Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) the King Prophet

For the guidance of mankind, Allah honoured four famous Prophets by revealing to them four Holy Books as under:

1) Taurat to Prophet Musa (Moses):

2) Zaboor (Psalms) To Prophet Dawood (David);

3) Injeel (Evangel) To Prophet Isa (Jesus);

4) Qur'an To Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (s).

The commandments of Allah are contained in these books. The first three books were for the earlier times. The Holy Qur'an is the last book of God and is for the guidance of entire mankind till the Day of Judgement.

Prophet Dawood eventually became King of his people. He had 19 sons. Each of them hoped to inherit the father's throne. Allah revealed to Prophet Dawood a few questions and their answers and commanded him to put the questions to each one of his sons. Whosoever answered those questions correctly, would inherit the throne of the father, Prophet Dawood.

One day Prophet Dawood called all his sons in the presence of the scholars and the chiefs of the tribes of his kingdom. He then put forward the following questions:

1) Which thing is closest (nearest) to man?

2) Which is the farthest thing?

3) Which two things are attached to each other?

4) Which is the most awe-creating thing?

5, Which two things remain unchanged?

6) Which two things are always different?

7) Which two things are opposed to each other?

8) What is the action the result of which is good?

9) What is that action the result of which is bad?

The sons of Prophet Dawood felt helpless and could not answer any of these questions. Then the youngest of the sons, Prophet Sulaiman (Solomon) stood up and gave the following answers:

1. The nearest things to a man is the hereafter (Life and Death - as one may die any moment);

2. The farthest things is the time which has passed away (which is not to come again);

3. The two things that are attached to each other is man's body with the soul;

4. The most awe-creating is the man's body (dead) without soul;

5. The two things which remain the same are the sky and the earth;

6. The two things which are different are the day and night;

7. The two things which are opposed to each other are life and death;

8. The action - the end of which is good - is patience and forbearance at the time of anger;

9. The action - the end of which is bad is haste at the time of anger.

Prophet Dawood obviously, was very much impressed with these correct answers and appointed Prophet Sulaiman as his successor.

Thus it will be seen that it was the supreme knowledge and understanding that made Prophet Sulaiman succeed his father and become the Great King Prophet.

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The ant prays for Rain

Once there was a big famine in Palestine. It was during the time of the Prophet, Prophet Sulaiman (King Solomon). He came out with his people and proceeded to an open place in the desert to pray for the rains to come. Suddenly, he saw an ant standing on its two legs, raising its hands up towards the sky and saying, "Oh Allah! We are but very small among all Thy creatures. We cannot survive without Thy grace. Please bestow upon us Thy sustenance and do not punish us because of the sins of human beings. Please send down the rains so that trees can grow, farms become green and grains become available and we have our food to eat."

Prophet Sulaiman knew the language of all animals. He told his people, "Let us go home. The prayer of this ant is enough." It then rained heavily and all the land became green and productive.

The ant is an intelligent creature. During warm days it collects and stores grain inside the holes. It knows that during wet and cold months, it would not be able to go out to search for food. For fear that grain may start growing because of wetness, it splits it into two or more pieces. At times, during moonlit nights, it brings the split grains out of the stores for drying and preservation against decay. The holes under the ground are made very carefully and covered with shelter to prevent the rain water from getting inside the holes. The ant, unlike the other animals, can lift a burden twice its own weight. It is not a selfish creature. When an ant finds some store of food grains, it runs up to its group and takes its fellow ants to that place. It shows everyone of them its own find of the store. They always behave in this manner. They work and live in co-operation with each other.

This shows how the ant works for the group and how each of them fulfils the needs and livelihood of its fellow-beings. How shameful it is for a man, who has no regard for another man; who has no concern for his fellow human beings who could be starving because of want of food.

Once, while Prophet Sulaiman was travelling together with hosts of men, jinn and birds, they reached a valley of ants.

When the chief of these ants witnessed the pomp and the glory with which Prophet Sulaiman and his companions were approaching toward it. He warned all the ants to get into their holes lest they got trampled and crushed unknowingly by the approaching men and Jinn. Prophet Sulaiman smiled at this warning sounded by the ants' chief, and ordered his companions to wait till the ants went inside their holes. "None of us should hurt any ant while passing over their land", he said.

It is said that Prophet Sulaiman addressed the chief of the ants and said: "How could my people hurt you or your fellow ants when they are floating through air! Don't you know that I am a messenger of God and would never act unfairly?" The chief of the ants replied: "O Messenger of God! My cautioning the ants was not for any hurt that they would suffer but to prevent them getting astray and forgetting the glory of God after seeing your pomp and show."

There is a deep meaning in this event. It shows that even the most humble and smallest of creatures has been endowed with the necessary wisdom to live safely and avoid being hurt as far as possible. It also shows, how even a small ant does have the natural understanding of the true position of Allah. It imparts a lesson that one should not forget the true might and glory of Allah when one experiences a great power and dignity of any creature in this world.

Thus an Ant is one of the most wonderful small creatures in this world. Sura "Naml" (the Ant) in the Holy Qur'an is a chapter named after this creature. Over 1300 years ago, Imam Ali (a) was giving a sermon in Kufa, in which he was describing the beauties of creation in various forms of life. He was referring to small creatures and asking man to study how God made them so small yet so sturdy and strong. He described the ant in these words:

'Look at an ant. How tiny is its body and how delicate are its features! It is such a small creature that it often escapes the eye, and few people care to attach any importance to it among the living beings found on this earth. Look at it and study its ways of life; how it crawls, how it attacks its food; how it lifts a grain so many times heavier than its body, carries it to its hole; how it stores grains; and how in summer it gathers and stocks food for winter and rainy days.'

