2014 – Page 68 – AbdurRahman.Org

The Foundations of Kabah : Shaykh al-Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 23, 2014March 5, 2015

source: Silsilat ul-ahaadeeth us-saheeha – the series of authentic narrations – hadeeth no. 43
assaheeha translations.

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “O ‘Aaisha, if your people had not recently been polytheists (and new converts to Islaam), and if I had enough means to reconstruct it, I would have spent the treasure of the Ka’bah in the way of Allaah, and I would have demolished the Ka’bah and made it at a level with the ground. Then I would have rebuilt it on its original foundations laid by Ibraaheem (Abraham) and made two doors for it – a door facing the east, for the people to enter, and a door facing the west, for their exit… And I would expand (the Ka’bah) by six cubits (around three meters) of area from al-Hijr (the unroofed portion of the Ka’bah which is at present in the form of a semi-circular, wall-surrounded area in the north side of the Ka’bah); (in [another] narration: I would have included the space of al-Hijr in it ), for when the Quraish had rebuilt the Ka’bah, they reduced its (area). And if your people would take initiative after me in rebuilding it, then come along with me so that I could show you what they have left out of it.” He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] showed her about seven cubits (three and a half meters) of area (from the side of al-Hijr).

In [another] narration from her (‘Aaisha), she said: “I asked the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the wall (i.e., al-Hijr): ‘Is it regarded as part of the House (the Ka’bah)?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] replied, ‘Yes.’ I said: ‘Then why did they not include it in the House?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, ‘Your people ran short of the means/money (to do so).’ I said: ‘Why is it that the level of its door is raised high?’ He [sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam] said, ‘Your people did it to admit whomever they liked, and prevent whomever they disliked; (in [another] narration: (They did it) out of vanity so that (they might be in a position) to grant admittance to only whom they wished. So when a person intended to enter it, they called him to climb (the stairs), and when he was about to enter, they pushed him and he fell down). Were your people not close to the Pre-lslamic Period of Ignorance (i.e. they have recently embraced Islaam) and were I not afraid that their hearts might deny (my action), then surely I would have included the (area of the) wall inside (the building of) the House and I would have made its gate touch the ground.’”

Then, when Ibn uz-Zubayr ruled, he demolished it and made two doors for it. (In [another] narration: That was what urged Ibn uz-Zubayr to demolish (the Ka’bah). Yazeed bin Rumaan said: ‘I saw Ibn uz-Zubayr when he demolished it, rebuilt it and included al-Hijr in it. And I saw the original foundations of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaam) which were of stones joined together resembling the humps of camels.’)

*the translation of the above hadeeth, for the most part, was taken directly from the already translated text of saheeh al-bukhaari and saheeh muslim*

shaykh al-albaani (rahimahullaah) summarizes a number of benefits from the above narration:

“This hadeeth indicates two things:

First: that it is obligatory to delay carrying out rectification, if an evil greater than [its good] results from it. And from it, the scholars of fiqh took their famous principle: ‘Repelling the evil [comes] before bringing the good.’

Second: that the honorable Ka’bah is now in need of the reconstructions that the hadeeth includes, due to the disappearance of the reason for the sake of which the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) left that – and (the reason) is that the hearts of those who were recently polytheists in his time (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would have a dislike [for it]. And Ibn Battaal has reported from some of the scholars that: ‘the dislike that he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) feared was that they would accuse him of boasting by himself over them.’

It is possible to list those reconstructions in what follows:

1- Expanding the Ka’bah and building it upon the foundation of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam), and that is by adding approximately six cubits (three meters) of al-Hijr
2- Leveling its ground with the surface of the Haram (Al-Masjid ul-Haraam)
3- Opening another door for it from the Western side
4 – Making the two doors low with the ground to organize and facilitate entering it and exiting from it for everyone who wishes

And indeed, ‘Abdullaah bin uz-Zubayr (radi Allaahu ‘anhumaa) had carried out the fulfillment of this reconstruction completely during his rule in Makkah, but the unjust political administration returned the Ka’bah after him to its previous state!”

the shaykh then mentions the following hadeeth as narrated by Muslim and Abu Nu’aym on the authority of ‘Ataa who said:

“The House was burnt during the time of Yazeed bin Mu’aawiya when the people of Shaam had fought (in Makkah), and it happened with it (the Ka’bah) what was (in store for it). Ibn uz-Zubayr left it (in the same state) until the people came in the season (of Hajj) – he wanted to encourage them or urge them on (to war) against the people of Shaam. When the people had arrived, he said to them, ‘O people, advise me about the Ka’bah. Should I demolish it and then build it from its very foundation, or should I repair whatever has been damaged of it?’ Ibn ‘Abbaas [radi Allaahu ‘anhu] said, ‘An idea has occurred to me, according to which I think that you should only repair whatever has been damaged for it, and leave the House (in the same state) in which people embraced Islaam, (and leave) the stones (in the same state) in which people embraced Islaam and upon which the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was sent.’ So, Ibn uz-Zubayr said, ‘If the house of any one of you was burnt, he would not be pleased until he had reconstructed it, then how about the House of your Lord (which is far more important than your house)?! Indeed, I will seek good advice from my Lord thrice and then I will make up my mind about this affair.’

After seeking good advice thrice, he made up his mind to demolish it. The people were suspicious and fearful that calamity might fall from heaven on those persons who would be first to climb over it (for the purpose of demolishing it), until a man climbed it and threw down one of its stones. When the people saw no calamity befalling him, they followed him and demolished it until they leveled it to the ground. Then, Ibn uz-Zubayr erected pillars and hung curtains on them until the walls were raised. And Ibn uz-Zubayr said, ‘Indeed I heard ‘Aaisha say that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: (he then mentioned the first portion of the hadeeth [mentioned in the beginning], then he said) – I today have the means to spend and I don’t fear the people (that they would protest against this change).’ So he expanded it by five cubits (around two and a half meters) of area from the side of al-Hijr until it appeared as the original foundation (upon which Ibraaheem had built the Ka’bah), and the people saw it; and it was upon this foundation that he raised the wall. The length of the Ka’bah was eighteen cubits (around nine meters), and when he had expanded it, he found it to be short (since the addition was made to its width, so naturally the length appeared to be small compared to its width). Therefore, he expanded its length by ten cubits (around five meters). He also constructed two doors, one of which (was meant) for entrance and the other one for exit.

Then, when Ibn uz-Zubayr was killed, al-Hajjaaj wrote to ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan informing him about it, and telling him that Ibn uz-Zubayr had built (the Ka’bah) on the very foundation (which was laid by Ibraaheem) and which reliable persons among the people of Makkah had seen. Then, ‘Abd ul-Malik wrote to him: ‘Indeed, we are not concerned with disgracing Ibn uz-Zubayr in anything. As for what he added in the side of its length, keep it intact; and as for what he added from the side of al-Hijr, return it to its (previous) foundation, and close up the door which he opened.’ Thus, he (al-Hajjaaj) demolished it (that portion) and rebuilt it on its (previous) foundation.”

*the translation of the above hadeeth, for the most part, was taken directly from the already translated text of saheeh muslim*

shaykh al-albaani continues:

“That is what al-Hajjaaj the oppressor did by the command of ‘Abd ul-Malik the mistaken one, and I don’t think that his regret later on clears him of his mistake. Muslim and Abu Na’eem have also narrated from ‘Abdullaah bin ‘Ubayd who said: Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah came to ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan as an envoy during his Khilaafa (Caliphate), and ‘Abd ul-Malik said, ‘I don’t think that Abu Habeeb (i.e., Ibn uz-Zubayr) heard from ‘Aaisha that which he claimed to hear from her.’ Al-Haarith said: ‘But yes, I [myself] heard it from her.’ He (‘Abd ul-Malik) said, ‘You heard her saying what?’ He (Al-Haarith) said, ‘She said: the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: (he then mentioned the hadeeth).’ ‘Abd ul-Malik said to Al-Haarith, ‘You heard her saying this?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ Then, he (‘Abd ul-Malik) scratched the ground with his staff for a while and then said, ‘I wish that I had left it and not changed [the reconstructions carried out by Ibn uz-Zubayr].’

And there is in [another] narration from them both (Muslim and Abu Na’eem) from Abu Qaz’ah that: While ‘Abd ul-Malik bin Marwaan was going around the House, he at that time said, ‘May Allaah fight Ibn uz-Zubayr since he uttered a lie upon the mother of the believers, saying: I heard her say: (he then mentioned the hadeeth).’ So, Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah bin Rabee’ah said, ‘Don’t say this O leader of the believers, for I [myself] heard the mother of the believers saying this.’ He (‘Abd ul-Malik) said, ‘If I had heard it before I demolished it (the Ka’bah), I would have left it upon what Ibn uz-Zubayr had built.’

