01/07/2022
Forty Hadiths Series
*** on Good Moral Values (1)
The statements and actions of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him) contain much that we need: rules and advice, reminders, examples, warnings and encouragement. The collection of hadiths in Forty Hadiths on Good Moral Values by Yahya Ondigo contains some of the Prophet’s statements on positive ethics and attributes that all people—Muslims and non-Muslims—should strive to adopt in the way we deal with others; we need to work to incorporate these morals and principles into our daily habits. The author has commented on each hadith, presenting the issue in a way designed to help readers implement what they have learned. He writes: Demonstrating earnest leniency, tolerance and benevolence is the best way for the beauty of Islam to be seen in our own lives with our non-Muslim family members, neighbours, colleagues, workmates, schoolmates and all our fellow human beings that we interact with. Benevolence in whatever actions we undertake is the best form of da‘wah that we can give to another person. This is because our actions speak louder than our words: no matter how much we try to convince people that Muslims are generous, peaceful, tolerant, kind, amicable, charitable, and so on, words alone are not convincing enough. If our moral values and compassion are not reflected in our actions, the words become meaningless.
*** on Poisonous Social Habits (2)
In this unique collection of Forty Hadiths on Poisonous Social Habits, Yahya Ondigo emulates the tradition of Imam an-Nawawi and other great scholars. He has compiled hadiths (records of the guidance) of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and briefly commented on each. This well-researched and thoroughly documented book offers both Muslim and non-Muslim readers a clear understanding of how the divinely-inspired words and actions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blesings be upon him) apply to our contemporary societies. Such social ills as lying, greed, corruption, smoking, gambling and others have been discussed along with their social implications. After elaborating each issue, the author has offered wise and insightful advice to get rid of that particular social habit. In this beautifully-worded piece, his deep faith in Islam shines through along with his love and concern for humanity. This compilation is meant to awaken our realization of the causes and effects of these poisonous habits so that perhaps we may be reminded, take admonition, and try to change our situations. As is the rule, Allah will not change the condition of a people either from bad to good, or vice versa, until the people change what is in themselves.
*** on Leadership and Governance (3)
Leadership and governance is an arduous and exigent obligation, involving a high level of accountability in this world as well as in the hereafter. Leaders can make or break the social and moral structure of the society. A corrupt oppressor will have iniquitous followers and advisors, and will instill the same characteristics in the masses as well. On the contrary, a God-fearing, just ruler will ensure a morally sound society under his rule.
Forty Hadiths on Leadership and Governance brings forth the stark realities of the leadership crisis in the present era in the light of authentic hadiths. In particular, it highlights the way Muslim leaders of Islamic states have neglected the teachings of the Qur’an, Hadith, and Sunnah and deteriorated morally, losing their high status in the world. It emphasizes that the ideologies they are applying have produced nothing but economic crises, exploitation, continuous national and international wars, dictatorship, oppression, and chaos.
This invaluable piece of work teaches the readers – in the light of authentic hadiths – what a true Muslim leader is like. It can also be every leader’s guidebook illumining the path through examples from the lives of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and teaching how Muslims can regain their past glory by holding on to the rope of Allah and Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace be upon him).
