Da'wat and Tabligh - Inviting Towards Allah Ta'ala and Conveying his Message

To correct one's belief and deeds and for the correction of the belief and deeds of all mankind one must struggle to revive the effort of Da'wat in the way of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam throughout the world.

Da 'wat and its virtues

Verses of Quran

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says :
And Allah invites to the abode of peace (Paradise),and leads whom He wills, to a straight path. [Yunus 10: 25]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
He (Allah) is Who has sent among the unlettered people a Messenger from amongst themselves, reciting to them His verses (that is by means of the Qur'an he invites them, advises them and prepares them to accept Islam), and to purify them (from the filth of disbelief and polytheism and to cultivate excellence in conduct), and teaches them the Book and Wisdom (Sunnah).And verily they were most obviously lost in error. [Al-Jumu'ah 62: 2]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
If We willed, We could raise up a Warner in every village (in your time and would not have burdened you with the mission single- handedly, but to increase your reward We have given you this tremendous responsibility and this is indeed Allah's bounty on you).
So obey not the disbelievers, but strive against them by means of the Qur'an with a great endeavour (the unbeliever will be happy if you do not endeavour for inviting people towards Allah. However, you confront the unbelievers with strong reasoning from the Qur'an and invite all, repeatedly, with great vigour). [Al-Furqan 25: 51-52]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
Invite (mankind) to the way of your Rabb (Islam) with wisdom (with the reasoning of the Qur'an) and excellent preaching (with softness and humility in a manner which effects the heart). [An-Nahl 16: 125]

Note: Here some of the basic principles been explained in a brief manner.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
And remind (by explaining and preaching the Qur'an), for verily reminding benefits the believers. [Adh-Dhariyat 51:55]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
O (the one) wrapped up in your cloak!
Arise and warn!
And Magnify Your Rabb! [Al-Muddaththir 74: 1-3]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
It may be that you are going to kill yourself with grief, because they do not become believers. [Ash-Shu'ara 26: 3]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
There has come to you a Messenger, from amongst yourselves; and it grieves him much that any harm should come to you; (he is) full of concern for each one of you, (that you may be rightly guided, and) for the believers compassionate (and) merciful. [At-Taubah 9: 128]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
So let not your soul expire in grief for them (because of their disbelief). [Fatir 35:8]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Verily! We sent Nuh (Noah) to his people (saying): Warn your people before a painful punishment comes to them.
He said: O my people! Verily! I am a plain Warner to you. (Bidding you that you)
Serve Allah and keep your duty to Him and obey me; That He may forgive you some of your sins and respite you to an appointed term. (By the blessing of Imdn and piety you will be saved of torment but not death). Indeed! the term of Allah, when it comes, cannot be delayed, if you but knew. (For a long time his people paid no heed to his advice)
He said: My Rabb! Verily! I have invited my people night and day,
But all my invitation did not but add to their repugnance;
And indeed! Whenever, I invited them, so that You may pardon them, they thrust their fingers in their ears and covered themselves with their garments (so that they may not see me), and persisted (in their refusal) and magnified themselves in pride. And indeed! I have invited them aloud;
And I have made public proclamation to them, and I have appealed to them in private (spared no way to guide them). And I have said: Seek pardon of Your Rabb! He (indeed) is Ever- Forgiving.
He will open up the sky for you with plentiful rain, And will increase you in wealth and sons, and will give you gardens and will give you streams.
What is wrong with you that you do not take heed of the greatness of Allah
Whereas He created you in (diverse) stages?
See you not how Allah has created the seven heavens in harmony,
And has made the moon a light therein, and made the sun a lamp?
And Allah has caused you to grow as a growth from the earth,
And afterwards He makes you return to it, and He will bring you forth again, a (new) forth-bringing.
And Allah has made the earth a wide expanse for you, So that you might walk thereon on spacious paths. [An-Nuh 71: 1-20]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said (sarcastically): And what is the Rabb of the Worlds?
Musa 'Alaihis Salam said: The Rabb of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you had but sure belief.
Fir'aun said to those around him: Did you hear (what nonsensical talk)?
(But Musa continued with the praises of Allah and) said: Your Rabb and the Rabb of your fathers.
Fir'aun said: Lo! Your messenger who has been sent to you is indeed a madman!
(But) Musa (went on and) said: Rabb of the East and the West, and all that is between them, if you but use your reason. [Ash-Shu'ara' 26: 23-28]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
(At another place, Allah mentions about the da'wat of Musa 'Alaihis Salam) Fir'aun said: Who then is the Rabb of you two, O Musa?
Musa 'Alaihis Salam said: Our Rabb is He Who gave to each thing its form and nature, and there upon guided it towards its fulfilments.
He (Fir'aun) said: What of all the past generations?
He (Musa) said: Their knowledge is with my Rabb in a Record; my Rabb neither errs nor forgets. (So He has all the knowledge of all their deeds. Then Musa 'Alaihis Salam mentioned such attributes of Allah, which are understood by one and all)
Who has made the earth for you like a bed, and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein and has sent down water from the sky. [Taha 20: 49-53]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And indeed We sent Musa'Alaihis Salam with Our signs, (saying): Bring out your People from darkness into light; and remind them of the days of (adversities and comforts which they face from) Allah. Surely! In this, there are signs for everyone who is wholly patient and deeply grateful (to Allah). [Ibrahim 14: 5]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala narrates Nuh 'Alaihis Salam' s address to his people:
I convey to you the messages of my Rabb, and I am a trustworthy, well-wisher for you. [Al-A'raf 7:68]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And he who (amongst the people of Fir'aun) believed said: O my people! Follow me. I will guide you to the way of right conduct.
O my people! Surely, the life of this world is nothing but a (passing) enjoyment, but the life to come is an everlasting mansion.
Whoever does evil shall be repaired the like thereof: and whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, and is a believer, will enter Paradise; where they will be provided therein without limit.
And O my people! How is it that I invite you to salvation, while you invite me to the Fire?
You invite me to disbelieve in Allah, and to join partners with Him, of which I have no knowledge; and I invite to the Almighty, Oft-Forgiving.
No doubt you call me to one who cannot grant me my requests in this world, or in the Hereafter. And our return will be to Allah, and indeed the transgressors (of Allah 's set limits) will be the dwellers of the Fire.
And you will remember, what I say to you; and I leave my affair to Allah. Verily! Allah is the most Observant of (His) slaves.
So Allah saved him from the evils, that they plotted, (against him) while an evil torment encompassed Fir' aun's folk. [Ghafir 40: 38-45]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala narrates the advice of Luqman to his son:
O' my dear son! Be constant in prayer, and enjoin the doing of what is right and forbid the doing of what is wrong. And bear with patience, whatever befalls you. Verily! These are some of the important commandments (ordered by Allah). [Luqman 31:17]

(Bani Isra'il were forbidden from fishing in Saturdays, some of them obeyed and others disobeyed. This incident is mentioned in these verses) Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And when a community among them said: Why do you preach -to a folk, whom Allah is about to destroy and punish with an awful doom. They (the preachers) said: In order to be free from guilt before Your Rabb, and perhaps they may fear Allah.
And when they forgot that which they had been reminded with; We rescued those who forbade wrong, and caught those who did wrong with a dreadful punishment, because they transgressed the commands of Allah. [Al-A'raf 7: 164-165]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
If only there had been among the generations that have gone before you, any upright men who preached against Al-Fasad (disbelief, polytheism, and all kinds of crimes and sins) in the land, except the few whom We saved from among them? The wrongdoers pursued their worldly pleasures and thus became guilty.
And your Rabb would not have ruined those towns, without just cause, had their inhabitants been correcting (their own lives and the lives of others). [Hud 11:116-117]

Note: The reason of the destruction of past generations, was the absence of such wise people, who enjoined good and forbade evil, save a few, who were saved from the torment of Allah.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
By the time,
Verily! Man is in loss,
Except those who believe, and do good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth, and recommend one another to the patience. [Al-'Asr 103: 1-3]

Note: For salvation there are four essential requirements. 1.'Iman, 2.Good actions, 3.Recomending one another to the truth, 4.Recomending one another to patience. In this Surah Muslims have been given very great guidance; which is this, that just as it is necessary to correct one's own Iman and actions, so also it is equally important to struggle for the improvement of the Iman and actions of other Muslims. In particular one's immediate family and relatives. Correcting one's own personal Iman and actions is not enough. For this reason in the light of Qur'an and Hadith it is obligatory (Fard) to order to good and forbid evil to the extent of one's capacity. In this matter not only the ordinary Muslim but many religious Muslims are negligent and think that one's personal actions are sufficient; being totally in different to what their children and family do. May Allah give all of us the strength to act on the guidance given in this Surah. (Ma'ariful Qur'an)

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
You are the best peoples ever raised up for mankind. You enjoin to good, and forbid evil, and you believe in Allah. [Ale-'lmran 3:110]

Note: O' Muslims you are the best of all Nations. In the knowledge of Allah this was destined for you from eternity. This knowledge had also been conveyed to some of the previous Prophets. Just as Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam is the last, and most distinguished of all Prophets so also his Ummah will be the most distinguished Ummah. Surpassing all other Umam (followers of other Prophets) because of its having the most honoured of all Prophets, and because it being given an everlasting and most perfect Shariat (Islamic law and regulations) never to be abrogated. All doors of knowledge and wisdom will be opened upon it. By its struggle and sacrifice all branches of Iman, righteous actions and Piety will be brought to life. This Ummah will not be limited to any particular tribe, nation, country or continent but its field of action will encompass the whole world and all aspects of human life. As though, its very existence will be for the benefit of others and as far as is humanly possible to bring the whole of mankind to the doors of Paradise. (Tafseer-usmani)

Allah Subhanahu waTa'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam :
Say: This is my Way that I call towards Allah, with clear evidence and strong belief, I and whosoever follows me (also invites towards Allah). [Yusuf 12: 108]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And the believers, men and women, are (supporting) friends of one another; they enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong, and they establish Salat and they pay the Zakat, and they obey Allah and His Messenger. As for these, Allah will have mercy on them. Verily! Allah is Almighty, Wise. [At-Taubah 9: 71]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And co-operate one another to righteousness and piety; and do not co-operate one another to sin and transgression. [Al-Maidah 5: 2]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And who is better in speech than him who invites (mankind) towards Allah, and does what is right,
and says: Indeed! I am of those who have surrendered (to Him).
The good deed and the evil deed are not alike.Repel the evil deed with one that is good (e.g. show tolerance in reaction to anger and softness against harshness) then indeed! he between whom and you there was enmity (will become) as though he was a close friend. But none is granted this, except those who are patient, and none is granted this, except the most fortunate. [Fussilat 41 : 33-35]

Note: This verse implies that the inviter to Allah should develop in himself great patience, steadfastness, and excellent conduct.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families from a Fire, whereof the fuel is men and stones, over which are set angels strong, and severe, who disobey not (in executing) the commands they received from Allah, but do that which they are commanded. [At-Tahrim 66: 6]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Those who (the believers), if We give them power in the land, establish Salat and pay the Zakat, and enjoin righteousness and forbid evil. And with Allah rests the final out come of (all) events. [Al-Hajj 22: 41]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And strive in Allah's cause as you ought to strive (with sincerity and with all efforts that His Name should be superior). He has chosen you (to convey His message by inviting mankind to the religion of Islam) and has not laid upon you in religion any hardship (that is the practice of Deen is easy). It is the religion of your father Ibrahim. It is He (Allah ) who has named you Muslims (obedient and loyal) both before and in this (Qur an); so that the Messenger (Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) may be a witness over you, and you may be a witnesses over mankind. [Al-Hajj 22: 78]

Note: This refers to the Day of Resurrection when the Ummahs of other Rasuls will deny that their Rasuls had invited them to the Truth about Allah and this Day, then their Rasul will present the Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to bear witness against them. The Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam will be asked: How do you attest to this Truth, and who told you this? They will reply: Our Rasul Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam informed us! And then, Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam will himself testify to this Truth. Some Commentators have interpreted the last part of this verse as meaning: We have picked you (Ummah of Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam), so that the Messenger informs you and teaches you, and you in turn, inform and teach the rest of mankind. (Kashf-ur-Rahman)

Ahadith

1. Mu'awiyah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed I am only a Messenger, and Allah alone guides. And I am only a distributor, and Allah alone bestows (knowledge). (Tabarani, Jami-'us-Saghir)

2. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said to his uncle Abu Talib (at the time of his death): Say La ilaha illallah (None is worthy of worship but Allah), I will stand witness for you on the Day of Resurrection. He said: Were it not for the Quraish taunting me that I testified out of fear of death, indeed I would have cooled your eyes by saying these words. At this, Allah revealed the verse: "Verily, you cannot guide to the right path whom you love. It is Allah Who guides Whom He wills."(Muslim)

3. 'Aishah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that: Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu came out to see Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, who was his friend during the period of ignorance. On seeing him he said: O Abul Qasim! You are not seen in the gatherings of your people, and they accuse you of finding faults in their forefathers. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Verily, I am Allah's Messenger, I invite you to Allah. As soon as Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam completed his words Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu embraced Islam. When Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam returned from him, there was no one between the two mountains of Makkah who was happier than him on the acceptance of Islam by Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu.

