The Honor and Excellence of Prophetic Sayings
The science of Hadith stands among the most esteemed and revered fields in the eyes of Allah. It serves as a medium through which we comprehend the intent behind the Holy Quran and gain insights into the life, guidance, and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Engaging in the pursuit and dissemination of Hadith knowledge yields immense rewards and remarkable prestige. Throughout the ages, Allah has raised exemplary scholars, renowned for their integrity, to safeguard this knowledge from distortion and loss. It is imperative for every Muslim to prioritize understanding, practicing, and preserving the sayings of the Prophet.
Hadiths of the Messenger
Hadiths on the Virtue of the Quran
A wealth of authentic Hadiths highlights the significance and merits of the Holy Quran, as follows:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “The one who recites the Quran fluently is with the noble and righteous scribes, and the one who finds it difficult shall receive double the reward.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “There is no envy except in two cases: A man whom Allah has taught the Quran, and he recites it night and day; another man hears him and wishes: ‘Would that I were given what was given to so-and-so,’ and he acts accordingly.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked: “The example of a believer who recites the Quran is like that of a sweet-smelling fruit with a good taste; the example of a believer who does not recite the Quran is like that of a date, which has a sweet taste but no fragrance.”
- He further stated: “Whenever a group gathers in one of the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying it together, tranquility descends upon them, mercy envelops them, angels surround them, and Allah mentions them to those who are with Him.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized: “The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.”
- He also mentioned: “Recite the Quran, for it will come on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its companions.”
- He said: “The one who has nothing of the Quran in his heart is like a dilapidated house.”
Hadiths on the Virtue of Knowledge
The prophetic tradition includes numerous Hadiths indicating the importance and benefits of seeking knowledge, including:
- The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remarked: “Whoever arrives at this mosque seeking nothing but good to learn or teach, is akin to one who strives in the path of Allah; while one who comes for other reasons is like a man looking at the possessions of another.”
- He encouraged: “You shall soon see individuals seeking knowledge; when you do, welcome them as the counsel of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and engage with them.”
- He stated: “When a person dies, his deeds come to an end except in three cases: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous offspring who prays for him.”
- According to Jabir ibn Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge in Him from knowledge that does not benefit.”
- He remarked: “May Allah brighten the face of a man who hears my words, retains them, and conveys them to others; for perhaps one who conveys knowledge is not himself knowledgeable, and perhaps one conveys knowledge to someone more knowledgeable than himself.”
- He stated: “The virtue of knowledge is dearer to me than the virtue of worship, and the best of your faith is piety.”
- He declared: “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.”
Hadiths on the Virtue of Work
Many prophetic sayings address the significance of work and sustenance, including:
- Once, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saw a man exhibiting vigor and determination, prompting his companions to remark: “O Messenger of Allah, if only this were in the path of Allah?” He responded: “If he goes out striving for his young children, he is in the path of Allah; if he goes out for his elderly parents, he is in the path of Allah; if he goes out for himself to maintain his dignity, he is in the path of Allah; but if he goes out to show off or boast, he is in the path of the devil.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed: “O Allah, bless my nation in their early mornings.” Notably, he would dispatch expeditions and merchants early in the day, leading to their prosperity.
- He said: “It is better for any one of you to carry a bundle of firewood on his back than to ask someone else for assistance, whether he is given or denied.”
- The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “If the Hour has come while one of you has a palm shoot in his hand, and he can plant it before the Hour arrives, he should do so.”
- He advised: “Verily, Allah loves that when one of you does something, he does it with excellence.”