Hadith Concerning Zina (Fornication)

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Allah has written the very portion of Zina which a man will indulge in. There will be no escape from it. The Zina of the eye is the (lustful) look, the Zina of the ears is the listening (to voluptuous songs or talk), the Zina of the tongue is (the licentious) speech, the Zina of the hand is the (lustful) grip, the Zina of the feet is the walking (to the place where he intends to commit Zina), the heart yearns and desires and the private parts approve all that or disapprove it." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A man must not look at a man's private parts nor must a woman look at a woman's private parts; neither should two men lie naked under one cover, nor should two women lie naked under the same cover." [Muslim]

Jarir bin 'Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) about (the Islamic ruling on) accidental glance (i.e., at a woman one is not Islamically allowed to look at) and he ordered me to turn my eyes away. [Muslim]

"Abd-Allaah ibn Masood (RAA) said: I asked the Messenger of Allah (SAW), Which sin is worst in the sight of Allah? He said, To make any rival to Allah, when He has created you. I asked, Then what? He said, To kill your child for fear that he will eat with you. I asked, Then what? He said, To commit zinaa with the wife of your neighbour." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

"Rasulullah (SAW) explained: If one of you were to be stabbed in the head with a piece of iron it would be better for him than if he were to touch a woman whom it is not permissible for him to touch." (Reported by al-Tabaraani; see also Saheeh al-Jaami, 5045)

Al-Bukhaari narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “No adulterer is a believer at the time when he is committing adultery; no thief is a believer at the time when he is stealing; no drinker of wine is a believer at the time when he is drinking it.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Forbidding Fornication (Zina) in Islam

The worst sin that comes after shirk is fornication (zina). In Islam it means to have ill-legal relations with a person without being actually married to them. Fornication and adultery are loathed by Allah (SWT) and there are clear instructions in Quran to stay away from the revolting act.

  

"And those who invoke not any other god along with Allah, nor kill such life as Allah has forbidden, except for just cause, nor commit illegal sexual intercourse (zina) and whoever does this shall receive the punishment. The torment will be doubled to him on the Day of Resurrection, and he will abide therein in disgrace; except those who repent and believe and do righteous deeds, for those Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful." (Quran Al-Furqaan: ayat #68-70)

"And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a faahishah (a great sin) and an evil way." (Quran Al-Israa: ayah # 32)

The phrase “And come not near to unlawful sexual intercourse” is more expressive than merely saying ‘Do not commit zina’, because the meaning is, ‘Do not even come close to zina’ that is not doing any deed that may get close to zina or lead to it, such as being alone with a member of the opposite sex, touching, looking at someone with lustful eyes, going to evil places, speaking in a haraam manner to a woman to whom one is not related, thinking about and planning immoral acts, and so on.

"And tell the believing women to lower their gaze (from looking at forbidden things), and protect their private parts (from Zina illegal sexual acts, etc.) and not to show off their adornment except only that which is apparent (like palms of hands or one eye or both eyes for necessity to see the way, or outer dress like veil, gloves, head-cover, apron, etc.), and to draw their veils all over Juyubihinna (i.e. their bodies, faces, necks and bosoms, etc.) and not to reveal their adornment except to their husbands, their fathers, their husband's fathers, their sons, their husband's sons, their brothers or their brother's sons, or their sister's sons, or their (Muslim) women (i.e. their sisters in Islam), or those whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of the shame of sex. And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful." (Quran Al-Israa, ayat #30 and 31).

Beware of Riya (Show-off)

Riya (Showing off) is an intention to gain peoples pleasure while doing religious deeds. It describes an action that is solely done to impress the people around oneself to gain their approval and superior status. In today’s society showing off has become a trend and a great majority of Muslims are naïve enough to follow it with open minds.  Showing off is just another trait in the character of arrogant. Islam prohibits riya. Riya has many types and forms, but whatever way done it has a tendency to invalidate the actions as stated in Quran and Sunnah. Spending wealth in the way of Allah, preaching religious knowledge and Quran, giving charity, being martyred or doing any deed with the intention to show off before people is wasteful. Such people do not believe in Allah and the Last Day. Allah, the Most High says:

"So woe to the worshippers, who are neglectful of their prayers. Those who want to be seen (by men)" [Soorah al-Maa`oon: 4-6]

"Like those who spened from their wealth to be seen by men, and they do not believe in Allaah and the Last Day. Their example is like the example of a hard rock on which is a little soil, then on it falls heavy rain which flows off it and they will not be able to do anything with whatever they have earned and Allaah does not guide the disbelieving people." [Soorah al-Baqarah: 264]

Jundub (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who so acts to show off, Allah will disgrace him on the Day of Resurrection, and he who does good deeds so that people (may hold him in high esteem), Allah will expose his hidden evil intentions before the people on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A person who acquires (religious) knowledge, which is (normally) acquired to gain the Pleasure of Allah, (for the sole reason) to secure worldly comforts will not even smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection (i.e., will not enter Jannah)." [Abu Dawud]

This ahadith show the consequences of different acts of show-off and informs us that such acts will be a cause of humiliation and disgrace on the Day of Judgment. A Muslim should be well aware of such a hideous act and try to eliminate it from their life’s as much as possible. 

