[Someone, among my most dear and respected, asked me to provide a ONE-PAGE introduction to the life and teachings of the Prophet. This is my attempt to fulfill that request. It contains full annotation and/or reference to each aspect that is included here. Your feedback in this regard is most welcome.]
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious
Muhammad (s): His life and teachings (in One-Page)
Islam is the same way of life (Deen) that has been propagated from the beginning of mankind through all the
prophets1, the last of whom was Muhammad (s)2. Born in Makkah (570
AD; died 633 AD), he grew up as an orphan (father died before birth; mother at 6; and grandfather at 8). Then, he lived with his uncle.
During his youth, he was already active in contemporary social concerns. Against the widespread violence and insecurity in society, he was actively involved in
Hilf al-Fudhul, a pact to always stand on the side of victims of injustice. With his uncle, he took several trips to far away places for trade. Soon he was a businessman himself and was doing very well. As his reputation grew, Khadija (r), a wealthy widow with considerable business activities, sought him as her employee to manage her business. Thus, as part of his upbringing as planned by
God, he was an employee of a woman. Khadija (r), fifteen years older than him, was so impressed with Muhammad (s) that she took the initiative to propose to him for marriage.
[In Islam women are
awliya (guardian/protector) of each other and
can own and run business, and they can initiate marriage
proposal.]3
Makkan community gave him the title, al-Amin (the trustworthy). He showed remarkable statesmanship in reconciling people's differences and avoid conflict as in the case of restoring of the black stone of Ka'ba to its original place. Indeed,
Islah or reconciliation is a very important goal of
Islam.4
While married to Khadija (r), Muhammad (s) used to visit the cave of Hira, where, away from outside distractions, he used to meditate. During one such meditation, he received revelation (610 AD). Khadija (r) was the first to become
a Muslim. Soon Muhammad (s) delivered Islam's message to the broader
community that earlier gave him the title, al-Amin. Incrementally, he faced tremendous opposition and adversity. But truth gradually prevailed. Through his and his companions' steadfastness, character, and sacrifice, they won over many more people. Indeed, over time, especially after migrating to Madinah, a new society was established that evolved under his leadership and guidance.
To God, the two supreme attributes
are that he is al-Rahman and al-Rahim, derived from the root word
Rahmat (mercy,
compassion).5 The Prophet was sent by God as an embodiment of Rahmat to the believers, the humanity, and the entire
creation.6 As the last Messenger his primary duty was to inform people about the truth and reality of
Tawheed (pure and absolute monotheism),7 to warn them about the eternal doom for rejection of the truth and the good news of eternal salvation for embracing the
truth.8
His life serves as the complete model for us to follow.9 Based on
five goal-oriented pillars10 - Shahadat (witnessing), Salat
(prayer), Zakat (almsgiving), Hajj (pilgrimage), and
Siyam (fasting) - he presented Islam to humanity. Individually and collectively, the overriding concern of Islam is to build a just, humane, virtuous, and dynamic society based on human freedom, dignity, harmony, cooperation, rule of law and mutual
consultation.11 In Islam seeking knowledge and education are obligatory on all, men and
women, and the spirit of sincere inquiry is the norm.12 Upholding honesty, trust,
justice and honoring contracts/promises/treaties are among the foremost values for
Muslims.13 To be kind, gentle, courteous, and helpful to others should be second nature of
Muslims.14 Preserving the sanctity of life, standing up against oppression and injustice and defending the
weak and vulnerable
all the way - regardless of their religion, gender, nationality, language, age - are fundamental obligations of
Muslims.15
He has given stern warning against any extremity in regard to life or Islam.16 Moderation and lenience in
Deen,17 on one hand, and uncompromising stand against cruelty, injustice, or
coercion,18 on the other, are hallmarks of his teachings. He taught
to live fully, seek and enjoy the bounties of
Allah,19 without extravagance.20 He regularly helped his family in mundane
matters21 and had fun times with them (he foot-raced with his wife
Ayesha).22 He used to be nice and gracious even to
strangers.23 He used to joke with the people around him.24 He used to be very upset against those who make Islam appear hard to
others.25 He taught people to do good deeds (Amali Salihat), big or small, that positively touch others'
lives.26 He taught us to think nice about our Rabb and expect grace from
him, while doing the best we can worship and serve as his
servants.27
Serving/honoring parents, maintaining family relationships,
and confining sex only within marriage are basics to
Islam.28 Seeking opportunity to remove someone's sadness, burden, or suffering was among his daily
aspirations.29 He used to help people in their immediate needs, but also emphasized long-term solutions (for example, providing fishing rod instead of just a
fish).30 He taught: a Muslim is he from whose hand and mouth people (not just Muslims) are
safe31; he is not a Muslim who fills his stomach, while his neighbors go
hungry32; he is not a believer who does not like for his brothers (fellows) what he like for
himself.33
[Note: A complete presentation of the Prophet's life was, of course, not intended here.]
