Collected by Zia H Shah MD, Chief Editor of the Muslim Times
The world appears to be a more dangerous place since September 11, 2001, more so than any time that I can remember. Our human family appears to be in dire need of mutual love and compassion. In this pursuit I had made a collection last year, titled, Two Hundred Verses about Compassionate Living in the Quran.
Today, I propose to collect 40 Hadiths or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him, on the theme of compassion, mutual love, kindness, mercy and altruism.
1. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Allah will say to his servant when He will be taking account of him on the Day of Judgment, ‘O’ son of Adam, I was hungry and you did not feed me.’ He will answer: ‘How could I feed you? You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say: ‘Did you not know that my servant so and so who is the son of so and so felt hunger, and you did not feed him. Alas, had you fed him you would have found that (i.e. reward) with Me.’ ‘O’ son of Adam, I was thirsty and you gave Me nothing to drink.’ He will reply: ‘How could I give You drink? You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say: ‘Did you not know that my servant so and so, the son of so and so was thirsty and you did not give him drink. Alas, if you had given him, you would have found that (i.e. reward) with me.’ ‘O’ son of Adam, I became sick and you did not visit Me.’ He will answer: ‘How could I visit You? You are the Lord of the worlds!’ He will say: ‘Did you not know that my servant so and so, the son of so and so became sick and you did not visit him. Alas, had you visited him, you would have found Me with him (Bokhari).
Our Christian readers will recall that similar teachings are also found in the Gospel of Matthews.
2. Now, I quote a Hadith, which can be considered to be an expression of the Golden rule.
The Golden Rule or ethic of reciprocity is a maxim,[1] ethical code or morality[2] that essentially states either of the following:
- One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (directive form).[1]
- One should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (cautionary form, also known as the Silver Rule).[1]
This concept describes a “reciprocal”, or “two-way”, relationship between one’s self and others that involves both sides equally, and in a mutual fashion.[3][4]
Here is the Hadith with the directive form of the Golden rule:
Anas relates that the Holy Prophet said: No one believes truly until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself (Bokhari and Muslim).
This Golden rule can be explained from the perspective of psychology, philosophy, sociology and religion. Psychologically, it involves a person empathizing with others. Philosophically, it involves a person perceiving their neighbor as also an “I” or “self”.[3][4] Sociologically, this principle is applicable between individuals, between groups, and also between individuals and groups. (For example, a person living by this rule treats all people with consideration, not just members of his or her in-group.)
Other narrations of the Golden rule can also be found in Hadiths:
Whoever wishes to be delivered from the fire and to enter paradise should treat other people as they wish to be treated themselves (Muslim).
Do unto all men as you would wish to have done unto you; and reject for others what you would reject for yourself (Abu Dawud)
3. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet kissed his grandson Hasan ibn Ali Aqr’a ibn Habis, who was with him at the time, and he said: I have ten sons and have never kissed any of them. The Holy Prophet looked at him and said: He who has no compassion will receive none (Bokhari and Muslim).
4. Ayesha relates that some desert Arabs came to the Holy Prophet and asked: Do you kiss your children? He answered: Yes. They said: We never kiss them. He said: Can I help it if Allah has stripped your hearts of compassion (Bokhari and Muslim)
5. Jarir ibn Abdullah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Allah has no mercy for him who has no mercy for his fellows (Bokhari and Muslim).
6. Abu Qatadah Harith ibn Ribi’ relates that the Holy Prophet said: I stand up to lead the Prayer having it in mind to lengthen it. Then I hear the cry of an infant and I shorten the Prayer fearing lest I should make it burdensome for its mother (Bokhari).
7. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must speak beneficently or keep quiet (Bokhari and Muslim).
8. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Allah will cover up the faults on the Day of Judgment of him who covers up the faults of another in this world (Muslim).
