www.fortyhadith.net

About

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The commentaries on this website are by Jamal Ahmed Bashier Badi (Prof. Dr.), International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilisation, International Islamic University Malaysia. If you have any questions or comments on the Forty Hadith, please e-mail badi@iium.edu.my.

Desires to be subservient to Revelation

Mon, 04 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Imam Nawawi stated that the sanad (chain of authorities) of this hadith is authentic. However, many other scholars, including Ibn Rajab, stated that there are many defects in the chain of authorities. Sometimes the scholars consider a hadith as weak but this does not mean that what is stated in the hadith is weak. The meaning of this hadith has been emphasised in the Qur’an and strengthened by other hadiths. Allah says in Surah al-Nisa’ Ayah 65:

Seeking Allah's Forgiveness

Mon, 04 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The main message of this hadith is calling upon Muslims to repent sincerely to Allah and to seek His forgiveness.

Lessons

There are three means or ways which enable a Muslim to be forgiven by Allah.

The Muslim's attitude towards the worldly life

Sat, 02 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

There are so many verses in the Qur’an that make comparisons between the worldly life and the Hereafter. The priority and emphasis is made on the Hereafter where it is described as the real life and the worldly life as a life of nothing but entertainment and amusement. Allah says in Surah al-An’am, Ayah 32:

What is pardoned for this ummah

Sat, 02 Nov 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

What has been stated in this hadith has also been stressed and emphasised in the Qur’an. In Surah al-Baqarah, Ayah 286, it is stated:

“Our Lord, punish us not if we forget or fall into error.”

The concept of Wilayah (the closer servants of Allah)

Wed, 30 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The translation of the term wali that is mentioned in the hadith is a closer servant (awliya’) of Allah or a believer rather than a closer friend. There are many verses in the Qur’an that talk about the concept of wilayah. These verses talk about the qualities or attributes of awliya’ and their status in the sight of Allah. In this hadith Allah mentions the status of the wali even before He talks about His attributes. This status is mentioned in the beginning (i.e. Allah will declare war against whoever acts with enmity towards one of His closer servants) and in the end (i.e. Allah will answer their du’a and will give them refuge). This shows the status of awliya’ in the sight of Allah. In the middle of the hadith, Allah tells us the qualities of His closer servants.

How deeds are recorded

Sat, 26 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith is considered as a Hadith Qudsi even though the text of the hadith does not show that clearly or explicitly. The hadith with this text is a clarification from the part of Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, about the way of recording deeds. There are other versions of this hadith that have been recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim in the same form of Hadith Qudsi and in a very clear manner. One of these is the following version that has been commented upon by Ibn Rajab:

Evil acts that spoil brotherhood

Sun, 20 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Unity is one of the greatest objectives of Islam. There are many verses in the Qur’an that urge Muslims to unite. In Surah al-‘Imran, Ayah 103, Allah says:

And hold fast, all of you together, to the Rope of Allah (which is Islam) and be not divided among yourselves.

The significance of fulfilling the needs of a Muslim

Sun, 20 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith was recorded by Imam Muslim by the above text. However, there is another version of the hadith where it was recorded by both Imam Muslim and Imam al-Bukhari with the following text:

The concept of Al-Amr bil-Ma'ruf wan-Nahiu 'anil-Munkar (Enjoining what is good and discouraging what is evil)

Sat, 19 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The essence of the Islamic da’wah is enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, since whenever a person conveys the Message, he is enjoining good and forbidding evil. Therefore, it is a mistake to consider these two as separate matters, since they are actually performed concurrently and are synonymous.

The plaintiff and the defendant

Sat, 19 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

There are in every judicial dispute at least two litigating parties, the plaintiff and the defendant. The first claims what is contrary to the apparent fact; the second holds to the apparent fact and denies the claim. (Mahmassani: Falsaft al-Tashri’ al-Islami - p 169, 170).

Not causing harm

Thu, 17 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

There are other interpretations of the text. One of them is: “No harm and no harming”. Another interpretation is given by Ustaz Jamaludin Zarabozo: “There is not to be any causing of harm; nor is there to be any requital of harm”.

The concept of Al-Zuhd (asceticism) in Islam

Fri, 11 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith is a weak hadith as pointed out by many scholars. Ibn Rajab gave a detailed argument about the weakness of this hadith. However, later scholars still recorded their commentaries on the text of the hadith for several reasons. The major two reasons are:

Transgressing the limits

Sun, 06 Oct 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith has been recorded by a number of scholars. They all recorded this hadith through the chain of Dawood Ibn Abi Hind on the authority of Makhool from Abi Tha’labah Al-Khushani. This hadith is regarded as a weak hadith by many scholars such as Al-Bukhari, Ahmad and Hatem. They point out that there are three defects in this hadith:

Deeds that lead to Paradise II

Sat, 21 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Many other companions have asked similar questions like the ones in this hadith. In general, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, gave the same answers. Ibn Rajab highlights another narration of the hadith recorded by Imam Ahmad which states that Mu’adh came to the Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, and said: “O Messenger of Allah, I want to ask you about a matter that has made me ill and burning from inside.” The Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, said: “Ask whatever you wish.” He said: “Inform me about a deed which will make me enter Paradise.” This shows, as Ibn Rajab continues to say, Mu’adh’s eagerness to know about good deeds.

Charitable acts II

Thu, 19 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The content of this hadith is the same as the previous one, Hadith 25. One possibility why this is so is that Al-Imam An-Nawawi wanted to emphasise the importance of sadaqah (charitable acts) so he decided to repeat the meaning of the previous hadith. Another possibility is that this hadith may contain more examples of sadaqah than what was mentioned in the previous one. A third possibility is the influence of Al-Imam Muslim on Imam Nawawi, who has written commentaries on Sahih Muslim. Imam Muslim recorded many hadiths which address the issue of sadaqah. It can be concluded that what has happened is due to the influence of Imam Nawawi’s involvement in this great scholarly research on explaining and interpreting Sahih Muslim.

Adhering to the Sunnah

Mon, 16 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

In one of the narrations of this hadith, it is mentioned that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, gave this talk after the Fajr prayer. Based on other hadiths, it was the practice of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, to give admonition to his companions from time to time, however, without burdening nor boring them. Ibn Rajab points out the characteristics of the Prophet’s, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, speeches and admonitions: brief, concise, and conveyed in beautiful understandable manner.

Internal Controlling System

Sun, 15 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The first thing that should be pointed out is that even though the second hadith is weak by itself, due to supporting evidence it is raised to the level of hasan (authentic). These two hadiths state the meaning of righteousness and sinfulness.

Charitable acts I

Mon, 09 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

In another hadith recorded by both Muslim and Al-Bukhari, it is mentioned that the questioners were the poor of the Muhajruun or immigrants from Makkah. Ibn Rajab says that this hadith shows that those poor people thought that giving sadaqah (charity) can only be done through money, something which they could not afford. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wasallam, told them that all good deeds are considered as charitable acts.

Prohibition of injustice and oppression; seeking Allah's Guidance

Thu, 05 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith stresses on the prohibition of all forms of injustice and oppression in Islam. It commands its followers to practice justice which is one of the main objectives of the Shariah. It also encourages Muslims to seek guidance from Allah by means of supplication (du’a) and relying on Allah alone (Tawakul).

How to free oneself

Sun, 01 Sep 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The hadith shows the importance of these great deeds in Islam through which every Muslim can free him or herself from the punishment of Allah subhana wa ta’ala in the Hereafter or in the Day of Judgment. One has to free oneself from any kind of enslavement except to Allah subhana wa ta’ala. One has to be a servant and slave of only Allah and not anyone or anything else.

Deeds that lead to Paradise I

Mon, 05 Aug 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Imam Nawawi said that the meaning of “treat the forbidden as prohibited” is to avoid the forbidden, and the meaning of to “treat the lawful as permissible” is to perform them believing that they are permissible.

Restraining oneself from anger

Sun, 21 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith is also related by other scholars of hadith. In another narration, it is related as:

A man came to the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, and said, “Messenger of Allah, teach me some words which I can live by. Do not make them too much for me, lest I forget.” The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said, “Do not be angry.” [Abu Daud]

The value of human life

Fri, 19 Jul 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Before the arrival of Islam, human life had no value. A person can easily be killed for many different reasons, e.g. revenge, to show the superiority of a tribe, killing a newborn baby girl because it was considered a shame, etc. When Islam arrived, it stressed on the value and importance of human life. A life must not be threatened unless it is lawful, i.e. where a serious violation of the shariah had occurred. Islam also made it clear that the taking of a human life is the responsibility of the highest authority, i.e. the judge. This is to prevent this practice from being abused for personal interests.

