(Synonyms: conduct, personality, quality)

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” [Qur’an; 33:21]

“…And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed…” [Qur’an; 6:151]

“I was sent to perfect good character.” [Muwatta Malik]

“Every deen has an innate character. The character of Islam is modesty” [Muwatta Malik]

“Nothing is placed on the Scale that is heavier than good character. Indeed the person with good character will have attained the rank of the person of fasting and prayer.” [Tirmidhi]

“O Allah, I seek refuge in You from evil character, evil actions, and evil desires.” [Tirmidhi]

“I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.” [Abu Dawud]

Narrated Abu Umamah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right, a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking, and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.” [Abu Dawud]

On the authority of Abu Dharr Jundub ibn Junadah, and Abu Abdur-Rahman Muadh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people. [Arba’oon An-Nawawi]

Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible, having polite and tender nature.” [At- Tirmidhii]

Jabir narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Indeed the most beloved among you to me, and the nearest to sit with me on the Day of Judgment is the best of you in character. And indeed, the most disliked among you to me, and the one sitting furthest from me on the Day of Judgement are the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun and the Muthafaihiqun.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah! We know about the Thartharun, and the Mutashaddiqun, but what about the Muthafaihiqun?”‘ He said: “The arrogant.” [Tirmidhi]

“The foundation of a man is his intellect, his honour is in his religion, and his chivalry is in his character.” [Umar Al-Khattab; Ihya Ulum ad-Deen]

“Whoever does not think that his speech is part of his deeds and that his character is part of his religion will be destroyed without even realizing.” [Abu Hurayrah]

“Whoever educates himself and improves his own morals and character is
superior to the man who tries to teach and train others.”  [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“He who is devoid of manners is devoid of knowledge. He who has no patience has no religion. He who has no piety is far from Allah’s intimacy.” [Hassan Al-Basri]

Ali said, “He who is devoid of sunnah of Allah, His messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and His intimate friends is devoid of everything.” He was asked, “What is the sunnah of Allah?” He replied, “It is to hide the shortcomings and secrets of people.” He was next asked, “What is the sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?” He replied, “Good manners with people.” He was then asked, “What is the sunnah of alwiya?” He replied, “It is to endure patiently the bad manners of people.”

“Do not mix except with those who have good character; for the one who has good character brings nothing but good, whilst the one who has bad character brings nothing but evil.” [Al-Fudayl ibn Ayyad]

“A man who wanted to write hadîth would [learn] manners and worship for twenty years before starting.” [Sufyan Ath-Thawri]

“Goodness of character was the attribute of the master of messengers, and is the fruit of the pious and self-discipline of the people of constant worship. Bad character is a mortal poison, which set a distance between man and the proximity of the Lord of the Worlds, and induced him to follow the path of Satan the accursed. Foul characteristics are the very sickness of hearts and the diseases of the soul, constituting an illness which deprives man of everlasting life.” [Imam Al-Ghazali]

“A man of bad character punishes his own soul.” [Imam Al-Ghazali]

(Syn: tolerance, acceptance)

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return.” Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.” [Qur’an; 2:155-157]

“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.” [Qur’an; 3:200]

“Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured and [because] they avert evil through good, and from what We have provided them they spend.” [Qur’an; 28:54]

“O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [Qur’an; 39:10]

“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [Qur’an; 8:46]

“…And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” [Qur’an; 13:23-24]

“Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.” [Qur’an; 11:11]

“…And We have made some of you [people] as trial for others – will you have patience? And ever is your Lord, Seeing.” [Qur’an; 25:20]

Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When a man’s child dies, Allah, the Exalted, asks His angels, ‘Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?’ and they reply in the affirmative. He (Subhanahu wa Ta’aala) then asks, ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ and they reply in the affirmative. Thereupon He asks, ‘What did my slave say?’ They say: ‘He praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return).’ Allah says: ‘Build a house for my slave in Jannah and name it Baitul-Hamd (the House of Praise).”‘ [Tirmidhi]

“And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease.” [40 Hadith Nawawi]

“Patience is to faith what the head is to the body. When patience goes, faith goes and when the head goes, the body goes.“ [Ali Ibn Abi Talib]

“Guidance is not attained except with knowledge and correct direction is not attained except with patience.” [Ibn Taymiyyah]

(Syn: persistence, determination, continued attempts, Grit, Sisu)

“So be patient, [O Muhammad]. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin and exalt [ Allah ] with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning.” [Qur’an; 40:55]

“And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Qur’an; 12:53]

“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband’s] absence what Allah would have them guard. But those [wives] from whom you fear arrogance – [first] advise them; [then if they persist], forsake them in bed; and [finally], strike them. But if they obey you [once more], seek no means against them. Indeed, Allah is ever Exalted and Grand.” [Qur’an; 4:34]

Abu Huraira reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said: The supplication of every one of you is granted if he does not grow impatient and says: I supplicated but it was not granted. [Sahih Muslim]

Narrated Ka`b: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant, which the wind bends lt sometimes and some other time it makes it straight. And the example of a hypocrite is that of a pine tree which keeps straight till once it is uprooted suddenly. [Sahih Bukhari]

On the authority of Abu Amr Sufyan bin Abdullah ath-Thaqafee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about al-Islam which I can ask of no one but you.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Say I believe in Allah — and then be steadfast.” [Muslim]

“Beware of persistence on sins, for it is the greatest of the greater sins and a serious crime.” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“There are four qualities such that if you were to be given them, you will not be harmed even if the world were to be taken away from you. They are:
good character, restraint in food, truthful words, and upholding a trust.” [Adab Al-Mufrad]

“Satan rejoiced when Adam (peace be upon him) came out of Paradise, but he did not know that when a diver sinks into the sea, he collects pearls and then rises again.” [Ibn al-Qayyim]

“There cannot be a major sin along with seeking Allah’s forgiveness, nor a minor sin while being persistent upon it.” [Ibn Abbas]

(Syn: wisdom, education, expertise, intelligence, judgement)

“So high [above all] is Allah , the Sovereign, the Truth. And, [O Muhammad], do not hasten with [recitation of] the Qur’an before its revelation is completed to you, and say, “My Lord, increase me in knowledge.”” [Qur’an; 20:114]

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say, “O Allah! Grant me benefit in what you have taught me, and teach me useful knowledge and provide me with knowledge that will benefit me.” [Nasa’i and Al-Hakim]

Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Envy is justified in regard to two types of persons only: a man whom Allah has given knowledge of the Qur’an, and so he recites it during the night and during the day; and a man whom Allah has given wealth and so he spends from it during the night and during the day.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

“If anyone travels on a road in search of knowledge, Allah will cause him to travel on one of the roads of Paradise. The angels will lower their wings in their great pleasure with one who seeks knowledge, the inhabitants of the heavens and the Earth and the fish in the deep waters will ask forgiveness for the learned man. The superiority of the learned man over the devout is like that of the moon, on the night when it is full, over the rest of the stars.” [Abu Dawud]

“And whoever follows a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. No people gather together in one of the Houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it among themselves, except that sakeenah (tranquility) descends upon them, and mercy envelops them, and the angels surround them.” [40 Hadith Nawawi]

“Knowledge enlivens the soul.” [Ali ibn Talib]

“Knowledge is a comforting friend in times of loneliness, the best companion during travels, and the inner friend who speaks to you in your privacy.” [Muadh ibn Jabal]

‘Knowledge calls out to action. If it responds to it [then it stays], but otherwise it departs.” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“Knowledge exists potentially in the human soul like the seed in the soil; by learning the potential becomes actual.” [Imam Al-Ghazali]

“When you do not have knowledge, someone could bring you dirt and you will believe it to be gold.” [Ibn al-Qayyim]

“When one dwells into knowledge-seeking, he will step into three phases. In the first phase, he will be arrogant. In the second phase, he will be humble. In the third phase, he realises he knows nothing.” [Sufyan at-Thawri]

“Knowledge is not what is memorized. Knowledge is what benefits.”  [Imam Ash-Shafi’i]

(Syn: wellness, well-being)

“And We send down from the Quran that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe…” [Qur’an; 17:82]

“The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath.” [Tirmidhi]

Luqman Hakim once advised his son, “O my dear son, there are there parts to a human being: ruh (spirit), nafs (soul) and body (of flesh and blood). The ruh is for Allah, the nafs is for your deeds, and your body is for the insects.”

(Syn: humbleness)

“And the slaves of God are those who walk on the earth in humility and calmness, and when the foolish address them (with bad words) they reply back with mild words of gentleness.” [Qur’an; 25:63]

“Whenever We sent a prophet to a society, We took up its people in suffering and adversity, in order that they might learn humility. [Qur’an; 7:94]

Jundub reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: He who wants to publicise (his deeds), Allah will publicise (his humility), and he who makes a hypocritical display (of his deeds), Allah will make a display of him. [Sahih Muslim]

‘Iyad bin Himar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Verily, Allah has revealed to me that you should adopt humility. So that no one may wrong another andno one may be disdainful and haughty towards another.”
[Muslim]

It was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “He who has, in his heart, an ant’s weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah.” Someone said: “A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.” [Muslim]

“There is greatness in the fear of God, contentment in faith of God, and honour
in humility.” [Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]

“When a noble man learns knowledge he becomes humble, [whereas] when an ignoble person gains knowledge, he [becomes]  conceited.” [Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]

“The sign of God’s love is to bestow three attributes on His lover: A generosity like that of the sea, a kindness like that of the sun, and, a humility like that of the earth.” [Bayazid]

“The more humble,  needy and subdued you are before Allah, the closer you will be to Him.” [Ibn Taymiyyah]

“I know of nothing more useful to you than four matters: surrender to Allah, to humbly entreat Him, to think the best of Him, and to perpetually renew your repentance to Him, even if you should repeat as in seventy times in a day.” [Ibn Ataullah]

“When someone offends me, I’ll think that God sends that person to teach me humility.” [Ibn Qayyim]

“To be humble is to accept the truth and submit to it even when you heard it from the tongue of a child, an uneducated one, or an ignorant person.” [Fudayl ibn Iyad]

“Don’t be arrogant just because you worship a lot. For consider what happened to Iblees (Satan) after he spent thousands of years of worship.” [Hasan al-Basri]

(Syn: releasing ill feelings, showing compassion, amnesty, clemency)

“Hold to forgiveness, command what is right, and turn away from the ignorant.” [Qur’an; 7:199]

“…and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah should forgive you?” [Qur’an; 24:22]

“And indeed, the Hour is coming; so forgive with gracious forgiveness.” [Qur’an; 15:85]

“Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good;” [Qur’an; 3:134]

“And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters [requiring] determination.” [Qur’an; 42:43]

“Kind speech and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Free of need and Forbearing.” [Qur’an; 2:263]

“And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah . Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers.” [Qur’an; 42:40]

On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: Allah the Almighty said: O son of Adam, so long as you call upon Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you for what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam, were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and were you then to ask forgiveness of Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the earth and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it. [Hadith Qudsi]

Narrated Anas ibn Malik: I never saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) that some dispute which involved retaliation was brought to him but he commanded regarding it for remission. [Abu Dawud]

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: “A man brought the killer of his relative to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Pardon him,’ but the refused. He said: ‘Take the blood money,’ but he refused. He said: ‘Go and kill him, but then you will be like him.’ Someone caught up with him and reminded him that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) had said: ‘Go and kill him, but then you will be like him.’ So he let him go. [Ibn Majah]

“Love your beloved moderately, perhaps he becomes hated to you someday. And hate whom you hate moderately, perhaps he becomes your beloved someday.” [Tirmidhi]

“The Compassionate One has mercy on those who are merciful. If you show mercy to those who are on the earth, He Who is in the heaven will show mercy to you.” [Abu Dawud]

“I ask Allah for forgiveness if I have done wrong, and I have already forgiven if I have been wronged by other.” [Uthman ibn Affan]

(Syn: companionship, harmony, devotion, accord, closeness)

“The believers are naught else than brothers. Therefore make peace between your brethren and observe your duty to Allah that haply ye may obtain mercy” [Qur’an; 49:10]

“Do not harbour grudge against one another, nor jealousy, nor enmity; and do not show your backs to one another; and become as fellow brothers and slaves of Allah. It is not lawful for a Muslim to avoid speaking with his brother beyond three days.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

“A mu’min (believer) does not keep as his friend one who is opposed to Almighty Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) even though that person may be his mother or father.” [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“O my Lord, whatever share of this world You have bestowed on me, bestow it to my enemies, and whatever share of the next world You have for me, give it to my friends.
You are enough for me.”
[Rabia Al-Adawiyya]

(Syn: education, instruction, knowledge-sharing)

“Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he knew not.” [Qur’an; 96:4-5]

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Convey from me, even if it be an Ayah, and narrate from the Children of Isra’il, and there is no harm, And whoever lies upon me purposely, then let him take his seat in the Fire.” [Tirmidhi]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every Muslim has five rights over another Muslim (i.e., he has to perform five duties for another Muslim): to return the greetings, to visit the sick, to accompany funeral processions, to accept an invitation, to respond to the sneezer [i.e., to say: ‘Yarhamuk-Allah (may Allah bestow His Mercy on you),’ when the sneezer praises Allah].” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

“Whoever educates himself and improves his own morals and character is superior to the man who tries to teach and train others.”  [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“Knowledge gives birth to other knowledge! Any time you learn something, you should write it down. Review and revisit notes. You take notes on the basis of teaching others.” [Imam Al-Ghazali]

(Syn: enthusiasm, passion, keen interest, devotion)

Yahya related to me from Malik that Yahya ibn Said said, ”Ubada ibn al-Walid ibn Ubada ibn as-Samit informed me from his father that his grandfather (Ubada) said, ‘We made a contract with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, to hear and obey in ease and hardship, enthusiasm and reluctance, and not to dispute with people in authority and to speak or establish the truth wherever we were without worrying about criticism.'” [Muwatta Malik]

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” [Sahih Bukhari]

(Syn: hope, positive thinking)

”For those whose hopes are in the meeting with Allah (in the Hereafter, let them strive); for the term (appointed) by Allah is surely coming and He hears and knows (all things).” [Qur’an; 29:5]

“…And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” [Qur’an; 65:2-3]

“…Allah does not charge a soul except [according to] what He has given it. Allah will bring about, after hardship, ease.” [Qur’an; 65:7]

“For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease. So when you have finished [your duties], then stand up [for worship]. And to your Lord direct [your] longing.” [Qur’an; 94:5-8]

“…O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” [Qur’an; 39:53]

“Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, “When is the help of Allah?” Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” [Qur’an; 2:214]

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often. And when the believers saw the companies, they said, “This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger spoke the truth.” And it increased them only in faith and acceptance.” [Qur’an; 33:21-22]

“We have given you good tidings in truth, so do not be of the despairing.”….. “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except for those astray?” [Qur’an; 15:55-56]

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better to your Lord for reward and better for [one’s] hope.” [Qur’an; 18:46]

“No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Sahih Bukhari]

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed Al Khudri said:
“Shall I not tell you what I heard directly from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)? I heard it and memorized it: ‘A man killed ninety-nine people, then the idea of repentance occurred to him. He asked who was the most knowledgeable of people on earth, and he was told of a man so he went to him and said: “I have killed ninety-nine people. Can I repent?” He said: “After ninety-nine people?!” He said: ‘So he drew his sword and killed him, thus completing one hundred. Then the idea of repentance occurred to him (again), so he asked who was the most knowledgeable of people, and he was told of a man (so he went to him) and said: “I have killed one hundred people. Can I repent?” He said: “Woe to you, what is stopping you from repenting? Leave the evil town where you are living and go to a good town, such and such town and worship your Lord there.” So he went out, heading for the good town, but death came to him on the road. The angels of mercy and angels of punishment argued over him. Iblis (Satan) said: “I have more right to him, for he never disobeyed me for a moment.” But the angels of mercy said: “He went out repenting.” (One of the narrators) Hammam said: “Humaid At-Tawil narrated to me from Bakr bin Abdullah that Abu Rafi said: ‘So Allah (SWT) sent an angel to whom they referred (the case). He said: “Look and see which of the two towns was he closer, and put him with its people.” (One of the narrators) Qatadah said: “Hasan narrated to us: ‘When death came to him he strove and drew closer to the good town, and farther away from the evil town, so they put him with the people of the good town.” [Ibn Majah]

Narrated Ali (may Allah be pleased with her): Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) complained of what she suffered from the hand mill and from grinding, when she got the news that some slave girls of the booty had been brought to Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). She went to him to ask for a maid-servant, but she could not find him, and told `Aisha of her need. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came, Aisha informed him of that. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came to our house when we had gone to our beds. (On seeing the Prophet) we were going to get up, but he said, ‘Keep at your places,’ I felt the coolness of the Prophet’s feet on my chest. Then he said, “Shall I tell you a thing which is better than what you asked me for? When you go to your beds, say: ‘Allahu Akbar (i.e. Allah is Greater)’ for 34 times, and ‘Al hamdu Li llah (i.e. all the praises are for Allah)’ for 33 times, and Subhan Allah (i.e. Glorified be Allah) for 33 times. This is better for you than what you have requested.” [Bukhari]

Narrated `Aisha:  Whenever Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) became sick, he would recite Mu’awwidhat (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An- Nas) and then blow his breath over his body. When he became seriously ill, I used to recite (these two Suras) and rub his hands over his body hoping for its blessings. [Sahih al-Bukhari]

(Syn: religiousness, dutifulness)

“O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah and be just witnesses and let not the enmity and hatred of others make you avoid justice. Be just: that is nearer to piety, and fear Allah. Verily, Allah is Well-Acquainted with what you do.” [Qur’an; 5:8]

An-Nawwas bin Sam’an (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Piety is good manner, and sin is that which creates doubt and you do not like people to know of it.” [Muslim]

“Whoever is pleased with Allah as (his) Lord, and Islam as (his) religion, and Muhammad as (his) Prophet, then he has tasted the sweetness of faith.” [Tirmidhi]

How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”. [Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “A woman is married for four things: for her wealth, for her lineage, for her beauty or for her piety. Select the pious, may you be blessed!”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

“True knowledge is not measured in relationship to how much you memorise and then narrate, but rather, true knowledge is an expression of piety [protecting oneself from what Allah prohibited and acting upon what He mandated].” [Ibn Masood]

“I left Baghdad, and I did not leave behind me a man better, having more knowledge, or greater fiqh (understanding), nor having greater taqwaa (piety) than Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.” [Imam Shafi’i]

(Syn: regretting, turning back)

“It is He Who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons evil acts and knows what they do.” [Qur’an; 26: 25]

“If anyone stumbles then he must repent. If anyone errs then he must repent. And no one must insist on (the path of) destruction. If anyone insists on tyranny then he is far away from the path.” [Uthman ibn Affan]

“Indeed the rights of Allah are far greater than the servant can fulfill, and indeed the blessings of Allah are far more than can be counted, however, be repentful in the morning and evening (i.e. throughout the day).” [Talq ibn Habeeb]

“Do not get tired of standing at His door, even if you were thrown out And do not stop apologizing to Him, even if you were turned back And if He opens the door for the ones who were accepted, then enter (with them) the entrance of the ones who were unexpected and say, ‘Miskeen (poor) so give me Sadaqah (charity)” [Ibn al-Qayyim]

(Syn: being regular)

“Do they not consider the Qur’an (with care)? Had it been from other than Allah they would surely have found therein much discrepancy.” [Qur’an; 4:82]

Narrated `Ali: “While we were sitting with the Prophet (peace be upon him) who had a stick with which he was scraping the earth, he lowered his head and said, “There is none of you but has his place assigned either in the Fire or in Paradise.” Thereupon a man from the people said, “Shall we not depend upon this, O Allah’s Apostle?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “No, but carry on and do your deeds, for everybody finds it easy to do such deeds (as will lead him to his place).” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then recited the Verse: ‘As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah..’ [Quran; 92:5]” [Sahih Bukhari]

A’isha, the wife of Allah’s Apostle (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), reported that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to say, “Observe moderation (in doing deeds), and if you fail to observe it perfectly, try to do as much as you can do (to live up to this ideal of moderation) and be happy for none would be able to get into Paradise because of his deeds alone.” They (the Companions) said, “Allah’s Messenger, not even you?” Thereupon he (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Not even I, but that Allah wraps me in His Mercy, and bear this in mind that the deed loved most by Allah is one which is done constantly even though it is small.” [Muslim]

(Syn: bravery, boldness)

“Believers are those to whom people said, “The people have gathered against you, so fear them.” But that merely increased their faith and they said, “Allah is enough for us and the Best of Guardians.” So they returned with blessings and bounty from Allah and no evil touched them. They pursued the pleasure of Allah. Allah’s favor is indeed immense.” [Qur’an; 3: 173-174]

Narrated Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was the best, the bravest and the most generous of all the people. Once when the people of Medina got frightened, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) rode a horse and went ahead of them and said, “We found this horse very fast.” [Bukhari]

“He that has no courage has no religion.” [Ali Ibn Abi Talib]

“Know that beauty is two types: external and internal. Internal beauty is loved for itself; it is the beauty of knowledge, reason, generosity, chastity and courage. That inside beauty is what God looks at and loves in His servant. Moreover, inside beauty beautifies the external image even if it is not appealing, when the person is covered with reverence, sweetness and beautiful manners as much as his soul acquires of those features. A believer is granted reverence and beauty according to his faith, so he is revered by those who meet him and loved by those who deal with him. This is commonly observed as you can see the righteous, charitable and well-mannered man projecting the nicest impression even if he is plain in looks, especially when he has been blessed with keeping night prayers as they illuminate the face and beautify it.” [Ibn Al-Qayyim”

(Syn: strong belief, being convinced, having faith)

“You shall know that: “There is no other god beside God.” [Qur’an; 47:19]

“(They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to return.” [Qur’an; 2:46]

“Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah,” and then remained on a right course – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” [Qur’an; 46:13]

“Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah ” and then remained on a right course – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], “Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.” [Qur’an; 41:30]

(Syn: mercy, empathy, pity)

“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” [Qur’an; 21:107]

“Go to Pharaoh; he has overstepped the bounds. But speak to him with gentle words so that hopefully he will pay heed or show some fear.” [Qur’an; 20:43-44]

“Say, ‘O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.’” [Qur’an; 39-53]

“When the Qur’an is read, listen to it with attention, and hold your peace: that ye may receive Mercy.” [Qur’an; 7:204]

Allah created one hundred (parts of mercy) and He distributed one amongst His creation and kept this one hundred excepting one with Himself (for the Day of Resurrection). [Sahih Muslim]

“He who is deprived of forbearance and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good.” [Muslim]

“Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), shower your blessings of mercy on that person who informs me of my faults.” [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“He is the wisest and the most knowing man who advises people not to lose hope and faith in the mercy of Allah and not to be too sure and over-confident of immunity from His wrath and punishment.” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“… They should not prevent the youth, if he knows something, from speaking about what he has knowledge of. Perhaps a person may be young in age, but elder with regards to his knowledge. And Allah blesses whom He wills through wisdom and mercy.” [Ibn Abdil-Barr]

“May Allah have mercy on a man who works deeds for the likes of this day. For surely, today you have the ability to work deeds the likes of which your brothers in these graves don’t. So take advantage of good health and free time before the great terror and reckoning comes.” [Abdul Waahid Ibn Safwaan]

“Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) will say to His slaves on the Day of Judgment: ‘Allow My slaves to enter Paradise by My Mercy and divide it amongst them according to their deeds.” [Hasan al Basri]

(Syn: thankfulness, acknowledging the Giver)

“Therefore remember Me, I will remember you, and be thank­ful to Me, and do not be ungrateful to Me” [Qur’an; 2:152]

It was narrated that Ziyad bin Ilaqah said: “I heard Al-Mughirah bin Shu’bah say: ‘The Prophet (peace be upon him) stood (in prayer at night) until his feet swelled up, and it was said to him: Allah has forgiven your past and future sins. He said: “Should I not be a thankful slave?'” [Sunan An-Nasai]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Any matter of importance which is not begun with Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) remains defective.” [Abu Dawud]

“He who does not thank Allah for small favours will not thank Him for great ones; and he who does not express gratitude to people (for doing him favours) will not express gratitude towards Allah. Appreciating and mentioning the favour bestowed upon one from Allah is gratitude, and not doing so expresses ingratitude.” [An-Nu’maan ibn Al-Basheer]

“If patience and gratitude had been she camels, it would have mattered little on which I rode.” [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“O Allah! I seek refuge in You from meeting Your favors with ungratefulness or denying them after knowing them, or forgetting them and not mentioning them with praise (i.e., praising You).” [Umar ibn Abdul-Azeez]

“The religion consists of two halves; one half is represented by gratitude and the other half is by perseverance. Scholars have disputed regarding who is better, a rich person who is grateful, or a poor person who is patient, but it seems that it is best for the rich person to be grateful, and for the poor to persevere.” [Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim]

“We should be thankful. One of the greatest parts of our spiritual path should be thankfulness. No matter what happens. No matter what happens.Your destiny is Allah.The best provision is piety. Knowledge is not what is memorised. Knowledge is what benefits.” [Imam Shafi’i]

“Iman is of two halves; half is patience (sabr) and half is being thankful (shukr).”  [Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah]

(Syn: wiseness, maturity, deep understanding, prudence)

“And I taught you the ‘Ketab’ (Scripture) and ‘Al-Hekmah’(wisdom).” [Qur’an; 5:110]

“When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

It was narrated from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “There is no (permissible) envy except in two cases: A man whom Allah has given wealth and caused him to dispose of it in a proper manner, and a man to whom Allah has given wisdom, and he acts in accordance with it and teaches it (to others).” [Ibn Majah]

“To eat less is healthy, to speak less is wisdom, and to sleep less is worship.” [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“When the heart is nourished with dhikr, its thirst quenched with contemplation and cleansed from corruption, it shall witness remarkable and wondrous matters and be inspired with wisdom.” [Ibn al Qayyim]

“Reflection is the lamp of the heart. If it departs, the heart will have no light.” [Abd Allah ibn Alawi al-Haddad]

A wise man said, “Four deeds are good. But these are even better depending on the time and the people involved. (These are (1) Shyness (or modesty) in man is good but is better in woman. (2) Doing justice is good for all but is better for the rulers and leaders. (3) Repentance is good for the elderly but is better for young men. (4) Generosity is good for the affluent but is better for the indigent.”

A wise man said, “Four deeds are bad, but these are even worse depending on the time and the people involved: (1) Committing sin is bad for young men but is worse for the elderly. (2) Engagement in worldly affairs is bad for laymen but is worse for the learned. (3) Laziness in worship is bad for all but is worse for both teachers and students. (4) Pride is bad for the wealthy but is worse for the indigent.”

(Syn: self-control, moderation, stoicism, temperance)

“Verily, Allaah will not change the condition of a people as long as they do not change their state themselves” [Qur’an; 13:11]

“If any of you have not the means wherewith to wed free believing women, they may wed believing girls from among those whom your right hands possess: And Allah hath full knowledge about your faith. Ye are one from another: Wed them with the leave of their owners, and give them their dowers, according to what is reasonable: They should be chaste, not lustful, nor taking paramours: when they are taken in wedlock, if they fall into shame, their punishment is half that for free women. This (permission) is for those among you who fear sin; but it is better for you that ye practise self-restraint. And Allah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Qur’an; 4:25]

“O ye who believe fasting is prescribed to you
as it was prescribed to those before you,that ye may (learn) self-restraint.” [Qur’an; 2:183]

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: The strong-man is not one who wrestles well but the strong man is one who controls himself when he is in a fit of rage. [Sahih Muslim]

“Don’t  forget your own self while preaching to others.“ [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“Discipline and train yourselves and your families to adhere to the commands of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.” [Ar-Rabee‘ ibn Anas]

“The most clever amongst you is the one who remembers the day of resurrection and the judgment.” [Hasan Al-Basri]

(Syn: desire, need, aim, dream, interest, curious, energy)

“[O Muhammad], inform My servants that it is I who am the Forgiving, the Merciful. And that it is My punishment which is the painful punishment.” [Qur’an; 15:49-50]

“Perhaps those who disbelieve will wish that they had been Muslims. Let them eat and enjoy themselves and be diverted by [false] hope, for they are going to know.” [Qur’an; 15:2-3]

It was narrated from Asma’ bint Yazid that she heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: “Shall I not tell you of the best of you?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “The best of you are those who, when they are seen, Allah the Mighty, the Majestic, is remembered.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

Abu Hurayrah that he said, “I heard the Prophet saying: ‘The heart of an old man remains young in two respects: his love for this worldly life and his excessive ambitions in it.’ ” [Sahih Bukhari]

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (peace be upon him) drew a few lines and said, “This is (man’s) hope, and this is the instant of his death, and while he is in this state (of hope), the nearer line (death) comes to Him.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Narrated Ibn `Umar: Two men came from the east and delivered speeches, and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Some eloquent speech has the influence of magic.” (e.g., some people refuse to do something and then a good eloquent speaker addresses them and then they agree to do that very thing after his speech). [Sahih Bukhari]

“Value five things before five others come to pass: value youth before old age, health before illness, affluence before poverty, leisure before becoming too busy and value life before death.” [Source]

“My sin burdened me heavily. But when I measured it against Your Grace, O Lord, Your forgiveness came out greater.” [Imam Shafi’i]

“There is an important rationale behind ambitions in this worldly life. Having ambitions in this worldly life is not totally dispraised as without it no one would be able to enjoy his life or look forward to doing anything that is related to this world. What is dispraised is having extensive ambitions in this worldly life and not preparing for the Hereafter. As long as a person is safe from this, he is not required to totally abstain from having ambitions in this world. Ignorance and love for this world are the causes behind this disease.” [Ibn Hajar]

“We need spirited, energetic and strong young people whose hearts are filled with life, enthusiasm, zeal and dynamism; whose souls are full of ambition, aspiration and vigor and have great goals, rising and aspiring to reach them until they eventually arrive at their destination.” [Hasan al-Banna]

(Syn: innovation, vision, imagination, intuition, foresight)

“And (do) not pursue what not you have of it any knowledge. Indeed, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart all those will be [about it] questioned.” [Qur’an; 17:36]

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: Verily the vision of a believer is one of the forty-sixth part of Prophecy. [Sahih Muslim]

“One who often thinks and reflects develops his foresight and vision.” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“Make a purpose for life, then utilise all your strength to achieve it. You would definitely be successful.” [Uthman ibn Affan]

(Syn: influencing others in their thoughts and actions)

“And We appointed, from among them, leaders, giving guidance under Our command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs.” [Qur’an; 32:24]

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: It is obligatory for you to listen to the ruler and obey him in adversity and prosperity, in pleasure and displeasure, and even when another person is given (rather undue) preference over you. [Sahih Muslim]

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Malik that Ubaidullah b. Ziyad visited Ma’qil b. Yaser in the latter’s illness. Ma’qil said to him: I am narrating to you a tradition. If I were not at death’s door, I would not narrate it to you. I heard the Messenger of Allah (may peace he upon him) say: A ruler who, having obtained control over the affairs of the Muslims, does not strive for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely shall not enter Paradise with them. [Sahih Muslim]

“Avert the legal penalties from the Muslims as much as possible, if he has a way out then leave him to his way, for if the Imam makes a mistake in forgiving it would be better than making mistake in punishment.” [Tirmidhi]

“O `Abdur-Rahman! Do not seek to be a ruler, for if you are given authority on your demand then you will be held responsible for it, but if you are given it without asking (for it), then you will be helped (by Allah) in it. If you ever take an oath to do something and later on you find that something else is better, then you should expiate your oath and do what is better.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Two men from my tribe and I entered upon the Prophet. One of the two men said to the Prophet, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! Appoint me as a governor,” and so did the second. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “We do not assign the authority of ruling to those who ask for it, nor to those who are keen to have it.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“Any man whom Allah has given the authority of ruling some people and he does not look after them in an honest manner, will never feel even the smell of Paradise.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“It has been reported on the authority of ‘Abd al-Rahman b. Samura who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to me: ‘Abd al-Rahman, do not ask for a position of authority, for if you are granted this position as a result of your asking for it, you will be left alone (without God’s help to discharge the responsibilities attendant thereon), and if you are granted it without making any request for it, you will be helped (by God in the discharge of your duties).” [Sahih Muslim]

(Syn: hygiene, purity)

“None touch it(the Quran) except the purified.” [Qur’an; 79:56]

“Those who avoid enormities of sin and abominations, save the unwilled offences – (for them) lo! thy Lord is of vast mercy. He is Best Aware of you (from the time) when He created you from the earth, and when ye were hidden in the bellies of your mothers. Therefor ascribe not purity unto yourselves. He is Best Aware of him who wardeth off (evil).” [Qur’an; 53:32]

“Women impure are for men impure, and men impure for women impure and women of purity are for men of purity, and men of purity are for women of purity: these are not affected by what people say: for them there is forgiveness, and a provision honourable.” [Qur’an; 24:26]

“He has certainly succeeded who purifies himself.” [Qur’an; 87:14]

“But only one who comes to Allah with a sound heart.” [Qur’an; 26:89]

“None touch it except the purified” [Qur’an; 56:79]

Abu Sufyan said: “Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari, Jabir bin ‘Abdullah, and Anas bin Malik told me that when this Verse: “In it (the mosque) are men who love to clean and to purify themselves. And Allah loves those who make themselves clean and pure.” was revealed, the Messenger of Allah said: ‘O Ansar! Allah has praised you for your cleanliness. What is the nature of your cleanliness?’ They said: ‘We perform ablution for prayer and we take bath to cleanse ourselves of impurity due to sexual activity, and we clean ourselves with water (after urinating). He said: ‘This is what it is. So adhere to it.'” [Ibn Majah

(Syn: serenity, free of disturbance)

“A Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are safe; and a Muhajir (Emigrant) is the one who refrains from what Allah has forbidden”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said, “Help your brother whether he is an oppressor or an oppressed,” A man said, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! I will help him if he is oppressed, but if he is an oppressor, how shall I help him?” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “By preventing him from oppressing (others), for that is how to help him.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“O people, exchange greetings of peace (i.e., say: As-Salamu ‘Alaikum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Jannah in peace.” [Tirmidhi]

(Syn: trustable, authorised, reliable)

“Verily, God does command you to render back your Trusts to whom they are due.” [Qur’an; 4:58]

“When the practice of honouring a trust is lost, expect the Last Day.” [Bukhari]

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Dharr who said: I said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): Messenger of Allah, will you not appoint me to a public office? He stroked my shoulder with his hand and said: Abu Dharr, thou art weak and authority is a trust. and on the Day of judgment it is a cause of humiliation and repentance except for one who fulfils its obligations and (properly) discharges the duties attendant thereon. [Sahih Muslim]

“Truth is a trust, [whereas] falsehood [is] treason.” [Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]

“There are four qualities such that if you were to be given them, you will not be harmed even if the world were to be taken away from you. They are:
good character, restraint in food, truthful words, and upholding a trust.” [Adab Al-Mufrad]

“Three kinds of treatment be always meted out to good and bad man alike: keeping trust, fulfilling promise and kindness.” [Maimoon bin Mehran]

(Syn: peaceful existence with one another)

“Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].” [Qur’an; 9:4]

It was narrated that ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, admitted to paradise a man who was easygoing in buying and selling, in paying off debts and asking for repayment.”‘ [Sunan An-Nasai]

“Allah has removed the pride of Jahiliyyah from you and boasting about lineage. (A person is either) a pious believer or a miserable sinner, and the people are the children of Adam, and Adam is from dirt.” [Tirmidhi]

Ibn Hibban: “The noble does not hurt the wise, he does not joke with the stupid and he does not mingle with the sinner.” [Ar-Rawdhah, p. 173]

Haytham Ibn Jameel was asked: “A man is well learned with regards to the affairs of the Sunnah, should he debate and argue about them?” He replied: “No, however he should inform the people about the Sunnah, so if it is accepted from him then good and if not then he should keep silent.” [Jaami’u Bayaan Al-‘Ilmi Wa Fadhlihi, 4/94]

(Syn: proficient, able, competent, expert, efficient, productive)

“When a judge utilizes his skill of judgement and comes to a right decision, he will have a double reward, but when he uses his judgement and commits a mistake, he will have a single reward.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

“Satan rejoices when Adam was banished from Paradise. But he didn’t kknow that when a diver sinks into the depth of the sea, he collects pearls and rises up again.” [Ibn Al-Qayyim]

“Knowledge is not what is memorised. Knowledge is what benefits.” [Imam Ash-Shafi’i]

(Syn: tact, able to handle delicate situations)

“It is therefore an aspect of wisdom in da’wah (calling others to Allah) that you should not surprise people with things they are not able to comprehend. Rather, you should call them in stages, bit by bit until their minds settle…” [Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymin]

(Syn: satisfaction, happiness, tranquility)

“He is the one who places contentment into the hearts of believers to increase their faith in addition to what they have.” [Qur’an; 48:4]

On the authority of Abu Abbas Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: One day I was behind the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) [riding on the same mount] and he said, “O young man, I shall teach you some words [of advice]: Be mindful of Allah and Allah will protect you. Be mindful of Allah and you will find Him in front of you. If you ask, then ask Allah [alone]; and if you seek help, then seek help from Allah [alone]. And know that if the nation were to gather together to benefit you with anything, they would not benefit you except with what Allah had already prescribed for you. And if they were to gather together to harm you with anything, they would not harm you except with what Allah had already prescribed against you. The pens have been lifted and the pages have dried.” It was related by at-Tirmidhi, who said it was a good and sound hadeeth.
Another narration, other than that of Tirmidhi, reads: Be mindful of Allah, and you will find Him in front of you. Recognize and acknowledge Allah in times of ease and prosperity, and He will remember you in times of adversity. And know that what has passed you by [and you have failed to attain] was not going to befall you, and what has befallen you was not going to pass you by. And know that victory comes with patience, relief with affliction, and hardship with ease. [40 Hadith Nawawi]

“Richness does not lie in the abundance of (worldly) goods but richness is the richness of the soul (heart, self).” [Sahih Muslim]

“The world compared to the Hereafter is but like what one of you gets when placing his finger into the sea, so look at what you draw from it.” [Tirmidhi]

“Verily the creation of each one of you is brought together in his mother’s womb for forty days in the form of a nutfah (a drop), then he becomes an alaqah (clot of blood) for a like period, then a mudghah (morsel of flesh) for a like period, then there is sent to him the angel who blows his soul into him and who is commanded with four matters: to write down his rizq (sustenance), his life span, his actions, and whether he will be happy or unhappy (i.e., whether or not he will enter Paradise)…..” [Bukhari and Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to supplicate, “Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-‘afafa, wal-ghina (O Allah! I beseech You for guidance, piety, chastity and contentment).” [Muslim]

“The world compared to the Hereafter is but like what one of you gets when placing his finger into the sea, so look at what you draw from it.” [Tirmidhi]

“Humility is part of noble character and arrogance is the habit of villains.” And he said, “Humility inherits love and contentment inherits comfort.” And he said, “The highest of people in status are those who do not see their status, and the greatest of them in grace are those who do not see their grace.” [Shafi’i]

(Syn: having sound moral values)

“Obey Allah and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and do not quarrel among yourselves lest you lose heart and your momentum disappear. And be steadfast. Allah is with the steadfast.” [Qur’an; 8:46]

“O Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner.” [Qur’an; 33:45]

And narrated Sad that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to ‘Ali, “Will you not be pleased from this that you are to me like Aaron was to Moses?” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

(Syn: affection, care)

“On those who believe and do good works there shall be no sin for what they eat, provided they fear God and believe and do good works, and again fear God and believe, yet again fear God and do good. And Allah loves those who do good.”  [Qur’an; 5:94]

Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah , then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” [Qur’an; 3:31]

“Anas R.A reported that the Prophet peace be upon him said “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.” [Sahih Bukhari]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When a man loves his brother (for Allah’s sake) let him tell him that he loves him”. [At-Tirmadhi & Abu Dawud]

“Verily Allah ta’ala has said: ‘Whosoever shows enmity to a wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with nafil (supererogatory) deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask [something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.’ ” [Bukhari]

“None of you [truly] believes until his desires are subservient to that which I have brought.” [40 Hadith An-Nawawi]

Sahl bin Sa’d As-Sa’idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:  A man came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “O Messenger of Allah, guide me to such an action which, if I do Allah will love me and the people will also love me.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Have no desire for this world, Allah will love you; and have no desire for what people possess, and the people will love you.” [Ibn-Majah] 

“You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not (truly) believe until you love one another.” [Ibn Majah]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “He who has, in his heart, an ant’s weight of arrogance will not enter Jannah.” Someone said: “A man likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Allah is Beautiful, He loves beauty. Arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.” [Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Everyone will be with those whom he loves.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

“He who comes to take the love of God can have no taste for the love of the world.”‘ [Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]

“To get what you love, you must first be patient with what you hate.” [Imam al-Ghazali]

“Know the happiest people are those who are strongest in their love of God.” [Imam al-Ghazali]

“The lesson of love is not taught but it’s born & learned.” [Imam al-Ghazali]

“Being in someone’s prayers. . . is the purest form of love . .  .!!” [Imam al-Ghazali]

“Filled with the love of this world, a person becomes so attached to it, that he fails to make provision for the hereafter.” [Imam al-Ghazali]

(Syn: joyous, cheerful, free of sorrow)

“And those who are patient, seeking the countenance of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good – those will have the good consequence of [this] home – gardens of perpetual residence; they will enter them with whoever were righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their descendants. And the angels will enter upon them from every gate, [saying], “Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.” [Qur’an; 13:22-24]

“And as for those who had believed and done righteous deeds, they will be in a garden [of Paradise], delighted.” [Qur’an; 30:15]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever says when he reaches the evening: “I am pleased with Allah as (my) Lord, with Islam as (my) religion, and with Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as (my) Prophet (Raḍītu billāhi rabban wabil-Islāmi dīnan wa bi-Muḥammadin nabiyyan) it is a duty upon Allah to please him.’” [Tirmidhi]

“Whoever among you wakes up physically healthy, feeling safe and secure within himself, with food for the day, it is as if he acquired the whole world.” [Ibn Majah]

(Syn: peaceful, undisturbed, moderate, temperate)

“…those who walk upon the earth easily and when the ignorant address them harshly, they say words of peace,” [Qur’an; 25:63]

Narrated Anas bin Malik: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm (with glad tidings) and do not repulse (them ). [Sahih Bukhari]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Be gentle and calm, […] as Allah likes gentleness in all affairs.” [Sahih Bukhari]

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The Muslim is the one from whose tongue and hand the people are safe, and the believer is the one from whom the people’s lives and wealth are safe.” [Sunan an Nasa’i]

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as saying. Don’t nurse malice against one another, don’t nurse aversion against one another and don’t be inquisitive about one another and don’t outbid one another (with a view to raising the price) and be fellow-brothers and servants of Allah. [Sahih Muslim]

Narrated Abu Hurairah: that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “By the One in Whose Hand is my soul! You will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love one another. Shall I inform you about a matter which if you do it, then you will love one another? Spread the salam [peace] among each other.” [Tirmidhi]

Abu Hurairah narrated that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: “Teach me something that is not too much for me so that, perhaps, I may abide by it.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  said: “Do not get angry.” He repeated that (the request) a number of times, each time he replied: ‘Do not get angry.” [Tirmidhi]

(Syn: self-respect, self-esteem/confidence/self-assured)

“Certainly We have honored the Children of Adam, and carried them over land and sea, and provided them with all good things, and given them an advantage over many of those We have created with a complete preference”. [Qur’an; 17:70]

“[Musa (Moses)] said: “O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness).” [Qur’an; 20:25]

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The blood, honour and property of a Muslim is inviolable for another Muslim.” [Muslim]

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Faith (Belief) consists of more than sixty branches (i.e. parts). And Haya (This term “Haya” covers a large number of concepts which are to be taken together; amongst them are self respect, modesty, bashfulness, and scruple, etc.) is a part of faith.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his (Muslim) brother.” [Muslim]

“The one who laughs too much loses dignity; one who jokes too much loses respect; whoever does something a great deal, becomes known for it; one who speaks a great deal makes mistakes; one who makes many mistakes loses his sense of dignity. Whoever loses his sense of dignity loses his God-fearing and whoever loses his God-fearing is spiritually dead.” [Umar ibn Al-Khattab]

“It is to be full of modesty, and to be harmless too. To be full of goodness and not to be corrupt. For the tongue to be truthful, for the words to be little and to be plentiful in good action. To have little slip-ups and not to be excessive. To be good to one’s relatives, building closeness between them. To be dignified and grateful. To be full of contentment if Allah restricted some provision. To be forbearing and friendly to his brothers. To be compassionate and chaste. Not to curse, swear, insult, backbite, nor to gossip. Not to be hasty, envious, hateful, arrogant nor vain. Not to lean towards worldliness, nor to extend long hopes and wishes. Not to sleep too much nor to be absent-mined, nor to show-off nor be hypocritical. Not to be selfish, but to be soft and cheerful, nor servile. Loving for only the sake of Allah, being pleased for His sake and being angry for His sake. His provision is taqwa (reverential fear of Allah). His worries are what will happen to him in the Afterlife. His friends remind him. His beloved is His Protector and Master. His struggle is for Afterlife.” [Yahya ibn Mu‘adh (rahimahullah)]

“Were it not for the fact that it would lead to my humiliation, I would have moved to live amongst a people who do not know me.” [Sufyan Ath-Thawri]

(Syn: social benefit, generosity towards the needy)

Abu Dharr narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said : “Your smiling in the face of your brother is charity, commanding good and forbidding evil is charity, your giving directions to a man lost in the land is charity for you. Your seeing for a man with bad sight is a charity for you, your removal of a rock, a thorn or a bone from the road is charity for you. Your pouring what remains from your bucket into the bucket of your brother is charity for you.” [Tirmidhi]

Abdullah ibn Az-Zubayr said, “I have never seen two women more generous than Aishah and Asma. They had different ways of being generous. As for Aishah, she used to gather things, until she had a collection, then she would distribute it. As for Asma, she would never keep anything until the next day.”

“My grandmother Su‘da bint ‘Awf Al-Muriyyah who was the wife of Talhah ibn ‘Ubaydullaah related to me, ‘Talhah came to me one day disconcerted. So I asked him, ‘Why is it that I see you with a gloomy face? What is the matter with you? Did I do something that upset you?’ He said, ‘No, you are the best wife a Muslim man can have.’ I said, ‘Then what is the matter?’ He said, ‘The wealth I have has increased and that disturbs me.’ I said, ‘Do not worry. Distribute it.’ She said, ‘He distributed it until not even a single dirham was left.” [Talhah ibn Yahya ibn Talhah]

(Syn: truthfulness)

“Woe unto those who give short measure, those who, when they are to receive their due from people, demand that it be given in full but when they have to measure or weigh whatever they owe to others, give less than what is due.  Do they not know that they are bound to be raised from the dead (and called to account) on an awesome Day, the Day when all men shall stand before the Sustainer of all the worlds?” [Qur’an; 83:1-6]

Narrated Hudhaifa: Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said to us, “Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men (faithful believers), and then the Qur’an was revealed and the people read the Qur’an, (and learnt it from it) and also learnt it from the Sunna.” Both Qur’an and Sunna strengthened their (the faithful believers’) honesty. [Sahih Bukhari]

“He is not one of us who cheats.” [Ibn Majah]

(Syn: sharing, giving)

“…And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” [Qur’an; 2: 272]

The Messenger of Allaah said: “Protect yourself from the Hell-fire even by giving a piece of a date as charity.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]

1. Forgiveness when angry;

2. Generosity in hard times;

3. Chastity when alone;

4. Speaking the truth to the one that fears it.” [Ali ibn Abi Talib]

“The greatest of deeds are three: To give generously out of the few that you have, to be devoted to Allah in loneliness and to say the truth in the face of someone who is hoped and feared.”  [Imam Shafi’i]

“Taking pains to remove the pains of others is the true essence of generosity.” [Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]

(Syn: aim, purpose, goal-orientation, mission-orientation)

“…and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allaah…” [Qur’an; 2:272]

It was narrated from Jabir that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “People will be gathered (on the Day of Resurrection) according to their intentions.” [Ibn Majah]

“Verily I like to make an intention for everything I do even if it is eating and drinking.” [Zayd Ash-Shaami]

(Syn: fairness, law, virtue, equity, impartiality)

“Indeed, Allah does not do injustice, [even] as much as an atom’s weight; while if there is a good deed, He multiplies it and gives from Himself a great reward.” [Qur’an; 4:40]

“Allah witnesses that there is no deity except Him, and [so do] the angels and those of knowledge – [that He is] maintaining [creation] in justice. There is no deity except Him, the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [Qur’an; 3:18]

Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded. [Qur’an; 16:90]

“Behold! the Dispensers of justice will be seated on the pulpits of light beside God, on the right side of the Merciful, Exalted and GlorioUS. Either side of the Being is the right side both being equally rneritorious. (The Dispensers of justice are) those who do justice in their rules, in matters relating to their families and in all that they undertake to do.” [Sahih Muslim]

Narrated Um Salama: Once Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “You people present your cases to me and some of you may be more eloquent and persuasive in presenting their argument. So, if I give some one’s right to another (wrongly) because of the latter’s (tricky) presentation of the case, I am really giving him a piece of fire; so he should not take it.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Verily, I am only a human and the claimants bring to me (their disputes); perhaps some of them are more eloquent than others. I judge according to what I hear from them). So, he whom I, by my judgment, (give the undue share) out of the right of a Muslim, I in fact give him a portion of (Hell) Fire”. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

“Procrastination (delay) in repaying debts by a wealthy person is injustice.” [Sahih al-Bukhari]

“It was said to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): ‘Which of the people is best?’ He said: ‘Everyone who is pure of heart and sincere in speech.’ They said: ‘Sincere in speech, we know what this is, but what is pure of heart?’ He said: ‘It is (the heart) that is pious and pure, with no sin, injustice, rancor or envy in it.’” [Darussalam]

Narrated Abu Bakr As-Siddiq: I asked Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) to teach me an invocation so that I may invoke Allah with it in my prayer. He told me to say, “Allahumma inni zalumtu nafsi zulman kathiran, Wala yaghfiru dh-dhunuba illa anta, fa ghfir li maghfiratan min `indika, wa r-hamni, innaka anta l-ghafuru r-rahim (O Allah! I have done great injustice to myself and none except You forgives sins, so bestow on me a forgiveness from You, and Have Mercy on me, You are the Forgiver, the Merciful). [Sahih al-Bukhari]

Abu Dharr reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, reported that Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, said: “My slaves! I have forbidden injustice for Myself and I have made it forbidden among you, so do not wrong one another.” [Al-Albani]

Narrated Umm Salamah, Ummul Mu’minin: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) never went out of my house without raising his eye to the sky and saying: “O Allah! I seek refuge in Thee lest I stray or be led astray, or slip or made to slip, or cause injustice, or suffer injustice, or do wrong, or have wrong done to me.” [Al-Albani]

Bashir reported that his mother bint Rawaha asked his (Nu’man’s) father about donating some gifts from his property to his son. He deferred the matter by one year, and then set forth to do that. She (Nu’man’s mother) said: I shall not be pleased unless you call Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as witness to what you confer as a gift on your son. (Nu’man said): So father took hold of my hand and I was at that time a boy, and came to Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said: Allah’s Messenger, the mother of this son (of mine), daughter of Rawaha wishes that I should call you witness to what I confer as gift to her son. Allah’s Messenger (may pease be upon him) said: Bashir, have you any other son besides this (son of yours)? He said: Yes. He (the Holy Prophet) said: Have you given gifts to all of them like this? He said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Then call me not as witness, for I cannot be witness to an injustice. [Sahih Muslim]