With Pictures & Morals: A Collection of Jokes and Funny Stories of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and His Companions by Muhammad Altabari

The Last Man to Go to Paradise

 

From Ibn Mas’ud, he said: “The Prophet once said: “The last person to go to heaven is a man who will sometimes walk and other times fall down as he passes the sirat (a bridge between the heaven and hell). Sometimes the fires from hell below burn parts of his body.

 

 

Finally when he reaches the other end of the bridge, he turned back to look at the hell and said, “Glorified is Allah who has saved me from it. Indeed, Allah has endowed me with something that is never given to anyone before or after me.” After saying those words, he sees a tree in front of him, and says: ‘O my Lord, bring me close to the tree, so I can rest and drink its water.” God said: “O son of Adam! If I grant your request now, perhaps you will ask for more from Me.” “No, I will not my Lord,” answered the man firmly.

He then vowed to God that he would not ask for more.  God is well aware the man is impatient and grants his request. Then God brings the man closer to the tree where he is able to rest and drinks its water. Suddenly, he sees another tree which is more beautiful than the first one. He then asks God, “O Allah, bring me close to that tree, so I can rest and drinks its water. I promise I will not ask for more.” God answers, “O son of Adam! You have made a vow not to ask for more. If I bring you closer to the tree, perhaps you will ask for more.” Then the man promises not to ask for more next time. God is well aware the man is impatient and grants his request. Then God brings the man closer to the tree where he is able to rest and drinks its water. Suddenly, he sees another tree which is far more beautiful than the previous two. Then the man immediately asks God, “O Allah, bring me close to that tree, so I can rest and drinks its water. I promise I will not ask for more.”

God answers, “O son of Adam! You have made a vow not to ask for more. If I bring you closer to the tree, perhaps you will ask for more.” He replies confidently, “No, my Lord. From now on I definitely will not ask for more from You.” God is well aware the man is impatient and grants his request. Then God brings the man closer to the tree so he can hear the voices of the people of paradise. Then he immediately proposes to God, “My Lord, please let me in.” God says to him. “O son of Adam! Why did you break your vow to me? Will it please you if I give you the world and more?”

The man answers: “O Lord, are you trying to mock me, whereas You Are the Lord of the universe!”

Then Ibn Mas’ud laughed and asked the people around him, “Why don’t you ask me why I laughed?” They then asked, “Why are you laughing?” He replied, “The prophet laughed too.” We (the companions) then asked, ‘Why are you laughing?’ then he said, “I laughed, because The Lord of the Universe also laughs when the man asks, “O Lord, are you trying to mock me, whereas You Are the Lord of the universe?” Then God says, “I am not mocking you, but I am all powerful and I’m able to do what I wish.”

Notes: According to Islamic faith, in the Day of Resurrection, everyone, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, will cross a sirat or a long and narrow bridge over hell. If they successfully cross the bridge, they will enter the paradise. The unbelievers and sinners will fall off bridge and go straight to the hell.

The moral of the story is that God knows best and has the power to grant our requests, but we should not make vows we cannot keep and should be content with what God has already provided. Impatience and greed can lead to breaking promises and ultimately dissatisfaction, while trust in God’s plan and gratitude for His blessings can lead to inner peace and contentment.

 

Old Lady Won’t Go to Heaven

An old lady (Shafiyah, an aged aunt of the Prophet, according to one of the hadiths) asked the Prophet, “O Messenger of God, please pray for me that I may go to the paradise.” The Prophet smiled and answered, “Oh, I’m sorry Ma’am. But there is no old lady in heaven.” The old lady cried and went away upon hearing his answer. The Prophet then asked someone to go after her. “Tell the old lady that she won’t go to paradise as an old lady.” (God will make her young again and beautiful). He then quoted the verses 35-37 of al-Waqi’ah (The Day of Judgment): “Indeed, We created them (female inhabitants in Paradise) of a novel creation. And made all of them virgins.Loving their husbands and of equal age, fluent, and sweet of tongue. Notes: According to Islamic faith, men and women who enter the paradise will become young again and have a perfect appearance regardless of what they look like in the past.

The moral of the story is that in paradise, people will be made young again and have a perfect appearance, regardless of their age or physical condition in this world. It also shows the kindness and compassion of the Prophet towards the old lady, and how he went out of his way to comfort her and clarify the misconception.

 

Nu’aiman and a Blind Man

 

Zubair Ibn Bakr narrated from his grandfather through his uncle that once upon a time, Makhramah ibn Nawfal who was at that time 115 years old and blind standing on one of the corners of a mosque to urinate. People then shouted, “Mosque, mosque” (they meant for him not to urinate in that place because it is a mosque). Nu’aiman al-Ansari immeditely held Makhramah’s hand and brought him to the other corner of the mosque and said, “You can urinate here.” As he was about to urinate, the companions yelled again at him. Makhramah then said, “Woe to you who took me to this place!” The companions went on,”Nu’aiman was the one who took you there.” Makhramah said, “Verily, I promise, if I meet Nu’aiman, I will bash him with my stick! ” Hearing that Makhramah said so, Nu’aiman did not dare to show up for some time.

The Form and Function of the Prophet's Mosque during the Time of the Prophet - Muslim HeritageMuslim Heritage

Form of the Prophet’s Mosque during the Time of the Prophet

One day Nu’aiman came to meet Makhramah again in a mosque. At the same time, Caliph Uthman ibn Affan was performing a prayer in one of its corners. Nu’aiman told Makhramah, “Are you eager to take revenge against Nu’aiman?” “I definitely am,” Makhramah replied firmly. Nu’aiman then held Makhramah’s hand and took him to where Caliph Uthman bin Affan was doing prayer. As usual, when Caliph Uthman Ibn Affan was in the middle of performing a prayer, he was very focused and paid no attention to the surroundings. Nu’aiman then said  to Makhramah, “The man who is performing prayer at the moment is Nu’aiman.” Makhramah spontaneously held his stick firmly and bashed Caliph Uthman in the head until he got injured. The companions instantly yelled at Makhramah and said “Hey, you are beating Amirul Mu’minin, not Nu’aiman!”

Notes: Nu’aiman ‘Ibn ‘Amr is a companion of the Prophet who participated in the famous  battles of Badar, Uhud, Khandaq and many others. He was among the early Muslims of Medina. He joked a lot, sometimes crossed the line, but the Prophet liked him.

The moral of the story is: It is important to not hold grudges and seek revenge, as it can lead to unintended consequences and harm to innocent individuals. Forgiveness and letting go of anger is a better way to move forward in life.

Who Want to Buy This Slave?

 

There was a companion named Zahir who was physically inferior. The Prophet somehow liked him and so did Zahir. Zahir often spent his days alone in the desert. Thus, the Prophet said, “Zahir is the man of the desert, and we all live in his city.” One day the Prophet went to the market and saw Zahir standing and checking out some goods. All of a sudden, the Prophet hugged him tightly from behind. Zahir said, “Hey … who’s this? Let go of me!” Zahir rebelled and looked back, After he realized that the man who hugged him was the Messenger of God, Zahir immediately leaned back on him and tightened the hug of the Prophet. The Prophet said: “O you mankind, who would want to buy this slave?” Zahir went on: “O Messenger of God, I am of no value in their eyes.” The Prophet smiled and said, “But in the eyes of God, you Zahir are of a great value.”

Notes: Every Muslim is a slave of God. That’s why the Prophet called Zahir a slave.

The moral of the story is that every individual, regardless of their physical appearance or societal status, has immense value in the eyes of God. The story teaches us to treat everyone with kindness and respect, and to value them for who they are as individuals.

