LESSON THIRTY-NINE | 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه

bismillahh

DOWNLOAD AUDIO > Hadith 38  | Attaining Nearness to Allah and His Love

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Lessons from Ahâdeeth Shareef by Moulana Naeem Motala  | Commentary on 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه with emphasis on perfecting one’s character

 

 |  Lesson Thirty-Nine  |

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنُؤمِنُ بِهِ وَ نَتَوَ كَّلُ عَلَيهِ ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلاَ مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَناَ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad Wa’ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Baarik Wa Sallim | Oh Allah shower blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and upon the family of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

|  Lesson Thirty-Nine |  Hadith 38  |

Attaining Nearness to Allah and His Love

 

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَة رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُول اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم إنَّ اللَّهَ تَعَالَى قَالَ: “مَنْ عَادَى لِي وَلِيًّا فَقْد آذَنْتهُ بِالْحَرْبِ، وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُهُ عَلَيْهِ، وَلَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ، فَإِذَا أَحْبَبْتُهُ كُنْت سَمْعَهُ الَّذِي يَسْمَعُ بِهِ، وَبَصَرَهُ الَّذِي يُبْصِرُ بِهِ، وَيَدَهُ الَّتِي يَبْطِشُ بِهَا، وَرِجْلَهُ الَّتِي يَمْشِي بِهَا، وَلَئِنْ سَأَلَنِي لَأُعْطِيَنَّهُ، وَلَئِنْ اسْتَعَاذَنِي لَأُعِيذَنَّهُ

 [رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ]

On the authority of Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu who said : Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said :

“Verily Allah Ta’ala has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a Wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with Nafil (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’ ”

[Al-Bukhari]

|  BRIEF EXPLANTION  |

 

This a Hadith-e-Qudsi covering many important issues, namely :        

(1) The virtues and the rank of the true friends of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala (Awliyaa) and (2) the reward for performing Faraaidh (compulsory acts of worship) and (3) the reward for performing Nawaafil (obligatory acts of worship)

 

(1) The virtues and the rank of the true friends of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala (Awliyaa)

There is a very serious threat in this Hadith against those people who harbour enmity or malice towards the Awliyaa (friends of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala), because Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala declares war against such people. Humiliation and problems will be a such a person’s lot in this world and a disgraceful and painful punishment awaits him in the Hereafter.     

 

(2) the reward for performing Faraaidh (compulsory acts of worship) and

(3) the reward for performing Nawaafil (obligatory acts of worship)

The Hadith further mentions the importance of attaining closeness to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, firstly through Faraaidh and then through Nawaafil.

The greatest proximity to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala is attained through Faraaidh (obligatory acts of Ibaadah that Allah has placed upon us). This nearness is further enhanced through Nawaafil and abstention from prohibitions and Haraam.

When a person becomes closer to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala through Nawaafil acts of Ibadaah, Allah begins to love a person and says :    

فَإِذَا أَحْبَبْتُهُ كُنْتُ سَمْعَهُ الَّذِي يَسْمَعُ بِهِ، وَبَصَرَهُ الَّذِي يُبْصِرُ بِهِ، وَيَدَهُ الَّتِي يَبْطُشُ بِهَا وَرِجْلَهُ الَّتِي يَمْشِي بِهَا،
I become his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks…..[Bukhaari]    

The Muhadditheen explain this to mean, his limbs become the instruments of virtue and henceforth this servant will not use them in any act of displeasure of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala. He will only look at those things in which Allah’s pleasure lies, he will hear only those things which Allah desires, he will touch only those things sanctioned by Allah, he will walk to those places only where Allah has permitted….

There is no doubt that this is a very high an lofty position that a person attains. Allah Ta’ala becomes the helper of such a person. Allah Ta’ala guides him. Allah Ta’ala uses him to do acts that will gain HIS pleasure. And when he begs from Allah Ta’ala, Allah answers him…and when he seeks protection from Allah Ta’ala, Allah grants him HIS protection.

