyond its scope. If you give your
word, do justice thereunto, even though it be (against) a kinsman; and fulfill
the covenant of Allah. This He commands you that haply you may remember.
And (He commands you, saying): This is my
straight path, so follow it. Follow not other ways, lest you be parted from His
way. This He has ordained for you, that you may ward off (evil)”.
Mafrooq again asked, “O Quraishi Brother! To
what you invite more?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) in response recited Verse 90
of Surah Al-
Nahal. Translation:
“Lo! Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and
giving to
kinsfolk, and forbids lewdness and abomination
and
wickedness. He exhorts you in order that you may
take heed”.
Mafrooq then said, “By Allah! O Quraishi! You
have invited to high class morals and the best of deeds”.
[Al-Badayah Vol. III Page 195]
Explanatory Note: This incident also pertains to
Dawah Ilallah during Makkan period. It was the routine of Rasulullah (s.a.)
that during Hajj time he used to visit different tribes along with Abu Bakr
(r.a.) or Ali (r.a.) or Zaid b Harith (r.a.) and invite them to Islam. In this
process, he (s.a.) encountered with the people of Shaibani tribe. Abu Bakr
(r.a.)and Ali (r.a.) were with him. Mafrooq was one of the chief of that tribe.
He knew Abu Bakr and was sitting by his side. Abu Bakr (r.a.) introduced
Rasulullah (s.a.) to the people of the tribe. He told them that he is the
Messenger of Allah and you must have heard about him (s.a.). They said, yes,
“We have heard about him (s.a.)”.
Mafrooq then turned to Rasulullah (s.a.) and
enquired about his (s.a.) Dawah. In this connection, Rasulullah (s.a.) recited
Verses 151 to 153 of Surah Al-Ana’m that covers the message of pure monotheism,
nice treatment with parents and prohibition from killing children and lewdness
both openly and concealed. Further it stops from squandering away with the
wealth of the orphans and bungling in measurements. If you say anything, be
honest even it may be damaging for your relatives and fulfill the covenants
with Allah.
Al-Ana’m is a Makkan Surah and the fundamentals
of Deen have been abridged therein, It not only gives emphasis on Ebadah but
pinpoints critically the shortcomings of the Jahiliyah system of life. It tells
about the edifice on which the Islamic society guarantees peace and benevolence
to the human society. Had the Dawah of Islam limited to Ebadah only, there was
no need of talking and describing the fundamental of human society. The Islamic
system was later on established on these fundamentals that have also been
described in detail in third and fourth section of Surah Bani Israel, which is
also a Makkan Surah.
The other Verse quoted by Rasulullah (s.a.) is
from Surah Al-Nahal. It is also a Makkan Surah and describes the entire edifice
of Islamic society in very beautiful and concise manner. It presents the Dawah
of Islam in a very comprehensive form.
After listening the Dawah of Islam, Mafrroq
remarked, “The Dawah that you are presenting and advocating will never be liked
by the people in power”.
The question arises that if this Dawah deals
only with some practices in the personal life and does not cover the entire
spectrum of human society and re-structuring the political system of the time,
why the people in power would appose it? It shows that Dawah Ilallah is not a
simple message but advocates re-establishing the entire
socio-economic-political system of human society afresh as per the Divine
Guidance prescribed in the Qur’an and demonstrated by Rasulullah (s.a.) through
his life long pattern.
[next]
186. Slavery of humans or obedience to Allah.
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) wrote a letter to
the people of Najran [who were Christian]. It contained along with other
things, “I invite you to get out of the slavery of man to the obedience of
Allah and I invite you to come out of the guardianship of the people to the
protectorate of Allah”.
[Tafseer Ibne Kathir Vol. I]
[next]
187. The Divine system of peace and security
Translation: From Adi b Ha’tim (R). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said to him, “By Allah! Who controls my life, Allah will make this Deen
dominant in its totality till a week woman will travel from Heerah [Syria] to
Makkah for Tawaf [walking in a circle round the Haram] and she will have no
fear [except that of Allah]”.
[Al-Badayah WA Al-Nahayah: Vol. V]
Explanatory Note: Rasulullah (s.a.) was definite
about the fact that the Deen of Allah will become dominant. There will be peace
all around. No powerful would eliminate the poor. A lone lady will travel
hundreds of miles and no body will loot her. The question arises that if the
dominance of the Deen of Allah would have not been the ultimate goal of
Rasulullah (s.a.), there was no justification or it was meaningless to talk so
eloquently to Adi b Ha’tim (r.a.) about its logical effect? Does it mean that
the political system may be controlled by any one and the Islamic system will
emerge automatically just through Dawah efforts? The philosophy of “automation”
is very misleading and disastrous.
In fact, Dawah Ilallah is a determined, an
organized and a continuous effort to call the people of the land to the fold of
Allah till either the Deen of Allah is established in the body politic of the
day or the Da’ee gives up his or her life in that pursuit. There is no other
choice for a Muslim. Rasulullah (s.a.) was determined to this effect and the
Deen of Allah was dominant in the Arabian Peninsula in his lifetime and later
on in the rest of the known world within next 50 years by his beloved
companions. Translator]
[next]
188. Building organization or formation of Jamaah
Translation: Form Harith Al-Asha’ri (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “I command you [to accomplish] five things: 1. Formation of
Jamaah, Listening, 3. Obeying, 4. Hijrah; and 5. Jihad in the way of Allah”.
[From Mishkat, Musnad Ahmad, and Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: The Prophet of Allah has
directed his Ummah to uphold these five things:
1. Build a Jamaah and live an organized life.
[The life of an individual Muslim without a
Jamaah is like a sheep out of flock. The wolf can tear it apart any time. A
life of a Muslim without Jamaah even for three days is a catastrophic sin.
Translator]
2 Listen attentively to the authority that is
controlling your collective affairs
3 Follow him [obey him].
4 In the interest of your Deen leave the country
[migrate], if the situation so demands. Sacrifice the love of the country over
Deen. Whatever impediments retard your advancement in Deen, smash each of them.
Sacrifice all that you can in the way of Allah to get His Deen dominant. Put
everything at stake for its sake and carry out this life-long struggle with
your tongue, with your pen, with your might or any other means [peaceful and
constitutional] in accordance to what is needed and what the situation
warrants.
[next]
189. Collective Gatherings and Collective works
Translation: Amru b Absah (r.a.) narrates that
he heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “On the Day of
Judgment there will be some people, sitting close to Allah on His right side.
They will be neither Prophets nor the Martyrs but the light of their faces will
be dazzling the eyes of others and seeing their enviable position and status
with Allah, the Prophets and Martyrs will be extremely happy”.
People asked, “O Prophet of Allah! Who would be
those people?
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “These would be the
people of different tribes and habitations who would embrace Islam in this
world and use to assemble together for learning and teaching the Qur’an and for
the remembrance of Allah. They would thus be listening the best of sacred and
chaste talks the way a date-eater selects the best of the tasteful dates.”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
In another narration, it tells, “These would be
the people of different tribes and region, assembling together for the
remembrance of Allah and loving among themselves for His sake”.
Explanatory Note: This Hadith carries great
glad-tidings for the people who pertain to different cities and regions but the
urge for Deen and its message motivated them to get together. They keep
themselves busy in studying the Qur’an, offering Salah, remembering Allah with
different Zikr and Azkar and delivering the message of the Qur’an to other
people of the land.
The Prophets and the Martyrs will be so happy
because of their acquiring such a high position with Allah in spite of the fact
that they were neither of them, in the way a teacher feels overjoyed by seeing
his students at high position.
This Hadith gives due emphasis on Zikrullah. It
is a comprehensive terminology of Deen. It covers the entire spectrum of Ebadah
from Salah, Sawm, Hajj, and Zakah to all round struggles for Iqamtuddeen [establishing
the Deen of Allah] through the process of Dawah Ilallah. Qur’an has used this
term in different places in different connotation.
[next]
190 The
blessings of a collective life [life within a Jamaat]
Translation: Zaid b Thabit (r.a.) reports that
he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “There are three things that cannot coexist
with hypocrisy in the heart of a Muslim.
1 Sincerity in action – whatever one does, he
does it for Allah’s sake.
2 He deals as well wisher with those who are
responsible for the collective affairs
3 He hangs around the Jamaah. The prayers of his
companions will protect him”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heban, Baihaqi,
Abu Dawood, Tirmizi, Nisa’i, and Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: To be the well wisher of the
people, responsible for collective affairs, means nurturing no animosity
against them but always wishing good and extending helping hands in their
performances. If they commit mistakes, it should be pinpointed with all
sincerity in closed personal meetings/contacts.
These three qualities are just opposite to
hypocrisy. The hypocrites were not doing anything for the pleasure of Allah but
were constantly conspiring against their own Jamaah. Apparently they were the
part of the Jamaah but in fact they had no interest in it.
There is another advantage of being in Jamaah.
It has been pointed at the end of the Hadith. They are sincere and pray for
each other to stand by the truth. The collective prayers are often found very
effective. There is every possibility that it may save many individuals in
Jamaah from many evils which otherwise could not be erased. This is the
experience and observation of brothers in Jamaah. The life in Jamaah is,
therefore, a boon for the individuals who are actively involved in it.
[next]
191. Obligations of the Amir
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The person who is responsible for the collective
affairs of the Muslims [may be the Caliph or the Amir], Allah will not fulfill
his needs till he fulfils the needs of the people”.
[He will care for the needs of the people only
when he is kind and gracious for them. At heart, he loves his people].
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani &
Tirmizi]
[next]
192. The Obligations of the followers
Translation: It is reported by Ebadah b Samit
(r.a.) that: We pledged to Rasulullah (s.a.) on listening and obeying [both] in
ease and hardship, liking or disliking, and obeying even if others are given
preference over us.
And we pledged that we would not snatch power
from those who are in control save and except if the Amir commits an open act
of blasphemy [and if it is possible, he may, then, be removed].
We also pledged at his (s.a.) hands that
wherever we are, we would speak only the truth and will not care for any rebuke
or reproach for the sake of Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari &
Muslim]
Explanatory Note: In the Hadith, the word
“Ba’yana” has been used. It means to take pledge. The conditions for which
Rasulullah (s.a.) took Ba’yah pertains to: Obedience to Amir, entrusted with
the collective affairs, under all circumstances, irrespective of the fact,
whether one likes his commandments or not and that there will be no struggle
for power except if he orders for open sin or he himself commits it, then he
will be disobeyed and be removed from his position, provided it does not create
any major worst situation.
[next]
193. Methodology of Dawah
Translation: At the time when Rasulullah (s.a.)
was appointing Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) and Abu Musa Ashari (r.a.) to Yemen, he
(s.a.) advised them, “You make the Deen easy for the people and not difficult;
bring the people closer to Deen and don’t make them run away from it”.
[From Jamaul Fawaid]
Explanatory Note: It means that you present the
Deen in such a way that the people feel it easy to follow and it is within
their reach. It should not be presented in such a way that it becomes
burdensome and the people feel it difficult to follow. The life-pattern of the
Da’ee should itself be inspiring and attracting the people towards Allah’s Deen
and they do not feel disgusted from it.
In this respect, it is desirable to quote
another Hadith from Rasulullah (s.a.). It goes like this: A person was very
impertinent and abusive to Rasulullah (s.a.). The Sahabah, out of anger, wanted
to kill that man but Rasulullah (s.a.) stopped them and said that the example
of this person and me resembles to that of man who had a camel that went astray
and ran away. People followed her and wanted to bring her into control by
force. She became more furious and totally went out of control. The owner of
that camel asked the people to let him deal with the situation. I know how to
bring her back to submission. He, instead of chasing the camel from behind,
went in front of her and put some grass before her and persuaded her gradually
to calm down. She came near to him and sat down. He put the saddle on her back
and rode over her.
[next]
194. The devastated speaker
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Destroyed are those who speak allegorically [for the
sake of impressing others]. He (s.a.) repeated it three times”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: There are orators who speak in
figurative and allegoric language to impress upon the audience about their
knowledge and art of oratory. Such people are advised to use simple and
commonly used language at ease without any formality. Allah does not like the
speech of arrogance.
[next]
195. Pardon, the weapon of Da’ee
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.), explaining
the Verse 34 of Surah Al-Ham Meem Al-Sajdah: “Repel the evil deed with one that
is better”, said, “Those who are involved in Dawah work should have patience
and forbearance. If people become provocative, he should show no temper and his
composer must remain cool. If the Da’ee behaves like that, Allah will protect
him and his enemy will bow down before him. Ultimately, he will become his
[Da’ees] bosom friend”. [History of Dawah Ilallah confirms it].
[From Bukhari]
[next]
196. Da’ee and Sabr [patience]
Translation: Amma’r b Yathir (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) sent him to the Tribe of Qais for teaching Deen and its
problems. After reaching there, I gathered the impression by experience that
they are like bewildered camel, greedy and have no objective before them. Their
interest rotates round their goats and camels. I, therefore, returned back to
Rasulullah (s.a.). He (s.a.) asked me,” Amma’r, give me your report”. I
narrated the story of the people and told that they are totally ignorant of
Deen.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Amma’r! The more
astonishing case is of those people who learned Deen and then forgot and became
careless about it as they are”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: They had no knowledge of Deen
and passed considerable time in ignorance. If now they are disinterested, it is
not astonishing. Equally, the Da’ee should also not feel disappointed. He must
have patience of great magnitude.
This Hadith also confirms that Rasulullah (s.a.)
used to send his beloved companions for Tableegh of Deen and Dawah errands and
then used to ask their performance report.
[next]
197. Use of Modern means and resources for Dawah
Translation: It is reported by Zaid b Thabit
(r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) directed him to learn the Semitic language. [And
in another tradition, he was asked to learn the Jewish script] and said, “I
don’t trust in any writing of Jews. Therefore, learn their language as well
their script”.
Zaid b Thabit (r.a.) Narrates that he learned
their script within fifteen days. After that I used to write what Rasulullah
(s.a.) wanted to send to Jews and read out their messages to Rasulullah (s.a.).
XXX
Explanatory Note: All languages are from Allah
(SWT). The Da’ee must learn the language of the country where the Dawah work is
to be carried out. It will enable him to communicate directly with the people
of the land in their own language. That is the most efficient and effective
method of Dawah Ilallah. Similarly, the Da’ee must use all the modern means of
communication [and display] and transportation to deliver his message in an
effective manner.
[next]
198. Conformity between Dawah and Deed
`Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (R) said,
“Allah curses those women who tattoo their body and tattoo other’s bodies and
those who cut short their hair for the sake of fashion and those who create gap
between their teeth for beauty’s sake and change the frame of their body
created by Allah”.
After hearing this talk, a lady in veil whose
name was Umm Yaqoob came to him and said, “I have come to know that you have
told such and such thing”.
Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) said, “Why should I
not curse upon those whom Rasulullah (s.a.) had cursed in the Book of Allah?”
Umm Yaqoob said, “I read the Qur’an from
beginning to the end but I haven’t come across this subject”.
Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) said, “If you would
have studied the Qur’an minutely, you would have got it. Have you not come
across this verse? “And whatever the Messenger gives you, take it. And whatever
he forbids, abstain from it”, [Al-Hashr:7]
Umm Yaqoob confirmed that she had read it”.
He (r.a.) said, “Rasulullah (s.a.) has forbidden
it”.
She said, “I think your wives are doing it too”.
He (r.a.) said, “Get into the house and see”.
She went into the house and saw nothing like
that. She came out and reported.” I was wrong. Your wives do not do any such
thing”.
Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) said, “If my wives
would have done so, they could not live with me”.
According to another narration of the Hadith:
Umm Yaqoob went inside and reported back that your wives are keeping aloof from
all such fashions”.
Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) said, “Don’t you
remember what Prophet Sa’leh (SA) said, “I desire not to do behind your backs
that which I ask you not to do” [Surah Hud: 88]
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: There is a great lesson for
the brothers involved in Dawah work. Before they give Dawah to others, they
should teach Deen to their own family members and close relatives, otherwise it would have bad effect on
Dawah.
[next]
199. What the rightful people should do when the Evil is
dominant
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Who observes Munkar [evildoings] and he stops it by
force, he is excused [from accountability] and if he could not remove it by
force but used his tongue against it, he is exempted and if he cannot condemn
it by tongue, but abhors it in his heart, he may also be exempted and that is
the weakest position of Iman”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith categorically
tells that in spite of having power, if one does not eradicate the evildoings
[Munkar] he cannot save himself from the wrath of Allah. Whatever power he has
he must use it in removing the Munkar, provided it does not create some other
big evil. This Hadith tells that at the time when the evil forces are
dominating, the rightful people should be bashful and modest. Surrendering
before the veil forces and passing out time in deep slumber at ease are the
signs of immodesty. It shows the lack of love for the Haqq.
[next]
CHAPTER -X
STRUGGLE FOR IQAMATUDDEEN
200. What Love for Haqq demands?
Translation: From Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Gifts and
endowments are acceptable till they are gifts but when it becomes bribe and is
offered to act against Deen, then don’t accept it. But [the problem is there]
you will not give it up as your poverty may compel you to take it”.
Listen! Islam is [currently] dominant in full swing. You move with the Book of
Allah [the Qur’an -follow the way it directs you]. Be aware! Soon the Book of
Allah and the power will be separated. You, move with the Book of Allah. [Don’t
side with the people in power]. Listen! Such people [Amir, and officials] will
be imposed on you who will make law for you. If you obey them, they will lead
you towards the path of astray and if you don’t, they will kill you”.
People asked,” O Prophet of Allah! What should we do in such situation?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You should do what the companions of Prophet Jesus
(peace be upon him) did. They were cut into pieces and hanged to death but did
not surrender to the evildoers [the vested interests of the time]. Rasulullah
(s.a.) added, “Death in the way of Allah is excellent than the life in His
disobedience”.
[From Tabrani]
[next]
201. I don’t belong to them nor they belong to us
Translation: From Kaa’b bin Ujrah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Kaa’b! I seek refuge of Allah for you from the
Umara’ [rulers/leaders] who will come after me. The people who will knock the
doors of these tyrant Umara, confirm their lies [wrongdoings] and assist them
in their oppression, neither they will be from us nor I will be from them and
they will not see me on the fountain of Kauther [on the Day of Judgment].
And those who will not knock at their doors and
even if they visit them will not help them in making untruth into Haqq nor
assist them in their injustices, they are from me and I am from them and they
will definitely meet me at the fountain of Kauther. And I will serve them with
its water and after that, they will never feel thirsty”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
202. Yearning for Shahadah
Translation: Maa’z b Jabal (R) heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying, “The person who asked Allah (SWT) the death of a martyr with all
sincerity and then he is killed, or dies on his bed, he will get the Ajr [the
status]] of a martyr [in both the situation]”.
[Abu Dawood & Tirmizi]
In another Hadith, narrated by Suhail b Hanif
(r.a.) with the same contents reports, “The person who begged from Allah the
death of a martyr with all sincerity, Allah will reward him the status of a
martyr [Shaheed], even if he dies on bed”.
[next]
203. Different forms of Martyrdom
Translation: Rabee Ansari (RA) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If only the killing in the way of Allah is to be
treated as martyrdom, there will be a very little number of martyrs in my
Ummah. In fact, the death in plague, in cholera, in the process of delivery
[giving birth], in fire, drowning or due to pneumonia, all will be treated as
Shahadah [martyr]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
204. Death in defense is Shahadah
Translation: Sayeed b Zaid (r.a.) narrates that
he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying,
“One who is killed protecting his wealth, he is
martyred;
And one who is killed in self-defense is
martyred;
And one who is killed for his Deen, he is
martyred;
And one who is killed in protecting his family,
he is
martyred”
[Abu Dawood, Nisa’i, Tirmizi 7 Ibne Ma’ja]
And Suwaid b Maqran (r.a.), as quoted in Nisa’i,
reports, “One who is killed, fighting for his rights, he is a martyred”.
[next]
205. The consequence of neglecting Dawah Ilallah
Translation: From Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those people who neglect the Jihad [Fighting in the
way of Allah through Dawah process by sacrificing life and property], Allah
will punish them”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Notes: Rasulullah (s.a.) has not
pinpointed the nature of punishment. It is coming in the following Hadith.
[next]
206. The Consequence of discarding the struggle
for Allah’s Deen
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When you people start trading with “Yeenah”, hold the
tail of the ox, contented with forming, abandon the Jihad [struggling in the
way of Allah with life and wealth], Allah will thrust upon you disgrace out of
which you will never be able to come out unless you return back to your Deen”.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: The word “Yeenah” has been
used in the Hadith. It is of different kinds. One who promotes interest with
deceitful tactics is called “Yeenah” in Arabic. Since they are Muslims and are
shy of dealing with interest openly, coin beautiful names for trading in
interest. Thus they play with Shariah, [God forbid] ridicule Allah and
understand that they can deceive Him.
In fact, we are infested with all the
shortcomings pinpointed in this Hadith and that constitute the main cause of
our disgrace and deprivations. There is no way to come out of this quagmire
save and except we give priority to our Deen in comparison to what we devote to
trading, forming and other means of earnings. When we start to revive our Deen
and are actively involved in its various activities, strengthening our relation
with Allah, you will see the signs of disgrace and disappointment gradually
evaporating one by one to utter astonishment of our fellow travelers.
[next]
CHAPTER – XI
MEANS TO SUSTAIN THE DA’EES ILALLAH
207. Tahajjud
Translation: From Abu Umamah Ba’heli (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You
people make Tahajjud [offering especial non-obligatory prayers (Nawafil) during
the late hours of night before dawn breaks] obligatory upon you. The servants
of Allah who passed before you were practicing the same. It will bring you
close to your Lord, demolish the small sins and serve as an impediment towards
committing big sins”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
208. Subject, same
Translation: Umro b Unbasah (r.a.) heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “The Sustainer is nearer to His slaves during the
late hours of night. So if it is possible on your part, be amongst those who
remember Him in those hours”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: When a man gets up in the late
hours of night, faces His Lord with a rested mind and composed body and offers
Salah with complete concentration of heart and mind. Such Salah will positively
bring him nearer to Allah. From other Ahadith it appears that the blessings of
Allah are more concentrative to His slaves in the late hours of night. As such,
this is the most appropriate time to seek closeness with Allah.
[next]
209. Subject, same
Translation: Sumrah b Jundab (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) directed us to offer Tahajjud Salah, short or long, and offer
Witir at the end.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bazzar &
Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith shows that if one
can get up in time, he should not offer Witir with Isha but differ it till the
end of Tahajjud. This is more blessed.
[next]
210. Subject, same
Translation: From Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Support your days fasting by Sehri and standing in the
night [for Tahajjud] with a nap in the day time”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: Take Sehri so that fasting of the day becomes easy without
feeling week and indolent. Similarly, those who want to get up for Tahajjud
should have a nap in the day time to make up the deficit in sleep, saving days
schedule from its effect.
[next]
211. Inducement for Tahajjud
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah may bless the person who gets up in the night, offers
Salah and awakes his wife and if she does not get up, sprinkles water on her
face. And Allah may bless the wife who gets up in the night, offers Salah and
awakes her husband and if he does not get up from his deep slumber, sprinkles
water on his face”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb, Abu Dawood, Nisa’i
& Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
212. Vigilance about Nawafil [Non-Obligatory
prayers]
Translation: From Jabir b Abdullah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When a person finishes his [obligatory] Salah in
Masjid, he should perform some part of his Salah at home [Sunnah and Nawafil],
Allah will bless the house due to Salah offered in it”.
[From Muslim]
[next]
213. [Subject Same]
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The first thing that Allah (SWT) made obligatory from
Deen was Salah and the last thing is also Salah.
The first thing that will be asked for on the
day of Qayamah will be about Salah.
Allah will ask: Look towards the Salah of my
servant. If it is perfect, it will be recorded as all right. But if it is
imperfect, Allah will ask: Look towards his Nawafil [non-obligatory] Salah. If
there are some Nawafil in his account, the shortcomings of Obligatory Salah
will be compensated by the non-obligatory Salah.
Allah will then look towards Zakah. Is it
perfect or not? If it is OK, it will be recorded as all right. But if it is
imperfect, He will say: Look towards his non-obligatory Sadaqah. If it is
there, the shortcomings of Zakah will be compensated from Nawafil Sadaqah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Abu Ya’laa]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells us that the
first and the last of our Deen is Salah. The first thing on the Day of Judgment
will be asked about Salah. The second thing that came to light is this that
Nawafil Salah will compensate the shortcomings of the Obligatory Salah. People
should, therefore, also take care of Nawafil Salah. We are human beings. In
spite of our best precaution, there is every possibility that some shortcomings
may be left over in our Obligatory Salah. If there is no Nawafil in our record,
from where then the shortcomings of Obligatory prayers will be compensated?
