Anas said that when the Prophet came to Mina he went to the jamra and threw pebbles at it, after which he went to his lodging in Mina and sacrificed his victim. He then called for a barber, and turning his right side to him, he let him shave him. He then called Abu Talha al-Ansari and gave him what had been shaved off; after which he turned his left side telling the barber to shave him, and when he had done so he gave Abu Talha what had been shaved off and told him to divide it among the people. Bukhari and Muslim.

Our Lord who is blessed and exalted descends every night to the lowest heaven when two-thirds of the night have passed and says, “Who supplicates me so that I may answer him? Who asks of me so that I may give to him? Who asks my forgiveness so that I may forgive him?” (Bukhari and Muslim.) In a version by Muslim it is said that He then spreads out His hands and says, “Who will lend to One who is neither indigent nor unjust?"* till the dawn breaks. *The lending mentioned here is presumably the doing of good works.

‘A’isha said she heard God’s messenger say, “zakat is never mingled with any property without destroying it.” Shafi'i, Bukhari in his Ta’rikh, and al-Humaidi transmitted it, al-Humaidl adding He said, “Sadaqa will have been incumbent on you and you will not pay it, so what is forbidden will destroy what is lawful.” Those who hold that the zakat is connected with the property itself have used this as an argument. It is given thus in al-Muntaqa. Baihaqi transmitted in Shu’ab al-iman from Ahmad b. Hanbal with, his isnad to ‘A’isha, and Ahmad said “mingled” means that a man accepts zakat when he is opulent or rich, whereas it is only for the poor.

She told that she bought a cushion on which were pictures, and when God’s messenger saw it he stopped at the door and did not enter. Seeing the signs of disapproval in his face she said, “Messenger of God, I repent towards God and His messenger. What have I done wrong ?” He asked, “What is the meaning of this cushion ?” and when she replied that she had bought it for him to sit and recline on he said, “The people who make these pictures will be punished on the day of resurrection and be told to bring to life what they have created,” adding, “The angels do not enter a house which contains a picture.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

My people sent me to Umm Salama with a bowl of water. Whenever anyone was smitten by the evil eye or anything else he sent her a basin, and she took out some hairs of God’s messenger which she kept in a little silver bell.* She moved it about for him in the water and he drank some of it. I looked into the little bell and saw some red hairs. Bukhari transmitted it. * Mirqat, iv, 515, says that although the word means a bell, it may here be used of a small box in the shape of a bell. This is the kind of bell that would be used on a tambourine.

When the B. Quraiza surrendered agreeing to have their fate decided by Sa‘d b. Mu'adh God’s Messenger sent for him and he came on an ass. When he drew near God's Messenger said, “Rise up in respect to your chief.” Then when he had come and sat down God's Messenger said, “These people have surrendered agreeing that you should decide their fate,” so he said, “I decide that the fighting men be killed and that the offspring be taken into captivity.” He then declared, “You have given regarding them the decision of the King.” A version has, “God’s decision.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He reported the Prophet as saying, "There were two women both of whom had a son, and a wolf went off with the son of one of them. Her companion said, `It has gone off with your son,' but the other replied, `It is with your son it has gone off.' They took the case before David and he decided that the child belonged to the elder. They then went out to Solomon, son of David and told him, and he said, `Bring me, a knife and let me divide it between you.' The younger woman then said, `Don't do it, God have mercy on you; He is her son.' So, he decided that the child belonged to the younger woman.'' (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Jabir told that on the day of al-Hudaibiya the people were thirsty and God's messenger had in front of him a water-vessel from which he performed ablution. Then the people came forward to him and told him they had no water for ablution or for drinking except what was in his vessel; so, the Prophet put- his hand into the vessel and the water began to pour forth between his fingers like springs. Jabir said they drank and performed ablution, and when he was asked how many they were he replied that if they had been a hundred thousand it would have been sufficient for them, adding that they numbered fifteen hundred. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

“The man became needy,’ (so the Prophet took the slave and said...).’ A version by An-Nasa’i says, “The man had a debt, so the Prophet sold the slave for eight hundred Dirhams and gave him the money and said, “Pay off your debt.”

“You are going to a people who are People of the Scripture. Invite them to testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and that l am His Messenger. If they obey you in this, then teach them that Allah, the Glorious One, has enjoined five prayers upon them in every day and night (in twenty-four hours), and if they obey you in this, then tell them that Allah has made it obligatory for them to pay Zakah upon their assets and it is to be taken from the wealthy among them and given to the poor among them.” Related by Al-Bukhari

Allāhumma bā'id baynī wa bayna khatāyāya kamā bāa'adta bayn al-mashriqi wal-maghribi, Allāhumma naqqinī min khatāyāya kamā yunaqqa 'th-thawbu 'l-'abyaḍu min ad-danasi, Allāhumma 'ghsilnī min khatāyāya, bi 'th-thalji wal-mā'i wal-barad. O Allah, separate me from my sins as You have separated the East from the West. O Allah, cleanse me of my transgressions as the white garment is cleansed of stains. O Allah, wash away my sins with ice and water and frost. Reference: Al-Bukhari 1/181, Muslim 1/419.

Allāhumma ṣalli `alā Muḥammadin wa `alā 'azwājihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kamā ṣallayta `alā 'āli 'Ibrāhīma. Wa bārik `alā Muḥammadin wa `alā 'azwājihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kamā bārakta `alā 'āli 'Ibrāhīma. 'Innaka ḥamīdum-majīd. O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and upon his wives and progeny as You have bestowed Your favor upon the family of Ibrahim. And bless Muhammad and his wives and progeny as You have blessed the family of Ibrahim, You are full of praise, Most Glorious. Reference: Al-Bukhari, from Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 6/ 407, Muslim 1/306.

Allāhumma 'innī ‘a`ūdhu bika min `adhābi ‘l-qabr, wa ‘a`ūdhu bika min fitnati ‘l-masīḥid-dajjāl, wa ‘a`ūdhu bika min fitnati ‘l-maḥyā wa ‘l-mamāt. Allāhumma ‘innī ‘a`ūdhu bika mina ‘l-m’athami wa ‘l-maghram. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the punishment of the grave, and I seek refuge in You from the trial of the False Messiah, and I seek refuge in You from the trials of life and death. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from sin and from debt. Reference: Al-Bukhari 1/202, Muslim 1/412.

