Three Causes of Unanswered Prayers

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ لَا يَزَالُ يُسْتَجَابُ لِلْعَبْدِ مَا لَمْ يَدْعُ بِإِثْمٍ أَوْ قَطِيعَةِ رَحِمٍ مَا لَمْ يَسْتَعْجِلْ قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا الِاسْتِعْجَالُ قَالَ يَقُولُ قَدْ دَعَوْتُ وَقَدْ دَعَوْتُ فَلَمْ أَرَ يَسْتَجِيبُ لِي فَيَسْتَحْسِرُ عِنْدَ ذَلِكَ وَيَدَعُ الدُّعَاءَ 

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

The supplication of the servant is granted in case he does not supplicate for sin or for severing the ties of blood, or he does not become impatient. 

It was said: Allah's Messenger, what does: "If he does not grow impatient" imply? 

He said: That he should say like this: I supplicated and I supplicated but I did not find it being responded, and then he becomes frustrated and abandons supplication. 

Reference: Sahih Muslim 2735

Hadith translation obtained from: https://sunnah.com/muslim/48/127 

Lessons: 

1.  Allah answers every prayer except in three instances: 

a.  Praying to commit sin 

b.  Praying to sever ties of kinship 

c.  Showing impatience in having prayers answered 

2.  An impatient person will tend to become frustrated that their prayers has yet to be answered and tends to abandon prayer altogether.

Let us frequently pray and avoid conditions which invalidate our prayers.

Fatigue, Grief, Disease And Worry Expiate Sins

 حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ بْنُ وَكِيعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، عَنْ أُسَامَةَ بْنِ زَيْدٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ يَسَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، رضى الله عنه قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ شَيْءٍ يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ نَصَبٍ وَلاَ حَزَنٍ وَلاَ وَصَبٍ حَتَّى الْهَمُّ يَهُمُّهُ إِلاَّ يُكَفِّرُ اللَّهُ بِهِ عَنْهُ سَيِّئَاتِهِ ‏"‏ 

Abu Sa'eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that: 

The Messenger of Allah said: "Nothing afflicts the believer, whether fatigue, grief, disease - even a worry that concerns him - except that by it, Allah removes something from his bad deeds." 

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)  

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 966 

Hadith translation obtained from:  https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/10/2 

Lessons: 

1.  There is wisdom behind everything that happens to a believer, be it good or bad.

2.  Fatigue, grief, disease or worry that befalls a believer expiates his sins and elevates his status. 

3.  Even the smallest of hardships, such as a piercing one's skin on a thorn or injuring one's foot on a rock, will remove a believer’s sins as long as the they are accepting of it and persevere. 

Let us all persevere in the face of hardship and pain. May it purify us of our sins.

Visiting The Sick Is Akin To Visiting A Garden of Paradise

 حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَزُهَيْرُ بْنُ حَرْبٍ، جَمِيعًا عَنْ يَزِيدَ، - وَاللَّفْظُ لِزُهَيْرٍ - حَدَّثَنَا يَزِيدُ بْنُ هَارُونَ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَاصِمٌ الأَحْوَلُ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ زَيْدٍ، - وَهُوَ أَبُو قِلاَبَةَ - عَنْ أَبِي الأَشْعَثِ الصَّنْعَانِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِي أَسْمَاءَ الرَّحَبِيِّ، عَنْ ثَوْبَانَ، مَوْلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏"‏ مَنْ عَادَ مَرِيضًا لَمْ يَزَلْ فِي خُرْفَةِ الْجَنَّةِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَمَا خُرْفَةُ الْجَنَّةِ قَالَ ‏"‏ جَنَاهَا ‏"‏ ‏.‏ 

Thauban, the freed slave of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: He who visits the sick is supposed to remain in the fruit garden of Paradise. 

It was said: Allah's Messenger, what is this Khurfat-ul-jannah? 

He said: It is a place abounding in fruits. 

Reference: Sahih Muslim 2568 d 

(Hadith translation obtained from: https://sunnah.com/muslim/45/52)

Lessons: 

1. It is the responsibility of a person to fulfil the right of a fellow Muslim by visiting them when they are sick. 

2. Visiting the sick is likened to visiting a garden of paradise 

3. When visiting someone sick, pray for them as taught by Rasulullah SAW (Sahih al-Bukhari 5750): 

أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ اِشْفِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي لَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءً لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا 

O Lord of the people! Remove the difficulty and bring about healing as You are the Healer. There is no healing but Your Healing, a healing that will leave no ailment 

(Hadith translation obtained from: https://sunnah.com/bukhari/76/65)

Let us perform our duty to visit the sick and pray for their recovery.

Those Who Travel Or Fall Ill Are Rewarded

 أَبَا بُرْدَةَ بْنَ أَبِي مُوسَى وَاصْطَحَبَ هُوَ وَيَزِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي كَبْشَةَ فِي سَفَرٍ وَكَانَ يَزِيدُ يَصُومُ فَقَالَ لَهُ أَبُو بُرْدَةَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا مُوسَى مِرَارًا يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا مَرِضَ الْعَبْدُ أَوْ سَافَرَ كُتِبَ لَهُ مِنْ الْأَجْرِ مِثْلُ مَا كَانَ يَعْمَلُ مُقِيمًا صَحِيحًا 

Abu Burda bin Abu Musa accompanied Yazid bin Abi Kabsha on a journey. Yazid used to observe fasting on journeys. Abu Burda said to him, ‘I heard Abu Musa several times saying that the Messenger (pbuh) said, “When a slave falls ill or travels, then he will get reward similar to that he gets for good deeds practiced at home when in good health.”’ 

Grade: Sahih (Bukari, hadith 2996) 

Hadith translation from sunnah.com 

Lessons: 

1. Always perform acts of worship especially when we are in good health and not travelling  

2. An ill person who cannot perform good deeds due to his illness will still be rewarded if he performed those deeds during times of good health. (For example, an individual constantly attends the Maghrib lecture but cannot go because of his illness – The Angels still write down his reward as if he attended) 

3. Allah still gives rewards to those who travel. An example would be non-compulsory fasting performed when not traveling. An individual who does not fast because of his travels will still get rewarded. 

Let us perform good deeds when we are healthy and not traveling. May Allah still bless us if we cannot perform them when we are sick or travelling.

That Which Is Light On The Tongue, But Heavy In Scale

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَلِمَتَانِ خَفِيفَتَانِ عَلَى اللِّسَانِ ثَقِيلَتَانِ فِي الْمِيزَانِ حَبِيبَتَانِ إِلَى الرَّحْمَنِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ

‘Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: ‘Two are the expressions which are light on the tongue, but heavy in scale, dear to the Compassionate One:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ

“Hallowed be Allah and praise is due to Him”; and “Hallowed be Allah, the Great."’

Grade: Sahih

Source: Sahih Muslim 2694

(Hadith translation taken fromhttp://sunnah.com/muslim/48/41)

Lessons:

1.  As a muslim, we are encouraged to increased the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah.

2.  Two expressions which are light on the tongue, but heavy in scale and dear to the Compassionate One are:

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ الْعَظِيمِ

3.  They are the expressions that forgive one’s sins even as much as the foam of the sea. Other hadith mentioned that:

مَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ

“Whoever says, Subhanallahiwabihamdih (Hallowed be Allah and praise is due to Him), one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6405)

Let’s increase our remembrance of Allah.

Asking For Forgiveness And Performing Dhikr After Each Prayer

 عَنْ ثَوْبَانُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ إِذَا انْصَرَفَ مِنْ صَلَاتِهِ اسْتَغْفَرَ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ 

Thawban narrated that when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished his prayer, he would ask for forgiveness three times, then he would say: 

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ 

“O Allah, You are As-Salam and from You is all peace, Blessed are You O Possessor of majesty and honour.” 

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam) 

Source: Sunan Ibn Majah : 928 

(Hadith translation taken from http://sunnah.com/urn/1282760) 

Lessons: 

1.  After finishing a prayer, it is encouraged to ask for forgiveness, dhikr (remembrance) of Allah, and to supplicate. 

2.  Whenever Rasulullah SAW finished his prayer, he would ask for forgiveness three times. 

3.  Among the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah practiced by Rasulullah SAW after finished a prayer was:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ السَّلَامُ وَمِنْكَ السَّلَامُ تَبَارَكْتَ يَا ذَا الْجَلَالِ وَالْإِكْرَامِ 

It is encouraged to not quickly get up from the prayer place after salam, before asking for forgiveness and performing dhikr.