Allah's Protection

Sun, 30 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith implies a very important advice and general ruling in Islam: Allah’s protection. Ibnu Rajab quoted one scholar as saying: “What a pity for the one who is ignorant of this hadith and has little understanding of its meaning.”

The concept of Istiqamah

Sat, 15 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The literal meaning of “Istiqamah”: to go straight into the right direction, acting rightly, allowing no deviation. It is derived from the stem “Qiyyam”, which implies the continuity of doing something, following up with it and making sure that it is done in the right way and there is neither deviation nor swerving.

The concept of Al-Haya' (modesty)

Tue, 11 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Haya’ can be translated as: modesty, shame, shyness or bashfulness, as pointed by Ustaz Jamaludin Zarabozo. The word haya’ is derived from the word “al-hayah”, which means life, as if the person who has no haya’ (modesty) is like a dead person.

The concept of Ihsan

Sun, 09 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Ihsan is a comprehensive concept. It denotes doing things completely, nicely and in a tasteful manner. It comprises four components:

Sincerity (Ikhlas)
Completeness
Tastefulness (doing things in a nice manner), and
Correctness (doing things in the right way).

This concept is translated by commentators and interpreters as Excellence. Being a comprehensive concept, the term Ihsan cannot be translated word for word because there is no word in the English language that gives its exact meaning. Therefore, it is better to use it as it is.

The concept of Taqwa

Sun, 09 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Taqwa is one of the most important and comprehensive Islamic concepts. The term is derived from its root “waqayya” which means “to protect.” Taqwa therefore means to protect one own self from the severe punishment of Allah by following His guidance.

Good manners in speech; behaviour of Muslims towards neighbours/guests

Thu, 06 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith contains the rulings concerning the tongue and the behaviour of Muslims towards others. It also emphasises that we are responsible for what we say.

Imam Haithami points out that this hadith is very similar in meaning to Hadith 13 that says: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” He says that everyone is a neighbour to someone else. Therefore if this hadith is properly practiced and applied, then there will be a strong bond and love within the society or community.

Being concerned with beneficial matters

Wed, 05 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Ibn Rajab, one of the commentators of Imam Nawawi’s Forty Hadith, mentioned that this hadith is a foundation of manners, behaviour and etiquette in Islam.

Ibn Rajab also quotes Imam Ibn Abi Zayd Al-Qairawani, one of the Maliki Imams, as saying that the following four hadiths set the main concept for good manners and behaviour:

The obligation of loving all Muslims

Wed, 05 Jun 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

In the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said:

“The servant does not reach the reality of faith until he loves for others what he loves for himself.”

Avoiding doubtful acts

Tue, 21 May 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith goes in line with Hadith 6. In this hadith the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, has set a criterion by which Muslims can decide whether something is permissible or not. There is another version of this hadith where the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, elaborated further by saying: “Verily, truth is tranquillity and falsehood is doubt.” This means that the truth will lead to tranquillity and falsehood will lead to doubt.

Being pure (at-Tayyib)

Sat, 18 May 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The word “at-tayyib” is used in the Qur’an and Sunnah to describe actions, good deeds, people, things, speech, etc. This term is used as adjectives. Literally it means something good. Ibn Rajab interpreted the word as “at-tahir”, or pure.

Purification of the heart

Thu, 02 May 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The first thing to note is that Imam al-Bukhari recorded this hadith in the beginning of the Book of Trading (Kitab al-Buyu’), i.e. the kitab started off with this hadith. Some scholars say that Imam al-Bukhari was not only a muhadith who memorized, collected, recorded and compiled the hadith, but he was also a faqih (jurist) and his fiqh (jurisprudence) can be noted in so many ways. One is the tabwib, or the way that he gave the title for each chapter of his book. He would choose a certain statement which he would then use for the title of the chapter. This title reflects his fiqh. Also the way the hadith is recorded, where it is placed, under which chapter, and the fact that sometimes a hadith is repeated in many chapters - all these reflect the fiqh of Imam al-Bukhari.