This Hadith also confirms that after Salah, the
payment of Zakah will be questioned for. It there is no Nafil Sadaqah in the
account, from where the shortcomings of the obligatory Zakah will be
compensated?
In short, first the obligatory things will be
asked for. If there is no extra Nafil Ebadah to his credit, how the person will
protect himself from the scrutiny on the Day of Judgment? It is, therefore,
essential that Nawafil Ebadah be equally taken care of. It will make the
deliverance on the Day of Qayamah easy.
[next]
214. Emphasis on Nawafil and Tahajjud and
abstinence form exaggeration
Translation: From Abu Hurairah(r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The Deen is easy and when it will be compared with other
[religions], the Deen [of Allah] will be triumphant.
So don’t be rigid and despondent, be contented,
and seek help with traveling in the morning, evening and some in the night”
[From Bukhari]
Explanatory Note: Deen is easy. It means that
the provisions of Deen and the Shariah are easy to understand and follow by
every one. In comparison, Islam gives many facilities to humans that are not
available in other religions. Hence Deen al-Islam excels over others. But due
to exaggeration, people make innovations; both addition and subtraction, in
Deen that make it burdensome to follow. That is why this Hadith warns not to
make any exaggeration in Deen and keep it easy and simple to follow.
The last portion of the Hadith connotes two
things and its wording covers both.
1 Offer Nawafil [non-obligatory prayers] in the
morning, evening and in night, whenever it is possible.
2 Struggle for Allah’s Deen, devote sometime in
Dawah Ilallah, whenever it is possible for you to do during the day or in the
night.
[next]
215. Infaq [spending in the way of Allah]
Translation: Adi b Ha’tim (R) reports that he
heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Each one of you will be questioned directly
[on the Day of Judgment] in a situation when you will be standing alone before
Allah without any intercession or a pleader. Looking at his right, he will see
nothing but his actions and deeds. Looking at his left, he will see nothing but
his actions and deeds. Looking in the front, he will find the Hellfire. [If the
reality is this] Save yourselves from Hellfire, even by giving half of a date
[in Sadaqah]”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim] Explanatory Note:
Actually, on the Day of Judgment, humans will face their Lord alone at the time
of their accountability. There will be none around him to plead his case. All
around, he will find his actions and deeds and the Hellfire in the front in
waiting. Therefore, protect yourselves from Hellfire by expending in the way of
Allah as much as possible. Sadaqah will come to your rescue on that day. Don’t
feel shy, even if the quantity of Sadaqah is very small.
[next]
216. Subject Same
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The servant of Allah says: This is my riches [mal]!
This is my riches [mal]! Whereas in his wealth, he has three shares: what he
has eaten, it is finished; what he has dressed, it becomes rotten; and what he
has given in the way of Allah, he deposited it with Him. Whatever remains
[besides these three shares], it does not belong to him. He leaves it behind
for the people [for his successors]”.
[From Muslim]
[next]
217. Subject Same
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah will resurrect two of his servants [on the Day
of Judgment] whom He blessed with wealth and progenies
immensely.
He will call one of them by name: O such and
such!
He will respond: I am present, O my Lord! Tell
me”.
Allah will ask, “Have I not given you wealth and
progenies in abundance?”
He will confirm it by saying, “Definitely, O my
Lord!”
Allah will ask him, “What you did with what I
gave you?”
He will reply, “I left it for my children so
that they do not fall pray to poverty”.
Allah will tell him, “Had you the knowledge what
happened to them after you, you would have cried much more than smiling. They
have landed in the same trouble about which you were scarred of”.
Allah will call the other one, “O such and Such!
He will respond, “I am present, O my Lord! Tell
me”.
Allah will ask, “Have I not given you wealth and
progenies in abundance?”
Hw will confirm it by saying, “Definitely, O my
Lord!”
Allah will ask him, “What you did with what I
gave you?”
He will answer, “O my Lord! I spent the wealth
you gave me in your obedience and as regards my children I trusted in You and
Your Rahmah [kindness]”.
Allah will say, “If you have known the reality,
you would have laughed more and cry little. Listen1You trusted in me about your
progenies, I have bestowed upon them what you expected from Me”.
. [Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Notes: This Hadith discloses that
those who save wealth for the future of their children and near relatives and
do not expend it in the way of Allah, there is every possibility that their
progenies may fall pray to poverty and hardship. And those who spend their
wealth for the pleasure of Allah and leave the future of their children to the
mercy and kindness of Allah, there is every possibility that their progenies
may lead a life of happiness. The planning of the first person could neither be
productive for him nor for his progenies.
[next]
218. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) reports that
he heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying from the pulpit of Prophet Mosque, “Protect
yourself from hellfire by giving even half of a date [in the way of Allah].
Sadaqah corrects the crookedness [shortcomings] of man, saves from tragic death
and feeds the hungry”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu yala’ &
Bazaar]
Explanatory Note: Sadaqah cements your relation
with Haqq and truthfulness, ends the life well, protects from accidental death,
and relieves from hunger. If someone has even a pity amount, he should not feel
shy but give it as Sadaqah in the way of Allah. Allah does not see the quantity
but looks towards intention and inspiration behind it.
[next]
219. Sadaqah, the means of blessings
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “A person who gives in Sadaqah, something even equal to
a date, and it is from his honest earnings – as Allah accepts only the pure
-Allah accepts it in His right hands and goes on multiplying it the way you
take care of your siblings to grow, till the little Sadaqah takes the shape of
a mountain”.
And in another Hadith it is reported, “If a
person even gives a morsel in Sadaqah, it will grow equal to Uhad Mountain”.
[From Bukhari, Muslim & Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: The Sadaqah given out of
honest means of earnings, even if it is small in quantity, it goes on
multiplying till it becomes a heap like a mountain and Allah gives reward equal
to this heap. It means you have not given a few nickels and dimes in Sadaqah
but equal to a mountain.
[next]
220. Subject Same
Translation: From Ibne Abbas (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Sadaqah does not reduce the wealth. When a person extends his
hands to give Sadaqah to someone, it reaches to the hands of Allah before it
gets into the hands of the needy”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
221. Sadaqah – the shade on the Day of Judgment
Translation: From Uqbah b A’mir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The person who gives Sadaqah will remain in its shade [on the Day
of Judgment] till the process of accountability comes to an end”.
Explanatory Note: Sadaqah will be turned into
shade on the Day of resurrection, when there will be no shade. It will protect
him from the heat of that day]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
222. Sadaqah -the shield against Hellfire
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.), especially addressing the ladies, said, “O womenfolk!
You take especial care about Sadaqah as yours majority will be in the
Hellfire”. A woman, who was not from elites, [a commoner] asked, “O Rasulullah
(s.a.)! Why majority of us will be in the Hellfire?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“You do a lot of cursing and taunting and are ingratefull to your husbands”.
[From Musnad Ahmad] Explanatory Note: It means
that you [womenfolk] are more talkative than men. Cursing, taunting, accusing,
and backbiting others are your important themes. Also, you are ingratefull to
your husbands. If you want to save yourselves from Hellfire, then get rid of
these shortcomings.
The spectacular feature of this Hadith is that
ignorant women will form majority in the Hellfire. But those women who fear
Allah, control their tongue, faithful to their husbands will land into Jannah
[paradise]. There is no gender difference in this respect and the Hadith also
does not undermine the status of women in any way.
[next]
223. Double reward for giving Sadaqah to
relatives
Translation: From Salaman b A’mir (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Giving Sadaqah to poor is a simple Sadaqah but if you
give it to close relatives, it is doubly rewarded: One for Sadaqah and the
other for meeting the obligation towards near relatives”.
[From Nisa’i & Tirmizi]
[next]
224. The Best Sadaqah
Translation: Hakeem b Hiza’m (r.a.) reports that
a person asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Which Sadaqah is the most excellent?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Sadaqah that a person gives to his relative when
he is critical or inimical to him”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
225. Sadaqah of the distressed
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reports that he
asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Whose Sadaqah is the best?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Sadaqah of the
person whose income is less than his needs, hardly nourishes his children.
He (s.a.) further directs, “Start Sadaqah from
those who are under your care”.
[From Abu Dawood] Explanatory Note: The last
piece of Hadith emphasizes to start Sadaqah from your own home. What you spend on
your wife and children is a Sadaqah. He will get Ajr [reward] for that as
contained in Hadith #88, 150 and 151 of this compilation]
[next]
226. Continuous Sadaqah
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The Mumin, after his death, continues to get the Ajr
[reward] of some of his deeds: teaching Deen and spreading it [he will get the
reward of his efforts till its good effect continues] or virtuous children left
behind [he will get reward till the effect of his children’s good deeds
continues], or donated Qur’an to Masjid or religious institutions, or built a
Masjid or rest house for way fearers or dug out a canal [for public use] or
spent his wealth on some other public projects in his life-time, he will get
the reward for all these things till the people will be benefiting from them.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja, Ibne
Khazima]
Explanatory Note: When the man dies, the account
of his personal deeds is closed but the account of his collective good deeds
that are known as “Sadaqah Jariyah” [Continuous Sadaqah] remains open to his
credit till the time the people are benefiting from them. People, therefore,
should do such deeds in their lifetime to the maximum possible extent so that
they get its reward on perennial basis.
[next]
227. Subject Same
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Man gets the Ajr [reward] of seven things on regular
basis even after death: Teaching Deen to someone or digging a canal or a well
or arranging an orchard or building a mosque or donating the Qur’an or leaving
behind children who beg pardon for him regularly after his death”.
XXX
[next]
228. Etiquettes of Sadaqah
Translation: From Abdullah b Omar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who gives Sadaqah from his surplus cannot be
counted superior from one who accepts [Sadaqah] till one who takes it is poor”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: Through this Hadith,
Rasulullah (s.a.) directs the people who give Sadaqah to be mindful of the fact
that you don’t think yourself superior to the poor and needy and that you are
doing some favor by giving something to them. You should thing that whatever
surplus you had was the right of the poor. If he accepts something, he takes
his share with no obligation from you. You should not think yourself superior
to him. The surplus wealth belongs to Allah. The poor are the agents of Allah.
They collect the share of Allah from you. So, you should rather, be thankful to
them.
[next]
229. In the treasure of Allah
Translation: From Hassan b Ali (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) in reference to Allah (SWT) said that He ordains, “O the son
of Adam! Deposit your treasure with me and be care free, no danger from fire or
of drowning or of theft. I will return back this treasure to you when you will
be in the greatest need of it”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
230. Subject Same
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “A man was passing through a land. Suddenly he heard
someone directing the clouds: Go and rain for the gardens of such and such a
person”. The clouds went to a side and poured all the water in a hilly land.
There was a rivulet. It collected all the water and flowed. The traveler
followed the water. Ahead, he saw a person trying to turn the direction of
water to his garden for irrigating the plants. He [the traveler] asked,
“Gentleman, what is your name? He replied, “Such and such. He said the same
name that he heard from the clouds: The owner of the garden asked, “Why you
have asked my name?” The traveler said, “I have heard from the clouds the voice
that you go and rain for such and such person. So, tell me what you do in your
garden that Allah has showered this blessing on you” The owner said, “When you
have asked this thing and now you are aware of the situation, I would like to
tell you that whatever I get from this garden I divide it into three shares:
One third I give as Sadaqah, one third I keep for my self and my family and one
third I put it back in this garden [in the form of manure and watering etc.]
[From Muslim]
[next]
231 Recitation of the Qur’an.
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Verily! There are some people whom Allah loves”.
People asked, “O The Prophet of Allah! Who they
are?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The upholders of the
Qur’an are loved by Allah. They are very special to Him”.
[From Nisa’i & Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: “Ahlul Qur’an” are those
people who are heavily involved with Qur’an: in its learning and teaching to
others, pondering over its contents, following its directives, communicating
its message to others and trying to build a society accordingly.
[next]
232. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) says.
“This Qur’an is a table cloth from Allah. So pick up [food for thought and
action] from it in terms of your capacity.
The Qur’an is the rope of Allah, light of
guidance, beneficial cure, protection for those who hold it fast, salvation for
those who follow it; needs no persuasion as it never gets indifferent; there is
no crookedness that needs correction; no end to its wonders and it will never
be outdated”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Mustadrak]
Explanatory Note: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.)
comparing the Qur’an with a tablecloth has brought a very significant point before
us. The way man cannot maintain his body and soul together without food.
Similarly for the spiritual need of man, Allah has sent the Guidance in the
shape of the Qur’an. The more you try to get benefit from it, the more you will
feel spiritually elevated.
The Qur’an is the rope of Allah. It means that
as rope is the means to get water from the well, the Qur’an is indispensable to
reach to Allah.
The Qur’an is the light. As light removes
darkness, the Book of Allah eradicates the gloomy shadows from human life by
eliminating the impediments from the path leading to Allah. This world is full
of gloom. If the Qur’an is not the companion of one’s life, he will encounter
destruction by falling down in ditches on the wayside.
This Qur’an is the cure of the spiritual
sickness of man. The treasure of its hidden meanings, astounding depth of its
application and interpretation will always be spellbound for man and his
ingenuity. Its wonder will never come to an end. The more one goes in depth to
understand it, the more he will find it vast and limitless. Its freshness is
for all times to come.
[next]
233. The etiquette of recitation
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Recite the
Qur’an slowly and clearly and follow its “Ghara’ieb” and what is “Ghara’ieb”?
It means those commandments that Allah has made obligatory and those directives
that are prohibited”.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
234. Repentance and seeking pardon
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When a person commits a sin, it transforms into a
black spot on his heart. If he gives it up, repents and seeks pardon from
Allah, it [the spot] is removed [or evaporates]. But if he continues [in
committing sins], the spot multiplies till it covers [blackens] the entire
heart and that is called “Al-Ra’na”. It is what Allah has described in Surah
83, Verse 14 as, “Nay, but that which they have earned is rust upon their
hearts”.
CHAPTER – XI 243
[Tirmizi, Ibne Ma’ja, Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: The Qur’an and its message is
not a waste talk. The Qur’an is the Truth. The day of Accountability is
inevitable. The reason behind the denial of these hard facts of human existence
is the involvement of the people in committing sins that have rusted their
hearts so much that it hampers the understanding the message of the Qur’an.
[next]
235. Istighfar [seeking pardon] cleans the heart
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The hearts get rusted as copper gets [rusted] and the
cleansing of the heart is through Istighfar [seeking pardon from Allah]”.
[From Baihaqi]
[next]
236. Abstinence from committing small sins
Translation: From Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Aisha! Protect yourself even from the small sins
that people take very lightly. Allah will also ask about them”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Nisa’i]
[next]
237. Repentance, means to erase sins
Translation: Abu Taveel (r.a.) narrating his own
story of entering into Islam says, “I came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and asked,
“What do you say about the person who has committed every kind of sin, nothing
left and he has fulfilled all his desires, is there any chance of his
repentance?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “Do you want to enter
into Islam?”
I said, “Yes. I stand witness that there is no
deity except Allah and I stand witness that you are the Messenger of Allah”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “After becoming a
Muslim, do good deeds, give up evil-doings, Allah will transform all [including
your past sins] into good deeds”.
I said, “I have broken many promises and committed
many evildoings, will all be pardoned?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said. “Yes, everything will be
pardoned”.
Out of joy, I cried, “Allahu Akbar [Allah is
Great] and returned saying, “O Allah! How merciful you are! How graceful you
are!”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bazzar &
Tabrani]
[next]
238. Truthful repentance
Translation: There was an Israelite named
Al-Kifl who was involved in all kinds of sins but never cared to repent. Once a
woman came to him. He bargained with her [for fornication] in lieu of sixty
Dinars [gold coins] but at the time when he proceeded to commit the act, he
found the woman shivering and weeping. He asked, “What’s the matter? Why are
you weeping? Have I compelled you to do this?”
She said, “No. But I have never done such things
before.
Only my poverty has brought me to this stage”.
He asked, “If you have not committed such thing
till now, will you do it onward?” [She said, “No”]
He got up and told her, “You go and also take
these Dinars with you”.
He then repented and said, “By Allah! Al-Kifl
will never ever transgress the limits of Allah”.
He died on the same night and in the morning it
was found written on his door: Allah (SWT) has pardoned the sins of Al-Kifl”.
[From Musnad Ahmad b Hambal # 4747]
[next]
239. Don’t take the sins lightly
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Protect yourself from the sins that people take very
lightly. People continue to commit small sins till [their accumulation] destroy
them”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) citing an example said, “Some
people got down in a forest. For the cooking, every one went out to collect
wood from the forest. Every one brought some wood and made a heap of it. It was
put to fire and they cooked the food”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad, Tabrani &
Baihaqi]
Explanatory Note: The way small pieces of wood
when collected into a heap, helped in cooking food. Similarly, man goes on
committing sins and accumulating them till they destroy him.
[next]
240. The dimensions of Allah’s mercy
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) says that
Rasulullah (s.a.) quoting from Allah (SWT) said,” Verily! Allah writes both the
good and the evil deeds. When a person resolves to do good but could not do it,
it is recorded in his account as a good deed. But if he has resolved to do something
good and he accomplished it, it is then recorded in his account equivalent to
from ten to 700 such good deeds and even more.
If a person intends to do something bad but
abstains from it, it will be recorded in his account as a good deed. But if he
intends to do something bad and he commits it, it will be recorded in his
account only as one bad deed. And if he repents, it is then erased. Only the
ill fated will be destroyed”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari &
Muslim]
Explanatory Note: The Hadith that Rasulullah
(s.a.) narrates in reference to Allah (SWT) is called Hadith Qudsi.
This Hadith describes the unimaginable
dimensions of Allah’s mercy. What mercy can be greater than this that a good
deed if it is not perfected and only the intention is there, Allah ascribes it
as a Good deed to the credit of his servant? If he intends to do good and
accomplishes it, He gives reward equal to ten good deeds and even seven hundred
times and more for it. In contrary to that, if some one has bad intentions and he
has not accomplished it, it is written in his account as a good deed and if he
does it, it is counted only as one sin and that too is pardoned, if he repents
for that.
The last sentence of this Hadith is extremely
important. It shows that the mercy of Allah is very vast and knows no bounds.
Only the extremely unfortunate who commits sin after sin, does not repent and
dies in that condition, his abode will be the Hellfire for which he was
preparing for the whole of his life and he reached to his destination after
death by his own choice or fault. Allah’s mercy was waiting for him but he
never tried for it through repentance. Thus, he doomed himself on his own
account.
[next]
241. Zikr and Du’a
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I ordain
you to remember Allah in abundance. For understanding it [Zikr – Remembrance of
Allah] better, take the example of a person who is chased by his enemy at an
accelerated pace but that person takes shelter in a fortified fort and was thus
saved from falling into the hands of his enemy. Similarly, the man cannot
protect himself from the clutches of the devil except through Zikr of Allah –
the remembrance of Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
Explanatory note: Remembrance of Allah means a
comprehensive consciousness of His attributes, His omnipotence, His supreme
authority, His limitless mercy and benevolence, and His all-encompassing
vigilance that should always be fresh, motivated and alive in our mind. Only
then we can face the invisible attacks of the devil. The practical format of
this attitude of mind will be: offering Salah in its correct form, giving due
emphasis on Nawafil, especially on Tahajjud Salah, remembering prayers [Du’a]
as recommended by Rasulullah (s.a.) for different times during the day and night
with their meanings and connotations and repeating them time and again. This is
the fortified castle that will protect us from the satanic incitements
[However, struggling in the way of Allah with what Allah has given – life,
time, talents and resources, for the establishment of His Deen in the society
where one lives is the best format of Zikrullah [remembrance of Allah]. All the
prescribed Ebadah prepare a Muslim or a Muslimah for this struggle. If they do
not struggle to meet this obligation, there is every possibility that they may
lose both the worlds -Translator]
[next]
242. Subject Same
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Remember Allah so much so that people call you as a
madman”
[Musnad Ahmad] Explanatory Note: If you are
totally absorbed in Zikrullah [remembrance of Allah] you may look like a
madman. When a person is involved in spreading the Deen of Allah, as pinpointed
above, spending his time in Dawah and its activities, has changed the pattern
of his whole life, a life free of Haram and prohibited things, the people who
are materialistic in nature will call such person a lost or, a madman. You have
preferred to better the other world in comparison to this world. To those who
love this world, you are lost.
[next]
243. The dialogue about Za’kreen [who remember
their Lord] between Allah and His angels
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Some angels of Allah roam in cities to find out who
are the people that are busy in remembering Him. When they get some people
remembering Allah, they call each other: Look! Here are the people for whom we
are out to reach. They [angels] cover them with their wings from earth to
heaven”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said. “Allah knowingly asked
them, “What my servants are saying?”
Angels say, “They glorify you, praise you,
acknowledge your greatness and are grateful to you”.
Allah asks, “Have they seen me?”
Angles reply, “No. By Allah! They haven’t seen
you”.
Allah (SWT) adds, “Had they seen Me, what would
have been their condition?”
Angels reply, “If they would have seen You, they
would have been more enthusiastic in their worship and more devoted in Your
glorification and praise”
Allah then asks, “What My slaves are praying
for?”
Angles reply, “They beg for Jannah [paradise]
from You”.
Allah asks, “Have they seen the Jannah?”
Angels say, “No. O my Lord! They haven’t seen
Jannah?”
Allah says, “Had they seen the Jannah, what
would have
been their eagerness for it?”
Angels reply, “Had they seen the Jannah, their
liking and longing for that would have been much more enormous”.
Allah asks, “With what they seek refuge?”
Angels reply, “They seek refuge from Hellfire”.
Allah asks, “Have they seen the Hellfire?”
Angels reply, “By Allah! They haven’t seen the
Hellfire”.
Allah asks, “Had they seen the Hellfire, what
would have been their condition?”
Angels reply, “Had they seen the Hellfire, they
would have been more fearful and keeping aloof from the deeds that land them
into Hellfire”.
Then Allah (SWT) addressing the angels said,
“You be witness, I have graced them with My Rahmah”.
One of the Angel pin-pointedly says, “That
person is not from this group. He came there for some other work and just
participated in glorifying You along with them”.
In reply, Allah says, “These are the people
whose companions also do not return disdainful. They would also share the
blessings of such gatherings”.
[From Bukhari]
[next]
244. The Za’kir [One who remembers his Lord] in
the site of Allah
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah says: My servants will find me in accordance to
the perception they has about Me. He will get as what he expects from Me. When
he remembers Me, I am with him. When he remembers Me in loneliness, I remember
him in seclusion. If he remembers me in a group, I remember him in better
gathering [of angels]. If he advances towards me a span, I come towards him an
arm’s length. If he advanced towards me an arms length, I advanced towards him
four arms length. And if he comes to towards me slowly, I go to him running”.
[From Bukhari & Muslim]
Explanatory Note: In this Hadith, servant means
the Mumin who believes that Allah is Rahman & Rahim [Kind and Merciful]. He
pardons his sins. He believes in all the attributes of Allah. Allah will deal
with him in accordance to his estimation about the Creator and Sustainer. I
will shower My blessings upon him and guide him both in this world and in
Akhirah. This Hadith throws light how He deals with his servants and responses
to his different call to Him in different ways.
[next]
245. Etiquettes of supplication
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The prayers of my servant are always heard provided it
is not about a sin or disrupting blood relations and he is not in
haste”.
People asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What is
haste?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One who supplicates, he
thinks that he has prayed a lot but to no response. He gets tired and abandons
his prayers”.
[From Muslim]
[next]
246. One who supplicates gets any of the three rewards
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When a Muslim supplicates and it is not for a sin or
disrupting blood relations, it is positively granted by Allah in either of the
three ways: Accepting his prayers right away or hording it for his Akhirah or
removing any tragedy imminent for him”.
Prophet’s companions said, “[If the case is so]
We will increase our prayers manifold”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah is magnanimous”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith removes a big
misunderstanding. A Mumin supplicates to his Lord for certain objectives but if
it is not fulfilled, he understands that his prayers have gone in vain. He
envisions: He called his Master but He did not respond. He becomes despondent
and many misgivings may surround him.
Rasulullah (s.a.) is saying that all the
legitimate prayers are accepted in three ways. Either his objective is
fulfilled in this world or his Du’a [prayer] is differed for the benefit in
Akhirah or Allah removes some impending tragedy in waiting for him. It is,
therefore, essential that Supplication should be in sublime humbleness with
great expectations and must be in abundance. There is no dearth in the treasure
of Allah and He is the best Giver.