 

LESSON THIRTY-EIGHT | 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه

bismillahh

DOWNLOAD AUDIO > Hadith 37 | The Grace of Allah and His Mercy

DOWNLOAD NOTES > PDF

 

Lessons from Ahâdeeth Shareef by Moulana Naeem Motala  | Commentary on 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه with emphasis on perfecting one’s character

 

 |  Lesson Thirty-Eight  |

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنُؤمِنُ بِهِ وَ نَتَوَ كَّلُ عَلَيهِ ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلاَ مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَناَ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad Wa’ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Baarik Wa Sallim | Oh Allah shower blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and upon the family of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

 

|  Lesson Thirty-Eight  |  Hadith 37  |

The Grace of Allah and His Mercy

عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم فِيمَا يَرْوِيهِ عَنْ رَبِّهِ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى، قَالَ: “إنَّ اللَّهَ كَتَبَ الْحَسَنَاتِ وَالسَّيِّئَاتِ، ثُمَّ بَيَّنَ ذَلِكَ، فَمَنْ هَمَّ بِحَسَنَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ عَشْرَ حَسَنَاتٍ إلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ إلَى أَضْعَافٍ كَثِيرَةٍ، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِسَيِّئَةٍ فَلَمْ يَعْمَلْهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حَسَنَةً كَامِلَةً، وَإِنْ هَمَّ بِهَا فَعَمِلَهَا كَتَبَهَا اللَّهُ سَيِّئَةً وَاحِدَةً”

رَوَاهُ الْبُخَارِيُّ] ، [وَمُسْلِمٌ]، في “صحيحيهما” بهذه الحروف

On the authority of Ibn Abbas Radiallahu Anhu narrates from Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam among the sayings he relates from his Lord (Blessed and Exalted is He) Who said:

Verily Allah Ta’ala has written down the good deeds and the evil deeds, and then explained it [by saying]: “Whosoever intended to perform a good deed, but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a complete good deed. And if he intended to perform it and then did perform it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds up to seven hundred times, up to many times multiplied. And if he intended to perform an evil deed, but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a complete good deed. And if he intended it [i.e., the evil deed] and then performed it, then Allah writes it down as one evil deed.”

[Al-Bukhari] [Muslim]

 

|  BRIEF EXPLANTION  |

In this Hadith Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam conveys to us, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala’s abundant Mercy, Grace and favour upon this Ummah, in that Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala rewards us over any good that we do. Every righteous act is rewarded manifold.

We learn from various Ahadeeth, that, there is a recording of the good and wrong actions that one does …and, these are of four types.

• THE FIRST TYPE : doing good actions, so that the good action is multiplied to ten onto seven hundred and onto manifold (rewards). Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

مَن جَاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا

Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgement] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit], ~ [Surah Al-‘An`aam 6:160]

 

In another Ayaah mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has used a metaphor of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah. Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala says :

مَّثَلُ الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِي كُلِّ سُنبُلَةٍ مِّائَةُ حَبَّةٍ ۗ

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven ears; in each ear is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. ~ [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261]

Therefore, this implies, that when a person spends in the path of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, Allah increases his reward manifold. From one, to seven hundred, to seven thousand, to even more!

Hazrat Abu Mas’ud RadiAllahu Anhu reported: A man came with a bridled camel and he said, “This is for the cause of Allah”. Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said :

لَكَ بِهَا يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ سَبْعُ مِائَةِ نَاقَةٍ كُلُّهَا مَخْطُومَةٌ

You will have for it seven hundred camels on the Day of Resurrection. Each of them will be bridled. [Saheeh Muslim]

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

وَاللَّهُ يُضَاعِفُ لِمَن يَشَاءُ ۗ

And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. ~ [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:261]

 

• THE SECOND TYPE : is wrong actions for which a wrong is recorded like for like without multiplication. Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

وَمَن جَاءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَلَا يُجْزَىٰ إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ

and whoever comes with an evil deed will not be recompensed except the like thereof; and they will not be wronged. ~ [Surah Al-‘An`aam 6:160]

ie: those who produce one deed of disobedience to Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala (one bad deed), will only be repaid the equivalent (one bad deed) and Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will not wrong them.

• THE THIRD TYPE : is to intend a good action, in which a complete reward is recorded even though one did not perform the good action. Whoever intends to do a good action but does not do it, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala knows that his heart was attached to it and was eager to perform it, then it is written as a good action for him and he is rewarded with one full reward.

• THE FOURTH TYPE : is to have an intention to do wrong actions, without acting on the intention. For this, a person gets a reward of a good action! Even though he had a bad intention, but because he did not act upon the intention (solely for the sake of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala) he obtains a reward.

This shows that someone who is able to do that act of disobedience which he intends but gives it up for the sake of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, then he will be rewarded.

