(Article written for Issue 17 of the Noor Magazine)
In the Name of Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, who says in the Qur’an, “And keep yourself (O Muhammad (SAW)) patiently with those who call on their Rubb (Lord) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face; and let not your eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp and glitter of the life of this world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, and who follows his own lust, and whose affair (deeds) has been lost.” (18:28)
Here we are, a new year approaching (coincidentally, according to both the Christian and Muslim calendars) and a nice time to think about change, for the start of the Muslim Hijri calendar signifies just that: a change, a move from oppression in Makkah to liberation in Madinah.
The choice, ultimately, that each of us faces is twofold. On the one hand, we can rise in pride, chin raised, chest puffed, conforming to the masses we can walk the earth as kings; you are your own boss and free to do as you please. On the other hand, the more difficult option, we can step back, reflect upon, regret and refrain from past mistakes, and decide that there is a purpose more meaningful; you humble yourself with those who recognise and call on their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Face.
That is the topic of my article: The superiority of those who humble themselves before God and the excellence of those who choose the path of modesty. To demonstrate the point I have selected just three Ahadith (sayings of the Prophet). The list is by no means exhaustive and there is definitely no shortage of teachings on the matter.
(1) Harithah bin Wahb (RA) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “Shall I not inform you about the people of Jannah? It is every person who is modest and humble (before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he calls upon Allah, Allah will certainly give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, rude and proud man.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
We see here the distinction of such modest and humble persons who, despite not having any important position in society, are so eminent in piety and trust in Allah that if they were to take an oath for something, Allah Almighty would fulfil it. Not only does this Hadith highlight the importance of modesty, it condemns pride, miserliness and lust for name and fame.
(2) Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: There was a dispute between Hell and Jannah.
Hell said: “The haughty and proud are my inmates.”
Jannah said: “The modest and the humble are my residents.”
Thereupon, Allah the Exalted and Glorious (addressing Jannah) said: “You are My Mercy, through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish.”
(And addressing Hell), He said: “You are (the means) of My punishment by which I shall punish such of My slaves as I wish and each one of you would have its fill.” (Muslim)
In this Hadith the people who are termed as ‘modest’ and ‘humble’ are those who are rich in faith and piety, who lead a life of patience and contentment. This Hadith gives glad tidings to such noble people. On the contrary, this Hadith has a threat of Hell for those who disobey the commandments of Allah out of haughtiness and pride, who refuse to bow down their faces in submission of their Lord, Most High. Now, it is entirely our own choice which way we go, and as the old saying goes, there is no time better than the present.
(3) Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The manifestation of power and splendour, which we consider to be so important, will be of no value to Allah on the Day of Account. In the Hereafter, Allah will judge a person by his faith, devotion and piety. Therefore, over and above all else, it is essential that we concentrate on the reformation of our hearts, and it is vital that we develop a relationship with our Lord, the Most Glorified and Exalted. This Hadith makes it abundantly clear that what really matters with Allah is faith and piety; not lineage nor pomp nor show.
Summary
These Ahadith prove many points. The one that concerns us most here is that we must avoid copying those who are haughty and proud no matter how attractive their appearance is. The pleasure that comes with such imitation is deceptive and short-lived. True success lies instead in humbling ourselves before Allah. We must try to emulate those of virtue, humility and modesty, because seeking the pleasure of people is nothing but a fad. The very people whose pleasure we seek, like us, will be gone tomorrow, leaving this world to stand before their Lord, the Most Great, on a Day when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession.
Subhaana-Allah, those very people whose praise we seek and strive for, will forget us the day we are laid down and flattened in our graves. When that last piece of soil is placed on your grave, the people will all turn around, walk away and return to their jobs and their bills, leaving you alone, all alone, with nothing but your deeds, to answer the question, O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, Most High? O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, the most deserving of submission?
O Allah, just as You have made our external features beautiful, make our character beautiful as well, and make our faces forbidden for the Hellfire. Ameen.
Rceommended Reading: Riyadh-Us-Saliheen, a compilation of Hadith by Imam An-Nawawi
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
Sunday, 7 October 2007
10.2, Superiority of the Humble and Modest
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The manifestation of power and splendour, which we consider to be so important, will be of no value to Allah on the Day of Account. In the Hereafter, Allah will judge a person by his faith, devotion and piety. Therefore, over and above all else, it is essential that we concentrate on the reformation of our hearts, and it is vital that we develop a relationship with our Lord, the Most Glorified and Exalted.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “None spoke in the cradle but only three (persons)..."
The Hadith then continues and after mentioning the first two, the Prophet (SAW) told of the third baby who spoke in the cradle:
“… There was a baby who was sucking at his mother’s breast when a person dressed in fine garment came on a priceless riding animal’s back. The child’s mother said: ‘O Allah, make my child like this one.’
The baby left suckling, looked at the man and said: ‘O Allah, don't make me like him.’
He then returned to the breast and resumed suckling… There happened to pass by them a slave girl who was being beaten and the people were saying: ‘You have committed fornication and theft.’
The girl was saying: ‘Allah is enough for me and He is my Good Protector.’
The baby’s mother said: ‘O Allah, don't make my child like her.’
The baby left suckling, looked at her and said: ‘O Allah! Make me like her.’
This was followed by a conversation between the mother and child. She said: ‘A good looking man happened to pass by and I said: O Allah, make my child like him, and you said: O Allah, don’t make me like him, and there passed a girl while the people were beating her and saying: You committed fornication and theft, and I said: O Allah, don’t make my child like her, and you said: O Allah, make me like her.’
The child said: ‘That man was a tyrant, and I said: O Allah don't make me like him; and they were saying about the girl: You committed fornication, whereas in fact she had not committed that and they were saying: You have committed theft, whereas she had not committed theft, so I said: O Allah, make me like her.’” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith tells of three babies who spoke in the cradle. All three babies were from Banu Israel and their story is mentioned in Sahih Muslim in the story of AsHaab-ul-Ukhdud.
The Hadith proves many points. The one that concerns us today is that we must avoid copying those who are haughty and proud no matter how attractive their appearance is. The pleasure that comes with such imitation is deceptive and short-lived.
True success lies instead in humbling ourselves before Allah. We must try to emulate those of virtue, humility and modesty, because seeking the pleasure of people is nothing but a fad. The very people whose pleasure we seek, like us, will be gone tomorrow, leaving this world to stand before their Lord, the Most Great, on a Day when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession.
Subhaana-Allah, those very people whose praise we seek and strive for, will forget us the day we are laid down and flattened in our graves. When that last piece of soil is placed on your grave, the people will all turn around, walk away and return to their jobs and their bills, leaving you alone, all alone, with nothing but your deeds, to answer the question, O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, Most High? O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, the most deserving of submission?
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, there will be brought forth a bulky person whose value to Allah will be less than that of the wing of a mosquito.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
The manifestation of power and splendour, which we consider to be so important, will be of no value to Allah on the Day of Account. In the Hereafter, Allah will judge a person by his faith, devotion and piety. Therefore, over and above all else, it is essential that we concentrate on the reformation of our hearts, and it is vital that we develop a relationship with our Lord, the Most Glorified and Exalted.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “None spoke in the cradle but only three (persons)..."
The Hadith then continues and after mentioning the first two, the Prophet (SAW) told of the third baby who spoke in the cradle:
“… There was a baby who was sucking at his mother’s breast when a person dressed in fine garment came on a priceless riding animal’s back. The child’s mother said: ‘O Allah, make my child like this one.’
The baby left suckling, looked at the man and said: ‘O Allah, don't make me like him.’
He then returned to the breast and resumed suckling… There happened to pass by them a slave girl who was being beaten and the people were saying: ‘You have committed fornication and theft.’
The girl was saying: ‘Allah is enough for me and He is my Good Protector.’