Supplication After Prayer And Avoiding Bad Manners

 عَنْ وَرَّادٍ كَاتِبِ الْمُغِيرَةِ بْنِ شُعْبَةَ أَنَّ مُعَاوِيَةَ كَتَبَ إِلَى الْمُغِيرَةِ أَنْ اكْتُبْ إِلَيَّ بِحَدِيثٍ سَمِعْتَهُ مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ فَكَتَبَ إِلَيْهِ الْمُغِيرَةُ إِنِّي سَمِعْتُهُ يَقُولُ عِنْدَ انْصِرَافِهِ مِنْ الصَّلَاةِ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ قَالَ وَكَانَ يَنْهَى عَنْ قِيلَ وَقَالَ وَكَثْرَةِ السُّؤَالِ وَإِضَاعَةِ الْمَالِ وَمَنْعٍ وَهَاتِ وَعُقُوقِ الْأُمَّهَاتِ وَوَأْدِ الْبَنَاتِ 

It was narrated by Warrad, the clerk of Al-Mughira bin Shu`ba : Muawiya wrote to Al-Mughira: "Write to me a narration you have heard from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)." So Al-Mughira wrote to him, "I heard him saying the following after each prayer:  

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 

‘None has the right to be worshiped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His are the praise and He is Able to do all things.’ 

He repeated them three times. He also used to forbid idle talk, asking too many questions (in religion), wasting money, preventing what should be given, and asking others for something (except in great need), being undutiful to mothers, and burying one's little daughters (alive). 

Grade: Sahih 

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 6473 

(Hadith translation taken from http://sunnah.com/bukhari/81/62 

Lessons: 

1. Rasulullah SAW recited the following wirid (repeated expressions from Quran) three times after performing the obligatory prayer:  

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ 

2. Rasulullah SAW forbade the following forms of sinful misconduct: 

a. Spreading rumours or gossip

b. Asking too many questions that do not bring benefit

c. Being wasteful in spending

d. Being undutiful to mothers  

e. Preventing other people from gaining benefit or goodness 

f. Burying one's little daughters alive (which was a cultural practice at the time)

May Allah keep us away from bad manners and sins.

Reciting "Subhanallah (Hallowed be Allah)" Is Rewarded Two-fold

 عَنْ مُصْعَبِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ حَدَّثَنِي أَبِي قَالَ كُنَّا عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ أَيَعْجِزُ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يَكْسِبَ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ أَلْفَ حَسَنَةٍ فَسَأَلَهُ سَائِلٌ مِنْ جُلَسَائِهِ كَيْفَ يَكْسِبُ أَحَدُنَا أَلْفَ حَسَنَةٍ قَالَ يُسَبِّحُ مِائَةَ تَسْبِيحَةٍ فَيُكْتَبُ لَهُ أَلْفُ حَسَنَةٍ أَوْ يُحَطُّ عَنْهُ أَلْفُ خَطِيئَةٍ

Mus'ab b. Sa'd reported that his father told him that he had been in the company of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) that he said:

"Is one amongst you powerless to obtain one thousand virtues every day?" 

Amongst those who had been sitting there, one asked, "How can one amongst us obtain one thousand virtues every day?" 

He said, "Recite: 'Subhanallah (Hallowed be Allah)' one hundred times, for (by reciting it) one thousand virtues are recorded and one thousand vices are blotted out.

Grade: Sahih

Source: Sahih Muslim 2698

Translation: Adapted from http://sunnah.com/muslim/48/47

Lessons:

1. Dzikr (remembrance of Allah) is a commandment of Islam.

2. Reciting 'Subhanallah (Hallowed be Allah)' is one practice which gains an individual reward and eliminates sin.

3. One who recites 'Subhanallah' one hundred times a day will acquire a thousand merits and will have a thousand of his sins absolved.

Let us regularly recite 'Subhanallah'

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Whoever says 'Subhanallah wa bihamdih (Hallowed be Allah, and all praise is for Allah' one hundred times a day, he will be forgiven of all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea."

Grade: Sahih

Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 6405

Translation: sunnah.com

Cleaning Body Hair Every 40 Days

 عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ قَالَ أَنَسٌ وُقِّتَ لَنَا فِي قَصِّ الشَّارِبِ وَتَقْلِيمِ الْأَظْفَارِ وَنَتْفِ الْإِبِطِ وَحَلْقِ الْعَانَةِ أَنْ لَا نَتْرُكَ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ أَرْبَعِينَ لَيْلَةً

Anas reported:

A time limit has been prescribed for us for clipping the moustache, cutting the nails, plucking hair under the armpits, and shaving the pubes that it should not be neglected for more than forty nights.

Hadith translation taken from sunnah.com

Grade: sahih (authentic) – Imam Muslim 

Lessons:

1. All Muslims need to be vigilant of their neatness and cleanliness. 

2. Muslims must ensure their hygiene by taking these self-care actions every 40 days:

a. Clipping the moustache

b. Plucking hair under the armpits

c. Shaving the pubes

d. Cutting the nails

Let’s be clean and neat all the time!

Ten Acts In Accordance With Fitrah (Nature)

 عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الزُّبَيْرِ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَشْرٌ مِنْ الْفِطْرَةِ قَصُّ الشَّارِبِ وَإِعْفَاءُ اللِّحْيَةِ وَالسِّوَاكُ وَاسْتِنْشَاقُ الْمَاءِ وَقَصُّ الْأَظْفَارِ وَغَسْلُ الْبَرَاجِمِ وَنَتْفُ الْإِبِطِ وَحَلْقُ الْعَانَةِ وَانْتِقَاصُ الْمَاءِ قَالَ زَكَرِيَّاءُ قَالَ مُصْعَبٌ وَنَسِيتُ الْعَاشِرَةَ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ الْمَضْمَضَةَ

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu'minin:

The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: Ten are the acts according to fitrah (nature): clipping the moustache, letting the beard grow, using the tooth-stick, cleansing the nose (Al-Istinshaq) with water, cutting the nails, washing the finger joints, plucking the hair under the armpits, shaving the pubes, and cleansing one's private parts (after easing or urinating) with water. The narrator said: I have forgotten the tenth, but it may have been rinsing the mouth. 

[Sunan Abu Dawud no. 53]

Reference: sunnah.com

May we be steadfast in maintaining our cleanliness!

Fulfilling The Prophet's (PBUH) Commandments

 عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو سُفْيَانَ أَنَّ هِرَقْلَ قَالَ لَهُ سَأَلْتُكَ مَاذَا يَأْمُرُكُمْ فَزَعَمْتَ أَنَّهُ أَمَرَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالصِّدْقِ وَالْعَفَافِ وَالْوَفَاءِ بِالْعَهْدِ وَأَدَاءِ الْأَمَانَةِ قَالَ وَهَذِهِ صِفَةُ نَبِيّ

Narrated Abdullah bin Abbas: Abu Sufyan told me that Heraclius said to him, ‘When I inquired you what he (i.e. Prophet Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to give charity, to keep from bad deeds, to keep promises and to pay back trusts.’ Then Heraclius added, ‘These are really the qualities of a prophet.’

- Saheeh Bukhari 2681 -

Grade: Saheeh (authentic)

Lessons: 

1.  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the best role model for humankind.

2.  The Prophet (pbuh) taught and preached to his nation to enjoin good and forbid evil.

3.  The deeds commanded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told to Heraclius by Abu Sufyan were:

a. To carry out the solah (prayer)

b. To pay zakah (alms or obligatory charity)

c. To restrain oneself from bad deeds

d. To keep one’s promises

e. To fulfill one’s duties

Let us be make the best of ourselves by following the examples manifested by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)!

Description of The Arrogant On The Day of Judgment

 عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شُعَيْبٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ جَدِّهِ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ يُحْشَرُ الْمُتَكَبِّرُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَمْثَالَ الذَّرِّ فِي صُوَرِ الرِّجَالِ يَغْشَاهُمْ الذُّلُّ مِنْ كُلِّ مَكَانٍ فَيُسَاقُونَ إِلَى سِجْنٍ فِي جَهَنَّمَ يُسَمَّى بُولَسَ تَعْلُوهُمْ نَارُ الْأَنْيَارِ يُسْقَوْنَ مِنْ عُصَارَةِ أَهْلِ النَّارِ طِينَةَ الْخَبَالِ

Amr bin Shu'aib narrated from his father, from his grandfather from the Prophet (s.a.w) who said: "The proud will be gathered on the Day of Judgement resembling tiny ants in the image of men. They will be covered with humiliation everywhere, they will be dragged into a prison in Hell called Bulas, submerged in the Fire of Fires, drinking the drippings of the people of the Fire (which is called), thinatul khabal - filled with derangement."

