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The Content of Character - Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad
As a scholar, Shaykh al-Amin Mazrui attempted to be a bridge between Islam and modernity. He argued that while Christianity became the vanguard of progress when it became more secular and less Christian, Islam was the vanguard of progress when it became more Islamic and less secular. According to Shaykh al-Amin, progress among Muslims required not the abandonment of Islam but the recovery of the orignial spirit of Islamic enlightenment.
Shaykh al-Amin's choice of these favored sayings of the Prophet (Eternal peace and blessings be upon him) in "The Content and Character" - translated and introduced here by the well-known American scholar Hamza Yusuf - was influenced by his effort to be a bridge-builder, especially between the values of tradition and the norms of modernity, between the wisdom of religion and the compassion of humanity [From the book cover].
In short, this book is a collection of hadith by a well known Kenyan scholar, including a foreword by the author's son explaining his father's legacy. It also includes a useful "Translator's note", a section at the end about the science of hadith, and a section of short biographies of famous hadith narrators.
Shaykh al-Amin's choice of these favored sayings of the Prophet (Eternal peace and blessings be upon him) in "The Content and Character" - translated and introduced here by the well-known American scholar Hamza Yusuf - was influenced by his effort to be a bridge-builder, especially between the values of tradition and the norms of modernity, between the wisdom of religion and the compassion of humanity [From the book cover].
In short, this book is a collection of hadith by a well known Kenyan scholar, including a foreword by the author's son explaining his father's legacy. It also includes a useful "Translator's note", a section at the end about the science of hadith, and a section of short biographies of famous hadith narrators.
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 24, 2021
What better than reading a book of the Prophet’s ﷺ sayings?
Similar to The way of Sufi Chivalry and Infamies of the Soul, this book is a collection of Ahadith on character. It’s more of a practical guide where you read, reflect and implement in your day-to-day life.
(Includes the Arabic and the English translation)
Similar to The way of Sufi Chivalry and Infamies of the Soul, this book is a collection of Ahadith on character. It’s more of a practical guide where you read, reflect and implement in your day-to-day life.
(Includes the Arabic and the English translation)
September 19, 2020
A collection of Prophet Muhammad SAW sayings. A lot of pondering and internalising to do after reading his SAW sayings. There are also a few sayings that I think are vague and I think require more explanation. Thanks to this book, I feel like buying Sahih Bukhari's books now to understand deeper. Highly recommended!
April 20, 2022
Partook in 7am classes, during which we explored one Hadith a day. It’s interesting the different interpretations one can take from 1/2 sentences.
Very practical ways for any Muslim to grow closer to Allah.
Don’t think one can go wrong with Sh Hamza Yusuf texts!
Very practical ways for any Muslim to grow closer to Allah.
Don’t think one can go wrong with Sh Hamza Yusuf texts!
November 4, 2013
Whether you are a person with religious conviction or a downright atheist, this book is sprinkled with wise words and sayings that apply to and can be used by anyone anywhere.
January 11, 2017
Kutayyib (risalah kecil) dwibahasa (Arab – Inggeris) ini ialah himpunan ḥadīth yang diterjemahkan oleh Shaykh Ḥamzah Yūsuf daripada koleksi seorang ilmuwan daripada Afrika Timur bernama Shaykh al-Amīn ‘Alī Mazrui.
Koleksi ḥadīth ini agak ringkas (130 ḥadīth sahaja) yang memudahkan proses menghafal matn (teks). Terdapat juga sedikit kesalahan baris pada teks Arab.
Selain teks ḥadīth dan terjemahan, Shaykh Ḥamzah Yūsuf juga meletakkan nota berkaitan ḥadīth-ḥadīth dalam koleksi ini dan biografi perawi ḥadīth di bahagian akhir kutayyib. Shaykh juga menerangkan ada beberapa ḥadīth yang tidak mencapai taraf ṣaḥīḥ dan ḥasan. Namun, penekanan diberikan kepada makna ḥadīth yang kesemuanya berkaitan dengan pembentukan karakter dan akhlak pembaca.