Allāhumma 'innī ‘a`udhu bika mina ‘l-bukhl, wa ‘a`udhu bika mina ‘l-jubn, wa ‘a`udhu bika min ‘an ‘uradda ilā ‘ardhali ‘l-`umur, wa ‘a`udhu bika min fitnatid-dunyā wa `adhābi ‘l-qabr. O Allah, I seek Your protection from miserliness, I seek Your protection from cowardice, and I seek Your protection from being returned to feeble old age. I seek Your protection from the trials of this world and from the torment of the grave. Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 6/35

] A`ẓamallāhu ajrak, wa 'aḥsana `azā'ak, wa ghafara limayyitik. Surely, Allah takes what is His, and what He gives is His, and to all things He has appointed a time... so have patience and be rewarded.1 May Allah magnify your reward, and make perfect your bereavement, and forgive your departed.2 Reference: 1 Al-Bukhari 2/80, Muslim 2/636. 2An-Nawawi, Kitabul-'Athkar, p. 126.

"O Abdullah bin Qais, should I not point you to one of the treasures of Paradise?" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." So he told me to say: Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata 'illā billāh. Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: "O Abdullah bin Qais, should I not point you to one of the treasures of Paradise?" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah." So he told me to say: There is no power and no might except by Allah. Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 11/213, Muslim 4/2076.

Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: Fasting is Mine and it is I who give reward for it. [A man] gives up his sexual passion, his food and his drink for my sake. Fasting is like a shield, and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the breath of the mouth of him who fasts is better in Allah's estimation than the smell of musk. It was related by al-Bukhari (also by Muslim, Malik, at-Tirmidhi, an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah).

Paradise and Hell-fire disputed together, and Hell-fire said: In me are the mighty and the haughty. Paradise said: In me are the weak and the poor. So Allah judged between them, [saying]: You are Paradise, My mercy; through you I show mercy to those I wish. And you are Hell-fire, My punishment; through you I punish those I wish, and it is incumbent upon Me that each of you shall have its fill. It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi).

Asma’ daughter of Abu Bakr said, “God’s messenger arose to deliver an address in which he mentioned the trial a man will endure in the grave. On his mentioning that, the Muslims gave a shout of dismay." Bukhari transmitted it thus, but Nasa’i added, “which prevented me from grasping what God's messenger had said. So when the clamour died down I said to a man near me, ‘God bless you, what did God’s messenger say at the end of his address?' He replied that he said he had had a revelation that the trial they would endure in their graves would approximate to that of ad-Dajjal."

Umm Salama told how Umm Sulaim said, "Messenger of God, God is not ashamed of the truth. Is any washing necessary for a woman when she has a sexual dream?” He replied, "Yes, when she sees signs of liquid.” Umm Salama then covered her face and said, "Messenger of God, does a woman have sexual dreams?” He replied, "Of course she does. In what way does her child resemble her?” (Bukhari and Muslim.) Muslim added in the version of Umm Sulaim, "The man’s liquid is coarse and white, the woman’s fine and yellow, so the resemblance comes from the one which prevails or comes first.”

While we were in the mosque with God’s messenger a desert Arab came and began to pass water in the mosque. The companions of God's messenger said, “Stop! Stop!” but God’s messenger said, “Don’t interrupt him; leave him alone.” They left him alone, and when he had finished God’s messenger called him and said to him, “These mosques are not suitable places for urine and filth, but are only for remembrance of God, prayer and recitation of the Qur’an,” or however God’s messenger expressed it.* Anas said that he then grave orders to one of the people who brought a bucket and poured water over it. *Indicating that the transmitter is not sure of the exact words. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

An-Nu'man b. Bashir reported God's Messenger as saying, “What is lawful is clear and what is unlawful is clear, but between them are certain doubtful things which many people do not recognize. He who guards against doubtful things keeps his religion and his honour blameless, but he who falls into doubtful things falls into what is unlawful, just as a shepherd who pastures his animals round a preserve will soon pasture them in it. Every king has a preserve, and God’s preserve is the things He has declared unlawful. In the body there is a piece of flesh, and the whole body is sound if it is sound, but the whole body is corrupt if it is corrupt. It is the heart.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Ka'b b. Malik said that in the time of God’s Messenger he made demand in the mosque for payment of a debt due to him from Ibn Abu Hadrad and their voices rose till God’s Messenger, who was in his house, heard them. He went out to them and removing the curtain of his chamber called to Ka'b b. Malik addressing him by name. He replied, “At your service, Messenger of God", whereupon he made a gesture with his hand indicating that he should remit half the debt due to him, and when Ka'b expressed his willingness he told the other to get up and discharge his debt. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Hanzala b. Qais quoted Rafi‘ b. Khadij to the effect that his two paternal uncles told him they used to let out land in the time of the Prophet for what grew by the streamlets, or for something the owner of the land set aside, but the Prophet forbade them to do that. He asked Rafi’ how the matter would stand if payment were made in dirhams and dinars and he replied that there would be no harm in that. It seemed that what was prohibited was such as people versed in what is allowed and what is prohibited would not permit if they looked into it, because of the risk involved*. * The objection to such an agreement is that one cannot guarantee beforehand what a particular piece of land will produce. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

a man who swears falsely about some merchandise that he has previously received a larger offer than he has now been given; a man who swears a false oath after the afternoon prayer to deprive thereby a Muslim of his property; and a man who withholds excess water. God will say, ‘Today I am withholding from you my grace*as you withheld excess water which was not produced by the efforts of your hands’." (Bukhari and Muslim.) *The word for grace (fadl) is the same as the word for excess.

