A Nightly Opportunity for Spiritual Elevation

“Verily, the night vigil is (a time) when impression is more keen and speech more certain.” [Al-Muzzammil 73:6]

What After Ramadaan?

Even though Ramadan is ending, we all have to make sure it stays with us. How, might you ask? Everybody knows that Ramadan lasts only for a month, 29 or 30 wonderful days.

Common Mistakes made by Muslims on Eid!

Question: What are the mistakes and wrong actions that the Muslims are warned against on the two Eids? We see some actions which we denounce such as visiting graves after the Eid prayer and staying up to worship on the night of Eid…

✦ REVIVE A SUNNAH ⇨ "THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID" ✦

1 – Doing Ghusl before going out to the Prayer. Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of Fitr before going to the place of prayer. [Malik .

✦ REVIVE A SUNNAH ⇨ "THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID" ✦

THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID -:- EVERY MUSLIM SHOULD OBSERVE:

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

A Nightly Opportunity for Spiritual Elevation



Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) mentions in the Quran,

‘Is the one who worships devoutly in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, fearful of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord, (to be accounted equal with a disbeliever)?

Say: are those who know equal with those who don’t know?

But only people of understanding will pay heed.’”


[Al-Zumar 39: 9]

“ Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station.”

[Al-Israa’ 17: 78-79]

“Verily, the night vigil is (a time) when impression is more keen and speech more certain.

[Al-Muzzammil 73:6]

“And the (faithful) servants of the Merciful are those…who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing…’

[Al-Shuara' 25: 63-64]

“Their sides forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of what We have bestowed on them. No soul knows what is kept hid from them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.’

[Al-Sajdah 32: 16-17]

“Those who pray for pardon in the watches of the night.”

[Al ‘Imraan 3: 17]

Abu Hurayra reports that the Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) was asked,

“What prayer is most virtuous after the obligatory prayers?”

He (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said, “Prayer in the depths of the night.” [Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah]

The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said,

“Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” [Tirmidhi]

The Prophet (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Whoever recites ten verses in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred verses in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays with a thousand verses in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantireen (those who pile up good deeds).” [Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635].

How can we prefer sleep to it, or choose to stay up late doing other things and still miss such an opportunity?


The Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said in a Hadith Qudsi:

“Our Lord (subhanahu wa ta'ala) descends each night to the earth’s sky when there remains the final third of the night, and He says:

Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it?

Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him?

Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him?”


[Bukhari, Muslim, Malik, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud]

After all these reasons to pray Qiyam in the night, subhan Allah how can we resist? How can we prefer sleep to it, or choose to stay up late doing other things and still miss such an opportunity? In Surah Al-Muzzammil Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) describes the late hours of the night as being when our speech and contemplation is stronger while the day-time is spent busy with people and work. There is a special enjoyment for this act of worship. It’s one of the things we love most about Ramadan, and yet may so quickly abandon.
Practical Suggestions

The practical tip is very simple:

1. Start praying two extra rakahs after whatever you normally pray after Isha.

So if you normally don’t pray two rakahs of sunnah after Isha, then start with that. If you do pray your sunnah, add two more to it. Every week try to add another tworakahs until Ramadan begins. If you can only maintain just your two extra rakahs, that’s a great accomplishment insha Allah.

If you already pray Qiyam after Isha’, then your task is a bit harder. Try to wake up half an hour before fajr and pray your extra rakahs then. If you cannot do that, wake up during that time and at least make dua as your duas are more accepted then.

Subhan Allah, there are countless stories of people who were granted seemingly impossible wishes and no they didn’t wish upon a star! They got up, made wudu, and prayed to Allah (SWT) late in the night and asked Him directly, during the hour where He Himself asks, “Who is saying a prayer to Me that I may answer it? Who is asking something of Me that I may give it him? Who is asking forgiveness of Me that I may forgive him?” It would be a great time to take out your list of intentions and pray for them! A nightly opportunity worth more than we can imagine!

2. Start with ten verses for your extra two rakahs and gradually increase to a hundred so you may be recorded as one of the devout!

Before anyone gets scared, a hundred verses especially from the last juz’ (part) of the Quran, is not very hard to read. You can add ten verses a night and in ten nights you will be reading a hundred verses. You are also allowed to hold the Quran and read from it while praying Qiyam. Again, even if you never get past ten verses a night inQiyam, that is something very valuable and a blessing not to be undermined. Express your shukr (gratitude) to Him for what He allows you to do, and He will increase it!

May Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala) allow us to graduate ‘from the school of the night’! May we be recorded with the devout.

When we feel lazy, an easy line to remember to hold to: “It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised station.” (Al-Israa’ 17:79)

That is, a praised station with Him (Subhanahu Wa Ta'ala).


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Sunday, August 19, 2012

✦ REVIVE A SUNNAH ⇨ "THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID" ✦

✦ REVIVE A SUNNAH ⇨ "THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID" ✦





THE SUNNAH OF THE DAY OF EID -:- EVERY MUSLIM SHOULD OBSERVE:

1 – Doing Ghusl before going out to the Prayer.

Yahya related to me from Malik from Nafi that Abdullah ibn Umar used to do ghusl on the day of Fitr before going to the place of prayer. [Malik :: Book 10 : Hadith 10.1.2]

2 – Eating before going out to pray on Eid al-Fitr:

Narrated Anas bin Malik,: Allah's Apostle never proceeded (for the prayer) on the Day of 'Id-ul-Fitr unless he had eaten some dates. Anas also narrated: The Prophet used to eat odd number of dates. [Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 73]

Whoever does not have any dates may eat anything that is permissible.

3 – Takbeer on the day of Eid

The time for takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night before Eid until the imam enters to lead the Eid prayer.

It was narrated in a saheeh report that ‘Abd al-Rahmaan al-Sulami said, “They (companions) emphasized it more on the day of al-Fitr than the day of al-Adha.”. Wakee’ said, this refers to the takbeer. [See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 3/122/]

Ibn Abi Shaybah narrated with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: The people used to recite Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they came to the prayer place, and until the imam came out. When the imam came out they fell silent, and when he said takbeer they said takbeer. [See Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 1/121]

4 – Offering Congratulations

It was narrated that Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: When the companions of the Prophet PBUH met one another on the day of Eid, they would say to one another, " تَقَبَّلَ اللَّهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْك 'Taqabbal Allaahu minna wa mink' '(May Allaah accept (this worship) from us and from you)". [Ibn Hajar said, its isnaad is hasan. Al-Fath, 2/446.]

5 – Adorning oneself on the occasion of Eid.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin Umar: Umar bought a silk cloak from the market, took it to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Take it and adorn yourself with it during the 'Id and when the delegations visit you." Allah's Apostle (p.b.u.h) replied, "This dress is for those who have no share (in the Hereafter)." [Bukhari :: Book 2 :: Volume 15 :: Hadith 69]

The Prophet PBUH agreed with ‘Umar on the idea of adorning oneself for Eid, but he denounced him for choosing this cloak because it was made of silk.

Narrated Naafi: Ibn ‘Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid. [Sunan Kubra Bayhaqi 6363, Sahih Isnaad]

So a man should wear the best clothes that he has when going out for Eid.

6 – Going to the Prayer by one route and returning by another.

Narrated Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah RA: "On the day of Eid, the Prophet PBUH would vary his route, i.e., he would go via one route and come back via a different route". [Bukhaari 986]

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Friday, August 17, 2012

Common Mistakes made by Muslims on Eid!

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Question: What are the mistakes and wrong actions that the Muslims are warned against on the two Eids? We see some actions which we denounce such as visiting graves after the Eid prayer and staying up to worship on the night of Eid….




Answer: Praise be to Allaah.

As Eid is approaching, we would like to point out some things that some people do out of ignorance of the laws of Allaah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). These include the following:
1 – The belief of some that it is prescribed to spend the night of Eid in worship.

Some people believe that it is prescribed to spend the night of Eid in worship. This is a kind of innovation (bid’ah) that is not proven from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). Rather it was narrated in a da’eef (weak) hadeeth which says, “Whoever stays up on the night of Eid, his heart will not die on the day when hearts die.” This hadeeth is not saheeh. It was narrated via two isnaads, one of which is mawdoo’ (fabricated) and the other is da’eef jiddan (very weak). See Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Da’eefah wa’l-Mawdoo’ah by al-Albaani, 520, 521.

It is not prescribed to single out the night of Eid to pray qiyaam to the exclusion of all other nights, unlike the one whose habit it is to pray qiyaam, in which case there is nothing wrong with him praying qiyaam on the night of Eid.
2 – Visiting graves on the two Eid days.

This is contrary to the purpose of Eid which is to express joy and happiness, and it goes against the teaching of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and the actions of the salaf. It comes under the general meaning of the Prophet’s prohibition on visiting graves on a specific day and making that like a festival, as the scholars stated.

See Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz wa Bida’uha by al-Albaani, p. 219, 258.
3 – Forsaking the jamaa’ah and sleeping late and missing the prayer.

Unfortunately you see some of the Muslims missing the prayer and forsaking the jamaa’ah. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The covenant that stands between us and them is the prayer; whoever forsakes it is a kaafir.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2621; al-Nasaa’i, 463; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi.

And he said: “The most burdensome prayers for the hypocrites are the ‘Isha’ and Fajr prayers. If they knew (what goodness) there is in them, they would come to them even if they had to crawl. I had thought of ordering the call to prayer to be given, then I would tell a man to lead the people in prayer, then I would go, taking some men with me carrying bundles of wood, to people who do not attend the prayer, and would burn their houses down around them.” Narrated by Muslim, 651.
4 – Women mixing with men in the prayer place, the streets and elsewhere, and crowding together with men in those places.

This is a source of great fitnah (temptation) and serious danger. Both women and men should be warned against that, and the necessary means should be taken to prevent that as much as possible. Men and youth should not leave the prayer place or the mosque until after the women have dispersed completely.
5 – Some women going out wearing perfume and makeup, and without veils.

