TAMBIHUL GHAAFILEEN - ADMONITION FOR THE NEGLECTFUL
by Faqih Abul Laith Samarqandi

7. REPENTANCE

THE BEHAVIOUR OF MAN IS STRANGE INDEED.

The following statement of Allah´s has been reported by Hadhrat Muhammad bin Mutarraf (R.A). Allah says, "The behaviour of man is truly strange. He asks forgiveness from Me after sinning, and I forgive him. Then he sins again, asks for forgiveness, whereafter I forgive him once more. He neither refrains from sin, nor does he grow despondent of My mercy. Oh Angels! Be witness to the fact that I have forgiven them."

Note: Every sinner should continue to seek Allah´s forgiveness and must not persist in his sins. The penitent person will not be termed as one who is persistent in committing sins, even though he repents seventy times a day.

TAUBA IS ACCEPTED ONLY BEFORE DEATH.

Hadhrat Hasan Basri (R.A) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "When Allah placed Iblees on the earth, he said to Allah, ´By Your honour and grandeur! I shall continue in my attempts to mislead man as long as his soul remains in his body.´ Allah told him in reply, ´By My honour and grandeur! I shall continue to accept the repentance of man before he reaches the throes of death."

THE REMORSE AND DESPONDENCY OF THE ACCURSED IBLEES: - IN FIVES.

It has been reported that no sin of a person is recorded till these reach five. Thereafter, if he does five good actions, five rewards are recorded in his account and the five sins are obliterated thereby. Iblees then laments with despondency, "How can I get man in my control when a single good actions destroys all my efforts?"

SIX QUALITIES OF ONE WHO TRULY RECOGNIZES ALLAH.

When he remembers Allah, he appreciates this boon.
When he looks at himself, he considers himself low. (Allah´s worship is perfection in itself).
He takes a lesson from Allah´s signs. (This is his objective).
When the thoughts of passion and sin enter his mind, he becomes afraid. (Fearing the thought of sin is a sign of perfection).
He becomes happy when thinking about Allah´s attribute of forgiveness. (The salvation of man depends on Allah´s forgiveness).
He repents whenever he thinks about his sins.

THE EMINENT FUDAIL (R.A).

A group of highway robbers, whose leader was Hadhrat Fudail (R.A) once decided to waylay a caravan consisting of traders, travellers, aged people, women and children. They mounted their horses, brandished their swords and left to accost the caravan at a place where they had halted to rest.

When the band of robbers arrived, the people of the caravan dispersed in such frenzy that the scene was reminiscent of Qiyamah, with every person worrying about himself only. Mothers were screaming, children were wailing and the robbers were exploiting the situation with their usual cold heartedness.

In this confession, Hadhrat Fudail (R.A) came across a person in one section of the caravan who was busy reciting something. He approached the person in a fit of fury because the man was totally unafraid and unperturbed by their presence. As he drew closer to the person, he heard him recite the verse of the Qur´aan; "Has the time not come for the believers that their hearts submit (and tremble) with the dhikr of Allah?" [Surah Haaction]

The glory of the Qur´aan is such that a few verses of Surah TaaHaa was enough to alter the image of Abu Hafs, Umar bin Khattaab into Hadhrat Umar (R.A). It then raised him to such a mantle that Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "If there was another prophet after me, it would have been Umar."

Similarly the words of the Qur´aan had such an impact upon Hadhrat Fudail (R.A), that he immediately threw down his sword, left his horse where it stood and ran into the forest leaving his henchmen behind. There he wept uncontrollably over all his past sins.

After a few days, another caravan was passing. The inmates, afraid of coming being attacked, asked one pious man in the vicinity whether Fudail was nearby or whether he was out plundering another caravan? The pious person told them not to be afraid of Fudail because he was now even scared of children.

Thereafter, Hadhrat Fudail (R.A) travelled from town to town looking for all those whom he had robbed. He then returned their property to them and sought forgiveness from them.

Allah says in Surah Shams, "Allah has inspired evil and good in every soul. The one who purifies the soul is successful and the one who destroys it has certainly lost."

TAUBATUN NASOOHA
(SINCERE REPENTANCE):- 3 SIGNS.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (R.A) interprets Taubatun Nasooh as when:

A person´s heart is ashamed.
His tongue seeks forgiveness.
He resolves never to repeat the sin he committed.

