An immensely rewarding Prophetic Reassurance for the Reverts (Ḥadīth Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Man by nature is always in search pursuit for truth - the plain truth that straightaway moves hearts and makes eyes tearful. Ever seen a non Muslim taking his / her Shahādah (الشهادة), the “testimony” or “bearing witness” or the ultimate declaration of faith to come under the fold of Islam, the first of the Five Pillars, and the core of a Muslim’s identity? Well if not, do  observe it next time and you fall tears oozing out of the person taking Shahādah, which is instant and uncontrollable, as by taking Shahādah and proclaiming that there is no god But Allah and that Muhammad ﷺ is the servant and messenger of Allah, one enters the fold of Islam.

In Islam such an act is called REVERSION, and not conversion, for we in Islam  have the conviction (and has been told to us by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) that "No child is born but upon Fitrah. It is his parents who make him a Jew or a Christian or a Polytheist." ("Fitra or fitrah (Arabic: فطرة) is an Arabic word that means 'original disposition', 'natural constitution' or 'innate nature'. In Islam, fitrah is the innate human nature that recognizes the oneness of God (tawhid). It may entail either the state of purity and innocence in which Muslims believe all humans to be born, or the ability to choose or reject God's guidance."  

That is: When a child is born, external factors do come into play e.g. a different religion or even a lack of religion around the child has an impact. The child remains in a natural state until they make a decision and conscience choice with regard to religion.

So by the above explanation of the meaning of Fitrah, we  Muslims believe that every child born is born as Muslim - it is only the external factors like the religion of one's parents that one assumes the religion adopted by them. But once a person grows and find the truth in Islam, he REVERTS to the Fitrah to become Muslim once again.

You may like to read our earlier post on Fitrah: Every child is born in a state of Fitrah (Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

And now we come to another Hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which comes as a reassurance to all the reverts about a Divine promise that has been made for them:

Narrated by Abu Sa'id Al Khudri:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If a person embraces Islam sincerely, then Allah shall forgive all his past sins, and after that starts the settlement of accounts, the reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and one evil deed will be recorded as it is unless Allah forgives it."

Arabic Text:

قَالَ مَالِكٌ أَخْبَرَنِي زَيْدُ بْنُ أَسْلَمَ، أَنَّ عَطَاءَ بْنَ يَسَارٍ، أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّ أَبَا سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيَّ أَخْبَرَهُ أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ إِذَا أَسْلَمَ الْعَبْدُ فَحَسُنَ إِسْلاَمُهُ يُكَفِّرُ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُلَّ سَيِّئَةٍ كَانَ زَلَفَهَا، وَكَانَ بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ الْقِصَاصُ، الْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِمِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ، وَالسَّيِّئَةُ بِمِثْلِهَا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَتَجَاوَزَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا ‏"‏‏.‏

Since reversion is one of the ultimate and biggest decision of one's life, the reward for this decision is even bigger as mentioned in the above quoted Hadith which spells out:

• All pre-Islam sins are erased at the moment of sincere acceptance.
• All prior good deeds (even done as a non-Muslim) are preserved, and rewarded later—once Muslim.
• Future deeds get multiplied (good deeds tenfold to seven hundredfold by default).
• Future sins are only counted once—unless Allah grants forgiveness.

Divine Assurance as stated in the Qurʾān

It is in the context of the above Hadith, that we have chosen references from the Qurʾān in which Allah has promised great reward for the reverts: 

• Islam wipes out all what preceded
• “Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease, what has previously occurred will be forgiven for them; but if they return [to hostility], then the precedent of the former peoples has already taken place.” - Qur’ān 8:38 (Surah Al‑Anfāl, verse 38)
• This verse clearly establishes the principle that embracing Islam—at the Prophet’s call—leads to the forgiveness of previous sins.
• Allah forgives all sins
• “Say: O My servants who have transgressed against themselves! Do not despair of Allah’s mercy, for Allah forgives all sins.” Surah Az‑Zumar 39:53 
• Despair has no place in the heart of one who sincerely accepts Islam and turns to the Most Forgiving.
• Sins turned into good deeds
• “Except those who repent, believe, and do righteous deeds—Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And Allah is Ever‑Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Al‑Furqan 25:70) 
• Although this verse addresses repentance, the same mercy extends to those who sincerely revert to Islam and seek Allah's mercy for the past sins.
• Multiplication of good deeds
• “Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof… and whoever comes with an evil deed will have only the recompense of the like thereof.” (Surah Al‑An‘âm 6:160; Qurʾān 2:261) 

Corroborating Hadiths from Ṣaḥîḥ Collections

• Intention counts, even if deed left undone: “Whoever intends a good deed but does not do it… Allah writes it as a full good deed. If he does it, Allah writes 10–700 of it... Whoever intends evil but does not act, Allah writes a good deed; but if he does, it’s written as one evil deed.” Ṣaḥîḥ Bukhârî & Muslim (Ibn ‘Abbâs) 
• Reversion to Islam and sincere repentance erase all past sins: “Didn’t you know that Islam erases what came before it? That hijrah erases what came before it? And that Hajj erases what came before it?” (Reported by ‘Amr ibn al‑‘Âs to Ibn Mas‘ûd; Ṣaḥîḥ Muslim) 

