How to focus on one's Salat/Prayer and etiquette of ensuring sanctity of places of worship

Many Muslims find it difficult to focus on one's salat / prayer due to uncontrollable thoughts peeing into one's mind. Generally these thoughts are related to domestic problems or that in business or even some lewd thoughts creeping in despite one's utmost effort to shun these.  Prophet Muhammad ﷺ mindful of such thoughts and even otherwise one's distraction of attention and looking sideways advised Muslims to focus on one's salat - but how?

The following hadith explains as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī (Book 10:  Call to Prayers (Adhaan) / كتاب الأذان / Chapter 94:  Is it permissible to one to look around in Salat (prayer) if something happens to one? Or can one look at something like expectoration in the direction of the Qiblah? / باب  هَلْ يَلْتَفِتُ لأَمْرٍ يَنْزِلُ بِهِ أَوْ يَرَى شَيْئًا أَوْ بُصَاقًا فِي الْقِبْلَةِ / as Hadith 753, given herein under:

Narrated Ibn `Umar:

The Prophet (ﷺ) saw expectoration in the direction of the Qibla of the mosque while he was leading the prayer, and scratched it off. After finishing the prayer, he said, "Whenever any of you is in prayer he should know that Allah is in front of him. So none should spit in front of him in the prayer."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّهُ قَالَ رَأَى النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم نُخَامَةً فِي قِبْلَةِ الْمَسْجِدِ، وَهْوَ يُصَلِّي بَيْنَ يَدَىِ النَّاسِ، فَحَتَّهَا ثُمَّ قَالَ حِينَ انْصَرَفَ ‏ "‏ إِنَّ أَحَدَكُمْ إِذَا كَانَ فِي الصَّلاَةِ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ قِبَلَ وَجْهِهِ، فَلاَ يَتَنَخَّمَنَّ أَحَدٌ قِبَلَ وَجْهِهِ فِي الصَّلاَةِ ‏"‏‏.‏ رَوَاهُ مُوسَى بْنُ عُقْبَةَ وَابْنُ أَبِي رَوَّادٍ عَنْ نَافِعٍ‏.‏

This hadith reflects a powerful lesson on etiquette, respect, and awareness during prayer—especially in relation to the Qibla (direction of prayer) and the presence of Allah.

Explanation in Light of the Qur’an and Sunnah:

1. The Spiritual Meaning: "Allah is in front of him". The Prophet ﷺ is reminding the worshiper that during salah (prayer), he or she stands in direct connection with Allah, facing the Qibla, which symbolizes the direction of unity and submission. 

However, when he says: "He should know that Allah is in front of him", it doesn't mean Allah is physically located in front (since Allah is not confined by space or direction), but it emphasizes a spiritual presence—that you are standing before your Lord, and therefore should maintain utmost reverence.

This aligns with the Qur’anic idea of khashyah (awe and humility) in prayer:

• "Successful indeed are the believers—those who humble themselves in their prayers." — Surah Al-Mu’minun (23:1–2)
• It also connects with the verse: "Establish prayer for My remembrance." — Surah Taha (20:14)

So, spitting or anything disrespectful toward the Qibla during prayer is essentially a sign of heedlessness, or a lack of spiritual mindfulness.

2. The Sanctity of the Mosque and Qibla

Spitting toward the Qibla or inside the mosque is not just bad manners—it’s spiritually inappropriate. In Islamic culture, the mosque is a sacred space, and the Qibla is a symbol of unity, purity, and submission to Allah. This is why the Prophet ﷺ took action during the prayer—he wiped it off right away, showing the importance of keeping the mosque clean and respecting the Qibla.

The Qur'an supports the idea of honoring sacred places: "In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised, and that His Name be mentioned therein..." — Surah An-Nur (24:36)

3. Islamic Hygiene and Etiquette

Spitting on the ground in general (without necessity or covering it) is discouraged. But in prayer, and especially toward the Qibla, it is considered disrespectful and spiritually offensive. The Prophet ﷺ said in other hadith: "Spitting in the mosque is a sin, and its expiation is to bury it (clean it)." — Sahih Muslim

Also: "When anyone of you stands for the prayer, he is speaking to his Lord..." — Sahih al-Bukhari

These emphasize the personal audience with Allah during salah—spitting during this act would show a lack of awareness of the sacred nature of that moment.

A Lesson in Presence and Reverence

The core lesson is spiritual mindfulness. The Prophet ﷺ is teaching his companions (and us) to be deeply aware during salah. It’s not just a ritual—it’s a direct engagement with the Divine. So your actions, posture, and even small habits matter.

Summary of Key Takeaways:

• "Allah is in front of him" - A reminder of spiritual presence and accountability during prayer.
• Respect for Qibla & Mosque Physical spaces of worship must be honored and kept clean.
• Hygiene & Cleanliness Cleanliness is part of faith (ṭahārah), especially in salah.
• Spiritual Presence Prayer is an intimate conversation with Allah; be fully present.

This hadith thus tells us to remain focused on our prayer and resist any temptation to look any other way other than the direction of Qibla. And if still random thoughts creep in, focus on the prayer thinking one is standing in front of his Creator, an honour that Allah bestows upon us. Also one must refrain from littering in the masjids and all places of worship and keep these clean. 

