Hadith ~ Hanzalah has become a hypocrite

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

Hanzalah Al-Usayyidi (MAPH) who was one of the scribes of Messenger of Allah (SAWS), reported: I met Abu Bakr (MAPH) he said: “How are you O Hanzalah?” I said, “Hanzalah has become a hypocrite”. He said, “Far removed is Allah from every imperfection, what are you saying?” I said, “When we are in the company of Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and he reminds us of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our very eyes, and when we are away from Messenger of Allah (SAWS), we attend to our wives, our children, our business, most of these things (pertaining to life hereafter) slip out of our minds.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “By Allah, I also experience the same thing”. So Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) and I went to Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and I said to him, “O Messenger of Allah (SAWS), Hanzalah has turned hypocrite.” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “What has happened to you?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah, when we are in your company, and are reminded of Hell-fire and Jannah, we feel as if we are seeing them with our own eyes, but when we go away from you and attend to our wives, children and business, much of these things go out of our minds.” Thereupon Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my life if your state of mind remains the same as it is in my presence and you are always busy in remembrance (of Allah), the angels will shake hands with you in your beds and in your roads; but Hanzalah, time should be devoted (to the worldly affairs) and time should be devoted (to prayer)”. He (the Prophet (SAWS)) said this thrice. (Muslim).

Another translation of this hadith is similar but finishes like this: But Hanzala! One hour for the Hereafter, and one hour for the things of this world (and he (the Prophet (SAWS))) repeated this three times.

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the continence and piety of the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) with reference to the natural instinct of man to think differently in different situations. This condition has nothing to do with Nifaq (hypocrisy). Islam is the Deen of Fitrah (pure nature) and takes the middle course in everything, and combines the benefits of this world and those of the Hereafter. It also satisfies the needs of the body as well as that of the soul.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 14, Page 54, No 151

Commentary ~ The wealth of the rich

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

Imam Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) said:

“Allah, Glory and Purity to Him, imposed on the goods of the rich enough to feed the poor. A poor man only feels hunger because of an enjoyment of a rich person and Allah, the Exalted, will account them for it.”

Hadith ~ The Hadith of Jibreel (Gabriel) (alaihis salaam)

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

‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Once we were sitting in the company of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) when there appeared a man dressed in very white clothes and having extraordinary black hair. No signs of fatigue of journey appeared on him and he was known to none of us. He sat down facing the Prophet (SAWS) leaning his knees against the knees of the Prophet (SAWS) and placing both of his palms over his two thighs and said, “O Muhammad (SAWS)! Tell me about Islam”. He (SAWS) replied, “Islam is to testify that none has the right to be worshiped but Allah, and that Muhammad (SAWS) is the Messenger of Allah; that you observe Salat (prayers), pay Zakat, observe Saum (fasting) of Ramadan and perform Hajj (pilgrimage) of the House, provided you have resources of making journey to it.” He replied: “You have spoken the truth”. We were surprised to see that he had asked him and confirmed the correctness of the answers. He then inquired: “Tell me about Iman (faith)”. He (SAWS) said. “It is to believe in Allah, and His Books, and His Messengers and the Last Day and that you believe in fore-ordainment, its bad and good consequences.” He said, “You have spoken the truth.” He then inquired: “Tell me about Ihsan.” He (SAWS) said, “It is to worship Allah as if you are seeing Him; and although you do not see Him, He sees you”. He inquired: “Inform me about the Hour (i.e., the Day of Resurrection)”. He (SAWS) replied, “I have no more knowledge thereof than you”. He said, “Inform me about some of its signs”. He (SAWS) said, “They are -that a bonds-woman gives birth to her own master, and that you will find the barefooted, naked, poor shepherds competing one another in the construction of higher buildings”. Then he departed. The Messenger of Allah kept silent for a while then he said to me, “O ‘Umar! Do you know who the questioner was?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better”. The Prophet (SAWS) said, “He was Jibreel (the Angel Gabriel); he came to you to teach you your religion”. (Muslim).

