The Collection of Imam Nawawi (ch 1-5)
Allah, the High, has said: “Yet they were ordered to worship Allah alone, making the Religion His sincerely, upright, and to establish their prayers and to pay the obligatory charity. That is indeed the Religion of Straightness.” Ch. 98:5 Koran
“Their flesh and blood does not reach Allah, rather, it is piety from you that reaches Him. As such He has subjected them to you, in order that you exalt Him for guiding you. And give glad tidings to the generous.” Ch. 22:37 Koran
“Say: 'Whether you hide what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it. He knows all that is in the heavens and earth and has power over all things.'” Ch.3:29 Koran
THE IMPORTANCE OF INTENTION 1
“I, (Umar son of Al Khattab) heard the Messenger of Allah (sa)
say: "Indeed, deeds are (judged) only by the intention, and
there is for everyone that which he intended. If one's migration
is to Allah and His Messenger, then one's migration is to Allah
and His Messenger. If one's migration is to seek the world, then
one's migration is for that. If a man migrates for the sake of a
woman and marries her, then his migration is for that which he
migrated.’”
{Ref. 1
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Hafs) Umar son of al-Khattab
(s) who related this.}
THE FATE OF THE INNOCENT 2
"An army will advance upon Ka'ba but when it reaches the barren
land, all of them, the first and the last, will be swallowed up
by the earth. Lady Ayesha, may Allah be pleased with her asked:
'Messenger of Allah (sa) how is it that the first and last of
them will be swallowed up yet among them are civilians and those
who are not from them?' He replied: 'Their first and last will
be swallowed up, but they will be resurrected according to their
intentions.'"
{Ref. 2
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to the Mother of the
believers (Umm Abdullah) Lady Ayesha (f) related: The Messenger
of Allah (sa) said this.}
3 "There is no migration after the opening (of Mecca); rather, fighting and intention remain - and when you are called upon go (to war)." (Nawawi notes: The meaning of this is that there is no migration from Mecca because it became the Islamic land).
{Ref. 3
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to the Mother of believers,
Lady Ayesha (f) wife of the Prophet related: The Messenger of
Allah (sa) said this.}
HEARTS IN UNISON 4
“We were with the Prophet (sa) in a battle when he said: 'There
are some men in Medina who are with you wherever you march and
in whatever valley you cross. It is only illness that has kept
them from being with you. They are equal to you in reward.’"
{Ref. 4
Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Abdullah) Jabir son of Abdullah
al-Ansari (sp) said this.}
FELLOW FEELINGS 5
“We were returning from the battle of Tabuk with the Messenger
of Allah (sa) when he said: 'There are people left behind in
Medina who were with us in every pass we crossed and every
valley we traversed. They were held back by some (valid)
excuse.'”
{Ref. 5
Bukhari with a chain up to Anas (s) said this.}
CHARITY FOR ALL 6
“My father, Yazid, gave several dinars (money) in charity and
left them in the care of a man in the mosque. I went to that man
and brought the dinars back to my father. He said: 'By Allah, I
did not mean these for you.' So we went to the Prophet, the
Messenger of Allah (sa) and submitted the matter to him. He
said: 'Yazid, for you there is what you intended And Ma'an for
you what you have taken.'”
{Ref. 6
Bukhari with a chain up to (Abu Yazid) Ma'an son of Yazid son of
al-Akhnas (sp) (he, his father and his grandfather were among
the Companions of the Prophet) said this.}
CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME 7
“In the year of the Farewell Pilgrimage, Sa'd was in so much
pain that the Messenger of Allah (sa) went to visit him. Sa'd
said: 'O Messenger of Allah (sa) you can see I am in a lot of
pain. I am a wealthy man and my sole heir is my daughter. May I
give two-thirds of my wealth in charity?' He replied: 'No.'
'Then one-half, O Messenger of Allah (sa)? Again he said: 'No.'
'Well perhaps, one-third, Messenger of Allah (sa)? At this the
Prophet (sa) said: 'One-third, and one-third is a lot. It is
better that you should leave your her rich Rather than
dependent, begging people. Indeed, you will not spend anything
seeking the Face of Allah and not receive a reward for it, even
that which you put in the mouth of your wife.' Then Sa'd said:
'O Messenger of Allah (sa) am I to be left behind in Mecca after
my companions leave?' He replied: 'You will not be left behind
doing anything seeking the pleasure of Allah, that you will not
cause you to be raised in degree and rank. May you be left in
order that some people might benefit from you and that some are
harmed by you.' Then he supplicated (saying): 'O Allah, complete
for my companions their migration, and do not turn them back on
their heels.' But the one to be pitied was Sa'd, the son of
Khaulah who died in Mecca, for whom the Messenger of Allah (sa)
expressed mercy and compassion.”
{Ref. 7
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Ishaq) Sa'd, the son
of Abi Wakkas Malik son of Uhaib (s) (one of the ten given the
glad tidings of admission into Paradise) said this.}
MAKE SURE YOUR HEART IS PURE 8
"Allah does not look to your bodies and images, but He looks at
your hearts."
{Ref. 8
Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Hurairah) Abdur Rahman son of
Shakhr (s) related: The Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
THE PATH TO ALLAH 9
“The Messenger of Allah (sa) was asked: ‘Which among these is
upon the Path of Allah: a man who fought out of bravery; a man
who fought for tribal pride, or the man who fought for the sake
of showing-off?’ He replied: 'Whosoever fights in order to let
the Word of Allah be the highest is on the Path of Allah.'”
{Ref. 9
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Musa) Abdullah son of
Kays al-Asha'ri (s) said this.}
PREMEDITATED MURDER 10
"When two Muslims (submitters to Allah) oppose each other with
swords, both the killer and the murdered will be in Hell. I
said: 'O Messenger of Allah (sa) surely, it is only the killer.
What about the one who has been killed?' He answered: 'The other
was also eager to kill his companion.'"
{Ref. 10
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Bakrah) Nafi' son of
al-Harith ath-Thaqfi, (s) related, the Messenger of Allah (sa)
said this.}
BENEFITS OF PRAYING IN THE MOSQUE 11
"The prayer of a man offered in congregation is more than twenty
degrees greater in merit than his prayer offered in his
market-place or in his home. Therefore, when one of them makes a
fine ablution and comes to the mosque with no desire except for
the prayer, and nothing motivated him except the prayer, his
degree is raised for every step he took and a sin is removed up
until he enters the mosque. When he enters the mosque, he is
considered to be in a state of prayer as long as the prayer
keeps him until its time; and the angels continue to pray for
him as long as he remains in his place of prayer, and they
supplicate saying: 'O Allah have mercy on him, O Allah, forgive
him, O Allah accept his repentance,' for as long as he does no
harm there, and so long as he does not loose his state of
purity."
{Ref. 11
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) related:
The Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
UNEXPECTED REWARD 12
“Indeed, Allah has written the merits and sins, and has
clarified them. Whosoever intended a merit but did not practice
it, Allah, the Blessed, the High, writes it with Him as a
complete reward. Whereas if he intended it and practiced it,
Allah writes it as ten rewards up to seven hundred, doubled, and
multiplied. However, if he intended a sin but does not commit
it, Allah the High, writes it with Him as a complete reward.
Whereas if he intended it and committed it, Allah writes it as
one sin.”