Then, Abu Bakr went to 'Uthman ibne-'Affan, Talhah ibn 'Ubaidullah, Zubair ibn 'Awwam, and Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas Radiyallahu anhum. They accepted Islam. Then, the following day, he brought 'Uthman ibn Ma'azoon, Abu 'Ubaida ibn Jarrah, 'Abdur Rahman ibn 'Auf, Abu Salama ibn 'Abdul Asad, and Arqam ibn abi Arqam and they accepted Islam; may Allah be pleased with them. (Bidayah-wan-Nihayah)

Note: 'Qasim,' is the name of the son of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam; and 'Abul Qasim is his Kunniyah, the title usually given to any person with the name of his son or his parent.

4. Asma bin Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anha narrates the story of the acceptance of Islam by Abu Quhafa. When Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam entered Makkah (on the day it was conquered) and came to Masjidul Haram, Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu came there holding his father's hand. When Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saw them, he said: Why did you not leave this old mao at home I would have gone to him myself? Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu replied: O Rasullallah! It is more of his right that he comes to you instead of your going to him. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam made him sit in front of him and stroked his chest and then said: Accept Islam, and he accepted Islam. When Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu brought his father to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, his hair were as white as the Thaghamah tree; so, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Dye his hair. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

Note: Thaghamah is a tree, which is as white as snow. (Majma Bihar- ul-Anwar).

5. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that when Allah revealed this verse: "Warn your close relation" (26:214), Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam climbed the mount Safa and called loudly: O people! The enemy is going to attack by dawn. So everyone gathered near him; some came themselves, some sent their representatives. Then, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: O Banu 'Abdul Muttalib, O Banu Fihr, O you of such and such tribe! Tell me if I give you the news that there is a cavalry behind the mountain ready to charge at you; would you believe me? All of them replied: Yes! He said: So indeed I am a warrier for you, about a terrible punishment before it comes. Abu Lahab reacted: May you be perished, forever? Did you call us only for this? At this, Allah 'Azza wa Jail revealed Surah Al Masad: (Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he). (Musnad Ahmad, Al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya)

6. Munib Al Azdi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that during my days of ignorance before achieving (Islam), I saw Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, who said: O people! Say La ilaha illallah and be successful. Some of them spat on his face and someone threw dust at him and some abused him till mid-day. Then a girl brought a bowl of water with which he washed his face and hands, and said: O my little daughter! Do not fear of your father's sudden murder, nor disgrace. I enquired: Who is this girl? People said: She is Zainab, daugther of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. She was a beautiful girl. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

7. Muhammad ibn 'Uthman ibn Haushab narrates from his grandfather Radiyallahu 'anhu that when Allah blessed Muhammad with supremacy, I sent to him a group of forty riders under 'Abdu Sharr. They reached him with my letter. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked him: What is your name? He replied: 'Abdu Sharr (slave of evil). Rasullullah said: No, but you are 'Abdu Khair (slave of good). Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam took his oath of allegiance in Islam and sent the reply of the letter to Hawshab Zee Zulaim through him. So Hawshab accepted Islam. (Isabah)

8. Abu Sa'id Al Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Anybody amongst you who sees an evil should change it with his hands; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; if he is unable to do this (even), then by his heart and this is the weakest form of Man. (Muslim)

Note: To change it by his heart means that one should at least consider it a vice in his heart and should supplicate for its change.

9. Nu'man ibn Bashir Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The example of the person abiding by Allah's orders and restrictions and the one who is not, is like those who drew lots for their position in a ship. Some of them settled in the upper part and others in the lower. When those who were in the lower part needed water, they had to pass by those (with water) who were on the upper part. So they said: Let us make a hole in our part of the ship and save troubling those who are above us. So, if the people in the upper part let them do what they intended, they would all perish. And if they stopped them with their hands, they would be saved and all would be saved. (Bukhari)

10. 'Urs ibn 'Umairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed, Allah does not punish everyone for the faults of a few disobedient people, until these disobedient people continue to disobey and those who are obedient, despite being able to stop them, do not stop them — at this Allah orders for the destruction of all, the obedient and the disobedient. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

11. Abu Bakrah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that (at the conclusion of the sermon of Hajj, on 10 Dhil Hajjah, at Mina) Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Have I conveyed to you the commandments of Allah? We all said: Yes. He said: O Allah! Be witness to this, then he said: Let him who is present here convey to him who is absent; for verily its so happens that one to whom a message is conveyed will preserve it (that is understand and remember it with all its implications including Da'wat) more than he who conveys it. (Bukhari)

Note: This hadith clearly stresses that whoever hears (knows) a command of Allah and His Messenger, he should not withhold this to himself, but he must convey it to others. Perhaps, the people who are conveyed will fulfil the obligation of the message better than the person who has conveyed it to them. (Fathul Bari)

12. Hudhaifah ibn Yaman Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: By Him, in Whose Hand is my life, undoubtedly you must enjoin what is good and forbid what is evil or else Allah will certainty send upon you' a Punishment; then you will supplicate to him and He will not accept it. (Tirmidhi)

13. Zainab binte Jahsh Radiallahu 'anha narrates: I asked: O Rasulallah! Would we perish when we have the righteous among us? He replied: Yes! When wickedness prevails. (Bukhari)

14. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a young Jew, who used to serve Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, fell ill. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam visited him and sat by his head and said to him: Accept Islam. He looked at his father, who was beside him. His father said: Obey Abul Qasim. So he accepted Islam. At this Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam came out saying: All praise be to Allah, Who has saved him from the Fire. (Bukhari)

15. Sahl ibn Sa'd Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed, this Khair (Deen of Islam) is treasures, and these treasures have keys. Glad tidings for a slave (of Allah) whom Allah has made a key for good and a lock for evil; and woe to a slave (of Allah) whom Allah has made a key for evil and a lock for good. (Ibne-Majah)

16. Jarir Radiyallahu 'anhu says: I complained to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam that I cannot ride a horse well. He stroked my chest with his hand and said: O Allah! Make him a good rider, let him guide others to the right path and keep him on the right path. (Bukhari)

17. Abu SaiId Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: None of you should belittle himself. The Sahabah asked: O Rasulallah! How can anyone of us belittle himself? He said: He, who sees a matter concerning Allah about which he should say something, but he does not speak — Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, will ask him on the Day of Resurrection: What prevented you from saying anything about such and such? He would say: Out of fear of people. Then Allah will say: Rather it is I whom you should have feared more. (Ibne-Majah)

Note: The responsibility placed by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to curb evil, if not exercised out of fear of people, is belittling oneself.

18. 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The decline of Bani Isra'il started when a (pious) man among them met any other man (involved in sin), the former said to latter: O you! Fear Allah, and refrain from what you are committing, since it is not allowed for you. Then when he met him the next day this would not stop him (pious man) from eating, drinking and sitting with the sinner. When this happened frequently, (and also enjoining good and forbidding from evil was given up), Allah made the hearts of the obedient similar to the hearts of the disobedient. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam then recited the verse:

"Those among the children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud and 'Isa son of Maryam. That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from Al-Munkar (wrong, evil-doing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Bad indeed was what they used to do. You see many of them taking the disbelievers as their Auliya' (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed is that which their ownselves have sent forward before them; for that (reason) Allah's Wrath fell upon them, and in torment they will abide. And had they believed in Allah and in the prophet (Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam ) and in what has been revealed to him, never would they taken them (the disbelievers) as Auliya' (protectors and helpers); but many of them are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient) to Allah." (Al-Maida 5:78-81)

Thereafter, he commanded: Certainly I swear by Allah, you must indeed enjoin unto good and you must indeed forbid from evil, and you must indeed catch hold of the hand of the oppressor and you must indeed persuade him to act justly, and you must indeed withhold him to the truth. (Abu Dawud)

19. Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu said: O people! Verily you recite this verse : "O you who believe! You guard your own souls. He who has gone astray cannot harm you, if you are rightly guided. "
And I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Indeed when people see an oppressor but do not stop him, then it is likely that Allah will overtake them with an all encompassing Punishment. (Tirmidhi)

Note: Abu Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhu meant that if anyone assumes from the above verse that "when a man is on the right path, then it is not necessary for him to enjoin unto good and forbid from evil; because he will not be questioned about others", then this is a wrong interpretation of this verse. .As far as possible, one should forbid evil and this is the responsibility of every individual of the Ummah. The. right meaning of the verse is: "O you who believe! Care for your own reformation; you follow your Deen in such a way that you are reforming yourself and also endeavouring to reform others. If someone, despite your efforts to reform him, goes astray, then there is no harm for you". (Bayan-ul-Qur'an)

20. Hudhaifah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Hearts will be exposed to temptations as a mat is woven stick-by-stick. Any heart that accepts these temptations gets a black spot; and any heart that rejects these, gets a white spot. As a result, hearts will become of two kinds; one white like marble. So no temptation could harm it as long as the heavens and the earth stand. And the other heart is black and dusty like an overturned bowl - (the heart gets blackened by excessive sins and, as an overturned bowl cannot retain anything in it, similarly there will be no hatred for sins, and the light oilman will not remain in this heart). Neither will it recognize good as good nor evil as evil, but will pursue its desires. (Muslim)

21. Abu Umayyah Sha'bani Rahimahullahu says that he asked Abu Tha'labah Al Khushani Radiyallahu 'anhu: O Abu Tha'labah! What do you say about this verse (guard yourselves)? He replied: I swear by Allah! You have indeed asked a man who knows about it very well. I asked Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam about this verse. So he said: But enjoin one another to do good and forbid from evil, until you see miserliness being obeyed; passions being followed; worldly matters being preferred; every person assuming his own opinion to be the only right one; then care for yourself, and leave what people in general are doing. For, surely, thereafter shall come days which will require endurance when holding to Deen will be like grasping a burning coal. The one amongst them, who acts rightly (during that period), will get the reward equal to that of fifty persons. Abu Tha'labah asked: O Rasulallah! The reward of fifty of them! He replied: The reward of fifty of you. (Abu Dawud)

Note: This certainly does not mean that those in the later part of the Ummah can excel the Sahabah, because the Sahabah are undoubtedly superior to the whole Ummah. From this hadith, it is evident that enjoining good and forbidding from evil is essential. However, if such a time comes when the ability to accept the truth is totally lost, then it is ordained to remain in seclusion. However, by the grace of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala that time has not come as yet, and the Ummah has ample ability to accept the truth.

22. Abu Sa'id Al Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Avoid sitting on the ways. The Sahabah said: O Rasullallah! It is difficult for us to avoid this, as we sit there and discuss matters. He said: If you have no other alternative but to sit, then fulfil the rights of the way. Sahabah asked: What are the rights of the way, O Rasulallah! He replied: Lowering the eyes, removing harmful things, replying to Salam, and enjoining good and forbidding from evil. (Bukhari)

Note: Sahabah Radiyallahu 'anhum meant that it was very difficult for them to avoid sitting on the ways, as they did not have any other place where they could sit together. Therefore, when some of them used to get together, they would sit on the ways to consult each other about their worldly and religious matters and enquired about one another's welfare. If someone was ill, they would advise treatment; should there be some unpleasantness between them, they would make a reconciliation. (Mazahir-e-Haq)

23. Ibn Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He is not one of us who does not show kindness to our youngsters, does not show respect to our elders, and does not enjoin unto good and does not forbid from evil. (Tirrhidhi)

24. Hudhaifah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A man's wrongdoing regarding his family, his property, his children, and his neighbours may be atoned by offering Salat, Sadaqah and enjoining good and forbidding from evil. (Bukhari)

25. Jabir Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Allah 'Azza wa Jail commanded Jibrall to overturn, such and such city with its inhabitants. Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam submitted: O my Rabb! Amongst them is your slave who has never disobeyed You, even to the blinking of an eye. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala commanded Jibrall: Overturn the city on him and on all the inhabitants; for his face did not ever change colour for a while on My disobediences. (Mishkat-ul-Masabih)

Note: The order of Allah to "overturn the city on him," implies that, though this slave of mine did not disobey Me, but is this any small crime that people continued to sin in front of him and he remained satisfied and unconcerned. People continued to disobey Allah and evil spread despite which he did not even frown in displeasure. (Mirqat)

26. Durrah binte-Abi Lahab Radiallahu 'anha narrates that a man stood before Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam when he was seated on the pulpit and asked: O Rasulallah! Who is the best amongst the people? He replied: The best amongst the people is he who recites the Qur'an, the most; and fears Allah, the most; and enjoins unto good and forbids from evil, the most; and strengthens the ties of kinship, the most. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zavvaid)

27. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam wrote to the Persian emperor, Kisra, to the Roman emperor, Qaisar, to the king of Ethiopia, An-Najashi, and to every mighty dictator, inviting them to Allah. This Najdshl was not the same for whom Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam offered funeral Salat. (Muslim)

28. 'Urs ibn 'Umairah Al Kind! Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When a sin is committed on the earth; he who sees it and disapproves it, will be like the one who was not present. And the one who was not present when the sin was committed but approves of it, will be like the one who was present there. (Abu Dawud)

29. Jabir Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: my example and that of yours is like that of a person who ignites a fire and moths and other insects start falling into it. He tries to prevent them from falling in the fire. Similarly, I am grasping your waists and holding you back from the fire, and you are trying to escape from my hands (into the fire). (Muslim)

Note: This hadith reflects the intense desire in the heart of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to save the Ummah from Hell- Fire.

