Keep Pushing – Ramadan Enlightenment

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Wassalaatu Wassalaam ‘Ala Rasoolillah

My dear readers, Ramadan Mubarak! As we are on the verge of passing across the halfway line during this blessed month – we may find ourselves losing abit of traction in our eagerness and enthusiasm for worship. The long days of fasting may be taking its toll on us but, these are the moments we should push ourselves. These are moments where we should grab our souls and force it to perform those extra raka’aat of prayers. This is the time where we force ourselves to read that extra page of Qur’aan. Ultimately, you will come to realise that in the pain of worship lies immense and deep sweetness. Indeed, you are strengthening your bond with Allah and showing your gratitude. Tighten your loin cloth and immerse yourself in the worship of Allah.

This was the attitude of the the righteous before us. They were tunnelled-vision – they only saw their end target and never lost focus. They trained and disciplined their soul to enjoy worship and to truly concentrate on achieving its desire pursuit – the pleasure of Allah. Let us remind ourselves of how the Salaf were:

Qatadah RHM:

“If you do not wish to perform any good except, when you have energy for it. Then know your nafs is inclined towards boredom/fatigue and weariness. However, the believer is the one who takes on a lot (striving) and the believer is one who has a lofty ambition. The believers are those who persist in their call to Allah throughout the night and day. The believers never cease to call out “Yaa Rabbanaa Yaa Rabbanaa” (Oh our Lord, Oh our Lord) except, they are responded to”. [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa]

Abu Muslim Al-Khawlani RHM:

“Do the companions of Muhammad SAW think they will be in the company of him without us? Never, By Allah! We will swarm in on them and be around him to such an extent they will know they left behind (generations of) true men”

He made this statement when he stood up for the night prayer and his feet became tired from the prolonged standing. He then hit his feet and made this statement!!!!

Thabit Al-Bunani RHM:

“I endured the night for 20 years (by Praying) and then i delighted in the night for 20 years” [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa]

Muhammad Ibn Munkadir RHM:

“I struggled (and endured the pain) with my soul for 40 years until, it became firm (in worship)” [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa]

Abu Yazid RHM:

“I kept driving myself to my Lord while it cried, until i drove it while it smiled” [Sayyid Al-Khatir]

Ibn Wahb RHM:

“I saw Sufyan Ath-Thawri RHM in the Haram after Maghrib. He prostrated and did not lift his head until, the call for ‘Isha was made” [As-Siyar]

Al-Awzaa’ee RHM:

“Whosoever prolongs his standing in the night (in prayer); Allah will make his standing easy in the day of Qiyamah” [As-Siyar]

‘Abdur Rahman Bin Zubayd RHM:

“Zubayd (my father) used to divide the night for us into 3 parts (for Qiyam Al-Layl). A 1/3 for him, a 1/3 for me and 1/3 for my brother. Zubayd began his 1/3 first and stood in prayer. Thereafter, he prodded me with his foot to wake me up. When he saw laziness/weariness from me he said “Sleep, my child. I will pray on your behalf”. Thereafter, he went to my brother and prodded him to wake him up. When he saw laziness/weariness from he he said “Sleep, my child. I will pray on your behalf”. The narrator says “He stood in prayer till, dawn” [Hilyat Al-Awliyaa]

‘Abdullah Ibn Mubarak RHM:

“The souls of the righteous people in the past used to push them to do good deeds, but, our souls do not do what we want them to do except, by force. So, we have to force them”.

AbdurRahman Ibn Mahdi RHM:

“If it was said to Hammad Bin Salamah that “you will die tomorrow” – he will not have the capacity to increase his good deeds in any form! [Tadhkirat Al-Huffadh]

Imam Adh-Dhahabi annexed a comment to this by saying “His time was filled with ‘ibaadah!”.

The wife of Masrooq Bin Al-Ajda’ RHM:

“Masrooq would pray until, his feet would become swollen. At times, I would sit behind him weeping because of what i see him put himself through”. [Sifatus As-Safwah]

(He was following the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad SAW whose feet would swell up because, of the lengthy Qiyam he used to engage in).

Ibn Wahb RHM:

‘Aamir Bin Abd Qays was from the most prominent of worshippers. He used to perform 1000 raka’aat of prayer daily. He would stand from the rising of the sun till, ‘Asr in prayer. Thereafter, he would depart whilst, his legs and feet would swell up. During this moment – he would say “Oh Soul! You were only created for worship. Oh that which is inclined to evil, by Allah, I will make you work. You will not have any share of the bed!!!!”. [Sifatus As-Safwah].

In other reports, he would say “Oh Soul! You were only created for worship. Oh that which is inclined to evil! Stand, Oh Shelter for all evil” [Ruhbaan Al-Layl].

