If you observe justice about yourself, you will be trusted in judging others.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.146.
At a time when you see nothing but injustice and treachery, trusting anyone (unheedingly) brings wretchedness.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Following a calamity after another is the herald of liberation from them.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Do not invest your trust fully on your friend, since if you fail and lose everything because of dedicating all your love and trust to one person, you could hardly survive its disastrous outcomes.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.357.
Islam is the basis on which faith is founded, and then on faith, assurance is built. People hardly reach the last level, that is assurance.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
Losing your heart to this world brings you pain and grief while being indifferent and pious to it brings peace to your heart and soul.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
The believer finds righteousness in three characteristics: a deep understanding of the religion, avoiding excessiveness in life, and forbearing the hardships.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.358.
Allah bestows His blessings upon a group of people, and it is turned into burdens on them due to their ingratitude; yet, He inflicts others with calamities, and they turn into blessings due to their forbearance.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.359.
Whoever does good to his family, Allah prolongs his life.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.219.
Meet and make friends with someone who elevates and honors you, not the one whose only purpose is to benefit from you and is pretentious.
Al-Hurr al-Amili, Wasa'il al-Shia, Vol.11, p.412.
Saying hello is a recommended act (Mustahab) while responding to it is obligatory (Wajib).
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.360.
Whoever manifests resistance at times of anger, greed, fear, and lust, Allah will protect his/her body against the fire of hell.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
Well-being is a less valued blessing; it is forgotten when one is blessed with it, yet it will be reminded of as soon as it is gone.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
In comfort, Allah blesses you with His beneficence and excellence, and in hardship, the chance of purging [from your sins].
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.361.
Do not pollute the water that people need.
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.1, p.185.
Allah loves moderation and hates wastefulness.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.4, p.52.
The least act of wastefulness is throwing away the remaining of [food or drink].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.6, p.460.
If the weather were always bright and sunny, the earth would turn dry, and the plants would burn off the heat; the water in lakes and rivers would go down, and people would suffer; the weather would be hot and dry, and an unknown kind of sickness would emerge.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.3, p.125.
Between two Muslim friends, the one that loves the other is the better one.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.3, p.193.
Respect the elderly and be kind to the children.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.165.
Life is joyful with three things: clean air, plentiful and pure water, and a soft land [ready for planting].
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.
Wash your hands before and after eating.
Ahmad b. Muhammad b. Khalid al-Barqi, Al-Mahasin, vol.1, p.425.
Do not wear clothes that attract much attention, neither clothes, which debases you.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 18080.
Brushing teeth is among the manners of prophets.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9053.
Do not be the first person who expresses his/her opinion when asking for a consult and avoid suggesting naïve views.
Muhammadi Reyshahri, Mizan al-Hikma, hadith no. 9868.
Pay the workers' wages before their sweats are dried [ i.e., right after they have finished their work].
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.
Be humble in the presence of the one from whom you learned a knowledge.
Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn Hasan Tusi, Tahdhib al-Ahkam, vol.2, p.36.
Justice is more pleasant than the water, which is offered to a thirsty person.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.289.
Every industrialist has to master three characteristics for his/her work to flourish; he/she has to be expert in his/her job, has to be reliable and meet their superior managers' demands.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.78, p.236.
People need three things; security, justice, and welfare.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.320.
A father's best legacy for his children is manners, not wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.150.
Planning shapes half of your life.
Al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Al-Khisal, p.221.
Take care of teenagers since they are more open to absorbing goodness and virtues.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.8, p.93.
There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.
Agriculture is a precious wealth.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.261.
Strengthen your ties with each other, be kind and generous to each other.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.2, p.175.
Any believer who solves another believer's problem, Allah will lift seventy of his/her difficulties in this world and the hereafter.
Mirza Husayn Nuri, Mustadrak al-wasa'il, vol.12, p.413.
Do not cut fruit trees, or you will be inflicted with Allah's torment.
Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.5, p.294.
My favorite friend is the one who bestows me my faults.
Ibn Shu’bah, Tuhaf al-Uqul, p.366.
Whoever wishes his/her prayers to be granted, should strive to earn Halal income.
Mohammad-Baqer Majlesi, Bihar al-Anwar, vol.93, p.373.
On the last days of the year, we usually look back at what we did and what were the things we gained in that 365 days that passed. Sometimes, we would regret the times that were wasted or the opportunities that were lost, but at the end of the day, we feel grateful for what we achieved and for having the chance to enjoy the rest of our lives.
Thanksgiving is one of those opportunities that make us stop for a moment and look closer at our life, embracing what has been given to us freely, that is the love and support of our family, and be grateful for what we have gained so far.
Let’s have a quick glance at the history of Thanksgiving and Islam’s attitude toward celebrating it.
