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The joys of a pious household

Posted Date: 12/31/2016 12:00:00 AM

Miqdad, explaining the state of affairs in the Prophet’s time, told of how, in a single household, there would be some who accepted Islam and some who did not. A believer would see his father, his son or his brother in a state of faithlessness and this would cause him great distress. With his own heart having been opened to faith by God, he felt certain that were his kith and kin to remain in a state of unbelief, they would be doomed to Hell-fire. It, therefore, gave no joy to believers to see certain of their relatives remain unbelievers. It was with reference to this predicament that the following verse of the Qur’an was revealed: “Lord give us joy in our wives and children, and make us an example to those who fear you.” (25:74)

Salvation is all

Posted Date: 12/30/2016 12:00:00 AM

One day the Prophet heard his wife, Umm Habibah, utter the following prayer: “Lord, long may I be blessed by the shadow of my husband, the Prophet of God, my father, Abu Sufyan, and my brother, Muawiyah.” “Umm Habibah,” said the Prophet, “life-spans are all decided by God. When you pray to God, you had best ask for salvation from Hell-fire.”

Retribution here and now

Posted Date: 12/29/2016 12:00:00 AM

Uthman ibn Affan, the third Caliph, said one day to his slave, “Once I twisted your ear. Now take your revenge.” The slave caught hold of Uthman’s ear and the latter told him to twist it as hard as he could. “How good that retribution should be meted out in this world and not left to the next world,” said the Caliph.

Man proposes, God disposes

Posted Date: 12/28/2016 12:00:00 AM

When Abdullah ibn Masud had built himself a house, he asked Ammar ibn Yasir to come and have a look at what he had built. So Ammar went and saw the house. “You are planning a long way ahead, but soon you will die,” was his only comment.

When pleasures seem empty

Posted Date: 12/27/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Darda was a trader by profession, but, after accepting Islam, his commercial activities came to an end “By the One who has control over Abu Darda’s soul,” he once said, “I would not even like to have a shop at the door of the mosque, where I would not miss a single congregational prayer. No, not even if I made a profit of forty dinars a day and gave it all away in charity.” Abu Darda was asked what had made him feel this way. “The rigours of the Day of Reckoning,” was his reply.

Remaining detached from the material side of life

Posted Date: 12/26/2016 12:00:00 AM

One day, when Umar came to see Abu Ubaydah, he found him lying on a piece of the sacking used to saddle camels, with a bundle for a pillow. “So you have not done as your companions did?” Umar remarked, and Abu Ubaydah replied: “Commander of the Faithful, this is enough to take me to my final resting place.”

Conceit: the most evil trait

Posted Date: 12/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

Speaking of three saving graces and three destructive traits, the Prophet observed that the former were “fear of God both in public and in private; speaking the truth whether calm or angry; and moderation whether one is rich or poor.” The three destructive traits he mentioned as being the satisfaction of one’s own desires, miserliness and conceit. “And the last one, that is the worst of all,” he said.

Lost to the world

Posted Date: 12/24/2016 12:00:00 AM

“I have seen people among the Prophet’s companion to whom the world meant less than the dust under their feet.” Thus spoke Hasan Basri to his awed contemporaries. He was well qualified to judge, for he had met a large number of them, seventy of whom had fought at Badr. He told them of how they wore simple, homespun camel hair garments, and were so preoccupied with righteous living that they seemed lost to the world. “Were they to see the best among you, they would think: “These people do not believe in the Day of Judgement.”

True knowledge is fear of God

Posted Date: 12/23/2016 12:00:00 AM

According to Abdullah ibn Masud “Knowledge does not consist of the memorizing of large numbers of traditions: Knowledge is to fear God.”

Keeping out of the limelight

Posted Date: 12/22/2016 12:00:00 AM

In his later days, Saad ibn abi Waqqas took to grazing goats. One day he was far from Madinah with his goats, when his son Amr ibn Saad came riding up. “Does it make you happy that you have turned yourself into a Bedouin with your goats while affairs of State and government are being discussed in Madinah?” his son asked him. Saad smote his son on the chest: “Be quiet! I have heard the words of the Prophet: God loves such of His servants as are God-fearing, detached and retiring.”

Things asked for and things given freely are in two separate categories

Posted Date: 12/21/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet sent a gift to Umar, which he returned. Asked by the Prophet why he had done so, Umar replied: “Messenger of God, did you not tell us that we had best not take anything from anyone?” The Prophet then explained, “That is when you ask for something. When you have not asked for anything, what you receive is God’s bounty.” Umar then swore an oath: “By the one who has control over my soul, never will I ask anyone for a single thing. But if something is given to me without my asking, I shall not refuse it.”

Do not become unbalanced by love or hate

Posted Date: 12/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

Umar once cautioned: “Do not become mad with love for anyone, nor seek to destroy with your dislike.” Aslam asked Umar that what this meant. “It means that when you love anyone, there is the danger of falling head over heels, like a child, and when you dislike someone, you become bent upon destroying him.”

No affliction is worse than hardness of heart

Posted Date: 12/19/2016 12:00:00 AM

“There is no affliction worse than hardness of heart,” observed Malik Ibn Deenar.

Self-Reliance

Posted Date: 12/18/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once asked: “Who will pledge to me that he will never ask anything of anyone?” Thauban said that he would; and from then on, he truly never asked anything of anyone.

Justice, even towards enemies

Posted Date: 12/17/2016 12:00:00 AM

“If someone disobeys God in matters that concern you, the best thing to do in return is to obey God in matters that concern him.” So said Umar ibn Khattab.

Self-appraisal first and foremost

Posted Date: 12/16/2016 12:00:00 AM

A certain individual asked Abdullah ibn Masud for some advice. “You should stay at home, hold your tongue and remember your faults,” was the advice he gave him.

The true intellectual is a man of great piety

Posted Date: 12/15/2016 12:00:00 AM

When Hasan ibn Ali relinquished the Caliphate in favour of Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan, he spoke in the mosque of Kufa explaining his reasons for abdicating. On this occasion, he said, amongst other things, “The wisest of the wise is he who is most pious, the most vulnerable of all is the sinner.”

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 12/14/2016 12:00:00 AM

When Jarir came to accept Islam, the Prophet said, “Jarir, give me your hand,” and he bade him swear his allegiance. “To what am I swearing allegiance?” asked Jarir. “That you will surrender yourself to God, and show goodwill towards all Muslims,” replied the Prophet. Then as Jarir was actually swearing allegiance, he added, “In so far as I am able, Messenger of God.” Afterwards everyone was granted this concession.

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 12/13/2016 12:00:00 AM

“What is piety (taqwa)?” Abu Hurayrah was once asked. “Have you ever passed along a thorny path?” was his rejoinder. “Why, yes,” replied the questioner. “And what did you do?” “I watched out for the thorns, kept clear of them and went on my way.” “Well then,” said Abu Hurayrah, “That is what is meant by piety.”

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 12/12/2016 12:00:00 AM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 12/11/2016 12:00:00 AM

God looks not just at actions but at their motives

Posted Date: 12/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

Umar ibn Khattab once heard the Prophet say: “Actions are judged by the doer’s intentions. Whatever a man has set his heart on, he shall have it. So he who emigrates for God and His Messenger will be led by his emigration to just that destination. And he who emigrates for worldly reasons-to enrich himself or to marry-will be led to just those objectives.”

No rigidity in religion

Posted Date: 12/9/2016 12:00:00 AM

When Aishah was questioned by Udhayf ibn Harith as to whether the Prophet used to bathe at nightfall or at daybreak, she replied, “He used to bathe at any time of night, sometimes as night fell and sometimes as day broke.” “Praise be to God who has made His religion flexible,” said Udhayf.

Rather than from outward actions, greatness comes from inward grace

Posted Date: 12/8/2016 12:00:00 AM

Commenting on the Caliph Abu Bakr’s outstanding greatness, Abu Bakr Muzani observed that it was not because he fasted or prayed more than others; it was because of something in his heart. Ibn Aliyya, explaining this statement of Abu Bakr Muzani, said that what he had in mind was love of God and kindness of his creatures.

Religious leaders should have consideration for their congregations

Posted Date: 12/7/2016 12:00:00 AM

Mu’adh, leading the congregation for the evening prayer one day, recited two chapters of the Qur’an, Al-Baqarah and An-Nisa which were very lengthy. When the Prophet heard about this, he said: “Mu’adh, are you one to put people to the proof? Are not short chapters like At-Tariq and Ash-Shams sufficient for you?”

The simpler the ceremony, the greater the blessing

Posted Date: 12/6/2016 12:00:00 AM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “The marriage which is most blest is that which has been least burdensome.”

While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others

Posted Date: 12/5/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet was once in retreat in the mosque when he was disturbed by the sound of loud recitation. Raising the curtain, he said to the worshippers, “Look, you are all intent on beseeching God, but in so doing you must not trouble others. Don’t raise your voices to outdo each other while reciting the Qur’an.

Why try to make a god of oneself?

Posted Date: 12/4/2016 12:00:00 AM

Hamdun Nishapuri, who lived in the third century Hijri, when asked who God’s true servant was, answered: “One who worships and has no desire for people to worship him”.

Worship is more than a set of rituals

Posted Date: 12/3/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet was addressing his followers one day when he saw a man standing in the sun, praying. He asked about this man and was told that he was Abu Israel Ansari. He was fasting and had made a vow that neither would he go into the shade nor would he sit down; he would remain standing in the scorching sun. Furthermore, he would not talk to anyone, but would maintain a strict silence. The Prophet’s response to this was to send him word that he should talk, go into the shade, be seated and complete his fast in usual way.

The least one can do is not harm anyone

Posted Date: 12/2/2016 12:00:00 AM

Yahya ibn Muadh Al-Razi once observed that if one cannot do anything to benefit one’s Muslim brother, at least one should do him no harm.

Reforming others and being ready to be reformed oneself

Posted Date: 12/1/2016 12:00:00 AM

The following is part of the address delivered by Abu Bakr on being elected Caliph: “My people, your affairs have been entrusted to me, although I am no better than you. The weak among you to me, will be the strongest until I have ensured that they receive what is rightfully theirs. The strong among you I will look upon as the weakest, until I have made sure that they pay their due. I am just like anyone of you. When you see that I am proceeding correctly, follow me; and when you see me waver, set me straight.

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 11/30/2016 12:00:00 AM

Sitting with his companions one day, the Prophet said: “There is a man coming from the hills just now who will be the one of the Companions of the Garden.” Just then, this Muslim appeared, and they greeted him and asked him what superior virtue his actions had that the Prophet had promised him Paradise. “Nothing in particular,” replied the man. “The only point, I can think of is that I bear no grudge against any Muslim.”

Bowing to the will of God and to His Messenger

Posted Date: 11/29/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Huzayfah was a man who liked good food. One day having eaten his fill, he entered into the presence of God’s Messenger, where he felt constrained to belch. The Prophet heard him and said: “The most satiated in this world will be the most starved on the Day of Resurrection.” These words made such an impression on Abu Huzayfah that he never ate his fill again.

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 11/28/2016 12:00:00 AM

Although Rabi’ ibn Khaythama never used to speak ill of anybody, he once remarked upon people’s extraordinary habit of fearing God with regard to other people’s sins, but not with regard to their own.

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 11/27/2016 12:00:00 AM

Imam Zayn ul-Abidin (38,94 AH), the son of Imam Husain, was the only member of the latter’s family to survive the slaughter of Karbala. Informed that some individual had slandered him and made accusations against him, the Imam asked to be taken to see him. On entering, he greeted him and said: “If what you say about me be true, I pray for God’s forgiveness; and if it be false, may He forgive you.”

By making no efforts, man loses what he hopes to gain

Posted Date: 11/26/2016 12:00:00 AM

“I have seen nothing the equal of Paradise that the very people who seek it should have gone to sleep. Nor I have seen anything like Hell that the people who would flee from it are slumbering.” So said the Prophet Muhammad.

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 11/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Qilabah was once asked who the richest man was. “He who is satisfied with what God has given him,” was Abu Qilabah’s reply. And the most knowledgeable? “He who increases his knowledge through that of others.”

Having bad relations with anyone is no reason to deny him his rights

Posted Date: 11/24/2016 12:00:00 AM

Umar ibn Khattab once told a certain person that he had no love for him. “But will you deprive me of my rights?” asked the man. Umar said that he would not. “That is enough for me, it is only women who need to be loved,” replied the man.

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 11/23/2016 12:00:00 AM

“Three actions are the most difficult,” the Prophet once remarked: “Being fair with others on matters concerning oneself; helping others by giving from one’s own possessions; and remembering God at all times.”

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 11/22/2016 12:00:00 AM

Saeed ibn Jubayr, a companion of the Companions of the Prophet, was asked who was the greatest worshipper. “One who has sinned then repents,” came the reply. “Then when he recalls his sins, he sets no great value upon his good deeds either.”

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 11/21/2016 12:00:00 AM

“There will come a day when you will be as insignificant as the flotsam carried away by a flood,” the Prophet once said to his Companions. They asked him why that would be. He then told them that something he termed wahan would develop within them, and when they asked what that meant, he explained that it is to love worldly things, and be reluctant to face death.”

The Day of death will be the great awakening

Posted Date: 11/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

“People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken.” Thus spoke the Prophet.

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 11/19/2016 12:00:00 AM

“A learned man is punished by having his heart to die,” said Hasan al-Basri. Asked what was meant by the dying of the heart, he replied that it came from seeking the world through actions whose sole direction should be towards eternity.

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 11/18/2016 12:00:00 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 11/17/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.”

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 11/16/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet’s wife Aishah was once slanderously accused of misconduct. While the rumours were at their height, Abu Ayub Ansari’s wife mentioned to her husband what people were saying about Aishah. Abu Ayub refused on principle to believe it and replied that those who said such things are liars. “Can you imagine yourself doing such a thing?” he asked his wife. “Certainly not,” she answered. “Well, how much more chaste and pure Aishah is than you. Why should such actions be attributed to her?” asked Abu Ayub of his wife.

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 11/15/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once came across Abu Masud Ansari beating his slave. “You should know, Abu Masud,” he said, “that God has more power over you than you have over this slave.” Abu Masud trembled on hearing these words of the Prophet. “Messenger of God,” he said, “I am freeing this slave for God’s sake.” “If you had not acted thus, the flames of Hell would have engulfed you,” the Prophet told him.

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 11/14/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as having exhorted his followers to seek refuge from the Pit of Grief. When asked what this Pit of Grief was, he said it was a gorge in Hell from which Hell itself sought refuge four hundred times a day. The Prophet was then asked who would enter that Pit. “Those scholars who act to be seen by men,” he replied.

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 11/13/2016 12:00:00 AM

On his deathbed Shaddad ibn Aus said to those around him: “What I fear most for this community is ostentation and the harbouring of secret desires.” The meaning of” secret desires” was explained by Sufyan Thauri: “It is the fondness of praise for one’s good deeds.” When the Prophet himself was questioned on this subject, he said that” secret desires” were harboured, for example, by those who sought knowledge because the idea that people would then come and sit at their feet was pleasing to them.

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 11/12/2016 12:00:00 AM

Ubayy ibn Kaab said: “Acquire knowledge and use it. Do not acquire it in order thereby to enhance yourselves. Otherwise a time will come when learning will be used as an adornment in the manner of clothes.

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 11/11/2016 12:00:00 AM

“Reckon with yourselves,” said Umar, “before you are reckoned with in the next world; and weigh your own actions before they are weighed on the divine scales of justice; and prepare yourselves for the great appearance before God.

Being sincere means abstaining from what is forbidden

Posted Date: 11/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

Zayd ibn Arqam records the Prophet as saying: “Whoever says with sincerity that there is no god save God shall enter Paradise.” When asked what this sincerity was, he replied, “Let his very oath bar him from what God has forbidden.”

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 11/9/2016 12:00:00 AM

According to Hasan, a certain individual once said to Uthman: You rich people far surpass others in righteousness. You are able to give charity, go on pilgrimages and spend for God’s cause.” “Are you envious of us?” enquired Uthman. “Indeed, we are,” said the man. “By God,” Uthman told him, “One dirham spent from money made through honest endeavour is better than ten thousand dirhams spent out of a great mass of wealth.”

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 11/8/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr, seeing a bird sitting on a tree, exclaimed, “Oh bird, how fortunate you are. If only I could be like you-sitting on trees eating their fruit, then flying away. No reckoning or doom awaits you. By God, I would like to be a tree by the wayside, and have a passing camel take in its mouth, chew me, swallow me and then dispose me as dung.”

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 11/7/2016 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once sent Miqdad ibn Aswad off on a mission. When he returned a few days later, the Prophet asked him how things had gone. “People kept on putting me on a pedestal, to the point where I began to think of myself as superior to them,” replied Miqdad. “That is the way with leadership. You can either take it or leave it.” said the Prophet. “By the one who has sent you with the truth,” replied Miqdad, “I will never again accept leadership – not even of two people.”

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 11/6/2016 12:00:00 AM

Umar once said that if a voice from heaven announced that everyone would enter heaven except for one single person, he would be afraid of being that person, “And if a voice from heaven were to announce that everyone, except for one single person, would enter hell, I would be hopeful of being that person.

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 11/5/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Umamah relates how a man came to the Prophet to ask him about one who did battle with material rewards and fame as his objectives. He wanted to know what his reward would be. “Nothing,” replied the Prophet. The man repeated his question three times and each time the Prophet gave him the same reply. “The only actions acceptable to God are those carried out in absolute sincerity and solely for the sake of God,” added the Prophet.

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 11/4/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “For a time this community will practice the teachings of the Book of God. Then for some time they will adhere to the path of the Prophet. Then they will start acting on the strength of their own opinions. And when they do this, they will go astray.”

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 11/3/2016 12:00:00 AM

The mother of Anas once asked the Prophet to give her good counsel. “Forsake sin, for that is the best emigration; and observe your obligatory duties, for that is the best crusade; and remember God frequently, for there is nothing more pleasing to God than that one should remember Him much,” said the Prophet.

Mention what is good: pass over what is evil

Posted Date: 11/2/2016 12:00:00 AM

Abu Harun tells of how he once went to Abu Hazim, and after invoking God’s mercy upon him, asked him how one could offer thanks for one’s two eyes. “When you behold good, make mention of it and when you behold evil, pass over it,” replied Abu Hazim. Then Abu Harun asked him how one could offer thanks for one’s ears. “When you hear something good, pass it on,” said Abu Hazim, “and when you hear something evil, make no mention of it.”

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 11/1/2016 12:00:00 AM

Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz maintained that in matters where the path of right guidance is clear, one should follow it. Where it was clear that advancing along a certain path would be to one’s detriment, one should avoid doing so. “As for matters about which one is in two minds, they should be left to God.”

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 8/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

A cart pulled by two oxen, drove past Abu Darda. He watched as one of the oxen carried on pulling while the other stopped. “There is a lesson even in this,” said Abu Darda. “The one that stopped was whipped, while the other was left alone.”

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 8/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Darda reports the Prophet as asking his companions: “Should I not tell you of the action that is best and most pure in the presence of your Lord; the action which will raise you up in the sight of God, and is better for you than great expenditure of gold and silver; better too than that you should meet your enemies in battle, striking their necks and they striking yours?” “Do tell us,” the Companions replied, “It is remembrance of God,” said the Prophet. (AL-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA’IL)

Even self-sacrifice is of no value without total sincerity

Posted Date: 8/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

A certain Muslim participated in the Battle of Uhud (3 A.H.) and died fighting. When his mother learnt of the death, she cried out for her “martyred” son. “Hold your peace,” the Prophet told her “How do you know that he has been martyred? He used to indulge in vain talk and was miserly with things that it would have done him no harm to give away.” (At-TlRMIDHI, SHAMA’IL)

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 8/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah tells of how a man came before the Prophet and asked him for some advice. “Do not be angry,” said the Prophet. He asked for further advice, a second and a third time, and each time the Prophet repeated the words, “Do not be angry.” (AL-BUKHARI,

What really matters is the man within

Posted Date: 8/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

A complaint was made to the Prophet about the behaviour of Abdullah ibn Hudhaifah. It was said that he joked and played the fool too much. “Let him be,” said the Prophet, “for, deep down, he has great love for God and His Prophet.” (IBN ‘ASAKIR)

Extending unstinted support

Posted Date: 8/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr called together the Companions and told them of his intention to send an expedition to Syria. “God will surely grant the Muslims His succour,” he told them, “and exalt His word.” In the consultations that followed, some of the Companions opposed certain of Abu Bakr’s ideas. Even so, after brief discussions, all of them-without a single voice of dissent-urged Abu Bakr to do as he thought fit. “We shall neither oppose nor blame you,” they assured him. (IBN ‘ASAKIR)

Lose all, gain all

Posted Date: 8/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, sent out Khalid ibn Walid on a military campaign. One of the pieces of advice he gave him was: “Desire of death you will be granted life.”

Affluence is the greatest trial

Posted Date: 8/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

Saad ibn Abu Waqqas tells of the Prophet saying; “I fear for you in the trial of worldly deprivation. But I fear for you even more in the trial of affluence. You have remained patient in the face of worldly oppression, but will you not be carried away by the sweetness and luxuriance of this world?”

Remaining on speaking terms

Posted Date: 8/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Ata Ibn Hasid reports the Prophet as having said: “It is not right for anyone to break off ties with his brother for more than three days, with the two meeting and ignoring each other. He who greets the other first is the better of the two.” (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)

Hoping for something is not enough. It must be worked for

Posted Date: 8/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Ali, the son of Abu Talib, once exhorted the people: “People, I urge you-and myself-to be pious and obedient. Send good works before you and cherish no false hopes. For hopes will not compensate for it.

The God-fearing treats others best

Posted Date: 8/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

Maamar, who belonged to the next generation after the Companions, tells us that the latter used often to say: “Your greatest well-wisher is he who fears God with regard to you.”

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 8/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Reject reproof and you reject what is good

Posted Date: 8/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

Adi ibn Hatim once said: “What is acceptable to you today, was abhorrent to us yesterday; and what is abhorrent to you now will become acceptable to future generations. You will be following the true path so long as you continue to recognize what is abhorrent and refrain from rejecting what is accept¬able; and so long as a learned man can stand up amongst you to admonish you without having scorn heaped on his head.” (lBN ‘ASAKIR)

God’s own are those who accept the Qur’an

Posted Date: 8/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik reports the Prophet as saying: “Some people belong to God.” Asked who they were, he said, “Those who adhere to the Qur’an.” (AL-DARMI, SUNAN)

Reckon with oneself before being reckoned with

Posted Date: 8/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Thabit ibn Hajjaj, Umar ibn Khattab once said: “Weigh up your actions before they are weighed, and reckon with yourselves before you are reckoned with; for today’s reckoning will be easier than tomorrow’s. And prepare yourselves for the great appearance (of Judgement Day).” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Man proposes, God disposes

Posted Date: 7/31/2014 12:00:00 AM

Two eyes that shall be saved from the Fire

Posted Date: 7/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

“There are two eyes that the Fire shall not touch,” said the Prophet Muhammad. “One is an eye that has wept in fear of God, and other is an eye that has spent the night keeping a vigil in the path of God.”

There are times to remain silent and times to speak freely

Posted Date: 7/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Blessed is he who keeps superfluous words to himself, but expends whatever superfluous wealth he has.”

To live, one must come to terms with dying

Posted Date: 7/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, once offered this piece of advice to a Muslim commander, by the name of Khalid ibn Walid: “Khalid, be desirous of death. That way, you will find life.”

Thanksgiving

Posted Date: 7/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

Thanksgiving is the most comprehensive term of worship: gratefulness is the essence of the godly life. The best expression of that gratefulness is the expenditure of time and money in the way of God. It is God, after all who has given man the reason to worship Him and the means to do so.

Respect means something more than the making of gestures

Posted Date: 7/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik says: “No one was dearer to us than the Prophet Muhammad. But when he came into our presence, we never used to stand up, for we knew that he did not like us to do so.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Repentance is to be ashamed of what one has done

Posted Date: 7/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

“Shame is the stuff of repentance,” said the Prophet.

Self-Reliance

Posted Date: 7/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once asked: “Who will pledge to me that he will never ask anything of anyone?” Thauban said that he would; and from then on, he truly never asked anything of anyone. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Justice, even towards enemies

Posted Date: 7/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

“If someone disobeys God in matters that concern you, the best thing to do in return is to obey God in matters that concern him.” So said Umar ibn Khattab. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Self-appraisal first and foremost

Posted Date: 7/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

A certain individual asked Abdullah ibn Masud for some advice. “You should stay at home, hold your tongue and remember your faults,” was the advice he gave him. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The true intellectual is a man of great piety

Posted Date: 7/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

Rather than from outward actions, greatness comes from inward grace

Posted Date: 7/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

Commenting on the Caliph Abu Bakr’s outstanding great¬ness, Abu Bakr Muzani observed that it was not because he fasted or prayed more than others; it was because of something in his heart. Ibn Aliyya, explaining this statement of Abu Bakr Muzani, said that what he had in mind was love of God and kindness of his creatures. (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

Religious leaders should have consideration for their congregations

Posted Date: 7/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

The least one can do is not harm anyone

Posted Date: 7/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

Yahya ibn Muadh Al-Razi once observed that if one cannot do anything to benefit one’s Muslim brother, at least one should do him no harm.

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 7/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 7/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 7/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 7/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

Being sincere means abstaining from what is forbidden

Posted Date: 7/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 7/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 7/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

When a servant of God calls upon his Lord, and his call is pleasing to God, He orders Gabriel not to hasten the fulfillment of His servant’s prayer, for He likes to hear the voice of one making supplication to Him.” (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 7/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Masud says that when he asked the Prophet what the best of all actions was, the latter replied: “Prayer at the proper time.” “And what is the next best,” asked Ibn Masud, “Sparing people the harm your tongue can do,” was the Prophet’s reply. (AL TABARANI)

In everything there is a lesson to be learned

Posted Date: 7/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Darani used to say that whenever he went out of his house, whatever he saw would give him a glimpse of some divine blessing and instruct him in some manner. (IBN KATHlR, TAFSIR)

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 7/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Salvation

Posted Date: 7/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

What is the greatest issue facing man in this world? It is how to secure salvation in the life after death so that he may find his true abode and have a share in God’s eternal blessings. Every man who is born in this present world has to enter another world after death. In this world man was granted life’s opportunities as a matter of being tested by them. Whatever man receives in the next world will be purely on the basis of his deeds in this world. This means that in the world before death, man has been given a great number of things and opportunities, whether or not he deserved them. But after death, the criterion of receiving will only be a matter of his just deserts; nothing will be given to him to try him.

Social Service

Posted Date: 7/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

All the teachings of Islam are based on two basic principles – worship of God and service of men. Without putting both of these principles into practice, there can be no true fulfillment of one’s religious duties. In its followers, Islam inculcates the spirit of love and respect for all human beings. By serving human beings on the one hand they please their God, and on the other they achieve spiritual progress for themselves.

Tawheed

Posted Date: 7/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

Fundamental to the religious structure of Islam is the concept of tawheed, or monotheism. As the seed is to tree, so is tawheed to Islam. Just as the tree is a wonderfully developed extension of the seed, so is the religious system of Islam a multi-facetted expression of a single basic concept. For monotheism in Islam does not mean simply belief in one God, but in God’s oneness in all respects. No one shares in this oneness of God.

Thanksgiving

Posted Date: 7/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Thanksgiving for man is to acknowledge the blessings of God. This acknowledgement first arises in the heart then, taking the form of words, it comes to the lips of the grateful person. From birth, man has been superbly endowed in body and mind by his Creator. All his requirements have been amply catered for, every object in the heavens and on earth having been pressed into his service. All the things necessary for his leading a good life on earth and the building of a civilization have been provided in abundance.

Faith

Posted Date: 7/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

The essence of faith is ma’arifah, (realization or discovery of God). When a man consciously seeks out and finds God, and thereby has access to divine realities, which is what constitutes faith.

When pleasures seem empty

Posted Date: 7/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

Remaining detached from the material side of life

Posted Date: 7/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Refrain from untruths

Posted Date: 6/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

A Bedouin came to the Prophet and asked him to tell him of a deed, which would take him to Heaven. The Prophet replied: “Free the bonded, and give your milk-camel to others, so that they may partake of its milk; foster ties with those who severe them; feed the hungry; slake the throats of the thirsty; command good and forbid evil. And if you are unable to do all these things, at least tell nothing but the truth. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Kindness to animals

Posted Date: 6/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Masud related how once, when he accompanied the Prophet on a journey, they set up camp in a place where there was a bird with two nestlings. “We seized the nestlings,” recounts Ibn Masud, “and the mother bird started crying and fluttering her wings.” When the Prophet heard about this, he asked who had troubled the mother in this way and said that the nestlings should be returned. The Prophet also noticed that an ant’s nest had been burnt. He asked who had burnt it, and when we told him that we had done so, he said: “Only the Lord of Fire is entitled to punish by fire.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Being kind to adversaries

Posted Date: 6/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once asked his companions: “Shall 1 tell you a something which will raise you up in the eyes of God?” “Yes Prophet of God,” they replied, and the Prophet said, “Be patient with those who behave foolishly towards you; forgive those who wrong you; give unto those who deny you; and strengthen your ties with those who break away from you.” (AL-TABARANI)

Look before you leap

Posted Date: 6/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar found that he disapproved of certain aspects of an address delivered by Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, and resolved to refute what Hajjaj had said. But then, recalling a saying of the Prophet Muhammad, he remained silent. What the Prophet had said was: “It does not befit a believer to disgrace himself.” When Abdullah ibn Umar had asked in what way a believer could disgrace himself, the Prophet had replied: “By taking upon himself such a task as he has not the strength to face.” (AL-BAZZAR)

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 6/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 6/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 6/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

Wisdom: God’s greatest gift

Posted Date: 6/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

Wisdom and learning are lights by which God guides whom he wills,” said Imam Malik. “They do not stem from an understanding of many theological issues.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Cheats are not true Muslims

Posted Date: 6/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

Passing through the marketplace, the Prophet noticed a man selling from a heap of grain. The Prophet ran his fingers through the grain whereupon his fingers became wet. “How is it that your grain is wet?” he asked the owner, who said that it was because of the rain. “Then why not put the wet portion on top, so that people can see it,” said the Prophet, adding: “Those who deceive others do not belong with us.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

The Sole Concern Is God

Posted Date: 6/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

Prophet Mohammed, once, asked what reward there would be for a man who desired fame and compensation for having performed jihad, the Prophet said, ‘there is no reward for him.’ When asked the same question three times over, the Prophet gave the same reply each time. Then he said, ‘God accepts those deeds which were performed purely for His sake and which were meant to seek His pleasure.’ (ABU DAWUD AND AN-NASA’I ON THE AUTHORITY OF ABU UMAMAH)

God For Man

Posted Date: 6/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

This is the invocation of a troubled man: ‘O God I am a petitioner for Divine Mercy. Do not abandon me even for a moment to any desires. And keep all my affairs in order. There is no God but You.’ (ABU DAWUD, ON THE AUTHORITY OF ABU BAKR)

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 6/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

Satan arouses suspicion

Posted Date: 6/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

Safiyyah bint Huyy, one of the Prophet’s wives, went to see the Prophet one night while he was in retreat in the mosque. She talked to him for a while then arose to leave. The Prophet also arose to see her off. Just then, two of the helpers passed by. Seeing the Prophet with a lady, they made to pass by quickly, but the Prophet called to them: “Do not hurry, this is my wife Safiyyah.” “Glory be to God, Messenger of God!” the two men exclaimed. “Satan runs in man’s veins like blood,” said the Prophet. “I was afraid that he might put some wicked thoughts about me into your hearts.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 6/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Darda records the Prophet as saying that any three people – whether in a village or in the desert –who lived together but did not regularly pray together, would be overcome by Satan. “Stay, therefore, with the community, said the Prophet. “You know the sheep that strays from the flock is eaten by the wolf. Just as wolf is to sheep, so Satan is to man.

Self-Reliance

Posted Date: 6/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once asked: “Who will pledge to me that he will never ask anything of anyone?” Thauban said that he would; and from then on, he truly never asked anything of anyone. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 6/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 6/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 6/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

Part of a long tradition by Muadh ibn Jabal goes like this: “Do not omit to offer an obligatory (farz) prayer, for one who makes this omission renders himself unfit for God’s protection.” (AL- TABARANI)

Obedience to the Prophet, come what may

Posted Date: 6/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

When Mughirah ibn Shu’ba told the Prophet that he intended to marry the daughter of a certain person, the Prophet told him to go and see her first. He did as he was bade by the Prophet, informing the girl’s parents of his intentions and the Prophet’s injunction. The girl’s parents were nevertheless reluctant to let their daughter appear before a stranger. The girl, however, who was in the next room overheard the conversation and said, “If the Prophet has given this order, then come and see me. If he has not, I implore you in God’s name not to do so.” (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

Learning the facts by asking the right questions

Posted Date: 6/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Muslims were on their way from Madinah to the field of Badr, they came across two men, one a Qurayshite and the other a slave. They gave chase to them but were only able to capture the slave, whom they interrogated. But when asked the strength of the Quraysh army that was advancing upon Madinah, the slave-even under pressure-would only say: “They are many, and their strength is great.” When the Prophet put the same question to him, his answer was the same. Efforts were made to make him be more explicit about numbers, but to no avail. So the Prophet rephrased the question, “How many camels do they slaughter in one day?” he asked, and was told, “Ten camels,” “So the enemy must number one thousand,” concluded the Prophet, “One camel being sufficient for one hundred men.”

Simplicity of Dress

Posted Date: 6/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Waqdan, when Abdullah ibn Umar was asked what sort of clothes should be worn, he told the questioner to dress in such a manner as would be neither ridiculed by the ignorant nor frowned upon by the serious. When asked what sort of clothes those were, Ibn Umar replied: “Those costing between five and ten dirhams.”

Religion of Peace

Posted Date: 6/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Model World according to Islam is a world of peace. Islam in itself means a religion of peace. The Qur’an says: And God calls to the home of peace. This is the message of Islam to mankind. It means that ‘Build a world of peace on earth so that you may be granted a world of peace in your eternal life in the Hereafter’.

Vain talk in itself is a sin

Posted Date: 6/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet Muhammad once observed that the most sinful people are those who indulge in the most vain talk. A group of people, who once came to visit a Companion of the Prophet who lay dying, noticed that his face was radiating light, and they asked him how this came to be. “There are only two aspects of my behaviour which I feel certain will explain this, he replied. “One was that I used to avoid vain talk, and the other was that I harboured no ill-feeling in my heart towards other Muslims.” (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

No man is self-sufficient

Posted Date: 6/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Darda reports the Prophet as saying: “lf in a town or a desert, there are three people who live together but do not pray together, Satan takes possession of them. The importance of forming a congregation should be realized. Just as the wolf eats the sheep that walks alone, so does Satan lie in wait for man: when he finds a man all alone, he devours him.” (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 6/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Think before you speak

Posted Date: 6/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Abdullah Tastari, whoever added anything new to religion would be questioned about his addition on the Day of Judgement. “If it agrees with the teachings of the Prophet, he will be saved; if not, he will be fuel for Hell fire.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 6/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Sufyan, who had not yet accepted Islam was standing by the roadside with the Prophet’s uncle Abbas, when Sa’d ibn Ubadah, the Commander of the Helpers’ squadron at the conquest of Makkah approached the city. As Sa’d ibn Ubadah came closer to the two men, he called out: “O Abu Sufyan, today is the day of the slaughter! The day when the inviolable shall be violated. The day of the abasement of the Quraysh by God Almighty!” Abu Sufyan protested to the Prophet about Saad’s remarks, whereupon the Prophet said: “No, this is the day of mercy, the day on which God will exalt the Quraysh and glorify the Ka’bah.” (IBN HAJAR AL-‘ASQATANI, FATH AL-BARI)

Qualities of leadership

Posted Date: 6/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

In the context of his relationship with the Caliph Umar, Abdullah ibn Abbas says that he served him better even than the members of his own household, and that “he used to seat me next to him and showed me great respect.” He relates how one day when he was alone with him in his home, he suddenly heaved such a deep sigh that it was as if he was about to surrender his soul. Abdullah enquired. “Is it because of some apprehension that you heave this sigh?” “It is, indeed,” he replied, and asking Abdullah to come nearer, he told him that he did not know of anyone capable of taking on ‘this work’ by which he meant the caliphate. Abdullah ibn Abbas then mentioned six names, and asked the Caliph if he did not know them. Umar commented on each one of them in turn and then said: “One who is firm but not overbearing, soft but not weak, generous but not extravagant, thrifty but not miserly¬ – only such a person is fit for this task.” According to Abdullah ibn Abbas, only Umar ibn al Khattab himself possessed all these qualities. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 6/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet was in Aishah’s chamber when he heard two men quarrelling at the tops of their voices outside. One of them had lent money to the other, who now wanted to pay back less than he had borrowed. But his creditor was adamant. “Never will I relent, by God!” he exclaimed. The Prophet then went out to see the quarrelling pair. “Who is this, swearing in God’s name that he will not do good?” he asked. At the Prophet’s words, the man mellowed immediately. “It was I, Prophet of God,” he owned up. Then he added, “He can have whatever arrangement he pleases.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Never considering oneself above serving God

Posted Date: 6/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Masud relates that in the Battle of Badr there was one camel to every three Muslims, and that they used to take it in turn to ride. The Prophet of God fared no better than the rest. He too had to share a camel with Abu Lubabah and Ali ibn Abu Talib. Both of them had asked the Prophet to ride on the camel while they walked alongside, but the Prophet had replied, “Neither of you is stronger than I am, and I am no less in need of God’s reward than you.” (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Wrongful accusation is the worst of crimes

Posted Date: 5/31/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Ali ibn Abu Talib the very worst thing one can do is make a wrongful accusation against an innocent person.

