How to supplicate to Allah for seeking refuge from evil diversions

"Evil" (Arabic: sharr - شَرِّ ) in Islam refers to anything that goes against the commands of Allah and leads to harm — either in this world or the Hereafter. It can manifest in actions, thoughts, desires, or influences, and it works to divert a person from their fitrah (natural disposition) and their connection with Allah.

In Islam, Satan is considered to be the fountainhead of evil. He uses subtle whispers (waswasa - وسوسة) to lure people into sin and forgetfulness of God. 

In Islamic beliefs, waswasa (وسوسة) translates to "whisperings" or "temptations" and is often associated with the whispers of Satan (Shaytan). It's understood as subtle doubts or temptations that can lead to negative thoughts, behaviors, or actions, particularly concerning religious practices and beliefs. While it's sometimes linked to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in modern psychological terms, the Islamic concept of waswasa also includes an element of the metaphysical, involving the influence of Satan. 

Satan’s mission is to misguide humans from the path of Allah as is mentioned in Qur'an -  Surah Al-A'raf (7:17):

"Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful [to You].”

It is unfortunate that we despite being Muslims and believers of one true God, we call Allah, more often than not fall to the Satanic whispering and get enticed to Satan's evil machination which serve as diversions for us from our well defined straight path, the Siraat ul Mustaqeem. That is why Muslims have always been praying to Allah to save them from the evil and seek refuge from evil diversions.

One such supplication to seek refuge from evil whisperings and enticements is attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب  الوتر / Chapter # 518 Regarding Seeking Refuge / باب   فِي الاِسْتِعَاذَةِ as Hadith number # 1551, quoted herein under:

Narrated Shakl ibn Humayd: I said: Messenger of Allah, teach me a supplication.

He said: Say: "O Allah, I seek refuge in Thee from the evil of what I hear, from the evil of what I see, from the evil of what I speak, from the evil of what I think, and from the evil of my semen" (i.e. sexual passion).

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ حَنْبَلٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ الزُّبَيْرِ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ، حَدَّثَنَا وَكِيعٌ، - الْمَعْنَى - عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَوْسٍ، عَنْ بِلاَلٍ الْعَبْسِيِّ، عَنْ شُتَيْرِ بْنِ شَكَلٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، فِي حَدِيثِ أَبِي أَحْمَدَ شَكَلِ بْنِ حُمَيْدٍ - قَالَ - قُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ عَلِّمْنِي دُعَاءً قَالَ ‏ "‏ قُلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ سَمْعِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ بَصَرِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ لِسَانِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ قَلْبِي وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَنِيِّي ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Al-Albani)

Let us breakdown this supplication in parts to better understand it and how to supplicate seeking refuge:

1. "From the evil of what I hear"

Hearing is a major avenue through which evil can enter the heart — such as gossip, lies, slander, or immoral speech.

• Qur'anic reflection: “Indeed, the hearing, the sight and the heart – about all those [one] will be questioned.” — Surah Al-Isra (17:36)
• This verse warns that what we hear (along with seeing and thinking) is not morally neutral. We're accountable for what we expose ourselves to.

2. "From the evil of what I see"

Vision can lead to temptation or moral corruption — for example, by looking at prohibited things or desiring what others have.

• Qur’anic connection: “Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is acquainted with what they do.” — Surah An-Nur (24:30)
• Guarding the eyes is tied directly to guarding the heart and desires.

3. "From the evil of what I speak"

Words have power — they can harm, lie, incite, or humiliate.

• Qur’anic foundation: 
• “Not a word does he (man) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” — Surah Qaf (50:18)
• “O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70)

4. "From the evil of what I think"

Perhaps this is the most haunting evil from which many of us suffer. Thoughts, while internal, are the starting point for action — both good and evil. Persistently entertaining evil thoughts can lead to sinful behavior.

• Qur’anic relation: “And conceal your speech or publicize it; indeed, He is Knowing of that within the breasts.” - Surah Al-Mulk (67:13)
• Allah knows what is in our hearts and minds. Hence, we ask His protection even from our own thoughts.

5. "From the evil of my semen" (i.e., sexual passion)

This refers to seeking refuge from misuse of sexual desire, which can lead to zina (fornication/adultery), addiction, or exploitation.

