Dr.Muhammad Abid Noman
Islamic Academy, Plano

Hadith, corpus of the sayings or traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, revered by Muslims as a major source of religious law and moral guidance. It comprises many reports of varying length and authenticity. The individual reports are also called hadith (plural: hadiths). The word hadith is derived from the Arabic root ḥ-d-th—signifying “to happen,” “to occur,” or “to come to pass”—and encompasses a range of literal meanings, including “conversation,” “discussion,” “speech,” and “small talk.” In English the term is translated variously as “report,” “saying,” or “tradition.” It is closely related to Sunnah (literally “established custom or habitual practice”), which in an Islamic context refers to the norms and practices affirmed or instituted by Muhammad.

Hadith provides insights into Islamic teachings, ethics, and laws. Some major teachings found in Hadith include:

1: Faith and Belief:

Hadith emphasizes the core beliefs in Islam, such as the oneness of God (Tawhid), belief in the Prophets, the Day of Judgment, and the importance of sincere faith (Iman).

Sure, faith and belief hold a central place in Islam, and Hadith plays a crucial role in elucidating and expanding upon these concepts across various topics:

Oneness of God (Tawhid):

Hadith reinforces the belief in the oneness of God, emphasizing that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. It elaborates on the importance of monotheism, rejecting associating partners with God, and the significance of sincerely believing in and worshiping one God alone.

The Oneness of Allah is mentioned in this hadith:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ عَلَّمَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ التَّشَهُّدَ فِي الصَّلَاةِ وَالتَّشَهُّدَ فِي الْحَاجَةِ قَالَ التَّشَهُّدُ فِي الصَّلَاةِ التَّحِيَّاتُ لِلَّهِ وَالصَّلَوَاتُ وَالطَّيِّبَاتُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ وَرَحْمَةُ اللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ السَّلَامُ عَلَيْنَا وَعَلَى عِبَادِ اللَّهِ الصَّالِحِينَ أَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ وَالتَّشَهُّدُ فِي الْحَاجَةِ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ لِلَّهِ نَسْتَعِينُهُ وَنَسْتَغْفِرُهُ وَنَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنْ شُرُورِ أَنْفُسِنَا وَسَيِّئَاتِ أَعْمَالِنَا فَمَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلَا مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْ فَلَا هَادِيَ لَهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنْ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ مُحَمَّدًا عَبْدُهُ وَرَسُولُهُ

Abdullah ibn Mas’ud reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us to bear witness to faith in prayer and to bear witness to faith in times of need. Bearing witness in prayer is to say, “Greetings are for Allah, as are prayers and pure things. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous servants of Allah. I testify there is no God but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.” Bearing witness in times of need is to say, “Verily, all praise is due to Allah. We seek His help and His forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Him from the evil of our own selves and our bad deeds. Whomever Allah guides, there is none to lead him astray. Whomever Allah leads astray, there is none to guide him. I testify there is no God but Allah, and I testify that Muhammad is His servant and His messenger.”

Sunan al-Tirmidh: 1105

Belief in the Prophets:

Hadith confirms the belief in all the Prophets sent by Allah, including Adam, Noah, Ibrahim, Musa, Isa, (علیہم السلام) and Muhammad, صلى الله عليه وسلم. It highlights their messages of monotheism and the importance of following the guidance brought by these messengers.

 إِنَّ مَثَلِي وَمَثَلَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ مِنْ قَبْلِي كَمَثَلِ رَجُلٍ بَنَى بَيْتًا فَأَحْسَنَهُ وَأَجْمَلَهُ إِلَّا مَوْضِعَ لَبِنَةٍ مِنْ زَاوِيَةٍ، فَجَعَلَ النَّاسُ يَطُوفُونَ بِهِ وَيَعْجَبُونَ لَهُ وَيَقُولُونَ هَلَّا وُضِعَتْ هَذِهِ اللَّبِنَةُ، قَالَ: فَأَنَا اللَّبِنَةُ وَأَنَا خَاتِمُ النَّبِيِّينَ”.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “My similitude in comparison with the other prophets before me, is that of a man who has built a house nicely and beautifully, except for a place of one brick in a corner. The people go about it and wonder at its beauty, but say: ‘Would that this brick be put in its place!’ So I am that brick, and I am the last of the Prophets.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 3535