The Seven Fatalities

Seven Fatalities

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Keep away from the seven fatalities." It was asked: "What are they, O Messenger of Allah?" He (PBUH) replied, "Associating anything with Allah in worship (i.e., committing an act of Shirk), sorcery, killing of one whom Allah has declared inviolable without a just cause, devouring the property of an orphan, the eating of usury (Riba), fleeing from the battlefield and accusing chaste believing women, who never even think of anything touching their chastity."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ahadith on Treatment of Slaves

illtreatment of Slaves

Abu Ali Suwaid bin Muqarrin (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I was the seventh child of Banu Muqarrin and we had only one slave-girl. When the youngest of us once happened to slap her (on the face) the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) ordered us to set her free.

Abu Mas'ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I was beating my slave with a whip when I heard a voice behind me which said: "Abu Mas'ud! Bear in mind..." I did not recognize the voice for the intense anger I was in. Abu Mas'ud added: As he came near me, I found that he was the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who was saying, "Abu Mas'ud! Bear in mind that Allah has more dominance upon you than you have upon your slave." Then I said: "I will never beat any slave in future."

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The expiation for beating or slapping a slave on the face for something he has not done is to set him free."

[Muslim]

Commentary

Islam stresses on the equality and proper treatment of slaves and servants. It is a serious crime to beat one's servant or slave or subject them to maltreatment. The expiation of this sin is to set the servant or slavefree. The ahadith above have shown evidence of stern warning for those who punish their slaves and servants without reason or far more than what they deserve. One is allowed to discipline one's servants in a suitable manner in which punishment does not exceed the nature of offense committed on their part. Another important thing to note in the second hadith is the aura of awe and majesty that characterizes the personality of the Prophet (PBUH). It also shows the eagerness of the Companions to fix their ways and obey the Prophet's commands.

Treating Animals with Kindness

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A woman was punished in Hell because of a cat which she had confined until it died. She did not give it to eat or to drink when it was confined, nor did she free it so that it might eat the vermin of the earth."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I happened to pass by some lads of the Quraish who had tied a bird at which they have been shooting arrows. Every arrow that they missed came into the possession of the owner of the bird. No sooner had they seen Ibn 'Umar, they dispersed. Thereupon, Ibn 'Umar said: "Who has done this? May Allah curse him who has done so. Verily, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has cursed anyone who makes a live thing the target (of one's marksmanship)."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw an ass which had been branded on the face. He disapproved of it. Upon this Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said, "By Allah, I shall not brand (the animal) but on a part at a distance from the face." Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) then commanded branding on the hips; he was the first person to brand the animals on hips.

Commentary

It is compulsory for Muslims to treat animals with love and kindness. They should be given full care with respect to food and comfort. Being harsh to them is unlawful. It’s also considered a sin to pin down a living being to make it a target. One who does it is a cursed person. We learn from Hadith that if an animal is to be branded for identification, it should not be branded on the face.

Prohibition of two holding Secret Counsel to the Exclusion of Conversing together a Third

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"Secret counsels (conspiracies) are only from Shaitan (Satan)." (58:10)

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said: the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "In the presence of three people, two should not hold secret counsel, to the exclusion of the third."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When three of you are together, two of you must not converse privately ignoring the third till the number increases, lest the third should be grieved."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The Hadith tell us that holding private counsel has been prohibited for the reason that it hurts the feelings of the Muslim who is ignored; and to hurt the feelings of a Muslim is a great sin indeed.

The Signs of a Hypocrite

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whosoever possesses these four characteristics is a sheer hypocrite; and anyone who possesses one of them possesses a characteristic of hypocrisy till he gives it up. These are: when he is entrusted with something, he proves dishonest; when he speaks, he tells a lie; when he makes a covenant, he proves treacherous; and when he quarrels, he behaves in very imprudent, evil, insulting manner."

Commentary

The hadith mentions four characteristics that if a person possesses is a sheer hypocrite and if he possesses any one of them then he will be regarded as a sort of hypocrite. It is required for a Muslim to abstain from showing evidence of such attributes in their characters. Excellence of character is engrossed with Faith. The nobility of character is perpetually reflected in Faith, and where there is no Faith there will be little to none distinction of character.The characteristics of a hypocrite are:

• Dishonesty
• Lying
• Treacherory
• Imprudent behaviour

Prohibition of Deriding one's Lineage and Bewailing the Deceased

Abu Hurairah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Two matters are signs of disbelief on the part of those who indulge in them: Defaming and speaking evil of a person's lineage, and wailing over the dead."
[Muslim]

Commentary

Two sins mentioned in the Hadith are such that if a Muslim thinks them lawful and still commits them he will be not be integrated in the circle of Islam that he will be considered a kafir. The first sin is to defame someone's lineage means to disgrace or humiliate somebody by saying to him or to her: "Your father belongs to such and such profession" or "Your mother is such and such / so-and-so" or "You are a weaver, blacksmith, launderer, cobbler, etc.” Islam does not classify followers on the basis of race, color or cast. The status of a Muslim in the eyes of Allah is determined by the strength of faith, humbleness and piety. Therefore to speak evil of a person’s lineage and considering them from a lower category of human race is prohibited in Islam.

