• It is a fine thing when a believer praises and thanks God if good comes to him, and praises God and shows endurance if smitten by affliction. The believer is rewarded for (every good action), even for the morsel he raises to his wife”s mouth. (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 537)

• You have seen nothing like marriage for increasing the love between two people. (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 921)

• By his good character, a believer will attain the degree of one who prays during the night and fasts during the day. (Abu Dawood, Hadith 2233)

• He who has been a ruler over ten people will be brought shackled on the Day of Resurrection, until the justice (by which he ruled) loosens his chains or tyranny brings him to destruction. (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 1037)

• Happy is the man who avoids dissension, but how fine is the man who is afflicted and shows endurance. (Sunan of Abu Dawood, Hadith 1996)

• While a man was walking along a road, he became very thirsty and found a well. He lowered himself into the well, drank, and came out. Then (he saw) a dog protruding its tongue out with thirst. The man said: “This dog has become exhausted from thirst in the same way as I.” He lowered himself into the well again and filled his shoe with water. He gave the dog some water to drink. He thanked God, and (his sins were) forgiven. The Prophet was then asked: “Is there a reward for us in our animals?” He said: “There is a reward in every living thing.” (Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 3, No. 104)

• The first to be summoned to Paradise on the Day of Resurrection will be those who praise God in prosperity and adversity. (Al-Tirmidhi, Hadith 730)

• The example of a believer is like a fresh tender plant; from whichever direction the wind blows, it bends the plant. But when the wind dies down, (it) straightens up again. (Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, No. 1)

• God does not judge you according to your bodies and appearances, but He looks into your hearts and observes your deeds.

• (A man asked) “Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your father.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, 8:2)

• Sometimes I enter prayer and I intend to prolong it, but then I hear a child crying, and I shorten my prayer thinking of the distress of the child”s mother. (Fiqh us-Sunnah, Volume 2, No. 51b)

• “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together. (Sahih Al-Bukhari 8:34)

• A believer is to be marveled at because every condition of his is good. This is exclusive to the believer. If he attains happiness, he is thankful, and that is good for him, and if calamity overtakes him, he is patient, and that is good for him. (Muslim)

• A mother is one of the strongest doors of Paradise, if you wish you may pull it down, or if you wish you may protect it. (Tirmidhi)

• A parent can give a child no greater gift than beautiful manners. (Hakim)

• A person has done enough wrong in his life if he simply repeats everything he hears. (Muslim)

• A person who teaches goodness to others while neglecting his own soul is like an oil lamp, which illumines others while burning itself out. (Tabarani)

• A person’s spiritual practice is only as good as that of his close friends; so consider well whom you befriend. (Tirmidhi)

• A pious character, a fine countenance, and moderation represent one of seventy parts of prophethood. (Bukhari)