• Qur’anic parallel: “And those who guard their private parts — except with their wives or those their right hands possess… But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors.” — Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:5–7)
• Sexual desire is natural, but channeling it wrongly leads to serious sin and societal harm.
• That is why in Qur'an men and women have been cautioned to meet in isolation if not married for if such a meeting takes place, the third attendee is the Satan and his evil whisperings often lead to lewdness and unlawful sexual relations.

Summary:

This du‘ā is a request for Allah’s help in protecting us from ourselves — from the evil that can come through our senses, our mind, our words, and our desires. It teaches mindfulness and humility: that even our faculties, if unchecked, can lead us astray. 

Let us supplicate this du'a much too often to seek refuge from every kind of evil diversion so that we do not lose our Eeman and fall into the trap of Satan. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may refer to our reference: page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic supplications

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Severe consequences of FIVE significant moral and social transgressions (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Every now and then we hear news of natural calamities hitting some part of the world, devastating lives and properties and leaving behind sorry tales in the form of disastrous effects. Or for that matter ever wondered what happened to great civilizations that once thrived and ruled the world, but now only the traces remain leaving us ponder over what happened to their decline and destruction? Ever pondered over why men face such bad times? Read on!

We have been sharing Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about warnings and cautions to the believers so that they do not face the Divine wrath. And when I read this Hadith, mentioned below, today, it was dawned on me why Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned the believers of five significant moral and social transgressions with will have severe consequences on a society, people or even great empires. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah / Book (36) of Tribulations كتاب الفتن / Chapter # 22 Punishments /باب الْعُقُوبَاتِ) as Hadith number # 4019 as under:

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar said:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) turned to us and said: ‘O Muhajirun, there are five things with which you will be tested, and I seek refuge with Allah lest you live to see them: Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them. They do not cheat in weights and measures but they will be stricken with famine, severe calamity and the oppression of their rulers. They do not withhold the Zakah of their wealth, but rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals, no rain would fall on them. They do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, but Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands. Unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek all good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause them to fight one another.’”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ الدِّمَشْقِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُلَيْمَانُ بْنُ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ أَبُو أَيُّوبَ، عَنِ ابْنِ أَبِي مَالِكٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ بْنِ أَبِي رَبَاحٍ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ أَقْبَلَ عَلَيْنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ فَقَالَ ‏ "‏ يَا مَعْشَرَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ خَمْسٌ إِذَا ابْتُلِيتُمْ بِهِنَّ وَأَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ أَنْ تُدْرِكُوهُنَّ لَمْ تَظْهَرِ الْفَاحِشَةُ فِي قَوْمٍ قَطُّ حَتَّى يُعْلِنُوا بِهَا إِلاَّ فَشَا فِيهِمُ الطَّاعُونُ وَالأَوْجَاعُ الَّتِي لَمْ تَكُنْ مَضَتْ فِي أَسْلاَفِهِمُ الَّذِينَ مَضَوْا ‏.‏ وَلَمْ يَنْقُصُوا الْمِكْيَالَ وَالْمِيزَانَ إِلاَّ أُخِذُوا بِالسِّنِينَ وَشِدَّةِ الْمَؤُنَةِ وَجَوْرِ السُّلْطَانِ عَلَيْهِمْ ‏.‏ وَلَمْ يَمْنَعُوا زَكَاةَ أَمْوَالِهِمْ إِلاَّ مُنِعُوا الْقَطْرَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ وَلَوْلاَ الْبَهَائِمُ لَمْ يُمْطَرُوا وَلَمْ يَنْقُضُوا عَهْدَ اللَّهِ وَعَهْدَ رَسُولِهِ إِلاَّ سَلَّطَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِمْ عَدُوًّا مِنْ غَيْرِهِمْ فَأَخَذُوا بَعْضَ مَا فِي أَيْدِيهِمْ ‏.‏ وَمَا لَمْ تَحْكُمْ أَئِمَّتُهُمْ بِكِتَابِ اللَّهِ وَيَتَخَيَّرُوا مِمَّا أَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ إِلاَّ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ بَأْسَهُمْ بَيْنَهُمْ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith is a profound warning from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) to the Muhajirun (the early Muslims who emigrated from Mecca to Medina) and, by extension, to all believers. In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) outlines five significant moral and social transgressions that, if committed, will bring severe consequences upon a society.