I (Shaykh al-Albaani) say: it was (obligatory) upon him, before the demolition, to verify and to ask the people of knowledge about that, whether it was allowed for him to criticize ‘Abdullaah bin uz-Zubayr and accuse him of uttering a lie upon the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). And his truthfulness (radi Allaahu ‘anhu) became clear to ‘Abd ul-Malik by Al-Haarith‘s agreeing with it, as many a group from ‘Aaisha (radi Allaahu ‘anhaa) agreed with it. And I have collected their narrations…in this hadeeth, and the hadeeth is detailed from ‘Aaisha. Therefore, I indeed fear that ‘Abd ul-Malik had prior knowledge about the hadeeth before he demolished the House, but he pretended that he did not hear about it except through Ibn uz-Zubayr. So when Al-Haarith bin ‘Abdillaah opposed him, that he also had heard it (the hadeeth) from ‘Aaisha, he (‘Abd ul-Malik) showed regret at what he had done, [but] it was too late for regrets.

On the other hand, it has reached us that there is an idea or plan to expand the area of tawaaf (circumambulation) around the Ka’bah and transfer the Maqaam Ibraaheem (the Standing Place of Ibraaheem) (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam) to another place. So in relation to this, I suggest to those responsible (for the Ka’bah) that they hasten to expand the Ka’bah before everything (else) and rebuilt it upon the foundation of Ibraaheem (‘alayhi ssalaat wa ssalaam), fulfilling the noble, honorable Prophetic wish in this hadeeth, and saving the people from the problems of crowding at the door of the Ka’bah which is witnessed every year, and from the domination of the guard over the door who prevents whoever he wishes from entering and allows whoever he wishes, for the sake of a few dirhams!”

The Month of Dhul-Hijjah

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 23, 2014August 12, 2018

Source: Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.6 – Dhul-Qa’dah 1417H / March 1997

By the Grace of Allaah we have started the month of Dhul-Hijjah (the month of Hajj or Pilgrimage), in which Allaah has marked out, for both the pilgrims and the non-pilgrims, some very blessed days. So we shall mention here some of the virtues and rewardful acts that are connected to these blessed days.

DOING GOOD DEEDS IN GENERAL:

The first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah are the best and most virtuous days of the year. They are the days in which Allaah the Mighty and Majestic – most loves the doing of good deeds. About this the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best days in the world are the ten days.” [1]

Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, its days are the most excellent of all the days with Allaah. And it has been confirmed in Saheehul-Bukhaaree (2/382), from Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhumaa) who said, that Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There ore no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these (ten) days.” He was then asked, ‘Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah?’ So he replied, “Not even jihaad in the path of Allaah, except for a person who goes out with his self and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.” And it is these ten days that Allaah has taken an oath by in His Book, by His saying,

“By the Dawn and by the Ten Nights.” [Sooratul-Fajr 89:1-2]

This is why it is recommended to increase in making takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar), tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha illallaah) and tamheed (saying Alhamdulillaah) during these days …”[2]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are no days that are greater with Allaah, and in which good deeds are more beloved to Him, than these ten days. So increase in making tasbeeh (saying Subhaanallaah), tahmeed, tahleel and takbeer, during them.”[3]

FASTING THE DAY OF ’ARAFAH:

The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is the day of ’Arafah, since it is on this day that the pilgrims gather at the mountain plain of ’Arafah, praying and supplicating to their Lord. It is mustahabb (highly recommended) for those who are not pilgrims to fast on this day, since the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on the day of ’Arafah, so he said, “It expiates the sins of the past year and the coming year.” [4] Likewise, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘There is no day on which Allaah frees people from the Fire more so than on the day of ’Arafah. He comes close to those (people standing on ’Arafah), and then He revels before His Angels saying, ‘What are these people seeking.” [5]

Imaam at-Tirmidhee (d.275H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The People of Knowledge consider it recommended to fast on the day of ’Arafah, except for those at ’Arafah.” [6]

SLAUGHTERING ON THE DAY OF AN-NAHR AND ’EEDUL-ADHAA OR THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS:

The tenth day of Dhul-Hiijah is known as the day of an-Nahr (slaughtering), since it marks the ending of the major rites of Hajj (Pilgrimage), and commemorates the bounty and mercy of Allaah – the Most High – in that He gave His beloved Prophet Ibraaheem – ’alayhis-salaam – a ram to sacrifice in place of his firstborn son Ismaa’eel – ’alayhis-salaam. And out of the ten best days of the year, it is the day of an-Nahr which is the most excellent day of the year with Allaah.

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The most excellent day of the week is the day of Friday, by the agreement of the Scholars. And the most excellent day of the year is the day of an-Nahr. And some of them said that it is the day of ’Arafah. However, the first opinion is the correct one, since it is related in the Sunan collections that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The most excellent days with Allaah is the day of an-Nahr, then the day of al-Qarr (the day that the Muslims reside in Minaa).” [7]” [8]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said,

“The greatest day of the Hajj (Pilgrimage) is the Day of an-Nahr (Slaughtering).” [9]

The day of an-Nahr is also known as ’Eedul-Adhaa (the Festivity of Sacrifice) and is one of the two major festivals that Allaah has granted to this Ummah. Anas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, ‘The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to al-Madeenah and the people of al-Madeenah had – since the times of jaahiliyyah (Pre-lslaamic Ignorance) – two days which they marked out for play and amusement. So the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ‘I came to you, and you had two days of play and amusement in the times of jaahiliyyah. But Allaah has replaced them with something better for you: The day of al-Adhaa (sacrificing) and the day of al-Fitr (ending the Fast).” [10]

The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) also said, “The day of al-Fitr, and the day of an-Nahr, and the days of at-Tashreeq (the three days after an-Nahr) are our days of ’Eed (festivity); and they are days of eating and drinking.” [11]

’Eedul-Adhaa, is a day in which the Muslims slaughter a camel, cow, sheep or goat, in commemoration of the sacrifice of Ibraaheem – ’alayis-salaam. And this sacrifice is an obligation upon all those who have the means to do so – according to the most correct opinion of the Scholars. [12] The basis of this is the Prophet’s (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “One who has the ability to sacrifice, but chooses not to do so, should not approach our place of (’Eed) Prayer.” [13] And his (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whosoever sacrificed before the Prayer, then let him do so again. But whosoever has not sacrificed, then let him sacrifice.” [14] So this order refers to those who have the ability to do so – and Allaah knows best.

As regards those who intends to sacrifice – normally the head of the household – then they are prohibited from cutting their hair or nails, starting from the first day of Dhul-Hijjah up until after the sacrifice. Allaah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When the ten days start, and one of you intends to sacrifice, then let him not cut his hair or his nails.” [15]

GLORIFYING ALLAAH WITH THE TAKBEER:

From the day of ’Arafah (the 9th of Dhul-Hijjah), up until the ’Asr Prayer on the thirteen day, are days in which the takbeeraat (saying Allaahu Akbar) should be said. Imaam al-Khattaabee (d.456H) – rahimahullaah – said, “The wisdom behind saying the takbeeraat in these days is that in the times of jaahiliyyah (pre-lslaamic ignorance), they used to slaughter for their tawaagheet (false objects of worship). So the takbeeraat were prescribed in order to indicate that the act of slaughtering is directed to Allaah alone, and by mentioning only His – the Mighty and Majestic – Name.” [16]

Shaykhul-lslaam Ibn Taymiyyah – rahimahullaah – said, “All praise be to Allaah. The most correct saying concerning the takbeer – that which the majority of the Salaf (Pious Predecessors), and the Scholars from the Companions and Imaams were upon – is to begin making the takbeer from Fajr (dawn) on the day of ’Arafah, up until the last day of at-Tashreeq (the thirteenth of Dhul-Hijjah), after every Prayer.” [17]

Ibn Abee Shaybah relates, “That ’Alee (radiyallaahu ’anhu) used to make the takbeer beginning after the Fajr Prayer on the day of ’Arafah, up until after the ’Asr Prayer on the last day of at-Tashreeq.” [18]

As regards the actual wording of the takbeeraat, then nothing authentic has been related from the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). However, certain wordings have been authentically related from a group of Companions. From them:

Ibn Mas’ood (radiyallaahu ’anhu) would say, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great. None has the right to be worshipped except Him. And Allaah is great, Allaah is great. And to Him belongs all praise. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Laa ilaahaa illallaah, wallaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa lillaahil-hamd.]” [19]

Ibn ’Abbaas (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said, “Allaah is great, Allaah is great, Allaah is great, and to Allaah belongs all praise. Allaah is greater and Sublime. Allaah is greater to what He has guided us to. [Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd. Allaahu akbar wa ajalla. Allaahu akbar ’alaa maa hadaanaa.]” [20]

Unfortunately, many Muslims have neglected the takbeer established from our Salaf (Pious Predecessors) and have instead resorted to additions which have no basis at all.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr (d.856H) – rahimahullaah – said, “Indeed, additions have been invented upon this day, which have no basis at all.” [21]

And may Allaah have mercy upon the one who said,

“Every good is in following the Salaf; And every evil is in the innovations of the late-comers.”