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The Hajj of Six Hundred Thousand

Hadhrat Abu Abdullah Jauhari (rahmatullahi alayh) narrates:

"Once I fell asleep o­n the Plain of Arafaat. In a dream I saw two Angels descending from heaven. The o­ne asked his companion: ‘How many people performed Hajj this year?’

The second Angel: ‘Six hundred thousand. But the Hajj of o­nly six was accepted.’

First Angel: ‘ What has Allah Ta`ala done with those whose Hajj has not been accepted?’

Second Angel: ‘Allah is Most Gracious. Through the virtue of the six, Allah Ta`ala accepted the Hajj of six hundred thousand. Allah bestows His Kindness to whomever He wishes.’"

Do Not Marry 7 Types of Women...

1. Al-Annaanah:

The woman who whines, moans and complains and ‘ties a band around her head’ all the time (i.e. complains of a headache or some illness but in reality she is not sick, rather she is faking).

2. Al-Mannaanah:

The woman who bestows favours, gifts, etc. upon her husband then (at that time or the future) says; “I did such and such for you or on your behalf or because of you.

3. Al-Hannaanah:

The women who yearns or craves for her former husband or children of the former husband.

4. Kay’atul-Qafaa:

The women who has a brand mark on the nape of her neck (i.e. has a bad reputation or doubts about her).

5. Al-Haddaaqah:

The women who cast her eyes at things (i.e. always looking at something to purchase, then desires it and requires her husband to buy it (No Matter What).

6. Al-Barraaqah:

The women who spends much of her day enhancing her face and beautifying it to such an extent that it will seem like it was manufactured.

7. Al-Shaddaaqah:

The woman who talks excessively..

‘A Concise Manual of Marriage’ by Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen

Shiekh Mishary bin Rashid Al Afasy

you can download the entire full quraan of Shiekh Mishary bin Rashid Al Afasy from following link in high quality mp3s.

http://www.mp3quran.net/eng/afs_english.html

Why the rib?

Woman was made from the rib of man,
She was not created from his head to top him,
Nor form his feet to be stepped upon,
She was made from his side to be close to him,
From beneath his arm to be protected by him,
Near his heart to be loved by him.

Reasons for failure of creation

Shaqeeq Ibn Ibaraheem said: "The doors of success have been closed upon the creation because of six things:

• Their busying themselves with the blessings of Allah instead of thanking Allah for them;
• Their desire for knowledge while they abandon actions;
• The hastiness to sin and delaying repentance;
• The deception of having righteous companions and not taking them as examples;
• The turning away of the dunya from them while they chase it;
• The approach of the afterlife towards them while they turn away from it."

[Al Fawaai'd by Ibn Al Qayim: P. 161]

Stick to seven things

Abu Dharr(RA) said, “My companion (Rasoolillah(SAW)) ordered me with seven things:

1. He ordered me to love the poor and be close to them,

2. and He ordered me to look at those below me and not to look at those above me,

3. He ordered me to keep the ties of the womb even if others didn’t want to,

4. He ordered me not to ask anyone for anything,

5. He ordered me to speak the truth even if it was bitter,

6. He ordered me not to fear, for the sake of Allaah, the blame of the blamers,

7. He ordered me to frequently say “laa hawla walaa quwwata illa billaah” (there is no might or power except with Allaah), for it is from the treasure from the treasures of Paradise.

Sabrun Jamil - Beautiful Patience

Mujâhid said: “Beautiful patience is patience without any panic.” ‘Amr ibn Qays said: “Beautiful patience means to be content with adversity and to surrender to the will of Allâh.”

Yûnus ibn Yazîd said: I asked Rabî‘ah ibn Abu ‘Abdur-Rahmân: “What is the ultimate of patience?” He said: “To be outwardly the same at the time of affliction as one was the day before it struck.” (This does not mean that a person does not or should not feel pain or anguish; patience in this instance means that one refrains from panicking and complaining.)

"Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will make him patient. And nobody can be given a better and greater gift than patience."

(Bukhari: Volume 2, Book 24, No. 548)

Omar ibn Al Khattab said: "Whatever hardship befalls a believing servant, Allah will make an opening for him after it, and one hardship will be overcome by two eases." (Malik Muwatta Book 21, No. 21.1.6)

Commenting on the meaning of Sabrun Jamîl, i.e, beautiful patience, in the verse : "So be patient with a good (i.e, beautiful) patience." (Quran Ma'aarij 70:5) Qays ibn al-Hajjâj said: “The person who is suffering from some affliction should behave in such a way that nobody is able to distinguish him from others (Ibn Qayyim)

Timeless truths

1. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- Allah's way leads to an endless hope.

2. We don't change Allah's message -- His message changes us.

3. When Allah ordains, He sustains.

4. Never give the devil a ride -- he will always want to drive.

5. He who angers you controls you.

How do I stop sinning?

Ibraheem ibn Adham was approached by a man who wanted to stop his sins. He asked for advice that will help him realize the consequences of his actions. He was told:

If you want to disobey Allah, you can, in 5 cases:

1- If you want to disobey Allah, then don't eat from His rizq (provision.)

The man said: Then where am I to eat when every provision is from Allah?

Ibraheem said: O such a person! Is it honorable and good to disobey Allah, and eat from His provision?

The man said: give me the second one.

2- If you want to disobey Allah, then do not live on Allah's property.

The man said: Then where am I to live if not on Allah's property?

Ibraheem said: Is it good then, to eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him?
The man said: Give me the third one.

3- If you want to disobey Allah, then disobey Him in a place where He will not see you.

The man said: How am I to do this when He not only sees what others see, but what is in the hearts?

Ibraheem said: o you such a person, how do you eat from His provision, live on His property, and disobey Him openly?

The man said: Give me the fourth one.

4- If you want to disobey Allah, when the Angel of Death comes to you, tell him to come back later, after you repent.

The man said: He will not accept this from me!

Ibraheem said: O you such a person, when you cannot delay death, how do you expect a savior?

The man said: Give me the fifth.

5- If you want to disobey Allah, then after death comes to you, on the Day of Judgement, when the Angels of Hell come to drag you into Hell, refuse to go with them.

The man said: They will not accept that from me!

Ibraheem said: Then how do you expect to be saved?

The man said: Enough! Enough! I seek forgiveness in Allah and make tawbaah! AstaghfirAllah wa i'tubuu ilayk!

He made sincere tawbaah, and left all his acts of disobedience, and he died in such a state.

Companion of the dead

Said `Ubaid bin `Umayr al-Laythi 'Not a single man dies without being called by the pit in which he is buried, which declares, "I am the house of gloom, and of loneliness and solitude! If you were obedient to God during your lifetime then today I shall be a source of mercy for you, but if you were rebellious then I am an act of vengence against you. The obedient who enter me shall come forth joyful, while the rebellious who enter me shall emerge in ruin".'

Said Yazid al-Ruqashi 'I have heard it said that when the deceased is set in his tomb his works amass around him and are given to speak by God, so that they say, "O bondsman, alone in his pit! Your family and friends are now separated from you, so that today we are your sole companions".'

(The Remembrance of Death and the Afterlife, Imam Al-Ghazali (rh)

Five pieces of Advice

'Akrama bin Khalid narrated that 'Ali bin Abi Talib(RA) once said: "Learn five things from me, although, even if you were to ride on the speediest racing camels to attain them, your camels will fall exhausted before you can ever arrive at fully accomplishing them;

1) Let a servant implore no one beside his Lord;
2) let a servant fear nothing greater than the consequences of his own sin;
3) let an unlearned person not shy to inquire about what he does not understand; and finally,
4) let no scholar, when asked about something he does not know, shy to say, 'I do not know the answer to that question, surely Allah knows best.'
5) You also must know that patience to one's faith is like the head in relationship to one's body."

(Hilyatul Awliyaa, Imam Al-Asafahaani (rh))

Eid Mubarak

Healing Belongs to Allah - Prophet Ayyub

this part is continuation of the previous post :

Almighty Allah also instructed: "Remember Our slave Ayyub, when he invoked His Lord saying: "Verily! Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!" Allah said to him: "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink." And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof as a Mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand. (Ch 38:41-43)

Ayyub obeyed and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could not longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to him to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering her house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayyub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy.

Ayyub was not worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he had regained health but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant and advised him: "take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath." Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!" (Ch 38:44)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "While Ayyub (alaihissalam) was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of gold locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: "O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?" He said: "Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings." (Al Bukhari)

Healing Belongs to Allah - Prophet Ayyub

this part is continuation of the previous post :

Extract from Ibn Kathir's book: Stories of the Prophets:

Ayyub (alaihissalam) was repentant, remembering Allah with thankfulness, patience, and steadfastness. This was the cause of his rescue and the secret of Allaah's praising him. A group of angels were discussing Allaah's other human creatures, how those who were humble earned Allaah's pleasure, while those who were arrogant incurred His displeasure. One of the angels remarked: "The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allaah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favoring him so kind and gentle is he."

Iblis overhearing all of this, became annoyed. He planned to tempt Ayyub (alaihissalam) to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayyub from his prayers by whispering him about the good things in life but Job was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him. This disturbed Iblis even more; thus he began to hate Ayyub even more.

Iblis complained to Allaah about Ayyub (alaihissalam) .. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allaah he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. "If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop."

Allaah told Iblis that Ayyub (alaihissalam) was one of His most sincere devotees. He did not worship Him because of the favors; his worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove to Iblis the depth of Ayyub's sincerity and patience, Allaah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayyub alaihissalam' s wealth.

Iblis was very happy. he gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayyub alaihissalam' s cattle, servants and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayyub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him: "All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too much charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allaah. Others say that Allaah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allaah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth."

True to his belief, Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "What Allaah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills." With these words, Ayyub (alaihissalam) again prostrated to his Lord.

When Iblis saw this, he felt frustrated, so he again addressed Allaah: "I have stripped Job of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You."

Allaah granted Iblis authority but warned him that it would not reduce Ayyub's faith in His Lord nor his patience.

Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the fountain of the house in which Ayyub (alaihissalam) 's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayyub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayyub (alaihissalam): "The circumstances under which your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers." Having said this, Iblis waited anxiously hoping Ayyub (alaihissalam) was now ready to reject Allaah.

But again Ayyub (alaihissalam) disappointed him by replying: "Allaah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator." then Ayyub (alaihissalam) prostrated to his Lord. At this Iblis was extremely vexed.

Iblis called on Allah. "O my Lord, Ayyub's wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You an will thus become disobedient. "

Allah wanted to teach Iblis a lesson that Ayyub was a devoted servant of his Lord so He granted Iblis his 3rd request but placed a condition: "I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion."

Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Job's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Job remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah's righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.

Ibn Asaker narrated: "Ayyyb was a man having much wealth of all kinds; beats, slaves, sheep, vast lands of Haran and many children. All those favors were taken from him and he was physically afflicted as well. Never a single organ was sound except his heart and tongue, with both of which he glorified Allaah, the Almighty all the time day and night. His disease lasted for a long time until his visitors felt disgusted with him. His friends kept away from him and people abstained from visiting him. No one felt sympathy for him except his wife. She took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her."

Therefore Iblis became desperate. He consulted his helpers, but they could not advise him. They asked : "How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub alaihissalam, yet you succeeded in misleading Adam the father of man, out of Paradise?"

Iblis went to Ayyub alaihissalam' s wife in the form of a man. "Where is your husband?" he asked her.

She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumbled on the bed and said: "There he is, suspended between life and death."

Iblis reminded her of the days, when Ayyub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayyub: "How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?"

Ayyub (alaihissalam) sighed, and in a soft voice replied : "Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?"

She replied: "80 years."

Then Ayyub (alaihissalam) replied: "How long am I suffering like this?"

She said: "7 years."

Ayyub then told her: "In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases."

Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In this helpless sate, Ayyub turned to Allaah, not to complain but to seek His mercy: "Verily! distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." so We answered his call, and we removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us." (Ch 21:83-84)

Healing Belongs to Allaah

I would like to share an interesting Jummah Sermon delivered by Imam al-Madina al-Munawarrah 'Abdul Muhsin Ibn Muhammad al-Qasi.

All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allaah, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! This world is an abode of trials in which no man is safe from an illness that disrupts his life or weakens him. Afflictions are however a blessing; for our Lord showers mercy through trials and tries some with blessings. Bitterness of this world for the believer is the real sweetness of the Hereafter for him. Many a blessing given to a man has been a source of his illness and many a deprived person has been healed through his depravity.

Allaah says,

"It may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and you like a thing which is bad for you. Allaah knows but you do not know." (2:216)

Affliction is a sign of Allaah's love and the way to Paradise. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

"Great reward goes with great affliction, and when Allaah loves a people, He tries them. Whoever shows contentment among them will earn the pleasure of Allaah and whoever becomes angry earns the anger of Allah." (At-Tirmidhi)

Good health is one of the greatest blessings of Allaah. The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

"There are two blessings of which many people get deceived: good health and free time." (Al-Bukhari)

Good health is one of the things that man will be called to account for on the Day of Resurrection. The Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said,

"The first thing that man will be asked of on the Day of Resurrection is, 'Had I not given you health in your body and quenched your thirst with cold water?' " (At-Tirmidhi)

One of the most severe tests is to deprive a man of his health. The best individuals among men have been afflicted with diseases. Ibn Mas'ud entered upon the Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, while he was suffering from an illness, and he said, "O Messenger of Allaah, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, you are seriously suffering from an illness". The Prophet, Salallahu alayhe wa salam, said, "Yes, I am suffering from an illness as two men among you would do." (Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim).

Prophet Ayyub was also overwhelmed with disease for years.

Continued.. Part 2

The Mosque of Satan

Iblis (satan) said: O my Lord, You sent Adam (as) down (to earth) and You knew that there will be a Book and Messengers. So what is the Book and who are the Messengers?

Allah said: The Messengers are the Angels and the Prophets from amongst them and the Books are; the Torah, Gospel, Psalms and the criterion (ie the Quran).

Iblis said: Then what is my book? Allah said: Your book is the tattoo, your recitation is poetry, your messengers are the fortune tellers, your food is that on which Allah's name is not invoked and you drink is every intoxicant. Your truth is a lie, your dwelling is the bathroom, your snare is women, your call to prayer is the flute and your mosque (place of worship) is the market. (Tabarani)

Islamic Sayings - Part 4

And whenever you give your word, say the truth [al-An’aam 6:152]

And seek help in patience and prayer [al-Baqarah 2:45]

And speak good to people [al-Baqarah 2:83]

And fulfil the Covenant of Allaah when you have covenanted [al-Nahl 16:91]

Verily! Allaah commands that you should render back the trusts to those to whom they are due [al-Nisa’ 4:58]

And let not your hand be tied (like a miser) to your neck, nor stretch it forth to its utmost reach (like a spendthrift) [al-Isra’ 17:29]

Eat and drink, but waste not by extravagance [al-A’raaf 7:31]

And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is al-taqwa (piety, righteousness) [al-Baqarah 2:197]

And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty) [al-Talaaq 65:2]

And whosoever puts his trust in Allaah, then He will suffice him [al-Talaaq 65:3]

He who obeys the Messenger has indeed obeyed Allaah [al-Nisa’ 4:80]

By no means shall you attain al-birr (righteousness) until you spend (in Allaah’s cause) of that which you love [Aal ‘Imraan 3:92]

Allaah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of Affairs (for us) [Aal ‘Imraan 3:171]

And walk not on the earth with conceit and arrogance [al-Isra’ 17:37]

And turn not your face away from men with pride [Luqmaan 31:18]

And be moderate (or show no arrogance) in your walking, and lower your voice [Luqmaan 31:19]

And give not a thing in order to have more (or consider not your deeds of obedience to Allaah as a favour to Allaah) [al-Muddaththir 74:6]

“Pay attention to Allaah and He will pay attention to you.”

“If you feel no shame, then do as you wish.”

“Make sure your food is good (halaal and bought with halaal earnings), and you will be one whose prayers are answered.”

“Fear Allaah wherever you may be.”

“Follow up a bad deed with a good deed, to cancel it out.”

“Mix with people with a good attitude.”

“Keep away from prohibited things and you will be the best of worshippers.”

“Be content with what Allaah has given you, and you will be the richest of people.”

“Love for other people what you love for yourself.”

“Do not laugh too much, for excessive laughter deadens the heart.”

“Wrongdoing will be multiple darkness on the Day of Resurrection.”

“Fear Allaah and treat all your children fairly.”

“Fear the Fire, even if by giving half a date (in charity).”

“Fear the prayer of the oppressed.”

“The thing that weighs most heavily in the balance (of good deeds) is a good attitude.”

“Deliberation is from Allaah, haste is from Shaytaan.”

“The less your wealth, the less you will be called to account for.”

“Do not become angry, and Paradise will be yours.”

“The most beloved of deeds to Allaah is the one that is continuous, even if it is little.”

“The most beloved of places to Allaah are the mosques.”

“The most hated of places to Allaah are the marketplaces.”

“The most beloved of food to Allaah is that which is touched by many hands (i.e., shared among many people).”

“The most beloved of speech to Allaah is that a person should say, ‘Subhaan Allaah wa bi hamdih (Glory and praise be to Allaah)’.”

“The most beloved of people to Allaah is the one who is most helpful.”

“The most beloved deed to Allaah is making a Muslim happy.”

“Whoever restrains his anger, Allaah will conceal his faults.”

“A bad attitude spoils a good deed just as vinegar spoils honey.”

“The most beloved of people to Allaah are those who have the best attitudes.”

“Beware of this world, for it is sweet and tempting.”

“Control your tongue.”

“Trim your moustaches and let your beards grow.”

“Give back the things you have been entrusted with to the person who entrusted them to you.”

“Do not betray the one who betrays you.”

“Pray to Allaah and be confident of a response.”

“Cheer people up, do not put them off.”

“Make things easy for people, not difficult.”

“Eat with your right hand and eat from what is in front of you.”

“If Allaah gives you wealth, let the blessing of Allaah be seen on you.”

“If someone who is distinguished among his own people comes to you, then honour him.”

Islamic Sayings - Part 3

“If one with whose religion and character you are pleased comes to you (to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage), then marry (your daughter) to him.”

“If Allaah wills good to the people of a household, He guides them to be gentle.”

“If you do something bad, follow it by doing something good.”

“If you feel uncomfortable about something, then leave it alone.”

“If you judge (between people), then judge fairly.”

“If you enter a house, greet the inhabitants with salaam.”

“If you are reminded of Allaah, stop what you are doing (of sin).”

“If Allaah sends you some provision without you looking forward to it or asking others for it, then take it.”

“If you ask Allaah for anything, then ask Him for al-Firdaws (the highest level of Paradise).”

“If your good deeds please you and your bad deeds upset you, then you are a mu’min (believer).”

“If you hear the call to prayer, then respond to the one who is calling you to Allaah.”

“If you hear the call to prayer, then say something like the muezzin says.”

“If any one of you becomes angry, let him keep silent.”

“If a man becomes angry and says ‘A’oodhu Billaah (I seek refuge with Allaah),’ his anger will cease.”

“If a man says ‘Ya seedi (sir)’ to a munaafiq (hypocrite), he earns the wrath of his Lord.”

“When you stand up to pray, pray as if it is your last prayer.”

“When you get dressed and when you do wudoo’, start on the right.”

“When any one of you meets his brother, let him greet him with salaam.”

“Remember death when you are praying.”

“Show mercy towards those who are on earth so that the One Who is in heaven will show mercy to you.”

“Renounce pleasure in worldly things and Allaah will love you.”

“Show disinterest in what people have and people will love you.”

“Feel properly shy and modest before Allaah.”

Protect “the head and what does through it (thoughts and ideas).”

Protect “the stomach and what goes into it.”

“Seek help in whatever you do by being discreet.”

“Everyone who is given a blessing will be envied.”

“No one can keep their wudoo’ except a believer.”

“The worst thief among people is the one who steals from his prayer, by not doing rukoo’ and sujood properly.”

“Intercede and you will be rewarded.”

“The most grateful of people to Allaah are those who are most grateful to other people.”

The trouble with beauty is feelings of superiority.

The trouble with generosity is extravagance.

The trouble with noble descent is pride.

The trouble with knowledge is forgetfulness.

“Give to the one who denied you.”

“Uphold ties with the one who cuts you off.”

“Forgive the one who does you wrong.”

May Allaah have mercy on the person who said “Good” and was rewarded or who remained silent and was safe.

Wine is the key to all evil.

The one who is more daring in giving fatwas is more deserving of Hell.

Love the poor and mix with them.

It is better to err in forgiving than to err in punishment.

Do not judge between people when you are angry.

If you want to count the faults of anyone else, count your own faults instead.

If you commit a sin, say “Astaghfir-Allaah (I ask Allaah for forgiveness).”

If you are given a blessing, say, “Al-Hamdu Lillaah (praise be to Allaah).”

Islamic Sayings - Part 2

If some disaster befalls you, say, “Innaa Lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji’oon (Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return).”

Seek rizq (provision) by giving charity

“Give food to others and speak good.”

“Seek a response to du’aa’s when the iqaamah for prayer is given and when rain is falling.”

The people with the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection will be the muezzins.

“Worship Allaah as if you see Him.”

“The most helpless of people are those who cannot make du’aa’.”

“The most miserly of people are those who are stingy with their salaams (i.e., do not greet others).”

“Pay the hired worker his wages before his sweat dries.”

“Tie up (your camel) [i.e., take the necessary precautions], and put your trust in Allaah.”

“Make the most of your life before your death.”

Make the most of “your health before your sickness.”

Make the most of “your free time before you become busy.”

Make the most of “your wealth before you become poor.”

Make the most of “your youth before you become old.”

“The best of dhikr is ‘La ilaaha ill-Allaah.’”

“The best of sadaqah (charity) is that given by one who has little.”

“The upper hand (the one that gives) is better than the lower hand (the one that takes).”

The best of earnings is a good sale.

“The best of the believers is one who is best in attitude.”

“The best of the muhaajireen is the one who forsakes (hajara) that which Allaah has prohibited.”

“The best type of jihaad is the jihaad of the one who strives against his own self (jihaad al-nafs) for the sake of Allaah.”

Islamic Sayings - Part 1

“Read the Qur’aan throughout every month.”

“Read the Qur’aan, for it will come and intercede for its readers on the Day of Resurrection.”

“Pray for Allaah to keep you safe and sound.”

“Most of the sins committed by the son of Adam are sins of the tongue.”

“Repeat often ‘Laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa billaah (there is no power or strength except with Allaah)’, for it is from the treasure of Paradise.”

“Always remember the destroyer of joy (physical pleasure): death.”

“Lower your gaze and guard your private parts.”

“There is no goodness in the one who is not friendly or likeable.”

“Stay with her (the mother), for Paradise is under her feet.”

“Keep saying ‘Yaa Dhaa’l-jalaali wa’l-ikraam (O Possessor of Glory and Honour)’” i.e., keep repeating it persistently.

“Islam cancels out what came before it (of sins).”

“Every bid’ah (innovation) is a going astray and every going astray will end in Hell.”

“Control your tongue, let your house be enough for you, and weep for your sins.”

“(Take care of) your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then other relatives in order of closeness.”

“Feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan (i.e., show compassion).”

“The one who points the way to good deeds is like the one who does them.”

How the living may help the dead

Praying for the dead, asking forgiveness for them, and giving charity on their behalf are some of the things God causes the dead in their graves to benefit from and be protected by. There are many hadiths about this, and many fine and virtuous people have witnessed it in their dreams. Sa'd ibn 'Ubada, may God be pleased with him, once said to the Messenger of God, may peace and blessings be upon him: 'My mother's soul departed suddenly, and had she been able to speak she would have given alms. Would it bring benefit to her if I did it on her behalf?' 'Yes!' he replied. So he dug a well (for people to take water from) and said: 'This is on behalf of Sa'd's mother.'

And another man said: 'O Messenger of God! My parents have died; is there anything left with which I may be good to them?' And he replied: 'There are four things: praying and asking forgiveness for them, carrying out their promises, being good to their friends, and giving proper attention to those kinship bonds which could have only be attended to by them.'

And the Prophet said, may peace and blessings be upon him: 'Were it not for the living the dead would have been doomed'; in other words, because of the prayers and requests for forgiveness and for mercy which they receive.

And he said, may blessings and peace be upon him: 'My Nation is a nation covered with mercy. Its members enter their graves with sins like unto the mountains, and leave their graves having been forgiven because the living have asked forgiveness for the dead.'

A dead man was once seen in a dream and, upon being questioned about his state, said that he had been greeted by an angel who attempted to burn his face with a flame held in his hand. But one of the living said: 'God have mercy on so-and-so!' -and the flame went out.

One of the greatest things which one may offer to the dead is to recite Qur'an and send on the reward for it. This is of great benefit and baraka. The Muslims have agreed on this everywhere throughout the ages, the majority of scholars and virtuous people have recommended it, and there are hadiths to confirm this. Although, these hadiths have weak chains of transmission, there is a principle, as the hadith scholar al-Suyuti (may God show him His mercy) has said, that: 'Weak hadiths may be acted upon when they indicate acts of goodness.' And these are indeed acts of goodness.

All the Qur'an is blessed and beneficial, but the most beneficial thing to offer to the dead is Surat al-Ikhlas eleven times, and this has been seen in many blessed dreams. Each person should recite this noble sura the said number of times, either each night, each day, or more, or less, or even only on Thursday night, and offer this reward to his parents, teachers and all those who had rights over him.

He must not forget his dead ones when he prays, asks forgiveness, or gives alms, lest he in turn be forgotten after his death, for the one who remembers is remembered, and the one who forgets is forgotten. Benevolence goes ahead of you, and

"God allows not the reward of those who have done good to be wasted."

(18:30)

Visiting Graves

You should know that it is recommended to visit graves. The Messenger of God, may blessings and peace be upon him, permitted this after having at first forbidden it. It contains benefits both for the living visitor and the dead person who receives the visit. The Prophet said, may peace and blessings be upon him: 'Visit graves, for they remind you of death.' And: 'I used to forbid you to visit graves, but now you should visit them. They render one able to do without the things of the world, and remind one of the Hereafter.' He also said: 'No man visits the grave of his brother and sits by it but that he (the dead man) finds solace in this, having his spirit restored to him until the visitor departs.' And he said: 'A dead (person) in his grave is never more comforted than when those that he loved in the world pay him a visit.'

When a visitor enters the cemetery or passes it by he should say: 'Peace be on you, O place of believers. We are granted respite until tomorrow. That which you were promised has come to you, and we will, God willing, rejoin you. You are our predecessors and we are your followers. I ask God to give us and you well-being. O God, forgive us and them!

It is recommended to visit the cemetery on Thursday night, Friday, Friday night until sunrise, and on Monday, for it is said---and this is supported by various narrations---that the spirits of the dead return to their graves at those times.

The visitor must ask for forgiveness and mercy for them, read whatever Qur'an he can and make over the reward to them; he should remember that soon he will go to the same end, and learn the lessons to be drawn from their condition.

When he visits the graves of his parents, relatives, or anyone else who had rights over him, he must sit with unhurried serenity, pray for them, and ask abundantly for forgiveness, for they rejoice at this, and are glad. When he visits the graves of righteous people he should pray in abundance, for prayers are answered at many such places, as has often been experienced.

Source: Imam 'Abdallah ibn 'Alawi al-Haddad, Sabil al-iddikar wa'l i'tibar bima yamurru bi'l insan min al-a'mar,(The Lives of Man), translated by Dr. Mostafa al-Badawi, The Quilliam Press, London, England, 1411/1991, p. 45-48

Ten Sicknesses of the Heart

1. You believe in the existance of Allah (SWT) but you do not fulfil His Commands.

2. You say you love the Prophet Mohammed (SAW) but you do not follow his Sunnah.

3. You read the Holy Qur'an but you do not put it into practice.

4. You enjoy all the benefits from Allah (SWT) but you are not grateful to him.

5. You acknowledge Shaitan as your enemy but you do not go against him.

6. You want to enter Paradise but you do not work for it.

7. You do not want to be thrown into Hell-Fire but you do not try to run away from it.

8. You believe that every living-thing will face death but you do not prepare for it.

9. You gossip and find faults in others but you forget your own faults and habits.

10. You bury the Dead but you do not take a lesson from it.

Deeds that are like ashes

"The parable of those who disbelieve in their Lord is that their works are as ashes, on which the wind blows furiously on a stormy day, they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned. That is the straying, far away (from the Right Path)." (Qur’an, 14:18)

Allah has resembled the deeds of the disbelievers to ashes on which a severe wind blows during a stormy day, showing the futility and lack of benefit of those deeds.

So He compared their nullified actions with scattered dust because the actions were not based on the foundation of Imaan (faith) and Ihsaan. They were neither for Allah’s sake nor upon His command.

So such a person will not be able to benefit from his deeds at a time when he would need it the most (i.e. on the Day of Judgement). For this reason, Allah said, “they shall not be able to get aught of what they have earned.”

Hence, they will not be able to earn any reward or benefit from their deeds on the Day of Judgment. This is because Allah does not accept any deed unless it is done sincerely for His sake and in accordance with what He has legislated.

Actions are of four types. Only one type is accepted and the rest three are rejected. Only when the action is Al-Khaalis As-Sawaab (pure and correct), is it accepted. Al-Khaalis is sincerity for Allah’s sake alone and for none other than Him. As-Sawaab means the deed must be done according to how Allah legislated it upon the tongue of His Messenger (i.e. upon the Sunnah).

(The other three types are:
1. Deeds that are neither for Allah’s sake nor upon the Sunnah;
2. Deeds that are for Allah’s sake, but not upon the Sunnah;
3. Deeds that are upon the Sunnah but not done sincerely for Allah’s sake.
These three types of deeds are rejected, while only the first type of deed – Al-Khaalis As-Sawaab – is accepted by Allah.)

There is a profound secret in (Allah’s) resembling of these (rejected types of deeds) with the ashes. Ashes come after the fueling and igniting of fire. Hence, such actions are the food of the fire (that will be destroyed). And it will also be the fuel of the Fire that will roast its inhabitants.

Allah will bring about (more) fire and punishment from their false actions, just as He brings about bliss and pleasure for the people whose deeds are purely for His sake alone and are in accordance with His command.

The Fire will affect the (rejected type of) actions until it turns them to ashes. Hence, such people, their actions, and what they worship besides Allah, are the fuel of the Fire.

By Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah
Tafseer Al-Qayyim pg. 326-327

Natural Disasters

“If you see anything like that, hasten to remember Him, call on Him and seek His forgiveness…” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Almighty says: "And We sent not the signs except to warn." (Al-Isra’ 17:59)

"We will show them Our Signs in the universe, and in their own selves, until it becomes manifest to them that this (the Qur’an) is the truth. Is it not sufficient in regard to your Lord that He is a Witness over all things?" (Fussilat 41:53)

"Say: He has power to send torment on you from above or from under your feet, or to cover you with confusion in party strife, and make you to taste the violence of one another." (Al-An`am 6:65)

"And whatever of misfortune befalls you, it is because of what your hands have earned. And He pardons much." (Ash-Shura 42: 30)

"Whatever of good reaches you, is from Allah, but whatever of evil befalls you, is from yourself." (An-Nisaa’ 4:79)

"So We punished each (of them) for his sins, of them were some on whom We sent Hasib (a violent wind with showers of stones), and of them were some who were overtaken by As-Saihah (torment — extremely loud noise ), and of them were some whom We caused the earth to swallow, and of them were some whom We drowned. It was not Allah, Who wronged them, but they wronged themselves." (Al-`Ankabut 29: 40)

"And if the people of the towns had believed and had piety, certainly, We should have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth, but they belied (the Messengers). So We took them (with punishment) for what they used to earn (polytheism and crimes)." (Al-A`raf 7:96)

A Warning For Those Studying Islam

The Prophet (saw) said: Do not acquire knowledge in order to compete with the scholars, nor to argue with the ignorant, nor to gain mastery over the gatherings. Since whoever does that, then: The Fire! The Fire! - Ibn Majah

The reasons for Ibaadat

Hadhrat Zainul Aabideen (rahmatullahi alayh) said:

"Some people worship Allah because of fear. This is the ibaadat of slaves. Some worship Him because of their desire for thawaab. This is the ibaadat of traders. Some worship Him in gratitude for His bounties. This is the ibaadat of freed slaves."

Those whose share is the Aakhirah

It is narrated that Allah Ta`ala revealed to Hadhrat Moosa (alayhi salaam): "O Moosa! There are some of My servants, if they ask of Me the entire Jannat, I will give it to them, and if they ask Me for anything from this world, I will not give it to them, not because they are contemptible to Me, but because I desire to store up the treasures of My bounties for them in the Aakhirah. I save them from the world like a shepherd protects his flock from a wolf." [The world, Rasulullah -sallallahu alayhi wasallam - said, is carrion]

Ibn Umar (radhiallahu anhu) narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that everything has a key. The key of Jannat is to love the true and patient Fuqaraa and Masaakeen. o­n the Day of Qiyaamah, they will be the companions of Allah Ta`ala.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) supplicated: "O Allah! Keep me alive as a Miskeen; let me die a Miskeen and raise me up (in Qiyaamah) in the assembly of the Masaakeen."

This supplication of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) is more than ample confirmation for the lofty rank and importance of the Fuqaraa and the Masaakeen. In his dua, Nabi-e-Kareem (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) did not ask for the Masaakeen to be raised up in his assembly. Rather, he supplicated to be resurrected in their group. This form of his du`aa significantly highlights the rank of the Fuqaraa.

The Abdaal

Hadhrat Anas Bin Maalik (radhiallahu anhu)narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that there are 40 Abdaal in his Ummat. Twenty two of them are in Shaam (Syria) and 18 are in Iraq. When o­ne of them dies, Allah Ta`ala appoints someone to fill the vacancy. When Qiyaamah is nearby, they will all die.

(Abdaal - this is a class of Auliyaa whose identities are secret. They execute a variety of duties imposed o­n them by Allah Ta`ala).

The Wisdom of a Majnoon

A Majnoon who in fact was a man of lofty intelligence was coming from the qabrustaan. Someone asked him: "From where are you coming?"

He said: "I am coming from a caravan that has camped here."

The person said: "Did you speak to them? What did you ask them and what did they say?"

The Majnoon said: "I asked them when they would be departing. They replied: ‘When you come here.’"

The Poor and the Wealthy

Hadhrat Abu Darda (radhiallahu anhu) said: "The wealthy eat and we (the Fuqaraa) also eat. They wear garments and so do we. Neither do they derive benefit from the excess wealth (which they hoard) nor do we gain any benefit (from their excess wealth). o­n the Day of Qiyaamah, an account will be demanded from them of this wealth, but not from us. Our wealthy brethren have not acted justly. While they love us (or claim so) for Allah’s Sake, they do not include us in their wealth. Such a day will dawn when they will wish that o­n earth they had been Fuqaraa, while we will not wish that we should have been wealthy."

The Complaint of the FUQARAA

Hadhrat Anas Bin Maalik (radhiallahu anhu) narrates that o­nce the Fuqaraa sent a representative to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). He said to Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam): "I am the delegate of the fuqaraa." Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: "I regard as my friends those whose delegate you are."

The delegate said: "The fuqaraa say that all goodness has been acquisitioned by the wealthy, while we are deprived. In fact, the wealthy have gained Jannat. They perform Hajj while we lack the means for it. They give Sadaqah, while we are unable. They free slaves while we lack this ability. When they are sick, they transform their wealth into a treasure (by means of charity)."

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said:

"Inform them that those among you who are patient and have the niyyat of attaining thawaab, for them are three such ranks which are not for the wealthy. The first rank: In Jannat will be some mansions of red Yaqoot (a precious stone of Jannat) which will be situated at extremely lofty heights. The people of Jannat will look at these mansions in the same way as the people of the earth look at the stars. Besides a Nabi; a Shaheed and a Mu`min Faqeer, no o­ne will enter.

The second rank: The fuqaraa will enter Jannat 500 years before the wealthy.

The third rank: When a faqeer recites with sincerity:

he gains such thawaab which the wealthy will not acquire even if they spend 10 000 Dirhams (in the Path of Allah). This is the superiority of the faqeer over the wealthy in all deeds of virtue."

When the delegate informed the fuqaraa of this message, they exclaimed in ecstacy: "O Allah! We are pleased! We are pleased!"

Affairs of this Life and the Here After

Khalid ibn El Waleed (RA) narrated the following hadith: A Bedouin came one day to the Prophet (SAW) and said to him, "0, Messenger of Allah! I've come to ask you a few questions about the affairs of this Life and the Here After."

-Ask what you wish.

Q: I'd like to be the most learned of men.

A: Fear Allah, and you will be the most learned of men.

Q: I wish to be the richest man in the world.

A: Be contented, and you will be the richest man in the world.

Q: I'd like to be the most just man.

A: Desire for others what you desire for yourself, and you will be the most just of men.

Q: I want to be the best of men.

A: Do good to others and you will be the best of men.

Q: I wish to be the most favored by Allah.

A: Engage much in Allah's praise, and you will be most favored by Him.

Q: I'd like to complete my faith.

A: If you have good manners you will complete your faith

Q: I wish to be among those who do good.

A: Adore Allah as if you see Him. If you don 't see Him, He seeth you. In this way you will be among those who do good.

Q: I wish to be obedient to Allah.

A: If you observe Allah's commands you will be obedient.

Q: I'd like to be free from all sins.

A: Bathe yourself from impurities and you will be free from all sins.

Q: I'd like to be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.

A: Don't wrong yourself or any other creature, and you will be raised on the Day of Judgment in the light.

Q: I'd like Allah to bestow His mercy on me.

A: If you have mercy on yourself and others, Allah will grant you mercy on the Day of Judgment.

Q: I'd like my sins to be very few.

A: If you seek the forgiveness Allah as much as you can, your sins will be very few.

Q: I'd like to be the most honorable man.

A: If you do not complain to any follow creature, you will be the most honorable of men.

Q: I'd like to be the strongest of men.

A: If you put your trust in Allah, you will be the strongest of men.

Q: I'd like to enlarge my provision.

A: If you keep yourself pure, Allah will enlarge your provision.

Q: I'd like to be loved by Allah and His messenger.

A: If you love what Allah and Him messenger love, you will be among their beloved ones.

Q: I wish to be safe from Allah's wrath on the Day of Judgment.

A: If you do not loose your temper with any of your fellow creatures, you will be safe from the wrath of Allah on the Day of Judgment.

Q: I'd like my prayers to be responded.

A: If you avoid forbidden actions, your prayers will he responded.

Q: I'd like Allah not to disgrace me on the Day of Judgment.

A: If you guard your chastity, Allah will not disgrace you on the Day of Judgment.

Q: I'd like Allah to provide me with a protective covering on the Day of Judgment.

A: Do not uncover your fellow creatures faults, and Allah will provide you with a covering protection on the Day of Judgment.

Q: What will save me from sins?

A: Tears, humility and illness.

Q: What are the best deeds in the eyes of Allah?

A: Gentle manners, modesty and patience.

Q: What are the worst evils in the eyes of Allah?

A: Hot temper and miserliness.

Q: What assuages the wrath of Allah in this life and in the Hereafter?

A: Concealed charity and kindness to relatives.

Q: What extinguishes hell's fires on the Day of Judgment?

A: Patience in adversity and misfortunes.

Related by Imam Ibn Hambal