IslamBasics










By: Yahyaa Ibn Sharaf An-Nawawee
Sincerity and Significance of Intentions and all Actions, Apparent and Hidden Repentance Patience and Perseverance Truthfulness Watchfulness Piety Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah Uprightness and Steadfastness Pondering over the Great Creation of Allah, The passing away of Life of the World, the Horrors of the Day of Requital and Laxity of One's Nafs Hastening to do Good Deeds The Struggle (in the Cause of Allah) Urging towards increasing Good Actions in later part of Life Numerous ways of doing Good Moderation in Worship The Righteous conduct on Regular base Observing the Sunnah and the manners of its obedience Obedience to the command of Allah is an obligatory duty Prohibition of heresies in religion Heretics doing desirable or undesirable deeds Calling to right guidance and forbidding depravity Assistance towards righteousness and piety Giving Counsel Enjoining Good and forbidding Evil Chastisement for one who enjoins good and forbids evil but acts otherwise Discharging the Trusts Unlawfulness of Oppression and Restoring Others Rights Reverence towards the Sanctity of the Muslims Covering Faults of the Muslims Fulfillment of the needs of the Muslims Intercession Making Peace among People Superiority of Poor, Weak and unrenowned Muslims Benevolent Treatment towards Orphans, Girls, the Weak, the Poor and the Humble Persons Recommendations with regard to Women Husband's rights concerning his Wife Sustentation of the Members of the Family Spending favorite things for Allah's sake Urging one's kith and kin to Obey Allah and refrain from evils Rights of Neighbors Kind Treatment towards Parents and establishment of the ties of Blood Relationship Prohibition of Disobeying Parents and severance of Relations Excellence in doing Good to the Friends of Parents and other Relatives Showing reverence to the Family of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) Revering the Scholars and Elders, Preferring them to others and raising their Status Visiting the Pious Persons, loving them and adoption of their company Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere love for the sake of Allah Signs of Allah's love for His slaves and the efforts for its Achievement Warning against persecution of the Pious, the Weak and the Indigent Making Judgment of people keeping in view their evident actions and leaving their hidden Actions to Allah (swt) Fear (of Allah) Hope in Allah's Mercy Excellence of Good Hopes Combining Hope and Fear (of Allah) Excellence of Weeping out of Fear from Allah (swt) Excellence of Leading an Ascetic Life, and Virtues of Simple Life Excellence of Simple Living and being Content with Little Contentment and Self-esteem and avoidance of unnecessary begging of People Permissibility of Assistance without Greed Encouraging Livelihood by (working with) Hands and Abstaining from Begging Excellence of Generosity and Spending in a Good cause with Reliance on Allah Prohibition of Miserliness Selflessness and Sympathy Competition in matters of the Hereafter Excellence of a Grateful Rich Man Remembrance of Death and Restraint of Wishes Desirability of visiting the Graves for men, and that they should say Abomination of longing for Death Leading an Abstemious Life and refraining from the Doubtful Desirability of Seclusion at times of corruption committed by the people of the World Excellence of mixing with People and attending their social activities Modesty and Courtesy towards the Believers Condemnation of Pride and Self-Conceit Good Conduct Clemency, Tolerance and Gentleness Forgiveness of the Ignorant Endurance of Afflictions Indignation against the Transgression of Divine Laws Obligation of Rulers to show Kindness to their Subjects The Just Ruler Obligation of Obedience to the Ruler in what is Lawful and Prohibition of Obeying them in what is Unlawful Undesirability of Aspiring for Office Appointment of Pious Governors, Advisors and Judges Prohibition of Appointing an Aspirant Person to a Public Office of Authority Exaltation of Modesty Secrecy of Private Matters (Guarding Secrets) Fulfillment of Promises Safeguarding and Perpetuating Good Habits Excellence of meeting with a smiling Countenance and Politeness in Speech Clarity of Discourse Listening Attentively Brevity in Preaching Dignity and Tranquility Excellence of Walking Solemnly (Towards the Mosque) to perform As-Salat (The Prayer) and other Religious Duties Honoring the Guest Excellence of Conveying Glad Tidings and Congratulations Bidding Farewell and Advising on the Eve of Departure for a Journey or other Things Istikhara (Seeking Guidance from Allah), and Consultation Excellence of Adopting Different Routes for going and returning on 'Eid Prayer and various other Occasions Excellence of using the right Hand for Performing various good Acts Mentioning Bismillah before and