One of the Ansar whose kunya was Abu Shu'aib had a servant who sold meat. He said, “Prepare for me food which will be enough for five; perhaps I shall invite the Prophet along with other four.” He prepared a small meal for him, and then he went and invited him. A man followed them, and the Prophet said, “A man has followed us, Abu Shu'aib, so if you wish you may let him join us, but if you wish you may leave him outside.” He replied, “No, I shall let him join us.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Ibn ‘Abbas told that the wife of Thabit b. Qais came to the Prophet and said, “Messenger of God, I do not reproach Thabit b. Qais in respect of character or religion, but I do not want to be guilty of infidelity* regarding Islam.” God’s Messenger asked her if she would give him back his garden, and when she replied that she would, he told him to accept the garden and make one declaration of divorce. * Meaning she did not like him and so was afraid she might not show him the respect due to a husband. Kufran, translated ‘infidelity’, can also mean ‘ingratitude’. Bukhari transmitted it.

He told of a desert Arab who came to God’s Messenger and said, “My wife has given birth to a black son and I have disowned him.” God’s Messenger asked him whether he had any camels, and when he replied that he had, he asked what their colour was and was told that they were red. He asked if there was a dusky one among them, and was told that there were some. He asked how he thought that had come about, and was told that it was a strain to which they had reverted. Then saying that this was perhaps a strain to which the child had reverted, he did not permit him to disown him. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

"Messenger of God, my daughter’s husband has died and her eye is troubling her, so may we apply collyrium to it?” He said “No” twice or thrice, saying only “No” all the time. Then he said, “It is only four months and ten days, whereas in the pre-Islamic period none of you threw away the piece of dung till a year had passed.”* * The reference is to a pre-Islamic custom by which a widow threw a piece of dung when her idda period came to an end. Cf. Lane, Lexicon and Taj al-'arus; Mirqat, 3:513 f. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

The Prophet (PBUH) came in when a woman was sitting beside me. He asked me, "Who is she?" I said: "She is the one whose performance of Salat (prayer) has become the talk of the town." Addressing her, he (PBUH) said, "(What is this!) You are required to take upon yourselves only what you can carry out easily. By Allah, Allah does not withhold His Mercy and forgiveness of you until you neglect and give up (good works). Allah likes the deeds best which a worshipper can carry out constantly".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A black woman (or probably a young man) used to clean the mosque. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) missed her (or him) and asked about her (or him). He was told that she (or he) had died. He (PBUH) said, "Why did you not inform me?" (It seemed as if) they (Companions) considered the matter insignificant. Then he (PBUH) said, "Show me her (or his) grave." When it was shown to him, he offered (Janazah-funeral) prayer over it and said, "These graves cover those in them with darkness, and Allah illumines them for the inmates as a result of my supplication for them".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A woman came to me with her two daughters. She asked me (for charity) but she found nothing with me except one date-fruit, so I gave it to her. She accepted it and then divided it between her two daughters and herself ate nothing out of that. She then got up and went out. When Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came in, and I narrated to him the story, he said, "He who is involved (in the responsibility) of (bringing up) daughters, and he is benevolent towards them, they would become protection for him against Hell-fire".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Some prisoners were brought to Messenger of Allah (PBUH) amongst whom there was a woman who was running (searching for her child). When she saw a child among the captives, she took hold of it, pressed it against her belly and gave it a suck. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Do you think this woman would ever throw her child in fire?" We said, "By Allah, she would never throw the child in fire." Thereupon Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah is more kind to his slave than this woman is to her child".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: "I join the morning Salat late because of so-and-so who leads it and prolongs it." (Abu Mas'ud said): I have never seen the Prophet (PBUH) so angry while giving a speech as he was on that day. He (PBUH) said, "Some of you create hatred among the people against faith. Whoever leads Salat (the prayer), should make it brief because the congregation includes old men and youngsters and those who have some urgent work to do."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Any slave whom Allah makes him in charge of subjects and he dies while he is not sincere to them, Allah will make Jannah unlawful for him."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration is: Allah's Messenger (PBUH) said, "He who does not look after his subjects with goodwill and sincerity, will be deprived of the fragrance of Jannah."

A narration in Muslim is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "A ruler who, having control over the affairs of the Muslims, does not strive diligently for their betterment and does not serve them sincerely, will not enter Jannah with them."

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The Banu Isra'il were ruled by the Prophets. When one Prophet died, another succeeded him. There will be no Prophet after me. Caliphs will come after me, and they will be many." The Companions said: "O Messenger of Allah, what do you command us to do?" He said, "Fulfill the pledge of allegiance to which is sworn first (then swear allegiance to the others). Concede to them their due rights and ask Allah that which is due to you. Allah will call them to account in respect of the subjects whom He had entrusted to them."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) lay down for sleep at night, he would place his (right) hand under his (right) cheek and supplicate: "Allahumma bismika amutu wa ahya [O Allah, with Your Name will I die and live (wake up)]." And when he woke up, he would supplicate: "Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi ahyana ba'da ma amatana, wa ilaihin-nushur (All praise is due to Allah, Who has brought us back to life after He has caused us to die, and to Him is the return)."

[Al-Bukhari].

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came to his son Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was breathing his last. The eyes of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) began shedding tears. 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf (May Allah be pleased with him) said, "O Messenger of Allah, you too weep?" He (PBUH) said, "O Ibn 'Auf! It is mercy." Then he began to weep and said, "The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Rubb. O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your departure."

[Al-Bukhari].

When the Prophet (PBUH) stood up to offer As-Salat (the prayer) he asked, "Where is Malik bin Ad-Dukhshum?" A man replied: "He is a hypocrite. He does not love Allah and His Messenger." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Do not say that. Do you not know that he said: La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah),' seeking His Pleasure. Allah has made the fire of Hell unlawful for him who affirms that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (PBUH) appointed Mu'adh (May Allah be pleased with him) as governor of Yemen, and at the time of his departure, he instructed him thus: "First of all, call the people to testify 'La ilaha illallah' (there is no true god except Allah) and that I (Muhammad) am the Messenger of Allah, and if they accept this (declaration of Faith), then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat during the day and night; and if they obey you, tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

I requested the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to teach me a supplication which I could recite in my Salat (prayer). Thereupon he said, "Recite: 'Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfirudh- dhunuba illa Anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min 'indika, warhamni, innaka Antal-Ghafur-ur-Rahim (O Allah! I have considerably wronged myself. There is none to forgive the sins but You. So grant me pardon and have mercy on me. You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Compassionate)."'