Why This Ḥadīth Matters

• Full Mercy on Embracing Islam: One reverts to a zero-spiritual-balance state—sin-free.
• Past good deeds retained: Acts like truthfulness, kindness, charity done earlier count and will be rewarded.
• Higher Return on Future Good: Default 10×–700× multiplier avoids injustice; Allah may increase further.
• Accountability within limits: Sin is recorded but Allah’s mercy is prioritized unless He decrees otherwise.
• Motivation to repent and reform: Each day after conversion is a new opportunity to start afresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Having described the immensely rewarding reassurance to the reverts, let us answer a few questions that usually crop in the minds of the reverts:

• Q: What if someone embraced Islam insincerely?
• Sincerity (niyyah) is the condition. If the Shahādah lacks full belief and resolve, the forgiveness may not apply.
• The hadith clearly states, “if a person embraces Islam sincerely…” 
• Q: Are prior sins truly erased even if rights of others are involved?
• Rights owed to people remain.
• Allah will surely forgive offences between you and Allah
• But you may still need to restore rights to others (e.g. property). 
• Q: Do new Muslims still need to repent after submitting?
• Yes. Embracing Islam wipes past sins not the future. 
• Thus repentance (tawba) retains power to remove any future slip according to general Qurʾānic and Prophetic teaching (e.g., Qurʾān 25:70, 39:53; hadith about repeated seeking forgiveness). 

Summary

• Sincerity in reversion to  Islam is tantamount to a clean slate. You begin anew, no past sins.
• However, the former good actions remain eligible for reward.
• Future deeds are multiplied, adding immense opportunities for standing with Allah.
• While sins after conversion are recorded, if prevented by repentance, they may be forgiven.

This hadith reflects the vast generosity and merciful policy of Allah: guiding one to Islam, wiping past evil, honoring past good, and opening the path to righteousness and multiplied rewards henceforth.

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: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards 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: Sahîḥ al‑Bukhârî, Book 2 No. 41 / in some editions Book 24 No. 4998‑99  | 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 Imam of the masjid for more clarification.

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to "force" preach, convert, or criticize any belief system. The views shared are meant to inspire dialogue, understanding, and reflection. Viewer discretion is advised, especially for those navigating sensitive religious experiences. Always seek knowledge with an open heart and mind.

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

The superiority of men of Ribāṭ (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Allah promises rewards to thby remaining on full alert  e beleivers for every act of theirs which carried out as Allah commanded them, specially so to guard fellow Muslims against the infidels. The men who leave behind their families and children to guard the frontiers of Muslim dominions is not a small thing to do, for one has the brace the cold winter nights in blowing blizzards besides facing the enemy eyeball to eyeball. These brave men do not go to defend the frontiers to earn laurels and come back home wearing flower garlands, but they defencd brthern Muslims as have been commanded by Allah.

For their loyalty and obeyance of Allah, they are promised rewards that make them stand superior to others. This is the theme of the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being shared today as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 56: Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad) / كتاب الجهاد والسير / Chapter 73: The superiority of guarding (Muslims from infidels) / باب  فَضْلِ رِبَاطِ يَوْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ / as Hadith 2892, given herein under:

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa'di:

Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "To guard Muslims from infidels in Allah's Cause for one day is better than the world and whatever is on its surface, and a place in Paradise as small as that occupied by the whip of one of you is better than the world and whatever is on its surface; and a morning's or an evening's journey which a slave (person) travels in Allah's Cause is better than the world and whatever is on its surface."

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مُنِيرٍ، سَمِعَ أَبَا النَّضْرِ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ دِينَارٍ، عَنْ أَبِي حَازِمٍ، عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ رِبَاطُ يَوْمٍ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا، وَمَوْضِعُ سَوْطِ أَحَدِكُمْ مِنَ 

الْجَنَّةِ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا، وَالرَّوْحَةُ يَرُوحُهَا الْعَبْدُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ أَوِ الْغَدْوَةُ خَيْرٌ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا وَمَا عَلَيْهَا ‏"‏‏.‏

Before we explain the Hadith, let us define the word Ribāṭ:

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke with great admiration and encouragement regarding the people who engage in Ribāṭ "رِبَاطُ" —a term that refers to guarding the Muslim frontiers or being stationed in defense of the Muslim lands, often in a spiritual as well as military sense.

Meaning of Ribāṭ Today

In the Arabic language, the word "ribat" (رِبَاط) refers to a fortified outpost or a place of defense, often associated with the borders of the Muslim empire. It can also signify a spiritual retreat or a monastery for Sufis, representing a place dedicated to religious devotion and learning. 

Today, many scholars interpret it more broadly today, including:

• Ribāṭ is a form of sacrifice, and the Qur’an constantly places such acts above worldly pursuits.
• Spiritual steadfastness and guarding one's faith.
• Remaining firm in Islamic identity in hostile or secular environments.
• Defending Muslim lands or values when under threat. 