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.

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.

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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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What is Ruqyya and How Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used this form of healing

Everyone of us is prone to ailments, diseases and fevers. This is not something new as today these ailments are attributed to exposure to germs, infections or incapacity of the immune system to fight back the bacteria or virus that creep into our bodies. Other factors, such as dehydration, diet, and environment, can also raise the risk of getting sick. In the absence of medical treatment in the bygone days, people consulted men  who knew about herbs and other natural remedies for curing of the ailment.

This was also so during the times of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when the harsh summers, draught and inappropriate diet or even access to food due to poverty, people would get sick and looked for treatment from herbs and other means. However, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often used a spiritual method of healing to cure the sick. 

This method is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 76:  Medicine / كتاب الطب / Chapter 38:  The Ruqya of the Prophet (saws) / باب  رُقْيَةِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم / as Hadith 5743, given herein under:

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to treat some of his wives by passing his right hand over the place of ailment and used to say, "O Allah, the Lord of the people! Remove the trouble and heal the patient, for You are the Healer. No healing is of any avail but Yours; healing that will leave behind no ailment."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، حَدَّثَنِي سُلَيْمَانُ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ، عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يُعَوِّذُ بَعْضَ أَهْلِهِ، يَمْسَحُ بِيَدِهِ الْيُمْنَى وَيَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ رَبَّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَاسَ، اشْفِهِ وَأَنْتَ الشَّافِي، لاَ شِفَاءَ إِلاَّ شِفَاؤُكَ، شِفَاءً لاَ يُغَادِرُ سَقَمًا ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ سُفْيَانُ حَدَّثْتُ بِهِ مَنْصُورًا فَحَدَّثَنِي عَنْ إِبْرَاهِيمَ عَنْ مَسْرُوقٍ عَنْ عَائِشَةَ نَحْوَهُ‏.‏

Ruqyya in Islamic tradition refers to the practice of spiritual healing, often involving the recitation of specific prayers, verses from the Qur’an, and supplications (duas) to seek healing from illness, both physical and spiritual. 

Let’s break down the hadith and the concept of Ruqyya:

Ruqyya as a Healing Method

In this hadith, Aisha (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet ﷺ, describes how the Prophet ﷺ would use his right hand to perform a form of healing on those who were ill, especially his wives. This is a physical and spiritual act of healing, where the Prophet ﷺ would recite a prayer and place his hand on the affected area of the body.

Words of Healing: The prayer recited by the Prophet ﷺ in this hadith is deeply meaningful and reflects a strong sense of tawheed (monotheism). By calling upon Allah as "the Lord of the people" and recognizing that only He can truly heal, the Prophet ﷺ was emphasizing that no matter what the treatment or remedy, the ultimate source of healing is Allah alone. The phrase "healing that will leave behind no ailment" signifies the complete and perfect healing that only Allah can provide—healing that is permanent and free of side effects.

Spiritual and Physical Healing: The act of touching the affected area while reciting the prayer could be seen as an example of spiritual ruqyya, where the Prophet ﷺ combined both physical touch and spiritual supplication to seek Allah's help in curing the illness. It’s a holistic approach to healing—invoking Allah’s mercy while acknowledging human limits.

Concept of Ruqyya in Islam:

Ruqyya refers to the recitation of specific Qur'anic verses and supplications to seek protection or healing from harm, disease, or other negative influences. The concept of ruqyya stems from the understanding that Allah is the ultimate healer and that the Qur’an contains divine words that have healing properties.

Sources of Ruqyya:

The supplications used in Ruqyya are chosen from Qur'an and many prayers made by Prophet ﷺ:

• Qur'anic Verses: Certain verses from the Qur'an are frequently used in ruqyya, such as Surah Al-Fatiha, Surah Al-Baqarah (2:255-257), Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah Al-Falaq, and Surah An-Naas.
• Prophet’s Duas: The supplications (duas) of the Prophet ﷺ are also widely used for healing. These include the prayer mentioned in the hadith you shared.

Types of Ruqyya:

Central to the practice of ruqyya is the absolute belief in Tawheed, which means that healing is solely in the hands of Allah. While seeking medical treatment or using spiritual healing, a Muslim should never attribute healing power to anything other than Allah.

• Ruqyya Shariyyah (Islamic Ruqyya): This involves using Qur’anic recitations, duas, and supplications that are permissible in Islam. It is done to cure illnesses or alleviate harm caused by evil eye, black magic, or spiritual disturbance.
• Ruqyya (Unlawful/Improper Ruqyya): If the recitations involve anything that contradicts Islamic teachings (such as invoking jinn or polytheistic practices), it would be considered shirk (associating partners with Allah) and impermissible.

Method of Ruqyya:

• Recitation: The healer (or the one seeking healing) recites the Qur’anic verses or duas, often blowing or gently placing hands over the sick person’s body, particularly on the areas of pain.
• Blowing: The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have used his breath to blow gently on the patient after reciting verses, symbolizing the dispersal of healing and protection.

