The Four Imams: Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim


In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal

The four Imam's - Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal and Imam Shafi - are the main figures who's interpretation of the Hadith and Qur’an are followed by the majority of Sunni Muslims all over the world. They are therefore of great importance to the correct practice of Islam.



Imaam Ahmad ibn Mohamed Ibn Hanbal, Abu `Abd Allah al-Dhuhli Al-Shaybani al-Marwazi al-Baghdadi (d. 241).



Imam Ahmed ibn Hanbal (780 - 855) was among the great Muslim scholars and theologians. He is the founder of the Hanbali school of fiqh. His full name was Ahmed bin Muhammad Hanbal.



Imam Hanbal was born in Central Asia to Arab parents in 780. After his father died, he moved to Iraq and studied extensively in Baghdad, and later used his travels for further education. He was mainly interested in the science of Hadith and traveled extensively through Iraq, Syria, and Arabia studying religion and collecting traditions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).



His travels lasted several years. Upon returning home, he studied under Imam Shafi on Islamic law. Imam Hambal was very devoted to traditional views and was opposed to innovations in Islamic law.



Imam ibn Hanbal became very well known all, and his teachings spread worldwide. His learning, piety and unswerving faithfulness to traditions gathered a lot if admirers around him.



From the biographical notice on Imam Ahmad in the Reliance of the Traveler:



"Out of piety, Imam Ahmad never gave a formal legal opinion (fatwa) while Imam Shafi`i was in Iraq, and when he later formulated his school of jurisprudence, he mainly drew on clear texts from the holy [Qur’an], Hadith, and scholarly agreement, with relatively little expansion from analogical reasoning (qiyâs). He was probably the most learned in the sciences of Hadith of the four great Imams of Sacred Law; Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Al Shafi`i`, Imam Malik, and him Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.



His students included many of the foremost scholars of Hadith. Abu Dawud said of him: ‘Ahmad’s gatherings were gatherings of the afterlife: nothing of this world was mentioned. Never once did I hear him mention this-worldly things.’



... Imam Ahmad never once missed praying in the night, and used to recite the entire [Qur’an] daily. Imam Ahmad was imprisoned and subjected to various forms of torture for twenty-eight months under the Abbasid caliph al-Mu`tasim in an effort to force him to publicly support the [Mu`tazila] position that the Holy [Qur’an] was created, but the Imam refused to give up the belief that the [Qur’an] is the uncreated word of Allah, after which Allah delivered and vindicated him.



… When Imam Ahmad died in 241/855, he was accompanied to his resting place by a funeral procession of eight hundred thousand men and sixty thousand women, marking the departure of the last of the four great mujtahid Imams of Islam."



Al-Dhahabi describes him saying:



"The true Sheikh of Islam and leader of the Muslims at his time, the Hadith master and proof of the Religion. He took Hadith from Hushaym, Ibrahim ibn Sa`d, Sufyan ibn `Uyayna, `Abbad ibn `Abbad, Yahya Ibn Abi Za’ida, and their layer. From him narrated al-Bukhari [two Hadiths in the Sahih], Muslim [22], Abu Dawud [254], Abu Zur`a, Mutayyan, `Abd Allah ibn Ahmad, Abu al-Qasim al-Baghawi, and a huge array of scholars. His father was a soldier one of those who called to Islam and he died young."- Al-Dhahabi continues.



Ibn al-Jawzi relates in al-Manaaqib (p. 192):



"Imaam Ahmad was the foremost among the Imams in collecting the Sunnah and sticking to it."



`Abd Allah ibn Ahmad said:



"I heard Abu Zur`a [al-Razi] say: ‘Your father had memorized a million Hadiths, which I rehearsed with him according to topic.’"



Hanbal said:



"I heard Abu `Abd Allah say: ‘I memorized everything which I heard from Hushaym when he was alive.’"



Ibrahim al-Harbi said:



"I held Ahmad as one for whom Allah had gathered up the combined knowledge of the first and the last."



Imam al-Shafi`i said:



"You (addressing Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal) are more knowledgeable about Hadith than I, so when a hadith is sahih (correct), inform me of it, whether it is from Kufah, Basrah or Syria, so that I may take the view of the hadith, as long as it is sahih.



Related by Ibn Abi Haatim in Aadaab ash-Shaafi'i (pp. 94-5),



Harmala said:



"I heard Imaam al-Shafi`i say: ‘I left Baghdad and did not leave behind me anyone more virtuous (afdal), more learned (a`lam), more knowledgeable (afqah) than Ahmad ibn Hanbal.’"