Reference: At Tirmidhi 2416

Grade: Hasan (sound)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Pride and arrogance are characteristics of Iblis (the Devil), who saw himself as nobler than and condescended upon Prophet Adam (peace be upon him).

2. The arrogant will be gathered in the Hereafter resembling tiny ants in the image of men and will be covered with humiliation everywhere and drink from the fluids of the dwellers of Hellfire.

3. This description in the hadith above alludes to the lowly and unenviable status of those who harbour pride and arrogance in themselves.

Let us be compassionate individuals and shun arrogance from within ourselves. Pride and arrogance will only lead us to place ourselves above and humiliate others.

Do Not Hate One Another

 حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ شِهَابٍ، عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ تَبَاغَضُوا، وَلاَ تَحَاسَدُوا، وَلاَ تَدَابَرُوا، وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إِخْوَانًا، وَلاَ يَحِلُّ لِمُسْلِمٍ أَنْ يَهْجُرَ أَخَاهُ فَوْقَ ثَلاَثِ لَيَالٍ ‏"‌‏. 

Narrated Anas bin Malik: 

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do not hate one another, nor be jealous of one another; and do not desert one another, but O Allah's worshipers! Be Brothers! And it is unlawful for a Muslim to desert his brother Muslim (and not to talk to him) for more than three nights." 

Grade: Sahih 

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 6076 

https://sunnah.com/bukhari/78/104 

Lessons: 

1. Muslims are prohibited from hating one another. 

2. Jealousy and envy towards the blessings of others should be avoided. 

3. Animosity between Muslims are forbidden because Muslims are the kin of one another. 

4. Those who quarrel should not do so for more than three days.

Exemplary Traits of A Mukmin

 قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ يَأْخُذُ عَنِّي هَؤُلَاءِ الْكَلِمَاتِ فَيَعْمَلُ بِهِنَّ أَوْ يُعَلِّمُ مَنْ يَعْمَلُ بِهِنَّ فَقَالَ أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ فَقُلْتُ أَنَا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَأَخَذَ بِيَدِي فَعَدَّ خَمْسًا وَقَالَ اتَّقِ الْمَحَارِمَ تَكُنْ أَعْبَدَ النَّاسِ وَارْضَ بِمَا قَسَمَ اللَّهُ لَكَ تَكُنْ أَغْنَى النَّاسِ وَأَحْسِنْ إِلَى جَارِكَ تَكُنْ مُؤْمِنًا وَأَحِبَّ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِكَ تَكُنْ مُسْلِمًا وَلَا تُكْثِرْ الضَّحِكَ فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الضَّحِكِ تُمِيتُ الْقَلْبَ 

Al-Hasan narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) said: "Who will take these statements from me, so that he may act upon them, or teach one who will act upon them?" So Abu Hurairah said: "I said: 'I shall O Messenger of Allah!' So he (s.a.w) took my hand and enumerated five (things), he said: "Be on guard against the unlawful and you shall be the most worshiping among the people, be satisfied with what Allah has alloted for you and you shall be the richest of the people, be kind to your neighbor and you shall be a believer, love for the people what you love for yourself and you shall be a Muslim. And do not laugh too much, for indeed increased laughter kills the heart." 

Reference: Jami’ at-Tirmidhi 2305 

https://sunnah.com/tirmidhi/36/2 

Lessons: 

1. To be counted among those who worship, ensure that we do not commit that which is haram (forbidden). 

2. To become rich, we need to be satisfied with what Allah has granted us.

3. Be kind towards your neighbours to be a mukmin (a believer).

4. Have as much love for other believers as you have love for yourself, and you will be a Muslim.

5. Avoid excessive laughter for excessive laughter kills the heart.

Doing Good To Ones Parents

 عَنْ أَبِي أُسَيْدٍ مَالِكِ بْنِ رَبِيعَةَ السَّاعِدِيِّ قَالَ بَيْنَا نَحْنُ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذْ جَاءَهُ رَجُلٌ مِنْ بَنِي سَلَمَةَ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هَلْ بَقِيَ مِنْ بِرِّ أَبَوَيَّ شَيْءٌ أَبَرُّهُمَا بِهِ بَعْدَ مَوْتِهِمَا قَالَ نَعَمْ الصَّلَاةُ عَلَيْهِمَا وَالِاسْتِغْفَارُ لَهُمَا وَإِنْفَاذُ عَهْدِهِمَا مِنْ بَعْدِهِمَا وَصِلَةُ الرَّحِمِ الَّتِي لَا تُوصَلُ إِلَّا بِهِمَا وَإِكْرَامُ صَدِيقِهِمَا 

Narrated AbuUsayd Malik ibn Rabi'ah as-Sa'idi: While we were with the Messenger of Allah! (ﷺ) a man of Banu Salmah came to Him and said: Messenger of Allah is there any kindness left that I can do to my parents after their death? He replied: Yes, you can invoke blessings on them, forgiveness for them, carry out their final instructions after their death, join ties of relationship which are dependent on them, and honour their friends. (HR ABU DAUD No: 4476) 

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 5142 

https://sunnah.com/abudawud/43/370 

Lessons: 

It is a duty of a child to always do good towards their parents even if they have passed away. This can be done by: 

a. Making doa (supplications) for both of them, and asking Allah to forgive both of them 

b. Carrying out their final instructions (i.e. their will) 

c. Maintaining ties of relationship (silaturrahim) with their close friends 

d. Honouring their friends 

Let us be kind and gracious towards our parents even when they have passed away.

Having Ihsan Towards Other Creations

 أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الْإِحْسَانَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ فَإِذَا قَتَلْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الْقِتْلَةَ وَإِذَا ذَبَحْتُمْ فَأَحْسِنُوا الذِّبْحَةَ وَلْيُحِدَّ أَحَدُكُمْ شَفْرَتَهُ وَلْيُرِحْ ذَبِيحَتَهُ 

Shaddad bin Aws narrated: that the Prophet (SAW) said: "Indeed Allah has decreed Ihsan in everything. So when you kill, then do the killing well, and when you slaughter, then do the slaughtering well. Let one of you sharpen his blade, and let him comfort his animal (before slaughtering)." 

Reference: Hadith 17, Hadith Arbain Imam Nawawi 

https://sunnah.com/nawawi40/17 

Lessons: 

1. It is obligatory for Muslims to do good to all of Allah’s creations 

2. Having Ihsan is not confined to only other Muslims or even to non-Muslims, but towards all of Creation 

3. Doing good towards animals include sharpening the knife before slaughtering the animal (i.e. to ensure as quick and as painless a death as possible) 

Let us always display Rahmah towards all of Allah’s creations.

Being Merciful Towards Others

 أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَبَّلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْحَسَنَ بْنَ عَلِيٍّ وَعِنْدَهُ الْأَقْرَعُ بْنُ حَابِسٍ التَّمِيمِيُّ جَالِسًا فَقَالَ الْأَقْرَعُ إِنَّ لِي عَشَرَةً مِنْ الْوَلَدِ مَا قَبَّلْتُ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا فَنَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ثُمَّ قَالَ مَنْ لَا يَرْحَمُ لَا يُرْحَمُ 

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (SAW) kissed Al-Hasan bin Ali while Al-Aqra' bin Habis at-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, "I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them," Allah's Messenger (SAW) cast a look at him and said, "Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully." 

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5997 

https://sunnah.com/bukhari/78/28 

Lessons: 

1. Being kind towards others is a trait which is enjoined upon every Muslim 

2. One of the ways to have mercy and love children is to kiss them as the Prophet (SAW) kissed his grandson Saidina Hassan. 

3. Love our family members fully. 

4. Whoever does not have mercy towards others will not be treated mercifully by Allah. 

Let us have mercy on our children, and love our family members and others around us.

The Disappearance of Honesty

 عَنْ ابْنِ عُمَرَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ إِذَا أَرَادَ أَنْ يُهْلِكَ عَبْدًا نَزَعَ مِنْهُ الْحَيَاءَ فَإِذَا نَزَعَ مِنْهُ الْحَيَاءَ لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا مَقِيتًا مُمَقَّتًا فَإِذَا لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا مَقِيتًا مُمَقَّتًا نُزِعَتْ مِنْهُ الْأَمَانَةُ فَإِذَا نُزِعَتْ مِنْهُ الْأَمَانَةُ لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا خَائِنًا مُخَوَّنًا فَإِذَا لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا خَائِنًا مُخَوَّنًا نُزِعَتْ مِنْهُ الرَّحْمَةُ فَإِذَا نُزِعَتْ مِنْهُ الرَّحْمَةُ لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا رَجِيمًا مُلَعَّنًا فَإِذَا لَمْ تَلْقَهُ إِلَّا رَجِيمًا مُلَعَّنًا نُزِعَتْ مِنْهُ رِبْقَةُ الْإِسْلَامِ 

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘When Allah wants to destroy a person, He takes away modesty from him, you will only see him with the wrath of Allah upon him, and he will be hated by people. When you only see him with the wrath of Allah upon him, and hated by people, then honesty will be taken away from him, and when honesty is taken away from him, you will only see him as a traitor who is called such by others. When you only see him as a traitor who is called such by others, then mercy will be taken away from him, and when mercy is taken away from him, you will only see him as rejected and accursed, and when you only see him as rejected and accursed, then the bond of Islam will be taken away from him.’ 