And all praise is for Allaah, Lord of the worlds. And may Allaah extol and send the choicest blessings of peace upon our Leader, Muhammad, and upon his Family, his Companions, and all those who follow them.

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh: Related by al-Bazzaar (1/234). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 1133).

[2] Refer to Zaadul-Ma’aad (1/56).

[3] Saheeh: Related by at-Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer (3/110/1) It was authenticated by al-Mundharee in at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2/24).

[4] Related by Muslim (no. 1162), from Aboo Qataadah (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[5] Related by Muslim (no. 1348), from ’Aa‘ishah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[6] Refer to Jaami’ut-Tirmidhee (3/377).

[7] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1765), from ’Abdullaah Ibn Qart (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Irwaa‘ul-Ghaleel (no. 2018).

[8] Refer to Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (25/288).

[9] Saheeh: Related by Aboo Daawood (no. 1945), from Ibn ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (no. 1101).

[10] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (3/103).it was authenticated by al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr in Bulooghul-Maraam (no. 398).

[11] Saheeh: Related by Ahmad (no. 1945), from ’Uqbah Ibn ’Aamir (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami’ (no. 8192).

[12] As explained by Ibn Taymiyyah in Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (23/162-164).

[13] Hasan: Related by Ibn Maajah (no. 3123), from Aboo Hurayrah (radiyallaahu ’anhu). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albaanee in Takhreej Mushkilatul-Fiqr (no. 398).

[14] Related by al-Bukhaaree (no. 5562) and Muslim (no. 1960), from Jundub Ibn ’Abdullaah al-Bajalee (radiyallaahu ’anhu).

[15] Related by Muslim (no. 1977), from Umm Salamah (radiyallaahu ’anhaa).

[16] Quoted from Fathul-Baaree (21/586).

[17] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (24/220). However, what seems more correct is not to restrict the takbeeraat to being just after every Prayer, as al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr pointed out in Fathul-Baaree (21/587).

[18] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in al-Musannaf (2/1/2). It was authenticated by al-Albaanee in al-lrwaa‘ (31/125).

[19] Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah with an authentic chain of narration

[20] Related by al-Bayhaqee (3/315) with an authentic chain of narration.

[21] Fathul-Baaree (2/536).

The Ruling of the Dome Built upon the Grave of the Messenger of Allaah – Imam Muqbil

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 23, 2014July 14, 2016

A Research Paper Prepared by Abu AbdurRahmaan Muqbil bin Hadi al-Waadi’ee

Translated by Abbas Abu Yahya

All are in PDF Format

A History of Hajj

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 23, 2014August 18, 2015

A History of Hajj (Pilgrimage)
Invitation to Islam Newsletter, Issue 1, May 1997

Hajj literally means ‘to set out for a place‘. Islamically however it refers to the annual pilgrimage that Muslims make to Makkah with the intention of performing certain religious rites in accordance with the method prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam).

Hajj and its rites were first ordained by Allaah in the time of the Prophet lbraaheem [Abraham] (alayhis-salaam) and he was the one who was entrusted by Allaah to build the Ka’ba – the House of Allaah – along with his son Ismaa’eel [Ishmael] at Makkah. Allaah described the Ka’ba and its building as follows:

“And remember when We showed Ibraaheem the site of the [Sacred] House [saying]: Associate not anything [in worship] with Me and purify My House for those who circumambulate it [i.e. perform tawaaf] and those who stand up for prayer and those who bow down and make prostration [in prayer etc.].” [Surah Al-Hajj 22:26]

After building the Ka’ba, Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) would come to Makkah to perform Hajj every year, and after his death, this practice was continued by his son. However, gradually with the passage of time, both the form and the goal of the Hajj rites were changed. As idolatry spread throughout Arabia , the Ka’ba lost its purity and idols were placed inside it. Its walls became covered with poems and paintings, including one of Jesus and his mother Maryam and eventually over 360 idols came to be placed around the Ka’ba.

During the Hajj period itself, the atmosphere around the sacred precincts of the Ka’ba was like a circus.

Men and women would go round the Ka’ba naked, arguing that they should present themselves before Allaah in the same condition they were born.
Their prayer became devoid of all sincere remembrance of Allaah and was instead reduced to a series of hand clapping, whistling and the blowing of horns.
Even the talbeeyah [2] was distorted by them with the following additions: ‘No one is Your partner except one who is permitted by you. You are his Master and the Master of what he possesses’.

Sacrifices were also made in the name of God. However, the blood of the sacrificed animals was poured onto the walls of the Ka’ba and the flesh was hung from pillars around the Ka’ba, in the belief that Allaah demanded the flesh and blood of these animals.

Singing, drinking, adultery and other acts of immorality was rife amongst the pilgrims and the poetry competitions, which were held, were a major part of the whole Hajj event. In these competitions, poets would praise the bravery and splendour of their own tribesmen and tell exaggerated tales of the cowardice and miserliness of other tribes. Competitions in generosity were also staged where the chief of each tribe would set up huge cauldrons and feed the pilgrims, only so that they could become well-known for their extreme generosity.

Thus the people had totally abandoned the teachings of their forefather and leader Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam). The House that he had made pure for the worship of Allaah alone, had been totally desecrated by the pagans and the rites which he had established were completely distorted by them. This sad state of affairs continued for nearly two and a half thousand years. But then after this long period, the time came for the supplication of Ibraaheem to be answered:

“Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall recite unto them your aayaat (verses) and instruct them in the book and the Wisdom and sanctify them. Verily you are the ‘Azeezul-Hakeem [the All-Mighty, the All-Wise].” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:129]

Sure enough, a man by the name of Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullaah (صلى الله عليه و سلم) was born in the very city that Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) had made this supplication centuries earlier. For twenty-three years, the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم) spread the message of Tawheed [true monotheism] – the same message that Ibraaheem and all the other Prophets came with – and established the law of Allaah upon the land. He expended every effort into making the word of Allaah supreme and his victory over falsehood culminated in the smashing of the idols inside the Ka’ba which once again became the universal centre for the worshippers of the one True God.

Not only did the Prophet rid the Ka’ba of all its impurities, but he also reinstated all the rites of Hajj which were established by Allaah’s Permission, in the time of Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam). Specific injunctions in the Qur’aan were revealed in order to eliminate all the false rites which had become rampant in the pre-Islamic period. All indecent and shameful acts were strictly banned in Allaah’s statement:

“There is to be no lewdness nor wrangles during Hajj.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

Competitions among poets in the exaltations of their forefathers and their tribesmen’s’ achievements were all stopped. Instead, Allaah told them:

“And when you have completed your rites [of Hajj] then remember Allah as you remember your forefathers; nay with a more vigorous remembrance.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:200]

Competitions in generosity were also prohibited. Of course, the feeding of the poor pilgrims was still encouraged as this was done in the time of Ibraaheem (alayhis-salaam) but Allaah commanded that the slaughtering of the animals which was done for this purpose should be done seeking the pleasure of Allaah rather than fame and the praise of the people. He said:

“So mention the name of Allaah over these animals when they are drawn up in lines. Then, when they are drawn on their sides [after the slaughter], eat thereof and feed the beggar who does not ask, and the beggar who asks.” [Surah al-Hajj 22:36]

As for the deplorable practice of spattering blood of the sacrificed animals on the walls of the Ka’ba and hanging their flesh on alters, then Allaah clearly informed them that:

“It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allaah, but it is Taqwaa (piety) from you that reaches Him.” [Surah al-Hajj 22:37]

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) also put a stop to the practice of circling the Ka’ba in a state of nudity and the argument that the pagans put forward to justify this ritual was sharply rebutted in Allaah’s question:

“Say: Who has forbidden the adornment [i.e. clothes] given by Allaah which He has produced for His Slaves?” [Surah al-A’raaf 7:32]

Another custom which was prohibited through the Qur’aan was that of setting off for Hajj without taking any provisions for the journey. In the pre-Islamic period, some people who claimed to be mutawakkiloon (those having complete trust in Allaah) would travel to perform Hajj begging food the whole journey. They considered this form of behaviour a sign of piety and an indication of how much faith they had in Allaah. However Allaah told mankind that to have sufficient provisions for the journey was one of the preconditions for making Hajj. He said:

“And take a provision [with you] for the journey, but the best provision is at-Taqwaa (piety).” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:197]

In this way, all the pre-Islamic practices, which were based in ignorance, were abolished and Hajj was once more made a model of piety, fear of Allaah, purity, simplicity and austerity. Now, when the pilgrims reached the Ka’ba, they no longer found the carnivals and the frolic and frivolity that had once occupied the minds of the pilgrims there before. Now, there was the remembrance of Allaah at every step and every action and every sacrifice was devoted to Him alone. It was this kind of Hajj that was worthy of the reward of paradise, as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه و سلم) said: “The reward for an accepted Hajj is nothing less than paradise.” [10]

May Allaah grant us all the ability to visit His House and perform the Hajj in the manner of the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه و سلم). Aameen.

