The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said,

“Those in solitude have raced ahead, who are absorbed in the remembrance of Allah. Remembrance has lifted their burdens and they will come on the Day of Resurrection weightless.”

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3596

Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Tirmidhi

Narrated Abu Hurairah [رضي الله عنه]: Allāh's Messenger ﷺ said:

❝Whoever observes Saum [fasts] during the month of Ramadān out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allāh's Rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.❞

[Sahīh Bukhari, (1/38) | Translated By Muhsin Khan]

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever takes a complete bath on Friday then goes very early to the Khutbah, walking and not riding, sits close to the Imam, listens and does not speak or keep himself busy, then for every step is the reward equivalent to a year of fasting and praying.”

[Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi; authenticated in Saheeh Al-Jaami' As-Sagheer' no. 6405]

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,

“When a man goes out of his house to his masjid, one foot records a good deed and the other erases a bad deed.”

[Sunan An-Nasa'i 705]

The Prophet ﷺ said: “If a woman prays her five (daily prayers), fasts her month (Ramadaan), guards her chastity and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: ‘Enter Paradise from whichever of the gates of Paradise you wish.’”

[Sahīh al-Jāmi', #660]

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“On Friday there is an hour when, if a Muslim happens to pray at that time and ask Allāh for something good, He will give it to him.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari, 5295 | Sahih Muslim, 852]⁣

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever harms [others], Allah will harm him, and whoever causes hardship [to others] Allah will cause hardship to him.”

Abu Dawood (3635), at-Tirmidhi (1940)

In another narration, The Prophet ﷺ said:

“There should be neither causing harm nor reciprocating harm. Whoever harms [others], Allah will harm him, and whoever causes hardship [to others], Allah will cause hardship to him.”

Haakim (2345) and al-Bayhaqi (11384)

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Black Seed is a cure for every disease except death.”

[Saheeh Al-Bukhaari, (No. 5688)]

Patience and Perseverance

An-Nawawi records in his book Riyad us-Saliheen:

Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

O you who believe, be patient and endure and stand guard and fear Allah that you may be successful.

Surat Ali Imran 3:200

And Allah said:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُم بِشَيْءٍ مِّنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient.

Surat Al-Baqarah 2:155

And Allah said:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُم بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

Verily, only the patient will receive their reward without reckoning.

Surat Az-Zumar 39:10

And Allah said:

وَلَمَن صَبَرَ وَغَفَرَ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ

Whoever is patient and forgives, verily, that is of the matters requiring resolve.

Surat Ash-Shura 42:43

And Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Verily, Allah is with the patient.

Surat Al-Baqarah 2:153

And Allah said:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ حَتَّىٰ نَعْلَمَ الْمُجَاهِدِينَ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَنَبْلُوَ أَخْبَارَكُمْ

We will surely test you until We make evident those who strive among you and are patient, and We will test your affairs.

Surat Muhammad 47:31

Abu Malik al-Ash’ari reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

الطُّهُورُ شَطْرُ الْإِيمَانِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ تَمْلَأُ الْمِيزَانَ وَسُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ تَمْلَآَنِ أَوْ تَمْلَأُ مَا بَيْنَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ وَالصَّلَاةُ نُورٌ وَالصَّدَقَةُ بُرْهَانٌ وَالصَّبْرُ ضِيَاءٌ وَالْقُرْآنُ حُجَّةٌ لَكَ أَوْ عَلَيْكَ كُلُّ النَّاسِ يَغْدُو فَبَايِعٌ نَفْسَهُ فَمُعْتِقُهَا أَوْ مُوبِقُهَا

Purity is half of faith and the praise of Allah fills the scale, and glorification and praise fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is a light, charity is proof of faith, and patience is illumination. The Quran is a proof for you or against you. All people go out early in the morning and sell themselves, either setting themselves free or destroying themselves.

Source: Sahih Muslim 223, Grade: Sahih

Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri reported: Some people from the Ansar asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and he gave them. Then they asked for charity again and he gave them. Then they asked again and he gave them until all he had was gone. The Prophet said:

مَا يَكُونُ عِنْدِي مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَنْ أَدَّخِرَهُ عَنْكُمْ وَمَنْ يَسْتَعْفِفْ يُعِفَّهُ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ يَسْتَغْنِ يُغْنِهِ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ يَتَصَبَّرْ يُصَبِّرْهُ اللَّهُ وَمَا أُعْطِيَ أَحَدٌ عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنْ الصَّبْرِ

If I had anything, I would not withhold it. Whoever refrains from asking others, then Allah will make him content. Whoever would be self-sufficient, then Allah will make him self-sufficient. Whoever would be patient, then Allah will make him patient. There is no gift that is better and more comprehensive than patience.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 1400, Grade: Sahih

Suhaib reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ

Wondrous is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him, and if he is harmed, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2999, Grade: Sahih

Usama ibn Zaid reported: The daughter of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, sent a messenger to him requesting his presence as her child was dying, but the Prophet returned the messenger and told him to greet her with peace and to say:

إِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا أَخَذَ وَلَهُ مَا أَعْطَى وَكُلٌّ عِنْدَهُ بِأَجَلٍ مُسَمًّى فَلْتَصْبِرْ وَلْتَحْتَسِبْ

Verily, whatever Allah takes is for Him and whatever He gives is for Him, and everything with Him has a fixed term, so she should be patient and hope for reward from Allah.

She again sent for him, swearing that he should come. The Prophet arose along with Sa’d ibn Ubada, Mu’adh ibn Jabal, Ubai ibn Ka’b, Zaid ibn Thabit and some other men. The child was brought to the Prophet of Allah while his breath was disturbed in his chest, as if it was a leather skin. The eyes of the Prophet started to shed tears. Sa’d said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is this?” The Prophet said:

هَذِهِ رَحْمَةٌ جَعَلَهَا اللَّهُ فِي قُلُوبِ عِبَادِهِ وَإِنَّمَا يَرْحَمُ اللَّهُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِ الرُّحَمَاءَ

It is mercy which Allah has rooted in the hearts of His servants, and Allah is merciful only to His servants who are merciful.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 1224, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by a woman who was weeping beside a grave. The Prophet said:

اتَّقِي اللَّهَ وَاصْبِرِي

Be mindful of Allah and be patient.

She said, “Go away from me, for you have not been afflicted by a calamity like mine!” And she did not recognize him. Then, she was told that it was the Prophet, so she went to the house of the Prophet and she did not find any bodyguards there. She said to him, “I did not recognize you.” The Prophet said:

إِنَّمَا الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الْأُولَى

Verily, patience is at the first strike.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 1223, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى مَا لِعَبْدِي الْمُؤْمِنِ عِنْدِي جَزَاءٌ إِذَا قَبَضْتُ صَفِيَّهُ مِنْ أَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا ثُمَّ احْتَسَبَهُ إِلَّا الْجَنَّةُ

Allah the Exalted says: I have nothing to give to My believing servant other than Paradise if I cause his dear friend to die and he remains patient.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 6060, Grade: Sahih

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about pestilence and he said:

كَانَ عَذَابًا يَبْعَثُهُ اللَّهُ عَلَى مَنْ يَشَاءُ فَجَعَلَهُ اللَّهُ رَحْمَةً لِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ فَلَيْسَ مِنْ عَبْدٍ يَقَعُ الطَّاعُونُ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي بَلَدِهِ صَابِرًا يَعْلَمُ أَنَّهُ لَنْ يُصِيبَهُ إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لَهُ إِلَّا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِ الشَّهِيدِ

It is a punishment which Allah sends upon whoever He wills, but Allah has made it mercy for the believers. Any servant who resides in a town plagued with pestilence while remaining patient and hoping for reward from Allah, knowing that nothing will befall him except what Allah has written, then he will be given the reward of a martyr.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5402, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ إِذَا ابْتَلَيْتُ عَبْدِي بِحَبِيبَتَيْهِ فَصَبَرَ عَوَّضْتُهُ مِنْهُمَا الْجَنَّةَ

Allah said: If I afflict my servant in his two dear eyes and he remains patient, then he will be compensated with Paradise.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5329, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, tell the story of a Prophet who was beaten by his people and he wiped the blood from his face, saying:

رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِقَوْمِي فَإِنَّهُمْ لاَ يَعْلَمُونَ

My Lord, forgive my people for they do not know.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 6530, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَا يُصِيبُ الْمُؤْمِنَ مِنْ شَوْكَةٍ فَمَا فَوْقَهَا إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ بِهَا دَرَجَةً أَوْ حَطَّ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةً

No believer is pricked by a thorn or more, except that Allah will raise him one degree in status or He will erase a sin.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2572, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَا يَزَالُ الْبَلَاءُ بِالْمُؤْمِنِ وَالْمُؤْمِنَةِ فِي نَفْسِهِ وَوَلَدِهِ وَمَالِهِ حَتَّى يَلْقَى اللَّهَ وَمَا عَلَيْهِ خَطِيئَةٌ

The believing men and women continue to be under trial in their selves, their children, and their wealth until they meet Allah without any sin.

