1 00:00:00,780 --> 00:00:09,779 *Riyad al-Salihin* (The Meadows of the Righteous) from the words of the Master of the Messengers, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. 2 00:00:09,779 --> 00:00:18,219 Chapter: Visiting the people of virtue, sitting with them, keeping their company, and loving them, 3 00:00:18,219 --> 00:00:25,219 Seeking to visit them, requesting their supplications, and visiting virtuous places. 4 00:00:25,219 --> 00:00:28,460 Allah Almighty said: 5 00:00:28,460 --> 00:00:36,530 “And when Moses said unto his servant: I will not give up until I reach the point where the two rivers meet, though I march on for ages.” (18:60) 6 00:00:36,530 --> 00:00:38,530 Leading up to His words: 7 00:00:38,530 --> 00:00:46,689 “Moses said unto him: May I follow thee, to the end that thou mayst teach me right conduct of that which thou hast been taught?” (18:66) 8 00:00:46,689 --> 00:00:48,689 And Allah Almighty said: 9 00:00:48,689 --> 00:00:55,689 “Restrain thyself along with those who cry unto their Lord at morn and evening, seeking His Countenance; and let not thine eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp of the life of the world; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who followeth his own lust and whose case hath been abandoned.” (18:28) 10 00:00:55,689 --> 00:01:00,670 On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 11 00:01:00,670 --> 00:01:08,670 Abu Bakr said to 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, after the passing of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: 12 00:01:08,670 --> 00:01:13,670 "Come with us to visit Umm Ayman, may Allah be pleased with her, 13 00:01:13,670 --> 00:01:18,670 Just as the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, used to visit her." 14 00:01:18,670 --> 00:01:21,700 When they arrived, she wept, 15 00:01:21,700 --> 00:01:23,700 So they said to her: 16 00:01:23,700 --> 00:01:25,700 "What makes you weep? 17 00:01:25,700 --> 00:01:32,700 Do you not know that what is with Allah is far better for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him?" 18 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:33,700 She replied: 19 00:01:33,700 --> 00:01:42,700 "I do not weep because I am unaware that what is with Allah Almighty is far better for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him; 20 00:01:42,700 --> 00:01:47,739 Rather, I weep because the divine revelation has ceased from the heavens." 21 00:01:47,739 --> 00:01:50,959 Thereupon, she moved them both to tears, 22 00:01:50,959 --> 00:01:53,959 And they began to weep along with her. 23 00:01:55,090 --> 00:01:57,090 Related by Muslim. 24 00:01:57,090 --> 00:02:06,730 Umm Ayman was the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, his nursemaid, and his caregiver during his childhood. 25 00:02:06,730 --> 00:02:11,919 "She moved them both to tears" means she stirred within them the urge to weep. 26 00:02:11,919 --> 00:02:15,979 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 27 00:02:15,979 --> 00:02:22,979 The Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, took the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, as an exemplar in every matter. 28 00:02:22,979 --> 00:02:27,419 The permissibility of weeping out of sorrow over parting from the righteous, 29 00:02:27,419 --> 00:02:31,419 And over the cessation of the immense good that used to descend through revelation. 30 00:02:31,419 --> 00:02:36,419 For when revelation ceased, differing sects proliferated and conflicting desires arose, 31 00:02:36,419 --> 00:02:38,419 Discord spread abroad, 32 00:02:38,419 --> 00:02:42,419 And trials, tribulations, and afflictions ensued. 33 00:02:42,419 --> 00:02:44,419 We ask Allah for well-being. 34 00:02:44,419 --> 00:02:49,030 The permissibility of a person of higher virtue visiting someone below them in status. 35 00:02:49,030 --> 00:02:53,479 The distinguished merit of Umm Ayman, may Allah be pleased with her. 36 00:02:53,479 --> 00:02:57,889 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 37 00:02:57,889 --> 00:03:00,889 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 38 00:03:00,889 --> 00:03:05,889 That a man set out to visit a brother of his in another village, 39 00:03:05,889 --> 00:03:09,889 So Allah Almighty stationed an angel to await him along his path. 40 00:03:09,889 --> 00:03:12,889 When the angel met him, he asked: 41 00:03:12,889 --> 00:03:14,889 "Where do you intend to go?" 42 00:03:14,889 --> 00:03:15,889 He replied: 43 00:03:15,889 --> 00:03:18,889 "I intend to visit a brother of mine in this village." 