Allah instructs us in Surah Tahreem, "Oh you who believe, repent to Allah, a sincere repentance (Taubatun Nasooha)."

THE RESOLUTION NOT TO REPEAT A SIN IS IMPERATIVE WHEN ONE REPENTS.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "The example of the person who repents and then continues to sin is like that of one who tries to make a fool of Allah."

A UNIQUE STORY.

One of the kings of the Bani Isra´eel employed a particular slave in his service after hearing much praise of him. Seeing the king in a good mood, the slave asked him, "What will be your reaction if you walked into your palace one day and had to see me engaged in joking and merrymaking with one of your concubines?" The king was enraged and cursed the slave for his impudence. The slave bid the king to be calm and told him that he was merely testing him. He then said to the king, "I am the slave of such a Master who never gets as angry as you do despite seeing His slave sin seventy times a day. He neither hits me for it, nor does He deprive me of my sustenance (instead, He forgives me when I repent). Why should I leave him for you. I have just now experienced your reaction to an imaginary situation. What will your reaction be when one really disobeys you?"

SHAYTAAN ALSO HAS REGRETS.

A taabi´ee has mentioned that when a sinner repents for his sins and is remorseful of, his ranks are elevated even more and he becomes worthy of Jannah. It is then that shaytaan lamentingly says, "If I had only not encouraged him to sin (then his ranks would not have been raised)!"

HASTE IS BEST IN THREE THINGS.

Salaah, when the time sets in.
The burial of a deceased person.
Repentance after a sin (it should not be that he dies without repenting).

THE SIGNS OF TAUBAH.

Certain wise men have mentioned that acceptance of Taubah can be recognized by four signs. These are:

A person guards his tongue from futile talk, lying and backbiting.
He harbours no jealousy or enmity for anyone.
He forsakes evil company.
He prepares for death, is always remorseful, always repenting and always obedient to Allah´s orders.

A wise man was once asked, "Are there any signs whereby it can be recognized that a person´s Taubah is accepted?" He replied that there were the following four signs:

He disassociates from the company of evil people and joins the company of good people, having true reverence for them in his heart.
He disassociates from all sins and turns to good actions only.
He removes the love of the world from his heart and is constantly worried about the Hereafter.
He remains unworried about his sustenance, which Allah has assumed responsibility for, and engages in Allah´s obedience.

People owe the following four responsibilities to such a person:

They should love him because Allah loves him.
They should pray that Allah keeps him constant on Taubah.
They should not taunt him about his previous sins.
They should remain in his company, talk about him and assist him in every way.

FOUR HONOR THAT ALLAH CONFERS UPON ONE WHO REPENTS.

Allah honours him with four things viz.

Allah purifies him for sins in such a manner that it is as if he had never committed any sin.
Allah begins to love him.
Allah protects him from shaytaan.
Allah makes him fearless and content before he leaves the world.

THE FIRE OF JAHANNAM WILL NOT AFFECT THE REPENTANT PERSON AS HE CROSSES OVER IT.

Hadhrat Khaalid bin Ma´daan (R.A) says that when the repentant people will enter Jannah, they will ask, "Allah has mentioned that we will have to cross over Jahannam before entering Jannah?" They will be told that they have already passed over Jahannam, but it was cooled (for them).

THE WARNING AGAINST TAUNTING A MUSLIM.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) has mentioned, "The Muslim who taunts another Muslim due to any evil, thereby embarrassing him, shall be just like the one who committed the evil (i.e. it will be as if he perpetrated the sin himself). The person who defames a Mu´min on account of any of his sins shall be involved in the same sin and defamation before he dies." (May Allah save us therefrom).

Faqih Abul Laith (R.A) says that a Mu´min never sins intentionally. His sins are always due to negligence and he is then forgiven after he repents. Therefore, why should he be taunted?

SINS ARE TOTALLY OBLITERATED BY TAUBA.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Abbaas (R.A) reports that when a slave repents to Allah, Allah forgives him and causes the recording angels as well as the person´s limbs to forget about the sin. Therefore, they are unable to testify against him. Even the ground whereupon the sin was committed forgets the sin.

When Allah cursed shaytaan he swore by Allah honour that he will never leave the bosom of man. Allah then swore by His honour that He would forgive man as long as he lives.