Key Hadiths About Ribāṭ:

• Continuous Reward
• The Prophet ﷺ said: "Ribāṭ for one day in the cause of Allah is better than the world and whatever is in it." (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2892; Sahih Muslim, 1880)
• This means that spending even a single day guarding the frontiers or protecting the Muslim community with sincerity for Allah’s sake is more valuable in Allah’s sight than all the material wealth and pleasures of the world.
• Protection from the Fire
• The Prophet ﷺ said: "One who dies while in Ribāṭ in the cause of Allah will be protected from the punishment of the grave, and he will be secure from the great terror (on the Day of Judgment)." (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 1669 — Hasan)
• This hadith highlights both spiritual and eschatological (afterlife) rewards for those involved in Ribāṭ.
• Ongoing Rewards After Death
• The Prophet ﷺ said: "The actions of a dead person cease except three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him — and the one stationed in Ribāṭ. His deeds continue to be recorded like those of someone who is still alive until the Day of Judgment." (Related in Sunan Abu Dawood and others, considered Hasan)
• This is a profound statement showing that the people of Ribāṭ may receive ongoing rewards (thawāb) like someone alive, even after death.

Explaining this hadith in light of the Qur'an

To understand it deeply, we can look at several Qur’anic themes and verses that support the spiritual and moral weight of Ribāṭ:

• Qur'anic Command to Guard and Strive for Allah{
• "O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed (rābiṭū) and fear Allah that you may succeed." (Surah Āl-‘Imrān 3:200)
• The word رَابِطُوا (rābiṭū) used here is from the same root as Ribāṭ.
• It means to remain stationed, firm, and ready—physically and spiritually.
• Allah links this steadfastness and Ribāṭ to success (falāḥ), showing its high rank in Islam.
• Worldly Life Is Nothing Compared to the Hereafter
• "Say: The enjoyment of this world is little, and the Hereafter is better for he who fears Allah..." (Surah An-Nisā’ 4:77)
• This aligns with the hadith’s message: Even if you possessed the whole world, it wouldn’t compare to the reward of sincere service in Allah’s path.
• Reward of Those Who Strive in the Way of Allah
• "Indeed, Allah has purchased from the believers their lives and their properties [in exchange] for Paradise..." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:111)
• Guarding the frontlines, as in Ribāṭ, is a part of this deal with Allah.
• Allah considers such sacrifices as a transaction for Jannah, making even one day of Ribāṭ more valuable than this world.
• The Temporary Nature of the World
• "Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting..." (Surah Al-Hadid 57:20)
• The hadith clearly contrasts the ephemeral world with the eternal reward of a sincere act.
• A single day of Ribāṭ is rewarded with something eternal, while the world is just passing amusement.

The hadith, thus, reminds Muslims that the value system of Islam is not based on wealth, comfort, or worldly status—but on sacrifice, sincerity, and service to Allah.

The Hadith also means that anyone who dies of an account while guarding the Muslim frontiers will also be given the status of a martyr and will continue to reeive the rwardof Ribāṭ  till the Day of Judgement. In the warfare of today, when the attacks are not restricted to the frontiers like the drone attacks or missiles and bombs, then all those guarding the arsenal and means of sustenance of those on frontiers will also be given the reward. However, the reward is resiprocal to the intentions for if someone is guarding frontiers for any other reason than pleasing Allah may be deprived of a time wasted for show off only. So let us keep our intentions pure and without any greed.

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: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards 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: Self Taken | 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.

Read More

A single card that will weigh heavily against scrolls of wrongdoings on the Judgement Day

This wordily life is a testing place for all the humans that were ever born and a day would come when all dead will be resurrected and those living at that time will be presented in the Divine Court to be presented with their dossiers. The heavy dossiers will decide an abode either in the Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell).

But there will be a few who despite having sins and misdeeds written on countless scrolls will be blessed by Allah, forgiven of their bad deeds and granted Jannah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ indicated who these few would be.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 37 Zuhd / كتاب الزهد) / Chapter 35: What is hoped of the Mercy of Allah on the Day of Resurrection / باب  مَا يُرْجَى مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ / as Hadith number # 4300 under:

‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“A man from my nation will be called before all of creation on the Day of Resurrection, and ninety-nine scrolls will be spread out for him, each one extending as far as the eye can see. Then Allah will say: “Do you deny anything of this?” He will say: “No, O Lord.” He will say: “Have My recording scribes been unfair to you?” Then He will say: “Apart from that, do you have any good deeds?” The man will be terrified and will say: “No.” (Allah) will say: “Indeed, you have good deeds with Us, and you will not be treated unjustly this Day.” Then a card will be brought out on which is written أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ - Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu (I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger). He will say: “O Lord, what is this card compared with these scrolls?” He will say: “You will not be treated unjustly.” Then the scrolls will be placed in one side of the Balance and the card in the other. The scrolls will go up (i.e., be light) and the card will go down (i.e., will weigh heavily).”