44 00:03:18,889 --> 00:03:20,949 The angel asked: 45 00:03:20,949 --> 00:03:23,949 "Do you owe him some favor that you seek to nurture and repay?" 46 00:03:23,949 --> 00:03:25,949 He answered: "No, 47 00:03:25,949 --> 00:03:28,949 Except that I love him purely for the sake of Allah Almighty." 48 00:03:28,949 --> 00:03:31,080 The angel said: 49 00:03:31,080 --> 00:03:33,080 "I am indeed a messenger sent by Allah to you, 50 00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:38,080 To inform you that Allah loves you just as you have loved your brother for His sake." 51 00:03:38,080 --> 00:03:40,139 Related by Muslim. 52 00:03:40,139 --> 00:03:42,240 It is said in Arabic: 53 00:03:42,240 --> 00:03:43,240 "He stationed (*arsada*) someone for such-and-such," 54 00:03:43,240 --> 00:03:46,240 Meaning he entrusted him with keeping watch over it; 55 00:03:46,240 --> 00:03:49,270 And *madrajah* means the pathway. 56 00:03:49,270 --> 00:03:51,270 The meaning of *tarubbuha* 57 00:03:51,270 --> 00:03:53,270 Is that you attend to it, tend to it, 58 00:03:53,270 --> 00:03:57,389 And strive to cultivate it. 59 00:03:57,389 --> 00:03:59,389 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 60 00:03:59,389 --> 00:04:02,620 The recommendation of visiting one's brethren for the sake of Allah. 61 00:04:02,620 --> 00:04:09,060 Brotherhood for the sake of Allah transcends the bonds of blood, lineage, and worldly interests. 62 00:04:09,060 --> 00:04:13,509 The immense virtue of loving for the sake of Allah and exchanging visits purely for His sake. 63 00:04:13,509 --> 00:04:17,959 Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, Allah loves him in return. 64 00:04:17,959 --> 00:04:23,439 Affirmation of Allah's love for His obedient servants, 65 00:04:23,439 --> 00:04:26,439 Which is a magnificent, real divine attribute, 66 00:04:26,439 --> 00:04:30,439 Inherent to Allah and belonging to His active attributes (*sifat al-af'al*), 67 00:04:30,439 --> 00:04:34,439 Established by the Book, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the salaf (early generations). 68 00:04:34,439 --> 00:04:37,439 We affirm it for Allah, Glorified and Exalted, 69 00:04:37,439 --> 00:04:41,920 In a manner befitting His majesty and absolute perfection. 70 00:04:41,920 --> 00:04:48,300 The ability of angels to take on human form. 71 00:04:48,300 --> 00:04:52,300 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 72 00:04:52,300 --> 00:04:56,300 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 73 00:04:56,300 --> 00:05:00,300 "Whoever visits an ailing person or visits a brother of his for the sake of Allah, 74 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:05,300 A caller calls out to him: 'May you be blessed, may your walking be blessed, 75 00:05:05,300 --> 00:05:09,329 And may you take up an abode in Paradise!'" 76 00:05:09,329 --> 00:05:11,329 Related by al-Tirmidhi. 77 00:05:11,329 --> 00:05:17,610 "May you be blessed" (*tibt*) means may your heart be gladdened, delighted, and purified; 78 00:05:17,610 --> 00:05:21,800 "May your walking be blessed" (*taba mamshak*) means may your final resting place be honored; 79 00:05:21,800 --> 00:05:24,800 And "you take up an abode in Paradise" 80 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:29,540 Means that you have attained a dwelling place therein to reside. 81 00:05:29,540 --> 00:05:31,540 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 82 00:05:31,569 --> 00:05:35,569 The recommendation of visiting the sick and visiting brethren for the sake of Allah. 83 00:05:35,569 --> 00:05:39,980 Every angel has an assigned, known station, 84 00:05:39,980 --> 00:05:42,980 And among them are those who convey glad tidings to the believers 85 00:05:42,980 --> 00:05:46,980 Whenever they perform deeds beloved to Allah and His Messenger. 86 00:05:46,980 --> 00:05:52,420 On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, 87 00:05:52,420 --> 00:05:56,420 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 88 00:05:56,420 --> 00:06:00,519 "The likeness of a righteous companion and an evil companion 89 00:06:00,519 --> 00:06:03,519 Is like that of a musk seller and a blacksmith's bellows. 