Indexed OCR Text

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Upon seeing this scene, he said: "These women bear the children in their
wombs, thereafter they give birth to them, and thereafter they display so
much of love and compassion for them. Had their relationship with their
husbands not been bad, and had they offered their salats regularly, they
would have went directly into jannah."
A selection of Ahadîth from Kanzul 'Ummâl
1. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam addressed women and said:
"Aren't you pleased that when a woman falls pregnant through her husband
and he is happy with her falling pregnant, she will receive a reward equal to
a person fasting in the path of Allah and engaging in 'ibâdah at night in the
path of Allah? When she experiences labour pains, the things which are
kept in store for her and which will provide her with comfort are not known
to all those in the heavens and the earth. Thereafter when the child is born,
for every drop of milk that he drinks and each time that he sucks her breast,
one reward will be recorded in her favour. When the mother has to wake up
at night on account of the child, she will receive the reward of freeing 70
slaves in the path of Allah. O Salamat!36 Do you know who these women
are? They are those who, despite being pious and delicately brought up, are
obedient to their husbands and are not ungrateful to them."
2. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam said: "When a woman gives
anything in charity from her husband's house without destroying" it, she
will be rewarded on account of her giving. The husband will also be
rewarded because it is his hard-earned money. The person who has been
entrusted to distribute the charity will also receive a similar reward. No
one's reward will decrease on account of the other."
Lesson: A woman should not be under the misconception that if the income
is the husband's she would not receive any reward.
3. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Your jihâd is
performing hajj."
Lesson: Look at the concession that he has given. That is, by performing
hajj, in which they do not have to bear the difficulties of jihad, they receive
the reward of waging jihad which is the most difficult form of 'ibâdah.
376
This is the name of the girl who tended to Ibrahim, the son of Rasûlullah sallallahu alayhi
wa sallam. She is the narrator of this Hadîth.
377 That is, she spends according to what he has permitted or spends an amount that is not too
much (depending on their financial position).

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4. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "There is no jihâd on
women,38 no jumu'ah, nor do they have to accompany the janâzah."
Lesson: Here again, look at the rewards that they receive by merely staying
at home.
5. When Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam took his wives on hajj, he
said to them: "This hajj is sufficient for you. Now you must remain on your
mats (i.e. in your homes)."
Lesson: This means that they should not undertake any journey without any
dire need to do so.
6. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah loves the woman
who has love and affection for her husband and safeguards herself from
other men."
Lesson: This means that she should not consider it below her dignity to
express her love and adulation for her husband as is the habit of certain
proud and haughty women.
7. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Women are also parts of
men."
Lesson: It is a well-known fact that Hawwa was created from [idam
'alayhimas salâm. The meaning of this Hadîth is that rules that are
applicable to men are applicable to women as well, except for certain
specific rules. Based on this, even if their virtues are not mentioned
separately, then too there is nothing to complain about. The virtues for good
deeds which are mentioned with regard to men are applicable to women as
well.
8. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Allah has prescribed
jealousy for women and jihad for men. If a woman exercises patience with
îmân in the hope for reward on account of a certain action which may cause
her to be jealous, such as her husband marrying a second wife, then she will
receive the reward of a martyr."
Lesson: Look at the great reward that a woman receives on account of a
little self-control and patience as opposed to the man who has to undergo so
many difficulties to receive that reward (i.e. the reward of a martyr).
9. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "By doing your wife's work
you will receive the reward of charity."
Lesson: Look at how the Shari'ah has shown you the ways of providing
comfort to women. It has promised to reward you in such a way that every
Muslim will provide comfort to his wife in the hope for this reward.
378 That is, as long as it remains fard `alal kifayâh.