(Hadith translation taken from https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah/36/129) 

Lessons: 

1. One should preserve one’s modesty, as modesty forges the bond of Islam. 

2. When one loses one’s modesty, other attributes follow suit: 

a) he will be hated by others 

b) he loses trustworthiness 

c) he will be rid of mercy 

d) he becomes among the accursed 

e) eventually, he loses the bond of Islam 

Let us preserve our faith by preserving our modesty!

The Obligation of Safeguarding Muslims

 عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ بْنِ سَهْلِ بْنِ حُنَيْفٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ مَنْ أُذِلَّ عِنْدَهُ مُؤْمِنٌ فَلَمْ يَنْصُرْهُ وَهُوَ قَادِرٌ عَلَى أَنْ يَنْصُرَهُ أَذَلَّهُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عَلَى رُءُوسِ الْخَلَائِقِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَة 

Abi Umamah ibn Sahl narrated that the Prophet (pbuh) said, ‘Whoever finds by him a Muslim oppressed and he safeguards him not (while he is able), Allah ‘azza wa jalla will disparage him in front of all creation on the Day of Resurrection.’ Related by Ahmad. 

Lessons: 

1.  A Muslim is brother to a fellow Muslim. 

2.  It is obligatory upon a Muslim to provide aid to another who has been treated unjustly whether in matters of life and death, property, or preservation of honour. 

3.  Whoever is able but fails to help his fellow Muslim, Allah will lower him in stature on the Day of Judgment. 

May we dignify ourselves by helping our fellow oppressed, whether in our own nation or in war-torn areas.

The Most Worthy Are Those Who Salute Most

 عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بن مَسْعُودٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:إِنَّ أَوْلَى النَّاسِ بِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَكْثَرُ النَّاسِ عَلَيَّ صَلاةً.

From ‘Abdullah Bin Masoud who said: The Messenger (pbuh) said: ‘Indeed, those who are nearest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who salute most often for me.’

Lessons:

1. Increasing salutations upon the Prophet is of noble deed

2. Those who are most worthy to be with the Messenger on the Day of Resurrection are those who salute him most

عَنْ أَبِي مَسْعُودٍ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ قَالَ أَتَانَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَنَحْنُ فِي مَجْلِسِ سَعْدِ بْنِ عُبَادَةَ فَقَالَ لَهُ بَشِيرُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ أَمَرَنَا اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَّ نُصَلِّيَ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَكَيْفَ نُصَلِّي عَلَيْكَ قَالَ فَسَكَتَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ حَتَّى تَمَنَّيْنَا أَنَّهُ لَمْ يَسْأَلْهُ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قُولُوا اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي الْعَالَمِينَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ وَالسَّلَامُ كَمَا قَدْ عَلِمْتُم

From Abi Mas’ud al-Ansari who said: We were sitting in the company of Sa’id b. ‘Ubida when the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) came to us. Bashir b. S’ad said: Allah has commanded us to bless you Messenger of Allah! But how should we bless you? He (the narrator) said: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) kept quiet (and we were so much perturbed over his silence) that we wished we had not asked him. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) then said: (For blessing me) say: 

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا صَلَّيْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، وَبَارِكْ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّدٍ، كَمَا بَارَكْتَ عَلَى آلِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ فِي الْعَالَمِينَ إِنَّكَ حَمِيدٌ مَجِيدٌ

“O Allah, bless Muhammad and the members of his household as Thou didst bless the members of Ibrahim’s household. Grant favours to Muhammad and the members of his household as Thou didst grant favours to the members of the household of Ibrahim in the world. Thous art indeed Praiseworthy and Glorious”; and salutations as you know” (Sahih Muslim No: 405)

(Hadith translation taken from Sunnah.com)

Increase Salutations and Blessings Upon The Messenger (PBUH) In Supplication

 عَنْ الطُّفَيْلِ بْنِ أُبَيِّ بْنِ كَعْبٍ عَنْ أَبِيهِ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا ذَهَبَ ثُلُثَا اللَّيْلِ قَامَ فَقَالَ يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ اذْكُرُوا اللَّهَ جَاءَتْ الرَّاجِفَةُ تَتْبَعُهَا الرَّادِفَةُ جَاءَ الْمَوْتُ بِمَا فِيهِ جَاءَ الْمَوْتُ بِمَا فِيهِ قَالَ أُبَيٌّ قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنِّي أُكْثِرُ الصَّلَاةَ عَلَيْكَ فَكَمْ أَجْعَلُ لَكَ مِنْ صَلَاتِي فَقَالَ مَا شِئْتَ قَالَ قُلْتُ الرُّبُعَ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قُلْتُ النِّصْفَ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قَالَ قُلْتُ فَالثُّلُثَيْنِ قَالَ مَا شِئْتَ فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ قُلْتُ أَجْعَلُ لَكَ صَلَاتِي كُلَّهَا قَالَ إِذًا تُكْفَى هَمَّكَ وَيُغْفَرُ لَكَ ذَنْبُكَ

At-Tufail bin Ubayy bin Ka'b[may Allah be pleased with him] narrated from his father who said:

"When a third of the night had passed, the Messenger of Allah(PBUH) stood and said: 'O you people! Remember Allah! Remember Allah! The Rajifah is coming, followed by the Radifah, death and what it brings is coming, death and what it brings is coming!'" 

Ubayy said: "I said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Indeed I send salutations and blessings (salawat) upon you. How much salawat should I make for you (in my prayer supplication)?' He said: 'As you wish.'" [He said:] "I said: 'A fourth?' He said: 'As you wish. But if you add more it would be better for you.' I said: 'Then half?' He said: 'As you wish. And if you add more it would be better [for you].'" [He said:] "I said: 'Then two-thirds? 'He said: 'As you wish, but if you add more it would be better for you.' I said: 'Should I make all of my supplication a salawat for you?' He said: 'Then your problems would be solved, and your sins would be forgiven.'"

Grade: Hasan saheeh (Sunan Tirmidhi)

Lessons:

1.  The Prophet’s (PBUH) companions [may Allah be pleased with them] are the best examples for us to follow. 

2.  Ubayy bin Ka’ab [may Allah be pleased with him] was one of the companions who invoked a great deal of salutations and blessings upon The Prophet (PBUH) in his supplications. 

3.  Among the etiquette of supplication is sending salutations and blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) at the beginning and at the end of one’s supplication.

4.  The more salutations one recites, the better. 

5.  One can recite salutations for a portion or the whole of one’s supplication.

6.  Allah will suffice all needs and forgive all of (minor) sins of a mukmin (faithful, righteous muslim) who makes his entire supplication as salutations upon The Prophet (PBUH).

Let us increase sending salutations and blessings upon the Prophet (PBUH) in our supplication.

Let Us All Say Our Salutations

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ صَلَّى عَلَيَّ مَرَّةً وَاحِدَةً كَتَبَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَهُ بِهَا عَشْرَ حَسَنَاتٍ

From Abu Hurairah who said: The Messenger (pbuh) said: ‘Whoever sends salutation upon me one time, Allah has written ten goodnesses for it in return.’ (Ahmad, 12/520, no. 7561)

Lessons:

1. That which is required from every Muslim is, among other things, to increase salutations upon the Prophet (pbuh)  

2. A salutation is rewarded with 10 goodnesses and deeds

Let us all increase our salutations upon the Messenger (pbuh)!

The simplest recital of the salutation is as narrated in Hadith An-Nasae’i No: 1292

اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى مُحَمَّدٍ وَعَلَى آلِ مُحَمَّد

O Allah, put bless on Prophet Muhammad and the members of his household.