90 00:06:03,519 --> 00:06:07,519 As for the musk seller, he will either give you some, 91 00:06:07,519 --> 00:06:09,519 Or you will buy from him, 92 00:06:09,519 --> 00:06:13,519 Or you will at least catch a pleasant fragrance from him. 93 00:06:13,519 --> 00:06:15,519 But the blacksmith's bellows 94 00:06:15,519 --> 00:06:18,519 Will either burn your clothes, 95 00:06:18,519 --> 00:06:22,680 Or you will catch a foul stench from it." 96 00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:25,829 Agreed upon. 97 00:06:25,829 --> 00:06:28,990 *Yuhdhiyaka* means he gives to you; 98 00:06:28,990 --> 00:06:32,120 Musk is a precious perfume; 99 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:35,120 *Al-kir* (the bellows) is a leather bag 100 00:06:35,120 --> 00:06:38,379 With which the blacksmith blows upon the fire; 101 00:06:38,379 --> 00:06:41,379 And *tabta'* means you purchase. 102 00:06:41,379 --> 00:06:45,110 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 103 00:06:45,110 --> 00:06:48,110 The permissibility of striking parables in speech and hadiths 104 00:06:48,110 --> 00:06:50,110 In order to bring the meaning closer to the listener's understanding. 105 00:06:50,110 --> 00:06:53,339 The prohibition against accompanying people of wickedness and evil, 106 00:06:53,339 --> 00:06:58,779 For keeping company with them corrupts both religious and worldly life. 107 00:06:58,779 --> 00:07:02,779 The encouragement to take righteous friends. 108 00:07:02,779 --> 00:07:06,100 The purity of musk and the permissibility of selling it, 109 00:07:06,100 --> 00:07:10,100 Which is why the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, struck it 110 00:07:10,100 --> 00:07:13,100 As a parable for the righteous companion 111 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:16,100 Who gifts you musk to perfume yourself with; 112 00:07:16,100 --> 00:07:21,100 Thus proving its ritual purity and the permissibility of trading in it. 113 00:07:21,100 --> 00:07:25,319 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 114 00:07:25,319 --> 00:07:29,319 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who said: 115 00:07:29,319 --> 00:07:32,319 "A woman is married for four qualities: 116 00:07:32,319 --> 00:07:34,319 For her wealth, her lineage, 117 00:07:34,319 --> 00:07:37,319 Her beauty, and her religious commitment. 118 00:07:37,319 --> 00:07:41,319 So attain the woman of religious commitment; may your hands be dusted with earth!" 119 00:07:41,319 --> 00:07:43,540 Agreed upon. 120 00:07:43,540 --> 00:07:45,579 The meaning is 121 00:07:45,579 --> 00:07:48,579 That people typically seek in a woman 122 00:07:48,579 --> 00:07:50,579 These four attributes; 123 00:07:50,579 --> 00:07:54,579 So make sure you seek out the woman of religious devotion, win her hand, 124 00:07:54,579 --> 00:07:58,699 And be keen on her companionship. 125 00:07:58,699 --> 00:08:00,699 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 126 00:08:00,699 --> 00:08:04,980 The factors that attract a man to marry a woman 127 00:08:04,980 --> 00:08:08,980 Are wealth, lineage, beauty, and religious commitment. 128 00:08:08,980 --> 00:08:13,500 The best and most noble of these attributes is religious commitment, 129 00:08:13,500 --> 00:08:16,500 Because it aids the servant in obeying Allah. 130 00:08:16,500 --> 00:08:21,879 Islam's emphasis on marrying a righteous woman possessed of religious devotion, 131 00:08:21,879 --> 00:08:25,879 Because she aids the servant in obeying Allah Almighty. 132 00:08:25,879 --> 00:08:30,420 When the motive for marriage is religious devotion, 133 00:08:30,420 --> 00:08:33,419 The marriage endures and lasts, 134 00:08:33,419 --> 00:08:37,419 Because religion is true guidance and insight. 135 00:08:37,419 --> 00:08:42,830 On the authority of Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, who said: 136 00:08:42,830 --> 00:08:46,830 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Jibril: 137 00:08:46,830 --> 00:08:51,830 "What prevents you from visiting us more often than you do?" 138 00:08:51,830 --> 00:08:56,830 So it was revealed: "We descend not except by the command of your Lord." 139 00:08:56,830 --> 00:09:01,830 “We (angels) come not down save by commandment of thy Lord. Unto Him belongeth all that is before us and all that is behind us and all that is between those two, and thy Lord was never forgetful -” (19:64) 140 00:09:01,830 --> 00:09:05,090 Related by al-Bukhari. 141 00:09:05,090 --> 00:09:10,399 *Natanazzalu* means to descend unhurriedly. 