Erti Zuhud

Bukanlah zuhud itu dengan meninggalkan (pendapatan dan harta) yang halal, bukan juga membuang harta,

kemungkinan seorang yang kaya itu bersifat zuhud apabila hatinya kosong dari dunia (tidak mengharapkan sesuatu dari dunia dan kekayaannya untuk dunia),

dan berkemungkinan orang faqir itu adalah orang yang bersifat duniawi apabila hatinya amat berkehendakan dunia, tatkala itu hatinya segar dengan ikatan kepada dunia.

[Ibn Juzayy al-Kalbi, Al-Qawanin Al-Fiqhiyyah, hlm 471]

For more, read the full article by Ustaz Zaharuddin - Erti 'Zuhud' dan Adakah Islam Menggalakkan Miskin?

I worshiped Allaah for Fifty Years

Taken from subulassalaam.com..

Reference: Seeyar 'Alaam an Nubalaa by Al Haafidh adh Dhahabee

Nasr ibn Mahmood al Balkhee said; Ahmad ibn Harb stated:

“I worshiped Allaah for fifty years, I wasn’t able to find the sweetness of worship until I forsook three things:

1. I forsook seeking the acceptance of people, so I was able to speak the truth.

2. I forsook the companionship of the sinner, so I was able to accompany the righteous.

3. I forsook the sweetness of the life of this world, so I was able to find the sweetness of the afterlife.

Notes on Hajj 2010

The article below was written by a respected and known local ustaz who performed Hajj recently. The recent pilgrimage was his 9th. He shares his thoughts, experiences, the challenges and changes that he observed, positive and negative ones. And there are important issues raised which I have heard before in previous years through others' experiences and I feel, have to be highlighted as it concerns the affairs of every pilgrim who has strived in every way possible, to be able to perform this noble jihad for the sake of Allah Almighty. (insha Allah i'll try to work on an English version of the note soon to spread the message when I have the time - done Alhamdulillaah, located below the original) 

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Setelah 8 kali menunaikan ibadah haji, tahun ini 2010, ternyata memberi pengalaman dan pengajaran baru dan mencabar yang mengembirakan dan tidak terlepas juga yang mengecewakan. Biasalah hidup ini ada hitam putihnya. Maka tujuan nota ini dikongsi adalah sebagai menceritakan pengalaman haji tahun 2010. Ianya tidak bertujuan komersial atau menceritakan keburukan individu tertentu, hanya sekadar perkongsian yang diharapkan dapat menjadi iktibar dan tauladan.

Alhamdulillah, terlaksana sudah ibadah haji untuk tahun ini 2010 dan diharapkan agar ianya menjadi haji yang mabrur bagi semua jemaah haji pada tahun ini, amin.

Banyak perubahan yang telah berlaku. Yang paling ketara ialah pembangunan di Mekah. Di sekeliling Masjidil Haram tidak kelihatan lagi bangunan bangunan lama. Hotel-hotel terkenal dahulu seperti Aziz Khogeer, Makkah Hotel, White Palace, Safa Hotel, dan banyak lagi hotel yang didiami oleh jemaah Singapura sudah dirobohkan bagi pembangunan baru. Sekarang, yang berdekatan dengan Masjid Haram adalah hotel baru seperti Zam Zam Tower, Movenpick, Hilton (pun tak lama lagi akan dirobohkan), Mekah City Tower, Safwa, Fairmont, Meridien dan ada lagi yang saya tak ingat nama-namanya.

Bagi yang sudah lama berulang alik ke Mekah, pasti merasakan kelainan atas perubahan yang dilakukan. Ada yang rasa kurang seronok kerana seolah-olah suasana asal Mekah sudah tiada lagi. Bagi saya, perubahan lanskap tidak penting kerana yang paling utama ialah Masjid Haram itu sendiri.

Selain di kawasan Masjid Haram, pembangunan yang dilakukan oleh kerajaan Saudi adalah di kawasan Jamrah. Tempat itu dipeluaskan agar para jemaah haji mudah melakukan ibadah jamrah pada tanggal 10 hingga 13 Zulhijjah.

Itu semua cerita perubahan lanskap yang berlaku di Mekah yang bagi saya, memang wajar dilakukan untuk mempermudahkan lagi dan memberi keselesaan yang sebaik mungkin kepada jemaah haji seluruh dunia.

Namun, sudut lain juga terdapat perubahannya. Sudut itu ialah manasik haji. Sepanjang pengalaman saya, memang terdapat perubahan yang sedikit demi sedikit sehingga akhirnya menjadi virus kepada manasik haji. Dalam bab haji, kita semua sudah dipesan oleh Nabi s.a.w yang maksudnya ialah, “Hendaklah kamu mengambil dariku manasik kamu”. Hadis riwayat Imam Muslim. Maksudnya ialah lakukan ibadah haji serta tirulah gaya dan caranya menurut apa yang telah diajarkan dan ditunjukkan oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.

Dalam bab solat juga Nabi s.a.w pernah bersabda dengan maksudnya, “Solatlah kamu sepertimana kamu melihat aku solat.” Hadis Muttafaq ‘Alaih.

Saya cuba memikirkan mengapa di dalam bab solat dan haji, Nabi s.a.w mengingatkan agar diikuti betul-betul apa yang ditunjukkan, manakala ibadah lain seperti zakat dan puasa tidak diperincikan.

Saya berpendapat dan ini pendapat peribadi saya, cabaran solat dan haji lebih besar dari cabaran zakat dan puasa. Dalam al-Quran disebut mengenai solat yang disifatkan sebagai berat dan beban ke atas manusia kecuali mereka yang khusyuk. Haji pula disifatkan oleh Nabi s.a.w sebagai jihad. Manakala zakat dan puasa pula tidak disifatkan sebegitu. Pastinya, orang yang faham akan maksud syariat akan sentiasa akur dan cuba sedaya mungkin untuk melaksanakan ibadah menurut apa yang telah diajarkan oleh Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.

Inilah yang berlaku dalam musim haji setiap tahun, pasti ada sahaja kedengaran kaedah dan ajaran baru diperkenalkan. Yang saya pelik, boleh pula diterima orang. Sedangkan kalau dinasihatkan supaya mengikut Sunnah Nabi s.a.w, bermacam-macam alasan diberikan. Ajaran-ajaran baru itu semua dikatakan terdapat di dalam kitab-kitab fiqh dan hadis-hadis ahkam.  

Persoalan saya, adakah semua maklumat yang ditulis di dalam kitab-kitab itu boleh digunakan? Adakah orang yang mengajar itu faham mengenai metodologi penulisan para ulama? Inilah musibah yang melanda sebahagian manusia hari ini. Main celup sana sikit, sini sikit dan terus membuat keputusan. Sedangkan mereka tidak memahami kaedah ilmiah dalam mengeluarkan sesuatu hukum.

Contohnya, dalam bab haji, ada sebahagian jemaah dari asia tenggara yang melalui Miqat Yalamlam tidak berihram bila melaluinya. Mereka hanya berihram ketika sudah sampai di Jeddah. Pembimbing mereka mendakwa cara ini terdapat di dalam kitab karangan Imam al-Syawkani. Cuba tanya para ulama, adakah itu cara yang terbaik dan yang lebih penting, adakah ia boleh dilakukan?

