Hadith 117
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الأول: عن أبي ذر جندب بن جنادة رضي الله عنها قال: قلت يا رسول الله، أي الأعمال أفضل؟ قال: "الإيمان بالله، والجهاد في سبيله". قلت: أي الرقاب أفضل؟ قال: "أنفسها عند أهلها، وأكثرها ثمناً" قلت: فإن لم أفعل؟ قال: "تعين صانعاً أو تصنع لأخرق" قلت: يا رسول الله أرأيت إن ضعفت عن بعض العمل؟ قال: تكف شرك عن الناس فإنها صدقة منك على نفسك". ((متفق عليه)).
I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Which action is the best?" He (ﷺ) said, "Faith in Allah and Jihad in the way of Allah." I asked: "Which neck (slave) is best (for emancipation)?" He said, "That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them to its masters". I asked: "If I cannot afford (it)?" He said, "Then help a labourer or work for one who is disabled". I asked: "If I cannot do (it)?" He said, "You should restrain yourself from doing wrong to people, because it (serves as) charity which you bestow upon yourself". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Asked for the best deeds, the Prophet named faith and striving, then freeing a valued slave, then helping a worker or the disabled, and finally simply holding back from harming others. Whatever your means, there is always some good open to you, even restraining yourself.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 117 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 117
Hadith 118
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثاني: عن أبي ذر أيضاً رضي الله عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " يصبح على كل سلامى من أحدكم صدقة، فكل تسبيحة صدقة، وكل تحميدة صدقة، وكل تهليلة صدقة، وكل تكبيرة صدقة، وأمر بالمعروف صدقة، ونهى عن المنكر صدقة، ويجزيء من ذلك ركعتان يركعهما من الضحى" ((رواه مسلم)) السلامى بضم السين المهملة وتخفيف اللام وفتح الميم: المفصل.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When you get up in the morning, charity is due from every one of your joints. There is charity in every ascription of glory to Allah; there is charity in every declaration of His Greatness; there is charity in every utterance of praise of Him; there is charity in every declaration that He is the only true God (worthy of worship); there is charity in enjoining good; there is charity in forbidding evil. Two Rak'ah of Duha (Forenoon prayer) is equal to all this (in reward)". [Muslim].
In plain words
Every joint of the body owes daily thanks, which can be paid through simple words of praising and glorifying Allah, encouraging good, and discouraging wrong, with the morning prayer matching all of it. Even small words of remembrance count as charity.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 118 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 118
Hadith 119
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثالث عنه قال: قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : " عرضت علي أعمال أمتي حسنها وسيئها، فوجدت في محاسن أعمالها الأذى يماط عن الطريق، ووجدت في مساوىء أعمالها النخاعة تكون في المسجد لا تدفن" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The deeds of my people, good and bad, were presented before me, and I found the removal of harmful objects from the road among their good deeds, and phlegm which might be in a mosque left unburied among their evil deeds". [Muslim].
In plain words
Among the deeds shown to the Prophet, clearing harmful things from the road counted as good, and leaving filth in a mosque counted as bad. It teaches care for shared and sacred spaces.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 119 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 119
Hadith 120
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الرابع عنه: أن ناساً قالوا: يارسول الله، ذهب أهل الدثور بالأجور، يصلون كما نصلي، ويصومون كما نصوم، ويتصدقون بفضول أموالهم قال: " أو ليس قد جعل الله لكم ما تصدقون به: إن بكل تسبيحة صدقة، وكل تكبيرة صدقة، وكل تحميدة صدقة، وكل تهليلة صدقة، وأمر بالمعروف صدقة، ونهي عن المنكر صدقة وفي بضع أحدكم صدقة قالوا: يارسول الله أيأتى أحدنا شهوته، ويكون له فيها أجر؟! قال: " أرأيتم لو وضعها في حرام أكان عليه وزر؟ فكذلك إذا وضعها في الحلال كان له أجر" ((رواه مسلم)).