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2399, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ يُرِدِ اللَّهُ بِهِ خَيْرًا يُصِبْ مِنْهُ

If Allah intends good for someone, then He afflicts him with trials.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5321, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا يَتَمَنَّيَنَّ أَحَدُكُمْ الْمَوْتَ مِنْ ضُرٍّ أَصَابَهُ فَإِنْ كَانَ لَا بُدَّ فَاعِلًا فَلْيَقُلْ اللَّهُمَّ أَحْيِنِي مَا كَانَتْ الْحَيَاةُ خَيْرًا لِي وَتَوَفَّنِي إِذَا كَانَتْ الْوَفَاةُ خَيْرًا لِي

None of you should wish for death because of a calamity that has afflicted him, but if he must do something he should say: O Allah, keep me alive so long as life is good for me and cause me to die if death is better for me.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5437, Grade: Sahih

Khabbab ibn Al-Arat reported: We complained to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, while he was leaning against his cloak in the shade of the Ka’bah. We said, “Will you ask Allah to help us? Will you supplicate to Allah for us?” The Prophet said:

كَانَ مَنْ قَبْلَكُمْ يُؤْخَذُ الرَّجُلُ فَيُحْفَرُ لَهُ فِي الْأَرْضِ فَيُجْعَلُ فِيهَا فَيُجَاءُ بِالْمِنْشَارِ فَيُوضَعُ عَلَى رَأْسِهِ فَيُجْعَلُ نِصْفَيْنِ وَيُمْشَطُ بِأَمْشَاطِ الْحَدِيدِ مَا دُونَ لَحْمِهِ وَعَظْمِهِ فَمَا يَصُدُّهُ ذَلِكَ عَنْ دِينِهِ وَاللَّهِ لَيَتِمَّنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرُ حَتَّى يَسِيرَ الرَّاكِبُ مِنْ صَنْعَاءَ إِلَى حَضْرَمَوْتَ لَا يَخَافُ إِلَّا اللَّهَ وَالذِّئْبَ عَلَى غَنَمِهِ وَلَكِنَّكُمْ تَسْتَعْجِلُونَ

Among those before you, a believer would be seized and a ditch would be dug for him and he would be thrown into it. Then, they would bring a saw which would be put on his head so that he is split into two halves. His flesh would be torn away from the bone with iron combs. Yet, all of this did not cause him to abandon his religion. By Allah, this religion will be completed until a rider travels from Yemen to Hadhramaut fearing no one but Allah and the wolf lest it trouble his sheep. Rather, you are impatient.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 6544, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was distributing charity among people when a man from the Ansar said, “By Allah, Muhammad did not intend to please Allah with this distribution!” I came to the Prophet and informed him about this, then anger could be seen on his face and the Prophet said:

قَدْ أُوذِيَ مُوسَى بِأَكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ فَصَبَرَ

Moses was hurt with more than this, yet he remained patient.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5749, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِعَبْدِهِ الْخَيْرَ عَجَّلَ لَهُ الْعُقُوبَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِعَبْدِهِ الشَّرَّ أَمْسَكَ عَنْهُ بِذَنْبِهِ حَتَّى يُوَافِيَ بِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

When Allah intends good for His servant, He hastens the punishment for him in this world, and when Allah intends evil for His servant, He withholds punishment for his sins until he appears on the Day of Resurrection.

Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2396, Grade: Hasan

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَيْسَ الشَّدِيدُ بِالصُّرَعَةِ إِنَّمَا الشَّدِيدُ الَّذِي يَمْلِكُ نَفْسَهُ عِنْدَ الْغَضَبِ

The strong are not the best wrestlers. Verily, the strong are only those who control themselves when they are angry.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2609, Grade: Sahih

Sulayman ibn Surad reported: Two people abused each other in the presence of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, and the eyes of one of them became red like embers and the veins of his neck were swelling. So the Prophet said:

إِنِّي لَأَعْرِفُ كَلِمَةً لَوْ قَالَهَا لَذَهَبَ عَنْهُ الَّذِي يَجِدُ أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ

Verily, I know a word he could say to calm himself: I seek refuge in Allah from the cursed Satan.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2610, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: A man came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and said, “Advise me.” The Prophet said:

لَا تَغْضَبْ

Do not get angry.

The man repeated his request twice, and the Prophet said:

لَا تَغْضَبْ

Do not get angry.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 5765, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّهَا سَتَكُونُ بَعْدِي أَثَرَةٌ وَأُمُورٌ تُنْكِرُونَهَا

Verily, after me there will be favoritism and many things you will reject.

They said, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you order us to do if we live during that?” The Prophet said:

تُؤَدُّونَ الْحَقَّ الَّذِي عَلَيْكُمْ وَتَسْأَلُونَ اللَّهَ الَّذِي لَكُمْ

Fulfill your responsibilities and ask Allah for your rights.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1843, Grade: Sahih

Usaid ibn Hudair reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّكُمْ سَتَلْقَوْنَ بَعْدِي أَثَرَةً فَاصْبِرُوا حَتَّى تَلْقَوْنِي عَلَى الْحَوْضِ

Verily, you will see favoritism after me, so you should be patient until you meet me at the fountain in Paradise.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1845, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

‏لاَ تَمَنَّوْا لِقَاءَ الْعَدُوِّ فَإِذَا لَقِيتُمُوهُمْ فَاصْبِرُوا

Do not wish to meet the enemy in battle, but if you meet them, then be patient.

Source: Sahih Bukhari 2863, Grade: Sahih

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب في الاستقامة

Chapter on integrity, uprightness, and steadfastness.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/38

Allah Almighty said:

فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ

Remain upright as you have been commanded, you and those who turn in repentance along with you, and do not transgress. Verily, He sees what you do.

Surat Hud 11:112

And Allah said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ نَحْنُ أَوْلِيَاؤُكُمْ فِي الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَشْتَهِي أَنفُسُكُمْ وَلَكُمْ فِيهَا مَا تَدَّعُونَ نُزُلًا مِّنْ غَفُورٍ رَّحِيمٍ

Verily, those who say our Lord is Allah and then remain upright, the angels will descend upon them, saying: Do not fear nor grieve, and receive glad tidings of Paradise that you have been promised. We were your allies in the world and in the Hereafter. You will have therein whatever your souls desire and request, an accommodation from the Forgiving, the Merciful.

Surat Fussilat 41:30-32

And Allah said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ أُولَٰئِكَ أَصْحَابُ الْجَنَّةِ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا جَزَاءً بِمَا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ

Verily, those who say our Lord is Allah and then remain upright, they will not fear, nor will they grieve. Those are the companions of Paradise, abiding therein as a reward for what they have done.

Surat al-Ahqaf 46:13-14

Sufyan ibn Abdullah reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a word in Islam I will not need to ask of anyone after you.” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

قُلْ آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ فَاسْتَقِمْ ‏‏

Say, ‘I have faith in Allah,’ and then remain steadfast.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 38, Grade: Sahih

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

سَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا فَإِنَّهُ لَنْ يُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ أَحَدًا عَمَلُهُ

Follow the right course, seek nearness to Allah, and give glad tidings. Verily, none of you will enter Paradise by his deeds alone.

They said, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet said:

وَلَا أَنَا إِلَّا أَنْ يَتَغَمَّدَنِيَ اللَّهُ مِنْهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ أَحَبَّ الْعَمَلِ إِلَى اللَّهِ أَدْوَمُهُ وَإِنْ قَلَّ

Not even me, unless Allah grants me his mercy. Know that the most beloved deed to Allah is that which is done regularly, even if it is small.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6099, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Truthfulness and Honesty

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب الصدق

Chapter on truthfulness and honesty.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/35

Allah Almighty said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَكُونُوا مَعَ الصَّادِقِينَ

O you who have faith, fear Allah and be with those who are true.

Surat al-Tawbah 9:119

And Allah said:

إِنَّ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَالْمُسْلِمَاتِ وَالْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَالْمُؤْمِنَاتِ وَالْقَانِتِينَ وَالْقَانِتَاتِ وَالصَّادِقِينَ وَالصَّادِقَاتِ وَالصَّابِرِينَ وَالصَّابِرَاتِ وَالْخَاشِعِينَ وَالْخَاشِعَاتِ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقِينَ وَالْمُتَصَدِّقَاتِ وَالصَّائِمِينَ وَالصَّائِمَاتِ وَالْحَافِظِينَ فُرُوجَهُمْ وَالْحَافِظَاتِ وَالذَّاكِرِينَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًا وَالذَّاكِرَاتِ أَعَدَّ اللَّهُ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةً وَأَجْرًا عَظِيمًا

Verily, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting men and fasting women, the men who guard their chastity and the women who do so, the men who remember Allah often and the women who do so, for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.

Surat al-Ahzab 33:35

And Allah said:

فَلَوْ صَدَقُوا اللَّهَ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ

If they had been true to Allah, it would have been better for them.

