LYING IS ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF HYPOCRITE

Liars

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 رَبِّ اشْرَحْ لِي صَدْرِي ; وَيَسِّرْ لِي أَمْرِي ; وَاحْلُلْ عُقْدَةً مِنْ لِسَانِي ; يَفْقَهُوا قَوْلِي

Seek refuge from Shaitaan, the Outcast (i.e. the Devil).True; but how? It is said to recite ‘Aaoozo billahe min-ash-shaitan ar-rajeem’ whenever Shaitaan tends to misguide anyone. But how about eliminating the cause of Shaitaan coming near to us? Prevention is better than cure, isn’t it? To achieve that, we have to search Qur’an for the remedy. It is said that once you diagnose the illness, the treatment gets easier. And diagnosing the cause of descend of devil on human being is best achieved by following Qur’an. When we read and understand Qur’an, we shall come to know:Shaitaan descends on whom? Let us refer to following verses from Holy Qur’an:

 هَلْ أُنَبِّئُكُمْ عَلَى مَنْ تَنَزَّلُ الشَّيَاطِينُ

“Shall I inform you (O people!) upon whom the devils descend?

 

تَنَزَّلُ عَلَى كُلِّ أَفَّاكٍ أَثِيمٍ

“They descend on every lying, sinful person.”

(Aayah No’s 221 & 222, Surah Ash-Shua’ra, Chapter No. 26, Holy Qur’an). 

The liars it is, on whom the devil descends, along with other sinners. A dreadful disclosure for us!Actually it is not a disclosure as it is clearly mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, but since we seldom try to read and seek guidance from Qur’an, it is as good as a disclosure for us. What a pity! Nevertheless, the fact is that lying is one of the worst traits a human can possess. 

There are even more soul-searching facts, mentioned in Qur’an, about liars. Here is a question:  

Why do people lie?

Let us try to find out the answer in Qur’an. Refer to following:

 إِنَّمَا يَفْتَرِي الْكَذِبَ الَّذِينَ لا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِآيَاتِ اللَّهِ وَأُوْلَئِكَ هُمْ الْكَاذِبُونَ

 “It is only those who believe not in the Ayaat of Allah, who fabricate falsehood, and it is they who are liars.”

 (Aayah No. 105, Surah Al-Nahl, Chapter No. 16, Holy Qur’an). 

The verse mentioned above should be understood in two different contexts: it is not only applicable to disbelievers who invent falsehood in the religion and belie the word of Allah, but it applies equally to any types of lies (howsoever small or big). Truly, disbelievers are the biggest sinners, the biggest liars. Regarding the lies spoken by believers,

It was narrated that Abdullah said: Rasool-Allah (PBUH) said, “Beware of lying, for lying leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to Fire (of Hell). A man may lie and strive hard in lying until he is recorded with Allah as a ‘Liar’. You should be truthful, for truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A Man may speak truth and strive hard in speaking truth until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person.”

(Hadith No. 4989, Book of Etiquette, Sunan AbuDawud, Vol. 5). 

How much lies do all of us speak? We can’t keep a count for sure. Every now and then our lips utter a lie; a ring on door and we ask our son to say that Papa is not at home, phone call and we say to our daughter to say Mom is busy in kitchen and shall call you later (so as not to disturb our relaxation time), excusing from offices by giving false sickness certificate; these are few of the examples of those lies we speak and do in our daily lives. There might be so many others to mention; howsoever small or big, the fact is that a lie is a lie and one who is associated with them is a liar. 

Do we, by becoming liars, try to be of that category (disbelievers)? A liar does directly / indirectly not believe in the Ayaat of Allah (i.e. Qur’an). Such is the magnitude of sin committed when some one keeps on lying. Why don’t we give a thought before we are about to utter a lie? 

Is it OK to speak lies for fun?

It is not only bigger lies that are prohibited, even lying for smaller reasons or fun is not allowed. For example: it is very common for a group of friends to gather and get involved in gossip. The talk may be composed of several irrelevant false issues which are discussed for the sake of amusement and passing time. Even this type of lie is prohibited. Here is a hadith to explain this:

It was narrated that Bahz bin hakim said: My father narrated to me that his father said: I heard Rasool-Allah (PBUH) say, “Woe to the one who speaks and tells lies in order to make people laugh; woe to him; woe to him.”

 (Hadith No. 4990, Book of Etiquette, Sunan Abu Dawud, Vol. 5). 

Lying is one of the characteristics of a Hypocrite.

Lying is one of the characteristics of a hypocrite. Given below is a hadith in this context.

Abdullah bin Amr (RA) narrated that Rasool-Allah (PBUH) said, “Whoever has following 04 characteristics will be a pure hypocrite and whoever has any one of the following characteristics will have characteristics of a hypocrite:

1.) Whenever he/she speaks, he/she speaks a lie.  

2.) Whenever he/she makes a covenant, he/she proves to be treacherous (implying that he/she always do khayanah in amanah and/or proves to be dishonest). 

3.) Whenever he/she makes a promise, he/she breaks it.

4.) Whenever he/she quarrels, he/she behaves in a very evil and insulting manner.”

 (Hadith No. 34, Book of Faith, Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1 & Hadith No. 210 (58), Book of Faith, Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1). 

No one will like himself / herself to be labelled as having a characteristic of a hypocrite or being called a hypocrite. And if that really is the case, then why do we keep on telling lies? And we speak lies as if it is a normal thing, not a sin at all. How strange! 

Permitted lies

Inspite of all these prohibitions on lying, there are some exemptions also for us. Yes, there are few permissible lies too. Following hadith tells us which lies are permitted to be spoken:

Humaid bin Abd Ar-Rahman bin Awf narrated that his mother Umm Kulthum bint Uqabah bin Abi Mu’ait (who was one of the first Muhajir women who swore allegiance to the Prophet, PBUH) told him that she heard Messenger of Allah (PBUH) say: “He is not a liar who reconciles between people saying good things and conveying good things.”Ibn Shihab said that she said: “I did not hear of any concession being granted concerning anything that people call lies except in three cases: War, Reconciling among people & What a man says to his wife or a woman says to her husband.”

(Hadith No. 6633 (2605), Book of Al-Birr, SahihMuslim, Vol. 6). 

This hadith requires a little bit of explanation. The three exemptions listed above are:

War – Scholars explain that it is not regarded as a lie if someone is in a war-like situation and he / she tells a lie in front of disbelievers to save life.Reconciling – This is self-explanatory; if we try to reconcile two people by giving and spreading good information about each or any of them; it is not termed as a lie.Husband & Wife saying to each other – This is one of the noblest exemptions for us. If a man or a woman has a spouse who is not much good looking but he / she praises her / him for her beauty or his smartness, then it is not regarded as a lie. This may be extended to praising the spouse for any of his / her action also. However, praise for any action which violates Islamic laws, is not allowed.

Conclusion

Having discussed all, it is evident that telling lies is a big sin and continuing being a liar leads the person to be recorded with Allah as a ‘Liar’. Being recorded with Allah as a ‘Liar’ is a dreadful thing, as it means that the person is put in the same category as that of a disbeliever. Therefore, it is very important for us to give up this bad habit, if anyone of us possesses it. Except for the three exceptions mentioned above, we are not supposed to speak lies in any matter of our lives. Remember,

 إِنَّ اللَّهَ لا يَهْدِي مَنْ هُوَ كَاذِبٌ كَفَّارٌ

“Truly, Allah guides not him who is a liar, and a disbeliever.”

 (Aayah No. 3, Surah Az-Zumar, Chapter No. 39, Holy Qur’an). 

May Allah forgive me if I am wrong and guide us to the right path…Ameen.  

سُبْحَانَ رَبِّكَ رَبِّ الْعِزَّةِ عَمَّا يَصِفُون ; وَسَلامٌ عَلَى الْمُرْسَلِينَ ; وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّالْعَالَمِينَ.

YOUR CHILD: A COMMERCIAL TARGET

What is most striking about consumer culture, aside from its unprecedented ubiquity, is its celebration of consumption. The economy is our religious faith, consumption our orthodoxy. This becomes even more frightening when we discover that the targets are innocent children. This article attempts to reclaim our kids from a toxic commercial culture that has spun completely out of control. Children are innately innocent regardless of their belief system. Muslim children have a dual challenge - to knowingly miss the bandwagon of their peers and also to uphold their Islamic values.

 

Children remind us that the world is full of wonder and possibility. They make us laugh, exhaust us with their endless questions and needs, and evoke indescribable feelings of love. We dedicate ourselves to their well being, and we try to instill within them wholesome values and a dedication to purse establishing good for all.

 

It goes without saying that raising kids in today's noisy, fast-paced culture is difficult. For good or ill, kids today are exposed to a wider world. The voices of home and community have been joined by a chorus of voices from around the globe, clamoring for our children's attention. Unfortunately, an increasing number of those voices are trying to sell them something. A new generation of hyper-consumers is growing up right in front of our eyes. Most children spend the bulk of their time in one of two places - parked in front of a TV or in a classroom.

 

Children watch between 50 and 100 TV commercials per day. That's 20,000 to 40,000 TV ads annually. (Marketing Madness, Westview Press, 1995)

Coke recently signed a 10 year exclusive contract with a Colorado Springs School District, with school officials promising to heavily promote Coke products in return for small cash grants. Hundreds of school districts across the country are negotiating similar arrangements. (District's Coke Problem, Harper Magazine 2/99)

 

Advertising targets children creating cravings that are hard to ignore but impossible to satisfy. Neither the parents nor the School teachers are really aware of all that is being pummeled into the little minds today. There is a need to wage a battle against the forces of Hollywood and Nintendo Corporation with full force.Muslims rightfully deserve to be ashamed of themselves as they too are contributing to the problems and not the solutions. Our homes are filled with all sorts of electronic gadgetry in all versions. In most homes, we can find Barbie's and Barney's but not children books on Islam. We spend on everything except on Islamic educational material.

 

It is a natural instinct to see your children happy and protect them from harm or pain. But that instinct, if not tempered, also comes with a cost. Parenthood, like childhood, is a journey of discovery. We set off from our own memories of being a kid, all the blessings, all the scars. In those memories, we must find the answers to the excessiveness of everything in today's consumer culture. Kids mainly need time and attention and love, none of which takes American Express!

 

The author of this article knows of a family with few little ones who never owned a Television and whose California born children never visited the perverted fantasy land, a.k.a. Disneyland. And guess what, their kids are normal, healthy and sane! We like to share some of their ideas that you may find useful.

 

Sell your Television, VCR and the Nintendo but if you cannot, don't just turn off the TV, but instead suggest them something meaningful to do.

Buy Islamic books and software for children. Allocate a monthly budget and build their Islamic library.

Buy a big box of crayons, rolls of shelf paper and sewing supplies for arts and crafts.

Read with them bedtime stories and discuss the stories.

Invent ways to help needy and wayfarers. Help them know children who are shot in the alleys of West Bank and Gaza.

Remove the logos from clothes (theirs and yours). Talk with kids about why you are doing this.

Go for walks, kick the ball around the yard, garden, do crafts, wrestle around on the living room floor.

Pray together at least once a day and initiate to help a brother/sister drive by saving a penny a day.

 

We pray as taught to all of us by Allah "Our Lord! Grant unto us spouses and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous." (25:74)

FESTIVALS.. WHY SHOULD WE NOT CELEBRATE?...?

Muslims are advised to distinguish themselves in their external appearance adopting Islamic ways and methods in all their affairs, whether worldly or Deeni. By this, it is meant that Muslims are recognised and identified by a single religious culture or code, which is purely Islamic. Islam prohibits adoption of the ways and appearance of other beliefs, cultures, customs and nations. Therefore it is very essential that Muslims guard themselves against assimilation into other non-Muslim cultures. The external appearances of Muslims may be classified under the following points:

Acts that eliminate a Muslim's identity which are obviously Haraam even if they are not the special characteristic of other communities such as wearing shorts (thus exposing the satr), etc. are forbidden.Acts that are prohibited to imitate because it is alien to a nation or community. For example, to eat sitting at tables with knives and forks. This manner of eating is contrary to the Sunnah. Similarly, ways adopted from the non-Muslims that are of religious significance like wearing the cross, celebrating Christmas, etc. would amount to Kufr.Acts that are not exclusive to any particular community. The adoption of such acts will be permissible, like dressing as long as the satr is covered. However, this does not apply to a specific religious garb.Acts that have neither religious nor cultural significance. Such things are of real value and benefit even if they are inventions of the non-Muslims; there is nothing wrong in adopting them. For example, transport, technology, communications, weapons and other things of benefit. However, if Muslims have their own equivalent, then they should make use of their own products and not give preference to the products of the non-Muslims.Islam also prohibits Muslims to imitate "Muslims" (Faasiqs and Faajirs) who openly flout the Laws of Allah like shaving the beard (for men).

Undermentioned are a few verses of the Holy Qur’an and Ahaadith pertaining to the subject matter: 

‘Do not incline to the transgressors for then the Fire will touch you.’(Surah Hood 113)

The above ayat sufficiently warns Muslims not to adopt or imitate the culture and customs of the non-Muslims.Shaitaan said, ‘...I will teach them to ruin the appearance made by Allah....’(Surah Nisaa 119)

Appearance by virtue of customs is subjected to change with the times and attitudes of people, but this is not so in the Shariah. Shaitaan will always be on the ?backs' of people to renovate their thinking to ?live with the times'.Hadhrat Ibn Umar (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) reports that Rasulullah(Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, ?Whoever imitates a nation (in its ways and culture) becomes one of them.' (Abu Dawood)

 By adopting even the appearance of the non-Muslims, that in itself is association with them and is therefore sinful. Hadhrat Abu Raihaanah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) prohibited ten things. Among these ten things prohibited was to line garments with silk in the style of the non-Muslims (of that time).(Abu Dawood, Nisaai)Hadhrat Hajjaj Bin Hassaan (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates: "We went to meet Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) (a prominent Sahaabi; on this occasion Hajjaj was a little boy). My sister Mugheera told me that at that time I was a little kid and I had two plaits on my head. Hadhrat Anas (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) rubbed his hand over my head, made Dua for barakat and said: 'Cut off these plaits because this is the style of the Jews.' (Abu Dawood)Hadhrat Aamir Bin Sa'd (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrating from his father says that Rasulullah said: "Maintain clean the area in front of your houses and do not imitate the Jews."(Tirmizi)Hadhrat Ali (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that once Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) had an Arabian crossbow in his hand. On this occasion Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) saw a crossbow of Persian origin in the hands of a Muslim. Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) commented: "Throw it (the Persian bow) away and take one like this (Arabian bow)..."(Ibn Majah)Hadhrat Huzaifah (Radhiyallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: "Recite the Qur’an in Arabic style and tone (i.e. correct and with simplicity) and refrain from the style and tone of the People of the Book (Jews and Christians...)" (Baihaqi)

Rasulullah (Salallaahu Alaihi Wa Sallam) went to great lengths disapproving the imitation of non-Muslims even in the recitation of the Noble Qur’an as mentioned in the last Hadith (above). Hence nations that do not follow the Shariah should not be imitated. Therefore any act, be it the celebration of a particular community that may or may not necessary be religious, but merely associated to their "way of rejoicing" falls under the same banner - imitating the non-Muslims. The question of Mother's Day, Father's Day, Valentine's Day, etc. may be categorised under one of the classifications mentioned earlier in our discussions.

56 SAYINGS OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET (PBUH)

1) The worst blindness is straying form the straight path after receiving true guidance.

2) Among the virtues of a believer are cleanliness in dress, contentment and thankfulness when one does not have enough.

3) A believer wishes for others what he wishes for himself.

4) When your good deeds please you and your bad deeds cause you grief, you are a believer.

5) The believers are like the parts of a building strengthening one another.

6) Look at those who are less fortunate than you so that you are not ungrateful for the things which you have been blessed with by Allah.

7)  Allah Almighty has cursed the one offering the bribe, the one who is receiving it as well as the go-between.

8) If you are a trustworthy, honest and truthful businessman, you will rise up with the martyrs on the Day of Judgment.

9) The greatest form of charity is the effort to help a poor man, made in secret by one who is poor himself.

10) When Allah Almighty blesses someone with children, and they give their children their love, and meet their parental obligation, Allah saves them from the fire of hell.

11) When you see a coffin passing by stand up (out of respect) whether it is a Muslim or a non-Muslim.

12) Man is tested according to his level of faith. If his faith is firm, his trials increase in severity.

13) For everything there is a way to purify it, and for the body it is fasting.

14) The Almighty forgives him who forgives others.

15) Whoever buys a gift and brings it home to his family he is like one who has given charity.

16) Whatever hardship a person faces – even if it is as small as the prick from a thorn -Allah makes it atonement for his sins.

17) The greatest kin of holy war is to speak up for truth in the face of a ruling authority that deviates from the right path.

18) Whoever follows a path seeking knowledge, Allah Almighty will make that path easy for them.

19) The best thing you can do is to serve your mother, then your mother, then your mother, and then you father, then your relatives.

20) The one who cares for a widow or the needy is like the one who fasts all day and prays all night.

21) Beware of the prayer of the victim of an injustice, for there is no barrier between him and Allah Almighty.

22) Allah Almighty has no regard for a prayer in which a man’s heart is not present with his bodily actions.

23) Previous nations were destroyed because they let off people with high rank and punished the poor and the helpless.

24) The superiority of a learned man over the one engaged only in ritual worship is like that of a full moon over the stars.

25) What comes to you in my name but is in conflict of theQuran cannot be from me.

26) You have rights over women and women have rights over you.

27) Before speaking the salaam should be said. (Tirmizi)

28) Spread the salaam amongst yourselves. (Muslims)

29) Whoever sends one Durood upon me, Allah sends ten blessings (Durood) upon him. (Tirmizi)

30) My intercession is for the big sinners in my Ummah. (Tirmizi)

31) Cleanliness is a part of the Faith. (Tirmizi)

32) Dua is the kernel of Ibaadat. (Tirmizi)

33) Actions depend on their intention. (Bukhari and Muslim)

34) A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands a Muslim is safe. (Al-Bukhari)

35) The best of you is the one who learned and taught the Quran. (Al-Bukhari)

36) Modesty is a part of faith. (Muslim)
37) Visit the graves because they remind one of the Akhirah. (Muslim)

38) A Muslim is a brother of a Muslim. (Al-Bukhari)

39) To learn the Knowledge of the Deen is fard upon every Muslim man and woman. (Ibn-e-Majah)

40) Salah is a pillar of the Deen. (Tabarâni)

41) Whoever is deprived of tenderness (unto others) is deprived of good. (Muslim)

42) Relate on my behalf even if it is an Ayah. (Al-Bukhari)

43) Whoever remains quiet attains salvation. (Tirmizi)

44) The influence of the gaze is Haq (the Truth). (Al-Bukhari)

45) Religion is the name of well-wishing. (Al-Bukhari)

46) Announce your Nikah (marriage). (Tirmizi)

47) Nikah (marriage) is my Sunnah. (Ibn-e-Majah)

48) Whoever turns from my sunnah is not from me. (Al-Bukhari)

49) Dua rids calamity.

50) I distribute (to people) and Allah gives. (Al-Bukhari)

51) To be ashamed (of sins) is repentance. (Ibn-e-Majah)

52) It is because of those Awliya (Friends) of Allah that it rains and it is because of them that Rizq (sustenance) is given.

53) He who does not have mercy receives no mercy upon himself. (Al-Bukhari)

54) Fasting is a shield (from sins). (Tirmizi)

55) The best sadaqah is that a Muslim man learns knowledge (of the Deen) and then teaches it to his Muslim brothers. (Ibn-e-Majah)

56)  “Whoever innovates a good innovation in Islam has its reward and the reward of those who would practice upon it until the Day of Judgment – without lessening the rewards of those who practice with it. The one who innovates the innovation of misguidance, would take the sin for it and the sin of those who practice upon it until the Day of Judgment–without lessening the sin of those who practice with it.” (Muslim, as-Sahih, 2:705)

PEARLS OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (PBUH)

1.  "Definitely Actions are judged by their intentions."(Bukhari)

2.  "A Muslim who plants a tree or sows a field, from which man, birds and animals can eat, is committing an act of charity." (Muslim)

3.  "Allah is One and likes Unity." (Muslim)

4.  "Hell fire is forbidden to the eye that weeps due to the fear of Allah." (Muawiya bin Jiba(R.A.) - Tibrani)

5.  "What actions are most excellent? To gladden the heart of human beings, to feed the hungry, to help the afflicted, to lighten the sorrow of the sorrowful, and to remove the sufferings of the injured." (Bukhari)

6.  "Do not think that your sustenance is far off. Whatever sustenance is destined, will inevitably come,before one succumbs to death." (Jabir bin Abdullah(R.A.) - Ibn Hibban)

7.  "The most excellent Jihad is that for the conquest of the self." (Bukhari)

8.  "Glad tidings for the man whose earnings are legitimate; whose secret acts are good; whose open acts are better and who does not cause mischief to anyone."(Fash al Ansi quotes Ka'ab Misri - Tibrani)

9.  "The perfect Muslim is not a perfect Muslim, who eats till he is full and leaves his neighbors hungry." (Ibn Abbas(R.A.) - Baihaqi)

10.  "O youngmen ! if you are resouceful to mantain, then marry. This is the best medicine for safeguarding the eye and private parts." (Abdullah bin Mas'ud(R.A.) - Bukhari, Muslim)

11.  "If you put your whole trust in Allah, as you ought, He most certainly will satisfy your needs, as He satisfies those of the birds. They come out hungry in the morning, but return full to their nests in the evening." (Tirmizi)

12.  "Do not be hasty in talking ill of your wife. If any of her actions are disliked, another may be likeable" (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Muslim)

13.  "He is not of us who is not affectionate to the little ones, and does not respect the old; and he is not of us, who does not order which is lawful, and prohibits that which is unlawful." (Ibn Abbas(R.A.): Tirmizi)

14.  "When Allah created his creatures He wrote above His throne: 'Verily, my Compassion overcomes my wrath."(Bukhari & Muslim)

15.  "There is no greater boon to one's children than to to teach them to behave well" (Abu Ayyub bin Abu Musa(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

16.  "Allah will not give mercy to anyone, except those who give mercy to other creatures." (Abdullah b. Amr(R.A.) - Abu Dawud & Tirmizi)

17.  "Recite the Qur'an for the Qur'an will intercede for the reciter on the Day of Judgement" (Abu Umama(R.A.) - Muslim)

18.  "The best property of a man is, that his tongue is used for the remembrance of Allah; his heart is thankful and his wife is honest and helpful to her husband and accords aid in his faith." (Sau'ban(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

19.  "If you are able, keep your heart from morning till night and from night till morning free from malice towards anyone." (Bukhari)

20.  "There are two slogans that are very simple on the tongue, but are very heavy on the scales and best loved by Allah. These are " Subhanalallahi wa bi hamdi hi"-Glory be to Allah who is worthy of all Praise. " Subhanalallahil azeem"- Glory be to Allah who is the Most High. (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Bukhari)

21.  "Say what is true, although it may be bitter and displeasing to people." (Baihaqi)

22.  "Whosoever wants to be pleased by seeing the record of his actions on the the Day of Judgement; should increase his prayer for forgiveness" (Zubair(R.A.) - Baihaqi)

23.  "When you see a person who has been given more than you in money and beauty, look to those, who have been given less." (Muslim)

24.  "The gathering(discussions of a meeting) are a trust."(Jaabir(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

25.  "Be not like the hypocrite who, when he talks, tells lies; when he gives a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he proves dishonest." (Bukhari & Muslim)

26.  "It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone. It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words." (Bukhari)

27.  "Backbiting is more severe than adultery." (Abu Saeed(R.A.) - Mishkaat)

28.  "Once a man, who was passing through a road, found a branch of a tree with thorns obstructing it. The man removed the thorns from the way. Allah forgave his sins." (Bukhari)

29.  "Lower oneself to the level of the people."(Ayesha(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

30.  "Procrastination(of payment) by a rich person is oppression." (Abu Huraira(R.A.) - Bukhari)

31.  "Who are the learned? Those who practice what they know." (Bukhari)

32.  "Verily the better person in Allah's sight is the one who initiates the greeting(salaam)." (Abu Amama(R.A.) - Abu Dawud)

33.  "Information can never be equal to witnessing."(Abdullah bin Abbas(R.A.) - Musnad Ahmad)

34.  "A true Muslim is thankful to Allah in prosperity, and resigned to His will in adversity." (Muslim)

35.  "Do not express joy at the misfortune of your brother, for Allah may have mercy on him and involve you in misfortune." (Wasila bin Aska(R.A.) - Tirmizi)

36.  "That which is less but suffices is better than that which is more but distracts." (Abu Darda(R.A.) - Mishkaat)

37.  "A Muslim who meets with others and shares their burdens is better than one who lives a life of seclusion and contemplation." (Muslim)

38.  "Note! all of you are the shephards(guardians) and all of you are(responsible) to be questioned for your flock(those under your guardianship)." (Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) - Bukhari)

39.  "The proof of a Muslim's sincerity is, that he pays no heed to that, which is not his business." (Abu Huraira(R.A.): Tirmizi)

40.  "One who directs to good is rewarded similiar to the doer of good." (Abi Masood Al-Ansari(R.A.) - Ibn Majah)