saying Al-Hamdulillah after Eating Prohibition of Criticizing Food Response to an Invitation extended to a Man observing Saum (Fasting) What should one say to the Host if an uninvited Person is accompanied with an invited Person Eating from what is in front of One Prohibition of Eating two Date-fruits Simultaneously What should a Person say or do when he Eats but is not Satisfied Eating from the Side of the Vessel Undesirability of Eating in a Reclining Posture Excellence of Eating with three Fingers and Licking them Merit of Sharing Food Etiquette of Drinking Water Undesirability of Drinking directly from the mouth of a Water-Skin Undesirability of blowing into the Vessel while Drinking Permission to Drink while in a standing Posture Excellence of Cupbearer drinking Last Permissibility of drinking water from clean Vessels of all types except Gold and Silver ones Excellence of wearing white clothes and the permissibility of wearing red, green, yellow and black clothes made from Cotton, Linen but not Silk Excellence of Qamees Description of the length of Qamees and the Sleeves, the end of the Turban, the Prohibition of wearing long Garments out of Pride and the undesirability of wearing them without Pride Excellence of giving up Elegant Clothes for Humility Excellence of Adopting Moderation in Dress Prohibition of wearing Silk for men and its permissibility for Women Lawfulness to wear Silk in case one is suffering from an Itch Prohibition of using the skin of the Leopard Supplication at the time of wearing new Dress or Shoes Excellence of Starting from the right side first while wearing a Dress (or a pair of Shoes) What is to be said at the time of Sleeping Manners of Lying down on one's back and placing one leg upon the Other Etiquette of Attending company and sitting with Companions Visions in Dream and matters relating to them Excellence of Promoting Greetings Words to be used for offering Greetings Etiquette of offering Greetings Excellence of Greeting the Acquaintance Repeatedly Excellence of Greeting at the time of entry into the House Greeting the Children Greeting one's Wife and other Women Greeting the non-Muslims and Prohibition of taking an Initiative Excellence of Greeting on Arrival and Departure Seeking Permission to enter (somebody's House) and Manners relating to it Seeking Permission to enter by telling one's Name Saying 'Al-Hamdulillah' on Sneezing, its reply and Manners relating to Sneezing and Yawning Excellence of Hand shaking at the time of Meeting Following the Funeral, and Matters relating to Illness and Death Supplication for the Sick Recommendation of Inquiring the Family Members of the Patient about his Condition Supplication when one is disappointed about his Life Instructing the Patient's family to be kind to him - Consoling the Patients and showing kindness to one Facing Death Sentence Permissibility of expressing feelings of agony in Serious Illness Helping a dying Person to Pronounce 'La Ilaha Illahllah' Supplication to be made soon after a Person's Death Good Words to be Uttered before a dying Person and his Family The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person Prohibition of Disclosing the Physical defects of the Deceased Participation in Funeral Prayer and Procession and the dislike of Women Participating in the Funeral Procession Excellence of Participation in Funeral Prayers in Large Numbers and Formation of Three Rows or More Supplications in Funeral Prayers Haste in Burial About Speedy Repayment of the Debts of a Deceased Person and Preparation of Burial Admonition beside the Grave Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him Praising the Deceased Superiority of one who is Bereaved of his Infants Weeping while Passing by the Graves of the Infidals The Desirability of setting on a Journey on Thursday in the Early part of the Day The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing a Leader Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during the Journey and other matters relating to the Journey Helping a Companion Supplication at the time of Riding Glorification of Allah by a Traveler while Ascending and Descending Desirability of Supplications during the Journey Supplication if one Fears (Harm) Supplication on Alighting at a Halt Desirability of returning Home soon after the Accomplishment of a Task Desirability of returning Home by Day Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one's Hometown Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one's Home upon returning from a Journey for offering two Rak'ah Prayer Prohibiting Woman from Traveling Alone The Excellence of Reciting the Qur'an Warning against forgetting the Qur'an The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur'an in a Pleasant Voice Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble Qur'an Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur'an