O people! Fear Allah and be moderate in seeking your sustenance (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Man is born greedy and is always on the look out for means to earn more and in doing so, he usually loses sight o leaving behind his amassed wealth uspentf Halal and Haram to have his bags and coffers full. There are kings who have so many automobiles that even if one is used every day, the last one will take twenty years to have its turn. The famous Arab polythetist Qaroon is said to be the richest man in the deserts of Arabia. It is siad that only the keys to his coffers were loaded on seventy camels whenhe moved. But what to vail - he was engulfed by the sand along with his caraven, leaqving behind his amassed wealth unspent.

This means no matter how much money or wealth one may amass, he may not get a chance get a chance to spend the money. Which means he may just be acting as a treasurer of his wealth which would be in fact used by his heir when he dies. Therefore one may spend what he earns, part on him and part on the poor, for this will bring Barakah to his earnings.

That is why Allah cautions in Qur'an to be moderate in one's wants and should not run after money which may not be in his fate or destiny. We share today a Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on the same caution and will eleborate it with references from Qur'an.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 12 The Chapters on Business Transactions / كتاب التجارات) / Chapter 2: Moderation In Seeking To Earn A Living / باب الاِقْتِصَادِ فِي طَلَبِ الْمَعِيشَةِ ‏ / as Hadith number # 2144 under:

It was narrated from Jabir bin 'Abdullah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

"O people, fear Allah and be moderate in seeking a living, for no soul will die until it has received all its provision, even if it is slow in coming. So fear Allah and be moderate in seeking provision; take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden. "

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ الْمُصَفَّى الْحِمْصِيُّ، حَدَّثَنَا الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ جُرَيْجٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الزُّبَيْرِ، عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ فَإِنَّ نَفْسًا لَنْ تَمُوتَ حَتَّى تَسْتَوْفِيَ رِزْقَهَا وَإِنْ أَبْطَأَ عَنْهَا فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَأَجْمِلُوا فِي الطَّلَبِ خُذُوا مَا حَلَّ وَدَعُوا مَا حَرُمَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Context and Relevance

This hadith, situated in the chapter titled "Moderation in Seeking to Earn a Living" (باب الاِقْتِصَادِ فِي طَلَبِ الْمَعِيشَةِ) in Sunan Ibn Majah, focuses on ethical and balanced approaches to earning. This is a significant hadith that addresses the balance between seeking sustenance and maintaining piety. t encourages Muslims to seek sustenance through permissible means, trust in Allah's provision, and maintain moderation in their endeavors.

Let us expand this hadith for better understaning:

Key Themes and Teachings

• Moderation in Seeking Livelihood: The hadith emphasizes the importance of moderation in the pursuit of sustenance. While striving to earn a living is essential, it should not lead to excessive attachment or neglect of spiritual duties.
• Trust in Divine Provision: It reassures believers that every soul will receive its destined provision. Even if sustenance seems delayed, it will come at its appointed time. This teaches reliance on Allah's plan and timing.
• Adherence to Halal and Avoidance of Haram: The hadith advises taking only what is halal (permissible) and avoiding what is haram (forbidden) in the pursuit of livelihood. This underscores the importance of ethical means of earning and maintaining integrity in business transactions.

Practical Implications

• Balanced Approach: Muslims are encouraged to balance their worldly pursuits with spiritual obligations, ensuring that the quest for sustenance does not overshadow religious duties.
• Ethical Earnings: The hadith serves as a reminder to engage in business and work that align with Islamic principles, avoiding dishonest or unlawful practices.
• Patience and Trust: Believers are taught to exercise patience and trust in Allah's timing, especially during periods of financial uncertainty or delay.

Relevance to verses of Qur'an

This hadith complements many Qur’anic principles that emphasize taqwa (God-consciousness), halal earnings, and trust in Allah’s provision.

1. Provision (Rizq) is Guaranteed by Allah

• “There is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision...” — Surah Hud (11:6)
• The Qur’an affirms that Allah is the sole provider. The hadith mirrors this belief by stating, "No soul will die until it has received all its provision...".
• This fosters tawakkul (reliance upon Allah) and discourages panic-driven or unethical pursuit of wealth.

2. Permissible (Halal) Earnings

• “O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan...” — Surah Al-Baqarah (2:168)
• The Qur’an commands believers to consume lawful (halal) and pure (tayyib) provisions.
• The hadith reinforces this: “Take that which is permissible and leave that which is forbidden.”
• This encourages Muslims to avoid riba (usury), fraud, bribery, theft, and unethical business practices.