Day of Judgment

The concept of the Day of Judgment (Yawm al-Qiyamah) holds immense significance in Islam, and Hadith provides profound insights and teachings about this pivotal event. Here are some Hadith that shed light on the Day of Judgment:

Signs and Events of the Day of Judgment:

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ ، قَالَ : قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ : لَا تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى تَطْلُعَ الشَّمْسُ مِنْ مَغْرِبِهَا ، فَإِذَا رَآهَا النَّاسُ آمَنَ مَنْ عَلَيْهَا ، فَذَاكَ حِينَ لَا يَنْفَعُ نَفْسًا إِيمَانُهَا ، لَمْ تَكُنْ آمَنَتْ مِنْ قَبْلُ .

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The Hour will not be established until the sun rises from the West: and when the people see it, then whoever will be living on the surface of the earth will have faith, and that is (the time) when no good will it do to a soul to believe then, if it believed not before.” (6.158)

Sahih al-Bukhari 4635

Accountability for Deeds:

قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ مَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَسْأَلُ النَّاسَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ لَيْسَ فِي وَجْهِهِ مُزْعَةُ لَحْمٍ ‏”‏‏.‏ وَقَالَ إِنَّ الشَّمْسَ تَدْنُو يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ حَتَّى يَبْلُغَ الْعَرَقُ نِصْفَ الأُذُنِ، فَبَيْنَا هُمْ كَذَلِكَ اسْتَغَاثُوا بِآدَمَ، ثُمَّ بِمُوسَى، ثُمَّ بِمُحَمَّدٍ صلى الله عليه وسلم

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “A man keeps on asking others for something till he comes on the Day of Resurrection without any piece of flesh on his face.” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) added, “On the Day of Resurrection, the Sun will come near (to, the people) to such an extent that the sweat will reach up to the middle of the ears, so, when all the people are in that state, they will ask Adam for help, and then Moses, and then Muhammad (p.b.u.h).”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1474

Faith (Iman):

Hadith provides guidance on the components of faith, delineating the six pillars of faith which include belief in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree (Qadar). It explores the depth of faith, describing how it encompasses both belief in the heart and actions in accordance with that belief.

Components of Faith (Six Pillars of Iman):

قَالَ فَأَخْبِرْنِي عَنِ الإِيمَانِ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ أَنْ تُؤْمِنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ وَتُؤْمِنَ بِالْقَدَرِ خَيْرِهِ وَشَرِّهِ ‏”

Now tell me about faith. He replied: It means that you should believe in Allah, his angels, his Books, his Apostles and the last day, and that you should believe in the decreeing both of good and evil.

Sunan Abi Dawud 4695

Importance of Sincerity in Faith:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:” إِذَا أَحْسَنَ أَحَدُكُمْ إِسْلَامَهُ، فَكُلُّ حَسَنَةٍ يَعْمَلُهَا تُكْتَبُ لَهُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إِلَى سَبْعِ مِائَةِ ضِعْفٍ، وَكُلُّ سَيِّئَةٍ يَعْمَلُهَا تُكْتَبُ لَهُ بِمِثْلِهَا”.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “If any one of you improve (follows strictly) his Islamic religion then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded as it is.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 42

Depth of Faith and Good Character:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: ” أَكْمَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا، وَخِيَارُكُمْ خِيَارُكُمْ لِنِسَائِهِمْ

Abu Hurairah (رضی اللہ عنہ) reported: Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those who have the best behaviour, and the best of you are those who are the best to their wives”.