The Luckiest Man in the World

 

Abu Hurairah said, a man came to the Prophet, and exclaimed: “I’m wretched, O Messenger of God!” The Prophet replied, “What makes you wretched?” The man went on, “I have sex with my wife at noon during the holy month of Ramadan.” The Prophet asked., “Can you free a slave?” He answered, “I am afraid not.” The Prophet then asked, “Can you fast for two consecutive months?” He answered, “I don’t think I can.” The Prophet asked another question, “Can you feed sixty poor people?” He answered, “No.”

Abu Hurairah said, “Then, while the man was sitting, another man brought a basket of dates to the Prophet. The Prophet then spoke to the previous man, “You give alms with this!” The man answered, “I believe I must give it to those who are poorer than me, right? Nobody is poorer than me in my neighborhood.”

The Prophet laughed at hearing this so one could see his teeth. Then the Prophet spoke to the man, “You may bring it home and feed your family with it.”

Notes: Islam forbids its adherents to engage in sexual activity during daylight hours in the holy month of Ramadan. Islam requires its violator to free a slave or fast for two consecutive months or feed sixty poor people.

The moral of the story is that Islam teaches forgiveness and offers multiple ways for a person to repent and seek forgiveness for their sins. It also emphasizes the importance of taking care of those who are less fortunate and in need.

Muhammad and a Pastor

 

‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud ra. said that one day a pastor came to the Prophet and said, “O Muhammad! On Judgment Day, God will hold the heavens, the earth, the mountains, trees, air, animals, and all creatures (easily) with His fingertip as He says: “I am the King (ruler)! I am the King!”

The Prophet laughed at hearing the Pastor’s saying and justified it. He then read the verse of the Koran: “They have not appraised Allah with true appraisal, while the earth entirely will be [within] His grip on the Day of Resurrection, and the heavens will be folded in His right hand. Exalted is He and high above what they associate with Him.” (Koran: Az-Zumar (The GroupS): 39:67).

 

The moral of the story is that we should not underestimate the power and control of Allah. We should not try to limit Allah’s greatness by our own understanding and should always strive to understand Allah in His true essence. The story emphasizes the importance of having a correct understanding and appraisal of Allah and His power. It also highlights the need to seek knowledge and wisdom to gain a better understanding of Allah’s magnificence and greatness.

God is Amazed at What You’ve Done Last Night

 

Abu Hurairah ra said: “A man came to the Prophet and said, “I’m in trouble (I’m hungry and I have no money).” Then the Prophet brought the man to each and every house of his wives, asking whether they have meals. Each one of them replied, “By Allah who sent you with truth, I don’t have anything to eat other than water.” That was the answer from each one of them. Then the Prophet said to his companions, “Those of you who will have this man as a guest in your house tonight will surely be blessed by Allah.” An Anshari man stood and said, “I will O Prophet!” Then he brought the man home to his house. “Do you have something to eat?” He asked his wife. She replied,” Nothing, except our children’s food.” He said, “Go keep the children busy (make them forget about the food). When our guest stepped into our house, let’s pretend we will eat with him. When he is about to eat, stand up and extinguish the lamp (so he doesn’t know that we don’t eat with him because there is not enough food for all of us).” When the guest came into the house, the companion’s wife did precicely what her husband told her to do. The companion came to meet the Prophet again in the morning who smiled and said to him, “Allah is amazed at the way you both served your guest last night.”

 

The moral of the story is to be hospitable and generous to those in need, even if it means sacrificing one’s own resources. It also emphasizes the importance of creativity and resourcefulness in serving others, as the companion and his wife found a way to make their guest comfortable despite having limited food. The story encourages us to be compassionate and hospitable, and to trust in Allah’s blessings and rewards for doing so.

 

Isme Zaat ALLAH | The Personal Name of God. The Name of ALLA… | Flickr

Nu’aiman and Slave Buyer

 

A year prior to the death of Prophet Muhammad, Umm Salamah ra said that Abu Bakr ash-Shiddiq went to Bashra accompanied by Nu’aiman and Suwaibit ibn Harmalah. Both of these men participated in the famous Battle of Badar. At that moment, Nu’aiman was in charge of providing supplies for the trip. Suwaibit who was a funny guy and joked a lot, said to him, “Give me food.” Nu’aiman refused to give him food. “No, wait up till Abu Bakar shows up,” he said. Suwaibit was upset and said, “I will make fun of you which will make you so mad.” As they passed a bedouin tribe, Suwaibit said to the members of the tribe, “Would you like to buy a slave from me?” They said, “Yes. We would definitely buy him.” Suwaibit then said, “My servant has a weird attitude though. If you were to buy him, he would say, ‘I am not a slave. I am a free man.’If he said so, don’t buy him.” Since the tribesmen still interested in buying the slave, they went on “We still want to buy your slave despite he saying so,” and gave ten camels to Suwaibit to seal the deal.

Paulie | Rebekah and the Thirsty Camels

They rushed into Nu’aiman and tied a turban around his neck. Nu’aiman surely protested. “The man who talked to you was just messing around. I’m not a slave. I am a free man.” But the tribesmen insist on taking Nu’aiman and said, “We have been told by your master that you’re going to say this.” They brought Nu’aiman away. When Abu Bakar came, Suwaibit told him all that had happened to him. They went to the people who had bought Nu’aiman and gave the ten camels back. The story was told to the Prophet after they have returned to Medina and it made the Prophet and those who heard it laugh.

The moral of the story could be that telling lies and making fun of others can have unintended consequences and lead to harmful situations. It also shows the importance of honesty and integrity in dealing with others.

 

Nu’aiman and A Honey Seller

 

One day Nu’aiman went to a market in Medina. He purchased honey from one of the merchants. When the merchant handed over the honey and asked for the money, Nu’aiman answered that the Prophet will pay for the it. Soon afterwards he went to Prophet’s house and gave the honey to him. Nu’aiman said, “I brought you a present O Messenger of God.” Not long after that the merchant came to the Prophet’s house and asked him to pay for the honey. The Prophet who thought that the honey was a gift for him then asked someone to summon Nu’aiman. When Nu’aiman met the Prophet and the merchant he said, “O Messenger of God. Give this man the money.” The Prophet said,” I thought you gave it to me as a present? ” Nu’aiman replied,”For the sake of Allah, I have no money to buy it, but I want you to eat it.” The Prophet laughed and gave the money to the merchant.

Pure/Original Honey Seller | Bénin

The moral of the story could be to always be honest and truthful in business dealings, and not to use the name of the Prophet or any respected figure to gain advantage or escape paying debts.

Nu’aiman and a Camel

 

At other times of the day, Nu’aiman was fooled by some of his companions. There was a bedouin man who came to the Prophet’s house and tied up his camel in the yard. Some companions then told Nu’aiman al-Ansari, “What if you slaughter the camel so we can eat it? Verily, we have been wanting to eat meat.” Nu’aiman immediately slaughtered the camel, and when the Bedouin came out of the Prophet’s house he shouted, ” O Muhammad, my camel has been slaughtered!” The Prophet then came out, and said, “Who did this?” The companions replied, “Nu’aiman did it.” There was a man who told the Prophet about Nu’aiman’s hideout. The Prophet then searched for him and found out that he was hiding in a small hut with palm leaf thatch roof that belonged to Dhaba’ah bint Zubair ibn Abdul Muththalib.

The Prophet got him out of the hut and asked, “What drives you to do this?” Nu’aiman replied, “Those people told me that you O Messenger of God are the one who asked me to do this.”  Right after that the Prophet wiped the dust from Nu’aiman face and laughed. The Prophet then replaced the Bedouin’s camel.

 

The moral of the story could be that it’s important to verify information before acting on it, and not to make assumptions or take action based solely on the words of others. It also highlights the importance of forgiveness and mercy, even in situations where someone has made a mistake.