3. Moderation in Earning and Living

• “Do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.” — Surah Al-Isra (17:29)
• Moderation is a recurring value in the Qur’an. The hadith says, “Be moderate in seeking a living.”
• Islam encourages hard work, but within a balanced, ethical framework—without greed, excessiveness, or neglecting worship.

4. Taqwa (Fear of Allah) as a Key to Provision

• “And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.” — Surah At-Talaq (65:2-3)
• The hadith begins and ends with the instruction to “Fear Allah.”
• According to the Qur’an, taqwa leads to unexpected provision and divine ease.

Conclusion

This hadith is a powerful reminder that:

• Provision is decreed by Allah, so believers should not compromise on ethics.
• 
  
• One must earn through halal means and avoid haram shortcuts.
• 
  
• Taqwa and moderation lead to both spiritual peace and worldly success.

The Qur’an and the hadith together teach that trusting Allah, working ethically, and living moderately lead to true prosperity in this world and the next.

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

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. one may also consult local Muslim Imamam of the masjid for more calrification.

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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Leave what is doubtful and follow which is unambiguous (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

It is generally seen that an educated does not follow what is doubtful while an uneducated or a man with little knowledge discusses the doubtful and leaves what is unambigous. This reality reminds us that true education leads to caution, clarity, and humility, while ignorance or shallow learning often leads to confusion, pride, and misplaced focus. A truly educated Muslim knows when to speak, when to refrain, and always prefers certainty over doubt.

In Islam, seemingly doubtful issues (Arabic: مسائل مشتبهة or mutashābihāt) are matters that fall between clearly permissible (halal) and clearly forbidden (haram). These are not about unclear theology but practical, daily life issues where the ruling is not definitively known to the average person, and scholars may differ.

These issues are best explained in light of the well-known hadith, mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī, Book 2, Chapter 39 as hadith number 52 given herein under:

Hadith narrated by An-Nu'man bin Bashir:

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying, 'Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو نُعَيْمٍ، حَدَّثَنَا زَكَرِيَّاءُ، عَنْ عَامِرٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النُّعْمَانَ بْنَ بَشِيرٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ الْحَلاَلُ بَيِّنٌ وَالْحَرَامُ بَيِّنٌ، وَبَيْنَهُمَا مُشَبَّهَاتٌ لاَ يَعْلَمُهَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ، فَمَنِ اتَّقَى الْمُشَبَّهَاتِ اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِيِنِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ، وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ كَرَاعٍ يَرْعَى حَوْلَ الْحِمَى، يُوشِكُ أَنْ يُوَاقِعَهُ‏.‏ أَلاَ وَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ مَلِكٍ حِمًى، أَلاَ إِنَّ حِمَى اللَّهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ مَحَارِمُهُ، أَلاَ وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ، وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ‏.‏ أَلاَ وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ ‏"‏‏.‏

This hadith narrated by An-Nu’man ibn Bashir, also fund in Sahih Muslim (1599)—is one of the foundational hadiths of Islamic ethics and spirituality. It gives a powerful framework for navigating right and wrong, especially in the "gray areas" of life, and it emphasizes the central role of the heart (qalb) in one's faith and actions.

Explanation of the Hadith:

• "The halal is clear and the haram is clear..." Islam provides clear guidelines on many matters:
• Prayer, fasting, stealing, zina, riba — these are well-defined.
• But not all matters are black and white.
• Example: Eating pork is clearly haram; praying five times is clearly fard (obligatory).
• "...between them are doubtful matters which many people do not know." These are ambiguous or uncertain issues, due to:
• Lack of clear evidence
• New situations (e.g. modern finance, medical ethics)
• Differences in scholarly interpretation
• Most people do not know the proper ruling—only those with sound knowledge and understanding do.
• "Whoever avoids doubtful matters protects his religion and his honor." By avoiding the gray area, a Muslim:
• Keeps their religious obedience safe from falling into sin
• Protects their personal reputation (people don’t accuse them of wrongdoing)
• Example: Avoiding food if unsure whether it contains impermissible ingredients.
• "Whoever indulges in doubtful matters is like a shepherd grazing near the king’s sanctuary..." This metaphor compares indulging in doubtful matters to:
• A shepherd grazing close to private land (ḥimā), likely to wander into forbidden ground.
• Eventually, the person may fall into haram unintentionally or through carelessness.
• Moral: Staying close to danger increases the chance of sin.
• "Indeed, every king has a sanctuary..." Allah’s sanctuary on Earth is:
• What He has clearly forbidden (the haram).
• Just like a king defends his private lands, Allah commands us to stay away from His prohibitions.
• "There is a piece of flesh... it is the heart." This part links outer behavior with inner spiritual health. A pure heart leads to:

• Moral clarity
• Sound judgment
• Sincee action
• A corrupt heart will be attracted to ambiguity and sin, and will make excuses for misbehavior.