Short reference:
-
42/ash-Shura/13; 3/ale-Imran/19
-
33/al-Ahzab/40
-
9/al-Tauba/71
-
11/Hud/88; Sunan Abu Dawood, vol. 3, #4901
-
6/al-An'am/54; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Chapter 55
-
9/at-Tauba/61; 34/al-Saba/28; 21/al-Ambiya/107; 9/at-Tauba/128
-
35/al-Fatir/3
-
6/al-An'aam/47
-
33/al-Ahzab/21
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, #7
-
4/an-Nisa/135; 2/al-Baqarah/256; 42/al-Shura/38; 3/Ale Imran/64; 5/al-Maida/3
-
96/al-Iqra/1-2; Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, #224; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, #61
-
9/al-Tauba/119; 4/an-Nisa/58; Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #4971; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #117
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #473; 3/ale Imraan/159; Riyadus Saleheen, #633; Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 2, #9688
-
5/al-Maidah/35]; 4/an-Nisaa/135; 4/an-Nisa/75; 2/al-Baqarah/193
-
4/an-Nisa'a/171; Sahih Muslim, #6874; Sahih Muslim, #6450
-
2/al-Baqara/143
-
4/an-Nisaa/135; Riyadus Saleheen, #203; Riyadus Saleheen, #204
-
28/al-Qasas/77
-
7/al-A'raf/31
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #102; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #65
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Chapter 81 on "To be cheerful with the people"; Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 6, #24173
-
Sunan Abu Dawood, #5175
-
Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #5205 [see the Hadith Humor page]
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, #69; Sunan Dar Qutni, Vol. 4, Kitab al-Rida, p. 184 - A similar but more authentic version is available in Sunan Abu Dawood, #3791; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #273
-
45/al-Jathiya/30; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol.4, #232; Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, #391; Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #5225
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #596; Sahih al-Bukhari,Vol. 8, #470
-
4/an-Nisaa/1; 47/Muhammad/22-23; Sahih Muslim, #6198; Sunan Ibn Majah, #3362; Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3, #3465; 17/Bani-Israil/32
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, #552
-
Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 2, #1637
-
Musnad-i-Ahmad, #6762
-
al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad, #112; al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak, Vol. 4, #167
-
Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1: #12
Full annotation:
1. "The same religion has He established for you as that which He enjoined on Noah - the which We have sent by inspiration to thee - and that which We enjoined on Abraham, Moses, and Jesus: Namely, that ye should remain steadfast in religion, and make no divisions therein: to those who worship other things than Allah, hard is the (way) to which thou callest them. Allah chooses to Himself those whom He pleases, and guides to Himself those who turn (to Him)." [42/ash-Shura/13]
"The Religion before Allah is Islam (submission to His Will): Nor did the People of the Book dissent therefrom except through envy of each other, after knowledge had come to them. But if any deny the Signs of Allah, Allah is swift in calling to account." [3/ale Imran/19]
2. "Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal [khatam] of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things." [33/al-Ahzab/40]
3. "The believers, men and women, are AWLIYA (protectors, guardians, patrons), one of another; they enjoin what is Ma'roof and forbic what is Munkar; they observe regular prayers, practise regular charity, and obey God and His Apostle. On them will God pour His mercy, for God is Exalted in power, Wise." [9/al-Tauba/71]
4. He (Shu'aib) said: "O my people! See you whether I have a Clear (Sign) from my Rabb, and He has given me sustenance (pure and) good as from Himself? I wish not, in opposition to you, to do that which I forbid you to do, I only desire (your) betterment (Islah) to the best of my power; and my success (in my task) can only come from Allah; in Him I trust, and to Him I turn." [11/Hud/88]
Abu al-Darda reported the Apostle of Allah (s) as saying: "Shall I not inform you of something more excellent in degree than fasting, prayer, and sadaqah? The people replied: Yes, Prophet of Allah! He said: It is Islah -- putting things right between people; spoiling them is the shaver (destructive)." [Sunan Abu Dawood, vol. 3, #4901]
5. When those come to you who believe in Our Signs, say: "Peace be on you: Your Rabb has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy: verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented, and amended (his conduct), lo! He is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful. [6/al-An'am/54]
Narrated Abu Hurairah: "When Allah had created the creation, He wrote a Book (kept) with Him (and the Book included): "My mercy dominates My anger." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, Chapter 55]
6. "he is ... a mercy to the believers."[9/at-Tauba/61]
We have not sent thee but as a universal (Messenger) to men, giving them glad tidings, and warning them (against sin), but most men understand not. [34/al-Saba/28]