Explanation of the Hadith

• Immorality and Open Sinning: “Immorality never appears among a people to such an extent that they commit it openly, but plagues and diseases that were never known among the predecessors will spread among them.”
• Meaning: This refers to the widespread acceptance of immoral behavior (such as adultery, corruption, and obscenity) that becomes so blatant and public that it loses its stigma. The Prophet warns that when such actions become widespread, Allah will send new plagues and diseases that were previously unknown.
• Context: When a society becomes lax in upholding moral standards and allows immoral acts to become normalized, it opens the door for divine punishment in the form of epidemics and diseases, which affect not only individuals but society as a whole.
• Dishonesty in Business (Cheating in Weights and Measures): “They do not cheat in weights and measures but they will be stricken with famine, severe calamity, and the oppression of their rulers.”
• Meaning: This refers to dishonesty in trade and commerce, such as giving less than what is due or cheating in weights and measures. When people indulge in this kind of dishonesty, they will be afflicted by famine (a scarcity of food), severe calamities, and will face the oppression of unjust rulers.
• Context: In the Islamic tradition, fairness and honesty in business dealings are highly emphasized. Dishonesty in commerce disrupts social trust and economic stability, which leads to hardship, including scarcity and political instability.
• Withholding Zakah (Charity): “They do not withhold the Zakah of their wealth, but rain will be withheld from the sky, and were it not for the animals, no rain would fall on them.”
• Meaning: Zakah is the obligatory charity that Muslims must give from their wealth to help the poor and needy. The Prophet warns that if people withhold their Zakah, Allah will withhold the rain, which is a metaphor for blessings and prosperity. If it weren't for the animals' benefit (who might still find rain), the entire community could suffer.
• Context: Zakah plays a critical role in the Islamic social welfare system, ensuring the needs of the poor and reducing inequality. Withholding Zakah disrupts this system and brings about divine consequences such as drought or lack of provision.
• Breaking the Covenant with Allah and His Messenger: “They do not break their covenant with Allah and His Messenger, but Allah will enable their enemies to overpower them and take some of what is in their hands.”
• Meaning: This refers to the breaking of the covenant with Allah and His Messenger (which in this case refers to fulfilling the teachings and commandments of Islam). If Muslims fail to honor their obligations to Allah’s commands and disregard the guidance of the Prophet, Allah will allow their enemies to gain power over them, causing them to lose their wealth and influence.
• Context: The covenant with Allah involves adherence to His commands, and breaking it leads to weakness and humiliation. If the society turns away from the teachings of Islam, they will be subjected to the dominance of external forces.
• Ruling According to the Book of Allah: “Unless their leaders rule according to the Book of Allah and seek all good from that which Allah has revealed, Allah will cause them to fight one another.”
• Meaning: If the leaders of the society do not rule based on the principles set forth in the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of the Prophet), and instead act out of their desires or worldly concerns, division and conflict will arise. The Prophet warns that internal conflict and civil strife will erupt within such a society.
• Context: Leadership in Islam is a sacred responsibility, and rulers are expected to govern justly and in accordance with the teachings of Islam. If they abandon the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah, the society will suffer from division and disorder.

General Message

The overall message of this hadith is a strong reminder to Muslims about the dangers of moral decay, economic dishonesty, neglecting obligatory acts of worship, disobedience to the divine covenant, and the failure to establish justice based on the teachings of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) cautions that when these acts become widespread in a society, it will lead to calamities such as diseases, famine, oppression, defeat by enemies, and internal conflict.

This hadith underscores the importance of maintaining moral integrity, honesty in trade, fulfilling religious obligations, upholding divine covenants, and seeking justice in governance. By adhering to these principles, a society ensures its well-being and avoids the negative consequences foretold in this prophetic warning.

