Preparing for the Day of Judgement - Imam ibn Hajar al Asqalani

7/31/2019 Preparing for the Day of Judgement - Imam ibn Hajar al Asqalani

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PreparingForTheDayOfJudgementBy:ImaamIbnHajarAl-Asqalani

TranslatedBy:S.MHasanAl-Banna

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Abul-FadlShihabal-DinAhmadibnÀlial-KannanialÀsqalani,betterknownbythenameofImamIbnHajar,wasborninCairoin773/1372. HebeganhisstudiesattheageoffiveandcompletedthememorisationoftheQuranbytheageofnine. AShafiìscholarandhadithmaster,hestudiedunderrenownedscholarsinCairo,Yemen,andtheHijaz. KnownasShaykhal-Islam,scholarstravelledfromfarawaylandstotakeknowledgefromhim. Appointedtothepositionofchief-judgeseveraltimes,heauthoredmorethanfiftyworksonhadith,history,biography,Quranicexegesis,poetry,andShafiìjurisprudence;amongthemostfamousofthemishisfourteen-volumecommentaryonSahihal-BukharicalledFathal-Bari. HepassedawayinCairoin852/1449.

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Contents

Foreword..5 1- CounselInTwos...7

4CounselInFives..24 5

Counsel

In

Sixes..29

8CounselInNines.37

2CounselInThrees..10 3CounselInFours.....17

6CounselInSevens...33 7CounselInEights....36

9CounselInTens...39

4
http:///reader/full/Sixes%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%AE%E5%85%85%E5%85%85.29http:///reader/full/Sixes%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%AE%E5%85%85%E5%85%85.29http:///reader/full/Sixes%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%85%E5%85%AE%E5%85%85%E5%85%85.29


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ForewordPraisebetoAllahLordoftheuniverse,CreatorandSustainerofmankind;andmayHispeaceandblessingsbeuponourbelovedMessengerMuhammad(salAllahualayhiwasallam),hisfamily,Companions,andthosewhofollowthemuntiltheDayofJudgement.WhenAllahtheAlmighty,inHisinfinitewisdomanddivinemercy,createdthehumansoul,HeintendeditseternalabodetobeintheGardenofBliss. However,thejourneytothiseternalabodeisindeedfullofmanyobstacles,beitthesplendours

of

this

world,

the

passions

of

our

lower

self

(nafs),

or

the

whispers

of

Satan. ItisthesuccessfulpreparationforthisjourneythatwillwiththeMercyofAllahultimatelyleadustothatGarden. ThispreparationisbasedoncomprehendingtheDivineMessageandinternalisingitsteachingsinourlives.Manyanobleandstrongwilledsoulhasundertakenthisjourney,andwhatliesinthesepagesarethevaluablepiecesofadvicethatrepresentthefruitsoftheirexperience.AProphetictraditionstates,Wisdomisthelostpropertyofthebeliever. Ifhefindsitthenheismostdeservingofit. ThisbookisabeautifulcompilationofsomeofthewisesayingsoftheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam),oftheCompanions,andofthepiouspredecessorsandascetics. ReflectingonthesewisesayingsandheedingthesecounselswillassistininfusinguswiththerequisiteawarenessandfervourtopreparefortheDayofJudgement. Verily,weareinneedofsuchcounsel,forourDayofJudgementbeginsnotwhentheworldends,butwhenourlifecomestoanendwhichisindeedimminentastheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)stated.Theauthor,ImamIbnHajaral-`Asqalaniascholarofimmensestature,especiallyinthefieldofhadithadoptedauniqueapproachincompilingthesesayings. Heorderedthesesayingsnumerically,beginningeachchapterwithProphetictraditionsfollowedbysayingsoftheCompanions,thenthoseofthepiouspredecessors. Thisarrangementbearstestimonytohisencyclopaedicknowledgeandcreativity.Maytheimmensewisdomcontainedinthisbookenlightenourhearts,openoureyesandawakenusfromourstateofheedlessnesstoourrealtaskinthisdunyapreparingfortheDayofJudgement,asAllahtheAlmightysays,Forsurelyitisnottheeyesthatareblind,butitistheheartsthatareinthechests.S.M.Hasanal-Banna

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July2004London,UK

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1CounselinTwos

[1]IthasbeennarratedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therearetwotraits,nothingisbetterthanthem:beliefinAllahandbringingbenefittotheMuslims. Andtherearetwotraits,nothingisworsethanthem:associatingpartnerswithAllahandbringharmtotheMuslims.

[2]The

Prophet

(salAllahu

alayhi

wa

sallam)

said,

Sit

with

the

scholars

and

listen

tothespeechofthewise,forverilyAllahtheExaltedgiveslifetothedeadheartwiththelightofwisdomashegiveslifetothedeadsoilwithrainwater.[3]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,Hewhoentersthegravewithoutanyprovisionsisasthoughhewishestosailtheseawithoutaship.[4]Ùmaribnal-Khattab(radyAllahuànhu)said,Honourinthisworldisinwealth,andhonourintheHereafterisinrighteousactions.[5]ÙthmanibnÀffan(radyAllahuànhu) said,Worryingaboutthedunyaisadarknessintheheart,whileworryingabouttheHereafterisalightintheheart.[6]ÀliibnAbiTalib(radyAllahuànhu)said,Theonewhoseeksafterknowledge,Paradisewillseekafterhim;andtheonewhoseeksafterdisobedience,theHellfirewillseekafterhim.[7]YahyaibnMuàdhsaid,AnhonourablepersonwouldneverbedisobedienttoAllah,andawisepersonwouldneverpreferthedunyaovertheHereafter.[8]Al-A`mashsaid,TheonewhosecapitalisGod-consciousness(taqwa),tongueswillbeincapableofdescribingthefortunethatishispiety;andtheonewhosecapitalisthedunya,tongueswillbeincapableofdescribingthemagnitudeofhislossofpiety.[9]Sufyanal-Thawrisaid,Everyactofdisobediencecommittedduetopassion,itsforgivenessishopedfor. Everyactofdisobediencecommittedduetoarrogance,itsforgivenessisnothopedforbecausetherootofSatansdisobediencewasarrogance,whereastherootofAdamslapsewaspassion.

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[10]Anasceticoncesaid,Theonewhosinswhilelaughing,AllahwillmakehimentertheFirewhilecrying. Andtheonewhoobeyswhilecrying(outoffearof

Allah)

Allah

will

make

him

enter

Paradise

while

laughing.

[11]Awisemansaid,Donotbelittleminorsins,forverilyfromthemmajorsinsgrow.[12]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Nosinremainsminorwhenaccompaniedbypersistence,andnosinremainsmajorwhenaccompaniedbytheseekingofforgiveness.[13]Itissaid,TheGnostic(arif)occupieshimselfwithpraise[ofAllah],whiletheascetic(zahid)occupieshimselfwithsupplication;becausetheGnosticsconcernishisLord,whiletheasceticsconcernishisownnafs.[14]Anasceticsaid,WhoeverisunderthedelusionthathehasacloserfriendthanAllah,littleishisknowledgeofAllah;andtheonewhoisunderthedelusionthathehasagreaterenemythanhisnafs,littleishisknowledgeofhisnafs.[15]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahu`anhu)saidregardingtheQuranicverse,Corruptionhasappearedonlandandsea,Thelandreferstothetongueandtheseareferstotheheart. Ifthetongueiscorruptedpeoplecryoverit,andiftheheartiscorruptedtheangelscryoverit.[16]Itissaid,Verilypassionturnskingsintoslaves,andpatienceturnsslavesintokingsDoyounotseethestoryofYusufandZulaykha?[17]Itissaid,Gladtidingstotheonewhoseintellectishismasterandwhosedesireishisslave. Andwoetotheonewhosedesireishismasterandwhoseintellectishisslave.[18]Itisalsosaid,Theonewholeavessins,hisheartwillbesoftened;andtheonewholeavestheforbiddenandeatsthelawful,hisintellectwillbeenlightened.[19]AllahrevealedtooneoftheProphets,ObeymeinthatwhichIhavecommandedyou,anddonotdisobeymeinthatwhichIhaveadvisedyou.[20]Itissaid,TheperfectionoftheintellectisinfollowingthepleasureofAllahandavoidingHiswrath.[21]Itissaid,Thereisnoexileforthelearned,andthereisnohomelandfortheignorant.

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[22]Itissaid,TheonewhoisclosetoAllahduetohisobediencewillbeastranger

amongst

people.

[23]Itissaid,Themovementtowardsobedienceisevidenceofknowledgejustasthemovementofthebodyisevidenceofitsvitality.[24]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therootofallsinsisloveofthedunyaandtherootofalltribulationsiswithholdingtaxesandzakat.[25]Itissaid,Theonewhoadmitshisshortcomingsisalwayspraised,andadmittingshortcomingsisasignofacceptance[byAllah].[26]Itissaid,Ingratitudeforblessingsisbasenessandthecompanyofafoolisbadfortune.[27]APoetsaid:

Ohewhoisbusywithhisdunya!WhomillusionsofalonglifetimehavedeludedWashenotinastateofheedlessnessUntilhisappointedtimedrewnear?VerilydeatharrivessuddenlyAndtheGraveisthecollection-boxofactionsBepatientoverthedunyaanditshardshipsNodeathisthereexceptatonesappointedtime

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2CounselinThrees

[1]IthasbeenreportedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Theonewhowakesupinthemorningandcomplainsaboutthescarcityoflivelihood,itisasthoughheiscomplainingagainsthisLord. Theonewhowakesupandissadovertheaffairsofthedunya,itisasthoughhehaswokenupangrywithAllah. Andtheonewhohumbleshimselfinfrontofarichmanbecauseofhiswealth

will

have

lost

two-thirds

of

his

Religion.

[2]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,Therearethreethingswhichcannotbeattainedthroughanotherthree:wealthwithhope,youthwithdyeing[thehair],andhealthwithmedication.[3]Umaribnal-Khattab(radyAllahuànhu)said,Goodinteractionwithpeopleishalfofintelligence,goodquestioningishalfofknowledge,andgoodplanningishalfofsubsistence.[4]UthmanibnAffan(radyAllahuànhu)said,TheonewholeavesthedunyaAllahtheExaltedwilllovehim;andtheonewholeavessins,theAngelswilllovehim;andtheonewhohasnocravingforthepossessionsoftheMuslims,theMuslimswilllovehim.[5]AliibnAbiTalib(radyAllahuànhu)said,Surelyfromtheblessingsofthisworld,sufficientisIslamasablessing;surelyfromthemultitudeofpreoccupations,sufficientisobedienceasapreoccupation;andsurelyfromthecausesforreflection,sufficientisdeathasacause.[6]AbdullahibnMasùd(radyAllahuànhu)said,Howmanyaredeludedbytheblessingsshoweredonthem;howmanyaretestedbythepraiseheapedonthem;andhowmanyaredupedintoasenseofsecuritybyAllahhidingtheirsins.[7]ProphetDawud(àlayhisallam)said,ItwasrevealedtomeinthePsalmsthatasensiblepersonshouldonlyoccupyhimselfwiththreethingsmakingprovisionsfortheDayofJudgement,seekingsustenanceforhislife,andseekingpleasurewithinwhatispermissible.[8]AbuHurayrah(radyAllahuànhu)relatedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therearethreesavioursandthreedamnations,three[high]ranks

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andthreeabsolutions. Asforthesaviours,theyare:fearingAllahtheExaltedinsecretandinpublic,spendingmoderatelyinpovertyandinrichness,andjusticein

contentment

and

in

anger.

