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:
Indeed, the Rich One is the One Who is Rich in Heart
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿قَدْ أَفْلَحَ مَن تَزَكَّىٰ ﴿١٤﴾ وَذَكَرَ اسْمَ رَبِّهِ فَصَلَّىٰ ﴿١٥﴾ بَلْ تُؤْثِرُونَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا ﴿١٦﴾ وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَىٰ ﴿١٧﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Indeed, successful is the one who purifies himself, and mentions the name of his Lord and prays. But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.”
Hadith 1
«عن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ليس الغنى عن كثرة رضي الله العرض ولكن الغنى غنى النفس»
Narrated by Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Richness is not having many possessions, but richness is the richness of the heart (being free from need of wealth).”
Longing Desires Make a Person Neglectful of the Hereafter
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿أَرَأَيْتَ مَنِ اتَّخَذَ إِلَٰهَهُ هَوَاهُ أَفَأَنتَ تَكُونُ عَلَيْهِ وَكِيلًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Have you seen the one who has taken his desire as his god? Then would you be responsible for him?”
Hadith 2
«وعن على بن أبى طالب رضی اللہ عنہ قال: إنما أخشى عليكم اثنين: طول الأمل واتباع الهوى، فإن طول الأمل ينسى الآخرة ، وإن اتباع الهوى يصد عن الحق»
“And Hazrat Ali رضي الله عنه ibn Abi Talib says: I fear two things for you, long hopes and following the desires of the self. Long hopes make a person heedless of the Hereafter, and following the desires of the self becomes an obstacle in accepting the truth.”
With the increase of wealth, a person’s desires also increase
Hadith 3
«وعن ابن عباس رضى الله عنه يقول: سمعت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول : لو كان لابن آدم واديان من مال لابتغى ثاليا، ولا يملا جوف ابن آدم إلا التراب ويتوب الله على من تاب»
“And Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه narrates that I heard the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم say: If the son of Adam has two valleys of wealth, he will desire a third. The stomach of the son of Adam cannot be filled except with dust (the grave), and Allah accepts the repentance of the one who turns to Him (leaving the greed for wealth and riches).”
A person’s long hopes and desires
Hadith 4
«وعن عبد الله بن الزبير رضى الله عنه قال: يا أيها الناس إن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقول: لو أن ابن آدم أعطي واديا ملا من ذهب أحب إليه ثانيا ، ولو أعطي ثانيا ، أحب إليه ثالثا ، ولا يسد جوف ابن آدم إلا التراب، ويتوب الله على من تاب»
Muhaddith Albani has graded it as Hasan.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to say: O people! Indeed, if the son of Adam is given a forest filled with gold, he will desire another forest. If he is given a second forest filled with gold, he will desire a third. The son of Adam’s stomach is only filled with (the soil of) the grave, and know that Allah accepts the repentance of those who turn to Him (leaving the greed for wealth).”
Illicit wealth will be entirely a cause of ruin in the Hereafter
Hadith 5
«وعن القاسم بن مخيمرة رحمه الله قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : من اكتسب مالا من مأثم، فوصل به رحمه ، أو تصدق به ، أو أنفقه فى سبيل الله ، جمع ذلك كله جمعا ، فقذف به فى جهنم»
“And Hazrat Qasim bin Mukhaymirah (may Allah have mercy on him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever earns wealth through unlawful means and then maintains kinship ties with it or gives charity or spends it in the way of Allah, all these good deeds will be gathered, and the one who earned unlawfully will be thrown into Hell along with these good deeds.”
The Sweet Wealth of This World Will Prove Bitter in the Hereafter
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَوْمَ لَا يَنفَعُ مَالٌ وَلَا بَنُونَ ﴿٨٨﴾ إِلَّا مَنْ أَتَى اللَّهَ بِقَلْبٍ سَلِيمٍ ﴿٨٩﴾
❀ Allah Almighty said:
“The Day when neither wealth will benefit [anyone] nor children, except he who comes to Allah with a sound heart (free from shirk and innovation).”
