The Book of Miscellany

Riyad as-Salihin · Chapter 51

Hope in Allah's Mercy

باب الرجاء

After the chapter on fear, an-Nawawi balances it with hope in Allah's mercy. These reports gather the immense generosity of Allah toward His servants: the reward He gives for sincere faith, the way He multiplies good and pardons evil, and how His mercy outweighs His wrath.

Notice how faith in Allah's oneness runs through these hadith as the foundation of hope, and how Allah meets the one who turns to Him with forgiveness far greater than the sin. Hope here is not an excuse to be careless, but trust that Allah's mercy is vast for the heart that returns to Him.

Hadith 412

'Ubadah bin As-Samit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن عبادة بن الصامت، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏من شهد أن لا إله إلا الله وحده لا شريك له، وأن محمداً عبده ورسوله، وأن عيسى عبد الله ورسوله، وكلمته ألقاها إلى مريم وروح منه، وأن الجنة حق والنار حق، أدخله الله الجنة على ما كان من العمل‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ وفي رواية لمسلم‏:‏‏"‏من شهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وأن محمداً رسول الله، حرم عليه النار‏"‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "He who bears witness that there is no true god except Allah, alone having no partner with Him, that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, that 'Isa (Jesus) is His slave and Messenger and he (Jesus) is His Word which He communicated to Maryam (Mary) and His spirit which He sent to her, that Jannah is true and Hell is true; Allah will make him enter Jannah accepting whatever deeds he accomplished". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration in Muslim is: the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Whosoever testifies that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Allah (SWT) saves him from the Fire (of Hell)".

In plain words

Whoever truly affirms the oneness of Allah, the messengership of Muhammad and of Jesus, and the reality of Paradise and Hell will be admitted to Paradise. Sincere faith opens the door to Allah's mercy.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 412 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 412

Hadith 413

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي ذر، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ ‏ "‏يقول الله عز وجل‏:‏ من جاء بالحسنة، فله عشر أمثالها أو أزيد، ومن جاء بالسيئة، فجزاء سيئة سيئة مثلها أوغفر‏.‏ ومن تقرب مني شبراً ، تقربت منها ذراعا، ومن تقرب منى ذراعاً ، تقربت منه باعاً، ومن أتاني يمشي ، أتيته هرولة، ومن لقينى بقراب الأرض خطيئة لايشرك به شيئاً ، لقيته بمثلها مغفرة‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah, the Almighty, says: 'Whosoever does a good deed, will have (reward) ten times like it and I add more; and whosoever does an evil, will have the punishment like it or I will forgive (him); and whosoever approaches Me by one span, I will approach him by one cubit; and whosoever approaches Me by one cubit, I approach him by one fathom, and whosoever comes to Me walking, I go to him running; and whosoever meets Me with an earth-load of sins without associating anything with Me, I meet him with forgiveness like that". [Muslim]

In plain words

Allah multiplies a single good deed at least tenfold and may pardon evil entirely. The closer a person moves toward Him, the faster He draws near, meeting them with mercy and forgiveness.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 413 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 413

Hadith 414

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن جابر قَالَ : جاء أعرابي إِلَى النَّبيّ فَقَالَ : يَا رَسُول الله ، مَا الموجِبَتَانِ ؟ قَالَ : « مَنْ مَاتَ لا يُشْرِكُ بالله شَيئاً دَخَلَ الجَنَّةَ ، وَمَنْ مَاتَ يُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئاً دَخَلَ النَّار » . رواه مسلم .

A bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked him, "O Messenger of Allah, what are the two imperatives which lead to Jannah or Hell". He (ﷺ) replied, "He who dies without associating anything with Allah will enter Jannah, and he who dies associating partners with Allah will enter the Fire". [Muslim]

In plain words

The Prophet summed up the decisive matter simply: whoever dies worshipping Allah alone enters Paradise, while joining partners with Him leads to the Fire. Sincere monotheism is the heart of salvation.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 414 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 414

Hadith 415

Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أنس ، رضي الله عنه ، أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، ومعاذ رديفه على الرحل قال‏:‏ ‏"‏يا معاذ‏"‏ قال‏:‏ لبيك يا رسول الله وسعديك، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏يامعاذ‏"‏ قال ‏:‏لبيك يا رسول الله وسعديك‏.‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏يا معاذ‏"‏ قال‏:‏ لبيك يا رسول الله وسعديك ثلاثاً، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏ما من عبد يشهد أن لا إله إلا الله ، وأن محمداً عبده ورسوله صدقاً من قلبه إلا حرمه الله على النار‏"‏ قال‏:‏ يا رسول الله أفلا أخبر بها الناس فيستبشروا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏إذا يتكلوا‏"‏ فأخبر بها معاذ عند موته تأثما ‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

Mu'adh bin Jabal was riding on the beast with the Prophet (ﷺ), when he (ﷺ) said to him, "O Mu'adh!" Mu'adh replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allah." He (ﷺ) again called out, "O Mu'adh." He (again) replied, "Here I am responding your call, and at your pleasure." He (Messenger of Allah) addressed him (again), "O Mu'adh!" He replied, "Here I am responding to you, and at your pleasure, O Messenger of Allah." Upon this he (the Prophet (ﷺ)) said, "If anyone testifies sincerely that there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, truly from his heart, Allah will safeguard him from Hell." He (Mu'adh) said, "O Messenger of Allah, shall I not then inform people of it, so that they may have glad tidings." He (ﷺ) replied, "Then they will rely on it alone (and thus give up good works altogether)." Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) disclosed this Hadith at the time of his death, to avoid sinning for concealing. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Sincere testimony of faith, truly from the heart, safeguards a person from Hell. The Prophet held it back from general announcement so people would not abandon good works by relying on words alone.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 415 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 415

