Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1987
Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allah said to me: ‘Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out, and treat the people with good behavior.”
This hadith, recorded in Jami` at-Tirmidhi, is a statement made by Abu Dharr, one of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, in which he relates a saying of the Prophet.
The saying consists of three parts:
- “Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are”: Taqwa is often translated as “fear of God” or “piety,” but it encompasses much more than just fear. It refers to being mindful and aware of Allah’s presence, being conscious of His commands and prohibitions, and striving to live a life that is pleasing to Him. This part of the hadith reminds us that we should always be conscious of Allah, whether we are alone or in the company of others.
- “Follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out”: This means that when we commit a sin or do something wrong, we should immediately follow it up with a good deed to erase it. This can be a form of repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah. It also highlights the importance of not giving up on ourselves after making a mistake but rather, striving to make things right.
- “Treat the people with good behavior”: This part of the hadith encourages us to be kind and compassionate towards others. We should treat people with respect, fairness, and generosity, regardless of their status, religion, or ethnicity. This is a fundamental principle in Islam and is considered a means of earning Allah’s pleasure.