 

2,000+ Free Camel & Desert Images - Pixabay

Who’s the Most Hungry?

 

During the Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq), the Prophet and his companions dug a trench to protect Medina. While they were busy digging the trench, one of the companions was very hungry and thirsty that he tied a stone to his belly. Then he got up and spoke to the Prophet,”O Messenger of God! I’m so hungry that I tied a stone to my belly to relieve (my hunger).” He then opened his shirt to reveal the stone in his belly. The Prophet smiled and opened his shirt too. The companion was astonished because he saw two stones were tied to the Prophet’s belly which means that the Prophet was more hungry than him but he did not complain. The companion smiled bitterly and continued digging.

 

The moral of the story is to show the Prophet’s selflessness and patience, as he endured hunger and hardship without complaint during the Battle of the Trench, and to inspire his companions to follow his example and persevere in the face of difficulty.

Baby Camel

 

Umm Ayman, a former slave of the Prophet, came to the Prophet and asked him to allow her to join him on a journey. The Prophet said to her, “Of course, you can ride a baby camel over there”. Umm Ayman marvelled at his answer. She probably thought to herself that there’s no way on earth that a baby camel could carry her. So she asked the Prophet again, “O Messenger of God, is there no adult camel for me? A baby camel won’t be able to carry me. Beside I don’t like it.” The Prophet replied, “I am not saying that it is a small camel, (I’m only saying that) it’s a baby camel. (Don’t you know that) every camel is a child of the mother camel?” Umm Ayman then smiled and understood the Prophet’s joke.

 

The moral of the story is that humor and light-heartedness can be used to put others at ease and make them feel comfortable, even in difficult or awkward situations. Additionally, the story highlights the importance of understanding and interpreting language and cultural norms.

If You Die First, I Will…

 

One day, the Prophet came to meet ‘Aisyah. At that moment, he was having a severe headache. Apparently at the same time, Aisyah complained about the same thing. “I have a headache,” ‘Aisyah  said to the Prophet. “By Allah, O ‘Aisyah, I am also having a severe headache,” the Prophet replied. Then he went on “If you die first, don’t worry, I will take care of you, perform the funeral prayer for you and accompany your corpse to the grave.” What did ‘Aisyah say then? “By Allah, indeed I can guess, if that’s the case, you will then be seeing one of your wives in my house in the afternoon .”Aisyah said in a petulant tone. The Prophet laughed at what ‘Aisyah said.

 

The moral of the story could be that even in difficult times, it’s okay to have a sense of humor and make light of the situation. Joking around can relieve tension and help strengthen relationships.

House of prophet Muhammad S.A.W ❤ Painting by NAMRA KHAN | Saatchi Art

We’re Even Now!

 

‘Aisyah, one of the Prophet’s wives said, “I traveled with the Messenger of God and his companions when I was still skinny. The Prophet said to his companions. “You may walk ahead of us!” Then the companions left us. Afterward, the Prophet said to me, “Let’s race.” I accepted his challenge and I beat him in the race. A couple years later ‘Aisyah and the Prophet traveled together again. “It’s been a while since the Prophet asked me to accompany him on a journey. I had gained weight that time and completely forgot about the previous race. The Prophet said to his companions. “You may walk ahead of us!” Then the companions left us. Afterward, the Prophet said to me, “Let’s race.” I forgot about my previous victory and I had gained weight at the time. I said to the Prophet, “How can I beat you oh Messenger of God with this kind of body?” He replied, “Let’s go.” I accepted his challenge and lost.

The Prophet smiled and said, ”This is to avenge my previous defeat.”

 

The moral of the story is that physical ability is not the only measure of strength, and that losing with grace is a mark of good character. Also one should not underestimate someone based on their appearance or past achievements. It is also a reminder that the Prophet had a playful and light-hearted side to his personality.

White Part of the Eyes

 

One day a woman came to the Prophet and said, “My husband wants to invite you to our house.” The Prophet thought a while and jokingly asked her, “Does your husband has a white part in his eyes?” She replied, “No, Prophet of God! My husband doesn’t have a white part in his eyes.” “Isn’t he? I’m sure he has a white part in his eyes.” “By Allah O Prophet of God. He doesn’t have a white part in his eyes,” the woman insisted. The companions laughed at the conversation because the woman didn’t understand the Prophet was joking. Then the Prophet explained it to the woman, “Everyone in the world has a white part in their eyes.” The woman finally understood and smiled.

 

The moral of the story is that it’s important to understand the context and intention behind someone’s words before jumping to conclusions or taking offense. It’s also important to have a sense of humor and not take everything too seriously.

How to Draw a Feminine Cartoon Eye (in Eight Simple Steps) - FeltMagnet

When Satan Vomits

 

One day when the Prophet was sitting, he saw a man eating his food. He forgot to say Bismillah (In the Name of God) before he ate. And when he was about to eat the last piece of his food he remembered that he has not uttered the words “Bismillah”. So he said “Bismillahi Awwalu wal Aakhiru (In the name of God in the beginning and in the end)” as he ate his last food. When the Prophet heard those words he laughed. The companions asked the Prophet what happened. The Prophet said that when the man forgot to say Bismillah before he ate, satan is able to eat his food together with him. But after the man said the words Bismillah, satan suddently started to vomit. That’s why the Prophet laughed.

 

The moral of the story is that it’s important to remember to say Bismillah (In the Name of God) before eating, as it is a reminder to seek God’s blessings and protection. It also highlights the belief that Satan is present during meal times and may share one’s food if Bismillah is not said, but will be repelled if the words are uttered. The story emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s protection in all aspects of life.

Who Eats the Most Dates?

 

One day Prophet Muhammad and his companions sat down to break their fast together. Dates were served in front of them. Every time the Prophet and his companions ate a date, they placed the seed in front of them. After a few moments, the Prophet’s son in law, Ali realized that he ate too much dates. He had a pile of seeds in front of him. So Ali silently moved his seeds towards the Prophet and said jokingly: “Oh Prophet, you ate more dates than me. Look, you have more seeds than me.” Muhammad smiled and replied, “No, Ali. You ate more dates than me. Look, I ate dates but I removed their seeds while you ate dates along with their seeds!” Notes: Dates are a sweet fruit that has brown to black color. They contain a hard little seed. If you eat them, you have to remove the seed.

 

The moral of the story is that appearances can be deceiving and it’s important to look beyond surface-level observations. The story also highlights the importance of being mindful of one’s actions and choices, as they can have unintended consequences. Additionally, the story emphasizes the value of humor and lightheartedness in interpersonal relationships.

 

 

Date seed protein has food potential: Research

I Know When You’re Angry At Me

 

The Prophet once said to his wife ‘Aisyah, “I know when you’re happy with me and when you’re mad at me.” ‘Aisyah asked him, “How do you know?” The Prophet replied, ”When you’re happy with me you would swear ‘No, by God of Muhammad.’ But when you’re mad at me you would swear, “No, by God of Ibrahim!” Aisyah replied, “It’s true, but by Allah, O Messenger of God. I won’t leave but your name.”

 

The moral of the story is that understanding and communication are important in relationships. The story shows how the Prophet Muhammad was able to recognize his wife’s moods based on her language and actions. It also highlights the importance of humor in relationships, as the conversation between the Prophet and his wife was lighthearted and playful. The story emphasizes the value of paying attention to one’s partner’s feelings and being aware of the subtle ways in which they express themselves.

 

God, Please Forgive Me, But I Have to Eat You

 

One day as the Prophet was sitting with his companions, he asked one of them, Omar, “Please tell me a story that will make me laugh.” Omar then told him his story before he embraced Islam. “Before Islam, I created a statue from sweets. Then I worshipped that statue. “Oh Latta ‘Uzza Manat (the ancestral gods of the Arabs), you’re the noblest. Please give me some food to eat.” As I worshipped the statue, I suddenly felt so hungry. I went to the kitchen but didn’t find anything to eat. Then I returned to the worshipping chamber. There was no food except my god. So I decided to eat my god whom I just worshipped earlier. I ate its head, hands until it’s completely gone.” As Omar finished his story, the Prophet laughed until his teeths were exposed.