Footnotes

1 Surah al-Hajj 22:26
2 Labbaik Allaahumma labbaik… (Here I am present, O’ Allaah, I am present…) This is the chant which the pilgrims say when they are going around the Ka’ba.
3 Surah al-Baqarah 2:129
4 Surah al-Baqarah 2:197
5 Surah al-Baqarah 2:200
6 Surah al-Hajj 22:36
7 Surah al-Hajj 22:37
8 Surah al-A’raaf 7:32
9 Surah al-Baqarah 2:197
10 Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. Vol. 3 p. 1 no 1)
11 This article has been taken from: “The Call To Allaah magazine”, (Vol. 1 Issue 4)

Advice and Guidelines for those Performing Hajj – Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zaynoo

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 23, 2014July 26, 2015

Author:Shaikh Muhammad Ibn Jameel Zaynoo
Source:Al-Asaalah Magazine Issue 11 (pg. 45-47)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon – al-ibaanah.com

Know, my fellow brother, that there are certain etiquettes to the Hajj, which one must abide by and adorn himself with, such as:

1. Maintain cleanliness in your clothes, your tent, the place where you stay, and in your food and drink. This is because keeping clean will aid in preserving your health and in repelling sicknesses.

2. Beware of dropping filth or spoiled food in the roads that people use, for it will cause those performing Hajj to be bothered, and it will cause diseases to spread. So one must remove harmful objects from the road and put them in their proper place (i.e. garbage).

3. Bear the harm that comes from your neighbors with patience, and do not (let that cause you to) harm any of your brothers. Instead, repel their harm in a manner that is better, such as by using kind words.

4. Avoid sexual relations, committing sins, arguing and debating with falsehood, so that your Hajj can be accepted. Listen to the words of Allaah:

“So whoever intends to perform Hajj therein (in the months of Hajj), then he must NOT have sexual relations, nor commit sin, nor debate unjustly during Hajj.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 197]

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever goes to Hajj and he does not have sexual relations in it nor does he commit sin, he returns back (from Hajj) like the day when his mother gave birth to him (i.e. free from sins).” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

5. Be lenient in your buying and selling, and show good manners. And do not deal with anyone in a manner that he is not pleased with.

6. Beware of smoking, displaying bad manners and insulting others, for reviling a Muslim is sinfulness and fighting against him is disbelief.

7. Do not waste your time in the market places – buying and selling – or in gossiping with the “he said/she said” talk.

8. Be gentle with those around you when performing Tawaaf, kissing the Stone, the Sa’ee, and when throwing the stones (Ramee) and so on. This is from the gentleness that is required, for Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever is deprived of gentleness, he is deprived of all kinds of good.” [Reported in Saheeh Muslim]

9. Do not raise your voice out loud when making du’aa (supplication) during Tawaaf, because it disturbs the others making Tawaaf.

10. Do not push and shove people, especially when kissing the Black Stone. If it is too crowded and there is too much shoving, it is enough for you to just point in its direction.

And when casting the stones (Ramee), it is not permissible for you to use large stones, because this has been forbidden in the religious texts and because it will cause harm to those standing (in front of you).

Also, do not throw your shoes (instead of rocks) – as some ignorant people do – for this is a reprehensible act!

Avoid touching the glass surrounding the Prophet’s grave, and avoid touching the walls of the Ka’abah. Rather what is to be touched and kissed from it is (only) the Black Stone. The Yemeni Corner is also touched. [1]

11. You must shave your head or cut your hair very short when in the state of Hill (out of Ihraam), but beware of shaving the beard off, for that is forbidden according to the unanimous agreement of the scholars.

Allaah says:

“…with (the hair on) their heads shaven or cut short…”

Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Trim the moustaches and leave the beards to grow – Do the opposite of the Majoos.” {Reported by Muslim]

12. Beware of supplicating and calling out to other than Allaah, such as calling to deceased people or others not present. This is from the types of Shirk that Allaah has forbidden in His saying:

“And do not call besides Allaah that which can neither bring you benefit nor cause you harm. If you do that, then you will be from the wrong-doers.”

What is meant by “wrong-doers” in this ayah are the polytheists (those who commit shirk). If a Muslim commits Shirk, his good deeds become nullified and his Hajj is lost, as Allaah says:

“And if you commit Shirk, We will surely cancel out your good deeds and you will indeed be from the losers.” [Surah Az-Zumar: 65]

13. Beware of Riyaa, which is doing a deed for the sake of being seen or heard.

An example of this when someone goes to Hajj so that it can be said of him “Hajji so and so.” The title Hajji (or Al-Hajj in Arabic) was not a term that was known to the righteous predecessors (Salaf as-Saalih), so we cannot hear from any of them that he said about his brother “Hajji so and so.” Rather, this is from the innovations of those in recent times. So have sincerity in your Hajj and say as Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“O Allaah, (this is) a Hajj with no riyaa or sam’ah in it.” [2]

14. Increase in your recitation of the Qur’aan and acting on what is in it, your performing of Tawaaf, your sending of Salaat on the Prophet. And make a lot of supplication, especially at night, because Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Whoever wakes in the night and says when he awakens: ‘Laa Ilaaha IllAllaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu. Lahul-Mulk wa lahul-Hamd wa Huwa ‘alaa Kulli shay’in Qadeer. SubhaanAllaah wal-Hamdu Lillaah wa Laa Ilaaha IllAllah wa-Allaahu Akbar wa laa Hawla wa laa Quwata Illaa Billaah.’[3]

And then he says: ‘Allaahumma Ighfir Lee’ or some supplication, he will be answered. And if he makes ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree]

Footnotes:

[1] Translator’s Note: The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said:

“Touching the Black Stone and the Yemeni Corner removes sins.”

[Reported by At-Timrimidhee and Ibn Khuzaimah and authenticated by Al-Albaanee in his book on Hajj.

[2] Translator’s Note: Riyaa means doing deeds to be seen and Sam’ah means doing deeds to be heard.

[3] Translator’s Note: This means:

“There is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah – alone and with no partner. To Him belongs the Dominion and the Praise and He is Able over all things. Glory be to Allaah, all praise be to Allaah, and there is no deity worthy of worship except Allaah. And there is no movement nor power except by Allaah’s permission.”

The next phrase means: “O Allaah, forgive me.”

Authentic Hadeeths mentioning the virtues of Zamzam water? Ibn Baz

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 5, 2015

Question:Are there any authentic Hadeeths that mention the virtues of Zamzam water?Answer:

There are Hadeeths which indicate that Zamzam water is noble and blessed. In a Hadeeth confirmed in the Sahih, the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) said about Zamzam water:

“Indeed it is blessed, and that like food, it fills.” (Muslim no. 2473)

And in Abu Dawud’s narration, there is this addition:

“And a cure for illness.” (Abu Dawud At-Tiyalsi 2nd Volume no. 61)

So this Hadeeth proves its virtues, that it is a filling food, a cure for illness, and that it is blessed.

The Sunnah is to drink it as the Prophet (sallAllaahu `alayhi wa sallam) drank it, but it is also permissible to make ablution with it, to use it to purify yourself after you have relieved yourself, and if necessary, to take a shower using it when you are Junub (impure).

It is confirmed that on one occasion, water poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers, and then people took what they needed from that water, using it to drink, to make ablution, to wash their clothes, or to purify themselves after relieving themselves.

Zamzam water may not be the same as the water that poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers, but it is also not more blessed, for each has its place as pure water. If it is permissible to use the water that miraculously poured forth from between the Prophet’s fingers for all the purposes mentioned above, then it is also permissible in the case of Zamzam.

Shaykh `Abdul-`Azeez Bin Baz
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7, Pages 195-196, DARUSSALAM

Virtues of Masjid Quba, Madina – Tafseer Ibn Kathir

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 5, 2015

The Following is taken from Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Allah encouraged His Prophet to pray in Masjid Quba’ which, from the first day, was built on Taqwa, obedience to Allah and His Messenger , for gathering the word of the believers and as an outpost and a fort for Islam and its people. This is why Allah the Exalted said,

(Verily, the Masjid whose foundation was laid from the first day on Taqwa is more worthy that you stand therein (to pray).) in reference to the Masjid of Quba’.

An authentic Hadith records that the Messenger of Allah said,

(One prayer in Masjid Quba’ is just like an `Umrah.)

It is recorded in the Sahih that the Messenger of Allah used to visit Masjid Quba’ while riding and walking.

Other Notes:

It is prescribed for the visitor to Madeenah and for the one who lives there to go to the Mosque of Quba’ and pray there, following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and seeking the reward of ‘Umrah.

It was narrated that Sahl ibn Haneef said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever goes out until he comes to this mosque – meaning the Mosque of Quba’ – and prays there, that will be equivalent to ‘Umrah.” Narrated by Ahmad, 3/437; al-Nasaa’i, 699; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 1180, 1181.

