Advice of the Prophet

Advice of the Prophet

Companion of Prophet Muhammad , Khalid Ibn El Waleed narrated the following:

A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet and said to him, "O, Messenger of God! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this life and the Hereafter. "

The Prophet responded Ask what you wish.

I'd like to be the most learned of men.
Fear God, and you will be the most learned of men.

I wish to be the richest man in the world.
Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

I'd like to be the most just man.
Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

I want to be the best of men.
Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

I wish to be the most favored by God.
Engage much in God's praise, and you will be most favored by Him.

I'd like to complete my faith.
If you have good manners you will complete your faith.

I wish to be among those who do good.
Adore God as if you see Him. If you don't see Him, Know that He sees you. In this way you will be among those who do good.

I wish to be obedient to God.
If you observe God's commands you will be obedient.

I'd like to be free from all sins.
Bathe yourself from impurity and you will be free from all sins.

I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.
Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.

I'd like God to bestow His mercy on me.
If you have mercy on yourself and on others, God will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment.

I'd like my sins to be very few.
If you seek the forgiveness of God as much as you can, your sins will be very few.

I'd like to be the most honorable man.
If you do not complain to any fellow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

I'd like to be the strongest of men.
If you put your trust in God, you will be the strongest of men.

I'd like to enlarge my provision.
If you keep yourself pure, God will enlarge your provision.

I'd like to be loved by God and His messenger.
If you love what God and His messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.

I wish to be safe from God's wrath on the Day of Judgment.
If you do not lose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of God on the Day of Judgment.

I'd like my prayers to be responded.
If you avoid forbidden actions your prayers will be responded.

I'd like God not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.
If you guard your chastity, God will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment.

I'd like God to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment.
Do not uncover your fellow peoples faults, and God will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment.

What will save me from sins?
Tears, humility and illness.

What are the best deeds in the eyes of God?
Gentle manners, modesty and patience.

What are the worst evils in the eyes of God?
Hot temper and miserliness.

What alleviates the wrath of God in this life and in the Hereafter?
Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.

What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgment?
Patience in adversity and misfortunes.

Imam El Mustaghfiri said: "I have never heard a tradition more comprehensive of the beauties of religion, and more beneficial than this hadith. It collects all the good things of Islam but not put to use." (Related by Imam Ibn Hambal)

link to Nawawi Hadeeth videos

Nawawi Hadeeth videos

Hadith exegesis: - I (early collections)

Hadith exegesis

For more discussion on Hadith, see the whole article above

THE SAHIFA (COLLECTION) OF ABDULLAH IBN AMR (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) is the greatest narrator of Hadith. Despite this he says, "No person has learnt more Hadith than me. However, Abdullah bin Amr (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) used to write the Hadith and I should not write." This is clear evidence that Hadith used to be written in that era. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Amr (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) possessed a collection that exceeded one thousand Ahaadith. Ibnr-Rushd has mentioned in his Kitaab Asadul Ghaaba (vol. 3 pg. 233) that, this collection was named As-saadiqah.

THE SAHIFA (COLLECTION OF HADHRAT ALI (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

Imaam Bukhari (RA) has mentioned in this Sahifa in the chapter of "Ilm" (vol. 1 pg. 21) and he has mentioned it in four places. The narrator Abu Juhaifa reports that, "I enquired from Hazrat Ali (R.A.), do you possess a book?" He replied: "No, except the Book of Allah or the understanding granted to a Muslim or what is in this Sahifa." I asked him, "What is in this Sahifa?" He replied, "Orders relating to 'Diyat' (penalty or murder) - the freeing of prisoners and no Muslim will be killed in lieu of a kaafir." This Sahifa contained orders regarding, murder, compensations, capital punishments, details of Zakaat and matters relating to non-Muslim citizens in an Islamic State.

KITABUS - SAQAH

This collection was personally dictated by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). It contained details regarding Zakaat, Ushar etc. According to some reports it seems as though this was written for the Zakaat collectors. However, the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) left this world before it was sent to them. This kitaab remained with Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar (R.A.). Eventually Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz memorized it and thereafter Ibn Shihaab Zohri memorised it.