THE EXCELLENCE OF THE UMMAH OF RASULULLAH (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam).

The Taubah of the previous ummahs (nations) was that Allah made a halaal thing haraam due to their sins. Allah also used to write their sin on their doors or on their limbs.

However, Allah has been extremely bountiful to the ummah of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) by not exposing their sins in this manner.

Whenever the sinner turns to Allah asking for forgiveness, Allah says, "My slave has sinned and has realized that he has a Rabb Who is Forgiving and Who has the power to take him to task." Allah then forgives the person.

Allah says, "Whoever commits a sin or oppresses himself, and then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he shall find Allah to be Most Forgiving, Most Merciful." A person should repent every morning and evening for his sins.

GOOD ACTIONS ARE AWAITED BEFORE A SIN IS RECORDED: - 5 SINS.

Every person has an angel on each shoulder, who records his actions. The angel on the right shoulder is the leader. Whenever the angel on the left shoulder intends to record a sin that is committed, the angel on the right stops him saying, "Do not write until five sins are committed."

When five sins are perpetrated, the angel on the left requests permission to write. He is again prevented from writing with the words, "Wait! Perchance he may carry out a good action."

When the person does carry out a good action, the angel on the right says, "Allah has stipulated the principle that every good action will earn the reward of ten actions. Therefore this person has earned the reward of ten good actions for his one act. Since his sins are five, they will be forgiven in lieu of five actions and I shall record five good actions in his account."

It is then that shaytaan wails as he says, "How can I
ever gain control over man?"

SINS ARE TRANSFORMED INTO GOOD ACTIONS BY VIRTUE OF TAUBAH.

Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) reports that he was once walking with Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) after Isha. On the road a woman asked, "Oh Abu Huraira! I have perpetrated a sin. How can I secure forgiveness?" When Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) enquired about the sin, she said that she had committed adultery and killed the illegitimate child born therefrom.

Realizing the gravity of the sin, Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) told her, "You are destroyed and have destroyed another as well. How can you be forgiven?" Hearing this, she fell unconscious. Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) continued ahead, but remained remorseful, thinking that he should enquire from Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) about the matter.

The following morning, when he informed Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) about the incident, Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji´oon (To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. Abu Huraira! You have destroyed yourself and another. Have you not read the verse of the Qur´aan where Allah says, "Those who do not subscribe to another deity with Allah, do not kill those souls that Allah has forbidden except with warrant, and do not commit adultery. Whoever perpetrates these shall be a sinner. Punishment will be doubled for them on the Day of Qiyamah, and they will remain therein forever. Except for him who repents, believes and does good actions. For these people Allah will convert their sins into good actions. Allah is ever the Most Forgiving, the Most Merciful."

Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) says that he then roamed through all the streets of Madinah in search of this woman, announcing, "Where is the woman who asked me a ruling last night?" Seeing his condition, the children said that he must be mad.

That night he met the woman at the same place. He told her what Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) had said adding that the doors of repentance were open for her. She was so overcome with joy that she donated a certain orchard of hers to the poor.

Ulama have mentioned that sins are replaced by correspondingly proportional good actions. Allah is even prepared to forgive kufr. He says, "Tell the disbelievers, ´If they repent from kufr, they will be forgiven for all that has past."

If kufr, which is a terrible sin, can be forgiven, others must surely be forgivable.

THE STATEMENT OF HADHRAT MOOSA (A.S).

Hadhrat Moosa (A.S) said, "Astonishing is that person:

who laughs, despite being convinced about Jahannam;
who is happy, despite being convinced of death;
who sins, despite being convinced of reckoning;
who grieves, despite being convinced of Taqdeer (fate);
who is content with the world, despite witnessing it´s changes;
and the one who does not carry out good actions, despite his conviction in Jannah."

THE REPENTANCE OF ZAAZAAN.

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A) was once passing through a place where people were intoxicated with liquor and a person named Zaazaan was singing to them in an extremely melodious voice. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A) said, "What a beautiful voice. If it was only used to recite the Qur´aan, it would truly be appreciated." He then covered his head with a shawl and left.

Zaazaan noticed him and asked the people about who he was and what he had said. The people informed him that it was Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A), who was a companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). They also told him what he had said. Hearing this, Zaazaan was taken aback. He immediately broke his drum and ran weeping after Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A).

Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A) hugged him and they both began to cry. Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A) then mentioned, "Why should I not love the person whom Allah loves?" Zaazaan then repented and learnt the Qur´aan from Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A). He attained such proficiency in the Qur´aan and in other Islamic sciences that he became a learned scholar of the time. Numerous narrations of Ahadeeth record him as a narrator from Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A).

A THOUGHT PROVOKING INCIDENT.

Faqih Abul Laith (R.A) narrates that his father used to recount the incident of an extremely beautiful woman from the Bani Isra´eel, who used to ensnare men into fornication. Her door remained open at all times and men would be attracted when they saw her sitting there. She would charge them a fee of ten gold coins to do as they pleased with her.

Incidentally a saint once passed by her house. He was immediately infatuated when he set eyes on her and could not fight the temptation to have her. He made du´aa to Allah and tried to convince himself to discard of the evil, but the flames could not be doused. Eventually, he sold of his belongings and collected ten gold coins. She instructed him to hand the money over to her solicitor, and an appointment was duly fixed for him.

When he arrived at her home, he found that she had adorned herself well and looked stunning. When he stretched out his hand to touch her, Allah´s grace and the blessings of his worship caused an uncontrollable fear to grip his heart. It then occurred to him that Allah was watching his vile act. His gaze then dropped, his hands trembled and his face grew pale. The woman had never seen such a sight before and asked him what was wrong. He replied, "I fear my Rabb. Please allow me to leave."

She said, "Shame be on you. You are afraid and want to leave when you have the desire of thousands of men before you! What is this all about?" He said, "It is nothing. Just allow me to leave and I will not even ask for a refund of my money." She said, "Could this perhaps be the first time in your life?"

When he replied in the affirmative, she allowed him to leave on condition that he leaves his name and address with her. He complied and then left her, shouting and cursing himself and throwing sand on his head due to remorse.

As he left, the woman began to reconsider her situation. She thought that this person became so overcome with Allah´s fear whereas he had only intended to sin for the first time in his life. She, on the other hand, had spent so many years actually perpetrating the act, yet her Rabb was the same as his. She realized that she should fear Allah even more. She then repented for her sins, shut the door, removed her beautiful clothing and wore old and tattered clothing.

It then occurred to her to learn from a saint, without whom she would not be able to rid herself of her faults. She decided to search for the same man, thinking that he may marry her and teach her about the Deen. Consequently, she gathered a considerable amount of her animals and wealth, and left in search of the saint. After many inquiries, she located him in a village. When she removed her veil before him, he gave a shout and immediately passed away.

She was left standing there in astonishment. She then enquired from the people whether he had any unmarried relatives. They informed her of his brother, who was extremely poor, but exceptionally pious. She declared that she had no use for her wealth and consequently married the brother. The couple had seven sons, all of whom were accorded lofty ranks by Allah. "Such is the grace of Allah that He accords to whom He wills."

A HADITH QUDSI: - 9 ADVICES.

Hadhrat Abu Dharr (R.A) narrates from Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) that Allah says:

Oh My slaves! Just as I have forbidden oppression upon Myself, you should also consider it haraam to oppress others.
Oh My slaves! You were all once astray except for those whom I had guided. Therefore, ask Me for guidance and I shall guide you.
Oh My slaves! All of you were hungry save for those whom I had fed. Therefore, ask Me for sustenance, and I will provide for you.
Oh My slaves! All of you were naked, save those whom I had clothed. Therefore, ask Me for clothing and I will provide it for you.
Oh My slaves! You are constantly engaged in sins, but I conceal your sins for you. Therefore, seek forgiveness only from Me and I will certainly forgive you.
Oh My slaves! You can neither be of benefit to Me, nor can you harm Me.
Oh My slaves! If all your past and future generations of man and jinn collectively become extremely pious, it will not add an iota to My sovereignty.
Oh My slaves! If all your past and future generations of man and jinn collectively become extremely evil, it will not decrease an iota from My sovereignty.
Oh My slaves! If all of man and jinn from the time of Hadhrat Aadam (A.S) have to gather at a place and ask from Me, and if I then had to fulfil every desire of each individual, it would not even decrease from My treasures the amount that decreases from the ocean when a pin is dipped therein and removed.

SERVING ONE´S PARENTS IS SUPERIOR THAN JIHAAD.

