Thursday, August 21, 2008

Introducing Good Practice in Islam

[Sahih Muslim: Book 34 "Kitab Al-`Ilm" , Number 6466]

Jarir b. Abdullah (Radi Allah Anhu) reported that some desert Arabs clad in woolen clothes came to Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ). He (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) saw them in sad plight as they had been hard pressed by need. He (the Holy Prophet sal-allahu-alleihi- wasallam) exhorted people to give charity, but they showed some reluctance until (signs) of anger could be seen on his face. Then a person from the Ansar came with a purse containing silver. Then came another person and then other persons followed them in succession until signs of happiness could be seen on his (sacred) face.

Thereupon Allah's Messenger (sal-allahu- alleihi-wasallam ) said: "He who introduced some good practice in Islam which was followed after him (by people) he would be assured of reward like one who followed it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect. And he who introduced some evil practice in Islam which had been followed subsequently (by others), he would be required to bear the burden like that of one who followed this (evil practice) without their's being diminished in any respect."

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