Healing Power of the Qur'an:

• The Qur’an is described as having a healing power in many places. For example, in Surah Al-Isra (17:82): "And We sent down in the Qur’an such things that have healing and mercy for the believers..."
• And in Surah As-Sajda (32:21): "And We sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming what came before it. Surely, Allah’s Word is full of healing and mercy."

The Role of the Healer:

While ruqyya involves seeking Allah’s help, it can be performed by someone who is knowledgeable in the practice, such as an Islamic scholar, a righteous person, or even the patient themselves. However, it’s crucial to remember that ruqyya is not a substitute for medical treatment. Islam encourages seeking medical care while also relying on spiritual healing.

In essence, the hadith you mentioned shows the Prophet ﷺ practicing ruqyya on his loved ones, calling upon Allah as the ultimate healer. The practice of ruqyya is about acknowledging Allah’s power in healing, understanding that no matter what treatment we seek, it is only through Allah’s will that healing can occur. The act of placing the hand and reciting prayers is a way to invoke Allah’s mercy, but it’s not just physical—it connects the spiritual and the physical realms, reinforcing the idea that Allah is the ultimate source of both physical and spiritual well-being.

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: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ 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 Supplication | Help has been taken from ChatGPT for explanation of the hadith

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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Prophetic supplication that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

Life without ensuring a perfect balance always leads to imbalances in everything we do. The same is true for living a perfect balanced worldly life while ensuring keeping one's faith and adherence to tenets of Islam to ensure candidature for an equally perfect and blessed life in the Hereafter. For many keeping such balance is very difficult for the charms and Satanic enticements are so powerful that one loses sight of one's Akhirah and the life of the Hereafter.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ too cognizant of this fact, always made a special supplication, and encouraged his companions to do so, that reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter)

This supplication is mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 18:  Supplications [Of The Prophet (SAW)]  / باب التَّعَوُّذِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا عَمِلَ وَمِنْ شَرِّ مَا لَمْ يَعْمَلْ / as Hadith 2720, given herein under:

Abu Huraira reported that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to supplicate (in these words):

" O Allah, set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs. And set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living. And set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life. And make the life for me (a source) of abundance for every good and make my death a source of comfort for me protecting me against every evil."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ دِينَارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو قَطَنٍ، عَمْرُو بْنُ الْهَيْثَمِ الْقُطَعِيُّ عَنْ عَبْدِ الْعَزِيزِ، بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ الْمَاجِشُونِ عَنْ قُدَامَةَ بْنِ مُوسَى، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ السَّمَّانِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ لِي دِينِيَ الَّذِي هُوَ عِصْمَةُ أَمْرِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي دُنْيَاىَ الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَاشِي وَأَصْلِحْ لِي آخِرَتِي الَّتِي فِيهَا مَعَادِي وَاجْعَلِ الْحَيَاةَ زِيَادَةً لِي فِي كُلِّ خَيْرٍ وَاجْعَلِ الْمَوْتَ رَاحَةً لِي مِنْ كُلِّ شَرٍّ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

This beautiful and profound du'a (supplication) of the Prophet ﷺ, reported by Abu Huraira, reflects the perfect balance in Islam between dunya (worldly life) and akhirah (the hereafter). Let’s break it down piece by piece and explore how it aligns with the Qur’an and other hadiths.

Let us breakdown the Hadith for easy understanding:

1. "Set right for me my religion which is the safeguard of my affairs."

Meaning that Religion (dīn) is the foundation of a believer’s life, whichgoverns not only worship but how we interact, speak, and live. The Prophet ﷺ asks Allah to preserve and correct his religion because if faith is upright, everything else will follow.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Indeed, the religion in the sight of Allah is Islam...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:19)
• “Whoever follows My guidance will not go astray or be miserable.” (Surah Taha 20:123)
• Related hadith:
• "Whoever Allah intends good for, He gives him understanding in the religion." (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This highlights that right guidance in faith is one of the greatest blessings.

2. "Set right for me the affairs of my world wherein is my living."

The Prophet ﷺ is asking Allah to bless his worldly life, because it’s where we earn, interact, and grow.  A balanced and stable dunya helps us worship better and prepare for the akhirah.

• Qur’an connection:
• “Our Lord! Grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter...” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:201)
• This mirrors the Prophet's du’a, emphasizing that a believer does not shun the world, but seeks goodness in it, while remaining focused on the eternal.
• Related hadith:
• "The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, although both are good..." (Muslim)
• This strength includes physical, financial, and mental capability in the worldly domain.

3. "Set right for me my Hereafter on which depends my after-life."

The ultimate goal is a blessed Hereafter: Jannah (Paradise), peace, and proximity to Allah. The Prophet ﷺ seeks stability and goodness in what comes after death, because everything in this world is temporary.

• Qur’an connection:
• “And the Hereafter is better and more lasting.” (Surah Al-A'la 87:17)
• “Whoever is removed from the Fire and admitted to Paradise has indeed triumphed...” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• The Prophet ﷺ emphasizes that true success lies in the Hereafter, not in worldly wealth or power.

4. "Make life for me (a source) of abundance for every good."

The Prophet ﷺ doesn’t just want to live — he wants to live meaningfully, engaging in acts of goodness, worship, kindness, and benefit to others. This is similar to what is being said in Qur'an:

• “Blessed is He in whose hand is dominion, and He is over all things competent—Who created death and life to test you [as to] which of you is best in deed.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:1–2)
• Life is a test, and the Prophet ﷺ is asking that his time here be filled with beneficial deeds.

5. "Make my death a source of comfort for me, protecting me against every evil."

Meaning that death, for a believer, is not an end but a transition. The Prophet ﷺ seeks a death that is peaceful, a relief from harm, and a gateway to mercy. Let us quote two verses from Qur'an with the same theme:

• Quranic Connection:
• “Indeed, the righteous will be in pleasure... (It will be said to them:) 'Peace! A word from a Merciful Lord.'” (Surah Ya-Sin 36:55-58)
• “Every soul will taste death. And you will only be given your full compensation on the Day of Resurrection.” (Surah Aal-Imran 3:185)
• Related hadith:
• “None of you should wish for death... but if he must, then let him say: 'O Allah, keep me alive as long as life is better for me, and cause me to die when death is better for me.'” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• This echoes the sentiment of this du'a: let death be a mercy, not a punishment.

Summary Reflection: This hadith is a comprehensive life blueprint from the Prophet ﷺ. It asks Allah to set our faith straight, the root of all things:

• To make our worldly life balanced and beneficial.
• To give us a blessed Hereafter, where real success lies.
• To let our life be productive, not wasted.
• And to let our death be a relief, not a fear.

It’s the ultimate du’a for a balanced, purposeful, and peaceful life, perfectly aligned with Qur’anic values and prophetic wisdom. Let us make this supplications an important part of our life and always be mindful of ensuring a perfect balance  for both Dunya and Akhira. 

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Follow @IslamUltimate

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

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Consequences of One's focus on charms of this world or that of the Hereafter (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The charms of this world are enormous, bewildering humans and enticing them to go for a life of full of amusement, leisure or even lewdness. And  when such focus of men is sensed by the Evil, its efforts get multiplied to lure in the hungry men into a life of wealth, status and pleasures. Most of us fall in this category of men. But despite the glitter of worldly wants, there remain some, though not many, who scarifies their worldly wants and focus on the charms of a life that will be eternal and never ending.

This is the test man has been given by our Creator to ascertain the level of faith and pursuance of a life the charms of which are unimaginable and everlasting. Thus, those who opt for temporary pleasures of this world will be the ultimate losers and will have only a restricted share, while those who opt for the life of the hereafter will be the blessed ones.  This is the theme of a hadith attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being shared today.

This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Ibn Majah /  Book 37 Zuhd / كتاب الزهد) / Chapter 2: Being concerned with this world / باب  الْهَمِّ بِالدُّنْيَا ‏ / as Hadith number # 4105 under:

‘Abdur-Rahman bin Aban bin ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan narrated that his father said:

“Zaid bin Thabit departed from Marwan at mid-day. I said: ‘He has not sent him out at this time of the day except for something he asked.’ So I asked him, and he said: ‘He asked me about some things we heard from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “Whoever is focused only on this world, Allah will confound his affairs and make him fear poverty constantly, and he will not get anything of this world except that which has been decreed for him. Whoever is focused on the Hereafter, Allah will settle his affairs for him and make him feel content with his lot, and his provision and worldly gains will undoubtedly come to him.”

Arabic Text

حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ جَعْفَرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، عَنْ عُمَرَ بْنِ سُلَيْمَانَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ أَبَانَ بْنِ عُثْمَانَ بْنِ عَفَّانَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، قَالَ خَرَجَ زَيْدُ بْنُ ثَابِتٍ مِنْ عِنْدِ مَرْوَانَ بِنِصْفِ النَّهَارِ فَقُلْتُ مَا بَعَثَ إِلَيْهِ هَذِهِ السَّاعَةَ إِلاَّ لِشَىْءٍ سَأَلَ عَنْهُ ‏.‏ فَسَأَلْتُهُ فَقَالَ سَأَلَنَا عَنْ أَشْيَاءَ سَمِعْنَاهَا مِنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَنْ كَانَتِ الدُّنْيَا هَمَّهُ فَرَّقَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ أَمْرَهُ وَجَعَلَ فَقْرَهُ بَيْنَ عَيْنَيْهِ وَلَمْ يَأْتِهِ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا إِلاَّ مَا كُتِبَ لَهُ وَمَنْ كَانَتِ الآخِرَةُ نِيَّتَهُ جَمَعَ اللَّهُ لَهُ أَمْرَهُ وَجَعَلَ غِنَاهُ فِي قَلْبِهِ وَأَتَتْهُ الدُّنْيَا وَهِيَ رَاغِمَةٌ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Explanation of the Hadith: Lets us look deeper into its meaning and consequences of the choice one makes:

"Whoever is focused only on this world..."

This describes someone whose ultimate concern is material gain, status, pleasure, or worldly success — neglecting the spiritual dimension of life.

• Qur'an connection:
• "Whoever desires the life of this world and its adornments – We fully repay them for their deeds therein, and they will not be deprived. But they will have nothing in the Hereafter but the Fire..." (Surah Hud 11:15-16)
• The Qur'an acknowledges that some will chase the dunya, and they may get their share — but at the cost of the Hereafter.

