Islamic Topics

Thursday 20 November 2014

Salat (Prayer)

 
The importance of prayer in Islam is great as it is the foremost duty of Muslims and one of the pillars on which the structure of Islam stands. It distinguishes Muslims from non-Muslims.
 
The Holy Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, said:
"What stands between a man and disbelief is the abandonment of prayer."
"Know that among your duties, prayer is foremost."
 
The object of prayer is to remember Allah. That is why prayer was dearest to the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, as he said:
"He who gives up prayer has indeed disbelieved."
 
It is also important not to pray carelessly as the Quran says:
"Woe to praying ones who are heedless of their prayers." [Al-Ma'un 107:4-5]
 
Praying five times a day is compulsory. Prayer consists of recitation of the Holy Quran and glorification of Allah accompanied by various body postures such as standing, bowing, prostrating, and sitting. Through these postures, Muslims express submission, adoration, and humility to Allah. The Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam said:
"You should worship Allah as if you see Him; because though you don't see Him, He surely sees you."
 
Prayer protects one from sins and shameful deeds. Prayer purifies a person and brings him closer to Allah. The Quran says:
"Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds." [Al-'Ankabut 29:45]
The five daily prayers consist of
  1. Fard: obligatory prayer
  2. Sunnah: Prophet's tradition
  3. Wajib: obligatory prayer (Denying a Fard makes one a non-Muslim but denying a Wajib makes one a sinner. One must make up any missed Fard or Wajib prayers.)
  4. Nafl: voluntary prayer
The sunnah are again divided into Sunnah Muakkadah and Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah.
 
Sunnah Muakkadah means an act that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, always used to do. These rakats must be offered. (However if missed, there is no makeup or qada for it).
 
Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah are sunnahs that Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to leave sometimes without any reason. These are not obligatory.
 
Fajr:
2 Sunnah Muakkadah
2 Fard
 
Zuhr:
4 Sunnah Muakkadah
4 Fard
2 Sunnah Muakkadah
2 Nafl
 
Asr:
4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah
4 Fard
 
Maghrib:
3 Fard
2 Sunnah Muakkadah
2 Nafl
 
Isha:
4 Sunnah Ghair Muakkadah
4 Fard
2 Sunnah Muakkadah
2 Nafl
3 Witr  Wajib
2 Nafl
 
In addition to the above, the terms Fard, Wajib, Sunnah, and Nafl are also applied to conditions or actions within salat. If one misses any Fard part of salat, the salat will be invalid. That omission cannot be compensated by making Sajda Sahv. If a Wajib is missed unintentionally, one can make Sajda Sahv to make up for it.
Fard Parts before the Salat:
  • Body has to be clean of all sorts of impurities.
  • Garments should be clean and pure.
  • Place of salat should be clean.
  • Covering of Satr.
  • The right time for salat.
  • Facing the Qiblah.
  • Having the intention to offer salat.
Fard Parts During the Salat
  • To began salat with Takbeer Tahrima.
  • Qiyam in every rakah.
  • Qirat (in two rakah of Fard, and all rakahs of Sunnah, Wajib, and Nafl)
  • Ruku in every rakah.
  • Two Sijdahs in every rakah.
  • Qa'adah Akhirah
  • Salam (To end the salat).
Wajib Parts
  • To recite Surah Al- Fatiha in every rakah
  • Recite a portion of Quran in the first two rakah of Fard and in every rakah of other salats after Fatiha.
  • To observe sequence.
  • To observe Qauma.
  • To observe Jalsah.
  • To observe Qa'ada Ula.
  • To recite Tashahud at least once in the two rak'ahs.
  • To raise hands with Takbeer for Qunut in the last rakah of Witr.
  • To pronounce additional Takbeers in Eid salats.
Sunnah Parts
  • To raise hands and turn palms towards Qibla before Takbeer Tahrimah. For males to ear lobes. For female shoulder level.
  • To keep the head erect while pronouncing Takbeer Tahrimah.
  • To tie hands properly after Takbeer Tahrimah.
  • To recite Thana.
  • To pronounce Taawwuz.
  • To recite Bismillah before Fatiha.
  • To recite only Fatiha in 3rd and 4th rakah of Fard.
  • To recite Ameen after Fatiha.
  • To pronounce tasbih in ruku and sijdah at least thrice.
  • To place the knees first, then two hands, then nose and at last forehead in sijdah.
Mustahabb Part
  • To look during Qiyaam to the place of sijdah, to look between the two feet during ruku', at the thighs during Qa'dah, and at the shoulders during Salaam.
Things That Break Salat
  • Talking
  • Crying (scream)
  • To ignore, break, or miss one of the Fard parts (intentionally or unintentionally).
  • To deliberately miss any Wajib parts of the salat or unintentionally and failing to perform sijdah-Sahaf.
  • To cough or moan unnecessarily.
  • To chew or eat something.
  • Breaking into laughter.
  • To commit a blunder in the recitation of Quran so as to change the meaning.
  • To move about or shift unnecessarily.
  • To repeat an act irrelevant to the salat over and over again.
  • To try to read something in front.
Undesirable Things
  • Wearing clothes against the established customs or practices.
  • Trying to fold the garments to save them from dust.
  • Playing with garments, hair, etc.
  • Offering salat in an undignified dress.
  • Performing the salat bareheaded.
  • Standing up for salat when there is a strong desire to go to the bathroom.
  • Placing one's hands on the hip or back.
  • Shaping the fingers or intertwining the fingers of one hand with those of the other.
  • Turning the face away from the Qiblah or casting side-glances.
  • Yawning on purpose.
  • Praying in garments or on mat that has pictures of animals on them or in a place where there are pictures of living beings.
  • Standing in the back of Jamaat when there is room in the front.
  • Keeping the eyes closed except for concentrating.
  • Prostrating one's self by touching only the forehead or only nose or only edge of the cap.
  • Sitting square during the salat without a genuine reason.
  • Bending down for ruku before finishing the recitation properly and tying to complete it in the ruku.
  • Reciting the Quran regardless of sequence or size in various Rakahs of Fard salat.
  • Neglecting a Sunnah part in the salat.
  • Raising both feet of the ground in sijdah.
Cases in Which Salat Can Be Broken
  • A train, airplane, or ship is going to set off for destination.
  • If a snake or harmful creature appears.
  • In case of danger of material loss.
  • If a person feels a strong desire to go to the bathroom.
  • If there is a danger of a blind person falling and drowning in the stream.
  • If the clothing catches fire.
  • Parents or grandparents call for help in affliction.
Fidyah for one missed salat is the same as that of one missed fast. Therefore, if a person missed all the salats on a day, he will be required to pay fidyah for 6 salats (including the obligatory Witr salat).