Commentary: This Hadith is known as ‘Hadith Jibril’. It mentions the basics of Islam the details of which are known to every Muslim. Al-Qadr (Divine foreordainment) means that Allah already knows and had recorded everything that will happen until the Day of Resurrection. Now whatever happens is in accordance with that knowledge and writing. What is meant by its good and bad consequences can be illustrated by saying that tranquillity, prosperity and abundance of crops come in the category of good consequences. Famine, calamities and troubles, etc., fall in the list as evil consequences. But we regard them good or bad according to our own understanding; otherwise, every action of Allah has some wisdom and expedience which are known to Him Alone.

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 60

Ayaat 116-120 ~ Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

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

116. And (remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allâh?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner­self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All­Knower of all that is hidden and unseen.

117. “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allâh) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world).

118. “If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All­Mighty, the All­Wise .”

119. Allâh will say: “This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever. Allâh is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise).

120. To Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things.

Sura 5. Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

Commentary ~ Three Regrets

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

Hasan Basri (one of the Tabi’en) said: “Woe to him, of the sons of Adam who puts his complacency in this world, where we must account for the use of legitimate things and where there is a punishment for the forbidden things! Whenever dies a son of Adam, he will leave with three regrets:

  1. Never having been sated in accumulating the goods of this world;
  2. Never having found satisfaction for the desires that were in his heart;
  3. Not having properly prepared the provisions for the other world.”

Someone said: “Such a person is dying”. Hasan Basri would exclaim: “But it has now been seventy years that he has been dying; today he will be delivered from this effort.”

Hadith ~ When will the Last Day be?

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Once the Prophet (SAWS) was speaking to us when, a bedouin came and asked him: “When will the Last Day be?” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) continued his talk. Some of those present thought that he had heard him but disliked the interruption and the other said that he had not heard him. When the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) concluded his speech he asked, “Where is the one who inquired about the Last Day?” The man replied: “Here I am.” The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) replied, “When the practice of honouring a trust is lost, expect the Last Day.” He asked: “How could it be lost?” He replied, “When the government is entrusted to the undeserving people, then wait for the Last Day.” (Al-Bukhari)

Commentary: Here a very important sign of the nearness of the Day of Judgement has been mentioned: The affairs of the world will be in the hands of wicked and undeserving people. The sinners and wicked people will become the leaders of the world. The preaching pulpits would also be occupied by people who would be greedy and ignorant.They will be devoid of piety and abstinence.

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 370, Page 532, No 1837

Ayaat 44-48 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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

44. Enjoin you Al-Birr (piety and righteousness and each and every act of obedience to Allah) on the people and you forget (to practise it) yourselves, while you recite the Scripture [the Taurat (Torah)]! Have you then no sense?

45. And seek help in patience and As-Salât (the prayer) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khâshi’un [i.e. the true believers in Allah – those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.)].

46. (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.

47. O Children of Israel! Remember My Favour which I bestowed upon you and that I preferred you to the ‘Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of your time period, in the past).

48. And fear a Day (of Judgement) when a person shall not avail another, nor will intercession be accepted from him nor will compensation be taken from him nor will they be helped.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ When your supplications take too long to be answered

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

There will be Duas you make that won’t manifest when you want them to…

That doesn’t mean it’s an unanswered Dua…

There are 2 critical points I’d like you to understand…

The first is… Allah answers ALL Duas. It comes in one of 3 ways:

1. Yes.
2. Yes, but not yet.
3. Yes, I have something better for you.

The second critical point is this…

When the answer is “Yes, but not yet”, here’s why…

If you wanted to strengthen your upper body for weight lifting, a trainer would start with your lower body.

To get your upper body ready, you need to be stable, to plant your feet in the ground.

Likewise, for you to be ready for some duas, Allah wants you ready for it…

Put another way, a seed can’t produce fruit right away. It has to first grow roots, strength its trunk, grow its branches and then finally the fruits.