"Allah will confound his affairs..."

This means a life of internal chaos, anxiety, lack of focus, or constant dissatisfaction. Despite effort, nothing seems truly fulfilling or stable.

• Qur'an connection:
• "But whoever turns away from My remembrance – indeed, he will have a depressed life..." (Surah Taha 20:124)
• When the heart is detached from purpose (Akhirah), life can feel directionless, no matter how successful someone seems outwardly.

"...and make him fear poverty constantly..."

A person focused on the world is never at ease — always worried about money, success, or losing what they have.

• Qur'an connection:
• "Satan threatens you with poverty and commands you to immorality..." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:268)
• Obsession with dunya opens the door to fear, anxiety, and even unethical behavior to hold onto it.

"...and he will not get anything of this world except that which has been decreed for him."

Even if someone chases wealth 24/7, they will only receive what Allah has already written for them.

• Qur'an connection:
• "There is no creature on earth but that its provision is upon Allah." (Surah Hud 11:6)
• This reinforces trust in divine provision — your rizq (sustenance) will reach you, regardless of your obsession or lack of it.

"Whoever is focused on the Hereafter..."

This person lives with the Akhirah as their compass. They still engage with the world, but their heart is anchored in faith, service, and ultimate return to Allah.

• Qur'an connection: "But whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it accordingly, while being a believer – it is they whose effort will be appreciated." (Surah Al-Isra 17:19)

"Allah will settle his affairs for him..."

This speaks of clarity, calm, and divine assistance. Things may not be easy, but they're purposeful and manageable.

• Qur'an connection: "Whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect..." (Surah At-Talaq 65:2-3)

"...and make him feel content with his lot..."

He has peace in his heart — not because he has more, but because he trusts more.

• Qur'an connection: "Truly, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)

"...and the world will come to him willingly."

Subhan Allah — when the heart is focused on Allah, the dunya comes without being chased. Like a shadow follows you when you walk toward the light.

• Qur'an connection: "Your Lord has promised: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]...’" (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)

Final Reflection:

This hadith and its Qur'anic parallels teach us something timeless:

• The dunya is a means, not the goal.
• When we chase the Hereafter, the world follows.
• When we chase the world, we lose both.
• It's a reminder to adjust our focus, not abandon life, but live with purpose — and peace will follow.

The hadith thus tells us that chasing the Hereafter brings both spiritual reward and worldly balance. So let us brothers and sisters in Islam, and even the non Muslims reading this post, to stay away from charms of this world for these are temporary and take us away from the remembrance of Allah, something that is needed to be blessed with the charms of the life of the Hereafter.

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

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Two foundational aspects of Islamic ethics: Monotheism and filial piety

All Divine religions preach the concept of Monotheism: That is belief and faith in One True God with no associates and partners. Qur'an, being the last of the Divine Scriptures, also teaches monotheism and cautions man about Shirk, the act of associating partners or associates with the sole Creator of the entire universe. In fact monotheism is the main theme of the Qur'an and at a number of time this concept has been mentioned for strict adherence by the believers.

Another foundational aspect of Islamic ethics is the filial piety: That is a very high degree of respect and kindness towards parents, and showing compassion to the parents specially when they have grown old and need to be tended the same way a child is tended and taken care of one's parents.

This is the theme of the 23rd verse of Surah 17. Al Israa being shared today for the information of our brothers and sisters in Islam in particular and everyone else in general:

وَقَضٰى رَبُّكَ اَلَّا تَعۡبُدُوۡۤا اِلَّاۤ اِيَّاهُ وَبِالۡوَالِدَيۡنِ اِحۡسَانًا​ ؕ اِمَّا يَـبۡلُغَنَّ عِنۡدَكَ الۡكِبَرَ اَحَدُهُمَاۤ اَوۡ كِلٰهُمَا فَلَا تَقُلْ لَّهُمَاۤ اُفٍّ وَّلَا تَنۡهَرۡهُمَا وَقُلْ لَّهُمَا قَوۡلًا كَرِيۡمًا‏ 

(17:23) Your Lord has decreed: (i) Do not worship any but Him; (ii) Be good to your parents; and should both or any one of them attain old age with you, do not say to them even "fie" neither chide them, but speak to them with respect, 

​The verse in question, Surah Al-Isra (17:23), is a profound directive from Allah that emphasizes two foundational aspects of Islamic ethics: monotheism and filial piety. Let us know more about this verse in detail as enunciated by eminent Muslim scholars of the time.

1. Worship Allah Alone

The verse begins with the command: "Your Lord has decreed: Do not worship any but Him." Ibn Kathir explains that this is a reaffirmation of the principle of Tawhid (the oneness of Allah), underscoring that worship should be directed solely to Allah, without associating any partners with Him.

This commandment is very comprehensive. It prohibits not only the worship of anyone except Allah but also implies that one should obey and serve and submit to Allah alone without question. One should accept His commandments and law alone to be worthy of obedience and His authority to be supreme above all. This was not merely an instruction confined to a religious creed and individual practice but it served as the foundation of the moral, cultural, and political system which was practically established in Al-Madinah by the Prophet (peace be upon him). Its first and foremost principle was that Allah alone is the Master, Sovereign and Law-giver.

