Authentic Hadith pertaining to

THE OBLIGATION TO OBEY ALLAH AND

HIS PROPHETpraise and peace be upon him

Extracted from Imam Nawawi’s Reference“The Gardens of Righteousness”

translated and presented by Shaykh Ahmad Darwish, Anne (Khadeijah) Stephens

Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com©1984-2012 Darwish Family. All rights reserved

BOOK 46

OBLIGATION TO OBEY ALLAH

Allah, the Exalted says:“But no, by your Lord,they will not believe you until they make you the judgeregarding the disagreement between them,then they will not find in themselves any discomfort concerning your verdict,and will surrender to you in full submission.” 4:65 Koran

“But when the believers are called to Allah and His Messenger,in order that he judges between them,their reply is: 'We hear and obey.'Such are the prosperous.” 24:51 Koran

SUPPLICATION FOR OBEDIENCE TO ALLAH|H 1504“O Allah, Director of hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience."

Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Amr son of Al 'As who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.

ALLAH DOES NOT OVERBURDEN YOU |H 169“When the verse: 'To Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and earth. Whether you reveal what is in your hearts or hide itAllah will bring you to account for it. He will forgive whom He will and punish whom He will; He has power over all things' (2:284 Koran)

was sent down to the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, his Companions were distressed and went to him, knelt and said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, we have been charged with that (duty) which is within our capacity; prayer, striving, fasting and charity. Now this verse has been revealed to you and what it charges us with is beyond our capacity.’ The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said: ‘Do you want to say the same as the People of the two Books: We hear, but we disobey? Instead, you should say: 'We hear and obey; we implore Your forgiveness Lord, and to You is our arrival.'

When they recited this and their tongues had adapted themselves to it. Allah sent down: "The Messenger believes in what has been sent down to him from His Lord, and so do the believers. Each believes in Allah and His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. We do not differentiate between any of His Messengers. They say: 'We hear and obey. (We ask) Your forgiveness Lord and to You is the arrival." 2:285 Koran

When they had done this, Allah, the Mighty, the Glorified sent down: “Allah charges no soul except to its capacity. For it is what it earned, and against it what it has gained. ‘Our Lord, do not take us to account if we have forgotten, or made a mistake. Our Lord, do not burden us with a load as You have burdened those before us. Our Lord, do not over burden us with more than we can bear. And pardon us, and forgive us, and have mercy on us.You are our Protector, so give us victory over the nation, the unbelievers. '” 2:286 Koran

Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah who related this.

THE OBLIGATION TO OBEY THE HOLY PROPHET, praise and peace be upon himAllah, the Exalted says:“... Whatever the Messenger gives you, accept it;and whatever he forbids, abstain....” 59:7 Koran

“Nor does he speak out of desire.Indeed it is not except a Revelation which is revealed.” 53:3- 4 Koran

“Say (Prophet Muhammad):'If you love Allah, follow meand Allah will love you, and forgive your sins.Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’” 3:31 Koran

“In the Messenger of Allah you have a fine examplefor he who hopes for Allah and the Last Dayand remembers Allah abundantly.” 33:21 Koran

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“We did not send a Messengerexcept that he should be obeyed,by the permission of Allah.If, when they had wronged themselves,they had come to youand asked Allah for forgiveness,and the Messenger had asked for forgiveness for them,they would have foundAllah the Turner, the Merciful.” 4:64 Koran

“Believers, obey Allah and obey the Messengerand those in authority among you. Should you dispute about anythingrefer it to Allah and the Messenger,if you believe in Allah and the Last Day.That is better and the best interpretation.” 4:59 Koran

“Whosoever obeys the Messenger,indeed he has obeyed Allah.As for those who turn away,We have not sent you to be their protector.” 4:80 Koran

“.... you (Prophet Muhammad),you surely guide to a Straight Path.” 42:52 Koran

“.... so let those who disobey His command beware,lest they are struck by sedition,or, they are stricken with a painful punishment.” 24:63 Koran

“Stay in your homes and do not display your fineryas pagan women used to doin the olden Days of Ignorance.Establish your prayers,pay the obligatory charity,and obey Allah and His Messenger.” 33:33 Koran

DO THE BEST ACCORDING TO YOUR ABILITY|H 157“Do not ask me (Prophet Muhammad) for other than that I mention to you. Those who were before you were ruined by asking many questions and then differing with their Prophets.

When I forbid something to you keep away from it altogether. When I prescribe something for you carry it out according to your ability.”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Hurairah who related that the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said this.

BEWARE OF INNOVATIONS |H 158“The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, delivered a moving

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speech and we said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, this sounds like farewell advice.’ Then he said: ‘I advise you to fear Allah, and to hear and obey even if a slave is put in authority over you. Those of you who out live me will observe many differences. When such time arrives hold fast to my way of life and the practice of my rightly guided successors (caliphs). Hold on to it by your back teeth - beware of innovations (that are not in the spirit of Islam) - innovation leads to the wrong path (in adapting another faith and practice).”