A Sahabi (R.A) once requested permission from Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) to fight in jihaad. When Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) asked him whether his parents were alive, he replied in the affirmative. Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) then told him, "Go and strive in their service."

When even an able man is not required to fight in jihaad, it will be better for a person to rather serve his parents at home. He may not proceed for jihaad without their permission. The least form of disobedience to parents is to mutter a word like "Uff!" when displeased about something.

Allah says, "Do not even say ´Uff!´ to them and do not reproach them."

THREE ACTIONS ARE NOT ACCEPTED WITHOUT ANOTHER THREE.

It has been mentioned that three verses of the Qur´aan cannot be practiced upon without practicing on both the constituents of each verse. These are:

"Establish salaah and pay zakaah." Salaah will not be accepted without paying zakaah and vice versa. (Of course, this will only apply to the wealthy people upon whom zakaah is obligatory.
"Obey Allah and obey the Rasul (messenger)." Allah cannot be obeyed without Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) and vice versa.
"Show gratitude to Me and your parents." A person cannot be grateful to Allah without being grateful to his parents and vice versa.

The person who pleases his parents pleases Allah and the one who displeases his parents displeases Allah.

Hadhrat Farkhad Sabkhi (R.A) says that he read in a book that it is not befitting of children to even talk without the permission of their parents. They should only speak when asked something and should never walk in front, on the right, or on the left of their parents. They must always walk behind them.

DISPLEASING ONE´S PARENTS RESULTS IN A BAD DEATH.

Hadhrat Anas (R.A) reports that there was a person during the time of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) by the name of Alqama (R.A). He exerted himself greatly for the Deen and gave a lot of charity. It once happened that he fell seriously ill. His wife summoned Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) via another woman.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) sent Hadhrat Ali, Bilaal, Salmaan Faarsi and Ammaar (R.A) to examine the situation. They found Hadhrat Alqama (R.A) in the throes of death and, try as they may, they could not get him to recite the kalimah. Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A) reported the situation to Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam).

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) asked whether the parents of Hadhrat Alqama (R.A) were alive. Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) was informed that his mother was alive, and that she was extremely old. Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) sent Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A) to request her to come to him, otherwise he would go to her.

When the old lady received the message, she said, "May my soul be sacrificed for Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)! I shall go to him." She then took the support of a stick and walked to meet Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam). When she arrived in the presence of Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam), she greeted with salaam and sat down.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) replied to her greeting and told her, "Do reply truthfully to whatever I shall ask you. If you lie, I will be informed thereof by revelation. Tell me. What kind of a person is Alqama?" She replied, "He performs a lot of salaah, fasts often and his spending in charity cannot even be estimated."

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) then asked her, "How is the relationship between the two of you?" She replied, "I am angry with him." When Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) asked her the reason for this, she said, "Because he gives preference to his wife over me. He listens to her more than he listens to me and accepts what she has to say."

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "The displeasure of his mother as prevented him from reciting the kalimah." Turning to Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A), Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "Bilaal! Gather some wood so that I may burn Alqama." The old lady was startled and asked, "Oh Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)! Are you going to burn my son, the apple of my eye? How can I tolerate this?"

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) told her, "Allah´s punishment is more severe and eternal. If you wish that Allah forgives your son then be pleased with him. By Allah! His salaah, fasting, etc can never be of avail without your pleasure." She immediately raised her hands and said, "Oh Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam)! I call yourself and all those present here to witness that I am pleased with Alqama!"

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) then sent Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A) to see whether Alqama (R.A) could recite the kalimah. He said, "It is just possible that she has declared her pleasure with Alqama because of me, without being pleased with him from her heart." As Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A) entered the door, he heard Hadhrat Alqama (R.A) loudly reciting, "Laa ilaaha IIIAIIaah." Hadhrat Bilaal (R.A) told the people that the displeasure of Alqama´s mother had handicapped his tongue.

Hadhrat Alqama (R.A) passed away the same day. Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) performed the funeral (Janazah) salaah and then told the people, "Listen, Oh gathering of Muhajireen and Ansaar! Allah´s curse is on the person who prefers his wife to his mother. Neither are his Faraaidh nor his Nawaafil accepted."

CHILDREN OWE TEN RIGHTS TO THEIR PARENTS.