The second sin mentioned in the hadith is bewailing over the dead. It means weeping, crying and lamenting loudly over the deceased and expressing qualities and the problems that will arise due to his death. Such qualities are attributes and acts of the disbelievers and practices of the pre-Islamic period, or Jahiliyyah. Wailing causes trouble to the deceased in his grave as the hadith draw attention to it.

Umar bin Al-Khattab (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The deceased is tortured in his grave for bewailing over him.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Pride

The disease of pride and arrogance is worst of all vices as it wipes a heart clean from goodness and piety. Pride attacks the faith and beliefs and directs a person away from the righteous path of religion. Pride leads to other spiritual maladies and vices which are four in number and mentioned below with ayahs:

-Pride deprives from truth and truthfulness. Allah turns the hearts of pride people away from his revelations and puts a seal over it thus blinding them from His verses. It is the worst condition as it totally robs from religions understanding.  

“I shall turn away from My revelations those who show pride in the world wrongfully.” (7.146)

“And in this way Allah does put a seal on every arrogant disdainful heart.” (40.35)

-The wrath and punishment of Allah fall on the jealous person. Allah has said:

“Certainly He does not love the proud ones.” (16:23)

It is narrated that Hazrat Moosa (AS) asked exalted Allah: “Oh my Lord! Who is the most deserving of your wrath and displeasure?” Allah Ta’aala told him:
“It is he whose heart is filled with pride and his tongue is filthy (i.e. Abusive), his eyes are devoid of shame, his hands are miserly and he is of bad conduct and character."

-Disgrace and ill-repute are the ultimate faith of a pride person. Allah does not cause the proud fellow to meet his death unless he is disgraced and dishonored by his own family, relatives and servants.

 -Burning in hell in the hereafter.

Ibn Mas'ud (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The haughty, even with pride equal to a mustard seed in his heart, will not enter Jannah." A man enquired: "What about that a person likes fine dress and fine shoes?" He said: "Allah is Beautiful and likes beauty. Pride amounts to disclaiming truth out of self-esteem, and despising people.”

Prohibition of Rejoicing over another's Trouble

Wathilah bin Al-Asqa' (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Do not express pleasure at the misfortune of a (Muslim) brother lest Allah should bestow mercy upon him and make you suffer from a misfortune."
[At-Tirmidhi]

Commentary

Calamity, hardship or bad luck is sent by Allah. Allah Almighty can either revile a person with his mercy or make him suffer from a misfortune. It’s the nature of a true believer to feel unhappy when he sees a Muslim suffering, and rejoices on the happiness of his other fellows in Faith. However it is contrary to the conduct of a true believer to rejoice over the trouble of another Muslim as this attitude is very much disliked by Allah. But if a Muslim shows pleasure at the misfortune of a brother in distress then there is every possibility that Allah may punish such a person in this world and relieve the one who is in trouble.

Prohibition of Nurturing Rancor and Enmity

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"The believers are nothing else than brothers (in Islamic religion)." (49:10)

Anas bin Malik (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Do not harbor grudge against one another, nor jealousy, nor enmity; and do not show your backs to one another; and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allah. It is not lawful for a Muslim to avoid speaking with his brother beyond three days." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The gates of Jannah are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and then every slave (of Allah) is granted forgiveness if he does not associate anything with Allah in worship. But the person in whose heart there is rancor against his (Muslim) brother, they will not be pardoned and with regard to them it will be said twice: 'Hold both of them until they are reconciled with each other."

Islam encourages benevolence and kindness towards fellow human beings. It teaches us to be compassionate. Harboring grudge and ill-will against one another is prohibited is Islam. Nor jealousy because it signifies that a certain Muslim when granted any blessing by Allah then the other wishes that the former be deprived of it. In the hadith "Do not show your backs to one another" means that if you come across one another, exchange salutations rather than avoid each other. Since all such things create quarrel and discord that are strictly forbidden in Islam. In situations of discord Muslims are required to forgive, resume their conversation and contacts after a maximum period of three days. Any extension beyond the specified period is prohibited. The Hadith also says that any mutual enmity, grudge and malice deprive a man from Jannah in the Hereafter.

Islamic Brotherhood

Islam is a religion of love and encourages strong, warm, rich and durable bonds of love and brotherhood between human beings which no other religion articulates. Islam advices it’s followers to develop love and affection between each other.  The entire world is a brotherhood of Allah’s people. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) preached and practiced brotherhood. Islam establishes human brotherhood on the basis of faith and preaches to respect the followers of other religions as well. According to Islam the whole human race originated from a pair of male and female so all have common grandparents and ancestor. This very fact unites every human to the other. Mankind is one common family which unfortunately disintegrated itself into race, cast and color. The common parentage between humans arises from Adam and Eve.

 

“O, mankind! Surely we have created you of a male and female and make you tribes and families that you know each other, surely the noblest among you unto Allah is one who fears him .Lo! Allah is Knower Aware” Al-Hujurat [49.13]

The above verse states the criteria for judgment in the sight of Allah does not depend on caste, color, creed, gender or wealth, but on Taqwa. Anyone who is righteous, pious and fears is honored in the sight of Allah. Allah describes the believers as being brother. He says

“The believers are but brothers” Al-Hujurat [49:10]

Along with Quranic verses there are many ahadith on the teachings of brother in Islam. Abu Musa reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: A believer is like a building for another, the one part supporting the other. A building needs bricks and a strong foundation to stand but for that it needs the support of bricks therefore every brick should support one another to make the building tall and mighty.

Islamic concept of brotherhood is deep that ensures the well being and safety of the society. Muslim’s faith is dependant entirely on its behavior and attitude towards his Muslim brother. The Prophet said, “None of you is believer till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself.” If a Muslim eats his full while ignoring the plight of a hungry neighbor then he is not a Muslim. Ibn Abbas (RA) reported Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) as saying: the person who eats his full and the neighbor in his surroundings is hungry is not Muslim”. Brotherhood was established in Madina between the emigrants from Makkah (Muhajirin) and the helpers of Madina (Ansars). This brotherhood was definitely exceptional in the history of the world.

The Islamic concept of brotherhood is a blessing. The greatest asset of Muslims to overcome difficulties lies in being united. The enemies of Islam can only be united by standing one against them. The feeling of brotherhood is an essential prerequisite for unity and faith. May Allah help the Muslim Ummah to establish the true spirit of brotherhood by overcoming differences. Brotherhood can only be established by acting upon the teachings of the Holy Quran and Holy Prophet especially in this regard.

Raka'ats in Fardh Salat

Fajr: Two raka'at

It was narrated that Aishah said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to pray eleven rak'ahs at night between finishing Isha' prayer and Fajr, apart from the two rak'ahs of Fajr, and he would prostrate for as long as it takes one of you to recite fifty verses. (Sahih)

Dhuhr: Four raka'at

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Abi Qatada: My father said, "The Prophet (PBUH) uses to recite Al-Fatiha followed by another Sura in the first two rak'at of the prayer and used to recite only Al-Fatiha in the last two rak'at of the Zuhr prayer. Sometimes a verse or so was audible and he used to prolong the first rak'a more than the second and used to do the same in the `Asr and Fajr prayers." [Bukhari]

Asr: Four raka'at

Imran b. Husain reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said three rak'ahs of the 'Asr prayer and then got up and went to his apartment. A man possessing large arms stood up and said: Messenger of Allah, bias the player been shortened? He came out angrily, and said the rak'ah which he had omitted and then gave salutation. then performed two prostrations of forgetfulness and then gave salutation. [Muslim]

Maghrib: Three raka'at

Ibn Umar narrated: "I prayed with the Prophet both, while a resident and while traveling. So I prayed four for Zuhr with him as a resident, and two Rak'ah after it. I prayed two Rak'ah for Zuhr with him while traveling and two Rak'ah after it, and two Rak'ah for Asr, and he did not pray anything after it. Maghrib while a resident and traveling is the same; three Rak'ah, it is not decreased as a resident nor while traveling. It is Witr of the day, and after it are two Rak'ah." (Da'if) [Jami` at-Tirmidhi]

Isha': Four raka'at

Prohibition of False Testimony

Abu Bakrah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Shall I not inform you of one of the gravest of the cardinal sins?" We said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" He (PBUH) said, "To join others as partners with Allah in worship and to be undutiful to one's parents." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sat up from his reclining position (in order to stress the importance of what he was going to say) and added, "I warn you making a false statement and giving a false testimony. I warn you against making a false statement and giving a false testimony." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) kept on repeating this (warning) till we wished he should stop.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary

The contents of this Hadith mark the severity of making a false statement profusely clear. Like many major sins, the immorality of giving false testimony is very common among the present-day Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) repeated the warning many times until his companions wished he (SAW) would stop. The repetition signifies the prohibition of false testimony and the wish signifies the fear that invoked in the hearts of the prophets companions when they repeatedly heard it.

Prohibition of Calumny

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"A slanderer, going about with calumnies." (68:11)

"Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it)." (50:18)

Hudhaifah (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The person who goes about with calumnies will never enter Jannah." 
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn 'Abbas (RA) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) passed by two graves and said, "Both of them (the persons in these graves) are being tortured, and they are not being tortured for a cardinal sin. But indeed they are great sins. One of them used not to save himself from being soiled with his urine, and the other one used to go about with calumnies (among the people to rouse hostilities, e.g., one goes to a person and tells him that so-and-so says about him such and such evil things)." 
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Ibn Mas'ud (RA) said: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Shall I tell you what 'Al-'Adhu' (falsehood and slandering) is? It is calumny which is committed among the people." 
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary

As observed from above ayahs and ahadith calumny or tale bearing is prohibited in Islam. The punishment of such slanderous act is hell. Person, who practices calumny with the intention to create conflict and quarrel among people although knowing that it is unanimously forbidden, will never enter Janna. Same is the fate for a person who does it out of sheer human weakness, but if Allah forgives him he might be pardoned. The second hadith infers that calumny is a not a cardinal sin therefore the punishment related to it won’t be plain as well. The momentous retribution for this kind of sin is harsh punishment in grave.  Another sin pointed in the hadith is not passing urine in privacy but doing it shamelessly in the presence of other people. From the third hadith we learn that calumny, lying, falsehood and slandering are major sins because they cause clash and discord in society. A Muslim must keep himself free from such evils.

The Hardening of the Heart

Hardening of the heart is a bad condition that every believer must avoid. When the heart of a believer hardens then it neither learns any lesson from Allah's Signs nor does it accept anyone's good advice and religious preaching. One reason for heart hardening is idle and nonsense talking. If one indulges in  talk rather than the remembrance of Allah, his heart becomes hardened, which is a sign of being far from Allah's Mercy. One should therefore occupy himself with the remembrance of Allah and refrain from talking too much.

Ibn 'Umar (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Do not indulge in excessive talk except when remembering Allah. Excessive talking without the Remembrance of Allah hardens the heart; and those who are the farthest from Allah are those whose hearts are hard."

Saying Jazak-Allah khairan

Usamah bin Zaid (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who is favored by another and says to his benefactor: 'Jazak-Allah khairan (may Allah reward you well)' indeed praised (the benefactor) satisfactorily."

Commentary

If you are unable to return someone's kindness with kindness, you should say, "Jazak-Allahu khairan (may Allah reward you well)." This means: "I am unable to reciprocate your kindness. May Allah grant you the best reward for it." This is the best kind of repayment to another fellows favor because there is no match for the reward that he/she will get from Allah. For this reason our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saw) said that it was the best of the praise for a benefactor.

Dua’s to Recite in the Morning and Evening

v  Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: 'Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with praising Him)' one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words." [Muslim]

v  Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said, "What a trouble I suffered from a scorpion which stung me last night!" He (PBUH) said, "Had you said in the evening: 'A'udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek the protection of Allah's Perfect Words from the evil of whatever He has created),' it would not have harmed you." [Muslim]

v  Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to say in the morning: "Allahumma bika asbahna, wa bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur (O Allah! With Your Power we have come to the morning, with Your Power we come to the evening, with Your Power we live, and we die, and to You will we return)." In the evening he would say: "Allahumma bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur (O Allah! With Your Power, we have come to the evening, by You do we live, by You do we die, and to You is the return)." [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud]

v  Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Abu Bakr asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Teach me some words so that I may recite them in the morning and in the evening." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Recite these words: 'Allahumma fatiras-samawati wal-ardi, 'alimal-ghaibi wash-shahadati, Rabba kulli shai'in wa malikahu. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, a'udhu bika min sharri nafsi, wa sharrish-Shaitani wa shirkihi (O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth! Knower of the hidden and the exposed! Rubb of everything and everyone. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but You. I seek Your Protection from the evil of my own self from the evil of Satan and from the evil of Shirk to which he calls)."' The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) added: "Recite these words in the morning and the evening and when you go to bed." [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

v  Abdullah bin Khubaib (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, "Recite Surat Al-Ikhlas and Al-Mu'awwidhatain (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) three times at dawn and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects." [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

v  Uthman bin 'Affan (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "He who recites three times every morning and evening: 'Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma'as-mihi shai'un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama'i, wa Huwas-Sami'ul-'Alim (In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All-Knowing),' nothing will harm him." [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]

Supplications by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Anas (RA) reported: The supplication most often recited by the Prophet (PBUH) was: "Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina 'adhab-annar (O our Rubb! give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire)."' 

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abdullah bin Mas'ud (RA) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to supplicate: "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-'afafa, wal-ghina (O Allah! I beseech You for guidance, piety, chastity and contentment)." 

[Muslim]

Tariq bin Ashyam (RA) reported: Whenever a man entered the fold of Islam, the Prophet (PBUH) would show him how to perform Salat and then direct him to supplicate: "Allahumm-aghfir li, warhamni, wa-hdini, wa 'afini, warzuqni (O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm and provide me with sustenance and salvation)." 

[Muslim]

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) supplicated: "Allahumma musarrifal-qulubi, sarrif qulubana 'ala ta'atika (O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience)." 

