Some Examples of the Practices of The Messenger of Love

Xeynab

Published: 2013

Tag(s): islam

Chapter   1

Introduction

… There was only one, a monotheist with the religion of Prophet Ibrahim. Before he was appointed prophet at the age of forty, everyone knew him as trustworthy,honest and a personage of good conduct. And when appointed prophet, he said he was only sent to complete the noble moral traits. Thus his whole life, behavior, manner, and words were all and all goodness, purity and the teaching of good manners.

So it will not be fair if we consider his manner only a collection of words and deeds, and deprive ourselves of his life-giving teachings.

This book has been published to provide a chance for some thinking to be used in our life today and in the future.

We will hopefully be the true followers of the "The Messenger of Love".

Islamic Relations Office

and Foreign Pilgrims' Affairs

of Astan Quds Razavi

Chapter   2

And He Was like This…!3

“And thou (standest) on an exalted standardof character.” 1,2

He used to sit on the floor and eat food. He mended his shoes and sewed his clothes by his own hands. He rode on the donkey without a saddle and let the children ride double with him.

He filled social gaps by creating solidarity, and thus made distances near. After the fire of enmity and hatred had penetrated hearts, he settled intimacy among the relatives.

The prophet was the best of people. Both in the childhood and old age, he was the most decent and the most honorable person, and his manners the purest, and his generosity the everlasting rain.

1 The translations of the verses of the Holy Qur'an arefrom Abdullah Yusufali .

2 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 68 (The Pen), Verse 4 .

3 Nahj al-Balaghah, Sermons 105, 160, 231.

Chapter   3

We Should Be in No Need

“Hold to forgiveness; command what is right” 1

He always said, "Whoever is moderate, God will set him free from want and the one who lives extravagantly, God will render him poor.

"He lived in this way. He was moderate in his clothing and food. He stopped eating before he was full. In his clothing, too, he was satisfied with the simplest and cheapest, the same clothes as others and even simpler.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7 (The Heights), Verse 199.

2 Mahajat al-Baydha, Vol. 6, P. 220 .

Chapter   4

The Criterion of Nobility

“Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.”1

No one would accept (the suggestions). They finally decided to take the issue to the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)

Why should a young man be the governor of Mecca while there were seniors in age among the Companions?

The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)said, "Age is not a criterion for undertaking a responsibility; the criteria are worthiness and virtue but not age. And it is virtue and worthiness which are the reasons for nobility."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49 (The Inner Apartments),Verse 13.

2 Usd al-Ghabeh, Vol. 3, P. 556.

Chapter   5

To Respect You

“O ye who believe! When ye are told to make room in the assemblies, (spread out and)make room: (ample) room will Allah provide for you.” 1

I entered the mosque. It was prayer time and no one was there but the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants). I went straight to him. When he saw me,he moved as if the mosque were crowded and he wanted to give me a place to sit.

I said, "May I be your ransom! There is a lot of room in this big mosque, why did you change your place?" The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) said," It is an obligation for every Muslim to give his place to someone who wants to sit beside him as a sign of respect."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 58 (The Woman whopleads), Verse 11.

2 Bahar al-Anwar, v 16, P 240.

Chapter   6

Little but Always

“On no soul doth Allah Place a burden greater than it can bear.”1

I was by A'isha when the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) entered the room. A'isha wanted to introduce me, so she said, "This woman is from Bani Asad tribe and she has been praying for nights and has been awake till morning."

It was supposed to be the best way to introduce me. I was self- glorified and expected the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) to encourage me. But he reproved us and said," Stop it! Do as much as you have the ability to!

God likes most what is done for Him continuously"

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2 (The Heifer), Verse 286.

2 Bahar al-Anwar, v 103, P 109.

Chapter   7

Work as Long as You Are Healthy!

“That man can have nothing but what he strives for…” 1

I was sweating a lot. I had been shouting so much that I had no energy left. Three days had gone by since the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) had repeated his advice.

I was happy for the profit I had gained from selling the merchandise of my caravan,and was on my way home. The Prophet's kindness tempted me to change my way towards his home in the hope of receiving a gift from him.

