النص المفهرس

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Allāh
sent a message to one of his wives and she replied: "By that
Being who sent you with the truth, I have nothing except water." He
sent the message to another wife, but she also said the same thing.
All his wives (were approached) and said the same thing, "By that Being who
sent you with the truth, I have nothing except water." So the Messenger
of Allah
asked: "Who will host this person tonight?" A man from the
Anșār said: "I, O Messenger of Allah." He took the person to his house and
said to his wife: "Honour the guest of the Messenger of Allah
According to another narration, he asked his wife: "Do you have anything?"
She replied: "No, except some food for the children." He said: "Keep them
occupied with something and when they ask for supper, put them to sleep.
When our guest enters, put off the lamp and give him the impression
that we are eating with him." So they sat down and the guest ate, while
they remained hungry the entire night. The next morning he went to the
Messenger of Allah §
and he said to him: "Allah & was pleased with the
way you treated your guest last night." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith narrates the thought-provoking incident of Abu Talhah
and his wife, Umm
Sulaym ws. They hosted a guest at the request of the Messenger of Allah
and remained
hungry in order to provide him with the little food they had. Their hospitality and preference
for others was remarkable.
The hadith also highlights the simplicity and sacrifice of the Messenger of Allah
and his
wives. Despite being the leader of the entire creation and Allah's des beloved, the Messenger
of Allāh
had nothing to eat or drink in his home except water.
Hadith 565
: ((طَعَامُ الاثْنَيْنِ كَافِي الثَّلاَثَةِ، وَطَعَامُ الثَّلاَثَةِ كَافِي
وعنه ، قَالَ : قَالَ رسول الله
الأربَعَةِ )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ .
، قَالَ : (( طَعَامُ الوَاحِدِ يَكْفِي الاثْنَيْنِ ،
وفي رواية لمسلم عن جابر ريته ، عن النبي
وَطَعَامُ الاثْنَيْنِ يَكْفِي الأَرْبَعَةَ ، وَطَعَامُ الأَرْبَعَة يَكْفِي الثَّمَانِية )) .
Abū Hurayrah 4% narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "Food
for two is sufficient for three and food for three is sufficient for four."

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(Bukhārī, Muslim)
A narration of Muslim from Jābir
g states that the Messenger of Allah
said: "Food for one is sufficient for two, food for two is sufficient for
four and food for four is sufficient for eight."
Commentary
This hadith discusses the virtue of eating in a group. Eating together creates compassion
between Muslims and the resulting communal spirit draws divine blessings which makes a
limited quantity of food sufficient for all those who partake of it. This teaching also subdues
and overpowers the carnal self, which encourages man to hoard things for himself.
Hadith 566
وعن أبي سعيد الخدري ﴿هَ، قَالَ: بَيْنَمَا نَحْنُ فِي سَفَرٍ مَعَ النَّبِّ :﴿ إِذْ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ عَلَى
رَاحِلَةٍ لَهُ ، فَجَعَلَ يَصرِفُ بَصَرَهُ يَمِيناً وَشِمَالاً ، فَقَالَ رسول الله ﴿: (( مَنْ كَانَ مَعَهُ فَضْلُ
ظَهْرٍ فَلَيَعُدْ بِهِ عَلَى مَنْ لا ظَهرَ لَهُ ، وَمَنْ كَانَ لَهُ فَضْلٌ مِنْ زَادٍ ، فَلْيَعُدْ بِهِ عَلَى مَنْ لا زَادَ لَهُ
)) فَذَكَرَ مِنْ أَصْنَافِ المالِ مَا ذكر حَتَّى رَأيْنَا أَنَّهُ لاَ حَقَّ لأحَدٍ مِنَّا فِي فَضْلٍ . رواه مسلم .
Abū Sa īd al-Khudrī
narrates: "We were once on a journey with the
Messenger of Allah
when a man on a camel arrived and began looking
to his right and left. The Messenger of Allah
said: 'Whoever has an extra
conveyance should give it to someone who has no conveyance and whoever
has extra provisions should give them to someone who has no provisions.'
He mentioned various types of wealth to the extent that we felt that none
of us had any right to anything in excess of our basic needs." (Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith stresses upon the need for Muslims to assist each other as a collective entity.
The wealthy should assist the poor, the strong should assist the weak and those with means
should assist those who do not have means. Special attention should also be given to those
travellers who are stranded and do not have food and means to continue their journey.
Hadith 567
بِيُرْدَةٍ مَنْسُوجَةٍ ، فَقَالَتْ :
وعن سهل بن سعدٍ ◌ّه: أنَّ أمْرَأةً جَاءَتْ إِلَى رسول الله
نَسَجْتُهَا بِيَدَيَّ لَأَكْسُوكَهَا، فَأَخَذَهَا النَّبِّ: ﴿ مُحْتَاجاً إِلَيْهَا، فَخَرَجَ إِلَيْنَا وَإِنَّهَا لِإِزَارُهُ، فَقَالَ
فُلانٌ: اكْسُنِهَا مَا أَحْسَنَهَا ! فَقَالَ : (( نَعَمْ)) فَجَلَسَ النَِّّ:﴿ فِي المَجْلِسُ، ثُمَّ رَجَعَ