Riyad as-Salihin 278

Acting Upon Belief:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلاَ يُؤْذِ جَارَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيُكْرِمْ ضَيْفَهُ، وَمَنْ كَانَ يُؤْمِنُ بِاللَّهِ وَالْيَوْمِ الآخِرِ فَلْيَقُلْ خَيْرًا أَوْ لِيَصْمُتْ

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor, and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet.

Sahih al-Bukhari 6018

These Hadith illustrate that faith in Islam involves belief in specific aspects (the pillars of faith), sincerity, acceptance of divine decree, good character, and aligning one’s actions with their beliefs. Faith, as described in Hadith, encompasses both belief in the heart and the actions that emanate from that belief.

2: Worship and rituals:

Hadith elaborates on the importance of acts of worship such as prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, tying them back to the fundamental belief in God. It emphasizes that these acts are expressions of faith and a means to strengthen one’s connection with the divine.

Certainly! Worship and rituals in Islam are integral aspects of a Muslim’s life, and Hadith provides guidance and references regarding various acts of worship. Here are explanations of different topics related to worship and rituals, accompanied by Hadith references:

Prayer (Salah):

عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ أَوَّلَ مَا يُحَاسَبُ النَّاسُ بِهِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ مِنْ أَعْمَالِهِمُ الصَّلاَةُ قَالَ يَقُولُ رَبُّنَا جَلَّ وَعَزَّ لِمَلاَئِكَتِهِ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ انْظُرُوا فِي صَلاَةِ عَبْدِي أَتَمَّهَا أَمْ نَقَصَهَا فَإِنْ كَانَتْ تَامَّةً كُتِبَتْ لَهُ تَامَّةً وَإِنْ كَانَ انْتَقَصَ مِنْهَا شَيْئًا قَالَ انْظُرُوا هَلْ لِعَبْدِي مِنْ تَطَوُّعٍ فَإِنْ كَانَ لَهُ تَطَوُّعٌ قَالَ أَتِمُّوا لِعَبْدِي فَرِيضَتَهُ مِنْ تَطَوُّعِهِ ثُمَّ تُؤْخَذُ الأَعْمَالُ عَلَى ذَاكُمْ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Narrated Abu Hurayrah “The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, ‘The first thing about which the people will be called to account out of their actions on the Day of Judgment is prayer. Our Lord, the Exalted, will say to the angels – though He knows better: Look into the prayer of My servant and see whether he has offered it perfectly or imperfectly. If it is perfect, that will be recorded perfect. If it is defective, He will say: See there are some optional prayers offered by My servant. If there are optional prayer to his credit, He will say: Compensate the obligatory prayer by the optional prayer for My servant. Then all the actions will be considered similarly.

Sunan Abi Dawud 864

Fasting (Sawm):

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 38

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ، فَلاَ يَرْفُثْ وَلاَ يَجْهَلْ، وَإِنِ امْرُؤٌ قَاتَلَهُ أَوْ شَاتَمَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ إِنِّي صَائِمٌ‏.‏ مَرَّتَيْنِ، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَخُلُوفُ فَمِ الصَّائِمِ أَطْيَبُ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى مِنْ رِيحِ الْمِسْكِ، يَتْرُكُ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ وَشَهْوَتَهُ مِنْ أَجْلِي، الصِّيَامُ لِي، وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ، وَالْحَسَنَةُ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1894

Charity (Zakat):

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ قَالَ اللَّهُ أَنْفِقْ يَا ابْنَ آدَمَ أُنْفِقْ عَلَيْكَ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Allah said, ‘O son of Adam! Spend, and I shall spend on you.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 5352

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزًّا وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as saying: Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.

Sahih Muslim 2588

Pilgrimage (Hajj):

عن ابی هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ “‏ مَنْ حَجَّ لِلَّهِ فَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ يَفْسُقْ رَجَعَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Whoever performs Hajj for Allah’s pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 1521

Voluntary Acts of Worship:

عَنْ عَائِشَةَ ـ رضى الله عنها ـ أَنَّهَا قَالَتْ سُئِلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ أَدْوَمُهَا وَإِنْ قَلَّ ‏”‏‏.‏ وَقَالَ ‏”‏ اكْلَفُوا مِنَ الأَعْمَالِ مَا تُطِيقُونَ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated `Aisha: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allah?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, ‘Don’t take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 6465

Remembrance and Supplication:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ سَبَّحَ اللَّهَ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلاَةٍ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَحَمِدَ اللَّهَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ وَكَبَّرَ اللَّهَ ثَلاَثًا وَثَلاَثِينَ فَتِلْكَ تِسْعَةٌ وَتِسْعُونَ وَقَالَ تَمَامَ الْمِائَةِ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ غُفِرَتْ خَطَايَاهُ وَإِنْ كَانَتْ مِثْلَ زَبَدِ الْبَحْرِ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as saying: If anyone extols Allah after every prayer thirty-three times, and praises Allah thirty-three times, and declares His Greatness thirty-three times, ninety-nine times in all, and says to complete a hundred:” There is no god but Allah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him is praise due, and He is Potent over everything,” his sins will be forgiven even If these are as abundant as the foam of the sea.

Sahih Muslim 597a

These Hadith demonstrate the significance of various acts of worship in Islam and highlight their importance in a Muslim’s life. They emphasize the rewards and virtues associated with performing these acts sincerely and in accordance with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

3: Ethics and Morality:

Certainly! Ethics and morality are fundamental aspects of Islamic teachings, and Hadith provides guidance and references regarding ethical conduct and moral principles. Here’s an explanation of different topics related to ethics and morality in Islam, along with Hadith references:

Honesty and Truthfulness:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ إِنَّ الصِّدْقَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْبِرِّ، وَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ، وَإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيَصْدُقُ حَتَّى يَكُونَ صِدِّيقًا، وَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْفُجُورِ، وَإِنَّ الْفُجُورَ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ، وَإِنَّ الرَّجُلَ لَيَكْذِبُ، حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ كَذَّابًا ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah: The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Truthfulness leads to righteousness, and righteousness leads to Paradise. And a man keeps on telling the truth until he becomes a truthful person. Falsehood leads to Al-Fajur (i.e. wickedness, evil-doing), and Al-Fajur (wickedness) leads to the (Hell) Fire, and a man may keep on telling lies till he is written before Allah, a liar.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 6094

Kindness and Compassion:

أَنَّ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَبَّلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم الْحَسَنَ بْنَ عَلِيٍّ وَعِنْدَهُ الأَقْرَعُ بْنُ حَابِسٍ التَّمِيمِيُّ جَالِسًا‏.‏ فَقَالَ الأَقْرَعُ إِنَّ لِي عَشَرَةً مِنَ الْوَلَدِ مَا قَبَّلْتُ مِنْهُمْ أَحَدًا‏.‏ فَنَظَرَ إِلَيْهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ثُمَّ قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَنْ لاَ يَرْحَمُ لاَ يُرْحَمُ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) kissed Al-Hasan bin `Ali while Al-Aqra’ bin H`Abis at-Tamim was sitting beside him. Al-Aqra said, “I have ten children and I have never kissed anyone of them,” Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) cast a look at him and said, “Whoever is not merciful to others will not be treated mercifully.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 5997

Justice and Fairness:

“‏ يَا عَائِشَةُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ رَفِيقٌ يُحِبُّ الرِّفْقَ وَيُعْطِي عَلَى الرِّفْقِ مَا لاَ يُعْطِي عَلَى الْعُنْفِ وَمَا لاَ يُعْطِي عَلَى مَا سِوَاهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

‘A’isha, the wife of Allah’s Apostle (صلى الله عليه وسلم), reported that Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: ‘A’isha, verily Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it (kindness).