The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu') The Excellence of Adhan The Excellence of As-Salat (The Prayer) Excellence of the Morning (Fajr) and 'Asr Prayers The Excellence of Proceeding towards the Mosque Walking The Excellence of waiting for As-Salat (The Prayer) The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation Urging to Observe 'Isha' and Fajr Prayers in Congregation Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat) The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu'akkadah) along with the Obligatory Prayers Emphasis on Performing two Rak'ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak'ah Sunnah before Fajr Prayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them Desirability of Lying down on one's right side after the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer Sunnah of the 'Asr Prayer Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer Sunnah of the 'Isha' Prayer Sunnah of Friday Prayer Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home Witr Prayer, its Time and Ruling Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque) The Excellence of Performing two Rak'ah of Voluntary Prayer after Ablution The Excellence of Friday Prayer The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan The Superiority of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) The Excellence of using Miswak (Tooth-Stick) The Excellence and Obligation of the Payment of Zakat The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha'ban Supplication at the Sight of the Crescent (At the outset of Every Lunar Month) Merit of Suhur (Predawn meal in Ramadan) and the Excellence of Delaying having it till before Dawn The Superiority of Hastening to Break the Fast, and the supplication to say upon Breaking it Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast) Matters relating to As-Saum (Fasting) The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasting) in the months of Muharram and Sha'ban and the Secred Months The Excellence of As-Saum (The Fast) during the first ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of 'Arafah, 'Ashura' and Tasu'a (i.e., 9th of Muharram) The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday The Desirability of Observing Three Days of Fasting in Every Month The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for breaking the Fast I`tikaf (Seclusion in the Mosque) in the Month of Ramadan The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence Obligation of Jihad Martyrdom without Fighting The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves The Excellence of Kind Attitude towards Slaves The Merit of the Dutiful Slave The Excellence of Worship in the time of Tribulations Excellence of Fair Bargaining and Matters Relation to it Virtues of Knowledge which is Learnt and Taught for the sake of Allah The Obligation of Gratitude The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and its Excellence, and its Manner The Excellence of the Remembrance of Allah Remembrance of Allah in all Conditions Supplication at the time of going to Bed and Waking up The Excellence of Gathering in which Allah is Remembered Remembrance of Allah in the Morning and in the Evening Supplication before going to Bed Issues regarding Supplications, their Virtues and Supplications of the Prophet (pbuh) The Excellence of Supplicating in one's Absence Some Verdicts Pertaining to Supplications Superiority of Auliya' and their Marvels The Prohibition of Backbiting and the Commandment of Guarding one's Tongue Prohibition of Listening to Backbiting Some cases where it is permissible to Backbite Prohibition of Calumny Prohibition of Carrying tales of the Officers Condemnation of Double-faced People Condemnation and Prohibition of Falsehood Falsehood that is Permissible Ascertainment of what one Hears and Narrates Prohibition of Giving False Testimony Prohibition of Cursing one Particular Man or Animal Justification of Cursing the Wrongdoers without Specifying one of them Prohibition of Reviling a Muslim without any cause Prohibition of Abusing the Deceased without a valid Legal reason approved by Shari'ah Prohibition of Maligning Prohibition of Nursing Rancor and Enmity Prohibition of Envy Prohibition of Spying on Muslims and to be Inquisitive about Others Prohibition of Suspicion Prohibition of Despising Muslims Prohibition of Rejoicing over another's Trouble Prohibition of Deriding one's Lineage Prohibition of Deceiving others Prohibition of the Treachery and Breaking one's Covenant Prohibition of Recounting of Favors Prohibition of Arrogance and Oppression Prohibition of Breaking ties and Relationships Prohibition of two Holding Secret Counsel to the Exclusion of Conversing together a Third Prohibition of Cruelty Prohibition of Chastisement with Fire Prohibition of Procrastinating by a Rich Person to Fulfill his Obligation Undesirability of