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) "Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah." Bilal said: "I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu' (or took a bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (PBUH) said to me, "Recite the Qur'an to me." I said: "O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?" He (PBUH) said, "I like to hear it from others." Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa'. When I reached the Ayah: 'How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?' (Having heard it) he said, "Enough! Enough!" When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

My father set aside some dinars for charity and gave them to a man in the mosque. I went to that man and took back those dinars. He said: "I had not intended you to be given." So we went to Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and put forth the matter before him. He said to my father, "Yazid, you have been rewarded for what you intended." And he said to me, "Ma'n, you are entitled to what you have taken."

[Al- Bukhari].

Certain people of the Ansar asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and he gave them; then they again asked him and he gave them until all what he possessed was exhausted. Then the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Whatever wealth I have, I will not withhold from you. Whosoever would be chaste and modest; Allah will keep him chaste and modest and whosoever would seek self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient; and whosoever would be patient, Allah will give him patience, and no one is granted a gift better and more comprehensive than patience".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

"O Allah! To You I have submitted, and in You do I believe, and in You I put my trust, to You do I turn, and for You I argued. O Allah, I seek refuge with You through Your Power; there is none worthy of worship except You Alone; that You safeguard me against going astray. You are the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists; the One Who never dies, whereas human beings and jinn will all die".

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “When one of you awakes from sleep and performs ablution he must clear his nose three times, for the devil spends the night in the interior of his nose.” (Bukhari and Muslim) ‘Abdallah b. Zaid b. ‘Asim, on being asked how God’s messenger used to perform ablution, called for ablution water and poured it over his hands, washing each hand twice. He then rinsed his mouth and cleared his nose with water three times. He then washed his face three times, then washed each arm twice up to the elbows, then wiped his head both front and back with his hands, beginning with the front of the head and moving them to the nape of the neck, then bringing them back to the place from which he began. He then washed his feet. Malik and Nasa’i transmitted it, and Abu Dawud has something similar. The author of the Jami‘ mentioned it. In the version of Bukhari and Muslim ‘Abdallah b. Zaid b. ‘Asim was asked to perform ablution for them as God's messenger had done, so he called for a vessel and, pouring water from it on his hands, he washed them three times, then inserted his hand and brought it out, rinsed his mouth and snuffed up water from the palm of one hand, doing that three times. He then inserted his hand and brought it out and washed his face three times, then inserted his hand and brought it out and washed each arm up to the elbows twice, then inserted his hand and brought it out and wiped his head both front and back with his hands. He then washed his feet up to the ankles and said, “This is how God’s messenger performed ablution.” A version says that he moved them to the front and the back beginning with the front of his head, then moving them to the nape of his neck, then bringing them back till he reached the place from which he had begun, after which he washed his feet. Another version says that he rinsed his mouth, snuffed up water and cleared his nose three times with three handfuls of water. Another version says that he rinsed his mouth and snuffed up water from one palm, doing that three times. In a version by Bukhari he wiped his head front and back with both hands once, then washed his feet up to the ankles. In another by him he rinsed his mouth and cleared his nose with water three times from one handful.

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah has divided mercy into one hundred parts; and He retained with Him ninety-nine parts, and sent down to earth one part. Through this one part creatures deal with one another with compassion, so much so that an animal lifts its hoof over its young lest it should hurt it".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah has one hundred mercies, out of which He has sent down only one for jinn, mankind, animals and insects, through which they love one another and have compassion for one another; and through it, wild animals care for their young. Allah has retained ninety-nine mercies to deal kindly with His slaves on the Day of Resurrection."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Another narration in Muslim is reported: by Salman Al-Farisi: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah has hundred mercies, out of which one mercy is used by his creation for mutual love and affection. Ninety-nine mercies are kept for the Day of Resurrection."

Another narration is: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Allah created one hundred units of mercy on the Day He created the heavens and the earth. Each one of them can contain all that is between the heaven and the earth. Of them, he put one on earth, through which a mother has compassion for her children and animals and birds have compassion for one another. On the Day of Resurrection, He will perfect and complete His Mercy". (That is He will use all the hundred units of mercy for his slaves on that Day).

Anas told of a man who came and said, “Messenger of God, I have done something which merits punishment, so appoint it for me.” He did not question him about it, and when the time for prayer came the man prayed along with him. Then when the Prophet had finished the prayer the man got up and said, “Messenger of God, I have done something which merits punishment, so appoint for me that God has decreed.” He asked, “Did you not pray along with us?” and when he replied that he had, he said, “Well, God has forgiven you your offence, or “your punishment”. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Juhaifa said, “I saw God's Messenger in Mecca at al-Abtah in a red leather tent, I saw Bilal take the ablution water left by God’s Messenger, and I saw the people racing one another to get to that ablution water. If anyone got any of it he rubbed himself with it, and anyone who did not get any got some of the moisture from his companion’s hand. I then saw Bilal take a staff and fix it in the ground, after which God’s Messenger came out quickly in a red mantle and led the people in two rak'as facing the staff. And I saw people and animals passing in front of the staff.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira said that God’s Messenger used to observe a period of silence between the takbir and the recitation of the Qur an, so he addressed him thus, “Messenger of God, for whom I would give my father and mother as ransom, what do you say during your period of silence between the takbir and the recitation?” He replied that he said, “O God, remove my sins far from me as Thou hast removed the East far from the West. O God, purify me from sins as a white garment is purified from filth. O God, wash away my sins with water, snow and hail.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘A’isha said that between the time when he finished the evening prayer and the dawn prayer the Prophet used to pray eleven rak'as, uttering the salutation at the end of every two and observing the witr,* with a single one, and during that he would make a prostration about as long as one of you would take to recite fifty verses before raising his head. When the mu’adhdhin finished making the call for the dawn prayer and he saw the dawn clearly, he stood up and prayed two short rak'as, then lay down on his right side till the mu’adhdhin came to him for the iqama, whereupon he would go out. *Cf. chap. 36 (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Abdallah b. Mas'ud said that God’s Messenger prayed five rak'as in the noon prayer and was asked whether the prayer had been extended. He asked what they meant by that, and when they told him he had prayed five rak'as he made two prostrations after having given the salutation. In a version he said, “I am only a human being like you, foigetting just as you do; so when I forget remind me, and when any of you is in doubt about his prayer he should aim at what is correct and complete his prayer in that respect, then give the salutation and afterwards make two prostrations.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Uqba b. al-Harith said that on an occasion when he had prayed the afternoon prayer in Medina behind the Prophet, he got up quickly after uttering the salutation and, stepping over the people, went to one of the rooms of his wives. The people were startled at his haste, and when he came out and saw their astonishment at his quick movement he said, “I remembered some gold which we had and did not want to be under its thrall, so I gave orders that it should be distributed.” Bukhari transmitted it. In a version by him he said, “I had left some gold belonging to the sadaqa in the house, and did not wish to keep it till night.”

