Hadith

Hadith ~ The case of a believer

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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

Hadith ~ Inferior to you

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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

Hadith ~ The Bankrupt

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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

Hadith ~ Six days of Shawwal

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

Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He who observes As-Saum (fasting) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal (month that follows Ramadan), it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.” (Muslim)

Commentary: According to the formula that there is at least ten-fold reward for every virtue, the Saum of one month (Ramadan) is equivalent to Saum of ten months. If one also observes six days of Saum of Shawwal, they will be equal to the Saum of two months. Thus, one becomes eligible for the reward of one full years’ Saum. He who makes it a permanent feature is like one who observes Saum throughout his life. He will be considered by Allah as one who observes Saum permanently. Although voluntary in nature, they are highly important. One can observe these six-day Saum consecutively or separately. Allah Alim.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 228, Page 364, No 1254

Hadith ~ Two different routes

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

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: On the occasion of the ‘Eid, the Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) would proceed to the prayer place taking one route and returning from another. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Commentary: The ‘Ulama’ say that there are many subtle points of wisdom in changing the way. According to Imam An-Nawawi, this causes an increase in the places of worship. Some say that both ways will bear witness on the Day of Reckoning, that he had passed through them in a state of worship. This may also be the object that instead of one way, the needy on two ways should benefit from alms and charity.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 98, Page 232, No 719

Hadith ~ Zakat al-Fitr

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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.

Hadith ~ Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree)

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

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Whoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Ibn Umar (MAPH) reported: Some of the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) saw Lailat-ul-Qadr (night of Decree) in their dreams in the last seven nights of Ramadan, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. Whosoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say: “Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PHUB) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say: “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: When the last ten nights (of ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year, and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month. (Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it? The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) replied: “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” (At-Tirmidhi)

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

Commentary: There is a general belief that it is fixed, on the 27th night of Ramadan. But this is not correct. The hadith do not confirm this view. Allah Alim.

Commentary:
If you do duas, give sadaqah or any other good deed on the last ten evenings of Ramadan you are guaranteed one of the evenings to be the night of al-Qadr inchaAllah

If you started Ramadan on the evening of March 23rd, 2023, it means that the evening of Ramadan 21 falls on the evening of April 11th, 2023 inshaAllah. Allah Alim.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 214, Page 346, No 1189
Hadith 2: Chapter 214, Page 346, No 1190
Hadith 3: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1191
Hadith 4: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1192
Hadith 5: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1193
Hadith 6: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1195

Hadith ~ Likes for his brother

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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

Importance of Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) – Especially during Ramadan

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

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (Koran 63.10)

…And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good (i.e., wealth, property, resources, time, effort, etc.) – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. (Koran 2.272)

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Koran 2.274 )

Say, “Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] – He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers.” (Koran 34.39)

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Quran to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (SAWS) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Two angels descend every morning, and one says: ‘O Allah, give him who spends something, in place of what he spends.’ The other one says: ‘O Allah, give destruction to him who withholds”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

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 218, Page 356, No 1222
Hadith 2: Chapter 36, Page 99, No 295

Hadith ~ Two joyous occasions

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb (Lord).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Allah says: ‘(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward’.”

In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (SWT) says: ‘The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb (Lord). Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

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

Commentary: “Khuluf”, is the smell that comes from the mouth of the person who observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which the person has to suffer suring the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 354, No 1215

Hadith ~ If you seek help, seek it from Allah

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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

Hadith ~ Devils and the rebels from the jinn are tied down

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

Narrated Abu-Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “When it is the first night of Ramadan, the devils and the rebels from the jinn are tied down; the gates of the Fire are closed and no gate of them is opened but the gates of Paradise are opened and no gate of them is closed. And a caller calls: “O you who intends to do good, go ahead. O you who intend to do evil, abstain. And for Allah, there are people acquitted from the Fire every night.'” (At-Termizi)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (2)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 201, Page 803, Number 662

Hadith ~ Breaking the Saum (Fasting)

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

Salman bin ‘Amir (MAPH) reported: I heard the Prophet (SAWS) saying, “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.” (Abu Dawud).

Anas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date-fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date-fruits; he would take three draughts of water. (At-Tirmidhi).

Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break the Saum (fasting).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary Hadith 1 and 2: It is well to keep the priorities of things mentioned in the Hadith as one gets the reward of following the Sunnah in breaking his Saum.

Commentary Hadith 3: “Adhere to good” here means welfare of the religion as well as that of this world. Breaking the Saum early does not mean that it is terminated before the prescribed time. What it really means is without any delay after the sunset. One should not delay it for the mere reason that the rigour one has gone through in the Saum should be enhanced further, as is done by some people. There is no merit in such things because the real merit lies in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS). Welfare of the Muslims will, therefore, come in the share of the Muslims because of their following the Prophet’s Sunnah of breaking the Saum in the early moments of the prescribed time.

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 222, Page 360, No 1238
Hadith 2: Chapter 222, Page 360, No 1239
Hadith 3: Chapter 222, Page 359, No 1233

Hadith ~ Protecting As-Saum (the Fast)

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

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: ‘I am observing fast.'” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.” (Al-Bukhari).