{Ref. 12
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu al-'Abbas) Abdullah
son of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (sp) with a chain up to the
Messenger of Allah (sa) amongst that which he reported with a
chain up to his Lord, the Blessed, the High, says this.}
THE VALUE OF GOOD DEEDS 13
“I (Abu Abdur Rahman (s) ) heard the Messenger of Allah (sa)
say: ‘There were three people, amongst a people that lived
before you. They were traveling and found a cave, and entered it
in order to spend the night. Then, a rock slid down from the
mountain and blocked the entrance to the cave. They said to each
another: 'Nothing will save you from this rock except that you
supplicate to Allah, the High with your good deeds.' One of them
said: 'O Allah, I had two aged parents and I did not serve a
drink to any family member or servant before them. One day I was
drawn far away in search of greenery (to feed his cattle) and
did not return until after my parents had gone to sleep. After I
finished the milking I brought them their drink and found them
sleeping, I hated to wake them, nor would I give any part of the
milk to my family or servants before serving them. So I remained
with the jug in my hand waiting for them to awake until the
break of dawn and the children were crying from hunger by my
feet. So they awoke and drank their evening drink. O Allah, if I
did this seeking Your Face, so relieve us from that which we are
in on account of this rock.’ Thereupon the rock moved a little
but they were unable to emerge from the cave. Another said: 'O
Allah, I had a female cousin, who was to me the most beloved
person of all people. I wanted her, but she denied me. Then she
was stricken by a barren year, so she came to me, and I gave her
a hundred and twenty dinars (gold pounds) on condition that she
surrender herself to me, so she did. When I was in control,
above her, she said: 'Fear Allah, and do not break the seal
except with its rights,' so I left her although she was to me
the most beloved person, and I left the gold I had given her. O
Allah, if I did this seeking Your Face, so relieve us from that
which we are in.' Thereupon the rock moved again, but they were
still unable to emerge from the cave. Then the other said: 'O
Allah, I hired some laborers and paid them all their wages
except for one man who left what was due to him and went away. I
nurtured his wage in business and his wealth increased. After a
time he came to me and said: ‘O worshiper of Allah, give me my
wage’" So I said: ‘By Allah, all that you see is from your wage:
camels, cows, sheep and youths.’ He said: ‘O worshiper of Allah,
do not mock me.’ I replied: ‘I do not mock you.’ So he took it
all and drove it, leaving nothing of it. O Allah, if I did this
seeking Your Face, so relieve us from that which we are in.'
Thereupon the rock moved and they emerged, walking, from the
cave."
{Ref. 13
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Abdur Rahman)
Abdullah son of Umar has son of al-Khattab (sp) said this.}
2 Repentance
Chapter introduction, Nawawi reported that the scholars say:
Repentance is obligatory for each individual sin. If the sin is
between the worshiper and Allah, the High, with no relation to
another human its repentance consists of three conditions: 1.
That he/she abandons the sin immediately. 2. That he/she regrets
having done it. 3. That he/she determines never to practice it
again. If any of these three conditions is missing, the
repentance is not valid. If the sin involves rights of another
human, then a fourth condition will be added which is that
he/she satisfies the rights of the owner by for example,
returning his/her property, or presents him/herself for the
Islamic punishment, or obtains a pardon from the injured party.
Therefore it is obligatory to repent from all sins. Although if
he/she repents from some it will be accepted, however, the
remainder of his/her sins, his/her unrepented sins, remain a
burden for him/her. The obligation of repentance is obvious from
the proofs found in the Koran, the Prophetic ways and the
collective opinion of Muslim scholars. Allah, the Exalted, has
said: “..... and, O believers, turn to Allah all together, in
order that you may prosper.” (24.31) “And ask forgiveness of
your Lord, then repent to Him.” (11.3) “Believers, turn to Allah
in sincere repentance ..” (66.8). FORGIVENESS 14
"By Allah, I (sa) seek the forgiveness of Allah and turn to Him
more than seventy times a day."
{Ref. 14
Bukhari with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) reported that the
Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
ALL SEEK FORGIVENESS 15
"O people, turn to Allah and seek forgiveness from Him. For
myself, I turn to Allah a hundred times a day."
{Ref. 15
Muslim with a chain up to al-Agharr son of Yasar al-Muzani -
(sp) said: the Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
REPENTANCE 16
“Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His worshiper than
one of you, who, if you had lost a camel in a barren dessert
suddenly found it. Allah is more pleased with the repentance of
His worshiper than someone would be if he had lost his riding
camel carrying his food and drink in a barren dessert. Then,
when lying down in the shade of a tree he suddenly finds it
standing near to him, and seizes it by the rope through its
nose; then, being overwhelmed with happiness, his tongue slips
and he says: 'O Allah, You are my worshiper and I am Your Lord!'
(And then asks for forgiveness). “
{Ref. 16
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Hamzah) Anas son of
Malik al-Ansari (s) the Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
ANYTIME IS A GOOD TIME TO REPENT 17
"Allah will continue to hold out His Hand at night so that he
who has sinned during the day might repent, and to hold out His
Hand during the day so that he who has sinned at night might
repent, till the sun rises from the west."
{Ref. 17
Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Musa) Abdullah, the son of Kays
al-Asha'ri (s) who related, the Messenger of Allah (sa) said
this.}
REPENTANCE IS ALWAYS ACCEPTED FROM THE LIVING 18
"Allah will turn with mercy to whosoever repents before the sun
rises from the west."
{Ref. 18
Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) reported, the
Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
LAST CHANCE 19
"Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified, will accept the repentance of
His worshiper up until the throes of death."
{Ref. 19
Tirmidhi with a chain up to (Abu Abdur Rahman) Abdullah son of
Umar son of al-Khattab (sp) related, the Messenger of Allah (sa)
said this.}
IN SEARCH OF KNOWLEDGE 20
“Zirr went to Safwan, the son of Assal (sp) to inquire about the
wiping of hands over leather socks (when making ablution). He
asked me: 'Zirr, what brings you here?' Zirr replied: 'The
search of knowledge.' He said: 'The angels spread their wings
for the one who seeks knowledge out of pleasure of that which he
seeks.' Thereupon he told him: 'Some doubt has arisen in my mind
concerning the wiping of hands over socks after one has relieved
himself. Because you are one of the Companions of the Prophet I
have come to ask you about it, did you hear him mention anything
concerning it?' 'Yes' he replied: 'The Prophet (sa) told us that
while we were on a journey we need not remove our socks to wash
our feet when we make ablution for a period of three days and
nights, except after having had intercourse with our wives.
However, in other cases such as after sleep, relieving oneself
and so on, you need only wipe your hands over the socks during
that period.' Then Zirr asked him: 'Did you hear him say
anything concerning love and affection?' He replied: 'Once when
we were journeying with the Prophet (sa) a desert Arab called
out to him in a loud, harsh voice saying: 'O Muhammad!' The
Prophet (sa) answered him in almost the same tone saying: "Here
am I." Zirr spoke to the Arab saying: 'Woe to you, lower your
voice in his presence; this is the command of Allah.' He
replied: "I will not lower my voice!" Then addressing the
Prophet (sa) he asked: "What about the person who loves a people
but is unable to be in their company?" The Prophet (sa)
answered: "On the Day of Judgement, a person will be in the
company of those he loves." After that, he continued talking to
us and mentioned a gateway in the west the width of which could
be crossed by a rider in forty or seventy years.'” Sufyan (s),
who is one of the narrators of this Hadith added: “'The gateway
is somewhere in the direction of Syria. Allah created it along
with the creation of the heavens and the earth. It is open for
repentance, and will not be closed until the sun rises from the
West.'”
{Ref. 20
**** and others with a chain up to Zirr son of Hubaish (s) said
this.}
TURN TO ALLAH AND HE TURNS TO YOU 21
“There was a man from a nation before you who had killed
ninety-nine people, he inquired who was the most learned person
on earth, and was directed to a monk. He went to the monk and
said: 'I have killed ninety-nine people, is there any chance
that my repentance will be accepted?' The monk answered: 'No.'
So he killed the monk who then became his hundredth victim. He
inquired again who was the most learned person on earth, and was
directed to a wise man. He went to the wise man and said: 'I
have killed a hundred people, is there a chance that my
repentance will be accepted?' The wise man replied: 'Yes, what
can stand between you and repentance? Go to such and such a
land, in it are people who worship Allah. Join them in the
worship of Allah but do not return to your own land, because it
is an evil place. So he set out. He had only reached half way
when death overtook him; whereupon the Angels of Mercy and the
Angels of Punishment debated with one another for his soul. The
Angels of Mercy entreated that he had become a penitent and had
turned towards Allah; whereas the Angels of Punishment entreated
that he had never done a good deed. Then, in the form of a
human, an angel appeared before them and the angels were
agreeable that he should arbitrate between them. He told them to
measure the distance between the two lands, saying that the land
the man was closer too was the land to which he belonged. The
angels measured the distance and he was found to be closer to
the land to which he was journeying, so the Angels of Mercy took
charge of him.” In another narration it says that the man was
found closer to the land of the righteous by the span of a hand
and was counted to be one of them. There is also another
narration that says that Allah commanded the space on one side
to expand and the space on the other to contract, and then said:
'Now carry out the measurement.' And, it was found that he was
nearer to his goal by the span of a hand so he received
forgiveness. It is also narrated that he came closer by crawling
on his chest.
