Bin Bazz: Virtue of work for muslim
Work of Muslim
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Praise be due to Allah. The good end will be for the righteous. May Peace and Blessings be upon His servant and Messenger, His trustee of the revelation, our Prophet, leader Muhammad ibn `Abdullah ibn `Abdul Muttalib, upon his Household, Companions, and whoever adopts his way and follows his guidance till the Day of Judgment.
Praise be to Allah, who facilitates this meeting through some honorable brothers and dear sons for cooperation in righteousness and piety, exchanging advice, and calling for goodness. May Allah bless this meeting, set right our hearts and deeds, protect us from the misleading trials and evil insinuations. May Allah support His faith, make His word supreme, and disgrace the enemies of Islam!
Thanks are due for those in charge of this institution, especially His Highness Prince Muhammad ibn Fahd Al Su`ud for this invitation. May Allah bless this invitation and the efforts of everyone here, set right their words and deeds, help them understand Islam, grant them truthfulness, patience, and adherence to what leads to uprightness and happiness in this world and in the eternal life. Indeed, He is the best to ask for help.
Dear brothers and sons, Allah explains the attributes of Muslims and the manners of believers in various positions of His Glorious Book. Allah encourages
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people to follow them. He praises those who adopt them in some positions promising them abundant good, the best outcome, paradise, and lofty repute.
For example, Allah states at the end ofSurah (chapter from the Qur'an) of Al Imran Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. 
Those who remember Allâh (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides
Our Prophet (peace be upon him) used to recite these noble Ayahs to the end of the Surah (the third chapter of alQur'an) upon awakening and would wipe his face with hands to rouse himself from sleep. He (peace be upon him) would recite these Ayahs while looking up to the heavens: Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding.In addition to the Ayahs that follow it. "Men of understanding" refers to the people endowed with sound and enlightened minds. Allah describes them with the attributes of remembering Him in all conditions; while standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about things created by Allah (Exalted be He)
such as the heavens, the earth, and the alternation of night and day. Allah's signs in creation are so many; the heavens with its expanse and vastness, and the earth with its amplitude, breadth, steadiness, and what they contain of numerous and great signs.
Similarly, the alternation of the night and day is among Allah's great signs. Thus, Allah made special mention of them and told that they include many signs for people of understanding. The Ayahs relate some acts of those people such as remembrance of Allah while they are standing, sitting, and lying on their sides by heart, tongue, and deed. They remember Allah in their hearts through love, glorification, fear, and hope of Allah. They also remember Him with their tongue through Tasbih (Glorification of Allah saying, "Subhan Allah [Glory be to Allah]"), Tahmid (Praising Allah saying, "AlHamdu Lillah [Praise be to Allah]"), Tahlil (saying, "La illah illa Allah [There is no God but Allah]"), Takbir (saying "Allahu Akbar [God is the Greatest]"), reciting the Qur'an, supplications, Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah), and the like.
In addition, they remember Allah in their deeds through offering Salah (prayer), day and night, charity, enjoining
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good, and forbidding evil, and other good deeds.
Then, Allah mentions that they reflect upon the creation of the heavens and the earth with its marvels, wonders, and great miracles saying: Our Lord! You have not created (all) this without purpose Undoubtedly, these things were created in wisdom and for lofty purposes. Then, they invoke: glory to You! (Exalted are You above all thattheyassociatewithYouaspartners).GiveussalvationfromthetormentoftheFire. TheyconfessedtheDivineWisdom underlying the creation, not in vain or without purpose. They then ask Allah to save them from the torment of Hell. They hold him far above what does not befit him (may He be Exalted and Glorified).
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) said in another Ayahs at the beginning ofSurah of AlAnfal: The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’ân) are recited unto them, they
(i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); Who perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât) and spend out of that We have provided them. It is they who are the believers in truth. For them are grades of dignity with their Lord, and Forgiveness and a generous provision (Paradise). The aforementioned Ayahs relate some attributes of those who have perfect and pure faith. In other Ayahs ofSurah of AlTawbahAllah (Glorified and Exalted be He) states,
The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al M a‘ rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is AllMighty, AllWise. This Ayah mentions the attributes of
sincere believers among the Muslim ranks.
These are definitely the attributes and manners of true believers, which should be adopted by Muslims in order to become good examples for all people. No doubt, acquiring these manners is one of the causes of gaining victory over enemies. The Muslims are prepared to struggle (fight in the cause of Allah) and defend Muslim lands. Consequently, they are more apt to acquire these attributes and adhere to them.
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Thus, they fulfill their role as Muslims in the best manner.
Islam is the way of Allah preached by all Messengers (peace be upon them). Allah (glory be to Him) said, Truly, the religion with Allâh is Islâm. Allah (Glorified be He) also says: And whoever seeks a religion other than Islâm, it will never be accepted of him Allah (Glorified be He) also says: This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion. Allah called His way Islam as it involves submission to Allah's commandments and prohibitions, adherence to worship of Allah, and observing His Restrictions.
Islam is literally derived from the word 'aslam' i.e. to submit and yield. It is said, "aslam fulan li fulan i.e. so andso submitted to soandso." Likewise, it is said, "aslam al`abd lillah i.e. the servant submitted completely to Allah". Therefore, Islam means the complete submission and obedience to Allah's ordinances, avoiding His Prohibitions, and observing His Restrictions.
It is also called Iman (Faith), for a Muslim does good deeds out of belief in Allah and His Messenger (peace be upon him), not to show off or establish a reputation among people or out of hypocrisy. Rather, the true Muslim submits to Allah, follows His ordinances and observes His Restrictions out of firm faith and deep knowledge. A Muslim knows that Allah is One and has no partners and He is the Lord of the heavens. He knows that Allah is the AllKnowing Supreme Creator. Therefore, he devotes himself to Him and glorifies His Sacred Ordinances out of firm faith in Allah Who is the Lord, the God, the Creator, the AllProvider, and the One Who is rightfully worthy of worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated in an authentic Hadith, Faith has over seventy branches, the best of which is the declaration that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, and the humblest of which is removing harmful things from the path. And shyness is a branch of faith.
Our religion is called Islam, as it is submission to Allah, truthful devotion to Him, humility to Him
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and glorification of Him. It is also called Iman i.e. faith, for it is belief in Divine matters e.g. Allah's Attributes, His Oneness, and that he is the true God Who alone is worthy of worship along with believing in what He has ordained, forbidden, and allowed for His servants. All these meanings are included in the words Islam and faith. Islam is called so owing to what it involves of submission to Allah, abiding by His restrictions, and observing His restrictions. It is called faith, for its truthfulness which results in continual righteous deeds and proper speech.
When when Jibril (Gabriel) asked the Prophet (peace be upon him) about Islam and faith, he replied, Islam is that you testify that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Messenger, establish prayer, pay Zakah (theobligatorycharity),observethefastofRamadan,andperformHajj(pilgrimage)totheHouse(Ka`bah)ifyouareable.Then, he (peace be upon him) defined faith, To believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and to believe in the Divine Predestination whether good or bad. 
He (peace be upon him) mentioned the principles of faith upon which Islam is based and the foundational pillars of Islam which it is established on.
The pillars of Islam are five: The two testimonies of faith, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, and Hajj.
The inherent pillars of Islam are the six foundations of Iman on which Islam is built; to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the Last Day, and Divine Decree whether good or bad. Neither Islam nor Iman can stand apart from each other; both are essential.
It is necessary to have firm Iman that gives rise to submission to Allah and fulfillment of His rights. Likewise, Islam is necessary to certify this Iman by means of practical obedience. Thus, the characteristics of a believer differs from those hypocrites and their evil deeds, for they say with their tongue what is not in their hearts and do things which appear to be good while concealing their ill intentions. Allah (Glorified be He) described them in His Noble Bookin Surah AlNisa', Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allâh, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for AsSalât (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allâh but little. 
(They are) swaying between this and that, belonging neither to these nor to those
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They do not remain on one way. Sometimes, they are with Muslims and other times they are with the
disbelievers. We ask Allah to protect us from that.