Hadith 416

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) or may be Abu Sa'id Al- Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

-وعن أبي هريرة -أو أبي سعيد الخدرى- رضي الله عنهما‏:‏ شك الراوى، ولا يضر الشك في عين الصحابي‏:‏ لأنهم كلهم عدول، قال لما كان غزوة تبوك، أصاب الناس مجاعة، فقالوا ‏:‏ يا رسول الله لو أذنت لنا فنحرنا نواضحنا، فأكلنا وادهنا‏؟‏ فقال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏افعلوا‏"‏ فجاء عمر رضي الله عنه، فقال‏:‏ يا رسول الله إن فعلت، قل الظهر، ولكن ادعهم بفضل أزوادهم، ثم ادع الله لهم عليها بالبركة لعل الله أن يجعل في ذلك البركة‏.‏ فقال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ “نعم” فدعا بنطع فبسطه، ثم دعا بفضل أزوادهم، فجعل الرجل يجئ بكف ذرة، ويجئ الآخر بكف تمر، ويجئ الآخر بكسرةٍ حتى اجتمع على النطع من ذلك شئ يسير، فدعا رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم بالبركة، ثم قال‏:‏ “خذوا في أوعيتكم فأخذوا في أوعيتهم حتى ما تركوا في العسكر وعاء إلا ملأوه، وأكلوا حتى شبعوا وفضل فضلة، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏”أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله ، وأني رسول الله، لا يلقى الله بهما عبد غير شاك؛ فيحجب عن الجنة‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

On the day of the battle of Tabuk, the Muslims were hard pressed by hunger and they asked Messenger of Allah (ﷺ): "O Messenger of Allah, grant us permission to slaughter our camels to eat and use their fat". He (ﷺ) accorded permission. On this 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) came and said: "O Messenger of Allah, if it is done, we shall suffer from lack of transportation. I suggest you pool together whatever has been left and supplicate Allah to bless it." Allah will bestow His Blessing upon it. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) agreed and called for leather mat and had it spread out, and asked people to bring the provisions left over. They started doing it. One brought a handful of corn, another brought a handful of dates, a third brought a piece of bread; thus some provisions were collected on the mat. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) invoked blessings, and then said, "Now take it up in your vessels". Everyone filled his vessel with food, so that there was not left a single empty vessel in the whole camp. All of them ate to their fill and there was still some left over. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Any slave who meets Allah, testifying there is no true god except Allah, and that I am His Messenger, without entertaining any doubt about these (two fundamentals), will not be banished from entering Jannah." [Muslim].

In plain words

When scarce provisions were gathered and the Prophet prayed over them, Allah blessed the food so all ate their fill. He then taught that sincere, doubt-free faith leads to Paradise.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 416 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 416

Hadith 417

'Itban bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported, who was with Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in the battle of Badr:

وعن عتبان بن مالك، رضي الله عنه ، وهو ممن شهد بدراً ، قال‏:‏ كنت أصلي لقومي بنى سالم، وكان يحول بيني وبينهم واد إذا جاءت الأمطار، فيشق على اجتيازه قبل مسجدهم ، فجئت رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، فقلت له ‏:‏ إنى أنكرت بصرى، وإن الوادي الذي بينى وبين قومى يسيل إذا جاءت الأمطار، فيشق على اجتيازه، فوددت أنك تأتي ، فتصلي في بيتي مكاناً أتخذه مصلى، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏‏"‏سأفعل‏"‏، فغدما على رسول الله ، وأبو بكر، رضي الله عنه بعد ما اشتد النهار، واستأذن رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فأذنت له، فلم يجلس حتى قال‏:‏ ‏"‏أين تحب أن أصلي من بيتك‏؟‏‏"‏ فأشرت له إلى المكان الذي أحب أن يصلي فيه، فقام رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم، فكبر وصففنا وراءه، فصلى ركعتين، ثم سلم وسلمنا حين سلم، فحبسته على خزيرة تصنع له، فسمع أهل الدار أن رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم في بيتي، فثاب رجال منهم حتى كثر الرجال في البيت، فقال رجل ‏:‏ ما فعل مالك لا أراه‏!‏ فقال رجل‏:‏ ذلك منافق لا يحب الله ورسوله، فقال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏"‏ لا تقل ذلك، ألا تراه قال‏:‏ لا إله إلا الله يبتغي بذلك وجه الله تعالى ‏؟‏_ ‏!‏‏"‏ فقال‏:‏ الله ورسوله أعلم، أما نحن فو الله ما نرى وده، ولا حديثه إلا المنافقين _‏!‏ فقال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم، ‏"‏فإن الله قد حرم على النار من قال ‏:‏ لا إله إلا الله يبتغي بذلك وجه الله‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ ('‏و‏ ‏عتبان‏ ‏ بكسر العين المهملة، وإسكان التاء المثناة فوق وبعدهما باء موحدة‏.‏ و‏ ‏الخزيرة‏ ‏ بالخاء المعجمة، والزاى‏:‏ هي دقيق يطبخ بشحم‏.‏ وقوله‏:‏ ‏ ‏ثاب رجال ‏ ‏ بالثاء المثلثة، أي ‏:‏ جاؤوا واجتمعوا‏.‏ ‏')

I used to lead my people at Bani Salim in Salat (prayer) and there was a valley between me and those people. Whenever it rained, it became difficult for me to cross it for going to their mosque. So I went to Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said, "I have weak eyesight and the valley between me and my people flows during the rainy season and it becomes difficult for me to cross it. I wish you to come to my house and offer Salat at a place so that I could reserve that as a Musalla (place for prayer)." Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "I will do so". So Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) came to my house the (next) morning after the sun had risen high. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) asked my permission to enter and I admitted him. He did not sit before saying, "Where do you want us to offer Salat in your house?" I pointed to the place where I wanted him to offer prayers. So Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) stood up for the prayer and started the prayer with Takbir and we aligned in rows behind him; and he offered two Rak'ah prayer and finished them with Taslim, and we also performed Taslim with him. I detained him for a meal called Khazirah which I had prepared for him. (Khazirah is a special type of dish prepared from barley flour and meat soup). When the neighbours got the news that Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was in my house, they started coming till a large number of men gathered in my house. One of them said, "What is wrong with Malik, for I do not see him?" One of them replied, "He is a hypocrite and does not love Allah and His Messenger". On that Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Don't say this. Haven't you seen that he testified that there is no true god except Allah,' for Allah's sake only." The man replied, "Allah and His Messenger know better, but by Allah, we never saw him but helping and talking with the hypocrites." Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) replied, "No doubt, whosoever testifies that there is no true god except Allah, seeking by so professing the pleasure of Allah only, Allah will safeguard him against (Hell) Fire." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

When some doubted a man's sincerity, the Prophet defended him, saying he had testified to faith for Allah's sake alone, and that such sincere testimony shields a person from the Fire. We honor a person's profession of faith.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 417 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 417

Hadith 418

'Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن عمر بن الخطاب، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ قدم رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم، بسبي، فإذا امرأة من السبي تسعى، إذ وجدت صبياً في السبي أخذته، فألزقته ببطنها، فأرضعته، فقال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ “أترون هذه المرأة طارحة ولدها في النار‏؟‏” قلنا لا والله ‏.‏ قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏لله أرحم بعباده من هذه الأم بولدها‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

Some prisoners were brought to Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) amongst whom there was a woman who was running (searching for her child). When she saw a child among the captives, she took hold of it, pressed it against her belly and gave it a suck. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Do you think this woman would ever throw her child in fire?" We said, "By Allah, she would never throw the child in fire." Thereupon Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah is more kind to his slave than this woman is to her child". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Seeing a captive mother rush to nurse her child, the Prophet taught that Allah is far more merciful to His servants than that mother is to her child. His mercy surpasses the tenderest human love.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 418 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 418

Hadith 419

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي هريرة، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم لما خلق الله الخلق، كتب في كتاب، فهو عنده فوق العرش‏:‏ إن رحمتي تغلب غضبي‏"‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏

I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "When Allah created the creatures, He wrote in the Book, which is with Him over His Throne: 'Verily, My Mercy prevailed over My Wrath" [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "(Allah wrote) 'My Mercy dominated My Wrath". Still another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "(Allah wrote) 'My Mercy surpasses My Wrath".

In plain words

Allah has recorded that His mercy prevails over His wrath. This is a foundation for hope: He is more inclined to mercy than to anger.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 419 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 419

Hadith 420

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول‏:‏ “جعل الله الرحمة مائة جزء فأمسك عنده تسعة وتسعين، وأنزل في الأرض جزءا واحداً، فمن ذلك الجزء يتراحم الخلائق حتى ترفع الدابة حافرها عن ولدها خشية أن تصيبه‏"‏‏.‏ ‏"‏وفي رواية‏:‏ ‏"‏إن لله تعالى مائة رحمة أنزل منها رحمة واحدة بين الجن والإنس والبهائم والهوام، فيها يتعاطفون، وبها يتراحمون، وبها تعطف الوحش على ولدها، وأخر الله تعالى تسعاً وتسعين رحمة يرحم بها عباده يوم القيامة” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ ورواه مسلم أيضاً من رواية سلمان الفارسي، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ “إن لله تعالى مائة رحمة فمنها رحمة يتراحم بها الخلق بينهم، وتسع وتسعون ليوم القيامة‏"‏ ‏"‏وفي رواية‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الله تعالى خلق يوم خلق السماوات والأرض مائة رحمة كل رحمة طباق ما بين السماء إلى الأرض، فجعل منها في الأرض رحمة، فيها تعطف الوالدة على ولدها، والوحش والطير بعضها على بعض، فإذا كان يوم القيامة، أكملها بهذه الرحمة”‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration in Muslim is reported: by Salman Al-Farisi: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah has hundred mercies, out of which one mercy is used by his creation for mutual love and affection. Ninety-nine mercies are kept for the Day of Resurrection." Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah created one hundred units of mercy on the Day He created the heavens and the earth. Each one of them can contain all that is between the heaven and the earth. Of them, he put one on earth, through which a mother has compassion for her children and animals and birds have compassion for one another. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect and complete His Mercy". (That is He will use all the hundred units of mercy for his slaves on that Day).

In plain words

Allah divided mercy into a hundred parts and sent only one to the world, the source of all the compassion creatures show each other. The remaining mercy is reserved for His servants on the Day of Resurrection.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 420 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 420

Hadith 421

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، فيما يحكى عن ربه، تبارك وتعالى، قال‏:‏ “أذنب عبدي ذنباً، فقال‏:‏ اللهم اغفر لى ذنبي، فقال الله تبارك وتعالى‏:‏ أذنب عبدى ذنبا، فعلم أن له رباً يغفر الذنب، ويأخذ بالذنب، ثم عاد فأذنب، فقال‏:‏ أي رب اغفر لي ذنبي، فقال تبارك وتعالى‏:‏ أذنب عبدي ذنباً، فعلم أن له رباً يغفر الذنب، ويأخذ بالذنب، ثم عاد فأذنب، فقال‏:‏ أي رب اغفر لى ذنبي، فقال، تبارك وتعالى‏:‏ أذنب عبدي ذنباً، فعلم أن له رباً يغفر الذنب، ويأخذ بالذنب، قد غفرت لعبدى فليفعل ما شاء” ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ وقوله تعالى‏:‏ “فليفعل ما شاء” أي‏:‏ ما دام يفعل هكذا، يذنب ويتوب اغفر له، فإن التوبة تهدم ما قبلها‏.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious said: 'A slave committed a sin and he said: O Allah, forgive my sin,' and Allah said: 'My slave committed a sin and then he realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives the sins and punishes for the sin.' He then again committed a sin and said: 'My Rubb, forgive my sin,' and Allah (SWT) said: 'My slave committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives his sin and punishes for the sin.' He again committed a sin and said: 'My Rubb, forgive my sin,' and Allah (SWT) said: 'My slave has committed a sin and then realized that he has a Rubb Who forgives the sin or takes (him) to account for sin. I have granted forgiveness to my slave. Let him do whatever he likes". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. The last sentence "let him do..". means, as long he keeps asking for forgiveness after the commission of sins, and repents, Allah will forgive him because repentance eliminates previous sins". (Editor's Note)

In plain words

Each time the servant sinned, repented, and sought forgiveness, Allah forgave. As long as a person keeps turning back to Him in repentance, Allah keeps granting pardon.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 421 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 421

Hadith 422

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏:‏ “والذي نفسي بيده لو لم تذنبوا، لذهب الله بكم، ولجاء بقوم يذنبون، فيستغفرون الله تعالى، فيغفر لهم” ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "By the One in Whose Hand my soul is, were you not to commit sins, Allah would replace you with a people who would commit sins and then seek forgiveness from Allah; and Allah would forgive them". [Muslim].

In plain words

Allah loves to forgive so much that if people never sinned, He would bring others who would sin, repent, and be forgiven. His mercy and pardon are part of who He is toward His servants.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 422 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 422

Hadith 423

Abu Ayyub Khalid bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي أيوب خالد بن زيد، رضي الله عنه ، قال سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول‏:‏ ‏ "‏لولا أنكم تذنبون ؛ لخلق الله خلقاً يذنبون، فيستغفرون، فيغفر لهم‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Were you not to commit sins, Allah would create people who would commit sins and ask for forgiveness and He would forgive them". [Muslim].

In plain words

Allah's forgiveness is so vast that, were people sinless, He would create those who sin and seek pardon so He could forgive them. It is a powerful reassurance of His readiness to forgive.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 423 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 423

Hadith 424

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ كنا قعوداً مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، معنا أبو بكر وعمر، رضي الله عنهما في نفر، فقام رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، من بين أظهرنا، فأبطأ علينا، فخشينا أن يقتطع دوننا، ففزعنا، فقمنا، فكنت أول من فزع، فخرجت ابتغي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، حتى أتيت حائطاً للأنصار -وذكر الحديث بطوله إلى قوله‏:‏ فقال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، “اذهب فمن لقيت وراء هذا الحائط يشهد أن لا إله إلا الله ، مستيقناً بها قلبه فبشره بالجنة” ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

We were sitting with Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). Abu Bakr and 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) were also there among the audience. In the meanwhile Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) got up and left us. We waited long for his return: When we were worried about his safety, and got scared, we got up. I, therefore, went out to look for Messenger of Allah and came to a garden which belonged to the Ansar. He (ﷺ) said to me "Go and give glad tidings of Jannah to anyone who testifies 'La ilaha illallah (There is no true god except Allah),' being whole-heartedly certain of it" [Muslim].

In plain words

The Prophet sent glad tidings of Paradise to anyone who testifies to the oneness of Allah with whole-hearted certainty. Sincere, settled faith is met with the greatest good news.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 424 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 424

Hadith 425

'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'as (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن عبد الله بن عمرو بن العاص، رضي الله عنهما، أن النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم، تلا قول الله عز وجل في إبراهيم، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏{‏رب إنهن أضللن كثيراً من الناس فمن تبعني فإنه مني‏} ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏إبراهيم‏:‏36‏)‏‏)‏، وقول عيسى، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏‏{‏إن تعذبهم فإنهم عبادك وإن تغفر لهم فإنك أنت العزيز الحكيم‏}‏ ‏(‏‏(‏المائدة‏:‏ 118‏)‏‏)‏، فرفع يديه وقال‏:‏ ‏"‏اللهم أمتى أمتى” وبكى، فقال الله عز وجل‏:‏‏"‏ ‏"‏ يا جبريل اذهب إلى محمد وربك أعلم، فسله ما يبكيه‏؟‏ “ فأتاه جبريل، فأخبره رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، بما قال‏:‏ وهو أعلم، فقال الله تعالى‏:‏ ‏"‏يا جبريل اذهب إلى محمد فقل‏:‏ إنا سنرضيك في أمتك ولا نسؤوك‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) recited the Words of Allah, the Exalted, and the Glorious, about Ibrahim (ﷺ) who said: "O my Rubb! They have led astray many among mankind. But whosoever follows me, he verily, is of me". (:) and those of 'Isa (Jesus) (ﷺ) who said: "If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily, You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise". (:118). Then he (ﷺ) raised up his hands and said, "O Allah! My Ummah, my Ummah," and wept; Allah, the Exalted, said: "O Jibril (Gabriel)! Go to Muhammad (ﷺ) and ask him: 'What makes you weep?" So Jibril came to him and asked him (the reason of his weeping) and the Messenger of Allah informed him what he had said (though Allah knew it well). Upon this Allah said: "Jibril, go to Muhammad (ﷺ) and say: 'Verily, We will please you with regard to your Ummah and will never displease you". [Muslim].

