Easy guide for new muslims5

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بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

المستــوي الخامــس

توحيد الاسماء والصفات
أداب المسجد 1
أداب المسجد 2
صلاة الجمعة 1
صلاة الجمعة2
سجود السهو
الأوقات المنهي عن الصلاة فيها و صلاة المريض

وجوب محبة المسلم لأخيه

حفظ (– العصر–التكاثر – القارعة – العاديات )
وآية الكرسي

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Tawheed al-Asma was-Sifaat

: Belief in Allah’s Names and Attributes
Allah says: “To Him belongs all the Best Names. All that is in the Heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.”[9] Abu Hurayrah (radhi allahu anhu) narrates: “Allah has ninety-nine Names, and whoever believers in their meanings and acts accordingly will enter Paradise…”[10]

Tawheed al-Asma was-Sifaat[11] is to believe and affirm all the Names and Attributes of Allah found in the Qur’aan and the Ahaadeeth of Allah’s Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). The Names and Attributes of Allah should be accepted without any alteration, whether in words or meaning. They should be understood in the absolute sense and free from human deficiencies because the similarity between the Attributes of Allah and mankind is only of name and not in degree. For example, Allah says: “That He may punish the hypocrites, men and women, and the pagan men and women, who have an evil opinion of Allah. A circle of evil is around them; Allah is Angry with them, Curses them and has prepared for them an evil end.”[12]

In this verse, Allah is described with the Attribute of Anger. It is wrong to believe that Allah’s Anger has any similitude to those of the humans. It is also wrong to change the meaning of the verse saying, ‘His Anger must mean His Punishment, because anger is a sign of weakness and weakness cannot be attributed to Allah, etc… It is sufficient to believe in the Attribute of Allah and believe that “There is nothing like unto Him.”[13]

The Names and Attributes of Allah should be accepted and affirmed without inquiring about their exact nature. Believing in their apparent meaning is an obligation and deeply reflecting about Allah is an innovation, as the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Reflect upon the creation and do not reflect upon Allah.”[14]

The Essence of Shirk in Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifaat:
Shirk in Tawheed al-Asma wa-Sifaat is to give other than Allah, the qualities (Attributes), which are specific of Allah Alone. For example, amongst the Attributes of Allah is that He is the Knower of the Unseen (Ghayb[15]) and He alone knows what the heart conceals. Allah says: “Say, ‘None in the Heavens and the earth know the Ghayb (Unseen) except Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.”[16] Therefore, to consider someone other than Allah to have the knowledge of the past, future or the Unseen is Shirk (associating partners with Allah).

This concept of Tawheed distinguishes Islam from many other religions. Those who have studied comparative religion can very easily realize that, while the Jews made their Creator like the creation[17], the Christians make the creation like the Creator[18].


ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــ
[9] Soorah al-Mumtahinah (60): 24.
[10] Saheeh al-Bukharee vol.8. no. 419.
[11] Shaikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (d. 728H) said: “From Eemaan in Allaah is Eemaan in what He has described Himself with and what His Messenger Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) described Him with, without tahreef and ta’teel, and without takyeef and tamtheel…” [Al-’Aqeedah al-Waastiyyah, p.3]
[12] Soorah al-Fath (48): 6.
[13] Soorah ash-Shoorah (42): 11.
[14] Refer to Silsilaat as-Saheehah, no. 1788.
[15] Everything, which is hidden from people of future and past occurrences, and what is not seen, is exclusive of Allah’s Knowledge.
[16] Soorah an-Naml (27): 65
[17] As in Genesis (33): 24-30 where it has been claimed that Allah came in the form of a man and lost in a wrestling match with Prophet Yaqoob. [Glory be to Allaah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.]
[18] In their claim that Prophet Essa, who lived a life like any other human being and was then helplessly crucified, was Allah. [Glory be to Allaah! (High is He) above all that they associate as partners with Him.]

[فداء الرسول]

Manners of Attending a Mosque (part 1 of 2)


The masjid, translated as mosque in English, is

the heartbeat of the Muslim society in Islam. In the West, most often Muslims buy land and build a masjid on it. Other times, they buy a church or some other building and convert it into a masjid. Sometimes, they even rent a room, garage, or a basement and use it as makeshift masjid.

