HADITH: Guidelines For Standing In A Jama’at (Congregational) Prayer

Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari (RadiyAllahu anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) would place his hands upon our shoulders when we would form rows for As-Salat (the prayer) and say, “Stand in straight rows and do not differ among yourselves, or else your hearts will differ due to disaccord. Let those be nearest to me who are mature and endowed with understanding (of the religion), then those who are nearest to them in these respects and then those who are nearest to them”.
[Muslim]

Manners of the sensible: Expressing gratitude to others

Expressing gratitude for favors done and help rendered is not only the basic requirement of social etiquette but has far reaching effects. It strengthens our relationship and adds warmth to it. On the other hand, taking others for granted, however close the relationship might be, causes disappointment and conveys the impression that we don’t know how to value people, that we just know how to use them! Thanks and appreciation expressed sincerely with a smile gives off a bright glow which is felt by the heart.

SMILING AT OTHERS IS CHARITY:

RESOLVING DIFFERENCES WITH PEOPLE

According to Abu Hurayrah (RadiyAllahu Anhu), the Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:

“The gates of Paradise will be opened on Mondays and on Thursdays, and every servant [of Allah] who associates nothing with Allah will be forgiven, except for the man who has a grudge against his brother. [About them] it will be said: ‘Delay these two until they are reconciled; delay these two until they are reconciled.’”

[Muslim (also by Malik and Abu Dawud)]

HYPOCRISY!

‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:

“Four are the qualities which, when found in a person, make him a sheer hypocrite, and one who possesses one of them, possesses one characteristic of hypocrisy until he abandons it. These are:

* When he is entrusted with something, he betrays trust;

* when he speaks, he lies;

* when he promises, he acts treacherously; and

* when he argues, he behaves in a very imprudent, insulting manner.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

COMMENTARY:

THE ISLAMIC ETIQUETTE OF DEALING WITH PEOPLE

Islamic teachings put great emphasis in how we deal with people in our daily lives. The prophet (S.A.W.S.) summed up his message by stating:

“I have been sent to perfect the best of manners.”

As Muslims, we, therefore, have to be aware of how each one of us deals with people in our circles. Our good dealings not only will ensure that we are not violating other people’s rights but can also make us accepted, loved and appreciated by others. Luqman once said to his son:

Islamic Etiquette – Not showing pride and arrogance

It is so easy to get carried away by whatever we may possess of wealth and the good things of life. It is so easy and common to credit ourselves with our achievements and feel proud of them, and then, as a matter of course, to look down upon others who haven’t been able to make the same effort or reach the status we might have achieved. What makes all this happen is our own ego and the ever opportunistic Satan who knows our vulnerability.

And so The One Who cares for our well being the most, Allah the Most Merciful, has warned us against falling into the trap of pride and arrogance.

REMEMBERING ALLAH WHEN ENTERING THE HOUSE:

Hadith:
Jaabir bin ‘Abd Allaah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) that he said:
‘I heard the Messenger of Allah sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam say:

“When a man enters his house and remembers Allah – the Honourable and Majestic – with his entering and eating, Satan says, ‘No place to sleep and no supper for you.’ And when man enters and does not remember Allah with his entrance, Satan says, ‘You’ve found your place to sleep.’ If he doesn’t remember Allah when eating, he says, ‘You’ve found somewhere to sleep and have supper.'”

[Muslim: 5362]

HAYA (MODESTY)

Hadith:
Ibn Umar (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Aleyhi Wa Sallam) passed by a man of the Ansar who was admonishing his brother regarding shyness. Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) said:

“Leave him alone, for modesty is a part of Iman.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary:

Q’ADAR (DESTINY)

Hadith:
On the authority of Abdullah bin Abbas (RadiyAllahu Anhu), who said:
‘One day I was behind the prophet (Sallellahu Aleyhi Wa Sallam) and he said to me:

“Young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]:

LET LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING DOMINATE THE FAMILY AFFAIRS!

FOSTER A CULTURE OF ISLAMIC LEARNING AND KNOWLEDGE:

Fostering and nurturing a learning environment at home where family members share Islamic teachings regularly can help all members to become more knowledgeable about Islam, improving one’s life in turn. Let’s remind ourselves that the prophet (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) used to teach his wives / family and even servants quite regularly.

LET RESPECT, KINDNESS, AND TRUST RULE THE AFFAIRS OF THE FAMILY!

Aa’ishah (RadiyAllahu Anha) said: “The Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:
“When Allah – may He be glorified – wills some good towards the people of a household, He introduces kindness among them.”
(Reported by Imaam Ahmad in “al-Musnad”, 6/71; “Saheeh al-Jaami’”, 303).

Each individual has a unique identity and individuality that deserves to be respected. Giving time to listen to each other and helping solve problems in the light of Islam will make a household more conducive for productive problem solving.

TRUST IN ALLAH!

