Words of Wisdom

1

All praise is due to Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon our leader Muhammad (salla Allahu ‘alayhi wassalam), his descendants and his Companions!

2

Two good qualities are most virtuous for men: one of these is to have iman (faith) in Allah, and the other is to be of service or help of Muslims. And there are two bad qualities that are most harmful to human beings: one of these is to associate anything as a partner to Allah, and the other is to do harm to Muslims. – Muhammad (s)

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It is incumbent upon my community that they associate with scholars and adhere to their advice. Surely, Allah resuscitates a dead heart with their wisdom as he revives a dry land with rain (from the sky). – Muhammad (s)

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The person who enters the grave without doing good deeds is like a person who tries to cross a sea without ship. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq[1], radiya Allahu ‘anhu (may Allah be pleased with him).

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Worldly fame is gained through wealth. Honor in the Next World is gained through good deeds – ‘Umar (r) [2]

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Worldly engagements bring darkness in one’s heart. Thoughts of the Hereafter bring light into one’s heart. – ‘Uthman[3](r)

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He who seeks enlightenment is sought by Paradise. He who seeks iniquity is sought by Hell. – ‘Ali (r)[4]

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No noble man disobeys Allah. And no wise man prefers this world (lit. dunya) to the next World (lit. akhirah). – Yahya bin Mu’adh (r)[5]

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There is hope for forgiveness of sins committed due to lust (lit. shahwah), but not so far for sins committed due to pride. Allah did not forgive Satan as the root of his sin was his pride while He forgave Adam (‘alayhissalam) as the root of his sin was his lust. – Sufyan al-Thawri (r)[6]

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A saintly man said, “Allah will throw that person to hell who is gleeful of committing sinful deeds; there he or she will cry. On the other hand, Allah will enter that person to heaven who worships and cries (in fear of him); there he or she will be joyful.”

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A wise man said, “Never consider a minor sin to be negligible. Surely, minor sins aggregate to major sins.”

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When minor sins are repeatedly committed, they do not remain minor any longer. And if one continuously seeks forgiveness, his major sins do not remain major any longer. – Muhammad (s)

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It is related that the Gnostics (lit. ‘arif) are always preoccupied with meditation while the ascetics (lit. zahid) with supplications to Allah. This is due to the fact that a Gnostic seeks his Lord only (and is, therefore, unmindful of anything but Allah) while an ascetic (strives to save) himself only.

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A wise man said, “A person who assumes that there is a better patron than Allah has little knowledge (lit. ma’rifah) about Allah; and a person who assumes that there is a worse enemy than his nafs (carnal self) has little knowledge about (the evils of) his nafs.”

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Someone said, “Lust turns a king into a slave, and self-control or steadfastness (lit. sabr) elevates a slave to kingship. The story of Yusuf (a.s.)[7] and Zulaykha[8] is a sufficient proof of this.”

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Someone said, “Blessed is he who is ruled by his ‘aql (wisdom) and enslaves his hawa’ (passion). Wretched is he who is ruled by his hawa’ and enslaves his ‘aql.”

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A wise man said, “He who shuns sinful deeds, his heart is softened; and he who earns a halal (lawful) livelihood after discarding that which is haram (unlawfull), he attains clarity in meditation (lit. fikr). Allah revealed to one of His Prophets: ‘Obey My command and do not disobey My admonition’.”

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Someone said, “A person who strives for pleasing Allah and avoids things displease Him has attained perfection of knowledge.”

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A wise man has said, “A learned scholar is a native even in a foreign land while an ignorant man is an alien in his own locality.”

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Another wise man said, “He who comes near Allah through his worship remains a stranger among his people.”

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A wise man said, “The proof of a Gnostic is in his progress in worship just as the proof of life is in the movement of the limbs.”

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The root of all evils is the worldly love. The root of all troubles (lit. fitnah) is non-payment of ushr (one-tenth of agricultural produce) and zakah (poor-due). – Muhammad (s)

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A wise man said, “He who admits his mistakes is praised by all. Admission of mistaken is a sign of one’s maturity.”

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Someone said, “He who denies Allah’s bounties (with which he was blessed) is an ingrate. And he who keeps fellowship with fools is doomed.”

3

He who complains at dawn about his worldly needs actually complains against his Lord. He who is depressed with worldly affairs is actually depressed with Allah. He who is humble to some rich man on account of the latter’s wealth has lost two-thirds of his religion. – Muhammad (s)

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There are three things that cannot be acquired by three other things: wealth is not gained solely by desires; youth is not gained by darkening one’s hair; and health is not restored by medicine alone. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

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Half of one’s intelligence lies in his keeping good relationship with others. Half of one’s learning lies in his asking questions. Half of one’s livelihood lies in good management of his family. – ‘Umar

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The person who shuns the world for the love of Allah becomes His beloved. The person who avoids committing sin for fear of Allah becomes beloved of angels. The person who shuns all kinds of greed and desires from fellow Muslims is loved by them. – ‘Uthman

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Among all the blessings in this world, surely the blessing of Islam is sufficient for you. Among all your duties and business affairs, surely the worship of Allah is a sufficient duty and business for you. Among all the lessons, surely the death of other human beings is a sufficient lesson for you. – ‘Ali

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There are many people who rush toward sinful deeds because of the blessings of life. There are many people who are spoiled by people’s adoration. There are still others who are misled by (the notion of) safety from Allah (and thus, neglect to repent in time). – ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (r)[9]

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It is revealed in the Psalms (lit. Zabur) that an intelligent man should not busy himself except in three matters: (1) earning provision for the Hereafter, (2) earning his livelihood and (3) seeking comfort of this world lawful means – Dawud (a.s.)[10] the prophet.

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There are three things which protect a person; three things which ruin a person; which enhance one’s prestige; and three things, which compensate for one’s sin. The things that protect are: (1) Fear of Allah in secret and I open; (2) seeking moderation in states of poverty and riches; and (3) doing justice both in pleasure and displeasure. The three habits that ruin a person are: (1) extreme miserliness; (2) following one’s passion; and (3) self-esteem or considering oneself to be better than others. The three habits which enhance one’s prestige are: (1) greeting people, both known and unknown, with salutations (lit. salam); (2) feeding people; and (3) praying when people asleep at night. The three habits which compensate for one’s sin are: (1) making a complete wudu’ (ritual purification) even when it is too cold; (2) walking to the place of jama’ah (congregational prayer); and (3) waiting after one prayer for the next prayer. – Muhammad (s), narrated by Abu Hurayrah (r)[11]

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Once Gabriel (a.s.) [12]told Prophet (s), “O Muhammad, live as long as you want but one day you have to die. You can love anyone you desire, but one day you would be separated from your lover. You can do whatever you like, but one day you have to face its consequence.”

Allah will provide shade under His Throne to three kinds of people on the Day of Judgment and on that Day there will be no other shade available. These are (1) those people who make ablution with water even if it is difficult for them, (2) those who walk to mosque even if it is dark outside, and (3) those who feed the hungry. – Muhammad (s)

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Once someone asked Ibrahim (a.s.)[13], “What caused to you to earn the title of Khalil Allah (Friend of Allah)?” He replied, “I have earned the title for three reasons. (1) I always preferred the commands of Allah over everything else, (2) I did not worry myself with things for which Allah Himself was responsible, and (3) I never took my meals in the morning and evening without entertaining guests.”

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A wise man said, “Three things remove man’s sufferings: (1) remembrance (lit, zikr) of Allah, the Exalted, (2) company of friends (lit. awliya’) of Allah, and (3) listening to the words of wise men.”

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He who is devoid of manners is devoid of knowledge. He who has no patient (lit. sabr) has no religion (lit. din). He who has no piety (lit. wara’) is far from Allah’s intimacy. – Hassan al-Basri (r)[14]

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It is said that a man from the Children of Israel decided to go out to seek knowledge. This news reached the Prophet (s) of his time. The Prophet (s) summoned him through a messenger. When the man was brought forth, he asked him, “Son, I would like to advise you on three matters wherein lie the entire wisdom from the beginning to the end. (These are): (1) fear Allah in all conditions, (2) avoid gossiping about others; if you, at all, need to talk about someone, only disclose his good deeds, and (3) make sure that the food you eat has come from lawful means.” Upon hearing these, the man abandoned his idea of going out to search for knowledge.

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In another narration it is said that a man from the Children of Israel acquired much knowledge from books that would fill up eighty vaults. But that knowledge was of no benefit to him. Allah, the Exalted, revealed to the prophet of that time to tell that person, “Even if you were to study more books to further your knowledge that would still be of no benefit to you as long as you do not act upon three things: (1) do not fall in love with this world for this world is not permanent abode for the faithful believers (lit. mu’minin), (2) do not befriend Satan for he is not a friend of the faithful believers, and (3) do not trouble any of Allah’s creation because such is not the nature of any believer.

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Someone said, “That person is the most lucky of all human beings whose heart (lit. qalb) is full of knowledge, whose body is capable of bearing patiently, who is satisfied with whatever (little) he/she possesses.”

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Surely those who perished before you had three bad habits: (1) vain talks, (2) gluttony, and (3) excessive sleep. – Ibrahim al-Nakha’I (r)[15]

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The person is blessed: (1) who discards the world before the latter discards him; (2) who has acquired the provisions for protecting himself in the grave before he enters the grave; and (3) who has earned Allah’s pleasure before meeting Him. – Yahya Mu’adh Razi (r)[16]

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‘Ali said, “He who is devoid of sunnah (mode operandi or custom) of Allah, His messenger and His intimate friends (lit. awliya’) is devoid of everything.” He was asked, “What is the sunnah of Allah?” He replied, “It is to hide the shortcomings and secrets of people.” He was next asked, “What is the sunnah of the Prophet?” He replied, “Good manners with people.” He was then asked, “What is the sunnah of alwiya’?” He replied, “It is to endure patiently the bad manners of people.”

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The sages of the past used to advise people with three things and would have these written down: (1) He who works for the Next World, Allah will take care of his affairs both in this world and the next. (2) He ho reforms his inner state, Allah will reform his outer state, too. (3) He who amends the affairs between himself and Allah, Allah will straighten the affairs between him and other human beings.

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Be the best man to Allah, the worst man to your carnal self (lit. nafs) and a layman among the masses. – ‘Ali

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Allah revealed to ‘Uzayr (a.s.)[17] the prophet: “When you commit even a small sin, do not overlook such, but be terrified that you have violated Allah’s command. When you are blessed with something little, do not be concerned about its pettiness, but be mindful of Who has blessed you. When you run into any difficult, do not complaint against Me to others, just as I do not speak ill of you to the angels who inform Me about your evil deeds.”

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Every morning Satan asks me three questions: “(1) what will you eat, (2) what will you wear, and (3) where will you live today?” In reply I tell him: “(1) I shall eat death, (2) wear the burial shroud, and (3) live in the grave.” – Hatim al-Assam (r)[18]

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He who approaches Allah from disobedience to obedience, Allah makes him wealthy without wealth, strong without soldiers and honorable without being raised in a noble family. – Muhammad (s)

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Once the Messenger of Allah (s) approached his Companions and asked them, “In what condition did you find yourself in this morning?” They replied, “We got up with iman (faith) in Allah.” He asked, “What is the sign of your iman?” They replied, “(1) when we trouble, we patiently endure. (2) We thank Allah when in peace and happiness. (3) We are content with Allah (s) said, “I testify by the Lord of the ka’abah that all of you are true believers (lit. mu’minin).”