Kemudian, ada pula yang mendakwa bahawa kawasan Aziziyah dan Shisha di Mekah sudah termasuk dalam kawasan Mina lantas tidak perlu bermalam lagi di khemah-khemah Mina. Hanya ke Mina untuk melontar jamrah sahaja. Itu pun ada sebahagian jemaah yang diajar untuk jamak (satukan) lontaran jamrah ketiga-tiga hari tasyriq, pada hari terakhir! Inna lillah wa inna ilaihi rajiun!

Islam sudah mudah, bagaimana hendak dimudahkan lagi? Adakah ini dinamakan jihad sepertimana yang Nabi s.a.w umpamakannya dengan Haji?

Saya boleh gambarkan tidak mustahil satu masa nanti, jemaah haji hanya meletakkan kaki sahaja di Arafah buat beberapa ketika lalu keluar terus dari Arafah sebelum tenggelam matahari! Dan akhirnya, mungkin juga nanti ada yang berpendapat, tak perlu ke Mekah, cukup sekadar niat sahaja dalam hati untuk menunaikan haji, sama seperti dakwaan kumpulan ajaran sesat mengenai solat hanya perlukan niat sahaja!

Inilah yang berlaku, semakin tahun, semakin mudah dan gampang gayanya orang melakukan haji. Saya lihat ianya bukan salah para jemaah, tetapi ianya salah orang yang membawa jemaah itu kerana jemaah hanya tahu ikut sahaja. Lebih malang lagi tahun ini, saya diberitahu oleh salah seorang jemaah, ada yang ditipu hanya dengan alasan hendak mempermudahkan operasi agensi mereka semata-mata! KepadaMu ya Allah kami mohon keselamatan dan keampunan.

Bagi saya, inilah ujian untuk saya tahun ini. Melihat perubahan yang berkaitan dengan ibadah sudah mula membiak. Kecewa dan marah rasanya. Jika tidak dibendung dan dikembalikan kepada ajaran sebenar Nabi s.a.w, maka akan kelihatan banyak lagi perkara-perkara pelik pada masa akan datang.

Saya rasa bertanggungjawab untuk berkongsi sama perkara ini agar bakal jemaah haji tidak tersilap langkah. Jangan jadi bak kata pepatah, ‘indah khabar dari rupa’ kerana setiap tahun, saya didatangi dan ditanya oleh jemaah-jemaah yang merasakan sendiri ada kelainan pada cara manasik haji mereka. Apa yang diajarkan di dalam kursus menerusi kitab-kitab semuanya sama tetapi bila sampai ke praktikalnya di Mekah lain pula jadinya. Tahun ini pun cerita yang sama. Ada segelintir jemaah yang mengenali saya bertanya itu dan ini mengenai manasik yang mana mereka merasakan apa yang mereka alami tidak seperti yang mereka pelajari.

Ada yang menyangka bahawa terdapat sekatan atau semacam polisi dari pihak kerajaan Saudi untuk tidak membenarkan jemaah buat itu dan ini. Untuk makluman semua, itu semua tidak berlaku sama sekali. Tidak ada sekatan untuk berihram di dalam pesawat, tidak ada sekatan untuk bermalam di Mina, tidak ada sekatan untuk bermalam di Muzdalifah, tidak ada sekatakan untuk melontar jamrah pada kesemua hari-hari wajib melontar, tidak ada sekatan untuk solat di dalam Masjid Haram dan seterusnya tiada sekatan lain. Hanya tahun ini saya lihat, Hijir Ismail sahaja ditutup.

Jika jemaah haji dihalang kerana masalah keselamatan atau polisi kerajaan Saudi, maka itu bukan salah agensi kerana seperti yang kita tahu, semua yang memasuki Saudi perlu mematuhi undang-undang Negara itu.

Oleh itu teman-teman sekalian, sila pastikan agar anda semua bersiap sedia dengan ilmu pengetahuan yang betul mengenai manasik haji. Belajarlah dengan ramai guru. Kemudian, sebelum memilih mana-mana agensi, istikharahlah kepada Allah minta petunjuk agensi mana yang patut dipilih. Selanjutnya, pastikan agensi yang dipilih itu jujur dalam memberi informasi mengenai perjalanan haji mereka. Jangan cerita di Singapura lain, di Mekah/Madinah lain pula jadinya. Belanja haji bukannya murah, maka adalah wajar dan berbaloi jika kita tahu kemana perginya wang kita bagi memastikan haji kita haji yang sempurna dari awal hingga akhir.

Sebenarnya banyak lagi perkara-perkara pelik yang disampaikan kepada jemaah tapi cukuplah sekadar ini sahaja buat kali ini.

Sekali lagi saya ulangi, ini sekadar menceritakan pengalaman yang berdasarkan fakta yang dialami oleh saya sendiri. Apa yang saya ceritakan bukan andaian tetapi satu realiti yang berlaku. Cerita saya ini juga bukan bertujuan komersial atau hendak mengaibkan sesiapa tapi sekadar menjadikan iktibar mana yang kurang elok marilah diperbaiki kerana hidup ini tidak lama dan kita semua bertanggungjawab kepada Allah kelak akan apa yang kita kerjakan di dunia.

Aqulu qauli haza wa Astaghfirullah al-Azhim wa jami’ al-muslimin wa al-muslimat..

Semoga Allah mengampunkan dosa-dosa kita semua dan merahmati kita selalu. Amin.


al-faqir ila Allah:

Mustazah Bahari

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(English translated version, some additional words here and there but the main message remains)



Having performed hajj 8 times already, this time, in the year 2010, it definitely brings with it, new experiences, lessons and challenges. Similarly to the reality of ups and downs in life, some are positive while others are regretful.


The purpose of me sharing this note is to relate my experiences of Hajj 2010. It’s not intended for commercial purposes or to reveal the depravity of a certain individual but just as a sharing with hope that it would be bring us all lessons and reminders.


Alhamdulillah, the pilgrimage for this year, 2010 have been completed and may it be a ‘hajj mabroor’ (that it’d be accepted) for all the pilgrims, Amin.


There have been so many changes. The most distinct is the development of the city of Makkah. There no longer exist many of the old buildings that were once normally seen around Masjidil Haram. Former well-known hotels where Singaporean pilgrims would normally occupy, such as Aziz Khogee, Makkah Hotel, White Palace, Safa Hotel and many others have been demolished to make way for the new development plans. Currently, the nearest hotels to Masjidil Haram are new hotels such as Zam Zam Tower, Movenpick, Hilton (which would soon be demolished), Makkah City Tower, Safwa, Fairmont, Meridien and many others which names I’ve already forgotten.


For those who haven’t had a returned trip to Makkah for a while, they would surely feel a difference due to the new developments. Some pilgrims who had done so, disliked the new environment as they preferred the old ambiance that previously existed. Personally, the changes in landscape are not as important as Masjidil Haram itself.


