خلق عظيم في تعامل النبي الكريم The Sublime Character
خلق عظيم في تعامل النبي الكريم
صلى عليه العزيز الحكيم
The Sublime Character– of the Noble Prophet
Peace of Almighty be upon him
By: Okasha Kameny
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
Introduction
قال الله تبارك وتعالى في الحديث القدسي:
“يَا عِبَادِي إِنِّي حَرَّمْتُ الظُّلْمَ عَلَى نَفْسِي وَجَعَلْتُهُ بَيْنَكُمْ مُحَرَّمًا فَلاَ تَظَالَـمُوا”
“My servants, I have made oppression unlawful on myself and thus unlawful for you, so do not commit oppression against one another”.
The above hadith is one of the most powerful in building a healthy family and community relationships. Being an authoritative person does not give one the right to address those below him disrespectfully.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said,
نقل الحافظ ابن عبد البر في الاستذكار عن مالك ابن أنس أنه بلغه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال:
” بعثت لأتمم صالحَ الأخلاق”
“I have been sent to uplift the best of manners”.
The scholars said, ”خلق المرء عنوان ما في عقله”
“The etiquette of a person is a translation of that which is in his mind (shows the level of his/her maturity”.
What makes a human being complete is not their knowledge but rather their manners and Akhlaq (character). Some of the scholars of Islam mentioned that if the Nobel Prophet had not become the best human being through his Risalah (Messengership from Allah), he would have been the greatest of men through merit of his character alone. And no one can praise him better than Allah: He testifies in Suratul Qalam 68:4
“وإنك لعلى خلق عظيم”
– And indeed you (Muhammad) are upon sublime character!
In Musnad of Imam Ahmad, the Prophet said
عن عائشة رضي الله عنها قالت، سمعت رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يقول:
“إن الرجل ليدرك بحسن الخلق درجة الصائم القائم“:
“A person with an outstanding character can reach the level of a person who fasts and prays devoutly at night”.
In Sahih of Ibn Hibban, Musnad of Ahmad, and Jam’e of At-Tirmidhi, they reported
عن جابر رضي الله عنهما مرفوعا:
“إن من أحبكم إلي وأقربكم مني مجالس يوم القيامة أحاسنكم أخلاقا“ –
“The most beloved ones to me (the Prophet) and the closest ones to me on The Day of Judgment are those who have the best character”.
Get to know! Sublime character in the sight of Allah, Jalla Jalaal, and His Messenger is superior to knowledge! And human beings are in dire need of etiquette more than knowledge for the latter is inherent in every person, but the former is attained by a selected few.
In an athar (reported saying), it is said that the Prophet informed his companions (Umar and Ali) may Allah be pleased with them, that:
“أدبني ربي فأحسن تأديبي”
“My Lord has gifted me with the best discipline, what a perfect discipline that was!”
Ibn Taymiyyah noted that the meaning of the above hadith is sound despite the weakness of its sanad (chain of narrators). Most of the prominent protagonists and Islamophobes during the lifetime of Prophet Muhmmad embraced Islam through his behavior alone. The companions of Allah’s Messenger became the best because of their implementation of the Sunnah. The Prophet had disciplined them and Allah is pleased with them, hence they became the purest of the Ummah.
The world, especially the Ummah, is suffering today because of the abandonment of good character. Our negligence and blatant disregard for this Sublime Character have lead to the Ummah’s current deplorable state: from families, communities, Islamic schools and everything in between.
Codes of Conduct
| 49.H.K.(1) | Code: “Not Advancing Oneself Before Allah and His Nabi” |
| 49.H.K.(2) | Code: رفع الصوت “Raising One’s Voice” |
| 49.H.K.(3) | Code: خفض الصوت “Lowering One’s Voice” |
| 49.H.K.(4) | Code: الاستئذان “Etiquette of seeking permission” |
| 49.H.K.(5) | Code: الصبر “Patience in life” |
| 49.H.K.(6) | Code: الإشاعة والوشاية “Spreading Rumors” |
| 49.H.K.(7) | Code: الطاعة “Obedience” |
| 49.H.K.(9) | Code: نزاع (Conflict, within family/community)” |
| 49.H.K.(10) | Code: الأخوة “Brotherhood and Sisterhood” |
| 49.H.K.(11) | Code: السخرية “Mockery and Scorn” |
| 49.H.K.(11) | Code: التنابز بالألقاب “Defamation |
| 49.H.K.(12) | Code: الهمز واللمز “Verbal and Physical Slander” |
| 49.H.K.(13) | Code: الظن “Assumptions” |
| 49.H.K.(14) | Code: التجسس “Spying” |
| 49.H.K.(15) | Code: الغيبة “Backbiting” |
| 49.H.K.(16) | Code: العنصرية “Racism” |
| 49.H.K.(17) | Code: هداية (Guidance) |
| 49.H.K.(18) | Code: التواضع “Humility” |
49H.K.1 –
Code: Not Advancing Yourself before Allah and His Messenger:
قال الله تعالى:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تُقَدِّمُوا بَيْنَ يَدَيِ اللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِ ۖ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌ
“O you who believe, Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing” (v1)
Vocab and Terms
-
- “التقدم”– To Advance
- “بين يدي” before
- “التقوى” fear
Reason for Revelation of this Ayah
قال ابن أبي مليكة: “كاد الخيران أن يهلكا” قصد بذلك شيخا هذه الأمة أبا بكر وعمر
Imam Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of Ibn Abi Mulaikah, who said:
The two most righteous companions of this Ummah (Abu Bakr and Umar) almost earned destruction, and all they had earned for the Deen was almost rendered null, when Banu Thameem came to the Messenger of Allah and embraced Islam, he was about to appoint an Ameer (leader) for them. Abu Bakr said “Please appoint Ma’bad as their leader” to which ‘Umar said “Please appoint Al-Aqra` ibn Habis”. Abu Bakr said to ‘Umar, you only sought to disapprove of what I had mentioned. “That was not my intention”, ‘Umar replied. The dialogue continued back and forth – then right away Allah Subhanahu Fee ‘Ulaa revealed the verse:
“O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger”
Upon the revelation of the above verse, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar blamed themselves severely.
Wisdoms and Benefits
- Abdullah ibnuz-Zubayr narrated that after the revelation of this ayah, when ‘Umar would speak to the Prophet, he would have to ask “Umar, what are you saying?” many times due to the softness of ‘Umar’s voice. This was due to the fear of repeating the same mistake. This became the practice of the companions to the point where the same fear permeated through their systems due to this ayah (verse)!
Code of Conduct 49 (H). (K).1
-
Before you execute anything, consult Allah and His Messenger first.
When ‘Uthmaan ibn ‘Afaan returned from the treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Sahabah gave him glad tidings for making Tawaf around the Ka’bah, as he was in Multazim (a known place near Ka’ba) while the Prophet and his companions were not able to attend. ‘Uthmaan responded:
“بئس ما ظننتم بي- والله لو مكثت بها سنة لما طفت حتى يطوف رسول الله ولقد دعتني قريش إلى الطواف بالبيت فأبيت”
“What an evil thought you have had concerning me! By Allah, if I were to stay there for a year, never will make Tawaf until I ensured that the Messenger of Allah did it first”
The chieftains of Quraysh persuaded ‘Uthman to make Tawaaf but he refused. He refrained because Allah’s Messenger had not yet come and done so. This is further proof of the Companions’ application of this verse.
-
Refrain from opinions when someone quotes “Allah” or His “Messenger”.
- After the companion Mus’ab ibn Az-Zubayr became Ameer of ‘Iraq, he had a dispute with his slave in which he raised his hand to strike his servant. Anas ibn Malik was present and said “Did you forget what Allah’s Messenger said?” Mus’ab left his hand suspended in the air waiting to hear the command of Allah’s Messenger out of fear of making the same mistake that lead to this Ayah’s revelation. Mus’ab responded after hearing the hadith “الأمر أمر رسول الله”: “We only follow the command of Allah’s Messenger” and lowered his hand without striking the slave. What a powerful statement!
حكموا الشرع إذا خالفت الشرع العقول
Stick to Allah’s legislation whenever people’s reasoning goes against it
إنما العلم خروج عن شكوك لا دخول
Because unadulterated knowledge is avoiding doubts, not wondering doubtedly
وفرار عن مهاو قد هوى فيها الجهول
And fleeing from a pit which ignorant person had fallen in
ووقوف عند قال الله أ وقال الرسول
And finally being content with what Allah and His Messenger have said or ordained for you.
- We do not critique our teachers when they take a course of action that we do not agree with, rather we ask them.
As-Shawkaani was leading Salah and a student criticized him for picking up his amaamah (turben) during the prayer, and he responded: “Picking up Imamah, is lighter than picking up Umamah (the granddaughter of the Prophet)”
As a student, you do not advance or put yourself before your teacher; even more so if your teacher is one of the Inheritors of The Prophets – and even more so if that teacher is calling to the Sunnah of Rasulullah! Otherwise this is a clear violation of code 49H.K.1
Our behavior toward our teachers and scholars should be of honor as they are the Inheritors of The Prophets (Sahih At-Tirmidhi):
-
- So in the presence of our scholars, we do not speak nor advance our opinions when they take a course of action.
49H.K.2
Code: Raising One’s Voice
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ وَلَا تَجْهَرُوا لَهُ بِالْقَوْلِ كَجَهْرِ بَعْضِكُمْ لِبَعْضٍ أَن تَحْبَطَ أَعْمَالُكُمْ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَشْعُرُونَ ﴿٢﴾
“O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet (SAW), nor speak aloud to him as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not”. (v2)
Vocab and Terms
- “لا ترفعوا أصواتكم” – Do Not Raise Your Voices Above
- “حبط” – To Nullify
- “لا تشعرون” – While Not Perceiving/Knowing
Reasons for Revelation of this Ayah
- When Abu Bakr and ‘Umar were in the presence of An-Nabi, as mentioned previously from the hadith of ibn Abi Mulaikah, their voices became raised and they were louder than his.
- “…nor speak aloud to him in speech as you speak aloud to one another…” is further elucidated in Surati-Noor verse 62: “…Make not the calling of the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) among you as your calling of one another. Allah knows those of you who slip away under shelter (of some excuse without taking the permission to leave, from the Messenger SAW)…”
- Thabbit ibn Qays refrained from sitting in the circles of Rasulullah due to the natural loudness of his voice – he feared that this ayah was revealed about him and condemned him to hellfire.
Wisdoms and Benefits
- Remain soft spoken, even in anger.
- Even when giving salaam at the grave of the Prophet, the application of this verse still applies!