Hadith 6
«وعن أبى مالك الأشعري رضى الله عنه أنه لما حضرته الوفاة قال: يا معشر الأشعريين ليبلع الشاهد الغائب، إني سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: حلوة الدنيا مرة الآخرة، ومرة الدنيا حلوة الآخرة»
Hakim has declared it authentic.
And when the time of the death of Hazrat Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) came, he addressed the people of his tribe, the Ash’ari, saying: Convey my words to those who are absent. Indeed, I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “The sweetness of this world is the bitterness of the Hereafter, and the bitterness of this world is the sweetness of the Hereafter.”
The Seeker of the World is Constantly Distressed
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿مَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الْآخِرَةِ نَزِدْ لَهُ فِي حَرْثِهِ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ يُرِيدُ حَرْثَ الدُّنْيَا نُؤْتِهِ مِنْهَا وَمَا لَهُ فِي الْآخِرَةِ مِن نَّصِيبٍ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Whoever desires the harvest of the Hereafter, We increase for him in his harvest; and whoever desires the harvest of this world, We give him thereof, but there is no share for him in the Hereafter.”
Hadith 7
«وعن أنس بن مالك رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: من كانت الآخرة همه جعل الله غناه فى قلبه ، وجمع له شمله ، وأتته الدنيا وهى راغمة ، ومن كانت الدنيا همه جعل الله فقره بين عينيه ، وفرق عليه شمله، ولم يأته من الدنيا إلا ما قدرله»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever makes the Hereafter the purpose of his life, Allah enriches his heart and gathers all his affairs, and the world comes to him humiliated. And whoever makes the world the purpose of his life, Allah places poverty before his two eyes (his eyes are never satisfied with wealth), scatters all his affairs, and the world comes to him only as much as is written in his destiny.”
Every person is deceived regarding wealth and riches
Hadith 8
«وعن عبد الله بن مسعود رضی اللہ عنہ قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: الله أيكم مال وارثه أحب إليه من ماله؟ قالوا: يا رسول الله! ما منا أحد إلا ماله أحب إليه ، قال: فإن ماله ما قدم ، ومال وارثه ما أخر»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Who among you likes the wealth of others instead of his own? The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said: O Messenger of Allah! There is no one among us like that; everyone prefers his own wealth. He (peace be upon him) said: A person’s wealth is only that which he sends ahead (for the Hereafter), and what he leaves behind is the wealth of his heirs.”
Condemnation of Spending Wealth in Disobedience to Allah
Hadith 9
«وعن أبى كبشة الأنماري رضى الله عنه أنه سمع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: أحدثكم حديثا فاحفظوه، فقال إنما الدنيا لأربعة نفر، عبد رزقه الله مالا وعلما ، فهو يتقى فيه ربه ويصل فيه رحمه ، ويعلم لله فيه حقا، فهذا بأفضل المنازل وعبد رزقه الله علما ولم يرزقه مالا فهو صادق النية يقول: لو أن لي مالا لعملت بعمل فلان ، فهو بنيته فأجرهما سواء – وعبد رزقه الله مالا ولم يرزقه علما فهو يخبط فى ماله بغير علم ، لا يتقي فيه ربه ولا يصل فيه رحمه، ولا يعلم لله فيه حقا، فهذا بأخبث المنازل وعبد لم يرزقه الله مالا ولا علما ، فهو يقول: لو أن لى مالا لعملت فيه بعمل فلان ، فهو فهو بنيته فوزرهما سواء»
Al-Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
“And Abu Kabsha Anmari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: (O people!) I am telling you something, remember it. Then the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: There are four types of people in this world:
[1] The first is the person whom Allah has blessed with both wealth and knowledge, and he fears his Lord in earning and spending wealth, maintains ties of kinship through it, and recognizes Allah’s right in wealth (by giving zakat, charity, and alms). This person is the highest in rank.
[2] The second is the person whom Allah has granted knowledge but not wealth, and he sincerely says: If I had wealth, I would spend it like so-and-so. He will receive the reward for his intention, and the reward of both men will be equal.
[3] The third is the person whom Allah has given wealth but not knowledge, and he destroys his wealth without knowledge. He does not fear his Lord in earning and spending wealth, does not maintain ties of kinship through it, and does not recognize Allah’s right in wealth. This third person is among the worst ranks.