I entered and greeted him. The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) replied: "God will satisfy the one who sets himself free from need, and the one who knocks at a door in need, God will open seventy doors of poverty before him, which can never be closed. And giving alms to someone who is not needy, has a healthy body and can work is not lawful."

I left the Prophet's home without saying or asking for anything, and decided not to stop working as long as I was healthy.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 53 (The Star), Verse 39.

2 Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 103, P 109.

Chapter   8

You Should not Feign Poverty!

“This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you and yours is lawful unto them.” 1

I knew him. He earned well and had a good life, but always wore clothes as if he were poor. Once he came to the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)wearing those meager clothes. The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) asked about his fortune, he replied:

"Thanks God. I have all kinds of blessings." His Holiness said, "Why is it that I do not find a sign of it in your clothes?"

1 The Holy Qur'an,Chapter 5 (The Table Spread),Verse 6.

2 Farhang Poya Quarterly, Issue: winter 2007.

Chapter   9

I Respect Your Belief and Idea

“Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.”1

He respected everyone's thought and idea, it made no difference whether they were Muslims, Christians, or Jewishs. In an agreement signed with the Christians inthe second year of Hijrah, he writes:" I hereby promise that I will not change their priests and monks, that I won't expel the hermits from monasteries, that I will not stop travelers, that I will not destroy their temples,and that I will not accept anything from their churches to build a mosque with. And anyone who does these is breaking God's promise… Christians are completely free in their religious ceremonies"

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 60 (The Woman To Be Examined), Verse 8.

2 Islam and Human Rights, P. 399.

Chapter   10

Kindness Contest

“Some who are, by Allah's leave, foremost ingood deeds; that is the highest Grace.”1

All my insistence could not persuade him. I said, "You are God's Prophet, May I ransom you with my father and mother! Please don't do it! "Persistence was of no use. When the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) had performed ablution I held a shirt to cover him. Now that I wanted to wash myself, Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)wanted to do the same and my persistence did not change anything.

When I finished, he said, "Hudhayfah! Know that from two companions, God loves more the one who is more kind to his friend."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 35 (The Originator of Creation), Verse 32.

2 Safinato-al-Bihar, Vol. 1, P. 416.

Chapter   11

God Bless You

“Help ye one another in righteousness and piety, but help ye not one another in sin and rancor: fear Allah, for Allah is strict in punishment.” 1

I said,"Would you like the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) to pray for your blessing?" He was surprised and said, "Why wouldn't I?"I said "So, come and help me because God's Messenger has said,"God will bless the child who helps his parents, the parents who help their child, the neighbor who helps another neighbor, a friend who helps his friend, a companion who helps his companion and people who help their ruler."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5(The Table Spread) ,Verse 2.

2 Vasael- al-Shi'ah, Vol. 11, P. 592.

Chapter   12

Lean back Salman!

“When those come to thee who believe in Our signs, Say: "Peace be on you: Your Lord hath inscribed for Himself (the rule of) mercy…” 1

When Salman entered, the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) took the cushion he was leaning on and put it behind Salman and said," Salman! Know that every Muslim who does this to respect his brother, God will bless him."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 6 (Cattle), Verse 54.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh, Vol.1, P. 41.

Chapter   13

Against him

“Muhammad is the apostle of Allah. and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other.” 1

"Abujahl! Give this man what is due him!"The Prophet's anger made me so terrified that I was obviously shaking. I rushed home and brought the rest of the Arab's money back to him. I thought I had bought the camels for nothing and this stranger would not dare to ask about the rest of his money. But now no one wanted to interfere – nobody – from the Ghoraish tribe or others.

I don't know how this man come to know the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants). I don't know before him.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 48 (Victory), Verse 29.

2 A Summary of the Prophet's Code of Manner, P. 87.

Chapter   14

The Key to Paradise

“If Allah had so willed, He would have made you a single people, but (His plan is) to test you in what He hath given you: so strive as in a race in all virtues.”1

I said to myself: "Right, it is battlefield, and I may never get a chance to see the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)again. I should ask what will guarantee heaven for me." I took the saddle of the Prophet's camel in my hands and said, " Holy Prophet!