SAHIFA IBN ABBAS (R.A.)

Ibn Saad (R.A.) mentions in his kitaab "Tabaqaat" that the slave of Ibn Abbas (R.A.) said, "He found a large collection of the kitaabs of Ibn Abbas equal to a camel-load."

SAHIFA JAABIR IBN ABDULLAH (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

Imaam Muslim has reported that Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) had compiled a book on Hajj. Imaam Bukhari mentioned this is his Taarikh-e-Kabeer vol. 7 pg. 186) - Hadhrat Qataaqda bin De'aama as-Sodusi had memorised this Sahifa.

SAHIFA SAMURA IBN JUNDOB (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

Hafiz ibn Hajar (RA) reports that Hadhrat Samoora (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) has narrated a big (volume) chapter from his father. Imaam Muhammad ibn Sireen (RA) reports that the Kitaab which Hadhrat Samoora (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) has written for his children contains great knowledge.

SAHIFA SAAD IBN UBADA

Ibn Saad reports in Tabaqaat that Hadhrat Saad (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) had a collection of Ahaadith.

SAHIFA ABU HURAYRA (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

Imaam Hakim mentions in Mustadrak that once Hadhrat Hassan ibn Umar narrated a Hadith to Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Ánhu). Hadhrat Abu Hurayra denied the Hadith. Hadhrat Hassan told him, "I have narrated this Hadith from you". He replied, "If I have narrated it, it will definitely be written down." He had written down all his Hadith in the end.

SAHIFA IBN MAS'OOD

Hafiz ibn Abdul-Barr (RA) mentions in his Kitaab, Jaame Bayaan nul-Ilm that ibn Mas'ood (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) took out one Kitaab and swore an oath that it was compiled by him.

SAHIFA AMR IBN HAZAM (Radhiallaahu Ánhu)

When the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) appointed Hadhrat ibn Hazam (Radhiallaahu Ánhu) as a governor of Najran, he gave him a Sahifa which was written by Hadhrat Ubayy bin Ka'ab. It contained orders regarding cleanliness, purification, Salaat, Hajj, Umra, Jihaad, etc.

SAHIFA IBN MUBAARAK

Hadhrat Sa'eed ibn Hilaal says, "When we frequented Hadhrat Anas bin Maalik he took out a volume and said, 'I heard these from the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam). I have written it and preserved it.'" (Mustadrak Hakim vol. 3 pg. 54) There are many other small Sahifas which the holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) sent to the kings; and, other compilations which have been omitted for the sake of brevity.

Hadith Exegesis - II

Hadith Exegesis::

• Hadith Technically   • Preservation of Quran And Sunnah   • Quran explains Sunnah via Verses !   • Old Manuscripts of Hadith and Misconceptions about Hadith   • The Science of Hadith [concise version]   • Hadith: Rules for Acceptance and Transmission   • Modern Historical Methodology vs. Hadeeth Methodology   • Revelation Besides the Quran   • Any Need for Hadith?   • Prophet Muhammad [s.a.w]commanded to write Hadith   • Allah's promise to protect Quran includes the protection of Hadith as well   • Hadith Database   • Hadith Research   • Sunni hadith versus Shia hadith   • Holding Fast To Quran And Sunnah   • Adhering to the sunnah of the prophet   • Sahih Bukhari Hadith Explains Quran   • Sahih Muslim Hadith Explains Quran   • Agreed Upon Hadith Collection   • The term Sunnah present in Quran   • The term sunnah present in hadith   • Quranic Verses With Contextual Hadith   • The term hadith present in Hadith   • The term Hadith present in Quran   • Did Prophet forbid writing of Hadith?   • Examples of prophet Muhammad [pbuh] Abraham [a.s]   • The so called flawed belief of practicing tradition only  


Scholars Of Hadith::
• The life & works of Imam Bukhari [r.a]   • Brief Biographies of the eminent Scholars of Hadeeth   • Were Hadiths Inserted Posthumously In The Sahih Of Al-Bukhari?   • Lie against Bukhari hadith refuted  


