Hadith 1

"Religion is sincerity." The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, "To whom?" He replied,
"To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims, and their common people."

(a) Explanation:

Islam emphasizes sincere faith, which is essential not only for belief in Allah and His
Messenger but also in supporting community leaders and fellow Muslims. Sincerity begins
with a strong belief in Tawhid (oneness of Allah), accepting the Quran as the divine guide,
and following the Messenger. Similarly, Muslims are instructed to obey leaders who adhere
to the Quran and Sunnah, as highlighted in the Quran: "Obey Allah, obey the Messenger,
and those in authority among you." (4:59). Additionally, respect and care for fellow Muslims
are integral to faith.

b) Application:

The belief in Tawhid, the Quran, and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is shown
through following the guidance of the Quran and Sunnah and fulfilling the five pillars of
Islam, as commanded: "Establish prayer and give charity." Cooperation with leaders
follows Abu Bakr’s example, who urged correction when he strayed. Similarly, sincerity
toward the community is shown through kindness, respect, and compassion for others.

Hadith 2

"None of you truly believes until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself."

(a) Explanation:

Islam binds Muslims together in a brotherhood of faith: "The believers are but brothers"
(49:10). This bond requires love and care for one another, without which faith is
incomplete. The phrase "None of you believes" refers to imperfect faith, emphasizing that
genuine belief involves love and concern for fellow Muslims, even if at times believers
struggle with this.

(b) Application:

Muslims are encouraged to reject selfishness and nurture a spirit of sacrifice, promoting
the collective good of the community. They should strive to ensure others’ welfare as they
do their own, following the principle: "Desire for others what you desire for yourself." True
believers refrain from mockery, taunting, or breaking ties, instead focusing on
reconciliation and fostering harmony.

Hadith 3

"Let him who believes in Allah and the Last Day either speak good or remain silent, and let
him who believes in Allah and the Last Day be generous to his neighbor and guest."

(a) Explanation:

Speech is a powerful gift from Allah: "He created man and taught him speech" (55:3-4).
With this in mind, Muslims are instructed to refrain from harmful words and prefer silence
over wrongdoing. Similarly, good conduct is a reflection of faith, as kindness toward others,
especially neighbors and guests, complements acts of worship.

(b) Application:

Muslims are urged to avoid indecent talk, as the Quran advises: "Believers are successful,
those who avoid idle talk" (23:1-2). Hospitality toward neighbors and guests is also vital:
"He is not a true believer who eats his fill while his neighbor goes hungry." The Prophet
Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this by showing kindness to all, regardless of
faith.

Hadith 4

A man asked the Prophet (peace be upon him): "If I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in
Ramadan, treat the lawful as lawful and the forbidden as forbidden, and do nothing further,
will I enter Paradise?" The Prophet replied, "Yes."

(a) Explanation:

This hadith highlights the fundamental actions that lead to Paradise. Prayer and fasting are
two of Islam’s five pillars, key elements of faith. Neglecting prayer leads to disbelief: "What
separates a believer from disbelief is the abandonment of prayer." Fasting, on the other
hand, serves as a shield against sinful behavior.

(b) Application:

Muslims are urged to consistently observe prayer and fast during Ramadan to strengthen
self-discipline. Regular prayer keeps believers away from wrongdoing: "Verily, prayer
restrains from shameful and unjust deeds" (29:45). Both practices help Muslims
distinguish between lawful and unlawful actions, leading to a righteous life that brings both
worldly and spiritual rewards.

Hadith 5

"Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day the sun rises: bringing justice
between two people is charity, helping a man with his mount is charity, a kind word is
charity, every step toward prayer is charity, and removing harm from the road is charity."

(a) Explanation:

Muslims should recognize their physical abilities as gifts from Allah and express gratitude
by using them to help others. Acts of charity can range from resolving disputes to removing
harmful objects from public pathways. These deeds, though simple, are spiritually
equivalent to acts of worship.

(b) Application:

Muslims are encouraged to assist others in daily tasks, settle disputes, and clear obstacles
from public spaces. The Quran advises making peace between believers: "Believers are but
brothers, so reconcile between your brothers" (49:10). These actions are considered
charity in Islam’s broad understanding of the term.
Hadith 6

"Whoever sees an evil action, let him change it with his hand; if he is unable, then with his
tongue; if he is unable, then with his heart, and that is the weakest form of faith."

(a) Explanation:

Islam calls for the establishment of a society guided by Quranic teachings and the Sunnah,
and it requires the defense of this society from evil. Muslims are commanded to confront
evil physically, verbally, or at the very least, disapprove of it in their hearts. This ongoing
struggle against evil stems from Satan’s enmity toward humanity: "Verily, Satan is an open
enemy to man" (12:5).