"[O Muhammad!] We sent you not, but as a mercy for all creatures." [21/al-Ambiya/107]
Now has come to you a Messenger from among yourselves: it grieves him that you should perish: ardently anxious is he over you: to the believers is he most kind and merciful. [9/at-Tauba/128]
7. O People! Call to mind the grace of Allah to you! Is there a Creator, other than Allah, to give you sustenance from heaven or earth? There is no ILAH (god; worthy of our submission) but He: how then are you deluded away from the Truth! [35/al-Fatir/3]
8. We send the Messengers only to give good news and to warn: so those who believe and mend (their lives), upon them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. [6/al-An'aam/47]
9. We have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a beautiful pattern (of conduct) for any one whose hope is in Allah and the Final Day, and who engages much in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah. [33/al-Ahzab/21]
10. Narrated Ibn Umar (r): "Allah's Apostle said: Islam is based on (the following) five (pillars): (a) To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle; (b) To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers; (c) To pay Zakat (i.e. obligatory charity); (d) To perform Hajj. (i.e. Pilgrimage to Mecca); (e) To observe fast during the month of Ramadan. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, #7] Beyond some specific worship and ritual, each of these pillars has certain goals. For example, fasting (siyam) is specifically for attaining and enhancing Taqwa (God-consciousness). " O believers! fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might attain God-conscious" [2:al-Baqarah/183]
11. O ye who believe! stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to Allah, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest ye swerve, and if ye distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily Allah is well-acquainted with all that ye do. [4/an-Nisa/135]
"Let there be no compulsion or coercion in religion; Truth stands out clear from Error; whoever rejects Taghut (evil) and believes in God has grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks; and, God hears and knows all things." [2/al-Baqarah/256]
"... that which is with God is better and more lasting for ... those who hearken to their Rabb, and establish regular prayer, who (conduct) their affairs by mutual consultation, who spend out of what We bestow upon them for sustenance." [42/al-Shura/38]
"Say: 'O people of the Book! come to common terms as between us and you: that we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with Him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than God.' If then they turn back, say: 'Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (bowing to God's Will).'" [3/Ale Imran/64]
"...help (cooperate) one another in matters of Birr and Taqwa; and do not help (cooperate) in Ithm (sin) and transgression...." [5/al-Maida/3 or ]
12. " Read! In the name of your Lord who created… created man from a mere clot of blood…" [96/al-Iqra/1-2]
The Prophet (s) said: "Seeking knowledge is incumbent upon every Muslim..." [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, #224]
Allah's Apostle said, "We have more right to be in doubt than Abraham when he said, 'My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.' He said, 'Do you not believe?' He said, 'Yes (I believe) but to be stronger in Faith.' (2/al-Baqarah/260)" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 6, #61] The spirit of this Hadith is to ask question for verification or understanding.
13. "O you who believe! Be conscious of God and be with those who are true (in word and deeds)." [9/al-Tauba/119]
"Allah doth command you to render back your Trusts to those to whom they are due; And when ye judge between man and man, that ye judge with justice: Verily how excellent is the teaching which He giveth you! For Allah is He Who heareth and seeth all things." [4/an-Nisa/58]
Abdullah (b. Mas'ud) reported the Apostle of Allah (p) as saying: Avoid falsehood, for falsehood leads to Hell; and if a person contines to speak falsehood and makes falsehood his object, he will be recorded in Allah's presence as a great liar. And adhere to truth, for truth leads to good deeds, and good deeds lead to Paradise. If a person continues to speak the truth and makes truth his object, he will be recorded in Allah's presence as eminently truthful." [Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #4971]
"The signs of a hypocrite are three: Whenever he speaks, he tells a lie; and whenever he promises, he breaks his promise; and whenever he is entrusted, he betrays (proves to be dishonest)". [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, Book 73, #117]
14. Narrated Jarir bin Abdullah: Allah's Apostle said: "Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to people." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #473]