Please teach me something that will lead me to paradise." What I heard was nothing like prayer, fast,supplication, war, or Jihad. He said, "Treat people in the same way you like them to treat you. Avoid treating them in the way you yourself do not like to be treated."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5(The Table Spread), Verse 51.

2 A Hundred and Twenty Lessons from the Life and Sirah of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants).

Chapter   15

Under the Sun

“ Nay- Those that keep their plighted faith and act a right,-verily Allah loves those who act a right.” 1

I said," We need to find a shady place. We can't stay here. He may be late and till he comes, the scorching sun will hurt us."

The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)said, "I stay where we have arranged to meet. If he comes late, he will be the one who has not kept his promise, not I."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 3 (The Family of 'Imran),Verse 76.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh, P. 24.

Chapter   16

Work for God

“Those who do wish for the (things of) the Hereafter, and strive therefore with all due striving, and have Faith,- they are the ones whose striving is acceptable (to Allah).” 1

It was early morning and a young man was working hard and sweating. I wanted to show myself before the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants),so I said," If this young man used his power and ability in the way of God, he would deserve adoration."

His Holiness (Peace be upon him and his descendants)said," Do not say that! If he works to earn a living so as not to be dependent on others, he is in the way of God.

If he works to support his feeble parents or some needy children and set them free from the need of people, again,he is in the way of God. But if he works to show off with his money before the poor and add to his wealth and fortune, he is going away from the way of God and is following the path of Satan."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17 (Isra'), Verse 19.

2 The Great Prophet Website .

Chapter   17

A Drink of Milk

“And lower thy wing to the Believers who follow thee.”1

The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)would often accept invitations, either from a slave or from a freeman. He would accept the gift, even a drink of milk, and would give a gift in return. He used to go to see the sick and attend burial ceremonies. He sat with the poor and ate with the needy. He paid attention to the bond of relationships and said, "A believer makes friends with people and people make friends with him.

If a believer cannot make friends with others and others cannot make friends with him, he is of no good."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 26(The Poets), Verse 215.

2 Mahajat al-Baydha, Vol. 3, P. 285.

Chapter   18

Do not Backbite!

“Heed not the type of despicable men,-ready with oaths, a slanderer, going about with calumnies” 1

I knew I had done something wrong, but did not want the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) to know about it. If he knew about it, how could I stand before him again? I was regretful and had repented, but what bothered me was to be embarrassed before the Prophet. Then a friend of mine quoted the Prophet as saying:

"No one should backbite about one of my Companions in my presence. I want to have a tranquil and restful heart when I come to you."

I became calm. I was now sure that he would not let anyone tell him about my wrong-doing.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 68 (The Pen), Verses 10 &11.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh,, P. 17.

Chapter   19

I Will Collect the Firewood

“That Home of the Hereafter We shall give to those who intend not high handedness or mischief on earth: and the end is (best) for the righteous.”1

He was collecting firewood in the desert. They wanted to slaughter a sheep and make a food. Everyone was doing something and the Prophet was collecting firewood.

The Companions did not let him do it at first and said, "Holy Prophet! Don't bother yourself please! May we ransom you with our fathers and mothers! We will do it for you."

It was an honor to have a companion like him who said, "God hates a servant of His who considers himself as privileged in a group." We were honored to be with him. He knew it. So, it was impossible for him to be present in a collective work and not to do a part of it.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 28 (The Narration), Verse 83.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh, Vol. 1, P. 482.

Chapter   20

Thank You, I Have No Appetite

“But Allah guides not such as are false and ungrateful.”1

What drink is more refreshing than milk and who is better than the Prophet to offer you that. Now think of yourself as hungry and this happens, but you are just shy to get the bowl. This happened to me. Others all said, “we don't have appetite.” and I did the same. The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)said, "Never mix hunger with lie". Asma took the chance and asked:" If we have appetite and pretend otherwise, are we lying?" The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) said," No matter how trivial a lie is, it will be written in the Book of Deeds."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 39 (The Crowds), Verse 3.

2 Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 69, P. 258.

