(This is on the back cover):
“God has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds.”
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as recorded in Bukhari and Ahmad
The Basic Values of Islam should be in every Muslim household and should also be read by every non-Muslim who would like to learn about Islam from its primary sources. This inspiring reference book lists 70 values (such as honesty, human rights, kindness, etc.) and then proves that Islam believes in these values by quoting the Holy Quran and the holy sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
“I hope that both Muslims and non-Muslims will be able to turn to this book and say, “Yes, Islam does really teach things like ‘sanctity of human life’ and ‘love’!” I hope this book will help to make Islamic teachings more CLEAR. This book can help people who are speaking about Islam. “
(Excerpt from the Introduction to The Basic Values of Islam)
The Basic Values of Islam
Alphabetically listed with Islamic references
Compilation and Commentary by Sheima Salam Sumer, Ed.S.
In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
Dedication
Dedicated to the dream that Islam will be perceived as the beautiful religion that it actually is.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
1. ACCOUNTABILITY
2. ACTION
3. BELIEF
4. BROTHERHOOD (OR SISTERHOOD)
5. CHARITY
6. CHASTITY
7. CHEERFULNESS
8. CLEANLINESS
9. COMPASSION
10. CONSIDERATENESS
11. CONSULTATION
12. COOPERATION
13. COURAGE
14. DESTINY
15. DUTY TO PARENTS, FAMILY
16. EASE
17. EQUAL WORTH OF EVERY HUMAN BEING
18. FORGIVENESS
19. FREEDOM OF RELIGION
20. GENEROSITY
21. GENTLENESS
22. GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS, GODFEARING
23. GOODNESS
24. GRATITUDE
25. HELPFULNESS
26. HONESTY
27. HOPE
28. HOSPITALITY
29. HUMAN RIGHTS
30. HUMILITY
31. INTEGRITY
32. INTENTION
33. JUSTICE
34. KINDNESS
35. LEARNING
36. LOVE
37. LOYALTY
38. MARRIAGE
39. MERCY
40. MODERATION
41. MODESTY
42. NEIGHBORLINESS
43. OBEDIENCE
44. ONENESS OF GOD
45. OTHERWORLDLINESS
46. PATIENCE
47. PEACE
48. PIETY
49. POLITENESS
50. PRAYER
51. PROPHETHOOD
52. PURITY
53. PURPOSE
54. REASON
55. RECONCILIATION
56. RELIANCE ON GOD
57. REMEMBRANCE OF GOD
58. REPENTENCE
59. RESPECTFULNESS
60. RESPONSIBILITY
61. RIGHTEOUSNESS
62. SANCTITY OF LIFE
63. SELF CONTROL
64. SINCERITY
65. STEADFASTNESS
66. STRUGGLE FOR GOOD CAUSES
67. TOLERANCE
68. TRUTH
69. UNITY
70. WOMEN’S RIGHTS
INTRODUCTION
By the time, truly humankind will be at a loss, except for those who believe and do good deeds, and encourage one another to truth, and encourage one another to patience.
–The Holy Quran Chapter 103
“God has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds.”
–The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as recorded in Bukhari and Ahmad
The inspiration for this book came from a lecture I attended as a college student. The lecture pertained to terrorists who unfortunately claim to be Muslims. The lecturer’s main point was that such “Muslims” are ignorant of (or indifferent to) the basic values of Islam, such as mercy, kindness, sanctity of life, etc. Soon after the lecture I decided that I wanted to write a book about the Basic Values of Islam. Even though I am not a scholar of Islam, this book is mainly a collection of Quranic verses and hadiths (sayings and actions) of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him). My main role in composing this book is that of an organizer. I simply organized verses and hadiths that prove that Islam teaches each of the 70 values listed in this book.
For the purpose of this book, the word “Values” is defined as: “important and enduring beliefs or ideals shared by the members of a culture about what is good or desirable and what is not. Values exert major influence on the behavior of an individual and serve as broad guidelines in all situations.”
The main aim of this book is to provide an easy and inspiring reference for Islamic values, most of which are universal values. Each value, from “Accountability” to “Women’s rights”, is listed alphabetically with corresponding Quranic verses and hadiths.
The Holy Quran and the Hadiths are the bases of knowledge about the religion of Islam, which is believed in by over one billion people. The Holy Quran is considered by Muslims to be the direct word of the one God to humankind. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is considered God’s final and universal messenger.
I hope that both Muslims and non-Muslims will be able to turn to this book and say, “Yes, Islam does really teach things like ‘sanctity of human life’ and ‘love’!” I hope this book will help to make Islamic teachings more CLEAR. This book can help people who are speaking about Islam.
This is not an exhaustive list of ALL Islamic references for every value, but hopefully the most salient ones. Many excerpts contain multiple values, which is why sometimes the pertinent phrase is highlighted.
Each value is first defined according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Listed below each value are the relevant Quranic verses and then the relevant hadiths. Quran verses report the chapter number and then verse number. Hadiths report the most trusted compiler/collector in whose book the hadith is found (e.g. Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ahmad ibn Hanbal, etc).
Let it be understood that I intend to say “glory be to Him the most High” whenever Allah/God is mentioned. I intend to say “peace and blessings be upon him” whenever the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned. And I also intend to say “may God be pleased with him or her” when a companion (contemporary) of the Prophet is mentioned.
Included are my comments from the viewpoint of a believing, educated Muslim with a Master’s degree in counseling. I encourage readers to deeply reflect on each verse and hadith they read. I also encourage readers to write down more verses or hadiths that could fit under the different values.
1. ACCOUNTABILITY
An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions
(See also Responsibility)
So he who does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and he who does an atom’s weight of evil will see it.
The Holy Quran 99:7-8
On the Day of Judgment, We shall set up scales of justice so that no one
will be dealt with unjustly in any way; even if someone has an act as small
as a grain of a mustard seed, We will bring it to account, and sufficient
are We to settle the accounts.
The Holy Quran 21:47
On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil…
The Holy Quran 3:30
And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you) and you will see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein. They will say, “Ah! Woe to us! What a book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof! They will find all that they did placed before them. And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.
The Holy Quran 18:49
Woe unto those who give short measure: those who, when they are to receive their due from other people, demand that they be given in full, but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due. Do they never think that they shall be raised on an awesome Day, the Day when all people shall stand before the Lord of all the worlds?
The Holy Quran 83:1-6
The Day of Judgment is the Day of Accountability. Do people really believe they can get away with wrongdoing as long as they don’t get “caught” in this world? What a blessing it is to know that justice will prevail no matter what! God will deal with those who wrong others, especially those who “got away with it” in this life!
Say, ‘It is God who gives you life, then makes you die; and in the end He shall gather you on the Day of Resurrection (the coming of) which is beyond all doubt, but most people do not understand. To God belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth. And on that Day when the Last Hour is come—on that Day all those who refused to believe (shall be) the real losers. And you shall see all people hobbling on their knees, for all people will be called upon to (face) their record: ‘Today you shall be recompensed for all that you ever did. This is Our record, it speaks about you in all truth; for We had been recording all that you were doing.’
The Holy Quran 45: 26-29
I ask whether I should seek any god besides God–when he is the Lord of all things. All people will reap the harvest of their own deeds; no one will bear another’s burden. Ultimately, all of you will return to your Lord, and he will resolve your disputes.
The Holy Qur’an 6:164
And fear the Day when you will be returned to Allah. Then everyone will be paid in full for whatever he has done and they will not be wronged.
The Holy Quran 2:281
The deeds we do in this life are the seeds that we plant for the next life. Our good deeds “grow” in heaven and we will see these “harvests”. Also, Allah says that He will “resolve our disputes”. Sometimes we don’t need to put all of our energies into the disputes of this world. They will certainly be resolved in the next world.
Remember, one day you will appear before God (The Creator) and you will answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in his Final Sermon found in Bukhari and Muslim
The Prophet asked his companions, “Do you know who the Bankrupt is?” His companions replied, “The Bankrupt among us is one who has neither money nor property.” The Prophet said, “The real Bankrupt of my community will be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with much of prayer, fasting, and charity; but he will find himself bankrupt on that day as he will have exhausted the funds of virtues because he insulted others, brought calumny against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others, and beat others, so his virtues would be credited to the account of those who suffered at his hand. If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the hellfire.”
Recorded in Sahih Muslim
What a beautiful justice! The wronged in this world will be compensated with the good deeds of their oppressor in the next world! And the oppressor will be burdened with the bad deeds of those he wrongs!
Asma bint Yazid once asked the Messenger of Allah: “If someone of us women stated that she had no desire to have a certain thing, even though she had that desire, then would it be considered a lie?” The Prophet replied, “Falsehood is written as falsehood, and a small falsehood is written as a small falsehood.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
How very precisely are our deeds weighted!
A man shall be asked concerning five (things) on the Day of Resurrection: concerning his life and how he spent it, concerning his youth and how he grew old, concerning his wealth: where he acquired it and in what way he spent it, and what was it that he did with the knowledge that he had.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
We are accountable for the blessings God gave us. What did we do with our wealth? Our knowledge?
2. ACTION
A thing done : DEED
(See also Goodness, Charity)
He Who created death and life so that He may test which of you is best in deed…
The Holy Quran 67:2
This life is a test of our actions.
It is not righteousness that you turn your faces east or west. But it is righteousness to believe in God, and the Last Day, And the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity, to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.
The Holy Quran 2:177
Righteousness must be translated into righteous actions such as giving charity, engaging in prayer, and patience during adversity.
A human being can have nothing but what he strives for.
The Holy Quran 53:39
We have to work for our rewards in the next life.
Whoever performs good deeds and is a believer: his (or her) efforts will not be rejected…
The Holy Quran 21:94
…Truly God does not waste the reward of the doers of good.
The Holy Quran 9:120 (end of verse)
Never ever doubt whether Allah will reward you for your good deeds. As long as they are done for Allah alone, He promises that He will reward you.
Whoever does good deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, We will make them live an agreeable life and We shall indeed recompense them for the best of their actions.
The Holy Quran 16:97
Those who believe and perform good deeds We shall indeed grant pardon to them for their misdeeds and shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.
The Holy Quran 29:7
That Allah may reward them according to the best of their deeds, and add even more for them out of His Grace…
The Holy Quran 24:38
What a Merciful Lord! He will reward us according to the BEST of our actions.
Those who believe and do good deeds, their Lord will admit them to His Mercy. That is a clear triumph.
The Holy Quran 45:30
The real victory is to be admitted to Allah’s Mercy. That is the only victory.
No one knows what delights of the eye have been kept hidden for them as a reward for their good deeds.
The Holy Quran 32:17
We don’t always see the fruits or rewards of our good deeds in this life. That’s because many “delights” are “kept hidden” for the next life.
“As for man, when his Lord tries him through giving him honor and blessings,
he says: ‘My Lord is bountiful to me.’ But when He tries him through
restricting his subsistence, he says: ‘My Lord has humiliated me.’
“Nay! But you did not show kindness to the orphan, nor did you encourage
each other in feeding the poor. Greedily you lay your hands on the
inheritance of the weak, and you love wealth with all your hearts.
“Nay! You should know, when the earth will be pounded to powder, your Lord
will come, with angels standing in ranks, hell shall be brought in sight. On
that Day man will remember his deeds, but how is that remembrance going to profit him?
“He will say: ‘Alas! Would that I had sent forth some good deeds for this
life of mine.'”
The Holy Quran 89:15-24
Our good deeds, such as helping the poor, are our investments in the bank account of the next world.
And what is the uphill road? It is to free a slave, or to feed in a day of hunger–an orphan near of kin, or some poor in misery. Then to be those who believe and exhort one another to patience and to compassion.
The Holy Quran 90:12-17
What beautiful actions our Lord urges us to engage in!
Whosoever intends to do a good deed but does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it with Himself as ten good deeds, up to seven hundred times, or more than that. But if he intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, Allah records it with Himself as a complete good deed; but if he intends it and does it, Allah records it down as one single evil deed.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Every good deed we do is counted (at least) as ten good deeds. Every bad deed we do is only counted as one bad deed. When we don’t do a bad deed that we thought about doing, even that is recorded as one good deed! What does this tell us about Allah (swt)?
What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of a human being, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as recorded in Bukhari
Here the “most excellent” actions have to do with helping those in need.
Once a man, who was passing through a road, found a branch of a tree with thorns obstructing the road. The man removed the branch from the way. Allah thanked him and forgave his sins.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
You never know what good action you do will save you from the hellfire.
Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection: “O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not.”
Man will say: “O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?
O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.”
Man will say: “O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say: “Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me?
O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink.”
Man will say: “O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1172
Allah’s pleasure is tied to helping others.
Verily, what a believer continues to receive (in the form of reward) for his action and his virtues after his death is the knowledge that he acquired and then disseminated, the pious (child) that he left behind, a copy of the Quran that he left as a legacy, the mosques that he built, the inn that he built for the use of travelers, the canal that he caused to flow, or charity that he gave while he was healthy and alive. (These are the acts of goodness the reward of which) reaches him even after his death.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 90
Feed the hungry, visit the sick, and free the slave.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A man asked the Prophet, “What sort of deeds or (what qualities of) Islam
are good?” The Prophet replied, “To feed (the poor) and greet those whom you
know and those whom you do not know.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Three things follow a deceased: his family members, his wealth and his actions. Two of them return and one remains with him. His family members and wealth return, and his actions remain with him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari & Muslim
The Prophet said that God the Exalted and Glorious has said: “I have prepared for My pious servants which no eye has ever seen, and no ear has ever heard, and no human heart has ever perceived, but it is testified by the Book of God.” He then recited (the Quranic verse), “No soul knows what comfort has been concealed from it, as a reward for what it did.”
Recorded in Muslim # 6780
“You can’t take it with you” a saying goes. Actually, the only things we “take with us” (when we die) are our actions/deeds.
3. BELIEF
A state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
Who is better in speech than the one who summons people unto God, and performed a good deed and says, ‘Truly I am of the believers.’
The Holy Quran 41:33
By the time, truly humankind will be at a loss, except for those who believe and do good deeds, and encourage one another to truth, and encourage one another to patience.
The Holy Quran 103: 1-3
Belief in God and doing good deeds go hand and hand.
[Remember that] whatever you are given [now] is nothing but a provision for the transitory life of this world. Better and more enduring is the reward
that God has for those who believe, put their trust in their Lord, avoid
major sins and shameful deeds, forgive even when they are angry…are constant in prayer, conduct their affairs with mutual consultation, spend out of the sustenance that We have given them, and when they are oppressed, help and defend themselves.
The Holy Quran 42:36-39
Notice how belief is mentioned before all good deeds. Belief in God must be the foremost reason for our good deeds.
O you who believe! Believe in God and His Messenger, and the Scripture which He has sent down to His Messenger and every Scripture which He sent down before this. Any who denies God, His angels, His Books, His messengers, and the Day of Judgment, has gone far, far astray.
The Holy Quran 4:136
As this verse teaches, belief involves believing in God, the messengers, the holy scriptures, angels, and the Day of Judgment.
This is the Book. In it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah. Who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have assurance of the Hereafter.
The Holy Quran 2: 2-4
We believe in the “unseen” in this world, and in the next world we will “see” the formally “unseen.”
None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The proof of true belief and faith is to love our human family.
A companion said, “O Prophet of God! Tell me a word about Islam that (may be enough for me and) I may not have to ask anyone about it after you.” The Prophet said, “Say you, ‘I believe in God’; and then keep straight on.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
When we focus on our belief in God, that focus will translate into good actions.
On the Day of Resurrection I will intercede and say, “O my Lord! Admit into Paradise (even) those who have faith equal to a mustard seed in their hearts.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 9, Hadith 600
Any belief in God that we have in our hearts is better than none!
4. BROTHERHOOD (OR SISTERHOOD)
FELLOWSHIP, ALLIANCE (See also Reconciliation, Unity)
And the believers, men and women, are protecting friends one of another; they enjoin the right and forbid the wrong, and they establish worship and they pay the poor-due, and they obey Allah and His messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Lo! Allah is Mighty, Wise.
The Holy Quran 9:71
Truly believers are a single brethren, so make reconciliation between your brothers…
The Holy Quran 49:10
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah: indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
The Holy Quran 49:12
We must do everything possible to reconcile with one another and to promote love and respect among each other. We must not assume negative things about each other. Talking about a fellow believer behind his or her back in a negative way is so evil that it is likened to eating his or her dead flesh.
Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in his Final Sermon
A Muslim is a brother to a Muslim: let him not wrong him, nor forsake him, nor despise him. It is evil enough for a man to despise his brother Muslim. Everything that belongs to a Muslim, his wealth, his blood, and his honor—is sacred to a Muslim…it is by no means lawful for a Muslim to leave his brother alone for more than three days.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
It is not lawful for a Muslim to break with his brother for more than three nights, turning aside from each other when they meet; and the better of the two is he who first begins the salutation.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
To harbor hatred or anger against a fellow Muslim is unlawful. The better believer is the one who takes the first step towards reconciliation.
Beware of suspicion! For, verily, nothing is more false than suspicion. And be not inquisitive, nor overhear anything, nor dispute anything with another, nor envy one another, nor hate one another, nor leave one another in the lurch; and be ye all servants of God and brothers to one another, like as God commanded you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud, Tirmidthi
No man blames another for wickedness and unbelief, but it will return upon him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter: He who calls his brother a disbeliever without evidence will be like what he said (Hadith no. 6104). Also in Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, chapter of status of faith of one who calls his brother a disbeliever (Hadith no.60).
All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in faith: his blood, his wealth and his honor.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship, chapter of forbidding injustice, disappointment and contempt (Hadith no.2564)
Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs. Whoever brought his brother out of discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever hides the faults of a Muslim, Allah will hide his faults on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 43, Number 622
Whoso among you is able to benefit his brother must do it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Do not sever relations. Do not indulge in mutual enmity. Do not entertain rancor and jealousy against one another, and do not be jealous of others. Be brethren among yourselves and become Allah’s servants. It is not permissible for a man to have severed his relations with any of his brethren for more than three days.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation.
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as recorded in Muslim
It is more meritorious for a Muslim to interact with others and offer aid and support.
The likeness of the believer in love, mercy, and sympathy to one another is as the likeness of the body; when a part thereof has a complaint, the whole body responds to it by keeping awake the whole night, and with hot fever.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The rights of a Muslim on a Muslim are five: 1. To return the greetings, 2. To visit the sick, 3. To follow the funeral processions, 4. To accept invitation and 5. To reply to the sneezer.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Vol. 2, Book of Funerals, Hadith No. 1240
He who has harmed his brother’s rights or has hurt his honor, then he should please him today, before the day comes when there will be neither dirham nor dinar with him. If he would have virtues, then they would be taken in proportion to the transgression that he had committed. If there would be no virtues in his record, then the evil deeds of the oppressed would be thrust into his (the oppressor’s) account.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “Do you know what backbiting is?” The people said, Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “It is to remember your brother in a way that may be disliked by him.” He was asked, “If my brother has the defect which I am relating, then is that also backbiting?” He replied, “If that defect is in him, then it is backbiting; and if the defect stated by you is not in him, then it is false accusation (a more serious offense).”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
No companion of mine should tell me anything bad about another person. For when I meet you, I would like my heart to be clean (unbiased).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 1539
O You who have accepted Islam with your tongues, but in whose heart faith has not yet entered! Do not annoy the Muslims nor revile them, nor seek out their faults. For whosoever seeks out the fault of his brother Muslim, Allah will seek out his faults. He whose faults are sought out by Allah, then Allah will expose him, even if he is inside his house.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Our brothers and sisters have rights over us–rights to our help, respect, and love.
None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
We must love our brothers and sisters as we love ourselves.
5. CHARITY
Generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering; also: aid given to those in need
(See also Kindness, Goodness, Action, Compassion, Helpfulness)
Do you know the one who denies the (Day of) Judgment? It is he who pushes the orphan away, and urges not to feed the needy. Woe then unto those praying ones, who are heedless of their prayers, who want to be seen and praised, and refuse (to give) even little things in charity.
The Holy Quran 107:1-7
And spend something (in charity) out of the substance which We have bestowed on you, before Death should come to any of you and he should say, “O my Lord! Why didst Thou not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good”.
The Holy Quran 63:10
The person who denies the Day of Judgment is the person who does not like to give charity.
The parable of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain of corn: it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases, and Allah is All-embracing, All-Knowing.
The Holy Quran 2:261
If you lend God a loan of righteousness, He will multiply the reward for you manifold, and forgive you. God is Appreciative, Clement.
The Holy Quran 64:17
Allah will multiply the blessings of any charity we give for His sake.
…Whatever wealth you spend, let it be for parents, relatives, orphans, the destitute, and the wayfarer.
The Holy Quran 2:215
The most blessed charity is that which we give to our parents. Then the most blessed charity is that given to relatives, orphans, the poor, and the traveler.
Those who spend their wealth by night and day, in secret and in public, shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
The Holy Quran 2:274
You shall not attain piety until you spend out of that which you love. Whatever good you spend Allah knows well.
The Holy Quran 3:92
Therefore, you shall reverence God as much as you can, and listen, and obey, and give (to charity) for your own good. Anyone who is protected from his own stinginess, these are the successful ones.
The Holy Quran 64:16
Attain faith in God and His Messenger, and spend out of that which He has made you trustees. For, those of you who have faith and spend shall have a great reward.
The Holy Quran 57:7
Be quick in the race for forgiveness from your Lord, and for a garden whose width is that of the heavens and the earth, prepared for the righteous–those who spend (in charity) whether in prosperity or in adversity, who restrain anger, and pardon men, for Allah loves those who do good.
The Holy Quran 3:133-134
We are encouraged to give charity in both times of prosperity and adversity. Although giving charity in times of adversity is difficult, the giver will be rewarded more, God-willing.
The example of those who give their money seeking God’s pleasure, out of sincere conviction, is that of a garden on high fertile soil; when heavy rain falls, it gives twice as much crop. If heavy rain is not available, a drizzle will suffice. God is Seer of everything you do.
The Holy Quran 2:265
If you declare your charities, they are still good. But if you keep them anonymous, and give them to the poor, it is better for you, and remits more of your sins. God is fully Cognizant of everything you do.
The Holy Quran 2:271
The reward for charity given anonymously is greater, because it is only between you and Allah alone. The level of sincerity is higher.
If the debtor is unable to pay, wait for a better time. If you give up the loan as a charity, it would be better for you, if you only knew.
The Holy Quran 2:280
Showing clemency to a debtor in need is a great deed in the sight of Allah. We do not know how greatly Allah will weigh this deed and subsequently reward in the next life.
He who takes care of an orphan, whether he is his relative or a stranger, will be in Paradise with me like these two. (Upon this statement, the Prophet placed his forefinger and middle finger together for illustration.)
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari (8:34), Muslim
Caring for an orphan is such a great deed that it will bring us near to our Prophet in the next world.
To smile in the company of your brother is charity. To command to do good deeds and prevent others from doing evil is charity. To guide a person away from a place where he can go astray is charity. Removing troublesome things, like thorns and bones from the road, is charity. Pouring water from your jug into the jug of your brother is charity. Guiding a person with defective vision is charity for you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Charity is not only giving money to the needy. Charity can be as simple as a smile.
Once a dog was going round the well and was about to die out of thirst. A prostitute of Banu Israel (tribe of Israel) happened to see it. So she took off her leather sock and lowered it into the well. She drew out some water and gave the dog to drink. She was forgiven on account of her action.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
(Each one) of you should save himself from the fire by giving even half of a date (in charity). And if you do not find a half date, then (by saying) a pleasant word (to your brethren).
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 394.
A simple act of charity can open the door of Paradise for us.
If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it counts as charity from him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Tirmidthi
O Aishah! Turn not the poor away (from thy door) without giving him something although it be a date. O Aishah! Love the poor, and let them come near thee; God will bring thee nearer to Himself on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi Hadith 1376 (Zuhd, 37); Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra, VII, 12
He who endeavors (to relieve) the needy, the widows, and the poor, is as one who endeavors in the service of God, is as one who stands up (to pray all night) and does not relax and rest, and as one who fasts and breaks it not.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol 7, Book 64, No 265, Muslim
A man has sinned enough if he neglects to feed those in need.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, Number 100
One of the seven people whom God will draw under His own shadow on the Day of Resurrection is a person who gives charity and hides it, so that his left hand knows not what his right hand expends.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Helping the poor is an act of worship that brings us very close to our Lord.
6. CHASTITY
Abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse
(See also Marriage)
Do not come near to unlawful sexual intercourse. Surely it is ever an immorality and evil as a way (opening the door to other evils).
The Holy Quran 17:32
Tell the believing men to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from illegal sexual acts, etc.). That is purer for them. Verily, Allah is All-Aware of what they do.
The Holy Quran 24:30
Let those who find not the wherewithal for marriage keep themselves chaste, until Allah gives them means out of His grace…force not your slave girls to prostitution when they desire chastity, in order that you may make a gain in the goods of this life. But if anyone compels them, yet, after such compulsion, is Allah oft-forgiving, most merciful (to them).
The Holy Quran 24:33
And We blessed (Mary), who guarded her chastity. We breathed into her of Our Spirit, and We made her and her son a sign for the whole world.
The Holy Quran 21:91
In this age when chastity is often overlooked as a virtue, the Holy Quran is very clear on this matter. Mary, the mother of Jesus (may peace be upon them), is praised for guarding her chastity.
If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your gaze (out of modesty), and restrain your hands from injustice.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1260
The Messenger said, “In the sexual act of each of you there is a charity.” The Companions replied: “O Messenger of God! When one of us fulfils his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?” And he said, “Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully he will be rewarded.”
Recorded in Muslim
Sexual immorality is a major sin that can prevent us from entering paradise. And having lawful sexual relations with one’s spouse brings many blessings.
7. CHEERFULNESS
A state of being full of good spirits
(See also Kindness)
Abdullah bin Harith reported, “I have never seen a man who smiled as much as the Messenger of God.”
Recorded in Tirmithi # 2641
A smile is a charity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Do not belittle any act of kindness, even that of greeting your brother with a cheerful countenance.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, At-Tirmidhi
Do not abuse anyone…Do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim: Book 032, Hadith 6359
Anas narrates, “Allah’s Messenger had the best of manners. I had an adopted brother whose name was Abu Umair. He had a sick sparrow called Nughair. Allah’s Messenger used to be playful with him and ask him: “O Abu Umair, what has happened to your Nughair?” (A playful rhyme)
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A man once requested from the Prophet the use of a camel. The Prophet replied, “I can loan you a camel’s baby.”
“What use to me is a camel’s baby?” queried the man. Laughing, the Prophet quipped, “Isn’t every camel the baby of another?”
Recorded in Abu Dawud, Adab, 92; Tirmizi, Birr, 57
Fear Allah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi #5083
The Prophet would play with his grandchildren and carry them on his shoulders. Once when he was carrying Hasan on his shoulders, someone remarked, “O Hasan, what a great ride you have.” The Prophet smiled and replied, “And don’t you see what a great rider I have!”
Recorded in Shamayal an-Nabi
Jareer b. Abdullah said, “The Prophet did not prevent me from sitting with him since I accepted Islam. He always smiled when he looked at me. I once complained to him that I could not ride a horse and he hit me (gently) in my chest and prayed, ‘O God! Steady him, and make him a person who guides others and a source of guidance.”
Recorded in Bukhari #5739
Much silence and a good disposition, there are no two things better than these.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Shall I tell you of him who will be shut out from the fire (of hell)? Every quiet, good-natured fellowman.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was a cheerful man. He encouraged us to smile and to be good-natured. Even meeting another person with a cheerful disposition is a powerful act of kindness.
8. CLEANLINESS
A state of being free from dirt or pollution
…Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean.