Speaking much is not a sign of great knowledge

Posted Date: 5/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to ibn Uaynah, it is those who have the least knowledge who are the most brazen in passing verdicts on religious matters.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Viewing statements from a particular standpoint

Posted Date: 5/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

A companion of the Prophet was once heard to pray: “Lord’; have mercy on me and on Muhammad; and do not include in Your mercy anyone besides us.” Looked at in a certain light this statement could be interpreted to mean that this Companion harboured contempt for his own brethren. Why else would he seek to exclude them from God’s mercy? But one might view his prayer in another light and agree with Maulana Shah Fadhl ar-Rahman Ganj Muradabadi that, the Companion’s prayer stemmed, not from hate, but from an excess of love.

A liar is a hypocrite

Posted Date: 5/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet was asked if it was possible for a believer to be a coward, he replied that it was. When asked whether a believer could possibly be miserly, he again replied in the affirmative. But when he was asked whether a believer could be a liar, he said that he could not. According to Hudhaifah, when anyone told a lie in the days of the Prophet, that was tantamount to being a hypocrite. “And now,” he remarked, “I hear all of you telling lies ten times a day.”

Criticise freely, but avoid wrangling

Posted Date: 5/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

When Taus met Wahab ibn Munabbih one day, he addressed him as Abu Abdullah and informed him that a grave accusation was being made against him, namely that he had said it was God himself who had caused the people of Sodom and Gomorrah to practice homosexuality. All that Wahab said in reply was, “God forbid,” and no argument ensued. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Speaking with caution

Posted Date: 5/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

In the Battle of Siffin in 657 AD, Muslims fought Muslims. When Umar ibn Abdul Aziz was asked if those who died in this battle would be among the damned or the saved, he replied: “God has kept my hand from their blood. May my tongue never be stained by it.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Never expressing disdain for food

Posted Date: 5/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

Whatever the dish brought before the Prophet, he would never say anything disparaging about it. According to Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet was never in the habit of finding fault with food. If he liked something, he ate it; if not, he left it. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Refraining from derision

Posted Date: 5/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

In the year 9 AH the Prophet led an expedition to Tabuk. On reaching there, he noticed that Kaab ibn Malik was missing from the Muslim party. “What is Kaab about?” he asked. One of the Banu Salmah suggested that Kaab had difficulty in getting up from under his sheet; he was too busy admiring his own shoulders. Muadh ibn Jabal took offence at this remark. “That is a foul thing to say,” he commented, then, addressing the Prophet, he said, “Messenger of God, we know nothing of Kaab but good.” a. (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

No response to vain words

Posted Date: 5/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

After the conquest of Makkah, Abu Sufyan’s wife, Hind bint Utbah came to offer her allegiance to the Prophet as a Muslim. The Prophet recited to her the words of the oath to which she repeated. When the Prophet came to the words, “You will not kill your own offspring,” Hind retorted, “You have killed them all on the field of Badr; you have left us none to kill.” The Prophet did not react in any way to Hind’s rebuke; he simply accepted her allegiance. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Public speaking and public silence

Posted Date: 5/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

Describing the gatherings of the Prophet, Ali ibn Abi Talib said, “While the Prophet was speaking, they all kept their heads bowed as if they had birds perched on top of them. Only when he had finished what he was saying would the others speak up, and no one ever quarrelled about anything in his presence. While one person was speaking, the others would listen quietly until he had finished what he had to say. In this way, everyone was given an equal opportunity to have his say. (AI-TIRMIDHI, SHAMAIL)

Appreciating criticism

Posted Date: 5/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

“God bless the man who makes me a gift of my own shortcomings,” said Umar.

There is virtue in refusing to retaliate

Posted Date: 5/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

Certain individuals, who held Abu Bakra to be in the wrong abut something, set upon him and flung him to the ground. His son, Abdul Aziz came running, but Abu Bakr told him to hold off, swearing an oath in the name of God, that if any soul were to be taken away from this world, it had best be his own. When his son asked him why, he replied: “Because I fear that I shall live to see a time when I am unable to command good and forbid evil. When that day comes, there will be no-good in the world.” (AL-TABARANI)

Being content with what God ordains

Posted Date: 5/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

Anas records the Prophet as repeating these words of AI-mighty God: “Certain of my servants are firm in their faith either because of poverty or because of affluence; because of sickness or because of health. Were I to reverse the conditions of their lives, their faith would be shaken to its very foundations. Certain of my servants seek to serve me in particular ways. This I prevent, lest pride taint their worship. I know what is in the hearts of My servants, and I ordain their affairs accordingly. “ (AL-TABARANI)

It is only under stress that a man appears in his true colours

Posted Date: 5/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

“It is only in moments of anger that forbearance can come to the fore.” (IBN ABDUL BARR)

Meet your Lord with a clean record

Posted Date: 5/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

A certain individual once wrote to Abdullah ibn Umar to ask him what true knowledge was. The latter replied that there was more to true knowledge than could be written about in a letter, but that, very briefly, he would ask him, if it was possible, to refrain from besmirching the honour of Muslims, spilling their blood or seizing their property; to develop a firm attachment for the Muslim community, and only then to go and meet his God.

Islam: a practical guide to daily living

Posted Date: 5/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

Hamid Ibn Abdul Rahman ibn Auf relates how a man came to the Prophet and said to him, “Please give me some words of wisdom by which my daily living may be guided; but not too many, lest I fail to remember them.” The Prophet’s answer to him was: “Do not become angry.”(MALIK, MUWATTA)

Even the most ordinary things are great blessings

Posted Date: 5/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

This statement is attributed to Aishah: “Whenever a servant of God drinks plain water and then has no difficulty in either digesting or discharging it, it is his duty to thank God for it.” (IBN ASAKIR)

Everything happens through the instrumentality of God

Posted Date: 5/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

When it was suggested to Ali ibn Abu Talib, the fourth Caliph, that he should have a bodyguard, he said, “Man’s destiny is his bodyguard.” According to one account, he said, “One who does not realize that whatever befell him was inescapable and that whatever escaped him was beyond his grasp, has not experienced true faith.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

All power is in the hands of God

Posted Date: 5/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet sent Dhamam ibn Thalabah to the latter’s own tribe-Banu Saad ibn Bakr-with instructions to tell them about the monotheism of Islam. Dhamam then came before his people and urged them to renounce idol worship. “How wicked the worship of Lat and Uzzah,” he said, Lat and Uzzah being the names of the idols of saints that his people worshipped. They warned him not to speak in this way; he would fall a prey to leprosy or madness; he should be careful. Dhamam’s answer to them was: “Woe betide you! By God, there is nothing that Lat or Uzzah can do to anyone by way of good or evil. (IBN HISHAM, AL-SIRAH AL-NABA WIYYAH)

No limit to God’s mercy

Posted Date: 5/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

Muhammad ibn Kaab al Qurazi records this saying of Ali ibn Abu Talib: “Once God has opened the gates to thanksgiving, He will not close the gates to abundance. When God opens the gate to prayer, He will not close the gates to acceptance of it. And if He throws wide the gates to repentance, He will never close them to forgiveness. (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

Constant fear of God

Posted Date: 5/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

The second Caliph of Islam, Umar ibn Khattab once wrote a letter to Abu Musa Ash’ari, offering him this advice: “Remain ever in fear of God; and learn the Book of God, for it is the source of all knowledge; for weary hearts, it is the freshness of spring. (AL-DHAHAK)

Devotion to God: food for the soul

Posted Date: 5/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet Muhammad is recorded as having said: “When I pass the night in vigil, I have a Sustainer and a Nourisher to provide me with food and drink.”

The Countless Blessings of God

Posted Date: 5/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Ibn Asakir records this saying of Abu Darda: “He who fails to realize that God has blessed him, not only with regard to food and drink, but in many other ways, has understood but little; such a man stands on the brink of eternal damnation.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The servants of God must live in humility

Posted Date: 5/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

Avaadh ibn Himar records the Prophet as saying: “God has revealed it unto me that one should be humble; one should refrain from oppressing others.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

The parting of the ways

Posted Date: 5/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Muslim ibn Bashir relates that when Abu Hurayrah was seen weeping during his final illness, and was asked the cause of his grief, he said: “It is not this world of yours for which I weep. Rather it is the length of the journey ahead of me, and the paucity of my provisions. I have come to the top of a hill. Ahead of me are two roads, which lead down: one to the Garden, the other to the Fire. I do not know where I shall be led.” (IBN SA’D, TABAQAT)

The secret of contentment is being happy with what one has

Posted Date: 5/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Saad’s advice to his son was that if he desired wealth, he should remain content once he had acquired it, for without that feeling of contentment, no amount of wealth would ever be sufficient. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

What it pleased the Lord to give to His Prophet

Posted Date: 5/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Ata Khurasani, the houses of the Prophet’s wives were built of the branches of date palms, with sacks made of black hair serving as doors. A time came when the governor of Madinah received an ordinance from the Caliph Walid ibn Abdul Malik to the effect that he was to rebuild the mosque of the Prophet. The area where these houses stood was included in the new plan, and that meant that they should have to be demolished. On hearing this order, the people of Madinah wept. “These dwellings should be left as they are,” said Abu Umamah. They would act as a deterrent when, people wanted to build themselves grand mansions, for then people would see what it had pleased the Lord to give to His Prophet; and he could have granted the Prophet all the wealth in the world.” (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

Good manners at meal times

Posted Date: 5/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Amr ibn Abu Salamah says that one day, when he was eating with the Prophet, he kept taking meat from all sides of the dish. Noticing this, the Prophet said: “Eat from the side closest to you. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

Simplicity of Dress

Posted Date: 5/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet did not allow his hand to be kissed

Posted Date: 5/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah tells of how, when the Prophet had bought some clothes from a shopkeeper, and was about to rise, the latter made to kiss his hand. The Prophet withdrew his hand, saying: “That is how the Persians behave towards their kings. I am not a king. I am just one of you.”

The self-belittler is great in the eyes of God

Posted Date: 5/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Tafsir ibn Kathir records the Prophet as saying: “Whosoever humbles himself before the Lord will be raised by Him on high: he may think little of himself, but he will be great in the eyes of men.

The bravest is the most in control of himself

Posted Date: 4/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Masud records the Prophet as asking his companions: “Whom do you consider brave?” “One who triumphs in a wrestling match,” suggested some of the companions. “Not so,” the Prophet corrected them. “It is rather one who controls himself when he is angry.”

When death is nigh

Posted Date: 4/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

Bilal ibn Rubah’s household gathered to lament his imminent death. “There is no cause for grief,” Bilal told them. “How good to think that tomorrow I will meet my friends Muhammad and his Companions.” When death drew near Umar ibn Khattab, the second Caliph of Islam, he exclaimed, “I shall consider myself successful if everything balances out and I receive neither punishment nor reward.”

The feelings inspired by faith are misinterpreted by the profane

Posted Date: 4/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Salma and Abu Hurayrah tell of one occasion when the Prophet, intending to despatch a force, urged the people to offer their contributions. A merchant, Abdur Rahman ibn Auf, who was among them, spoke up: “Messenger of God, I have four thousand. Two thousand are for my household. The other two I lend to God.” “God bless you in what you have given and in what you have kept,” said the Prophet. Abu Aqeel Ansari, on the other hand, was a poor man, who had spent his whole night working in an orchard, for which he was paid just two sa’a of dates. One sa’a he kept for his household, the other he presented to the Prophet. The Messenger of God prayed for blessings upon these two. As far as Abdur Rahman ibn Auf was concerned, they said he was just being ostentatious. And as for Abu Aqeel, they said, “Couldn’t God and the Prophet have done without his one sa‘a?” (AL-BAZZAR)

Showing no favouritism

Posted Date: 4/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Aslam, Abdullah ibn Arqam came before Umar ibn Khattab one day and said to him: “Commander of the Faithful, there are some ornaments and silver dishes among the articles that have come into the treasure from Jalula. Please look at them and tell us what to do with them.” “Remind me of this when you see that I am free,” replied Umar. A few days later, Abdullah ibn Arqam did so when the Commander of the Faithful appeared to have nothing to occupy his attention. Umar ibn Khattab then went to the Treasury and had the ornaments and dishes brought before him. The moment he saw them, he recited the fourteenth verse of the Chapter AI-Imran: “Men are tempted by the love of women and offspring, of hoarded treasures of gold and silver, of splendid horses, cattle and plantations. These are the comforts of this life, but far better is the return to God.” “We cannot help but rejoice in something that has been made tempting to us. Lord, may we spend it aright; protect us from its evil.” Just then, one of Umar’s own sons, Abdul Rahman, came along and asked his father for a ring. “Go to your mother. She will feed you barley soup.” It was thus that Umar gave him nothing. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Choose the simpler, not the more difficult way

Posted Date: 4/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

It happened once that a Companion of the Prophet found himself in a wide open area when the time for prayer came round. Still clutching the reins of his horse, he duly said his prayers. A watching Kharijite expressed his doubts about the propriety of this action, but other companions told him that the Prophet habitually favoured the simpler way in all matters. The Companion whose behaviour had been called in question then pointed out that if he had let go of the horse, it would have run away” and I was in no position to walk; I would have been creating difficulties for myself for no good reason.”

It is hypocrisy to join a movement because of its worldly success

Posted Date: 4/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet emigrated to Madinah, Abdullah ibn Ubayy and his followers put all kinds of obstacles in the Prophet’s path, doing all they could to sabotage his mission. Then came the Battle of Badr, when the great leaders of the Quraysh were slain. “There is no stopping Islam now,” agreed Abdullah ibn Ubayy and his companions. They then put up a facade of entering Islam, but, insincere in their path, they soon took to plotting against Islam. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Regarding one’s deeds as of no special value

Posted Date: 4/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

“You have rendered great services to the Islamic cause,” someone once told Umar. “You must have great rank in the eyes of the Lord.” “Suffice it that there should be nothing for me or against me,” was Umar’s reply.

Setting no special value upon one sown actions

Posted Date: 4/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

Umar once asked Abu Musa al-Ashari if he would like to have only those actions attributed to him which he had performed in the presence of the Prophet, with everything else that he had done to be completely nullified, so that neither his good nor his bad deeds were of any account and he would be neither punished nor rewarded. Abu Musa said that he would not. “When I came to Basra,” he explained, “oppression was rife among the people. I taught them the Qur’an and acquainted them with the teachings of the Prophet. I undertook campaigns for the cause of God along with them. This being so, I hope for the grace of God.” “For my part,” said Umar, “I should like my actions to be disassociated from me in such a way that neither good nor evil deeds were of any importance. Neither sin nor good deed would then stand to my account. All that would stand to my credit would be what I had done in the presence of the Prophet.” (IBN ‘ASAKIR)

How saint-worship gradually turns into idol-worship

Posted Date: 4/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

Several idols which were worshipped by Noah’s people¬ – Wud, Suwa, Yaghuth, Yauq and Nasr – are mentioned in the Qur’an. Ibn Jareer al Tabari has related a tradition on the authority of Muhammad Ibn Qays to the effect that these idols were named after certain saints of ancient times. These were pious men who had lived in the period between Adam and Noah. They had many followers in their lifetime, and when they died these followers said if they were to construct images of their heroes, it would inspire them in their worship of God. They then proceeded to do so. When the next generation made its appearance, Satan introduced another idea: that their forefathers had not just been using these statues as a focus of worship-they had actually been worshipping them as idols. It was these idols who made the rain fall and, in fact, accomplished everything. That was how idol worship started. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

A show of piety is not reverence

Posted Date: 4/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

One day Aishah noticed a man walking along in a manner that very obviously suggested he was bowed down in submission to God. “Why is he walking in that feeble manner?” she enquired. She was told that he read extensively from the Qur’an and was constantly worshipping and imparting knowledge. On hearing this, Aishah said: “Umar used to read the Qur’an more than anyone, but he had a strong gait, talked in a forceful tone and would beat forcefully too.”

Fearing no one in giving admonishment

Posted Date: 4/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

One who finds himself in a situation in which he is morally bound to proclaim the truth should not refrain from doing so because he feels his own position to be weak. One who hesitates in this way will be in a sorry state on the day of Judgement. God will ask him why he did not speak the truth. He will reply, “For fear of men.” But God will say to him, “Was not God before you to be feared?”

Working in one’s own sphere, and avoiding conflict with the government of the day

Posted Date: 4/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet asked Abu Dhar Ghefari what he would do when the leaders, or rulers started taking more than their fair share. “I will take to the sword, Prophet of God,” ventured Abu Dhar. “Rather than take to the sword, it would be better to be patient until you meet me in the hereafter,” said the Prophet. Abu Dhar never ceased to proclaim the truth, but never-right till the moment he left this world-did he take up the sword against the government of the day.

A true believer shows no hesitation in answering the call of the Almighty

Posted Date: 4/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

The chapter entitled ‘The Table’ in the Qur’an contains this divine injunction: “Believers, wine and games of chance, idols and divining arrows, are abominations devised by the devil. Avoid them, so that you may prosper. The devil seeks to stir up enmity and hatred among you by means of wine and gambling, and to keep you from the remembrance of God, and from your prayers. Will you not abstain from them?” (5:90,91) When this verse of the Qur’an was revealed, the Prophet, as was customary on such occasions, recited it to the Companions. When he reached the end of the verse – “Will you not abstain from them?” – every one of the Companions shouted out: “We have abstained from them, Lord. We have abstained from them.”

Sincerity and piety the essence of Islam

Posted Date: 4/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

Uthman ibn Affan tells of how the Prophet said that he knew which testimony would save one from the Fire, provided it was uttered from the depths of one’s heart. Umar offered to explain the nature of such an affirmation to the Companions. He said that it was the testimony of sincerity, which God had prescribed for the Prophet and his companions, and the testimony of piety, which the Prophet had pressed upon his uncle, Abu Talib, as the latter lay dying: it was, ultimately, the testimony that there is none worthy of being worshipped save God.

The heart and the tongue: of all things the best and the worst

Posted Date: 4/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

Luqman the Wise, an Abyssynian slave, was once asked by his master to slaughter a goat and bring him two pieces of its best meat. Luqman did as he was bid, then cooked the goat and brought his master its tongue and heart. A few days later, his master asked him to slaughter another goat and, this time, bring him two pieces of its worst meat. Luqman again did as he was bid, but presented his master with the same two parts of the animal-its tongue and its heart. His master then inquired as to why it was that he had brought him the same parts on both occasions. “If both these parts are sound,” replied Luqman, “then there is nothing to compare with them. But if they are both defective, there is nothing worse.”

Keeping one’s demands within the bounds of reason

Posted Date: 4/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet sent a letter to the people of Najran, inviting them to accept Islam, they conferred amongst themselves and decided to send three envoys, Shurahbil ibn Wadaah, Abdullah ibn Shurahbil and Jabbar ibn Faydh, to assess the situation in Madinah. When they had done so, they discussed the seriousness of their predicament: “If he is really a Prophet, and we reject him, we shall, of all the Arabs, become his worst enemies; he and his companions will not then forgive us.” Abdullah and Jabbar asked Shurahbil for his opinion. “I believe we should discuss peace terms with Muhammad,” he replied, “for I see him to be a man who never makes unreasonable demands of anyone.” a. (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

Being methodical

Posted Date: 4/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

During the caliphate of Umar, Abu Hurayrah brought 800,000 dirhams from Abu Musa Ashari to Madinah. After the morning prayer, Umar informed the Muslims about this new intake of revenue. “In all of Islamic history, we have not, till now, received such a sum of money. In my opinion, it should be divided into equal portions and distributed among the people.” When he asked the gathering what they thought, Uthman offered his opinion: “In order to give to everyone, a considerable amount of money will be needed. If people are not counted, it will be impossible to tell who have received their share and who have not. This will result in confusion.” Hearing this, Walid ibn Hisham said, “Commander of the Faithful, when I was in Syria, I saw that the rulers there had compiled registers for this purpose, and had appointed people to maintain them. You might do likewise.” Umar accepted this advice and delegated the task of compiling registers to Aqil ibn Abu Talib, Makhramah ibn Nawfal and Jubayr ibn Mutim. a. (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAI)

The actions most pleasing to God are those, which are persevered in

Posted Date: 4/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Aishah, the Prophet possessed a mat, which he used to sit on during the day and pray on by night. The number of people who came to sit and pray with him increased considerably. To them the Prophet said, “You can do only as much as you are able to. God does not tire so long as you do not tire. The actions most pleasing to God are those, which are persevered in, no matter how inconsiderable they are. Another tradition has it that when the Prophet’s household did anything, they did it with the utmost regularity. a. (AL BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

God stays with one who is failed by his fellow men

Posted Date: 4/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said that on the Day of Judgement, God would thus address mankind: “I was sick and you did not visit Me.” God’s servant would say: “Lord God of all creation, how could I have visited You?” The Lord would answer: “Did you not see that My servant was sick and yet you failed to visit him?” Had you visited him, you would have found Me there with him.” Once again the Lord would address mankind: “I asked you for bread and you did not give it to Me.” “Lord, how was I to give You bread?” God’s servant would ask. “Did not My servant ask you for bread, and yet you failed to give it to him? Had you granted his request, you would have found Me there with him.” Again the Lord would address mankind: “I asked you for water and you did not give Me any.” “Lord, how was I to give you water?” God’s servant would ask, adding “You are Lord of all creation.” “My servant asked you for water,” the Lord would reply, “and you did not give it to him. If you had done so, you would have found Me there with him.” a. (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Grievances arising from misunderstanding

Posted Date: 4/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

During the reign of Muawiyah, a man came before Suhayl ibn Saad and told him that the Amir (Governor) of Madinah, Marwan ibn Hakam, was abusing Ali “What does he say?” asked Suhayl. “He calls Ali ‘Abu Turab’ (father of the earth),” replied the man. Suhayl laughed and said: “The Prophet himself gave Ali that name; it was the Prophet’s favourite name. a. (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)

Speak no ill of the dead

Posted Date: 4/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

After the conquest of Makkah, Umm Hakim bint al Harith ibn Hisham, wife of Ikremah ibn Abu Jahal, became a Muslim. She told the Prophet that her husband had fled to the Yemen in fear of his life, and she begged the Prophet to grant him immunity. He agreed to do so, although Ikremah was still at war with him. Taking her Byzantine slave with her, Umm Hakim went in search of her husband. He had just reached the shores of Tahamah and was about to cross the Red Sea when she caught up with him. She told him that she had just come from seeing the greatest of all men, the Prophet Muhammad. It was not easy to persuade him to return with her, instead of risking his life at sea, but when he heard that the Prophet had guaranteed his safety in Makkah, he fell in with her wishes. When the two were approaching Makkah, the Prophet told his companions that Ikremah was coming to them as an emigrant and a believer: “Do not speak ill of his father, for, although speaking ill of the dead cannot hurt the dead, it hurts those who are alive.” a. (IBN HISHAM, SIRAH)

Satan arouses suspicion

Posted Date: 4/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Charity is for everyone to give

Posted Date: 4/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “Everyday, when the sun rises, every joint of the human body has its act of charity to perform. To make a just settlement between two men is an act of charity. So is the helping of a man on to his mount, or the unloading of his baggage, or just saying a kind word. Every obstacle removed from another’s path is an act of charity.”

Suppressing one’s anger is a sign of good character

Posted Date: 4/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet was once asked which action was best, he said that there was nothing better than good character. The questioner then approached him from the right and put the same question to him. Again the Prophet answered: “Good character.” Then, approaching from the left, the man once again addressed the Prophet and asked him which virtue was best. The Prophet told him for the third time that good character excelled all other actions. When the man came from behind and asked the Prophet once again which virtue was best, the Prophet replied: “How is it that you do not understand what is meant by good character? As far as you are able, you should not become angry: that is what is meant by having a good character.” a. (MUHAMMAD IBN NASR AL-MARWAZI)

Not indulging in vain talk or wishing anyone ill

Posted Date: 4/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

When people came to visit Abu Dujanah as he lay on his deathbed, and saw that despite his sickness, his face was shining, they asked him how it was that his face was so radiant. Abu Dujanah replied: “I place reliance on two things more than on any others. For one, I did not indulge in vain talk; for another my heart was free from ill feeling towards Muslims.”

Praying for wrong-doers

Posted Date: 4/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

A drunkard was once brought before the Prophet, who gave orders that he should be whipped. When the man had left,” some of those present fell to cursing him and praying that God should lay him low. “Do not give voice to such sentiments,” said the Prophet. “Do not join forces with Satan against your brother. You should rather say: ‘Lord, forgive him; Lord guide, him.’ ”

To look down on another Muslim is to place Islam in jeopardy

Posted Date: 4/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Urwah recounts how, while on a pilgrimage, the Prophet was waiting for one Usamah ibn Zayd, who happened to be black and flat-nosed. When he arrived, some Yemenese who were with the Prophet at the time, remarked scoffingly, “Just look at what sort of person we were detained for!” According to Urwah, the mass apostasy that took place in Yemen during the caliphate of Abu Bakr could be traced to this comment. a. (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

The role of the head of a household

Posted Date: 4/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

Umar ibn Khattab having asked for the hand of Ali’s daughter, Umm Kulthum, who was considerably his junior, Ali instructed his sons, Hasan and Husayn, to make arrangements for their sister’s marriage to their uncle Umar. “She is a woman no different from others,” they replied, “She can look after her own affairs.” At this, Ali became angry and was about to walk out, but Hasan caught hold of his cloak. “Father,” he said, “we could not bear it if you left us.” Hasan and Husayn then made the arrangements for their sister’s marriage to Umar. a. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

A marriage without invitations

Posted Date: 4/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

When Abd ar-Rahman ibn Auf emigrated to Madinah, the Prophet made him the brother of Saad ibn Rabi Ansari. Saad confided to Abd ar-Rahman that he was the richest man in Madinah: “You can see what I have and take half of it for yourself. I have two wives; whichever of the two you like, I will divorce and you can marry her.” Abd ar-Rahman replied by praying for God’s blessings on Saad ibn Rabi’s family and property, and then asked to be shown the way to the market place. ‘There he began trading and made a considerable sum of money. A few days later, Abd ar-Rahman ibn Auf came to see the Prophet. Noticing a trace of saffron on his clothes, the Prophet asked him in Yemenese dialect how it came to be there. “I have married,” replied Abd ar-Rahman ibn Auf. “What dowry did you settle?” asked the Prophet, to which Abd ar-Rahman replied, “The weight of a date’s kernel in gold.” The Prophet then told him to hold a marriage feast, even if it were with just one goat. a. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Speaking the language of one’s hearers

Posted Date: 4/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Salman Farsi, commander of a Muslim army that fought in the Persian wars, was asked by his soldiers why he did not give them the order to attack the fort to which they had laid siege. He replied that he first wanted an opportunity to invite his opponents to accept Islam, for that was as the Prophet had done. Addressing the occupants of the fort, Salman Farsi said, “I am a Persian like yourselves, yet you can see how I am obeyed by these Arabs. Accept Islam and you shall have the same rights and responsibilities as we have. You may adhere to your religion if you agree to pay the tax. If not, we will fight against you.” According to Abul Buhtari, Salman said all this in Persian, the language of those he was addressing.

Caring for one’s household is no less important than the holy struggle

Posted Date: 3/31/2014 12:00:00 AM

A woman once came before the Prophet, saying that she had come on behalf of certain other women. “Each one of us, whether known to you or not wishes to ask you this selfsame question. Both men and women have the same God, and you are God’s Prophet to both men and women. For men, God has ordained the holy struggle, and if they are successful in it, they will have their reward; if they are slain, they will be raised up in God’s presence, where they will be abundantly provided for. But what has been ordained for us women?” The Prophet replied: “For you, obedience to your husbands and acknowledgement of their rights are equal to the holy struggle. But those of you who do this are few in number.” (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

Refraining from subjecting people to inconvenience

Posted Date: 3/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

During a pilgrimage, Umar ibn Khattab saw a leprous woman going round the Ka’bah. “Maiden of God,” he said, “it would be better if you were to sit at home; people would not be troubled by your presence” (Malik). The woman did as she was bade, and sat at home. After some time, a passerby told her of the death of Umar, who had been the one to advice her to stay at home. “Now,” said the man, “You can go out.” The woman replied, “I did not obey him while he was alive only to disobey him now that he is dead.” (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

The polite way of seeking permission to enter a house

Posted Date: 3/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

Safinah relates how he was with the Prophet one day when Ali came and asked if he might enter. He knocked very quietly at the door and the Prophet asked for the door to be opened to him. On another occasion Saad ibn Ubadah came to see the Prophet, and, after asking permission to enter, he stood in front of the door so that he could see right inside. The Prophet signed to him to stand to one side, then, after a suitable interval, invited him to come in. “The actual reason for asking permission to enter is to avoid seeing inside the house,” said the Prophet. (AL-TABARANI)

Who should be invited to share food

Posted Date: 3/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar was never in the habit of inviting any man of status who happened to be passing to join him in eating the food he had prepared but his son and nephew did exactly that. Abdullah ibn Umar, on the contrary, would invite any poor man who passed by while his son and nephew would not. “They invite those who are in no need of the food,” commented Abdullah ibn Umar, “but not those who are.” (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

Doing one’s family bidding is no mark of faith

Posted Date: 3/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

Jabir ibn Abdullah had just bought one dirham’s worth of meat and was taking it home, when he met Umar ibn Khattab. The latter asked him what he was carrying and Jabir told him, “Something that my family want very badly; I have bought them a dirham’s worth of meat.” Umar went on repeating the words. “Something that my family want very badly,” so often that Jabir wished he had lost the dirham before buying the meat, or else that he had not met Umar. According to another tradition, Umar said: “What, whenever they want something, do you buy it for them? Have you forgotten this verse: ‘You squandered away your precious things in your earthly life and took your fill of pleasure.’” (46:20) (AL-BAYHAQI, ALSUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Parity before the law

Posted Date: 3/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

A woman by the name of Fatimah, belonging to the Banu Makhzum tribe, once committed a theft. Her kinsfolk, fearing that her hand would be amputated, sent Usamah ibn Zayd to intercede with the Prophet on her behalf. When the Prophet had heard their case, signs of anger appeared on his face. “Are you trying to sway me as to the limits laid down by God?” he asked. Usama ibn Zayd immediately admitted his mistake and begged the Prophet to pray on his behalf for forgiveness. The Prophet then preached a sermon to those assembled there, in which he said: “Communities of old came to grief because of the leniency shown to those in high positions when they committed a theft, which was in contrast to the punishment meted out to any thief of humble origin. By the one who has control over my soul, if my own daughter Fatimah were to steal, I would have her hand cut off!” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Never sacrifice the truth to arrogance and jealousy

Posted Date: 3/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

Prior to the Battle of the Trench, certain Madinan Jews, amongst whom were Hayy ibn Akhtab and Kaab ibn Ashraf, betook themselves to Makkah where they succeeded in inciting the Quraysh to attack Madinah, assuring them of the local support of the Jewish community. The chieftains of the Quraysh pointed out to the Jews that they were the custodians of the Ka’bah and served those who made the pilgrimage to Makkah. They wanted to know if their religion was better, or that of Muhammad. The Jewish scholars said that the religion of the Quraysh was the better; that they followed a truer path. (IBN HISHAM, SIRAH)

Impartial decision-making

Posted Date: 3/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

Juadah ibn Hurayrah once came to Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, and asked him what he would do if two men were ever to come before him, one of whom was so fond of him that he would put him before his own self, while the other hated him so much that, given the chance, he would cut his throat. Would Ali decide in favour of the first and against the second? “If the decision were truly in my hands, I should please myself. But it is not. It is in the hands of God.” (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

No adverse reaction to rude behaviour

Posted Date: 3/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik tells of how, once, when he and the Prophet, who was garbed in a thick-bordered Abyssinian shawl, were walking along together, they came across a man of rustic appearance, who came up to them and caught hold of the Prophet’s shawl. He pulled at it with such force that marks appeared on the Prophet’s neck. “O Muhammad, give me some of God’s wealth which is in your keeping,” said the man. Quite unaffected by the man’s rudeness, the Prophet smiled and gave orders for him to be provided for from the Treasure according to his needs. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Putting allegiance before controversy

Posted Date: 3/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

While on their pilgrimage, the Prophet Muhammad and his successors, Abu Bakr and Umar, used to shorten their prayers to two rakats during their stay in Mina. Uthman did likewise in the early days of his Caliphate, but later returned to the normal four rakats. When Abdullah ibn Masud heard of this change, he registered his disapproval by saying, “We belong to God and unto Him will we return.” He then arose and prayed four rakats himself. When questioned about having expressed his disapproval, only to do the very thing of which he disapproved, Ibn Masud explained, “It would be wicked to go against the Caliph.” Abu Dharr was equally indignant at Uthman’s action, but he, too, prayed the full four rakats. When asked why he emulated the very action for which he condemned Uthman, Abu Dharr said: “It would be much worse to go against him.” (QATADAH)

What pleases and displeases God

Posted Date: 3/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “

There are three things which please God and three things which displease Him. It pleases Him when you worship Him and do not ascribe to Him any partners, and it pleases him when you cling to his rope with one accord, always in perfect harmony. It also pleases Him when you feel well-intentioned towards one whom he has entrusted with the control of your affairs. The three things which displease Him are wrangling, being over-inquisitive and squandering one’s wealth.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Remaining neutral in a fratricidal war

Posted Date: 3/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

When hostilities broke between Ali and Muawiyah over the murder of the third Caliph, Uthman, Muawiyah summoned Wayel ibn Hajar who belonged to the royal family of Hadhramaut. “Why do you not take my side in this affair?” he asked. Begging to be excused, Wayel said that he had heard these words from the Prophet: “Evil has come upon you like the murkiest hours of the night!” At such a time, what should be done?” Wayel had asked the Prophet. “O Wayel,” the Prophet had replied, “when two swords clash and they both belong to Muslims, keep away from both of them.” (AL-TABARANI)

. It is a ruler’s duty to reform others, but those others are responsible only for themselves

Posted Date: 3/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

A man once came before Umar and asked what was the better course of action: to be unmindful of reproach in doing his duty to God, or to concentrate on improving himself rather than others. “Whoever is appointed to manage the affairs of the Muslim community,” replied Umar, “should not neglect his duty towards others, that is to say that he must carry out his duty even in the face of criticism. But those not in authority should concentrate upon themselves. They may nevertheless offer good advice at the same time to those in a position of authority.” (AL-BAYHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Bearing personal affronts with good grace

Posted Date: 3/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

Having decided to accept Islam, Wathilah ibn Asqa left his home and set out for Madinah, reaching there while the Prophet was at prayer. He joined the rear rank of the congregation and, when the prayer was over, he swore allegiance at the hand of the Prophet. Besides the usual testimony to the oneness of God, certain clauses were added; obedience would be incumbent upon him whether he were rich or poor, whether this pleased him or not, and even if it meant others being given preference over him. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

Unfailing obedience to one’s commander

Posted Date: 3/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once sent a military unit led by Amr ibn al-Aas, to Dhat as-Salasil, Abu Bakr and Umar being of its number. When they had advanced as far as the site of the battle, they pitched camp, whereupon Amr ibn al-Aas gave orders that no fires should be lit. Angered at what struck him as an unnecessary inconvenience, Umar got up to go and see Amr ibn al-Aas about it, but Abu Bakr stopped him, saying: “The Prophet appointed him commander over you for the simple reason that his knowledge of military tactics is greater than yours. (AL-BAYHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Communal sentiment belongs to the days of ignorance

Posted Date: 3/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

Jabir ibn Abdullah recalls being on an expedition along with some other Muslims when one of the Makkan Emigrants struck a Madinan Helper on the back. Enraged, the Helper shouted to his own kinsmen for help, while the Emigrant did likewise. The two groups confronted one another, then started a skirmish, but were soon separated by some people who came between them. When the Prophet heard about this incident, he asked how it was that people were reverting to the call of ignorance 9. People began narrating how one of the Emigrants had struck one of the Helpers, but the Prophet told them to refrain from talking about it, because such talk was so unsavoury. (MUSUM, AHMAD AL-BAYHAQI)

Fighting one’s own people deprives one of God’s succour

Posted Date: 3/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

There was one occasion, reports Khabbab ibn al-Arat, when the Prophet prayed an unusually long prayer. When asked about it, he said it was a prayer of hope and fear. “I asked my Lord for three things, two of which he granted and one of which he refused. I prayed that my entire community should not be destroyed by drought; this request was granted. Then I prayed that they should not be totally annihilated by any enemy; this too was granted. But when I prayed that they should not fight among themselves, this was denied me.”

