WEBVTT 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. 00:00:09.779 --> 00:00:18.219 Chapter: Visiting the people of virtue, sitting with them, keeping their company, and loving them, 00:00:18.219 --> 00:00:25.219 Seeking to visit them, requesting their supplications, and visiting virtuous places. 00:00:25.219 --> 00:00:28.460 Allah Almighty said: 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) 00:00:36.530 --> 00:00:38.530 Leading up to His words: 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) 00:00:46.689 --> 00:00:48.689 And Allah Almighty said: 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) 00:00:55.689 --> 00:01:00.670 On the authority of Anas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 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: 00:01:08.670 --> 00:01:13.670 "Come with us to visit Umm Ayman, may Allah be pleased with her, 00:01:13.670 --> 00:01:18.670 Just as the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, used to visit her." 00:01:18.670 --> 00:01:21.700 When they arrived, she wept, 00:01:21.700 --> 00:01:23.700 So they said to her: 00:01:23.700 --> 00:01:25.700 "What makes you weep? 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?" 00:01:32.700 --> 00:01:33.700 She replied: 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; 00:01:42.700 --> 00:01:47.739 Rather, I weep because the divine revelation has ceased from the heavens." 00:01:47.739 --> 00:01:50.959 Thereupon, she moved them both to tears, 00:01:50.959 --> 00:01:53.959 And they began to weep along with her. 00:01:55.090 --> 00:01:57.090 Related by Muslim. 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. 00:02:06.730 --> 00:02:11.919 "She moved them both to tears" means she stirred within them the urge to weep. 00:02:11.919 --> 00:02:15.979 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 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. 00:02:22.979 --> 00:02:27.419 The permissibility of weeping out of sorrow over parting from the righteous, 00:02:27.419 --> 00:02:31.419 And over the cessation of the immense good that used to descend through revelation. 00:02:31.419 --> 00:02:36.419 For when revelation ceased, differing sects proliferated and conflicting desires arose, 00:02:36.419 --> 00:02:38.419 Discord spread abroad, 00:02:38.419 --> 00:02:42.419 And trials, tribulations, and afflictions ensued. 00:02:42.419 --> 00:02:44.419 We ask Allah for well-being. 00:02:44.419 --> 00:02:49.030 The permissibility of a person of higher virtue visiting someone below them in status. 00:02:49.030 --> 00:02:53.479 The distinguished merit of Umm Ayman, may Allah be pleased with her. 00:02:53.479 --> 00:02:57.889 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:02:57.889 --> 00:03:00.889 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:03:00.889 --> 00:03:05.889 That a man set out to visit a brother of his in another village, 00:03:05.889 --> 00:03:09.889 So Allah Almighty stationed an angel to await him along his path. 00:03:09.889 --> 00:03:12.889 When the angel met him, he asked: 00:03:12.889 --> 00:03:14.889 "Where do you intend to go?" 00:03:14.889 --> 00:03:15.889 He replied: 00:03:15.889 --> 00:03:18.889 "I intend to visit a brother of mine in this village." 00:03:18.889 --> 00:03:20.949 The angel asked: 00:03:20.949 --> 00:03:23.949 "Do you owe him some favor that you seek to nurture and repay?" 00:03:23.949 --> 00:03:25.949 He answered: "No, 00:03:25.949 --> 00:03:28.949 Except that I love him purely for the sake of Allah Almighty." 00:03:28.949 --> 00:03:31.080 The angel said: 00:03:31.080 --> 00:03:33.080 "I am indeed a messenger sent by Allah to you, 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." 00:03:38.080 --> 00:03:40.139 Related by Muslim. 00:03:40.139 --> 00:03:42.240 It is said in Arabic: 00:03:42.240 --> 00:03:43.240 "He stationed (*arsada*) someone for such-and-such," 00:03:43.240 --> 00:03:46.240 Meaning he entrusted him with keeping watch over it; 00:03:46.240 --> 00:03:49.270 And *madrajah* means the pathway. 00:03:49.270 --> 00:03:51.270 The meaning of *tarubbuha* 00:03:51.270 --> 00:03:53.270 Is that you attend to it, tend to it, 00:03:53.270 --> 00:03:57.389 And strive to cultivate it. 00:03:57.389 --> 00:03:59.389 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:03:59.389 --> 00:04:02.620 The recommendation of visiting one's brethren for the sake of Allah. 00:04:02.620 --> 00:04:09.060 Brotherhood for the sake of Allah transcends the bonds of blood, lineage, and worldly interests. 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. 00:04:13.509 --> 00:04:17.959 Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, Allah loves him in return. 00:04:17.959 --> 00:04:23.439 Affirmation of Allah's love for His obedient servants, 00:04:23.439 --> 00:04:26.439 Which is a magnificent, real divine attribute, 00:04:26.439 --> 00:04:30.439 Inherent to Allah and belonging to His active attributes (*sifat al-af'al*), 00:04:30.439 --> 00:04:34.439 Established by the Book, the Sunnah, and the consensus of the salaf (early generations). 00:04:34.439 --> 00:04:37.439 We affirm it for Allah, Glorified and Exalted, 00:04:37.439 --> 00:04:41.920 In a manner befitting His majesty and absolute perfection. 00:04:41.920 --> 00:04:48.300 The ability of angels to take on human form. 00:04:48.300 --> 00:04:52.300 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: 00:04:52.300 --> 00:04:56.300 The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:04:56.300 --> 00:05:00.300 "Whoever visits an ailing person or visits a brother of his for the sake of Allah, 00:05:00.300 --> 00:05:05.300 A caller calls out to him: 'May you be blessed, may your walking be blessed, 00:05:05.300 --> 00:05:09.329 And may you take up an abode in Paradise!'" 00:05:09.329 --> 00:05:11.329 Related by al-Tirmidhi. 00:05:11.329 --> 00:05:17.610 "May you be blessed" (*tibt*) means may your heart be gladdened, delighted, and purified; 00:05:17.610 --> 00:05:21.800 "May your walking be blessed" (*taba mamshak*) means may your final resting place be honored; 00:05:21.800 --> 00:05:24.800 And "you take up an abode in Paradise" 00:05:24.800 --> 00:05:29.540 Means that you have attained a dwelling place therein to reside. 00:05:29.540 --> 00:05:31.540 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:05:31.569 --> 00:05:35.569 The recommendation of visiting the sick and visiting brethren for the sake of Allah. 00:05:35.569 --> 00:05:39.980 Every angel has an assigned, known station, 00:05:39.980 --> 00:05:42.980 And among them are those who convey glad tidings to the believers 00:05:42.980 --> 00:05:46.980 Whenever they perform deeds beloved to Allah and His Messenger. 00:05:46.980 --> 00:05:52.420 On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:05:52.420 --> 00:05:56.420 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:05:56.420 --> 00:06:00.519 "The likeness of a righteous companion and an evil companion 00:06:00.519 --> 00:06:03.519 Is like that of a musk seller and a blacksmith's bellows. 00:06:03.519 --> 00:06:07.519 As for the musk seller, he will either give you some, 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:09.519 Or you will buy from him, 00:06:09.519 --> 00:06:13.519 Or you will at least catch a pleasant fragrance from him. 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:15.519 But the blacksmith's bellows 00:06:15.519 --> 00:06:18.519 Will either burn your clothes, 00:06:18.519 --> 00:06:22.680 Or you will catch a foul stench from it." 00:06:22.680 --> 00:06:25.829 Agreed upon. 00:06:25.829 --> 00:06:28.990 *Yuhdhiyaka* means he gives to you; 00:06:28.990 --> 00:06:32.120 Musk is a precious perfume; 00:06:32.120 --> 00:06:35.120 *Al-kir* (the bellows) is a leather bag 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:38.379 With which the blacksmith blows upon the fire; 00:06:38.379 --> 00:06:41.379 And *tabta'* means you purchase. 