He also reported God’s messenger as saying, “ If anyone removes one of the anxieties of this world from a believer, God will remove one of the anxieties of the day of resurrection from him; if one smoothsthe way for one who is destitute, God will smooth the way for him inthis world and the next; and if anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim,God will conceal his faults, in this world and the next. God helps aman as long as he helps his brother. If anyone pursues a path insearch of knowledge, God will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise. No company will gather in a mosque to recite God’s Book andstudy it together without calmness descending on them, mercy coveringthem, the angels surrounding them, and God mentioning them amongthose who are with Him. But he who is made slow by his actions willnot be speeded by his genealogy.” Muslim transmitted it.
Knowledge - Mishkat al-Masabih 204
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim, transmitted through Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), contains profound wisdom regarding mutual assistance among believers and the pursuit of sacred knowledge. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) articulates several interconnected spiritual principles that govern the believer's journey in this world and the hereafter.
Removal of Worldly Anxieties
"If anyone removes one of the anxieties of this world from a believer, God will remove one of the anxieties of the day of resurrection from him." This establishes the principle of divine reciprocity - that Allah's treatment of His servant corresponds to how the servant treats his fellow believers. The Day of Resurrection's anxieties are far greater than worldly concerns, demonstrating Allah's immense generosity.
Assisting the Destitute
"If one smooths the way for one who is destitute, God will smooth the way for him in this world and the next." Facilitating ease for those in difficulty encompasses both material and spiritual assistance. The comprehensive reward spans both temporal and eternal existence, indicating the significance of this action in divine estimation.
Concealing Faults of Muslims
"If anyone conceals the faults of a Muslim, God will conceal his faults, in this world and the next." This teaches the etiquette of maintaining the honor of believers and reflects the divine attribute of Satr (Covering). The scholar Ibn Rajab notes that this concealment applies to both minor and major sins when the conditions for public censure are not met.
Divine Assistance Through Brotherhood
"God helps a man as long as he helps his brother." This establishes the continuous nature of divine support contingent upon human compassion. Al-Qurtubi explains that this includes all forms of assistance - physical, financial, and spiritual - reflecting the interconnectedness of the Muslim community.
Path of Knowledge to Paradise
"If anyone pursues a path in search of knowledge, God will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise." The pursuit of beneficial knowledge - particularly Islamic sciences - becomes a means of spiritual elevation. Scholars interpret "path" both literally (traveling to seek knowledge) and metaphorically (undertaking the spiritual journey of learning).
Blessings of Collective Study
"No company will gather in a mosque to recite God's Book and study it together without calmness descending on them, mercy covering them, the angels surrounding them, and God mentioning them among those who are with Him." This highlights the special merit of congregational study in mosques, where multiple divine blessings converge - tranquility, mercy, angelic presence, and divine remembrance.
Final Admonition
"But he who is made slow by his actions will not be speeded by his genealogy." This concluding statement powerfully negates any reliance on lineage or tribal prestige, emphasizing that spiritual advancement comes solely through righteous deeds. As Imam Nawawi comments, this serves as a warning against spiritual complacency based on ancestry rather than personal piety and action.