Gratitude to Allah -- The Importance of Gratitude

Allah has bestowed upon you His great blessings and has showered you with abundant gifts, so that you may express gratitude for them. Gratitude is the purpose behind His creation and command. Allah, glorified be He, says:

وَٱللَّهُ أَخْرَجَكُم مِّنۢ بُطُونِ أُمَّهَـٰتِكُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ شَيْـًۭٔا وَجَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلسَّمْعَ وَٱلْأَبْصَـٰرَ وَٱلْأَفْـِٔدَةَ ۙ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ ٧٨

"And Allah has extracted you from the wombs of your mothers not knowing a thing, and He made for you hearing and vision and intellect that perhaps you would be grateful." 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat 78)

Allah has informed us that those who do not show gratitude to Him are not truly His sleeves. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُلُوا۟ مِن طَيِّبَـٰتِ مَا رَزَقْنَـٰكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِلَّهِ إِن كُنتُمْ إِيَّاهُ تَعْبُدُونَ ١٧٢

"And be grateful to Allah, if it is [indeed] Him that you worship." 

(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:172)

Allah praised the first messenger He sent to the earth for his gratitude. He said: 

ذُرِّيَّةَ مَنْ حَمَلْنَا مَعَ نُوحٍ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ عَبْدًۭا شَكُورًۭا ٣

"O descendants of those We carried [in the ship] with Noah. Indeed, he was a grateful servant. 

(Surah Isra: ayat 3)

He commanded His servant, Moses, to receive the prophethood and teachings with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says:

قَالَ يَـٰمُوسَىٰٓ إِنِّى ٱصْطَفَيْتُكَ عَلَى ٱلنَّاسِ بِرِسَـٰلَـٰتِى وَبِكَلَـٰمِى فَخُذْ مَآ ءَاتَيْتُكَ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ١٤٤

 "O Moses, I have chosen you over the people with My messages and My words [to you]. So take what I have given you and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf :144)

He praised His beloved, Ibrahim (Abraham), for his gratitude for His blessings. Allah says about him: 

وَمَا ذَرَأَ لَكُمْ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ مُخْتَلِفًا أَلْوَٰنُهُۥٓ ۗ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَةًۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يَذَّكَّرُونَ ١٣

[He was] grateful for His favors. Allah chose him and guided him to a straight path. 

(Surah An-Nahl:Ayat13)

Allah commanded the family of the prophet David (Dawud) to work with gratitude. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"They made for him whatever he desired of sanctuaries, statues,1 basins as large as reservoirs, and cooking pots fixed ˹into the ground˺. ˹We ordered:˺ “Work gratefully, O  family of David!” ˹Only˺ a few of My servants are ˹truly˺ grateful."

 (Surah Saba: Ayat 13)

Allah commanded His messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, to be grateful. He said to him: 

بَلِ ٱللَّهَ فَٱعْبُدْ وَكُن مِّنَ ٱلشَّـٰكِرِينَ ٦٦

"Rather, worship (only) Allah and be among the grateful." 

(Surah Zumar: Ayat 66)

The first advice that Allah gave to mankind was to be grateful to Him and to their parents. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍۢ وَفِصَـٰلُهُۥ فِى عَامَيْنِ أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ ١٤

"And be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination."

 (Surah Luqman: : Ayat 14)

The prophets also commanded their people to be grateful. Ibrahim said to his people:

إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْثَـٰنًۭا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًۭا فَٱبْتَغُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرِّزْقَ وَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لَهُۥٓ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ١٧

“You worship besides Allah nothing but idols, simply creating lies about them. Those you worship besides Allah certainly cannot give you any provision. So seek provision from Allah ˹alone˺, worship Him, and be grateful to Him. To Him you will ˹all˺ be returned.." 

(Surah Al-Ankabut: 29:17)

The best supplication is the prayer for assistance and seeking His pleasure with gratitude for His blessings and worship. Imam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "I have pondered over the most beneficial supplication, and I found it to be seeking assistance according to His pleasure. Then I saw it in the following verse:

بِسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ١

ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٢

ٱلرَّحْمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ ٣

مَـٰلِكِ يَوْمِ ٱلدِّينِ ٤

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ ٥

“In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful. All praise is for Allah—Lord of all worlds, the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful, You ˹alone˺ we worship and You ˹alone˺ we ask for help."