[4] The fourth is the person whom Allah has given neither wealth nor knowledge. He desires: If I had wealth, I would squander it like so-and-so. This fourth person will also bear the sin of his intention, and the sins of both will be equal.”
Chasing the World Leads to Starvation
Hadith 10
«وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: إن الله يقول: يا ابن آدم تفرع لعبادتي أملا صدرك غنى ، وأسد فقرك ، وإلا تفعل ملات يديك شغلا ولم أسد فقرك»
Ibn Hibban has declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Allah says: O son of Adam! Devote yourself to My worship, and I will fill your chest and remove your poverty and starvation. But if you do not devote yourself to My worship, I will entangle you in the affairs of the world and will not remove your poverty and starvation.”
Hadith 11
«وعن زيد بن ثابت قال: سمعت رسول الله يقول: من كانت الدنيا همه ، فرق الله عليه أمره، وجعل فقره بين عينيه، ولم يأته من الدنيا إلا ما كتب له، ومن كانت الآخرة نيته ، جمع الله له أمره، وجعل غناه فى قلبه ، وأتته الدنيا وهى راغمة»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: Whoever makes the world his purpose in life, Allah will scatter all his affairs and will subject him to poverty and hunger, and the world will come to him only as much as is written in his destiny. And whoever intends the Hereafter (in every matter), Allah will make all his affairs correct and will enrich his heart, and the world will come to him humiliated.”
The desire for worldly wealth destroys a person
Hadith 12
«وعن أبى سعيد رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : إن أكثر ما أخاف عليكم ما يخرج الله لكم من بركات الأرض ، قيل: وما بركات الأرض؟ قال: زهرة الدنيا، فقال له رجل: هل يأتى الخير بالشر؟ فصمت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم حتى ظننا أنه ينزل عليه ثم جعل يمسح عن جبينه فقال: أين السائل؟ قال: أنا ، قال أبو سعيد: لقد حمدناه حين طلع ذلك ، قال: لا يأتى الخير ، إلا بالخير إن هذا المال خضرة حلوة، وإن كل ما أنبت الربيع يقتل حبطا أو يلم إلا آكلة الخضرة ، أكلت حتى إذا امتدت خاصرناها استقبلت الشمس فاجترت وثلطت وبالت ثم عادت فأكلت ، وإن هذا المال حلوة من أخذه بحقه ووضعه فى حقه فنعم المعونه هو، ومن أخذه بغير حقه كان كالذي يأكل ولا يشبع»
“And Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: I fear for you most from the blessings of the earth that Allah will bring forth for you. The Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked: O Messenger of Allah! What do you mean by the blessings of the earth? He (peace be upon him) said: The prosperity of the world. A man asked: Does evil also come from good? Upon hearing this, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) remained silent until we felt that revelation was being revealed to him. He wiped the sweat from his blessed forehead and said: Where is the one who asked? The man said: I am here, O Messenger of Allah! Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Seeing this, we envied that man. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Goodness only brings goodness, but the wealth of this world (apparently) looks very green and sweet, like the crop in spring which is lush and beautiful, but it kills or brings near death the animal that eats it excessively by causing indigestion, except for the animal that eats in moderation and as soon as its stomach is full, goes out into the sun, licks itself, defecates softly, urinates, and then grazes again (such an animal will not die). So remember! The wealth of this world (apparently) is very sweet, but whoever earns it lawfully and spends it lawfully, it is the best means for earning reward, and whoever earns it unlawfully is like one who eats but whose stomach is never filled (and he perishes).”
One who spends life accumulating worldly wealth is a fool
Hadith 13
«وعن عائشة ر قالت: قال رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم : الدنيا دار من لا دار له، ومال من لا مال له، ولها يجمع من لا عقل لہ»
Sheikh Hamza Zain has declared it authentic.
“And Hazrat Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: The world is the home of the one who has no home (in the Hereafter), and the wealth of the world is the wealth of the one who has no wealth (in the Hereafter). Only the foolish accumulate the wealth of this world.”
