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.

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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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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.

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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

Reward for granting Respite to the Indigent (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Islam is not merely a religion composed of Divine Commandments like DOs and DONT's. Instead it is a Deen, which does not only mean a religion, but a complete code of conduct for every Muslim. That is in Islamic terminology it means to describe the way of life that Muslims should follow to comply with divine law. Therefore it also emphasises on looking after every individual under its fold. Thus Islam places a significant emphasis on looking after the poor and vulnerable in society, as caring for those in need is a core part of the faith. 

This emphasis is rooted in the teachings of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. The reasons for this focus on poverty, charity, and social welfare are multifaceted, reflecting the moral and ethical priorities of Islam, which aims to promote justice, compassion, and solidarity among believers.

In one of his Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has stressed on the need to look after those in distress and are unable to return a loan or have their two ends met.

This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 14: The Book on Business / كتاب البيوع عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / Chapter 67: What Has Been Related About Giving Respite To The Indigent And Being Kind To Him / باب مَا جَاءَ فِي إِنْظَارِ الْمُعْسِرِ وَالرِّفْقِ بِهِ / as Hadith number # 1306:

Narrated Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 

"Whoever grants respite to an indigent or alleviates it for him, Allah will shade him on the Day of Judgement under His Throne, a Day in which there is no shade except His shade."

[He said:] There are narrations on this topic from Abu Al-Yasar, Abu Qatadah, Hudhaifah, Abu Mas'ud, 'Ubadah, and Jabir.

[Abu 'Eisa said:] The Hadith if Abu Hurairah is a Hasan Sahih Gharib Hadith from this route.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو كُرَيْبٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ سُلَيْمَانَ الرَّازِيُّ، عَنْ دَاوُدَ بْنِ قَيْسٍ، عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ أَسْلَمَ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ مَنْ أَنْظَرَ مُعْسِرًا أَوْ وَضَعَ لَهُ أَظَلَّهُ اللَّهُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ تَحْتَ ظِلِّ عَرْشِهِ يَوْمَ لاَ ظِلَّ إِلاَّ ظِلُّهُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي الْيَسَرِ وَأَبِي قَتَادَةَ وَحُذَيْفَةَ وَابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَعُبَادَةَ وَجَابِرٍ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ غَرِيبٌ مِنْ هَذَا الْوَجْهِ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Let us examine this hadith in some detail in the light of Qur'an and Sunnah:

Obligation of Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah)

One of the Five Pillars of Islam is Zakat, which is an obligatory form of charity. Every eligible Muslim is required to give a portion of their wealth (usually 2.5%) to those in need, especially the poor and the oppressed. This is not optional; it is a command from Allah to purify one’s wealth and to assist those who are struggling.

• Qur'an: "And establish prayer and give zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. Indeed, Allah of what you do is Seeing." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:110)

In addition to Zakat, Sadaqah is voluntary charity that Muslims are encouraged to give. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently urged his followers to be generous and to share what they have with others.

• Sahih Bukhari: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one that gives is better than the one that receives), and begin with those who are under your care." (Sahih Bukhari)
• This statement stresses that supporting the poor is not only a social duty but a spiritual virtue that brings reward from Allah.

A Test of Compassion and Social Responsibility

Helping the poor is seen as a test of one’s character and compassion. It demonstrates the ability to empathize with others' suffering and provides an opportunity for Muslims to develop their moral qualities of generosity, humility, and selflessness.

• Qur'an: “You will not attain righteousness until you give of what you love.” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:92)
• This verse highlights the idea that true righteousness is achieved through sacrifice and selflessness, especially when one gives from their own possessions to help others.

Eliminating Inequality and Promoting Justice

Islam stresses that wealth should not lead to social stratification or exploitation. The wealthier members of society are encouraged to share with the less fortunate, which helps bridge the gap between different social classes and promotes justice and equality.

• Qur'an: “And those who, when they spend, are neither extravagant nor stingy but hold a just balance between the two.” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:67)
• Islam encourages a balanced approach to wealth and spending, ensuring that the poor are not neglected or oppressed. The idea is to create a just society where no one is left behind.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Example ﷺ

The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is filled with examples of caring for the poor and disadvantaged. He consistently supported the needy, and he taught his companions to do the same. The Prophet himself was often in contact with the poor and set an example by being humble, generous, and caring.

• Sahih Muslim: “He is not a believer who eats his fill while his neighbor beside him goes hungry.” (Sahih Muslim)
• This hadith reflects the idea that individual well-being is deeply tied to the well-being of the community. A true believer does not focus solely on their own comfort but ensures that others, especially those in need, are also looked after.

The Poor are Considered to Have a Special Status

In Islam, the poor and needy are regarded with great respect and are seen as deserving of compassion. The Qur'an reminds Muslims that helping those in need is not just an act of kindness, but it is also a way of pleasing Allah.

• Qur'an: “The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers...” (Surah Al-Hujurat, 49:10)
• This verse shows that Muslims are spiritually and socially interconnected, and helping the poor is one way of fulfilling the brotherhood of Islam. The poor have a special place in society, and their needs should be addressed not just out of charity, but out of a sense of justice and solidarity.

A Means of Purification and Reward

Giving to the poor purifies wealth and increases blessings. In Islam, wealth is seen as a trust from Allah, and those who share it with the poor and needy are rewarded both in this life and the Hereafter.

• Qur'an: “The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like that of a seed of grain which grows seven ears, and in each ear there are a hundred grains.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)
• This verse illustrates how acts of charity multiply in reward. Every effort to help the poor is seen by Allah and will be rewarded, often manifold, either through material blessings or spiritual rewards.

Promoting Social Cohesion

By encouraging the rich to care for the poor, Islam promotes social cohesion and stability. A society where wealth is shared and where the basic needs of everyone are met is likely to be more peaceful, with less tension between different social classes.

• Sahih Muslim: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Sahih Muslim)
• Charity is seen not only as a means of helping others but also as a way to protect society from various misfortunes and hardships. It encourages mutual support, reducing the risk of societal division and strife.

The Poor are a Reminder of Human Fragility

Islam views poverty as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the transient nature of wealth. The poor are not seen as inherently inferior but as equals in humanity, deserving of dignity and respect. Muslims are reminded that they should not be arrogant because wealth is a temporary gift, and everyone is ultimately dependent on Allah.

• Qur'an: “Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [your] hope.” (Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46)

The above quoted explanation thus explains why Islam emphasizes looking after the poor. It is because it is a key part of building a just, compassionate, and balanced society. Helping the poor is a form of worship and a way of purifying wealth, as well as an essential part of individual moral development. Islam encourages charity both through mandatory acts (like Zakat) and voluntary ones (like Sadaqah), and it sees helping the poor as a means of seeking Allah’s pleasure and attaining reward in the Hereafter. By caring for the poor, Muslims foster a sense of community, equality, and social harmony.

 

The simple acts of doling out charity and love and care for the Have NOTs draw special Divine attention and are noted for a greater reward for these noble believers by providing them shade under the very throne of Allah. Imagine the magnitude of reward for even small acts of kindness. Let us not rob our elves of this great reward and make every concerted effort to look after the poor to ease the hardships they are facing in their lives.

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

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān. 

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. 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.

Photo | Source of Hadith

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