Thanksgiving roots back to some traditions held during English Reformation in Britain. However, in 1621 the first Thanksgiving day was held by “the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians” in North America, after a successful autumn harvest. However, “It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November” [1].
Whatever be the history of this day – having some explicit or implicit negative points aside from its positive aspects -, Islam holds a positive attitude toward the concept of thanksgiving. In what follows we will have a brief look at this view of Islam.
As we said in the article on Halloween, Islam is not against celebrating and having fun. There are four points that we, as Muslims, should observe in any tradition or celebration that we intend to take part:
1. It should not be harmful to ourselves and others, physically and mentally. A superstitious ceremony which is not based on any logical reason, and has no benefit for our mind and soul is not considered a proper kind of celebration according to Islam.
2. It should not result in ignoring our Islamic duties. Meaning that participating in a celebration should not lead us toward doing what we are not supposed to do as Muslims (e.g., drinking alcohol, eating Haram food, wearing immodest clothes, etc.) or forgetting what we must do as Muslims (e.g., praying, fasting, etc.).
3. It should not be a worthless and aimless pleasure that would only waste our time. “Islam always recommends us to be aware of what we are doing and think about our intention before any action. Even when we are having fun, there should be something behind it that makes it worthwhile. When enumerating the characteristics of a faithful person in Quran, Allah also mentions those who avoid vain actions (23:3); i.e., those activities that have no use for us and would only waste our time” [2].
4. Participating in that celebration should not make us like atheists or those who are against the belief in one God. That is to say, “A Muslim’s life should mirror his beliefs in every aspect. So, if an action even in appearance, represents what is against Islam or far from its teachings, then it should be avoided by Muslims” [2].
Thanksgiving is one of those celebrations that are very close to Islamic teachings. Being grateful to the creator for the blessings He had bestowed upon us [3] and also thanking other people for what they did for us, is one of the encouraged manners in Islam.
Also, Thanksgiving is a chance to gather with family and relatives and enjoy their company which is very much recommended in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUHHP) said that: “I command all the people of my followers (Umma), whether present or not, and those generations which are to come … to maintain family kinship even if they live at a distance of a year's journey.” [4]. The family is one of the most significant blessings of Allah to us, so we should give thanks to Allah for this precious blessing.
As a way to thank for God’s blessings, some people would give charity to those who are less privileged or are under financial pressures [5]. This is one of the most praised actions in Islam and is highlighted in many narrations [i] as well as verses of the Quran: “You will never attain piety until you spend out of what you hold dear, and whatever you may spend on anything, Allah indeed knows it.” (3: 92). Thus, Allah would consider helping others as an act of gratitude.
Some American families would watch football games together, and some would play football together. Some others would pack up and go on a journey. Islam always recommended having fun, playing sports and traveling [ii]. Muslims should not keep themselves from enjoying Halal and lawful activities [iii].
As Muslims, we should keep in mind that whatever we have is granted by Allah. Thus the ultimate one to whom we give thanks is Him. That is the least we can do in return for Allah’s blessings. According to Imam Ali (AS), those who worship Allah as a way to appreciate His favors, are the most free-spirited ones, comparing with others who worship Allah with other purposes [6].
Thanksgiving Day is only a reminder. We should always thank Allah, in every breath and every moment of our lives. A Muslim knows the reason that he/she is alive, and is enjoying all kinds of opportunities and blessings is only Allah. Therefore, every day is a Thanksgiving Day for a Muslim.
Not everyone is lucky enough to have the opportunity to be thankful for what they have. Sometimes we find more things to complain than to be grateful. While if we consider what we have instead of what we don’t, our life would be much happier and more satisfactory. So, giving thanks is itself a blessing that Allah bestows upon the ones who believe in Him. Thus He says in the Quran, “And few of My servants are grateful” (34:13).
The more we are thankful, the more blessings will rain down on our life [7]. A simple Physics formula that every action will have a reaction. The result of our thankfulness will be Allah’s favor on us. Therefore, Allah says: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]” (14:7).
Being thankful is not limited only to significantly great things. Even small or seemingly insignificant favors should be appreciated. Sometimes what we consider small or insignificant is far more important than what we think. Like having the chance of embracing our parents, kissing our kids, finding the nature’s beauties, being healthy or even breathing clean air. When we appreciate these favors and much more that are less seen by others, we realize Allah’s great love and care that includes every living creature, especially us.
It is not enough only to say you are thankful. You should show it in your actions as well. Whether it is God that you are grateful or your fellow human beings, you should do something that represent your thankfulness. Knowing that all we have is from Allah and not participating in sinful actions with the use of Allah’s blessings are only two ways of showing your thankfulness [8]. Also, helping others and giving away to the needy are other ways of appreciating your privileges [9].