Greed for wealth and position destroys a person’s religion and faith
Hadith 14
«وعن ابن كعب بن مالك الأنصاري رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : ما ذنبان جائعان أرسلا فى غنم بأفسد لها من حرص المرء على المال والشرف لدينه»
Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Ka’b bin Malik Al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Two hungry wolves left among a flock of goats do not cause as much loss of life as a person who is greedy and covetous for wealth and position causes damage to religion.”
Love of the world
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَا أَوْلَادُكُمْ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ ۚ وَمَن يَفْعَلْ ذَٰلِكَ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْخَاسِرُونَ ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“O you who have believed! Let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.”
Hadith 15
«وعن عبد الله رضى الله عنه قال: سمعت نبيكم صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: من جعل الهموم هما واحدا هم المعاد، كفاه الله هم دنياه ، ومن تشعبت به الهموم فى أحوال الدنيا، لم يبال الله فى أى أوديتها هلك»
Muhaddith Al-Albani has graded it as Hasan.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) that I heard your Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) say: Whoever gathers all sorrows into one sorrow, that is, the Hereafter, Allah will take upon Himself the sorrows of this world for him. And whoever remains afflicted by the sorrows of this world, then Allah does not care in which valley he perishes.”
Allah Almighty loves the unknown pious person
Hadith 16
«وعن سعد بن أبى وقاص رضى الله عنه قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: إن الله يحب العبد التقي الغني الخفي»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: Indeed, Allah loves the pious, the wealthy, and the humble servant.”
The Ostentatious Scholar is Deprived of Paradise
Hadith 17
«وعن أبى هريرة رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله : من تعلم علما مما يبتغى به وجه الله ، لا يتعلمه إلا ليصيب به عرضا من الدنيا لم يجد عرف الجنة يوم القيامة»
Al-Muhaddith Al-Albani has declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever acquires knowledge seeking the pleasure of Allah (that is correct), but whoever acquires it for worldly benefits will not even smell the fragrance of Paradise.”
Ostentation Destroys Deeds
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَالَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ رِئَاءَ النَّاسِ وَلَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ وَلَا بِالْيَوْمِ الْآخِرِ ۗ وَمَن يَكُنِ الشَّيْطَانُ لَهُ قَرِينًا فَسَاءَ قَرِينًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And those who spend their wealth to be seen by people and do not believe in Allah nor in the Last Day. And whoever has Satan as a companion, then indeed, he has a very bad companion.”
Hadith 18
«وعن ثوبان رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: لأعلمن أقواما من أمتي يأتون يوم القيامة بحسنات أمثال جبال تهامة بيضا ، فيجعلها الله عزوجل هباء منشورا ، قال ثوبان: يا رسول الله صفهم لنا ، جلهم لنا ، أن لا نكون منهم ونحن لا نعلم ، قال: أما إنهم إخوانكم ومن جلدتكم ويأخذون من الليل كما تأخذون، ولكنهم أقوام إذا خلوا بمحارم الله انتهكوها»
“And it is narrated from Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: I know among my Ummah people who will come on the Day of Resurrection with good deeds as vast as white mountains. Allah Almighty will scatter them like dust. Thawban (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: O Messenger of Allah! Please clarify their sign so that we do not unknowingly become among them. He (peace be upon him) said: Know that they will be your brothers in body and soul like you, and they will worship at night as you do, but their condition will be that they violate Allah’s sanctities in private.”
The Virtue of Humility
Hadith 19
«عن عبد الله بن عمر رضى الله عنه قال: قيل لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : أى الناس أفضل؟ قال: كل محموم القلب صدوق النسان ، قالوا: صدوق اللسان نعرفه ، فما محموم القلب؟ قال: هو التقى النقي ، لا إثم فيه ولا بغي ولا غل ولا حسد»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), ‘Who is the best person?’ He (peace be upon him) replied: ‘Every person with a pure heart and truthful tongue.’ The companions (may Allah be pleased with them) said, ‘We know the truthful tongue, but what is meant by a pure heart?’ He said: ‘A pious and clean heart, in which there is no sin, no pride, no malice, no envy.'”