Commentary ~ A Gentle Admonition

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

A man went to the caliph, Mamun, in order to advise and admonish him; however, he was very severe in his speech, so much so that the ruler was visibly affected by his words. When the man left the company of the caliph, he regretted his words and feared punishment from him. When he returned to his home, he found out that the caliph wanted to meet him, and so he returned to him in a state of fear and agitation. Mamun said, “Indeed, Allah has ordered he who is better than you to be gentle in speech with he who is more evil than me.” Allah (the Exalted) said to Prophet Musa (peace be upon him) when he sent him to Firaun:

“And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah.” (Koran 20.44)

The man apologized for what he said, and he learned gentleness in speech from Mamun.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 146

Hadith ~ Prick of a thorn

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

Narrated Abdullah ibn Masoud (may Allah be pleased with him): ‘I visited Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) while he was suffering from a high fever. I said: “O Allah’s Messenger (SAWS)! You have a high fever”. He said: “Yes. I have as much fever as two men of you.” I said: “Is it because you will have a double reward?” He said: “Yes. It is so. No Muslim is afflicted with any harm, even if it were the prick of a thorn, but that Allah expiates his sins because of it, as a tree sheds its leaves.”‘ (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 140, Page 639, Number 469

Ayaat 132-136 ~ Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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

132. And obey Allâh and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy.

133. And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as are the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqûn (the pious – see V.2:2).

134. Those who spend [in Allâh’s Cause – deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allâh loves Al-Muhsinûn (the good­doers).

135. And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (illegal sexual intercourse etc.) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and ask forgiveness for their sins; – and none can forgive sins but Allâh – And do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know.

136. For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh’s Orders).

Sura 3. Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

Hadith ~ A Sheer Hypocrite

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

Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-As (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are: When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust; when he speaks, he lies; when he promises, he acts treacherously; and when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 86, Page 220, No 690

Commentary ~ Leave something for the sake of Allah

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

Some of the scholars of tafseer say that if you look at the Mahajirouns, the ones who emigrated from Mecca to Medina; later on every one of them became a leader of a state or an emir of an army. So Allah gave them a better status in this world then what they had in Mecca. That is in this world; in the hereafter the reward is even greater.

The scholars also say that: “Whoever leaves something for the sake of Allah, Allah will give that person something better.”

Hadith ~ Piety is good manner

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

An-Nawwas bin Sam’an (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Piety is good manner, and sin is that which creates doubt and you do not like people to know of it.” [Muslim]

Wabisah bin Ma’bad (MAPH) reported: “I went to Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and he asked me: “Have you come to inquire about piety?” I replied in the affirmative. Then he said: “Ask your heart regarding it. Piety is that which contents the soul and comforts the heart, and sin is that which causes doubts and perturbs the heart, even if people pronounce it lawful and give you verdicts on such matters again and again.” [Ahmad and Ad-Darmi]

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

Commentary:
Islam lays much importance on courteous behavior and also explains and stresses its different aspects. To meet people cheerfully, to avoid causing trouble to them, rather to try to make things convenient and comfortable to them, to do social service, to extend co-operation to others in good things and to be generous, and to like for others also that you like for yourself, are all forms of moral behaviour that are counted as virtues in Islam. All that is bad and vicious is considered by Islam as sinful. This Hadith describes two signs of sin. First, man should feel scruples in committing it. Second, one does not like others being informed about it. The Hadith further tells us that human nature (fitra) leads man to correct conclusions and keeps away from evils, provided it has not been deformed by the environment and bad company.

There are two points about the 2nd Hadith. First, it is one of the miracles of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) who discovered the nature of the question before it was put to him. Second, man’s heart is the biggest guide to him and he, therefore, should keep his heart illuminated with the light of Faith so as to continue receiving guidance from it.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 68, Page 193, No 590
Hadith 2: Chapter 68, Page 193, No 591

Commentary ~ Your Prisoner

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

Here is a saying of Imam Ali (May Allah be pleased with him):

Your talk (words) are your prisoner as long as you have not spoken. But, as soon as you speak, you become its prisoner.

Hoard your tongue as you hoard your gold and silver because it may be that one single word may take away your happiness and attract to you a calamity.

Ayaat 1-8 ~ Ta-Ha

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

Listen to Recitation

1. Ta-Ha.

2. We have not sent down the Qur’an to thee to be (an occasion) for thy distress,

3. But only as an admonition to those who fear (Allah),-

4. A revelation from Him Who created the earth and the heavens on high.

5. The Most Gracious is firmly established on the throne.

6. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth, and all between them, and all beneath the soil.

