The Greatest Commandments

[Al-manar]

Could you tell me where that is in Sahih al-Bukhari, Al-manar?

The Book of Faith
Hadeeth No. 7 - Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sbk/

regards

 

[Euthyphro]

The Book of Faith
Hadeeth No. 7 - Narrated Ibn 'Umar:

http://www.sahihalbukhari.com/sps/sbk/

regards

Thanks, Al-manar. I found the site you gave to be a bit difficult to use (seems to require login to be able to read longer sections) so I had a look at the verse you quoted on www.guidedways.com. I was reading "Belief" (Book 2 of Bukhari), finding it very interesting, but happened to stumble across this:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle was asked, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and His Apostle (Muhammad). The questioner then asked, "What is the next (in goodness)? He replied, "To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's Cause." The questioner again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To perform Hajj (Pilgrim age to Mecca) 'Mubrur, (which is accepted by Allah and is performed with the intention of seeking Allah's pleasure only and not to show off and without committing a sin and in accordance with the traditions of the Prophet)."

http://www.guidedways.com/book_display-book-2-translator-1-start-10-number-16.htm

This Hadith seems to suggest that participating in Jihad (which the website understands to mean "religious fighting") is the second best deed after believing in Allah and Mohammed. What do you think about this?

 

[Euthyphro]

Forgot to give the reference for that Hadith: Bukhari, Book 2 (Belief), Verse 25.

Does this Hadith suggest that participating in Jihad is a better deed than loving one's neighbour?

 

[Al-manar]

Peace

This Hadith seems to suggest that participating in Jihad (which the website understands to mean "religious fighting") is the second best deed after believing in Allah and Mohammed. ?

read also :

(The Book of the Prayer Times)

No. 506 - Narrated 'Abdullah:
I asked the Prophet "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause." 'Abdullah added, "I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet would have told me more."

and


Volume 1, Book 2, Number 10:
Narrated Abu Musa:
Some people asked Allah's Apostle, "Whose Islam is the best? " He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."


and


Volume 3, Book 46, Number 694:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

I asked the Prophet, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause." I then asked, "What is the best kind of manumission (of slaves)?" He replied, "The manumission of the most expensive slave and the most beloved by his master." I said, "If I cannot afford to do that?" He said, "Help the weak or do good for a person who cannot work for himself." I said, "If I cannot do that?" He said, "Refrain from harming others for this will be regarded as a charitable deed for your own good."


different answers to the same question,why?

cause different situations and differents persons who asked...

It seems the prophet knew well what kind of personality was the questioner and what advise he should listen to and what kind of work the questioner should be in his priority.....

reading all such advices ,still I think the one that is general and should be followed by all persons is the prophet's words regarding the pillars of Islam...

Regards

 

[Al-manar]

peace

Does this Hadith suggest that participating in Jihad is a better deed than loving one's neighbour?

In light of that Hadith and the others as well I don't think loving one's neighbour
is a second or as important as prayer etc..

Regards

 

[Euthyphro]

Peace
read also :

(The Book of the Prayer Times)

No. 506 - Narrated 'Abdullah:
I asked the Prophet "Which deed is the dearest to Allah?" He replied, "To offer the prayers at their early stated fixed times." I asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents" I again asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" He replied, 'To participate in Jihad (religious fighting) in Allah's cause." 'Abdullah added, "I asked only that much and if I had asked more, the Prophet would have told me more."

and


Volume 1, Book 2, Number 10:
Narrated Abu Musa:
Some people asked Allah's Apostle, "Whose Islam is the best? " He replied, "One who avoids harming the Muslims with his tongue and hands."


and


Volume 3, Book 46, Number 694:

Narrated Abu Dhar:

I asked the Prophet, "What is the best deed?" He replied, "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause." I then asked, "What is the best kind of manumission (of slaves)?" He replied, "The manumission of the most expensive slave and the most beloved by his master." I said, "If I cannot afford to do that?" He said, "Help the weak or do good for a person who cannot work for himself." I said, "If I cannot do that?" He said, "Refrain from harming others for this will be regarded as a charitable deed for your own good."


different answers to the same question,why?

cause different situations and differents persons who asked...

