إن الحمد لله نحمده ، ونستعينه، من يهده الله فلا مضل له، ومن يضلل فلا هادي له، وأشهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له وأن محمدا عبده ورسوله . أما بعد!
● Develop excellence in worship
Hadith 1:
﴿عن معاذ بن جبلؓ قال: قلت: يا رسول الله ، أوصني ! فقال: أعبد الله كأنك تراه ، واعدد نفسك من الموتى ، واذكر الله عزوجل عند كل حجر وعند كل شجر ، وإذا عملت سيئة فاعمل بجنبها حسنة ، السر بالسر والعلانية بالعلانية . ثم قال: ألا أخبرك بأملك الناس من ذلك؟ قلت: بلى يا رسول الله، فأخذ بطرف لسانه، فقلت: يا رسول الله – كأنه يتهاون به- فقال النبى ﷺ: وهل يكب الناس على مناخرهم فى النار إلا هذا وأخذ بطرف لسانه .﴾
Muhaddith Albani has graded it as “Sahih”.
Hazrat Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) says, I said, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Advise me. He ﷺ said:
Worship Allah as if you see Him, consider yourself among the deceased, remember Allah by every tree and stone, and if a sin occurs, immediately follow it with a good deed, the hidden for the hidden and the open for the open. He also said:
Shall I not tell you something that will keep people completely safe from this (sin)? I said, Certainly, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! He held his tongue. Not taking it to heart, I asked again, and the Prophet ﷺ again held the tip of his tongue and said:
This very thing will cause people to be dragged by their noses and thrown into Hell.
● Do not make graves places of prostration
Hadith 2:
﴿وعن جندبؓ قال: سمعت رسول الله ﷺ قبل أن يتوفى بخمس ليال ، خطب الناس فقال: أيها الناس إنه قد كان فيكم إخوة وأصدقاء، وإني أبرأ إلى الله أن أتخذ منكم خليلا، ولو أنى اتخذت من أمتي خليلا لا تخذت أبا بكر خليلا ، إن الله اتخذني خليلا كما اتخذ إبراهيم خليلا ، وإن من كان قبلكم اتخذوا قبور أنبيائهم وصالحيهم مساجد فلا تتخذوا قبورهم مساجد فإني أنهاكم عن ذلك .﴾
Ibn Hibban has called it “Sahih.”
And Hazrat Jundub (RA) says that I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ delivering a sermon five nights before his passing. He was saying:
O people! Among you are some who are my brothers and some who are my companions. I declare disassociation from everyone before Allah. If I were to take anyone as a close friend, I would have taken Abu Bakr. Just as Allah made Ibrahim (AS) a friend, He has made me one. Before you, there were some people who made the graves of their Prophets and righteous ones places of prostration. Do not make their graves places of prostration; I forbid you from making their graves places of prostration.
● Do not show off
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿ قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِّثْلُكُمْ يُوحَىٰ إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَٰهُكُمْ إِلَٰهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو لِقَاءَ رَبِّهِ فَلْيَعْمَلْ عَمَلًا صَالِحًا وَلَا يُشْرِكْ بِعِبَادَةِ رَبِّهِ أَحَدًا ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“(O Prophet!) Say: I am only a human being like you, it is revealed to me that your God is only one God. So whoever hopes to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.”
Hadith 3:
﴿وعن أبى سعيد الخدريؓ قال: خرج علينا رسول الله ﷺ ونحن نتذاكر المسيح الدجال فقال: ألا أخبركم بما هو أخوف عليكم عندى من المسيح الدجال؟ قال: قلنا: بلى، فقال: الشرك الخفي ، أن يقوم الرجل يصلى فيزين صلاته لما يرى من نظر رجل .﴾
And Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) narrates that we were engaged in the mention of the Dajjal (Antichrist) when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came to us and said:
“Shall I not tell you about something more dangerous than the Dajjal?” They said: “Why not?” He ﷺ said:
“Hidden shirk (polytheism), which is when a person performs his prayer beautifully because of the eyes of others.”
