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July 2025

Allah’s Command To Believers: Don’t Backbite

[ALLAH’S Quran – 49:12] “O ye who believe! Shun much suspicion; for lo! Some suspicion is a crime. And spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you love to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Ye abhor that (so abhor the other)! And keep your duty (to Allah). Lo! Allah is Relenting, Merciful.”

The Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) has said:
[Muslim, Book #032, Hadith #6265] “Abu Huraira (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: Do you know what is backbiting? They (the Companions) said: Allah and His Messenger know best. Thereupon, he (the Holy Prophet) said: Backbiting implies you are talking about your brother in a manner that he does not like. It was said to him: What is your opinion about this, that if I actually find (that failing) in my brother which I made a mention of? He said: If (that failing) is actually found (in him) what you assert, you in fact backbited him, and if that is not in him it is a slander.”

Charity Is Due Everyday

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “When you get up in the morning, charity is due from every one of your joints. There is charity in every ascription of glory to Allah; there is charity in every declaration of His Greatness; there is charity in every utterance of praise of Him; there is charity in every declaration that He is the only true God (worthy of worship); there is charity in enjoining good; there is charity in forbidding evil. Two Rak’ah of Duha (Forenoon prayer) is equal to all this (in reward)”. [Muslim].

Commentary:
There are three hundred and sixty joints in the human body. It is these joints which enable us to work and make all kinds of movements. If man’s body did not have these joints, it would have been impossible for him to sit, stand, lie, move, and use different organs of his body. Thus, every joint is a blessing for which one must express gratitude to Allah. It is yet another Blessing of Allah that He has also told man a very easy way of Thanksgiving, which can be practiced even by the poorest man in the world.

This means of Thanksgiving is recitation of Tasbih (Subhan Allah), Tahmid (Al-hamdu lillah), Takbir (Allahu Akbar), Tahlil (La ilaha illallah), and to preach virtue and forbid wrong/ unlawful, etc. If one is unable to do even this, then he should perform at least two Rak’ah prayer at any time between sunrise and sunset.

The Quran On Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the last messenger of Allah. History shows that he was known to be truthful and trustworthy even before he received the divine inspiration and became the Messenger of Allah. His actions, decisions, relaying the Divine Revelation, method of inviting people to the straight path, and implementing injunctions received from Allah, the Most Wise, are evidence of his absolute honesty, piety, and spirituality. As Muslims, our belief in Islam is not complete until we obey Allah and His Prophet (s). Allah commands us to do so in the same verse in the Quran:

Islam in the Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
“And obey Allah and the messenger (Muhammad (SAW)… (Quran, Surah Al-Maeda:92) Allah also told us about the excellence of the prophet’s (SAW) character in the following verse: Islam on The Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAS) “And Verily, For you (Muhammad (SAW)) are on an exalted (standard of) character” (Quran, Surah Al-Qalam:4). However, we are also not to elevate the prophet (s) to a level beyond the standard that Allah set for him and we are not to overstep the mark with regard to what the Quran states about the message and humanity of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)  said: “Do not exaggerate about me as was exaggerated about ‘Eesa ibn Maryam. Say: the slave of Allah and His Messenger.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6830.) The following paragraphs highlight some of the Quranic verses where Allah clarifies the role of the Prophet (SAW).

The Prophet was sent as a mercy to all mankind
Islam on the Quran on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). We have only sent you as a mercy to the worlds (Surah Al-Anbiya, Verse 107)

The Prophet was sent as a messenger and a Warner
Islam on The Quran on Prophet Muhammad (mercy )“O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Now has come to you Our Messenger (Muhammad SAW), making (things) clear unto you, after a break in (the series of) Messengers, lest you say: “There came unto us no bringer of glad tidings and no Warner.” But now has come unto you a bringer of glad tidings and a Warner. And Allah is Able to do all things. (Quran, Surah Al-Maida:19)”

Only Allah knows the unseen and decides how much to reveal to His messengers
Islam in The Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) “(He Alone) the All-Knower of the Ghaib (unseen), and He reveals to none His Ghaib (unseen).”

