The Commandments of Islam (4/4)

27) It commands with well-treatment of the neighbor and forbids harming them. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“By Allah he is not a true believer! By Allah he is not a true believer! By Allah he is not a true believer!” It was said, “And who is he, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Him whose neighbor is not safe from his evil.” (Reported by Bukhari #5670)

28) It commands that one seek righteous companions and forbids that one seek evil companions. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“The example of a righteous and evil companion is like one who carries perfume and another who is a blacksmith. As for the one who carries perfume, he will either give you some perfume, you might buy some, or [at least] you will find a pleasing scent with him. As for the blacksmith, either he (the blacksmith) will burn his clothes, or you will find a hideous odor from him.” (Reported by Bukhari #1995 & Muslim #2628)

29) It orders people to settle their disputes and prohibits anything which leads to enmity and hatred. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah's Cause), or Ma’roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind, and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” (Surah An-Nisa’, 4:114)

30) It orders that people be sincere to each other [by giving good advice] and forbids that advice be withheld when it is sought. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“The religion is sincere counseling.” We asked, “To whom?” He replied, “To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, and to the leaders of the Muslims and their general folk.” (Reported by Muslim #55)  

31) It orders people to help relieve worries of Muslims, to give them respite [in paying back debts] and to conceal their faults. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever relieves some worry of a believer, Allah will relieve a worry of his on the Day of Requital. Whoever makes things easy for one in times of hardship [by giving respite to one who is not able to pay back a debt] Allah will make things easy upon him in this life and the next. And whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah helps his slave as long as he helps his brother.” (Reported by Muslim #2699)

32) It orders that one have patience and fortitude in times of hardships, and forbids that one become worried and discontent. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e. blessings, etc.) (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided-ones.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157)  

33) It orders one to forgive, pardon, and turn away from one who does evil to him, and forbids that one seek revenge and retribution. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Jannah as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for Al-Muttaqoon (the pious). Those who spend [in Allah's Cause - deeds of charity, alms, etc.] in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves Al-Muhsinoon (the good doers).” (Surah Al-‘Imran, 3:133-134)

34) It commands mercy and it forbids cold-heartedness. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Allah shows mercy to those who show mercy. Show mercy to those on earth, and Allah will be merciful to you.” (Reported by Abu Dawood #4941 & Tirmidhi #1924)

35) It commands people to be kind and lenient to each other, and it forbids harshness. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Nothing is done with kindness except that it is beautified, and nothing is devoid of kindness except that it is flawed.” (Reported by Muslim #2594)

36) It commands that one return evil with good, and forbids that one reciprocate evil with evil. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly): then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” (Surah Fussilat, 41:34)

37) It commands the spreading of knowledge and forbids concealing it. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever was asked about knowledge but conceals it, he will be brought on the Day of Resurrection muzzled with the leashes of Hellfire.” (Reported by Abu Dawood #3658 & Tirmidhi #2649)  

38) It commands that Muslims enjoin virtue and righteousness and prevent evil and vice, each according to his ability. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever of you sees an evil act, let him change it with his hand, if he is not able, then with his tongue, and if he is not able, then with his heart, and that is the lowest branch of Iman.” (Reported by Muslim #49)