142 00:09:10,399 --> 00:09:14,299 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 143 00:09:14,299 --> 00:09:17,299 The love of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 144 00:09:17,299 --> 00:09:20,299 For Jibril, peace be upon him, 145 00:09:20,299 --> 00:09:23,299 Because he brought with him tidings from the heavens. 146 00:09:23,299 --> 00:09:27,840 The recommendation of feeling yearning when visits from brethren in faith are delayed, 147 00:09:27,840 --> 00:09:31,190 And inviting them to visit. 148 00:09:31,190 --> 00:09:34,190 The permissibility of a Muslim asking his fellow Muslim 149 00:09:34,190 --> 00:09:36,190 About the reason for his delay in visiting, 150 00:09:36,190 --> 00:09:39,190 Since this is an indication of affection, 151 00:09:39,190 --> 00:09:43,190 And expresses a mutual fondness that is praiseworthy in Islamic law. 152 00:09:43,190 --> 00:09:46,700 The angels do not act or descend 153 00:09:46,700 --> 00:09:49,700 Except by the command of Allah Almighty. 154 00:09:49,700 --> 00:09:54,730 On the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, 155 00:09:54,730 --> 00:09:57,730 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 156 00:09:57,730 --> 00:10:01,730 Who said: "Do not keep company except with a believer, 157 00:10:01,730 --> 00:10:05,730 And let no one eat your food except one who is God-fearing." 158 00:10:05,730 --> 00:10:08,950 Related by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 159 00:10:08,950 --> 00:10:12,590 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 160 00:10:12,590 --> 00:10:17,820 The prohibition against befriending the disbelievers and the corrupt, and feeling affection toward them. 161 00:10:17,820 --> 00:10:21,299 The command to adhere closely to the God-fearing and faithful, 162 00:10:21,299 --> 00:10:24,899 And to associate with them. 163 00:10:24,899 --> 00:10:27,899 Eating from a friend's house is permissible. 164 00:10:27,899 --> 00:10:31,289 The prohibition against honoring evil and wicked people, 165 00:10:31,289 --> 00:10:36,289 Extending favors to them, and spending money upon them. 166 00:10:36,289 --> 00:10:40,600 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 167 00:10:40,600 --> 00:10:44,600 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 168 00:10:44,600 --> 00:10:47,600 "A person follows the religion of his close friend, 169 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:50,600 So let each of you look carefully to whom he befriends." 170 00:10:50,600 --> 00:10:53,629 Related by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 171 00:10:53,629 --> 00:10:57,299 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 172 00:10:57,299 --> 00:11:02,340 A Muslim must choose and select his friends with utmost care. 173 00:11:02,340 --> 00:11:06,879 Among the rights of brotherhood is to regard one's companion with parity and respect. 174 00:11:06,879 --> 00:11:10,330 A companion inevitably pulls his associate along; 175 00:11:10,330 --> 00:11:13,330 Therefore, one must watch carefully where he places his footsteps, 176 00:11:13,330 --> 00:11:17,330 For taking a companion must stem from deliberate reflection. 177 00:11:17,330 --> 00:11:21,840 A person's faith grows stronger through the company of believers, 178 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:24,840 And diminishes through the company of the wicked. 179 00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:30,120 On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, 180 00:11:30,120 --> 00:11:34,120 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 181 00:11:34,120 --> 00:11:37,120 "A person will be with whom he loves." 182 00:11:37,120 --> 00:11:39,149 Agreed upon. 183 00:11:39,149 --> 00:11:42,179 In another narration, he said: 184 00:11:42,179 --> 00:11:45,179 It was said to the Prophet, peace be upon him: 185 00:11:45,179 --> 00:11:49,179 "What of a man who loves a people, yet has not caught up with them in good deeds?" 186 00:11:49,179 --> 00:11:51,179 He replied: 187 00:11:51,179 --> 00:11:54,179 "A person will be with whom he loves." 188 00:11:54,179 --> 00:11:57,590 "A man loves a people" 189 00:11:57,590 --> 00:12:00,590 Means from among the people of virtue, knowledge, and righteousness; 190 00:12:00,590 --> 00:12:02,690 "With whom he loves" 191 00:12:02,690 --> 00:12:05,690 Means that a person will be gathered alongside those he loves; 192 00:12:05,690 --> 00:12:08,820 "Has not caught up with them" 193 00:12:08,820 --> 00:12:11,820 Means he is unable to match their deeds, 194 00:12:11,820 --> 00:12:14,820 Or does not share their high station, 195 00:12:14,820 --> 00:12:17,820 Or never met them during his earthly life. 196 00:12:17,820 --> 00:12:21,549 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 197 00:12:21,549 --> 00:12:24,740 Whoever is ignorant of any matter of sacred knowledge should ask about it, 198 00:12:24,740 --> 00:12:27,740 Turning to its scholars and bearers. 