00:06:41.379 --> 00:06:45.110 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:06:45.110 --> 00:06:48.110 The permissibility of striking parables in speech and hadiths 00:06:48.110 --> 00:06:50.110 In order to bring the meaning closer to the listener's understanding. 00:06:50.110 --> 00:06:53.339 The prohibition against accompanying people of wickedness and evil, 00:06:53.339 --> 00:06:58.779 For keeping company with them corrupts both religious and worldly life. 00:06:58.779 --> 00:07:02.779 The encouragement to take righteous friends. 00:07:02.779 --> 00:07:06.100 The purity of musk and the permissibility of selling it, 00:07:06.100 --> 00:07:10.100 Which is why the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, struck it 00:07:10.100 --> 00:07:13.100 As a parable for the righteous companion 00:07:13.100 --> 00:07:16.100 Who gifts you musk to perfume yourself with; 00:07:16.100 --> 00:07:21.100 Thus proving its ritual purity and the permissibility of trading in it. 00:07:21.100 --> 00:07:25.319 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:07:25.319 --> 00:07:29.319 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, who said: 00:07:29.319 --> 00:07:32.319 "A woman is married for four qualities: 00:07:32.319 --> 00:07:34.319 For her wealth, her lineage, 00:07:34.319 --> 00:07:37.319 Her beauty, and her religious commitment. 00:07:37.319 --> 00:07:41.319 So attain the woman of religious commitment; may your hands be dusted with earth!" 00:07:41.319 --> 00:07:43.540 Agreed upon. 00:07:43.540 --> 00:07:45.579 The meaning is 00:07:45.579 --> 00:07:48.579 That people typically seek in a woman 00:07:48.579 --> 00:07:50.579 These four attributes; 00:07:50.579 --> 00:07:54.579 So make sure you seek out the woman of religious devotion, win her hand, 00:07:54.579 --> 00:07:58.699 And be keen on her companionship. 00:07:58.699 --> 00:08:00.699 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:08:00.699 --> 00:08:04.980 The factors that attract a man to marry a woman 00:08:04.980 --> 00:08:08.980 Are wealth, lineage, beauty, and religious commitment. 00:08:08.980 --> 00:08:13.500 The best and most noble of these attributes is religious commitment, 00:08:13.500 --> 00:08:16.500 Because it aids the servant in obeying Allah. 00:08:16.500 --> 00:08:21.879 Islam's emphasis on marrying a righteous woman possessed of religious devotion, 00:08:21.879 --> 00:08:25.879 Because she aids the servant in obeying Allah Almighty. 00:08:25.879 --> 00:08:30.420 When the motive for marriage is religious devotion, 00:08:30.420 --> 00:08:33.419 The marriage endures and lasts, 00:08:33.419 --> 00:08:37.419 Because religion is true guidance and insight. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:42.830 On the authority of Ibn 'Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, who said: 00:08:42.830 --> 00:08:46.830 The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said to Jibril: 00:08:46.830 --> 00:08:51.830 "What prevents you from visiting us more often than you do?" 00:08:51.830 --> 00:08:56.830 So it was revealed: "We descend not except by the command of your Lord." 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) 00:09:01.830 --> 00:09:05.090 Related by al-Bukhari. 00:09:05.090 --> 00:09:10.399 *Natanazzalu* means to descend unhurriedly. 00:09:10.399 --> 00:09:14.299 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:09:14.299 --> 00:09:17.299 The love of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:09:17.299 --> 00:09:20.299 For Jibril, peace be upon him, 00:09:20.299 --> 00:09:23.299 Because he brought with him tidings from the heavens. 00:09:23.299 --> 00:09:27.840 The recommendation of feeling yearning when visits from brethren in faith are delayed, 00:09:27.840 --> 00:09:31.190 And inviting them to visit. 