Except to a Messenger (from mankind) whom He has chosen (He informs him of unseen as much as He likes), and then He makes a band of watching guards (angels) to march before him and behind him. Quran (Surah Al-Jinn:27)”

The Prophet (SAW) did not have the power to guide anyone – He was only a messenger
Allah says in the Quran: Islam in the Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
“Indeed, (O Muhammad), you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills. (Quran, Surah Qasas, Verse 56)”

The prophet’s words were a reminder for all mankind
Islam in the Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) “And verily, those who disbelieve would almost make you slip with their eyes through hatred when they hear the Reminder (the Quran), and they say: “Verily, he (Muhammad SAW) is a madman!”

But it is nothing else than a Reminder to all the Alameen (mankind, jinns, and all that exists). (Quran, Surah Al-Qalam:51-52)”

The Prophet (SAW) never forged any of Allah’s messages
Islam in the Quran on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) “And if he (Muhammad SAW) had forged a false saying concerning Us (Allah), We surely should have seized him by his right hand (or with power and might), And then certainly should have cut off his life artery (Aorta), And none of you could withhold Us from (punishing) him. (Quran, Surah Al-Haqqah:44-47)

Allah also states that it is not up to the Prophet (SAW) to change Allah’s words in this verse. “And when Our Clear Verses are recited unto them, those who hope not for their meeting with Us, say: Bring us a Quran other than this, or change it.” Say (O Muhammad SAW): “It is not for me to change it on my own accord; I only follow that which is revealed unto me. Verily, I fear if I were to disobey my Lord, the torment of the Great Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection). (Quran, Surah Yunus:15).

The Prophet (SAW) did not claim to know anything more than what Allah had taught him
This is made clear when Allah says in the Quran, “Say (O Muhammad SAW): “I don’t tell you that with me are the treasures of Allah, nor (that) I know the unseen; nor I tell you that I am an angel. I but follow what is revealed to me by inspiration. Say: Are the blind and the one who sees equal? Will you not then take thought? (Quran, Surah Al An’aam, 50)”

Allah’s direct command to the Prophet (SAW) about conveying Allah’s message
In fact, we see the Quran’s (Allah’s) stern message when reminding the Prophet (SAW) of his responsibilities. Allah says in the Quran: “O Messenger (Muhammad SAW)! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind. Verily, Allah guides not the people who disbelieve” (Quran, Surah Al-Maeda:67).

The Prophet (SAW) was Allah’s last messenger
Obedience to Allah is what the Prophet exemplified. His (SAW) character epitomized Quranic teachings. His faith in Allah was pure and absolute. Through his manner of living and fulfilling the obligations of Islam, he illustrated Quranic teachings. In all, this he was following the instructions received from his Maker, Allah the Supreme, Who says in the Quran: “Muhammad (S) is not the father of any man among you, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last (end) of the Prophets. And Allah is Ever All Aware of everything. (Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab:40)”

Physical Beauty Of The Prophet

THE Prophet (peace be upon him) was both outwardly and inwardly perfect. We have heard and read about the beautiful character of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but not many of us are aware of his physical beauty. We find in the seerah many beautiful descriptions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) by his Companions, some of which are shared here:

Like a moon
Al-Baraa Bin Malik was asked, “Was the Messenger of Allah’s face sword-like?” He responded, “No, it was moon-like.” (Mishkat Al-Masabeeh, 2/518)

Another companion, Jabir Bin Samurah said, “I saw him at one full-moon night. I looked at him. He was dressed in a red garment. I compared him with the moon and found that — for me — he was better than the moon.” (Mishkat Al-Masabeeh, 2/518)

One point from the description of Al-Baraa was that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not have a thin and lean face; rather, he had a round face.

Ka‘b Bin Malik said: “When he (peace be upon him) was pleased, his face would shine with so bright light that you would believe that it was a moon-piece.” (Al-Bukhari, 1/502)

Description of Anas RA
Anas Bin Malik was the servant of the Prophet (peace be upon him) for 10 years, due to which his description is even more amazing. Usually those with us – wives, children, employees – are the ones who see the ‘worst’ side of our character because we do not fear reproach from them, but Anas narrated that he never even heard “uff” (the smallest expression of disgust) from the Prophet (peace be upon him)!

Anas said, “I have never touched silk or a silky garment softer than his hands; nor have I smelt a perfume or any scent nicer than his.” (Al-Bukhari)

Description of Umm Ma’bad RA
The description of Umm Ma’bad is the most comprehensive and detailed narration we have of the Prophet (peace be upon him). This woman, who would take care of travelers who passed by her tent, only saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) once. During the Hijrah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madina, he stopped by her tent with his companions for some rest and food.

It was narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him), his servant, a guide, and Abu Bakr, on their way, passed by her tent and asked her if they could buy some meat or dates from her, but she could not find anything. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) looked towards a sheep next to the tent. They had run out of provisions and were hungry. The Prophet (peace be upon him) asked Umm Ma’bad, “What is wrong with this sheep, dear Umm Ma’bad?”

She replied, “The sheep is fatigued and is weaker than the other sheep.”

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Does it milk?”

She replied, “I swear if I saw milk from it, then I would milk it.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) called the sheep and moved his hand over its udder; he pronounced the name of Allah and praised Him. Then he called Umm Ma’bad when the sheep steadied its feet and its udder filled. He asked for a large container and milked it until it was filled. The lady drank until full (meaning satisfied), his companions drank until full, then the others drank. Then it was milked for a second time until the container was full, and they left her and continued on their journey.

After a short while, her husband (Abu Ma’bad) returned from herding goats that were swaying from weakness. He saw the milk and said to his wife, “Where did you get this milk from, dear Umm Ma’bad. The sheep is single, and there is no milk in the house!”

She replied, “I swear by God, a blessed man came to us today.”

Abu Ma’bad said, “Describe him to me.”

She then began her description:
“His cleanliness was apparent.” The first thing she noticed about the Prophet (peace be upon him) is that his cleanliness was apparent. Imagine the situation of traveling during that time; the traveler would be bound to get some dirt on him, yet the Prophet (peace be upon him) was so clean that it was the first thing noticeable.

“His face was luminous, handsome disposition, he did not have a protruding stomach, nor did he have a small head, handsome, well proportioned, his eyes had wideness, his eyelashes were long, in his voice was raspiness/crackle, his neck was long, the white of his eyes was extremely white, and the black of his eyes was extremely black, it was as if he had kohl (eyeliner the Arabs used) on naturally, natural arching of his eyebrows, his hair extremely black, when he was silent he would be enveloped in an aura of respect, and if he spoke it was like a light protruding from him, the most beautiful of people from far, and the most beautiful from close, his speech was sweet, not short (tazar means someone who is very short and brief in their speech; they do not give you more than a ‘yes/no’ answer. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke, he did not speak in this manner), not very long (hathar is the opposite of tazar; it is to be very long and detailed in speech, to keep talking and talking, so much so that it can get annoying. Likewise the Prophet, peace be upon him) was not like this too), it was as if his speech were beads of a necklace cut (meaning that his words fall in order after one another and that his speech was organized), he is most respected, his companions would surround him, when he spoke they listened attentively to his speech, and if he ordered they hastened to it fully without frowning or refusing.”

She ends her description by talking about the respect that was shown to him, which only adds to his impressive personality and how the Companions would obey him.

Abu Ma’bad responded, “I swear by Allah, he is the one Quraish mentioned to us about his affair in Makkah. I am determined to accompany him; if I could go that way.” (Ibn Hisham, Imam Ahmad, Ibn Kathir’s Bidayah wa An-Nihayah, 2/190, authenticated by Ad-Dhahabi)

May Allah make us among those who truly love, follow, and will have the honor of living with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in paradise.