Some people said to Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "O Messenger of Allah, the rich have taken away (all the) reward. They observe Salat (prayers) as we do; and give Sadaqah (charity) out of their surplus wealth." Upon this he (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said, "Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) following which you can (also) give Sadaqah? In every declaration of the glorification of Allah (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) there is a Sadaqah, and in every Takbir (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar) is a Sadaqah, and in every celebration of praise (saying Al-hamdu lillah) is a Sadaqah, and in every declaration that He is One (La ilaha illallah) is a Sadaqah, and in enjoining of good is a Sadaqah, and in forbidding evil is a Sadaqah, and in man's sexual intercourse (with his wife) there is a Sadaqah." They (the Companions) said: "O Messenger of Allah, is there reward for him who satisfies his sexual need among us?" He said, "You see, if he were to satisfy it with something forbidden, would it not be a sin on his part? Similarly, if he were to satisfy it legally, he should be rewarded". [Muslim].
In plain words
When the poor felt the rich could give more in charity, the Prophet showed that charity is far wider than money: words of remembrance, urging good, restraining evil, even lawful intimacy with one's spouse all carry reward. No one is shut out of giving.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 120 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 120
Hadith 121
Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
-الخامس: عنه قال لي النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: " لا تحقرن من المعروف شيئاً ولو أن تلقى أخاك بوجهٍ طليق" ((رواه مسلم)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face". [Muslim].
In plain words
Never look down on any good deed, even meeting a fellow Muslim with a cheerful face. Small acts of kindness carry real weight.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 121 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 121
Hadith 122
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السادس : عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : " كل سلامى من الناس عليه صدقة كل يوم تطلع فيه الشمس: تعدل بين الأثنين صدقة، وتعين الرجل في دابته، فتحمله عليها، أو ترفع له عليها متاعه صدقة، والكلمة الطيبة صدقة، وبكل خطوة تمشيها إلى الصلاة صدقة، وتميط الأذى عن الطريق صدقة" ((متفق عليه)). ورواه مسلم أيضاً من رواية عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " إنه خلق كل إنسان من بني آدم على ستين وثلاثمائه مفصل، فمن كبر الله، وحمد الله، وهلل الله، وسبح الله واستغفر الله، وعزل حجراً عن طريق الناس أو شوكة أو عظماً عن طريق الناس، أو أمر بمعروف أو نهى عن المنكر، عدد الستين والثلاثمائة، فإنه يمسي يومئذ وقد زحزح نفسه عن النار".
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Every day the sun rises charity (Sadaqah) is due on every joint of a person: you administer justice between two men is a charity; and assisting a man to mount his beast, or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity; and a good word is a charity; and every step that you take (towards the mosque) for Salat (prayer) is a charity and removing harmful things from the road is a charity". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. In Muslim, it is reported on the authority of 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) that Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Everyone of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah (i.e., saying Allahu Akbar), praises Allah (i.e., Al-hamdu lillah), declares Allah to be One (i.e., La ilaha illallah), glorifies Allah, and seeks forgiveness from Allah (i.e., Astaghfirullah), and removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people's path, and enjoins good and forbids evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty, will walk that day having rescued himself from Hell".
In plain words
Each day every joint owes charity, which can be paid by acts like settling disputes fairly, helping someone with their load, a kind word, steps toward prayer, or clearing harm from the road. The chance to do good is constant and within everyone's reach.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 122 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 122
Hadith 132
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السابع: عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " من غدا إلى المسجد أو راح، أعد الله له في الجنة نزلا كلما غدا أو راح" ((متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He who goes to the mosque at dawn or dusk (for Salat), Allah prepares a hospitable abode for him in Jannah, every time when he walks to it or comes back from it". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Going to the mosque morning or evening earns a person a prepared home in Paradise for each trip. Regular steps toward prayer are richly rewarded.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 132 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 123
Hadith 124
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثامن: عنه قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " يا نساء المسلمات لا تحقرن جارة لجارتها ولو فرسن شاة" ((متفق عليه)).
O Muslim women, never belittle any gift you give your neighbour even if it is a hoof of a sheep". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Do not look down on giving a gift to your neighbor, even something as small as a sheep's hoof. What matters is the goodwill behind the gift, not its size.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 124 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 124
Hadith 125
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him):
التاسع: عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " الإيمان بضع وسبعون، أو بضع وستون شعبة: فأفضلها قول لا إله إلا الله، وأدناها إماطة الأذى عن الطريق، والحياء شعبة من الإيمان" ((متفق عليه)).
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Iman has over seventy branches - or over sixty branches - the uppermost of which is the declaration: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah'; and the least of which is the removal of harmful object from the road, and modesty is a branch of Iman." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Faith has many branches, from declaring that God alone deserves worship down to removing harm from the road, and even modesty is part of it. Faith is lived out in deeds large and small.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 125 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 125
Hadith 126
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
العاشر: عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " بينما رجل يمشى بطريق اشتد عليه العطش، فوجد بئراً فنزل فيها فشرب، ثم خرج فإذا كلب يلهث يأكل الثرى من العطش، فقال الرجل: لقد بلغ هذا الكلب من العطش مثل الذي كان قد بلغ منى، فنزل البئر فملأ خفه ماء ثم أمسكه بفيه، حتى رقي فسقى الكلب، فشكر الله له فغفر له" قالوا : يارسول الله إن لنا في البهائم أجراً؟ فقال: في كل كبدٍ رطبة أجر" ((متفق عليه)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "While a man was walking on his way he became extremely thirsty. He found a well, he went down into it to drink water. Upon leaving it, he saw a dog which was panting out of thirst. His tongue was lolling out and he was eating moist earth from extreme thirst. The man thought to himself: 'This dog is extremely thirsty as I was.' So he descended into the well, filled up his leather sock with water, and holding it in his teeth, climbed up and quenched the thirst of the dog. Allah appreciated his action and forgave his sins". The Companions asked: "Shall we be rewarded for showing kindness to the animals also?" He (ﷺ) said, "A reward is given in connection with every living creature". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. In the narration of Al-Bukhari, the Prophet (ﷺ) is reported to have said: "Allah forgave him in appreciation of this act and admitted him to Jannah". Another narration says: "Once a dog was going round the well and was about to die out of thirst. A prostitute of Banu Israel happened to see it. So she took off her leather sock and lowered it into the well. She drew out some water and gave the dog to drink. She was forgiven on account of her action".
In plain words
A man gave water to a dog dying of thirst, and Allah forgave him; in another telling, so was a woman who did the same. Sincere kindness to any living creature is seen and rewarded by Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 126 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 126
Hadith 127
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الحادي عشر: عنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " لقد رأيت رجلا يتقلب في الجنة في شجرة قطعها من ظهر الطريق كانت تؤذى المسلمين" .((رواه مسلم)). وفي رواية: مر رجل بغصن شجرة على ظهر طريق فقال: والله لأنحين هذا عن المسلمين لا يؤذيهم، فأدخل الجنة . وفي رواية لهما: بينما رجل يمشى بطريق وجد غصن شوك على الطريق، فأخره فشكره الله له، فغفر له .
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I saw a man going about in Jannah (and enjoying himself) as a reward for cutting from the middle of the road, a tree which was causing inconvenience to the Muslims". [Muslim]. Another narration says: "A man who passed by a branch of a tree leaning over a road and decided to remove it, saying to himself, 'By Allah! I will remove from the way of Muslims so that it would not harm them.' On account of this he was admitted to Jannah". According to the narration in Al-Bukhari and Muslim: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "While a man was walking, he saw a thorny branch on the road, so he removed it and Allah appreciated his action and forgave him".