giving a Gift and then ask back for it Prohibition of devouring the Property of an Orphan Prohibition of taking Ar-Riba (The Usury) Prohibition of Show-off Things not to be Considered as Showing off Prohibition of gazing at women and Beardless Handsome Boys except in Exigency Prohibition of Meeting a non-Mahram Woman in Seclusion Prohibition for Men and Women apeing one another Prohibition of following the Manners of Satan and Disbelievers Forbidding to Dye Hair Black On Prohibition of Shaving a part of Head Prohibition of Wearing False Hair, Tattooing and Filling of Teeth Prohibition of Plucking Grey Hairs Prohibition of using the right hand for cleaning after toilet without a valid reason Undesirability of Wearing one Shoe or Sock Prohibition of Leaving the Fire Burning Prohibition of putting oneself to Undue Hardship Prohibition of Bewailing the Deceased Prohibition of Consultation with Soothsayers Forbiddance of Believing in Ill Omens Prohibition of Drawing Portraits Prohibition of Keeping a Dog except as a Watchdog or Hunting Dog Undesirability of Hanging Bells round the Necks of Animals Undesirability of Riding a Camel which eats Animals' waste Prohibition of Spitting in the Mosque Undesirability of Quarrelling or Raising voices in the Mosque Undesirability of Entering the Mosque after Eating raw Onion or Garlic Undesirability of Sitting with Erected Legs during Friday Sermon Prohibition of having a Hair cut or paring one's nail during the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah for one who intends to Sacrifice an Animal Prohibition of Swearing in the name of anything besides Allah Illegality of Swearing Falsely Desirability of Expiating the Oath taken by a Person who afterwards Breaks it for a better Alternative Expiation of Oaths Abomination of Swearing in Transaction About Begging in the Name of Allah Prohibition of Addressing somebody as 'The King of Kings' Prohibition of Conferring a Title of Honor upon a Sinner, a Hypocrite, and the Like Undesirability of Reviling Fever Prohibition of Reviling the Wind Undesirability of Reviling the Rooster Prohibition of Attributing Rain to the Stars Prohibition of Calling a Muslim an Infidel Prohibition of Obscenity Undesirability of Pretentiousness and Exaggeration during Conversation Abomination of Self-Condemnation Undesirability of Calling Grapes 'Al-Karm' Prohibition of Describing the Charms of a Woman to a man without a valid reason approved by the Shari'ah Abomination of saying: "Forgive me if you wish, O Allah!" Abomination of saying: "What Allah Wills and so-and-so Wills" Abomination of Holding Conversation after 'Isha' (Night) Prayer Prohibition of Refusal by a Woman when her Husband calls her to his Bed Prohibition of Observing an Optional Saum (Fast) by a Woman without the Permission of her Husband Prohibition of raising one's Head before the Imam Prohibition of Placing the hands on the sides during As-Salat (The Prayer) Abomination of Joining As-Salat (The Prayer) when the Food is ready or when one is in desperate need to answer the call of Nature Prohibition of raising one's Eyes towards the sky during As-Salat (The Prayer) Undesirability of Glancing in one Direction of the other during Prayer Prohibition of facing the Graves during Salat (Prayer) Prohibition of passing in front of a Worshipper while he is offering Salat (Prayer) Undesirability of offering optional Prayer after the announcement of Iqamah Abomination of Selecting Friday for Fasting Prohibition of Extending Fast beyond one Day Prohibition of Sitting on the Graves Prohibition of Plastering and Building over the Graves Prohibition for a Slave to run away from his Master Undesirability of Intercession in Hudud Prohibition of Relieving Nature on the Paths Prohibition of Urinating into Stagnant Water Prohibition of giving preference to Children over one another in giving Gifts, etc. Prohibition of Mourning beyond Three Days (For Women) Prohibition of Malpractices in Commerce Prohibition of Squandering Wealth Prohibition of Pointing with a Weapon at another Brother in Faith Undesirability of Leaving the Mosque without offering Salat (Prayer) after the Adhan has been Proclaimed Undesirability of Rejecting the Gift of Perfume Undesirability of Praising a Person in his Presence Undesirability of departing from or coming to a Place stricken by a Epidemic Prohibition of Magic Prohibition of Carrying the Qur'an into the Land of Enemy Prohibition of using Utensils made of Gold and Silver Prohibition of Wearing Saffron-Colored Dress Prohibition of observing silence from Dawn till Night Prohibition of attributing wrong Fatherhood Prohibition of doing that which Allah and His Messenger have Prohibited Expiation for the violation of Commandments of Allah Ahadith about Dajjal and Portents of the Hour Seeking Forgiveness Some of the Bounties which Allah has prepared for the Believers in Paradise