I was on the expedition when the army had to beat leaves off trees for food and Abu ‘Ubaida was placed in charge. We suffered severe hunger, and then the sea cast up a dead fish the like of which we had never seen before, called the spermaceti whale, and we ate of it for half a month. Abu ‘Ubaida took one of its bones and a rider was able to pass under it. When we arrived and mentioned the matter to the Prophet he said, ''Eat a provision which God has brought forth for you, and give us some to eat if you have any." He said they sent some of it to God’s messenger and he ate it. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Jabir told that the Prophet went in to visit a man of the Ansar accompanied by one of his companions. He gave a salutation, and the man, who was watering his garden, responded to it. The Prophet said, “If you have any water which has remained overnight in an old skin we should like it, otherwise we shall sip some from a streamlet.” He told him he had water which had been in old skins overnight, then went to the trellis and poured some water into a jug to which he added some milk which he drew from a domestic sheep, and the Prophet drank. He repeated this and the man who had accompanied him drank. Bukhari transmitted it.

Anas told that a domestic sheep was milked for God’s messenger and its milk was mixed with water from a well in Anas’s house. God’s messenger was then given a cup and drank, Abu Bakr being on his left and a nomadic Arab on his right. ‘Umar asked God’s messenger to give it to Abu Bakr, but he gave it to the nomadic Arab who was on his right saying, “He who is on the right, then he who is on his right.” A version has, “Those on the right, then those on their right; go to the right.”* *This tradition indicates that people should band a drink to the one on their right irrespective of the relative importance of the people present. The tradition immediately following brings this out clearly. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Abdallah b. ‘Amr told that a man came to God’s Messenger and asked his permission to take part in jihad. He asked him if his parents were still alive, and when he replied that they were, he told him to exert himself* on their behalf. *The point is not so clear in English as in Arabic. Jihad, while being the word for fighting against infidels, also means to strive or to exert oneself in general. The man wished to take part in jihad, and when the Prophet heard that his parents were still alive he said fa-fihima fa-jahid (exert yourself on their behalf.) (Bukhari and Muslim.) A version has, “Return to your parents and look after them well.”

While I was sitting God’s Messenger gave a company something but omitted the one who was most attractive to me. I therefore got up and said, ‘Why have you omitted so and so? I swear by God that I consider him to be a believer.” God’s Messenger replied, “No, a Muslim.” Sa'd mentioned that three times and he gave him the same reply, then said, “I give a man something although I like someone else better, from fear he may be thrown face downwards in hell.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) In a version by both of them Zuhri said be considered that Islam is the attestation of belief and faith is good action.

I came to the Prophet at the expedition to Tabuk when he was in a leather tent, and he said, "Count six signs before the last hour comes: my death, then the conquest of Jerusalem, then a mortal disease which will affect you like qu'as[*] in sheep, then a superabundance of wealth so that when a man is given a hundred dinars he will remain displeased, then a civil strife which will leave no house of the Arabs without entering it, then a truce between you and the Greeks who will act treacherously and come to you under eighty banners with twelve thousand under each." *A disease affecting sheep and goats which causes an exudation from the nose and results in speedy death. Bukhari transmitted it.

No one asked God's messenger more about the dajjal than I did, and he assured me he would do me no harm. When I told him people were saying he would have with him a mountain of bread and a river of water, he replied that he was too insignificant in God's sight for that[*]. *Mirqat, 5:213, says that this means either that he is too despicable to be able really to produce such things, or that such seeming marvels could cot mislead believers. Another explanation is that such things are allowed only because believers will have their faith increased and unbelievers, hypocrites and such like will provide more evidence of their unbelief. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

`Abdallah b. Mas'ud told that a Jewish doctor came to the Prophet and said, "On the day of resurrection, Muhammad, God will hold the heavens on a finger, the earths on a finger, the mountains and trees on a finger, the water and soil on a finger, and the rest of creation on a finger. He will then shake them and say, `I am the King, I am God.'" Laughing on account of being pleased at what the doctor had said and as an acknowledgment that he had spoken the truth- God's messenger recited, "They have not measured God truly. The whole earth will be His handful on the day of resurrection and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Glory be to Him! He is exalted above what they associate with Him[*]." *Quran; 39:67 (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Ibn `Umar reported God's messenger as telling that God will bring the believer near, place His wing over him, cover him, and say, "Are you aware of such and such a sin? Are you aware of such and such a sin?" He will reply, "Yes, my Lord," and this will continue till He makes him acknowledge his sins and he feels within himself that he has perished. God will then say, "I concealed them for you in the world and I forgive you them to-day." He will then be given the record of his good deeds. But the infidels and hypocrites will have themselves proclaimed in presence of all creatures, "These are they who lied against their Lord. God's curse be upon the evildoers!" (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Huraira said that one of the people of the desert was with the Prophet when he was telling that one of the inhabitants of paradise will ask his Lord's permission to cultivate crops, and He will reply, "Do you not have what you have wished for?" He will say, "Yes; but I should like to cultivate crops." He will then sow seed and in less than the twinkling of an eye it will appear, grow to maturity and be reaped, like mountains in magnitude. God most high will then say, "There you are, son of Adam, for nothing will satisfy you." Then the desert Arab said, "I swear by God that we shall find him belonging to Quraish or to the Ansar, for they are agriculturists; but as for us, we are not agriculturists." Thereupon God's messenger laughed. Bukhari transmitted it.