As

for

the

damnations,

they

are:

sever

miserliness,

followingonesdesires,andself-infatuation. Asforthe[high]ranks,theyare:spreadingthegreetingofsalam,providingfood(forguests,aswellasthepoorandneedy),andprayingatnightwhilstpeopleareasleep. Asfortheabsolutions,theyare:makingablutionincoldnights,walkingtothecongregationalprayers,andawaitingthenextprescribedprayerhavingjustfinishedaprescribedprayer[inthemosque].[9]Jibreelsaid,OMuhammad!Liveaslongasyouwill,foryouwillsurelydie;lovewhomsoeveryouwish,foryouwillleavethem;anddowhateveryouwish,foryouwillberecompensedaccordingly.[10]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,TherearethreeindividualswhomAllahwillshadeundertheshadeofHisThroneonadaywhentherewillbenoshadeexceptHisshadetheonewhomakesablutionindifficultconditions,theonewhowalkstothemosqueinthedarkness,andtheonewhofeedsthehungry.[11]ItwassaidtoProphetIbrahim(`alayhisallam),WhydidAllahtakeyouasafriend?Hesaid,ForthreethingsIalwayschoseAllahscommandsoverthecommandsofothers;IneverworriedaboutwhatAllahhadalreadyallottedforme(oflivelihood);andIneverlunchedandsuppedexceptwithaguest.[12]Awisemansaid,ThreethingsdriveawayanguishremembranceofAllah,meetingHisawliya(thoseclosetoHim),andtalkingtoascetics.[13]Al-Hasanal-Basrisaid,Hewhohasnomannershasnoknowledge;hewhohasnopatiencehasnoReligion(din);andhewhohasnoGod-consciousnesshasnoclosenesstoAllah.[14]IthasbeennarratedthatamanfromBaniIsra`ilwenttoseekknowledgeandtheirprophetcametohearofthis. Hecalledforthemanandsaidtohim,Oyoungman!IwilltellyouofthreethingsinwhichliestheknowledgeofallthosewhohavecomeandallthosetocomefearAllahinsecretandpublic,holdyourtongueregardingpeopleanddonotspeakofthemexceptingoodness,andensurethatthebreadthatyoueatishalal.Uponhearingthis,theyoungmanrefrainedfromleaving[toseekknowledge].[15]IthasbeennarratedthatamanfromBaniIsrailcollectedeightychestsfullofscripturesandbooksofknowledgebutdidnotbenefitfromhisknowledge.AllahtheExaltedrevealedtotheirprophettosaytothiscollector,Evenifyou

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hadcollectedalotofknowledgeitwillnotbenefityouexceptifyoudothreethingsdonotlovethedunyaforitisnotahomeforthebelievers,donotbefriend

Satan

for

he

is

not

acompanion

for

the

believers;

and

do

not

hurt

anyoneforthatisnotthewayofthebelievers.[16]ItisreportedthatAbuSulaymanal-Daranisaidinhissupplication,OmyLord,ifyouaskmeaboutmymanysins,IwillsurelyasYouforYourforgiveness;andifyouaskmeaboutmymiserliness,IwillsurelyaskYouforYourgenerosity;andifyoumakemeenterHell,IwillinformthepeopleofHellthatIloveYou.[17]Itissaid,Thehappiestofallpeopleishewhohasasincereheart,apatientbody,andcontentmentwithwhathepossesses.[18]Ibrahimal-Nakhaìsaid,Thosewhoweredestroyedbeforeyouweredestroyedduetothreetraitsexcessinspeech,excessinfood,andexcessinsleep.[19]YahyaibnMuàdhal-Razisaid,Gladtidingstotheonewholeavesthedunyabeforeitleaveshim,preparesforhisgravebeforeheentersit,andpleaseshisLordbeforehemeetsHim.[20]ÀliibnAbiTalib(radyAllahuànhu)said,HewhodoesnothavethesunnahofAllah,thesunnahofHisMessenger,andthesunnahofHischosenones,hasnothing.Itwasasked,WhatisthesunnahofAllah?Hereplied,Safeguardingsecrets.Itwasasked,WhatisthesunnahoftheMessenger?Hereplied,Beinggentlewithpeople.Itwasasked,WhatisthesunnahofHischosenones?Hereplied,Bearingpeoplesharm.[21]Ali(radyAllahuànhu)alsosaid,PeoplebeforeususedtoadviceeachotherofthreethingstheonewhoworksforhisHereafter,Allahwilltakecareofthemattersofhisdinanddunyaforhim;andtheonewhobeautifieshisinnerself,Allahwillbeautifyhisappearance;andtheonewhorectifiesthatwhichisbetweenhimandAllah,Allahwillrectifythatwhichisbetweenhimandpeople.[22]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)alsosaid,BeinAllahsestimationthebestofpeople,andintheestimationofyournafstheworstofpeople,andinpeoplesestimation

justamanfromamongstthepeople.[23]ItwassaidthatAllahrevealedtoProphetUzayr(àlayhisallam),OUzayr!Ifyoucommittedasmallsin,donotlookatitssmallness;ratherlookatWhomyouhavesinnedagainst.Ifyouaregrantedasmallblessing,donotlookatits

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smallness;ratherlookattheOnewhohasgrantedittoyou. Andifacalamitybefallsyou,thendonotcomplainagainstMetoMycreation,justasIdonotcomplain

against

you

to

My

angels

when

your

bad

deeds

are

raised

to

Me.

[24]Hatimal-Asammsaid,ThereisnotamorningthatpassesexceptthatSatansaystome,Whatdoyoueat?Whatdoyouwear?Wheredoyoulive?Isaytohim,Ieatdeath,Iweartheshroud,andIliveinthegrave.[25]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Theonewhocomesoutofthehumiliationofdisobedienceintothehonourofobedience,AllahtheExaltedwillmakehimrichwithoutwealth,strengthenhimwithoutsoldiers,andhonourhimwithoutaclan.[26]Ithasbeenreportedthathe(salAllahualayhiwasallam)wentouttohiscompanionsandsaid,Howdoyoufindyourselvesthismorning?Theyreplied,AsbelieversinAllah.Hesaid,Whatisthesignofyouriman(belief)?Thereplied,Wearepatientintimesofhardship,gratefulintimesofease,andcontentwithwhateverhasbeenpredestined.TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,BytheLordoftheKa`bah,youaretrulybelievers![27]AllahrevealedtooneoftheProphets,WhoevermeetsMe[ontheDayof

Judgement]whilehelovesMe,IwillmakehimenterMyParadise. WhoevermeetsMewhilehefearsMe,IwillsparehimMyHell. AndwhoevermeetsMeandisashamedbecauseofhissins,Iwillmaketheangelswhorecorddeedsforgethissins.[28]ÀbdullahibnMasùd(radyAllahuànhu)said,FulfilthatwhichAllahhasmadeobligatoryuponyouandyouwillbethebestofworshippers;refrainfromtheprohibitionofAllahandyouwillbethebestofascetics;andbepleasedwithwhatAllahhasallottedforyouandyouwillbetherichestofpeople.[29]Salihal-Marqadiyoncepassedbysomehousesandsaid,Whereareyourfirstinhabitants?Andwhereareyourolddwellers?Soheheardavoicesaying,Theirlegacyhascometoanend,underneaththesoiltheirbodieshavedecomposed,andtheiractionsremainasnecklacesaroundtheirnecks.[30]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Givetowhomsoeveryouwishandyouwillbecomehismaster;askfromwhomeveryouwishandyouwillbecomehisprisoner;anddonotseekhelpfromwhomsoeveryouwishandyouwillbehisequal.

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[31]YahyaibnMuàdhsaid,Leavingallofthedunyaistakingallofthedunya;theonewholeavesallofithastakenallofitandtheonewhotakesallofithasleft

all

of

it;

so,

taking

it

is

leaving

it;

and

leaving

it

is

taking

it.

[32]ItwassaidtoIbrahimibnal-Adham,Howdidyouattainzuhd(asceticism)?Withthreethings,Hesaid,IsawthatthegraveislonesomeandthatIwouldhavenocompaniontherein;IsawthatthepathislongwhileIhadnoprovisions;andIsawthattheOmnipotentwouldbetheJudgewhileIhadnovalidargument(inmydefence).[33]Shiblisaid,IfyoufinddelightinAllahscompanythenrenouncethecompanyofyournafs.Andhesaid,HadyoutastedthesweetnessofclosenesstoAllahyouwouldhaveknownthebitternessofestrangement(fromHim).[34]Sufyanal-ThawriwasaskedaboutthesweetnessofclosenesstoAllahtheExalted. Hereplied,Itisthatyoudonotfinddelightinabeautifulface,nicevoice,oreloquenttongue.[35]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)said,Zuhd(asceticism)iscomposedofthreeletters,z-h-d.Ziszadunlilmaàd[provisionfortheHereafter].Hishudanlil-din[guidancefortheReligion].AndDisdawamàlaal-taà[constancyinobedience].[36]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)alsosaid,Zuhd(asceticism)iscomposedofthreeletters,z-h-d.Zisforleavingzina[adornments],Hisforleavinghawa[desires]andDisleavingthedunya[thisworld].[37]AmanoncecametoHamidal-Laffafandsaidtohim,Adviceme.Hesaid,HaveforyourReligion(din)acover,justlikeacopyoftheQuran(mushaf)hasacover.Themanasked,Andwhatisthecoverofthedin?Hereplied,Leavingspeechexceptthatwhichisnecessary,leavingthedunyaexceptthatwhichisnecessary,andrefrainingfrommixingwithpeopleexceptwhenitisnecessary.Alsoknowthattheessenceofasceticismisrefrainingfromtheprohibitionsbetheyminorormajor,fulfillingalltheobligationsbetheyeasyordifficult,andleavingthethingsofthisworldforitspeoplebetheygreatorsmall.[38]Luqmanal-Hakim,peacebeuponhim,saidtohisson,Omyson!ManiscomposedofthreethirdsathirdforAllah,athirdforhimselfandathirdfortheworms.ThethirdthatisforAllahishissoul;thethirdthatisforhimselfishisactions,andthethirdthatisforthewormsishisbody.

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[39]Ali(radyAllahuànhu)said,Threethingsenhancememorisationanderadicatephlegmsiwak,fasting,andreadingtheQuran.[40]Ka`bal-Ahbar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Fortressesforthebelieversarethreethemosqueisafortress,theremembranceofAllahisafortress,andthereadingoftheQuranisafortress.[41]Awisemansaid,ThreethingsarefromthetreasuresofAllahtheExaltedthatHedoesnotgiveexceptthoseHelovespoverty,illnessandpatience.[42]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)wasonceasked,Whichisthebestofdays?Whichisthebestofmonths?Whichisthebestofactions?Hereplied,ThebestofdaysisFriday,thebestofmonthsisRamadan,andthebestofactionsisperformingthefivedailyprayersintheirprescribedtimes.AfterthreedaysÀli(radyAllahuànhu)cametohearofthequestionsandtheanswersofIbnÀbbas.Àlisaid,Ifthescholars,theascetics,andthejuristsoftheEastandtheWestwereasked,theywouldnothaverepliedaswellasIbnÀbbas,exceptthatIsay,ThebestofactionsisthatwhichAllahacceptsfromyou,thebestofmonthsisthemonthinwhichyoumakesincererepentancetoAllah,andthebestofdaysisthedayinwhichyouleavetheworldto[meet]AllahtheExaltedwhileyouareabeliever.[43]Apoetsaid:

Doyounotseehowthetwoever-renewables[nightandday]Wearusout,whilewejestinsecretandinpublic?TrustnotthisworldanditspleasuresForitshomesarenotrealhomesAndworkforyourbenefitbeforeyourdeathAndbenotdeceivedbytheabundanceoffriendsandbrothers

[44]Itissaidthat,IfAllahwantsgoodforHisservantHegiveshimtheunderstandingofthedin,reduceshisattachmenttothedunya,andgrantshimawarenessofhisfaults.[45]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Iwasmadetolovethreethingsfromyourworldperfume,women,andprayer.ThecompanionsweresittingwithhimandAbuBakr(radyAllahuànhu)said,Youhavespokenthetruth,OMessengerofAllah!IwasmadetolovethreethingsfromthisworldlookingatthefaceoftheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam),andgivingmydaughterinmarriagetotheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam).Umar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Youhavespokentruthfully,OAbuBakr!Iwasmadetolovethreethingsfromthisworldcommandinggood,forbiddingevil,andworngarments.Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,Youhavespokentruthfully,OÙmar!AndIwasmadetolovethreethingsfromthisworld