In all cases, a masjid is a place for Muslims where they meet one another daily to perform the prayers and also to conduct other acts of worship and activities that are beneficial for the Muslim community.

The most important act of worship done in the masjid is the Friday prayer. Five daily prayers are also offered in most of them. Many masjids will have a dedicated imam, a prayer leader, who will lead the daily prayers. Some of them do not have a dedicated imam, but one of the attendees will lead the prayer when the prayer time comes . Similarly, the regular imam might also deliver the Friday sermon and lead the prayers or there might be different speakers who rotate weekly and deliver the Friday sermon.

Prophet Muhammad taught us that the masjids are houses of Allah and that certain etiquettes and rules should be learned and observed by every Muslim who attends the them.

Following are some of the etiquettes and manners of a masjid:

1. Worship is the first priority. The primary purpose of going to the masjid is to worship the One true Lord of the heavens and the earth. Everything else is secondary. Many mosques provide gaming and social events like basketball, community dinners, picnics, etc. They are all worthwhile, but serve a secondary purpose. The masjid is primarily a place for the worship of Allah and that typically means prayer and reading or reciting the Quran.

2. The general rule is that a Muslim should be clean, wear clean clothes, and not smell bad when he or she comes to the mosque. He should avoid everything that has an offensive smell like that caused by eating raw garlic, raw onions, or smoking.

A Muslim should also wear clean clothes and socks when he comes to the masjid. Not only do bad smells bother fellow human beings, but they also offend the angels who are present. Remember, that a masjid is the house of Allah after all.

If a person performs work that makes him sweat or other bodily odors, then he should take a shower and change clothes before coming to the masjid. It is reported that the Prophet Muhammad said:

"Whoever eats garlic or onion, then he must keep away from our masjid because the angels get offended from what offends the children of Adam." (Saheeh Muslim)

3. A Muslim should enter the masjid with his right foot first, and then say what was reported from Prophet Muhammad:

“Allah-hum-maf-tah lee abwaaba rahmatik.”

“O Allah, open the gates of your Mercy for me.”

This supplications is optional, however saying it is a rewarding act.

The Prophet liked to start with his right side in everything. The famous companion of Prophet Muhammad, Ibn Umar, in imitation of the Prophet used to step with his right foot first when he entered the masjid, and step out with his left foot first when he walked out of the masjid. (Saheeh Al-Bukhari).

4. In order to keep the carpet clean, where people put their faces, it is appropriate to remove one's shoes before entering the prayer hall. This goes for children as well, who may drag dirt all over the carpet - not to mention that they shouldn't be running around inside the prayer all.

Many mosques have a rack for shoes that should be utilized to keep the space clear of shoes in walkways and other spaces. It also makes it easier to find shoes later on.

5. A Muslim should greet people by saying “As-Salamu Alaikum” to the people in the masjid as he enters it, even if he sees the people are praying. He does not have to shout it out. Saying it in an audible voice is enough. The Companions of Prophet Muhammad used to say “As-Salamu Alaikum” to the Prophet while he was praying, and he used to reply with a gesture. There are many reports about that. For example, Suhaib, a Companion of the Prophet, said: "I passed by the Messenger of Allah while he was praying and gave Salam to him, (and) he replied to me with a gesture." (Nasai)

In another instance, Ibn Umar asked Bilal, another Companion of Prophet Muhammad, ‘How did you see the Prophet reply to the Companions when they said Salam to him while he was engaged in prayer?" Bilal said: "By spreading his palm." (Tirmidhi)

6 . A Muslim should try to be punctual in arriving for the Friday prayer, the regular prayers, or attending lectures and classes. Late arrivals disrupt the class already in attendance, and it is rude to the teacher and the rest of the class or audience. Of course for the Friday prayer, there are angels sitting at the door to record who comes in, and at the Adhan they go inside to listen to the sermon. So if you arrive after that, your name is not written down!