- In a place where “Prophet name” is mentioned, the voices are to be lowered.
Code of Conduct 49 (H). (K).2
- In the presence of our teachers, our voices should not go above theirs.
- Our voices are to remain soft and low when speaking to our parents and elders in general.
- The natural disposition of the Muslim is being soft-spoken.
Note: Teachers can give nicknames to their students, as we see the example of Imam Nafi’ and Sibaway; as this creates a bond of fondness, love and respect between the two.
Never refer to parents by name
For elders and respected members of the community, place “Brother or Sister.”
49H.K.3
Code: Lowering One’s Voice
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِندَ رَسُولِ اللَّـهِ أُولَـٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّـهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَىٰۚ لَهُم مَّغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ عَظِيمٌ
Verily, those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah’s Messenger, they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety. For them is forgiveness and a great reward. (v3)
Vocab and Terms
“غض الصوت” – To Lower Your Voice
“امتحن” – To Examine
“المغفرة” – Forgiveness
Wisdoms and Benefits
- The Sahabah immediately put this verse into practice – as seen by previously stated examples of ‘Umar and Thabbit
- Umar and the man of Ta’if
- An-Nabi informed us that those whom he dislikes to be around him and those who will be farthest from him on the Day of Judgment are the ones who speak extraneously (or much). Those close to him have good character and those who speak excessively will be furthest from him
- Our beloved Prophet was known for his extensive and profound silence
“من كان يؤمن بالله واليوم الآخر فليقل خيرا أو ليصمت”
Code of Conduct 49 H.K.3
- Silence is prestigious and being talkative is ignominious.
49H.K.4 and 5
Codes: Etiquette of Calling and Patience
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يُنَادُونَكَ مِن وَرَاءِ الْحُجُرَاتِ أَكْثَرُهُمْ لَا يَعْقِلُونَ ﴿٤﴾ وَلَوْ أَنَّهُمْ صَبَرُوا حَتَّىٰ تَخْرُجَ إِلَيْهِمْ لَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَّهُمْ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿٥﴾
Verily! Those who call you from behind the dwellings, most of them have no sense. (v4)
And if they had patience till you could come out to them, it would have been better for them. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (v5)
Vocab and Terms
{نداء} – Calling (with a raised voice, shouting)
{دعاء} – Calling (without the need to shout)
{حجرات} – Chamber/Compartment/Apartment/Room
{الصبر} – Patience
{خير} – Better
Reasons for Revelation of this Ayah
The Beduins used to come from far away to the apartment of An-Nabi. They would stand from far calling “Yaa Muhammad, we are here!”. They were far removed from the Ahkaam (Islamic rulings) of Al-Qur’an and the character of the Sahabah, hence their behaviour. The proof for this Ayah referring to the Bedouins is further elucidated in Suratu-Taubah, verse 97: “The bedouins are the worst in disbelief and hypocrisy, and more likely to be in ignorance of the limits (Allah’s Commandments and His Legal Laws, etc.) which Allah has revealed to His Messenger. And Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise.”
Wisdom and Benefits:
- This is the standard protocol upon visiting someone’s house; we follow the ordinances Allah has prescribed for us.
- This step is further explained in Suratun-Noor, verses 27 & 28
O you who believe! Enter not houses other than your own, until you have asked permission and greeted those in them, that is better for you, in order that you may remember. And if you find no one therein, still, enter not until permission has been given. And if you are asked to go back, go back, for it is clearer for you, and Allah is All-Knower of what you do.
-
- This also is further explained in the command of Rasulullah – knock (or ring the doorbell) 3 times and await a reply – if no one responds, turn away; also upon entering give salaams to the denizens residing therein.
Code of Conduct 49 (H) (K) 4
- Peeking into the house of a host is a reprehensible act. And so is not minding one’s business.
- Exceed not your limits when seeking permission.
Islam allowed three Salaams (or ringing a door bell). Leave without shouting the person’s name and know – the owner of the house is never to be blamed.
It is inappropriate to stand facing the entryway directly when the door is opened
-
- In settings outside of a person’s home, such as Halaqat, give salaams to the Shaykh(a) before sitting in the circle.
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.5
- Patience is a conqueror and impatience is a failure.
- He that have patience can control himself and others.
49H.K.6
Code: “Spreading Rumors”
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ ﴿٦﴾
O you who believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful. (v.6)
Vocab and Terms
(فاسق) – Wicked/disobedient
(كذاب) – A Liar
(ثقة) – Trustworthy
(جاهل) – Ignorant
(أصبح) – To Turn
(نادم) – To Become Regretful
Reasons for Revelation of this Ayah
Al-Harith ibn Diraar (الحارث بن ضرار) was one of the chieftains of Bani Diraar – a clan who had embraced Islam. Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم has explained extensively the rights and obligations of the Muslims, including Zakah. As Al-Harith was about to return to his people, he mentioned to An-Nabi that his people were rich and therefore, paying Zakah would not be an issue for them. He asked the Rasulullah to send an emissary to collect the Zakah when it was due.
An-Nabi selected وليد بن عقبة بن أبي معيط (Al-Waleed ibnu ‘Uqbah ibnu Abi-Mu’ayt) to go. While he was traveling to collect from Bani Diraar, Shaytan afflicted him with waswasah (deceptive whisperings). He concluded that if he were to go forward with his mission, Bani Diraar would kill him! He turned around and headed back to Madinah. Of course, he was now empty-handed – Waleed told Rasulullah that he had gone to Bani Diraar, and that they had attempted to kill him when he was collecting Zakah. Nabiyullah صلى الله عليه وسلم became angry: This was a violation of the Rights of Allah upon His slaves; why would they act in such a way after agreeing to give the Zakah; and even worse – why would they have the audacity to attempt to kill the messenger sent by Allah’s Messenger? In fact, killing a messenger is not the custom of Arabia, even during Jahiliyyah. Thereafter the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sent a collective of his companions to wage a war against Bani Diraar, as leaving Zakah is to leave Islam and attacking a messenger is an act of war. The reality, of course, was that Waleed did not go: he had told an egregious lie.
The army that An-Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم had prepared to fight Bani Diraar met Harith ibn Diraar and his company as they were leaving Madinah, heading to the city the army had just left. Of course this drew a great deal of curiosity: The army of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم inquired of Harith and his company where they were going, explaining the story they had been told of how Banu Dirar allegedly had refused to pay Zakah and attempted to kill the messenger sent by An-Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم. Al-Harith requested they all go back together to Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم to get to the bottom of the matter. Upon Harith’s arrival, he told An-Nabi صلى الله عليه وسلم that he didn’t see Waleed, much less attempt to take his life or refuse to pay the Zakah.
The Prophet called for Waleed and inquired of him. This eventually laid bare the truth and the lies. Consequently, this verse was revealed by Allah ‘Aza wa Jall.
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَن تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ ﴿٦﴾
O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful. (v.6)
Wisdoms and Benefits
Know! The Muhadditheen (Scholars of Hadith) have divided people into 3:
- Fasiq – An evildoer whose statements must always be investigated and verified
- Kadhub – A liar whose statements are to be completely denied
- Thiqah or Sadiq- A trustworthy individual whose statements are to be completely accepted
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.6
- Rumors must be investigated.
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قال: “كفى بالمرء كذبًا أن يحدث بكل ما سمع”.
On the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
It is enough for a man to prove himself a liar when he goes on spreading whatever he hears
When a person comes to you with any news, under this code, the following rules apply:
-
- If the person is not known to be a liar in the community or school amongst the people – take his or her statement.
- If the person is known to be a liar, do not give it any attention and do not spread it.
- Statements of “majhul” (unknown) are rejected.
In the science of Hadith, the account of such a person is not accepted. In other words, his/her statements are simply rejected because of uncertainty.
Once a person’s state is made known to you, then follow the previously mentioned codes of conduct.
- Never judge a person or a country based on what you heard.
49H.K.7 and 8
Code: Obedience
وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّـهِ ۚ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ اللَّـهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ
الْإِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ ﴿٧﴾
فَضْلًا مِّنَ اللَّـهِ وَنِعْمَةً ۚ وَاللَّـهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ ﴿٨﴾
And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided. (v.7)
[It is] as bounty from Allah and favor. And Allah is Knowing and Wise. (v.8)
Vocab and Terms
(طاعة) – Obedience
(العنت) – hardship
(الحب) – Love for Allah’s Pleasure
(الكفر) – Disbelief
(فسوق) – Disobedience (Rebellion)
(عصيان) – Disobedience
(الفضل) – Bounty
(نعمة) – Favor
Wisdoms and Benefits
Haqq is the truth and its penultimate representative is Nabiyyullah. Had the truth been akin to desires and inclinations, the heavens and the earth, and everything therein would have come to ruin! As Allah mentions: “But if the Truth had followed their inclinations, the heavens and the earth and whoever is in them would have been ruined. Rather, We have brought them their message, but they, from their message, are turning away.” (23:71)
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.7
- Obedience to Allah is the surest route to honor. And undutifulness to Him is the shortest way to disgrace.
- Faith, when pursued under compulsion, is fruitless.
Code of Conduct 49 (H).(K)8
- Being respectful is part of appreciating Allah’s favor upon you.
- Humiliated are those who do away with Allah’s command.
- The world is made subservient to whoever prefers Iman to desires.
49H.K.9
Code: Fitnah (Affliction)
وَإِن طَائِفَتَانِ مِنَ الْـمُؤْمِنِينَ اقْتَتَلُوا فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا ۖ فَإِن بَغَتْ إِحْدَاهُمَا عَلَى الْأُ خْرَىٰ فَقَاتِلُوا الَّتِي تَبْغِي حَتَّىٰ تَفِيءَ إِلَىٰ أَمْرِ اللَّـهِ ۚ فَإِن فَاءَتْ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَهُمَا بِالْعَدْلِ وَأَقْسِطُوا ۖ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ الْـمُقْسِطِينَ ﴿٩﴾
And if two factions among the believers should fight, then make settlement between the two. But if one of them oppresses the other, then fight against the one that oppresses until it returns to the ordinance of Allah. And if it returns, then make settlement between them in justice and act justly. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly. (v.9)
Vocab and Terms
(طائفتان) Two Groups
(القتال) – Fighting
(الصلح) – Reconciliation
(البغي) – Transgression
(فاء) – To Return
{أمرالله} – The Judgment of Allah
{القسط} – Justice (to act justly)
{المقسطون} – Justice (People of Justice)
Reasons for Revelation of this Ayah:
Anas ibn Malik in the collection of Imam Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah was asked that maybe through his visiting Abdullah ibn ‘Ubayy As-Salul (a well-known Munafiq [hypocrite] amongst the Sahabah]), it would soften his heart to truly embrace Islam and bring ibn ‘Ubayy’s companions into Islam as well. This was due to the prestige it would bring him from having someone as high in status as Allah’s Messenger visiting him. The Messenger of Allah asked for his donkey and they rode to visit Abdullah ibn ‘Ubayy. As they approached, he called to them
{إليك عني فقد آذاني نتن حمارك}
Away from me! The bad smell of your donkey is disturbing me! Prophet’s companions became angry with this response and responded: May you be humiliated, oh enemy of Allah! I swear by Allah that the smell of his (the Prophet) donkey is even better than your smell, oh enemy of Allah! Due to this exchange, those who were with ibn ‘Ubayy began to shout back at the companions – although some were truly Muslims and not hypocrites, they were with Abdullah ibn ‘Ubayy and began to support him in the heat of that moment. For this incident, Allah revealed the verse above.
Wisdoms and Benefits
Know! All aspects of Islam are nothing but absolute benefit – so much so that even conflict within the Ummah can become a path to Jannah! As Allah mentions at the end of verse 9 (“..then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.”), the third party who arbitrates must act justly between the two parties in conflict – Thus the those who acts unjustly in such instances only wrongs themselves. Ibn Hatim narrated from Abu Zur’ah that Abdullah ibnu ‘Amr narrated that Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said,
عن عبدالله بن عمرو بن العاص – رضي الله عنهما – قال: قال رسول الله – صلى الله عليه وسلم -: (إن المقسطين عند الله على منابر من نور عن يمين الرحمن – عز وجل – وكلتا يديه يمين، الذين يعدلون في حكمهم وأهليهم وما وَلُوا)؛ رواه مسلم
The one who is just will be raised on a platform made of pearls due to the justice he/she practised in this world.
In the compilations of Imams Muslim and An-Nasaa’ee respectively, Sufyan Ath-Thawri narrated the,
إن المقسطين عند الله على منابر من نور
The just ones will be on a platform of light, on the right side of Al-’Arsh [The Throne of Allah] and those who were just in their judgements amongst the people and their families regarding the discharge of their leadershi.
The benefits of Islam are vast! Even in hardship and affliction, applying justice will lead to platforms made of pearls and light. Apply justice in hardship and adversity with your classmates, teachers, students, friends, families, coworkers, subordinates; all of the slaves of Allah.
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.9
- Never side with those who are wrong regardless.
If your party is wrong, do not support them. It does not matter even if they are the same nationality, family, or friends. –
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم:
“انصر أخاك ظالما أو مظلوما”
support our brothers and sisters whether they are the oppressors or the oppressed.
The Sahabah responded that they understood the case of the oppressed oppressed, but how can one support an oppressor? Allah’s Messenger told them that the way to help the oppressor/wrongdoer is by stopping them from their injustice.
- Stand up for those who are being wronged, bullied, or outcast even if you have enmity toward them.
When you see something wrong, strive to stop it in the best way – in the school, tell the teachers/principals; in the masjid, inform the Imam or the elders; in the workplace, inform your superiors.
For this is a right your fellow Muslim has over you.
49H.K.10
Code: Brotherhood and Sisterhood
إِنَّمَا الْـمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌ فَأَصْلِحُوا بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّـهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ ﴿١٠﴾
The believers are but brothers (and sisters), so make settlement between your brothers (and sisters). And fear Allah that you may receive mercy. (v.10)
Vocab and Terms
{الأخوة} – Brotherhood
{الأخوة} – Sisterhood
{الرحمة} – Mercy
Wisdoms and Benefits
The believers are nothing but brothers and sisters to each other through their belief and there is no exception to this.
عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “المسلم أخو المسلم لا يخونه ولا يكذبه ولا يخذله، كل المسلم على المسلم حرام عرضه وماله ودمه، التقوى ههنا، بحسب امرئ من الشر أن يحقر أخاه المسلم” رواه الترمذي
On the authority of Abu Hurairah who said,
The Messenger of Allah said: “A Muslim is a brother/sister to another Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor lie to him, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable to another Muslim; his honor, his blood and property. Piety is here (and he pointed out to his chest thrice). It is enough for a Muslim to commit evil by despising his brother”.
If we want to attain Allah’s mercy, it is by keeping our brotherhood and sisterhood with our fellow muslims in faith – if we abandon keeping this connection then this denotes we are not worthy of Allah’s mercy which He has promised the believers. Upholding this connection with our Muslim brothers and sisters is a sign of faith that cannot be neglected.
حَدَّثَنَا إِسْحَاقُ بْنُ الصَّبَّاحِ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي مَرْيَمَ، أَخْبَرَنَا اللَّيْثُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي يَحْيَى بْنُ سُلَيْمٍ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ إِسْمَاعِيلَ بْنَ بَشِيرٍ، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ جَابِرَ بْنَ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ يَقُول:
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ مَا مِنِ امْرِئٍ يَخْذُلُ امْرَأً مُسْلِمًا فِي مَوْضِعٍ تُنْتَهَكُ فِيهِ حُرْمَتُهُ وَيُنْتَقَصُ فِيهِ مِنْ عِرْضِهِ إِلاَّ خَذَلَهُ اللَّهُ فِي مَوْطِنٍ يُحِبُّ فِيهِ نُصْرَتَهُ وَمَا مِنِ امْرِئٍ يَنْصُرُ مُسْلِمًا فِي مَوْضِعٍ يُنْتَقَصُ فِيهِ مِنْ عِرْضِهِ وَيُنْتَهَكُ فِيهِ مِنْ حُرْمَتِهِ إِلاَّ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ فِي مَوْطِنٍ يُحِبُّ نُصْرَتَهُ.
No one will desert a Muslim in a place where his dignity may be violated and his honor aspered except Allah disgraces him in a place where he wishes His help; and no one will help a Muslim in a place where his honor may be aspered and his dignity is violated except Allah will help him in a place where he longs for Allah’s help.
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.10
- Islam is the religion of equality, diversity, and fraternity.
True brothers and sisters are not found by blood, for the blood perishes with time but know! The kinship that will last until the Day of Resurrection and beyond in Al-Akhirah (the Hereafter) is the bonds of faith.
- With strong universal brotherhood, we all survive.
The fact that this integral part of faith is missing is a major reasons that the Muslims are struggling so arduously today: When brotherhood and sisterhood is forsaken in Islam, Allah’s mercy departs and the success we seek becomes impossible to attain in this life and the next.
- Hatred is the first chapter of war while brotherhood is natural peace.
49H.K.11
Code: Mockery, Scorn, Defamation and Slander
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا يَسْخَرْ قَوْمٌ مِّن قَوْمٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُونُوا خَيْرًا مِّنْهُمْ وَلَا نِسَاءٌ مِّن نِّسَاءٍ عَسَىٰ أَن يَكُنَّ خَيْرًا مِّنْهُنَّ ۖ وَلَا تَلْمِزُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَلَا تَنَابَزُوا بِالْأَلْقَابِ ۖ بِئْسَ الِاسْمُ الْفُسُوقُ بَعْدَ الْإِيمَانِ ۚ وَمَن لَّمْ يَتُبْ فَأُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الظَّالِمُونَ ﴿١١﴾
O you who believe, let not a people ridicule [another] people; perhaps they may be better than them; nor let women ridicule [other] women; perhaps they may be better than them. And do not insult one another and do not call each other by [offensive] nicknames. Wretched is the name of disobedience after [one’s] faith. And whoever does not repent – then it is those who are the wrongdoers. (v.11)
Vocab and Terms
{السخرية} – Defamation
{عسى ، ولعل} – Perchance/Maybe
{خير} – Better
{اللمز} – Censure/Scorn (Slander through Actions)
{الهمز} – Slander through Words
{التنابز} – To Call with Negative Nicknames
Reason for Revelation of the Ayah:
Abu Jubair ibnud Dahhak said, “The above verse (49:11) was revealed because of my tribe.
In the Sunan of Imam Abi-Dawood it is reported that when the Prophet arrived in Madinah, the custom of the people there was to call each other by nicknames. The first kind of nickname was praiseworthy, while the second type was negative and demeaning. Whenever the Prophet would call someone by a nickname he had heard, the Munafiqoon (hypocrites) would begin to laugh. When he (peace be upon him asked), they mentioned they would mention that the name he called them was actually disliked by the one being called – then the Prophet asked them why they had called someone as such. Thus, Allah had revealed the verse above.
Wisdoms and Benefits
Bukhari mentioned the hadith of An-Nabi who stated:
{رب أشعث أغبر مدفوع بالباب لو أقسم على الله لأبره}
There may be a person who is disregard, but if this person were to swear that such and such was to happen, even if it were not written in the Qadr to take place, Allah would make it come to pass, so that his oath would not be in vain, because of the love Allah has for this person that everyone else disregards.
Know! Only Allah knows the status of the people in this life and the next and that what is apparent does not portray the reality of a person’s status with Allah as mentioned by the Prophet.
{رب كاسية في الدنيا عارية في الآخرة}
Sometimes you see a woman clothed with everything – wealth and every good thing in this dunya but before Allah she is nothing and on the Day of Judgment you will see her deprived of all she had in this world. And the woman who is seen as nothing in this dunya may come on the Day of Judgment with more than the previously mentioned could dream of having, because of Allah’s love for that woman who was seen as nothing in this dunya.
روى البخاري في صحيحه عن سهل بن سعد قال: مَرَّ رَجُلٌ عَلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَقَالَ:[ مَا تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا] قَالُوا حَرِيٌّ إِنْ خَطَبَ أَنْ يُنْكَحَ وَإِنْ شَفَعَ أَنْ يُشَفَّعَ وَإِنْ قَالَ أَنْ يُسْتَمَعَ قَالَ ثُمَّ سَكَتَ فَمَرَّ رَجُلٌ مِنْ فُقَرَاءِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ فَقَالَ:[ مَا تَقُولُونَ فِي هَذَا] قَالُوا حَرِيٌّ إِنْ خَطَبَ أَنْ لَا يُنْكَحَ وَإِنْ شَفَعَ أَنْ لَا يُشَفَّعَ وَإِنْ قَالَ أَنْ لَا يُسْتَمَعَ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:[ هَذَا خَيْرٌ مِنْ مِلْءِ الْأَرْضِ مِثْلَ هَذَا]
A man passed by Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) and Allah’s Apostle asked (his companions) “What do you say about this (man)?” They replied “If he asks for a lady’s hand, he ought to be given her in marriage; and if he intercedes (for someone) his intercession should be accepted; and if he speaks, he should be listened to.” Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) kept silent, and then a man from among the poor Muslims passed by, and Allah’s Apostle asked (them) “What do you say about this man?” They replied, “If he asks for a lady’s hand in marriage he does not deserve to be married, and he intercedes (for someone), his intercession should not be accepted; And if he speaks, he should not be listened to.’ Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “This poor man is better than so many of the first as filling the earth.’
