Selected Passages from the Hadith

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Hadiths for Special Study

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Individual Conduct: 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 Life in the Community: 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16.

Hadith 1 (Individual Conduct)

Translation:

"Religion is sincerity‟. We said: "To Whom?‟ The Prophet said, “To Allah, His book, His messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and to their common people.”

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Muslims must sincerely follow the teachings of Islam, and to believe in the articles of faith, since sincerity in one’s intentions and actions is what is rewarded by God.

• Sincerity to God means acknowledging that all power lies with Him alone,

• Sincerity to His Messenger means believing in the finality of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh),

• Sincerity to His book means understanding and implementing Qur’anic teachings into our life and,

• Sincerity to leaders of the Muslims and to their common people means being sensitive to the needs of others and working to better the society.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• By following the teachings of Islam, Muslims can put into practice the teachings of this hadith. Every action of a Muslim must be sincere, which is to please God by doing the right thing. If advice is given to someone it should be honest and for the betterment of the one it is given to. If charity is given it should be to help the needy not to feel good about oneself or gain recognition as a philanthropist.

Hadith 2 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

“None of you believes until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself”.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Islam is a religion of social justice and the core teaching of this Hadith is being concerned for well-being of others.

• Care for others is a sign of sincere belief as both God and His Prophet (pbuh) have instructed Muslims to do and promote good for the welfare of others, especially the less fortunate ones.

• The bond of brotherhood between Muslims has been established by God Himself and the true evidence of an Islamic brotherhood was the society established in Madina, the Ansars with free will were ready to share everything with the Muhajireen and treated them as equals.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Wanting the best for others, wishing well for everyone and being happy for others in their joyous times and genuinely sorry for them when something bad befalls them is how the teaching of this hadith can be applied practically. Care for others is a constituent part of faith for which Muslims will be rewarded.

Hadith 3 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, either speak good or keep silent and let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbour, and let him who believers in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his guest.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The hadith stresses upon the belief in Allah and the Last Day of Judgement.

• The emphasis on the words ‘let him who believes in Allah and the Last day’ before every action signifies that every noble and good actions are an outcome of one’s belief.

• Actions like of controlling one’s speech (“It is also a charity to utter a good word”), being kindly to neighbours and showing hospitality to guests are examples of being generous, as well as fullfilling our rights with others.

• Islam places a great deal of emphasis on the rights of fellow beings upon Muslims and says that huquq al ibad are just as important as huquq Allah.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• A Muslim must use his speech responsibly and be generous and kind to people around them, irrespective of their creed or faith.

• The Qur'an states ‘Not a word does he utter but there is a watcher by him to record it’ (Al Qaf), therefore a Muslim must refrain from idle talk.

• Looking out for and fulfilling the needs of one’s neighbours is another way of acting upon the teaching of this Hadith as is honouring one’s guests.

Hadith 4 (Individual Conduct)

Translation:

"A man asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace). Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is lawful and treat as forbidden that which is forbidden and do nothing, further I shall enter Paradise? He said, "Yes".

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The teaching of this Hadith is that Islam is a very simple religion to follow, it clearly states what a Muslims obligations to God are and that obedience of these obligations is what earns Muslims God’s mercy and pleasure and will enable them to get to Paradise in the akhira.

• Islam also very clearly states which things are unlawful and forbidden to Muslims.

• God wants to reward Muslims for following the path prescribed by Him and having given Muslims ease in fulfilling them expects obedience.

• By following the pillars and keeping away from what is forbidden in Islam a Muslim may achieve paradise.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• A Muslim can put into practice the teaching of this Hadith by becoming regular and punctual in saying his five daily prayers, in fasting in the month of Ramadan and if he has the means, by fulfilling his other pillars. Muslims also need to abstain in their lives from what has been forbidden in Islam.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

Every person’s every joint must perform a charity every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it is a charity; a good word is a charity; every step you take to prayers is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• To be charitable is not the prerogative of the rich alone.

• This Hadith teaches the Muslims the broader meaning of charity, that charity does not only refer to giving financial aid to a needy person, but concern for fellow beings at all times is also deemed as charity.

• Muslims should socially responsible by caring for the needs of others around them.