Allah mentioned them in the beginning ofSurah of AlBaqarah:And of mankind, there are some (hypocrites) who say: "We believe in Allâh and the Last Day" while in fact they believe not. They (think to) deceive Allâh and those who believe, while they only deceive themselves, and perceive (it) not! In their hearts is a disease (of doubt and hypocrisy) and Allâh has increased their disease.Apainfultormentistheirsbecausetheyusedtotelllies. TheAyahsindicatethattheyspeakwellanddowrong; thus. their acts do not reflect their hearts. Consequently, they are liars. Some recite the Ayah as follows: because they used to tell lies. They apparently admit the outward rites of Islam but inwardly they belie the Prophet and revelation. Thus, Allah mentions that they are lower than the disbelievers in Hellfire. Allah states, Verily, the hypocrites will be in the lowest depth (grade) of the Fire; no helper will you find for them. The Muslims of true faith are indeed believers. They combine submission and humility to Allah; obey Him, and fight in His Cause sincerely in true faith. Thus, they possess truthful tongues, good deeds, and sincere hearts that entertain fear, hope, sincerity, love of Allah, and a longing for His Paradise, while fearing His Punishment (may He be Exalted and Glorified).
Allah referred to the truthful believer in His Statement, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another and The believers are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their hearts and when His Verses (this Qur’ân) are recited unto them, they (i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their Lord (Alone); andtheAyahthatfollowsit.
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Therefore, we should realize these great attributes and adopt them, especially, devotion to Allah. The testimony of faith enjoins seeking Allah Alone in worship, offering acts of worship exclusively for His Sake with hearts filled with love and devotion, and longing to remember Him. Allah (glory be to Him) states, And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allâh, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him) Allah (Glorified be He) also says: So worship Allâh (Alone) by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only. Surely the religion (i.e. the worship and the obedience) is for Allâh only. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) also says: So, call you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلمand the believers) upon (or invoke) Allâh making (your) worship pure for Him (Alone) (by worshipping none but Him and by doing religious deeds sincerely for Allâh’s sake only and not to show off and not to set up rivals with Him in worship), however much the disbelievers (in the Oneness of Allâh) may hate (it). Allah (Glorified be He) also says: That is because Allâh — He is the Truth (the only True God of all that exists, Who has no partners or rivals with Him), and what they (the polytheists) invoke besides Him, it is Bâtil (falsehood).
Indeed, sincerity to Allah is the basis of the word of Tawhid, i.e. there is none worthy of worship except Allah. It rejects the worship of any other along with Allah and approves the worship of Allah Alone. Faith is not valid or acceptable except by sincerity to Allah. Similarly, a Muslim or believer cannot have sound faith except through devoting their worship to Allah and having firm belief in Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him); testifying that he is Allah's Messenger to jinn and mankind. This testimony results in the following of His Shari`ah, being steadfast upon His way, and observing the restrictions that the Prophet (peace be upon him) determined.
Both these
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declarations that there is no one has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Messenger are the basis of faith. A Muslim is required to be truthful in them and must fulfill its duties i.e. verbal and practical commandments and prohibitions. The neglect of any of these reveals deficiency in faith and Tawhid. It is thus evident that these two testimonies enjoin duties to be fulfilled and lay down prohibitions to be avoided. According to the authentic Hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, I have been commanded to fight against people until they testify that no one has the right to be worshipped but Allah. If they say it, then they save their lives and property from me except if there is right (for others in them).Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) raised this Hadith as a proof for fighting those who refused to pay Zakah. He said, "Zakah is a due right by the testimony of faith.)" Accordingly, the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) obeyed him and fought against those people.
The Ayahof Surah Bara'ah (Surah number 9)explains these rights where Allah states, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) AlMa‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic
Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is AllMighty, AllWise. The believers, men or women, are those who believe in Allah's Divinity and Oneness, and devote their acts to him in firm belief in his Messenger (peace be upon him). Thus, they are sincere supporters of one another. They love and advise each other to hold fast to truth and patience. They also cooperate in righteousness and piety.
These are the characteristics of believers and their good manners that leave no room for hatred, malice, envy, cheating, betrayal, perjury, lying, injustice, disappointment of their brothers in Islam, or breach of trust. They are truthful brothers in Islam.
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Muslims who fulfill these requirements are indeed truthful in their belief and their hearts will be filled with faith and firm love of Allah.
If you find in yourself any inclination to deceive your brother, thus you have weak faith and lack of sincerity to Allah. If perfect faith exists, no deficiency will occur. Indeed, the vices of envy, deception, perjury, and injustice are evident tokens of the deficient faith, lack of sincerity, and weak Islam.