It seems the prophet knew well what kind of personality was the questioner and what advise he should listen to and what kind of work the questioner should be in his priority.....

reading all such advices ,still I think the one that is general and should be followed by all persons is the prophet's words regarding the pillars of Islam...

Regards

Thanks, Al-manar. So the "best deeds" varies from person to person? I would have thought that the best deeds were the ones everyone should do, that form the foundation for all other deeds (like loving God and loving others).

Also, it seems that Jihad/"fighting for the cause" comes up high on the list no matter who the Prophet was talking to, but loving others hasn't come up. Do you think this would be the same today if Mohammed were around to ask what the best deeds were for us?

 

[Al-manar]

Peace Euthyphro

Thanks, Al-manar. So the "best deeds" varies from person to person?

..

I think so... depending on what kind of person is and what situation is.

Also, it seems that Jihad/"fighting for the cause" comes up high on the list no matter who the Prophet was talking to.

Yes Jihad for defending the faith,and self defence is high on the list


4:75 And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)?- Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from thee one who will protect; and raise for us from thee one who will help!"

"How could we refuse to fight in the cause of Allah, seeing that we were turned out of our homes and our families?
[2:246]


2:190 Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress limits; for Allah loveth not transgressors.

60:8 Allah forbids you not, with regard to those who fight you not for (your) Faith nor drive you out of your homes, from dealing kindly and justly with them: for Allah loveth those who are just.

Do you think this would be the same today if Mohammed were around to ask what the best deeds were for us?[/QUOTE]

but loving others hasn't come up.

I think i wouldn't one day advice someone saying ,love others.... but I would say ,be just to others ..love is an emotion which may result after justice...

Do you think this would be the same today if Mohammed were around to ask what the best deeds were for us?

I think if Mohammad is living,watching such aggression against Muslims eg,Iraq ,If to be asked reagrding the best deed by someone ,he would answer the same answer he gave to Abu Dhar: "To believe in Allah and to fight for His Cause.

Regards

 

[Uthman]

So the "best deeds" varies from person to person?

Just to add; there is another opinion that the "best deeds" vary according to time and place.

 

[Al-manar]

Just to add; there is another opinion that the "best deeds" vary according to time and place.

peace

Exactly.... and that is what I meant by (situation )

peace

 

[YusufNoor]

Thanks, Al-manar. So the "best deeds" varies from person to person? I would have thought that the best deeds were the ones everyone should do, that form the foundation for all other deeds (like loving God and loving others).

Also, it seems that Jihad/"fighting for the cause" comes up high on the list no matter who the Prophet was talking to, but loving others hasn't come up. Do you think this would be the same today if Mohammed were around to ask what the best deeds were for us?

there seems to be a little misunderstanding here. let's see if we can, In Sha'a Allah, clear it up.

back to the original WHOLE quote by Isa ibn Marriam, May Allah's Peace ans Blessings be upon both of them:

The Greatest Commandment
28One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"

29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.[e] 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'[f] 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[g]There is no commandment greater than these."

32"Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

as previously stated, the Islamic form of worship, which complies with the statement of Isa or Jesus the Christ is contained in the statement of faith:

La Illaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah

thisKalimatu Shahadah is a statement of action supported by the 5 pillars of Islam, which are:

1) Iman, or the belief in the Oneness of Allah, His angels, His Revealed Books, His Messengers & Prophets, The Day of Judgment Yawmul Qiyama] and Qadr [the belief that destiny, whether good or bad comes from Allah]

2) Salaah - the 5 times daily prayers

3) Zakaat - paying 2.5% of wealth if obligated [and inclusive of Sadaqah, voluntary giving]

4) Saum - Fasting in the month of Ramadhan [and other voluntary fasts]

5) Hajj - the Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a life

ALL of those parts are included in La Illaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah!

Zakaat, if obligated and Sadaqah [even a smile is Sadaqah]are part and parcel of being a Muslim. no additional Hadeeth is necessary and any that are, already include this before the Hadeeth.

we seen in the Qur'an:

Sahih International 18:30
: Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

Sahih International 18:31
: Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.

now, if we look at Christianity, we see that some of the latter books, especially the Pastoral letters [agreed by many NOT to have been written by Paul] include verse like this:

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

here we see that the "Greatest Commandments" for the woman are:

1) be silent and
2) have babies

you see, the later and later that books are written,the farther they get from the true teachings of Jesus.