Condemnation of Pride in the Greatness of Ancestors
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿قَالَ الْمَلَأُ الَّذِينَ اسْتَكْبَرُوا مِن قَوْمِهِ لَنُخْرِجَنَّكَ يَا شُعَيْبُ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَعَكَ مِن قَرْيَتِنَا أَوْ لَتَعُودُنَّ فِي مِلَّتِنَا ۚ قَالَ أَوَلَوْ كُنَّا كَارِهِينَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty said:
“Among his people were the chiefs who were arrogant. They said, ‘O Shu’aib! We will surely expel you and those who have believed with you from our town, or you must return to our religion.’ Shu’aib said, ‘Even if we dislike it?'”
Hadith 20
«وعن أبى هريرة و عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: لينتهين أقوام يفتخرون بآبائهم الذين ماتوا ، إنما هم فحم جهنم، أو ليكونن اهون على الله من الجعل الذى يدهده الخراء بأنفه ، إن الله اذهب عنكم عبية الجاهلية وفخرها بالآباء ، إنما هو مؤمن تقي أو فاجر شقي ، الناس كلهم بنو آدم وآدم خلق من التراب»
Al-Muhaddith Al-Bani has graded it as Hasan.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: People should refrain from boasting about their deceased ancestors; they are the coals of Hell, otherwise, they will be more humiliated before Allah than the filthy dung beetle that removes filth from its nose. Allah Almighty has removed from you the defect of arrogance and pride in your ancestors from the Age of Ignorance. Now, a person is either a believer and pious or a sinner and wretched (remember!) All people are the offspring of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.”
Arrogant Person Deprived of Paradise
Hadith 21
«وعن عبد الله رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : لا يدخل النار من كان فى قلبه مثقال ذرة من إيمان ولا يدخل الجنة من كان في قلبه مثقال ذرة من كبر فقال الرجل: يارسول الله! إن الرجل ليحب أن يكون ثوبه حسنا ونعله حسنا، فقال: إن الله جميل يحب الجمال، الكبر من بطر الحق وغمص الناس»
Ibn Hibban has declared it authentic.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever has even an atom’s weight of faith in his heart will not enter the fire, and whoever has even an atom’s weight of arrogance in his heart will not enter Paradise.” A man asked, “O Messenger of Allah! A person wants his clothes to be good and his shoes to be good; what is the ruling on this?” He (peace be upon him) said: “Allah is Beautiful and loves beauty. Arrogance is to reject the truth and to look down upon people.”
The Virtue of a Long Life with Righteousness
Hadith 22
«عن أم الفضل رضى الله عنه أن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم دخل على العباس وهو يشتكي، فتمنى الموت ، فقال: يا عباس! يا عم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ! لا تتمن الموت ، إن كنت محسنا تزداد إحسانا إلى إحسانك، وإن كنت مسينا ، فإن توخر تستعتب من إساء تك خير لك ، لا تتمن الموت»
Sheikh Hamza Zain has declared it to be authentic in chain of narration.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Umm al-Fadl (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) came to visit Sayyiduna Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) during his illness, and Sayyiduna Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) began to wish for death. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: O Abbas! The uncle of the Messenger of Allah! Do not wish for death. If you are among the righteous, then the prolongation of life will increase your good deeds and that will be better for you. And if you are counted among the sinners, then you will be granted respite to repent from your sins, and that too is better for you. Therefore, do not wish for death.”
Home, Wife, and Servant are Signs of Wealth
Hadith 23
«وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضى الله عنه وساله رجل فقال: له عبد الله صلى الله عليه وسلم الك امرأة تأوي إليها؟ قال: نعم قال: ألك مسكن تسكنه؟ قال: نعم قال: فأنت من الأغنياء ، قال: فإن لي خادما ، قال: فانت من الملوك»
“And a man asked Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) (to show superiority), ‘Are we not among the poor emigrants?’ Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, ‘Do you have a wife with whom you live?’ The man replied, ‘Yes! I have a wife.’ Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (may Allah be pleased with him) then asked, ‘Do you have a house to live in?’ The man said, ‘Yes! I have a house.’ Abdullah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘You are among the rich (not among the poor).’ The man said, ‘I even have a servant.’ Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘Well then, you are counted among the kings.'”