Declining power in the interests of unity

Posted Date: 3/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Caliph Muawiyah sent Amr ibn al-Aas to Abdullah ibn Umar to find out whether he intended to fight for the caliphate or not. “What prevents you, O father of Abd ar-Rahman,” asked Amr ibn al-Aas from declaring this publicly so that we may swear allegiance to you? You are a companion of the Prophet and son of the Commander of the Faithful; you have a greater right than anyone to be caliph,” Abdullah ibn Umar asked whether all, without exception, were in agreement with what amr ibn al-Aas had said. “They are,” replied Amr ibn al, Aas “except for a tiny minority. “ To this Abdullah ibn Umar replied that even if just three fat Persians from Hajar de¬murred, he would no longer feel the urge to be Caliph. (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

Keeping contention out of religious affairs

Posted Date: 3/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

After the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, peace was established and people were able to travel freely on the highroads of Arabia. In the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, shortly after the signing of the treaty, in the year 6 AH, the Prophet gathered his companions around him and drew their attention to the task of propagating the message of Islam. “God has sent me to bring mercy to the whole world,” he said. “It is for you to spread the message you have heard from me to all nations of the world on my behalf. Do not be contentious, as the Children of Israel were with Jesus, son of Mary.” The companions assured the Prophet that they would not dispute with him in anything. “Just tell us what to do,” they said, “and send us where you will.” (HADITH)

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 3/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

God cares for those who do their duty to Him

Posted Date: 3/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

Aishah tells of how the Prophet remained awake one night while he was staying in her chamber. When she asked him why he was so restless, he sighed, “If only one of my righteous companions keep watch for me at night!” Just then the clank of weapons could be heard from outside. “Who is it?” exclaimed the Prophet. “It is Saad ibn Malik,” came the reply. “What has brought you here?” enquired the Prophet. “I came to keep watch over you, O Messenger of God,” explained Saad. Soon after this, says Aishah, she heard the sound of the Prophet’s deep breathing. He had fallen asleep. In another tradition, Aishah says that after emigration to Madinah a regular watch used to be kept over the Prophet, but that when the verse containing the words, “God will protect you from men,” (5:67) was revealed, the Prophet looked through an aperture and told his watchmen to go on their way, “for God has given me His protection.” (Ibn Kathir, Tafsir)

Correcting a false impression even at the expense of one’s own prestige

Posted Date: 3/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

During the Battle of Yarmuk, an Iranian chieftain, by the name of Jurjah, left the ranks of his own army and expressed a desire to meet Khalid ibn Walid. The latter also left his ranks and rode up so close to Jurjah that the necks of their horses were touching. “O Khalid,” said Jurjah, “Tell me-and a free man does not lie, so tell me the truth-did God truly send a sword down from Heaven for His Prophet? And did the Prophet hand that sword over to you, with the result that you defeat whomsoever you fight against?” When Khalid said that this was not so, Jurjah asked why Khalid was called the “Sword of God.” “God sent His Prophet among us,” replied Khalid. “Some of us believed, while others disbelieved. I was among the disbelievers. Then God captured our hearts and granted us His guidance. As I was swearing allegiance to the Prophet, he said to me, ‘You are one of God’s swords that he has unleashed against the idolaters.’ He prayed that I should have God’s succour. Since then I have been called the ‘Sword of God’.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

With God’s help a handful can conquer a multitude

Posted Date: 3/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Among the Quraysh, there was a rumour monger by the name of Jamil ibn Maamar al-Jamhi who, when he heard of Umar’s acceptance of Islam, positioned himself at the gate of the Ka’bah and said in a loud voice: “I will have you know that Umar, son of Khattab, has become an infidel!” The Quraysh were sitting grouped around the Ka’bah at that time, and Umar was also present, “The man is lying,” said Umar. “The truth is, I have accepted Islam, bearing witness that there is no god besides God, and Muhammad is His messenger.” On hearing this, people closed in on Umar and he fought with them until the sun was high in the sky. When the combatants became too exhausted to fight any longer, Umar said to them, ‘Do as you will. If we Muslims could be as many as just three hundred, as God is my witness, we would either leave this land to you, or you should have to leave it to us.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

Secrecy is of the essence in launching an attack

Posted Date: 3/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Quraysh broke the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the Prophet issued instructions to his people to make ready for departure; the Prophet’s own household were also to make their preparations. At that time Abu Bakr visited Aishah, his daughter and wife of the Prophet, while she was packing the latter’s belongings. “Has the Prophet told you to prepare for a journey?” asked Abu Bakr. When Aishah said that he had, Abu Bakr asked her where she thought the Prophet intended to go.” “I do not honestly know,” replied his daughter. (IBN HISHAM, AL-SIRAH AN-NABAWIYYAH)

Running to another’s assistance is a great religious duty

Posted Date: 3/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas was once in retreat (i’tikaf) in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, when a man, who was clearly in trouble, came and sat beside him. When Abdullah ibn Abbas asked him what was the matter, he said, “I owe a man some money, and by him who lies in this grave, I am unable to pay him back.” “Shall I speak to your creditor on your behalf?” asked Abdullah ibn Abbas. The man approved of this suggestion, and Abdullah ibn Abbas at once set off. “Perhaps you have forgotten you are in retreat,” the man called after him. “No, I have not forgotten,” replied ibn Abbas, “but I have heard the words of the one who lies buried here-and it seems just like yesterday that he uttered them. I heard the Prophet say that running to the assistance of one’s brother and doing one’s utmost to help him is better than remaining twenty years in retreat. (AL-BAYHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

The value of right action

Posted Date: 3/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Umar once said that at night he had read a certain verse from the Qur’an and had been unable to sleep for the rest of the night. From the chapter, ‘The Cow,’ the verse read: “Would anyone of you like to have a garden of palm trees and vines. ... (2:266)” Umar asked those around him the meaning of this verse, and while some suggested that it was a parable relating only to palm-trees and vines, others said that its meaning was a mystery known only to God. Abdullah ibn Masud, one of those present at the time, was heard to say something, but shyness prevented him from raising his voice. “Speak up, nephew,” said Umar, to encourage him, and urged him to have the courage of his convictions. Abdullah ibn Masud then said that the verse was about actions. “In what way?” asked Umar. “It was just something which came to mind,” said Abdullah ibn Masud, “and I said it.” “Nephew, you have spoken the truth.” replied Umar, “for the verse is about actions. A man has greatest need of his orchard when he has grown old; man will have the greatest need of his good deeds when he is raised from the dead.” (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

The best provision is that which has been earned

Posted Date: 3/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

“Man has not partaken of any provision more blessed than that for which he has worked with his own hands. That is what the Prophet David used to do. He lived on what he had earned.” (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)

The message revealed to the Prophet

Posted Date: 3/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Nujaih Amr ibn Absah recounts how, even in the pre-Islamic period, he felt that the idolatrous religion practised in Arabia was misguided and far from the True Path. “Then I heard of the appearance in Makkah of a man who uttered inspired words. I mounted my camel and travelled to Makkah, where I found the Prophet quietly giving his message to the people, while they, for their part, went to extremes in taking liberties with him. I asked him who he was. ‘I am God’s Prophet,’ he replied. When I asked him what a Prophet was, he said, ‘One sent by God,’ ‘for what reason?’ I asked, and the Prophet replied: ‘He has sent me to unite kinspeople, to break idols and to make people regard God as One, and without any partners.’” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 3/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas, a great Quranic scholar, was possessed of an uncanny ability to fathom the profundities of the Qur’an. One day, he gave an explanation of the chapter al-Baqarah, which prompted one of his hearers to exclaim: “If the pagans of Daylam were to hear this, even they would believe.”

Bringing Islam without condescension, to everyone

Posted Date: 3/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

Severely wounded, the Prophet was returning from Taif, and, on the way, took refuge in a vineyard belonging to Utbah and Shaybah, sons of a Makkan chieftain. Both Utbah and Shaybah, being in the vineyard at the time, saw the state the Prophet was in and sent their Christian slave, Addas, to him with some grapes. As the Prophet began to eat them, he recited the words: “In God’s name.” Addas expressed his surprise at the Prophet having made such a dedication, and the Prophet asked him where he came from. “From Nainevah,” replied Addas. “Oh, from the town of the good Jonah, son of Matthew,” said the Prophet. And Addas was even more surprised to hear that the Prophet knew about Jonah, whereupon the Prophet recited to him that portion of the Qur’an which had been revealed to him concerning Jonah. “The Prophet,” writes Abu Nuaim, “did not behave with condescension towards anyone to whom his message was to be communicated.” (DALA’IL AN-NUBUWWAH)

Unadulterated truth is pure anathema to many

Posted Date: 3/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet received his first revelation, he came back home in a state of fright to his wife, Khadijah. “I feared for my life,” he told her. Khadijah then took the Prophet to see a relative of hers, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who being a convert to Christianity, had studied prophetic and biblical history. After hearing the Prophet’s story in detail, he said, “By the Master of my soul, you are the Prophet of this nation. The angel who visited you is the one who appeared to Moses. Your people will deny you; they will persecute you and expel you from the land; they will fight against you.” “Will they truly expel me?” asked the Prophet. Waraqah said this was certain. “People have turned against whomsoever has taught the message now brought by you.”

When evil lives on

Posted Date: 2/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

A wise man once said: “Blessed are those whose sins die with them. Damned are those whose sins live on after them.”

Remaining on speaking terms

Posted Date: 2/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

Follow in the footsteps of the early Muslims: that is the only way to reform

Posted Date: 2/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

Imam Malik once observed, “Latter-day Muslims can reform only by means of that which enabled early Muslims to reform.”

Hoping for something is not enough. It must be worked for

Posted Date: 2/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

Knowledge is more than just information

Posted Date: 2/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

Malik, ibn Anas said: “Knowledge is enlightenment. It comes only to a humble, fearing, pious heart.”

Lose all, gain all

Posted Date: 2/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, sent out Khalid ibn Walid on a military campaign. One of the pieces of advice he gave him was: “Desire of death you will be granted life.”

The eminent should grieve for the lowly

Posted Date: 2/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

It happened that a woman of Madinah, who used to clean the mosque, passed away. She was black-skinned and mentally deranged and there were few to perform her funeral. Those who came to it did not think it proper to inform the Prophet. When he finally heard about it, he asked to be informed of the death of any Muslim in future, irrespective of his or her status.

In between two possibilities

Posted Date: 2/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet often used to pray: “O turner of hearts, keep our hearts firm in faith.” Having heard him repeat this prayer on many occasions, Prophet’s wife, Aishah once asked him, “Prophet of God, why is it that you offer this prayer so often?” The Prophet then explained to her, “Everyone’s heart is in between two of God’s fingers. When He wishes to set a man’s heart straight, He does so, and when he wishes to set it awry, He does so.”

Extending unstinted support

Posted Date: 2/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

What really matters is the man within

Posted Date: 2/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

Knowing the world, but not the Hereafter

Posted Date: 2/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Darda asked certain individuals, “How is it that I behold you full of food, but starved of knowledge?” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 2/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

It is wrong even to hint a partnership with God

Posted Date: 2/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

“That which God wishes, and you wish, will come to pass,” said a certain individual to the Prophet. The latter showed his intense displeasure at this remark. “Have you set me up as a compeer with God?” he asked. “Say, rather, that which God alone wishes will come to pass.”

Even self-sacrifice is of no value without total sincerity

Posted Date: 2/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

Sycophantic subordinates portend disaster

Posted Date: 2/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “When God desires the good of someone in a position of power, he assigns to him an honest counsellor, one who reminds him of God’s word when he forgets it, and who assists him when he remembers it. And when he desires the opposite for anyone, He gives him an evil counsellor, one who does not remind him when he forgets and does not assist him when he remembers.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 2/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

A good deed is of no value if it makes one proud

Posted Date: 2/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

Ibn Ataullah As-Sikandari wrote in his book, Al-Hikam: “A sin which makes one meek and humble is better than a good deed which makes one proud and arrogant.”

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 2/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

All man’s sins, except pride, may be forgiven

Posted Date: 2/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

“There is hope of forgiveness for every sin that arises from carnal desire,” said Sufyan ath-Thauri, “but not for those that stem from pride. Satan sinned out of pride, while Adam erred due to carnal desire. Adam repented and was forgiven, but the sin of Satan excluded him forever from God’s gracious mercy.”

Affluence is the greatest trial

Posted Date: 2/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Repentance is to be ashamed of what one has done

Posted Date: 2/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

“Shame is the stuff of repentance,” said the Prophet. Respect means something more than the making of gestures Anas ibn Malik says: “No one was dearer to us than the Prophet Muhammad. But when he came into our presence, we never used to stand up, for we knew that he did not like us to do so.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

True religion brings about radical changes in one’s life

Posted Date: 2/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah tells of how the Prophet addressed these words of wisdom to him: “Abu Hurayrah, be abstemious, and you will be the most devout of men. Be content with what you have and you will be the one most thankful to God. Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be a man of faith. Be good to your neighbour and you will be a true Muslim. Laugh less, for too much laughter deadens the heart.” (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

To live, one must come to terms with dying

Posted Date: 2/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, once offered this piece of advice to a Muslim commander, by the name of Khalid ibn Walid: “Khalid, be desirous of death. That way, you will find life.”

Two eyes that shall be saved from the Fire

Posted Date: 2/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

There are times to remain silent and times to speak freely

Posted Date: 2/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Blessed is he who keeps superfluous words to himself, but expends whatever superfluous wealth he has.”

Selflessness in worldly matters

Posted Date: 2/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

Younus ibn Maysirah once observed: “Denying oneself lawful things is not the essence of abstinence. Neither is it ridding oneself of wealth. What is meant by abstinence is relying less on what one has oneself and more on what God has; it means preserving the same attitude whether beset by adversity or not; it is to be impartial in all matters of justice, making no distinction between those who praise and those who blame. (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

Preoccupation with prestige can lead straight to perdition

Posted Date: 2/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

Muawiyah, the first Umayyad Caliph went over to where Abdullah ibn Amir and Abdullah ibn Zubayr were seated. Abdullah ibn Amir got to his feet on seeing Muawiyah approach, but Abdullah ibn Zubayr remained seated. ‘I recall these words of the Prophet,’ remarked Muawiyah: “One who likes people to stand up for him might as well build for himself a home in the Fire.” (AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)

The joys of a pious household

Posted Date: 2/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Salvation is all

Posted Date: 1/31/2014 12:00:00 AM

Retribution here and now

Posted Date: 1/30/2014 12:00:00 AM

Man proposes, God disposes

Posted Date: 1/29/2014 12:00:00 AM

When pleasures seem empty

Posted Date: 1/28/2014 12:00:00 AM

Remaining detached from the material side of life

Posted Date: 1/27/2014 12:00:00 AM

Conceit: the most evil trait

Posted Date: 1/26/2014 12:00:00 AM

Lost to the world

Posted Date: 1/25/2014 12:00:00 AM

True knowledge is fear of God

Posted Date: 1/24/2014 12:00:00 AM

According to Abdullah ibn Masud “Knowledge does not consist of the memorizing of large numbers of traditions: Knowledge is to fear God.”

Keeping out of the limelight

Posted Date: 1/23/2014 12:00:00 AM

Things asked for and things given freely are in two separate categories

Posted Date: 1/22/2014 12:00:00 AM

Do not become unbalanced by love or hate

Posted Date: 1/21/2014 12:00:00 AM

No affliction is worse than hardness of heart

Posted Date: 1/20/2014 12:00:00 AM

“There is no affliction worse than hardness of heart,” ob¬served Malik Ibn Deenar.

Self-Reliance

Posted Date: 1/19/2014 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once asked: “Who will pledge to me that he will never ask anything of anyone?” Thauban said that he would; and from then on, he truly never asked anything of anyone. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Justice, even towards enemies

Posted Date: 1/18/2014 12:00:00 AM

“If someone disobeys God in matters that concern you, the best thing to do in return is to obey God in matters that concern him.” So said Umar ibn Khattab. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Self-appraisal first and foremost

Posted Date: 1/17/2014 12:00:00 AM

A certain individual asked Abdullah ibn Masud for some advice. “You should stay at home, hold your tongue and remember your faults,” was the advice he gave him. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The true intellectual is a man of great piety

Posted Date: 1/16/2014 12:00:00 AM

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 1/15/2014 12:00:00 AM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 1/14/2014 12:00:00 AM

“What is piety (taqwa)?” Abu Hurayrah was once asked. “Have you ever passed along a thorny path?” was his rejoinder. “Why, yes,” replied the questioner. “And what did you do?” “I watched out for the thorns, kept clear of them and went on my way.” “Well then,” said Abu Hurayrah, “That is what is meant by piety.”

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 1/13/2014 12:00:00 AM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 1/12/2014 12:00:00 AM

God looks not just at actions but at their motives

Posted Date: 1/11/2014 12:00:00 AM

No rigidity in religion

Posted Date: 1/10/2014 12:00:00 AM

Rather than from outward actions, greatness comes from inward grace

Posted Date: 1/9/2014 12:00:00 AM

Religious leaders should have consideration for their congregations

Posted Date: 1/8/2014 12:00:00 AM

The simpler the ceremony, the greater the blessing

Posted Date: 1/7/2014 12:00:00 AM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “The marriage which is most blest is that which has been least burdensome.” (AL-BAIHAQI AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others

Posted Date: 1/6/2014 12:00:00 AM

God’s True Servants

Posted Date: 1/5/2014 12:00:00 AM

Hamdun Nishapuri, who lived in the third century Hijri, when asked who God’s true servant was, answered: “One who worships and has no desire for people to worship him”.

Worship is more than a set of rituals

Posted Date: 1/4/2014 12:00:00 AM

The least one can do is not harm anyone

Posted Date: 1/3/2014 12:00:00 AM

Yahya ibn Muadh Al-Razi once observed that if one cannot do anything to benefit one’s Muslim brother, at least one should do him no harm.

Reforming others and being ready to be reformed oneself

Posted Date: 1/2/2014 12:00:00 AM

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 1/1/2014 12:00:00 AM

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 12/31/2013 12:00:00 AM

Reckon with oneself before being reckoned with

Posted Date: 12/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

God’s own are those who accept the Qur’an

Posted Date: 12/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik reports the Prophet as saying: “Some people belong to God.” Asked who they were, he said, “Those who adhere to the Qur’an.” (AL-DARMI, SUNAN)

Reject reproof and you reject what is good

Posted Date: 12/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Receiving praise, not with conceit, but with humility

Posted Date: 12/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Naafi someone launching into extravagant eulogies to Abdullah ibn Umar, addressed him as “most noble of men, son of the most noble, “Neither am I the most noble of men, nor am I the son of the most noble,” replied Ibn Umar. “I am just one of God’s servants; in Him do I have hope, and Him do I fear. By God, you are bent on destroying a man with such praise.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

To praise someone to his face is to destroy oneself

Posted Date: 12/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

A certain individual came before Umar and began extolling the latter’s virtues. “You are destroying me and destroying yourself,” was Umar’s reply.

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 12/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 12/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Thaur ibn Yazid tells of how in the course of his reading, he came across an interesting dialogue between Jesus and his disciples. “Converse with God more and with people less,” admonished Jesus. “How can we converse with God more?” his disciples asked him, “By prayer and supplication to Him in private,” answered Jesus. (ABU NU‘AYM)

The God-fearing treats others best

Posted Date: 12/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

Maamar, who belonged to the next generation after the Companions, tells us that the latter used often to say: “Your greatest well-wisher is he who fears God with regard to you.”

Not hating even the direst of enemies

Posted Date: 12/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

At the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet had his teeth broken by a stone thrown at him by one of the enemy, and blood streamed from his mouth. Some of the Companions urged the Prophet to curse these enemies who wrought such havoc. (Among the many Companions who died in the battle was the Prophet’s own uncle, Hamzah.) The Prophet’s response to this was: “I have not been sent as a curser. I have been sent as a preacher and the bearer of God’s mercy.”

Criticise constructively. Avoid unjust accusation

Posted Date: 12/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah, son of Umar ibn Khattab, completely disassociated himself from the civil wars, which followed upon the assassination of Ali. When his contemporaries accused him of not participating in the jihad he explained his stance by asking, “How can it be permissible for one Muslim to spill the blood of another?” He also maintained that he did not consider this war a jihad, but murder and bloodshed among Muslims. His antagonists, dissatisfied with this explanation, continued to level accusations at Abdullah ibn Umar, saying that his real motive was to let the companions of the Prophet kill each other off, so that when only he remained, finally, people will swear their allegiance to him as Commander of the Faithful. All these accusations were made in spite of the fact that Abdullah ibn Umar’s sincerity, piety and acumen were well established. (ABU NUAYM)

A sign of true learning: the ability to take criticism

Posted Date: 12/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Saeed ibn Abu Aroobah, one who does not listen to criticism is not to be counted among the learned. (IBN ABDIL BARR)

Refrain from untruths

Posted Date: 12/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

In shielding others one shields oneself

Posted Date: 12/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Ayyub Ansari had heard a saying of the Prophet, but later felt doubtful about its actual wording. One of those who had also been present when the Prophet spoke was Uqbah ibn Amir, who had later settled in Egypt. In quest of the proper wording, Abu Ayyub acquired a camel and set off from Madinah for Egypt. He succeeded in reaching Uqbah’ s home and immediately after the two men had greeted each other, he asked Uqbah to repeat the words of the Prophet on the concealment of a Muslim’s faults, because, as he said, besides themselves, there was no one still living who had heard this saying of the Prophet. Uqbah complied with Ayyub’ s request, saying, “On the day of Judgement, God will conceal the faults of one who has himself saved a believer from humiliation in this world.” (AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)

Think before you speak

Posted Date: 12/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

One who does not control his tongue is evil

Posted Date: 12/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

“Shall I tell you who the evil ones are?” asked the Prophet of his Companions one day. They requested him to do so, and he said, “They are those who spread slander, who sow the seeds of dissension among friends, and who seek to lay blame upon the innocent.” (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

In the tongues of men are both Heaven and Hell

Posted Date: 12/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Darda, there is no part of a believer’s body, which is dearer to God than his tongue. For it is with his tongue that he upholds truth, thereby entering Paradise. And there is no part of a disbeliever’s body, which is more hateful to God than his tongue. For it is with his tongue that he denies truth, thereby entering the Fire. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

One who fears God holds his tongue

Posted Date: 12/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

On being asked to give someone good advice, Abdullah said, “Be content with what you have in your house, hold your tongue and shed some tears when you recall your sins.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent

Posted Date: 12/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

“Learn how to remain silent, just as you learn how to speak,” observed Abu Darda, “for silence requires great restraint. And be more eager to listen than to speak; especially avoid speaking about that which does not concern you. Do not turn into the kind of person who laughs insensitively, or who travels where he has no objective.” (IBN ‘ASAKIR)

Avoid looking askance at others

Posted Date: 12/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet’s wife Safiyyah first arrived in Madinah from Khaybar, she was lodged in one of the houses of Harithah ibn Numan. Wishing to see her co-wife, Aishah, fully veiled, entered the house of Harithah along with the throng of people who had come to visit the bride. As she was leaving, the Prophet, who had recognized her, followed her out and asked, “O Aishah, what did you think of her?” “I saw a Jewess,” replied Aishah, “Say not so” said the Prophet, “for she has entered Islam and has made good her faith.” (IBN SA’D, TABAQAT)

Openness to admonition: a sign of Islamic character

Posted Date: 12/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

Adi ibn Hatim once observed: “So long as you are able to recognize evil and do not abhor what is good, and so long as a learned man may stand up and admonish you with impunity, you will continue to follow the path of righteousness. (KAANZ AL-UMMAL)

Both good and evil in what we say

Posted Date: 12/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Said the Prophet: “When you speak, do so in a good cause. That will serve your interests. And refrain from harmful speech. In that way, you too will be saved from harm.” (AL-TABARANI)

Thankfully accepting one’s lot

Posted Date: 12/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Ayub Ansari, once questioned about the nature of the Prophet, replied that the Prophet never asked for any special type of food to be made for him: nor did he ever complain about the food he was given. (WAFA AL-WAFA)

What a believer’s speech should be like

Posted Date: 12/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “A true believer does not insult or curse people: neither does he use foul or vulgar language.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Shama’il)

A good Muslim is one of good character

Posted Date: 12/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet was once asked who the best Muslim was. “One from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe,” was his reply. (ALBUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Vain talk in itself is a sin

Posted Date: 12/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

God will do unto you as you have done unto others

Posted Date: 12/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

Caliph Muawiyah was reminded by Amr ibn Murrah of this saying of the Prophet: “The ruler who closes his door to the poor and needy will find that in his own greatest time of need, God has closed the gates of heaven to him.” (AL-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA’IL)

Returning good for evil

Posted Date: 12/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

The best way to have your revenge on one who has disobeyed God in some matter concerning you, is to obey God in whatever concerns him,” said Umar. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

To collaborate in injustice is sinful

Posted Date: 12/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

Wasilah ibn Asqa once asked Prophet what constituted bigotry. “Collaborating with your own people in wrongdoing,” answered the Prophet. (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Granting forgiveness to one who seeks it

Posted Date: 12/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet Muhammad is recorded by Abu Hurayrah as having said, if one’s Muslim brother comes to ask forgiveness for something, he should be excused, whether or not he speaks the truth. One who does not do so will not reach me, to be given water by me at the pond of plenty on the Day of Judgement.” (AL-HAKIM)

Calling God

Posted Date: 12/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

God is a living and permanent existence. He hears and sees and has the power to do as He desires and set the course of events in consonance with His will.

Bowing to the will of God and to His Messenger

Posted Date: 11/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 11/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Sitting among people with no thought for position

Posted Date: 11/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Amr relates how, when the Prophet came to see him one day, he offered him a bark-filled leather cushion to sit upon. The Prophet, however, sat down on the ground, leaving the cushion lying between himself and his host. (AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)

Heaping scorn on truth is an act of pride

Posted Date: 11/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

The subject of pride came up for discussion with the Prophet and he had some harsh words to say about it. He recited the verse of the Qur’an, which ends with the words: “God does not love arrogant and boastful men” (4:36). One of the companions told him of the pleasure he took in the whiteness of his newly washed clothes, the thonging of his sandals and the way his horsewhip hung by his side. “That is not pride,” said the Prophet. “Pride means having no regard for the truth and despising other people.” (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

To humble oneself is to raise oneself

Posted Date: 11/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “No possession is too lowly to be given as charity; God gives greater honour to one who forgives, and He raises one who humbles himself.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Avoid functions whose sole purpose is ostentation

Posted Date: 11/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Invited to a feast, Umar ibn Khattab and Uthman ibn Affan were on their way there, when Umar said to Uthman: “We have accepted this invitation, but I would prefer not to be going.” “Why is that?” asked Uthman. “I am afraid it is all just for show,” said Umar-meaning the invitation they had been given. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

God does not like pride in His servants

Posted Date: 11/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Aishah recounts how a poor woman who came to see her one day wanted to give her some gift, but how, out of pity for her circumstances, she preferred not to accept it. The Prophet later told Aishah that she should have accepted it, and then given her something in return. “I think you were looking down on her. Be humble, Aishah, for God likes those who are humble, and has the greatest aversion for those who are proud.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Accepting all food without demur

Posted Date: 11/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Ayman, when Jabir had some guests one day, he gave them bread and vinegar to eat, telling them of how he had heard the Prophet say what a good condiment vinegar was. The Prophet also said: “Woe betide those who pour scorn on a dish that has been brought before them.” (AL-BAIHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Kindness to animals

Posted Date: 11/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

Having regard for necessities rather than formalities

Posted Date: 11/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet Muhammad first emigrated from Makkah to Madinah, he stayed in the house of Abu Ayyub Ansari, occupying the ground floor, while Abu Ayyub and his family moved upstairs to a room at the top of the house. Abu Ayyub felt uneasy about being on top while the Prophet remained below him, so he requested the Prophet to take the upper portion while he and his family would move downstairs. The Prophet told him that he need not worry about that. “It is better for me to stay downstairs. It makes things easier for visitors. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Never considering oneself above serving God

Posted Date: 11/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Conceit takes one far from God

Posted Date: 11/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Aishah tells of how one day she put on a new garment and, as she looked at it in delight, her father Abu Bakr said, “What are you looking at? God is not looking at you.” At this reminder, Aishah asked her father why he rebuked her. “Why, don’t you know that when one of God’s servants becomes conceited over some worldly adornment, he brings down upon himself the displeasure of the Lord; he has then to cast off that adornment if he is to regain the Lord’s good pleasure.” explained Abu Bakr. Aishah says that she took off the garment and gave it away to charity. “Perchance this charity will count as your penance,” said Abu Bakr. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Refraining from acquiring unnecessary tastes

Posted Date: 11/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Having heard this story from his grandfather, Abdullah ibn Shurayk tells of what happened when some faluda was brought before Ali ibn Abi Talib. “It certainly smells good, looks good and tastes good,” remarked Ali. “But I prefer not to acquire new habits by indulging in things to which I am not accustomed.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Have dealings with men as if they were dealings with God

Posted Date: 11/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

One day when Abu Masud Badari was beating his slave with a stick, he suddenly heard a voice behind him, calling him by name. According to Abu Masud, he was so furious that he failed to recognize the voice. But when the man came closer, he saw that it was none other than the Prophet. “Abu Masud,” he said, “You should know that God has more power over you than you have over this slave.” Hearing this, Abu Masud was gripped with fear, and the stick fell from his hand. “Prophet of God,” he said, “from today, this slave is free.” “If Abu Masud had not done this he would have been engulfed by the fire,” said the Messenger of God. (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Worldly attachment hinders acknowledgement of the truth

Posted Date: 11/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

A party of Christians from the Yemen visited Madinah ten years after the Muslim emigration to that town. Their group was led by one Abu Harithah ibn Alqamah, a priest. On the way back to Yemen, he was riding on a mule, when the animal stumbled, throwing him to the ground. His brother, Karz ibn Alqamah, who happened to be present at the time, exclaimed, “Damn that wayward one!” (meaning the Prophet Muhammad.) “Damn your mother!” retorted Abu Harithah. “Why do you say that?” asked his brother in astonishment. “By God, well, do we know that this is the Prophet we have been waiting for, the one prophesied in our Scriptures,” replied Abu Harithah. “If that is so,” said Karz, “Why do you not proclaim your belief in the Prophethood of Muhammad.” Abu Haritha, attempt¬ing to explain himself, said, “These kings have showered upon us much wealth and honour. If we were to believe in Muhammad, they would take everything away from us.” (AL-TABARANI)

One has to lose in order to gain

Posted Date: 11/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Kaab ibn Ujrah relates how one day he came before the Prophet and, noticing the marks of strain on his face, he asked him what was troubling him. The Prophet replied that for three days his stomach had had nothing to fill it. Kaab then went out and found employment with a local Jew. He had to give water to the Jew’s camel and in return for each bucketful, he received one date. When he had a collection of dates he came before the Prophet, who asked him where he had found them. After he had explained how he came by them, the Prophet said, “Kaab, tell me, have you any love for me?” Kaab’s answer was that he would sacrifice his own dear father and mother for the sake of the Prophet. “Do you know the fate of one who loves God and His Prophet?” asked the Prophet. “Poverty, which will overtake him even more swiftly than flood waters streaming down a hillside.” (AL-TABARANI)

Giving up this world for the next

Posted Date: 11/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

When it was time to give a meal to some visitors from Iraq, Umar, the second Caliph brought them a bowl of food-some coarse bread and olive oil-and requested them to eat. Slowly reluctantly-they complied. Seeing what tiny morsels they were taking, Umar said to them, “You know, if I wished, I could also prepare for myself fine, rich food of the kind to which you are accustomed. But it is our practice here to be sparing of things in this world so that we may receive them in the next. Have you not seen how Almighty God has chastised a people for having received good things in their worldly life?” By another account, Umar asked them what they wanted: “Things which are sweet and spicy, hot and cold? Whatever you eat will go to waste in your stomachs.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Take what is gladly given; do not ask for more

Posted Date: 11/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

After the Battle of Hunayn, the Prophet gave Hakim ibn Hizam part of the spoils. But Hakim was not satisfied with his share, so the Prophet gave him still more. “Which of your gifts was better?” asked Hakim. “The first,” replied the Prophet and then he added, “O Hakim, the material things of this world are very attractive, but he who takes such things out of greed and uses them badly will not be blessed therein. He will be like a man who eats, but is never filled. It is only he who takes a thing with a pure heart and uses it well who will be blessed. And remember that the hand that gives is better than the hand that receives. “Even in your case, Prophet of God?” asked Hakim. “Yes, even in my case,” was the Prophet’s reply. (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

The call of paradise

Posted Date: 11/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

Bashir relates that when the Muslims of Makkah first emigrated to Madinah, the water of their new dwelling place did not agree with them. There was a well, however, known as Beir Rumah, owned by one of the Bani Ghefar tribe, the water of which was to the liking of the emigrants. The owner used to sell them a flask-full in exchange for one mudd (half bushel) of grain. The Prophet suggested to the owner that he should sell it to him “in exchange for a spring in Paradise.” “I and my household have no other source of livelihood,” the man explained. “I can’t just give it away to you like that.” Hearing of this incident Uthman ibn Affan bought the Well of Rumah from its owner for 35,000 dirhams, then came to the Prophet. “Shall I also have a spring in paradise in exchange for this well”, he asked. “You will indeed!” said the Prophet. Uthman then donated the well to the Muslims. (AL-TABARANI)

Preferring God to riches

Posted Date: 11/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

An angel of God once visited the Prophet and brought him greetings from God. “If you wish the rocky tracts of Makkah to be converted into gold, it will be done,” said the angel. The Prophet raised his face to heaven and said, “No, Lord, I prefer to eat my fill one day and go hungry the next. When I go hungry, I humble myself before You and remember You. When I have my fill I offer thanks and praise you.” (AL- TIRMIDHl, SHAMA’IL)

Taking no advantage of one’s position

Posted Date: 11/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Once, when a messenger of Caesar’s came before Umar, the latter’s wife borrowed a dinar and bought some perfume which she poured into phials and sent as a gift to Caesar’s wife. When the Roman Empress received the gift, she emptied the phials and filled them with jewels, telling the messenger to take them to the wife of Umar ibn Khattab. The latter received the jewels, and extracting them from the phials, placed them on her bedding. When Umar came home, he asked where they had come from. His wife told him the whole story, whereupon Umar took the jewels away and sold them. From the proceeds he gave one dinar to his wife and the rest he put in the Treasury. (AL-DAINAWARI)

The self-destructiveness of worldly greed

Posted Date: 11/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet sent Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarrah to Yemen for the purpose of collecting taxes. When he had done so, he returned to Madinah with a large sum of money. Hearing of his arrival, the Ansar joined the Prophet for morning prayer in his mosque, and when he had completed the prayer, they came before him. Seeing them there, the Prophet smiled, “I think you must have heard that Abu Ubaydah has brought some-thing from Bahrain,” he said to them. “Yes, we have,” replied the Ansar. “Rejoice, and look forward to good tidings,” was the Prophet’s rejoinder. “By God, it is not poverty that I fear for you. I fear for you abundance in worldly things and that you should strive enviously towards their attainment, as those who went before you did. Then you will be destroyed just as they were. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Making things unnecessarily difficult for oneself does not constitute piety

Posted Date: 11/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

While on a journey, the Prophet caught sight of a cluster of people crowding around a man to shade him from the sun. When the Prophet asked what was the matter with him, it was explained to him that he was fasting. “There is nothing pious about fasting on a journey,” said the Prophet. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

By performing small tasks a man does not demean himself

Posted Date: 11/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Caliph of Islam, Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, was talking to someone late one night when the lamp started flickering. “I will wake up the servant,” ventured his companion. “He can put some oil in the lamp.” Umar told him not to do so. Then he got up and put the oil in the lamp himself. “I was Umar ibn Abdul Aziz before I put oil in the lamp, and I am still Umar ibn Abdul Aziz,” said the Caliph. (SIRAT UMAR IBN ABDUL AZIZ)

Preferring to be unostentatious

Posted Date: 11/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

At the end of a long journey on camel back, Umar arrived in Palestine along with a group of emigrants and helpers. The long garment, which he had been wearing for so many days, had torn at the back, and he gave it to the Bishop to be washed and mended. The Bishop did as he was told and when he brought the garment back mended, he brought along another one made out of fine cloth. Umar looked at it and asked him what this was that he had brought. “Your garment,” replied the Bishop. “I have washed and patched it. The other one is a gift from me.” Umar examined it, running his hand over it. Then he put on his own garment and gave the other one back to the Bishop. He explained that the old one absorbed sweat better. (AL-TABARI)

Sometimes the obscure are more amply rewarded than the famous

Posted Date: 11/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

One day when Umar was sitting with a group of people, he asked them, “Who will gain the greatest reward?” Some said it would be those who fasted, while others thought it would be those who prayed. Some said that the reward of the Commander of the Faithful would be the greatest. Everyone made different suggestions, but Umar dismissed them all. “Shall I tell you who will have the greater even than that of the Commander of the Faithful?” They all asked him to explain who he meant. “It is one who, clinging on to the reins of his horse, and watching over the Muslim army in the far off land of Syria, has no idea whether he will be devoured by some wild beast, bitten by some poisonous insect or attacked by some foe. Such a man will receive a greater reward than any of those you mentioned, greater even than the Commander of the Faithful. (IBN ‘ASAKIR)

There is charity in forgiveness

Posted Date: 11/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Abbas ibn Hibr relates that one day the Prophet exhorted people to donate something towards the struggle for God’s cause, and people gave according to their means. One of the Prophet’s Companions Ulbah ibn Zayd ibn Haritha, did not, however, have anything to give. He arose that night and, weeping before God, prayed to Him: “Lord I have nothing to give to charity. Instead Lord, I forgive whoever has brought me dishonour.” In the morning when the Companions had gathered, the Prophet asked them, “where is the one who gave something to charity last night?” When no one arose, the Prophet repeated his question. Still no one answered. Then, when the Prophet had repeated his question for the third time, Ulbah ibn Zayd Haritha arose. “Rejoice,” said the Prophet, “for your gift to charity has been accepted.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

The law of God is applicable to everyone

Posted Date: 11/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

It is written in the chapter of the Qur’an entitled, “The Table Spread,” that those who do not judge in accordance with God’s revelations are unbelievers, transgressors and evil, doers, the reference being to the Children of Israel. Someone suggested to Hudhaifah, a companion of the Prophet, that as these verses had been revealed with regard to the Children of Israel, they did not apply to Muslims, and that what they meant was that those of the Jews who did not judge in accordance with God’s revelations were unbelievers, transgressors and evildoers. “What good brothers you have in the Children of Israel that they should accept all that is sour, leaving all that is sweet for you in life,” replied Hudhaifah. “It cannot be as you say, “God knows, you are bound to follow in their footsteps.”

