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.

Read More

Gravity of disrespecting the graves - Hadith Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Sanctity of the final resting places of one's near and dear ones is a very sensitive matter and no one would ever like the disrespect to the graves. Generally it is seen that while people are waiting for a burial to get completed, they tend to sit on the nearby graves or climb over the graves, acts that are viewed as disrespect to the person buried inside. We share today a hadith which gives out a very a powerful and profound statement from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). It highlights the gravity of disrespecting the deceased, especially by sitting on or near a grave. Here's the hadith again for reference:

"If one of you were to sit on a live coal that burns him, that would be better for him than if he were to sit on a grave." — Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 1566

Explanation of the Hadith

• Prohibition of Sitting on Graves: 
• The Prophet (ﷺ) is emphasizing the seriousness of sitting on graves, which is generally considered a disrespectful and inappropriate act in Islam. Graves are sacred, as they represent the final resting place of the deceased, and a place where their family and loved ones come to pay their respects.
• Islam teaches that we should treat the dead with respect, and sitting on a grave symbolizes a lack of regard for the sanctity of the burial site. The hadith compares this to something as painful as sitting on a live coal, which burns the person. The comparison indicates that the act of sitting on a grave is so severe and harmful that it is worse than suffering through physical pain.
• The Significance of Respecting the Dead:
• Respect for the dead is a fundamental part of Islamic etiquette and ethics. The Quran and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ) consistently stress that the deceased should be treated with honor, especially in their graves. There are other hadiths where the Prophet (ﷺ) forbade actions like sitting on graves or walking over them.
• The grave is viewed as a place where the soul of the deceased enters a new phase of existence, and it is considered inappropriate to show disrespect or trivialize it. Therefore, actions such as sitting on graves are seen as an offense, not only to the deceased but also to the living, because it goes against the Islamic principles of dignity and respect.
• The Severe Consequences of Disrespecting the Deceased:
• By equating sitting on a grave to the pain of sitting on a burning coal, the Prophet (ﷺ) is highlighting the severe spiritual consequences of showing disrespect towards the grave and the deceased. The physical pain of sitting on a live coal may fade, but the disrespect for the grave is a serious moral and spiritual misdeed.
• It is a reminder to Muslims to maintain proper conduct and awareness of the sanctity of all life stages—from birth to death. Just as we honor the living, we must also honor the deceased.

Linking this to Islamic Etiquette:

The hadith is part of the broader Islamic emphasis on etiquette and manners. Islam emphasizes that the dead should be treated with kindness, and certain behaviors are strictly forbidden:

• Sitting on graves: This is seen as an act that goes against the dignity of the deceased.
• Walking over graves: The Prophet (ﷺ) also forbade walking over graves in a disrespectful manner. The idea is that the grave is a resting place for the soul, and such actions should be avoided to maintain reverence for the dead.
• Maintaining silence at graves: 
• When visiting graves, Muslims are encouraged to make du'a (prayers) for the deceased, not to engage in loud or disrespectful behavior.
• Hadith of the Prophet (ﷺ) on Visiting Graves: While the hadith you shared prohibits disrespecting the graves, there are also hadiths where the Prophet (ﷺ) encourages Muslims to visit graves, but with a respectful attitude:
• The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "I used to forbid you from visiting graves, but now you may visit them." (Sahih Muslim)
• This hadith shows that while Muslims are encouraged to visit graves to remind themselves of the afterlife, they are also instructed to do so with respect and reverence.

Moral Lessons from the Hadith

Respect for the dead is a moral duty in Islam, and this hadith underscores that even acts of physical discomfort (like sitting on burning coals) are better than actions that show disrespect to the deceased.

• Avoiding unnecessary harm: Just as sitting on burning coals would inflict harm on one's body, disrespecting graves harms the soul and reflects badly on the individual's character.
• Reminder of the afterlife: Sitting on a grave or being disrespectful toward it may also be seen as showing a lack of recognition of the reality of the afterlife and the inevitable journey that we will all take. Respecting graves can be seen as a way of acknowledging our own mortality and reinforcing the understanding that life in this world is temporary.

