WORDS OF THE PROPHET

Prophetic Guidance

THE following are a few teachings of the Prophet taken from the Hadith literature, an Islamic source second only to the Quran in religious importance. The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad have been handed down to posterity both in oral and in written form, the foundations of which were laid by the Prophet’s Companions, some of whom were also his scribes. Eternal in essence, they are of value not only to Muslims, but to humanity at large.

When the Prophet Muhammad, was asked by ‘Amr ibn ‘Abasah what was meant by faith, he replied, ‘Self-restraint and gentleness.’ (Hadith of Muslim)

A man without trust is a man without faith. And a man who does not fulfil his promises is a man without faith. (Hadith of Ahmad Ibn Hanbal)

Greed and faith can never co-exist in the human heart. (Hadith of AnNasa’i)

God loves those believers who labour to earn a living through lawful means. (Hadith of At-Tabarani)

On the Day of Judgement, what will weigh most heavily in favour of the believer will be his good morals. God abhors those who indulge in shameless talk and use indecent language. (Hadith of At-Tlrmidhi)

Avoid falling under suspicion. For suspicion does the worst damage. Do not inquire into the lives of others. Do not pry. Do not exaggerate what others say. Bear each other no malice, and do not hurt each other’s interests. And, by being brothers to each other become the servants of God. (Hadith of Muslim)

A merchant who hoards goods in order to raise their price is a sinner. (Hadith of Muslim)

Pay the labourer his wages even before his sweat dries up. (Hadith of Ibn Majah)

If a man commits something to your care, be sure to return it to him. Never betray anyone’s trust, not even if the person concerned has failed to stand by his commitments to you. (Hadith of At-Tirmidhi)

When a man tells you something in confidence, you must not betray his trust. (Hadith of Abu Dawud)