The Holy Quran 2: 222
O you who believe! When you rise up for prayer, wash your faces, and your hands up to the elbows, and wipe your heads (with wet hands), and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of major ritual impurity, purify yourselves (by taking a bath). And if you are sick or on a journey, or one of you comes from the answering of call of nature, or you have had contact with women, and you find no water, then go to clean earth and wipe your faces and hands with some of it. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to perfect His grace upon you that you may give thanks.
The Holy Quran 5:6
And your clothing: keep free from stain. And keep away from all uncleanness.
The Holy Quran 74:4-5
O Children of Adam! Dress well when you attend your place of worship…
The Holy Quran 7:31
And We located the position of the House for Ibrahim: “Do not associate anything with Me, and purify My House for those who circle it and for those who stand and bow and prostrate.”
The Holy Quran 22:26
Cleanliness is half of faith…
Sahih Muslim : Book 2 ‘Al-Taharah’ , Number 0432 and in Ahmad
Food is blessed when one washes his hands before and after it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
Had I not found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to cleanse their teeth before every prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
You are soon going to meet your brothers, so tidy your saddles and clothes. Be distinguished in the eyes of the people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud
Don’t ever come with your hair and beard disheveled like a devil.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi
Once the Prophet saw a man with unkempt hair and remarked,
“Does he have nothing with which to comb his hair?”
Upon seeing another man with dirty clothes he remarked,
“Cannot he find anything with which to wash his clothes?”
Recorded in Abu Daud, Libas, 13; Nasai, Zinah 60; Ahmad, al-Musnad, III, 357
If you can afford it, it is befitting that you wear garments other than your working clothes to Friday prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Abu Daud.
Once a man came to the Prophet dressed untidily. The Prophet said, “Do you have money? How is your financial condition?” When the man told him that he was well off, he said to the man, “If Allah gave you wealth, let its signs appear on you!”
Recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 63; Nasai, Zinah, 54; Ahmad, al-Musnad, IV, 137
The Blessed Prophet recommended ten things as being part of the natural hygiene of a person: cutting the hair close on the lips, letting the beard grow, using a toothbrush, cleaning out the nose, paring the nails, washing out the base of the fingers, removal of hair in the armpits and pubic areas, washing the affected parts after a call of nature, and the rinsing of the mouth.
Recorded in Muslim
Cleanliness and presenting a clean appearance are very important in Islam.
9. COMPASSION
Sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
(See also Kindness, Mercy, Love)
In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
The opening words to all but one chapter of the Holy Quran
Allah (swt) chose to begin all but one chapter of the Holy Quran with these two attributes: Compassion and Mercy. He could have chosen attributes such as The Powerful, The Avenger, The Reckoner, The Debaser, etc. He didn’t. What does that tell us about our Lord?
…Truly God is Gentle and Compassionate to mankind.
The Holy Quran 2:143 (end of verse)
There has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer; full of concern for you, to the believers kind and compassionate.
The Holy Quran 9:128
If our Prophet is described as compassionate, we must try to emulate his compassion.
And what is the uphill road? It is to free a slave, or to feed in a day of hunger–an orphan near of kin, or some poor in misery..Then to be those who believe and exhort one another to patience and to compassion.
The Holy Quran 90:12-17
When Allah created his creatures He wrote above His throne: “Verily, My Compassion overcomes My wrath.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari & Muslim
One day, when the Prophet was sitting in Medina, members of a miserable tribe came. They had no shoes. Their skin was stuck to their bones because of hunger. The Prophet became very sad upon seeing their condition and his color changed. He had Bilal give the call to prayer and gathered his companions. From his companions, he took up a collection for the tribe, generously helping them.
Recorded in Muslim, Zakat, 69, 70; Ahmad, al-Musnad, IV, 358, 361
Once the Prophet saw a camel which was just skin and bones. He said to the owner of that camel, “Fear Allah for these speechless animals! Do not let them stay hungry!”
Recorded in Abu Dawud, Jihad, 47; Ibn Khuzaymah, al-Sahih, IV, 143
There was an insane slave girl in Madinah. She walked the streets of Madinah talking to herself. Most people paid no attention to her. They knew that she had no control over herself. Many were amused by her insane chatter. One day, as the Prophet was speaking to some companions, this girl appeared. She asked the Prophet, “O Prophet of Allah, will you do me a favor?” The Prophet said, “I will do whatever I can for you.” “But you have to come with me,” she said. The Prophet asked, “Where do you want to take me?” “I will take you to the street, and then I will tell you what I want.” The Prophet said, “All right, I will follow you to any street you want to take me to.” The people were surprised that the Prophet would spend his time with an insane girl. They knew the girl did not mean what she said. But the Prophet was friendly, and the girl held his hand and asked him to follow her. The Prophet followed the girl through the streets of Madinah. She was talking to herself and walking. At a narrow alley, the girl sat down and asked the Prophet to sit with her. He did so. This example of the Prophet sent a clear message to Muslims that leaders are responsible for all members of a community, especially the handicapped.
Recorded in Muslim, Akhlaq wa Adab; Abu Dawud
Compassion must be shown to all living beings.
Whoever pats an orphan’s head will be rewarded for every hair his hand touches.
Ahmad, al-Musnad, V, 250, 265; Tabarani, al-Mu’jam al Awsat, III, 285
Any kindness shown to orphans is a great deed in Islam.
Ali separated a mother from her child (by selling them to two different parties), but the Prophet forbade that, and cancelled the sale.
Recorded in Abu Daud
Even though Islam greatly encouraged the freeing of slaves, it did not outright prohibit slavery for various reasons (see footnote #11). But Islam did prohibit separating related slaves from each other, such as a mother from her child.
Whoso sympathizes with the mother of a dead child shall be clothed with a garment in paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Showing compassion towards people who are grieving is a great deed in Islam.
10. CONSIDERATENESS
Thoughtfulness of the rights and feelings of others
(See also Kindness, Politeness, Respectfulness)
O you who believe, do not enter the prophet’s homes unless you are given permission to eat, nor shall you force such an invitation in any manner. If you are invited, you may enter. When you finish eating, you shall leave; do not engage him in lengthy conversations. This used to hurt the prophet, and he was too shy to tell you. But God does not shy away from the truth…
The Holy Quran 33:53
Allah (swt) encourages us to show consideration for the feelings and needs of others. The Prophet was too shy to disallow people to come into his home, but Allah teaches us to consider the feelings of people, even if they do not tell us how they feel.
Believers! Do not enter houses other than your own unless you have obtained permission and greeted their people.
The Holy Quran 24:27
The Prophet Muhammad as reported in Bukhari & Muslim
During a journey, a slave named Anjasha raced the camels by singing. The Prophet, thinking of the possibility that the delicate bodies of the ladies on the camels might get hurt, said, “O Anjasha! Mind the crystals! Mind the crystals!”
Recorded in Bukhari, Adab, 95; Ahmad, al-Musnad, III, 117
The Prophet was concerned about everyone. His considerateness is also shown in his sweet use of the word “crystals” to refer to the women.
I start the prayer with the intention of lengthening it, but when I hear a child crying, I shorten the prayer, as I know his mother would suffer from his screams!
The Prophet Muhammad as reported Bukhari #677
The Prophet even considered the feelings of mothers while he was leading prayers.
11. CONSULTATION
The act of asking the advice or opinions of others
[Remember that] whatever you are given [now] is nothing but a provision for the transitory life of this world. Better and more enduring is the reward
that God has for those who believe, put their trust in their Lord, avoid
major sins and shameful deeds, forgive even when they are angry…are constant
in prayer, conduct their affairs with mutual consultation, spend out of the
sustenance that We have given them, and when they are oppressed, help and
defend themselves.
The Holy Quran, 42:36-39
Conducting our affairs by consulting with others is one of the traits of a true believer.
…And consult them in the matter. Then, when you have taken a decision, rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely (upon Him).
The Holy Quran 3:159
After consulting others on a decision and making your own decision, we must rely on Allah (swt) that everything will happen for the best.
Abu Hurairah said, “I have not seen a person keener for the sincere advice of his companions than the Messenger of God.”
Recorded in Tirmidthi #1714
12. COOPERATION
The action of cooperating: common effort
…Never let your enmity for people who barred you from the Holy Mosque move you to commit any excesses against them. Rather, cooperate with one another in good and righteous deeds, and do not cooperate in sinful deeds and injustices…
The Holy Quran 5:2 (middle of verse)
This is a powerful verse that is very relevant to our times. Muslims must never let our ill feelings towards others lead us to transgress the limits and commit injustices. We are only allowed to cooperate with each other to promote good and never to promote wrong.
The believing men and believing women are allies of one another. They enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and establish prayer and give the prescribed charity and obey Allah and His Messenger. Those – Allah will have mercy upon them. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.
The Holy Quran 9:71
The believers, male and female, must cooperate with each other in doing good.
…You should not say that you are with the people, and that if people do good deeds, you will also do good deeds; and that if they do wicked deeds, you will cooperate with them. You should prepare yourself to cooperate with them if they do righteous deeds and to keep away if they do wicked deeds.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked what the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) did at home. She replied, “He helped and assisted family members with their chores; and when the time of prayer came, he used to perform ablution and go out for prayer.”
Recorded in Muslim
Al-Baraa bin ‘Azib narrates, “I saw the Messenger of God on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt (that was dug from the trench) until his chest was covered with dirt.”
Recorded in Bukhari #2780
The Prophet Muhammad chose to cooperate with others even though he did not have to.
13. COURAGE
Mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
(See also Reliance on God)
…And he said to his companion, “Have no fear, for Allah is with us…”
The Holy Quran 9:40
It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his supporters, so fear them not, but fear Me, if you are (true) believers.
The Holy Quran 3:175
Courage lies in the fact that we should fear only Allah and no one else.
You will most certainly be tested by means of your possessions and your own person. You would definitely hear (many) hurtful remarks, (insults, and affronts) not only from those who were given the scriptures before you, but also from those who associate others with Allah. (Despite that), if you persevere patiently, and be pious, then that is indeed an act of courage and fortitude.
The Holy Quran 3:186
One night the people of Medina were terribly frightened by a strange sound. Some people proceeded toward the sound. They saw the Prophet was coming from that direction. He had rushed before all others to find out what was the trouble. He was riding the horse of Abu Talha without a saddle and a sword was hanging from his neck. He was comforting people, telling them not to be afraid, and saying there was nothing to worry about.
Recorded in Bukhari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 277
The Prophet risked his life before anyone else to investigate a loud and frightening sound in the night.
Ali reported that in battles whenever the fighting started “We used to worry much about the Prophet because nobody was nearer to the enemy in the fighting than the Prophet.”
Recorded in Ahmed #654
The Prophet’s actions always spoke louder than his words.
14. DESTINY
Something to which a person or thing is decreed beforehand
No kind of calamity befalls except with God’s leave…
The Holy Quran 64:11
Every difficulty that comes is by Allah’s decree. We must accept it and move on. It is all a test.
Whenever God has sent an apostle to a city or nation, the wealthy people of that place, living in comfort, have rejected the apostle’s message. They have said to themselves: ‘We have more wealth and more children than those who believe the apostle’s message. That shows that we shall not be punished.’ But I say that God gives abundantly to some, and sparingly to others, as He pleases; but most people do not understand this.
The Holy Quran 34:34-36
We must try not to feel jealous if others seem to have more than us. This is Allah’s will, and hopefully it is for the best.
Nor can a soul die except by Allah’s leave, the term being fixed as by writing…
The Holy Quran 3:145
Each person’s time of death is a fixed time, in which there is no escape. Sometimes people miraculously survive the most extreme disasters, and this is because it just wasn’t their time. Why fear death when we all must taste it at our assigned times?
No disaster, unless it has been preordained and recorded in the book of records, can ever befall the earth nor your own selves. Behold, all this is easy enough for Allah. Know this so that you may not despair for the good fortune you lost, nor exult unduly because of the blessings bestowed upon you. Allah does not love the arrogant and the boastful.
The Holy Quran 57:22-23
Destiny is a blessing. We do not need to despair of our losses nor become prideful due to our blessings, for this is the will of our Lord. Our Lord has made the world such that we do have some power over our circumstances through the choices we make and the actions we take, but at the same time everything happens because Allah has decreed it.
If anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don’t say: “If I had not done that, it would not have happened like this,” but say: “Allah did that what He had ordained to do” because your “if” opens the (gate) for the Satan.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Chapter# 8, Book 33, Number: 6441
Be aware that if the whole of mankind were to gather together to do something to help you, they would only be able to do something for you which God had already written for you. Likewise, if the whole of mankind gathered together to harm you, they would only be able to do something to harm you which God had already written to happen to you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthee (Vol 2, No 2043)
We should not dwell on our misfortunes in life, agonizing over what we could have done differently. Yes, we should learn from our experiences, for the Prophet said, “A believer is not stung from the same hole twice” (Bukhari, Muslim). But in the end, what happened was destined to happen, and we must accept it and move on.
15. DUTY TO PARENTS, FAMILY
Conduct due to parents and family
Worship God and join not any partners with Him, and be kind to your parents…”
The Holy Quran 4:36
…Reverence Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights) and (reverence) the wombs (that bore you): for Allah ever watches over you.
The Holy Quran 4:1
Say, Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath prohibited you from: Join not anything as equal with Him, be good to your parents, kill not your children because of poverty—We provide sustenance for you and for them—come not near to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.
The Holy Quran 6:151
The command to worship and reverence Allah is connected to the command to be kind and respectful to our parents. This shows the importance that Allah places on our duty to parents, for it is mentioned after our duty to Allah.
We have enjoined upon human beings kindness to parents…
The Holy Quran 29:8
And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years. Give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination. But if they strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not, but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to Me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.
The Holy Quran 31: 14-15
Gratitude, according to Allah, is due to Allah and our parents. Even if our parents try to make us disbelieve in the oneness of Allah, we are still commanded to treat them kindly.
And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months…
The Holy Quran 46:15
You shall be kind to your parents. If one or both of them live to their old age in your lifetime, you shall not say to them any word of contempt nor repel them, and you shall address them in kind words. You shall lower to them the wing of humility and pray: “O Lord! Bestow on them Your blessings just as they cherished me when I was a little child.”
The Holy Quran 17:23-24
Allah tells us that we are not allowed to speak to our parents rudely. Even a small word of disrespect is displeasing to Allah. We must remember that they raised us and we owe them so much.
A man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: Then who? So he replied: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: “Then your father.”
Sahîh Bukhârî 5971 and Sahîh Muslim 7/2
The right of the mother to her child’s companionship and help is three times that of the father.
May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced, whose parents, one or both, attain old age during his life time, and he does not enter Paradise (by being dutiful to them).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim and Tirmidthi
He who wishes to enter paradise at the best gate must please his father and mother.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari & Muslim
One of the best deeds that will take us to Paradise is being dutiful to our parents.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “God has forbidden you to be undutiful to your mothers, to withhold (what you should give), or demand (what you do not deserve), and to bury your daughters alive [a pre-Islamic practice]. And God has disliked that you talk too much about others, ask too many questions and waste your property.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Hadith 6
Allah has forbidden us to be undutiful to our mothers. This is a huge statement.
A man asked permission of the Prophet (to take part) in a jihad (a battle against oppressors). The Prophet asked, “Are your parents living?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “Then go to them and do jihad (by taking care of them).”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Jihad can be to take care of our aging parents.
Asma, the daughter of Abu Bakr (ra) asked the Prophet, “My mother has come to see me, although she hates our religion, should I then show affection to my mother?” He said, “Yes, you must show affection to your mother.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud
No matter what religion our parents are, we must still treat them with love.
The ties of blood are suspended from the Throne (of God), and say, “Whoso doth regard us, him will God regard, and whoso doth cut us apart, him will God cut apart.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
To sever relations with our family is to sever relations with God.
Sa’d bin Abu-Waqqas reports, “I fell ill at the Farewell Pilgrimage, and the Prophet came to visit me. I said, ‘O Prophet of God! I am suffering severely from the effects of illness, as you see, and I have wealth which I have none to inherit except my only daughter. Should I give two-thirds of my wealth for charity?’ The Prophet said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Then one-half (for charity)?’ The Prophet said, ‘No.’ I said, ‘Then one-third (for charity)?’ The Prophet said, ‘Yes, one-third, and one-third is (also) much: verily it is better that you leave your heirs rich than that you leave them needy to beg from men. And you shall not spend anything seeking the pleasure of God except that you will (also) be rewarded for it, even for what you put into the mouth of your wife.’
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
One dinar is that which you spend in the cause of Allah, and one dinar is that which you spend for freeing a slave, and one dinar is that which you spend on your family. But of all these, the greatest reward will be given for the dinar which has been spent on the family.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
What a Muslim spends on his family, seeking the pleasure of Allah, is also counted as charity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Charity begins at home.
The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best character, and the best of you are those who are the kindest to their wives and families.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in At-Tirmidthi
The best of believers are those who are kindest to their families.
He who brings up two girls, so that they reach their age (of strength), shall come on the day of resurrection—I and he together; (here the prophet put together his two fingers).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Because the Arabs during the time of the Prophet looked down on having daughters, the Prophet elevated and honored those who raised their daughters properly.
16. EASE
Freedom from pain or discomfort
…Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you and to perfect His grace upon you that you may give thanks.
The Holy Quran 5:6 (end of verse)
Allah desires to turn to you mercifully, but those who follow their lusts wish to see you far astray. Allah does wish to lighten your burdens, for man is created weak.
The Holy Quran 4:27-28
Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the criterion (for right and wrong). Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. God wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and glorify God for guiding you, and express your appreciation.
The Holy Quran 2:185
…Recite then as much of the Quran as you can with ease, because He knows that some among you are sick, others must travel in search of His bounty, and others still have to struggle in His cause. Recite then only that which is easy for you, establish worship and give in alms, thus offering Allah a generous loan…
The Holy Quran 73:20 (middle of verse)
Our Lord is so kind that He repeatedly says that He does not wish difficulty on us.
Those who avoid great sins and shameful deeds, only (falling into) small faults, verily thy Lord is ample in forgiveness.
The Holy Quran 53:32
And those who avoid the greater sins and indecencies, and when they are angry, they forgive…
The Holy Quran 42:37
Allah repeatedly urges us to avoid the greater sins because Allah knows it is difficult to avoid all sin.
Ayesha (RA) said: If there were two alternatives, the Holy Prophet used to adopt the easiest, provided there was no sin in it. If the work was sinful, he used to run far away from it. The Prophet did not take any personal revenge on anyone. Yes, if Allah’s commands were disobeyed, the Prophet’s wrath was to be stirred.
Recorded in Bukhari #6404
Verily, this (your) religion is easy, and none shall be severe in religion but it will overcome him: he shall turn it into a stone and make it a tomb.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Ye (O Muslims) have only been raised up to make (life) easy, and ye have not been raised up to make (life) hard.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 38
When the Prophet sent any of his companions on a mission, he would say, “Cheer the people, and inspire (them) not with aversion, and make (it) easy (for them), and make (it) not difficult (for them).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded Bukhari and Muslim
Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet said, “Facilitate things to
people (concerning religious matters), and do not make it hard
for them and give them good tidings and do not make them runaway (from Islam).”
Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 3: Volume 1, Book 3, Number 69
God did not send me to be harsh, or cause harm, but He sent me to teach and make things easy.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 707
We must not make Islam into a religion viewed as too difficult or burdensome, for our own sakes and for the sake of others!
Verily, you are in an age in which he among you who shall abandon one-tenth of what is bidden, will be ruined. Then will come a time when he among them who shall act upon one-tenth of what is bidden, will be saved.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Could we be in this age already? I chose this hadith to encourage people that even if they are not the best Muslims, even a little bit is better than nothing, and maybe the little that we do will save us from the hellfire!
Had I not found it difficult for my followers, I would have ordered them to cleanse their teeth before every prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Bukhari
The Messenger of Allah observed Taraweeh prayer in the Masjid one night and people prayed with him. He repeated the following night and the number of participants grew. The companions congregated the third and fourth night, but the Messenger did not show up. In the morning he told them, “I saw what you did last night, but nothing prevented me from joining you except my fear that it might be made mandatory on you in Ramadan.”
Recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
These hadiths show the utmost compassion and concern that the Prophet had for us. He did not want Islam to be too difficult for us.
O People, verily there are among you those who chase people away! If you lead people in prayer, shorten the prayer. There are old and weak people and those with special needs behind you in prayer.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Bukhari #670
We must not “chase people away” by making religion too burdensome. We must consider the feelings and needs of others.
A Bedouin came to the Prophet and said, “Tell me of a deed such that if I were to do it, I would enter Paradise.” The Prophet said, “Worship God without worshiping anything along with Him, offer the (five daily) prescribed prayers, pay the compulsory alms(zakat), and fast the month of Ramadan.” The Bedouin said, “(I swear) by Him in whose hands my life is, I will not do more than this.” When he (the Bedouin) left, the Prophet said, “Whoever would like to see a man of Paradise should look at this man.”
Narrated by Abu Hurayrah in the Sahih of Bukhari, Volume 2, p. 272-73, Book 23, #480
This Bedouin came to the Prophet for simple advice for entering heaven. The Prophet said that performing the five pillars of Islam is the way to go to heaven.
17. EQUAL WORTH OF EVERY HUMAN BEING
Every person having the same measure of inherent value
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is the most conscious of Allah, warding off evil. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
The Holy Quran 49:13
In Islam, the only factor that makes one person better thandifferent from another is his or her God-consciousness, righteousness (“taqwa” in Arabic).
…Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, whether male or female: ye are members, one of another…
The Holy Quran 3:195
If any do deeds of righteousness—be they male or female—and have faith, they will enter heaven, and not the least injustice will be done to them.
The Holy Quran 4:124
Whoever works righteousness, man or woman, and has faith, verily to him (or her) We will give a new Life, and life that is good and pure, and We will reward them according to the best of their actions.
The Holy Quran 16:97
It doesn’t matter if you are a man or woman. If you do good and have faith in God, you will be rewarded with Paradise.
Surely Pharaoh made himself a tyrant in the land, and divided his people into different classes, weakening one party from among them…..
The Holy Quran 28:4
The Pharoah of the time of Moses is chastised by God for dividing people into classes and weakening one of those classes. There should be no class systems in Islam because we are all of equal worth.
And one of His signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth and the diversity of your tongues and colors; most surely there are signs in this for the learned.
The Holy Quran 30:22
The differences in our languages and races are supposed to be signs of God. Even though there are so many languages and colors of people, we all share basic human traits, such as having emotions.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab. Also a white has no superiority over black nor does a black have any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.
From The Farewell Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as recorded in Bukhari, Fitan, 8 and Muslim, Iman, 378
Humans are equal like the teeth of a comb with the exception of piety, where they differ.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in al-Qudai, Musnad al-Shihab, I, 145; al-Hatib al-Bagdadi, Tarikhu Bagdad, VII, 57; Ibn Habban, al-Majruhin, I, 198
Once Abu Dharr al-Ghifari called Bilal “the son of a black woman”. When the Prophet heard that, he said to him, “O Abu Dharr! You are indeed someone who is still carrying traces of the time of Ignorance (Jahiliyya).”
Recorded in Bukhari, Iman, 22; Muslim, Ayman 38
God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Your race doesn’t matter. Your looks don’t matter. What do matter are your hearts and deeds.
Let none of you call out to his slave, saying, “My slave boy!” or “My slave girl!” Nor let a slave call out to his master, saying, “My Lord!” But let the master call out to the slave saying, “My young man!” or “My young girl!” And let the slave call out to the master as “My chief!” For, verily, you are all slaves, and your Lord is God Almighty.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Itk, 17; Muslim, Alfaz, 13, 15; Abu Daud, Adab, 75
Slaves are your brothers entrusted by Allah to your service. If one of you has his brother under his service, let him feed his brother from his own food, and dress him from his own kind. Do not give him responsibility for things beyond his power. If you do so, help them.
Bukhari, Iman, 22; Muslim, Ayman, 40; Tirmidthi, Birr, 29
We are all servants of God. Even if we must serve people in order to live, that does not mean that we are of less worth than the people we serve.
A funeral procession once passed in front of the Prophet Muhammad and he stood up out of respect. When he was told the person in the coffin was Jewish and not Muslim, he said: “Was it not a living soul?”
Recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 399; Muslim, Janaiz, 81
All living souls are equally due our respect, regardless of their religion or race.
18. FORGIVENESS
The act of ceasing to feel resentment against an offender; pardoning
Keep to forgiveness, and enjoin what is right, and turn away from
the ignorant.
The Holy Quran 7:199
…Forgive and pardon…
Holy Quran 2:109 (middle of verse)
…Overlook with a gracious forgiveness.
The Holy Quran 15:85 (end of verse)
The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto; but if a person forgives and makes peace, his reward rests with God; He loves not those who do wrong.
Holy Quran 42:40
[Remember that] whatever you are given [now] is nothing but a provision for
the transitory life of this world. Better and more enduring is the reward
that God has for those who believe, put their trust in their Lord, avoid
major sins and shameful deeds, forgive even when they are angry…are constant
in prayer, conduct their affairs with mutual consultation, spend out of the
sustenance that We have given them, and when they are oppressed, help and
defend themselves.
The Holy Quran, 42:36-39
Whosoever was patient and forgave: that truly is the firmness of affairs
The Holy Quran 42:43
It is difficult to forgive those who wrong us, especially if they don’t ask for our forgiveness. But Allah says that our reward rests with Him if we forgive.
Do not do evil to those who do evil to you, but you deal with them with forgiveness and kindness.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 335
A true believer treats others in a better way than they treat us.
There was a merchant who would lend to the people, and whenever his debtor was in difficult circumstances, he would say to his employees, “Forgive him so that God may forgive us.” So, God forgave him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 292
19. FREEDOM OF RELIGION
The absence of coercion in choice of religion
(See also Tolerance, Human Rights)
Let there be no coercion in religion. Truth stands out clear from error. Whoever rejects false Gods and believes in God hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold that never breaks…
The Holy Quran 2:256
If it had been thy Lord’s Will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth! Wilt thou then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?
The Holy Quran 10:99
Say: the truth has come from your Lord. Let him who will, believe it, and let him who will, reject it…
Holy Quran 18:29
Whoever chooses to follow guidance follows it for his own good; whoever goes astray, goes astray to his own loss…
Holy Quran 17:15
To you be your religion, and to me mine.
The Holy Quran 109:6
Islam teaches that everyone has the right to believe in what they choose. Although there is a misconception that Islam allows Muslims to fight those with a different religion, this is totally false. Fighting is only allowed against those fighting us (See Holy Quran 60:8 and the values of Struggle for Good Causes, Justice).
Fight in God’s cause against those who fight you, but do not overstep the limits: God does not love those who overstep the limits.
Kill them wherever you encounter them, and drive them out from where they drove you out, for persecution is more serious than killing. Do not fight them at the Sacred Mosque unless they fight you there. If they do fight you, kill them-this is what such disbelievers deserve-
but if they stop, then God is most forgiving and merciful.
Fight them until there is no more persecution, and worship is devoted to God. If they cease hostilities, there can be no [further] hostility, except towards aggressors.
The Holy Quran 2:190-193
Please note that all three of these verses repeat the message that Muslims are only allowed to fight those who are fighting them, and if those fighting them stop fighting, then Muslims must cease all fighting/hostilities. Furthermore, verse 193 does not mean that Muslims can fight non-Muslims until they convert to Islam. The late Shaykh Faysal Mawlawi of Lebanon clarifies this by explaining that the persecution that Muslims were fighting against was the lack of freedom of religion where one powerful group (usually the king or the ruling party) imposes one faith and forbids the citizens from choosing any other, like the Mekkans did to the early Muslims.
This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Letter to the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery
A clear proof of the Prophet Muhammad’s respect for freedom of religion.