9. The Prophet said that a kind word or even a smile is a form of charity.
10. Ibn Umar and Ayesha relate that the Holy Prophet said: Gabriel kept exhorting me about the neighbor till I imagined he would include him in the category of heirs (Bokhari and Muslim).
11. Abu Dharr relates that the Holy Prophet said: Abu Dharr, when you prepare broth put plenty of water in it and take care of your neighbors (Muslim). Another version is: My friend advised me: When you prepare broth put plenty of water in it, then find out about the families of your neighbors and share it with them as may be suitable.
12. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet called out: By Allah he does not believe, by Allah he does not believe, by Allah he does not believe. He was asked: Who does not believe, Messenger of Allah? He said: He whose neighbor is not secure against his mischief (Bokhari and Muslim). Muslim’s version is: That one will not enter Paradise whose neighbor is not secure against his mischief.
13. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: O Muslim women, disdain not doing a kindness to a neighbor, even if it were sending her a lamb’s shank (Bokhari and Muslim).
14. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Let no one forbid his neighbor placing his rafter on his wall. Abu Hurairah added: Now I see you turning away from this, but I shall continue to proclaim it (Bokhari and Muslim).
15. Abu Shuraih Khuza’i relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should be benevolent towards his neighbor; he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest; he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak beneficently or should keep quiet (Muslim).
16. Ayesha relates that she asked the Holy Prophet: I have two neighbors; to which of them shall I send a present? He said: To the one whose door is nearer to yours (Bokhari).
17. Sahl ibn Sa’ad relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who takes care of an orphan and me will be like this in Paradise; and he raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration (Bokhari).
18. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who takes care of an orphan, whether related to him or a stranger and me will be like these two in Paradise; and the narrator raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration (Muslim).
19. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who exerts himself on behalf of widows and the indigent is like one who strives in the cause of Allah; and the narrator thinks he added: and like the guardian who never retreats, and like one who observes the fast and does not break it (Bokhari and Muslim).
20. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: The worst food is the food served at a walima (marriage party) from which those are excluded who would like to come and to which those are invited who refuse to come and he who declines an invitation disobeys Allah and His Messenger (Muslim). Another version is:
The worst food is the food served at a walima to which the rich are invited and from which the poor are excluded.
21. Anas relates that the Holy Prophet said: He who brings up two girls through their childhood will appear on the Day of Judgment attached to me like two fingers of a hand (Muslim).
22. Ayesha relates: A poor woman came to me with her two daughters. I gave her three dates. She gave one to each girl and raised the third to her own mouth to eat. The girls asked her for it. So she broke it into two parts and gave one to each of the girls. I was much struck by her action and mentioned what she had done to the Holy Prophet. He said: Allah appointed Paradise for her in consequence of it; or he said: Allah freed her from the Fire on account of it (Bokhari and Muslim).
23. Abu Shuraih Khuwailad ibn Amr Khuza’i relates that the Holy Prophet said: Allah, I declare sinful any failure to safeguard the rights of two weak ones; orphans and women (Nisai).
24. Mus’ab ibn Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas relates: Sa’ad had a notion that he had a superiority over those who were not so well off as he was. The Holy Prophet said: You are helped and are provided for because of the weak and poor ones among you (Bokhari).
25. Abu Darda’ relates that he heard the Holy Prophet say: Look for me among the weak ones, for you are helped and provided for on account of the weak ones among you (Abu Daud).
26. Nu’man ibn Bashir relates that the Holy Prophet said: The believers in their love, kindness and compassion towards each other are like the human body; when one of its limbs is afflicted the whole of it is involved both in waking and in fever (Bokhari and Muslim).
27. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Charity is incumbent upon every human limb every day on which the sun rises. To bring about just reconciliation between two contestants is charity. Helping a person to mount his animal, or to load his baggage on to it is charity. A good word is charity. Every step taken towards the mosque for salat is charity. To remove anything from the street that causes inconvenience is charity (Bokhari and Muslim).