• Therefore, the important teaching of this Hadith is that every act done with the intention of pleasing God is considered a charity, and that worship is not only restricted to observing salat or sawm etc.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Social responsibility is the essence of this Hadith and Muslims can practise it by greeting others with a smile, giving correct advice when asked, removing say a banana peel from the pathway which may prevent someone from slipping, donating old clothes to charitable organisations, or sharing one’s iftaar with a poor person.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

Whosoever of you sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand, and if he is not able to do so then with his tongue, and if he is not able to do so then with his heart, and that is the weakest of faith.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Muslims are urged by the teaching of this Hadith to do all that is in their power to prevent evil from taking place. The Prophet (saw) said "Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one." [Bukhari]. They are asked to reject it in whichever form it appears by whatever legal means that are available to them. If they are unable to do so for whatever reasons, they must speak out against it but never condone it and always deem it as an injustice.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Every Muslim must take part in the fight against evil in whichever way they can. The fight against evil involves many methods and must never cease, and a Muslim must use every available just means to stop it. If they can they should fight against it, if not they can voice their thoughts against it and if that is not possible they should condemn it in their hearts. Fighting evil is a form of jihad that every Muslim should be engaged in. For example fighting against bonded labour, raising awareness of the plight of these poor labourers, condemning it are all various ways of abolishing this one evil.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

It was said: O Messenger of Allah, who is the most excellent of men? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘The believer who strives hard in the way of Allah with his person and his property.’

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The main teaching of this Hadith is that the best amongst believers are those who are engaged in always trying to earn the pleasure of God. They will fulfil all their obligations towards God and will not only sacrifice themselves to accomplish this, but use their resources and wealth with which God has provided them. The words ‘striving hard’ in this Hadith has a broad meaning, anyone who migrates, or gives dawah, or fights justly for the sake of Allah are among those best of believers.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• A Muslim must never hesitate to serve the cause of Islam by using his person and resources. Sacrificing one’s time and money by spreading Islam, developing schools, helping charitable organisations, sheltering refugees are some of the ways in which the teaching of this Hadith can be put into practice. Uthman (RA) gave thousands camels during the battles to serve Islam. Offering tahajud prayers, sponsoring the hajj of a poor Muslim are also ways in which this Hadith could be practised on a personal level.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said: ‘Whom do you count to be a martyr among you?’ They said: O Messenger of Allah, whoever is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr. He said: ‘In that case the martyrs of my community will be very few! He who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies a natural death in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies in the plague in the way of Allah is a martyr, he who dies of cholera in the way of Allah is a martyr.’

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• This Hadith broadens the concept of martyrdom, that not just those who die fighting in the way of God on the battlefield will be martyrs, but also all Muslims who die in the way of God practicing some form of jihad. The Prophet (saw) said "Whoever sought martyrdom with sincerity will be ranked by Allah among the martyrs even if he died on his bed" [Muslim]. The core teaching is that God loves His creation and is willing to reward those who are obedient to Him, and so the hadith lays stress on the importance of living righteous lives so that whenever death comes to a believer he/she will attain the status of a martyr.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Striving and doing one’s best to achieve a worthy objective in the way of God should be an essential focus in a Muslim’s life in order to achieve the lofty status of a Martyr. How a Muslim dies does not matter however he/she should be active in the way of God. Examples of striving in the path of God is by following the sunna of the Prophet (pbuh), being punctual in fulfilling one’s obligations to God and humanity, building mosques and carrying out welfare projects.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

No one eats better food than that which he eats out of the work of his hand.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Dignity of labour and earning lawfully are stressed in Islam while reliance on others and begging are strongly discouraged in Islam. It condemns all other unlawful means of earnings like gambling, usury and bribery, etc. In Surah An-Najm, Allah says "and that each person will only have what they endeavoured towards,”. Muslims are encouraged to earn lawfully and to live within their means, beacuse lawful earnings, no matter how meagre, have a high position in Islam.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• A Muslim can act upon this hadith by earning for themselves and their family an honest living through their own efforts while being grateful to God for His provision. All illegal earnings must be shunned by Muslims and no job should be looked down upon. The Prophet (pbuh) who even after assuming leadership of Madina did not shy away from manual work, and instead promoted dignity of labour by assisting in the construction of the mosque in Madina and participated in digging the trench during the Battle of Trench.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

One who manages the affairs of the widow and the poor man is like the one who exerts himself in the way of Allah, or the one who stands for prayer in the night or fasts in the day

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The teaching of this Hadith highlights the importance of caring for the vulnerable in society. Islam is a social religion and lays great stress on the welfare of the community at large. The Prophet (saw) said "The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind." [Daraqutni]. Widows and orphans are specifically mentioned, but the broader meaning of the Hadith can be seen to include all the vulnerable people in society, helping whom is comparable to be engaged in performing jihad in the way of God.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Islam is a religion of social welfare. The teachings of the Hadith can be put into practice by providing resources to the poor, by helping to establish social housing for the homeless, providing healthcare to those who do not have access to it, supporting widows and orphans so that no one is left behind and all get a fair chance in society.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