Commentary Hadith 1: We learn from this Hadith that during Saum not only food, drink and intimate relations with one’s spouse are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Quran.

Commentary Hadith 2: This Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of Allah. To save himself from Allah’s Wrath and to get the reward of the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that their Saum will go to waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.

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 223, Page 360, No 1240
Hadith 2: Chapter 223, Page 361, No 1241

Hadith ~ Whoever observes fasting

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 355, No 1219

Hadith ~ Fast when you see the New Moon (of Ramadan)

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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: “Fast when you see the new moon (of Ramadan) and break your fast when you see the new moon (of Shawwal.) If clouds prevent you from seeing it, complete thirty days in the month of Shaban (the one that precedes Ramadan). (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Commentary: (…) If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted on the 29th Sha’ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan’s Saum be started on the next day. Similarly, if the moon for the month of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum must be completed before celebrating ‘Eid-ul-Fitr. This means that the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of Ramadan. Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this purpose. (…)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 356, No 1221

Hadith ~ Day of Ashura (10th of Muharram)

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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 Sunday 7th of August 2022, insha Allah.
3. This year the 10th day of Muharram is Monday 8th of August 2022, 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

Hadith ~ Prophet Muhammad’s (saws) Last Sermon

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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.

Hadith ~ Only one cubit between him and it

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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.

A Muslim should never go towards evil at any stage of his life, lest his life comes to an end suddenly and he is deprived of the reward of all the good deeds he has done during his life and consequently he is consigned to Hell rather than Jannah. May Allah save us from a bad end and such actions which lead one to Hell.

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: Chapter 50, Page 134, Number 396

Hadith ~ What do you think

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

Narrated Abu Bakr (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘I said to the Prophet (SAWS) while I was in the Cave: “If anyone of them looked around under his feet, he would see us.” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “O Abu-Bakr! What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah? (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. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 7, Page 168, Number 65

Hadith ~ Afflicts him with trials

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

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.” (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 122, Number 37

Hadith ~ Make for him a way out

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

Malek Al-Achja’i -may God be pleased with him-, reports that Ibn Ishaq, came to the Prophet (SAWS) and said to him: “My son ‘Awf was taken captive!”. He replied: “Send to tell him that the Messenger of Allah commands you to repeat often: “There is neither power nor strength except in Allah” (Transliteration: la hawla wala quwwata illa billah OR la hawla wala quwwata illa billahil aliyyil azim). Indeed, the envoy transmitted these words to ‘Awf who complied and spent most of his time repeating them. As he was tied up, he found that his bond came loose. He managed to escape and, finding a camel on his way out, he mounted her and left. On his way, he met a herd of camels, brought them with him and, when he arrived home, called his parents. His father exclaimed: “It is indeed the voice of ‘Awf, I swear by the Lord of the Ka’ba”. But his mother answered him: “Oh what a misfortune! How could he be ‘Awf when he’s a prisoner and tied up?”. The father and servant went out to find ‘Awf with a large herd of camels, and he told his father what had happened. The father went to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and told him everything. He said to him, “Allah on that occasion made this revelation: …And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent. [Koran 65 2-3]

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

Translated from:
The Compagnons of the Prophet (SAWS) (Hayat-Assahaba)
By Mouhammad Youssef Al-Kandahlawi – Volume II
Translated by Fawzi Chaaban
Editor: Dar El Fikr – Beyrouth/Liban
Page 398

Hadith ~ In complete submission

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

“O people! Do not be too eager from the demand of this world. A person only gets what has been pre-written for them and no person will leave this world before what has been assigned to them from this world comes to them in complete submission.”

Translated from:
Riyad as-Salihin (Les Jardins des vertueux)
de l’Imam Mohieddine Annawawi 631 – 676
Traduction et Commentaire du Dr Salaheddine Keshrid (Tunisie)
Éditeur: Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami
P45

Hadith ~ Three men in a cave

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

Narrated Abdullah ibn Omar (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘I heard Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) saying: “Three men from among those who were before you, set out together until they reached a cave at night and they entered it. A big rock rolled down the mountain and closed the mouth of the cave. They said (to each other): ‘Nothing can save us from this rock but to invoke Allah by mentioning the righteous deeds that we have done (for Allah’s sake only).” So, one of them said: ‘O Allah! I had old parents (whom I used to provide with milk) and I never provided my family (wife, children, etc.) with milk before them. One day, by chance I was delayed, and I arrived late (at night) after they had slept. I milked the sheep for them and then took the milk to them, but I found them sleeping. I did not like to offer my family the milk before them, so I waited for them and the bowl of milk was in my hand and I kept on waiting for them to get up until dawn. Then they got up and drank the milk. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, I invoke You to relieve us from our critical situation that has been caused by this rock.’ So, the rock moved a little, but they could not get out. The Prophet (SAWS) added: “The second man said: ‘O Allah! I had a cousin who was the dearest of all people to me and I wanted to have sexual intercourse with her, but she refused. Later she came across hard times during a year of famine and she came to me, and I gave her one hundred and twenty dinars on the condition that she would not resist my desires, and she agreed. When I was about to fulfill my desires, she said: “It is illegal for you to violate my chastity except through legitimate marriage.” So, I realized it was a sin to have sexual intercourse with her and left her, though she was the dearest of all people to me. I also left the gold I had given her. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present calamity.’ So, the rock moved a little more, but still they could not get out from the cave. The Prophet (SAWS) added: “Then the third man said: ‘O Allah! I employed few laborers and I paid them all of them their wages, with the exception of one man who did not take his wages and went away. I invested his wages and I gained much profit from this. (Then after some time) he came and said to me: “O Allah’s servant! Pay me my wages.” I said to him: “All the camels, cows, sheep, and slaves that you see here, are yours.” He said: “O Allah’s slave! Don’t mock me.” I said: “I am not mocking you.” So, he took the herd and drove them away and left nothing. O Allah! If I did that for Your sake only, please relieve us from the present suffering.’ So, the rock moved completely and they walked out. (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. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 1, Page 77, Number 12