Other than the areas around Masjidil Haram, new expansions have been made to the Jamaraat area by the Saudi government. The Jamaraat area has been vastly expanded to accommodate the increase in pilgrims and for more ease and comfort in performing hajj from the 10th to 13th Dzulhijjah. These are some of the changes in landscape that have happened in Makkah, which to me, are relevant and will provide a safer and better experience for all the pilgrims around the world.


From another context, in the rites of Hajj, there also exist changes. In all of my experiences, I’ve noticed changes, which have increased little by little and until now, it has become a harmful virus towards the rites of Hajj. In the chapter of Hajj, we have all been reminded by our Prophet sallallaahu’alayhi wasallam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which translates to, “Take from me your ‘manaasik’(rites)”. [Hadeeth Muslim]. It means that we have to perform Hajj according to how Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) have demonstrated and taught.


In the chapter of Solat (Prayers), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) have also said (translated), “Perform prayers as how you have seen me performed it.” [Hadeeth Muttafaq ‘Alaih (Bukhari & Muslim)]


I’ve tried to reflect, as to why, in the chapters of Prayers and Hajj, the Prophet sallallaahu’alayhi wasallam reminded us in great detail, to be attentive in following the correct way while in other rituals such as Zakat and Fasting, it had not been done similarly.


I’ve resolved on the matter and this is only from my own perspective, the reason is that the challenges that comes with performing Solat and Hajj is much bigger than the challenges in performing Zakat and Fasting. In the Qur’an, there’s a reference about Prayers which was described as a heavy burden for humans except for those who are devoted. As for Hajj, it was described by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as a form of Jihad (strive for spiritual perfection). And it was not described to such extent for both Zakat and Fasting.


Surely, those who understands the conditions and laws of Allah will always acknowledge a certain ruling or hadeeth and try their best to perform the Islamic rituals according to what have been taught by Allah through the Qur'an and Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).


However, for every different Hajj season, there’ll always be stories heard about a new form of practice or ruling that have been taught and utilized. What’s odd is that people actually accepted it as a correct form of practice. Whilst when they were reminded to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), all sorts of reasons would be given. These new forms of practice are said to be found in books of Fiqh and Hadeeths Rulings.


The question is, are all the information which were written in those books valid for use? Do the people who are teaching from those books understand regarding the writing methodology of past scholars? This is the disaster that is sweeping among some of the people today. They’d simply take information from here and there and make a decision regarding a ruling. While the actual fact is that they don’t really understand the academic conditions in deriving a certain ruling.


For example, in the chapter of Hajj, there exist some pilgrims from South East Asia who passed by Miqaat Yalamlam without being in a state of ihram while passing it. They’d only start being in a state of ihram when they’d arrived in Jeddah. Their guide would claim that the opinion for this practice is stated in a book by Imam al-Syawkani. Try to ask the prominent scholars, is that the best way and more importantly, can it be utilized?


Then there are those who claim that the area of Aziziyyah and Shisha in Makkah are included in the areas of Mina hence, there’s no need to stay the night in the camps of Mina. The only requirement is to head to Mina for the stoning ritual at the Jamaraat area. What’s even ‘better’, is that some of the groups of pilgrims were taught to combine all three days of stoning ritual in the days of Tasyriq into one day, in the final day of Tasyriq! Inna lillaahi wa inna ilaihi raaji’oon!


Islam is already simple, how can it be possible for it to be simplified further? Can this type of Hajj be termed as the form of Jihad which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) described?


I can imagine that it’s not impossible if one day, the pilgrims would only have to place a foot in Arafah for a moment, then immediately leave Arafah before the sun sets! And maybe there will even be those who will give an opinion that there’s no need to go to Makkah but the intention in the heart would suffice for the completion of Hajj, similar to the claims made by a deviant sect regarding prayers. That it’s enough just by one’s intentions!


These are some of the things that are happening, year after year. It seems that for some, Hajj is getting easier and more relaxing. I observe that for most cases, the pilgrims were not at fault. It is more towards those who are responsible over the pilgrims as most of the pilgrims don’t know much and only follow. Worse, for this year, I’ve been told by a pilgrim that there were some who were cheated just for the selfish desires of the travel agent! Only to You oh Allah, do we hope for safety and forgiveness.


For me, it was a test, seeing changes especially when it involves the rites of worship, spreading. It’s disappointing and exasperating. If it’s not controlled and returned to the correct teachings of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), we will see more of such odd instances in the future.


I feel it’s a responsibility to share this with the hope that future pilgrims will not make a mistake. Don’t make the wrong choice regarding travel agencies, which may actually be just ‘a flash in a pan’ (Something that shows potential or looks promising in the beginning but fails to deliver anything in the end.) because every year, pilgrims come to me and ask me about this and that as they themselves have felt something amiss in the way that they have been brought about in performing Hajj. Whatever that they have been taught through their courses were similar to the general teachings but when it comes to the practical part in Makkah, it turned out differently. It was the same for this year. There were a number of pilgrims who knows me, who asked about this and that regarding the rites of Hajj they’d performed which they felt wasn’t the same as to what they have learnt.


There were also those who assumed that there exists some form of red-tape or policies from the Saudi Government not to allow the pilgrims to do this or that. For your information, all those assumptions did not happen at all. There are no restrictions to be in a state of ihram in the plane, no restrictions to stay the night in Mina, no restrictions to stay the night in Muzdalifah, no restrictions for the stoning rituals at Jamaraat for all the obligatory days of stoning, no restrictions to pray in Masjidil Haram and similarly about other assumptions. The only restriction that’s apparent for this year is the closure of Hijr Ismail during the Hajj period.


If the pilgrims were restricted due to safety concerns or certain policies from the Saudi government, then that would not be the fault of the travel agency but as we all know, we are all bounded by the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia once we enter the country.


Therefore my friends, please be sure and to be completely prepared with the proper knowledge about the rites of Hajj. Learn with different teachers or asatizahs. Then, before choosing any travel agency, perform istikharah to Allah for guidance as to which agency you should choose. Also, make sure that the agency of choice is honest and regular with the information and service that they provide regarding the Hajj journey. Ensure from the experiences of previous pilgrims, for example, whether what’s been said back in Singapore does/does not occur once in Makkah or Madeenah. The expenditure for Hajj is not cheap; therefore it is a necessary and worthy practice to ensure that our money is well spent to ensure a good journey from start to finish, more importantly, the completion of Hajj according to the best of manners and practices taught by the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)


Actually there were many other odd practices that I would like to share but it’s enough for now.


Once again, I repeat, that this is written only to relate facts that are based on my own experiences. What I’ve related are not assumptions but a true reality of what is happening. My story is not for commercial purposes or to humiliate anyone but just as a reminder for us all. Let’s strive to improve ourselves to be better as life is short and we are all responsible to Allah for everything that we do here in this world.


Aqulu qauli haza wa Astaghfirullah al-Azhim wa jami’ al-muslimin wa al-muslimat..


May Allah forgive all our sins and be merciful to us always. Amin.



al-faqir ila Allah:


Mustazah Bahari 

The Best of the Best

Article taken from islamicemirate.com focusing more on the commentary of the 100 hadeeths gathered for the article.

by Abu Eesa Niamatullah

Have you ever wondered to yourself what it actually means to be the best?