The Believer Is Like A Bee

 إِنَّ مَثَلَ الْمُؤْمِنِ لَكَمَثَلِ النَّحْلَةِ أَكَلَتْ طَيِّبًا وَوَضَعَتْ طَيِّبًا وَوَقَعَتْ فَلَمْ تُكْسَرْ وَلَمْ تَفْسُدْ

“Verily, the parable of a believer is like a bee: it consumes only goodness, it produces goodness, and it lands softly lest a branch breaks or becomes damaged." (Narrated by Ahmad) 

Moral:

1. A believer must always strive for good deeds wherever and with whomever he is.

2. A believer should become an agent for change wherever he finds himself to be.

3. Let us be like the bee that is responsible for aiding the natural process of pollination, and at the same time is capable of producing sweet honey. We must always strive to be of benefit to others.

4. Let us strive to leave an admirable legacy of kindness wherever we are, like the bee that leaves honey.

It must be remembered that the quality of honey produced by the bee is greatly determined by its source. We must therefore ensure our sources are likewise pure and decent: the educator who taught us, the knowledge we gain, the values that define us, the companions who are alongside us, and the group or society that we choose to be in.

Damning Is A Wish

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِذَا قَالَ الرَّجُلُ هَلَكَ النَّاسُ فَهُوَ أَهْلَكُهُمْ

From Abu Hurairah, who narrated that the Prophet SAW said: “When someone says: ‘Damn the people’, then it is actually he who is even more damned than them.” (Hadith narrated in Muslim, No.: 4755) 

Moral:

1. A Muslim must not think ill of and condemn others as the condemnation may return to him.

2. Our outcome is what is thought of in our minds. If the mind focuses on the negative, then the result is negative.

3. A Muslim must always remain hopeful and optimistic towards Allah.

4. A misfortune that has befallen us is not necessarily the work of others. It may even be the result of our own behaviour.

5. To admit to our failings and ignorances is far more important than to condemn and blame others.

6. We must strive to admit to our weakness and improve on it, rather than be mired in escapism by constantly blaming others.

Doing Good

 قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلَا يُؤْذِي جَارَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَسْكُتْ

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِمِثْلِ حَدِيثِ أَبِي حَصِينٍ غَيْرَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ فَلْيُحْسِنْ إِلَى جَارِهِ

The Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings be upon him) observed, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day does not harm his neighbour, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day shows hospitality to his guest, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day speaks good or remains silent.”

Another hadith similar to one narrated (above) by Abu Husain is also reported by Abu Huraira with the exception of these words: He (the Prophet) said, “He should do good to the neighbour.”

Reference: Sahih Muslim 47 b & c

In-book reference: Book 1, Hadith 81 & 82

USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 1, Hadith 76 & 77 (deprecated numbering scheme)

Lessons:

1. Whoever believes in Allah and the Day of Judgment is prohibited from harming their neighbours.

2. Muslims should always be good to their neighbours and should always be hospitable to them.

3. Those who believe in Allah and the Day of Judgment should only speak and write that which is good through any medium, including social media. If not, then being silent is better.

Let us always be good to all our peers, be it in the physical sense or in the digital sense, such as those in social media.

Let us carry ourselves in a manner that is RAHMAH to all

Alleviating The Burden of Others

 قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ تَلَقَّتْ الْمَلَائِكَةُ رُوحَ رَجُلٍ مِمَّنْ كَانَ قَبْلَكُمْ فَقَالُوا أَعَمِلْتَ مِنْ الْخَيْرِ شَيْئًا قَالَ لَا قَالُوا تَذَكَّرْ قَالَ كُنْتُ أُدَايِنُ النَّاسَ فَآمُرُ فِتْيَانِي أَنْ يُنْظِرُوا الْمُعْسِرَ وَيَتَجَوَّزُوا عَنْ الْمُوسِرِ قَالَ قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ تَجَوَّزُوا عَنْهُ

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, ‘The angels took away the soul of a person who had lived among people who were before you. They (the angels) said, “Did you do anything good?” He said, “No.” They said, “Try to recall.” He said, “I used to lend to people and order my servants to give respite to one in straitened circumstances and give allowance to the solvent.” Allah, the Exalted and Majestic, said (to the angels), “You should ignore (his failing).”’

Narrated by Muslim in Sahih Muslim, 1560

In-book reference: Book 22, Hadith 32

USC-MSA web (English) reference: Book 10, Hadith 3788

Reference: sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. A person who does a good deed, no matter how small, will be judged and rewarded for that deed.

2. Financing a person in need is a good deed that is highly encouraged.

3. Providing financing is a noble deed if done for the purpose of alleviating another’s financial burden. The Prophet said, "Whoever relieves a Muslim of a burden from the burdens of the world, Allah will relieve him of a burden from the burdens on the Day of Judgement. And whoever helps ease a difficulty in the world, Allah will grant him ease from a difficulty in the world and in the Hereafter.” 

Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1930 & Sunan Abi Dawud 4946

4. It is extremely honourable for a creditor to voluntarily extend the repayment period for a debtor who has difficulty paying off the debt. May Allah relieve the creditor’s burden on the Day of Judgment.

5. Seeking debt out of reasons other than necessity is categorically discouraged.

6. Paying off one’s debt with haste is encouraged, to avoid the suspension of one’s deeds from being accepted.

Wishing Well Upon The Departed

 عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ قَالَتْ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِذَا حَضَرْتُمْ الْمَرِيضَ أَوْ الْمَيِّتَ فَقُولُوا خَيْرًا فَإِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ يُؤَمِّنُونَ عَلَى مَا تَقُولُونَ قَالَتْ فَلَمَّا مَاتَ أَبُو سَلَمَةَ أَتَيْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ إِنَّ أَبَا سَلَمَةَ قَدْ مَاتَ قَالَ قُولِي اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلَهُ وَأَعْقِبْنِي مِنْهُ عُقْبَى حَسَنَةً قَالَتْ فَقُلْتُ فَأَعْقَبَنِي اللَّهُ مَنْ هُوَ خَيْرٌ لِي مِنْهُ مُحَمَّدًا صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ

It was narrated that Umm Salamah said: “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘When you visit one who is sick or dying, say good things, for the angels say, “Amin” to whatever you say.’ When Abu Salamah died, I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah! Abu Salamah has died.’ He said: ‘Say: “Allahummaghfir li wa lahu, wa a’qibni minhu ‘uqba hasanah (O Allah, forgive me and him, and compensate me with someone better than him).’” She said: ‘I said that, and Allah compensated me with someone better than him: Muhammad the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).’”

Narrated in Sunan ibn Majah

Grade: sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com 

Lessons:

1. Among the etiquette of visiting the sick or attending a funeral is speaking good of the individual or supplicating for him/her.

 الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُواْ إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ (156)

"Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to him we will return.” (Al-Baqarah 2: 156)

2. A widowed man/woman should pray for good for their spouses. Among the du’a taught by Rasulullah s.a.w was

اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلَهُ وَأَعْقِبْنِي مِنْهُ عُقْبَى حَسَنَةً

(O Allah, forgive me and him, and compensate me with someone better than him) 

We should wish the departed well and pray that Allah forgives their sins.

The Zikr That Is Better Than The World And Everything Within It

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَأَنْ أَقُولَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ أَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا طَلَعَتْ عَلَيْهِ الشَّمْسُ

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger s.a.w as saying: The uttering of (the words) "Hallowed be Allah, all praise is due to Allah, there is no god but Allah and Allah is the Greatest", is dearer to me than anything over which the sun rises. 

Narrated in Sahih Muslim

Grade: sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com 

Lessons:

1. The remembrance of Allah is a practice of the highest virtue

2. Rasulullah s.a.w loves those who recite

سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ وَلَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

Hallowed be Allah, all praise is due to Allah, there is no god but Allah and Allah is the Greatest.

Let’s all live our lives by these four phrases, as they are better than the world and everything within it.

Hardship, Sickness, And Grief Extinguish Sins

 عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ وَأَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّهُمَا سَمِعَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ وَصَبٍ وَلَا نَصَبٍ وَلَا سَقَمٍ وَلَا حَزَنٍ حَتَّى الْهَمِّ يُهَمُّهُ إِلَّا كُفِّرَ بِهِ مِنْ سَيِّئَاتِهِ

Abu Sa'id and Abu Huraira reported that they heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Never a believer is stricken with discomfort, hardship or illness, grief or even mental worry that his sins are not expiated for him.

Narrated by Imam Muslim

Grade: sahih (authentic) 

Translation: https://sunnah.com/muslim/45/66 

Lessons:

1. Every discomfort, difficulty, sickness, and grief that befalls a person is none other than a test from Allah.

2. These tests which befall a mu’min will expiate his sins.

Let us be patient in facing all tests, whatever form they may take.

