Hadith

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Sa’eed Al-Khudri and Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with them): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “No fatigue, no disease, no sorrow, no sadness, no hurt, no distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for it.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 3, Page 121, Number 35

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Sahl ibn Haneef (MAPH): ‘The Prophet (SAWS) said: “He that asked for martyrdom sincerely from his heart, Allah will grant him the martyrs’ rank, even if he dies in his bed.” (At-Termizi)

According to Abou Hourayra (MAPH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are five types of martyrs:

• Those who die in a plague epidemic.
• Those who die from intestinal disease (such as cholera or others).
• Those who die by drowning.
• Those who die under debris.
• Those who die while in service of Allah.

(unanimously recognized as authentic)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Commentary 2023.09.08: Let us make dua for our brothers and sisters in Morocco and Libya. InchaAllah they are counted among the shaheed (martyrs) as stated in the above Hadith.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Hadith 1: Chapter 215, Page 859, Number 735
Hadith 2:

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abdullah ibn Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “If you have these four qualities, you will not worry about what you missed in the world: fulfilling the trust, truthful speech, good character, and restraint with food.” (Musnad Aḥmad 6652)

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 6652
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرٍو أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ أَرْبَعٌ إِذَا كُنَّ فِيكَ فَلَا عَلَيْكَ مَا فَاتَكَ مِنْ الدُّنْيَا حِفْظُ أَمَانَةٍ وَصِدْقُ حَدِيثٍ وَحُسْنُ خَلِيقَةٍ وَعِفَّةُ طُعْمَةٍ

6652 مسند أحمد

1718 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح الترغيب

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Adi bin Hatim (MAPH) reported: I heard the Prophet (SAWS) saying: “Protect yourself from (Hell) Fire, by giving of half of a date (in charity)”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

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

Commentary: This Hadith brings into prominence the following three points:

1. The horror of the Day of Resurrection when one will have to stand before Allah to account for all his actions which will then be lying at both his hands.

2. Everyone should spend according to his capacity in the way of Allah in the form of Sadaqah and alms. In this way, good manners like polite conversation, etc., can also become a means of his salvation.

3. One’s actions alone would help him on the Day of Resurrection.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 13, Page 49, No 139

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “While a man was walking through a barren land, he heard a voice coming out of a cloud saying: ‘Irrigate the garden of so-and-so.’ Thereupon the cloud drifted in a certain direction and discharged its water over a rocky plain. The streamlets flowed into a channel. This man followed the channel until it reached a garden and he saw the owner of the garden standing in its center, working with his spade spreading the water (changing the course of the water). He asked him: “O slave of Allah, what is your name?” He told his name, which was the same that he heard from the cloud. The owner of the garden then asked him: “O slave of Allah, why did you ask my name?” He replied: “I heard a voice from a cloud which poured down this water saying: ‘Irrigate the garden of so-and-so.’ I would like to know what do you do with it.” He said: “Now that you asked me, I will tell you. I estimate the produce of the garden and distribute one-third of it in charity, I spend one-third on myself and my family and invest one third back into the garden.” [Muslim]

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 60, Page 182, No 562

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Musa (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Every Muslim has to give charity. The people asked: “O Allah’s Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what should he do?” He said: “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked: “If he cannot do even that?” He replied: “He should help the one needing help.” Then the people asked: “If he cannot do that?” He replied: “Then he should perform all that is good (i.e. enjoin what is just (Islamic Monotheism, and all that Islam has ordained)) and keep away from all that is evil (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and all that Islam has forbidden) and these will be regarded as charitable deeds.” (Bukhari)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 13, Page 220, Number 104

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Anas ibn Malek (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet (SAWS) to ask what acts of worship he performs. When they were informed about this, they considered their worship to be insufficient and said: “How far we are from the Prophet (SAWS) and his past and future sins have been forgiven.” Then one of them said: “I will forever offer prayer the whole night through.” The other said: “I will observe fasting for a whole year and I will not break my fasting.” The third said: “I will keep away from women and will never marry.” Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) came to them and said: “Are you the people who said such and such? By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you. Yet I observe fasting and break fasting. I offer prayer and I also sleep, and I marry women. So he who does not follow my Sunna (legal ways) in religion is not from me (i.e. he is not one of my followers)” (Bukhari)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 14, Page 228, Number 107