It is part of the mercy of Allah that you do deal gently with them. Were you severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you: so pass over (their faults), and ask for (Allah's) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment). Then, when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah. For Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. [3/ale Imraan/159]
Narrated Hadrat Aisha (r), the Prophet said: "Allah is Kind and He likes kindness in everything." [Riyadus Saleheen, #633]
Someone asked: "O Messenger of Allah! A woman is famous for her prayers, fasting and many charities, but she talks rudely with her neighbors. Tell me, what will be her fate?" He replied: "She will go to Hell." Then the person asked: "O Messenger of Allah! Another woman does not do much by way of prayers and fasting; gives pieces of cheese in charity and does not harm her neighbors." He replied: "She is of the Paradise." [Musnad Ahmad; Vol. 2, #9688; Narrated by Abu Hurairah]
15. "On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land, it would be as if he slew the humanity; and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the humanity. Then although there came to them Our Apostles with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land." [5/al-Maidah/35]
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do." [4/an-Nisaa/135]
"And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!" [4/an-Nisa/75]
And fight them on until there is no more Tumult or oppression, and there prevail justice and faith in Allah; but if they cease, Let there be no hostility except to those who practise oppression. [2/al-Baqarah/193]
16. O People of the Book! Commit no excesses in your religion: nor say of Allah except but the truth... [4/an-Nisa'a/171]
"A person who would be thoroughly scrutinized (on the Day of Judgment by Allah) is ruined." [Hadhrat Aisha, Sahih Muslim, #6874]
"The people who exaggerate (or have hair-splitting tendency toward details) are ruined." [Sahih Muslim, #6450]
17. "Thus, have We made of you an Ummat justly balanced (moderate), that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves; ..." [2/al-Baqara/143]
18. "O you who believe! Stand out firmly for justice, as witnesses to God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin, and whether it be (against) rich or poor: for Allah can best protect both. Follow not the lusts (of your hearts), lest you swerve, and if you distort (justice) or decline to do justice, verily God is well-acquainted with all that you do." [4/an-Nisaa/135]
The Prophet said: "Avoid cruelty and injustice for, on the Day of Judgment, the same will turn into several darknesses; and guard yourselves against miserliness; for this has ruined nations who lived before you. Miserliness led them to bloodshed and to treat unlawful as lawful." [Riyadus Saleheen, #203]
The Prophet (s) said: "Allah will definitely enforce settlement of all the dues to those entitled to receive them on the Day of Judgment; even the wrong done to a hornless goat by a horned goat will be redressed." [Riyadus Saleheen, #204]
19. "But seek, with the (wealth) which God has bestowed on you, the Home of the Hereafter, nor forget your portion in this world; but do good as God has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land; for God loves not those who do mischief." [28/al-Qasas/77]
20. "O Children of Adam! wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer: eat and drink: But waste not by excess, for Allah loves not the wasters." [7/al-A'raf/31]
21. "Whenever the Prophet (s) finished the Asr prayer, he used to visit his wives and stay with them..." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #102]
Narrated Al-Aswad: I asked Aisha (r): What did the Prophet (s) use to do at home? She replied: He used to keep himself busy serving his family and when it was the time for prayer, he would get up for prayer. [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, #65]
22. Narrated Ibn Mas'ud: "Mix with the people on the condition that your Deen is not jeopardized, and be jestful with the family." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Chapter 81 on "To be cheerful with the people"] You might like to visit my Hadith Humor page - it's SERIOUSLY light stuff. (http://www.globalwebpost.com/farooqm/my_misc/hadith_humor/index.html )
Aisha (r) said, I raced with the Prophet (s) and beat him in the race. Later, when I had put on some weight, we raced again and he won. Then he said, 'This cancels that', referring to the previous occasion. [Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 6, #24173]
23. A man asked the Apostle of Allah (s): Which aspect of Islam is best? He replied: "That you should provide food and greet both those you know and those you do not know." [Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #5175]
24. Narrated Usayd ibn Hudayr, a man of the Ansar, said that while he was given to jesting and was talking to the people and making them laugh, the Prophet (s) poked him under the ribs with a stick. He said: Let me take retaliation. He said: Take retaliation. He said: You are wearing a shirt but I am not. The Prophet (s) then raised his shirt and the man embraced him and began to kiss his side. Then he said: This is what I wanted, Apostle of Allah! [Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #5205] For more, see the Hadith Humor Page.
