BELIEVER'S SIGNS - SEEKS GOOD

 SEEK GOOD TO BE GOOD

(1) One righteous group of believers will always be there amongst “Ummah” Muslim Nation

Bukhari Volume 4, Book 61, Number 3641:

Narrated Muawiya:

I heard the Prophet (s) saying, "A group of people amongst my followers will remain obedient to Allah's orders and they will not be harmed by anyone who will not help them or who will oppose them, till Allah's Order (the Last Day) comes upon them while they are still on the right path."

NOTE 1: This is staunch conviction of a believer that any news khabarin (some information) given by the Prophet (s) CANNOT be false hence quest for such group of righteous people must always be the aim of us all as Muslims. This quest resulted into distinctive group of devout Muslims in early period of Islam, referred as Sufi saints, however one may not be able to find and identify such group in today’s world, especially if one is adopting the age old techniques in vogue in past Sufi circles but this should not result into frustration, altogether losing confidence in Hadis literature, as is happening with most of us today. This is the time we need to revisit Hadis corpus with full confidence, sincerity and requisite zeal. Here we need to remind ourselves that like Quran “Youfasilo Bada’a hu Ba’ada,” one part explains the other; same way we can better understand such Ahadis applying this principle instead of pondering over a Hadis in isolation, which can be misleading at times.  

Reading following Ahadis will greatly clarify our understanding of the true behest of the Prophet (s) in above Hadis about ONE righteous group of believers always there amongst “Ummah” Muslim Nation and In-Sha-Allah will greatly help us succeed in our endeavors to achieve higher levels of l-ḥik'mata wisdom “, taqwā, piety, God Consciousness and l-bira the righteousness.

(34) CHAPTER. Seclusion is better for a believer than to have evil companions.

Bukhari Volume 8, Book 81, Number 6494:

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:

A Bedouin came to the Prophet (s) and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is the best of mankind?" The Prophet (s) said, "A man who strives for Allah's Cause with his life and property, and also a man who lives (all alone) in a mountain path among the mountain paths to worship his Lord and save the people from his evil."

Bukhari Volume 8, Book 81, Number 6495:

Narrated Abu Said:

I heard the Prophet (s) saying, "There will come a time upon the people when the best property of a Muslim will be sheep which he will take to the tops of mountains and to the places of  rainfall; and he will run away with his religion (in order to save it) from fit'natan affliction, trials(*)."

*Has the time not come yet?

(11) CHAPTER. What a Muslim should do if there is no righteous group of Muslims

Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 7084:

Narrated Hudhaifa bin Al-Yaman:

The people used to ask Allah's Apostle (s) about the good but I used to ask him about the evil lest I should be overtaken by them. So I said, "O Allah's Apostle! We were living in ignorance and in an (extremely) worst atmosphere, then Allah brought to us this good (i.e., Islam); will there be any evil after this good?" He said, "Yes." I said, 'Will there be any good after that evil?" He replied, "Yes, but it will be tainted (not pure.)'' I asked, "What will be its taint?" He replied, "(There will be) some people who will guide others not according to my tradition? You will approve of some of their deeds and disapprove of some others." I asked, "Will there be any evil after that good?" He replied, "Yes, (there will be) some people calling at the gates of the (Hell) Fire, and whoever will respond to their call, will be thrown by them into the (Hell) Fire." I said, "O Allah s Apostle! Will you describe them to us?" He said, "They will be from our own people and will speak our language." I said, "What do you order me to do if such a state should take place in my life?" He said, "Stick to the group of Muslims and their Imam (ruler)." I said, "If there is neither a group of Muslims nor an Imam (ruler)?" He said, "Then turn away from all those sects even if you were to bite (eat) the roots of a tree till death overtakes you while you are in that state."

(12) CHAPTER. To flee (run away) from Al-Fiitn (afflictions and trials), is a part of religion.

Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 19: [7088Volume 9 No 3600 Volume 4]

Narrated Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri:

Allah's Messenger (s) said, "A time will come when the best property of a Muslim will be sheep,  which he will take on the top of mountains and the places of rainfall (valleys) so as to flee with  his religion from Al-Fitan (afflictions and trials)".

Bukhari Volume 4, Book 56, Number 2786:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Somebody asked, "O Allah's Apostle (s)! Who is the best among the people?" Allah's Apostle (s) replied "A believer who strives his utmost in Allah's Cause with his life and property." They asked, "Who is next?" He replied, "A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief."