Islambasics Library: Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 7
Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: 'This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their Faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah)". (33:22)

"Those (i.e., believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, `Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.' But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: `Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)'. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty". (3:173,174)

"And put your trust (O Muhammad (PBUH)) in the Ever Living One Who dies not.'' (25:58)

"And in Allah (Alone) let the believers, put their trust.'' (14:11)

"... Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah...'' (3:159)

"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him". (65:3)

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts; and when His Verses (this Qur'an) are recited unto them, they (i.e., the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Rubb (Alone).'' (8:2)

74. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I was shown the past nations. I saw a Prophet who had a very small group (less than ten in total) with him, another Prophet who was accompanied by only one or two men and some did not have even one. Suddenly I was shown a huge crowd and I thought that they were my Ummah, but I was told: 'This is Musa (Moses) and his people, but look towards the other side.' I looked and beheld a great assemblage. I was told: 'These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Jannah without being taken to account or torment". Then the Prophet (PBUH) stood up and went into his apartment, and the Companions began to guess who may be those people who would enter Jannah without any accounting or torment. Some said: "Probably, they are the ones who kept company with Messenger of Allah (PBUH)". Others said: "Probably, they are the ones who have been born as Muslims and have never associated anyone with Allah in worship". Then Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came out and asked, "What are you discussing?'' So they told him. He then said, "They are those who do not make Ruqyah (blowing over themselves after reciting the Qur'an or some prayers and supplications the Prophet (PBUH) used to say) nor seek it, nor perceive omens (i.e., they are not pessimistic) but keep trust in their Rubb (Allah).'' On this 'Ukashah bin Mihsan stood up and asked: "Pray to Allah to make me one of them.'' The Prophet (PBUH) said, "You are one of them.'' Then another man stood up and asked the same thing. The Prophet (PBUH) answered, "'Ukashah has surpassed you".
[Al-Bukhari and Mulsim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadith mentions the importance of faith in Allah, inducement for having trust in Him and the distinction of people who have these qualities.

2. Although the practice of blowing over someone after reciting the Qur'an or supplications of the Prophet (PBUH) and medical treatment are permissible but they who avoid them because of their extreme trust in Allah and save themselves from bad omen, enjoy a distinguished position.

3. These conditions of various communities were shown to the Prophet (PBUH) in dreams for the dreams of the Prophets reflect the truth, or by means of Revelation, or he had witnessed them in the event of Isra (the Night Journey) of the Prophet (PBUH).

4. The followers of the Prophet (PBUH) exceed the followers of other Prophets in number.

75. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to supplicate: "O Allah! To You I have submitted, and in You do I believe, and in You I put my trust, to You do I turn, and for You I argued. O Allah, I seek refuge with You through Your Power; there is none worthy of worship except You Alone; that You safeguard me against going astray. You are the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists; the One Who never dies, whereas human beings and jinn will all die".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

76. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When (Prophet) Ibrahim (Abraham) was thrown into the fire, he said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.'' So did Messenger of Allah Muhammad (PBUH) when he was told: "A great army of the pagans had gathered against him, so fear them". But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)".
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: Even in the worst circumstances one should always have faith and trust in Allah.

77. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "A group of people (both men and women) whose hearts will be like the hearts of birds, will enter Jannah".
[Muslim].

It has been interpreted that such people are those who put their trust in Allah; another interpretation is that these people are tender-hearted.

Commentary:
1. Excellence of trust in Allah and kindness of heart are most valuable qualities because both of them are means to enter Jannah.

2. One should not worry much about one's food and means of subsistence. In fact, people should have the heart like birds who do not collect to keep in reserve anything and go out every morning in search of food and return to their nests fully satiated. This advice is repeated in another Hadith to the effect that when birds leave their nests in the morning they are hungry but when they come back, their stomachs are full and they do not need any more food.

78. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went in an expedition along with the Prophet (PBUH) in the direction of Najd. When Messenger of Allah (PBUH) returned, I also returned with him. Then the mid-day sleep overtook us in a valley full of prickly shrubs. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) got down and the people scattered around seeking shade under the trees. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) hang up his sword on the branch of a tree. We were enjoying a sleep when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called us, and lo! There was a desert Arab bedouin near him. He (PBUH) said, "This man brandished my sword over me while I was asleep. I woke up and saw it in his hand unsheathed. He asked: `Who will protect you from me?' I replied: 'Allah' - thrice". He did not punish him and sat down.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We accompanied Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the campaign of Dhat-ur-Riqa`. We left Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to take rest under a shady tree. One of the polytheists came to him. The sword of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was hanging on a tree. He drew it and said: "Are you afraid of me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "No". Then he said: "Who will then protect you from me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Allah".

