Intent, choice, manners and kindness discussed

ABU DHABI // The importance of Hadiths, which describe the words, actions and habits of the Prophet Mohammed, will be the focus of discussions by imams during today’s sermon.

Four references to the Prophet’s Hadiths will be given, the first highlighting the importance of good intentions.

Imams will tell of how the Prophet said: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” The second Hadith imams will discuss refers to grey areas and the decisions made by people who are faced with them.

“In this noble Hadith, matters are divided into three types,” they will say. “Clear lawful actions, such as acts of worship, acts of goodness and embracing the best of manners; clear unlawful matters that Allah forbade Muslims to indulge in; while the third one is the doubtful areas.

“Muslims should seek sufficient knowledge about such suspicious things before getting involved in them. By so doing, one will adhere to the guidance of the Prophet when he said, ‘ So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honour’.” The third Hadith comes from when the Prophet said: “None of you will truly have faith until he wishes for his Muslim brother what he likes for himself.”

Imams will talk of how Muslims should strive to help people and touch their hearts with happiness.

Those who respect one another shall be among those who are promised a place in Paradise, they will say.

The last Hadith covers good manners and behaviour for Muslims.

Imams will emphasise that part of one’s true faith is keeping away from that which does not concern them. “A good Muslim is he who minds his own matters, respects others’ privacy, does not interfere uninvited in others’ affairs and keeps silent unless there is something good to say,” they will say.