Words of Wisdom

Words of Wisdom

1986 5 May 10 Words of Wisdom (328) Imam Abu Dawood1 (202-275AH), who hailed from Sijistan near Kandhar, was a pupil of Imam Ahmad Ibn Hambal2. He once said that during the lengthy journeys he undertook in pursuit of knowledge, he wrote down 5,00,000 traditions. Of these he selected 8,800 for his magnum opus, the Sunan of Abu Dawood. He singles out four Ahadith for special mention. If their meaning really penetrates one’s heart, he says, they will give one ample religious understanding. The four traditions are:

“Deeds are according to their intentions.”

“One of the finest Islamic virtues a person can have is for him to forsake vain talk.”

“A believer is not true in his faith until he wants for his brother what he wants for himself.”

“Lawful things are clear, as are unlawful things. In between them are matters of dubious legality. Whoever steers clear of the doubtful things will steer his faith on a safe course.”

There is a rich collection of quotations attributed to Imam Abu Dawood: “Hidden desires consists of a lust for power.” “The best word is that which enters the ear without permission,” and “Whoever makes do with modest food and clothing has given his body a rest.” These are but a few of this collection.

When a person discovers faith in depth, he attaches supreme importance to realities rather than forms. Vain talk – that which has no meaning – holds no attraction for him. He does not differentiate between friends and strangers in his treatment of people. He becomes scrupulous in his actions – avoiding even doubtful things. He has no desire to raise himself in the eyes of men. It is his very humility, and the simplicity of his lifestyle, that invest his words with the force to penetrate people’s hearts.

1. The compiler of one of the six correct books of Sunni traditions, called the Sunnan Abi Daud.

2. The founder of the fourth orthodox School of the Sunnis, was born at Baghdad A.H. 164, A.D. 780.