30. 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that it is as fresh in my memory as if I am looking at Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam when he narrated about an apostle from amongst the apostles. His people beat him so severely that he was blood stained; he was cleaning the blood from his face and saying: O Allah! Forgive my people for indeed they do not know. (Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam also experienced such an incident in the Battle of Uiiud). (Bukhari)

31. Hind ibn Abi Hala Radiyallahu 'anhu (while explaining the qualities of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) narrated that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was continually grief- stricken; all the time thoughtful and concerned; there was no comfort for him; he had prolonged periods of silence and he would not speak unless necessary. (Tirmidhi) '

32. Jabir Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Sahabah complained: O Rasulallah! The arrows of (tribe of) Thaqif have tortured us, so curse them. He said: O Allah! Bless the tribe of Thaqif with Hidayat (Guidance). (Tirmidhi)

33. Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn 'Aas Radiallahu 'anhuma naixates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam recited the verses of Al-Qur'an in which Allah Ta'ala mentions the supplication of Ibrahim 'Alaihis Salam:

O My Rabb! They (idols) have led many of mankind astray. But whosoever followed me, he verily is of me. And whosoever disobeyed me. Indeed, You are Forgiving, Merciful. (Ibrahim 14: 36)

He also recited the verse that mentions the suplication of 'Isa 'Alaihis Salam:

If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You are the Mighty, the Wise. (Al-Ma'idah 5: 118)

Then he raised his hands and prayed "O Allah! My Ummah! My Ummah and wept. So, Allah the Almighty and Majestic said: O Jibrail! Go to Muhammad, though Your Rabb knows everything; still ask, what makes you weep? Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam came to him and asked the same. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told Jibrail (about his anxiety for his Ummah). (Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam went to Allah Ta'ala Who knows everthing and conveyed that to Him). Allah said: O Jibrail! Go to Muhammad and say that, verily We will please you soon in respect of your Ummah and would not grieve you. (Muslim)

Note: In certain narrations it is mentioned, that upon listening to the message of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala from Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: I would be satisfied and pleased only when none of my followers remains in Hell. Sending Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi asallam, and asking the reason of his weeping, while Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knows each and everything, was just for honouring and comforting him. (Ma'ariful Hadith)

34. 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that once I saw Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam delighted, I said: O Rasulallah! Supplicate to Allah for me. He supplicated: "O Allah! Forgive 'A'ishah, all her past sins and future sins, and her secret sins and her open sins." Hearing this 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha laughed so much in pleasure that her head touched her lap. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Are you very happy with my du'd? She replied: Why should I not be happy with your du'd for me! He said: I swear by Allah! This is my du'd for my Ummah in every Salat. (Bazzar, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

35. 'Amr ibne-'Auf Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed, Deen (Islam) started as a stranger and will again become a stranger. So, glad tidings for those who would be considered as strangers, because of Deen. They would revive my Sunnah which had been spoiled by the people after me. (Tirmidhi)

36. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that it was requested: O Rasulallah! Curse the polytheists. He said: I have not been sent as one who curses; Indeed, I have been sent only as a mercy. (Muslim)

37. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Make things easy and do not make them difficult. Comfort people and do not scare them (from Deen). (Muslim)

38. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who calls towards the right path, and people act upon it (even) after him, Allah 'Azza wa Jail continues his reward till the Day of Resurrection, then Allah 'Azza wa Jail would give him his total reward on the Day of Resurrection. (Musnad Ahmad)

39. Abu Mas'ud Badri Radiyallahu 'anhu nan-ates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Whoever guides others to do good, his reward is like the one who does it. (Abu Dawud)

40. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Whoever invites towards righteousness, his reward would be equal to the rewards of all those who followed him, without diminishing their reward in any respect. And whoever invites towards wrongdoing, the sin of which he is guilty would be equal to the sins of all those who followed him, without diminishing their sins in any respect. (Muslim)

41. 'Alqamah ibn Sa'id Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that one day Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam delivered a sermon praising certain Muslim tribes and then said: What has happened to certain tribes who neither inculcate an understanding of Deen in their neighbours; nor do they teach them, nor advise them, nor enjoin them to do good, nor forbid them from evil. And what has happened to certain tribes who neither acquire knowledge from their neighbours, nor attain an understanding of Deen, nor accept any advice. I swear by Allah! These people must teach knowledge to their neighbours, and must inculcate an understanding of Deen in them, and advise them, enjoin them what is right, and forbid them from what is wrong. And the other people must acquire knowledge of Deen from their neighbours, and attain an understanding of Deen and accept advice. If this does not happen, I would soon give them a strong punishment in this world. Then he came down. People began talking as to who are referred to? Some said: These are the people of Al Ash'ari tribe. They have understanding of Deen while the villagers living in their vicinity are ignorant of Deen. This news reached the Al Ash'ari people. They came to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and said: O Rasulallah! You have praised certain tribes and have shown displeasure about us. What is our fault? He said: That people should teach their neighbours knowledge of Deen, advise them, enjoin them to do good, and forbid them from evil. And, others must acquire knowledge from their neighbours, receive advice from them, inculcate an understanding of Deen; If this does not happen, I will soon punish all of them strongly in this world. The Al Ash'ari people said: O Rasulallah! Do we have to inculcate understanding in others (In another narration: Will we be punished for their ignorance?). Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam repeated his statement. They repeated: O Rasulallah! Do we have to inculcate understanding in others (In another narration: Will we be punished for their ignorance?). Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam again reiterated his words. At this, the Al Ash'ari people said: Give us one year for this work. He granted them a year to inculcate an understanding of Deen in them, teach them and advise them. Then Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam recited this verse of Al- Qur'an: "Curses were pronounced on those among Bani Isra'il who rejected faith by Dawud ('Alaihis Salam), and 'Isa ('Alaihis Salam) Ibn Maryam. They disobeyed and persisted in transgression, and did not forbid one another. Verily, this was an evil on their part." (Tabrani, Targhib)

42. Usama ibn Zaid Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and cast into the Fire, and his intestines will come out in Fire, and he will go around them as a donkey goes around a mill-stone. The inhabitants of Hell will gather around him and ask: O you so and so, what happened to you? Were you not enjoining us to do good and forbidding us from evil? He would reply: I was enjoining upon you to do good, but was not doing it myself; and I was forbidding you from evil, but was doing it myself. (Bukhari)

43. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: I passed on the night of ascension (Mai'raj) by a people whose lips were being cut with scissors of fire. I asked Jibrail: Who are they? He told me: They are the religious orators from amongst the people of the world, who enjoined upon others to do good but were neglectful of themselves, though they read the Book of Allah. Were they not sensible? (Musnad Ahmad)

Virtues of Going out in the path of Allah Ta'ala

Verses of Quran

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Those who believed and left their homes, and strove for the cause of Allah, and those who gave them shelter, and helped them; these are the believers in truth. For them, is forgiveness, and a bountiful provision. [Al-Anfal 8: 74]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Those who believe, and have migrated, and striven hard with their wealth and their lives in Allah's way, have the highest rank in Allah's sight. These are those who are successful.
Their Rabb gives them good tidings of Mercy from Him, and pleasurable acceptance, and gardens where everlasting delights will be theirs.
They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with Allah is a great reward. [At-Taubah 9: 20-22]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
As for those who strive hard in Us (For our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our paths (such guidance which is above the imagination of others), and Verily! Allah is with the good doers. [Al-'Ankabut 29: 69]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And whosoever strives hard (in . Allah 's cause), does so only for his own good; for, verily! Allah does not stand in need of anything in all the worlds. [Al-'Ankabut 29: 6]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
The (true) believers are those who only believe in Allah and His Messenger and afterwards doubt not, but strive with their wealth and their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the truthful. [Al-Hujurat 49: 15]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
O you who believe! Shall I tell you about a bargain that will save you from a painful punishment?
You should believe in Allah and His Messenger, and should strive for the cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives. That is better for you. if you but knew it.
He will forgive your sins and enter you into gardens underneath which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in everlasting gardens of. That is the supreme triumph. [As-Saff 61: 10-12]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
Say: If your fathers, and your sons, and your brothers, and your wives, and your tribe, and the wealth you have acquired, and the commerce in which you fear a decline and your homes which are dear to you, are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His way, then wait till Allah brings His decision (of punishment). Allah does not guide the sinful disobedient. [At-Taubah 9: 24]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Spend your wealth for the cause of Allah, and do not throw yourself into destruction by your own hands (by not striving for the cause of Allah); and do good. Indeed! Allah loves the beneficent. [Al-Baqarah 2: 195]

Ahadith

44. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed, I have been so much frightened in the cause of Allah, that no one has ever been frightened as much. And indeed, I have been troubled so much in the cause of Allah that no one has been troubled so much. Thirty days and thirty nights passed on me, when myself and Bilal had no food which anyone could eat, except something that could be hidden under Bilal's armpit. (Tirmidhi)

45. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and his family passed many nights consecutively in hunger. His family did not find anything to eat at night, and generally their bread was made from barley. (Tirmidhi)

46.'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that until the death of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, his family did not have enough barley bread to satisfy them for two consecutive days.(Muslim)

47. Anas ibne-Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Fatima Radiyallahu 'anha presented a piece of barley bread to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. He said: This is the first eatable, which your father has eaten in three days. In another narration, it is said that he asked: What is this? She said: I baked bread, and I did not want to eat it without you. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani)

48. Sahl ibn Sa'd As Sa'idi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that we were with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam in the Battle of the Trench, and he was digging the trench, and we were removing the earth. He observed us and said: O Allah! Life is the life in the Hereafter; forgive the Ansar (helpers) and Muhajirin (emigrants). (Bukhari)

49. Ibn 'Umar Radiallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam held my shoulder (to emphasize the importance of the advice; and said: Live in the world, as if you are a stranger or a moving traveller. (Bukhari)

50. 'Amr ibn 'Auf Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: I swear by Allah, it is not poverty that I fear for you, but I fear that worldly things may be given to you in abundance, as were given to the people before you; and you may compete with one another in striving to achieve them, as they did to excel each other; and then the world would make you forgetful, as it made them forgetful. (Bukhari)

Note: Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam's saying, "it is not poverty that I fear", means that, poverty is not so stressing and harmful, as the abundance of worldly things. (Fath-ul-Bari)

51. Sahl ibne-Sa'd Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If the world was worth a mosquito's wing to Allah, He would not have given the disbeliever even a sip of water. (Tirmidhi)

52. 'Urwah Rahimahullah narrates that 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha used to say: I swear by Allah, O son of my sister! We used to see a new moon, then would see a second new moon, and then the third new moon; this way we would see three moons in two consecutive months; but fire (for cooking) was not burnt in the houses of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. 'Urwah said: O Aunt! Then what were your means of sustenance? She said: Two black things; dates and water. (Muslim)

Note: The majority of the dates of Madina are black. Among the Arabs, if two things are beloved to them together then they give both of them one name, taking the more well known of the two into consideration. For this reason, dates and water have been called two black things.