● Advice on Ten Deeds
Hadith 4:
﴿وعن معاذؓ ، قال: أوصاني رسول الله ﷺ بعشر كلمات، قال: لا تشرك بالله شيئا وإن قتلت وحرقت ، ولا تعقن والديك وإن امراك ان تخرج من أهلك ومالك ، ولا تتركن صلاة مكتوبة متعمدا فإنه من ترك صلاة مكتوبة متعمدا فقد برئت منه ذمة الله، ولا تشربن خمرا فإنه رأس كل فاحشة ، وإياك والمعصية فإن بالمعصية حل سخط الله عزوجل، وإياك من الفرار يوم الزحف وإن هلك الناس ، وإذا أصاب الناس موتان وانت فيهم فاثبت ، وأنفق على عيالك من طولك ، ولا ترفع عنهم عصاك آدبا ، وأخفهم فى الله .﴾
Sheikh Hamza Zain has declared it “Sahih al-Isnad.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Muadh (RA), who says:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ advised me on ten matters, saying:
Do not associate anything with Allah, even if you are killed or burned. Never disobey your parents, even if they command you to leave your family and wealth. Never deliberately abandon the obligatory prayer, because whoever deliberately abandons the obligatory prayer, Allah will disown him. Never drink alcohol, because it is the root of all immorality. Avoid disobedience, because disobedience brings Allah’s displeasure. Avoid fleeing on the day of battle, even if people are dying. When many people are afflicted with death and you are among them, you must remain steadfast. Spend on your family according to your means. Do not keep your stick away from them when teaching them manners, and make them fear Allah.
● Make Qiyam al-Layl your habit
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿ تَتَجَافَىٰ جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفًا وَطَمَعًا وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَاهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ ﴿١٦﴾ فَلَا تَعْلَمُ نَفْسٌ مَّا أُخْفِيَ لَهُم مِّن قُرَّةِ أَعْيُنٍ جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“They stay away from their beds, calling upon their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend from what We have provided them. And no person knows what is kept hidden for them as a comfort for their eyes, as a reward for what they used to do.”
Hadith 5:
﴿وعن بلال ، أن رسول الله ﷺ قال: عليكم بقيام الله الليل فإنه دأب الصالحين قبلكم، وإن قيام الليل قربة إلى الله، ومنهاة عن الإثم، وتكفير للسيئات، ومطردة للداء عن الجسد.﴾
Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as “Sahih Hasan”.
And it is narrated from Hazrat Bilal (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Make night prayer your habit because it was the practice and habit of the righteous before you, and indeed the night prayer brings one closer to Allah, keeps one away from sin, erases sins, and cures the body from illness.
● Prohibition of certain actions during prayer
Hadith 6:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ قال: أمرني رسول الله ﷺ بثلاث ، ونهاني عن ثلاث أمرنى بركعتى الضحى كل يوم ، والوتر قبل النوم ، وصيام ثلاثة أيام من كل شهر ، ونهاني عن نقرة كنقرة الديك ، وإفعاء كافعاء الكلب، والتفات كالتفات الثعلب .﴾
Sheikh Ahmad Shakir has graded it as “Sahih”.
And Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) says that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) commanded me to do three things and forbade me from three things:
He commanded to perform the two rak’ahs of Duha prayer daily, to offer Witr before sleeping, and to fast three days every month. He forbade pecking like a chicken, sitting like a dog, and looking around like a fox.
● Make supplications as much as possible in Ruku and Sujood
Hadith 7:
﴿وعن ابن عباسؓ قال: كشف رسول الله ﷺ الستارة، والناس صفوف خلف أبى بكر فقال: أيها الناس إنه لم يبق من مبشرات النبوة إلا الرؤيا الصالحة ، يراها المسلم أو ترى له ، ألا وإنى نهيت أن أقرأ القرآن راكعا أو ساجدا ، فأما الركوع فعظموا فيه الرب عزوجل ، وأما السجود فاجتهدوا فى الدعاء فقمن أن يستجاب لكم .﴾
And Hazrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) lifted the curtain of the door and people were standing in rows behind Abu Bakr. Then he said:
O people! From the glad tidings of prophethood, only good dreams remain now, which a Muslim himself sees or is shown by others. Beware, I have been forbidden from reciting the Qur’an in Ruku and Sujood. As for Ruku, then describe the greatness and majesty of your Lord in it, and as for Sujood, then make abundant supplications in it, for it is a place more worthy of acceptance.
● Develop Concentration in Supplication
Hadith 8:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ ، عن النبى ﷺ قال: أتحبون أيها الناس أن تجتهدوا فى الدعاء؟ قولوا: اللهم أعنا على شكرك وذكرك وحسن عبادتك .﴾
Ahmad Shakir has declared it “Sahih.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
O people! Do you want to develop concentration in supplication? Then say:
O Allah! Help us to thank You, remember You, and worship You well.
● Seek Help Only from Allah and Trust in Him Alone
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَإِن تَوَلَّوْا فَقُلْ حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَٰهَ إِلَّا هُوَ ۖ عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
But if they turn away, say:
Sufficient for me is Allah; there is no deity except Him. On Him I have relied, and He is the Lord of the Great Throne.