20. GENEROSITY
The quality of being liberal in giving: OPENHANDED
(See also Charity)
Truly God commands justice and goodness and generosity to kinsman and forbids lewdness, wrongdoing, and injustice…
The Holy Quran 16:90
Behold, you are those invited to spend in the way of God. But among you are some who are miserly. But any who are miserly are so at the expense of their own souls. And Allah is free of all wants, and it is you who are needy…
The Holy Quran 47:38
If you spend your wealth in the service of God, you are like a grain of corn which sprouts seven ears, each of which bears a hundred grains. God is abundantly generous to those who are generous; He knows all.
The Holy Quran 2:261
By no means will you attain righteousness until you give freely of that which you love, and whatever you give, of a truth God knows it well.
The Holy Quran 3:92
Allah will be generous to those who are generous. Generosity is a mark of righteousness.
The Prophet Muhammad said that Allah, the Exalted, says, “Spend, O son of Adam, you will also be spent upon.”
Recorded in Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Do not withhold your money, (for if you did so) Allah would withhold His blessings from you.
Sahih al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number 513
Avoid cruelty and injustice…and guard yourselves against miserliness, for this has ruined nations who lived before you.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 203m.
The Prophet did not refuse to give anything which he had to someone if he asked for it.
Recorded in Bukhari # 5687
A woman gave the Messenger a burdah (gown). The Prophet asked his Companions, “Do you know what a burdah is?” They said, “Yes, O Prophet of God, it is a piece of woven cloth (similar to a shawl).” The woman said, “O Prophet of God, I have woven this shawl with my own hands for you to wear.” The Messenger of God took it while he direly needed it. After a while, the Messenger came out of his home wearing it, and a Companion said to him, “O Prophet of God! Grant me this shawl to wear!” The Messenger said, “Yes.” He folded it and gave it to the person who asked for it. The Companions scolded the man, saying, “It was not appropriate for you to ask for his shawl, especially since you know he does not turn anyone down or send them away empty-handed.” The man said, “By God! I only asked him to give it to me because I want to be shrouded in this shawl when I die.” Sahl, the narrator of this hadith said that the shawl was used as a shroud for that man when he died.
Sahih al-Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, Number 70
While returning from the Battle of Hunain, the Prophet distributed the booty of war. He was left with nothing. The knowledge of his charity and generosity spread throughout the tribes. As the Prophet continued on his way, the Bedouins heard that he was passing by and came running from their tents to ask him for gifts. The crowd grew, but the Prophet had nothing left to give the Bedouins. The Prophet tried to hide behind a tree to escape from them. One of the Bedouins grabbed hold of his cloak and pulled it off. The Prophet did not become angry or irritated. He only asked, “Please return my cloak. I need it to cover my body. By Allah, if He had given me as many camels as there are trees in the forest, I would give them all to you. You will not find me to be a miser, liar, or a coward.” Upon hearing these words the Bedouin returned the Prophet’s cloak. Other members of the tribe visited the Prophet (S), received the gift of his wisdom, rather than material possessions, and left satisfied.
Recorded in Bukhari, “Bab al-Shuja’ah”
Narrated ‘Uqba bin Al-Harith: I offered the ‘Asr prayer with the Prophet and after finishing the prayer he got up quickly and went to some of his wives and then came out. He noticed the signs of astonishment on the faces of the people caused by his speed. He then said, “I remembered while I was in my prayer that a piece of gold was lying in my house and I disliked that it should remain with us throughout the night, and so I have ordered it to be distributed.”
Recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari Volume 2, Book 22, Number 312
Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet was the most generous of people. He was most generous during Ramadan when he met the angel Gabriel. He would meet him every night in Ramadan to practice and review Quran with him. The Messenger of God was so generous, that he was faster than the swiftest wind in this regard.
Sahih al-Bukhari Volume 4, Book 54, Number 443
The Prophet said to a companion while they were near a mountain, “I would not like to have gold equal to this mountain of Uhud, unless nothing of it, not even a single Dinar of it remains with me for more than three days, except something which I will keep for repaying debts. I would have spent all of it (distributed it) amongst Allah’s servants like this, and like this, and like this.” The Prophet pointed out with his hand towards his right, his left and his back (while illustrating it). He proceeded with his walk and said, “The rich are in fact the poor (little rewarded) on the Day of Resurrection except those who spend their wealth like this, and like this, and like this, to their right, left and back, but such people are few in number…”
Sahih al-Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 45
The Prophet was not attached to material objects. He was attached to Allah’s pleasure.
Oh Adam’s son, spend your wealth. It is good for you. Do not block it. That is bad for you. Spreading wealth according to need cannot be reproached. Spend first for your family and dependents. The raised hand is better than the lowered hand.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
A giver of charity is near to Allah, near to humans, near to paradise, and far from hell; while a miser is far from Allah, far from humans, far from paradise, and near to hell. An uneducated giver of charity is liked more by Allah than a miserly worshipper.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 40 and Bayhaqi
The generous person is loved by Allah as well as people.
21. GENTLENESS
The quality of being free from harshness, sternness, or violence
Thus it is due to mercy from Allah that you deal with them gently, and had you been rough, hard hearted, they would certainly have dispersed from around you…
The Holy Quran 3:159
Allah states that the Prophet Muhammad is gentle and if he had not been gentle many people would have left him and Islam.
Be gentle and calm. . .because God likes gentleness in all affairs.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Hadith 404
Whosoever has been denied (the quality of) gentleness, then he has been denied good.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Gentleness adorns everything, and its absence leaves everything tainted.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
A companion of the Prophet narrates, “By my father and mother! I never saw a teacher, either before or after him, who taught better than the Prophet. By God! He never looked severe, or chastised or reviled.”
Recorded in Muslim, Abu Daud, Nasai
Ayesha reported that the Prophet said, “Allah is soft-hearted. He likes soft-heartedness. And the reward He gives for softheartedness He does not give for hardness; nay, such a reward He does not give for anything.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Gentleness is a quality of our Prophet and it is a quality that a person will be greatly rewarded for.
22. GOD-CONSCIOUSNESS, GODFEARING
The state of being aware of God and fearing His displeasure
(See also Piety)
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is the most conscious of Allah, warding off evil. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
The Holy Quran 49:13
God-consciousness is the only factor that brings us honor in the sight of God.
..Fear God and know that God is with the God-fearing (people).
The Holy Quran 2:194 (end of verse)
…Truly God loves the God-fearing (people).
The Holy Quran 9:4 (end of verse)
It is only the Evil One that suggests to you the fear of his votaries: Be ye not afraid of them, but fear Me, if ye have Faith.
The Holy Quran 3:175
Oh you who believe! Fasting is ordained for you, as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God.
The Holy Quran 2:183
The aim of fasting as well as our other duties as Muslims is to increase our God-consciousness.
O you who believe! Remain conscious of God, and be among those who are true to their word.
The Holy Quran 9: 119
Speaking truthfully is a sign of our God-consciousness.
The pilgrimage shall take place in the months appointed for it. And whoever undertakes the pilgrimage in those (months) shall, while on pilgrimage, abstain from lewd speech, from all wicked conduct, and from quarreling; and whatever good you may do, God is aware of it. And make provisions for yourselves, but, verily, the best of all provisions is God-consciousness: remain, then, conscious of Me, O you who are endowed with insight.
The Holy Quran 2:197
The best provision to take on any journey, especially the Hajj, is God-consciousness.
Sometimes when I return to my family, I would find a date fruit on the bed. I would pick it up to eat it, but then I would fear that it was from the charity , and thus throw it back (on the bed).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari # 2300
The Prophet was so God-conscious that he would not eat one date for fear that it was intended to be given as charity.
23. GOODNESS
The quality or state of being good
(See also Action, Helpfulness)
Let there be a community among you who call to the good, and enjoin the right, and forbid the wrong. They are the ones who have success.
The Holy Quran 3:104
Worship and serve God alone and make no gods beside Him; and do good to your parents, the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is a relative, the neighbor who is a stranger, and the companion by your side, and the wayfarer, and to those you rightfully possess; for God loves not the proud and boastful, those who are miserly and urge others to be miserly.
The Holy Quran 4:36-7
…Do good! Truly God loves the doers of good.
The Holy Quran 2:195 (end of verse)
…Truly God is with the doers of good.
The Holy Quran 29:69 (end of verse)
…Good (is the reward) for those who do good in this world…
The Holy Quran 39:10 (middle of verse)
Whoever performs the weight of a speck of dust in goodness shall see it.
The Holy Quran 99:7
…Whatever good you do, God knows it….
The Holy Quran 2:197 (middle of verse)
Is there any reward for good, other than good?
The Holy Quran 55:60
…Whatever good you send before yourselves, you shall find a richer reward with Allah.
The Holy Quran 73:20 (towards end of verse)
…Truly the good deeds remove the misdeeds…
The Holy Quran 11:114 (middle of verse)
…Then strive together (as in a race) towards all that is good…
The Holy Quran 2:148 (middle of verse)
Nor can Goodness and Evil be equal. Repel (Evil) with that which is better: then he between whom and you was hatred will become as if he were your friend and intimate.
The Holy Quran 41:34-5
…For every one of you we have appointed a law and a way. And had God so willed, He could have made all of you one religious community. But (He willed it otherwise) in order to test you in what He has given you. Strive, then, with one another in doing good. Unto God you all must return, and then He will tell you (the truth) about which you used to differ.
The Holy Quran 5:48 (end of verse)
Then as for him who gives and fears Him, and believes in goodness, We will indeed facilitate his way to the state of ease. Then as for him who is miserly and considers himself self-sufficient, and disbelieves in goodness, We will indeed facilitate his way to evil, and his wealth will not avail him when he perishes.
The Holy Quran 92:5-11
This life is a test to see who will do good. “Good” encompasses so much but instinctively we all know what it is. Goodness involves kindness, charity, honesty; basically all of the values of Islam listed in this book.
To harbor good thoughts is part of well-practiced worship.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Mishkat al Masabih, Volume 2, book 24, Chapter 17, p. 1048 as well as in Abu Daud, Ahmad
Even our thoughts should be good.
Do not be of those who do to others as the others do to them, and say that we will do them a favor if they do us a favor, and if they will be mean and unjust to us then we, too, will be mean and unjust to them. On the contrary, resolve that you will do good if the others do good, and if they do a wrong and act unjustly, even then you will not be unfair to them.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi 268/28 and Tirmidthi, Birr, 62
We must deal with people fairly and rightly even if they are not good to us.
Who is the most favored of Allah? He, from whom the greatest good comes to His creatures.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
God is good, and He accepts nothing but good works.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Tirmidthi
Whoso shows (a way) to good, shall have a reward like that of the man who does it himself.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Helping others to do good is doubly good.
The Prophet was asked concerning goodness and sin. He said, “Goodness is good manners, and sin is what smites within they breast and what you are averse to disclose to men.”
Recorded in Muslim
Whoso believes in God and the Last Day, let him speak good, or keep silent.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Tirmidthi
Our words are powerful and should only be used for good purposes.
A companion named Harmalah narrates,“I stayed with the Prophet one day until he recognized me. When he decided to go, I thought I had better go to him to learn more about Islam. I caught up with him and was close to him. I asked, ‘What do you advise me to do?’ He said: ‘Harmalah, do what is good and avoid evil. Consider what you would like people to say about you when you leave them and do it. Identify what you dislike people to say about you when you leave them and avoid it.’ When I went back home, I thought about his words and found that they have included every good thing.”
Recorded in Bukhari in Al-Adab Al Mufrad
The Prophet also said: “Blessed is the person whom God has made a key for good and a lock for evil.”
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1366
May God make us all “keys for good”.
The people of goodness in this life are the people of goodness in the hereafter, and the people of evil in this life are the people of evil in the hereafter.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari in Al Mufrad
24. GRATITUDE
A state of thankfulness
Therefore remember Me. I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and never show me ingratitude.
The Holy Quran 2:152
Our Lord commands us to never show ingratitude. As humans we often forget the blessings of our Lord, especially when we seem to be going through hard times. But the believer must strive to be grateful to Allah even when times are tough.
Has there (not) been a long time when man was not even a mentionable thing. It is We who have created man out of a sperm-drop intermingled, so that We might test him. And therefore We have made him hearing and seeing. Surely We have guided him to the way (and it rests with him to prove himself) either grateful or ungrateful.
The Holy Quran 76:1-3
This is a powerful verse that teaches that our test in this life is, at its core, a matter of whether we will be grateful or ungrateful to our Creator.
When God brought you out of your mother’s womb, you were empty of knowledge. But he gave you eyes and ears and hearts, in order that you may give thanks to him.
The Holy Quran 16:78
…Whoever is thankful (to God) is thankful for his own self…
The Holy Quran 31:12
…If you give thanks, I will give you more…
The Holy Quran 14:7
Allah promises us that if we are thankful to Him, He will give us more. If you want more of something in your life, you need to be thankful for what you already have!
Whatever blessing you have, it is from God…
The Holy Quran 16:53
…If you count the favors of Allah, never will you be able to number them…
The Holy Quran 14:34
[Satan] said, “Because You have put me in error, I will surely sit in wait for them on Your straight path. Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”
The Holy Quran 7:16-17
A powerful statement from Satan: “You will not find most of them grateful to You.” Satan wants us to be ungrateful!
We enjoined on man to recognize the rights of his parents. His mother bore him in her womb with weakness upon weakness and his weaning took two years. Give thanks to Me and to your parents. All things will return to Me.
The Holy Quran 31:14
Allah orders us to show gratitude to Him and to our parents.
We have ordained humankind to show kindness toward their parents, for in pain their mothers carry them and in pain do they give birth. In thirty months they bear and wean; thus when they attain maturity they may pray, “Lord, inspire us that we may be thankful for the blessings You bestowed upon us and our parents. Kindle within us the desire to do what is upright and pleasing to You. Grant us righteous offspring, Lord. Verily, we turn to You in repentance, surrendering ourselves in earnest.”
The Holy Quran 46:15
If you are thankless—Allah is in no need of you—yet He is not pleased by ingratitude of His worshippers. And if you are thankful He is pleased by it in you…
The Holy Quran 39:7
These verses illustrate the connection between gratitude to Allah and the desire to please Him.
…Anyone who desires the reward in this world shall be given it here, and anyone who desires the reward in the hereafter shall be given it there. Soon We will reward the thankful.
The Holy Quran 3:145
O you who believe, eat from the good things we provided for you, and be thankful to God, if you do worship Him alone.
The Holy Quran 2:172
One (a jinn) who had knowledge of the Scripture said: “I will fetch it (the throne of the Queen of Sheba) to you in the twinkling of an eye.” As soon as Solomon saw the throne set before him, he said: “This is of the grace of my Lord that He may test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful; and whoever is grateful, he is grateful only for his own soul, and whoever is ungrateful, then surely my Lord is Free of all Need, Generous Beyond Accounting.”
The Holy Quran 27:40
Prophet Solomon knew that all help and blessings are a test of whether we are grateful or ungrateful. And gratitude benefits the grateful person the most.
Ayesha (ra) said that the Prophet used to pray at night until his feet would swell. She asked, “Why do you do this, O Messenger of God, when God has forgiven your past and future sins?” The Prophet replied, “Should I not be a grateful servant (Of God)?”
Sahih Bukhari Volume 8, Book 76, Number 478
The Prophet prayed to God out of gratitude.
…Whoever does a favor for you or an act of kindness, then repay him in a similar manner. But if you cannot find that which you can reward him with, then supplicate God for him continuously, until you think you have repaid him.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Ahmed #6106
The Messenger of God would accept gifts and reward generously on account of that.
Recorded in Bukhari #2445
Whoever does not thank the people does not thank Allah.
Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sunan Abu Daud (2/290), Saheeha (416)
Showing gratitude to people is very important in Islam.
When one of you sees another who is superior to him in point of wealth and creation, let him look to him who is below him. That is more proper that you hold not in contempt the favor of God towards you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim (Vol. 4, Book Pertaining to Piety & Softening of Hearts, Hadith No. 7070), Tirmidthi
We must be thankful for whatever we have and we must protect ourselves from feeling jealous of other’s blessings.
My Lord offered to make the broad pebble-bed of Makkah gold for me, but I said, “No my Lord! Rather (grant) that I may fill (my belly) one day, and be hungry (another) day, and that when I am hungry, I may humble myself before Thee, and remember Thee, and that when I am full I may praise Thee and be thankful to Thee.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Ahmad
How excellent the affairs of the believer! His affair, all of it, is good for him; and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If prosperity comes to him, he is thankful (to God), and if adversity falls on him, he perseveres patiently: so it is all good (for him).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
In times of prosperity the believer is thankful to Allah. In times of difficulty the believer is patient. In both circumstances the believer is rewarded.
The Prophet announced to the people the death of Negus (Christian King of Abyssinia) on the day on which he died, and went out with them to the place of prayer, and made them stand in rows, and offered a short prayer for him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Negus, the Christian king of Abyssinia, gave protection and asylum to the Muslims when they were persecuted in Mekkah. The Prophet never forgot the king’s kindness and therefore prayed for him when he passed away.
There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) Health and free time for doing good.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol 8, Book 76, No 421
Let us be thankful for our health and free time!
“Whoever among you wakes up secure in his property, healthy in his body, and he has his food for the day, it is as if he were given the entire world.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
25. HELPFULNESS
The quality of being of service or assistance: Usefulness
(See also Kindness, Charity)
Ibn Umar reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people. The most beloved deed to Allah is to make a Muslim happy, or to remove one of his troubles, or to forgive his debt, or to feed his hunger. That I walk with a brother regarding a need is more beloved to me than that I seclude myself in this mosque in Medina for a month. Whoever swallows his anger, then Allah will conceal his faults. Whoever suppresses his rage, even though he could fulfill his anger if he wished, then Allah will secure his heart on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever walks with his brother regarding a need until he secures it for him, then Allah Almighty will make his footing firm across the bridge on the day when the footings are shaken.”
Source: al-Muʻjam al-Awsaṭ 6192
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani
Whosoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from him one of the griefs on the Day of Judgment. Whosoever alleviates [the] lot of a destitute person, Allah will alleviate his lot in this world and the next. Whosoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the next. Allah will aid a servant (of His) so long as the servant aids his brother.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
If we want Allah to help us, we must help others.
Help your brother, whether he is a wrong-doer or he is wronged. People asked, “It is right to help him if he is wronged, but how should we help him if he is a wrong- doer?” The Prophet said, “By preventing him from doing wrong to others.”
The Prophet Muhammad as reported in Sahih Al-Bukhari, 3:624
A woman from the people of Madeenah who was partially insane said to the Prophet, “I have to ask you (your help) for something.” He helped her and took care of her needs.
Recorded in Bukhari #670
He who fulfils the need of any of my people to make him happy, truly makes me happy. And, he who makes me happy, in fact, makes Allah happy, and he who makes Allah happy, Allah will make him enter Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Baihaqi 296/29
Once a lender and a debtor came to the Prophet to seek his help in resolving their conflict. The debtor was unable to pay back the lender on time. The Prophet offered the cotton sheet that he used to cover his lower body as payment for the debt. The lender accepted. The Prophet wrapped the lower part of his body with the cloth of his turban and gave the lender the cotton sheet. The lender went home pleased.
Recorded in Musnad Ahmad Volume III
“Beware of sitting on the roadside!” advised the Prophet. The sitters said, “But we sit there and talk of business.” “Then,” said the Prophet, “Do it as it ought to be done.” “And how ought it to be done?” they asked. “Lower your eyes to the ground, restrain yourselves from hurting anyone, return the greeting of him who greets, bid what is reasonable, and forbid what is wrong, relieve the aggrieved, and guide aright the erring.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud
Who is the most favored of Allah? He, from whom the greatest good comes to His creatures.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Allah (mighty and sublime be He) will say on the Day of Resurrection: “O son of Adam, I fell ill and you visited Me not.”
Man will say: “O Lord, and how should I visit You when You are the Lord of the worlds?” Allah will say: Did you not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would have found Me with him?
O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not.”
Man will say: “O Lord, and how should I feed You when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say: “Did you not know that My servant So-and-so asked you for food and you fed him not? Did you not know that had you fed him you would surely have found that (the reward for doing so) with Me?
O son of Adam, I asked you to give Me to drink and you gave Me not to drink.”
Man will say: “O Lord, how should I give You to drink when You are the Lord of the worlds?”
Allah will say: My servant So-and-so asked you to give him to drink and you gave him not to drink. Had you given him to drink you would have surely found that with Me.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1172
He who endeavors (to relieve) the needy, the desolate, and the poor, is as one who endeavors in the service of God, is as one who stands up (to pray all night) and does not relax and rest, and as one who fasts and breaks it not.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Every believer who consoles his brother (or sister) in distress will be dressed by God in an apparel of honor on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, Number 80a
Helping Allah’s creatures will earn the pleasure of Allah.
26. HONESTY
Fairness and straightforwardness of conduct; adherence to the facts
(See also Integrity, Truth)
…True piety consists of…being true to your promises…
The Holy Quran 2:177
O you have attained to faith! Remain conscious of God, and be among those who are true to their word.
The Holy Quran 9: 119
Believers, remain mindful of Allah and always tell the truth. He will bless you with forthrightness and absolve you of your sins…
The Holy Quran 33:70-71
And (know that the true servants of God are) those who do not bear witness to falsehood.
The Holy Quran 25:72
…And be true to every promise, for verily you will be called to account for every promise which you have made.
The Holy Quran 17:34
And do not use your oaths as a means of deceiving one another or else (your) foot will slip after having been firm, and then you will have to taste the evil from the path of God, with tremendous suffering awaiting you in the life to come. Hence do not barter away your bond with God for a trifling gain. Verily, that which is with God is by far the best for you, if you but knew it.
The Holy Quran 16:94-95
We must not lose our bond with Allah by being dishonest and deceptive.
He who commits a fault or a sin then throws its blame on an innocent person, he certainly burdens himself with a falsehood and a manifest sin.
The Holy Quran 4:112
Woe unto those who give short measure: those who, when they are to receive their due from other people, demand that they be given in full, but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due. Do they never think that they shall be raised on an awesome Day, the Day when all people shall stand before the Lord of all the worlds?
The Holy Quran 83:1-6
This verse commands honesty in business dealings.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your gaze (out of modesty), and restrain your hands from injustice.”
Recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1260
The first three things that the Prophet names in this hadith all relate to being honest. Honesty is a must in order to attain salvation.
A person who when talks, speaks untruth; when makes a promise, doesn’t keep it; and when given something in trust, commits dishonesty–this person is a hypocrite, even if this person observes the fast, offers prayers, performs pilgrimage and ‘Umra (smaller pilgrimage), and claims to be a Muslim.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari & Muslim
Truth leads to piety and piety leads to paradise. A man persists in speaking the truth until he is enrolled with Allah as a truthful. Falsehood leads to vice and vice leads to the Fire (Hell), and a person persists on telling lies until he is enrolled as a liar.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari & Muslim
Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Baihaqi
Anybody who called a child, saying that he would give him a certain thing, and did not give it, speaks a lie.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad
Honesty with children is just as important as honesty with adults.
It is not lawful for a Muslim to sell a commodity that has a defect, except when the defect is described for the buyer.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Caliph Abu Bakr quoted the Prophet (pbuh) as saying, “May I tell you the major sins?” “Why not, O Messenger of Allah?” we replied. Then he enumerated them: “To associate someone else with Allah, to disobey parents, or to murder someone unjustly.” He was leaning, then he got up and said, “Also to tell lies or to give false evidence.” He went on repeating this last statement, until we said to ourselves that it would be better if he were silent.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A trustworthy and truthful merchant shall be with the prophets and the truthful and the martyrs and the righteous.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Hadith 50
The Prophet of God passed by the market-place to a heap of corn, and thrust his hand into it; then his fingers felt damp. He said, “What is this, O master of corn?” The man said, “O Prophet of God! Rain fell upon it.” The Prophet said, “Why do you not then keep (the wet portion) above the (dry) corn, so that men may see it? He who deceives us, is not of us.”
Recorded in Muslim
Honesty in business can be difficult, but it is a must in Islam.
27. HOPE
Desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment
…And whosoever fears Allah…He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine…
The Holy Quran 65:2-3
…After a difficulty, Allah will soon grant relief.
The Holy Quran 65:7
So, verily, with every difficulty, there is relief: Verily with every difficulty there is relief. Therefore, when you are free (from your immediate task), still labor hard. And to your Lord turn (all) your attention.
The Holy Quran 94:5-8
Allah promises us that after every difficulty is relief. We must never lose hope that our situation will improve.
Say: “My servants, you who have transgressed against yourselves, do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Truly Allah forgives all wrong actions. He is the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.”
The Holy Quran 39:53
Allah commands us to never lose hope in His mercy and forgiveness. Even if we have committed many sins, Allah forgives all sins except that of associating partners with Him.
O my sons (said Prophet Jacob)! Go you and enquire about Yusuf (Joseph) and his brother, and never give up hope of Allah’s Mercy. Certainly no one despairs of Allah’s Mercy, except the people who disbelieve.
The Holy Quran 12:87
Losing hope in Allah’s mercy is likened to disbelieving in Allah.
Do you think that you will enter paradise without such trials as came to those who passed away before you? They experienced suffering and adversity and were so shaken in spirit that even the Prophet and the faithful who were with him cried, “When will Allah’s help come?” Ah, verily the help of Allah is near.
The Holy Quran 2:214
The path to paradise involves trials and difficulties. But never lose hope! It is just a test!
Surely there is in the person of Allah’s messenger an excellent example for you—for every person who has hope in Allah and the hereafter and who remembers Allah often.
The Holy Quran 33:21
Hope is faith in Allah and the hereafter.
…So be not of the despairing.
The Holy Quran 15:55
Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world: but the things that endure, Good Deeds, are best in the sight of thy Lord, as rewards, and best as (the foundation for) hopes.
The Holy Quran 18:46
The true foundation of hope is the good that we do in this life.
…God is with you and will never deprive you of your (good) deeds.
The Holy Quran 47:35
Do not lose heart nor fall into despair! You shall triumph if you are believers.
The Holy Quran 3:139
True success comes to those who believe.
Their limbs do forsake their beds of sleep, the while they call on their Lord, in Fear and Hope: and they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them.
The Holy Quran 32:16
Waking up to pray to Allah when we are tired is a sure sign of our hope in Allah’s reward.
Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not transgressors. Work not confusion in the Earth after the fair ordering thereof, and call on Him in fear and hope. Lo! The mercy of Allah is nigh unto the good.
The Holy Quran 7:55-56
The believer calls on Allah in fear and hope: fear of His displeasure, and hope in His mercy and approval of us.
…So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.
The Holy Quran 18:110
Let us be hopeful about meeting our Lord with our worship of Him alone.
Allah created mercy in one hundred parts and sent down to earth only one part. Because of this one part, there is mutual love amongst creation, so much so that an animal will lift up its hoof from its young one, fearing that it might harm it. Allah has reserved the remaining ninety-nine parts of this mercy to favor His believing servants on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim, Book #037, Hadith #6631
This hadith is a source of great hope in that Allah has reserved 99 out of 100 parts of mercy for the Day of Judgment. Now reflect on this: only one part of this 100 is divided among all living creatures on earth, including every single human being. Whatever mercy there is on earth, 99 times of that is with Allah. We cannot even fathom how merciful God is!
28. HOSPITALITY
Generous and cordial treatment of guests
Has the story reached you of the honored guests of Ibrahim? Behold, they entered his presence and said: “Peace!” He said: “Peace!” (and thought: “These seem) unusual people.” Then he turned quickly to his household, brought out a fattened calf, and placed it before them. He said, “Will you not eat?”
The Holy Quran 51: 24-27
The Prophet Ibrahim showed the utmost hospitality to his unusual visitors, who turned out to be angels.