Allah Answers Prayers

 عَنْ سَلْمَانَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى حَيِيٌّ كَرِيمٌ يَسْتَحْيِي مِنْ عَبْدِهِ إِذَا رَفَعَ يَدَيْهِ إِلَيْهِ أَنْ يَرُدَّهُمَا صِفْرًا ‏"‏

Narrated Salman al-Farsi: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Your Lord is munificent and generous, and is ashamed to turn away empty the hands of His servant when he raises them to Him."

Narrated in Sunan Abi Dawud, no. 1488

In-book reference: Book 8, hadith no. 73

Grade: sahih (authentic) 

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Muslims are obliged to always pray (make du'a) to Allah under all circumstances. 

2. Allah will always grant the du'a and requests of His servants. 

3. Allah will never disappoint His servants. 

Allah decrees:

وَقَالَ رَبُّكُمُ ادْعُونِي أَسْتَجِبْ لَكُمْ إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَسْتَكْبِرُونَ عَنْ عِبَادَتِي سَيَدْخُلُونَ جَهَنَّمَ دَاخِرِينَ 

And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible (Al-Ghafir: 60)

Translation from https://quran.com/40

Let us not be among the arrogant and always make du'a to Allah.

Safety From Hellfire

 عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ حُرِّمَ عَلَى النَّارِ كُلُّ هَيِّنٍ لَيِّنٍ سَهْلٍ قَرِيبٍ مِنْ النَّاسِ

Ibn Mas’ud (r.a.) narrated that The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: Shall I not tell you for whom the Hellfire is forbidden? It is every person accessible, polite, and mild.

Grade: hasan (sound) - at-Tirmidhi

(hadith translation taken from https://abuaminaelias.com/allah-loves-gentleness-in-all-things/)

Lessons:

Allah makes the Hellfire forbidden to:

1. Those who strive to make themselves approachable and beneficial to others

2. Those who are gentle and kind to everyone, whether friend or foe

3. Those who make matters easy for others

Let us be amongst those who are foremost in these deeds so Allah s.w.t. may grant us salvation from the Hellfire.

The Hand Which Gives Is Better Than That Which Takes

 عَنْ حَكِيمِ بْنِ حِزَامٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الْيَدُ الْعُلْيَا خَيْرٌ مِنْ الْيَدِ السُّفْلَى وَابْدَأْ بِمَنْ تَعُولُ وَخَيْرُ الصَّدَقَةِ عَنْ ظَهْرِ غِنًى وَمَنْ يَسْتَعْفِفْ يُعِفَّهُ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ يَسْتَغْنِ يُغْنِهِ اللَّهُ

Hakim ibn Hizam narrated that The Prophet(pbuh) said: ‘The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e. he who gives in charity is better than he who takes it). One should begin by giving to his dependents. And the best charity is that, which is given by a wealthy person (from the money which is left over after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah will provide for him and save him from asking others; Allah will make him self-sufficient.’

Grade: Saheeh (authentic) - Imam al-Bukhari

Lessons: 

1.  To give is better than to beg and receive from others.

2.  Spending in charity should be directed towards one’s closest family members first.

3. The best charity is that which is given out after one’s basic needs are fulfilled. 

4. One should make effort to provide for himself and refrain from scrounging.

5. Allah will provide and suffice the needs of those who work to provide sustenance for themselves.

Let us be of those who love to give and spend in charity!

Salvation From The Calamities of The Hereafter

 وعن أبي قتادة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ ‏من سره أن ينجيه الله من كرب يوم القيامة، فلينفس عن معسر أو يضع عنه‌‏ 

Abu Qatadah (r.a.) reported: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said: He who likes Allah to deliver him from the calamities of the Day of Resurrection, let him either give respite to a debtor or grant him remission (of loans) in straitened circumstances.

Grade: sahih (authentic) - Imam Muslim

(Hadith translation taken from https://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/12/85)

Lessons:

1. Giving respite and remission of loans to debtors in distressed situations are noble deeds that may save us from the punishment of the Hereafter

2. Allah loves that we give ease to those that are in hardship

Let us be of those with ‘rahmah’ by always helping those in need.

Fulfilling The Prophet's (PBUH) Commandments

 عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا أَخْبَرَهُ قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي أَبُو سُفْيَانَ أَنَّ هِرَقْلَ قَالَ لَهُ سَأَلْتُكَ مَاذَا يَأْمُرُكُمْ فَزَعَمْتَ أَنَّهُ أَمَرَكُمْ بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالصِّدْقِ وَالْعَفَافِ وَالْوَفَاءِ بِالْعَهْدِ وَأَدَاءِ الْأَمَانَةِ قَالَ وَهَذِهِ صِفَةُ نَبِيّ

Narrated Abdullah bin Abbas: Abu Sufyan told me that Heraclius said to him, ‘When I inquired you what he (i.e. Prophet Muhammad) ordered you, you replied that he ordered you to establish the prayer, to give charity, to keep from bad deeds, to keep promises and to pay back trusts.’ Then Heraclius added, ‘These are really the qualities of a prophet.’

- Saheeh Bukhari 2681 -

Grade: Saheeh (authentic)

Lessons: 

1.  Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was the best role model for humankind.

2.  The Prophet (pbuh) taught and preached to his nation to enjoin good and forbid evil.

3.  The deeds commanded by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) told to Heraclius by Abu Sufyan were:

a. To carry out the solah (prayer)

b. To pay zakah (alms or obligatory charity)

c. To restrain oneself from bad deeds

d. To keep one’s promises

e. To fulfill one’s duties

Let us be make the best of ourselves by following the examples manifested by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)!

Fortunate Is He Who Is Protected From Trials

 عَنْ الْمِقْدَادِ بْنِ الْأَسْوَدِ قَالَ ايْمُ اللَّهِ لَقَدْ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنَ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنِ إِنَّ السَّعِيدَ لَمَنْ جُنِّبَ الْفِتَنُ وَلَمَنْ ابْتُلِيَ فَصَبَرَ فَوَاهًا

Narrated Al-Miqdad ibn al-Aswad:

I swear by Allah, I heard the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) say, “Happy is he who is protected from trials, happy is he who is protected from trials, happy is he who is protected from trials. But how fine is he who is afflicted and shows endurance.”

Narrated by Abu Daud

Grade: sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com 

Lessons:

1. A content person is one who is protected from hardship and trials (including favours of Allah that lead to heedlessness).

2. We are obligated to avoid all that which causes harm. 

3. Content is the one who shows perseverance when tested by afflictions. 

4. When tribulation befell in the time of the Tabi’een (those succeeding the Companions of the Prophet s.a.w.), Thalq ibn Habib was asked on how to overcome trials. He said, “Seek refuge from them with taqwa (consciousness of Allah)!”

He was asked in return, “Explain to us, what do you mean by that?”

He answered, “That you obey Allah upon a light from Him, hoping for His mercy. And that you abandon evil deeds upon a light from Him, fearing His punishment.”

Let us seek refuge in Allah from trials that nullify our deeds and let us always be patient with misfortunes that befall us.

Fasting, The Dhuha Prayer, And The Witr Prayer

 عَنْ أَبِي الدَّرْدَاءِ قَالَ أَوْصَانِي حَبِيبِي صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ بِثَلَاثٍ لَنْ أَدَعَهُنَّ مَا عِشْتُ بِصِيَامِ ثَلَاثَةِ أَيَّامٍ مِنْ كُلِّ شَهْرٍ وَصَلَاةِ الضُّحَى وَبِأَنْ لَا أَنَامَ حَتَّى أُوتِرَ

Narrated Abu Darda':

“My beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) instructed me in three (acts), and I would never abandon them for as long as I live: Three days of fasting every month, the dhuha (forenoon) prayer, and that I should not sleep till I have observed the witr prayer.”

Narrated by Muslim

Grade: sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) instructed us to adhere to some supererogatory (sunat) acts of worship.

2. He enjoined upon us three acts:

a. Three days of voluntary fasting every month

b. Performing the dhuha (forenoon) prayer every day

c. Performing the witr prayer before going to bed every night

Let's try our best to carry out all three recommended acts.

Three Things Follow The Deceased

 سَمِعَ أَنَسَ بْنَ مَالِكٍ يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَتْبَعُ الْمَيِّتَ ثَلَاثَةٌ فَيَرْجِعُ اثْنَانِ وَيَبْقَى مَعَهُ وَاحِدٌ يَتْبَعُهُ أَهْلُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعَمَلُهُ فَيَرْجِعُ أَهْلُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَيَبْقَى عَمَلُهُ

Narrated Anas bin Malik:

Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) said, "When carried to his grave, a person is followed by three, two of which return (after his burial) and one which remains with him. His relatives, his possessions, and his deeds follow him; his relatives and his possessions return, while his deeds remain with him."

Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim

Grade: sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. When a son of Adam dies, what follows him are his relatives, his possessions, and his deeds.