[فداء الرسول]

Manners of Attending a Mosque (part 2 of 2)



7. A person must not rush to catch up prayer that is in progress at entering the masjid, because the Prophet forbade rushing in such a situation. Prophet Muhammad said:

“If the prayer started, then do not join it running, but join it walking and do it calmly, and pray whatever you caught up with, and make up for what you missed.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

If a Muslim arrives late to a prayer, he should say “Allahu Akbar” and join the congregation. If a rakah was joined after ruku’, then the entire rakah needs to be repeated after the prayer. So when the imam finishes with the prayer then you should stand up and make-up what you missed.

It is appropriate to join the back row and fill in all the spaces. If there is no more room, then a new row should start directly behind the imam, and more latecomers fill out to the right and to the left. Sisters should begin a new row in front if the row starts in the back.

8. One should keep quiet during the prayer. During the congregational prayer, there is no good reason for making a lot of noise while people are trying to pray, yet conversations can sometimes be heard during the prayer! Children should be trained to stay near their parent in prayer if possible, or if not, they should not be brought to the masjid to pray.

9. The Muslim should not distract others praying in the masjid, because a person in prayer is in contact with Allah. Causing distraction is quite a serious matter - people should not be disturbed by actions such as reciting the Quran loudly.

10. The one who enters the masjid should not sit until he prays two rakahs. You pray them the same way you pray the two rakahs of the obligatory Fajr prayer. The reason you pray them is to show respect to the masjid before sitting down. The Prophet said:

“When one of you enters the masjid, he should pray two rakah before sitting down.” (Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim)

11. If an individual is praying outside of the congregation (optional prayers, or obligatory prayers alone), he should place something in front of him during prayer as a barrier between himself and the passersby in front of him. It can be a chair, a wall, or a pillar. He should also come a little close to it as the Prophet used to do. Prophet Muhammad said:

“If you pray, then pray toward a sutrah (barrier) and get close to it.” (Abu Daud)

It is not necessary to have a barrier in front of a person if praying in congregation, except for the imam, whose barrier acts for the congregation.

12. Muslims are not supposed to walk in front of a person praying. If a person is praying with a sutrah (barrier), let’s say behind a chair, then you cannot walk between the person and the chair, but beyond the chair. Prophet Muhammad said: “If one knew (the sin) of passing in front of one who is praying, he would rather wait for forty than to pass in front of him.” Abu al-Nadr - one of the Hadith narrators, said: “I do not remember exactly whether he said forty days, months or years.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

13. The Muslim should sit where he finds a place in the masjid. The Muslim should not jump over people or squeeze himself between two people who are already sitting so as not to bother or harm them. Many ahadith of the Prophet convey this meaning.

14. Instead of chatting and gossiping, it is better for a Muslim to keep himself busy supplicating and remembering Allah, because he is considered as if in the prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer.

15. The Muslim should keep the masjid clean and tidy, and fragrant because it is the house of Allah. The Prophet considered spitting in the masjid to be a sin that could be forgiven only if the Muslim cleans the area. The Prophet of Islam said:

“Spitting in the masjid is a sin and its expiation is to clean it.” (Saheeh Muslim)

The Companions of the Prophet used to keep the masjid clean, like the famous Companion, Ibn Umar, used to put perfume inside the masjid when Umar, his father, sat on the pulpit to deliver Friday sermon (Abu Daud). Traditional incense or modern day sprays and electric devices can be used for the purpose.

16. The Muslim should not walk out of the masjid after the Adhan has been given before he prays that prayer with other Muslims in congregation. Let us say you have prayed Dhuhr earlier at home or another masjid, then you go to a masjid where the Adhan is called for Dhuhr. It will be considered a nafl (extra/optional) prayer even though you will pray it in congregation. Your intention will be of a nafl prayer, while others will pray it with the intention of the obligatory Dhuhr prayer.

17. It is proper to listen to the Adhan and to repeat it after the person calling it. Repeat everything, except for when he says:

“Hayya ‘alas-Salaah” (Hasten to the prayer) and

“Hayya ‘alal-Falaah” (Hasten to salvation).

Here you should say: “Laa hawla wa laa quwwata ‘illaa billaah” (There is no might and no power except by Allah). (Bukhari, Muslim)

This repetition of the Adhan is a rewarding act, however it is optional.