Good health is also among the necessities of life
Hadith 24
«وعن رجل من أصحاب النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: كنا فى مجلس فجاء النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم وعلى رأسه أثر ماء فقال له بعضنا: نراك اليوم طيب النفس فقال: أجل والحمد لله ، ثم أفاض القوم فى ذكر الغنى فقال: لا بأس بالغنى لمن اتقى، والصحة لمن اتقى خير من الغنى وطيب النفس من النعيم»
“And a companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrates that we were sitting together. The Prophet ﷺ came, and there were traces of water on his blessed head. One of us said that today we see you very happy. The Prophet ﷺ said: Yes! Today I am indeed very happy. Then people started discussing capital investment among themselves. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: There is no harm in capital investment with piety, but for the pious, health is better than capital investment, and a cheerful disposition is also one of Allah’s blessings.”
Two meals a day and clothes for the body are enough to live on
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ ﴿١﴾ حَتَّىٰ زُرْتُمُ الْمَقَابِرَ ﴿٢﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“You were heedless of the fact that you will surely meet the Grave.”
Hadith 25
«وعن عبد الله بن الشخير رضى الله عنه قال: أتيت النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو يقرأ ﴿الهكم التكاثر﴾ ، قال: يقول ابن آدم : مالي ، مالي ، قال وهل لك يا ابن آدم من مالك إلا ما أكلت فأفنيت ، أو لبست فابليت، أو تصدقت فامضيت»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Mukhair (RA) that I came to the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). At that time, he was reciting Surah الهكم التكاثر. The Prophet (PBUH) said: The son of Adam says, ‘My wealth, my wealth!’ O son of Adam! What is your wealth except that which you have eaten and is finished, what you have worn and is worn out, and what you have given in charity that remains.”
A servant and a riding horse are sufficient to live
Hadith 26
«وعن سمرة بن سهم رضى الله عنه رجل من قومه قال: نزلت على أبى هاشم بن عتبة رضى الله عنه ، وهو طعين ، فأتاه معاوية يعوده – فبكى أبو هاشم رضى الله عنه ، فقال معاوية رضى الله عنه ما يبكيك؟ أى خال: أوجع يشترك أم على الدنيا؟ فقد ذهب صفوها؟ قال: على كل لا، ولكن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عهد إلى عهدا، وددت أني كنت تبعته – قال: إنك لعلك تدرك أموالا تقسم بين أقوام ، وإنما يكفيك من ذلك خادم ومركب فى سبيل الله فأدركت ، فجمعت»
Muhaddith Al-Bani has declared it authentic.
“And Hazrat Samrah bin Sahm (may Allah be pleased with him), who is from the tribe of Abu Hashim, narrates that I went to visit Sayyiduna Abu Hashim bin Utbah (may Allah be pleased with him), who had been wounded by a spear. Sayyiduna Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sayyiduna Abu Hashim also came to visit him. Sayyiduna Abu Hashim (may Allah be pleased with him) began to weep. Sayyiduna Muawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: Uncle! Why are you crying? Is it due to the pain or the sorrow of leaving this world? (Although) the best part of life has already passed? Sayyiduna Abu Hashim (may Allah be pleased with him) said: Neither of these two reasons. The real matter is that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, took a pledge from me. I wish I had fulfilled that pledge. He (peace be upon him) said: Wealth will come to you which will be distributed among the people. From this wealth, a servant for you and a mount for Jihad in the way of Allah will suffice you (do not take more than this). But alas, when I received the wealth, I accumulated more than that.”
Health and the Safety of Family are the Best Assets
Hadith 27
«وعن سلمة بن عبيد الله بن محصن الأنصاري رضى الله عنه عن أبيه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : من أصبح منكم معافى فى جسده ، آمنا فى سربه، عنده قوت يومه فكأنما حيزت له الدنيا»
“And Hazrat Salamah bin Ubaidullah bin Muhsin Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever wakes up in the morning healthy and has safety among his family and has provision for the day, it is as if the whole world has been gathered for him.”