Chapter   21

More Noisome than a Corpse

“And spy not on each other behind their backs. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his dead brother? Nay, ye would abhorit… ”1

We were in the company of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants). We passed a carcass. The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants)looked at me and my friend and said," Take a bite from this corpse!" We said in disgust: "Holy Prophet! We eat the flesh of this corpse?!" His Holiness said," What you received from your brother is more noisome than this corpse."

I remembered the day when the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) stoned a man for adultery. I was very resentful for what the man had done. A friend of mine was standing beside me looking at what was happening. I told him: "This man died right where he was standing like a dog". I could not imagine that backbiting an adulterer who had received Capital Punishment was so repugnant and bad from the Prophet's point of view.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49 (The Inner Apartments),Verse 12.

2 Imam Khomeini (May Allah have mercy on his soul),Forty Traditions, P. 259.

Chapter   22

A Good Kindred, a Bad Kindred

“Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.”1

I was at the end of my ropes. I was sure I had made the right decision but repeated to myself: "It is no harm asking the Prophet too." I went to him and told him my story. I let him know how much my relatives annoy me and asked if I could cut off my relations with them. His Holiness said, "If you do that, God will forsake you all." I asked him what to do. He answered: "Make friend with the one who stops his friendship with you,give the one who deprives you, and forgive the one who does bad to you. If you do these, God will help you against them."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 28(The Narration ), Verse 54.

2 Osul al-Kafi, Vol. 3, P. 221.

Chapter   23

Shaking Hands and Embracing

“When a (courteous) greeting is offered you,meet it with a greeting still more courteous, or (at least) of equal courtesy.”1

I loved the warmness of his hands when he shook hands warmly and said,"Jabir! When a friend shakes the hand of his friend warmly, it is like embracing him."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4 (The Women,) Verse 86.

2 Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 73, P. 23.

Chapter   24

The Morning of the Third Day

“We have made the Night and the Day as two (of Our) Signs: the Sign of the Night have We obscured, while the Sign of the Day We have made to enlighten you; that ye may seek bounty from your Lord…”1

I was on my way home with my two camels. It was incredible! In such a short time! What has happened…?!

Some days ago, I was so ashamed that I could not look in the eyes of my wife and hungry children. I went to the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants). Before I could say anything he looked at me and said," Anyone who asks me I will give him. But the one who sets himself free from need, God will satisfy him." After hearing this, shame did not let me say my request or ask him for anything.

It is now three days from that day. I had borrowed my neighbor's axe and collected some firewood. I could sell them, buy my own axe and these two camels. I was thinking about the help the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) had given me. More importantly,it was very sweet to get something by your own hands.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17(Isra'), Verse 12.

2 Osul al-Kafi, Vol. 2, P. 139.

Chapter   25

Mirror

“Say: They are, in the life of this world, for those who believe, (and) purely for them on the Day of Judgment.”1

He wanted to leave home. He looked in the water bowl and combed his hair. I thought to myself:" He is the Messenger of God and the best of creatures. What is that for?" I could not control myself. I told him what I thought. He answered: "God wants His servant to beneat and clean when he goes to visit his brothers."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 7 (The Heights ), Verse 32.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh, Vol. , P. 68.

Chapter   26

Straight to Heaven

“Say: "Verily my Lord enlarges and restricts the Sustenance to such of his servants as He pleases: and nothing do ye spend in the least (in His cause) but He replaces it: for He is the Best of those who grant Sustenance.”1

He said, "Did you know there are blessings in heaven which stretch to the earth and if you follow them they will take you straight to heaven?"

We were surprised and said, "No! What are those blessings?"He said,"Generosity is one of the trees in heaven, the branches of which touch on earth. If someone takes one of these branches, it will take him up to heaven."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 34 (The City of Saba), Verse 39.

2 A Look at the Holy Prophet's Sirah, P. 242.

Chapter   27

Solving Problems

“Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a partner therein: And whoever recommends and helps an evil cause, shares in its burden: And Allah hath power over all things.”1

I myself had asked him for help, but now I should not stop him. I said,"Forget it! It can't be found. I will do something else."He said,"There will be no forgetting. It should be found". He was not disappointed. He searched till he found it. I did not know how to thank him then. I enjoyed his resemblance to the Prophet's manner inpersisting to solve believers' problems more than they themselves did.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4 (The Women), Verse 85.