Deep Insights: This hadith ties together:

• Fiqh (legal clarity) — halal, haram, doubtful
• Tazkiyah (spiritual purification) — the heart
• Akhlaq (ethics) — avoiding suspicion and protecting honor
• It teaches that true religiosity isn’t just technical knowledge, but moral and spiritual awareness.

Key Characteristics of Doubtful (Shubhah) Matters:

• Not clearly halal or haram.
• Scholarly disagreement or lack of consensus.
• Involve complex contexts, such as intent, culture, or modern innovation.
• They may vary based on time, place, and person.

Examples of Doubtful Issues in Islam:

• Food and Ingredients
• Gelatin: Is it halal if derived from non-zabiha animals?
• Cheese with animal rennet: Halal or not?
• Food prepared by non-Muslims: Are their slaughter practices valid?
• Some scholars permit with conditions, others caution.
• Income Sources
• Working at a bank: Is it halal if not directly involved in riba?
• Investing in stock markets: Are mixed-portfolio funds (halal/haram) permissible?
• Cryptocurrency: Is it a legitimate currency or speculative gambling (maysir)?
• Doubt arises due to evolving business models and unclear definitions.
• Clothing and Modesty
• Tight clothing: Not revealing skin, but does it outline the body?
• Makeup in public: Is it beautification or just grooming?
• Cultural dress codes: Modest in one culture but provocative in another?
• Judgment often depends on local norms and intentions.
• Music and Entertainment
• Nasheeds with instruments: Are duff and digital drums allowed?
• Streaming services: Using platforms that host both halal and haram content.
• Acting in plays or Islamic films: Is it permissible if the message is moral?
• Scholars are divided; the content, intent, and context matter greatly.
• Modern Technologies
• AI-generated images or voices: Are they imitation or tools?
• Virtual reality or video games: Halal distraction or haram waste of time?
• NFTs and digital art: Is it a business or speculation?
• Ongoing discussion in contemporary fiqh circles.
• Social Interactions
• Shaking hands with the opposite gender: Cultural greeting vs. prohibited touch?
• Mixed gatherings: Professional vs. casual settings—what's the limit?
• Social media influencers: Can they promote products or religious content?
• Judged by setting, behavior, and risk of fitnah.

How to Deal with Doubtful Matters:

• Avoid them when possible — a path to protect your faith and honor (per the hadith).
• Consult scholars — especially those trained in usul al-fiqh (legal methodology).
• Follow your conscience — as the Prophet ﷺ said:
• “Righteousness is what brings peace to your heart, and sin is what causes doubt.”
• — Musnad Ahmad 17350, Sahih by Nawawi
• Don’t condemn others harshly in doubtful areas — leave room for ikhtilaf (valid disagreement).

How to Apply This Hadith Today:

• Eating food with unclear halal status - Ingredients not verified - Avoid until certain
• Investing in stocks - Business has mixed halal/haram income - Choose clearly halal options
• Interacting online - Content may involve inappropriate speech - Refrain or set limits
• Social trends - Fashion, music, media with unclear permissibility - Stick to what aligns with Islamic values

Conclusion: This hadith establishes an important ethical principle in Islam::

• Stick to what is clear
• Follow truth, which aligns with the heart’s peace and Allah’s guidance.
• Avoid doubt in matters of conduct and belief.
• Listen to your conscience when aligned with knowledge and the Sunnah.
• Guard our hearts, because all behavior stems from it
• “A sound heart leads to a sound life.”
• That is the ultimate message of this hadith.

This is a difficuilt hadith which should not be self intepreted for any self assessment may lead to incorrect conclusions. It is better to first act upon what is unambigous in Islam. Thereafter, if there is a doubt, let it be ddiscussed with a scholar who is master of his particular field of knowledge.

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

Do not ever open the door for the Satan

Every Divine religion is based on an unflinching faith in the Divine decree and men of faith are expected to have full faith in whatever happens to them in their lives even if agisnt their desires or wishes. This faith is kown as Al-Qadar in Islam, means believing that everything, both good and bad, is preordained by God and happens according to His will. It's one of the fundamental pillars of Islamic faith. 