(b) Application:

The fight against evil depends on the resources available to the Muslim community. If
possible, physical efforts (such as through lawful jihad) are permitted: "Strive in the cause
of Allah with your wealth and yourselves" (49:15). Otherwise, evil should be countered
through speech or writing, and if these means are not accessible, believers must at least
disapprove of it in their hearts.

Hadith 7

"The most excellent of men is the believer who strives in the way of Allah with his person
and property."

(a) Explanation:

Striving in Allah’s path, or jihad, is an act of worship that shows the genuineness of faith.
Jihad is aimed at combating evil and preventing oppression, always within the ethical limits
set by Islam’s rules of war. Believers view their lives and wealth as blessings from Allah,
which they willingly sacrifice in His service. Those who die in this struggle are not
considered dead but "alive, finding sustenance from their Lord" (3:169).
(b) Application:

Jihad represents the highest level of faith, as it involves self-sacrifice in Allah’s cause.
Those engaged in jihad are trained to sacrifice their wealth and lives without hesitation:
"Fighting is prescribed for you, though you dislike it" (2:216). The Prophet and his
companions participated in jihad, with his uncle Hamza being honored as "the chief of
martyrs" for his dedication and ultimate sacrifice.

Hadith 8:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Who do you consider to be a martyr
among you?” They replied, “O Messenger of Allah, anyone who is killed in the way of Allah is
a martyr.” The Prophet said, “In that case, the martyrs in my community will be very few!
The one who is killed in the way of Allah is a martyr, the one who dies a natural death in the
way of Allah is a martyr, the one who dies from a plague is a martyr, and the one who dies
from cholera is a martyr.”

(a)

This Hadith broadens the definition of martyrdom by including those who are not directly
involved in physical combat (Jihad) for the sake of Allah. It teaches Muslims that there are
other forms of martyrdom, including dying from a natural death, the plague, or cholera. The
Prophet consistently used the phrase “in the way of Allah,” implying that one must die in a
state of firm belief and dedication to Allah.

(b)

Believers should be willing to sacrifice their lives in the path of Allah alone. They should
develop the strength to endure severe and fatal suffering with the belief that everything
happens by the will of Allah, who alone gives and takes life. Whether fighting for the sake of
Allah or enduring illness, they should hold fast to the Qur’anic instruction:

"…but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Who say, when afflicted with
calamity: To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return" (Qur’an 2:155-156).

This strengthens their faith, ensuring that hardships do not shake their trust in Allah.

Hadith 9:
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “No one eats better food than the one who earns it
through the work of his own hands.”

(a)

In Islam, earning a lawful living is closely connected to fulfilling religious obligations. The
Prophet emphasized, "To earn a lawful livelihood is next to the obligatory acts of faith."
Islam encourages believers to work hard and earn through honest means without relying on
others, for "He who works for himself is a friend of Allah." This indicates that hard work is
not only a means of earning material sustenance but also a way to attain Allah’s favor.

(b)

Muslims should follow the example set by the Prophet, who engaged in simple tasks such
as mending his shoes and clothing and participating in community work like building the
mosque and digging the trench. They should avoid unlawful earnings such as bribery, usury
(riba), and begging, as the Prophet warned against these practices: "The one who offers
and the one who accepts the bribe will both go to the Fire of Hell." Muslims should adhere
to the Qur’anic command:

"Eat of what is on earth, lawful and good, and do not follow the footsteps of Satan" (Qur’an
2:168).

Hadith 10:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The one who takes care of the widow and the poor
is like the one who fights in the way of Allah or like the one who stands in prayer during the
night or fasts during the day.”

(a)

Islamic teachings emphasize both fulfilling the rights of Allah and the rights of fellow
human beings. Caring for the less fortunate is given high importance, as the Prophet
compared it to striving in the path of Allah and performing acts of worship. The Qur’an also
links true faith with compassion for the poor, and condemns those who neglect them:

"Have you seen the one who denies the judgement?… and who does not encourage the
feeding of the poor" (Qur’an 107:1-3).

(b)

Muslims should take inspiration from the Prophet, who married a widow and frequently
gave his own portion of food to those in need. The Qur’an instructs:

"Nor repulse the petitioner unheard" (Qur’an 93:10).

Charity should be given regularly and discreetly, without injuring the dignity of the recipient:
"There is a man who gives charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right
hand spends" (Hadith). The best form of assistance for a widow is remarriage with her
consent, following the Prophet's Sunnah. Muslims should support the vulnerable in
society, just as the Prophet did in both Makkah and Madinah.

Hadith 11:

The Prophet said, "I and the man who takes care of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,"
and he pointed with his index and middle fingers.

(a)

Islam encourages its followers to be compassionate and supportive toward the vulnerable
and needy. It promises great rewards for such kindness, including earning the pleasure of
God and closeness to the Prophet. The Qur'an associates care for the orphan with the love
of God: “And they feed, for the love of God, the indigent, the orphan, and the captive”
(76:8). Both the Qur'an and the Sunnah highly value acts of kindness toward orphans,
offering the great reward of closeness to the Prophet in the Hereafter, a reward cherished
by all believers.
(b)

The Prophet, having experienced being an orphan himself, always paid special attention to
the well-being of orphans. In Surah al-Duha, God reminds him of His care: “Did He not find
you an orphan and give you shelter?” Muslims are encouraged to follow his example by
supporting orphanages and adopting orphans. The Prophet said, “The best Muslim house is
one in which an orphan is well-treated.” Such acts of compassion strengthen bonds within
the Muslim community and reflect the Prophet's teachings.

Hadith 12:

The Messenger of Allah sent Abu Musa and Mu‘adh ibn Jabal to Yemen as governors,
advising them: "Be gentle, not harsh; bring joy, not alienation."

(a)

This Hadith highlights the responsibilities of Muslim leaders. A Muslim ruler is entrusted by
God with the well-being and prosperity of the people. The Prophet emphasized that the
best rulers are those loved by their people and who serve them with kindness and care. A
ruler’s actions are rooted in a deep sense of accountability before God and the community.
The Prophet set a precedent for rulers to act with compassion and win the hearts of their
people.

(b)

The Prophet and his successors, including the Caliphs, established exemplary models of
leadership, dedicating their efforts to the welfare of their people. Muslim leaders should
emulate these examples, removing barriers between themselves and the people, and
governing with kindness and justice. Caliph Ali once said, “A state can survive with disbelief
but not with injustice.” Muslim rulers should ensure fairness, following the Prophet's
guidance: "Make things easy, not difficult; bring joy, not alienation."

Hadith 13:

The Prophet likened one who studies the Qur'an to the owner of tethered camels: if
attended to, they remain under control, but if neglected, they wander away.
(a)

A Muslim’s behavior and character are closely tied to their connection with the Qur'an, as it
is the foundation of their life. The Prophet’s analogy shows that just as camels stay close if
properly cared for, so too does the Qur'an continue to benefit Muslims if they engage with it
through regular recitation, study, and understanding. The Prophet praised those dedicated
to learning and teaching the Qur'an, saying: "The best among you are those who learn the
Qur'an and teach it."

(b)

Muslims are encouraged to regularly recite and memorize the Qur'an to maintain a strong
connection with it. The Prophet advised: “Keep refreshing your knowledge of the Qur'an, for
it escapes faster than tethered camels.” Reciting the Qur'an in a slow, rhythmic manner as
prescribed (73:4) and comprehending its meaning allows believers to shape their conduct
according to its teachings.

Hadith 14:

The Prophet said, “May God have mercy on a person who is kind when buying, selling, and
demanding repayment.”

(a)

Islamic teachings on economics emphasize honesty, justice, mercy, and leniency. Both
buyers and sellers should act with fairness, avoiding exploitation or deceit. The Prophet
taught that honesty in trade is beloved to God. Sellers should not hide defects in their
products, and buyers should avoid taking advantage of sellers. Creditors, too, should show
generosity, believing that God has enabled them to help others in need.

(b)

The Prophet exemplified honest business practices, never concealing defects in goods.
Muslim traders should follow this model, ensuring fairness in all transactions. Similarly,
buyers should avoid excessive bargaining that may harm sellers. Creditors are encouraged
to show leniency to debtors, as the Prophet said, “Whoever gives respite to a debtor will be
rewarded as though they gave charity.” Islam forbids usury and promotes interest-free
loans as a form of "beautiful" financial assistance.

Hadith 15:

The Prophet said, "God will not show mercy to one who does not show mercy to others."

(a)

Mercy is a fundamental attribute of God, as highlighted in a Hadith-i-Qudsi: “My mercy

prevails over My wrath.” God loves those who show mercy to others and instructs Muslims
to do the same. The Qur'an describes the Prophet as “a mercy for all creatures” (21:107).
By practicing mercy and compassion, Muslims can earn God's mercy in the Hereafter,
while those who lack compassion are deprived of this divine grace.

(b)

Muslims are encouraged to follow the Prophet’s example of mercy. He showed remarkable
patience and kindness, even to his enemies. In the Battle of Uhud, when asked to curse his
opponents, the Prophet replied, “I was not sent to curse.” His merciful treatment of
captives and his forgiveness of enemies serve as a model for Muslims today. They should
treat their employees kindly and show forgiveness to those who insult them, remembering
the Prophet's words: “Show mercy to those on earth, and He who is in the heavens will
show mercy to you.”

Hadith 16:

The Prophet said, “The believers are like a single body; if one part is affected, the whole
body feels it.”

(a)

Islam established a universal brotherhood among Muslims, as emphasized when the

Prophet migrated to Madina: “The believers are a single brotherhood” (49:10). This sense of
unity and solidarity means that Muslims should care for one another, just as the entire body
reacts to pain in one part. The Prophet also likened believers to bricks in a building, each
supporting the other, strengthening the bonds of the community.

(b)
Muslims can live by this Hadith in various ways, such as through acts of charity and
kindness. The Ansar of Madina shared their wealth with the Muhajireen, and Muslims come
together during prayer and pilgrimage, fostering unity. The Prophet linked true belief to
brotherhood, saying, “You cannot be true believers unless there is love among you.”
Muslims can promote unity by following the Qur'anic instruction: “Hold fast to the Rope of
God and do not be divided” (3:103).

Hadith 17:

The Prophet said, “Modesty produces nothing but good.”

(a)

Modesty is central to Islam’s moral teachings and serves as a barrier to indecency and evil.
The Prophet said, “Modesty and faith are companions; when one is removed, the other
follows.” Modesty strengthens faith, which in turn promotes piety and submission to God's
commands. It acts as a safeguard against sinful behavior and helps believers earn God's
favor.

(b)

Islam teaches modesty both in relation to God and fellow human beings. Regular prayer
helps prevent shameful behavior, as the Qur'an says: “Prayer restrains from shameful and
unjust deeds” (29:45). Modesty also involves prioritizing the well-being of others: “None of
you truly believes until he desires for his brother what he desires for himself.” By practicing
modesty, believers can build a balanced and harmonious society.

Hadith 18:

The Prophet said, “He who has in his heart as much faith as a mustard seed will not enter
Hell, and he who has as much pride as a mustard seed will not enter Paradise.”

(a)

Faith is essential for salvation in Islam, while pride is seen as a form of disobedience to
God. The Prophet emphasized that even a small amount of faith can eventually save a
believer from Hell, but pride, no matter how small, leads to the loss of Paradise. Pride is
symbolized by Satan’s refusal to bow to Adam, as mentioned in the Qur'an (2:34). The
Qur'an warns that Hell is a place for the arrogant (39:60).
(b)

Muslims should strive for humility and submission to God to avoid the sin of pride. The
Qur'an praises those who humble themselves in prayer (23:1-2) and warns against
arrogance, saying, “God does not love the arrogant” (4:36). By following the divine guidance
and nurturing a sense of humility, Muslims can earn God’s favor and avoid the destructive
consequences of pride.

Hadith 19:

The Prophet said, “The world is the believer’s prison and the unbeliever’s paradise.”

(a) In Islam, the world is viewed as a temporary place of testing, with the true reward
awaiting in the Hereafter. For a believer, this life is like a prison, as they are not free to
follow their desires. Instead, they live according to God's guidance, believing in the eternal
bliss of the Hereafter. The Qur'an describes worldly life as fleeting: “What is the life of this
world but play and amusement? But the Hereafter is better for those who fear God” (6:32).

(b)

A believer, guided by the Qur'an and the Prophet’s teachings, understands the temporary
nature of worldly pleasures. The Prophet advised, “Live in this world as if you were a
stranger or a traveler.” Unlike non-believers who are consumed by worldly desires, believers
view this life as a preparation for the Hereafter, knowing that their true reward lies with God.

Hadith 20:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Allah does not look at your forms and possessions,
but He looks at your hearts and your deeds.”

(a)

This Hadith emphasizes that Allah judges people based on their hearts and actions, not on
their outward appearances or material wealth. Allah values the intentions behind actions,
as highlighted in another Hadith: “Actions are judged by intentions.” Despite how we
appear or the success we achieve, Allah, being the Lord of all the worlds, is above all
worldly measures and knows the secrets of our hearts. Thus, a true believer should act in
accordance with the Qur’an and Sunnah, with sincere intentions.
(b)

Muslims should strive to lead a righteous life, focusing on spiritual integrity rather than
merely material gains. Adhering to the Qur’an and Sunnah is essential for success in the
Hereafter. They should avoid hypocrisy and show a genuine commitment to their faith,
keeping in mind:

“Whether you conceal what is in your hearts or reveal it, Allah knows it” (Qur’an 3:29).

All righteous actions should be performed with the sincere intention of seeking Allah’s
pleasure, regardless of how ordinary these actions may appear to others.