Surat Muhammad 47:21

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

عَلَيْكُمْ بِالصِّدْقِ فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْبِرِّ وَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَصْدُقُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الصِّدْقَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ صِدِّيقًا وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْكَذِبَ فَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْفُجُورِ وَإِنَّ الْفُجُورَ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَكْذِبُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الْكَذِبَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ كَذَّابًا

You must be truthful. Verily, truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to be truthful and encourages honesty until he is recorded with Allah as truthful. And beware of falsehood. Verily, falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A man continues tell lies and encourages falsehood until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2607, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Hasan ibn Ali reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

دَعْ مَا يَرِيبُكَ إِلَى مَا لَا يَرِيبُكَ فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ طُمَأْنِينَةٌ وَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ رِيبَةٌ

Leave what makes you doubt for what does not make you doubt. Verily, truth brings peace of mind and falsehood sows doubt.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2518, Grade: Sahih

Abu Sufyan reported:

يَقُولُ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَحْدَهُ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا وَاتْرُكُوا مَا يَقُولُ آبَاؤُكُمْ وَيَأْمُرُنَا بِالصَّلَاةِ وَالزَّكَاةِ وَالصِّدْقِ وَالْعَفَافِ وَالصِّلَةِ

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with him, and to renounce what our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste, and to keep good relations with our families

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7, Grade: Sahih

Sahl ibn Hanif reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ سَأَلَ اللَّهَ الشَّهَادَةَ بِصِدْقٍ بَلَّغَهُ اللَّهُ مَنَازِلَ الشُّهَدَاءِ وَإِنْ مَاتَ عَلَى فِرَاشِهِ

Whoever honestly asks Allah for martyrdom, Allah will give him the status of a martyr even if he dies in his bed.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1909, Grade: Sahih

Hakim ibn Hizam reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

الْبَيِّعَانِ بِالْخِيَارِ مَا لَمْ يَتَفَرَّقَا فَإِنْ صَدَقَا وَبَيَّنَا بُورِكَ لَهُمَا فِي بَيْعِهِمَا وَإِنْ كَذَبَا وَكَتَمَا مُحِقَ بَرَكَةُ بَيْعِهِمَا

Both parties in a business transaction have the right to annul it, as long as they have not separated. If they are truthful and clear with one another, there is blessing in their transaction. If they lie and conceal something, the blessing of their transaction will be eliminated.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1973, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Reliance, Conviction, and Trust in Allah

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب في اليقين والتوكل

Chapter on conviction and trust in Allah.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/43

Allah Almighty said:

وَلَمَّا رَأَى الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الْأَحْزَابَ قَالُوا هَٰذَا مَا وَعَدَنَا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَصَدَقَ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ ۚ وَمَا زَادَهُمْ إِلَّا إِيمَانًا وَتَسْلِيمًا

When the believers saw the companies, they said: This is what Allah and his messenger had promised us, and Allah and his messenger spoke the truth. It only increased their faith and submission.

Surat al-Ahzab 33:22

And Allah said:

الَّذِينَ قَالَ لَهُمُ النَّاسُ إِنَّ النَّاسَ قَدْ جَمَعُوا لَكُمْ فَاخْشَوْهُمْ فَزَادَهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَقَالُوا حَسْبُنَا اللَّهُ وَنِعْمَ الْوَكِيلُ

Those to whom the people said: Indeed, the people have gathered against you, so fear them! But it only increased their faith, and they said: Sufficient for us is Allah, and he is an excellent guardian.

Surat Ali Imran 3:173

And Allah said:

وَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى الْحَيِّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِهِ

Rely upon the Living, who does not die, and exalt his praise.

Surat al-Furqan 25:58

And Allah said:

وَعَلَى اللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ

And upon Allah let the believers rely.

Surat Ibrahim 14:11

And Allah said:

فَإِذَا عَزَمْتَ فَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَوَكِّلِينَ

When you have made the decision, rely upon Allah. Verily, Allah loves those who trust him.

Surat Ali Imran 3:159

And Allah said:

وَمَن يَتَوَكَّلْ عَلَى اللَّهِ فَهُوَ حَسْبُهُ ۚ

Whoever relied upon Allah, he will suffice him.

Surat al-Talaq 65:3

And Allah said:

إِنَّمَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ الَّذِينَ إِذَا ذُكِرَ اللَّهُ وَجِلَتْ قُلُوبُهُمْ وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا وَعَلَىٰ رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful. When his verses are recited to them, it increases their faith, and they rely upon their Lord.

Surat al-Anfal 8:2

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

عُرِضَتْ عَلَيَّ الْأُمَمُ فَجَعَلَ النَّبِيُّ وَالنَّبِيَّانِ يَمُرُّونَ مَعَهُمْ الرَّهْطُ وَالنَّبِيُّ لَيْسَ مَعَهُ أَحَدٌ حَتَّى رُفِعَ لِي سَوَادٌ عَظِيمٌ قُلْتُ مَا هَذَا أُمَّتِي هَذِهِ قِيلَ بَلْ هَذَا مُوسَى وَقَوْمُهُ قِيلَ انْظُرْ إِلَى الْأُفُقِ فَإِذَا سَوَادٌ يَمْلَأُ الْأُفُقَ ثُمَّ قِيلَ لِي انْظُرْ هَا هُنَا وَهَا هُنَا فِي آفَاقِ السَّمَاءِ فَإِذَا سَوَادٌ قَدْ مَلَأَ الْأُفُقَ قِيلَ هَذِهِ أُمَّتُكَ وَيَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ مِنْ هَؤُلَاءِ سَبْعُونَ أَلْفًا بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

I was shown the nations before me and one or two prophets would pass by with only a few followers and another would pass by with none. Then a large crowd of people passed in front of me and I asked: Are they my followers? It was said: No, this is Moses and his followers. Then it was said: Look at the horizon. Behold, there was a multitude of people filling the horizon. It was said: This is your nation from which seventy thousand will enter Paradise without being taken to account.

Then, the Prophet entered his house without telling them who the seventy thousand were, so the people started discussing the issue and they said, “It is we who have believed in Allah and followed his messenger, so those people are either ourselves or our children who are born in the era of Islam, for we were born in the time of ignorance.” When the Prophet heard that, he came out and he said:

هُمْ الَّذِينَ لَا يَسْتَرْقُونَ وَلَا يَتَطَيَّرُونَ وَلَا يَكْتَوُونَ وَعَلَى رَبِّهِمْ يَتَوَكَّلُونَ

They are those who do not treat themselves with incantations, nor do they believe in bad or good omens, nor do they get themselves cauterized. Rather, they put their trust in their Lord.

‘Ukkashah ibn Muhsin said, “O Messenger of Allah, am I one of them?” The Prophet said yes. Another man got up and he said, “Am I one of them?” The Prophet said:

سَبَقَكَ بِهَا عُكَّاشَةُ

‘Ukkashah has preceded you.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5378, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, used to say:

اللَّهُمَّ لَكَ أَسْلَمْتُ وَبِكَ آمَنْتُ وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْكَ أَنَبْتُ وَبِكَ خَاصَمْتُ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِعِزَّتِكَ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ أَنْ تُضِلَّنِي أَنْتَ الْحَيُّ الَّذِي لَا يَمُوتُ وَالْجِنُّ وَالْإِنْسُ يَمُوتُونَ

O Allah, I have surrendered to you and I have faith in you. I trust in you and I have turned to you. I have contested my opponents for your sake. O Allah, I seek refuge in your power from going astray, for there is no God but you. You are the Living who never dies, while the jinn and humans die.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6948, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ أَقْوَامٌ أَفْئِدَتُهُمْ مِثْلُ أَفْئِدَةِ الطَّيْرِ

People whose hearts are like the hearts of birds will enter Paradise.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2840, Grade: Sahih

Al-Nawawi commented on this tradition, saying:

قيل معْنَاهُ مُتوَكِّلُون وقِيلَ قُلُوبُهُمْ رقِيقةٌ

It is interpreted to mean those who rely upon Allah, or those who have soft hearts.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/45

Jabir reported: We took part in the expedition with the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. When the time for afternoon rest approached, he was in a valley of thorny trees. The Prophet dismounted under a tree to rest in its shade and hung his sword upon it. The people dispersed among the trees for their shade. While we were like this, the Prophet called us and we came to find a bedouin sitting in front of him. The Prophet said:

إِنَّ هَذَا اخْتَرَطَ عَلَيَّ سَيْفِي وَأَنَا نَائِمٌ فَاسْتَيْقَظْتُ وَهُوَ فِي يَدِهِ صَلْتًا فَقَالَ مَنْ يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي فَقُلْتُ اللَّهُ ثَلَاثًا

This man stole my sword while I was sleeping and I woke up. It was in his hand unsheathed and he said: Who will protect you from me? I said three times: Allah.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2753, Grade: Sahih

In another narration, the man said, “Who will protect you from me?” The Prophet said:

اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ

Allah Almighty.

Then, the sword fell from his hand and the Prophet seized it. The Prophet said:

مَنْ يَمْنَعُكَ مِنِّي

Who will protect you from me?

The idolater said, “Be good to me!” The Prophet said:

أَتَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ

Will you bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I am the Messenger of Allah?

The man said, “No, but I give you my word that I will not fight you and I will not join anyone who is fighting you.” The Prophet let him go on his way. The man returned to his people and said:

جِئْتُكُمْ مِنْ عِنْدِ خَيْرِ النَّاسِ

I have just come to you from the best of people!

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 14768, Grade: Sahih

Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَوْ أَنَّكُمْ كُنْتُمْ تَوَكَّلُونَ عَلَى اللَّهِ حَقَّ تَوَكُّلِهِ لَرُزِقْتُمْ كَمَا يُرْزَقُ الطَّيْرُ تَغْدُو خِمَاصًا وَتَرُوحُ بِطَانًا

If you were to rely upon Allah with reliance due to him, he would provide for you just as he provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with empty stomachs and return full.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2344, Grade: Sahih

Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِذَا أَخَذْتَ مَضْجَعَكَ فَتَوَضَّأْ وُضُوءَكَ لِلصَّلاَةِ ثُمَّ اضْطَجِعْ عَلَى شِقِّكَ الأَيْمَنِ ثُمَّ قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْلَمْتُ وَجْهِي إِلَيْكَ وَفَوَّضْتُ أَمْرِي إِلَيْكَ وَأَلْجَأْتُ ظَهْرِي إِلَيْكَ رَغْبَةً وَرَهْبَةً إِلَيْكَ لاَ مَلْجَأَ وَلاَ مَنْجَا مِنْكَ إِلاَّ إِلَيْكَ آمَنْتُ بِكِتَابِكَ الَّذِي أَنْزَلْتَ وَبِنَبِيِّكَ الَّذِي أَرْسَلْتَ

When you go to sleep, perform ablution as for your prayer, then lie down on your right side and say: O Allah, I submit my face to you, and entrust my affair to you, and commit myself to you in hope and fear of you. There is no refuge or place of safety but with you. I believe in the Book you have revealed, and the Prophet you have sent.

Then, the Prophet said:

وَاجْعَلْهُنَّ مِنْ آخِرِ كَلاَمِكَ فَإِنْ مُتَّ مِنْ لَيْلَتِكَ مُتَّ وَأَنْتَ عَلَى الْفِطْرَةِ

Make these your last words. Verily, whoever said this and died in the night will have died upon natural instinct.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5952, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Bakr reported: While we were in the cave fleeing to Medina, I said to the Prophet, “If one of them were to look down, they would see us under their feet!” The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَا أَبَا بَكْرٍ مَا ظَنُّكَ بِاثْنَيْنِ اللَّهُ ثَالِثُهُمَا

O Abu Bakr, what do you think about two with whom Allah is the third?

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3096, Grade: Sahih

Umm Salamah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, would say when leaving the house:

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ أَنْ نَزِلَّ أَوْ نَضِلَّ أَوْ نَظْلِمَ أَوْ نُظْلَمَ أَوْ نَجْهَلَ أَوْ يُجْهَلَ عَلَيْنَا

In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, for there is no power or might but in Allah. Verily, we seek refuge in you from misstepping or being led astray, from being oppressed or oppressing others, from being abused or abusing others.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3427, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ قَالَ يَعْنِي إِذَا خَرَجَ مِنْ بَيْتِهِ بِسْمِ اللَّهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ عَلَى اللَّهِ لَا حَوْلَ وَلَا قُوَّةَ إِلَّا بِاللَّهِ يُقَالُ لَهُ كُفِيتَ وَوُقِيتَ وَتَنَحَّى عَنْهُ الشَّيْطَانُ

Whoever says when he leaves his house, ‘In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah for there is no power or might but with Allah,’ it will be said to him that you have been sufficed and protected, and the devils will be far from him.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3426, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: There were two brothers in the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, one of whom would attend the lessons of the Prophet and the other would engage in business. The businessman complained to the Prophet about his brother and the Prophet said:

لَعَلَّكَ تُرْزَقُ بِهِ

Perhaps you are granted provision because of him.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2345, Grade: Sahih

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

Taqwa: Godfearing Piety and Righteousness

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب في التقوى

Chapter on Godfearing piety and righteousness (al-taqwa).

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/42

Allah Almighty said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنتُم مُّسْلِمُونَ

O you who have faith, fear Allah as it is his right to be feared and do not die except while you are Muslims.

Surat Ali Imran 3:102

And Allah said:

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْ وَاسْمَعُوا وَأَطِيعُوا وَأَنفِقُوا خَيْرًا لِّأَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِ فَأُولَٰئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُونَ

Fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend in charity, as it is better for yourselves. Whoever is protected from the greed of his own soul, it is those who will be the successful.

Surat al-Taghabun 64:16

And Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَقُولُوا قَوْلًا سَدِيدًا

O you who have faith, fear Allah and speak words of straightforward truth.

Surat al-Ahzab 33:70

And Allah said:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ

Whoever fears Allah, Allah will make for him a way out from a place he does not expect.

Surat al-Talaq 65:2-3

And Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who have faith, if you fear Allah, he will grant you a criterion for right and wrong, and he will expiate your sins and forgive you, for Allah is possessor of great bounty.

Surat al-Anfal 8:29

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked, “Which people are the most noble?” The Prophet said:

أَكْرَمُهُمْ أَتْقَاهُمْ

The most noble to Allah are the most righteous.

They said, “That is not what we are asking about.” The Prophet said:

فَأَكْرَمُ النَّاسِ يُوسُفُ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ ابْنُ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ ابْنِ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ ابْنِ خَلِيلِ اللَّهِ

The most noble of people was Joseph, the prophet of Allah, son of the prophet of Allah, son of the friend of Allah, Abraham.

They said, “That is not what we are asking about.” The Prophet said:

فَعَنْ مَعَادِنِ الْعَرَبِ تَسْأَلُونِي

Are you asking about the Arabs?

They said, “Yes.” The Prophet said:

فَخِيَارُكُمْ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ خِيَارُكُمْ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ إِذَا فَقُهُوا

The best of you in the time of ignorance is the best of you in Islam, if they have religious understanding.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3194, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ الدُّنْيَا حُلْوَةٌ خَضِرَةٌ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ مُسْتَخْلِفُكُمْ فِيهَا فَيَنْظُرُ كَيْفَ تَعْمَلُونَ فَاتَّقُوا الدُّنْيَا وَاتَّقُوا النِّسَاءَ فَإِنَّ أَوَّلَ فِتْنَةِ بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ كَانَتْ فِي النِّسَاءِ

The world is sweet and green. Verily, Allah will make you successors in it to see how you will behave. Beware of the world and beware of women. Verily, the first trial of the children of Israel was with women.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2742, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْهُدَى وَالتُّقَى وَالْعَفَافَ وَالْغِنَى

O Allah, I ask you for guidance, righteousness, chastity, and independence.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2721, Grade: Sahih

‘Adi ibn Hatim reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ حَلَفَ عَلَى يَمِينٍ فَرَأَى غَيْرَهَا خَيْرًا مِنْهَا فَلْيَأْتِ الَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ وَلْيَتْرُكْ يَمِينَهُ

Whoever has given an oath and then he sees something better than it, let him choose that which is better and abandon his oath.

In another narration, the Prophet said:

ثُمَّ رَأَى أَتْقَى لِلَّهِ مِنْهَا فَلْيَأْتِ التَّقْوَى

Then if he sees something more righteous, let him choose righteousness.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1651, Grade: Sahih

Abu Umamah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said during his farewell sermon:

اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ رَبَّكُمْ وَصَلُّوا خَمْسَكُمْ وَصُومُوا شَهْرَكُمْ وَأَدُّوا زَكَاةَ أَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَطِيعُوا ذَا أَمْرِكُمْ تَدْخُلُوا جَنَّةَ رَبِّكُمْ

Fear Allah your Lord, pray your five prayers, fast your month of Ramadan, give charity from your wealth, and obey those in authority over you. You will enter the Paradise of your Lord.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 616, Grade: Sahih

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Spreading Peace, Greeting with Peace

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب فضل السلام والأمر بإفشائه

Chapter on the virtue of peace and the command to spread it.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/263

Allah Almighty said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَدْخُلُوا بُيُوتًا غَيْرَ بُيُوتِكُمْ حَتَّىٰ تَسْتَأْنِسُوا وَتُسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

O you who have faith, do not enter houses other than your own houses until you ascertain welcome and greet their inhabitants with peace. That is best for you, that perhaps you will be reminded.

Surat al-Nur 24:27

And Allah said:

فَإِذَا دَخَلْتُم بُيُوتًا فَسَلِّمُوا عَلَىٰ أَنفُسِكُمْ تَحِيَّةً مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ مُبَارَكَةً طَيِّبَةً

When you enter houses, offer greetings of peace upon each other, a greeting from Allah, blessed and good.

Surat al-Nur 24:59

And Allah said:

وَإِذَا حُيِّيتُم بِتَحِيَّةٍ فَحَيُّوا بِأَحْسَنَ مِنْهَا أَوْ رُدُّوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيْءٍ حَسِيبًا

When you are greeted with a greeting, greet with one better than it or return it in a like manner.

