Virtues of Deeds in Islam is all about sharing some verses of Quran and some narration of Hadith related rewards and blessings when one observes the Commandment of Allah and His Messenger Muhammad S.A.W. as well as punishment for those who disobey Them.
Welcome to Virtues of Deeds in Islam Blog
In The Name Of Allah, The Most Benevolent, The Most Merciful.
Assalamualaikum and Greetings. This is my tiny effort for all Muslims to get benefit from free teachings of Islam. It is highly recommended that all Muslims read or hear at least one hadith (the more the better) twice everyday. Once in your own home (with your family members) and once in the nearest mosque / musolla / surau. Insya-Allah.
(Note: Get started by clicking the Blog Archive or Labels. To get the benefit, please read them aloud with wudhu (ablution) and sit in tasyaahud in front of your family members. Print it or read it directly from your computer. )
Salaat helps in adversities "Hadhrat Huzaifah (Radhiyallaho anho) says that, whenever the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) happened to face any difficulty, he would at once resort to salaat." (Ahmad, Abu Daud, Ibn Jarir)
Salaat / prayer is a great blessing of Allah. To resort to salaat at the time of worry is to hasten towards His mercy, and when Allah's mercy comes to rescue, there can remain no trace of any worry. There are many traditions concerning this practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). Similar was the practice of his companions, who followed him in the minutest detail. Hadhrat Abu Darda (Radhiyallaho anho) says: "Whenever a strong wind blew, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) would immediately enter the masjid and would not leave until the wind had subsided. Similarly, at the time of a solar or lunar eclipse, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) would at once start offering salaat. Hadhrat Suhaib (Radhiyallaho anho) was informed by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) that all the previous Apostles of Allah (peace be upon them) also used to resort to salaat in all adversities.
4a. Salaat washes away the sins "Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that once the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) asked his companions, 'Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing five times a day in a brook running in front of his door?' 'No', replied the companions, 'No dirt can remain on his body.' The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) remarked: 'So, exactly similar is the effect of salaat offered five times a day. With the Grace of Allah. it washes away all the sins'.". (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidzi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah)
4b. Salaat washes away the sins "Hadhrat Jaabir (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying: "The likeness of five times daily salaat is as the likeness of a deep brook running in front of the door of a person who bathes therein five times a day." (Muslim)
Hadhrat 'Uqbah ibn Aamir (Radhiyallaho anho) has said: "Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) came to us while we were sitting on the Suffah and asked if any one of us would like to go to the market of But-haan or Aqeeq and fetch from there two she-camels of the finest breed without committing any sin or severing a tie of kinship. We replied that every one of us would love to do so. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) then said that going to the masjid and reciting or teaching two ayaat of the Quran is more precious than two she-camels, three ayaat are most precious than three she-camels, and that similarly reciting or teaching of four ayaat is better than four she-camels and an equal number of camels." (Muslim, Abu Daud)
"Suffah" is the name of a particular raised platform in the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) in Medina. It used to be occupied by the poor Muslim muhajirin (Plural of muhajir-emigrant from Mecca to Medina) who are known as "Ashab-us-Suffah" (Men of Suffah). The number of these men varied from time to time: 'Allamah Suyuti (Rahmatullah alaih) has listed one hundred and one names and also written an independent booklet about their names.
But-haan arid Aqeeq were the two market-places for camels near Medina. The camel, more particularly a she-camel having a fat hump, was a favourite of the Arabs. The expression "without sin" is significant. A thing can be acquired without labour either by extortion, through illegal inheritance (by forcefully taking over the property of some relative) or by theft. Rasullullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) thus ruled out all such acquisitions. Acquiring a thing without any sin is certainly preferred by all, but much more valuable is the learning of a few ayaat. It is a clear fact that let alone one or two camels, even if one acquires the kingdom of all the seven continents one will be forced to leave it, if not today surely tomorrow (at the time of death), but the reward of one ayat will be everlasting.
We see even in this life that a man feels happier when he is given only one rupee (without the condition of returning it), rather than if he is given one thousand rupees for keeping in his safe custody for a while only. In the latter case, he is merely burdened with a trust without getting any benefit out of it. In fact, this hadith implies an admonition not to compare something temporary with something eternal. Whether in action or at rest, a man should consider if his efforts are being wasted on acquiring the temporary gains of this world, or, are directed towards achieving the everlasting ones. Woe be to the waste of effort for which we earn eternal misery. The last phrase of the hadith "superior to an equal number of camels" contains three meanings. First, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. Beyond this, it is briefly mentioned that the more ayaat a person acquires, the greater will be their superiority over the number of camels. In this case, the word "camels" at the end refers to the species either he-camels or she-camels and the number implied is more than four because, up to the number four, the reward has been mentioned in detail. The second meaning is that the numbers mentioned are the same as referred to earlier, the significance being that inclinations are always different; some are fond of she-camels, others prefer a he-camel. Therefore Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has used this expression to signify that every ayat is superior to a she-camel, and if one prefers a he-camel, an ayat is also superior to a he-camel. The third meaning is that the numbers mentioned are the same as referred to before and not more than four. According to the second meaning, the explanation that an ayat is superior to a she-camel or he-camel does not hold good, but it implies a collection, i.e., one ayat is superior to a he-camel and a she-camel considered together, and likewise every ayat is superior to the combination of an equal number of he-camels or she-camels. Thus a single ayat has been compared to a pair or couple (of camels). My late father (May Allah bless his grave with Divine light) has preferred the latter interpretation because it points to a superior virtue.
This however, does not mean that the reward of an ayat can be equalled to a camel or two camels. All this is for inducement arid illustration. It has been clearly written before that an ayat whose reward is permanent and enduring is superior and preferable even to a kingdom over the seven continents, which is bound to disintegrate. Mulla 'Ali Qari has written an account of a pious Shaikh who went to Mecca for Hajj on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah--the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. When he landed at Jeddah, some of his friends in business requested him to prolong his stay in Jeddah, so that they could earn more profit for their merchandise by virtue of his blessed presence. In fact they wanted that some of the servants of the Shaikh be benefited by the profits of their business. At first the Shaikh expressed his inability to prolong his stay but when they insisted the Shaikh asked them as to the maximum profit that they would earn for their goods. They explained that the profit was not the same in all cases; but the maximum that they could expect was hundred percent. The Shaikh said, "You have taken all this trouble for such a petty gain: for such an insignificant gain. I cannot miss the salaat in the respected Haram (the most Sacred Mosque), where the reward of salaat gets multiplied (one hundred thousand times." In fact, we Muslims should consider how, for petty worldly gains, we sometimes sacrifice great spiritual benefits.
For easy printing and sharing, please use the widget below...
Hadhrat Abu Uthman (Radhiyallaho anho) says: "I was once sitting under a tree with Hadhrat Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho). He caught hold of a dry branch of the tree and shook it till all its leaves fell off. He then said to me, "O, Abu Uthman! (Radhiyallaho anho) Will you not ask me why I am doing this?" "Do tell me," I entreated. He said, "The Apostle of Allah had done exactly like this before me, while I was with him under a tree. He caught a dry branch of it and shook it, till all its leaves fell off". At this he said: 'O, Salmaan! (Radhiyallaho anho) will you not ask me why I am doing this?' I replied: 'Do tell me why you are doing this?' He remarked: "Verily when a Muslim takes wudhu (ablution) properly and then observes his salaat five times a day, his sins fall off just as these leaves have fallen off.” He then recited the following verse of the Holy Qur'an: "Establish salaat at the two ends of the day, and at the approaches of the night. Verily, good deeds annul ill deeds. This is a reminder for the mindful.” (XI: 114) (Ahmad, Tabrani, Nasa’i)
The behaviour of Hadhrat Salmaan (Radhiyallaho anho) in the above hadith displays the profound love which the Sahabah had for the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). They would often cherish the sweet memories of the time when the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was living among them. They would, while quoting him, enact exactly what they had seen him doing at a particular moment.
It is really very difficult to cover all the traditions of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which deal with the importance of salaat and which declare forgiveness for those who guard it. As had already been said before, the theologians restrict this declaration of forgiveness to saghaa'ir (minor sins) only, but in the text of the hadith there is no such restriction. My learned father gave me two reasons for this. Firstly, it does not really become a Muslim to commit any of the kabaa'ir (major sins). If perchance any such sins are committed by him, he cannot rest in peace (due to inherent fear of Allah in him) until he washes them with his tears of repentance in crying before Allah. Secondly, the person who performs his salaat with sincerity and thoroughness is very likely to do istighfaar quite a number of times daily. Look for instance at the closing prayer of salaat itself, viz:
"O, My Lord! I have wronged my soul a great wrong, and none forgiveth sins save Thou alone. Then forgive me and have mercy on me. Verily, Thou art the Forgiving, the Merciful."
In the above hadith, mention is made of wudhu to be done properly. We should, therefore, be sure of the regulations about wudhu and try to observe all of these. For example, take the case of miswaak. It is sunnat of wudhu, but is very often neglected. It is said in a hadith that the salaat offered after doing miswaak is seventy times superior to the salaat without miswaak. In another hadith, use of miswaak has been enjoined very strongly, and the following benefits are attributed to it:-
"It cleanses and sweetens the mouth and checks its bad smell."
"It is a cause of Allah's pleasure and a blow to the Devil."
"Allah and his angels love the person doing miswaak."
"It strengthens the gums and improves eye-sight." "It is a purge against bile and phlegm."
To crown all, "It is a sunnah i.e. the practice of our beloved Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)."
As many as seventy virtues of the miswaak have been enumerated by the theologians. It is said that a person in the habit of miswaak dies with the Kalimah on his lips. The rewards of taking wudhu properly are very many. It is mentioned in ahaadith that the parts of body washed in wudhu shall glitter on the Day of Judgement and, by this (distinction), the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) will at once recognise his followers.
For easy reading, sharing and printing, please use the widget below...
"Hadhrat Abu Zar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that once the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) came out of his house. It was autumn and the leaves were falling off the trees. He caught hold of a branch of a tree and its leaves began to drop in large number. At this he remarked, 'O, Abu Zar! (Radhiyallaho anho) when a Muslim offers his solat to please Allah, his sins are shed away from him just as these leaves are falling off this tree." (Ahmad)
In autumn, usually, the leaves of the trees fall in large numbers, so much so that on some trees not a single leaf is left behind. The same is the effect of salaat performed with sincerity and devotion. All the sins of the person offering salaat are wiped off. It should, however, be remembered that according to the verdict of the theologians, it is only the saghaa'ir (minor sins) that are forgiven by the performance of salaat and other services. The kabaa'ir (major sins) are not pardoned without repentance.
We should, therefore, in addition to saying salaat, be particular about doing taubah (repentance) and istighfaar (seeking forgiveness). Allah may, however, pardon, by His bountiful Grace, even the kabaa'ir of any person because of his salaat.
For printing, easy reading and sharing, please use the widget below...
Hadhrat Abu Sa'eed (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said:
"Almighty Allah says; "If anybody finds no time for My remembrance and for begging favours of Me, because of his remaining busy with the Holy Quran, I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg favours of Me. The superiority of the Word of Allah over all other words is like the superiority of Allah over the entire creation." (Tirmidzi, Baihaqi)
In other words, compared to those who are begging favours of Allah, He will surely confer some better reward on a person who remains so occupied with committing the Quran to memory or learning and understanding it that he hardly gets time for doa (prayer). It is commonly known that when a man distributes sweets, or something else amongst others, a share is set aside for the person who cannot attend the function because of the task of distribution given to him by the distributor himself. In another hadith, in the same context, it is mentioned that Allah would give such a person a better reward than what He would give to His ever grateful servants.
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiyallaho anho) narrates that he heard the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) saying:
"Islam is founded on five pillars: bearing witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is His servant and apostle: establishment of salaat: paying of Zakaat; performance of Hajj: and fasting in Ramadan." (Bukhari, Muslim)
The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has compared Islam to a canopy resting on five supports. The Kalimah is the central support and the other four pillars of Islam are. so to say, the remaining four supports. one at each corner of the canopy. Without the central support, the canopy cannot possibly stand. and if any one of the corner supports is missing a collapse will result in the defective corner. Now, let us judge for ourselves how far we have kept up the canopy of Islam. Is there really any pillar that is being held in its proper place?
The five pillars of Islam mentioned in this Hadith signify the most essential duties of a Muslim. Although a Muslim cannot do without any one of them, yet salaat in Islam occupies a position next only to Imaan. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas'ood (Radhiyallaho anho) says:
"Once, I inquired of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), which act (of man) was the dearest to Allah. The Prophet replied, 'salaat'. I then inquired which act came next (in order of merit) and the Prophet replied, 'Kindness to parents'. I again asked what was next and he answered 'Jihad'."
Mulla Ali Qari (Rahmatullah alaih) has quoted this Hadith in support of the belief that salaat is the most important religious duty after Imaan. This is further corroborated by a hadith, in which the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said:
"Salaat is the best of all that has been ordained by Allah."
For easy printing, sharing and reading, then use the widget below...
"The best amongst you is he who learns the Quran and teaches it." (Bukhari, Abu Daud, Tirmidzi, Nasa'i, Ibnu Majah)
In most of the books, this hadith is quoted with the word 'and' between 'learns' and 'teaches' as above. Thus the greatest reward would be for him who learns the Holy Quran and thereafter teaches it to others. But in some of the books this 'hadith's is narrated with the word 'or', in which case the meaning would be:
"The best amongst you is he who learns the Quran or teaches it."
According to this version, the reward is general, i.e., I equally great whether one learns himself or teaches to I others. Thus there would be equal virtue for both.
The Quran is the basis of the religion of Islam, and on the preservation and propagation of the Quran depends on the very existence of this faith. Hence the virtue of learning and teaching the Quran is self-evident and does not need further elucidation.
There are, however, various degrees of excellence. The t highest is to learn the Quran along with its meanings and purport, and the least is to learn its words only.
The hadith mentioned above is supported also by another saying of Rasulullah [Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as reported by Hadhrat Sa'eed ibn Saleem (Radhiyallaho anho): "If a person who has acquired knowledge of the Holy Quran considers another person who has been gifted with something else to be more fortunate than himself, he has shown disrespect to the blessings of Allah bestowed on him on account of his learning the Quran." It is evident that since the Quran, being the Word of Allah, is superior to all other discourses as mentioned in some of the ahadith quoted later, its reading and teaching must be superior to everything else.
Mulla Ali Qari quotes from another hadith that whoever acquires the knowledge of Holy Qur'an stores the knowledge of prophethood in his forehead.
Sahl Tastari (Rahmatullah alaih) says that the proof of love for Allah is the existence of love for the Word of Allah in one's heart.
In 'Sharahul Ihya', the list of people who will be given shelter in the shade of the Arsh (Throne of Allah) on the fearful Day of Judgement includes those persons who teach the Quran to the children of Muslims and also those who learn the Holy Quran in their childhood and are devoted to its recitation when grown up.
For printing, sharing and easy printing, use the widget below...
