"I came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) and said: 'O Messenger of Allah, tell me of a (good) deed, for I have become old and weak and overweight.' He said: 'Proclaim the greatness of Allah (say Allahu Akbar) one hundred times, praise Allah (say Al-Hamdu Lillah) one hundred times, and glorify Allah (say Subhan-Allah) one hundred times. (That is) better than one hundred horses bridled and saddled for the sake of Allah, better than one hundred sacrificial camels, and better than (freeing) one hundred slaves.'"
Narrated by It was narrated that Umm Hani' said:
Context
In this hadith, Umm Hani' seeks guidance from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) regarding good deeds suitable for her old age and physical condition. The Prophet (ﷺ) advises her to engage in dhikr, stating that such acts are more valuable than significant material sacrifices. This emphasizes the accessibility of worship for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Modern Application
This principle encourages people, especially the elderly or those with limitations, to engage in simple acts of worship like dhikr. It highlights that sincere remembrance of Allah can be more rewarding than grand gestures.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr) because it illustrates the value of simple acts of worship and remembrance in Islam.
And he who does not find [a slave] - then a fast for two months consecutively before they touch one another; and he who is unable - then the feeding of sixty poor persons. That is for you to believe [completely] in Allah and His Messenger; and those are the limits [set by] Allah. And for the disbelievers is a painful punishment.
It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.
Allah will not impose blame upon you for what is meaningless in your oaths, but He will impose blame upon you for [breaking] what you intended of oaths. So its expiation is the feeding of ten needy people from the average of that which you feed your [own] families or clothing them or the freeing of a slave. But whoever cannot find [or afford it] - then a fast of three days [is required]. That is the expiation for oaths when you have sworn. But guard your oaths. Thus does Allah make clear to you His verses that you may be grateful.
And complete the Hajj and 'umrah for Allah. But if you are prevented, then [offer] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And do not shave your heads until the sacrificial animal has reached its place of slaughter. And whoever among you is ill or has an ailment of the head [making shaving necessary must offer] a ransom of fasting [three days] or charity or sacrifice. And when you are secure, then whoever performs 'umrah [during the Hajj months] followed by Hajj [offers] what can be obtained with ease of sacrificial animals. And whoever cannot find [or afford such an animal] - then a fast of three days during Hajj and of seven when you have returned [home]. Those are ten complete [days]. This is for those whose family is not in the area of al-Masjid al-Haram. And fear Allah and know that Allah is severe in penalty.