Similarly, all sins are tokens of weak belief. Some sins may lead to the complete loss of faith such as abandoning Salah, which is regarded as major disbelief and apostasy. This holds true even if a person abandons it without denying its obligation, according to the preponderant opinion of the two main views of scholars on this issue. As for those who deny the obligation of Salah, they are regarded as disbelievers according to the unanimous agreement of scholars.
The same is applied to one who denies the obligation of Zakah, fasting of Ramadan, Hajj to the Sacred House, Jihad (fighting against Allah's enemies), or other matters that are taken for granted.
Similarly, if one denies any known forbidden matters such as adultery, wine, undutifulness to parents, usury, and other like things that are taken for granted as being unlawful, this takes one out of the fold Islam. May Allah protect us against this!
It is evident that sins may cause the loss of faith completely. They may take one out of the fold of Islam as illustrated in the aforementioned examples. The scholars of the schools of Fiqh explained this issue in detail in a separate chapter entitled "Chapter on the ruling on the Apostate". It is an important chapter that is worthy of study and due concern.
However, some sins weaken the faith
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such as consuming alcoholic beverages, usury, undutifulness to both or one of one's parents, backbiting, talebearing, envy, and injustice. If a person commits one of these acts without deeming them lawful, it will cause deficiency in his faith. According to Ahl AlSunnah walJama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim community) faith increases by acts of obedience and decreases by sins.
The weakness of faith is in accordance to the severity of the sins a person commits.
For example, some may commit the sin of Isbal (lowering garment), shaving the beard, and other prohibited matters. Many Muslims do not pay attention to their clothes or beards. They may shave off their beards or trim them and drag their garments, which are all sinful acts that weaken faith and decrease conviction. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated in the authentic Hadith, Trim closely the mustache, let the beard grow, and act against the polytheists. (Agreed upon by Imams AlBukhari and Muslim).The Prophet (may Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon him) also stated, Trim closely the mustache, and grow beard, and act against the Magi. (Related by Muslim in his Sahih)The Hadiths that forbid imitating the disbelievers and command to act contrary to them are many.
One should take into consideration that the Prophet (peace be upon him) clarified and called Muslims to every good act and warned them against every evil. He (may peace be upon him) stated, What is below the ankles of a lower garment is condemned to the Fire (Hell). (Narrated by AlBukhari in his Sahih)The lower garment, trousers, cloaks, and the like should not be worn beneath the anklebones. If one does so, he is liable to the punishment referred to with regard to men. As for women, they must wear their clothes loose and cover
their feet as well. Also, men are not permissible to imitate women by trailing their garments or anything else.
It is significant to alert that many people ignore offering Salah though it is the pillar of Islam and the most important religious obligation after the two declarations of faith.
It is necessary to pay great attention to and offer it at the due time with Muslims in Masjids (mosques) for men. One finds that some people perform Salah in houses. They may even offer one Salah and abandon another, although this is a great mistake and an abominable act.
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The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the authentic Hadith, The matter that differentiates us from them (the disbelieversandhypocrites)isSalah;ifanyone(ofus)abandonsit,hebecomesadisbeliever. (NarratedbyImamAhmadand
A h lu lSunan (authors of Hadith compilations classified by jurisprudential themes) with an authentic Isnad (chain of transmitters) on the authority of Buraydah Ibn AlHusayn (may Allah be pleased with him). Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, What makes one a disbeliever and a polytheist is abandoning Salah. (Related by Muslim in His Sahih (compilation of authentic Hadiths) on the authority of Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) once resolved to set fire to the houses of those who do not offer Salah in congregation and offer it in their houses. He (peace be upon him) said, I thought of giving orders that the Salah commence and a man leads people in Salah, then I would go with some men having bundles of wood to men who neglect [the congregational]Salahandsetfiretotheirhousewhiletheyareinsidethem. (AgreeduponbyAlBukhariandMuslim)
This shows the obligation of offering Salah in congregation in Masjids and that whoever refrains from this deserves punishment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever hears the call (Adhan) and does not come (to the Masjid), then there is no valid Salah for him unless he is legally excused. (Narrated by Ibn Majah, AlDaraqutni, and AlHakim with an Isnad correspondent to the conditions laid by Muslim for the authentic Hadith.)