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10. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman is the
one whom when her husband looks at her he is pleased with her, when he
orders her to do something she obeys him, and she does not displease him
by doing anything contrary regarding his wealth and honour."
11. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "May Allah have mercy
on women who wear izâr."
Lesson: On account of purdah, wearing the izâr is something that is natural
to women. Despite this, Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam has made
du'â for such women. This is a great form of compassion towards women.
12. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The immorality of one
woman is equal to the immorality of 1000 men. The piety of one pious
woman is equal to the 'ibâdah of 70 'auliya'."
Lesson: Look at the immense reward for a mere small act. If this is not in
consideration of women then what is it?
13. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The fulfilling of
domestic tasks by a woman can cause her to reach the stage of jihâd -
Inshâ' Allah."
Lesson: How marvellous! There is no end to the bounties of Allah Ta'âlâ.
14. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best woman among
you is the one who is untainted with regard to her honour and chastity, and
who loves her husband."
Lesson: To love the husband is actually happiness of the heart. Despite this,
there is virtue and reward in it.
15. A person said to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam: "O
Rasûlullah! I have a wife. When I go to her, she says to me: 'Welcome to
my chief and the chief of my household.' When she sees me sad and
sorrowful, she says: 'Why are you worrying about the world? Your
hereafter is being made easy for you." Upon hearing this, Rasûlullâh
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Inform her that she is from among all
those who are working for Allah (i.e. doing good deeds) and she is
receiving half the reward of those waging jihad."
Lesson: Look at the immense reward she received for this insignificant
gesture of hers (which caused comfort to her husband).
16. 'Asmâ' bint Yazîd Ansariyyah relates that she addressed Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam saying: "O Rasûlullâh! I have been sent as an
envoy by other women. They are saying that men have surpassed us on
account of their attending the jumu'ah salât, congregational salât, visiting

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the sick, attending the janazah, hajj, 'umrah, and defending the borders of
the Islamic state." He replied: "Go back to these women and inform them
that for them to beautify themselves for their husbands or fulfil the marital
relationships with them, to search for those things which will cause the
husband to be pleased with them, and to be obedient to the husband equals
all the above actions (which are carried out by men)."
17. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The reward that a woman
receives from the time that she falls pregnant until she delivers the child
and commences breast-feeding is equal to the person who is guarding the
borders of the Islamic state and who has to be ever ready to wage jihad. If
this woman dies in the course of this period, she will receive the reward of
a martyr."
18. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said:379 "When a woman
breast-feeds her child, the reward that she receives for every sip is as if she
has given life to a dead person. When she commences breast-feeding, an
angel taps her on her back (a form of congratulation) and says to her: 'All
your past sins are forgiven. Now whatever you do will be recorded from the
very beginning." That is, the sins that you may commit will be written for
the future. Minor sins are referred to in this context. However, having one's
minor sins forgiven is no small feat.
19. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! Remember
that the pious among you will enter jannah before the pious men. (Later
when their husbands will enter jannah) they (the pious women) will be
given a bath, perfumed and then handed over to their husbands on red and
yellow conveyances. They will have children with them who will be like
scattered pearls."
Lesson: O women! What greater virtue do you wish to have? You have
already reached jannah before the men. Obviously, the prerequisite is that
you should become pious and this is not difficult.
20. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "The woman whose
husband is not at home, and she safeguards her honour, abandons
beautifying herself, remains at home, abandons everything that is
considered to be a form of beautification and offers salât with steadfastness
will rise on the day of judgement as a virgin. If her husband was a true
believer, she will be his wife in jannah. If he was not a true believer, e.g. if
he passed away without îmân, Allah will perform her nikâh with a martyr."
379 This Hadith was mentioned at the very beginning (refer to no. 1.) However, there is a slight
difference in the reward for breast-feeding

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21. Abû Darda' radiyallahu 'anhu narrates: "My friend, Abul Qasim
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, made me a bequest. He said: 'Continue
spending on your house folk according to your ability."
Lesson: Those who act miserly when it comes to spending on their wives
despite being able to spend should ponder over this Hadith.
22. 'Alî radiyallâhu 'anhu says: "A person will not become a manager over
his house as long as he does not worry about how the house folk clothed
themselves or how they extinguished the fire of hunger."
Lesson: Those men who do not worry about their house folk due to their
(men) selfishness should take a lesson from these words of Hadrat 'Alî.
Additional Ahadîth from Mishkât
23. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam said: "Accept my advice of kindness towards women
because they have been created from a rib .... "
Lesson: In other words, do not expect to straighten them completely.
Exercise patience over their lower understanding. Look at how we have
been commanded to take them into consideration and be lenient towards
them.
24. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that a believing man should
not despise a believing woman (i.e. his wife) because if he does not like a
certain habit or trait of hers, he is bound to like some other habit of hers.
Lesson: In other words, he should think about this and thereby exercise
patience.
25. 'Abdullah bin Zam'ah narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam said: "Do not strike your wife as you would your slave and
thereafter engage in sexual intercourse with her at the end of the day."
Lesson: In other words, if you do this, how will she show affection towards
you?
26. Hakîm bin Mu'awiyah narrates from his father that he said: "O
Rasûlullah! What rights do our wives have over us?" He replied: "When
you eat, you must also feed them. When you clothe yourself, you should
also clothe them. Do not strike them on their faces. If you have any quarrel
with her, it should be left in the house." In other words, if you have any
quarrel with her, this quarrel should not go out of the house (or should not
be mentioned to anyone).

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27. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam said: "The best among the believers is he whose
character is the best. And the best among you is the one who is best with
his wife."
ADVICES FROM THE QURAN AND HADITH CONCERNING
CERTAIN SHORTCOMINGS OF WOMEN
When we mentioned the good characteristics of women, one can deduce
that there are certain shortcomings which are also found in them. These
shortcomings cause a blemish on their piety and spirituality. We will
mention these shortcomings which have been referred to by Allah and His
Rasûl sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and regarding which they have advised
against. In doing this, Insha' Allah, women will adopt a repugnance for
these evil habits and thereby attain total piety.
Quranic verses
Allah says that the women regarding whom you know will not obey you
should first be advised. If they do not take heed, abstain from sleeping,
sitting, etc. with them. If they still do not take heed, strike38 them. If they
obey you thereafter, do not search for things in order to cause harm to them.
Lesson: We learn from this that it is a very evil practice to disobey the
husband.
Allah says that when you walk, you should not stamp your feet on the
ground causing the jewellery to tinkle, whereby strangers may able to
deduce (who is walking, the age of the person, etc.).
Lesson: It is not permissible to wear tinkling jewellery at all. This verse is
in reference to those that do not tinkle on their own, but do so when they
touch other jewellery. One should understand well that if one has to be so
cautious with regard to the feet (which constitute just a part of the body),
how much more cautious a woman will have to be with regard to her voice
and the exposure of her body.
380
Striking means that you must strike them lightly as mentioned in a Hadîth that when a
person strikes his wife he should not strike her as he would his slave. One is also prohibited from
striking the face.

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Ahâdîth
1. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! I have seen
many of you in jahannam." They asked the reason for this. He replied:
"You curse too much, you are ungrateful to your husbands, and when they
give you anything, you despise it."
2. A woman who was in the presence of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam began cursing her fever (that she had contacted). He said: "Do not
speak ill of your fever because your sins are forgiven because of this fever.'
3. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "If a woman who is in the
habit of crying in a shouting manner does not repent from this action, she
will rise on the day of judgement in such a state that oil will be wrapped
around her body just as a dress is wrapped around her body. This oil will be
such that it catches on fire very quickly and the entire body will be afflicted
by scabies. In other words, she will receive two types of punishment - one
is that her entire body will be covered with scabies, and the other is that the
fire of jahannam will devour her."
4. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "O women! No neighbour
should despise anything that her neighbour sends to her even though it may
be the hoof of a sheep."
Lesson: Many women have this evil habit of despising anything that is sent
by their neighbours and cursing them as well.
5. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "A woman was punished
because of a cat. She had caught this cat and tied it up. She neither fed it
nor let it free. It died panting (out of hunger and thirst).".
Lesson: Similarly, it is punishable for one to domesticate an animal and
thereafter be negligent in feeding it and tending to it.
381
6. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Certain men and women
engage in the 'ibâdah of Allah for sixty years. However, at the time of
death they make a bequest (wasîyyah) that is contrary to the Shari'ah and
thereby become eligible for jahannam."
Lesson: For example, some people are in the habit of saying the following
at the time of death: "A certain item of mine should be given to my
grandson. Do not give it to my brother. The major portion of a certain item
should be given to a certain daughter, while the other daughter should
381
There is no harm in domesticating an animal as long as one takes full care of it.