Surat al-Nisa 4:86

And Allah said:

هَلْ أَتَاكَ حَدِيثُ ضَيْفِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ الْمُكْرَمِينَ إِذْ دَخَلُوا عَلَيْهِ فَقَالُوا سَلَامًا ۖ قَالَ سَلَامٌ قَوْمٌ مُّنكَرُونَ

Has there reached you the story of the honored guests of Abraham? When they entered upon him and greeted him with peace, he said: And for you peace, a people unknown.

Surat al-Dhariyat 51:24-25

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: A man asked the Prophet, “Which Islam is best?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

تُطْعِمُ الطَّعَامَ وَتَقْرَأُ السَّلاَمَ عَلَى مَنْ عَرَفْتَ وَمَنْ لَمْ تَعْرِفْ

To feed the hungry and to greet with peace those you know and those you do not know.

And Ammar ibn Yasir said:

ثَلَاثٌ مَنْ جَمَعَهُنَّ فَقَدْ جَمَعَ الْإِيمَانَ الْإِنْصَافُ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ وَبَذْلُ السَّلَامِ لِلْعَالَمِ وَالْإِنْفَاقُ مِنْ الْإِقْتَارِ

Whoever has three qualities will have completed the faith: fairness from yourself to others, offering peace to the world, and spending in charity even while poor.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 28, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

خَلَقَ اللَّهُ آدَمَ عَلَى صُورَتِهِ طُولُهُ سِتُّونَ ذِرَاعًا فَلَمَّا خَلَقَهُ قَالَ اذْهَبْ فَسَلِّمْ عَلَى أُولَئِكَ النَّفَرِ مِنْ الْمَلَائِكَةِ جُلُوسٌ فَاسْتَمِعْ مَا يُحَيُّونَكَ فَإِنَّهَا تَحِيَّتُكَ وَتَحِيَّةُ ذُرِّيَّتِكَ فَقَالَ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ فَقَالُوا السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ فَزَادُوهُ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ

Allah created Adam in His image, sixty cubits tall. When He created him, Allah said: Go and greet with peace these groups of assembled angels and listen to how they greet you, for this will be the greeting among your progeny. Adam said: Peace be upon you. The angels said: Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah. Thus, they added the mercy of Allah.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5873, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib reported:

نَهَانَا النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَنْ سَبْعٍ نَهَانَا عَنْ خَاتَمِ الذَّهَبِ أَوْ قَالَ حَلْقَةِ الذَّهَبِ وَعَنْ الْحَرِيرِ وَالْإِسْتَبْرَقِ وَالدِّيبَاجِ وَالْمِيثَرَةِ الْحَمْرَاءِ وَالْقَسِّيِّ وَآنِيَةِ الْفِضَّةِ وَأَمَرَنَا بِسَبْعٍ بِعِيَادَةِ الْمَرِيضِ وَاتِّبَاعِ الْجَنَائِزِ وَتَشْمِيتِ الْعَاطِسِ وَرَدِّ السَّلَامِ وَإِجَابَةِ الدَّاعِي وَإِبْرَارِ الْمُقْسِمِ وَنَصْرِ الْمَظْلُومِ

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prohibited us from seven things: using gold rings, silk, flax, brocade, red saddle clothes, taffeta, and silver vessels. And the Prophet commanded us to do seven things: to visit the sick, to follow the funeral procession, to bless those who sneeze, to return the greeting of peace, to accept invitations, to help others fulfill their oaths, and to support the oppressed.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5525, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ

You will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Salaam reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ وَأَطْعِمُوا الطَّعَامَ وَصَلُّوا وَالنَّاسُ نِيَامٌ تَدْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ بِسَلَامٍ

O people, spread peace, feed the hungry, and pray at night when people are sleeping and you will enter Paradise in peace.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2485, Grade: Sahih

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

Tamim al-Dari reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The religion is sincere good will.” We said, “To whom?” The Prophet said, “To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their common people.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 55

Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

عَنْ تَمِيمٍ الدَّارِيِّ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ الدِّينُ النَّصِيحَةُ قُلْنَا لِمَنْ قَالَ لِلَّهِ وَلِكِتَابِهِ وَلِرَسُولِهِ وَلِأَئِمَّةِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَعَامَّتِهِمْ

55 صحيح مسلم كتاب الإيمان باب بيان أن الدين النصيحة

May Allah increase us in knowledge, successs, and steadfastness.

Love for the Sake of Allah

Al-Nawawi | Riyad al-Salihin

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب فضل الحب في الله والحث عَلَيهِ وإعلام الرجل من يحبه أنه يحبه وماذا يقول لَهُ إِذَا أعلمه

Chapter on the virtue of love for the sake of Allah, encouragement to it, and a man notifying those whom he loves that he loves them and what to say when he is told so.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/136

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا يَجِدُ أَحَدٌ حَلَاوَةَ الْإِيمَانِ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ الْمَرْءَ لَا يُحِبُّهُ إِلَّا لِلَّهِ وَحَتَّى أَنْ يُقْذَفَ فِي النَّارِ أَحَبُّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ أَنْ يَرْجِعَ إِلَى الْكُفْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ أَنْقَذَهُ اللَّهُ وَحَتَّى يَكُونَ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِمَّا سِوَاهُمَا

None will taste the sweetness of faith until he loves a person only for the sake of Allah, until he would rather be thrown in the fire than to return to unbelief, and until Allah and his messenger are more beloved to him than anything else.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5694, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

سَبْعَةٌ يُظِلُّهُمْ اللَّهُ فِي ظِلِّهِ يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلُّهُ الْإِمَامُ الْعَادِلُ وَشَابٌّ نَشَأَ بِعِبَادَةِ اللَّهِ وَرَجُلٌ قَلْبُهُ مُعَلَّقٌ فِي الْمَسَاجِدِ وَرَجُلَانِ تَحَابَّا فِي اللَّهِ اجْتَمَعَا عَلَيْهِ وَتَفَرَّقَا عَلَيْهِ وَرَجُلٌ دَعَتْهُ امْرَأَةٌ ذَاتُ مَنْصِبٍ وَجَمَالٍ فَقَالَ إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَ وَرَجُلٌ تَصَدَّقَ بِصَدَقَةٍ فَأَخْفَاهَا حَتَّى لَا تَعْلَمَ يَمِينُهُ مَا تُنْفِقُ شِمَالُهُ وَرَجُلٌ ذَكَرَ اللَّهَ خَالِيًا فَفَاضَتْ عَيْنَاهُ

There are seven whom Allah will shade on a day when there is no shade but his. They are a just ruler, a youth who grew up in the worship of Allah, one whose heart is attached to the mosques, two who love each other, meet each other, and depart from each other for the sake of Allah, a man who is tempted by a beautiful woman of high status but he rejects her, saying , ‘I fear Allah,’ one spends in charity and conceals it such that his right hand does not know what his left hand has given, and one who remembered Allah in private and he wept.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 629, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقُولُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَيْنَ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ بِجَلَالِي الْيَوْمَ أُظِلُّهُمْ فِي ظِلِّي يَوْمَ لَا ظِلَّ إِلَّا ظِلِّي

Verily, Allah will say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who love each other for the sake of my glory? Today, I will shelter them in my shade on a day when there is no shade but mine.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2566, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ

You will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih

In another narration, the Prophet said:

وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْبُغْضَةَ فَإِنَّهَا هِيَ الْحَالِقَةُ لا أَقُولُ لَكُمْ تَحْلِقُ الشَّعْرَ وَلَكِنْ تَحْلِقُ الدِّينَ

Beware of hatred for it is the razor. I do not say that it shaves hair, but rather it shaves away the religion.

Source: al-Adab al-Mufrad 260, Grade: Hasan

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

رَجُلًا زَارَ أَخًا لَهُ فِي قَرْيَةٍ أُخْرَى فَأَرْصَدَ اللَّهُ لَهُ عَلَى مَدْرَجَتِهِ مَلَكًا فَلَمَّا أَتَى عَلَيْهِ قَالَ أَيْنَ تُرِيدُ قَالَ أُرِيدُ أَخًا لِي فِي هَذِهِ الْقَرْيَةِ قَالَ هَلْ لَكَ عَلَيْهِ مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ تَرُبُّهَا قَالَ لَا غَيْرَ أَنِّي أَحْبَبْتُهُ فِي اللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ فَإِنِّي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ إِلَيْكَ بِأَنَّ اللَّهَ قَدْ أَحَبَّكَ كَمَا أَحْبَبْتَهُ فِيهِ

A man set out to visit his brother from another town, so Allah sent an angel to watch over his steps. When the angel came to him, he said: Where are you going? The man said: I am visiting a brother of mine in this town. The angel said: Do you have a favor over him to be repaid? He said: No, only that I love him for the sake of Allah Almighty. The angel said: I am a messenger from Allah to tell you that Allah loves you as you love him.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2567, Grade: Sahih

Al-Bara reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said about the Ansar:

لَا يُحِبُّهُمْ يعنى الْأَنْصَار إِلَّا مُؤْمِنٌ وَلَا يُبْغِضُهُمْ إِلَّا مُنَافِقٌ فَمَنْ أَحَبَّهُمْ أَحَبَّهُ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ أَبْغَضَهُمْ أَبْغَضَهُ اللَّهُ

None loves the Ansar but a believer, and none hates them but a hypocrite. Whoever loves them, Allah will love him. Whoever hates them, Allah will hate him.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3572, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ الْمُتَحَابُّونَ فِي جَلَالِي لَهُمْ مَنَابِرُ مِنْ نُورٍ يَغْبِطُهُمْ النَّبِيُّونَ وَالشُّهَدَاءُ

Allah Almighty said: Those who love each other for the sake of my glory will be upon pulpits of light, admired by the prophets and the martyrs.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2390, Grade: Sahih

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

قَالَ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ وَجَبَتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلْمُتَحَابِّينَ فِيَّ وَالْمُتَجَالِسِينَ فِيَّ وَالْمُتَزَاوِرِينَ فِيَّ وَالْمُتَبَاذِلِينَ فِيَّ

Allah Almighty said: My love is assured for those who love each other for my sake, who sit together for my sake, who visit each other for my sake, and who spend on each other for my sake.