Whoso believes in God and the Last Day, let him honor his guest.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud
Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day (of Judgment) should not harm his neighbor. Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously. And anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should say what is good or keep quiet.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari #6019, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47
Hospitality (the obligation of) extends to a guest for three days, after which it becomes charity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Daud
Whoso believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest with all kindness. At the same time it is not lawful for a guest to remain with his host so as to make him sin (by his inability to treat him for a longer period equally hospitably).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari , Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Hospitality is an obligation on the Muslim for the first 3 days. After 3 days, the hosting of a guest is charity.
“O Prophet of God! There is a man who does not regard in me the right of a guest when I am on a journey. Should I then perform my duty to him by receiving him as my guest when he happens to be on the journey?” “Yes,” said the Prophet, “Receive him hospitably.”
Recorded in Tirmidthi #2006
Even when others do not treat us hospitably, Islam teaches us to still treat those people hospitably. We must strive to do good for the sake of Allah.
29. HUMAN RIGHTS
Rights regarded as belonging fundamentally to all persons
(See also Equality of People, Charity, Sanctity of Life, Freedom of Religion, Respect, Women’s Rights, Justice, Tolerance)
The right of all people to be viewed as inherently of equal worth:
Mankind! We created you from a male and female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you might come to know each other. The noblest among you in God’s sight is the one who is most righteous. God is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
The Holy Quran 49:13
The only factor that makes people different from each other is their righteousness/i.e. the degree to which they do what is right. And one’s true righteousness is known only by God. Other than righteousness, we are all equal.
Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, whether male or female: ye are members, one of another…
The Holy Quran 3:195
Whoever does good actions, God will reward him or her.
Surely Pharaoh made himself a tyrant in the land, and divided his people into different classes, weakening one party from among them…..
The Holy Quran 28:4
Pharaoh is chastised in the Quran in many places due to his tyranny and injustice. One of his injustices was to divide people into different social classes.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab. Also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over a white except by piety and good action.
From The Farewell Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as recorded in Bukhari, Fitan, 8 and Muslim, Iman, 378
Humans are equal like the teeth of a comb with the exception of piety, where they differ.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in al-Qudai, Musnad al-Shihab, I, 145; al-Hatib al-Bagdadi, Tarikhu Bagdad, VII, 57; Ibn Habban, al-Majruhin, I, 198
A funeral procession once passed in front of the Prophet Muhammad and he stood up out of respect. When he was told the person in the coffin was Jewish and not Muslim, he said: “Was it not a living soul?”
Recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 399; Muslim, Janaiz, 81
People of all religions deserve respect.
The right to life:
We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
The Holy Quran 5:32
To kill a human being who did not murder anyone is so serious that it is like killing all human beings.
And do not take any human being’s life – [the life] that God has willed to be sacred – other than in [the pursuit of] justice.
The Holy Quran 17:33
Say: Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath prohibited you from: Join not anything as equal with Him, be good to your parents, kill not your children for fear of poverty—We provide sustenance for you and for them—come not near to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.
The Holy Quran 6:151
The right to freedom of belief:
Say: the truth has come from your Lord. Let him who wills, believe it, and let him who wills, reject it…
The Holy Quran 18:29
There should be no coercion in the matter of religion…
The Holy Quran 2:256
Do not abuse those they appeal to instead of God…
The Holy Quran 6:108
Do not argue with the People of the Book unless it is in the politest manner.
The Holy Quran 29:46
To you be your religion, and to me mine.
The Holy Quran 109:6
Islam teaches that everyone has the right to believe in what they choose. Although there is a misconception that Islam allows Muslims to fight those with a different religion, this is totally false. Fighting is only allowed against those fighting us (See Holy Quran 60:8 and the values of Struggle for Good Causes, Justice).
This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Letter to the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery
A clear proof of the Prophet Muhammad’s respect for freedom of religion.
The right to justice, being free from oppression:
God does not prohibit you regarding those who do not fight you or drive you out of your homes from dealing kindly and justly with them. Indeed, God loves those who are Just.
The Holy Quran 60:8
We should be kind and just towards all people, regardless of faith, as long as they are not fighting us or driving us out of our homes.
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah as witnesses to fair dealings and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just, that is next to piety. Fear Allah, indeed Allah is well-acquainted with all that you do.
The Holy Quran 5:8
Even if we feel hatred toward others, we have to always be just.
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even if it be against yourselves, your parents, and your relatives, or whether it is against the rich or the poor…
The Holy Quran 4:135
…And when you speak, then be just, even if it be (against) a relative, and fulfil Allah’s covenant; this He has enjoined you with that you may be mindful.
The Holy Quran 6:152
…Do not let your hatred of a people…incite you to aggression…
The Holy Quran 5:2
…And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just…
The Holy Quran 5:8
O You who believe! Stand steadfast before God as witnesses for (truth and) fair-play.
The Holy Quran 4:135
…Whenever you judge between people, you should judge with (a sense of) justice.
The Holy Quran 4:58
…No bearer of burdens shall be made to bear the burden of another.
The Holy Quran 6:164
God has said: “O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Hadith Qudsi 17, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Ibn Majah
Be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is darkness on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship, chapter of forbidding injustice, #2578
He who has been a ruler over ten people will be brought shackled on the Day of Resurrection, until the justice (by which he ruled) loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1037
Leaders will be held especially accountable for being just.
The Prophet asked his companions, “Do you know who the Bankrupt is?” His companions replied, “The Bankrupt among us is one who has neither money nor property.” The Prophet said, “The real Bankrupt of my community will be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with much of prayer, fasting, and charity; but he will find himself bankrupt on that day as he will have exhausted the funds of virtues because he insulted others, brought calumny against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others, and beat others, so his virtues would be credited to the account of those who suffered at his hand. If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the hellfire.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim: 59-2581
Do not devour one another’s wealth by false and illegal means, nor use it to bribe the judges in order to wrongfully and knowingly usurp the wealth of other people.
The Holy Quran 2:188
The rights of the weak and poor of society to our help; the right to a basic standard of life:
…And in their wealth there is an acknowledged right for the needy and destitute.
The Holy Quran 51:19
It (the poor-due) will be taken from their rich and given to those in the community in need.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
The Head of State is the guardian of him, who has nobody to support him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi
Believe in Allah and His messenger, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity) — for them is a great Reward.
The Holy Quran 57:7
To orphans restore their property (when they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own. For this is indeed a great sin.
The Holy Quran 4:2
The right to freedom:
There are three categories of people against whom I shall myself be a plaintiff on the Day of Judgment. Of these three, one is he who enslaves a free man, then sells him and eats this money.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Ibn Majah
The right to the protection of one’s honor and dignity
O You who believe, do not let one (set of) people make fun of another set…Do not defame one another…Do not insult by using nicknames… And do not backbite or speak ill of one another…
The Holy Quran 49:11-12
No man blames another for wickedness and unbelief, but it will return upon him.
Recorded in Bukhari
The Right to privacy:
…Do not spy on one another…
The Holy Quran 49:12
O Believers! Do not enter any houses except your own homes unless you are sure of their occupants’ consent…
The Holy Quran 24:27
The right to voice one’s grievances with a government or in general:
God does not love the utterance of harsh speech except by one to whom injustice has been done…
The Holy Quran 4:148
The right to the fair treatment of non-Muslims in a Muslim state:
They have accepted our protection only because their lives may be like our lives and their properties like our properties.
The fourth caliph Ali as recorded in Abu Dawud
In other words, non-Muslims’ lives and properties are as sacred as the lives and properties of the Muslims.
Beware! Whoever is cruel and hard on a non-Muslim minority, or curtails their rights, or burdens them with more than they can bear, or takes anything from them against their free will; I will complain against that person on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud
The right for human affairs to be decided based on consultation and not dictatorship:
…And their business is (conducted) through consultation among themselves…
The Holy Quran 42:38
The rights of noncombatants during times of war:
In one of Prophet Muhammad’s battles, a woman was found dead. Upon this, the Prophet prohibited killing women and children in battles.
Recorded in Bukharî, “Jihad” 146; Muslim, “Jihad” 24-25
…Do not kill the children or the members of the monasteries.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad, I/300
Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud.
Do not kill the monks in monasteries. Do not kill the people who are sitting in places of worship.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad
The rights of enemies in times of war
Punishment by fire does not behoove anyone except the Master of the Fire (i.e. God).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud
The Prophet has prohibited the believers from loot and plunder.
Recorded in Bukhari; Abu Dawud
The loot is no more lawful than the carrion.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud
The booty of war which is acquired from the battleground is different from loot. It consists of the wealth, provisions and equipment captured only from the camps and military headquarters of the combatant armies.
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq used to instruct the soldiers while sending them to war, “Do not destroy the villages and towns, do not spoil the cultivated fields and gardens, and do not slaughter the cattle.”
Recorded in the book Human Rights in Islam by Abul A’la Mawdudi (1995)
The Prophet prohibited Muslims from mutilating the corpses of the enemies.
Recorded in Bukhari, Abu Dawud
The rights of prisoners of war:
And they feed, from what they love for themselves, the poor people, the orphan, and the prisoner of war, saying: “We feed you for the sake of God. No reward do we desire from you nor thanks.”
The Holy Quran 76: 8-9
After the Battle of Badr, prisoners of war were brought. Among them was al-Abbas. He did not have a shirt on, so the Prophet looked for a shirt for him. It turned out that a shirt of Abd Allah b. Ubayy was the right size, so the Prophet gave it to al-Abbas to wear and compensated Abdullah with his own shirt.
Recorded in Bukhari #3008
Prisoners of war must be treated with kindness and respect. Their basic needs must be met.
The rights of slaves:
Your servants are your brothers and your stewards: God has placed them under your hands; whoso then has a brother under his hand, let him feed him out of what he eats himself, and let him clothe him out of what he clothes himself, and compel them not to do a work which will overpower them, and if you do compel them (to any such work), then assist them with it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol.1, Book 2, #29, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Those who abuse their slaves cannot enter Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 29, Ibn Majah, Adab, 10; Ahmad, al-Musnad, I, 7
Let none of you call out to his slave, saying, “My slave boy!” or “My slave girl!” Nor let a slave call out to his master, saying, “My Lord!” But let the master call out to the slave saying, “My young man!” or “My young girl!” And let the slave call out to the master as “My chief!” For, verily, you are all slaves, and your Lord is God Almighty.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Itk, 17; Muslim, Alfaz, 13, 15; Abu Daud, Adab, 75
Ali separated a mother from her child (by selling them to two different parties), but the Prophet forbade that, and cancelled the sale.
Recorded in Abu Daud
Even though Islam greatly encouraged the freeing of slaves, it did not outright prohibit slavery for various reasons. But Islam did prohibit separating related slaves from each other, such as a mother from her child.
Three persons will have a double reward:
1. A Person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet Muhammad.
2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master.
3. A master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and frees her and then marries her.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol.1, Book 3, #97A
Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: When the earliest emigrants came to Al-’Usba, a place in Quba, before the arrival of the Prophet, Salim, the slave of Abu Hudhaifa, who knew the Quran more than the others, used to lead them in prayer.
Recorded in Bukhari, Vol.1, Book 11, #661
A slave was not viewed as less of a person.
Narrated Hakim bin Hizam: I said to Allah’s Apostle, “Before embracing Islam I used to do good deeds like giving in charity, freeing slaves, and the keeping of good relations with kith and kin. Shall I be rewarded for those deeds?” The Prophet replied, “You became Muslim with all those good deeds (without losing their reward).”
Recorded in Bukhari, Vol.2, Book 24, #517
And what is the uphill road (that leads to God’s pleasure)? It is to free a slave…
The Holy Quran 90:12-13
The Prophet said, “Whoever frees a Muslim slave , Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has freed the body-parts of the slave.” Upon hearing this, Ali bin Al-Husain freed a slave for whom he had been offered ten thousand Dirhams or one-thousand Dinars.
Recorded in Bukhari, Vol.3, Book 46, #693
An owner slapped his female slave in the face, and the Prophet ordered him to free her as compensation.
Recorded in Muslim
Suwayd ibn Muqarrin saw a man slap his female slave and told him: “Do you not know that the face is taboo? I, whom you see in front of you, the seventh of my brothers, was with the Messenger of Allah and we only had one servant; one of us slapped him, so the Messenger of Allah commanded us to free him.
Recorded in Muslim
Whoever strikes his slave in the face or beats him unjustly, his expiation is to free him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
30. HUMILITY
The quality or state of being humble
(See also Modesty)
The servants of The Compassionate are those who walk upon the earth in humility. When the ignorant address them, they say “Peace”.
The Holy Quran 25:63
Do not treat men with scorn, nor walk proudly on the earth. Allah does not love the arrogant and the boastful person.
The Holy Quran 31:18
Do not strut on the earth filled with pride, for you cannot possess the earth, nor can you rival the mountains in stature.
The Holy Quran 17:37
…Bow down in adoration, and bring yourself the closer (to Allah).
The Holy Quran 96:19
Successful indeed are the believers who are humble in their prayers.
The Holy Quran 23: 1-2
Allah loves those who practice humility, and the secret is, when we are humble for God’s sake, we will be brought closer to Him.
Say: Whether you believe in it or not, it is true that those who were given knowledge beforehand, when it (the Quran) is recited to them, fall down on their faces in humble prostration. And they say: ‘Glory to our Lord! Truly has the promise of our Lord been fulfilled! They fall down on their faces in tears, and it increases their (earnest) humility.
The Holy Quran 17:107-109
The people who come to believe in the Quran are described as already humble, and their newfound knowledge increases their humility.
Truly He loves not the arrogant.
The Holy Quran 16:23
Truly God loves not him who is conceited and boastful.
The Holy Quran 4:36
Practice humility so that no one oppresses or belittles another.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 1589; Muslim
No one will enter paradise who has an atom’s weight of pride in his heart. Then a man asked the Prophet about dressing well. He said that he liked to be well-dressed and that his dress and shoes be fine. The Prophet said, “Allah is beautiful and likes beauty. Pride is denying truth and despising people.”
Recorded in Muslim, 91.
The opposite of humility is to deny truth and to disrespect people.
Once the Messenger of Allah arrived among his companions leaning on a cane, and his companions stood up. The Prophet said, “Do not stand up. Do not adopt the system of these non-Arabs who stand up to pay respect to one another. I am a slave of Allah; I eat as other people eat and I sit as other people sit.”
Recorded in Abu Dawud
When Makkah was conquered and Muslim soldiers entered the city, the Prophet was riding a camel and his head was bowed down in humility, so much so that it appeared his head was touching a part of the saddle.
Recorded in Baihaqi
On the day the Prophet conquered Mecca, where he was regarded by people as the most powerful man, one of his countrymen approached him. He asked trembling, “O Messenger of Allah, teach me Islam!” The Prophet said, “Relax my brother! I am not a king, nor an emperor! I am the orphan of your old neighbor (meaning his mother) who used to eat sun-dried meat!”
Ibn Majah, At’imah, 30; Al-Hakim; Al-Tabarani
Aisha said, “I was asked how the Messenger of God behaved in his house. I said, ‘He was like any man; he washed his clothes, milked his sheep, and served himself.’”
Recorded in Ahmad 24998
The Prophet once said to his companions, “No one can enter paradise only as a reward of his deeds.” Everyone was surprised. They asked, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Yes including me! Unless the generosity of my Lord comes to my help! Unless His blessing, mercy, and forgiveness cover me, I will not be allowed to go to Paradise; my deeds would not be sufficient to save me!”
Recorded in Bukhari, Riqaq, 18; Muslim, Munafiqun, 71-72
…No servant (of God) shows humility for the sake of God, but God also exalts him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Tirmidthi
Humility is a trait of truly great people.
31. INTEGRITY
Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic VALUES : INCORRUPTIBILITY
(See also Honesty, Responsibility)
Believers, why do you say what you do not execute? It is most offensive in the sight of Allah when you say what you do not practice!
The Holy Quran 61:2-3
Putting off (the payment of debt) by a rich man is wrong-doing.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukari, Muslim, Timidthi, Abu Daud
By his good character, a believer will attain the degree of one who prays during the night and fasts during the day.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawood, Hadith 2233.
A man shall be brought on the day of resurrection and thrown into the fire (of hell). His intestines shall forthwith come out in the fire, and he shall therein turn round and round like the turning round of the donkey with his mill; whereupon the people of the fire shall come out together and say, “O such and such! What are you doing? Did you not bid us to do what was good and forbid us to do wrong?” He shall say, “I bade you to do good, but I did not do it myself. And I forbade you to do wrong, but I did it myself.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
You shall find the double-faced, who come to some with one face, and come to the others with another face, to be the worst of men, in the sight of God, on the Day of Resurrection.
Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud, Tirmidthi
In Islam, we must practice what we preach.
32. INTENTION
The object for which a prayer or pious act is offered
Allah will not call you to account for thoughtlessness in your oaths, but for the intention in your hearts, and He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Forbearing.
The Holy Quran 2:225
Actions are only (judged) by intentions. Each person shall be rewarded only for that which he intended.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari (Vol. 1, Book of Faith, Hadith #1); Muslim; Tirmidthi
He who takes others’ property (as a loan) with the intention of repaying it (then is unable to repay) then Allah pays his loan. And he who takes a loan with the intention of not paying it, then Allah destroys him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
There are some people whom we have left behind in Madinah. In whatever place or valley we may camp, they will be with us. For them their intention is enough.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Before we do anything, let us make the right intention.
When a judge utilizes his skill of judgment and comes to a right decision, he will have a double reward; but when he uses his judgment and commits a mistake, he will have a single reward.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
If a judge commits a mistake in a difficult decision, what will matter is whether his intention was to make a right decision.
33. JUSTICE
The principle of fair dealing or right action
Truly God commands justice and goodness and generosity to kinsman and forbids lewdness, wrongdoing, and injustice.
The Holy Quran 16:90
O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the desires (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well acquainted with all that you do.
The Holy Quran 4:135
Never let your enmity for anyone lead you into the sin of deviating from justice. Always be just: that is closest to being God-fearing.
The Holy Quran 5:8
…Truly God loves the just.
Holy Quran 5:42
Believers in God must adhere to justice no matter what or who is involved.
No bearer of burdens shall be made to bear the burden of another.
The Holy Quran 6:164
No person can be punished for the crime of another.
And He does not forbid you to show kindness and deal justly with those who neither fight against your faith nor drive you out of your homes: for God loves the just.
The Holy Quran 60:8
Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors…but if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.
The Holy Quran 2:190 and 193
And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient – it is better for those who are patient.
The Holy Quran 16: 126
The only time that fighting is allowed is for self defense or to respond to great oppression. Fighting must cease when hostility ceases.
Those who unjustly devour the property of orphans only fill their bellies with fire, and shall roast in a blazing fire.
Holy Quran 4:10
Allah commands you to render back your trusts to those to whom they are due; and when you judge between person and person that you judge with justice.
The Holy Quran 4:58
All human beings that have done injustice would surely, if they possessed all that is on earth, offer it as ransom (to redeem themselves on Judgment Day).
The Holy Quran 10:54
The injustice that people inflict on others will be the cause of their punishment on the Day of Judgment.
Never judge before you listen to both parties. You can give a correct judgment only after listening to both sides.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad, al-Musnad, I, 90
Be on your guard against committing oppression, for oppression is darkness on the Day of Resurrection.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship, chapter of forbidding injustice, #2578
He who has been a ruler over ten people will be brought shackled on the Day of Resurrection, until the justice (by which he ruled) loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1037
Leaders will be held especially responsible for being just.
For every day on which the sun rises, there is a (reward from God) for the one who establishes justice among people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Hadith 870
If you guarantee me six things on your part I shall guarantee you Paradise. Speak the truth when you talk, keep a promise when you make it, when you are trusted with something fulfill your trust, avoid sexual immorality, lower your gaze (out of modesty), and restrain your hands from injustice.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1260
A woman belonging to a high and noble family was arrested in connection with theft. The case was brought to the Prophet, and it was recommended that she might be spared the punishment of theft. He replied, “The nations that lived before you were destroyed by God because they punished the common-man for their offenses and let their dignitaries go unpunished for their crimes; I swear by Him who holds my life in His hand that even if Fatima, the daughter of Muhammad, had committed this crime, I would have amputated her hand.”
Recorded in Bukhari #3288 or Hudud, 12 and Muslim, Hudud, 9
True justice is blind to socioeconomic status.
One of the seven types of people who will be under Allah’s shade (protection) on the Day of Resurrection is a just leader.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
It is better for a leader to make a mistake in forgiving than to make a mistake in punishing.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1011
To punish an innocent person is a greater injustice than to set a guilty person free.
It was a Friday and the Prophet was giving a sermon to the people who had come from tribes far away to hear him. People from the tribe of Banu Tha’labah had come. This tribe was hostile to the tribes of Madinah. A resident of Madinah, recognizing these people, felt anger inside himself. A member of his family had been killed by the Banu Tha’labah. He stood up and told the Prophet, “O Messenger of God, these people have killed members of my family. Today, they have come to us. I beg that you allow the execution of a member of their family.” The Prophet said, “The Quran established that no one’s burden will fall on any other. Retaliation for the father will not be acceptable from the son. Everyone is responsible for his own actions.”
Recorded in Dar Qutni, Volume II
34. KINDNESS
The quality or state of being of a sympathetic or helpful nature
(See also Helpfulness, Compassion, Mercy)
Serve Allah and associate none with Him. Show kindness to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighboring kinsman and the neighbor who is not of your kind, the companion, the traveler in need, and to the slaves you own…
The Holy Quran 4:36
After serving Allah, this verse talks about kindness. To show kindness to others is a form of worship to Allah. (A similar message is found in 2:83)
Do not be harsh to the orphan. Do not reproach the beggar.
The Holy Quran 93: 9-10.
It is especially important to show kindness to the least empowered among us.
A kind word and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury…
The Holy Quran 2:263
Saying unkind words after giving charity to someone can nullify the goodness of the charity.
When you are greeted with a greeting, then answer back with a greeting more courteous, or (at least) return the same. Surely Allah takes account of all things.
The Holy Quran 4:86
…Do not say to one who extends you a greeting, “You are not a believer…”
The Holy Quran 4:94
Kindness must be shown in even the simple matter of greetings.
And if you have to turn away from them (certain people) to seek the mercy from your Lord which you expect, then at least speak to them a word of easy kindness.
The Holy Quran 17:28
Kindness must even be shown to people who we may need to turn away from sometimes.
God is kind, and loves kindness in all things.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Be kind, for whenever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it. Whenever it is taken from something, it leaves it tarnished.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Imam Bukhari’s Book of Muslim Morals and Manners
After the Prophet received his first visit from the Angel Gabriel and the first revelation of the Holy Quran, he went to his wife Khadijah and was scared and shaking. He said, “Cover me! Cover me!” They covered him till his fear was over and after that he told her everything that had happened and said, “I fear that something may happen to me.” Khadijah replied, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.”
Recorded in Bukhari Volume 1, Book 1, Number 3 and Muslim, Iman, 12
Even before the Prophet became a prophet, he was a beacon of kindness.
A prostitute was pardoned who passed by a dog at a well holding out his tongue from thirst which was near killing him; for she took off her short boot and tied it to her wrapper, and pulled water for him; so was she pardoned for that. It was asked, “Shall we then have any reward for (our behavior to) the animals?” “There are rewards,” said the Prophet, “for (our behavior to) all living beings.”
Recorded in Bukhari (Volume 8, Hadith 38), Muslim
Any kindness we show to any living being may lead to our salvation, no matter what our sins of the past may be.
Kindness is a mark of faith, and whoever is not kind has no faith.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
He who is devoid of kindness is devoid of all good.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Verily, the best of all goodness is that a man show kindness to the people who bore love to his parent after he or she is gone.
Muslim, Abu Daud, Tirmidthi
The most worthy of men is he who first begins the salutation.
Abu Daud, Tirmidthi
The Prophet would pass children and wish them, “Peace!”
Recorded in Muslim
The Prophet would pass women and wish them, “Peace!”
Recorded in Bukhari
When you go in to visit a sick man, wish for him a length of life, for that will please him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
There are three things which if a man does, God will draw him under His shadow, and will make him enter into paradise: kindness to the weak, affection towards parents, and doing good to the slave.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
A woman was sent to the hellfire for (her behavior to) a cat which she had tied up, so that it died of hunger; for she gave it not to eat, nor untied it, so that it could eat insects and reptiles of the earth.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
The most excellent actions in the sight of God are those involving kindness.
A man once came to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and asked what act of penitence he could perform for a sin he had committed. The Prophet asked the man if he had a mother. When the man replied that his mother had died, the Prophet asked if he had a maternal aunt. When the man replied that he had, the Prophet said: “Then be kind to her.”
Recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1274
Let each of you protect himself against Hellfire, be it with even half a date (given in charity) – and if he finds (not even that small amount to give), then with a kind word.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 394
A kind word is a charity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
Never underestimate the value of a kind word.
About captives of war, the Prophet said, “They are your brothers! Offer them what you eat and drink!”
Recorded in Muslim, Ayman, 36-38
Kindness is due to every human being, even prisoners of war.
Once some women were in the Prophet’s home to meet with him and talk about family problems. Then Umar came to visit the Prophet. The women hurriedly left the room and hid themselves. The Prophet smiled. Looking at the Prophet’s smiling face, Umar said, “May you always remain happy and smiling. Please tell me why you smiled as I entered.” The Prophet replied, “I was surprised to see that the women were afraid of you and how hurriedly they left as you entered.” Umar, hearing these remarks, spoke loudly, addressing the women, “O enemies of your souls! Why are you afraid of me? You are not afraid of the Messenger of God but you are afraid of me.” The women replied, ‘You are harsh tempered, O Umar, but the Messenger is very patient and kind.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Manaqib Umar ibn al-Khattab
35. LEARNING
Knowledge or skill acquired by instruction or study
Read: In the name of your Lord Who created!…Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know.
The Holy Quran 96:1, 4-5
The first word of revelation of the final Holy Book sent to mankind is “Read.” A few verses afterward, Allah speaks of teaching by the pen. Knowledge is a gift from Allah.
Indeed it is only the knowledgeable among His servants who truly fear Allah.
The Holy Quran 35:28
The people who truly fear and revere God are those with the most knowledge.
…Say: O My Lord! Grant me an increase in knowledge.
The Holy Quran 20:114
Allah urges us to ask Him for more knowledge.
Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in At-Tirmidhi
Learning is an obligation on every Muslim.
…Whoso walks in the path seeking knowledge therein, God will make easy to him the path of paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Tirmidthi
He who treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah will direct him to tread a path from the paths of Paradise…The Angels lower their wings for the student of knowledge in approval of what he does. All in the heavens and earth and the fish in the depth of the water seek forgiveness for the scholar, and the superiority of the scholar over the worshipper is like the superiority of the full moon at night over the rest of the stars. Verily, the scholars are the heirs to the Prophets, verily the Prophets did not bequeath deenars or dirhams. All they left behind was knowledge, so whoever takes it, has indeed acquired a huge fortune.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Musnad, 5/196., Also related by Abu Daoud, 3/317; at-Tirmidthi, 5/49; Ibn Maajah, 1/81; Ad-Daarimee, 1/98 and Ibn Hibbaan, 1/152
The excellence of the scholar over the worshipper is like my excellence over the lowermost of you. Indeed, Allah, His Angels, the inhabitants of the heavens and earth, even the ant in its hole and the fish, supplicate for one who teaches good to the people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, 5/50
The learned people are held in high esteem by Allah and even Allah’s creations.
Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Knowledge is useless if it is not put to practical use.
The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol 6, Book 61, Vol. 545
The best thing to learn and to teach is the word of our Lord.
No present or gift of a parent, out of all the gifts and presents to a child, is superior to a good liberal education.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Bayhaqiy
That a man give a liberal education to his child is better for him than he give a large measure of corn in alms.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
The best gift that a parent gives to a child is education.