The baby’s mother said: ‘O Allah, don't make my child like her.’
The baby left suckling, looked at her and said: ‘O Allah! Make me like her.’
This was followed by a conversation between the mother and child. She said: ‘A good looking man happened to pass by and I said: O Allah, make my child like him, and you said: O Allah, don’t make me like him, and there passed a girl while the people were beating her and saying: You committed fornication and theft, and I said: O Allah, don’t make my child like her, and you said: O Allah, make me like her.’
The child said: ‘That man was a tyrant, and I said: O Allah don't make me like him; and they were saying about the girl: You committed fornication, whereas in fact she had not committed that and they were saying: You have committed theft, whereas she had not committed theft, so I said: O Allah, make me like her.’” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith tells of three babies who spoke in the cradle. All three babies were from Banu Israel and their story is mentioned in Sahih Muslim in the story of AsHaab-ul-Ukhdud.
The Hadith proves many points. The one that concerns us today is that we must avoid copying those who are haughty and proud no matter how attractive their appearance is. The pleasure that comes with such imitation is deceptive and short-lived.
True success lies instead in humbling ourselves before Allah. We must try to emulate those of virtue, humility and modesty, because seeking the pleasure of people is nothing but a fad. The very people whose pleasure we seek, like us, will be gone tomorrow, leaving this world to stand before their Lord, the Most Great, on a Day when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession.
Subhaana-Allah, those very people whose praise we seek and strive for, will forget us the day we are laid down and flattened in our graves. When that last piece of soil is placed on your grave, the people will all turn around, walk away and return to their jobs and their bills, leaving you alone, all alone, with nothing but your deeds, to answer the question, O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, Most High? O Son of Adam, why did you not humble yourself before your Lord, the most deserving of submission?
10.1, Superiority of the Humble and Modest
In the Name of Allah, the Glorified and Exalted, who says in the Qur’an, “And keep yourself (O Muhammad (SAW)) patiently with those who call on their Rubb (Lord) morning and afternoon, seeking His Face, and let not your eyes overlook them.” (18:28)
Here we are, the start of another academic year, and for those beginning their first year, the start of three or four or more very important and decisive years. And there is no doubt about that. After all, this is the bridge between your years as a youth and your years as an adult. This is the time and this is the place wherein you decide who it is you want to be for many years to come.
For many, you will be starting university alone. Hardly anybody, perhaps no-one, will know you or the years that have preceded you. And so you are faced with an opportunity, a great opportunity, to regroup and to redefine yourself.
The choice, ultimately, is twofold. On the one hand, you can rise in pride, chin raised, chest puffed, conforming to the masses you can walk the university campus as a king; you are your own boss and free to do as you please.
On the other hand, the more difficult option, you can step back, reflect upon, regret and refrain from past mistakes, and decide that there is a purpose more meaningful; you humble yourself with those who recognise and call on their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Face.
That is the topic of my Khutbah today: The superiority of those who have humbled themselves before God and the excellence of those who have chosen the path of modesty.
Harithah bin Wahb (RA) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “Shall I not inform you about the people of Jannah? It is every person who is modest and humble (before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he adjures Allah, Allah will certainly give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud man.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
We see here the distinction of such modest and humble persons who, despite not having any important position in society, are so eminent in piety and trust in Allah that if they were to take an oath for something, Allah Almighty would fulfil it.
Not only does this Hadith highlight the importance of modesty, it condemns pride, miserliness and lust for name and fame.
Sahl bin Sa3d As-Saa3idi (RA) reported: A man passed by the Prophet (SAW), so he (the Prophet) asked a man who was sitting near him, “What is your opinion about this man?”
That man replied: “He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) to be given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends.”
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) remained silent. Then another man passed. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) enquired, “What is your opinion about this man?”
The man replied: “O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.”
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He is better than the former by earthfuls.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith contains the following two important points:
Firstly, the distinction and greatness of such poor Muslims who are neither known nor respected in society because of their poverty, but due to their faith and piety, each of them is better in the sight of Allah than those who look down upon them. This Hadith makes it abundantly clear that what really matters with Allah is faith and piety; not lineage nor pomp nor show.