`Ali ibn al-Madini said about Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal:



"Truly, Allah reinforced this Religion with Abu Bakr al-Siddiq the day of the Great Apostasy (al-Ridda), and He reinforced it with Ahmad ibn Hanbal the day of the Inquisition (al-Mihna)."



Abu `Ubayd said:



"The Science at its peak is in the custody of four men, of whom Ahmad ibn Hanbal is the most knowledgeable."



Ibn Ma`in said, as related by `Abbas [al-Duri]:



"They meant for me to be like Ahmad, but by Allah! I shall never in my life compare to him."



A lot of great scholars who followed the approach (Madhab) of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.



Ibn ul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah says in his book Imam Bukhari, Imaam Muslim and Imaam Abu Dawood were strong followers of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hambal. Among other great Imams who followed the teachings of Imam Ahmad include Shaikh-ul-Islam Taqi ad-Deen Ibn Taymiyyah, Abdul Qadir Jillaani, Ibn ul-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah, Al-Haafidh Zaynud-Deen Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, Imam Muhammed Bin Abdul Wahab and Imam Ibn ul Jawzi.



Ibn al-Jawzi narrates from Bilal al-Khawass that the latter met al-Khidr and asked him: "What do you think of al-Shafi`i?" He said: "One of the Pillar-Saints (Awtâd)." " What about Ahmad Ibn Hanbal?" "He is a Siddiq."



Ibn al-Jawzi also narrates that Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said:



"Whoever rejects a statement of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is on the brink of destruction." and was the foremost in sticking to the Sunna and sahih hadith.



Among Imam ibn Hanbal’s works is the great encyclopedia of Traditions called Musnad, collected by his son from his lectures and amplified by supplements - containing over twenty eight thousand traditions. Other works include Kitab-us-Salat, on the Discipline of Prayer and Kitab-us-Sunnah, on the Traditions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).



Main sources: al-Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala’ 9:434-547 #1876 and Tadhkira al-Huffaz 2:431 #438.



Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]

The Four Imams: Imam Al Shafi'i

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim


In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Imam Al-Shafi'i

The four Imam's - Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal and Imam Shafi - are the main figures who's interpretation of the Hadith and Qur’an are followed by the majority of Sunni Muslims all over the world. They are therefore of great importance to the correct practice of Islam.



He is Abdullah Mohamed Ibn Idris Al Shafi’i, a prominent Imam who was a descendant from the Hashimi family of Quraysh tribe, which Prophet Mohamed (PBIUH) came from.



He is known as the revivalist of the second century, for he was the one who put the fundamental of jurisprudence; science of (usul al Fiqh).



At the age of 10, Al Shafi’i mother sent him to Mekkah, near his tribal ancestry. After entrusting him initially in the care of a relative, she followed him there to keep an eye on his studies.



As he could not afford enough writing material, Al Shaafi’i used to go to the governor’s offices in search of paper that had already been used. On the blank side of the paper, he would do his lessons. He memorized the Qur’an at a very young age.



In order to improve his knowledge of Arabic, he went deep into the desert to join the Bedouin tribe of Huthail, who were renowned for the best standard of literary Arabic. He studied poetry and learnt their prose reporting and stories. He accompanied the tribe on nomadic travels, until he mastered all that was there to learn. He also learnt archery and became very skilful; he could hit the target 10 times out of 10.



On his return to Mekkah Al Shafi’i continued studying. At the age of 20 he had completed all that its scholars has to teach, but this thirst for knowledge was not quenched. So, he traveled to Madinah to learn from Imam Malik.



Al Shafi’i wished to have a foretaste of what he would be learning. He borrowed Al-Muwatta’ to read which even fueled him more made him more eager to study under Imam Malik.



Al-Shafi’i stayed very closed to Malik for nine years, he never left him during those nine years except to visit his mother, or to stay for a short while with some bedouin tribes. The last three years at Malik’s study circle were doubly fruitful because the eminent Iraqi scholar. Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani (132-189H) who recorded all the Hanafi scholarship had come to study under Malik.



Imam Malik used to care more and give more attention to poor and needy students. Al-Shafi’i was one of them. When Malik died (179H), Al-Shafi’i returned to Mekkah hoping to earn his living. Some people asked the governor of Yemen to help Al-Shafi’i, and so he took him to Yemen where he was appointed justice in the city of Najran. The people there soon realised that they had a judge who was devoted to justice, unwilling to swerve from it for any favor or pressure. They respected him so much and learnt a great deal from him.