36. LOVE
Warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion; a person’s adoration of God
…It is righteousness…to spend of your wealth…out of love for Him.
The Holy Quran 2:177
The fuel for our good deeds is our love of our Creator.
Yet there are people who make others as God’s equals, loving them as only God should be loved. But those who have faith love God more than all else…
The Holy Quran 2:165
We love God more than all else because He gave us everything we have!
And among His Signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
The Holy Quran 30:21
The love we have for our spouses is a sign of Allah.
None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
We must love our brothers and sisters as we love our own selves.
Allah will ask on the Day of Judgment: “Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory? Today, on a day when there is no shade but Mine, I shall shade them with My shade.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim #2566
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “There are people from the servants of God who are neither prophets nor martyrs, (but) the prophets and martyrs will envy them on the Day of Resurrection. . .They are those who love one another for the spirit of God. . .I swear by God, their faces will glow and they will be (sitting) in (pulpits of) light. They will have no
fear (on the day) when the people will have fear, and they will not grieve
when the people will grieve.” He then recited the verse: “Behold! Verily for
the friends of God, there is no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Quran, 10:62)
Recorded in Sunan of Abu Dawood, Hadith 1563
Allah wants us to love one another.
The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim
…By Him in whose hand stands my life! You shall never enter paradise unless you believe; and you will not believe unless you love one another. Shall I tell you wherewith you would love one another? Extend your greetings freely among yourselves.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Whenever the Prophet saw Fatimah (his daughter) he would welcome her, and rising from his seat would kiss her, and then taking her by the hand would seat her in his own seat.
Recorded in Bukhari
Love is shown through our actions.
Narrates Aisha , “I was never more jealous of any one of the Prophet’s wives than I was of Khadijah although I never saw her (because she had passed away). The Prophet remembered her much, and many a time he would slay a sheep, and cut it into pieces, and send the same to the friends of Khadijah; and many a time would I tell him, ‘It is as though there never was a woman in the world except Khadijah!’ whereupon the Prophet would say (commenting on her virtues), ‘Verily, she is such-and-such an I had children from her.’”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
True love never dies.
The Prophet advised a companion, “Son, if you are able, keep your heart from morning till night and from night till morning free from malice towards anyone…O my son! This is one of my laws, and he, who loves my laws verily, loves me.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Tirmidthi (Hadith 59)
Never feel hatred or ill will towards anyone. This is the advice of our Prophet.
O Lord, grant me your love. Grant me that I love those who love you. Grant me, that I might do the deeds that win your love. Make your love dearer to me than the love of myself, my family and wealth.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
We must aspire to love God more than anyone or anything else.
Take each other by the hand: all grudges shall go off from you. Give presents to each other, as this will increase love among you, and will take away the deepest hatred.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Malik’s Muwatta
Give gifts to each other, and you will love each other.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
The Prophet gave advice on how to increase love amongst each other.
A man once asked the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “When will the Hour (of the Day of Judgment) be established?” The Prophet replied: “What have you prepared for it?” The man said: “I haven’t prepared for it very much (by way) of prayers or fasting or charitable giving, but I love God and His Apostle.” The Prophet then said: “You will be with those you love.”
Recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Hadith 192 and Bukhari, Adab, 96; Muslim, Birr, 165, Tirmidthi
Love those whom you want to be with in the next world!
You will not enter paradise until you have faith; and you will not complete your faith until you love one another.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim #19
If one of you loves his brother, let him inform him that he loves him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad #16303
It is a part of true faith in God to love one another and to communicate this love through words and actions.
The Prophet Muhammad said, “O God, grant me life as a poor man, cause me to die as a poor man and resurrect me in the company of the poor.” His wife asked him why he said that, and he replied: “Because (the poor) will enter Paradise (before) the rich. Do not turn away a poor man…even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you, God will bring you near Him on the Day of Resurrection.”
Recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1376.
Love the poor if you want God to love you.
37. LOYALTY
The quality of being unswerving in allegiance: as faithful to a private person to whom fidelity is due, faithful to a cause, ideal, custom, institution, etc.
Verily, the best of all goodness is that a man show kindness to the people who bore love to his parent after he or she is gone.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidthi
It is important to be loyal to the people who were loyal to our parents.
Narrates Aisha , “I was never more jealous of any one of the Prophet’s wives than I was of Khadijah although I never saw her (because she had passed away). The Prophet remembered her much, and many a time he would slay a sheep, and cut it into pieces, and send the same to the friends of Khadijah; and many a time would I tell him, ‘It is as though there never was a woman in the world except Khadijah!’ whereupon the Prophet would say (commenting on her virtues), ‘Verily, she is such-and-such an I had children from her.’”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The Prophet showed his loyalty to his first beloved wife by remembering her friends.
Once an old woman came to visit the Prophet. They had a warm conversation. After the old woman left, Aisha (the narrator) asked, “O Messenger of God! You showed so much interest in that old woman. I am curious about who she was?” He said, “She is someone who used to visit us when Khadija was alive. Know that loyalty comes from faith.”
Recorded in Al-Hakim, al-Mustadrak, I, 62; Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman, VI, 517
Loyalty to people who were good to you in the past is a sign of faith.
A group came to the Prophet after the incident of Hunain. They wanted freedom for the captives of war. One of them said, “O Muhammad! Our tribe has your milk-mothers and your milk-sisters! The Prophet responded with great loyalty, “I free all the captives that belong to me and the sons of Abdulmuttalib.” The other Muslims who saw this followed his action and said, “We also free our captives for the sake of the Prophet!” As a result, on that day, thousands of captives were freed without any ransom. This was a gesture of gratitude and loyalty to the milk the Prophet had been given as a child.
Recorded in Bukhari, al-Tarikh al-sagir, I, 5; Tabarani
The Companions of the Prophet once said, “O Messenger of Allah! We believe in you. We have accepted with utmost sincerity the Quran which you brought to us from Allah. And we have made a covenant to you that we will obey you and follow you. Act the way you like, give us orders! We are always with you! By Allah who sent you to us, if you enter a sea we will also enter with you. None of us will refrain from doing so…”
Recorded in Bukhari, Magazi, 4; Muslim, Jihad, 83; Ahmad
It is no wonder that the companions of the Prophet are said to be the best Muslims.
When the Prophet conquered his homeland and birthplace, some of the Helpers (Ansar) began to voice their concern: “Allah the Most High has opened Mecca to His Prophet. From now on he will stay in Mecca and not return to Medina.” The Prophet learned of this worry and told the Helpers of Medina: “I seek refuge in Allah from doing that! My life and my death will be with you.” And the Prophet returned to Medina.
Recorded in Muslim, Jihad, 86; Ahmad, Nasai, Bayhaqi
Medina was where the Prophet had to emigrate to when he was persecuted in Mecca. The Prophet never forgot his loyalty to the people of Medina.
38. MARRIAGE
The state of being united to a person of the opposite sex as husband or wife in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law
And among Allah’s signs is this: that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, so that you might find rest in them, and He has set between you love and compassion. Truly there are signs in this for people who reflect.
The Holy Quran 30:21
It was He who created you from a single being. From that being He created his mate, so that he might find comfort in her…
The Holy Quran 7:189
And those who pray “Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous.”
The Holy Quran 25:74
…They (your spouses) are your garments and you are their garments…
The Holy Quran 2:187
Enter the Garden, you and your wives, in happiness.
The Holy Quran 43:70
The marriage relationship, overall, should be characterized by love, compassion, comfort and protection. God-willing, married couples will live in Paradise together.
Marriage is from my example (Sunna). He who shuns my example is not of me.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
When a man marries, he has fulfilled half of his religion, so let him fear God regarding the remaining half.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bayhaqi
Marriage is very important in Islam, so much so that half of one’s religious duties are fulfilled by marriage.
When someone with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage, accede to (accept) his request. If you do not do so, there will be temptation on Earth and extensive corruption.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi, Nasa’i and Ibn Majah
O young people! Whoever among you can support a wife should marry, for that is more modest for the gaze and safer for your private parts.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Verily, marriage lowers the eye to the ground, and is a safeguard against immodesty; and whoso is not able (to marry), upon him is (enjoined) fasting, for verily it is his castration.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
You have seen nothing like marriage for increasing the love between two people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 921.
The best among you is the one who treats his family the best.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Tirmidthi, Rada, 11; Ibn Majah, Nikah, 50; Ahmad, al-Musnad, II, 472
Whatever a person spends for himself, his wife and his children is rewarded by Allah as his charity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ibn Majah, Tijarat,1; Ahmad, al-Musnad, V, 279; Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra, X, 242
A woman is married for four things: her wealth, her family status, her beauty, and her religion. So you should marry the religious (righteous and pious) woman, (otherwise) you will be losers.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Bukhari, Book 62, hadith 27 and in Muslim
The most perfect believer in faith is the one whose character is finest and who is kindest to his wife.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi and Nasai
The Prophet said, “In the sexual act there is a giving of charity.” The Companions replied, “O Messenger of God! When one of us fulfills his sexual desire, will he be given a reward for that?” And he said, “Do you not think that were he to act upon it unlawfully, he would be sinning? Likewise, if he acts upon it lawfully, he will be rewarded.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
There is much reward from God in the marriage relationship.
Publicize this marriage, celebrate it in the mosques, sound the tambourines to mark it!
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
When a man married, the Prophet would say, “God bless thee, and unite you both in good works.”
Recorded in Abu Daud, Tirmidthi
The main aim of marriage should be to please God.
… Among all the permitted acts, divorce is the most hateful to God.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud Hadith 2173
Although divorce is allowed in Islam, it is disliked by God. Muslims must try to save their marriages if at all possible.
39. MERCY
Compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one’s power; also: lenient or compassionate treatment
(See also Compassion)
We have not sent you (O Muhammad) except as a mercy to all the worlds.
The Holy Quran 21:107
This is a powerful verse that shows us that our Prophet is a mercy to all worlds. Since Muslims are supposed to follow the Prophet, we must also bring mercy to the world.
And among His Signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
The Holy Quran 30:21
The mercy between a husband and wife is a sign of God.
If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, He Who is in heaven will show mercy on you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 2322
“Pray to God against the idolators,” it was said to the Prophet, “and curse them.”
“I have only been sent as a mercy, and have not been sent to curse,” was the Prophet’s reply.
Recorded in Muslim, Jihad, 104; Bayaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra, III, 352
When the Prophet went to the city of Taif to tell them about Islam and the oneness of God, the people stoned him to the point that he was bleeding. The Angel Gabriel came to him and asked, “Shall I bring together these two mountains and destroy the people of Taif who are living in between?” The Prophet did not agree to this and made a prayer for the people of Taif, saying, “O my Lord! Please give right guidance to these people! I ask for a Muslim progeny from their lineage.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Badul-khalq, 7; Muslim, Jihad, 111
Zayd ibn Haritha was surprised to hear the Prophet praying for the people who were cursing and throwing stones at him. He asked, “O Messenger of Allah! They subject you to torture, but you still pray for them?” The Prophet said, “What else can I do? I am sent for mercy, not for wrath.”
Recorded in Muslim, Birr, 87
The Prophet of God kissed his grandson Hasan, the son of Ali, in the presence of a man who said, “Verily, I have ten children, and yet I have never kissed any one of them.” The Prophet looked towards him, and said, “Have I the power to put into you mercy if God has deprived you of it? He who shows no mercy shall have no mercy shown to him.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
Anas narrates: “We went with the Prophet to Abu-Sayf, the blacksmith, who was the husband of the wetnurse of Ibrahim, the Prophet’s son. The Prophet took his son, and kissed him, and smelled him. Afterwards we went in to (see) him when Ibrahim was in his dying moments. The eyes of the Prophet flowed with tears; whereupon ‘Abdur-Rahman, son of ‘Auf said, ‘Do you, O Prophet of God, shed tears?’ The Prophet said, “O son of ‘Auf! These are a mercy. Then he shed tears again, and said, ‘My eyes run down with tears, and my heart is near setting, and yet I say nothing but what my Lord pleases. And verily O Ibrahim! I am grieved at parting with you!’”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Mercy in one’s heart is a gift from God.
Anyone who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our old ones is not one of us.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 127
When God decided (to create) a creation, He wrote a writing which is with Him upon His Throne, namely, “Verily, My mercy has overtaken My wrath.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
We must remember God’s mercy to give us hope for our salvation.
God is not merciful to him who is not merciful to men.
The Prophet Muhammad as reported in Bukhari, Muslim
This is a recurring theme. If we want God’s mercy, we must show mercy to others.
40. MODERATION
Avoiding extremes of behavior or expression: observing reasonable limits
Eat and drink but do not be immoderate.
The Holy Quran 7:31
When they spend they are neither extravagant nor stingy. They hold a balance in between those (extremes).
The Holy Quran 25:67
And give the relative his right, and [also] the poor and the traveler, and do not spend wastefully.
Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils, and ever has Satan been to his Lord ungrateful.
The Holy Quran 17:26-27
And thus have we willed you to be a community of the middle way, so that, with your lives, you might bear witness to the truth before all mankind, and that the Apostle might bear witness to it before you.
The Holy Quran 2:143
Moderation and balance in our lives is important in Islam.
Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately. . .Always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course, whereby you will reach your target (of paradise).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Volume 8, Hadith 470
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise (i.e., no one enters paradise only through his good deeds).” The Prophet’s companions asked: “Not even you?” The Prophet replied: “Not even myself, unless God bestows His favor and mercy on me. So be moderate in your religious deeds and do what is within your ability. None of you should wish for death, for if he is a doer of good, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to God.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 577
Eat and give alms and clothe yourselves without being extravagant or vain.
The Prophet Muhammad as reported in Bukhari, Nasai
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once asked a companion: “(Is it true) that you fast all day and stand in prayer all night?” The companion replied that the report was indeed true. The Prophet then said: “Do not do that! Observe the fast sometimes and also leave (it) at other times. Stand up for prayer at night and also sleep at night. Your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you and your wife has a right over you.”
Recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 7, Hadith 127
Three men came to the wives of the Prophet and asked concerning the devotional services of the Prophet; but when they were informed of these, they made, as it were, little of them, and said, “Where are we in respect of the Prophet of God, for God has already pardoned him what sins he has committed, first and last?” Then one of them said, “As for me, I will pray all night long every day.” The other said, “I will fast all day long every day and will not eat.” The third said, “I will separate myself from women, and will not marry forever.” Afterwards the Prophet came out to them, and said, “Ye are they who said such-and-such (things), but by God! I do certainly dread God more than you all, and fear Him most (among you); but as for me, I fast and eat (also), and I pray (at night) and sleep (also), and I (also) marry women; whoso then is averse to my example, he is not of me.”
The Prophet Muhammad as reported in Bukhari, Muslim
No one has filled a container more risky than his stomach. Indeed, a few bites are sufficient for a person to keep himself standing. If he has to eat more, he should reserve one third for food, one third for drink and one third for easy breathing.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Zuhd, 47; Ibn Majah, At’imah 50, and Ahmad.
Moderation in religion and in our living habits is taught by the Prophet Muhammad.
41. MODESTY
Freedom from conceit or vanity; propriety in dress, speech, or conduct
(See also Humility)
Say to the believing men that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty: that will make for greater purity for them: and Allah is well acquainted with all that they do. And say to the believing women that they should lower their gaze and guard their modesty; that they should not display their beauty and ornaments except what must ordinarily appear thereof; that they should draw their veils over their bosoms and not display their beauty except to their husbands, their fathers, their husbands’ fathers, their sons, their husbands’ sons, their brothers, or their brothers’ sons or their sisters’ sons, or their women or the servants whom their right hands possess, or male servants free of physical needs, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex, and that they should not strike their feet in order to draw attention to their hidden ornaments. And O you Believers turn you all together towards Allah, that you may attain Bliss.
The Holy Quran 24:30-31
Do not treat people with contempt, nor walk insolently on the earth. Allah does not love the arrogant or the self-conceited boaster. Be modest in your bearing and subdue your voice, for the most unpleasant of voices is the braying of the donkey.
Holy Quran 31:18-19
Modesty in appearance and in manners is taught in the Holy Quran.
Faith and modesty are together. When one leaves, the other departs too.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tabarani, al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, VIII, 174; Bayhaqi, Shu’ab al-Iman, VI, 140
Modesty is from faith. Modest people will be in Paradise. Shamelessness arises from the hardness of the heart. Those with hardened hearts will go to the Hellfire.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Iman, 16; Muslim, Iman, 57-59
Verily, modesty brings only good.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Abu Sa’id Khudri reported, “Allah’s Messenger was more modest than the virgin behind the curtain (or in the apartment), and when he disliked anything, we recognized that from his face.”
Recorded in Muslim Book 030, Number 5739
Every faith has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Muwatta, Volume 47, Hadith 9
Modesty does not come into anything without
adorning it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi, Hadith 1253
Modesty is a sign of faith in God.
42. NEIGHBORLINESS
Relating to or characteristic of congenial neighbors
Be kindly to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the neighboring kinsman and the neighbor who is not of your kind, the companion, the wayfarer, and what your right hand possesses (servants).
The Holy Quran 4:36
Kindness to neighbors is mentioned along with kindness to parents, family, orphans and the needy.
The angel Gabriel repeatedly gave me advice about the rights of the neighbors to such an extent that I was led to wonder if they will take a share of my inheritance when I die.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Bukhari, Adab, 28; Muslim, Birr, 140; Abu Dawud, Adab, 123
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, who was from among the poor of the companions said, “The Prophet ordered me to put more water in my food so that I could offer some to my neighbor.”
Recorded in Ibn Majah, At’imah, 58; al-Tabarani, al-Mu’jam al-Awsat, IV, 54
O Muslim women, never belittle any gift you give your neighbor even if it is a hoof of a sheep.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
“By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer! By Allah, he is not a believer.” It was asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “One whose neighbor does not feel safe from his evil”.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
He will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure from his wrongful conduct.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 15
Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day (of Judgment) should not harm his neighbor. Anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously. And anyone who believes in God and the Last Day should say what is good or keep quiet.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 47.
He who believes in Allah and the Last Day let him not harm his neighbor.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Ibn Umar said that a goat had been slaughtered in his house. When he came home he asked his servants if some of the meat had been sent as a gift to a neighboring Jew. He added, “I had heard the Messenger of Allah as saying that Angel Gabriel had been regularly insisting that one treat his neighbors kindly; indeed, so much so, that I surmised the neighbor should be nearly made a recipient of one’s inheritance.”
Recorded in Bukhari
He is not a believer who eats his full while knowing that his neighbor is hungry.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Being a good neighbor is part of being a true believer in God.
43. OBEDIENCE
The QUALITY or state of being obedient
O Believers! Obey Allah and obey the messenger and those entrusted with authority from among you. If you disagree about anything, refer it to Allah and the messenger, if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day. This is the only right way and will be best in regard to the end.
The Holy Quran 4:59
Our first obedience is to Allah, then to the Prophet, and then to those who are in authority. Of course, obedience is not due when we are told to do something that goes against the teachings of Islam.
Obey God and the Messenger so that you receive mercy.
The Holy Quran 3:132
Whoever obeys God and His Messenger, he indeed achieved a great success.
The Holy Quran 33:71
Whoever obeys God and His Messenger, fears God, and does his duty towards (God) is among the triumphant.
The Holy Quran 24:52
Mercy from God and success are promised to those who are obedient to God and the Prophet.
Whoso obeys me, obeys God; and whoso rebels against me, rebels against God, and whoso obeys a governor, obeys me, and whoso rebels against a governor rebels against me.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
There is no obedience due to sinful commands: obedience is only in regard to what is reasonable.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Verily, God has enjoined many an injunction, do not then violate it; and He has forbidden many an unlawful thing, do not then draw near to it; and He has laid down bounds, do not then transgress them; and He has been silent upon (many) things, without forgetting (them), so do not dispute about them.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Daraqutny
Obedience is due to what God has clearly revealed to us. Matters that are unclear are a mercy to us and are unclear for a reason.
44. ONENESS OF GOD
The singleness, unity of God
Say: He is Allah, the One and Only. Allah is Independent of all and all are dependent on Him. He begets none, nor is he begotten. And there is none equal to Him.
The Holy Quran 112: 1-4
Your God is One God.
The Holy Quran 2:163
And (O Prophet) We have indeed sent you as a Mercy for all the worlds. Say, ‘The message that I have been given is only this much: your God is the One and Only God; will you, then surrender yourselves unto Him?
The Holy Quran 21:107-8
…Truly God has power over everything.
The Holy Quran 2:109
He knows what is on the land and in the sea. Not a leaf falls without His knowledge.
The Holy Quran 6:59
Along with the oneness of God are the facts that He is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.
By His ordinance He sends down the angels with the Spirit of His divine inspiration to those among His servants that He chooses, enjoining them: “Warn humankind that there is no other God save Me. Therefore remain devoted to Me.”
The Holy Quran 16:2
Devotion and worship is only due to God. This is the main message that God inspired all the prophets with.
Verily Allah does not forgive that you set up partners with Him but He forgives anything else for whoever He wishes.
The Holy Quran 4:48
Associating partners or equals with God is the only sin that He will never forgive.
Dedicate yourselves to Allah, and worship none besides Him. The man who worships other deities besides Allah is like him who falls from heaven and is snatched by the birds or is carried away by the wind to some far-off region.
The Holy Quran 22:31
They do blaspheme who say: “God is Christ the son of Mary.” But said Christ, “O Children of Israel! Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.” Whoever joins other gods with God—God will forbid him the Garden, and the Fire will be his abode…
The Holy Quran 5:72
The best of sayings is “There is no God but God!”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
The key of paradise is bearing witness that there is no God but God.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad
45. OTHERWORLDLINESS
Devoted to preparing for a world to come
And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them, seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds.
The Holy Quran 18:28
And put forward to them the example of the life of this world, it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allah is Able to do everything.
The Holy Quran 18:45
Know that the life of this world is play and a passing show, and adornment and boasting among you, and rivalry between you over piled up goods and children. It is like vegetation after a rain whose growth is pleasing to the farmers, but later it dries up and turns yellow and becomes straw stubble. And in the Final World there is a terrible chastisement and (also) forgiveness from God, and contentment. The present life is but the enjoyment of delusion.
The Holy Quran 57:20-
Whatever you have will end, but whatever is with Allah is everlasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.
The Holy Quran 16:96
This world will end. The next world is eternal. This world is the place where we do the deeds that will prepare the next world for us.
Fair in the eyes of men is the love of things they covet: Women and sons; Heaped-up hoards of gold and silver; horses branded (for blood and excellence); and (wealth of) cattle and well-tilled land. Such are the possessions of this world’s life; but in nearness to Allah is the best of the goals (to return to).
The Holy Quran 3:14-15
Closeness to God is the best of all goals.
But whoever desires the Hereafter and exerts the effort due to it while he is a believer – it is those whose effort is ever appreciated [by God].
The Holy Quran 17:19
…Yet, you prefer the life of this world. Although the Hereafter is better and more lasting.
The Holy Quran 87: 16-17
Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life): For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception.
The Holy Quran 3:185
The likeness of this world to the Hereafter is like a person who dipped his finger in the ocean. Let him see what would return.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim 2858
Abdullah B. Masood narrated that the the Messenger of God slept on a mat. He woke up and stood and had marks on his side due to the mat that he had slept on. We said, O Messenger of God, should we not make a proper bedding for you? The Prophet said, “What do I have to do with this world? I am only like a traveler upon a mount that stopped to take shade and rest under a tree, and then leaves it behind and continues on the journey.”
Recorded in Tirmithi, Zuhd, 44; Ibn Majah, Zuhd, 3; Ahmad
A (small) place equal to an area occupied by a whip in Paradise is better than the (whole) world and whatever is in it; and an undertaking (journey) in the forenoon or in the afternoon for Allah’s Cause, is better than the whole world and whatever is in it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Umar b. Al-Khattab narrated, “I entered the Messenger’s house and found him sitting on a mat. He had a leather pillow stuffed with fibers. He had a pot of water by his feet, and there were some clothes hung on the wall. His sides had marks due to the mat he lay on. I wept when I saw this and the Messenger asked, ‘Why do you weep?’ I said, ‘O Messenger of God, Khosrou and Caesar enjoy the best of this world, and you are suffering in poverty! He said, ‘Aren’t you pleased that they enjoy this world, and we will enjoy the Hereafter?’
Recorded in Bukhari #4629
When the dwellers of Paradise will have entered Paradise, Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, will ask them: “Do you desire anything more that I should give you?” They will answer: “Have you not made our faces bright (with pleasure)? Have you not admitted us to Paradise and saved us from the Fire?” There upon Allah will lift the veil from His Countenance and the dwellers of Paradise will not have known anything dearer than looking at their Lord.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
God says, “I have prepared for My servants the righteous what no eye has seen, nor ear has heard, nor has it occurred in the heart of man (to conceive).”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The intelligent man is he who contemplates his self, and acts for what is after death; and he is the weak man who makes his soul follow his lust…
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Ibn Majah
Be you in the world as if though you were a stranger, or a traveler on the road.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
46. PATIENCE
The habit of bearing pains or trials calmly or without complaint
(See also Steadfastness, Reliance on God)
O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
The Holy Quran 2:153
O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; so that you may be successful.
The Holy Quran 3:200
God loves the patient.
The Holy Quran 8:46
So be patient with a beautiful patience.
The Holy Quran 70:5
And most certainly shall We try you by means of danger, and hunger, and loss of worldly goods, of lives and of [labor’s] fruits. But give glad tidings unto those who are patient in adversity – who, when calamity befalls them, say, “Verily, unto God do we belong and, verily, unto Him we shall return.” It is they upon whom their Sustainer’s blessings and grace are bestowed.
The Holy Quran, 2:155-157
You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves; and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere patiently, and guard against evil, then you will surely triumph.
The Holy Quran 3:186
Bear patiently with what they say (against you) and leave their company in a polite manner.
The Holy Quran, 73:10
Bear patiently that which afflicts you. Truly that is the firmness of affairs.
The Holy Quran 31:17
Do the people think that they will be left alone after they have once said, “We have believed”, and they will not be tested?
The Holy Quran 29: 2
Be patient; for God will not let the reward of the righteous be wasted.
The Holy Quran, 11:115
Whatever you have will end, but what Allah has is everlasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.
The Holy Quran 16:96
By the Time! Truly the human being is at a loss, except those who have believed and have performed good deeds and encourage each other to truth and encourage each other to patience.
The Holy Quran 103:1-3
Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patience and prayer: and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones.
The Holy Quran 2:45
So patiently persevere: for verily the promise of Allah is true: nor let those shake your firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith.
The Holy Quran 30:60
In time of hardship, our patience will earn God’s pleasure.
Ask God of His grace, for verily God loves that He should be asked; and the best of prayers is persevering patiently for its fulfillment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
How excellent the affairs of the believer: his affair, all of it, is good for him; and this is not the case with anyone except the believer; if prosperity comes to him, he is thankful (to God), and if adversity falls on him, he perseveres patiently: so it is all good (for him).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Zuhd, 64; Ahmad, Al-Musnad, VI, 16
…Whoso would be patient, God will give him patience, and no one is granted a gift that is better and more extensive than patience.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
No fatigue, nor disease, nor anxiety, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
Whoever Allah wants good for him, he puts them to test. He puts them through difficulties, like a diamond or some metal that has to be burnt and then that which is bad from it is removed so that you have that which is the pure diamond or the pure gold…
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
Those closest to God are often the ones tried and tested the most. Patience is the mark of a strong believer in God.
47. PEACE
Harmony in personal relations
(See also Reconciliation)
The servants of The Compassionate are those who walk upon the earth in humility. When the ignorant address them, they say “Peace”.
The Holy Quran 25:63
Even when people act ignorantly towards us, we should act peacefully towards them.
