'Ali reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to him: Say, "O Allah, direct me to the right path and make me adhere to the straight path," and when you make a mention of right guidance, keep in mind the right path and when you consider of the straight (path), keep in mind the straightness of the arrow.
Explanation & Benefits
Shaykh Maulana Abdul Aziz Alvi
Hadith Commentary:
Benefits and Issues:
This hadith establishes that at the time of supplicatory words, attention should be given to their meanings, implications, and objectives;
one should not merely utter the words parrot-like from the mouth.
Source: Tuhfat al-Muslim: Commentary on Sahih Muslim, Page: 6911
Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi
Benefits and Issues:
➊ The aforementioned supplication is a concise and comprehensive supplication, and it is recommended to keep in mind all meanings from the lowest to the highest ranks in supplications, that is, to have in mind the blessings of this world along with the Hereafter, and the blessings of the Hereafter along with this world.
➋ Some people have tried to extract the permissibility of the concept of a spiritual guide (tasawwur-e-shaykh) from the guidance stated in the hadith, which is in no way permissible; rather, it is forbidden. In acts of worship, only the concept of Allah, Lord of the worlds, is required, except that while reciting salutations (durood sharif) or supplicating for someone’s forgiveness, the concept that comes to mind is a different matter.
➌ It is not correct to wear a ring on the index finger or the middle finger.
➍ The prohibition of (qismi) or (qaz) is due to silk, and the prohibition of (maythara) is due to the red color and resemblance to non-Arab (Ajam) people.
Source: Sunan Abu Dawood – Commentary by Shaykh Umar Farooq Saeedi, Page: 4225
Hafiz Muhammad Ameen
(1) From this blessed hadith it is understood that (for men) wearing a ring on the index finger and the middle finger is prohibited; furthermore, apart from these two fingers, wearing a ring on the remaining two—that is, the little finger and the one next to it—is permissible. Imam Nawawi rahimahullah states that there is consensus among the Muslims that (for men) wearing a ring on the little finger (pinky) is Sunnah, whereas a woman may wear a ring on any of her fingers. He has also said that the prohibition for men wearing a ring on the index and middle fingers is a tanzih (discouragement, not absolute prohibition). However, this statement of Imam Nawawi rahimahullah (regarding tanzih) is questionable, because prohibition (nahi) is for forbiddance (tahrim) unless there is an indicative context (qarinah) diverting it, and in this case, there is no such context. Therefore, this prohibition is for tahrim (forbiddance). And Allah knows best.
(2) It is recommended (mustahabb) to supplicate for guidance and rectitude (moderation).
Source: Sunan Nasa'i: Translation and Benefits by Shaykh Hafiz Muhammad Amin Hafizullah, Page: 5213
Hafiz Muhammad Ameen
Urdu marginal note:
"Moderation" — In Arabic, the word "sadaad" has been used. Its literal meaning is "correct speech" and "correct action." And that which is correct is only that in which there is moderation; therefore, this meaning has been given preference.
Source: Sunan Nasa'i: Translation and Benefits by Shaykh Hafiz Muhammad Amin Hafizullah, Page: 5215
Hafiz Muhammad Ameen
For details, see the hadiths: 69, 5168, 5187.
Source: Sunan Nasa'i: Translation and Benefits by Shaykh Hafiz Muhammad Amin Hafizullah, Page: 5378
Shaykh Muhammad Ibrahim bin Basheer
Benefit:
From this blessed hadith, it is understood that a person should always be a seeker of guidance and the straight path. In every unit (rak‘ah) of every prayer, we make this very request through «اهدنا الصراط المستقيم» (al-Fatihah: 5). It is also understood that it is forbidden (haram) for men to wear silk clothing. It is narrated from Sayyiduna ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab radi Allahu anhu that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: « لا تلبسوا الحرير ، فإن من لبسه فى الدنيا لم يلبسه فى الآخرة » Do not wear silk garments, for whoever among men wears it in this world will not wear it in the Hereafter. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5834; Sahih Muslim: 2069)
Hafiz Salahuddin Yusuf rahimahullah writes in the commentary of this hadith:
① The addressees of this prohibition are Muslim men, because women are permitted to wear silk garments. For men, it is forbidden because it contains an aspect of adornment and beautification, which is a characteristic specific to women.
② It is also not preferable for men because it affects masculine qualities such as bravery, courage, and boldness.
③ It also expresses arrogance and pride, which is also disliked.
④ It is an imitation of polytheists and disbelievers.
⑤ Its use is contrary to the simplicity that Islam likes to see in a Muslim, and which the Noble Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam has declared to be a part of faith, «الْبَذَاذَةَ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ» Simplicity is a part of faith. (Sunan Abi Dawud: 4161) Simplicity (badhadhah) means to adopt a simple and unpretentious lifestyle instead of luxurious clothing, expensive attire, and adornment. (Riyadh al-Salihin, translated: 1/715) Note that a man who suffers from itching is permitted to use silk. (Sahih al-Bukhari: 5839; Sahih Muslim: 2067)
It is also understood from this hadith that it is prohibited to wear a ring on the index (shahadah) and middle fingers, and it is Sunnah to wear it on the little finger.
Source: Musnad al-Humaydi: Commentary by Muhammad Ibrahim bin Bashir, Page: 52