{Ref. 21
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to (Abu Sa'id) Sa'd son of
Malik, son of Sanan al-Khudri (sp) that the Messenger of Allah (sa)
said this.}
HONESTY IS THE BEST POLICY 22
“Ka'b son of Malik (s), gave a full account of the incident that
prompted him to remain behind the Messenger of Allah (sa) when
he proceeded to the campaign at Tabuk. Ka'b said: 'I (Ka'b)
accompanied the Prophet (sa) upon every campaign except Tabuk.
However, I did not accompany the Prophet (sa) to Badr, and at
that time he did not blame anyone who did not accompany him. The
Prophet (sa) and the Muslims had been observing a Koraysh
caravan when Allah ordained an unexpected incident to occur
between them and their enemies. However, I was present with the
Messenger of Allah (sa) during the night of Aqabah when we
pledged our oath of complete dedication to Islam, and I would
not like to exchange Aqabah for Badr with all its fame. As for
my failure to accompany the Prophet (sa) at the campaign of
Tabuk I will tell you. At that time I was stronger and more
affluent than at any other time. I had two riding camels -
before that I had never owned two. It was the practice of the
Prophet (as) that whenever he decided to embark upon a campaign
not to disclose his real objective saying the opposite until the
last moment. However, on this occasion, because it was the
season of intense heat, the journey was to be long across the
desert, and the enemy were great in strength, he warned the
Muslims clearly and told them of his objective so that they were
able to make adequate preparations. The number of those who
prepared to make themselves ready to accompany the Messenger of
Allah (sa) was great, but a register had not yet been
established to list all of them. No man reluctant to go imagined
that his absence would go unnoticed unless it was disclosed by
Allah. It was a time when the fruit on the trees had ripened and
their shade dense - this too worked upon my mind. The Messenger
of Allah (sa) and the Muslims who were to accompany him occupied
themselves with their preparations. I would go out in the
morning intending to do the same along with them, only to return
later without accomplishing anything, saying to myself: ‘There
is plenty of time. I can get ready whenever I wish.’ Time passed
and the Muslims completed their preparations. Then one day, the
Messenger of Allah (sa) set out with them upon the march. I had
done nothing to prepare myself. I remained in my indecisive
state, without accomplishing anything, while the Muslims set off
on their march. I thought I would set off by myself and overtake
them - how I wish I had done so, but it was not to be. As I went
about in the town it grieved me to observe that among those who
remained at home, like me, were those who were either suspected
of hypocrisy or excused on account of age or something similar.
The Prophet (sa) made no mention of me until after he reached
Tabuk. One day when he was sitting with the companions he
inquired: ‘What has happened to Ka’b, the son of Malik?’ Someone
from among the Bani Salimah said: ‘Messenger of Allah (sa) he
did not come because of his two cloaks and admiration of his
finery!’ Upon hearing this Mu'az, the son of Jabal (s) said:
‘Evil is what you have said. O Messenger of Allah (sa) we know
nothing about him except good.’ The Prophet (sa) made no
comment. It was at this time that the Prophet (sa) observed
someone a distance away in the desert clad in white and
exclaimed: ‘May it be Abu Khaisamah (s)’, and he proved to be
correct - Abu Khaisamah had been taken for a beggar by the
hypocrites when he gave a small quantity of dates in charity.
When I learned that the Messenger of Allah (sa) was on his
return from Tabuk I was filled with anxiety and began to
generate false excuses in my mind to help save myself from his
displeasure. I consulted members of my family whose judgment I
trusted but when I heard that the Prophet's arrival was
imminent, I realized that no false excuse would help me
therefore I decided to tell the truth. He arrived the next
morning. When he returned from a journey it was his custom to go
straight to the mosque and offer two voluntary units of prayer (raka's),
and then meet the people. He did the same on this occasion and
those who had had not partaken in the campaign came forward and
began, on oath, to give their excuses. They were over eighty
people and the Prophet (sa) accepted their excuses and renewed
their oaths. Then he prayed for forgiveness for them and
committed to Allah whatever they had in their mind. When it came
to my turn and I greeted him; he smiled, but displeasure was
visible in his smile, and said: ‘Come forward.’ So, I stepped
forward and sat down before him. He asked: ‘What kept you back,
had you not purchased your mount?’ I replied: ‘Messenger of
Allah (sa), if I had been confronted by someone other than
yourself; a man of the world, I could easily escape his
displeasure with some excuse, because I am gifted with skill of
plausibility. However, I know that if I were to concoct a false
story to you today, that might even convince you, without doubt
Allah will soon arouse your displeasure against me over
something else. But, if I tell you the truth and you are
displeased with me, I can still hope for mercy from Allah, the
Exalted. By Allah I have no excuse. I was never stronger nor
more affluent than when I held myself back from accompanying
you.' The Prophet (sa) said: ‘This one has told the truth, now
withdraw, until Allah decides your case.’ Some men of the
children of Salimah followed me out of the mosque and said: ‘We
have never known you to err before this, why did you not offer
an excuse to the Prophet (sa) like the others who had held back
from the campaign - your error would have found its forgiveness
through the supplication of the Prophet (sa).’ They persisted in
reproaching me so harshly that I almost went back to the Prophet
(sa), to withdraw my confession. Then, I asked them: "Has there
ever been a case similar to mine?" They replied: "Murarah, the
son of Rabi'a 'Amiri and Hilal, the son of Umayyah Waqifi (sp)."
When they mentioned these two righteous men who had participated
in the Battle of Badr, and possessed many good qualities, I was
strengthened in my original resolve. The Prophet (sa) directed
the Muslims not to speak to the three of us. People avoid us as
if they were strangers, and it felt as if I was in an alien
land. This state of affairs continued for fifty days. My two
companions were so overcome by misery and shame that they
retired from the world shutting themselves away in their homes.
Being the youngest and more resilient of the three, I would go
out and join my fellow Muslims for prayers and walk in the
streets although no one would speak to me. I would wait before
the Prophet (sa) when he sat in the mosque after prayer and
greet him and wondered whether he had moved his lips to return
my greeting. During the prayer, I would stand near him and
noticed that he would glance in my direction when I was occupied
with prayer and look away when I looked in his direction.
Feeling anguish and deeply hurt by the harshness of Muslims
towards me, one day I climbed over the garden wall belonging to
my cousin Abu Katadah (s) of whom I was very fond. I greeted
him, but he did not return my greeting. I said to him: ‘Abu
Katadah, I ask you in the Name of Allah, do you not know that I
love Allah and His Messenger (sa) ?’ But he remained silent. I
repeated my earnest question, but he still did not reply. I
asked a third time and he replied: ‘Allah and His Messenger (sa)
know best.’ When I heard this, I could not restrain my tears and
returned home. One day I was loitering in the market-place of
Medina when I heard a peasant from Syria, who had brought grain
to sell, ask: ‘Would someone direct me to Ka'ab, the son of
Malik?’ The people pointed in my direction so he came to me and
handed me a letter from the King of Ghassan. Being literate I
read it. It read: ‘We have heard that your master has treated
you unjustly. Allah has not made you to be neither Humiliated
nor maltreated. Come to us and we shall receive you graciously.’
Having read it, I said to myself: ‘This is another trial,’ and
threw it into the oven. After forty days of the fifty had
elapsed without any indication in the Revelation concerning us,
a messenger of the Prophet (sa) came to me and said: ‘The
Messenger of Allah (sa) directs you not to associate with your
wife.’ I inquired: ‘Should I divorce her or what should I do?’