00:09:31.190 --> 00:09:34.190 The permissibility of a Muslim asking his fellow Muslim 00:09:34.190 --> 00:09:36.190 About the reason for his delay in visiting, 00:09:36.190 --> 00:09:39.190 Since this is an indication of affection, 00:09:39.190 --> 00:09:43.190 And expresses a mutual fondness that is praiseworthy in Islamic law. 00:09:43.190 --> 00:09:46.700 The angels do not act or descend 00:09:46.700 --> 00:09:49.700 Except by the command of Allah Almighty. 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:54.730 On the authority of Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:09:54.730 --> 00:09:57.730 From the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, 00:09:57.730 --> 00:10:01.730 Who said: "Do not keep company except with a believer, 00:10:01.730 --> 00:10:05.730 And let no one eat your food except one who is God-fearing." 00:10:05.730 --> 00:10:08.950 Related by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 00:10:08.950 --> 00:10:12.590 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:10:12.590 --> 00:10:17.820 The prohibition against befriending the disbelievers and the corrupt, and feeling affection toward them. 00:10:17.820 --> 00:10:21.299 The command to adhere closely to the God-fearing and faithful, 00:10:21.299 --> 00:10:24.899 And to associate with them. 00:10:24.899 --> 00:10:27.899 Eating from a friend's house is permissible. 00:10:27.899 --> 00:10:31.289 The prohibition against honoring evil and wicked people, 00:10:31.289 --> 00:10:36.289 Extending favors to them, and spending money upon them. 00:10:36.289 --> 00:10:40.600 On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:10:40.600 --> 00:10:44.600 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:10:44.600 --> 00:10:47.600 "A person follows the religion of his close friend, 00:10:47.600 --> 00:10:50.600 So let each of you look carefully to whom he befriends." 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:53.629 Related by Abu Dawud and al-Tirmidhi. 00:10:53.629 --> 00:10:57.299 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:10:57.299 --> 00:11:02.340 A Muslim must choose and select his friends with utmost care. 00:11:02.340 --> 00:11:06.879 Among the rights of brotherhood is to regard one's companion with parity and respect. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:10.330 A companion inevitably pulls his associate along; 00:11:10.330 --> 00:11:13.330 Therefore, one must watch carefully where he places his footsteps, 00:11:13.330 --> 00:11:17.330 For taking a companion must stem from deliberate reflection. 00:11:17.330 --> 00:11:21.840 A person's faith grows stronger through the company of believers, 00:11:21.840 --> 00:11:24.840 And diminishes through the company of the wicked. 00:11:24.840 --> 00:11:30.120 On the authority of Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, may Allah be pleased with him, 00:11:30.120 --> 00:11:34.120 That the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: 00:11:34.120 --> 00:11:37.120 "A person will be with whom he loves." 00:11:37.120 --> 00:11:39.149 Agreed upon. 00:11:39.149 --> 00:11:42.179 In another narration, he said: 00:11:42.179 --> 00:11:45.179 It was said to the Prophet, peace be upon him: 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?" 00:11:49.179 --> 00:11:51.179 He replied: 00:11:51.179 --> 00:11:54.179 "A person will be with whom he loves." 00:11:54.179 --> 00:11:57.590 "A man loves a people" 00:11:57.590 --> 00:12:00.590 Means from among the people of virtue, knowledge, and righteousness; 00:12:00.590 --> 00:12:02.690 "With whom he loves" 00:12:02.690 --> 00:12:05.690 Means that a person will be gathered alongside those he loves; 00:12:05.690 --> 00:12:08.820 "Has not caught up with them" 00:12:08.820 --> 00:12:11.820 Means he is unable to match their deeds, 00:12:11.820 --> 00:12:14.820 Or does not share their high station, 00:12:14.820 --> 00:12:17.820 Or never met them during his earthly life. 00:12:17.820 --> 00:12:21.549 Among the benefits derived from this hadith: 00:12:21.549 --> 00:12:24.740 Whoever is ignorant of any matter of sacred knowledge should ask about it, 00:12:24.740 --> 00:12:27.740 Turning to its scholars and bearers. 00:12:27.740 --> 00:12:31.190 A Muslim must select his friends 00:12:31.190 --> 00:12:34.190 And close allies from among the righteous and God-fearing, 00:12:34.190 --> 00:12:37.190 So that he may be gathered alongside them, 00:12:37.190 --> 00:12:40.190 Because a person will be resurrected with those he loves. 00:12:40.190 --> 00:12:43.700 Close friends will be enemies on the Day of Resurrection, 00:12:43.700 --> 00:12:47.149 except for the righteous. 00:12:47.149 --> 00:12:50.149 Loving for the sake of Allah is an act of obedience 00:12:50.149 --> 00:12:53.149 through which a person can make up for what they missed or fell short in 00:12:53.149 --> 00:12:56.659 regarding supererogatory deeds of worship. 00:12:56.659 --> 00:12:59.659 The believers are of varying ranks in their deeds and obedience: 00:12:59.659 --> 00:13:02.659 among them are the moderate, 00:13:02.659 --> 00:13:07.070 and among them are those foremost in good deeds. 00:13:07.070 --> 00:13:10.070 On the authority of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him): 00:13:10.070 --> 00:13:13.070 A man asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), 00:13:13.070 --> 00:13:16.139 "When is the Hour?" 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:19.139 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) replied, 00:13:19.139 --> 00:13:22.139 "What have you prepared for it?" 00:13:22.139 --> 00:13:25.139 He said, "Love for Allah and His Messenger." 00:13:25.139 --> 00:13:28.169 He said, "You will be with those whom you love." 00:13:28.169 --> 00:13:31.169 Agreed upon, 00:13:31.169 --> 00:13:34.200 and this is the wording of Muslim. 00:13:34.200 --> 00:13:37.200 In a narration reported by both of them: 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:40.200 "I have not prepared for it an abundance of fasting, prayer, or charity, 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:43.200 but I love Allah and His Messenger." 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:46.620 And on the authority of Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him), 00:13:46.620 --> 00:13:49.620 who said: 00:13:49.620 --> 00:13:52.620 A man came to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) 00:13:52.620 --> 00:13:55.620 and said, "O Messenger of Allah, 00:13:55.620 --> 00:13:58.620 what do you say about a man who loves 00:13:58.620 --> 00:14:01.620 a people, but cannot catch up with their deeds?" 00:14:01.620 --> 00:14:04.620 The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, 00:14:05.620 --> 00:14:08.620 "A person will be with those whom he loves." 00:14:08.620 --> 00:14:12.509 Agreed upon. 00:14:12.509 --> 00:14:15.610 Among the benefits derived from the hadith is 00:14:15.610 --> 00:14:18.610 the wisdom of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) 00:14:18.610 --> 00:14:21.610 and his eloquence in answering the questioner, 00:14:21.610 --> 00:14:24.610 as he directed him toward what truly concerns and saves him, 00:14:24.610 --> 00:14:27.610 which is preparing for the Hereafter 00:14:27.610 --> 00:14:31.090 with what is beneficial. 00:14:31.090 --> 00:14:34.090 It is permissible to respond to a questioner with another question, 00:14:34.090 --> 00:14:37.090 with a question that brings benefit to the questioner. 00:14:37.090 --> 00:14:40.659 Allah the Exalted has concealed the knowledge of the Hour 00:14:40.659 --> 00:14:43.659 from His servants so that a person remains 00:14:43.659 --> 00:14:47.179 constantly prepared and ready to meet Allah. 00:14:47.179 --> 00:14:50.179 On the Day of Resurrection, a person will be 00:14:50.179 --> 00:14:53.179 with those whom they loved, whether for good or for evil. 00:14:53.179 --> 00:14:56.620 Loving Allah and obeying Him, 00:14:56.620 --> 00:14:59.620 as well as loving His Messenger (peace be upon him) 00:14:59.620 --> 00:15:02.620 and following him, are among the greatest acts of drawing near to Allah. 00:15:02.620 --> 00:15:07.200 Riyadh al-Salihin.