God can hear even the smallest whisper

Posted Date: 11/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

Certain individuals once asked the Prophet whether God was close enough for them to make whispered supplications to Him, or whether he was so far away that they should call His name out loud. This verse of the Qur’an was revealed in reply to their question: “When my servants question you concerning Me, tell them that I am near. I answer the prayer of the suppliant when he calls Me ...” (Quran, 2:186) Abu Musa Al-Ashari relates how on certain journeys there were a few people who raised their voices in prayer. “Do not strain yourselves,” the Prophet told them. You are not calling upon a Being who is deaf or absent. You are calling upon One who hears and is close to you, closer to anyone of you than the neck of his mount.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Letting one’s heart be moved by the Qur’an

Posted Date: 11/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hamzah once told Abdullah ibn Abbas that he was quick at recitation. “I have sometimes completed the whole Qur’an once or twice in a single night.” “I prefer to read just one chapter,” said Ibn Abbas. “Would you recite, you should do so in such a way that your ear hears and your heart assimilates what you are reciting. You should pause at its places and wonderment to let your heart be moved by it. Your aim should not be just to reach the final chapter.

Being sparing of words and not thinking ill of anyone

Posted Date: 10/31/2013 12:00:00 AM

When visitors to a Companion (Sahabi) who lay dying saw that his face was shining, they asked him the reason. He replied that he had two habits, which had stood him in good stead: “I used not to speak about matters that were no concern of mine, and my heart remained well-intentioned toward Muslims.” (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

Being kind to adversaries

Posted Date: 10/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Confirming the truth of statements at their source

Posted Date: 10/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu al-Aliyah, one of the generation which succeeded that of the Prophet’s companions, tells of how, when in Basrah (Iraq’s capital at that time) they used to hear statements which were attributed to the Companions, but that in order to be certain of their authenticity, they would travel to Madinah to hear them from the Companions themselves. (AL-KHATIB AL-BAGHDADI)

How Muslims bring calamity upon themselves

Posted Date: 10/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

One night, the Prophet went out, and, entering an Ansari settlement called Banu Muawiyah, he offered two rakats in the mosque there and followed this with an exceptionally long prayer. Khabbab, who was present at the time, said, “I have never seen you utter such a prayer as you did tonight” The Prophet concurred. “It was a prayer of hope and fear,” he explained. “I asked the Lord for three things. Two He granted, one He denied. I asked Him not to destroy us as He destroyed the nations of old. This He granted. Then asked Him to prevent any external enemy from gaining ascendancy over us, and this too He granted. But when, finally, I asked God to let us not be split up in groups, with some suffering at the hand of others, the Almighty denied me this.” (AL-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA’IL)

No man is self-sufficient

Posted Date: 10/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

Not allowing disagreement to sour a relationship

Posted Date: 10/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Khalid ibn Walid and Saad ibn Waqqas once had a disagreement after which someone wished to speak ill of Khalid in Saad’s presence. Saad immediately asked him to desist. “The disagreement between us does not affect the bond of our faith,” he said. (AL-TABARI)

Hate whittles away a man’s religion

Posted Date: 10/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

“The razor” – that is what the Prophet called hate. “It is not the kind that shaves off hair, but the kind that pares away one’s faith,” he said. “By the Master of my soul, you shall not enter heaven until you believe, you shall not believe until you love one another.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Arguments over religious matters nullify piety

Posted Date: 10/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Awam ibn Hawshab advised people to avoid arguing over religious matters; otherwise their good deeds would be nullified. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Dispute is the mark of decline

Posted Date: 10/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

When a people fall to disputing the teachings of religion instead of putting them into practice, it is a sign of God’s displeasure. (AL-IMAM AUZA‘I)

Not permitting disagreement to undermine mutual respect

Posted Date: 10/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

The civil wars, which took place after the death of Uthman, were unfortunate episodes in Islamic history. Yet they were waged, not by base, ignoble individuals, but by people of the highest character. Many incidents, which took place in the heat of battle, testify to the chivalry of the combatants. During the war between Ali and Muawiyah, for instance, it was common for the two armies to fight one another during the day, then help in burying each other’s dead by night. Similarly, while Imam Husayn’s army was engaged in hostilities against the forces of Yazid, the two armies would join one another for prayer at the appointed time. Usually, Imam Husayn would lead the prayer and be followed both by his own men and those of the opposing army. (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

An oath of secrecy

Posted Date: 10/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet when he emigrated from Makkah to Madinah. An idolater of the Banu Al-Dayl tribe – ¬Abdullah ibn Urayqit by name – who was well acquainted with the Hijaz countryside, was engaged by them as a guide. As was usual according to Arab custom, Abdullah ibn Urayqit dipped his fingers into a glass of water and pleaded himself to secrecy. Then avoiding the frequented thoroughfares, he guided the Prophet and Abu Bakr by a coastal route to Madinah. (Al-Bukhari, Sahih)

When it is prudent to make no reply

Posted Date: 10/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Aishah relates that when the Muslim army scattered after the Battle of Uhud, Abu Sufyan, the then leader of the Quraysh, came close to a group of Muslims and shouted: “Is Muhammad there among you?” “Do not answer,” the Prophet ordered his followers. Once again Abu Sufyan called out: “Is Ibn abu Qahafah there among you?” Again the Prophet told his Companions to remain silent. “And what about Ibn Khattab? Is he there?” Shouted Abu Sufyan a third time, while the Prophet still urged reticence on those around him. When Abu Sufyan received no reply to all three of his questions, he said, “They must all be dead. If not, they would surely have answered.” Umar could no longer contain himself. “Enemy of God!” he cried out, “We are not dead! And may God keep you alive so that you may have the taste of humiliation. “ (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH

Wealth can be of use in this world and the next

Posted Date: 10/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Umar entrusted some official duty to Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarrah, for which he gave him one thousand dinars. The latter returned this sum, saying: “lbn Khattab, I did this work, not for you, but for the sake of God; I will not, therefore, accept any payment.” Umar then said to Abu Ubaydah: “When the Prophet used to send us on errands, he would recompense us, and if we showed reluctance to accept what he gave, he told us we ought not to demur as it would be of assistance to us in matters pertaining both to our worldly affairs and to our religion.” On hearing this, Abu Ubaydah accepted what Umar offered him. (AL-BAYHAQI, AL SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Not even martyrdom cancels out an unpaid debt

Posted Date: 10/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet, admonishing his followers, told them that the struggle for God’s cause, and faith in Him were the greatest of all actions. A man arose and asked, “If I am slain while I am about God’s business, will all my sins be forgiven?” The Prophet replied, “If, in the patient pursuance of your purpose, pressing ever onwards, but at the same time seeking God’s pleasure, you are slain in His path, your sins will indeed be forgiven.” After a pause the man, at the Prophet’s request, repeated his question. “Does this mean that if I am slain while I am about God’s business, all my sins will be forgiven?” The Prophet gave the same answer to this but added: “But not if you are in debt. That is what I have been told by Gabriel.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Wealth and power breed hatred and enmity

Posted Date: 10/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

When spoils of war arrived from Qadsiyah (Iran) Umar was seen to weep as he examined them. Abdar, Rahman, enquiring as to what had caused the Commander of the Faithful such grief, observed, “God has granted you victory over your enemies, giving you possession of their riches so that you may be joyful.” To this Umar replied that he had heard the Prophet say: “Whenever worldly riches are showered upon a people, God stirs up enmity and hatred among them until the Day of Resurrection.” “That is what I fear,” explained Umar. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Prosperity the greatest trial

Posted Date: 10/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Saad ibn abi Waqqas records the Prophet as saying: “More than the affliction of hardship, it is the affliction of prosperity that I fear on your account. When you were afflicted by hardship, you showed great forbearance; but as for the world, it is overly sweet and luscious.” According to Auf ibn Malik, the Prophet also said: “You will be showered with worldly riches, so much so that if you stray, it will be precisely because of them.” (AL TABARANI)

Look before you leap

Posted Date: 10/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Tactful answers in delicate situations

Posted Date: 10/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

During the journey of emigration, the Prophet and Abu Bakr stayed in the Cave of Thur for three days, then both riding on camels proceeded to Madinah by a little-known coastal route. Sometimes Abu Bakr would go on ahead of the Prophet and sometimes he would drop behind. “Why is it,” asked the Prophet, “that you sometimes ride ahead of me and sometimes behind?” “When I think of pursuers,” replied Abu Bakr, “I ride behind you, but when my thoughts turn to those who may be lying in ambush, I go on ahead.” Abu Bakr was a well-known, widely traveled merchant, and when he met any of his acquaintances on the way, they would ask him who his companion was. Then Abu Bakr would reply: “A guide to show me the way.” (AL-TABARANI)

Making straight for the hereafter and leaving the world by the wayside

Posted Date: 10/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

An ironsmith of Makkah, Suhayb Rumi by name, having accepted Islam, emigrated to Madinah some time after the Prophet had gone there. On leaving Makkah, he was pursued and detained by a number of the Quraysh. “You had nothing when you came to us, Suhayb,” they reminded him, “and, by God, we will not let you take away all your earnings with you!” “Will you let me go if I hand over my earnings to you?” asked Suhayb. They agreed to this and upon his handing over the small amount of gold he had with him, he was allowed to continue on his way to Madinah. When the Prophet heard of what had befallen Suhayb, he said, several times, “Suhayb has made a good profit!” (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 10/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

Killing Muslims to gain power is to be abhorred

Posted Date: 10/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Areef was one of the vanguard of the Imam Hasan’s 12,000-strong army, which, led by Abu Umar Taha, faced Muawiyah on the battlefield. He recalls how, with their swords still dripping with the blood of the Syrians, they were overcome by fury when Hasan made peace with Muawiyah. “When Hasan came to Kufa, one of our number-a man by the name of Abu Amir Sufyan ibn Layl-went up to him and greeted him as the humiliator of the Muslims. “Do not say that, Abu Amir,” said Hasan. “I have not humiliated the Muslims. I would hate to kill Muslims in order to gain power, and I have simply lived up to that principle.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

Allowing for others’ self-respect

Posted Date: 10/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet neared Madinah, at the end of his journey of emigration from Makkah, people hurried out of their houses to welcome him. Crowds of men, women and children could be seen on the roads and rooftops of Madinah, praising God for his arrival. The helpers, for their part, vied with each other as to who should have the honour of accommodating him, but because the Prophet had some relatives of his maternal grandmother staying in Madinah, he chose to spend his first few days with them, thus publicly honouring them. He said, “At present, I am going to stay with the Banu Najjar, the family of Abd al Muttalib’s maternal uncle, so that they should be shown due respect.” The first few months were spent with a member of the same family, Abu Ayub Ansari, whose full name was Khalid ibn Zayd Najjari Khazraji. When rooms were built around the Prophet’s mosque, the Prophet moved into them.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

Great and small weigh alike in the scales of justice

Posted Date: 10/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

An Egyptian came before Umar ibn Khattab, seeking refuge from oppression. Umar granted his request, and then the Egyptian explained what had befallen him. “The son of the governor of Egypt, Muhammad ibn Amr ibn al-Aas, ran a race with me and I won it. He became so incensed at this that he started lashing me with a whip and shouting, ‘I am a nobleman’s son! Take that!’ On hearing this, Umar immediately wrote to Amr ibn al-Aas to bring his son to Madinah. When they arrived, Umar summoned the Egyptian, handed him a whip and told him to start lashing Muhammad, the son of Amr ibn al-Aas. When the Egyptian had given the son a good whipping, Umar told him to start whipping the father, because, in the first place, it was the father’s power that had made it possible for Muhammad ibn Amr ibn al-Aas to subject the Egyptian to a beating. “I have beaten the one who beat me,” said the Egyptian. “Now I need not beat anyone else.” If you had beaten him, we would not have stopped you,” said Umar. “But if you yourself let him go, that is your choice.” Then turning to Amr ibn al-Aas, he asked: “Since when have you been enslaving people who were free when their mothers bore them?” (IBN ABDIL HAKAM)

Making the Qur’an one’s greatest preoccupation

Posted Date: 10/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

Whenever officials were to be despatched on missions, Umar would make them promise not to ride on Turkish horses, eat fine flour or wear silken clothes, and not to close their doors to the needy. He warned them that if they fell into any of these errors, they would be punished. Then, having extracted this promise from them, he would send them off. If Umar had to relieve some official of his duties, he would say to him: “I did not appoint you to lord over the Muslims so that you could indulge in carnage and despoil them of their honour and their property. I appointed you to establish prayer, to distribute the spoils of war and to make just decisions concerning them.” (AL-BAYHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

In latter days fraternal strife will be the greatest destructive force

Posted Date: 10/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

Eight years after the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet visited the site of the battle and prayed for the martyrs. His prayer was as one about to leave the land of the living. Then he ascended the pulpit and said: “I shall be the first to reach the hauz 7 I bear witness before you that we shall meet at the hauz, which I can see from this very place. By God, I do not fear that when I am gone you will set up others beside God. What I do fear is that greed for worldly things will make you fight among yourselves: that is what will destroy you as it destroyed those 8 before you. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

A grievance at home should not mean desertion to the enemy

Posted Date: 10/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

Kaab ibn Malik, having failed to join in the expedition to Tabuk, explains that the Prophet announced the expedition just when the dates were ripening and it was a great pleasure to sit in the shade. “I was lethargic in my preparations, but it occurred to me that having all the necessary means at my command I could set out whenever I pleased. The time came for the army to set out, but I was still not ready to go. I met the Prophet on his return from Tabuk and he asked me why I had failed to join the campaign. Unable to tell a lie, I admitted that I had no excuse; I had been quite capable of making the journey. The Prophet then gave orders that no one was to speak to me, nor to Hilal ibn Umayyah and Murarah ibn Rabie. This state of affairs went on and on for fifty days. The Qur’an described the agony of those days: “ ... when the earth, vast as it is, was straitened for them and their own souls were straitened for them till they knew there was no refuge from God except in Him.” (9:118) Kaab recalls how, at that time a Nabataeian, who had come from Syria to Madinah on business, met him in the streets and gave him a letter from Ghassanid chieftain. The letter, enveloped in a silken cloth, read: “I have learned how you are being oppressed by your master. May God release you from a place where you are in disgrace and your talents are wasted. Come to us and we will give you a place of honour. Kaab ibn Malik promptly threw this letter into the fire without replying to it. After fifty days, Almighty God accepted his repentance and forgave him. (AL-BUKHARl, SAHIH)

Thinking of God in moments of crisis

Posted Date: 10/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

‘Ali, the son of Abu Talib, related how Fatima, his wife and also daughter of the Prophet had to do all the housework herself. Her hands used to become blistered from working a millstone, her clothes became dirty from sweeping the floor, and having to bring water from outside in a large leather bag had left a mark on her neck. On one occasion when the Prophet had had an influx of servants, ‘Ali suggested to Fatima that she go and request her father to give her one of them to help her in her work. She duly went to see him, but there were many people gathered at his house, and she returned home, without having been able to meet him. The next day the Prophet came to the house of Ali and Fatima and asked what it was she had wanted to discuss with him, but Fatima remained silent. Then ‘Ali told the Prophet the whole story. The Prophet did not, however, accede to their request for a servant. “Fear God,” he said, “and fulfill your duty to the Lord. Continue to do your housework and, when you go to bed at night, glorify God 33 times, praise him the same number of times and exalt him 34 times. That makes 100 times altogether. That will do you more good than a servant will.” (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

Qualities of leadership

Posted Date: 10/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

An able and righteous man – the most treasured asset

Posted Date: 10/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

Zayd ibn Aslam reports, on the authority of his father, that Umar ibn Khattab asked some of his companions to tell him about their ambitions. “I would like to have this house full of money, so that I could spend it in the path of God,” volunteered one. Another said that he would like gold-yet another mentioned pearls-so that their wealth could be spent in the furtherance of God’s cause. “What I would like more than anything,” said Umar, “would be to have this house full of men like Abu Ubaidah ibn al Jarrah, Muadh ibn Jabal and Hudhaifah ibn al Yaman, so that I could use them for God’s work.”

(AL TARIKH AL-SAGHIR)

Not hating even the direst of enemies

Posted Date: 10/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

The God-fearing treats others best

Posted Date: 10/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

Maamar, who belonged to the next generation after the Companions, tells us that the latter used often to say: “Your greatest well-wisher is he who fears God with regard to you.”

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 10/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 9/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

By making no efforts, man loses what he hopes to gain

Posted Date: 9/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 9/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Having bad relations with anyone is no reason to deny him his rights

Posted Date: 9/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 9/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 9/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

(SAFAWAT AL-SAFAWAH)

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 9/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

“There will come a day when you will be as insignificant as the flotsam carried away by a flood,” the Prophet once said to his Companions. They asked him why that would be. He then told them that something he termed wahan would develop within them, and when they asked what that meant, he explained that it is to love worldly things, and be reluctant to face death.”

The Day of death will be the great awakening

Posted Date: 9/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

“People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken.” Thus spoke the Prophet.

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 9/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 9/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 9/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.”

(AT-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA‘IL)

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 9/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 9/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

(ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 9/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AT-TIRMIDHI, IBN MAJAH)

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 9/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 9/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 9/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being sincere means abstaining from what is forbidden

Posted Date: 9/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 9/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-BAIKHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 9/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-BAIHAQI, AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 9/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-BAZZAR)

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 9/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

(HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 9/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

(ABU DAWUD, NASAI)

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 9/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 9/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

(AL-TABARANI)

Mention what is good: pass over what is evil

Posted Date: 9/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 9/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 9/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

(JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

True worship entails meekness and humility before God

Posted Date: 9/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

During the days of ignorance that preceded Islam, there was an extremely generous and hospitable man called Abdullah ibn Judaan. A cousin of the Prophet’s wife Aishah, he died before the commencement of the Prophet’s mission. Aishah once mentioned to the Prophet that Abdullah ibn Judaan had rendered immense services to humanity and had always been a generous host. She wondered whether these acts would benefit him on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet replied in the negative: “For never once did he pray: Lord, forgive my sins on the day of Retribution.”

(MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 9/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 9/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Religion is worthless if its end is material gain

Posted Date: 8/31/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “A person who, for the sake of worldly aggrandizement, seeks that knowledge which should be sought with the sole aim of seeking God’s good pleasure, will not savour the fragrance of Paradise on the day of Judgement.”
(ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 8/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik relates how two women sat together, ostensibly on a fast, but indulging in slander and giving vent to their grudges. When the Prophet heard of this, he said: “They cannot be said to have fasted. How can they have fasted when they have been eating the flesh of their fellows?”
(ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Self-seeking places one far from God

Posted Date: 8/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

Self-seeking religious scholars are the subject of one tradition in which the Prophet records these words of God: “The least I will do to them is extinguish the joy of prayer in their hearts.”
(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Congregational prayer brings one closer to God

Posted Date: 8/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Before the emigration to Madinah, the Prophet sent written instructions to Musab ibn Umair concerning congregational acts of worship. One of the clauses ran as follows: “When, on Fridays, the midday sun begins to decline, seek proximity to God by praying two rakahs.”
(AL DARAQUTNI)

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 8/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Salman Farsi once went to Abu Bakr to ask for advice. The latter’s advice to him was to fear God. “You know, Salman, there will soon be conquests, and your share will be whatever you need for your food and clothing. You should also know that if you pray five times a day, you will be under God’s protection night and day. Kill not any of God’s servants, for, to do so would be to cut oneself off from the protection of God, thus causing oneself to be cast into hell.”
(IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 8/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Remembering God is a constant state of prayer

Posted Date: 8/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Maud once observed that a man of knowledge was always at his prayers. His listeners asked him to explain this. “Thoughts of God are always in his heart and on his tongue,” said lbn Masud.
(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Lodge God in one’s heart: that is the best of states

Posted Date: 8/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

When Abu Darda was told that Abu Saad ibn Munabbih had freed a hundred slaves, his comment was: “Certainly, this is a great act. But let me tell you one that is even greater: faith which encompasses night and day, and, on one’s tongue, the constant remembrance of God.”
(HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

It is the spirit of worship that is important

Posted Date: 8/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Ibn Umar, the Prophet once said that a man might pray, pay the poor due and go on pilgrimage – and he went on to mention all the virtuous actions-but that he would be rewarded only according to the degree of his intellectual awareness of what he did.
(AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Good Character-the very essence of religion

Posted Date: 8/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdur Rehman ibn Harith ibn Abi Mirdas As Sulami recounts what happened one day when he was in the presence of the Prophet, along with a group of people. The Prophet asked for some water to be brought, then dipping his hands into it, he performed his ablutions. Whatever water was left was drunk by the people present. “What made you do this?” enquired the Prophet. “Love of God and the Prophet,” they replied. “If you wish to be loved by God and His Prophet,” God’s messenger told them, “be faithful when trusted and honest in your speech; and be a good neighbour to others.”
(AL- TABARANI)

Knowing God is the greatest worship

Posted Date: 8/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

A man came to the Prophet one day and asked him what the best of all actions was. “The realization of God,” replied the Prophet. The man repeated his question, but the Prophet gave him the same answer. “Prophet of God,” the man said, “I am asking you about actions, whereas you speak of knowledge.” “With knowledge, the smallest action brings greater benefit,” the Prophet told him, “while the greatest of actions brings no benefit, if it is carried out in ignorance.”
(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 8/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

The evils of society stem from the evils in individuals

Posted Date: 8/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

There is a verse of the Qur’an, which says, “When we resolve to annihilate a people, We first warn those of them that live in comfort. If they persist in sin, We rightly pass Our judgement and utterly destroy them.” (17:16) Abdullah ibn Abbas’s comment on this verse was: “This means that people elect as their leaders such as do not follow God’s law. For this, God punishes them and they are destroyed.”
(IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

If the door is not opened for you, leave without taking offence

Posted Date: 8/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Anas ibn Malik says that the Prophet used to ask for permission to enter a house just by thrice greeting the occupants, then, if he was asked in, he would enter; if not, he would go away.
(AL-BAZZAR)

A believer is satisfied, not by giving vent to his anger, but by controlling it

Posted Date: 8/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Said Umar: “For a servant of God, there is nothing sweeter than the swallowing of his own anger. Neither milk nor honey can be compared to it.
(AHMAD, MUSNAD)

It is for God to judge

Posted Date: 8/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar was one of those who swore allegiance to Yazid after the death of Muawiyah. “If good comes of it, (i.e., the Caliphate of Yazid) we shall be well pleased,” said he, on swearing his allegiance, “and if not, we shall be patient.”

Moderation in both friendship and enmity

Posted Date: 8/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “Exercise moderation in your friendship, for one day your friend may become your enemy. And be moderate also in your enmity, for one day your enemy may turn into a friend.

Building more for the Hereafter than for this world

Posted Date: 8/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

A Muslim of Madinah had just built himself a house, and was spreading mud on the roof when the Prophet passed by. “What are you doing?” the Prophet asked him. “Applying some mud,” came the reply, to which the Prophet said: “The Hour is nigh; closer than that which you apply.”

Spending what one has in order to escape the Fire

Posted Date: 8/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

Adi ibn Hatim heard the Prophet say: “Save yourselves from the Fire, be it with a piece of a date, and if you do not have that, then with a kind word.”
(AL BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Muslims should be dearer to each other than money

Posted Date: 8/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar is reported to have said: “There was a time when not one of us would have set his dirhams and dinars above his Muslim brothers. Now, a time has come when we put our dirhams and dinars first and our Muslim brothers second.”
(AL TABARANI)

Thrift, even in the midst of plenty

Posted Date: 8/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once passed by Saad while the latter was pouring water over himself from a large vessel to perform his ablution. “What is this extravagance, O Saad?” said the Prophet. “Prophet of God,” said Saad, “Can there be extravagance even if you are standing on the banks of a river?” “Yes, “ replied the Prophet.
(AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Being punctilious in paying people their dues

Posted Date: 8/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar records the Prophet as saying: “Pay a labourer his wages before his sweat has dried.”
(IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

A piece of good advice is more precious than a material gift

Posted Date: 8/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to lban ibn Salim, it is better if your brother gives you some advice rather than a material gift. “While wealth might corrupt you, advice will set your feet on the right path.”
(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Three things, which must remain inviolate

Posted Date: 8/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

“A Muslim’s honour, property and blood: no Muslim should violate these things.”
(HADITH)

One does not lose by giving

Posted Date: 8/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah reports this saying of the Prophet: “Charity does not decrease anyone’s wealth while forgiveness only increases a man’s honour; God raises up one who abases himself before his Lord.”
(MUSLIM, SAHIH)

One who gives receives

Posted Date: 8/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

“Everyday, two angels visit the servants of God on earth. One of them prays: “Lord, reward those who spend,” while the other prays, “Lord, destroy the wealth of those who withhold.’
(AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Bearing with minor afflictions

Posted Date: 8/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

Umayr ibn Hubayb admonished his son: “Avoid the company of fools and bear with them when they strew your path with difficulties; for one who cannot bear their trifling misdeeds, will soon find that he has to bear far greater, affliction. “
(AL-TABARANI)

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 8/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet then took the standard from Saad and handed it to the latter’s son, Qays, Sad did not feel discountenanced, for, after all, it was his own son who now bore the standard aloft.
(IBN QAYYIM, AL-MA‘AD)

Rigidity is not the sign of religion

Posted Date: 8/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

Aishah says of the Prophet: “Whenever he had to chose between two paths, he would always take the easier of the two, so long as this entailed nothing sinful; he, more than anyone, would stay away from sin.
(MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Showing tolerance and understanding

Posted Date: 8/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Hurayrah recounts how a villager, on entering the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, started urinating. People came running to give him a beating, but the Prophet told them to desist, and said that the place, which had been defiled, should be cleaned by pouring water over it from a vessel. “You have been sent, not to make things difficult for people, but to make things easy.”
(AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)

The actions, which will take us to heaven

Posted Date: 7/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

When Anas ibn Malik lay sick, he had some visitors. “Bring something for our companions, even if it be just a piece of bread,” said Anas to his maid-servant, “for I have heard the Prophet say that a good deed is something which will take one to heaven. (AL-TABRANI)

Compassion for all creatures

Posted Date: 7/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once passed by a camel that was so emaciated that there was nothing in between its belly and its back. “Fear God in your treatment of these dumb animals,” he said. “Ride them properly and feed them properly.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Being a humanitarian

Posted Date: 7/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Hurayrah, a desert Arab came and urinated in the Prophet’s mosque. People then came running to beat him. The Prophet, restraining them from doing so, said, “Pour a vessel of water over the place where he has urinated. You have been sent to make things easy for people, not to make things difficult.” (ALBUKHARI, SAHIH)

The deeds dearest to the companions

Posted Date: 7/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas said that he would prefer to provide sustenance for a Muslim for one month, or one week, or as long as God pleased, rather than perform pilgrimage after pilgrimage; also, he would prefer to give his brother before God a present of one penny than spend a large amount in the cause of God. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The fine sensitivity taught by Islam

Posted Date: 7/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas relates how a man laid a goat on its side preparatory to slaughtering it, then started sharpening his knife. Noticing this, the Prophet asked, “Are you bent on prolonging its agony? You should have sharpened your knife first, before you laid it down on its side.” (AL-TABARANI)

Pardoning a servant

Posted Date: 7/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

A desert Arab once came before the Prophet and asked how many times a day he should pardon his servant. “Seventy times,” replied the Prophet. (AL-TIRMIDHI, ABU DAWUD)

Never delay the payment of wages

Posted Date: 7/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar records the Prophet as saying, “Pay a labourer his wages before his sweat is dried.” (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

To curse a Muslim is a great sin

Posted Date: 7/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Salmah ibn Akwah says that in the days of the Prophet, if anyone was heard cursing his Muslim brethren, he would be considered to have entered one of the gates of mortal sin. (AL-TABARANI)

A man’s greatest weakness is his offspring

Posted Date: 7/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet once picked up his grandson, Hasan ibn Ali, held him in his arms and kissed him. Looking towards his companions, he said: “It is children who make misers, fools and cowards of us.” (AL-HAYTHAMI)

A Muslim must suppress his desires

Posted Date: 7/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Hasan ibn Ali recounts how, once, when Umar entered his son’s house, he found some meat there and asked how it came to be there. His son, Abdullah said that he had felt an urge to eat some meat that day. “So, everything that you have an urge for, you eat, do you?” asked Umar. Then admonishing his son, he said, “A man has to do no more than partake of everything he desires to be counted among the extravagant.” (KANZ AL-UMMAL)

For one Muslim to sever relations with another Muslim is as bad as killing him

Posted Date: 7/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Kharash Al-Sulami heard this saying of the Prophet: “To severe relations with one’s Muslim brother for a whole year is as bad as spilling his blood.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

A good leader must ensure that his orders are effectively carried out

Posted Date: 7/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

“Suppose I appoint someone who appear to be a good leader and command him to make justice his ideal,” said Umar, “tell me – will I have discharged my responsibilities?” Those assembled replied that he would have done all that could be expected of him. “Not so,” replied Umar. “I should also have to see to it that he does as I command.” (AL-BAYHAQI, IBN ASAKIR)

When the elite prove trustworthy, others follow suit

Posted Date: 7/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

On receiving the Persian emperor’s precious sword, his belt, jewels and ornaments, Umar said: “The men who have handed over these things have proved themselves truly trustworthy.” “Your own honesty has had its effect upon your subjects,” remarked Ali (IBN JARIR)

A spiritual bond should remain untarnished by personal differences

Posted Date: 7/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

Two of the Prophet’s companions, Khalid and Saad, had a disagreement over something. At that time, someone came to Saad and started to talk against Khalid. “Stop!” exclaimed Saad. “Our personal differences do not encroach upon our religion.” (AL-TABARANI)

Restraining one’s hand and one’s tongue from attacking one’s brethren

Posted Date: 7/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Muhammad ibn Maslamah says that the Prophet gave him a sword and said, “Use this sword in the path of God, O Muhammad ibn Maslamah. But when you behold two groups of Muslims fighting among themselves, strike your sword upon a rock until it breaks; then stay your hand and hold your tongue until you die, or are done to death.” (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

Worship, unity and good intentions

Posted Date: 7/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet enumerated three things required of man by God; that he should give Him his undivided worship; that he should hold fast to His rope without becoming divided from his fellowmen; that he should be well-intentioned towards one whom God has entrusted with control of his affairs. (Muslim, Sahih)

Good deeds are nullified by disputes over religious matter

Posted Date: 7/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

Awam ibn Hawshab records the Prophet as saying: “Beware of disputes in matters of religion, for they are liable to undo your good deeds.” (IBN ABDIL BARR)

Wisdom: God’s greatest gift

Posted Date: 7/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

Wisdom and learning are lights by which God guides whom he wills,” said Imam Malik. “They do not stem from an understanding of many theological issues.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

The danger of action without knowledge

Posted Date: 7/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

“One who acts in ignorance will cause more harm than good,” said Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

God’s mercy for the merciful

Posted Date: 7/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “God will not show mercy to one who does not show mercy to his fellow-men.”

It is best to work for one’s living

Posted Date: 7/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet, once questioned on the best way to earn a living replied, “By manual labour.”

One’s trust in God is one’s greatest strength

Posted Date: 7/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

“He who would be strongest of men should put his trust in God.” (SAYINGS OF SAINTS)

Honest partners have a third partner in God

Posted Date: 7/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “So long as two partners working together do not deceive each other, they have a third partner in God, but when one deceives the other, God departs from them and the devil comes between them.”

God’s generosity to the generous

Posted Date: 7/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

These words are attributed to Almighty God in one of the Prophet’s sayings: Mankind, spend in God’s cause; it shall be you who shall receive.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

In everything there is a lesson to be learned

Posted Date: 6/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Darani used to say that whenever he went out of his house, whatever he saw would give him a glimpse of some divine blessing and instruct him in some manner. (IBN KATHlR, TAFSIR)

The Companions worshipped by thinking of God and the Hereafter

Posted Date: 6/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

When Abu Dhar died, a certain man rode from Basra to Madinah just to find out from his wife what the nature of her late husband’s worship had been. “He used to spend the whole day alone, engrossed in thought,” she told him. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 6/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Immune to flattery

Posted Date: 6/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

A group of individuals, addressing themselves to Umar ibn Khattab as Caliph, swore that they had not seen anyone more just, more truthful or more severe on hypocrites than he was. “Next to the Prophet, you are the greatest of men.” Auf ibn Malik happened to be present at the time. He swore an oath that these people had lied: “We have seen better than Umar since the time of the Prophet.” “Who was that?” they asked him. “Abu Bakr,” Auf replied. Umar’s response to this was to say that Auf was right and that they were wrong. “By God,” said Umar, “Abu Bakr was purer than pure musk, while I am more wayward even than my household camels.” (ABU NU‘AYM)

Salvation is for those who tread the path of the Prophet and his Companions

Posted Date: 6/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “The Jews broke up into seventy-one sects and the Christians into seventy-two. This community will break up into seventy three, all of which will be in the Fire, except of one.” “Which one is that, Prophet of God?” the Companions asked him. “Those who follow my path and that of my Companions,” the Prophet replied. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 6/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Bear hardship with patience, and one’s sins will be forgiven in the next world

Posted Date: 6/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Bakr once recited this verse of the Qur’an before the Prophet: “He that does evil shall be requited with it. There shall be none to protect or help him.” (4:123) “How,” he asked, “can things now turn out well for us, since we shall have to pay for the evil that we do?” “May God forgive you, Abu Bakr,” the Prophet said, “don’t you ever become ill, or feel fatigue or distress? Aren’t you sometimes afflicted with hardship? Don’t you fall into error now and then?” Abu Bakr said that he did indeed. “This then is the requital of your sins in this world,” said the Prophet. (KANZ AL- UMMAL)

The Qur’an is for admonition, not just for recital

Posted Date: 6/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

Aishah, hearing of certain individuals who read the Qur’an all night, reading it right through once, or even twice in a night, remarked, “what is there in mere recitation?” I used to stay up all night with the Prophet and, in his recitations of the chapters entitled ‘Cow’, ‘Family of Imran’, and ‘Women’, whenever he came to a verse which contained a warning, he would pray to God and seek refuge with Him, and whenever he came to a verse bearing good tidings, he would pray to God and express his longing for what was mentioned in the verse. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Obedience to the Prophet, come what may

Posted Date: 6/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

Fearing God’s punishment, even when one is dealing with the lowly

Posted Date: 6/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

Once when the Prophet was at home with his wife, Umm Salamah, he summoned the maidservant for some errand, but she seemed to take a long time in coming. Seeing signs of anger on the Prophet’s face, Umm Salamah got up to see what had happened to the girl. She opened the curtain and saw her playing outside with the goat’s kids. She called to her once again, and this time she came. The Prophet was holding a tooth-stick at the time, “If I had not feared the retribution of Judgement Day,” he said to the girl, “I would have hit you with this tooth-stick”. (AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)

Fear of God made the stick fall from his hand

Posted Date: 6/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Masud Ansari says that one day he became angry with his slave and began beating him with a stick. Just then he heard a voice from behind him “Abu Masud, realise ... ,” but, in his fury, he was unable to recognize the voice. When the speaker came nearer, he realized that it was the Prophet of God. “You should realize,” said the Prophet, “that God has more power over you than you have over this slave.” On hearing this, Abu Masud let the stick fall from his hand. “Never again will I beat a slave,” he vowed, “and seeking God’s good pleasure, I hereby give this slave his freedom.” “If you had not done this, you would have been touched by the flames of Hell,” said the Prophet. (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

What those who sit with leaders should be like

Posted Date: 6/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas tells of how his father once said to him: “My boy, I see how the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn al Khattab, invites you to his meetings and takes you into his confidence. He also turns to you as well as to the other Companions for advice. I am going to give you three pieces of advice which are worth remembering: firstly, fear God, and never let it be said of you by Umar that you told a lie; secondly, keep his secrets well, and thirdly, never speak ill of anyone in his presence.” Amir says that each one of those pieces of advice was better than a thousand. “Better than ten thousand,” rejoined Abbas. (AI-TABARANI)

Four important pieces of advice

Posted Date: 6/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Dharr Gheffari recounts how, on six successive days, the Prophet informed him that he was about to be told something of the utmost importance. On the seventh day, the Prophet said: “I admonish you to fear God, both in your private and in your public life; when you sin, atone for it by doing good; do not ask anyone for anything; even if your whip has fallen to the ground, do not ask another to pick it up for you; and do not appropriate things, which have been entrusted to your safekeeping. “ (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

Cheats are not true Muslims

Posted Date: 6/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Barbaric behaviour is to be abhorred at all times

Posted Date: 6/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Suhayl ibn Amr was one of those taken captive by the Muslims at the Battle of Badr. A famous orator of the Quraysh he had been wont to make vehement attacks on the Prophet. Umar asked the Prophet for permission to break Suhayl’s front teeth so that in future he would be deterred from making such speeches. This the Prophet refused, saying: “I will not disfigure him; if I were to do so, God would disfigure me, even though I am His messenger.” (AKHLAQ AN-NABI)

Alarming a Muslim brother is a serious fault

Posted Date: 6/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

A desert Arab, who once came and prayed along with the Prophet, had his horn taken away from him while he was at prayer. The prayer over, he was alarmed to discover that his horn had disappeared. When he asked what had happened to it, the Prophet spoke warningly to his companions: “One who believes in God and Last Day should never give another Muslim cause for alarm.” (AL-HAYTHAMI)

Bearing personal affronts with good grace

Posted Date: 6/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 6/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

The breadwinner should not consider himself superior to others

Posted Date: 6/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

Of two brothers who lived in the time of the Prophet, one used to sit with the Prophet, while the other used to busy himself earning a living for his family. The latter complained of his brother to the Prophet: “He does nothing, leaving me to do all the work.” “Perhaps it is because of him that you find sustenance,” replied the Prophet. (RIYADH AS-SALIHIN)

