Author: Shaykh Maulana Muhammad Zafar Iqbal Al-Hamad (حفظہ اللہ)
Lesson:
This hadith teaches an etiquette of listening to the recitation of the Quran: to listen attentively, quietly, and with reflection. Nowadays, we often overlook this respect, especially when listening to the Quran on audio devices. This conduct needs correction.
Lesson:
This account highlights how Allah can elevate His religion even among non-Muslims without needing Muslims to advocate for it. Muslims, however, are the ones who need Allah’s guidance and support.
Lesson:
This story emphasizes the six principles the Prophet (ﷺ) urged his Companions to uphold. These values remain essential for every Muslim to practice.
Lesson:
This story is a reminder to treat workers and servants with respect and compassion, a practice sometimes neglected today.
Lesson:
This story highlights the severe consequence of engaging in senseless violence, reminding us of the value of peace and restraint.
Lesson:
This event, known as Tahweel al-Qibla, or the Change of Qibla, illustrates obedience and swift adherence to Allah’s commands.
Lesson:
This hadith teaches the importance of consistency in worship, no matter how small, which Allah values more than irregular, excessive acts.
Each of these stories holds valuable lessons for Muslims, providing guidance on piety, conduct, and steadfastness.
Story 1: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Reaction During Revelation
Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما) explained the verse, “Do not move your tongue with it [the Quran] to make haste with it,” by stating that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) felt some difficulty during the descent of revelation and would move his lips to memorize it quickly. Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما) demonstrated this for his student, showing how the Prophet (ﷺ) would move his lips. Allah then revealed, “Do not move your tongue with it to hasten it. It is upon Us to collect it and enable its recitation. So, when We recite it, follow its recitation.” Thus, when Jibreel would come, the Prophet (ﷺ) would listen attentively and later recite as Jibreel had taught.Lesson:
This hadith teaches an etiquette of listening to the recitation of the Quran: to listen attentively, quietly, and with reflection. Nowadays, we often overlook this respect, especially when listening to the Quran on audio devices. This conduct needs correction.
Story 2: Islam's Strength in the Court of Heraclius
Ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہما) narrates that Abu Sufyan (رضی اللہ عنہ) shared an incident: after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, while on a trade journey to Syria, Heraclius, the Roman emperor, summoned Abu Sufyan and some other Quraysh leaders to his court. Heraclius inquired about the Prophet (ﷺ), asking questions like, “What is his lineage? Have any of his ancestors been kings? Do his followers increase or decrease?” Abu Sufyan answered truthfully, fearing to be labeled a liar. Heraclius acknowledged the Prophet (ﷺ) as a true messenger, foretelling his message’s reach even to Heraclius' land.Lesson:
This account highlights how Allah can elevate His religion even among non-Muslims without needing Muslims to advocate for it. Muslims, however, are the ones who need Allah’s guidance and support.
Story 3: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Method of Taking Pledge
Ubada ibn Samit (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) once took a pledge from a group of Companions. He asked them to commit to not associating anyone with Allah, refraining from theft, adultery, killing their children, falsely accusing others, and not disobeying him in goodness. If they fulfilled this, Allah promised them reward; if they failed and were punished in this world, that would serve as expiation.Lesson:
This story emphasizes the six principles the Prophet (ﷺ) urged his Companions to uphold. These values remain essential for every Muslim to practice.
Story 4: Rights of Servants and Workers
Ma’rur (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrated that he saw Abu Dharr (رضی اللہ عنہ) and his servant both dressed similarly. When asked about it, Abu Dharr explained that he had insulted a man’s mother, and the Prophet (ﷺ) had reprimanded him, saying, “Your servants are your brothers. Feed them what you eat and clothe them as you clothe yourself.”Lesson:
This story is a reminder to treat workers and servants with respect and compassion, a practice sometimes neglected today.
Story 5: Both the Killer and the Killed Are in Hellfire
Ahnaf ibn Qais (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that on the day of the Battle of Jamal, he was heading to support Ali (رضی اللہ عنہ). On his way, he met Abu Bakrah (رضی اللہ عنہ), who told him that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “When two Muslims meet with their swords drawn, both the killer and the killed are in Hell.” When asked why the killed would also be punished, the Prophet (ﷺ) explained that he intended to kill his opponent.Lesson:
This story highlights the severe consequence of engaging in senseless violence, reminding us of the value of peace and restraint.
Story 6: The Incident of the Change of Qibla
Al-Bara’ (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that when the Prophet (ﷺ) first arrived in Madinah, he prayed facing Jerusalem for about sixteen or seventeen months. Later, Allah granted his wish to face the Kaaba in Makkah, and the direction of prayer was changed during Asr prayer. Some Companions who were informed immediately turned to face the Kaaba mid-prayer.Lesson:
This event, known as Tahweel al-Qibla, or the Change of Qibla, illustrates obedience and swift adherence to Allah’s commands.
Story 7: The Most Beloved Act to Allah
Aisha (رضی اللہ عنہا) narrated that once the Prophet (ﷺ) visited her and saw a woman who was known for her frequent prayers. The Prophet (ﷺ) advised, “Do only as much as you can handle, for Allah does not tire, though you may.” He added that the most beloved act to Allah is one that is done consistently, even if small.Lesson:
This hadith teaches the importance of consistency in worship, no matter how small, which Allah values more than irregular, excessive acts.
Each of these stories holds valuable lessons for Muslims, providing guidance on piety, conduct, and steadfastness.
