Hadith 95
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
فالأول: عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إن الله تعالى قال: من عادى لي وليا فقد آذنته بالحرب. وما تقرب إلي عبدي بشيء أحب إلي مما افترضت عليه، وما يزال عبدي يتقرب إلي بالنوافل حتى أحبه، فإذا أحببته كنت سمعه الذي يسمع به، وبصره الذي يبصر به، ويده التي يبطش بها، ورجله التي يمشي بها، وإن سألني أعطيته؛ ولئن استعاذني لأعيذنه" ((رواه البخاري)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) 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].
In plain words
Allah defends those devoted to Him. The surest way to draw near is by keeping up the duties He has set, then adding extra worship, until His love guides a person's very senses and actions, and He answers their prayers.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 95 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 95
Hadith 96
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثاني: عن أنس رضي الله عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فيما يرويه عن ربه عز وجل قال: " إذا تقرب العبد إلي شبراً تقربت إليه ذراعاً، وإذا تقرب إلي ذراعاً تقربت منه باعاً، وإذا أتاني يمشي أتيته هرولة" ((رواه البخاري)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah says: ' When a slave of Mine draws near to Me a span, I draw near to him a cubit; and if he draws near to Me a cubit, I draw near to him a fathom. And if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running."'. [Al-Bukhari].
In plain words
However small a step you take toward Allah, He comes toward you far more. When you move to Him with effort, He meets you with even greater generosity and speed.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 96 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 96
Hadith 97
Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثالث: عن ابن عباس رضي الله عنهما قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " نعمتان مغبون فيهما كثير من الناس: الصحة، والفراغ" ((رواه البخاري)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are two blessings in which many people incur loss. (They are) health and free time (for doing good)". [Al-Bukhari]
In plain words
Health and free time are gifts most people fail to use well. The lesson is to make good use of both while you still have them, before they slip away.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 97 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 97
Hadith 98
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said:
الرابع: عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يقوم من الليل حتى تنفطر قدماه، فقلت له: لم تصنع هذا يا رسول الله، وقد غفر الله لك ما تقدم من ذنبك وما تأخر؟! قال: " أفلا أحب أن أكون عبداً شكوراً؟" ((متفق عليه. هذا لفظ البخاري، ونحوه في الصحيحين من رواية المغيرة بن شعبة)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) would stand (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him, "Why do you do this while your past and future sins have been forgiven?" He said, "Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Even with his sins forgiven, the Prophet worshipped until his feet cracked, simply out of gratitude. True thankfulness shows itself in worship, not in coasting on past mercy.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 98 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 98
Hadith 99
'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said:
الخامس: عن عائشة رضي الله عنها أنها قالت: " كان رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا دخل العشر أحيا الليل، وأيقظ أهله، وجد وشد المئزر" ((متفق عليه)).
With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would pray all the night, and would keep his family awake for the prayers. He tied his lower garment (i.e., avoided sleeping with his wives) and devoted himself entirely to prayer and supplication. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
In the final ten nights of Ramadan the Prophet intensified his worship and roused his family to join him. It shows the value of pouring extra effort into these nights of prayer and supplication.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 99 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 99
Hadith 100
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السادس: عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " المؤمن القوي خير وأحب إلى الله من المؤمن الضعيف وفي كل خير. احرص على ما ينفعك، واستعن بالله ولا تعجز. وإن أصابك شيء فلا تقل: لو أني فعلت كان كذا وكذا، ولكن قل: قدر الله، وما شاء فعل؛ فإن لو تفتح عمل الشيطان" (( رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one, and both are good. Adhere to that which is beneficial for you. Keep asking Allah for help and do not refrain from it. If you are afflicted in any way, do not say: 'If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,' but say only: 'Allah so determined and did as He willed.' The word 'if' opens the gates of satanic thoughts". [Muslim].
In plain words
Allah loves strength used for good, though every believer has worth. Pursue what benefits you, keep asking Allah's help, and when hardship strikes accept His decree rather than tormenting yourself with 'if only,' which only opens the door to harmful thoughts.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 100 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 100
Hadith 101
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السابع: عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " حجبت النار بالشهوات، وحجبت الجنة بالمكاره" ((متفق عليه)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said. "The (Hell) Fire is surrounded with all kinds of desires and passions, while Jannah is surrounded with adversities." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The path to the Fire is lined with tempting desires, while the path to Paradise is lined with hardships. Reaching Paradise means pushing through difficulty rather than chasing every craving.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 101 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 101
Hadith 102
Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثامن: عن أبي عبد الله حذيفة بن اليمان، رضي الله عنهما، قال: صليت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ذات ليلة، فافتتح البقرة، فقلت يركع عند المائة، ثم مضى؛ فقلت يصلي بها في ركعة، فمضى؛ فقلت يركع بها، ثم افتتح النساء؛ فقرأها، ثم افتتح آل عمران فقرأها، يقرأ مترسلاً إذا مر بآية فيها تسبيح سبح، وإذا مر بسؤال سأل، وإذا مر بتعوذ تعوذ، ثم ركع فجعل يقول: " سبحان ربي العظيم" فكان ركوعه نحواً من قيامه ثم قال: " سمع الله لمن حمده، ربنا لك الحمد" ثم قام قياماً طويلاً قريباً مما ركع، ثم سجد فقال: " سبحان ربي الأعلى" فكان سجوده قريباً من قيامه" ((رواه مسلم).
I offered Salat (Tahajjud - optional night prayer) with the Prophet (ﷺ) one night, and he started reciting (Surat) Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would bow at the end of one hundred Verses, but he continued reciting; I, then, thought that he would perhaps recite the whole (Surah) in a Rak'ah, but he proceeded on, and I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah); he then started (reciting Surat) An-Nisa'; he then started (Surat) Al-'Imran and his recitation was unhurried. And when he recited the Verses which referred to the Glory of Allah, he glorified Him (by saying Subhan Allah - My Rubb, the Supreme is far removed from every imperfection), the Great, and when he recited the Verses that mention supplication, he supplicated, and when he recited the Verses that mention seeking Refuge of the Rubb, he sought (His) Refuge. Then he bowed and said: "My Rubb, the Supreme is far removed from every imperfection (Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim);" his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku') he said: "Allah listened to him who praised Him (Sami' Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd)." Then he stood about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He then prostrated himself and said: "My Rubb, the Supreme is far removed from every imperfection (Subhana Rabbiyal-A'la)," and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing. [Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet's night prayer was long, unhurried, and deeply attentive: he paused to glorify, to ask, and to seek refuge as the verses called for. It models prayer that is calm, balanced, and fully present rather than rushed.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 102 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 102
Hadith 103
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
التاسع: عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: صليت مع النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ليلة، فأطال القيام حتى هممت بأمر سوء! قيل: وما هممت به؟ قال: هممت أن أجلس وأدعه. ((متفق عليه)).
One night I joined the Prophet (ﷺ) in his (optional) Salat. He prolonged the standing so much that I thought of doing something evil. He was asked: "What did you intend to do?" He replied: "To sit down and leave him". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet's standing in prayer was so long that even a devoted Companion was tempted to sit down. It shows both the depth of the Prophet's devotion and how demanding sincere worship can be.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 103 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 103
Hadith 104
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
العاشر عن أنس رضي الله عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " يتبع الميت ثلاثة: أهله وماله وعمله؛ فيرجع اثنان ويبقى واحد: يرجع أهله وماله، ويبقى عمله" ((متفق عليه)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Three follow a dead body: members of his family, his possessions and his deeds. Two of them return and one remains with him. His family and his possessions return; his deeds remain with him". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Family and wealth follow a person to the grave but then turn back; only one's deeds remain. The lesson is to invest in what truly lasts, your actions, rather than in what cannot accompany you.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 104 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 104
Hadith 105
Ibn Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الحادي عشر: عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: " الجنة أقرب إلى أحدكم من شراك نعله، والنار مثل ذلك" ((رواه البخاري)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Jannah is nearer to anyone of you than your shoe-lace, and so is the (Hell) Fire". [Al- Bukhari].
In plain words
Paradise and the Fire are nearer than the lace of your shoe. Each is closer than we imagine, so every choice matters because the destination is never far off.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 105 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 105
Hadith 106
Rabi'ah bin Ka'b Al-Aslami (May Allah be pleased with him (a servant of the Messenger of Allah and also one of the people of As-Suffah) said:
الثاني عشر: عن أبي فراس ربيعة بن كعب الأسلمى خادم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، ومن أهل الصفة رضي الله عنه قال: " كنت أبيت مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فآتيه بوضوئه، وحاجته فقال: "سلني" فقلت: أسألك مرافقتك في الجنة. فقال: { أوغير ذلك؟" قلت: هو ذاك قال: " فأعني على نفسك بكثرة السجود" ((رواه مسلم)).
I used to spend my night in the company of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and used to put up water for his ablutions. One day he said to me, "Ask something of me." I said: "I request for your companionship in Jannah". He inquired, "Is there anything else?" I said, "That is all." He said, "Then help me in your request by multiplying your prostrations". [Muslim].
In plain words
Asked what he wanted, this Companion chose the Prophet's company in Paradise. The Prophet told him to earn it by praying much, teaching that lofty hopes must be backed by steady worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 106 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 106
Hadith 107
Thauban (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
الثالث عشر: عن أبي عبد الله- ويقال: أبو عبد الرحمن- ثوبان مولى رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: " عليك بكثرة السجود، فإنك لن تسجد لله سجدة إلا رفعك الله بها درجة، وحط عنك بها خطيئة" . ((رواه مسلم)).
I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Perform Salah more often. For every prostration that you perform before Allah will raise your position one degree and will remit one of your sins". [Muslim].
In plain words
Prostrate to Allah often. Each prostration lifts a person a degree higher and wipes away a sin, so frequent prayer brings both elevation and forgiveness.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 107 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 107
Hadith 108
'Abdullah bin Busr Al-Aslami (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
الرابع عشر: عن أبي صفوان عبد الله بن بسر الأسلمي، رضي الله عنه، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " خير الناس من طال عمره وحسن عمله" ((رواه الترمذي، وقال: حديث حسن. "بسر": بضم الياء وبالسين المهملة)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The best of people is one whose life is long and his conduct is good". [At- Tirmidhi, who categorized it as Hadith Hasan].
In plain words
The best person is one given a long life who fills it with good conduct. A long life is a blessing when it is used to keep doing good.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 108 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 108
Hadith 109
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
الخامس عشر: عن أنس رضي الله عنه، قال: غاب عمي أنس ابن النضر رضي الله عنه، عن قتال بدر، فقال: يارسول الله غبت عن أول قتال قاتلت المشركين، لئن الله أشهدني قتال المشركين ليرين الله ما أصنع. فلما كان يوم أحد انكشف المسلمون، فقال اللهم أعتذر إليك مما صنع هؤلاء - يعني أصحابه- وأبرأ إليك مما صنع هؤلاء- يعني المشركين- ثم تقدم فاستقبله سعد بن معاذ، فقال: ياسعد بن معاذ الجنة ورب الكعبة، إني أجد ريحها من دون أحد. قال سعد: فما استطعت يا رسول الله ما صنع! قال أنس: فوجدنا به بضعاً وثمانين ضربة بالسيف، أو طعنة برمح ، أو رمية بسهم، ووجدناه قد قتل ومثل به المشركون فما عرفه أحد إلا أخته ببنانه. قال أنس: كنا نرى أو نظن أن هذه الآيه نزلت فيه وفي أشباهه: {من المؤمنين رجال صدقوا ما عهدوا الله عليه} (( الأحزاب: 23)) إلى آخرها. ((متفق عليه)).
My uncle Anas bin An-Nadr (May Allah be pleased with him) was absent from the battle of Badr and he said: "O Messenger of Allah! I was absent from the first battle you fought against the pagans, and if Allah let me participate in a battle against the pagans, Allah will see what I do." So he encountered the day of Uhud Battle. The Muslims left the positions (the Prophet (ﷺ) told them to keep) and were defeated, he said: "O Allah! excuse these people (i.e., the Muslims) for what they have done, and I am clear from what the pagans have done". Then he went forward with his sword and met Sa'd bin Mu'adh (fleeing) and said to him: "By the Rubb of the Ka'bah! I can smell the fragrance of Jannah from a place closer than Uhud Mount". Sa'd said: "O Messenger of Allah, what he did was beyond my power". Anas said: "We saw over eighty wounds on his body caused by stabbing, striking and shooting of arrows and spears. We found that he was killed, and mutilated by the polytheists. Nobody was able to recognize him except his sister who recognized him by the tips of his fingers." Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "We believe that the Ayah 'Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah [i.e., they have gone out for Jihad (holy fighting), and showed not their backs to the disbelievers]...' (:), refers to him and his like". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Anas bin An-Nadr longed to prove his faith, and when battle came he advanced fearlessly, sensing Paradise ahead, and was found with over eighty wounds. His story shows sincere, wholehearted commitment to one's promise to Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 109 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 109
Hadith 110
Abu Mas'ud 'Uqbah bin 'Amr Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
السادس عشر: عن أبي مسعود عقبة بن عمرو الأنصاري البدري رضي الله عنه قال: لما نزلت آيه الصدقة كنا نحامل على ظهورنا. فجاء رجل فتصدق بشيء كثير فقالوا: مراءٍ، وجاء رجل آخر فتصدق بصاع فقالوا: إن الله لغني عن صاع هذا! فنزلت { الذين يلمزون المطوعين من المؤمنين في الصدقات والذين لا يجدون إلا جهدهم} الآية ((التوبة:79)). ((متفق عليه )).