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the pious, may you be blessed!”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary:
Mentioned in this Hadith are the various reasons why we choose our wife. Another Hadith tells us that he who marries his wife for her money or her family will finally become their slave. Whoever marries ONLY for her beauty will find all his troubles will come from this beauty. But he who chooses his wife for her chastity will be at peace which is the fundamental basis of life. But this does not mean that a woman cannot be chaste and at the same time beautiful and from a good family. Only a pious woman is in the true sense faithful and obedient to her husband who has himself good conduct. Such a couple not only lead a happy life but its future generation is also brought up on the right lines with the help of such a woman, otherwise you risk spoiling the future generations. For this reason, while selecting a wife, one should give preference to religion over all other qualities.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 45, Page 121, No 364

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Ashura and commanded us to fast on this day. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Abu Qatadah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied: “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.” (Muslim)

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.” (Muslim)

*Notes:
1. These days of fasting are voluntary however encouraged and desirable (mustahabb).
2. This year the 9th day of Muharram is Thursday 27th of July 2023, insha Allah.
3. This year the 10th day of Muharram is Friday 28th of July 2023, insha Allah.

Commentary: ‘Ashura 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (SAWS) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa (Moses) (peace be upon him) emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, the Prophet (SAWS) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, the Prophet (SAWS) also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS) and some instead observe baseless practices of mourning assemblies.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1251
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1252
Hadith 1: Chapter 227, Page 364, No 1253

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “When Allah desires good for one of His slaves, He brings forward the punishment for him in this world. When Allah desires evil for His slave, He withholds from him what is due to him on account of his wrong actions and then settles it on the Day of Resurrection.” The Prophet (SAWS) said, “The greatest reward goes together with the greatest affliction. When Allah Almighty loves people, He tests them. All who are content receive His good pleasure. Those who are angry receive His anger.” (At-Tirmidhi).

Commentary: This Hadith shows that, for a Muslim, trials are also a blessing in this world because his sins are forgiven in proportion to the trials he has to face and his reward is increased with the Will of Allah. Thus, a Muslim should always be patient and contented in the event of trial because without these qualities he will not have the privilege associated with them. In fact, his impatience would increase his sins even further.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 3, Page 19, No 43

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

[This sermon was delivered on the Ninth Day of Dhul-Hijjah 10 A.H. in the ‘Uranah valley of Mount Arafat’ in Mecca.]

After praising and thanking Allah the Prophet (saws) said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds. Allah has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligations shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib [the Prophet’s uncle] be waived.

Every right arising out of homicide in pre-islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that i waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibn al Harithibn.

O People, the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calender in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to forbid that which Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, three of these are successive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban.

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope of that he will be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white – except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belogs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand my words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Qur’an and my Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O Allah, that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.”

*Source: Allah Alim. I don’t have exact source. Approximate translation of the sermon from the Arabic. May Allah forgive any mistakes.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

According to Ibn Abbas (ASH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are no days when the actions are the most loved by Allah then these days (meaning the first ten days of Dhoul-Hijja)”. They said: O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the service of Allah? “He said:” Not even jihad in the service of Allah unless it is a man who came offering his life and his money and didn’t return with either. ” (Narrated by Al Bukhari)

Abu Qatada (ASH) said: “We asked the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) on the fasting of the day of Arafat. He said: “It absolves the sins of the past year and current year.” (Narrated by Moslem)

*: This year the 1st day of Dhoul-Hijjah is Monday the 19th of June 2023, insha Allah.
*: This year the 9th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, is Tuesday the 27th of June 2023, insha Allah.
*: This year the 10th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, Eid Ul-Adha, is Wednesday the 28th of June 2023, insha Allah.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
ASH: May Allah be satisfied with him

Riyad as-Salihin (The gardens of the virtous)
of the Imam Mohieddine Annawawi 631 – 676
Translation and commentary by Dr Salaheddine Keshrid (Tunisia)
Editor: Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami
Hadith 1: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1247
Hadith 2: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1248

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Talhah bin ‘Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person with dishevelled hair, one of the people of Najd, came to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully understand what he was saying, till he approached close to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS). Then I came to know that he was asking about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are five (obligatory) Salat during the day and the night.” He said: “Am I obliged to perform any other (Salat) besides these?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you observe voluntarily.” He (SAWS) added, “There is the Saum (fasting) of Ramadan.” The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to do anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. You may observe voluntary fasting.” And the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) told him about the Zakat (obligatory charity). The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to pay anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will.” That man turned back saying: “By Allah! I will neither make an addition to this nor will I decrease anything from it.” (Upon hearing this) the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) remarked, “He is successful if he proves truthful (to what he is saying).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 216, Page 351, No 1207