This hadith thus gives out a clear warning against disrespecting the graves of the deceased. It uses the analogy of sitting on a burning coal to show just how grave the act is. It reminds us that our conduct toward the dead should always be respectful, as they are in a state where they cannot defend themselves, and their graves are sacred in Islam. In a broader sense, it teaches us the importance of showing kindness, respect, and empathy in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to matters of death and the afterlife.

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 Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ 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.

Read More

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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A time cautioned about by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is here

Are ethics both at individual and community level on the decline? Yes, it can generally be argued that ethics, particularly in certain areas of society, seem to be in decline in various parts of the world today. In many modern societies, there is a growing emphasis on wealth, success, and material gain. The pursuit of material wealth often supersedes the importance of ethical considerations. This has led to increased greed, specially when it comes to doing business where we we see frequent cases of unethical business practices, such as exploiting workers or misleading consumers in order to bag more profits.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) foresaw that greed and materialism would drive people to pursue wealth by any means necessary, even if it involved actions prohibited by Islam, such as theft, fraud, bribery, or exploitation. We at present are witness to a societal and ethical decline in values where material gain is seen overriding moral considerations.

Let us a hadith that predicts a time when people would be indifferent to the ethical and lawful means of earning a living, and the distinction between lawful (halal) and unlawful (haram) ways of acquiring wealth would become irrelevant to many. In other words, people would focus solely on acquiring wealth, without regard to the moral, legal, or religious principles governing how they obtain it.

This Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 34: Sales and Trade / كتاب  البيوع / Chapter 7:  One who does not care from where he earns / باب مَنْ لَمْ يُبَالِ مِنْ حَيْثُ كَسَبَ الْمَالَ / as Hadith 2059, given herein under:

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "A time will come when one will not care how one gains one's money, legally or illegally."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدٌ الْمَقْبُرِيُّ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ يَأْتِي عَلَى النَّاسِ زَمَانٌ، لاَ يُبَالِي الْمَرْءُ مَا أَخَذَ مِنْهُ أَمِنَ الْحَلاَلِ أَمْ مِنَ الْحَرَامِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Let us examine the hadith in the light of Qur'an and our present times:

Explanation of the Hadith in Light of the Qur'an

• The Importance of Earning Through Halal Means: 
• The Qur'an strongly emphasizes the importance of earning a livelihood through lawful means and avoiding unlawful sources of income: "O you who have believed, eat from the good things which We have provided for you and be grateful to Allah, if it is indeed Him that you worship." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:172)
• This verse underscores the significance of consuming only what is lawful (halal) and good, reminding believers to be thankful to Allah for the sustenance He provides through lawful means.
• It is also mentioned: "O mankind, eat from whatever is on the earth [that is] lawful and good." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:168)
• In this verse, the Qur'an emphasizes that the source of one's sustenance should be lawful and pure. It shows how important it is to earn in a way that is ethically sound and pleasing to Allah.
• Consequences of Unlawful Earnings: The Qur'an also warns against acquiring wealth through unlawful means, as such actions carry consequences both in this life and the Hereafter.
• "And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you [to] consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Baqarah 2:188) This verse forbids unjustly acquiring others' wealth or using bribery to unlawfully gain wealth. It highlights how unlawful financial dealings are not only morally wrong but also have societal consequences.
• "Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a Blaze." (Qur'an, Surah An-Nisa 4:10) This verse speaks specifically about the unlawful acquisition of an orphan’s wealth but can be extended to all unlawful means of earning. It makes clear that unlawful earnings lead to severe punishment in the Hereafter.
• Greed and Materialism: The Qur'an also warns against greed and the excessive desire for wealth at the cost of one's morals or values.
• "But as for him who is stingy and considers himself self-sufficient, and denies the good [reward of the Hereafter], We will ease him toward difficulty." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Lail 92:8-10) This speaks to the attitude of selfishness and greed, where the pursuit of wealth leads people to lose sight of the greater good and moral obligations. Those who prioritize material gain over ethical considerations are warned of the consequences.
• "You love wealth with immense love." (Qur'an, Surah Al-Adiyat 100:8) This verse reminds us of the natural inclination to love wealth but also urges believers to avoid letting that love become an obsession or a reason to forsake moral principles.