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receive the lesser amount." All this is haram."
382
The masâ'il related to
bequests and inheritance should be found out from an 'âlim and acted upon.
Never act contrary to that which the Shari'ah has prescribed.
7. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "A woman should not meet
another woman in such a state that she describes her to her husband in such
a way as if he is looking at her."
8. Once, two of Rasûlullah's sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam wives were
sitting with him. A blind Sahâbi was approaching so he asked his wives to
observe purdah. Out of surprise, both of them said: "He is blind!"
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: "But you are not blind, you
can see him."
9. Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "When any woman causes
distress to her husband in this world, the hur of jannah who has been set
aside for this person says: 'May Allah destroy you. He is your guest, very
soon he will leave you and come to us."
10. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "I have not seen such
women of jahannam383
who will be wearing clothes but will in fact be
naked,384 they will walk in a proud swaying manrer, they will tie their hair
in such a way that it appears to be plenty - like the hump of the camel -
such women will not enter jannah, in fact they will not even get the
fragrance of jannah."
Lesson: This means that when the pious women will go into jannah, these
women will not go with them. It is possible for them to enter jannah later,
but only through the barakah of îmân.
11. Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "If a woman wears gold385
jewellery for show, she will be punished with the same jewellery."
12. Once Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was on a journey when
he heard the voice of someone cursing. He asked: "Who was that?" The
people replied: "A certain woman who is cursing the animal that she is
riding."386
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: "Remove her from
382
In other words, it is harâm to deprive a certain person of his inheritance and to give it to
someone who is not eligible.
383
That is, in my era, as they will be born in the generations after me.
384
Superficially they will be dressed but their clothes will be so thin and flimsy that their entire
body will be discerned.
385
This rule is not restricted to gold jewellery alone but applies to all other types of jewellery.
It also applies to clothing if it is worn with such an intention.
386
This camel was probably moving slowly or being mischievous. She must have cursed it by
saying: "May Allah's destruction come onto you," or other similar words which women are in the
habit of uttering.

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her camel and also remove all her possessions that are on it. According to
her, this camel deserves to be cursed, so why is she using it?"
Note: Thus far, we have mentioned 5 Quranic verses and 52 Ahadîth. At
the beginning of this part, we mentioned many noble characteristics of
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. It is necessary to adopt them all
the time. In the previous parts of Bahishti Zewar we mentioned various
pious acts and words of advice in great detail. Bear all these in mind and
practise them. 'Inshâ' Allah, you will attain great stages on the day of
judgement. If not, you will meet the same fate as that of evil women. If at
any time you are able to understand the Quran and Hadith, you will read
incidents of many irreligious, evil-minded, disbelieving, and disobedient
women. May Allah guide you and I to live like the pious, die among them,
and be raised among them. 'Amîn.

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SUPPLEMENT (A) TO BAHISHTI ZEWAR
(Part Seven)
The noble characteristics and habits of Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam
1. Barrâ' bin 'Azib narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
was the most handsome person and had the most pleasant manners. He was
neither too tall nor too short.
2. 'Ismâ'îl bin 'Ayyash narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam was the most patient over the harms by others that were inflicted on
him.
3. In a lengthy Hadîth narrated by Hind bin Abî Hâlah the following is also
mentioned: when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to walk, he
used to lift his foot with force and when he used to place it on the ground,
he used to place it in such a manner that he had to lean forward when doing
so. He used to walk with great humility as if he was descending from an
elevated place. When he had to turn and look at anyone or anything, he
used to turn completely and look.38 He used to lower his gaze more
towards the ground than raising it towards the heavens. He used to walk
behind the Sahabah (and not ahead of them). Generally, it was his habit to
look at a person with a side glance."" When anyone came to meet him, he
was the first to greet.
4. Jâbir radiyallâhu 'anhu says that the pace of his speech was slow. In
other words, he used to pause in his speech so that those who are addressed
will understand everything thoroughly. However, he did not pause to such
an extent that the addressee becomes bored. It is mentioned in a Hadith that
he used to repeat whatever he said three times. In short, he used to speak in
an excellent manner. He used to speak according to what the circumstances
demanded. Some people are intelligent and able to grasp everything very
quickly. In such a case it is not appropriate to repeat anything. Others take
387
In other words, he did not have the habit of looking at anyone through the corner of his eyes
(which proud people normally do).
388 This means that due to extreme humility he did not lift his head and look at the person full
in the face. This in no way contradicts what we said previously because there it refers to looking
with a side glance out of pride, which he abstained from.