18. The Muslim should leave the masjid starting with his left foot first and say what Prophet Muhammad used to say:

“Allaahumma innee as-aluka min fadhlika.”

“O Allah, I ask of Your bounty.” (Saheeh Muslim)

This supplications is optional, however saying it is a rewarding act.

[فداء الرسول]

Friday Prayer (part 1 of 2)

On Fridays, the Dhuhr (afternoon prayer) is replaced with a what is known as Salat ul-Jumuah. Salat ul-Jumuah consists of a short sermon and a congregational prayer. The Friday prayer cannot be done at home or prayed individually. That is why Muslims gather in a central mosque to pray and listen to a sermon, known as khutbah in Arabic. It is common for a designated Imam (prayer leader) to give the khutbah, but sometimes this is done by invited guests or general members of a community.

In the West, sermons are mostly delivered in English, however sometimes they are only in Arabic. In any case, at least part of the sermon is always in Arabic. The sermon is made of two parts. After the first part is over, the khatib (person delivering the khutbah) takes a short break and sits, and then resumes it. The quality of a sermon greatly differs depending on the speaker who might be a knowledgeable scholar of Islam or a lay person. The speaker will praise Allah and then discuss issues relevant to the Muslim community. Afterwards, the Imam will lead the congregation in a short prayer of two rakahs. Salat ul-Jumuah (the sermon and the prayer), usually lasts for an hour or less.

Men Must Pray Salat ul-Jumuah

The Friday prayer is compulsory and required from all Muslim men. This is based on the Quran in which Allah says,

“O you who believe, when the call to prayer (Adhan) is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trade aside. That is better for you, if you did but know.” (Quran 62:9)

Prophet Muhammad has stated very clearly who is required to pray Salat ul-Jumuah and who is exempt:

“The Friday prayer in congregation is an obligatory duty on every Muslim except four: a slave, a woman, a child, and a sick person.”[1]

To be precise, Friday prayer is required from every Muslim male who has reached puberty. Others can attend it, but are not sinful if they don’t.

Additionally, Prophet Muhammad has given a stern warning against missing the Friday prayers. He said,

“People should stop missing Friday prayers otherwise Allah will put a seal on their hearts and thus they will be among the heedless.”[2]

A Muslim man who is sick or travelling may miss the Friday prayer. A Muslim woman is not required to pray the Friday prayer, but she is allowed to attend the prayers if she wants to. Most mosques have separate seating arrangements for women, but some may lack women’s area for praying the Friday prayer. Also, the women who decide not to attend the Salat ul-Jumuah should offer the regular Dhuhr prayer at home.

Wisdom Behind Friday Prayer

1. The Friday prayer brings local Muslims together in one place on a fixed day, thereby increasing the bonds of brotherhood between Muslims.

2. The purpose of the khutbah (sermon) is to educate the Muslims and serves as a weekly reminder about their duties to Allah and fellow human beings. It warns against sin and disobeying Allah, and encourages to be good and to obey Allah.

3. The topics are varied and often update the Muslims on current affairs and as Muslim what should be their role.

Virtues of Friday

Friday is a virtuous day with many special qualities.

1. Prophet Muhammad said:

“When it is a Friday, the angels stand at the gate of the mosque and keep on writing the names of the persons coming to the mosque in succession according to their arrivals. The example of the one who enters the mosque in the earliest hour is that of one offering a camel (in sacrifice). The one coming next is like one offering a cow and then a ram and then a chicken and then an egg respectively. When the Imam comes out (for the Friday prayer) they (i.e. angels) fold their papers and listen to the Khutbah.”[3]

This narration shows the reward of coming early to the Friday prayer. The earlier a person arrives, the greater his reward. The first arrival attains the reward of sacrificing a camel for Allah, but those who arrive later receive lesser rewards.

2. He also said:

“The best day on which the sun has ever risen is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted into Paradise, and on it he was expelled from it, and the Hour will not be established except on Friday.”[4]

The purpose of this narration is to tell us of the magnificent events that took place on Friday or will take place.


Footnotes:
[1] Abu Dawood
[2] Saheeh Muslim
[3] Saheeh Al-Bukhari
[4] Saheeh Muslim

[فداء الرسول]

Friday Prayer (part 2 of 2)



Etiquette and Duties on Friday

1. Wear Clean Clothes & Smell Good

Prophet Muhammad said, “Every Muslim should have a ritual bath on Friday and wear his best clothing, and if he has perfume, he should use it”[1]

2. Send Blessings on the Prophet

It is highly recommended to send peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad on Fridays as the Prophet said, “Invoke blessings on me, many times over, on Friday and the night (preceding it); for whoever does so, I will be a witness and intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment.”[2]

This is done by simply saying and repeating the words, “Allahumma sal-ly wa sal-lim ‘Ala Muhammad.” Repeating these simple words anytime during Friday brings great blessings as mentioned in the above report form Prophet Muhammad.

3. Increase Supplication

A Muslim should increase his supplication to Allah on Friday because there is a time on Friday when Allah responds and gives whatever good He is asked for. The Prophet said, “There is an hour on Friday in which no Muslim asks during it except that Allah grants him whatever he asks for.”[3]

One can supplicate in any language he wants. The etiquettes of supplication have been covered in previous lessons.

4. Arrive Early at the Mosque

Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever takes a bath on Friday like the one taken to purify oneself from sexual impurity, then he leaves at the earliest time, then he is like the one who offers a camel; the one who comes after that is like one who offers a cow; the one who comes after that is like one who offers a horned ram; the one who comes after that is like one who offers a chicken; the one who comes after that is like one who offers an egg. When the Imam arrives, the angels are present to listen to the remembrance (meaning the khutbah).”[4]

If a person comes late, he should not step over people already sitting in rows, nor separate two people sitting together. He should also not move another person and take their place. A Muslim should not walk directly in front of a person praying.

5. Sit Close to the Imam

A person must try to arrive early and sit close to the Imam delivering the sermon. Sitting closer to the Imam is better than sitting behind in the back rows or reclining next to a wall. If a new Muslim finds it hard to sit on the floor for half an hour or so, he may sit where ever he feels comfortable, but he should try to get accustomed to sitting closer to the Imam.

6. Don’t Talk During the Khutbah

Also, a Muslim should pay attention to the sermon and not talk during it, even if it is delivered in Arabic. Talking during the Friday prayer is a serious matter. Prophet Muhammad said, “If you say to your friend, ‘Be quiet,’ on Friday when the Imam is delivering the sermon, then you have uttered non-sense.”[5]

In another narration, the Prophet said, “…whoever utters nonsense is considered as if he has not attended the Friday prayer!”[6]

7. Pray Two Rakahs For Entering the Mosque Before Sitting Down

If you arrive to the mosque early, you should pray two rakahs before sitting down. If you arrive while the Imam is delivering the sermon, you should still pray them, but make it short. The Prophet said, “If anyone of you enters the mosque on Friday while the Imam is delivering the khutbah, let him perform two rakahs and be brief in doing so.”[7]

8. Don’t Buy or Sell Once the Adhan Has Been Called

This prohibition is based on the Quran itself,

“... when the Adhan is proclaimed for the prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah and leave trading aside...” (Quran 62:9)

9. The Friday prayer which consists of two rakahs is performed after the sermon behind an Imam. Someone who misses it should pray four rakahs of regular Dhuhr prayer.

10. You can pray two or four rakahs of Sunnah (recommended) prayer after the Friday prayer.

Making Arrangements with the Employer for Time Off for Salat ul-Jumuah

Countless Muslims take time off from their businesses, schools, and employers to attend the Friday prayer. Friday prayer is a religious obligation and a new Muslim should make arrangements with their school or employer to take time off for attending it. You can make up the lost hours by working extra during the week or staying late on Friday.[8]


Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim
[2] Baihaqi
[3] Saheeh Muslim
[4] Muwatta
[5] Saheeh Muslim
[6] Abu Dawood
[7] Saheeh Muslim
[8] Contact the following organizations for more information or help:
(CAIR > Home
)
(http://www.caircan.ca)
(AMCRAN - Home)
If your country is not listed, you can contact a Muslim civil rights organization in your country for help and guidance.

