Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 209

Abu Humaid bin Sa`d As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) employed a man from the tribe of Al-Azd named Ibn Lutbiyyah as collector of Zakat. When the employee returned (with the collections) he said: "(O Prophet (PBUH)!) This is for you and this is mine because it was presented to me as gift.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) rose to the pulpit and praised Allah and extolled Him. Then he said, "I employ a man to do a job and he comes and says: `This is for you and this has been presented to me as gift'? Why did he not remain in the house of his father or the house of his mother and see whether gifts will be given to him or not? By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, if any one of you took anything wrongfully, he will bring it on the Day of Resurrection, carrying it on (his back), I will not recognize anyone of you, on the Day of Resurrection with a grunting camel, or a bellowing cow, or a bleating ewe.'' Then he raised his hands till we could see the whiteness of his armpits. Then he said thrice, ``O Allah ! have I conveyed (Your Commandments)''. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: There is a stern warning in this Hadith for the government functionaries. Nowadays official positions are very much misused and people have developed the habit of giving presents and gifts to them. According to this Hadith, all such presents and gifts which are given to the government employees due to their official position are unlawful and constitute bribery. The taking and accepting of bribery are both unlawful. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 208

Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Messenger of Allah (PBUH) sent me (as a governor of Yemen) and instructed me thus: "You will go to the people of the Book. First call them to testify that `there is no true god except Allah, that I am (Muhammad (PBUH)) the Messenger of Allah.' If they obey you, tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat (prayers) during the day and night; and if they obey you, inform them that Allah has made Zakat obligatory upon them; that it should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor; and if they obey you refrain from picking up (as a share of Zakat) the best of their wealth. Beware of the supplication of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. If it comes to Jihad against infidels, polytheists and the people of the Book (Ahl-ul-Kitab) then before waging war against them, they should be invited to Islam and told about the prescribed Salat (prayers), Zakat and other teachings of Islam.

2. The Zakat collected from the rich of a locality must be spent on the poor of that place. If some amount is left unspent only then it should be distributed among the deserving people of other areas.

3. The collectors of Zakat should refrain from aggression in its collection as in that case they will be invoking the curse of the people concerned and thereby invite the Wrath of Allah.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 207

Abu Musa (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Verily, Allah gives respite to the oppressor. But when He seizes him, He does not let him escape.'' Then he (PBUH)) recited, "Such is the Seizure of your Rubb when He seizes the (population of) towns while they are doing wrong. Verily, His Seizure is painful (and) severe". (11:102).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: One should not take the respite for exemption because no one knows when respite granted by Him will come to an end and punishment will follow.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 206

`Aishah (May Allah bepleased with her) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever usurps unlawfully even a hand span of land a collar measuring seven times (this) land will be placed around his neck on the Day of Resurrection". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: This Hadith tells us that even a minor injustice to anybody in this world can cause great trouble on the Day of Resurrection. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 205

Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were talking about the Farewell Pilgrimage without knowing what was it when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was also present. He (PBUH) stood up and recited the Praise and Glorification of Allah. He then gave a detailed account of Ad-Dajjal and said, 'Every Prophet sent by Allah had warned his people against his mischief. Nuh (PBUH) )warned his nation and so did all the Prophets after him. If he (i.e., Ad-Dajjal) appears among you, his condition will not remain hidden from you. Your Rubb is not one-eyed, but Ad-Dajjal is. His right eye is protruding like a swollen grape. Listen, Allah has made your blood, and your properties as inviolable as of this day of yours (i.e., the Day of Sacrifice), in this city of yours (i.e., Makkah), in this month of yours (i.e., Dhul -Hijjah). Listen, have I conveyed Allah's Message to you?'' The people replied in affirmative. There upon he said, "O Allah, bear witness.'' And he repeated it thrice. He (PBUH) concluded: "Do not revert after me as infidels killing one another".
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: This Hadith brings out the following three points:

1. Some marks and signs of pseudo-Messiah (Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal) are mentioned to warn the believers against his mischief.

2. The lives and properties of Muslims are inviolable for each other. In other words, it means that each of them is a protector and guardian of the life, property and honour of the other.

3. Internal war among the Muslims is a great crime and can even lead to infidelity (Kufr). May Allah save us all from it.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 204

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "On the Resurrection Day, the rights will be paid to those to whom they are due so much so that a hornless sheep will be retaliated for by punishing the horned sheep which broke its horns".
[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith makes it abundantly clear that there will be utmost justice on the Day of Resurrection. So much so that Allah will redress even the grievance of the aggressed animals against the aggressors. Thus, this Hadith serves a severe warning for people. When animals, who are devoid of sense, will not be forgiven, how would mankind be, which is gifted with senses? The latter will not be pardoned if they are guilty of having been unjust to anyone without adequately compensating them.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 203

Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Beware of injustice, for oppression will be darkness on the Day of Resurrection; and beware of stinginess because it doomed those who were before you. It incited them to shed blood and treat the unlawful as lawful.'' [Muslim] Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 202

Abu Khubaib `Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with them) reported: When Az-Zubair, got ready to fight in the battle of Al-Jamal, he called me and said: "My son, whoever is killed today will be either a wrongdoer or a wronged one. I expect that I shall be the the wronged one today. I am much worried about my debt. Do you think that anything will be left over from our property after the payment of my debt? My son, sell our property and pay off my debt.'' Az-Zubair then willed one-third of that portion to his sons; namely `Abdullah's sons. He said, "One-third of the one-third. If any property is left after the payment of debts, one-third (of the one-third of what is left is to be given to your sons.'' (Hisham, a subnarrator added: "Some of the sons of `Abdullah were equal in age to the sons of Az-Zubair, e.g., Khubaib and Abbad. `Abdullah had nine sons and nine daughters at that time)". (The narrator `Abdullah added:) He kept on instructing me about his debts and then said: "My son, should you find yourself unable to pay any portion of my debt then beseech my Master for His help.'' By Allah, I did not understand what he meant and asked: "Father, who is your Master?'' He said: "Allah.'' By Allah! Whenever I faced a difficulty in discharging any portion of his debt; I would pray: "O Master of Zubair, discharge his debt,'' and He discharged it. Zubair was martyred. He left no money, but he left certain lands, one of them in Al-Ghabah, eleven houses in Al-Madinah, two in Basrah, one in Kufah and one in Egypt. The cause of his indebtedness was that a person would come to him asking him to keep some money of his in trust for him. Zubair would refuse to accept it as a trust, fearing it might be lost, but would take it as a loan. He never accepted a governorship, or revenue office, or any public office. He fought along with Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and Abu Bakr, `Umar and `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with them). `Abdullah added: I prepared a statement of his debts and they amounted to two million and two hundred thousand! Hakim bin Hizam met me and asked me: "Nephew, how much is due from my brother as debt?'' I kept it as secret and said: "A hundred thousand.'' Hakim said: "By Allah! I do not think your assets are sufficient for the payment of these debts.'' I said: "What would you think if the amount were two million and two hundred thousand?'' He said: "I do not think that you would be able to clear off the debts. If you find it difficult let me know.'' Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) had purchased the land in Al-Ghabah for a hundred and seventy thousand. `Abdullah sold it for a million and six hundred thousand, and declared that whosoever had a claim against Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) should see him in Al-Ghabah. `Abdullah bin Ja`far (May Allah bepleased with him) came to him and said: "Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) owed me four hundred thousand, but I would remit the debt if you wish.'' `Abdullah (May Allah bepleased with him) said: "No.'' Ibn Ja`far said: ``If you would desire for postponement I would postpone the recovery of it.'' `Abdullah said: "No.'' Ibn Ja`far then said: "In that case, measure out a plot for me.'' `Abdullah marked out a plot. Thus he sold the land and discharged his father's debt. There remained out of the land four and a half shares. He then visited Mu`awiyah who had with him at the time `Amr bin `Uthman, Al-Mundhir bin Az-Zubair and Ibn Zam`ah (May Allah bepleased with them). Mu`awiyah (May Allah bepleased with him) said: "What price did you put on the land in Al-Ghabah?'' He said: "One hundred thousand for a each share. Mu`awiyah inquired: "How much of it is left?'' `Abdullah said: "Four and a half shares.'' Al-Mundhir bin Az-Zubair said: "I will buy one share for a hundred thousand". `Amr bin `Uthman said: "I will buy one share for a hundred thousand". Ibn Zam`ah said: "I will buy one share for a hundred thousand.'' Then Mu`awiyah asked: "How much of it is now left?'' `Abdullah said: "One and a half share. Mu`awiyah said: "I will take it for one hundred and fifty thousand.'' Later `Abdullah bin Ja`far sold his share to Mu`awiyah for six hundred thousand. When `Abdullah bin Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) finished the debts, the heirs of Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) asked him to distribute the inheritance among them. He said: "I will not do that until I announce during four successive Hajj seasons: `Let he who has a claim against Az-Zubair come forward and we shall discharge it.''' He made this declaration on four Hajj seasons and then distributed the inheritance among the heirs of Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) according to his will. Az-Zubair (May Allah bepleased with him) had four wives. Each of them received a million and two hundred thousand. Thus Az-Zubair's total property was amounted to fifty million and two hundred thousand. [Al-Bukhari] Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 201

Hudhaifah and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that they heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, "Allah will assemble mankind, and the believers will stand till Jannah will be brought near them. They will then go to Adam (PBUH) and say, `O our father, ask (Allah (SWT), that Jannah may be opened for us, but he will reply: `There was nothing that put you out of Jannah except your father's sin. I am not the one to do that, go to my son Ibrahim (Abraham), the beloved man of Allah.' Then Ibrahim (PBUH) when approached, will say: `I am not the one to do that, for I was only a friend; and that is not a lofty status but ask Musa (Moses) to whom Allah spoke.' They will then go to Musa (PBUH) but he will say: `I am not the one to do that; go to `Isa (Jesus), Allah's Word and spirit.' `Isa (PBUH) will say: `I am not the one to do that.' So they will come to me; and I will stand and be given permission. Amanah and ties of relationship will be sent forth and will stand on the sides of the Sirat (that is, the Bridge set over Hell-fire) right and left, and the first of you will pass like lightning.'' I said (that is Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him)" :I ransom you with my father and mother, what is like the movement of lightning?'' The Messenger of Allah replied, "Have you not seen how the lightning goes and returns in the twinkling of an eye? Next (group will pass) like the passing of the breeze, next like the passing of a bird, and the next with the speed of a running man, according to the quality of their deeds. (During all this time) your Prophet (PBUH) will remain standing on the Bridge saying: `O my Rubb, keep (them) safe, keep (them) safe,' till men's deeds are so weak that a man comes who will be able only to crawl. On both sides of the Bridge pronged flesh hooks, placed under command will be hung and will seize those about whom they receive command, some people being lacerated and escaping and others being thrown violently into Hell.'' Abu Hurairah added: By Him in Whose Hand Abu Hurairah's soul is, the pit of Jahannam (Hell) is seventy years in depth. [Muslim]. Commentary: This Hadith mentions the horrors of the Day of Resurrection which are evident from the fact that even Prophets will be fearful of Allah and making supplication to Him. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) alone will be requesting Allah for bestowing His Mercy on humans. This Hadith also describes the grace of the Prophet (PBUH) who will then intercede for all. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 200

Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) foretold to us two Ahadith. I have seen one (being fulfilled), and I am waiting for the other. He (PBUH) told us, "Amanah (the trust) descended in the innermost (root) of the hearts of men (that is, it was in their heart innately, by Fitrah, or pure human nature). Then the Qur'an was revealed and they learnt from the Quran and they learned from the Sunnah.'' Then the (Prophet (PBUH)) told us about the removal of Amanah. He said, "The man would have some sleep, and Amanah would be taken away from his heart leaving the impression of a faint mark. He would again sleep, and Amanah would be taken away from his heart leaving an impression of a blister, as if you rolled down an ember on your foot and it was vesicled. He would see a swelling having nothing in it.'' He (the Prophet (PBUH)) then took up a pebble and rolled it over his foot and said, "The people would enter into transactions with one another and hardly a person would be left who would return (things) entrusted to him (and there would look like an honest person) till it would be said: `In such and such tribe there is a trustworthy man.' And they would also say about a person: `How prudent he is! How handsome he is and how intelligent he is!' whereas in his heart there would be no grain of Faith.'' Hudhaifah bin Al-Yaman (May Allah bepleased with him) added: I had a time when I did not care with whom amongst you I did business, I entered into a transaction, for if he were a Muslim, his Faith would compel him to discharge his obligation to me; and if he were a Christian or a Jew, his guardian (surety) would compel him to discharge his obligation to me. But today I would not enter into a transaction except with so-and-so.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: The word `Amanah' (trust) is a very comprehensive term which includes everything like adherence to Islamic injunctions, fairness in dealing, giving everybody his due, etc. According to this Hadith, with decline in moral values the true sense of Amanah will gradually go on diminishing and eventually a stage will come which has been elucidated in the text of this Hadith.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 199

Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "There are three signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Another narration adds the words: 'Even if he observes fasts, performs Salat and asserts that he is a Muslim". Commentary: A hypocrite is the one who professes Islam before the Muslims but conceals hatred and animosity against them. This double-dealing is worse than Kufr. This is the reason the Noble Qur'an has declared about them that they will be in the lowest depths of the Hell. The hypocrites referred to here lived at the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and he was informed about them through Wahy (Revelation). It is very difficult to identify the class of hypocrites in this age. It is almost impossible to know the hypocrisy of Faith. The practical hypocrisy is, however, now very common among the Muslims. It can be identified on the strength of the traits which have been stated in the Ahadith about them. These traits are very common among many of the present-day Muslims. Their conduct bears the marks of hypocrisy. This practical hypocrisy is, however, not Kufr as is the case with the hypocrisy of Faith. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 198

Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A man will be brought on the Day of Resurrection and will be cast into Hell, and his intestines will pour forth and he will go round them as a donkey goes round a millstone. The inmates of Hell will gather round him and say: `What has happened to you, O so-and-so? Were you not enjoining us to do good and forbidding us to do evil?' He will reply: `I was enjoining you to do good, but was not doing it myself; and I was forbidding you to do evil, but was doing it myself".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith serves a stern warning for such `Ulama', preachers and reformers of the Ummah whose own conduct is contrary to the sermons they give from the pulpit.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 197

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: "O you people! You recite this Verse: `O you who believe! Take care of your ownselves. If you follow the (right) guidance [and enjoin what is right (Islamic Monotheism and all that Islam orders one to do) and forbid what is wrong (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islam has forbidden)] no hurt can come to you from those who are in error.' (5:105) But I have heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "When people see an oppressor but do not prevent him from (doing evil), it is likely that Allah will punish them all.'' [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi]. Commentary: What Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) had stated was that the Ayah mentioned in this Hadith was generally understood to mean that if a person is on the Straight Path then it is not necessary for him to preach virtue and forbid vice because in that case he neither has the fear of being harmed by the disobedience and sins of others nor is he answerable to Allah for their misdeeds. Thus, what it implies is that Muslim Ummah is not responsible for the enforcement of Islamic Shari`ah in the world and all it is concerned with is its own improvement only. By narrating this Hadith, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) refuted this interpretation of the Ayah and made it clear that it is the duty of the Ummah and each of its member to make best possible efforts to check the vices prevalent in the society. So much so that if a Muslim has the ability to check the vices by means of force or speech but he does not do it, his negligence in this regard will become a cause of Divine wrath and punishment. The true significance of this ayah is that if, in spite of the best efforts on the part of the pious ones there is no improvement, and people do not abstain from sins and disobedience of Allah, then the pious persons will not be held responsible for what the defaulters do, nor would they suffer on this account. This interpretation of the ayah removes the conflict that seems to exist between the meaning of the Ayah and the Hadith. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 196

`Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The first defect (in religion) which affected the Children of Israel in the way that man would meet another and say to him: `Fear Allah and abstain from what you are doing, for this is not lawful for you.' Then he would meet him the next day and find no change in him, but this would not prevent him from eating with him, drinking with him and sitting in his assemblies. When it came to this, Allah led their hearts into evil ways on account of their association with others.'' Then he (PBUH) recited, "Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue of Dawud (David) and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allah and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from the Munkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism, disbelief) which they committed. Vile indeed was what they used to do. You see many of them taking the disbelievers as their Auliya' (protectors and helpers). Evil indeed is that which their own selves have sent forward before them; for that (reason) Allah's wrath fell upon them and in torment will they abide. And had they believed in Allah and in the Prophet (Muhammad (PBUH)) and in what has been revealed to him, never would they have taken them (the disbelievers) as Auliya' (protectors and helpers); but many of them are the Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).'' (5:78-81)

Then he (PBUH) continued: "Nay, by Allah, you either enjoin good and forbid evil and catch hold of the hand of the oppressor and persuade him to act justly and stick to the truth, or, Allah will involve the hearts of some of you with the hearts of others and will curse you as He had cursed them".
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The wording in At-Tirmidhi is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When the Children of Israel became sinful, their learned men prohibited them but they would not turn back. Yet, the learned men associated with them and ate and drank with them. So, they were cursed at the tongues of Dawud and `Isa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary), because they were disobedient and were given to transgression.'' At this stage Messenger of Allah (PBUH) who was reclining on a pillow sat up and said, "No, By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, there is no escape for you but you persuade them to act justly.''

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the duty of `Ulama' is to check the people from vice and if, in spite of all their efforts people do not abandon them, they should avoid associating with them because it is a matter of religious reverence and vanity. If they do not do it, they will also be cursed like the disobedient lot. May Allah save us from this negligence.