And in a narration of Abu Bakr Al-Isma`ili, the polytheist asked: "Who will protect you from me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Allah.'' As soon as he said this, the sword fell down from his hand and Messenger of Allah (PBUH) catching the sword, asked him, "Who will protect you from me.'' He said, "Please forgive me.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "On condition you testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am His Messenger.'' He said, "No, but I promise you that I shall not fight against you, nor shall I be with those who fight with you". The Prophet (PBUH) let him go. He then went back to his companions and said: "I have come to you from one of the best of mankind".

Commentary: Besides the Prophet's habit of pardoning, and gracious attitude, this Hadith mentions his utmost trust in Allah. It tells that one who has trust in Allah is helped by Him. Later on, the bedouin mentioned in the Hadith embraced Islam. In the battle of Dhat-ur-Riqa` which took place in the sixth year of the Hijra, due to intense heat and lack of footwear, the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) wrapped their feet with pieces of cloth and for this reason it was called "War of patches of cloth (Dhat-ur-Riqa`)''. Some scholars have also given a different reason for this name.

79. `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk".
[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Trust in Allah does not mean that one should not give any importance to material resources. What it really means is that along with their due importance, one should have full trust in Allah. Without His Will, material resources are of no avail. But nevertheless it is necessary to have material resources because their procurement is also ordained by Him. Birds do not keep sitting in their nests for food but fly out in search of it.

80. Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked me to recite whenever I go to bed: "Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wal-ja'tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabikal-ladhi anzalta, wa nabiyyikal-ladhi arsalta (O Allah! I have submitted myself to You, I have turned my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You; and committed my back to You out of desire for You and fear of You; expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no place of safety from You but with You. I believe in the Book You have revealed and in the Prophet You have sent.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said that if anyone recited these words and died that night, he would die in the true religion. In case he remains alive till morning, he will obtain good.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration: He reported Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: "If you go to bed, perform the Salat Wudu', lie down on your right side and say [the above Du`a (supplication)] and let these words be your last".

Commentary: It is better to make Wudu' before going to sleep. Similarly, it is also meritorious to recite the invocation mentioned in the Hadith before one goes to bed, because it is a prayer for the renewal of Islam and Faith and request for grant of peace and security.

81. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) said: When Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and I were in the cave of Thaur and I saw the feet of the polytheists who were above us at the mouth of the cave (on the eve of the Emigration), I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! If one of them were to look down below his feet, he would see us". He (PBUH) said, "O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two whose third is Allah".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This incident occurred when the Prophet (PBUH) was emigrating from Makkah to Al-Madinah with Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) The disbelievers had announced a huge reward for their arrest for which people were searching them wildly. In the course of their search, some of them reached the mouth of the cave of Thaur where the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) were staying for refuge and rest. This Hadith describes the valour, fearlessness and unlimited confidence and trust of the Prophet (PBUH) in Allah; it also indicates how Allah helps His favourites. See Verse (40:51) of the Qur'an in this regard.

82. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) stepped out of his house, he would say, "Bismillah, tawakkaltu `alallah. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala `alayya". "[I go forth. (I begin with the Name of Allah, I trust in Allah; O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leaving or being led astray, or against slipping or being caused to slip; or doing injustice or being done injustice; or doing wrong or having wrong done to me)]".
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi reported it. According to At-Tirmidhi, this Hadith is classified as Hasan Sahih. Its wording is from Abu Dawud].

83. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever says (upon leaving his house): `Bismillah, tawakkaltu `alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah [I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah],' it will be said to him: 'You are guided, defended and protected.' The devil will go far away from him".
[Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i].

Abu Dawud reported it with this addition: "One devil will say to another: 'How can you deal with a man who has been guided, defended and protected?".

Commentary: The prayer quoted in this Hadith shows the importance of confidence and trust in Allah and request for security against the mischief of Satan.

84. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There were two brothers in the days of the Prophet (PBUH). One of them used to attend the Prophet's circle (to acquire knowledge) and the other used to earn their living). Once the latter complained to the Prophet (PBUH) against the former (for not earning his living). He (PBUH) replied, "Perhaps you are being provided because of him".
[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith evidently shows that it is permissible and desirable to devote oneself or make someone else to devote himself for religious knowledge. Such students of religious knowledge should not be considered a burden. Similarly, one should also not ignore those students and scholars who are devoted to such knowledge because Allah makes their help a means of increasing the donor's sources of subsistence.

Chapter 7 Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah

Chapter 7
Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah