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

Choosing a Marriage Partner in Islam

"Women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity."(Quran 24:26)

Marriage is a relationship where each matrimonial partner should be able to fulfill his/her responsibility to religion and society equally.  They should share the common goal of building a well-integrated Muslim community and be able to work harmoniously towards it. Marriage is one of the most highly recommended acts in Islam.

 

The Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH) says “The person who marries, safeguards half of his religion.” He (PBUH) also assured the bounty of Allah to those who wish to get married and live a pure and clean life. "Three groups of people Allah obliged Himself to help them: Mujahid in the cause of Allah, a worker to pay his debt, and the one who wants to marry to live a chaste life". (Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended Muslims to select those partners who are best in religion (Deen) and character. He said: "A woman may be married for four reasons: for her property, for her rank, for her beauty, and for her religion (and character), so marry the one who is best in the religion and character and prosper."(Bukari and Muslim)

Islam has given freedom of choice to those who wish to get married. The mutual choice of the bride and groom to be is given the highest consideration.  Islam does not allow anyone to be forced into a marriage. Since a marriage is a union between two people and their families, it is important for parents to understand the needs of their children and allow them to be with suitable spouses of their choice. Furthermore Islam also gives the permission to look at the women whom a man intends to marry. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "When one of you seeks a woman in marriage, and then if he is able to have a look at whom he wishes to marry, let him do so." (Abu Dawood)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was born in 573 A.D at Makkah in a very nobel and respectable family of Bani Tamim, a branch of Quraish. His real name was Abdullah and Abu Baqr was his patronymic name. Islam gave him the title of ‘As-Siddiq’ which meant ‘the truthful’. He was known for his honesty, truth and sincerity. Among the many esteemed qualities that he possessed, he was also the best friend of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His profession was trade. Because of his noble character, he had many profit in trade. Being the best friend of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); Hazrat Abu Bakr readily accepted Islam without hesitation. After accepting Islam he started preaching it secretly. Eight prominent figures accepted Islam at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (R.A.). He went to ‘Uthman, Talha, Zubair and Said (Ridwanullah 'alaihim 'Ajma'in). They accepted Islam on his preaching. Next day he went to 'Uthman bin Maz'un, Abu'Ubaidah, Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf and some other prominent Quraish, who also accepted Islam at his hands.

Many hardships fell on him when the Makkans came to know of his preaching’s about Islam. Even his noble character did not facilitate him in this matter. But the faithful servant of Allah kept on spreading Allah’s word despite the hardships and difficulties. He spent enormous money to set free Muslim slaves who were under non-Muslim masters. Hazrat Bilal (RA), a Negro, was among those whom the Abu Bakr had set free. When Holy Prophet (PBUH) decided to migrate to Madina, Abu Bakr (RA) was the only companion whom he trusted enough to migrate with. The Holy Qur'an describes it as follows: "When the disbelievers drove him out; he had no more than one companion. They were two in the cave. And he said to his companion: "Have no fear for Allah is with us". Then Allah sent down His peace upon him". (9:40)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) fought along with Prophet in almost all the important battles. He was brave man. On the occasion of Tabuk expedition Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) brought everything that he possessed. When the Holy Prophet asked him, "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr (R.A.) said, "I have left for them Allah and his Prophet". Even Hazrat Umar (R.A.) admitted that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (R.A.) in his sacrifice for the cause of Allah and Islam. After the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he became the first khalifa. During his khalifate he had to face many hardships. It was a very sensitive time. Many people refused to pay zakat and the Eastern Roman and Persian were threatening the new born Islamic state. Under these circumstances Hazrat Abu Baqr did not lose hope and fought the situations with valor and courage. Abu Bakr died on 21 Jamadi-al Akhir, 13 A.H. (23 August 634 A.C.), at the age of sixty-three, and was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet. His caliphate had been of mere twenty-seven months duration. In this brief span, however, Abu Bakr had managed to strengthen and consolidate his community and the state, and to secure the Muslims against the perils which had threatened their existence.