In plain words
A man removed a harmful tree branch from the road so it would not hurt others, and for this he was admitted to Paradise. Removing harm from people's path is dearly valued.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 127 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 127
Hadith 128
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثاني عشر: عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " من توضأ فأحسن الوضوء، ثم أتى الجمعة، فاستمع وأنصت، غفر له ما بينه وبين الجمعة وزيادة ثلاثة أيام، ومن مس الحصا فقد لغا" ((رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who performs his Wudu' perfectly and comes to Jumu'ah prayer and listens (to the Khutbah) silently, the sins which he has committed since the previous Friday plus three more days (i.e., 10 days) will be forgiven for him. One who distracts himself with pebbles during the Khutbah will not get the (Jumu'ah) reward". [Muslim].
In plain words
Whoever makes wudu well, attends the Friday prayer, and listens quietly has the sins of the past days forgiven, while fidgeting during the sermon loses that reward. It teaches attentive, respectful presence at the Friday prayer.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 128 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 128
Hadith 129
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثالث عشر: عنه أن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " إذا توضأ العبد المسلم، أو المؤمن فغسل وجهه خرج من وجهه كل خطيئة نظر إليها بعينيه مع الماء، أو آخر قطر الماء، فإذا غسل رجليه خرجت كل خطيئة مشتها رجلاه مع الماء أو مع آخر قطر الماء حتى يخرج نقياً من الذنوب" ((رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim or a believer washes his face (in the course of Wudu'), every sin he has committed with his eyes is washed away from his face along with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin they wrought is erased from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin towards which his feet walked is washed away with water, or with the last drop of water, with the result that he comes out cleansed of all sins". [Muslim].
In plain words
As a believer washes for prayer, the sins committed by each part being washed fall away with the water. Wudu is portrayed as both a physical and a spiritual cleansing.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 129 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 129
Hadith 130
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الرابع عشر: عنه عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: " الصلوات الخمس، والجمعة إلى الجمعة، ورمضان إلى رمضان مكفرات لما بينهن إذا اجتنبت الكبائر" ((رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The five (daily) Salat (prayers), and from one Jumu'ah prayer to the (next) Jumu'ah prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals); provided the major sins are not committed". [Muslim].
In plain words
The daily prayers, each Friday prayer, and each Ramadan wipe away the smaller sins committed between them, as long as major sins are avoided. These regular acts of worship keep the heart continually renewed.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 130 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 130
Hadith 131
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الخامس عشر: عنه قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " ألا أدلكم على ما يمحو الله به الخطايا، ويرفع به الدرجات؟" قالوا: بلى يا رسول الله، قال: " إسباغ الوضوء على المكاره، وكثرة الخطا إلى المساجد، وانتظار الصلاة بعد الصلاة، فذلكم الرباط" ((رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Should I not direct you to something by which Allah obliterates the sins and elevates (your) ranks." They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah". He said, "Performing Wudu' properly, even in difficulty, frequently going to the mosque, and waiting eagerly for the next Salat (prayer) after a Salat is over; indeed, that is Ar- Ribat". [Muslim].
In plain words
The Prophet pointed to deeds that erase sins and raise one's rank: making wudu well even when it is hard, going often to the mosque, and waiting eagerly for the next prayer. Steady devotion to prayer is a kind of spiritual stationing.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 131 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 131
Hadith 123
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السادس عشر: عن أبي موسى الأشعري رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " من صلى البردين دخل الجنة" ((متفق عليه)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who observes the Fajr and 'Asr (prayers) will enter Jannah." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Whoever keeps the dawn and afternoon prayers will enter Paradise. Guarding these prayers is singled out as a path to great reward.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 123 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 132
Hadith 133
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
السابع عشر: عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : " إذا مرض العبد أو سافر كتب له مثل ما كان يعمل مقيماً صحيحاً" ((رواه البخاري)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a slave of Allah suffers from illness or sets on a journey, he is credited with the equal of whatever good works he used to do when he was healthy or at home". [Al-Bukhari].