(Surah Al-Fatihah: Ayat 5)

When Satan, the enemy of Allah, realized the value and significance of gratitude, and that it is the most important act of worship, he made it his ultimate goal to cut people off from it. He said, ;

ثُمَّ لَـَٔاتِيَنَّهُم مِّنۢ بَيْنِ أَيْدِيهِمْ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِمْ وَعَنْ أَيْمَـٰنِهِمْ وَعَن شَمَآئِلِهِمْ ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ أَكْثَرَهُمْ شَـٰكِرِينَ ١٧

"Then I will come to them from before them and from behind them and on their right and on their left, and You will not find most of them grateful." 

(Surah Al-Araf : Ayat 17)

The grateful ones are a minority among the creation, so be among that blessed few. Allah, the Almighty, says;

يَعْمَلُونَ لَهُۥ مَا يَشَآءُ مِن مَّحَـٰرِيبَ وَتَمَـٰثِيلَ وَجِفَانٍۢ كَٱلْجَوَابِ وَقُدُورٍۢ رَّاسِيَـٰتٍ ۚ ٱعْمَلُوٓا۟ ءَالَ دَاوُۥدَ شُكْرًۭا ۚ وَقَلِيلٌۭ مِّنْ عِبَادِىَ ٱلشَّكُورُ ١٣

"And few of My servants are grateful." 

(Surah  34:13)

Every blessing that does not bring you closer to Allah is a trial. Al-Fudayl ibn 'Iyad, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "Adhere to gratitude for blessings, for a blessing that has been taken away from people and returned to them."1 When you realize that Allah continues to favour you with His blessings, even as you disobey Him, then be cautious and fear Him.

When a servant attains a position with Allah, he should preserve it and remain steadfast in it. Then, when he thanks Allah for what He has given him, Allah grants him something even better than it. But if he neglects gratitude, Allah gradually leads him astray.

Blessings are connected to gratitude, and more blessings are bestowed upon those who are grateful. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

"And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'" (Surah Ibrahim: 14:7)

Through gratitude to Allah and obedience to Him, the doors of this world and the Hereafter open up for His servant. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ ٱلْقُرَىٰٓ ءَامَنُوا۟ وَٱتَّقَوْا۟ لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِم بَرَكَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَلَـٰكِن كَذَّبُوا۟ فَأَخَذْنَـٰهُم بِمَا كَانُوا۟ يَكْسِبُونَ ٩٦

Allah says; "And if only the people of the cities had believed and feared Allah, We would have opened upon them blessings from the heaven and the earth; but they denied [the messengers], so We seized them for what they were earning." (Surah Al A'raf: Ayat 96)

References:

1. Madaarij al-Saalikeen by Ibn Qayyim (100/1)

1 Tarikh Dimashq by Ibn Asakir (446/48).

Various Acts of Obedience - What are the acts of worship that I should increase in?

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The best deeds after the obligatory ones are the voluntary acts of worship; as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Allah the Exalted has said: 'I will declare war against him who shows hostility to a pious worshipper of Mine. And the most beloved thing with which My slave comes nearer to Me is what I have enjoined upon him, and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (prayer or doing extra deeds besides what is obligatory) till I love him. When I love him I become his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks (something) from Me, I give him, and if he asks My Protection (refuge), I protect him”. 

(Al-Bukhari)1

The best voluntary acts that a servant can do are as follows:

1. Night prayer:

The voluntary prayers are among the most virtuous acts of worship in the sight of Allah. The precious hours of the night are a time of great value. Standing in prayer during the night is a characteristic of the righteous believers who are promised the gardens of eternal bliss. It is an indication of the strength of intellect and faith, and a means of drawing closer to the Lord of all worlds, as the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: “If you people greet all whom you meet, provide food, care for the wellbeing of your kindred, and pray at night when people are asleep, you will enter paradise in peace. 

(Ibn Majah)2

Among the virtues of the people of faith is their standing before Allah in the darkness. Allah, glorified be He, says: 

كَانُوا۟ قَلِيلًۭا مِّنَ ٱلَّيْلِ مَا يَهْجَعُونَ ١٧

“They used to sleep but little of the night” 

(Surah Adh-Dhariyat :Ayat 17)

The righteous used to compete in prayer and worship during the darkness of the night, finding in it a pleasure in their souls that cannot be compared to the pleasures of this world. Abu Sulayman Ad-Darani1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "By Allah, if it were not for standing in prayer at night, I would not have loved this worldly life."2

The Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, never neglected night prayer, whether during travel or at home. He would perform it while standing, sitting, and even on his feet during his journeys, even if he was not facing the qiblah.3

The righteous used to criticize those who neglected night prayer. Al-Hasan Al-Basri4, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "No one abandons night  prayer except due to a sin they have committed."1

This is based on the advice of the Prophet peace be upon him to Abdullah bin Umar2, may Allah be pleased with them both, where he said, "What an excellent man Abdullah is if he only prays at night." After that, Abdullah bin Umar would hardly sleep at night.3.

And the prophet said to Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas4, may Allah be pleased with them both, narrated: "O Abdullah, do not be like so-and-so who used to pray at night and then abandoned it." (Agreed upon)5

One of the honours of servitude to Allah is worshiping Him at night. The soul does not reach its highest honour except through its devotion to Allah. It is not fitting for a righteous young person to abandon night prayer, even if it is just for half an hour before dawn, during which they can engage in intimate conversation with their Lord at a time when the gates of the 

heavens are open. The early generations of Muslims would not forsake night prayer. Tawus1, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "I never thought that anyone would sleep during the pre-dawn hours"2

2. Abundance in Remembrance of Allah:

Remembrance of Allah is the scale of elevation and honor. It is more than what is perfumed by the tongue. It is an open door between the servant and his Lord, as long as the servant does not close it with their heedlessness. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Indeed, through remembrance, Allah Almighty grants the Remembrancer His remembrance, as He says:

فَٱذْكُرُونِىٓ أَذْكُرْكُمْ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لِى وَلَا تَكْفُرُونِ ١٥٢

“So remember Me; I will remember you.” 

[Surah Al-Baqarah : Ayat 152]

If there was nothing in remembrance except for this alone, it would be sufficient in its excellence and reward."3. By increasing in remembrance, the servant ascends in the sight of his Lord, and our Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, used to remember Allah at all times.4

Remembrance brings happiness to the heart and a sense of intimacy with Allah. Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Once Sheikh Al-Islam told me: 'I do not leave remembrance except with the intention of giving my soul rest and tranquillity, preparing myself for the remembrance to come.'"1

3. Recitation of the Holy Quran:

The holy Quran is the pillar of the Ummah (Muslim community), the source of wisdom, the sign of the message, and the light for the eyes and insights. By reciting it and acting upon it, one's status is elevated, his rank is increased, and his faith is strengthened.

The magnificent Quran is the foundation of knowledge and its branches. It is from the Quran that morals and manners are derived. Safeguarding the Book of Allah is a means of protection, by the permission of Allah, from evils and tribulations. It serves as a fortress against doubts and desires. Therefore, recite the Quran on your tongue while contemplating its meanings with your heart.

4. Fasting Three Days Every Month:

Our Lord, Almighty and Glorious, (Allah) is characterized by gratitude. He rewards abundantly for even small acts of worship. The Ummah of Muhammad, peace be upon him, is a blessed nation. They work little in a short lifespan and are rewarded greatly. They surpass other nations in the Hereafter.

One of the ways to achieve this is by fasting three days every month, which is equivalent to fasting the entire month. Each day of fasting is rewarded as if one has fasted for ten days, as a generous gift from Allah. It is a recommendation from the Prophet, peace be upon him, to Abu Hurairah2, may Allah have mercy on him. Abu Hurairah reported: "My beloved friend, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, advised me with three things: to fast three days every month, to perform the two units of Duha prayer, and to perform the Witr prayer before sleeping."(Agreed upon)1

References:

1 Book of Devotion, Chapter of Humility, Number (6502), from the Hadith of Abu Hurairah.

2 Book of Foods, Chapter of Feeding Others, Number (3251), from the Hadith of Abdullah bin Salam, may Allah have mercy on him.

Ibn Majah, full name Abu 'Abdullah Yazid ibn Majah al-Rabi'i al-Qazwini, was born 209 AH and passed away in 273 AH. Tadhkirat al-Huffaz, by Al-Dhahabi, volume 155/2. May Allah have mercy on him.

1 Abu Sulayman Abdur-Rahman bin Ahmad Ad-Darani was born in 140 AH and passed away in 215 AH. Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (182/10)

2 Az-Zuhd wal Raqaiq by Al-Khatib Al-Baghdadi (p. 94).

3 3 Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Witr, Chapter: Witr Prayer during Travel, Hadith Number (1000), and Muslim in the Book of Prayer of Travelers and Shortening it, Chapter: The Permissibility of Voluntary Prayer on a Mount during Travel, where it is directed, Hadith Number (700) from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah have mercy on them both.

4 Abu Sa'id Al-Hasan bin Abi Al-Hasan Yasar Al-Basri, a Tabi'i Imam, was born in 21 AH and passed away in 110 AH. Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (563/4)

1 Nazhat al-Majalis wa Muntakhab an-Nafa'is (120/1)

2 Abdullah bin Umar bin Al-Khattab bin Nufayl Al-Adawi Al-Qurashi was born in 3 AH and passed away in 73 AH. Al-Iṣābah fī Tamyīz aṣ-Ṣaḥābah (290/6).

3 Narrated in Sahih Bukhari, in the Book of the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), Chapter: the virtues of Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them both), Hadith number 3739; and in Sahih Muslim, in the Book of Virtues of the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them), Chapter: the virtues of Abdullah ibn Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with them both), Hadith number 2479.

4 He is Abu Muhammad Abdullah bin Amr bin Al-Aas As-Sahmi Al-Qurashi. He embraced Islam before his father. He passed away during the nights of Harrah while Yazid bin Muawiyah was the governor. Some sources mention the year 63 AH, while others mention a different year. Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-Ashab (956/3)

5 Narrated by Bukhari in the Book of Tahajjud, Chapter: Disapproval of abandoning night prayer for someone who used to perform it, Hadith Number (1152), and Muslim in the Book of Fasting, Chapter: Prohibition of Fasting Continuously without a Valid Reason, Hadith Number (1159), from the narration of Abdullah bin Amr, may Allah have mercy on with them both.

1 He is Abu Abdur-Rahman Tawus bin Kaysan Al-Farisi, and later known as Al-Yamani Al-Jundi. He passed away in 106 AH. Source: Siyar A'lam an-Nubala (49/5)

2 Ibn Rajab (420/4)

3 Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib (p. 42)

4 Narrated by Muslim in the Book of Menstruation, Chapter: Remembrance of Allah in the state of sexual impurity and other situations, Hadith Number (373), from the narration of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.

1 Al-Wabil Al-Sayyib (42).

2 Abu Hurairah, whose full name is Abu Hurairah Abdur-Rahman ibn Sakhr Al-Dawsi, embraced Islam between Al-Hudaybiyah and Khaibar. He passed away in 57 AH. Al-Isabah

fi Tamyiz Al-Sahabah (348/7)

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Tahajjud Prayer, Chapter: Duha Prayer in the City, Hadith Number (1178), and by Muslim in the Book of Travelers' Prayer and Shortening It, Chapter: The Recommendation of Duha Prayer, and that the minimum is two units, the complete is eight units, the middle is four or six units, and the emphasis on maintaining it, Hadith Number (721).

Various Acts of Obedience - Increasing in Acts of Obedience

Taking Care Of Your Parent - The Most Best Good Deed and Acts Of Obedience.

The fruit of knowledge is action, and the pleasure in life comes from increasing in righteous deeds. The sign of sincerity is an increase in acts of obedience, and the ascent of one's status in Paradise will be determined by the extent of effort exerted in performing virtuous actions.

The best among humans are those who serve as role models by consistently engaging in many virtuous actions. Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was praised by Allah for his devotion, as mentioned in the Quran. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

إِنَّ إِبْرَٰهِيمَ كَانَ أُمَّةًۭ قَانِتًۭا لِّلَّهِ حَنِيفًۭا وَلَمْ يَكُ مِنَ ٱلْمُشْرِكِينَ ١٢٠

“Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah”. (Surah Nahl: Ayat 120).

Dawud, peace be upon him, “used to sleep half the night, then stand in prayer for one-third of it, and then sleep for one-sixth. He would fast one day and break his fast the next day”. (Agreed upon)1

Allah also praised Zakariya, his wife, and Yahya. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُۥ زَوْجَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًۭا وَرَهَبًۭا ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ ٩٠

“So We responded to him, and We gave to him John and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive”. 

(Surah Al-Anbiya : Ayat 90)

The righteous scholars used to engage abundantly in the worship of Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "I once witnessed Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah praying Fajr, then sitting and engaging in the remembrance of Allah until close to midday. Then he turned and said, 'This is my morning, and if I had not partaken of this lunch, my strength would have diminished.'"1

Sheikh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said about himself: "There are times when a matter, thing, or situation troubles my mind. So, I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Exalted, a thousand times - or more or less - until my heart finds solace and the difficulties are resolved." He also said, "During that time, I could be in the market, the mosque, on the road, or at school, and that does not prevent me from engaging in remembrance and seeking forgiveness until I attain what I seek."2

Ibn Kathir mentioned Ibn al-Qayyim, saying that may Allah have mercy on both of them, "I do not know anyone among the knowledgeable people in our time who worships more than him. He had a specific way in prayer, prolonging it greatly, lengthening his bowing and prostration, and many of his companions would sometimes criticize him for that, but he would not change or abandon it."3

Obedience is a light that is cast into the chests. So, increase in worshipping Allah and submitting to Him. It is the best means to achieve what one seeks. Increase in remembering Allah, reciting His book, and standing in prayer during the darkness of the night. When the heart becomes pure, it leaves its traces. And when it becomes abundant, it becomes more fruitful

References

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Night Prayer, Chapter: Whoever Sleeps Until Morning (Hadith No. 1131), and Muslim, Book of Fasting, Chapter: Prohibition of Fasting the Entire Year for Those Who Are Afflicted or Unable (Hadith No. 1159), from the narration of Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him).