199 00:12:27,740 --> 00:12:31,190 A Muslim must select his friends 200 00:12:31,190 --> 00:12:34,190 And close allies from among the righteous and God-fearing, 201 00:12:34,190 --> 00:12:37,190 So that he may be gathered alongside them, 202 00:12:37,190 --> 00:12:40,190 Because a person will be resurrected with those he loves. 203 00:12:40,190 --> 00:12:43,700 Close friends will be enemies on the Day of Resurrection, 204 00:12:43,700 --> 00:12:47,149 except for the righteous. 205 00:12:47,149 --> 00:12:50,149 Loving for the sake of Allah is an act of obedience 206 00:12:50,149 --> 00:12:53,149 through which a person can make up for what they missed or fell short in 207 00:12:53,149 --> 00:12:56,659 regarding supererogatory deeds of worship. 208 00:12:56,659 --> 00:12:59,659 The believers are of varying ranks in their deeds and obedience: 209 00:12:59,659 --> 00:13:02,659 among them are the moderate, 210 00:13:02,659 --> 00:13:07,070 and among them are those foremost in good deeds. 211 00:13:07,070 --> 00:13:10,070 On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): 212 00:13:10,070 --> 00:13:13,070 A man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), 213 00:13:13,070 --> 00:13:16,139 "When is the Hour?" 214 00:13:16,139 --> 00:13:19,139 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) replied, 215 00:13:19,139 --> 00:13:22,139 "What have you prepared for it?" 216 00:13:22,139 --> 00:13:25,139 He said, "Love for Allah and His Messenger." 217 00:13:25,139 --> 00:13:28,169 He said, "You will be with those whom you love." 218 00:13:28,169 --> 00:13:31,169 Agreed upon, 219 00:13:31,169 --> 00:13:34,200 and this is the wording of Muslim. 220 00:13:34,200 --> 00:13:37,200 In a narration reported by both of them: 221 00:13:37,200 --> 00:13:40,200 "I have not prepared for it an abundance of fasting, prayer, or charity, 222 00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:43,200 but I love Allah and His Messenger." 223 00:13:43,200 --> 00:13:46,620 And on the authority of Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), 224 00:13:46,620 --> 00:13:49,620 who said: 225 00:13:49,620 --> 00:13:52,620 A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) 226 00:13:52,620 --> 00:13:55,620 and said, "O Messenger of Allah, 227 00:13:55,620 --> 00:13:58,620 what do you say about a man who loves 228 00:13:58,620 --> 00:14:01,620 a people, but cannot catch up with their deeds?" 229 00:14:01,620 --> 00:14:04,620 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 230 00:14:05,620 --> 00:14:08,620 "A person will be with those whom he loves." 231 00:14:08,620 --> 00:14:12,509 Agreed upon. 232 00:14:12,509 --> 00:14:15,610 Among the benefits derived from the hadith is 233 00:14:15,610 --> 00:14:18,610 the wisdom of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) 234 00:14:18,610 --> 00:14:21,610 and his eloquence in answering the questioner, 235 00:14:21,610 --> 00:14:24,610 as he directed him toward what truly concerns and saves him, 236 00:14:24,610 --> 00:14:27,610 which is preparing for the Hereafter 237 00:14:27,610 --> 00:14:31,090 with what is beneficial. 238 00:14:31,090 --> 00:14:34,090 It is permissible to respond to a questioner with another question, 239 00:14:34,090 --> 00:14:37,090 with a question that brings benefit to the questioner. 240 00:14:37,090 --> 00:14:40,659 Allah the Exalted has concealed the knowledge of the Hour 241 00:14:40,659 --> 00:14:43,659 from His servants so that a person remains 242 00:14:43,659 --> 00:14:47,179 constantly prepared and ready to meet Allah. 243 00:14:47,179 --> 00:14:50,179 On the Day of Resurrection, a person will be 244 00:14:50,179 --> 00:14:53,179 with those whom they loved, whether for good or for evil. 245 00:14:53,179 --> 00:14:56,620 Loving Allah and obeying Him, 246 00:14:56,620 --> 00:14:59,620 as well as loving His Messenger (peace be upon him) 247 00:14:59,620 --> 00:15:02,620 and following him, are among the greatest acts of drawing near to Allah. 248 00:15:02,620 --> 00:15:07,200 Riyadh al-Salihin.