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Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 195

Abu `Abdullah Tariq bin Shihab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person asked the Prophet (PBUH) (when he had just put his foot in the stirrup): "What is the highest form of Jihad?'' He (PBUH) said, "Speaking the truth in the presence of a tyrant ruler". [An-Nasa'i]. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 194

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The best type of Jihad (striving in the way of Allah) is speaking a true word in the presence of a tyrant ruler.''
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Jihad has many degrees. Preaching of virtue is also Jihad. The most meritorious of all is the effort of communicating the Message of Allah to an unjust ruler. Similarly, if a society is so much given to a vice that no one can dare to utter a word against it, then to protest against it can also be reckoned as the best Jihad.

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Riyad U Saliheen: 193

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 193

Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, you either enjoin good and forbid evil, or Allah will certainly soon send His punishment to you. Then you will make supplication and it will not be accepted". [At-Tirmidhi]. Commentary: To abandon the practice of enjoining virtue and forbidding vice is likely to incur the displeasure of Allah. This trend is indeed fraught with the danger of rejection of prayers and supplications by Him. Click Here For Arabic And Urdu

Riyad U Saliheen: 192

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 192

Abu Sa`id Al-Hasan Basri reported: `Aidh bin `Amr (the Companion) (May Allah be pleased with him) visited `Ubaidullah bin Ziyad (the ruler) and said to him: "Son, I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, `The worst shepherds (rulers) are those who deal harshly in respect of supervision. Beware, Don't be one of them!''' Ibn Ziyad said to him, "Sit down, you are but husk from among the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH).'' `Aidh bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with him) retorted: "Was there any husk among them? Surely, husk came after them and among others than them".
[Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith presents a model of courage and boldness of speaking the truth before a tyrant. It was displayed by `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) in the court of Ubaidullah bin Ziyad, governor of Basrah. The latter humiliated `Aidh (May Allah be pleased with him) for his straight forwardness and truth but he repeated his statement about the eminence of the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and said none of them could be called husk.

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Riyad U Saliheen: 191

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 191

`Abdullah bin `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saw a man wearing a gold ring. So he (the Prophet (PBUH)) pulled it off and threw it away, saying, "One of you takes a live coal, and puts it on his hand.'' It was said to the man after Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had left: "Take your ring (of gold) and utilize it,'' whereupon he said: "No, by Allah, I would never take it when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has thrown it away".
[Muslim].

Commentary:
1. We learn from this Hadith that wearing of gold ring is prohibited for men and so is wearing of golden ornament by them. It is very unfortunate indeed that nowadays it has become a popular fashion to present men gold ring on their marriage and they wear it with great pride. It is a very dangerous custom and must be altogether shunned for two reasons. Firstly, it is an unnecessary formality and burden to exchange presents and hold big feasts on betrothal ceremony. It is also open to objection in Islamic law. Secondly, to give and take unlawful things is all the more forbidden and is akin to building one sin over another.

2. The spirit of obedience mentioned in this Hadith is matchless.

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Riyad U Saliheen: 190

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 190

Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Beware of sitting on roads (ways).'' The people said: "We have but them as sitting places.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If you have to sit there, then observe the rights of the way". They asked, "What are the rights of the way?'' He (PBUH) said, "To lower your gaze (on seeing what is illegal to look at), and (removal of harmful objects), returning greetings, enjoining good and forbidding wrong".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:
1. This Hadith tells us that it is improper to sit on roadsides and passages in such a way which causes inconvenience to men and women who pass by. It is really very unfortunate that now we do not care about such things at all.

2. If sitting on roadside is indispensable at all, then it is essential to observe the requirements mentioned in the Hadith to justify the needful.

3. Some other Islamic etiquette mentioned in this Hadith have also been stated in other Ahadith. For instance, politeness of speech, sharing of someone's burden, helping the oppressed and the troubled, guiding the wayward person to the right path, answering (in the prescribed manner) one who sneezes, etc.

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Riyad U Saliheen: 189

Riyad U Saliheen, Hadith # 189

Zainab (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) came to visit me one day frightened and he (PBUH) said, "La ilaha illallah (There is no true God but Allah). Woe to the Arabs because of an evil which has drawn near! Today an opening of this size has been made in the barrier restraining Ya'juj and Ma'juj (Gog and Magog people).'' And he (PBUH) made a circle with his thumb and index finger. I said, ``O Messenger of Allah! Shall we perish while still there will be righteous people among us?'' He (PBUH) replied, ``Yes, when wickedness prevails".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This Hadith also tells us about the ominous of sin. It says that when vice becomes common, then in spite of the presence of some virtuous persons, that community will be destroyed. But on the Day of Resurrection, those noble persons who had done their duty of preaching virtue and checking vice will stand apart from the sinners. Thus this Hadith induces one to keep away from sins.

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