He replied: ‘No, just do not associate with her.’ I understood
that my two companions had been directed likewise, and I told my
wife to go her parents and remain with them until Allah
determined the matter. The wife of Hilal, the son of Umayyah
went to the Prophet (sa) and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (sa),
Hilal, the son of Umayyah is old and unable to look after
himself, he does not have a servant. Would it displease you if I
were to serve him?’ ‘No’, he replied, ‘but he should not
associate with you.’ Whereupon she told the Prophet (sa), ‘Ever
since this happened, he has no interest in me, and has wept
continuously.’ Some of my people suggested to me that I should
also seek the permission of the Prophet (sa) so that my wife
might also look after me as the wife of Hilal, the son of
Umayyah had done, but I did not ask the Prophet (sa), for this
because I did not know what he might say, and besides, I was
young. Ten more days and nights passed like this. On the
fifty-first morning, after the dawn prayer, I was sitting at
home feeling melancholy and although the world is wide, as
Allah, the Exalted had described it, it seemed to have become
narrow and small for me. Suddenly, I heard someone shout at the
top of his voice from the top of Mount Sala'ah: ‘O Ka'ab son of
Malik good news!’ Immediately I fell down prostrate and realized
that relief had come. Apparently, the Prophet (sa) had informed
the companions at the time of the dawn prayer, that Allah, the
Exalted had graciously accepted our repentance, and upon hearing
this several people had set off to convey the good news to us.
Some went to my two companions and another hastened on his horse
in the direction of my home. One from the tribe of Aslam raced
up the mountain and his voice reached me before the arrival of
the horseman. When the one whose voice I had heard arrived to
congratulate me, I took off my garments and gave them to him - I
had no other set of garments to wear so I borrowed some to put
on and set off to greet the Prophet (sa). On my way to the
Messenger of Allah (sa) I encountered groups and crowds of
people who congratulated me, saying: ‘Blessed is the acceptance
by Allah of your repentance.’ When I entered the mosque I found
the Prophet (sa) seated surrounded by people. Amongst them was
Talha, the son of Ubaidullah (s) who got up and rushed towards
me, shook my hand and congratulated me. He was the only Emigrant
who got up, and I have never forgotten his gesture. When I
greeted the Prophet (sa) his face shone with joy and he said:
‘Be happy with this, the best of all the days since your mother
gave birth to you!’ I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (sa) is this
from you or from Allah?’ He answered: ‘It is indeed from Allah.’
When he was happy, it was usual for the happiness in his face to
glow as if it were a part of the moon - when this happened we
knew that he was pleased. To complete my repentance, I offered
to give the Messenger of Allah (sa) all my possessions as
charity in the cause of Allah and His Messenger.(sa) He told me:
‘Retain part of it - that is better for you.’ So I said: ‘I
shall retain the portion which is in Khaibar.’ Then I said: ‘O
Messenger of Allah (sa), Allah, the Exalted, has delivered me
only because I adhered to the truth, and as part of my
repentance I shall speak nothing but the truth for the rest of
my life.’ Ever since I declared this before the Prophet (sa)
Allah, the Exalted, has not tried anyone so well in the matter
of telling the truth as He has tried me. To this day, since my
declaration, I have never had an inclination to tell a lie, and
I hope that Allah will continue to safeguard me against it
during the rest of my days. Allah, the Exalted, revealed: ‘In
the hour of adversity, Allah turned (in mercy) to the Prophet,
the Emigrant (of Mecca) and the Supporters (of Medina), who
followed him when some of their hearts were about to serve away.
He turned to them. indeed, He is Gentle, the Most Merciful. And
to the three who had been left behind (at the battle of Tabuk),
until the earth became narrow with all its vastness, and their
souls became narrow for them, they knew there was no shelter
from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them (in mercy) so
that they might also turn (in repentance). Allah is the Turner,
the Most Merciful. Believers, fear Allah and stand with the
truthful.’ 9:117-119 Koran
Ka'ab continued: ‘After Allah had guided me to Islam, my greatest blessing was when I told the truth to the Holy Prophet (sa) lying to him as others lied would only have caused my ruination. In His Revelation Allah condemns those who indulge in lying: ‘When you return, they will apologize to you. Say: “Make no excuses; we will not believe you. Allah has already told us of your news. Surely, Allah and His Messenger will see your work;; then you will be returned to the Knower of the unseen and the visible, and He will inform you of what you were doing.’ When you return to them, they will swear to you by Allah that you might turn aside from them. Let them alone, they are unclean. Gehenna (Hell) shall be their refuge, a recompense for their earnings…’ Koran 9:94-95
Ka'b said: The matter of the three of us had been left in the balance; separated from the matter of those who had made excuses on oath before the Prophet (sa) and which he accepted by renewing their covenant and for whom he supplicated for forgiveness. The Prophet (sa) kept our matter pending until Allah determined it with: 'And to the three who had been left behind, until the earth became narrow with all its vastness, and their souls became narrow for them, they knew there was no shelter from Allah except in Him. Then He turned to them (in mercy) so that they might also turn (in repentance). Allah is the Relenter, the Most Merciful. Koran 9:118
It does not mean that we lagged behind from jihad, but it means that Allah deferred our cases until after the cases of those who had pleaded on oath before the Prophet (sa) and he had accepted their excuses.” Another narration adds: “The Prophet (sa) set out for Tabuk on a Thursday. His preference was to set out on a journey on a Thursday. It was his practice to return from a journey during daylight, before noon. Upon his arrival he would go immediately to the mosque and offer two voluntary units of prayer (raka's), then he would sit down and receive people.”
{Ref. 22
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Ka'b, the
son of Malik - who was also K'ab's guide when he became blind
(sp) - said: I heard}
THE UNDETERED PENITENT 23
There was a woman from the tribe of Juhainah who committed
adultery and became pregnant. She came to the Prophet (sa), and
told him of her sin and requested him to punish her in
accordance with the Koranic law. The Prophet (sa) sent for her
guardian and said to him: "Treat her kindly, and after she has
delivered the child, bring her back." This he did, and the
Prophet (sa) in accordance with the Koranic law, asked for the
punishment to be carried out. Her clothes were tied securely
around her and she was stoned to death. After, the Prophet (sa)
had led the funeral prayer over her. Umar Farooq (s) remarked:
‘O Messenger of Allah (sa) she was guilty of adultery yet you
are led her funeral prayer.’ ‘Yes,’ he answered, ‘she repented
in such away that if her repentance were to be spread over
seventy people of Medina it would have sufficed them all. There
cannot be a better or higher degree of repentance than this; she
chose to speak the truth at the cost of her life for the sake of
winning the pleasure of Allah.’
{Ref. 23
Muslim with a chain up to Imran, the son of Husain Khua'ai (s)
who related this.}
POINTLESSNESS OF GREED 24
“If the son of Adam had a valley full of gold, he would wish he
had two. Yet nothing will fill his mouth except the dust (of his
grave). Allah, the Merciful accepts repentance from everyone who
turns to Him in repentance.”
{Ref. 24
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Ibn Abbas and Anas, the
son of Malik (sp) who related that the Messenger of Allah (sa)
said this.}
MARTYRDOM 25
“There are two types of people with whom Allah is greatly
pleased, and they are the victim and the killer who enter
Paradise. The first example is the one who was killed fighting
the other in the cause of Allah and is in Paradise. The second
is the one whom Allah turns to in His Mercy so that he embraces
Islam and then is martyred like the first.”
{Ref. 25
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who
related that the Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
3 Patience
Allah, the Exalted, says: "Believers, be patient, and race in patience, be steadfast, fear Allah, in order that you will be victorious." 3:200 Koran
"We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, and decrease of goods, life and fruits. Give glad tidings to the patient." 2:155 Koran
“Say: 'My worshipers who believe, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world there is good - and the earth of Allah is wide - surely, those who are patient will be recompensed in full without count.'” 39:10 Koran
"Surely, he who bears patiently and forgives, indeed, that is true constancy." 42:43 Koran
"Believers, seek assistance in patience and prayer, Allah is with those who are patient." 2:153 Koran
"Without doubt We shall surely test you until We know those who struggle and are patient among you and make clear your news." 47:31 Koran
There are many verses in the Holy Koran that praise the virtue of patience and encourage believers to nurture it.