Note: You may like to refer to our reference page: Prohibited means of earning in Islam wherein a number of posts highlight the prohibited / Haram means of earning about which Muslims should be very careful

Explanation in the Context of Present Times

In the present day, this hadith is especially relevant in a world where materialism and the pursuit of wealth often overshadow moral and ethical considerations. Here’s how it applies to modern times:

• Prevalence of Unethical Business Practices: In today’s world, there are numerous examples of people and corporations prioritizing profit over ethics. This includes:
• Corruption: Engaging in bribery, fraud, and embezzlement to secure contracts, permits, or favorable deals.
• Exploitation: Taking advantage of workers, especially in developing countries, by paying them below the minimum wage or providing poor working conditions.
• Corporate Greed: Multinational corporations sometimes exploit natural resources or evade taxes to maximize profits, even at the expense of local communities or the environment.
• The pursuit of wealth, regardless of the ethical cost, is common, and the hadith foretold this kind of behavior.
• Rise of the “Get Rich Quick” Mentality: In modern society, many people are obsessed with wealth and are willing to go to extreme lengths to acquire it quickly. This includes:
• Fraudulent Schemes: Examples like Ponzi schemes, fake investments, and misleading advertising are widespread, all designed to make quick profits at the expense of others.
• Cybercrime: The rise of digital financial crimes, such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud, where individuals seek to unlawfully acquire wealth through illegal means. The hadith's warning about people not caring how they acquire money, legally or illegally, seems to perfectly align with the growing number of people who engage in such practices today.
• Shift in Values: The increasing secularization of modern society has led to a decline in adherence to religious and moral values. Many people today do not consider the ethical or legal implications of their actions as long as they can gain material wealth. This includes ignoring environmental sustainability, workers' rights, and the impact of business practices on society.
• Social Media Influence: With the rise of social media, there is increasing pressure to present a lifestyle of wealth and success. This often leads individuals to pursue wealth through shortcuts or unethical means, such as showing off fake lifestyles, engaging in deceptive business practices, or misleading others to make money.

In view of the explanation of the hadith given above, it can be safely concluded that this hadith predicted of a time we are part of today. This hadith predicted a time when people will not care about the legality or morality of how they acquire wealth is highly relevant today. In the Qur'an, we are reminded of the importance of earning through lawful, ethical means, and the consequences of neglecting these values. In our time, where greed, materialism, and unethical practices have become rampant, this hadith serves as a reminder to Muslims to remain mindful of how they earn their living and the consequences of engaging in unlawful financial activities.

It is crucial for Muslims to continue upholding the principles of halal (lawful) earnings, striving to avoid haram (unlawful) sources of income, and to remember that true success lies not just in wealth, but in righteousness and ethical living, both in this world and in the Hereafter.

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

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

Those who turned on their heels will be taken away from Haud e Kauthar on the Judgement Day

Islam is the last and the final Divine religion that has come to stay till this world remains. Thereafter, a very severe, but just, trial court will be established to dish out rewards and awards for every human being who ever lived on our earth. The rewards and awards will be according to the deeds of every individual and the result of the test and trials through which one was made to pass through. 

However, anyone who made mischief or turned on his heels after he has accepted Islam will be the most miserable person on that fateful day. Though believers of a low grade then, they will be brought near the Haud e Kauthar where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will be waiting for his followers and after showing them the rewards of drinking from the sacred Heavenly pond, they will be made to turn away to the blazing fire of hell.