In Sahih Muslim it is narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to go to the mosque of Quba’ every Saturday, walking or riding, and he would pray two rak’ahs there. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1191; Muslim, 1399

Ruling on performing Umrah before Obligatory Hajj – Permanent Committee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 17, 2015

Fatawa from Permanent Committee

Q3: Is it permissible for a person to perform `Umrah before the obligatory Hajj?

A: Yes, it is permissible for a person to perform `Umrah before Hajj because the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his Companions performed `Umrah before the obligatory Hajj.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Source:http://www.alifta.com/

Q 11: What is the ruling on a person who performs `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) before Hajj, although the former is only an act of Sunnah?

A: The correct view of the two rulings of the scholars is that `Umrah is obligatory, because Allah states:Surah Al-Baqarah, 2: 196 And perform properly (i.e. all the ceremonies according to the ways of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him) the Hajj and â€˜Umrah (i.e. the pilgrimage to Makkah) for AllÃ¢h. There are also other Hadiths narrated in this regard. If a Muslim performs `Umrah before Hajj during the months of Hajj and performs Hajj in the same year, then he has performed Tamattu` Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah with a break in between) which is better than the Ifrad Hajj (performing Hajj only) and Qiran Hajj (combining Hajj and `Umrah simultaneously) for the one who has not brought a hadiy with him. It is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) told the Sahabah (Companions of the Prophet) who did not bring sacrificial animals: Make it `Umrah, for if I had formerly known what I came to know lately, I would not have driven the Hadiy with me and would have finished the state of Ihram along with the people when they finished it.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!

Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Source: http://www.alifta.com/

Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah : A garden from the gardens of Paradise

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 5, 2015

The heart of the Prophet’s masjid houses a very special but small area named ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah, which extends from Muhammad’s tomb to his pulpit. Pilgrims attempt to visit and pray in ar-Rawdah, for there is a tradition that supplications and prayers uttered here are never rejected. Entrance into ar-Rawdah is not always possible (especially during the Hajj season), as the tiny area can accommodate only a few hundred people. Ar-Rawdah has two small gateways manned by Saudi police officers. The current marble pulpit was constructed by the Ottomans. The original pulpit was much smaller than the current one, and constructed of palm tree wood, not marble. Ar-Rawdah an-Nabawiyah is considered part of Jannah (Heaven or Paradise).

It is prescribed for the one who visits the Prophet’s Mosque to pray two rak’ahs in the Rawdah or whatever he wants of naafil prayers, because it is proven that there is virtue in doing so. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The area between my house and my minbar is one of the gardens ( riyaad, sing. rawdah) of Paradise, and my minbar is on my cistern (hawd)” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1196; Muslim, 1391.

And it was narrated that Yazeed ibn Abi ‘Ubayd said: “I used to come with Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ and he would pray by the pillar which was by the mus-haf, i.e. in the Rawdah. I said, ‘O Abu Muslim, I see that you are keen to pray by this pillar!’ He said, ‘I saw that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was keen to pray here.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 502; Muslim, 509.

Being keen to pray in al-Rawdah does not justify being aggressive towards people or pushing the weak aside, or stepping over their necks.

Women who want to pray in Rawdah area can enter the masjid through the Gates 21 – 25. Rawdah area for women is open after Fajr, Zuhr and Isha Prayers. It is open after Fajar for long time and 15 – 20 min after Zuhr prayer

How to wear the upper garment known as Rida’ for Ihram : Ibn Baz

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 28, 2017

Fatwa by Shaykh Ibn Baz Fatawa Islamiyah , Darussalam, Vol 4, Page 127

Q. Is it better for the Muhrim to cover the two shoulders or to uncover one of them during the Ihram?

A. The sunnah for the Muhrim is that he places the Rida’ (upper garment) over both of his shoulders and put its ends on his chest. This is the Sunnah and it is what the Prophet (Sallalahu Alahi wa Sallam) did.

So, if the person wants to perform the Tawaf of Arrival (Tawaful-Qudum) , he does Al-Idhtiba’. This is by him placing the center of his Rida’ under his right armpit and its edges over his left shoulder. Thus he uncovers his right shoulder. This is specifically for the Tawaf of Arrival, meaning when the person first arrives in Makkah for Hajj or ‘Umrah.

Then when he completes the Tawaf, he adjusts the Rida’ and places it over both of his shoulders, and he prays two Rak’ahs of Tawaf.

The person who always keeps one shoulder uncovered, this is opposed to the Sunnah, and so is uncovering both of the shoulders. The Sunnah is only to cover both of them with the Rida’ while the person is in Ihram. If the person takes off the Rida’ and does not cover his shoulders while he is sitting or eating or talking with his brothers, there is no harm in that.

However, the Sunnah is that when the person wears the Rida’, it should be over his two shoulders and its ends should be on his chest.

History of Makkah – Shaikh Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 5, 2015

History of Makkah Mukarramah (Shaikh Safiur-Rahman Mubarakpuri)

Publisher: Darussalam Publishers and Distributors (2002)
Pages: 176 Binding: Paperback

You can buy Here or read most of the book @ Google Books Here

Description from the publisher:

Mentions the different aspects of Makkah, and records the most important historical events that have direct effect on the establishment and sacredness of Makkah as well as its religious weight. Highlights the sites that are highly important whenever Makkah is mentioned like the Black Stone, Zamzarn Well and others. Designates a great part of the book speaking about the Holy Ka’bah and the Holy Mosque updating the extensions and the improvements, that have taken place from the time of Muhammad (S) to the Saudi era.At the end of the book there is a complete appendix about Hajj and its rites.

Excellence of Supplications at Al-Multazim

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014March 5, 2015

Iltizaam Between The Corner And The Door ( from Rites of Hajj and Umrah – by Shaik Nasiruddin Albanee )

38. And he may cling to the place between the corner and the Door – placing his chest and face and forearms upon this place.(45)

This is narrated by two isnaads from the Prophet by which the hadith reaches the level of hasan – and is increased in strength by the fact that a group of the Sahaabah acted on it – from them Ibn ‘Abbaas – may Allaah be pleased with him – who said: “This is the Multazam between the Corner and the Door. And it is authentically narrated from ‘Urwah ibn az-Zubair also – see ‘As-Sahaabah, no.2138.

And Ibn Taimiyyah said in his ‘Mansak’ (p.387): “And if he wishes to come to the Multazam – and that is what is between the Black stone and the Door – and he places upon it his chest and face and forearms and hands – and makes du’aa – and he asks Allaah for whatever he needs – then he may do so. And he may do so before the Farewell Tawaaf there being no difference in this being at that time or any other – and the Sahaabah used to do so when they entered Makkah – and if he stands near the Door making du’aa without iltizaam of the House then that is also good, and when he leaves he does not stand or turn or walk backwards.”

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

This is a matter concerning which the scholars differed, although it was not narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) (i.e. that was not narrated in a saheeh hadeeth, as the ahaadeeth that were narrated concerning this were deemed to be da’eef or weak). Rather it was narrated from some of the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them). So is iltizaam (clinging) Sunnah? When should it be done – upon arrival or when about to leave, or at any time?

The reason for this difference of opinion among the scholars is that it is not narrated in the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), rather the Sahaabah (may Allaah be pleased with them) used to do that when they arrived in Makkah.

The fuqaha’ said: He (the pilgrim) should do that when about to leave, and should cling to the multazam, which is the area between the corner where the Black Stone is located and the door…

Based on this, there is nothing wrong with iltizaam (clinging to the Ka’bah in this area) so long as that does not involve annoying others.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’, 7/402, 403.

Ajwa Dates Keep Away Harm, Poison And Magic

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 22, 2014May 4, 2017

Ajwa Dates Keep Away Harm, Poison And Magic

Ajwa (عجوة) is a soft dry variety of date fruit from Saudi Arabia. It is cultivated at Madina . A delightfully soft and fruity date with fine texture.

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven Ajwa dates every morning he will not be harmed on that day by poison or magic.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5445) (5768) (5769) (5779)].

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Ajwa dates are from paradise.” [Tirmidhee (2068) he said hasan Saheeh and it was authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaani].

Referring to eating seven Ajwa dates, the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “He will not be harmed by anything until he reaches the evening.” [Saheeh Muslim (2047)].

These dates cost around 70 Saudi Riyals per KiloGram.

There are also “imitations” or some sold an inferior quality dates and “conned” the customers as “AJWA dates” To know whether its AJWA, look closely at the dates. There are very fine white lines on the dates.

Madina Dates Keep Away Harm

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “Whoever has seven dates between the two areas (the east and west of Madina) as soon as he wakes up every morning, he will not be harmed on that day by poison until the evening.” [Saheeh Muslim (154) (2047)].

Dates In One’s Home

The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “O Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry. Oh Aisha! A house that has no dates in it their family is hungry.” [Saheeh Muslim (153), (2046)]

[Video] How to Perform Funeral/Janazah Salah : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 21, 2014January 23, 2015

The sheikh rahimahu Allah explains in details how to perform salatu-janazah (funeral prayer). This includes the du’a and the takbeer and for whom it is.

Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse)

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 21, 2014January 23, 2015

The fifth question of Fatwa no. 9527
Q 5: How many Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer) are there in Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse)? And what is to be recited in them?

A: Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse) are each comprised of two Rak‘ahs (units of Prayer). Recitation in both Salahs (Prayers) is performed out loud. In each Rak‘ah, there are two Ruku‘s (bowing), the second of which is always shorter than the first, and there are also two recitations. After the Takbirat-ul-Ihram (saying: “Allahu Akbar [Allah is the Greatest]” upon starting Prayer), Surah Al-Fatihah and a long Surah are recited. After the first Ruku‘, Surah Al-Fatihah and a long Surah are recited, which is shorter than the preceding recitation. There are two Sujuds (Prostrations) in each Rak‘ah. This is the most authentic report mentioned regarding this Salah.

May Allah grant us success! May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’
Deputy Chairman Chairman
`Abdul-Razzaq `Afify `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz
Source : alifta.net

How should Salat-ul-Kusuf be done? Fatwas of Ibn Baz – alifta.net

Q: How should Salat-ul-Kusuf (Prayer on a solar eclipse) and Salat-ul-Khusuf (Prayer on a lunar eclipse) be performed? Is there any difference between them? What is your opinion on the reports published by the papers about the timings of a solar or lunar eclipse?

A: There are authentic Hadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) showed how Salat-ul-Kusuf can be performed. He (peace be upon him) ordered that people should be called to it by announcing as-salatu jami’ah “‘Gather for Salah”.

The most authentic reports concerning this Salah show that it consists of two Rak’ahs and that in each Rak’ah one should make two recitations and perform two Ruku’ (bowings) and two Sujud (prostrations). The person should make lengthy recitation, Ruku’ and Sujud. The first recital and Ruku’ should be longer than the second ones. Similarly, the recitation in the second Rak`ah should be shorter than the second recital in the first Rak`ah. The person should make Ruku’ in the second Rak`ah for a shorter time than the two Ruku’ in the first one. During the second Rak`ah, the person should make a second recital and Ruku’ for a shorter time than the first in the same Rak`ah.

As for the two Sujud, it is a Sunnah (recommended) to be lengthy providing that this does not cause any difficulty to the Ma’mums because this was the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) way.

Upon completing Salah, the Imam, if he is knowledgeable, is allowed to give a sermon and tell people that the solar and lunar eclipse are two signs of Allah (Exalted be He) by which He frightens His servants. The Muslims, upon seeing it, are prescribed to offer Salah, remember Allah (Exalted be He), make Du`a’ and Takbir, give in charity and emancipate a believing slave until the end of the eclipse. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, <<Verily the sun and the moon are two signs among the signs of Allah by which He frightens His servants and they do not eclipse on account of the death or birth of anybody>>. So when you see either of them, observe Prayer, and supplicate Allah (may He be Exalted) till it is cleared from you. Another narration reads, <<So whenever you see them, haste to remember Allah, invoke Him and ask Him for forgiveness.>> It is narrated in some Hadith that the person should give in charity and emancipate slaves.

The astronomical reports about the timing of the eclipse must not be taken as the basis for offering Salat-ul-Kusuf. Some people of knowledge, including Shaykh-ul-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and his knowledgeable disciple Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah be merciful with both of them, supported this view saying that the astronomers may sometimes be wrong and then these reports are not reliable and people should not offer Salat-ul-Kusuf depending on them. Rather, they have to offer the Salah upon seeing the eclipse when it is happening.

The publications of the astronomers’ reports about the timing of eclipse should be banned by the Ministry of Information lest some people should be deceived by them. These publications may make people feel less fear upon seeing the eclipse. Allah (Exalted be He) has made them to be frightening and hence, people remember, fear, invoke Allah, and treat their slaves well. May Allah grant us success!

Source : Browse by Volume Number > Volume 13 > Completion of the Book of Salah (Prayer) > Salat-ul-Kusuf > the manner of Salat Al-Kusuf

Eclipse Prayer can be done individually or in congregation

Question: Do we have to pray Salaatul Khusoof (eclipse prayer) even if we do not witness it? And are there any specific ad’iyah (pl. duâaa) that we have to say in the day or during the eclipse?

Answer: The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said: “The sun and the moon are two signs from the signs of Allaah. They do not eclipse for the death of anyone neither their life (i.e. birth). Allaah uses these to strike fear into His slaves. So when you see them offer the prayer and supplicate until the eclipse passes away.”[1] If someone establishes that an eclipse is present then he should pray the Eclipse Prayer (Salaatul Khusoof), whether he has to pray it individually or in congregation and similarly whether it is a man or a woman. It is performed as described in the Shareeâah (Legislation).

Answered by: Abdullaah Abdur-Rahmaan Al-Ghudayyaan
Title of Lecture: The Four Principles by Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhaab
Date of the Lecture: May 6, 2006
[1] Reported by An-Nisaaee 3/152, Shaikh Al-Albaanee رحمه الله says Saheeh in Sunan An-Nisaaâee (#1502).

Related Links:

Performing Salat-ul-Khusuf at times forbidden for supererogatory Salah – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb
Repeating Salat-ul-Kusuf if it has not passed – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb
Catching a Rak`ah of Salat-ul-Kusuf – Fatwas of Nur `Ala Al-Darb

“The one who prayed badly” (radhi-Allaahu anhu) – Shaykh Al-Albanee

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014January 25, 2015

In Hadeeth and Fiqh literature, this term refers to the Companion mentioned in the following hadeeth of Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Book of Prayer, English translation by Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan); many other narrations of this incident are found in the various collections of hadeeth, and provide an important source of instructions from the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) regarding the correct way to pray:

Narrated Abu Hurayrah (radhi-yAllaahu `anhu):

The Messenger of Allaah (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) entered the mosque and a person followed him. The man prayed and then went to the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam) and greeted him; he returned the greeting and said (to him):

«Go back and pray, for you have not prayed.» The man went back and prayed in the same way as before, and then returned and greeted the Prophet (sal-Allaahu ‘alayhe wa sallam), who said

«Go back and pray, for you have not prayed», three times. The man said: “By Him Who sent you with the Truth, I cannot do so any better than this, so please teach me.” He said:

«When you stand for the Prayer, say takbeer and then recite what is easy for you from the Qur.aan (from what you know by heart); then bow until you feel at ease in rukoo`; then raise your head and stand up straight, then prostrate until you feel at ease in sajdah; then sit with calmness until you feel at ease, and do likewise in all your prayers.»

[further narrations of this hadeeth found in the other works of Hadeeth such as Sunan Abee Daawood, etc. contain further details.]

Source: From “The Prohet’s Prayer Described” appendix 3 – by Shaykh Al-Albanee

Worshipping Allaah out of Love, Fear and Hope – Ad-Dawah ilalLaah Magazine

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014March 17, 2015

Source: Ad-Dawah ilalLaah Magazine

One of the most beautiful this about the concept of worship in Islaam is the truly unique way in which it incorporates the feelings of love, fear and hope within the hearts of the worshippers of Allah. Understanding how to combine these three qualities into the worship (‘ibaadah) of Allah is one of the most essential things that every Muslim must grasp, ,not least because every sect which has drifted from the Straight Path has strayed in this aspect of worship. The deviation of the other Religions in this regards is clear for all to see: “God is Love! Jesus is Love!” say the Christians, denying the fact that God should be feared too. As for the Jews, then their hearts are filled only with hope – hope in the belief that the Fire will not touch them since they are the “Promised People”.

In Islaam however, no worship is complete without the presence of all three qualities: LOVE of Allah, Hope in His Mercy and FEAR of His Punishment. Contemplate the opening Soorah of the Qur’aan – Sooratul Faatihah – and you will see for yourself.

Aaayah 1: “All Praise [and Thanks] are for Allah, Rabb of all the worlds.”

In this opening aayah (verse) of the Qur’aan, we have LOVE of Allah and every time we recite this aayah we are testifying to our love for Allah. How is that you ask? IT is because in this aayah, we are acknowledging that Allah is our Rabb and the Rabb of all the worlds. Rabb is usually translated as ‘the Lord’, but this translation does not do justification to this name of Allah and all the meanings that this name carries. In reality Rabb means that Allah is the Creator of everything; He sustains and nourishes everything; He gives life and death; anything good which we have is from Him; everything is dependent on Him and nothing can happen unless He wills it. Furthermore, for the Muslim He – the Rabb – is the One who has guided us to the Truth and given us good morals and manners.

Thuis when we testify that Allah is out Rabb, then we are acknowledging that He is the One who has given us so many blessings – so many that is we tried to enumerate His blessings upon us, we could not count them. So how could we not love Him? After all, we know that when someone gives us even a small gift or shows even a small act of kindness towards us, then we develop so much love for them on account of that – so imagine then the love we should[1] have for our Rabb who has given us everything: nice families, shelter, security, food, health, and above all, Guidance to Islaam and the Sunnah. We should be overwhelming in our love for Him and thank Him and say: “All Praises [and Thanks] are for Allah, Rabbil-‘aalameen.”