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It is narrated that Allah revealed to a prophet (a.s.): (1) he who meets Me with fondness, I grant him Paradise. (2)He who is scared of meeting Me, I keep him away from Hell. (3) He who meets Me with modesty, I make the record-keeping angels headless of his sins.”

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Fulfill your obligations to Allah and you will become the best worshipper or devotee among men. Avoid all the forbidden things that Allah has decreed and you will become the most ascetic of all. Be pleased with what Allah has decreed for you and you will become the richest of all. – ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud

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While he was passing by some houses, Salih Marqadi (r)[19] questioned, “O the dwelling places! Where did your former masters perish? Where are your original builders? And where are your past dwellers?” At that time he heard a supernatural voice saying, “All their signs have perished. The earth has decomposed their body. And only their deeds are hanging (now) like necklaces.”

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You help anyone and you are his master. You beg from anyone and you are his captive for life. Instead of depending on anyone, if you decide to remain self-reliant then you will be his equal. – ‘Ali

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Someone asked Ibrahim bin Adham (r)[20], “How were you able to cut your ties to this world?” He replied, “I have been able to do so because of three things: (1) I recognized the grave to be the most dreadful place to live, yet there will not be any companion therein to help me. (2) I realized that my journey was a long and a tortuous one, yet I did not have the necessary provisions to partake in that journey. (3) I realized that the Lord of the Day of Judgment was Allah, the Most powerful, yet I did not have the necessary deeds for my salvation.”

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Someone asked Sufyan al-Thawri, “What is the meaning of love for Allah?” He replied, “It means not to be captivated by any beautiful face, melodious voice and eloquent speech.”

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The word zuhd (ascetic detachment) is comprised of three Arabic letters: za, ha and dal. Za stands for increasing (lit. zadun) provisions for the Next World, ha stands for seeking guidance (lit. huda) and dal stands for remaining constantly consumed (lit. dawamun) in obedience (lit. ta’ah) of Allah. – Ibn Abbas (r)[21]

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The word zuhd (ascetic detachment) is comprised of three Arabic letters. The letter za stands for shunning worldly charms (lit. zinat), ha stands for shunning carnal desires (lit. hawa’) and dal stands for discarding this world (lit. dunya). – Ibn ‘Abbas

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It is narrated from Hamid Lataf(r)[22] that a man asked him, “Counsel me.” He said, “Put on a wrapper of religion just as there is a wrapping cloth for the Qur’an.” Someone then asked him, “What is the wrapper of religion?” He replied, “It means not to speak unless it is absolutely necessary, to discard worldly things that are superfluous and to avoid association with worldly people unless it is necessary.”

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Luqman Hakim (r)[23] once advised his son, “O my dear son, there are there parts to a human being: ruh (spirit), nafs (soul) and body (of flesh and blood). The ruh is for Allah, the nafs is for your deeds, and your body is for the insects.”

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Three things increase one’s memory and protect one against coughing. These are: (1) brushing the teeth with a tooth-stick, (2) fasting, and (3) reciting the Qur’an. – ‘Ali

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There are three fortresses for believers against Satan. These are: (1) mosque, (2) remembrance of Allah and (3) recitation of the Qur’an. – Ka’b al-Ahbar (r)[24]

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A wise man once said, “There are three things which are preserved in the treasury of Allah. He grants these to only those whom He loves. These three things are: (1) poverty, (2) disease and (3) patience.”

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Someone once asked Ibn ‘Abbas, “among all the days what is the best day?” He replied, “The day of Jum’ah (i.e., Friday).” He was again asked, “What is the best month?” He replied, “The best month of Ramadan.” He was then asked, “What is the best deed (it. ‘amal)?” He replied, “To establish the five daily prayers at the appointed hours.” After three days, when ‘Ali was informed of Ibn ‘Abbas’s answers to those questions, he remarked, “If all the scholars, sages and jurists from the East to the West were asked of those questions, they could not have answered in a better way. But let me state that the best deed is the one that is accepted by Allah. The best month is that month in which you returned to Allah after repenting for your sins. And the best day is that day in which you leave this world to meet Allah, the Exalted, with your faith intact.”

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It is related (from Hadith), “If Allah wishes to do good to someone, He endows that person with the knowledge of religion, the strength to discard worldly comforts and the eyes to see his own errors.”

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It is reported that Muhammad (s) once said, “Three things of this world are dear to me. These are: (1) perfume, (2) women (wives) and (3) prayer – the comfort of my eyes.” In that gathering his Companions were also present. (Among them) Abu Bakr as-Siddiq said, “O Messenger of Allah, you have spoken the truth. There are three things in this world which are dear to me. These are : (1) To gaze at the holy face of Messenger of Allah, (2) to spend my wealth for the sake of the Messenger of Allah, and (3) the privilege of having my daughter married to the Messenger of Allah.” Then ‘Umar said, “O Abu Bakr, you have spoken the truth. There are also three things of this world that are dear to me. These are: (1) to encourage people to do good deeds, (2) to discourage people from doing bad deeds and (3) to be clothed in old garments.” Next ‘Uthman said, “O ‘Umar, you have spoken the truth. There are three things of this world which are dear to me. These are: (1) To feed the hungry, (2) to clothe the unclad, and (3) to recite the Qur’an.” Then ‘Ali said, “O ‘Uthman, you have spoken the truth. There are three things of this world that are also dear to me. These are: (1) to serve guests, (2) to fast during hot summer months and (3) to take arms against the unbelievers.” During their discussion, Jibril (a.s.) appeared there and informed them, “Allah heard what you have said and send me forth in order that you (Muhammad) may inquire of me as to what things of this world would I have like if I were its inhabitant.” Then Muhammad (s) asked him, “If you were an inhabitant of this world, what are the things you would have liked?” Jibril (a.s.) replied, “If I had been like you, I would have loved three things: (1) guide those who are misled, (2) love the indigent who are devoted to prayers and (3) help those poor men who look after large families.” He continued, “Allah likes three things in His slaves. These are: (1) to strive in the path of Allah with vigor, (2) to shed tears in repentance of sins committed, and (3) to endure hardship (lit. faqah) patiently.”

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A wise man said, “(1) Those who only rely on their own reasoning (in all matters) will be misled. (2) Those who become haughty on account of wealth will be demeaned. And (3) those who seek honor and prestige due to creation will be disgraced.”

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A wise man said, “There are three qualities which are the roots of ma’rifah (gnosis). These are: (1) remaining always bashful in the presence of Allah, (2) loving someone or something for the sake of Allah, and (3) maintaining fellowship with Allah.”

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True love resides in three habits: (1) preferring one’s friend over others in speech and advice, (2) preferring the company of one’s friend over others, and (3) preferring one’s friend over others in satisfying his needs. – Muhammad (s)

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It is written in the Tawrah (Torah): (1) The avaricious man is always needy, even when he becomes the king of the world. (2) Everyone will follow those who follow Allah’s commandments, even though he may be a slave (of someone else). (3) He is indeed rich who is satisfied with little, even though he may be starving. – Wahb bin Munabbih (r)[25]

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A wise man said, “(1) The ‘arif (Gnostic) of Allah does not befriend makhluq (the created objects). (2) Those who know the real value of this world do not have any attachment to it. (3) Those who are aware of Allah’s Judgment do not entertain any grudge against any of their worst enemies.”

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He who is afraid is a fugitive. He who is eager is a seeker. He who is a lover of Allah is afraid (of the evils) of his nafs (carnal self). – Dhu al-Nun al-Misri (r)[26]

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Only the Gnostics are obedient to Allah. Their hearts are pure. Their deeds in the path of Allah are spotless. – Dhu al-Nun al-Misri

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(1) The root of all virtuous deeds in this world and the next is the fear of Allah. (2) The key to all bad deeds in this world is gluttony. And (3) the key to attaining a blessed state in the next World is hunger. – Ibn Sulayman al-Darani (r)[27]

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Someone said, “Ibadah (worship) is like a profession: its work place is seclusion. Its capital is taqwa (fear of Allah). And its profit is jannah (Paradise).”

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Rid yourself of three bad habits with three good ones in order that you can be considered a true believer: (1) Pride with humility, (2) greed with contentment in little, and (3) envy (lit. hasad) with good advice. – Malik bin Dinar (r)[28]

4

It is narrated from Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (r.a.)[29] that Muhammad (s) said, “O Abu Dharr, strengthen your sailboat (of faith), because the sea (of faith) is too deep. Gather enough provision for the trip is too long. Lighten the burden of your sin for the destination is arduous. Be sincere in your deeds for the scrutinizer is discerning.”

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An Arab poet wrote,

“Repentance (from sin) is obligatory for all men but to avoid sin is better.

Patience in calamity is difficult,

But to be deprived of its reward (being impatient) is a greater calamity.

The evolution of time is amazing,

But more amazing is the indolence of human beings.

Every newcomer is nearby but death is nearer.”

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A wise man said, “Four deeds are good. But these are even better depending on the time and the people involved. (These are (1) Shyness (or modesty) in man is good but is better in woman. (2) Doing justice is good for all but is better for the rulers and leaders. (3) Repentance is good for the elderly but is better for young men. (4) Generosity is good for the affluent but is better for the indigent.”

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A wise man said, “Four deeds are bad, but these are even worse depending on the time and the people involved: (1) Committing sin is bad for young men but is worse for the elderly. (2) Engagement in worldly affairs is bad for laymen but is worse for the learned. (3) Laziness in worship is bad for all but is worse for both teachers and students. (4) Pride is bad for the wealthy but is worse for the indigent.”