This order to offer all worship to God alone follows the one prohibiting the association of partners with God. It takes the form of a decisive ruling to be implemented without fail, by all mankind. The term, qadā, used in the Arabic text and translated as ‘ordained’, signifies a final verdict imparting additional emphasis to an already emphatic order that also uses the construction of a negation and exception: “You shall worship none but Him.” The mode is one of total emphasis and stress. When this basic ruling is well established, individual and community duties are outlined. These rely on a firm belief in the One God. Hence, motives and goals behind actions and practices work towards the same end.

The most important bond next to that of faith is the family. Hence the sūrah links kindness to parents with the worship of God, in order to emphasize its importance in God’s sight, details herein under:

2. Be Good to Your Parents

The subsequent command emphasizes kindness towards parents: "Be good to your parents." Ibn Kathir elaborates that this directive is not merely about avoiding harm but actively engaging in acts of kindness and respect towards one's parents .​

With inspirational expression that is full of tenderness the Qur’ān enhances our feelings of compassion towards our parents. As life goes on, its momentum carries the living and focuses our attention on what lies ahead, on our own children, the new generation. Rarely are we motivated to look back and attend to the former generation of parents, who represent a life that is already on the decline. Hence, as sons and daughters we need a strong charge of conscience so that we will look hack and take care of our mothers and fathers.

3. Respect in Old Age

The verse further specifies: "Should both or any one of them attain old age with you, do not say to them even 'fie' neither chide them, but speak to them with respect." Ibn Kathir interprets this as a prohibition against even the slightest expression of frustration or disrespect, such as the word "uff," which is considered a mild form of discontent. Instead, one is instructed to speak to them with honor and dignity.

Parents are naturally motivated to look after their children, sacrificing everything in the process, even when the sacrifice includes them personally. An early green shoot absorbs every particle of nutrition in its seed to leave it as dust, and a chic eats up everything in the egg, leaving only the shell. Similarly, children take up all their parents’ vigour, health, effort and attention, leaving them in the weakness of old age, yet happy to have given their children everything they could give. But children soon forget all this and move ahead, caring more for their spouses and own offspring. This is the natural course of life.

Hence, sons and daughters are told: “Never say ‘Ugh’ to them or chide them.” This is the first step in taking care of one’s parents and being kindly to them. Sons and daughters must never use words which suggest their being vexed or bothered by their parents, or say anything that betrays disrespect. On the contrary, they must “always speak gently and kindly to them.” (Verse 23) This is a higher and more positive step. What sons and daughters say to their parents must always be coupled with genuine respect.

4. Humility and Compassion

The verse also advises lowering the "wing of humility" to parents, symbolizing a posture of servitude and compassion. This imagery conveys the importance of approaching parents with a humble and caring attitude, especially as they age and may require more assistance and patience .​

Thus parents do not need any encouragement to be kind to their children. It is the children who need to be reminded of their duty towards the generation that has become dry, in need of tender care, after having spent most of its vitality in bringing up their young. Hence, the divine command to take good care of parents comes in the form of a ruling from God, following immediately after the command to worship God alone.

5. Prayer for Their Mercy

Finally, the verse encourages: "Say: 'My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'" This supplication reflects a deep sense of gratitude and recognition of the sacrifices parents make. Ibn Kathir notes that this prayer is not only for the living but also for the deceased parents, highlighting the enduring bond and the continuous duty of a child towards their parents.

The next verse says it all:

وَاخۡفِضۡ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحۡمَةِ وَقُلْ رَّبِّ ارۡحَمۡهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيٰنِىۡ صَغِيۡرًا ؕ‏ 

(17:24) and be humble and tender to them and say: "Lord, show mercy to them as they nurtured me when I was small."

The verse (24) emphasizes emotional intelligence, gratitude, and moral responsibility. It's not just about obeying parents—it’s about doing it with love, humility, and deep appreciation. Even if they weren’t perfect, this verse still encourages us to show them kindness and pray for their well-being.

• "And say: 'My Lord, have mercy upon them...'": 
• Here, we're taught not just to act kindly but to pray for them. That’s profound. You're not only giving them love physically but also spiritually supporting them by asking Allah to show them mercy.
• Why? Because they showed you mercy and care when you were helpless and small.
• It’s a cycle: they nurtured you when you were weak; now, you're asked to honor that love by caring for them and praying for them as they grow older.
• 3. "...as they nurtured me when I was small": This part is key—it reminds us of the sacrifice, love, and patience parents show in raising a child. When we were completely dependent, they were our protectors, providers, and emotional comfort.

In summary, Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24) encapsulates the essence of Islamic ethics by intertwining the worship of Allah with the dutiful treatment of parents. The teachings of scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that this verse is not just about avoiding negative actions but actively engaging in positive behaviors that reflect respect, humility, and gratitude towards one's parents.

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.

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.

