Charity

The Quran

“And establish prayer and give zakah and bow with those who bow [in worship and obedience].” [Qur’an; 2:43]

“And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah: for Allah sees well all that you do.” [Qur’an; 2:110]

“O you who have believed, spend from that which We have provided for you before there comes a Day in which there is no exchange and no friendship and no intercession. And the disbelievers – they are the wrongdoers.” [Qur’an; 2:254]

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing. Those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah and then do not follow up what they have spent with reminders [of it] or [other] injury will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” [Qur’an; 2:261-262]

“O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders or injury as does one who spends his wealth [only] to be seen by the people and does not believe in Allah and the Last Day. His example is like that of a [large] smooth stone upon which is dust and is hit by a downpour that leaves it bare. They are unable [to keep] anything of what they have earned. And Allah does not guide the disbelieving people. And the example of those who spend their wealth seeking means to the approval of Allah and assuring [reward for] themselves is like a garden on high ground which is hit by a downpour – so it yields its fruits in double. And [even] if it is not hit by a downpour, then a drizzle [is sufficient]. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.” [Qur’an; 2:264-265]

“…And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged.” [Qur’an; 2:272]

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” [Qur’an; 2:277]

“Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” [Qur’an; 3:92]

“Your ally is none but Allah and [therefore] His Messenger and those who have believed – those who establish prayer and give zakah, and they bow [in worship].” [Qur’an; 5:55]

“And establish prayer and give zakah and obey the Messenger – that you may receive mercy.” [Qur’an; 24:56]

“And when it is said to them, ‘Spend from that which Allah has provided for you,’ those who disbelieve say to those who believe, ‘Should we feed one whom, if Allah had willed, He would have fed? You are not but in clear error.'” [Qur’an; 36:47]

“Here you are – those invited to spend in the cause of Allah – but among you are those who withhold [out of greed]. And whoever withholds only withholds [benefit] from himself; and Allah is the Free of need, while you are the needy. And if you turn away, He will replace you with another people; then they will not be the likes of you.” [Qur’an; 47:38]

“And why do you not spend in the cause of Allah while to Allah belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth? Not equal among you are those who spent before the conquest [of Makkah] and fought [and those who did so after it]. Those are greater in degree than they who spent afterwards and fought. But to all Allah has promised the best [reward]. And Allah, with what you do, is Acquainted.” [Qur’an; 57:10]

“They are the ones who say, “Do not spend on those who are with the Messenger of Allah until they disband.” And to Allah belongs the depositories of the heavens and the earth, but the hypocrites do not understand.” [Qur’an; 63:7]

“And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, ‘My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.'” [Qur’an; 63:10]

“So fear Allah as much as you are able and listen and obey and spend [in the way of Allah]; it is better for your selves. And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul – it is those who will be the successful.” [Qur’an; 64:16]

“Let a man of wealth spend from his wealth, and he whose provision is restricted – let him spend from what Allah has given him. 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]

Hadith

Narrated Abu Burda: from his father from his grandfather that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Every Muslim has to give in charity.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Prophet! If someone has nothing to give, what will he do?” He said, “He should work with his hands and benefit himself and also give in charity (from what he earns).” The people further asked, “If he cannot find even that?” He replied, “He should help the needy who appeal for help.” Then the people asked, “If he cannot do that?” He replied, “Then he should perform good deeds and keep away from evil deeds and this will be regarded as charitable deeds.” [Sahih Bukhari]

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]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, “Who among you considers the wealth of his heirs dearer to him than his own wealth?” They replied, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)! There is none among us but loves his own wealth more.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “So his wealth is whatever he spends (in Allah’s cause) during his life (on good deeds) while the wealth of his heirs is whatever he leaves after his death.” [Sahih Bukhari]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is reported to have said, “Giving in charity is an obligation upon every Muslim”. It was said (to him), “What about one who does not find (the means) to do so?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Let him work with his hands, thus doing benefit to himself and give in charity.” It was said to him, “What if he does not have (the means) to do so?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Then let him assist the needy, the aggrieved.” It was said, “What about if he cannot even do this?” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Then he should enjoin good.” He was asked, “What if he cannot do that?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “He should then abstain from evil for verily, that is a charity from him”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

“Everyone of you will speak to his Rubb without an interpreter between them. He will look to his right side and will see only the deeds he had previously done; he will look to his left and will see only the deeds he had previously done, and he will look in front of him and will see nothing but Fire (of Hell) before his face. So protect yourselves from Fire (of Hell), even by giving half a date- fruit (in charity)”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

“Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“Give in charity because there will come a time on the people when a person will go out with his alms from place to place but will not find anybody to accept it.” [Sahih Bukhari]

A man said, “O Messenger of Allah, which kind of charity is best?” He said, “Giving charity when you are in good health, and feeling stingy, hoping for a long life and fearing poverty.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i]

A man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “Direct me to a deed which may admit me to Jannah.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Worship Allah and never associate anything with Him in worship, establish prayer, pay zakat (the obligatory charity), and strengthen the ties of kinship.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

“In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification (i.e. saying SubhanAllah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His praise (i.e. saying Alhamdulillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e. saying La ilaaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining ma’ruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two rak’ah duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).” [Muslim]

“There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.” [Bukhari]

Benefits of Charity

1. Purification

خُذۡ مِنۡ أَمۡوَٲلِهِمۡ صَدَقَةً۬ تُطَهِّرُهُمۡ وَتُزَكِّيہِم بِہَا وَصَلِّ عَلَيۡهِمۡ‌ۖ إِنَّ صَلَوٰتَكَ سَكَنٌ۬ لَّهُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ (١٠٣)

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah’s blessings] upon them. Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing and Knowing.” [Qur’an; 9:103]

Giving in charity protects the giver from miserliness, hypocrisy, sins, and minor imperfections in earning. It is a physical act which purifies the heart of many negative qualities and trains the heart to love Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and give for His sake rather than being attached to the wealth that He has bestowed on us. The more frequently one gives, the easier it becomes to not be attached. In addition, the more one gives, the more love one develops for Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).

A man asked the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “O Allah’s Messenger! What kind of charity is the best?” He replied. “To give in charity when you are healthy and greedy hoping to be wealthy and afraid of becoming poor. Don’t delay giving in charity till the time when you are on the death bed when you say, ‘Give so much to soand- so and so much to so-and so,’ and at that time the property is not yours but it belongs to so-and-so (i.e. your inheritors).” [Bukhari]

One must remember that when he gives, it is not necessarily so that he does the recipient a favor. The recipient is doing him a favor by allowing the giver to engage in charity, to dispense the obligatory charity as well as to earn reward for additional giving and earn the pleasure of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He).

2. Increase

Giving from what one has is a form of showing gratitude to the Giver. It is Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) who gave us the resources and opportunity to be charitable, possibly even as a test to see how we perform with those resources and opportunities. Gratitude generates increase. In addition, we can ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to increase it for us and give us better rewards in the Hereafter.

وَإِذۡ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمۡ لَٮِٕن شَڪَرۡتُمۡ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمۡ‌ۖ وَلَٮِٕن ڪَفَرۡتُمۡ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ۬ (٧)

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'” [Qur’an; 14:7]

“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.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]

The Islamic term for the obligatory giving–‘zakah‘–has two meanings: that of ‘purity’ and ‘increase’. The optional acts of giving are termed ‘sadaqah‘.

3. Sympathy

Giving in charity is an opportunity to alleviate the pain of those in need and, in return, it also heals one’s own heart. While we have facilities to give from the comfort of our own homes at the click of a button, what is more effective is to visit the recipient personally, engage them in conversation, speak good words, and to give the charity personally. This has a profound impact in any situation but especially more so in the case of those in dire need–such as refugees, victims of various disaster, etc.

 

A Story on What We Have Vs. What We Would be Willing to Give

Harun al-Rashid–one of the richest of the Abbasid Caliphs–once heard of a righteous scholar named Ibn As-Sammaak and requested his presence in his chamber to give him good counsel. When the scholar arrived, the Caliph had ordered a glass of water to drink.

Seeing this, Ibn Samaak asked, “what would you give if no water was available to you and you were forced to trade for this one cup of water?”

Harun al-Rashid replied, “I would give at the very least half of my kingdom.”

The scholar then asked, “And what would you give if you were unable to release the waste of that water from your body?”

The Caliph said, “I would give the other half of my kingdom.”

The scholar smiled and told the Caliph, “What value is your kingdom if it can be bought with a glass of water.”

We can take this story to heart and remind ourselves that everything we own–be it property, money, vehicles, etc.–is worth only a glass of water. Wealth does have its benefit when treated and used in the right way. It’s value is only seen when it is used in accordance with the pleasure of Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) and avoiding His displeasure. It is more valuable when it is given away for His sake sake than when it is held back in miserliness. Likewise there may be times when it is more wise to hold back for His sake than to spend it, such as when tempted to spend on something sinful or to be extravagant.

Keeping in mind that all wealth is from Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), it serves well to have a healthy sense of fear that He can take it away if one were to misuse the blessing of wealth.

“The son of Adam says, ‘My wealth, my wealth,’ but your wealth is what you eat and consume, or what you wear and it wears out, or what you give in charity and send on ahead (for the Hereafter).” [Sunan An-Nasa’i]

“If the son of Adam (the human being) had two valleys of money, he would wish for a third, for nothing can fill the belly of Adam’s son except dust, and Allah forgives him who repents to Him.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Charity is one of the best ways to use wealth. It is not actually giving away but rather an investment into the Hereafter. The money you spend on food and clothing is for temporary benefit on things that perish, whereas charity is an investment that helps you on the Day of Judgment.

“You will be rewarded for whatever you spend for Allah’s sake even if it were a morsel which you put in your wife’s mouth.” [Sahih Bukhari]

مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمۡوَٲلَهُمۡ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتۡ سَبۡعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍ۬ مِّاْئَةُ حَبَّةٍ۬‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٲسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ (٢٦١)

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” [Qur’an; 2:261]

We can remind ourselves of the suffering of those less fortunate by looking at pictures of those in destitute situations around the world, and by reading and watching their stories. If one is not moved by the state of these brothers and sisters in humanity, then it is pertinent to question the state of one’s heart.

Waqf (Charitable Endowment)

Muslims have traditionally been known to establish waqf (charitable endowments) for the benefit of the community. Such endowments are typically in the form of buildings, property, or farmland, and these are maintained under specific rules. Traditionally, predominantly Muslim communities have been known to take care of people from the cradle to the grave by means of such generous endowments so people were not left unattended to or in need despite their circumstances. When reading about the travels of Ibn Batuta, for instance, one comes across narrations of the vast amounts of charitable endowments established by the community in Damascus.

Further Resources

Feeding the hungry

Salat ad-Duha

Environmental, social & corporate governance

June 11, 2017 | khuluq

Dignity

The Quran

“O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you nations and tribes that you may identify with one another. Indeed the noblest of you in the sight of Allah is the most God-wary among you. Indeed Allah is all-knowing, all-aware”. [Qur’an; 49:13]

“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]

Hadith

Narrated Abdullah ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Good way, dignified good bearing and moderation are the twenty-fifth part of Prophecy. [Abi Dawud]

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]

“Verily, Allah elevates some people with this Qur’an and abases others.” [Muslim]

 

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Calm

The Quran

“If you do not aid the Prophet – Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his companion, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” And Allah sent down his tranquillity upon him and supported him with angels you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah – that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.” [Qur’an; 9:40]

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

Hadith

Narrated Aisha, Ummul Mu’minin: I never saw anyone more like the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in respect of gravity, calm deportment, pleasant disposition – according to al-Hasan’s version: in respect of talk and speech. [Abu Dawud]

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]

 

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Integrity

The Quran

“But yes, whoever fulfills his commitment and fears Allah – then indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.” [Qur’an; 3:76]

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you – when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” [Qur’an; 3:103]

“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]

“…They will only be reminded who are people of understanding – those who fulfill the covenant of Allah and do not break the contract…” [Qur’an; 13:19-20]

“… And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.” [Qur’an; 17:34]

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

Hadith

Nu’man b. Bashir reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb of it aches, the whole body aches, because of sleeplessness and fever.” [Muslim]

“There are four characteristics, whoever has them all is a pure hypocrite, and whoever has one of its characteristics, he has one of the characteristics of hypocrisy, until he gives it up: When he speaks he lies, when he makes a covenant he betrays it, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he disputes he resorts to obscene speech.” In the narration of Sufyan (one of the narrators) it is: “And if he has one of them, he has one of the characteristics of hypocrisy.” [Sahih Muslim]

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, ”Every betrayer will have a flag on the Day of Resurrection” [Sahih Bukhari]

The verses of the Quran and the hadith of the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) indicate the importance of fulfilling promises and covenants and they point to abhorrence of breaking them or failing to fulfil them.