Unfortunately, all these warnings and cautions are unheeded to by Muslims in particular and others in general. All ills mentioned above are rampant in our societies and people and consequently we see see visible signs of moral and social degeneration around the world. We as Muslims need to take a stock of ourselves and be cautioned to reshape our lives as per dictates of Qur'an and Sunnah, lest wrath of Allah befalls on us. Let us not be in any vain hopes of being forgiven for we are Muslims. We need to pass all tests given to us by Allah before hoping for Divine forgiveness.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject and hadiths about  Morality 

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Pray not be among the people of Jahannam (Hell) - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Man has always be attracted to lewdness, sins of all kind and so most of them fall prey to enticement of the Evil. While men of true faith and character beat back the Satanic enticements, others with weak faith and low character fell in line behind the Satanic pied piper and fall into fathomless life of sins and utter darkness. While Allah promises them to repent so that may be forgiven, the pleasure of sins is so great that they pend their repentance for another time and continue to enjoy a life tangent to Divine guidance.

It is for the second category of people that Allah sent countless prophets and messengers, some with the Divine Scriptures, to show them the path to salvation, forgiveness that would ultimately take them to Paradise (Jannah) when the human life will be resurrected. Yet, many abused the noble prophets and continue the life as it pleases them, not knowing the severe consequences and being thrown into the hell fire.

Like all other prophets, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ cautioned his companions and polytheists around of a life in the hereafter when everyone will stand to receive what he did in the worldly life - good for good and bad for the worst. 

We share one of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the same theme as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 78: Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab) / كتاب  الأدب / Chapter 61:  Pride and arrogance / باب الْكِبْرِ / as Hadith 6071, given herein under:

Narrated by Haritha bin Wahb:

Al-Khuzai: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Shall I inform you about the people of Paradise? They comprise every obscure unimportant humble person, and if he takes Allah's Oath that he will do that thing, Allah will fulfill his oath (by doing that). Shall I inform you about the people of the Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited person."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ كَثِيرٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنَا مَعْبَدُ بْنُ خَالِدٍ الْقَيْسِيُّ، عَنْ حَارِثَةَ بْنِ وَهْبٍ الْخُزَاعِيِّ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِأَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ، كُلُّ ضَعِيفٍ مُتَضَاعِفٍ، لَوْ أَقْسَمَ عَلَى اللَّهِ لأَبَرَّهُ، أَلاَ أُخْبِرُكُمْ بِأَهْلِ النَّارِ كُلُّ عُتُلٍّ جَوَّاظٍ مُسْتَكْبِرٍ ‏"‏‏.‏

The hadith narrated describes the people of Paradise and the people of the Fire, offers profound insights into the moral and spiritual qualities that determine one's ultimate fate in the Hereafter. This hadith highlights two key characteristics for each group:

• The People of Paradise:
• Humble and Unimportant: The people of Paradise, according to this hadith, are described as humble, obscure, and not necessarily people of worldly significance. This emphasizes that one's status in this life, in terms of wealth, power, or social influence, does not determine their place in the Hereafter. The key traits here are humility and piety, not outward appearances or worldly achievements.
• Fulfillment of Oaths to Allah: The hadith also mentions that if such a person swears an oath by Allah to do something, Allah will fulfill it. This signifies that people of humility and sincerity are trusted by Allah, and their promises, especially those made in the name of Allah, are honored.
• The People of the Fire:
• Cruelty, Violence, Pride, and Conceit: On the other hand, the people of the Fire are described as having negative qualities such as cruelty, violence, pride, and arrogance. These qualities are destructive both in this world and the Hereafter, and they contradict the values that lead to Paradise.
• The emphasis on pride and arrogance suggests that those who are haughty and dismissive of others, believing themselves superior to others, especially to the humble and downtrodden, are those most likely to end up in Hell.