[Muslim]

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to teach me a supplication which I could recite in my Salat (prayer). Thereupon he said, "Recite: 'Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni, innaka Antal-Ghafur-ur-Rahim (O Allah! I have considerably wronged myself. There is none to forgive the sins but You. So grant me pardon and have mercy on me. You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Compassionate)."' 
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The Intrinsic Worth of Tasbih of Syeda Fatima Zehra (AS)

Tasbih is a form of dhikr that involves the repetitive utterances of short sentences praising Allah. The Tasbih of Hazrat Fatima Zahra (AS) is an ardently recommended act of worship in the Islam.  It is short yet very prevailing act of worship from the aspect of performance, effect, reward and merit. Holy Prophet imparted this act of worship to his daughter Hazrat Fatima (AS) and as Imam Muhammed Baqir (AS) said that after every mandatory prayer, there is no better invocation than the Tasbih-e-Fatima. If there was any other, more effective, way of Praising Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) would most certainly have instructed his daughter about that.

Reciting ‘Allahu Akbar' - 34 times, 'Alhamdulillah' - 33 times and 'Subhanallah' - 33 times is called as Tasbeeh of Sayeda Fatima(AS)

Likewise the value of this tasbih can be observed from the following two ahadith.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "He who recites after every prayer: Subhan-Allah (Allah is free from imperfection) thirty-three times; Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest) thirty-three times; and completes the hundred with: La ilaha illallahu, wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa 'ala kulli shai'in Qadir (there is no true god except Allah. He is One and He has no partner with Him. His is the sovereignty and His is the praise, and He is Omnipotent), will have all his sins pardoned even if they may be as large as the foam on the surface of the sea."

Ka'b bin 'Ujrah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "There are some words, the reciters of which will never be disappointed. These are: Tasbih [saying 'Subhan-Allah' (Allah is free from imperfection)], thirty-three times, Tahmid[saying 'Al-hamdu lillah' (praise be to Allah)] thirty-three times and Takbir [saying 'Allahu Akbar' (Allah is Greatest)] thirty-four times; and these should be recited after the conclusion of every prescribed prayer."

Duas to Recite during and after Salat

Thauban (RA) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (SAW) concluded his prayer, he would beg forgiveness from Allah thrice and then would recite: "Allahumma Antas-Salamu, wa minkas-salamu, tabarakta ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram (O Allah, You are the Grantor of security, and security comes from You. You are Blessing, O You Who have majesty and nobility)!" (Imam) Al-Awza'i, one of the narrators of this Hadith, was asked: "How forgiveness is to be sought?" He answered: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to say: 'Astaghfirullah! Astaghfirullah! (I beseech Allah for forgiveness, I beseech Allah for forgiveness)'." [Muslim]

Sa'd bin Abu Waqqas (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to seek (Allah's) protection after prayers in these words: "Alla-humma inni a'udhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhl, wa a'udhu bika min an uradda ila ardhalil-'umur, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatid-dunya, wa a'udhu bika min fitnatil-qabr (O Allah, I seek refuge with You from cowardice, miserliness and from being sent back to a feeble age; and, seek refuge with You from the trials of this life and those of the grave)."

Mu'adh (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) took hold of my hand and said, "O Mu'adh! By Allah I love you, so I advise you to never forget to recite after every prayer: "Allahumma a'inni ala dhikrika, wa shukrika, wa husni 'ibadatika (O Allah, help me remember You, to be grateful to You, and to worship You in an excellent manner)."

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "When anyone of you has done his Tashahhud during Salat (prayer), he should seek refuge in Allah against four things and say: "Allahumma inni a'udhu bika min 'adhabi jahannam, wa min 'adhabil-qabr, wa min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat, wa min sharri fitnatil-masihid-dajjal (O Allah! I seek refuge in you from the torment of Hell, from the torment of the grave, from the trials of life and death, and from the mischief of Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist)."

'Ali (RA) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was in Salat (prayer), he used to supplicate towards the end of prayer after Tashahhud and before the concluding salutations: "Allahum-maghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a'lantu, wa ma asraftu, wa ma Anta a'lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqqadimu, wa Antal-Mu'akh-khiru. La ilaha illa Anta (O Allah! Forgive my former and latter sins, which I have done secretly and those which I have done openly, and that I have wronged others, and those defaults of mine about which you have better knowledge than I have. You alone can send whomever you will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever you will to Hell-fire. None has the right to be worshipped but you."

The Obligation of Gratitude

Gratitude means responding to kindness and giving praise to the one who has done good and kind towards you. If looked closely then we will realize that the one deserving gratitude most is Allah the Exalted. Allah has bestowed us with many blessings and great favors in both spiritual and worldly terms. Therefore Allah has commanded us to give thanks and praise Him for everything He does for us and besides it’s our obligation as well. Gratitude from heart consists in actually being intentionally aware of the immeasurable gifts and blessings of Allah and in attributing them to Him and no one else.