But if the enemy inclines towards peace, do thou (also) incline towards peace…
The Holy Quran 8:61
O you who believe! When you go in the Cause of Allah, say not to anyone who greets you with peace: “You are not a believer”; seeking the perishable goods of worldly life. There is much more profit with Allah. Even as he is now, so were you yourselves before Allah conferred on you His Favors. Therefore, be cautious in discrimination. Allah is Ever Well-Aware of what you do.
The Holy Quran 4:94
The Muslim must never reject a gesture of peace.
And if two parties of the believers fall to mutual fighting, make peace between them. If either of them commits aggression against the other, fight against the aggressors till they submit to the judgment of Allah. When they submit, make peace between them in equity and justice; surely Allah loves those who do justice.
The Holy Quran 49:9
Making peace between people is the foremost objective in times of conflict.
Allah forbids you not with regards to those who fought not against you because of religion, and drove you not out from your homes, that you should show them kindness and deal justly with them, for Allah loves those who are just.
The Holy Quran 60.8
As long as people do not fight us or do injustice to us, we must treat them in a peaceful, kind, and just manner.
Do not spread disorder on the earth after it has been set in order…
The Holy Quran 7:56
Allah calls to the home of peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path.
The Holy Quran 10:25
God guides those who seek His pleasure to peace, which is attained by worshipping and serving Him.
Do you know what is better than charity and fasting and prayer? It is keeping peace and good relations between people, as quarrels and bad feelings destroy mankind.
Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Muslim & Bukhari
Making peace between people is better than charity, fasting, and prayer.
He who unfairly treats a non-Muslim
who keeps a peace treaty with Muslims, or undermines his
rights, or burdens him beyond his capacity, or takes something
from him without his consent; then I am his opponent on the
Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud and Al-Bayhaqi
He who kills a non-Muslim who keeps a peace
treaty with the Muslims will not smell the scent of Heaven,
though its scent can be traced to as far as a march of 40 years.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Imam Ahmad and Al-Bukhari in Al-Jizyah
Breaking a peace treaty or agreement is a huge sin in Islam.
Once a man asked the Prophet about which aspect of Islam was best. The Prophet replied: “Feeding the hungry, and saying the greeting of peace (salaam) to those you know and those you don’t know.”
Recorded in Bukhaari and Muslim
You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I not tell you about something which, if you do it, you will love one another? Spread the greeting of peace (salaam) among you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
The Islamic greeting is “As-salaamualaikum” or “Peace be upon you.”
The person who (lies) in order to make peace between people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
A Muslim may lie in order to make peace between people. That is how important peace is.
48. PIETY
Dutifulness in religion : DEVOUTNESS
(See also Righteousness)
Piety does not consist in whether you face east or west during worship. True piety consists in this: believing in God and in His final judgment; believing in His angels, in the Book, and in the prophets; giving your wealth, for the sake of God, to your relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to wayfarers and to strangers; ransoming slaves; attending prayers and paying the poor-rate; being true to your promises; and being steadfast in times of distress, adversity and war. Those who show true piety are genuine in their faith; they honor God.
The Holy Quran 2:177
It is not their meat nor their blood (from sacrifices) that reaches Allah: It is your piety that reaches Him…
The Holy Quran 22:37
You shall not attain piety until you spend out of that which you love. Whatever good you spend, Allah knows it well.
The Holy Quran 3:92
…And take a provision for the journey, but the best provision is piety. So fear Me, oh you who are wise.
The Holy Quran 2:197
Truly the noblest of you in God’s eyes is the most pious.
The Holy Quran 49:13
The noblest person is the one who is most devoted to God.
Verily, God looks not to your figures, nor to your bodies, but He looks into your hearts and to your works of piety. Then pointing to his breast, the Prophet said, “Herein lies piety.” This he repeated thrice.
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Piety comes from the heart.
“Which people are the most honorable?” it was asked of the Prophet. “The most honorable of them, in the sight of God, is the most pious of them,” was his reply.
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
No servant (of God) reaches to piety until he leaves aside that about which there is no prohibition, for fear of this being doubtful.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: I have prepared for My pious servants that which no eye (has ever) seen, no ear has (ever) heard and no human heart has ever perceived…
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Book 40, Number 6781
Piety will bring great rewards.
49. POLITENESS
Marked by an appearance of consideration, tact, deference, or courtesy
(See also Considerateness, Respect)
When anyone greets you in a courteous manner, let your greetings be better than his–or at least return the same. Allah keeps account of everything.
The Holy Quran 4:86
The most beloved of me among you is he who is the best in manners among you.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Nothing is weightier on the Scale of Deeds than one’s good manners.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Book of Manners, #286 and Ahmad
The little matters of courtesy that look easy to you and which you take lightly will be very important on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 61; Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra, X, 193
Verily, a man teaching his child manners is better than giving one bushel of grain in alms.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
A believer may achieve the status of one who regularly fasts during the day and spends the night in prayer, through his good manners.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Riyadh-us-Salaheen, Hadith 629
Rude talk does not bring anything except shame! Modesty and decency decorate wherever they may be.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Birr, 78; Abu Dawud, Jihad, 1
Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having a polite and tender nature.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
The Prophet did not swear at anyone, nor was he rude, nor did he curse anyone.
Recorded in Bukhari #5684
You should show courtesy and be cordial with each other, so that nobody should consider himself superior to another nor do him harm.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Riyadh-us-Saleheen. Hadith 602.
My mother used to hold the Prophet’s hand and used to take him wherever she wanted. If any person used to come before him and shook his hand, the Prophet never used to draw away his hand from the other person’s hands till the latter drew away his hands, and he never used to turn away his face from that person till the latter himself turned away his face. In meetings he was never seen squatting in such a way that his knees were protruding further than his fellow squatters.
Recorded in Tirmidthi (from the viewpoint of a companion of the Prophet)
Showing politeness to others is loved by God and will be rewarded.
Mu’awiyah ibn Al-Hakam Al-Sulami reports: “I joined a congregational prayer led by the Prophet when a man sneezed. I said to him: ‘May God have mercy on you.’ People looked askance at me. I said to them: ‘I am undone! Why are you looking at me like that?’ They began to hit their own thighs. I realized that they wanted me to stop talking. When God’s messenger finished his prayer, he neither punished, rebuked nor expressed displeasure with me. He just said to me: ‘It is not permissible to say any ordinary talk during prayer; it consists of God’s praise and glorification and reciting the Qur’an.’”
Recorded in Muslim, Ahmad, Nasai and Abu Dawud
When we correct others, politeness is a must.
50. PRAYER
An address (as a petition) to God in word or thought; the act or practice of addressing God with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving
Keep up prescribed prayer, give the poor-due, and bow down with those who bow.
The Holy Quran 2:43
…Establish regular prayers…
The Holy Quran 30:31, 29:45, and many other places
Truly the prescribed prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and wrongdoing.
The Holy Quran 29:45
Guard strictly your (habit) of prayers, especially the Middle Prayer, and stand before Allah in a devout (frame of mind).
The Holy Quran 2:238
Oh you who believe! When the call to the Friday prayer is made, then hasten for the remembrance of God.
The Holy Quran 62:9
The five regular daily prayers and the Friday prayer are very important to our Lord. The “middle prayer” is usually interpreted as the third prayer (Asr), which can be challenging to perform due to worldly demands such as work.
When My servants ask you concerning me, I am indeed close to them. I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he (or she) calls on me…
The Holy Quran 2:186
Call on your Lord humbly, and in the secrecy of your hearts. Surely, He loves not transgressors. Do not spread corruption on the earth, after it has been well ordered. And call on Him with fear and longing. Surely, God’s mercy is ever near to the doers of good.
The Holy Quran 7: 55-6
And your Lord said, “Call upon Me, I will respond to you.”
The Holy Quran 40:60
Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering?
The Holy Quran 27:62
These powerful verses show that Allah wants us to call on Him. He encourages us to talk to Him and ask Him for things. He always responds, but not always in the way we expect.
[Remember that] whatever you are given [now] is nothing but a provision for the transitory life of this world. Better and more enduring is the reward
that God has for those who believe, put their trust in their Lord, avoid
major sins and shameful deeds, forgive even when they are angry…are constant in prayer, conduct their affairs with mutual consultation, spend out of the sustenance that We have given them, and when they are oppressed, help and defend themselves.
The Holy Quran, 42:36-39
Once the Prophet was asked: “Tell us, which action is dearest to Allah?” He answered: “To say your prayer at its proper time.” Again he was asked: “What comes next?” He said: “To show kindness to parents.” “Then what?” he was asked. The Prophet replied: “To strive for the cause of Allah!”
Recorded in Bukhari
Islam has been built upon five things – on testifying that there is no god save Allah, and that Muhammad is His Messenger; on performing the daily ritual prayers (salat); on giving the obligatory charity (zakat); on pilgrimage (Hajj) to the House (Kabah); and on fasting during Ramadhan.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Vol. 1, p. 17; Muslim
Ask God of His grace, for verily God loves that He should be asked; and the best of prayers is persevering patiently for its fulfillment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
There is no Muslim servant (of God) who prays for his brother behind his back, in secret, but the angels say, “Amen! And you shall also have the same.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Daud
When we pray for another’s wellbeing, the goodness that we pray for them will come back to us. So pray for others!
O God! Make me be most thankful to Thee, and to remember Thee much, and that I may follow Thy counsel, and keep Thy commandments.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
If anyone abandons prayers he has become a disbeliever.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad, Tirmidhi & Nasai
The first thing the people will be accountable for on the Day of Judgment is prayer. Allah will say to His angels (even though He already knows): “Look at my servants’ prayers. Were they complete or not?” If they were complete, it will be written as complete. If they were not fully complete, Allah will say: “See if my servant has voluntary prayers.” If he has them Allah will say: “Complete his obligatory prayers’ shortage with his voluntary prayers.” Then the rest of his deeds will be dealt with in the same manner.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad, Abu Dawood, An-Nisa’i, and Al-Hakim
The similitude of performing the five prayers is like an overflowing river passing by the gate of one of you in which he washes five times …
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Book 4, Hadith 1411
The Prophet’s last words were, “Pay great attention to the ritual prayers! Fear Allah for the slaves you own!”
Recorded in Abu Dawud, Adab, 124 (or # 5137)
Praying to God, especially the five daily prayers, is critical in Islam and can be the difference between believing and disbelieving in God.
Our Lord (glorified and exalted be He) descends each night to the earth’s sky when there remains the final third of the night, and He says: Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it? Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him?
The Prophet Muhammad in Hadith Qudsi # 35 as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi and Abu Dawud
The night prayer (Tahajjud), starting from around 1:00 AM to the dawn prayer (Fajr), is a powerful means of drawing closer to our Lord.
51. PROPHETHOOD
The existence of prophets, or those who utter divinely inspired revelations
We have sent revelation to you as We sent revelation to Noah, and the prophets after him, as We sent revelation to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendents, including Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and We gave David the Psalms—of some messengers before you we have told you, or others We have not—and God spoke to Moses as well. Messengers who gave good tidings as well as warnings, so that mankind, after the coming of the Messengers, would have no excuse before God (on the Judgment Day); God is All-Mighty, All wise.
The Holy Quran 4:163-5
Say: We believe in God, and in that which has been sent down on us, and that sent down on Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, and their descendents, and that which was given to Moses and Jesus, and was given to all the prophets from their Lord, we make no distinction between any of them, and we surrender ourselves to God alone.
The Holy Quran 2:136
Behold! The angels said, “O Mary, Allah gives you glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honor in this world and the Hereafter, and (of the company) of those Nearest to Allah.”
The Holy Quran 3:45
Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad is the final prophet sent to mankind. He came to confirm the message of the prophets sent before Him, mainly, to worship God alone.
We have not sent you except as a universal (messenger) to the entire mankind to give them good tidings, and warn them; but most people do not understand this.
The Holy Quran 34:28
For you in the Messenger of Allah is the finest example to follow…
The Holy Quran 33:21
Indeed you (O Muhammad) are of a great moral character.
The Holy Quran 68:4
Ye have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the Praise of Allah.
The Holy Quran 33:21
The Prophet Muhammad is praised by God as a person worthy of emulating.
O Prophet, we have sent you as a witness, a bearer of good news, as well as a warner.
The Holy Quran 33:45
Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things.
The Holy Quran 33:40
…Those who follow the messenger, the Prophet who can neither read nor write, whom they will find described in the Torah and the Gospel (which are) with them. He will enjoin on them that which is right and forbid them that which is wrong. He will make lawful for them all good things and prohibit for them only the foul; and he will relieve them of their burden and the fetters that they used to wear. Then those who believe in him, and honor him, and help him, and follow the light which is sent down with him: they are the successful.
The Holy Quran 7:157
O my people! I ask of you no reward for this (message). My reward is from none but Him who created me: will you not then understand?
The Holy Quran 11:51
Certainly God conferred a great favor upon the believers when He raised among them a Messenger from among themselves, reciting to them His verses and purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom, although before that they were surely in manifest error.
The Holy Quran 3:164
The successful are those who follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be upon him.
My example and the example of the prophets before me is like a man who built a house, which he built and perfected excepted for the space of one block. People would go round the house and stare in awe at its perfection and say, “Had it not been for this space!” I am that brick. I am the last of the prophets.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded Bukhari #3342
Verily, the likeness of myself and the likeness of that with which God has sent me is as the likeness of a man who comes to his people and says, “Verily I have seen with my own eyes a large army (coming to attack you), and I am an urgent warner; so save yourselves.” A part of his people obeyed him, and left by night and arrived at their place of safety, and they were saved. And a part of them called it a lie, and awoke in their places in the morning, and the army came upon them in the morning and destroyed them. That is the likeness of him who obeys me, and follows what I have brought to him, and the likeness of him who rebels against me and calls (the truth) which I have brought to him a lie.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The Prophet Muhammad dedicated his life in trying to save us from the punishment of the next world and lead us to paradise.
52. PURITY
A state of being pure (spiritually pure, for the purpose of this value)
Surely Allah loves those who turn much (to Him), and He loves those who purify themselves.
The Holy Quran 2:222
By the soul, and the proportion and the order given to it; and its enlightenment as to its wrong or right; truly he succeeds who purifies it, and he fails who corrupts it.
The Holy Quran 91:7-10
He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself. And mentions the name of his Lord and prays.
Purification of one’s soul from wrong thoughts and deeds is the height of success.
The Holy Quran 87: 14-15
O Prophet! Take alms from their property so that it may clean them and purify them.
The Holy Quran 9:103
Those who spend their wealth in self-purification, and have in their minds no favor from anyone for which a reward is expected, but have only the desire to seek the pleasure of their Lord Most High, soon will they attain (complete) satisfaction.
The Holy Quran 92:18-21
Charity purifies the soul.
Thus We sent to you an Apostle from among yourselves, who recites to you Our signs, and purifies you, and teaches you the Book and wisdom, and teaches you what you did not know.
The Holy Quran 2:151
Allah does not wish to impose hardship upon you. Rather, He wishes to purify you; and to complete His blessings upon you; and in order that you may be thankful.
The Holy Quran 5:6
Allah wishes to purify our souls and does not wish to make our lives difficult.
…You will warn none but those who fear their Lord though they cannot see Him, and (those who) perform the prayer. Whoever purifies himself, he only purifies for the benefit of his own soul, and all things will return to Allah.
The Holy Quran 35:19
The Almighty Allah judges you neither by your countenance nor your wealth, but by the purity of your hearts and your deeds.
The Prophet Muhammad, as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Book 032, Number 6221
The pure ones are those who clean themselves from sin, doubt, cheating, lying, and jealousy.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ibn Habban, Al-Sahih, II, 76; Ibn Abi Shaybah, Al-Musannaf, VI, 167; Ma’mar ibn Rashid, al-Jami, XI, 191
A pure heart that yields pure deeds is what Allah values.
53. PURPOSE
Something set up as an object or end to be attained
Did you then think that We created you in vain, and that you would not be returned to us?
The Holy Quran 23:115
And I created not the jinn and mankind except that they should worship Me (Alone).
The Holy Quran 51:56
The purpose of our life is the worship our Creator in the many ways there are to worship Him (prayer, helping others, seeking knowledge, etc.).
…Who has created life and death so that He may try you which of you are best in deeds…
The Holy Quran 67:2
Who will do the best works for the sake of Him?
And we have not created the heaven and earth and what is between them in vain. That is the opinion of those who disbelieve. And woe to such disbelievers, because of the Fire. Shall we treat those who believe and do good deeds as those who spread corruption on the earth? Or shall we treat the pious as sinners?
The Holy Quran 38:27-8
The believers will not face the same afterlife as the corrupters. The pious will not be treated the same as sinners.
And among the people there is he who sells himself for the pleasure of Allah, and Allah is kind to His worshippers.
The Holy Quran 2:207
The pleasure of Allah should be our goal.
There has come to you from God a light and a luminous Book, through which God, by His grace, guides all who seek His good pleasure on the path of peace, and brings them out of the depths of darkness into light and guides them unto a Straight Path.
The Holy Quran 5:15-16
God has guided people to the purpose of life—worshipping Him and seeking His pleasure—by sending His messengers, books and other means. But we have to want to please God to receive this guidance.
54. REASON
The power of comprehending, inferring, or thinking especially in orderly rational ways: INTELLIGENCE
It is He Who has created you from dust; then from a sperm-drop; then from a leech-like clot; then does he get you out as a child; then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old,- though of you there are some who die before;- and lets you reach a Term appointed; in order that you may use your reason.
The Holy Quran 40:67
This verse tells us that the purpose of our growth in this life is for us to grow in our reasoning abilities.
Indeed, We have sent it down as an Arabic Quran, so that you might encompass it with your reason.
The Holy Quran 12:2
Indeed, We have rendered it an Arabic Quran, so that you might encompass it with your reason.
The Holy Quran 43:3
The Holy Quran was revealed in Arabic because the people it first came to only understood Arabic. The Quran is meant to be understood and reasoned about. Many Muslims do not take the time to understand and reflect on the meaning of the Quran and may read it in Arabic without understanding. But these verses prove that we are supposed to understand and reflect upon the Quran.
Those who listen to the Word, and follow the best (meaning) in it: those are the ones whom Allah has guided, and those are the ones endued with understanding.
The Holy Quran 39:18
In this verse Allah encourages us to listen to the Quran and to follow the best meaning, i.e., use our reason to determine the truest interpretation. These are people with understanding.
In the creation of heaven and earth, in
the succession of day and night, in the phenomena of ships sailing
across the seas with goods for the welfare of men, in the fall of
rain water from sky to quicken a dead earth, in populating the earth
with all species of animals, in ordering of winds and clouds between
sky and earth- in all these there are signs and pieces of evidence
for men who reason.
The Holy Quran 2:164
And of His signs is [that] He shows you the lightening [causing] fear and hope, and He sends down rain from the sky by which He brings to life the earth after its lifelessness. Indeed in that are signs for a people who use reason.
The Holy Quran 30:24
And He has marshaled to your service the night and the day, the sun and the moon, and the stars have also been made subservient by His command. They all function according to His laws. In these also there are signs for those who use their reason.
The Holy Quran 16:12
It is Allah who alternates the night and the day. Verily in these things is an instructive example for those who have vision.
The Holy Quran 24:44
And Allah sends down rain from the skies, and gives therewith life to the earth after its death: verily in this is a Sign for those who listen.
The Holy Quran 16:65
And among His Signs is this: that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
The Holy Quran 30:21
Allah encourages us to look at His signs all around us. The creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of night and day, the rain, the stars, the love between our hearts; all of these are signs for those who use reason.
And how many a city did We destroy while it was committing wrong – so it is [now] fallen into ruin – and [how many] an abandoned well and [how many] a lofty palace?
So have they not traveled through the earth and have hearts by which to reason and ears by which to hear? For indeed, it is not eyes that are blinded, but blinded are the hearts which are within the breasts.
The Holy Quran 22:45-46
Reason is not only a function of the mind but also comes from the heart.
Will they not, then, try to understand this Quran? Had it come from anyone other than God, they would have found in it many an inner contradiction.
The Holy Quran 4:82
Allah reasons with us, saying, had the Holy Quran not come from other than Him, many contradictions would be found.
When they are told, “Follow what God has revealed herein,” they say, “We follow only what we found our parents doing.” What if their parents did not understand, and were not guided?
The Holy Quran 2:170
Is it reasonable to follow those who did not use their reason?
Those who remember Allah standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides and meditate upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say): “Our Lord! You have not created this in vain, Glory be to You! Save us from the torment of the Fire.”
The Holy Quran 3:191
Is all of this creation, this world, this life, for no purpose? The believers are those who use their reason regarding this critical question.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in his Last Sermon
In his final sermon our Prophet urges us to reason well.
55. RECONCILIATION
The act of restoring to friendship or harmony
(See also Unity, Brotherhood)
Truly believers are a single brethren, so make reconciliation between your brothers.
The Holy Quran 49:10
Whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from God.
The Holy Quran 42:40
Obey Allah and His messenger, and do not quarrel with one another, for you will despair and your strength will go…
The Holy Quran 8:46
Making and keeping peace between people is highly encouraged by Allah.
Say: O People of the Book! Come to a word that is common between us and you, that we worship none but God, that we associate no partners with Him, and that none of us will take others as lords besides God…
The Holy Quran 3:64
Coming to peaceful terms of commonality with our fellow Christian and Jewish brothers and sisters in humanity is urged in the Holy Quran.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Shall I not inform you of something more excellent than fasting, prayer and charity?…It is putting things right between people.”
Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith 2310
Once the Prophet heard that the people of Qubaa (town neighboring Medina) were disputing with each other about a matter. The Prophet said, “Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them.”
Recorded in Bukhari #2547
He who makes peace between the people by inventing good information or saying good things, is not a liar.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Volume 3 Book 49 No. 857
It is sin enough for you not to cease quarrelling.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded Tirmidthi
The most hateful of men in the sight of God is the most contentious, quarrelsome fellow.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Vol. 3, Hadith No. 637, Muslim, Tirmidthi
Promoting harmony among people is extremely important in Islam.
A companion said, “I never heard him (i.e. The Prophet Muhammad) giving people permission to tell a lie in anything except in (three) matters: concerning war, making peace between people, and in the conversation of a man with his wife or the conversation of a woman with her husband, for the benefit and protection of their marriage.”
Recorded in Muslim
A lie for reconciliation purposes is permitted in Islam.
The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: “Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Abu Dawud, and Malik
56. RELIANCE ON GOD
The state of having confidence and trust in God
(See also Courage, Hope)
If Allah helps you, none can overcome you. If He forsakes you, who is there, afterward, that can help you? In Allah, then, let the believers put their trust.
The Holy Quran 3:160
…And consult them in the matter. Then, when you have taken a decision, rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely (upon Him).
The Holy Quran 3:159
And put your trust in Allah, for Allah alone is sufficient as a guardian.
The Holy Quran 33:3
Allah loves those who rely on Him. This does not mean we should not work towards our goals, but it means that we should trust that Allah is with us and will help us.
Now all the (false gods) are an enemy to me, except the Lord of the worlds: it is He who has created me, and so it is He who guides me; it is He who gives me to eat and drink, and whenever I am sick it is He who heals me; and it is He who makes me to die and then will bring me to life. And upon Him, I pin my hope that he will forgive my sins on the Day of Judgment.
The Holy Quran 26: 77-82
All that we have, such as food, health, and guidance, are from Allah. We must rely on and hope for His mercy.
When my servants question you about me, tell them that I am near. I answer
their prayers when they call on me; let them answer my call. Let them trust
in me, that they may be guided along the path of righteousness.
The Holy Quran 2:186
Allah is near to us. Allah responds to our prayers. We must trust in Him and what He teaches in His Holy Book.
For, Believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a tremor in their hearts, and when they hear His signs rehearsed, find their faith strengthened, and put (all) their trust in their Lord.
The Holy Quran 8:2
How should we not put our trust in Allah when He has shown us our ways? We surely will endure the hurt you do us. In Allah do the trusting put their trust.
The Holy Quran 14:12
Allah has guided us to the truth. No matter what we will trust in His will.
If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
You must put in effort and work, but if you are overwhelmed by a difficulty then say, ‘God is sufficient for me, and He is the most excellent guardian.’
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, Number 130
Yes we do need to put effort towards our goals, but we must also trust in God, especially when times are rough.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said he knew a verse from the Quran that would be sufficient for all people if they would only apply it in their daily lives: “And unto everyone who is conscious of God, He (always) grants a way out (of unhappiness), and provides for (that person) in a manner beyond all expectation.” [65:2-3]
Recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1407
We must remember this verse when we are faced with hardships. There is always hope.
Abu Bakr narrated, “I looked at the feet of the Pagans while we were in the cave (of Thawr). I said, ‘O Prophet of God, if anyone of them looks down at his feet, he would see us!’ The Messenger said, ‘O Abu Bakr, What do you think of two with whom God, the Exalted, is their Third?’”
Recorded in Muslim #1854
When the Prophet and his loyal friend Abu Bakr were hiding from the pagans who were seeking to kill them, the Prophet reminded Abu Bakr of the fact that God is always with us, especially when we are doing the right thing.
57. REMEMBRANCE OF GOD
The act of bringing God to mind, thinking of God
Therefore remember Me. I will remember you. Be grateful to Me and never show me ingratitude.
The Holy Quran 2:152
Allah promises us that if we remember Him, he will “remember” us; i.e. bring us closer to Him, help us, and reward us. We remember God because we are grateful to Him for all He has given us, including our existence.
Those who remember Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and meditate upon the creation of the heavens and the earth, (and say), “Our Lord! You have not created this in vain. Glory be to You! Save us from the torment of the Fire.”
The Holy Quran 3:191
Remembering God can be done in many ways, such as reflecting on God’s creation.
O Believers! Remember Allah much, and glorify Him morning and evening. He it is who blesses you, and His angels pray for His blessings for you, that He may bring you forth out of darkness into light, and He is merciful to the believers.
The Holy Quran 33:41-43
The more we remember God, the more we will be blessed and guided to truth.
Prayer restrains (mankind) from shameful and unjust deeds, and remembrance
of God is surely the greatest (of all deeds)…
The Holy Quran 29:45
Remembering God is the greatest of all deeds.
O you who believe! Let not your properties or your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whosoever does that, then they are the losers.
The Holy Quran 63:9
Remembering God can be challenging in the world of distractions, but we must remember to remember!
Remember your Lord morning and evening, deep in your heart with humility and with fear, and also in a low voice; do not be of those who are heedless.
The Holy Quran7:205
Remembering God involves depth of heart, humility, and fear of His displeasure.
If those who guard themselves against evil are tempted by Satan, they have but to remember, and they will see.
The Holy Quran 7:201
Remembering God protects us from the tricks of Satan.
Those who have believed and whose hearts have rest in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest!
The Holy Quran 13:28
Peace in the heart comes from remembering our Creator.
…But woe to those whose hearts are hardened against the remembrance of God. Surely those (people) are clearly in error.
The Holy Quran 39:22
The Prophet asked: “Shall I tell you something that is the best of all deeds, constitutes the best act of piety in the eyes of your Lord, elevates your rank in the hereafter, and carries more virtue than the spending of gold and silver in the service of God, or taking part in struggle and slaying or being slain in the path of God?” His companions said: “Yes!” He said: “Remembrance of Allah.”
Recorded in Ahmad, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah
This hadith reiterates the Quranic verse above which says that remembrance of God is the greatest of all deeds.
A man once said to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): “The laws of Islam are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow.” The Prophet replied: “Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of God.”
The Prophet also said: “No other act is a more effective means for deliverance from the chastisement of God than the remembrance of God.”
Recorded in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, Number 99
All of the acts that we do in Islam are to bring us to a higher state of awareness of God.