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longer to understand and it is therefore appropriate to repeat something
several times. Where there are all types of people, it would be appropriate
to repeat the speech three times. This is because those who are quick to
grasp something will understand it the first time. Those who possess an
average intellect will grasp it the second time, while those who are
intellectually weak will understand it the third time. If a situation arises
where there is a need to repeat it more than three times, then good character
demands that one should not abstain from doing so. Understand this well.
The fact is that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was given the
highest stage of good character and abiding by the rules. No one was
granted this gift prior to him nor will anyone be granted it in the future.
Despite being bound by administrative regulations, displaying good
character is a great virtue. It was the blessed habit of Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam of following the rules in the things which he executed
himself. As for those who were neglectful in this regard, he did not rebuke
them. However, he used to advise them in a good and soft manner solely
for the purpose of reforming them. This is what the followers of the sunnah
have to adopt. They should follow the administrative rules and regulations
together with good character. At the same time, they should also urge
others to do the same. However, they should not criticise the shortcomings
of others merely to satisfy their nafs or out of anger. If their object is pure
reformation and there is a need to display strictness, this will also be good.
Understand this well.
5. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa
sallam used to pause in his speech. Whoever listened to him speak,
understood whatever was said.
6. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that from among all evil habits,
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam abhorred lying the most.
7. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that from all the different types of
clothing, Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam liked a Yamani shawl the
most. It was of several colours.
Ibn Raslân says that the wisdom behind his preference for this cloth was
that it is not a cloth of beautification (i.e. it is very simple) and at the same
time it does not get dirty quickly. Glory be to Allah! What a great status he
had! He used to consider himself to be a traveller in this world. He was not
attracted to its beauty nor did he pay any attention to its treasures. O
Muslims! You should also adopt this way of life. According to your needs,

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wear clothes that cover your aurah, which are simple, and which do not
become dirty quickly. This is so that their beauty does not prevent you from
turning towards Allah and you do not have to clean them very often as this
takes up a lot of time. In certain narrations, he has also praised white
clothing.
8. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam used to like the 'ibâdah which could be fulfilled all the time. In
other words, nafl salâts and other forms of 'ibâdah should be offered in
such a way that one can continue with them. It should not be such that on
one day a person does everything and the following day he does nothing. A
little 'ibâdah which can be fulfilled regularly is better than excessive 'ibdah
which is carried out occasionally, as mentioned in a Hadîth.
9. Mujahid narrates that Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to
prefer the front portion of the sheep's meat.
10. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that from among all the different
drinks, he used to like cold and sweet38
water the most. Ibn 'Abbâs
radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that he used to like milk a lot.
11. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that he used to like honey water a
lot.
12. Ibn 'Abbâs radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that from among all the curries,
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to like vinegar the most.
13. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam used to perspire a lot. It is mentioned that Umme Sulaym
radiyallâhu 'anhâ used to collect his perspiration and mix it with other
perfumes because it used to be very fragrant.
14. Jâbir radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that Rasûlullâh's sallallâhu 'alayhi wa
sallam beard had a lot of hair.
15. 'A'ishah and Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu 'anhuma narrate that from all
the fruit, he used to like fresh dates and musk-melons the most.
16. Ibn 'Abbâs radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that he used to prefer shoulder-
meat over all other parts.
17. Abû Wâqid narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
used to lead the people in prayer, he used to shorten his salât but when he
offered his salât on his own, he used to lengthen it considerably. He
shortened his salât for the people so that no one is inconvenienced. He
389
Here sweet is used to mean "not bitter".

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lengthened his own salât because it was the coolness of his eyes. He used
to experience peace and tranquillity whenever he offered his salât. What
can be more peaceful than standing with humility in front of one's true
beloved and seeking refuge in Him? The extent of his shortening and
lengthening his salâts has been mentioned in detail in other Ahadîth.
18. 'Abdullah bin Bishr narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam went to anyone's house, he did not stand in front of the door.
Instead, he used to stand on the right-hand side or on the left-hand side and
then say "As salâmu 'alaykum". This is the sunnah method. When you go
anywhere, do not stand directly in front of the door. Stand either to the right
or the left of the door. In standing this way, there is no fear of seeing
anyone being without purdah. However, if the door is closed, there is no
harm in standing in front of it. One should inform the house folk of one's
arrival by saying "As salâmu 'alaykum". If they do not hear you the first
time, repeat it. Understand this well.
19. 'Ikramah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that it was the habit of Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam that when anyone came to him and he
perceived happiness on the person's face, he used to take the person's hand
into his hand. The purpose of this was that the person must become familiar
with him.
20. Ghunbah narrates that when a person came to Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam and he had a name which he (Rasûlullah) did not like,
then he used to change it for him.
21. Imam Ahmad and others narrate that when anyone used to bring his
zakât to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam (for distribution), he used
to say: "O Allah! Have mercy on such-and-such person." We should also
adopt this practice that when anyone gives us their zakât for distribution or
gives us any donation for a particular cause, we should also make this du'â
for the person.
22. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to experience any happiness, he used to say:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ الَّذِىُ بِنِعْمَتِهِ تَتِمُّ الصَّالِحَاتُ
When anything displeased him, he used to say:
اَلْحَمْدُ لِلّهِ عَلى كُلِّ حَالٍ