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feedingthehungry,clothingthenaked,andreadingtheQuran.Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Youhavespokentruthfully,OÙthman!Iwasmadetolove

three

things

from

this

world

serving

the

guest,

fasting

in

the

summer,

and

fightingwiththesword.Astheywerediscoursing,Jibreelcameandsaid,AllahtheExaltedsentmewhenHeheardyourdiscussionandhasorderedyoutoaskmewhatIwouldhavelovedifIweretobefromthepeopleofthisworld.TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)asked,Ifyouweretobefromthepeopleofthisworldwhatwouldyouhaveloved?Jibreelreplied,Guidingthoseledastray,keepingthecompanyofcontentedstrangers,andhelpingfamiliesafflictedwithhardship.Hecontinued,TheLordofHonourlovesthreethingsfromHisservantsgivingonesutmost,cryingwheninregret,andbeingpatientintimesofpoverty.[46]Anasceticsaid,Theonewhoonlyconsidershisownopinionascorrectwillbemisguided;theonewhothinksheisrichduetohiswealthwillbeimpoverished;andtheonewhoseeksprominencethroughacreaturewillbehumiliated.[47]Anasceticsaid,Thefruitsofma`rifa(knowledgeofAllah)arethreebeingashamedfromAllahtheExalted,lovingHimandenjoyinghisCompany.[48]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Loveisthebasisofma`rifa,chastityisthesignofconviction,andthepeakofconvictionisGod-consciousnessandcontentmentwithwhatAllahtheExaltedhaspredestined.[49]SufyanibnÙyaynahsaid,WhoeverlovesAllah,AllahwillmakehimlovethosewhomHeloves;andtheonewholovesthosewhomAllahtheExaltedloves,AllahwillmakehimlovethatwhichhasmadeHimlovethem;andtheonewholovesthatwhichmadeAllahtheExaltedlovethosewhomHeloveswillwishthatnooneknewhim.[50]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Truthfulnessofloveisinthreethingschoosingthespeechofthebelovedoverthespeechofothers,choosingthecompanyofthebelovedoverthecompanyofothers,andchoosingthepleasureofthebelovedofthepleasureofothers.[51]WahbibnMunabbihal-Yamanisaid,ItiswrittenintheTorahthathewhoisgreedyisinfactpoorevenifheownsthewholeworld;hewhoobeys[God]isobeyedevenifheisaslave;andhewhoiscontentisrichevenifheishungry.[52]Awisemansaid,TheonewhoknowsAllahwillnotfindanypleasureinthecompanyofcreatures;theonewhoknowstheworldwillnotdesireanything

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fromit;andtheonewhoknowsthejusticeofAllahtheExaltedwillnotfeeltheneedtopresenthisgrievancestoHiminordertoobtainredress.[53]Dhual-Nunal-Misrisaid,Anyonewhoreallyfearssomethingfleesfromit;anyonewhoreallydesiressomethingseeksit;andanyonewhofindsthe[sweetnessofthe]companyofAllahbecomesestrangedfromhisnafs.[54]Dhual-Nunal-Misrialsosaid,TheonewhoknowsAllahtheExaltedisacaptive,hisheartisseeing,andhisactionsforAllaharemany.[55]Healsosaid,TheonewhoknowsAllahtheExaltedisloyal,hisheartisalert,andhisactionsforAllaharepure.[56]IbnSulaymanal-Daranisaid,TheoriginofeverygoodinthisworldandtheHereafterisfearofAllah;thekeytothedunyaissatiety;andthekeytotheHereafterishunger.[57]Itissaidthatworshipisacraft:itsmarketplaceisisolation,itscapitalisGod-consciousness, anditsprofitisParadise.[58]MalikibnDinarsaid,Remedythreethingswiththreepridewithhumility,greedwithcontentment,andenvywithsincereadvice.

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3CounselinFours

[1]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)saidtoAbuDharral-Ghifari,OAbuDharr!Mendtheshipfortheseaisdeep,takeallprovisionsforthejourneyislong,lightentheloadfortheobstaclesaredifficult,andmakesincereyouractionsfortheCriticisAll-Seeing.

[2]A

poet

said:

Itisanobligationuponpeopletorepent.Butleavingsinsisevenmoreofanobligation.Patienceinthemidstofhardshipsisdifficulttobear.Butloosingtheopportunityforrewardismoredifficulttobear.Timeisindeedperplexinginthewayitpasses.Yetpeoplesheedlessnessisevenmoreperplexing.Everythingthatisduetoarriveisindeedclose,Yetdeathiscloserthaneverythingelse.

[3]Anasceticsaid,Fourthingsaregoodbutfourothersareevenbetterchastity

is

good

in

men,

but

in

women

it

is

even

better,

justice

is

good

in

lay

people,butinrulersitisevenbetter;repentancebyanoldmanisgood,butbyayoungmanitisevenbetter;andcontentmentbytherichisgood,butbythepooritisevenbetter.[4]Awisemansaid,Fourthingsarebadbutfourothersareevenworsesinningisbadfromayoungman,butfromanoldmanitisevenworse;busyingoneselfwiththedunyaisbadfromanignorantperson,butfromascholaritisevenworse;lazinessinfulfillingreligiousobligationsisbadfromlaymen,butfromscholarsandstudentsofknowledgeitisevenworse;andprideisbadfromtherich,butfromthepooritisevenworse.[5]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,FourthingsarecompletedbyfourothersprayerwiththeTwoprostrationsofForgetfulness(sajdatyalsahw),fasting[Ramadan]withsadaqatal-fitr(almsgivenattheendofRamadan),hajjwithsacrificialslaughter,andiman(faith)withjihad.[6]Àbdullahibnal-Mubaraksaid,Theonewhopraystwelverakàhseverydayhasfulfilledtherightofprayer;theonewhofaststhreedayseverymonthhasfulfilledtherightoffasting;theonewhorecitesonehundredverseseveryday

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hasfulfilledtherightoftheQuran;andtheonewhogivesadirhamincharityeveryFridayhasfulfilledtherightofcharity.[7]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Therearefourtypesofoceanspassionistheoceanofsins,thenafsistheoceanofdesires,deathistheoceanoflives,andthegraveistheoceanofregrets.[8]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,IfoundthesweetnessofworshipinfourthingsthefirstinfulfillingAllahscommandments,thesecondinabstainingfromAllahsprohibitions,thethirdisenjoininggoodwiththeintentionofattainingAllahsrewardofAllah,andthefourthinforbiddingevilfearingAllahswrath.[9]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)alsosaid,Therearefourthings,theoutwardofwhichisavirtuebuttheinnerofwhichisanobligationbeinginthecompanyoftherighteousisavirtueandimitatingthemisanobligation;recitingtheQuranisavirtueandactingaccordingtoitscommandmentsisanobligation;visitingthegravesisavirtueandpreparingforthetimewhenonewillenterthemisanobligation;visitingasickpersonisavirtueandaskinghimforadviceisanobligation.[10]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,TheonewholongsforParadisewillrushtowardsgooddeeds;theonewhodreadsHellwillputanendtohisvices;theonewhohasafirmconvictionin[theimminentarrivalof]deathwillloseallhispassions;andtheonewhoreallyknowsthedunyawillfinddisasterseasytobear.[11]ItissaidthatAllahrevealedtooneoftheprophetsofBaniIsraìl:RemainingsilentinsteadofspeakingevilisfastingforMe;guardingyourorgansagainstprohibitionisprayerforMe;loosinganyhopeincreatures[thattheycanbringonegoodorevil]ischarityforMe;andrefrainingfromhurtingMuslimsisjihadforMe.[12]ÀbdullahibnMasùd(radyAllahuànhu)said,Fourthingsarefromthedarknessoftheheartafullstomachwithoutcaring[whetheritishalalorharam];keepingthecompanyofoppressors;forgettingpastsins;andbeingunderthedelusionthatoneslifetimewillsurelybelong. Thereareanotherfourthingsthatarefromtheilluminationoftheheartanemptystomachbecauseofcaution;accompanyingtherighteous;rememberingpastsins;andnotexpectingtoliveforlong.[13]Hatimal-Asammsaid,TheonewhoclaimsfourthingswithoutdoingfourothershasliedtheonewhoclaimstoloveAllahyetdoesnotabstainfrom

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thingsprohibitedbyHimhaslied;theonewhoclaimstolovetheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)yetdislikesthepoorandneedyhaslied;theonewhoclaims

to

love

Paradise

yet

does

not

give

charity

has

lied;

and

the

one

who

claims

tofearHellyetdoesnotgiveupsinninghaslied.[14]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,PremonitorysignsofwretchednessarefourforgettingpastsinswhilsttheirrecordiswithAllahtheExalted;rememberingpastgooddeedswhilstonedoesnotknowwhethertheyhavebeenacceptedorrejected;lookingtothoseofahigherstatusinthedunya,andlookingtothoseofalowerstatusintheReligion[ofIslam]. Allahwillsay,IwantedhimbuthedidnotwantMeandthusIhavelefthim.Premonitorysignsofblissarefourrememberingpastsins;forgettingpastgooddeeds;lookingatthoseofahigherstatusintheReligion[ofIslam];andlookingatthoseofalowerstatusinthedunya.[15]Anasceticsaid,Therightsoffaith(iman)arefourGod-consciousness,shame,gratitudeandpatience.[16]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Mothersarefour:themotherofcures,themotherofmanners,themotherofworship,andthemotherofhopes.Themotherofcursesiseatingless,themotherofmannersisspeakingless,themotherofworshipissinningless,andthemotherofhopesispatientce.[17]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)alsosaid,TherearefourgemsinthebodyofthesonofAdamthatareremovedbyfourthingsasforthegemstheyareintellect,Religion,shame,andgooddeeds.Angerremovestheintellect,envyremovesReligion,desireremovesshame,andbackbitingremovesgooddeeds.[18]He(salAllahualayhiwasallam)alsosaid,TherearefourthingsinParadisethatarebetterthanParadiseitselfremainingeternallyinParadiseisbetterthanParadise;beingservedbytheangelsinparadiseisbetterthanParadise;beinginthecompanyoftheProphetsinParadiseisbetterthanParadise; andgainingAllahspleasuresinParadiseisbetterthanParadiseitself.TherearefourthingsinHellthatareworsethanHellitselfremainingeternallyinHellisworsethanHell;thereproachingoftheunbelieversbytheangels inHellisworsethanHell;beinginthecompanyofSataninHellisworsethanHell;andAllahswrathinHellisworsethanHellitself.[19]Whenoneoftheasceticswasasked,Howareyou?Hereplied,IamwithmyLordincompliance,withthenafsinopposition,withcreaturesin[givingandtaking]advice,andwiththedunyaonlyinnecessity.

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[20]AnasceticselectedfouraphorismsfromthefourrevealedBooksfromtheTorah:TheonewhoiscontentwithwhatAllahhasgivenhimwillfindreposein

this

world

and

in

the

next;

from

the

Bible:

The

one

who

destroys

his

vices

willbehonouredinthisworldandinthenext;fromthePsalms:Theonewhoisolateshimselfawayfrompeoplewillfindsalvationinthisworldandinthenext;andfromtheQuran,Theonewhosafeguardshistonguewillbesafeinthisworldandinthenext.[21]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,IswearbyAllah!IhaveneverbeentestedbyhardshipexceptthatAllahbestoweduponmeduetoitfourblessingsthefirstisthatIwasnottestedthroughasin;thesecond,thatthehardshipwasnotgreaterthanitwas;thethird,Iwasntdeprivedofbeingcontentedwithit;thefourth,IhopethatIwillberewardedforit.[23]Abdullahibnal-Mubaraksaid,Awisemancollectednumeroussayingsandfromthemheselectedfortythousand;fromthefortythousandheselectedfourthousand,fromthefourthousandheselectedfourhundred,fromthefourhundredheselectedforty,andfromthefortyheselectedfourthefirst,Donttrustawomaninanysituation.;thesecond,Dontbedeludedbywealthinanysituation;thethird,Dontburdenyourstomachwithwhatitcantbear;andtheforth,Dontgatherfromknowledgethatwhich isnobenefittoyou.[24]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Dinanddunyawillcontinuetoexistaslongasfourthingsexistaslongasthericharenotmiserlyinthatwhichtheyhavebeenblessed;aslongasthescholarspracticewhattheyhavelearnt;aslongastheignorantarenotarrogantaboutthatwhichtheydonotknow;andaslongasthepoordonotselltheHereafterinreturnforthedunya.[25]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,OntheDayofJudgementAllahwillusefourpeopleasaproofagainstfourtypesofpeople[Prophet]Sulayman[Solomon]againsttherich,[Prophet]Yusefagainstservants,[Prophet]Ayyubagainstthesick,and[Prophet]Ìsa(Jesus)againstthepoor.[26]Sa`dibnBilalsaid,Despitecommittingasin,AllahstillbestowsfourblessingsonHissinfulservantHedoesnotcutoffhissustenance,Hedoesnotcausehishealthtodeteriorate,Hedoesnotmakethesinapparentonhimforalltosee,andHedoesnothastenhispunishment.[27]Hatimal-Asammsaid,TheonewhodelaysfourthingsuntilfourotherswillfindParadisesleepuntilthegrave,prideuntilaftertheaccounting[ofgoodandbaddeeds],reposeuntilafterthecrossingofthesirat(bridgetobecrossedontheDayofJudgement),anddesiresuntilenteringParadise.

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[28]Hamidal-Laffafsaid,Wesearchedforfourthingsinfourothersandfailedtofindthemthere,butfoundtheminyetanotherfourthingswesoughtrichness

in

money

but

found

it

in

contentment;

we

sought

peace

in

opulence

but

founditinpoverty;wesoughtpleasureinabundancebutfounditingoodhealth;andwesoughtsustenanceintheearthandfounditinthesky.[29]`Ali(radyAllahu`anhu)said,Fourthings,alittleofwhichisstillalotpain,poverty,fireandenmity.[30]Hatimal-Asammsaid,Fourthingsarenotappreciatedexceptbyfourtypesofpeopleyouthisnotappreciatedbytheold,freedomfromworriesisnotappreciatedbythoseafflictedwithcalamities,healthisnotappreciatedbutbythoseinpoorhealthandlifeisnotappreciatedbutbythedead.[31]ThepoetAbuNuwwassaid:

Mysins,ifIthinkaboutthem,aremanyButthemercyofmyLordismuchvasterIdonothopeforsalvationinanygoodactionImayhavedoneRatherinAllahsmercyismyhopeHeisAllahmyLordwhoismyCreatorAndIam[infrontofHim]aslavewhoobeysandsubmitsIfforgivenessisintendedformethenthatismercyAndifitisotherthanitthenwhatamItodo?

[32]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,OntheDayofJudgementthescaleswillbeplacedandthepeopleofprayerwillbebroughtforwardandtheywillbecompensatedaccordingtotheScales;thenthepeopleoffastingwillbebroughtforwardandtheywillbecompensatedaccordingtotheScales;thenthepeopleofhajjwillbebroughtforwardandtheywillbecompensatedaccordingtotheScales;andthenthepeopleafflictedwithhardshipsandcalamites[inthedunya]willbebroughtforwardandtheScaleswillnotbeusedforthemnorwilltheirrecordsbebroughtout,andtheywillgiventheirrewardwithoutanyaccount,somuchsothatthepeoplewhousedtobefreeofworriesandcalamitieswouldwishthattheywereintheirposition,suchistheimmensityoftheirrewardfromAllahtheExalted.[33]Awisemansaid,ThesonofAdamwillfacefourseizurestheAngelofDeathwillseizehissoul,hisheirswillseizehiswealth,thewormswillseizehisbody,andhisadversaries(thepeoplehehadwrongedorbackbitten)willseizehishonour,meaninghisgooddeeds,ontheDayofJudgement.[34]Anasceticsaid,Theonewhopreoccupieshimselfwithdesiresmusthavewomen;theonewhopreoccupieshimselfwithcollectingwealthmustindulgeintheprohibited;theonewhopreoccupiedhimselfwithbringingbenefitto

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Muslimsmusthavesecrecy;andtheonewhopreoccupieshimselfwithworshipmusthaveknowledge.[35]Ali(radyAllahu`anhu)said,Themostdifficultofactionsarefourforgivingwheninastateofanger,contentmentintimesofhardships,chastityinseclusion,andspeakingthetruthinfrontofsomeonewhomonefearsorfromwhomonehopesforlargesse.[36]InthePsalmsitisstated,Allahrevealedto[Prophet]DawudthatawiseandintelligentpersonneverneglectsfourperiodsoftimeatimetointimatelyconversewithhisLord,atimetobringhimselftoaccount,atimetovisitthoseofhisbrotherswhowillshowhimhisdefects,andatimetogivehimselffreereigntoindulgeinthepermissible.[37]Anasceticsaid,Thewholeofworshipisinfourthingshonouringpromises,abidingbythelimits[setbyDivineLaw],beingpatientoverloss,andbeingcontentwithwhateverisinonespossession.

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4CounselinFives

[1]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)wasreportedtohavesaid,TheonewhomocksfivewillloosefivetheonewhomocksscholarswilllosehisReligion(din);theonewhomocksrulerswilllosethislife(dunya);theonewhomockshisneighbourswillloosetheircompassion;andtheonewhomockshisfamilywilllosethejoyofliving.[2]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therewillcomeatimeformyummahwhentheywilllovefivethingsandforgetfivethingstheywilllovethislife(dunya)andforgetthelifetocome;theywilllovepropertyandforgetthegrave;theywilllovewealthandforgetthe[Dayof]Judgement;theywilllovetheirchildrenandforgetthetruth;andtheywilllovethemselvesandforgetAllah.TheyhavenothingtodowithmeandIhavenothingtodowiththem.[3]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,AllahdoesnotgivesomeonefivethingsuntilHehaspreparedanotherfivethingsforhimHedoesnotgivehimgratitudeexceptthatHehaspreparedforhimanincrease[inprovisionandsustenance],Hedoesnotgivehimsupplication(duà)exceptthatHehasprepareditsaward;Hedoesnotgivehimtheaskingforforgiveness(istighfar)exceptthatHehaspreparedforhimforgiveness;HedoesnotgivehimtheaskingforrepentanceexceptthatHehaspreparedforhimacceptance;andHedoesnotgivehimcharityexceptthatHehaspreparedforhimitsreward.[4]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,DarknessisoffivetypesanditslampsarefiveloveofthedunyaisadarknessanditslampisGod-consciousness;sinsareadarknessandtheirlampisrepentance;thegraveisadarknessanditslampis:ThereisnogodbutAllah,MuhammadistheMessengerofAllah;theHereafterisadarknessanditslamparighteousactions;andthepathisadarknessanditslampiscertitude.[5]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Ifitwerenotclaimingtoknowtheunseen,IwouldbearwitnessthatthesefivetypesofpeoplewillsurelybefromthepeopleofParadisethepoormanwhohastosupportalargefamily;awifewhosehusbandispleasedwithher;thewomanwhogivesherdowrytoherhusband,consideringitasanactofcharity;theonewhoseparentsarepleasedwithhim;andtheonewhorepentsfromsins.

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[6]Uthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,ThesignsofaGod-consciouspersonarefivethefirstisthathedoesnotsitexceptwithsomeonewhoisconcernedfortheReligion

and

has

control

over

his

sexual

desires

and

tongue;

if

a

great

fortune

befallshimfromthedunyahedeemsitatrial;ifhefindsapracticetobefromtheReligionheclingstoit,thoughitmayseeminsignificant;hedoesnotfillhisstomachwiththehalalfearingthatharammaybemixedwithit;andhesupposesthatallofthepeoplewillbesavedandthathissoulwillperish.[7]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Wereitnotforfivethingsallofmankindwouldhavebeenrighteouscontentmentwithignorance,covetousnessoverthisworld(dunya),miserlinessoverwhatissurplus,insincerityinactions,andconceitoveronesopinions.[8]ÀbdullahibnÀmribnal-Às,mayAllahbepleasedwithhimandhisfather,said,Fivethings,hewhoembodiesthemwillbehappyinthisworldandinthenextthefirstistoregularlysay,LailahaillaAllah,MuhammadunrasuluAllahThereisnogodbutAllah,MuhammadistheMessengerofAllah;thesecondistosaywheninflictedwithacalamity,Innalillahiwainnailayhirajiùn,walahawlawalaquwwataillabillahilàlliyyilàtheemVerilywebelongtoAllahandtoHimweshallallreturn,andthereisnopowerormightexceptbythewillofAllahthemostHigh,theMighty;thethirsistosayingratitudewhengivingablessing,Al-hamdulillahirabbilàlaminPraisebetoAllah,LordoftheUniverse;thefourthistosaywhenbeginninganything,BismillahirrahmanirrahimInthenameofAllahthemostMercifulthemostKind;andthefifthistosayuponcommittingasin,AstaghfiruIlahilàtheemawaatubuilayhIseektheforgivenessofAllahtheGreatestandIrepenttoHim.[9]Al-Hasanal-Basrisaid,IntheToraharewrittenfivelessonswealthiscontentment,safetyisinseclusion,dignityisinrejectingdesires,enjoymentisinlongdays(intheHereafter),andpatienceisinafewdays(inthedunya).[10]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Makeusoffivebeforefiveyouryouthbeforeoldage,yourhealthbeforeyoursickness,yourwealthbeforeyourpoverty,yourlifebeforeyourdeath,andyourfreetimebeforeyourpreoccupation.[11]YahyaibnMuàdhal-Razisaid,Hewhoseappetiteincreases,hiscorpulencewillincrease;hewhosecorpulenceincreases,hisdesireswillincrease;hewhosedesiresincrease,hissinswillincrease;hewhosesinincrease,thehardnessofhisheartwillincrease;andhewhoseheartbecomeshardwilldrowninthepitfallsofthedunyaandinattractions.

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[12]Sufyanal-Thawrisaid,Thepoorhavechosenhavefivethingsandtherichhavechosenfiveothersthepoorhavechosenserenityofthesoul,freedomfrom

worries,

worship

of

the

Lord,

ease

of

accountability

and

the

highest

position. Therichhavechosenwearinessofthesoul,preoccupationwithworries,worshipofthedunya,severityinaccountability,andthelowestposition.[13]`Abdullahal-Antakisaid,Fivethingsarefromtheremediesoftheheartsittingwiththerighteous,readingtheQur`an,emptinessofthestomach,standingatnight[inprayer],andsupplicatingatdawn,[14]Themajorityofthescholarshaveagreedthat,ContemplationisoffivetypescontemplatingAllahssignsresultsinaffirmingtheonenessofAllah(Tawhid)andinconviction;contemplatingAllahsblessingsresultsinlovingAllah;contemplatingAllahspromise[ofrewardandparadiseforthegood-doers]resultsincreatingadesiretodogood;contemplatingAllahspunishmentresultsinfearandaweofHim;andcontemplatingonesshortcomingsinobediencedespiteAllahsblessingsandmercytowardsoneselfresultsinasenseofshameandhumility.[15]Anasceticsaid,TherearefiveobstaclestoattainingGod-consciousness(taqwa),andonlytheonewhoovercomesthesewillattainitchoosinghardshipoverease,exertionoverrest,lowlinessoverpride,silenceoveridletalk,anddeathoverlife.[16]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Discreetnesssafeguardssecrets,charitysafeguardswealth,sinceritysafeguardsgooddeeds,truthfulnesssafeguardsspeech,andconsultationsafeguardsopinions.[17]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Inthegatheringofwealththerearefive[blameworthy]thingswearingoneselfoutingatheringit;neglectingtheremembrance(dhikr)ofAllahinpreservingit;fearofrobbersandthieves;beinglabelledamiseronaccountofit;andleavingthecompanyoftherighteousduetoit. Indistributingoneswealthtothepoortherearefive[praiseworthy]thingseaseofmindduetoabandoningitsamassing;havingtimetorememberAllahratherthanworryingaboutpreservingit;safetyfromrobbersandthieves;gainingthetitleofgenerous;andaccompanyingtherighteousduetoleavingitbehind.[18]Sufyanal-Thawrisaid,Nooneinthisageamasseswealthexceptthathehasfivetraitsthedelusionthathislifespanwillbelong,overpoweringgreed,intensemiserliness,lackofpiety,andforgetfulnessoftheHereafter.[19]Apoetsaid:

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Oyouwhoseeksthehandofthedunyainmarriage!KnowthatshehasanewlovereverydayShetakesahusbandnow,yetgivesherselfatthesametimetoanotherelsewhereSheonlyacceptsloverssothatshemaykilltheminherbosomonebyoneIhavebeenfooledandtheafflictionisspreadinginmybodylittlebylittleReadyyourselfandtakeprovisionsfordeath,fortheheraldhascalled:tistimetoleave,tistimetoleave!

[20]Hatimal-Asammsaid,HastinessisfromSatanexceptinfivesituationsinwhichitisthesunnahoftheMessengerofAllahtohastenfeedingtheguestwhenhearrives;preparingthedeceasedforburialwhenhedies;marryingoffthedaughterswhentheyreachtheageofmaturity;payingadebtwhenitisdue;and

making

repentance

from

a

sin

as

soon

as

it

is

committed.

[21]Muhammadibnal-Durisaid,ThedamnationofIbliswasduetofivethingshedidnotacknowledgehissin,hedidnotregretit,hedidnotblamehimself,hedidnotresolvetorepent,andhelosthopeinthemercyofAllah. ThesalvationofAdamwasduetofivethingsheacknowledgedhissin,heregrettedit,heblamedhimself,hehastenedtorepent,andhedidnotlosehopeinthemercyofAllah.[22]Shaqiqal-Balkhisaid,Fivepreceptsareobligatoryuponyou,sopracticethemworshipAllahtotheextentthatyouneedHim;takefromthedunyatotheextentofyourstaininit;disobeyAllahtotheextentthatyoucanbearHispunishment;prepareprovisionsduringthedunyatotheextentofyourstayinthegrave;andworkforParadisetotheextentofyourdesiredrankinit.[23]`Umar(radyAllahu`anhu)said,IhaveseenalltypesoffriendsbutIneverfoundafriendbetterthansafeguardingthetongue,IhaveseenalltypesofclothesbutIneverfoundclothesbetterthanGod-consciousness,IhaveseenalltypesofwealthbutIneverfoundwealthbetterthancontentment;IhaveseenalltypesofgooddeedsbutIneverfoundagooddeedbetterthangivinggoodadvice;andIhaveseenalltypesoffoodandIneverfoundfoodmoredeliciousthanpatience.[24]Anasceticsaid,Asceticism(zuhd)isinfivethingsconfidenceinAllah,independencefromcreatures,sincerityinactions,bearingoppression,andcontentmentwithwhatonehasinhishand.[25]Duringsomeofhissupplicationsandentreaties,adevoteesaid,OmyLord!Thinkingthatmylifespanwillbelonghasdeludedme,loveofthedunyahasdestroyedme,Satanhasmisledme,thenafsthatinclinestoevilpreventedmefromabidingbythetruth,mywickedcompanionhelpedmeindisobedience,so

27


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savemeOHelperofthosewhoseekhelp!IfYoudonothavemercyonmethenwhowill?[26]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therewillcomeatimeformyummahwhentheywilllovefivethingsandforgetfiveotherstheywilllovethisworld(dunya)andforgetthenextworld;theywilllovelifeandforgetdeath;theywilllovepalacesandforgetthegrave;theywilllovewealthandforgetthe[Dayof]Account;andtheywilllovecreaturesandforgettheCreator.[27]YahyaibnMu`adhal-Razisaidinhisentreatiesandsupplication,OmyLord!ThenightisonlypleasanttomewhenIsupplicatetoYou;thedayisonlypleasanttomewhenIobeyYou;theHereafterwillonlybepleasanttomeifIreceiveYourpardon;andParadisewillonlybepleasanttomeifIseeYou.

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5CounselinSixes

[1]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Sixthingsarestrangersinsixsituationsthemosqueisastrangeramongstpeoplewhodonotpray;theQuranisastrangerinahouseholdwhereitisnotread;thememorisedQuranisastrangerintheheartofanopensinner(fasiq);arighteousMuslimwomanisastrangerinthehandsofanoppressivehusbandofbadcharacter;apiousMuslimman

is

astranger

in

the

hands

of

an

evil

wife

of

bad

character;

and

ascholar

is

a

strangeramongstagroupofpeoplewhodonotlistentohim.Thenhesaid,VerilyAllahtheExaltedwillnotlookatthemontheDayofJudgementinamercifulmanner.[2]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Therearesix[typesof]peoplewhomIhavecursedandAllahhascursed,forthesupplicationofeveryProphetisacceptedHewhoaddsanythingtotheBookofAllah;hewhodisbelievesinthedecreeofAllahtheExalted;hewhooppressivelyuseshispowertoelevatethosewhomAllahhasbroughtlowandtobringlowthosewhomAllahhaselevated;hewhopubliclydisobeysAllahscommandments;hewhomakeslawfulthatwhichisunlawful;andhewholeavesmySunnah(Tradition)AllahtheExaltedwillnotlookatthemontheDayofJudgementinamercifulmanner.[3]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahu`anhu)said,Iblisisstandinginfrontofyou,yournafsisonyourright,yourdesireisonyourleft,thedunyaisbehindyou,yourlimbsandsensesarearoundyou,andtheOmnipotentisaboveyou,Iblis,mayAllahcursehim,callsyoutoleavetheReligion(din),thenafscallsyoutodisobedience,desirecallsyouto[fulfillingyour]passions,thedunyacallsyoutochooseitovertheHereafter,yourlimbsandsensescallyoutowardssins,andtheOmnipotentcallsyoutoParadiseandforgiveness.AllahtheExaltedsays[intheQuran].AndAllahinvitesyoutoParadiseandforgiveness.TheonewhorespondstoIbliswilllosehisReligion,theonerespondstothenafswilllosehissoul,theonewhorespondstodesirewilllosehisintellect,theonewhorespondstohislimbsandsenseswillloseParadise,andtheonewhorespondstoAllahwillloseallhissinsandacquirealltypesofgoodness.[4]Umar(radyAllahu`anhu)said,AllahhasconcealedsixthingsinsixothersHehasconcealedpleasureinobedience,angerindisobedience,HisGreatestNameintheQuran,theNightofPower(laylatulqadr)inRamadan,theMiddle

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Prayer(al-salatulwusta)amongsttheprayers,andtheDayofJudgementamongstthedays.[5]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,ThebelieverisinsixtypesoffearthefirstisthatAllahtheExaltedwilltakeawayhisiman(faith);thesecondisthattheangelswillwritedownthingsthatwillexposehimontheDayofjudgement,thethirdisthatSatanwillrenderhisactionsvoid;thefourthisthattheAngelofDeathwilltakehissoulwhenheisinastateofheedlessness;thefifthisthatthedunyawilldeludehimandmakehimworkforotherthantheHereafterandthesixthisthathisfamilyandchildrenwillpreoccupyhimsuchthatheneglectstheremembranceofAllahtheExalted.[6]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,TheonewhogatherssixtraitswillnothaveleftanythingthatbringshimclosertoParadiseoranythingthatmakeshimescapeHellhecametoknowAllahtheExaltedandthusobeyedhim;hecametoknowSatanandthusdisobeyedhim;hecametoknowtheHereafterandthussoughtit;hecametoknowthedunyaandthusrejectedit;hecametoknowtheTruthandthusfollowedit;andhecametoknowfalsehoodandthussteeredclearofit.[7]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,BlessingsaresixIslam,theQuràn,MuhammadtheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam),well-being,Allahsprotection,andnon-dependenceonpeople.[8]YahyaibnMuàdhal-Razisaid,Knowledgeistheproofofaction,comprehensionisthevesselofknowledge,theintellectistheleadertogoodness,desireisthemountofsins,wealthisthegarmentofthearrogant,andthisworldisthemarketforthenextworld.[9]AbuDharrJimhirsaid,Sixthingsequaleverythinginthedunyasatisfyingfood,avirtuouschild,asensiblewife,wisespeech,amatureintellect,andahealthybody.[10]Al-Hasanal-Basrisaid,Wereitnotforrighteouspeople,theearthandeverythinginitwouldhavebeendestroyed;wereitnotforthevirtuous,thecorruptwouldhaveperished;wereitnotforthescholars,peoplewouldhavebecomelikecattle;wereitnotforrulers,peoplewouldhavekilledoneanother;wereitnotforfools,thedunyawouldhavedevastatedoutofneglect,andwereitnotforthewind,everythingwouldhavestagnated.[11]Anasceticsaid,TheonewhodoesnotfearAllahwillbesafefromthelapsesofthetongue;theheartofonewhodoesnotfearmeetingAllahwillbesafeneitherfromunlawful(haram)things,norfromthingsoverthepermissibilityofwhichthereisdoubt;theonewhodoesnotbreakoffdependenceoncreatures

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willnotbesafefromgreed;theonewhodoesnotsafeguard[thesincerityof]hisactionswillnotbesafefromshowing-off,theonewhodoesnotseekthehelpofAllah

in

guarding

his

heart

will

not

be

safe

from

jealousy;

and

the

one

who

does

notlooktothosewhoarebetterthanhiminknowledgeandworshipwillnotbesafefrompride.[12]Al-Hasanal-Basrisaid,Thecorruptionofpeoplesheartisinsixthingsthefirstisthattheysinwiththehopeofrepentance;theyseekknowledgebutdonotactuponit;iftheydoactuponittheyareinsincereindoingso;theyeatthesustenanceofAllahhasprovidedthembutdonotshowgratitudeforit;theyarenotcontentwiththeallotment(qisma)ofAllah;andtheyburytheirdeadbutdonottakeheed.[13]Al-Hasanal-Basrialsosaid,AllahwillinflictsixpunishmentsontheonewholovesthedunyaandchoosesitoverHereafterthreeinthisworldandthreeinthenext. Asforthethreeinthisworldtheyaredelusionandhopeinhavingalonglifetimethathasnoend,overpoweringgreedthatleavesnocontentment,andthetakingawayofthesweetnessofworship. AsforthethreeintheHereaftertheyaretheharrowingordealoftheDayofJudgement,aseverbringingtoaccount,andaneternalregret.[14]Al-AhnafibnQayssaid,Thereisnorestfortheenvious;thereisnoimmoralintegrityfortheliar;thereisnowell-beingforthemiser;thereisnoloyaltyforkings;thereisnonobilityfortheill-mannered;thereisnoabrogationforAllahsdecree.[15]Someasceticswereasked,Whenaservant[ofAllah]repents,howdoesheknowwhetherhisrepentancehasbeenacceptedorrejected?Theysaid,Wecantpassajudgementinthismatter,butthereareindicationsthattherepentancehasbeenacceptedthathedoesnotdeemhimselfimmunefromdisobedience;thatheseeshappinessabsentfromhisheartandsadnessever-presenttherein;thathedrawsclosetothepeopleofvirtueandmovesfarfromthepeopleofdisobedience;thatheseeslittlefromthisdunyaasmuchandthemanygooddeedshesdonefortheHereafteraslittle;thatheseeshisheartbusywiththatwhichhewishestosecurefromAllahtheExalted[i.e.Paradise]andemptyofconcernforthatwhichAllahtheExaltedhadalreadysecuredforhim[i.e.hisdailysustenance];thathesafeguardshistongueandisevercontemplativeinastateofcontinuousremorseandregret.[16]YahyaibnMu`adhsaid,Fromthegreatestofalldelusionsinmysightisthecontinuanceinactsofdisobedienceinthehopeofforgivenesswithoutanyregret;expectingnearnesstoAllahwithoutperforminganyactsofobedience;waitingtoreapthecropofParadisehavingsowntheseedsofHell;seekingto

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resideintheHouseoftheobedientones[i.e.Paradise]withactsofdisobedience;waitingforrewardwithoutmeritingitwithdeeds;andexcessivehopeinthekindness

of

Allah

the

Exalted

with

heedlessness:

TheyhopeforsalvationwithouttreadingitspathSurelyashipdoesnotsailonsolidground.

[17]Al-AhnafibnQayswasasked,Whatisthebestthingthatcanbegiventoaservant[ofAllah]?Hereplied,Aninstinctivelyuprightintellect.Itwassaid,Andifnotthis?Hesaid,Goodmanners.Itwassaid,Andifnotthis?Hesaid,Anagreeablecompanion.Itwassaid,Andifnotthis?Hesaid.Aheartattached[toAllah].Itwassaid,Andifnotthis.Hesaid,Longsilence.Itwassaid,Andifnotthis?Hesaid,Immediatedeath.