Secondly, for marriage purposes, men and women of noble character should be selected even if they are poor because, at the level of religion, they are on par with other Muslims. Thus, the principle underlined here is that preference is given for religion over worldly wealth and richness.
Abu Sa3eed Al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: There was a dispute between Hell and Jannah.
Hell said: “The haughty and proud are my inmates.”
Jannah said: “The modest and the humble are my residents.”
Thereupon, Allah the Exalted and Glorious (addressing Jannah) said: “You are My Mercy, through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish.”
(And addressing Hell), He said: “You are (the means) of My punishment by which I shall punish such of My slaves as I wish and each one of you would have its fill.” (Muslim)
In this Hadith the people who are termed as ‘modest’ and ‘humble’ are those who are rich in faith and piety, who lead a life of patience and contentment. This Hadith gives glad tidings to such noble people.
On the contrary, this Hadith has a threat of Hell for those who disobey the commandments of Allah out of haughtiness and pride, who refuse to bow down their faces in submission of their Lord, Most High.
Now, it is entirely our own choice which way we go, and as I said in the beginning, there is no better time than the present.
Here we are, the start of another academic year, and for those beginning their first year, the start of three or four or more very important and decisive years. And there is no doubt about that. After all, this is the bridge between your years as a youth and your years as an adult. This is the time and this is the place wherein you decide who it is you want to be for many years to come.
For many, you will be starting university alone. Hardly anybody, perhaps no-one, will know you or the years that have preceded you. And so you are faced with an opportunity, a great opportunity, to regroup and to redefine yourself.
The choice, ultimately, is twofold. On the one hand, you can rise in pride, chin raised, chest puffed, conforming to the masses you can walk the university campus as a king; you are your own boss and free to do as you please.
On the other hand, the more difficult option, you can step back, reflect upon, regret and refrain from past mistakes, and decide that there is a purpose more meaningful; you humble yourself with those who recognise and call on their Lord, morning and evening, seeking His Face.
That is the topic of my Khutbah today: The superiority of those who have humbled themselves before God and the excellence of those who have chosen the path of modesty.
Harithah bin Wahb (RA) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (SAW) saying, “Shall I not inform you about the people of Jannah? It is every person who is modest and humble (before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he adjures Allah, Allah will certainly give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud man.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
We see here the distinction of such modest and humble persons who, despite not having any important position in society, are so eminent in piety and trust in Allah that if they were to take an oath for something, Allah Almighty would fulfil it.
Not only does this Hadith highlight the importance of modesty, it condemns pride, miserliness and lust for name and fame.
Sahl bin Sa3d As-Saa3idi (RA) reported: A man passed by the Prophet (SAW), so he (the Prophet) asked a man who was sitting near him, “What is your opinion about this man?”
That man replied: “He is one of the noblest men. By Allah he is certainly a proper person for (a girl) to be given in marriage if he seeks to marry, and his recommendation is fit to be accepted if he recommends.”
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) remained silent. Then another man passed. The Messenger of Allah (SAW) enquired, “What is your opinion about this man?”
The man replied: “O Messenger of Allah, he is one of the poor Muslims. He is not a proper person (for a girl) to be given in marriage to, and his recommendation would not be accepted if he makes one; if he speaks, he is not to be listened to.”
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “He is better than the former by earthfuls.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
This Hadith contains the following two important points:
Firstly, the distinction and greatness of such poor Muslims who are neither known nor respected in society because of their poverty, but due to their faith and piety, each of them is better in the sight of Allah than those who look down upon them. This Hadith makes it abundantly clear that what really matters with Allah is faith and piety; not lineage nor pomp nor show.
Secondly, for marriage purposes, men and women of noble character should be selected even if they are poor because, at the level of religion, they are on par with other Muslims. Thus, the principle underlined here is that preference is given for religion over worldly wealth and richness.