Alignment of the hadith with Qur'an

Nothing that prophets say is something that is not found in Qur'an. In fact all sayings of prophets are based on Divine guidance, cautions and commandments as mentioned in the Divine Scriptures. Thus, concepts in this hadith align closely with several Quranic verses:

• Humility and Righteousness Lead to Paradise:
• In the Quran, humility is often praised as a key trait of the righteous. Allah says in Surah Al-Furqan (25:63):
• "And the servants of the Most Merciful are those who walk upon the earth easily, and when the ignorant address them [harshly], they say [words of] peace." (25:63)
• This verse illustrates that the humble, who respond peacefully to harshness, are among the righteous, similar to the description of the people of Paradise in the hadith.
• Pride and Arrogance Lead to Hell:
• The Quran also repeatedly warns against arrogance, as it is a trait that leads to destruction. In Surah Luqman (31:18-19), it states:
• "And do not turn your cheek in contempt toward people and do not walk through the earth exultantly. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone self-deluded and boastful." (31:18)
• This verse aligns with the hadith's description of the people of the Fire, who are characterized by pride and arrogance.
• The Fulfillment of Oaths:
• Allah's fulfillment of oaths made by the humble believers is supported in the Quran. Surah At-Tawbah (9:111) describes the covenant between Allah and the believers:
• "Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for that they will have Paradise..." (9:111)
• This verse speaks to the idea of the fulfillment of promises between Allah and His faithful servants, much like the trust in the hadith that Allah will fulfill the oaths of the humble believers.

Application to Present Times

In the modern world, these teachings continue to be incredibly relevant:

• Value of Humility: In a society that often values fame, wealth, and power, the reminder from this hadith that the humble and seemingly insignificant people may be the ones who are closest to Allah and deserving of Paradise is significant. This challenges the superficial standards of success and encourages believers to focus on inner qualities like humility, kindness, and sincerity, rather than outward achievements.
• Warning Against Arrogance: 
• In today's world, pride and arrogance are often seen as signs of success or strength. In fact this category of people dominate the low profile honest people, and rule with their might, cruelty and stubborn arrogance. 
• The most interesting thing about these people is the outwardly fulfill all religious obligations, yet their act are altogether differ from the values, ethics and embodiment of following the religion as it should be.
• There is a need more than ever before that social media should foster an environment where self-promotion, superiority, and conceit are normalized. The hadith and Quranic teachings warn against such behavior, emphasizing that it is detrimental not only to one's spiritual well-being but also to one's community and relationships.
• Trust in Allah: The hadith's mention of Allah fulfilling the oaths of the humble encourages believers to trust in Allah's promises. In times of uncertainty or when facing challenges, believers can find peace in knowing that Allah honors the sincere intentions of those who strive to act righteously and maintain their integrity.

In conclusion, this hadith calls for a reevaluation of what truly matters in both the spiritual and material aspects of life. It is a reminder to prioritize humility, kindness, and righteousness over pride, cruelty, and arrogance, with the hope that such qualities lead to Allah's mercy and ultimately to Paradise.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised against speaking ill of the dead

No man is born perfect. All of us nothing less than the fictional character of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We may be good to some but bad to others. And to those we are bad, our very personality is condemned for life and in many cases even they are dead. Generally speaking we condemn the dictators and demagogues and even ordinary people around us. But we forget to understand that those who are no more cannot listen to us what we are saying about them and cannot make make amends and be good.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too has advised against taking ill against those who are dead. This is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 81: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq) / كتاب  الرقاق / Chapter 42:  The stupors of death / باب سَكَرَاتِ الْمَوْتِ / as Hadith 6446, given herein under:

Narrated `Aisha:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not abuse the dead, for they have reached the result of what they have done."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ الْجَعْدِ، أَخْبَرَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُجَاهِدٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، قَالَتْ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ لاَ تَسُبُّوا الأَمْوَاتَ، فَإِنَّهُمْ قَدْ أَفْضَوْا إِلَى مَا قَدَّمُوا ‏"‏‏.‏

The hadith essentially emphasizes that once someone has passed away, their deeds are concluded, and it is not for the living to judge or criticize them, as the final judgment belongs to Allah.

Explanation of the Hadith in Light of the Quran:

The Quran offers guidance on how to deal with life, death, and judgment, and this hadith aligns with the broader Islamic teachings about the afterlife and the final reckoning. Here are some relevant Quranic verses that support the essence of this hadith:

• Responsibility for Deeds: The Quran reminds us that each person is responsible for their own deeds and will be judged by Allah accordingly. Once someone has passed away, they can no longer alter their deeds or face further consequences from others. Allah says:

"Every soul will be (held) in pledge for what it has gained." (Quran 74:38)

This verse emphasizes individual accountability, meaning that once a person dies, the outcome of their actions is sealed, and no one else can change or pass judgment on that.

