Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ This narration is from the Isra’iliyyat, and the reports of previous prophets which do not contradict Islamic law—especially those concerning encouragement and warning—are permissible to mention. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: ((Narrate from the Children of Israel, for there are astonishing things among them...)) “Narrate from the Children of Israel, for there have occurred among them wondrous events.” (al-Sahihah by al-Albani)
The mentioned narration supports the teachings of Islam; therefore, its authenticity is plausible.

➋ From this, it is understood that whoever is the guardian of an orphan should not only act as a father but as a compassionate father, and should treat the orphan with gentleness as much as possible. And keep in mind that the more compassionate one is towards an orphan in this world, Allah the Exalted will deal with him in the same way on the Day of Resurrection. Also, in the phrase “you will reap what you sow,” there is encouragement for practical life, that nothing is achieved merely by wishes. Allah’s grace and favor will also be with the righteous. The Prophetic hadith is:
“Just as grapes are not obtained from the tamarisk tree, likewise the righteous will not be with the wicked and immoral people. You may choose whichever path you wish. People will be with those who share their (good or bad) nature.” (al-Sahihah by al-Albani, Hadith: 2046)
The meaning is that a person should not expect good while performing evil deeds.

➌ Then, the reprehensibility of adopting a life of misguidance after receiving guidance is mentioned, and for this, a common real-life incident is cited: if someone becomes poor after being wealthy, how burdensome it is for him and how many difficulties he faces—whereas, religious bankruptcy is worse than worldly bankruptcy.
Many people, when afflicted with financial difficulties, also abandon their religion; they are warned that the regret they feel at the loss of wealth and the constant fear of poverty should be far less than the concern they should have for their religion.

➍ The habit of breaking promises is a sign of hypocrisy, and people detest hypocrisy; therefore, its result is enmity and hostility, to the extent that friendship turns into enmity.

➎ In the end, there is encouragement to seek Allah’s protection from bad friends. Bad friends are those who do not help in times of difficulty and do not warn against wrongdoing. A friend who affirms everything, whether right or wrong, and does not prevent from evil, can never be sincere.