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مُحْتَاجًاً إِلَيْهَا ،
فَطَوَاهَا، ثُمَّ أَرْسَلَ بِهَا إِلَيْهِ: فَقَالَ لَهُ الْقَومُ: مَا أَحْسَنْتَ ! لَبِسَهَا النَّبِيُّ
ثُمَّ سَألْتَهُ وَعَلِمْتَ أَنَّهُ لا يَرُدُّ سَائِلاً، فَقَالَ: إنّي وَاللهِ مَا سَأَلْتُهُ لأَلْبِسَهَا، إِنَّمَا سَأَلْتُهُ لِتَكُونَ
كَفْنِي . قَالَ سَهْلٌ : فَكَانَتْ كَفَنَهُ . رواه البخاري .
Sahl ibn Sa'd 4og narrates: "A woman brought a woven shawl to the Messenger
of Allāh
and said: 'I wove it with my own hands so that you could wear
it.' The Messenger of Allah
accepted it from her as he was in need of
it. Later on, he came to us wearing it as a loincloth and someone said:
'This shawl is so beautiful. Give it to me to wear.' He
said: 'Yes.' The
Messenger of Allah
then sat down in the assembly. After some time
he returned home, folded it and sent it to him. The people said to him:
'Your action was not appropriate. The Messenger of Allah
wore it out
of need and you asked him for it knowing that he never refuses a request!'
The man replied: 'By Allah, I did not ask him for it in order to wear it. I
asked him for it so that it could be my burial shroud.' Sahl 4.
said: "And
it was indeed his burial shroud." (Bukhārī)
Commentary
This hadith illustrates the generosity and noble character of the Messenger of Allah
Additional Points
v It is permissible to derive benefit from the relics of the pious.
v Exchanging gifts creates mutual love and unity.
v One should not refuse a gift without a valid reason.
v It is meritorious to continuously ponder over death. Pious people of the past would dig
their own graves in order to remind themselves of the reality of death.
Hadith 568
: ((إِنَّ الأَشْعَرِيِّينَ إِذَا أرْمَلُوا في الغَزْوِ ،
وعن أَبي موسى ◌ُّهُ، قَالَ : قَالَ رسول الله
أَوْ قَلَّ طَعَامُ عِيَالِهِمْ بِالمَدِنَةِ ، جَمَعُوا مَا كَانَ عِنْدَهُمْ فِي ثَوْبٍ وَاحِدٍ ، ثُمَّ اقْتَسَمُوهُ بَيْنَهُمْ فِي
إِنَاءٍ وَاحِدٍ بِالسَّوِيَّةِ فَهُمْ مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْهُمْ )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ .
Abū Mūsā al-Ash'arī
narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "It
was the habit of the Ash'arites that when their provisions on an expedition
were depleted or when their families in Madinah ran short of food, they
would gather whatever they had in one cloth and then distribute it equally

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in each person's utensil. They are from me and I am from them." (Bukhārī,
Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith explains one of the noble practises of the Ash'arī tribe. During times of need,
they would gather all their possessions and then distribute it equally between themselves so
that those who had more would share with those who had less. The Messenger of Allah
praised this quality saying that they were similar in conduct and worship to him.
CHAPTER 63
باب التنافس في أمور الآخرة والاستكثار مما يتبرك بِهِ
Chapter on competing in matters of the Hereafter and to desire much of that
which is blessed
قَالَ الله تَعَالَى: ﴿وَفِىْ ذُلِكَ فَلْيَتَنَافَسِ الْمُتَنَافِسُوْنَ﴾ (المطففين: ٢٦).
Allāh &s says: "It is for this that competitors should compete." (Sūrah
al-Muțaffifīn, 26)
Hadith 569
أَنِيَ بِشَرابٍ ، فَشَرِبَ مِنْهُ وَعَنْ يَمِينِهِ غُلاَمٌ ،
وعن سَهْلِ بن سَعدٍ ◌ّهِ: أنَّ رسول الله
وَعَنْ يَسَارِهِ الأَشْيَاغُ ، فَقَالَ لِلْغُلاَمِ : (( أَتَأَذَنُ لِي أَنْ أَعْطِيَ هُؤُلاء؟ )) فَقَالَ الغُلامُ: لَاَ
وَاللهِ يَا رسولَ الله، لا أَوْثِرُ بِنَصِيبِي مِنْكَ أَحَداً. فَلَّهُ رسولُ اللهِ ﴿ فِي يَدِهِ . متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ .
(( تَلَّهُ )) بالتاءِ المثناة فوق: أيْ وَضَعَهُ . وَهَذَا الغُلامُ هُوَ ابْنُ عَبَّاسٍ
Sahl ibn Sa'd aog narrates: "A drink was brought to the Messenger of Allah
and he drank some of it. On his right was a young boy and on his left
were old people. So he said to the young boy: 'Do you grant me permission
to give it to them?' The young boy replied: 'No. By Allah, I will not give
preference to anyone regarding my share from you,' so the Messenger of
Allāh
placed it in his hand." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
The young boy in this incident was 'Abdullah ibn 'Abbas . He did not permit the Messenger

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of Allāh
to give preference to the older people because he was eager to benefit from the
blessings of the leftover drink of the Messenger of Allah
This was an indication of his
intelligence and sound judgment.
The fact that the Messenger of Allah
did not merely ignore the young boy, but respectfully
asked him to relinquish his right in favour of the older people, points to the Messenger of
Allah's &
exceptional sense of justice.
Additional Points
v It is Sunnah to begin from the right when serving people, even if those on the left are
nobler in status and piety.
v One should honour the rights of all people irrespective of their age.
Hadīth 570
وعن أبي هريرة ﴿له، عن النبيِ حُ﴿ون، قَالَ: ((بَيْنَا أَيُّوبُ عِلاَ يَغْتَسِلُ عُرْيَاناً، فَخَرَّ عَلَيْهِ
جَرَادٌ مِنْ ذَهَبٍ ، فَجَعَلَ أَيُّوبُ يَحْثِي فِي ثَوْبِهِ، فَنَادَاهُ رَبُّهُ عُلاَ: يَا أَيُّوبُ، أَلَمْ أَكُنْ أَغْنَيتِكَ
عَمَّا تَرَى؟! قَالَ : بَلَى وَعِزَّتِكَ وَلَكِنْ لاَ غِنى بي عن بَرَكَتِكَ )) رواه البخاري .
Abū Hurayrah Kg
s narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "While
Ayyub & was having a bath in the nude, locusts of gold began falling onto
him and he began gathering them in his clothes. Allah &s called out to
him: 'O Ayyub! Did I not make you independent of these things that you
see?' He replied: 'Yes, by Your honour, but I can never be independent of
Your blessings." (Bukhārī)
Commentary
In this hadith, Ayyub &
explained that he did not gather the golden locusts out of love and
greed for wealth, but because he wanted to benefit from the blessings of Allah & that were
being showered upon him. It teaches us that we may acquire wealth if we utilise it correctly
and benefit others thereby. One who is wealthy should also express gratitude that Allah &
has made him independent of others.
Additional Points
It is permissible to bath in the nude in a secluded environment because this equates to
concealing the private part area, however to conceal this area due to shame and modesty
is Mustahab (preferable).