In plain words

Hearing the Prophet's anxious prayer for his community, Allah promised through Jibril to please him concerning them and never to displease him. It shows the Prophet's deep care for his people and Allah's reassurance.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 425 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 425

Hadith 426

Mu'adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن معاذ بن جبل ، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ كنت ردف النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم، على حمار فقال‏:‏ ‏"‏ يا معاذ هل تدري ما حق الله على عباده، وما حق العباد على الله‏.‏ ‏؟‏ قلت‏:‏ الله ورسوله أعلم‏.‏ قال‏:‏‏"‏فإن حق الله على العباد أن يعبدوه، ولا يشركوا به شيئاً، وحق العباد على الله أن لا يعذب من لا يشرك به شيئاً، فقلت، يا رسول الله أفلا أبشر الناس‏؟‏ قال لا تبشرهم فيتكلوا‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

I was riding a pillion with the Prophet (ﷺ) on a donkey. He (ﷺ) said, "O Mu'adh, do you know what is the right of Allah upon His slaves, and what is the Right of His slaves upon Allah?" I said: "Allah and His Messenger know better". Upon this the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah's Right upon His slaves is that they should worship Him Alone and associate nothing with Him; and His slaves' right upon Him is that He should not punish who does not associate a thing with Him." He (Mu'adh) added: I said to the Messenger of Allah: "Shall I give the glad tidings to people?" He (ﷺ) said, "Do not tell them this good news for they will depend on it alone". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Allah's right over His servants is to be worshipped alone, and His grace is that He will not punish the one who associates nothing with Him. The Prophet held this back lest people stop striving.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 426 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 426

Hadith 427

Bara' bin 'Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن البراء بن عازب، رضي الله عنهما، عن النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال‏:‏ “المسلم إذا سئل في القبر يشهد أن لا إله إلا الله، وأن محمداً رسول الله، فذلك قوله تعالى‏:‏ ‏{‏يثبت الله الذين آمنوا بالقول الثابت في الحياة الدنيا وفي الآخرة‏} ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏إبراهيم‏:‏27‏)‏‏)‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When a believer is questioned in the grave, he testifies that, 'there is no true god except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.' About him the Words of Allah, the Exalted, are: 'Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the firm statement (The Testimony of Faith) in this world and the Hereafter)". (:) [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

When the believer is questioned in the grave, Allah keeps them firm in affirming faith. Holding fast to the testimony of faith brings steadiness in this life and the next.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 427 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 427

Hadith 428

Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أنس، رضي الله عنه ،عن رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الكافر إذا عمل حسنة، أطعم بها طعمة من الدنيا، أما المؤمن، فإن الله تعالى يدخر له حسناته في الآخرة، ويعقبه رزقاً في الدنيا على طاعته‏"‏‏.‏ وفي رواية‏:‏ ‏"‏إن الله لا يظلم مؤمنا حسنة يعطى بها في الدنيا، ويجزى بها في الآخرة، وأما الكافر، فيطعم بحسنات ما عمل لله تعالى، في الدنيا حتى إذا أفضى إلى الآخرة، لم يكن له حسنة يجزى بها‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "When an infidel accomplishes any good deed, he is rewarded for it in this world; and in the case of a Muslim, Allah stores up his good acts for him in the Hereafter and provides him with subsistence in this life due to his obedience." Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah does not wrong a believer a good deed because he is given blessings for it in this world and will be rewarded for it in the Hereafter. But the infidel is given in the world the reward for good deeds, he has performed for the sake of Allah and when he comes to the Hereafter, there is no good deed for which he can be rewarded". [Muslim].

In plain words

A disbeliever's good deeds are repaid in this world, but the believer's good deeds are stored as reward in the Hereafter while still being provided for here. Faith gives lasting value to our actions.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 428 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 428

Hadith 429

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن جابر، رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏ "‏مثل الصلوات الخمس كمثل نهر جار غمر على باب أحدكم يغتسل منه كل يوم خمس مرات‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ('‏‏الغمر: الكثير‏.‏')

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The five daily Salat (prayers) are like a great river running by your door in which you take a bath five times a day." [Muslim].

In plain words

The five daily prayers are like bathing in a flowing river five times a day. They regularly cleanse a person, washing away faults and renewing the heart.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 429 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 429

Hadith 430

Ibn 'Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن ابن عباس، رضي الله عنهما، قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول‏:‏ ‏ "‏ما من رجل مسلم يموت فيقوم على جنازته أربعون رجلاً لا يشركون بالله شيئاً إلا شفعهم الله فيه‏" ‏‏.‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Any Muslim dies and forty men who do not associate anything with Allah (in worship), perform his funeral prayer, Allah makes them intercede for him". [Muslim]

In plain words

When a sizable group of sincere believers prays over a deceased Muslim, Allah accepts their intercession for that person. The prayers of the faithful carry real weight.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 430 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 430