In his fifth years at Najran, Al-Shafi’i’s mettle was tasted when a strong-fisted governor took over. Al-Shafi’i did not spare him from criticism whenever the occasion arose. In the process of curbing the governor’s injustice, Al-Shafi’i earned his enmity.



The governor wrote to Caliph Al-Rasheed in Baghdad, accusing Al-Shafi’i of backing a revolt by people loyal to the Alawis, the descendants of Ali ibn Talib (may Allah be pleased with him). He said:


‘I have no authority over this man, and he achieves by his tongue much more than a fighter can achieve with this sword.’



Was this accusation false? Indeed it was, for Al-Shafi’i never supported or advocated any revolt or rebellion against the Caliph. On the contrary he used to love the Alawis, as they were the descendants of Ali, (may Allah be pleased with him), and Fatimah, (,ay Allah be pleased with her), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad, (PBUH).



At the age of 34, Imam Al-Shafi’i was brought in 184H before the Caliph in Baghdad, in fetters and chains. Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani, the Chief Justice was his the only of his advisers and top officials present at the court. Two factors affected the Caliph’s Judgement: a lucid defence by the accused himself; and Chief Justice Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani’s Testimony. Al-Shafi’i pointed out that his scholarship was known to the Chief Justice, who described Al-Shafi’i as a scholar of eminence who would not be involved in such matters.



Caliph Al-Rasheed, known to be kind and merciful, saw in this testimony his way out to spare Al-Shafi’i. He told Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani to take Al-Shafi’i to his home while he thought the matter over. There the case ended. The charge was never revived. The governor who had rid himself of a fearless critic was no longer interested what happened to him.



This episode was a blessing in disguise because it brought Al-Shafi’i back on track in his quest for knowledge. Al-Shafi’i stayed with Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani and read under his guidance all the books that he had written, recording the Fiqh of Imam Abu Haneefah ( one of the Four grand Imams) and his disciples. After two years, Al Shaafi’i left Baghdad, he said:


‘I carried with me a whole camel load of books, all of which I learnt directly form Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan.’

Al-Shafi’i learnt the Fiqh in Baghdad as well as memorized the Ahadith that were known in Iraq, but not in Madinah or Mekkah. He also entered into debate with many scholars, speaking as a student of Imam Malik, but he would only debate with lesser scholars than Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan Al-Shaibani, whom he gave great respect.



Among the most important characteristic of Al-Shafi’i was his native intelligence that gave him an easy and good grasp of even the most difficult of questions. He always studied matters in depth, so as to reach the right solution and the right answer regarding any question put to him. His cleverness was coupled with a superb memory and ready argument.



When discussing any matter, Imam Al-Shafi’i would put it with a wealth of meanings that he always found ready to hand, his explanation was always rich and to the point.



Al-Shafi’i had a unique exquisite literary style, lucidity of expression and command over the language. His very clear use of words made him a influential speaker. One of his students said:


‘Every scholar gives more in his books than when you meet him personally, except for Al-Shafi’i whose verbal discussion gives you more than his books.’



Imam Al-Shafi’i’s books are among the finest in style, eloquence and presentation.



Another quality that positioned Al-Shafi’i at the highest rank of Islamic scholars was his persistent devotion and sincerity in the pursuit of truth, and declaring it even if it was unpopular, or at variance with his teacher, to whom he was most devoted. His gratitude to Muhammad ibn Al-Hasan, who had saved him from the Caliph’s wrath, did not prevent him from supporting the Madinan scholars’ views. No one ever accused him of rejecting true evidence.



Imam Al-Shafi’i used to urge his students to devote both their time and effort in studying the Hadith.



Imam Al-Shafi’i never got furious while debating with anyone, because he was not interested in scoring points or winning people’s admiration, but rather in reaching the truth. And if his opponent were right, he would not find any difficulty accepting his view.



He was quoted as saying:


‘I wish people would learn what I have to give, without it being attributed to me. In this way, I will receive the reward for it from Allah, without having people’s praise.’



With such noble qualities and wealth or knowledge, no wonder that scholars placed Imam Muhammad ibn Idris Al-Shafi’i in the highest rank.

Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:


"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]

The Four Imams: Imam Malik

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim


In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful


Imam Malik

The four Imam's - Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal and Imam Shafi - are the main figures who's interpretation of the Hadith and Qur’an are followed by the majority of Sunni Muslims all over the world. They are therefore of great importance to the correct practice of Islam.



ABU ABDULLAH, Malik bin Anas, was born in Medina in the year 715 AD. He comes from a Yemeni origin, but his grandfather settled in Medina after embracing Islam. He received his education in Medina, which was the center of Islamic learning, and where the immediate descendants of the Companions of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) lived.


Imam Malik devoted his entire interest to the study of Fiqh. It is said that he sought out over three hundred Sahaba (those who saw the Companions of the Holy Prophet). From them he acquired the knowledge of the Holy Prophet's Hadith- and the Holy Prophet's Deeds, - Sunnah.


The Imam was known throughout the world of Islam for his self-control and great patience. One a band of Kharijis armed with swords forced their way into a mosque of Kufa, where he was praying, people ran out of the mosque in panic but he stayed there undismayed. It was customary with all those who waited on Khalifah Mansur in his durbar to kiss his hands but Imam Malik never stooped to his humiliation. He gave great respect to the learned people and once, when Imam Abu Hanifa came to see him, he offered him his own seat.


Imam Malik studied Fiqh through one hundred Sheikhs who were residing in the city of the Prophet (PBUH) at the time. Among Imam Malik's work is the great book entitled Kitab-al-Muwatta, which is the earliest surviving book of Islamic law and Hadith. It quotes Sayings as well as the practices according to the Sunnah of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).


Although Imam Malik wrote many treatises dealing with religion and ethics, Kitab-al-Muwatta is considered as the most important among his writings. Imam Malik had originally recorded ten thousand Ahadith in this book, but in a revised edition the Imam reduced the number to only one hundred and seventy-two. Imam Malik was well known for his piety and honesty and courageously stood up, and was prepared to bear stand in the face of all difficulties for his convictions. For example, when the governor of Medina forced people to take the oath of allegiance to Khalifah al-Mansour, Imam Malik issued a Fatwa that such an oath was not binding, because it was given under pressure. This encouraged a lot of people to be strong and courage to express their opposition, but the Imam was arrested, found guilty of defiance and publicly flogged.


When al-Mansour, learnt of this outrage, he apologized to the Imam and dismissed the governor. Sometime later the Khalifah sent him three thousand Dinars for his travelling expenses and invited him to come and reside in Baghdad. Imam Malik refused the offer and indicated that he preferred to continue his residence in Medina where the Holy Prophet was buried.


When the Khalifah Haroun-al-Rasheed visited Medina when he came to perform Hajj, he asked Imam Malik to visit him and give a lecture. But Imam Malik politely refused to go to the ruler and instead invited him to join the class of students to whom he delivered regular lectures. And indeed the Khalifa, accompanied by his two sons, accepted the invitation and sat among the students to hear the Imam's lecture.


Imam Malik died in the year 795 AD at Medina and was buried in the famous al-Baqie cemetery in the Medina with the noble Prophet Companions.


Imam Malik's followers and disciples developed the Fiqh science based on his books which came to be known as the Maliki Madhhab (approach). Most of the people who follow the Maliki Madhab are found in North and West Africa, - Tunis, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt.



Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:


"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]

The Four Imams: Imam Abu Hanifa

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim


In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Imam Abu Hanifa

The four Imam's - Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal and Imam Shafi - are the main figures who's interpretation of the Hadith and Qur’an are followed by the majority of Sunni Muslims all over the world. They are therefore of great importance to the correct practice of Islam.




From the book ‘Qamus Al-A’lam’:




Al- Imam Al Azam Abu Hanifa's name was Numan. His father's name was Thabit. His grandfather's name was Numan, too. He was the first of the four great imams of the Ahl as-Sunnah.





Imam Abu Hanifa was a descendant of a Persian notable, he was born in Kufa in 80 (698 A.D.). He learned Fiqh with the help of Hammad ibn Abi Sulaiman. He enjoyed the companionship of many notables of the Tabiin, and of Imam Jafar as-Sadiq. He memorized innumerable Hadiths. He was brought up so as to become a great judge, but he became an imam Al-madhhab. He had a superior, and amazingly keen intellect. In Al fiqh, he attained an unequalled grade in a short time. He then became very popular all over the world.