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CHAPTER 64
باب فضل الغَنِيّ الشاكر وهو من أخذ المال من وجهه وصرفه في وجوهه المأمور ◌ِهَا
Chapter on the virtue of a grateful wealthy person - one who earns in the
correct manner and spends in avenues that have been commanded
قَالَ الله تَعَالَى: ﴿فَمَّا مَنْ أَعْطَى وَاتَّقْى وَصَدَّقَ بِالْحُسْنَى فَسَنُيَسِّرُهُ لِليُسْرَى﴾ (الليل: ٥-٧)،
Allāh &s says: "As for the one who gives, who is Allah-fearing and who
believes in the most beautiful word, We shall make the great comfort easy
for him." (Sūrah al-Layl, 5-7)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿وَسَيُجَنَبِّهَا الْأَتْقَى الَّذِىْ يُؤْتِئٍ مَالَهُ يَتَزَكَّى وَمَا لِأَحَدٍ عِنْدَهُ مِنْ نِّعْمَةِ تُجْزَى
إِلَّ ابْتِغَاءَ وَجْهِ رَبِّهِ الْأَعْلَى وَلَسَوْفَ يَرْضُى﴾ (الليل: ١٧ - ٢١)،
Allāh &s says: "Far removed from it shall be the ones who are most Allah-
fearing; who spend their wealth to purify. They do not have to repay a
favour to anyone except for the pleasure of their Exalted Sustainer. Soon
shall they be completely satisfied." (Sūrah al-Layl, 17-21)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿إِنْ تُبْدُوا الصَّدَقْتِ فَنِعِمَّا هِىَ وَإِنْ تُخْفُوْهَا وَتُؤْتُوْهَا الْفُقَرَآءَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ
وَيُكَفِّرُ عَنْكُمْ مِّنْ سَيَّاتِكُمْ وَاللهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِيْرٌ﴾ ( البقرة: ٢٧١)،
Allāh & says: "If you give charity openly, it is excellent indeed, but if you
conceal it and convey it to the poor, it is better for you. He will expiate
some of your sins. And Allah is fully aware of what you do." (Sūrah al-
Baqarah, 271)
وقال تَعَالَى : ﴿ لَنْ تَالُوا الْبَرَّ حَتَّى تُنْفِقُوْا مِمَّا تُحِبُّوْنَ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوْا مِنْ شَىْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللهَ بِهِ عَلِيْمٌ
﴾ ( آل عمران: ٩٢ ) والآيات في فضلِ الإنفاقِ في الطاعاتِ كثيرة معلومة .
Allāh &s says: "You will never acquire righteousness until you spend of
that which you love. And whatever good you spend, Allah is certainly aware
of it." (Sūrah Āl 'Imran, 92)

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Hadith 571
: (( لاَ حَسَدَ إِلَّ في اثْنَيْنِ :
- وعن عبدِ الله بن مسعود رضيّهُ، قَالَ : قَالَ رسول الله
رَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ مَالاَ ، فَسَلَّطَهُ عَلَى هَلَكَتِهِ فِي الحَقِّ ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ اللهُ حِكْمَةً فَهُوَ يَقْضِي بِهَا
وَيُعَلِّمُهَا )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ . وتقدم شرحه قريباً .
'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud 4% narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said:
"Envy is not lawful except with regard to two people: a person whom
Allāh &s has granted wealth and he spends it in the path of truth; and a
person whom Allah &s granted wisdom and he gives judgments by it and
teaches it." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith has been discussed in a previous chapter. See hadith 544.
Hadīth 572
، قَالَ : (( لاَ حَسَدَ إِلَّ فِي انْتَيْنِ: رَجُلٌ آَتَاهُ اللهُ القُرْآنَ
وعن ابن عمر ظه، عن النبي ﴿
، فَهُوَ يَقُومُ بِهِ آَنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَآَنَاءَ النَّهَارِ ، وَرَجُلٌ آتَاهُ مَالاَ ، فَهُوَ يُنْفِقُهُ أَنَاءَ اللَّيْلِ وَآَنَاءَ النَّهَارِ
)) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ .
Ibn 'Umar
narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "Envy is not
lawful except with regard to two people: a person whom Allah & has given
the Qur'an and he upholds it day and night; and a person whom Allah &s
has given wealth and he spends it day and night." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith mentions the virtue of a wealthy person who is also generous. It also states the
importance of adhering to the Qur'an at all times. The words of the hadith encourage us to
recite the Qur'an, teach its words, understand its meaning, ponder over its message, issue
verdicts by its laws and practise upon its teachings.
Hadīth 573
، فَقَالُوا : ذَهَبَ أهْلُ الدُّنُورِ
وعن أبي هريرة ﴿هُ: أَنَّ فُقَراءَ المُهَاجِرِينَ أَتَوْا رسول الله
بِالدَّرَجَاتِ العُلَى ، وَالَّعِيمِ المُقيم ، فَقَالَ: ((وَمَا ذَاك؟)) فَقَالُوا: يُصَلُّونَ كَمَا نُصَلِّي ،
وَيَصُومُونَ كَمَا نَصُومُ ، وَيَتَصَدَّقُونَ وَلاَ نَتَصَدَّقُ ، وَيَعْتِقُونَ وَلاَ نَعْتِقُ ، فَقَالَ رسول الله
: (( أَفَلا أُعَلِّمُكُمْ شَيْئاً تُدْرِكُونَ بِهِ مَنْ سَبَقَكُمْ ، وَتَسْبِقُونَ بِهِ مَنْ بَعْدَكُمْ ، وَلاَ يَكُونُ أحَدٌ

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أَفْضَلَ مِنْكُمْ إِلَّ مَنْ صَنَعَ مِثْلَ مَا صَنَعْتُمْ؟)) قالوا: بَلَى يا رسول الله، قَالَ: (( تُسَبِّحُونَ
وَ وَتَحْمِدُونَ وتُكَبِّرُونَ ، دُبْرَ كُلِّ صَلَةٍ ثَلاثَاً وَثَلاثِينَ مَرَّةً )) فَرَجَعَ فُقَرَاء الْمُهَاجِرِينَ إِلَى
رسول الله ﴿، فقالوا: سَمِعَ إِخْوَانُنَا أهلُ الأمْوالِ بِمَا فَعَلْنَا، فَفَعَلُوا مِثْلَهُ؟ فَقَالَ رسول
: ((ذَلِكَ فَضْلُ اللـهِ يُؤْتِيِهِ مَنْ يَشَاءُ )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ ، وَهَذا لفظ رواية مسلم .
الله
Abū Hurayrah 4% narrates that the poor Muhajirun came to the Messenger
of Allāh
and said: "The wealthy people have appropriated high ranks
and eternal bounties." He asked: "How is that?" They said: "They perform
șalāh as we perform salah and they fast as we fast, but they give sadaqah and
we do not give sadaqah and they free slaves and we do not free slaves." The
Messenger of Allah
said: "Should I not teach you something by which
you can reach those who went ahead of you and outshine those who will
come after you, and none will be better than you except one who does
the same as you do?" They replied: "Please do, O Messenger of Allah!"
He said: "You should glorify Allah (i.e. say subhanallāh), praise Allāh (i.e.
say alhamdulillah) and express the greatness of Allāh (i.e. say Allahu akbar)
thirty-three times after every salah." These poor Muhajirun then returned
to the Messenger of Allah
and said: "Our wealthy brothers heard of
what we were doing and they did the same." The Messenger of Allah
said: "That is the bounty of Allah des which He gives to whoever He wills."
(Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
In this hadith, we learn of the poor Șahabah
complaining to the Messenger of Allah
that they matched the wealthy Sahabah
in bodily forms of worship, but that the
latter excelled in monetary forms of worship due to their wealth. The Messenger of Allah
explained to them that reciting subhanallah, alhamdulillah and Allahu akbar thirty-three
times each after every Fard Salah equals the reward of spending in sadaqah and freeing slaves.
Additional Points
v The Șahabah
were enthusiastic to do good deeds and competed with each other in
this regard.
v Believers are fortunate to have numerous avenues through which they may earn the
pleasure of Allah des.
V It is Allah's des kindness and compassion that He greatly rewards the believers for
whatever good they do.
v Poverty and wealth are both from Allah &s and should be accepted by man with the