"If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshiping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings)." (14:7)

Allah has given us the means to thank Him and moreover in His overwhelming generosity promised to reward us for doing it.  The above ayat depicts this by informing us that by thanking we will end up having more of Allah’s blessing. So there is return gift too for gratitude.

Allah says:

“Say (O Muhammad PBUH): “Praise and thanks be to Allah, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)….” [Surah An-Naml 27: 59]

and Allah said:
“…And If you would count the blessings of Allah you would not be able to count them…” [Surah Ibrahim 14:34]

In another Verse, Allah commands us to thank Him:
“Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying), I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favors on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2: 152]

In Surah Rahman (The Most Gracious), This Verse is repeated many times:
“Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny?”

Allah also asks His slaves to be patient and praise Him in an event of calamity. The following hadith illustrates what approach a person should adopt at times of death of one owns child.

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "When a slave's child dies, Allah the Most High asks His angels, 'Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?" They reply in the affirmative. He then asks, 'Have you taken the fruit of his heart?' They reply in the affirmative. Thereupon he asks, 'What has My slave said?' They say: 'He has praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji'un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall be returned). Allah says: 'Build a house for My slave in Jannah and name it as Bait-ul-Hamd (the House of Praise)."' 
[At-Tirmidhi]

This Hadith points that rather than moaning and wailing, one should submit himself to the Will of Allah and demonstrate firmness. Such attitude of patience and resignation is highly meritorious and has great reward.

A Misconception

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whenever someone greets me, Allah returns the soul to my body (in the grave) and I return his greeting."

Commentary

From the Hadith it is understood that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is alive in his grave and he answers the salutation offered by a Muslim.Some people infer the hadith as saying that Prophet (saw) is alive and his life is like the worldly life due to which He can return the answer of our salutation. It is wrong to say so because it is not confirmed by the Quran and Hadith. If he were to be alive the way he was in his lifetime, there would have been no need for "the returning of the soul to his body" and he would be able to answer the salutations without it. Another ambiguity that often comes to mind is that since countless Muslims are always offering salutations to the Prophet (PBUH) then how does the return of the soul takes place within such short intervals? Such questions come to pass due to the deficient of certainty in the supremacy of Allah. Allah can do everything in any form and nature and it is also our duty to believe with full faith anything Prophet (saw) says. Further the hadith has an encouragement for offering more and more supplications for the Prophet (PBUH) so that the follower is blessed with the highest reward in the form of the Prophet's response to his salutations. Every Muslim should try to achieve this blessing.

Equality of Slaves in Islam

Allah, the Exalted, says: "Worship Allah and join none with Him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masakin (the poor), the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (you meet), and those (slaves) whom your right hands possess." (4:36)

Al-Ma'rur bin Suwaid (RA) reported: I saw Abu Dharr (RA) wearing a nice gown, and his slave was also wearing one similar to it. I asked him about it, and he said that he had exchanged harsh words with a person during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and put him to shame by making a reference to his mother. That person came to the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and made mention of that to him. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah said, "You are a person who has remnants of the 'Days of Ignorance' in you. Your slaves are your brothers. Allah has placed them under your authority. He who has his brother under him, should feed him from whatever he eats, and dress him with whatever he wears, and do not burden them (assign burdensome task to them) beyond their capacity; and if you burden them then help them. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Islam has laid great emphasis on good treatment of slaves. The ayat and hadith above contain the illumination about treatment of slaves in Islam.The slaves should be treated fairly in all matters such that they should have the same food and clothes which the master has, or he should give them such wages that they can afford to buy the same food and clothes. In Islam all humans are equal in the eyes of Allah and if someone is superior then it might be because of his Taqwa neither wealth nor high status. The slaves have the status of brother and they have the same human needs as the master. Same goes for the laborers in factories, shops, offices and homes. It is equally important that the work load on slaves and laborers be considered thoroughly and they should not be over burdened with work more than there capability. Pride on one’s lineage and criticism of others on this account is an act of ignorance and exceedingly unacknowledged by Islam. Being a Muslim we should keep ourselves away from such conceited views. So a slave should not be treated badly because of their cast. By issuing the instruction mentioned in the Hadith, Islam has established equality in the true meanings of the word. Islam promotes brotherhood between the employers and employed the master and the slave, the ruler and the ruled. It also urges them to be sensitive and helpful to each other. By stressing the rights of people, it teaches both classes to love and respect each other. In another hadith

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When your servant brings food for you and you do not seat him with you, you should at least give him a morsel or two out of it because he has prepared it himself."  [Al-Bukhari]

The sense of equality of people is so much emphasized by Islam that if a servant brings meal to his master, this latter should make him sit by his side to take the meal with him. If this is not possible for a reason or another, then he should give some portion of the meal to the servant.