Wednesday 19 November 2014

The Virtues and Importance of Zikar/Dhikar in Ahadith:


 1. Hadhrat Abu Saeed[RA] narrates that Prophet[SA] was asked about the one who will be the noblest among people on the Day of Qiyaamah and the closest to Allah Ta’ala. Prophet[SA] said:”Those men and women who remember Allah in abundance.” Someone asked: “O Rasulullah! What about the one who wage Jihaad in the Path of Allah? “Prophet[SA] replied: “The one who engages constantly in Zikar of Allah is superior in rank to the one who wages Jihad, even if he fights so vehemently against the kuffar and mushrikeen that his sword breaks and even if he is dyed red in blood” [Ahmad and Tirmidhi]


 2. Abu Darda[RA] says that the Prophet[SA] said, “Do you want me to tell you of your best deeds, the most honored and praised and sanctified to Your Lord and the highest in its reward; better than spending gold and better than meeting your enemy and fighting them in the Jihad?” They said “Yes O Prophet of Allah.” He said, “Zikarullah.” [Reported by Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]


 3. Abdullah ibn Umar[RA] narrated that Prophet[SA] used to say: “Everything has a polish, and the polish of hearts is Zikar of Allah. Nothing is more calculated to rescue from Allah’s punishment than Zikar of Allah.” He was asked whether this did not apply even to Jihad in Allah’s path, and he replied: “Not even if one would fight with his sword until it breaks.” [Bayhaqi and al-Targhib]
4. Prophet[SA] said “The example of one who remembers Allah and someone who does not, is like the example between the living and the dead.”[Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim]


 5. Abdullah Bin Bisr[RA] narrated that a villager came to the Holy Court of Rasool Allah[SA] and asked, “Which man is the best?” Prophet[SA] said, “It is the luck and good-fortune of that person whose life is long and his deeds are good.” He asked, “Ya Rasool Allah! Which deed is the best?” Prophet said, “Your tongue be wet from Zikar of Allah when you part from this world.” [Tirmidhi]


 6. Muaaz bin Jabal[RA] narrated that Rasool Allah[SA] said, “The people of Jannat will only regret that moment which was spent without the Zikar of Allah during their life time.” [Bayhaqi and Tabrani]


 7. Prophet[SA] said “Seven people will be shaded by Allah on the Day of Judgement…” The seventh is: “A person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.”[Al-Bukhari]


Zikar 1: Juwairiyah bint Al-harith[R.A], the blessed wife of Prophet[SA] said: The Prophet[SA] came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet[SA] said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you”. I replied, affirmative. Thereupon Prophet[SA] said, “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighted against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:
Sub-haa-nal-laahi Wa Bi-ham-dihi ‘Ada-da Khal-Qihi, Wa Riza Naf-sihi, Wa Zinatah ‘Ar-shi-hi, Wa Mida’-da Kali-ma-tihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creation, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words[for His Praise]]” [Sahih Muslim].


Zikar 2: Safiyya bint Huyayy[RA], the blessed wife of Prophet[SA] said: The Prophet came in to see me and in front of me there were four thousand date-stones with which I was making tasbih [counting ‘Subhan Allah’]. He said: “You make tasbih with so many! Shall I teach you what surpasses your number of tasbih?” She said: “Teach me!” He said: Say:
Sub-haa-nal-laahi `Adada Khal-Qihi [Glory to Allah the number of His creation] [Tirmidhi and Al-Hakim]


Zikar 3: Ibn `Umar[RA] reported that the Prophet[SA] told them, “A servant of Allah said:
Yaa-Rabbee-Lakal-Hamdu, Kamaa Yam-ba-ghee-li-Jalali, Waj-hi-ka, Wa-li-A-zheemi-Sul-Taanik
[My Lord! All praise belongs to You as much as it befits Your Glory and Sublime Majesty]
This was too much for the two angels to record. They did not know how to record it. So they soared to the heaven and said: Our Lord! Your servant has said something which we don’t know how to record. Allah asked them and, of course, He knew what the servant had said: What did My servant say? They said: He said: My Lord! All praise belongs to You as much as it befits Your Glory and Sublime Majesty. Allah said to them: Write it down as My servant has said until he should meet Me and I reward him for it.” [Hadith Qudsi reported by Ahmad and Ibn Majah]


Zikar 4: Hazrat Anas[RA] describes that the Holy Prophet[SA] said that “Ten angels rush towards a man who recites:
Alhamdu-LilLaahi Hamdan Kaseeran Tayyibam Mubarakan feehe, Kama Yuhibbu rabbuna wa yer za [All Praises be to Allah, the Praise which is bountiful, pure and blessed, the Praise which our Rabb loves and is pleased with]
To write right the blessings and the reward for this recital every angle cherishes, buts gets confused as to how to write and how much to write. They put this matter before Allah, Allah commands them to put down as much as the man has recited and leave the matter of reward to him.” [Hadith Qudsi reported by Ibn Hibban]


Zikar 5: Hadrat Abduallah bin Abi-Auffa [RA] reported that the Prophet [SA] said that “Whoever recites
La e-laaha il-’lal-laahu Wah-dahu Laa sha-rika-lahu, A-ha-dan Sa-madan, lam-ya-lid Wa-lam-yu-lad, wa-lam ya-kul-la-ho ku-fu-wan Ahad -two million [20 lakhs] virtues will be written in his credit”. [Tabrani]


Zikar 6: Prophet[SA] said:” Whoever says: La e-laaha il-’lal-lahu Wahdahu la sharika lahu, La-hul-mulku wa La-hul-hamdu, wa huwa ala kul-li shai’in Qadir [There is No God But Allah Alone, who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He has power over everything] -ten times, will have the reward for freeing 4 slaves from the progeny of Ismail[AS]”.[Al-Bukhari, Muslim].

Zikar 7: Sub-haa-nal-laahi Wa biHamdihi [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise]
Hadith 1: Hazrat Umaama[RA] narrates that Prophet[SA] said: “One who is unable to pray during the night or is too miser to spend money or is too coward to take part in Jihad, should recite “SubhanAllahi Wa Bihamdihi” excessively, because this action is more valuable to Allah then spending in his path, a mountain load of gold”. [Tabrani]
Hadith 2: Prophet [SA] said “Whoever says: ‘Subhan Allahi wa bi hamdihi’ a hundred times during a day, will have all his sins wiped off even if they were as numerous as the foam, on the surface of the sea.” [Muslim, Tirmidhi, and Nasa'i]
Hadith 3: Abu Hurayra[RA] reported that the Prophet[SA] said: “There are two phrases that are light on the tongue but heavy on the scale of rewards and are dear to the Gracious One. These are: “SUB-HAA-NAL-LAAHI WA BIHAMDIHI, SUB-HAA-NAL-LAAHIL AZEEM[E]” [Glory be to Allah, and Praise, Glory be to Allah, the Supreme] [Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi]


Zikar 8: Abu Hurayra[RA] reported that Prophet[SA] said: “I love [repeating]: Sub-haa-nal-laahi, Wal-hamdu lil-laahi, Wa laa e-laaha il-lal-laahu, Wal-laahu Akbar [Glorified is Allah, and Praise be to Allah, and There is no God but Allah, and Allah is most Great] more than all that the sun shines upon.”[Muslim and Tirmidhi]. It is further mentioned in Muslim and Nasa’i Shareef that Prophet[SA] said: “The dearest phrases to Allah are four: Subhan Allah, Wa al-hamdu lillah, Wa la ilaha illallah, Wallahu akbar. It doesn’t matter whichever of them you say first”. [Muslim, Nasa'i]

Zikar 9: La Hawla wa la Qu-watta il-laa Bil-laah [There is no Might or Power except with Allah]
Hadith 1: This is mentioned in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim as “A treasure from the treasures of Paradise”.
Hadith 2: This is mentioned in Al-Nasa’i and Mishkat-e-Shareef as “A cure for ninety-nine illnesses, the least of which is sorrow”.


Zikar 10: La e-laaha iI ‘lal laa[h] [There is No God But Allah]
Hadith 1: The Prophet[SA] said that Allah will save a man of his community, the record of whose sins fills 99 books, each book extending as far as the eye can see. Against all this will be weighed, the one good deed that he has, which is his witnessing that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad[SA] is His Messenger, and it will outweigh all the rest. The Prophet [SA] then said: “Nothing is of any weight with Allah’s Name.” [Narrated by Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Al-Hakim, Bayhaqi]
Hadith 2: Abdullah ibn `Umar[RA] narrated that Prophet[SA] said: “Saying ‘Subhan Allah’ is half the balance and saying ‘al-hamdu lillah’ fills it, and there is no veil between ‘La ilaha illallah’ and Allah Himself [it is not even weighed in the Balance], it reaches Him directly.”[Tirmidhi].
Hadith 3: Hazrat Jabir[RA] reported that Prophet[SA] said, “The best way Zikar is to say: La ilaha illallah and the best dua is Al-hamdu lillah” [Al-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, Hakim and Tirmidhi]


Zikar 11: Surah Al Ikhlas “Qul hu-Wal-laa-hu-A-had, Allah-hus-Samad, Lam Ya-lid Wa lam Yu-lad, Wa lam Ya-kul-Lahu Kufu-Wan Ahad”
Hadith 1: Prophet[SA] said: He Who reads “Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad,” it is as if he has read one third of the Qur’an [Ahmad, An-Nisa'i, Tirmidhi]. The reward for reciting Surah Ikhlas thrice, is equivalent to the recitation of one complete Quran.
Hadith 2: Prophet[SA] said: Whoever recites the Surah Al-Ikhlas “Qul Huwa Allahu Ahad” ten times, Allah will build for him a house in Paradise.[Reported by Ahmad]


Zikar 12: The Best Istighfar, for the Forgiveness of Major Sins: Ibn Masud[RA] said: Prophet(SA) said, “He who says:
As-tagh-fi-rul-laah-Hal-lazi La e-laha il-laa Hu-wal-Hai-yul-Qayyumu, Wa A-tubu e-laih[i]
[I seek the forgiveness of Allah, there is no true God except Allah, the Ever Living, the Self-Subsisting, and I turn to Him in repentance]
His sins will be forgiven even if he should have run away from the battlefield [during Jihad]”. [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Hakim]
Hadith 2: Abu Saeed RA narrates that Prophet SAW said: “He who says these words while going to bed: As-tagh-fi-rul-laah-hal-lazi La e-laha il-laa Hu-wal-Hai-yul-Qay-yoo-mu, Wa A-tubu e-laih[i] ” all his sins are remitted even if they are as large as the foam of the ocean or as many as the leaves of the trees or the grains of sand or even if his sins are equal to the life of this world i.e from its creation to the day of resurrection”. [Tirmidhi]


Zikar 13: Imran ibne Husain[RA] narrates that Rasulullah[SA] said “ the reward of reciting Sub-haa-nal-laah is more than Mount Uhud, Alhumdulillah is more than Mount Uhud and reciting Al- laa-hu Akbar is more than Mount Uhud. [Tabani, Bazar]. It is further mentioned in Muslim and Nasa’i Shariff that Prophet[SA] said: ‘the dearest phrases to Allah are four: Sub-haa-nal-laahi Walhumdu lil laahi Wa laa e- laaha il-lal- laahu Wal- laahu Akbar. It doesn’t matter which of them you say first” .
Note: For infinite reward, it is preferable to recite these words: : Sub-haa-nal-laahi A-da-da Khal-Qehe ; Alhumdu-lil-laahi A-da-da Khal-Qehe; Laa e- laaha A-da-da Khal-Qehe; Al-laa-hu Akba-ru A-da-da Khal-Qehe or recite: Sub-haa-nal-laahi Walhumdu lil laahi Wa laa e- laaha il-lal- laahu Wal- laahu Akba-ru A-da-da Khal-Qehe. [Glory be to Allah and all praises are for Him and there is no God BUT He and Allah is the greatest as many times as the number of his Creaton.]


Zikar 14:Allahu-mag-fir-li-wa-lil-mu-mi-nee-na wal mu-me-naati Wal mus-le-mee-na wal mus-le-maat [O Allah Forgive me and all the male and female believers and Muslims]
The Prophet[SA] said: “Whosoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” [Tabrani]


Zikar 15: Prophet [SA] said “the prayer which Hazrat Yunus[AS] offered in the stomach of the fish is: Laa-e-laaha il-la anta sub-haa-naka en-ne Kuntu me-naz zaale meen [There is no one worthy of worship except thee may thou be glorified. Surely I have committed wrong], whom so ever prays to Allah with these words, Allah grants his prayer. [Trimidhi]

Zikar 16: Darood-O-Salaam: In Al-Quran, Surah al-Ahzab verse 56 we have been commanded to send Darood and Salaam on Prophet[SA]. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Abbas [RA] narrated that the Holy Prophet [SA] said that if a man recites JA-ZAL-LAAHU A’NN-NA MUHAMMADAN MA HUWA A’H-LU-HU [Sal-lal-laahu-Alayhi-Wa-Sal-lam]
[O Allah! Give reward to our Prophet Muhammad[SA] the reward which is benefiting as he deserves] once, then for the coming 1000 days the Angels of Allah Ta’ala will be busy in writing reward for the recite of this Durood. [Tabarani]

Tuesday 18 November 2014

What was Prophet Muhammad like?


1. Sound Intellect

The Messenger (pbuh) had an excellent, complete and sound intellect. No man has ever had an intellect as complete and perfect as his. Qadhi Iyaadh16, may God have mercy on him, said:

This becomes clear to an individual when the researcher reads the Prophet’s biography and understands his state of affairs, and his meaningful and inclusive utterances and traditions, his good manners, ethics and moral character, his knowledge of the Torah and Gospel and other Divine Scriptures, and his knowledge of statements of the wise, and knowledge of by-gone nations, and ability to strike examples and implement policies and correct emotional manners. He was an example and paradigm to which his people could relate to in all branches of knowledge; acts of worship, medicine, laws of inheritance, lineage, and other matters as well. He knew and learned all of this without reading or examining the Scriptures of those before us, nor did he sit with their scholars. The Prophet had no formal schooling, and was without knowledge of the above before being commissioned as a Prophet, nor could he read or write. The Prophet (pbuh) was wise to the fullest extent of his mental capacity. God, the Exalted, informed him of some of what had taken place (in the past) and of that which would take place in the future. This is a sign that the Dominion belongs to God, and that He is capable over all things.17

2. Doing Things for the Sake of God

The Prophet (pbuh) would always do deeds through which he would seek the pleasure of God. He was harmed and abused when he invited and called people to Islam; yet he was patient and endured all of this, and hoped for the reward of God. Abdullah b. Masood said:

"The Prophet (pbuh) resembled a prophet who was harmed by his people. He wiped the blood from his face and said: ‘O God! Forgive my people, for they know not!" (Bukhari #3290)

Jundub b. Sufyaan said that the Messenger’s finger bled during one of the battles, and he said:

"You are but a finger which has bled; which suffers in the path of God." (Bukhari #2648)

3. Sincerity

The Prophet (pbuh) was sincere and honest in all his matters, as God had ordered him. Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Say, Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are for God, Lord of the worlds. No partner has He. And this I have been commanded and I am the first (among you) of the Muslims." [6:162-163]

4. Good Morals, Ethics and Companionship

The Prophet (pbuh) was a living example for all humans to follow. His wife A’ishah was asked about his manners, and she said,

"His manners were the Qur’an."

In this statement, A’ishah meant that the Prophet (pbuh) abided by its laws and commands and abstained from its prohibitions, and observed the virtuous deeds mentioned in it. The Prophet (pbuh) said:

"God has sent me to perfect good manners and to do good deeds." (Bukhari & Ahmed)

Allah, the Exalted, described the Prophet (pbuh) saying:

"And indeed, you are of a great moral character" [68:4]

Anas b. Malik served the Prophet (pbuh) for ten years; He was with him day in and day out, both when the Prophet (pbuh) traveled and when he was a resident in Madeenah. He was knowledgeable of the Prophet’s manners. He said:

"The Prophet (pbuh) did not swear at anyone, nor was he rude, nor did he curse anyone. If he desired to reprimand someone, he would say: ‘What is wrong with him, may dust be cast in his face!" (Bukhari #5684)

5. Politeness and Good Manners

The Prophet (pbuh) showed good manners and was courteous to all, even to children. Once when the Prophet was in a gathering, a drink was brought to the Prophet (pbuh) and he drank from it. On his right side there was a young boy and on his left side were elderly men. Feeling obliged by the respect of elders, and not wanting to hurt the feelings of the child, he asked the young boy:

"Do you mind if I give the drink to them?’ The young boy said: ‘O Prophet of God! By God! I would not prefer anyone to drink from the place you drank. This is my fair share18.’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) handed the boy the drink." (Bukhari #2319)