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.11
- Never laugh at people in ridicule.
- Looking down on people is unworthy of the believers in Allah
49H.K.12
Code: Assumption, Spying, and Backbiting
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ ٱجْتَنِبُوا۟ كَثِيرًا مِّنَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِنَّ بَعْضَ ٱلظَّنِّ إِثْمٌ ۖ وَلَا تَجَسَّسُوا۟ وَلَا يَغْتَب بَّعْضُكُم بَعْضًا ۚ أَيُحِبُّ أَحَدُكُمْ أَن يَأْكُلَ لَحْمَ أَخِيهِ مَيْتًا فَكَرِهْتُمُوهُ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّـهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ تَوَّابٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿١٢﴾
O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy on or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.
Vocab and Terms
{الظن} – Assumptions
{إثم} – Sin
{تجسسوا} – Spying
{الغيبة} – Backbiting
{لحم} – Flesh
{ميت} – Carrion
Wisdoms and Benefits
- The sanctity of a Muslim’s blood, wealth, and honor.
- Not boycotting another Muslim for more than 3 days (Sunan At-Tirmidhi)
- Positive Assumption even in negative situations (Sunan Abi Dawood)
Code of Conduct 49(H).(K) 12
- A baseless suspicion is a major sin that carries a grievous penalty.
- Be aware of slandering people, or demafaming them, specially those whom Allah has promised to vindicate their honor for their flesh is poisonous
49H.K.13
Code: Racism
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّاسُ إِنَّا خَلَقْنَـٰكُم مِّن ذَكَرٍ وَأُنثَىٰ وَجَعَلْنَـٰكُمْ شُعُوبًا وَقَبَآئِلَ لِتَعَارَفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ أَكْرَمَكُمْ عِندَ ٱللَّـهِ أَتْقَىٰكُمْ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّـهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرٌ ﴿١٣﴾
O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware. (v13)
Vocab and Terms
{الناس} – Mankind
{ذكر و أنثى} – Male and Female
{شعوب} – Nations
{قبائل} – Tribes
{الكرم} – Nobility
{التقوى} – Piety
Wisdoms and Benefits
سئل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم عن أَكْرَمُ النَّاسِ فقَالَ:[أَتْقَاهُمْ لِلَّهِ] قَالُوا: لَيْسَ عَنْ هَذَا نَسْأَلُكَ قَالَ: [فَأَكْرَمُ النَّاسِ يُوسُفُ نَبِيُّ اللَّهِ ابْنُ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ ابْنِ نَبِيِّ اللَّهِ ابْنِ خَلِيلِ اللَّهِ] قَالُوا:لَيْسَ عَنْ هَذَا نَسْأَلُكَ قَالَ:[فَعَنْ مَعَادِنِ الْعَرَبِ تَسْأَلُونِي النَّاسُ مَعَادِنُ خِيَارُهُمْ فِي الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ خِيَارُهُمْ فِي الْإِسْلَامِ إِذَا فَقُهُوا]رواه البخاري ومسلم.
Code of Conduct 49.H.K.13
- Ignorance is the father of racism. Thus, racists only mock and degrade themselves.
- Nothing easily defeats racism, tribalism, and discrimination like mankind.
- Piety is what makes an individual the best.
49H.K.14
Code: Self-Aggrandizing
“قَالَتِ الْأَ عْرَابُ آمَنَّا ۖ قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَٰكِن قُولُوا أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ الْإِيمَانُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ ۖ وَإِن
تُطِيعُوا اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ لَا يَلِتْكُم مِّنْ أَعْمَالِكُمْ شَيْئًا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ” (14)
“The bedouins say, “We have believed.” Say, “You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], ‘We have submitted,’ for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Vocab and Terms:
(الأعراب) The Bedouin
(السلم) Absolute Submission
(الإيمان) Belief | (يلتكم) Depriving
The Reason of Revelation:
This ayah was revealed because of the statements from the bedouin of Bani Asad ibn Khuzaymah. They came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said we believe and Allah clarified their statements.
Wisdoms and Benefits:
Imam Az-Zuhri said, “The reason for mentioning the difference between Islam and Eemaan is because Islam is a (الكلمة) statement but Iman (العمل) is action”.
Imam At-Tabari mentioned some new mulims wanted to gain the title of hijrah because being amongst the Muhaajireen was the most praiseworthy title of the time. So the Aayah stopped them from claiming something that was not there
Code of Conduct 49H.K.14 –
- Claiming what is not true for self-esteem is a clear path to debasement.
- It is from exemplary character to avoid self-promotion.
49H.K.15
Code: Doubts
إِنَّمَا ٱلْـمُؤْمِنُونَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ بِٱللَّـهِ وَرَسُولِهِۦ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَرْتَابُوا۟ وَجَـٰهَدُوا۟ بِأَمْوَٰلِهِمْ وَأَنفُسِهِمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّـهِ ۚ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلصَّـٰدِقُونَ ﴿١٥﴾
The believers are only the ones who have believed in Allah and His Messenger and then doubt not but strive with their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah. They are the truthful(ones).