25. "Facilitate things to people, do not make it hard for them; give them good tidings and do not make them run away." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, #69]
Narrated Abu Sa'laba: the Prophet (p) said, "Allah the Exalted has prescribed certain obligations which you should not neglect and has likewise fixed certain limits which should not be transgressed, and has prohibited certain things which should not be done, and has kept quiet about some matters simply as a matter of mercy for you, and not due to forgetfulness; so you should not be inquisitive about these things." [Sunan Dar Qutni, Vol. 4, Kitab al-Rida, p. 184; A similar but more authentic version is available in Sunan Abu Dawood, #3791]
Narrated Abu Musa Al-Ansari: A man came to Allah's Apostle (p) said, "O Allah's Apostle! By Allah, I fail to attend the morning congregational prayer because so-and-so prolongs the prayer when he leads us for it. I had never seen the Prophet (p) more furious in giving advice than he was on that day. He then said, "O people! some of you make others dislike (good deeds, i.e., prayer). So whoever among you leads the people in prayer, he should shorten it because among them there are the old, the weak, and the busy." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #273]
26. Then, as to those who believed and did righteous deeds (amali salihat), their Rabb will admit them to His Mercy: that will be the achievement for all to see. [45/al-Jathiya/30]
Narrated Abu Hurairah: Rasulullah (p) said, "There is a Sadaqa to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) everyday the sun rises. To judge justly between two persons is regarded as Sadaqa, and to help a person concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it is also regarded as Sadaqa, a pleasant word is also Sadaqa, and every step taken on one's way to offer the compulsory prayer is also Sadaqa, and to remove a harmful thing from the way is also Sadaqa." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol.4, #232]
Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet (p), "Leave me as I leave you, for the people who were before you were ruined because of their questions and their differences over their prophets. So, if I forbid you to do something, then keep away from it. And if I order you to do something, then do of it as much as you can." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 3, #391]
Abu Hurairah reported the Apostle of Allah (p) as saying: "A man never did a good deed but removed a thorny branch from the road; it was either in the tree and someone cut it and threw it on the road, or it was lying in it, he removed it. Allah accepted this good deed of his and brought him into Paradise." [Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 3, #5225]
27. "God said, 'I am to my servant as he thinks of Me.'" [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 9, #596]
Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah's Apostle (p) said, "The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from the hellfire)." They said, "Even you, O Allah's Apostle?" He said, "No, even I, unless and until Allah bestows His Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely, and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your target." [Sahih al-Bukhari; Vol. 8, #470]
28. "O mankind! Revere your Rabb, who created you from a single person; created, of like nature, its mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women; Revere Allah, through whom you demand your mutual (rights) and revere the wombs (Rahm) (that bore you): For Allah ever watches over you." [4/an-Nisaa/1]
"Would you then, if you were given the command, work corruption in the land and sever your ties of kinship (Arham)? Such are they whom Allah curses so that He defeats them and makes their eyes blind." [47/Muhammad/22-23]
Narrated Aisha (r) that the Prophet (s) said, "The womb, i.e. blood relation, is suspended from the Throne of Allah and announces: 'Allah will hold by him who holds by me; and Allah will cut asunder from him who cuts asunder from me." [Sahih Muslim, #6198]
A man asked the Prophet (s): 'What is the right of parents on their offsprings?' The Prophet (s) replied: " They are your Paradise and your Hell." [Sunan Ibn Majah, #3362]
"The entire world is full of resources, and among them the best resource is a righteous wife." [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 3, #3465]
"Nor come even near to adultery: For it is a shameful (deed), an evil, opening the road (to other evils)." [17/Bani-Israil/32]
29. "Visit the sick, feed the hungry, and free the captive." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 7, #552]
30. Sunan Abu Dawood, Vol. 2, #1637. This rather long Hadith provides an account of a beggar who came to the Prophet (s) to beg. The Prophet (s) helped him by guiding him and setting him up with an axe to earn his own livelihood. Thus, the Prophet (s) provided a long-term solution to the person's problem, which is the primary intent of Islam in regard to dealing with poverty and other socio-economic problems.
31. A person asked, O Prophet of God (p), whose Islam is excellent or the best (afdal)? He replied: "From whose tongue and hands the people (an-Nas: irrespective of Muslims or non-Muslims) are safe." [Musnad-i-Ahmad, #6762; narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr]
32. The Prophet (s) said: "He is not a believer who fills his stomach, while his neighbor nearby goes without food." [al-Bukhari in al-Adab al-Mufrad, #112; al-Hakim in al-Mustadrak, Vol. 4, #167]
33. "None of you will have faith till he wishes for his brother what he likes for himself." [Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 1, #12]
[Note: I have tried my best to check each references, particularly for Hadith, carefully and thoroughly. However, there can be some difference of opinion in regard to the status of authenticity of a specific Hadith. My intention is to include only acceptable Hadith. If there is still any error encountered or pointed out by anyone, please let me know and I will recheck those, insha'Allah. I can be contacted at farooqm@globalwebpost.com . Much of my works expounding further in light of what is presented here can be accessed at http://www.globalwebpost.com/farooqm under "my writings". Any error is solely my responsibility and I seek forgiveness and guidance from Allah in this regard. Please remember me and my dear ones in your prayer.]
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