Sayings of the Salaf » Good deeds

Faith is not just in the heart [definition of Iman]

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:05:07 +0000

Imâm Al-Awzâ’î – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

Faith (îmân) is not sound except with [correct] words. Faith and words are not sound except with [good] works. And faith, words and deeds are not sound except with [the correct] intentions in conformance to the Sunnah. Those who went before us of our Salaf did not separate faith from deeds: deeds are a part of faith, and faith is from [ones deeds]. îmân is a word that brings together these aspects of the religions [of Allâh] and is confirmed through [a person's] works.

So whoever believes in word, knows in his heart and confirms [his belief] through his works, then this is the strongest handhold that will never break. And whoever says [words of faith] but does not know [faith] in his heart nor confirms it with his works, it will never be accepted of him and he will be in the hereafter from those who suffer in loss.

Ibn Ba tt ah, Al-Ibânah Al-Kubrâ article 1097.

The Best of then and Now

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:07:07 +0000

It is reported that Mujâhid – Allâh have mercy on him – said: Those who strive and exert themselves (al-mujtahid) amongst you today are like those who used to play around amongst those before you. Wakî’ b. Al-Jarrâh, Al-Zuhd article 221. Related posts:Loftier Goals in Life Imam Al-Awzai’s Letter of Warning against Heresy and HereticsRelated posts:

The worst time, the worst people

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 17:59:45 +0000

It is reported that Abû Hâzim Al-Ashja’î – Allâh have mercy on him – said:

If you find yourself in a time when speech is accepted as knowledge and knowledge is accepted as deeds [instead of putting it into practice], then you are in the worst time and with the worst people.

Abû Bakr Al-Daynûrî, Al-Mujâlasah wa Jawâhir Al-’Ilm` 4:338.

Abû Hâzim Salmân Al-Ashja’î (died circa 100H) was one of the eminent Tâbi’în. He was a fully reliable transmitter of hadîth and a companion of Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him.

Taqwa, Knowledge and Beauty

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:33:28 +0000

It is reported that Abû Al-Dardâ – Allâh be pleased with him – said:
You will never be pious (a person of taqwâ) until you become knowledgeable, and you will never be beautiful with your knowledge until you act [by it].

Ibn Ábd Al-Barr, Jâmi’ Bayân Al-’Ilm wa Fadlihî article 1239.

Who to Love and Trust, Hate and Suspect [signs of sincerity]

Abû ‘Abdillâh Owais Al-Hâshimi — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 16:07:01 +0000

It is reported that ‘Umar b. Al-Khattâb – Allâh be pleased with him – said:

We were once in a time when we did not think anyone learned the Quran seeking anything but Allâh the Exalted, but now I fear there are men who learn it and intend the people and what they can get from them. So seek Allâh with your recitation and deeds. For verily, we used to know you when Allâh’s Messenger – Allâh’s peace and blessings be upon him – was amongst us, when revelation would descend and Allâh would tell us about you. As for today, Allâh’s Messenger – peace and blessings be upon him – has passed on, and the revelations has stopped; and I only know you as I say: whoever shows what is good, we love him for it and think good of him, and whoever shows what is evil, we hate him for it and suspect him. Your secret and private matters are between you and your Lord the Mighty and Majestic.

Al-Âjurrî, Akhlâq Hamalat Al-Qur`ân article 26.