Hadith 9:
﴿وعن أبى سعيدؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: كيف أنعم وصاحب القرن قد التقم القرن، واستمع الإذن ، متى يؤمر بالنفخ فينفخ ؟ فكأن ذلك ثقل على أصحاب النبى ﷺ فقال لهم: قولوا: حسبنا الله ونعم الوكيل ، على الله توكلنا .﴾
And Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) says that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
How can I live in peace while the angel who will blow the trumpet is waiting for Allah’s command, and he has placed his mouth on the trumpet, waiting for the order to blow it? This matter was very distressing for the Companions, so you ﷺ told them:
You should say:
Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs; we rely upon Allah alone.
● Do a small deed and earn a great reward
Hadith 10:
﴿وعن أم هانيؓ قالت: أتيت إلى رسول الله ﷺ فقلت: يا رسول الله، دلني على عمل فإني قد كبرت وضعفت وبدنت ، فقال: كبرى الله مائة مرة ، واحمدى الله مائة مرة ، واحمدي الله مائة مرة، خير من مائة فرس ملجم مسرج فى سبيل الله ، وخير من مائة بدنة ، وخير من مائة رقبة .﴾
And Hazrat Umm Hani (RA) narrates that I came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ and said:
O Messenger of Allah! Please tell me an easy act because I have grown old and weak, and my body has become heavy. The Prophet ﷺ said:
Say اَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ one hundred times, اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ one hundred times, and سُبْحَانَ اللهِ one hundred times. This practice is better than dedicating one hundred horses with reins and saddles in the way of Allah, better than sacrificing one hundred camels, and better than freeing one hundred slaves.
● Always keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَلَذِكْرُ اللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا تَصْنَعُونَ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And indeed, the remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing), and Allah knows what you do.”
Hadith 11:
﴿وعن عبد الله بن بسرؓ أن رجلا قال: يا رسول الله ، إن شرائع الإسلام قد كثرت على فأخبرني بشيء أتشبت به ، قال: لا يزال لسانك رطبا من ذكر الله﴾
Muhaddith Albani has graded it as “Sahih”.
“And it is narrated from Abdullah bin Basar (RA) that a man said:
O Messenger of Allah! I have many voluntary acts of worship in Islam, so please tell me something that I can consistently do. So the Prophet ﷺ said:
Your tongue should always be fresh with the remembrance of Allah.
● Remember death
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Everyone shall taste death.”
Hadith 12:
﴿وعن الطفيل بن أبى بن كعب عن أبيهؓ قال: كان رسول الله ﷺ إذا ذهب ثلنا الليل قام فقال: يا أيها الناس اذكروا الله اذكروا الله، جاءت الراجفة، تتبعها الرادفة جاء الموت بما فيه ، جاء الموت بما فيه .﴾
And Hazrat Tufail narrates from his father Abu bin Ka’b (RA) that when two-thirds of the night passed, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would get up and say:
O people! Remember Allah, remember Allah, the Day of Resurrection is about to be established, whoever is on the earth will die, whoever is on the earth will die.
● Give Charity from Pure Wealth
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَايُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَتِ مَا رَزَقْنَكُمْ وَاشْكُرُوا لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُم إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“O you who have believed! Eat from the good things We have provided for you as sustenance, and be grateful to Allah if you worship Him alone.”
Hadith 13:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: أيها الناس إن الله طيب لا يقبل إلا طيبا ، وإن الله أمر المؤمنين بما أمر به المرسلين فقال: يَا أَيُّهَا الرُّسُلُ كُلُوا مِنَ الطَّيِّبَاتِ وَاعْمَلُوا صَالِحًا إِنِّي بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ عَلِيمٌ﴾
وَقَالَ: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُلُوا مِن طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ﴾
﴿ثم ذكر الرجل يطيل السفر أشعث أغبر يمد يديه إلى السماء: يا رب يا رب، ومطعمه حرام ، ومشربه حرام ، وملبسه حرام، وغذي بالحرام ، فأنى يستجاب لذلك؟﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
O people! Indeed, Allah is pure and only accepts that which is pure, and Allah has commanded the believers the same as He commanded the messengers. Allah Almighty has said:
“O Messengers! Eat from the good things and do righteous deeds. Indeed, I am Knowing of what you do.”
And He said:
“O you who have believed! Eat from the good things We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah, if it is Him you worship.”