Once Ibn `Abbas was asked about the excuse. He said, "It is fear or illness."Moreover, it is reported in the Sahih of Muslim on the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that A blind man said, "O Messenger of Allah, I have no one to take me to the Masjid. Then, am I permitted to offer Salah in my house? The Prophet (peace be uponhim)askedhim,"DoyouhearthecalltoSalah?Hesaid,"Yes."He(theProphetthen)said,"Then,respondtoit." Then,how can a person who fears Allah and hopes for His pleasure allow himself to offer Salah in his house and resemble the hypocrites! Allah said about the hypocrites, Verily, the hypocrites seek to deceive Allâh, but it is He Who deceives them. And when they stand up for AsSalât (the prayer), they stand with laziness and to be seen of men, and they do not remember Allâh but little. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said concerning them, The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are `Isha' (Night) Prayer and Fajr (Dawn) Prayer. If they knew what (goodness) there is in them, they would have come tothem,eveniftheyhadtocrawl. (AgreeduponbyImamsAlBukhariandMuslim).
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`Abdullah Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, "I saw the time when no one stayed away from it (i.e. congregational Salah) except a hypocrite whose hypocrisy is evident. The man (from the Sahabah) would be brought swaying (due to weakness) between two men until he was set up in the row.(Related by Muslim in His Sahih).
Allah (Exalted be He) said, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) AlMa‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât), and give the Zakât, and obey Allâh and His Messenger. Allâh will have His Mercy on them. Surely Allâh is AllMighty, AllWise. Allah
(Glorified be He) also says: Guard strictly (five obligatory) AsSalawât (the prayers) especially the middle Salât (i.e. the best prayer ‘Asr ). And stand before Allâh with obedience [and do not speak to others during the Salât (prayers)]. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, And perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât), and give Zakât and bow down (or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with ArRaki‘ûn.
Indeed, among the most important matters of Salah is Khushu' i.e. offering it with utmost submission, and undertaking it with both heart and soul. A praying person should offer his Salah while he is humble, assured, and submissive to his Lord with his heart attentive and hoping for Allah's Mercy and fearing His Punishment. He or she should not offer it rapidly such as the hypocrites or without submission but should concentrate on Salah till he finishes it bearing in mind that he or she is before Allah hoping for His Mercy and fearing of His punishment. Allah (Glorified be He) said, Successful indeed are the believers. 
Those who offer their Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. Then, He (glory be to Him) mentioned some of the dignified characteristics of the believers and said in the end of them, And those who strictly guard their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their fixed stated hours). These are indeed the inheritors Who shall inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever. Moreover, it is not permissible for a Muslim to imitate the enemies of Allah from the hypocrites concerning leniency
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and sluggishness in offering Salah and performing it without tranquility. It is necessary to take care of Salah and offer it in congregation at its due times in accordance with the Shari`ah of Allah. This was the situation
of the Prophet and His Sahabah (companions) and those who follow them in righteousness and one is required to seek guidance from their acts.
Zakah (obligatory charity) is among the greatest religious obligations and is the third of the Pillars of Islam. Therefore, it is necessary to pay it great attention and give it to those who deserve it.
Likewise, Sawm (fasting) of Ramadan, a Muslim should take due care and observance of this pillar, for it is the fourth pillar of the five pillars of Islam. Sawm should be observed from things that Allah prohibited and performed in accordance with the teachings of Shari`ah so that one's sins are removed by it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever observes Sawm (fasting) during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking Allah'sreward,hispastsinswillbeforgiven. (AgreeduponbyImamsAlBukhariandMuslim).
As for Hajj (Pilgrimage), it is obligatory only on those who can afford it. A Muslim should offer Hajj once during their lifetime on condition that they are able to perform it. Allah (Glorified be He) said, And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka‘bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allâh, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance,provisionandresidence) ItisamongthecausesofforgivenessandhavingadmittancetoParadise.The Prophet said, (The performance of) `Umra after `Umrah helps to expiate for the sins committed in between and the reward of Mabrur Hajj (the one accepted by Allah) is nothing except Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also says, Whoever performs Hajj and does not use obscene language or commits a sin, will return (pure of sin) as on the day their mother gave birth to them. (AgreeduponbyImamsAlBukhariandMuslim).