7. If thou pronounce the word aloud, (it is no matter): for verily He knoweth what is secret and what is yet more hidden.

8. Allah. there is no god but He! To Him belong the most Beautiful Names.

Sura 20. Ta-Ha

Hadith ~ A deed that will admit me into Paradise

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

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘A nomad came to the Prophet (SAWS) and said: “Tell me of a deed that will admit me into Paradise.” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Worship Allah, and worship none along with Him, offer the (five) prescribed compulsory prayers perfectly, pay the compulsory zakat and fast in the month of Ramadhan.” The nomad said: “By Him in Whose Hands my soul (life) is I will not do more than this.” When he (the nomad) left, the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Whoever wants to see a man from the rightful dwellers of Paradise, then he may look at this man.”‘ (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 200, Page 788, Number 651

Ayaat 31-34 ~ Ibrahim (Abraham)

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

31. Say to ‘Ibâdî (My slaves) who have believed, that they should perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend in charity out of the sustenance We have given them, secretly and openly, before the coming of a Day on which there will be neither mutual bargaining nor befriending.

32. Allâh is He Who has created the heavens and the earth and sends down water (rain) from the sky, and thereby brought forth fruits as provision for you; and He has made the ships to be of service to you, that they may sail through the sea by His Command; and He has made rivers (also) to be of service to you.

33. And He has made the sun and the moon, both constantly pursuing their courses, to be of service to you; and He has made the night and the day, to be of service to you.

34. And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the Blessings of Allâh, never will you be able to count them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, – a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate, denies Allâh’s Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others besides Allâh, and by disobeying Allâh and His Prophet Muhammad (SAWS)).

Sura 14. Ibrahim (Abraham)

Commentary ~ A Good Deed that is not accepted

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

Asma’i related: “I was with a man from the inhabitants of Sham (Modern day Syria, Lebanon, Palestine and Jordan regions combined) and was attempting to appease him in a certain manner when a vendor with a bucketful of pomegranates passed by. To my surprise, my companion who was of the noble aristocrats of Sham quickly snatched a pomegranate and slipped it into his sleeve. I could not believe what my eyes had witnessed until we happened upon a beggar. This man from Sham retrieved the hidden pomegranate from his sleeve and handed it to the beggar. I questioned him about this strange action.” He replied, “Do you not understand that taking the pomegranate was one evil deed and giving it to the beggar equated to ten good deeds?” Asma’i responded, “Do you not know that the taking of it was an evil action and the good of giving it was not accepted of you because it was Haram (forbidden).”

Additional commentary: Allah is Good and only accepts that which is good.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 83

Commentary ~ Defends the Honour

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

Abu-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said, “He who defends the honour of his (Muslim) brother, Allah will secure his face against the Fire on the Day of Resurrection.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Commentary: If someone says something disgraceful against a Muslim, one must defend his Muslim brother (or sister, for that matter) and say that what has been stated about him or her is wrong and that he (or she) is free from the accusation made against him (or her).

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 255, Page 438, No 1528

Ayaat 16-23 ~ Al-Anbiyah’ (The Prophets)

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

16. We created not the heavens and the earth and all that is between them for a (mere) play.

17. Had We intended to take a pastime, We could surely have taken it from Us, if We were going to do (that).

18. Nay, We fling (send down) the truth (this Qur’ân) against the falsehood (disbelief), so it destroys it, and behold, it (falsehood) is vanished. And woe to you for that (lie) which you ascribe (to Us) (against Allâh by uttering that Allâh has a wife and a son).

19. To Him belongs whosoever is in the heavens and on earth. And those who are near Him (i.e. the angels) are not too proud to worship Him, nor are they weary (of His worship).

20. They (i.e. the angels) glorify His Praises night and day, (and) they never slacken (to do so).

21. Or have they taken (for worship) âliha (gods) from the earth who raise the dead?

22. Had there been therein (in the heavens and the earth) gods besides Allâh, then verily both would have been ruined. Glorified be Allâh, the Lord of the Throne, (High is He) above what they attribute to Him!