28. Umm Kulthum relates that she heard the Holy Prophet say: He who brings about peace between people and attains good or says that which is good is not a liar (Bokhari and Muslim).
29. Ayesha relates that the Holy Prophet heard two men contending with one another in loud voices outside his door. One of them begged the other to agree to reduce the amount of the debt he owed him and to deal kindly with him. The other said: By Allah, I shall not do it. The Holy Prophet went out to them and asked: Which is the one who swears by Allah he will not act kindly? The man said: It is I, Messenger of Allah, and for him is whatever he prefers (Bokhari and Muslim).
30. Anas relates that the Holy Prophet said: Go to the help of your brother whether he commits a wrong or is wronged. Someone asked: Messenger of Allah, I would help him if he is wronged, but tell me how shall I help him if he is committing a wrong? He answered: Stop him from committing the wrong; that is helping him (Bokhari).
31. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet said: Should a Muslim owe an obligation to his brother in respect of his honor or anything else, let him obtain a release of it today before the time comes when he will have neither dinars nor dirhems. Else, if he should have good deeds they will be taken away from him in proportion to his obligation, and if he should not have good deeds he would be burdened with the evil deeds of the one he wronged in the same proportion (Bokhari).
32. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him said: As long as a Muslim occupies himself with helping a brother, Allah, the Exalted, occupies himself with helping him (Muslim, Tirmidhi and Nisai).
34. The Prophet also said: He who directs another towards good will have such merit as the one who follows his direction; and has said: If a person calls another towards guidance he will have as much merit as the one who follows his direction, without there being the least diminution in the merit of either (Muslim and Abu Daud).
35. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn ‘As relates that the Holy Prophet said: A Muslim is one against whose tongue and hands the Muslims are secure (Bokhari and Muslim).
36. Abu Hurairah relates that the Holy Prophet asked: Do you know who is a pauper? He was told: Among us a pauper is one who has nothing, cash or property. He said: A pauper from among my people would be one who faces the Day of Judgment with a record of salat and fasts and Zakat, but who will have abused this one, and calumniated that one, and devoured the substance of a third, and shed the blood of a fourth and beaten a fifth. Then each of them will be allotted a portion of his good deeds. Should they not suffice, then their sins and defaults will be transferred from them to him and he will be thrown into the Fire (Muslim).
37. Umm Salamah relates that the Holy Prophet said: I am but a human being. You bring your disputes to me for decision. It might happen that one party might be better versed in presenting his case than the other and I might decide in his favor according to what I hear. But if I decide in favor of one contrary to the right of the other, I merely allot a brand of fire to him (Bokhari and Muslim).
38. Abu Musa Ash’ari relates that the Holy Prophet said: The relationship between one believer and another is like that between different parts of a building, one part strengthens another. Then he gripped the fingers of one hand between those of the other by way of illustration (Bokhari and Muslim).
The Prophet’s compassion was not limited to the fellow human beings, his mercy and kindness extended to all living beings.
39. Once the Prophet of Mercy passed by an animal branded on his face. He said to the owner, “Has it not reached you that I have cursed the one who brands an animal’s face or hits it on its face?”
40. Once, the Prophet of Mercy spoke of God’s forgiveness due to the humane treatment of animals. He told his companions the story of a man who got thirsty on his way. He found a well, climbed down inside it to the water, and quenched his thirst. When he came out he saw a panting dog licking on mud out of extreme thirst. The man thought to himself, “The dog has become as thirsty as I was!” The man went down the well again and got some water for the dog. God appreciated his good work and forgave him. The companions asked, “O Prophet of God, do we get rewarded on humane treatment of animals?” He said, “There is a reward in (doing good to) every living being.”
Need we say any more for love and compassion for fellow human beings.
“@The_MuslimTimes: Forty Hadiths or Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad about Compassionate Living http://t.co/TJJofW1wJz ://t.co/omUsQJ21mQ”
— Sutris (@sutrisnoam) May 17, 2015
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Additional Reading
A collection of Hadiths: Gardens of the Righteous, translated into English by Sir Zafrulla Khan
A Collection of Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad with Foreword by Mahatma Gandhi
http://www.alislam.org/library/books/BasicsReligiousE20.
BASICS OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION – FIFTH EDITION
1. Importance of Sadaqah
Save yourself from the Fire,
even if it is by offering a fragment
of a date (as Sadaqah),
and for the one who does not
even have that much, by saying
a kind word. (Bukhari-Kitab-ul-Adab)
There are several ways of spending one’s
wealth in the cause of Allah. Sadaqah is
one such way. This Hadith signifies that
even a minor quantity of Sadaqah may save
its donor from the hardships of this world
as well as from the Hell in the Hereafter.
Let it be clear that Sadaqah means helping
the needy voluntarily, to win Allah’s pleasure.
It must be given out of one’s lawfully
earned wealth and, in no case, should its
recipient be put under any obligation or reproach.
(Al-Quran 2:263, 2:265).
In case monetary help is not needed, or one
cannot afford to spare money for Sadaqah,
a word of goodness, a piece of useful advice
or consoling a distressed person, are
all acts that can also be called Sadaqah.
(Al-Quran 2:264, Hadith No.21).
2. A Little but Sufficient
A little that suffices one’s need
is better than plenty that makes
him forgetful (of Allah)
This short Hadith urges us to adopt the
virtues of simple life and contentment, and
to leave the bad habit of extravagance.
If one raises his standard of living and his
needs beyond reasonable limits, one is entangled
in an endless cycle of excessive
spending and pursuit for even more income.
In view of the above, one cannot fulfil one’s
duties towards Allah, nor can one attend to
his wife and children. Another Hadith deals
with the same subject: “A simple way of
life is part of Faith.” The Holy Quran
repeatedly urges us not to be extravagant
(7:32, 17:28).
3. Think before You Speak
Speaking (without thinking)
leads to trouble
One has no control over the good or bad
effects of his words once these have been
uttered. It is, therefore, advisable to think
before speaking. Moreover, brief and gracious
speech considerably covers the bad
effects due to any shortcomings that may
be present in the speech. Another Hadith
on the subject states: ‘Modesty and brevity
of speech are two characteristics of
faith.’ The Holy Qur’an advises: ‘Speak
graciously to the people’ (2:84).
4. Taking back a Gift
The man who takes back his gift
is like the one who licks his own
vomit (Muslim)
Exchanging gifts is a means of enhancing
mutual affection. An attempt to withdraw a
gift, once it is given, shows extreme narrow-mindedness
and miserliness. Thus, love
may turn into hatred. That is why the Holy
Qur’an prohibits such an action. (57:25).
In another place, The Holy Qur’’an(4:21)
advises not to take back even a valuable
asset that had been given to one’s former
wife.
5. Love for the Holy Prophetsa
None of you can be a true
believer unless he loves me
more than his parents, children,
and all the people combined.
(Bukhari, Vol.I, Kitabul Eeman)
The Holy Prophet Sa is the greatest benefactor
of humanity as he established a permanent
system for our spiritual well-being. We
all, in turn, should love him far more than
our parents, children and friends ( 9:24).
It is important to note that our love for the
Holy Prophet Sa is to our own benefit; it would
in turn generate Divine love for us, thus
opening the doors of unlimited spiritual
progress for the believers (3:32, 4:70).
A living example of this fact is found in the
person of the Promised Messiah who, according
to his own statement, attained his
grand status of the Promised Messiah solely
due to his immense love for the Holy
Prophet Sa.
(Roohani Khazain, Vol. 1, Braheen-Ahmadiyya,
p. 598)
6. Kindness to Younger Ones
and Respect for Elders
He who is not kind to our
younger ones and does not
recognize the right of our
elders, is not from among us
(Abu-Dawood)
According to this Hadith: our elders must
treat their youngers with kindness and due
regard instead of looking down upon them.