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

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.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Divine Commandments in Qur'an.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references 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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True believers fear from a day which is harsh and distressful (selected verses from Qur'an)

True faith and Eeman are easy to describe in words, yet are most difficult to practice in reality. While believers with low categories of faith and Eeman are afraid of the Day of the Judgement when the acid test results were really brought forth, equally sad would be believers who fell in the superlative degree of faith who would be uncertain of their fate for the day will be really harsh and distressful.

Today we share the 10th verse of Surah 76. Al-Insān, the 5-22 verses of this Surah describe the qualities of believers and their fear and faith in Allah.

"إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوْمًا عَبُوسًا قَمْطَرِيرًا"

"Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day, harsh and distressful." Or: "We fear from our Lord a Day, grim and full of hardship."

As stated before, this verse is part of a beautiful passage (verses 5–22) describing the righteous servants of Allah — people who:

• Fulfill their vows,
• Feed the poor, orphan, and captive purely for the sake of Allah,
• Expect no reward or thanks from others.

The 7th verse also carries a similar meaning: "These will be the ones who fulfil their vows10 and dread the Day whose woe shall be spread far and wide" and thus they feed the poor and hungry for their act may be accepted to save them from the harshness of the Day. And they say: "(We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you.) meaning, `we do not seek any reward from you in return for it. We also are not seeking for you to thank us in front of the people. (verse 9)'"

And verse 10 explains why they do all these selfless acts:

• They are motivated by deep consciousness of the Hereafter, particularly fear of a Day (of Judgment) that is so difficult, severe, and overwhelming, they call it ‘ʿAbūsan Qamṭarīrā’ — two very powerful Arabic words.
• Deep Dive into the Arabic Terms:
• ‘ʿAbūs’ (عَبُوس): Means frowning, grim, or gloomy. Describes the emotional atmosphere of the Day — no smiles, only tension and fear. It’s the same word used in Surah ‘Abasa (80:1) — "He frowned and turned away..."
• ‘Qamṭarīr’ (قَمْطَرِير): A very intense word, often translated as distressful, hard, difficult, or severely harsh. It implies long-lasting sorrow and unbearable hardship.
• Putting them together, the verse paints a picture of a Day that is: Gloomy, emotionally crushing, and unbearably hard to face.

Now the question arises Why Do They Fear This Day?

Because the Day of Judgment is described in the Qur’an as:

• A day when even prophets will say, "Nafsi, nafsi" (Myself, myself).
• A day when children will turn gray-headed (Surah Al-Muzzammil 73:17).
• A day when everyone will flee from even their mother, father, and children (Surah Abasa 80:34–37).
• A day when "no soul shall benefit another" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:123).

So, the righteous people, despite doing good deeds, never feel arrogant or complacent — instead, they live with humble fear and sincerity.

Practical Lesson for Us: This verse teaches:

• That true righteousness isn’t just about what you do, but why you do it.
• Good actions must come from a heart that is conscious of Allah, not one seeking praise.
• Even the righteous fear the Day of Judgment, which fuels their humility and sincerity.

Beautiful Balance: Fear and Hope

Though verse 10 highlights fear, the following verses (11 onward) show how Allah rewards such people with:

• Safety from the horrors they feared,
• Gardens and comfort,
• Peace and endless bliss.
• So this fear is not paralyzing — it's constructive fear, pushing us toward Allah, not away from Him.

Relevant Conclusion and Suggested Course of Action for Believers

We see compassion overflowing from such hearts that seek God's pleasure, looking for no reward or praise from any creature. They do not hold up their favours in an attitude of conceit. They simply want to avoid the woes of a bleak and grim day, which they genuinely fear. The Prophet showed them the way to spare themselves its woes, as he said: "Save yourself from the fire by as little as half a date."

And the best way of pleasing Allah is helping the poor and giving food to the needy in such a direct manner was at the time the proper expression of these people's own compassion and the most needed type of help. Ways and forms of charity may be completely different in other circumstances and social environments. What is important is the need to maintain such compassion towards others and the desire to do good only for God's sake, looking for no earthly recognition or reward.

May Allah instills in our hearts His fear and mercy so that while we still do good acts, specially acts of charity, we remain focused on the Day when every one will be made answerable for one's deeds. That is why true believers, despite all their good deeds, fear of any act of theirs that might have annoyed Allah.

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.

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.

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

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.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | ChatGPT

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references 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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The virtue of a short Prophetic supplication (Attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) if recited 100 times a day

Man has a very short and uncertain life to live. No one know when the wordily clock stops ticking for him and the angel of death takes away one's soul. This uncertainty leave no time for a man to repent his wrongdoings and sins. Therefore one should keep repenting to his Creator all the time and seek forgiveness so as not to be caught unaware leaving no time for repentance.