Ibn Shaddad al-Fahri (r.a.) reported that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said:

“This world, in comparison with the world to come, is the same as if one of you were to put his finger in the ocean. Consider how much you would have when you pulled it out.”
[Muslim]

Abu Hazim az Zahid (r.al) was asked:
“What is your wealth?”
He said:
“Two kinds of wealth dispel all fear of poverty; trust in Allah and not being attached to what people have.”
He was asked:
“Don’t you fear poverty?”
He said:

MAKE HOME A PLACE FOR THE FAMILY TO WORSHIP ALLAH!

Let us start with the basics. Allah clearly tells that He created us to worship Him. That involves following His commands in our daily lives as well as remembering Him through various Ibadaat such as prayers, Quran recitation and so on.

Within a family, we need to ensure following all that is needed to fulfill our minimum responsibilities of worshiping Him along with helping others to perform theirs.

For example;

HOW TO LIVE ISLAM WITHIN A FAMILY (HOME)?

Strong family ties built on the teachings of Quran and Sunnah provide the necessary foundation for a happy and joyous household and in turn contribute to the overall health of a society. On the other hand, members of troubled families struggle to maintain calm within and watch helplessly as day to day troubles tarnish and strain their relationships, and as a result grapple with daily stress in their lives. In extreme cases, this might result in corrupting the very foundations of societies at large.

ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE!

* “On that account We ordained for the Children of Isra’il that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear (guidance), yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” (Qur’an: 5: 32)

PATIENCE!

Anas (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: I was walking with Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) who was wearing a Najrani cloak with a very thick border when a bedouin happened to meet him. He took hold of the side of his cloak and drew it violently. I noticed that the violence of jerk had bruised the neck of Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.). The bedouin said: “O Muhammad! Give me out of Allah’s wealth that you possess.” Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) turned to him and smiled and directed that he should be given something.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

COMMENTARY:

ATTRIBUTES OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PIETY DEFINED IN ISLAM

This Quran verse / Ayah contains great wisdom, encompassing foundations for correct beliefs and to raise the awareness about not to sometimes get lost in the mechanics of various Ibadah. In this verse, Allah first commanded the believers to face Bayt Al-Maqdis, and then to face the Kaaba in Makkah during the prayer. This change was difficult for some of the People of the Book, and even for some Muslims. Then Allah sent the revelation which clarified the wisdom behind this command.

Allah says in the Quran:

GOOD NATURE!

Hadith:
Ibn Mas’ud (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) said:

“Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having polite and tender nature.”

[At-Tirmidhii]
COMMENTARY:
The Hadith throws light on a kind bearing which is rooted in Faith and saves man from Hell-fire. The second lesson is that prior to discussing something important with somebody we should make him attentive and receptive, so that he may take interest and put faith in what we tell him.

BE LENIENT!

Hadith:
Abu Hurairah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: A bedouin urinated in the mosque and some people rushed to beat him up. The Prophet (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:

“Leave him alone and pour a bucket of water over it. You have been sent to make things easy and not to make them difficult.”

[Al-Bukhari]
COMMENTARY:

REWARD OF HIGH MORALS

Hadith:
Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said: “I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for one who has good manners.”
[Abu Dawud]
Commentary:

PATH TO PARADISE OR HELL

Abu Hurairah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) was asked about the deed which will be foremost to lead a man to Jannah. He replied:

“Fear of Allah and the good conduct.”

Then he was asked about indulgence which will admit a man to Hell (Fire) and he answered:

“The tongue and the genitals.”

[At-Tirmidhi]
COMMENTARY:

THE GREATEST SURAH IN THE QUR’AN – ‘AL-FATIHAH’

According to the hadith of the prophet (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) (see below), Surah Al-Fatihah is the greatest Surah in the Quran. This Surah has many benefits as was mentioned to us by the prophet (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam).

“IT CAN BE USED TO WARD OFF EVIL AND AS A GENERAL HEALING.”

The reference to this Surah is also made in other parts of the Quran. Consider the following verse of Surah Al-Hijr:

“And indeed, We have bestowed upon you seven of Al-Mathani (the seven repeatedly recited Verses), (i.e. Surat Al-Fatiha) and the Grand Quran.”
[Quran: Surah Al-Hijr (87)]

BEAUTIFUL DHIKR

A collection of various forms of dhikr and tasbih from the Sunnah.

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ – SubhanAllahi wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and Praise Him).

Whoever says (the above) at morning and evening time, one hundred times, none shall come on the Day of Resurrection with anything better except someone who has said the same or more.[1]

سُبْحَانَ اللّهِ وَ بِحَمْدِهِ – SubhanAllah wa biHamdihi (Glory be to Allah and Praise Him).

SELF-PRAISE AND ADMIRATION

Abu Hurairah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) said:

“While a man was walking, dressed in clothes admiring himself, his hair combed, walking haughtily when Allah caused the earth to swallow him. Now he will continue to go down in it (as a punishment) until the Day of Resurrection.”

[Muslim]
COMMENTARY: