Hadiths from the Book of Riyad as-Salihin
Hadiths on the Virtue of Quran Recitation
The book Riyad as-Salihin by Imam Nawawi contains numerous authentic hadiths that highlight the virtues of reciting the Holy Quran. Here are some notable reflections from the text:
- The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, stated: “The skilled reciter of the Quran will be with the noble and righteous scribes, and the one who struggles to read it, though it is difficult for him, will receive two rewards.” In another narration, he added that the person who reads with difficulty will also receive two rewards.
- The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said: “The Quran will be brought forth on the Day of Resurrection, along with its people who acted upon it. Surah Al-Baqarah and Al-Imran will precede it.”
- He also mentioned: “There is no envy except in two cases: a man whom Allah has given the Quran and he recites it during the night and day, and a man whom Allah has blessed with wealth, and he spends it during the night and day.”
- Furthermore, the Prophet, peace be upon him, likened the believer who reads the Quran to the fruit of a citrus tree, which has a pleasant scent and taste. On the other hand, a believer who does not read the Quran is like a date, lacking fragrance but possessing a sweet taste. The hypocrite who recites the Quran is like a fragrant herb, which smells good but tastes bitter, while the hypocrite who does not recite the Quran resembles a bitter gourd, which has no fragrance and a bitter taste.
Hadiths on Kind Speech
Riyad as-Salihin also features several authentic hadiths that emphasize the importance of kind speech. Here are some excerpts:
- The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, advised: “Fear the Fire.” He repeated this while turning away and then said: “Fear the Fire, even if it be by giving half a date in charity. And if one cannot find that, then with a good word.”
- He further affirmed that “A good word is charity.”
- Additionally, he said: “Do not belittle any act of kindness, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.”
Hadiths on Sincerity
The book also recounts many authentic hadiths that discuss the importance of sincerity towards Allah and being conscious of one’s intentions. Some of these hadiths include:
- The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, emphasized: “Actions are judged by intentions, and for every person is that which he intended.”
- He added: “Indeed, Allah does not look at your appearances or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”
Introduction to the Book of Riyad as-Salihin
Imam Muhyiddin Abu Zakariya Yahya Ibn Sharaf An-Nawawi authored the book Riyad as-Salihin featuring the sayings of the Master of the Messengers. This work is marked by the inclusion of authentic hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, predominantly focusing on the themes of exhortation and the virtues of various deeds.
The book is structured into several chapters, each containing relevant hadiths. Among the discussed topics are: the chapter on sincerity and intention in all actions and statements, the chapter on repentance, patience, honesty, vigilance, piety, certainty and reliance on Allah, as well as many other important subjects.