53. 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: When the dust of the Path of Allah enters the body of a Muslim, Allah prohibits Hell-Fire on him. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

54. Abu 'Abs Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Whosoever' s feet become dusty in the Path of Allah 'Azza wa Jail; Allah 'Azza wa Jail will prohibit those feet from Hell-Fire. (Musnad Ahmad)

55. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The dust of the Path of Allah and the smoke of -Hell can never be together in the stomach of a slave of Allah; also miserliness and perfect Tman can never be together in the heart of a slave of Allah. (Nasai)

56. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The dust of the Path of Allah and the smoke of Hell can never be together in the nostrils of any Muslim. (Nasai)

57. Abu Umama Bahili Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that RasOlullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Anyone whose face gets dusty in the Path of Allah, Allah will safeguard his face from Hell-Fire on the Day of Resurrection. And for him whose feet get dusty in the Path of Allah, Allah will safeguard his feet on the Day of Resurrection from Hell-Fire.. (Baihaqi)

58. 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard RasOlullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: A day spent in the Path of Allah is better than a thousand other days. (Nasai)

59. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A morning or an evening spent in the Path of Allah is better than the world and all that it contains. (Bukhari)

Note: It means that if the world and all that it contains is spent in the Path of Allah, the reward of one morning or an evening in the Path of Allah will be much more. (Mirqat)

60. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who goes out for an evening in the Path of Allah will be awarded musk on the Day of Resurrection, equal to the dust that had touched his body. (Ibn Majah)

61. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a Sahabi of Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam passed by a valley having a small spring of sweet water. He liked it because it was good, and said: Perhaps if I could get separated from the people and stay in this valley, but I would never do so, unless permitted by Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. So, he mentioned this to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, who said: Do not do so, because indeed standing of anyone from amongst you in the Path of Allah for a short while is more virtuous than his offering Salat for seventy years in his home. Do you not want that Allah should forgives you, and sends you to Paradise? Go out for Jihad in the Path of Allah. He who fought in the Path of Allah, even for the duration of a pause in the process of milking a she-camel, is assured of Paradise. (Tirmidhi)

62. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who suffers a headache in the Path of Allah, and hopes for a reward, then all his past sins are forgiven. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

63. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma reported from Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam in one of Hadith Qudsi narrated by him that his Rabb Tabaraka wa Ta'ala has said: Any slave from amongst My slaves goes out as a Mujahid in My Path, only to please Me, I guarantee that either I shall return him back with a reward and captured enemy assets, or if I recall his soul, then I will forgive him, bless him and send him to Paradise. (Musnad Ahmad)

64. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Allah guarantees that he who goes in His Path, solely for Jihad in His Path believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Prophets, for him I guarantee to send him to Paradise or return him to his home from where he came out with reward and captured enemy assets. . (Then he said:) By Him, In whose Hand is Muhammad's life, any person who gets wounded in the Path of Allah, will come on the Day of Resurrection, with his wound as fresh as if it had been inflicted today, its colour would be the colour of blood, but its smell would be the smell of musk. By Him, in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, had it not been hard upon the Muslims I would have never stayed behind any expedition which was going out to fight in the Path of Allah. But, I do not have the means to provide all of them with conveyance nor do the Muslims have the means. And it will be hard on them to remain behind, when I go forth. By Him, in Whose Hand is Muhammad's life, I love to fight in the Path of Allah and get martyred, to fight again and be martyred, to fight again and be martyred. (Muslim)

65. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'ajaihi wasallam saying: When you devote yourselves exclusively to trading, and deploy your oxen for farming, and be satisfied with farming, and give up Jihad, then Allah will impose disgrace upon you. This disgrace will not be removed until you return to your Deen (which also includes struggle in the Path of Allah). (Abu Dawud)

66. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: One who meets Allah, without a mark of Jihad, he will meet Allah with a flaw in him. (Tirmidhi)

Note: The mark of Jihad includes, for example, a wound on the body, or dust settled in the Path of Allah, or marks on the body while rendering his services. (Sharh-ut-Tibi)

67. Suhail Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Your striving in the Path of Allah for a short while, is far better than your good deeds of the whole life staying with your family. (Mustadrak Hakim)

68. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam deputed 'Abdullah ibn Rawaha Radiyallahu 'anhu on an expedition and that was on Friday. His companions set out in the morning, but he decided to stay back and offer Salat with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, and join them later. When he offered Salat with Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, he was seen by Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. He enquired: What prevented you from going out in the morning with your companions. He replied: I intended to offer Salat-ul-Jumu'ah with you and then join them. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Even if you spend whatever is in the world, you will not be able to achieve the reward of those who left in the morning. (Tirmidhi)

69. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam ordered a contingent to go in the Path of Allah. They asked: O Rasulallah! Should we leave tonight, or stay till the morning? He said: Would you not like to spend this night in one of the gardens of Paradise. (Sunan Kubra)

70. Ibn Mas'ud Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a man asked Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, what deeds are the best? He replied: Offering Salat on time; kindness to parents; and Jihad in the Path of Allah. (Bukhari)

71. Abu Umamah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Three people and who are under Allah's protection. If alive, they are sustained and looked after, and if they die, Allah will send them to Paradise. 1. One who enters his house and offers Salam, he is under Allah's guarantee; 2. One who goes to the masjid, he is under Allah's guarantee; 3. One who goes out in the Path of Allah, he is under Allah's guarantee. (ibn Hibban)

72. Humaid ibn Hilal Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that there was a man from Tafawah, whose way was through us. He used to come to our tribe (while travelling) and relate ahadith. He said: I went to Madinah once with my trading caravan. We sold our merchandise; then I thought that I must go to that man (Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) and find out about him and tell my tribe about him. When I met Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, he showed me a house and said: There is a woman in that house. She went out in the Path of Allah with a group of Muslims. She left behind, twelve goats, and one weaving tool with which she used to weave cloth. One of her goats and her weaving tool got lost. The woman prayed: O my Rabb! You have undoubtedly guaranteed safety of the one, who goes out in Your Path. Whereas I have lost one of my goats and my weaving tool. I adjure you about my goat and my weaving tool. The narrator says, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam mentioned about how profoundly the woman implored her Rabb Tabaraka wa Ta'ala. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: She got her goat and one additional similar to that, her weaving tool and one additional similar to that (from the treasures of Allah). And there she is! Go and ask her if you wish. The Tafawah man replied: No, I testify to what you say. (Musnad Ahmad, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

73. 'Ubadah ibn Samit Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: You must do Jihad in the Path of Allah, for this is one of the doors of Paradise. Through this Allah removes anxiety and grief. There is an addition in a narration: And strive far and near in the Path of Allah, and establish Divine ordinances far and near among the inhabitants; and do not be influenced by the criticism of those who criticise in matters relating to Allah. (Mustadrak Hakim)

74. Abu Umama Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a man asked: O Rasulallah! Please allow me to travel as tourist. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam replied: The tourism of my Ummah is to strive in the Path of Allah, 'Azza wa Jail. (Abu Dawud)

75. Fudalah ibne-'Ubaid Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The deed which brings one closest to Allah 'Azza wa Jail is to strive in the Path of Allah. No other good deed can be better than Jihad itself in getting Allah's closeness. (Bukhari, Jama-'us-Saghir)

76. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudhri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was asked: Who is the best amongst the people? He replied: The man. who strives in the Path of Allah. The Sahabah asked: Who is next? He replied: Mu'min who lives in a valley amongst the valleys and fears his Rabb and people are saved from his mischief. (Tirmidhi)

77. Abu Sa'id Al Khudhri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was asked: Who amongst the Mu'minin has the most perfect Iman? He replied: A man who strives in the Path of Allah with his life and wealth and the man who worships Allah in a valley from amongst the valleys and saves people from his evil. (Abu Dawud)

78. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: To be in the Path of Allah, for a short while, is better than worshipping on the night of Al-Qadr in front of Hajaril-Aswad (the Black Stone). (Ibn Hibban)

Note: Worshipping on the Night of Al-Qadr is more virtuous then worshipping for a thousand months as mentioned in Suratul Qadr 97:3.

79. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: For every prophet there is monasticism. The monasticism of my Ummah is striving in the Path of Allah 'Azza wa Jail. (Musnad Ahmad)

Note: Monasticism (Rahbaniyah) means a life of abstinence and self-denial from worldly pleasures.

80. Abu Huraira Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: The example of a Mujahid in the Path of Allah - and Allah knows well who is striving in His Path - is like the man who keeps fasting, worshipping by night, from fear of Allah, completely submitting to Him, bowing and prostrating. (Nasai)

81. Abu Huraira Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The example of a Mujahid in the Path of Allah, is like a man who fasts, spends the night reciting the Qur'an in Salat, and does not give up fasting and giving Sadaqah until the Mujahid returns to his family. (Ibne-Hibban)

82. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Whenever you are asked to go out in the Path of Allah; you must go out. (Ibn Majah)

83. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudhri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: O Abu Sa'id! Whosoever has most willingly acknowledge Allah as his Rabb, Islam as his religion, and Muhammad Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam as His Messenger; Paradise is incumbent for him. Abu Sa'id Radiyallahu 'anhu liked this, and said: O Rasulallah! Repeat it for me. He repeated it and then said: There is yet another thing that elevates the status of a man in Paradise by one hundred ranks -the distance between two ranks is like the distance between the heavens and the earth. Abu Sa'id asked: O Rasulallah! What is that? He replied: Striving in the Path of Allah, striving in the Path of Allah. (Muslim)

84. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that a man died in Madinah, he was one of those who were born in MadTnah. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam offered his funeral Salat, then said: Alas! He would have died somewhere else other than his place of birth! The Sahabah said: O Rasulallah! Why so? He replied: When a person dies at a place other than his birthplace , he is given abode in Paradise by measuring the distance from his place of birth to the place where he died. (Nasai)

85. Abu Qirsafah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: O people! Migrate in the Path of Allah and hold to Islam firmly; for migration will not end as long as Jihad continues. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-uz-Zawaid)

Note: Just as Jihad will continue till the Day of Resurrection, so will migration; which includes, leaving one's home for the sake of spreading, learning and guarding Islam.

86. Mu'awiyah, 'Abdur Rahman ibn 'Auf and 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr ibn 'As Radiyallahu 'anhum narrate that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Migration is of two types. The first is to give up evils. The second is to migrate towards Allah and His Messenger. Migration will not end till taubah (turning in repentance) is acceptable; and the acceptance of taubah (repentance will not end until the sun rises from the West. When the sun will rise from the West, the state of all the hearts will be sealed; and the prior deeds of people will suffice. (M'usnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

87. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that a man said: O Rasulallah! Which migration is the best? He replied: You give up all those things that are disliked by Your Rabb 'Azza wa Jail. And Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Migration is of two types; migration of city dweller and migration of villagers. Migration of a villager is that, whenever he is called, he comes, and whenever he is commanded, he obeys. And the migration of a city dweller is greater in trial, and more rewarding. (Nasai)

Note: The reward for one who lives in the city is more because of his pre-occupations and abundant belongings; which he must leave to migrate in the Path of Allah.

88. Wathilah ibn Asqa' Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that: Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked me: Would you migrate? I replied: Yes. He asked: Acceptable (Badiyah) migration or obligatory (Battah) migration? I asked him: Which is more rewarding? Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam replied: Obligatory migration, and obligatory migration is that you live with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, and acceptable migration is that you return to your place and make it imperative on yourself to listen to Amir and obey him, in adverse and favourable conditions, whether you like it or not, and despite others being preferred over you. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz- Zawaid)

Note: Obligatory migration (Battah) from Makkah to Madmah was observed during the time of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam prior to the victory of Makkah. Acceptable migration (Badiyah) is to go out for a cause of Allah and return to your place.

89. Abu Fatima Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: keep migrating in the Path of Allah, for definitely there is no deed like it. (Nasai)

90. Abu Umama Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The best Sadaqah is to arrange for a tent so that people may benefit from its shade in the Path of Allah, to gift a servant in the Path of Allah, or to provide a camel (to serve as conveyance) in the Path of Allah. (Tirmidhi)

91. Abu Umamah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who did not participate in Jihad; or equipped a Mujahid (the man who strives in the Path of Allah); or looked after the family of one who is in Jihad, Allah will inflict him with some calamity. The, narrator of hadith, Yazid ibn 'Abde Rabbih refers to a calamity prior to the Day of Resurrection. (Abu Dawud)

92. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudhri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sent a message to Banu Lihyan that said: From every two men, one man should go out in the Path of Allah. Then he said to those who stayed behind: Any of you who looks well after the family and belongings of those who are in the Path of Allah, for him will be half the reward. (Muslim)

93. Zaid ibn Khalid JuhanT Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who assists one going for Hajj; or in the Path of Allah; or looks after his family in his absence; or helps break the fast of one fasting; for him the reward is like those going for Hajj, or in the Path of Allah, or fasting; without in any way reducing the reward of those who did these actions. (Baihaqi)

94. Zaid ibne-Thabit Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who helps prepare for the journey of one going in the Path of Allah, for him is the same reward. And he who looks after the families of those in the Path of Allah in their absence, and spends on their families, for him also is the same reward. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

95. Abu Buraidah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The respect of the women folk of the people who go out in the Path of Allah, on those who stay behind, is similar to the respect of their own mothers. If anyone is entrusted to look after such a family but betrays (his trust), it will be said on the Day of Resurrection that this is that man who, betrayed your family; so take as many good deeds of his as you wish. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam then said: What do you think? (will this man leave any good deeds behind?). (Nasai)

96. Abu Mas'ud Al-Ansari Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a man came with a she-camel with a rope through its nose-ring, and said: I want to give this in the Path of Allah. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: On the Day of Resurrection, in lieu of this you will be rewarded with seven hundred she-camels, all with a rope through their nose-rings. (Muslim)

Note: A she-camel with a nose-ring remains in control which facilitates riding on it.

97. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a young man from the tribe of Aslam said: O Rasullullah! I wish to go in the Path of Allah, but I do not have anything to equip myself with. He said: Go to such and such person, for he equipped himself but has fallen sick. So, he went to that person and said: Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sends you his Salam and says that you give me all that stuff that you have prepared for Jihad. (The man asked his wife): So and so! Give him all I have prepared for Jihad and do not withhold anything from it. I swear by Allah! Do not withhold anything from it, as there will be no blessing in it for you. (Muslim)

98. Zaid ibne-Thabit Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: He who donates a horse for the cause of Allah, this deed will become a barrier for him from the Hell-Fire. ('Abd Ibn Humaid, Musnad Jami')

Etiquettes and deeds of the Path of Allah Ta'ala

Verses of Quran

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala sent Musa and Harun 'Alaihimus salam for Dawat to Fir'aun and said to them:
Go, you and your brother, with My signs, and never be lethargic in remembering Me.
Go, both of you, to Fir'aun. He, indeed, has transgressed (the bounds).
And speak to him politely and gently that perhaps, he may accept the advice or may have fear (of the Punishment).
They said: O our Rabb! We indeed fear that he may hasten (to harm us) or he may transgress excessively.
He (Allah) said: Fear not. Verily! I am with both of you, I will be Hearing and Seeing (meaning thereby I will guard you and put fear in the heart of Fir'aun, so you may convey my message fully). [ Ta'ha 20: 42-46]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
And by the Mercy of Allah, you dealt with them gently. And had you been stern and hard-hearted, they would have broken away from you; so over look (their faults), and ask (Allah's) forgiveness for them, and consult them in the conduct of (important) affairs. Then when you have resolved, put your trust in Allah. Certainly! Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). [Ale 'Imran 3: 159]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
Hold firmly to the habit of forgiveness, and enjoin what is good and (he who does not accept this order of goodness because of ignorance, then) turn away from (such) ignorant people (that is avoid quarrelling with them) And if an incitement from the Shaitan incites you, then seek refuge from Allah. Verily! He (Allah) is All-Hearer, All-Knower. [Al-A'raf 7: 199-200]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
And bear patiently with what they say, and leave their company with grace and dignity. [Al-Muzzammil 73: 10]

Ahadith

99. 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha wife of Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam narrates that she asked Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam: O Rasulallah! Did you have any other day harder than the day of the battle of Uhud? He answered: I have experienced much more at the hands of your people. The hardest was the day of 'Aqabah (Taif). I presented myself to Ibne 'Abd Ya Lail ibn 'Abd Kalal and offered to him Islam, but he did not accept what I offered. I left with deep sorrow the signs of which were visible on my face and did not feel relieved till I reached Qarn Tha'alib (name of a place). I raised my head and saw a cloud shadowing me. When I looked up I saw Jibrail 'Alaihis Salam in it. He called me and said: Indeed Allah 'Azza wa Jail has heard what your people have said to you and their rejection to your offer. An angel in-charge of the mountains has been deputed to you. Command him whatever you like for them. The angel of the mountains called and greeted me with Salam and said: O Muhammad! Allah has heard what your people have said to you, and I am the angel of the mountains; and your Rabb has sent me to you so that I may carry out your orders. What do you want? (If you like) May I join the two mountains on them. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam replied: No, but I do hope that Allah may bring forth from their progeny, those who would worship Allah the One, without ascribing anything as partners to Him. (Muslim)

100. 'Abdullah ibne-'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that we were in a journey with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, when we met a villager. When he came closer, Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked him; Where do you intend to go? He said: To my family. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Should I tell you a good thing? He asked: What is that? Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Testify: I witness that none is worthy of worship but Allah, Who has no partner; and I witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. He said: Who is witness to your saying? Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: This tree. So Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam called it which was at die end of the valley. That tree came forward tearing the earth, and stood before him. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam ordered for its testimony thrice. And it testified, whatever Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam had said. And then the tree returned to its place. The villager returned to his tribe, saying to Rasullullah sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam: If my people follow me, I will come back to you with all of them, or else I will come back and live with you. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

101. Sahl ibn Sa'd Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said to 'Ali on the day of Khyber: Advance with contentment till you reach their camping place. Then invite them towards Islam, and inform them of the rights of Allah that have been imposed upon them. I swear by Allah, if even a single person through your efforts is blessed with guidance, it is better for you than to have red camels. (Muslim)

Note: Arabs consider red camels as one of the most valuable possessions.

102. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Convey from me even if it be a single verse. (Bukhari)

Note: The objective of this hadTth is to endeavour as much as possible to convey the teachings of Deem If the things that you are conveying are very brief, even so, others may be blessed with guidance by it. You will be rewarded for this, and blessed with numerous virtues. (Mazahir-e- Haque)

103. 'Abdur Rahman ibn 'Aidh Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that whenever Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sent any expedition, he told them: Develop good relation with people, and treat them kindly. Do not attack them until you have invited them to Islam. All people on this earth, whether living in mud or concrete houses, villages or cities, if you bring them to me as Muslims, it will be much dearer to me than killing them and bringing their women to me. (Matalib-ul-'Aliyah, Isabah)

104. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Today you listen to me about Deen (religion); tomorrow you will be heard. And then it will be heard from those, who heard from you. (Abu Dawud)

105. Ahnaf ibn Qais Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that when I was performing Tawaf of Ka'bah (to go around the house of Allah) during the time of 'Uthman ibne-'Affan Radiyallahu 'anhu, a man of Banu Laith came to me, and held my hand and said: May I not give you a glad tiding? I said: Do tell me. He said: Do you remember when Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sent me to your people, Bani Sa'ad? I started presenting and inviting them to Islam. You said: You are inviting us to good and enjoining us to do good and Rasullullah is also inviting us to good and enjoining us to do good. I conveyed this to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. He said: "O Allah! Forgive Ahnaf ibn Qais." Ahnaf Radiyallahu 'anhu used to say: I have greater hopes with this Du'a (of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam) than any of my good deeds. (Mustadrak Hakim)

106. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam deputed a Sahabi to one of the chiefs from the chiefs of the polytheists to invite him to Allah. The chief said: Is the deity, towards whom you are inviting me, made of silver or copper? His remark displeased the heart of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam's envoy. He returned to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and informed him. He asked the SahabT to go back and invite him to Allah. So, he went back and invited him again. The chief repeated his earlier remark. The SahabT again came to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and told him about his remark. He said: Go. and invite him to Allah again. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was on his way, and did not know (what happened) when that SahabT came to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and informed him that Allah had killed him (by lightning), and Allah revealed this verse to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam He (Allah) sends down lightning on the earth, to strike whomsoever He wills, and these people dispute concerning Allah. (Musnad Abu Ya'la)

107. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told Mu'adh ibn Jabal Radiyallahu 'anhu while sending him to Yemen: You are going to such a nation who are the people of the Book. When you reach them invite them to testify: "None is worthy of worship but Allah and Muhammad'is His Messenger." If they accept this, tell them Allah has made obligatory for them five times Salat in a day and night. If they accept that too, then tell them Allah has made Zakat obligatory for them, which is to be taken from their rich and given to their poor. If they accept that too, then refrain from taking the best of their property. Protect yourself from the curse of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between him and Allah. (Bukhari)

108. Bara Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam deputed Khalid ibne-Walid Radiyallahu 'anhu to the people of Yemen to invite them to Islam. Bara says: I was included in that group accompanying Khalid. We stayed there for six months. He invited them to Islam but they did not accept Islam. Then, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sent 'Ali ibn Abi Talib Radiyallahu 'anhu and ordered him to send Khalid back and those accompanying him, but those who wanted to stay with 'Ali, could stay with him, Bara says: I was among those who stayed with 'Ali. When we reached close to the people of Yemen, they came out facing us. 'Ali advanced and led the Salat. Then, he lined us in a row and then stepped forward from us and read to them the letter of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. The entire tribe of Hamadan accepted Islam and 'Ali wrote a letter to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam about their accepting Islam. The letter was read before Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam who then went into prostration. Then raising his head, he prayed: Peace be on Hamadan, peace be on Hamadan. (Bukhari. Baihaqi, Bidayah-wan-Nihayah)

109. Khuraim ibn Fatik Radiyallahu 'anhu nairates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who spends in the Path of Allah, seven hundred times of that is recorded in his book of deeds. (Tirmidhi)

110. Mu'adh Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Verily, the reward of offering Salat, Siyam and Dhikr, in the Path of Allah is enhanced, seven hundred times over the spending in the Path of Allah. (Abu Dawud)

111. Mu'adh Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Verily, the reward of remembrance of Allah, in the Path of Allah is enhanced seven hundred times over the spending thereof. In another narration the reward is increased seven hundred thousand times. (Musnad Ahmad)

112. Mu'adh Al JuhanT Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who recites a thousand verses (of the Qur'an) in the Path of Allah, Allah will reckon him amongst Prophets, truthful followers, martyrs, and righteous. (Mustadrak Hakim)

113. 'Ali Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that no one was riding a horse on the day of Badar except Miqdad. I observed that we were all asleep except Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, who was offering Salat under a tree, and weeping till it dawned. (Musnad Ahmad)

114. Abu Sa'id Al Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who fasts for a day in the Path of Allah, Allah will keep him away from Hell by a distance of seventy years of journey. (Nasai)

115. 'Amr ibn 'Abasah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who fasts for a day in the Path of Allah, the Hell-Fire will be kept away from him by a distance of hundred years of journey. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

116. Abu Umamah Bahill Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If anyone fasts for a day in the Path of Allah; Allah puts a trench between him and Hell, which is as wide as the distance between the heavens and the earth. (Tirmidhi)

117. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that we were with Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam; the one amongst us who used his own sheet for shade had the maximum shade. Those who were fasting could not do any work. And those who were not fasting, arose and set up the tents, watered the animals, and did all the painstaking hard work. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Those not fasting have earned all the reward today. (Bukhari)

118. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that we used to go on expeditions with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam during the month of Ramadan. Some of us fasted, and some of us did not fast. Those fasting were not displeased with the ones who were not fasting, nor those who were not fasting displeased with those who were fasting. They knew that those who had strength enough kept fast and that was good fdr them. Those who felt weak did not fast, and that was good for them. (Muslim)

119. 'Abdullah Al-Khatimi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that when Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam wanted to bid farewell to the troops, he used to say: I hand over to Allah your Deen, your Amanah and your final deeds, (in Whose custody things are not lost). (Badhl-uI-Majhud)

Note: The Amanah includes the members of the family, wealth and belongings, and all the things that are given to a person; these are entrusted from Allah Subhanahfi wa Ta'ala. Similarly, this includes Amanah (belongings) of people entrusted with one who is going on a journey or his belongings entrusted with the people. What a comprehensive du'a is made in this brief phrase that is: May Allah take care of your religion, your family, your wealth and property, and give a good end to your deeds.

120. 'Ali ibn Rabi'ah Rahmatullahi ''alaihi narrates: I was present with 'Ali Radiyallahu 'anhu when an animal was brought him for riding. As he put his foot in the stirrup, he said: Bismillah (In the name of Allah). When he sat on its back he said: Alhamdulilldh (Praise be to Allah), and then said: Glory to Him, Who has made this subservient to us, for we had not the strength to control it, and verily to our Rabb we are to return. He then said thrice: Alhamdulilldh (Praise be to Allah) and thrice Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest). Then he said:Glory be to You, I have wronged myself, so forgive me, as none except You can forgive. Then he smiled. It was asked O Amirul Mu'minin (Commander of Faithful): What makes you smile? He said: I saw Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam doing as I have done and when he smiled, I asked: O Rasulallah! What makes you smile? He replied: Your Rabb Ta'ala, is pleased with His servant, when he says: Forgive my sins; as he is well aware that none except Him forgives sins. (Abu Dawud)

Note: Stirrup is a ring made of iron, which hangs on the two sides of the saddle of the horse, and the rider mounts on the horse by putting his foot in it.

121. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that when Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam used to mount his animal for setting out on a journey, he would say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest) three times and then pray:

Glory to Him Who has made this subservient to us, for we had no strength to control it, and verily to our Rabb do we return. O Allah! We seek virtue and piety from You in this journey and those acts that please You. O Allah! Make easy for us this journey and fold up its length for us. O Allah! You are our companion in the journey, and the One Who looks after the family. O Allah! I seek refuge with You from the hardships of this journey and of witnessing undesirable events and finding undesirable changes in property and family on return.

And when he would returned from the journey, he used to say the same words and made this addition:

We are returning, repenting, worshipping and praising our Rabb. (Muslim)

122. Sohaib Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that whenever NabI Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam intended to enter into a town, he invoked on seeing the town:

Allah! The Rabb of seven skies and of all the things which the seven skies shade; and the Rabb of seven earths and of all the things which the seven earths contain; and the Rabb of Shaitans and of those who were led astray by them; and the Rabb of winds and those things which blow by these winds, we ask You of the good of this town and the good of its inhabitants and the good which is there in this town; and seek refuge with You, from the evil of this town, and of the evil of its inhabitants and the evil of everything that is in this town. (Mustadrak Hakim)

123. Khawlah binte HakTm As-Sulamiyyah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates: I heard RasQlullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Whoever on arrival somewhere says:

I seek refuge in Allah's perfect words from the evil of what He has created. Then no evil will befall him, till he departs from where he arrived. (Muslim)

124. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that at the Battle of Trench, we asked: O Rasulallah! Is there anything to invoke as our hearts are in our mouth. He said: Yes. (Say this):

O Allah! Hide our weaknesses and give us security from fear.