Do Not Be Sons of the World, Be Sons of the Hereafter
Hadith 28
«وعن على رضی اللہ عنہ قال: ارتحلت الدنيا مدبرة، وارتحلت الآخرة مقبلة ولكل واحدة منهما بنون ، فكونوا من أبناء الآخرة، ولا تكونوا من أبناء الدنيا فإن اليوم عمل ولا حساب، وغدا حساب ولا عمل»
“And Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) says: The world is departing turning its back, and the Hereafter is running towards you from the front, and both have different sons. Be sons of the Hereafter, not sons of the world! Because today is the time for deeds, not for reckoning, and tomorrow will be the time for reckoning, not for deeds.”
Love for Temporary Life Will Result in Loss in Eternal Life
Hadith 29
«وعن أبى موسى الأشعري رضى الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: من أحب دنياه أضر بآخرته ومن أحب آخرته أضر دنياه، فآثروا ما يبقى على ما يفنى»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Whoever loves the world will harm his Hereafter, and whoever loves the Hereafter will harm his world. Therefore, prefer the everlasting life over the temporary life.”
All the wealth of the world is insignificant compared to the world and the Hereafter
Hadith 30
«وعن أنس بن مالك رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : يجاء بالكافر يوم القيامة فيقال له: أرأيت لو كان لك ملء الأرض ذهبا أكنت تفتدى به؟ فيقول: نعم ، فيقال له: قد كنت سئلت ما هو أيسر من ذلك»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Anas bin Malik (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: On the Day of Resurrection, a disbeliever will be presented before Allah Almighty and will be asked: Tell us, if you had gold equal to the weight of the earth, would you give it to save your soul from Hell? The disbeliever will say: Yes, I would give it. Then it will be said to him: In the world, you were asked for something much easier than this, which you refused.”
Condemnation of Worldly-Minded People
Hadith 31
«وعن مرداس بن الأسلمي رضی اللہ عنہ قال: قال النبى صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم يذهب الصالحون الأول فالاول وتبقى جفالة كحفالة الشعير او التمر ، لا يباليهم الله بالة»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Mardas bin Aslami (RA) that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: The righteous people will depart one by one (from this world), and those who remain (the worldly people), who are like chaff or date-palm refuse, Allah will not care for them even to the smallest extent.”
This World is More Insignificant than a Mosquito’s Wing in the Sight of Allah
قالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿قُلْ مَتَاعُ الدُّنْيَا قَلِيلٌ وَالْآخِرَةُ خَيْرٌ لِّمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ وَلَا تُظْلَمُونَ فَتِيلًا﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Say: The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for him who fears Allah. And you will not be wronged even as much as the thread of a date seed.”
Hadith 32
«وعن سهل بن سعد رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : لو كانت الدنيا تعدل عند الله جناح بعوضة ما سقى كافرا منها شربة ماء»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Sahl bin Sa’d (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: If the value of this world were even equal to the wing of a mosquito in the sight of Allah, then Allah would not let a disbeliever drink even a sip of water.”
Hadith 33
«وعن النعمان بن بشير رضى الله عنه عن النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: ما من عبد ولا امة إلا وله ثلاثة أخلاء ، فخليل يقول: أنا معك فخد ما شئت ودع ما شئت، فذلك ماله، وخليل يقول: أنا معك فإذا أتيت باب الملك تركتك، فذلك خدمه وأهله، وخليل يقول: أنا معك حيث دخلت وحيث خرجت ، فذلك عمله»
This narration is of Hasan grade.
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم said: Every man and woman has three friends. The first friend says, ‘I am with you in this world; take whatever you want and leave whatever you want, this is your wealth.’ The second friend is the one who says, ‘I am with you, but when you reach the door of the angel (death), I will leave you.’ This friend is his servant and family members. The third friend says, ‘I am (permanently) with you, wherever you come or go,’ and this is his deeds.”
The life of this world is temporary and the life of the Hereafter is eternal
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَمَا هَٰذِهِ الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ لَهِيَ الْحَيَوَانُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“And this worldly life is nothing but play and amusement, and indeed the Hereafter is the (real) life. If only people knew.”