Qatadah RHM:

“When ‘Aamir (Bin ‘Abd Qays) was nearing death; he began to weep. It was said to him “Why are you crying”. He replied “I am not crying because of the horrors of death nor, am I crying because, of eagerness of the Dunya. Rather, I am crying because (I will miss) of the thirst in the middle of the day during the intense heat (because of fasting) and because, (I will miss performing) Qiyam Al-Layl” [Siyar A’laam An-Nubala] 

May Allah not let this Ramadan end except, that we are forgiven and spared from the Hell-fire. May Allah grant us peace in this Dunya, in the life of the Barzakh and the hereafter. May he allow us to witness his majestic face in the gardens of Paradise. May he remove the sadness and grief from our lives and inject tranquillity within our hearts. May he allow us to change for the better and give us the tawfeeq to bask in the delights of worship. May he accept our recitation of the Qur’aan and all of our humble efforts to gain closeness to him.

 

 

 

Famous narrations re. Ramadan BUT…

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Wassalaatu Wassalaam ‘ala Rasoolillah

We continue with this treatise after the initial post – Part 1 – where we mentioned some of the unauthentic narrations that exist re. Ramadan.

9) “Whosoever catches Ramadhan in Makkah and fasts and stands (in the prayer) from it in what is easy for him, Allah will write (the reward of) a thousand months of Ramadhan in other than it (Makkah). And for every day (of fasting) Allah will write for him (the reward of) freeing a slave, and for every night (of prayer) [the reward of] freeing a slave. And every day (will have the reward of the one who has) a horse which carries loads in the path of Allah. And on every day there is a good deed (written for him) and in every night there is a good deed (written for him).”

Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali stated that the chain of narration for the above statement is weak. Imam Albani categorised this hadeeth as fabricated in As-Silsalatu Ad-Da’eefah.

10) “Whenever the month of Rajab had actualised; the prophet SAW used to say “Allahumma Baarik Lanaa fee Rajaba Wa Sha’baan wa ballighnaa Ramadaan” (Oh Allah, Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan)”.

Ibn Rajab in Al-Lataif Al-Ma’arif, Imam An-Nawawi in Al-Adhkaar and Imam Albani in Da’eef At-Targheeb have all classified this narration as weak. This is a famous du’a that is uttered by Muslims worldwide – so, it is important to clarify a few matters. The meaning of the narration is correct, in the sense, that it is acceptable and praiseworthy for a Muslim to make such a beautiful supplication. However, we cannot attribute this to be a saying from the Prophet SAW as the narration is weak. Making a supplication to Allah to be granted the ability to reach Ramadan is commendable. Al-Hafidh Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali states in Lata’if Al-Ma’aarif:

“Ma’la Bin Al-Fadl said “They (the pious predecessors) use to make du’a to Allah 6 months before the advent of Ramadan asking him to allow them to reach Ramadan and they used to make du’a for 6 months afterwards asking Allah to accept (their efforts in Ramadan) from them”.

He also quotes Yahya Bin Katheer who said “They used to invoke Allah in their du’a by asking “Oh Allah, keep me safe till Ramadan, and keep Ramadan safe for me and render my deeds acceptable during it”.

It is clear that making du’a to Allah asking him to allow us to reach Ramadan is a practice of the earlier generation and therefore, is something recommended for the Muslim to do.

11) “Rajab is Allah’s month, Sha’baan is my month and Ramadan is my nations month….”

This narration has been classified as fabricated by Ibn-l Jawzi in Al-Mawdoo’aat, Ibn Hajr in Tabyeen Al-‘Ujb, Ash-Shawkani in Fawaid Al-Majmoo’ah, Adh-Dhahabi in Tarikh Al-Islam and Ibn-l Qayyim in Al-Manaar Al-Muneef.

12) “Whosoever breaks the fast of the fasting person (by giving him food) in Ramadhan from lawful earnings, the Angels send prayers upon him during all of the nights of Ramadhan and (the Angel) Jibreel shakes hands with him on Laylat-l Qadr.. And whomsoever Jibreel shakes hands with, his heart becomes tender and his tears become many.” A man said: ‘O’ Messenger of Allah, and if he (the person) doesn’t have that with him (to feed the person with)?’ He said: “(Then even) a handful of food.” He (the man) said: ‘What do you think about the one who doesn’t (even) have a morsel of bread.” He said: “Then (even) a sip of milk mixed with water.” He (the man) said: ‘What do you think about the one who doesn’t (even) have that with him?’ He said: “Then (even) a sip of water.”