Abu Sa3eed Al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said: There was a dispute between Hell and Jannah.
Hell said: “The haughty and proud are my inmates.”
Jannah said: “The modest and the humble are my residents.”
Thereupon, Allah the Exalted and Glorious (addressing Jannah) said: “You are My Mercy, through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish.”
(And addressing Hell), He said: “You are (the means) of My punishment by which I shall punish such of My slaves as I wish and each one of you would have its fill.” (Muslim)
In this Hadith the people who are termed as ‘modest’ and ‘humble’ are those who are rich in faith and piety, who lead a life of patience and contentment. This Hadith gives glad tidings to such noble people.
On the contrary, this Hadith has a threat of Hell for those who disobey the commandments of Allah out of haughtiness and pride, who refuse to bow down their faces in submission of their Lord, Most High.
Now, it is entirely our own choice which way we go, and as I said in the beginning, there is no better time than the present.
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Tarawih Prayer: 8 Rakats or 20?
Ok. Maybe there's arguments for and against each opinion. But one thing is for sure, consistently leaving after 8 Rakats when the Imam has set out to pray 20 Rakats makes no sense at all. At least, I can't think of any explanation for this. If you want to pray 8 Rakats, find and go to a Masjid where they pray 8 Rakats, and, of course, vice-versa.
Those who leave after 8 Rakats in a 20-Rakat prayer are not only cheating the system but cutting themselves short. Think about it, if you leave every day after 8 Rakats, by the end of Ramadhan you will have heard only 8/20ths (i.e. only 40%) of the Qur'an. But then, I wonder, is it the difference of opinion that causes people to leave after 8 Rakats or just plain laziness?
Those who leave after 8 Rakats in a 20-Rakat prayer are not only cheating the system but cutting themselves short. Think about it, if you leave every day after 8 Rakats, by the end of Ramadhan you will have heard only 8/20ths (i.e. only 40%) of the Qur'an. But then, I wonder, is it the difference of opinion that causes people to leave after 8 Rakats or just plain laziness?
Saturday, 15 September 2007
Good memorisation
So you've memorised a sequence of Ayaat (verses) from the Holy Qur'an and can recite them in correct succession. What's more, when randomly given the first few words of an Ayah, you can reply instantaneously with the first few words of the following Ayah. That's good memorisation, maa sha Allah.
However, here's the test of great memorisation. When randomly given the first few words of an Ayah, can you state the first few words of the preceding Ayah? Try it. It's hard but a great technique to solidify your knowledge.
However, here's the test of great memorisation. When randomly given the first few words of an Ayah, can you state the first few words of the preceding Ayah? Try it. It's hard but a great technique to solidify your knowledge.
Monday, 3 September 2007
9.2, Oppression and the Rights of Others over us
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA) reported: On the day (of the battle) of Khaibar, some Companions of the Prophet (SAW) came and remarked: “So-and-so is a martyr and so-and-so is a martyr.” When they came to a man about whom they said: “So-and-so is a martyr,” the Prophet (SAW) declared, “No. I have seen him in Hell for a mantle (or cloak) which he has stolen.” (Muslim)
This Hadith tells us that violation of the rights of people will not be forgiven even by martyrdom.
Abu Qatadah Al-Harith bin Rib3ee (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Faith in Allah and striving in His Cause (Jihad) are the deeds of highest merit.”
A man stood up said: “O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be forgiven?”
He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are killed in the Cause of Allah while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and marching forward not retreating.”
Then the Prophet (SAW) said to him, “Repeat what you have said.”
The man said: “Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be remitted?”
He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are martyred while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and march forward without retreating, unless, if you owe any debt, that will not be remitted. Angel Jibril told me that.” (Muslim)
This Hadith again shows the importance of fulfilling the rights of people and in particular the repayment of loans, which will not be pardoned in any case. It is therefore essential that we exercise utmost care to fulfil our obligations in this matter (i.e. to avoid falling into debt and, if unavoidable, to clear any debts that we have at the earliest opportunity).