This is a problem which is widespread, and many people take this matter lightly. Allaah is the One Whose help we seek. Some women – may Allaah guide them – even dress up in their finest clothes and put on the best perfume when they go to the mosque to pray Taraaweeh or go to the Eid prayers, etc. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 5126; al-Tirmidhi, 2783; classed as hasan by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 2019.

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There are two types of the people of Hell whom I have not seen. People with whips like the tails of cattle with which they beat the people, and women who are clothed yet naked, going astray and leading others astray, with their heads looking like the humps of camels, leaning to one side. They will not enter Paradise nor even smell its fragrance, although its fragrance may be detected from such and such a distance.” Narrated by Muslim, 2128.

The guardians of women must fear Allaah with regard to those who are under their care, and fulfil the duty of protecting and maintaining that Allaah has enjoined upon them, because,

“Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allaah has made one of them to excel the other”

[al-Nisa’ 4:34 – interpretation of the meaning]

So they must guide them and show them that which will lead to their salvation and their safety in this world and in the Hereafter, by means of keeping away from that which Allaah has forbidden and striving for that which will bring them closer to Allaah.
6 – Listening to singing and haraam things.

Among the evil things that are widespread in these times is music and singing. They have become very widespread and people take this matter lightly. It is on TV and radio, in cars, homes and marketplaces. There is no power and no strength except with Allaah. Even cell phones are not free of this evil. There are companies which compete in putting the latest music on the ringers of their cell phones, and in this way music has even reached the mosques, may Allaah protect us… This is a great problem and a great evil whereby music is heard in the houses of Allaah. See question no. 34217. This confirms the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “There will be among my ummah people who will regard adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments as permissible.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari.

See questions no. 5000, 34432.

The Muslim has to fear Allaah and realize that the blessing of Allaah means that he is obliged to give thanks to Him. It is not gratitude for the Muslim to disobey his Lord, when He is the One Who has bestowed this blessing upon him.

One of the righteous passed by some people who were engaged in idle entertainment on the day of Eid and said to them, “If you did well in Ramadaan, this is not the way to give thanks for that. If you did badly in Ramadaan, this is not the way that the one who did badly should behave.”

And Allaah knows best.

What After Ramadaan?


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Adapted from "Wa Maadha Ba'da Ramadhaan"

Alhamdulillahi wa kafaa, was-Salatu was-salamu `alaa `ibaadihi-lladheena Stafaa

Even though Ramadan is ending, we all have to make sure it stays with us. How, might you ask? Everybody knows that Ramadan lasts only for a month, 29 or 30 wonderful days. This special month is a time to get closer to Allah (SWT), physically and mentally. And we have to take care not to lose this closeness with Allah (Subhanahuwatala).

Soon we will leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and its fragrant nights. We will leave the month of the Qur'an, taqwa, patience, jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire.

Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from the Ramadan school with the diploma of the god-fearing?

Have we fought our souls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by our customs and blind imitations?

Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness and release from the Fire?

Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincere Muslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.

What Have We Gained From Ramadan?

Ramadan is a school of iman and a 'stop to recharge one's spiritual batteries' - to acquire one's provision for the rest of the year...

For when will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the month of Ramadan?

The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we change our actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law of Allah 'azza wa jall. "Verily, Allah does not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves." [Ar-Ra`d, 11]

If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled the requirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it with truthfulness, and strove against you soul, then praise and thank Allah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.

Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it... Have you seen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, she liked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for no reason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seen one who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when the night comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. What would people say about such a person?!

This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evildoing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after he was favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment of communicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evil actions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!

My dear ones, falling short in one's commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:

1 Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after they filled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.

2 Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.

This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the sign of acceptance of one's actions, rather this is opposition to favors and absence of thankfulness.

These are from signs of one's deeds not being accepted and Allah's refuge is sought for one who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah may not accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking for acceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.

From signs that one's deeds are accepted is that he or she has improved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. "And remember when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]" [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith and righteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord, you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced from sinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.

"And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e. death]." [al-Hijr, 99]

The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah, firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she is not of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in one place. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also the Lord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places, so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Him while He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said,

"So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah]." [Hud, 112]

And, "So take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." [Fussilat, 6]

And the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, "Say 'I believe in Allah', then be steadfast." [Muslim]

-- If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary fasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays and Thursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of `Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.

-- If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. "They used to sleep but little of the night." [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]

-- If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then there is the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors to charity, voluntary actions and jihad.

-- Reading of the Qur'an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan, rather it is for all times.

Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive, O my brother and sister, and beware of laziness. And remember that it is not allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, such as the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.

And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings, food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.

Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for you do not know when you'll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him taking you while you are in a state of sin. "O Allah, Who turns the hearts, keep our hearts
steadfast upon Your Deen."

I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers and other righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a better one, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honour and that we truly turn to our Lord. Ameen


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