Abu Daud and Tirmidhi with a chain up to Irbah son of Sariah who related this.

THE RESULT OF DISOBEDIENCE|H 159“’All my nation will enter Paradise, except those who defy me.’ The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, was asked: ‘Who are those who defy, O Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him?’ He said: ‘He who obeys me will enter Paradise but he who disobeys will not.’"

Bukhari with a chain up to Abu Hurairah who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.

OBEY ALLAH |H 1914“Whosoever vows to obey Allah, should obey Him. But whosoever vows to disobey Allah, should not do so.”

Bukhari with a chain up to Lady Ayesha, wife of the Prophet, may Allah be pleased with her, Mother of Believers, who related that the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.

STUBBORNNESS |H 160“A man ate with his left hand in the presence of the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, whereupon the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, advised him to eat with his right hand. In arrogance he replied: ‘I am unable to do so.’ The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, said: ‘May you not be able to so.’ Thereafter the man could not raise his hand to his mouth.”

Muslim with a chain up to Salamah, son of Amr son of Al Akwa' who related this.

IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING PRAYER ROWS STRAIGHT|H 161“Keep your rows straight during prayers, if you do not Allah will create dissension among you.

The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, insisted that we keep our rows straight to the extent that they were as straight as arrows. He continued to emphasize this till he felt sure we had realized its importance.

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One day he came into the mosque to lead the prayer and as he was about to pronounce the opening takbir (Allahu Akbar) he noticed the chest of one of the worshipers protruding out of the line and said: ‘Worshipers of Allah, keep your rows straight or else Allah will create dissension among you.’”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Nu'man son of Bashir who related that he heard the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, say this.

FIRE IS YOUR ENEMY|H 162“One night a house in Medina caught fire. The roof and walls fell in upon its occupants. When this was related to the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, he said: ‘Fire is your enemy; when you go to sleep put it out.’"

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Musa who related this.

BENEFITS OF KNOWLEDGE|H 163“Concerning the guidance and knowledge with which I (Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him) have been endowed, it can be compared to rain that falls upon the land. Part of the land is good and fertile; the dry grass turns green and a considerable amount of new fresh grass is produced.

Another part is dry but stores water and with it Allah benefits people, they drink from it and use it for cultivation.

Another part is a barren plain which neither retains water nor produces fresh grass.

Such are the cases of those who understand the religion sent down by Allah and benefit from that with which Allah has sent to me, studying and teaching it.

(The last example refers to) those who do not raise their heads to gain religious knowledge nor do they accept the guidance with which I have been sent.”

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abu Musa who related: The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, said this.

THE EXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET, praise and peace be upon him |H 164“My example and your example is as a man who kindles a fire and moths and insects rush toward it and fall in to it and I try to stop them. I hold you by your waists (to save you) from Hell, but you struggle escaping from my hands.”

Muslim with a chain up to Jabir who related that the Prophet, praise and peace be

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upon him, said this.

SATAN IS EVER WAITING|H 165“The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, encouraged the licking of fingers and the cleaning plates saying: ‘You do not know which part of the food has the greater blessing. If anyone drops (even) a little bit of food he should pick it up, remove the dust from it and so on, then eat it and not leave it for satan. Neither should one wipe their hands with a napkin without licking the food from ones fingers - you do not know which part of the food has the greater blessing.’"

In another narration:"satan is present with you at all times, even when you are eating. If a small piece of food falls from your hand, you should pick it up, cleanse it of dust and so on, then eat it and not leave it for satan."

Muslim with a chain up to Jabir who related this.

INNOVATIONS |H 166“O people, you will be assembled before Allah bare-footed, naked and uncircumcised. Allah, the Exalted will say: '... As We originated the first creation, so will We bring it back again. This is a binding promise on Us which We shall assuredly fulfill.' 21:104 Koran

Beware, the first to be clothed will be Prophet Abraham. Some of my nation will be brought who will be led to the left side. I will call out: ‘O Lord, these are my companions.’ So I will be told: "You are unaware of the innovations they perpetrated after you.’ Then I shall say what another righteous worshiper of Allah (Jesus) said: '... I witnessed them whilst living in their midst and ever since You took me to You,You have been the Watcher over them. You are the Witness of everything. If You punish them (for their disbelief), they surely are Your subjects; and if You forgive them, surely You are the Almighty, the Wise.' 5:117-118 Koran

Then I will be told: ‘Since your parting, they continued to turn away on their heels.’"

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to ibn Abbas tells us that the Prophet, advised us this.

DO NOT FLICK STONES |H 167“The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, forbade the shooting of pebbles as missiles by flicking the thumb and forefinger saying: ‘Such a shot neither kills game, nor is an enemy stopped, but it can injure an eye or break a tooth.’

A relative of ibn Mughat'fal flicked a pebble in this manner and he

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rebuked him saying: ‘The Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, forbade it and told us that it will not kill game.’ But the man did not desist and repeated his act whereupon Ibn Mughaft'al said: ‘I told you the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, has forbidden such a shot and yet you repeated it. I will never speak to you again.’"