2 Mahajat al-Baydha, Vol. 3, P. 380.

Chapter   28

The Best and the Worst

“Whoever expects to meet his Lord, let him work righteousness, and, in the worship of his Lord, admit no one as partner.” 1

He started his divine mission by inviting people to monotheism and always emphasized on the right of people and said, "There are two characteristics which are the worst: one is polytheism and the other is harming people. And there are two characteristics which are the best: one is belief in God and the other is to be useful to people."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 18 (The Cave), Verse 110.

2 Mahajat al-Baydha, Vol. 6, P. 405.

Chapter   29

Familiar but Unfamiliar Words

“The desert Arabs say, "We believe." Say, "Ye have no faith; but ye (only)say, 'We have submitted our wills to Allah,' For not yet has Faith entered your hearts.” 1

Everyone was quiet and was thinking. What did the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) mean? We were all Muslims, wasn't it so?! Someone said," God and His Prophet know it better."

And others said together: "You say it o' Messenger of God?" The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) said, "A Muslim is the one from whose words and actions others are secure. Now tell me who is a believer?"

Again there was silence. Again some moments of thought and the same voice: "You say it o' Messenger of God?" The Prophet said, "A Believer is the one with whom others trust their lives and properties. Now tell me who is an emigrant? " And for the third time, after a short silence, he said," An emigrant is the one who departs from badness and avoids it."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49 (The Inner Apartments),Verse 14.

2 Mahajat al-Baydha, Vol. 3, P. 358.

Chapter   30

The Sign of Faith

“It is not righteousness that ye turn your faces towards east or west; but it is righteousness- to believe in Allah … to spend of your substance,out of love for Him,… and practice regular charity; to fulfill the contracts which ye have made…” 1

We were by the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) when the name of a certain Companion was mentioned. I had heard that he prayed a lot and fasted most of the days. The ones who knew him and had seen him talked about him in such a way that all others envied him and expected the Prophet to admire him.

But we were surprised when His Holiness said," It is not excessive praying, fasting, pilgrimage, donations,and the crying in the nights that you should see in people, but the truthfulness and honesty."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2 (The Heifer), Verse 177.

2 Amali of Sheikh Sadogh, Vol. 6/481, P. 379.

Chapter   31

The Scent of Paradise

“Do they not look at the earth, - how many noble things of all kinds We have produced therein? Verily, in this is a Sign: but most of them do not believe.”1

I had picked some flowers from our garden and tied them with a yellow ribbon. They were pink, yellow,and red, with green leaves.

He took the bunch of flowers from me, smelt them, put them on his eyes and said, "What beautiful flowers! You have tied them very tastefully. By the way, Our Prophet has said, "If someone brings you flowers, smell them and put them on your eyes, because flowers come from paradise."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 26 (The Poets), Verses 7&8.

2 Makarem al-Akhlagh, Vol. 1, P. 81.

Chapter   32

Forgive Me!

“Whether ye publish a good deed or conceal it or cover evil with pardon, verily Allah doth blot out (sins) and hath power (in the judgment of values).”1

I was so anxious and worried that I did not notice when I got to the Prophet's house. I had been feeling unhappy since morning. I had stepped on the Prophet’s foot when I was dismounting the horse. And now I do not know what has happened that he has sent someone to fetch me. I hope he will not be angry and make me more ashamed.

I entered the house. I felt he was not angry. When he saw me, he laughed and said, "Aboroham! This morning, the pain made me annoy you; accept this sheep from me and forgive me for what I did".

I was shocked. I did not know what to do. I could just be ashamed.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4 ( The Women), Verse 149.

2 The History of Islam, P. 880.

Chapter   33

I Had an Appointment with You

“O ye who believe! Fulfil (all) obligations.” 1

I went to the place where I was to visit Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his descendants). The other day we had agreed to take our sheep there to pasture.