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The planets in the sky are shields for the dwellers in heaven, but what a disaster will that be when these will be scattered. The members of my family are the shields for my community but what a disaster will that be when they will not be there. I am the shield for my Companions but what a disaster that will be when I will depart from them. The mountains are like shields that protect the inhabitants of this earth but what a disaster will that be when these will disintegrate. – Muhammad (s)

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There are four things that are consummated by four others. These are: (1) Errors in salah (prayer) by two additional acts of prostration, (2) fasting (in the month of Ramadan) by paying fitrah (a fix amount of charity), (3) hajj (pilgrimage) by sacrificing an animal, and (4) faith by (participating in) jihad (striving in the path of Allah). – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

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(1) Whoever established twelve units (lit. rak’ah) of prayer daily (besides the five daily fard or compulsory prayers) has discharged the rights of prayer. (2) Whoever fasts three days in a month has discharged the rights of fasting. (3) Whoever recites on hundred verses from the Qur’an daily has discharged the rights of the recitation (of the Qur’an). (4) Whoever donates a dirham on (every) Friday has discharged the rights of charity. –‘Abdullah Bin Mubarak (r)[30]

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There are four types of ocean: (1) passion (lit. hawa’) is the ocean of sin (lit. zunub); (2) the carnal soul (lit. nafs) is the ocean of lust (lit. shahwah); (3) death (lit. mawt) is the ocean of extinction of life (lit. a’mar); and (4) grave (lit. qabr) is the ocean of distress or contribution (lit. nadamah).-‘Umar

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I have found the sweetness of worship in four things. (1) The first of these was fulfilling the obligatory duties due to Allah. (2) The second was to avoid those things that were forbidden by Him. (3) The third was to exhort people to good deeds, hoping for His reward. (4) And the fourth was to admonish people from doing evil, fearing His wrath. – ‘Uthman

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There are four things that are outwardly blessings but are inwardly obligatory: (1) Company of the righteous people is a blessing, but following them is an obligation. (2) Recitation of the Qur’an is a blessing, but acting on its instructions is an obligation. (3) Visiting the graveyard is a blessing, but earning its provisions is obligatory. (4) Caring for the sick is a blessing, but taking lessons from it (sickness) is obligatory. – ‘Uthman

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(1) Those who aspire for the Paradise do good deeds. (2) Those afraid if the Hell Fire enslave lust. (3) Those sure about death are bitter about this word. (4) Those who know the world will have their troubles taken care of. –Ali

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(1)Prayer is the pillar religion, but silence) or avoiding vain talks) is better. (2) Sadaqah (alms-giving) cools down my Lord’s wrath, but silence is better. (3) Fasting is a curtain against the Hell Fire, but silence is better. (4) Jihad (striving) glorifies religion, but silence is better.-Muhammad(s)

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It is narrated that Allah, the Exalted, revealed to a prophet among the Children of Israel: “(1) When you safeguard your tongue from vile talks, it is like a fasting for Me. (2) When you safeguard your limbs from committing haram (prohibited) things, it is like a prayer for Me. (3) When you safeguard yourself from seeking aid from creation, it is like a charity for Me. (4) When you safeguard the believers from oppression, it is like a jihad (holy war) for me.”

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Four things darken the heart: (1) gluttony, (2) the company oppressive people, (3) obliviousness of past sins, and (4) high aspirations. Four other things illuminate one’s heart: (1) an empty stomach (i.e., living in hunger for fear of committing sin), (2) the company of righteous people, (3) recognition of one’s past sins, and (4) curtailed desires.-‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud

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(1) He who claims to love Allah but does not avoid things forbidden by Allah is a liar. (2) He who claims to love the Prophet but does not care for the poor is a liar. (3) He who claims to love Paradise but is not charitable is a liar. (4) He who claims to fear the Fire (Hell) but does not avoid sinful acts is liar. –Hatim Assam.

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The sign of man’s misfortune are four. These are: (1) to forget about past sins while those are all preserved with Allah, the Exalted, (2) to reminisce about past virtuous deeds while he is not aware whether such were accepted (as good deeds) or not, (3) to look at those who are richer than him, and (4) to esteem himself to be religiously better by looking at someone who is inferior to him. Allah says about these kinds of people, “I desired to favor them but they rejected My favor.” (On the other hand) the signs of fortune are also four. These are: (1) to reminisce about the past sins, (2) to overlook one’s past virtuous deeds, (3) to look at those who are more pious than he is an (4) to compare himself with those who are financially worse off than he is. –Muhammad(s)

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A wise man said, “There are four signs of a man’s iman (faith): (1) taqwa (fear to God), (2) haya’ (shyness), (3) shukr (thankfulness), (4) sabr (patience and steadfastness).”

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(1) Eating less is the mother of all the medicines (ummul ‘adwiyah). (2) Speaking less is the mother of good manners (ummul adab). (3) Avoiding sinful acts is the mother of worship (ummul ‘ibadah). (4) Patience (sabr) is the mother of high aspirations (ummul amani). – Muhammad (s)

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There are four precious elements with man – ‘aql, din, haya’ and ‘amal salih – which are ravaged by four other items. For example” (1) ‘aql (wisdom) ravaged by ghadab (anger); (2) din (religion) ravaged by hasad (envy); (3) haya’ (modesty and shyness) ravaged by tama’ (greed or high aspirations); (4) ‘amal al-salih (virtuous deeds) ravaged by ghibah (backbiting and slandering). – Muhammad (s)

***

There are four heavenly things that are better than Paradise itself. (1) The eternal life in Paradise is better than Paradise itself. (2) The service of angels in Paradise is better than Paradise itself. (3) The company of the prophets in Paradise is better than Paradise itself. (4) Earning in the pleasure of Allah is better than paradise itself. – Muhammad (s)

***

There are four things in Hell that are worse than Hell itself. (These are (1) Eternal life in Hell is worse than Hell itself. (2) The insolent condemnation of the unbelievers by the angels in Hell is worse than Hell itself. (3) The company of Satan in Hell is worse than Hell itself. (4) Earning the wrath of Allah is worse than Hell itself. – Muhammad (s)

***

A wise man said, “Whenever people ask me on my condition, I tell them that (1) I am in agreement with (the decrees of) my Lord, (2) I am engaged in warfare against my nafs (carnal self), (3) I am engaged in enjoining with the dunya (world) only to the barest necessity (for survival).”

***

A wise man gathered four precious sayings from the Scriptures. (1) From the Tawrah (torah): He who is content with what has been allotted to him by Allah, the Exalted, will lead a comfortable life in both in this world and the next. (2) From the Injil (gospel): He who bridles his carnal desires will be honored both in this world and the next. (3) From the Zabur (psalms): He who secludes himself by giving up unnecessary association with people will be saved both in this world and the next. (4) From the Qur’an: He who safeguards his tongue from vain talks will be in peace both in this world and the next.

***

I swear by Allah that whenever I endured any hardship, I have always been blessed with four bounties from Allah, the Exalted. The first is that when that hardship was not caused by my sin (I will get reward for that). The second is that when that hardship was not worse than my sin (I will get reward for that). The third is that I am not deprived or contentment (since that hardship occurred according to Allah’s decree). The fourth is that I hope for reward from Allah by enduring the hardship. – ‘Umar

***

A wise man collected many ahadith. Out of this he selected forty thousand ahadith. Next, out of those he selected four thousand ahadith. Next, out of those he selected four hundred ahadith. Out of those he then selected forty ahadith. At last, out of those forty he selected only four as the most important admonitions. These are: (1) do not ever depend upon women, (2) do not be deceived by your wealth, (3) do not overburden your stomach with something which it cannot digest, and (4) do not seek that knowledge which is of no benefit to you.” – ‘Abdullah bin Mubarak

***

It is narrated that Muhammad bin Ahmad explained the Qur’an verse “…wa sayyidan wa hasuran wa nabiyan min al-salihin” (meaning: lordly, chaste and a Prophet of the righteous) as, “Allah, the Honored and the Glorified, referred to Yahya (i.e., John the Baptist) as Sayyid or lordly despite the fact that he was nothing more than His slave. This is due to the fact that he was triumphant over fur things: (1) his carnal desire, (2) Iblis, (the accursed Satan), (3) his tongue and (4) his anger.”

***

This world and the din (religion) will remain intact as long as there are four things. These are: (1) The rich in the society are not miserly in their spending in the path of Allah. (2) The learned men (of religion) follow the teachings. (3) The ignorant men do not boast of their knowledge in matters on which they know very little of. (4) The poor in the society do not sell the Next World in lieu of this world. – ‘Ali

***

On the Day of Judgment, surely Allah, the Exalted, will bring four human beings as proofs against four classes of people. (1) Sulayman bin Dawud (a.s.) (King Solomon, the son of King David) against the rich, (2) Yusuf (a.s.) (Joseph, the son of Jacob) against the slaves or servants, (3) Ayyub (a.s.) (Job) against the sick, and (4) ‘Isa (a.s.) (Jesus, the son of Mary) against the poor. – Muhammad (s)

***

Even when a person commits sinful deeds Allah does not terminate four types of blessings on His slaves: (1) His provisions are not stopped. (2) His health is not ruined. (3) His evil deeds are not disclosed. (4) He is not immediately punished (for his sin). – Sa’ad bin Bilal

***

A person will be admitted to Paradise if he sacrifices four things for gaining four other things: (1) sleep for the grave; (2) pride (lit. fakhr) for the (weightiness of the Scale of) Balance (Mizan) (on the Day of Judgment); (3) worldly comfort for (ease of crossing) the Sirat (the Bridge to Paradise); (4) carnal desire for Paradise. – Hatim Assam

***

I mistakenly sought four things in four others but did not find them there. Later I found them in four other things. (1) I sought richness (lit. ghina) in wealth (lit. mal), but found it in contentment (lit. qana’ah). (2) I sought comfort (lit. rahah) in much wealth (lit. tharwah), but found it in less wealth. (3) I sought pleasure (lit. lazzah) in bounties (of this world), but it in good health. (4) I sought provisions (lit.rizq) in this earth, but found it with Allah (lit. in the heaven). – Hamid Lataf

***

There are four things, even in small quantities, whose effects are great: (1) pain, (2) poverty, (3) fire, and (4) enmity. – ‘Ali

***

None can assess the true value of four things except four categories of people: (1) the value of youth except the old, (2) the value of comfort except the afflicted, (3) the value of health except the sick, and (4) the value of life except the dead. – Hatim Assam

***

The poet Abu Nuwas[31] wrote,

When I look at my sins I find them plenty,

But when I recount Allah’s favor upon me I find it infinite.

I have no hope in my good deeds,

I only hope in Allah’s mercy.

He is my Guardian, He is my Creator,

And I have entrusted myself unto Him as one who is weak and frail.

If I am forgiven it is because of His Mercy,

And if I am not forgiven, what can I do, what will be my fate?

***

On the Day of Judgment the Measuring Balance will be set. Those who used to pray will be brought forth and they will be rewarded according to their virtuous deeds. Then those who performed the hajj will be called and they, too, will be rewarded according to their virtuous deeds. Next, those who endured hardship will be brought forth, but no measure of their virtuous will be taken, nor will their book of deeds will be opened. They will be rewarded so immensely for enduring their hardship that they happy ones (i.e., those granted ease and comfort in this world) will wish that had they been struck by such hardship (in the world as these enduring ones, then) they could earn the same reward from Allah, the Exalted. – Muhammad (s)

***

A wise man said, “Man encounters four types of plundering: (1) the plunder of his spirit (lit. ruh) by the angel of death, (2) the plunder of wealth by his heirs, (3) the plunder of his body (in the grave) by worms and insects, and (4) the plunder of his good deeds by his creditors on the Day of Judgment (for whatever he owed to them).”

***

A wise man said, “He was commits adultery being enslaved by lust will need women (to fulfill his lust). He who intends to become prosperous by amassing wealth will have haram (forbidden) earnings. He who intends to help other Muslims will have to be generous. He who intends to dedicate himself to worship (of Allah) will have to acquire knowledge.”

***

Of all deeds four are very difficult to perform: (1) forgiveness in the state of anger, (2) generosity (lit. jud) in the state of poverty, (3) chastity (lit. ‘iffah) while in seclusion (lit. khalwah), and (4) utterance of truth in front of someone who is being feared or besought (for help). – ‘Ali

***

Allah revealed to Dawud (a.s.) through His Book, Zabur (Psalms), “An intelligent man should divide his time into four parts. One part should be dedicated to worshipping Allah. One part should be dedicated to accounting for his own deeds. One part should be dedicated to meeting those people who could show his faults (and suggest remedial measures). One part should be dedicated to earning halal (permissible) earnings.”

***

A wise man said, “The sum and substance of worship (lit. ‘ibadah) is in four things: (1) fulfilling one’s vows, (2) abiding by the limits of the law (of Shari’ah), (3) persevering when something is lost, and (4) being content with whatever little one has.”

5

The person who dishonors five types of people will be a loser in five matters: (1) The person who dishonors religious scholars (lit. ulama’) will be a loser in (matters of) religion (lit. din); (2) the person who dishonors the ruler will be a loser in this world; (3) the person who harms his neighbors will lose many benefits; (4) the person who harms his relatives will be a loser through separation; (5) the person who harms his own family will be a loser by ruining happiness in his domestic life. – Muhammad (s)

***

In near future there will come a time when my community (lit. ummah) will love five things while forgetting about five other things. (1) They will love this world but forget the Next World (lit. akhirah). (2) They will love their (temporal) homes but forget about graves. (3) They will love wealth but forget about the accounting on the Day of Judgment. (4) They will love their families but forget about the pure companions in the heaven (lit. Hur). (5) They will love their carnal selves but forget about Allah. – Muhammad (s)

***

Allah does not bestow five qualities on anyone without bestowing five other gifts. These are : (1) When a person shows gratitude (lit. shukr), Allah raises his dignity; (2) when a person makes du’a (supplication), Allah fulfills his supplication; (3) when a person begs for mercy, Allah forgives him; (4) when a person repents, Allah accepts his repentance; (5) when a person spends money in sadaqah (charity), Allah fulfills his request. – Muhammad (s)

***

There are five kinds of darkness (which everyone has to encounter) and these are illuminated by five kinds of lamps. (1) The love of the dunya is darkness and taqwa (fear of Allah) is its lamp. (2) Sin is darkness and repentance is its lamp. (3) Grave is darkness and (the belief there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger) is its lamp. (4) Akhirah (hereafter) is darkness and its lamp is good deeds. (5) The Sirat (the Bridge on the Day of Judgment) is darkness and its lamp is yaqin (certainty of faith). – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

***

It is related from ‘Umar that either he or Muhammad (s) said, “If there were no fear of the claim to knowing the future, I would testified that the following five categories of people will enter Paradise. (1) Those poor men struggled to provide sustenance for their large families; (2) those women whose husbands were pleased with them; (3) those women who (waived the payment of or) returned dowry (lit. mahr) to their poor husbands; (4) those children whose parents were pleased with them; (5) those who sought forgiveness for their sins.”

***

The signs of those people who fear Allah (lit. muttaqin) are five. (1) They only associate with those people with whom their religion remains intact. (2) They excel in subduing their modesty and tongues. (3) When they privileged with too much bounties of this world, they consider such to be means of affliction for them (I the Next World), while when they find their minor religious deeds to have been accepted, they consider such to be exceptional. (4) They do not fill their stomachs (even) with halal (permitted) food fearing that anything haram (forbidden) might be mixed with it. (5) They consider themselves ruined while the rest of the people to have earned salvation. – ‘Uthman

***

Every person would have been counted as a righteous persons had it not been for five defects in their characters. These are: (1) apathy towards one’s own ignorance, (2) worldly love, (3) miserliness even when blessed (with wealth and properties), (4) self-adulation while doing good deeds, and (5) boasting of one’s own intelligence. – ‘Ali

***

Those who do the following five things will be successful both in this world and the Next. (1) They do zikr (remembrance) of “La ilaha illa Allah Muhammadur-Rasulullah (there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger).” (2) They supplicate “inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Surely we are for Allah and to Him is our return)” and “ La hawla wala quwwata illa billahil ‘ali al-‘azim (There is no power or might except in Allah, the All-knowing, the Great)” when faced with hardship. (3) They thank Allah by saying “Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Alamin (Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds)” whenever they are granted a favor. (4) They invoke Allah by saying, “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim (In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful)” when they begin to do anything. (5) They entreat Allah by saying, “Astagfirullah al-‘azim wa a-tubu ilayh (I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Great and I repent to you)” whenever they commit a sin. – ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin al-‘As (r)[32]

***

These five sentences are found in the Tawrah (Torah): (1) Opulence is in contentment in little (lit. qana’ah), (2) peace is in solitude, (3) honor is in subduing lust, (4) fortune (from good works) is in long life and (5) patience is for short duration.” – Hassan al-Basri

***

One should value five things in life before five other things: (1) Youth before old age, (2) health before sickness, (3) wealth before poverty, (4) life before death, and (5) leisure before work. – Muhammad (s)

***

(1) The person who is given to satisfying his appetite will become fleshy. (2) The person who becomes fleshy will have high carnal desires. (3) The person who has high carnal desires will commit much sin. (4) The person who commits much sin will have his heart hardened. (5) The person whose heart is hardened will drown himself into this world and its ornaments. – Yahya bin Mu’adh al-Razi

***

Dervishes (lit. fuqara’) have accepted five things and the wealthy (another) five things. The things which the dervishes accepted are: (1) peace of mind, (2) generosity of heart, (3) obedience to God, (4) easy accounting (on the Day of Judgment), and (5) exalted positions in the Next World. The things that the wealthy people accepted are: (1) restless minds, (2) busy hearts (in worldly affairs), (3) worldliness (lit. worship of the dunya), (4) difficult accountings (on the Day of Judgment) and, (5) the lowest rankings (in the next World). – Sufyan al-Thawri

***

The cures for the qalb (heart) are five: (1) the company of the righteous people, (2) the recitation of the Qur’an, (3) an empty stomach, (4) vigils at night (through worship), and (5) sincere petition for Allah’s forgiveness before the daybreak. – ‘Abdullah al-Antaki (r)[33]

***

The scholars of Islam have said, “Inner contemplation (lit. fikr) is of five types. (1) Meditation on the signs of Allah-this helps one to have firm belief in monotheism and have certitude (lit. yaqin). (2) Meditation on the favors of Allah – this generates love for Allah. (3) Meditation on the promises of Allah – this encourages worship to Allah. (4) Meditations on the warnings of Allah – this generates fear to Him. (5) Meditation on one’s shortcomings despite all the blessings of Allah – this generates a feeling of shame.”

***

A wise man said, “There are five fortresses one has to cross before attaining taqwa (obedience of fear of Allah). (1) Accepting hardship instead of blessings, (2) accepting labor instead of comfort, (3) accepting obedience to self-pride, (4) accepting silence to useless talks and (5) accepting death to life.”

***

(1) Secret discussion shields mysteries. (2) Charity protects wealth. (3) Sincerity safeguards deeds. (4) Truth safeguards speech. (5) Consultation safeguards inferences. – Muhammad (s)

***

One has to face five things in his pursuit of wealth: (1) physical labor to earn and preserve wealth, (2) abstinence from remembrance of Allah due to his anxiety over wealth, (3) restlessness over his wealth getting stolen, (4) the epithet of a miser, and (5) detachment from the company of righteous people. – Muhammad (s)

***

One is blessed with five things when he is not concerned with wealth: (1) physical comfort, (2) devotion to the remembrance of Allah having been freed from anxiety over wealth, (3) relief from the fear of theft, (4) good reputation, and (5) company of the righteous people. – Muhammad (s)

***

In this age whoever has wealth will have five qualities: (1) high aspirations, (2) excessive greed, (3) extreme miserliness, (4) lack of piety (wara’), and (5) forgetfulness of the Hereafter. – Sufyan al-Thawri

***

An Arab poet wrote:

“O men of the world! Know that kinship with this world is temporary

For she is always seeking new companions.

Relation with this world is like that with an unfaithful wife

Who leaves her husband and finds a new one.

Have you still kept your relationship with this world

While she is the worst assassin of those who seek her?

O the seekers of this world, collect provision for your death,

For she is always calling out that (one day) you have to leave this world.”

***

Hastiness is from Satan except in five matters which are Sunnah of Rasulullah (s). These are: (1) feeding the guest as soon as possible, (2) burying the dead as soon as possible, (3) arranging the marriage of a daughter as soon as she is of marital age, (4) paying off the debt as soon as possible, and (5) repenting for the sins committed as soon as possible. – Hatim al-Assam

***

Satan was condemned for five reasons. (1) He did not confess his sin. (2) He did not repent for his sin. (3) He did not condemn his carnal self. (4) He did not beg forgiveness for his sin. (5) He despaired of the Mercy from Allah. – Muhammad bin Dawri

***

Adam (a.s.) was favored for five reasons. (1) He confessed to his sin. (2) He repented for his sin. (3) He condemned his carnal self. (4) He begged forgiveness for his sin. (5) He did not despair of the Mercy from Allah. – Muhammad bin Dawri

***

O mankind, do your deeds by regarding the five characteristics as important: (1) serve Allah as much as your needs are for His grace, (2) acquire as much belongings as you would require for your life in this world, (3) commit as much sins as you can endure His punishments, (4) take as much provisions for the grave as you would require, and (5) do as much good and virtuous deeds as you would require to live in the Paradise. – Shaqiq Balkhi (r)[34]

***

(1) I looked at all my friends, but did not find one better than controlling my tongue. (2) I thought about all kinds of dresses, but did not find one better than the dress of piety. (3) I thought about all kinds of wealth, but did not find anything better in wealth than being contented with little. (4) I thought about all kinds of virtuous deeds, but did not find anything better than giving good advice. (5) I looked at all kinds of delicious foods, but did not find one better than sabr (patience). – ‘Umar

***

An ‘abid (devotee) used to make the following supplications to Allah: “(1) O my God, I have been cheated by high aspirations. (2) Worldly love has ruined me. (3) Satan has led me astray. (4) Nafs al-ammarah (the soul that is prone to evil) has obstructed me from doing the right things, and (5) my bad companions have encouraged me to commit sin. O the Lord who hears grievances! Listen to my grievances and be kind to me. If You do not bestow Your mercy on me, then who is there but You to bestow mercy on me?”

***

O my God! My nights do not end up in happiness without my munajah (supplications) to You. My days do not end up in happiness without servitude to You. This world cannot please me without zikr (remembrance) of You. There is no happiness in Akhirah (the Next World) without a boon from You. And there is no peace or happiness in paradise without meeting You. – Yahya bin Mu’adh al-Razi

6

There are six things that are barren, ineffectual or helpless (lit. gharib) in six places. (1) That mosque is barren in which prayer is not established by its own community. (2) That house is barren in which the Qur’an is not recited. (3) The Qur’an with a transgressor (lit. fasiq) is ineffectual (for he does not follow its instructions). (4) That pious Muslim lady is helpless who is controlled by an unfaithful and oppressive husband. (5) That pious Muslim man is helpless who is controlled by an unchaste wife. (6) That religious scholar is helpless whose counsel is disregarded by his own community. Allah will not be merciful with these groups of people on the Day of Judgment. – Muhammad (s)

***

I have cursed six types of people, and so did Allah and the prophets before me. They are; (1) those who corrupted Allah’s Scriptures by either addition or omission; (2) those who do not believe in Allah’s decree or predestination (lit. taqdir); (3) those usurpers of power who honor those who are cursed by Allah; (4) those who consume haram (unlawful) for them; (5) those who consider oppressing my community (lit. ummah) as lawful for them; and (6) those who will leave my customs (lit. sunnah). These (six) types of people will not be looked upon favorably on the Day of Judgment by Allah. – Muhammad (s)

***

Abu Bakr used to caution his soul by saying, “Surely Iblis (Satan) is standing in front of you. Your nafs or carnal soul is on your right and hawa’ or passion is in your left while this material world (lit. dunya) is behind you. The organs of your body surround you and the Almighty, through His power and not by occupation of place, is above you. The accursed Satan is inviting you to leave your religion. Nafs is inviting you to disobedience (lit. ma’siyah). Hawa’ is arousing all sorts of desires in you. Dunya is inviting you to prefer her instead of Akhirah (Next World). The body organs are inviting you to commit sin. And the Almighty is inviting you to Paradise and forgiveness just as the Qur’an says: “And Allah calls you to Paradise and forgiveness (lit. maghfirah).” Therefore, whoever accepts the invitation of Satan, his religion will be ruined. Whoever accepts the invitations of nafs or carnal soul, his ruh or spirit will be ruined. Whoever accepts the invitations of hawa’ will have his morality lost. Whoever accepts the invitation of dunya will lose Akhirah (Next World). Whoever accepts the invitation of his organs will lose paradise. And whoever accepts the invitation of Allah, all his sins will be erased and he will gain all goodness.”

***

Allah has kept six things in six others: (1) His pleasure in servitude or obedience; (2) His anger in (committing) sin; (3) Ism al-‘Azim (the most Glorious name of Allah) within the Qur’an; (4) Shab al-Qadr (the Night of Power) in (the month of) Ramadan; (5) Salah al-Wusta (middle prayer) among salah (prescribed prayers); and (6) Qiyamah (the Doomsday) among (His) days. – ‘Umar

***

Surely the true believers go through six types of anxieties: (1) fear of Allah, the Exalted, that they might lose their faith (for having done something which may not have been right), (2) fear of the two recoding angels that they have recorded something which will put them into disgrace on the Day of judgment, (3) anxiety about Satan that he might waste all their good deeds (by enticing them into committing sin), (4) fear of the angel of death that he could come anytime to snatch their lives while they are still unprepared, (5) anxiety about this world that they might be deceived by it and therefore lose the benefits of the Next World, and (6) anxiety about family members that their company might distract them from remembrance of Allah. – ‘Uthman

***

Whoever acquires six qualities will enter Paradise and will be saved from the Hell Fire. These are: (1) whoever has attained ma’rifah (mystical knowledge) of Allah serves Him. (2) Whoever has the knowledge of Satan defies him. (3) Whoever has the knowledge of Akhirah (the Next World) desires it. (4) Whoever has the knowledge of dunya (this world) rejects it. (6) Whoever knows the falsehood shuns it. – ‘Ali

***

There are six blessings: (1) Islam, (2) Qur’an, (3) Muhammad (s), the Messenger of Allah (4) security, (5) concealment of shortcomings, and (6) self-sufficiency. – ‘Ali

***

There are six things that support six other things: (1) knowledge guides deeds; (2) intelligence aids knowledge; (3) wisdom leads to good deeds; (4) passion leads to sin; (5) wealth is a garment of the proud; (6) this world is a market place for (searching) the Hereafter. – Yahya bin Mu’adh al-Razi

***

Six things are equally priceless anywhere in this world. There are: (1) the food which is easily digestible, (2) righteous children, (3) a likable wife, (4) eloquent and plain (lit. muhkam) speech, (5) wisdom, and (6) a healthy body. – Abu Dharr Jamhar

***

(1) Were it not for the devotees (lit. ‘abdal), the world would have collapsed with all its contents. (2) were it not for the righteous people (lit. salihun), all the evildoers would have perished. (3) Were it not for the learned men of religion (lit. ‘ulama’), everyone would have turned into beasts. (4) Were it not for the rulers there would be no ceasing of bloodshed. (5) were it not for laymen, this world would have remained uncultivable. (6) Were it not for the wind everything would have rotted! – Hassan al-Basri

***

A wise man said, “(1) He who does not fear Allah will not be saved from uttering foul words. (2) He who does not have any fear about the Day of Judgment will not be able to avoid forbidden and doubtful things. (3) He who aspires for wealth will not be able to save himself from greed. (4) He who cannot safeguard his deeds will not be able to save himself from pride (lit. riya’). (5) He who does not seek Allah’s help for safeguarding his heart (lit. qalb) will not be able to save himself from envy (lit. hasad). (6) He who considers himself to be more knowledgeable and virtuous will not be able to save himself from self – conceit.”

***

Surely, the heart (lit. qalb) is polluted by six things. These are: (1) indulgence in transgression in the hope of repenting later (for forgiveness); (2) actions that do not follow acquired knowledge; (3) deeds that are done without sincerity; (4) ingratitude to Allah despite His provisions (rizq); (5) discontentment with the Decree of Allah; and (6) heedlessness (in taking necessary lessons) even after burying the dead. – Hassan al-Basri

***

Whoever prefers this world to the Next will be humiliated by Allah in six ways: three in this world and three in the Next World. Those of this world are: (1) lack of contentment, (2) extreme greed or avarice, and (3) displeasure in worship. Those of the Next World are: (1) extreme fear on the Day of Judgment, (2) hard accounting (on the Day of Judgment), and (3) lasting memories. – Hassan al-Basri

***

(1) There is no peace of mind for an envier. (2) There is no sympathy for a liar. (3) There is salvation for a miser. 94) There is no guarantee for fulfillment of kingly vows. (5) There is no stability for a corrupt regime. (6) There is no change in the destiny (lit. taqdir) fixed by Allah. – Ahnaf bin Qays (r)[35]

***

Once a wise man was asked about how one could discern if his repentance was accepted or rejected. He replied, “I am not qualified enough to comment on that. However, there are some signs of one’s repentance being accepted. These are: (1) the person whose repentance is accepted always assumes that he is still vulnerable to committing sin. (2) His heart is not at peace but is worried about finding salvation in the next World. (3) He looks out for the company of pious men and seclusion from impious people. (4) He considers little wealth of this world to be colossal and his great many virtuous deeds for the hereafter as meager. (5) He concentrates on obeying Allah’s command and remains in different about matters whose responsibility lies with Allah. (6) He controls tongue, is ever repentant and worried about (his status) the next World.”

***

In my opinion, major stupidity lies in (1) continuing sinful acts without genuine repentance in the hope that these will be forgiven, (2) desiring Allah’s intimacy without servitude, (3) hoping to eat foods of Paradise while sowing the seeds of Hell (lit. Nar or Fire), (4) desiring to enter Paradise while engaged in His disobedience, (5) expecting Allah’s mercy while transgressing the limits imposed by Him. – Yahya bin Mu’adh al-Razi

***

Ahnaf bin Qays was asked (six questions): (1) “Of all the blessings of Allah, what is the best for the slave (of Allah)?” He replied, “Inherent wisdom.” (2) “What next, if it is not there?” – “Noble manners.” (3) “What if it is not there?” – “Agreeable friend.” (4) “What if it is not there?” – “Prolonged silence.” (6) “What if that is not there?” – “Prolonged silence.” (6) “What if that is not there?” – “Contemplation that death is near.”

***

7

On the Day of Judgment, when there will not be any other shade available, Allah, the Exalted, will provide shade to seven types of people under His Throne. These are: (1) a just ruler, (2) a young man who spent his youth in worship of Allah, the Exalted, (3) a person who is dedicated to the remembrance of Allah in seclusion and sheds tears in fear of Him, (4) a person who is attached to mosque such that he anxiously awaits the calling of the next adhan (call of prayer) (so that he again returns for prayer there), (5) a person who secretly spends money in charity, (6) those two persons who love each other for the sake of Allah, and (7) a person who refuses the temptation from a beautiful damsel to commit fornication by saying, “I truly fear Allah, the Exalted.” – Muhammad (s), narrated by Abu Hurayrah

***

A miser shall surely fall into any of the seven calamities: (1) after his death, his wealth (lit. mal) may be owned by his inheritors, and they spend it through disobedience of Allah; (2) his wealth may be confiscated by an oppressive ruler; (3) he may waste all his savings in fulfilling the demands of his carnal self; (4) he may decide to spend all his money on building a house in an uncultivable land; (5) several types of worldly disasters may anytime strike him or his wealth, e.g., drowning, fire, robbery, etc.; (6) he may be struck by a disease that will consume all his wealth to find the cure; (7) he may hide his money in a place about which he later does not have any recollection of. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

***

(1) Whoever is given too much merry-making (or makes too much jokes) will lose people’s respect. (2) He who belittles others will find himself belittled. (3) Whoever is very adept in something will earn fame because of that. (4) Whoever talk too much, often talks nonsense. (5) Whoever talks nonsense will have his shyness and modesty diminished. (6) Whoever is immodest will have his piety diminished. (7) He whose piety is diminished will have his heart dying. – ‘Umar

***

These seven lines were engraved on the golden plate called al-Kanz: “(1) How strange is the man who knows death, yet spends his time happy and gay. (2) How strange is the man who knows that the world is temporary, yet falls into her love. (3) How strange is the man who knows that everything that happens in this world is as per Allah’s decree (lit. taqdir), yet is saddened by losses. (4) How strange is the man who knows that he will be called to account on the Day of Judgment, yet goes after amassing wealth. (5) How strange is the man who knows the (severity of punishment in) Hell, yet goes on committing sin. (6) How strange is the man who knows Allah well, yet seeks help from objects other than Him! (7) How strange is the man who knows well about Paradise, yet seeks pleasure in this world, and knows that Satan is his eternal enemy and yet follows him!” – ‘Uthman

***

‘Ali was asked, “(1) What is heavier than the sky? (2) What is wider than the earth? (3) What is deeper than the ocean? (4) What is harder than stone? (5) What is hotter than fire? (6) What is colder than ice? (7) What is bitterer than poison?” In reply he said, “(1) To vilify someone is heavier than the sky. (2) Truth is wider than the earth. (3) The heart of a contented person is deeper than the ocean. (4) The heart of a hypocrite (lit. munafiq) is harder than a stone. (5) An oppressive ruler is hotter than fire. (6) A miser’s heart is colder than ice (lit. help from miser is colder than ice). (7) Being steadfast during hardships is more bitter than poison (elsewhere backbiting is more bitter than poison).”

***

(1) Jibril (a.s.) has advised me so much about the rights of neighbors that I was beginning to wonder if I were to include them as my inheritors. (2) He advised me so often about the right of wives that I was beginning to think that divorce would be forbidden. (3) He has advised me so much about ensuring the rights of slaves that I was wondering if slavery was going to be abolished soon and if they would be all freed. (4) He has exhorted me so much about the use of miswak (tooth stick to clean teeth) that I was wondering if its use would become obligatory. (5) He has exhorted me to pray in congregation so much so that I was beginning to think that Allah would not accept prayers that are performed without congregation. (6) He has exhorted me so much about passing nights in prayers that I was wondering if sleep during night would be forbidden. (7) He has exhorted me so much on doing zikr (remembrance) of Allah that I was beginning to think that all kinds of talks except zikr were useless. – Muhammad (s), narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abdullah

***

On the Day of Judgment, Allah will not glance with mercy over seven categories of people and they will be thrown in Hell. These are: 91) those who engage in adultery, (2) those who masturbate, (3) those who engage in sex with beasts, (4) those who engage in anal sex with their wives, (5) those who marry the daughters of their wives (with whom they had sex), (6) those who commit adultery with their neighbors’ wives, and (7) those who trouble neighbors. – Muhammad (s)

***

There are seven categories of people who will be considered of martyrs without being martyred in the path of Allah. These are: (1) those who died of diarrhea, (2) those who died of drowning, (3) those who died in paralysis, (4) those who died of small pox, (5) those who were killed due to fire, (6) those who died of being pressed under weight (like in an earthquake), and (7) those who died while giving birth ti their children. – Muhammad (s)

***

It is incumbent upon wise men to prefer seven things by discarding seven other things: (1) preferring poverty over wealth, 92) preferring humility over honor and prestige, (3) preferring modesty over pride and glory, (4) preferring hunger over gluttony, (5) preferring contemplation over merry-making, (6) preferring lowliness over greatness or vanity, and (7) preferring death to life. – ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas

***

8

There are eight things that are not gratified with eight other things. These are: (1) eye is not gratified by sight, (2) earth is not satiated with rain, (3) woman with man, (4) the scholar with knowledge, (5) the beggars with alms, (6) avaricious with the amassing of wealth, (7) the ocean with water, and (8) fire with wood. – Muhammad (s)

***

There are eight things that beautify eight other things: (1) Purity and piety beautiful poverty. (2) Gratitude beautifies blessings. (3) Patience (lit. sabr) eautifies adversity. (4) Forbearance (lit. hilm) beautifies knowledge (lit. ‘ilm). (5) Sobriety and obedience beautify student. (6) Much weeping beautifies fear (of Allah). (7) Grace without any expectation beautifies generosity (lit. ihsan). (8) Humbleness (lit. khushu’) beautifies prayer. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

***

(1) Whoever shuns vain talks gains wisdom. (2) Whoever has control over the roving eyes attains humility and humbleness (lit. khushu’) of the heart (lit. qalb). (3) Whoever shuns gluttony attains the true taste of ‘ibadah (worship). (4) Whoever shuns revelry gains respect. (5) Whoever shuns jokes his face is illuminated. (6) Whoever shuns this world gains love of the hereafter. (7) Whoever refrains from finding faults with others gains the power of self-rectification. (8) Whoever refrains from finding flaws with the mysteries and signs of Allah the Exalted attains salvation from hypocrisy. – ‘Umar

***

There are eight signs of the men of gnosis. Their hearts are (simultaneously) filled with hope and fear. Their tongues are saturated with praise and adoration of Allah. Their eyes are filled with abashment and tears. Their desire is to shun worldly cravings and earn the pleasure of their master (Allah). – ‘Uthman

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(1) That prayer which lacks khushu’ (humility and humbleness) has no merit. (2) That fasting which does not refrain one from forbidden things has no merit. 93) That recital (of the Qur’an) which does not arouse contemplation has no merit. (4) That knowledge which lacks piety (wara’) has no merit. (5) That wealth out of which no charity is made is worthless. (6) That brotherhood which does not safeguard the honor of others has no merit. (7) That blessing which does not last has no merit. (8) That supplication (lit. du’a) which lacks sincerity has no merit. – ‘Ali

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9

Allah, the Exalted, revealed to Musa (a.s.) through the Tawrah (Torah) that the roots of all evils are three: (1) pride, (2) envy, and (3) greed. From these three six other vices originate: (1) gluttony, (2) excessive sleep, (3) comfort (rahah), (4) love of wealth, (5) love for admiration and praise, and (6) love for leadership or power. – Muhammad (s)

***

There are three kinds of worshippers. And each of these worshippers has three types of signs. For example, (1) one group worships Allah out of fear of Him, (2) another group worships Him in order that their wishes may come true, and (3) the third group worships Him because of their love. The signs of the first group are: (1) they know the evil nature of their soul (lit. nafs), (2) they consider their good deeds to be few, and (3) they assume their sins to be too many. The signs of the second group are: (1) they are guides of mankind, (2) of all people in this world they are the most generous in their spending of wealth in the path of Allah, and (3) of all people they are the most optimistic people in their relation to Allah. The signs of the third group are: (1) they donate all their good portions in order to please Allah, (2) they are constantly at war against their nafs (soul) in order to earn his pleasure, and (3) they are always engaged in carrying out commands and prohibitions of Allah. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

***

Surely, Satan has nine kinds of descendants. These are: (1) zalitun, (2) wasinun, (3) laqusun, (4) a’wanun, (5) haffafun, (6) murratun, (7) musawwitun, (8) dasimun, and (9) wal-hanun. (Everyone is assigned to his or her own task.) (1) Zalitun are assigned to market places with the task of enticing people into altercations and quarrels there. (2) Wasinun are assigned with the task of putting people into calamities. (3) Laqusun are assigned to encourage people to worship false gods (like idols). (4) A’wanun encourage rulers to do evil deeds. (5) Haffafun encourage people to get intoxicated (with drugs and alcohol). (6) Murratun draw people to lottery or games of chances, dance and music, etc. (7) Musawwitun are assigned to propagating rumors. (8) Dasimun are assigned to create division among the family members who enter their homes without seeking protection from Allah. (9) Wal-hanun are responsible for creating doubts among worshippers. – ‘Umar

***

Those who regularly pray the five daily prayers on time, Allah bestow nine favors on them. These are: (1) Allah loves them; (2) they enjoy good health; (3) the Angels protect them; (4) their homes are blessed; (5) their faces show signs of piety; (6) Allah softens their qalb (i.e., they become tender-hearted); (7) they will cross the bridge of Sirat with lighting speeds; (8) they will be saved from the Hell Fire; and (9) their neighbors in Paradise will be those about whom Allah has said, “On them shall no fear, nor shall they grieve” (Qur’an 2:38) – ‘Uthman

***

Tears are shed for three reasons: (1) fear of Allah’s punishment, (2) fear of earning His displeasure, and (3) fear of separation from Him. The first kind (of tears) compensates for one’s sins, the second obliterates one’s fault, and the third earns Allah’s proximity with pleasure. As a result of sins being forgiven the person is saved from punishment. As a result of faults being obliterated the person attains permanent bliss and high status in the Next World. As a result of earning Allah’s pleasure and intimacy the person is blessed with the vision of Allah, granted the visitation of the angels and is given the tiding of high honor. – ‘Ali

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10

The Prophet (s) said, “You should use tooth stick (miswak) (to brush your teeth) because there are ten benefits in its use. (1) It cleans your mouth. (2) You earn the pleasure of Allah. (3) Satan gets disappointed on you. (4) Allah and His Angels love you. (5) It strengthens the gum of your teeth. (6) It clears cough. (7) Your mouth smells good. (8) It is good for your gall bladder. (9) It enhances your eyesight. (10) It removes bad odors from your mouth and it is my way (lit. sunnah) (to use miswak).” He then continued by saying, “It is seventy times more rewarding to pray after brushing the teeth than to pray without.”

***

Whoever is blessed with ten qualities by Allah will be saved from all kinds of trials and tribulations and will be included among the muqarrabin (those who are brought near Him) and mutaqqin (God-fearing ones). These qualities are: (1) uncompromising truthfulness combined with undaunted trust in Allah’s decree; (2) fortitude (lit. sabr) combined with gratitude (lit. shukr); (3) acceptance of poverty with the rejection of worldly life in order to worship Him; (4) contemplation (lit. fikr) with an empty stomach; (5) constant anxiety (about hereafter) combined with fear of Allah; (6) continuous supplication to Allah through tears and humility; (7) clemency combined with kindness of heart; (8) bashfulness while consumed in Allah’s love; (9) immense patience combined with useful knowledge, and (10) unfailing faith with deep erudition. – Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

***

Ten things do not become worthy without ten other things. For example, (1) wisdom (lit. ‘aql) without piety (lit. wara’); (2) bounty, grace or dignity (lit. fadl) without knowledge (lit. ‘ilm); (3) success without fear fear (of Allah); (4) authority (lit. sultanah) without justice (lit. ‘adl); (5) aristocracy without manners (lit. adab); (6) happiness without peace or security; (7) wealth without liberality (lit. jud); (8) asceticism or sainthood without self-denial or contentment with little (lit. qana’ah); (9) high status without politeness or sobriety; and (10) jihad without arms. – ‘Umar

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There are ten completely useless things: (1) that learned person to whom no question is asked; (2) that knowledge which is not put to use; (3) that thoughtful decision which is not used; (5) that mosque where prayers are not established; (6) that Qur’an which is not recited; (7) that wealth which is not spent in the right path; (8) that horse which is not ridden; (9) that knowledge of piety gained (solely) for seeking the dunya (material world); (10) that long life which failed to earn the necessary provisions for the next World. – ‘Uthman

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(1) Knowledge is the best bequest (lit. mirath); (2) manner (lit. adat) is the best transaction; (3) fear of Allah (lit. taqwa) is the best possession; (4) worship (lit. ‘ibadah) is the best capital; (5) virtuous deeds are the best companion; (7) patience is the best minister; (8) self-denial or contentment in little (lit. qana’ah) is the best treasure; (9) success (lit. taufiq) is the best aid; and (10) death is the best teacher manners. – ‘Ali

***

Ten groups of people from within my community (ummah) will become infidels to Allah the Great, though they will assume that they were true believers. These are: (1) murderers, (2) sorcerers, (3) those who are unabashed of their wives’ associations with other men, (4) those who deny the poor-due (lit. zakat), (5) drunkards, (6) those who deliberately neglect performing for the hajj (pilgrimage), (7) mischief-makers or those who persecute (others), (8) the arm-dealers to the enemies of Muslims, (9) men who engaged in anal sex with their wives, and (10) those who marry women that are forbidden unto them. – Muhammad (s)

***

Not a single slave in the heavens and the earth will be accepted as a true believer as long as: (1) he/she has not gained Allah’s intimacy; (2) he/she cannot gain Allah’s intimacy until he/she is a Muslim; (3) he/she is not a Muslim as long as other people are not safe from the harms of his/her hands and mouths; (4) (again) he/she is not a Muslim as long as he/she has no knowledge (in essential matters); (5) he/she will not be considered knowledgeable as long as he/she does not practice what he/she learned; (6) he/she will not be able to practice what he/she learned until he/she becomes an ascetic (lit. zahid); (7) he /she will not be included among the ascetics as long as he/she does not practice piety or abstinence (lit. wara’); (8) he/she will not be able to practice piety as long as he/she is not humble and gentle; (9) he/she will not become humble as long as he/she has no knowledge of (the evil of) his/her own soul (lit. nafs); and (10) he/she will not be able to know his/her own soul as long as he/she is not well-versed in theology (lit. kalam). – Muhammad (s)

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Yahya bin Mu’adh al-Razi once told a worldly jurist, “O the (so-called) scholar of religion and Sunnah, (1) your palaces are like those of the Roman emperors (Caesar), (2) your houses are like those of the Persian emperors (Cyrus), (3) your dwelling places are like those of Korah (Qarun), (4) your gates are like those of Saul (Talut), your dresses are like those of Goliath (Jalut), (6) your doctrine is that of Satan, (7) your furniture is like the Pharaoh, (9) your leaders are materialistic, bribe –takers and dishonest people, and (10) your death is that of ignorance. Where is the custom of Muhammad in you?”