How are obligations to be fulfilled?

Tue, 23 Apr 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Sabab al-wurud (reasons and background of a hadith) is very important to enable us to understand its meaning. This hadith can be understood by knowing its background. It was related during an incident where the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: “Allah has commanded you to perform Hajj. So perform Hajj, O servants of Allah.” Then a man stood up and said: “O Prophet of Allah, do we have to do it every year?” Then the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, said: “That whatever I forbid you to do, avoid it and whatever I command you to do, do it as much as you can.”

The concept of Jihad

Fri, 19 Apr 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The majority of Scholars say that the “people” here refers to the Arab polytheists. The same interpretation can also be found in the Qur’an in Surah An-Nasr.

Another opinion say that the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, was referring to all people, excluding Ahlul Kitab, i.e. the people of the Book. It was said that this hadith was abrogated by the later rulings concerning jizziya (compensation).

Nasihah

Thu, 18 Apr 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

The word “nasihah” cannot be accurately translated to English because it is a broad concept which cannot be traced in the English language. Some use the term “sincerity” but this is only part of the concept - to negate deception/cheating. According to Imam Ibnu al-Salah, nasihah is “truly seeking the best, in terms of intention and action, for the one whom he is making nasihah to”.

Ibadah & Bida'ah (Innovation)

Tue, 15 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Like Hadith 1, this hadith is one of the most important hadiths. Imam Nawawi said it should be memorised by every Muslim.

This hadith is used as a criterion for judging external actions or performance of Ibadah. If an action is not done in accordance with the Shariah or the Sunnah of the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, it will be rejected and not accepted by Allah based on text of this hadith. This hadith complements Hadith 1, which was a criterion for judging the intentions or the internal actions of the heart. The Scholars say that the acceptance of actions of Ibadah is based on the above two conditions:

Creation of human being; Al-Qadar

Mon, 14 Jan 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith was not only recorded by Al-Bukhari and Muslim but by other Scholars as well. Apart from ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud, this hadith was also narrated by many other companions (Sahabahs).

The five pillars of Islam

Mon, 10 Dec 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith is part of the previous Hadith (2). Most Scholars say that the reason why al-Imam al-Nawawi included this hadith in his collection, even though it seems that it repeats some portions of Hadith 2, is because of the importance of the 5 pillars of Islam.

Islam, Iman, Ihsan, Qadar

Fri, 07 Dec 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Al-Imam Muslim says: Towards the end of his life, Abdullah bin ‘Umar (the son of ‘Umar bin al-Khattab) was told by two people that a new Islamic sect had emerged from Iraq. They were called Al-Qadariah and they denied al-qadar (fate). Thus Abdullah bin ‘Umar narrated this hadith which mentions qadar as one of the pillars of Iman to refute the misconception of this sect.

Actions are judged by intentions

Thu, 29 Nov 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Background

This hadith was said by the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam, at the time when a man emigrated from Makkah to Madinah during the Hijrah for the sake of marrying someone and not for the sake of Islam.

Glossary

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Imam al-Nawawi

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Imam Muhyi al-Din Abu Zakariya Yahya bin Sharaf al-Nawawi, for short Imam Nawawi, was born in the village of Nawa in the vicinity of Damascus in 631 A.H. (1233 A.D.). He grew up in Nawa and at the age of nineteen went to study in Damascus, which was considered the center of learning and scholarship.

Introduction

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Translation of Imam al-Nawawi’s original introduction in Matan al-Arba’in.

In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, eternal Guardian of the heavens and the earths, Ruler over all creatures, who sent to responsible beings the Messengers — upon whom be His blessings and peace — that they might bring them guidance and make clear to them the Shari’ah (Law). Him do I praise for all His favours, and from Him do I beg increase of His kindness and His generosity. Also I bear witness that our Master Muhammad is His servant and His Messenger, His Beloved and His friend, the most excellent of created beings, who was honoured by being given the mighty Qur’an, and by being given the Sunnah (right practices) which enlighten those who seek to be directed in the right way, who is distinguished for the all-embracing wisdom of his discourse, and for his perseverance in the worship of Allah. May Allah’s blessing and peace be upon him, and upon the rest of the Prophets and Messengers, upon the families of them all, and upon all the believers.