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Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)’s Teachings on Different
Ways of Earning Allah’s Rewards
 

 By Dr. Norlain Dindang

Non-Muslims and those who deny the Sunnah of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) need to read and study not only the Qur’an as the source of divine guidance but also the Prophet’s Sunnah (authentic Ahadeeth). Both the Qur’an and the Sunnah teach and guide mankind to believe and to do righteous deeds. To reiterate, the Qur’an and the Sunnah constitute what is true and authentic Islam. Those who adhere to the Qur’an and Sunnah receive Allah’s rewards for every good deed done for the sake of Allah the Most Merciful:

Anas ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Verily, Allah does not treat a believer unjustly in regard to his virtues. He would confer upon him (His blessings) in this world and would give him reward in the Hereafter. And as regards a non-believer, he would be made to taste the reward (of virtue in this world) what he has done for himself so much when it would be the Hereafter, he would find no virtue for which he should be rewarded.” (Muslim, 6739)

Sa’d ibn Abu Waqqas (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “It is a fine thing when a believer praises and thanks Allah if good comes to him, and praises Allah and shows endurance if smitten by affliction. The believer is rewarded for everything, even for the morsel he raises to his wife’s mouth.” (Tirmidhi, 1733 and Bayhaqi)

Sa’d ibn Abu Waqqas (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “...Whatever you spend (for Allah’s sake) you will be rewarded for it, even for a morsel of food which you may put in the mouth of your wife.” (Bukhari,Vol. 8, Hadeeth 725 and Vol. 1, Hadeeth 53)

Abu Dharr (r.a.) narrated that... Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Those who have much wealth (in this world) will be the least rewarded (in the Hereafter) except those who do like this and like this (i.e., spend their money in charity).” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 285)

Qais ibn Abu Hazim (r.a.) narrated that.... Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “A Muslim is rewarded (in the Hereafter) for whatever he spends except for something that he spends on building.” (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadeeth 576)

Hakim ibn Hizam (r.a.) narrated: I said to Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.), “Before embracing Islam I used to do good deeds like giving in charity, slave-manumitting, and the keeping of good relations with kith and kin. Shall I be rewarded for those deeds?” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied, “You became Muslim with all those good deeds (without losing their reward).” (Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadeeth 517)

Islam guides every believing Muslim to the various ways of earning Allah’s rewards in order to seek His Mercy and attain peace and success. Alhamdullillah (Praise be to Allah), Allah has legislated many righteous deeds for the benefits of mankind. Likewise, Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) teaches us through his authentic Ahadeeth many different good deeds to be devoted worshippers of Allah. If we want to earn Allah’s Mercy and attain His tremendous rewards especially in the eternal life hereafter we need to read, study, implement and if possible share these good deeds to others. Some of the many good deeds which deserve Allah’s rewards from the Prophet’s authentic Ahadeeth are quoted as follows:

Purifying one’s intention for doing good thing for the pleasure of Allah the Most Merciful:
‘Umar Bin Al-Khattab (r.a.) said “I heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) saying, ‘The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. Thus he whose migration was for Allah and His Messenger, his migration had been for Allah and His Messenger, and he whose migration was to achieve some worldly benefit or take some woman in marriage, his migration had been for that for which he migrated.’”(Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 1 and Muslim Vol. 3, Hadeeth 4692)

Intention to do good deeds:
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah ordered (the appointed angels over you) that the good and the bad deeds be written. He then showed (the way) how (to write). If somebody intends to do a good deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write for him a full good deed (in his account with Him). If he intends to do a good deed and actually did it, then Allah will write for him (in his account) with Him (its reward equal) from ten to seven hundred times to many more times. If somebody intended to do a bad deed and he does not do it, then Allah will write a full good deed (in his account) with Him; and if he intended to do it (a bad deed) and actually did it, then Allah will write one bad deed (in his account).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 498 and Vol. 9 Hadeeth 592)

Sincerity in Embracing Islam:
Abû Sa’id Al-Khudri (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “If a person embraces Islam sincerely, then Allah shall forgive all his past sins. And after that starts the settlement of accounts. The reward of his good deeds will be ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and an evil deed will be recorded as it is unless Allah forgives it.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 40)

Sincere declaration of Shahadah (To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah):
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The luckiest person who will have my intercession will be the one who said sincerely from the bottom of his heart, “La ilaha ilAllah.”“(“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah…)” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 98 and Vol. 8, Hadeeth 574)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that he said “O Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)! Who will be the luckiest person who will gain your intercession on the day of Resurrection?” Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “O Abû Hurairah! I have thought that none will ask me about it before you as I know your eagerness to (learn) the Hadeeth. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be one who said sincerely from (the bottom of) his heart La ilaha ilAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 98)

Abû Hurairah (or Abû Sa’id Al Khudri) (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) remarked, “I bear testimony that there is no god but Allah and I am Allah’s Messenger. The man who meets his Rabb without harboring any doubt about these two (truths) will never be kept away from Paradise.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 42)

Anas (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever said La ilaha ilAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a barley grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever said La ilaha ilAllah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah) and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of a wheat grain, will be taken out of hell. And whoever said La ilaha ilAllah and has in his heart good (faith) equal to the weight of an atom, or a small ant, will be taken out of hell.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 42)

Not associating partner with Allah in worship:
Mu’adh (r.a.) narrated: “I was a companion rider of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) on a donkey called ‘Ufair. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) asked, “O Mu’adh! Do you know what Allah’s right on His slaves is and what the right of His slaves on Him is?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know better.” He said, “Allah’s right on His slaves is that they should worship Him (Alone) and should not worship any besides Him. And slave’s right on Allah is that He should not punish him who worships none besides Him.” I said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Should I not inform the people of this good news?” He said, “Do not inform them of it, lest they should depend on it.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 108)

‘Abdullâh (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allah will definitely enter the Fire.” I said, “Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allah will definitely enter Paradise.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 2, Hadeeth 330, 6, Hadeeth 24 and Muslim 168)

Believing in Allah and His Messenger, Performance of Prayers and Fasting:
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allah to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allah’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Should we not inform the people of that?” He said, “There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allah for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 9, Hadeeth 519)