When I arrived I saw Muhammad had come earlier but had not let the herd pasture. I asked:" You waited for me?" He answered:" Amar! Because I had an appointment with you, I did not want to let my herd pasture before your arrival."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 5,(The Table Spread), Verse1.

2 And ishe Hizbollah journal, November 5 th, 2007.

Chapter   34

Who is an Insane?

“And swell not thy cheek (for pride) at men,nor walk in insolence through the earth; for Allah loveth not any arrogant boaster.” 1

When I saw him in distance, I thought he was drunk, but when came closer I realized he was insane. He was looking around and talking to himself. To justify his strange behavior, I said to the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants):" He is insane.

"His Holiness looked at me and said," He is not insane."

I was surprised and said, "He is not insane?!"He replied:" He is not insane. He is sick. The insane is the one who is boastful, selfish, and snobbish. "

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 31 (Luqman), Verse 18.

2 Selects from Mizan al-Hikma, P. 159.

Chapter   35

God's Trust

“O ye that believe! betray not the trust of Allah and the Messenger, nor misappropriate knowingly things entrusted to you.”1

We were intimate friends, but had not seen each other for a long time. We sat down and talked about all the things that had happened in those years. There were a lot ofthings to say about life, work, family, trips, etc. There were a lot of sour and sweet things to say.

When we were leaving, my friend gave a piece of paper and told me to read it later. I put the paper in my pocket, then we separated. I could not help my curiosity. Before I got home, I opened the letter on the sidewalk and read it. It said,"Dear friend! The Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) has said, "When two friends sit together,what is said between them is God's trust. And none of them is allowed to reveal it without his brother's consent." I put the piece of paper in my pocket and felt proud of having a friend like him.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 8 (The Spoils of War) , Verse 27.

2 Osul al-Kafi, Vol. 2, P. 660.

Chapter   36

How Much Should We Donate?

“They ask thee how much they are to spend;Say: "What is beyond your needs.”1

There were many cases of going to extremes among Companions. Everyone had his own view and followed his own way. It was the same with donations. Some Companions were very serious about it and donated a large portion of their wealth to others and some were very wasteful in their spending but did not like to give donations. No one knew how much to spend and how much to donate.

We asked the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) to show us the way.

His Holiness said," You should donate the additional income you do not need."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2(The Heifer), Verse 219.

2 Al-Dor al-Manthur, Vol. 1, P. 607.

Chapter   37

Simple but Prosperous

“For those things, that are good remove those that are evil”1

He had a simple and prosperous store. There was noone in the neighborhood who would buy anything from anywhere other than this store. And no one was also unhappy with him. He was sociable, good-tempered,and fair. What he did was following the advice of the Prophet: honesty, modesty, cheerfulness and gratitude were his outstanding characteristics. I have seen few people like him.

After my first shopping there, I became his customer too.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 11(The Prophet Hud), Verse 114.

2 Selects from Mizan al-Hikma, P. 306.

Chapter   38

Smiling Lips

“Say: "In the bounty of Allah. And in His Mercy in that let them rejoice”1

You became happy whenever you saw his face. He always had a pleasant smile on his lips. He not only was himself happy and cheerful all the time, but tried to make others happy by telling jokes. He said, "I tell jokes but say the right thing."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 10 (Jonah), Verse 58.

2 Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 16, P. 298.

Chapter   39

Promise of Help

“In most of their secret talks there is no good: But if one exhorts to a deed of charity or justice or conciliation between men, (Secrecy is permissible): To him who does this, seeking the good pleasure of Allah, We shall soon give a reward of the highest (value).”1

Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his descendants)and some other stout young men of Ghoraish had gathered together near Kabba. I was watching them from a distance to see what they had gathered there for. I understood that they made a promise to protect the right of the fallen and oppressed and to help the defenseless whose rights have been violated.

Years passed and I witnessed Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his descendants) always mentioned that promise with glory after he had been appointed as the prophet and never broke it.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 4 (The Women), Verse 114.

2 The Message, Vol.1, P. 151.

Chapter   40

Do not Degrade!

“ O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (eachother). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.”1

He made me so angry that I did not know what I was saying in the presence of the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants). With the same anger and mood I said," You ugly Black"

Before I could finish my sentence, the Prophet looked at me angrily and said, "Do you blame him for his black color while white is no better than black, except for the righteous deeds?"

I blushed with shame. With what I had done I proved that the black slave was better.

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49 (The Inner Apartments),Verse 13.

2 Islam and Human Rights, P. 149.

Chapter   41

The Businessman is in Fire unless…

“Give just measure, and cause no loss (to others by fraud). And weigh with scales true and upright. And withhold not things justly dueto men, nor do evil in the land, working mischief.”1

The Bazaar was closed. I asked for the reason from some people talking to each other in a corner. They said," Yesterday, the Prophet (Peace be upon him and his descendants) came to the Bazaar and said, "The businessman is wicked, and the wicked will go to Hell."

I began to think. What did it mean? Is it possible to stop business and trade? How will people get the things they need? I was contemplating when the Prophet entered the Bazaar and asked:" Where are the businessmen?"

Those present said, "What you said yesterday made them stop doing business." His Holiness said, "I say the same thing today; the businessman is wicked and the wicked will go to Hell, unless they get only what is his right and nothing more, and gives completely what is the right of others."

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49 (The Inner Apartments),Verse 13.

2 Mostadrak- al-Wasayel, Vol. 2, P. 463.

Chapter   42

Shadow of Mercy

“Say to My servants that they should (only) say those things that are best”1

I saw his tired and confused face. I tried to talk in a happy way so that his mood could change. My attempt was not in vain. When I saw the first signs of smile on his face, I was relieved. I felt happy from the depth of my heart.

I had heard he was the same. He said kind words to his companions as much as he could and made them happy and set them free from grieves. Thus, he could earn the mercy of God. He was truly the Messenger of Love,Kindness and Mercy. I wish I could be beside him and one of his Companions…!

1 The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 17 (Isra'), Verse 53.

2 Osul al-kafi, Vol. 2, P. 206 .

You became happy whenever you saw his face. He always had a pleasant smile on his lips. He not only was himself happy and cheerful all the time, but tried to make others happy by telling jokes. He said, "I tell jokes but say the right thing."

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"Wisdom is the lost property of the Believer, let him claim it wherever he finds it" - Imam Ali (as)"

Table of Contents

Title

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - And He Was like This…!3

Chapter 3 - We Should Be in No Need

Chapter 4 - The Criterion of Nobility

Chapter 5 - To Respect You

Chapter 6 - Little but Always

Chapter 7 - Work as Long as You Are Healthy!

Chapter 8 - You Should not Feign Poverty!

Chapter 9 - I Respect Your Belief and Idea

Chapter 10 - Kindness Contest

Chapter 11 - God Bless You

Chapter 12 - Lean back Salman!

Chapter 13 - Against him

Chapter 14 - The Key to Paradise

Chapter 15 - Under the Sun

Chapter 16 - Work for God

Chapter 17 - A Drink of Milk

Chapter 18 - Do not Backbite!

Chapter 19 - I Will Collect the Firewood

Chapter 20 - Thank You, I Have No Appetite

Chapter 21 - More Noisome than a Corpse

Chapter 22 - A Good Kindred, a Bad Kindred

Chapter 23 - Shaking Hands and Embracing

Chapter 24 - The Morning of the Third Day

Chapter 25 - Mirror

Chapter 26 - Straight to Heaven

Chapter 27 - Solving Problems

Chapter 28 - The Best and the Worst

Chapter 29 - Familiar but Unfamiliar Words

Chapter 30 - The Sign of Faith

Chapter 31 - The Scent of Paradise

Chapter 32 - Forgive Me!

Chapter 33 - I Had an Appointment with You

Chapter 34 - Who is an Insane?

Chapter 35 - God's Trust

Chapter 36 - How Much Should We Donate?

Chapter 37 - Simple but Prosperous

Chapter 38 - Smiling Lips

Chapter 39 - Promise of Help

Chapter 40 - Do not Degrade!

Chapter 41 - The Businessman is in Fire unless…

Chapter 42 - Shadow of Mercy

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