Worship (1/4)

Worshipping God And Not Harming Others 

Abdullah ibn Masud says that when he asked the Prophet what the best of all actions was, the latter replied: “Prayer at the proper time.” “And what is the next best,” asked Ibn Masud, “Sparing people the harm your tongue can do,” was the Prophet’s reply.  (Reported by At-Tabarani)

Knowing God Is The Greatest Worship

A man came to the Prophet one day and asked him what the best of all actions was. “The realization of God,” replied the Prophet. The man repeated his question, but the Prophet gave him the same answer. “Prophet of God,” the man said, “I am asking you about actions, whereas you speak of knowledge.” “With knowledge, the smallest action brings greater benefit,” the Prophet told him, “while the greatest of actions brings no benefit, if it is carried out in ignorance.”  (Reported by Jami‘ Bayan Al-‘Ilm)

Good Character-The Very Essence Of Religion 

Abdur Rehman ibn Harith ibn Abi Mirdas As Sulami recounts what happened one day when he was in the presence of the Prophet, along with a group of people. The Prophet asked for some water to be brought, then dipping his hands into it, he performed his ablutions. Whatever water was left was drunk by the people present. “What made you do this?” enquired the Prophet. “Love of God and the Prophet,” they replied. “If you wish to be loved by God and His Prophet,” God’s messenger told them, “be faithful when trusted and honest in your speech; and be a good neighbour to others.”  (Reported by At-Tabarani) 

It Is The Spirit of Worship That Is Important 

According to Ibn Umar, the Prophet once said that a man might pray, pay the poor due and go on pilgrimage – and he went on to mention all the virtuous actions - but that he would be rewarded only according to the degree of his intellectual awareness of what he did.  (Reported by Ahmad, Musnad) 

Lodge God In One’s Heart: That Is The Best Of States 

When Abu Darda was told that Abu Saad ibn Munabbih had freed a hundred slaves, his comment was: “Certainly, this is a great act. But let me tell you one that is even greater: faith which encompasses night and day, and, on one’s tongue, the constant remembrance of God.”  (Hilyat Al-Auliya) 

Remembering God Is A Constant State Of Prayer 

Abdullah ibn Maud once observed that a man of knowledge was always at his prayers. His listeners asked him to explain this. “Thoughts of God are always in his heart and on his tongue,” said lbn Masud.  (Reported by Jami‘ Bayan Al-‘Ilm) 

God Looks After One Who Prays To Him 

Salman Farsi once went to Abu Bakr to ask for advice. The latter’s advice to him was to fear God. “You know, Salman, there will soon be conquests, and your share will be whatever you need for your food and clothing. You should also know that if you pray five times a day, you will be under God’s protection night and day. Kill not any of God’s servants, for, to do so would be to cut oneself off from the protection of God, thus causing oneself to be cast into hell.”  (Ibn Sa‘d, Tabaqat) 

To Help A Muslim In Need Is A Great Act Of Worship 

Abdullah ibn Abbas was in retreat (i’tikaf)[1] in the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah, when a man came and greeted him and sat down beside him. “You appear sad and downcast,” remarked Ibn Abbas.  “True,” replied the man, explaining that he owed a sum of money to someone. “By the one who lies buried here, I do not have the means to repay it.” “Shall I speak to them on your behalf?” enquired Ibn Abbas. “If you would please,” replied the other. Abdullah ibn Abbas put on his shoes and was on the point of setting off when his companion said, “Perhaps you have forgotten that you are in retreat.” “No, I have not forgotten,” replied Ibn Abbas,” but I heard the words of the Prophet-that one who goes out to do his brother a good turn, and accomplishes it, is better than one who sits in retreat for ten years.”  (Al-Targheeb Wa Al-Taheeeb) 

Truly Destitute Are Those Bereft Of God’s Grace In The Hereafter 

Abu Hurayrah relates how one day he and some Companions were sitting in the presence of the Prophet when he asked them if they knew who the destitute ones were. “Those who have neither cash nor capital to their credit,” suggested the Companions. But the Prophet corrected them: “The destitute one among my followers is he who comes on the Day of Judgement with prayer, fasting and charity to his credit, but having at the same time abused others, taken possession of their property, shed their blood and inflicted cruelty upon them. His good deeds will be measured up against his wrong-doing until, finally, there is nothing good left to his credit, and many debts still to be repaid. The bad deeds of others will then be heaped up upon him and he will be cast into fire.”  (Reported by Muslim, Sahih)

Hastening To Pray In Times Of Difficulty 

It was the time of the Battle of Trench, and, according to Hudhayfah, there were three hundred Muslims under siege. Recalling what a hard night it was, he recounts how they were surrounded by Abu Sufyan’s army on one side and the Banu Qurayzah on the other, both posing a threat to the safety of the Muslim families. “The cold was already quite intense and, when a storm blew up, there was thunder and lightning everywhere and stones hurtling and crashing in the wind. It was almost impossible to see anything. Just then the Prophet came and asked me to cross the trench and penetrate the enemy camp to collect information. It was essential to know if they were planning to prolong the siege or return to Makkah. I was the most timid of men and was extremely sensitive to the cold. Still, on receiving the Prophet’s command, I immediately arose, he prayed for my safety, and I set off. I went hither and thither in Abu Sufyan’s camp and was able to bring back the news that they were discussing plans to leave. On my return, I found the Prophet covered in his sheet, praying. Whenever the Prophet was confronted with some arduous task, he would begin to pray.”  (Al-Bidayah Wa Al-Nihayah) 

Letting One’s Heart Be Moved By The Qur’an 

Abu Hamzah once told Abdullah ibn Abbas that he was quick at recitation. “I have sometimes completed the whole Qur’an once or twice in a single night.” “I prefer to read just one chapter,” said Ibn Abbas. “Would you recite, you should do so in such a way that your ear hears and your heart assimilates what you are reciting. You should pause at its places and wonderment to let your heart be moved by it. Your aim should not be just to reach the final chapter.” 

(Continued)