Similarly, our younger ones must show due
respect and regard to their elders.
One should understand that the Arabic
words ‘Sagheer’ and ‘Kabeer’ used in this
Hadith, apply to all types of junior and senior
persons or groups: this may be in relation
to age, kinship, office, prestige or
wealth.
The Qur’an stresses this point and forbids
any group of society to look down upon
another one. For, haply the other group
may become better than the first one (49:12).
Also, the most honourable among us is
he, who is the most righteous (49:14 7. Importance of Motives
Deeds are judged by motives,
and everyone is rewarded
according to his motives.The Holy Qur’an (3:30) warns mankind that
Allah knows well what people keep hidden
in their thoughts and whatever is in their
minds. So, God is well-aware of our real
motives behind our actions, even though
we may hide them from other people. Similarly,
the Holy Qur’an (22:38) says, regarding
the sacrifice of animals:
“their flesh reaches not Allah, nor their
blood, but it is your righteousness that
reaches Him.”
8. Learning and Teaching of
the Holy Qur’an
The best among you is the one
who learns the Qur’an and
teaches it. (Bukhari, Kitab Faza’ilul
Quran
The Holy Qur’an (2:130) informs us about
the prayer of prophets Ibrahim As and
Isma’Ismailis, as they erected the Ka`bah,
when they prayed to God to send a prophet
who would recite God’s words to His
people and “would teach them the Book
and wisdom.” This prayer was fulfilled
with the advent of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad Sa, who taught the best moral
values and wisdom through the Holy
Qur’an.
superb way of following the Holy Prophet Sa.
In another Hadith (Muslim), the Holy
Prophet said: ‘Keep reading the Qur’an
for it will intercede for its readers on the
Day of Judgment.’
9. Seeking of Knowledge
Seeking of knowledge is
obligatory upon every Muslim
man and woman. (Baihiqi)
This Hadith is a proof of Islam’s equal
treatment of men and women in matters of
learning and acquisition of knowledge. The
Holy Qur’an (39:10) asks, “Can those who
know, be like those who know not?” When
the revelation of the Holy Qur’an to the
Holy Prophet Sa started, God Almighty urged
the acquisition of knowledge (96:46).
The Holy Prophet Sa has been taught the following
Qur’anic prayer (20:115): “Say: O
My Lord, increase me in my knowledge.”
(also, Part 4). This prayer also fully demonstrates
the importance of the pursuit of
knowledge.
Therefore, it is obligatory upon every Muslim
man and woman to try to achieve an
outstanding position in the fields of both
secular and religious knowledge, through
hard labour and this Qur’anic prayer.
Hearsay is not like seeing
(Ahmed Bin Hunbal)
Believing in rumours, and using them as a
basis of one’s actions, is the cause of much
trouble in the world. The Holy Qur’an (49:7)
says: “O ye who believe! if an unrighteous
person brings you any news, ascertain the
correctness of report fully, lest you harm a
people in ignorance, and then become repentant
for what you have done.” Although
Islam emphasizes the need for investigation
and observation for the purpose
of confirmation, Muslims are not allowed
to follow the dictates of needless curiosity,
for it causes mischief (49:13).
11. High Status of Mothers
Paradise is under the feet of
mothers (Sunan Nisaie).
Mothers have such a tremendous influence
on the upbringing of their children that a good
training by mothers can turn out the children
to be pious and God-fearing individuals
who will enter Paradise. The opposite is
true if a mother’s neglect in the upbringing
of her children lets them degenerate into sinners.
Secondly, this Hadith may be taken
to imply that one can render such service to
one’s mother, and please God so much, as
to become worthy of Paradise.