Translator’s Note: This is true in times of afflictions and disorder, otherwise social life is better than seclusion as the Prophet says in a Hadith reported by At- Tirmizi: "He who mixes with people and endures their mischief is better rewarded than he who does not mix with people and does not endure their mischief."

Note 2: It must be noted that two distinctively different situations are painted in above Ahadis and should not be confused by replacing one by the other or even comparing; a major reason which creates doubts in the mind of the reader and ultimately the trust in Hadis literature. Bukhari quotes a Hadis saying “A believer who stays in one of the mountain paths worshipping Allah and leaving the people secure from his mischief” and Hadis in translator’s note is that “He who mixes with people and endures their mischief is better rewarded” Difference is so clear in approach by Bukhari and other compilers of Hadis because there must be a solid reason for Bukhari not to include Hadis noted by Tirmizi in latter times. However Quranic ordains is best in setting the criterion,” “….help ye one another unto righteousness and pious duty. Help not one another unto sin and transgression”. (5:2)

 (13) CHAPTER. If a Muslim stays among the bad people

Bukhari Volume 9, Book 92, Number 7086:

Narrated Hudhaifa:

Allah's Apostle (s) related to us, two prophetic narrations one of which I have seen fulfilled and I am waiting for the fulfillment of the other. The Prophet (s) told us that Al-Amnanah (the trust or  moral responsibility or honesty, the virtue of honesty and all the duties which Allah has ordained) descended in the roots of men's hearts (from Allah) and then they learned it from the Qur'an and then they learned it from the Sunnah (the Prophet's traditions). The Prophet (s) further told us how that honesty will be taken away: He said: "Man will go to sleep during which honesty will be taken away from his heart and only its trace will remain in his heart like the trace of a dark spot; then man will go to sleep, during which honesty will decrease further still, so that its trace will resemble the trace of blister as when an ember is dropped on one's foot which would make it swell, and one would see it swollen but there would be nothing inside. People would be carrying out their trade but hardly will there be a trustworthy person. It will be said, 'in such-and-such tribe there is an honest man,' and later it will be said about some man, 'What a wise, polite and strong man he is’ though he will not have faith equal even to a mustard seed in his heart." No doubt, there came upon me a time when I did not mind dealing (bargaining) with anyone of you, for if he was a Muslim his Islam would compel him to pay me what is due to me, and if he was a Christian, the Muslim official would compel him to pay me what is due to me, but today I do not deal except with such-and-such person.

(Book “Mihaj ul Abideen” by Ghazali is based on the authority of such Ahadis)

https://www.ghazali.org/books/kimya-eng.pdf

Note 3: fit'natan affliction, trials (Al-Fitan) means breaking up of Islamic system of government, today’s Islamic countries are worse than the days of the period of Fitna in Islam.

NOTE 4: Instead of searching ancient Sufi ways to seek the FOOTSTEPS of the Prophet (s) what we need is to adopt ways and means suiting the age we are living in. Following guidelines might be helpful for learning and adapting ourselves to the subtle teachings embedded in above Ahadis, translating these treasures of wisdom in our lives suiting the today’s milieu, envisaged differently by Ghazali according to his times in above books:   

Prophet (s) is quoted to have said, “Be indifferent to the world and Allah will love you; be indifferent to what the people possess and they will love you.” [Hassan category of hadith related by Ibn Majah]

Arabic word Zuhad is not easy to explain in one word as it is a major paradigm shift, altogether a different way of looking at life, easiest to say a discreet selfless indifference. This is a way of life in which the life hereafter is an absolute reality like a traveler at no point in time is oblivious of his destination yet fully enjoying each and every moment of the picturesque journey, coalescing with everyone around with pleasure. This state of mind becoming a permanent feature, makes one live a life full of peace and contentment with the essence of this discreet selfless indifference, neither getting hurt, every now and then, nor hurting anyone; having no jealousy and feeling of competition, ultimately making oneself a source of benefit for everyone around as well as one’s own self, asceticism is strictly forbidden in Islam, being the religion of nature, Deen ul Fitrah.

Making the best use of internet age we should do some research work, instead of remaining busy in forwarding Quranic Ayahs, Ahadis and lengthy supplication on social media without understanding, creating more doubts, damaging the image of Islam besides ending up as frustrated wrong doers.  

 (2) Asceticism not allowed in Islam –
 Religion of Nature “Deen ul Fitrah”

(51) CHAPTER. If someone forces his Muslim brother to break his (Nawafil) fast, by giving  him an oath, the person observing Saum (fast) has not to observe Saum (fast) in lieu of it if  the giving up of the Saum was better for him.