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belief that He grants to whom He chooses.
CHAPTER 65
باب ذكر الموت وقصر الأمل
Chapter on remembering death and curtailing aspirations
قَالَ الله تَعَالَى: ﴿كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ وَإِنَّمَا تُوَفَّوْنَ أُجُوْرَكُمْ يَوْمَ الْقِيْمَةِ فَمَنْ زُحْزِحَ عَنِ
النَّارِ وَأُدْخِلَ الْجَنَّةَ فَقَدْ فَازَ وَمَا الْحَيْوةُ الدُّنْيَآَ إِلَّ مَتَاعُ الْغُرُوْرِ﴾ ( آل عمران: ١٨٥)،
Allāh & says: "Every soul shall taste death and only on the day of
Resurrection will you be given your rewards in full. One who is saved from
the Hell-fire and entered into Paradise shall truly be successful. The life of
this world is merely an enjoyment of deception." (Sūrah Al 'Imran, 3: 185)
وقال تَعَالَى : ﴿وَمَا تَدْرِئْ نَفْسٌ مَّاذَا تَكْسِبُ غَدًا وَمَا تَدْرِئْ نَفْسٌ بِأَىِّ أَرْضٍ تَمُوْتُ ﴾
( لقمان: ٣٤)،
"A soul does not know what it will earn tomorrow and neither does it know
in which land it will die." (Sūrah Luqman, 31: 34)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿ فَإِذَا جَاءَ اَجَلُهُمْ لاَ يَسْتَأْخِرُوْنَ سَاعَةً وَّلاَ يَسْتَقْدِمُوْنَ﴾ (النحل: ٦١)،
"When their term expires, they will not be able to delay it for a moment,
nor bring it forward." (Sūrah aL-Nahl, 16: 61)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿يَيُّهَا الَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا لَا تُلْهِكُمْ آَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلَاَ اَوْلَادُكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللهِ وَمَنْ يَّفْعَلْ
ذُلِكَ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْخُسِرُوْنَ وَانْفِقُوْا مِنْ مَّا رَزَقْتُكُمْ مِّنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ يَّأْتِىَ أَحَدَكُمُ الْمَوْتُ فَيَقُوْلَ
رَبِّ لَوْلَا آخَّرْتَنِّ إِلَّى اَجَلٍ قَرِيْبٍ فَاصَّدَّقَ وَاكُنْ مِّنَ الصُّلِحِيْنَ وَلَنْ يُؤَخِّرَ اللهُ نَفْسًا إِذَا
جَاءَ اَجَلُهَا وَاللهُ خَبِيْرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ﴾ ( المنافقون: ٩)،
"O you who believer! Let not your wealth and your children make you
neglect Allah's remembrance. Those who do this, are certainly losers. Spend
from what we have provided you before death comes to any of you and
then he says: 'O My Sustainer! Why do You not grant me respite for a little

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while so that I can spend in charity and become of the righteous.' Allah
shall never grant respite to any soul when its term arrives. Allah is aware
of what you do." (Sūrah al-Munafiqun, 63: 9-11)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿حَتَّى إِذَا جَاءَ أَحَدَهُمُ الْمَوْتُ قَالَ رَبِّ ارْجِعُوْنِ لَعَلِّنّ اعْمَلُ صَالِحًا فِيَا
تَرَكْتُ كَلاَّ إِنَّهَا كَلِمَةٌ هُوَ قَآئِلُهَا وَمِنْ وَّرَآئِهِمْ بَرْزَخٌ إِلَى يَوْمٍ يُبْعَثُوْنَ فَإِذَا نُفِخَ فِى الصُّوْرِ
فَلَاَ اَنْسَابَ بَيْنَهُمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ وَلَا يَتَسَآءَلُوْنَ فَمَنْ تَقُلَتْ مَوَازِيْنُهُ فَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُفْلِحُوْنَ وَمَنْ
خَفَّتْ مَوَازِيْنُهُ فَأُولَئِكَ الَّذِيْنَ خَسِرُوْا أَنْفُسَهُمْ فِى جَهَنَّمَ خُلِدُوْنَ تَلْفَحُ وُجُوْهَهُمُ النَّارُ
وَهُمْ فِيْهَا كُلِحُوْنَ الَمْ تَكُنْ أَيْتِىْ تُقْلِى عَلَيْكُمْ فَكُنْتُمْ بِهَا تُكَذِّبُوْنَ ﴾ إِلَى قَوْله تَعَالَى : ﴿ ...
كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِى الْأَرْضِ عَدَدَ سِنِيْنَ قَالُوا لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍ فَسْئَلِ الْعَاذَيْنَ قُلَ إِنْ لَّبِئْتُمْ
إِلَّ قَلِيْلاً لَّوْ اَنَّكُمْ كُنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُوْنَ افَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَكُمْ عَبَثًا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لاَ تُرْجَعُوْنَ﴾ (
المؤمنون: ٩٩- ١١٥)،
"Until the time arrives when death comes to any of them, then he says:
'O my Sustainer! Allow me to return so that I may perform good deeds in
that which I left behind.' Never! It is merely a statement that he utters.
Behind them is barzagh until the day that they are resurrected. When the
trumpet is blown, neither shall there be any family ties between them,
nor will they ask about each other. Whoever's scales are weighty shall
surely be successful. Whoever's scales are light, these are the ones who
have put themselves at a loss and shall remain forever in Hell. The fire will
scorch their faces and they shall be disfigured there. Were My verses not
recited to you, but you used to reject them? They will cry: 'O our Sustainer!
Our wretchedness overpowered us and we were a deviated nation. O our
Sustainer! Remove us from here. If we ever repeat ourselves, then we must
surely be oppressors.' Allah said: 'Remain disgraced in it and do not speak
to Me. There was a group of My servants who used to say: 'O our Sustainer!
We have believed, so forgive us and have mercy on us. Indeed You are the
best of those who show mercy.' But you ridiculed them until they made you
forget to remember Me. And you used to laugh at them. I have rewarded
them today for their patience; they are certainly successful. He will ask:
'How long did you stay on earth by the count of years?' They will say: 'We
stayed only a day or a part of a day, but ask those who count' He will say:
'You stayed only for a little. If only you had known. Did you think that
We had created you in vain and that you would not return to Us?"" (Sūrah