Aayah 2: “The Rahman [Merciful] and the Raheem [Mercy-Giving].”

In the first aayah of Sooratul-Faatihah, Allah mentioned that He was ar-Rabb. In the next aayah two more of His beautiful names are mentioned: ar-Rahmaan and ar-Raheem. Ar-Rahman means that He is the Most Merciful, that is, His Nature or His Essence is Merciful. Ar-Raheem means that He is the Giver of Mercy, in other words, His actions are full of Mercy and He shows Mercy to His creation.[2]

When we mention these two names of Allah, then we have HOPE. Since He has described Himself as so full of Mercy then we have hope that He will forgive out sins, and no matter how numerous out sins may be, we should never lose this hope, because Allah has told us: “O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah verily Allah forgives all sins [except shirk]. Truly He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Mercy-Giving.” [az-Zumar (39):53].

The need to have FEAR in our worship is shown by the next aayah of Sooratul-Faatihah:

Aayah 3: “King/Master of the Day of Judegment.”

When we recite this aayah we are reminding ourselves of the Day of Judgement – that awful Day, when we shall all stand before Allah, naked, uncircumcised and barefooted. Some will be sweating so much that it will go seventy arm-length into the earth. People will appear drunk though they are no. On this Day, every person will stand before Allah and account for his sins, knowing that not even the smallest action which he did is hidden from Allah:

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom shall see it.” [az-Zalzalah (99):7-8].

So when we recite this third aayah of Sooratul-Faatihah, we remind ourselves of this Judgement and accountability and that should bring about in us a sense of fear – that maybe out evil actions will be too great and we will be responsible for it – may Allah protect us from such a fate.

Then the next verse goes on to say:

“You alone we worship.” i.e. we single out Allah for our worship. And how do we worship Him? With LOVE, HOPE and FEAR. And in order to achieve these qualities, we need Allah’s assistance, so we say then: “We seek Your Aid.” [1:4].

STRIKING THE BALANCE

After understanding the need to have love, fear and hope in our worship, the question that now arises is: in what proportions should these qualities be present in our worship? Again we turn to the Qur’aan for our answer.

“Call upon Him with Fear and Hope.” [al-A’raff(7):56].

And also:

“Their sides forsake their beds, to invokde their Lord in Fear and Hope.” [as-Sajdah(32):16].

So both fear and hope should be present inour hearts in equal proportions. Anas – radiAllaahu ‘anhu – reported that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam entered upon a young boy who was dying. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam asked: “How are you?” The boy replied: “O Messenger of Allah, I am in-between hoping in Allah and fearing for my sins.” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The like of these two qualities do not unite in the heart of a servant except that Allah gives him what he hopes for and protects him from what he feared.”[3]

Therefore, whenever we do a good action, we should have hope that it has been accepted by Allah, but at the same time we should also have fear that maybe it isn’t enough or that the good deed has not been worthy of acceptance. Likewise when we sin, we should have hope that Allah will accept out Repentance and forgive us, but we should also fear that we may be accountable for it.

This balance should also be reflected in out da’wah (which of course is also worship). So when we invite others to the Truth, we should not give them the impression that they have “nothing to worry about”; nor do we suggest that they are doomed forever. Rather, we couple warnings with encouragement. We inform them of the horrors of the Fire as well as telling them about the bliss of Paradise. Just as we find Allah telling us in the Qur’aan:

“Verily your Lord is Quick in Punishment and verily He is Oft-Forgiving, the Giver of Mercy.” [al-A’raaf(7):167].

And our Righteous Predecessors used to say:

“He who worships Allah with hope only is a Murji’ee. He who worships Him in fear only is a Harooree [Khaarijee]. And he who worships Allah in love only is a Zindeeq [e.g. Soofees, Christians]. But he who worships Allah in fear, love and hope is a Muwahhid Mu’min [a believer upon Tawheed.” [4]

The Murji’ah were a sect that emerged within the first century of Islaam. The people of this sect (known as murji’ees) believe that sins do not affect faith, i.e. no matter what sins a person commits, his eemaan (faith) is complete and perfect. They worship Allah only with hope because they belive that as along as one believed and testified to Islaam, they would enter Paradise regardless of their actions.

Unfortunately, all too often nowadays we find a somewhat similar attitude amongst the Muslims today, which is why we find that so often when we try to advise someone to turn to the Deen and abandon sin, they just point to their hearts and say, “Allah knows what’s in my heart”, or that “Allah forgives” or something similar.

As for the Khawaarij, they worshipped Allah in fear only because they held that anyone who committed major sins was a disbeliever and would therefore dwell in Hellfire forever. This, of course, is gross extremism and a straying from the correct Path. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “There were two men from Banoo Israa’eel who strove equally. One of them committed sins and the other strove hard in worship. And the one who strove in worship continued to see the other sin and kept saying to him: ‘Desist’. So one day, he found him committing a sin and so said to him: ‘Desist’. So he replied: “Leave me to my Lord; have you been sent as a watcher over me?” He said: “By Allah, Allah will nor forgive you, nor will Allah admit you to Paradise.” Then their sould were taken and they came together before the Lord of the Worlds. So He said to the one who strove in worship: “Did you have knowledge of Me, or did you have any power over what was in my Hands?” And He said to the sinner: “Go and enter Paradise through My Mercy.” And He said to the other: “Take him to the Fire.” Aboo Hurairah said: “By Him is Whose Hand is my soul! He spoke a word which destroyed this world and the Hereafter for him.”[5]

Therefore we should never say of anyone that he or she is a ‘lost cause’ or ‘doomed’ or the like since this is a great sin. However, we fear for those who commit major sins because they have been threatened with punsihment in the Qur’aan. It is up to Allah whether He chooses to punish them or whether He will forgive them.

The Zanaadiqah – or the heretics – are groups, such as many of the Soofees who have become like the Christians and reduced the religion to just ‘love’ and so all their talk and all their mystical practices are centred around developing more ‘love’.

It is thus clear how imbalances in any of the three qualities of worship can lead to major deviation and straying from the True Guidance, Therefore it is important for every Muslim to inculcate all three things in his heart properly. As was mentioned before, the fear and hope should be in equal proportions[6] but as for love, then that should be uppermost, As Fudayl ibn Iyyaad (d.187H) said: “The love is better than fear. The fear checks us from sinning, and the love makes us to do what is prescribed with an open heart.”[7]

May Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala grant us what we hope for and protect us from what we fear. Aameen.

Footnotes

1 This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam encouraged us to give gifts to one another. He said: “Give gifts to one another, you will come to love one another.” [Hasan – Collected in al-Bukhaaree’s al-Adabul-Mufrad & declared hasan by al-Albaanee in al-Irwaa(1601).

2 As explained by Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H) in Badaa’i-ul-Faawaa’id & others.

3 Hasan – Collected by at-Tirmidhee & Ibn Maajah. Authenticated by al-Albaanee in Ahkaamul-Janaa’iz (no. 2).

4 Quoted by ibn Rajab in at-Takhweef minan-Naar as the saying of one of the Salaf.

5 Saheeh – Reported by Aboo Hurairah & collected in Aboo Daawood (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1365 no.4883). Authenticatd by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami (4455).

6 This was the opinion of most of the Salaf. Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyyaad said that when one is healthy and well, then fear should predominate, but when terminally ill then hope should predominate – so that one should strive to do good when well and not despair of Allah’s Mercy when terminally ill. [At-Takhweef minan-Naar].

7 Reported in at-Takhweef minan-Naar of Ibn Rajab. Note that some scholars hold that fear is better than love. Allah knows best.

Useful Table Chart for Sujuud as Sahw (Prostrations of Forgetfulness) : Dr. Saleh as Saleh

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014January 26, 2017

[Download the MS Word Document]

Based on Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen’s Book .

1. Additions Of the Same Kind As Found In Salaah

Causes of Sujuud as Sahw	If One Remembers	What To Do	Do Sujuud
1. a- Additions in actionsexamples: – extra rakaa – extra sujuud	– during the addition	– stop doing this addition – continue and finish salaah – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– soon after tasleem	– must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after long time – example 30 minutes	– salaah is invalid	.
another example of addition in action:– tasleem before end of salaah	– during the addition	– stop doing this addition – continue and finish salaah – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– soon after this tasleem	– go back to sitting position – stand up to do missing rakaa – do tashahhud and tasleem – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after long time – example 30 minutes	– salaah is invalid	.
1. b – additions in sayings example: “subhaana Rabbiyal ‘adheem” said in sujuud	– soon after tasleem	– sunnah to do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after long time – example 30 minutes	– nothing upon him	.