Having said that, don’t forget that expressing your gratitude in words is cherished by Allah and there are many recommended and specific manners in doing so. For instance praying to Allah, performing a two Rak’aa prayer (Salat) with the intention of giving thanks to Allah, repeating some Zikr (short Islamic phrases for praying; e.g. Alhamd-u-lillah (praise be to Allah), Shukr-an-lillah (Thanks to Allah), Allah-u-Akbar (Allah is the greatest), Subhan Allah (Glorious is God)), etc.
Notes:
[i] Imam Reza (AS) stated in a narration that after having faith in Allah and his messengers, there is no better way of thanking Allah than to help your fellow human beings in their worldly matters [10].
[ii] Quran (29:20)
[iii] Quran (5:87)
References:
- history of thanksgiving
- can muslim celebaret halloween
- Quran (2:172)
- Shaykh al-Kulayni, “Al-Kafi”, vol. 2, p. 151.
- thanksgiving day practices
- Mizan al-Hikmah, vol.5, p.9583.
- Bihar al-Anvar, vol.71, p.42.
- ibid, p.52.
- Ibn Babawayh , Oyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha, vol.2, p.162.
- ibid, p.169.
The Arab society during the time of the Holy Prophet(PBUH&HP), considered it a matter of pride to have male children and considered boys as the inheritors of the legacy of the fathers. Thus, having daughters was considered a matter of disgrace in the pre-Islamic Arabian society. After the demise of the two sons of the Holy Prophet(PBUH&HP) - at very young age - the community of polytheists of Mecca thought that with the eventual death of the noble Prophet, his mission of spreading Islam would also cease to exist since he had no male children to carry on his message and this greatly pleased those polytheist Arabs and they would often mock the Holy Prophet by calling him ‘abtar’ meaning the ‘cut off,’ assuming that his progeny and noble mission would be cut off/truncated after him. However, Surah Al-Kawthar (Surah number 108 of Holy Qur’an) was revealed as a reply to these individuals to let them know that It is the enemies of the Prophet who will eventually become ‘abtar’ or cut off in progeny, and that the program of Islam and the Qur’an will never come to a halt!
The revelation of this chapter was in fact, a fitting reply to the enemies of the Apostle of Allah to inform them that Islam and the Qur’an will survive forever. Apart from being a reply to polytheists, this Surah was revealed as a consolation to the Holy Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HP).
Allah (SWT) consoles his beloved Prophet in the following words:
In the Name of Allah, the All-beneficent, the All-merciful. Indeed We have given you abundance. (1) So pray to your Lord, and sacrifice [the sacrificial camel]. (2) Indeed it is your enemy who is without posterity. (Holy Qur’an 108:1-3)
‘al-Kawthar’ (translated as abundance in ayat [verse] no.1) has a vast, inclusive meaning which is ‘goodness in abundance’ and the examples are many.
A large number of scholars believe that one of the clearest examples of this word is the auspicious existence of Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (SA), because the occasion of the revelation of the verse indicates that the enemies accused the noble Prophet of being without offspring to which the Holy Qur’an replied with this surah and this verse upon which we understand that this ‘abundance of good’ is the daughter of the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP), Lady Fatima Al-Zahra (SA)’.
Moreover, this abundance is not only limited to the physical and biological offsprings of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH&HP), but also to the abundance of his followers who practice Islam and are responsible for the preservation of all of its values and continue to convey it to the future generations!(1)
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) was informed that his wife Khadijah ( SA) gave birth to their daughter, he quickly went home and took his newborn daughter, kissed her, recited the adhan (the call for prayer) in her right ear, and recited the iqama (similar to adhan but recited between the adhan and salat) in her left ear. Thus the first voice Lady Fatima (AS) heard was that of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH&HP) and the first words (she heard) were “Allah is the greatest” and “there is no God but Allah”. After this, angel Gabriel revealed upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH&HP) with glad tidings and blessings from Allah (SWT).
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and his beloved wife, Lady Khadija ( SA) enthusiastically received and cherished the birth of their child, Fatimah (SA). The Holy Prophet ( PBUH&HP) was aware that his new-born daughter would have a very high status on the earth besides in the heavens, that she would be unequalled in purity, chastity and faith from among all the women of the world, and that his pure progeny would be (continue) from her. He was very delighted for the coming of this pure child, and loved and adored her till he left this world.