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘aaS (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
A true Muslim is one who does not do any harm to others, overtly or covertly (openly or secretly). Similarly, a true Muhajir is one who avoids disobeying Allah. Thus, if a person leaves his home to emigrate to some other place but does not save himself from sins, his emigration is of no avail.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “He who has done a wrong affecting his brother’s honour or anything else, let him ask his forgiveness today before the time (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) when he will have neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. If he has done some good deeds, a portion equal to his wrong doings will be subtracted from them; but if he has no good deeds, he will be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he had wronged in the same proportion.” (Bukhari)
This Hadith tells us that if we do not compensate a person who we have harmed, and who has not pardoned us for it, then it will have a serious consequence in the Hereafter, as mentioned in this Hadith.
Thus, in conclusion, negligence in the case of public rights, which we take very lightly, is in fact ruinous and can easily become a source of much dishonour for us on the Day when no person will be wronged.
‘Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA) reported: On the day (of the battle) of Khaibar, some Companions of the Prophet (SAW) came and remarked: “So-and-so is a martyr and so-and-so is a martyr.” When they came to a man about whom they said: “So-and-so is a martyr,” the Prophet (SAW) declared, “No. I have seen him in Hell for a mantle (or cloak) which he has stolen.” (Muslim)
This Hadith tells us that violation of the rights of people will not be forgiven even by martyrdom.
Abu Qatadah Al-Harith bin Rib3ee (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Faith in Allah and striving in His Cause (Jihad) are the deeds of highest merit.”
A man stood up said: “O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be forgiven?”
He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are killed in the Cause of Allah while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and marching forward not retreating.”
Then the Prophet (SAW) said to him, “Repeat what you have said.”
The man said: “Tell me if I am killed in the Cause of Allah, will all my sins be remitted?”
He (SAW) replied, “Yes, if you are martyred while you are patient, hopeful of your reward and march forward without retreating, unless, if you owe any debt, that will not be remitted. Angel Jibril told me that.” (Muslim)
This Hadith again shows the importance of fulfilling the rights of people and in particular the repayment of loans, which will not be pardoned in any case. It is therefore essential that we exercise utmost care to fulfil our obligations in this matter (i.e. to avoid falling into debt and, if unavoidable, to clear any debts that we have at the earliest opportunity).
‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘aaS (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
A true Muslim is one who does not do any harm to others, overtly or covertly (openly or secretly). Similarly, a true Muhajir is one who avoids disobeying Allah. Thus, if a person leaves his home to emigrate to some other place but does not save himself from sins, his emigration is of no avail.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said, “He who has done a wrong affecting his brother’s honour or anything else, let him ask his forgiveness today before the time (i.e., the Day of Resurrection) when he will have neither a Dinar nor a Dirham. If he has done some good deeds, a portion equal to his wrong doings will be subtracted from them; but if he has no good deeds, he will be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he had wronged in the same proportion.” (Bukhari)
This Hadith tells us that if we do not compensate a person who we have harmed, and who has not pardoned us for it, then it will have a serious consequence in the Hereafter, as mentioned in this Hadith.
Thus, in conclusion, negligence in the case of public rights, which we take very lightly, is in fact ruinous and can easily become a source of much dishonour for us on the Day when no person will be wronged.
9.1, Oppression and the Rights of Others over us
In the Name of Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, who says in the Qur’an,
“There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Dhaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers), who could be given heed to.” (40:18)
And in another place, Allah says,
“And for the Dhaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) there is no helper.” (22:71)
As we approach Ramadan, we will hear many reminders reminding us to use this time to purify ourselves and develop our relationship with our Creator. This will be by means of fasting, increasing in prayer, reading more Qur’an, and so on. In essence, such acts pertain to the rights of Allah upon us. I want to use this opportunity instead to discuss the other half of the religion, which is the rights of people upon us, so that we do not render our good deeds null and void without knowing it.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) asked, “Do you know who the bankrupt is?”