There are numerous supplication that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught his companions to recite much too often so that they are forgiven and virtues added to their dossiers. Many of these we have already shared in our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

One more supplication is being shared for the benefit of Muslim sisters and brothers, as mentioned in Sahih Muslim  (Book 48: The Book Pertaining to the Remembrance of Allah, Supplication, Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness  / كتاب  الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار / Chapter 10:  The Virtue Of Tahlil (Saying La Ilaha Ill-Allah), Tasbih (Saying Subhan Allah) And (Du'a) Supplication  / باب فَضْلِ التَّهْلِيلِ وَالتَّسْبِيحِ وَالدُّعَاءِ / as Hadith 2691, given herein under:

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

He who uttered these words:" There is no god but Allah, the One, having no partner with Him. Sovereignty belongs to Him and all the praise is due to Him, and He is Potent over everything" one hundred times every day there is a reward of emancipating ten slaves for him, and there are recorded hundred virtues to his credit, and hundred vices are blotted out from his scroll, and that is a safeguard for him against the Satan on that day till evening and no one brings anything more excellent than this, except one who has done more than this (who utters these words more than one hundred times and does more good acts) and he who utters:" Exalted is Allah (He is free from imperfection), and all praise is due to Him," one hundred times a day, his sins are obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا يَحْيَى بْنُ يَحْيَى، قَالَ قَرَأْتُ عَلَى مَالِكٍ عَنْ سُمَىٍّ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ قَالَ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ ‏.‏ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ ‏.‏ كَانَتْ لَهُ عَدْلَ عَشْرِ رِقَابٍ وَكُتِبَتْ لَهُ مِائَةُ حَسَنَةٍ وَمُحِيَتْ عَنْهُ مِائَةُ سَيِّئَةٍ وَكَانَتْ لَهُ حِرْزًا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ يَوْمَهُ ذَلِكَ حَتَّى يُمْسِيَ وَلَمْ يَأْتِ أَحَدٌ أَفْضَلَ مِمَّا جَاءَ بِهِ إِلاَّ أَحَدٌ عَمِلَ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ ذَلِكَ ‏.‏ وَمَنْ قَالَ سُبْحَانَ اللَّهِ وَبِحَمْدِهِ فِي يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ حُطَّتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَلَوْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

 

Summary of the Supplication: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever says: Lā ilāha illallāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahul-mulku wa lahul-ḥamdu wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr

(There is no god but Allah, alone without partner, to Him belongs the kingdom and all praise, and He is powerful over everything) — 100 times a day — it is as if he freed 10 slaves, 100 good deeds are written for him, 100 sins erased, and it serves as protection from Satan until the evening. No one can surpass him in reward except one who does more."

And:

"Whoever says: Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdih 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are as much as the foam of the sea."

How This Hadith Aligns with the Qur’an

Let’s break down the themes of this hadith and match them with verses from the Qur'an:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Phrase: “Lā ilāha illallāh...” is the central message of Islam is tawheed — that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. This shows that the dhikr in the hadith is a direct verbal affirmation of the Qur’anic command to uphold tawheed.

• Qur’an – Surah Muhammad (47:19): "So know [O Muhammad], that there is no deity except Allah..." (فَاعْلَمْ أَنَّهُ لَا إِلَـٰهَ إِلَّا ٱللَّهُ)
• Surah Al-Ikhlas (112:1): "Say: He is Allah, One."

Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah): Theme: Reciting dhikr regularly brings spiritual reward and protection. The hadith highlights the power of dhikr in attaining peace, reward, and divine attention — just as the Qur’an emphasizes:

• Qur’an – Surah Al-Baqarah (2:152): "So remember Me; I will remember you."
• Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:28): "...Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest."

Good Deeds and Forgiveness: Phrase: “100 sins erased... sins forgiven even if like the foam of the sea” The hadith shows that even major sins (if repented for) can be forgiven through sincere acts of worship and remembrance, aligning perfectly with the Qur’anic message of hope and mercy.

• Qur’an – Surah Az-Zumar (39:53): "Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins...'"
• 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..."

Reward Multiplication:  Theme: 100 good deeds, reward equal to freeing 10 slaves. The Prophet ﷺ is giving us practical examples of how simple acts of dhikr can result in immense multiplied reward — exactly as the Qur'an promises.

• Qur’an – Surah Al-An'am (6:160): "Whoever comes [on the Day of Judgment] with a good deed will have ten times the like thereof [to his credit]..."
• Surah Al-Hadid (57:18): "Indeed, the men who give charity and the women who give charity and [they who] have loaned Allah a goodly loan—it will be multiplied for them..."

Protection from Shayṭān: Theme: Dhikr acts as a shield from the Devil. This hadith teaches that daily remembrance of Allah makes a person spiritually guarded from the whispers and influence of Shayṭān — in line with Qur'anic teachings.

• Qur’an – Surah An-Nahl (16:99-100): 
• "Indeed, he [Satan] has no authority over those who have believed and rely upon their Lord."
• "His authority is only over those who take him as an ally and those who through him associate others with Allah."

The Hadith 2691 from Sahih Muslim is thus deeply rooted in the core Qur’anic themes:

• Tawheed
• Dhikr and its rewards
• Mercy and forgiveness
• Multiplication of deeds
• Protection from Shayṭān / Satan

This hadith serves as a daily spiritual formula, combining worship, reflection, and purification in just a few minutes. It's a perfect example of how the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ brings the teachings of the Qur’an to life in simple, actionable ways.

Let us remember these short supplications and recite these 100 times a day or as much we can, for mercy of Allah is boundless and He grants mercy in abundance.

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: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet ﷺ 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. For explanation of the Hadith, help has been taken from ChatgPT.

Photo | Source of Supplication

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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