• No One Can Judge Except Allah: The Quran also stresses that ultimate judgment belongs only to Allah, and humans are not to judge others beyond their capacity or knowledge. Allah says:

"Indeed, to Us is their return. Then indeed, it is upon Us to count them." (Quran 88:25-26)

This reinforces the concept that Allah will judge everyone according to their actions on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, to speak ill of the dead would be presumptuous and beyond human capacity, as only Allah knows the true state of each individual.

• Encouragement to Speak Well of the Dead: Islam encourages speaking well of those who have passed away, especially those who were righteous. This is not only a sign of respect but also a reminder of the positive aspects of life. The Quran advises in several places to maintain good speech and behavior towards others.

"And speak to people good [words]." (Quran 2:83)

This is a general guideline that can be extended to the dead, where even in death, a person’s reputation should not be harmed by unkind words.

• The Concept of Finality in Death: Death in Islam marks the end of a person's ability to change their fate or circumstances. The deceased cannot amend their wrongs or rectify their mistakes in this life; only Allah can forgive or judge them. As the Quran says:

"And Allah does not wrong anyone, even as much as an atom's weight." (Quran 4:40)

This emphasizes the justice of Allah in His judgment of the deceased, and thus, humans should refrain from making judgments on their behalf.

The Hadith's Moral Lesson:

The hadith reinforces the idea that once someone has passed away, they have already received the consequences of their actions (good or bad). It encourages Muslims to show restraint in their speech and not to speak ill of the deceased. Instead of focusing on criticizing those who are no longer able to defend themselves or amend their actions, the living should focus on their own deeds, striving to earn Allah’s mercy.

In sum, this hadith, when understood in light of the Quran, highlights the importance of humility, respect for the deceased, and the understanding that ultimate judgment belongs only to Allah. It serves as a reminder that the lives of others—especially after death—are not for us to judge, and we should focus on our own conduct, aiming to be mindful of our speech and actions.

Many of us are in the habit of talking ill of others even they are dead. This hadith thus cautions us to shun our difference with the dead or any harm that they may have caused us during their lives. Let us let them proceed to the journey to be judged by Allah on the Day of Judgement. And also let us be good to others so that when we are no more, others speak good of us.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Morality for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Islam PROHIBITS looking at `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others

Islam is not only a religion to usher its followers how to worship Allah. It in fact it provides a complete code of life that beside emphasis on worshiping and having faith in Allah, also lays down bounds of inter personal relations, intimacy, justice, legal and social. 

Talking of inter personal relations, Islam emphasises on respect and honour of both genders and strictly lays  down guidelines about the intimate relations. Unlike what happens in the West, where man and woman freely mix with each other, establish intimate relations without the bound of marriage, even now establishing relations between same gender look at the and exhibiting feelings about each other in the open, Islam strictly prohibits such intimacy and forbids believers to `Awrah – the Intimate Body Parts of others when in private and orders lowering down their gaze when looking at each other - lest the Evil entices them to go beyond the bounds set forth in Islam.

Before we share a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on this very sensitive subject, let us explain in brief the meaning of Awrah:

'Awrah (Arabic: عورة , ستر, satr)  refers to the intimate parts of the human body, which must, according to Islam, be covered by clothing. Most of modern Islamic scholars agree that the 'awrah of a man is the area between the navel and the knees, and the 'awrah of a woman is the entire body except the face, hand; exposing the 'awrah of the body is against Islamic law. It may be seen that the emphasis of covering the 'Awrah of women is more emphasised as it is the unexposed body of the women that is the basis of all evil that gives misleading signals to men for establishment of illegal intimate relations, which in Islam are only restricted between a Husband and wife, and that too in complete privacy.