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al-Mu'minūn, 23: 99-115)
وقال تَعَالَى: ﴿اَلَمْ يَأْنِ لِلَّذِيْنَ أُمَنُوْا أَنْ تَخْشَعَ قُلُوْبُهُمْ لِذِكْرِ اللهِ وَمَا نَزَلَ مِنَ الْحَقِّ وَلاَ
يَكُوْنُوا كَالَّذِيْنَ أُوْتُوا الْكِتْبَ مِنْ قَبْلُ فَطَالَ عَلَيْهِمُ الْأَمَدُ فَقَسَتْ قُلُوْبُهُمْ وَكَثِيْرٌ مِّنْهُمْ
فُسِقُوْنَ﴾ ( الحديد: ١٦ )
وَالآيات في الباب كَثيرةٌ معلومة .
"Has the time not come for the hearts of the believers to submit humble
to Allah's remembrance and to the truth that has been revealed. Do not
become like those who were given the Book before after which a long
period of time elapsed and their hearts hardened. A large number of them
are sinners." (Sūrah al-Hadīd, 57, 16)
Hadith 574
بِمِنْكَبِي ، فَقَالَ : (( كُنْ فِي الدُّنْيَا كَأَنَّكَ غَرِيبٌ
وعن ابن عمر ربطها، قَالَ : أخذ رسول الله
أَوْ عَابِرُ سَبِيلٍ )). وَكَانَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ ضَِ، يقول: إِذَا أَمْسَيْتَ فَلاَ تَنْتَظِرِ الصَّبَاحَ ، وَإِذَا أَصْبَحتَ
فَلاَ تَنْتَظِرِ المَسَاءَ ، وَخُذْ مِنْ صِحَّتِكَ لِمَرَضِكَ ، وَمِنْ حَيَاتِكَ لِمَوْتِكَ . رواه البخاري .
Ibn ‘Umar
narrates: "The Messenger of Allah
took hold of my
shoulders and said: 'Live in this world as if you are a stranger or one who
is travelling on a path.' Ibn 'Umar we used to say: 'In the evening, do not
expect to see the morning and in the morning, do not expect to see the
evening. Prepare for your illness while you are healthy and prepare for
your death while you are living.' (Bukhārī)
Commentary
This hadith has been discussed previously. See hadith 471. It explains that man is in reality a
stranger in this world. The initial abode of his ancestors, Adam and Hawwa , was Paradise
and he will return to Paradise through the mercy of Allah &. In other words, man's life in
this world is like that of a traveller who is far from his home. Just as a traveller carries very
little belongings on a trip, man should not attach too much importance to the goods and
luxuries of this world.
The words of Ibn 'Umar &
teach us that we should be prepared for death at all times. We
should not procrastinate regarding repentance and doing good deeds because death may
overtake us at any time.

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Hadīth 575
، قَالَ : ((مَا حَقُّ امْرِئٍ مُسْلِمٍ ، لَهُ شَيْءٌ يُوصِي فِيهِ ، يَبِيتُ لَيْلَيْنِ
وعنه : أنَّ رسول الله
إِلَّ وَوَصِيَُّهُ مَكْتُوبَةٌ عِنْدَهُ )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ ،
هَذَا لفظ البخاري . وفي روايةٍ لمسلمٍ : (( يَبِتُ ثَلاَثَ لَيَالٍ )) قَالَ ابن عمر : مَا مَرَّتْ عَلَيَّ
قَالَ ذَلِكَ إِلَّ وَعِنْدِي وَصِيَِّي .
لَيْلَةٌ مُنْذُ سَمِعْتُ رسولَ الله
Ibn ‘Umar
narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "It is not
correct for a Muslim who has anything to bequeath to spend two nights
without having a written will in his possession." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
This is the wording of Bukhari. A narration of Muslim has: "To spend three
nights." Ibn 'Umar dog said: "Not a single night has passed since I heard the
Messenger of Allah
saying this, without my having my will with me."
Commentary
This hadith teaches that a believer should have his bequests written down. Scholars explain
that to do so is Mustahab (advisable). However, concerning the rights of others, such as debts
and trusts in one's possession, it is compulsory to have these written down so that it does
not result in oppression and injustice after a person's death.
While the hadith states "two nights," scholars have stated that it refers to a short period of
time. In other words, one should not delay in drawing up a will.
Additional Points
V A will should be signed by two reliable witnesses.
A believer should perpetually remember his death and prepare for it.
Hadith 576
خُطُوطًا ، فَقَالَ : ((هَذَا الإِنْسَانُ ، وَهَذَا أَجَلُهُ ، فَيْنَمَا
وعن أنس رضيله، قَالَ: خَطَّ النَّبِيُّ ل﴿
هُوَ كَذَلِكَ إِذْ جَاءَ الخَطُّ الأَقْرَبُ )) رواه البخاري .
Anas &
narrates: "The Messenger of Allah
drew some lines and said:
'This is man and this is his death. He is occupied in his aspirations when
suddenly the closest line (i.e. death) comes upon him." (Bukhārī)
Commentary
This hadith teaches us that man is inclined towards developing aspirations and hopes for