Despite having faith, when despite one;s efforts if something befalls on someone against one's wishes, there some who say "If only I had done such and such" my fate would have been different. This is something that Satan puts into our hearts not to weaken our faith. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has cautioned beleivers against such attitude for it lets the door open for the Satan.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 46: The Book of Destiny  / كتاب  القدر  / Chapter 8:  Belief In The Divine Decree And Submission To It  / باب  فِي الْأَمْرِ بِالْقُوَّةِ وَتَرْكِ الْعَجْزِ وَالِاسْتِعَانَةِ بِاللَّهِ وَتَفْوِيضِ الْمَقَادِيرِ لِلَّهِ ‏‏ / as Hadith 2664, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

A strong believer is better and is more lovable to Allah than a weak believer, and there is good in everyone, (but) cherish that which gives you benefit (in the Hereafter) and seek help from Allah and do not lose heart, and if anything (in the form of trouble) comes to you, don't say: If I had not done that, it would not have happened so and so, but say: Allah did that what He had ordained to do and your" if" opens the (gate) for the Satan.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو بَكْرِ بْنُ أَبِي شَيْبَةَ، وَابْنُ، نُمَيْرٍ قَالاَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ إِدْرِيسَ، عَنْ رَبِيعَةَ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ يَحْيَى بْنِ حَبَّانَ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ الْمُؤْمِنُ الْقَوِيُّ خَيْرٌ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِ الضَّعِيفِ وَفِي كُلٍّ خَيْرٌ احْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ وَاسْتَعِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَلاَ تَعْجِزْ وَإِنْ أَصَابَكَ شَىْءٌ فَلاَ تَقُلْ لَوْ أَنِّي فَعَلْتُ كَانَ كَذَا وَكَذَا ‏.‏ وَلَكِنْ قُلْ قَدَرُ اللَّهِ وَمَا شَاءَ فَعَلَ فَإِنَّ لَوْ تَفْتَحُ عَمَلَ الشَّيْطَانِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This Hadith offers deep guidance on personal strength, reliance on Allah, and attitude toward hardship. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and its connection to the Qur'an:

Explanation of Key Parts:

1. “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer…”

• "Strength" here can mean:
• Physical strength (useful in defending, working, and serving others)
• Spiritual and emotional strength (strong will, patience, commitment to faith, self-discipline)
• Qur’an Connection:
• “Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:159)
• “O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:200)
• These verses align with the idea of inner strength and perseverance being beloved to Allah.

2. “Strive to do that which will benefit you…”

Islam encourages proactive behavior — using your mind, body, and resources to pursue what is good for your dunya (world) and akhirah (Hereafter).

• Qur’an Connection:
• “And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives.” — Surah An-Najm (53:39)
• “So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.” — Surah Al-Inshirah (94:7-8)
• These verses emphasize effort and not being passive.

3. “…Seek the help of Allah and do not feel helpless.”

A believer should always depend on Allah but still act — Islam doesn’t teach fatalism or surrender to despair.

• Qur’an Connection:
• “And rely upon Allah; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs.” — Surah Al-Ahzab (33:3)
• “Do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.” — Surah Al-Imran (3:139)

4. “If anything befalls you, do not say: ‘If only I had…’”

This part deals with accepting divine decree (Qadr) after events unfold. Saying "if only" suggests regret that can lead to self-blame, despair, or doubting Allah's wisdom.

• Qur’an Connection:
• “No disaster strikes except by permission of Allah. And whoever believes in Allah — He will guide his heart.” — Surah At-Taghabun (64:11)
• “Say, ‘Never will we be struck except by what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.’ And upon Allah let the believers rely.” — Surah At-Tawbah (9:51)

Summary: 

This hadith urges believers to:

• Be strong in faith and action
• Take initiative while trusting Allah
• Avoid despair or regret over the past
• Acknowledge Allah’s Qadr without falling into negativity

Together with the Qur'an, it teaches a balanced path of empowered action and humble submission — striving hard while accepting outcomes as Allah’s will. Let there ever been a shadow of doubt or discontentment for whatever happens to us despite our best endeavours and firm faith in Allah. We never know what is good or otherwise for us. Sometimes an unfavourable outcome may be harbinger for something good we have had never imagined. So let not our faith in Allah ever waver and if it is seems so, immediately turn to Allah to grant us sabr / patience and faith in Divine decisons, rather than showing weakness and letting the door open for Satanic mischief. 

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.

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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.

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