LESSON THIRTY-SEVEN | 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه

bismillahh

DOWNLOAD AUDIO > Hadith 36  | The Virtue of Gathering for the Remembrance of Allah

DOWNLOAD NOTES > PDF

 

Lessons from Ahâdeeth Shareef by Moulana Naeem Motala  | Commentary on 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه with emphasis on perfecting one’s character

 

 |  Lesson Thirty-Seven  |

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنُؤمِنُ بِهِ وَ نَتَوَ كَّلُ عَلَيهِ ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلاَ مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَناَ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad Wa’ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Baarik Wa Sallim | Oh Allah shower blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and upon the family of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

 

Hadith 36 | The Virtue of Gathering for the Remembrance of Allah

 

 

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه و سلم قَالَ:مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنْيَا نَفَّسَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ، وَمَنْ يَسَّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ، يَسَّرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِما سَتَرَهُ اللهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ ، وَاَللَّهُ فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ، وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إلَى الْجَنَّةِ، وَمَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِي بَيْتٍ مِنْ بُيُوتِ اللَّهِ يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ، وَيَتَدَارَسُونَهُ ؛ إلَّا نَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ السَّكِينَةُ، وَغَشِيَتْهُمْ الرَّحْمَةُ، وَ حَفَّتهُمُ المَلاَئِكَة، وَذَكَرَهُمْ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ، وَمَنْ بَطْأَ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ نَسَبُهُ
[رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ]

On the authority of Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu who said : Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said :

Whoever removes a worldly grief from a believer, Allah will remove from him one of the grief’s of the Day of Resurrection. And whoever alleviates the need of a needy person, Allah will alleviate his needs in this world and the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the misdeeds of a Muslim, Allah will shield him in this world and the Hereafter. And Allah will aid His slave so long as he aids his brother. And whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that Sakeenah (tranquillity) descends upon them, and mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them, and Allah mentions them amongst those who are with Him. And whoever is slowed down by his actions, will not be hastened forward by his lineage. [Muslim]

|  BRIEF EXPLANTION  |

1]  In this Hadith, seven important things have been mentioned… four of which pertain to the rights of a Believer. We have been foremost exhorted in this Hadith to relieve a Muslim brother from any distress (pain, suffering, anxiety) that he may be experiencing and lighten his difficulties.

The meaning of نَفَّسَ “Naffasah” (mentioned in this Hadith) is likened to a person who removes a strangling cord around the neck of another person, allowing him to breathe. Similarly, a Muslim should endeavour to remove the distress and anxiety of his Muslim brother. For delivering him from his pain and suffering and bringing on ease, there is great reward.

 

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadeeth :

أَيُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ أَطْعَمَ مُؤْمِنًا عَلَى جُوعٍ أَطْعَمَهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ ثِمَارِ الْجَنَّةِ وَأَيُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ سَقَى مُؤْمِنًا عَلَى ظَمَإٍ سَقَاهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنَ الرَّحِيقِ الْمَخْتُومِ وَأَيُّمَا مُؤْمِنٍ كَسَا مُؤْمِنًا عَلَى عُرْىٍ كَسَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ خُضْرِ الْجَنَّةِ

Whichever believer feeds a hungry believer , Allah feeds him from the fruits of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection. Whichever believer gives drink to a thirsty believer, Allah gives him to drink from the ‘sealed nectar’ on the Day of Resurrection. Whichever believer clothes a naked believer, Allah clothes him from the green garments of Paradise. [Tirmidhi]

 

2] We have also been encouraged in this Hadith to make things easier for someone who is hard-pressed in this world, with regards to his property, finances, social issues or by granting him respite in repaying his debt until it become easier for him to fulfil his due…Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadeeth :

مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ غَرِيمِهِ أَوْ مَحَا عَنْهُ كَانَ فِي ظِلِّ الْعَرْشِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ

Whoever grants respite to someone in difficulty or relieves him of his debt Allah will shade him on the Day of Qiyamah [Muslim]

3] We have also been exhorted in this Hadeeth, to conceal the wrong of our Muslim brother and Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will conceal our faults in the Hereafter, but one who exposes the vulnerability of his Muslim brother then Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala  will expose his faults to the extent that Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will disgrace him in his own house. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam said :

وَاَللَّهُ فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ، And Allah will aid His slave so long as he aids his brother.**

**This has been explained previously in detail in Hadeeth 36

4] Thereafter, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam explained “Ilm-e-Deen” ie; travelling on a path and seeking knowledge of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala. Through knowledge one is able to understand the laws of Shariah and what Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala wants from us Believers. Whoever travels on a path seeking knowledge, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala will make the path towards Paradise easy… hence, it will be easy for him to practice upon this knowledge. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadeeth :

إِنَّ مَثَلَ الْعُلَمَاءِ فِي الأَرْضِ كَمَثَلِ نُجُومِ السَّمَاءِ ، يُهْتَدَى بِهَا فِي ظُلُمَاتِ الْبَرِّ وَالْبَحْرِ ، فَإِذَا انْطَمَسَتِ النُّجُومُ يُوشِكُ أَنْ تَضِلَّ الْهُدَاةُ

The simile of the scholars of knowledge on the earth is the stars in the sky by which one is guided in the darkness of the land and the sea…. When the stars are clouded over, the guides are about to be lost. [Musnad Ahmad]

As long as knowledge remains on the earth, people will be guided. The remaining of knowledge depends on the existence of the Ulama [scholars]. When they disappear from this world, then people will fall into error.

5/6] Thereafter, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam explained the importance of reciting the Noble Qur’aan and teaching it and making Zikr in the house of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala.

Four favours have been bestowed upon such people who gather in the house of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala, reading the Qu’aan and teaching it to one another : 1] peace and tranquillity descends upon them; 2] mercy envelopes them; 3] the Angels cover such a gathering; 4] and Allah Ta’ala remembers them in the gathering of the Angels.

7] And finally, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam explained the importance of one who performs righteous actions. One who lacks in performing good deeds cannot just have hopes on his lineage… perhaps he may be in the family of a Nabi or Wali or Aalim but that will not assist him on the day of Qiyamah. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam mentioned to his own relatives : “I cannot avail you in any way with Allah”.

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِي الصُّورِ فَلَا أَنسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَاءَلُونَ

Then, when the Trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship [family ties] among them that Day, nor will they ask of one another. [Surah Al-Mu’minoon 23:101]

|  SUMMARY  |

Seven important things were discussed in this Hadeeth. Those four things relating to the rights of a Muslim brother and how we should conduct ourselves in assisting him. Fifthly, the importance reciting the Noble Qur’aan, teaching it and making Zikr in the house of Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala. Sixth is the importance of seeking knowledge and lastly, the fact that we should perform righteous deeds and not just depend on lineages.

LESSON THIRTY-SIX | 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه

bismillahh

DOWNLOAD AUDIO > Hadith 35  |  Brotherhood in Islam

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Lessons from Ahâdeeth Shareef by Moulana Naeem Motala  | Commentary on 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه with emphasis on perfecting one’s character

 

 |  Lesson Thirty-Six  |

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنُؤمِنُ بِهِ وَ نَتَوَ كَّلُ عَلَيهِ ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلاَ مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَناَ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad Wa’ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Baarik Wa Sallim | Oh Allah shower blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and upon the family of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

 

Hadith 35 | Brotherhood in Islam

 

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم ” لَا تَحَاسَدُوا، وَلَا تَنَاجَشُوا، وَلَا تَبَاغَضُوا، وَلَا تَدَابَرُوا، وَلَا يَبِعْ بَعْضُكُمْ عَلَى بَيْعِ بَعْضٍ، وَكُونُوا عِبَادَ اللَّهِ إخْوَانًا، الْمُسْلِمُ أَخُو الْمُسْلِمِ، لَا يَظْلِمُهُ، وَلَا يَخْذُلُهُ، وَلَا يَكْذِبُهُ، وَلَا يَحْقِرُهُ، التَّقْوَى هَاهُنَا، وَيُشِيرُ إلَى صَدْرِهِ ثَلَاثَ مَرَّاتٍ، بِحَسْبِ امْرِئٍ مِنْ الشَّرِّ أَنْ يَحْقِرَ أَخَاهُ الْمُسْلِمَ، كُلُّ الْمُسْلِمِ عَلَى الْمُسْلِمِ حَرَامٌ: دَمُهُ وَمَالُهُ وَعِرْضُهُ

On the authority of Abu Hurairah Radiallahu Anhu who said : Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam said : “Do not have envy of one another. Do not inflate prices on one another. Do not hate one another. Do not turn your backs on one another. Do not undersell one another; but rather, be worshipers of Allah and brothers. The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he abandon him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he belittle him. “Taqwa is here” and he pointed to his chest three times. “It is a sufficient act of evil that a person belittles his Muslim brother. Every Muslim to another Muslim is sacred, his blood, his wealth, and his honor.” [Muslim] [رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ]

|  BRIEF EXPLANTION  |

In this Hadith we have been severely prohibited in harming our Muslim brethren.  And we have been commanded to protect the blood, honour and integrity of every Believer. Brotherhood in Islam is a relationship of fundamental importance. The whole community of Believers is conceived of as a great brotherhood. When there is brotherhood there is unity and this strengthens Islam. If there is no brotherhood and there is disunity, then this causes the destruction of Islam. Hence, in this Hadith we have been prohibited from various types of traits that will lead to disunity.

|  HADITH  EXPLANTION  |

 

Do not envy one another,

  • (1) Hasad/Jealousy : Jealousy and envy is blameworthy and forbidden. It is the same jealousy that caused Iblees [Shaytaan] to be expelled from Paradise. Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala describes the Jews of having the attribute of jealousy in numerous Ayaah of the Noble Qur’aan.

Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadeeth :

إِيَّاكُمْ وَالْحَسَدَ فَإِنَّ الْحَسَدَ يَأْكُلُ الْحَسَنَاتِ كَمَا تَأْكُلُ النَّارُ الْحَطَبَ أَوْ قَالَ الْعُشْبَ

“Beware of jealousy, for indeed jealousy consumes one’s good deeds like fire consumes wood.” (Sunan Abi Dawud)

In another Hadeeth Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned :

دَبَّ إِلَيْكُمْ دَاءُ الأُمَمِ قَبْلَكُمُ الْحَسَدُ وَالْبَغْضَاءُ هِيَ الْحَالِقَةُ لاَ أَقُولُ تَحْلِقُ الشَّعْرَ وَلَكِنْ تَحْلِقُ الدِّينَ

The illness of the nations before you is creeping towards you [ie: jealousy and hatred].

Envy and hatred is the ‘shaver’ [Haliqah] ; I do not say that it shaves hair, but that it shaves** (destroys) faith. [Tirmidhi] **Hatred takes away faith like a razor takes away hair

—-

and do not inflate prices for one another

 

  • (2) Najash / Do not deceive one another : Some scholars have referred to ‘Najash’ as referring to a transaction in sales ie: when someone who does not want to buy any goods, increases the price offered for the goods, either intending to benefit the seller by increasing his price, or by intending to cause harm to the purchaser. Others have interpreted this to be bidding (in a general sense) against each other ie: not to try to deceive each other. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned in a Hadeeth : مَنْ غَشَّنَا فَلَيْسَ مِنَّا “Whoever deceives (cheats) us is not one of us.” . [Sunan Ibn Majah/Sahih Muslim]. Believers are exhorted not to treat each other with conspiracy and using devises of deception.

—-

and do not hate one another

  • (3) Hatred : Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam then mentioned not to hate one another, because we are brothers. Brothers love each other, and do not hate each other. Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala forbids the Believer from those things which cause enmity and hatred amongst them. Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَصْلِحُوا ذَاتَ بَيْنِكُمْ ۖ So fear Allah, and keep straight the relations between yourselves [Surah Al-‘Anfaal 8:1]

—-

and do not turn your backs on one another,

  • (4) Breaking relations and forsaking each other : Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned :

لَا يَحِلُّ لِمُسْلِمٍ أَنْ يَهْجُرَ أَخَاهُ فَوْقَ ثَلَاثِ لَيَالٍ يَلْتَقِيَانِ, فَيُعْرِضُ هَذَا, وَيُعْرِضُ هَذَا, وَخَيْرُهُمَا اَلَّذِي يَبْدَأُ بِالسَّلَامِ

“It is not permissible for a Muslim to shun his brother for more than three nights. When they meet, this one turns away (from that one) and that one turns away (from this one) and the best of them is the one who greets his brother first. [Abu Dawood]

—-

Do not undersell one another; but rather, be worshipers of Allah and brothers.

  • (5) Underselling : What is meant by this is ‘a sale over and above the sale of another’ ie: when a salesman sells something at a lower price than (a competitor) … with him knowing fully of the initial transaction with the primary seller. This conduct is against the etiquette of Believers and causes disputes and hatred amongst one another. Hence, Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has prohibited this practice, which would in turn engender brotherhood in Islam.

—-

The Muslim is the brother of his fellow Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he abandon him, nor does he lie to him, nor does he belittle him.

  • (6) Brotherhood : A Muslims gives preference to his Muslim brother over himself.

—-

“Taqwa is here” and he pointed to his chest three times.

  • (7) Taqwa / Piety : Taqwa encompasses all the good qualities mentioned in this Hadith. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam has mentioned :                                 إِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ يَنْظُرُ إِلَى صُوَرِكُمْ وَأَمْوَالِكُمْ وَلَكِنْ يَنْظُرُ إِلَى أَعْمَالِكُمْ وَقُلُوبِكُمْ                                                                                             “Allah does not look at your forms or your wealth, rather He looks at your deeds and your hearts.” . [Sunan Ibn Majah].                                                                           Many of those who have excellent outer appearances, properties, status, leading roles in the world… have hearts which are void of Taqwa.