12. Against Backbiting
Al gheebatu ashaddu minal qatli
Backbiting is worse than killing
Backbiting means speaking ill of someone
who is absent and, therefore, unable to defend
himself against what is being said about
him. The Holy Qur’an (49:13) prohibits
backbiting, and equates it with the inconceivably
vile act of eating the flesh of one’s
dead brother. It is obvious that one would
be extremely repelled at the mere thought
of it.
13. Persistence in Prayer
It is a sin to abandon praying.
The Holy Qur’an (25:78) says, “Say to the
disbelievers: What would my Lord care for
you, were it not for your prayers.”
It is obvious, therefore, that mankind is constantly
in need of praying to God. There is
no substitute for that. The Holy Qur’an
(19:66) says, “So worship Him alone and
be steadfast in His service.”
3.2 AHADITH — AHADITH 16. Repentance from Sins
A man who sincerely repents
for his sins is like one who has
never sinned. (Ibni Maja,
Kitabuz Zuhd)
The Holy Qur’an says (2:161) that if a sinner
truly repents and takes active steps to
make amends, and does righteous deeds
(25:71) along with repentance, his repentance
is mercifully accepted by Allah, and
his sins are eliminated (25:72). However,
the time for repentance is only during one’s
lifetime, and repentance shown at the time
of one’s death is not acceptable (4:19).
17. Treatment of your Children
Respect your children and cultivate
good manners in them (Ibn
Majah)
The Holy Qur’an has commanded parents
to treat their children respectfully, by not
failing to spend on their proper education
and training, and teaching them good moral
qualities, so that they may grow up to become
confident and productive members
of society.
Parents who do not respect their children
and do not spend on their proper education
may contribute to the moral death of
their children as mentioned in the the Holy
Qur’an: “Slay not your children” (6:152,
17:32).
18. Know your own Worth
He who knows his own worth,
will never perish(Chehl Ahadith).
According to the Holy Qur’an (95:5) human
beings have been created in the best
mould. Allah has bestowed upon mankind
many faculties and attributes, which can be
used to attain unlimited progress (15:29-30).
Mankind is the “be all and end all” of all
creation in this universe.
So, mankind must realize its true importance,
worth, and the purpose of its creation,
i.e., worship of Allah (51:57, 1:5). This
will enable mankind to achieve this purpose
and please the Creator (i.e., Allah)
The best action in the sight of
Allah is that which is done with
regularity, even if it is small.
No act of virtue is too small or insignificant
to be disregarded. A good deed, no matter
how small it may seem, if it is done persistently
it brings about a noble transformation
in a person. The Holy Qur’an (13:23,
41:33) requires us to show perseverance in
performing good deeds.
20. Two Valuable Expressions
There are two expressions
which are very dear to Allah, the
Gracious. They are light on the
tongue (easy to say), but are
very heavy in the scales
(of Allah). Those are:
“Holy is Allah and worthy of all
praise; Holy is Allah, the Great.”
(Bukhari)
The previous Hadith (No.19) states that a
seemingly minor act of virtue must not be
abandoned. In the current Hadith, two
statements regarding the praise and glorification
of Allah are given. These seem to be
short sentences, but these are very substantive
in the sight of Allah. The Holy Qur’an
(17:45, 24:42 and 50:40-41) further explains
the subject of praising Allah.
In 1880, The Promised Messiahas, was
taught by God, a revealed prayer containing
the above two expressions and a third
one: “O Allah bless Muhammad and his
people.” He recovered from a very serious
illness as a result of this prayer .
Point to Ponder- Sadqa har bala ko taal deta hai.Charity refutes all the disasters.I saw my mother would always sacrifice one or two goats and distribute all to the poor people.It is the tradition of Hadhrat Abrahim as,who was also called Abul-annbiyya(father of prophets).I hope people in Pakistan are sacrificing goats for 100% charity
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Great article sir, I’m going to save it for future use and teaching to my students.
What a reminder, jazakumullah