'I and the man who brings up an orphan will be in paradise like this.’ And he pointed with his two fingers, the index finger and the middle finger.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• One of the most repeated messages in the Hadiths is about the care of the vulnerable in society, especially the orphan. The Prophet, being an orphan himself, understood the plight of orphans and not only showed great care to them himself but instructed the umma to show kindness towards them and he promises his close company in the akhira to those who fulfil this obligation. The Qur’an too speaks of the good treatment of orphans; in Sura Dhuha it is said, ‘Treat not the orphan with harshness’. The wider teaching of the Hadith is that there should be unity amongst Muslims and no member of the community should be left behind.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Every Muslim must do what they can to ease the burden of those in need. An orphan who is helpless and dependent should be taken into custody and care. A Muslim can provide them with food, shelter and financial assistance indirectly by donating to Muslim charities to provide for refugees in war torn areas of the world. Even good advice can be given to them if a person cannot give support financially.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) sent Abu Musa and Mu’adh ibn Jabal to Yaman, and he sent each of them to govern a part. Then he said: ‘Be gentle and do not be hard, and cause rejoicing and do not alienate.’

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The Hadith specifically signifies the responsibilities of Muslim rulers and how they should work for the welfare and prosperity of their people. The Prophet (saw) said "The best of your rulers are those whom you love and who love you". The broader teaching of this Hadith is that ultimate authority lies with God, and is given to people in their various capacities as a trust from God, and that religious instruction should be given with gentleness in order to make people more inclined towards the faith.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• All those who are in a position of authority should exercise their authority with justice and kindness and always work for the betterment of the society at large, and remind themselves that they will be held accountable for their actions, like Caliph Umar (RA) who feared he would have been held accountable for a mule that couldn't pass over the Euphrates river. They should treat all the people to whichever faith they may belong with fairness and practise religious tolerance. Even when implementing the Islamic way of life they should be moderate.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

He who studies the Qur’an is like the owner of tethered camels. If he attends to them he will keep hold of them, but if he lets them loose they will go away.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The importance of reading the Qur’an and understanding its message is given in this Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh). The Qur’an is the book of guidance for all Muslims. It is only by reading it, understanding its teachings that a Muslim can understand his faith and live righteously. The Hadith draws comparisons to Bedouins who looked after and depended on their camels for their survival. Likewise, a Muslim needs to look after and practise the Qur’an and its teachings to benefit from it in this life and the next. And just like the bedouins tied the fore legs of their camels to stop them from wandering off, regular connection with the Qur’an keeps Muslims from going astray.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• All those who are in a position of authority should exercise their authority with justice and kindness and always work for the betterment of the society at large, and remind themselves that they will be held accountable for their actions, like Caliph Umar (RA) who feared he would have been held accountable for a mule that couldn't pass over the Euphrates river. They should treat all the people to whichever faith they may belong with fairness and practise religious tolerance. Even when implementing the Islamic way of life they should be moderate.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

May God show mercy to a man who is kindly when he sells, when he buys, and when he demands his money back.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• There is a clear teaching in this Hadith that God wants His creation to treat each other with mercy and show each other kindness in all aspects of life, even when doing business and in all financial dealings. God looks favourably on those who deal with others with fairness and kindness. The Prophet (saw) said: "Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heavens will have mercy upon you" [Al-Tirmidhi]. The Qur'an also instructs us to "Give in full when you measure, and weigh with an even balance. That is fairest and best in the end." [Al Isra, 17:35].

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Muslims can apply the teachings of this hadith by always being honest. For example increasing the prices of a commodity if there happens to be a shortage of that commodity in the market, or when buying or selling, advantage of the buyers or sellers situation must not be taken or sub-standard goods must not be sold without the buyer being made aware of it. ‘Uthman (RA) who used to give more measures and weights when selling commodities and when he bought something would often pay more than the asking price, saying that God had given him more than he needed.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

God will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The teaching of this hadith is that Muslims must show kindness to God’s creation and in return God will be merciful towards them. The Qur'an repeats many times, that two of God’s attributes are Rahman and Rahim and that His mercy is evident in all the blessings we see in this world. The Prophet (saw) said "One will not enter Paradise, if one has an atom’s weight of arrogance in his/her heart". For those who do not practice mercy they simply deprive themselves of the Almighty’s mercy (i.e Paradise).

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Muslims can practise the teaching of this Hadith in their daily lives by doing small acts of kindness every day. Mercy should be shown to humanity at large, irrespective of faith and belief. Helping a blind man cross the road, feeding a hungry person, giving directions to a traveller, forgiving the mistake of a fellow being are all examples of how mercy can be practised. The Prophet (pbuh) showed the people of Ta’if great mercy by forgiving them despite their harsh treatment of him.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

The believers are like a single man; if his eye is affected he is affected, and if his head is affected he is all affected.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Islam joins true believers in brotherhood by their common faith. Brotherhood is the essence of Islam and at every stage Muslims are told by God and his Prophet (pbuh) to show care and concern for all in the community. By drawing comparisons to the human body, the hadith teaches believers that just as the head is vital for humans, so is brotherhood to Muslims. The Qur’an also gives this all important teaching of unity to Muslims in many Suras, like "The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers" (Al Hujurat, 49:10) and "Hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Al Imran, 3:103).