Ibn Hibban in Al-Majrooheen said that this narration has no basis. It has been branded as ‘not authentic’ by Ibn-l Qayyim and Sheikh Albani has stated that this narration is very weak.
However, there are still virtues of feeding a fasting person at the time of iftar as alluded to by the following authentic hadeeth:

It was narrated that Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani said: “The Messenger of Allah SAW said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.(Tirmidhi)”  

13) “Whenever the prophet SAW used to break his fast – he would state “Bismillahi, Allahumma Laka Sumtu, Wa ‘ala Rizqika Aftartu – (in the name of Allah, Oh Allah, for you i have fasted and with your provision(s) – i break my fast”.

Imam Ash-Shawkani in Nayl Al-Awtaar, Ibn Hajr in At-talkhees Al-Habeer and Albani in Irwaa Al-Ghaleel have classified this to be weak. There are other additional statements found in other narrations to the aforementioned du’a such as the following prefixes “Wa bika aamantu wa ‘alayka Tawakaltu – And in you i believe and upon you i place my trust” – However, this is not authentically attributed to the prophet SAW. Mulla ‘Ali Al-Qari stated that despite, the meaning being correct – these additions have no basis.

 14) “Whenever the prophet SAW used to break his fast – he would state “Allahumma Laka Sumtu, Wa ‘ala Rizqika Aftartu , fataqabbal Minnee Innaka Anta As-Samee’ Al-‘Aleem- (Oh Allah, for you i have fasted and with your provision(s) – i break my fast, so, accept it from me; Indeed, you are the all-hearing, all-knowing).

Ibn-l Qayyim in Zaad Al-Ma’aad stated that this narration is not established. Ibn Hajr Al-‘Athqalani in Al-futoohaat Ar-Rabaaniyah said that it’s chain of narration is very weak. Sheikh Albani has also classified this narration to be weak. However, an important note is that some scholars have classified the following du’a at the time of breaking fast to be authentic:

“Dhahaba Adh-Dhama’, Wabtallatil ‘Urooq, Wa-thabathal Ajru InshaAllah – (The thirst has gone, the veins are moist, and the reward is set, Allah willing) (Abu Dawood)

15) “The sleep of the fasting person is worship, his silence if tasbeeh (glorification), his deeds are multiplied (in terms of reward), his supplications are answered and his sins are forgiven”.

Imam Al-‘Ajlooni has classified this narration to be weak in Kashf Al-Khifaa and Hafidh Al-‘Iraqi has weakened this in Takhreej Al-Ihyaa. However, one must realise that there are elements of the above narration to be true as established by authentic evidences. The fasting persons actions are indeed multiplied upto 700 times as mentioned above. Likewise, the supplication of a fasting person is not rejected and as mentioned in the hadeeth of Abu Hureirah – fasting is an expiation of sins. However, as for the reference about the sleep of a fasting person and his silence – then this has no basis in the authentic sources.

16) “The day of your fast is the day of Nahr”

The meaning of the above is that the first day of Ramadan is like the day of ‘Eid Al-Adha (where a sacrifice is made). Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal said that such a narration has no basis within the Islamic sources. Ibn Taymiyyah said:

“Nothing of this sort has been narrated in the books of Islam nor, has any ‘Aalim narrated this”

Ibn-l Qayyim has classified this narration to be Baatil (false/void) in Al-Manaar Al-Muneef. Al-‘Iraqi, As-Sakhawi, Az-Zarkashi, As-Suyooti, Al-‘Ajlooni and Albani have said that there is no basis for this narration. Imam An-Nawawi stated that this narration is Munkar (denounced).

17) “Whoever breaks a fast during Ramadan without a valid concession nor because of sickness – he would never be able to make up for it – even if he was to fast his whole life”

The above has been weakened by Imam Daraqutni and Imam Albani. The same sentiments has been echoed by Sheikh Ibn Baz. However, just because this narration is weak it doesn’t mean that the person who breaks his fast intentionally is not without sin! Rather, leaving off fasting intentionally in the month of Ramadan is from the major sins of Islam –

Abu Umaamah al-Baahili  RA who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah SAW say: “Whilst I was sleeping two men came to me and took my by the arm and brought me to a cragged mountain. They said, ‘Climb up.’ I said, ‘I cannot.’ They said, ‘We will make it easy for you.’ So I climbed up until I was at the top of the mountain. Then I heard loud voices. I said, ‘What are these voices?’ They said, ‘This is the howling of the people of Hell.” Then I was taken until I saw people hanging by their hamstrings, with the sides of their mouths torn and blood pouring from their mouths.’ I said, ‘Who are these?’ He said, ‘These are people who broke their fast before it was time” (Nisa’i, Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Hibban, Al-Haakim, Bayhaqi).

Al-Albani (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This is the punishment of those who fasted then broke the fast deliberately before the time for breaking the fast came, so what about those who do not fast at all? We ask Allah to keep us safe and sound in this world and in the Hereafter. 

Adh-Dhahabi RHM states in his work – Al-Kaba’ir *major sins* – “The 6th Major sin is breaking off the fast in Ramadan without a valid excuse”. In the same book -he also stated that the established believers viewed “Whoever abandons fasting in Ramadan without the excuse of sickness nor, any concession (granted to them by the Sharee’ah) is more evil than the thief (or anyone who takes property without due right), the adulterer and the drunkard. Indeed, they doubted his Islam and thought this was heresy”.

May Allah grant us the tawfeeq to fast during this month of Ramadan and obtain nearness to him, subhanahu wa ta’ala.

 

 

Famous narrations re. Ramadan BUT…

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Wassalaatu Wassalaam ‘ala Rasoolillah

All praises are due to Allah who has permitted us to enter into another Ramadan –  a month of opportunity, a month of Barakah and a month that exemplifies the immeasurable mercy of Allah towards his creation. Indeed, we ought to be grateful to Allah to gift us such a blessed month…Alhamdulillah 🙂 . As part of preparing for the advent of Ramadan; many (admirably) read up on the virtues of such a month in order to raise their eemaan so, they could engage in acts of worship to gain closeness to Allah. However, not all ahadeeth can be attributed to the prophet SAW as many are weak, very weak or even fabricated. Ergo, the title of this article…famous narrations re. Ramadan BUT, they are inauthentic. The following are some of the narrations that are not authentic:

1. “Fast and you will be healthy.”

   Despite, the meaning of this hadeeth to be correct (as proven by Science) – it is not authentically attributed to the prophet SAW. Hafidh Al-‘Iraqi (from the giants of the scholars of Hadeeth) has weakened it, so has Al-Munaawi, Al-‘Aqeeli and Albani. Others such as As-Saaghaani, Alfatani and Ash-Shawkani have classed this narration to be fabricated.

2. “The first 10 days of Ramadan are (days of) Mercy, Its middle (10 days) are (days of) Forgiveness and its last (10 days) are liberation from the hell-fire”

Imam Al-‘Aqeeli mentioned in “Ad-Du’afaa Al-Kabeer” that this narration has no basis. Imam Albani in Sahih Al-Jami’ stated that this is a very weak  narration. Sheikh Abu Ishaaq Al-Huwainy said regarding this hadeeth – it is baatil.

The reality is that all of Ramadan is mercy, forgiveness and a chance to be liberated from the hell-fire. This is derived from the following hadeeth  authenticated by Sheikh Albani:

     “When the first night of the month of Ramadan comes, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained up and the gates of Hell are closed, and not one gate of it is opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and not one gate of it is closed. And a caller cries out: ‘O seeker of good, proceed; O seeker of evil, desist.  And Allah has those whom He frees from the Fire, and that happens every night.” (Ibn Majah)

  3.  “Indeed, Allah ‘Azza Wa Jal frees 600,000 from the hell fire in every night of Ramadan and during its       concluding night, he frees an amount equivalent to the total he freed in the preceding nights”

Imam Bayhaqi had said that this hadeeth is Mursal (not raised to the prophet) and therefore, this is weak. Ibn Hibban stated that this hadeeth has no basis and Imam Albani had also weakened this narration.

However, it is correct that Allah does indeed free his servants from the fire of hell during the month of Ramadan. However, none, but he knows the exact number he frees. This is derived from the following authentic hadeeth reported in the previous paragraph.

  4. “When it is the first night of the month of Ramadhan, Allah, The Mighty and The Majestic, looks at his creation. And when Allah, The Mighty and The Majestic, looks at His slave, never will He punish Him. And Allah, The Mighty and The Majestic frees a million (people) from the fire every night. And when it is the 29th night, Allah frees from the fire an amount that is similar to the amount he freed in the entire month”

This a fabricated narration as affirmed by Ibn-l Jawzi in his work “Al-Mawdoo’aat”. It has also been categorised as fabricated by Imam Ash-Shawkani (in Al-Fawaid Al-Majmoo’ah) and by Imam Albani (in Da’eef At-Targheeb and As-silsalatu Ad-Da’eefah).

The same can be mentioned as that was mentioned for narration number 3) – Allah frees his servants from the fire in the month of Ramadan but, none knows the number of those who are liberated except, he (subhanahu wa ta’ala).

5) “Indeed, Paradise is beautified for Ramadan at the beginning of the year until, the next year. When the first night of Ramadan appears, a wind blows from underneath the Throne (of Allah)…….Allah ‘Azza Wa Jal frees 1 million of his servants, of whom were earmarked for the hellfire, from the hell-fire every day. When the concluding night of Ramadan appears – Allah frees from the fire an amount equivalent to the amount he had freed in the month from beginning to end”.

Ibn-l Jawzi (in Al-‘Ilal Al-Mutanaahiyah) said regarding this hadeeth “It is not authentic” and Imam Albani classed this as fabricated in Da’eef At-Targheeb.

6) “If the servants of what lies therein in Ramadan, they would have wished that the entire year was Ramadan!. A man from Khuza’ah said “Narrate to us regarding it”. He said “Indeed, Paradise is beautified for Ramadhan at the beginning of the year until the (next) year. So, when it is the first night of Ramadhan, a wind blows from underneath the Throne (of Allah) and it decant some of the leaves of  Jannah. The Hoor Al-Ayn look at this and say : ‘O’ Lord, grant us from your servants spouses that will be the coolness of our eyes and we will be the coolness of their eyes’. He then said “There is no servant who fasts in Ramadan except, that he is wedded to a spouse amongst the Hoor Al-‘Ayn in a pavilion made out of hollow pearls. That is what Allah had described when he stated “Fair ones reserved in Pavilions (Ar-Rahman verse 72)”…..”

Ibn-l Jawzi classified this hadeeth as fabricated. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr Al-‘Athqalani in Al-Mutaalib Al-‘Aaliyah stated that his hadeeth is very weak.. Imam  Ash-Shawkani in Fawaid Al-Majmoo’ah stated that this is fabricated. Imam Albani also had stated that this narration was fabricated.

7) “O people a very great month has come upon you …whoever seeks nearness to Him with a good deed in it will be like performing an obligatory action in other months and whoever performs an obligatory action then it will be like as if he has performed 70 obligatory actions in other months”

Ibn Hajr Al-‘Athqalani stated that this hadeeth is weak. Imam Albani stated that this narration was very weak (in his takhreej of Mishkaat Al-Masaabeeh) and in As-Silsalatu Ad-Da’eefah stated that this was Munkar (denounced).

However, just because this hadeeth is rejected – it does not mean that deeds are not multiplied (in terms of reward) in Ramadan. Rather, Allah multiplies good deeds in Ramadan and other than Ramadan upto 700 times. The reward for fasting is something unique and only Allah knows the reward of it and how much he will increase the reward by. This stems from the following authentic narration:

“Abu Hureirah RA stated that the prophet SAW said: “Every deed of the child of Adam will be multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, said: Except fasting. It is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desires and his food for My sake.”

8) “The month of Ramadan is my nations month; which casts away their sins. When a muslim servant fasts and refrains from lying, backbiting and breaks his fast with pure (substance/nourishment)  – he leaves his sins (i.e. sins are erased) the way a snake leaves its skin”

Imam Albani categorised this hadeeth as “very weak”. However, it is worth stating that there are authentic narrations that allude to Ramadan expiating for ones sins/errors. Abu Hureirah reports that the prophet SAW said

“Whosoever fasts Ramadan with eemaan and in anticipation of its reward – his past sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari & Muslim).

Also, Abu Hureirah RA narrates that the prophet SAW said

“The 5 daily prayers, One Jumu’ah to the next Jum’uah & Ramadan to the next Ramadan expiate sins which were committed in between so long as one refrains from the major sins” (Muslim).

TO BE CONTINUED

 

Welcome, Oh Ramadan (5)

After this snippet of righteous actions (that was mentioned) that is strongly urged upon, we draw attention to an important matter. Do you know what this matter is? Alas, it is the matter of Al-Ikhlas……the bounty of Al-Ikhlas…For, how many of those who fast gain nothing from their fasting except, hunger and thirst? How many of those who stand in prayer gain nothing from their standing, except wakefulness and tiredness? We seek refuge in Allah from that. That is why we find the prophet SAW emphasising this aspect (in the ahadeeth) – ‘’solely out of his true faith (iman) and seeks the divine reward’’.

Thus, the Salaf were keen on concealing their actions out of fear for themselves. For Hammad Bin Zaid narrates about the great Tabi’i – Ayyub As-Sikhtiyani, that he would be narrating Ahadeeth and fear would come to him so, he would turn away and blow his nose whilst, saying ‘’How severe is my cold!’’. He would portray that he has a cold in order to conceal his tears.

Muhammad Bin Waasi’ said: Indeed, I have met men from amongst them a man who would rest his head alongside his wife’s on a cushion but, would have tears flowing from beneath his cheeks yet, the wife would not sense it.

Ayyub As-Sikhtiyani would stand for all of the night, but, would conceal this from others. When morning would appear, he would raise his voice and would appear as if he had just woken up that instant.

Ibn Abi ‘Udi reports: Dawud Bin Abi Hind fasted for 40 without his family knowing. He used to manufacture beads and would carry his lunch with him and would distribute to those in his way. He would then return to his family in the evening and break his fast with them.

Sufyan Ath-Thawri said: ‘’It has reached me that when a servant employs an action in secret, Shaytan does not cease to be with him until, he overcomes him and the action becomes publicised. Then Shaytan does not cease to be with him until, he loves to be praised. Then the actions supercede publicity and Riyaa becomes established (in his heart)’’.

We seek refuge in Allah from the evils of Shaytaan and from the evils of our own souls. We ask Allah to bless us this Ramadan and to make us from amongst those who exit Ramadan whilst, obtaining the forgiveness of Allah Jallu ‘ala.

 

Welcome, Oh Ramadan (4)

Sitting in the Masjid until, the rising of the Sun

When the prophet SAW would pray the morning prayer (Fajr), he would sit in his Musalla until, the rising of the sun (Muslim).

I’tikaaf

The prophet SAW used to perform i`tikaf for ten days every Ramadan, then when it was the year in which he was taken (when he passed away), he performed I`tikaf for twenty days (Bukhari).

I’tikaf is in act of worship in which many acts of obedience are performed. Amongst them is the recitation of the Qur’aan, As-Salah, Dhikr and so forth.

Imagine the one who has not experienced I’tikaf, its difficulties nor its discomforts. But, he finds it easy because Allah has made it easy upon him. This is because the one who arms himself with a righteous intention and a truthful resolve; he obtains the assistance of Allah. I’tikaf is emphasised during the last 10 days of  Ramadan in order to seek out Laylat-l Qadr. It is a means of seclusion from the remits of the Sharee’ah.

The Mu’takif (the one in I’tikaf) imprisons himself in obedience of Allah and his remembrance. He shuns anything that may pre-occupy him from it. His heart and his body become focussed on his lord and on that which brings him closer to Allah. So, that which remains for him is Allah and all that which he is pleased with.

‘Umrah during Ramadan

It is established on the prophet SAW that he said ‘’Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj’’ (Bukhari and Muslim). And in another narration it says ‘’equivalent to Hajj with me’’. So, here, my esteemed companion, is a chance for you to do Hajj with the Prophet SAW.

Seeking out Laylat-l Qadr

Allah says:

إِنّا أَنزَلنـٰهُ فى لَيلَةِ القَدرِ ﴿١﴾ وَما أَدرىٰكَ ما لَيلَةُ القَدرِ ﴿٢﴾لَيلَةُ القَدرِ خَيرٌ مِن أَلفِ شَهرٍ ﴿٣﴾

‘’Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, (i.e. 83 years and 4 months).’’ (Surah Al-Qadr Verses 1 – 3)

The prophet SAW said “Whoever stands in night prayer on Laylat-l Qadr solely out of his true faith (iman) and seeks the divine reward, then his previous sins are forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).

The prophet SAW used to seek out Laylat-l Qadr and instructed his companions to do the same. He used to wake his family in the last 10 nights out of hope that they meet Laylat-l Qadr. And in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad, in a narration on the authority of ‘Ubadah he said ‘’Whoever stands in order to seek it (Laylat-l Qadr) and finds it, all his previous sins shall be forgiven’’ (Also, reported in An-Nisa’i and Al-Hafidh said the Isnad meets the conditions of authenticity).

It is reported on some of the predecessors, amongst the Sahabah and Tabi’een, that they used to make ghusl and perfume themselves in the last 10 nights in order to seek out Laylat-l Qadr which Allah honoured and raised its status.

Oh the one who has wasted his life for nothing, parry a blow in that which you missed by seeking Laylat-l Qadr. Indeed, it is a provision  for your life. Good actions performed during it are better than the actions performed in a 1000 months. The one who is deprived from it, has certainly been deprived!

It occurs during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. And from amongst the 10 nights, there is a high chance it occurs during the odd nights and from amongst these nights, there is a high chance it could fall on the 27^th night. It is reported in Muslim on the authority of Ubay Bin Ka’b RA that he said

‘’By Allah, I do know which night it is. It is the night in which the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded us to pray (qiyaam). It is the night the morning of which is the twenty seventh’’.

He also swore upon that and said ‘’The signs and indications of it (Laylat-l Qadr) that the messenger of Allah informed us about is that the Sun shall rise in the morning with no ray eminating from it’’.

Increase in Dhikr, Du’a & Istighfaar

My dear respected companion, the days and nights of Ramadan are very virtous, so, take advantage of it by maximising it through Dhikr and Du’a. Employ your supplications specifically at times when Du’as are responded to and from them are:

a) During Iftar, for the fasting person’s du’a is not rejected when he is breaking his fast

b) In the last 3^rd portion of the night when Allah descends and asks
‘’Who will ask of Me, that I may give him? Who will seek My forgiveness, that I may forgive him?’’ (Bukhari and Muslim).

c) Seeking forgiveness in the mornings

Allah says: –

وَبِالأَسحارِ هُم يَستَغفِرونَ

‘’And in the hours before dawn, they were (found) asking (Allah) for forgiveness,’’ (Surah Adh-Dhariyaat Verse 18)

You should seek forgiveness wherever you can!

To be continued, InshaAllah.

 

Welcome, Oh Ramadan (3)

Sadaqah

The prophet SAW was the most generous of people. However, he was even more generous during the month of Ramadan. He was more generous in doing good than the fast wind (which causes rain and welfare). The prophet SAW said

‘’The most preponderate of Sadaqah is Sadaqah during Ramadaan’’. (Tirmidhi)

Zayd Bin Aslam reports on the authority of his father who said:

I heard ‘Umar Bin Al-Khattab RA say ‘’The prophet SAW ordered us to be charitable at the time I possessed some wealth. I said to myself, “If there is a day I can do better than Abu Bakr, then this is the one.” So I went with half of my wealth to the Messenger of Allah and he said, “What have you left for your family?” I said, “The same amount.” Then Abu Bakr came with everything he had. The Prophet said, “O Abu Bakr, what have you left for your family?” He said, “Allah and His messenger.” I said, “By Allah, I will never do better than Abu Bakr.”

On the authority of Talha Bin Yahya Bin Talha who said ‘my grandmother narrated to me’:

‘Talha (bin ‘Ubaydillah) entered upon me one day and he looked spiritless (gloomy)’’. So, I asked ‘’What is wrong with me that I see you with a gloomy face?’’ – ‘’Is there something the matter on my part that has left you perplexed; so, I may help you?’’. He replied ‘’No, you are from the best wife a Muslim man can have’’. I then said ‘’Then, what is the matter?’’. He replied ‘’The wealth that I have in my possession is great (in terms of amount) and it distresses me’’. I said ‘’What you need to do is apportion it (in charity)’’. Then she said that he apportioned it until, he had 1 dirham remaining with him. Talha Bin Yahya then said ‘’I asked his treasurer = how much wealth did he have?’’. He replied ‘’400,000’’.

So, know, oh my esteemed companion, that Sadaqah in Ramadan is very meritorious so, hasten towards it. Be keen to engage in it in accordance to your (economic) circumstance.

There are several types of Sadaqah:

a) Distributing food

وَيُطعِمونَ الطَّعامَ عَلىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسكينًا وَيَتيمًا وَأَسيرًا ﴿٨﴾ إِنَّما نُطعِمُكُم لِوَجهِ اللَّـهِ لا نُريدُ مِنكُم جَزاءً وَلا شُكورًا ﴿٩﴾ إِنّا نَخافُ مِن رَبِّنا يَومًا عَبوسًا قَمطَريرًا ﴿١٠﴾ فَوَقىٰهُمُ اللَّـهُ شَرَّ ذٰلِكَ اليَومِ وَلَقّىٰهُم نَضرَةً وَسُرورًا ﴿١١﴾ وَجَزىٰهُم بِما صَبَروا جَنَّةً وَحَريرًا ﴿١٢﴾

And they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to Miskin (poor), the orphan, and the captive,. (Saying): “We feed you seeking Allah’s Countenance only. We wish for no reward, nor thanks from you. “Verily, We fear from our Lord a Day, hard and distressful, that will make the faces look horrible (from extreme dislikeness to it).” So Allah saved them from the evil of that Day, and gave them Nadratan (a light of beauty) and joy. And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. (Surah Al-Insaan Verses 8 – 12)

The pious predecessors were eager in distributing food and they prioritised it before many acts of worship. And they did not place poverty as a condition to feed others. The prophet SAW said:

“O people, spread the greeting of peace, provide food, maintain kinship ties and pray during the night when people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise peacefully.” [Ahmad and At-Tirmithi. Al-Albaani: Saheeh]

Some of the predecessors would say:

‘’…That i invite 10 of my companions and feed them that which they desire is more beloved to me than freeing 10 children from the descendants of Isma’il’’.

Many of the predecessors used to prefer breaking their fast with others. From amongst them was ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar RA, Dawud At-Taa’i, Malik Bin Deenar and Ahmad Bin Hanbal. Ibn ‘Umar did not used to break his fast except, with the orphans and the needy. And if he learnt that his family turned them away, he would not break his fast that night.

Some of the predecessors used to feed their fellow brothers food whilst, fasting. They would sit and serve them. From amongst these individuals were the likes of Al-Hasan and Ibn-l Mubarak.

Abu Sawar Al-‘Adawi said:

There were men from Bani ‘Udy who would pray at this masjid. Not a single person from amongst them broke their fast alone. If he found someone to eat with him, he would eat. Otherwise, he would leave and go to the mosque with his food and would eat with the people and the people would eat with him.

The ‘Ibadah of sharing food gives rise to many other acts of worship. From amongst them is the building of friendships (for the sake of Allah) and establishing love with the brothers you feed. And this is a means of entering Jannah as the prophet SAW said

‘’You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other’’. It will give rise to the gatherings of righteousness and the collation of reward in you assisting them in obedience as they gain strength due to your food.

b) Provisions for those who are fasting to break their fast

The prophet SAW said:

“Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person.” (Ahmad & Tirmidhi Albani: authentic)

Exerting effort in recital of the Qur’aan

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’aan. Thus, it is befitting for the Muslim to increase in the recital of the Qur’aan. The Salaf paid great attention to the book of Allah. Jibreel used to teach the messenger SAW in Ramadan. ‘Uthman Bin ‘Affan RA used to finish the Qur’aan daily and some of the Salaf would complete the Qur’aan in Qiyam (of Ramadan) every  3 nights. And some others from amongst them every 7 days. Others would finish it every 10 days. They used to recite the Qur’aan in prayer and outside the prayer. Ash-Shafi’i used to finish the Qur’aan 60 times during Ramadan. He used to recite it outside the prayer. Qatadah used to finish it every 7 days always and in Ramadan – every 3 days and during the last 10 nights – every day. When Az-Zuhri used to enter Ramadan, he would flee from the recital of hadeeth (and gatherings of the people of knowledge) and would focus on the recital of the Qur’aan. When Sufyan Ath-Thawri entered into Ramadan, he would leave off many ‘Ibadaat (non-obligatory) and would assert himself in the recitation of the Qur’aan.

Ibn Rajab said: ‘’Indeed, the prohibition of reciting the entire Qur’aan in less than 3 days arose merely due to persistence in this (habit). As for times that are meritorious like the month of Ramadan and places that are virtous like Makkah, for the one who enters into it without his family members, then it is recommended to increase in the recitation of the Qur’aan to seize the virtues of the time and place. This is the view of Ahmad, Ishaq and others from the A’immah…’’

Tears eminating due to the recital of the Qur’aan

It is not from the guidance of the Salaf to recite the Qur’aan in fast pace without contemplation and understanding upon it. Indeed, they were affected by the speech of Allah and their hearts were moved by it. For it is reported in Bukhari on the authority of ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ood who said The Prophet (SAW) said: “Recite for me the Qur’an.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Should I recite to you and it was revealed to you?” He said: “Yes, for I like to hear it from others.” “I recited Surat an-Nisaa’ until I reached the ayah, “How (will it be) then, when We bring from each nation a witness and We bring you (O Muhammad) as a witness against these people?” [An-Nisaa’ 4:41] He then said: “Stop now.” I found that his eyes were tearful.”

Ibn ‘Umar recited Surah Al-Mutaffifeen until, he reached the ayah – ‘’The Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Lord of the ‘Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exists)?’’ (Mutaffifeen Verse 6). He started to weep until, he passed out. He refrained from reciting after that..

Mazaahim Bin Zafar reports: Sufyan Ath-Thawri prayed with Salat Al-Maghrib with us and recited until, he reached the Ayah

‘’You (Alone) we worship, and you (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything)’’. (Surah Fatiha Verse 5).

He started to weep until, he stopped his recitation. He then returned back and started to recite from Alhamd…(Verse 1)

To be continued, InshaAllah (More actions to follow)

 

Welcome, Oh Ramadan (1)

All praises are due to Allah, who has blessed his creation with innumerable bounties and has placed them on a great platform to achieve success; both in this world and the hereafter. We thank him and we seek his aid & forgiveness. None has the right to be worshipped except he, and may peace and blessings of Allah be upon his final messenger – Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah, Salawaatullaahi wa Salaamuhu ‘Alaih.

Allah has signified this noble month over other months with many special qualities and virtues.

Upon is you, my dear respected brother/sister in Islam, is to contemplate over the following qualities/virtues:

• The changing of the smell of a fasting individuals mouth is more purer to Allah than the fragrance of musk
• The Angels seek forgiveness for those who fast until, he breaks it (Iftar time)
• Allah adorns Jannah every day throughout this month and says to it ‘’ “The time is near when My pious servants shall be freed from difficulties and (meager) provisions, and they will come to You’’
• The Shayateen are chained up
• The gates of Jannah are flung open and the gates of Jahannum are closed
• In it lies Laylat Al-Qadr; which is better than a 1000 months. Whoever is deprived from it is deprived from a lot.
• Allah redeems people from the hell-fire and that is everyday in Ramadan

Dear respected brother/sister,

How does a month with all these qualities and virtues become non-beneficial? …. It is through engaging in vain activities and being the worse for wear by not making the most out of the nights. In addition, it is through a lack of enthusiasm for the advent of the month which causes it to become something heavy upon us…..We seek refuge in Allah from all those reasons.

However, the righteous servant meets this month with sincere repentence, a truthful resolve to seize the opportunities it offers , to take advantage of the time by employing righteous actions and asking Allah to assist in his ‘Ibadah