وعن أبى أمامه الباهلى رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: “أنا زعيم ببيت في ربض الجنة لمن ترك المراء، وإن كان محقاً، وببيت في وسط الجنة لمن ترك الكذب، وإن كان مازحاً، وببيت في أعلى الجنة لمن حسن خلقه” ((حديث صحيح رواه أبو داود بإسناد صحيح)).
This is a Hadith. A Hadith is what the messenger Salla Allah Alieh Wa Sallam said, did, or approved. The above Hadith can be understood in English as:
Abu Umamah Al-Bahili (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for one who has good manners.” [Abu Dawud].
We know from reading and understanding the Quran that we are ordered to obey the messenger Salla Allah Alieh Wa Sallam and to follow his guidance.
When we slowly read the Hadith, we notice three promises made, to leave arguing even if you know you are right, to leave lying even if you are joking, and to have the best manners. The latter is rewarded with going to a house in the highest part of Jannah (the Gardens promised to the believers), and all of the houses (mentioned in the Hadith) are guaranteed by/led by the messenger Salla Allah Alieh Wa Sallam.
I had to stop and reflect on the word “Bayt/home/house.” Usually, people struggle to buy or have a place they can call home. Sometimes, they have to save for a long time or borrow to buy it, and when they actually can buy it, there is still lots of paperwork and meetings, and then it’s time for the house to be ready for their move. If someone asks you to do a halal job for them and promises you a house to be your reward when you are done, you will love doing that job and will be committed to it because the reward is so precious. Wouldn’t you agree?
The one promised these houses is the messenger of Allah, Salla Allah Alieh Wa Sallam, all the houses are in Jannah and that reward (being in one of these houses) is for doing any of the three things mentioned in the Hadith.
The reward is so precious, so I encourage you to be mindful of arguing and try to practice avoiding it even if you are right. Say the truth always, and practice saying “Astaghfiro-Allah” if you tell a lie even a joke. Guard the best manners when speaking or communicating with others, honor your promises, don’t speak loudly, don’t use unpleasant words, and walk humbly.
May Allah make us among those who hear an invitation to goodness and they do their best to follow it.