Abu Juraiy Jabir bin Sulaim (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I noticed a man whose opinion was followed by every body, and no one acted contrary to what he said. I asked who he was, and I was informed that he was Messenger of Allah (PBUH). I said to him twice: "Alaikas-salam ya Rasul-Allah (may Allah render you safe)." He said, "Do not say: `Alaikas-salamu. This is the salutation to the dead (in Jahiliyyah times). Say, instead: `As-salamu `alaika (may Allah render you safe)." I asked: "Are you Messenger of Allah?" He replied, "(Yes) I am the Messenger of Allah, Who will remove your affliction when you are in trouble and call to Him, Who will cause food to grow for you when you are famine-stricken and call to Him, and Who will restore to you your lost riding beast in the desert when you call upon Him." I said to him: "Give me instructions (to act upon)." He ((PBUH) said, "Do not abuse anyone." (Since then I have never abused anyone, neither a freeman, nor a slave, nor a camel, nor a sheep). He (PBUH) continued, "Do not hold in contempt even an insignificant act of goodness, because even talking to your brother with a cheerful countenance is an act of goodness. Hold up your lower garment half way to the leg, and at least above the ankles; for trailing it is arrogance, and Allah dislikes pride. And if a man imputes to you of bad things he knows you possess, do not impute to him bad things that you know he has for he will assume the evil consequences of his abuse."[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].
Commentary:
Herein, we are informed that the Companions of Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would lend a ready ear to the Prophet's advice and put it into practice resolutely. Besides, in Islam the greeting of peace or Salam is alike to the living as well as the dead.
The Hadith also tells us about the desirable length of Izar or lower garment. Shari`ah allows it up to the ankles, but if it goes below, the wearer will be involved in a serious transgression incurring Hell-fire as mentioned earlier. Second, any good act, however small it may be, must not be underestimated and ignored. At no cost should it be given up. Third, nobody should be reproached for his fault or mistake, that is, he should not be put to humiliation in public for it. However, in private conversation he may be advised to improve his behaviour and desist from repeating his mistake.
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