Bukhari Volume 3, Book 30, Number 1968:

Narrated Abu Juhaifa:

The Prophet (s) made a bond of brotherhood between Salman and Abu Ad-Darda.' Salman paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda' and found Um Ad-Darda' dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, "Your brother Abu Ad-Darda' is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world." In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda' came and prepared a meal for Salman. Salman requested Abu Ad-Darda' to eat (with him), but Abu Ad-Darda' said, "I am fasting." Salman said, "I am not going to eat unless you eat." So, Abu Ad-Darda' ate (with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda' got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salman told him to sleep and Abu Ad-Darda' slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda' again got up but Salman told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman told him to get up then, both of them offered the prayer. Salman told Abu Ad-Darda', "Your Lord has a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who has a right on you." Abu Ad-Darda' came to the Prophet (s) and narrated the whole story. The Prophet (s) said, "Salman has spoken the truth."

(54) CHAPTER. The right of the guest in fasting

Bukhari Volume 3, Book 30, Number 1974:

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Amr bin Al-'As:

"Once Allah's Apostle (s) came to me," and then he narrated the whole narration, i.e. your guest has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you. I then asked about the fasting of David. The Prophet (s) replied, "Half of the year," (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).

(3) Castration – Not allowed 
No asceticism 

Bukhari Volume 7, Book 67, Number 5076:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I said, "O Allah's Apostle! I am a young man and I am afraid that I may commit illegal sexual intercourse and I cannot afford to marry." He kept silent, and then repeated my question once again, but he kept silent. I said the same (for the third time) and he remained silent. Then repeated my question (for the fourth time), and only then the Prophet (s) said, "O Abu Huraira! The pen has dried after writing what you are going to confront. (Note 1) So (it does not matter whether you) get yourself castrated or not." (Note 2)

Translator’s Note:

(1) Your fate has been destined for you

(2) (This means) you cannot change your destined fate by getting castrated, so there is no benefit in doing so.

Bukhari Volume 7, Book 67, Number 5074:

Narrated Sad bin Abi Waqqas:

Allah's Apostle (s) forbade 'Uthman bin Maz'un to abstain from marrying (and other pleasures) and if he had allowed him, we would have gotten ourselves castrated.

Translator’s Note: Sa'd, by saying, "We would have ourselves castrated," did not mean the actual castration, but he meant excessive abstention from all kinds of pleasures, for castration is forbidden in Islam.

Quran on the topic

“O’ Muhammad, ask them, "Who has forbidden ²² the decent garments that Allah brought forth for His "servants and (Who has forbidden) the good and pure things of life bestowed by Him?" Say, "All these things are for the Believers in this world but on the Day of Resurrection, these shall be exclusively for them." ²³ Thus We make quite plain Our Revelations to those who possess knowledge. O’ Muhammad, say to them, "The things which my Lord has forbidden are: shameful deeds whether open or secret, ²⁴ sinful ²⁵ things and transgression against the Truth,²⁶ He has also forbidden to associate partners with Allah since He has sent down no authority therefor; (He has also forbidden) to attribute to Allah's name the thing which you know not He has said."  (7:32-34)

(4) Believer is FLEXIBLE hypocrite arrogant
simile a tree

Bukhari Volume 7, Book 75, Number 5643: [7466]

Narrated Kab:

The Prophet (s) said, "The example of a believer is that of a fresh tender plant, which the wind bends it sometimes and some other time it makes it straight. And the example of a hypocrite is that of a pine tree which keeps straight till once it is uprooted suddenly.

(5) Beliefs that assure Paradise prophets all humans
Jesus slave of Allah 
Guard against SHIRK in all manifestations

Bukhari Volume 4, Book 60, Number 3435:

Narrated 'Ubada:

The Prophet (s) said, "If anyone testifies that 'La ilaha illallah' (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone), Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger, and that 'Isa (Jesus) is Allah's slave and His Messenger and His Word ("Be!" - and he was) which He bestowed on Maryam (Mary) and a Ruh (spirit) created by Him, and that Paradise, is the truth and Hell is the truth,' Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few."

(Junada the sub narrator said, “‘Ubada added, 'Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes.') 

(6) Superiority of one leaving all doubtful
(unclear) things for sake of his religion 

(39) CHAPTER. The superiority of that person who leaves all doubtful (unclear) things for the sake of his religion;

Bukhari Volume 1, Book 2, Number 52:

Narrated An-Nu'man bin Bashir:

I heard Allah's Apostle (s) saying, 'Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.