Imaam Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah) said:
A sensible person keeps away from arrogance due to the blameworthy traits it carries. One of them is that he (i.e. the person) does not become haughty towards anyone, except after being amazed with himself and sees that to be superiority.
[Rawdatul Uqalaa’ page 60. Abridged]
Imaam Shafi’ee (rahimahullaah) said:
Humility is from the manners of the noble ones and pride is from the characteristics of the vile ones. Humility brings about the people’s love (for a person) and contentment brings about peace of mind.
[Siyar A’laan An-Nubulaa’ 10/99]
Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakee (rahimahullaah) lived in the generation of Bishr Ibn Al-Haarith (rahimahullaah); Ali Ibn Abdir-Rahmaan (rahimahullaah) said that Ahmad Ibn Aasim Al-Antaakee (rahimahullaah) said: The most beneficial intellect is (the one) that makes you acknowledge the blessings of Allaah and assists you in being thankful (i.e. by using those blessings to obey Allaah) and to be in opposition to (forbidden) desires.
He (rahimahullaah) was asked about sincerity, so he said: (It is) the performance of righteous deeds, whilst not wishing to be mentioned and exalted due to your deed, and not seeking a reward through your deed from anyone (besides Allaah). This is sincerity.
He (rahimahullaah) also said: If you are seeking rectification for your heart, then seek aid through that by restraining your tongue (i.e. restrain your tongue from evil speech, falsehood, the affairs that do not concern you etc).
[Source: Seerah As-Salaf As-Saaliheen of Imaam Ismaa’eel Ibn Muhammad Al-Asbahaanee (rahimahullaah); section: Those who followed the Taabi-een in goodness. Maktabah Shaamila]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
The Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) said:
رُبَّ أَشْعَثَ مَدْفُوعٍ بِالأَبْوَابِ لَوْ أَقْسَمَ عَلَى اللَّهِ لأَبَرَّهُ
‘’Many a person with dishevelled hair and covered with dust is turned away from the doors (whereas) were he to swear by Allaah (about something), Allaah will fulfil it’’.
[Sahih Muslim Number 2622]
A Short Reminder From This Hadeeth By Shaikh Saaleh Al-Fawzaan (may Allaah preserve him):
This person is a close friend among the close friends of Allaah, and was he to swear by Allaah (about something); Allaah will make it happen due to his high status in the sight of Allaah, even though he is driven away from the doors. If he intercedes (for someone), his intercession will not be accepted; if he is absent, he is not missed, but he is a great one in the sight of Allaah. [Ref 1]
A Short Reminder From This Hadeeth By Imaam An-Nawawi (rahimahullaah):
This type of person is one whom the people drive away from their doors in humiliation- he has no status in the sight of the people; but he is someone that if he were to swear by Allaah about something, Allaah will make it happen as an honour for him- by answering his request and safeguarding him from sin in relation to his oath. This is due to his great station in the sight of Allaah (The Exalted), even though he is someone despised in the sight of the people. It is said that the meaning of [الْقَسَمِ in this hadeeth is (الدُّعَاءُ – supplication) and (إِبْرَارُهُ ) means (إِجَابَتُهُ -the response to the supplication)] [Ref 2]
End of paraphrased quotes
We ask Allaah to include us amongst those who are humble-both inwardly and outwardly-; and include us amongst those who never utilise their status amongst the people to oppress, belittle and mock others. We ask Allaah to include us amongst those who are kind and compassionate towards the likes of the people mentioned in the hadeeth, for indeed whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy. We ask Allaah to grant us truthfulness, firmness upon the authentic Sunnah and distance us from bidah; we ask Allaah to grant us sincerity, humility, good manners, a good end in this worldly life, happiness in our graves and abundant mercy in the afterlife Aameen.
[Ref 1: It’haaf At-Tullaab Bi-Sharhi Mandhoomah al-Aadaab’ page 102. Abridged & paraphrased]
[Ref 2:Abridged & paraphrased. Source: Sharh Saheeh Muslim’ Vol 15-16’ page 144’ publisher: Daar Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah’ 1st ed. (1421AH- Year 2000)]
We ask A
Saheeh Al-Bukhaari. Vol 4. Hadeeth Number 3254
We ask Allaah to pardon us and enter us into this noble entrance Aameen.
Imaam Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah) said:
It is obligatory that the sensible person adheres to silence until he is obliged to speak (i.e. either by necessity or obligation), for there is a lot of regret when one speaks (unnecessarily) and less regret when one remains silence. The people with the longest misery and greatest affliction are those with an unrestricted tongue and a blind (or unconscious) heart.
[Source: Rawdatul Uqalaa’ page 43]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah (The Most High) stated:
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا
وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا
Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).
Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated:
Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth- such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them- as an adornment for it, a trial and test. [لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).
And besides this, Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it like animals do and enjoy himself like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor gives importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.
As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it and from it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keep away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).