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim: Book 3 The Book of Menstruation /   كتاب الحيض/  Chapter 17: The prohibition of looking at `awrah / باب تَحْرِيمِ النَّظَرِ إِلَى الْعَوْرَاتِ / as Hadith number # 338a as under:

'Abd al-Rahman, the son of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, reported from his father:

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: A man should not see the private parts of another man, and a woman should not see the private parts of another woman, and a man should not lie with another man under one covering, and a woman should not lie with another woman under one covering.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، حَدَّثَنَا زَيْدُ بْنُ الْحُبَابِ، عَنِ الضَّحَّاكِ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدُ بْنُ أَسْلَمَ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ لاَ يَنْظُرُ الرَّجُلُ إِلَى عَوْرَةِ الرَّجُلِ وَلاَ الْمَرْأَةُ إِلَى عَوْرَةِ الْمَرْأَةِ وَلاَ يُفْضِي الرَّجُلُ إِلَى الرَّجُلِ فِي ثَوْبٍ وَاحِدٍ وَلاَ تُفْضِي الْمَرْأَةُ إِلَى الْمَرْأَةِ فِي الثَّوْبِ الْوَاحِدِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

The hadith you referenced emphasizes the principles of modesty and privacy that are integral to Islamic teachings regarding interpersonal conduct and gender interactions. It aligns with similar guidance in the Quran and other Hadiths that stress the importance of maintaining personal boundaries and safeguarding one’s modesty. Here’s a detailed explanation of this hadith in the light of related Quranic verses and similar Hadiths:

Explanation of the Hadith:

• Prohibition of Seeing the Private Parts: This part of the hadith stresses that both men and women must maintain their privacy by not exposing their private parts (awrah) to others of the same gender. This reinforces the concept of personal modesty and respect for one's body.
• Prohibition of Sharing Bed Covers: The instruction against two men or two women lying together under the same cover further emphasizes the importance of boundaries and avoiding situations that could lead to immodesty or inappropriate behavior. It serves as a preventive measure against any actions that could compromise modesty.

It is even mentioned that  when brothers and sisters reach the age of ten, their beds must be separated for the Evil machination may even permeate between brothers and sisters and crossing the bounds of legitimate relations - something called incest in the Western world.

Quranic Commandments on Modesty:

• For Men: "Tell the believing men to lower their gaze and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what they do." Surah An-Nur (24:30-31)
• For Women: "And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and guard their private parts and not expose their adornment except that which [necessarily] appears thereof and to wrap their headcovers over their chests..."

These verses highlight the general command for both men and women to practice modesty by guarding their private parts and lowering their gaze. The hadith complements these verses by specifically outlining situations that must be avoided to protect personal modesty.

Emphasis on Modesty in Other Hadiths:

• Hadith on Modesty as Part of Faith: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized that modesty is a core aspect of a Muslim's faith. (Sahih Bukhari). This general principle underlines the importance of avoiding any actions that would compromise modesty, including exposing oneself or being in compromising situations.
• Hadith on the Awrah (Private Parts): Hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Cover your awrah except from your spouse.” (Sunan Abu Dawood). This hadith underscores that the private parts should remain covered except in the specific context of marriage, reinforcing the same boundaries mentioned in the primary hadith.

Key Themes and Lessons:

• Maintaining Modesty and Privacy: Islam places a high value on personal modesty, considering it a protective barrier against immoral behavior. The hadith warns against situations that could lead to immodesty or temptation, promoting a culture of respect and personal boundaries.
• Respecting Boundaries: The hadith serves as a guideline for how Muslims should interact with others of the same gender, ensuring that personal boundaries are respected. By not seeing or exposing the private parts and avoiding close physical situations, Muslims are better able to maintain modesty.
• Preventing Immorality and Impropriety: The prohibition against sharing a cover with another person of the same gender serves as a preventive measure against potential immorality or inappropriate behavior, promoting a safe and respectful environment.
• Encouraging Conscious Behavior: This hadith and similar teachings in Islam encourage believers to be conscious of their behavior, surroundings, and interactions, always prioritizing modesty and propriety in their conduct.

This hadith reflects a broader Islamic ethic of modesty, respect for privacy, and safeguarding personal boundaries. It aligns closely with the Quranic injunctions that call for guarding one’s private parts and lowering the gaze, as well as with other prophetic traditions that emphasize modesty as a key component of faith. These teachings collectively aim to foster a community where modesty is protected, inappropriate exposure is avoided, and personal dignity is upheld.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions  and Hadith Collection: Morality for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Help taken from ChatGPT for expanding meaning of the Hadith | Wikipedia

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More