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• This Hadith can be put into action by Muslims by being aware of the sufferings of others around them and doing everything in their power to aid their Muslim brothers like those in Syria, Myanmar and Kashmir at a national and international level. We should give charity to humanitarian causes and persuade our governments to give asylum to Muslims from war torn countries. We should follow the examples of the Ansars, whom the Prophet said about them "The sign of Belief is to love the Ansar, and the sign of hypocrisy is to hate the Ansar." (Bukhari). The Ansars helped their fellow believers who had come to Medina and supported them financially and emotionally.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

Modesty produces nothing but good.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The teaching of this Hadith is that modesty is an invaluable trait of a Muslim. The Prophet s.a.w said "Every religion has a distinctive quality and the distinctive quality of Islam is modesty." (Muwatta) and "Modesty is part of faith and faith is in Paradise..." (At-Tirmidhi). Modesty is the key to good conduct and stops a person from wrong doings. It builds a person’s character with the result that a modest person will always strive to act righteously, thereby creating a morally pious and respectful society.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Modesty must be practised in all the actions of a believer if a believer desires to practice Islam in its true spirit. A modest, humble person acknowledges God as the Master and the giver of all blessings and hence puts others needs before his own, which would eliminate a lot of issues concerning society like jealousy as well as earning the respect of others. For example, a Muslim’s dress, mannerisms, attitude towards life must not be extravagant or ostentatious, but instead be simple and humble.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

He who has in his heart as much faith as a grain of mustard seed will not enter hell, and he who has in his heart as much pride as a grain of mustard seed will not enter paradise.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• Accepting Islam as one’s faith means submitting to the will of God and accepting that all one has/achieves is from Him which does not leave any room for pride. Every Muslim must therefore becomes humble and God fearing, which enables them to achieve the goal of paradise. A person with the tiniest amount of arrogance will think of themselves as the controller of their own destiny and will not be God conscious, and therefore close the doors of paradise for themself. Faith makes a person mindful of his accountability before his Lord whereas pride leads to arrogance and leads man away from God.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Muslims should always check themselves from harbouring pride in their hearts and mind. They should adopt humility in their manner, dress and life style. We can follow the example of the Prophet (SAW) when he liberated Makkah. He lowered his head in humility bent his back on his she-camel. We should not be like Iblis, who on account of his pride, disobeyed his Creator and was subsequently expelled from Paradise.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

The world is the believer’s prison and the unbeliever’s paradise.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The teaching of this Hadith for Muslims is to practise Zuhd by treating this world as a temporary place and resist its temptations, all while abiding by God’s laws. The Prophet (saw) told us "Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveler." (Bukhari). The world has been compared to a prison and just as a prisoner has to abide by the rules of the prison the believer has to follow God’s rules to attain true freedom in the afterlife by earning paradise. The disbelievers live for the present without fear of accountability, and work to fulfill his short-term pleasures in this world. But, the believer is always God-concious and work to attain the ever-lasting paradise.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• By living according to laws set by God and remembering one’s accountability to the Creator and thus resist the temptations of this world is how this Hadith‘s teaching can be practised. Islam does impose certain restrictions on its followers and expects obedience from the believers for which they are rewarded with paradise. Those who do not believe in the One God or Judgment Day can partake from the pleasures of this world as they choose for they don’t fear their accountability before God. The Prophet (saw) refused temptation when the Makkans offered him wealth and position of the Quraysh if he stopped preaching Islam.

Hadith 5 (Life in the Community)

Translation:

God does not look at your forms and your possessions, but he looks at your hearts and your deeds.

(a) Describe their teachings about what Muslims believe

• The Hadith ‘actions will be judged by intentions’ sums up the teaching of this Hadith. All that a person has, good looks, wealth, fame etc. are given by God and He is not impressed by any of these things. Hence, a true believer is never proud of his wealth, beauty or children. The line ‘but He looks at your hearts’ means that sincerity of intentions are what God judges and for which recompense will be given on Judgment Day. It is not the success of that effort that is seen by God but the intention behind it.

(b) Explain how Muslims can put these teachings into action.

• Purity of heart and good intention are at the crux of this Hadith. Muslims’ heart and intention need to be sincere in order to achieve this goal. For example, if someone is giving a large donation to charity it should be because that person wants to help someone or gain God’s pleasure rather than to be acknowledged as a great philanthropist.