6. Love for Reformation and Reconciliation

Whenever a situation occurred which called for reconciliation, the Prophet (pbuh) would hurry to resolve it. Once when he heard that the people of Qubaa’19 disputed with each other about a matter, the Prophet (pbuh) said:

"Let us go to resolve the situation and make peace between them." (Bukhari #2547)

7. Ordering with the good and forbidding evil

If the Prophet (pbuh) saw an act which opposed a tenet of the religion, he would reprimand it in a suitable manner. Abdullah b. Abbas said: The Messenger of God pbuh saw a man wearing a gold ring20, so he reached for it, [and] removed it…. He then said:

"Would one of you seek a burning charcoal and place it on his hand?!"
The man was later told, after the Prophet pbuh left: ‘Take your ring! Make good use of it [by selling it].’ The man said: ‘No, by God! I will never take it after the Messenger of God pbuh cast it away.’ (Muslim #2090)

Abu Saeed al-Khudri said:

I heard the Messenger of Allah say: "Whoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart…" (Muslim)

8. Love of Purification

A companion passed by the Prophet (pbuh) while he was not in a state of purification. He greeted him with God’s name, but the Prophet (pbuh) did not return the greeting until he performed ablution and apologized saying:

"I disliked that I should mention God’s name while I am not in a state of purity." (Ibn Khuzaimah #206)

9. Safeguarding and Minding One’s Language

The Messenger of God (pbuh) would busy himself with the remembrance of God; he would not talk in vain. He would lengthen his prayers and shorten the speech, and he would not hesitate to help and take care of the needs of a needy, poor or widow. (Ibn Hib’ban #6423)

10. Excelling in Acts of Worship

A’ishah said that the Prophet of God (pbuh) used to pray during the night until his feet would swell. She said, ‘Why do you do this, O Messenger of God, while God has forgiven your past and future sins?’ The Prophet (pbuh) replied:

"Shall I not be a grateful slave (of God)?" (Bukhari #4557)

11. Forbearance

Once some companions came to the Prophet (pbuh) complaining about a tribe, namely the Daws, who refused to accept Islam, asking him to curse them. The Prophet (pbuh) raised his hands in prayer and instead said:

"O Allah guide the tribe of Daws and bring them to Islam!"

12. Good Appearance

The companions knew the Prophet (pbuh) to be the most beautiful of people. One companion said:

"The Prophet (pbuh) was a person of average height. His shoulders were wide. His hair reached his earlobes. Once I saw him adorned in a red garment; I never saw anything more beautiful than him." (Bukhari #2358)

13. Asceticism in Worldly Affairs

There are many examples in the Prophet’s life which prove that he had no concern for the pleasures of this life. Abdullah b. Masood said:

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) went to sleep on a mat. He stood up and he had marks on his side due to the mat that he had slept on. We said: ‘O Messenger of God, shall we not make [a proper] bedding for you?’ He said: ‘What do I have to do with this world? I am only like a wayfarer upon a mount that stopped to take shade and rest under a tree, and then leaves it behind and continues on the journey." (Tirmidthi #2377)

Amr’ b. al-Haarith said:

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) did not leave any gold or silver currency, or a slave, male or female, after his death. He only left behind his white mule, his weapons and a piece of land which he declared as Charity." ((Bukhari #2588)

14. Altruism

Sahl b. Sa’d said: The Prophet (pbuh) had more care for those around him than for his own self.

"A woman gave the Messenger of God (pbuh) a Burdah (gown). The Prophet (pbuh) asked his Companions: ‘Do you know what a Burdah is?’ They replied, ‘Yes, O Prophet of God! It is a piece of woven cloth [similar to a shawl]. The woman said: ‘O Prophet of God! I have woven this shawl with my own hands, for you to wear.’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) took it while he direly needed it. After a while, the Messenger of God (pbuh) came out of his home wearing it, and a Companion said to the Messenger of God (pbuh): ‘O Prophet of God! Grant me this shawl to wear!’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) said: ‘Yes.’ He then sat for a while, and headed back home, folded it and gave it to the person who asked for it. The Companions scolded him saying: ‘It was not appropriate for you to ask for his shawl; especially since you know he does not turn anyone down or send them away empty-handed! The man said: ‘By God! I only asked him to give it to me because I want to be shrouded in this shawl when I die.’ Sahl, the narrator of the Hadeeth said: ‘The shawl was used as a shroud for that man when he died." (Bukhari #1987)

15. Strong Faith and Dependence on God

Although the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions faced severe trials from the disbelievers, he always reminded them that the end was for the believers, and that the Will of God will come to pass. When Abu Bakr and the Prophet hid in a cave after they had left their homes in order to migrate to Madeenah, the disbelievers of Makkah had sent scouts in search of them. They came so close to the cave that Abu Bakr could see their feet. Abu Bakr said:

"I looked at the feet of the pagans while we were in the cave [of Thawr]. I said, ‘O Prophet of God! If anyone of them looks down at his feet he would see us!’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) said: ‘O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two with whom God, the Exalted, is their Third?" (Muslim #1854)

16. Kindness and Compassion

The Prophet was the kindest of people, and this was also apparent in his treatment of infants.

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) performed Salah (prayer) while he was carrying an infant girl named Umaamah, daughter of Abul-Aas. When he bowed, he put her on the ground, and when he stood up, he would carry her again." (Bukhari #5650)

17. Simplification and Ease

The Prophet (pbuh) always sought to make things easy for people. The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:

"I start the prayer with the intention of lengthening it, but when I hear a child crying, I shorten the prayer, as I know its mother would suffer from his screams!" (Bukhari #677)

18. Fearing God, being Mindful to not trespass His Limits

The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:

"Sometimes, when I return to my family, I would find a datefruit on the bed. I would pick it up to eat it; but I would fear that it was from the charity21, and thus, throw it back [on the ground]." (Bukhari #2300)

19. Spending Generously

Anas bin Malik said:

‘The Messenger of God (pbuh) was never asked for something when a person accepted Islam, except that he granted that person what he asked. A man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and he gave him a herd of sheep that was grazing between two mountains. The man returned to his people and said: ‘O my people accept Islam! Muhammad (pbuh) gives out generously like one who does not fear poverty.’ (Muslim #2312)

Ibn Abbas said:

‘The Prophet (pbuh) was the most generous of people. He was most generous during Ramadhan when he met Gabriel (pbuh); he would meet him every night during Ramadhan to practice and review the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of God (pbuh) was so generous, that he was faster than the swiftest wind in this regard. (Bukhari #6)

Abu Dharr said:

‘I was walking with the Prophet (pbuh) in the Har’rah (volcanic region) of Madeenah and we faced the mount of Uhud; the Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘O Abu Dharr!’ I said: ‘Here I am O Messenger of God!’ He said: ‘It would not please me to have an amount of gold equal to the weight of Mount Uhud, until I spend and give it out (in the sake of God) within a night or within three nights. I would keep a single silver piece of it to help those who are in debt. (Bukhari #2312)

Jabir b. Abdullah said:

‘The Prophet pbuh did not refuse to give anything which he had to someone if he asked for it.’ (Bukhari #5687)

20. Cooperation

The Prophet (pbuh) was not a king who commanded his followers to carry out his orders. Rather he always carried out his own affairs and helped others in collective duties. A’ishah was once asked about how the Prophet (pbuh) behaved with his family. She said:

"He helped and assisted his family members with their chores; but when the call to prayer was heard, he would [stop everything and] leave to attend the prayers."

Al-Baraa bin ‘Azib said:

"I saw the Messenger of God (pbuh) on the Day of the Trench carrying dirt [that was dug from the trench] until his chest was covered with dirt." (Bukhari #2780)

21. Truthfulness

A’ishah said:

"The trait and characteristic which the Prophet (pbuh) hated most was lying. A man would tell a lie in the presence of the Prophet (pbuh) and he would hold it against him, until he knew that he repented." (Tirmidthi #1973)

Even his enemies attested to his truthfulness. Abu Jahl, who was one of the harshest enemies of Islam, said: ‘O Muhammad! I do not say that you are a liar! I only deny what you brought and what you call people to.’ God, the Exalted, says:

"We know indeed that what they say certainly grieves you, but surely they do not call you a liar; but the unjust deny the verses of God." [6:33]

22. Aggrandizing the limits set by Allah, and Always Seeking the Moderate Path

A’ishah said:

"The Prophet (pbuh) was not given a choice between two matters, except that he chose the easier of the two, as long as it was not a sinful act. If that act was a sinful act, he would be the farthest from it. By God! He never avenged himself. He only became angry when people transgressed the limits and boundaries of God; in that case he avenged [for the sake of God]." (Bukhari #6404)

23. Pleasant Facial Expression

Abdullah bin al-Harith said:

"I have never seen a man who smiled as much as the Messenger of God (pbuh)." (Tirmidthi #2641)

24. Honesty, Trustworthiness and Reliability

The Prophet (pbuh) was wellknown for his honesty. The pagans of Makkah -who were openly hostile towards him- would leave their valuables with him. His honesty and reliability was tested when the pagans of Makkah abused him and tortured his companions and drove them out of their homes. He ordered his cousin, Ali b. Abi Talib to postpone his migration for three days to return to people their valuables.22

Another example of his honesty, trustworthiness and reliability is demonstrated in the Truce of Hudaibiyah, wherein he agreed to the article in the treaty which stated that any man who left the Prophet (pbuh) would not be returned to him, and any man who left Makkah would be returned to them. Before the treaty was concluded a man named Abu Jandal b. Amr had managed to escape from the pagans of Makkah and rushed to join Muhammad (pbuh). The pagans asked Muhammad to honor his pledge and return the escapee. The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:

"O Abu Jandal! Be patient and ask God to grant you patience. God will surely help you and those who are persecuted and make it easy for you. We have signed an agreement with them, and we certainly do not betray or act treacherously." (Baihaquee #18611)

25. Bravery and courage

Ali said:

"You should have seen him on the Day of Badr! We sought refuge with the Messenger of God (pbuh). He was the closest among us to the enemy. On that Day, the Messenger of God (pbuh) was the strongest one among us." (Ahmed #654)

As for his courage and bravery under normal circumstances - Anas b. Malik said:

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) was the best of people and the most courageous. One night, the people of Madeenah were frightened and headed towards the sounds they heard during the night. The Messenger of God (pbuh) met them while coming back from the place of the sound, after he made sure that there was no trouble. He was riding a horse that belonged to Abu Talhah without any saddle, and he had his sword with him. He was assuring the people, saying: ‘Do not be frightened! Do not be frightened!" (Bukhari #2751)

He met up with people riding a horse with no saddle, and he carried his sword, for there might be a reason or need to use it. He did not wait for others to investigate the source of trouble as is usually done in these situations.

26. Bashfulness and Modesty

Abu Ayoub al-Ansari said that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:

"Four (traits) are from the practice of the Messengers; modesty, using perfume and siwak (tooth stick) and marriage." (Tirmidthi)

A’ishah said:

"A woman asked the Prophet (pbuh) about the bath which is taken at the end of the menstrual period. The Prophet (pbuh) said: 'Purify yourself with a piece of cloth scented with musk.' The Prophet (pbuh) felt shy and turned his face. A’ishah said: 'I pulled her to myself and told her what the Prophet (pbuh) meant.' " (Bukhari #313)

27. Humbleness

The Messenger of God (pbuh) was the most humble person. He was so humble that if a stranger were to enter the mosque and approach the Prophet’s sitting place while he was sitting with his Companions, one would not be able to distinguish him from his Companions. Anas bin Malik said:

"Once, while we were sitting with the Messenger of God (pbuh) in the Masjid, a man on his camel approached. After he tied it with a rope, he asked: ‘Who amongst you is Muhammad?’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) was sitting on the ground while he was leaning, with his Companions. We directed the Bedouin, saying: ‘This white man leaning on the ground.’ The Prophet (pbuh) did not differ nor distinguish himself from his Companions."