[فداء الرسول]

Sajdah Sahu
Prostration (sajdah) for Error/Mistake/Omission


The sajdah (prostration) which is done for forgetfulness in a namaz is known as sajdah-sahu. Their number is two Hazrat ibne Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) reports the saying of prophet (Pbuh) as Whenever a person does something more or less in his namaz (salah) then it is necessary for him to offer two sajdahs. (Muslim)


1. Time for Sajdah Sahu: Sajdah Sahu can be done at the end of the last rakat before salaam or after first salaam also. Both these are supported by the sayings of the Prophet.


It is reported by Abu Sayeed Khadri that the Prophet said, Whenever anyone amongst you forget in the namaz and is confused as to whether he has offered three rakats or four, it is essential for him to remove this doubt and offer two sajdahs before salaam, in this way his namaz will be set right and it will be a curse on the evil spirit (satan). [Ahmed, Muslim]


2. Method of sajdah:- In Hanafi sect, in the last rakat after tashahhud right side salaam is done and after that two sajdah are done and again tashahhud, darood and dua is recited and salaam is done on both sides. In shafi sect, two sajdah are done before salaam after reciting tashahhud, darood and dua.


3. circ-umstances in which Sajda Sahu is done:-

a) If a person offering namaz offers first salaam (last act of prayer) by mistake (without completing all rakats).

b) If one offers more than prescribed rakats.

c) If one forgets tashahhud (attahiyyat) after two rakats.

d) If one is in confused state of mind regarding the number of rakats he has offered (two or three)

[فداء الرسول]

Forbidden times for prayer

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions.

The forbidden times of prayers are as follows:
- From Fajr to sunrise.
- Noontime.
- From Asr until sunset
The evidence about this is the Hadith reported by Bukhari and Muslim: “There is no prayer after Fajr prayer until sunrise, and there is no prayer after Asr prayer until sunset.”
Imam Muslim reported the Hadith narrated by Uqba Bin Amir who said: “The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wa Sallam) forbade us to pray or to bury our dead during 3 particular times .”
“When the Sun rises until it goes high in the horizon, when the Sun is at its meridian until its goes past the meridian and the shadow of objects starts to appear, and when the Sun sets until it is totally down.”
As regards your statement that modern science affirmed that every second the Sun rises on one part of the world and sets on another, this scientific reality is known. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {….He makes the night to go in the day and makes the day to go in the night…..}[39:5].
The Earth is round and it is continuously revolving around the Sun. Therefore the Sun would be rising and setting continuously on the different parts of the world. There is no contradiction between this and the forbiddance of praying at sunrise and sunset. It is forbidden for anyone to pray at those times according to the place where he is located. The five daily prayers are obligatory on each individual person according to the place where he is. When the starting time of the prayer begins, it is obligatory on him to pray. This of course differs from one place to another. For instance, in some places it is time for Zuhr prayer, while in some other places, it is time for Isha prayer.
Your saying that it is not permissible for a person, who knows this reality to pray, is rejected. Dhuha (forenoon) for instance is not connected to any of the five daily prayers. According to this scientific reality, despite the fact that the Sun rises every second on some parts of the world, Dhuha still exists along the whole day on the globe. Does this mean that whoever knows this reality it is not permissible for him to pray the five daily prayers for the whole day.
In conclusion, the Hadith forbids the prayer during these times; this is in relation to the person's location, or according to sunrise or sunset in relation to him, like the five daily prayers.

Allah knows best.



http://www.islamweb.net/emainpage/index.php?page=showfatwa&Option=FatwaId&Id=87774

[فداء الرسول]

“Until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself”

Anas relates that the Prophet (peace be upon
him) said: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]
The importance of this hadith:

Al-Jurjânî says about it: “This hadith is one of the foundations of Islam.”

It is a most eloquent summary of how a Muslim is supposed to conduct himself with others. Al-Nawawî relates to us that Ibn Abî Zayd, the leading jurist in Morocco of his time, said: “All the etiquettes of virtue can be derived from four hadith – ” Then he mentioned the following statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

1. “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should say something good or remain silent.”

2. “ From the perfection of a person’s Islam is his leaving alone what does not concern him.”