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri says: (We started saying these words and with its blessing) Allah 'Azza wa Jail sent a wind on the faces of the enemies, and Allah 'Azza wa Jail defeated them by the wind. (Musnad Ahmad)

125. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who contributes a pair of anything (for instance - two clothes or two horses) in the Path of Allah, he would be invited by the warden of Paradise to enter. Every warden will invite him from his door: O such and such! Come in. Abu Bakr said: O Rasulallah! That person shall have no fear. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: I do hope that you will be one of those. (Bukhari)

126. Thawban Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that RasQlullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The most rewarding dinar, is that dinar a man spends on his family, and the dinar he spends on his horse in the Path of Allah, and the dinar he spends on his colleagues in the Path of Allah. (Dinar is the name of a golden coin). (Ibn Hibban)

127. It is narrated by Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu that I did not see anyone consulting so frequently with his companions, as Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam did. (Tirmidhi)

128. 'AIi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that he asked: O Rasulallah! If we have a matter in which we do not have any specific order, to do or not to do, what do you order in this regard to us? He said: Consult those who have good understanding of Deen and are devout worshippers, and do not decide on an individual opinion. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

129. Ibne- 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that when this verse was revealed: (And consult them in affairs), then Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Behold! Allah and His Messenger are above consultation. However, Allah has made this a source of blessing for my Ummah. So, anyone of my Ummah who consults others, he remains on the straight path, and anyone who gives up consultation he remains in distress. (Baihaqi)

130. 'Uthman ibn 'Affan Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: To be a guard a single night in the Path of Allah Ta'ala, is better than a thousand nights of worship standing by night and fasting in the day. (Musnad Ahmad)

131. Sahl ibn Hanzalah Radiyallahu 'anhu nanates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam (on the day of Hunain) asked: Who will be our guard tonight? Anis ibn Abi Marthad Al-Ghanawi Radiyallahu 'anhuma said: I, O Rasulallah! Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Mount your horse. He mounted his horse and came to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told him: Go to that mountain path till you reach its top. (Stand and guard there and be very alert) lest tonight through your negligence we get deceived. In the morning Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam went to his place of Salat and offered two raka'at, he then said: Do you know about your horseman? The Sahabah said: O Rasulallah! We do not know. Then an announcement was made for Salat-ul-Fajr. During the Salat the attention of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was towards the mountain path. When he completed the Salat and on Salam said: Be happy, your horseman has come. We began to look between the trees in the mountain path from where Anas ibn Abi Marthad was coming, until he stood before Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and offered his salam and said: I went till I reached the top of the mountain path as Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam had commanded me (I stood guard the whole night). In the morning, I looked down at both sides of the mountain but saw no one. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked him: Did you dismount during the night? He replied: No, except for Salat or to relieve myself. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: You have made Paradise certain for yourself. Henceforth you will not be blamed if you do not offer any optional deeds. (Abu Dawud)

132. Ibn A'idh Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam came out to a man's funeral. When the bier was laid down, 'Umar ibn Khattab Radiyallahu 'anhu said: Do not offer his funeral Salat, O Rasulallah, for he was sinful. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam turned towards the people and inquired whether any of them had seen him doing any deed of Islam. A man replied: Yes, O Rasulallah! He guarded one night in the Path of Allah. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam offered his funeral Salat and spread dust over his grave. Then he said (to the demised): Your companions think that you are one of those who will go to Hell but I testify that you are one of those who will go to Paradise. (Baihaqi)

133. Sa'id ibn Jumhan Rahmatullah says: I asked Safinah Radiyallahu 'anhu about his name. He replied: I will tell you about my name. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam named me Safinah. I asked: Why did he give you the name of Safinah? He said: Once Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam came on a journey along with his Sahabah. Their luggage was heavy for them, so Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked me to spread my sheet, which I spread. He put all their luggage on the sheet, then put it over me, and said: Carry it. You are a Safinah (a sailing boat). He says: Regardless of one or two camel loads, that day, if it were five or six camel loads, it would not had been heavy for me. (Hilyah, isabah)

134. Ahmar Radiyallahu 'anhu, the freed slave of Umme-Salamah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that we were on an expedition. (We passed by a valley or a stream) I started helping people in crossing the stream or valley. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told me: You have become a Safinah (a sailing boat) today, (isabah)

135. 'Abdullah ibn Masuld Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that on the day of Badr, there was one camel for every three men. He says: Abu Lubabah and 'Ali ibn Abi Talib were the travelling mates of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. He says: When it was the turn of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam to dismount, they both said: We would walk for you. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam replied: You two are not stronger than me, and I am in no less need for reward then you. (Sharh hus Sunnah lil Baghawi)

136. Sahl ibn Sa'id Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: During a journey the Amir of the Jama' at is the one who serves the most. He who excels his companions in service cannot be excelled by anyone, on account of his deeds, except by martyrdom. (Baihaqi)

137. Nu'man ibne-Bashir Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: (To be attached to ) the Jama' at is a blessing and separating (from the Jama' at) is a punishment. (Musnad Ahmad, Bazzar , Tabarani)

138. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If people knew, what I know, of travelling alone, no rider would ever travel alone at night. (Bukhari)

139. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Do travel in the early part of the night, for the earth is folded during the night. (Abu Dawud)

Note: It means that when you go out on a journey, do not restrict travelling by day only, but travel at night also, for there are not as many hurdles as there are in the daytime, and travelling becomes easy. This is what the folding of the earth means. (Mazahir-e- Haque)

140. 'Amr ibn Shoib Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A single rider is a Shaitan and a pair of riders is a pair of Shaitans and three riders are a Jama 'at. (Tirmidhi)

Note: A rider here means a traveller. It means a traveller or two travellers can easily be trapped in evil by Shaitan. To clarify this a person travelling alone or two are stated to be Shaitan. It is therefore advisable that there be at least tliree persons in a journey so that they are saved from the Shaitan; and they can offer Salat in Jama 'ah and also be mutually helpful. (Mazahir Haque)

141. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The Shaitan intends to do evil to one or two persons, but if they are three, then he does not intend to do evil to them. (Bazzar, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

142. Abu Dhar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Two men are better than one, and three are better than two, and four are better than three. So, it is incumbent on you to be in a Jama' at; for Allah 'Azza wa Jail will never unite my Ummah on anything except on Hidayah (guidance). (Musnad Ahmad)

143. 'Arfajah ibn Shuraih Al-Ashja'i Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed, Allah's hand is on Jama' at. Indeed Shaitan is with the one who has separated himself from the Jama' at and provokes him. (Nasa'i)

144. Jabir ibn 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that while travelling, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam used to remain behind; and used to urge forward the weaker animals, and give a ride to the one on foot and pray for all of them. (Abu Dawud)

145. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When three set out on a journey, they must make one of them as their Amir. (Abu Dawud)

146. Abu Musa Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that I and two of my paternal cousins, went to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. One of them said: O Rasulallah! Make us the Amir of the area which Allah Azza wa Jail has put in your charge. The other also expressed the same desire. He replied: I swear by Allah! We never put anyone in charge of these affairs who himself asks for it, or aspires for it. (Muslim)

147. Hudhaifah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: He who separates from the Jama' at, and degrades the authority of the Amir will meet Allah having no Status in His eyes. (Musnad Ahmad, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

148. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Verily, Allah will ask every guardian for the things under his custody, whether he cared for them or neglected them. (Ibn Hibban)

.149. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Every one of you is responsible and every one of you is accountable for those under you. A ruler is responsible and will be accountable for his subjects; a man is responsible for his family members, and will be accountable for them; a woman is responsible for her husband's house (his children, etc.) and she will be accountable for them; a servant is responsible for the wealth of his master, and will be accountable for it; a son is responsible for his father's we-ilth, and will be accountable for it. Every one of you is responsible, and will be accountable for whatever is placed under his custody. (Bukhari)

150. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Any person who is appointed a ruler by Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala over his subjects, whether small or big in number, Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala will question him about them on the Day of Resurrection; whether he established in them the commands of Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala or neglected them. So much so, that he would be, questioned about his family members in particular. (Musnad Ahmad)

151. Abu Dhar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: O Abu Dhar! I see that you are weak; and I like for you what I like for myself. Do not be Amir even of two persons, and do not accept the responsibility of an orphan's wealth. (Muslim)

Note: What Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam impressed upon Abu Dhar was that if he were weak like Abu Dhar, he would not become Amir even over two persons.

152. Abu Dhar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that I said: O Rasulallah! Why do you not appoint me as a governor? Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam patted me on my shoulder and said: Abu Dhar! You are weak, and this is a trust and this will be a cause of humiliation and regret on the Day of Resurrection; except for a person, who takes it as it ought to be taken and fulfils his obligations. (Muslim)

153. 'Abdur Rahman ibn Samurah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told him: O 'Abdur Rahman ibn Samurah! Do not ask to be a Amir, for if you are made that as a result of your asking for it, you will be left to deal with it yourself. And if you are made a Amir without aspiring for it, you will be helped in undertaking it. (Bukhari)

154. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A time is coming when you will aspire for authority (becoming Amir), but it will be a cause of regret on the Day of Resurrection. How good is she who breastfeeds and how bad is she who stops breastfeeding. (Bukhari)

Note: The last sentence of this hadlth means that when somebody assumes public office, it appears to be very dear like a breast-feeding woman to an infant, and when one loses public position and authority this causes distress, just as an infant feels distressed when breast-feeding is stopped for him.

155. 'Awf ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If you w ish I shall inform you what is the reality of Imarah (governing)? I loudly asked three times: What is it? O Rasulallah! He said: The first is criticism, the second is regret and the third is the Punishment on the Day of Resurrection, except he who dispenses justice and how can one dispense justice in respect of one's relatives. (TabaranT, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

Note: This means that one who becomes an Amir (Ruler or Governor) is first criticised and admonished from every quarter; that he has done this wrong and done that wrong, etc. Next, due to this reproach, he becomes regretful and says: Why did I accept this responsibility (becoming a ruler)? Then in the last stage, if justice is not dispensed, there will be punishment on the Day of Reckoning. So this turns out to be a cause of disgrace and humiliation in this world, and of tough accountability in the Hereafter.

156. Ibn 'Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If anyone makes someone Amir of a Jama' at (group), and there is a man in that Jama'at more pleasing to Allah, he is guilty of breach of trust to Allah, breach of trust to His Messenger and breach of trust to the believers. (Mustadrak Hakim)

Note: In the presence of a better one, if some other is to be made Amir due to certain religious considerations, then this will not be included in this warning. As at one occasion, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sent a delegation, in which he appointed 'Abdullah ibn Jahsh Radiyallahu 'anhu as Amir, and said to them: He is not superior amongst you but possesses more patience in withstanding hunger and thirst. (Musnad Ahmad)

157. Ma'qil ibn Yasar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that he heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Anyone who has been made Amir for the governance of the affairs of the Muslims, and he does not endeavour for their welfare, but he will not enter Paradise along with the Muslims. (Muslim)

158. Ma'qil ibn Yasar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Anyone made responsible for the governance of the affairs of Muslims dies acting dishonestly towards them, Allah will forbid Paradise for him. (Bukhari)

159. Abu Maryam Al Azdi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: If Allah Azza wa Jail puts a man in authority of the affairs of the Muslims, and he turns his face away from their needs, destitution and poverty, Allah will turn away from his needs, and will not help him in destitution and poverty. (Abu Dawud)

160. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If anyone made Amir over ten or more persons does not deal with them equitably, he will come chained and handcuffed on the Day of Reckoning. (Mustadrak Hakim)

161. Abu Wail Rahimahullah narrates that 'Umar appointed Bishr ibn 'Asim Radiyallahu 'anhu of Hawadhin as collector of Sadaqah. But Bishr did not go. 'Umar met and asked him: What held you up? Is it not necessary for you to listen and to obey us? Bishr replied: Yes, verily! But I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying that one who is made responsible for some affairs of the Muslims, he will be brought and held at the bridge over Hell on the Day of Resurrection. (Bukhari)

162. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Any Amir over ten persons, will be brought on the Day of Reckoning with an iron collar around his neck, till his justice gets him free, or his tyranny destroys him. (Bazzar, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

163. 'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: There will be some of your Amirs who will cause corruption, and Allah will bring reforms through them, more than their corruption. So, that Amir who works in obedience to' Allah, will be rewarded, and gratefulness is necessary from you. And that Amir who works in disobedience to Allah, the sins thereof, will be on him; and you will have to be patient. (Baihaqi)

164. 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha narrates: I heard from Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam making this dua in my house: O Allah! Whosoever is placed in authority over my Ummah and is harsh with them, You be harsh on him; and whoever in authority over my Ummah is kind to them, You be kind on him. (Muslim)

165. Jubair ibn Nufair, Kathir ibn Murrah, 'Amr ibn Aswad, Miqdam ibn Ma'dikarab and Abu Umamah Radiyallahu'anhum narrate that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When an Amir exposes faults in the people, he corrupts them. (Abu Dawud)

Note: This means that when the Amir, instead of trusting his people looks for their faults and becomes suspicious about them, then he himself is a source of discord and dispersion. Therefore, it is essential for the Amir, that he veils the faults of the people and is not suspicious, but makes good assumptions about them. (Badh-ul- Majhud)

166. Umme Husain Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: If a slave is made an Amir on you, whose nose and ears are cut and he is of black complexion; but he leads you according to the Book of Allah, you should listen to his orders and obey him. (Muslim)

167. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave with a head like a raisin is made Amir over you. (Bukhari)

168. Wail Al-Hadrami Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Listen and obey the Amir; for on them shall be the responsibility of what they do, and on you shall be the responsibility of what you do. (Muslim)

169. Irbadh ibn Sariyah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Worship Allah and do not associate anything with Him. And obey those put in authority of your affairs. Do not dispute with the Amir about his authority, even if he is a black slave. Hold firmly to the Sunnah of your Nabi and his rightly guided Khalifahs, blessed with Hiddyah, and hold fast with your teeth to the righteous way. (Mustadrak Hakim)

170. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Allah likes' for you three things and dislikes for you three things. He likes that you worship Him and do not associate any partner with Him. That you all hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not get divided. That you be a well-wisher to those whom Allah has put in authority over you. And He dislikes your indulging in unprofitable discussions and; wasting your wealth; and asking unnecessary questions. (Musnad Ahmad)

171. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who obeys me has indeed obeyed Allah; and he who disobeys me has indeed disobeyed Allah. He who obeys the Amir has obeyed me. and who disobeys the Amir has disobeyed me. (Ibn Majah)

172. Ibn Abbas Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: if anyone sees something in his Amir that he dislikes, he should be patient. For, one who separates from the community of Muslims even the distance of a hand span, and dies, he dies like those dying in ignorance (pre-Islamic times). (Muslim)

Note: Dying like those in the pre-Islamic times means that during the time of ignorance people were unrestrained. They neither obeyed their leaders nor listened to their guidance. (Nawawi)

173. 'AIi Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: There is no obedience to anyone in disobedience to Allah. Obedience is only in what is good. (Abu Dawud)

174. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma nanates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Hearing and obeying the Amir is the duty of a Muslim, whether he likes it or not, except when the Amir commands to do an act of disobedience to Allah. If ordered disobedience to Allah he must neither listen nor obey. (Musnad Ahmad)

175. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasiilullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When you travel, your Imam (who leads the Salat) ought to be the one who remembers the Qur'an most (and be the one most acquainted with Fiqh), even if he is the youngest of you; and when he becomes your Imam he is your Amir. (Bazzar, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

Note: However, from the other narrations, it appears that Rasullullah Sallallahu "alaihi wasallam made someone an Amir because of a certain specific quality though his companions were better than him as mentioned in Hadith No. 156.

176. 'Ubada ibn Samit Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who worshipped Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala, and did not associate any partner with Him, established Salat, paid Zaka'at, and listened and obeyed his Amir; Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala will make him enter Paradise from the door of his choice, and Paradise has eight doors. And he who worshipped Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala and did not associate any partner with Him, established Salat, paid Zaka'at, and listened to his Amir and disobeyed him, his matter is with Allah Tabaraka wa Ta'ala; He may have mercy on him or inflict punishment on him. (Musnad Ahmad, Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

177. Mu'adh ibn Jabal Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Jihad is of two kinds. The one who seeks Allah's favour, obeys the Amir, and spends the best he values, treats his colleagues kindly and avoids doing mischief; then he will have the reward, for all the time whether asleep or awake and he who fights in a boasting spirit, for the sake of vain display, and to gain a reputation, disobeys the Amir and spreads mischief on the earth, then he will not return with gain. (Abu Dawud)

178. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a person asked: O Rasulallah! A man wishes to go on Jihad in the Path of Allah desiring some worldly advantage. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He will have no reward. This had a great impact on the people, and they asked that man: Enquire from Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam again, as perhaps, you could not understand his point. This man again said: O Rasulallah! A man wishes to take part in Jihad in the Path of Allah desiring some worldly advantage. He said: He will have no reward. The people asked him to enquire from Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam again. So he asked the question for the third time. He replied: There is, no reward for him. (Abu Dawud)

179. Abu Tha'labah Al-Khushani Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that the Sahabah used to encamp with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. At a location, they scattered in the mountain paths and valleys. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Your scattering in the mountain paths and valleys is only from Shaitan. After that whenever they camped at a location they kept so close together, that it used to be said, that if a cloth were to be spread over them, it would cover them all. (Abu Dawud)

180. Sakhr Al-Ghamidi Radiyailahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: "O Allah! Bless my people in their early morning." When he sent an expedition, or an army, he set them out in the beginning of the day. Sakhr was a trader and he would send his merchandise at the beginning of the day; so he became rich and his wealth increased. (Abu Dawud)

Note: The objective of the du'a of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, as mentioned in the Hadith, is that when people of my Ummah travel or do any religious or worldly work, they should undertake that in the beginning of the day so that they are blessed.

181. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told Aktham ibn Jawn AI-Khuza'i: O Aktham! Participate in Jihad with others besides your own people. This will improve your conduct, and you will become respectable in the eyes of your companions. O Aktham! The best companions are four, and the best detachment is of four hundred men, and the best army is of four thousand men. Twelve thousand men can never be defeated due to shortage of manpower, (ibn Majah)

182. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that while we were on a journey with Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, a man came riding an animal and began to stare right and left. Rasullullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: He, who has an extra mount, should give it to the one who has none. And he who has extra provisions, should give it to the one who has none. The narrator says that he mentioned various kinds of possessions, till we began to think that none of us had a right to anything extra. (Muslim)

183. Jabir ibn 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhu ma mentions that when Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam intended to go on an expedition, he said: O group of Muhajireen and Ansar! Among your brethren are such people, who neither have money nor relatives; so every one of you should take with him two or three of them. (Abu Dawud)

184. Mut'im ibn Miqdam Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: No slave of Allah leaves behind for his family- an assistant better than offering two Raka'ats near them when he wants to go on a journey. (Jami-'us-Saghir)

185. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Make things easy (for people) do not make things hard and difficult for them. Give them good tidings and do not create hatred. (Bukhari)

Note: Encourage people by mentioning glad tidings and virtues for doing good deeds; and because of their sins do not frighten them so much that they despair the mercy of Allah, and are thus dragged away from Deen (religion).

186. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Returning from a Jihad is like going on Jihad. (Abu Dawud)

Note: The reward similar to what one gets for Jihad (in the Path of Allah), is again given after coming back at his place of dwelling from the Path of Allah, provided he has intentions that as soon as the needs for which he came back, are fulfilled, or whenever there is a call for the Path of Allah, he would go for Allah's cause forthwith. (Mazahir-e-Haque)

187. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam while returning from Jihad, Hajj or 'Umrah on climbing every elevation would say Allahu Akbar (Allah is the most Great) three times, and then say: None is worthy of worship but Allah, Who has no partner, to Whom the dominion belongs, to Whom praise is due and Who is Omnipotent, we are returning, repenting, worshipping, prostrating and praising our Rabb. Allah has truthfully fulfilled His promise, helped His servant and defeated the enemies all by Himself. (Abu Dawud)

188. 'Amr ibn Murrah Juhani Radiyallahu 'anhu was invited towards Islam by Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. He said: O 'Amr ibn Murrah! I am a Prophet sent towards the entire mankind. I invite them towards Islam. I command them to respect blood (do not kill anyone unjustly); bind the ties of kinship; worship Allah; give up idols; perform the pilgrimage of the House of Allah; fast in the month of Ramadan out of twelve months. He who obeys all these, for him is the Paradise. He who disobeys all these, Hell is for him! Have faith upon Allah, O 'Amr ! Allah shall grant you peace from the horrors of the Hell. 'Amr said: I testify none has the right to be worshipped, except Allah, and verily, you are the messenger of Allah, and I believe upon whatever you have brought, permitted or' forbidden; though this will displease many people. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: You are welcome, O 'Amr ibn Murrah! Then Amr said: O Rasulallah! May my mother and father sacrifice their lives for you; you depute me to my people. May Allah grant His bounty to my people through me as He has granted me bounty through you. So, He sent me to them and instructed me: Treat them kindly and speak uprightly, but not harshly, not to be arrogant and not to be jealous. I came to my people and said: O Bani Rifa'ah! O people of Juhania! I am a messenger of Rasul of Allah towards you. I invite you to Paradise and warn you of Hell; and I ask you to respect blood, bind the ties of relationship, worship Allah; give up idols, perform pilgrimage of the house of Allah, and fast during the month of Ramadan out of the twelve months! Whoever obeys all of these, Paradise is for him. Whoever disobeys all of these, Hell is for him. O people of Juhania! Allah has made you the best amongst the Arabs. From the time of ignorance, he has put hatred in your heart for the evil things which others liked. They used to marry two real sisters at one time, and married the wife of their father, and fought in the holy months. So, accept the invitation of the Messenger sent by Allah who belongs to Bani Lui ibn Ghalib tribe, you will get the nobility of this world and the honour of the Hereafter. And hasten to accept this invitation, you will achieve excellence from Allah. All the people of the tribe accepted Islam except one man. (Tabarani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

Note: There are four holy months in which Arabs did not fight. These are Muharram, Rajab, Zi-qa'dah and Zil-Hajj.

189. K'ab ibne-Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam normally never returned from a journey but at the time of Salat-ud-Duha (forenoon prayer). When he arrived, he first went to the Masjid, offered two Raka'ats Salat, and sat down there. (Muslim)

190. Jabir ibn 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that when we came to Madinah, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said to me: Go to the Masjid and offer two Raka 'ats Salat. (Bukhari)

191, Shihab ibn 'Abbad Rahmatullahi 'alaih narrates that I heard a man from a delegation of the tribe 'Abad AI-Qais. He said: We went to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. The Muslims rejoiced much at our coming. When we reached the assembly of people, they made spacious room for us and we sat down there. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam welcomed us and prayed for us. Then looking at us Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked: Who is your chief and who is your leader? We all pointed towards Mundhir ibn 'Aid. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Is this Ashaj? (some one who has an injury on his head and or face is called Ashaj) That was the first day he was called Ashaj. He had a mark of injury on his face suffered from the hoof of a donkey. We said: Yes O Rasulallah, He had stayed behind his people, he tied their riding animals and took care of their luggage. Then he took out his bag and changed his clothes of the journey, and wore clean clothes and came to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was reclining and stretching his feet. When Ashaj came near, people made room for him and asked Ashaj to sit there. Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam sat up and folded his feet, and said: Come here. O Ashaj! He came and sat down to the right of Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, who welcomed him, treated him kindly and enquired about his area, and also mentioned the names of towns like Safa, Mushqar and some other towns of Hajar. Ashaj said: May my mother and father sacrifice their lives for you; O Rasulallah! You know the names of our towns more than us. He said: I have walked in your areas and these have been opened to me. Then Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam turned his attention towards the Ansar and said: O People of Ansar! Treat your brothers generously for they are Muslims like you in Islam. They resemble you in respect of the colour of their hair and skin. They joined the fold of Islam with their own will. They were never forced, nor were they attacked and overpowered, (at a time ) when other people refused to embrace Islam and some were even killed. (That delegation stayed with the Ansar). Then in the morning, Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked them: How did you find your brothers in treating and hosting you? They said: They are very good brothers. They gave us soft bedding, served us with good food, and taught us by night and day the Book of our Rabb Tabaraka wa Ta 'ala and the Sunnah of our Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam liked this, and was very pleased. Then he paid attention to us individually. We told him what we had learnt and what we were taught. Someone was taught, Attahiyat, someone Surah Fatihah, someone one Surah, some two Surah, and some many sunnah. (Musnad Ahmad)

192. Jabir Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The best time for a man returning to his family from a journey is at the beginning of the night. (Abu Dawud)

193. Jabir ibne-' Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam forbade a man who was away for a prolonged duration to come back to his family by night (Muslim)

Note: From this hadith it appears, it is not appropriate to return home suddenly after a prolonged journey, for the members of the family would not be mentally prepared to welcome him at night. However, if the family is already informed, then there is no harm in going home at night.

Avoiding the irrelevant

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala said to His Prophet Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam:
And say to My slaves (believers) that they should (only) say those words that are the best (in which no one's heart is hurt). Because Shaitan, verily, provokes discord among them. Surely, Shaitan is to man an open enemy. [Al-Isra 17: 53]

While mentioning the qualities of believers Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And those who turn away from un profitable and shameful talk and actions. [Al-Mu'minun 23: 3]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says: (A great Punishment would have touched you for that which you had spoken):
When you were spreading it with your tongues, and saying with your mouths that of which you had no knowledge; and you considered that to be insignificant, while with Allah it was something very great.
And why did you not, when you heard it, say: It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory is to You (O Allah), this is a great false accusation.
Allah advises you not to repeat this ever again, if you are believers. [An-Nur 24: 15-17]

Note: These verses refer to an incident, when the hypocrites falsely propagated a slander against 'A'ishah Radiyallahu 'anha, at which some simple Muslims innocently began to spread the rumour.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala while mentioning qualities of believers, says:
And those who do not participate in false works (neither lie, nor give false witness, nor attend meetings of wrong affairs and sins). And when they pass by playful meetings they pass honourably [Al-Furqan 25: 72]

Note: They neither join others in sins, nor pay heed to playful meetings which go beyond the forbidden limits and nor get unnecessarily involved with them.