[Abridged and slightly paraphrased. Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan’ by Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah)]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Allaah (The Most High) stated:
إِنَّا جَعَلْنَا مَا عَلَى الْأَرْضِ زِينَةً لَّهَا لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا
وَإِنَّا لَجَاعِلُونَ مَا عَلَيْهَا صَعِيدًا جُرُزًا
Verily! We have made that which is on earth as an adornment for it, in order that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds. [i.e.those who do good deeds in the most perfect manner, that means to do them (deeds) totally for Allah’s sake and in accordance to the legal ways of the Prophet]. And verily! We shall make all that is on it (the earth) a bare dry soil (without any vegetation or trees, etc.).
Imaam Sadi (rahimahullaah) stated:
Allaah (The Most High) informed (us) that He has made everything on the face of the earth, such as the delicious foods and drinks, the beautiful houses, the trees, the rivers, the vegetations, the fruits, the beautiful scenes (or beautiful things that captures the attention of the eyes), the pretty gardens, the beautiful images, gold, silver, horses, camels and other than them, as an adornment for it, a trial and test.
[لِنَبْلُوَهُمْ أَيُّهُمْ أَحْسَنُ عَمَلًا -that We may test them (mankind) as to which of them are best in deeds]; that is: The most sincere (i.e. sincerity in worship) and most correct (i.e. carry out deeds in accordance with the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet).
And Allaah will (finally) make all these things disappear and the earth will return to been a bare dry soil- its enjoyment will disappear and come to an end. This is the reality of this worldly life! Indeed Allaah has made this worldly life clearly visible to us and warned us not to be deceived by it. He urged us towards the home of the (afterlife) – whose enjoyment is ever lasting- out of mercy to us. However, the one who merely looks at the outward appearance of this worldly life and not its true reality is deceived by its adornment and beauty; so he goes along with it just like animals and enjoys himself just like cattle that graze around freely. He neither gives concern to the rights of his Lord nor importance to knowing his Lord; rather his concern is only to follow his desires in every way he can and in every situation. When death arrives to the likes of these people, they are restless because of the disappearance of the enjoyment (of the worldly pleasures) and due to what they have sent forth of evil deeds.
As for the one who looks at the true reality of this worldly life and knows the true purpose behind it, he utilises from it that which will aid him to fulfil the reason it was created for him (i.e. he utilises the worldly blessings in obedience to Allaah). He utilises his noble lifespan as an opportunity (to obey Allaah). He makes this worldly life a place of transition and not a place of permanent (joy); a place of travel and not a place of permanent residence. Therefore, he strives to know his lord, fulfil the commands of his Lord (and keeps away from what his Lord has forbidden) and (strives to) perfect his deeds. This person has the highest station in the presence of his Lord and he is deserving- (by the kindness and mercy of his Lord) – of every good treatment, bliss, nobility and happiness (in the hereafter).
[Source: Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam Al-Mannaan…abridged and slightly paraphrased]
Abu Wahb Al-Marwazee (rahimahullaah) said that he asked Abdullaah Ibnul Mubaarak (rahimahullaah) about pride”, so he said, ”It is to mock at the people”. And he asked him about self-amazement, so he said, ”It is to consider yourself as having something not possessed by others”.
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[Tazkiratul Huffaadz: 1/278]
Allaah (The Most High) said:
وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّائِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا ۖ قَالَ أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِالَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ ۚ اهْبِطُوا مِصْرًا فَإِنَّ لَكُم مَّا سَأَلْتُمْ ۗ وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ
[وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ فَادْعُ لَنَا رَبَّكَ يُخْرِجْ لَنَا مِمَّا تُنبِتُ الْأَرْضُ مِن بَقْلِهَا وَقِثَّائِهَا وَفُومِهَا وَعَدَسِهَا وَبَصَلِهَا – And (remember) when you said, “O Musa (Moses)! We cannot endure one kind of food. So invoke your Lord for us to bring forth for us of what the earth grows, its herbs, its cucumbers, its Fum (wheat or garlic), its lentils and its onions (2:61)]
They said this [i.e. to be given something else] out of belittling the blessings of Allaah. This (also) shows their lack of patience. [ref 1]
[Allaah said] that Moosa said to them: [أَتَسْتَبْدِلُونَ الَّذِي هُوَ أَدْنَىٰ بِالَّذِي هُوَ خَيْرٌ – Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? (2:61)]
Therefore, they were recompensed for their (evil) deeds. Allaah said: [ref: 2]
[وَضُرِبَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ الذِّلَّةُ وَالْمَسْكَنَةُ وَبَاءُوا بِغَضَبٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ – And they were covered with humiliation and misery, and they drew on themselves the Wrath of Allah].
[ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ كَانُوا يَكْفُرُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَيَقْتُلُونَ النَّبِيِّينَ بِغَيْرِ الْحَقِّ ۗ ذَٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوا وَّكَانُوا يَعْتَدُونَ -That was because they used to disbelieve the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah and killed the Prophets wrongfully. That was because they disobeyed and used to transgress the bounds (in their disobedience to Allah, i.e. commit crimes and sins) (2:61)]
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Refs 1 & 2: Paraphrased excerpts from Tayseer Al-Kareem Ar-Rahmaan Fee Tafseer Kalaam al-Mannaan’ by Imaam As-Sadi (rahimahullaah)