[next]
247. Allah feels shy to return hands empty
Translation: From Salm’an Farsi (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah is Modest as well generous. When His servant
spreads his hands before Him [for prayers], He feels shy to return them empty
handed”.
[From: Abu Dawood, Tirmizi, and Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: It is a very clear Hadith in
its contents. You see the so-called generous people around you. When some one
spreads his hands before them, they do not like to return it empty handed. You
can well imagine that how Allah (SWT) who is the most magnanimous of all can
return the hands spread before Him empty handed. He grants his prayers one way
or the other as discussed above in Hadith #246.
[next]
248. Comprehensive Supplications
Translation: O Allah! I seek Thy refuge from
seduction leading to Hellfire, punishment of the fire, punishment of the grave,
trial of riches and the trial of poverty. O Allah! I seek Thy protection from
the seduction of the imposter, Anti-Christ.
O Allah! Wash my heart with cold and ice water
and clear my heart from sins as the white cloth is cleaned from dirt and
distance me from sin, as the distance between East and West.
O Allah! I seek Thy refuge from lethargies [in
Ebadah and Dawah activities], sins and debt”.
[From: Bukhari & Muslim]
Explanatory Note: The trial of grave means: the
interrogation in the grave about Rab, Deen and Prophet. It would be a big trial
of Iman. An individual may not succeed in it. So, he seeks protection of Allah
from such a situation. When a person becomes rich, he, either becomes grateful
to Allah, helps the poor and needy or becomes arrogant and hates the poor. He,
therefore, seeks Allah’s protection from the evil effects of wealth. Similarly,
poverty is also a trial. It can put even one’s Iman at stake. He may become
suspicious about God and starts complaining about Him. Man seeks Allah’s
protection against such situation. Thus, richness and poverty, both may become
a trial in different perspective.
[next]
249. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Musa Asha’ri (r.a.) reports
that Rasulullah (s.a.) used to supplicate: O Allah! Pardon my shortcomings and
my ignorance and excessiveness in my affairs, and from all the sins You know
better than me.
O Allah! Pardon my sins, committed intentionally
or out of emotions or fun, and all are from me.
O Allah! Pardon all my past and future sins, and
my open and hidden sins, You promote and demote Your servant, and everything is
under Your control”.
[From: Bukhari & Muslim]
[next]
250. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) asked
Rasulullah (s.a.) to tell him a Du’a [prayer] that he should recite in his
Salah [after Tashahud and Darud].
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Say, O Allah! I have
committed injustices on my part and no body can pardon my sins except Thee. So,
pardon me and be benevolent to me. You are the Merciful and the Forgiver”.
[From: Bukhari & Muslim]
[next]
251. Subject Same
Translation: O Allah! You correct my Deen that
is the custodian of all my affairs;
And correct my world that contains my livelihood;
And correct my Akhirah where I am to return;
And render my worldly life the cause of Khair
[goodness] for every thing;
And render my death the comfort from the Shar
[wickedness] of every thing”.
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
252. Subject Same
Translation: O Allah! I beg from You to be
steadfast on Deen;
And I beg from You to follow the path of
righteousness with Azimah [determination];
And I beg from You to be grateful for Your
favors and the beautification in Your Ebadah;
And I beg from You the truthful tongue and the
rightful heart;
And I seek refuge from the evil effect of all
that I am ignorant;
And I beg from You the good effect of all that I
am ignorant; And I seek your pardon from all the sins known to You and You are
well aware of every thing”.
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
253. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! Give me such Iman that
occupies my heart so much so that when a calamity falls on me I should have the
conviction that it was my destiny and so I encountered it and whatever comes
from You, it is for my betterment and so it has come for my Tarbiyah
(Training)] and give me Tawfeeq [Divine favor] to be contented with the
livelihood allotted to me” [saving me from the greed of the worldly gains]
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
254. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! Protect me with Islam
while I am standing, or I am sitting or I am resting on bed and don’t give a
chance to my enemies to laugh at me or to any one who is jealous of me”.
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: That under all circumstances I
should follow the path of Your obedience and since Satan and my crocked-self
want to deviate me from it, therefore, protect me against their onslaughts and
from the situation that may cause pleasure to enemies and the jealous people.
[next]
255. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! Give me the Iman and
conviction that I don’t commit any act of denial [Kufr] after that and favor me
with Rahmah [kindness] that brings forward the honor of both the worlds”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
256. Subject Same
Translation: O Allah! Don’t leave me in the
hands of my own-self even for a moment and don’t deprive me with the blessings
that you have favored me”.
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: It means: O Allah! You protect
me from such conditions or situation in which a man is deprived of Your
protection, favor and guardianship. He is, then, possessed by the satanic
forces from within and outside that may lead him to fall in some of the ditches
of destruction. And when a man does not value the favors of Allah and prefers
to walk on the path of transgression, he is not only denied extra favors but is
deprived of those that were already in his reach.
[next]
257. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! I beg from you health
with Iman, and Iman with good disposition, the success of this world that
contains eternal success in Akhirah with Rahmah; and Your protection, pardon
and pleasure”.
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
258. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! You are the Knower of the
unknown and Controller of Your creation in totality: let me live till my life
is beneficial for me and give me death when it is a boon for me; O Allah! I beg
fear of You both in public sand private; And I pray to give me Tawfeeq [favor
me] to speak only the truth whether I am pleased or annoyed; And give me
Tawfeeq to follow only the correct path, both in poverty and plenty;
And I beg for Your favors that know no bounds
[the unending pleasures of Jannah];
And I beg for the comfort of the eyes that is
eternal;
And I beg from You to be contented for what You
decide;
And I beg from You an audience, and beg You to
aggravate
the desire in my heart to see You, and that I
may be protected
from the pains of destructive events and from
deviation from falling into some trial;
O Allah! Adore my life with Iman and keep me on
the path of righteousness and inviting others to the same path”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
259. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! The Mighty of the
mightiest and the most Judicious in delivering Judgment: I beg Your protection
from the appointed Day, and make my permanent abode in Jannah with your
favorite servants who witnessed to mankind [about the Deen], bending and
prostrating [in Salah]; and fulfilling their undertakings. You are verily
merciful, loving your servants and doing what You intends to do.
O Allah! Give us Tawfeeq [favor us] to keep on
straight path and inviting others to it, not going astray nor causing others to
go astray, make us friendlier to those who keep on the path of righteousness
and, you be my beloved and enemy to your enemies. You be my beloved and give me
Tawfeeq to love those who love You and hate those who deny You”.
[Al-Targheeb WA Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
260. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! Nurture Your fear in my
heart that saves me from Your disobedience, give me Tawfeeq [favor me] to Your
obedience that may lead me to Jannah; Give me that conviction that makes the
worries of this world easy till we are alive, maintain our power of seeing,
hearing and the physical capacities, and take revenge from those who are
oppressive upon us and help us against those who are our enemies. And shelter
us from worldly calamities, and don’t make this world our objective and that
our knowledge should not be restricted only to this world and be deprived of
the knowledge of Akhirah, and do not impose upon us those who are cruel and
unkind”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
261. Subject Same
Translation: “O Allah! Cement our mutual
relations, and cement our hearts and give us Tawfeeq [favor us] to follow the
path of peace and take us out from darkness into light”.
XXX
[next]
262. The supplication of Abdullah b Maswood
(r.a.)
Translation: “O Allah! I beg from you Iman that
is unshakeable, favors that are never ending and eternal Jannah in the company
of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.)”.
[Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: That is begging from Allah
such a strong Iman that is not removable and unshakeable from its place and
that does not know to look behind.
[next]
263. Hating worldliness and concern for Akhirah
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “What interest I have with this world? The comparison
between me and this world is like that of a way farer who on a scorching day
stops for rest awhile under the shadow of a tree and then proceeds ahead
[leaving it behind]”.
[Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: It shows that the permanent
abode of a Mumin is Akhirah. This world is a place of earning for him and,
therefore, he takes little interest in it and does not want to make it a native
place.
[next]
264. Remembrance of Akhirah
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.), holding me [by shoulder] said, “O Abdullah! Live in
this world like an unknown traveler or like a way farer and count yourself
amongst the dead”.
[From Musnad Ahmad b Hambal (r.a.)]
Explanatory Note: “Gharib” means traveler who is
away from his home. His stoppages are short. He is light weighted and is in a
state of constant traveling with little or no asset with him. It means you have
the least botheration for the world and what it contains, and keep yourself
light weighted like a traveler. Take this world as a temporary stoppage of your
journey of life. Your eternal house is your Akhirah. Be prepared for it. This
kind of life will be possible to lead on this earth only when one has a
constant feeling that he is to die and is to pass on from this world one day.
[next]
265. Disenchantment from the world
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) said to me, “O Aisha! If you want to accompany me [in
Jannah], only so much worldly things should, then, suffice to you as are being
carried by a wayfarer; don’t associate with the wealthy people and when your
dress becomes old, don’t throw it but use it after getting it patched”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
[next]
266. The faithful companion
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Friends are of three kinds:
One friend will tell you: I am with you till you
enter in your grave. [These are your human relations]
The other friend tells: It is for you that you
have given [in the way of Allah] and that you hold it is not yours. It is your
wealth. It is for your heirs.
The third friend tells: I am with you, when you
enter [into grave] and when you come out of it. These are your deeds.
The person will be astonished and addressing his
deeds will say: From amongst the three friends, I was taking you as the most
contemptible and very ordinary friend. [That was my mistake. I did every thing
for my relatives but no body came to my rescue. Only my deeds came along with
me]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Mustadrak]
[next]
267. Subject Same
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Don’t build estates [properties], you will fall in the
love of this world”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: When an individual is involved
in collecting properties [real states], gradually, he will find himself
deviated from Akhirah. This is against the spirit of Islam. There was no dearth
of materialistic people before. The prime objective to raise this Ummah is to
make Akhirah its goal and take from this world only what is essential for the
preparation of the next world. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) has expressed his
dissatisfaction about it. It is natural that a man takes interest for what he
tries, puts efforts and invests his talents and resources to acquire. He is
very often found lost in it.
[next]
268. The Concept of Abstinence
Translation: From Abu Zar Ghaffa’ri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Abstinence from this world is not that man restricts
himself from permissible and gives up his wealth [keeping aloof from it]. But
the true abstinence is this that you should trust more in the favors and blessings
from Allah than the worldly things. And when some calamity falls, then look
towards its rewards from Allah and take your troubles as a source of earning
Ajr [reward] from Him”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
269. Mumin and audience with Allah
Translation: From Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Who loves to meet Allah, Allah loves to meet him and
who dislikes to meet Allah, Allah does not like to meet him”.
She (r.a.) then asked, “What is the sense of
dislike in meeting with Allah? Does it mean the hate against death? If it is
so, every one hates death”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It is not what I mean.
It means that when a Mumin gets glad tidings about the Rahmah [kindness] of
Allah, His pleasure and His Jannah, he loves to meet Allah and Allah loves to
meet him. And when the disbeliever gets warning about the punishment of Allah,
he dislikes to meet Allah and Allah dislikes to meet him”.
[From Muslim]
[next]
270. Emphasis to desire for Jannah
Translation: Kulaib b Hazn (r.a.) reports from
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying: “Struggle hard to get into Jannah and try utmost to
keep away from the Hellfire. Because one who desires for Jannah cannot sleep
and [equally] the one who wants to keep away from the Hellfire cannot sleep”.
“The Akhirah is surrounded with what is
prohibited and the world is encircled with lusts and adorable. So the luxuries
and comforts of this world should not make you unmindful of the Akhirah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: It is essential for the
success in Akhirah that man should not indulge in luxuries and lusts. For the
attainment of success on the Day of Judgment, man has to do a lot of things
that he may not like them but the way to Jannah goes through this abhorrence.
[next]
271. First destination of Akhirah: The grave
Translation: Ha’ni, Maula of Uthman b Affa’n (R)
reports that when Uthman (r.a.) used to stand by a grave, he used to cry and
get his beard wet with tears.
People asked him, “You don’t cry over the
discussion about hell and heaven, why you then cry remembering the grave? He
replied that he had heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “Grave is the first step
towards the destination of Akhirah. If man gets smooth sailing here, his onward
journey will be easy. If he does not get relief here, his onward journey will
be more and more difficult”. I further heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “There
will be no greater hazardous scenario than that of the grave”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
Ha’ni (R) adds that Uthman (r.a.) was reciting
the following couplet standing by the side of a grave:
Translation: “If you get rid of the hardship of
the grave, you are free from a great trial and if not, I think, you will not
get the salvation or deliverance”.
[next]
272. Grave and the good deeds
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When the dead body is laid down in the grave, it
listens the sound of the footsteps of the people turning back from the grave,
as the soul is restored to it.
If he is a Mumin, his Ebadah line up around him
for his protection: Salah at his head, fasting at his right hand and Zakah at
his left, Nafil Salah, Nafil Sawm, and other Nafil Sadaqah and deeds at his
feet. The dead man is then asked to get up. He sits down and feels that it is
just Asr time and the sun is about to set.
After that angels would ask, “What do you say
about the Prophet who was sent to you from Allah and what witness you give
about him?
The Mumin in the grave will say, “Let me first
offer my Asr prayer, the sun is about to set and I may lose my Salah”. Angels
will reply, “First answer our questions, then offer Salah”.
He will say, “He is my Prophet Muhammad (s.a.).
I stand witness to his Prophethood. Allah sent him with the truthful Book to
us”.
The Angels will gladly tell, “You followed this
truthful Prophet for the whole of your life, you breathed your lost in the same
condition and you will be resurrected in the same state on the Day of Judgment”
They will open a door of Jannah for him and said to him, “Look! This is your
permanent abode and these are its blessings”.
The dweller of the grave will be extremely
happy. And then a door of hell will be opened for him. Angels will say, “If you
had been disobedient to Allah, this house of fire would have been your abode”.
Hearing this, his happiness will know no bound.
The grave will be widened by seventy arms length and will be enlightened. His
soul will depart from his body and be flying on and over the trees of Jannah
till the doomsday. Allah ordains in the Qur’an:
“Allah confirms those who believe by a firm
saying in the life of the world and in the Hereafter, and Allah sends
wrong-doers astray. And Allah does what He wants”. [Surah Abraham: 27]
If the dead person is a disbeliever, there will
be nothing to protect him, neither at head, nor at right nor at left or at the
foot. He will be ordered to get up. He will sit down scared and horrified.
Angels will ask him, “What do you say about the
person who was sent to you as the Prophet of Allah and what witness you give?”
He will astonishingly ask. “Which person? Who was sent to us as the Prophet? I
don’t know”.
He will then be categorically asked by name
about Muhammad (s.a.).
He will say, “I don’t know. I heard people
saying something and I repeated the same without the least consideration”.
Angels will tell him, “You have been in
ignorance for the whole of your life, died in the same state and will be raised
from your grave in the same condition”. Then Angels will open one gate of
Hellfire and tell, “This is your abode and this is the punishment you will
sustain”. This will increase his sorrow.
Then the angels will then open a gate of heaven
before him and say, “Had you been obedient to Allah in the world, this would
have been your abode and you would have enjoyed its blessings”.
Hearing this his sorrow and sadness will
increase manifold. His grave will be contracted for him so much that his ribs
will be squeezed with one another.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Al-Munzari]
Explanatory Note: In this Hadith, the word
“disbeliever” has been used. It deals with the end of a Ka’fir [disbeliever].
But it appears from the last portion of the Hadith that it describes the end of
those who were born in a Muslim society but never tried to know the directives
of Allah and His Prophet (s.a.). People were reciting Kalimah and he used to
repeat the same without understanding it. People were talking about Rasulullah
(s.a.) and used to listen, but since he did not pass his life taking Allah as
his Rab and Muhammad (s.a.) as his Rasul, he, therefore, could not recollect
after death that who is Allah and Rasul and what are their teachings?
In other Ahadith the word hypocrite has been
used. Both Kafir [disbeliever] and hypocrite will meet the same fate. The same
will be the fate of those who do not care for Allah’s Deen in this world but
with variations in the form of punishment
[next]
273. When the Qayamah will occur
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Two persons will be bargaining about cloth lying
before them, the Qayamah will occur suddenly and they will not be able to
complete the deal; a man has milked his she-camel, the Qayamah will come
abruptly and he will not be able to drink the milk; a man will be preparing
ditch for watering animals, the Qayamah will come so suddenly that he will not
be able to water his animals; a person has a marcel in his hand, Qayamah will
occur and he will not be able to take that marcel to his mouth”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad & Ibne
Heban]
[next]
274. Accountability on the Day of Judgment
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) repots that he
was sitting in the company of Rasulullah (s.a.), he ((s.a.) laughed to the
extent that his front teeth were visible. Umar (r.a.) who was amongst the
participants asked, “O the Prophet of Allah! What makes you laugh?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Two persons of my Ummah
came to Allah (SWT). One of them said: O Allah! Help me in getting my right
from this man”.
Allah will say, “No good deed is left in his
account. How will you get your right”?
He will say, “If he has no good deeds, then
transfer my bad deeds to his account so that I am compensated somewhat for the
oppression committed on me”.
After narrating so much, Rasulullah started
crying suddenly and said, “Definitely it would be a very horrible day. Everyone
will be desirous to lighten his burden of sins”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim]
Explanatory Note: This is the scenario of the
Day of Judgment and Allah has described it through Rasulullah (s.a.) that the
Ummah should know what is going to happen on that day.
[next]
275. Impartial Justice
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The person who has beaten his slave [or home servant]
wrongfully. He will be revenged on the Day of Judgment”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baza’r &
Tabrani]
[next]
276. Witness of the earth
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reports that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) recited this Verse: “That day she [the earth] will
relate her chronicles” [Surah Al-Zilzal: 4] and asked, “What does it mean that
the earth will narrate its news?”
People said, “Allah and His Prophet know
better”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It means that the earth
will stand witness against each man and woman that what he or she did on earth.
It will tell that he [or she] did such and such things”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heba’n]
[next]
277. Subject Same:
Translation: From Ibne Umar (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “On the Day of Judgment, many neighbors holding their neighbors
will be complaining to Allah: O my Lord! Ask him, why he closed his doors on me
and why he deprived me sharing from his excess wealth?”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
278. Subject Same
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The foremost thing to be questioned from the people on
the Day of Judgment will be [It would be asked by Allah], “Have I not given you
the health and have I not blessed you with cold water?” [You had the best of
health and luxuries in life, what you did with that for earning My pleasure?]
[Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heba’n]
[next]
279. Consequences of unmindful-ness about Concern
for Akhirah
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “On the Day of Judgment a person, looking like a baby
goat, will be brought before Allah (SWT).
Allah will ask him, “I gave you wealth, servants
in attendance and prosperity, what you did with that?”
He will reply. “O my Lord! I saved it,
multiplied it and left it behind. You permit me to go back and bring it over
here”.
Allah will [again] ask, “What deeds you
performed and sent ahead?” [for this day. I am not asking you about
multiplication of your wealth]
He will [again] reply, “O my lord! I horded it,
multiplied it and then left it behind more than what I had. You send me back
and I will bring it over here”.
This unfortunate man passed his entire life in
multiplying his wealth and earned no good deeds for this day”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
[next]
280. Perfect Justice
Translation: From Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those whose rights were usurped in this world will be
restored or compensated on the Day of Judgment to the extent that even a goat
with horn will compensate for hitting the goat with no horn”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim &
Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: It means that Justice will be
delivered on that day in its most perfect format. Even the most insignificant
right that has been usurped will be compensated. The oppressor has to pay to
the oppressed for his oppression.
[next]
281. Backbiting washes away the good deeds
Translation: From Abu Umamah (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The deed-scroll of a person will be brought to him openly. He
will go through it and said, “O my Lord! I did such and such good deeds, I
don’t find them overhear”.
Allah will say, “Due to backbiting, your good
deeds have been eradicated from your deed-scroll”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
282. Intercession
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) asked
Rasulullah (s.a.) for intercession on the Day of Judgment.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Definitely I will do
it”.
I asked, “Where I will find you [on the day of
resurrection]?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “First find me over the
bridge”
I said, “If I could not find you there”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You find me out where
people’s deeds will be scaled”.
I said, “If you are not traceable there”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Then come at the
Fountain of Kauther. I will be definitely available at either of the three
places”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
[next]
283. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reports that he
asked, “O Prophet of Allah! What promise Allah has given you about the
intercession of the Ummah?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “By Allah Who controls
the life of Muhammad! I was sure you would be the first to ask about it. I know
you are greedy about acquiring knowledge”.
“By Allah Who has the authority over my life! I
have concern that maximum of my Ummah should go in Jannah and not for their
high position. My total concern is that they get into Jannah”.
“I will stand for intercession for those who
declare with all sincerity that there is no deity except Allah and Muhammad is
the Messenger of Allah in such a manner that the heart confirms their tongue
and the tongue confirms that what is in their heart”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heba’n &
Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: It means that one should
believe in Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) in all sincerity. Both tong and heart
should confirm it. What conviction he has in heart, his tong confirms it. And
as such, there should be no contradiction between what he says or believes and
what he acts.
[next]
284. Subject Same
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “My intercession will be for those who were involved in
big sins in my Ummah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Baza’r,
Tabra’ni, and Ibne Heba’n & Baihaqi]
Explanatory Note: It means that a person who
became believer in all sincerity but unfortunately he was involved in big sins
throughout his life and died without repentance. It is clear that he will not
get into Jannah and will be thrown in the Hellfire. By involvement in sins for
the whole of his life no Iman is left in him, Rasulullah (s.a.) will not get
permission for his intercession nor he will do it on his own accord. There will
be no question of taking him out of hellfire and putting him in Jannah.
But in a situation that he has been involved in
acts of sins throughout his life and Allah knows that there is Iman in his
heart even by the size of an atom, Rasulullah (s.a.) may get permission to
stand for intercession for him. He will then be taken out of hell and put into
Jannah as Iman is of great value to Allah (SWT).
Who can know as to whether there is Iman or it
is totally finished in the heart of a sinful Muslim except Allah. It is,
therefore essential that people should repent while alive and turn to their
Lord while in senses.
These and many other Hadith like this that deal
with the subject of intercession should be alarming to Muslims. But
unfortunately, it is pitiful that instead of being fearful to Allah, Muslims,
depending on such Ahadith [of intercession], have become inactive and indolent.
Such people when will see the realities by their naked eyes in the Akhirah will
cry and perhaps may keep crying forever.
[next]
285. Hell and the people of Hellfire
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It is not
permissible for two Muslims to dissociate themselves for more than three days
and if this condition goes beyond three days, they will never get together in
Jannah. And then one who intends first to cement relations through Salam, his
sins will be pardoned. And if his initiative to peace is not responded and he
does not get the return Salam, the angel will reply him and Satan will become
the companion of one who did not respond to Salam”.
[Ai-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ref: Abu Bakr b Abu
Shaiba]
Explanatory Note: Dissociation of relationship
for more than three days is permissible only when there is some religious
expediency. Rasulullah (s.a.) dissociated from his wives for about a month.
[Ref: Surah Al-Tahreem]. Three Sahabah who could not participate in Ghazwah
Tabuk, one of them, Kaa’b b Malik (r.a.) was socially boycotted by Muslims for
forty days. [Ref: Verse 118 Surah Al-Tawba].
[next]
286. Subject Same
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “A person
performs good deeds for seventy years but he commits injustices through his
will and ends his life on an evil deed and lands in Hellfire.
Similarly, an other person performs bad deeds
for seventy years and does justice through his will, he ends his life on a good
deed and goes to Jannah [paradise]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
Explanatory Note: A person, who passed seventy
years of his life in sins, repents and starts doing good deeds and at the end
he does not commit injustices through his will, it is clear that he has paved
his way to Jannah. It would not be correct to say that he was committing great
sins for the whole of his life and at the time of death he just makes a
rightful will, it will lead him to Jannah.
[next]
287. Subject Same
Translation: From Hassan b Ali (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those who ridicule the people, a door of Jannah will
be opened before them in the Akhirah and they will be called to come in”.
They would walk towards the gate and when near
by it; the door will be closed on them. It would be repeated with them time and
again. At the end, the door of Jannah will be opened and they will be called to
get in. But they will not move ahead due to despondency or frustration”.
[Al-Targheeb wa al-Tarheeb: Baihaqi]
[next]
288. Subject Same
Translation: From Nuaman b Bashir (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The minimum punishment that would be given to a person
[in the Hellfire] would be that under his feet two burning charcoals will be
placed and his mind will be boiling with its effect as the kettle boils on the
stove”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
289.