They said: “The bankrupt among us is the one who has neither money with him nor any property.”
He (SAW) said, “The real bankrupt of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting) and Sadaqah (charity), (but he will find himself bankrupt on that day as he will have exhausted the good deeds) because he spoke abusively of others, brought slander against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others and beat others; so his good deeds would be credited to the account of those (who suffered at his hand). If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the (Hell) Fire.” (Muslim)
Thus we have to take strict care in the performance of obligations like prescribed Salat (prayers), Saum (fasting), Zakat (charity), and so on, but we have to take similar care in our dealings, manners and morals. Salvation lies in the proper fulfilment of all these requirements. Fulfilment of one at the cost of the other will not be sufficient for salvation. It is not sufficient for us to think ourselves safe and sound just because we are good at a few aspects of the Deen. We must strive to perfect ourselves in all aspects of this Deen; the rights of Allah, like prayer, fasting and pilgrimage, as well as the rights of people, like showing kindness, honesty and charity.
Jabir bin `Abdullah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Beware of injustice, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection; and beware of stinginess because it doomed those who were before you. It incited them to shed blood and treat the unlawful as lawful.” (Muslim)
Also, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, the rights will be paid to those to whom they are due so much so that a hornless sheep will be retaliated for by punishing the horned sheep which broke its horns.” (Muslim)
These two sayings of the Prophet (SAW) make it abundantly clear that there will be utmost justice on the Day of Resurrection. So much so that Allah will redress even the grievance of the aggressed animal against the aggressor. Thus, these teachings serve as severe warnings for people. When animals, which are devoid of sense, will not be forgiven, how will mankind be, which is gifted with senses? We will not be pardoned if we are guilty of having been unjust to anyone without adequately compensating them.
Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Whoever usurps unlawfully even a hand span of land, a collar measuring seven times (this) land will be placed around his neck on the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
We see in this Hadith that even a minor injustice to anybody in this world can cause great trouble on the Day of Resurrection.
‘Adi bin ‘Umairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Whosoever among you is appointed by us to a position and he conceals from us even a needle or less, it will amount to misappropriation and he will be called upon to restore it on the Day of Resurrection.”
(‘Adi bin ‘Umairah added:) A black man from the Ansar stood up - I can see him still - and said: “O Messenger of Allah, take back from me your assignment.”
He (the Prophet (SAW)) said, “What has happened to you?”
The man replied: “I have heard you saying such and such.”
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “I say that even now: Whosoever from you is appointed by us to a position, he should render an account of everything, big or small, and whatever he is given therefrom, he should take and he should desist from taking what is unlawful.” (Muslim)
In this Hadith people of positions of responsibility are warned to perform their duties with co-operation and integrity. If they neglect their duties or take undue advantage of their official positions, they will be held guilty by Allah for conscious neglect of their duties and misuse of power. Another point to note from this Hadith, for us all, is that we should keep account of everything we give and take to and from others, regardless of whether we consider the item big or small.
Abu Musa (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Verily, Allah gives respite to the oppressor. But when He seizes him, He does not let him escape.” Then he (SAW) recited,
'Such is the Seizure of your Rubb when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful (and) severe.'" (11:102) (Bukhari and Muslim)
We should not think respite and relief from harm to mean exemption and immunity, because we do not know when respite granted by Allah will come to an end and punishment will follow.
We ask Allah for the strength and desire to live in accordance with his Deen, and we ask Him out of His mercy to forgive us our sins and shortcomings.
“There will be no friend, nor an intercessor for the Dhaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers), who could be given heed to.” (40:18)
And in another place, Allah says,
“And for the Dhaalimoon (polytheists and wrongdoers) there is no helper.” (22:71)
As we approach Ramadan, we will hear many reminders reminding us to use this time to purify ourselves and develop our relationship with our Creator. This will be by means of fasting, increasing in prayer, reading more Qur’an, and so on. In essence, such acts pertain to the rights of Allah upon us. I want to use this opportunity instead to discuss the other half of the religion, which is the rights of people upon us, so that we do not render our good deeds null and void without knowing it.