Selamat membaca!
Badr al-‘Aynī Sha‘ārī
Akādīmiyyah Badr lil-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah
Koleksi ḥadīth ini agak ringkas (130 ḥadīth sahaja) yang memudahkan proses menghafal matn (teks). Terdapat juga sedikit kesalahan baris pada teks Arab.
Selain teks ḥadīth dan terjemahan, Shaykh Ḥamzah Yūsuf juga meletakkan nota berkaitan ḥadīth-ḥadīth dalam koleksi ini dan biografi perawi ḥadīth di bahagian akhir kutayyib. Shaykh juga menerangkan ada beberapa ḥadīth yang tidak mencapai taraf ṣaḥīḥ dan ḥasan. Namun, penekanan diberikan kepada makna ḥadīth yang kesemuanya berkaitan dengan pembentukan karakter dan akhlak pembaca.
Selamat membaca!
Badr al-‘Aynī Sha‘ārī
Akādīmiyyah Badr lil-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah
April 21, 2022
The Messenger of God (ﷺ), said, “What enables people to enter
Paradise more than anything is piety and good character.” At-Tirmidhi
An amazing collection of Hadiths (130 in total) of the Prophet (ﷺ) stating on improving characteristics, which is strictly to be followed constantly inorder to live in harmony either with one's kins or general folks, and enhance spiritual state.
At the end, of the book, a brief introduction of Hadith literature is provided- explaining the 3 types of Hadith: Sahih (Authentic), Hasan (Good), Da' if (Weak). Also, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf simplifies the topic on permissibility of using Da' if Hadith. He also provides a brief biography of [some] prominent Hadith scholars of the past including their works and achievements.
Indeed, A beautiful book!! Very easy to read. Thus, One must have it, and read it regularly (if possible) to work on their character [according to the prophetic way].
May Allah accept the works and bless the souls of our scholars.
Paradise more than anything is piety and good character.” At-Tirmidhi
An amazing collection of Hadiths (130 in total) of the Prophet (ﷺ) stating on improving characteristics, which is strictly to be followed constantly inorder to live in harmony either with one's kins or general folks, and enhance spiritual state.
At the end, of the book, a brief introduction of Hadith literature is provided- explaining the 3 types of Hadith: Sahih (Authentic), Hasan (Good), Da' if (Weak). Also, Shaykh Hamza Yusuf simplifies the topic on permissibility of using Da' if Hadith. He also provides a brief biography of [some] prominent Hadith scholars of the past including their works and achievements.
Indeed, A beautiful book!! Very easy to read. Thus, One must have it, and read it regularly (if possible) to work on their character [according to the prophetic way].
May Allah accept the works and bless the souls of our scholars.
November 6, 2020
Elhamdulillah. Timeless.
March 2, 2012
This book is no longer in Print but it has been re-Published and available from www.kitaabun.com as The Content of Character Copy Book: Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad Volume One
A small selection but a Gem from the sayings of that marvelous an gifted teacher whom the Qur'an describes as 'a Mercy to all the Worlds'. Read Contemplate and Reflect upon it's meaning and Wisdom
Excellent Print and bound Quality with translation to match. Ideal as a Gift to Muslims as well as non Muslims
The Messenger of God (SAW) said ' A Young man never honors old man due to age but that God sends someone to honor him when he reaches that Age 'At-Tirmidhi' The Content of Character - Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
The Messenger of God (SAW) said ' Whoever faults his brother for some wrong shall not die before doing it himself ' At-Tirmidhi' The Content of Character - Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
This Book is no longer available, however it has now been re-Published and is available from
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/product...
The Content of Character Copy Book: Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad Volume One
Paperback 155 Pages A4
Translation and Introduction by: Hamza Yusuf
Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
Originally Published as a standard book by Sandala USA
Now Re-Published as a copy Book By Kinza Press
A4 in size.
Original Introduction By Hamza Yusuf is included as an Appendix
This copybook of the sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him, will help children gain good penmanship along with developing their memorization skills. In memorizing these hadiths, children will be given the tools to distinguish between upright and dishonorable behavior, to evaluate their own conduct, and to choose good companions in their lives.