In plain words
When illness or travel keeps a believer from their usual good deeds, Allah still records the full reward for them. His mercy does not let sincere habits go unrewarded when one is genuinely prevented.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 133 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 133
Hadith 134
الثامن عشر: عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " كل معروف صدقة" ((رواه البخاري، ورواه مسلم من رواية حذيفة رضي الله عنه)).
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "Every good deed is charity". [Al-Bukhari]. Muslim has reported the same on the authority of Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him).
In plain words
Every good deed counts as charity. Charity is not limited to money; any act of good is a form of it.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 134 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 134
Hadith 135
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
التاسع عشر: عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " ما من مسلم يغرس غرساً إلا كان ما أكل منه له صدقة، وما سرق منه له صدقة، ولا يرزؤه أحد إلا كان له صدقة" ((رواه مسلم. )) وفي رواية له: " فلا يغرس المسلم غرساً، فيأكل منه إنسان ولا دابة ولا طير إلا كان له صدقة إلى يوم القيامة". وفي رواية له: " لا يغرس مسلم غرساً، ولا يزرع زرعاً، فيأكل منه إنسان ولا دابة ولا شىء إلا كانت له صدقة" وروياه جميعاً من رواية أنس رضي الله عنه.
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When a Muslim plants a tree, whatever is eaten from it is charity from him and whatever is stolen is charity and whatever is subtracted from it is charity". [Muslim]. Another narration says: "If a Muslim plants a tree, or sows a field and men and beasts and birds eat from it, all of it is charity from him".
In plain words
When a Muslim plants a tree or sows a crop, whatever people, animals, or birds eat from it is counted as charity for the planter. Beneficial work that feeds others keeps earning reward.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 135 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 135
Hadith 136
Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
العشرون: عنه قال: أراد بنو سلمة أن ينقلوا قرب المسجد فبلغ ذلك رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقال لهم: " إنه قد بلغني أنكم تريدون أن تنتقلوا قرب المسجد؟" فقالوا: نعم يارسول الله قد أردنا ذلك، فقال:"بني سلمة دياركم؛ تكتب آثاركم ، دياركم، تكتب آثاركم" ((رواه مسلم)).
The tribe Banu Salimah wanted to move nearer to the mosque. On learning this Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to them, "I heard that you intend to move nearer to the mosque". They said, "That is so, O Messenger of Allah, we do want to do that". He said, "O Banu Salimah, keep to your homes, your steps (to the mosque) are recorded". [Muslim]. Another narration says: "There is for every step (towards the mosque) a degree (of reward) for you". [Muslim].
In plain words
When a tribe wished to move nearer the mosque, the Prophet urged them to stay, since their many steps to prayer were being recorded. Effort and distance on the way to worship are part of the reward.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 136 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 136
Hadith 137
Ubayy bin Ka'b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الحادي والعشرون: عن أبي المنذر أبي بن كعب رضي الله عنه قال: كان رجل لا أعلم رجلاً أبعد من المسجد منه، وكان لا تخطئه صلاة فقيل له، أو فقلت له: لو اشتريت حماراً تركبه في الظلماء، وفي الرمضاء، فقال: ما يسرني أن منزلي إلى جنب المسجد، إني أريد أن يكتب لي ممشاي إلى المسجد، ورجوعي إذا رجعت إلى أهلي، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "قد جمع الله لك ذلك كله" ((رواه مسلم)).
There was a man, and I do not know of any other man whose house was farther than his from the mosque, and he never missed Salat (in congregation). It was said to him (or I said to him): "If you buy a donkey you could ride it in the dark nights and in the burning sand." He said: "I do not like my house to be by the side of the mosque, for I (eagerly) desire that my steps towards the mosque and back from it should be recorded when I return to my family." Upon this Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has granted you all the rewards for you". [Muslim]. Another narration says: "You will get the reward for what you have anticipated".