Fulfilling promises is one of the attributes of the pious. It is a means of attaining security in this world and preventing bloodshed, and of protecting the rights of people.

If trustworthiness and loyalty are the qualities of faith and piety, then betrayal and treachery are the qualities of hypocrisy and evil.

 

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Contentment

The Quran

وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تَكۡرَهُواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَهُوَ خَيۡرٌ۬ لَّڪُمۡ‌ۖ وَعَسَىٰٓ أَن تُحِبُّواْ شَيۡـًٔ۬ا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ۬ لَّكُمۡ‌ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ

“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” [Qur’an; 2:216]

“Those who believe and work righteousness and believe in what was sent down to Muhammad (s) – which is the truth from their Lord; He remits their sins, and blesses them with contentment.” [Qur’an; 47:2]

“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]

Hadith

Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Successful is the one who has entered the fold of Islam and is provided with sustenance which is sufficient for his needs, and Allah makes him content with what He has bestowed upon him.” [Muslim]

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]

Narrated Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “A complete month would pass by during which we would not make a fire (for cooking), and our food used to be only dates and water unless we were given a present of some meat.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d:  I heard Ibn Az-Zubair who was on the pulpit at Mecca, delivering a sermon, saying, “O men! The Prophet used to say, “If the son of Adam were given a valley full of gold, he would love to have a second one; and if her were given the second one, he would love to have a third, for nothing fills the belly of Adam’s son except dust. And Allah forgives he who repents to Him.” Ubaj said, “We considered this as a saying from the Qur’an till the Sura (beginning with) ‘The mutual rivalry for piling up of worldly things diverts you . .’ (102.1) was revealed.” [Sahih Bukhari]

Narrated Hakim bin Hizam:  I asked the Prophet (for some money) and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave me, and then again I asked him and he gave and he then said, “This wealth is (like) green and sweet (fruit), and whoever takes it without greed, Allah will bless it for him, but whoever takes it with greed, Allah will not bless it for him, and he will be like the one who eats but is never satisfied. And the upper (giving) hand is better than the lower (taking) hand.” [Sahih Bukhari]

‘Abdur-Rahman bin Aban bin ‘Uthman bin ‘Affan narrated that his father said:  “Zaid bin Thabit departed from Marwan at mid-day. I said: ‘He has not sent him out at this time of the day except for something he asked.’ So I asked him, and he said: ‘He asked me about some things we heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) say: “Whoever is focused only on this world, Allah will confound his affairs and make him fear poverty constantly, and he will not get anything of this world except that which has been decreed for him. Whoever is focused on the Hereafter, Allah will settle his affairs for him and make him feel content with his lot, and his provision and worldly gains will undoubtedly come to him.” [Darussalam]

When a Muslim is faced with a circumstance that causes him unease or displeasure, he may endure it through contentment or through patience. The difference is that while patience is a duty, contentment is a praiseworthy characteristic beyond even patience.

Contentment is reached through knowledge and love, because when one accepts that their affliction has been sent from the One they love, it becomes possible to avoid falling into despair and be content instead.

As the hadith mentioned above of Abdullah ibn Abbas indicates, it is pertinent to keep in mind that whatever missed us was not meant to reach us and whatever reached us was not meant to miss us. This knowledge brings peace of mind and what is required of us is only the appropriate reaction rather than pity or regret.

Extracts from the book Purification of the Soul:

Being patient involves restraining the self and preventing it from giving into resentment, in spite of any suffering that it experiences–in the hope that any misfortune which afflicts it will come to an end–as well as restraining the limbs from behaving badly out of impatience.

Being content, on the other hand, involves feeling at ease in accepting the Divine Decree, and being unconcerned with when any suffering will stop, even though it is being experienced. Being content alleviates any suffering by reason of the heart’s immersion in the spirit of certainty and knowledge. If the contentment increases in its intensity, then it removes the experiencing of any suffering altogether.

It has been reported on the authority of Anas ibn Malik that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “When Allah loves someone then he tests him. As for whoever is content–Allah will be pleased with him. And as for whoever is discontented–Allah will be displeased with him.”

Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, “Whoever is content with what he has, Allah will make it enough for him and give it blessing; and whoever is not content, Allah will neither make it enough for him nor give it blessing.”

It is quoted of Ibn Al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) in the book “Al-Fawa’id”:

“Nothing is more beneficial for him than abiding by the judgments of Allah, even if it is difficult for him at the beginning, because all of its outcomes are good, delightful, and pleasurable. In the same way, nothing is more harmful for him than committing what is forbidden, even if he loves it. All its outcomes are pain, grief, evil, and misfortune.”

 

Further Resources

Equanimity in Islam

Acres of Diamonds

 

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Diplomacy

The Quran

“O mankind, we created you from a single (pair) of male and female and made into nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you.” [Qur’an; 49:13]

Hadith

We find some Islamic legal opinions (fatwa, pl. fatawa) that engender agitation in society and sometimes lead to disturbing scenarios and actions. In implementing legal rulings, it is important to consider the traditions of the past alongside the circumstances of the present (fiqh-ul-waqi’, i.e. jurisprudence of reality).

The spirit of the law must be considered along with the letter of the law. Decisions cannot be made by merely looking at the branches and not examining the roots and not understanding the what, why, and how of a matter. The faqih (jurist) is a skilled intellectual craftsman who understands his craft inside out. In any field, it is the artisans understand their terminology, not the general public who nevertheless benefit from the result of the artisan’s work.

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Skillful

The Quran

“When the master saw that Joseph’s shirt was torn from behind, he told his wife, “This is some of your womanly guile in which you are certainly skillful.” [Qur’an; 12:28]

Hadith

“One who is skilled in the Qur’an is associated with the noble, upright recording angels, and he who falters when he recites the Qur’an and finds it difficult for him will have a double reward.” [Abu Dawud]

“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]

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Trustworthy/Authoritative

The Quran

“Those who are faithfully true to their amanah (all the duties which God has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility and trusts, etc.) and to their covenants…these indeed are the inheritors.  Who shall inherit Paradise.  And dwell therein forever” [Qur’an; 23:8, 23:10-11]

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

Hadith

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The signs of a hypocrite are three: 1. Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie. 2. Whenever he promises, he always breaks it (his promise ). 3. If you trust him, he proves to be dishonest. (If you keep something as a trust with him, he will not return it.)” [Sahih Bukhari]

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

 

Further Information

[Video] Honesty

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Peace

The Quran

”Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.” [Qur’an; 2:190]

“O you who have believed, enter into Islam completely [and perfectly] and do not follow the footsteps of Satan. Indeed, he is to you a clear enemy.” [Qur’an; 2:208]

“But whoever kills a believer intentionally – his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.” [Qur’an; 4:93]

”And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.” [Qur’an;19:33]

”Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes – from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” [Qur’an; 60:8]

“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” [Qur’an; 41:34]

Hadith

“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 each other. Shall I tell you about what will strengthen that for you? Spread the Salam among each other.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

“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 (ﷺ)! 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]

“It is not lawful for the Muslim to shun his brother for more than three (days); they come fare to fare and this one turns away, and that one turns away. The best of them is the one who initiates the salam.” [Tirmidhi]

Narrated Abu Salama:  Aisha said, “Once Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) said (to me), ‘O Aish (‘Aisha)! This is Gabriel greeting you.’ I said, ‘Peace and Allah’s Mercy and Blessings be on him, you see what I don’t see’ ”  She was addressing Allah’s Apostle. [Sahih Bukhari]

“Do not wish to meet the enemy, but when you meet face) the enemy, be patient.” [Sahih Bukhari]

“Do not long for meeting your enemy, and ask Allah for safety (from all sorts of evil).” [Sahih Bukhari]

Do we understand the term jihad in its limited form or do we look at it in all of its dimensions? Jihad even includes commerce if your intention is to benefit society and industry. To apply jihad in our times and our nations, we must engage in the jihad of being good to people, taking care of parents, service to society, and being productive.

Inviting to our way should be done in a noble manner. It is unsound to engage in violence that does not distinguish between innocents and criminals.

 

Further Resources

Peace and Islam

Global Peace Index

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Cleanliness

The Quran

“O you who have believed, when you rise to [perform] prayer, wash your faces and your forearms to the elbows and wipe over your heads and wash your feet to the ankles. And if you are in a state of Janaabah (major impurity), then purify yourselves.” [Qur’an; 5:6]

“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]

Hadith

Abu Malik at-Ash’ari reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Cleanliness is half of faith and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale, and Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and al-Hamdu Liliah (Praise be to Allah) fill upwhat is between the heavens and the earth, and prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one’s faith) and endurance is a brightness and the Holy Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves. [Sahih Muslim]

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]

 

Further Reading

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