This is the subject of the hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 81: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq) / كتاب  الرقاق / Chapter 53:  Regarding Al-Haud / باب  فِي الْحَوْضِ / as Hadith 6593, given herein under:

Narrated Asma 'bint Abu Bakr:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I will be standing at the Lake-Fount so that I will see whom among you will come to me; and some people will be taken away from me, and I will say, 'O Lord, (they are) from me and from my followers.' Then it will be said, 'Did you notice what they did after you? By Allah, they kept on turning on their heels (turned as renegades).' " The sub-narrator, Ibn Abi Mulaika said, "O Allah, we seek refuge with You from turning on our heels, or being put to trial in our religion."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا سَعِيدُ بْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، عَنْ نَافِعِ بْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي ابْنُ أَبِي مُلَيْكَةَ، عَنْ أَسْمَاءَ بِنْتِ أَبِي بَكْرٍ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ قَالَتْ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ إِنِّي عَلَى الْحَوْضِ حَتَّى أَنْظُرُ مَنْ يَرِدُ عَلَىَّ مِنْكُمْ، وَسَيُؤْخَذُ نَاسٌ دُونِي فَأَقُولُ يَا رَبِّ مِنِّي وَمِنْ أُمَّتِي‏.‏ فَيُقَالُ هَلْ شَعَرْتَ مَا عَمِلُوا بَعْدَكَ وَاللَّهِ مَا بَرِحُوا يَرْجِعُونَ عَلَى أَعْقَابِهِمْ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَكَانَ ابْنُ أَبِي مُلَيْكَةَ يَقُولُ اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّا نَعُوذُ بِكَ أَنْ نَرْجِعَ عَلَى أَعْقَابِنَا أَوْ نُفْتَنَ عَنْ دِينِنَا‏.‏ ‏{‏أَعْقَابِكُمْ تَنْكِصُونَ‏}‏ تَرْجِعُونَ عَلَى الْعَقِبِ‏.‏

Explanation:

This hadith speaks about a moment that will occur on the Day of Judgment, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will be at the Haud — a large, blessed pool that Allah has granted him, which will be a source of relief and comfort for his followers. It is reported that the Prophet will recognize his followers as they approach to drink from the water.

What is Haud e Kauthar?

Before we expand the meaning of the hadith, let us know what is Haud e Kauthar and its significance. There is a mention of this sacred pond in the 108th chapter / Surah of the Qur'an:

اِنَّاۤ اَعۡطَيۡنٰكَ الۡكَوۡثَرَؕ‏ 

(108:1) (O Prophet), We have surely bestowed upon you good in abundance.

But thereafter no details are given. However, in a number of Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself has explained what Al Kauthar is. 

About this Heavenly pool (Haud means pool) Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has said that water will be supplied to it from the River Kauthar of Paradise. "Two channels from Paradise will flow into it and supply water to it." (Muslim: Kitab al-Fada il). According to another tradition: "A canal from the River Kauthar of Paradise will be opened towards this Fountain. " (Musnad Ahmad Marwiyyat `Abdullah bin Mas`ud). Its water is whiter than milk and sweeter than honey. There are birds in it whose necks are (long) like carrots." Umar said, "O Messenger of Allah! Verily, they (the birds) will be beautiful." The Prophet replied: "The one who eats them (i.e., the people of Paradise) will be more beautiful than them, O Umar."

Read more about Haud e Kauthar from our following previous posts:

• What is Kauthar
• Surah Al Kauthar - exegesis 108th chapter of Qur'an

While the blessed believers will rush towards this blessed pool where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ be in waiting for them, some of them will be turned away by the angels. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ will call out, expressing his concern, saying, "O Lord, they are from me and from my followers." But the reply will be that these people turned away from the path of Islam after the Prophet's death — they abandoned the faith, became renegades, or apostates. The words "turned on their heels" refer to people who rejected or deviated from the correct path of Islam, essentially turning back to disbelief.

The history is replete with many such people and so called fake prophets who soon after the death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ proclaimed prophethood and became miscreants to create wedge in the hitherto forth firm ranks of the early Muslims. even today, some believers have digressed from their path and are true example of Muslims who have turned on their heels. This hadith is specific to such people.