Enjoining good and forbidding evil are of the most important obligations after the five pillars of Islam. They are from the characteristics of the believers and their great deeds. Allah (glory be to Him) said, The believers,
men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) AlMa‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden); they perform AsSalât (IqâmatasSalât) Allah advanced enjoining good and forbidding
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evil before Salah in this Ayah (Qur'anic Verse) owing to its great position and being in the serious interest of Muslims. This great rank is also assured by the fact that Allah mentioned it prior to belief in His Saying, You
[true believers in Islâmic Monotheism, and real followers of Prophet Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) and his Sunnah] are the best of peoples ever raised up for mankind; you enjoin AlMa‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm has ordained) and forbid Al Munkar (polytheism, disbelief and all that Islâm has forbidden), and you believe in Allâh.
Therefore, all the believers should enforce this norm amongst them and recommend one anther to stick to truth and stay patient according to these noble Ayahs and other Ayahs and Hadiths to this effect. Among these Ayahs is Allah's saying, By Al‘ Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (AlMa‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (AlMunkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). If a Muslim sees his Muslim brother showing leniency towards Salah or committing some prohibitions, he should advise him gently and kindly. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says, Invite (mankind, O Muhammad صلى االله عليه و سلم) to the Way of your Lord (i.e. Islâm) with wisdom (i.e. withtheDivineRevelationandtheQur’ân)andfairpreaching,andarguewiththeminawaythatisbetter. TheProphet(peace be upon him) said, Verily, Allah is kind and He loves kindness in all the matter. Moreover, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Stick to kindness; it is not to be found in anything but that it adds to its beauty and it is not withdrawn from anything but it makes it defective. 
If you find your brother sluggish towards offering Salah in congregation, you are required to advise him mildly using wisdom. If he appears to be illnatured with his brothers, you should advise him to behave modestly with his brothers and be good with them. Indeed, this applies to all bad deeds; if one sees his Muslim brother undutiful to one of or both his parents, relatives, wife, or family, he should advise him gently, wisely, and kindly saying, "O brother, fear Allah! The best person is he who proves good to his own family. It should be explained to him that advising, honoring, and keeping apart all harm and offenses from one's family are obligatory. A Muslim has to direct them wisely to what is right and forbid them from what is wrong.
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Allah (may he be Exalted) said, O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones Addressing His Prophet (peace be upon him), Allah (Glorified be He) said, And enjoin AsSalât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)].
Therefore, enjoining good and forbidding evil is among the most important duties and obligations of men and women alike, as indicated by the Book of Allah and Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. Allah (Exalted be He) said, The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) AlMa‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from AlMunkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoever among you sees something abominable should rectify it with his hand; and if he is not able enough to do so, then he should do it with his tongue; and if he is not able enough to do so, (even) then he should (abhor it) from his heart, and that is the least of Faith. (Related by Muslim in His Sahih).This is the way of enforcing this obligation among believers, men and women.
If Muslims neglect the norms of enjoining good and forbidding evil, the bad deeds will spread among them and it is feared that general punishments may befall them. The Prophet (peace be upon him said, If people see wrongdoing committed and do not change it, Allah is about to punish them all. (Related by Imam Ahmad with an
authentic Isnad on the authority of Abu Bakr AlSiddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). Allah says in his Glorious Book concerning the children of Israel Those among the Children of Israel who disbelieved were cursed by the tongue
of Dâwûd (David) and ‘ Isâ (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). That was because they disobeyed (Allâh and the Messengers) and were ever transgressing beyond bounds. They used not to forbid one another from AlMunkar (wrong, evildoing, sins, polytheism,
disbelief)whichtheycommitted.Vileindeedwaswhattheyusedtodo. ItisrelatedthattheProphet(peacebeuponhim) said when reciting this Ayah, Never, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, you either enjoin good, forbid evil, and prevent the fool from his wrongdoings, (in another narration
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the wrongdoer) and direct him towards goodness in a right way or Allah will certainly befall you with troubles and then curse you as Hecursedthem(theJewsandtheChristians). (RelatedbyAbuDawud)MayAllahprotectusfromeveryevilandtrouble.Nodoubtthis matter is greatly important. It is worthy of Muslims great attention. This is because enjoining good and forbidding evil are among the causes of setting aright both the laypeople and the prominent people.