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the future, however death reaches him before these are realised. A person should, therefore,
prepare for the Hereafter and not be deceived by life's aspirations.
Hadith 577
خَطّاً مُرَبَّعاً ، وَخَطَّ خَطَّاً فِي الوَسَطِ خَارِجَاً
وعن ابن مسعود ﴿ثه، قَالَ : خَطَّ النَّبيُّ
مِنْهُ، وَخَطَّ خُطَطَا صِغَاراً إِلَى هَذَا الَّذِي فِي الْوَسَطِ مِنْ جَانِبِ الَّذِي فِي الْوَسَطِ ، فَقَالَ: ((
هَذَا الإِنْسَانُ ، وَهذَا أجَلُهُ مُحِيطاً بِهِ - أَوْ قَدْ أَحَاطَ بِهِ - وَهَذَا الَّذِي هُوَ خَارِجٌ أَمَلُهُ ، وَهذِهِ
الْخُطَطُ الصَّغَارُ الأَعْرَاضُ، فَإِنْ أَخْطَأَهُ هَذَا ، نَهَشَهُ هَذَا، وَإِنْ أخْطَأَهُ هَذَا ، نَهَشَهُ هَذَا ))
رواه البخاري . وَهذِهِ صُورَتُهُ :
Ibn Mas'ud &
narrates that on one occasion, the Messenger of Allah
drew a square and then drew a line through the middle of it which extended
beyond it. He then drew small lines from the side within the square up
to the middle line. He then said, "This (middle line) represents man, and
these (four sides of the square) which encircle him - or by which he is
encircled - represent his life-span. The line that extends beyond the square
represents his hopes and these small lines represent afflictions. If one of
these misses him, the next one will get him, and if this one misses him,
the next one will get him." (Bukhārī) This is its graphic representation.
Commentary
In this hadith, the Messenger of Allah
perfectly explained the reality of life. Man is
engulfed by his death; however, his aspirations encourage him to live as if he will never die. He
is continuously faced with events and occurrences that are linked with death such as illness,
old age, weakness and accidents, but he chooses to remain oblivious of his eventual fate.
By means of this illustration, the Messenger of Allah
explained the need to abstain from
long-drawn ambitions in life and to rather do good deeds and prepare for life after death. The
benefits of cutting down on ambitions are many. One who does so concentrates more upon
death and exerts himself in the obedience of Allah &S. He also desires less and is content

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with what he has.
Hadith 578
، قَالَ: ((بَادِرُوا بِالأَعْمَالِ سَبْعاً، هَلْ تَنْتَظِرُونَ إِلاَّ
وعن أبي هريرة ﴿ه: أنَّ رسول الله ﴾
فَقْراً مُنْسِياً، أَوْ غِنَىَ مُطْغِياً، أَوْ مَرَضَاً مُفْسِداً، أَوْ هَرَماً مُفَتِّداً، أَوْ مَوْنَاً مُجْهِزاً، أَوْ الدَّجّالَ
، فَشَرُّ غَائِبٍ يُنْتَظَرُ، أَوْ السَّاعَةَ وَالسَّاعَةُ أَدْهَى وَأَمَرُّ ؟!)) رواه الترمذي، وقال : (( حديث
حسن )) .
Abū Hurayrah
,narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: “Hasten
with good deeds before seven things overtake you. Are you waiting for
poverty that makes you forgetful; or affluence that makes you transgress;
or illness that disables you; or old age that makes you senile; or sudden
death; or Dajjal and what an evil unseen creation that is to be; or the Final
Hour, which will be terrible and most bitter?" (Tirmidhi)
Commentary
This hadith passed in a previous chapter. See hadith 98. It identifies various circumstances of
life that often prevent a person from doing good deeds. In essence, the hadith conveys the
importance of utilising available time and opportunities for engaging in beneficial deeds.
The wealthy are told to obey Allah &s because poverty often causes a person to beg and
forget Allah &S. The poor are told to obey Allah &s and not to desire wealth because wealth
frequently leads a person to transgress the laws of Islam. The healthy are told to obey Allah
des because if they are afflicted with illness they will not have the physical strength to engage
in worship. The young are told to obey Allah &s because old age weakens a person physically
and mentally, making it difficult to worship Allāh.
Hadīth 579
: ((أكْثِرُوا ذِكْرَ هَاذِمِ اللَّذَّاتِ )) يَعْنِي : المَوْتَ . رواه
وعنه ، قَالَ : قَالَ رسول الله
الترمذي ، وقال : (( حديث حسن )) .
Abū Hurayrah 4% narrates that the Messenger of Allah
1% said: "Abundantly
remember the destroyer of pleasures." In other words, death. (Tirmidhi)
Commentary
This hadith teaches us to remember death frequently. Scholars say that one should do so by
contemplating about it, discussing it and visualising it. This final form is the ultimate and

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most useful in discouraging one from sinning.
The benefits of remembering death are many: it makes one prepare for death; it draws one
away from the love of this fleeting world; it encourages one to engage in good actions; it leads
one to repent from sin; and it prevents one from oppressing others and usurping their rights.
Hadith 580
إِذَا ذَهَبَ ثُلُثُ اللَّيْلِ قَامَ ، فَقَالَ : ((يَا أَيُّهَا
وعن أُبَيِّ بن كعبٍ ◌ّهُ : كَانَ رسول الله
النَّاسُ ، اذْكُرُوا اللهَ، جَاءتِ الرَّاجِفَةُ ، تَتَبَعُهَا الرَّادِقَةُ، جَاءَ المَوْتُ بِمَا فِهِ ، جَاءَ المَوْتُ بِمَا
فِهِ )) قُلْتُ: يَا رسول الله، إنِّي أَكْثِرُ الصَّلاَةَ عَلَيْكَ ، فَكَمْ أجْعَلُ لَكَ مِنْ صَلاَّتِي؟ فَقَالَ : ((
مَا شِئْتَ)) قُلْتُ: الرُّبُعِ، قَالَ : ((مَا شِئْتَ، فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ )) قُلْتُ : فَالنَّصْف
؟ قَالَ : ((مَا شِئْتَ ، فَإِنْ زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ )) قُلْتُ : فالقُّلُثَيْنِ؟ قَالَ: (( مَا شِئْتَ ، فَإِنْ
زِدْتَ فَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَكَ )) قُلْتُ: أجعَلُ لَكَ صَلاَتِي كُلَّهَا؟ قَالَ : ((إِذَ تُكْفِى هَمَّكَ ، وَيُغْفَرِ لَكَ
ذَنْبكَ )) رواه الترمذي ، وقال : (( حديث حسن )) .
Ubayy ibn Ka'b
narrates: "When one third of the night had passed,
the Messenger of Allah
would stand up and say: 'O people! Remember
Allah. The rajifah (the first blowing of the Trumpet) has come and it will
be followed by the radifah (the second blowing of the Trumpet). Death has
come with all that it comprises. Death has come with all that it comprises.'
I asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! I send abundant salutations upon you. How
much of my time should I dedicate for you?' He replied: 'As much as you
like.' I asked: 'A quarter?' He replied: 'As much as you like, but if you do
more, it will be better for you.' I asked: 'A half?' He replied: 'As much as you
like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.' I asked: 'Two-thirds?' He
replied: 'As much as you like, but if you do more, it will be better for you.'
I asked: 'Can I dedicate all my time in sending salutations upon you?' He
said: 'If you do so, your worries will be removed and your sins forgiven."
(Tirmidhī)
Commentary
This hadith explains that Qiyamah is close because the time of the blowing of the trumpet is
close. It also explains two virtues of sending salutations (durūd) upon the Messenger of Allah
: a person is relieved of worries and his sins are forgiven. Relief from worries by reciting
durūd is explained by a hadith that states that one who recites a single durūd is rewarded by
Allah &s with ten duruds. These ten duruds are in the form of Allah's & mercies and His