:wa:

 

[Euthyphro]

as previously stated, the Islamic form of worship, which complies with the statement of Isa or Jesus the Christ is contained in the statement of faith:

La Illaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah

thisKalimatu Shahadah is a statement of action supported by the 5 pillars of Islam, which are:

1) Iman, or the belief in the Oneness of Allah, His angels, His Revealed Books, His Messengers & Prophets, The Day of Judgment Yawmul Qiyama] and Qadr [the belief that destiny, whether good or bad comes from Allah]

2) Salaah - the 5 times daily prayers

3) Zakaat - paying 2.5% of wealth if obligated [and inclusive of Sadaqah, voluntary giving]

4) Saum - Fasting in the month of Ramadhan [and other voluntary fasts]

5) Hajj - the Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a life

ALL of those parts are included in La Illaha Illallah Muhammadur Rasulullah!

Zakaat, if obligated and Sadaqah [even a smile is Sadaqah]are part and parcel of being a Muslim. no additional Hadeeth is necessary and any that are, already include this before the Hadeeth.

we seen in the Qur'an:

Sahih International 18:30
: Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds.

Sahih International 18:31
: Those will have gardens of perpetual residence; beneath them rivers will flow. They will be adorned therein with bracelets of gold and will wear green garments of fine silk and brocade, reclining therein on adorned couches. Excellent is the reward, and good is the resting place.

Thanks, Yusuf. I didn't quite follow why you added those last two quotes: what do they show?

How do you see the "best deeds" Hadith fitting in to this overall framework? How are they best interpreted?

now, if we look at Christianity, we see that some of the latter books, especially the Pastoral letters [agreed by many NOT to have been written by Paul] include verse like this:

1 Timothy 2:8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.

here we see that the "Greatest Commandments" for the woman are:

1) be silent and
2) have babies

you see, the later and later that books are written,the farther they get from the true teachings of Jesus.

For me, this passage (when exegeted correctly, of course!) is actually a perfect example of how Paul's teaching lines up with Jesus'! Here is how NT scholar N.T. Wright translates this passage:

"So this is what I want: the men should pray in every place, lifting up holy hands, with no anger or disputing. 9In the same way the women, too, should clothe themselves in an appropriate manner, modestly and sensibly. They should not go in for elaborate hair-styles, or gold, or pearls, or expensive clothes; 10instead, as is appropriate for women who profess to be godly, they should adorn themselves with good works. 11They must be allowed to study undisturbed, in full submission to God. 12I’m not saying that women should teach men, or try to dictate to them; they should be left undisturbed. 13Adam was created first, you see, and then Eve; 14and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and fell into trespass. 15She will, however, be kept safe through the process of childbirth, if she continues in faith, love and holiness with prudence."

http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Women_Service_Church.htm - I recommend you read Wright's justification for this translation by following the link. But to summarise his points, Paul (or whoever wrote 1 Tim) is instructing both the men and women not to conform to the stereotypes of the day: the men are not to by angry, but holy; the women are not to adorn themselves with fancy clothes, but with modesty and good works. Instead of ruling over men (as they did before) they should allow the men to study the Scriptures. Women should not be deceived into not following these instructions, but live in faith, love and holiness. Paul's all about instructing this community of new believers to go against the culture and become a loving community where men and women have equal opportunities to submit to God and love their neighbours.

 

[Muslim Woman]

Salaam/Peace

...What are the greatest commandments according to the Qur'an and the Hadith?

The most important commandment is not to take deity besides God. I read long ago that second most important matter is not to kill any innocent and third one is not to misbehave with parents.


a related link:

Major Sins in Islam​

1. Associating partners with Allah (Shirk)

2. Committing murder (25:68)

3. Performing Sorcery (2:102)

4. Not performing the Prayers (19:59)

5. Withholding the Zakah (3:180)

6. Breaking the fast of Ramadan or not fasting in that month without a valid excuse.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the house (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Jami # 2837)

7. Not performing the pilgrimage when one has the ability to do so.

8. Disobeying one’s parents (17:23)

9. Severing ties of kinship. (47:22)

10. Committing adultery or fornication (17:30)

11. Committing sodomy

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah will not look at a person (with pleasure) who commits sodomy with a man or a woman.” (Sahih al-Jami # 7678)

12. Taking or paying interest (2:275)

...