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to Abdullah son of Mughaffal who related this.

THE BLACK STONE|H 168“I saw Omar son of Khattab kissing the Black Stone and I heard him say: ‘I am well aware you are only a piece of rock and have no power to confer a benefit or to harm. If I had not seen the Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, kiss you I would never have kissed you.’"

Bukhari and Muslim with a chain up to 'Abis son of Rabi'a who related this.

HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOLY FAMILY Allah, the Exalted says:“..... O family of the HouseAllah only wishes to distance fault from you,and to cleanse you,and to purify you abundantly.” 33:33 Koran

“…. he who venerates the waymarks of Allah,surely, it is from the piety of the hearts.” 22:32 Koran

LOOK AFTER THE DESCENDANTS OF THE PROPHET, praise and peace be upon him|H 347“I (Husain son of Sabrah) and Amr the son of Muslim went to Zaid the son of Arqam. After we had seated ourselves I said: ‘Zaid, you have received a great amount of virtue. You saw the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, heard him talk, fought along with him and prayed behind him. Indeed, you have received a lot of virtue. So Zaid, tell us what you heard from the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him.‘ He said: ‘My nephew, I am now old and have become senile, and there are some things I remember from the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, and some I have forgotten. So what I tell you accept, and do not force me to recall that which I have forgotten.’ At Khumma, a spring between Mecca and Medina the Prophet, praise and peace be upon him, spoke to us. First, he praised Allah and exalted Him then he warned us and exhorted us saying: ‘O people, I am only a man and soon the Messenger (the Angel of Death) of my Lord will come and I shall respond to him. I am leaving with you two weighty things. The first is the Book of Allah, in it there is guidance and light. Hold fast to the Book of Allah

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and adhere to it. He emphasized this and urged us to do the same. Then he said: ‘The second is the members of my family. I call upon you in the Name of Allah to look after the members of my family. I call upon you in the Name of Allah to look after the members of my family.’ I asked: ‘Zaid, who are the members of his family, aren't his wives the members of his family?’ Zaid replied: ‘His wives are members of his family and they are also forbidden to accept charity after him.’ I asked: ‘Who are the others?’ Zaid replied: ‘They are the descendants of Ali, Aqil, Ja'far and Abbas. I inquired: ‘Have all of them been forbidden to accept charity?" Zaid replied: ‘Yes.’”

“Listen well, I am leaving with you two weighty things. One is the Book of Allah; which is the rope of Allah. Whosoever follows it will be rightly guided, but whosoever discards it will be go astray."

Muslim with a chain up to Yazid the son of Hayyan who related that Husain the son of Sabrah, Amr son of Muslim and he went to Zaid son of Arqam and he said this.

HONOR THE HOLY FAMILY|H 348“Honor Prophet Muhammad, praise and peace be upon him, by honoring the members of his family.”

Bukhari with a chain up to ibn Omar who related that Abu Bakr said this.

LOOK AFTER THE DESCENDANTS OF THE PROPHET |H 719“The Messenger of Allah, praise and peace be upon him, stood to deliver a sermon. He praised Allah and exalted Him. Then he warned us and exhorted us saying, 'O people, I am only a man and soon the Messenger of my Lord (Gabriel) will come and I shall go with him. I am leaving with you two weighty matters. The first is the Book of Allah, in it there is guidance and light. Hold fast to the Book of Allah and adhere to it.' He emphasized this and urged us to do the same. Then he said, 'Secondly, the members of my family - I call upon you in the Name of Allah to look after the members of my family, I call upon you in the Name of Allah to look after the members of my family.'”

There are numerous Prophetic quotations, amongst which is that of Muslim with a chain up to Zaid, the son of Arqam previously reported in the chapter of "Honoring the Family of the House of the Messenger of Allah," praise and peace be upon him, in which he said this.

INDEX

THE OBLIGATION TO OBEY ALLAH AND

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HIS PROPHETpraise and peace be upon him

BOOK 46

OBLIGATION TO OBEY ALLAHKORANSUPPLICATION FOR OBEDIENCE TO ALLAHALLAH DOES NOT OVERBURDEN YOU

THE OBLIGATION TO OBEY THE HOLY PROPHET, praise and peace be upon himKORANDO THE BEST ACCORDING TO YOUR ABILITYBEWARE OF INNOVATIONS THE RESULT OF DISOBEDIENCEOBEY ALLAH STUBBORNNESS IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING PRAYER ROWS STRAIGHTFIRE IS YOUR ENEMYBENEFITS OF KNOWLEDGEEXAMPLE OF THE PROPHET, praise and peace be upon him SATAN IS EVER WAITINGINNOVATIONS DO NOT FLICK STONES THE BLACK STONE

HONORING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOLY FAMILYKORAN LOOK AFTER THE DESCENDANTS OF THE PROPHET, praise and peace be upon himHONOR THE HOLY FAMILYLOOK AFTER THE DESCENDANTS OF THE PROPHET

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