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6CounselinSevens

[1]AbuHurayrah(radyAllahuànhu)narratedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Seven[typesof]peopleareshadedbyAllahintheshadeofHisThrone,ontheDaywhentherewillbenoshadebutHisShade[i.e.ontheDayofJudgement]ajustruler,ayoungmanwhogrewupintheworshipofAllah,apersonwhoseheartisattachedtothemosque[andlongstoreturntoit]fromthemoment

he

leaves

it

until

he

returns

to

it,

two

persons

who

love

each

other

for

thesakeofAllah,meetforHissakeanddepartfromeachotherforHissake,apersonwhoremembersAllahinsolitudeandhiseyeswellupwithtears,amanwhomanextremelybeautifulandrichwomanseduces,buthe[rejectingherseduction]says,IfearAllah;andapersonwhogivescharityandconcealsit[tosuchanextent]thathislefthanddoesnotknowwhathisrighthandhasgiven.[2]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,ThemiserwillnotescapeoneofseventhingseitherhewilldieandtheonewhowillinherithiswealthwillspenditinthatwhichAllahtheExaltedhisforbidden,orAllahwillempoweroverhimatyrantrulerwhowilltakehiswealthfromhimafterhumiliatinghim,orHewillinflameinhimadesirethatwillcausehimtoloosehiswealth,orhewillhavetheideaofconstructingabuildinginanunsuitablepieceoflandandwillthuswastehiswealth,oroneofthecalamitiesofthedunyasuchasdrowning,burning,theftorsimilarthingswillbefallit,orhewillbeafflictedwithpermanentillnessandhewillspendallhiswealthseekingacure,orhewillburythewealthinaplacewhichhewillforgetandthuswillneverfinditagain.[3]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Theonewholaughsalotwilllosehisrespect;theonewhomakesmockeryofpeoplewillbemockedbyothers;theonewhoisexcessiveinsomethingwillbecomeknownforit;theonewhospeaksalotwillmakemanyblunders;theonewhomakesmanyblunderswilllosehissenseofshame;theonewholoseshissenseofshamewilllosehisGod-consciousness;andtheonewholoseshisGod-consciousnesswillcausehishearttodie.[4]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)saidwhendiscussingthesayingofAllahtheExalted,Andbeneathitwasatreasureforthem,andtheirfatherwasrighteousman,thetreasureisagoldtabletandonitwerewrittensevenlines:Iamamazedattheonewhoknowsdeathiscomingyetlaughs;Iamamazedattheonewhoknowsthatallthingsarepredestinedyetbecomesdistressedoverwhathehasmissed;Iamamazedattheonewhoknowsaboutaccountabilityandyet

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gatherswealth;IamamazedattheonewhoknowsabouttheHellfireyetsins;IamamazedattheonewhobelievesinAllahwithcertaintyyetremembersothersbeside

Him;

Iam

amazed

at

the

one

who

believes

in

Paradise

with

certainty

yet

isateaseinthedunya;andIamamazedattheonewhoknowsSatanisanenemyyetobeyshim.[5]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)wasasked,Whatisheavierthanthesky?Whatiswiderthantheearth?Whatisricherthanthesea?Whatisharderthanrock?Whatishotterthanfire?Whatiscolderthanice?Whatismorebitterthenpoison?Hereplied,Accusingtheinnocentisheavierthanthesky;theTruthiswiderthantheearth;acontentheartisricherthanthesea;theheartofahypocriteisharderthanarock;atyrantrulerishotterthanfire;beinginneedofhelpfromascoundreliscolderthanice;andpatienceismorebitterthanpoison(andinanothernarration,backbitingismorebitterthanpoison).[6]TheProphetsaid(salAllahualayhiwasallam),Thedunyaishomefortheonewhohasnohome,andwealthfortheonewhohasnowealth,Onlytheonewhohasnointellectgathersforit;onlytheonewhohasnocomprehensionactsaccordingtoitsdesires;onlytheonewhohasnoknowledgewillbepunishedforit;onlytheonewhohasnointellectwillbecomejealousforit;andonlytheonewhohasnoconvictionstrivesforit.[7]JabiribnÀbdullahal-Ansari(radyAllahuànhu)narratedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,JibreelusedtoremindmeoftherightsoftheneighbourtosuchanextentthatIthoughtaneighbourwillbegiventherighttoinheritfromhisneighbour;heusedtoremindmeoftherightsofwomentosuchanextentthatIthoughtthatdivorcingthemwouldbemadeforbidden;heusedtoremindmeoftherightsofslavestosuchanextentthatIthoughttherewillbeatimefixedwhentheywillbefreed;heusedtoremindmeoftheuseofsiwak(tooth-stick)tosuchanextentthatIthoughtitwouldbemadeobligatory;heusedtoremindmeoftheimportanceofprayerincongregationtosuchanextentthatIthoughtthatAllahtheExaltedwillnotacceptprayerexceptincongregation;heusedtoremindmeaboutstandingupinthenightandprayingtosuchanextentthatIthoughtthattherewillbenosleepduringthenight;andheusedtoremindmeabouttheremembranceofAllahtosuchanextentthatIthoughtthereisnobenefitinanyspeechexceptinit.[8]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,TherearesevenpeoplewhomtheCreatorwillneitherlookatontheDayofJudgementnorwillHepurifythem,andHewillmakethementertheHellfirethehomosexualandhispartner,theonewhomasturbates;andtheonewhoengagesinbestiality;andtheonewhohasanalintercoursewithawoman;amanwhomarriesbothawomanandher

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daughter;theonewhofornicateswithhisneighbourswife;andtheonewhohurtshisneighbourtosuchadegreethathecurseshim.[9]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,ThemartyrsaresevenapartfromthosekilledinthewayofAllahtheonewhodiesofaninternalhaemorrhageisamartyr,theonewhodiesfromdrowningisamartyr,pleurisyisamartyr,theonewhodiesinafireisamartyr,theonewhodiesunderacollapsedbuildingisamartyr,andthewomanwhodieswhengivingbirthisamartyr.[10]Ibn`Abbas(radyAllahu`anhu)said,Itisadutyonanintelligentpersontochooseseventhingsoversevenotherspovertyoverwealth,lowlinessoverhonour,humilityoverarrogance,hungeroversatiety,sadnessoverhappiness,inferiorityoversuperiority,anddeathoverlife.

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7CounselinEights

[1]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Eightthingsareneversatiatedofeighttheeyefromlooking,theearthfromrain,thefemalefromthemale,thescholarfromknowledge,thequestionerfromquestioning,thegreedyfromgathering,theseafromwater,thefirefromwood.

[2]Abu

Bakr

al-Siddiq

(radyAllahuànhu)

said,

There

are

eight

things

which

are

adornmentsforeightotherschastityistheadornmentforpoverty;gratitudeistheadornmentforblessings;patienceistheadornmentforcalamity;gentlenessistheadornmentforknowledge;humilityistheadornmentforthestudent;muchcryingistheadornmentforfear[ofAllah];notboastingofonesgenerositytoitsrecipientistheadornmentforcharity;andcompletecalmnessandinnerconcentrationistheadornmentforprayer.[3]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,Theonewhoabandonssuperfluousspeechwillbegivenwisdom,theonewhoabandonssuperfluouslookingwillbegiventhetranquillityoftheheart;theonewhoabandonssuperfluousfoodwillbegivendelightinworship;theonewhoabandonssuperfluouslaughterwillbegivenveneration;theonewhoabandonssuperfluousjokingwillbegivenabeautifulappearance;theonewhoabandonstheloveofthedunyawillbegrantedtheloveoftheHereafter;theonewhoabandonsbusyinghimselfwiththefaultsofotherswillbegiventheabilitytorectifyhisownfaults;andtheonewhoabandonsquestioningtheEssenceofAllahtheExaltedwillgivensecurityfromhypocrisy.[4]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,SignsofapersonwhoreallyknowAllahareeighthisheartisinastateoffearandhope,histongueisinastateofpraiseandgratitude,hiseyesareinastateofshameandtears,andhiswillisinleavingthedunyaandseekingthepleasureofhisLord.[5]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Thereisnogoodinprayerwithoutconcentrationandcalmness;thereisnogoodinfastingwithoutrefrainingfromidletalk;thereisnogoodinreadingwithoutanycontemplation;thereisnogoodinknowledgewithoutpiety;thereisnogoodinwealthwithoutgenerosity;thereisnogoodinbrotherhoodwithoutcaringforanother;thereisnogoodinablessingthatisshort-lived;andthereisnogoodinsupplicationwithoutsincerity.

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8CounselinNines

[1]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,AllahtheExaltedrevealedtoMusaibnÌmran(Moses)intheTorahthatthesourceofallmistakesarethreearrogance,envyandgreed.Anothersixdiseaseswerebornoutofthesethree,andthustheybecameninesatiety,excessivesleep,excessiverest,loveofwealth,loveofpraise,andloveofleadership.[2]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,Worshippersareofthreegroups,eachgrouphasthreesignsbywhichitisknownagroupwhoworshipAllahtheExaltedoutoffear;agroupwhoworshipAllahoutofhope;andagroupwhoworshipAllahoutoflove. Forthefirstgrouptherearethreesignstheydisparagethemselves;deemtheirrighteousdeedstobefew;andthereevildeedstobeplenty. ForthesecondgrouptherearethreesignsTheyareanexampletoothersinallsituations;theyarethemostgenerousofallpeopleinspendingtheirwealth;andtheyhavethebestopinionamongstcreaturesregardingAllah. AsforthethirdgrouptherearethreesignstheygaveawaywhattheylovemostanddonotcareaslongastheirLordispleasedwiththem;andtheydothatwhichwilldispleasetheirnafstopleasetheirLord,andtheyarewiththeirLordineverysituation,whetheritbein[following]Hiscommandmentsor[avoiding]Hisprohibitions.[3]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,TheprogenyofSatanarenineZaltun,Wathin,Laqus,A`wan,Haffaf,Murra,al-Musawwit,DasimandWalhan.Zaltuncommandsthemarketsandheunfurlshisbannertherein;Wathancommandscatastrophes;A`wancommandsrulers;Haffafcommandsintoxicants;Murracommandslicentiousmusic;LaquscommandstheMagians;Al-Musawwitcommands[false]newswhichheputsinthemouthsofpeoplewhiletheyknownotitsorigin;Dasimcommandshouses;ifamanweretoenterhishousewithoutgreetinghiswifeandfamilywithsalamandmentioningthenameofAllahtheExalted,Dasimwillcauseadisputebetweenhusbandandwifesuchthatitleadstodivorce,separation,orviolence;asforWalhan,hewhispers[inpeoplesears]duringablution,prayer,andotheractsofworship.[4]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,Theonewhoobservesthefivedailyprayersintheirpropertimesandisconstantinthis,AllahwillhonourhimwithninemiraclesAllahwilllovehim,hishealthwillbegood,angelswillprotecthim,blessedness(baraka)willdescendonhishouse,thesignoftherighteouswillbe

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apparentonhisface,Allahwillsoftenhisheart,hewillcrossthebridgeofal-siratal-mustaqim[intheHereafter]atthespeedofaflashoflightening,Allahwillsavehim

from

Hellfire,

and

Allah

will

place

him

amongst

the

people

who

have

no

fearnoraretheyeversad.[5]`Ali(radyAllahu`anhu)said,SheddingtearsisofthreetypesthefirstisfromthefearofAllahspunishment,thesecondisfromthefearofAllahsanger,andthethirdisfromthefearofbeingcutofffromAllah.Thefirstoneisacompensationforsins,thesecondispurificationfromfaults,andthethirdiselevationtotheranksofsainthoodaccompaniedbythepleasureoftheBeloved.Thefruitofthecompensationofsinsissalvationfrompunishment;thefruitofthepurificationoffaultsiseternalblissandhighranks;andthefruitoftheelevationtotheranksofsainthoodaccompaniedbythepleasureoftheBelovedisgladtidingsfromAllahtheExaltedofHispleasure,ofseeingHim,ofthevisitingofangels,andofanincreaseinvirtue.

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9CounselinTens

[1]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Usethesiwak,fortherearetenbenefitsinititpurifiesthemouth,pleasestheLord,angersSatan,islovedbytheMercifulandbytheguardianangels,strengthensthegums,eliminatesphlegm,getsridofthebadtastefromthemouth,brightenstheeyes,eliminatesbadbreath,andisfrommySunnah.Hethenadded.Oneprayerafter

[using]

the

siwak

is

better

than

seventy

prayers

without

[using]

it.