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. (Muslim)

Commentary: A Muslim is required to behave in poverty and prosperity, affluence and hardship, in the manner stated in this Hadith. It means that to forget Allah in prosperity, rather than being thankful to Him for His Favour is defiance of His Orders. Similarly, it is unbecoming of a Muslim that in troubles and turmoil, rather than being patient, he tends to weeping and crying, grousing and grieving against the Will of Allah.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 3, Page 14, No 27

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

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

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

Commentary: By looking at the worldly goods and riches of others, a person gradually becomes unthankful for the blessings which Allah has bestowed on him. The best remedy for this “disease” is that which has been prescribed by Messenger of Allah (SAWS) in this Hadith. The remedy is that one should look at the people who have lesser worldly goods and riches than one’s own. But from a religious angle, one should look towards those who are more fearful of Allah and observe their Salat meticulously, give their Zakat, practice Siam, if able complete the Hajj, kindness towards the parents, helping the orphan, feeding the hungry, being honest, smiling and doing other good deeds etc… so that one becomes more fond of obedience of Allah, has a greater fear of Allah and devotes more time to prayer and devotion. This dispensation is also given in other Hadith. (Notice and observe how the media generally always highlights the exact opposite in both cases)

Note: This does not mean not to work honestly desiring to be like those who Allah has given more. Just at the same time never lose focus on your Islam with which by Allah’s mercy will open the doors of Paradise inshaAllah and is the True success.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 55, Page 157, No 467

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Do you know who is the bankrupt?” They said: “The bankrupt among us is one who has neither money with him nor any property”. He said, “The real bankrupt of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with Salat (Prayers), Saum (Fasting) and Sadaqah (Zakat and Charity). He comes having reviled others, brought calamity against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others and beat others; so his good deeds would be credited to the account of those (who suffered at his hand and tongue). If his good deeds are not enough to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the (Hell) Fire”. (Muslim)

Commentary:
Keep in mind that the bankrupt is a person who had money but then lost it. The bankrupt of the Ummah of The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) is the one who had mountains of good deeds but lost them because of the bad treatment he had towards his fellow creation. Be very careful in how you treat others. You worked hard for your good deeds, don’t give them away. Imagine your good deeds being in the book of your victims (and they get the reward), and their bad deeds being in your own book (and you get the punishment).

Completing ones religious obligations (prayer, alms, fasting, and pilgrimage) is not sufficient so that Allah is pleased with us and is not sufficient in preventing us from going to Hell. What matters most is the real intention of our acts of devotion. If they are truly for Allah, they must prevent us from committing acts of injustice and immorality. But if these acts are for ostentation and to deceive others into getting favours, Allah rejects these acts because of the impurity of our souls. We continue to break all taboos towards Allah and man. This will lead directly to Hell despite our prayers, our alms, our fasting and pilgrimage.

This Hadith tells us that a Muslim has to take strict care in the performance of obligations like prescribed Salat, Zakat, etc, but he has to take similar care in his dealings, manners and morals. Salvation lies in the proper fulfillment of all these requirements. Fulfillment of one at the cost of the other will not be sufficient for salvation.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 26, Page 77, No 218

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection), made Zakat al-Fitr compulsory on every slave, freeman, male, female, young and old among the Muslims; one Saa` (a measurement: four double handfuls) of dried dates or one Saa` of barley. [Sahih Bukhari – Arabic/English, vol. 2, p. 339, no. 579]

Commentary: Zakat al-Fitr must be in the  hands of the needy family BEFORE Eid prayer.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: “The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “No one of you becomes a true believer until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself“. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith about the importance and virtue of mutual love among the Muslims. If we act upon the injunctions mentioned in this Hadith, the Muslim societies will be immediately purged of the evils like exploitation, bribery, dishonesty, falsehood, cheating, forgery, etc., which are rampant in them at present. Islam has taught golden principles to its followers who have unfortunately neglected them and in consequence are leading a life of utter disgrace and moral turpitude. May Allah guide us to the Straight Path. Ameen.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 22, Page 65, No 183

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: One day, I was riding behind the Prophet (SAWS) when he said, “O boy! I will instruct you in some matters. Be watchful of Allah (Commandments of Allah), He will preserve you. Safeguard His Rights, He will be ever with you. If you beg, beg of Him Alone; and if you need assistance, supplicate to Allah Alone for help. And remember that if all the people gather to benefit you, they will not be able to benefit you except that which Allah had foreordained (for you); and if all of them gather to do harm to you, they will not be able to afflict you with anything other than that which Allah had pre-destined against you. The pens had been lifted and the ink had dried up”. (At-Tirmidhi).

