The Importance of Keeping Calm When Performing Ibadah

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا أَنَّهُ دَفَعَ مَعَ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ فَسَمِعَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَرَاءَهُ زَجْرًا شَدِيدًا وَضَرْبًا وَصَوْتًا لِلْإِبِلِ فَأَشَارَ بِسَوْطِهِ إِلَيْهِمْ وَقَالَ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالسَّكِينَةِ فَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ لَيْسَ بِالْإِيضَاعِ

Narrated Ibn Abbas: 

I proceeded along with the Prophet (ﷺ) on the day of Arafah (9th Dhul-Hijja). The Prophet (ﷺ) heard  harsh shouting and the beating of camels from behind him. So he beckoned to the people with his lash, "O people! Keep calm and preserve a quiet demeanour, for hastening is not a sign of righteousness."

Narrated in Bukhari (No: 1671)

Grade: Sahih (authentic)

Translation adapted from sunnah.com

Lessons:

1. Islam is a religion that practises rahmah (compassion and mercy). This not only applies to humans but also extends to all creatures, including animals.

2. Being kind to animals is an obligation in Islam.

3. Among the blessings that Allah SWT has given His servants is the ability to perform ibadah (worship ie. solat, Hajj, etc.). Every act of ibadah should be performed with diligence and patience. Ibadah carried out in a calm manner will allow our hearts to gain taqwa (God-consciousness) and immerse ourselves in the greatness of Allah SWT.

4. Every Muslim should strive to embody calmness and patience because hastiness may result in mistakes and flaws while performing acts of ibadah, which could lead to them being unaccepted by Allah SWT.