Performing the five daily prayers:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “There is no Muslim who, at the time of prayer, performs ablution properly, then performs the prayer in humility before Allah and perfects its pillars; except that this will expiate all his past minor sins. This is for every prayer throughout his life.” (Muslim)

Praying on time:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever performs the two cool prayers (i.e., ‘Asr and Fajr) on time will enter Paradise.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abdullah ibn Mas’ud: I asked the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) which deed is the dearest to Allah? He replied, “To offer Salât (the prayers) at their early fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)? “He replied, “To participate in jihad (religious fighting) in Allah’s Cause.” (Bukhari, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 505)

“Almighty Allah said: `I have made five times prayer obligatory on your people and I made covenant that if anyone observes them regularly at their right times, I shall admit him to paradise. If anyone does not observe them regularly, there is no such guarantee of Mine for him.’” (Abu Daud, Hadeeth 403)

Praying in congregation:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Praying in congregation is twenty seven multiples higher in reward than praying alone.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Offering supererogatory prayers:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah will build a dwelling in Paradise for anyone who prays twelve supererogatory rak’aat daily in addition to the compulsory prayers.” (Muslim)

Offering funeral prayers:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever attends a funeral and prays over the dead receives a reward equal to a Qiraat, and whosoever was also present at the burial receives a reward equal to two Qiraat.” So people asked: “What is a Qiraat?” He replied: “It is equal to twice the size of the greatest mountain (i.e. Uhud).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Going to the mosque:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever goes to the mosque to pray and returns; Allah will make a dwelling for him in Paradise for every time he goes (and every time he comes back).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Women praying at home:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Do not deprive women from praying in the houses of Allah (i.e., the mosques) but praying at home is better for them (in reward).” (Abu Dawud)

Performing complete and proper ablution:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever performs a complete and proper ablution, sins will leave his body - even from under his nails.” (Muslim)

Supplicating between the Adhaan (Call to Prayer) and Iqaamah (Starting the Prayer):
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Supplication between the Adhaan and Iqaamah is not rejected.” So people asked: “What should we ask for?” He replied: “Ask Allah for His forgiveness.” (Tirmidhi)

Jabir Bin ‘Abdullâh (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever after listening to the Adhan says, ‘Allah umma Rabba hadhihi-d-da’ watit-tammati was-Salât il qa’imati, ati Muhammadan al-wasilata wal-fadilata, wab’ athhu maqaman mahmudan-il-ladhi wa’ adtahu (O Allah! Rabb of this perfect call (of not ascribing partners to You) and of the regular prayer which is going to be established! Kindly give Muhammad the right of intercession and superiority and send him (on the Day of Judgment) to the best and the highest place in Paradise which You promised him)’, then intercession for me will be permitted for him on the Day of Resurrection).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 588)

Supplications/praising Allah after prayer:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah will forgive the sins, even if they were as much as the foam of the sea, for anyone who exalts Allah thirty-three times saying ‘SubhaanAllah’, praises Him thirty-three times saying ‘Al-Hamdulillaah’ and glorifies Him thirty-three times saying ‘Allahu Akbar’, and then completes the supplications to be one hundred by saying: “La illaha ilAllah wa’hdahu, La sharikaAllah lahulmulk, wa lahul hamd. Wa Allah kuli shaynqadeer.” (‘None has the right to be worshipped except Allah alone, without partner. To Him belong sovereignty and praise, and He is over all things Omnipotent.)’” (Muslim)

Supplicating during the virtuous time on Fridays:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “There is a virtuous time every Friday; never does a Muslim supplicate during it except that Allah grants him what he asks for.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Supplicating for a well-balanced life:
‘Abdullâh Bin Jabir (r.a.) narrated that he heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “There is an hour during the night in which no Muslim individual will ask Allah for good in this world and the next [i.e., reciting: ‘Rabbana atina fi donya hasana, wa fil akhirati hasana, waqina adabannar.’ (Qur’an 2:201)], without His giving it to him. And that applies to every night.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 1654)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Seventy angels have been put in charge of it (i.e. the Yamani corner), so if anyone says, ‘O Allah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this world and the next. Our Rabb, bring us a blessing in this world and a blessing in the next, and guard us from the punishment of Hell’, they will say ‘Ameen.’”(Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 2590 and Ibn Mâjah)

Invoking Allah to bless His Messenger (s.a.w.s.):
‘Abdullâh Bin Amr Bin Al As (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “When you hear the Mu’adhdhin, repeat what he says. Then invoke a blessing on me, for everyone who invokes a blessing on me will receive ten blessings from Allah. Then beg from Allah al-Wasilah for me, which is a rank in Paradise fitting for only one of Allah’s Servants, and I hope that I may be that one. If anyone who asks that I be given the Wasilah, he will be assured of my intercession.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 747)
Anas Bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “He who invokes one blessings upon me, Allah will shower ten blessings upon him and obliterate ten (of his) sins and elevate him by ten ranks.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 922 and Nasa’i)

‘Abdullâh Bin Amr (r.a.) narrated that He who invokes blessings upon Allah’s Messenger once, Allah and His Angels shower seventy blessings upon him.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 935 and Ahmad)

Not associating partner with Allah, prayer, Zakat and doing good to kin:
Abû Ayyub (r.a.) narrated that a man came to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and said, “Direct me to a deed, which draws me near to Paradise and takes me away from the Fire (of Hell).” Upon this he (the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) said: “You worship Allah and never associate anything with Him, establish prayer, and pay Zakat, and do good to your kin. When he turned his back, Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) remarked, “If he adheres to what he has been ordered to do, he would enter Paradise.” (Muslim, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 13)

Performing Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah):
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever perform Hajj for Allah’s sake only and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew.” (Bukhari, Vol. 2, Hadeeth 596)

‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that she said, “O Allah’s Messenger! We consider Jihad as the best deed. Should we not fight in Allah’s cause?” He said, “The best Jihad (for women) is Hajj -mabrur (i.e. Hajj which is done according to the Prophet’s tradition and is accepted by Allah).” (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 43)

‘Umrah (Minor Pilgrimage) during Ramadhaan:

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Performing ‘Umrah during it (Ramadhaan) is like performing Hajj with me.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Improving one’s Religion (Islam):
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “If anyone of you improves his religion then his good deeds will be rewarded ten times to seven hundred times for each good deed and a bad deed will be recorded as it is.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 40)

Repentance done sincerely for Allah:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah will forgive the sins of anybody who repents before the sun rises from the west (i.e., a major sign for the Day of Judgment).” (Muslim) He also said: “Allah accepts the repentance of His slaves until the time of their death (i.e., when the soul is departing).” (Tirmidhi)

Loving Allah and His Messenger (s.a.w.s.):
Anas Bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will taste the sweetness of faith: 1. The one to whom Allah and His Messenger become dearer than anything else; 2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake; 3. Who hates to revert to disbelief (atheism) after Allah has brought (saved) him out from it, as he hates to be thrown in fire.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 20, 8, Hadeeth 67)

Anas (r.a.) narrated that a man asked the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying, “When will the Hour be?” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “What have you prepared for it?” The man said, “Nothing, except that I love Allah and His Messenger.” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “You will be with those whom you love.” We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet (i.e., “You will be with those whom you love.”) Therefore, I love the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Abû Bakr (r.a.) and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to theirs.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 5, Hadeeth 37)

Anas Bin Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said to me: “My son, if you are in a position to pass your morning and evening keeping your heart free from malice against anyone, then act according to it.” He then said: “My son, and that is my Sunnah and he who loves my Sunnah, in fact loves me and he who loves me, will be with me in Paradise.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 175)

Praising and Thanking Allah the Almighty:
Said Bin Waqas (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “It is a fine thing when a believer praises and thanks Allah if good comes to him, and praises Allah and shows endurance if smitten by affliction. The believer is rewarded for everything, even for the morsel he raises to his wife’s mouth.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 1733)

Seeking Islamic knowledge:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “…He who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah will make that path easy, leading to Paradise for him. And those persons who assemble in one of the houses of Allah (mosques), recite the Book of Allah and learn and teach the Qur‘an (among themselves), there will descend upon them tranquility, mercy will cover them. The angels will surround them and Allah will mention them in the presence of those near Him. He who is slow-paced in doing good deeds, his (long) descent does not make him go ahead.” (Muslim 6518)

Learning the Qur’an and Teaching it to others:
Uthman Bin Affan (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most superior among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 6, Hadeeth 546)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “The best amongst you is the one who learns the Qur’aan and teaches it to others.” (Bukhari)

Holding Fast to the Qur’an:
Jabir Bin ‘Abdullâh (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “…I have left among you the Book of Allah, and if you hold fast to it, you would never go astray…” (Muslim, Hadeeth 2803.1)

Recitation of the Qur’aan:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Recite the Qur’aan, for it will intercede for you (with Allah) on the Day of Judgment.” (Muslim)

Abû Darda (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Is any one of you incapable of reciting a third of the Qur’an in a night? They (the Companions) asked: “How could one recite a third of the Qur’an (in a night)?” Upon this he (the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “He is Allah, the One” (Qur’an 112) is equivalent to a third of the Qur’an.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 1769)

‘Abdullâh Bin Amr Al ‘As (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “If anyone prays at night reciting regularly ten verses, he will not be recorded among the negligent. If anyone prays at night and recites a hundred verses, he will be recorded among those who are obedient to Allah. And if anyone prays at night reciting one thousand verses, he will be recorded among those who receive huge rewards.” (Abû Dawud, Hadeeth 1393)

Abdullâh Ibn Mas`ud (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whenever a person recites one letter from the Book of Allah, one good deed is recorded for him. One good deed is equal to ten good deeds the like of it. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is a letter, but A is a letter L is a letter and M is a letter.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth, 1003)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever recites chapter Al-Kahf on a Friday will have a light (i.e., will be guided) between it and the next Friday.” (Nasaa’i)

Dhikr Allah (Remembering and Glorifying Allah):
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah will give shade to seven (types of people) under His Shade (on the Day of Resurrection). One of them will be a person who remembers Allah and his eyes are then flooded with tears.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 486)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever says: ‘SubhaanAllah wa bihamdih’ one hundred times a day, Allah will forgive his sins even if they were as great as the foam of the sea.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Shall I not tell you about the best of your deeds, the most pure (i.e., righteous and sincere) of them to your Creator, that which will entitle you to the highest ranks, which is better for you than donating gold and silver for the sake of Allah, which is better than fighting your enemies in Jihaad where you kill them or they kill you (i.e., you become martyrs)?” The people replied: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” So he said: “The mention of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever says: ‘La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir.’”(‘There is no God but Allah, the only true God, who has no partner. To Him belongs the kingdom (of the universe) and to Him all praises are due, and He has the power to do everything.’) one hundred times will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 412 and 4, Hadeeth 514)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever says, ‘subhan Allahi wa bihamdihi’, (All glory and praises are for Allah) one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 414)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever says at morning and evening time ‘subhana Allahi, wa bihamdihi.’ (All glory and praises are for Allah) one hundred times a day, none shall come on the day of resurrection with anything better except someone who has said the same or even more.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 6509)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “If anyone extols Allah (says: “Subhan Allah “) after every prayer thirty-three times, and praises Allah (says: “Alhamdu lillah”) thirty-three times; and declares His Greatness (says: ‘Allah u Akbar”) thirty-three, times, ninety-nine times in all, and say to complete a hundred: ‘There is no god but Allah, having no partner with Him, to Him belongs sovereignty and to Him to praise due, and He is Potent over everything’ (says: ‘La ilaha illa Allah wahdahu la sharika lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shai’in qadir.’); his sins will be forgiven even if these are as abundant as the foam of the sea.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 1243)

Abû Malik Al Ashari (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Cleanliness is half of faith and Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) fills the scale. Subhan Allah (Glory be to Allah) and Alhamdulillah (Praise be to Allah) fill up what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is a light, and charity is proof (of one’s faith). Endurance is a brightness and the Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early in the morning and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 432)

‘Âishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Every one of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints. He who declares the Glory of Allah, praises Allah, declares Allah to be One, glorifies Allah, seeks forgiveness from Allah, removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people’s path and enjoins what is good and forbids evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty, will walk that day having removed himself from Hell.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 2199)