Acting as spokesman for the humble in position

Posted Date: 6/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar spoke in praise of anyone who kept rulers informed of humble men’s needs, when the latter had no access to those in power. God will make him sure of foot on the bridge,” said he, meaning the bridge over hell, “Where many feet will slip, and many will fall into the abyss.” (RAZIN, AL-BAZZAR)

The greatest charity is that bestowed upon the most ill-provided for

Posted Date: 6/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Suraqah ibn Malik recalls the Prophet asking him if he wished to know the greatest act of charity. Suraqah said that he did. “It is to be kind to a daughter of yours who (having been widowed or divorced) returns to your home with no one to look after her but yourself.” (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 6/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Hereafter: all-important to the Prophet, but not so to his opponents

Posted Date: 6/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet was commanded by God to commence his public mission he ascended the hill of Safa and called the people together. “I have been sent,” said the Prophet, “to warn you of a dreadful doom.” “May misfortune dog your footsteps the whole day!” burst out Abu Lahab. “Have you called us together to hear only this?” (IBN KATHIR, SIRAH)

Have trust in God right up till the end

Posted Date: 6/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet left Makkah on his emigration to Madinah, he spent the first three days in the Cave of Thur. The Quraysh, who were searching for him, eventually arrived at this cave. Abu Bakr, who was in hiding with the Prophet, said, “Prophet of God, look how close the enemy has come. If they were just to look at their feet, they would see us beneath them.” “Abu Bakr,” the Prophet replied, “What do you think of those two who have God as a third?” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 6/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 6/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

When certain people offered to guard Ali (The fourth Caliph), the son of Abu Talib, the latter replied, “Destiny is man’s guardian.” According to another tradition, he said, “No man will taste the joy of faith until he realizes that he could never have escaped what has befallen him, nor enjoyed what escaped him.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

The best provision is that which has been earned

Posted Date: 6/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

“Man has not partaken of any provision more blessed than that for which he has worked with his own hands. That is what the Prophet David used to do. He lived on what he had earned.” – AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH

The Sole Concern Is God

Posted Date: 6/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

Be Realist

Posted Date: 6/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

When you see sycophants, throw dust in their faces. (MUSLIM)

Spirit - A Primary Goal

Posted Date: 6/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said, 'Actions are judged by their intention and every man shall be judged accordingly. Thus he whose migration was for God and His Messenger; his migration was for God and His Messenger; and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or to take some women in marriage, his migration was for that for which he migrated.' (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM ON THE AUTHORITY OF ‘UMAR IBN ALKHATTAB)

The role of the head of a household

Posted Date: 5/31/2013 12:00:00 AM

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 5/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Iman Means Predictable Character

Posted Date: 5/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

A man without trust is a man without faith. And a man who does not fulfill his promises is a man without faith. (Musnad Ahmad On The Authority Of Anas Ibn Malik)

Simplicity

Posted Date: 5/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Simplicity, too, is a part of faith. (Abu Dawud On The Authority Of Abu Umamah)

Taste Of Faith

Posted Date: 5/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

One who is willing to accept God as his Lord, Islam as his religion and Muhammad as God’s Messenger has savoured the taste of faith. (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

Adjusment Is Iman (Faith)

Posted Date: 5/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

When the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, was asked by ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah what was meant by faith, he replied, ‘Self-restraint and gentleness.’ (MUSLIM)

Islam - Principled Life

Posted Date: 5/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Anyone who befriends another or makes an enemy, gives or withholds, has perfected his faith, if what he does is done for the sake of the almighty. (AL-BUKHARI)

Management of Life

Posted Date: 5/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Islam has been built on five pillars: testifying that there is no god but God and Muhammad is His Messenger; performance of prayers; alms-giving (zakat); pilgrimage to the Ka’bah; fasting during Ramadan. (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

The Prophetic Way

Posted Date: 5/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Anas ibn Malik, the Prophet said to him, ‘O my son, if you can act in such a way that you spend your mornings and your evenings without wishing anyone ill, then that is how you should always act.’ Then he added, ‘O my son, this is my way. And anyone who loves my ways, loves me. And anyone who loves me will live with me in Paradise.’(MUSLIM)

A Good Society

Posted Date: 5/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

You should visit the sick, feed the hungry and set prisoners free. (AL-BUKHARI)

Duty Before Right

Posted Date: 5/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said, ‘Whenever God makes a man responsible for other people, whether in greater or lesser numbers, he will be questioned as to whether he ruled his charges in accordance with God’s decrees or not. And that will not be all. God will question him even about his family members. (Musnad AHMAD)

Don’t Forget Your Responsibility

Posted Date: 5/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said, ‘If you show kindness to your servant while employing him in some task, this will weigh heavily in your favour on the Day of Judgement. That will be your reward. (HADITH OF ‘AMR IBN HURAYTH)

Goodness Comes From Within

Posted Date: 5/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said, ‘The best person among you is the one who treats his family members well And I am the best person for my family. (IBN MAJAH)

That Make A Man Strong or Weak

Posted Date: 5/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

iO God, I seek Your protection from misery and grief, from weakness and laziness, and from the burden of loans and from things that will make others overcome me. (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

Giver Not Taker

Posted Date: 5/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Each one of you is a shepherd. And each one of you will be asked about your flock. A ruler also is a shepherd and he will be asked about his flock. And every man is a shepherd to his family. And a woman is the custodian of her husband’s house and his children. Thus each one of you is a shepherd, and each one will be asked about his flock.(AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

Life After Death For The Prophet

Posted Date: 5/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

‘A’ishah related how she heard the Prophet praying thus: ‘O God, be lenient with me while judging me.’ When she asked him what leniency of judgement meant, he said, ‘God’s forgiveness after He has seen a man’s record. O ‘A’ishah, anyone who is judged strictly will be ruined.’ (MUSNAD AHMAD)

The Nature of A Believer

Posted Date: 5/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

O God, I seek divine guidance so that I may remain steadfast in what is just. I seek divine guidance in order to be firm in righteousness. I seek divine guidance in the manner that I express my gratitude for Your favours and worship with devotion. I seek from You a tongue that speaks the truth and a heart which is pure and clean. (AT-TIRMIDHI)

Follow The Law of Nature

Posted Date: 5/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Sa’id al-Khudri, the Prophet said, ‘Whenever one of the faithful invokes blessings which involve no sin or the breaking up of a relationship, God is certain to grant one of three things. Either He gives the supplicant His Blessings in this world, or He keeps them for him in the world hereafter, or He saves him from some misfortune.’ His listener then said, ‘Now we shall invoke God’s blessings even more. ‘God’s blessings are boundless,’ replied the Prophet. (Musnad AHMAD)

God For Man

Posted Date: 5/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

Opportunity to Rethink

Posted Date: 5/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Musa Alash’ari, the Prophet said, God extends His hand at night so that He may accept the repentance of those who indulge in wickedness during the day. God extends His hand during the day so that He may accept the repentance of those who indulge in wickedness at night. This will continue till the sun rises in the west. (MUSLIM)

Living The Dead

Posted Date: 5/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Abu Musa Alash’ari, the Prophet said,Those who remember God and those who do not are as different from each other as the living and the dead. (AL-BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

Well-wishing is faith

Posted Date: 5/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to Tamim ad-Dari, the Prophet said, ‘Well-wishing is faith. Well-wishing is faith. Well-wishing is faith.’ When asked towards whom, he replied, ‘Towards God, His Messenger, His Book, the Muslim rulers and the common people.’ (MUSLIM)

Remembrance Of God

Posted Date: 5/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

Whenever the meal was concluded the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, would say, ‘Praise be to God, in plenty, in the best form and in abundance. The praise, which we ourselves offer and the praise which does not desert us, and whose desire never leaves us and we do not become indifferent to praise (of God), O Our Lord.’ (AL-BUKHARI ON THE AUTHORITY OF ABU UMAMAH)

Daii And Madú

Posted Date: 5/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said, ‘It is as if I see the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him, describing the life of one of the prophets, who is assaulted by his people until the blood runs. He wipes the blood from his face and says, “O God, forgive my people for they know not what they do.’ (BUKHARI AND MUSLIM)

The True Believer

Posted Date: 5/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

God’s true servant is one who is thrown into such spiritual excitement by the discovery of God that he always has God in his thoughts. The beholding of God in all His majesty inspires such awe and fear in him that the hair of his body stands on end.

Freedom For Test

Posted Date: 5/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

Man is free to do as he wishes on earth, but his free will is no more than a test. He should treat it as such. He should not revel in his power. Those who are not deluded by their temporary power, and never lose sight of their true position, will be accommodated in paradise. Those who rebel on the basis of their worldly power will abide in hell.

Result Is The Criterion

Posted Date: 5/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

The only criterion by which to judge whether one had planned one’s life well or not is to see the result. A plan which yields a negative result is not right, and a plan which yields a positive result is right. Examining an action by an ideal standard is not a wise thing. Wisdom lies in examining things in the light of the result.

Life Management

Posted Date: 5/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

In order to lead a successful life, it is important for man to learn the art of Life Management, that is to understand himself, (i.e. he should know who he is, what his capabilities are) and become aware of the world around him. Then he may plan his life in a realistic manner, and make improvements whenever and wherever required.

Paradisaical Souls

Posted Date: 5/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

God requires for paradise realistic souls who live as if they are seeing God, though He is invisible; who are so conscious of God’s greatness and perfection that He is always in their thoughts. Their lives should be so centred on God that their hearts should pulsate to His words.

HEAVENLY ACTIONS

Posted Date: 5/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

Those who are patient and do not despair in the face of disaster, are fit to live in paradise. They pray for those who hurt them. They do not mind being criticized. They act justly to everyone, even those who wrong them. They are fair and honest in their dealings with others.

LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP

Posted Date: 5/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 4/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Having bad relations with anyone is no reason to deny him his rights

Posted Date: 4/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

By performing small tasks a man does not demean himself

Posted Date: 4/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

It is hypocrisy to join a movement because of its worldly success

Posted Date: 4/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

Regarding one’s deeds as of no special value

Posted Date: 4/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 4/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 4/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 4/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

“There will come a day when you will be as insignificant as the flotsam carried away by a flood,” the Prophet once said to his Companions. They asked him why that would be. He then told them that something he termed wahan would develop within them, and when they asked what that meant, he explained that it is to love worldly things, and be reluctant to face death.”

The Day of death will be the great awakening

Posted Date: 4/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

“People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken.” Thus spoke the Prophet.

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 4/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 4/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 4/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.”

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 4/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 4/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 4/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 4/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 4/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 4/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being sincere means abstaining from what is forbidden

Posted Date: 4/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 4/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 4/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 4/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 4/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 4/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 4/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 4/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

Mention what is good: pass over what is evil

Posted Date: 4/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 4/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 4/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 4/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Congregational prayer brings one closer to God

Posted Date: 3/31/2013 12:00:00 AM

The state induced by prayer should be abiding

Posted Date: 3/30/2013 12:00:00 AM

Abu Ramtha recounts how, when he was praying along with the Prophet, and the latter had just pronounced the salutations marking the end of the prayer, a man who had participated in the prayer from the start, arose, and began offering voluntary prayers. Umar sprang to his feet and seizing the man by the shoulders, said, “Don’t you know that the People of the Book did not have a gap between their prayers and that was their undoing?” The Prophet looked up, and addressing Umar, said: “Ibn Khattab, through you God has communicated what is true an correct.

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 3/29/2013 12:00:00 AM

A show of piety is not reverence

Posted Date: 3/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Self-seeking places one far from God

Posted Date: 3/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

Religion of Peace

Posted Date: 3/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Plants

Posted Date: 3/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Vegetation and plants have been described in the Qur’an as a special blessing of God. According to the Qur’an; Paradise is a world of highest quality, where the believers, God’s favoured servants, will be inhabited. This abode has been called Paradise, meaning a garden, which is a special feature of paradise, referred to in the Qur’an as ‘beautiful mansions in Gardens of eternity.’ (61:12)

Peace

Posted Date: 3/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

The believer is like a flower in the garden of nature. Just as a hot wind will shrivel up a bloom and cause it to die, so will constant friction distract the believer from achieving positive goals. And just as a cool breeze will enable the flower to retain its beauty for its natural life¬span, so will a peaceful atmosphere enable the believer to fulfill the obligations of divine worship in a spirit of great serenity. Peace is thus central to the life of the believer.

Peace

Posted Date: 3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

A believer is necessarily a lover of peace. In his mind faith and a desire for peace are so closely interlinked that, regardless of the circumstances, he will strive to the utmost for the maintenance of peace. He will bear the loss of anything else, but the loss of peace he will not endure.

Patience (Sabr)

Posted Date: 3/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

Patience is the exercise of restraint in trying situations. It is a virtue, which enables the individual to proceed towards worthy goals, undeflected by adverse circumstances or repeated provocations. If he allows himself to become upset by opposition, taunts or other kinds of unpleasantness, he will never reach his goals. He will simply become enmeshed in irrelevancies.

On the Occasion of Differences

Posted Date: 3/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

Differences are a part of life. A divergence of views and behaviour arises between people for a variety of reasons. Just as differences occur among unbelievers and apostates. Similarly differences occur between sincere and pious people. But even if differences cannot be prevented, that is no reason for any individual to indulge in negative behaviour. It should be borne in mind that despite differences, positive behaviour is both a possibility and a necessity.

Observing Silence

Posted Date: 3/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet of Islam once observed, “One who believes in God and the Last Day should either speak words of goodness or keep quiet.” It is true that failure to speak up and tell the truth when the occasion calls for it can (according to a hadith) earn one the name of ‘dumb Satan.’ But, there are many occasions when observing silence is more proper and more important.

Non-Violence

Posted Date: 3/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Patience implies a peaceful response or reaction, whereas impatience implies a violent response. The word sabr exactly expresses the notion of non-violence, as it is understood in modern times. That patient action is non-violent action has been clearly expressed in the Qur’an. According to one tradition, the Prophet of Islam observed: God grants to rifq (gentleness) what he does not grant to unf (violence). (Sunan, Abu Dawood, 4/255)

Non-Violence

Posted Date: 3/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Islam is a religion, which teaches non-violence. According to the Qur’an, God does not love fasad, violence. What is meant here by fasad is clearly expressed in verse 205 of the second surah. Basically, fasad is that action which results in disruption of the social system, causing huge losses in terms of lives and property.

Neighbours

Posted Date: 3/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Neighbours are our nearest companions. After family members, it is neighbours one comes in contact with. Developing good relations with neighbours is therefore an important aspect of a God-oriented life.

Intentions

Posted Date: 3/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Islam attaches the utmost importance to intentions (niyyah). No action is acceptable to God purely on the basis of its outer appearance. He accepts only such actions as are performed with proper intention, and rejects those performed with ill intention. Right intention is the moral purposiveness, which underlies all actions performed solely for God’s pleasure. One who acts on such feelings will be rewarded by God in the Hereafter.

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 3/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Jihad, according to Islam, is not something about which there is any mystery. It is simply a natural requirement of daily living. It is vital both as a concept and as a practice because, while leading his life in this world, man is repeatedly confronted by such circumstances as are likely to derail him from the humanitarian path of the highest order.

A good deed is of no value if it makes one proud

Posted Date: 3/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Ibn Ataullah As-Sikandari wrote in his book, Al-Hikam: “A sin which makes one meek and humble is better than a good deed which makes one proud and arrogant.”

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 3/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 3/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

Showing Mercy

Posted Date: 3/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

“The Merciful One shows mercy to the merciful,” said the Prophet. “Be merciful with those on earth. The One in Heaven will be merciful with you.” – AHMAD, ABU DAWUD, AL TIRMIDHI

Showing Mercy

Posted Date: 3/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Those who show mercy will be dealt with mercifully

Good Characters

Posted Date: 3/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

Good character is the sum of personal virtues, which guarantees correct and agreeable behaviour in daily social interaction. A person of good character will invariably conform in his behaviour to a strict code of ethics. An Islamic treasury of virtues –hadith

God’s Servant

Posted Date: 3/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

Man is God’s servant. God has created man with a plan, that is, to place him temporarily on earth in order to test him. Then those who pass this test will be rewarded, while those who fail will be rejected. For the purposes of this test, man has been granted freedom in this world. Whatever man receives in this world is not as a matter of right but only as a matter of trial. Every situation here is a test, and in all situations man must give a proper performance, as is required of him by God.

God’s Blessing

Posted Date: 3/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

Another thing that we learn from the Qur’an and the hadith is that there are two forms of divine blessing. One special and the other general. Political power is a special blessing of God. We learn from the Qur’an that political power – is not given to everyone. Neither can it be received through political movements or the gun culture. It is directly related with the way of God. One of the sunnah of God is that if a group proves, in the real sense of the word, to have true faith and to be virtuous in action, then God grants that group political power: God has promised those of you who believe and do good works to make them masters in the land (24:55).

God’s Blessing

Posted Date: 3/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

Right from a glass of water to political power, everything that people possess in this world is from God. Everything is a direct blessing of God. Whatever one finds in this world is there because of the will of God. If God does not will it, no one can have anything, no matter how hard he tries for it. This is an undeniable truth proved by the Qur’an and the Hadith.

God-Oriented Life

Posted Date: 3/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

The goal of Islam is to induce man to give up his ungodly ways, so that he may lead a totally God¬ oriented life. One as yet untouched by Islam directs his attention towards things and beings other than God. That is, he is concerned with creation rather than the Creator. Islam shows him how to focus his thoughts and feelings on God alone. When man adopts a path directed to a certain destination, he considers it necessary to keep to that path without turning to the left or the right. For if he makes constant detours, he will fail to reach his destination. The same is the case with man’s journey towards his Maker.

Fundamentalism

Posted Date: 3/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

Islam is a scheme of spiritual development. The goal of Islam is to establish direct communion between God and man in order that man may become the recipient of divine inspiration. In such a religion it is moderation, which is of the utmost importance, not extremism. It is peace, which is of the utmost importance and not violence. From this we can understand what is and what is not included in Islamic fundamentalism.

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 3/3/2013 12:00:00 AM

According to the hadith it is a virtue on the part of believers, to accept the truth without any reservation when it is presented to them. That is to say, a believer is one who has the ability in the perfect sense of the word to accept the truth. Whenever truth is brought before him, whenever his faults are pointed out to him, no complex comes in the way of his accepting of the truth.

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 3/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

The first benefit of intellectual freedom is to enable man to achieve that high virtue which in the Qur’an is called “fearing the unseen.” That is, without any apparent compulsion or pressure from God, man, of his own free will, acknowledges God and leads his life in this world, going in fear of Him. In the absence of an atmosphere of total freedom, no one can undergo this spiritual experience – an indescribable spiritual pleasure, which is called in the Qur’an, going in fear of the Lord. Without such freedom it is not possible to give credit to anyone for this highest of human virtues.

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 3/1/2013 12:00:00 AM

Islam grants human beings total intellectual freedom. Rather it would be truer to say that it was Islam, which for the first time in human history brought about a revolution in freedom of thought. In all the ages of history prior to Islam, the system of despotism prevailed, and man was consequently denied freedom of thought. This was a matter of the utmost gravity for it is a fact that the secret of all human progress lies hidden in such freedom.

Fasting

Posted Date: 2/28/2013 12:00:00 AM

Fasting awakens in man the feeling of gratefulness. The temporary deprivation of food and water stresses for him the importance of these things as divine blessings. Then when he partakes of food and water after having experienced hunger and thirst, he can feel how truly precious is the food and water provided to him abundantly by God. This experience increases manifold his feelings of gratitude to God.

Fasting

Posted Date: 2/27/2013 12:00:00 AM

Fasting, a form of divine worship is observed for one month every year. During this fast man abstains from food and water from sunrise to sunset in obedience to the command of God. This act is performed in order to reduce man’s materialism and increase his spirituality, so that he may be able to lead a truly spiritual life in this world. In the process, he spends more time in the worship of God.

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 2/26/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being a humanitarian

Posted Date: 2/25/2013 12:00:00 AM

Compassion for all creatures

Posted Date: 2/24/2013 12:00:00 AM

Keeping one’s demands within the bounds of reason

Posted Date: 2/23/2013 12:00:00 AM

Being methodical

Posted Date: 2/22/2013 12:00:00 AM

The actions most pleasing to God are those, which are persevered in

Posted Date: 2/21/2013 12:00:00 AM

God stays with one who is failed by his fellow men

Posted Date: 2/20/2013 12:00:00 AM

Grievances arising from misunderstanding

Posted Date: 2/19/2013 12:00:00 AM

Speak no ill of the dead

Posted Date: 2/18/2013 12:00:00 AM

Satan arouses suspicion

Posted Date: 2/17/2013 12:00:00 AM

Charity is for everyone to give

Posted Date: 2/16/2013 12:00:00 AM

Suppressing one’s anger is a sign of good character

Posted Date: 2/15/2013 12:00:00 AM

Not indulging in vain talk or wishing anyone ill

Posted Date: 2/14/2013 12:00:00 AM

Praying for wrong-doers

Posted Date: 2/13/2013 12:00:00 AM

To look down on another Muslim is to place Islam in jeopardy

Posted Date: 2/12/2013 12:00:00 AM

The role of the head of a household

Posted Date: 2/11/2013 12:00:00 AM

A marriage without invitations

Posted Date: 2/10/2013 12:00:00 AM

Caring for one’s household is no less important than the holy struggle

Posted Date: 2/9/2013 12:00:00 AM

Refraining from subjecting people to inconvenience

Posted Date: 2/8/2013 12:00:00 AM

The polite way of seeking permission to enter a house

Posted Date: 2/7/2013 12:00:00 AM

Who should be invited to share food

Posted Date: 2/6/2013 12:00:00 AM

Doing one’s family bidding is no mark of faith

Posted Date: 2/5/2013 12:00:00 AM

Parity before the law

Posted Date: 2/4/2013 12:00:00 AM

Impartial decision-making

Posted Date: 2/2/2013 12:00:00 AM

No adverse reaction to rude behaviour

Posted Date: 2/1/2013 10:20:21 AM

Putting allegiance before controversy

Posted Date: 1/31/2013 10:06:56 AM

What pleases and displeases God

Posted Date: 1/30/2013 10:29:55 AM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “There are three things which please God and three things which displease Him. It pleases Him when you worship Him and do not ascribe to Him any partners, and it pleases him when you cling to his rope with one accord, always in perfect harmony. It also pleases Him when you feel well-intentioned towards one whom he has entrusted with the control of your affairs. The three things which displease Him are wrangling, being over-inquisitive and squandering one’s wealth.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

Remaining neutral in a fratricidal war

Posted Date: 1/29/2013 10:36:15 AM

It is a ruler’s duty to reform others, but those others are responsible only for themselves

Posted Date: 1/28/2013 10:56:38 AM

Bearing personal affronts with good grace

Posted Date: 1/27/2013 1:14:04 PM

Communal sentiment belongs to the days of ignorance

Posted Date: 1/25/2013 10:49:55 AM

Fighting one’s own people deprives one of God’s succour

Posted Date: 1/24/2013 10:34:20 AM

Declining power in the interests of unity

Posted Date: 1/23/2013 9:58:04 AM

The Caliph Muawiyah sent Amr ibn al-Aas to Abdullah ibn Umar to find out whether he intended to fight for the caliphate or not. “What prevents you, O father of Abd ar-Rahman,” asked Amr ibn al-Aas from declaring this publicly so that we may swear allegiance to you? You are a companion of the Prophet and son of the Commander of the Faithful; you have a greater right than anyone to be caliph,” Abdullah ibn Umar asked whether all, without exception, were in agreement with what amr ibn al-Aas had said. “They are,” replied Amr ibn al, Aas “except for a tiny minority. “ To this Abdullah ibn Umar replied that even if just three fat Persians from Hajar de-murred, he would no longer feel the urge to be Caliph. (IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT)

Keeping contention out of religious affairs

Posted Date: 1/22/2013 10:48:04 AM

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 1/21/2013 11:34:52 AM

God cares for those who do their duty to Him

Posted Date: 1/20/2013 2:21:06 PM

Correcting a false impression even at the expense of one’s own prestige

Posted Date: 1/19/2013 10:52:50 AM

During the Battle of Yarmuk, an Roman chieftain, by the name of Jurjah, left the ranks of his own army and expressed a desire to meet Khalid ibn Walid. The latter also left his ranks and rode up so close to Jurjah that the necks of their horses were touching. “O Khalid,” said Jurjah, “Tell me-and a free man does not lie, so tell me the truth-did God truly send a sword down from Heaven for His Prophet? And did the Prophet hand that sword over to you, with the result that you defeat whomsoever you fight against?” When Khalid said that this was not so, Jurjah asked why Khalid was called the “Sword of God.” “God sent His Prophet among us,” replied Khalid. “Some of us believed, while others disbelieved. I was among the disbelievers. Then God captured our hearts and granted us His guidance. As I was swearing allegiance to the Prophet, he said to me, ‘You are one of God’s swords that he has unleashed against the idolaters.’ He prayed that I should have God’s succour. Since then I have been called the ‘Sword of God’.” (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

With God’s help a handful can conquer a multitude

Posted Date: 1/18/2013 12:12:48 PM

Secrecy is of the essence in launching an attack

Posted Date: 1/17/2013 10:41:27 AM

Running to another’s assistance is a great religious duty

Posted Date: 1/16/2013 11:45:46 AM

The value of right action

Posted Date: 1/15/2013 11:01:45 AM

The best provision is that which has been earned

Posted Date: 1/14/2013 11:08:46 AM

The message revealed to the Prophet

Posted Date: 1/13/2013 2:24:36 PM

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 1/12/2013 10:25:38 AM

Bringing Islam without condescension, to everyone

Posted Date: 1/11/2013 10:40:58 AM

Unadulterated truth is pure anathema to many

Posted Date: 1/10/2013 10:40:32 AM

Speaking the language of one’s hearers

Posted Date: 1/9/2013 11:12:00 AM

Respect means something more than the making of gestures

Posted Date: 1/8/2013 11:05:13 AM

Repentance is to be ashamed of what one has done

Posted Date: 1/7/2013 11:51:39 AM

“Shame is the stuff of repentance,” said the Prophet.

True religion brings about radical changes in one’s life

Posted Date: 1/6/2013 2:32:15 PM

To live, one must come to terms with dying

Posted Date: 1/5/2013 9:38:12 AM

Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, once offered this piece of advice to a Muslim commander, by the name of Khalid ibn Walid: “Khalid, be desirous of death. That way, you will find life.”

Two eyes that shall be saved from the Fire

Posted Date: 1/4/2013 10:28:58 AM

There are times to remain silent and times to speak freely

Posted Date: 1/3/2013 10:19:13 AM

The Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Blessed is he who keeps superfluous words to himself, but expends whatever superfluous wealth he has.”

Selflessness in worldly matters

Posted Date: 1/2/2013 11:05:53 AM

Preoccupation with prestige can lead straight to perdition

Posted Date: 1/1/2013 10:51:58 AM

The joys of a pious household

Posted Date: 12/31/2012 10:50:17 AM

Salvation is all

Posted Date: 12/30/2012 1:45:03 PM

Retribution here and now

Posted Date: 12/29/2012 8:08:00 AM

Man proposes, God disposes

Posted Date: 12/28/2012 11:23:55 AM

When pleasures seem empty

Posted Date: 12/27/2012 10:28:34 AM

Remaining detached from the material side of life

Posted Date: 12/26/2012 10:47:29 AM

Conceit: The Most Evil Trait

Posted Date: 12/25/2012 1:28:52 PM

Speaking of three saving graces and three destructive traits, the Prophet observed that the former were "fear of God both in public and in private; speaking the truth whether calm or angry; and moderation whether one is rich or poor." The three destructive traits he mentioned as being the satisfaction of one's own desires, miserliness and conceit. "And the last one, that is the worst of all," he said. -- Al-Baihaqi, Al-Sunan Al-Kubra

Lost to the world

Posted Date: 12/24/2012 11:33:09 AM

True knowledge is fear of God

Posted Date: 12/23/2012 2:13:58 PM

According to Abdullah ibn Masud “Knowledge does not consist of the memorizing of large numbers of traditions: Knowledge is to fear God.”

Keeping out of the limelight

Posted Date: 12/22/2012 11:40:33 AM

Things asked for and things given freely are in two separate categories

Posted Date: 12/21/2012 11:57:28 AM

Do not become unbalanced by love or hate

Posted Date: 12/20/2012 10:29:31 AM

No affliction is worse than hardness of heart

Posted Date: 12/19/2012 10:34:51 AM

“There is no affliction worse than hardness of heart,” ob¬served Malik Ibn Deenar.

Self-Reliance

Posted Date: 12/18/2012 10:38:05 AM

The Prophet once asked: “Who will pledge to me that he will never ask anything of anyone?” Thauban said that he would; and from then on, he truly never asked anything of anyone. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Justice, even towards enemies

Posted Date: 12/17/2012 11:04:49 AM

“If someone disobeys God in matters that concern you, the best thing to do in return is to obey God in matters that concern him.” So said Umar ibn Khattab. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Self-appraisal first and foremost

Posted Date: 12/16/2012 2:56:31 PM

A certain individual asked Abdullah ibn Masud for some advice. “You should stay at home, hold your tongue and remember your faults,” was the advice he gave him. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 12/13/2012 10:45:39 AM

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 12/12/2012 10:32:48 AM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 12/11/2012 11:00:38 AM

God looks not just at actions but at their motives

Posted Date: 12/10/2012 10:35:25 AM

No rigidity in religion

Posted Date: 12/9/2012 2:09:27 PM

Religious leaders should have consideration for their congregations

Posted Date: 12/7/2012 11:40:36 AM

The simpler the ceremony, the greater the blessing

Posted Date: 12/6/2012 11:54:31 AM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “The marriage which is most blest is that which has been least burdensome.” (AL-BAIHAQI AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others

Posted Date: 12/5/2012 10:46:36 AM

Why try to make a god of oneself?

Posted Date: 12/4/2012 11:55:10 AM

Hamdun Nishapuri, who lived in the third century Hijri, when asked who God’s true servant was, answered: “One who worships and has no desire for people to worship him”.

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 12/3/2012 2:01:41 PM

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 11/30/2012 10:34:58 AM

Bowing to the will of God and to His Messenger

Posted Date: 11/29/2012 10:24:43 AM

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 11/27/2012 10:24:10 AM

By making no efforts, man loses what he hopes to gain

Posted Date: 11/26/2012 10:50:36 AM

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 11/25/2012 3:04:38 PM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 11/23/2012 10:56:30 AM

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 11/22/2012 10:49:14 AM

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 11/21/2012 11:36:42 AM

“There will come a day when you will be as insignificant as the flotsam carried away by a flood,” the Prophet once said to his Companions. They asked him why that would be. He then told them that something he termed wahan would develop within them, and when they asked what that meant, he explained that it is to love worldly things, and be reluctant to face death.”

The Day of death will be the great awakening

Posted Date: 11/20/2012 10:42:59 AM

“People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken.” Thus spoke the Prophet.

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 11/19/2012 2:55:01 PM

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 11/18/2012 4:06:55 PM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 11/16/2012 11:06:22 AM

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 11/14/2012 12:01:18 PM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 11/12/2012 10:57:17 AM

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 11/11/2012 1:33:41 PM

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 11/9/2012 11:23:19 AM

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 11/8/2012 10:41:46 AM

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 11/7/2012 10:30:22 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 11/6/2012 10:17:12 AM

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 11/5/2012 11:06:54 AM

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 11/4/2012 1:59:21 PM

Mention what is good: pass over what is evil

Posted Date: 11/2/2012 10:34:24 AM

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 11/1/2012 10:53:40 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 10/31/2012 11:17:55 AM

True worship entails meekness and humility before God

Posted Date: 10/30/2012 10:30:54 AM

Religion is worthless if its end is material gain

Posted Date: 10/29/2012 10:17:19 AM

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 10/28/2012 1:18:22 PM

Another account records the Prophet as saying: “They have abstained from that which God has made lawful. What broke their fast was indulgence in that which God has prohibited. One sat with the other and they started biting into the skins of others.” (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB)

Self-seeking places one far from God

Posted Date: 10/26/2012 10:44:04 AM

Congregational prayer brings one closer to God

Posted Date: 10/25/2012 10:41:34 AM

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 10/24/2012 12:30:12 PM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 10/23/2012 10:33:44 AM

Remembering God is a constant state of prayer

Posted Date: 10/22/2012 10:26:01 AM

Lodge God in one’s heart: that is the best of states

Posted Date: 10/21/2012 1:44:32 PM

When Abu Darda was told that Abu Saad ibn Munabbih had freed a hundred slaves, his omment was: “Certainly, this is a great act. But let me tell you one that is even greater: faith which encompasses night and day, and, on one’s tongue, the constant remembrance of God.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Good Character-the very essence of religion

Posted Date: 10/19/2012 11:18:14 AM

Knowing God is the greatest worship

Posted Date: 10/18/2012 10:20:15 AM

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 10/17/2012 10:35:59 AM

In everything there is a lesson to be learned

Posted Date: 10/16/2012 10:23:08 AM

Darani used to say that whenever he went out of his house, whatever he saw would give him a glimpse of some divine blessing and instruct him in some manner. (IBN KATHlR, TAFSIR)

The Companions worshipped by thinking of God and the Hereafter

Posted Date: 10/15/2012 10:52:41 AM

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 10/14/2012 1:50:35 PM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Salvation is for those who tread the path of the Prophet and his Companions

Posted Date: 10/12/2012 10:48:03 AM

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 10/11/2012 10:17:10 AM

Bear hardship with patience, and one’s sins will be forgiven in the next world

Posted Date: 10/10/2012 10:29:02 AM

The Qur’an is for admonition, not just for recital

Posted Date: 10/9/2012 10:38:56 AM

Obedience to the Prophet, come what may

Posted Date: 10/8/2012 10:51:00 AM

Fearing God’s punishment, even when one is dealing with the lowly

Posted Date: 10/7/2012 1:55:48 PM

What those who sit with leaders should be like

Posted Date: 10/5/2012 10:24:49 AM

Regarding one’s deeds as of no special value

Posted Date: 10/4/2012 10:53:38 AM

No Islamic revolution without Islamic individuals

Posted Date: 10/2/2012 2:55:57 PM

There was once a brave warrior-albeit an idolater-who asked the Prophet Muhammad for permission to join in the Battle of Badr along with the Muslims. Before giving his assent, the Prophet asked him if he believed in God and His Prophet. The man said that he did not. “I cannot accept the assistance of an idolater,” said the Prophet. The man then swore his allegiance as a Muslim and joined in the battle along with the rest of the Muslims.

Not being offended when criticized

Posted Date: 10/1/2012 10:37:14 AM

When Umar ibn Khattab became Caliph, he removed Khalid ibn Walid from the leadership of the Muslim forces in Syria. According to Nashirah ibn Sahmi, Umar gave a sermon in Jabiya, explaining his decision to remove Khalid from his post. “It was my command that wealth should be kept for poor emigrants but he distributed it among people who were high in status and refined in speech. That is why I relieved him of his duties and appointed in his place Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarrah.” A relative of Khalid, Abu Amr ibn Hafs, who was present at the time, promptly sprang to his feet and said to Umar, “By God, this is no justification for removing one who was appointed by the Prophet himself, nor is it any reason to sheath a sword already drawn by the Prophet, nor lay low a banner raised by him. You have treated your own kinsman with vindictiveness.” Umar listened to everything that Abu Amr had to say. Finally, he replied in a gentle tone: “You are a relative of Khalid and still young; you have taken offence on behalf of this man simply because he is your uncle’s son.” (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Discord and the truth

Posted Date: 9/30/2012 2:40:58 PM

Abu Bakr used to give equal allowances to everybody, irrespective of rank or class. It was suggested to him that the Muhajirs and Ansar be given more than others, but Abu Bakr dismissed this, saying: “They have their rank with God. This is a matter of worldly livelihood, in which it is better to be even-handed.” Umar differed on this matter and when he became Caliph, he introduced a system by which some received larger allowances than others: 5000 dirhams were allotted to the Emigrants and the Helpers; other Muslims were given 4000. According to this allocation, Usamah ibn Zayd received 4000 dirhams, while to his own son, Abdullah, Umar gave only 3000. Abdullah ibn Umar asked his father why he had been given less than Usamah. “What rank does he or his father have that I do not have?” Umar told his son: Usamah’s father was dearer to the Prophet than your father, while he himself was dearer than you. According to one tradition, Umar came round to Abu Bakr’s point of view later in his life, admitting that it was more practical. (AHMAD, BAZZAR)

Answering criticism calmly

Posted Date: 9/28/2012 10:04:17 AM

A woman of the Banu Asad came before Abdullah ibn Masud and said to him, “I hear that you curse both the tattooer and the tattooed. But I have read the Qur’an from beginning to end, and nowhere do I find any reference to this. And besides, I wager that members of your own household have tattooing done.” Abdullah ibn Masud told her to go to his house and see for herself. She did so, but found no trace of tattooing on anyone. When she returned, Abdullah ibn Masud said to her: “Have you not read in the Qur’an that you must accept whatever the Prophet gives you, and abstain from whatever he forbids?” The lady said that she had. “Well, this is something the Prophet forbade,” said Abdullah ibn Masud. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Remaining silent is, in itself, a good deed

Posted Date: 9/27/2012 10:06:32 AM

“Keep silent unless you have something good to say,” said the Prophet.

Most sins are committed by the tongue

Posted Date: 9/26/2012 11:40:28 AM

“Most of man’s sins come from his own tongue,” said the Prophet.

One who craves God’s mercy shows compassion to others

Posted Date: 9/25/2012 11:07:36 AM

The Prophet invoked God’s mercy upon those who showed consideration for others in their business dealings, and in the exacting of their dues.