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “Safeguard the Commandments of Allah, you will find Him before you. Remember Him in prosperity and He will remember you in adversity. Be sure that which you miss, was not to hit you; and what hits you, was never to miss you. Remember that the Help of Allah is obtained with patience, and relief emerges after distress, prosperity follows adversity, and hardship is followed by ease”.

Commentary:
1. No one has the power to change the Decision of Allah.

2. Whatever trouble one has to suffer in this world, it does not last for ever. Every trouble is followed by prosperity, pleasure and happiness.

3. One should never ask other than Allah anyone’s help in supernatural way because it amounts to ascribing partnership with Allah. If a person is mindful of the Rights of Allah, then Allah, in return takes care of his needs and helps him.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 5, Page 25, No 62

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS), the truthful and the receiver of the truth informed us, saying, “The creation of you (humans) is gathered in the form of semen in the womb of your mother for forty days, then it becomes a clinging thing in similar (period), then it becomes a lump of flesh like that, then Allah sends an angel who breathes the life into it; and (the angel) is commanded to record four things about it: Its provision, its term of life (in this world), its conduct; and whether it will be happy or miserable. By the One besides Whom there is no true god! Verily, one of you would perform the actions of the dwellers of Jannah until there is only one cubit between him and it (Jannah), when what is foreordained would come to pass and he would perform the actions of the inmates of Hell until he enter it. And one of you would perform the actions of the inmates of Hell, until there is only one cubit between him and Hell. Then he would perform the acts of the dwellers of Jannah until he would enter it. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary 1: This Hadith should make one remove any ego, racism, or thought that one is better or superior than anybody else or that one becomes too confidant that they are destined to Jannah (only Allah knows who is) and at the same time this Hadith should remove any hate or feeling that somebody is worse or bad or is destined to Hell (only Allah knows who is). Abu Soufian (MAPH) spent twenty years fighting the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and became a Muslim at the end. The Messenger’s uncle Abu Talib spent his life helping Rasoul Allah (SAWS) and died not accepting Islam. We must live in balance between Hope in Allah’s Mercy and Fear in Allah’s Anger. Allah is Just and everybody will get what they have earned and not one deed good or bad will be unaccounted for (but remember with repentance Allah turns those bad deeds into good deeds). Allah Alim.

Commentary 2: Commentary: This Hadith deals with the problem of fate in which Faith is essential. What it means is that Almighty Allah already knows about every person, whether he will be pious or impious, whether he will go to Jannah or Hell. He has already recorded all this. But it does not mean that man is absolutely helpless and is deprived of will and power, as is believed by some deviant sects who have gone astray. Fate is in fact a manifestation of the Knowledge of Allah and it has nothing to do with the will and intention of a person. Allah has not created man as a helpless creature, but has endowed him with the freedom of will and action, because in the absence of these two qualities, there would be no justification for his trial. He could only be put to test if he was granted not only the ability to choose between good and evil but also the freedom to act. For this purpose, Almighty Allah, has clearly indicated to man both the paths and granted him freedom to choose whichever he likes. He has also told him the ultimate end of each. The Noble Qur’an says:

Indeed, We guided him to the way, be he grateful or be he ungrateful. (Koran 76.3)

And say, “The truth is from your Lord, so whoever wills – let him believe; and whoever wills – let him disbelieve.”… (Koran 18:29)

But by mentioning this Hadith in the chapter relating to the fear of Allah, Imam An-Nawawi has warned that we should be fearful of Allah, pray for His Help, and an auspicious end of our life. He has advised us to adopt whatever means are available to us. In other words, we should make Faith and piety a way of life because one can find the means and resources according to one’s capacity. Since nobody knows the result of his endeavours, one should leave it to Allah and rest assured that He Who has created him with a purpose will also create the ways and means to attain it. He who adopts piety, the ways to piety will open for him; and he who adopts evil, the ways to evil will open for him.