Hadith 431

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن ابن مسعود، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ كنا مع رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في قبة نحوا من أربعين ، فقال‏:‏ ‏"‏أترضون أن تكونوا ربع أهل الجنة‏؟‏‏"‏ قلنا نعم، قال‏:‏ أترضون أن تكونوا ثلث أهل الجنة‏؟‏ قلنا‏:‏ نعم، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏والذي نفسى محمد بيده إني لأرجو أن تكونوا نصف أهل الجنة، وذلك أن الجنة لا يدخلها إلا نفس مسلمة، وما أنتم في أهل الشرك إلا كالشعرة البيضاء في جلد الثور الأسود، أو كالشعرة السوداء في جلد الثور الأحمر‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

There were, about forty of us with Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in a camp when he said, "Aren't you pleased that you will constitute one-fourth of the inhabitants of Jannah?" We said, "Yes". He again said, "Aren't you pleased that you will constitute one-third of the inhabitants of Jannah?". We said: "Yes." Upon this he (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad's soul is, I hope that you will constitute one-half of the inhabitants of Jannah; and the reason is that only Muslims will be admitted into Jannah; and you are no more compared to the polytheists than as a white hair on the skin of a black ox, or a black hair on the skin of a white ox." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

The Prophet expressed hope that his followers would form a large share of Paradise, since only believers enter it. It is an encouraging assurance of Allah's generosity to this community.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 431 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 431

Hadith 432

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي موسى الأشعري، رضي الله عنه، قال‏:‏ قال رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ إذا كان يوم القيامة دفع الله إلى كل مسلم يهودياً أونصرانياً فيقول‏:‏ هذا فكاكك من النار‏"‏‏.‏ وفي رواية عنه عن النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏"‏يجئ يوم القيامة ناس من المسلمين بذنوب أمثال الجبال يغفرها الله لهم ‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will deliver to every Muslim, a Jew or a Christian and say: 'This is your ransom from Hell-fire."' Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "There would come people amongst the Muslims on the Day of Resurrection with sins as heavy as a mountain, and Allah would forgive them". [Muslim].

In plain words

On the Day of Resurrection Allah will lift heavy burdens from Muslims, and forgive sins as heavy as mountains. It is a striking reminder of the vastness of His mercy.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 432 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 432

Hadith 433

Ibn 'Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

وعن ابن عمر رضي الله عنهما قال‏:‏ سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، يقول‏:‏ يدنى المؤمن يوم القيامة من ربه حتى يضع كنفه عليه، فيقرره بذنوبه، فيقول‏:‏ أتعرف ذنب كذا‏؟‏ أتعرف ذنب كذا‏؟‏ فيقول‏:‏ رب أعرف قال‏:‏ فإني قد سترتها عليك في الدنيا، وأنا أغفرها لك اليوم، فيعطى صحيفة حسناته‏"‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏ ‏‏(‏‏(‏كنفه‏:‏ ستره ورحمته‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

I heard Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) saying, "A believer will be brought close to his Rubb on the Day of Resurrection and enveloping him in His Mercy, He (SWT) will make him confess his sins by saying: 'Do you remember (doing) this sin and this sin?' He will reply: 'My Rubb, I remember.' Then He (SWT) will say: 'I covered it up for you in the life of world, and I forgive it for you today.' Then the record of his good deeds will be handed to him". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

Allah will draw the believer near, enfold them in mercy, have them privately acknowledge their sins, then forgive them, having concealed those sins all along. He covers and pardons the one He brings close.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 433 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 433

Hadith 434

'Abdullah bin Mas'ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن ابن مسعود، رضي الله عنه ، أن رجلاً أصاب من امرأة قبلة، فأتى النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم، فأخبره، فأنزل الله تعالى‏:‏ ‏{‏ وأقم الصلاة طرفي النهار وزلفاً من الليل إن الحسنات يذهبن السيئات ‏} ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏هود‏:‏114‏)‏‏)‏ فقال الرجل‏:‏ ألي هذا يا رسول الله‏؟‏ قال ‏ "‏ لجميع أمتى كلهم‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏ ‏.‏

A man kissed a woman and he came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and made a mention of that to him. It was (on this occasion) that this Ayah was revealed: "And perform As-Salat (Iqamat-As-Salat), at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night [i.e., the five compulsory Salat (prayers)]. Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds (i.e., small sins)". (:114) That person said, "O Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), does it concern me only?". He (Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)) said, "It concerns the whole of my Ummah". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

When a man confessed a wrong, the verse came that good deeds wipe away small sins, and the Prophet said this applies to his whole community. Doing good is a means of erasing minor faults.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 434 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 434

Hadith 435

Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أنس، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ جاء رجل إلى النبي، صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال‏:‏ يا رسول الله أصبت حداً، فأقمه علي، وحضرت الصلاة، فصلى مع رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، فلما قضى الصلاة قال ‏:‏ يارسول الله إنى أصبت حداً، فأقم في كتاب الله‏.‏ قال “هل حضرت معنا الصلاة‏؟‏‏ "‏ قال‏:‏ نعم ‏.‏ قال‏:‏ قد غفر لك‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏متفق عليه‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ('‏وقوله ‏ ‏اصبت حداً‏ ‏ معناه ‏:‏ معصية توجب التعزير، وليس المراد الحد الشرعي الحقيقى كحد الزنا والخمر وغيرهما، فإن هذه الحدود لا تسقط بالصلاة، ولا يجوز للإمام تركها')

A man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have committed a sin liable of ordained punishment. So execute punishment on me". Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) did not ask him about it, and then came the (time for) Salat (prayers). So he performed Salat with Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). When Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) finished Salat, the man stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah! I have committed a sin. So execute the Ordinance of Allah upon me". He (ﷺ) asked, "Have you performed Salat with us?" "Yes", he replied. Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Verily, Allah has forgiven you". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In plain words

A man who insisted on punishment for a sin was simply asked if he had prayed with them, and told Allah had already forgiven him. Sincere worship and turning to Allah bring His pardon.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 435 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 435

Hadith 436

Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعنه 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)‏‏)‏‏.‏ ‏‏(‏‏(‏‏الأكلة” بفتح الهمزة وهي المرة الواحدة من الأكل كالغدوة والعشوة، والله أعلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "Allah is pleased with His slave who eats a meal and praises Him for it; and takes a drink and praises Him for it". [Muslim].

In plain words

Allah is pleased with the servant who thanks Him for a meal and a drink. Even small everyday blessings, met with gratitude, earn His pleasure.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 436 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 436

Hadith 437

Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي موسى، رضي الله عنه، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال ‏ "‏إن الله تعالى يبسط يده بالليل ليتوب مسئ النهار، ويبسط يده بالنهار ليتوب مسئ الليل حتى تطلع الشمس من مغربها‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah, the Exalted, stretches His Hand during the night so that those who commit sins by day may repent, and He stretches His Hand in the day so that those who commit sins by night may repent. He keeps doing so until the sun rises from the West". [Muslim].

In plain words

Allah keeps His hand outstretched to accept repentance day and night, welcoming those who sinned by day or by night, until the sun rises from the west. His door of return stays open.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 437 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 437

Hadith 438

Abu Najih 'Amr bin 'Abasah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي نجيح عمرو بن عبسة -بفتح العين والباء- السلمي، رضي الله عنه ، قال‏:‏ كنت وأنا في الجاهلية أظن أن الناس على ضلالة، وأنهم ليسوا على شئ، وهم يعبدون الأوثان، فسمعت برجل بمكة يخبر أخباراً، فقعدت على راحلتى، فقدمت عليه، فإذا رسول الله ، صلى الله عليه وسلم مستخفياً، جرءاء عليه قومه ، فتلطف حتى دخلت عليه بمكة، فقلت له ‏:‏ ما أنت‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏أنا نبي‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ وما نبي ‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏أرسلني الله‏"‏ قلت‏:‏ وبأي شئ أرسك‏؟‏ قال ‏"‏أرسلني بصلة الأرحام، وكسر الأوثان وأن يوحد الله لا يشرك به شئ‏:‏ قلت‏:‏ فمن معك على هذا‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏حر وعبد‏"‏ ومعه يومئذ أبو بكر وبلال، رضي الله عنهما، قلت‏:‏ إني متبعك، قال‏:‏ ‏"‏إنك لن تستطيع ذلك يومك هذا، ألا ترى حالي وحال الناس‏؟‏ ولكن ارجع إلى أهلك فإذا سمعت بي قد ظهرت فأتني‏"‏ قال‏:‏ فذهبت إلى أهلي وقدم رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم، المدينة، وكنت في أهلي، فجعلت أتخبر الأخبار، واسأل الناس حين قدم المدينة حتى قدم نفر من أهلي المدينة، فقلت‏:‏ ما فعل هذا الرجل الذي قدم المدينة‏؟‏ فقالوا‏:‏ الناس إليه سراع، وقد أراد قومه قتله، فلم يستطيعوا ذلك، فقدمت المدينة، فدخلت عليه، فقلت‏:‏ يا رسول الله أتعرفني‏؟‏ قال‏:‏ ‏"‏نعم أنتالذي لقيتني بمكة‏"‏ قال‏:‏ فقلت يا رسول الله أخبرني عما علمك الله وأجهله، أخبرنى عن الصلاة‏؟‏ قال ‏:‏” صل صلاة الصبح، ثم أقصر عن الصلاة حتى ترتفع الشمس قيد رمح، فإنه تطلع حين تطلع بين قرني شيطان، وحينئذ يسجد لها الكفار، ثم صل فإن الصلاة مشهودة محضورة حتى يستقل الظل بالرمح، ثم أقصر عن الصلاة، فإنه حينئذ تسجر جهنم؛ فإذا أقبل الفيء فصل؛ فإن الصلاة مشهودة محضورة حتى تصلي العصر، ثم اقصر عن الصلاة حتى تغرب الشمس ، فإنها تغرب بين قرني شيطان، وحينئذ يسجد لها الكفار‏"‏ قال‏:‏ فقلت‏:‏ يا نبى الله ؛ فالوضوء حدثنى عنه‏؟‏ فقال‏:‏ ‏"‏ما منكم رجل يقرب وضوءه، فيتمضمض ويستنشق فينتثر، إلا خرت خطايا وجهه وفيه وخياشيمه، ثم إذا غسل وجهه كما أمره الله ، إلا خرت خطايا وجهه من أطراف لحيته مع الماء، ثم يغسل يديه إلى المرفقين، إلا خرت خطايا يديه من أنامله مع الماء ثم يمسح رأسه، إلا خرت خطايا يديه من أنامله مع الماء، ثم يغسل يديه إلى المرفقين ، إلاخرت خطايا يديه من أنامله مع الماء، ثم يمسح رأسه، إلا خرت خطايا رأسه من أطراف شعره مع الماء، ثم يغسل قديمه إلى الكعبين إلا خرت خطايا رجليه من أنامله مع الماء، فإن هو قام فصلى، فحمد الله تعالى، وأثنى عليه ومجده بالذي هو له أهل ، وفرغ قلبه لله تعالى، إلا انصرف من خطيئته كهيئته يوم ولدته أمه‏"‏‏.‏ فحدث عمرو بن عبسة بهذا الحديث أبا أمامة صاحب رسول الله، فقال له أبو أمامة‏:‏ يا عمرو بن عبسة، انظر ما تقول‏!‏ في مقام واحد يعطى هذا الرجل‏؟‏ فقال عمرو‏:‏ يا أبا أمامة لقد كبرت سني، ورق عظمي ، واقترب أجلي، وما بي حاجة أن أكذب على الله تعالى، ولا على رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم، لو لم اسمعه من رسول الله، صلى الله عليه وسلم إلا مرة أو مرتين أو ثلاثاً، حتى عد سبع مرات، ماحدثت أبداً به، ولكني سمعته أكثر من ذلك ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

