Never Reject a Request Made in Allah's Name

Do Not Consider Any Act of Goodness as Insignificant​

Written by: Sheikh Abdus-Salam bin Muhammad (May Allah protect him)

Narrated by Abu Dharr (RA): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Do not consider any act of goodness as insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” (Narrated by Muslim)

References: Muslim Al-Birr wal-Silah 144; Tuhfat al-Ashraf 5/175

Key Points:

1. No Act of Goodness is Small: Allah says, "And whatever you do of good, indeed Allah is Knowing of it." (Al-Baqarah: 215) and "So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it." (Az-Zalzalah: 7)

Caring for Neighbors: A Prophetic Teaching​

Narrated by Abu Dharr (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “When you cook stew, add extra water and share it with your neighbor.” (Narrated by Muslim)

References: Muslim Al-Birr wal-Silah 143

Key Points:

1. Prophet's Emphasis on Neighbors: The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the rights of neighbors so much that he said, "I thought they would be made heirs." (Agreed upon)
2. Consider Your Neighbor’s Needs: It is recommended to increase the stew's water if meat or vegetables are limited so that the neighbor can also benefit. The Prophet (PBUH) stated, “A believer is not one who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him is hungry.” (Bayhaqi; authenticated by Al-Albani)

Virtue of Assisting and Concealing Faults of a Muslim​

Narrated by Abu Huraira (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever relieves a Muslim’s hardship in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever grants ease to someone in difficulty, Allah will grant him ease in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals (the faults of) a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and the Hereafter.” (Narrated by Muslim)

References:
Muslim Al-Dhikr wal-Du’a 38; Tuhfat al-Ashraf 9/375

Key Points:

1. Helping in Financial Struggles: Whether by giving, lending, or using influence, any form of help for a Muslim in need brings divine reward.
2. Concealing Others' Faults: Concealing another’s faults can lead to Allah concealing one’s own faults, both in this life and the next.

Reward for Guiding Towards Goodness​

Narrated by Ibn Mas'ud (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward like that of the one who does it.” (Narrated by Muslim)

References: Muslim Al-Imarah 133; Tuhfat al-Ashraf 7/329

Key Points:

1. Equal Reward for Guiding to Goodness: Those who direct others toward a good deed receive a reward equal to that of the one who performs it.

Fulfilling a Request Made in Allah's Name​

Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever asks you in Allah’s name, give to him; whoever seeks refuge in Allah’s name, grant him refuge; and whoever does good to you, return the favor. If you cannot find anything to repay them with, then make supplication for them until you feel that you have repaid them.” (Narrated by Bayhaqi)

References:
Bayhaqi 4/199; Hakim 1/412

Key Points:

1. Respecting Requests in Allah’s Name: It is a duty to fulfill the needs of those who request in Allah’s name.
2. Return the Good Done to You: If unable to reciprocate a favor, one should pray for the giver until they are satisfied with the return.

Living in the World Like a Traveler​

Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler on a path.” Ibn Umar (RA) used to say, “If you reach the evening, do not wait for the morning, and if you reach the morning, do not wait for the evening. Take from your health for your sickness and from your life for your death.” (Narrated by Bukhari)

References: Bukhari 6416; Tuhfat al-Ashraf 5/481

Key Points:

1. Adopt a Traveler’s Mindset: A believer should not be overly attached to this world, as a traveler does not gather excess possessions or distractions.
2. Prepare for the Hereafter: Utilize health and life in good deeds, as sickness and death can come at any time.

Avoid Imitating Non-Muslims​

Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA): The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Whoever imitates a people is one of them.” (Narrated by Abu Dawud and authenticated by Ibn Hibban)

References:
Sahih Abu Dawud 3401; Al-Iqtidaa by Ibn Taymiyyah

Key Points:

1. Avoidance of Non-Muslim Customs: Muslims are advised to avoid the distinct practices of non-Muslims, as adopting such customs indicates an affinity for them.
2. Spiritual Impact of Imitation: Physical imitation may gradually lead to an internal inclination toward non-Muslim beliefs or values.

These narrations encourage us to uphold moral integrity, charity, humility, and a deep sense of accountability toward Allah and fellow humans.