Abû Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “In the morning charity is due from every bone in the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification is an act of charity. Every utterance of praise of Him is an act of charity; every utterance of profession of His Oneness is an act of charity; every utterance of profession of His Greatness is an act of charity; enjoining good is an act of charity; forbidding what is disreputable is an act of charity; and two rak’ahs which one prays in the forenoon will suffice.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 1557)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “There are two expressions which are very easy for the tongue to say, but they are very heavy in the balance and are very dear to the Beneficent (Allah), and they are, ‘Subhan Allah Al-’adhim and ‘Subhan Allah wa bihamdihi’. (How perfect Allah is and I praise Him.).” (Bukhâri and Muslim)
Samurah Bin Jundab (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most beloved words to Allah are the following four phrases, Subhan Allah, Alhamdu lillah, La_ ila ha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar. (Glory be to Allah, All Praises be to Allah. There is no deity but Allah, Allah is the greatest.)... It does not matter which of them you start with.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 5329)

Abû Musa Al Ashari (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) started ascending a high place or hill. A man (amongst his companions) ascended it and shouted in a loud voice, “La ilaha illa Allah wa Allahu Akbar.” (At that time) Allah’s Messenger was riding his mule. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “You are not calling upon a deaf or an absent one,” and added, “O Abû Musa (or, O ‘Abdullâh)! Shall I tell you a sentence from the treasure of Paradise?” I said, “Yes.” He said, “La haula wala quwwata illa billah.” (There is neither power nor strength indeed except in Allah.).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 418 and Muslim)

Sa’d Bin Abû Waqqas (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Is one amongst you powerless to get one thousand virtues every day?” Amongst those who had been sitting there, one asked: “How one amongst us can get one thousand virtues every day?” He said: “Say, ‘subhan Allah’ (Hallowed be Allah) one hundred times for (by reciting them) one thousand virtues are recorded (to your credit) and one thousand vices are blotted out.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 6517)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that “Abû Dharr said to the Prophet of Allah, ‘The wealthy people have all the rewards; they pray as we pray; they fast as we fast; and they have surplus wealth which they give in charity; but we have no wealth which we may give in charity.’ Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: ‘Abû Dharr, should I not teach you phrases by which you acquire the rank of those who excel you? No one can acquire your rank except one who acts like you.’ He said, Why not, Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.)? He (s.a.w.s.) said: ‘Exalt Allah (say: Allah is Most Great) after each prayer thirty-three times; and praise Him (say: Praise be to Allah) thirty-three times; and glorify Him (say: Glory be to Allah) thirty-three times; and end it by saying, ‘There is no god but Allah alone, He has no partner, to Him belongs the Kingdom, to Him praise is due and He has power over everything.’ His sins will be forgiven, even if they are like the foam of the sea.’”(Abu Daud, Hadeeth 1499)

Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, "Whoever enters a market and says: 'Laa ilaaha ill Allah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyi wa yumeetu wa huwa laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa `alaa kulli shay'in qadeer' [There is no one worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, He causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent.] Allah will write for him a million good deeds; erase a million of his bad deeds and raise him a million levels." (Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan by Sheikh Albani)

Seeking Allah’s forgiveness:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “For he who always seeks the forgiveness of Allah, Allah will relieve him from all adversities, make a way out for him from all hardships and provide him from means which he could never have expected.” (Nasaa’i)

Superior way of asking Allah’s forgiveness:
Shaddad Bin Aws (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most superior way of asking for forgiveness from Allah is: ‘Allah umma Anta Rabbi la ilaha illa Anta. Anta Khalaqtani wa ana abduka. Wa ana ‘ala ahdika wa wa’dika mastata’tu. A’udhu bika min sharri ma sana’tu, Abû’u laka Bini’matika ‘alaiya. Wa Abû Laka bidhanbi faghfirli innahu la yaghfiru adhdhunuba illa anta.’”(O Allah, You are my Rabb. There is no god but You. You created me and I am Your servant, and I uphold Your covenant and (my) promise to You as much as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You Your favor upon me, and I acknowledge my sin; so forgive me. Indeed, there is none who can forgive sins except You.”) The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) added. “If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before the evening, he will be from the people of Paradise. And if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before the morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 318)

Trust in Allah:
‘Imran Bin Husain (r.a.) narrated that verily Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Seventy thousand people of my followers will enter Paradise without rendering account.” They (the companions of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Who would be those, Messenger of Allah?” He (s.a.w.s.) said: “They would be those who neither practice charm, nor take omens, nor do they cauterize, but they repose their trust in their Rabb.” (Muslim, Vol.1, Hadeeth 423)

Adhering to Prophet’s Sunnah:
Ghudhayf Bin al Harith al Thumali (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Never did a people make an innovation (in religion) there was withdrawn from them the equal measure of Sunnah. Adhering to Sunnah is better than making innovations.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 187 and Ahmad)

Reviving the Prophet’s Sunnah:
‘Abdullâh (r.a.) narrated on the authority of his father, “I heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) saying, “He who revived a Sunnah of mine that was extinct after me, would (receive) a reward like the reward of one of the people who acted upon it without any diminution in their rewards. And, he who introduced an innovation that Allah and His Messenger had not sanctioned, would incur (a sin) like the sin of one of the people who acted upon it without any diminution in people’s sins.” (Ibn Mâjah Vol. 1, Hadeeth 210)

Jihad (Struggling or Fighting for the Cause of Allah)
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever believes in Allah and His Messenger, offers prayers perfectly and fasts (the month of) Ramadan then it is incumbent upon Allah to admit him into Paradise, whether he emigrates for Allah’s cause or stays in the land where he was born.” They (the companions of the Prophet) said, “O Allah’s Messenger! Should we not inform the people of that?” He said, “There are one-hundred degrees in Paradise which Allah has prepared for those who carry on Jihad in His Cause. The distance between every two degrees is like the distance between the sky and the Earth. So if you ask Allah for anything, ask Him for the Firdaus, for it is the last part of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and at its top there is the Throne of Beneficent, and from it gush forth the rivers of Paradise.” (Bukhari Vol. 9, Hadeeth 519)