Categories of Martyrdom

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "The martyrs are of five kinds: One who dies of plague; one who dies of disease of his belly; the drowned; one who dies under the debris (of construction, etc.), and one who dies while fighting in the way of Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary

In the hadith above four categories of people are mentioned that are considered martyr even without being slain in the battle field. The four categories are that of a person dying in plague, dying of belly diseases, the drowned and dying under the debris (of construction, etc.). Allah will bestow them with special grace on the Day of Judgment and award them with merits similar to those of martyrs who die in Jihad. One must not delude himself into believing that by simply desiring these deaths he will go to Jannah but he should also be a true believer and a practicing Muslim. 

In another hadith:

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Whom do you reckon to be martyr amongst you?" The Companions replied: "The one who is killed in Allah's way." He said, "In that case, the martyrs among my people would be few." The Companions asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Then who are the martyrs?" He replied, "He who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr; he who dies naturally in the Cause of Allah is a martyr; he who dies of plague is a martyr; and he who dies of a belly disease is a martyr; and he who is drowned is a martyr."

Daughter – A Blessing

Daughters are a blessing from Allah Almighty. They are means of deliverance and a path to Jannah for their parents. Islam has set special merits for upbringing of girls and honors their births unlike the pre-Islamic era when people hated to have daughters and were grieved and angered by their births. The Holy Prophet (SAW) has narrated many ahadith regarding the blessings of daughter and his love for Fatima (RA) set an example for the followers of Islam. In a hadith it is stated that if parents are kind and generous towards their daughters, then they will be so close to the Holy Prophet (SAW) in Jannah, like one finger is to the next. Daughters are kind, sympathetic and bring great blessings to the house they are born. The Holy Prophet (SAW) has stated that when a boy is born, then he brings one noor (light) and when a girl is born, then she brings two noors.

In a hadith the Holy Prophet has indicated the paradise for those who upbring daughters in good ways. “Whoever has three daughters or sisters, or two daughters of two sisters, and lives along with them in a good manner, and has patience with them, and fears Allah with regard to them will enter Paradise.” [Abu Dawud, Al-Tirmidhi]

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) practically demonstrated to this ummah how a father should care for and treat his daughter. It was the vast perception of Allah that stated the descendants of Prophet (SAW) would continue only through his daughter Fatima (RA). Prophet Muhammad (SAW) had the profound love and compassion for her and thus said, "Fatima is a portion of my flesh, whosoever hurts her, certainly hurts me”. Whenever Fatima (RA) used to visit the Prophet (SAW), he would stand up to embrace and welcome her then kiss her on the forehead and make her sit beside him. The books of ahadith are full with stories of unique father-daughter and set an example for the world today.

Narrated by Aisha:  A lady along with her two daughters came to me asking (for some alms), but she found nothing with me except one date which I gave to her and she divided it between her two daughters, and did not eat anything herself, and then she got up and went away. Then the Prophet (SAW) came in and I informed him about this story. He (SAW) said, "Whoever is put to trial by these daughters and he treats them generously (with benevolence) then these daughters will act as a shield for him from Hell-Fire." [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Muslims should rejoice on the birth of daughters, consider them a blessing and do everything in their power in good upbringing. Give them that which is due to them from their belongings and do not deprive them of their inheritance. Daughters are a blessing and not a burden

Salah tul Istikhara

Istikhara is done by a person who intends to seek goodness from Allah in an important task. It is performed by the person to know Allah’s will in a certain matter whether it is good or bad for him or not.

Dua-e- Istikhara

Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah the Prophet (saw) used to teach us the way of doing Istikhara, in all matters as he taught us the Surahs of the Quran. He said, "If anyone of you thinks of doing any job he should offer a two Rakat prayer other than the compulsory ones and say (after the prayer)

How to perform Salah tul Istikhara

Salat tul Istikhara is a normal two rakat nafil prayer. In the first raka' after Surah Fatiha recite Surah al-Kafirun and in the second raka' after Fatiha recite Surah al-Ikhlas. After finishing prayer recite the dua-e- istekharah.

Importance of Istikhara

Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "And it is very possible that you dislike something whereas it is good for you; and (similarly) it is very possible that you like something whereas it is bad for you". (Baqarah 16)

We humans have incomplete knowledge and scarce intellect. Everything we desire is based on our feelings rather than our mind power to speculate what’s good and bad for us. As the above ayah says we may desire something, which may prove harmful to us, and on the other hand, we may dislike something, while it is good for us. So before making important decisions in life it’s better to do Istikhara because He is the solitary possessor of perfect knowledge and knower of the unseen. According to one Hadith: "It is from the good fortune of man that he makes Istikharah (seeks good) from Allah, and it is from his misfortune that he discards Istikharah."

Also, the Prophet (sws) said: "It is from the happiness of the son of Adam to practice Istikharah and be pleased with what Allah has ordained for him. And it is from the misery of the son of Adam to drop the Istikhaarah of Allah and be displeased at Allah's decrees." (Sunan at-Tirmidhee, hasan)