When we are told that ‘this is the best’ or ‘that was the greatest’ or ‘this will bring the most benefit’ etc, have you ever thought who on Earth gave such people/editors the authority to tell us that? In an age when we have a plethora of ‘Top 10’ or ‘Top 100’ lists on everything from cars to films, from foods to places, one wonders where is that list that will really provide some benefit to us in this current short life and the next very long one.

Well, wait no more. Below, from a choice of hundreds of narrations from our beloved Prophet Muhammad (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) you can find 100 hadīth, in no particular order of merit, detailing ways on exactly how to become the best, how to have the most excellent characteristics, what really will prove most beneficial for us to know, what really are the greatest things to think about and hope for and indeed, how to become the most beloved of people to our Magnificent Creator, Allāh jalla wa ‘alā.

No more subjectivity, no more empty statements; just the divine criteria of what really is the best as developed by the very best himself, Sayyidinā Muhammad al-Mustapha (‘alayhi salātullāh).

So go on, don’t be ordinary. Don’t be common. Don’t be a chamcha…

Be the best.

Commentary on ‘The Best of the Best’.

It is clear that there are a few narrations that require further elucidation as to their meanings so below, I will add a few notes to those hadith which need it.

Sayyidina Muhammad (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us:


1. “The best of the Muslims is he from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe.” (Muslim)

This hadith re-affirms the sanctity of the Believer, in fact there is nothing more valuable in the Deen than a life, which is why it is permissible to perform kufr in order to save ones life and yet one is not to be prayed over if he takes his ‘own’ life in an act of suicide. This sanctity has to be protected not just from the weapons of another (the ‘hand’) but also the tongue which is a destructive force in itself. In fact, the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) informed us that many people would be in the Fire of Hell due simply to what their tongues uttered.

Hence, anyone who controls himself i.e. his anger and passion, as well as his tongue, has indeed achieved the very best during this worldly life in which so many people ruin their Hereafter by spilling the blood and honour of other Muslims.

2. “The best of people are those with the most excellent character.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

Indeed, few things have been as emphasised by the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as having good conduct, excellent manners, displaying bravery and honour in fact all possible characteristics which embellish the external so as to make it a worthy carrier of the weighty and priceless message contained within, i.e. the Deen of Islam.

How many times did we see a people loved for their good character and yet how many Muslims today ruin their relations with all and sundry with their distinct lack of adab?

3. “The best of people are those that bring most benefit to the rest of mankind.” (Dāraqutni, Hasan)

Note that this is not just bring benefit to Muslims but to be beneficial to all of mankind; in these times of relative prosperity, the Muslims should be leading the field in education and development in order to revive our marvellous heritage of giving mankind so many tools to help make modern society progress.

How sad it is then, that today either we are forced to prioritise and take care of those who cannot even secure stability in their lives in the occupied lands whereas other eminent Muslims in the Western lands, seem to progress yet forget their ultimate objectives and aims as they fall for the allure of empiricism and material gain, and forget their Lord, the Master of all the Worlds.


4. “The best of people are those who are best in fulfilling (rights).” (Ibn Mājah, Sahīh)

This hadith refers to those who pay their debts on time (or early), those who stick to their promises, those who fulfill their contracts as agreed as well as those who ensure the rights of others are met such as visiting the sick, giving sincere advice etc.


5. “The best of people during fitnah is a man who takes up the reins of his horse pursuing the enemies of Allāh, causing them fear yet they make him fearful too, or a man who secludes himself in the desert fulfilling the rights of Allāh upon him.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

The word fitnah can mean a variety of things such as a trial, a test, tribulation, civil strife etc, all coming from its root meaning in the Arabic which is to treat and melt metal ore to remove impurities and bring out any gold if present. Likewise, a fitnah in the Deen might be a test of some sort for a people or even an individual to try him and see whether his impurities can also be melted away and his true core values of excellence such as patience, wisdom, bravery, and sacrifice can all be allowed to come forth.

In the above example, the first type of fitnah is that of Jihād where the Muslims are called upon to defend their religion, despite their love or hatred of warfare. The man above is scared yet he goes forth for the sake of his Lord and will be rewarded handsomely for this ultimate sacrifice – by giving his life.

The second man is experiencing the other popular form of fitnah which would be between the Muslims themselves, often political in nature between two parties claiming to be on the truth. This form of strife afflicted the Sahabah during the murder of ‛Uthmān and Husayn (radhy Allāhu ‛anhuma) yet the senior Companions at those times such as ibn Abbas, Abu Hurayrah and ibn ‛Umar would always refrain from getting involved and taking sides. They would confine themselves to their houses (and as in other narrations, one should go to the furtherest mountain peaks or the deepest corners of the house) and continue to worship Allāh as sincerely and best as possible.

This is a hadīth which we also can implement in our lives with all the different levels of fitnah that we are exposed to in our local communities here in the West between differing parties, gaining reward as opposed to losing all our hasanāt and carrying the burden of the sins of others.

6. “The best of mankind is my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come a people after them who will become avaricious, who will love gluttony, and who will give witness before they are asked for it.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

The verb يتسمنون (yatasammanun) in this hadith suggests everything that avarice purports to be: becoming neglectful and heedless to the important things in life as one descends into material delights, becoming greedy, lethargic and ultimately taking this life to be his final goal instead of the Hereafter. Over-eating is a key aspect to this, and hence becoming fat, obese and gluttonous as so many Muslims have unfortunately become, even (or shall I say especially?) the religiously ‘practising’ of them, is just confirming the sad reality of this Prophetic narration.


7. “The best of people are those who live longest and excel in their deeds, whereas the worst of people are those who live longest and corrupt their deeds.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

Ask for a long life but make sure it’s spent doing good – not bad!

8. “The best of women are those that please him (her husband) when he sees her, obeys him when she is commanded, and who does not secretly betray him with regards to herself and her money in that which he dislikes.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

9. “The best of women are those that please you when you see them, obey you when commanded, and who safeguard themselves and your money in your absence.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

The second hadith here covers the wealth of the husband as well as her own wealth; it also asks of the Muslim women to make that extra effort in order to safeguard the relationship. Naturally, this has to be taken in conjunction with the man fulfilling all of the rights of his wife as well, something which most men in our morally bereft world have totally forgotten and neglected, yet miraculously seem to remember everything the wife should do…

10. “The best of marriages are the easiest ones.” (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

This doesn’t necessarily mean simple and basic, but rather it should be according to what you can afford to do comfortably. Extravagance and lavishness is not permissible for anyone, yet it is even more ridiculous from those who will have to take out loans simply to maintain the ‘image’.


11. “The best of your dates is the Borniyyū date; it expels disease yet does not contain any disease itself.” (Hākim, Hasan)

Little is known about this date except that is a yellow/red coloured circular-shaped date, soft and fleshy, extremely sweet and according to Imām Abu Hanīfah (rahimahullāh), originally hails from Persia. It is narrated as barniyyū and borniyyū, and is probably an arabicized word with Persian roots.

If you can get hold of some, please share them with your friends. Note: this author is very much your best friend.

12. “The best of your garments are those which are white; shroud your dead in them and clothe your living with them. The best of that which you apply to your eyelids is antimony causing the eyelashes to grow and sharpening the eyesight.” (Ibn Hibbān, Sahīh)

Antimony is what we know as Kohl, or surma in Urdu, and is subject to much difference of opinion between the Imams as to the etiquette with respect to the timings of applying it.

13. “The best quality of your religion is scrupulousness.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

Wara‛ is a word almost synonymous with taqwa i.e. to be constantly in a state of God-conciousness, continually being aware of what one says and does. Wara’ adds that extra dimension of being very careful and cautious in your actions, always preferring the safe option instead of taking any risks – indeed a difficult but noble principle.


14. “The best of your religion is that which is easiest.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

Being too strict and harsh often causes problems, usually causing conflict and rancour which are the last things you want to create in setting a good example. Think about this carefully in your relations and da’wah to your family and friends, not meaning thereby that you throw away the high standards of Islam that must always be upheld, but rather that it is Allah who guides and not you, and if it wasn’t for Him jalla wa ‘ala, then maybe you’d be even more lost than the one in front of you.

This hadith also specifically refers to the Muslim during his choice of certain acts of optional worship. Often people over-burden their selves by avoiding the ‘easy’ option and then end up suffering from burn-out, having in fact done nothing at all.

15. “The best of the prayer lines for men are the first rows, the worst being the final rows. The best of the prayer lines for women are the final rows and the worst are the first rows.” (Muslim)

16. “The best prayers for women are those performed in the most secluded parts of their houses.” (Ibn Khuzaymah, Sahīh)

Although women are allowed to come to the Mosques, they will obtain more reward for those very prayers when performed at home.


17. “The best of you in Islām are those who are most excellent in character as long as you deeply understand the religion.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

18. “The best of you are the best of you in fulfilling (rights).” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

19. “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best of you to my family.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

20. “The best of you are my generation, then those that follow them and then those that follow them. Then there shall come after them a people who will betray and be untrustworthy, will give witness even though they have not been asked to, will make vows yet will not fulfil them and obesity will appear amongst them.” (Bukhāri)

The reason that ‘giving witness before being asked to give so’ is sometimes seen as blameworthy (see later) is because it represents the mindset of certain people who do not appreciate the importance and gravity of being a witness, rushing to make a statement often to secure their own interests or even to make false testimony, which is from the major sins. This kind of attitude fits the one who becomes totally neglectful in his religion as previously explained, even falling towards hypocrisy itself by not fulfilling promises and vows, may Allah protect us all from that, Ameen.


21. “The best of you are those who feed others and return greetings.” (Abu Ya‛lā, Hasan)


22. “The best of you is he from whom good is anticipated and safety from his evil is assured; the worst of you is he from whom nothing good is expected and one is not safe from his evil.” (Tirmidhi,Sahīh)


23. “The best thing mankind has been given is excellent character.” (Hākim, Sahīh)


24. “The best of that which you treat yourself with is cupping.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

This is a science which is making a comeback at the present time, masha’Allah, despite the attempts of some to write it off as an ‘invalid’ medical procedure. Many students of knowledge have cupping done regularly, especially for the memory, and have always reported favourable results. There is an increasing need for society to return to the more natural ‘Eastern’ understanding of medicine as opposed to the ‘Western’ notion of simply trying to produce a pill for every possible complaint.


25. “The best of journeys undertaken are to this Mosque of mine and the Ancient House.” (Ahmad,Sahīh)

To visit the Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah is an act of ‘ibādah itself, each prayer equivalent to 1000 prayers and then 100,000 prayers at the Ka’bah in Makkah within the Haram area.


26. “The best of which man can leave behind for himself are three: a righteous child who supplicates for him, an ongoing charity whose reward continues to reach him and knowledge which others benefit from after him.” (Ibn Hibbān, Hasan)

27. “The best Mosques for women are the most secluded parts of their houses.” (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

28. “The best of the world’s women are four: Maryum bint ‛Imrān, Khadījah bint Khuwaylid, Fātimah bint Muhammad and Āsiyah the wife of Fir‛awn.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

29. “The best of days that you should perform cupping are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month. I did not pass a single gathering of angels on the night of Isrā’ except that they would say to me, ‘O Muhammad, perform cupping!’” (Ahmad, Sahīh)


30. “The best day on which the Sun has risen is Friday; on it Ādam was created, on it Ādam was made to enter Paradise and on it he was expelled. The Hour will not be established except on Friday.” (Muslim)


31. “Verily, the best of perfume for men is that which is strong in smell and light in colour, and the best of perfume for women is that which is strong in colour and light in smell.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

32. “The most beloved of religions according to Allāh the Most High is the ‘easy and flexible religion.’” (Ahmad, Hasan)

The word al-Hanīfiyyat’l-Samha refers to the religion which is not only pure monotheism, perfectly exhibited by al-Hanīf Ibrahīm (‘alayhis-salām) but to remember that it is a religion of ease and flexibility. Hanīfiyyah finds its roots in ‘diverting and bending away’, here meaning to bend away from the prevalent polytheism found in society. Samha means that it is ‘easy’, ‘considerate’, ‘flexible’.

Hence after the previously revealed laws/religions, only Islām perfects life with the beauty of worshipping the Creator alone, establishing that pure relationship of servitude and love and yet calls one to be easy with the creation and hence perfecting societal relations.

33. “The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh are the continuous ones, even if they are little.” (Agreed upon)

The upshot of being ‘easy’ upon ourselves in our worship is to recognise that to be strict and even ‘extreme’ upon ourselves almost always leads to burnout and a total misalignment of our priorities, thereby gaining the anger of Allah as opposed to his pleasure! What use are long hours of Tahajjud when you can’t wake up for Fajr? What use is being extreme in the hours you study if you can’t appropriate quality time for the correct upbringing of your children?

Everything should always be in balance, and likewise a small yet consistent and continuous action will always bring fruits as well as maintaining an enthusiasm for it, avoiding tiredness, boredom and lethargy.


34. “The most beloved of names according to Allāh are ‘Abd Allah, ‘Abd’l-Rahmān and Hārith.” (Abu Ya‛lā, Sahīh)

Stuck for a name for your new child? You have a huge bank to choose from what with all the Prophets, Sahabah as well as other names that don’t have anti-Islamic connotations; but you can’t beat the above which are the best of the lot.

35. “The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh are the prayer in its right time, then to treat the parents in an excellent manner, and then Jihād in the path of Allāh.” (Agreed upon)

The scholars have said that when the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) told us that something was the best action, this does not always mean that it is absolutely better than the rest of actions such as illustrated in this hadīth. Often, other hadīth might seem to be contradictory as orders of excellence with respect to our deeds are shown in a different order. Rather, this is to explain to us the ‘weight’ of such a good deed, a way for us to recognise its value, and not just that it is the one and only single best action ever possible in worship.

In any case, ensure the prayer is completed in its right time (which means its earliest time according to many of the scholars except the ‘Isha prayer which should be prayed as late as possible), ensure you don’t ruin your other good deeds by not fully honouring and respecting your parents, and most of all in these politically sensitive times, never forget that Jihad fi-sabīlillāh is the greatest sacrifice anyone can perform and will be the cornerstone of the revival of our Deen before the Last Day.

36. “The most beloved of deeds according to Allāh is that you die and yet your tongue is still moist from the remembrance of Allāh.” (Ibn Hibbān, Hasan)

What greater encouragement can one need to busy oneself day and night with the various adhkār (special words/speech of remembrance) taught to us by the Prophet himself. How convenient then that…

37. “The most beloved words according to Allah the Most High are four: Subhānallāh, Alhamdulillāh, Lā ilāha illallāh and Allāhu Akbar; there is no problem with which one you start with.” (Muslim)

The four great phrases which should make up the mainstay of our daily dhikr: Subhānallāh i.e. ‘Transcendent is Allah (from the imperfections of creation)!’, Alhamdulillāh i.e. ‘All Praise be to Allah’, Lā ilāha illallāh i.e. ‘There is nothing worthy of worship except Allāh’, and Allāhu Akbar i.e. ‘Allāh is the greatest.’


38. “The most beloved of speech according to Allāh is when the servant says, ‘Subhānallāhi wa bihamdihī’ (How Transcendent is Allāh and we praise him!).” (Muslim)

There are many different variations to be found in the books of dhikr, which are based upon the above core formula of ‘How Transcendent (Perfect) is Allāh (above and beyond His creation) and we praise Him.’ I have given a slightly different translation here in order to try and express the concept of Subhānallāh which has no single appropriate word in the English language. Not only is it one of the most common roots of dhikr but also one of the most difficult to translate due to the lack of any language being able to capture the exaltedness and perfection of God, especially when being compared to the utter deficiency of creation, hence He is beyond the limits of all human experience and knowledge except that which He and His Messenger inform us of.


39. “The most beloved of speech according to Allāh the Most High is that which Allāh chose for his Angels: Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī, Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī, Subhāna Rabbī wa bihamdihī.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

What can be more fitting but to emulate those who do nothing better than worshipping Allah perfectly, saying, ‘How Transcendent (and Perfect) is my Lord, and we praise Him.’

40. “The most beloved of people according to Allāh is he who brings most benefit, and the most beloved of deeds according to Allāh the Mighty, the Magnificent, is that you bring happiness to a fellow Muslim, or relieve him of distress, or pay off his debt or stave away hunger from him. It is more beloved to me that I walk with my brother Muslim in his time of need than I stay secluded in the mosque for a month. Whoever holds back his anger, Allāh will cover his faults and whoever suppresses his fury while being able to execute it, Allāh will fill his heart with satisfaction on the Day of Standing. Whoever walks with his brother Muslim in need until he establishes that for him, Allāh will establish his feet firmly on the day when all feet shall slip. Indeed, bad character ruins deeds just as vinegar ruins honey.” (Tabarāni, Hasan)

This wonderful hadīth is an article in itself so at least for now, if we can implement this hadīth in these sanctified days of Dhul Hijjah, success will be guaranteed.


41. “The most beloved of people to me is ‛Ā’ishah and from the men, Abu Bakr.” (Agreed upon)

How many reasons do we have to love this fantastic father and daughter combination? Not only was she the wife of our Prophet, the conveyor of Sunnah, the one whose purity has been attested to by our Lord, but then our own mother too! And how about the greatest man of this Ummah after the Prophets, the Truthful, the one who stood strong and affirmed when the rest hesitated, the Amīr’l-Mu’minīn, the one for whom love is part of faith itself.

How then can one fathom the sheer evil and utter misguidance of those few sects such as some of the Rāfidhah Shī‛ah who consider these two greats as the biggest enemies of Islam. We ask Allah for ‛āfiyah and ask Him to help us learn more about these two heroes of Islām by studying their life story and implementing their qualities in our lives, Ameen.


42. “The best of people in recitation are those who when they recite, you see that they fear Allāh.” (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

The best thing about this hadith is how true it proves to be anecdotally, with every Muslim having experienced that special moment as they prayed behind an ‘ordinary’ Imām, not one of the superstar reciters of the Muslim world, and yet it proves to be that unique moment of spiritual transcendence. Why? No-one knows, it’s just that at that moment, the sincerity and taqwa of the reciter just comes through and it hits the spot.

So, as well as concentrating on your Tajwīd, give a bit more time to connecting sincerely with the spiritual message and application of the words that you’re reciting in order to become that special loved one…


43. “The best of your leaders are those that you love and they love you, you supplicate for them and they supplicate for you. The worst of your leaders are those that you hate and they hate you, you curse them and they curse you.” (Muslim)

I include this because many readers out there are leaders in their own right, leaders in their communities and in their da‘wah work. So even though this hadith refers in the main to the general leaders and rulers of the Muslims, it can be extended to the leaders of the Mosques, organisations, institutes, schools, community, household and even peer groups, especially considering that the Muslims in the West have absolutely no defacto Ameer (leader) to look to and hence we must all be very careful in our individual responsibilities due to this extra burden in our minority communities.


44. “The best of you are those who are best in paying off their debts.” (Tahāwi, Sahīh)

45. “The best of you are those with the longest lives and most excellent character.” (Bazzār, Sahīh)

46. “The best of you are those with the longest lives and best in action.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

47. “The best of you are those with the softest shoulders during prayer.” (Bayhaqi, Hasan)

The meaning of this hadith according to some scholars is that your shoulders are soft enough in the prayer line so as to let a latecomer squeeze in between you, or for someone who needs to go forwards (or exit even to make wudhu etc). So as well as keep a tight line with everyones shoulders touching the next, this shouldn’t prevent those who have a need to pass through to do so and Allah knows best.

48. “The best of you are those who are best to their wives.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

49. “The best of you are those who are best to their families.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

50. “The best of you during the ‘Period of Ignorance’ are the best of you in Islām as long as they deeply understand the religion.” (Bukhāri)

‘Umar anyone?

51. “The best of you are those who learn the Qur’ān and teach it.” (Dārimi, Sahīh)


52. “The best of companions according to Allāh are those who are best to their companion and the best of neighbours according to Allāh are those that are best to their neighbour.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)


53. “The best of places are the Mosques and the worst of places are the markets.” (Tabarāni, Hasan)

54. “The best supplication on the Day of ‛Arafah and the best thing that I and the Prophets before me ever said was, ‘Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahū lā sharīka lahū, lahū’l-mulk wa lahū’l-hamd wa huwa ‛alā kulli shay’in Qadīr.’” (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

55. “The best of provision is that which suffices.” (Ahmad in ‘Zuhd’, Hasan)

56. “The best testimony is when one gives it before he is asked to do so.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

This hadith might seem contradictory to the previous narration condemning those who rush to give witness without being asked for it, yet we are dealing with two totally different scenarios.

Here, the one giving witness himself is an upright citizen who recognises the burden and difficulties of giving his word, but ultimately appreciates the responsibility placed upon him by his Lord and his people to ensure justice is meted out and oppression is banished to the side-lines. His recognition of this importance leads him to go forward to help the weak, with not a single benefit for himself – and that’s the difference.