GOOD DEEDS 26
“Cleanliness is equal to half the faith. Saying: 'All praise is
due to Allah' fills the scales with good deeds. When 'Exalted is
Allah' is said, it suffices to fill the void between the heavens
and the earth. Prayer is light, charity is proof of faith.
Patience is also light and the Koran either intercedes for you
or is against you. Each morning, everyone starts bartering -
one's soul is at stake - it is either ransomed or ruined.”
{Ref. 26
Muslim with a chain up to Abu Malik Asha'ri (s) who related that
the Prophet (sa) said this.}
THE GENEROSITY OF ALLAH 27
“There were some people from the tribe of Ansar who asked the
Prophet (sa) to give them something, so he gave to them. They
asked again and he kept giving until he had nothing else to
give. Then he said to them: 'Whenever I have something, I do not
withhold it from you. Remember, whosoever desires chastity,
Allah makes him chaste. Whosoever desires contentment, Allah
makes him content. And, whosoever desires patience, Allah gives
him patience. No one has been given better favors than patience
and submission.'”
{Ref. 27
Muslim with a chain up to Abu Sa'id Khudri (s) who related
this.}
GRATITUDE AND PATIENCE 28
“The circumstances of a believer are indeed wondrous. In
everything goodness is written for him and this circumstance is
his exclusively. When he experiences something pleasant, he is
grateful to Allah, and that is good for him. If he experiences
adversity he becomes patient, and that is good for him. “
{Ref. 28
Muslim with a chain up to Suhaib son of Sinan (s) who related
that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
ILLNESS AND DEATH 29
“When the illness of the Prophet (sa) became so serious that his suffering caused him to fall unconscious, Fatima (f) exclaimed: ‘Oh, the suffering of my dear father.’ He said to her: ‘After today, there is no more suffering for your father.’ And when he passed away she said: ‘O my father, he has answered the call of his Lord. O my father, the Gardens of Paradise have become your home. O, my father, to Gabriel we condole.’ When he was buried she said: ‘How can you reconcile with yourselves pouring dust over the Messenger of Allah (sa)?’”
{Ref. 29
Bukhari with a chain up to Anas (s) who related this.}
MERCY TO ONE ANOTHER 30
“One of the daughters (f) of the Prophet (sa), sent a message
asking him to come to her because her son was on the verge of
death. He sent the greetings to her with a message saying:
‘Everything that Allah has given belongs to Him, and whatsoever
He takes back belongs to Him. There is nothing that does not
have a term fixed by Him. Therefore, be patient and hope for His
Favor and Mercy.’ She repeated her request imploring him in the
Name of Allah to come, so he set out accompanied by Sa'd son of
Ubadah, Mu'az son of Jabal, Ubayy son of Ka'ab, Zaid son of
Thabit (sp) and others to see her. Upon his arrival the child
was presented to him, and he took the child and placed it on his
lap. When he saw the distressed state of the child his eyes shed
tears. Sa'd asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah (sa) what is this?’ He
replied: ‘This is compassion which Allah has placed in the
hearts of His worshipers, and Allah has compassion on those of
His worshipers who are compassionate.’ In another narration it
reads: ".. in the hearts of those of His worshipers whom He
wills."
{Ref. 30
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Usamah son of Zaid (sp),
loved by the Prophet (sa) and the son of one loved by him, who
related this.}
COURAGE OF CONVICTION 31
“Among the people of long ago, there was a king who had a
magician. He was getting old and said to the king: 'I am old,
bring me a young man to whom I can teach my magic.' So, the king
sent him a young man to teach. On the young man's way to the
magician he met a monk. The young man sat and listened to him
and was so happy with what he heard that he would stay a while
with him which made him late for his lesson, so the magician
beat him. The young man complained to the monk who told him:
‘When you are afraid of the magician, tell him: 'My people
detained me, and when you are afraid of your people tell them
the monk detained you.' This state of affairs continued until
one day the young man came across a huge beast blocking the
road. It blocked the road in a manner that no one could pass.
The young man thought to himself: 'Now I can find out who is the
superior, the magician or the monk.' So he picked up a stone and
said: 'Lord, if the way of the monk is more pleasing to You than
the way of the magician, cause the beast to die so that the
people can pass.' Then he threw the stone at the beast and
killed it and the people passed by. The young man told the monk
what had happened and he said: ‘Son, you have surpassed me, and
I think that you have reached the stage where you might be
harmed. Should this happen, do not disclose my whereabouts.’ The
young man began to cure people (by the permission of Allah) of
blindness and leprosy and all manner of diseases. News of the
miracles reached a blind courtier of the king, so he went to the
young man with many gifts saying: ‘All this will be yours if you
can heal me.’ The young man replied: ‘I cannot help anyone. It
is Allah who heals. If you testify your belief in Allah, I will
pray for you and He will heal you.’ So the blind man believed in
Allah and Allah cured him of his blindness. After his sight had
been restored, he went to the king and sat with him as was his
practice. The king asked: ‘Who has restored your sight?’ The man
answered: ‘My Lord.’ The king asked: ‘Have you a Lord other than
me?’ To this he replied: ‘Allah is your Lord and my Lord.’ Upon
hearing this the king ordered the man to be seized and tortured
until he disclosed the name of the young man. The young man was
brought before the king and the king said to him: ‘Son, have you
become so skilled in magic that you can heal the blind, lepers
and other diseases?’ The young man replied: ‘I do not heal
anyone, it is Allah who heals.’ Then he too was seized and
tortured until he revealed the whereabouts of the monk who was
likewise summoned and ordered to recant his faith. He refused.
The king sent for a saw which was placed upon the monk's head,
and he was sawn in half. Then, the king's courtier was sent for
And he also was ordered to recant his faith. He refused, so he
was also sawn in half. After this, the young man was brought
forward and told to recant, but like the others he refused, so
the king handed him over to his men and told them: ‘Take him to
such and such a mountain, if he still refuses to recant his
faith, throw him from the top!’ The king's men took him to the
mountain and climbed to the top of it. There, the young man
supplicated saying: ‘Lord, deliver me from them in whatever way
You will.’ So the mountain shook and the men fell off. The young
man returned to the king who asked: 'What has happened to your
companions?’ He answered: ‘Allah has saved me from them.’ So, he
was handed over to another group of men who were told to take
him in out in a big ship to the middle of the sea and if he
still persisted in his refusal to abandon his faith to throw him
into the sea. The king's men took him and he supplicated once
again saying: ‘Allah, save me from these people in whatever
manner You will.’ Then the boat sank and they were drowned,
except the young man who returned to the king. The king asked:
‘What has happened to your companions?’ He replied: ‘Allah has
saved me from them’ and added, ‘you will be unable to kill me
unless you do as I tell you.’ The king asked: ‘How is that?’ The
young man answered: ‘Gather the people together in an open area
and hang me from the trunk of a palm-tree. Then, take an arrow
from my quiver, place it in the middle of a bow and say: 'In the
Name of Allah, the Lord of this young man,' and shoot it at me,
if you do this, you will kill me.’ The king did just that. The
people were assembled in an open area and the young man was
hanged from the trunk of a palm-tree. The king took an arrow
from his quiver, placed it in the middle of the bow and said:
'In the Name of Allah, the Lord of this young man,' and fired
it. The arrow struck the young man In the middle of his
forehead, who raised his hand to his forehead and died. Upon
seeing this the people declared: ‘We believe in the Lord of this
young man,’ and the king was told: ‘Look, that which you feared
has happened, the people have believed!’ The king ordered
trenches to be dug either side of the road. After they had been
dug a fire was lit in them and it was proclaimed that anyone who
refused to abandon their faith would be thrown into the
trenches, or, would be ordered to jump in. And so it continued,
until it was the turn of a lady accompanied by her son, She
hesitated to be thrown into the fire, but her son encouraged her
saying: ‘Mother, be patient, you are on the Right Path.’"
{Ref. 31
Muslim with a chain up to Suhaib (s) who related that the
Prophet (sa) said this.}
THE WOMAN AT THE GRAVESIDE 32
“The Prophet (sa) passed by a woman who was crying at a
grave-side. He said to her: 'Fear Allah and be steadfast.' She,
not realizing who he was replied: 'Leave me alone; you have not
suffered as I have.' Later someone told her that the one who
spoke was the Prophet (sa). The woman went to the house of the
Prophet (sa) there she found a doorman and went inside and said
to him: 'I did not recognize you.' He said: 'Patience is at the
time of the first shock of grief.' She had been crying at the
grave-side of her son.”