Key Points and Lessons:

• Warning of Apostasy: This hadith serves as a warning against apostasy, turning away from Islam after having embraced it. It highlights the danger of abandoning the faith and the severe consequences on the Day of Judgment when those who turn away from Islam will be turned away from the Prophet’s Haud.
• The Test of Faith: The people who are turned away had once followed the Prophet, but their actions after his passing led them to turn back from the true teachings of Islam. This indicates that it is not enough to simply follow Islam initially; one must remain steadfast and committed to the faith throughout their life. The hadith emphasizes the importance of remaining firm in one’s belief, even after the death of the Prophet, through ongoing sincerity and adherence to the teachings of Islam.
• The Role of Deviation: The hadith also points out that some of those who initially accepted Islam may later deviate from it, whether through rejecting the faith, indulging in bid‘ah (innovation), or engaging in actions that contradict the teachings of the Prophet. This shows the importance of not just being a follower in name, but of staying true to the principles of Islam in both belief and practice.
• Seeking Refuge from Deviance: Ibn Abi Mulaika’s prayer at the end of the hadith — "O Allah, we seek refuge with You from turning on our heels, or being put to trial in our religion" — highlights the humility and caution that believers should have. We are reminded to constantly ask Allah for guidance and protection from straying away from the faith, as even the strongest among us can be tested with trials that could lead to deviation.

Spiritual Reflection:

This hadith serves as a reminder that one must remain vigilant in one's faith. The Prophet's concern for his followers on the Day of Judgment, as they approach his Haud, demonstrates his deep care for the well-being of his ummah. It also reflects the critical need for the believer to hold on firmly to the teachings of Islam, avoid innovations, and seek Allah's protection from deviation or apostasy.

Let us Muslims brothers and sisters stay on Siraat e Mustaqeem and remain steadfast on the religion we have willingly adopted and let no Satanic whisperings or coercion by people of other religions make us turn on our heels and be among those who will be denied a drink from the Haud e Kauthar and thrown into hell for being renegades.

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

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

Allah abhors those who make places of worship over graves (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Honoring the dead, specially some of the revered ones of a community, is one thing. But building places of worship over their graves and decorating it with the photos and statues of the dead is something that turns the grave into a place of worship. This has been the practice in many places around the world and still continues. Since such activities smacks of shirk / equating or revering someone like God, these are strictly forbidden in Islam.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has also warned against such construction and placing photos and statues of the dead beside the grave in there. This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 8: Prayers (Salat) / كتاب  الصلاة / Chapter 54:  To offer As-Salat (the prayer) in a church or in a temple etc. / باب الصَّلاَةِ فِي الْبِيعَةِ / as Hadith 434, given herein under:

Um Salama told Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about a church which she had seen in Ethiopia and which was called Mariya. She told him about the pictures which she had seen in it. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If any righteous pious man dies amongst them, they would build a place of worship at his grave and make these pictures in it; they are the worst creatures in the sight of Allah."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدٌ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدَةُ، عَنْ هِشَامِ بْنِ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّ أُمَّ سَلَمَةَ، ذَكَرَتْ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَنِيسَةً رَأَتْهَا بِأَرْضِ الْحَبَشَةِ يُقَالُ لَهَا مَارِيَةُ، فَذَكَرَتْ لَهُ مَا رَأَتْ فِيهَا مِنَ الصُّوَرِ، فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ أُولَئِكَ قَوْمٌ إِذَا مَاتَ فِيهِمُ الْعَبْدُ الصَّالِحُ ـ أَوِ الرَّجُلُ الصَّالِحُ ـ بَنَوْا عَلَى قَبْرِهِ مَسْجِدًا، وَصَوَّرُوا فِيهِ تِلْكَ الصُّوَرَ، أُولَئِكَ شِرَارُ الْخَلْقِ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ ‏"‏‏.‏

In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) warns against a practice where people build places of worship on the graves of the deceased and adorn those places with images. This practice, particularly the veneration of graves, is strongly discouraged in Islam, as it can lead to idolatry (shirk) or the glorification of the dead in a way that competes with the worship of Allah alone.