Witness of body parts against man
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) narrates that
while we were sitting in the company of Rasulullah (s.a.), he (s.a.) laughed
and then asked, “Do you know why I laughed?”
We said, “Allah and His Prophet know better”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I laughed because a
sinful person will tell Allah, “O my Lord! There will be no injustice to me
today”.
Allah wills say, “No. There will be no injustice
to you to day”.
He will say, “I will not allow any one to give
witness against me except myself”.
Allah will say, “Today, your own evaluation will
be sufficient for your accountability and the angels appointed to record your
scroll will suffice as witness”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) added, “His tongue will be
sealed and his body parts will be ordered to speak against him. They will stand
witness against his each and every deed”.
His tongue will then be released and his
speaking power will be restored.
He then addressing his body parts will say,
“Curse of Allah is upon you. I was defending for you in the world and today you
have witnessed against me”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: In order to comfort you, I
never cared between Halal and Haram, never bothered for the pleasure or the
displeasure of Allah and now you have deceived me at the time of need and left
me like a criminal.
[next]
290. Subject Same
Translation: It is narrated by Ibne Abbas (r.a.)
that on the night of Accession, Rasulullah (s.a.) visited the Hell and he saw
some people were eating dead corpse, He (s.a.) asked, “O Gabriel! Who are
they?”
He [Gabriel] said, “These are the people who
were eating the flesh of the people [i. e., they were involved in backbiting]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: From Ahmad]
[next]
291. Subject Same
Translation: From Jabir (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “On the Day of Judgment, Allah will raise some people in the shape
of ants, being trodden under the feet of the people”.
It will be asked, “Who are in the shape of
ants?’
It will be declared from Allah that they are the
arrogants in the world”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Baza’r]
Explanatory Note: The concept of Takabbur
[arrogance] must be made clear. In terms of the Qur’an and Sunnah, man
recognizes Allah as the Creator and Sustainer, confirms the same by tongue but
looks disgracefully towards his own specie. Satan recognizes Allah as Creator,
considers Him as Benefactor and repeatedly says by tongue that He is his Rab
but denies supplicating before Him. In the cite of Allah, it is called Takabbur
[arrogance]. It has also been explained through Hadith.
Arrogant Muslims are those who recognize Allah
as their Creator and know very well that it is their Creator who has made
Salah, Sawm. Zakah and Hajj obligatory but they do not offer Salah, pay Zakah,
perform Hajj, keep fasting and do not enforce and abide by the laws prescribed
by Allah in the body politic of their country. They are the greatest Mutakabbir
[Arrogants] of this Ummah.
[next]
292. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that
on the night of Accession such a fast horse was brought for him that his each
step was falling on the limits of sight. Rasulullah (s.a.) riding on this horse
proceeded on his journey in the company of Gabriel. When he (s.a.) reached sky,
he passed through some people who were harvesting the crop that they cultivated
on the same day and tit was again ready. Rasulullah (s.a.) asked from Gabriel,
“Who are these people?” He said, “These are the people who fought in the way of
Allah. They get reward seven hundred times for each of their good deeds. They
expended in the world and now they are reaping the harvest”.
Then He (s.a.) passed through some other people
whose heads was being crushed with stone and after crushing they were restored
to original shape. This action was being repeated in a continuous chain.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who are these
people?”
He said, “These are the people who were lazy in
offering Salah”.
He (s.a.) passed through a group of people who had
put on rags on their body and grazing thorny bushes, and the hellish tree of
deadly fruits [Zaqqum] and the hot stones of the Hell like animals.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who are they?”
He said, “These are the people who were not
paying Zakah on their wealth. Allah is not oppressive on his slaves”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then passed through a person
who has collected a huge bundle that he could not lift up but he is
continuously increasing or adding to its weight.
He (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who is this person?”
Gabriel replied, “He is that person of your
Ummah who had a lot of responsibilities [trusts] and could not fulfill them but
was constantly accepting more and more”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then passed through some other
people whose lips and tongues are being cut by scissors but are again restored
in original shape and this is going on in a continuous process.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “Who are these
people?”
He said, “These were the speakers creating
disruption and blasphemy”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then reached to a small hole
and saw a big ox coming out of it. He wants to reenter through it but couldn’t.
He (s.a.) asked Gabriel, “What is this?”
He said, “He used to utter wrong words from his
mouth, then repented and wanted to take them back but he couldn’t”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
293. Subject Same
Translation: From Shafi b Ma’tey (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There will be four kinds of persons who will be
causing nuisance even to Hellfire people. They would be running in between
boiling water and burning fire, lamenting and wailing in grief and agony.
The hellfire people will be yelling to each
other: Look, these ill-fated people have augmented our trouble and worries to
new dimensions.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “One of them was shut in
a box of fire; the second one will be loitering with his exposed intestines;
the third one’s mouth was profusely pouring out blood and pus; and the fourth
one was cutting and eating his own flesh”.
The hellfire people will inquire about the
person in the box of fire that what happened to this person who is causing us
additional trouble.
Allah (SWT) will tell them: This person died
under the condition that he owed to the people but he did not return their
loans and Amanah [securities], in spite of the fact that he could do so [was
solvent].
The hellfire people would like to know about the
second person. Allah (SWT) will tell them: He did not care to protect himself
from the sprinkles of his urine [was careless about Taharah].
Similarly they will inquire about the third
person. Allah (SWT) will tell them: He was enjoying with bad words as bad
people enjoy lustful talks.
Lastly, the hellfire people will inquire about
the person who was eating his own flesh. Allah (SWT) will tell them: This
person was involved in backbiting and slandering people in their absence”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
294. Jannah and the people of Jannah
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) created some people to fulfill the
urgencies of some others. People come to them with their needs and they meet
their necessities. Such people will be safe from the punishment of Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
295. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Shadda’d (r.a.) narrates
that three persons from the tribe of Bani Uzrah came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and
accepted Islam.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “Who wants to be their
host?”
Talha (r.a.) said, “I will do it”. So they
stayed with Talha (r.a.).
Later on, on some occasion, Rasulullah (s.a.)
sent some people on Jihad, which included one of them, and he got martyred.
Then with some other people, the second man went
and got martyred. The third one died on the bed.
Talha (r.a.) says that after sometime he saw all
the three of them in Jannah [paradise] but the person who died on bed was ahead
of them, followed by the second one and the first one was in the last. It
looked strange to Talha (r.a.). He went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and described his
dream.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Why do you feel strange
about it? It should be clear that the Mumin who gets a long life in the state
of Iman, he excels in position by doing abundance of Tasbeeh, Takbeer and
Tahleel [Remembering and glorifying Allah all the time]”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad & Abu
Ya’laa]
Explanatory Note: The third person has desire to
participate in Jihad but death did not give him the chance. Such person will be
counted amongst “Martyrs” on the Day of Judgment. He got a long life in
comparison to his other companions and he devoted all this age in the obedience
of Allah. Naturally, he should get higher status in Akhirah
[next]
296. Subject Same
Translation: From Abdullah b Umru b A’s (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You will be gathered together on the Day of
Resurrection”.
Allah (SWT) will ask, “Where are the poor and
the needy of this Ummah?” They will appear before Allah and He will ask, “What
you did in the world?”
They will say, “O Allah! You put us on trial
through a tight economy, we bored it with patience. Others got wealth and
position and we were deprived of both but we were steadfast on Deen.”
Allah (SWT) will acknowledge it, “You are
right”.
They will be allowed to enter into Jannah before
others and the wealthy and men of power will be left behind in the court of
Allah for accountability. Their interrogation will be long and difficult
because they were ingratefull to Allah after getting wealth and coming into
power.
People asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “What will be
the condition of Mumineen on that day?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) Said, “They will be sitting in
the chair of Nur [light], under the shade of dark clouds hovering over their
heads; and the day of Accountability that will be equal to 50,000 years will be
shortened for Mumineen. They will feel like some moments of a day”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabra’ni]
Explanatory Note: Hadith #34 of Ra’he Amal
[another book of collection of Ahadith by the author] tells that that day for
Mumineen will be equal to time that one takes in offering obligatory Salah; and
the way Salah became the pleasure of their sight, similarly, the Day of Qayamah
will be made pleasant for them.
[next]
297. Subject Same
Translation: From Abdullah b Umar (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There will be such leaving rooms in the paradise that
there inside will be visible from outside and outside from inside”.
Abu Malik Ashari (r.a.) asked, “O Prophet of
Allah! Who will get into these halls?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “It would be for
those whose talks are pure and chaste, who feed the poor and who offer Tahajjud
when the people sleep”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabra’ni]
[next]
298. Subject Same
Translation: From Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If you people would like I could tell you what Allah
would ask first thing from the Mumineen and what would be their respond?” We
said, “Definitely, O Prophet of Allah!”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) will ask
from the Mumineen: Were you desirous of meeting with Me?”
Mumineen will say, “Yes, O our Lord!”
Allah (SWT) will ask, “What for?”
They will reply, “We were hopeful that you will
pardon our sins and shortcomings”.
Allah (SWT) will then respond, “I have made
incumbent upon Me to pardon you”. [They will all be cleaned from their sins and
allowed to enter into Jannah]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
299. Subject Same
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad & Bezar]
Translation: From Abdullah b Umru b A’s (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Do you people know that from amongst the creatures of
Allah who will be the first to enter into paradise?” People said, “Allah and
His Prophet (s.a.) know better”. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The poor from the
Muhajreen [who migrated for the sake of Allah] who were guarding the frontiers
[of the Islamic state], who were the first to face the challenges and who died
with their desires buried in their chests and could not attain them”. Allah
(SWT) will direct His angels, “Go and congratulate them”. Angels will say, “O
our Lord! We are heavenly creatures and the best of Your creation. Are you
ordering us to go there and salute them?” Allah (SWT) will tell them, “These
are My slaves who were worshiping Me alone, making no partners with Me, were
protecting the Islamic frontiers, were always ahead in encountering all kinds
of challenges and died in a state that they could not get any compensation for
their sacrifices”. Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Hearing this statement [from
Allah], angels will visit them from every gate of the Jannah and say, “Allah’s
mercy is upon you for being steadfast on Deen. How excellent, then, the
fulfillment in the Hereafter!” [Surah: Al-Ra’d: 24]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad & Bezar]
[next]
300. Subject Same
Translation: It is reported both by Abu Sayeed
Khudri (r.a.) and Abu Hurairah (r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When the
people of Jannah [paradise] are settled therein, an angel will announce: O the
people of Jannah! “Henceforth, you will enjoy eternal health, falling sick no
more; will live forever, tasting death no more; will ever-remain youthful, old
age no more; will always be happy and contented, poverty and hunger will bother
you no more”.
And this will be the commitment of Allah as
proclaimed by Him, “And it will be told unto them: This is the Garden. You
inherit it for what you used to do” [Al-Aira’f: 43]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim &
Tirmizi]
[next]
301. Subject Same
Translation: from Abu Hurairah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those who will enter into Jannah will always be
comfortable and pleasant, never encounter hunger and poverty, their cloth will never
get old nor their youth will ever come to an end.
The Jannah contains the blessings that are
unseen and unheard and are beyond human imagination”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
[next]
302. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umru b A’s (r.a.)
narrates that one day I was sitting with Rasulullah (s.a.), the sun was rising,
he (s.a.) said, “On the Day of Judgment, there will be some faces that will be
illumined like the glow of the sun”.
Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) said, “Will it be from
us, O prophet O f Allah!”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No. You people will
have a lot of blessings but what I am referring is about those people who
migrated in the way of Allah and gathered to gather from different parts of the
world and will be of humble means”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ahmad &
Tabra’ni]
[Explanatory Note: It is just possible that
these people may be from the Muslim community of America who have gathered
together in this country from every nook and corner of the world and are of
humble means in comparison to the affluent people of this society. There is
every possibility that if they really struggle for the Deen of Allah in the
land of their Hijrah [America], Allah may reward them the position described in
this Hadith. It is the way of Allah to honor his beloved people who struggle in
His way with their wealth and life in order to get His Deen introduced, spread
and establish in the body politic of the country. Translator]
[next]
303. Subject Same
Translation: Sarajbeel b Shamt (r.a.) asked Umru
b Absah (r.a.), “Would you like to narrate a Hadith that you heard from
Rasulullah (s.a.) which is truthful and free from all kinds of omissions and
commissions?”
He said, "Why not”. I heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying, “Allah (SWT) says: I love those who love among themselves only
for My sake, meet together only for My sake, expend on each other only for My
sake and develop friendship amongst themselves only for My sake”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith gives foundation
for lasting brotherhood relations. There is no other stimulant than love and
friendship only for Allah and for His Deen. In this respect, Hadith # 218 of
“Ra’hey Amal” provides the best explanation of the contents of this Hadith.
[next]
304. Subject Same
Translation: From Abu Sayeed Khudri (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) addressing the people of Jannah will say:
O the people of Jannah!”
They will respond, “O our Lord! We are present.
All the good is under Your command. What is Your order?”
Allah (SWT) will ask, “Are you contented or
pleased?”
They will reply, “Why should we not be pleased,
O our Lord1? You have blessed us with favors that You have not given to anyone
else”.
Allah (SWT) will say, “Should I not give you
something better than that?’
They will say, “What can be better than that?”
Allah (SWT) will then declare, “I will be ever
pleased with you and will never be displeased with you”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukha’ri, Muslim
& Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: In some other Ahadith, it is
described that hearing this declaration from Allah (SWT), the people of Jannah
will be so much overjoyed that they will forget the blessings at hand as they
got the greatest blessing of Allah through this declaration.
[next]
CHAPTER – XII
MODEL OF RASULULLAH (s.a.)
305. Al-Salah
Translation: From Anas (r.a.). Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “From this world, I love
three things: womenfolk [my wives], fragrance and Salah, the solace of my
eyes”.
[From Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: It means that out of the fascinations of this world,
Rasulullah (s.a.) liked two things, wives and fragrance. So far as the Salah is
concerned, it was his (s.a.) spiritual food and contentment of heart as Salah
is the best remembrance of Allah. One directly talks with Allah (SWT) through
Salah. Rasulullah (s.a.) said to Bela’l (r.a.) about Salah, “O Bela’l (r.a.)!
Arrange for the comfort of my life”. [From Nisa’i]
[next]
306. Humility
Translation: Mutarrif b Abdullah Al-Shikkheer
(r.a.) reports that he went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and saw that he was offering
Salah and that he (s.a.) was heaving as if kettle is boiling”.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
307. Salah in Congregation
Translation: Umme Salmah (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) used to recite the Qur’an slowly with pauses. After reciting
“Alhamdulillah Rabbil A’lameen”, he used to pause, then “Al-Rahman Al-Rahim”
and paused”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Notes: Rasulullah (s.a.) used to
stop after every Ayah of Surah Al-Fatiha, while he (s.a.) was offering Salah of
Fajr, Maghrib and Isha. Besides Surah Fatiha, he used to recite the Qur’an
slowly both inside the Salah and outside.
[next]
308. Subject Same
Translation: Ya’laa’ (r.a.) asked from Umme
Salmah (r.a.) that how Rasulullah (s.a.) used to recite the Qur’an?
She (r.a.) told, “His (s.a.) recitation was
clear, understandable and every word was audible”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
309. Preparation for the Obligatory Salah [Fard
Salah]
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.), while traveling
and stopping somewhere during nighttime and it is late in night, he used to
rest on his right side and if the stoppage was for a while before Fajr, he used
to raise his arms and rest his head on his palms”.
[From Muslim – Abu Qatada]
Explanatory Note: Not lying but resting his head
on his raised arms. It was because the morning hours were at hand and if he
lies down on his side and falls asleep, there was apprehension that the Salatul
Fajr may not be offered on time. That is why he used to rest under such
condition that he (s.a.) keeps awake and there was no possibility of falling
asleep.
[next]
310. Tahajjud
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) used to do Qaya’m
[standing] in Salatul Tahajjud so long that his foots used to swell. Someone
asked, “Why so much hardship?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) replied, “Why should I not be
a thankful servant of Allah?”
[From Bukha’ri]
Explanatory Note: He (s.a.) meant to say that
Allah, making me His Prophet and saving me from committing sins, has done a
great favor to me. It is the demand of such an enormous favor that I should be
more and more grateful to Him. The more favor a Mumin received, the greater he
feels grateful to Allah and more time he devotes in His Ebadah [worship].
[next]
311. Subject Same
Translation: Abd Ibne Abi Qais (r.a.) reports
from Aisha’ (r.a.) saying, “Don’t leave Qaya’mul Lail [standing in night for
Tahajjud] as Rasulullah (s.a.) never missed it. And if he was sick or feeling
bodily tired, he used to offer Tahajjud while sitting”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood]
[next]
312. Good Conduct
Translation: Aisha (r.a.) describes that the
conduct of Rasulullah (s.a.) was just the Qur’an itself. [It means that
Rasulullah (s.a.) was the practical model of the Qur’an. All that Qur’an
advocates and prescribes was visible in his life pattern]
[From Muslim]
[next]
313. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umru b A’s (r.a.)
reports that Rasulullah (s.a.) was neither ill tempered nor talked lewdness”.
[From Bukha’ri & Muslim]
[next]
314. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that he
served Rasulullah (s.a.) for ten years and during this period, he (s.a.) did
not express a single word showing any dislike or contempt. If I committed some
mistake, he never asked me why you did it? And the work that I was supposed to
do but I couldn’t do, he (s.a.) never asked me why have you not done it?”
[From Bukha’ri & Muslim]
[next]
315. Subject Same
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) had a Bedouin
friend whose name was Za’hir b Hara’m (r.a.). He used to bring gifts for
Rasulullah (s.a.) from the countryside and Rasulullah (s.a.) used
to give him some gifts from city on his return.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Za’hir (r.a.) is my
countryside friend and I am his urban friend. Rasulullah (s.a.) loved him and
he was an ugly man.
One day while he [Za’hir] was selling his
merchandise in the Market of Madinah, Rasulullah (s.a.) came from the behind
and grabbed him in his arms and Za’hir could not see him (s.a.). He
[Za’hir] said, “Leave me, who is it?”
When he turned his face, he found it was
Rasulullah (s.a.). He, then, tried to sink himself in his (s.a.) chest by
pressing his back.
At that time Rasulullah (s.a.) announced, “Who
will purchase this slave? [Za’hir was not a slave but his skin was dark as that
of a Negro].
Za’hir said, “O Prophet of Allah! You will be
the loser”. [You will get very little price in lieu of me]
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You may be of little
value in the eyes of the people but you are very precious in the sight of
Allah”.
[From Mishka’t: Narrated by Anas]
[next]
316. Subject Same
Translation: It is narrated by Anas (r.a.) that
he was going with Rasulullah (s.a.) and he (s.a.) had covered himself with a
Najra’ni sheet having thick border. In the way, a Bedouin came across. He
pulled his (s.a.) sheet so forcefully that it left an impression on his neck.
The Bedouin then said, “O Muhammad (s.a.)! Give
me something from Baitulmal [government treasury]”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) turned his face towards him,
smiled [having no anger for what he did with him (s.a.)] and ordered to pay
from the Baitulmal”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukha’ri and Muslim]
[next]
317. Love for the children
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) narrates that
a Bedouin came to Rasulullah (s.a.) [and he (s.a.) was kissing and caring a
child].
The Bedouin said, “You love your children and we
don’t”.
Rasulullah (s.a.), then, said, “What can I do,
if Allah has deprived your heart from the feelings of love and kindness”
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukha’ri and Muslim]
[next]
318. Kidding with children
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports:
Rasulullah (s.a.) lived with us very intimately [without any reservation]. I
had a little brother whose name was Omair. He had a bird. He was playing with
her. That bird died.
Rasulullah (s.a.) used to ask him in the way of
kidding, “Omair what happened to your bird?”
[Both Bukha’ri and Muslim]
[next]
319. Kissing the children
Translation: A baby was brought to Rasulullah
(s.a.). He (s.a.) kissed him and said, “Children make the people miser and
coward and they are the fragrance or the flowers of Allah”.
[From Mishka’t]
Explanatory Note: The love for children is
natural. If an individual is not properly educated, trained and motivated to
work for Allah’s Deen, his children may become impediment in spending in the
way of Allah.
The word “Rihan” has been used in this Hadith,
It means fragrance and also beautiful flower. Literally, both the concept are
befitting in this Hadith. Children are the beautiful flowers of Allah and are
His Rahmah and blessing too.
[next]
320. Good Natured
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that
people [astonishingly] asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “O Prophet of Allah! You talk
with us joyously in light hearted mood”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Yes. I don’t say
anything that is not truthful and is not based on facts”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: Generally speaking, religious
leaders sit with reservations in the company of their followers. They don’t
have fun with them or talk lightly. This Hadith tells us that talking lightly
or having fun with them is not against sanctity or against the characteristics
of scholarly people.
[next]
321. The Prophet (s.a.) in his house
Translation: From Ibne Abbas (r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The best amongst you is the one who is the best with his wives
and [amongst you] I am the best with my wives”.
[From Ibne Ma’ja]
[next]
322. Subject Same
Translation: Aswad b Yazeed (R) reports that he
asked Aisha (r.a.), “What Rasulullah (s.a.) used to do when at home?”
She (r.a.) said, “He (s.a.) used to share
homework with his (s.a.) family members and when it was the time of Salah, he
(s.a.) used to leave for Masjid”.
[From Bukha’ri]
[next]
323. Subject Same
Translation: It is reported by Aisha Siddiqa
(r.a.) that Rasulullah (s.a.) used to mend his shoes, sew his cloths and used
to do all the works that a man does at his home”
She (r.a.) further said, “Rasulullah (s.a.) was
a human being. He used to take out lice from his cloths, milk his goat and used
to do all his personal work by himself”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
324. Subject Same
Translation: Aisha (r.a.) narrates that she has
seen Rasulullah (s.a.) in the condition that he (s.a.) used to draw curtain by
his sheet while I was watching the military exercises of Negroes in the
Prophet’s Mosque. He (s.a.) used to bear it till the time I was myself feeling
tired.
Rasulullah (s.a.) used to exhort, “O People! If
you marry young girls, take care of their passions and inspirations. Teen age
girls are fond of sports and entertainments”.
[From Bukha’ri and Muslim].
Explanatory Note: When the Negro slaves used to
demonstrate their acrobatic games and exercises in Masjid compound, Aisha
(r.a.) used to see their games behind the curtain raised by Rasulullah (s.a.)
by his sheet. When she was feeling satisfied, she used to retreat back. Aisha
(r.a.) was young and Rasulullah (s.a.) was fully conscious of the sentiments of
young women. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) arranged this facility for her to
see.
This Ummah should draw a lesson from it that if
their wives are young, they should take acre of their sentiments within the
bounds of Shariah. It must be further clarified that the restrictions imposed
on women for seeing men are not so harsh as that are imposed on men for seeing
women.
[next]
325. Subject Same
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) narrates that
I never felt envy of the wives of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.) as that of Khadijah
(r.a.). I never saw her but Rasulullah (s.a.) was always speaking very often
about her.
Very often it happened that he (s.a.)
slaughtered a goat, cut it into pieces and distributed it amongst the friends
of Khadijah (r.a.). Very often I asked Rasulullah (s.a.), “Was there no woman
in the world except Khadijah (r.a.)?
Rasulullah (s.a.) used to say, “No doubt, she
was the best woman. She was such and such. This and this were her contributions
or achievements and she bore children for me”.
[From Bukha’ri & Muslim]
Explanatory Note: Khadijah (r.a.) was the first
wife of Rasulullah (s.a.). From the very outset of Prophethood, she was his
companion under all odd circumstances, trials and tribulations. She endured all
difficult situations that are inevitable for Dawah Ilallah with patience and
without any complaint. Some of the historians have narrated that she had about
25,000 Durham at the beginning of Prophethood and she spent all in the way of
Allah and dispensing with the necessities of Dawah Ilallah. She was supporting
the believers who were turned out from their homes. Rasulullah (s.a.) could not
forget such an affectionate and benevolent wife for the whole of his life.
[One should not feel astonished about it. The
sacrifices of Khadijah (r.a.) are immense and innumerable in the cause of
Islam. She was the first Muslimah and the best companion of Rasulullah (s.a.)
till she breathed her last in the tenth year of Prophethood. Translator]
[next]
326. Equality among the rights of wives
Translation: Aisha (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) was very judicious in fixing rotation [amongst his wives] and
meeting their other rights and used to pray, “O Allah! This equitable
distribution was possible for me but the love at heart is beyond my control.