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 21525, Grade: Sahih

In another narration, the Prophet said:

قال الله تعالى حَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلْمُتَحَابِّينَ فِيَّ وَحَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلْمُتَزَاوِرِينَ فِيَّ وَحَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلْمُتَبَاذِلِينَ فِيَّ وَحَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلْمُتَوَاصِلِينَ فِيَّ

Allah Almighty said: My love is a right upon those who love each other for my sake. My love is a right upon those who visit each other for my sake. My love is a right upon those who sit together for my sake. My love is a right upon those who maintain relations for my sake.

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 21575, Grade: Sahih

And in another narration, the Prophet said:

قَالَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى حَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلَّذِينَ يَتَصَادَقُونَ مِنْ أَجْلِي وَحَقَّتْ مَحَبَّتِي لِلَّذِينَ يَتَنَاصَرُونَ مِنْ أَجْلِي

Allah Almighty said: My love is a right upon those who befriend each other for my sake. My love is a right upon those who defend each other for my sake.

Source: al-Mu’jam al-Ṣaghīr 1092, Grade: Sahih

Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’di reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِذَا أَحَبَّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَخَاهُ فَلْيُعْلِمْهُ إِيَّاهُ

When one of you loves his brother, let him know.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2392, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: A man was with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when another man passed by and he said, “O Messenger of Allah, I love this man.” The Prophet said:

أَعْلَمْتَهُ

Have you told him?

He said no. The Prophet said:

أَعْلِمْهُ

Tell him.

He went to the man and he said to him, “I love you for the sake of Allah.” The other man replied:

أَحَبَّكَ الَّذِي أَحْبَبْتَنِي لَهُ

May Allah, for whose sake you love me, also love you.

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 5125, Grade: Sahih

Mu’adh ibn Jabal reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, took me by the hand and he said:

يَا مُعَاذُ وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لَأُحِبُّكَ وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لَأُحِبُّكَ أُوصِيكَ يَا مُعَاذُ لَا تَدَعَنَّ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ تَقُولُ اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ

O Mu’adh, I swear by Allah that I love you. I swear by Allah that I love you. O Mu’adh, I advise you not to forget supplicating after every prayer by saying: O Allah, help me to remember you, to give thanks to you, and to worship you in the best manner.

Source: Sunan Abu Dawud 1522, Grade: Sahih

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

Abu Huraira reported:
The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said,
“Whoever recites ‘Say: He is Allah, the One,’ (112:1) ten times, a palace will be built for him in Paradise. Whoever recites it twenty times, two palaces will be built for him. Whoever recites it thirty times, three palaces will be built for him.”
Source: al-Mu’jam al-Awsaṭ lil-Ṭabarānī 281
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ قَرَأَ قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ عَشْرَ مَرَّاتٍ بُنِيَ لَهُ قَصْرٌ فِي الْجَنَّةِ وَمَنْ قَرَأَهَا عِشْرِينَ مَرَّةً بُنِيَ لَهُ قَصْرَانِ وَمَنْ قَرَأَهَا ثَلَاثِينَ مَرَّةً بُنِيَ لَهُ ثَلَاثٌ

281 المعجم الأوسط للطبراني

2/136 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث إسناده صحيح في السلسلة الصحيحة

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful

Repentance, Seeking Forgiveness from Allah

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

قَالَ العلماءُ التَّوْبَةُ وَاجبَةٌ مِنْ كُلِّ ذَنْب فإنْ كَانتِ المَعْصِيَةُ بَيْنَ العَبْدِ وبَيْنَ اللهِ تَعَالَى لاَ تَتَعلَّقُ بحقّ آدَمِيٍّ فَلَهَا ثَلاثَةُ شُرُوط أحَدُها أَنْ يُقلِعَ عَنِ المَعصِيَةِ والثَّانِي أَنْ يَنْدَمَ عَلَى فِعْلِهَا والثَّالثُ أَنْ يَعْزِمَ أَنْ لا يعُودَ إِلَيْهَا أَبَدًا فَإِنْ فُقِدَ أَحَدُ الثَّلاثَةِ لَمْ تَصِحَّ تَوبَتُهُ

وإنْ كَانَتِ المَعْصِيةُ تَتَعَلقُ بآدَمِيٍّ فَشُرُوطُهَا أرْبَعَةٌ هذِهِ الثَّلاثَةُ وأَنْ يَبْرَأَ مِنْ حَقّ صَاحِبِها، فَإِنْ كَانَتْ مالًا أَوْ نَحْوَهُ رَدَّهُ إِلَيْه

The scholars have said it is necessary to repent from every sin. If the offense is between the servant and Allah Almighty, unrelated to the right of a human being, then it has three conditions: First, to stop committing it. Second, to feel regret for committing it. Third, to be determined not to recommit it. If one of these three are missing, one’s repentance is not sound.

If the offense is related to a human being, then its conditions are four: these three and fulfilling the rights of those involved. If it involves property and so on, it is restored to him.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/14

Allah Almighty said:

وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

Turn to Allah in repentance, all of you believers, that you might succeed.

Surat al-Nur 24:31

And Allah said:

وَأَنِ اسْتَغْفِرُوا رَبَّكُمْ ثُمَّ تُوبُوا إِلَيْهِ

Seek forgiveness from your Lord and turn to Him in repentance.

Surat Hud 11:3

And Allah said:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ تَوْبَةً نَّصُوحًا

O you who believe, turn to Allah with sincere repentance.

Surat al-Tahrim 66:8

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لَأَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ فِي الْيَوْمِ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ سَبْعِينَ مَرَّةً

By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and I repent to him more than seventy times in a day.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5948, Grade: Sahih

Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ تُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ فَإِنِّي أَتُوبُ فِي الْيَوْمِ إِلَيْهِ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ

O people, turn to Allah in repentance. Verily, I repent to him one hundred times in a day.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2702, Grade: Sahih

Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

اللَّهُ أَفْرَحُ بِتَوْبَةِ عَبْدِهِ مِنْ أَحَدِكُمْ سَقَطَ عَلَى بَعِيرِهِ وَقَدْ أَضَلَّهُ فِي أَرْضِ فَلَاةٍ

Allah is more joyful with the repentance of his servant than one of you who has lost his camel on a journey in an empty desert while it carries his food and drink.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5950, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

In another narration, the Prophet said:

فَانْفَلَتَتْ مِنْهُ وَعَلَيْهَا طَعَامُهُ وَشَرَابُهُ فَأَيِسَ مِنْهَا فَأَتَى شَجَرَةً فَاضْطَجَعَ فِي ظِلِّهَا قَدْ أَيِسَ مِنْ رَاحِلَتِهِ فَبَيْنَا هُوَ كَذَلِكَ إِذَا هُوَ بِهَا قَائِمَةً عِنْدَهُ فَأَخَذَ بِخِطَامِهَا ثُمَّ قَالَ مِنْ شِدَّةِ الْفَرَحِ اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ عَبْدِي وَأَنَا رَبُّكَ أَخْطَأَ مِنْ شِدَّةِ الْفَرَحِ

Having lost hope, he lies down in the shade and despairs over his camel, but all of a sudden he finds the camel standing over him. He takes hold of its reins and out of joy he proclaims: O Allah, you are my servant and I am your Lord. He makes a mistake due to his extreme joy.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2747, Grade: Sahih

Abu Musa reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ يَبْسُطُ يَدَهُ بِاللَّيْلِ لِيَتُوبَ مُسِيءُ النَّهَارِ وَيَبْسُطُ يَدَهُ بِالنَّهَارِ لِيَتُوبَ مُسِيءُ اللَّيْلِ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا

Verily, Allah Almighty stretches out his hand by night to accept the repentance of those who sin by day, and he stretches out his hand by day to accept the repentance of those who sin by night, until the sun rises from the west.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2759, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ تَابَ قَبْلَ أَنْ تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا تَابَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ

Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will forgive him.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2703, Grade: Sahih

Ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَقْبَلُ تَوْبَةَ الْعَبْدِ مَا لَمْ يُغَرْغِرْ