***

A wise man said, “Allah, the Exalted, dislikes ten habits in ten types of people: (1) stinginess among the rich; (2) pride among the poor; (3) covetousness (lit. tama’) among the religious scholars (lit. ‘ulama’); (4) shamelessness among the woman; (5) worldly love among the old; (6) laziness among the young; (7) oppression from the rulers; (8) cowardliness among the warriors; (9) vanity or self-conceit (lit. ‘ujb) (of one’s asceticism) among the ascetics (lit. zahid); (10) pride (lit. riya’) among the devotees (lit. ‘ubbad).”

***

Security is one of ten types: five of these are in this world and the other five in the Next World. Those of this world are: (1) knowledge (lit. ‘ilm), (2) worship (lit. ‘ibadah), (3) (earning) a lawful livelihood, (4) endurance and steadfastness (lit. sabr) during trials and tribulations, and (5) gratitude (lit. shukr) (to Allah) for (His) blessings. Those of the next World are: (1) finding the Angel of Death in his compassionate and polite mood when he arrives to take away life, (2) not being frightened by the Angels Munkar and Nakir (during questioning) in the grave, (3) being safe and secure on the horrifying Day of judgment, (4) receiving forgiveness of sins and acceptance of good deeds, and (5) crossing the Bridge (Sirat) at the speed of lightning and entrance into Paradise peacefully. Muhammad (s)

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Allah, the Exalted has given ten names to His Scripture: (1) the Qur’an, (2) Furqan, (3) Kitab, (4) Tanzil, (5) Huda, (6) Nur, (7) Rahmah, (8) Ruh, (9) Shafa’ah, and (10) Zikr. The names Qur’an, Furqan, Kitab and Tanzil are well-known. As far as the names Huda, Nur, Rahmah, and Shafa’ah are concerned, Allah the Exalted says, “O mankind, an admotion from your Lord has come, and there is a healing (lit. shafa’ah) for your chest and a guidance (lit. huda) and a mercy (lit. rahmah) for the true believers. And a light (lit. nur) and Book (lit. Kitab) that makes things clear has come down to you from Allah.” Regarding Ruh, Allah says, “And similarly I have revealed to you that the Spirit (lit. ruh) is by My command.” As to the name Zikr, Allah says, “and I have revealed the Remembrance (lit. zikr) to you in order that you may explain this to mankind.” – Abu al-Fadl (r)[36]

***

Luqman Hakim told his son, “My son, genuine wisdom (lit. hikmah) lies in ten deeds. These are: (1) reviving a deed heart; (2) association (lit. sit or live) with the needy (lit. miskin); (3) avoiding the company of rulers; (4) honoring the downtrodden (lit. wadiya’); (5) emancipating the slaves; (6) sheltering the wayfarers or strangers (lit. gharib); (7) enriching the poor; (8) honoring the respectable people (sheriff); (9) giving leadership to (deserving) leaders. (10) …[37]

***

A wise man said, “Whenever an intelligent person vows to make repentance, he should inculcate ten qualities right away. These are: (1) beseeching Allah’s forgiveness verbally; (2) being truly ashamed at heart (of his deeds); (3) protecting the body from (further) committing sins; (4) firmly resolving never to re-engage in committing sins; (5) loving the Hereafter; (6) feeling enmity towards this world; (7) controlling the tongue; (8-9) eating and drinking less in favor of learning and worship; and (10) sleeping less for Allah praises His slaves in the Qur’an by saying: “They used to sleep little at night and seek Allah’s forgiveness in the later hours of the night.”

***

Everyday the earth admonishes human beings ten times by saying: “O children of Adam: (1) You roam over my back, do you know that one day you will come inside my belly? (2) You commit all kinds of sins over my back, but you will be punished inside my belly. (3) You laugh over my back, but will cry inside me. (4) You are enjoying life over my back, but will be in despair inside my belly. (5) You accumulate wealth over my back, but will repent inside me. (6) You consume haram (forbidden things) over my back, but will be consumed by insects, snakes and scorpions inside my belly. (7) You take pride in yourself over my back, but will be humiliated inside me. (8) You are enjoying comfort over my back, but will suffer terribly inside me. (9) You walk in the daylight (and skylight) over my back, but will reside in the darkness of my belly. (10) You march in groups over my back, but will reside alone inside me.” – Anas bin Malik (r)[38]

***

The man who spends his time in amusement (neglecting his duties) will be afflicted with ten types of punishments. These are: (1) his qalb (heart) will die; (2) the radiance of his appearance will diminish; (3) Satan will be pleased with him; (4) Allah, the Most Merciful, will be angry with him; (5) he will be troubled on the Day of Judgment with severe accounting; (6) the Prophet (s) will turn his face away from him on the Day of Judgment; (7) the angels will curse him; (8) he will de despised by all the inhabitants of the heaven and the earth; (9) he will forget everything; and (10) he will be humiliated on the Day of Judgment. – Muhammad (s)

***

Hassan al-Basri said, “One day while I was roaming the streets and the shopping centers in Basrah with a young devotee (lit. ‘abid), we came across a doctor. He was sitting on a chair and there were many men and women, young and old, who were sitting in front of him. Each of them was holding a jar of water. They came there to find medicine for their sickness. The young devotee approached the doctor and asked him, “O doctor, do you have any medicine that remove sin and cures the sickness of the heart (lit. qalb)?” When the doctor replied in the affirmative the devotee said, “Then give it to me.” The doctor replied, “Take ten things from me (to cure your sickness). (These are (1) Take a root of the tree of poverty (lit. faqr) and some roots of the tree of humility. (2) Mix these with the turmeric of repentance (lit. tawbah) in the (3) grindstone of Allah’s pleasure (lit. rida). And then (4) grind the mixture with the iron grinder of contentment (lit. qana’ah) in Allah’s decree (lit. qadr). (5) Then put the mixture in a bowl of piety. (6) Pour the water of humiliation (lit. haya’) over the mixture and (7) boil it with the fire of love (lit. muhabah). (8) Then pour the (hot) solution into the cup of gratitude (lit. shukr) and (9) cool it off with the fan of hope of Allah’s mercy. (10) (Finally) drink the medicine with the spoon of praise (lit. hamd) of Allah. Truly, if you follow this prescription, all your sickness will be cured and you will benefit from all the troubles both in this world and the Hereafter.”

***

Once upon a time a king summoned five scholars and wise men and requested them to say words of wisdom. Each of them spoke two sentences thus totaling ten sentences. The first one to speak said, “Security lies in fear of Allah and infidelity in not fearing Him. Freedom lies in not fearing the creation (lit. makhluq) and bondage in fearing such.” The second one spoke, “To place hope in Allah is such richness that no scarcity can harm it. And to despair of Allah is such poverty that no wealth can benefit it.” The third one spoke, “The richness of the heart cannot be harmed by any poverty. And the poverty of the heart cannot be enriched by anything.” The forth wise man said, “The richness of the heart is further enriched by making charity. And the poverty of the heart is impoverished despite all the riches.” The fifth man spoke, “It is better to have some decency than to forsake all evil. And it is better to forsake all evil than to have some decency.”

***

Ibn ‘Abbas related that the Prophet (s) said, “Ten categories of people from my community will not enter Paradise without making repentance. They are: (1) the qalla’, (2) jayyuf, (3) qattat, (4) dabbub, (5) dayyuth, (6) sahib al-‘artahah, (7) sahib al-walidayn, (8)’utul, (9) zanim and (10) ‘aqq al-wadiyun.” (1) He was then asked, “O Messenger of Allah, who is qalla?” He answered, “He spies against laymen on behalf of the rulers.” (2) “Who is jayyuf?” He answered, “They steal burial shrouds (lit. kafn).” (3) “Who is qattat?” He answered, “They slander others.” (4) “Who is dabbub?” He replied, “They gather amoral women in their houses to engage in evil deeds,” (5) “Who is dayyuth?” He replied, “They do not object to their wives’ free-mixing with other men.” (6) “Who is sahib al-‘artahah?” He answered, “He plays drum.” (7) “Who is sahb al-kubah?” He replied, “He indulges in musical instruments.” (8) “Who is ‘utul?” He replied, “He is that stone-hearted man who neither forgives nor accepts anyone’s excuse.” (9) “Who is zanim?” He replied, “He vilifies others on the street.” (10) “Who are ‘aqq al-walidayn?” He replied, “They are disobedient to their parents.”

***

The prayer of ten categories of people is not accepted by Allah the Exalted. (They are (1) The one who prays alone without qira’ah (recitation of the Qur’anic verses, e.g., Surah al-Fatihah, as is done by the Imam in a congregational prayer); (2) the one who does not pay zakah (poor-due); (3) the Imam who is disliked (by his community); (4) the slaves who flees from his master; (5) the person who is addicted to drinking or drugs; (6) the wife who passes the night without pleasing her husband (when he wants cohabitation); (7) the free woman who prays discarding her outer garment (to show her adornments); (8) the person who practices riba (usury); (9) the oppressive ruler; and (10) that person whose does not deter him from committing mischief and, thereby, widening the gap between him and Allah. – Muhammad (s)

***

Those who enter mosques should observe ten manners. (1) Those who enter the mosque with shoes or socks on should make sure that no filth is sticking on these. (2) They should enter with the right foot first. (3) They should make the supplication, “Allahumm aftah lana abwaba rahmatika innaka anta al-wahhab (Meaning: O Allah, open for us the door of your of Your Mercy. You are surely the One who gives reward).” (4) They should salute those who are inside the mosque. But if there no one inside, they should supplicate, “As-salamu ‘alayna wa ‘ala ‘ibadillahis salihin. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Allah, wa anna Muhammad-ur-Rasulullah (Peace be upon me and all the righteous slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger).” (5) They should not move in front of those who are praying. (6) They should not engage in any worldly affairs inside the mosque. (7) They should not engage in vain talks inside the mosque. (8) They should offer two units (lit. rak’ah) of prayer (except if the Imam already leading one of the five daily prayers). (9) They should not enter the mosque without ablution (lit. wudu’). (10) They should supplicate (after wudu’) while standing, “Subhanaka Allahumma wa bi hamdika. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa anta astagh-firuka wa atubu ilayka (Glorified be You, O Allah, and all praises are due to You. I testify that there is no God but You and I seek Your forgiveness and I repent to You).” – Muhammad (s)