57. “The best of dowries are the easiest.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

Again, something which is appropriate to the position of the groom. This hadith does not mean one should only get married for £5 or an iron ring (despite the protests of the romantics of you!), rather the marriage dowry should have a real intrinsic value and even more importantly, should not be above the normal capability of the groom. Note how the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) didn’t do ‘Ali any favours either when it came to the dowry of his daughter Fatimah (radhy Allahu ‘anhum) yet knowing all the time that the agreed dowry was within his capability.

58. “The best of charity is that which still leaves you self-sufficient for the upper hand is better than the lower hand; start with those you are responsible for.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

What use is giving everything that you have so that you are left begging from others? And what can a person be thinking of when he gives charity to those far away from him when those who are related to him, and hence have a double right over him according to Shari’ah go begging?

59. “The best of gatherings are those that are most open.” (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

Specifically, this hadith is indicating to both those who are present and those who have just arrived, that the circle should be so that if anyone comes late, they can join in comfortably and easily without disturbing the positions and focus of those who are present. The latecomer should also recognise that he musn’t ‘push in’ and step over the necks of the people to get to a place which he doesn’t deserve.

‘Most open’ also means that they are not closed, private and partisan but rather full of barakah, offering khayr and benefit to all and sundry, especially those who might not normally attend such a circle of Qur’an or studying law, hadith or the inner sciences. Naturally, this can only be done if those who are present make space so that no newcomer is made to feel as if he is on the fringe. Ihsan from those present, although maybe un-noticed by the newcomer, is never missed by the angels…

60. “The most beloved deed according to Allāh is to have faith in Allāh, then to maintain the ties of kinship, and then to command to good and forbid the wrong. The most abhorrent of deeds according to Allāh is to associate partners with Him, then to cut the ties of kinship.” (Abu Ya’lā, Hasan)

61. “The most beloved Jihād according to Allāh is that a word of truth be spoken to a tyrant ruler.” (Tabarāni, Hasan)

This hadith shows one of the rare instances in the Sunnah where the word Jihad is used to mean something other than fighting in the way of Islam, but yet still maintains the same concept for it is fully understood that when one does such an action direct to the tyrant ruler, it will be an almost instant yet painful death and thereby the ultimate sacrifice of his life has been given.

Note that one of the reasons that such a death is the very best of endings is due to the fact that people will remember such people who stand for the truth, not fearing the ‘blame of those who blame’, speaking that which Allah commands to despite overwhelming opposition to it. It is these such people who Allah sends to protect the priceless principles this religion has preserved, unlike every single other religion to be found.

62. “The most beloved word according to me is that which is most truthful.” (Bukhāri)


63. “The most beloved fast according to Allāh is the fast of Dāwūd; he would fast every alternate day. The most beloved prayer according to Allāh is the prayer of Dāwūd; he would sleep half the night, stand a third and then sleep for a sixth.” (Agreed upon)

64. “The most beloved dish according to Allāh is that which most hands feed from.” (Ibn Hibbān,Hasan)

Hence, not only is it liked for people/family/guests to eat from one dish, but the extra barakah is to be found with the greater amount of people eating from the same plate, not allowing those who may harbour ideas of superiority over others due to class and position to step back and eat individually due to their arrogance and ignorance. Note though, it is of course permissible to eat out of ones own dish whilst eating with others.

65. “The most beloved servant of Allāh is he who is most beneficial to his dependents.” (Zawā’id al-Zuhd, Hasan)

66. “The best of earnings is that of the labourer as long as he tries his best.” (Ahmad, Hasan)

There is simply nothing more blessed than a person who earns using his own hands, as self-independent as can possibly be, not having to rely on others.

67. “The best of all deeds is to have faith in Allāh alone, then Jihād and then an accepted Hajj; they surpass all other deeds like the distance between the rising and setting of the Sun.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

68. “The best of all deeds is the Prayer at its earliest time.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)


69. “The best of all deeds is the Prayer in its right time, to treat the Parents honourably and Jihād in the path of Allāh.” (al-Khatīb, Sahīh)


70. “The best of all deeds is that you bring happiness to your Muslim brother, pay off his debt or feed him bread.” (Ibn Adiyy, Hasan)


71. “The best of faith is patience and magnanimity.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

Magnanimity is something which if implemented fully in our society, would cause the hearts to come together and soften to one another – being easy and flexible on others, especially when it comes to societal transactions such as debts between one another, or buying something from a shopkeeper etc. To pay that little extra, or to give that extra few ounces is often such a small act yet it never fails to leave a mark on the other person; being easy and patient with others, especially those who are in difficulty, is a characteristic of person of the Garden, someone who seeks the pleasure of Allah alone through his action, despite the worldy ‘loss’ it might be.


72. “The best of days according to Allāh is Friday.” (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)

73. “The best of Jihād is that man strives against his soul and desires.” (Daylami, Sahīh)

74. “The best Hajj is that with the most raised voices and flowing blood.” (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

Hajj as an act of ‘ibādah has those uniquely contrasting periods of intense private moments with our Creator as well as some of the most public and open actions we will ever be required to perform. It is Sunnah to recite the Talbiyyah as loud as possible throughout the Hajj days until one stones the Jamrat’l-’Aqabah; likewise, the sacrifice is a very outwardly act, that is done with speed and confidence (to minimise the suffering of the animals) hence ‘flowing blood.’

75. “The best of supplications is that of on the Day of ‘Arafah, and the best thing that was said by myself and the Prophets before me was, “Lā ilāha illallāh wahdahū lā sharīka lahū.” (There is nothing worthy of worship except Allah alone, He has no partners.) (Mālik, Hasan)

76. “The best of dinars are: the dinār spent by a man upon his dependents, the dinār spent by a man upon his horse in the path of Allāh and the dinār spent by a man upon his companions in the path of Allah, the Mighty, the Magnificent.” (Muslim)

77. “The best word of remembrance is: Lā ilāha illallāh and the best supplication is: Al-hamdu lillāh.” (Tirmidhi, Hasan)

78. “The best word of remembrance is: Lā ilāha illallāh and the best (expression of giving) thanks is:Al-hamdu lillāh.” (Baghawi, Hasan)

79. “The best of hours are those deep in the latter part of the night.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

Because no-one will know about your good actions such as Tahajjud, reading the Qur’an, distributing charity etc except the One who knows everything. Such deeds are the most beloved, and naturally the most difficult. It’s not easy to be the best!

80. “The best of all martyrs are those who fight in the front line; they do not turn their faces away until they are killed. They will be rolling around in the highest rooms of Paradise, their Lord laughing at them – when your Lord laughs at a servant, there is no accounting for him.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

One of the greatest rays of hope for the Islamic nation is that the virtue of Jihād i.e. sacrificing yourself for the cause of God can never be erased from the hearts of the believers, despite all the tremendous efforts of our enemies. The mischief-makers would have to erase the entire Qur’anic and Prophetic legacy to do so and good luck to them in that. Here is just another wonderful example of a hadīth extolling the virtues of those who die fighting whilst defending the cause of humanity against oppression and evil – the true aim of Jihād. They show no fear in the face of the enemy, they suppress their desires and march forward bravely in the face of adversity until their very final breath.