Verily, Allah accepts the repentance of his servants, as long as they are not on their death bed.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3537, Grade: Hasan

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

كَانَ فِي بَنِي إِسْرَائِيلَ رَجُلٌ قَتَلَ تِسْعَةً وَتِسْعِينَ إِنْسَانًا ثُمَّ خَرَجَ يَسْأَلُ فَأَتَى رَاهِبًا فَسَأَلَهُ فَقَالَ لَهُ هَلْ مِنْ تَوْبَةٍ قَالَ لَا فَقَتَلَهُ فَجَعَلَ يَسْأَلُ فَقَالَ لَهُ رَجُلٌ ائْتِ قَرْيَةَ كَذَا وَكَذَا فَأَدْرَكَهُ الْمَوْتُ فَنَاءَ بِصَدْرِهِ نَحْوَهَا فَاخْتَصَمَتْ فِيهِ مَلَائِكَةُ الرَّحْمَةِ وَمَلَائِكَةُ الْعَذَابِ فَأَوْحَى اللَّهُ إِلَى هَذِهِ أَنْ تَقَرَّبِي وَأَوْحَى اللَّهُ إِلَى هَذِهِ أَنْ تَبَاعَدِي وَقَالَ قِيسُوا مَا بَيْنَهُمَا فَوُجِدَ إِلَى هَذِهِ أَقْرَبَ بِشِبْرٍ فَغُفِرَ لَهُ

There was a man among the children of Israel who had killed ninety nine people. Then he set out seeking repentance. He came upon a monk and he asked him if his repentance would be accepted. The monk said no, so the man killed him. He continued asking until another man advised him to go to a certain village. He set out for it but death overtook him on the way. As he died, he turned his chest toward the village. The angel of mercy and the angel of punishment argued about him among themselves. Allah ordered his destination to move closer to him and his old village to move away. Then, Allah ordered the angels to measure the distance between his body and the two villages. He was found to be one span closer to his destination, so he was forgiven.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3283, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

‘Imran ibn Husayn reported: A woman from the tribe of Juhayna came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, while she was pregnant from committing adultery. She said, “O Prophet of Allah, I have committed an offense deserving of legal punishment, so establish it upon me.” The Prophet called her guardian and he said:

أَحْسِنْ إِلَيْهَا فَإِذَا وَضَعَتْ فَأْتِنِي بِهَا

Treat her kindly and bring her after she delivers the child.

The guardian did so and the Prophet ordered the sentence to be carried out. Her clothes were secured around her and she was stoned. Then, the Prophet led her funeral prayer. Umar said, “O Messenger of Allah, she committed adultery and you have prayer for her?” The Prophet said:

لَقَدْ تَابَتْ تَوْبَةً لَوْ قُسِمَتْ بَيْنَ سَبْعِينَ مِنْ أَهْلِ الْمَدِينَةِ لَوَسِعَتْهُمْ وَهَلْ وَجَدْتَ تَوْبَةً أَفْضَلَ مِنْ أَنْ جَادَتْ بِنَفْسِهَا لِلَّهِ تَعَالَى

She repented in a manner that would suffice for seventy of the people of Medina, if it were divided among them. Can there be a greater repentance than sacrificing herself for the sake of Allah Almighty?

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1696, Grade: Sahih

Anas bin Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَوْ أَنَّ لاِبْنِ آدَمَ وَادِيًا مِنْ ذَهَبٍ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَكُونَ لَهُ وَادِيَانِ وَلَنْ يَمْلأَ فَاهُ إِلاَّ التُّرَابُ وَيَتُوبُ اللَّهُ عَلَى مَنْ تَابَ

If the son of Adam had a valley full of gold, he would want to have two valleys. Nothing fills his mouth but the dust of the grave, yet Allah will relent to whoever repents to him.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6075, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَضْحَكُ اللَّهُ إِلَى رَجُلَيْنِ يَقْتُلُ أَحَدُهُمَا الْآخَرَ يَدْخُلَانِ الْجَنَّةَ يُقَاتِلُ هَذَا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ فَيُقْتَلُ ثُمَّ يَتُوبُ اللَّهُ عَلَى الْقَاتِلِ فَيُسْتَشْهَدُ

Allah laughs at two men, one of them killed the other, yet they both entered Paradise. This one fought in the way of Allah and was killed, then his killer repented and was also martyred.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2671, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious

Good Character and Manners

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب حسن الخلق

Chapter on good character.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/204

Allah Almighty said:

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ

Verily, you are upon great moral character.

Surat al-Qalam 68:4

And Allah said:

وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous, who spend during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon people, for Allah loves the doers of good.

Surat Ali Imran 3:134

Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said:

كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَحْسَنَ النَّاسِ وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ وَكَانَ أَشْجَعَ النَّاسِ

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was the best of people, the most generous of people, and the most courageous of people.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2751, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

And he said:

خَدَمْتُ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَشْرَ سِنِينَ فَمَا قَالَ لِي أُفٍّ وَلَا لِمَ صَنَعْتَ وَلَا أَلَّا صَنَعْتَ

I served the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, for ten years. By Allah, he never even said to me: Uff! He never said harshly for anything: Why did you do that? Why did you not do that?

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 5691, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Al-Nawwas ibn Sam’an reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

الْبِرُّ حُسْنُ الْخُلُقِ وَالإِثْمُ مَا حَاكَ فِي صَدْرِكَ وَكَرِهْتَ أَنْ يَطَّلِعَ عَلَيْهِ النَّاسُ

Righteousness is good character, and sin is what waivers in your heart and you hate for people to find out about it.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2553, Grade: Sahih

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ مِنْ أَكْمَلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا وَأَلْطَفُهُمْ بِأَهْلِهِ

Verily, the most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character and who are most kind to their families.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2612, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ مِنْ خِيَارِكُمْ أَحْسَنَكُمْ أَخْلَاقًا

Verily, among the best of you are those with the best character.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3366, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Darda reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَا شَيْءٌ أَثْقَلُ فِي مِيزَانِ الْمُؤْمِنِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ خُلُقٍ حَسَنٍ وَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لَيُبْغِضُ الْفَاحِشَ الْبَذِيءَ

Nothing is heavier upon the scale of the believer on the Day of Resurrection than good character. Verily, Allah hates the vulgar, obscene person.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2002, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked, “What enters most people into Paradise?” He said:

تَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَحُسْنُ الْخُلُقِ

Fear of Allah and good character.

It was asked, “What enters most people into the Hellfire?” He said:

الْفَمُ وَالْفَرْجُ

The mouth and the genitals.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2004, Grade: Sahih

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

أَكْمَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا وَخِيَارُكُمْ خِيَارُكُمْ لِنِسَائِهِمْ خُلُقًا

The most complete of believers in faith are those with the best character, and the best of you are the best in behavior to their women.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1162, Grade: Sahih

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لَيُدْرِكُ بِحُسْنِ خُلُقِهِ دَرَجَةَ الصَّائِمِ الْقَائِمِ

Verily, the believer may reach by his good character the rank of one who regularly fasts and stands for prayer at night.

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4798, Grade: Sahih

Abu Umamah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

أَنَا زَعِيمٌ بِبَيْتٍ فِي رَبَضِ الْجَنَّةِ لِمَنْ تَرَكَ الْمِرَاءَ وَإِنْ كَانَ مُحِقًّا وَبِبَيْتٍ فِي وَسَطِ الْجَنَّةِ لِمَنْ تَرَكَ الْكَذِبَ وَإِنْ كَانَ مَازِحًا وَبِبَيْتٍ فِي أَعْلَى الْجَنَّةِ لِمَنْ حَسَّنَ خُلُقَهُ

I guarantee a house on the outskirts of Paradise for one who leaves arguments even if he is right, and a house in the middle of Paradise for one who abandons lies even when joking, and a house in the highest part of Paradise for one who makes his character excellent.

Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4800, Grade: Sahih

Jabir ibn Abdullah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ مِنْ أَحَبِّكُمْ إِلَيَّ وَأَقْرَبِكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَحَاسِنَكُمْ أَخْلَاقًا وَإِنَّ أَبْغَضَكُمْ إِلَيَّ وَأَبْعَدَكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ الثَّرْثَارُونَ وَالْمُتَشَدِّقُونَ وَالْمُتَفَيْهِقُونَ

Verily, the most beloved and nearest to my gathering on the Day of Resurrection are those of you with the best character. Verily, the most reprehensible of you to me and the furthest from my gathering on the Day of Resurrection will be the pompous, the extravagant, and the pretentious.

They said, “O Messenger of Allah, we know the pompous and the extravagant, but who are the pretentious?” The Prophet said:

الْمُتَكَبِّرُونَ

The arrogant.

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2018, Grade: Sahih

Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

أَلَا أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِأَحَبِّكُمْ إِلَيَّ وَأَقْرَبِكُمْ مِنِّي مَجْلِسًا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

Shall I tell you about the most beloved to me and the closest to my assembly on the Day of Resurrection?

They said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said:

أَحْسَنُكُمْ خُلُقًا

Those with the best character.