Justice for the weak and strong alike

Posted Date: 9/24/2012 10:49:35 AM

Muawiyah ibn Abu Sufyan once asked Dharar Sadai to tell him about Ali. Dharar said, amongst other things, that “he lived among us like any of us. No one, however strong he might be, hoped to receive any aid from him in his unjust cause, while the weak had no reason to despair of receiving justice from him.”

It is not for a Muslim to fight another Muslim

Posted Date: 9/23/2012 2:42:14 PM

“Whoever takes up arms against us is not one of us,” observed the Prophet.

Learning the facts by asking the right questions

Posted Date: 9/22/2012 1:04:00 PM

Peace at any price

Posted Date: 9/20/2012 10:22:00 AM

When the treaty of Hudaybiyah was being drawn up, the Prophet told Ali, to whom he was dictating the terms of the treaty, to write: “In the Name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.” The representative of the Quraysh, Suhayl ibn Amr said that he had no idea what the word “Rahman” – the Beneficent-meant. “Write, ‘In Your Name, O God’ as we are accustomed to.” The Muslims were loath to accede to Suhayl’s demand, but the Prophet commanded Ali to write as Suhayl wished, then continued to dictate the terms of the treaty to him. “This is the accord entered into by Muhammad, the Messenger of God.” Again Suhayl objected. “If we had considered you to be the Messenger of God, we would not have barred you from the House of God, neither would we have fought against you; write instead ‘Muhammad, son of Abdullah’.” Ali had already written ‘The Messenger of God.’ The Prophet told him to strike out these words, but he said he could not. So the Prophet himself struck them out, then he told Ali to write in their place, ‘the son of Abdullah,’ which he did. The Prophet continued: “The Quraysh will not prevent us from visiting the House of God.” Again Suhayl objected: “No, this year you must return; next year, you may come and visit God’s House.” The Prophet accepted this demand of the Quraysh also. Next, Suhayl laid down that the Muslims would return any of the Quraysh who had joined them in Madinah, but that the Quraysh would not have to return any of the Muslims who happened to have come to them. Much as it infuriated the Muslims, the Prophet acceded to this demand too. He accepted all the demands of the Quraysh, thus securing a ten-year truce with them. (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

The laws of cause and effect applied to the Prophet’s offspring just as they did to others

Posted Date: 9/19/2012 10:48:12 AM

The Prophet’s daughter Zaynab was left behind in Makkah when her father emigrated to Madinah, from which place he sent Zayd ibn Harithah to fetch her. On the latter’s arrival in Makkah, he obtained a camel for Zaynab and they set out for Madinah. Two men of the Quraysh, who had been pursuing Zayd and Zaynab, caught up with them a short way out of Makkah, overcame Zayd and frightened Zaynab’s camel so that she fell to the ground. Zaynab, with child at that time, had a haemorrhage as a result of the fall, and miscarried. She was taken to the house of Abu Sufyan, where she was visited by some women of the Banu Hashim, Zaynab’s own kinsfolk, into whose care Abu Sufyan confided her. After a few days, she set forth once again on the journey of emigration. She did succeed in reaching Madinah, but her misadventure had had such a grievous effect upon her health that in the year 7 AH, she finally succumbed to the injuries she had sustained on that day. (AL-TABARANI)

Retreat and fight another day

Posted Date: 9/18/2012 10:31:51 AM

It was at Mutah, a village situated in present-day Jordan, that” a battle took place in 8 AH between the 3,000-strong Muslim and Byzantine forces, numbering 100,000. Three commanders of the Muslim army were slain one after another, whereupon the standard of the Muslims was handed over to Khalid ibn Walid, who took a command and knit the ranks together. The enemy advance was so firmly checked that they drew back enough for the Muslims to beat an orderly retreat. Considering it unwise to advance again, Khalid then returned to Madinah with the one thousand troops who had survived. As they entered Madinah, crowds of men and women lined the route, jeering and throwing dust in their faces as they passed. “Runaways!” they shouted. “No” said the Prophet; “they are not runaways but soldiers who will return to the fight if God wills it so.”

Never stoop to controversy

Posted Date: 9/17/2012 1:11:36 PM

Certain individuals, who had brought gifts for Abu Dharr Ghefari, were told on reaching Rabdhah, the latter’s home town, that he had gone on pilgrimage, so they followed him to where the pilgrims were gathered at Mina. They were sitting with Abu Dharr, when he received the news that Caliph Uthman, along with the pilgrims in Mina had prayed the full four rakats. He was greatly upset by this news, and expressed his strong opposition to the Caliph’s action. “I prayed along with the Prophet here in Mina,” he said, “and he prayed only two rakats. And I prayed the same two rakats along with Abu Bakr and Umar.” Having said this, Abu Dharr arose and prayed the full four rakats. “But it was for just this that you criticized the Commander of the Faithful” exclaimed those around him. “Why do you do the same thing yourself?” “It would be worse to go against him,” explained Abu Dharr. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Trusting in God, not wealth

Posted Date: 9/16/2012 2:27:43 PM

During the Caliphate of Umar, some revenue arrived from Iraq. Umar began to distribute it, and appeared to be on the point of exhausting it completely when Abd ar Rahman ibn Auf suggested to Umar that he should keep some of it back in order to deal with any enemy attack or calamity that might befall them. At this, Umar was indignant. “Be done with you; you play the devil’s advocate. No, by God, for the sake of tomorrow, I will not disobey God today.”

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 9/14/2012 10:40:03 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 9/13/2012 10:57:56 AM

Keeping out of the limelight

Posted Date: 9/12/2012 10:16:38 AM

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 9/11/2012 10:30:37 AM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The importance of learning in Islam

Posted Date: 9/10/2012 10:34:45 AM

Seventy idolaters were taken captive by the Muslims at the Battle of Badr, some of whom were unable to pay ransom. It was decided, therefore, that they should earn their freedom by teaching ten of the Helpers to write. That was how Zayd ibn Thabit learned to write, after which he became the Prophet’s amanuensis. In later life he learned many other languages besides Arabic, and it is said that he knew six languages altogether.

Considering a man inferior on account of his calling is a mark of ignorance

Posted Date: 9/9/2012 2:59:10 PM

Abu Jahal was in command of the Qurayshite forces that faced: the Muslims on the field of Badr, when, two young brothers, Muawidh and Muadh resolved to slay him. Throwing themselves in the enemy ranks, at the immense danger to themselves, they found Abu Jahal and killed him. As he lay dying, (according to Abdullah ibn Masud) he learned that it was men from Madinah who had struck him down. With his dying breath, he gasped out these words: “If only it had been some other who had slain me!” The people of Madinah were mostly farmers and it was on this account that Abu Jahal felt scornful of them.

Trusting in God, not wealth

Posted Date: 9/7/2012 10:27:58 AM

A believer should not involve himself in matters, which he is unable to deal with effectively

Posted Date: 9/6/2012 10:04:36 AM

The Prophet once said: “It is not for a believer to humiliate himself,” “How does one humiliate oneself?” The Prophet was asked and to this he replied, “By falling foul of a situation from which one cannot extricate oneself.”

Thriving on criticism

Posted Date: 9/5/2012 11:20:04 AM

Addressing Abu Ubaidah and Muadh, the second Caliph, Umar ibn Khattab said: “Keep a watch on me: I am ever in need of your vigilance.”

Being unperturbed by directness

Posted Date: 9/4/2012 11:21:34 AM

The second Caliph, Umar ibn Khattab, once asked his congregation to rectify any of his transgressions, which came to their notice. On hearing this, a member of the congregation stood up and swore by God that any such transgression would be set right by their swords. Umar then thanked God for having placed among the followers of Muhammad-people who would set Umar right with their swords.

Not acting on suspicion

Posted Date: 9/3/2012 11:16:07 AM

The Prophet said: “When your suspicions are aroused, do not attempt to get at their root.”

Worshipping God and living in harmony with others

Posted Date: 9/2/2012 2:27:10 PM

Abu Hurayrah records the Prophet as saying: “There are three actions which are especially pleasing to God: worshipping Him and acknowledging none as His peer; adhering firmly to your faith in God and letting nothing divide you; remaining well-intentioned towards those who are responsible for your affairs.”

Three types of vilification mentioned in the Qur’an

Posted Date: 8/31/2012 10:34:01 AM

Three kinds of defamation are mentioned by Hasan Basri, all of which appear in the Qur’an: “There is the malicious revelation of unwelcome truths, ghibat, irresponsible rumour-mongering (ifk) and deliberate misrepresentation (buhtan).

To wish others harm is to harm oneself

Posted Date: 8/30/2012 11:01:27 AM

When Abul Ayna mentioned to Ahmed ibn Abu Dawud that certain people had attacked him, the latter quoted this verse of the Qur’an to him: “The hand of God is above their hands.” (48:10) “But they are many and I am alone,” continued Abul Ayna. To this Ahmad replied: “Many a small band has, by the grace of God, vanquished a mighty army.” (2:249) “They are plotting against me,” added Abul Ayna. “Evil shall recoil on those that plot evil,” (35:43) was Ahmad ibn Abu Dawud’s response.

Patience the best armour

Posted Date: 8/29/2012 1:17:44 PM

Ahnaf ibn Qays belonged to the generation, which came after that of the Prophet’s companions. He once remarked, “One who cannot tolerate one single unpleasant remark will have to listen to many. Frequently I have suppressed my anger for fear of something worse befalling me.”

Gauging one’s own strength before testing it on others

Posted Date: 8/28/2012 10:13:36 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar relates how once, when he was listening to a sermon preached by Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, he took objection to something Hajjaj had said, and was just about to air his own views on this, when he recalled what the Prophet had once said that it did not befit a believer to disgrace himself. Abdullah ibn Umar had asked the Prophet what was meant by disgracing oneself, and the Prophet had replied: “It means attempting to deal with a problem which is quite beyond one’s capacities.”

Being sparing of words is a sign of sincerity

Posted Date: 8/27/2012 10:07:35 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas observed that there was no one better than the Companions of the Prophet. Until the day the Prophet died, they asked him about only thirteen matters, all of which are dealt with in the Qur’an. “They asked about things which were of genuine relevance to them,” he said

Wrongful accusation is the worst of crimes

Posted Date: 8/26/2012 2:39:26 PM

According to Ali ibn Abu Talib the very worst thing one can do is make a wrongful accusation against an innocent person.

Speaking much is not a sign of great knowledge

Posted Date: 8/25/2012 11:00:07 AM

According to ibn Uaynah, it is those who have the least knowledge who are the most brazen in passing verdicts on religious matters.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Viewing statements from a particular standpoint

Posted Date: 8/24/2012 11:05:22 AM

A liar is a hypocrite

Posted Date: 8/23/2012 10:17:12 AM

Criticise freely, but avoid wrangling

Posted Date: 8/22/2012 10:20:32 AM

Speaking with caution

Posted Date: 8/21/2012 11:06:45 AM

Never expressing disdain for food

Posted Date: 8/20/2012 10:12:50 AM

Refraining from derision

Posted Date: 8/19/2012 9:53:28 PM

No response to vain words

Posted Date: 8/18/2012 10:21:00 AM

Public speaking and public silence

Posted Date: 8/17/2012 12:11:28 PM

Appreciating criticism

Posted Date: 8/16/2012 10:20:58 AM

“God bless the man who makes me a gift of my own shortcomings,” said Umar.

Being content with what God ordains

Posted Date: 8/14/2012 10:33:05 AM

It is only under stress that a man appears in his true colours

Posted Date: 8/13/2012 10:45:36 AM

“It is only in moments of anger that forbearance can come to the fore.” (IBN ABDUL BARR)

It is only under stress that a man appears in his true colours

Posted Date: 8/13/2012 10:14:34 AM

“It is only in moments of anger that forbearance can come to the fore.” (IBN ABDUL BARR)

Islam: a practical guide to daily

Posted Date: 8/11/2012 10:13:00 PM

Even the most ordinary things are great blessings

Posted Date: 8/10/2012 4:07:55 PM

Everything happens through the instrumentality of God

Posted Date: 8/9/2012 10:11:22 AM

All power is in the hands of God

Posted Date: 8/8/2012 10:39:20 AM

No limit to God’s mercy

Posted Date: 8/7/2012 10:49:53 AM

Constant fear of God

Posted Date: 8/6/2012 11:17:29 AM

Devotion to God: food for the soul

Posted Date: 8/5/2012 1:08:29 PM

The Prophet Muhammad is recorded as having said: “When I pass the night in vigil, I have a Sustainer and a Nourisher to provide me with food and drink.”

The servants of God must live in humility

Posted Date: 8/3/2012 10:29:44 AM

Avaadh ibn Himar records the Prophet as saying: “God has revealed it unto me that one should be humble; one should refrain from oppressing others.” (MUSLIM, SAHIH)

The parting of the ways

Posted Date: 8/2/2012 9:26:10 PM

The secret of contentment is being happy with what one has

Posted Date: 8/1/2012 10:55:01 AM

What it pleased the Lord to give to His Prophet

Posted Date: 7/31/2012 11:04:55 AM

Good manners at meal times

Posted Date: 7/30/2012 1:04:49 PM

Simplicity of Dress

Posted Date: 7/29/2012 1:23:32 PM

The Prophet did not allow his hand to be kissed

Posted Date: 7/27/2012 10:40:52 AM

The bravest is the most in control of himself

Posted Date: 7/26/2012 10:15:50 AM

When death is nigh

Posted Date: 7/25/2012 10:31:56 AM

The feelings inspired by faith are misinterpreted by the profane

Posted Date: 7/24/2012 10:46:55 AM

Showing no favouritism

Posted Date: 7/23/2012 9:53:30 AM

It is hypocrisy to join a movement because of its worldly success

Posted Date: 7/21/2012 10:44:20 AM

Regarding one’s deeds as of no special value

Posted Date: 7/20/2012 10:54:13 AM

Setting no special value upon one sown actions

Posted Date: 7/19/2012 11:57:48 AM

How saint-worship gradually turns into idol-worship

Posted Date: 7/18/2012 10:25:34 AM

A show of piety is not reverence

Posted Date: 7/17/2012 10:13:52 AM

Fearing no one in giving admonishment

Posted Date: 7/16/2012 10:42:13 AM

A true believer shows no hesitation in answering the call of the Almighty

Posted Date: 7/14/2012 11:09:36 AM

Sincerity and piety the essence of Islam

Posted Date: 7/13/2012 10:51:23 AM

The heart and the tongue: of all things the best and the worst

Posted Date: 7/12/2012 2:29:13 PM

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 7/11/2012 2:34:21 PM

(AL-TABARANI)

God’s generosity to the generous

Posted Date: 7/10/2012 11:27:58 AM

These words are attributed to Almighty God in one of the Prophet’s sayings: Mankind, spend in God’s cause; it shall be you who shall receive.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 7/9/2012 2:58:05 PM

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 7/6/2012 10:59:40 AM

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 7/5/2012 11:01:00 AM

Religion of Peace

Posted Date: 7/4/2012 12:42:37 PM

Purity of Body and Soul

Posted Date: 7/3/2012 11:09:30 AM

A believer is a clean person. First of all faith cleanses his soul. Consequently his appearance becomes pure as well. His religious thinking makes him a person who loves cleanliness.

A believer performs his ablutions before praying five times a day by washing his face, hands and feet. He takes a bath daily to purify his body. His clothes may be simple, but he always likes to wear well laundered clothes.

No man is self-sufficient

Posted Date: 6/30/2012 6:47:37 PM

Receiving praise, not with conceit, but with humility

Posted Date: 6/29/2012 10:38:21 AM

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 6/28/2012 10:38:41 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 6/27/2012 10:41:16 AM

Remaining on speaking terms

Posted Date: 6/26/2012 10:35:22 AM

A sign of true learning: the ability to take criticism

Posted Date: 6/25/2012 10:24:17 AM

According to Saeed ibn Abu Aroobah, one who does not listen to criticism is not to be counted among the learned. (IBN ABDIL BARR)

Criticise constructively. Avoid unjust accusation

Posted Date: 6/24/2012 1:35:53 PM

Think before you speak

Posted Date: 6/22/2012 10:28:52 AM

One who does not control his tongue is evil

Posted Date: 6/21/2012 10:15:41 AM

In the tongues of men are both Heaven and Hell

Posted Date: 6/20/2012 10:12:18 AM

One who fears God holds his tongue

Posted Date: 6/19/2012 11:10:21 AM

On being asked to give someone good advice, Abdullah said, “Be content with what you have in your house, hold your tongue and shed some tears when you recall your sins.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Knowing when to speak and when to remain silent

Posted Date: 6/18/2012 10:01:28 AM

Avoid looking askance at others

Posted Date: 6/17/2012 2:10:58 PM

Openness to admonition: a sign of Islamic character

Posted Date: 6/16/2012 10:40:08 AM

Both good and evil in what we say

Posted Date: 6/15/2012 10:18:32 AM

Said the Prophet: “When you speak, do so in a good cause. That will serve your interests. And refrain from harmful speech. In that way, you too will be saved from harm.” (AL-TABARANI)

Thankfully accepting one’s lot

Posted Date: 6/14/2012 10:28:01 AM

What a believer’s speech should be like

Posted Date: 6/13/2012 10:32:50 AM

The Prophet said: “A true believer does not insult or curse people: neither does he use foul or vulgar language.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Shama’il)

A good Muslim is one of good character

Posted Date: 6/12/2012 10:38:08 AM

The Prophet was once asked who the best Muslim was. “One from whose tongue and hand other Muslims are safe,” was his reply. (ALBUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Vain talk in itself is a sin

Posted Date: 6/11/2012 10:51:52 AM

God will do unto you as you have done unto others

Posted Date: 6/10/2012 11:56:03 AM

Returning good for evil

Posted Date: 6/9/2012 10:17:24 AM

The best way to have your revenge on one who has disobeyed God in some matter concerning you, is to obey God in whatever concerns him,” said Umar. (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

To collaborate in injustice is sinful

Posted Date: 6/8/2012 10:34:32 AM

Wasilah ibn Asqa once asked Prophet what constituted bigotry. “Collaborating with your own people in wrongdoing,” answered the Prophet. (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

Granting forgiveness to one who seeks it

Posted Date: 6/7/2012 10:30:01 AM

How a believer should treat others

Posted Date: 6/6/2012 10:23:06 AM

Describing the Prophet’s qualities, Ali ibn Abu Talib said: “Three things-quarrelling, arrogance and vain pursuits-he eschewed as far as he himself was concerned. And three things he eschewed as far as others were concerned. He did not find fault, lay blame or seek to expose anyone’s weak points. Only when there was hope of reward from God would he hold forth.” (AL-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA’IL)

Being sparing of words and not thinking ill of anyone

Posted Date: 6/5/2012 10:30:38 AM

Being kind to adversaries

Posted Date: 6/4/2012 11:55:25 AM

Confirming the truth of statements at their source

Posted Date: 6/3/2012 2:13:01 PM

How Muslims bring calamity upon themselves

Posted Date: 6/2/2012 2:22:09 PM

No man is self-sufficient

Posted Date: 6/1/2012 10:48:24 AM

Not allowing disagreement to sour a relationship

Posted Date: 5/31/2012 10:27:25 AM

Hate whittles away a man’s religion

Posted Date: 5/30/2012 10:58:28 AM

Arguments over religious matters nullify piety

Posted Date: 5/29/2012 9:58:58 AM

Awam ibn Hawshab advised people to avoid arguing over religious matters; otherwise their good deeds would be nullified. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Dispute is the mark of decline

Posted Date: 5/28/2012 11:03:41 AM

When a people fall to disputing the teachings of religion instead of putting them into practice, it is a sign of God’s displeasure. (AL-IMAM AUZA‘I)

Not permitting disagreement to undermine mutual respect

Posted Date: 5/27/2012 3:58:45 PM

The civil wars, which took place after the death of Uthman, were unfortunate episodes in Islamic history. Yet they were waged, not by base, ignoble individuals, but by people of the highest character. Many incidents, which took place in the heat of battle, testify to the chivalry of the combatants. During the war between Ali and Muawiyah, for instance, it was common for the two armies to fight one another during the day, then help in burying each other’s dead by night.Similarly, while Imam Husayn’s army was engaged in hostilities against the forces of Yazid, the two armies would join one another for prayer at the appointed time. Usually, Imam Husayn would lead the prayer and be followed both by his own men and those of the opposing army. (AL-BIDAYAH WA AL-NIHAYAH)

An able and righteous man – the most treasured asset

Posted Date: 5/26/2012 12:30:06 PM

Zayd ibn Aslam reports, on the authority of his father, that Umar ibn Khattab asked some of his companions to tell him about their ambitions. “I would like to have this house full of money, so that I could spend it in the path of God,” volunteered one. Another said that he would like gold- yet another mentioned pearls-so that their wealth could be spent in the furtherance of God’s cause. “What I would like more than anything,” said Umar, “would be to have this house full of men like Abu Ubaidah ibn al Jarrah, Muadh ibn Jabal and Hudhaifah ibn al Yaman, so that I could use them for God’s work.” (AL TARIKH AL-SAGHIR)

A sign of true learning: the ability to take criticism

Posted Date: 5/25/2012 10:22:50 AM

According to Saeed ibn Abu Aroobah, one who does not listen to criticism is not to be counted among the learned. (IBN ABDIL BARR)

In a recent interaction with a group of people comprising of Jamaat e Islami, I came across their collective opinion for purpose of Islam – enforce and re-enforce the law of God on earth. The said justice cannot be achieved without enforcement of Islam.

Posted Date: 5/24/2012 3:17:49 PM

The goal given by Jamaat e Islami is not a goal, it doesn’t exist. Nowhere does Quran or Hadith mention that it is upon man to implement Islam in the world. They are taking upon themselves a big liability because Quran only talks about what it seeks from an individual so that he becomes a God-oriented personality. The only goal is to develop a God oriented personality, become a good human being by following the path shown in the Quran.

In a recent interaction with a group of people comprising of Jamaat e Islami, I came across their collective opinion for purpose of Islam – enforce and re-enforce the law of God on earth. The said justice cannot be achieved without enforcement of Islam.

Posted Date: 5/24/2012 3:15:59 PM

Refrain from untruths

Posted Date: 5/24/2012 10:12:10 AM

In shielding others one shields oneself

Posted Date: 5/23/2012 10:01:40 AM

Think before you speak

Posted Date: 5/22/2012 10:01:38 AM

Wealth and power breed hatred and enmity

Posted Date: 5/21/2012 10:01:52 AM

Prosperity the greatest trial

Posted Date: 5/20/2012 3:10:40 PM

Look before you leap

Posted Date: 5/19/2012 11:50:26 AM

Tactful answers in delicate situations

Posted Date: 5/18/2012 10:16:45 AM

Making straight for the hereafter and leaving the world by the wayside

Posted Date: 5/17/2012 10:09:19 AM

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 5/16/2012 11:07:10 AM

Killing Muslims to gain power is to be abhorred

Posted Date: 5/15/2012 10:48:23 AM

Allowing for others’ self-respect

Posted Date: 5/14/2012 10:31:30 AM

Great and small weigh alike in the scales of justice

Posted Date: 5/13/2012 1:54:13 PM

An Egyptian came before Umar ibn Khattab, seeking refuge from oppression. Umar granted his request, and then the Egyptian explained what had befallen him. “The son of the governor of Egypt,Muhammad ibn Amr ibn al-Aas, ran a race with me and I won it. He became so incensed at this that he started lashing me with a whip and shouting, ‘I am a nobleman’s son! Take that!’ On hearing this, Umar immediately wrote to Amr ibn al-Aas to bring his son to Madinah. When they arrived, Umar summoned the Egyptian, handed him a whip and told him to start lashing Muhammad, the son of Amr ibn al-Aas. When the Egyptian had given the son a good whipping, Umar told him to start whipping the father, because, in the first place, it was the father’s power that had made it possible for Muhammad ibn Amr ibn al-Aas to subject the Egyptian to a beating. “I have beaten the one who beat me,” said the Egyptian. “Now I need not beat anyone else.” If you had beaten him, we would not have stopped you,” said Umar. “But if you yourself let him go, that is your choice.” Then turning to Amr ibn al-Aas, he asked: “Since when have you been enslaving people who were free when their mothers bore them?” (IBN ABDIL HAKAM)

Making the Qur’an one’s greatest preoccupation

Posted Date: 5/12/2012 12:42:49 PM

In latter days fraternal strife will be the greatest destructive force

Posted Date: 5/11/2012 10:32:58 AM

A grievance at home should not mean desertion to the enemy

Posted Date: 5/10/2012 10:02:56 AM

Thinking of God in moments of crisis

Posted Date: 5/9/2012 10:36:28 AM

Qualities of leadership

Posted Date: 5/8/2012 9:49:49 AM

An able and righteous man – the most treasured asset

Posted Date: 5/7/2012 10:38:11 AM

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 5/6/2012 12:51:02 PM

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 5/5/2012 11:14:45 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 5/4/2012 11:07:35 AM

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 5/3/2012 11:14:32 AM

(AL-TABARANI)

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 5/2/2012 11:15:41 AM

Salvation is for those who tread the path of the Prophet and his Companions

Posted Date: 5/1/2012 10:56:11 AM

By performing small tasks a man does not demean himself

Posted Date: 4/30/2012 10:02:31 AM

Four important pieces of advice

Posted Date: 4/29/2012 2:09:40 PM

Sitting among people with no thought for position

Posted Date: 4/28/2012 10:46:16 AM

Heaping scorn on truth is an act of pride

Posted Date: 4/27/2012 10:18:42 AM

To humble oneself is to raise oneself

Posted Date: 4/26/2012 10:48:47 AM

Avoid functions whose sole purpose is ostentation

Posted Date: 4/25/2012 10:36:34 AM

God does not like pride in His servants

Posted Date: 4/24/2012 10:35:18 AM

Accepting all food without demur

Posted Date: 4/23/2012 10:06:17 AM

Kindness to animals

Posted Date: 4/22/2012 2:38:05 PM

Having regard for necessities rather than formalities

Posted Date: 4/21/2012 10:31:31 AM

Never considering oneself above serving God

Posted Date: 4/20/2012 10:04:00 AM

Conceit takes one far from God

Posted Date: 4/19/2012 10:28:05 AM

Refraining from acquiring unnecessary tastes

Posted Date: 4/18/2012 10:09:23 AM

Have dealings with men as if they were dealings with God

Posted Date: 4/17/2012 10:19:09 AM

Worldly attachment hinders acknowledgement of the truth

Posted Date: 4/16/2012 10:45:40 AM

One has to lose in order to gain

Posted Date: 4/15/2012 10:00:33 AM

Giving up this world for the next

Posted Date: 4/14/2012 12:58:37 PM

Take what is gladly given; do not ask for more

Posted Date: 4/13/2012 10:34:36 AM

The call of paradise

Posted Date: 4/12/2012 10:36:16 AM

Preferring God to riches

Posted Date: 4/11/2012 10:23:30 AM

Taking no advantage of one’s position

Posted Date: 4/10/2012 10:42:19 AM

The self-destructiveness of worldly greed

Posted Date: 4/9/2012 10:25:45 AM

Making things unnecessarily difficult for oneself does not constitute piety

Posted Date: 4/8/2012 1:26:47 PM

By performing small tasks a man does not demean himself

Posted Date: 4/7/2012 11:26:17 AM

Preferring to be unostentatious

Posted Date: 4/6/2012 10:10:02 AM

Sometimes the obscure are more amply rewarded than the famous

Posted Date: 4/5/2012 11:34:44 AM

There is charity in forgiveness

Posted Date: 4/4/2012 9:47:07 AM

The law of God is applicable to everyone

Posted Date: 4/3/2012 10:39:04 AM

God can hear even the smallest whisper

Posted Date: 4/2/2012 10:53:16 AM

Letting one’s heart be moved by the Qur’an

Posted Date: 4/1/2012 3:13:50 PM

Those Who Succeed

Posted Date: 3/31/2012 2:43:55 PM

The people who ultimately succeed are those who are undaunted by disadvantageous circumstances, who waste no time in lamenting over them.

Trial

Posted Date: 3/30/2012 10:49:56 AM

All the things in this world are God’s subjects. The stars and satellites rotate in space entirely at their Lord’s bidding. Trees, rivers, mountains, and all other such natural phenomena are functioning according to the unchangeable ways of God laid down by Him in advance. Similarly, the animals follow exactly those instincts instilled in their species as a matter of Divine Will. Man is the only creature who has been given, exceptionally, the gift of power and freedom.

Trial

Posted Date: 3/29/2012 10:14:00 AM

Man is free in this world. God has not placed any curbs on him. But this freedom is for the purpose of putting man to the test, and is not meant to encourage him to lead a life of permissiveness, like the animals and then just pass away one day. Rather its purpose is that man should lead a morally upright life of his own free will, thus demonstrating that he is of the highest moral character.

Tolerance

Posted Date: 3/28/2012 10:09:24 AM

Tolerance implies unswerving respect for others, whether in agreement or disagreement with them. The tolerant man will always consider the case of others sympathetically, be they relatives or friends, and irrespective of the treatment he is given by them, be it of a positive or a negative nature. Tolerance means, in essence, to give consideration to others. In social life, friction between people does occur in every society, differences arising from religion, culture, tradition and personal tastes persist. In such a situation the superior cause of action is to adopt the ways of concession and large-heartedness without any compromise of principle.

Tolerance

Posted Date: 3/27/2012 10:13:31 AM

Tolerance is a noble humanitarian and Islamic virtue. Its practice means making concessions to others. Intolerance, on the other hand, means showing a self-centered unconcern for the needs of others. Tolerance is a worthy, humane virtue, which has been described in different terms in the Shariah: for instance, gentle behaviour, showing concern for others, being soft¬hearted, being compassionate. When true God-worship and religiosity is born within a person, he reaches above all those evils which emanate from selfishness. Instead of living within the confines of the self, he begins to live in the world of reality. The truly pious person begins to look upon people with love and compassion. He does not expect anything from anyone, that is why even when others differ from him or do not behave well towards him, he continues nevertheless to make concessions to them, and continues to be tolerant towards them.

Thanksgiving

Posted Date: 3/26/2012 10:09:55 AM

Caring for one’s household is no less important than the holy struggle

Posted Date: 3/25/2012 3:55:29 PM

Tawheed

Posted Date: 3/24/2012 10:46:13 AM

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 3/23/2012 11:59:44 AM

Spiritual Uplift

Posted Date: 3/22/2012 10:03:15 AM

Islam is the answer to the demands of nature. It is in fact a counterpart of human nature. This is why Islam has been called a religion of nature in the Qur’an and Hadith. A man once came to the Prophet Muhammad and asked him what he should do in a certain matter. The Prophet replied, ‘Consult your heart about it.’ By the heart the Prophet meant common sense. That is, what one’s common sense tells one would likewise be the demand of Islam.

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 3/21/2012 2:54:08 PM

The world of God is based wholly on truth. Here everything expresses itself in its real form. The sun, the moon, rivers, mountains, stars and planets are all based on truth. They appear just as they really are. In this unfathomably vast universe of God nothing is based on untruth. There is nothing which shows itself in any form other than its real form. This is the character of nature, which is spread out on a universal scale. A believer too has exactly the same character. He is totally free from falsehood or double¬-standards. A believer is all truth. His whole existence is moulded to truth. From the very first he appears to be a true person both inside and out.

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 3/20/2012 10:30:21 AM

A believer in God is also necessarily a truth-loving person. He always speaks the truth. In all matters he says just what is in accordance with reality. A true believer cannot afford to tell lies, or hide facts. What does it mean to speak the truth? It is to have no contradiction between man’s knowledge and the words that he utters and for that matter; whatever he says should be what has come to his knowledge. Falsehood, by contrast, is the utterance of statements, which do not tally with knowledge. Truth is the highest virtue of a believer’s character. A believer is a man of principle. And for such a person telling the truth is paramount. For him no other behaviour is possible, for he finds it impossible to deny the truth.

Society

Posted Date: 3/19/2012 10:38:55 AM

What are the teachings of Islam on the subject of the multi-religious society? When Islam is studied with this question in mind, we find clear commandments in this regard. In chapter 109 of the Qur’an, the Prophet is enjoined to address non-Muslims thus: “I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship what I worship. I shall never worship what you worship, nor will you ever worship what I worship. You have your own religion and I have mine.” This verse of the Qur’an coupled with other of its teachings amounts to an easily applicable formula for mutual respect. It means simply that all believers, whatever their elected religion, must have due reverence for the religions adhered to by others.

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 3/18/2012 2:45:25 PM

Keeping one’s demands within the bounds of reason

Posted Date: 3/17/2012 10:29:39 AM

Being methodical

Posted Date: 3/16/2012 10:25:58 AM

The actions most pleasing to God are those, which are persevered in

Posted Date: 3/15/2012 10:37:45 AM

God stays with one who is failed by his fellow men

Posted Date: 3/14/2012 11:12:02 AM

Grievances arising from misunderstanding

Posted Date: 3/13/2012 11:21:42 AM

Speak no ill of the dead

Posted Date: 3/12/2012 10:34:47 AM

Satan arouses suspicion

Posted Date: 3/11/2012 2:01:20 PM

Charity is for everyone to give

Posted Date: 3/10/2012 9:40:20 AM

Suppressing one’s anger is a sign of good character

Posted Date: 3/9/2012 10:21:10 AM

Not indulging in vain talk or wishing anyone ill

Posted Date: 3/8/2012 12:18:40 PM

Praying for wrong-doers

Posted Date: 3/7/2012 10:44:57 AM

To look down on another Muslim is to place Islam in jeopardy

Posted Date: 3/6/2012 10:43:00 AM

The role of the head of a household

Posted Date: 3/5/2012 11:08:23 AM

A marriage without invitations

Posted Date: 3/4/2012 2:13:01 PM

Caring for one’s household is no less important than the holy struggle

Posted Date: 3/3/2012 10:54:12 AM

Refraining from subjecting people to inconvenience

Posted Date: 3/2/2012 10:54:33 AM

The polite way of seeking permission to enter a house

Posted Date: 3/1/2012 10:48:18 AM

Who should be invited to share food

Posted Date: 2/29/2012 11:35:58 AM

Parity before the law

Posted Date: 2/27/2012 10:20:46 AM

Never sacrifice the truth to arrogance and jealousy

Posted Date: 2/26/2012 12:39:45 PM

Impartial decision-making

Posted Date: 2/25/2012 10:28:18 AM

No adverse reaction to rude behaviour

Posted Date: 2/24/2012 10:27:35 AM

Putting allegiance before controversy

Posted Date: 2/23/2012 9:54:08 AM

What pleases and displeases God

Posted Date: 2/22/2012 10:41:36 AM

Remaining neutral in a fratricidal war

Posted Date: 2/21/2012 11:57:00 AM

It is a ruler’s duty to reform others, but those others are responsible only for themselves

Posted Date: 2/20/2012 11:37:10 AM

Bearing personal affronts with good grace

Posted Date: 2/19/2012 2:59:41 PM

Unfailing obedience to one’s commander

Posted Date: 2/18/2012 10:19:10 AM

Communal sentiment belongs to the days of ignorance

Posted Date: 2/17/2012 11:10:56 AM

Fighting one’s own people deprives one of God’s succour

Posted Date: 2/16/2012 11:10:33 AM

Declining power in the interests of unity

Posted Date: 2/15/2012 11:15:21 AM

The Caliph Muawiyah sent Amr ibn al-Aas to Abdullah ibn Umar to find out whether he intended to fight for the caliphate or not. “What prevents you, O father of Abd ar-Rahman,” asked Amr ibn al-Aas from declaring this publicly so that we may swear allegiance to you? You are a companion of the Prophet and son of the Commander of the Faithful; you have a greater right than anyone to be caliph,” Abdullah ibn Umar asked whether all, without exception, were in agreement with what amr ibn al-Aas had said. “They are,” replied Amr ibn al, Aas “except for a tiny minority. “ To this Abdullah ibn Umar replied that even if just three fat Persians from Hajar de-murred, he would no longer feel the urge to be Caliph. – IBN SA‘D, TABAQAT

Keeping contention out of religious affairs

Posted Date: 2/14/2012 10:39:09 AM

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 2/13/2012 10:14:50 AM

God cares for those who do their duty to Him

Posted Date: 2/12/2012 2:59:42 PM

Correcting a false impression even at the expense of one’s own prestige

Posted Date: 2/11/2012 11:32:29 AM

With God’s help a handful can conquer a multitude

Posted Date: 2/10/2012 12:09:11 PM

Secrecy is of the essence in launching an attack

Posted Date: 2/9/2012 10:14:04 AM

Running to another’s assistance is a great religious duty

Posted Date: 2/8/2012 10:30:21 AM

The value of right action

Posted Date: 2/7/2012 11:39:09 AM

The best provision is that which has been earned

Posted Date: 2/6/2012 10:07:50 AM

Message revealed to the Prophet

Posted Date: 2/5/2012 7:25:37 PM

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 2/4/2012 9:39:48 AM

Bringing Islam without condescension, to everyone

Posted Date: 2/3/2012 10:50:39 AM

Unadulterated truth is pure anathema to many

Posted Date: 2/2/2012 10:23:01 AM

Speaking the language of one’s hearers

Posted Date: 2/1/2012 10:50:26 AM

Religion of Peace

Posted Date: 1/31/2012 10:36:27 AM

Plants

Posted Date: 1/30/2012 9:56:20 AM

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 1/29/2012 4:04:13 PM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Peace

Posted Date: 1/28/2012 10:45:36 AM

Patience (Sabr)

Posted Date: 1/27/2012 10:33:26 AM

No rigidity in religion

Posted Date: 1/26/2012 12:03:12 PM

Observing Silence

Posted Date: 1/25/2012 11:19:18 AM

Non-Violence

Posted Date: 1/24/2012 10:49:21 AM

Non-Violence

Posted Date: 1/23/2012 11:12:46 AM

Not hating even the direst of enemies

Posted Date: 1/22/2012 2:36:38 PM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 1/21/2012 12:49:09 PM

Intentions

Posted Date: 1/20/2012 10:30:48 AM

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 1/19/2012 10:34:12 AM

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 1/18/2012 10:33:54 AM

Jihad through the Qur’an means striving to the utmost to present the teachings of the Qur’an before the people. That is, presenting the concept of One God as opposed to the concept of many gods; presenting akhirah-oriented life as superior to world-oriented life; principle-oriented life as against interest-oriented life; a humanitarian-oriented life as more elevated than a self-oriented life and a duty-oriented life as a categorical imperative taking moral precedence over a rights¬-oriented life.