2. After entering the grave, two that follow the deceased will return: his family members and relatives will go home, resuming life as usual. His wealth and property will be distributed among inheritors. 

3. Only his deeds remain by his side. Blessed is the deceased if he had performed a multitude of virtuous deeds during his lifetime – the deeds will be his companion and aid in the grave.

Let us increase our good deeds while we are still in good shape and health, for it will be our provision in the Hereafter.

Prayer To Avoid Four Afflictions

 أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ يَقُولُ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُول اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْأَرْبَعِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَع

Abu Hurairah told that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) said: [O Allah, I seek refuge with You from four things: From knowledge that is of no benefit, from a heart that does not fear (You), from a soul that is never satisfied, and from a supplication that is not heard].

Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah, no. 3837

In-book reference: Book 34, hadith no. 11

Grade: Hasan (sound) 

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. A Muslim should consistently make prayer (du’a) to gain good in life.

2. Among the prayers taught by the Prophet (s.a.w.) is to ask Allah to be protected from these four adversities:

a. Knowledge of no value

b. A heart that does not fear Allah

c. Desire (nafsu) that is never fulfilled

d. Unanswered prayers 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ الْأَرْبَعِ مِنْ عِلْمٍ لَا يَنْفَعُ وَمِنْ قَلْبٍ لَا يَخْشَعُ وَمِنْ نَفْسٍ لَا تَشْبَعُ وَمِنْ دُعَاءٍ لَا يُسْمَع

Let us pray to always obtain knowledge that brings good, to have consciousness of Allah (taqwa), to always be content, and to have our prayers always fulfilled.

Learning For Worldly Gain

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مَنْ تَعَلَّمَ عِلْمًا مِمَّا يُبْتَغَى بِهِ وَجْهُ اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ لَا يَتَعَلَّمُهُ إِلَّا لِيُصِيبَ بِهِ عَرَضًا مِنْ الدُّنْيَا لَمْ يَجِدْ عَرْفَ الْجَنَّةِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يَعْنِي رِيحَهَا

Abu Hurairah narrated: 

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘Whoever acquires knowledge by which the pleasure of Allah (should be) sought, but he only acquires it for the purpose of worldly gain, he will not smell the fragrance of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection.’

Narrated in Sunan Ibn Majah, hadith no. 260

Grade: Hasan (sound)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Learning is an obligation on every Muslim.

2. Acquiring knowledge should be with the aim of seeking Allah’s pleasure.

3. A person who learns merely for the sake of worldly gain, such as for rank and position, will not enter Paradise. 

We should make sincere our intentions when learning, for the sake of pleasing Allah.

Teachers And Their Perpetual Reward

 عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِذَا مَاتَ الْإِنْسَانُ انْقَطَعَ عَنْهُ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثَةٍ إِلَّا مِنْ صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: ‘When a man dies, his acts come to an end except for three: recurring charity, knowledge (by which people) benefit, and a pious son who prays for him.’

Narrated in Sahih Muslim, hadith no. 1631

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Every Muslim is hopeful upon the good deeds done during his lifetime to be his witness in death and in the Hereafter.

2. There are three things left behind by a Muslim that will continue to gain him reward even after death: 

a. Charity given in the form of wakaf (endowments), donations, gifts, and others. The giver will continuously be rewarded for as long as his charity benefits the creation of Allah, i.e. human beings, animals, and/or plants. 

b. Knowledge, whether concerning the religious or the worldly sciences, that benefits life. This includes information from books, articles, and even electronic mediums such as social media. The one from whom knowledge originates will be rewarded for as long as what was conveyed is practiced and utilised.

c. The righteous among his children who always pray for his mercy and forgiveness.

Congratulations to all teachers. May Allah grant all that is good to educators, from those taking care of little ones in nurseries, to those who teach religion in mosques and madrasahs, to those who lecture in universities. May their efforts become the charity that brings them reward even after they have passed.

The Demise of Knowledge

 عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَمْرِو بْنِ الْعَاصِ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَقْبِضُ الْعِلْمَ انْتِزَاعًا يَنْتَزِعُهُ مِنْ الْعِبَادِ وَلَكِنْ يَقْبِضُ الْعِلْمَ بِقَبْضِ الْعُلَمَاءِ حَتَّى إِذَا لَمْ يُبْقِ عَالِمًا اتَّخَذَ النَّاسُ رُءُوسًا جُهَّالًا فَسُئِلُوا فَأَفْتَوْا بِغَيْرِ عِلْمٍ فَضَلُّوا وَأَضَلُّوا

'Abdullah b. 'Amr b. al-'As reported: 

I heard Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.) saying, "Allah does not take away knowledge, by taking it away from (the hearts of) people, but takes it away by the death of the religious learned men till when none of the (religious learned men) remain, people will take as their leaders ignorant persons who, when consulted, will give their verdict without knowledge. So they will go astray and will lead the people astray."

Narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari, hadith no. 100

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Ulama’ (religious learned men) are the successors to the Messengers of Allah (peace be upon them).

2. There will come a time when Allah takes away knowledge through the death of ulama’. 

3. The demise of ulama’ will cause men to take the ignorant as leaders, who will be asked for legal Islamic opinions and will consequently give them without knowledge, misguiding others and being themselves misguided.

Let us strive to be a knowledgeable people and ensure our appointed leaders are among the knowledgeable as well. May we neither misguide others nor be misguided ourselves.

Allah's Creation In The Heaven, On Earth, And In The Sea Pray For Educators

 عَنْ أَبِي أُمَامَةَ الْبَاهِلِيِّ قَالَ ذُكِرَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَجُلَانِ أَحَدُهُمَا عَابِدٌ وَالْآخَرُ عَالِمٌ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَضْلُ الْعَالِمِ عَلَى الْعَابِدِ كَفَضْلِي عَلَى أَدْنَاكُمْ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ وَأَهْلَ السَّمَوَاتِ وَالْأَرَضِينَ حَتَّى النَّمْلَةَ فِي جُحْرِهَا وَحَتَّى الْحُوتَ لَيُصَلُّونَ عَلَى مُعَلِّمِ النَّاسِ الْخَيْرَ

Narrated Abu Umamah Al-Bahili: 

Two men were mentioned before the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), one of them a worshiper, and the other a scholar. So, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'The superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like my superiority over the least of you.' Then, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, 'Indeed Allah, His Angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and the earth - even the ant in its hole, even the fish - say Salat upon the one who teaches the people to do good.'

Narrated by Tirmidzi

Grade: Hasan (sound)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. The status of the scholar is higher than that of the worshipper.

2. All of Creation in the heavens and on earth and even the fish in the sea pray for good unto educators who teach their knowledge and guide others to be better Muslims.

3. Fudhail bin Iyadh said, ‘A knowledgeable person (alim) who acts upon his knowledge and teaches it to others will be called with great honour by the angels in the heavens.’

Let us be educators even by as simple an act as giving advice and through various platforms, including social media.

Seekers of Knowledge Gain The Favor of The Angels

 عَنْ صَفْوَانَ بْنَ عَسَّالٍ الْمُرَادِيَّ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ مَا مِنْ خَارِجٍ خَرَجَ مِنْ بَيْتِهِ فِي طَلَبِ الْعِلْمِ إِلَّا وَضَعَتْ لَهُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَجْنِحَتَهَا رِضًا بِمَا يَصْنَعُ

Safwan bin 'Assal Al-Muradi said: 

I heard the Messenger of Allah say, ‘There is no one who exits his home in order to seek knowledge but that the angels lower their wings in approval of his action.’

Narrated by Ibnu Majah

Grade: Hasan Sahih (sound)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Seeking knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.

2. Muslims who leave their homes for the sake of seeking knowledge will have the favour of the angels. Rasulullah (ﷺ) taught us a supplication to gain beneficial knowledge:

عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يَقُولُ إِذَا صَلَّى الصُّبْحَ حِينَ يُسَلِّمُ 

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا

It was narrated from Umm Salamah that when the Prophet (ﷺ) performed the fajar prayer (morning prayer), when he gave the salam, he would say, ‘O Allah, I ask You for beneficial knowledge, goodly provision, and acceptable deeds.’

Narrated by Ibnu Majah 

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ عِلْمًا نَافِعًا وَرِزْقًا طَيِّبًا وَعَمَلًا مُتَقَبَّلًا

Let’s instill compassion in ourselves by persistently seeking knowledge. Allocate time to attend gatherings of knowledge such as halaqah, katibah, daurah, kuliah, talks, tazkirah, seminars and conventions. 

May the angels constantly spread their wings over us and may we be showered with the blessings of Allah.