The resemblance of one who remembers his God and one who does not remember Him is like that of the living and the dead.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Da’awaat, 66
One of the seven people whom God will draw under His own shadow on the Day of Resurrection is a person who remembers God alone, his (or her) eyes running with tears.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
There is a polish for everything that takes away rust; and the polish for the heart is the remembrance of Allah.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Remembrance of God cleans our hearts, which are tainted by our sins and love of this world.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “God says: ‘I am to my servant as he expects of Me. I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his, and if he draws nearer to Me a hand’s span, I draw nearer to him an arm’s length, and if he draws nearer to Me an arm’s length, I draw nearer to him a fathom length, and if he comes to me walking, I rush to him at (great) speed.
Recorded in Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, Number 99; Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
Remembering Allah brings us closer to Him.
The Messenger of God would busy himself with the remembrance of God. He would not talk in vain. He would lengthen the prayers and shorten the speech. And he would not hesitate to help and take care of the needs of a needy, poor, or widow.
Recorded in Ibn Hab’ban #6423
When we remember God, it helps us to do and speak more good things.
The Prophet said, “If you come across the gardens of Paradise, then graze therein.” Some asked, “And what are the gardens of Paradise?” He said, “The gatherings of remembrance of God.”
Recorded in Tirmidthi (5:532 #3432), Ahmad (3:150 #12065), Bayhaqi (Shu’ab 1:398 #529)
Truly God has noble angels that travel the Earth, seeking out the gatherings of remembrance of God, so if they come to one of them, they surround it with their wings until they reach the heaven. So God says, “From where did you come” They say, “We came from Your servants, who were glorifying You, magnifying You, praising You, declaring Your Oneness, asking You, and seeking Your protection.”…Then God will say, “Bear witness that I have indeed forgiven them, and given to them what they ask of Me, and protected them from what they seek protection with Me.” The angels will say, “But our Lord, there is among them a servant who sins greatly, who sat with them but is not among them.” He will say, “I have forgiven him also, for no one who sits with them in their sessions becomes wretched or miserable.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari (Kitab ad-Da’awat, 8:107-108, #5929), Muslim (Kitab al-Dhikr, #4854), Tirmidthi (5:579 #3524)
No group of people come together and sit to invoke God except that the angels surround them, mercy covers them, peace descends on them, and Allah mentions them to those with Him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim (Kitab al-Dhikr, #4868), Tirmidthi (#3300)
The Prophet once came to a group of people and asked, “What made you sit together?” They responded, “We sat together to invoke God and to praise Him.” Then he said, “Indeed Gabriel came to me and said that God boasts of you to His angels.”
Recorded in Muslim (Kitab al-Dhikr, #4869), Tirmidthi (#3301) and others
Two statements are light on the tongue, weigh heavily in the balance, and are loved by the Most Merciful One: “Glorified is God and praised is He”
(Subhaanal-laahi wa bihamdih) and “Glorified is God the Most Great” (Subhaanal-laahil-‘Adheem).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Bukhari (7/168), Muslim (4/2072)
The best way to celebrate the remembrance of God is to say, “There is no god but God” (la ilaha illallah).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Mu’adh narrates that the Messenger of God took hold of his hand and said, “O Mu’adh! By God I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: ‘O God, help me to remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner.’”
Recorded in Abu Dawud
It is reported that the Messenger of God said, “The Mufarridun have gone ahead.” He was asked, “Who are the Mufarridun?” He replied, “Those men and women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of God.”
Recorded in Muslim
Remembrance of God raises one’s spiritual station before God.
58. REPENTENCE
The act of turning away from sin and asking for God’s forgiveness
…And seek God’s forgiveness! Truly God is much forgiving and Merciful.
The Holy Quran 2:199
O Believers! Turn to God with a sincere repentance.
The Holy Quran 66:8
Whoever repents, believes and does good deeds, he shall be among the successful.
The Holy Quran 28:67
He is the Acceptor of Repentance, Compassionate.
The Holy Quran 9:104
Whoso does evil or oppresses his own self and thereafter seeks God’s forgiveness shall find God most Forgiving, Merciful.
The Holy Quran 4:110
But those who do evil deeds, then repent and believe, they will find your Lord Forgiving and Merciful.
The Holy Quran 7:153
Anyone of you who does a misdeed through ignorance then repents thereafter and makes amends, then verily He is Forgiving, Merciful.
The Holy Quran 6:54
The Quran repeatedly tells us to turn to God for forgiveness.
Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day of Reckoning.
The Holy Quran 14:41
We are encouraged to ask God’s forgiveness for ourselves as well as others.
When comes the Help of God, and Victory, and you do see the people enter God’s religion in crowds: Celebrate the praises of your Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy).
The Holy Quran 110: 1-3
Along with celebrating God’s praise we are supposed to ask His forgiveness.
The Prophet Muhammad reported that the devil said to
God: “I shall continue to lead Thy servants astray as long as their spirits
are in their bodies.” And God replied: “(Then) I shall continue to pardon
them as long as they ask My forgiveness.”
Recorded in Tirmidthi, Hadith 742
(God says) O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it.
Narrated by the Prophet Muhammad in Tirmidhi, Ahmad
(God says) O My servants, you sin by night and by day, and I forgive all sins, so seek forgiveness of Me and I shall forgive you.
Narrated by Prophet Muhammad in Muslim, Tirmidthi
Never lose hope in the mercy and forgiveness of Allah.
59. RESPECTFULNESS
Marked by showing consideration, esteem, deference
(See also Considerateness, Politeness)
Let not some men mock others, perhaps the latter may be better than the former. Nor let some women mock other women, it may be that the latter are better than the former. Do not defame or insult each other nor call each other by (offensive) nicknames. Bad is the name of wickedness after faith.
The Holy Quran 49:11-12
And do not indulge in disputation with the People of the Book except in a refined way, unless it be with those of them who inflict wrong, and say, “We believe in the revelation which came down to us and in that which came down to you; our God and your God is one; and it is to Him we bow.
The Holy Quran 29:46
And do not insult those (deities) they invoke other than Allah, lest they insult Allah in enmity without knowledge.
The Holy Quran 6:108
Insulting others is a grave sin in Islam. Even insulting the deities that other people worship is a sin.
The little matters of courtesy that look easy to you and which you take lightly will be very important on the Day of Judgment.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 61; Bayhaqi, al-Sunan al-Kubra, X, 193
Showing respect to others can bring many blessings from God.
Anyone who does not show mercy to our young ones and respect to our old ones is not one of us.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 127
Verily, it is one of the respects to Allah to honor an old man.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Respecting our elders is imperative in Islam.
When one of you sees a bier, and does not walk with it, let him stand up until it has passed away or is put down.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
A funeral procession once passed in front of the Prophet Muhammad and he stood up out of respect. When he was told the person in the coffin was Jewish and not Muslim, he said: “Was it not a living soul?”
Recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 399; Muslim, Janaiz, 81
Respect must even be shown to the deceased, regardless of whether they are Muslim or not.
No man blames another for wickedness and unbelief, but it will return upon him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Book of Manners, Chapter: He who calls his brother a disbeliever without evidence will be like what he said (Hadith no. 6104). Also in Sahih Muslim, Book of Faith, chapter of status of faith of one who calls his brother a disbeliever (Hadith no.60).
When a person accuses and disrespects others, this negativity will return upon that person.
When there are three men, let not two engage in a private discourse without the third, for that may grieve him.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud
Respect all who are around you.
A man must greet his wife and children upon entering the house.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
O my child, when you go to thy family, greet (them), as it will be a blessing to you and the people of your house.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Greeting others upon entering a home is part of respecting them.
Your servants are your brothers and your stewards: God has placed them under your hands; whoso then has a brother under his hand, let him feed him out of what he eats himself, and let him clothe him out of what he clothes himself, and compel them not to do a work which will overpower them, and if you do compel them (to any such work), then assist them with it.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Those who abuse their slaves cannot enter Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Birr, 29, Ibn Majah, Adab, 10; Ahmad, al-Musnad, I, 7
…Allah’s Messenger never hit anybody with his own hands, neither his wife nor an attendant.
Recorded in Muslim
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) quoted God as saying: “O My servants, I have forbidden oppression for Myself and have made it forbidden amongst you, so do not oppress one another.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Hadith Qudsi 17
The Prophet asked his companions, “Do you know who the Bankrupt is?” His companions replied, “The Bankrupt among us is one who has neither money nor property.” The Prophet said, “The real Bankrupt of my community will be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with much of prayer, fasting, and charity; but he will find himself bankrupt on that day as he will have exhausted the funds of virtues because he insulted others, brought calumny against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others, and beat others, so his virtues would be credited to the account of those who suffered at his hand. If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the hellfire.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim: 59-2581
Anas (r) remembered: “I served the holy Prophet for ten years. He never said “Uf” (an expression of dissatisfaction), nor did he ever ask me why I did this or did not do that.”
Recorded in Muslim, Fadail, 51; Abu Dawud, Adab, 1
A contemporary of the Prophet narrates, “My mother used to hold the Prophet’s hand and used to take him wherever she wanted. If any person used to come before him and shook his hand, the Prophet never used to draw away his hand from the other person’s hands till the latter drew away his hands, and he never used to turn away his face from that person till the latter himself turned away his face. In meetings he was never seen squatting in such a way that his knees were protruding further than his fellow-squatters.”
Recorded in Tirmidthi
Respect all people for we are all brothers and sisters in humanity.
60. RESPONSIBILITY
The QUALITY or state of being responsible: as a: moral, legal, or mental accountability
Has (man) not been told of what was written in the books of Moses, and in those of Abraham who fulfilled his every duty: that no person shall be made to bear the burden of another; and that nothing shall be accounted unto a person except what he does himself; and that in time he shall see the results of his doings; and then he shall be recompensed for them with the fullest recompense.
The Holy Quran 53: 36-41
I ask whether I should seek any god besides God–when he is the Lord of all things. All people will reap the harvest of their own deeds; no one will bear another’s burden. Ultimately, all of you will return to your Lord, and he will resolve your disputes.
The Holy Quran 6:164
We will all be responsible for our own deeds that we did in this life.
Surely Allah does not change the conditions in which a people are in until they change that which is in themselves.
The Holy Quran 13:11
…Allah will never change the Grace which He has bestowed on a people until they change what is in their (own) souls.
The Holy Quran 8:52-53
We must change from the inside in order for our conditions to change.
Whoever sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is unable to do so, then with his heart; and that is the weakest of faith.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Muslim, Book 1, Number 79
We must not turn away if we see an evil act taking place.
The secrets of gatherings are a trust, but three kinds of gatherings are exceptions: one in which haram (illegal) blood is being shed, one in which haram (illegal) sex is being indulged in, and one in which property is being illegally usurped.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Daud
We have a responsibility to inform others if we know that something illegal will take place.
The Prophet had promised Jabir bin Abdullah that he would give him some gifts from the stock of articles coming from Bahrain, but before fulfilling his promise he died. When the stock from Bahrain arrived, it was announced in public that anyone the Prophet might have promised from this stock and anyone who had lent something to the Prophet should come and take away his due.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Even on his deathbed, the Prophet was concerned about his responsibilities to others and took precautions to make sure that his responsibilities were fulfilled.
A man said to the Prophet, “Should I tie up the legs of (my) camel and then rely (upon God), or should I leave it free, and then rely (upon God to take care of it?). The Prophet said, “Tie up its legs, and then rely (upon God).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Relying on God does not mean neglecting certain precautionary measures.
I said, “O Prophet of God! Why dost thou not appoint me an officer?” The Prophet stroked his hands upon my shoulders, and said, “O Abu-Dharr! You are a weak man, and this is a trust; and verily on the Day of Resurrection it shall be a cause of disgrace and regret, except to him who has held it as it ought to be held, and has fulfilled it as it was his duty to fulfill.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Abu Daud
Holding a government office is a behemoth responsibility and officials will be held accountable on the Day of Resurrection.
Take care! Each of you is a governor, and each of you will be asked concerning his subjects. A leader is governor over (his) people, and he shall be asked concerning his subjects. A man is the governor over the people of his house, and he shall be asked concerning his subjects. A woman is governess over the house of her husband, and over his children, and she shall be asked concerning them. The slave of a man is governor over the substance of his master, and he shall be asked concerning it. Take care then, each of you is a governor, and each of you will be asked concerning his subjects.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
We will be questioned about those under our care.
The Prophet Muhammad was asked what type of earning was best, and he replied: “A man’s work with his hands and every (lawful) business transaction.”
Recorded in Tirmidhi, Hadith 846
No one has eaten better food than the one who eats from the labor of his own hands.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A man of the Ansar came to the Prophet begging of him. The Prophet said, “Hast thou nothing in thy house?” The man said, “Yes, I have a woolen carpet, with one part of which we cover ourselves, and spread the other, and a cup in which we drink water.” The Prophet said, “Come to me with them both.” The man came to him with both, and the Prophet took them in his hand and said, “Who will buy these two?” One man said, “I will take them both for one dirham.” The Prophet said, “Who will give more than a dirham?” This he repeated twice or thrice. Another man said, “I will take them both for two dirhams.” Then the Prophet gave them both to that man, and took the two dirhams, and gave them to the needy man, and said, “Buy food with one of these, and let it go to thy family, and buy a hatchet with the other, and come to me with it.” The man came to him with it. The Prophet fixed a handle to it with his own hands, and then said, “Go, cut wood, and sell it, and let me not see thee for fifteen days.” The man did as he was bidden. Then he came back when he had already got ten dirhams; and he bought a garment with part of it, and food with part. Then the Prophet said, “This is better for thee than that thou shouldst come on the Day of Resurrection with black marks upon thy face.” (Begging without true need is a sin).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Daud, Tirmidthi, Ibn Majah
It is better for any of you to carry a load of firewood on his own back than begging from someone else.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Riyadh-Us-Saleheen, Chapter 59, hadith 540
We must try our best to take responsibility for our livelihood.
A believer is not stung from the same hole twice.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
We are responsible for learning from our past mistakes. We should not make the same mistake twice.
61. RIGHTEOUSNESS
Action in accord with divine or moral law
(See also Piety)
…Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.
The Holy Quran 49:13
Whoever believes and performs righteousness shall have a goodly reward.
The Holy Quran 18:88
You are the best community ever sent forth. You enjoin humanity to the righteous act and forbid the wrong. You believe in God…
The Holy Quran 3:110
Truly those who believe and do righteous deeds are the best of creatures.
The Holy Quran 98:7
He (Allah) befriends the righteous.
The Holy Quran 7:196
It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces Towards east or West; but it is righteousness- to believe in God and the Last Day, and the Angels, and the Book, and the Messengers; to spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for orphans, for the needy, for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be steadfast in prayer, and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made; and to be firm and patient, in pain (or suffering) and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.
The Holy Quran 2:177
O children of Adam! We have bestowed on you garments to cover your nakedness and as an adornment, but righteousness is the best garment of all.
The Holy Quran 7:26
Cooperate with me when I am right but correct me when I commit error; obey me so long as I follow the commandments of God and His prophet; but turn away from me when I deviate.
The first caliph, Abu Bakr, in his first inaugural address
A man said, “O Prophet of God! Tell me about righteousness.” The Prophet said, “Righteousness is that you serve God as though you see Him, and if you do not see Him, verily does He see you.
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
Righteousness is good morality, and wrongdoing is that which wavers in your soul and which you dislike people finding out about.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in An-Nawawi’s “Forty Hadith,” Hadith 27.
Islam is about doing what’s right.
62. SANCTITY OF LIFE
Holiness, sacredness of life
We ordained for the Children of Israel that if anyone killed a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he killed the whole people: and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.
The Holy Quran 5:32
To kill a human being who did not murder anyone is so serious that it is like killing all human beings.
. . . And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden except for the requirement of justice...
The Holy Quran 6:151
And do not take any human being’s life – [the life] that God has willed to be sacred – other than in [the pursuit of] justice.
The Holy Quran 17:33
And whoever kills a believer intentionally, his recompense is Hell to abide therein; and the Wrath and the Curse of God are upon him, and a great punishment is prepared for him.
The Holy Quran 4:93
The murderer of an innocent person will be punished severely by God.
Say: Come, I will rehearse what Allah hath prohibited you from: Join not anything as equal with Him, be good to your parents, kill not your children for fear of poverty—We provide sustenance for you and for them—come not near to shameful deeds, whether open or secret; take not life, which Allah has made sacred, except by way of justice and law. Thus does He command you, that you may learn wisdom.
The Holy Quran 6:151
And do not kill your children for fear of poverty, for it is We who provide for them and for you as well. Surely the killing of them is a great sin.
The Holy Quran 17:31
And when a daughter is announced to one of them his face becomes black and he is full of wrath. On account of the bad news he hides himself from people: Should he put up with the shame or bury her in the earth? Most surely evil is their judgment.
The Holy Quran 16:58-59
And when the female infant buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do)
is asked: For what crime was she killed?
The Holy Quran 81:8-9
The Arabs, before the prophethood of Muhammad, would bury their daughters alive and kill their children for fear of poverty. Islam ended this evil practice.
O you who believe . . . do not kill (or destroy) yourselves. Surely Allah is Most Merciful to you.
The Holy Quran 4:29
And do not throw (yourselves) with your own hands to destruction; but work (deeds of) excellence, for verily Allah loves the people of excellence.
The Holy Quran 2:195
These verses prohibit suicide.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust…Hurt no one so that no one will hurt you.
From the Prophet’s Farewell Sermon as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The Prophet said to his companions, “May I tell you the major sins?”
“Why not, O Messenger of Allah?” we replied. Then he enumerated them: “To associate someone else with Allah, to disobey parents, or to murder someone unjustly.” He was leaning, then he got up and said, “Also to tell lies or to give false evidence.” He went on repeating this last statement, until we said to ourselves that it would be better if he were silent.
Recorded in Bukhari
The first thing that will be decided between men on the day of resurrection is blood-shedding.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The shedding of blood is so serious that it is the first issue to be addressed on the Day of Judgment.
Take not things which have life to shoot (arrows) at.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Tirmidthi
Killing animals for mere enjoyment is not allowed in Islam.
Whoever kills a person having a treaty with the Muslims shall not even smell the scent of Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
The Prophet was told that a certain man had killed himself: whereupon he said that he would not offer his funeral prayer.
Recorded in Abu Daud
In one of the battles of the Prophet a woman was found killed; whereupon the Prophet forbade the killing of women and children.
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Daud
To kill non-combatants and to commit suicide are clearly huge sins in Islam that lead to a great punishment from God.
63. SELF CONTROL
Restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires
But as for him who feared to stand before his Lord and restrained his soul from low desires, Lo! The garden will be his home.
The Holy Quran 79:40-41
O David! …do not follow the whims of your own soul for they will lead you astray from God’s path.
The Holy Quran 38:26
And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous Who spend [in the cause of Allah ] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good.
The Holy Quran 3:133-134
Controlling our desires and our anger will lead us to Paradise.
The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 135
The Prophet said, “One is not strong because of one’s wrestling skillfully.” The companions asked, “Allah’s Messenger, then who is strong?” He said: “He who controls his anger when he is in a fit of rage.”
Recorded in Muslim, The Book of Virtue, Good Manners and Joining of the Ties of Relationship (Kitab Al-Birr was-Salat-I-wa’l-Adab), Book 032, Number 6314)
A man said to the Prophet , “Advise me!” The Prophet said, “Do not become angry and furious.” The man asked (the same) again and again, and the Prophet said in each case, “Do not become angry and furious.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab), Volume 8, Book 73, Number 137
Allah Almighty loves those who restrain anger: “Those who spend (freely), whether in prosperity, or in adversity; who restrain anger, and pardon (all) men; for Allah loves those who do good (The Holy Quran, 3:134).” Indeed anger is from the devil, and indeed the devil was created from fire, and indeed fire is put out with water. So if any of you were to become angry, perform ablution (wudhu).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud
Controlling one’s anger is very important for being a good Muslim.
The Prophet took hold of his tongue and said, “Withhold yourself from (using) this (wrongfully).” A companion named Muadh asked, “O Prophet of God! Will we indeed be responsible for what we speak by it?” The Prophet said, “Beware O Muadh! For what else throws men into the fire (of hell) upon their faces or upon their noses, but the harvest of their tongues?”
Recorded in Tirmidthi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad
Controlling our tongues and words is a challenge but it is necessary if we want to avoid God’s punishment.
64. SINCERITY
The quality or state of being sincere: honesty of mind: freedom from hypocrisy
(See also Piety, Intention)
Is it not to Allah that sincere devotion is due?
The Holy Quran 39:3
And they have been commanded no more than this: To worship Allah, offering Him sincere devotion, being true (in faith); to establish regular prayer, and to practice regular charity; and that is the Religion, right and straight.
The Holy Quran 98: 5
But the sincere servants of Allah—for them is a sustenance determined.
The Holy Quran 37:40-41
Then see what was the end of those who were warned, except for the sincere servants of Allah.
The Holy Quran 37: 73-74
Sincerity in Islam means that we do what we do for the sake of God’s pleasure and not to “show off” or for other reasons.
So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their prayers—those who want to be seen (of men), but refuse (to supply) neighborly needs.
The Holy Quran 107: 4-7
O Believers! Do not make your charity worthless by reminders of your generosity or by injury, like him who spends his wealth to be seen of men and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day…
The Holy Quran 2:264
If you give charity openly, it is well, and if you conceal it and give it to the poor, it is better for you; and it will atone for some of your sins, and Allah is aware of what you do.
The Holy Quran 2:271
It is better to do good deeds (usually) that no one knows about except for you and God. The reward is greater because the deed is more sincere.
Do the people think that they will be left alone on saying, “We believe,” and that they will not be tested? We did test those before them, and Allah will certainly know those who are true from those who are false.
The Holy Quran 29:2-3
The word “know” is used more in the sense of testing than in acquiring knowledge. Allah already knows everything. The tests we bear in this life are really to test our sincerity to God.
There is no blame on those who are infirm, or ill, or who find no resources to spend (on the Cause), if they are sincere to Allah and His Messenger: No ground (of complaint) can there be against such as do right: and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.
The Holy Quran 9:91
We are feeding you for the sake of Allah. We do not expect from you any compensation or thanks.
The Holy Quran 76:9
The Prophet said, “Islam is to be sincere.” The companions asked, “To whom?” He replied, “To Allah, His Book, His prophet, the ones in authority over you and the general public.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, Tirmidhi
O God! Make my inside better than my outside, and make my outside (also) righteous.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
Allah does not look at your bodies nor does he look at your faces, but He looks at your hearts.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
The proof of a Muslim’s sincerity is that he pays no heed to that which is not his business.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
During the last ten days of (the month of) Ramadan, the Prophet used to retire (for prayer, fasting, and meditation); whereupon Aishah asked leave to do the same, and the Prophet gave her leave. She had a tent set up (for the purpose). Hafsah heard of it, and had another tent set up; Zaynab also had a tent set up. When in the morning the Prophet turned up, he saw four tents, and asked, “What is all this?” Being told of that, the Prophet said, “Piety has not carried them to do this. Pull them down, so that I may not see them again.” And they were pulled down.
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi
Even the least show (of piety) is associating (others with God).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ibn Majah, Bayhaqi
Doing a religious act for show and not for God is considered a lesser form of shirk (associating others with God).
Whoso causes (others) to hear (of his virtues), God will disgrace him thereby.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Verily, the first to be judged on the Day of Resurrection will be a man who had died as a martyr. He will be brought forward. Allah will remind him of the favors He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. Then He will ask him: “What did you do to express gratitude for it?” The man will reply: “I fought for Your Cause till I was martyred.” Allah will say: “You have lied. You fought so that people might call you courageous; and they have done so.” The command will then be issued about him and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell. Next a man who had acquired and imparted knowledge and read the Quran will be brought forward. Allah will remind him of the favors He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. Then He will ask him: “What did you do to express gratitude for it?” The man will reply: “I acquired knowledge and taught it, and read the Quran for Your sake.” Allah will say to him: “You have lied. You acquired knowledge so that people might call you a learned (man), and you read the Quran so that they might call you a reciter, and they have done so.” The Command will then be issued about him, and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell. Next a man, whom Allah had given plenty of wealth, will be brought forward. Allah will remind him of the favors He had bestowed upon him and the man will acknowledge them. He will ask him: “What did you do to express gratitude for it?” The man will reply: “I did not neglect any of the ways You liked wealth to be spent liberally for Your sake.” Allah will say to him: “You have lied. You did it so that people might call you generous, and they have done so.” The Command will then be issued about him and he will be dragged on his face and thrown into Hell. So these are the first of Allah’s creation the Fire will be kindled with on the Day of Resurrection.”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, 13/45/1905
65. STEADFASTNESS
Firmness in belief, determination, or adherence
(See also Patience)
How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of Godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.
The Holy Quran 3:146
This is a beautiful verse that describes Godly people as being steadfast. Even when people are struggling for the cause of God, they still meet problems and even disasters. God is testing us! Will we lose heart, weaken in will, or remain steadfast? If we want Allah to love us, we must remain steadfast.
And We will surely test you with fear and hunger, and loss of wealth, life, and fruits. But give good news to the steadfast.
The Holy Quran 2:155
And of the people is he who worships Allah on an edge. If he is touched by good, he is reassured by it; but if he is struck by trial, he turns on his face [to the other direction]. He has lost [this] world and the Hereafter. That is what is the manifest loss.
The Holy Quran 22:11
We must never let our circumstances cause us to lose faith. It is a test!
That which ye have wasteth away, and that which Allah hath remaineth. And verily We shall pay those who are steadfast a recompense in proportion to the best of what they used to do.
The Holy Quran 16:96
“And be steadfast in prayer…”
The Holy Quran 2:43
How many a little company has overcome a mighty host by God’s leave! God is with the steadfast.
The Holy Quran 2:249
Peace be with you, for you persevered steadfastly. How blessed is the final abode.
The Holy Quran 13:24
The people of paradise will be greeted with Peace and their steadfastness will be acknowledged. May Allah make us of the steadfast people of paradise!
The first to be summoned to Paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in prosperity and adversity.
Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 730
The strong believer stays true and thankful to God no matter what the circumstances.
Say, “I believe in Allah” and then be steadfast.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
Here steadfastness is directly connected with believing in Allah. True belief means we believe no matter what obstacles come our way. Remember, even the Prophets were bombarded with hardships and suffering. No, they were the ones who suffered the most among all people in this life!
66. STRUGGLE FOR GOOD CAUSES
Strenuous effort in the face of difficulties
Those who have striven for Our sake, We guide them to Our ways.
The Holy Quran 29:69
If we want to be guided to closeness to God, we must work for His sake.
Therefore listen not to the unbelievers, but struggle against them with the utmost strenuousness with the (Quran).
The Holy Quran 25:52
These first two verses were revealed before the Muslims were given the permission to physically fight. The word “jihad” is used in these verses, but not in the sense of physically fighting the oppressive pagans.
And strive for God with the striving due to Him. He has chosen you and has not placed upon you in the religion any difficulty. [It is] the religion of your father, Abraham. Allah named you “Muslims” before [in former scriptures] and in this [revelation] that the Messenger may be a witness over you and you may be witnesses over the people. So establish prayer and give the poor-due and hold fast to God. He is your Protector; and excellent is the Protector, and excellent is the Helper.
The Holy Quran 22:78
And whoever strives only strives for [the benefit of] himself. Indeed, Allah is free of all needs from all creation.
The Holy Quran 29:6
These Quranic verses also contain some derivative of the word “jihad” and yet these verses were revealed before Muslims were given permission to physically fight oppressors.
The (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere.
The Holy Quran 49:15
For had it not been that Allah checks one set of people by means of another, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, wherein the Name of Allah is mentioned much, would surely have been pulled down. Verily Allah will help those who help His (cause). Truly, Allah is All-Strong, All-mighty.
The Holy Quran 22:40
Lo! Those who believe and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and strive in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah’s mercy…
The Holy Quran 2:218
To those against whom war is made, permission is given [to defend themselves], because they are wronged – and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory.