In plain words
A man who lived far from the mosque welcomed the long walk because his steps there and back were recorded, and the Prophet assured him he would receive that full reward. Allah rewards the intention and effort behind worship.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 137 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 137
Hadith 138
Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:
الثاني والعشرون: عن أبي محمد عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص رضي الله عنهما قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "أربعون خصلة أعلاها منيحة العنز، ما من عامل يعمل بخصلة منها رجاء ثوابها وتصديق موعودها إلا أدخله الله بها الجنة" ((رواه البخاري)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There are forty kinds of virtue; the uppermost of them is to lend a (milch) she-goat (to someone in order to benefit from it and then return it). He who practices any of these virtues expecting its reward and relying on the truthfulness of the promise made for it, shall enter Jannah." [Al-Bukhari].
In plain words
There are many kinds of good, such as lending a useful animal to benefit another, and whoever does any of them sincerely, trusting Allah's promise, will enter Paradise. Simple acts of generosity, done with faith, lead to great reward.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 138 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 138
Hadith 139
'Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الثالث والعشرون: عن عدي بن حاتم رضي الله عنه قال: سمعت النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول: " اتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرةٍ" ((متفق عليه)) . وفي رواية لهما عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: " ما منكم من أحد إلا سيكلمه ربه ليس بينه وبينه ترجمان فينظر أيمن منه فلا يرى إلا ما قدم، وينظر أشأم منه فلا يرى إلا ما قدم، ينظر بين يديه فلا يرى إلا النار تلقاء وجهه، فاتقوا النار ولو بشق تمرة، فمن لم يجد فبكلمة طيبةٍ".
I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "Protect yourself from (Hell) Fire, by giving of half of a date (in charity)". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. In another narration 'Adi bin Hatim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: "Allah will surely speak with everyone of you without an interpreter. He (the man) will look at his right side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he will look to his left side and will see nothing but (the deeds) which he had done before. Then he will look in front of him and will find nothing but Hell-fire facing him. So protect (yourselves) from (Hell) Fire, by giving in charity even half a date; and if he does not finds it, then with a kind word".
In plain words
Shield yourself from the Fire by giving in charity, even half a date, or if you have nothing, then with a kind word. No one is too poor to give something good.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 139 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 139
Hadith 140
Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الرابع والعشرون: عن أنس رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: "إن الله ليرضى عن العبد أن يأكل الأكلة فيحمده عليها ، أو يشرب الشربة فيحمده عليها" ((رواه مسلم)).
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah will be pleased with His slave who praises Him (i.e., says Al-hamdu lillah) when he eats and praises Him when he drinks". [Muslim].
In plain words
Allah is pleased with a servant who praises Him after eating and after drinking. Even simple thanks over everyday blessings is beloved to Allah.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 140 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 140
Hadith 141
Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
الخامس والعشرون: عن أبي موس رضي الله عنه ، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: "على كل مسلم صدقة" قال : أرأيت إن لم يجد؟ قال: أرأيت إن لم يستطع؟ قال: "يعين ذا الحاجة الملهوف" قال: أرأيت إن لم يستطع؟ قال: "يأمر بالمعروف أو الخير" قال : أرأيت إن لم يفعل؟ قال: يمسك عن الشر فإنها صدقة" ((متفق عليه)) .
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Giving in charity is an obligation upon every Muslim". It was said (to him): "What about one who does not find (the means) to do so?" He (ﷺ) said, "Let him work with his hands, thus doing benefit to himself and give in charity." It was said to him: "What if he does not have (the means) to do so?" He (ﷺ) said, "Then let him assist the needy, the aggrieved." It was said: "What about if he cannot even do this?" He (ﷺ) said, "Then he should enjoin good." He was asked: "What if he cannot do that?" He (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said, "He should then abstain from evil, for verily, that is a charity from him". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
In plain words
Asked what one should give if he has nothing, the Prophet laid out a chain: work and give, or help the needy, or urge good, or at least hold back from harm, which itself counts as charity. Everyone can give something, even if only by avoiding wrong.
Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 141 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 141