Making Matters Easy For Others

 حَدَّثَنَا مُسَدَّدٌ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الْوَاحِدِ بْنُ زِيَادٍ، قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ قَالَ‏:‏ حَدَّثَنِي طَاوُسٌ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ قَالَ‏:‏ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ عَلِّمُوا وَيَسِّرُوا، عَلِّمُوا وَيَسِّرُوا، ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ، وَإِذَا 

غَضِبْتَ فَاسْكُتْ، مَرَّتَيْنِ‏.

Ibn 'Abbas said, "The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ' Teach and make it easy. Teach and make it easy' three times. He went on, 'When you are angry, be silent' twice."

Narrated in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, Book 57 Hadith 5

Grade: sahih (Al-Albani)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1) In teaching and educating others, we should use the simplest methods possible for people to understand what is conveyed, keeping in mind their age and educational background.

2) Effective teaching and education is that performed with compassion and care.

3) We should be patient with the behaviour of the one being taught.

4) Refrain from anger towards others. If anger arises in ourselves, we should practice being patient and keeping silent.

Let us make things easy for others when teaching them and refrain from anger.

Facilitating Others In Religion

 عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ يَسِّرُوا وَلَا تُعَسِّرُوا وَبَشِّرُوا وَلَا تُنَفِّرُوا

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Facilitate things for people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard for them and give them good tidings and do not make them run away (from Islam).”

Narrated in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book 3 Hadith 11

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Human beings are attracted to things that are easy and those that make them happy and contented.

2. In teaching others, use wisdom and foresight - this can lead to them being happy in practising the religion.

3. Be compassionate in carrying out ‘amar ma’ruf nahi mungkar’ (enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong) so that it will be easily accepted by others.

4. Use a variety of interesting methods and a gradual approach when teaching, as everything conveyed in a simple manner from the start will attract one’s curiosity and increase their love towards the knowledge learned. 

5. Let not our character be the reason others are repelled from the good messages we try to convey.

Let’s spread good vibes in calling people to the deen!

The Path To Obtaining Nearness To Allah And His Love

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ مَنْ عَادَى لِي وَلِيًّا فَقَدْ آذَنْتُهُ بِالْحَرْبِ وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ وَمَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ فَإِذَا أَحْبَبْتُهُ كُنْتُ سَمْعَهُ الَّذِي يَسْمَعُ بِهِ وَبَصَرَهُ الَّذِي يُبْصِرُ بِهِ وَيَدَهُ الَّتِي يَبْطِشُ بِهَا وَرِجْلَهُ الَّتِي يَمْشِي بِهَا وَإِنْ سَأَلَنِي لَأُعْطِيَنَّهُ وَلَئِنْ اسْتَعَاذَنِي لَأُعِيذَنَّهُ

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Verily Allah ta’ala has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with nafl (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’”

Narrated in Al-Bukhari, Hadith 25

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. The wali of Allah are those who are devoted and sincere in doing righteous deeds, with faith and God-consciousness (taqwa), in line with the Quran and Sunnah.

2. Those who inflict pain on a God-conscious believer should be aware that they incur the wrath of Allah.

3. Carrying out obligatory religious duties is the act of faith most loved by Allah.

4. Refraining from evil deeds is part of one’s obligatory religious duties.

5. Drawing near to Allah by carrying out nafl (supererogatory) deeds will enable one to achieve the love of Allah even more.

6. According to Ibn Rajab, whoever strives to draw closer to Allah with obligatory and nafl deeds, their rank in the sight of Allah will be elevated. When they speak, they speak because of Allah. When they see, they see because of Allah.

7. Among the additional favours granted to the wali of Allah is that when they ask for something, Allah will grant it to them. 

Let us strive to increase our righteous deeds, with sincerity and piety, so as to be included among His wali.

Completing Ablution Leads To Expiation of Previous Sins

أَنَّ حُمْرَانَ مَوْلَى عُثْمَانَ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ عُثْمَانَ بْنَ عَفَّانَ - رضى الله عنه - دَعَا بِوَضُوءٍ فَتَوَضَّأَ فَغَسَلَ كَفَّيْهِ ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ ثُمَّ مَضْمَضَ وَاسْتَنْثَرَ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ وَجْهَهُ ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ يَدَهُ الْيُمْنَى إِلَى الْمِرْفَقِ ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ يَدَهُ الْيُسْرَى مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ ثُمَّ مَسَحَ رَأْسَهُ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ رِجْلَهُ الْيُمْنَى إِلَى الْكَعْبَيْنِ ثَلاَثَ مَرَّاتٍ ثُمَّ غَسَلَ الْيُسْرَى مِثْلَ ذَلِكَ ثُمَّ قَالَ رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم تَوَضَّأَ نَحْوَ وُضُوئِي هَذَا ثُمَّ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ تَوَضَّأَ نَحْوَ وُضُوئِي هَذَا ثُمَّ قَامَ فَرَكَعَ رَكْعَتَيْنِ لاَ يُحَدِّثُ فِيهِمَا نَفْسَهُ غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ ابْنُ شِهَابٍ وَكَانَ عُلَمَاؤُنَا يَقُولُونَ هَذَا الْوُضُوءُ أَسْبَغُ مَا يَتَوَضَّأُ بِهِ أَحَدٌ لِلصَّلاَةِ

Humran, the freed slave of 'Uthman, said, “Uthman b. 'Affan called for ablution water and this is how he performed the ablution: he washed his hands thrice, he then rinsed his mouth and cleaned his nose with water (three times), he then washed his face three times, then washed his right arm up to the elbow three times, then washed his left arm like that, then wiped his head, then washed his right foot up to the ankle three times, then washed his left foot like that, and then said, ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) perform ablution like this ablution of mine.’ Then, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘He who performs ablution like this ablution of mine and then stands up (for prayer) and offers two rak'ahs of prayer without saying anything in between, all his previous sins will be expiated.’” Ibn Shihab said, “Our scholars remarked, ‘This is the most complete ablution performed for prayer.’”

Narrated in Sahih Muslim, Book 2 Hadith 5

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. One should strive to make ablution (wudhu’) as how Rasulullah s.a.w. had shown to the Companions (Sahabat).

2. Complete wudhu’ consists of:

a. Washing both hands up to the wrists thrice

b. Rinsing the mouth and nose thrice each

c. Washing the face thrice

d. Washing the right arm up to the elbow thrice, followed by the same for the left elbow

e. Wiping the head

f. Washing the right foot up to the ankle thrice, followed by the same for the left foot

3. Whoever performs wudhu’ like the above and offers two rak’ahs of prayer without saying anything in between (i.e. focusses on performing the prayer and nothing else), his previous sins will be expiated.

Let us strive to perform our ablution thoroughly.

Ablution Washes Away Sins Committed By Parts of The Body

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ الْعَبْدُ الْمُسْلِمُ أَوْ الْمُؤْمِنُ فَغَسَلَ وَجْهَهُ خَرَجَ مِنْ وَجْهِهِ كُلُّ خَطِيئَةٍ نَظَرَ إِلَيْهَا بِعَيْنَيْهِ مَعَ الْمَاءِ أَوْ مَعَ آخِرِ قَطْرِ الْمَاءِ فَإِذَا غَسَلَ يَدَيْهِ خَرَجَ مِنْ يَدَيْهِ كُلُّ خَطِيئَةٍ كَانَ بَطَشَتْهَا يَدَاهُ مَعَ الْمَاءِ أَوْ مَعَ آخِرِ قَطْرِ الْمَاءِ فَإِذَا غَسَلَ رِجْلَيْهِ خَرَجَتْ كُلُّ خَطِيئَةٍ مَشَتْهَا رِجْلَاهُ مَعَ الْمَاءِ أَوْ مَعَ آخِرِ قَطْرِ الْمَاءِ حَتَّى يَخْرُجَ نَقِيًّا مِنْ الذُّنُوبِ

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, “When a Muslim’s bondsman or a believer washes his face (in the course of ablution), every sin he observed with his eyes will be washed away from his face along with the water or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought will be effaced from his hands with the water or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet have walked will be washed away with the water or with the last drop of water with the result that he comes out pure from all sins.”

Narrated in Sahih Muslim, no 244

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation from sunnah.com [https://sunnah.com/muslim/2/44]

Lessons:

1. A Muslim who washes parts of their body (face, hands, and feet) in the course of ablution will also wash away the (minor) sins committed by those parts.

2. It is recommended to perfect one’s ablution by praying to Allah and hoping that He absolves the sins committed by parts of the face which are associated with the senses, such as the eyes and mouth, as well as sins committed using the hands and feet.

Let us perform ablution to the best of our ability and pray that it washes away our sins.