A small selection but a Gem from the sayings of that marvelous an gifted teacher whom the Qur'an describes as 'a Mercy to all the Worlds'. Read Contemplate and Reflect upon it's meaning and Wisdom
Excellent Print and bound Quality with translation to match. Ideal as a Gift to Muslims as well as non Muslims
The Messenger of God (SAW) said ' A Young man never honors old man due to age but that God sends someone to honor him when he reaches that Age 'At-Tirmidhi' The Content of Character - Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
The Messenger of God (SAW) said ' Whoever faults his brother for some wrong shall not die before doing it himself ' At-Tirmidhi' The Content of Character - Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
This Book is no longer available, however it has now been re-Published and is available from
http://kitaabun.com/shopping3/product...
The Content of Character Copy Book: Ethical Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad Volume One
Paperback 155 Pages A4
Translation and Introduction by: Hamza Yusuf
Collected by: Shaykh Al-Amin Ali Mazrui
Originally Published as a standard book by Sandala USA
Now Re-Published as a copy Book By Kinza Press
A4 in size.
Original Introduction By Hamza Yusuf is included as an Appendix
This copybook of the sayings of the Prophet, peace be upon him, will help children gain good penmanship along with developing their memorization skills. In memorizing these hadiths, children will be given the tools to distinguish between upright and dishonorable behavior, to evaluate their own conduct, and to choose good companions in their lives.
December 30, 2018
Excellent snippets of prophet guidance on how to live a life of character, compassion, and morals.
-NS
-NS
November 16, 2025
Resounding truth.
Our Prophet SAW is the man closest to reaching perfection (for only God is perfect). That said, I shall focus solely on the book's content. There are 130 sayings or quotes from the Prophet SAW. Each quote has its source cited from which Hadith (a book of the Prophet's sayings and etiquette) it comes from. Not all quotes resonate with me, but most do. My favourite one is as follows,
'The Messenger of God SAW said, "To acquire some useful knowledge is of greater merit than to perform a hundred devotional prayers voluntarily." At-Tabarani'.
Many of the sayings reassured me that I was on the right path, while others grounded my humility. It is easy to be lost in the sayings, but not lost as in wasting time or getting "lost" in an epic writing of fiction; it is being lost in reflecting your own heart and soul upon every saying, occasionally going back to previous pages.
Since this is a short book (less than 80 pages), I took my time to reflect on each quote. After reading a few pages, I realised why (possibly) every quote starts with 'The Messenger of God SAW said", this is so the reader takes in the weight of realisation that these quotes were verbally spoken by the Prophet SAW himself, the most loved man in all of humanity and literally the messenger of God. These words hold the weight of gold. The Prophet SAW spoke these words 1,400 years ago, and they still hold true to all hearts.
The foreword, introduction and credits chapter satisfy me. These three chapters are crafted academically presentable with filling substance. They also provided me with a glimpse of what Islamic scholars are like all over the world and in ancient times. A key takeaway, besides the Prophet's SAW sayings, is the detailing of how Hadiths are created, taught, their purpose and who made them. I can finally explain confidently what a Hadith is, should the need arise.
Thank you God for blessing us with a remarkable book. Bless the Prophet SAW and we pray for Your mercy on us all, amin.
Our Prophet SAW is the man closest to reaching perfection (for only God is perfect). That said, I shall focus solely on the book's content. There are 130 sayings or quotes from the Prophet SAW. Each quote has its source cited from which Hadith (a book of the Prophet's sayings and etiquette) it comes from. Not all quotes resonate with me, but most do. My favourite one is as follows,
'The Messenger of God SAW said, "To acquire some useful knowledge is of greater merit than to perform a hundred devotional prayers voluntarily." At-Tabarani'.
Many of the sayings reassured me that I was on the right path, while others grounded my humility. It is easy to be lost in the sayings, but not lost as in wasting time or getting "lost" in an epic writing of fiction; it is being lost in reflecting your own heart and soul upon every saying, occasionally going back to previous pages.