Allah Almighty knows best.​

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543812

 

[YusufNoor]

Thanks, Yusuf. I didn't quite follow why you added those last two quotes: what do they show?

they are from the Qur'an. they show that "belief" requires actions, good deeds.

How do you see the "best deeds" Hadith fitting in to this overall framework? How are they best interpreted?

here is more Quran, from Al Baqarah:

2:1 Muhsin Khan : Alif-Lam-Mim.

2:2 Muhsin Khan :This is the Book (the Quran), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqun [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)].

2:3 Muhsin Khan : Who believe in the Ghaib and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of what we have provided for them [i.e. give Zakat , spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also give charity to the poor and also in Allah's Cause - Jihad, etc.].

2:4 Muhsin Khan : And who believe in (the Quran and the Sunnah) which has been sent down (revealed) to you (Muhammad Peace be upon him ) and in [the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] which were sent down before you and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. (Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell, etc.).

2:5 Muhsin Khan : They are on (true) guidance from their Lord, and they are the success

the Muhsin Khan translation adds Tafseer and Hadeeth, we see the "good deeds" interpreted as: fearing Allah -Who believe in the Ghaib [the unseen]; performing Salat; spend[ing] out of what we have provided for them - giving Zakat , spend[ing] on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also giv[ing] charity to the poor and also in Allah's Cause - Jihad.

the "spending of wealth" is also addresses elsewhere in the Quran:

[2.177] It is not righteousness that you turn your faces towards the East and the West, but righteousness is this that one should believe in Allah and the last day and the angels and the Book and the prophets, and give away wealth out of love for Him to the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and the beggars and for (the emancipation of) the captives, and keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate; and the performers of their promise when they make a promise, and the patient in distress and affliction and in time of conflicts-- these are they who are {rue (to themselves) and these are they who guard (against evil).

[2.215] They ask you as to what they should spend. Say: Whatever wealth you spend, it is for the parents and the near of kin and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer, and whatever good you do, Allah surely knows it.

[3.186] You shall certainly be tried respecting your wealth and your souls, and you shall certainly hear from those who have been given the Book before you and from those who are polytheists much annoying talk; and if you are patient and guard (against evil), surely this is one of the affairs (which should be) determined upon.

[18.46] Wealth and children are an adornment of the life of this world; and the ever-abiding, the good works, are better with your Lord in reward and better in expectation.

[34.37] And not your wealth nor your children, are the things which bring you near Us in station, but whoever believes and does good, these it is for whom is a double reward for what they do, and they shall be secure in the highest places.

[49.15] The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Apostle then they doubt not and struggle hard with their wealth and their lives in the way of Allah; they are the truthful ones.

[63.9] O you who believe! let not your wealth, or your children, divert you from the remembrance of Allah; and whoever does that, these are the losers.

[92.18] Who gives away his wealth, purifying himself

does this add some clarity?

:wa:

 

[Supreme]

Salaam/Peace




The most important commandment is not to take deity besides God. I read long ago that second most important matter is not to kill any innocent and third one is not to misbehave with parents.


a related link:

Major Sins in Islam​

1. Associating partners with Allah (Shirk)

2. Committing murder (25:68)

3. Performing Sorcery (2:102)

4. Not performing the Prayers (19:59)

5. Withholding the Zakah (3:180)

6. Breaking the fast of Ramadan or not fasting in that month without a valid excuse.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Islam is built upon five pillars: testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the house (Hajj), and fasting the month of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Jami # 2837)

7. Not performing the pilgrimage when one has the ability to do so.

8. Disobeying one’s parents (17:23)

9. Severing ties of kinship. (47:22)

10. Committing adultery or fornication (17:30)

11. Committing sodomy

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah will not look at a person (with pleasure) who commits sodomy with a man or a woman.” (Sahih al-Jami # 7678)

12. Taking or paying interest (2:275)

...

Allah Almighty knows best.​

http://www.islamonline.net/servlet/...h-Ask_Scholar/FatwaE/FatwaE&cid=1119503543812

Thanks for this reply! This is the sort of answer I've been looking for.