1 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib, p. 42.

2 Al-'Uqud al-Durriyah fi Manaqib Ibn Taymiyyah, p. 21.

3 Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, (523/18)

Various Acts of Obedience - The World Is the Plantation for The Hereafter

 

Your lifespan, O human, in this life, is limited, and your rank in the hereafter is built upon the days you live. If you strive for righteousness, you will be among the fortunate. But if you neglect yourself in this life and waste your time, you will regret it in the hereafter. Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned that your position in the hereafter depends on your actions in this world. Allah, glorified be He, said: 

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَـٰنِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَىٰ ٣٩

"And that there is not for man except that [good] for which he strives." 

(Surah An-Najm: Ayat 39)

And He also says, 

كُلُّ نَفْسٍۭ بِمَا كَسَبَتْ رَهِينَةٌ ٣٨

"Every soul, for what it has earned, will be retained." 

(Surah Al-Muddaththir: Ayat 38)

You do not know when the Angel of Death will visit you. And when your soul is taken, your relatives, loved ones, and those around you will be occupied with worldly matters after your burial, busy striving in this life, which will make heedless of supplicating for you after your death.

Allah's decree in life is that people forget. For example, you may not pray for your great-grandfather, even though he is not far from you, even though he played a role in your existence in this life. And there will come a time when your grandchildren and those after them will forget to pray for you.

Therefore, if you realize this, and you know that people will be negligent about you after your death, then increase your righteous deeds and knock on every door of goodness in this world. Perhaps that will bring you closer to your Lord in the Hereafter.

Various Acts of Obedience - Do Not Despise Any Righteous Deed

[Muhammad Said Ramadan Al-Bouti (Arabic: مُحَّمَد سَعِيد رَمَضَان ٱلْبُوطِي, romanized: Muḥammad Saʿīd Ramaḍān al-Būṭī) (1929 – 21 March 2013) was a renowned Syrian Sunni Muslim scholar, writer and professor, where he was vice dean in the Damascus University and served as the imam of the Umayyad Mosque.

Al-Bouti wrote more than sixty books on Islamic law and theology. He was a leading figure of Islamic neo-traditionalism which adhered to the four schools of thought in Sunni Islam and the orthodox Ash'arite creed.His works have been highly regarded to be a pivotal defense of Sunni Islam against opposing ideologies such as Secularism, Marxism, and Nationalism along with reformist movements of Wahhabism and Islamic Modernism.

On 21 March 2013, al-Bouti was assassinated at the Al-Iman Mosque in Damascus. The circumstances around the event are still unclear.]

Do not despise any righteous deed that you do, even if it seems small in your eyes. It could be the reason for your entry into paradise. And do not belittle committing any sin that you do, as it could be the cause of your entry into the Hellfire. So, strive to engage in all types of righteous deeds, for you do not know which one will be the cause of your eternal happiness. It has been narrated that a man entered paradise by removing a branch of a tree from the path.

And you, O Muslim, may say a word or offer advice to someone, and it could be the means of their guidance and bring happiness to them in this world and the Hereafter. And you will also find happiness in it throughout your life.

So, do not despise a righteous deed, even if it seems small in your eyes. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Fear the Hellfire, even if it is with half a date." (Agreed upon)1

Every righteous deed in Islam is great, so engage in various righteous deeds and strive to be consistent in them, even if the quantity of your deeds in a specific type is small. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are few in number." (Agreed upon)2 Beware of all paths of disobedience, as you do not know which one will lead you into the fire. It has been narrated that a woman entered the Hellfire because she had mistreated a cat. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "A woman was punished on account of a cat which she held captive till it died. Hence, she entered the Hellfire due to (her mistreatment of) the cat. She did not feed it or give it water while she held it captive, nor did she let it out so that it may eat the things that creep on the earth." (Agreed upon).1

So, follow the path of generosity, good ethics, good manners, cheerfulness, serving others, speaking the truth, fulfilling promises, and righteously dealing with financial matters. Engage in every avenue of goodness.

Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "The one who is truly devoted to worship does not have a specific goal in his worship that he prioritizes over others. Rather, his goal is to seek the pleasure of Allah, and his worship is based on that. He constantly progresses in servitude, moving from one level to another, continuously striving. If you see the scholars, you will find him with them. If you see the worshippers, you will find him with them. If you see the warriors in the path of Allah, you will find him with them. And if you see those who remember Allah, you will find him with them. If you see the charitable and righteous, you will find them with them."2

Refences:

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Beware of the Fire, Even with Half a Date and a Small Amount of Charity, Hadith No. 1417, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Encouragement to Give Charity, Even with Half a Date or a Good Word, as It Acts as a Barrier from the Fire, Hadith No. 1016, from the narration of Adi bin Hatim, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Al-Riqaq, Chapter on Intention and Consistency in Actions, Hadith number (6464), and Muslim, Book of Prayer of Travelers and Shortening It, Chapter on the Virtue of Consistently Performing Night Prayers and Others, Hadith number

(783), from the narration of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Watering, Chapter on the Virtue of Giving Water, Hadith number (2365), and Muslim, Book of Peace, Chapter on the Prohibition of Killing Cats, Hadith number (2242), from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Madarij al-Salikin" (111/1)

Charity - Do Not Give Charity to The Poor with The Intention of Having Him Pray for You

The servant is elevated through charity if he sincerely dedicates it to Allah, without seeking the supplication of the needy, praise, fame, or materialistic desires. So, if you give charity to a poor person do not do it to have them pray for you. Instead, spend on him seeking the pleasure of Allah, so that you may be included in the saying of Allah: 

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَشْرِى نَفْسَهُ ٱبْتِغَآءَ مَرْضَاتِ ٱللَّهِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ رَءُوفٌۢ بِٱلْعِبَادِ ٢٠٧

“And of the people is he who sells himself, seeking means to the approval of Allah. And Allah is kind to [His] servants”. 

(Surah Al-Baqarah :Ayat 207)

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said regarding the saying of Allah:

وَيُطْعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسْكِينًۭا وَيَتِيمًۭا وَأَسِيرًا ٨

إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا ٩

"And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude.'" 

[Surah Insan:8-9]

And whoever seeks supplication or praise from the poor has gone against this verse. In the hadith narrated in Sunan Abi Dawood1, it is mentioned: "Whoever does a good deed to you, repay him. If you cannot find anything to repay him, then pray for him until you know that you have repaid him."

For this reason, when Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, would send someone a gift; she would ask the carrier of the gift: "What did they say to you?" He would say: "May Allah bless you." So Aisha would say: "May Allah bless them too. We will respond to them in the same way they spoke, and our reward will remain for us." 

(Al-Nasa'i)1

And some of the Salaf said: "If you give to a poor person and he says, 'May Allah bless you,' then say: 'May Allah bless you too.'" Meaning, if he rewards you with supplication, then supplicate for him with the same supplication, so that you do not get any reward by him2

It is also stated: 'If someone seeks compensation from people - praise, supplication, or anything else - they have not acted kindly towards them for the sake of Allah.'3

Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, explained that giving charity to receive supplication does not include the giver in Allah's saying:

 إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَآءًۭ وَلَا شُكُورًا ٩

“[saying], 'We feed you only for the countenance of Allah” 

[Surah Insan: 9]

The Muslim gives charity for the sake of Allah, and whatever is achieved through it, such as relief from distress and removal of worries, is a result of giving charity for the sake of Allah.

References

1 Book of Zakat, Chapter on Giving to Those Who Ask in the Name of Allah, Number (1672), from the narration of Ibn Umar, may Allah be pleased with them.

1 Al-Sunan Al-Kubra, Book of Actions for Day and Night, What to Say to Someone Who Does You a Favor, Number (10062).

2 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (112/11)

3 Majmu' Fatawa Shaykh al-Islam (54/1)

Charity - The Rewards of Charity

Charity shields the servant from the punishment of Allah, for his sins and transgressions warrant his destruction. Thus, charity comes to redeem him from punishment.

That is why the Prophet, peace be upon him, said in his sermon about women on the day of Eid: "Give alms, you women folk, for I have been shown that you will be the majority of the inhabitants of hell.” (Agreed upon)1

In Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, it is narrated: "Protect yourselves from Hell-fire even with half a date"2

"Protect yourselves from the Fire, even with half a date."

Charity extinguishes the misfortune of sin. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said to Mu'adh3, may Allah be pleased with him: "Shall I not guide you to the gateways of what is good? Fasting is a protection, and charity extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire," 

(Tirmidhi)4

Charity guards against evil, wards off calamities, preserve wealth, brings sustenance, brings joy to the heart, instills trust in Allah and good expectations of Him, purifies the soul, nurtures it, endears the servant to his Lord, covers up all flaws, increases life span, protects from the torment of the grave, provides shade on the Day of Judgment, intercedes with Allah the Exalted, eases the hardships of this world and the Hereafter, and invites one to all forms of righteousness. Therefore, do not be reluctant to give charity.

It is a protection between the servant and the Hellfire, and the sincere one who is engaged in it will seek shade by it on the Day of Judgment and will be called from the gate of charity. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Those who give sadaqah will be invited to enter by the gate of sadaqah”.1

Charity lifts afflictions and relieves sorrows with the permission of Allah. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Charity and acts of kindness have a remarkable effect in repelling afflictions, warding off the evil eye, and the evil of envy. This has been experienced by nations in the past and present, and it suffices as evidence. The eye, envy, and harm can hardly affect a benefactor who gives charity. Even if they do affect him, he is treated with kindness, support, and assistance, and he will have a praiseworthy outcome. So, the benevolent one who gives charity is protected by his kindness and charity, has a defense and a strong fortress from Allah."2

Ibn al-Qayyim also said: "Indeed, charity has a remarkable effect in repelling various types of afflictions, even if it is given by a sinner, an oppressor, or even a disbeliever. Indeed, Allah Almighty repels various types of afflictions through it. This is a known matter among people, both the specific and the general, and it is widespread throughout the entire earth because they have witnessed it."1

Whenever a person gives charity sincerely, their heart expands and their chest is relieved by it. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: "Even if charity had only this benefit alone, the slave should be befitting by it to increase and hasten towards it. Allah Almighty says: 

وَٱلَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُو ٱلدَّارَ وَٱلْإِيمَـٰنَ مِن قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ وَلَا يَجِدُونَ فِى صُدُورِهِمْ حَاجَةًۭ مِّمَّآ أُوتُوا۟ وَيُؤْثِرُونَ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ وَلَوْ كَانَ بِهِمْ خَصَاصَةٌۭ ۚ وَمَن يُوقَ شُحَّ نَفْسِهِۦ فَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُفْلِحُونَ ٩

   As for those who had settled in the city and ˹embraced˺ the faith before ˹the arrival of˺ the emigrants, they love whoever immigrates to them, never having a desire in their hearts for whatever ˹of the gains˺ is given to the emigrants. They give the immigrants preference over themselves even though they may be in need.  And whoever is protected from the stinginess of his soul - it is those who will be successful.” 

(Surah Al-Hashr : Ayat 9)"2

References

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Zakat for Relatives, Hadith No. 1462, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on the Virtue of Spending and Giving Charity to Relatives, Spouse, Children, and Parents, Even if They Are Polytheists, Hadith No. 1000, from the narration of Zainab, the wife of Abdullah bin Mas'ud, may Allah have mercy on them

2 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Beware of the Fire, Even with Half a Date and a Small Amount of Charity, Hadith No. 1417, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Encouragement to Give Charity, Even with Half a Date or a Good Word, as It Acts as a Barrier from the Fire, Hadith No. 1016, from the narration of Adi bin Hatim, may Allah have mercy on him

3 He is Abu AbdurRahman Mu'adh ibn Jabal ibn Amr Al-Khazraji Al-Ansari, one of the seventy Companions who witnessed the Treaty of Al-Aqaba from the Ansar. He passed away in the year 18 AH. Refer to Al-Isti'ab fi Ma'rifat Al-Ashab (1402/3).

4 Book of Faith, Chapter on the Prohibition of Praying During Prohibited Times, Hadith No.

2616.

1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Fasting, Chapter on the Gate of Paradise for the Fasting People, Hadith No. 3666, and by Muslim in the Book of Zakat, Chapter on Collecting Charity and Acts of Kindness, Hadith No. 1027, from the narration of Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him.

2 Bada'i al-Fawa'id (242/2)

1 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib (p. 31)

2 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib (p. 33)

Charity - The Virtue of Charity

Allah has divided His creation into the rich and the poor, and their interests are fulfilled only by satiating the need of the poor. Allah has obligated giving to the poor that which fulfils their needs from the surplus wealth of the rich.

A generous believer is close to Allah and His creation, and his people. He is close to Paradise and far from the hellfire. On the other hand, a miser is distant from Allah’s creation and distant from Paradise, while being close to the hellfire. The generosity of a person endears him to his enemies but his miserliness makes him hated to even his own children.

The most beloved of creation to Allah is the one who embodies His qualities that He has not reserved for Himself. Allah is generous and loves the generous among His servants, knowledgeable and loves the knowledgeable, and merciful and loves the merciful. Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said, "The generous person who gives in charity is given by the Generous One (Allah) what others are not given; it is a reward of the same kind as his action."1

Among the best deeds of a Muslim is giving charity to the poor, those in need, and those in distress. Umar ibn Al-Khattab said, “I have been told that deeds show off to one another, so charity says: I am the best of you”.2

The guidance of the Prophet, peace be upon him, encourages kindness,charity, and striving to relieve the suffering of Muslims.

The best charity is one that meets the needs of the recipient and continues to benefit them.

The miser is prevented from doing good and restricted from acts of righteousness. They suffer from a constricted chest, a small-mindedness, tiny joy, and a multitude of worries, grief, and sadness. Their needs are seldom fulfilled, and they are hardly supported in what they seek.

So be charitable in your day, even if it is with a small amount. The best charity is the effort of the one who has little. Every morning, two angels descend, and one of them says, "O Allah, give him who spends something in place of it;” the other says, “O Allah, give him who withholds destruction.” (Agreed upon)1

Charity is a loan that is returned multiplied. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Sadaqah (charity) does not decrease wealth." (Muslim)2. And Allah, glorified be He, says;

مَّن ذَا ٱلَّذِى يُقْرِضُ ٱللَّهَ قَرْضًا حَسَنًۭا فَيُضَـٰعِفَهُۥ لَهُۥٓ أَضْعَافًۭا كَثِيرَةًۭ ۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَقْبِضُ وَيَبْصُۜطُ وَإِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ ٢٤٥

"Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him, you will be returned

( Surah Al-Baqarah: Ayat  245)

Therefore, be generous to the poor with an open heart and a cheerful demeanor, having good expectations in Allah's multiplication of rewards and wealth.

1 "Al-Wabil As-Sayyib" (p. 36).

2 Ibn Khuzaymah narrated in his Sahih, in the book of Zakat, in the chapter on the virtue of charity over other deeds (95/4), hadith number (2433).

1 It is narrated by Al-Bukhari in the Book of Zakat, in the chapter on the saying of Allah: "But as for he who gives and fears Allah" (O Allah, give the spender a replacement for what he has spent), hadith number (1442). And Muslim, in the Book of Zakat, in the chapter on the spender and the withholder, hadith number (1010), from the narration of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him).

2 The Book of Goodness, Maintaining Family Ties, and Etiquette, in the chapter on the recommendation of forgiveness and humility, hadith number (2588), from the narration of Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him).

Supplication -Compendium of Supplications

 

Supplication (Du'a) is recommended for every Muslim in all times and places. It is an act of worship where a Muslim calls upon their Lord for anything that is not sinful. Several supplications are highly encouraged for Muslims to frequently recite. Here are a few examples:

1. Seeking sincerity (ikhlas) from Allah. Umar ibn Al-Khattab used to say in his supplication, "O Allah, make my deeds righteous, and make them solely for Your sake. Do not let anyone have a share in them"1.

2. Seeking guidance and steadfastness. The Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, advised Ali ibn Abi Talib, saying, "Say," O Allah, direct me to the right path and make me adhere to the straight path," and when you make a mention of right guidance, keep in mind the right path and when you consider of the straight (path), keep in mind the straightness of the arrow"2.

3. Supplicating for beneficial knowledge and righteous actions. Allah commanded His Prophet, peace be upon him, to ask for an increase in knowledge, as mentioned in the Quran. Allah, glorified be He, said:

فَتَعَـٰلَى ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمَلِكُ ٱلْحَقُّ ۗ وَلَا تَعْجَلْ بِٱلْقُرْءَانِ مِن قَبْلِ أَن يُقْضَىٰٓ إِلَيْكَ وَحْيُهُۥ ۖ وَقُل رَّبِّ زِدْنِى عِلْمًۭا ١١٤

"And say, 'My Lord, increase me in knowledge” 

(Surah Taha: 20:114)

4. Supplicating for goodness in this worldly life and the Hereafter: Anas reported that the most frequent supplication of the Prophet Mohammad, peace be upon him, was, “O our Lord, grants us good in this life and good in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Agreed upon)1.

There are many other comprehensive supplications from the Prophet.1 Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, 6389, and Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, Mohammad, peace be upon him, was, “O our Lord, grants us good in this life and good in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Agreed upon)1.

There are many other comprehensive supplications from the Prophet.

References:

1 Ahmad, in the book of al-Zuhd (p. 97), no. 617.

2 Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, 2725.

1 Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Invocations, 6389, and Sahih Muslim, Book of Remembrance, Supplication, Repentance, and Seeking Forgiveness, 2690