Hadith ~ The Orphan

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

Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan”. Messenger of Allah (SAWS) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. (Al-Bukhari).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “He who takes care of an orphan, whether he is his relative or a stranger, will be in Jannah with me like these two”. The narrator, Malik bin Anas raised his forefinger and middle finger for illustration. (Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “One who strives to help the widows and the poor is like the one who fights in the way of Allah.” The narrator said: I think that he (SAWS) added also: “I shall regard him as the one who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as the one who observes fasts continuously”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Commentary 1: It will be indeed a great honour to be close to the Prophet (SAWS) in Jannah. This honour will be given to those who are kind to the orphans. The Prophet (SAWS) has regarded it the ‘best house’ in which an orphan is treated with kindness. He declared the worst home in which an orphan child is not treated with affection.

Commentary 2: There are several charities where orphan sponsorship is available. Seek out those who are reliable and trustworthy to care for orphans and share in the reward that will come with that inshaAllah.

Commentary 3: The Islamic system of welfare and economic security is not restricted to relatives only. It includes every orphan and needy. If Muslims put this system into practice, there will be no need for insurance -a system which is based on usury. May Allah enable the Muslims to adopt the teachings of Islam so that they will be relieved of the curse of the system of usury.

Commentary 4: Here the words ‘widow’ and ‘poor’ have been mentioned for example only while they cover the whole range of indigent, invalid and needy people. Efforts for their care, support and welfare has been regarded equivalent to Jihad. Islam has done full justice in supporting the helpless individuals and the entire poor class of the society by elevating the status of those who undertake this noble task to the level of Mujahidun. It makes it clear that worship is not restricted to prayers and fasting only but also covers every good deed. Thus, those who are always mindful of the weak and the poor and constantly strive for their welfare are engaged in perpetual worship.

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 33, Page 91, Number 262
Hadith 2: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 263
Hadith 3: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 265

Hadith ~ He who has done a wrong

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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: “He who has done a wrong affecting his brother’s honour or anything else, let him ask his forgiveness today before the time (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) when he will have neither a dinar nor a dirham. If he has done some good deeds, a portion equal to his wrong doings will be subtracted from them; but if he has no good deeds, he will be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he had wronged in the same proportion”.(Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu-Musa (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘Some people asked Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection): “Whose Islam is the best? (i.e. Who is a very good Muslim?)” He replied: “One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands.'” (Bukhari)

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that if one does not compensate a person who has been harmed by one and has not been pardoned for it, then it would have a serious consequence in the Hereafter. Its detail is mentioned in this Hadith. Thus, negligence in the case of public rights, which we take very lightly, is in fact ruinous.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 26, Page 75, No 210
Hadith 2: Chapter 236, Page 961, Number 812

Hadith ~ Extreme thirst

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

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

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

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

Commentary: This was the reward for helping an animal. Imagine the reward for helping a human? Allah Alim.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 13, Page 46, No 126

Hadith ~ The strong believer

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

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): Allah’s Messenger (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “The strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than the weak believer, and all of them have goodness. Be keen on what benefits you and seek help in Allah, and do not give up. If anything afflicts you do not say: “If I had done such and such thing, such and such would have happened,” but say: “Allah decrees, and what Allah wills comes to pass.” For, (the utterance) “If I had done such and such,” provides an opening for Satan to creep stealthily.” (Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 11, Page 197, Number 76

Hadith ~ Prick he receives from a thorn

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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

Hadith ~ You will not enter Jannah until you believe

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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: “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do, you love each other. Promote greeting amongst you (by saying As-salamu ‘alaikum to one another)”. (Muslim)

Commentary: In this Hadith, Islam has been regarded as the medium of mutual love. This is the reason Muslims have been enjoined to greet each other regardless of acquaintance. It does not, however, mean that a Muslim will be a true believer or entitled to Jannah, by mere greeting. What it really means is that his Faith will become meaningful only when it is supported by actions. Greeting is an Islamic custom and a practical form and demonstration of it. The combination of Faith and its practice will take a Muslim to Jannah.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 46, Page 126, No 378