azra

Allah has provided us with choices that we can make while living in this world. He has showed us the truth and also allowed Satan to distract us toward falsehood. There are some amongst us who go the extra mile and strive to stay closer to the path of the truth. Others, on the other hand find it difficult to stay away from the falsehood that Satan packages in the form of lusts and other attractions. We find in this world noble people in whose company we can find it easier to stay closer to Allah’s truth.

Ahadith:
1. Umar bin Abu Salamah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), said to me: “Mention Allah’s Name (i.e., say Bismillah before starting eating), eat with your right hand, and eat from what is near you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

COMMENTARY:

AHADITH:
1. Aishah (RadiyAllahu Anha) reported: Messenger of Allah (Sallellahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) liked to use his right hand in all matters: in combing his hair and wearing his shoes.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

2. Aishah (R.Ah.) reported: Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.S.) was used to using his right hand for performing Wudu’ and for eating his food whereas he was used to using his left hand in his toilet and for other similar purposes.
[Abu Dawud]

MISTAKE # 4: WEALTH AND HAPPINESS DOES NOT NECESSARILY IMPLY ALLAH’S HAPPINESS AND SATISFACTION

In the same Surah Kahaf, the person who was happy to be in his paradise told his companion that he didn’t believe in the day of resurrection but even if it did come, he was sure to enter paradise in the hereafter as well. In one of the tafsirs it is mentioned that since he enjoyed all the blessings in this life, he reasoned that Allah must have been happy with him.

The Quranic verse for this is the following:

MISTAKE # 3: FORGETTING THE POOR AND NEEDY

MISTAKE # 2: SOLELY ATTRIBUTING ONE’S EFFORTS AND INTELLECT TO ONES SUCCESS

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:

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]

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:

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]:

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.

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.

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:

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;

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.

* “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)

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:

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:

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.

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:

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:

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:

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)]

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).

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: