or for seeking knowledge, or for any other pious purpose—Allah records for him “nuzul,” that is, a welcome feast in Paradise. Nuzul is what is set before a guest—food and the like—as an act of honour. In other words, Allah, exalted be He, prepares for the person who goes to the mosque morning or evening a special reception in Paradise to honour him.

This ḥadīth therefore affirms the tremendous reward granted to anyone who goes to the mosque at the beginning or the end of the day, and it reveals Allah’s grace toward His servant, for He bestows such an abundant recompense for deeds that are themselves so small.

The second ḥadīth is the Prophet’s statement: “Let not a neighbour look down on her neighbour’s gift, even if it is only a sheep’s hoof.” Here the Messenger ﷺ urges giving gifts to one’s neighbour, even if the present is trivial. He said, “even if it is only a sheep’s hoof.” The faras—the hard tip of the sheep’s foot—is a modest, insignificant thing. It is as though the Prophet ﷺ were saying: do not belittle any act of kindness, no matter how small.

The Prophet ﷺ also said: “When you cook a stew, add extra water to it and share it with your neighbours.” Even broth, when given to one’s neighbours as a gift, earns a reward. Likewise his saying: “Do not scorn anything—even meeting your brother with a cheerful face.” This too counts as an act of virtue. If you greet your brother, not with a frowning, gloomy look, but with an open, radiant countenance, that is goodness and kindness, for when your brother is met in this way, joy enters his heart and he rejoices; and every thing that brings