—-

“It is a sufficient act of evil that a person belittles his Muslim brother. Every Muslim to another Muslim is sacred, his blood, his wealth, and his honor.”

  • (8) Brotherhood : Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam further re-iterates the importance of honouring a Muslim brother.

LESSON THIRTY-FIVE | 40 Ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه

bismillahh

DOWNLOAD AUDIO > Hadith 34  | Forbidding Evil with the Hands, Tongue, and Heart

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Lessons from Ahâdeeth Shareef by Moulana Naeem Motala  | Commentary on 40 ahâdeeth | Arba’een | of Imaam Nawawi رحمة الله عليه with emphasis on perfecting one’s character

 

 |  Lesson Thirty-Five  |

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ نَحْمَدُهُ وَنَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنُؤمِنُ بِهِ وَ نَتَوَ كَّلُ عَلَيهِ ، وَنَعُوْذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُوْرِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَمِنْ سَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا، مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلاَ مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلاَ هَادِيَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، وَنَشْهَدُ أَنَّ سَيِّدَناَ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ 

Verily all praise is for Allah, we praise Him and seek His aid and ask for His forgiveness and we believe in Him and we place our trust upon Him, and we seek refuge with Allah from the evils of ourselves and our evil actions. Whomsoever Allah guides there is none who can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides there is none who can guide him, and we bear witness that none has the right to be worshiped except Allah alone, having no partner, and we bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَى سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ ، وَعَلَى آلِ سَيِّدِناَ مُحَمَّدٍ وَبَارِكْ وَسَلِّمْ

Allahumma Salli ‘ala Sayyidina Muhammad Wa’ala Aali Sayyidina Muhammadin Wa Baarik Wa Sallim | Oh Allah shower blessings and peace upon our Master Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam and upon the family of Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam

 

Hadith 34  | Forbidding Evil with the Hands, Tongue, and Heart

 

عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيّ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ سَمِعْت رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم يَقُولُ: “مَنْ رَأَى مِنْكُمْ مُنْكَرًا فَلْيُغَيِّرْهُ بِيَدِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِلِسَانِهِ، فَإِنْ لَمْ يَسْتَطِعْ فَبِقَلْبِهِ، وَذَلِكَ أَضْعَفُ الْإِيمَانِ

On the authority of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri Radiallahu Anhu who said: “I heard Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam say, “Whosoever of you sees an evil, let him change it with his hand; and if he is not able to do so, then [let him change it] with his tongue; and if he is not able to do so, then with his heart — and that is the weakest of faith.”   [Muslim رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ]

 

 

|  BRIEF EXPLANTION  |

We have been instructed in this Hadith to prohibit evil to the best of our ability and capacity. Where Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has commanded this Ummah with righteousness and avoidance of vice, Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has also charged this Ummah with the responsibility of propagating good and forbidding evil.

Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala has mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan :

كُنتُمْ خَيْرَ أُمَّةٍ أُخْرِجَتْ لِلنَّاسِ تَأْمُرُونَ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَتَنْهَوْنَ عَنِ الْمُنكَرِ وَتُؤْمِنُونَ بِاللَّهِ

You are the best nation produced for mankind. You enjoin good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. ~ Surah ‘Aale `Imraan 3:110

Therefore, enjoining good and forbidding evil is a responsibility of the Ummah of Rasullullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam. In other verses, as well, we see that the quality of the Believers is that they are friends of one another, who command good and forbid evil.

One who possesses the capacity (physical strength), capability (resource) and authority to prohibit evil, should do so by means of his hand. If he is unable to do so by means of his hand, then he should (at least) do so by means of his tongue. If this too is not possible, the he should (at least) feel a repugnance in his heart. If he feels no repulsion against that evil (in his heart), this is indicative that the light of Imaan has been extinguished in his heart. May Allah Ta’ala protect us …

Those who do not stop others from acts of disobedience and evil, Allah Ta’ala will strike them with a punishment before they die. Also, Allah Ta’ala will encompass all the people with punishment, even the good-doers. On account of them (the good-doers) not preventing evil, they too will be afflicted with a general punishment. Dua’s will be unanswered by Allah Subhaanahu Wa Ta’ala as a consequence of not prohibiting evil.