Then the Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned a man who travels a long journey, disheveled, raising his hands to the sky (saying), “O my Lord! O my Lord!” while his food is unlawful, his drink is unlawful, his clothing is unlawful, and he has been nourished unlawfully. So how can his supplication be accepted?
● Befriend a Believing Man
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿الْأَخِلَّاءُ يَوْمَئِذٍ بَعْضُهُمْ لِبَعْضٍ عَدُوٌّ إِلَّا الْمُتَّقِينَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“On that Day, all friends will be enemies to one another, except the righteous.”
Hadith 14:
﴿وعن أبى سعيد عن النبى ﷺ قال: لا تصاحب إلا الله مؤمنا، ولا يأكل طعامك إلا تقي .﴾
Al-Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as “Hasan.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
So only befriend a believer and let only righteous people eat your food.
● Advice to Control Anger
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And (the believers) who restrain their anger and pardon the people. And Allah loves the doers of good.”
Hadith 15:
﴿وعن أبى هريرة أن رجلا قال للنبي : أوصني قال: والله لا تغضب فردد مرارا، قال: لا تغضب .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira رضي الله عنه that a man asked the Prophet ﷺ to advise him. He ﷺ said:
Do not get angry. Then he asked repeatedly, so he ﷺ said:
Do not get angry.
● Protect Your Tongue
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَوْمَ تَشْهَدُ عَلَيْهِمْ أَلْسِنَتُهُمْ وَأَيْدِيهِمْ وَأَرْجُلُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“The Day when their tongues, their hands, and their feet will bear witness against them as to what they used to do.”
Hadith 16:
﴿وعن عقبة بن عامرؓ قال: قلت: يا رسول الله ما الله النجاة؟ قال : أمسك عليك لسانك ، وليسعك بيتك ، وابك على خطيئتك .﴾
And Hazrat Uqbah bin Amir (RA) says that I asked:
O Messenger of Allah! In what is salvation?
You ﷺ said:
Keep your tongue under control, consider your home sufficient for yourself, and weep over your mistakes (sins).
● Leave useless deeds
Hadith 17:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: من حسن إسلام المرء تركه ما لا يعنيه .﴾
Muhaddith Albani has declared it “Sahih”.
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
The excellence of a man’s Islam is that he leaves what does not concern him.
● Encouragement of Marriage
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿فَانكِحُوا مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ النِّسَاءِ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“So marry those among you who are single.”
Hadith 18:
﴿وعن عبد الله بن مسعودؓ قال: كنا مع النبى ﷺ شبابا لا نجد شيئا، فقال لنا رسول الله : يا معشر الشباب من استطاع منكم الباءة فليتزوج ، فإنه أغض للبصر ، وأحصن للفرج ، ومن لم يستطع فعليه بالصوم ، فإنه له وجاء .﴾
And Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (RA) says that we were young during the time of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and we had nothing available to us. The Holy Prophet ﷺ said to us:
O group of young people! Whoever among you has the financial means to marry should marry, because it is an act that lowers the gaze and protects the private parts. And whoever does not have the strength due to poverty to marry should fast, because fasting will break his desires.
● Hold firmly to the Book of Allah and respect the Ahl al-Bayt
Hadith 19:
﴿وعن زيد بن أرقمؓ قال: قام رسول الله ﷺ يوما فينا خطيبا بماء يدعى خما بين مكة والمدينة فحمد الله وأثنى عليه، ووعظ ، وذكر ، ثم قال: أما بعد ألا أيها الناس! فإنما أنا بشر يوشك أن يأتى رسول ربي فأجيب، وأنا تارك فيكم ثقلين أولهما: كتاب الله ، فيه الهدى والنور فخذوا بكتاب الله واستمسكوا به . فحث على كتاب الله ورغب فيه ثم قال: وأهل بيتى أذكركم الله فى أهل بيتي ، أذكركم الله فى أهل بيتي، أذكركم الله فى اهل بيتى .﴾
And Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (RA) says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ once stood to address us at a place called Khumm, which is between Mecca and Medina. He praised and glorified Allah and gave advice and admonition, then he said:
After praise and glorification, O people! Listen! I am just a human, it is near that Allah’s messenger (the angel of death) will come to me and I will respond to him. I am leaving among you two great and precious things, the first of which is the Book of Allah, in which there is guidance and light. So adhere to the Book of Allah and hold firmly to it. Then you were encouraged and urged to act upon the Book of Allah, then he said:
And in my family, Allah reminds you about my Ahl al-Bayt, I remind you about my Ahl al-Bayt, I remind you about my Ahl al-Bayt. Then Haseen asked him, who are your Ahl al-Bayt? O Zaid! Are not your wives included in your Ahl al-Bayt? He replied, your wives are your Ahl al-Bayt, but (here) by your Ahl al-Bayt is meant those people who were deprived of charity after you. Haseen asked, who are they? The answer was, they are the descendants of Hazrat Ali, the descendants of Aqeel, the descendants of Jafar, and the descendants of Abbas. Haseen asked, are all these deprived of charity? The answer was, yes.