Since this is a short book (less than 80 pages), I took my time to reflect on each quote. After reading a few pages, I realised why (possibly) every quote starts with 'The Messenger of God SAW said", this is so the reader takes in the weight of realisation that these quotes were verbally spoken by the Prophet SAW himself, the most loved man in all of humanity and literally the messenger of God. These words hold the weight of gold. The Prophet SAW spoke these words 1,400 years ago, and they still hold true to all hearts.
The foreword, introduction and credits chapter satisfy me. These three chapters are crafted academically presentable with filling substance. They also provided me with a glimpse of what Islamic scholars are like all over the world and in ancient times. A key takeaway, besides the Prophet's SAW sayings, is the detailing of how Hadiths are created, taught, their purpose and who made them. I can finally explain confidently what a Hadith is, should the need arise.
Thank you God for blessing us with a remarkable book. Bless the Prophet SAW and we pray for Your mercy on us all, amin.
March 11, 2023
This book is like a beautiful re-acquainted with old friends. These short mutuun which we strived to commit to memory in our formative year in Mombasa, Kenya. I never realised who compiled them. The attachment to Hamza Yusuf leaves many sceptical, it did leave me sceptical, as I should've been, as he managed to downplay the qaswidat burdah and mawlid as a non-issue. But the rest of the book, I did really appreciate. I remember reading a saying by Sheikh Muqbil that when he starts to read the sanad, that so and so said that so and so said, all his worries of the Dunya vaporised, I did find myself smiling reading the summarised biographies of the muhaddithun. A beautiful bilingual book that would be amazing for kids and beginning students of knowledge.
December 20, 2022
This is not only a beautiful and a heart-touching read, for me, most of the time i spent reading this book is like a self-reflection moment that reminds me of every weaknesses that i still and always will have as a muslim.
As one of the saying says; The Messenger of God said, "He who sins laughing enters Hell crying." Abu Nu'aym, i felt like my heartbeat stoped for a second while reading this line. I learned so much from this book and i guess this will be the beginning for me to learn more about hadith, إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ.
As one of the saying says; The Messenger of God said, "He who sins laughing enters Hell crying." Abu Nu'aym, i felt like my heartbeat stoped for a second while reading this line. I learned so much from this book and i guess this will be the beginning for me to learn more about hadith, إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ.
May 17, 2019
Absolutely loved it. So much wisdom in small capsules. I also really benefited from the commentary on Hadith sciences at the end and the appropriate way to approach various classifications of Hadith.
October 16, 2017
Unique collection of Prophet's sayings (very short) providing the depth he covered during his lifetime. Highly recommended to understand what Islam is about.
December 6, 2019
A beautiful compilation of prophetic sayings. Each sayings of Rasulullah sallahialayhi wassalim focused on being a person of good character.
Read
January 11, 2024Good book that has freat hadiths on how to act and I was reminded on a lot of hadiths that I should work on in my personal life. I took notes on this book to get the most of it.
March 27, 2016
It's a small collection of hadiths for the purpose of contemplation. It's also a good book to lay some maxims in your life (adab of eating,interacting with others etc) though it is erroneously arranged to my liking(though it might have had some hikmah/purpose for the author to arrange it like that). Nevertheless, after categorizing the hadiths to make it better for my application in daily life, this book contains hordes of treasures for the people regardless of religion(not only specific to muslims).Read it with an open heart and may we all be blessed.
worthy to note : foreword was by sh. Hamza Yusuf
worthy to note : foreword was by sh. Hamza Yusuf
Currently reading
October 1, 2009this is such an amazing book i am currently reading a borrowed copy from my friend and am absolutely dying to own a copy for myself but can not find it anywhere!!! This book has just simple but powerful sayings from Our Prophet Muhammad SAW that can be used in everyday life.
May 12, 2023
Re-reading always gives a better insight
Want to read
January 14, 2013there is no content found to read
October 13, 2025
Good manners, and nothing else.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews