Code Of Good Conduct

Prophet (saws) said : "If any one of you wants to praise and attest to the morals or character of your brother, you then should say : 'I think so and so about the person , Allah (Swt) knows the truth'."

[Bukhari]

Explanation : Islam teaches us to be extra careful about attesting to some one's character . It should be done in a way as to not give an impression of a slightest iota of suspicion . Islam's emphasis on nobility, ethics and morality can impress any open-minded person who has an objective and unbiased approach . That is why in a few years time Islam revolutionized the corrupt society.

Teaching of morals in Islam has a dual purpose. On one hand it exhorts to practice virtues, on the other it commands to give up the vices. There is a long list of vices, and one of them is to lie and utter falsehood.

Adherence to ethics, code of morality and good conduct constitutes to be an important, integral and major part of Islamic teachings therefore it is forcefully said that think before you say anything about others. Be very cautious and extremely careful while making comments about a person in his absence. Avoid suspicion and mistrust and think good of people.

May Allah clean our hearts , and enable us to watch our tongue and our acts, Aameen !

Reconciliation & Peaceful Conduct Of Affairs

Prophet (saws) said : " I guarantee a house in the middle of Paradise for him , who quits a quarrel, in spite of being on the Haq " i.e being right and justified on his stand and yet giving up the argument to prove himself right.

[Bukhari and Muslim]

Explanation : Islam has clear instructions to resolve problems arising out of disputes and and differences among individuals and groups. These instructions can protect us from many evils. Reconciliation and peaceful conduct of our affairs is very essential for the good of our society

It is a great sin to further the breach and widen the gap of differences between two brothers or two groups. Such a sin generates more sins causing the sinner to sink deeper and deeper into sins. Our faith dictates us to act as a bridge between two estranged brothers , work to ease the tension between them and help resolve their dispute, bring them closer to each other in peace and harmony , and strengthening our bonds of love.

We should clean our hearts of anger, envy ,jealousy,rancour, pride , prejudice, self importance, selfishness and showmanship. We should evaluate our words. examine our actions and interactions, pay attention to our verbal and non-verbal communication i.e. body language and continue to be our own unbiased judge.

We should build our character on healthy lines , be vigilant to guard our own conduct and continue to purify the heart.We should learn to be polite and humble. We better correct ourselves before jumping to correct others.

If we are sure that our brother needs to be corrected, we should then learn the tact and wisdom ; choose the right time , the right method and the right words , otherwise our act is bound to be counter productive.

Forgiving and forgetting are virtues and we can find these attributes only in a Momin, who is considerate, generous, gracious , large-hearted , noble and forgiving.

The Strong & Firm Pillar of A Muslim's Character is Straight Dealing

The Messenger of Allah (Saws) said "Leave alone doubtful things , follow those matters in which there are no doubts for truth is a means of satisfaction and falsehood is the cause of doubts and misgivings "

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : Allah has created this whole universe on the basis of love, and has demanded of the people that they should build up their life on the foundation of truth, to make truth and straight dealing a practice of their life, and should give place to truth only in their talks and dealings.

When this clear sense is lost sight of by people, and false stories, superstitions and absurd beliefs rule their self, ideas and thoughts, then hardness and harshness are generated in them they move away from the right path, and they totally give up those realities the adoption of which was necessary.

For this reason the strong and firm pillar of a Muslim's character is straight dealing. It is his duty to be attached to truth in every matter and to see every problem and affair through the glasses of truth, To keep it before him in every decision is the clearest manifestation of his dealing and treatment,

Similarly the construction of the society in Islam is made on this foundation that mere conjectures and superstitions should be opposed baseless things and imaginary stories should be thrown outs doubts and misgivings should not be encouraged, because strong and firm realities only deserve to be manifested; they should have their imprint on the society s and their help should be taken in strengthening various relations.

The Best Way Of Life For All

Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (ra) narrated that Allah's Messenger (saws) said , "Goodness is a (natural) habit while the evil is stubbornness. To whomsoever Allah wills to show goodness, He favours him with the understanding in the Religion (Islam)"

[Ibn Majah]

Explanation: When we study Islam or at least read the Qur'an and the authentic Ahâdith we learn that Islam is easy, complete and the perfect religion as well as way of life for the whole mankind.

It is a great blessing of Allah (swt) that we have been born in the Ummah of Prophet (saw).He has left for us complete and total guidance about every single issue or problem we come or may come across in life. His (saws)'s life and Shariah encompasses all that happens or may happen in life from the time Allah (Swt) completed His deen on him to the Last Day

Islam is the name of earnestly and sincerely following what has been commanded by Allah (Swt) and which is reflected in the day to day life of our Beloved Prophet (saws).

Islam is the perfect religion and hence the best way of life for all . Islam as a universal religion is Allah's blessing and Mercy for all of us. It is for us to enjoy it and be successful in the eternal world to come.

The best way to attain success through Islam is to learn it according to its authentic sources. That is, to acquire knowledge of Islam through the Qur'an and the Sunnah.

Since Allah (Subhanahu wa ta’ala) is the One Who gives guidance, earnestly ask Him for authentic Islamic knowledge. We must seek His help and guidance to be able to apply such knowledge and share it with others – all for His Pleasure.

May our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) increase our knowledge of Islam and enjoy the best life of being true Muslims forever. Ameen.

A Muslim is a Source of Benefit to Others & is an Agent of Peace & Brotherhood

Abdullah bin Amr bin Aas (ra) relates that Prophet (saws) said , "I swear by Him, Who possesses my soul, a Momin resembles that goldbrick which if thrown in the furnace , neither changes its colour, nor loses its weight. I swear by Him, Who owns my soul that a Momon is like a honey bee , which sucks nectar from flowers , turned it into the beneficial honey, and neither misuses or damages the flower petal by its weight"


[Tirmidhi]

Explanation: Prophet (SAW) has likened the character of a Momin to the sterling quality of pure gold and the beneficence of the honey bee. Impure gold if thrown in the furnace looses its weight after its impurities are burned and it also changes its color.

A Momin is like the honey bee who feeds on the pure and fairly earned livelihood; he is a source of benefit to others and is an agent of peace and brotherhood. He does not harm others or cause any damage to the environment.

By extension, this example teaches us patriotism; love for the community, respect for neighbors, and makes us aware for the better maintenance of our social, natural and physical environment. Let us listen to two other traditions

Be Aware of Your Rights and Duties

Once a companion (ra) asked , "O Messenger of Allah , who is the best among the people?" Prophet (saws) replied "Truthful by tongue, pure and kind at heart, and without any burden of sins , the one who does not have envy or grudge towards others (is the best) "

[Ibn Majah]

Explantion: One thing should be remembered that the more we adhere to our faith & are firm in Tawheed i.e. the belief in the Oneness of Allah (Swt) , the more united will be the Muslim Ummah.

We are distancing ourselves from the qualities of the early Muslims. They were pure from jealousies, mutual rivalries & envy. They never looked down upon their brother and never lashed their tongue with taunts or derogatory comments , but unfortunately, we are afflicted with these vices.

It is time to wake up to the realities of our faith and be aware of our rights and duties as Muslims.

May Allah Reward You With Good !

The Prophet(saw) said: " Exchange gifts, as this will lead to increasing your love to one another."

[Bukhari]

Explanation: Gifts are a universal means to strengthen relationship bonds. In Islam, gift giving is even more encouraged as it is evident bu analyzing the life of Prophet Muhammad(saw). Islamic teachings recommend giving of gifts to honor the recipient that, in turn helps in nurturing mutual love respect for each other.

Al-Bukhari narrated in his Hadith collection that 'Aa'isha (ra) said " The Messenger of Allah used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them ". Rewarding people means that the Prophet used to repay in kind as well.

Islam also teaches us the manners to respond to the people who give. One of the dua'as one can say is "Jazakallahu Khayrun" (May Allah reward you with good).

It is always good to surprise your family members, friends & even peers at work with gifts that can in turn help in establishing mutual respect & stronger bonds. We should all remember that gifts are a great way to even break the ice in relationships where people are experiencing challenges with one another.

Rewards Of Hajj

Messenger Of Allah(saw) said ,"Sound Hajj has no reward except Paradise."
[Bukhari & Muslim]

Explanation: If a person has wealth which is over & above his basic necessities and which will be sufficient for him to make the onward & return journey for Hajj, then Hajj becomes fardh upon him.

There are great virtues in performing Hajj as Prophet(saw) said "There is nothing in return for a hajj that is free of sins and evils except Paradise."

Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is made obligatory on rich Muslims.In the tenth year of the Islamic calendar the Prophet(saw) announced that he intended to perform Hajj ; this was the only time that he performed Hajj after the Hijrah to Madinah.

The Muslims came from all over the Arabian Peninsula to perform Hajj with him(saw). The Muslims learnt the rituals of Hajj from the Prophet(saw) and general advice and laws.

The Ten Days Of Dhul-Hijjah

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has said: "There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."

(Bukhaari).


Explanation;
The month of Hajj, Dhul-hijjah, is the last month of the Islamic calendar. The first ten days of Dhul-hijjah are among the most magnificent days in Islamic calendar.