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pleasure and one who is blessed with these can never be anxious, depressed or unhappy.
Durūd carries tremendous rewards for many reasons. It is a dhikr of Allah, a means of honouring
the Messenger of Allah
, a prayer of preference to the rights of the Messenger of Allah
as opposed to one's own, and a form of supplicating for the Messenger of Allah
rather
than for oneself.
CHAPTER 66
باب استحباب زيارة القبور للرجال وما یقوله الزائر
Chapter on the advisability of men visiting graves and what a visitor should
recite
Hadīth 581
: (( كُنْتُ نَهَيْتُكُمْ عن زِيَارَةِ القُبُورِ فَزُوروها ))
عن بُرَيْدَة ◌ِطُهُ ، قَالَ : قَالَ رسول الله
رواه مسلم . وفي رواية : (( فَمَنْ أَرَادَ أنْ يَزُورَ القُبُورَ فَلْيَزُرْ؛ فإنَّهَا تُذَكِّرُنَا الْآخِرَةَ)) .
Buraydah 15 de narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "I used to
prohibit you from visiting graves, but now visit them." (Muslim)
Another narration has: "So one who wishes to visit graves should do so
because it reminds us of the Hereafter."
Commentary
The Messenger of Allah
originally forbade the Muslims from visiting the graves of the
deceased because of their closeness to the era of ignorance. He feared that their reverence
of idol-worship, veneration of tombs and excessive lamentation over the deceased would
lead them back towards forbidden practices. However, when their faith and belief in Allah
des became firm and unshakeable, this prohibition was lifted.
The hadith explains that the reason for the allowance to visit graves is that it serves as a
beneficial reminder of death and the Hereafter. The scholars, therefore, unanimously agree
135 Buraydah
accepted Islam with around eighty members of his tribe. He participated in
Hudaibiyah, Bait al-Ridwan and the Conquest of Makkah Mukarramah. He was part of the final army
that the Messenger of Allah
prepared under Usamah 4%. He loved jihad in the path of Allah des
and loved riding horses for this purpose. 167 ahadith are narrated from him.

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RIYĀD AL-ȘĀLIĶĪN
that it is advisable to visit graves. On a broader scale, the hadith teaches us to continuously
remember death and the Hereafter because this helps to suppress base desires and is an
effective reminder of the transitory nature of life.
Additional Points
v It is greatly meritorious to visit the grave of the Messenger of Allah
Hadith 582
- كلَّمَا كَانَ لَيْلَتُّهَا مِنْ رسول اللـه ◌ُ﴾ ۔ یَخْرُجُ
وعن عائشة تظلها ، قالت : كَانَ رسول الله
مِنْ آخِرِ اللَّيْلِ إِلَى البَقِيعِ ، فَيَقولُ: ((السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ دَارَ قَوْمٍ مُؤْمِنِينَ ، وَأَتَاكُمْ مَا تُوعَدُونَ ،
غَداً مُؤَجَّلُونَ ، وَإِنَّا إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ بِكُمْ لاَحِقُونَ ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لأَهْلِ بَقِيعِ الغَرْقَدِ )) رواه مسلم .
'A'ishah was narrates that whenever it was her turn with the Messenger
of Allāh
, he would go to al-Baqi' in the latter part of the night and
say: 'Peace be upon you, O abode of the believers! That which you were
promised for tomorrow has come to you. If Allah wills, we will join you. O
Allah, forgive the dwellers of Baqī al-Gharqad." (Muslim)
Vocabulary and Definitions
is the name of a thorny tree which grew in غَرْقَدِ .is the famous graveyard in Madinah بَقِيع الغَرْقَدِ
the graveyard, hence the graveyard was named after it. It contains the graves of ten thousand
Șaļābah, according to Imam Malik
Commentary
From this hadith, we learn that the Messenger of Allah
regularly visited the graveyard
and supplicated for the deceased.
Additional Points
v It is permissible to visit the graveyard during the day and at night.
v It is Sunnah to greet the deceased and supplicate for their forgiveness.
Hadith 583
وعن بريدة ﴿ه، قَالَ: كَانَ النبيُّ ل﴿ يُعَلِّمُهُمْ إِذَا خَرَجُوا إِلَى المَقَابِرِ أنْ يَقُولَ قَائِلُهُمْ: ((
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ أهَلَ الدِّيَارِ مِنَ المُؤْمِنِينَ وَالمُسلمينَ ، وَإِنَّ إِنْ شَاءَ اللهُ بِكُمْ للاَحِقونَ ، أسْألُ
اللهَ لَنَا وَلَكُمُ العَافِيَةَ )) رواه مسلم .
Buraydah & narrates that the Messenger of Allah
taught them that
when they went to the graveyards they should say: "Peace be upon you,