Attaḥiyyātu lillāhi waṣṣalawātu, waṭṭayyibāt, assalāmu `alayka 'ayyuhan-Nabiyyu wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuh, assalāmu `alaynā wa `alā ‘ibādillāhiṣ-ṣāliḥīn. 'Ash-hadu 'an lā 'ilāha 'illallāh wa 'ash-hadu 'anna Muḥammadan `abduhu wa rasūluh. All greetings of humility are for Allah, and all prayers and goodness. Peace be upon you, O Prophet, and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be upon us and upon the righteous slaves of Allah. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. Reference: Al-Bukhari, Muslim 1/301. See also Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bal 1/13

Allāhumma ṣalli `alā Muḥammadinwa `alā ’āli Muḥammadin, kamā ṣallayta `alā 'Ibrāhīma wa `alā ’āli 'Ibrāhīma, 'innaka ḥamīdum-majīd. Allāhumma bārik `alā Muḥammadin wa `alā ’āli Muḥammadin, kamā bārakta `alā 'Ibrāhīma wa `alā 'āli 'Ibrāhīma, 'innaka ḥamīdum-majīd. O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. Reference: Al-Bukhari, cf. Al-Asqalani, Fathul-Bari 6/408.

Whoever says: Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu ‘l-mulku wa lahu ‘l-ḥamd wa huwa `alā kulli shay'in Qadīr. ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il. Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: Whoever says: None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner. His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. ten times, will have the reward for freeing four slaves from the Children of Isma'il. Reference: Al-Bukhari 7/67, Muslim 4/2071, see also invocation no. 93 of this book.

Allāhumma rabba hādhihi 'd-da'wati 't-tāmmah waṣ-ṣalāti 'l-qā'imah, 'āti Muhammadani 'l-wasīlata walfaḍīlata, wab 'ath-hu maqāma 'm-mahmūdani 'l-ladhī wa`adtahu, ['innaka lā tukhliful-mī'ād] O Allah , Lord of this perfect call and established prayer. Grant Muhammad the intercession and favor, and raise him to the honored station You have promised him, [verily You do not neglect promises]. Reference: Al-Bukhari 1/152, and the addition between brackets is from Al-Bayhaqi 1/410 with a good (Hasan) chain of narration. See 'Abdul-Azlz bin Baz's Tuhfatul-'Akhyar, pg. 38.

A man from among those who were before you was called to account. Nothing in the way of good was found for him except that he used to have dealings with people and, being well-to-do, he would order his servants to let off the man in straitened circumstances [from repaying his debt]. He (the Prophet p.b.u.h) said that Allah said: We are worthier than you of that (of being so generous). Let him off. It was related by Muslim (also by al-Bukhari and an-Nasa'i).

I told God’s messenger that I, being a young man, was afraid of committing fornication, and I had no means to enable me to marry a wife. (It was as though he was asking permission to have himself made a eunuch.) He gave me no reply, so I repeated what I had said, but he gave me no reply. I repeated it again, but he gave me no reply. I repeated it once more and the Prophet said, “Abu Huraira, the pen has written all it has to write¹ about your destiny, so have yourself made a eunuch on that account, or leave things as they are.” Bukhari transmitted it. ¹ Lit. “the pen dried up”.

Abu Musa reported God's messenger as saying, “I and the message with which God has entrusted me are just like a man who came to a people and said, "I have seen the army with my own eyes, and I am a simple warner, so flee, flee.' A section of his people obeyed him, and setting off at nightfall, went away without hurry and escaped. But a section of them did not believe him and stayed where they were, and the army attacked them at dawn, destroying and extirpating them. That is a comparison with those who obey me and follow my message, and with those who disobey me and disbelieve the truth I have brought.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

An-Nu‘man b. Bashir said that when ‘Abdallah b. Rawaha fainted his sister ‘Amra began to weep and shout, “Alas for the mountain! (The word which basically means a mountain is also used for a chief. In the next tradition from Abu Musa two expressions are used, one being the same as here and the other using a normal word for a chief. I have therefore kept the flavour of the original by retaining the word mountain) Alas for such and such! Alas for such and such !” eulogising him. When he came round he said, “I was asked about everything you said whether I am like that.” A version has the addition that when he died she did not weep for him. Bukhari tranmitted it.

A man who had died in debt would be brought to God’s Messenger and he would ask whether he had left any-thing to discharge his debt. If he was told ^that he had left enough he would pray, otherwise he would tell the Muslims to pray over their friend. But when God wrought the conquests at his hands he stood up and said, “I am closer to the believers than their own selves (Al-Qur’an 33:6), so if any of the believers dies leaving a debt I shall be responsible for paying it, and if anyone leaves property it goes to his heirs.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Qais b. Muslim told that Abu Ja'far said there was not a family of the Emigrants who did not cultivate ground for a third and a quarter of the produce, and ‘Ali, Sa‘d b. Malik, ‘Abdallah b. Mas'ud, ‘Umar b. ‘Abd al-Aziz, al-Qasim, ‘Urwa, the family of Abu Bakr, the family of ‘Umar, the family of ‘Ali, and Ibn Sirin made contracts for part of the produce in return for working land. ‘Abd ar-Rahman b. al- Aswad said that he partnered 'Abd ar-Rahman b. Yazid in cultivation, and ‘Umar employed people on condition that if he provided the seed he should have half the crop, and if they provided the seed they should have such and such. Bukhari transmitted it.