[2]AbuBakral-Siddiq(radyAllahuànhu)said,ThereisnotaservantwhomAllahhasgiventhefollowingtentraitsexceptthathewillbesavedfromallpitfallsandafflictions,reachtherankofthosewhoareclosetoAllah,andattainthepositionofthepiousonesthefirstisperpetualtruthfulnesstogetherwithacontentheart;thesecond,completepatiencetogetherwithpermanentgratitude;thethird,perpetualpovertytogetherwithever-presentasceticism(zuhd);thefourth,uninterruptedcontemplationtogetherwithanemptystomach;thefifth,lastingsadnesstogetherwithcontinuousfear;thesixth,perpetualstruggletogetherwithahumblebody;theseventh,perpetualgentlenesstogetherwithever-presentmercy;theeighth,perpetuallove[ofAllah]togetherwithshame;theninth,beneficialknowledgetogetherwithperpetualpatience;andthetenth,perpetualfaith(iman)withanunflappableintellect.[3]Ùmar(radyAllahuànhu)said,TenthingsarenotrightwithouttenothersintelligencewithoutGod-consciousness,superioritywithoutknowledgesuccesswithoutfear,powerwithoutjustice,noblelineagewithoutmanners,happinesswithoutsecurity,wealthwithoutgenerosity,povertywithoutcontentment,[having]ahighandexaltedpositionwithouthumility,andjihadwithouttheguidanceandsupportofAllah.[4]Ùthman(radyAllahuànhu)said,Themostfutileofallthingsaretenascholarwhoisnotasked,knowledgewhichisnotactedupon,acorrectopinionwhichisnotaccepted,aweaponwhichisnotused,amosquewhereinnonepray,acopyoftheQuranwhichisnotread,wealthwhichisnotspent,ahorsewhichisnotmounted,knowledgeofasceticismbyonewhopursuesthedunya,andalonglifeinwhichnoprovisionshavebeenpreparedforthedeparture,[5]Àli(radyAllahuànhu)said,Knowledgeisthebestinheritance,goodmannersarethebestcraft,pietyisthebestprovision,worshipisthebestbaggage,

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righteousactionisthebestguide,goodcharacteristhebestcompanion,gentlenessisthebestadvisor,contentmentisthebestwealth,[divine]assistanceis

the

best

ally,

and

death

is

the

best

teacher.

[6]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Ten[typesofpeople]fromthisummaharedisbelievers(kuffar)inAllahtheGreatandwhothinktheyarebelieversthekillerwithoutaright,theonewhopracticesmagic,thewithholderofzakat,thedrinkerofalcohol,theoneuponwhomhajjbecameobligatorybutdidnotperformit,thespreaderofseditionandtrouble(fitna),thesellerofweaponstotheenemy,theonewhohasanalintercoursewithawoman,theonewhocommitsadulterywithaclosefemalerelative(mahram)whomheislegallyforbiddentomarryiftheydeemwhattheyhavedonepermissible(halal)thentheyhaveapostatised.[7]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Noservant[ofAllah]intheheavensandtheearthcanbeabelieverunlesshehasarrived[atthetruebeliefinGod],andhecannotarrive[attruebeliefinGod]unlessheisaMuslim,andhecannotbeaMuslimunlessheisknowledgeable,andhecannotbeknowledgeableunlessheactsuponwhatheknows,andhecannotactuponwhatheknowsunlessheisanascetic,andhecannotbeanasceticunlessheisGod-conscious,andhecannotbeGod-consciousunlessheishumble,andhecannotbehumbleunlessheknowshimself,andhecannotknowhimselfunlessheisintelligentandcautiousinspeech,[8]YahyaibnMu`adhal-Razisaid:

OyouwhoentreatshisLordwithalltypesofspeech!AndwhoasksofHimresidenceintheLandofSpeechWhoceaselesslydelaysrepentanceyearafteryearIdonotseeyoubeingjusttoyoursoulamongstallpeopleHadyoufilledyourdaywithfasting,Oheedlessone!AndstayedawakeallnightinprayerAnddiminishedyourwaterandfoodYouwouldhavebeenfittoattainthehonourofelevatedrankAndgiventheabilitytoperformgreatfeatsbytheLordofcreationAndsecuredthegreatestpleasureofthePossessorofMajestyandGenerosity

[9]Anasceticsaid,TencharacteristicsarehatedbyAllahfromten[typesof]peoplemiserlinessfromtherich,arrogancefromthepoor,greedfromscholars,lackofshamefromwomen,loveofthedunyafromtheelderly,lazinessfromtheyouth,oppressionfromtherulers,cowardicefromwarriors,self-infatuationfromascetics,andostentationfromworshippers.

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[10]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Well-beingisintenforms,fiveinthisworldandfiveinthenext.Asforthoseinthisworld,theyare

knowledge,

worship,

halal

income,

patience

in

difficult

times,

and

gratitude

forblessings;asfortheonesinthenextworldtheyarethecomingoftheAngelofDeathtothebelieverwithmercyandgentleness;MunkarandNakirnotfrighteninghiminthegrave;beingsafeonthedayofthegreatestterror(theDayofJudgement);thewipingawayofhissinsandtheacceptanceofhisgoodactions;andhewillpassbythesirat[bridgeovertheHellfirenottobecrossedbyeveryoneontheDayofJudgement]likeaflashoflightening,andwillenterParadiseinpeace.[11]AbulFadlsaid,AllahtheExaltedhasnamedtheQuranwithtennamesal-Quran,al-Furqan[theCriterion],al-Kitab[theBook],alTanzil[SentDown],al-Huda[theGuidance],al-Nur[theLight],al-Rahma[theMercy],al-Shifa`[theCure],al-Ruh[theSpirit],andal-Dhikr[theRemembrance].Asforitsnamingal-Quran,al-Furqan,al-Kitab,al-Tanzilitisknown,asfor[itsnaming]al-Huda,al-Nur,al-Rahmahandal-Shifaa.AllahtheExaltedsays,Opeople!AreminderhascomefromyourLordandaCureforthatwhichisinthehearts,andGuidanceandMercyforthebelievers.AndfromAllahhascometoyouLightandamanifestBoo.Asforal-Ruh,Hesays,AndthusWerevealedtoyouaSpiritfromOurcommand.Andasforal-Dhikr,Hesays,AndwehaverevealedtoyoutheRemembrancetomakecleartopeople.[12]Luqmansaidtohisson,Wisdomisindoingtenthingsenliveningthedeadheart,sittingwiththeneedy,stayingawayfromthegatheringofkings,honouringthehumble,freeingtheslave,beinghospitabletothestranger,enrichingthepoor,andveneratingthepeopleofhonour. Thesethingsarebetterthanwealth,areaprotectionfromfear,aweaponinwar,amerchandiseatthetimeofcommerce,anintercessorwhenafflictedwithterror,anindicationthatconvictionhasenteredtheheart,andacoveringwhennoclothescancoverone[ontheDayofJudgement].[13]AnAsceticsaid,Itisincumbentupontheintelligentpersonwhenherepentstodotenthingsseekforgivenesswiththetongue;regretwiththeheart;abandonthesinwiththebody;resolvenevertoreturntoit(theactofdisobedience);loveoftheHereafter;hatethedunya;reducespeech;reducefoodanddrinksothathecandevotehimselftoknowledgeandworship;andreducehissleep. AllahtheExaltedsays,Littledidtheysleepatnight,andintheearlyhoursofdawntheydidseekforgivness.[14]AnasIbnMalik(radyAllahu`anhu) said,Everydaytheearthcallsoutwithtenthings,saying,OsonofAdam!Youstriveonmysurfaceandyourdestinationismystomach;youdisobey[Allah]onmysurfaceandyouwillbe

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punishedforitinmystomach;youlaughonmysurfaceandyouwillcryinmystomach;youarehappyonmysurfaceandyouwillbesadinmystomach;yougather

wealth

on

my

surface

and

you

will

regret

gathering

it

in

my

stomach;

you

arearrogantonmysurfaceandyouwillbehumiliatedinmystomach;youwalkinsolentlyonmysurfaceandyouwillfallmiserablyintomystomach;youwalkinthelightonmysurfaceandyouwillbeinthedarknessinmystomach;andyouwalkwithcrowdsandlargegatheringsonmysurfaceandyouwillbelonelyinmystomach.[15]TheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Theonewholaughsalotwillbeafflictedwithtenthingshisheartwilldie,hewilllackshameandhonour,Satanwilllaughathim,[Allah]theMercifulwillbeangrywithhim,hewillbeheldtoaccountontheDayofJudgement,theProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)willturnawayfromhimontheDayofJudgement,theangelswillcursehim,thepeoplefotheheavensandearthwilldetesthim,hewillforgeteverything,andhewillbeexposedontheDayofJudgement.[16]Al-Hasanal-Basrisaid,OnedayIwaswalkingwithayoungpiousmaninthenarrowstreetsofBasraanditsmarketsuntilwereachedaphysiciansittingonachairandaroundhimweremanymen,women,andchildrenwhohadbottlesofwaterintheirhands.Eachoneofthemwasseekingacureforhisillness.Theyoungmanmovedclosertothephysicianandaskedhim,Ophysician!Doyouhaveamedicinethatcleansawaysinsandcuresthe[spiritual]diseasesoftheheart?HerepliedYes!Theyoungmansaid,Giveittome!Thephysiciansaid,Taketenthingsfrommetaketherootsofthetreeofpovertywiththerootsofthetreeofhumility,andpourinitthemilkofrepentance,thenplaceitinthemortarofacceptance[ofwhateverispredestinedforone],crushitwiththepestleofcontentment,thenplaceitinthepotofpiety,pouroveritthewaterofshame,thenboilitwiththefireoflove,thenplaceitinthecupofgratitudeandcoolitdownwiththefanofhope,thendrinkitwiththespoonofpraise. IfyoudoallofthisthenitwillcureyouofeveryillnessandtrialinthisworldandintheHereafter.[17]Itissaidthatakinggatheredfivescholarsandasceticsandorderedeachonetogiveawordofwisdom.Eachonespokeandgavetwopiecesofwisdomandthustheybecameten. Thefirstonesaid,FearingtheCreatorissecurityandfeelingsafe[fromHiswrath]isdisbelief;andfeelingsafefromanothercreatureisfreedomandfearinghimisslavery.Thesecondsaid,HopingfromAllahisrichnessthatnopovertycanharm,andloosinghopeinHimispovertythatnowealthcanalleviate.Thethirdsaid,Povertyinworldypossessionsdoesnotharmtheonerichatheart(i.e.contented),andrichnessinworldypossessionsdoesnotbenefittheonepooratheart(i.e.greedy).Thefourthsaid,Generositydoesnotincreasetherichnessoftheheartexceptinrichness,andpovertyat

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heart(greed)doesnotincreasewithrichnessinmaterialpossessionsexceptinpoverty.Thefifthsaid,Takingalittlefromgoodnessisbetterthanleavingalotfrom

evil,

and

leaving

all

acts

of

evil

is

better

than

committing

afew

acts

of

goodness.[18]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Tenthingsareincumbentupontheonewhoentersthemosqueremovingonesshoes;enteringwiththerightfoot;sayingwhenentering,InthenameofAllahandpeacebeupontheMessengerofAllahandtheangelsofAllah.OAllahuponforusthedoorsofYourmercy,verilyYouaretheGrantor;greetingwithsalamthepeopleofthemosque,orsayingifnobodyisinthemosquePeacebeuponusandtherighteousservantsofAllah;sayingItestifythatthereisnoLordbutAllahandMuhammadistheMessengerofAllah;notpassinginfrontofthosewhoarepraying;notengaginginworldlyactionsorworldlytalk;notleavingwithoutprayingtworakahs,notentering[themosque]withoutablution;andsayingwhenstandingup[toleave]GloryandpraisebetoYouOAllah!ItestifythatthereisnoLordexceptYou,IseeyourforgivenesssandrepenttoYou.[20]AbuHurayrah(radyAllahu`anhu)narratedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,PrayerisapillaroftheReligionandinitaretenbenefitsbeautyfortheface,lightfortheheart,restforthebody,andescapingthelonelinessofthegrave.Itmakesmercydescend,isthekeytoParadise,isheavyontheScales[ofgooddeeds],[gains]thepleasureoftheLord,isthepriceofParadise,andthebarrieragainsttheFire. TheonewhoestablishesithasestablishedtheReligion,andtheonewholeavesithasdestroyedtheReligion.[21]Aisha(radyAllahu`anha)narratedthattheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,WhenAllahwantstoallowthepeopleofParadisetoenterParadise,HesendsthemanangelwithagiftofclothesfromParadise.WhentheyreabouttoenterParadise,theangelsaystothem,Wait,IhaveagiftwithmefromtheLordoftheWorlds.Theywillsay,Whatisthegift?Theangelwillsay,ItistensealsonthefirstoneiswrittenPeacebeuponyou!Youweregood,soenter[theGardenofdelight],todwelltherein;onthesecond[seal]itiswritten,Yoursadnessandanxietieshavebeenremoved;writtenonthethirdis,Andthisisthegardenwhichyouaregivenasaninheritanceonaccountofwhatyoudid;writtenonthefourthis,Wehavegivenyouornamentsandbeautifulclothestowear;writtenonthefifthis,WeshallwedthemwithHouriswithwide,lovelyeyes,andIhaverewardedthemthisdaybecausetheywerepatient,thattheyarethetriumphant;writtenonthesixthis,Thisisyourrewardtodayfortheactsofobedienceyouwereengagedin;ontheseventhis,Youhavebeenreturnedtoyouryouthandyouwillneverbecomeaged;ontheeighthis,Youareinperpetualsecurityandneedneverbefrightened;ontheninthis,Youwillbeinthecompanyoftheprophets,truthfulones,martyrs,andrighteousones;