Therefore, if someone is closer to my heart, don’t make me accountable for
that”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood, Tirmizi,
Nisa’i, Ibne Ma’ja’ & Ibne Heba’n]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith confirms that if
someone has more than one wife, he should be extremely judicious in terms of
arranging food, dresses and other necessities of life. If he has inclination to
some one, it should not effect his equitable distribution of the amenities of
life to others, only then he will be able to save his skin from the wrath of
Allah on the Day of Judgment.
[next]
327. Tarbiyah [training] of the wife
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) narrates that
the camel of Safiyah (r.a.) [who was originally Jew] became sick and Zainab
(r.a.) [another wife of Rasulullah (s.a.)] had one extra camel. Rasulullah
(s.a.) asked Zainab (r.a.) to give one camel to Safiyah (r.a.). Zainab (r.a.)
responded, “Why should I give my camel to this Jewish [woman]?”
It made Rasulullah (s.a.) extremely angry upon
her [Zainab (r.a.)] and boycotted her for the months of Zil-Hajja, Muharram and
some days in Safar.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells us that
boycott for more than three days is permissible under circumstances when it is
necessary to meet some expediencies of Deen. The anger of Rasulullah (s.a.) was
not for his self but it was because a Muslimah sarcastically remarked against
another about her Jewish background. How the [trained] wife of Prophet (s.a.)
uttered such a heinous word for his another wife?
[next]
328. Extreme generosity
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) never said “No” to any one who came asking something from him
(s.a.).
[From Bukha’ri and Muslim]
[next]
329. Encouragement for intercession
Translation: Abu Musa Ashari (r.a.) reports that
whenever a needy person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) for his urgencies, he (s.a.)
used to ask the people, “Recommend for him. Allah will reward you. Your Prophet
(s.a.) decides whatever Allah wants to put though his (s.a.) tongue”.
[From Bukha’ri and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: It means that whenever a needy
person came to him (s.a.), he used to direct his companions to talk nice about
him, inspire one another for help as a matter of reward from Allah. After that,
whatever he (s.a.) decided to give, would have given to that needy person.
[next]
330. The smile of Prophet (s.a.)
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports: she
never saw Rasulullah (s.a.) laughing in such a manner that his palate was
visible. Simply, he (s.a.) used to smile.
[From Bukha’ri and Muslim]
[next]
331. The methodology of Tarbiyah [training]
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) hardly objected directly to any one about the things that he
did not like. One day a person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and he looked
yellowish. When he got up, Rasulullah (s.a.) said to his
(s.a.) companions, “If this gentleman gives up
wearing yellow dress or get its color changed, it would be fine”.
[Al-Adabul Mufrad]
[next]
332. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) one day went to the house of Fa’timah Binte Muhammad (s.a.)
but returned from the gate without seeing her as a colored curtain was hanging
on the door. It was in spite of the fact that it was his routine to see
Fa’timah (r.a.) first after return from journey.
When Ali (r.a.) came to home and saw Fa’timah in
a sorrowful mood, he enquired, “What’s the matter?” She (r.a.) said,
“Rasulullah (s.a.) came to my house and returned without seeing me”.
Hearing this, Ali (r.a.) went to see Rasulullah
(s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Fa’timah (R) is extremely sad for the
fact that you went to my house and returned without seeing her”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “What I have to take
from the world? What I have to do with colored curtains”.
The narrator of the Hadith reports that Ali
(r.a.) went back to Fa’timah (r.a.) and communicated that Rasulullah said to
him. Fa’timah requested Ali (r.a.) to go to Rasulullah (s.a.) and ask him
(s.a.) what to do with the curtain. Rasulullah (s.a.) said to Ali (r.a.), “Go
and tell Fa’timah to send that curtain to the house of that person [He said it
pointedly. Perhaps, that was a needy family and they would use it as some one’s
dress].
[From Musnad Ahmad b Hambal]
Explanatory Note: Hanging colored curtain on
doors and windows is not prohibited. But it is an indication towards
involvement in the worldly fascinations. Rasulullah (s.a.) wanted to make the
men and women of his time as model for humanity till eternity and that is why;
he expressed his abhorrence to such things
[next]
333. Etiquettes of eating food
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) never objected to any food. If he were desirous, he would take
it and if not, he would leave it.
[Reported both by Bukha’ri and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: “Food” here means both cooked
at home or served in feasts before him (s.a.).
[next]
334. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Umamah (r.a.) narrates that
when Rasulullah (s.a.) finished his food and the table cloth was folded, he
used to pray, “Abundance of thanks to Allah, thanks that is full of blessings,
thanks that are expressed by us and not by others, thanks that we never give
up, never feel oblivion of it and are never unmindful, O our Lord!
[From Bukha’ri]
[next]
335. Civility and Humbleness
Translation: Abdullah b Umru b A’s (r.a.)
reports that no body ever saw Rasulullah (s.a.) eating while sitting back [as
the case with Kings and lords] and no body had ever seen that he (s.a.) was
walking and two persons were behind him [as body guard like the tradition of
kings and crown].
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
336. Subject Same
Translation: Quda’ma b Abdullah (r.a.) reports
that he saw Rasulullah (s.a.) on the day of Sacrifice [Yaumun Nahar] riding on
a gray she-camel, throwing pebbles and there was no safety measure or any
police force to protect him.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Khazima’]
Explanatory Note: It must be clear that it was
the first and the last Hajj of Rasulullah (s.a.) in Islam and the entire
Arabian Peninsula was under his command but there was no pomp and show around
him. This was the climax of civility and humbleness, a perfect model for all
times to come.
[next]
337. Visiting the sick
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) reports that
we were in the company of Rasulullah (s.a.) that a person from Ansa’r came and
greeted Rasulullah (s.a.) with Salam, When he was about to return, Rasulullah
(s.a.) enquired from him, “How is Sa’d b Obadah (r.a.)?” [as he was sick]. He
said, “He is all right”. Rasulullah (s.a.) addressing the people in his
company, said, “Who wants to visit Sa’d (r.a.)?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) got up and we all followed him
and we were more than ten. We had neither shoes in foot, nor lather socks, caps
on head, or shirts on the body. In this condition, we walked on the barren land
and reached Sa’d house. His inmates/people left the place, Rasulullah
(s.a.) and his companions came near to him and
enquired about his [Sa’d (r.a.)] health.
[From Muslim]
[next]
338. The Etiquettes of enquiring about health
Translation: A son of Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) died.
Rasulullah (s.a.) sent the following letter of condolence to him. [He was the
Governor of Yemen at that time]:
“In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The
Merciful From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.) Allah’s
Peace be upon you.
I am thankful to Allah and all praise is for
Him. There is no deity except Him. You also praise Allah and be thankful to
Him. May Allah reward you immensely and give you Sabr and Tawfeeq to be
thankful to Him. Our life, our wealth and our children are the beautiful
blessings from Allah. They are in trust in our hands from Allah. So for they
are with you, they are the source of pleasure for and when they are gone, Allah
may compensate you with big reward for them.
If you have Sabr for getting reward in Akhirah,
Allah’s mercy will be upon you. So, have patience and see that your uneasiness
and impatience may not deprive you from the reward. Then you will repent. Be
clear that your impatience will not cause the return of the deceased nor it
will give you relief from sorrow. What had happened, it was inevitable.
Wa-Assalam”
[From Al-Moajjamul Kabir -Tabra’ni]
[next]
339. Subject Same
Translation: Qurrah b Eyas (r.a.) reports that
whenever Rasulullah (s.a.) had a sitting, some of his companions used to sit
around him. Amongst them, there was a person who had a little kid. This baby
kid used to come to Rasulullah (s.a.) from behind but he (s.a.) used to make him
sit in his (s.a.) front. The child died and the father, out of sorrow, did not
come to the sittings of Rasulullah (s.a.) for a few days.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “What’s the matter?
That person is not coming”.
People said, “His small child whom you had seen
had died. Perhaps he is not coming for this reason”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) went to see him and inquired
about the child. When he reported about the death of his child, Rasulullah
(s.a.) consoled him and said. “Tell me, what you like? Would you like that the
child be alive or he should go ahead of you and opens the door of Jannah for
you. When you reach there, he welcomes you”.
That person said, “O Prophet of Allah! I like it
that he should go first in Jannah and open the door for me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “This child has died in
your life time and he will open the door of Jannah for you”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Nisa’i]
[next]
340. The Prophet (s.a.) while in Journey
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) used to travel at the back of the caravan to help the weak,
give them a ride at his back and pray for them.
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
341. Prophet (s.a.) in the midst of his
companions
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) reports
that while traveling towards Badr, three persons shared one camel Abu Lubaba
(r.a.) and Ali (r.a.) were sharing with Rasulullah (s.a.). When the turn of
Rasulullah (s.a.) came to walk, both of them said, “You sit on camel and we
will walk”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You both are not
stronger than me and I am more desirous to get reward for walking on foot than
both of you”.
[From Mishka’t]
[next]
342. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) reported
that a person from the Ansa’r said something about Rasulullah (s.a.). It
indicated some anger upon him (s.a.). I could not tolerate it and reported it
to Rasulullah (s.a.) though I felt sorry for that.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Moses (AS) was more
harassed than this one but he endured”.
Then he (s.a.) told that there was a Prophet who
was rejected by his people and caused him some injury. He was cleaning his face
from blood and saying, “O Allah! Pardon my people as they are ignorant”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
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343. In the front at the time of danger
Translation: Braa’ b A’zib (r.a.) reported that,
by Allah, at the time of war, Rasulullah (s.a.) was always ahead of us and we
used to protect ourselves through him. And the bravest amongst us was he who
was by the side of Rasulullah (s.a.).
[From Bukha’ri]
[next]
344. Pinpointing of shortcomings for Tarbiyah
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) said about two persons, “Such and such persons don’t
understand anything about our Deen”.
[From Bukha’ri]
Explanatory Note: These two persons neither try
to learn about Deen nor understand what it demands. Aisha (r.a.) did not
disclose their names. Perhaps, they were from amongst the hypocrites. This
Hadith tells us that from the point of Tarbiyah, if some one’s shortcomings are
pinpointed by responsible brothers of Jamaah, it is not counted as
“backbiting”. But it is a very dangerous situation and one should enter in this
domain very cautiously.
[next]
345. Correct relationship with companions
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “None of you should tell me anything about my fellow
companions because I prefer to come to you under the condition that my chest is
clean”.
[From Abu Dawood] Explanatory Note: No body
should transfer to me anything about anyone without verification. These are all
my companions. If I am told something about anyone, it will affect my heart and
I may develop some suspicion against him. It is to be noted here that he (s.a.)
has stopped us to communicate something without verification and that is in
conformity with the Qur’an.
[next]
346. Subject Same
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) never hit anyone by his hands: his wives, his servants or any
one else except the enemies of Deen while fighting in the way of Allah.
[Equally], he (s.a.) never took revenge from any one for the hardship sustained
by him. But if some one violated limitations prescribed by Allah, he used to
take revenge for the sake of Allah [used to punish him or her].
[From Muslim]
[next]
347. Clarity in the affairs
Translation; Addaa’ b Khalid b Hawzah (r.a.)
reported that Rasulullah (s.a.) prepared a deed for me. Its translation was as
follows:
“Addaa’ b Khalid b Hawzah (r.a.) purchased a
slave from Rasulullah (s.a.). He [the slave] is neither sick nor suffering from
any moral deficiency or bad habit. It is a sale of a Muslim with another Muslim
[it is free from all fraudulences]”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
348. Subject Same
Translation: Sa’yeb b Abi Sa’yeb (r.a.) told
Rasulullah (s.a.) that we were doing business during the days of ignorance but
you never deceived me or wrangled with me [as other people do in business].
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
349. Subject Same
Translation: Umme Salmah (r.a.) narrates that
Rasulullah (s.a.) was in her house. He (s.a.) called for the maidservant [It was
not clear who was her owner-she or Rasulullah (s.a.)]. She delayed in respond.
Signs of displeasure appeared on his (s.a.) face. Umme Salamah (r.a.) realized
it and went up to the curtain and found that she was playing. The slave-girl
came and Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If I would have not fear of thy revenge on
the Day of Judgment, I would have beaten you with this Miswak [tooth-brush]
that he (s.a.) had in his hand at that time”.
[From Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
Explanatory Note: This anger was for his own
self, as she did not respond to his call. If he had punished her in that state,
he (s.a.) would have been held accountable on the Day of Qayamah. That is why,
he (s.a.) foregone with the punishment. Earlier, we have shared a Hadith that
Rasulullah (s.a.) never revenged from any one for his personal sake or in an
other Hadith it is ordained that a person who hits his slave will be revenged
on the Day of Judgment.
[next]
350. The importance of human rights
Translation: From Abu Hurairah(r.a.). Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “O Allah! I have taken a promise from You and [I am sure] You will
not go against that. I am a human being. If I have hurt any one or told
something wrong or have cursed him or lashed him, transform that action of
torment into Rahmah, or pardon him or make it a means to come closer to You for
that oppressed soul”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This is the importance of
human rights. If someone got hurt or hit accidentally or out of ignorance or
the oppressed one is not known so that he is approached for forgiveness,
Rasulullah (s.a.) is praying to Allah to make it the source of Maghfirah
[pardon] for the tormented soul.
In this respect what Rasulullah (s.a.) did at
the time of his death is quite exemplary for us. He was seriously suffering
from fever and headache. He tied his head with handkerchief due to severity of
pain. In this state he asked Fazal b Abbas (r.a.), “Take me to Masjid and get
the people gathered together”.
When the people assembled, he (s.a.) went up to
the pulpit and after glorifying Allah (SWT) said, “Soon I will be departing
from you. So if I have lashed any one ‘s back, my back is here, come and take
the revenge. If I have cursed anyone unrightfully, come forward and take his
revenge. If I owe some one something, come forward and get it from me. Have no
fear that I will retaliate after that. It is against my position”.
“One who takes his right from me in this world,
will be the most beloved to me or forgives me with pleasure so that I return to
my Lord happily”.
O the people! The one who has usurped the rights
of others, return it back to him now without least bothering of disgrace in
this world otherwise, he should be prepared for the disgrace on the Day of
Judgment and that would be very harsh and horrible”.
[next]
351. The economic life of a da’ee
Translation: Suhail b Saa’d (r.a.) reports,
“Since the time Rasulullah (s.a.) became Prophet he didn’t see the fine flour”.
He further added, “Since the time Rasulullah (s.a.) became Prophet, he never
eat flour without brawn till his death”.
People asked, “How you were eating flour with
brawn?”
He replied, “We used to crush the barley and
blow the flour with mouth. Some brawn was blown away and with the remaining we
used to cook our bread and eat”.
[From Bukha’ri]
Explanatory Note: The question arises that why
Rasulullah (s.a.) did not use brawn-less flour and never saw the refined flour?
Was the wheat not available to him (s.a.)?
In fact, he could get everything but he (s.a.)
did not like it.
He wanted to educate the Ummah to lead a life of
simplicity and save from the luxuries. Simultaneously, it should also be
clearly understood that those who undertake to work for the Deen of Allah, face
the situation where they may meet starvation, hardship and many kinds of
trial and tribulations. As such, the da’ee must always be ready to encounter
these eventualities. Only one who has sustained a life of hardship will come
out successful from such toiling situations.
[next]
352. Subject Same
Translation: Noama’n b Bashir (r.a.) reports
that once Umar b Khatt’ab (r.a.) commented about the fact that how much wealth
people have amassed today but I have seen Rasulullah (s.a.) hardly getting some
dates, even of low quality, throughout the day to satisfy his hunger”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: Such situations are always
confronted with the people who call their fellow travelers to the fold of their
Creator and Sustainer.
[next]
353. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that
very often it happened that the inmates of Rasulullah (s.a.) did not kindle
either a lamp or fire in their oven [for days or months together]. If they
could get some olive oil, they used to rub it on their head.
[From Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Vol. IV]
Explanatory Note: This was the condition when
the struggle between Haqq and Batil [right and wrong] was in full swing and
entire concentration was to promote the Deen of Allah. Only dates and water
were available for sustenance. Hardly, there was time for cooking food.
[next]
354. Subject Same
Translation: Shifaa’ b Abdullah (r.a.) narrates
that I went to Rasulullah (s.a.) to get some help from him but he (s.a.)
regretted. I was not satisfied and, therefore, insisted with some roughness.
When the time for Salah arrived I left and went to the house of my daughter and
found her husband, Shurahbeel b Hasnah (r.a.) in the home. I exhorted him, “It
is the time of Salah and you are still sitting in the home”.
He told, “O Aunt! Don’t condemn me. I had only
one shirt that Rasulullah (s.a.) had taken form me temporarily. I had no other
shirt and that is why I could not go to the Masjid”.
She said, “My father and mother be sacrificed
for him (s.a.). Today I was angry upon him (s.a.) and I had no idea about his
condition.
Shurahbeel (r.a.) said, “I have only one torn
shirt and that too has patches on it”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabra’ni &
Baihaqi]
[next]
355. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah (s.a.) slept on a mat. When he (s.a.) got up, we saw the
impressions of mat on his side, we asked, “O Prophet of Allah! How would you
like, if we arrange a quilted bedding for you?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “What I
have to do with the world? I am here like a wayfarer who rests awhile under the
shadow f a tree and then proceeds ahead, leaving the tree and its shadow
behind”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: This incident, perhaps,
pertains to the time when the struggle between Islam and idolatry has come to
an end, old Jahilyah [ignorance] was totally annihilated and Islam was
dominating everywhere. Muslims were controlling the political authority. In
this condition, Rasulullah (s.a.) is presenting a model for his Ummah as how
they should live and treat the life of this world.
[next]
356. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) performed Hajj in the broken saddle of the camel and old
sheets that hardly could cost more than four Durham.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: This is the occasion of the
last Hajj of Rasulullah (s.a.). See his (s.a.) simplicity at the time when the
entire country was under the domination of Islam.
[next]
357. Subject Same
Translation: Umro b Harith (r.a.) reports that
when Rasulullah (s.a.) died, He did not left behind Durham or Dinar, a slave or
a slave girl or any other thing except a female mule of white color which he
(s.a.) was using for riding, his armory and some plot of land that too he
(s.a.) gave in Sadaqah in the way of Allah.
[From Bukhari]
[next]
358. Subject Same
Translation: From Anas b Malik (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No one was more terrorized in the way of Allah than me
(s.a.) and no one was more tormented for calling in the way of Allah than me
(s.a.).
There were thirty days and nights when Bilal
(r.a.) and me (s.a.) had nothing to eat except something that Bilal (r.a.) was
holding under his arms”.
[From Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: This was perhaps some journey
of Rasulullah (s.a.) for Dawah Ilallah in the company of Bilal (r.a.). It was a
very hard time for Rasulullah (s.a.) and he sustained a lot of physical and
mental torture. During the journey, he had no food except some handful of
dates.
This Hadith further brings to limelight the
inevitability of trials and torments in the way of Dawah Ilallah. Rasulullah
(s.a.) encountered this difficult situation during this journey and every da’ee
must always be prepared to face the same situation when the stalwarts of Batil
and the vested interests are challenged to yield to the forces of Haqq.
[next]
359. Subject Same
Translation: Kaa’b b Ujrah (r.a.) reports that
he came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and saw his depressed face.
I told, “My father be sacrificed upon you! Why
you feel so depressed?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I have taken no food
during the last three days”.
He says, “Then I went out to arrange something
for him (s.a.). I saw that a Jew is serving water to his camels. I bargained
with the Jew to draw water for him in lieu of one date for each bucket. Thus, I
collected some dates and brought them to Rasulullah (s.a.)”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “From where you got
them, O Kaa’b?” Then I narrated the background.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then said, “O Kaa’b! Do you
love me?’ I said, “Yes. My father is sacrificed upon you”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Those who love me
encounter poverty and hunger faster than the speed of water that flows down to
the slope.
O Kaa’b! You have to face the trials and
troubles, so prepare yourself to encounter the poverty, the hunger and the
economic hardship [that are inevitable milestones in the way of Dawah Ilallah
and the struggle for the Deen of Allah]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabra’ni]
Explanatory Note: The tools to counteract the
economic scarcity and the financial loses are:
* Love for Allah;
* Concern for Akhirah;
* Remembrance of the day of accountability;
* Fear of the Hellfire;
* Un-satiable Desire to get into Jannah;
* An all-pervasive hope to meet Allah (SWT)
* An ever-present and constantly agitating and
increasing urge to get the Deen of Allah Established, even at the cost of one’s
life and Property.
[next]
CHAPTER – XIII
THE MODEL OF PROPHET’S COMPANIONS
360. Make Sahabah your Model
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) advises,
“One who wants to follow someone must follow the one who is dead due to the
fact that so far he is alive, there is every possibility that he may deviate
and fall in a fitnah [trial].
Those who are to be followed are the companions
of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.). They were the most accomplished personalities of
the Ummah. They were obedient to Allah, had deep understanding of the Deen and
were free from all kinds of formalities. Allah (SWT) selected them to be the
companions of His Prophet (s.a.) to struggle for the establishment of His Deen.
So O Muslims! Acknowledge their position, follow
their footsteps and hold their morals and character fast as they were on the
straight path of guidance”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) had
a long life. When he saw that most of the Sahabah have died and more we are
getting away from the time of Prophethood, the more the people are infested
with evil deeds and different group of people are making different people their
religious Imams. That is why he told the people to follow the companions of
Prophet (s.a.), make them your guide and Imams and adopt their character and
manners.
[next]
361. Do everything for the pleasure of Allah
Translation: Abu Idrees Khawla’ni (RA) reports,
“I entered in the Ja’me Masjid of Damascus and saw a person whose tooth were
white and shining, surrounded by a lot of people. These people were arguing
amongst themselves and when there was difference of opinion, they refer to the
aforesaid person and whatever he opined, they accepted it”. I asked, “Who is
that person”? I was told that he was Maa’z b Jabal (r.a.).
Next day I reached Masjid for Zuhr Salah at the
beginning hours and found he was ahead of me present in the Masjid and was
offering prayer. When he finished his Salah, I went near him and said Salam to
him. Then I said, “By Allah! I love you”.
He said, “Yes, for Allah sake?” I said, “Yes,
for Allah’s sake” He asked this question two times and each time I replied the
same way.
He then caught my cover-sheet and pulled me
towards him and said, “It is a glad tidings for you. I have heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying that Allah (SWT) declares, “I indeed love those who love for Me,
meet together only for Me and expend on each other only for Me”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muwatta Imam Malik]
[next]
362. Satanic Attack on Iman
Translation: Abdullah b Abbas (r.a.) narrated
that a person came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of Allah! So many
bad thoughts occurred to my heart that I prefer to be charcoaled than to put
them on my tongue”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Thanks to Allah that He
transformed these thoughts of a Mumin into doubt and suspicion”.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: A person realizing that he is
being empowered by ideas that are against Iman and Islam, rushed to Rasulullah
(s.a.). He (s.a.) consoled him and told not to worry about it. This is the way
the devil attacks on the Iman by creating suspicion. So the devil will not stop
from doing his job. The job of the Mumin is to get rid of such feelings as they
occur in his mind. The occurrence of such thoughts is not bad as they are
inevitable. But it would be not correct, if the heart and mind are kept open as
the breeding ground for such thoughts and feelings and nurture them.
[next]
363. Passing of evil thoughts in the heart
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) reports that
some companions of Prophet (s.a.) came to him (s.a.) and informed: “Sometimes
such bad thoughts occur to our mind that we cannot describe them”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Is it really so?” They
said, “Yes”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “This is the real Iman”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: It means that incurring of
evil thoughts in your heart confirms that you have the treasure of Iman
therein. The Devil wants to deprive you from your treasure by creating
suspicion. This is not the matter to be worried about. You are to do your job
and Satan will continue to do his work. You just continue to struggle against
satanic suspicions on a continuous basis and that is sufficient.
[next]
364. Directives from Allah are easy
Translation: Umaimah b Ruqaiqah (r.a.) reports
that she along with some other women made commitment to Rasulullah (s.a.) to
follow Deen and its obligations.
While the process of commitment making was in
progress, Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Do only that what is possible on your part”.
I said, “Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) are more
kind to us than what we can be to ourselves”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: What Umaimah (r.a.) wanted to
say is this that Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) are more sincere to us than what
we are to ourselves. Directives coming from them can never be beyond our
capacity and hence this extra qualification is not necessary.