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23. Ibn Mas'ûd radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when any slave men or
women came into the share of Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam (as
booty), he used to divide them among his house folk so that there is no
dispute among them. In other words, if some of them receive while others
do not receive anything, there is a possibility of unpleasantness among
them. We should also adopt this practice that when we have to distribute
anything, we should not do it in a way which would cause any
unpleasantness or disturbance among the people. This is irrespective of
whether one is distributing among one's relatives, immediate family,
students or disciples.
24. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that when any food was brought to
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam and there were others with him, he
used to eat that which was in front of him. And when dry dates were
brought to him, he used to eat from all sides.
25. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when the first fruit of the season
used to be brought to Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, he used to
touch it with both his eyes, touch it with his lips and then make the
following du 'â:
اَللَّهُمَّ كَمَآ أَرَيْتَنَآ أَوَّلَهُ فَارِنَا آخِرَهُ
Thereafter he used to give it to the children who were with him at the time.
26. Sâlim bin 'Abdullah bin 'Umar and Qasim bin Muhammad narrate that
when the utensil containing fragrant oil, etc. was brought to Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam, he used to dip his fingers in that oil and apply
it with his fingers wherever he desired.
27. Hafsah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to lie down in order to sleep, he used to place his
right-hand under his right cheek.
28. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam intended applying oil (to his head), he used to place it in
his left hand and commence with his eyebrows. Thereafter, he used to apply
some to his eyes and thereafter to his head. It is related in another Hadîth
that when he intended applying oil to his beard, he used to apply to his eyes
first and thereafter to his beard.
29. Anas and Jâbir radiyallâhu 'anhumâ narrate that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to relieve himself, he did not lift his
clothes until he was as close as possible to the ground. He did this so that

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Heavenly Ornaments (Behishti Zewar)
his 'aurah would not be unnecessarily exposed. One reveals one's 'aurah at
the time of sitting down to relieve oneself. Therefore there is no need to
reveal one's 'aurah before-hand. It is for this reason that he used to reveal
his 'aurah at the exact time of need.
30. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam was in a state of janâbah and intended to sleep (without
having made ghusl), he used to make wudû first (and then sleep). If he
intended eating or drinking something, he used to merely wash his hands.
When a woman completes her hayd or nifâs, it will also be preferable for
her to do the same.
31. 'Abdullah bin Yazid narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi
wa sallam used to bid farewell to the army, he used to make the following
du'â:
اَسْتَوْدِعُ اللهَ دِيْنَكُمْ وَآَمَا نَتَكُمُ وَخَوَاتِيْمَ أَعْمَالِكُمْ
It would be appropriate to make this du'a when bidding farewell to anyone.
This is actually a du'â for the person's success in this world and in the
hereafter.
32. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam intended wearing a new garment, he used to wear it on a
Friday.
33. 'Abdullah bin Ka'b radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam completed using the miswâk, he used to give it
to an elderly person. And when he used to drink water or anything else, he
used to give the left over to the person who was on his right-hand side. He
used to do this on account of generosity and in order that it may be a source
of barakah for these persons.
34. 'Uthmân bin Abî al-'As narrates that when the northerly wind used to
blow, Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to make the following
du'â:
اَللَّهُمَّ إِنّ اَعُوذُبِكَ مِنُ شَرِّ مَآ أَرْسَلُتَ فِيُهاَ.
The reason for making this du'â is that at times such a wind is sent as a
punishment for a certain nation. The translation of this du 'â is: "O Allah! I
seek refuge in you from the evil that You have sent in this wind."
35. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that whenever Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was informed that a certain member of his

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family has spoken a lie even once, he used to remain displeased with the
person until he repented. Once the person repented, he used to become
pleased with him again. The reason for this is that speaking lies is a major
sin in Islam and it is necessary to hate a sinner. Therefore, he used to turn
away from such a person. This was his attitude to all sinners.
36. Abû Hurayrah radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to be distressed, he used to hold his beard
in his hand and look at it. 390
37. 'A'ishah and Abû Hurayrah radiyallahu 'anhuma narrate that when
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to be distressed, he used grasp
his beard in his hand.
38. 'Uqbah bin 'Amir radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to apply surmah to his eyes an odd number of
times. In another narration it is mentioned that he used to apply it three
times in each eye.
39. Anas radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to complete eating, he used to lick his three fingers.
He used to do this so that the sustenance of Allah does not go to waste.
40. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam encountered any difficulty, he would look up
to the heavens and say:
سُبْحَانَ اللهِ الْعَظِيْمِ
41. Abû Mûsâ Ash'arî radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to send anyone for any work, he used to
say: "Speak to them in a good way and do not create any animosity in them.
Make things easy for them and do not impose any burdens on them.".391
42. Sakhar bin Wadâ'ah narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi
wa sallam intended despatching an army, he used to send it out early in the
morning. This is because such a time is a blessed time. There is a greater
possibility of one accomplishing whatever task one has departed for.
390
This was his natural habit. It was not done as a form of 'ibadah.
391
In other words, you should speak to them of the good of this world and the hereafter so that
they do not begin displaying any animosity toward you. However, the boundaries of the Shari'ah
will have to be borne in mind. Do not inform them of any glad tidings which are contrary to the
Sharî'ah.

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43. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that it was the habit of Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam that when he learnt of any evil practice of a
particular person, he would not announce openly by saying: "What is wrong
with a certain person that he is doing so-and-so thing and saying so-and-so
thing." Instead, he used to say: "What is wrong with the people that they are
doing so-and-so thing." Glory be to Allah! What beautiful character he
possessed and what type of scolding this was that he used to advise in such
a way that he used to fulfil his objective, and the person concerned would
not feel disgraced nor remorseful. Instead, he will value the advice and
practice on it.
44. Abû Sa'îd Khudrî radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam ate in the morning, he did not eat in the
evening. And when he ate in the evening, he did not eat in the morning.
What this means is that he used to have only one meal in the day - either in
the morning or in the evening.
45. 'A'ishah radiyallâhu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallâhu 'alayhi
wa sallam used to make wudû, he used to offer two raka'ât of nafl salât"- if it
was not a makruh time. He would then go to the musjid for the fard salât.
46. Ibn 'Abbas radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that it was the habit of
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam that when winter used to start, he
used to commence sleeping inside his house on a Thursday night."" At the
approach of summer, he used to commence sleeping outside on a Thursday
night. When he used to don a new garment, he used to praise Allah, offer
two raka 'ât of nafl salât, and give the old garment to a needy person.
47. Hasan bin Muhammad bin 'Alî narrates that when any wealth used to
come to Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam in the morning, he did not
keep it till the afternoon. If it came to him in the evening, he did not keep it
till the night. In other words, he used to distribute it (or spend it)
immediately.
48. Walid Murrah narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam had cause to laugh a lot, he used to cover his mouth with his hand.
Occasionally, he used to be overtaken by excessive laughter.'
394
But
generally, he only used to smile.
392
Popularly known as tahiyyatul wudû.
393
Thursday night is actually the commencement of Friday in the Islamic calendar.
394
What we have said will only be applicable when this Hadîth has been established. This is
because this Hadîth is considered to be weak and therefore cannot be given preference over the
authentic Hadîth in which it was mentioned that he abstained from laughing. Therefore, there is
no real need to try to reconcile the two conflicting Ahadith. However, there are other Ahadîth in
which it has been mentioned that he used to laugh. Therefore, the need for reconciliation remains.
It is for this reason that we have explained the Hadîth in this way.

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49. Abû Umâmah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used sit in a gathering, engage in a
conversation, and thereafter wished to leave, he used to make istighfâr
about ten to fifteen times.
Another Hadîth mentions that he used to make the following istighfaar:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ الْعَظِيْمَ الَّذِىُ لَا إِلَهُ إِلَّا هُوَ الْحَىُّ الْقَيُّوُمُ وَأَتُوبُ إِلَيْهِ
50. 'Abdullah bin Salâm radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to sit and engage in a conversation, he
used to look up at the skies excessively.395
51. Hudhayfah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam encountered any difficulty, he used to offer two raka'ât
of nafl salât. In doing this, one benefits internally, externally, in one's
worldly affairs, affairs of the hereafter, and one's difficulty is also removed.
52. Sa'îd bin Hakîm narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam learnt of anything beautiful and he feared that his gaze will fall as
"an evil eye", he used to make the following du'â:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكُ فِيْهِ فَلاَ تَضُرُّهُ
Only good can emanate from his gaze and no harm can befall the person
who falls under his gaze. Despite this, he did this in order to teach the
'ummah that this is what it should do.
53. Mujahid narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam
used to propose to any woman and she refused, he did not mention it again.
In other words, he did not insist. If she accepted his proposal, he would get
married to her. If not, he did not disgrace himself by insisting or forcing
someone. Once he proposed to a woman but she refused. Later, this woman
came to him on her own accord and expressed her wish to marry him. He
replied that he has already married another woman and that he does not
need to marry at present.
395 The reason for this is that one sees many strange and marvellous things in the skies and
thereby draws a lesson from them.

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54. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to be alone with his wives, he used to portray a very
soft and endearing nature, and speak to them in a good, joking manner.
55. Habîb bin Salih narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam went to relieve himself, he used to wear sandals and cover his head.
56. Ibn 'Abbâs radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam went to visit any sick person, he used to say:
لَابَأْسَ طَهُوُرٌ إِنْ شَآءَ اللهُ تَعَالى
57. Abû Ayyub Ansârî radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to make du'â, he used to make for
himself first (and then on behalf of others).
58. Thaubân radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam had any cause to fear, he used to make the following
du'â:
اللَّهُ اللَّهُ رَبِىُ لَا شَرِيُكَ لَهُ
59. Suhayl radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to be happy over a particular deed or word, he used
to remain silent.
60. Umme Salamah narrates that when any of his wives' eyes used to pain,
Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to abstain from sleeping with
her until she recovered.
61. Ibn Mubarak and Ibn Sa'd narrate that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to attend a janâzah, he used to remain extremely
silent and speak about death in his heart.
Since a janâzah is a place from which one can draw a lesson, one should
think about one's own death, about the loneliness in the grave, and fear the
punishment after death.
62. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam used to sneeze, he used to cover his face with
his hand or a cloth and stifle the sneeze.
63. 'A'ishah radiyallahu 'anhâ narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam used to commence with any good act, he used to
continue with it.

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64. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam was overcome by anger while he was
standing, he used to sit down. If this happened while he was sitting, he
would lie down. Changing one's posture is a treatment for the cooling of
one's anger.
65. 'Uthmân radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that on the completion of the burial
of a person, Rasûlullâh sullallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam would remaining
standing at the grave-side for a while. Those accompanying him would also
stand with him. Furthermore, he would say: "Seek forgiveness for your
dead brother and make du'â that he remains steadfast because he is being
questioned." In other words, it is the time for Munkar and Nakîr to question
him. Therefore make du'â for him that he remains steadfast and is able to
answer the questions correctly so that he does not experience any difficulty.
66. Abû Hurayrah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah
sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam used to wear his kurta, he used to commence
wearing it from the right-hand side. In other words, he used to insert his
hand in the right sleeve first.
67. Anas radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that it was the blessed habit of
Rasûlullâh sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallamthat when any of his Sahâbah met
him (on the road), he would stop (walking) and the Sahabî also used to
stop. Rasûlullâh sallallâhu 'alayhi wa sallam would not leave as long as the
Sahâbî did not leave. When any of his Sahabah met him and wished to
shake his hand, he would offer his hand to the Sahabî and would not leave
it as long as the Sahabî did not leave it. Ibn Mubarak has added that
Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam would not turn his face away from
the Sahabî as long as the latter did not turn away. When any Sahabî met
him and wished to whisper something into his ear, he would lend an ear to
the person and would not withdraw it until the person completed what he
had to say and withdrew himself from Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam.
68. Hudhayfah radiyallâhu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam met any of his companions, he would shake his hands
and make du'â for him.
69. Jundub radiyallahu 'anhu narrates that when Rasûlullah sallallahu
'alayhi wa sallam met any of his companions he would not shake his hands
until he greeted him. In other words, Rasûlullah sallallahu 'alayhi wa
sallam would greet first, and then shake his hands.