● Advice to Follow the Sunnah
Hadith 20:
﴿وعن عبد الرحمن بن عمرو السلمي وحجر بن حجر قالا: أتينا العرباض بن سارية ، وهو ممن نزل فيه: وَلَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ إِذَا مَا أَتَوْكَ لِتَحْمِلَهُمْ قُلْتَ لَا أَجِدُ مَا أَحْمِلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ تَوَلَّوا وَّأَعْيُنُهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُوا مَا يُنفِقُونَ﴾
﴿فسلمنا ، وقلنا: أتيناك زائرين وعائدين ومقتبسين ، فقال العرباض: صلى بنا رسول الله ﷺ ذات يوم ، ثم أقبل علينا فوعظنا موعظة بليغة ذرفت منها العيون ووجلت منها القلوب، فقال قائل: يا رسول الله ، كأن هذه موعظة مودع! فماذا تعهد إلينا ؟ فقال: أوصيكم بتقوى الله والسمع والطاعة، وإن عبدا حبشيا، فإنه من يعش منكم بعدى فسيرى اختلافا كثيرا فعليكم بسنتي وسنة الخلفاء المهديين الراشدين ، تمسكوا بها وعضوا عليها بالنواجد ، وإياكم ومحدثات الأمور؛ فإن كل محدثة بدعة، وكل بدعة ضلالة .﴾
Muhaddith Albani has declared it “Sahih”.
And Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Umar Al-Salmi and Hazrat Hujr bin Hujr say that we came to Hazrat Arabadh bin Sariyaؓ, and Arabadhؓ is among those companions about whom this verse was revealed:
﴿وَلَا عَلَى الَّذِينَ إِذَا مَا أَتَوْكَ لِتَحْمِلَهُمْ قُلْتَ لَا أَجِدُ مَا أَحْمِلُكُمْ عَلَيْهِ تَوَلَّوا وَّأَعْيُنُهُمْ تَفِيضُ مِنَ الدَّمْعِ حَزَنًا أَلَّا يَجِدُوا مَا يُنفِقُونَ﴾
After greetings, we said:
We have come to visit you, inquire about your condition, and gain some knowledge about the religion. Hazrat Arabadhؓ replied:
One day the Messenger of Allah ﷺ led us in prayer, then he ﷺ turned towards us and gave us an admonishing sermon, which made our eyes tear up and our hearts fear (Allah). Someone said:
O Messenger of Allah! These are words that one says when bidding farewell, so what covenant do you take from us? The Prophet ﷺ said:
I advise you to fear Allah and to obey and be submissive, even if (your leader) is an Abyssinian slave. After me, whoever among you survives will see much discord, so at that time hold firmly to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of my rightly guided Caliphs, cling to it tightly and hold it with your molar teeth, and avoid newly invented matters, for every innovation is misguidance.
● A Magnificent Advice
Hadith 21:
﴿وعن أبى ذرؓ ، قال: أمرني خليلي ﷺ بسبع : أمرني بحب المساكين والدنو منهم ، وامرنى ان انظر إلى من هو دونى ولا أنظر إلى من هو فوقى ، وأمرنى ان اصل الرحم وان ادبرت ، وأمرنى أن لا أسأل أحدا شيئا ، وأمرني أن أقول بالحق وإن كان مرا ، وامرنى أن لا أخاف فى الله لومة لائم ، وامرني أن أكثر من قول لا حول ولا قوة إلا بالله فانهن من كنز تحت العرش .﴾
Sheikh Hamza Zain has declared it “authentic chain.”
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Dharr (RA), who said:
My beloved commanded me with seven things. You ﷺ commanded me to love the poor and be close to them. You ﷺ commanded me to look towards those who are beneath me and not towards those above me. You ﷺ commanded me to maintain ties of kinship, even if they turn their backs on me. You ﷺ commanded me not to ask anyone for anything. You ﷺ commanded me to speak the truth, even if it is bitter. You ﷺ commanded me not to fear the blame of any blamer regarding Allah Almighty. And you ﷺ commanded me to frequently remember لا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللهِ, because these are from a treasure beneath the Throne.