Sahih Muslim 2593

Kindness to Animals:

عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ ـ رضى الله عنهما ـ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ عُذِّبَتِ امْرَأَةٌ فِي هِرَّةٍ حَبَسَتْهَا، حَتَّى مَاتَتْ جُوعًا، فَدَخَلَتْ فِيهَا النَّارَ ـ قَالَ فَقَالَ وَاللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ ـ لاَ أَنْتِ أَطْعَمْتِهَا وَلاَ سَقَيْتِهَا حِينَ حَبَسْتِيهَا، وَلاَ أَنْتِ أَرْسَلْتِيهَا فَأَكَلَتْ مِنْ خَشَاشِ الأَرْضِ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “A woman was tortured and was put in Hell because of a cat which she had kept locked till it died of hunger.” Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) further said, (Allah knows better) Allah said (to the woman), ‘You neither fed it nor watered when you locked it up, nor did you set it free to eat the vermin of the earth.'”

Sahih al-Bukhari 2365

Avoiding Backbiting and Gossip:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ أَتَدْرُونَ مَا الْغِيبَةُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قَالُوا اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَعْلَمُ ‏.‏ قَالَ ‏”‏ ذِكْرُكَ أَخَاكَ بِمَا يَكْرَهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ أَفَرَأَيْتَ إِنْ كَانَ فِي أَخِي مَا أَقُولُ قَالَ ‏”‏ إِنْ كَانَ فِيهِ مَا تَقُولُ فَقَدِ اغْتَبْتَهُ وَإِنْ لَمْ يَكُنْ فِيهِ فَقَدْ بَهَتَّهُ ‏”‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as saying: Do you know what is backbiting? They (the Companions) said: Allah and His Messenger know best. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: Backbiting implies your talking about your brother in a manner which he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander.

Sahih Muslim 2589

These Hadith reflect the ethical and moral teachings of Islam, emphasizing the importance of honesty, kindness, justice, humility, respect for others, and compassion. They serve as a guide for Muslims to uphold high moral standards in their actions and interactions with others.

4: Personal Development

Personal development is an integral part of Islamic teachings, aiming for individual improvement and spiritual growth. Hadith offers guidance on various aspects of personal development. Here’s an exploration of these topics along with corresponding Hadith references:

Seeking Knowledge:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ ‏”‏ 

Narrated Abu Hurairah: that the Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “Whoever takes a path upon which to obtain knowledge, Allah makes the path to Paradise easy for him.”

Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2646

Modesty and Humility:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ “‏ مَا نَقَصَتْ صَدَقَةٌ مِنْ مَالٍ وَمَا زَادَ اللَّهُ عَبْدًا بِعَفْوٍ إِلاَّ عِزًّا وَمَا تَوَاضَعَ أَحَدٌ لِلَّهِ إِلاَّ رَفَعَهُ اللَّهُ ‏”‏ ‏.‏

Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) as saying: Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honor, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.

Sahih Muslim 2588

Self-Reflection and Self-Control:

عن ابی هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏”‏ لَنْ يُدْخِلَ أَحَدًا عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالُوا وَلاَ أَنْتَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ لاَ، وَلاَ أَنَا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَتَغَمَّدَنِي اللَّهُ بِفَضْلٍ وَرَحْمَةٍ فَسَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا وَلاَ يَتَمَنَّيَنَّ أَحَدُكُمُ الْمَوْتَ إِمَّا مُحْسِنًا فَلَعَلَّهُ أَنْ يَزْدَادَ خَيْرًا، وَإِمَّا مُسِيئًا فَلَعَلَّهُ أَنْ يَسْتَعْتِبَ ‏”‏‏.‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: I heard Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) saying, “The good deeds of any person will not make him enter Paradise.” (i.e., None can enter Paradise through his good deeds.) They (the Prophet’s companions) said, ‘Not even you, O Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)?. (He said, “Not even myself, unless Allah bestows His favor and mercy on me.” So be moderate in your religious deeds and do the deeds that are within your ability: and none of you should wish for death, for if he is a good doer, he may increase his good deeds, and if he is an evil doer, he may repent to Allah.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 5673

Patience and Perseverance:

وعن أبي يحيى صهيب بن سنان رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏عجبا لأمر المؤمن إن أمره كله له خير، وليس ذلك لأحد إلا للمؤمن ‏:‏ إن أصابته سراء شكر فكان خيراً له، وإن أصابته ضراء صبر فكان خيراً له‏”

Abu Yahya Suhaib bin Sinan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him”.