Bin Habashi (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was asked which actions were most excellent and replied, “Faith which contains no doubt, jihad which contains no unfaithfulness regarding spoil, and a pilgrimage which is accepted.” He was asked which prayer was most excellent and replied, “Standing long in devotion.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 3833 and Nasa’i)

Da’wah (Calling people to Islam):
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “One who calls people towards guidance gains the same reward (from Allah) as those who follow him, without their reward being reduced.” (Muslim)
Sahl Bin Sad (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “…Be patient till you face them (i.e., the infidels) and invite them to Islam and inform them of what Allah has enjoined upon them. By Allah! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e., through you) that will be better for you than the red camels.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 192 and Vol. 5, Hadeeth 51)

Enjoining good and forbidding evil:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever sees an evil should stop it with his hands; if he is unable to do so, then with his tongue; if he is unable to do that, then with his heart (by hating it), and this is the lowest level of belief.” (Bukhari)

Guiding people to virtue or righteousness:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Every good done to others is a charity, and the one who guides to a good deed gets the same reward as the one who performs the good deed.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Abû Mas’ud Al-Ansari (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “…One who guides to something good has a reward similar to that of its doer.” (Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 4665)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “He who called people to righteousness, there would be reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who called (people) to error, he shall have to carry (the burden) of its sin, like those who committed it, without their sins being diminished in any respect.” (Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 6470)

Dutifulness to parents:
‘Abdullah ibn Mas’ud narrated: I asked Allah’s Messenger, “O Allah’s Messenger! What is the best deed?” He replied, “To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times.” I asked, “What is next in goodness?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I further asked, what is next in goodness?” He replied, “To participate in Jihad in Allah’s cause.” I did not ask Allah’s Messenger anymore and if I had asked him more, he would have told me more.” (Bukhari, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 41)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him! What a loss is for him!” Someone asked: “Who, O Allah’s Messenger?” He replied: “He whose parents reach old age, either one or both of them, and he does not use their presence (by being good to them, etc.) to cause him to enter Paradise.” (Muslim)

I asked the Prophet, “Which deed is dearest to Allah?” He replied, “To offer the Salât (prayers) at their early fixed times.” I asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents.” I again asked, “What is the next (in goodness)?” He replied, “To participate in Jihâd (religious fighting) in Allah’s cause.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 505)

Abu Darda narrated that when a man came to him and said, “I have a wife whom my mother commands me to divorce.” He replied to him that he had heard Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) say, “A parent is the best of the gates of Paradise; so if you wish, keep to the gate, or lose it.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 4928 and Ibn Majah)

Supplicating for parents:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah the Almighty and Exalted will raise the rank of the righteous slave in Paradise, then the slave will ask: ‘O Allah! How did I attain this rank?’ Allah will reply, ‘By virtue of your child’s supplication for your forgiveness.’”(Ahmad)

Supplicating for Muslims in their absence:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his Muslim brother in his absence, an angel says: ‘You will get the same (as you supplicated for).’”(Muslim)

Paying Zakaat Al-Fitr:
Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The Messenger of Allah made Zakaat Al-Fitr obligatory as a means of purifying the fasting person from idle talk and foul language and feeding the poor. It is accepted as Zakaat from whoever pays it before the (‘Eid) prayer, and as a (simple) charity from whoever pays it after that.” (Abu Dawud)

Giving charity:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Charity wipes out sins as water extinguishes fire.” (Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases one’s lifespan.” (Tabaraani)


The wife’s obedience to her husband:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “If a woman prays the five obligatory daily prayers, fasts the month of Ramadaan, guards her private parts (from adultery and fornication), and is obedient to her husband, she will be able to enter Paradise from any of its gates.” (Ibn Habbaan)

The believing wife helping her husband with his faith:
Thawban narrated that when “And those who hoard gold and silver” came down they were with the Prophet on one of his journeys. One of his companions said, “It has come down about gold and silver. Would that we knew which property is best so that we might acquire it!” He replied, “The best property is a tongue which mentions Allah, a grateful heart, and a believing wife who helps a man with his faith.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 2275; Ahmad, and Ibn Majah)

Spending for one’s family:
Abu Mas’ud Al-Ansari (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “When a Muslim spends something on his family intending to receive Allah’s Reward, it is regarded as sadaqa (act of charity) for him.” (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadeeth 263 and Muslim)

Raising daughters:
`Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), the wife of Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “A woman came to me along with her two daughters. She asked me for (charity) but she found nothing with me except one date, so I gave her that. She accepted it and then divided it between her two daughters and herself ate nothing out of that. She then got up and went out, and so did her two daughters. Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) visited me and I narrated to him her story. There upon Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “He who is involved (in the responsibility) of bringing up) daughters, and he accords benevolent treatment towards them, there would be protection for him against Hell-Fire.’”(Muslim,Vol. 4, Hadeeth 6362)

Malik (r.a.) reported Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as saying: “He who brought up two girls properly till they grew up, he and I would come (together very closely) on the Day of Resurrection.” And he interlaced his fingers (for explaining the point of nearness between him and that person. (Muslim, Vol. 4, Hadeeth 6364)

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri(r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “If anyone cares for three daughters, disciplines them, have them married, and does good to them, he will go to Paradise.” (Abu Dawud, Hadeeth 5128)


Nurturing the orphan:
Sahl ibn Sa’id (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 34)

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said “One who looks after the orphan whether he is his relative or not, I and he would be together in Paradise like this” and Malik (explained it) with the gesture by drawing his index finger and middle finger close together. (Muslim, Hadeeth 7108)

Stroking the head of an orphan:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said in reply to a man who complained about the hardness of his own heart: “Stroke the head of an orphan and feed the needy.” (Ahmad)

Kindness to a widow or a poor person:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid (warrior) who fights for Allah’s Cause, or like one who offers salat (prayers) all the night and observes sawm (fast) all the day.” (Bukhari, Vol. 7, Hadeeth 265)

Good treatment and kindness to slaves:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever frees a Muslim slave, Allah will save all the parts of his body from the (Hell) Fire as he has manumitted the body-parts of the slave.” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 693)