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، حَدَّثَنَا اللَّيْثُ، حَدَّثَنِي عَامِرُ بْنُ يَحْيَى، عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ الْحُبُلِيِّ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ بْنَ عَمْرٍو، يَقُولُ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏ "‏ يُصَاحُ بِرَجُلٍ مِنْ أُمَّتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ عَلَى رُءُوسِ الْخَلاَئِقِ فَيُنْشَرُ لَهُ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعُونَ سِجِلاًّ كُلُّ سِجِلٍّ مَدَّ الْبَصَرِ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ هَلْ تُنْكِرُ مِنْ هَذَا شَيْئًا فَيَقُولُ لاَ يَا رَبِّ فَيَقُولُ أَظَلَمَتْكَ كَتَبَتِي الْحَافِظُونَ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ أَلَكَ عُذْرٌ أَلَكَ حَسَنَةٌ فَيُهَابُ الرَّجُلُ فَيَقُولُ لاَ ‏.‏ فَيَقُولُ بَلَى إِنَّ لَكَ عِنْدَنَا حَسَنَاتٍ وَإِنَّهُ لاَ ظُلْمَ عَلَيْكَ الْيَوْمَ فَتُخْرَجُ لَهُ بِطَاقَةٌ فِيهَا أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ قَالَ فَيَقُولُ يَا رَبِّ مَا هَذِهِ الْبِطَاقَةُ مَعَ هَذِهِ السِّجِلاَّتِ فَيَقُولُ إِنَّكَ لاَ تُظْلَمُ ‏.‏ فَتُوضَعُ السِّجِلاَّتُ فِي كِفَّةٍ وَالْبِطَاقَةُ فِي كِفَّةٍ فَطَاشَتِ السِّجِلاَّتُ وَثَقُلَتِ الْبِطَاقَةُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ يَحْيَى الْبِطَاقَةُ الرُّقْعَةُ وَأَهْلُ مِصْرَ يَقُولُونَ لِلرُّقْعَةِ بِطَاقَةً

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

This hadith, narrated by ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr, conveys a powerful lesson about the significance of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and the testimony of faith in Islam, particularly the declaration of the shahada: "Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammadan ‘abduhu wa rasuluhu", which means "I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger."

The hadith speaks about the Day of Judgment, a moment when every individual will be held accountable for their deeds. In this narration, a man from the Prophet’s (ﷺ) ummah will stand before Allah, and his deeds will be laid out in front of him. The ninety-nine scrolls represent the records of all his deeds, each one of them extensive and detailed, stretching as far as the eye can see. The man is questioned about his actions, and Allah asks him whether he denies any of the recorded deeds or whether his scribes have been unfair in recording them. The man will admit that nothing is denied and that the record is accurate.

When Allah asks if the man has any good deeds aside from the ones already recorded in the scrolls, the man will feel terror, realizing that he has nothing to present. At this point, Allah will reveal to him that there is indeed one thing that outweighs the multitude of his deeds—his testimony of faith: the shahada.

A card is brought out with the shahada written on it, and the man, seeing it in comparison to the scrolls, wonders how such a small card could possibly outweigh such a long and extensive record. Allah reassures him that he will not be treated unjustly. The scrolls are then placed on one side of the Balance, and the card with the shahada is placed on the other. Miraculously, the card outweighs all the scrolls, showing the immense weight of the testimony of faith.

Key Lessons and Insights:

• The Weight of the Shahada: The primary lesson of this hadith is the incomparable weight of the testimony of faith, which is central to Islam. The card containing the shahada will outweigh all the deeds a person has, emphasizing that sincere belief in the oneness of Allah and in Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is of paramount importance.
• Allah’s Mercy: Despite the man’s apparent lack of deeds, Allah’s mercy and grace will ensure that he is not judged solely by his actions but by the fundamental truth of his faith. The hadith illustrates the power of faith and repentance and underscores Allah’s willingness to forgive and grant mercy.
• Humility and Hope for the Believers: The hadith is a reminder of the significance of believing in the oneness of Allah and accepting the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) as His messenger. Even if a person has committed numerous sins, as long as they have this foundational belief, they can hope for Allah’s mercy on the Day of Judgment.
• Reminder of the Importance of Deeds: While the shahada is the foundation, this hadith also reminds Muslims of the importance of their deeds. It shows that good deeds are important, but the ultimate salvation lies in faith and Allah’s mercy.

This hadith thus highlights that while deeds are crucial, the fundamental belief in Allah and the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the most important factor in determining one's final outcome in the afterlife. The hadith encourages believers to maintain their faith, hold tightly to the shahada, and hope for Allah’s mercy, knowing that He is just and merciful beyond measure.

However, this must be remembered that this case will not be for every Muslim but will apply to those who sincerely believed in wordings of the Shahada أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَأَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ and all along their lives remain tied to it firmly without wavering in their faith,  "إيمان" (ʾīmān), even for a fraction of a second. So let us remain tied as close to the Shahada truly understanding the importance of the pledge so taken and expecting a Divine Reward on the Day of Judgement.

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: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards 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

The virtue of finding Laylat al-Qadr - the night better than thousand months while in I'tikaf

The month of Ramadan comes with bag overflowing with very many mercies of Allah for fasting during the thirty days of this sacred months is an exclusive form of worship of Allah. It is the month which Allah acknowledges the sacrifice made by the believers by abstaining from all otherwise Halal things during the duration of the fast during day solely to please Allah. And Allah never lets go the act of fasting believers and promises special rewards.