Allah (Glorified be He) said, By Al‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al
M a‘ ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (AlMunkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). Allah illustrates that these fourth characteristics distinguish the believers whom Allah will save from His torment in this worldly life and in the Hereafter. Allah ruled that those other than them are losers. He affirmedthatbyswearing,saying: ByAl‘Asr(thetime). Indeed,Allah(glorybetoHim)isthemosttruthful.Heisnotinneedof taking an oath but He did to assure the matter and to warn against causes of loss. "Al`Asr" refers to the time i.e. the day and night, for they are the times during which people fulfill their deeds. He (Exalted be He) is free to swear by whatever He likes from His Creatures. In other positions, for example, Allah swears by the heaven, AlTariq (the nightcomer, i.e. the bright star), the heaven, holding the big stars, the sun and its brightness; the Glorious Morning Light, the Fig, and things other than these. Allah (Exalted be He) swears by what He wills of His creatures that indicate His Greatness and Exaltedness and that He is worthy of worship (may He be Exalted and Glorified). People are not allowed to swear but by Allah (glory be to Him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Whoeverisgoingtotakeanoath,lethimswearbyAllahorremainssilent. AndHe(PeaceandBlessingsofAllahbeuponhim)said, Whoever swears by anyone other than Allah commits an act of Shirk. Accordingly, no one is allowed to swear except by Allah (may He Exalted and Glorified).
It is not permissible to swear by anyone other than Allah, be it a Prophet, a pious person, an angel, honesty, etc. One is only permitted to swear by Allah (glory be to Him) whereas Allah is free to swear by whatever He likes for He is the MostJust and the MostFair Who owns everything.
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He has full power over His creations. This indicates His Greatness and His Worthiness of worship apart from anyone other than Him.
Taking an affirmative oath by TIME that all people are in loss and liable to grievous ends Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of
good deeds (AlMa‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (AlMunkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause duringpreachingHisreligionofIslâmicMonotheismorJihâd). Thosearethewinnersandthehappiestpeople.Obrothers,weshould acquire these truthful characteristics of believers and recommend one another to observe patience until we love them sincerely and believe in them.
It is known that faith should be in both words and deeds. It increases by obedience and decreases by evil deeds. AhlulSunnah (those adhering to the Sunnah) may also say that Iman (faith) is in words, deeds, and belief and it increases by obedience and decreases by sins. Both sayings are correct, for faith is the belief of the heart, the saying of the tongue, and the work of the body. Some acts such as Jihad (fighting in the cause of Allah), Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj and other good deeds are among the branches of faith that faith is dependent on them i.e. if they increase, faith increases and vice versa. This is the opinion of AhlulSunnah walJama`ah (those adhering to the Sunnah and the Muslim main body), the Sahabah, and those who followed them in righteousness.
The testimony of faith i.e. there is no deity but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj, Jihad, and other prescribed acts are also among the branches of faith. The more these good deeds increase, the better Iman a servant has and vice versa. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Faith has more than seventy branches, the most premier of which is the declaration that there is no one worthy of worship but Allah, and the humblest of which is removing harmful things from the path, and shynessisoneofthebranchesoffaith. (AgreeduponbyImamsAlBukhariandMuslim).
Verily, people may not win success or salvation in the worldly life or the hereafter
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except by these four things: (1) True faith. (2) Righteous deeds, which despite its inclusion in faith, are mentioned for more confirmation and elaboration. The righteous deeds are the consequence of faith, indeed. (3) Recommending one another to the truth. (4) Recommending one another to patience. Allah points them out owing to their great importance and the need of Muslims to them. Indeed, the true winners are those who have sincere and firm belief in Allah (glory be to Him) and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and believe that their Lord is the True One and believe in His Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him) and all Messengers (peace and blessings be upon them), Allah's Books, His Angels, the last Day, the Divine preordainment, and all that Allah and His Messenger conveyed.
Whoever fulfills these things is the successful and the true winner. As for the third characteristic, namely, recommending one another to the truth, it is among the righteous deeds and the branches of faith but Allah referred to it because of its great importance. This characteristic includes mutual advice, cooperation in good, Da`wah (the call to Allah), enjoining good, and forbidding evil. The Prophet peacebeuponhim)said, Religionisbasedongivingadvice.Uponthiswesaid,"Forwhom?"He(peacebeuponhim)replied,"For Allah, His Book, His Messenger, and for the leaders and the general Muslims."