‘Urwa said az-Zubair had a dispute with one of the Ansar about streamlets in the lava plain, and the Prophet said, “Water your ground, Zubair, then let the water run to your neighbour.” The Ansari said, “It is because he is your cousin.” Thereupon his face changed colour and he said, “Water your ground, Zubair, then keep back the water till it returns to the embankment, and afterwards let it run to your neighbour.” So the Prophet paid regard to az-Zubair’s right by the clear decision when the Ansari made him angry and he had given them advice which would have made matters easy for both of them. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘Uqba b. al-Harith said he married a daughter of Ihab b. 'Aziz and a woman came and said she had suckled 'Uqba and the woman whom he had married, to which he replied, “I am not aware that you suckled me, and you did not inform me.” So he sent to the family of Abu Ihab and asked them, and when they told him that they did not know whether she had suckled their daughter he rode to the Prophet in Medina and asked him. God’s Messenger said, “How can you hesitate when you have been told?” ‘Uqba therefore separated from her and she married another husband. Bukhari transmitted it.

'Abdallah b. ‘Umar said he divorced a wife of his while she was menstruating and that when ‘Umar mentioned the matter to God’s Messenger he became angry and said, “He must take her back and keep her till she is purified, then has another period and is purified. If it then seems good to him to divorce her he may do so when she is pure from the menstrual discharge before having intercourse with her, for that is the period of waiting which God has commanded for the divorce of women.” A version has, “Command him to take her back, then divorce her when she is pure from the menstrual discharge, or pregnant.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Al-Mughira told that Sa'd b 'Ubada said, “If I saw a man with my wife I would strike him with the sword, and not with the flat of it.” When God’s Messenger heard of that he said, “Are you surprised at Sa'd’s jealousy? I swear by God that I am more jealous than he is and that God is more jealous than I am. Because of God’s jealousy He has prohibited abominations both open and secret. No one is fonder of receiving an excuse than God, on which account He has sent warners and announcers of good news; and no one is fonder of praise than God, on which account God has promised paradise.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Thabit b. ad-Dahhak reported God’s Messenger as saying, “If anyone swears by a religion other than Islam falsely he is like what he has said.* A son of Adam may not take a vow about something which he does not possess, and if anyone kills himself with something in this world he will be punished with it on the day of resurrection. If anyone curses a believer it is like murdering him, if anyone charges a believer with infidelity it is like murdering him, and if anyone makes a false claim to gain much thereby God will give him less instead of more.” (Bukhari and Muslim.) *Opinions differ about the meaning. Some say it means he is a liar, others that he is an infidel.

I went with God’s Messenger on the expedition of the army of distress,* and I had a hired servant who fought with a man, one of whom bit the other’s hand. The one who was bitten drew away his hand from the mouth of the one who bit him, dislodging his front tooth which fell out. He went to the Prophet, but he imposed no retaliation for his front tooth, saying, ‘Could he be expected to leave his hand in your mouth when you were crunching it like a male camel?” (Bukhari and Muslim.) * This refers to the expedition to Tabuk in 9 A H. Cf. Al-Qur'an, 9:117.

I asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Which action is the best?" He (PBUH) said, "Faith in Allah and Jihad in the way of Allah." I asked: "Which neck (slave) is best (for emancipation)?" He said, "That which is dearest of them in price and most valuable of them to its masters". I asked: "If I cannot afford (it)?" He said, "Then help a labourer or work for one who is disabled". I asked: "If I cannot do (it)?" He said, "You should restrain yourself from doing wrong to people, because it (serves as) charity which you bestow upon yourself".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (PBUH) commanded us to observe seven things and forbade us seven. He ordered us to visit the sick; to follow funeral processions; to respond to a sneezer with 'Yarhamuk-Allah (May Allah have mercy on you)' when he says 'Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah),' to help the oppressed and to help others to fulfill their oaths, to accept invitation and to promote greeting. He forbade us to wear gold rings, to drink in silver utensils, to use Mayathir (silk carpets placed on saddles), to wear Al-Qassiy (a kind of silk cloth), and to wear fine silk brocade.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

When the illness of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) became serious, he was asked about the leading of Salat and he said, "Ask Abu Bakr to lead Salat." Whereupon, 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said; "Abu Bakr is very tender hearted. He is bound to be overcome by weeping when he recites the Qur'an." Messenger of Allah (PBUH) repeated, "Ask him (Abu Bakr) to lead Salat".

In another narration: 'Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: "When Abu Bakr stands in your place, he will not be able to recite the Noble Qur'an to the people on account of weeping."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (PBUH) was sitting among the people in Tabuk. He (PBUH) said, "What happened to Ka'b bin Malik?" A person from the tribe of Banu Salamah said: "O Messenger of Allah! the embellishment of his cloak and an appreciation of his sides have allured him, and he was thus detained." Mu'adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "Woe be upon you! You have passed indecent remarks. O Messenger of Allah! by Allah, we know nothing about him but good." The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) remained silent.

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

A bedouin came to the Prophet (PBUH) and said: "O Messenger of Allah! Direct me to a deed by which I may be entitled to enter Jannah." The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Worship Allah, and never associate anything with Him, establish Salat, pay the Zakat which has been enjoined upon you, and observe Saum of Ramadan." He (the bedouin) said: "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, I will never add anything to these (obligations)." When he turned his back, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "He who wants to see a man from the dwellers of Jannah, let him look at him (bedouin)."

[Al- Bukhari and Muslim].

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked: "What other good deed could be an equivalent of Jihad in the way of Allah?" He (PBUH) replied, "You do not have the strength to do it." (The narrator said:) The question was repeated twice or thrice, but every time he (PBUH) answered, "You do not have the strength to do it." Then he (PBUH) said, "One who goes out for Jihad in the Cause of Allah is like a person who observes Saum (fasting), stands in Salat (prayer) constantly, recites the Ayat of the Qur'an and does not exhibit any lassitude in fasting and prayer until the participant of Jihad in the way of Allah returns."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would give me some gift, but I would say: "Give it to someone who needs it more than I." Thereupon he (PBUH) would say, "Take it when it comes to you without begging and without greed, and add it to your property. Then use it yourself or give it away in charity. As for the rest, do not covet it." Salim said: 'Abdullah bin 'Umar would never ask anything from anyone, nor would he refuse accepting it when it was given to him. [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

`Who is there?' He replied: `Jibril.' He was asked: `Who is with you?' He said: `Muhammad.' Then he ascended to the second heaven and requested for the opening of the gate. He was asked: `Who is there?' He said: `Jibril.' He was asked: `Who is with you?' He replied: `Muhammad.' In the same way he ascended to the third, fourth and all the heavens (i.e., until the seventh). At all of the gates he was asked: `Who is there?' He replied: Jibril.'''