They should be provided with food if they do not have any.
They should be given clothing if they do not possess any.
They should be served if necessary.
If they call, they should be immediately attended to. .
They should be gently spoken to and never addressed harshly.
They must never be called by their names since this is disrespectful.
Children should walk behind them and never in front of them, nor by their sides.
One should like for them what he likes for himself and dislike for them what he dislikes for himself.
One should always make du´aa for them. By not making du´aa for them, a person´s life will be straitened.
Every command of theirs should be duly obeyed, unless it contradicts the sharia (Law of Allah).

PLEASING THE PARENTS AFTER THEIR DEATH: - BY 3 THINGS.

Children can please their parents by doing three things after the demise of the parents. These are:

The children should be pious. This will bring them more pleasure than anything else.
The children should maintain good relations with the family and friends of their deceased parents.
They should make du´aa for the forgiveness of their parents and give charity on their behalf.

PARENTS OWE THREE RIGHTS TO THEIR CHILDREN.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) mentioned that parents owe three rights to their children. These are:

Giving them good names (that have good meanings).
Teaching them the Qur´aan when they are of an understanding age.
Marrying them off when they come of age.

THE CONSEQUENCE OF NOT TEACHING CHILDREN GOOD MANNERS.

A person complained to Hadhrat Abu Hafs Sikandari (R.A) that his son hit him. Hadhrat Abu Hafs (R.A) exclaimed, "SubhanAllah! A son hitting his father! Did he really hit you? Did you teach your son manners and respect?"

"No," replied the father. "Did you teach him the Qur´aan?" was the next question. Again that reply was in the negative. Abu Hafs (R.A) then asked the father what the occupation of his son was. The father replied that he was a farmer.

"Do you know why he hit you?" asked Hadhrat Abu Hafs (R.A). When the father could not give a reply, Abu Hafs (R.A) told him, "It seems to me that he rides a donkey to work every morning. A bull walks in front of him and a dog behind. Since you did not teach him the Qur´aan, which he could recite on the way, he must be singing as he proceeds. You must have tried to stop him from singing, so he considered you to be a bull, and hit you. You should thank Allah that he did not fracture your head."

AS YOU SOW, SO SHALL YOU REAP.

Hadhrat Thaabit Banaani (R.A) says that someone made mention of a person who was hitting his father. When someone intervened, they father told him, "Do not intervene and do not say anything because I used to hit my father at this same spot. I am therefore receiving my punishment. It is no fault of my son, so do not scold him."

PERFECT POLITENESS: - REAPS 8 BENEFITS.

Hadhrat Fudail bin Ayaadh (R.A) says that the person with perfect politeness is one who:

Obeys his parents.
Maintains sound family ties.
Serves his friends.
Is courteous towards his wife, servants and employees.
Safeguards his Deen.
Is careful with his wealth and only spends where necessary.
Guards his tongue.
Spends most of his time at home, avoiding wasting time on futile gatherings.

THE FOUR SIGNS OF GOOD FORTUNE.

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said that four things denote the good fortune of a person. These are:

His wife is pious.
His children are obedient and pious.
His partners and associates are pious.
His sustenance is found within his town.

THE REWARDS OF FIVE THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO BE RECEIVED EVEN AFTER DEATH.

Hadhrat Anas (R.A) has mentioned that the rewards of five things will continue to be received even after death viz.

The digging of a well (or another water source, until it is depleted).
Building of a Masjid (as long as people engage in worship therein)
Writing the Qur´aan (as long as people read from it).
An orchard (or tree, as long as people derive benefit therefrom).
Pious children or students (the father or teacher will continue to benefit from these products of theirs).

SOME AHADEETH.

Hadhrat Abu Huraira (R.A) narrates that Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! The person whose parents, or any one of them, reach old age and he does not attain Jannah (by serving them)." [Muslim]
Hadhrat Abdullah bin Mas´ood (R.A) reports that he once asked Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam), "Which action is most beloved to Allah?" Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) replied, "Salaah during it´s time." He then asked, "What next?" The reply was, "Kindness to parents." When he asked what was next in merit, Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) said, "Jihaad in Allah´s way." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Rasulullah (sallallahu-alayhi-wa-sallam) has mentioned, "No action receives reward faster than the maintenance of good family ties and no action attracts punishment faster than the severance of family ties."

TAMBIHUL GHAAFILEEN - ADMONITION FOR THE NEGLECTFUL by Faqih Abul Laith Samarqandi