Riyad as-Salihin 27

Self-Improvement and Repentance:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏:‏ ‏ “‏التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لاَ ذَنْبَ لَهُ” ‏

It was narrated from Abu ‘Ubadah bin ‘Abdullah, that his father said: “The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: ‘The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.’”

Sunan Ibn Majah 4250

5: Family and Social Relations

Family and social relations hold immense importance in Islam, and Hadith provides guidance and references on these crucial aspects. Here’s an exploration of these topics along with corresponding Hadith references: 

Respect for Parents:

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ جَاءَ رَجُلٌ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَنْ أَحَقُّ بِحُسْنِ صَحَابَتِي قَالَ ‏”‏ أُمُّكَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَنْ قَالَ ‏”‏ أُمُّكَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَنْ قَالَ ‏”‏ أُمُّكَ ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالَ ثُمَّ مَنْ قَالَ ‏”‏ ثُمَّ أَبُوكَ ‏”‏‏

Narrated Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and said, “O Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Your father.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 5971

Kindness to Family Members:

قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لِأَهْلِي وَإِذَا مَاتَ صَاحِبُكُمْ فَدَعُوهُ

God’s Messenger as saying, “The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family. When one of you dies speak no ill of him.”

Mishkat al-Masabih 3252, 3253

Raising Children:

عَنْ عَمْرِو بْنِ شُعَيْبٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ جَدِّهِ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ “‏ مُرُوا أَوْلاَدَكُمْ بِالصَّلاَةِ وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ سَبْعِ سِنِينَ وَاضْرِبُوهُمْ عَلَيْهَا وَهُمْ أَبْنَاءُ عَشْرِ سِنِينَ وَفَرِّقُوا بَيْنَهُمْ فِي الْمَضَاجِعِ ‏”‏ 

Narrated Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-‘As: The Messenger of Allah (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: Command your children to pray when they become seven years old, and beat them for it (prayer) when they become ten years old; and arrange their beds (to sleep) separately.

Sunan Abi Dawud 495

Importance of Brotherhood and Unity:

عَنْ أَنَسٍ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏”‏ انْصُرْ أَخَاكَ ظَالِمًا أَوْ مَظْلُومًا ‏”‏‏.‏ قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ هَذَا نَنْصُرُهُ مَظْلُومًا، فَكَيْفَ نَنْصُرُهُ ظَالِمًا قَالَ ‏”‏ تَأْخُذُ فَوْقَ يَدَيْهِ ‏”

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “Help your brother, whether he is an oppressor or he is an oppressed one. People asked, “O Allah’s Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم)! It is all right to help him if he is oppressed, but how should we help him if he is an oppressor?” The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said, “By preventing him from oppressing others.”

Sahih al-Bukhari 2444

Good Conduct with Neighbors:

عَنْ أَبِي شُرَيْحٍ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏”‏ وَاللَّهِ لاَ يُؤْمِنُ، وَاللَّهِ لاَ يُؤْمِنُ، وَاللَّهِ لاَ يُؤْمِنُ ‏”‏‏.‏ قِيلَ وَمَنْ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ ‏”‏ الَّذِي لاَ يَأْمَنُ جَارُهُ بَوَايِقَهُ ‏”

Abu Shurayh reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said three times, “By Allah, he does not have faith!” It was said, “Who is it, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet said, “He whose neighbor is not safe from his harm.”

Sahih Bukhari: 6016

These Hadith emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties, showing kindness and respect to parents, spouses, and children, fostering unity and brotherhood in society, and even extending good conduct to neighbors. They serve as a guide for Muslims in establishing harmonious and caring relationships within their families and communities.