This is the process of thinking of the Sahabah
and Sahabiyat of Rasulullah (s.a.). How correctly Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.)
said about the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.), “They were the men of knowledge
and deep understanding of the Deen of Allah”.
[next]
365. What is hypocrisy?
Translation: Muhammad b Zaid reports that some
people came to my grandfather Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) and asked, “How is that
that when we are in the presence of Sultan, we say something else and when we
are out, we say some thing else?”
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) said, “At the time of
Rasulullah (s.a.) we used to call it Nifaq [hypocrisy]”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari]
Explanatory Note: “Sultan” means the heads of
the State of Banu Umayyah. Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) was alive and saw many
cotemporary kings of Banu Umayyah who were not running their kingdom on the
pattern of Khilafah Rashedeen [the guided caliphs]. By that time, a lot of
corruption had entered into the body politic of the Khilafah.
[next]
366. Subject Same
Translation: Qatada (RA) [a Ta’beyee -the one
who has seen the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.) in his lifetime] reports that
someone asked Abdullah b Umar (r.a.), “Have the companions of Prophet (s.a.)
been laughing?” He (r.a.) replied, “Yes. And the Iman was cemented in their hearts,
stronger than mountain”. Bilal b Sa’d (r.a.) reports that he had seen the
companions of Prophet (s.a.) competing in race and found them laughing with
each other but when the night fell they were like monks [priests]”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: It is generally understood
that those who fear Allah should not laugh or compete in games or be involved
in something like that as these things fall into the category of worldly
affairs. That is why these questions were asked. In reply, it was confirmed that
laughing and competing in race or participating in archery or spear throwing
exercises are not the worldly engagements but they are the integral part of
Deen. Hence, Sahabah were pre-occupied with these undertakings during the
daytime and during night they were engrossed in Nawafil Salah, Munaja’t
[prayers], reciting the Qur’an and the remembrance of Allah. They were the
fighters in the way of Allah, the Ghazi of the day, but priests of the night.
[next]
367. Modesty in matters of Haqq
Translation: Abdur Rahman b Aauf (r.a.) reports
that the companions of Prophet (s.a.) were neither close hearted nor narrow
minded nor they used to keep themselves looking like down trodden. They were
reciting and listening poetry and sharing the life and the history of Jahilyah.
But if something unreasonable was told about their Deen, they were bursting
with anger as if they have become mad.
[From Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells that Sahabah
were not reserve like the elders and religious leaders of other religions or
sects who do not talk or speak to others and found always sitting head down as
if they are in deep meditation. The Sahabah were open minded, meeting the
people and were not sitting in a corner head down. . They were listening and
reciting poetry and discussing the shortcomings of the Deen and the life
pattern of old Jahiliyah. But their most prominent characteristic was that they
had the love and the sense of modesty about their Deen. They had little sense
of compromise and nor were they hypocrites in the matters of Deen. If anyone
talked against their Deen with disrespect, it was just intolerable for them.
[next]
368. The Living condition of Sahabah
Translation: Bakr b Abdullah (RA) narrates that
the companions of Prophet (s.a.) used to throw the peel of muskmelon on each
other [for the sake of enjoyment] but at the time of defending Islam, they were
very serious.
[Al-Adab Al-Mufrad]
Explanatory Note: It means that the companions
of Prophet (s.a.) were human beings and they were behaving and enjoying
themselves like humans but when the question of defending Deen or Ummah was
before them, they used to meet the issues with all seriousness that the
situation was demanding. They were extraordinarily brave in counteracting the
challenging situations.
[next]
369. Following the Prophet (s.a.)
Translation: The people of Koofah [a city in
Iraq, inhabited by Umar (r.a.)] complained to Umar b Khattab (r.a.) about Saa’d
b Waqa’s (r.a.) [who was the governor of Koofah]. Umar (r.a.) replaced him by
Amma’r b Ya’sir (r.a.).
The people of Koofah also complained against
Ya’sir (r.a.) that he was not offering Salah properly. Umar (r.a.) asked him
[Ya’sir (r.a.)], “O Abu Isha’q! [Sir name of Ya’sir (r.a.)] These people are
complaining that you are not offering Salah properly”. Amma’r (r.a.) replied,
“By Allah! I am leading their Salah the way Rasulullah (s.a.) used to offer
Salah. I offer the first two Rakaa’ of Maghrib and Isha slowly and peacefully
and the third and the fourth Rakaa’ of Isha, I offer lightly”.
Umar (R) said, “O Abu Isha’q! I have the
presumption that you are leading the Salah as per the tradition of Prophet
(s.a.). Umar (r.a.) sent some people in the company of Ya’sir (r.a.) to inquire
into this issue. They went to every Masjid of Koofah and asked about the
matter. They found that all were in praise of Ibne Ya’sir.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
370. Subject Same
Translation: From Al-Hanzaliyah (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Khuraimu Al-Usadi (r.a.) is a nice person if he would
have not long hairs on his head and his Tahbund [a cloth worn around the waist
like a kilt] not been below his ankles”.
When Al-Khuraimu (r.a.) heard about the comments
of Rasulullah (s.a.), he took the raiser and cut his hair up to his ears and
folded his Tahbund up to half calf.
[From Riyadh Al-Saleheen]
[next]
371. Subject Same
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) narrates that when
Rasulullah (s.a.) reached the location of Bani Umro b Aauf, it was Wednesday.
At that point Rasulullah (s.a.) addressed the people, “O the People of Ansa’r!”
They responded, “O the Prophet of Allah! We are
present”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “During the time of
Jahiliyah when you were not worshipping Allah, you were supporting the week and
helpless, sharing your wealth with poor and helping the wayfarer. But now when
Allah has given you Tawfeeq [favor] to have Iman in Allah and His Prophet
(s.a.), you are raising walls of protection around your gardens. Look here, if
a person eats fruits from your garden, you will get Ajr [reward] for it and if
the birds and beasts eat, you will also get Ajr for that.”
Jabir (r.a.) reported that when Ansa’r heard
this exhortation of Rasulullah (s.a.), they demolished the doors of their
gardens. They were thirty in number that were raised to the ground.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ha’kim]
[next]
372. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) narrates
that whenever Rasulullah (s.a.) gave me some gift, I asked him (s.a.), “O
Prophet of Allah! Give it to someone who is more needy than me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Take it. Whenever some
wealth does not come to you in the manner that you haven’t asked for it nor
were you expecting it, you can accept it and keep it with you. Then if you like
you can treasure it or give it in Sadaqah. And that you don’t get, don’t bear
any greed for it”.
Sa’lim (r.a.), the son of Abdullah b Umar (r.a.)
reports, “That is why my father never asked anything from anyone and if anyone
gave him without asking for it, he would not return”.
[From Bukha’ri & Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith explains that if
something comes without demand or without any greed, then it should not be
rejected. But if there is a desire or expectation that such person should give
you mal [wealth], in that situation, if he gets from that person, he should not
accept it.
[next]
373. Salam to children
Translation: Whenever Anas b Malik (r.a.) passed
by children, he used to greet them with Salam and say, “Rasulullah (s.a.) used
to do like that”
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
374. Following of Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: It is said about Abdullah b Umar
(r.a.) that when, traveling between Makkah and Madinah, he reached a particular
tree, he used to rest a while under its shadow and say,” Rasulullah (s.a.) was
also doing like that”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Baza’r]
Explanatory Note: It was not the case that when
he reached there during day time, he would take rest under the tree but he used
to take rest a while under that tree, irrespective of the fact whether it was
day or night. It doesn’t mean that he was not aware of the intricacies of the
concept of “following the Prophet of Allah”. In fact, he was doing it out of
love for Rasulullah (s.a.) and it is a well-known fact that love is above
reasoning or intellect.
[next]
375. Subject Same
Translation: The reputed Ta’beyee Mujahid (RA)
reports that once he was traveling with Abdullah b Umar (r.a.). When he reached
a particular place, he turned and went in one direction.
It was then asked from him, “Why you did it?”
He said, “I saw Rasulullah (s.a.) doing this
way, so I did it”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
376. Subject Same
Translation: The reputed Ta’beyee, Ibne Seereen,
(RA) reports that he was with Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) in the Arafat. When, in
the afternoon, he proceeded to Masjid Namrah, I accompanied him. The Imam [of
the Masjid] came and he offered the Salah of Zohr and Asr together with the
Imam.
We then stayed in Arafat till the Chief of the
Hajj started for Muzdalfah and we accompanied him. On the wayside, when Ibne
Umar (r.a.) reached near a narrow pass, he got his camel to sit. We thought
that perhaps he wants to offer Salah at this point.
His servant who was holding his camel’s strings
[Nakkail] said, “He has no intention to offer Salah at this point but it reminded
him that when Rasulullah (s.a.) reached to this point during his Hajj, he
(s.a.) stopped his camel at this point and went for meeting the natural call.
Ibne Umar (r.a.), out of love for Rasulullah (s.a.), wants to do the same way”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
377. Subject Same
Translation: Urwah b Abdullah b Quoshair reports
that Mua’via b Qurrah narrated from his father that he [Qurrah, the father of
Mua’via] went to Rasulullah (s.a.) with a Jamaah of the tribe of Muzainah and
committed for Islam on his (s.a.) hands [had Bai’yah]. At that time the button
of his (s.a.) chemise [shirt] were opened and he then touched the Seal of the
Prophethood.
Urwah who has narrated this Hadith said that for
this reason he had seen Mua’via and his son always wearing shirt with open
buttons, irrespective of the fact whether it was winter or summer.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Ma’ja, Ibne
Heban]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells how
meticulously the Sahabah were following the traditions of Rasulullah (s.a.).
They did not know any logic and reasoning. They had only one concern that how
the beloved Rasulullah (s.a.) behaves or lives. Otherwise, they were aware of
the fact when the buttons are to be closed and when to be kept opened.
The famous Urdu poet, Jiggar Muradabadi [UP,
India] has put this concept very beautifully in a couplet”
“Dekhna parta hai andaze nigahey yar ko” [Have
to see how the beloved casts his sight with what angle and vision]
[next]
378. Subject Same
Translation: Zaid b Aslam (RA) reports that he
saw Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) offering Salah and the buttons of his shirt were
open. I asked him about it. Ibne Umar (r.a.) said, “I have seen Rasulullah
(s.a.) living or doing this way”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Sahee Ibne Khazima]
[next]
379. Service to fellow travelers
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports, “Once
he was traveling with Jurair b Abdullah Al-Bajalli. During the journey he
served me”. I asked him, “Why he is doing like that?”
He said, “I have seen Ansa’r serving Rasulullah
(s.a.). Since then I have pledged to serve Ansa’r when I am traveling with
them”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
380. Good treatment with prisoners
Translation: Abu Aziz b Umair (r.a.), brother of
Musa’b b Umair (r.a.), reported that I was also captured by Muslims in the
Battle of Badr. And Rasulullah (s.a.) directed for better treatment with the
captives. I was accommodated with some people of Ansa’r. They were arranging
bread for me while they themselves were eating dates only as Rasulullah (s.a.)
advised them to deal nicely with the POWs.
[From Tabra’ni]
[next]
381. Obedience to Rasulullah (s.a.)
Translation: Jabir (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.), in the year of Conquest, set out for Makkah during the month
of Ramadan till he reached Kura’ul Ghumaim [a place on the way to Makkah] and
Rasulullah (s.a.) and all the Mujahedeen were fasting. He then asked for a cup
of water, raised it up till the people look towards it then he
(s.a.) drank it and broke his fast.
Afterwards, he was informed that some people had
not broken their fast.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “They are disobedient”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: Allah (SWT) has permitted the
wayfarer not to keep fast and prescribed that those who are traveler should
complete it in other days. This journey occurred in Ramadan. It was not for
trade purpose but was to fight against idolaters and conquer Makkah. If they
had not broken their fast, it would have an unpleasant effect in the
battlefield. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) broke the fast intentionally and
people saw it. There was, therefore, no question to continue fasting That was
the clear violation of his (s.a.) command. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) said
that they were disobedient and the disobedience of Rasulullah (s.a.) is the
disobedience of Allah. This Hadith also tells that the central focus is the
obedience of the Prophet (s.a.). Setting aside Sunnah of Rasulullah (s.a.),
whatsoever Ebadah one can have, it has no meaning with Allah.
[next]
382. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
when Rasulullah
(s.a.) got the information that the caravan of
Abu Sufyan had already set out from Syria on its way to Makkah with most modern
arms and ample provision, he (s.a.) consulted Sahabah.
Saa’d b Obadah (r.a.) got up and said, “O the
Prophet of Allah! By Allah, Who controls my life, if you command us to
penetrate into the ocean, we will grapple with its waves; if you command us to
go up to “Barakil Ghamad” for fighting, we will go there happily”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: “Barakil Ghamad” is a place
faraway from Madinah.
[next]
383. Subject Same
Translation: Tariq b Shehab (RA) reports that he
heard Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) saying, “I have seen such a great performance
of Miqdad b Aswad (r.a.) that I wished I would have acted accordingly as it was
dearest to me than all other things.
He came to Rasulullah (s.a.) when he (s.a.) was
exhorting and inviting the people for Jihad against idolaters.
He [Miqdad (r.a.)] said, “I will not say the way
the people of Moses said: “You go and your lord and fight”[Al-Maidah: 24], nay,
we will fight at your right, at your left, in your front and in your back”.
At this moment, I saw the face of Rasulullah
(s.a.) was glowing with pleasure”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This incident happened before
the Battle of Badr. Rasulullah (s.a.) first got the news that the trade caravan
of Abu Sufyan is coming from Syria with only forty people. While he (s.a.) was
discussing how to check it, he (s.a.) got the news that an army of about a
thousand people had set out from Makkah to fight against Muslims and crush
them. These words of determination were uttered by Miqdad (r.a.) at that
occasion. He meant to say that we are nor escapist. We will obey all your
directives/commands and will be ever prepared to sacrifice our life for you. We
will prove our royalty under all conditions.
[next]
384. Invitation to revive Iman
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
Abdullah b Rawaha (r.a.) whenever he met the companion of the Prophet (s.a.), he
used to ask him, “Come, let us have Iman on our Lord for a while”.
One day he invited someone the same way. That
person became angry and he came to Rasulullah (s.a.) for complain and said, “O
Prophet of Allah! Look what Ibne Rawaha (r.a.) is saying, Instead of having
Iman for the whole of life, he is inviting to have Iman only for a while”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah’s mercy be upon
Ibne Rawaha! He was inviting you to have a religious gathering for a while. He
loves such meetings that are loved by angels”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: What Abdullah b Rawaha (r.a.)
meant to say was this: let us sit together and revive our Iman for a while. It
could be done through memorization of Allah, remembering His favors and
increasing the knowledge of Deen. In other words his invitation was to have
religious gathering, discussing and understanding what Allah and His Prophet
demand. That companion of Prophet (s.a.) could not understand Ibne Rawaha
(r.a.) and complained to Rasulullah (s.a.) and he (s.a.) explained what Rawaha
(r.a.) meant by his invitation.
There is another aspect of this incident that
needs our attention. Had that person complained to Rasulullah (s.a.) that
instead of using plain language, Ibne Rawaha (r.a.) is talking in figurative
hints? Nay, but he said to Rasulullah
(s.a.) that your Dawah of Iman is eternal and to
remain steadfast with Iman for all time to come. It looks strange to him when
Ibne Rawaha (r.a.) invited him for Iman for a while.
The point to carry out is this that an ordinary
Muslim of that time knew it well that his (s.a.) Dawah is for all times and for
the whole of life what to say of other companions of Prophet (s.a.) who were
the luminaries of that time and struggling for the whole of their life for
establishing the Deen of Allah in the four corners of the world. Let us pause a
while and think where the Muslims of today stand? Are they carrying out the
mission of Rasulullah (s.a.) as mission of their life and what sacrifices they
have rendered or are rendering in that respect. May Allah give us Tawfeeq
[favor] to follow the footprints of Prophet (s.a.) and that of his beloved
companions ceaselessly.
[next]
385. The Greatness of Deeni Ijtimaat [religious
gatherings]
Translation: Mua’via (r.a.) reports Rasulullah
came to a group of his companions who were sitting in a Halaqa [circle]. He
(s.a.) asked them, “Why are you all sitting here?”
They replied, “Sitting over here, we are
remembering Allah, glorifying Him and expressing our gratitude for His guidance
towards Islam and for the favors that He had showered upon us”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “By Allah! Are you
sitting here really for that purpose?” People replied, “By Allah! We are
sitting here only for that purpose”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I haven’t asked to
swear for the reason that I don’t believe you but Gabriel just came to me and
communicated that Allah (SWT) feels proud of you in the sitting of angels”.
[From Muslim, Tirmizi & Nisa’i]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith refers to
“Zikrullah”, meaning remembrance of Allah. This word has been used both in the
Qur’an and Hadith with comprehensive connotations. It includes remembrance of
Allah, reciting recommended prayers, learning and teaching of the Qur’an and
Islam, considering over the subject of spreading the Deen of Allah, the issues
that the Muslim Ummah and the Islamic Movements are facing all around and the
overall struggle for Iqamatuddeen, the way Rasulullah (s.a.) and his beloved
companions have carried it out for the whole of their life. In fact, Zikrullah
is a very comprehensive terminology but unfortunately Muslims have restricted
its connotation to some rituals only.
“Feeling proud in the sitting of angels,” means
that Allah tells His angels, “Look these are my servants. They are busy in
remembering me through learning and spreading My Deen and sustaining all
eventualities in that way and sacrificing their time, talents and resources in
My way. Allah (SWT) feels proud of such people and such gatherings and showers
His blessing on both. What a blessed gatherings they are!
[next]
386. Tableegh and the zeal for acquiring
knowledge
Translation: Braa' b A’zib (r.a.) says,
“Everyone of us was not attending the meetings of Rasulullah (s.a.) and his
teachings thereto. We had lands and properties and that kept us busy.
But those who used to attend his (s.a.) meetings
and heard his (s.a.) talks were not untruthful. This way those who were
attending the meetings of Rasulullah (s.a.) and listening his (s.a.) talks used
to communicate those who were absent. [They had the urge to teach the Deen of
Allah and others had the unquenchable thirst to learn the Deen]
[From Baihaqi]
[next]
387. No trust on the liars
Translation: Qatada (r.a.) reports that Anas b
Malik (r.a.) narrated a Hadith.
A person asked, “Have you heard this Hadith from
Rasulullah (s.a.)?”
Anas (r.a.) said, “Yes, or he said that this
Hadith had been communicated to me from the person who did not speak lies. By
Allah! We never spoke lies and we did not know
what lie was?”
[From Baihaqi]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells us how much
precaution people used to take in reporting Hadith from Rasulullah (s.a.). They
never narrated false tradition and those who were listening also used to get it
verified thoroughly. This Hadith also tells that those who speak lie are
untrustworthy and any thing narrated by such people should not be communicated
to others, taking it as correct.
[next]
388. Subject Same
Translation: A woman came to Rasulullah (s.a.)
and said, “O Prophet of Allah! All your education and training are for men. Set
a day for us also when you teach us the guidance from Allah.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “You all gather together
on such and such day”.
So they gathered, Rasulullah taught them about
the Deen of Allah and also said, “If three children of a woman die and she
bears with patience, these children will save her from the Hellfire.”
A woman asked, “If two children of a woman had
died, then?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The same will apply also in that case”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This is the model of women at
the time of Rasulullah (s.a.). They had the concern to learn about Deen. They
sent a woman as their representative to Rasulullah (s.a.) to talk in this
respect. They knew it well that the Deen of Allah is for both men and women and
the sanctity of men will not save women. We all are accountable separately.
Neither of them will share the burden of either of them.
[next]
389. Protection of tongue
Translation: Aslam (r.a.), the free slave of
Umar (r.a.), reports that one day Umar (R) went to see Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.)
and saw that he was pulling his tongue.
Umar (r.a.) asked, “What are you doing? May
Allah pardon you!! Abu Bakr (r.a.) said, “This tongue has landed me in
trouble”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: Through tongue man commits a
lot of mistakes. Sometimes it does backbiting. Sometimes it utters unethical
words. Very often tongue is quite free to cause so many lapses. If a person has
Iman in his heart, he repents a lot afterward. Such was the situation with Abu
Bakr (r.a.) when he was punishing it. This Hadith pinpoints that incident.
[next]
390. Subject Same:
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) went to Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) at the time when he
was cursing his slaves.
Rasulullah (s.a.) addressing him said, “Being a
Siddiq you are cursing. Both [Siddiqiyat and cursing] cannot go together. By
Allah, the Lord of Kaa’ba! Your action does not suit your position”.
Abu Bakr Siddiq(r.a.) freed all the slaves whom
he was cursing on that date. Then he came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “I am
sorry [he repented]. Such mistakes will never occur”.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
391. Salam
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
when we traveled with Rasulullah (s.a.) [and if some of is out of sight for a
while and then appears used to say “Assalamu Alaikum”. We all had the same
attitude] and if there was a tree between two of us, we used to say Salam as
soon as coming across again.
[Al-Targheeb Al-Tarheeb” Tabrani]
[next]
392. Pardon and Forgiveness
Translation: Oyaynah b Hasin(r.a.) went to his
nephew Hurr b Qais (r.a.) who was very close to Umar (r.a.). Hurr was a learned
scholar of the Qur’an and was the adviser to Umar (r.a.). The scholars of the
Qur’an were the advisers of Umar (r.a.), irrespective of the fact whether they
are elderly or youthful.
Oyaynah (r.a.) asked his nephew [Hurr b Qais
(r.a.)], “O my nephew! You are close to Umar (r.a.), get permission for me to
see him”. Omar (r.a.) permitted Oyaynah to see him.
Oyaynah saw Omar (r.a.) and during conversation
he said, “O Ibne Khattab! You are neither giving us mal [cash] in abundance nor
treating us with justice”. Umar (r.a.) was enraged and intended to punish
Oyaynah.
Hurr b Qais (r.a.) said, “O Amirul Mumineen!
Allah (SWT) addressing His Prophet (s.a.) has ordained, “Keep to forgiveness (O
Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant” [Al-Aira’f:
199] Hurr (r.a.) added, “This man is ignorant, so pardon him”. Hearing this
Verse from the Qur’an, Umar (r.a.) cooled down and pardoned him [Oyaynah].
[From Bukhari – Narrated by Ibne Abbas (r.a.)]
[next]
393. Subject Same
Translation: Khalid b Walid (r.a.) reports that
he was talking
with Amma’r b Ya’sir (r.a.), I became harsh with
him.
Amma’r went to Rasulullah (s.a.) for complaint
against me.
Khalid (r.a.) also came afterward and he heard
Ibne Ya’sir complaining to Rasulullah (s.a.) against me. He [Khalid (r.a.)] in
the presence of Rasulullah (s.a.) started rebuking Ya’sir rather, more
intensely. Rasulullah (s.a.) was keeping silence, saying nothing.
At this point, Ya’sir (r.a.) broke, started
crying and said, “O Prophet of Allah! Don’t you see Khalid (r.a.)?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) raised his head and said, “One
who will have enmity against Amma’r (r.a.), Allah will be his enemy and who has
malice against Amma’r (r.a.), Allah will have grudge against him”. Khalid
(r.a.) says that after hearing this from Rasulullah (s.a.), I rushed out. Now
the most beloved thing to me was how to get Amma’r (r.a.) pleased. I met him
and apologized for my harsh talks and he [Amma’r(r.a.)] forgave me and was
pleased.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
394. Education of Forgiveness
Translation: Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrates that a
person was bitterly accusing Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) and Rasulullah (s.a.) was
sitting with him astonishing and smiling. When that person became excessive,
Abu Bakr (r.a.) responded in retaliation and Rasulullah (s.a.) left the place
with anger.
Abu Bakr (r.a.) [immediately] followed and
asked, “O Prophet of Allah! While he was cursing me in your presence, you were
smiling and when I retaliated you became angry and left the place”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) told, “So far you were silent,
an angel was responding to him [on your behalf]. But when you retaliated, the
angel left and Satan took the place”.
[From Mishkat]
[next]
395. Patience
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that a
son of Abu Talha (r.a.) was sick. He left for a journey and meanwhile, the son
died. When Abu Talha (r.a.) returned, he asked, “How is my son?”
Umme Sulaim (r.a.), the mother of the child
replied, “He is more comfortable than what he was”. She served food to him and
he took his dinner at ease and lived with her. Then she said, “Take your son
and bury him”. [This so much is as per Bukha’ri]
In the tradition as reported by Muslim it says
in addition: The son of Abu Talha (r.a.) from Umme Sulaim (r.a.) died. She said
to her people, “No one should communicate the news about the son to Abu Talha
(r.a.). I will do it myself”.