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 1/17/2012 11:22:23 AM

Jihad is regularly misconstrued as war, with all its connotations of violence and bloodshed. However, in the Islamic context, and in literal sense, the word jihad simply means a struggle – doing one’s utmost to further a worthy cause. This is an entirely peaceful struggle, with no overtones even of aggression. The actual Arabic equivalent of war is qital, and even this is meant in a defensive sense.

A good deed is of no value if it makes one proud

Posted Date: 1/16/2012 10:45:52 AM

Ibn Ataullah As-Sikandari wrote in his book, Al-Hikam: “A sin which makes one meek and humble is better than a good deed which makes one proud and arrogant.”

It is wrong even to hint a partnership with God

Posted Date: 1/15/2012 3:00:16 PM

The simpler the ceremony, the greater the blessing

Posted Date: 1/14/2012 12:56:35 PM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “The marriage which is most blest is that which has been least burdensome.” (AL-BAIHAQI AL- SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 1/13/2012 10:36:18 AM

Showing Mercy

Posted Date: 1/12/2012 10:43:39 AM

Those who show mercy will be dealt with mercifully

Good Characters

Posted Date: 1/11/2012 11:10:07 AM

God’s Servant

Posted Date: 1/10/2012 10:31:40 AM

God’s Blessing

Posted Date: 1/9/2012 10:28:29 AM

Sycophantic subordinates portend disaster

Posted Date: 1/8/2012 2:47:58 PM

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 1/7/2012 2:35:40 PM

Without Prejudice

Posted Date: 1/6/2012 11:21:53 AM

During the lifetime of the Prophet of Islam many of his fellow men opposed Islam and engaged in plotting against Islam and Muslims. The Qur’an has mentioned this at several places. But the counter strategy advocated by the Qur’an was not to unearth their plots and launch movements to defeat them, or even finally to wage war against them. On the contrary, the Prophet and his companions were enjoined to place their trust in God alone.

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 1/5/2012 10:31:39 AM

Purity of Body and Soul

Posted Date: 1/4/2012 10:36:47 AM

A believer is a clean person. First of all faith cleanses his soul. Consequently his appearance becomes pure as well. His religious thinking makes him a person who loves cleanliness. A believer performs his ablutions before praying five times a day by washing his face, hands and feet. He takes a bath daily to purify his body. His clothes may be simple, but he always likes to wear well laundered clothes.

Dhikr or Remembrance of God

Posted Date: 1/3/2012 10:33:50 AM

Dhikr or Remembrance of God is a reality of nature. At every moment man experiences those things, which are directly related with God. He sees the sun, the moon, the rivers, the mountains, the air and the water. All of these are God’s creations. It is but natural that all the creations that come before man should be reminders of the Creator. Right from the earth to the heavens, all things are manifestation of God’s Beauty and Perfection. With their whole existence they serve as harbingers of God’s Being.

Education

Posted Date: 1/2/2012 10:30:41 AM

Education makes man a right thinker and a correct decision-maker. It achieves this by bringing him knowledge from the external world, teaching him to reason, and acquainting him with past history, so that he may be a better judge of the present. Without education, man, as it were, is shut up in a windowless room. With education, he finds himself in a room with all its windows open to the outside world.

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 1/1/2012 3:37:36 PM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 12/31/2011 12:32:03 PM

Family Life

Posted Date: 12/30/2011 11:36:39 AM

The Prophet of Islam once observed: “The best among you is one who is best for his family.” This applies to all individuals, be they men or women, young or old. The ideal way for any individual to prove his worth is to become a modest member of his family.

Justice for all

Posted Date: 12/29/2011 10:33:13 AM

Muawiyah asked Dharar Sadai to tell him about Ali. Amongst other things, Dharar told him that he lived among them just like anyone of them. “If a powerful man were in the wrong, he could not hope to sway Ali, but if a weak person sought justice, he could certainly hope to have it.”

Alarming a Muslim brother is a serious fault

Posted Date: 12/28/2011 11:07:37 AM

It is wrong even to hint a partnership with God

Posted Date: 12/27/2011 10:51:12 AM

In between two possibilities

Posted Date: 12/26/2011 10:54:26 AM

Four important pieces of advice

Posted Date: 12/25/2011 2:33:28 PM

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 12/24/2011 12:52:06 PM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.” (AT-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA‘IL)

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 12/23/2011 10:42:04 AM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 12/22/2011 10:49:47 AM

The devil in man

Posted Date: 12/21/2011 1:30:12 PM

Sulaym ibn Hanzalah once went to hear some words of advice from Ubayy ibn Kaab. Ubayy arose and walked away, leaving Hanzalah and his companions to follow him. On their way, they met Umar ibn Khattab, who said to them, “Do you not see how trying it is for one who is followed, and how humiliating it is for one who follows?” (IBN ABI SHAYBAH)

God’s own are those who accept the Qur’an

Posted Date: 12/20/2011 10:53:02 AM

Anas ibn Malik reports the Prophet as saying: “Some people belong to God.” Asked who they were, he said, “Those who adhere to the Qur’an.”

Have trust in God right up till the end

Posted Date: 12/19/2011 10:50:04 AM

The greatest charity is that bestowed upon the most ill-provided for

Posted Date: 12/18/2011 3:21:39 PM

Fearing God’s punishment, even when one is dealing with the lowly

Posted Date: 12/17/2011 1:58:50 PM

A man’s greatest weakness is his offspring

Posted Date: 12/16/2011 10:41:03 AM

The eminent should grieve for the lowly

Posted Date: 12/15/2011 10:40:36 AM

God’s generosity to the generous

Posted Date: 12/14/2011 10:43:16 AM

These words are attributed to Almighty God in one of the Prophet’s sayings: Mankind, spend in God’s cause; it shall be you who shall receive.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 12/13/2011 11:39:53 AM

Sycophantic subordinates portend disaster

Posted Date: 12/12/2011 10:32:48 AM

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 12/11/2011 6:27:49 PM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.” (AT-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA‘IL)

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 12/10/2011 10:58:34 AM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Even self-sacrifice is of no value without total sincerity

Posted Date: 12/9/2011 10:32:01 AM

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 12/8/2011 4:15:30 PM

“A learned man is punished by having his heart to die,” said Hasan al- Basri. Asked what was meant by the dying of the heart, he replied that it came from seeking the world through actions whose sole direction should be towards eternity. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 12/7/2011 10:36:02 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 12/6/2011 10:45:37 AM

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 12/5/2011 10:33:05 AM

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 12/4/2011 3:29:56 PM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 12/3/2011 5:11:14 PM

Simplicity

Posted Date: 12/2/2011 10:48:14 AM

A believer considers himself God’s servant in the ultimate sense of the word. His thoughts and feelings are all perfectly attuned to this servitude, to this condition of being God’s servant. One who consistently thinks in this way inevitably finds his whole disposition veering towards simplicity. Since ostentation, artificiality and social pretensions are at variance with his disposition; he resolutely avoids them throughout his life, in his manner of living and in his daily dealings.

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 12/1/2011 10:15:32 AM

Speaking the truth is not only a matter of policy for the believer: it is his very religion. Compromising in the matter of truth is not possible for him. He speaks the truth as he cannot live without doing so. He speaks the truth because he knows that not speaking the truth is the negation of his own personality and commitment to something, which is the negation of the self, is not possible for any worthy person.

When evil lives on

Posted Date: 11/30/2011 11:31:15 AM

A wise man once said: “Blessed are those whose sins die with them. Damned are those whose sins live on after them.”

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 11/29/2011 2:32:33 PM

The Hereafter: all-important to the Prophet, but not so to his opponents

Posted Date: 11/28/2011 10:47:40 AM

Respect means something more than the making of gestures

Posted Date: 11/27/2011 3:24:49 PM

Repentance is to be ashamed of what one has done

Posted Date: 11/26/2011 10:26:17 AM

“Shame is the stuff of repentance,” said the Prophet.

True religion brings about radical changes in one’s life

Posted Date: 11/25/2011 10:36:59 AM

To live, one must come to terms with dying

Posted Date: 11/24/2011 10:24:25 AM

Abu Bakr, the first Caliph of Islam, once offered this piece of advice to a Muslim commander, by the name of Khalid ibn Walid: “Khalid, be desirous of death. That way, you will find life.”

Two eyes that shall be saved from the Fire

Posted Date: 11/23/2011 11:04:03 AM

There are times to remain silent and times to speak freely

Posted Date: 11/22/2011 11:23:22 AM

The Prophet Muhammad once observed: “Blessed is he who keeps superfluous words to himself, but expends whatever superfluous wealth he has.”

Selflessness in worldly matters

Posted Date: 11/21/2011 10:32:20 AM

Preoccupation with prestige can lead straight to perdition

Posted Date: 11/20/2011 7:05:10 PM

The joys of a pious household

Posted Date: 11/19/2011 4:00:33 PM

Salvation is all

Posted Date: 11/18/2011 10:31:39 AM

Retribution here and now

Posted Date: 11/17/2011 1:26:55 PM

Man proposes, God disposes

Posted Date: 11/16/2011 11:27:53 AM

When pleasures seem empty

Posted Date: 11/15/2011 10:29:39 AM

Remaining detached from the material side of life

Posted Date: 11/14/2011 10:38:04 AM

Akhirat

Posted Date: 11/13/2011 10:31:46 AM

Man is an eternal creature. However, God has divided his life span into two parts. A very tiny part of it has been placed in this world, while all of the remainder has been placed in the Hereafter. The present world is the world of action, while the world of the Hereafter is the place for reaping the harvest of actions. The present world is imperfect, but the world of the Hereafter is perfect in every respect. The Hereafter is a limitless world where all things have been provided in their ideal state.

Lost to the world

Posted Date: 11/12/2011 10:28:41 AM

True knowledge is fear of God

Posted Date: 11/11/2011 10:29:15 AM

According to Abdullah ibn Masud “Knowledge does not consist of the memorizing of large numbers of traditions: Knowledge is to fear God.”

Keeping out of the limelight

Posted Date: 11/10/2011 10:45:18 AM

(MUSLIM SAHIH)

Things asked for and things given freely are in two separate categories

Posted Date: 11/9/2011 10:30:47 AM

(MALIK MUWATTA)

Do not become unbalanced by love or hate

Posted Date: 11/8/2011 10:28:25 AM

No affliction is worse than hardness of heart

Posted Date: 11/7/2011 11:03:14 AM

“There is no affliction worse than hardness of heart,” observed Malik Ibn Deenar.

The Day of Death - The Great Awakening

Posted Date: 11/6/2011 5:59:55 PM

"People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken." Thus spoke the Prophet.

Justice, even towards enemies

Posted Date: 11/5/2011 10:41:46 AM

“If someone disobeys God in matters that concern you, the best thing to do in return is to obey God in matters that concern him.” So said Umar ibn Khattab.

(IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

Self-appraisal first and foremost

Posted Date: 11/4/2011 12:16:53 PM

A certain individual asked Abdullah ibn Masud for some advice. “You should stay at home, hold your tongue and remember your faults,” was the advice he gave him. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

The true intellectual is a man of great piety

Posted Date: 11/3/2011 10:34:29 AM

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 11/2/2011 10:46:13 AM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 11/1/2011 10:42:58 AM

Giving oneself up to God and wishing others well

Posted Date: 10/31/2011 12:48:53 PM

Piety leads one to press onwards in spite of all obstacles

Posted Date: 10/30/2011 1:47:28 PM

God looks not just at actions but at their motives

Posted Date: 10/29/2011 5:04:45 PM

No rigidity in religion

Posted Date: 10/28/2011 3:20:17 PM

Rather than from outward actions, greatness comes from inward grace

Posted Date: 10/27/2011 10:33:37 AM

Religious leaders should have consideration for their congregations

Posted Date: 10/26/2011 12:34:04 PM

The simpler the ceremony, the greater the blessing

Posted Date: 10/25/2011 10:22:48 AM

Aishah reports the Prophet as saying: “The marriage which is most blest is that which has been least burdensome.” (AL-BAIHAQI AL-SUNAN AL-KUBRA)

While worshipping God, respect the convenience of others

Posted Date: 10/24/2011 10:35:46 AM

Why try to make a god of oneself?

Posted Date: 10/23/2011 2:18:02 PM

Hamdun Nishapuri, who lived in the third century Hijri, when asked who God’s true servant was, answered: “One who worships and has no desire for people to worship him”.

Worship is more than a set of rituals

Posted Date: 10/22/2011 6:11:25 PM

The least one can do is not harm anyone

Posted Date: 10/21/2011 11:04:52 AM

Yahya ibn Muadh Al-Razi once observed that if one cannot do anything to benefit one’s Muslim brother, at least one should do him no harm.

Reforming others and being ready to be reformed oneself

Posted Date: 10/20/2011 10:09:01 AM

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 10/19/2011 10:06:33 AM

Bowing to the will of God and to His Messenger

Posted Date: 10/18/2011 12:52:03 PM

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 10/17/2011 10:45:22 AM

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 10/16/2011 3:19:10 PM

By making no efforts, man loses what he hopes to gain

Posted Date: 10/15/2011 12:40:53 PM

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 10/14/2011 10:41:30 AM

Having bad relations with anyone is no reason to deny him his rights

Posted Date: 10/13/2011 10:10:26 AM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 10/12/2011 4:14:58 PM

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 10/11/2011 10:55:13 AM

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 10/10/2011 10:41:26 AM

10-Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity “There will come a day when you will be as insignificant as the flotsam carried away by a flood,” the Prophet once said to his Companions. They asked him why that would be. He then told them that something he termed wahan would develop within them, and when they asked what that meant, he explained that it is to love worldly things, and be reluctant to face death.”

The Day of death will be the great awakening

Posted Date: 10/9/2011 2:56:59 PM

“People are asleep; when they die, they will awaken.” Thus spoke the Prophet.

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 10/8/2011 6:22:56 PM

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 10/7/2011 10:04:15 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 10/6/2011 1:05:03 PM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.” (AT-TIRMIDHI, SHAMA‘IL)

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 10/5/2011 10:40:43 AM

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 10/4/2011 10:23:02 AM

Acting ‘to be seen by men

Posted Date: 10/3/2011 11:27:23 AM

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 10/2/2011 2:55:22 PM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 10/1/2011 7:50:20 PM

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 9/30/2011 12:13:01 PM

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 9/29/2011 10:13:42 AM

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 9/28/2011 10:30:59 AM

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 9/27/2011 9:39:05 AM

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 9/26/2011 10:36:47 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 9/25/2011 5:18:05 PM

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 9/24/2011 8:21:54 PM

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 9/23/2011 10:29:23 AM

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 9/22/2011 10:20:07 AM

Mention what is good: pass over what is evil

Posted Date: 9/21/2011 10:53:40 AM

How to be prudent

Posted Date: 9/20/2011 10:24:25 AM

God loves the humble cry of His servant

Posted Date: 9/19/2011 10:23:41 AM

True worship entails meekness and humility before God

Posted Date: 9/18/2011 3:30:13 PM

Religion is worthless if its end is material gain

Posted Date: 9/17/2011 11:23:10 PM

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 9/16/2011 11:27:30 AM

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 9/15/2011 10:36:04 AM

Self-seeking places one far from God

Posted Date: 9/14/2011 10:38:05 AM

Congregational prayer brings one closer to God

Posted Date: 9/13/2011 10:32:45 AM

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 9/12/2011 10:36:37 AM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 9/11/2011 2:52:36 PM

Remembering God is a constant state of prayer

Posted Date: 9/10/2011 10:40:47 AM

Lodge God in one’s heart: that is the best of states

Posted Date: 9/9/2011 1:15:59 PM

It is the spirit of worship that is important

Posted Date: 9/8/2011 10:49:37 AM

Good Character-the very essence of religion

Posted Date: 9/7/2011 10:35:23 AM

Knowing God is the greatest worship

Posted Date: 9/6/2011 10:53:17 AM

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 9/5/2011 12:33:19 PM

In everything there is a lesson to be learned

Posted Date: 9/4/2011 3:01:43 PM

Darani used to say that whenever he went out of his house, whatever he saw would give him a glimpse of some divine blessing and instruct him in some manner. (IBN KATHlR, TAFSIR)

The Companions worshipped by thinking of God and the Hereafter

Posted Date: 9/3/2011 1:31:52 PM

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 9/2/2011 10:53:50 AM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Immune to flattery

Posted Date: 9/1/2011 10:37:05 AM

Salvation is for those who tread the path of the Prophet and his Companions

Posted Date: 8/31/2011 9:48:58 AM

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 8/30/2011 11:31:15 AM

Bear hardship with patience, and one’s sins will be forgiven in the next world

Posted Date: 8/29/2011 10:44:05 AM

The Qur’an is for admonition, not just for recital

Posted Date: 8/28/2011 5:37:42 PM

Obedience to the Prophet, come what may

Posted Date: 8/27/2011 11:14:59 AM

Fearing God’s punishment, even when one is dealing with the lowly

Posted Date: 8/26/2011 10:48:26 AM

(AL-ADAB AL-MUFRAD)

Fear of God made the stick fall from his hand

Posted Date: 8/25/2011 10:40:41 AM

What those who sit with leaders should be like

Posted Date: 8/24/2011 11:34:33 AM

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 8/23/2011 11:18:07 AM

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 8/22/2011 12:44:12 PM

Have trust in God right up till the end

Posted Date: 8/21/2011 6:26:04 PM

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 8/20/2011 11:35:22 AM

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 8/19/2011 10:43:03 AM

Simplicity

Posted Date: 8/18/2011 10:47:22 AM

Four important pieces of advice

Posted Date: 8/17/2011 11:00:44 AM

Cheats are not true Muslims

Posted Date: 8/16/2011 11:03:06 AM

Barbaric behaviour is to be abhorred at all times

Posted Date: 8/15/2011 6:43:10 PM

Alarming a Muslim brother is a serious fault

Posted Date: 8/14/2011 5:02:48 PM

Bearing personal affronts with good grace

Posted Date: 8/13/2011 1:22:18 PM

Remaining with the flock

Posted Date: 8/12/2011 4:06:02 PM

The breadwinner should not consider himself superior to others

Posted Date: 8/11/2011 3:43:38 PM

Acting as spokesman for the humble in position

Posted Date: 8/10/2011 10:27:24 AM

The greatest charity is that bestowed upon the most ill-provided for

Posted Date: 8/9/2011 10:33:23 AM

The power of the Qur’an to inspire faith

Posted Date: 8/8/2011 11:19:15 AM

The Hereafter: all-important to the Prophet, but not so to his opponents

Posted Date: 8/7/2011 4:34:46 PM

Have trust in God right up till the end

Posted Date: 8/6/2011 12:58:57 PM

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 8/5/2011 10:50:43 AM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 8/4/2011 10:39:16 AM

Being a humanitarian

Posted Date: 8/3/2011 10:36:03 AM

The deeds dearest to the companions

Posted Date: 8/2/2011 11:25:07 AM

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 8/1/2011 1:33:25 PM

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 7/31/2011 5:35:39 PM

Reckon with oneself before being reckoned with

Posted Date: 7/30/2011 11:33:44 AM

God’s own are those who accept the Qur’an

Posted Date: 7/29/2011 10:38:54 AM

Anas ibn Malik reports the Prophet as saying: “Some people belong to God.” Asked who they were, he said, “Those who adhere to the Qur’an.” (AL-DARMI, SUNAN)

Reject reproof and you reject what is good

Posted Date: 7/28/2011 11:09:05 AM

Receiving praise, not with conceit, but with humility

Posted Date: 7/27/2011 10:39:27 AM

To praise someone to his face is to destroy oneself

Posted Date: 7/26/2011 10:46:37 AM

A certain individual came before Umar and began extolling the latter’s virtues. “You are destroying me and destroying yourself,” was Umar’s reply.

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 7/25/2011 10:37:59 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 7/24/2011 7:23:22 PM

The God-fearing treats others best

Posted Date: 7/23/2011 12:01:08 PM

Maamar, who belonged to the next generation after the Companions, tells us that the latter used often to say: “Your greatest well-wisher is he who fears God with regard to you.”

Not hating even the direst of enemies

Posted Date: 7/22/2011 10:49:44 AM

Hoping for something is not enough. It must be worked for

Posted Date: 7/21/2011 10:49:52 AM

Follow in the footsteps of the early Muslims: that is the only way to reform

Posted Date: 7/20/2011 1:59:40 PM

Imam Malik once observed, “Latter-day Muslims can reform only by means of that which enabled early Muslims to reform.”

Remaining on speaking terms

Posted Date: 7/19/2011 10:31:52 AM

When evil lives on

Posted Date: 7/18/2011 10:47:45 AM

A wise man once said: “Blessed are those whose sins die with them. Damned are those whose sins live on after them.”

The Prophet’s way of giving advice

Posted Date: 7/17/2011 5:28:24 PM

The Prophet once said of Khuzaim, one of the Companions, “What a fine fellow Khuzaim would be, if only his locks were not so long and his shawl did not drag on the ground (Abu Dawud, Sunan).” When Khuzaim heard what the Prophet had said of him, he took a knife and cut off his locks. In like manner, the Prophet said of another companion, Abdullah by name, what a fine fellow he would be “if only he prayed at night.” When Abdullah heard this, he immediately started praying at night, sleeping for only a very short time. (AL-BUKHARI, SAHIH)

Affluence is the greatest trial

Posted Date: 7/16/2011 12:03:10 PM

Affluence is the greatest trial

Posted Date: 7/15/2011 10:50:33 AM

Knowledge is more than just information

Posted Date: 7/14/2011 10:32:55 AM

Malik, ibn Anas said: “Knowledge is enlightenment. It comes only to a humble, fearing, pious heart.”

Lose all, gain all

Posted Date: 7/13/2011 10:10:52 AM

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, sent out Khalid ibn Walid on a military campaign. One of the pieces of advice he gave him was: “Desire of death you will be granted life.”

The eminent should grieve for the lowly

Posted Date: 7/12/2011 4:06:35 PM

In between two possibilities

Posted Date: 7/11/2011 4:42:08 PM

Extending unstinted support

Posted Date: 7/10/2011 7:13:34 PM

What really matters is the man within

Posted Date: 7/9/2011 10:32:08 AM

Knowing the world, but not the Hereafter

Posted Date: 7/8/2011 9:38:05 AM

Abu Darda asked certain individuals, “How is it that I behold you full of food, but starved of knowledge?” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-ILM)

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 7/7/2011 11:35:42 AM

It is wrong even to hint a partnership with God

Posted Date: 7/6/2011 10:38:14 AM

Even self-sacrifice is of no value without total sincerity

Posted Date: 7/5/2011 12:00:03 PM

Sycophantic subordinates portend disaster

Posted Date: 7/4/2011 10:51:06 AM

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 7/3/2011 3:21:19 PM

A good deed is of no value if it makes one proud

Posted Date: 7/2/2011 12:33:03 PM

Ibn Ataullah As-Sikandari wrote in his book, Al-Hikam: “A sin which makes one meek and humble is better than a good deed which makes one proud and arrogant.”

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 7/1/2011 10:37:04 AM

The evils of society stem from the evils in individuals

Posted Date: 6/30/2011 10:40:44 AM

If the door is not opened for you, leave without taking offence

Posted Date: 6/29/2011 10:49:16 AM

Anas ibn Malik says that the Prophet used to ask for permission to enter a house just by thrice greeting the occupants, then, if he was asked in, he would enter; if not, he would go away. (AL-BAZZAR)

A believer is satisfied, not by giving vent to his anger, but by controlling it

Posted Date: 6/28/2011 10:37:28 AM

Said Umar: “For a servant of God, there is nothing sweeter than the swallowing of his own anger. Neither milk nor honey can be compared to it. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

It is for God to judge

Posted Date: 6/27/2011 10:23:09 AM

Moderation in both friendship and enmity

Posted Date: 6/26/2011 4:05:02 PM

The Prophet said: “Exercise moderation in your friendship, for one day your friend may become your enemy. And be moderate also in your enmity, for one day your enemy may turn into a friend.

Building more for the Hereafter than for this world

Posted Date: 6/25/2011 11:15:44 AM

Spending what one has in order to escape the Fire

Posted Date: 6/24/2011 10:34:52 AM

Adi ibn Hatim heard the Prophet say: “Save yourselves from the Fire, be it with a piece of a date, and if you do not have that, then with a kind word.” (AL BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Muslims should be dearer to each other than money

Posted Date: 6/23/2011 10:33:24 AM

Thrift, even in the midst of plenty

Posted Date: 6/22/2011 10:27:17 AM

Being punctilious in paying people their dues Being punctilious in paying people their dues

Posted Date: 6/21/2011 10:35:59 AM

Abdullah ibn Umar records the Prophet as saying: “Pay a labourer his wages before his sweat has dried.” (IBN MAJAH, SUNAN)

A piece of good advice is more precious than a material gift

Posted Date: 6/20/2011 10:42:29 AM

Man's Responsibility to his parents

Posted Date: 6/18/2011 11:05:24 AM

Man’s responsibility to his parents is to pay their dues, to respect them, always to speak gently to them, to fulfil their needs and to be of service to them in the fullest sense of the word.

One who gives receives

Posted Date: 6/17/2011 10:42:42 AM

“Everyday, two angels visit the servants of God on earth. One of them prays: “Lord, reward those who spend,” while the other prays, “Lord, destroy the wealth of those who withhold.’

(AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

Bearing with minor afflictions

Posted Date: 6/16/2011 10:55:51 AM

The cure for anger is silence

Posted Date: 6/15/2011 10:47:50 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas records the Prophet as saying: “When anyone of you becomes angry, he should remain silent.” This the Prophet repeated three times. (AHMAD, MUSNAD)

Dealing with matters in a tactful manner

Posted Date: 6/14/2011 2:13:29 PM

Rigidity is not the sign of religion

Posted Date: 6/13/2011 10:35:12 AM

Showing tolerance and understanding

Posted Date: 6/12/2011 4:21:22 PM

Speech is silver: Silence is golden

Posted Date: 6/11/2011 12:04:34 PM

“Learn how to remain silent, just as you learn how to speak,” said Abu Darda, “for silence is an act of great forbearance. And be more eager to listen than to speak; particularly avoid speaking about that which does not concern you. Do not allow yourself to turn into the kind of person who laughs insensitively, or who travels without any objective. (IBN ASAKIR)

The price of preaching what is good

Posted Date: 6/10/2011 10:43:15 AM

Admonishing his son, Umayr ibn Hubayb ibn Hamashah said: “Anyone who wishes to command what is good and forbid what is evil should have trust in God’s reward, for he shall have to remain patient in the face of persecution; persecution will not harm one who trusts in God’s reward.” (AL-TABARANI)

Man’s greatest struggle is with his own desires

Posted Date: 6/9/2011 10:30:10 AM

According to Jabir, when the Muslims returned from an expedition, the Prophet said to them: “You have returned from a minor struggle (Jihad) to a major one.” They asked him what that major struggle was. “The struggle engaged in by a servant of God to control his own desires,” replied the Prophet. (JAMI‘ AL-ULUM WA AL-HIKAM)

The devil in man

Posted Date: 6/8/2011 11:02:05 AM

God’s favourite servants are those of the finest character

Posted Date: 6/7/2011 11:50:43 AM

Usamah ibn Shurayk tells of how the companions were sitting so silently in the presence of the Prophet that it was as if they had birds perched upon their heads. Just then, certain people came and asked the Prophet which of God’s servants was dearest to him. “The one who has the finest character,” replied the Prophet. (AL-TARGHEEB WA AL-TARHEEB

What are the problems a translator of the Quran may face in today’s world?

Posted Date: 6/6/2011 12:39:41 PM

He must be thoroughly acquainted with the modern idiom in order to address the modern mind.

Justice for all

Posted Date: 6/6/2011 10:37:26 AM

It is a wise man who fears God

Posted Date: 6/5/2011 7:02:51 PM

“Wisdom comes from fear of God,” said Abdullah ibn Masud. Commenting on the verse of the Qur’an, “He grants wisdom unto whom He will,” Abul Aliyah said that here wisdom meant fear of God, for true wisdom could come only from fear of God.” (IBN KATHIR, TAFSIR)

The actions, which will take us to heaven

Posted Date: 6/4/2011 1:16:00 PM

Compassion for all creatures

Posted Date: 6/3/2011 10:39:24 AM

Being a humanitarian

Posted Date: 6/2/2011 10:43:28 AM

The deeds dearest to the companions

Posted Date: 6/1/2011 10:33:59 AM

Pardoning a servant

Posted Date: 5/30/2011 10:37:01 AM

A desert Arab once came before the Prophet and asked how many times a day he should pardon his servant. “Seventy times,” replied the Prophet. (AL-TIRMIDHI, ABU DAWUD)

A Muslim must suppress his desires

Posted Date: 5/26/2011 10:36:20 AM

For one Muslim to sever relations with another Muslim is as bad as killing him

Posted Date: 5/25/2011 10:34:27 AM

Abu Kharash Al-Sulami heard this saying of the Prophet: “To severe relations with one’s Muslim brother for a whole year is as bad as spilling his blood.” (ABU DAWUD, SUNAN)

A good leader must ensure that his orders are effectively carried out

Posted Date: 5/24/2011 10:37:29 AM

When the elite prove trustworthy, others follow suit

Posted Date: 5/23/2011 10:41:49 AM

A spiritual bond should remain untarnished by personal differences

Posted Date: 5/22/2011 9:18:06 AM

Restraining one’s hand and one’s tongue from attacking one’s brethren

Posted Date: 5/21/2011 10:18:58 AM

Worship, unity and good intentions

Posted Date: 5/20/2011 10:58:36 AM

According to Abu Hurayrah, the Prophet enumerated three things required of man by God; that he should give Him his undivided worship; that he should hold fast to His rope without becoming divided from his fellowmen; that he should be well- intentioned towards one whom God has entrusted with control of his affairs. (Muslim, Sahih)

Good deeds are nullified by disputes over religious matter

Posted Date: 5/19/2011 10:50:43 AM

Awam ibn Hawshab records the Prophet as saying: “Beware of disputes in matters of religion, for they are liable to undo your good deeds.” (IBN ABDIL BARR)

Wisdom: God’s greatest gift

Posted Date: 5/18/2011 10:35:17 AM

Wisdom and learning are lights by which God guides whom he wills,” said Imam Malik. “They do not stem from an understanding of many theological issues.” (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

The danger of action without knowledge

Posted Date: 5/17/2011 10:37:04 AM

“One who acts in ignorance will cause more harm than good,” said Umar ibn Abdul-Aziz. (JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

God’s mercy for the merciful

Posted Date: 5/16/2011 11:34:15 AM

The Prophet said: “God will not show mercy to one who does not show mercy to his fellow-men.”

It is best to work for one’s living

Posted Date: 5/15/2011 5:39:53 PM

The Prophet, once questioned on the best way to earn a living replied, “By manual
labour.”

One’s trust in God is one’s greatest strength

Posted Date: 5/14/2011 11:29:43 AM

“He who would be strongest of men should put his trust in God.” (SAYINGS OF SAINTS)

Honest partners have a third partner in God

Posted Date: 5/13/2011 10:29:01 AM

God’s generosity to the generous

Posted Date: 5/12/2011 10:38:31 AM

These words are attributed to Almighty God in one of the Prophet’s sayings: Mankind, spend in God’s cause; it shall be you who shall receive.” (AL-BUKHARI, MUSLIM)

“If one were to leave

Posted Date: 5/11/2011 10:34:27 AM

“If one were to leave a will for his property to be given to the most intelligent of men, it should be handed over to the one who is least attached to worldly things.” (IMAM SHAFI’I)

According to Aishah

Posted Date: 5/10/2011 10:41:51 AM

According to Aishah, when the Prophet was displeased with the way someone had acted or spoken, he would express his disapproval of people who act or speak in such a manner, without indicating which particular individual he meant.

God's True Servants

Posted Date: 5/9/2011 12:00:00 AM

Hamdun Nishapuri, who lived in the third century Hijri, when asked who God’s true servant was, answered: “One who worships and has no desire for people to worship him”.

Worship is more than a set of rituals

Posted Date: 5/8/2011 5:17:56 PM

The least one can do is not harm anyone

Posted Date: 5/7/2011 10:26:30 AM

Yahya ibn Muadh Al-Razi once observed that if one cannot do anything to benefit one’s Muslim brother, at least one should do him no harm.

Reforming others and being ready to be reformed oneself

Posted Date: 5/6/2011 1:02:42 PM

He whose heart is free of hate will enter Heaven

Posted Date: 5/5/2011 10:38:25 AM

Bowing to the will of God and to His Messenger

Posted Date: 5/4/2011 11:03:33 AM

Being conscious of one’s own faults, not of others

Posted Date: 5/3/2011 10:38:48 AM

Leave justice to God

Posted Date: 5/2/2011 10:56:09 AM

By making no efforts, man loses what he hopes to gain

Posted Date: 5/1/2011 5:25:48 PM

Being satisfied with God’s bounty and always thirsting for knowledge

Posted Date: 4/30/2011 10:33:56 AM

Having bad relations with anyone is no reason to deny him his rights

Posted Date: 4/29/2011 12:23:19 PM

By performing small tasks a man does not demean himself

Posted Date: 4/28/2011 10:29:24 AM

Regarding one’s deeds as of no special value

Posted Date: 4/26/2011 10:37:54 AM

The greatest deeds are the most difficult of all

Posted Date: 4/25/2011 10:42:25 AM

Thinking nought of one’s actions

Posted Date: 4/24/2011 8:47:39 AM

Worldly attachment bars the gate to eternity

Posted Date: 4/23/2011 12:31:16 PM

Hardness of heart comes from using religion for worldly ends

Posted Date: 4/21/2011 10:29:59 AM

One who will be saved from Doom on the Day of Judgement

Posted Date: 4/20/2011 10:35:02 AM

“On the Day of Resurrection, God will save from Hell-fire one who has saved his brother from humiliation in this world.” These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad.

Rejoicing in the Muslims’ prosperity

Posted Date: 4/19/2011 10:32:09 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said: “Whenever I hear that rain has fallen on a Muslim town I am happy; even though I myself have no cattle grazing there.”

Putting oneself in others’ shoes and not entertaining suspicions

Posted Date: 4/18/2011 10:39:52 AM

Fearing God in one’s dealings with men

Posted Date: 4/17/2011 5:47:19 PM

The Prophet once came across Abu Masud Ansari beating his
slave. “You should know, Abu Masud,” he said, “that God has more
power over you than you have over this slave.” Abu Masud trembled on
hearing these words of the Prophet. “Messenger of God,” he said, “I am
freeing this slave for God’s sake.” “If you had not acted thus, the flames
of Hell would have engulfed you,” the Prophet told him.

(ABU DAWUD,

SUNAN)

Acting ‘to be seen by men’

Posted Date: 4/16/2011 11:58:46 AM

Lust for fame the worst single danger-for man

Posted Date: 4/15/2011 3:27:43 PM

Do not regard knowledge as a means to personal prestige

Posted Date: 4/14/2011 10:22:35 AM

Weighing up one’s actions before they are weighed up on the divine scales of justice

Posted Date: 4/13/2011 10:55:21 AM

Being sincere means abstaining from what is forbidden

Posted Date: 4/12/2011 12:01:38 PM

The worth of honest earnings

Posted Date: 4/11/2011 10:31:11 AM

Living in fear of Doomsday

Posted Date: 4/10/2011 5:10:46 PM

The corrupting influence of power

Posted Date: 4/9/2011 10:12:55 AM

Between hope and fear

Posted Date: 4/8/2011 12:00:42 PM

Only disinterested action is of moral value

Posted Date: 4/7/2011 12:07:20 PM

No one is exempt from danger of going astray

Posted Date: 4/6/2011 10:51:02 AM

Three all-embracing duties

Posted Date: 4/5/2011 10:35:07 AM

Religion is worthless if its end is material gain

Posted Date: 4/1/2011 6:27:10 AM

The state induced by prayer should be abiding

Posted Date: 3/31/2011 6:29:40 AM

Another account records the Prophet as saying

Posted Date: 3/30/2011 6:09:58 AM

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 3/29/2011 6:00:49 AM

Keeping within the bounds of propriety when fasting

Posted Date: 3/28/2011 9:20:50 AM

Self-seeking places one far from God

Posted Date: 3/27/2011 12:36:52 PM

Congregational prayer brings one closer to God

Posted Date: 3/26/2011 5:18:36 AM

Prayer places one under divine protection

Posted Date: 3/25/2011 7:52:30 AM

Letting one’s heart be moved by the Qur’an

Posted Date: 3/24/2011 5:03:32 AM

God looks after one who prays to Him

Posted Date: 3/23/2011 5:07:31 AM

Remembering God is a constant state of prayer

Posted Date: 3/22/2011 5:04:20 AM

Lodge God in one’s heart: that is the best of states

Posted Date: 3/21/2011 7:36:45 AM

It is the spirit of worship that is important

Posted Date: 3/20/2011 3:56:40 AM

Good Character-the very essence of religion

Posted Date: 3/19/2011 4:48:43 AM

Knowing God is the greatest worship

Posted Date: 3/18/2011 4:40:16 AM

Worshipping God and not harming others

Posted Date: 3/17/2011 4:59:03 AM

In everything there is a lesson to be learned

Posted Date: 3/16/2011 4:57:17 AM

Darani used to say that whenever he went out of his house, whatever he saw would give him a glimpse of some divine blessing and instruct him in some manner.