● Advice to fear Allah and have good character
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَقُولُوا لِلنَّاسِ حُسْنًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And deal kindly with people.”
Hadith 22:
﴿وعن أبى ذرؓ قال: قال لي رسول الله : اتق الله حيثما كنت، وأتبع السيئة الحسنة تمحها ، وخالق الناس بخلق حسن﴾
Muhaddith Albani has classified it as “Hasan.”
And Hazrat Abu Dharr (RA) says that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said to me:
Wherever you are, fear Allah, follow good deeds after evil, for they will erase it, and treat people with good manners.
● Encouragement of Truthfulness
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَمَن يُطِعِ اللَّهَ وَالرَّسُولَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ مَعَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِم مِّنَ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالصِّدِّيقِينَ وَالشُّهَدَاءِ وَالصَّالِحِينَ وَحَسُنَ أُولَٰئِكَ رَفِيقًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger – those will be with the ones upon whom Allah has bestowed favor, of the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.”
Hadith 23:
﴿وعن عبد الله بن مسعودؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: عليكم بالصدق، فإن الصدق يهدي إلى البر ، وإن البر يهدى إلى الجنة ، وما يزال الرجل يصدق، ويتحرى الصدق حتى يكتب عند الله صديقا ، وإياكم والكذب ، فإن الكذب يهدى إلى الفجور ، وإن الفجور يهدى إلى النار ، وما يزال الرجل يكذب ويتحرى الكذب حتى يكتب عند الله كذابا .﴾
And Hazrat Abdullah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Hold firmly to the truth, for the truth leads to the path of righteousness and loyalty, and good character leads to Paradise. A person always speaks the truth and adopts truthfulness, until he is recorded as a Siddiq (truthful) by Allah. And avoid lying, for lying leads to the path of immorality, and immorality leads to Hell. A person always lies and adopts falsehood, until he is recorded as a liar by Allah.
● Be patient in times of hardship
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ ﴿١٥٥﴾ الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُم مُّصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ ﴿١٥٦﴾ أُولَٰئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ وَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ ﴿١٥٧﴾﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them
﴿وعن عائشةؓ قالت: فتح رسول الله بابا بينه وبين الناس ، أو كشف سترا فإذا الناس يصلون وراء أبى بكر فحمد الله على ما رأى من حسن حالهم رجاء أن يخلفه الله فيهم بالذى رآهم فقال: يا أيها الناس ، أيما أحد من الناس أو من المؤمنين أصيب بمصيبة فليتعز بمصيبته بى عن المصيبة التى تصيبه بغيرى ، فإن أحدا من أمتي لن يصاب بمصيبة بعدى أشد عليه من مصيبتي .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Aisha (RA) that (during his illness) the Messenger of Allah ﷺ opened a door or removed a curtain that separated him from the people and saw that people were praying behind Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). Seeing their excellent state, he praised Allah and expressed hope that Allah would keep Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) steadfast in that condition. Then he ﷺ said:
O people! Whoever among the people or the believers faces any hardship, let him remember my hardship and be patient. After me, no one from my Ummah will face a calamity as severe as mine.
● Seek True Wealth
Hadith 25:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ ، أن رسول الله ﷺ قال: يا أيها الناس ، إن الغنى ليس عن كثرة العرض ، ولكن الغنى غنى النفس ، وإن الله عزوجل يوفي عبده ما كتب له من الرزق فأجملوا فى الطلب، خذوا ما حل ، ودعوا ما حرم .﴾
The researcher has declared it “Sahih”.
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
O people! A person with abundant wealth is not the truly rich; rather, the truly rich is the one who is rich in heart. Indeed, Allah Almighty will give His servant the entire provision that He has decreed for him. So seek it with moderation and in a good manner, take what is lawful and leave what is unlawful.
● Do not look towards what others have
Hadith 26:
﴿وعن سعد بن أبى وقاصؓ قال: جاء رجل إلى النبى ﷺ فقال: يا رسول الله أوصني وأوجز، فقال له النبى ﷺ عليك بالإياس مما فى أيدي الناس﴾
Hakim has declared it “Sahih.”
And Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (RA) narrates that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said:
O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)! Advise me briefly. The Prophet (PBUH) said to him:
Detach yourself from what people possess.