The Prophet (pbuh) would not hesitate to help the poor, needy and widows in their needs. Anas b. Malik said:

"A woman from the people of Madeenah who was partially insane said to the Prophet (pbuh): ‘I have to ask you [your help] about something.’ He helped her and took care of her needs." (Bukhari #670)

28. Mercy and Compassion

Abu Masood al-Ansari said:

"A man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and said: 'O Messenger of God! By God! I do not pray Fajr prayer because so and so lengthens the prayer.' He said: 'I have never seen the Messenger of God (pbuh) deliver a speech in such an angry state.' He said: 'O People! Verily there are among you those who chase people away! If you lead people in prayer, shorten the prayer. There are old and weak people and those with special needs behind you in prayer.' " (Bukhari #670)

Once when the Prophet (pbuh) went to visit his grandchild he shed some tears.

"The Messenger of God (pbuh) sat with the child while he was on his deathbed. The child’s eyes froze in their places like stones. Upon seeing that, the Messenger of God (pbuh) wept. Sa’d said to him, ‘What is this ‘O Prophet of God?’ He said: ‘This is a mercy that God, the Exalted, places in the hearts of His slaves. Truly, God is merciful to those who are merciful towards others.’ " (Bukhari #6942)

29. Patience and Forbearance

Anas bin Malik said:

"Once, I was walking with the Messenger of God (pbuh) while he was wearing a Yemeni cloak with a collar with rough edges. A Bedouin grabbed him strongly. I looked at the side of his neck and saw that the edge of the cloak left a mark on his neck. The Bedouin said, ‘O Muhammad! Give me [some] of the wealth of God that you have.’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) turned to the Bedouin, laughed and ordered that he be given [some money]." (Bukhari #2980)

Another example of his patience is the story of the Jewish Rabbi, Zaid bin Sa’nah. Zaid had given something as a loan to the Messenger of God (pbuh). He himself said,

"Two or three days prior to the return of the debt, the Messenger of God (pbuh) was attending the funeral of a man from the Ansar. Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and some other Companions were with the Prophet (pbuh). After he prayed the funeral prayer he sat down close to a wall, and I came towards him, grabbed him by the edges of his cloak, and looked at him in a harsh way, and said: 'O Muhammad! Will you not pay me back my loan? I have not known the family of Abdul-Mutalib to delay in repaying debts!'

I looked at Umar b. al-Khat’taab - his eyes were swollen with anger! He looked at me and said: ‘O Enemy of God, do you talk to the Messenger of God and behave towards him in this manner?! By the One who sent him with the truth, had it not been for the fear of not entering the Heavenly Gardens, I would have beheaded you with my sword! The Prophet (pbuh) was looking at Umar in a calm and peaceful manner, and he said: ‘O Umar, you should have given us sincere counseling, rather than to do what you did! O Umar, go and repay him his loan, and give him twenty Sa’a (measurement of weight) extra because you scared him!’

Zaid said: ‘Umar went with me, and repaid me the debt, and gave me over it twenty Sa’a of dates. I asked him: ‘What is this?’ He said: ‘The Messenger of God (pbuh) ordered me to give it, because I frightened you.’ Zaid then asked Umar: ‘O Umar, do you know who I am?’ Umar said: ‘No, I don’t - who are you?’ Zaid said: ‘I am Zaid b. Sa’nah.’ Umar inquired: ‘The Rabbi?’ Zaid answered: ‘Yes, the Rabbi.’ Umar then asked him: ‘What made you say what you said to the Prophet (pbuh) and do what you did to him?’ Zaid answered: ‘O Umar, I have seen all the signs of prophethood in the face of the Messenger of God (pbuh) except two – (the first) his patience and perseverance precede his anger and the second, the more harsher you are towards him, the kinder and more patient he becomes, and I am now satisfied. O Umar, I hold you as a witness that I testify and am satisfied that there is no true god worthy of being worshipped except God alone, and my religion is Islam and Muhammad (pbuh) is my Prophet. I also hold you as a witness that half of my wealth - and I am among the wealthiest people in Madeenah - I give for the sake of God to the Muslims.’ Umar said: ‘you will not be able to distribute your wealth to all the Muslims, so say, ‘I will distribute it to some of the followers of Muhammad (pbuh).’ Zaid said: ‘I said, then I will distribute (the apportioned) wealth to some of the Muslims.’ Both Zaid and Umar returned to the Messenger of God (pbuh). Zaid said to him: ‘I bear witness that there is no true god worthy of being worshipped except God alone, and that Muhammad (pbuh) is the slave of God and His Messenger.’ He believed in him, and witnessed many battles and then died in the Battle of Tabook while he was encountering the enemy - may God have mercy on Zaid.’ "
(Ibn Hibban #288)

A great example of his forgiveness and perseverance is apparent when he pardoned the people of Makkah after its conquest. When the Messenger of God (pbuh) gathered the people; who had abused, harmed and tortured him and his companions, and had driven them out of the city of Makkah, he said:

"What do you think I will do to you?’ They answered: ‘You will only do something favorable; you are a kind and generous brother, and a kind and generous nephew!’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Go - you are free to do as you wish." (Baihaqi #18055)

30. Patience

The Messenger of God (pbuh) was the epitome of patience. He was patient with his people before calling them to Islam; for they would worship idols and do sinful acts. He was patient and tolerant with the abuse and harm the pagans of Makkah inflicted on him and his Companions and sought the reward of God. He was also patient and tolerant with the abuse of the hypocrites in Madeenah.

His patience was severely tested when he lost his loved ones. His wife, Khadeejah, died during his lifetime, as did all his children, save his daughter, Fatimah. His uncle Hamzah and Abu Talib passed away as well. The Prophet (pbuh) was patient and sought the reward of God. Anas b. Malik said:

"We entered the house of Abu Saif - the blacksmith - with the Prophet (pbuh). Abu Saif’s wife was the wetnurse of his son, Ibraheem. The Messenger of God (pbuh) lifted his son Ibraheem, and smelled and kissed him. After a while he went and saw his son again - he was dying. The Prophet (pbuh) started to cry. Abdurrahmaan b. Auf said: ‘O Prophet of God, you too cry!’ The Messenger (pbuh) said: ‘O Ibn Auf, this is a mercy’ - the Prophet (pbuh) shed more tears and said: ‘The eyes shed tears, the heart is saddened, and we only say what pleases our Lord, and we are saddened by your death, O Ibraheem!" (Bukhari #1241)

31. Justice and Fairness

The Messenger of God (pbuh) was just and fair in every aspect of his life and in the application of the religion. A’ishah said:

‘The people of Quraish were extremely concerned about a Makhzoomi woman (i.e. the woman from the tribe of Makhzoom) who committed a theft. They conversed among themselves and said, ‘Who can intercede on her behalf with the Messenger of God (pbuh)?’

They finally said: ‘Who dares to speak to the Messenger of God (pbuh) in this matter except Usamah b. Zaid, the most beloved young man to the Messenger of God (pbuh).’ So Usamah spoke to the Messenger of God (pbuh) regarding the woman. The Messenger of God (pbuh) said:

‘O Usamah! Do you intercede (on their behalf to disregard) one of God’s castigations and punishments!’

The Messenger of God (pbuh) got up and delivered a speech, saying:

‘People before you were destroyed because when the noble among them stole, they would let him go; and if the poor and weak stole they would punish him. By God! If Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad stole, I would cut her hand off.’ (Bukhari #3288)

The Messenger of God (pbuh) was just and fair and allowed others to avenge themselves if he harmed them. Usaid b. Hudhair said:

‘A man from the Ansar, was cracking jokes with people and making them laugh, and the Prophet (pbuh) passed by him and poked his side lightly with a branch of a tree that he was carrying. The man exclaimed: ‘O Prophet of God! Allow me to avenge myself!’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Go Ahead!’ The man said: ‘O Messenger of God, you are wearing a garment, and I was not when you poked me [i.e. you jabbed my exposed skin, so it is only fair I do the same to you]!’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) raised his upper garment [to expose his side], and the Ansari [merely] kissed it, saying: ‘I only meant to do this, O Messenger of God!’ (Abu Dawood #5224)

32. Fearing God, and Being Mindful of Him

The Messenger of God (pbuh) was the most mindful person of God. Abdullah bin Masoud said:

"[Once] the Messenger of God (pbuh) said to me: ‘Recite to me from the Qur’an!’ Abdullah b. Masood said: ‘Shall I recite it to you, while it was you to whom it was revealed?!’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Yes.’ He said: ‘I started to recite Surat an-Nisaa23, until I reached the verse:

"How then if We brought from each nation a witness, and We brought you as a witness against these people!" (4:41)

Upon hearing this verse, the Messenger of God (pbuh) said: ‘That is enough!’ Abdullah b. Masood said, ‘I turned around and saw the Messenger of God (pbuh) crying.’ " (Bukhari #4763)

A’ishah said:

‘If the Messenger of God (pbuh) saw dark clouds in the sky; he would pace forwards and backwards and would exit and enter his house. As soon as it rained, the Prophet (pbuh) would relax. A’ishah asked him about it, and he said: ‘I do not know, it may be as some people said:

"Then, when they saw the (penalty in the shape of) a cloud traversing the sky, coming to meet their valleys, they said: ‘This cloud will give us rain! Nay, it is the (calamity) you were asking to be hastened! A wind wherein is a Grievous Penalty!24" (46:24)

33. Richness and Contentment of the Heart

Umar b. al-Khattab said:

‘I entered the Messenger’s house and I found him sitting on a mat. He had a leather pillow stuffed with fibers. He had a pot of water by his feet, and there was some clothes hung on the wall. His side had marks due to the mat that he lay on. Umar wept when he saw this, and the Messenger (pbuh) asked him: ‘Why do you weep?’ Umar said: ‘O Prophet of God! Khosrau and Caesar enjoy the best of this world, and you are suffering in poverty?!’ He said: ‘Aren’t you pleased that they enjoy this world, and we will enjoy the Hereafter?’ (Bukhari #4629)

34. Hoping for Goodness, Even for his Enemies

A’ishah said:

‘I asked the Messenger of God (pbuh): "Did you face a day harder and more intense than the Battle of Uhud?‛ He replied: ‘I suffered a lot from your people! The worst I suffered was on the Day of al-’Aqabah when I spoke to Ali b. Abd Yaleel b. Abd Kilaal (in order to support me) but he disappointed me and left me. I left the area while I was quite worried, and walked - when I reached an area called Qarn ath-Tha’alib, I raised my head to the sky and noticed a cloud that shaded me. Gabriel (pbuh) called me and said: ‘O Muhammad! God, the Exalted, has heard what your people have said to you - and has sent the Angel in charge of the mountains, so you can command him to do what you please.’ The Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘The Angel in charge of the mountains called me saying: ‘May God praise you and keep safe from all evil! O Muhammad, I will do whatever you command me to do. If you like I can bring the Akh-shabain mountains together and crush them all.’ The Messenger of God (pbuh) said: ‘It may be that God raises from among them a progeny who worship God alone and associate no partners with Him.’ (Bukhari #3059)

Footnotes

16.  A great scholar of Islam who wrote many works, including on the Biography of the Prophet (pubh).

17.  Qadhi Eiyadh, ‘Al-Shifa bita’reefi Hoquooqil-Mostafa’

18.  According to Islamic etiquette. One should always begin from the right.

19.  A town previously on the outskirts of Madeenah.

20.  It is prohibited for men to wear gold in Islam.

21.  It was forbidden by God for the Prophet (pbuh) or his family to accept any form of charity.

22.  Ibn Hisham’s Biography, Vol. 1, p.493 [Arabic Edition].

23.  The fourth chapter of the Qur’an.

24.  Bukhari #3034.