Source: Musnad Aḥmad 6696, Grade: Sahih

Al-Sa’b ibn Jathamah reported: He presented the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, with a wild donkey as a gift when he was at Al-Abwa, or Waddan, and the Prophet returned it to him. When the Prophet saw the look of disappointment on his face, he said:

إِنَّا لَمْ نَرُدَّهُ عَلَيْكَ إِلَّا أَنَّا حُرُمٌ

Indeed, we have only returned it because we are performing the pilgrimage right now.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2434, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Al-Nawawi commented on this tradition, saying:

وَفِيهِ أَنَّهُ يُسْتَحَبُّ لِمَنِ امْتَنَعَ مِنْ قَبُولِ هَدِيَّةٍ وَنَحْوِهَا لِعُذْرٍ أَنْ يَعْتَذِرَ بِذَلِكَ إِلَى الْمُهْدِيِ تَطْيِيبًا لِقَلْبِهِ

In this tradition is the recommendation for one who does not accept a gift to offer an excuse and apologies to the giver, as kindness to assure his heart.

Source: Sharḥ al-Nawawī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2066

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious

Sincerity & Good Intentions in All Deeds

Al-Nawawi recorded in his book Riyad al-Salihin:

باب الإخلاص وإحضار النية في جميع الأعمال والأقوال

Chapter on sincerity and presence of intention in all deeds and statements.

Source: Riyāḍ al-Ṣāliḥīn 1/9

Allah Almighty said:

وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ حُنَفَاءَ وَيُقِيمُوا الصَّلَاةَ وَيُؤْتُوا الزَّكَاةَ وَذَٰلِكَ دِينُ الْقَيِّمَةِ

They were not commanded but to worship Allah, sincere to him in religion, inclining to truth, and to establish prayer and to give charity, for that is the upright religion.

Surat al-Bayyinah 98:5

And Allah said:

لَن يَنَالَ اللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَاؤُهَا وَلَٰكِن يَنَالُهُ التَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ

Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but rather what reaches him is devotion from you.

Surat al-Hajj 22:37

And Allah said:

قُلْ إِن تُخْفُوا مَا فِي صُدُورِكُمْ أَوْ تُبْدُوهُ يَعْلَمْهُ اللَّهُ

Say: Whether you conceal what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it.

Surat Ali Imran 3:29

Umar ibn al-Khattab reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّةِ وَإِنَّمَا لِامْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى فَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى اللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ وَمَنْ كَانَتْ هِجْرَتُهُ لِدُنْيَا يُصِيبُهَا أَوْ امْرَأَةٍ يَتَزَوَّجُهَا فَهِجْرَتُهُ إِلَى مَا هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِ

Verily, deeds are only with intentions. Verily, every person will have only what they intended. Whoever emigrated to Allah and his messenger, his emigration is for Allah and his messenger. Whoever emigrated to get something in the world or to marry a woman, his emigration is for that to which he emigrated.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 54, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Aisha reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

يَغْزُو جَيْشٌ الْكَعْبَةَ فَإِذَا كَانُوا بِبَيْدَاءَ مِنْ الْأَرْضِ يُخْسَفُ بِأَوَّلِهِمْ وَآخِرِهِمْ

An army will raid the Ka’bah but when they reach a desert land, all of them will be swallowed by the earth.

I asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how will all of them be swallowed by the earth while among them are their markets and people not belonging to them?” The Prophet said:

يُخْسَفُ بِأَوَّلِهِمْ وَآخِرِهِمْ ثُمَّ يُبْعَثُونَ عَلَى نِيَّاتِهِمْ

They will all be swallowed up. Then, they will be resurrected for judgment upon their intentions.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2012, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

لَا هِجْرَةَ وَلَكِنْ جِهَادٌ وَنِيَّةٌ وَإِذَا اسْتُنْفِرْتُمْ فَانْفِرُوا

There is no longer emigration, but rather only jihad in the way of Allah and good intentions. When you are called to duty, go forth.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1737, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Ibn Hajar commented on this tradition, saying:

قَادِرٌ لَكِنَّهُ يُمْكِنُهُ إِظْهَارُ دِينِهِ وَأَدَاءُ وَاجِبَاتِهِ فَمُسْتَحَبَّةٌ لِتَكْثِيرِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ

One who is capable of emigration but can openly practice his religion and fulfill his obligations, then it is only recommended for him to emigrate in order to increase the ranks of the Muslims.

Source: Fatḥ al-Bārī 2912

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَنْظُرُ إِلَى صُوَرِكُمْ وَأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَلَكِنْ يَنْظُرُ إِلَى قُلُوبِكُمْ وَأَعْمَالِكُمْ

Verily, Allah does not look at your appearance or wealth, but rather he looks at your hearts and actions.

Source: Sahih Muslim 2564, Grade: Sahih

Abu Musa reported: A man asked the Prophet and he said, “A man may fight to be courageous, and another may fight for zeal, and another may fight to show off. So which of those is fighting in the cause of Allah?” The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

مَنْ قَاتَلَ لِتَكُونَ كَلِمَةُ اللَّهِ هِيَ الْعُلْيَا فَهُوَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ

He who fights to raise the word of Allah is in the way of Allah.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 123, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Ibn Hajar commented on this tradition, saying:

الْمُرَادُ بِكَلِمَةِ اللَّهِ دَعْوَةُ اللَّهِ إِلَى الْإِسْلَامِ وَيَحْتَمِلُ أَنْ يَكُونَ الْمُرَادُ أَنَّهُ (الجهاد) لَا يَكُونُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِلَّا مَنْ كَانَ سَبَبُ قِتَالِهِ طَلَبَ إِعْلَاءِ كَلِمَةِ اللَّهِ فَقَطْ بِمَعْنَى أَنَّهُ لَوْ أَضَافَ إِلَى ذَلِكَ سَبَبًا مِنَ الْأَسْبَابِ الْمَذْكُورَةِ أَخَلَّ بِذَلِكَ

The meaning of the ‘word of Allah’ is the invitation to Islam. It is interpreted to mean that jihad would not be in the cause of Allah unless the purpose is only to raise the word of Allah, such that if anyone were to add another reason to it that would violate it.

Source: Fatḥ al-Bārī 6/28

Abu Bakrah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِذَا تَوَاجَهَ الْمُسْلِمَانِ بِسَيْفَيْهِمَا فَالْقَاتِلُ وَالْمَقْتُولُ فِي النَّارِ

If two Muslims confront each other with swords, both the killer and the killed will be in Hellfire.

It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, we understand for killer, but why for the one killed?” The Prophet said:

إِنَّهُ قَدْ أَرَادَ قَتْلَ صَاحِبِهِ

Verily, he intended to kill his companion.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6672, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

صَلَاةُ الرَّجُلِ فِي الْجَمَاعَةِ تُضَعَّفُ عَلَى صَلَاتِهِ فِي بَيْتِهِ وَفِي سُوقِهِ خَمْسًا وَعِشْرِينَ ضِعْفًا وَذَلِكَ أَنَّهُ إِذَا تَوَضَّأَ فَأَحْسَنَ الْوُضُوءَ ثُمَّ خَرَجَ إِلَى الْمَسْجِدِ لَا يُخْرِجُهُ إِلَّا الصَّلَاةُ لَمْ يَخْطُ خَطْوَةً إِلَّا رُفِعَتْ لَهُ بِهَا دَرَجَةٌ وَحُطَّ عَنْهُ بِهَا خَطِيئَةٌ فَإِذَا صَلَّى لَمْ تَزَلْ الْمَلَائِكَةُ تُصَلِّي عَلَيْهِ مَا دَامَ فِي مُصَلَّاهُ اللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَيْهِ اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُ وَلَا يَزَالُ أَحَدُكُمْ فِي صَلَاةٍ مَا انْتَظَرَ الصَّلَاةَ

The prayer of a man in congregation is twenty five times better than prayer in his home or shop. When he performs ablution in a good manner and leaves to the mosque only to perform prayer, then his every step will raise him a degree and expiate a sin until he enters the mosque. When he is performing prayer, the angels send blessings upon him for as long as he remains in his place of prayer. They say: O Allah, bless him and have mercy upon him. One of you continues to be in prayer as long as he is waiting for prayer.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 620, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Ibn Abbas reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الْحَسَنَاتِ وَالسَّيِّئَاتِ ثُمَّ بَيَّنَ ذَلِكَ فَمَنْ هَمَّ بِحَسَنَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ عِنْدَهُ عَشْرَ حَسَنَاتٍ إِلَى سَبْعِ مِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ إِلَى أَضْعَافٍ كَثِيرَةٍ وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِسَيِّئَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ سَيِّئَةً وَاحِدَةً

Verily, Allah has recorded good and evil deeds and he made them clear. Whoever intends to perform a good deed but does not do it, Allah will record it as a complete good deed. If he intends to do it and does so, Allah Almighty will record it as ten good deeds, up to seven hundred times as much or even more. If he intends to do an evil deed and does not do it, Allah will record for him one complete good deed. If he does it, Allah will record for him a single evil deed.

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6126, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi

Success comes from Allah, and Allah knows best.

Translated by Abu Amina Elias (Br. Justin Parrot)