Surau Sri Bahagia

TRUE NOBLE AND BRINGING HAPPINESS TO OTHERS

(Dedicated to Brother Ali – A true Noble Man)

Before we specify the hadith, take a couple of moments to make this inquiry: who is the noblest individual you know? For what reason do you think he is the most honorable? 

Now imagine if we can help alleviate the hardships of people in trouble, feeding the hungry, releasing people who are burdened with debt and making others happy.

Numerous times, we judge individuals by certain societal criteria and outer elements, however is this truly the most precise method for judging individuals? We should see by reviewing this hadith.

Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d As-Sa`id:

A man passed by Allah's Messenger and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) asked a man sitting beside him, "What is your opinion about this (passer-by)?" He replied, "This (passer-by) is from the noble class of people. By Allah, if he should ask for a lady's hand in marriage, he ought to be given her in marriage, and if he intercedes for somebody, his intercession will be accepted. Allah's Messenger kept quiet, and then another man passed by and Allah's Messenger asked the same man (his Companion) again, "What is your opinion about this (second) one?" He said, "O Allah's Messenger! This person is one of the poor Muslims. If he should ask a lady's hand in marriage, no one will accept him, and if he intercedes for somebody, no one will accept his intercession, and if he talks, no one will listen to his talk." Then Allah's Messenger said, "This (poor man) is better than such a large number of the first type (i.e. rich men) as to fill the earth." (This Hadith is Sahih. See Book 81, Hadith 36 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.)

“Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Q.S Al-Hujurat: 13]

Narrated Ibn `Umar that a man came to the Prophet and said: Oh Messenger of Allah,which of the people is more beloved to Allah and which of the deeds is so? The Messenger of Allah said: “The most beloved of people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people, and the most beloved deeds to Allah, the most High, is to bring happiness to a Muslim, or ease his hardship, or to pay off his debt for him, or to end his hunger. And it is more beloved to me to walk with a brother of mine (in Islam), to run an errand for him than to make I`tikaf (seclusion) in this Masjid (in reference to the Masjid of Al-Madinah) for a month. ( Thabrani in Al Mu'jam Al Kabir No. 13280, 12: 453. Sheikh Al Albani said that this hadith is mentioned as mentioned in Shahih Al Jaami '176).

Al Imam Hasan Al Bashri once sent some of his disciples to help others in trouble. He told his disciples, "Come to Thabit Al Banani, take him with you to help." 

When Thabit was approached, he said, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." His students then went back to Al Hasan Al Bashri, then they told him. Then Al Hasan Al Bashri said, "O my disciples, do you know that if you walk to help your relatives who need help is better than hajj after the pilgrimage?

Then they went back to Thabit and said like that. Thabit also abandoned the i'tikaf and followed Al Hasan Al Bashri's disciples to help others.

From the above hadith we know how the Prophet SAW strongly advocates to make others happy and let go of their difficulties is better than i'tikaf in Nabawi Mosque for a month.

Nevertheless, usually we don't have a favorable opinion of individuals in light of their great character, taqwa and modesty. Or maybe, we have a favorable opinion of them in view of their riches and status.

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The issue here is that riches and status are perspectives that Allah grant a few people with as a test. They are not the indication of extreme achievement all by themselves. 

Allah is The One who gave individuals wonderful bodies as well as riches as a test and Allah needs to perceive what individuals will do with these endowments that He conceded them with. 

This is an update since we regularly fall into this oversight; we get inspired by individuals' outside appearance, degrees, riches, garments/brands, autos, social status… and we accept this as honorability.

If these aspects could expand us in quietude, bring us closer to Allah and want to benefit His deen and serve mankind, then it is an incredible indicator of goodness. However, in the event that these angles are for acclaim among individuals, arrogance, pride, transgression, defiance… and so on, at that point this is an indication of destruction.

When wealth is in abundant take the opportunity to contribute part of what you own to those in need. If you fill their hearts with joy Allah will repay your generosity equally. One thing is true though, in the end you’ll get what you deserve.

“Learn to give without being told. Have empathy to know when a family member, a neighbor or friends are in need. Help them with our resources either with money, time or energy.

Some people may be blessed in worldly possessions, ‘fame and fortune’ but they still feel unhappy inside. And that is the prove that happiness is not measured by wealth, happiness is not measured by luxury, happiness is not measured by fame. The best source oa attaining happiness of the heart and spirit only comes from Him, the almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala.

This is why the happiest of mankind on earth is our Prophet Muhammad SAW, and  why is that? Empathy. Our Prophet SAW would always feel our suffering, and always show kindness, sympathy and compassion towards others. He wanted a safe, generous and emphatic place for his ummah.

As explained in verse 128 of Surah At-Taubah, Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says that:

“There has certainly come to you an apostle from among yourselves. Grievous to him is your distress; he has deep concern for you, and is most kind and merciful to the faithful”.

How can Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala allow anyone with great compassion to feel grief and sorrow, it would be incomprehensible. There is beyond a doubt to that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala will bring happiness to those who benefits other the most. especially when it comes from pure and sincere intentions.

Hopefully Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala makes us the people who always help our brothers, put happiness in their hearts, so that Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala gives happiness to us in the world and in the hereafter, Allahumma amin.

-HUSZAINI RAHMAN-