23. He cannot be questioned as to what He does, while they will be questioned.

Sura 21. Al-Anbiyah’ (The Prophets)

Commentary ~ The Most Difficult of Deeds

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

Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Among deeds, there are four that are most difficult to adorn oneself with: 1) Forgiveness when angry; 2) Generosity in hard times; 3) Chastity when alone; and 4) Speaking the truth to the one that fears it.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 119

Ayaat 104-109 ~ Yunus (Jonah)

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

104. Say: “O you mankind! If you are in doubt as to my religion (Islâm), then (know that) I will never worship those whom you worship, besides Allah. But I worship Allah Who causes you to die, I am commanded to be one of the believers.

105. “And (it is inspired to me): Direct your face entirely towards the religion Hanifa (Islâmic Monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone), and never be one of the Mushrikûn (those who ascribe partners to Allah, polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who worship others along with Allah).

106. “And invoke not besides Allah, any that will neither profit you, nor hurt you, but if (in case) you did so, you shall certainly be one of the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers).”

107. And if Allah touches you with hurt, there is none who can remove it but He; and if He intends any good for you, there is none who can repel His Favour which He causes it to reach whomsoever of His slaves He will. And He is the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

108. Say: “O you mankind! Now truth, has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss, and I am not (set) over you as a Wakîl (disposer of affairs to oblige you for guidance).”

109. And, follow the inspiration sent unto you, and be patient till Allah gives judgement. And He is the Best of judges.

Sura 10. Yunus (Jonah)

Hadith ~ Four Things in One Day

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

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported,

that Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) said: “Who is fasting today?”

Abu Bakr (MAPH) said: It is I.

He (Allah’s Messenger) (SAWS) (again) said: Who has followed a funeral procession today?

Abu Bakr (MAPH) said: It is I.

He (Allah’s Messenger) (SAWS) again said: Who amongst you has served food to the needy today?

Abu Bakr (MAPH) said: It is I.

He (Allah’s Messenger) (SAWS) (again) said: Who amongst you has today visited the sick?

Abu Bakr (MAPH) said: It is I.

Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (SAWS) said: “Any person that has done these four things in one day will enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

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

Sahih Muslim
Book 31,
Hadith No 5880

Ayaat 110-120 ~ Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

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

Listen to Recitation

110. (Remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection). “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Remember My Favour to you and to your mother when I supported you with Rûh­ul­Qudus [Jibrael (Gabriel)] so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al­Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel); and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.’ “

111. And when I (Allâh) put in the hearts of Al-Hawârîeen (the disciples) [of ‘Iesa (Jesus)] to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.”

112. (Remember) when Al-Hawârîûn (the disciples) said: “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with food) from heaven?” ‘Iesa (Jesus) said: “Fear Allâh, if you are indeed believers.”

113. They said: “We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses.”

114. ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), said: “O Allâh, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us – for the first and the last of us – a festival and a sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the Best of sustainers.”

115. Allâh said: “I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves, then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among (all) the ‘Alamîn (mankind and jinns).”

116. And (remember) when Allâh will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary)! Did you say unto men: ‘Worship me and my mother as two gods besides Allâh?’ ” He will say: “Glory be to You! It was not for me to say what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, You would surely have known it. You know what is in my inner­self though I do not know what is in Yours, truly, You, only You, are the All­Knower of all that is hidden and unseen.

117. “Never did I say to them aught except what You (Allâh) did command me to say: ‘Worship Allâh, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a witness over them while I dwelt amongst them, but when You took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You are a Witness to all things. (This is a great admonition and warning to the Christians of the whole world).

118. “If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You are the All­Mighty, the All­Wise .”

119. Allâh will say: “This is a Day on which the truthful will profit from their truth: theirs are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise) – they shall abide therein forever. Allâh is pleased with them and they with Him. That is the great success (Paradise).

120. To Allâh belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth and all that is therein, and He is Able to do all things.

