Adab al-Mufrad

Benefits and Issues:
➊ The name of the narrator of the hadith, Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu, is Abdur Rahman. He accepted Islam in the seventh year of Hijrah and became the special attendant of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. In order to acquire knowledge and preserve the sayings of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, he always remained in his company. He joined the Ashab al-Suffah and, separating himself from business, devoted himself entirely to religion. When he would forget hadiths, he requested the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam to make supplication for him. The Prophet made supplication, and after that, whatever he learned, he would not forget. The most narrations of hadith from the Messenger are reported by him. During the rule of Banu Umayyah, he also served as the governor of Madinah Munawwarah.

➋ Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu mentioned his own virtues, that due to the blessing of the supplication of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, not only Muslims but even disbelievers love him. From this, it is understood that if there is no fear of falling into tribulation or ostentation, a person may mention his own virtues.

➌ Upon some people, Allah Ta’ala bestows special favor such that they are accepted among both Muslims and disbelievers. Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu was among such people. However, it is regrettable regarding the Shia, who, despite claiming to be Muslims, harbor enmity and hatred towards Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu.

➍ The greatest goodwill and love towards parents or relatives is to strive for their guidance, to inform them of matters of religion. Likewise, one should supplicate for them oneself and also request a righteous servant of Allah to supplicate for their guidance.

➎ The invitation to Islam should be presented repeatedly; it is not known at what time this invitation may prove effective. Furthermore, conveying any means of guidance to others is a legal responsibility upon every Muslim, which he is required to fulfill with courage and determination, so that a person does not think he has fulfilled his duty and there is no need to repeat it. It is human nature that whatever is presented before him repeatedly, he reflects upon it. As we observe, various companies advertise their products, so much so that even a low-quality item sells rapidly. Islam is a pure religion; if Muslims present it repeatedly, surely people’s inclination may turn towards it.

You may have seen the advertisement of clothing or other items on TV, etc. The clothing is shown by wearing it, and other items are demonstrated by using them. Similarly, Islam also needs to be presented in practical form so that people are influenced by seeing its practical image.

➏ While inviting towards Islam, if someone responds with inappropriate behavior and speaks ill of your noble and beloved personality, one should be patient. In Sahih Muslim (2491), it is mentioned that when Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu invited his mother to Islam, she uttered inappropriate words about the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, but Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah radi Allahu anhu exercised patience.

➐ If supplication is requested from someone and that supplication is accepted, the person should be informed so that he may thank Allah Ta’ala. Likewise, it is also understood that in times of difficulty, along with making supplication oneself, one should also request supplication from a pious and righteous person.

➑ If parents are alive, one should supplicate for their guidance, and if they have passed away, it is necessary to supplicate for their forgiveness and elevation of ranks.

➒ If parents are disbelievers, they should be invited to Islam, and if they are Muslims but non-practicing, it is necessary to invite them to adhere to the commands of Islam. This is the way of the Prophets. Furthermore, even if parents speak ill, they should not be abandoned; however, if a person’s religion is in danger, then it is necessary to migrate and separate.