The Companions worshipped by thinking of God and the Hereafter

Posted Date: 3/15/2011 5:06:47 AM

Meditation the greatest of activities

Posted Date: 3/14/2011 7:56:44 AM

Abdullah ibn Utbah once asked Darda’s mother how her husband had spent most of his time. “In meditation, and learning a lesson from everything that happened,” she replied. (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Learning from everything that happens

Posted Date: 3/13/2011 3:54:47 AM

Reckon with oneself before being reckoned with

Posted Date: 3/12/2011 5:35:36 AM

(HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Fearing no one in giving admonishment

Posted Date: 3/11/2011 5:12:49 AM

Working in one’s own sphere, and avoiding conflict with the government of the day

Posted Date: 3/10/2011 6:30:42 AM

Reject reproof and you reject what is good

Posted Date: 3/9/2011 5:09:51 AM

Adi ibn Hatim once said: “What is acceptable to you today, was abhorrent to us yesterday; and what is abhorrent to you now will become acceptable to future generations. You will be following the true path so long as you continue to recognize what is abhorrent and refrain from rejecting what is acceptable; and so long as a learned man can stand up amongst you to admonish you without having scorn heaped on his head.”

(lBN ‘ASAKIR)

Receiving praise, not with conceit, but with humility

Posted Date: 3/8/2011 5:14:16 AM

To praise someone to his face is to destroy oneself

Posted Date: 3/7/2011 8:22:58 AM

A certain individual came before Umar and began extolling the latter’s
virtues. “You are destroying me and destroying yourself,” was Umar’s
reply.

Swallowing one’s anger increases one’s faith

Posted Date: 3/5/2011 4:58:15 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas records the Prophet as saying: “The draught of one who swallows his anger is dearer to God than any other. God fills with faith one who swallows his anger for God’s sake.”

God’s own are those who accept the Qur’an

Posted Date: 3/4/2011 7:04:42 AM

Anas ibn Malik reports the Prophet as saying: “Some people belong to God.” Asked who they were, he said, “Those who adhere to the Qur’an.”

Remembrance of God the greatest act of worship

Posted Date: 3/3/2011 5:08:52 AM

Abdullah ibn Abbas once said that he preferred discussing religious knowledge for a part of the night to staying up all night in worship of God.

(JAMI‘ BAYAN AL-‘ILM)

Conversing with God more and with men less

Posted Date: 3/2/2011 4:54:09 AM

(ABU NU‘AYM)

Salvation is for those who tread the path of the Prophet and his Companions

Posted Date: 3/1/2011 6:07:05 AM

Bowing at the very name of God

Posted Date: 2/28/2011 8:24:31 AM

The Prophet was in Aishah’s chamber when he heard two men
quarrelling at the tops of their voices outside. One of them had lent
money to the other, who now wanted to pay back less than he had
borrowed. But his creditor was adamant. “Never will I relent, by God!”
he exclaimed. The Prophet then went out to see the quarrelling
pair. “Who is this, swearing in God’s name that he will not do good?” he
asked. At the Prophet’s words, the man mellowed immediately. “It was I,
Prophet of God,” he owned up. Then he added, “He can have whatever
arrangement he pleases.”

(AL-BUKHARI,
MUSLIM)

The God-fearing treats others best

Posted Date: 2/27/2011 3:45:02 AM

Maamar, who belonged to the next generation after the Companions,
tells us that the latter used often to say: “Your greatest well-wisher is he
who fears God with regard to you.”

A true believer shows no hesitation in answering the call of the Almighty

Posted Date: 2/26/2011 4:59:12 AM

Not hating even the direst of enemies

Posted Date: 2/25/2011 5:05:48 AM

Hoping for something is not enough. It must be worked for

Posted Date: 2/24/2011 5:04:23 AM

Follow in the footsteps of the early Muslims: that is the only way to reform

Posted Date: 2/23/2011 5:23:49 AM

Imam Malik once observed, “Latter-day Muslims can reform only by means of that which enabled early Muslims to reform.”

Remaining on speaking terms

Posted Date: 2/22/2011 7:04:25 AM

When evil lives on

Posted Date: 2/21/2011 4:27:02 AM

A wise man once said: “Blessed are those whose sins die with them. Damned are those whose sins live on after them.”

The Prophet’s way of giving advice

Posted Date: 2/20/2011 4:02:38 AM

All man’s sins, except pride, may be forgiven

Posted Date: 2/19/2011 4:54:45 AM

Affluence is the greatest trial

Posted Date: 2/18/2011 3:59:44 AM

Saad ibn Abu Waqqas tells of the Prophet saying; “I fear for you in the trial of worldly
deprivation. But I fear for you even more in the trial of affluence. You have remained
patient in the face of worldly oppression, but will you not be carried away by the
sweetness and luxuriance of this world?”

Knowledge is more than just information

Posted Date: 2/17/2011 5:09:15 AM

Malik, ibn Anas said: “Knowledge is enlightenment. It comes only to a humble, fearing, pious heart.”

Lose all, gain all

Posted Date: 2/16/2011 4:56:45 AM

The first Caliph, Abu Bakr, sent out Khalid ibn Walid on a military campaign. One of the pieces of advice he gave him was: “Desire of death you will be granted life.”

The eminent should grieve for the lowly

Posted Date: 2/15/2011 5:18:42 AM

Bear hardship with patience, and one’s sins will be forgiven in the next world

Posted Date: 2/14/2011 7:41:00 AM

Abu Bakr once recited this verse of the Qur’an before the Prophet: “He that does evil shall be requited with it. There shall be none to protect or help him.” (:123) “How,” asked, “can things now turn out well for us, since we shall have to pay for the evil at we do?” “May God forgive you, Abu Bakr,” the Prophet said, “don’t you ever become ill,or feel fatigue or distress? Aren’t you sometimes afflicted with hardship? Don’t you fall into error now and then?” Abu Bakr said that he did indeed. “This then is the requital of your sins in this world,” said the Prophet. (KANZ AL- UMMAL)

The Qur’an is for admonition, not just for recital

Posted Date: 2/13/2011 3:20:17 AM

Aishah, hearing of certain individuals who read the Qur’an all night, reading it right
through once, or even twice in a night, remarked, “what is there in mere recitation?”
I used to stay up all night with the Prophet and, in his recitations of the chapters
entitled ‘Cow’, ‘Family of Imran’, and ‘Women’, whenever he came to a verse which
contained a warning, he would pray to God and seek refuge with Him, and whenever
he came to a verse bearing good tidings, he would pray to God and express his longing
for what was mentioned in the verse.

(AHMAD, MUSNAD)

True faith brings visions of unseen realities

Posted Date: 2/12/2011 5:00:44 AM

Malik ibn Anas tells of how Muadh ibn Jabal came before the Prophet and was asked by him, “How is your morning?” “Full of faith in God,” replied Muadh. “Every statement applies to something in particular, just as every statement has an inner meaning. To what does your present statement apply?” asked the Prophet. Muadh then told the Prophet that he had never woken up in the morning thinking that he would live till the evening, and never gone to rest in the evening thinking that he would live till morning; nor did he even take one step without the thought crossing his mind that he might not be able to take another. “It is as though I see all those communities, down on their knees, being called to account for their actions. Along with them are their prophets, and their idols, too, – those to which they used to appeal, as well as to God. It is as if I see, with my very own eyes, how the people in Hell are being punished and the people in Paradise are being rewarded.” “You have attained true realization,” the Prophet told him. “Now let there be no falling away from it.” (HILYAT AL-AULIYA)

Sincerity and piety the essence of Islam

Posted Date: 2/11/2011 5:23:31 AM

Obedience to the Prophet, come what may

Posted Date: 2/10/2011 5:25:53 AM

The heart and the tongue: of all things the best and the worst

Posted Date: 2/9/2011 4:57:22 AM

In between two possibilities

Posted Date: 2/8/2011 5:00:27 AM

Extending unstinted support

Posted Date: 2/7/2011 7:13:40 AM

What really matters is the man within

Posted Date: 2/6/2011 3:55:06 AM

Avoiding anger

Posted Date: 2/4/2011 5:01:52 AM

Fearing God’s punishment, even when one is dealing with the lowly

Posted Date: 2/3/2011 5:19:00 AM

Have trust in God right up till the end

Posted Date: 2/2/2011 4:55:38 AM

It is wrong even to hint a partnership with God

Posted Date: 2/1/2011 7:22:11 AM

Good Characters

Posted Date: 1/31/2011 5:08:47 AM

According to another hadith, the best of us is one who is best in moral character. Accordingly, becoming a good human being has nothing ambiguous about it. Its simple formula is that of avoidance of double standards. One who lives his life by this formula is indubitably a person of the highest moral character.

God

Posted Date: 1/31/2011 5:08:01 AM

Say: ‘God is One, the Eternal God. He begot none, nor was He begotten. None is equal to Him.’ (112: 1- 4)
Chapter 112 of the Qur’an, entitled Ikhlas, gives us the essence of monotheism. Not only does it tell us of the oneness of God, but it also makes it clear what the oneness of God means. This chapter presents the concept of God, purified of all human interpolation, for, prior to the advent of Islam, tampering with the sacred text had caused this concept of God to be distorted for all would¬ be believers. God is not many. He is only one. All depend upon him. He depends on none. He, in his own being, is all-powerful. He is above to beget or begotten. He is such a unique being who has no equal or compeer. All kind of oneness belongs to this Almighty Being. The concept of One God is the actual beginning point and also the only source of Islamic teachings.

God

Posted Date: 1/29/2011 9:50:28 AM

God: there is no deity save Him, the Living, the Eternal One. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. His is what the heavens and the earth contain. Who can intercede with Him except by His permission? He knows all about the affairs of men at present and in the future. They can grasp only that part of His knowledge, which He wills. His throne is as vast as the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not weary Him. He is the Exalted, the Immense One. (2:255)

Gaining or Losing

Posted Date: 1/28/2011 5:06:43 AM

The successful person is one who keeps his balance and composure whether gaining or losing. Neither experience should make him deviate from the path of moderation. Those who remain on this straight and narrow path are successful in the eyes of God. Nothing will hinder their progress towards success.

Gaining or Losing

Posted Date: 1/27/2011 5:12:46 AM

Losing and winning are not in themselves important. What is of actual importance is how people conduct themselves when facing these experiences.
In this world, losing and gaining are both forms of testing. Neither is the loser a failure, nor is the gainer a success. The actual criterion of success and failure is how each has reacted to those situations.

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 1/26/2011 7:54:23 AM

Man is a thinking creature. Of necessity he forms opinions. If curbs are placed on
the independent expression of his views, the content of his thought may remain
unchanged, but his ideas will never find expression in his speech and writings. Curbs
of this nature, imposed by a community or a state, will ultimately produce a society of
hypocrites. No sincere person can ever flourish in such a repressive atmosphere. It is
only freedom of thought and expression, which can save man from hypocrisy.

Fasting

Posted Date: 1/25/2011 4:56:49 AM

Fasting produces moral discipline within man. By restricting the basic things he desires, the devotee is trained to lead a life of self-restraint and not of permissiveness. What the speed-breaker does for the speeding motorist, fasting does for the devotee. By having a curb put on his various desires – for one month at a time man is trained to lead a life of self¬ – restraint for the whole year, making no attempt to exceed the limits set by God.

Family Life

Posted Date: 1/24/2011 7:55:06 AM

The secret of a successful family life lies in willing service and cooperation. Every family member should have the desire to come to the assistance of others and be willing to live in harmony with them, without allowing differences and complaints to mar the domestic atmosphere.

Family Life

Posted Date: 1/23/2011 12:38:46 PM

Faith

Posted Date: 1/22/2011 4:21:09 AM

God is the Creator and Owner of all things. He will award or punish all, according to their deeds; none is free from his grip. The discovery of such a God shakes to the core of the whole life of man. His thinking is revolutionized, for God becomes the center of all His emotions.

Education

Posted Date: 1/21/2011 5:00:50 AM

Islam not only stresses the importance of learning, but also demonstrates how all the factors necessary to progress in learning God has provided. An especially vital factor is the freedom to conduct research. Such freedom was encouraged right from the beginning, as is illustrated by an incident which took place after the Prophet had migrated from Mecca to Medina. There he saw some people atop the date palms pollinating them. Since dates were not grown in Mecca the Prophet had to ask what these people were doing to the trees. He thereupon forbade them to do this, and the following year date crop was very poor as compared to the previous year. When the Prophet asked the reason, he was told that the yield depended on pollination. He then told the date-growers to resume this practice, admitting that they knew more about “worldly matters” than he did.

Education

Posted Date: 1/20/2011 5:03:18 AM

The field of education, covering ethics, religion, skills and general knowledge, is a very broad and very vital one. The importance of learning in enabling the individual to put his potentials to optimal use is self¬-evident. Without education, the training of the human minds is incomplete. No individual is a human being in the proper sense until he has been educated.

Dhikr (Remembrance of God)

Posted Date: 1/19/2011 5:04:32 AM

Dhikr, meaning remembrance, that is, remembrance of God, is one of the basic teachings of Islam. The opposite state that of forgetfulness of God, is unpardonable negligence.

Angels

Posted Date: 1/18/2011 12:42:58 PM

Of the many beings created by God, the angels are of special importance. God has invested them with the supernatural power to keep order in the functioning of the universe. They do not, however, deviate in the slightest from the path of God, for all their functioning is in complete obedience to His will.

Tawheed

Posted Date: 1/12/2011 11:33:53 AM

God created man and settled him on the earth. After installing him here, He has kept an unceasing watch over him. Life and death are equally in His hands. Whatever man gains or loses, it is all a matter of the will of God. As the Qur’an expresses it: “God; there is no God but He-the Living, the Eternal One. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. His is what the heavens and the earth contain. Who can intercede with Him, unless by His leave? He is cognizant of men’s affairs, now and in the future. Men can grasp only that part of His Knowledge which He wills. His throne is as vast as the heavens and the earth, and the preservation of both does not weary Him. He is the Exalted, the Immense One.” (2:255)

Spirituality

Posted Date: 1/11/2011 11:56:49 AM

The spiritual individual will carefully avoid the thorns in order to take possession of the blossom, or if by accident, his hands are pricked by the thorns, he dismisses it as a trivial matter. But the unspiritual person, in his unseemly ways will rudely grasp both thorns and flowers, and will recoil in anger and dismay, baulked of his prize, and burning with resentment.

Spiritual Uplift

Posted Date: 1/10/2011 12:31:27 PM

One who has reached the stage of spiritual uplift, and has found the true essence of religion no longer has the will or the capacity to do harm. He gives life not death, to others. He benefits others, doing no injury to anyone. In short, he lives among the people like flowers and not like thorns. He has nothing but love in his heart to bestow upon others.

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 1/9/2011 7:46:46 PM

Speaking the truth is not only a matter of policy for the believer: it is his very religion.
Compromising in the matter of truth is not possible for him. He speaks the truth as he
cannot live without doing so. He speaks the truth because he knows that not speaking
the truth is the negation of his own personality and commitment to something, which
is the negation of the self, is not possible for any worthy person.

Social Service

Posted Date: 1/8/2011 10:43:51 AM

According to a hadith on Doomsday God will say to a person, “I was ill, but you did not come to nurse Me.” The man will reply, “God, You being the Lord of the universe how can You be ill?” God will answer, “Such and such servant of Mine was ill. Had you gone there, you would have found Me there with him.” Then God will say to another person, “I was hungry, but you did not feed Me.” The person will reply, “God, You are the Lord of the worlds, how could You go hungry?” God will say, “Such and such of my servant came to you, but you did not feed him. Had you done so, you would have found Me with him.” Then God will say to yet another man, “I was thirsty, and you did not give Me water to drink.” That person will also say, “God, You are the Lord of the worlds, how could You be thirsty?” God will say, “Such and such servant of Mine came to you, but you did not give him water to drink. Had you offered him water, you would have found Me there with him.”

Simplicity

Posted Date: 1/7/2011 10:47:33 AM

Signs of God

Posted Date: 1/6/2011 12:46:05 PM

Signs of God are spread all over the universe. In some places it is rocks and inanimate matter that provide a pointer to some profound reality, in others it is “flies” – menial objects – that sound out a message for man. Sometimes God enables one of His servants to call his fellow men to truth in plain, spoken language. In all such instances it is one who has opened his mind to truth who will find it. If one is not receptive to instruction one will gain nothing from all the signs that are scattered throughout the world. An open mind derives instruction even from a “fly”, while not even divine revelation and prophetic teachings can break down the barriers of a closed mind.

Signs of God

Posted Date: 1/5/2011 10:29:04 AM

Signs of God

Posted Date: 1/4/2011 10:28:19 AM

The Indian writer Khwajah Hasan Nizami (1878¬1955) once wrote an article in Urdu entitled “Story of a Fly.” In it he complained to a fly about the bother it caused people. “Why don’t you let us sleep in peace?” he remonstrated. “The time for sleep and eternal repose has not yet come.” the fly replied. “When it does, then you can sleep in peace. Now it is better for you to remain alert and active.” This little exchange shows that if one, remains open to admonition, one will find a lesson for one’s life even in such mundane events as the buzz of a fly. If one’s mind is closed, on the other hand, then not even the roar of bombshells and artillery fire will be able to break through its barriers. Only the tempest of the Last Day will bring such people to their senses, but that will not be the time to take heed: that will be a time for retribution, not constructive action.

The Rights of Human Beings

Posted Date: 1/3/2011 1:43:53 PM

What is meant by recognising the rights of human beings (Huquq al-Ibad)? This
means that whenever and wherever a believer meets another person, he should give
him such treatment as is in accordance with Islamic teachings. He should refrain from
such behaviour as does not come up to the standard of Islam.
Examples of proper Islamic behaviour are giving respect to others, never humiliating
others while giving them help, acting for the good of others, and if unable to benefit
them in any way, at least doing no one any harm, fulfilling trusts, never breaking
them; never usurping the wealth and property of others; dealing justly with others
regardless of the circumstances; giving the benefit of the doubt to others, not
believing in allegations made against others without proper proofs; advising others in
earnest.

Peace

Posted Date: 1/2/2011 9:27:44 AM

The life that the true believer desires in this world can be lived only in the propitious atmosphere which flowers in conditions of peace. Conditions of unrest breed a negative atmosphere, which to him is abhorrent.

Patience (Sabr)

Posted Date: 1/1/2011 10:31:15 AM

Sabr is no retreat. Sabr only amounts to taking the initiative along the path of wisdom and reason as opposed to the path of the emotions. Sabr gives one the strength to restrain one’s emotions in delicate situations and rather to use one’s brains to find a course of action along result-oriented lines.

Wealth

Posted Date: 12/31/2010 10:37:51 AM

Wealth is one of life’s necessities. But it is not life’s goal. If wealth is necessary to fulfill life’s material requirements, then it must be acquired as the mainstay of human existence. But if wealth is projected as life’s goal and its ever-increasing acquisition is considered the most important task, then it can become a source of great misery which will destroy its seekers not only in this world but also in the Hereafter. Man has to live in this world for a certain period of time. For this, he requires some material facilities which may serve as a support in his life. The majority of these things must be purchased with money. So it is essential for everyone to provide himself with the means to do so. In this respect wealth is a precious asset for all of us.

Trial

Posted Date: 12/30/2010 10:37:51 AM

Trial

Posted Date: 12/29/2010 10:38:58 AM

Tolerance

Posted Date: 12/28/2010 10:24:58 AM

Tolerance

Posted Date: 12/27/2010 12:54:52 PM

Tolerance is a noble humanitarian and Islamic virtue. Its practice means making concessions to others. Intolerance, on the other hand, means showing a self-centered unconcern for the needs of others. Tolerance is a worthy, humane virtue, which has been described in different terms in the Shariah: for instance, gentle behaviour, showing concern for others, being softhearted, being compassionate.
When true God-worship and religiosity is born within a person, he reaches above all those evils which emanate from selfishness. Instead of living within the confines of the self, he begins to live in the world of reality. The truly pious person begins to look upon people with love and compassion. He does not expect anything from anyone, that is why even when others differ from him or do not behave well towards him, he continues nevertheless to make concessions to them, and continues to be tolerant towards them.

Thanksgiving

Posted Date: 12/26/2010 3:53:12 PM

Thanksgiving for man is to acknowledge the blessings of God. This acknowledgement first arises in the heart then, taking the form of words, it comes to the lips of the grateful person.
From birth, man has been superbly endowed in body and mind by his Creator. All his requirements have been amply catered for, every object in the heavens and on earth having been pressed into his service. All the things necessary for his leading a good life on earth and the building of a civilization have been provided in abundance.

Tawheed

Posted Date: 12/25/2010 12:26:26 PM

Anthropologists would have us believe that the concept of God in religion began with polytheism; that polytheism gradually developed with monotheism. That is, the concept of tawheed was an evolutionary feature of religion which emerged at a later stage. But, according to Islamic belief, the concept of tawheed has existed since the beginning of human life on this earth. The first man – Adam – was the first messenger of God. It was this first messenger who taught human beings the religion of tawheed

Tawheed

Posted Date: 12/24/2010 11:06:08 AM

Spirituality

Posted Date: 12/23/2010 10:32:00 AM

What is spirituality? Spirituality - rabbaniah ¬means ‘Giving in to God.’ The spiritually inclined so elevate themselves in their thinking that they begin to live on a higher divine plane. They remain undisturbed in the face of provocation, their mental balance is not upset by unpleasant experiences, and the distasteful behaviour of others does not arouse any feelings of anger or revenge in them. Living strictly by their principles, their mental level becomes so high that the status cast by others cannot reach them. In rabbaniah they find such sublimity that all else pales into insignificance. Rabbaniah in itself is such a great virtue that the seeker after divine bliss need quest no further.

Spiritual Uplift

Posted Date: 12/22/2010 10:33:21 AM

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 12/21/2010 10:25:44 AM

Speaking the Truth

Posted Date: 12/20/2010 11:48:23 AM

A believer in God is also necessarily a truth-loving person. He always speaks the truth. In all matters he says just what is in accordance with reality. A true believer cannot afford to tell lies, or hide facts. What does it mean to speak the truth? It is to have no contradiction between man’s knowledge and the words that he utters and for that matter; whatever he says should be what has come to his knowledge. Falsehood, by contrast, is the utterance of statements, which do not tally with knowledge.
Truth is the highest virtue of a believer’s character. A believer is a man of principle. And for such a person telling the truth is paramount. For him no other behaviour is possible, for he finds it impossible to deny the truth.

Society

Posted Date: 12/19/2010 9:33:23 AM

Social Work

Posted Date: 12/18/2010 10:44:58 AM

One of the noble feelings that a believer should possess is the urge or desire to come to the assistance of others. He should fulfill their needs without expecting any return. Coming to the assistance of others is, in essence, an acknowledgment of the blessings, which God has showered upon him. It is that person, who helps others who has something more than others. For example, one who has eyes comes to the assistance of one who has not been blessed with the precious gift of sight; an able-¬bodied person will give physical help to the disabled; a wealthy person will give donations to the poor; the man with resources will come to the aid of one who lacks them, and so on.

Social Service

Posted Date: 12/17/2010 1:02:19 PM

Simplicity

Posted Date: 12/16/2010 12:02:07 PM

Simplicity is a support to the believer. It contributes to his strength. By opting for simplicity he is able to put his time to the best use by not wasting it on irrelevant matters. He does not let his attention be diverted to things, which are inessential, so far as his goal is concerned. And in this way he is able to devote himself whole-heartedly to the achievement of higher goals. Simplicity is the food of the believer, and, having its own internal beauty, it serves as an apparel for his modesty. It is in an atmosphere of simplicity that his personality finds the scope for its growth. On the contrary, if the believer builds up an artificial glamour around himself, he will eventually feel as if he is imprisoned in a cell.

Simplicity

Posted Date: 12/15/2010 10:26:13 AM

A believer is one who finds God. God’s discoverer starts living by nature on the plane of higher realities. He rises above outward, superficial things and finds sources of interest in the world of piety. Such a person by his very nature becomes a simplicity loving person. His motto is: Simple living and high thinking. One who has acquired the taste for the meaning of the divine reality can have no taste for outward and material things. Such a person relishes simplicity. In his eyes pretensions lose their attraction. His soul finds peace in natural things. Unnatural and artificial things appear to him as if they are causing his inner world disintegrate and creating obstacles to the progress of his spiritual journey.

Salvation

Posted Date: 12/14/2010 10:44:00 AM

The Rights of Human Beings

Posted Date: 12/13/2010 12:21:09 PM

A believer has important responsibilities towards both God and man. His duty towards God means believing in Him with all His attributes, worshipping Him, regarding himself accountable to Him; and making himself ready to carry out wholeheartedly any such demands that God may make upon him. Another responsibility of the believer is one, which concerns the rights of human beings. This responsibility devolves upon him in his relations with others. Every man or woman, a relative or neighbour, a fellow townsman or compatriot or one with whom he has dealings in business - everyone has some rights over him. It is incumbent upon a believer to fulfill those rights, failing which he will not be deserving of God’s succour.

Religion of Peace

Posted Date: 12/12/2010 9:19:52 AM

The Qur’an

Posted Date: 12/11/2010 10:18:15 AM

The Qur’an, the Book of God, enshrines the teachings which were basically the same as were to be found in previous revealed scriptures. But these ancient scriptures are no longer preserved in their original state. Later additions and deletions have rendered them unreliable, whereas the Qur’an, preserved in its original state, is totally reliable.

Purity of Body and Soul

Posted Date: 12/10/2010 10:35:54 AM

A believer is a clean person. First of all faith cleanses his soul. Consequently his appearance becomes pure as well. His religious thinking makes him a person who loves cleanliness.A believer performs his ablutions before praying five times a day by washing his face, hands and feet. He takes a bath daily to purify his body. His clothes may be simple, but he always likes to wear well laundered clothes.

Prophet

Posted Date: 12/9/2010 10:26:51 AM

A prophet is a person chosen by God as His representative. When God appoints someone as His Messenger, He sends His angel to him to inform him of his new status. In that way, the individual can have no doubts about his appointment as God’s apostle. Later, God reveals His message to him through His angels, so that he may communicate the divine teachings to all his fellow men. Prophethood Human destiny, by Islamic lights, is a matter of man having been placed on this earth by God, so that he may be put to the test – the test being of his capacity to make correct moral choices. It is for this purpose that man has been given complete freedom, for without such freedom, the divine test would have no meaning, no validity. It is required of man that he should lead his life on earth following a regimen of strict self-discipline. Wherein should he find the guiding principles for such a course? The answer, according to Islam, is in prophethood. Throughout the history of mankind, God appointed certain human beings – prophets –who would be the recipients and conveyors of His guidance as sent through His angels. The last in the series was the Prophet Muhammad.

Promise

Posted Date: 12/8/2010 11:14:57 AM

People who invariably fulfill their promises are predictable characters in a society, and give their society that particular quality which exists on a vast scale throughout the universe. Every part of this universe is functioning with the most exact precision. For instance, we can learn in advance about any star’s or planet’s rotation and where it will be moving after a hundred or even a thousand years. Similarly, we know in advance what the boiling point of water will be. In this way the entire universe evinces a predictable character.

Prayer

Posted Date: 12/7/2010 10:14:22 AM

Prayer is worship of God. It is obligatory for the believer to pray five times a day. These prayers are performed in mosques in congregation.
But prior to the performance of prayer comes wudu, ablution. In ablution the hands, face, and feet are washed with water. This washing in order to cleanse awakens the feeling in man that he should always lead a life of purity. Then by uttering the words ‘God is Great’ he enters into the act of salat. This is to acknowledge that all greatness belongs to God. Thus the proper attitude for man is to lead a life of modesty and humility.

Piety

Posted Date: 12/6/2010 10:21:04 PM

Taqwa means piety that is, leading a life of caution and restraint in this world.
Umar Farooq, the second Caliph once asked a companion of the Prophet what taqwa was. He replied, “O leader of the believers, have you ever crossed a path which has thorny shrubs on both sides?” But the companion instead of replying asked another question, “What did you do on such an occasion?” Umar Farooq replied, “I gathered my clothes close to me and moved ahead cautiously.” The companion said, “Now I know what is meant by taqwa.”

Piety

Posted Date: 12/6/2010 10:20:13 PM

The present world is a testing ground. Here, various kinds of thorns have been scattered for the purpose of testing man, such as negativity, false issues rose by non-serious people, the lure of worldly things. Besides these, there are many unpleasant occurrences, which disturb people’s minds and lead them away from the path of virtue. All these things are like thorny shrubs lining both sides of the path of life. At any moment it is feared that man may embroil himself in these thorns and then instead of going forward, remain entrapped in these snares of life.

The Mosque

Posted Date: 12/4/2010 10:18:44 AM

What is the role of the mosque in Islam? ‘Masjid’, or mosque, literally means ‘a place for self-prostration’, that is, a place formally designated for saying the prayers. According to a hadith, the Prophet of Islam observed: “The masjid is a house of God-fearing people. This means, in effect, that it is a center for the inculcation of reverence, where individuals learn what is meant piety and are thus prepared for a life of devotion to the Almighty.

Mornings and Evenings

Posted Date: 12/3/2010 10:37:03 AM

Islam is a complete programme for life covering the individual’s entire existence. From morning till evening not a single moment of the believer’s life excludes the sphere of Islam. It is only after saying his prayers that he goes to bed at night and when he wakes up early in the morning, he first of all purifies his body. After performing his ablutions he says his fajr (dawn) prayer. This is the beginning of the God-oriented life, which starts with purity and worship. The ensuing hours between morning and noon are meant for economic activities. However, during this period too a believer remembers God constantly. In all matters he adheres strictly to the limits set by God, and in his dealings with people, he is scrupulously honest; in any kind of interaction with others he displays a truly Islamic character.

Marriage

Posted Date: 12/2/2010 2:15:39 PM

The Qur’an states: ‘They (women) are your garments. And you (men) are their garments.’ (Qur’an, 2:187). These words from the Holy Scriptures define how men and women relate to each other -like body and its garments. Without garments a body is meaningless, and without a body garments are meaningless. The two must go together, for, apart, they have little reason to exist. This symbolizes the closeness of the two sexes in the material and spiritual senses.

Promise

Posted Date: 12/1/2010 10:31:15 AM

In mutual dealings in social life, it often happens that a person gives his word to another. There is apparently no third person or group between the two, yet there is always a third present and that is God who is the supreme witness. That is why every promise becomes a divine promise.

Plants

Posted Date: 11/30/2010 10:41:09 AM

Peace

Posted Date: 11/29/2010 2:43:59 PM

The believer is like a flower in the garden of nature. Just as a hot wind will shrivel up a bloom and cause it to die, so will constant friction distract the believer from achieving positive goals. And just as a cool breeze will enable the flower to retain its beauty for its natural lifespan, so will a peaceful atmosphere enable the believer to fulfill the obligations of divine worship in a spirit of great serenity. Peace is thus central to the life of the believer.

Peace

Posted Date: 11/28/2010 9:46:17 AM

Patience (Sabr)

Posted Date: 11/27/2010 10:33:16 AM

On the Occasion of Differences

Posted Date: 11/26/2010 10:19:30 AM

Observing Silence

Posted Date: 11/25/2010 10:12:48 AM

The Prophet of Islam once observed, “One who believes in God and the Last Day should either speak words of goodness or keep quiet.”
It is true that failure to speak up and tell the truth when the occasion calls for it can (according to a hadith) earn one the name of ‘dumb Satan.’ But, there are many occasions when observing silence is more proper and more important.

Non-Violence

Posted Date: 11/24/2010 10:36:40 PM

Neighbours

Posted Date: 11/22/2010 9:50:40 AM

Intentions

Posted Date: 11/21/2010 9:29:36 AM

Intention is rooted in man’s inner thinking and feelings. A common man is unable to penetrate the inner recesses of a person’s mind but God knows full well what a man’s thought processes and feelings are. People can be deluded by appearances, but God has complete knowledge of everything. He will deal with people according to His knowledge and will reward everyone exactly as he or she deserves.

Intentions

Posted Date: 11/20/2010 9:43:35 AM

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 11/19/2010 8:21:25 PM

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 11/18/2010 7:52:29 PM

Greater Jihad

Posted Date: 11/17/2010 8:32:06 AM

A good deed is of no value if it makes one proud

Posted Date: 11/16/2010 9:23:01 AM

Ibn Ataullah As-Sikandari wrote in his book, Al-Hikam: “A sin which makes one meek and humble is better than a good deed which makes one proud and arrogant.”

The most worthwhile work is preaching the word of God

Posted Date: 11/15/2010 11:57:43 AM

The Prophet said: “That God should grant guidance, through you, to just one person is better for you than everything on which the sun rises.”

Whatever happens is the will of God

Posted Date: 11/14/2010 9:17:32 AM

Showing Mercy

Posted Date: 11/13/2010 10:21:54 AM

“The Merciful One shows mercy to the merciful,” said the Prophet. “Be merciful with those on earth. The One in Heaven will be merciful with you.” – AHMAD, ABU DAWUD, AL TIRMIDHI

Showing Mercy

Posted Date: 11/12/2010 10:30:17 AM

Those who show mercy will be dealt with mercifully

Good Characters

Posted Date: 11/11/2010 10:41:33 AM

Man is God’s servant

Posted Date: 11/10/2010 11:16:37 AM

God has created man with a plan, that is, to place him temporarily on earth in order to test him. Then those who pass this test will be rewarded, while those who fail will be rejected. For the purposes of this test, man has been granted freedom in this world. Whatever man receives in this world is not as a matter of right but only as a matter of trial. Every situation here is a test, and in all situations man must give a proper performance, as is required of him by God.

God’s Blessing

Posted Date: 11/9/2010 10:36:34 AM

God’s Blessing

Posted Date: 11/8/2010 11:48:20 AM

God-Oriented Life

Posted Date: 11/7/2010 9:06:03 AM

The goal of Islam is to induce man to give up his ungodly ways, so that he may lead a totally God oriented life. One as yet untouched by Islam directs his attention towards things and beings other than God. That is, he is concerned with creation rather than the Creator. Islam shows him how to focus his thoughts and feelings on God alone. When man adopts a path directed to a certain destination, he considers it necessary to keep to that path without turning to the left or the right. For if he makes constant detours, he will fail to reach his destination. The same is the case with man’s journey towards his Maker.

Fundamentalism

Posted Date: 11/6/2010 12:15:23 PM

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 11/5/2010 5:13:21 AM

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 11/4/2010 12:01:49 PM

Freedom of Expression

Posted Date: 11/3/2010 10:55:37 AM

Fasting

Posted Date: 11/2/2010 10:35:58 AM

Fasting

Posted Date: 11/1/2010 2:22:57 PM

Family Life

Posted Date: 10/31/2010 4:47:55 PM

What is a home? A home is a primary unit of social life. A number of homes make a society. When the atmosphere at home is good, the atmosphere in society too will be good. When the atmosphere at home is vitiated, there will be a similar deterioration in the atmosphere of society. Without there being a preponderance of good homes, there can be no society worth the name.

Faith

Posted Date: 10/30/2010 10:23:24 AM

Faith, another name for the recognition of the Supreme God, becomes for the believer a fountainhead of limitless confidence in his Creator. When this recognition takes root in an individual’s heart and soul, his whole personality becomes regenerated. Knowing that in all circumstances he may depend upon God, he becomes a new man.

Faith

Posted Date: 10/29/2010 10:20:26 AM

The essence of faith is ma’arifah, (realization or discovery of God). When a man consciously seeks out and finds God, and thereby has access to divine realities, which is what constitutes faith.

Education

Posted Date: 10/28/2010 12:36:40 PM

Dhikr or Remembrance of God

Posted Date: 10/27/2010 10:51:25 AM

Calling God

Posted Date: 10/26/2010 10:22:02 AM

Dua means seeking from God and this seeking from God has no ending. It continues always. Dua is an expression of unceasing feelings welling up inside the believer’s heart for his Lord. No moment of a believer’s life can be bereft of it.

Calling God

Posted Date: 10/25/2010 1:46:21 PM

God is a living and permanent existence. He hears and sees and has the power to do as He desires and set the course of events in consonance with His will.

Akhirat

Posted Date: 10/23/2010 1:23:46 PM

Death is not the end of a person’s life. It is only the beginning of the next stage of life. Death is that interim stage when man leaves this temporary world of today for the eternal world of tomorrow. He goes out of the temporary accommodation of the world to enter the eternal resting place of the Hereafter. The coming of this stage in the Hereafter is the greatest certainty in one’s life. No one can save himself from this fate in the Hereafter.

Akhirat

Posted Date: 10/22/2010 10:24:04 AM

Avoidance

Posted Date: 10/21/2010 12:02:08 PM

Avoidance of friction is one of the most important principles of Islam. Such avoidance means refraining from retaliation on all occasions of complaint and dissension.

What is Paradise?

Posted Date: 10/6/2010 3:15:16 PM

Paradise is the supreme reward which God gives to His special servants for their deserving actions.

Of all actions, the most sublime is remembrance of God

Posted Date: 10/4/2010 1:32:48 PM

Avoidance

Posted Date: 10/4/2010 12:21:50 PM

Avoidance of friction is one of the most important principles of Islam. Such avoidance means refraining from retaliation on all occasions of complaint and dissension.

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