Sura 5. Al-Ma’idah (The Table Spread with Food)

Commentary ~ Maintaining a Balanced Lifestyle

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

Ali bin Fudail related that he heard his father say to Ibn Mubarak, “You order us to seek little from this world, yet we see you trading in merchandise. Please explain how you reconcile one with the other?” He said, “O Abu ‘Ali, I do so only to protect myself (from begging), to be generous to my family, and to use wealth to help me in obedience to my Lord.” ‘Ali said, “O Ibn Mubarak, if you achieve all of that, then your way of earning and spending are both noble indeed!”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 115

Hadith ~ Iman has over seventy branches

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

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Iman has over seventy branches, the uppermost of which is the declaration: ‘None has the right to be worshiped but Allah’; and the least of which is the removal of harmful object from the road, and modesty is a branch of Iman.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that from the standpoint of practice, Faith has several stages. It also tells that Faith and practice are inseparable. It also makes evident the importance and excellence of bashfulness because it induces a person to good deeds and deters him from evils.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 13, Page 46, No 125

Commentary ~ In the Good and in the Evil

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

Al-Walid Ben ‘Oubada said: “I went to visit ‘Oubada (May Allah be pleased with him) as he was sick, thinking his death was impending. I told him:” Father! Give me some tips that will benefit me. “He asked to be put into a sitting position, and then he said:” O son! You will not taste the sweetness of Faith (Iman) or reach the degree of knowledge on the reality of Allah as long as you do not believe in Destiny in the good and in the evil. “O father, I asked, how will I know Destiny in the good and in the evil? He replied, “Know that what you have missed would not be able to reach you, and what has reached you would not have missed you. O son, I heard the Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) say: “The first thing Allah created was the Calame (Pen). Allah said: “Write.” And the Calame wrote at that moment all that will take place until the Day of Resurrection. “O son! If you die without believing in this, you will enter into Hell.” (Ahmed)

The Compagnons of the Prophet (Hayat-Assahaba)
By Mouhammad Youssef Al-Kandahlawi – Volume II
Translated by Fawzi Chaaban
Editor: Dar El Fikr – Beyrouth/Liban
Page 92

Hadith ~ You will be with those whom you love

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

Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A Bedouin came to Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and said to him, “When will be the Hour (i.e., the Day of Resurrection)?” He (the Prophet (SAWS)) said, “What preparation have you made for it?” He said, “Only the love of Allah and His Messenger.” Then Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “You will be with those whom you love.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

The narration in Muslim is: The man replied: “I have made no significant preparation with regard to Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting) and Sadaqah (charity) but I love Allah and His Messenger”.

Commentary: The love of the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) for Allah and His Prophet (SAWS) was not verbal only, as is the case of present-day Muslims. Their love was full of obedience and submission to Allah in the true sense. This is what the Bedouin mentioned in this Hadith really meant when he said that he had not amassed a large treasure by way of Salat, Saum (fasts) and Sadaqah for presentation on the Day of Resurrection. What he meant by them was voluntary acts and not the obligations. The reason being that the obligatory acts like Salat, Saum and Zakat are incumbent on every Muslim and no one can claim to be a true believer and lover of Allah and His Prophet (SAWS) who ignores them. Any Muslim, who entertains true love of Allah and His Prophet (SAWS), makes it evident in his practical life by his strict performance of the duties and obligations enjoined by Allah and demonstrated by His Prophet (SAWS) through his Sunnah. Even if such a person does not have to his credit a large amount of voluntary acts, he will be declared successful by Allah. This is the real import of this Hadith; otherwise a Muslim’s claim for the love of Allah and His Prophet (SAWS) will be void if he does not fulfill his religious obligations. In fact, without the fulfillment of religious obligations, his claim will be nothing short of self-deception. His claim for the love of Allah and His Prophet (SAWS), which is not supported by his actions, will carry no weight before Allah. This is what the following Ayah of the Noble Qur’an enjoins:

Say: “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Qur’an and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Koran 3.31)

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

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 45, Page 122, No 369

Ayaat 47-49 ~ Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds that Scatter)

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

47. With power did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof[1].

48. And We have spread out the earth, how Excellent Spreader (thereof) are We!

49. And of everything We have created pairs, that you may remember (the Grace of Allâh).

Sura 51. Adh-Dhariyat (The Winds that Scatter)

[1]: Verily, We are Able to extend the vastness of space thereof: Modern science has shown in 1929 that the universe is in constant expansion. Glory be to Allah the Exalted.