All Deeds Are Based On Intention

A Muslim believes in the great importance of intention and its importance for the reminder of his deeds, both in this world and the Hereafter. This is so because all deeds are based on intention. Due to it, the deed is strengthened or weakened. Depending on the intention, the deed is either valid or void. The belief of the Muslim, concerning the necessity of intention for every deed and the obligation to make the intention proper, is based first of all on Allah’s words: “And they were commanded not but that they should worship Allah and worship none but Him alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him).” [Noble Quran 98:5]

Allah has also said: “Say (O Muhammad): ‘Verily, I am commanded to worship Allah (alone) by obeying Him and doing religious deeds sincerely for His sake only.” [Noble Quran 39:11]

This belief is also based on Allah’s Messenger’s words: “Verily, all actions are but driven by intention, and for everyone is what he intended.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “Certainly, Allah does not look at your shapes or wealth. But He only looks at your heart and deeds.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Looking at the hearts is looking at the intentions, for it is the intention driving and motivating force behind the deed. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “He who seriously considered doing a good deed but did not do it, will have one good deed recorded for him.” [Muslim]

Just seriously considering a good deed is a good deed itself by which one earns a reward. This is due to the virtuousness of having a proper intention. Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “There are four types of people: one is a man whom Allah has given knowledge and wealth. He acts with respect to his wealth based on his knowledge. Another person says that if Allah had given him similar to what He gave the first man, he would have acted in the same fashion. The reward for both of them will be the same. A third person is one, to whom Allah gives wealth, but He does not give knowledge. Therefore, he spends money according to his desire. Another man says that if Allah had given him, what He had given that person, he would have acted in the same manner. These two will have the same burden upon them.” [Ibn Majah with a good chain]

The one who has a pious intention is rewarded for a good deed and the one who has an evil intention will bear its burden just like the one who did an impious deed. All of that is due to intention alone.

Non-Combatant receive a reward like that of a Combatant
At the Battle of Tabuk, Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There are people concerning whom you do not travel any distance, nor do you spend anything, nor do you pass any valley, but they are with you in that matter.” The people said, “How is that?” He said, “They have been restrained due to some excuse, but they are with us because of good intention.” [Bukhari and Abu Dawud]

Good intention is what makes the non-combatant equal in reward to the combatant. It is what makes the non-Mujahid receive a reward like that of a Mujahid.

Murderer and murdered will be in Hell
Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) also said: “If two Muslims meet each other with their swords, then both the killer and the killed will be in the Hell-fire.” Someone said, “O Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), that is the case of the killer, but why should that be the case for the killed?” He answered, “Because he wanted to kill his companion.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

The impious intention and evil desire have made both fighters equal in deserving the Hell-fire. If the killed did not have that evil intention, he would have been from the inhabitants of Paradise.

The intention is the soul of the deed and its value
Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) states: “The one who marries based on a dower that he has no intention of paying is, in fact, a fornicator. And one, who takes a loan that he has no intention of repaying, is, in fact, a thief.” [Ahmad]

Therefore, an evil intention can transform a permissible deed into a forbidden one. It can also change a deed that is free from any harm into a harmful deed.

All of the above emphasize what a Muslim believes concerning the seriousness of intention and its extreme importance. Therefore, he bases all of his deeds upon a pious intention. He also strives his best not to perform any deed without any intention or with an impure intention. The intention is the soul of the deed and its value. The deed is sound if the intention is sound, and the deed is wicked if the intention is wicked. The one who performs the deeds without intention is done for show.

Intention is the driving force in the heart towards a deed that is in accord with a sound goal
Furthermore, a Muslim believes that intention is an essential component of deeds and a condition for the validity of the deed. He also knows that the intention is not simply the statement of the tongue, “O Allah, I intend such and such….” Nor is it simply a thought in the mind. Instead, it is the driving force in the heart towards a deed that is in accord with a sound goal of bringing about the benefit or repelling harm, presently or in the future. It is also the will that directs a person a deed for the sake of Allah and fulfill His Commands.

A Muslim, therefore, also believes that a permissible act may become an act of obedience, worthy of reward and recompense. At the same time, an act of obedience, if it is void of a pious intention, becomes an act of disobedience worthy of punishment and burden. He also does not believe that an act of disobedience can be changed into an act of obedience simply due to a good intention.

For example, the one who backbites a person just to make another person feel better has disobeyed Allah and has sinned. His “good intention” will not benefit him at all in consideration with Allah, the one who builds a mosque, with money from prohibited sources, will not be rewarded. A deed is not transformed by a pious intention into an act of obedience unless it was something permissible in the Shari’ah in the first place. As for a forbidden act, it never becomes an act of obedience under any circumstances whatsoever.

The Prophet said, “He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him). [Bukhari]