Yazid ibn 'Amr, Governor of Iraq during the time of Marwan ibn Muhammad, the fourteenth and last Umayyad Khalifah, asked Abu Hanifa to become a judge for the law-court of Kufa. But, since he had he refused his offer, for he wanted to devote his time and effort serving Islam, and had not interest in worldly pleasures. He was afraid of not being able to safeguard human rights because of human weaknesses. With a command from Yazid, he was given a whipping, hundred and ten blows to the head. His blessed face and head swelled. The next day, Yazid took the Imam out and oppressed him by repeating his offer. The Imam said, "Let me consult," and obtained permission to leave. He left to Mecca and remained there for five or six years.




The 'Abbasid Khalifah Abu Jafar Mansur offered Imam Abu Hanifa to be the chief of the Supreme Court of Appeal in 150 A.H. [767 A.D.]. Again the Imam refused, and was put into jail. He was subjected to whipping, ten blows more every following day. When the number of whipping reached one hundred, he attained martyrdom. Abu Sad Muhammad ibn Mansur al-Harizmi, the third Saljuqi Sultan and the son of Sultan Alparslan), had a wonderful dome built over his grave. Afterwards, Ottoman emperors embellished and had his tomb restored several times.




Imam Abu Hanifa was the first to compile and classify the Fiqh science, he collected information for each branch of knowledge. He wrote the books Fara'id and Shurut (Obligations and Conditions). There are a lot of books describing his wide knowledge on fiqh, and his amazing superiority in piety, God consciousness, mildness and righteousness.




The Hanafi Madhhab (approach) spread far and wide during the time of the Ottoman Empire. It almost became the official Islamic approach of the State. Today, more than half of the Muslims all over the world follow this approach.





Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,



Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."


[Ahmad]

Few Hajj Hadiths

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful



Few Hajj Hadiths

Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allaah and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), commit sin, or dispute unjustly (during the Hajj), will come back like the day his mother gave birth to him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1449; Muslim, 1350)


Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “ ‘Umrah is an expiation for the time between it and the previous ‘Umrah, and an accepted hajj has no less a reward than Paradise.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1683; Muslim, 1349).


‘Aa’ishah, the Mother of the Believers (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I said, O Messenger of Allaah, can we not go out on campaigns and fight in jihaad with you? He said, “But the best and most beautiful of jihaad is Hajj, an accepted pilgrimage.” ‘Aa’ishah said, I never stopped going for Hajj after I heard that from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1762).


‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Hajj wipes out whatever (sins) came before it.” (Narrated by Muslim, 121).


‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Keep on doing Hajj and ‘Umrah, for they eliminate poverty and sin just as the bellows eliminate impurities from iron and gold and silver.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 810; al-Nasaa’i, 2631.).


Ibn ‘Umar reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The one who fights for the sake of Allaah and the pilgrim who goes for Hajj or ‘Umrah are all guests of Allaah. He called them and they responded; they ask of Him and He will give them.” (Narrated by Ibn Maajah, 2893).

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:


"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]

Hadith: Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Riyad us Saliheen

Chapter 7

Firm Belief and Perfect Reliance on Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

"And when the believers saw Al-Ahzab (the Confederates), they said: 'This is what Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)) had promised us, and Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (PBUH)) had spoken the truth, and it only added to their Faith and to their submissiveness (to Allah)". (33:22)

"Those (i.e., believers) unto whom the people (hypocrites) said, `Verily, the people (pagans) have gathered against you (a great army), therefore, fear them.' But it (only) increased them in Faith, and they said: `Allah (Alone) is Sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)'. So they returned with grace and bounty from Allah. No harm touched them; and they followed the good Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty". (3:173,174)

"And put your trust (O Muhammad (PBUH)) in the Ever Living One Who dies not.'' (25:58)

"And in Allah (Alone) let the believers, put their trust.'' (14:11)

"... Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah...'' (3:159)

"And whosoever puts his trust in Allah, then He will suffice him". (65:3)

"The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts; and when His Verses (this Qur'an) are recited unto them, they (i.e., the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Rubb (Alone).'' (8:2)

74. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I was shown the past nations. I saw a Prophet who had a very small group (less than ten in total) with him, another Prophet who was accompanied by only one or two men and some did not have even one. Suddenly I was shown a huge crowd and I thought that they were my Ummah, but I was told: 'This is Musa (Moses) and his people, but look towards the other side.' I looked and beheld a great assemblage. I was told: 'These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Jannah without being taken to account or torment". Then the Prophet (PBUH) stood up and went into his apartment, and the Companions began to guess who may be those people who would enter Jannah without any accounting or torment. Some said: "Probably, they are the ones who kept company with Messenger of Allah (PBUH)". Others said: "Probably, they are the ones who have been born as Muslims and have never associated anyone with Allah in worship". Then Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came out and asked, "What are you discussing?'' So they told him. He then said, "They are those who do not make Ruqyah (blowing over themselves after reciting the Qur'an or some prayers and supplications the Prophet (PBUH) used to say) nor seek it, nor perceive omens (i.e., they are not pessimistic) but keep trust in their Rubb (Allah).'' On this 'Ukashah bin Mihsan stood up and asked: "Pray to Allah to make me one of them.'' The Prophet (PBUH) said, "You are one of them.'' Then another man stood up and asked the same thing. The Prophet (PBUH) answered, "'Ukashah has surpassed you".
[Al-Bukhari and Mulsim].

Commentary:

1. This Hadith mentions the importance of faith in Allah, inducement for having trust in Him and the distinction of people who have these qualities.

2. Although the practice of blowing over someone after reciting the Qur'an or supplications of the Prophet (PBUH) and medical treatment are permissible but they who avoid them because of their extreme trust in Allah and save themselves from bad omen, enjoy a distinguished position.

3. These conditions of various communities were shown to the Prophet (PBUH) in dreams for the dreams of the Prophets reflect the truth, or by means of Revelation, or he had witnessed them in the event of Isra (the Night Journey) of the Prophet (PBUH).

4. The followers of the Prophet (PBUH) exceed the followers of other Prophets in number.

75. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to supplicate: "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].

76. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: When (Prophet) Ibrahim (Abraham) was thrown into the fire, he said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and, He is the Best Disposer of affairs.'' So did Messenger of Allah Muhammad (PBUH) when he was told: "A great army of the pagans had gathered against him, so fear them". But this (warning) only increased him and the Muslims in Faith and they said: "Allah (Alone) is sufficient for us, and He is the Best Disposer of affairs (for us)".
[Al-Bukhari].

Commentary: Even in the worst circumstances one should always have faith and trust in Allah.

77. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "A group of people (both men and women) whose hearts will be like the hearts of birds, will enter Jannah".

[Muslim].

It has been interpreted that such people are those who put their trust in Allah; another interpretation is that these people are tender-hearted.

Commentary:

1. Excellence of trust in Allah and kindness of heart are most valuable qualities because both of them are means to enter Jannah.

2. One should not worry much about one's food and means of subsistence. In fact, people should have the heart like birds who do not collect to keep in reserve anything and go out every morning in search of food and return to their nests fully satiated. This advice is repeated in another Hadith to the effect that when birds leave their nests in the morning they are hungry but when they come back, their stomachs are full and they do not need any more food.

78. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I went in an expedition along with the Prophet (PBUH) in the direction of Najd. When Messenger of Allah (PBUH) returned, I also returned with him. Then the mid-day sleep overtook us in a valley full of prickly shrubs. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) got down and the people scattered around seeking shade under the trees. Messenger of Allah (PBUH) hang up his sword on the branch of a tree. We were enjoying a sleep when Messenger of Allah (PBUH) called us, and lo! There was a desert Arab bedouin near him. He (PBUH) said, "This man brandished my sword over me while I was asleep. I woke up and saw it in his hand unsheathed. He asked: `Who will protect you from me?' I replied: 'Allah' - thrice". He did not punish him and sat down.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: We accompanied Messenger of Allah (PBUH) in the campaign of Dhat-ur-Riqa`. We left Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to take rest under a shady tree. One of the polytheists came to him. The sword of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was hanging on a tree. He drew it and said: "Are you afraid of me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "No". Then he said: "Who will then protect you from me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Allah".

And in a narration of Abu Bakr Al-Isma`ili, the polytheist asked: "Who will protect you from me?'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) replied, "Allah.'' As soon as he said this, the sword fell down from his hand and Messenger of Allah (PBUH) catching the sword, asked him, "Who will protect you from me.'' He said, "Please forgive me.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "On condition you testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allah and that I am His Messenger.'' He said, "No, but I promise you that I shall not fight against you, nor shall I be with those who fight with you". The Prophet (PBUH) let him go. He then went back to his companions and said: "I have come to you from one of the best of mankind".

Commentary: Besides the Prophet's habit of pardoning, and gracious attitude, this Hadith mentions his utmost trust in Allah. It tells that one who has trust in Allah is helped by Him. Later on, the bedouin mentioned in the Hadith embraced Islam. In the battle of Dhat-ur-Riqa` which took place in the sixth year of the Hijra, due to intense heat and lack of footwear, the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) wrapped their feet with pieces of cloth and for this reason it was called "War of patches of cloth (Dhat-ur-Riqa`)''. Some scholars have also given a different reason for this name.

79. `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying: "If you all depend on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who go forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk".


[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Trust in Allah does not mean that one should not give any importance to material resources. What it really means is that along with their due importance, one should have full trust in Allah. Without His Will, material resources are of no avail. But nevertheless it is necessary to have material resources because their procurement is also ordained by Him. Birds do not keep sitting in their nests for food but fly out in search of it.

80. Al-Bara' bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) said: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) asked me to recite whenever I go to bed: "Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wal-ja'tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja wa la manja minka illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabikal-ladhi anzalta, wa nabiyyikal-ladhi arsalta (O Allah! I have submitted myself to You, I have turned my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You; and committed my back to You out of desire for You and fear of You; expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no place of safety from You but with You. I believe in the Book You have revealed and in the Prophet You have sent.'' Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said that if anyone recited these words and died that night, he would die in the true religion. In case he remains alive till morning, he will obtain good.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In another narration: He reported Messenger of Allah (PBUH) as saying: "If you go to bed, perform the Salat Wudu', lie down on your right side and say [the above Du`a (supplication)] and let these words be your last".

Commentary: It is better to make Wudu' before going to sleep. Similarly, it is also meritorious to recite the invocation mentioned in the Hadith before one goes to bed, because it is a prayer for the renewal of Islam and Faith and request for grant of peace and security.

81. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah bepleased with him) said: When Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and I were in the cave of Thaur and I saw the feet of the polytheists who were above us at the mouth of the cave (on the eve of the Emigration), I submitted: "O Messenger of Allah! If one of them were to look down below his feet, he would see us". He (PBUH) said, "O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two whose third is Allah".

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: This incident occurred when the Prophet (PBUH) was emigrating from Makkah to Al-Madinah with Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) The disbelievers had announced a huge reward for their arrest for which people were searching them wildly. In the course of their search, some of them reached the mouth of the cave of Thaur where the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) were staying for refuge and rest. This Hadith describes the valour, fearlessness and unlimited confidence and trust of the Prophet (PBUH) in Allah; it also indicates how Allah helps His favourites. See Verse (40:51) of the Qur'an in this regard.

82. Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (PBUH) stepped out of his house, he would say, "Bismillah, tawakkaltu `alallah. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika an adilla aw udalla, aw azilla aw uzalla, aw azlima aw uzlama, aw ajhala aw yujhala `alayya". "[I go forth. (I begin with the Name of Allah, I trust in Allah; O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leaving or being led astray, or against slipping or being caused to slip; or doing injustice or being done injustice; or doing wrong or having wrong done to me)]".

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi reported it. According to At-Tirmidhi, this Hadith is classified as Hasan Sahih. Its wording is from Abu Dawud].

83. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Whoever says (upon leaving his house): `Bismillah, tawakkaltu `alallah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah [I begin with the Name of Allah; I trust in Allah; there is no altering of conditions but by the Power of Allah],' it will be said to him: 'You are guided, defended and protected.' The devil will go far away from him".

[Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi and An-Nasa'i].

Abu Dawud reported it with this addition: "One devil will say to another: 'How can you deal with a man who has been guided, defended and protected?".

Commentary: The prayer quoted in this Hadith shows the importance of confidence and trust in Allah and request for security against the mischief of Satan.

84. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There were two brothers in the days of the Prophet (PBUH). One of them used to attend the Prophet's circle (to acquire knowledge) and the other used to earn their living). Once the latter complained to the Prophet (PBUH) against the former (for not earning his living). He (PBUH) replied, "Perhaps you are being provided because of him".

[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: This Hadith evidently shows that it is permissible and desirable to devote oneself or make someone else to devote himself for religious knowledge. Such students of religious knowledge should not be considered a burden. Similarly, one should also not ignore those students and scholars who are devoted to such knowledge because Allah makes their help a means of increasing the donor's sources of subsistence.

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:



"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:

Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,

Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."

[Ahmad]