عن أبي المنذر أبي بن كعب رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ كان رجل لا أعلم رجلاً أبعد من المسجد منه، وكان لا تخطئه صلاة فقيل له، أو فقلت له‏:‏ لو اشتريت حماراً تركبه في الظلماء، وفي الرمضاء، فقال‏:‏ ما يسرني أن منزلي إلى جنب المسجد، إني أريد أن يكتب لي ممشاي إلى المسجد، ورجوعي إذا رجعت إلى أهلي، فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم‏:‏ ‏ “‏قد جمع الله لك ذلك كله‏

وفي رواية : إنَّ لَكَ مَا احْتَسَبْتَ

Ubayy bin Ka’b RA reported: There was a man, and I do not know of any other man whose house was farther than his from the mosque, and he never missed Salaah (in congregation). It was said to him (or I said to him): “If you buy a donkey you could ride it in the dark nights and in the burning sand.” He said: “I do not like my house to be by the side of the mosque, for I (eagerly) desire that my steps towards the mosque and back from it should be recorded when I return to my family.” Upon this, the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah has granted you all the rewards for you”. [Muslim].

Another narration says: “You will get the reward for what you have anticipated”.

The Ṣaḥabah RA gave due importance to performing Salaah in congregation and endured all forms of difficulty in this regard. They did not have cars and all the conveniences that we have today yet they would make every effort never to miss Salaah with Jamaat in the Masjid.

EASY GOOD DEED – Kindness to Children

Children are priceless treasures from Allah. As Muslims, we consider human life sacred, and that every child is a unique being, worthy of respect and dignity. Children are made to be loved, cherished, and provided with the opportunity to grow up in a healthy, happy environment.

We must, therefore, give utmost importance in the upbringing of our successors, by drawing upon lessons from the beloved Prophet ﷺ who has been the greatest role model for humanity throughout history, not just through his words which serves as a guidance for mankind, but also through his actions, which is a source of inspiration for many.

The Prophet’s personality was not merely exemplified for a specific period, generation, nation, religion or place. Rather, he is a lasting global symbol for all people, transcendent through time. The Prophet ﷺ said,

إِنَّ مِنْ أَكْمَلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِيمَانًا أَحْسَنُهُمْ خُلُقًا وَأَلْطَفُهُمْ بِأَهْلِهِ

“Indeed among the believers with the most complete faith is the one who is the best in conduct and the most kind to his family.” [Tirmidhi]

Needless to say, the Prophet ﷺ`s innate nature of being a mercy for all of Allah’s creations is undisputed. His mercy is unparalleled and indeed, his treatment of children, and not just his own progeny, is an example to us all. The Prophet ﷺ would kiss and embrace children often, as an expression of his tender love and mercy towards them.

عن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال‏:‏ قبل النبي الحسن بن علي رضي الله عنهما، وعنده الأقرع بن حابس، فقال الأقرع‏:‏ إن لي عشرة من الولد ما قبلت منهم أحدًا‏.‏ فنظر إليه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال‏:‏ من لا يرحم لا يرحم

Abu Hurairah RA reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) kissed his grandson Hasan bin ‘Ali RA in the presence of Aqra’ bin Habis RA. Thereupon he remarked: “I have ten children and I have never kissed any one of them.” The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) looked at him and said, “He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy”. [Bukhari and Muslim].

He would also take an active interest in their lives, despite his busy schedule. For example, when the pet bird of a young child, Abu Umair, died, he went out of his way to try and console him.

عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ، قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَدْخُلُ عَلَيْنَا وَلِي أَخٌ صَغِيرٌ يُكْنَى أَبَا عُمَيْرٍ وَكَانَ لَهُ نُغَرٌ يَلْعَبُ بِهِ فَمَاتَ فَدَخَلَ عَلَيْهِ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ فَرَآهُ حَزِينًا فَقَالَ مَا شَأْنُهُ‏.‏ قَالُوا مَاتَ نُغَرُهُ فَقَالَ ‏يَا أَبَا عُمَيْرٍ مَا فَعَلَ النُّغَيْرُ ‏

Anas bin Malik RA said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to come to visit us. I had a younger brother who was called Abu ‘Umair by nickname (kunyah). He had a sparrow which he played with, but it died. So one day the Prophet ﷺ came to see him and saw him grieving. He asked: ‘What is the matter with him?’ The people replied: ‘His sparrow has died.’ The Prophet ﷺ then said: ‘Oh Abu ‘Umair! What has happened to the little sparrow?'” [Abu Dawud]

Despite him being the Prophet of Allah ﷺ he would even take time to greet the children.

قَالَ أَنَسٌ أَتَى رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم عَلَى غِلْمَانٍ يَلْعَبُونَ فَسَلَّمَ عَلَيْهِمْ

Narrated Anas ibn Malik RA: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came to some children who were playing: He greeted them. [Abu Dawud]