The Holy Quran 22:39
Fight in the cause of Allah, those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loves not transgressors. And slay them wherever you catch them, and turn them out from where they have turned you out; for tumult and oppression are worse than slaughter. . . And fight them on until there is no more tumult and oppression and there prevails justice and faith in Allah. But if they cease, let there be no hostility except to those who practice oppression.
The Holy Quran 2:190-193
There is to be no fighting if the other side ceases to fight. The goal of fighting is to uphold justice and to stop oppression.
And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of God and of the oppressed among the men and the women and the children, (of) those who say: “Our Lord! Cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper!”
This verse exemplifies why struggles must sometimes take a physical form.
Go you forth, (whether equipped) lightly or heavily, and strive and struggle, with your goods and your persons, in the Cause of Allah. That is best for you, if you but knew.
The Holy Quran 9:41
Those of the believers who sit still, other than those who have a (disabling) hurt, are not on an equality with those who strive in the way of God with their wealth and lives. God hath conferred on those who strive with their wealth and lives a rank above the sedentary. Unto each God hath promised good, but He hath bestowed on those who strive a great reward above the sedentary.
The Holy Quran 4:95
To strive for the cause of Allah from daybreak to noon and sunset is better than the goods and enjoyment of the whole worldly life.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
A man asked permission of the Prophet (to take part) in a jihad (a battle against oppressors). The Prophet asked, “Are your parents living?” He said, “Yes.” The Prophet said, “Then go to them and do jihad (by taking care of them).”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidthi, Abu Daud
Aisha asked: “Messenger of God, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn’t we join it?” He replied, “But the best jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).”
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari #2784
The best jihad is to speak the truth before a tyrannical ruler.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Abu Dawud (hadith 2040), Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja) and Riyadh us-Saleheen Volume 1:195
Jihad can take many forms, depending on the person and the situation.
A man came to the Prophet and said: “O Messenger of God! What if my belongings are forcibly taken from me?” The Prophet said: “Ask for them back in the name of God”. “If they refuse?” he asked. The Prophet replied: “Again, ask for them back in the name of God”. “If they still refuse?” the man asked. “Ask for them back, in the name of God, yet again,” the Prophet stressed. “If they persist in their refusal?” the man inquired. “Fight them, for if you are killed you will enter paradise, and if they are killed they will enter the hell fire,” the Prophet explained.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim and Nasai
Whoever is killed while attempting to protect his belongings is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect himself is a martyr; whoever is killed while attempting to protect his religion is a martyr; and whoever is killed while attempting to protect his family is a martyr.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Abu Dawud, Nasai and Ibn Majah
Whosoever has fought for the protection of his belongings until death; he is a martyr.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Tirmidthi
Jihad is to defend oneself from criminals and oppressors.
67. TOLERANCE
Sympathy for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own; Capacity to endure pain or hardship
(See also Freedom of Religion, Respect)
God does not prohibit you regarding those who do not fight you or drive you out of your homes from dealing kindly and justly with them. Indeed, God loves those who are Just.
The Holy Quran 60:8
God loves us to treat people of different religions in a just and kind way so long as they do not fight us or take our homes from us.
If it had been your Lord’s will, they would all have believed, all who are on earth; will you then compel mankind, against their will, to believe?
The Holy Quran 10: 99
Our Lord willed that people would have different beliefs. How can we force people to believe what we believe if God has not willed this?
Do not insult those whom they invoke besides God…
The Holy Quran 6:108
Muslims are not allowed to insult the deities of other religions.
Anas bin Malik narrates: Once I was walking with God’s Apostle and he was wearing a cloak with a thick border. A Bedouin followed him and pulled his cloak so violently that I noticed the side of the shoulder of God’s Apostle affected by the border of the cloak because of that violent pull. The Bedouin said, “O Muhammad! Give me some of God’s wealth which is with you.” God’s Apostle turned and looked at him, and smiling, he ordered that he be given something.
Recorded in Bukhari Volume 7, Book 72, Number 700
Even though many Bedouins had poor manners, he tolerated their rudeness.
Anas ibn Malik reports: “God’s messenger was sitting in the mosque with some of his companions when a Bedouin urinated inside the mosque. The Prophet’s companions said: ‘What is going on?’ ‘What are you doing?’ The Prophet said to them: ‘Do not interrupt him.’ He subsequently called the man and said to him: ‘These mosques are not the place where one can throw any dirt, urine or stools. They are meant for reciting the Qur’an, glorifying God and prayer.’ He then called for a bucket of water and he poured it over the urine.”
Recorded in Bukhari, Muslim, Nassai, Malik and Ahmad
The Prophet exhibited tolerance for acts that normal people would be quite intolerant of.
This is a message from Muhammad ibn Abdullah, as a covenant to those who adopt Christianity, near and far, we are with them. Verily I, the servants, the helpers, and my followers defend them, because Christians are my citizens; and by Allah! I hold out against anything that displeases them. No compulsion is to be on them. Neither are their judges to be removed from their jobs nor their monks from their monasteries. No one is to destroy a house of their religion, to damage it, or to carry anything from it to the Muslims’ houses. Should anyone take any of these, he would spoil God’s covenant and disobey His Prophet. Verily, they are my allies and have my secure charter against all that they hate. No one is to force them to travel or to oblige them to fight. The Muslims are to fight for them. If a female Christian is married to a Muslim, it is not to take place without her approval. She is not to be prevented from visiting her church to pray. Their churches are to be respected. No one of the nation (Muslims) is to disobey this covenant till the Last Day (end of the world).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Letter to the Monks of St. Catherine Monastery, who had sought the protection of the Muslims
This letter shows the respect and tolerance that the Prophet showed to Christians.
68. TRUTH
(1) : the state of being the case : FACT (2) : the BODY of real things, events, and facts : ACTUALITY (3) a transcendent fundamental or spiritual reality
(See also Honesty)
And say: Truth has (now) arrived, and Falsehood has perished: for Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to perish.
The Holy Quran 17:81
Nay, We hurl the Truth against falsehood, and it knocks out its brain, and behold, falsehood doth perish! Ah! Woe be to you for the (false) things you ascribe (to Us).
The Holy Quran 21:18
Such is Allah, your real Cherisher and Sustainer: Apart from Truth, what (remains) but error? How then are you turned away?
The Holy Quran 10:32
By the Time! Truly the human being is at a loss, except those who have believed and have performed good deeds and encourage each other to truth, and encourage each other to patience.
The Holy Quran 103:1-3
Say: “O you mankind! Now truth has come to you from your Lord. So whosoever receives guidance, he does so for the good of his own self, and whosoever goes astray, he does so to his own loss, and I am not (set) over you as a disposer of your affairs.”
The Holy Quran 10:108
In time We will show them Our Signs in the utmost Horizons and within themselves, so that it will become manifest to them that this is indeed the Truth. Is it not enough (for them to know) that your Lord is Witness to all things?
The Holy Quran 41:53
God encourages us to follow Truth and to make our goal to seek Truth.
That is the Day of Truth. Let him who will, seek a way to His Lord.
The Holy Quran 78:39
The Day of Truth is the Day of Resurrection. This temporary life is full of falsehood and confusion. On the Day of Truth, falsehood will be no more. We will see where our deeds have placed us in the eternal life.
Give up what is doubtful to you for that which is not doubtful; for truth is peace of mind and falsehood is doubt.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi
Truth brings peace of mind.
The best jihad is to speak the truth before a tyrannical ruler.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Abu Dawud (hadith 2040), Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja) and Riyadh us-Saleheen Volume 1:195
Speaking truth is a “jihad” or a type of struggle for God’s sake.
Strive always to excel in virtue and truth.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari
Truth and virtue should be our goals to which we strive.
69. UNITY
A condition of harmony : ACCORD; Oneness
(See also Brotherhood/Sisterhood, Reconciliation)
Hold fast to God’s rope all together and be not dispersed.
The Holy Quran 3:103
The believers are nothing other than brothers (or sisters). Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that you may obtain Mercy.
The Holy Quran 49:10
Be not like those who are divided amongst themselves and fall into disputations after receiving Clear Signs: For them is a dreadful penalty.
The Holy Quran 3:105
And be not you among those who join gods with Allah, those who split up and become sects, each party rejoicing in that which is with itself.
The Holy Quran 30:32
Allah orders us to work towards unity.
The believers, men and women, are protectors of one another: they enjoin what is just and forbid what is evil: they observe regular prayers, practice regular charity, and obey Allah and His Messenger. On them will Allah pour His mercy: for Allah is exalted in power, wise.
The Holy Quran 9:71
Believers should protect one another and do what’s right.
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
The Holy Quran 49:13
We come from different nations so that we can learn about each other.
The Muslims are to each other like the structure of a building. Each part of it gives support to the others. (Then the Blessed Prophet intertwined the fingers of one hand together with the fingers of the other).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari and Muslim
Allah is One and likes Unity.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim
No nation went astray after guidance which they had unless they were given to dispute (among themselves).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad
Disputing and arguing leads to disunity.
The likeness of the believer in love, mercy, and sympathy to one another is as the likeness of the body; when a part thereof has a complaint, the whole body responds to it by keeping awake the whole night, and with hot fever.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Muslim
Satan has despaired of being worshipped in the Arabian Peninsula, but he will sow seeds of discord among the people.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim #2812
It is Satan’s job to divide people.
I guarantee a house in Paradise for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Paradise for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Paradise for one who has good manners.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Daud
70. WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Recognition of dues to which women have a just claim
Hadith about the rights of women (or lack thereof) before the advent of Islam in Arabia:
Umar, close friend of the Prophet and the second Caliph, narrates, “By God! In the pre-Islamic Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah) we did not pay attention to (the rights of) women until God revealed concerning them that which He revealed, and assigned for them that which He assigned!
Recorded in Bukhari
The following verses represent the right that women along with men deserve to be rewarded by God:
Never will I waste the work of a worker among you, whether male or female, the one of you being from the other.
The Holy Quran 3:195
Whoso does that which is right, and believes, whether male or female, We will surely grant a happy life. And We will reward them according to the best of their actions.
The Holy Quran 16:97
Verily for all men and women who have surrendered themselves unto God, and all believing men and believing women, and all truly devout men and truly devout women, and all men and women who are true to their word, and all men and women who are patient in adversity, and all men and women who humble themselves before God, and all men and women who give in charity, and all self-denying men and self-denying women, and all men and women who are mindful of their chastity, and all men and women who remember God abundantly: for all of them has God readied forgiveness and a vast reward.
The Holy Quran 33:35
God has promised to the believing men and the believing women gardens, beneath which rivers flow, to abide in them, and goodly dwellings in gardens of perpetual abode; and best of all is God’s goodly pleasure; that is the grand achievement.
The Holy Quran 9:72
Women’s right to have a choice in who they marry. Women’s right to a dowry (marriage gift/money). Women’s right to be treated with kindness and justice, even if the husband does not like them:
O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will. Nor should you treat them with harshness that you may take away part of the dower [money given by the husband to the wife for the marriage contract] you have given them, except where they have been guilty of open lewdness; on the contrary live with them on a footing of kindness and fairness. If you take a dislike to them it may be that you dislike a thing, and God brings about through it a great deal of good.
The Holy Quran 4:19
And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they, of their own good pleasure, remit any part of it to you, take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.
The Holy Quran 4:4
But if you decide to take one wife in place of another, do not take back anything out of what you have given her, even though it may have been a heap of wealth. Will you take it back by slander and manifest sin?
The Holy Quran 4:20
Hadiths about a woman’s right to have a choice of whom she marries:
Narrated Khansa bint Khidam Al-Ansariya that her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron and she disliked that marriage. So she went to Allah’s Apostle and he declared that marriage invalid.
Recorded in Bukhari Volume 7, Book 62, Number 69
Ibn Abbas reported that a girl came to the Messenger of God, and she reported that her father had forced her to marry without her consent. The Messenger of God gave her the choice . . . (between accepting the marriage or invalidating it). In another version (of this hadith), the girl said: “Actually I accept this marriage but I wanted to let women know that parents have no right (to force a husband on them).”
Recorded in Ahmad No. 2469 and Ibn Majah, No. 1873
The Prophet advised one Muslim woman (Fatimah bint Quais) not to marry a man because the man was known for beating women: “I went to the Prophet and said: Abul Jahm and Muawiah have proposed to marry me. The Prophet (by way of advice) said: ‘As to Mu’awiah he is very poor and Abul Jahm is accustomed to beating women.’”
Recorded in Muslim
Women’s right to be financially provided for by husbands:
Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, Because Allah has given the one more (strength) than the other, and because they support them from their means….
The Holy Quran 4:34
Those of you who die and leave widows should bequeath for their widows a year’s maintenance and residence. But if they (the widows) leave (the residence) there is no blame on you for what they justly do with themselves.
The Holy Quran 2:240
Hadiths that encourage treating women respectfully and being kind to women/wives and that tell men not to beat their wives:
And enjoin upon one another goodness to women. Verily they are married to you. You have no power over them at all unless they are involved in a flagrant filthy action. But if they are devoted to you, then seek no way against them. Verily, you have rights over your women, and your women have rights over you.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
None but a noble man treats women in an honorable manner. And none but an ignoble man treats women disgracefully.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidthi
The most perfect believers are the best in conduct and best of you are those who are best to their wives.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad No. 7396
The believers who show the most perfect faith are those who have the best character, and the best of you are those who are the kindest to their wives and families.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Muslim, “Talaq,” 34, 35;
At-Tirmidthi, “Rada”, 11; Abu Dawud, “Sunna,” 15
O People, it is true that you have certain rights over your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under God’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Treat your women well and be kind to them, for they are your partners and committed helpers.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in his Final Sermon (Bukhari and Muslim)
It was asked of the Prophet: What do you say (command) about our wives? He replied: Give them food what you have for yourself, and clothe them by which you clothe yourself, and do not beat them, and do not revile them.
Recorded in Abu Daud Book 11, Marriage (Kitab Al-Nikah), Number 2139
A’ishah (the Prophet’s wife) said, “The Messenger of Allah never struck a servant of his with his hand, nor did he ever hit a woman.”
Recorded in Ahmad and Ibn Majah
…How does anyone of you beat his wife as he beats the stallion camel and then he may embrace (sleep with) her?…
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Vol.8., hadith 68
The right (actually an obligation) of women to learn and seek knowledge:
Seeking knowledge is mandatory for every Muslim (male and female).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in At-Tirmidhi
When men who had learned from the Prophet decided to return to their home, the Prophet told them, “Return home to your wives and children and stay with them. Teach them what you have learned and ask them to act upon it.”
Recorded in Bukhari
A woman came to Allah’s Prophet and said, “O Allah’s Prophet! Men (only) benefit by your teachings, so please devote to us from (some of) your time, a day on which we may come to you so that you may teach us of what Allah has taught you.” Allah’s Apostle said, “Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place.” They gathered and Allah’s Apostle came to them and taught them of what Allah had taught him.
Recorded in Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 413
Women’s right to inheritance in the Holy Quran:
Men shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, and women shall have a portion of what the parents and the near relatives leave, whether there is little or much of it; a stated portion.
The Holy Quran 4:7
The right of a wife to be consulted about decisions:
..If they (husband and wife) desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, there is no blame on them…
The Holy Quran 2:233
The Muslims had planned to make a pilgrimage to Mecca but the Meccans would not allow them to make the pilgrimage that year. The Prophet signed a peace treaty that would allow the Muslims to make the pilgrimage the following year. Many Muslims were upset by this compromise. When the Prophet told them to continue with the rituals of the pilgrimage at the place they currently were (rather than at the Kabaa in Mecca), the Muslims did not obey him. The Prophet consulted with his wife Um Salamah about the matter. She advised him to go ahead and perform the duties himself (such as shaving his head and slaughtering the sacrificial animal). After the Prophet did this, the Muslims followed suit. This is an important example of the desirability of consulting with one’s wives.
Recorded in Bukhari, “Shurut,” 15
Women’s right to just dealing by husbands who have more than one wife (Note that polygamy is allowed in the context of providing care for orphans left after war). Also the encouragement to marry only one wife to prevent injustice:
If you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly with the orphans, Marry women of your choice, Two or three or four; but if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with that number), then (marry) only one, or (the slave woman) whom you rightfully possess. That will be more suitable, to prevent you from doing injustice.
The Holy Quran 4:3
You will never be able to do perfect justice between wives even if it is your ardent desire, so do not incline too much to one of them (by giving her more of your time and provision) so as to leave the other hanging (i.e. neither divorced nor married).
The Holy Quran 4:129
The man who had two wives and was inclined towards one of them will come on the Day of Judgment bent to one side.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Abu Dawud (3133), Tirmidthi (1141), Nasai (7/63), Ibn Majah (1969), and Ahmad (2/347)
I may have unintentionally shown more love to one of them than the others (referring to his wives) and this would have been injustice. So, O Lord, I take refuge in Your grace for those things which are beyond my power.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Tirmidhi, “Nikah,” 41
A woman’s right to seek a divorce:
O Prophet! Say to your wives: “If you desire the life of this world and its glitter, then come! I will provide for you and give you a gracious release. But if you seek God and His Messenger and the Home of the Final World, then God has prepared a great reward for those among you who do good.”
The Holy Quran 33:28-9
The Prophet’s wives were offered the choice to divorce the Prophet due to the difficulties of being the Prophet’s wives (such as lack of money—the Prophet and his family were forbidden to accept charity for themselves—and the higher expectations and duties placed on them). In the end, they chose to remain married to him.
If you fear a breach between them (ie. the man and his wife), appoint (two) arbiters, one from his family, and the other from hers; If they wish for peace (desire reconciliation), then God will cause their reconciliation (make them of one mind): for God has full knowledge, and is acquainted With all things.
The Holy Quran 4:35
A woman came to the Prophet Mohammad seeking the dissolution of her marriage. She told the prophet that she did not have any complaints against her husband’s character or manners. Her only problem was, that she honestly did not like him to the extent of not being able to live with him any longer. The Prophet asked her: ‘Would you give him his garden (his marriage gift) back?’ She said: ‘yes’. The Prophet then instructed the man to take back his garden and accept the dissolution of the marriage.”
Recorded in Bukhari
Women’s right to be treated justly during the divorce process:
Allah has heard the words of she who pleads with you concerning her husband and complains to Allah. Allah hears you talking together. Truly Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing.
The Holy Quran 58:1
The woman referred to in this verse had prayed to God and complained to the Prophet about her husband, who had divorced her but would not allow her to leave his home and remarry. God condemned this degrading situation and prohibited such a practice, which was an old pagan custom.
And when you divorce women and they have reached (the end) of their waiting term, then either keep them honorably or set them free honorably, and do not hold them against their will in order to harm (them), and whoever does so darkens his own soul. Do not take Allah’s signs as a joke, and remember the favor of Allah upon you, and that which He has revealed to you of the Book and the Wisdom, that He might caution you by it. So be careful (of your duty to) Allah, and know that Allah is the Knower of all things.
The Holy Quran 2:231
And when you divorce women, and they come to the end of their waiting period, do not block them from marrying their (new) husbands if they have mutually agreed (to do so) with honor…
The Holy Quran 2:232
The right of women to pledge allegiance to a leader:
O Prophet! If believing women come to you and pledge themselves to serve no other deity besides God, to commit neither theft nor adultery, nor child-murder, to utter no monstrous falsehoods of their own invention, and not to disobey you in any just matter, then accept their allegiance, and pray for Allah’s forgiveness upon them. Surely Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
The Holy Quran 60:12
The right of women to participate in society (by protecting their fellow believers, encouraging the doing of good, praying and giving charity, etc.):
And [as for] the believers, both men and women – they are friends and protectors of one another: they [all] enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong, and are constant in prayer, and render the poor-due, and pay heed unto God and His apostle. It is they upon whom God will bestow His grace: verily, God is Almighty, Wise.”
The Holy Quran 9:71
Quranic verses condemning those who accuse women of adultery without proof:
Surely those who accuse chaste believing women, (who are) unaware, are cursed in this world and the hereafter, and they shall have a grievous chastisement.
The Holy Quran 24:23
Those who accuse married women of adultery, then fail to produce four witnesses, you shall whip them eighty lashes, and do not accept any testimony from them; they are wicked.
The Holy Quran 24:4
A mother’s right to respect, honor, and companionship/help:
Paradise lies under the feet of the mothers.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Nasai, Jihad, 6; Ahmad, al-Musnad, III, 429; Ibn Majah, Jihad, 12
A man came to the Prophet and said: O Messenger of Allah! Who from amongst mankind warrants the best companionship from me? He replied: “Your mother.” The man asked: Then who? So he replied: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So the Prophet replied again: “Your mother.” The man then asked: Then who? So he replied: “Then your father.”
Sahîh Bukhârî 5971 and Sahîh Muslim 7/2
Allah said: I am Allah and I am the Most Merciful. I created the womb and named it with a derivative of My name. Whoever honors it (by maintaining the links established with the womb) I shall honor him and whoever violates it (by severing the links established with the womb) I shall disown him.
Hadith Qudsi of Prophet Muhammad
God has forbidden you to be undutiful to your mothers, to withhold (what you should give) or demand (what you do not deserve), or to bury your daughters alive (a pre-Islamic practice).
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari, Hadith 8:6
The following verses discuss the evil of female infanticide, burying girls alive, a practice that Islam ended in Arabia:
And when the news of (the birth of) a female (child) is brought to any of them, his face becomes dark, and he is filled with inward grief! He hides himself from the people because of the shame of that whereof he has been informed. Shall he keep her with dishonor or bury her in the earth? Certainly, evil is their decision!
The Holy Quran 16:58-59
And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do)
shall be questioned (on the Day of Judgment): For what sin she was killed?
The Holy Quran 81:8-9
Daughters’ right to equal and kind treatment:
Whosoever has a daughter and does not bury her alive (which was a custom of Arabs of the time to get rid of ‘surplus’ females), does not insult her, and does not favor his son over her, Allah will enter him into Paradise.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Ahmad # 1957
Aisha narrated: “I have never encountered anyone that had emulated the Holy Prophet in manner, likeness and speech more than Fatimah, may Allah honor her face. When she came in to visit him (the Prophet) he got up to (welcome) her, took her by the hand, kissed her and made her sit where he was sitting; and when he went in to visit her, she got up to (welcome) him, took him by the hand, kissed him, and made him sit where she was sitting.”
Recorded in Sunan Abu Dawood; Ash’atul Lama’aat
The right of women to go to the mosques (Note how these hadiths clearly challenge the status quo of that time):
Do not stop Allah’s women-servants from going to Allah’s Mosques.
The Prophet Muhammad as recorded in Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 22
One of the wives of Umar (bin Al-Khattab) used to offer the Morning (Fajr) and the Night (Isha) prayer in congregation in the Mosque. She was asked why she had come out for the prayer as she knew that Umar disliked it, for he has great “ghaira” (self-respect). She replied, “What prevents him from stopping me from this act?” The other replied, “The statement of God’s Messenger: ‘Do not stop Allah’s women-servants from going to Allah’s Mosques’ prevents him.”
Recorded in Bukhari Volume 2, Book 13, Number 23
Ibn ‘Umar reported that he said (the Prophet’s order) to his son, “Grant permission to women for going to the mosque in the night.” His son who was called Waqid said: “Then they would make mischief.” The father said that he thumped his (son’s) chest and said: “I am narrating to you the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, and you say: ‘No!’”
Recorded in Sahih Muslim Book 004, Number 0890
Abdullah said to Bilal, “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Do not deprive women of their share of the mosques, when they seek permission from you.’” Bilal said: “By Allah, we would certainly prevent them.” Abdullah said: “I say that the Messenger of Allah said it and you say: ‘We would certainly prevent them!’”
Recorded in Muslim Book 004, Number 0891
The wife of Umar ibn al-Khattab used to ask him for permission to go to the mosque. He would keep silent, so she would say, “By Allah, I will go out, unless you forbid me,” and he would not forbid her.
Recorded in Sunan Abu Dawud Book 14, Number 14.5.14
The right of women to participate in battles:
Umm Imara (a woman) defended the Prophet during the Battle of Uhud after the Muslims were defeated. Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “I heard the Prophet saying, ‘On the day of Uhud, I never looked right or left without seeing Umm Imara fighting to defend me.’”
Recorded in the book, Noble Women around the Messenger by Ahmed Eljada
The right of women to be religious scholars:
Arwa Bin Zubair says about Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, “I did not find anyone more proficient (than Aisha) in the knowledge of the Holy Quran, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Genealogy, and Arabic poetry. That is why, even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha in resolving intricate issues.”
Recorded in Jala-ul-Afham by Ibn Qaiyem and Ibn Sa’ad, Vol.2, p.26
Abu Musa al-Ashari says: “Never had we (the companions) any difficulty for which we approached Aisha for the solution and did not get some useful information from her.”
Recorded in Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Tirmidhi, pg. 163
Women honored in the Holy Quran:
And when the angels said: O Mary! Surely Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the world.
The Holy Quran 3:42
Mary, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity; and We breathed into (her body) of Our spirit; and she testified to the truth of the words of her Lord and of His Revelations, and was one of the devout (servants).
The Holy Quran 66:12
Mary, the mother of Prophet Jesus, was honored by God above all women of the world.
And God has set forth an example for those who believe, the wife of Pharaoh, when she said: “My Lord! Build for me a home with You in Paradise, and save me from Pharoah and his work, and save me from the people who are wrong-doers.”
The Holy Quran 66:11
Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh during Moses’ time, is praised by God for her sincerity in this prayer.
And we inspired the mother of Moses, saying, “Suckle him, and then when you fear for him, cast him into the river and do not be afraid nor grieve; surely We will bring him back to you and make him one of the messengers.”
The Holy Quran 28:7
The mother of Moses was inspired as well as comforted by God.
She (the Queen of Sheba) was asked to enter the lofty Palace: but when she saw it, she thought it was a lake of water, and she (tucked up her skirts), uncovering her legs. He (Prophet Solomon) said: “This is but a palace paved smooth with slabs of glass.” She said: “O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul: I do (now) submit (in Islam), with Solomon, to the Lord of the Worlds.”
The Holy Quran 27:44
Bilqis, the Queen of Sheba, is praised for submitting herself to the One True God.
(Remember) when the wife of Imran said, “O my Lord! I do dedicate to You what is in my womb for your special service; so accept this of me; for You hear and know all things.” And when she was delivered, she said, “O my Lord! I am delivered of a female child.”–Allah knows best what she was delivered–“And the male is not like the female. I have named her Mary. And I implore Your protection for her and for her future offspring from the mischief of Satan, the accursed.”
The Holy Quran 3:35-36
The mother of Mary is praised in the Quran for her prayer to dedicate her child to God’s service.
The Prophet is closer to the Believers than their own selves, and his wives are their mothers…
The Holy Quran 33:6
The wives of the Prophet are praised as being like our mothers.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Allah (glory be to Him the Most High) for giving me everything that I have, including my existence. I would like to thank the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings be upon him) for sacrificing his life so that people would worship the one true God. I would like to thank my mother for raising me with a love and knowledge of Allah and Islam. I would like to thank my husband for being a very dependable and helpful person. I would like to thank my grandmother and grandfather, Gulalie and Agha, for their endless love, support, and wisdom. I would like to thank my sisters, Farah, Yasmine and Soraya, for their support and love in all areas of my life. I would like to thank my stepdad Gary Ford for his unconditional love and support. I would like to thank all of the books and websites that helped me to compile this book. I also want to thank the author Rhonda Byrne for writing The Secret and The Power, books that inspired me to work towards my goals. I thank Abdulmoneim Merkt and Asma Gull Hasan for their roles in developing the idea of this book. Last but not least I thank Sheikh Harun of Moncks Corner, SC for inspiring me to keep trying to become a better Muslim.