● Adopt disinterest in the world
Hadith 27:
﴿وعن سهل بن سعد الساعديؓ قال: أتى النبى ﷺ رجل ، فقال: يا رسول الله ! دلنى على عمل إذا أنا عملته أحبني الله وأحبني الناس فقال رسول الله ﷺ: أزهد فى الدنيا يحبك الله ، وازهد فيما فى أيدى الناس يحبوك .﴾
And Hazrat Sahl bin Saad al-Sa’di (RA) narrates that a man came to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said:
O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! Tell me an action that if I follow it, Allah will begin to love me and people will also begin to love me. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Become indifferent to the world, and Allah will begin to love you, and turn away from what people have, and people will love you.
● Adopt simplicity
Hadith 28:
﴿وعن معاذ بن جبل ، أن رسول الله ﷺ لما بعث به إلى اليمن قال: إياك والتنعم ، فإن عباد الله ليسوا بالمتنعمين﴾
Sheikh Hamza Zain has called it “Sahih al-Isnad.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Muadh bin Jabal رضي الله عنه that when the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent him towards Yemen, he said:
Avoid a life of excessive luxury, because the servants of Allah are not those who live in worldly comfort and luxury.
● Do not betray or cheat
Hadith 29:
﴿وعن أبى هريرة قال: قال رسول الله : أد الأمانة إلى من انتمنك ، ولا تخن من خانك .﴾
Muhaddith Albani has graded it “Hasan Sahih.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
Return the trust to the one who entrusted you just as it was given, and do not betray the one who betrays you.
● Live in this world like a stranger and a traveler
Hadith 30:
﴿وعن عبد الله بن عمرؓ قال: أخذ رسول الله ﷺ بمنكبي فقال: كن فى الدنيا كأنك غريب ، أو عابر سبيل .﴾
And Hazrat Ibn Umar (RA) says that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) took hold of my shoulder and said:
Live in this world like a stranger and a traveler passing through.
● Treat seekers of knowledge with kindness
Hadith 31:
﴿وعن أبى سعيد الخدريؓ عن رسول الله ﷺ قال: سيأتيكم أقوام يطلبون العلم ، فإذا رأيتموهم فقولوا لهم: مرحبا مرحبا بوصية رسول الله ﷺ واقنوهم قلت للحكم ما اقنوهم؟ قال: علموهم .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Soon people will come to you seeking knowledge. When you see them, welcome them, and due to the advice of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), give them something worthy of preserving. The narrator says: I asked what should be given to them, and he replied: Knowledge.
● Consider five things as a blessing before five others
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا ۗ إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَظَلُومٌ كَفَّارٌ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And if you try to count the blessings of Allah, you will never be able to enumerate them. Indeed, mankind is very unjust, very ungrateful.”
Hadith 32:
﴿وعن عبد الله بن عباسؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ لرجل وهو يعظه: اغتنم خمسا قبل خمس؛ شبابك قبل هرمك ، وصحتك قبل سقمك ، وغناك قبل فقرك ، وفراغك قبل شغلك ، وحياتك قبل موتك .﴾
Hakim has declared it “Sahih.”
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) advised a man, saying:
Consider five things as a blessing before five other things: youth before old age, health before sickness, wealth before poverty, free time before being busy, and life before death.
● Hold firmly to these words
Hadith 33:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: من يأخذ عني هؤلاء الكلمات فيعمل بهن، أو يعلم من يعمل بهن؟ فقال أبو هريرة: فقلت: أنا يا رسول الله ، فأخذ بيدى فعد خمسا وقال: اتق المحارم تكن أعبد الناس ، وارض بما قسم الله لك تكن أغنى الناس ، وأحسن إلى جارك تكن مؤمنا ، وأحب للناس ما تحب لنفسك تكن مسلما، ولا تكثر الضحك فإن كثرة الضحك تميت القلب .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Who will take these words from me and act upon them or teach them to someone who will act upon them? Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) said: I said, “O Messenger of Allah! I am ready.” He took my hand and counted five things and said:
Avoid forbidden things, and you will become the one who worships the most among people. Be content with what Allah has written in your destiny, and you will become the richest among people. Treat your neighbor with kindness, and you will become a believer. Like for others what you like for yourself, and you will become a Muslim. And do not laugh excessively, because excessive laughter deadens the heart.
● Avoid Extremism
Hadith 34:
﴿وعن عبد الله ابن عباسؓ ، عن النبى ﷺ أنه قال: يا أيها الناس إياكم والغلو فى الدين ؛ فإنه أهلك من كان قبلكم الغلو فى الدين .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
O people! Avoid extremism in religion, for it is what destroyed those before you.
● Avoid the Seven Destructive Things
قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly fill their bellies with fire, and they will enter the blazing fire.”