Note the interesting use of the Arabic word تلبط (talabbata) which literally means to roll around on the floor, or wallow in dust or mud etc. This word has appeared in the hadīth literature on a few occasions, most notably in the famous hadīth of Mā‘iz where the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not curse him! Rather, he is rolling around in the gardens of Paradise!” i.e. rolling around, almost deliriously happy as one would do when they have not a single care in the world. And what care would he have after he has reached the ultimate goal, passed the final test, and has nothing but sheer joy and delight to look forward to for infinity!

Can it get any better? Well, it does! For not only that but our Lord then starts to Laugh with us at our joy and satisfaction with that which He has promised us. I mean, can you like imagine that?!

Allahu Akbar.

81. “The best of all martyrs is he whose blood is shed and whose horse is slaughtered.” (Tabarāni,Sahīh)

82. “The best of all charity is the shade of a canopy (provided) in the path of Allāh, the Mighty and Magnificent, to gift ones servant in the path of Allāh and to gift ones she-camel in the path of Allāh.” (Ahmad, Hasan)

83. “The best of all charity is that which is given to the relative that harbours enmity against you.” (Ahmad, Sahīh)

To give charity or a gift to someone who likes you and you like them is no doubt a good action, but it’s not very difficult is it? Now change it to someone who can’t stand you, for no good reason, and hence they’re not really going to be number one in your good books are they?

Islam offers real solutions to these everyday difficult scenarios that we face, often requiring us to transcend the norm, the standard apathetic arrogance that we all suffer from, and for us to lower ourselves, to become humble, and to make the first step. Always, the one who makes the first move gets the greater reward and this is no different; charity to such a person is a great swallowing of pride on your behalf and often rather than not, will have a lasting impression on someone who will soon realise how silly they have been.

84. “The best of all charity is that you give it while you are healthy and desirous (of that money), hoping to become wealthy but fearing poverty. Don’t delay until you are about to breathe your last and then you say, ‘This is for ‘so and so’ and this is for ‘so and so’’, for indeed, it has already been written that ‘so and so’ would receive that.” (Abu Dāwūd, Sahīh)

This hadith is explaining the situation of someone who is happy, healthy, and wealthy and hence in an optimum position to give money away for the sake of Allah, despite wanting to save more and more in his time of success. This is sacrifice number one.

Then we have the variation of such a person who holds out on sharing any good with the rest of his family and society but when the time comes for him to move on to the Hereafter, he believes that he’s doing everyone some kind of favour by giving them their God-assured right of the inheritance, even though Allah ‘azza wa jall had decreed that whether he was to give it willingly or unwillingly.

How strange!

85. “The best of all charity is when the one with little strives to give; start with those you are responsible for.” (Hākim, Sahīh)

86. “The best charity is to provide water.” (Ibn Mājah, Hasan)

87. “The best prayer after the obligatory ones is the prayer in the depth of the night, and the best fast after the month of Ramadhān is the month of Allah, Muharram.” (Muslim)

88. “The best prayer is the prayer of the man in his home except for the obligatory prayer.” (Nasā’ī,Sahīh)

The one who prays all his sunnah prayers in the Mosque should really reconsider his action and try to avoid turning his house into a graveyard.


89. “The best prayer is that with the longest standing.” (Muslim)

Not only is the Qiyam (i.e. all sections of the rak’ah where you stand) a pillar and integral of the prayer, but to elongate it by reciting extra Qur’an therein, is better than the elongation of any other section of the prayer, even the prostration.

90. “The best of all prayers according to Allāh is the Friday morning prayer in congregation.” (Ibn Nu‘aym, Sahīh)

This is a practice which not enough Muslims take heed of; how sad it is that with such a hadith, one still finds no more than a couple of rows during the Friday morning Fajr prayer at the local Mosque.


91. “The best fast is the fast of my brother Dāwūd; he would fast every alternate day and he would never flee (the battlefront) when the armies would meet.” (Tirmidhi, Sahīh)

92. “The best of all fasts after Ramadhān is in the month that you call Muharram.” (Nasā’ī, Sahīh)

93. “The best of all worship is supplication.” (Hākim, Sahīh)


94. “The best deed is the prayer in its right time and Jihād in the path of Allāh.” (Bayhaqi, Sahīh)


95. “The best of the Qur’ān is: “Al-hamdu lillāhi Rabb’l-‘Ālamīn”. (Hākim, Sahīh)

Here, the ‘part’ refers to the ‘full’ i.e. the best of the Qur’an is Surat’l-Fatihah, due to its overwhelmingly comprehensive, pure, and unique expression of praise, recognition, servitude, and request for guidance.

96. “The best of earnings is a blessed sale and that which a man earns with his hands.” (Ahmad,Sahīh)


97. “The best of the Believers is the most excellent of them in character.” (Ibn Mājah, Sahīh)

This one is a slightly different narration, this time linking character to faith itself. How often do we not pay attention to this most fundamental and vital aspect of Islam? How often have you shown excellent character and manners to your non-Muslim friends and neighbours but then treated your fellow Muslims like dirt? You want to be loved by Allāh? Sort out your manners.

98. “The best of the Believers with respect to Islām is the one from whose hand and tongue the Muslims are safe; and the best of the Believers with respect to Īmān are the most excellent of them in character; and the best of those who migrate is he who migrates from that which Allāh the Most High has prohibited; and the best of Jihād is when one strives against his soul for the sake of Allāh, the Mighty, the Magnificent.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

This hadith is very important in that it shows the different levels of a person’s religion. The minimum level, Islām, shows that if one is not to do any good to another person then at least let him do no harm. The middle level, Īmān, takes it one step further for the Believer, for good character is a positive action/effect upon others, so you are actually bringing good to others. As for the hijrah(migration) then this has been reserved for the highest level, the station of Ihsān, where the Believer migrates away i.e. avoids all that which Allah has forbidden, especially so in secret as is the standard expected from the Muhsineen.


99. “The best of mankind is the believer between two honourable persons.” (Tabarāni, Sahīh)

There has been much dispute over the meaning of ‘the two honourable persons’ but it is most likely referring to the Muslim father and Muslim son, both honourable due to their Islam, and both honourable due to their taqwa i.e. god-conciousness, especially at times of strife.

That time of strife has been described by the Prophet (sallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) as a time that will come where virtually everyone will be pursuing the ephemeral delights of this world, and the Final Hour will be very close – at such a time of fitnah, the greatest thing that mankind will have is his recognition that Allah is his Lord i.e. his Islam. Said person will only be found in such circumstances due to a great sacrifice and upbringing by his believing and indeed honourable father. Such a man will also be of substance himself if he will be able to raise a righteous son in such circumstances.

Hence, such a man is indeed from the best of mankind during that day.

100. “The best of all days in the world are the ten days (of Dhul Hijjah).” (Bazzār, Sahīh)

And Allah ‘azza wa jall knows best.

May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon his servant Muhammad, his family, his companions and all those who follow him in righteousness until the Final Day.

AE