{Ref. 32
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Anas (s) who related that
the Prophet (sa) said this.}
THE REWARD OF PATIENCE UPON BEREAVEMENT 33
“Allah, the Exalted says: 'I have no better reward than Paradise
for My believing worshiper who is patient when I take away his
loved one who is among the most cherished by him in the world.'”
{Ref. 33
Bukhari with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related that the
Prophet (sa) said this.}
THE MERCY FOR ILLNESS 34
“Lady Ayesha (f) asked the Prophet (sa) what the plague was. He
replied: 'It is a punishment that Allah sends upon whom He
wills; but for Muslims He has made it as a mercy. If a worshiper
of Allah is afflicted by the plague and remains patiently in his
town hoping to be recompensed by Allah, with the realization
that only that which is determined by Allah will happen to him,
will indeed receive a recompense equal to that of a martyr.”
{Ref. 34
Bukhari with a chain up to the Mother of Believers, Lady Ayesha
(f) who related this.}
BLINDNESS 35
“Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified says: 'When I afflict the two
beloved faculties (eyes) of a worshiper of Mine, and he remains
patient with this affliction, in their place I will give him
Paradise.'”
{Ref. 35
Bukhari with a chain up to Anas (s) who related}
PATIENCE DURING ILLNESS 36
"’Shall I show you a woman who will be among the dwellers of
Paradise?’ Asked Abbas (s). ‘Certainly.’ Ibn Abbas then pointed
to a dark skinned lady and said: ‘That lady came to the Prophet
(sa) and said: 'Messenger of Allah (sa) I suffer from epilepsy,
when I have a fit my body is exposed. Please pray to Allah for
me.' He replied: 'If you choose to be patient with this
affliction, you will win Paradise, but if you wish, I will pray
to Allah to recover you.' The woman replied: 'I shall be
patient, but please pray that my body will not be exposed.' And
accordingly he prayed for her."
{Ref. 36
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Ata son of Abi Rabah (s)
who related that son of Abbas (s) told him this.}
FORGIVENESS 37
“A Prophet (p) had been beaten and injured so severely by his
people that he had to wipe away the blood from his face. As he
did this he supplicated saying: 'Allah, forgive my people,
because they do not understand.'”
{Ref. 37
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Mas'ud (s)
who related that he remembered it, exactly as if he was looking
at the Prophet (sa)}
THE REMOVAL OF SINS 38
“Whatever trouble, illness, anxiety, grief, hurt or sorrow that
afflicts a Muslim, even the prick of a thorn, Allah removes in
its place some of his sins.”
{Ref. 38
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Sa'id and Abu Hurairah
(sp) related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
PATIENCE IN SUFFERING REMOVES SINS 39
“I (Abdullah son of Mas'ud (s)) said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (sa)
you have a very high fever.’ He replied: ‘Indeed, my fever is as
high as that of two of you.’ I said: ‘That is because you will
receive twice the reward.’ He said: ‘That is so. A Muslim does
not suffer from anything, even from a (little) thorn prick or
greater, unless Allah removes (from him) in its stead some of
his sins, and his sins fall as leaves fall from a tree.’"
{Ref. 39
Abdullah son of Mas'ud (s) related that he visited the Prophet (sa)
when he had fever and that he said this.}
THOSE WHOM ALLAH RAISES IN RANK 40
“When Allah wants good for a person He tries him.”
{Ref. 40
Bukhari with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related that the
Prophet (sa) said this.}
DEATH WISH 41
“None of you should wish for death because of a misfortune that
comes to him. When anyone is badly afflicted, he should say:
'Allah let me live as long as my life is better for me, and
cause me to die when death is better for me.'”
{Ref. 41
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Anas (s) who related that
the Prophet (sa) said this.}
THE RESILIENCE OF BELIEVERS 42
“We went to the Prophet (sa) and found him reclining in the
shade of the Ka'ba on a pillow he had made from his sheet. We
complained to the Prophet (sa) about the increased persecution
the unbelievers of Mecca were inflicting upon us. We asked him:
‘Could you supplicate for victory for us, will you pray for us?’
He told them: ‘In a time before you there was a man who had been
captured and kept in a pit that had been dug for him. Later a
saw was placed upon his head and he was sawn in half, his flesh
torn away from his bones with iron combs, there was nothing that
could pry him away from his faith!’ Allah will surely bring this
matter to an end when a rider will be able to leave from San'a
for Hadramet fearing nothing except Allah and the danger of a
wolf concerning his sheep. You appear to be in too much of a
hurry.’"
{Ref. 42
Bukhari with a chain up to Khubaib son of Arat (s) said this.}
PATIENCE WHEN ONE IS PROVOKED 43
“On the day of Hunain, the Prophet (sa) favored some people (new
converts) when the spoils of war were divided. He gave Aqra' son
of Habis and Uyainah son of Hisan each a hundred camels and also
favored some high ranking Arabs. Someone commented: ‘This is not
a just distribution motivated to win the pleasure of Allah.’ So
I decided to inform the Prophet (sa) of this and went to tell
him. His face became deep red and he asked: ‘Who then is just if
Allah and His Messenger (sa) are not?’ Then he added: ‘May Allah
have mercy on Moses, he was caused more distress than this and
was patient.’ Upon hearing this I said to myself that I would
never again communicate anything of this kind to him.”
{Ref. 43
Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Mas'ud (s) who related
this.}
EASEMENT OF PUNISHMENT 44
“When Allah wants good for His worshiper He hastens his
punishment in this world, and if He wants evil for him He
withholds (his punishment) until He fulfills it on the Day of
Resurrection.” “He also said: 'The greatness of the recompense
is relevant to the greatness of the trial, and when Allah, the
Exalted, loves a person, He tries him. For whosoever accepts his
punishment with forbearance is His Pleasure, as for he who is
displeased with it, there is His Anger.”
{Ref. 44
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Anas (s) who related that the
Prophet (sa) said this.}
PATIENCE IS REWARDED BY ALLAH 45
“Abu Talha (s) had a son who was ill. He went out and during his
absence his son died. When he returned he inquired: ‘How is my
son?’ Umm Sulaim (s), the mother of the boy, answered: ‘He is
more settled than he was,’ and gave him his evening meal and he
ate; afterwards he slept with her. Then she told him: ‘(We must)
bury the boy.’ The next morning Abu Talha went to the Messenger
(sa) and told him what had happened. He asked: ‘Were you and
your wife together last night?’ Abu Talha replied that they had
been. So he supplicated saying: ‘O Allah, bless them both.’
Later on she gave birth to a son. Abu Talha said to me (Umm
Sulaim): ‘I will carry him until I reach the Prophet (sa) ’ and
he took some dates with him. The Prophet (sa) asked: ‘Have you
brought anything with you?’ Abu Talha replied: ‘Yes, some
dates.’ The Prophet (sa) took a date, chewed it and put it in
the mouth of the baby and blessed it, and named the baby
Abdullah (worshiper of Allah). A man of the Ansar told him that
he saw nine of Abdullah's sons and that every one of them had
read the Koran.” In another narration: “When the son of Abu
Talha and Umm Sulaim died, Umm Sulaim told the other family
members: ‘Do not tell Abu Talha about the boy, I will tell him
myself.’ When he returned she gave him his evening meal and he
ate. Then she prepared herself nicely as she used to and they
slept together. Afterwards she said to him: ‘Abu Talha, tell me,
if someone lends something to another and afterwards asks for it
back, would the borrower be right to withhold what was
borrowed?" He answered: ‘No.’ Then she said: ‘Then hope for your
reward from Allah for that which has overtaken your son.’ Abu
Talha was upset and said: ‘You kept me ignorant about my son's
condition until after we had been together.’ So he left her and
went to the Prophet (sa) and told him what had happened. He
said: ‘May Allah bless your night’ and she conceived. Months
later, the Prophet (sa) was on a journey and they were with him.