Hadith 35:
﴿وعن أبى هريرةؓ عن النبى ﷺ قال: اجتنبوا السبع الموبقات ، قالوا: يا رسول الله وما هن؟ قال: الشرك بالله . والسحر ، وقتل النفس التى حرم الله إلا بالحق ، وأكل الربا وأكل مال اليتيم ، والتولى يوم الزحف ، وقذف المحصنات المؤمنات الغافلات .﴾
And Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Avoid the seven destructive sins. The Companions (RA) asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What are those sins?” He (ﷺ) said: Associating partners with Allah, practicing magic, unlawfully taking a life which Allah has forbidden, consuming usury, consuming the wealth of orphans, fleeing from the battlefield, and falsely accusing chaste, innocent, believing women.
● Avoid Major Sins
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿إِنَّ اللهَ لَا يَغْفِرُ أَن يُشْرَكَ بِهِ وَيَغْفِرُ مَا دُونَ ذَلِكَ لِمَنْ يَشَاءُ ۚ وَمَنْ يُشْرِكْ بِاللهِ فَقَدِ افْتَرَى اِثْمًا عَظِيمًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Indeed, Allah does not forgive associating others with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills. And whoever associates others with Allah has certainly fabricated a tremendous sin.”
Hadith 36:
﴿وعن أبى الدرداءؓ قال: أوصاني خليلي ﷺ: أن لا : تشرك بالله شيئا وإن قطعت وحرقت، ولا تترك صلاة مكتوبة متعمدا ، فمن تركها متعمدا فقد برئت منه الدمة ، ولا تشرب الخمر فإنها مفتاح كل شر .﴾
Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as “Hasan”.
And Hazrat Abu Darda رضي الله عنه said that my heartfelt friend, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, advised me:
So do not associate partners with Allah, even if you are cut or burned, and do not deliberately abandon the obligatory prayer, because whoever deliberately abandons the obligatory prayer, the responsibility of (Allah’s protection) is lifted from him, and do not drink alcohol because it is the key to every evil.
● Do not hold grudges
Hadith 37:
﴿وعن أبى هريرة أن النبى ﷺ قال: إياكم وسوء ذات البين فإنها الحالقة .﴾
Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as “Hasan”.
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ said:
Avoid enmity and hatred towards one another because these two things cause mutual severance of ties or erase reward and blessings.
● Beware of the oppressed person’s curse
Hadith 38:
﴿وعن أنس بن مالكؓ يقول: قال رسول الله ﷺ: إياكم ودعوة المظلوم ، وإن كان كافرا ، فإنه ليس لها حجاب دون الله .﴾
And Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Beware of the curse of the oppressed, even if he is a disbeliever, because there is no barrier between the call of the oppressed and Allah.
● Observe the etiquette of the path
Hadith 39:
﴿وعن جابر بن عبد اللهؓ قال: قال رسول الله ﷺ: إياكم والتعريس على جواد الطريق، والصلاة عليها، فإنها مأوى الحيات والسباع ، وقضاء الحاجة عليها فإنها من الملاعن .﴾
And Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Avoid camping and praying in the middle of the path at night because it is the dwelling place of snakes and wild beasts, and avoid urinating and defecating on the path because it causes a curse.
● Avoid suspicion
﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اجْتَنِبُوا كَثِيرًا مِّنَ الظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ الظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“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.”
Hadith 40:
﴿وَعَنْ أبى هريرةؓ عن النبى ﷺ قال: إياكم والظن ، فإن رضى الله الظن أكذب الحديث، ولا تجسسوا ولا تحسسوا، ولا تباغضوا ، وكونوا إخوانا.﴾
And Hazrat Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
Keep away from suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales. And do not spy or pry into people’s secrets, and do not eavesdrop on private conversations. Do not create enmity among yourselves, but live as brothers.
● The consequence of fabricating false Hadith
Hadith 41:
﴿وعن أبى قتادةؓ ، قال : سمعت رسول الله ﷺ يقول على هذا المنبر: إياكم وكثرة الحديث عني ، فمن قال على فليقل حقا أو صدقا، ومن تقول على ما لم أقل فليتبوأ مقعده من النار .﴾
And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Qatadah (RA) that I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say from the pulpit:
Avoid narrating too many hadiths on my behalf. Whoever speaks on my behalf should speak the truth and reality, and whoever says something on my behalf that I did not say should consider their abode to be Hell.
وَصَلَّى اللهُ تَعَالَى عَلى خَيْرِ خَلْقِهِ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِهِ وَصَحْبِهِ أَجْمَعِيْنَ