Refutations For Hadith Misconception::
• Hadith of Monkey Stoning   • Adult nursing Hadith   • Did the Prophet endorse suicide bombing/sucide in jihad?   • Hadith about Chess is Forbidden   • Killing of rabid dogs in Hadith   • Were Men Really 60 Cubits Tall?   • Hadith of the Fly and cure -Bacteriophages   • Hadith of camel urine its cure for illness   • Hadith About Muta Marriage [Temporary Marriage]   • Did Prophet Muhammad[pbuh] Kissed Torah?   • Hadith about Music is haraam[prohibited]in Islam   • Salat-ul-Eid as well as Salat-ul Jumuah on same day   • Three versions of the final sermon?   • Hadith about standing when the bier passes   • Hadith on Evil & Good Innovations   • Was Najashi A Muslim?   • Surah Taubah Without Bismillah   • Prayer[Salat] In Hadith   • The Six Great Ones From Persia [Iran]   • Punishment In Grave Via Quran & Hadith   • Adhere to the large group[community] of Muslims   • Abrogation Theory In Quran & Hadith   • The Last Prophet Is Muhammad[Pbuh]   • The greatest Sura in the Quran   • Prophet Prophesied Traits Of Deviants   • Jinn In Quran In Hadith   • Previous Scriptures Are Corrupted   • Jesus Will Return[Quran & Hadith]  


Women::
• Are majority of women in hell?   • Hijab With Niqab In Hadith   • Are Women Ill Omen ?   • Are women deficient in intelligence and religion?  


Khilafah::
• Khilafah In The Manner Of Prophethood   • Prophesy on Syria & The coming Khilafah !!!  

Any Need for Hadith?

[slm]

Any Need for Hadith?* By Dr. Khalid Alvi March 30, 2005

From time to time questions are raised about the significance of Hadith, as a pretext to reject the Sunnah. Why should we Muslims attach such importance to Hadith when we already have the Qur’an, the very word of Allah? Why should we seek guidance in anything other than it? Dr. Khalid Alvi here explains the authority and position of Hadith in Islam.

To deal with this topic it is necessary to know the position of the Prophet in Islam, because the indispensability of Hadith depends upon the position of the Prophet.

Analyzing the problem we can visualize three possibilities:

1. The duty of the Prophet was only to convey the message, and nothing more was required from him.

2. He had not only to convey the message, but also to act upon it and to explain it. But all that was for the specified period, and after his death the Qur’an is sufficient to guide humanity.

3. No doubt he had to convey the divine message, but it was also his duty to act upon it and to explain it to the people. His actions and explanations are a source of guidance forever. His sayings, actions, practices, and explanations are a source of light for every Muslim in every age.

Muslim scholars are of the unanimous view that only the third point is the correct assessment of the Prophet’s position in Islam. The Qur’an contains dozens of reminders of the important position of the Prophet. For instance, the Qur’an says:

[And verily in the Messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the last day and remembereth Allah much.] (Al-Ahzab 33:21)

According to this verse, every Muslim is bound to have the good example of the Prophet as an ideal in life. In another verse, he has been made a hakam (judge) for the Muslims by Allah Almighty. No one remains Muslim if he does not accept the Prophet’s decisions and judgments:

[But no, by thy Lord, they can have no real faith until they make thee judge in all disputes between them and find in their souls no resistance against thy decisions but accept them with the fullest conviction.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:65)

While explaining the qualities of Muslims, the Qur’an says:

[The answer of the believers, when summoned to Allah and His Messenger, in order that He may judge between them, is no other than this: They say: we hear and we obey.] (An-Nur 24: 51)

In many places, the Qur’an has given its verdict on this issue. The Qur’an says, [Obey Allah and obey the Messenger] (An-Nisaa’ 4:59) and, [Whatever the Messenger giveth you, take it, and whatever he forbiddeth, abstain from it] (Al-Hashr 59:7).

The Qur’an is very clear in expressing its view on the position of the Prophet. According to the Qur’an, the Prophet has four capacities, and he must be obeyed in every capacity. He is mu`alim wa murabbi (teacher and educator); he explains the Book; he is a judge; and he is a ruler. In all these capacities, he is an ideal example for the Muslims. I am quoting a few verses of the Qur’an just to give a hint of this topic.