 

The moral of the story is that the truth can be found in unexpected places and it’s important to be open to learning and growing. The story also highlights the absurdity of idol worship and the dangers of placing one’s faith in material objects. The Prophet’s laughter shows his ability to find humor in a situation that could have been seen as serious or offensive. The story emphasizes the importance of being able to laugh at oneself and finding joy in unexpected moments.

I Am Your Brother…

 

A man came to Mu’awiyah, the first Ummayad Caliph. He was stopped by one of his guards. “Go and tell Mu’awiyah that His relative came to visit him,” said the man. When the guard told Mu’awiyah about the mysterious guest, he marvelled and said to the guard. “I don’t think I knew him. But let him in.”. The man came in and Mu’awiyah asked him, ”Please tell me about our family relationship.” “We have the same great grandparents, Adam and Eve,” said the man calmly. “Give that man one dirham,” asked Mu’awiyah to his servant.  “How come you only give one dirham to your own brother?” asked the man. Mu’awiyah calmly replied, “If I were to give one dirham to every brother I have from Adam and Eve, you will not receive even one dirham!”

 

The moral of the story is that we are all connected as human beings and part of the same family, and that it’s important to recognize and acknowledge this shared bond. At the same time, the story highlights the practical limitations of trying to financially support every member of one’s extended family, and the importance of balancing generosity with practicality. Mu’awiyah’s response shows a combination of both generosity and wisdom.

 

Mu'awiya I - Wikipedia

The Last Man to Come Out of Hell

 

Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud ra said, “The Prophet said: I know the last person to come out of hell and the last man to go to heaven. He will come out of hell crawling.

 

 

Allah will say to him: “Go, enter the paradise!” The man does what God told him but once he gets there he sees the heaven is extremely overcrowded. The man then returns and says, “O God! I found the heaven full.” God said to him again, “Go to paradise!” The man returns and still sees it full, so he returns to God and says, “O God! I found the heaven full.” Thus the man goes back and forth between the heaven and hell. Finally God says to him, “Go, enter the paradise. I give you the world plus ten times the size of it!” Then the man replies, “Are You my God mocking me, whereas You my Lord is the King?” (because the man is so desperate and is almost in disbelief that God will eventually allow him to go to the paradise.)

8 doors of Jannah

Abdullah said, “I saw the Prophet laughed until his molar teeth were exposed and said, “That man is the man who will inhabit the lowest rank of heaven.” Notes: According to Islamic faith, every Muslim will eventually enter the paradise. But the sinners among them have to serve their time in hell first as a punishment before they enter the eternal bliss.

The moral of the story is that Allah is merciful and forgiving, and no matter how far a person has strayed from the right path, there is always hope for redemption and forgiveness. The story also emphasizes the importance of patience, perseverance, and faith in Allah’s mercy, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges.

 

Bequest of the Prophet (PBUH) to Ali (R)


Bequest of the Prophet (PBUH) to Ali (R)
Main: Risalatu Imam As-Suyuti
Author: Jalal al-Din al-Suyuti (1445–1505 CE)
Translation: Manzur Ashraf

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

The Bequest of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam to his cousin Ali Ibn Aru Talib (ra):

Khalid Ibn Jafar Ibn Muhammad (ra) narrated from Ali Ibn Abu Talib (ra),

Ali (R.A.) said, “I was told by the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.)

said:

1. ‘Ali! As Harun (A) is respected by Musa (A), so is your status with me. But there is no prophet after me.’ I bequeath you something. If you accept it, you will live a happy and fortunate life, and you will die as a martyr. On the doomsday, your Lord will raise you as a Faqih and Alim.

2. Ali! The signs of a believer are three:
a. Salat, b. Wake up the night in worship c. Giving charity.

3. Ali! There are three signs of a hypocrite:
a. He becomes very attentive when he prays in front of people b. If he prays alone, he is heedless and hastily prays, c. He remembers Allah in assembly but forgets his Lord in private.

4. Ali! The Oppressor or tyrant’s signs are three:
a. Dominating the weak with strength, b. Take away people’s wealth by force and c. He does not distinguish between Halal and Haram food items.

5. Ali. There are three signs of Jealousy:
a. Flattering in front, b. Slander at the back and c. Rejoicing in times of sorrow of others.

6. Ali! There are three signs of a hypocrite:
a. He lies, b. He breaks the promise, c. Betrays the deposit, And d. advice is of no use to him.

7. Ali! There are several signs of laziness:
a. He is lazy in worshiping Allah, b. He performs the prayer so late that its appointed time has passed, c. He wastes and make errors.

8. Ali! There are three signs of repentance:
a. Abstaining from what is forbidden, b. Patience in the pursuit of knowledge, c. He never turns back to sin, as milk that has been milked does not enter the udder again.

9. Ali! There are three signs of wise people:
a. to despise the world, b. Being tolerant, and c. Patience in danger.

10. Ali! There are three signs of those who are patient:
a. He keeps the relationship with the one who breaks the relationship, b. He gives to the one who deprives him. and c. He does not curse him who wrongs him.

11. Ali. There are three signs of idiots:
a. Neglecting the obligatory worship of Allah, b. Talking excessively without the remembrance of Allah, and c. Finding out the faults of God’s servants.

12. Ali! There are three signs of a fortunate person:
a. Eating halal sustenance, b. Sitting with the wise, and c. Performing the five times prayer with the imam.
13. There are three signs of unfortunate people:
a. Eating halal sustenance, b. Staying away from knowledge, and c. Praying alone.

14. Ali! There are three signs of a devoted person:
a. He pioneers in worshipping Allah. b. Abstains from actions and things forbidden by Allah, and c. He treats well to the person who even mistreated him.

15. Ali! There are three signs of evil people:
a. He forgets obedience to Allah, b. He hurts the servants of Allah, and c. He does harm to the person who benefits him

16. Ali! There are three signs of a good person:
a. One who improves the relationship between him and the people through good deeds, b. One is saved from sin through piety, and c. He likes for others what he likes for himself.

17. Ali! There are three signs of God-fearing person (Muttaki):
a. He shuns evil company, b. Does not lie, and c. May also abandon some of the halal to avoid the haram.

18. Ali! There are three signs of a wicked person:
a. Predominance over the weak, b. Not being satisfied with little, and c. Not benefiting from advice.

19. Ali! There are three signs of a truthful person (Siddiq):
a. Not revealing personal worship (to Allah) to others, b. Giving charity secretly, and
c. Not revealing the problems to anyone.

20. Ali! There are three signs of wicked people:
a. Prefers to corruption, b. Afflicts to the servants of God, and c. Stays away from righteous deeds and the right path.

21. Ali! There are three signs of a lowly person:
a. To disobey God, b. Harassing neighbors, and c. Likes arrogance and brashness.

22. Ali! There are three signs of insulted people:
a. Abundance of lies, b. Excessive false oaths, and c. Expressing the needs to people.

23. Ali! The signs of Abiding person are three
a. Being obedient to God’s will, b. Suppressing one’s instincts (Nafs) for the sake of Allah, and c. Standing in front of Allah for a long time in worship.

24, Ali! The signs of the devotees are three:
a. Dislike wealth, b. Dislike praise and c. Dislike the haram.
25. Ali! There are three signs of a wise person:
a. Speaking the truth, b. Abstaining from haram, and c. Being polite in front of people.

26. Ali! There are three signs of a charitable person:
a. Forgives even though he is powerful, b. Giving Zakat, and c. Love to do charity.

27. Ali! There are three signs of miserliness:
a. Fearing the grave, b. Fear of beggars, and c. Not giving zakat.

28. Ali! There are three signs of patience: a. Patience in the worship of Allah b. Patience to refrain from disobeying God and c. To obey God’s orders
29. Ali. There are three signs of wicked people: a. Being safe from Allah’s trick and punishment, b. Despair from God’s mercy and c. Being afraid to accept Allah’s instructions.

30. Ali! On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will command a group of people to go to Paradise. After they reach the gates of Paradise, they will be taken back to Hell. When the Fire of Hell surrounds them from all sides, they will say, Our Lord! Wish we would enter hell before the sight of paradise! Then Almighty Allah will say, I have intended to do this to you. Because, you have spent your life in Haram, you have died in a state of sin, you have opposed me by the poets.

31. Ali! You greet any Muslim you meet. In this, Allah Ta’ala will write twenty good deeds for you, when you give charity, you will give what is better than what you have. Because what you donate in your lifetime, it will be more beneficial for you to donate after your death.

32. Ali! Do not pride yourself, Allah does not like the arrogant. You have pain in your heart because Allah loves the one whose heart is pained.

34. Ali! He who takes it back by giving, let him vomit and swallow it again.
35. Ali! You will be cheerful, and do not be sad.

36. Ali. If you take it for yourself, then working on other religion’s work with a people-showing mind is like burning the stored up.

37. Ali! You should act for the sake of Allah. Because Allah loves the deeds that are done for the sake of Allah, the act of deen on my Ummah is more subtle and secretive than the movement of ants on a smooth stone in a dark night. Riya is a small Kufri. Allah Ta’ala said, “So whoever desires to meet his Lord, let him do righteous deeds and not associate anyone in the worship of his Lord.”

38, Ali. Each new day says, O Bani Adam! I am the new day, I am your witness. So watch your words and actions. The night is similar. So you will do good deeds day and night.

39. Ali! You will never backbite anyone even if there is some fault in them. Because, all meat has blood. Atonement for slander is to seek forgiveness for the one who has been slandered.
40. Ali. If Allah Ta’ala honors you with four virtues, you have nothing to regret even if you get nothing else in the world. The four qualities are: a. Speaking the truth, b. Protecting deposits of others, c. Being free from needs and misery d. Protecting from haram foods.

41. Ali! By the grace of Allah you will seek Halal Rizk (sustenance), because seeking Halal sustenance is obligatory upon every Muslim man and woman.

42. Ali! Do not sit with the dead, because they only remember the dead. Ali (R) asked, O Messenger of Allah! Who are the dead? He said, “The rich and the worldly are those who lean towards the accumulation of the world as a mother leans towards her child.” They are the ones affected.

43. Ali! Be kind to the neighbor even if he is an infidel. Give good treatments to the guests even if he is a disbeliever. Be obedient to the parents even if they are disbelievers. Do not deprive a beggar even if he is a disbeliever.

44. Ali! The greatest thief is the one from which Satan takes part. Ali (saw) asked, O Messenger of Allah, In what form? He said, If someone gives less than a measure, even if it is a handful amount, his companion Shaytaan will snatch it from him. This is how devils gather their sustenance. And whoever travels in search of the Haram, Satan becomes his companion and accomplice. When he rides, Satan rides with him. And if one saves Haram sustenance, Shaytaan partakes of it. And if one does not recite Bismillah during intercourse with his wife, Shaytaan associates with his child. Allah Ta’ala says:

And incite [to senselessness] whoever you can among them with your voice and assault them with your horses and foot soldiers and become a partner in their wealth and their children and promise them.” But Satan does not promise them except delusion. (17: 64)

45. Ali! He who eats halal sustenance keeps his deen (religion) clear, his heart becomes soft, his eyes become tearful in the fear of Allah, and there is no obstacle to his supplications being accepted.

46. Ali! He who eats doubtful food, his religion becomes doubtful and his heart becomes dark.
47. Ali! He who eats haram, his heart dies, his deen becomes flawed; His heart becomes darkened, his faith becomes weakened, his du’a becomes hindered, and his worship decreases.
48. Ali! If Allah Ta’ala is displeased with His servant, he is given Haram sustenance. if Allah’s displeasure with that person increases, Satan becomes associated with him. It keeps him busy in worldly affairs, and keeps him away from Deen. To indulge in sin, Shaytaan tells him ‘Allah is Forgiving and Merciful’.

49. Ali! If Allah loves any of His servants, He delays in answering his supplications. The angels interceded for him and said, O Allah! Accept the dua of your servant. Allah Almighty says, Leave My servant on My mercy. You are not more kind to my servant than I am. I love the supplications and cries of My servants, I am well aware of everything.

50. Ali! He who calls people to the path of truth and people follow him, then he too will receive the reward of the deeds of the followers, but the reward of the deeds of the followers will not be diminished.

51. Ali! If someone calls people to something forbidden by Allah and someone does something forbidden in response to his words, then the caller will also bear the share of the sin, but the punishment of those who sinned by his call will not be reduced.
52. Ali. Allah does not accept any prayer without attaining purity, and Allah never accepts it if charity is given from any haram wealth.
53. Ali. No one’s repentance is accepted unless he stays away from the Haram sustenance and haram income.
54; Ali! Give charity for the dead, because Allah has appointed a number of angels to convey the reward of charity to the dead on behalf of the living. When they carry the alms-carriage to dead relatives and friends, they are extremely happy. After that they regret and felt sad remembering all the wealth they had left in Duiya. They say, O Allah. Forgive those who have given us charity and give them good news of Paradise. As you have given us the good news of paradise. We regret for all the wealth we left behind.

55. Ali! Be content with what you get from Allah. Because there is nothing more bitter than poverty.

56. Ali! Modesty is the religion. Modesty is the protection of the head and all that is connected with it, being careful what you consume (eat). The root of worship is engaging to the remembrance of Allah and being silent about other things.

57. Ali! Six things are influenced by Satan: a. yawn, b. vomiting c. Ejection of food or drink from the stomach to the mouth, d. bleeding from nose, e. All other sneezes except the first one, f. drowsiness.

58. Ali! You will pray at night atleast for the duration it takes to milk the goat. Because it is better to pray two rak’ahs at night than to go to the mosque and pray a thousand rak’ahs during the day. Those who pray at night are brighter (in face) than those who pray during the day.

59. Ali! For those who repent, reciting more and more Istigfaar is a strong fortress.

60. Ali! When a criminal makes a dua, and Allah knows that if this dua is accepted, there is inevitable destruction for them, then Allah says to the angels: ‘Give him what this person wants. Take measures so that his voice does not reach me’.

61. Ali! A person who shows gratitude when Allah rewards him and becomes patient when he is in danger, and asks forgiveness when he commits a sin, he can enter Paradise through any door he wishes.
62. Ali! Too much sleep deadens the heart and produces forgetfulness. The heart also dies with excessive laughter. Sin hardens the heart and produces more sleep.
63. Ali! If you need someone to ask for, ask someone with a radiant face. Because such a person’s heart is generous. And you will ask from shy people. Because all goodness lies in shyness.

64. Ali! A person who earns halal means to save honour and life, will cross the Bridge (on the day of judgement) with the speed of lightning. And Allah will be pleased with him. On the other hand, the person who earns the world by acquiring wealth in unlawful means, Allah will be angry at him when he shall face Him.

65. Ali! Whoever feeds a Muslim from lawful earnings, he shall record 1 millions of good deeds for him and shall atone for similar sins.
66. Ali! Allah Ta’ala decides what He wills about His servants. Allah is pleased with him who is satisfied with it. And whoever is displeased, Allah’s displeasure is for him.

67. Ali! When you say Takbeer in Salat, spread your fingers apart and raise both your hands up to your shoulders. And when you go into Ruku, place both your hands on your knees. And there is no gap between the fingers. And while prostrating, keep both your hands along your shoulders, then keep them together. Keep your right hand down on your left hand while saying Takbeer. I saw the angels of heaven to lay hands like. In it there is humility towards Allah.

68. Ali! Fulfill the need of your believing brother quickly. Because Allah will fulfill your needs quickly for it.

69. Ali! If someone comes to you with a need, you will think that the arrival is a special mercy of Allah to you. Allah Ta’ala probably has wished to forgive your sins and fulfill your needs.

70. Ali! When a guest comes to you, you will respect him. Because when a guest comes to someone, he brings his Rizq (sustenance) with him. And when he left, he took with him the sins of the family of the Host and threw them into the sea.
71. Ali. You will look at the people below you in wealth. And you will notice people of higher level than you in worship and piety. This will increase your ‘Yaqeen’ and ‘faith’.

72. Ali! You shall refrain from false oaths. Because you may sell the goods but the blessings of Rijk (sustenance) reduces.
73. Ali! You will fear the du’a of the oppressed. Because Allah accepts the supplication of the oppressed, even if he is a disbeliever.

74. Ali! He whose heart does not melt in the fear of Allah, has no religion. And he who does not abstain from sin has no knowledge. He who has no knowledge has no worship. He who does not have piety does not have knowledge. He who has no truthfulness has no sense of courtesy. He who does not maintain privacy of others, does not have the quality of being a depositor. He who does not have ability (Tawfeek), does not have repentance. He who has no shame, has no mercy.

75. Ali! Do not sleep at the beginning and end of the day. And do not sleep lying down, and do not sleep even before Maghrib and Isha prayers. And you will not sleep in a dark house, and will not sleep in some sun and some in the shade. Do not use the door frame as a pillow. Do not sit on the platform, do not eat and drink with the left hand. Do not place hands under chin in sitting position. Do not knock the teeth with anything. Do not feed on sickle. Do not eat on the back of the pot. Do not wear shoes on the left foot before the right foot. And while opening the shoe, the right foot should not be opened before the left foot. Don’t tear the bread with your teeth and eat it, don’t eat the soil. Don’t look at the mirror at night. Do not look at water during prayer. Do not spit on urine. Do not take ‘Kulup’ with dung, coal, gourds and bones. Do not wear dress upside down. Do not undress your private parts in the face the moon and the sun. Do not cut nails with teeth. Do not sleep with food-fat left on hand (without properly cleaning hands). Do not walk through two mountains that have cracks in them. Do not blow on hot food and hot water. Do not blow in the place of prostration. You will not see other people’s private parts, and no other people will see your private parts. Do not talk during the time between Adhan and Iqamat. Do not look at what comes out of you (i.e. excrement). Do not touch the pubic area unnecessarily. Don’t look back again and again. Don’t hurt your friend. Don’t hurt your neighbors. Do not slander those who mix with you. Don’t walk fast. Do not argue with your friends / colleagues, shorten your speech if praised and shorten your speech if condemned. Put hands over your mouth while yawning. Do not smell the food. Keep your eyes away from the forbidden. If you are spoken to, you will try to understand it. Even if someone invites you a meatless pie (bare bones) you will accept it. Don’t eat in the dark. Do not eat in large amounts. Do not eat on full.

Do not be preoccupied with livelihood. Do not follow the enemy. Don’t reveal your secrets. Don’t talk too much. Do not be proud of wearing clothes. Return others’ deposits. Be courteous to guests. Take care of the neighbour. Be patient in adversity. Spend on good deeds. There are two classes of people who will be saved (on the day of judgement): the charitable rich and the cheerful poor.

76. Ali! You will be a scholar or a student or a listener or a doer. If you are the fourth, you will perish. Ali (RA) said, O Messenger of Allah! Who is the fourth? Rasulullah (SAW) said, He who does not possess knowledge himself and does not learn from anyone. He does not go to the scholars and inquire about the rulings of the Shariah. He acts like a fool. Surely, he is doomed, surely, he is doomed, surely, he is doomed.

77. Ali! That friend is very evil, who makes you suffer and exposes your secrets.

That friend is also evil, who is jealous of his friend. You will not like a servant who exposes your faults, and you will not like a wife who wants divorce. And do not be satisfied with a neighbour who conceals your good deeds and propagates your faults.

78. Ali! Do ablution completely. Because this is half of faith. Do not waste water in ablution. 79. Ali! After completing ablution wash both feet, recite Surah Innaanjal Nahu Filailatil Qadr’ (Sura Qadr) once. If you do that, you will get fifty years of reward.

80. Ali! After completing ablution, wash both feet and pray ten times to the Prophet (PBUH). If you do this, Allah Ta’ala will remove your troubles. And he will accept your dua.

81. Ali! After completing ablution, take fresh water and wipe your head and neck with both hands and recite this Dua:
‘Ya Allah! I pronounce Your holiness and praises; I bear witness that there is no god but You. You are One, You have no partner, I seek Your forgiveness and repent’.

Then look at the ground and recite:

‘I bear witness that Muhammad is Your servant and Messenger’.

Whoever does this, Allah Ta’ala will forgive all his sins.
82. Ali! A person who recites seventy thousand times before sunrise and after sunset, even if his sin is equal to the number of stars in the sky, Allah will be ashamed to punish him in hell.

83. Ali! After Fajr prayer you will sit in that place till sunrise. Whoever sits in his place after the Fajr prayer, Allah will grant him the reward of completing one Hajj and one Umrah, freeing a slave and in the path of Allah, the reward of giving a thousand dinars in charity.
84. Ali! Whether you are on a journey or at home, you must pray ‘Salatuz Joha’. Because, on the Day of Judgment, an announcer from the highest place of Paradise will announce that, where are those who used to pray ‘Salatu Joha’.

85. Ali! You must pray in congregation. Because going to pray in congregation is like going to Allah for Hajj and Umrah.

86. Ali! A believer whom Allah Ta’ala loves, tries to pray in congregation. And the hypocrite and whom Allah dislikes stays away from performing congregational prayers.

87. Ali! Praying in congregation is equivalent to Allah praying the angels in the second heaven. You try to join the first queue.

88. Ali! Whoever destroys ‘taharat’ (attainment of holiness), Allah destroys that person’s deen, and whoever destroys his prayer and performs it in haste, Allah will cast him into the last level of Hell.
89. Ali! If one who takes a bath for Jumu’ar Salat, Allah will forgive his sins until next Friday. And Allah will enlighten his grave and make his scales heavy.

90. Ali! The most beloved servant to Allah is the servant who prostrates. He who recites after Sijdah (prostration):

‘O my Lord! I have wronged myself, forgive me. There is no one to forgive sins except You.’
91. Ali! Do not befriend a drunkard, for he is cursed. And do not mix with someone who does not pay Zakat, because he is called the enemy of Allah in heaven. And do not associate with the usurer either – because he is an adversary of Allah. Allah Ta’ala said:

If you don’t leave it (i.e. interest) then know that it is war with Allah and His Messenger. (2 : 179).

92. Ali! Whoever observes the fast of Ramadan and abstains from the forbidden, Allah will be be pleased with him. And for him Paradise is destined.
93. Ali. Whoever observes six fasts in the month of Shawwal after Ramadan, Allah Ta’ala will record for him the reward of fasting for a whole year.

94. Ali! Where the worshipers were praying, do not recite qiraat and dua loudly. Because it will cause disorder in their prayers.

95. Ali! When it is time for prayer, you will be ready for prayer. Be careful, lest Shaytaan turn you away from prayer.
96. Ali! Jibraeel (A.S.) wished for seven qualities within Bani Adam.

a. Performing Jumu’ar Salat with the Imam, b. Sitting in the gatherings of the knowledgeable, c. Inquiring about the sick people, d. To accompany the funeral, e. Drink others water, f. To settle the dispute between two people, g. Show compassion to the orphan.
Ali! Be interested to acquire these qualities.

97. Ali! Whoever employs a laborer and does not fully pay his wages, Allah will destroy his deeds. And I will be the complainant on his behalf

98. Ali! When an orphan cries, Allah’s Throne shakes, then Allah says,

‘Jibrail! You widen hell for the one who makes the orphan cry. And the one who makes the orphan smile, you widen the paradise for him’.
99. Ali! Allah has not created a better organ than the tongue in man, because of the tongue people will go to paradise. And because of the tongue people will go to hell. So you will keep the tongue captive. Because it is like an attacking dog.

100. Ali! You shall observe the fast of three middle days in every month (The White Days): Thirteen, fourteen and fifteen. Whoever observes it, it is as if he observed the fast for a whole year. And the face of the one who observes this fast becomes bright.

101. Ali! Ask to Allah:
‘O Allah, Forgive me and my parents and all the believers and the believers and the Muslims and the Muslims living among them and the dead’.

Whoever asks for forgiveness like this twenty one times a day, Allah Ta’ala will include him among the righteous servants. Ali! All the angels in the sky will intercede for him one million times.

102. Ali! Ask to Allah:
‘O Allah! Bless me in death and bless me in life after death!’

A person who recites these two verses twenty-one times a day will not take any account of what Allah has rewarded him with in this worldly life.

103. Ali. Whoever recites Allahu Akbar twenty-one times before sunset, Allah will write for him the reward of one hundred righteous persons and one hundred people in the way of Allah.

104. Ali!

‘Praise be to Allah first of all, praise be to Allah after all, our Lord shall abide and all shall perish. Praise be to Allah in all situations.’
Whoever recites this dua ten times a day, Allah will forgive him even if he is among the major sinners.

105. Ali! Whoever does not sit in the gatherings of the scholars for forty days, his heart dies, he becomes a hard-hearted person—he may commit murder, he may commit adultery, and he may commit theft.

106. Ali! two units prayer of a scholar is better than are two hundred units of prayer of the ignorant.
107. Ali! The example of a devout without knowledge is like a salt distributor or measurer of the sea water. He does not know about any increase or decrease.

108. Ali! You will attain knowledge even if it is in China. Because the teacher and the Students are very dear to Allah.

109. Ali! Salam will spread. And when you pray at night People are sleepy. If you do that, Allah Almighty will look at you seventy times, and whoever God looks at, He will not punish him in hell.

110. Ali. Be kind to the neighbor even if he is a disbeliever. Because Allah reduces the wealth of a person who is jealous of his neighbor. His life is spent in the way of falsehood.

111, Ali! Do not envy, envy leads to hell.
112. Ali! Stay away from backbiting. Because backbiting is worse than drinking wine.

113. Ali! Do not pay attention to the secrets of the Muslim, for by doing so Allah removes from his heart the fear of the Hereafter and faith from his heart and chest. And Allah fills the heart and mind with sorrow, poverty and misery.

114. Ali! You should keep yourself away from lying, because this is the character of the hypocrites.

115. Ali! Protect yourself from gossiping and backbiting. Because Allah Ta’ala has forbidden Jannah for these people: stingy, hypocrites, rumour-monger. The child who disobeys his parents, who does not pay Zakat and hinders it, the usurer, who consume forbidden things, the gambler, the one who ties artificial hair, the one who sex with animals and the one who troubles his neighbour.

116, Ali! A person who does not prevent his neighbor from committing a sin, he will also be considered a partner in his neighbor’s sin.
117. Ali! Whoever does not order his family to pray and does not forbid them from eating haram, he will bear the responsibility of all sins.

118. Ali! Respect the elderly, love children. Be like a kind brother for the traveller. Be like a loving husband to widows.

If you do so, Allah Almighty will write for you: One hundred good deeds per breath and every good deed is rewarded with a palace in heaven.
119. Ali! Sit with the poor, for he who respects the rich and despises the poor, is called the enemy of Allah in the heaven.
120. Ali! Allah Ta’ala sent revelation to Ibrahim (A) that you shall honour my guest as you honour your guest.

Ibrahim (A) said, O my Lord! Who is your guest?

Allah replied, My guests are those who are insignificant to the eyes of the people.

121. Ali. Three categories of people are deprived of Allah’s remembrance: a. who laughs for no reason, b. who sleeps without praying at night, c. Those who eat to their full.
122 Ali! Three classes of people are deprived of Allah’s mercy: a. Those who eat to their full while knowing that their neighbors are starving. b. those who torture slaves and c. Those who reject the gift of close friends.

123. Ali! You will not be flatterer and you will not sit with the flatterers. Don’t be stingy and don’t associate with stingy people.
124. Ali! Be generous. Be satisfied with the little in the world, because, if someone does it, Allah Ta’ala will raise them with the prophets on the Day of Resurrection.

125. Ali! Cut your nails at least once a month. Because when the nails grow, Satan takes shelter under them.

Literature Review: Challenges faced for Islamic Studies in Australian Islamic Schools

Young Muslims are faced with twenty-first century challenges—with its complex environmental, social, political, and economic pressures. This requires a deeper understanding of Islam that goes beyond decontextualised textbooks, repetition of low-level knowledge that has been described by students in this study as boring, not-engaging, not taken seriously by schools, unstructured, and under-resourced. In the recent survey-based studies, It was demonstarted that  students felt deprived of the opportunity to develop skills and more in-depth Islamic knowledge as they progress through the years. Instead, students complained of repetition of basic knowledge from primary through to secondary school, leading to a perceived sense of stagnation in their study of Islam.

 

Islamic Studies (IS) is not considered a Key Learning Area (KLA) in the Australian National Curriculum, which causes a host of challenges, including how to fit IS in an already cramped curriculum and school timetable. Therefore, Islamic schools typically allocate about 2 h weekly for IS, making it the faith appendment to a school, and treat it as a single subject devoid of depth and specialisations.

 

Al-Refai (2011) found that there is no “unified set of guidelines, agreed syllabus or curriculum framework for the teaching of Islamic Studies in all the six schools; and there is no philosophical statement for their Islamic Studies”.

A larger study by Hussain and Read (2015) found that Islamic schools can facilitate the participation of Muslims in mainstream institutions by equipping them with the cultural capital needed to navigate non-Muslim arenas, but that “does not necessarily translate into greater levels of religiosity among Muslim youth; in some cases it even turned them away from the religion.”

 

Abdalla (2018) examined the views of 44 participants (including 10 IS coordinators, 15 IS teachers and 19 senior learners (grades 10–12) of one Australian Islamic school in Victoria. The study found that students desire to study IS, show reverence for IS teachers, and appreciate the fundamental basics of Islam taught at the school. However, they complained that Islamic Studies was “repetitive”, “boring”, “irrelevant”, “out-of-context”, and “biased”. Further, students expressed “frustration because they ‘expect deeper understandings’ of Islam through inquiry as to the ‘why’, as well as the reasoning behind Islamic principles on a variety of issues relevant to their lives.” Students also argued that IS does not provide “depth in real life issues”, or to learn as Muslims “how to live in society” (to become functional Muslims), and to gain the knowledge and skills to “apply what is being learnt.” The study suggested that IS needs to “accommodate the reality” of students’ needs, have “high standards and expectations that are challenging yet realistic” and be established on “a strong evidence base”.

 

Participants across all schools reported a heavy testing approach to assessment, and also spoke positively about a recent shift to additional modes/mediums of assessment including PowerPoint presentations, multi-modal presentations or posters, “And, for our exams, they’re not just written exams sometimes we have PowerPoint, sometimes speeches, and there was also one you had to create a poster or something, so it’s engaging as well.” The same participants described these assessments as superficial, in that they generally involved shifting pre-packed context (usually from the text) to a poster or PowerPoint presentation uncritically—learners viewed this as positive step, albeit quite a superficial form of assessment ‘of’ learning.

 

Abdallah (2020) demonstrated following Challenges for IS studies in Islamic Schools:

  • Lack of Lesson Plans and Coherence across Unit Planning (Topics and Themes not Aligned, Connected or Building Upon One Another)
  • Textbook Focused and History-Centric
  • Absence of an Engaging Pedagogy
  • Does not Teach Social Skills
  • School does not Take IS Seriously
  • Insufficient Hours for IS:

The feeling that Islamic Studies is not as important as other subjects is exacerbated by the fact there are often only one or two hours for Islamic Studies per week (at all schools).

  • Repetitive:

Many participants contended that Islamic Studies “gets repetitive”, and “sometimes you hear the same thing every two years” or, “Yeah, it is redundant.” When asked about what would be practical and non-repetitive, they said they wanted contemporary issues, “Like LGBT [issues] and stuff like that, transgender people; I guess if we had learned about from an Islamic perspective we wouldn’t be worrying as much and asking the Imams.”

 

Other examples of practical, non-repetitive examples were captured by this student: . . . when you go outside into western society there’s so many people saying, are talking about feminism and how it’s completely opposite to what Islam teaches us. But if in Islamic school they could teach us the beauty in it then when we go out into society and stuff like that, we can explain to people why we do it and it’s beautiful to us, and our outlooks won’t change and stuff like that, so I think that’s important.

 

  • Does not Prepare Students for the ‘World Outside’:

When asked “do you feel Islamic Studies prepares you for the world outside?” many participants responded emphatically, “No”; rather they felt that, “You have to prepare yourself, you have to ask the questions”. In fact, they contended that the questions they prompt are the most interesting part of Islamic Studies, as this learner argued, “I am pretty sure everyone can agree with this, that a question is more interesting than what we are actually being taught in the textbook.”

 

  • Lacks Critical Thinking:

The participants agreed that Islamic Studies does not allow for “critical” thinking and/or discussion because it is ‘set in stone’, as one student stated:

 

I think that our discussion, sometimes it is hard to get into discussions with the classroom. It may seem unapproachable to display a viewpoint and, in that sense, we cannot get into that mode of critically thinking and discussing from what we think. People will not speak up, or their views, or maybe they are just afraid that they think they are going to be told that they are wrong or something when it is more, it is more a discussion.

 

  • Lacks Adequate Resources
  • Biased and Contradictory:

With few exceptions, most participants were concerned that Islamic Studies was biased and that they did not study, or discuss, alternate scholarly viewpoints.

 

“Sometimes the Imams, they contradict each other, and they do not give you advice on which verdict to follow.” Another added, “Which is understandable because there are controversial topics and people have deviations in opinion, but you don’t know what to follow; you can bring it up to Imam that another Imam had a different opinion, but he won’t—because it’s wrong to put someone else’s opinion down, so they don’t really tell you which one to follow.” Moreover, “They do not give you the conditions to follow this, or the conditions to follow that. It is really vague.”

 

Learners’ dissatisfaction outweighs their satisfaction with IS at three Australian Islamic schools. Some of our findings affirm Mohamad Abdalla’s findings that learners have reverence for IS teachers and appreciate the fundamental basics of Islam they learn, but complain that Islamic Studies in their particular school contexts is “repetitive”, “boring”, “irrelevant”, “out-of-context”, and “biased” (Abdalla 2018). It also affirms Diallo and Kerrilee’s (2016) findings that not enough hours are given to IS. Learners’ complaints that IS lacks structure and coherency align with Al-Refai’s research with six British Islamic schools that found there is no “unified set of guidelines, agreed syllabus or curriculum framework for the teaching of Islamic Studies in all the six schools; and there is no philosophical statement for their Islamic Studies” (Al-Refai 2011).

Learn Quran and Arabic Centre offers an interactive Islamic studies course tailored for your Children. A 52 weeks course plan is given below.

52 WEEKS Course Plan (Islamic Studies)

References:

Abdalla, Mohamad, Chown, Dylan and Memon, Nadeem.  Islamic Studies in Australian Islamic Schools: Learner Voice. Religions; Basel Vol. 11, Iss. 8,  (2020): 404. DOI:10.3390/rel11080404.

Abdalla, Mohamad. 2018. Islamic studies in Islamic schools: Evidence-based renewal. In Islamic Schooling in the West Pathways to Renewal. Edited by Mohamad Abdalla, Dylan Chown and Muhammad Abdullah. Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 257–83

Al-Refai, Nader Sudqy. 2011. An Exploration of Islamic Studies Curriculum Models in Muslim Secondary Schools in England. Derby: University of Derby.

Diallo, Ibrahima, and Lockyer Kerrilee. 2016. The Role and Importance of Islamic Studies and Faith in Community Islamic Schools in Australia A Case Study of Adelaide (SA) and Darwin (NT). Adelaide: University of South Australia Research Centre for Languages and Cultures, Available online: https://apo.org.au/sites/default/ files/resource-files/2016-11/apo-nid70627.pdf (accessed on 23 June 2020).

 

 

WHY DO WE NEED A STATE-OF-THE-ART ISLAMIC STUDIES CURRICULUM FOR AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT AND AN EFFICIENT FACULTY MEMBERS TO TEACH ISLAMIC STUDIES?

It is now a generation since western worlds including Australia began to notice that there were Muslim communities settling in our cities. The days of the temporary migration had been replaced by the establishment of families in a process which was clearly going to be permanent.
Islam is an affirmative Faith which carries itself a global understanding of creation, life, death and humanity.
This understanding is the source of Islamic rules of thinking and behavior and at the same time, it should be shaped by ‘Ibadat’ (worship) as well as a whole domain of social affairs (‘Muamalat’). ‘Ibadat’ comprises the five daily prayers, annual payment of Zakat to the needy, the fast of Ramadan, and Hajj, along with all sorts of social permanent involvement to help the society with a positive and integrated outlook. The ‘Muamalat’ are all acts of worship, that in turn, reinforce, strengthen and mould Faith (Belief) itself.
We need to educate our next generation with the aim or purpose of life, essential Ibadat (Fard), art of Manners and character, prophetic qualities to mould a purposeful life in order to contribute to the society, build a successful career and to be with the enlightened servants of Allah in hereafter.

Learn Quran & Arabic Centre obliges to give and train with a course curriculum of most up-to-date materials and resources catered to develop skills for this world and hereafter. Designed by a team of University Academics (PhDs) of conventional knowledge sectors and Academics of Islamic Studies and Jurisprudence sectors, we tried to develop a matured syllabus and activities to teach our generation to lead a purposeful life inshallah.

Students in both Non-Islamic and Islamic Schools find our Course curriculum and teaching styles and activities as the top-most level of Academic excellence.

Many students are continuing only our Islamic Studies in weekends or in ONLINE mode (weekly 1-2 day) that their parents / guardians also found it the most suitable to manage it.

Within our high-demand Islamic Studies course, a short books-lists that we teach our students are showcased below. Learn Quran & Arabic Centre’s motto is to build a generation of productive Australian Muslims.
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hereafter series lecture

Hereafter Series (Video Lecture)

The Hereafter Video Series of Lecture covers:
Importance to know heareafter, Pain of Death, Life in the Grave, Day of Judgement, Jahannam & Jannah.

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