Narrated Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him): I asked the Prophet, “What is the best deed? He replied, “To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause. Ithen asked, “What is the best kind of manumission (of slaves)? He replied, “The manumission of the most expensive slave and the most beloved by his master.” I said, “If I cannot afford to do that?” He said, “Refrain from harming others for this will be regarded as a charitable deed for your own good.” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 694)

Al-Ma`rur ibn Suwaid narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Your slaves are your brethren upon whom Allah has given you authority. So if one has one’s brethren under one’s control, one should feed them with the like of what one eats and clothe them with the like of what one wears. You should not overburden them with what they cannot bear, and if you do so, help them (in their hard job).” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 721)

Abu Musa Al-Ashgari narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “He who has a slave-girl and teaches her good manner and improves her education and then manumits and marries her, will get a double reward; and any slave who observes Allah’s right and his master’s right will get a double reward..” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 723)

Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “When your servant brings your meal to you (ask him to join you). Then if you do not let him sit and share the meal, then he should at least be given a mouthful or two mouthfuls of that meal or a meal or two meals, as he has prepared it.” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 734 and Vol. 7, Hadeeth 370)

Fulfilling people’s needs:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “It is better for one of you to fulfill the need of his brother (in Islam) than residing for I’tikaaf in my mosque for two months.” (Haakim)

‘Abdullâh Bin Umar (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim so he should not oppress him, nor should he hand him over to an oppressor. Whoever fulfilled the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever brought his (Muslim) brother out of a discomfort, Allah will bring him out of the discomforts of the Day of Resurrection, and whoever screened a Muslim Allah will screen him on the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 622)


Visiting Muslims for the sake of Allah:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Prophets will be in Paradise, the truthful will be in Paradise, and those who visit their Muslim brothers purely for the sake of Allah will be in Paradise.” (Tabaraani)

Visiting the sick:
Thawban (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “The one who visits the sick is in fact like one who is in the fruit garden of Paradise so long as he does not return.” (Muslim, Hadeeth 6227)

Maintaining ties with relatives:
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) the wife of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “The word Ar-Rahim’ (womb) derives its name from Ar-Rahman (i.e., one of the names of Allah). So whosoever keeps good relation with it (womb i.e., kith and kin), Allah will keep good relations with him and whosoever will sever it (i.e., severs his bonds of kith and kin) Allah too will sever His relation with him.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 18)

Anas ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged then he should keep good relations with his kith and kin.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8,Hadeeth 15)


Kindness to neighbors and guests:
Abu Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should not harm his neighbor. Whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously. And whosoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should talk what is good or keep quiet.” (Bukhari, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 47)

Cheering up Muslims:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will cheer up (by His forgiveness) He who cheers up his fellow Muslim.” (Tabaraani)

Relieving Muslims:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever relieves another Muslim of any hardship, Allah will relieve him from one of the hardships of the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

Assisting people:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Every day, charity is due from each of your joints; assisting a man to mount his beast or helping him load his luggage on it is a charity.” (Bukhari)

Intercession to fulfill people’s needs:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Intercede (to fulfill people’s needs) and you will be rewarded.” (Bukhari)

Easing matters for those in hardship:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah will make matters easy in the Hereafter for he who eases hardship for a Muslim.” (Muslim)

Being kind and merciful to the weak:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah will be merciful with those who are merciful with others; be merciful with those on the earth, and the One above the heavens will be merciful with you.” (Tirmidhi)

Reconciling between people:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Should I not tell you of a deed that is a rank higher than fasting, praying and spending in charity?” People replied: “Indeed, O messenger of Allah.” He replied: “Reconciling between people.” (Abu Dawud)

Having good manners:
When the Prophet was asked about which act leads people to enter Paradise the most, he replied: “Piety and good manners.” (Tirmidhi)

Spreading the Islamic salutation (of salaam):
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “O people! Spread the salaam; maintain good ties with kin; and pray at night while people are sleeping, then you will enter Paradise peacefully.” (Tirmidhi)

Removing harmful objects from people’s way:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise (simply) because he removed from a road a tree that used to harm people.” (Muslim)

Being bashful (shy):
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Bashfulness is a part of faith, and faith leads to Paradise.” (Ahmad)

Truthfulness:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Be truthful, as truthfulness leads to virtue, and virtue leads to Paradise.” (Bukhari)

Shaking hands:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Never do two Muslims shake hands except that their sins are forgiven before they depart.” (Abu Dawud)

Having a cheerful face:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Do not undermine any kind deed, even if it is to meet your Muslim brother with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)

Concealing people’s faults:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever conceals others’ faults in this life; Allah will conceal his faults on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

Lowering one’s gaze:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said that Allah says: “A lustful look is like a poisoned arrow of Satan; whoever refrains from it out of fear from Me, I will replace it with belief whose sweetness he will find in his heart.” (Tabaraani)

Attending virtuous gatherings:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Never do a group of people gather to mention Allah the Almighty, except that they will be surrounded with angels; the mercy of Allah will descend upon them, tranquility will shade them and Allah will mention them (with pride) in front of the angels.” (Muslim)

Expiation of a gathering:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever sits in a gathering and commits bad deeds (i.e., speech) in it; then says before he stands up to leave: ‘Subhaanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ashhadu Alla ilaaha illaa ant, astaghfiruka wa atoobu ilayk,’ Allah will forgive that which he committed during the gathering.” (Tirmidhi)

Guarding one’s tongue:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whoever guarantees (i.e., restrains) what is between his two jaws (i.e., the tongue), and what is between his legs (i.e., the private parts), I will guarantee him Paradise.” (Muslim)

Abandoning lying and disputing:
Anas ibn Mâlik (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “He who abandons lying, having been false, will have a castle built for him just within Paradise. He who abandons disputing, having been speaking the truth, will have one built for him in the middle of Paradise. He whose character is good will have one built for him in the highest part of it.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth, 4831)

Perseverance:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Never is a Muslim is afflicted with a calamity, sadness, worry, harm, or hardship -- even a prick of a thorn -- except that Allah, will expiate his sins (due to this).” (Bukhari)

Rearing daughters:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “He who has three daughters and he shelters them, provides for them and is merciful to them, will definitely be admitted into Paradise.” (Ahmad)