While all days and nights of Ramadan are special and each act of worship has its rewards multiplied by unimaginable times, the rewards during the last ten days, specially the odd nights carries special rewards, for during these odd nights comes a night, called Laylat al-Qadr (The night of Power) the rewards of worship during this night is promised to be better than worship of a thousand nights. And if one finds this night during I'tikaf, the rewards are innumerable.

In one of the Hadiths, Aishaؓ, revered wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ narrated: Allah's Messenger ﷺ used to practice I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan, and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (Sahih Bukhari # 2020).

Finding Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree) while in I'tikaf (spiritual retreat) during Ramadan holds great significance in Islam. The night itself is described as being one of immense spiritual value, and engaging in I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan increases the likelihood of witnessing it. The Qur'an and Hadith highlight the special virtues of Laylat al-Qadr, and I'tikaf provides an ideal environment for seeking it.

[Please read our earlier post on exegesis of Surah Al Qadr: Exegesis/tafsir of Surah Al Qadr ]

Virtues of Laylat al-Qadr:

• The Night of Great Value:
• Laylat al-Qadr is a night of immense spiritual reward. The Qur'an refers to it as a night better than a thousand months:
• Surah Al-Qadr (97:3): "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months."
• This means that worship and good deeds performed on Laylat al-Qadr are rewarded as though they were performed for over 83 years, making it an opportunity for immense spiritual benefit.
• Revelation of the Qur'an: Laylat al-Qadr is the night on which the Qur'an was revealed. In Surah Al-Qadr (97:1), Allah says, "Indeed, We sent it [the Qur'an] down during the Night of Decree." This makes the night not just a time of great blessings but also of closeness to the message of Allah.
• Forgiveness of Sins:
• It is a night when Allah forgives the sins of those who seek His forgiveness sincerely. 
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "Whoever prays during the Night of Decree with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven." Sahih Muslim
• This makes Laylat al-Qadr a unique opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal.

Virtue of I'tikaf During Ramadan:

I'tikaf is a practice where a person dedicates themselves to worship, prayer, and reflection, typically in the mosque, for a period of time during the last ten days of Ramadan. There are several reasons why I'tikaf during this period is especially virtuous, particularly when seeking Laylat al-Qadr:

• Increased Devotion and Focus:
• By entering into I'tikaf, a person completely isolates themselves from worldly distractions and focuses entirely on worship, prayer, Qur'an recitation, and dhikr (remembrance of Allah). This state of devotion creates a perfect environment to seek Laylat al-Qadr.
• Hadith (Sahih Bukhari): "The Prophet (ﷺ) used to perform I'tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan, seeking Laylat al-Qadr."
• Increased Chances of Finding Laylat al-Qadr:
• While the exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is unknown, it is believed to fall during one of the last ten odd nights of Ramadan (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). I'tikaf during these last ten nights maximizes the chances of encountering this blessed night.
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to intensify his worship during the last ten days, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. By being in the mosque and engaged in worship during this time, a person is more likely to experience the night and its blessings.
• Spiritual Purity and Cleansing:
• I'tikaf offers a unique chance for spiritual renewal. By focusing on worship and avoiding worldly activities, a person can purify their heart and mind, making them more receptive to the mercy and blessings of Laylat al-Qadr.
• Hadith: "Whoever performs I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan with faith and hope for reward, all of their past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This purifying effect of I'tikaf increases the reward one can attain by seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time.
• Immense Reward for the Worshipper:
• The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized that worship during I'tikaf, especially during the last ten days of Ramadan, brings great rewards. If a person spends their time in worship and devotion during I'tikaf, especially while seeking Laylat al-Qadr, they can attain the reward of a lifetime of worship.
• Hadith: "The one who observes I'tikaf is in prayer as long as they remain in the mosque, and the angels ask forgiveness for them." (Sahih Bukhari)
• Increased Knowledge and Reflection:
• I'tikaf also provides an opportunity for reflection, deepening one's knowledge of Islam, and engaging in supplication. It’s a time to strengthen one's connection to Allah, to seek His guidance, and to reflect on one's life and actions.
• The quiet and solitude of I'tikaf help foster an environment conducive to sincere supplication and supplication for forgiveness, as one asks for Allah's mercy and strives to improve their relationship with Him.

Combining the Virtues:

• I'tikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan provides the perfect opportunity to catch Laylat al-Qadr, a night where worship holds the reward of a thousand months.
• By engaging in I'tikaf, you can increase your chances of witnessing Laylat al-Qadr while maximizing your worship, prayer, and supplication. The tranquility and focus of I'tikaf help make this period even more spiritually rewarding.
• Additionally, I'tikaf is a means of isolating oneself from worldly distractions, giving more time for acts of worship like Tahajjud (night prayer), Qur'an recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and dua (supplication) — all of which are highly recommended during Laylat al-Qadr.

In short, finding Laylat al-Qadr while in I'tikaf during Ramadan is one of the most spiritually enriching experiences a Muslim can seek. I'tikaf during the last ten nights enhances the likelihood of encountering the Night of Decree, which brings great spiritual rewards and forgiveness. The combination of sincere devotion, prayer, and purification through I'tikaf provides a powerful means to connect deeply with Allah, cleanse the soul, and attain the immense blessings associated with Laylat al-Qadr.