***

Prayer is the foundation of din (religion), and it bestows ten qualities. (These are (1) beauty of appearance, (2) light of the heart, (3) comfort of the body, (4) companionship in the grave, (5) means for the descent of Allah’s mercy (manzil al-rahmah), (6) key to the heaven, (7) weight of the Scales (Mizan, i.e., the heaviness of balance of good virtues on the Day of Judgment), (8) pleasure of the Lord, (9) investment for Paradise, and (10) curtain for the Hell Fire. Whoever establishes prayer properly has established his religion. And whoever leaves prayer has destroyed (abandoned) his religion. – Muhammad (s), narrated by Abu Hurayrah

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When Allah, the Exalted, will desire to let the inhabitants of the Paradise enter Paradise, He will send for them the Angels with heavenly dresses and gifts. When they will attend to enter Paradise, the Angels will ask them to wait and inform them of the gifts from Allah. They will ask, “What kinds of gifts are waiting us?” The angles will reply, “it is a ring with ten engravings. The first of the engravings will state, ‘Please be upon you; greetings to you for becoming the dwellers of Paradise forever.’ The second one will state, ‘You have been freed from all kinds of sufferings and anxieties.’ The third one will state, ‘This is that Garden that you have earned due to your good deeds.’ The fourth one will state, ‘I have adorned you with heavenly dresses and ornaments.’ The fifth one will state, ‘I have wed them unto fair ones with wide lovely eyes (lit. hur); I have rewarded them for they were steadfast; surely they have succeeded.’ The sixth one will state, ‘You have earned this reward today for your obedience.’ The seventh one will state, ‘You have all been given youth and you will never age.’ The eight one will state, ‘You have entered the abode of peace and you will never be frightened here.’ The ninth one will state, ‘You have earned the company of the friends of Allah, the prophets, the truthful ones, the martyrs and the righteous ones (of Allah).’ The tenth one will state, ‘You are dwelling here as the neighbors of the merciful (lit. al-Rahman), the Owner of the Great Throne.’” After that these people will be allowed to enter Paradise and they will say, “All praise and gratitude is due to Allah, who has removed all our pains and sufferings. Surely He is our Lord, Ever Forgiving and Rewarding to those who work good.” They will also say, “All praise is due to Allah who has fulfilled all that He has promised to us. He has made us inhabit this Garden. We may reside wherever we choose. What a great bounty for those who do good deeds!”

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And when Allah desire to let the inhabitants of Hell enters, He will send an angel to them. He will carry a message from Him with ten engraved seals. The first one will state, “Enter the Fire where you will neither die nor live and will never be taken out.” The second one will state, “Enter the place of punishment where you will have no comfort.” The third one will state, “You have despaired of My Mercy.” The forth one will state, “Suffer pain, sorrow and distress forever.” The fifth will state, “Your garment will be of fire, food-thorny zaqqum, drink-hot water, bed and comforter-fire.” The sixth one will state, “Because of your obedience this is your punishment today.” The seventh one will state, “My Anger is upon you forever in the Hell.” The eight one will state, “You committed major sins and still you did not repent for your deeds; My curse upon you.” The ninth one will state, “Satan will be your constant companion inside Hell.” The tenth one will state, “You followed in the footsteps of Satan and preferred the world to be Hereafter; therefore, this is your punishment.” – Muhammad (s), narrated by A’ishah

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A wise man said, “I sought ten items in ten places but found them in ten other places: (1) I sought honor and dignity in pride, but found them in politeness and gentility. (2) I sought ‘ibadah (worship or servitude) in prayer, but found it in living modesty according to the Law (lit. Shari’ah). (3) I sought comfort in luxurious living, but found it in zuhud (discarding worldly comfort). (4) I sought the light of my heart in daytime prayers, but found it in (secret) late night prayers. (5) I sought the light for the Day of Judgment in generousity (lit. jud) and alms-giving (lit. sakhawah), but found it in my thrist while fasting. (6) I sought the power of crossing the Bridge (on the Day of Judgment) in sacrifice (of animals, dedicated to Allah), but found it in saddaqah (charity). (7) I sought relief from hell-fire in permissible things (lit. mubah), but found it in self-control or control of desires (lit. shahwah). (8) I sought love of Allah in worldly things, but found it in His remembrance (lit. zikr). (9) I sought happiness in society, but found it in solitude. (10) I sought enrichment of my heart in good advice and (mere) recitation of the Qur’an, but found it in recitation of the Qur’an with humility and tears.”

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In his exegesis of the Qur’anic verse, “And when Ibrahim was tried with certain of commands from his Lord, he fulfilled those in full,” Ibn ‘Abbas wrote, “ten practices are amongst the sunnah (practices of the Prophet) of which five relate to the head are: (1) miswak (brushing the teeth), (2) rinsing the mouth, (3) washing the nostrils with water, (4) trimming the mustache, (5) shaving the head. Those of the body parts are: (1) shaving the armpits, (2) cutting nails, (3) shaving pubic hairs, (4) circumcising and (5) cleaning oneself after relieving bowels.”

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Whoever makes darud[39] on the Prophet (i.e., says-peace and blessings of Allah be upon the prophet) once, Allah blesses that person ten times. On the other hand, whoever speaks ill of him once, Allah curses that person ten times. – Ibn ‘Abbas

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Ibrahim bin Adham was questioned why the prayers of people were not granted while Allah says in the Qur’an: “Pray unto Me, and I shall fulfill your prayers”. In reply he said, “Your hearts have died because of ten reasons (for which your prayers are not accepted). (These are (1) You know Allah; still you do not fulfill His obligations. (2) You read the Qur’an, but still do not follow its instructions. (3) You know that your enemy is Satan, yet you follow him. 94) You claim to love the Messenger of Allah (s), but still you abandon his sunnah (ways). (5) You claim to love paradise, but do not do the deeds necessary to inherit such. (6) You claim to fear Hell Fire, but do not look at your own faults. (9) You partake of Allah’s sustenance, yet do not thank Him. (10) You lay the dead inside grave, but do not take lessons there from.”

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Whoever, man or woman, recites the following du’a one thousand times on the night of ‘Arafah (i.e., the night before the ‘Id al-Adha[40]) and then supplicates Allah to fulfill his or her wish, Allah will do not deny that wish as long as it is not for severing relationship with kith or kin or some sinful acts. There are ten sentences in this du’a: “Glorofied is He Whose Throne is established over the heavens. Glorified is He Whose dominion and power is over the earth. Glorified is He Whose way is in the earth. Glorified is He Whose Spirit permeates the air. Glorified is He Who rules over the fire. Glorified is He Whose knowledge permeates what is in the womb of mothers. Glorified is He Who has control over the graves. Glorified is He Who has raised the sky high without any pillar. Glorified is He Who has spread out the earth. Glorified is He without Whom there is neither safety nor salvation.” – Muhammad (s)

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Ibn ‘Abbas related that once the messenger of Allah (s) asked Iblis (Satan), “Who are your friends amongst my ummah (community)?” Iblis replied, “I have friendship with ten types of people. These are: (1) oppressive relers, (2) those who are proud, (3) rich men who do not discriminate between halal (permissible) and haram (forbidden) means of their earnings, (4) religious scholars who aid oppressive rulers, (5) dishonest merchants, (6) merchants who hoard in order to raise prices of commodities, (7) adulterers, (8) usurers, (9) misers who earn money illegally and are unconcerned as to how they earn money, and (10) drunkards.” Then the Prophet (s) asked him, “Who amongst my ummah are your enemies?” Iblis replied, “I have enmity with twenty types of people. (1) The foremost among them is you, O Muhammad. (The others are (2) religious scholars whose deeds are in conformity with their knowledge, 93) those who have committed to memory the Qur’an and whose deeds are in conformity with its dictates, (4) callers (lit. mu’azzin) for five daily prayers, (5) those who love the poor (lit. fuqara’), indigent (lit. miskin) and orphans (lit. yatim), (6) kind-hearted people, (7) just people, (8) those who spend their youth in obedience of Allah, (9) those who earn halal (permissible) livelihood, (10) two young men who love each other for the sake of Allah, (11) those who are particular about praying in gatherings (lit. jama’ah) in the mosque, (12) those who wake up at night to worship Allah, (13) those who shun forbidden things, (14) those who offer good advice to others (or pray for others) and their hearts are pure, (15) those who always stay in the state of wudu’ (ablution), (16) generous people, (17) people of good moral character, (18) those who rely on Allah for everything, (19) those who work for the good of widows, and (20) those who are always prepared for death.”

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Wahb bin Munabbih said, “In the Torah it is stated – (1) He who earns the provisions for the Next World in this world will be a dear one to Allah on the Day of Judgment. (2) He who controls his anger will attain proximity to Allah. (3) He who shuns worldly comforts will save himself from Allah’s Anger on the Day of Judgment. (4) He who forsakes envy (lit. hasad) will be admired by all in the hereafter. (5) He who gives up the yearning for leadership will be honored by Allah the Almighty, in the Hereafter. (6) He who gives up bounties of this world will find comfort in the Next World. (7) He who shuns quarrels and mischief in this world will earn good repute in the Hereafter. (8) He who gives up miserliness in this world will be admired by all in the Hereafter. (9) He who gives up comfort of this world will be happy in the Hereafter. (10) He who shuns forbidden things in this world will find company amongst the prophets in the Hereafter. (11) He who refrains himself from looking forbidden things in this world will be blessed with the vision of Allah in Paradise. (12) He who forsakes worldly fortunes to adopt poverty will be raised with the Prophets and friends of Allah on the Day of Judgment. (13) He who helps others in this world will be helped by Allah both in this world and the Next. (14) He who wants to find agreeable companions inside the grave-let him pray at the dead of the night. (15) He who desires the shade underneath the Throne of the Beneficent (i.e., Allah) on the Day of Judgment should shun worldly engagement. (16) He who desires an easy accounting on the Day of Judgment should admonish his soul and those near him with good advice. (17) He who desires encounters with angels in the Next World should resort to piety. (18) He who desires an abode in the middle of Paradise should remember (lit. zikr) Allah much night and day. (19) He who wants to be admitted into Paradise should repent sincerely. (20) He wants to be rich should be content with what Allah, the exalted, has decreed for him. (21) He who wants to be recognized as a jurist (lit. faqih) by Allah should be terrified of meeting Him. (22) He who wants to be a judge (lit. hakim) should be learned (lit. ‘alim). (23) He who wants to save himself from other’s criticism should not criticize others except saying what is good and take lessons by meditating on the purpose behind creation. (24) He who wants to be honored both in this world and the wants to be honored both in this world and the Hereafter should prefer the Next World to this. (25) He who desires peaceful living in the Jannah al-Firdaws and Jannah al-Na’im (names of two havens) should save himself from doing corruption (lit. fasad) in this world. (26) He who desires a heavenly abode both in this world and the Next should be generous for surely a donor is closer to heaven and faraway from Hell. (27) He who wants to enlighten his heart should resort to inner contemplation all the time. (28) He who wants to restrain his body, engage his tongue with zikr and fill his heart with sincerity should seek much forgiveness for all mu’minun and Muslims, men and women alike.”