Hadith 34
«وعن سهل بر سعد الساعدي رضی اللہ عنہ قال: كنا مع رسول الله صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم فى الخندق وهو يحفر ونحن ننقل التراب ويمر بنا وقال: اللهم لا عيش إلا عيش الآخرة فاغفر للأنصار للمهاجره»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Suhail bin Saad Al-Saadi (may Allah be pleased with him) that during the Battle of the Trench, we were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, you were digging the soil and we were carrying the soil. The Prophet ﷺ looked at us and recited this verse: O Allah! Life is only for the Hereafter, forgive the Ansar and the Muhajirin.”
The Status of the World Compared to the Hereafter
قَالَ اللهُ تَعَالَى: ﴿وَمَا الْحَيَاةُ الدُّنْيَا فِي الْآخِرَةِ إِلَّا مَتَاعٌ﴾
❀ Allah Almighty has said:
“Whereas the life of this world is only a trivial enjoyment compared to the Hereafter.”
Hadith 35
«وعن جابر أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مر بالسوق والناس كنفته فمر بجدي اسك ميت ، فتناوله فأخذ بأذنه ثم قال: أيكم يحب أن هذا له بدرهم؟ فقالوا: ما نحب أنه لنا بشيء وما نصنع به؟ قال: أتحبون أنه لكم؟ قالوا: والله لو كان حيا كان عيبا فيه لأنه اسك، فكيف وهو ميت؟ فقال: فوالله للدنيا اهون على الله من هذا عليكم»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Jabir (Abdullah) رضي الله عنه that the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was going through a market with people on both sides. The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم passed by the dead body of a lamb with small ears. He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم held its ear and asked the companions رضي الله عنهم, ‘Which one of you would like to buy it for one dirham?’ The people said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! We would not like to buy it even for a penny, and what would we do by buying it?’ The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said, ‘Do you wish that it comes to you (in any way)?’ The people said, ‘By Allah! Even if it were alive, it would be defective because its ears are small; who would take it in its dead state?’ The Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said, ‘By Allah! Just as this dead thing is insignificant in your eyes, the world is even more insignificant in the sight of Allah.'”
Do Not Trust This Life
Hadith 36
«وعن ابن عمر رضى الله عنه يقول: إذا أمسيت فلا تنتظر الصباح وإذا أصبحت فلا تنتظر المساء . وخذ من صحتك لمرضك ومن حياتك لموتك»
“And Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say: When it becomes evening, do not wait for the morning (perhaps death will come before morning), and when it becomes morning, wait for the evening (perhaps death will come before evening). Be prepared for illness during good health and prepare for death during life.”
The Wealth and Family of This World Are Temporary Things
Hadith 37
«وعن أنس بن مالك رضى الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : يتبع الميت ثلاثة ، فيرجع اثنان ويبقى واحد ، يتبعه أهله وماله وعمله فيرجع اهله وماله ويبقى عمله»
“And Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Three things go with the deceased, two return, and one remains. The deceased’s family, his wealth, and his deeds all go with him; his family and wealth return, and only his deeds remain.”
Hadith 38
«وعن ابن عباس رضى الله عنه ، قال: قال النبى صلى الله عليه وسلم : نعمتان مغبون فيهما كثير من الناس : الصحة والفراع»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: There are two blessings about which most people are deceived (thinking they will always remain): health and free time.”
Hadith 39
«وعنه صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: قال رسول الله لرجل وهو يعظه: اغتنم خمسا قبل خمس شبابك قبل هرمك ، وصحتك قبل سقمك ، وعنانك قبل فقرك ، وفراغك قبل شغلك ، وحياتك قبل موتك»
Hakim has declared it authentic.
“And Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) advised a man saying: Consider five things as a blessing before five other things:
[1] Youth before old age.
[2] Health before sickness.
[3] Wealth before poverty.
[4] Free time before busyness.
[5] Life before death.”
Hadith 40
«وعن أبى هريرة قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وهو يقول: الدنيا ملعونة ، ملعون ما فيها إلا ذكر الله وما والاه ، أو عالما أو متعلما»
“And it is narrated from Hazrat Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: The world and whatever is in it is cursed except the remembrance of Allah, and that which one loves, or a seeker of knowledge, or a scholar.”
وصلى الله تعالى على خير خلقه محمد وآله وصحبه أجمعين