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) asked, “Do you know who the bankrupt is?”
They said: “The bankrupt among us is the one who has neither money with him nor any property.”
He (SAW) said, “The real bankrupt of my Ummah would be he who would come on the Day of Resurrection with Salat (prayer), Saum (fasting) and Sadaqah (charity), (but he will find himself bankrupt on that day as he will have exhausted the good deeds) because he spoke abusively of others, brought slander against others, unlawfully devoured the wealth of others, shed the blood of others and beat others; so his good deeds would be credited to the account of those (who suffered at his hand). If his good deeds fall short to clear the account, their sins would be entered in his account and he would be thrown in the (Hell) Fire.” (Muslim)
Thus we have to take strict care in the performance of obligations like prescribed Salat (prayers), Saum (fasting), Zakat (charity), and so on, but we have to take similar care in our dealings, manners and morals. Salvation lies in the proper fulfilment of all these requirements. Fulfilment of one at the cost of the other will not be sufficient for salvation. It is not sufficient for us to think ourselves safe and sound just because we are good at a few aspects of the Deen. We must strive to perfect ourselves in all aspects of this Deen; the rights of Allah, like prayer, fasting and pilgrimage, as well as the rights of people, like showing kindness, honesty and charity.
Jabir bin `Abdullah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Beware of injustice, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection; and beware of stinginess because it doomed those who were before you. It incited them to shed blood and treat the unlawful as lawful.” (Muslim)
Also, Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, the rights will be paid to those to whom they are due so much so that a hornless sheep will be retaliated for by punishing the horned sheep which broke its horns.” (Muslim)
These two sayings of the Prophet (SAW) make it abundantly clear that there will be utmost justice on the Day of Resurrection. So much so that Allah will redress even the grievance of the aggressed animal against the aggressor. Thus, these teachings serve as severe warnings for people. When animals, which are devoid of sense, will not be forgiven, how will mankind be, which is gifted with senses? We will not be pardoned if we are guilty of having been unjust to anyone without adequately compensating them.
Aisha (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Whoever usurps unlawfully even a hand span of land, a collar measuring seven times (this) land will be placed around his neck on the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
We see in this Hadith that even a minor injustice to anybody in this world can cause great trouble on the Day of Resurrection.
‘Adi bin ‘Umairah (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Whosoever among you is appointed by us to a position and he conceals from us even a needle or less, it will amount to misappropriation and he will be called upon to restore it on the Day of Resurrection.”
(‘Adi bin ‘Umairah added:) A black man from the Ansar stood up - I can see him still - and said: “O Messenger of Allah, take back from me your assignment.”
He (the Prophet (SAW)) said, “What has happened to you?”
The man replied: “I have heard you saying such and such.”
Allah’s Messenger (SAW) said, “I say that even now: Whosoever from you is appointed by us to a position, he should render an account of everything, big or small, and whatever he is given therefrom, he should take and he should desist from taking what is unlawful.” (Muslim)
In this Hadith people of positions of responsibility are warned to perform their duties with co-operation and integrity. If they neglect their duties or take undue advantage of their official positions, they will be held guilty by Allah for conscious neglect of their duties and misuse of power. Another point to note from this Hadith, for us all, is that we should keep account of everything we give and take to and from others, regardless of whether we consider the item big or small.
Abu Musa (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Verily, Allah gives respite to the oppressor. But when He seizes him, He does not let him escape.” Then he (SAW) recited,
'Such is the Seizure of your Rubb when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful (and) severe.'" (11:102) (Bukhari and Muslim)
We should not think respite and relief from harm to mean exemption and immunity, because we do not know when respite granted by Allah will come to an end and punishment will follow.
We ask Allah for the strength and desire to live in accordance with his Deen, and we ask Him out of His mercy to forgive us our sins and shortcomings.
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