Vocab and Terms
(الريب) – Doubt
(جهاد) – Striving for any cause
(صدق) – Truthfulness
Wisdoms and Benefits
Allah took it upon Himself to never punish a nation without prior warning, by sending a Prophet/Messenger to tell them what is needed and warned them of what is to be avoided. (17:15-17)
قال الله تعالى: “وَإِذَآ أَرَدْنَآ أَن نُّهْلِكَ قَرْيَةً أَمَرْنَا مُتْرَفِيهَا فَفَسَقُوا۟ فِيهَا فَحَقَّ عَلَيْهَا ٱلْقَوْلُ…”
And when We intend to destroy a city, We command its affluent (with justice)but they defiantly disobey therein; so the word comes into effect upon it…
49 (H).(K).15
Be a teacher to the ignorant, helper to the weak, and an enemy to Shaytaan.
49H.K.16
Code: Showing Off
قُلْ أَتُعَلِّمُونَ ٱللَّـهَ بِدِينِكُمْ وَٱللَّـهُ يَعْلَمُ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأ رْضِ ۚ وَٱللَّـهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ ﴿١٦﴾
Say, “Would you acquaint Allah with your religion while Allah knows whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth, and Allah is Knowing of all things?”
Vocab and Terms
(التعليم) – Educating/Informing
(الدين) – Religion/Recompense
(السموات) – Skies
(الأرض) – Earth
Wisdoms and Benefits
When the 14th verse was revealed with regards to claiming what one was not worthy of, Nabiyullah was commanded to clarify it for them. So Allah revealed this verse letting them know He is Most Aware of what their hearts truly contained.
Allah will not speak to 3 on the Day of Judgment:
- One who drags his clothes
- One who debases a person due to favors done for that person
- One who sells merchandise while swearing by Allah so that he can make a profit.
49(H).(K).16
Never debase someone because of a favor you have done for them – This leads to a grievous penalty
49H.K.17
Code: Guidance
يَمُنُّونَ عَلَيْكَ أَنْ أَسْلَمُواْ ۖ قُل لَّا تَمُنُّواْ عَلَىَّ إِسْلَٰمَكُم ۖ بَلِ ٱللَّهُ يَمُنُّ عَلَيْكُمْ أَنْ هَدَىٰكُمْ لِلْإِيمَٰنِ إِن كُنتُمْ صَٰدِقِينَ
They consider it a favor to you that they have embraced Islam. Say, “Do not consider your Islam a favor to me. Rather, Allah has conferred favor upon you that He has guided you to the faith, if you should be truthful.”
Vocab and Terms
(المنة) – favor or grace. | (قل) – Say or believe | (بل) – Rather
Wisdoms and Benefits
- عن عَمْرُو بْنُ تَغْلِبَ، عن رسو الله، قَالَ “ إِنِّي أُعْطِي الرَّجُلَ وَأَدَعُ الرَّجُلَ، وَالَّذِي أَدَعُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ مِنَ الَّذِي أُعْطِي، أُعْطِي أَقْوَامًا لِمَا فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مِنَ الْجَزَعِ وَالْهَلَعِ، وَأَكِلُ أَقْوَامًا إِلَى مَا جَعَلَ اللَّهُ فِي قُلُوبِهِمْ مِنَ الْغِنَى وَالْخَيْرِ مِنْهُمْ عَمْرُو بْنُ تَغْلِبَ ”. فَقَالَ عَمْرٌو مَا أُحِبُّ أَنَّ لِي بِكَلِمَةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم حُمْرَ النَّعَمِ.
- قال الزمخشري رحمه الله: “وشبيه في المعنى بهذه الآية قول النبي للأنصار في إحدى خطبه:
ألم أجدكم ضلال فهداكم الله بي أما والله لو شئتم لقلتم ولصدقتم وصدقتم أتيتنا مكذبا فصدقناك…”
“أوجدتم يا معشر الأنصار في أنفسكم في لعاعة من الدنيا تألفت بها قوما ليسلموا ووكلتكم إلى إسلامكم، ألا ترضون يا معشر الأنصار أن يذهب الناس بالشاة والبعير وترجعوا برسول الله إلى رحالكم. فوالذي نفسي بيده، لولا الهجرة لكنت امرءا من الأنصار ولو سلك الناس شعبا وسلكت الأنصار شعبا لسلكت شعب الأنصار. اللهم ارحم الأنصار وأبناء الأنصار وأبناء أبناء الأنصار”
49(H).(K).17
- A person’s concerns should not be ignored or left unaddressed.
49H.K.18
Code: Humility
قال الله تعالى:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَعْلَمُ غَيْبَ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ ۚ وَاللَّهُ بَصِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ (18)
Indeed, Allah knows the unseen [aspects] of the heavens and the earth. And Allah Sees all what you do.
Vocab and Terms
(الغيب) -/ The unseen
(بصير) -/ Sees everything
(تعملون) – what you (people) do
Wisdoms and Benefits
قال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم: (ما نقصت صدقة مِن مال، وما زاد الله عبدًا بعفوٍ إلَّا عزًّا، وما تواضع أحد لله إلَّا رفعه الله)
قال القاضي عياض: يمنحه الله ذلك جزاء على تواضعه. ويسبب له في القلوب مهابة وعزة وكرامة
49H.K.18
He that defeats his/her evil desires, is the greatest conqueror.