Giving the Salam

Abu Hurairah(ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, “You shall not enter Heaven unless you have Faith and your Faith is not complete until you show love towards one another. Would you want me to show you how you can achieve this? Shower your Salam upon one another.”

General meaning — When we give our salam to another Muslim and he answers it, we are actually praying for each other’s peace in life. Thus our relationship will become closer. This is one of the signs of people who have Faith. 
 

Giving Salam To Our Family

Anas (ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, “O my son, when you enter the house of your family, give the salam so that you and your family may receive Allah’s blessing."

General meaning — We often visit our relatives, friends and neighbors. Before we enter their houses or our own, we should say the salam. If we are visiting another person's house, we should leave if our salam is not answered after the third time. That is the etiquette of visiting. The purpose of saying the salam is so that we and our family may receive Allah's blessing. 

Say 'Bismillah' Before We Eat

Umar bin Abi Salamah (ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, "Say 'Bismillah', eat with your right hand and eat what is near you." 

General Meaning — No matter where we are, we should say 'Bismillah' when facing a meal. Always use our right hand and never with our left hand. Also , eat those food which are near to us and do not stretch our arms to take those food which are further away as this will only show a greedy attitude. 

Never Speak ill of a Meal

Abu Hurairah(ra) said."Rasulullah (saw) never once spoke ill of a meal. If he liked it, he ate it and if he did not like it, he left it untouched." 

General meaning — To speak ill of the food served by someone is bad. Such an act tells of someone ungrateful. Imagine the amount of hard work that goes into preparing and serving the food. It hurts a mother to hear her effort being slighted. Thus if you like it, eat it but if you don't, just leave it with gentle words and never with an angry tone.

To Gain Knowledge is a Duty

Rasulullah(saw) said, "To gain knowledge is a duty of every Muslim, male or female."

General Meaning— Knowledge is like a bright, guiding light in life. A person without knowledge will be in darkness. On the other hand, a knowledgeable person finds it easier to do a certain task which will allow him to earn his income. The aim to gain knowledge is to make it easier for us to serve Allah, for example, by giving charity from the income that we received. Furthermore, Allah will elevate the status of a knowledgeable person. 

The Virtue of Reading the Quran

Umamah (ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, "Read the Quran, for it will come in the Day of Qiyamah as a torch to those that had read and followed its teachings."

General Meaning— Studying and following the teaching of the Quran will bring a lot of goodness. Just by reading it is an ibadah. Every letter that is being read has a reward and each of this reward is multiplied by ten times. Such is the reward given to someone who reads the Quran. 

The Du'a Most Often Recited by Rasulullah (saw)

Rasulullah(saw) most often recited the following du'a, "Oh Allah, our Lord, grant upon us the happiness in this world and happiness in the hereafter and protect us from the torture of the hellfire." 

General meaning— As good Muslims, we should follow the habits of Rasulullah (saw). Thus, we are to recite the du'a most often recited by him. The du'a is short, simple and complete. Try to recite it after every prayer. 

It Is Sinful To Disobey Our Parents

Mughirah bin Shu'bah (ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, "verily, Allah forbids you from disobeying your parents." 

General Meaning— Allah commands every Muslim to care for his parents properly, with kindness and courtesy. We are to heed their advice. Never show our stubbornness and disobey them with harsh words. As their child, we should repay their kindness in providing for and bringing us up. To disobey our parents is a disgraceful act and a serious sin. 

Heaven Lies Under the Feet of Our Mother

Anas (ra) related that Rasulullah (saw) said, "Verily, Heaven lies under the feet of our mother."

General Meaning— Whoever intends to enter Heaven should respect and dignify his parents, especially his mother. Our mother has carried and given birth to us. Furthermore, her du'a will be granted by Allah. Thus, we must serve her well. 

To Receive and Give Gifts

Aishah (ra) related, "Rasuluallah (saw) received and gave gifts."

General Meaning— To give and receive gifts is a virtue. This practice can make our relationship much closer. Always exchange a gift with a gift. However, we should remember that the value of a gift is not in its price but in the sincerity that goes with it. 

Every Mumin Should Support One Another

Rasulullah (saws) said, "One mumin to another mumin is like a building that supports one another." 

General Meaning— Every mumin, regardless of his race or language, must cooperate with one another in doing good deeds. Whenever we know that our friend is weak in a certain matter, we should help and support him so that we can progress together. This is similar to a building where every wall, pillar, floor and roof supports one another so that the building can stand erect.