The next thing mentioned in the Hadith found in Sahih Muslim, number 196, is sincerity towards the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. This includes striving to acquire the correct knowledge in order to act on his traditions. Those traditions which relate to Allah, the Exalted, in the form of worship and his blessed noble character towards the creation. Chapter 68 Al Qalam, verse 4:
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
It is to accept his commands and prohibitions at all times. This has been made a duty by Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 59 Al Hashr, verse 7:
“…And whatever the Messenger has given you – take; and what he has forbidden you – refrain from…”
Sincerity includes to give priority to his traditions over the actions of anyone else. As all paths to Allah, the Exalted, are closed except the path of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. Chapter 3 Alee Imran, verse 31:
“Say, [O Muḥammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins…”
One must love all those who supported him during his life and after his passing, whether they are from his family or his companions, may Allah be pleased with them all. Supporting those who walk on his path and teach his traditions is a duty on those who desire to be sincere to him. Sincerity also includes loving those who love him and disliking those who criticise him, irrespective, of ones relationship with these people. This is all summarised in a single Hadith found in Sahih Bukhari, number 16. It advises that one cannot have true faith until they love Allah, the Exalted, and the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, more than the entire creation. As mentioned earlier, this love must be shown through actions, not just words.
The next thing mentioned in the main Hadith under discussion is being sincere to the leaders of the community. This includes kindly offering them the best advice and supporting them in their good decisions by any means necessary, such as financial, or physical help. According to a Hadith found in Imam Malik’s Muwatta, book number 56, Hadith number 20, fulfilling this duty pleases Allah, the Exalted. Chapter 4 An Nisa, verse 59:
“O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you…”
This makes it clear that it is a duty to obey the leaders of society. But it is important to note, this obedience is a duty as long as one does not disobey Allah, the Exalted. There is no obedience to the creation if it leads to the disobedience of the Creator. In cases like this, revolting against leaders should be avoided as it only leads to the harm of innocent people. Instead, the leaders should be gently advised good and forbidden evil according to the teachings of Islam. One should advise others to act accordingly and always supplicate for the leaders to remain on the correct path. If the leaders remain straight the general public will remain straight, also.
To be deceitful towards the leaders is a sign of hypocrisy, which one must avoid at all times. Sincerity also includes striving to obey them in matters which unite society on good and warning against anything which causes disruption in society.
The next blog will discuss the last part of the main Hadith under discussion, namely, sincerity towards the general public.
PodHadith: Sincerity – Part 2: https://youtu.be/gzNLh2pBtk0
PodHadith: Sincerity – Part 2: https://fb.watch/3us_ZFSUm8/
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