Hadith No. 15 8 (38) A does ol a ol ve On the authority of Aba Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (38) said: "One who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either speak good or keep silent, and one who believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his neighbor, and one who believes in Allah and the Last Day should be generous to his guest.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim) “One who believes in Allah and the Last Day" is how the Messenger of Allah (38) described a sincere servant who has true faith — the kind which saves him from Allah's punishment and obtains for him His approval. Because it shows how to perfect religion through good manners and behavior, the hadith has been called "half of Islam.” The first portion cautions the believer against carelessness in speech, for one who believes in the Last Day must know that his tongue can be a source of harm to him in the Hereafter. In addition to avoiding what does not concern him, as discussed under Hadith No. 12, the believer is commanded here to consider the result of what he wishes to say. If his speech would be deserving of reward from Allah, then it is preferable to silence; otherwise, silence is better for him. Allah has informed us: 40M) Sab oe bait "One utters no word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record].""75 Some early scholars considered silence a virtue, although this is not an absolute rule. For example, silence in the face of injustice when one is able to prevent it is definitely sinful, as it is when help is needed for someone but no one asks. Good advice and dawah with wisdom should not be neglected. And the Messenger of Allah (&) warned that failure to mention Allah in a gathering would result in regret on the Day of Judgement. So neither is silence always preferable nor is speech; rather, regard for the outcome of both options in this world and the next is advised. Sufficient in this respect is the hadith narrated by al-Bukhari: “Indeed, a servant [of Allah] may say a word that pleases Allah without paying attention to it by which Allah will raise him degrees in rank. And indeed, a servant may say a word that angers Allah without paying attention to it, which will cause him to fall into Hellfire.” As for neighbors, Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) has ordered good treatment of them. in His Book® and the Prophet (3) recalled that Gabriel continued to counsel him concerning the neighbor until he thought that he might make him an heir.7” 75 Surah Qaf, 50:18, 76 See Surah an-Nisaa’, 4:36. 77 Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim.The neighbor has been defined as someone who lives in the same house or building, someone who lives next door, someone who lives in the neighborhood (which extends to 40 houses in every direction), and someone who lives in the same town. Upon being asked by his wife, ‘A’ishah, to which of her two neighbors should she send her gift, the Prophet (3) replied, “To the one whose door is nearest you." Generally, one should be concerned about his neighbor and assist him, or at least refrain from annoying him? whether Muslim or non-Muslim, whether near or farther away. At a time when food was considered the best portion of one’s wealth, Allah's Messenger (i) urged sharing it with his neighbors and said, "The believer is not one who eats his fill while his neighbor is hungry."*° Generosity to the guest means, first and foremost, pleasant speech and cordial treatment, including service and attention to his needs. Hospitality is normally expressed by offering some kind of food or drink, according to the circumstances of the guest and his host, and generosity is encouraged in this aspect. However, the Prophet () prohibited a guest from causing difficulty for his host® and advised the host not to burden himself beyond what is readily available’? When someone voluntarily gives preference to a guest over himself or incurs some hardship for his sake, it is out of his own virtue and noble character and not out of Islamic obligation. Generosity to one’s neighbor and guest, when done in obedience and seeking the acceptance of Allah, is an act of worship and therefore should be free of ostentatiousness and extravagance. Accordingly, the reward for this deed will not be diminished if the recipient happens to be wealthy or if what is offered is little in his estimation, and Allah (subhdnahu wa ta‘ala) is the best judge of intentions. 78 Narrated by al-Bukhar 79 This is the minimum of one's duty toward his neighbor. 80 Narrated by al-Hakim and at-Tabarani - saheeh, 81. Ina hadith narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim, 82 In a hadith graded saheeh narrated by Ahmad and at-Tabarani.