3. “Do not get angry”

4. “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.”

This hadîth shows how people are supposed to relate to each other. It negates base emotions such as envy and establishes the vision of a society based on mutual responsibility and caring.

None of you truly believes…

This hadith is not saying that a person becomes an unbeliever for failing to hold in his heart such love for others. It is merely stating that his belief is deficient.

This is made clearer by a narration in Musnad Ahmad that reads: “A worshipper does not attain the truth of faith until he loves for the people what he loves for himself of good.”

This is similar to many other statements of the Prophet (peace be upon him), like:

“By Allah he does not believe… whose neighbor is not safe from his abuse.” [Musnad Ahmad]

“A fornicator is not a believer while he is engaged in fornication, a thief is not a believer while he is perpetrating a theft, and an imbiber of wine is not a believer while he is engaged in drinking it.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî and Sahîh Muslim]

In all of these cases, what is being said is that a person’s faith is incomplete, that the roots of faith are not firmly embedded in a person’s heart and soul.

Hence, a Muslim whose heart is full of jealousy for the blessings held by others, or who is avaricious and loathes for others to possess the same blessings that he does is a person whose faith is deficient.

Until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself:

This hadith shows the humanity of Islam. A person cannot be considered to be fully a believer until he loves for others what he loves for himself. This meaning is not restricted to his fellow Muslims; it applies to all humanity. Indeed, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Love for the people what you love for yourself and you will be a believer.” [Sunan Ibn Mâjah]

At the forefront of what a Muslim should want for others is for them to be rightly guided. He should desire Islam for all humanity just as he desires it for himself. This should inspire him to call non-Muslims to Islam and to call his fellow Muslims to righteousness and piety.

It also includes treating other people the way one wishes to be treated. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever wishes to be kept away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise should have death overtake him while he believes in Allah and the Last Day and should treat people the way he wants them to treat him.” [Sahîh Muslim]

It is also part of faith to hate that evil and misfortune should befall others in the same way that we hate it to befall ourselves. This is implied by the Prophet’s statement, because love for something necessarily implies dislike for what is opposed to it.

Some people might find this command to love for others what we love for ourselves to be a tall order that it is impossible for them to inculcate in their hearts. Ibn al-Salâh points out how this is not the case, saying:

This is realized by loving for others to attain such things without contending with them in doing so; meaning, in such a way that his brother’s providence does not decreased anything form his own. This is something easy on anyone possessing a sound heart. [Sharh Sahîh Muslim]
This hadith, by negating the faith of a person who does not love for his brother what he loves for himself, is a stern warning against envy. Envy is the very antithesis of what the hadith is discussing, since an envious person loathes that anyone else should excel him in goodness or even equal him.

Al-Nawawî defines envy as: “… to desire for someone who enjoys a blessing to become bereft of it, regardless of whether that blessing is of a religious or worldly nature.”

Al-Ghazâlî says: “As far as envy is concerned, Islamic scholars define it as the hatred of a blessing and the love that the one so blessed by it will become bereft of it.”

Allah instructs us to seek refuge from this vile emotion, because of the evil that ensues from it. He says: “…the evil of the envier when he envies.” [ Sûrah al-Falaq : 5]

The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned against the ill consequences of envy upon the envier, saying: “Beware of envy, for indeed envy consumes one's good deeds like fire consumes wood.” [ Sunan Abî Dâwûd]

[فداء الرسول]

سُورَةُ العَصر
بِسمِ للهِ لرَّحمَـنِ لرَّحِيمِ

وَلعَصرِ () إِنَّ لإِنسَـنَ لَفِى خُسرٍ () إِلَّا لَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ وَعَمِلُواْ لصَّـلِحَـتِ وَتَوَاصَواْ بِلحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَواْ بِلصَّبرِ ()

Surah Al-Asr
In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

By the declining day, (1) Lo! man is a state of loss, (2) Save those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to truth and exhort one another to endurance. (3)


للاستماع للسورة بالعربية والانجليزية
Allah's Quran - Quran - A Guidance Without Doubt
Allah's Quran - Quran - A Guidance Without Doubt