You may like to watch an insight as How to Catch Laylat al-Qadr and Maximize Its Rewards by eminent Muslim scholar Nouman Ali Khan, In the video the scholar talks about the importance of Laylat al-Qadr which is the most powerful night of the year and asks are you ready for it? He also breaks down the meaning of Surah Al-Qadr and the immense blessings of this night. He also emphasises on Why does the Quran call it ‘better than a thousand months’? What happens when angels descend to the earth? Why is your destiny for the next year decided on this night?

So my brothers and sisters in Islam, don’t miss out on the most significant night of Ramadan seek its rewards. Who knows we will find the next Ramadan in our lives or not. 

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 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 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: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards 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

Glad Tidings for believers: Inter prayer / fasting time period is expiation of the minor sins - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Islam is a wonderful religion for it provides inbuilt opportunities to the believers for have their sins forgiven and written off. Those who are steadfast in their obligations specially with regard to the five daily Salat / prayers, the Jum'uah congregation and fasting in the month of Ramadan can easily benefit from having their minor sins automatically quashed by Divine decree. However, repenting and seeking forgiveness remain the pre-condition.

This glad tiding has been attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, mentioned Sahih Muslim in The Book of Purification as Hadith 552, given herein under:

Abu Hurairaؓ reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to say: "The five (daily) prayers, and Friday prayer to the next Friday prayer, and Ramadan to the next Ramadan, are expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided."

Arabic Text:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ كَانَ يَقُولُ: «الصَّلَوَاتُ الْخَمْسُ، وَالْجُمْعَةُ إِلَى الْجُمْعَةِ، وَرَمَضَانُ إِلَى رَمَضَانَ، 

مُكَفِّرَاتٌ مَا بَيْنَهُنَّ إِذَا اجْتَنَبَ الْكَبَائِرَ» .

 

Explanation of the Hadith:

This Hadith highlights the mercy of Allah and the purification that comes through regular acts of worship, particularly the daily prayers, the Friday prayer, and the fasting in Ramadan. These acts serve as a means for believers to erase minor sins and maintain spiritual cleanliness between these times, provided that the person avoids major sins.

• The Five Daily Prayers: Performing the obligatory prayers (Salah) five times a day is a fundamental act of worship in Islam. According to the Hadith, the prayers act as a purification for the believer, removing minor sins committed between the prayers. This implies that every time a Muslim prays, they are spiritually cleansed, with the exception of major sins.
• Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah): The weekly congregational prayer on Fridays holds a special status in Islam. The Hadith indicates that the Friday prayer serves as an expiation for the sins committed from one Friday to the next, as long as major sins are avoided. This highlights the significance of Jumu'ah in Islam.
• Ramadan: The month of Ramadan, where Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, is a time of intense worship and devotion. The Hadith points out that Ramadan to Ramadan acts as a purification for the sins committed in between these two months, as long as major sins are avoided. This emphasizes the spiritual benefits of fasting and the importance of self-reflection during Ramadan.

Condition: Avoiding Major Sins

The Hadith clearly states that this expiation of sins is conditional on avoiding major sins. Major sins, like shirk (associating partners with Allah), murder, theft, adultery, lying, and so on, require specific repentance (Tawbah) and cannot be erased merely by performing these acts of worship. Major sins are different from minor sins in terms of their severity, and they require sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah.

Quranic Reference to Support the Hadith

The concept of expiation of sins through good deeds is reinforced in the Qur'an, which mentions that acts of worship like prayer, fasting, and charity cleanse the believer from minor sins:

• The Five Daily Prayers and Expiation of Sins:
• Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:6): O you who have believed, when you rise to pray, wash your faces and your hands up to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet up to the ankles. And if you are in a state of janabah, then purify yourselves."
• The daily prayers are not only acts of worship but also a means of purification for the soul. While the verse speaks about physical purification for prayer, the underlying spiritual significance is that the prayers themselves purify a person from the minor sins committed in their daily lives.
• The Friday Prayer (Jumu'ah) as Expiation:
• Surah Al-Jumu'ah (62:9): “O you who have believed, when the call to prayer is made on the day of Friday, then proceed to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade. That is better for you if you only knew.”
• This verse emphasizes the significance of Jumu'ah and the need to focus on worship on Fridays, which aligns with the Hadith, indicating that the Friday prayer acts as an expiation for the sins of the week.
• Ramadan and Expiation of Sins:
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185): “Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. And Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
• The act of fasting in Ramadan is a means of spiritual purification. The Hadith specifically states that Ramadan expiates the sins committed in between the two Ramadans, and this is consistent with the Qur'an, which emphasizes the guidance and spiritual benefits that come from fasting during this holy month.

General Expiation through Good Deeds

• Surah At-Tawbah (9:103): "Take from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing."
• This verse speaks about charity and its purifying effects. While the specific context here is about zakat (obligatory charity), it illustrates the broader principle in Islam that good deeds can purify believers and expiate sins.

Allah’s Forgiveness and Mercy

• Surah Al-Furqan (25:70): “Except for those who repent, believe and do righteous work. For them Allah will replace their evil deeds with good. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.”
• This verse highlights the general principle that repentance and good deeds can replace evil actions, which corresponds to the Hadith that certain actions like the five daily prayers, Ramadan, and Jumu'ah serve as expiation for minor sins.