[Allah did confer a great favor on the believers when He sent among them a messenger from among themselves, rehearsing unto them the signs of Allah, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and the wisdom while, before that, they had been in manifest error.] (Aal `Imran 3:164)

[And We have sent down unto thee the Remembrance that thou mayest explain clearly to mankind what is sent for them.] (An-Nahl 16:44)

[He commands them what is just and forbids them what is evil; he allows them as lawful what is good and pure and prohibits them from what is bad and impure. He releases them from their heavy burdens and from the yokes that are upon them.] (Al-A`raf 7:157)

[O you who believe! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger, and those charged with authority among you. If ye differ in anything amongst yourselves refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you believe in Allah and the Last Day.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:59)

[It is not fitting for a believer, man or woman, when a matter has been decided by Allah and His Messenger to have any option about their decision. If any one disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he is indeed on a clearly wrong path.] (Al-Ahzab 33:36)

In all these verses, the Qur’an has explained various aspects of the Prophet’s personality. One can judge the importance of the Prophet from these verses. I am reminded of another important verse of the Qur’an, which is actually a verdict against those who do not believe in Hadith as an authentic source of law:

[And whoso opposeth the Messenger after the guidance (of Allah) hath been manifested unto him, and followeth other than the believer’s way, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and shall cause him to endure hell—a hapless journey’s end!] (An-Nisaa’ 4:115)

The Qur’an, while pressing the Muslims to obey the Prophet, goes a step further when it announces that the Prophethood of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is above all the limitations of time and space. He is the Last Prophet and is a Messenger of Allah for the whole of humanity for all time to come. Hadith is nothing but a reflection of the personality of the Prophet, who is to be obeyed at every cost.

Any student of the Qur’an will see that the Qur’an generally deals with the broad principles or essentials of religion, going into details in very rare cases. The details were generously supplied by the Prophet himself, either by showing in his practice how an injunction is to be carried out, or by giving an explanation in words. The Sunnah or Hadith of the Prophet was not, as is generally supposed, a thing of which the need may have been felt only after his death, for it was very much needed in his lifetime. The two most important religious institutions of Islam are Prayer and zakah; yet when the injunction relating to Prayer and zakah were delivered—and they were repeatedly revealed in both Makkah and Madinah—no details were supplied. “Keep up Prayers” is the Qur’anic injunction, and it was the Prophet himself who, by his own actions, gave details of the Prayer and said, “Pray as you see me praying.”

Payment of zakah is, again, an injunction frequently repeated in the Qur’an, yet it was the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) who gave the rules and regulations for its payment and collection. These are but two examples, but since Islam covers the entire sphere of human activities, hundreds of points had to be explained by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) by his example in action and in words.

The scholars have discussed the question of Hadith in detail as a wahyun khafiy (hidden revelation) and prophetic wisdom. I do not want to go into details, but one thing must be stated clearly, that there were cases when the Prophet, not having received a revelation, made a personal effort to formulate opinion through his own wisdom, which was either to be approved or corrected through revelation. After all, the importance of the Sunnah, even as a second source of Islam, was a settled issue for the Companions of the Prophet. I quote only one of the many examples: that of Mu`az ibn Jabal who said to the Prophet that he would decide according to the Sunnah if he did not find the solution of a problem in the Book. To quote Dr. Hamidullah:

The importance of Hadith is increased for the Muslim by the fact that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) not only taught, but took the opportunity of putting his teachings into practice in all the important affairs of life. He lived for twenty three years after his appointment as the Messenger of Allah. He endowed his community with a religion, which he scrupulously practiced himself. He founded a state, which he administered as the supreme head, maintaining internal peace and order, heading armies for external defense, judging and deciding the litigations of his subjects, punishing the criminals, and legislating in all walks of life. He married and left a model of family life. Another important fact is that he did not declare himself to be above the ordinary law which he imposed on others. His practice was not mere private conduct, but a detailed interpretation and application of his teachings. (Introduction to Islam, p. 23)


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*Excerpted with some modifications from: http://www.islaam.com/Article.aspx?id=232

http://www.islamonline.net/English/HadithAndItsSciences/Misconceptions/2005/03/01.shtml