In the Pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance, I used to think that people who used to worship idols, were deviated and did not adhere to the true religion. Then I heard of a man in Makkah who was preaching a message. So I mounted my camel and went to him. I found that (this man who was) Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) remained hidden because of the persecution by his people. I had entered Makkah stealthily and when I met him I asked him, "Who are you?" He (ﷺ) said, "I am a Prophet." I asked; "What is a Prophet?" He said, "Allah has sent me (with a message)". I asked, "With what has He sent you?" He said, "He sent me to strengthen the ties of kinship, to destroy idols so that Allah alone should be worshipped and nothing should be associated with Him". I asked, "Who has followed you in this?" He said, "A freeman and a slave". (At that time only Abu Bakr and Bilal (May Allah be pleased with her) were with him). I said, "I shall follow you". He said, "You can not do that now. Do you not see my situation and that of the people? Go to your people, and when you hear that my cause has prevailed, come to me". So I went back to my people, and while I was with my people, Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) emigrated to Al-Madinah. I continued to ask people about him till some of my people visited Al- Madinah. On their return, I asked them, "How is that man who has arrived in Al-Madinah faring?" They said, "People are hastening to him. His own people had planned to kill him but did not succeed." Then I went to Al-Madinah and came to him and said, "O Messenger of Allah, do you recognize me?" He (ﷺ) said, "Yes, you are the one who met me in Makkah." I said, "O Messenger of Allah, tell me of that which Allah has taught you and of which I am unaware. Tell me about Salat first." He (ﷺ) replied, "Perform the Fajr (morning) Salat, then stop Salat until the sun has risen up to the height of a lance, for when it rises, it rises up between the horns of the devil, and the infidels prostrate themselves before it at that time. Then perform Salat, for Salat is witnessed and angels attend it, until the shadow becomes equal to the length of its object; then stop Salat, for at that time Jahannam (Hell) is heated up. Then pray when the shadow becomes longer, for the prayer is witnessed and angels attend it, until you perform 'Asr prayer; then stop Salat till sun sets, for it sets between the horns of a devil. At that time the infidels prostrate themselves before it." I then asked the Messenger of Allah to tell me about Wudu', and he (ﷺ) said, "When a person begins the Wudu' and washes his mouth and nose, the sins committed by his face, mouth and nostrils are washed out. Then when he washes his face as commanded by Allah, the sins of his face are washed out with the water from the sides of his beard. Then when he washes his hands up to elbows, the sins of his hands are washed out through his fingers with water. Then he passes his wet hands over his head and the sins of the head are washed out through the ends of his hair with water. Then he washes his feet up to the ankles, the sins of his feet are washed out through his toes with water. Then, if he stands up for Salat and praises Allah, glorifies Him, proclaims His Greatness as He deserves and devotes his heart wholly to Allah, he emerges sin free as the day he was born". When 'Amr bin 'Abasah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrated this Hadith to Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) a Companion of the Prophet (ﷺ), the latter said to him, "Watch what you are saying. O 'Amr bin 'Abasah, a man will be getting all of this in one shot?" 'Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) replied, "O Abu Umamah, I have attained old age, my bones have become dry, my death is approaching and there is no need for me to tell lies concerning Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ). Had I not heard this from the Messenger of Allah only once, twice, thrice (and he counted up to seven) I would never have reported it. Indeed I have heard this frequently". [Muslim].

In plain words

Seeking out the Prophet and embracing his message of worshipping Allah alone and upholding kinship, this man learned that prayer and ablution, done sincerely, wash a person clean of sins. Sincere worship purifies the heart.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 438 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 438

Hadith 439

Abu Mu sa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

وعن أبي موسى الأشعري، رضي الله عنه ، عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال‏:‏ ‏ "‏ إذا أراد الله تعالى، رحمة أمةٍ ، قبض نبيها قبلها، فجعله لها فرطاً وسلفاً بين يديها، وإذا أراد هلكة أمةٍ، عذبها ونبيها حي، فأهلكها وهو حى ينظر، فأقر عينه بهلاكها حين كذبوه وعصوا امره‏" ‏ ‏(‏‏(‏رواه مسلم‏)‏‏)‏‏.‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "When Allah intends to show mercy to a people, He collects their Prophet before them and makes him a herald to happiness for them in the Hereafter; and when He intends to destroy a people, He punishes them while their Prophet is alive, and destroys them while he is alive and watches them and makes him witness their destruction because they disbelieved in him and disobeyed his commands". [Muslim].

In plain words

Allah's treatment of nations reflects His mercy or justice, taking a Prophet before a people He shows mercy, and letting a Prophet witness the ruin of those who reject him. How people respond to guidance shapes their end.

Reference : Riyad as-Salihin 439 In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 439