The Hadith thus underscores the importance of consistent acts of worship like the five daily prayers, the Friday prayer, and the fasting in Ramadan, all of which serve to expiate minor sins. This aligns with various Qur'anic verses that describe how acts of worship purify a person and erase sins. However, the Hadith also stresses the importance of avoiding major sins, which require specific repentance, as these cannot be forgiven by these acts alone. This reinforces the idea that Allah’s mercy and forgiveness are accessible to those who maintain a relationship with Him through sincere worship and avoidance of sinful behavior.

May Allah help us to stay away from all forms of sins and acts that are tangent to the teachings of Islam and help us to do good deeds that He likes and loves us to do. Ameen

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: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards 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

Fasting distances the believer from the fire of Hell by Seventy Years

Fasting is one such act of worship the reward of which is immensely promised by Allah, for it is for Allah that a believer abandons many things Haram upon him which are otherwise Halal to him in the ordinary life. We have already shared a number of hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about the rewards of fasting.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 13: The Book of Fasting / كتاب  الصيام / Chapter 31:  The Virtue of Fasting for in the cause of Allah, for those who are able to without suffering any harm or neglecting other duties / باب فَضْلِ الصِّيَامِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ لِمَنْ يُطِيقُهُ بِلاَ ضَرَرٍ وَلاَ تَفْوِيتِ حَقٍّ ‏ / as Hadith 1153a, given herein under:

Abu Sa'id al Khudri (Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying:

Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther from the Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years' distance.

Arabic Text:

وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رُمْحِ بْنِ الْمُهَاجِرِ، أَخْبَرَنِي اللَّيْثُ، عَنِ ابْنِ الْهَادِ، عَنْ سُهَيْلِ بْنِ، أَبِي صَالِحٍ عَنِ النُّعْمَانِ بْنِ أَبِي عَيَّاشٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، - رضى الله عنه - قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَا مِنْ عَبْدٍ يَصُومُ يَوْمًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ إِلاَّ بَاعَدَ اللَّهُ بِذَلِكَ الْيَوْمِ وَجْهَهُ عَنِ النَّارِ سَبْعِينَ خَرِيفًا ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This hadith underscores the immense reward and mercy Allah grants to those who fast sincerely in His way. 

Explanation of the Hadith:

• Fasting for the Sake of Allah: The key phrase here is "in the way of Allah." Fasting with sincerity for the sake of Allah—meaning with the intention of obeying Him and seeking His pleasure—brings a great reward. It’s not just about abstaining from food or drink; it is a complete act of devotion, including avoiding sinful actions and focusing on worship.
• Distance from Hellfire: The hadith mentions that for every day a person fasts, Allah will remove their face from the Fire of Hell by a distance of seventy years. This metaphorical distance illustrates the immense protection and reward Allah grants to those who fast sincerely in His way. It emphasizes that fasting is not just a temporary spiritual exercise but something that can have long-lasting, eternal effects—protecting the person from the torment of Hell.
• Seventy Years: The number seventy years in the hadith is a symbolic representation of a very long distance. It demonstrates the significance of fasting as an act of worship and its impact on a person’s eternal fate. The specific number may not be literal, but it conveys that the reward for fasting is immense.

This hadith reinforces the idea that fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink but is a deeply spiritual act of devotion that brings immense protection from Hellfire. It purifies the soul, increases righteousness (taqwa), and aligns the believer with Allah’s mercy. By fasting sincerely for the sake of Allah, a person can hope for Allah’s immense reward—distancing them from the punishment of the Hellfire, as emphasized in both the Qur'an and the hadith.

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 Saum - Fasting in Ramadan 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

What is the reward of fasting for Allah's Pleasure?

Fasting (Sawm) is an act of worship observed by Muslims primarily during the month of Ramadan, although it can also be practiced at other times of the year. The purpose of fasting is to gain closeness to Allah, attain spiritual purification, and increase one’s self-discipline. The Qur'an and Hadith highlight both the spiritual and practical aspects of fasting and the immense reward for those who observe it sincerely.

Since a servant of Allah willingly opt to abstain for everything which are otherwise Halal (permissible) from dawn to dusk solely for the pleasure of Allah, an immense reward has been promised both in this world and the hereafter.

* Also read our exclusive post: What you really need to know to better benefit from fasting in the month of Ramadan

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in one of his hadiths has mentioned the Divine reward which elevates the spirits of the believers and act as an incentive to fast, not only restricted to compulsory fasting for the entire month in the month f Ramadan, but also otherwise as well.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 56: Fighting for the Cause of Allah (Jihaad) / كتاب  الجهاد والسير / Chapter 36:  The superiority of observing Saum in Allah's Cause / باب  فَضْلِ الصَّوْمِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ / as Hadith 2840, given herein under:

Narrated  by Abu Sa`id:

I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's Pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ نَصْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، وَسُهَيْلُ بْنُ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، أَنَّهُمَا سَمِعَا النُّعْمَانَ بْنَ أَبِي عَيَّاشٍ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمًا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ بَعَّدَ اللَّهُ وَجْهَهُ عَنِ النَّارِ سَبْعِينَ خَرِيفًا ‏"‏‏.