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RIYĀD AL-ȘĀLIĶĪN
O inhabitants of the abode of believers and Muslims. If Allah wills, we will
join you. I ask Allah for well-being for us and for you." (Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith teaches us the Sunnah du'a' to be made for the deceased when one enters a
graveyard. According to a narration of Ibn 'Abbās
, a deceased person replies to the
greeting of one who greets him, if they were acquainted with each other in their worldly
lives. The hadith also teaches us that the du'a' of the living benefits the dead.
Hadith 584
◌َّ بِقُبُورٍ بالمِدِينَةِ فَأَقْبَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ بِوَجْهِهِ ، فَقَالَ
وعن ابن عباسٍ ظَهَا، قَالَ : مرَّ رسول الله
: ((السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَا أَهْلَ القُبُورِ ، يَغْفِرُ اللهُ لَنَا وَلَكُمْ ، أَنْتُمْ سَلَفْنَا وَنَحنُ بِالأَثَرِ )) رواه
الترمذي ، وقال : (( حديث حسن )) .
Ibn 'Abbas ws narrates: The Messenger of Allah
passed by some graves
in Madinah. He turned his face towards them and said: "Peace be upon
you, O inhabitants of the graves! May Allah des forgive us and you. You
preceded us and we will follow." (Tirmidhi)
Commentary
This hadith teaches us that it is advisable to face the grave of the deceased when greeting
them. According to some scholars, this also applies when one is supplicating for the deceased,
however according to other scholars, such as Ibn Hajar «, it is advisable to face the Qiblah
when supplicating.
Mullah 'Alī Qarī A
stated that when visiting a grave, the bare minimum one should do is
recite Sūrah Fatihah once and Sūrah Ikhlas thrice. One should then pass the reward of this
to the deceased and supplicate for his or her forgiveness.
CHAPTER 67
بابُ كراهة تمنّي الموت بسبب ضُرّ نزل بِهِ وَلاَ بأس بِهِ لخوف الفتنة في الدين
Chapter on the detestability of desiring death because of a calamity, and
its permissibility when fearing one's religion

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RIYĀD AL-ȘĀLIĶĪN
Hadith 585
٤، قَالَ : (( لا يَتَمَنَّ أحَدُكُمُ المَوْتَ، إمَّا مُحْسِناً فَلَعَلَّهُ
عن أَبي هريرة طه: أنَّ رسول الله ﴿
يَزْدَادُ ، وَإِمَّا مُسِيئاً فَلَعَلَّهُ يَسْتَعْتِبُ )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ ، وهذا لفظ البخاري .
، قَالَ : ((لاَ يَتَمَنَّ أَحَدُكُمُ
وفي رواية لمسلم عن أبي هريرة ﴿ه ، عن رسول الله
المَوْتَ ، وَلاَ يَدْعُ بِهِ مِنْ قَبْلِ أنْ يَأْتِيَّهُ ؛ إِنَّهُ إِذَا مَاتَ انْقَطَعَ عَمَلُهُ ، وَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَزِيدُ الْمُؤْمِنَ عُمُرُهُ
إِلَّ خَيْراً )) .
Abū Hurayrah 4% narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "None of
you should desire death because if he is righteous, it is possible that he
will increase (in good deeds) and if he is a sinner, it is possible that he will
repent." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
A narration of Muslim from Abu Hurayrah &os states that the Messenger of
Allāh
said: "None of you should desire death nor supplicate for it before
it comes to him because when a person passes away, his deeds come to an
end and the extended life of a believer accrues good deeds in his favour."
Commentary
From this hadith, we learn that it is not permissible for a person to desire death due to
financial difficulties, ill-health or personal problems because this is a sign of displeasure
with the decree of Allah Ks. One should instead be content with the decree of Allah
and exercise patience. One should also not desire death because this closes the doors of
repentance.
A Muslim should value and appreciate every moment of life so that he may engage in some
form of good. A hadith states,
من طال عمره وحسن عمله
The best of people is one whose life is long and whose actions are good. (Tirmidhi)
Hadith 586
وعن أنسِ طُّهَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رسولُ اللهِ ﴿ه: ((لاَ يَتَمَنََّنَّ أحَدُكُمُ المَوْتَ لِضُرِّ أصَابَهُ ، فَإِنْ
كَانَ لاَ بُدَّ فَاعِلاً ، فَلْيَقُلْ : اللَّهُمَّ أحْيِنِي مَا كَانَتِ الحَيَاةُ خَيْراً لِي ، وَتَوَفَِّي إِذَا كَانَت الوَفَاءُ
خَيراً لي )) متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ .

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RIYĀD AL-ȘĀLIĶĪN
Anas
narrates that the Messenger of Allah
said: "None of you should
desire death because of a difficulty that has afflicted him. If he is constrained
to do something, he should say: 'O Allah, keep me alive as long as life is
better for me and make me die if death is better for me." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
Commentary
This hadith teaches us that if a believer is overwhelmed with difficulties and feels constrained
to desire death, he should instead supplicate to Allah & placing his trust in Him as the One
who knows what is best.
Scholars state that it is permissible for a person to supplicate for death as a shahīd (martyr),
as 'Umar dog used to supplicate,
اللهم ارزقني شهادة في سبيلك واجعل موتي ببلد رسولك
O Allah, grant me martyrdom in Your path and grant me death in the city of
Your Messenger. (Mirqāt)
Hadith 587
وعن قيسٍ بن أبي حازم ، قَالَ: دَخَلْنَا عَلَى خَبَّاب بن الأرَتِّ ◌ُهُ نَعُودُهُ وَقَدِ اكْتَوَى سَبْعَ
كَيَّاتٍ ، فَقَالَ: إِنَّ أَصْحَابَتَا الَّذِينَ سَلَغُوا مَضَوْا ، وَلَمْ تَنَقُصُهُمُ الدُّنْيَا، وَإِنَّا أَصَبْنَا مَا لَاَ نَجِدُ
لَهُ مَوْضِعاً إِلَّ الْتُّرَابَ وَلولا أنَّ النبيِ ﴿ نَهَانَا أنْ نَدْعُوَ بِالمَوْتِ لَدَعَوْتُ بِهِ . ثُمَّ أَيْنَاهُ مَرَّةً
أُخْرَى وَهُوَ يَبْنِي حَائِطَاً لَهُ ، فَقَالَ: إِنَّ المُسْلِمَ لَيُؤْجَرُ فِي كُلِّ شَيْءٍ يُنْفِقُهُ إِلَّ فِي شَيْءٍ يَجْعَلُهُ
فِي هَذَا التُّرَابِ . متفقٌ عَلَيْهِ ، وهذا لفظ رواية البخاري .
Qays ibn Abī Hāzim136
narrates: "We went to visit Khabbāb ibn al-Aratt
when he was ill and had been cauterized in seven places. He said: 'Our
Șahabah who went before us left without the world causing any decrease in
them. We have acquired so much that we can find no place for it except the
soil. If the Messenger of Allah
had not prohibited us from supplicating
for death, I would have supplicated for it.' We went to visit him on another
occasion when he was building a wall and he said: 'A Muslim is rewarded for
everything he spends except what he builds on this soil." (Bukhārī, Muslim)
136 Qays ibn Abī Hazim 40%, the renowned Tabi'ī, was born during the era of ignorance and did not
meet the Messenger of Allah&
because the latter passed away while the former was on his way to
meet him. He passed away in 84 Hijrī.