When he came back [from his journey], she served
food to him. He took his dinner. She decorated herself very nicely and he lived
with her. And when he was in complete repose, she said, “O Abu Talha(r.a.)!
“Tell me, if someone has given something on loan to someone and he now wants it
back, has he [the borrower] any right to refuse to return [to lender]?” Abu
Talha (r.a.) said, “No”. He has no right to keep the borrowed thing”.
Then, Umme Sulaim (r.a.) said, “Your child who
was like a trust with you, Allah has taken it back. You should have patience
and expect the reward in the Akhirah”.
[From Riad As-Saleheen]
[next]
396. Etiquettes of meeting
Translation: Jabir b Samrah (r.a.) reports that
it was our tradition that whosoever attended the meetings of Rasulullah (s.a.)
used to sit at the rear [at the back of others]. [No unwanted movements and not
trying to sit near Rasulullah (s.a.) after jumping over the necks and shoulders
of others, already sitting around him (s.a.)]
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
397. Fulfillment of the Commitment
Translation: From Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “The best are the people of my time [meaning Sahabah]
then those people who will come after the people of my time [meaning Ta’beyeen]
then those who will come after them [meaning Tabaa’ Ta’beyeen]. He (s.a.)
repeated it three to four times.
Then some people will come whose witness will
have preference over their oath and their oath will have preference over their
witness”.
Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) adds, “Our guardians
[forefathers] used to punish children for false oath taking or standing for
false witness and not fulfilling their commitments”.
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: It means the people will lose
the importance of the solemnity of witness and sanctity of making commitment.
They will stand for false witness and will not fulfill their promises.
[next]
398. Simplicity
Translation: Abdur Roomy (RA) reports that I
went to Umme Talaq (r.a.) and asked, “Why the roof of your house is so low?”
She (r.a.) said, “O my son! Amirul Mumineen,
Umar b Khattab (r.a.) directed his governors not to build high-rise buildings.
If you do so, it would be your bad time”.
[From Adabul Mufrad]
Explanatory Note: The manifestation of wealth
will be in the form of high-rise buildings and it will be leading to world
worshipping and a death knell to the concept of love for Akhirah. Umar (r.a.)
put these restrictions to save the Ummah from falling into these pitfalls.
[next]
399. Kindness to animals
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
whenever we had stoppage during our journey, we had first to relief our animals
from their burden before we involved in the remembrance and glorifying Allah.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: This is the result of the
teachings of Islam to be kind to animals.
[next]
400. Hospitality
Translation: Shaha’b b Ebad narrates that some
members of the delegation of the tribe of Abdul Qais that visited Rasulullah
(s.a.) [in the ninth year of Hijrah] reported that when we reached Madinah,
Muslims were very much pleased. They provided us nice accommodation and
entertained us well.
Rasulullah (s.a.) also greeted us with open
arms, prayed for us and when he saw us asked, “Who is your chief and leader?”
All the members of the delegation pointed to Munzir b Aa’ed and said, “He is
our leader”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Is that brother who has
cut marks on his face?” [Sometime back, a donkey hit on the face of Munzir
(r.a.). That left the marks on his face. That is why Rasulullah (s.a.) used the
word “Al-Ashajju” for him and before that he was not called by this title]. We
said, “Yes. O Prophet of Allah! He is our leader”.
The other members of the delegation, out of
enthusiasm to meet Rasulullah (s.a.), met him (s.a.) ahead of him [the leader].
He [Munzir (r.a.)] first got animals tied down, arranged the people’s luggage
at a place properly, took his bag, changed the cloth, put the dirty cloths in
the bag, then he came to meet Rasulullah (s.a.). At that time, Rasulullah
(s.a.) was resting and stretching his legs. When Al-Ashajju reached the Majlis
[the sitting] of Rasulullah (s.a.), people started squeezing themselves to make
room for him and said, “Please sit down here”. He sat at the right hand side of
Rasulullah (s.a.).
Rasulullah (s.a.) welcomed him and talked to him
affectionately, asking about his towns and villages by name, Al-Safa, Mushaqqar
and others like that. Munzir b Aa’ed (r.a.) [astonishingly] said, “O Prophet of
Allah! My parents are sacrificed upon you. You know my region better than me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Yes, I have traveled to
your cities for the sake of trade and the people of that area entertained me a
lot”. He (s.a.) then addressing Ansa’r said, “Entertain your brothers. In
accepting Islam, they are like you. In acquaintances, you also resemble them.
They have accepted Islam happily by their own free choice, when others refused
to accept it till they were killed in the battlefield”.
Next day in the morning, Rasulullah (s.a.) asked
them, “How were your Ansa’r brothers in entertaining you?”
They said, “They are our best brothers. They provided
us comfortable beds, served the best food and in the night and morning hours
were teaching us the Book of Allah and the traditions of Rasulullah (s.a.)”.
Hearing this, Rasulullah (s.a.) was very
pleased.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
401. Collective Affairs
Translation: Abu Qilabah (r.a.) reports that
some of the companions of Prophet (s.a.) approached him (s.a.) and praised
about a companion saying, “We haven’t seen a person like him. During traveling
he recites the Qur’an all the times and when we camp at some place, we found
him always in prayers [non-obligatory Salah]”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) enquired, “Who took care of
his luggage and feed his camel or animals, while he was praying?” People said,
“We.”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Then, all of you are
better than him”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: In collective affairs, it is
desirable that all people should participate.
[next]
402. Eating Collectively
Translation: Jabalah b Suhaim (RA) reports that
at the time of famine, we were in the company of Ibne Zubair (r.a.) and eating
dates, Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) passed by us and said, “Don’t take two dates at a
time as Rasulullah (s.a.) has prohibited eating this way”.
He (r.a.) then added, “You can eat like that
[taking two dates at a time] provided you has the permission of the brothers
eating with you”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: It means that at the time of
famine when the quantity of food is small, the attitude of the people, eating
jointly, should not be like this that each tries to take the maximum. It will
tantamount to selfishness and that is contrary to the Islamic spirit of
brotherhood and sacrifice. However, if other brothers do not mind, it can be
eaten like that. But it is essential to take permission from brothers eating
together.
[next]
403. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Musa Ashari (r.a.) reports that
when the people of Ashari tribe participate in Jihad and the quantity of food
is small or face the scarcity of food while in the city, they pool together all
that they have at one place and then share it together.
Rasulullah (s.a.) appreciating it said, “These
are my people and I am with them”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
404. Organizational Discipline
Translation: Kaa’b b Malik (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked the people not to talk with three of us [Bilal b
Umayyah (r.a.), Murarah b Rabee’ (r.a.) and myself]. It was due to the fact
that we could not participate in the Ghazwah of Tabuk [The Battle of Tabuk] due
to our laziness. People boycotted us and were so changed as if they don’t
recognize us. Madinah became quite a strange place for us. We remained in this
state for fifty nights.
My two companions [Bilal b Umayyah (r.a.) and
Murarah b Rabee’] preferred to sit in their homes, crying and weeping all the
time but I, being comparatively youthful and tuff, used to come out from the
home, joining the Muslims in congregational prayers, wandering in the market
here and there and no body was talking to me.
When Rasulullah (s.a.) was sitting in the Masjid
after Salah, I used to go to him, offering Salam to him and thinking as to
whether he (s.a.) responded to my Salam or not? Then I offered my Salah,
standing very close to him (s.a.) and see towards him (s.a.) secretly. So, when
I was busy in my Salah, he (s.a.) used to see me and when I turned my face
towards him, he (s.a.) used to turn his face from me. When this situation
became unbearable, I jumped over the wall of the garden of Abu Qatada (r.a.)
and reached him. He was my cousin and a very bosom friend of mine. I offered
Salam to him but I swear he did not respond too.
I told him, “O Abu Qatada (r.a.)! I asked you in
the name of Allah: Don’t you know that I love Allah and His Prophet (s.a.)? But
he kept quite. I asked him again in the name of Allah, he again kept quite. I
repeated my question to him third time in the name of Allah. Then he said,
“Allah and His Prophet (s.a.) know it better”.
Hearing his respond, tears rolled in my eyes and
I returned, jumping over the wall.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This is a classical model
event of collective discipline. When the Prophet of Allah declared to boycott
the Kaa’b b Malik (r.a.) and his two companions, the entire city of Madinah
became a strange city for them to the extent that even his cousin and friend
Abu Qatada (r.a.) refused to talk to him, even after making pleads in the name
of Allah. It was so because Rasulullah (s.a.) ordained the boycott.
[For further details, please refer to Note #
119, Tafhimul Qur’an, Vol. II, S. A. A. Maudoodi (RA)]
[next]
405. Infaq [spending in the way of Allah]
Translation: Abdullah b Zubair (r.a.) reports
that I haven’t seen women more generous than Aisha(r.a.) and Asma (r.a.) [the
mother of Abdullah b Zubair (r.a.)] but their mode of generosity was different.
As regards Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.), she used to
collect daily that she could and when it was something in quantity, she used to
distribute it amongst the poor and needy
And Asma (r.a.) whatever she got, she used to
give it to poor and needy on day-to-day basis and nothing was left for the next
day.
[From Adab Al-Mufrad]
[next]
406. Subject Same
Translation: An Ansari brother was offering
Salah in his garden in the valley of “Quff” in Madinah and the date trees were laden
with fruits. While offering prayers, he looked towards the fruits. That made
him pleased. Then concentrated towards Salah and forgot how many Rakaa he had
completed.
It reminded him that this property had become a
Fitna [trial] for him. Realizing this, he approached Amirul Mumineen, Uthman
(r.a.) and narrated the story to him and said that he is giving up this garden
in Sadaqah in the way of Allah.
Caliph Uthman (r.a.) sold it for fifty thousands
Durham and named that garden as “Khamseen” [Fifty thousand].
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ma’utaa Imam Malik]
Explanatory Note: It was not the Durham of
today’s time. At that time, a family of six persons could easily feed itself in
one Durham two times.
[next]
407. Subject Same
Translation: It is narrated by Anas (r.a.) that
Abu Talha (r.a.) was the richest person in terms of wealth and gardens [of
dates] amongst the Ansa’r of Madinah and the garden of Bairuhaa’ was his most
beloved garden. This garden was in the front of Masjid Nabavi. Rasulullah
(s.a.) used to visit that garden and drink its water that was delicious.
Anas b Malik (r.a.) adds that when the Verse 92
of Al-Imran was revealed: “You will not attain your piety until you spend of
that which you love most”.
Abu Talha (r.a.) went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and
said, “O Prophet of Allah! Allah (SWT) ordains, “You cannot attain piety until
you spend in His way the best of that you possesses” [He referred the Verse of
the Qur’an as quoted above] and the best property that I have is the garden of
Bairuhaa’. I am giving it as Sadaqah in the way of Allah so that it would be of
benefit to me with Allah. You spend it the way Allah ordains you to do”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Very good. This is the best business you have done.
This is the best business you have done. [He (s.a.) said these words of
appreciation twice].
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
408. Subject Same
Translation: Qais b Silaa Ansari (r.a.) reports
that his brothers complained to Rasulullah (s.a.) that he [Qais] is squandering
away his wealth and is extravagant.
I, [Qais (r.a.)] said, “O Prophet of Allah! I
take my share of dates and expend it [and its proceed] in the way of Allah and
on my friends”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) put his hands on my chest and
said, “Expend and Allah will bless you more”, three times.
After that, now I participate in Jihad on my own
camel [ride] and I am the most prosperous and the wealthiest person in my
family.
[Al-Targheeb and Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
[next]
409. Subject Same
Translation: Muhajreen once complained to
Rasulullah (s.a.), “Ansa’r have managed to share all the Ajr [reward from
Allah]. They are expending their lot of wealth and those who have little, they
share it with the poor and are bearing our burden altogether”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “Don’t you feel
grateful to them for their treatment and pray for them”.
We [the Muhajreen] said, “Definitely”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “This is in exchange of
what they do for you”. [They are beneficent for you and you are benevolent for
them]
[From Abu Dawood and Nisa’i]
[next]
CHAPTER – XIV
SOCIAL CONTACTS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS
410. Nicely behavior with
parent’s friends
. Translation: Abu Burdah (r.a.) narrates that when he reached Madinah,
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) came to meet me and said, “Do you know what for I have
come to you?” He said. “No”.
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) said, “I have heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying: The person
who wants to be nice to his parents after their death should be nice to the
friends of his parents”.
My father, Ibne Khattab (r.a.) and your father, Abu Musa Ashari (r.a.) were
good friends and loving each other. I wished to be nice to my parents, so I
have come to meet you.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Ibne Heba’n]
[next]
411. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Dinar (r.a.) narrates
that Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) while proceeding for Hajj met on his way to Makkah
a Bedouin. He offered Salam to him, put him on ride with him and handed over
his turban to him.
Ibne Dinar said, “May Allah be kind upon you!
These are Bedouin. They would have been contented even with small offers”. [Why
then you gave him so much?]
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) replied, “His father was
the friend of my father, Umar b Khattab (r.a.) and I have heard Rasulullah
(s.a.) saying, “It is a big virtue that man should be generous and nice to the
friends of his father”.
[Al-Targheeb wa 432 Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
[next]
412. Courteous and Nice to slaves
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood Al-Badari (r.a.)
narrates that he was beating his slave with lashes, he heard a voice at his
back calling, “Abu Maswood! Be aware”. And due to temper, I could not recognize
whose voice it was.
When that person came nearer, he then saw that
he was Rasulullah (s.a.). He (s.a.) was saying, “Be aware, Abu Maswood! The
control that you have on this slave, Allah has much more control over you”.
I [Abu Maswood], said, “Now onward I will not
beat any slave”.
According to another narration he said, “O
Prophet of Allah! I set him [the slave] free in the way of Allah”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If you had not set him
free, the flames of hellfire would have touched you”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim, Abu Dawood
and Tirmizi]
[next]
413. Care about orphans
Translation: Hassan Basari (RA) reports that he
had seen the Muslims (Sahabah) under the condition that they were advising
their inmates in the morning hours “Serve the orphans first, Serve the orphans
first”.
[Al-Haqq]
[next]
414. Sacrifice
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) reports that
when the head of a [slaughtered] goat was presented to a companion of the
Prophet of Allah, he said that my such and such companion is in greater need
than me. As such it was sent to him. This man said to give it to some other man
as he was in greater need. This way it was sent to seven persons and ultimately
it came back to the first person.
[From Sahifah Al-Haqq]
[next]
415. Rightful means of living
Translation: Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.) reports that
Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) had a slave person who used to share his earnings with
him and Abu Bakr (r.a.) was using and eating out of it.
One day he [the salve] brought something and Abu
Bakr (r.a.) eat from it. The slave then asked him, “Have you any knowledge
about it?” [How I got it?]
Abu Bakr said, “Tell me what is it and from
where you got it?”
The slave said, “During Jahiliyah, I foretold a
person’s fortune and I had no knowledge about it. I committed a fraud with him.
Now I met him and he gave me its wages that you had eaten”.
Hearing this, Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a.) put his
fingers through his throat and regurgitated all that was in his stomach.
[From Bukhari]
[next]
416. The best dealings
Translation: Abdullah b Zubair (r.a.) narrates
that, on the day of the “Battle of Jamal”, my father, Zubair b Awwa’m (r.a.)
called me. I went there and stood by his side.
H said, “O my beloved son! Today a person will
be killed either as an oppressor or as an oppressed and I think that I will be
killed as an oppressed. Today if I have any concern, it is about the people’s
loan that must be returned. What do you think, will there be any saving after
the settlement of the loans?” He then said, “O my son! Dispose of our property
and settle the loans”.
Ibne Zubair(r.a.) adds that whatever loan he
[his father] had, it was not of the nature that he took the loan for household
expenditures but when the people, out of trust, came to deposit their money
with him as “Amanah” [trust], he used to advise, “Don’t keep it as Amanah. It
will be with me as loan so that your money is not lost. If you keep it as
Amanah and if it is lost, you cannot take it back legally. Treat it as a loan
so that if it is lost with me, you should not be the loser”.
[From Bukhari]
[next]
417. Ease with debtor in distress
Translation: Abu Qatada (r.a.) narrates that he
called for his debtor, but he hid himself. When he got him, he demanded the
return of loan. The debtor said, “I am in a very tight position”.
Abu Qatada (r.a.) asked, “By Allah, can you not
pay?” The debtor said, “By Allah! I am not in a position to pay back the loan”.
Abu Qatada (r.a.) said that he had heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying, “The person who prefers to be saved from the sorrows
on the day of Qayamah, he should create ease for the debtor or write the loan
off”.
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith does not clarify
as to whether Abu Qatada (r.a.) granted ease to his debtor or written off the
loan. But the way the narration has been put up, it conspires that he might
have written off the loan.
[next]
418. In the way of Iqamatuddeen [Establishing the
Deen]
Translation: It is reported by Abdullah b
Shafeeq (RA) that he stayed with Abu Hurairah (r.a.) in Madinah for about a
year. One day when we were sitting near the tomb of Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.), he
[Abu Hurairah (r.a.)] said, “We have seen a period when we had no soft cloth on
our person except rough sheets. It very often happened that for days together
we had so little food that could hardly keep us walk erect. We used to pick up
stone and tight it on our belly with cloth to enable ourselves to keep the body
straight”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
419. Subject Same
Translation: Jabir b Abdullah (r.a.) narrates
that Rasulullah
(s.a.) sent us, under the command of Abu Ubaidah
(r.a.) [to supervise the trade root of the Quraish with a bag of dates only].
He (r.a.) was giving us only one date every day to eat.
Someone asked from Jabir (r.a.), “What were you
doing with that date?”
He said, “We used to keep it in the mouth and
suck it like babies and drink water over it. This was sufficient for the day.
And we used to shed the leaves from trees by our sticks, soak it in water and
eat it”.
[From Muslim]
[next]
420. Subject Same
Translation: Saa’d b Waqa’s (r.a.) reports, “I
am the first Arab who attacked with arrows in the way of Allah. We used to
participate in Ghazwah in the company of Rasulullah (s.a.) and we had nothing
to eat except the leaves of thorny bushes and trees and our condition was such
that our stool was like the dung of the goat with no moisture”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
[next]
421. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah
(s.a.) saw Musaa’b b Umair (r.a.) coming towards
him (s.a.) and was wrapped in the skin of a ram in the place of Tahbund.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Look towards this
brother whose heart Allah has enlightened with Nur [light]. Today I am seeing
him in this condition but yesterday [before accepting Islam] his parents were
providing him the best of food and he used to wear dresses worth two hundred
Durham. He has reached to this condition only for the love of Allah and His
Prophet (s.a.)”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: He, [Musaa’b b Umair (r.a.)]
was pleased with the wealth of Islam and never thought of the luxurious life he
enjoyed before though Prophet (s.a.) and his companion often broke into tears
to see his pitiable condition after Islam.
[What a marvelous price he paid and what a
wonderful reward he got from Allah in both the worlds – a contentment in this
life and the pleasure of Allah in the life Hereafter -Translator]
[next]
422. Subject Same
Translation: Ali (r.a.) reports that in a winter
morning he came out of his house empty stomach. The cold was bitter and hurting
him. He took a woolen cloth from his house, wrapped it around his neck, tied it
over his chest to get warm and, by Allah, there was nothing in my house to eat.
Had Rasulullah (s.a.) got something to eat, he (s.a.) would have sent it to
him.
Ali (r.a.), continuing this narration, added
that in this condition he came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and sat with him (s.a.) in
the Masjid where a group of his (s.a.) companions were already sitting. Then
appeared Musaa’b b Umair (r.a.) on the scene, wrapped in a sheet with patches
of leather. Before entering into Islam, he was the best affluent youth of
Makkah and leading a luxurious life.
When Rasulullah (s.a.) saw him [Musaa’b] in this
condition, he (s.a.) recollected his past life of comfort and tears rolled from
his (s.a.) eyes.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then asked the people, “Are
you better off today or when in the morning you will have a dish full of bread
and beef in the morning and in the evening another dish, wearing one dress in
the morning and another in the evening and you will cover your houses with
curtains as the Kaa’ba [the Haram] is covered?”
People said, “We will be better off at that
time, concentrating on Ebadah in our affluence”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “No. You are in better
position today”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Abu Ya’laa]
Explanatory Note: It is so because, during the
time of prosperity and political dominance, people neglect Allah and His Deen
and lost in the worldly affairs. As a result, the concern for Akhirah recedes
in the background.
[next]
423. The first reward for sacrifices towards
Iqamatuddeen
Translation: Abdullah b Umro b A’s (r.a.)
reports that at the time of the Battle of Badr, Rasulullah (s.a.) came out of
Madinah with 315 people [Sahabah] and prayed:
“O Allah! They are walking on foot, give them
ride”.
“O Allah! They have no dress, clad them”.
“O Allah! They are hungry, make them prosperous”
Allah (SWT) graced them with victory in Badr and
they returned to Madinah under the condition that every one of them had one or
two camels and everyone had food and cloth.
[From Abu Dawood]
Explanatory Note: It means the commitment that
they made with Allah (SWT), sustaining all kinds of sacrifices for about fourteen
years for its sake, coming out successfully under all kinds of trial and
augmenting every kind of risk by putting their life at stake, Allah (SWT)
blessed them with His Nusrah [help] and made them victorious over the forces of
Batil. They got the first installment of the worldly reward in the Battle of
Badr and the compensation that they would get in the life Hereafter cannot be
visualized on this earth.
After, the Muslims came out successful in the
last and the toughest examination of Ghazwah Tabuk, Allah gave them His
ultimate glad tidings in Verse 111 of Surah Tabuk. It can be elucidated in the
following words:
Allah (SWT) has purchased the life and property
of Mumineen in lieu of Jannah [Paradise]. They have proved worthy of this deal
in every examination in which they were put to get through, fighting with
enemies of Islam for years together, killing and being killed in the way of
Allah, but never retreating. Allah made a solemn commitment with them for
Jannah and He has made it incumbent upon Him to fulfill it. This commitment has
the concurrence in Torah, Bible as well in the Qur’an and who can be more
accomplished to fulfill his commitment than Allah (SWT). O the believers! You
have completed the deal by sacrificing your life and property for the Deen of
Allah, so be happy and contented. The deal is now perfected for good. [This
deal refers to Verse 10 – 11 of Surah Al-Saf]
[next]
424. Da’ees life and hardship
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) reports, “We
could not even get dates to fill our bellies till the conquest of Khaiber”.
[From Bukhari]
Explanatory Note: The reason was this that the
trial period was in progress. Muslims had to put everything at stake towards
the domination of the Deen of Allah. They had no time to think about their economic
salvation. How and from where they could get the time to grow dates to meet the
demand of their hunger. They had no time to take care of their date trees,
manure and water the plants. All the time they were busy in cultivating,
nurturing and irrigating the garden of Islam with their sweet and blood. After
the conquest of Khaiber, the might of Jews was smashed and the idolaters of
Makkah were also exhausted. After Khaiber, they were not left in a position to
attack Madinah. The table was changed. It was now the turn of Muslims to
advance.
[next]
425. Subject Same
Translation: Muhammad b Seereen (RA) reports
that we were sitting with Abu Hurairah (r.a.) and he had put on two pieces of
fine linen and was cleaning his nose by one of them.
He [Abu Hurairah (r.a.)] exclaimed, “Well done!
Well done! Abu Hurairah is cleaning his nose with Kata’n [fine linen cloth]!”
He (r.a.) then, describing his economic plight
[poverty] of the past, said, “I have found myself in the condition that I used
to collapse out of senses due to starvation and drag between the dorm of Aisha
Siddiqa (r.a.) and the podium of Rasulullah (s.a.). The incoming and outgoing
people used to put their foot on my neck, considering me as senile. But, in
fact, I used to reach this stage due to hunger”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Bukhari and Tirmizi]
[next]
426. Subject Same
Translation: Umro b A’s (r.a.) reports that
Rasulullah (s.a.) sent me a message that come to me with your weapons and
cloths. When I came to him, he was making Wadhu [ablution].
He (s.a.) told me, “I had called you with the
objective to send you on some military errand. Allah will make your return safe
and sound from this mission and you will be benefited with Ghanimah [war
booty]. I will give you special reward for it”.
I said, “O Prophet of Allah! I haven’t migrated
for mal [wealth]. My Hijrah was only for Allah and His Prophet (s.a.)”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Good wealth is very
good for pious people”.
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: It was not only the condition
of Umro b A’s (r.a.) but every one of those pious people had the same state of
mind and approach. Whatever sacrifices they rendered, it was for the sake of
Allah. There was no other objective before them. Reward in Akhirah was the
motivating force behind all of their actions and deeds. If it had not been
their motive, they wouldn’t have got the Nusrah [help] of Allah. It kept the
people on right track even after coming in power. They continued their dervish
life even after becoming affluent or prosperous.
[next]
427. Subject Same
Translation: Khalid b Umair Adawi (RA) reports
that Utba b Ghazwa’n (r.a.), the Amir of Basra, delivered a speech and said, “I
have seen myself as the seventh of the seven men around Rasulullah (s.a.). Our
economic condition was so bad that we had nothing except tree leaves that
caused blistering in our mouths and the cloth was so scared that once I got a
sheet. I cut it into two pieces. Half I gave it to Saa’d b Malik (r.a.) and the
other half I used. But today each one of us is the governor of some place.
I seek the protection of Allah that, being in
this position, I should behave like a big shot and be disgraceful before
Allah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Muslim]
[next]
428. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that he
had seen Umar (r.a.) during his Caliphate that he had three patches on each of
his shoulders one covering the other. [To cover one the other was used over the
first one and the other patch was used over this one when second one could not
work]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Mawta Iman Malik]
[next]
429. Subject Same
Translation: Tariq (RA) reports that Caliph Umar
(r.a.) traveled to Syria on his official tour on his camel and Abu Ubaidah
(r.a.) was in his company. On the way side, a river was to be crossed. The
water was shallow, Umar (r.a.) got down from camel, took out his leather socks,
put them on his shoulder, took the Nakel [the reigns of camel] and entered into
the water.
Abu Ubaidah (r.a.) said, “You being the Caliph
and the Amirul Mumineen, how are you doing like this? I don’t like that the
Christian population of the city should see you in this condition”.
Omar (r.a.) said, “O Abu Ubaidah (r.a.)! You are
thinking like this! Had any one else said like this, I would have given him
exemplary punishment? Look! Abu Ubaidah, We were very disgraceful people but
Allah gave us respect due to His Deen [Al-Islam]. So whenever we will seek
respect through other means, Allah will degrade us, deprive us from power and
dominance and make us slave to the forces of Shirk and Kufr”.
[As we see today, by neglecting Islam, Muslims
stand nowhere – no respect, no say anywhere in this world. Our salvation lies
only in upholding Islam as the only way of life to follow and struggle for the
Deen of Allah to prevail all around. Our honor lies only in Islam not outside
Islam. Translator]
[Al-Targheeb wa Al Tarheeb: Ha’kim]
[next]
CHAPTER – XV
CONCERN FOR AKHIRAH & LOVE FOR JANNAH
Introduction: In the previous Chapter, “The Model of Sahabah”, you
have learned many Ahadith that tell you how trying were the circumstances that
they encountered. The question arises what was the bottom line that even
mountains of calamities and hardships of unprecedented magnitude could not move
them from the position of Haqq that they were holding? What made them so
steadfast and not the least shaky in their stand? Their greatest problem was
their economic turmoil, poverty and unbearable living condition. Even that
could not falter their steps behind. Simultaneously, it must also be thought
over that what restrained them from getting involved into worldly gains, even
after obtaining political superiority and domination?
You will get answer to these and many other bottom line questions like these
after going through the forthcoming Ahadith.
430. Concern for punishment of the grave
Translation: It is said about Uthman (r.a.) that whenever he stood by a grave,
he cried so much that his beard was wet with tears. People asked him, “What’s
the matter that you don’t cry with the discussion of Hell and Heaven but when
you stand by a grave, you cry?”
He (r.a.) quoted Rasulullah (s.a.), “Grave is the first encounter towards
Akhirah. If one gets deliverance at this stage, the onward stages become easier
and easier. If there is no salvation at this stage, the onward stages will be
harder than that”.
He (r.a.) then narrated another Hadith from Rasulullah (s.a.), “There is no
scene more horrible than the scene of the grave”.
[From Tirmizi]
[next]
431. Subject Same
Translation: Asma b Abu Bakr (r.a.) reports that
one day Rasulullah (s.a.) delivered a speech, describing the punishment of the
grave and, as a result, the Muslims were crying bitterly.
[From Bukhari]
Explanatory Note: They were crying because grave
is the first step towards the Akhirah and the people have great concern for
their deliverance. There is no surety that they will be able to respond
correctly to the three questions of angels in the grave.
[next]
432. Subject Same
Translation: Nadar (RA) reports that a black
storm came and we asked Anas (r.a.) who was alive at that time, “O Abu Hamza!
Were you experiencing such storms during the time of Rasulullah (s.a.)?”
He (r.a.) said, “Allah forbid! At the time of
Rasulullah (s.a.), with slightest blowing of wind forcefully, we had to rush to
Masjid, lest it may not be a prelude to Qayamah”.
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
433. Subject Same
Translation: Anas (r.a.) reports that Rasulullah
(s.a.) came to know something undesirable about his companions, he addressed
the people and said, “The heaven was brought before me. I haven’t seen the best
and the worst day than today. Had you know that I know, you would have laughed
little but cried in abundance”.
Anas (r.a.) describes, “It was the worst day for
the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.). They covered their heads and lamented all
the time”.
[From Riyadh Al-Saleheen]
Explanatory Note: ‘Undesirable” does not mean
the acts of sin but something that he (s.a.) did not like suitable for his
companions. For example: laughing loudly with voice and that too for a long
time or something like that. How Rasulullah (s.a.), the greatest Murabbi [one
who purifies and serves as model for others] could prefer such things for the people
who were going to be models for others.
This Hadith refers only to Jannah but it seems
that the hell was also brought before him. Rasulullah (s.a.) has hinted that
you would have cried more and laughed less. It indicates that some time people
might have laughed too much that he (s.a.) did not like. So he wanted to
correct the situation through this address.
[next]
434. Subject Same
Translation: It is said about Aisha Siddiqa
(r.a.) that when she thought about Hellfire, she cried. Rasulullah (s.a.) asked
her (r.a.), “What makes you to cry?”
She (r.a.) said, “I thought about the Hellfire
and cried. Will you remember your wives on the Day of Judgment?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “There are three
occasions when no one will remember about anyone:
* At the time, when the deeds will be
measured/weighed. Every one will be worried to know whether the scale is heavy
or light?
* At the time, when the scroll of deeds of each
person will be presented for reading. Is it given in the right hand or in the
left from behind?
* At the time, when crossing over the Pulsarat
[the bridge]. That will be put over the Hellfire and man has to cross it.
[From Abu Dawood]
[next]
435. Subject Same
Translation: Adi b Ha’tim (r.a.) reports about
the condition of the companions of Rasulullah (s.a.) that when someone praised
them at their faces they used to pray, “O Allah! Whatever these people are
saying about me, don’t make me accountable for that and my shortcomings that
they don’t know, O Allah! Forgive them”.
[From Adab Al-Mufrad]
[next]
436. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Maswood (r.a.) reports
that when the following Verse 82 of Surah Al-Ana’m: “Those who believe and
obscure not their belief by wrongdoing, theirs is safety; and they are rightly
guided”, was revealed to Rasulullah (s.a.), his companions were very much
perturbed and said, “Who is amongst us who has not committed sin?”
Hearing this, Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “This
Verse does not mean what you are understanding. Here it means “Shirk” [making
partner with Allah] the way Luqman exhorted his son: “O my son! Don’t associate
partners with Allah, that is the oppression of great magnitude”[Surah Luqman:
13]
[From Musnad Ahmad]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith pinpoints how much
conscious the Companions of Prophet (s.a.) were about their Iman and its
demands and about the accountability in Akhirah. It must open our eyes and see
where we are standing today?
[next]
437. Subject Same
Translation: Umme Darda (r.a.) narrates that she
told to her husband Abu Darda (r.a.), “The way such and such persons are trying
to acquire mal [wealth], why don’t you try like that?
He [Abu Darda (r.a.)] said, “I have heard
Rasulullah (s.a.) saying: the wayfarers of Akhirah face an extraneous mountain
and those who are heavily loaded will not be able to cross it. So I want to go
from this world lightly in order to cross that mountain at ease”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: We are in this world like a
wayfarer. Our destination is Akhirah and we have to go there. A traveler keeps
light luggage. So what benefit will be for collecting so much worldly things?
It will be a burden and we will be accountable for that and that will be a
difficult stage.
[next]
438. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Asma (r.a.) reports that he
went to meet Abu Zar Ghaffa’ri (r.a.) at Rabzah. At that time, an ugly woman
who had neither beauty nor any decoration was sitting by his side.
Abu Zar said, “Don’t you see what advice she is
giving to me?” She is advising me to go to Iraq and if I go there, people will
honor me with their worldly things. Whereas, my beloved friend, Prophet
Rasulullah (s.a.) has advised me that a bridge on the Hellfire is very slippery
and that I have to cross it. The less I have burden on me, the better chance of
salvation is there. If I go there heavily loaded, there is little chance to get
it through”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Musnad Ahmad]
[next]
439. In the way of Deen
Translation: Fadalah b Ubaid (r.a.) reports that
when Rasulullah (s.a.) was leading the Salah, the people of “Suffah” used to
fell down on the ground due to starvation and poverty and the Bedouin, from
countryside, who did not know their position, used to consider them as mad men.
After completing the Salah, Rasulullah (s.a.)
addressing them used to say, “O the people of Suffah! Had you been in know of
the reward that you are going to get in Akhirah, in lieu of your sacrifices,
you would have desired for more starvation and poverty”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tirmizi]
Explanatory Note: The people of Suffah were
those Muslim brothers who were turned out from their homes on account of Islam
in such a manner that they had nothing with them. So, you should not consider
about them that hey were lazy and good for nothing people. In fact, they could
earn their livelihood on their own accord but Rasulullah (s.a.) had engaged
them as full time workers for the Deen of Allah. Some were getting proper
military training and very often were sent with military errands. Some were
being trained as Da’ee Ilallah and were commissioned frequently for that
purpose.
Now when the Jamaah had taken their entire time
for its needs, where there was time for them to do trade or some work for their
livelihood. The people of the Jamaah were trying to sustain them to the extent
possible on their part. That was the time of trial and tribulation for the
entire Jamaah too. As such, practically, everyone was encountering and passing
through the same situation.
[next]
440. Subject Same
Translation: Abdullah b Umro (r.a.) reports that
he was sitting in Masjid Nabavi and a group of poor Muhajreen was also sitting
in the Masjid. Rasulullah (s.a.) came out of his quarters and preferred to sit
with the group of Muhajreen. He also joined tem.
Rasulullah (s.a.), addressing the Muhajreen,
said, “Glad tidings are for the poor amongst the Muhajreen, their depressed
faces should show the glow of happiness. These people will enter into Jannah
[paradise] forty years ahead of the rich people”.
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) adds that the faces of
these poor Muhajreen were brightened with glow and he wished that he would have
been with them or from amongst the Muhajreen!
[From Mishkat]
Explanatory Note: These poor Muhajreen came to
Madinah, sacrificing and leaving every thing behind. That raised their status
in the channels of Islamic history. Their status will be measured in terms of
the sacrifice made by them both here and in the Hereafter. The question arises
that when Rasulullah (s.a.) gave them glad tidings why their faces were
brightened with happiness? We also read and listen the same messages but we
don’t feel any change amongst ourselves. What’s wrong with us? It was due to
the fact that they were extremely scared of hellfire and desirous to get into
Jannah. Their constant struggle in the way of Allah and encountering
innumerable atrocities every now and then aggravated their desire for Jannah.
It was but natural. A man loves the objective most for which he has invested
the best capital of his life and made tireless efforts ceaselessly.
[next]
441. Longing for Jannah
Translation: Rabee’ b Kaa’b (r.a.) reports that
I used to serve Rasulullah (s.a.) during the daytime and at night, I used to
stay with him (s.a.). I used to listen Rasulullah (s.a.), saying these words:
“Subhanallah, Subhanallah, Subhana Rabbi” till I got tired of listening and
fell asleep.
One day Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “O Rabee’! Ask
me [the thing you like] and I will give you”. I told, “Give me some time so
that I may ponder over it [that what I should ask from you]”.
I thought that this world is mortal and going to
end one day. So why should I ask about it? I said, “O Prophet of Allah! I ask
you to pray to Allah to save me from fire and grant me the Jannah”. Rasulullah
(s.a.) kept quite for sometime and then asked, “Who directed you to ask for
it?”
I replied, “No body told me this thing but I
thought myself that this world is mortal. Then why should I ask you for a thing
[that is not going to last]? I know that you are the most favorite of Allah
and, therefore, preferred to put before you the problem of salvation in the
Akhirah and you pray for me”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I will definitely pray
for you but you help me with abundance of Salah”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: The companions of Prophet
(s.a.) were very intelligent people. It was crystal clear before them that a
thing that is not lasting is not worth to be begged for. Only the Akhirah is
worth to be prayed for. If one is saved from the wrath of Allah, the eternal
house will then become his abode. This is the only reality to be tried for. Man
can fulfill this desire by offering Salah, especially non-obligatory, in
abundance. That was the advice given by Rasulullah (s.a.) to Ibne Rabee’
(r.a.).
[next]
442. Emphasis over Fasting
Translation: Abu Umamah (r.a.) reports that I
went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O the Prophet of Allah! Tell me an act
that may lead me to Jannah”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Make fasting incumbent
upon you as there is no parallel to it”.
It is said that after that no one saw sign of
smoke coming out of his house during daytime except, if there is a guest.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb]
[next]
443. Martyrdom and the longing for Jannah
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reported that
Rasulullah (s.a.) and his companions started from Madinah and reached Badr
before the arrival of the idolaters. Addressing his (s.a.) companions,
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “None of you should go ahead of me. I will be in front
of you.”
When the idolaters came nearer, Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “Go ahead for getting into Jannah, the length and breath of which
equals to earth and heaven”.
Umair b Hamma’m (r.a.) said, “Really! Its length
and breath equals to earth and heaven?” Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Yes”. He [Ibne
Hamma’m (r.a.)] said, “Wah! Wah!” Rasulullah (s.a.) asked, “Why are you saying
Wah! Wah?”
He said, “By Allah! O Rasulullah (s.a.)! I said
so because I have a great longing to get into Jannah”. Rasulullah (s.a.) said,
“You are from the people of Jannah”.
After that, he took some dates from his quiver
and started eating. He then realized that it will take time to finish them and
it is burdensome to live so long. The war was in full swing. He threw the dates
in hand, jumped into the battle and fought with enemies valiantly, till he got
killed [became Martyred].
[From Muslim]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith tells us that
Rasulullah (s.a.) himself was in command of his people. The situation was not
like this that he was resting in some shade and praying for the conquest of his
army. In fact, he was leading his people and was in the forefront.
[next]
444. Subject Same
Translation: Jabir b Abdullah (r.a.) reports
that when my father Abdullah b Hara’m (r.a.) was killed [martyred] on the day
of Uhad, Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “O Jabir (r.a.)! Should I not tell you what
Allah told to your father [after he got martyred]?” I [Jabir (r.a.)] told,
“Definitely”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Allah (SWT) does not
talk to anyone except from the background but He talked to your father face to
face and said: O Abdullah! Tell Me, what you desire and I will fulfill it”.
He [Abdullah (r.a.)] said, “O my Lord! Give me
another life [so that I go to the world] and be killed in Your way again”.
Allah (SWT) said, “It had already been resolved
that whoever comes to Me will not return [to earth]”. He [Abdullah (r.a.)]
said, “O my Lord! I wish, my desire may be communicated to the companions who
are left behind”.
Allah (SWT) revealed these Verses of Al-Imran:
169 - 170:
“Think not of those who are slain in the way of
Allah, as dead. Nay, they are living. With their Lord they have
provision. Jubilant (are they) because of that which Allah has bestowed upon
them of His bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not joined them but
are left behind: that there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they
grieve”.
[From Tirmizi and Ibne Ma’ja]
Explanatory Note: This Hadith is in connection
with the Battle of Uhud. The above Verses of the Qur’an were revealed that
magnify the significance of those who are killed [martyred] in the way pf
Allah.
[next]
445. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reports that
his uncle, Anas b Nazar (r.a.), due to his absence from Madinah, could not
participate in the Battle of Badr. He [Anas b Nazar (r.a.)] said, “O Prophet of
Allah! I could not participate in the first battle [between Kufr and Islam]. If
there is another confrontation with idolaters and Allah gives me Tawfeeq, Allah
will witness my performance”.
So when the Battle of Uhud occurred and Muslims
retreated in disarray, Anas b Nazar (r.a.) said, “O Allah! I seek thy pardon
for what Muslims have done and dissociate myself from what the idolaters are
doing”.
He (r.a.) then advanced ahead, met Saa’d b Maa’z
(r.a.) in the way and said to him, “O Saa’d b Maa’z! By Allah, the Helper, I am
heading towards Jannah. I am smelling its fragrance across the Uhud”.
[Afterward] Saa’d b Maa’z (r.a.) reported to
Rasulullah (s.a.), “O the Prophet of Allah! The performance [in the
battlefield] that Anas b Nazar (r.a.) had shown, it was not possible for me to
do it”.
The narrator of this Hadith, Anas b Malik (r.a.)
adds that he had seen more than eighty wounds of swords, arrows and spears on
his body. The idolaters killed him so ruthlessly that his body was beyond
recognition. His sister recognized him by his finger.
Anas b Malik (r.a.) opines that Verse 23 of
Surah Al-Ahza’b was applicable to such people:
“Of the believers are men who are true to that
which they covenanted with Allah. Some of them have paid their vow by death [in
battlefield], and some of them still are waiting; and they have not altered in
the least” [The Qur’an. 33:23]
[From Bukhari, Muslim and Nisa’i]
[next]
446. Subject Same
Translation: Anas b Malik (r.a.) reported that
some people approached Rasulullah (s.a.) with the request to send some people
with them for teaching the Qur’an. Rasulullah (s.a.), from amongst the Ansa’r,
sent seventy persons who were the scholar of the Qur’an. My uncle Hara’m (r.a.)
was one of them. These people were studying the Qur’an during night and during
daytime were fetching water for the Masjid Nabavi, cut/collect woods from the
forest, sell it in the market and from the proceed meet the food requirements
of the people of Suffah and the poor.
Rasulullah (s.a.) sent these people for the
teaching of the Qur’an. They killed these seventy brothers in the wayside. When
they were being slaughtered, they prayed to Allah, “O Allah! Convey our message
to Prophet (s.a.): We have met our Lord. He is pleased with us and we are
please with Him”.
The narrator of this Hadith says that a person
came to Hara’m (r.a.), the Uncle of Anas (r.a.) and attacked with spear from
the back and it crossed through his body, he [Haram (r.a.)] said, “By Allah,
the Lord of Kaa’ba, I have attained success”. Rasulullah (s.a.) got the news in
Madinah through Wahi. He
(s.a.) informed the people that your brothers
who were sent for teaching have been killed in the wayside and while dying,
they said, “O Allah! Convey the message to our Prophet (s.a.) that we have met
our Lord. Allah is pleased with our sacrifices and we are pleased with our Lord
after getting the reward”.
[From Bukhari and Muslim]
Explanatory Note: The seventy Ansa’r, who have
been referred in this Hadith, were deputed to arrange food and water for the
people of Suffah and were learning the Qur’an from Rasulullah (s.a.) during
nighttime. They were not like us. They were studying the Qur’an, understanding
its meanings and concept and bringing it into practice. Their study of the
Qur’an was thus different from us.
The words “Fuztu wa Rabbil Kaa’ba” have been
used in the Hadith, “Faouz” means to attain the objective after encountering
all the eventualities. So it is not a bad bargain that I am being put to
gallows. This is the real success. I have got the Jannah, the ultimate goal of
my life.
[next]
447. Subject Same
Translation: Abu Bakr son of Abu Musa Asha’ri
(r.a.) reports that he heard his father, during battlefield, quoting Rasulullah
(s.a.) said, “The doors of heaven are under the shadow of swords”. Hearing
this, a person who was in ordinary dress, got up from his place and asked my
father, “O Abu Musa (r.a.)! Have you really heard Rasulullah (s.a.) saying
these words?” He [Abu Musa (r.a.)] said, “Definitely”.
He then returned to his people and said
‘Assalamu Alaikum” [as his last greetings], then broke his sheath, throw it
away on the ground, advanced towards enemy with his sword, killed many of them
till he was killed [became martyred].
[From Muslim & Tirmizi]
[next]
448. Subject Same
Translation: Shadda’d b Haa’d (r.a.) narrates
that a Bedouin came to Rasulullah (s.a.), became Muslim, accompanying him
(s.a.) said, “I am migrating to live with you”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then gave some directions
about him to some of his companions. He [the Bedouin] participated in a
Ghazwah. Rasulullah (s.a.) distributed the Ghanimah with a share also for him.
He (s.a.) handed over that share to a companion to keep for him as he was out
at that time to take care of the camels of Mujahedeen. When the Bedouin
returned, his share was given to him.
He asked, “What is this?” People said,
“Rasulullah (s.a.) has given this share [of Ghanimah] to you”. The Bedouin took
his share and went to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “What is this?” He (s.a.)
said, “This is your share that I gave:
The Bedouin said, “I haven’t followed you for
this mal [Ghanimah]. I followed you because I desire that an arrow of the enemy
hits my throat [he pointedly said so] and kills me and then I get into Jannah”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “If you are truthful in
your intentions, Allah will treat you like that”.
After some time, the Bedouin went on a Jihad
with some other people [and he was killed due to an arrow of enemy that hit his
throat]. His dead body was brought to Rasulullah (s.a.). He (s.a.) asked, “Is
he that man [who desired for Shahadah –Martyred]?” People said, “Yes”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “He was truthful in his
desire. Allah fulfilled it”.
Then Rasulullah (s.a.) took his headgear
[Turban], gave it for his coffin, offered his Salatul Janazah [prayer for the
dead body] and prayed, “O Allah! He (the Bedouin] is your slave. He migrated in
Your way and got martyred. I stand witness to it”.
[From Nisa’i]
[next]
449. Longing for Jannah
Translation: Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) narrates
that a person from Ethiopia came to Rasulullah (s.a.) and said, “O Prophet of
Allah! You [people] have fair color as well have been honored with Prophethood.
Tell me, “If I become Muslim as you are and I do good deeds as you are doing,
is there any possibility that I will be in your company in Jannah?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Who says [commits to]
“La Ilaha Illallah”, will live with me in Jannah, Allah has ordained it in the
Qur’an [Al-Nisa Verses 69 –70] and who says “Subhanallah”, hundred thousand
good deeds will be recorded in his deed-scroll”.
A person spoke, “O Prophet of Allah! After these
[favors of Allah], how shall we be destroyed [go to Hellfire]?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “I swear by that who
controls my life! Man will face Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment with deeds
heavier than mountain but when they will be compared even with one favor of
Allah, it will be heavier than his entire deeds. [Hence, no body should feel
proud of his deeds] It is His Rahmah [Mercy] that will pave the way to Jannah”.
Rasulullah (s.a.) then recited from the Qur’an:
Surah Al-Dahar or Al-Insa’n (76), Verses: 1 to 20 [From Hal Ata Alal Insa’ney
to Mulkun Kabeera].
Hearing this the Ethiopian man said, “O the
prophet of Allah! In the manner you are witnessing the bounties of Jannah, will
my eyes see them like yours [or as have been described in this Surah]?”
Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “Yes”.
The Ethiopian man started crying till he
breathed his last.
Abdullah b Umar (r.a.) added, “I have seen
Rasulullah (s.a.) getting his body descended in the grave”.
[Al-Targheeb wa Al-Tarheeb: Tabrani]
Explanatory Note: While studying this Hadith,
better also refer the Hadith at #16 and # 283 of this collection.
[next]
450. Subject Same
Translation: Rasulullah (s.a.) said, “When Allah
(SWT) wants to grace someone with Khairun Katheerun [abundance of goodness], He
transforms his heart into a preacher”. [He, then, does not need any outside
preaching or exhortation. His inner-self becomes so much conscious that the
evil forces do not get any chance to deviate him].
[Musnad Al-Firdaus: Layalmi]
THE
END
[Alhamdulillah, The onerous task of the
translation of this book. “Za’de Rah” completed these moments, entirely by the
grace of Allah on Monday, August 07, 2000 at 3.42 PM and its revision was
completed on September 28, 2000. May Allah accept this most humble service to
His Deen and open the hearts and minds of its readers to make it an integral
part of their life. Ameen!]
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