It was his custom to delay entering Medina by night when
returning from a journey. Just as they were approaching Medina
her contractions started. So Abu Talha stayed behind with her
and the Prophet (sa) continued. Abu Talha supplicated saying:
‘You know Lord, that I am eager to go with the Prophet (sa) when
he goes out, and to be with him on his return, now I am detained
here as You see.’ Then Umm Sulaim told him: ‘Abu Talha, I no
longer feel the pain. Let us continue.’ So they continued and
she gave birth to a boy upon their arrival in Medina. My mother
(Umm Sulaim) said to me: ‘Anas, no one should suckle the baby
until after we have taken him to the Prophet (sa) tomorrow.’
Next morning I carried the baby to the Prophet (sa).”
{Ref. 45
Bukhari with a chain up with a chain up to Ibn Uyainah and
Muslim with a chain up to Anas (sp) who related this.}
SELF CONTROL 46
“The person who is strong is not the one who knocks others out
fighting; the one who is strong is the person who controls
himself when he is angry.”
{Ref. 46
Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related that the
Prophet (sa) said this.}
CURE FOR ANGER 47
“Sulaiman was sitting with the Prophet (sa) when two men began
to quarrel. One of them became red in the face and the veins of
his neck stood out. The Prophet (sa) said: ‘If he repeats a
phrase I know, he would be rid of the condition in which he
finds himself. The phrase is: 'I seek refuge with Allah from
satan, the one who is stoned.' So they told him: ‘The Prophet (sa)
says: 'Seek refuge with Allah from satan, the stoned one.'”
{Ref. 47
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Sulaiman son of Surad (s)
who related this.}
CONTROL OF ONE'S ANGER 48
“The one who, in spite of having the capacity to avenge (a
wrong) controls his anger, will be singled out and called by
Allah, the Holy, the Exalted, above the multitude on the Day of
Judgement and is given his choice of black-eyed houris, (the
virgins of Paradise).”
{Ref. 48
Abu Daud and Tirmidhi with a chain up to Mu'az son of Anas (s)
who related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
AVOIDANCE OF ANGER 49
“Someone asked the Prophet (sa) for advice. So he advised: ‘Do
not give way to anger.’ The man repeated his request several
times, and each time the Prophet (sa) said the same: ‘Do not
give way to anger.’
{Ref. 49
Bukhari with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related this.}
LIFE IS A TRIAL 50
“A believing male or female is continually tried by one's self,
children and property until he or she meets Allah, the Exalted,
in a state in which all his or her sins have been wiped out.”
{Ref. 50
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related that
the Prophet (sa) said this.}
HOW TO DEAL WITH THE IGNORANT 51
“Uyainah, Hisn's son went to Medina and stayed with his nephew
Hurr, the son of Kais. Kais was a close friend of Umar and also
one of his councilors. Uyainah said to Hurr: ‘My nephew, you are
close to the Commander of the Faithful, will you ask permission
for me to see him?’ So Hurr asked and Umar agreed. When Uyainah
met Umar, he said to him: ‘Son of Khattab, you neither give us
much nor do you deal fairly with us.’ Umar was outraged and
would have punished him when Hurr said: ‘Commander of the
Faithful, Allah said to His Prophet (sa) 'Accept the easing,
order with fine jurisprudence, and avoid the ignorant.' (7:199
Koran).
This is one of the ignorant. As soon as Hurr had recited this (verse) Umar became calm and remained in his seat. He always adhered strictly to the Book of Allah.”
{Ref. 51
Bukhari with a chain up to Ibn Abbas (s) who related this.}
HOW TO DEAL WITH INJUSTICE 52
"After me there will be discrimination and you will observe
things of which you will disapprove." A companion asked:
‘Messenger of Allah (sa), what is your directive in such
circumstances?’ He said: ‘Do what is right and supplicate to
Allah for yours.’”
{Ref. 52
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Ibn Mas'ud (s) who related
that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
REWARD FOR PATIENCE 53
“A person from the tribe of Ansar said to the Prophet (sa)
'Won't you appoint me to public office as you did for so and
so?' He replied: 'After me you will be discriminated against,
but be patient and you will meet me by the Pool (The Pool of Al
Kawthar in Paradise.)'”
{Ref. 53
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Usyad son of Huzair (s)
who related this.}
SUPPLICATION FOR VICTORY 54
“The Holy Prophet (sa) was on a campaign; while waiting for the
sun to set he stood up and addressed his companions saying: ‘Do
not wish to fight, instead keep supplicating to Allah for
security. But when you are confronted by the enemy, stand firm
and remember that Paradise is under the shadow of the sword.’
Then he supplicated saying: ‘Allah, Revealer of the Book, Driver
of the clouds, Vanquisher of hosts, vanquish them and help us to
overcome.’"
{Ref. 54
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Abi Aufa
(s) who related this.}
4
Truthfulness
"Believers, fear of Allah and stand with the truthful." 9:119 Koran
"For men and women who have surrendered - believing men and women; obedient men and women; truthful men and women, patient men and women, humble men and women, men and women who give charity, men and women who fast, men and women who guard their privates, men and women who remember Allah in abundance, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a mighty wage." 33:35 Koran
15. "Yet obedience and honorable words would be better for
them ..." 47:21
Koran
TRUTH AND FALSEHOOD 55
“Truth guides to virtue and virtue guides to Paradise. A person
who continuously tells the truth is called truthful in the Sight
of Allah. Lying leads to vice and vice leads to the Fire; when
someone lies continuously in the Sight of Allah that person is
called a liar."
{Ref. 55
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Mas'ud (s)
who related the Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
REALITY OF TRUTH 56
“Avoid that which is doubtful and adhere to that which is free
from doubt. Truth comforts whereas falsehood disturbs.”
{Ref. 56
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Hasan son of Ali (fp) who related
that he heard the Prophet (sa) say this.}
THE WAY OF LIFE 57
(Heraclius asked) "’What does he teach you?’ Abu Sufyan (s)
replied: ‘He teaches us to worship Allah alone and not to
associate anything with Him. To abandon what our ancestors said
and he commands us to establish the prayer, to tell the truth,
to be chaste and to strengthen the ties of kinship.’"
{Ref. 57
Bukhari and Muslim - in the extraction of the Prophet's (sa)
message to Heraclius, conveyed by Abu Sufyan (s), Heraclius
asked Abu Sufyan this.}
SUPPLICATION FOR MARTYRDOM 58
"The one who sincerely supplicates to Allah for martyrdom is
raised by Him to the rank of a martyr even if that person dies
in his bed."
{Ref. 58
Muslim with a chain up to Sahl son of Hunaif (s) who related:
The Messenger of Allah (sa) said this.}
SPOILS OF WAR 59
“When one of the Prophets (p) was preparing for battle, he told
his people before setting off that none of the following were to
accompany him: Anyone who had made a contract to marry and
intended bringing her home but had not yet do so. Any person who
had built the walls of a house but had not yet put a roof on it.
Anyone who had purchased pregnant ewes or she-camels and was
waiting for them to give birth. Then he set off. He reached the
town a little before the afternoon prayer and said to the sun:
‘You are commissioned and I am also commissioned.’ Then he
supplicated: ‘Lord, delay it's setting for us.’ And the sun was
prevented from setting until Allah had given him the victory.
After the battle when the spoils had been gathered for burning
as an offering, the fire refused to consume them. So he
announced: ‘Someone amongst you has stolen a part of the spoils,
therefore let one man from each tribe give me his allegiance.’
When a certain man's hand stuck to the Prophet, the Prophet (p)
said: ‘Someone from your tribe is guilty of theft; let each man
in your tribe give me their allegiance.’ As they were giving
their allegiance, the hands of two or three men stuck to the
Prophet's hand and he informed them that one of the three was
guilty of theft. Thereupon a heap of gold, as large as the head
of a cow was brought forward and placed with the other spoils of
war and the fire consumed everything. Prophet Muhammad (sa)
added: ‘Before us, the spoils of war were unlawful, but Allah
has made them lawful to us because of our weakness and lack of
means."
{Ref. 59
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who
related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
AGREEMENT OF SALE AND ITS BLESSINGS 60
“A sales agreement is revocable up until the buyer and seller
part company. If they tell the truth and disclose everything
relevant to the transaction, it becomes full of blessings for
both of them; but if they speak falsely and conceal that which
should be disclosed, the blessing of the transaction is wiped
out.”
{Ref. 60
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Hakim son of Hizam (s) who
related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
5
Contemplation
Allah, the Exalted, says: “Who sees you when you stand, and when you turn among those who prostrate themselves. 26:218-219 Koran
...He is with you wherever you are .. 57:4 Koran
Nothing on earth or in heaven is hidden from Allah. 3:5 Koran
Indeed, your Lord is ever Watchful. 89:14 Koran
He (Allah) knows the furtive looks of the eyes and what the chests conceal. 40:19 Koran
BASICS OF ISLAM 61
“We were sitting with the Holy Prophet (sa) one day, when a
unknown inquirer appeared to us. His clothes were brilliantly
white, his hair jet black but there was no sign of traveling
upon him. He sat down in front of the Prophet (sa) and their
knees touched. Placing his hands on his thighs he said: ‘Prophet
Muhammad (sa) tell me about Islam.’ The Prophet (as) replied:
‘Islam is that you bear witness that there is no god except
Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger, and that you
establish the prayer, pay the obligatory charity, fast the month
of Ramadan and make the Pilgrimage to the House (the Ka’bah in
Mecca) if you can afford it.’ Then to our surprise the man
confirmed the correctness of the answer saying: ‘That is
correct’. Then the inquirer said: ‘Tell me about faith.’ To this
the Prophet (sa) replied: ‘It is that you believe in Allah, His
Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and that you
believe in predestination (that which Allah has decreed).’ Again
the inquirer said: ‘That is correct, now tell me about
Perfection.’ The Prophet (sa) replied: ‘It is that you worship
Allah as if you are seeing Him, and if you do not see Him, know
that He is watching you.’ The inquirer asked again: ‘Tell me
about the Hour of Judgement.’ The Prophet (sa) replied: ‘He who
is being asked knows no more about it than the one who asks.’ So
the inquirer asked: ‘Tell me about some of the signs of its
approach.’ To this the Prophet (sa) replied: ‘The female slave
will give birth to her master, and the bare-footed, naked,
penniless goat-herders will live arrogantly in high mansions.’
Then the man departed, and I remained for a while. The Prophet (sa)
asked me: ‘Umar (s), do you know who the inquirer was?’ I
replied: ‘Allah and His Messenger (sa) know best.’ So he told
me: ‘It was Gabriel who came to teach you your Religion.’”
{Ref. 61
Muslim with a chain up to Umar son of Khattab (s) who related
this.}
MAKE AMENDS FOR YOUR BAD DEEDS 62
“Fear Allah no matter where you are. Do a good deed after an
evil one and your good deed will wipe out the evil one; behave
well with people.”
{Ref. 62
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Abu Dharr and Mu'az son of Jabal
(sp) related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
NO ONE CAN GO AGAINST THE WILL OF ALLAH 63
‘Son, I would to teach you something. Protect the obligations of
Allah, He will protect you. When you fulfill your obligations
you will find Him with you. When you need anything, ask Allah
alone for it; and when you want help, ask Allah alone for help.
Indeed, if all mankind were to join together for your benefit
they would be unable to do so unless Allah had written it for
you. And indeed, if all mankind were to join together against
you in order to harm you they would be unable to do so unless
Allah had written it for you. The pens have been set aside and
the writing in the Book are dry. Guard the commandments of
Allah, you will find Him before you. Remember Him in prosperity,
He will remember you in adversity. Know that which has led you
into error will not lead you to guidance, and that which has
guided you to good will not lead you astray. Remember that help
comes with patience and that there is prosperity after adversity
and hardship is followed by ease".
{Ref. 63
Tirmidhi with a chain up to ibn Abbas (s) who related: I was
riding behind the Prophet (sa) one day when he said}
64
"You indulge in deeds which you consider to be less than the
weight of a hair. In the time of the Prophet (sa) we considered
them to be disastrous."
{Ref. 64
Bukhari with a chain up to Anas (s) who said:}
FORBIDDEN INDULGENCE 65
“Allah is Jealous, and His jealousy is roused by a person
indulging in that which He has forbidden.”
{Ref. 65
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who
related that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
OUR WEALTH IS LOANED TO US 66
“Allah desired to test three people from the Children of Israel.
One was a leper, another bald-headed and the other blind. So
Allah sent to them an angel. First, the angel went to the leper
and asked him: ‘What would you like best?’ He replied: ‘A good
complexion with clear skin and the removal of my affliction
because people dislike me on account of this.’ The angel passed
his hands over him and his affliction left him and his skin was
good. Then the angel asked: ‘What would you like most to
possess?’ The man replied: ‘Camels’ and was given a camel ten
months pregnant and the angel said: ‘May Allah bless it for
you.’ Then the angel went to the bald-head man and asked: ‘What
would you like best?’ He replied: ‘A fine head of hair, and the
removal of my affliction because people dislike me on account of
this.’ The angel passed his hands over him and his affliction
was removed and he had a fine head of hair. Then the angel
asked: ‘What would you like most to possess?’ The man replied:
‘Cows’. So he was given a pregnant cow and the angel said: ‘May
Allah bless it for you.’ Next the angel went to the blind man
and asked: ‘What would you like best?’ He replied: ‘That Allah
restores my sight so that I may see people.’ The angel passed
his hands over his eyes and Allah restored his sight. Then the
angel asked: ‘What would you like most to possess?’ The man
replied: ‘Goats’ and so he was given a pregnant nanny goat and
the angel said: ‘May Allah bless it for you.’ The animals
multiplied greatly, so that one had a valley full of camels.
Another a valley full of cattle and the other a valley full of
goats. Later, the angel returned disguised as a leper to the man
who had once been a leper and said: ‘I am a poor man in need and
have nothing to help me to continue my journey (pilgrimage)
except Allah. I ask you in the Name of Allah who has given you a
good complexion, clear skin and great wealth to give me a camel
that might help me to reach my destination.’ The man replied: ‘I
have many obligations.’ The angel said: ‘It seems that I
recognize you. Aren't you the leper once disliked by people whom
Allah enriched?’ The man replied: ‘I inherited my wealth from my
forefathers.’ To this the angel said: ‘If you are lying, may
Allah restore you to the condition in which you were.’ Then the
angel returned disguised as a bald-headed man to the man who had
been bald-headed and asked for help and he gave the same reply
as the first. The angel turned to him and said: ‘If you are
lying, may Allah restore you to the condition in which you
were’. Next the angel returned to the man who had been blind
disguised as a blind man and said to him: ‘I am a poor man and
have nothing to help me to reach my destination (pilgrimage)
except the help of Allah. I ask you in the Name of He who
restored to you your sight to give me a goat so that I may reach
my destination.’ The man replied: ‘Indeed, I was blind and Allah
restored my sight to me. Take what you will and leave what you
will, I will not restrict you - take whatever you wish in the
Name of Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified.’ Upon this the angel
said: ‘Keep all you have. All three of you were being tried.
Indeed, Allah is pleased with you but He is angry with your
companions.’"
{Ref. 66
Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who
related that he heard the Prophet (sa) say this.}
WORKING FOR THE EVERLASTING LIFE 67
“A wise person is one who guards and restrains himself from that
which is harmful and strives for that which will benefit him
after death. The foolish one is he who gives into his cravings
and seeks from Allah the fulfillment of his futile desires.”
{Ref. 67
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Shaddad son of Aus (s) who related
that the Prophet (sa) said this.}
ABANDONMENT OF WORTHLESS THINGS 68
“It is part of the excellence of a person's Islam that he
discards that which is of no benefit to him either in this world
or in the Everlasting Life.”
{Ref. 68
Tirmidhi with a chain up to Abu Hurairah (s) who related that
the Prophet (sa) said this.}
69
“A man is not to be asked (by others) why he fought with his
wife.”
{Ref. 69
Abu Daud with a chain up to Umar (s) who related that the Holy
Prophet (sa) said this.}
6
Piety
