Ethical Teachings from Riyad as-Salihin
The book “Riyad as-Salihin” by Imam Nawawi contains numerous authentic hadiths that address the topic of ethics. Below are some noteworthy examples:
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his neighbor; and whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should honor his guest.”
- Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari – may Allah be pleased with him – asked the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – which aspect of Islam is best. He replied: “The one from whom Muslims are safe from his tongue and hand.” In another narration, it was reiterated similarly.
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – mentioned: “Whoever guarantees me what is between his jaws and what is between his legs, I guarantee him Paradise.”
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – declared: “I guarantee a house in the outskirts of Paradise for the one who leaves off arguments, even if he is right; a house in the middle of Paradise for the one who leaves off lying, even as a joke; and a house in the highest part of Paradise for the one who possesses good character.”
- When asked by Abu Huraira – may Allah be pleased with him – about the most common factors that lead people to Paradise, the Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – replied: “Fear of Allah and good character.”
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – stated: “The most complete believers in faith are those who have the best character, and the best among you are those who are best to their women.”
- He also said: “Nothing weighs heavier on a believer’s scale on the Day of Judgment than good character; verily, Allah detests the obscene and the immoral.”
Hadiths on Reliance on Allah from Riyad as-Salihin
The book also contains several hadiths discussing reliance on Allah and its benefits. Some of these hadiths include:
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – said: “If you truly relied on Allah, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds, which go out hungry in the morning and return filled in the evening.”
- He instructed: “O so-and-so, when you go to your bed, say: ‘O Allah, I submit my soul to You, turn my face to You, entrust my affair to You, and seek refuge in You, desiring and fearing You; there is no refuge or escape from You except with You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent. If you die during that night, you will die upon Fitrah; and if you awaken, you shall earn a reward.’
Hadiths on Reconciliation Among People from Riyad as-Salihin
Several hadiths in Riyad as-Salihin emphasize the importance of reconciliation among individuals. A few of those include:
- The Messenger of Allah – peace be upon him – mentioned: “Every act of kindness is a form of charity, and for every day the sun rises, it is a charity to bring about justice between two people.”
- He affirmed: “The liar is not the one who seeks to reconcile between people, promoting good or speaking well.”
Overview of the Book Riyad as-Salihin
The esteemed book, “Riyad as-Salihin,” authored by Abu Zakariya Muhyi al-Din Yahya ibn Sharaf Al-Nawawi, compiles numerous hadiths covering various subjects. In the introduction, he states: “I aimed to gather a concise collection of authentic hadiths, encompassing guidance for the hereafter and an outline of both internal and external ethics, serving as a source of encouragement and caution.”
Al-Nawawi adds: “It also encompasses various types of etiquette for travelers: hadiths on asceticism, self-discipline, moral refinement, heart purification, and the correction of one’s actions, among other objectives of the knowledgeable. I commit to including only authentic hadiths from well-known reliable sources.”
He continues: “Each chapter begins with verses from the Noble Quran, accompanied by precious insights when necessary to clarify or explain obscure meanings. If I conclude with ‘Agreed upon,’ it means it is narrated by both Al-Bukhari and Muslim.”