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writtenonthetenthis,YouwillresidebesidetheAll-MercifulwhoPossessestheGreatThrone.TheangelswillthensayEnteritinpeaceandsecurity.Theywill

thus

enter

paradise

and

say,

Praise

is

due

to

Allah

the

One

who

removed

ouranxieties,surelyourLordisMostForgivingandGrateful.PraiseisduetoAllahtheOnewhowastruetoHisPromiseandgaveustheinheritanceofthisearththusistherewardofthosewhowork.AndwhenAllahwishestothrowthePeopleofhellintotheFire,hesendsthemanangelwhohastenseals. Onthefirstoneiswritten,Enterit,neverwillyoudie,bebroughttolife,oreverbroughtoutofit;onthesecondiswritten,Lingerinpunishment,neverwilltherebeanyreposeforyou;onthethirdiswritten,TheyhavedespairedofMymercy;onthefourthiswritten,Enterit,intoperpetualdistress,anxiety,andsorrow;onthefifthiswritten,Yourclotheswillbefire,yourfoodwillbefromanextremelybitterandthornytreethatgrowsatthebottomoftheHellfire(zaqqum),yourdrinkwillbeboilingfluids,andyourbedandcoveringwillbetheFire;onthesixthiswritten,Thisisyourrecompensetodayfordisobeyingme;ontheseventhiswritten,MyangerwillbewithyouintheFireforever;ontheeightiswritten,Youarecursedforthemajorsinsyouintentionallycommitted,forwhichyouneverrepentednorhadanyregret;ontheninthiswritten,YoureternalfriendsintheFirewillbethedevils;andonthetenthiswritten,Youfollowed[thepathof]Satan,desiredthedunyaandneglectedtheHereafter,thusthisisyourrecompense.[22]Anasceticsaid,IsoughttenthingsintenplacesandfoundthemintenothersIsoughtelevationinarrogancebutfounditinhumility;Isoughtworshipinritualprayerbutfounditinasceticism;Isoughtilluminationoftheheartinthedaytimepublicritualprayersbutfounditinthesecretlatenightprayers;IsoughtthelightoftheDayofJudgementingivingandgenerositybutfounditinthirstandfasting;Isoughtpermissiontopassthesiratinsacrificinganimals[tofeedthepoor]butfounditingivingcharity(sadaqa);IsoughtprotectionfromtheHellfireinpermissibleactionsbutfounditinleavingdesires;IsoughttheloveofAllahtheExaltedinthedunyabutfounditinHisremembrance(dhikr);Isoughtwell-beingingatheringsbutfounditinsolitude;andIsoughtilluminationoftheheartinlecturesandreadingtheQuranbutfounditincontemplationandcrying.[23]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)said,Tenthingsarefromthesunna,fiverelatedtotheheadandfivetothebody- asfortheheadtheyare;usingsiwak,rinsingthemouth,rinsingthenose,shorteningthemoustache,andshavingthehead.Asforthebodytheyare:removingarmpithair,clippingthenails,shavingpubichair,circumcision,andcleansing[afterrelivingoneself].[24]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)said,TheonewhosendsonesalutationuntotheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)Allahwillsendtensalutationsuntohim,

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andtheonewhoinsultstheProphetonceAllahwillinsulthimtentimes;doyounotseethesayingofAllahtheExaltedregardingal-Walidibnal-Mughiramaythe

curse

of

Allah

be

upon

him,

when

he

insulted

the

Prophet

(salAllahu

alayhi

wasallam)onceandAllahinsultedhimtentimesandsaid,Heednothetypeofdespicablemenreadywithoaths,aslanderer,goingaboutwithcalumnies,hindererofthegood,transgressor,malefactor,ignoble,besidesallthat,base-born;becauseheposseswealthand(numerous)sons.That,whenourrevelationsarereciteduntohim,hesays:Merefablesofthemenofold.[Thelastpart]meansthatherejectedtheQuran.[25]IbrahimibnAdhamwasaskedaboutthesayingofAllahtheExalted,AndYourLordsaid,SupplicatetomeandIwillansweryoursupplication.Wesupplicatebutourprayersarenotanswered!Hesaid,YourheartshavebecomedeadduetotenthingsyouhaveknownAllahbuthavenotfulfilledHisright;youhavereadtheBookofAllahbutdidnotabidebyit;youproclaimedenmityofSatanbutmadehimyourguardianandprotector;youclaimedloveoftheMessengerbutyoulefthispathandhisTradition(sunnah);youclaimedloveofParadisebutyoudidnotworkforit;youclaimedfearoftheHellfirebutdidnotrenouncecommittingsins;youclaimedthatyoubelievedthatdeathwasarealitybutyoudidnotreadyyourselvesforit;youbusiedyourselveswiththefaultsofothersandneglectedyourownfaults;youeatfromthesustenancethatAllahprovidesforyoubutdonotshowgratitude;andyouburyyourdeadonesbutdonottakeheedfromit.[26]TheProphet(salAllahualayhiwasallam)said,Anyservant[ofAllah],whethermaleorfemale,whosupplicateswiththisduàwhichiscomposedoftenphrasesonthenightofÀrafahonethousandtimeswillnotaskathingfromAllahexceptthatHewillgiveittohimprovidinghedoesnotsupplicatefortheseveranceoftiesofkinshiporforanactofdisobedience. ThefirstisglorybetotheOnewhoseThroneisinheaven;glorybetotheOnewhosedominionandpowerisonearth;glorybetotheOnewhoseknowledgeisinthewombs;glorybetotheOnewhosedecreeisinthegraves;glorybetotheOnewhoraisedtheskieswithoutanypillars;glorybetotheOnewhoextendedtheearth;glorybetotheOneinWhomthereisnorefugeorsalvationexceptinHim.[27]IbnÀbbas(radyAllahuànhu)narratedthatonedaytheMessengerofAllah(salAllahualayhiwasallam)saidtoSatan,maythecurseofAllahbeuponhim,Howmany[typesof]peoplearebelovedtoyoufrommyummah?Hesaid,Tentheoppressiveruler;thearrogant;therichwhoneithercarehowtheyobtaintheirwealthnorhowtheyspendit;thescholarswhofindexcusesfortheoppressionofaruler;thefraudulenttrader;theonewhomonopolises[aproduct];thefornicator;theonewhodealsininterest;themiserwhodoesnotcarehowheaccumulateshiswealth;andthealcoholic.TheProphetthenasked,

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Howmany[typesof]peopleareyourenemiesfrommyummah?Hesaid,Twentytypes[ofpeople]thefirstoneisyouOMuhammad,Itrulyhateyou![Then]

the

scholar

who

acts

upon

his

knowledge;

the

one

who

memorises

the

Quranandfulfillsitscommandments;themuadhdhinforthefivedailyprayerswhocallstheadhanonlyforthesakeofAllah;theonewholovesthepoor,needy,andorphans;theonewhohasamercifulheart;theonewhohumbleshimselfinfrontofthetruth;theyoungmanwhogrowsupintheobedienceofAllahtheExalted;theonewhoeatsonlyhalal;thetwoyoungmenwholoveeachotherforthesakeofAllah;theonewhoisalwayszealousinperforminghisprayersincongregation;theonewhooffersprayersatnightwhilepeopleareasleep;theonewhoholdshisnafsbackfromcommittingtheharam;theonewhoadvises[inanothernarration,supplicatesfor]hisbrotherswithouthavinganyulteriormotiveinhisheart;theonewhoisalwaysinastateofablution;theonewhoisgenerous;theonewithgoodmannersandcharacter;theonewhobelievesinwhatHisLordhasguaranteedforhim;theonewhodoesgoodtowidows;andtheonewhoreadieshimselffordeath.[28]WahbibnMunabbihsaid,ItiswrittenintheTorah,Hewhopreparesprovisions[fortheHereafter]inthisworldwillbesafefromAllahspunishmentontheDayofJudgement;hewholeaveshatredwillbepraisedontheDayof

Judgementinfrontofthewholecreation;hewhoabandonsloveofleadershipwillbehonouredontheDayofJudgementinfrontoftheOmnipotentKing;hewhoabandonstheexcessesofthedunyawillbeblissfulamongsttherighteousones[ontheDayofJudgement];hewhoabandonsquarrellinginthisworldwillbeamongstthewinnersontheDayofJudgement;hewhoabandonsmiserlinessinthisworldwillbementionedinfrontofthewholeofcreationontheDayof

Judgement;hewhoabandonsreposeinthisworldwillbehappyontheDayofJudgement;hewhoabandonstheprohibitedinthisworldwillbeinthecompanyoftheProphetsontheDayofJudgement;hewhoabandonslookingatthatwhichhasbeenprohibitedinthisworld,AllahwilldelighthiseyesontheDayofJudgementinParadise;hewhoabandonswealthandchoosespovertyinthisworld,AllahwillraisehimontheDayofJudgementamongstthebelovedandtheProphetsofAllah;hewhoassistsothersinfulfillingtheirneeds,Allahwillmakehimfreefromallneedsinthisworldandinthenext. Hewhowishestohavegoodcompanyinsteadofsolitudeinhisgraveshouldwakeupinthedarknessofthenightandpray;hewhowishestobeintheshadeoftheThroneoftheMercifulshouldbecomeanascetic;hewhowisheshisbringtoaccounttobeeasyshouldadvisehimselfandhisbrothers;hewhowishestheangelstobehisvisitorsshouldbecomeGod-conscious;hewhowishestoliveinthedelightofParadiseshouldrememberAllahduringthenightandday;hewhowishestoenterParadisewithoutanybringingtoaccountshouldrepenttoAllahwithasincererepentance;hewhowishestoberichshouldbecomecontentedwithwhatAllahtheExaltedhisallottedforhim;hewhowishestobeamanof

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understandinginthesightofAllahshouldhavefearofAllah;hewhowishestobewiseshouldseekknowledge;hewhowishestobesafefrompeopleshouldnot

mention

anyone

except

with

good

and

take

alesson

from

his

own

self

and

ponderoverwhyandfromwhathewascreated;hewhowantsdignityandhonourinboththedunyaandintheHereaftershouldgivepreferencetotheHereafteroverthedunya;hewhowishesforal-Firdaws(thehighestrankinParadise)andinfinitehappinessshouldnotwastehislifeinthevicesofthedunya;hewhowishesforParadiseinthisworldandthenextshouldadoptthepathofgenerosity,becausetheonewhoisgenerousisclosetoParadiseandfarfromHell;hewhowisheshishearttobeenlightenedwiththecompletelightshouldadoptthepathofcontemplationandoftakinglessons[fromlifeandcreation];hewhowishestohaveabodythatpatientlyendures[hardships],atonguethatisinconstantremembrance[ofAllah],andaheartwhichisfearful[ofHim]shouldadoptthepaththepathofseekingforgivenessforthebelieversmaleandfemale,andfortheMuslimsmaleandfemale.

Documents

Preparing for the Day of Judgement - Imam ibn Hajar al Asqalani