When the Ayah enjoining Sadaqah (charity) was revealed,* we used to carry loads on our backs to earn something that we could give away in charity. One person presented a considerable amount for charity and the hypocrites said: "He has done it to show off." Another one gave away a few Sa' of dates and they said: "Allah does not stand in need of this person's dates". Thereupon, it was revealed: "Those who defame such of the believers who give charity (in Allah's Cause) voluntarily, and such who could not find to give charity (in Allah's Cause) except what is available to them..." (:) [Al- Bukhari and Muslim]. * This is the version of Al-Bukhari.
In plain words
Some sincere givers were mocked, whether they gave much or little, and Allah defended them by revealing words against those who ridicule charitable believers. It teaches that giving is honored by Allah regardless of how others belittle it.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 110 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 110
Hadith 111
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) said:
السابع عشر: عن سعيد بن عبد العزيز، عن ربيعة بن يزيد، عن أبي إدريس الخولاني، عن أبي ذر جندب بن جنادة، رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فيما يروى عن الله تبارك وتعالى أنه قال: " ياعبادي إني حرمت الظلم على نفسي وجعلته بينكم محرماً فلا تظالموا، يا عبادي كلكم ضال إلا من هديته؛ فاستهدوني أهدكم، يا عبادي كلكم جائع إلا من أطعمته؛ فاستطعموني أطعمكم،يا عبادي كلكم عارٍ إلا من كسوته، فاستكسوني أكسكم، يا عبادي إنكم تخطئون بالليل والنهار وأنا أغفر الذنوب جميعا، فاستغفروني أغفرلكم، ياعبادي إنكم لن تبلغوا ضري فتضروني، ولن تبلغوا نفعي فتنفعوني، يَا عِبَادي ، لَوْ أنَّ أوَّلَكُمْ وَآخِرَكُمْ وَإِنْسَكُمْ وَجنَّكُمْ كَانُوا عَلَى أتْقَى قَلْبِ رَجُلٍ وَاحِدٍ مِنْكُمْ مَا زَادَ ذلِكَ في مُلكي شيئاً . يَا عِبَادي ، لَوْ أنَّ أوَّلَكُمْ وَآخِرَكُمْ وَإِنْسَكُمْ وَجنَّكُمْ كَانُوا عَلَى أفْجَرِ قَلْبِ رَجُلٍ وَاحِدٍ مَا نَقَصَ ذلِكَ من مُلكي شيئاً، يا عبادي لو أن أولكم وآخركم، وإنسكم وجنكم قاموا في صعيد واحد، فسألوني فأعطيت كل إنسان مسألته، ما نقص ذلك مما عندي إلا كما ينقص المخيط إذا أدخل البحر، يا عبادي إنما هي أعمالكم أحصيها لكم، ثم أوفيكم إياها، فمن وجد خيراً فليحمد الله، ومن وجد غير ذلك فلا يلومن إلا نفسه". قال سعيد: كان أبو إدريس إذا حدث بهذا الحديث جثا على ركبتيه. رواه مسلم. (20) .
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious, said; 'O My slaves, I have prohibited Myself injustice; and have made oppression unlawful for you, so do not oppress one another. O My slaves, all of you are liable to err except the one whom I guide on the Right Path, so seek guidance from Me so that I will guide you to the Right Path. O My slaves, all of you are hungry except the one whom I feed, so ask food from Me, I will feed you. O My slaves, all of you are naked except those whom I clothe, so ask clothing of Me and I shall clothe you. O My slaves, you commit sins night and day and I forgive all sins, so seek My forgiveness and I shall forgive you. O My slaves, you can neither do Me any harm nor can you do Me any good. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and jinn of you to be as pious as the most pious heart of any man of you, that would not increase My domain a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you, and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to be as wicked as the most wicked heart of any man of you, that would not decrease My domain in a thing. O My slaves, were the first of you and the last of you, the human of you and the jinn of you to stand in one place and make a request of Me, and were I to give everyone what he requested, that would not decrease what I have, any more than a needle decrease the sea if put into it. O My slaves, it is but your deeds that I reckon for you and then recompense you for, so let him who finds good (i.e., in the Hereafter) praise Allah and let him who finds other than that blame no one but himself."'. [Muslim].
In plain words
In these words Allah tells us He has forbidden injustice to Himself and among us, that we depend on Him for guidance, food, clothing, and forgiveness, and that nothing we do adds to or subtracts from His greatness. In the end we are repaid only for our own deeds, so the good we find we owe to Him, and any loss we owe to ourselves.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 111 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 111