Thanking Allah after eating or drinking:
Anas Ibn Malik (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Allah is pleased with His servant who says: Alhamdulillah while taking a morsel of food and while drinking.” (Muslim, Hadeeth, 6592)

Mu’adh Ibn Anas (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “If anyone eats food and then says: “Praise be to Allah Who has fed me with this food and provided me with it through no might and power on my part,” he will be forgiven his former and later sins. If anyone puts on a garment and says: “Praise be to Allah Who has clothed me with this and provided me with it through no might and power on my part,” he will be forgiven his former and later sins.” (Abu Dawud, Hadeeth 4012)


Not asking anything of people:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever guarantees me that he will not ask people for anything, I can guarantee him Paradise.” (Bukhari)

Earning lawfully:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was asked about the best earnings, he replied: “Those which a man earns by his hands or any other lawfully earned money.” (Haakim)

Leniency during trade:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “May Allah have mercy upon the one who is easy when he buys and easy when he disputes (i.e., forgives easily).” (Bukhari)

Honesty in trade:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “When two people trade, they have the choice (to proceed with or stop the transaction), so if they are honest and clarify (e.g., defects in their merchandise) their trade will be blessed, but if they lie and conceal (defects) there will be no blessing in their trade.” (Bukhari)

Charity with continuous benefit:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “When a son of Adam dies, he ceases to gain (additional) benefit from his deeds except from three: a charity that is continuous in benefit, beneficial knowledge and a righteous child that supplicates for him.” (Muslim)

Giving charity from the husband’s wealth:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “If a woman spends from the wealth of her house without causing harm (to her family), she will get the reward of what she spent and her husband also gets a reward because he earned it. (Moreover) the one who is entrusted with money gets the same reward (of spending it), without any of them (the wife and the entrusted) decreasing the rewards of the others.” (Bukhari)

Immediately following up a sin with a good deed:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a sin with a good deed, it will eradicate it - and deal with people kindly.” (Ahmad)

Defending Muslims in their absence:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Whosoever defends his Muslim brother in his absence, Allah will keep the Hellfire away from his face on the Day of Resurrection.” (Tirmidhi)

Being fair between people:
The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “Every day that the sun rises, charity is due from each of your joints, and being fair between people is a charity.” (Bukhari)

Becoming a Muslim scholar:
Al Hasan Al Basri (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “The superiority of a scholar, who observes the prescribed prayer and then sits down to teach people goodness, over the worshipper, who observes fast during the day and worships during the night, is like my superiority over the lowest in rank amongst you.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 250)

Loving one another for the fear of Allah
Umar Bin al-Khattab (r.a.) narrated the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) as saying: “There are people from the servants of Allah who are neither prophets nor martyrs; the prophets and martyrs will envy them on the Day of Resurrection for their rank from Allah, the Most High.” They (the people) asked: “Tell us Messenger of Allah who are they?” He (s.a.w.s.) replied, “They are people who love one another for the fear of Allah without having any mutual kinship and giving property to one. I swear by Allah, their faces will glow and they will be (sitting) in (pulpits of) light. They will have no fear (on the Day) when the people will have fear, and they will not grieve when the people will grieve.” He (s.a.w.s.) then recited the following Qur’anic verse: “Behold! Verily for the friends of Allah there is no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Abu Daud, Hadeeth 3520)

Mu’adh Bin Jabal (r.a.) narrated that I heard the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah, the Master of Honor, says: ‘For those who love one another for the sake of fear of My majesty and magnificence, there will be high seats of light that will be the envy of prophets and martyrs.’”(Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 381)

Having patience and perseverance:
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah says, ‘I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my believer slave, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes for Allah’s Reward).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 432)

Shaddad and as-Sunabihi (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah who is Great and Glorious says, ‘When I afflict a servant of Mine who is a believer and he praises Me, for the affliction I have brought upon him; he will rise from that couch of his as sinless as he was the day his mother gave birth to him.’ The Rabb, Who is Blessed and Exalted, will say, ‘I fettered and afflicted My servant, so record for him what you were recording for him when he was well.’” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 1579 and Ahmad)

Developing good character:
Abû Darda (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “There is nothing heavier than good character put in the scale of a believer on the Day of Resurrection.” (Abu Daud, Hadeeth 4781)

Abû Umamah (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “I guarantee a house in the surroundings of Paradise for a man who avoids quarrelling even if he were in the right; a house in the middle of Paradise for a man who avoids lying even if he were joking; and a house in the upper part of Paradise for a man who made his character good.” (Abu Daud, Hadeeth 4782)

Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Do you know the things which most commonly bring people into Paradise? They are fear of Allah and good character. Do you know what most commonly bring people into Hell? They are the two hollow things: the mouth and the private parts.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 4832 and Ibn Mâjah)

Constancy in doing good deeds:
‘Âishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allah?” He (s.a.w.s.) said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He (s.a.w.s.) added, “Don’t take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 472)

Loving to meet Allah:
Ubada Bin As Sami (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “Whoever loves to meet Allah, Allah (too) loves to meet him; and whoever hates to meet Allah, Allah (too) hates to meet him.” ‘Âishah or some of the wives of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said, “But we dislike death.” He said: “It is not like this, but it is meant that when the time of the death of a believer approaches, he receives the good news of Allah’s pleasure with him and His blessings upon him; and so at that time nothing is dearer to him than what is in front of him. He therefore loves the meeting with Allah, and Allah (too) loves the meeting with him. But when the time of the death of an unbeliever approaches, he receives the evil news of Allah’s Torment and His Requital, whereupon nothing is more hateful to him than what is before him. Therefore, he hates the meeting with Allah, and Allah too, hates the meeting with him.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 514 and Muslim 6488)

Hakim Ibn Hizam (r.a.) narrated: I said to Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.), “Before embracing Islam I used to do good deeds like giving in charity, slave-manumitting, and the keeping of good relations with kith and kin. Shall I be rewarded for those deeds?” The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied, “You became Muslim with all those good deeds (without losing their reward).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 2, Hadeeth 517)

Three (kinds of) persons will have a double reward: Abû Burda’s father (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Three (kinds of) persons will have a double reward: 1.) a person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet Muhammad (i.e., has embraced Islam); 2.) a slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master; and 3.) a master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits her and then marries her.” (Bukhâri, Vol. 1, Hadeeth 97)

Coming Closer to Allah with Goodness:
Abû Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, stated: ‘He who comes with goodness, there are in store for him ten like those and even more than those: ‘and he who comes with vice,’ it is only for that that he is called to account. I even forgive him (as I like). He who draws close to Me by the span of a palm, I draw close to him by the cubit. He who draws close to Me by the cubit, I draw close to him by the space (covered) by two hands. He who walks towards Me, I rush towards him. And he who meets Me in the state that his sins fill the earth, but not associating anything with Me, I would meet Him with the same (vastness) of pardon (on My behalf).” (Muslim, Hadeeth 6499)

Believing in the meanings of the 99 Names of Allah and Acting According to Islam:
Abû Hurairah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Allah has ninety-nine Names, i.e., one hundred minus one, and whoever believes in their meanings and acts accordingly, will enter Paradise; and Allah is Witr (one) and loves ‘the Witr’ (i.e., odd numbers).” (Bukhâri, Vol. 8, Hadeeth 419)

Asking Allah for Guidance:
Abû Dharr (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said that Allah the Most High says, “My servants, all of you are astray except him whom I have guided, but if you ask Me for guidance I will guide you. All of you are poor except him whom I have enriched, but if you ask of Me I will give you provision. All of you are sinners except him whom I have preserved (from sin), but if any of you knows that I have power to pardon and ask my pardon I will pardon him, and I do not care. If the first and the last of you, the living and the dead among you, those of you who are fresh and those of you who are withered  all had hearts as pious as the heart of the most pious of My servant that would not add as much as a gnat’s wing to My dominion. If the first and last of you, the living and the dead among you, those of you who are fresh and those of you who are withered had all hearts as wretched as the heart of the most wretched of My servants; that would not diminish as much as a gnat’s wing from My dominion. If the first and last of you, the living and the dead among you, those of you who are fresh and those of you who are withered, were gathered in one plain, each one of you asking all he could hope for, and I were to grant the request of each of you who asked; that would cause no more diminution in My dominion; than if one of you passed by the sea and, after dipping a needle in it, took it out, that being because I am Generous and Glorious, doing what I wish. My giving is speech and my punishment is speech. My command to a thing when I want it is just to say to it ‘Be’ and it comes into being.” (Tirmidhî, Hadeeth 2344, Ahmad, and Ibn Mâjah)

Kindness to people and animals:
Abu Hurayrah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.” The people asked, “O Allah’s Messenger! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?” He replied, “Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate.” (Bukhari, Vol. 3, Hadeeth 551 and Vol. 8, Hadeeth 38)

‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “‘Aishah verily Allah is kind and He loves kindness and confers upon kindness which he does not confer upon severity and does not confer upon anything else besides it (kindness).” (Muslim, Hadeeth 6273)

Jabir ibn ‘Abdullah (r.a.) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “Every act of kindness is sadaqah (charity) and kindness includes meeting your brother with a cheerful face and pouring water from bucket into your brother’s vessel.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 1910 and Ahmad)

‘Abdullah ibn Abbas narrated that Allah’s Messenger forbade inciting animals to fight with one another.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 4103 and Abu Dawud)

Ali ibn Abu Talib narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said, “One Muslim should do six acts of kindness to another: He should salute him when he meets him; accept his invitation when he gives one; say ‘Allah have mercy on you’ when he sneezes; visit him when he is ill; follow his bier when he dies; and like for him what he likes for himself.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 4643 and Darimi)

‘Abdullah ibn Umar (r.a.) narrated that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) said: “If anyone seeks protection in Allah’s name, grant him protection; if anyone begs in Allah’s name, give him something; if anyone gives you an invitation, accept it; and if anyone does you a kindness, recompense him; but if you have not the means to do so, pray for him until you feel that you have compensated him.” (Abu Dawud, 1668)

Thawban narrated that Allah’s Messenger (s.a.w.s.) said: “Only supplication averts the decree, only kindness prolongs life, and a man is deprived of provision for a fault he commits.” (Tirmidhi, Hadeeth 4925 and Ibn Majah)

All the above authentic Ahadeeth show how devoted servant of Allah the Messenger (s.a.w.s.) is and how he teaches us to render devotion to Allah the Almighty in order to attain His Mercy. From his teachings, we learn how to establish firm belief in Tawheed (absolute Oneness of Allah). That is to sincerely adhere to the first pillar of Islam which is known as Shahadatain (Two Testimony of Faith in Islam) which is to testify that there is no god (worthy of true worship) but Allah and that Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) is His Servant and Messenger. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) teaches us to worship Allah the Almighty sincerely, to love, fear, remember Him always, to supplicate to Him, seek His Forgiveness, and to dedicate our lives and everything in us to Him alone in order to seek His Mercy. He guides us to show kindness, sympathy, care, patience and brotherhood to others for the sake of Allah the Most Merciful. He encourages us to beautify or improve our manners and do good deeds in order to please Allah. He makes it clear to us the importance and benefits of reading, understanding and holding to the Qur’an and the Sunnah. He reminds us to convey the Message of Islam to others, to enjoin the rights and forbid evil deeds. All these virtuous teachings if done sincerely seeking the pleasure of Allah the Most Merciful will lead us to have peace with Allah the Most Merciful, who Alone can grant us peace within ourselves, with our families, relatives, neighbors, and the society as a whole. Non-Muslims who are ignorant of these Prophetic teachings (Ahadeeth) and Muslims who have neglected their duty to learn and implement these authentic Ahadeeth are invited to fonder and reflect upon them. They need to accept the enlightening teachings which Allah the Almighty has inspired on His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) as they are parts of His Mercy to mankind. Verily, Allah the Most Merciful has bestowed His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) both with the Qur’an and the Sunnah. If we really believe in all the teachings of the Qur’an as from the Only True God, Allah it becomes mandatory for us to believe in the authentic Ahadeeth or the Sunnah of His Messenger (s.a.w.s.). Allah the All-Knowing, All Wise inspired His Messenger (s.a.w.s.) with the Sunnah so full of wisdom and guidance for us to attain Allah’s Mercy and therefore rewards of peace and success, especially in the eternal world to come.