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
And when they hear unprofitable and shameful talk, they withdraw from it. [Al-Qasas 28:55]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
O you who believe! If an evil doer brings you a piece of news, then make a strict enquiry lest(believing in his words) you harm people in ignorance and afterwards become regretful of what you have done. [Al-Hujurat 49: 6]

Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala says:
Not a word is uttered by him (man) except that there is an observer (angel) ready (to note down whatever he says). [Qaf 50: 18]

Ahadith

1. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The excellence and good observance of Islam by a man is to leave aside what does not concern him. (Tirmidhi)

Note: The meaning of this hadith is that the perfection and beauty of a man's belief is reflected in his giving up unprofitable talk and actions.

2. Sahl ibn Sa'd Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who guarantees me of what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I shall guarantee him Paradise. (Bukhari)

3. Harith ibn Hisham Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I equired Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam: Tell me something wh may hold to firmly. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam po nted towards his tongue and said: Control this. (Tabrani, Majma-uz-zawaid)

4. Abu Juhaifah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam asked the Sahabah Radiallahu 'anhum Which deed is the most pleasing to Almighty Allah? Everyone kept quiet and did not reply. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said. It is to guard one's tongue. (Baihaqi)

5. Anas ibn Malik narrates Rasullullah Sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: A slave of Allah cannot attain the reality of Iman, until he guards his tongue. (Tabarani, Majma-uz-Zawid)

6. 'Uqba ibn 'Amir Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that I asked: O Rasulallah! What is the way to salvation? He said: Control your tounge, remain in your house and weep over your sins(Tirmidhi)

Note. Control your tongue means that it should not be used wrongly, e.g. backbiting, slandering, talking immodestly speaking unnecessarily, talking carelessly, quarrelling, abusin* cursing men and animals, excessively indulging In poetry mocking disclosing secrets, making false promises, swearing falsely, duplicity, flattery and asking uncalled questions. (Ittihaf)

7. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Whom Allah saves from the evil of that which is between his jaws and the evil of that which is between his legs, he will enter Paradise. (Tirmidhi)

8. Abu Sa'id Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a man came to Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and said: O Rasulallah! Advise me. He advised (amongst other things): Protect your tongue except for good. Undoubtedly, by this you will overcome Shaitan. (Majma-'uz- Zawaid)

9. Abu Sa'id Al Khudri Radiallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When a man gets up in the morning, all the limbs humble themselves before the tongue and say: Fear Allah concerning us, for we are dependent on you. If you are straight we are straight, if you are crooked we are crooked. (Tirmidhi)

10. Abu Hurairah Radiallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was asked: What will be greatest means of people entering into Paradise? He said: Fear of Allah and good conduct. Then he was asked: What will be the greatest means of going to hell? He Said: The mouth and the Private Parts. (Tirmidhi)

11. Bara ibn -'Azib Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that a villager came to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and said" O Rasulallah! Tell me such a deed which may take me to Paradise He mentioned some deeds: To set slaves free, to relieve the neck from the burden of debt, and to gift an animal to benefit others from its milk and besides some other deeds. And then said: If you cannot do so then restrain your tongue to speak nothing but good. (Baihaqi)

12. Aswad ibne-Asram Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that he requested: O Rasulallah! Advise me. He said: Control your hands I said- If my hands are not in my control, then what else can be in my control'* Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Control your tongue I said: If my tongue is not in my control, then what else can be in my control? He then said: Do not use your hands except for good works and do not say from your tongue except what is good. (Tabrani Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

13. Aslam Rahimahullah narrates that 'Umar ibn Khattab Radiyallahu 'anhu saw Abu Bakr pulling his tongue. 'Umar asked: O Khalifah of Rasulullah! What are you doing? He said: Indeed this tongue has brought me to the place of destruction. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: There is no part of the body that does not complain to the tongue of its sharpness for its speaking evil. (Baihaqi)

14. Hudhaifah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that I was sharp tongued with my family; I said: O Rasulallah I fear that my tongue will take me to Hell. He said: Where has your seeking forgiveness gone? I undoubtedly seek forgiveness from my Rabb a hundred times every day. (Musnad Ahmad)

15. 'Adiy ibne-Hatim Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Good and evil for a man is between his two jaws. (Tabrani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

16. Hasan Rahimahullah says that a hadlth has been conveyed to us that RasQlullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: May Allah have Mercy on His slave who speaks good and avails the benefit of it, or remains silent and so remains safe. (Baihaqi)

17. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasulullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who keeps silent gets deliverance. (Tirmidhi)

Note: It means that he who restrains his tongue from useless talk is saved from many troubles, distress and harm of this world and that of the next. A man is caught up in troubles mostly on account of his tongue. (Mirqat)

18. 'Imran ibn Hattan Rahimahullah narrated that I went to Abu Dhar Radiallahu 'anhu and found him sitting alone in the masjid, with a black cloak wrapped around. I asked him: O Abu Dhar! Why this solitude? He replied: I had heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Solitude is better than an evil companion; and a good companion is better than solitude. Speaking what is good is better than silence, and silence is better than talking evil. (Baihaqi)

19. Abu Dhar Radiallahu 'anhu narrates: I went to Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam and said: O Rasulallah! Advise me. He mentioned a long tradition till he said: You observe prolonged silence, for this drives away the Shaitan and helps you in your religious affairs. Abu Dhar said: Advise me more. He said: Avoid too much laughing, for indeed it brings death to the heart, and removes the Nur (light) of the face. (Baihaqi)

20. Anas Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam met Abu Dhar and said: O Abu Dhar! Shall I not tell you of two qualities which are light on the back, and are very heavy on the Scale as compared to others? Abu Dhar said: Yes verily, O Rasulallah! He said: Adopt good manners and observe prolonged silence. I swear by Him Who has control on the life of Muhammad, none of the deeds performed by any of the creation is as virtuous as these two. (Baihaqi)

21. Mu'adh ibn Jabal Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that I asked: O Rasulallah! Is all that we say recorded for us? (and will we be punished for it) He said: May your mother be bereaved of you (understand well) that there is nothing more that throws people over their noses into Hell-Fire than the harvest of their tongues. Indeed you remain safe as long as you are silent but when you speak it will either be recorded in your favour (a good deed) or against you (a sin). (Tabrani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

Note: "May your mother be bereaved of you" is, according to the Arab tradition, an address of affection and not of cursing.

22. 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that he heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Most of the faults that the son of Adam commits are by his tongue. (Tabrani, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

23. A maid-slave of the daughter of Abul Hakam Radiyallahu 'anha narrates that she heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Indeed a person comes so close to Paradise that between him and Paradise there remains a distance of an arm's length; then he speaks such a word because of which he is removed from Paradise more than the distance from Madinah to Sana'a. (Musnad Ahmad, Majma-'uz- Zawaid)

24. Bilal ibn Harith Al-Muzani Radiyallahu 'anhu, a companion of Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Any of you says something that pleases to Allah, which he does not deem important, but by this saying, Allah destines His pleasure for him till the Day of Resurrection. And someone of you says something that displeases to Allah, which he does not deem important, but by this saying, Allah destines His displeasure for him till the Day of Resurrection. (Tirmidhi)

25. Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A man says such a word not considering it to be significant and only to make people laugh, by which he plunges himself into the depth of Hell to a distance more than that between the earth and the sky. (Musnad Ahmad)

26. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam wasallam said: A man speaks a word pleasing to Allah, without considering it of any importance, yet Allah exalts him in ranks for it. And a man speaks a word displeasing to Allah, without considering it of any importance, due to which he falls into Hell. (Bukhari)

27. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A man speaks something thoughtlessly because of which he falls deep into Hell to a distance more than that between the East and the West. (Muslim)

28. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Indeed a man says something not thinking it to be harmful, and for it, he falls into Hell equal to a journey of seventy years. (Tirmidhi)

29. 'Armr ibn 'As Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: I have been commanded to talk briefly, for brevity is better. (Aba Dawud)

30. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day, should speak what is good or be silent. (Bukhari)

31. Umme Habiba Radiyallahu 'anha, wife of Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam, narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: The words of the son of Adam are against him except enjoining good, prohibiting evil or remembering Allah. (Tirmidhi)

32. 'Abdullah ibne-'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Do not speak too much except in glorifying Allah, for talking too much without remembering Allah causes hardness of the heart. And amongst the people farthest away from Allah are those, whose hearts are hard. (Tirmidhi)

33. MughTrah ibne-Shu'bah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that he heard Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Indeed Allah has disliked three habits for you. 1) Gossiping, 2) Squandering wealth, and 3) Asking too many questions. (Bukhari)

34. 'Ammar Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: He who is two-faced in this world, will have two tongues of fire on the Day of Resurrection. (Abu Dawud)

35. Mu'adh Radiyallahu 'anhu asked: O RasQlallah! Command me such a deed that may send me to Paradise. He replied: Believe in Allah and speak good words, reward will be written for you; and speak no evil words that will be written against you. (Tabrani, Majma- 'uz-Zawaid)

36. Mu'awiyah ibn Hidah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: Woe to him who says something false just to make people laugh; woe to him, woe to him. (Tirmidhi)

37. 'Abdullah ibn 'Umar Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When a man tells a lie, the angels move a mile away from him due to the bad odour of what he came with. (Tirmidhi)

38. Sufyan ibn Asid Al-Hadrami Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: It is great unfaithfulness that you say something to your brother, and he believes you while you are lying. (Abu Dawud)

Note: This means that though lying is a serious sin, but in certain situations its seriousness is intensified. For instance, a man trusts you and you take undue advantage of this trust by lying and deceiving him.

39. Abu Umamah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: A believer may naturally have all qualities (good or bad) except deception and falsehood. (Musnad Ahmad)

40. Safwan ibn Sulaim Rahimahullah narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam was asked: Could a believer be coward? He replied: Yes. He was asked: Could a believer be a miser? He replied: Yes. He was asked: Could a believer be liar? He replied: No. (Muatta Imam Malik)

41. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: You people guarantee six things about yourselves, I guarantee Paradise for you: They asked: What are these? He said: When anyone of you speaks, he should not lie; when he makes a promise, he should not break it; when entrusted, he should not breach the trust; lower your eyes; and control your hands; and protect your private parts. (Abu Ya'ia, Majma-'uz-Zawaid)

42. 'Abdullah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasiilullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Undoubtedly, truth leads to good deeds, and good deeds lead to Paradise; a man keeps speaking the truth till he is labelled Siddiq (standard bearer of truth) by Allah. Undoubtedly falsehood leads to evil and evil leads to Hell; a man keeps lying till he is labelled as a great liar by Allah. (Muslim)

43. Hafs ibn 'Asim Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasiilullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: It is enough for a man to be a liar if he relates everything he hears. (Muslim)

Note: It means to narrate whatever one hears, without checking its truthfulness, is also a degree of falsehood, due to which one loses the trust placed in one by people.

44. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: It is enough for a man to be a sinner that he relates whatever he hears. (Abu Dawud)

45. 'Abdur Rahman ibn Abi Bakr Radiyallahu 'anhuma narrates that a person praised another before Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam (and the one being praised was also present). Nabi Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: Woe unto you! You have cut the neck of your brother (he repeated it thrice); if one of you must praise, and consider it to be essential and despite knowing him to (be good), he should just say: I think so and so is a good man, Allah is going to account him (and Allah alone in reality knows whether he is good or bad). I cannot praise .anyone before Allah with certainty. (Bukhari)

46. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: All of my followers will be forgiven, except those who sin openly. Sinning openly is that a man commits an evil deed at night; and Allah keeps it hidden then getting up at dawn he says: O so and so, I committed such and such sin last night. He spent the night in such a way that Allah veiled his sin, and at dawn he himself lifted the veil which Allah had put on him. (Bukhari)

47. Abu Hurairah Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam said: When a man says: People are ruined; he is the one who has to suffer the most. (Muslim)

48. Anas ibn Malik Radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that a SahabT died, and a man said (addressing the dead): Glad tidings of Paradise to you. Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam told him: How do you know? Perhaps he spoke something irrelevant or was miserly about something which would cause him no loss. (Tirmidhi)

Note: The meaning of this hadith is that, one should not dare to declare someone to be a man of Paradise; however due to his good deeds, one can be hopeful.

49. Hassan ibn 'Atiyyah Rahimahullah says: Shaddad ibn Aws Radiyallahu 'anhu was on a journey. He camped at a location and said to his slave: Bring the Sufra (the cloth spread on the ground for placing food to eat), to have some leisure. (Hassan says) It was surprising for me, then he said: Since I became Muslim, I never said any thing without thinking except for these words, so do not remember these words, but remember what I say now: I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu 'alaihi wasallam saying: When people start collecting treasure of gold and silver, then you make your treasure by these words:

O Allah! I seek guidance, dutifulness and firmness in every work, and the ability to express thankfulness on Your bounties, and the ability to devotedly worship You, and ask You for a clean heart (from idolatry and infidelity), and seek of You a truthful tongue, and beg for all the good in Your knowledge, and ask forgiveness from all sins in Your knowledge, and seek refuge of You from all evil in Your knowledge. Verily You have the knowledge of all the Unseen. (Musnad Ahmad)

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