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Some Companions happened to pass by a funeral procession (bier) and they praised him (the deceased). The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He will certainly enter it." Then they passed by another funeral procession and they spoke ill of the deceased. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "He will certainly enter it." `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: "(O Messenger of Allah,) what do you mean by `He will certainly enter it?'' He (PBUH) replied, "You praised the first person, so he will enter Jannah; and you spoke ill of the second person, so he will enter Hell. You are Allah's witnesses on earth."

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Of the major sins are: Associating anything in worship with Allah, disobedience to the parents, killing without justification and taking a false oath (intentionally)."

[Al- Bukhari].

Another narration is: A bedouin came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked him: "O Messenger of Allah, what are the cardinal sins?" He (PBUH) replied, "Associating anything with Allah in worship." The man asked: "(What is) next?" The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Al-Yamin Al-Ghamus." He asked: "What do you mean by Al-Yamin Al-Ghamus?" The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Swearing falsely to usurp the property of a Muslim."

When the last illness of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) made him unconscious, Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her) exclaimed: "Ah, the distress of my dear father." He (PBUH) said, "There will be no distress for your father after today". When he died she said: "My father, Allah has called you back and you have responded to His Call. O father! Garden of Firdaus is your abode. O father! We announce to Jibril your death." When he was buried, she said: "Are you satisfied now that you put earth over (the grave of) Messenger of Allah (PBUH)?"

[Al- Bukhari]

It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Who is the most honourable amongst mankind?" He (PBUH) said, "The most honourable of them is one who is the most pious of them." They said, "We are not asking about this". He said, "Then, the most honourable of men was Yusuf (Joseph), the Prophet of Allah, the son of Allah's Prophet, who was the son of the Prophet of Allah, who was the son of the Khalil of Allah (i.e., Ibrahim (PBUH))' They said, "We are not asking you about this." He enquired, "Are you then asking me about the classes of the Arabs? The best of them in the Pre- Islamic Period of Ignorance are the best of them in Islam, provided they comprehend the religious knowledge".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

‘A’isha said that Quraish and those who followed their religion used to stand at al-Muzdalifa, and they were called al-Hums,(The plural of ahmas, meaning hardy or rigorous. It is said that this name was applied to them because they boasted of their bravery and endurance. Another explanation is that they observed rites of standing only at Hamss', which is the Ka’ba) but the rest of the Arabs used to stand at ‘Arafa ; then when Islam came God most high commanded His Prophet to go to ‘Arafat (Both 'Arafa and its plural‘Arafat are used. It is rather peculiar to find bcth used In the same tradition) and stand there, then go quickly from it. That is in accordance with the words of Him who is great and glorious, “Then go quickly from where the people went quickly.”(Qur’an, 2, 199) Bukhari and Muslim.

“I heard Bashir b. Abu Mas'ud say that he heard Abu Mas'ud say that he heard God’s Messenger say, 'Gabriel came down and acted as my imam and I prayed along with him, then I prayed along with him, then I prayed along with him, then I prayed along with him, then I prayed along with him,’ reckoning with his fingers five times of prayer." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

‘A’isha said that Abu Bakr came to visit her during the days spent at Mina when she had with her two girls who were playing the tambourine—a version says they were singing what the Ansar said to one another at the battle of Bu'ath*-while the Prophet was wrapped in his garment. Abu Bakr rebuked them, whereupon the Prophet uncovered his face and said, “Let them alone, Abu Bakr; these are days of festival." In a version [he said], “Abu Bakr, every people has a festival, and this is ours.” *This battle was fought some years before the Hijra between the two Medina tribes, Aus and Khazraj. The reference here is to poems composed by members of the parties in praise of their tribe. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

I provided a man with a horse to ride in God’s path, but as the one who had it did not look after it well, I wanted to buy it and thought he would sell it at a cheap price. I therefore asked the Prophet, but he said, “Do not buy it, and do not take back what you gave as sadaqa even if he gives it to you for a dirham, for the one who takes back what he gave as sadaqa is like a dog which returns to its vomit.” A version has, “Do not take back what you gave as sadaqa, for the one who does so is like one who takes back what he has vomited.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said that a man came to the Prophet and told him his brother's bowels were loose, so God’s messenger told him to give him honey to drink . He did so and then came and said, “I gave it him to drink but it has only made his bowels more loose.” This he said three times, and when he came a fourth time and was told to give him honey to drink he said, “I have done so, but it has only increased the looseness.” God's messenger replied, “God has spoken the truth and your brother’s bowels have lied.” He then gave him it to drink and he recovered. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

Abu Sa'id reported God's messenger as telling that God most high will say to the inhabitants of paradise, "O inhabitants of paradise," to which they will reply, "At Thy service and pleasure, our Lord, in whose hands is all good." He will ask them if they are pleased, and they will reply, "Why should we not be pleased, O Lord, when Thou hast given us what Thou hast not given to any of Thy creatures?" He will say, "Shall I not give you something more excellent than that?" and they will reply, "0 Lord, what can be more excellent than that?" He will say, "I shall cause my good pleasure to alight on you and I shall never afterwards be displeased with you." (Bukhari and Muslim.)

I have been helped by terror [being put in the hearts of enemies] as far as a month's journey away, the earth has been made for me a place of worship and ceremonially pure, so that when the time of prayer comes any man of my people may pray; spoils have been made lawful to me, but were not made lawful to anyone before me; I have been granted the right of intercession; and prophets were formerly sent to their people alone, whereas I have been sent to all mankind." (Bukhari and Muslim.)