Context in Light of the Qur'an:

Prohibition of Idol Worship: The Qur'an clearly condemns any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah), which includes the worship of images or idols. This is a fundamental principle in Islam, as expressed in many verses. For example:

Surah Al-Baqarah (2:21-22): "O mankind, worship your Lord, who created you and those before you, that you may become righteous. He who made for you the earth a bed and the sky a canopy, and sent down from the sky rain and brought forth fruits as provision for you, so worship Allah alone and do not associate any partners with Him."

Surah An-Nisa (4:116): "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills."

This verse underscores the importance of avoiding anything that might lead to associating partners with Allah, including the veneration of graves or idols.

Respect for the Dead Without Worshiping Them: In Islam, while it is encouraged to respect and pray for the deceased, the act of venerating graves or turning them into places of worship is forbidden. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) spoke against the deification of deceased individuals, which is a practice found in other religions. 

The Qur'an speaks about the mistakes made by previous communities who worshiped the graves of righteous individuals.

Surah Al-Kahf (18:21): "And thus We made their case known, that they might know that the promise of Allah is truth and that there is no doubt about the Hour."

This verse is part of the story of the People of the Cave (Ashab al-Kahf), where some people mistakenly tried to build a structure around the cave as a place of worship for the righteous people who had been in the cave. The Qur'an refutes such practices and emphasizes that Allah alone should be worshiped.

Prohibition of Images: The practice of placing images in places of worship is also addressed in the hadith. Although the Qur'an does not explicitly forbid the creation of images, it does emphasize the prohibition of worshiping them.

Surah Al-A'raf (7:191-192): "Do you see those who take their gods as their own desires? Then have you seen the one who has taken as his god his own desires? Allah has sent no authority over him."

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) consistently warned against the creation of images that might lead people to worship them. This is why he condemned the placing of pictures in the places of worship as described in the hadith.

Summary of the Hadith in Context:

In this hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) is expressing concern over the practice of turning graves into places of worship and the potential idolatry that could result from such actions. The Qur'an consistently calls for the exclusive worship of Allah alone, without any intermediaries or distractions such as images or idols. The Prophet’s condemnation in this hadith serves as a reminder to the Muslim community to avoid any practices that might resemble or lead to the mistakes made by previous peoples, where the graves of righteous individuals became centers of worship.

The hadith also serves as a cautionary message against venerating people after their death in a way that might lead others to view them as being worthy of worship. It reinforces the Islamic principle that Allah alone is worthy of worship, and anything that diverts attention from this ultimate truth, including the building of shrines or the use of images, is to be avoided. This aligns with the Qur'anic teaching that no one, no matter how righteous, should be deified or turned into an object of worship.

While the practice among the non-Muslims continues, it is extremely detestable to see following such practices in some Muslim countries, where huge shrines are built over the graves of the dead and even adorned with their pictures / paintings. Even at some places, the dead are buried inside the masjids which simply against teachings of Islam. And Muslims who do not really understand Islam throng these places and even commit acts that are tantamount to shirk. We must educate ourselves about such forms of acts that smack of idolatry and warn others from adopting such acts of worship.

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 exclusive reference page Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat for more Sunnah and Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad exclusive to As Salat.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

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

Please refer to our reference page: Oft asked Queries from Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more Hadiths on the subject

For Hadiths on the subject, please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sadaqah صدقة  / Voluntary Charity

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan for more Hadiths on the subject

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

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ related to Muslim Women  for more Hadiths on the status of women in Islam.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadith e Qudsi.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Hajj – the Fifth Pillar of Islam to know more about Hadiths related to Hajj.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Sabr / Patience to read more Hadiths on the subject.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to read more Sunnah attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Please refer to our reference page: Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Self-Reliance with Dignity and Value of Honest Labour to read more related Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

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.

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