The virtue of these ten days is based on many things, including:

1. Allah swears an oath by them, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): "By the dawn; by the ten nights" [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Many commentators of the Holy Qur’an have said that this verse of the Holy Qu’ran refers to the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah.
2. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) testified that these are the best days of this world, as has been noted above.
3. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) commanded us to devote time to recite Tasbeeh ("Subhan-Allaah"), Tahmeed ("Al-hamdu Lillaah") and Takbeer ("Allaahu akbar") during these ten days. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) has said: "There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah and in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal of Tahleel ("La ilaaha ill-Allaah"), Takbeer and Tahmeed." (Reported by Ahmad).
4. These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah (the Day on which the pilgrims stand in the plain of ‘Arafaah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. According to a hadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) “Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years”.
5. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar(Day Of Sacrifice)

Love Of the Prophet is love of all the beauty and nobility of character

The Messenger of Allah (saw) said " None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind "

[Bukhari]

Explanation : One of the two affirmations of Islamic faith by which a person enters the fold of Islam is recognizing that "Muhammad (saws) is the Messenger of Allah ". Believing intellectually is not difficult , particularly for those born in Muslim families . However, this hadith clearly defines the scope of relationship between the believers in islam and the Prophet (saws).

The relationship is not based merely on an intellectual recognition of the fact that he is the Messenger of Allah . Rather, following the Prophet (saws) means :

1. To dedicate oneself to following his Sunnah
2.To nurture a bond between oneself and The prophet (saws) that transcends all other human relationship in terms of love and affection.

Love of the Prophet (saws) is love of all the beauty and nobility of character, truthfulness, justness, humility & inner strength of which man is capable & which the Prophet (saws) as al-insan al-kamil possesses in the utmost degree.

Love for the Prophet (saws) means to acknowledge , cherish & glorify all the potential of goodness & greatness that Allah has created within man.

The Sins Of the Creation Are Wiped Away by Allah

The Messenger of Allah (saws) said :

Allah the Almighty has said " O Son of Adam , as long as you invoke Me and ask of Me, I shall forgive you of what you have done, and I shall not mind. O son of Adam , were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you. O son of Adam, were you to come to Me with sins nearly as great as the Earth, and were you then to face Me, ascribing no partner to Me, I would bring you forgiveness nearly as great as it (too)"

[Tirmidhi]

Explanation : For the acceptance of Repentance, there are three conditions :

1. Cessation from the sin
2. Remorse for what has proceeded
3. And firm resolve not to return to performing the sin.

If the sin involved taking the right of another person , then he must hasten to return his right and absolve himself from this transgression. And if this sin was between him and Allah (Swt) and a kaffarah (expiation) is required for this sin , then it is also essential that he fulfills the kaffarah, and thus, this becomes the fourth condition (for the acceptance of repentance)

And so, even if a person were to commit a sin many times in a single day, and then repent each time with its conditions , Allah will still forgive him . His (Swt) statement . " For what you have done" implies that Allah will forgive despite the repetition of the sin.

And His (Swt) statement " O son of Adam , were your sins to reach the clouds of the sky and you then asked forgiveness from Me, I would forgive you" means that if these sins had a physical form they would fill the space between the sky and the Earth - and this is the limit of multitude. However , even then His Generosity. Clemency, Mercy, Forgiveness are still more and greater than that , and there can not even be the thought of comparison between them . So. the sins of Creation are wiped away by His Clemency and Forgiveness.

Ans His (Swt) statement : "and were you then to face Me " means that if the slave were to die upon Imaan (Faith) , without associating any partners with Allah. And there can be no solace or contentment for the Believer until he has faced his Lord.

High Hopes from Allah

Abu Hurairah (ra) has quotes a Prophetic saying " Hoping for good is also an act of worship of Allah "

[Tirmidhi and Hakim]

Explanation : Besides fear of Allah, expecting good from Him is an act of sublime merit. In a hadith-e-Qudsi our beloved Prophet (saw) has quoted the divine words , "I am what my bondsman thinks of Me , and when he remembers Me, I am there with him" (Bukhari and Muslim)

Many merits have been given in the Qur'an and Hadith for having high hopes from Allah. This implies that one must try to live according to His Divine commands and when he commits errors, he should expect Divine Mercy for it.

But if one is entirely unmindful of Divine commands, does not care to reform himself and is driven by worldly and carnal desires and yet expects Divine Pardon and Mercy, he has been castigated in Hadith.

The right way is to try to reform oneself and to balance Allah's fear and good hopes from Him. As it is related in another Hadith by Anas (ra) that , "Once our Prophet (saw) went to a young man who was on his death-bed and asked him , 'How do you feel? ' . The young man said ' I have much hope from Allah (Swt) but I also fear for my sins.' . The Holy Prophet (saw) said , ' The believer who has these two ideas simultaneously at such time, Allah fulfills his hopes and grants him security from fear'"

[Tirmidhi]