Then, Allah mentioned the fourth characteristic, namely, recommending one another to patience owing to the dire need to it. These are the characteristics of the happiest people and the true winners, men or women, who have sincere and firm belief in Allah and the Last Day, seek Allah only through their deeds, profess His Oneness, believe in Him, in what he mentioned in His Book and His Messenger (peace be upon him) and what he informed of and they ratify their belief by righteous deeds.
Those people offer Salah, pay Zakah, observe Sawm, perform Hajj, strive in doing good deeds, enjoin good, forbid evil and other acts of faith including the third characteristic, namely recommending good and forbidding evil. Allah referred to this act owing to its great importance so that people may observe it and advise one another, enjoin good, forbid evil, and cooperate in righteousness and piety calling to Allah and guiding people to Him. As for the fourth characteristic, namely
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recommending one another to patience, Allah mentioned it owing to its great importance and the need to it. One cannot fulfill this matter except by the Help of Allah and patience.
Therefore, the believers should be patient in fulfilling the truth and refraining from falsehood and seeking Allah's assistance in this. If they do so, they will gain great reward, the praised consequence, and success in this worldly life and in the hereafter. Allah (glory be to Him) said to His Prophet (peace be upon him), So be patient. Surely, the (good) end is for AlMuttaqûn (the pious) And He (GlorifiedbeHe)said, Oyouwhobelieve!Endureandbemorepatient(thanyourenemy),andguardyourterritorybystationingarmy units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allâh, so that you may be successful. There are many Ayahs which assure this meaning.
Indeed, people are in bad need of supplicating to Allah and asking Him for guidance. He is the One who guides to what is right and grants success. Whom He guides is the rightly guided and whom He lets go astray has no one to guide him. Indeed, there is no might nor strength save in Allah, the Most High, the Most Great.
The believer, man or woman, should supplicate to Allah and ask Him for guidance and success. They should work truthfully and sincerelyrecommendingoneanothertothetruthandpatience.Allah(glorybetoHim)said, AndyourLordsaid:“InvokeMe,[i.e. believe in My Oneness (Islâmic Monotheism) and ask Me for anything] I will respond to your (invocation). Allah (Glorified be He) also: 
And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad صلى االله عليه وسلم) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So letthemobeyMeandbelieveinMe,sothattheymaybeledaright. AbelievershouldhumblyandsubmissivelyaskAllahtohelphim fulfill His obligations due to Him or to His servants.
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Faith, as mentioned, is more than seventy branches. The most premier of which is the declaration that no one has the right to worshipped except Allah whereas the simplest of which is to remove harmful things, such as a stone, a thorn, and the like from roads. Shyness is among the branches of faith, for it is a noble mannerism dwelling the heart that holds a person back from low morals and evil deeds and encourages him to high moral standards and the best of deeds. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, Shyness brings forth nothing but goodness. In another narration, Shyness is a virtue through and through. (both of these narrations are related by Muslim in his Sahih).The praised shyness does not call for neglecting the religious commandments or weaken religious zeal and extension of advice to believers. If shyness calls to that, it will not be shyness but weakness and cowardliness that does not befit a believer .
I invoke Allah (may He be Exalted and Glorified) by His Most Beautiful Names and Attributes to grant us all useful knowledge and righteous deeds and to help us and you comprehend His Religion and adhere to it. We ask Him to make us and you of those who hasten to His Pleasure, adhere to His orders, love one another for His Sake, and recommend one another to the truth and patience. Also, I supplicate to Him to set right the affairs of all Muslims and set right the conditions of Muslims everywhere, grant them the comprehension of the religion, let the best among them be their rulers, and protect them from the wrongdoers. May Allah grant our government success in every goodness and help it do it; set right its retinue; grant it success in all actions, statements, and conduct! May Allah benefit the country and people with it and increase its supporters in goodness! I ask him to bless this institution and benefit the Ummah with it. He is the Most Generous. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon His servant and Messenger Muhammad and upon his Household, Companions, and those who followed them in righteousness!
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