Fatimah (SA) was nurtured by her father, the master of all creation. He fed her with his talents and ethics , taught her the Holy Qur'an and all things about the verses of verdicts, the causes of the revelation of verses and every other issues concerning the Holy Qur'an, educated her with the rulings of the Sharia, the nobilities of character, and high morals and principles. He nurtured her with sincere faith in Allah, the Creator of the universe, and Giver of life. Lady Fatima (SA) was known by many ephitets? nicknames/titles namely: Al-Zahra: the shinning, Al-Kawthar: goodness in abundance, Al-Siddika: the truthful, Al-Mubarakka: the blessed, Al-Tahira: the pure, Al-Zakiya: the chaste, Al-Radhiya* Al-Raadhiya?: the satisfied, Al-Muhaddathah: the one talked to (by angels), Al-Batool: the devoted (to Allah). )2(
Aisha, one of the wives of Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH&HP) says: ‘I have not seen anyone more similar to the messenger of Allah (SWA) in straightness, guidance, and talking in his sitting and standing than Fatimah, his daughter. When she came to the messenger of Allah ( SWA), he got up, kissed her, and seated her in his place. When the messenger of Allah ( SWA) came to her, she got up, kissed him, and seated him in her place.’)3(
Lady Fatimah ( SA) led an ascetic life and lived in satisfaction, devoiding of worldly pleasures or any kind of luxury just like her father, Prophet Muhammad ( PBUH&HP) and her husband Imam Ali ( AS) who had divorced this world and been abstinent from its pleasures. She was an example for all Muslims especially the women in all her conducts, she presented the true picture of Islam and taught Muslim women about how to be content with the blessings of Allah (SWT). For instance, despite enjoying the privilege of being the daughter of the Holy Prophet ( SWA) she lived a simple life just like many other Muslims, devoiding luxuries,. She was a source of solace for her father during her lifetime and was the best companion and spouse to Imam Ali ( AS) while performing the duties of a spouse in the best way and setting an example for generations to come. When Islam was in its nascent stage, she not only took care of her home, but also supported her husband in fulfilling his duties of Jihad and propagation of Islam. Despite her responsibilities of motherhood, home-maker and a spouse she also took upon herself to teach the Holy Qur’an, Hadith and other sciences to the Muslims of her time. Even when the position of caliphate -bestowed by the Holy Prophet ( PBUH&HP) through revelation- was snatched away from Imam Ali ( AS) she stood like a mountain defending her husband and his divine authority and even laid down her life protecting the rights of the true leader of the Muslim Ummah. She was the mother Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain( PBUT), two great personalities who devoted/dedicated their lives defending the lofty values of Islam as Islam and Muslims are greatly indebted to Lady Fatima Al-Zahra ( SA) for her devotions and services in protecting and preserving these values through her words, deeds and her teachings. Apart from nurturing children like Imam Hasan, Imam Hussain ( PBUT) she also gave the world, Zaynab (SA) who spread the message of Karbala and became the voice of Imam Hussain ( PBUH) after Karbala. (Lady Fatima ( SA) abstained from all desires of life in food, clothes, and others and she turned sincerely to Allah and preferred pleasing Him to everything else.)** …here it comes the matter of logic in writing so, in my belief. With all respect it neither sounds logical, nor seems professional to write this way, though the author indeed has been trying to seem so through writing this passage which can simply be found with even a glance at some explicit flaws such as redundancy and numerous examples of overrepetiotion!
She was the most charitable woman and no one returned from her house empty- handed. Many a times when the Holy Prophet didn’t have anything to offer in charity, he guided people to his daughter/daughter’s.
Fatimah ( SA) was the best example in chastity, honor and veiling for all Muslim women. Imam Ali ( AS) said, ‘Once, a blind man asked permission to visit Fatimah (SA), but she asked him to stay behind a screen. The messenger of Allah ( SWA) asked Fatimah ( SA), ‘Why did you screen him though he is blind and could not see you?’ She said, ‘He could not see me, but I could see him. (4)
Lady Fatima’s status is ?! (Please have a closer look and define what exactly was employed by this very word?! I do wonder if I could get the proper meaning or maybe nor do the readers…)in this world and hereafter, and truly so the Holy Prophet ( PBUH&HP) says: “He, who has known Fatimah has known her, and he, who has not (let him know her); she is Fatimah bint Muhammad. She is a part from me and she is my heart and my soul that is between my two sides. Whoever harms her harms me, and whoever harms me harms Allah.(5)
References:
- https://www.al-islam.org/fatima-zahra-noble-quran-naser-makarem-shirazi/surah-al-kawthar-abundant-good
- https://www.al-islam.org/life-fatimah-az-zahra-principal-all-women-study-and-analysis-baqir-sharif-al-qurashi/fatimahs-birth
- Thakha’ir al-Uqba, p.40, al-Istee’ab, vol.4 p.450, Sunan of at-Tarmithi, vol.5
- https://www.al-islam.org/message-thaqalayn/vol-14-no-1-winter-2013/fatima-zahra-words-infallibles/fatima-zahra-words
- Noor al-Absar, p.41.
- . https://www.al-islam.org/fatima-gracious-abu-muhammad-ordoni