This hadith, narrated by Abu Sa`id, is found in Sahih Muslim and it highlights the immense reward that Allah promises for those who fast for His pleasure. Before we expand the meaning of this hadith, let us see Why is fasting so significant?

Fasting holds a special status in Islam. As mentioned in other hadiths, fasting is an act that is done purely for Allah, and it is directly associated with Allah’s reward. Unlike other acts of worship, where people may engage in them for various reasons (e.g., public recognition, social approval), fasting is an act that is mostly hidden from others, making it purely for Allah's sight.

The hadith reassures Muslims that even a small sacrifice made for the sake of Allah—such as fasting for a single day—has immense benefits, including protection from Hellfire and an increased likelihood of entering Paradise.

The reward for fasting is beyond measure, and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spoke extensively about it in various sayings (hadith). Some of the most famous hadiths regarding the reward for fasting include:

• Hadith from Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.” This hadith shows that fasting during Ramadan with sincerity can lead to the forgiveness of sins, provided it is done with a true desire for Allah's reward and not for mere ritual.
• Hadith from Sahih Muslim: “Every action of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I will reward it. He gives up his food, drink, and desires for My sake. Fasting is a shield. When it is the day of fasting, he should not act in an obscene or ignorant manner. If someone fights or insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’” This hadith emphasizes that fasting is particularly beloved to Allah, as it is done purely for His sake and is not for show. The reward for fasting is promised directly by Allah, and He will reward it in ways beyond human comprehension.
• Hadith from Sahih Bukhari: “In Paradise, there is a gate called Ar-Rayyan. On the Day of Judgment, those who used to fast will enter through it, and no one else will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to fast?’ They will stand up, and none will enter except them.” This hadith describes the exclusive reward for those who fast, with a special gate in Paradise reserved just for them. It emphasizes that fasting has a distinct and honorable reward in the Hereafter. 
• Hadith from Sahih Muslim: “There is nothing equal to fasting, for it is the shield of a believer. If you fast, you can be saved from the fire and granted entry into Paradise.” Fasting serves as a protective shield for a believer, keeping them away from harmful actions and sin. The reward is also tied to the eternal reward of Paradise. 

Fasting for Allah is an act of worship that helps purify the soul and develop a deeper sense of devotion. In the Qur'an, fasting is prescribed to attain righteousness (taqwa) and is an opportunity to gain Allah's mercy. The reward for fasting, as indicated in the hadiths, is immense. It includes the forgiveness of past sins, protection from the Hellfire, and a special place in Paradise reserved for the fasts. Ultimately, fasting is an act that is deeply valued by Allah and is rewarded in ways that transcend human understanding.

Let us now expand the meaning of this Hadith and the immense pleasure hidden in as a reward for the fasting believers.

Explanation:

"Anyone who fasts for one day for Allah's pleasure": This part of the hadith refers to a person who observes fasting with a sincere intention, purely for the sake of Allah. The key point here is that the fast must be for Allah’s pleasure—a person should not fast for show or for any worldly gain but solely to fulfill their religious duty and seek Allah’s reward.

"Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire": The face is often mentioned as a symbol of the whole person in Islamic tradition. In this context, the hadith implies that the person will be protected from the torment of Hell in its entirety. The phrase emphasizes that fasting for Allah’s sake serves as a shield from the severe consequences of Hellfire.

"For (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years": The reward is described in terms of distance, which is a metaphorical way of indicating the vastness of Allah's protection. Seventy years of travel is an immense distance, and this is to emphasize just how significant the reward is. It shows that fasting for one day brings about a protection from Hellfire so vast that it is as though a person’s distance from it is 70 years of journey. In other words, fasting not only protects a person from Hellfire but does so in a way that far exceeds the normal human sense of safety and protection.

The deeper meaning of this hadith:

• The importance of intention: The key to this reward lies in fasting for Allah's pleasure. If someone fasts with the intention of earning Allah’s favor and reward, it has a significant spiritual benefit. The hadith emphasizes that even one day of fasting, if done sincerely for Allah, can have such a powerful protective effect.
• The power of a single day of fasting: This hadith magnifies the impact of a single day of fasting. It suggests that fasting is so valuable in the sight of Allah that even if a person fasts for just one day, the protection from Hellfire is incredibly vast and significant. It is a reminder that even small acts of devotion, when done sincerely for Allah, carry great rewards.
• The reward is greater than the act itself: The reward of being kept away from the Hellfire for a distance of seventy years reflects the immense mercy and generosity of Allah. This hadith serves to encourage believers to engage in fasting, knowing that the act, though seemingly simple, brings about an unparalleled reward in the Hereafter.

The hadith thus, is a powerful reminder of the significance of fasting in Islam. Even fasting for one day with sincerity can have far-reaching rewards, such as protection from the torment of Hell. It illustrates Allah's mercy and the great spiritual benefits that come from sincere worship. Through fasting, Muslims not only seek Allah’s pleasure but also earn His protection and mercy, leading to salvation in the Hereafter.

Let us fast as much we can, not to tell others how pious and fearful of Allah we are, but to silently please Allah and expect the reward promised for us.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Saum - Fasting in Ramadan 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.

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