2. Omissions in Salaah rukn {pillar} – wajib {obligation} – sunnah

3. Doubt – Ash Shakk :wavering between two matters such that none has distinction over the other

Causes of Sujuud as Sahw	If One Remembers	What To Do	Do Sujuud
2. a – omissions of rukn – {pillar}some examples: – omission of al Fatiha – omission of rukuu – omission of standing fully erect after doing rukuu	– before reaching the place of the missing rukn in the next rakat	– return and do this missing rukn – build on this to complete salaah – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after reaching the place of the missing rukn in the next rakat	rakaa with missed rukn is cancelled and present rakaa replaces it – build on this to complete salaah – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after tasleem and omission is in last rakaa	– return and do this missing rukn – complete the rakaa – make tashahud and tasleem – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after tasleem and omission is not in last rakaa	– do a complete rakaa and tasleem – must do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after a long time – example 30 minutes	– *salaah is invalid*	.
2. b – omissions of wajib – {obligation}example: omitting the first tashahhud	– when having determination to move but did not move yet	– return to do missing obligation {in this example it is tashahhud} – continue and finish salaah	no
	– when starting to move but did not finish to stand fully yet	– return to do missing obligation {in this example it is tashahhud} – continue and finish salaah – do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– after finishing to stand up correctly	– return is forbidden – continue and finish salaah – do sujuud as sahw	before tasleem
2. c- omissions in sunnah saying or action	– before the tasleem	– recommended only if this omitted sunnah is a usual habit of this person	before tasleem
. rukn and wajib – pillar and obligationCommonality -> deliberate omission of either one INVALIDATES salaahDifference -> omitted rukn MUST be made up — omitted wajib is compensated by sujuud as sahw .
Causes of Sujuud as Sahw	If One Remembers	What To Do	Do Sujuud
3. Doubt – ash shakk a – without preponderance Example: he doubts if he is in 3rd or in 4th rakaa of a 4 rakaat salaah	– during salaah.	build up on certainty, i.e. the least, and in this example it is the 3rd rakaa – do the 4th rakaa and do tashahud – do sujuud as sahw	before tasleem
b – with preponderance – {Dhan} Example: doubt if he is in 3rd or 4th rakaa or a 4 rakaat salaah	– during salaah and – there is preponderation this is the 3rd rakaa	build up on the preponderation this is the 3rd rakaa – do the 4th rakaa and do tashahud – do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	– during salaah and – there is preponderation this is the 4th rakaa	build up on the preponderation this is the 4th rakaa – finish salaah – do sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
. Doubt is not to be considered in three situations ->1. when the doubts are frequent and due to whispering {waswas} 2. when it is a thought that came on the mind, delusion {wahm} 3. when the doubt arises AFTER the execution of the worship, unless there is certainty {yaqeen}in principle the salah is complete because it was performed by a sane, fitting, legally responsible person and it is so unless the person is certain it was not complete and in this case he returns to what is certain

4. Different Situations

a. Droping of Sujuud As Sahw – b. Repetition of Forgetfulness
and other cases where there is no sujuud as sahw

Situations	Cases	What To Do	Do Sujuud
a. Droping of sujuud as sahw	1. if he remembers long time after tasleem – example: 30 minutes	.	.
	2. if he nullifies his wudhu after salaah	.	.
	3. if he begins doing another salaah – two situations depending on the length of time between the two salaat	time is long -> – obligation drops	no
		time is short -> – he may return to the first salaah – he does sujuud as sahw – then he continues the 2nd salaah – he does sujuud as sahw	either before or after tasleem in the 1st salaah . after tasleem in the 2nd salaah
	4. if he leaves the mosque	a – obligation drops	no
	4. if he leaves the mosque	b – obligation remains – Imaam Ahmad (1) – Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah (2)	see footnotes
b. repetition of forgetfulness in the same salaah	– in the same salaah, there are many mistakes requiring sujuud as sahw	– preponderating opinion -> one instance of sujuud as sahw	either before or after tasleem
	– a mistake requiring sujuud as sahw before tasleem and – also a mistake requiring sujuud as sahw after tasleem	– first opinion -> one instance of sujuud as sahw	before tasleem (3)
		– a strong opinion -> two instances of sujuud as sahw	before and also after tasleem
. Sujuud as sahw is NOT applicable in the following situations -> – funeral prayer, janazah – sujuud of thankfulness – sujuud of recitation – compensation for sujuud as sahw .

5. Ma-muum {follower} – Masbuuq {one joining late} – Imaam

and other situations

Situations	What To Do	Do Sujuud
1. a – the ma-muum he begins salaah with imaam and imaam makes a mistake	– he follows the imaam	follows imaam
1. b- the ma-muum he begins salaah with imaam and he makes a mistake	– imaam bears this for him	—
2. a- the masbuuq he joins imaam late in salaah and he makes a mistake	if his own mistake is AFTER he departed from imaam – he completes his salaah – he does sujuud as sahw	either after or before his own tasleem
2. b – the masbuuq he joins imaam late in salaah and imaam does sujuud as sahw before tasleem	– he follows imaam in sujuud as sahw – then he completes his salaah	follows imaam
	if he did not stand up fully before imaam makes sujuud as sahw – he must return and do sujuud as sahw with the imaam – them he completes his salaah	follows imaam
	if he is standing up fully before imaam makes sujuud as sahw – he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw	after his own tasleem
2. c – the masbuuqhe joins imaam late in salaah and imaam does sujuud as sahw after tasleem	if he did NOT meet the imaam in his mistake – he completes his salaah	—
	if he MET the imaam in his mistake – he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw	after his own tasleem
	if he does not know if he met or not the imaam in his mistake – he completes his salaah	sujuud as sahw is not binding
2. d – the masbuuq he joins imaam late in salaah and imaam makes a mistake	example: imaam forgot a rakaa and he is alerted and returns – he joins the imaam and prays with him – he completes his own salaah after the imaam finishes his salaah	—
2. e – the masbuuqhe forgot he joined late and he makes tasleem with imaam	if he remembers – he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw	after his own tasleem
	he does not return to complete his salaah – *his salaah is invalid*	.
3. a – the imaam he makes a mistake in the sunnah of the salaah and he is alerted	example: imaam recite al Fatiha loud in a silent salaah – sujuud as sahw is not obligation – it is ok even if it is done before tasleem	after tasleem is preferable
3. b – the imaam he makes an extra rakaa and he is alerted	if he returns, his salaah is valid	after tasleem
	if he does not return – *his salaah is invalid*	.
3. c – the imaamhe forgets the first tashahud and is alerted when standing fully erect	it is forbidden for him to return – he completes his salaah and he does sujuud as sahw	before tasleem
	if he returns and he does not know it is forbidden – he had now made an addition in standing – he makes sujuud as sahw	after tasleem
	if he returns after standing fully erect and he knows it is forbidden – *his salaah is invalid*	.
4. a person enters witr with intention of doing 2 + 1 rakaat	if he forgets to say tasleem after two rakaat – witr can be prayed in three rakaat and there is nothing upon him	no
5. a person makes mistake in recitation	– it does not change the format of salaah, there is nothing upon him	no

1. one narration by Imaam Ahmad saying he does the sujuud as sahw whether the separation was long or short

2. one opinion by Shaykh Ibn Taymiyah saying the sujuud as sahw continues even after a long separation

3. The sujuud as sahw is preferably before tasleem because it is more part of salaah

Virtues of the Prayer : Imaam Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014February 20, 2018

Bismillaah

Source: Sifat Salaat-in-Nabee, by Shaykh Uthaymeen
Translator: Isma’eel alarcon, Produced by: al-ibaanah

The Prayer: is the second pillar from the pillars of Islaam and the most important pillar of Islaam after the Shahaadah (testimony) of Faith.

The Prayer: is a link between the servant and his Lord. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Indeed, when one of you prays, he speaks privately with his Lord.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree] And Allaah says in the qudsee hadeeth:

“I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two parts, and My servant will have what he asks for.

So when the servant says: ‘Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’And when he says: ‘Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’ And when he says: ‘Maaliki-yawm-id-Deen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has honored Me.’ And when he says: ‘Iyyaaka Na’bdu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een’, Allaah says: ‘This is between Me and My servant and My servant will have what he asks for.’ And when he says: ‘Ihdinaas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem. Siraat-aladheena an’amta ‘alaihim. Ghairil-Maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-Daalleen’, Allaah says: ‘This is for My servant and for My servant will be what he asks for.’” [Reported by Muslim]

The Prayer: is a garden of ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship), in which every splendid type of worship is found. There is the takbeer, by which the prayer is initiated, the standing in which the person praying recites the words of Allaah, the bowing in which he extols his Lord, the rising from the bowing position, which is filled with the praising of Allaah, the prostration in which he glorifies Allaah by His highness and in which he implores him through supplication, the sitting in which there is the tashahhud and (more) supplication and the closing with tasleem.

The Prayer: is a means of support and assistance in times of distress and grief. And it prevents one from evil and shameful deeds. Allaah says: “Seek assistance in patience and prayer.” And He says: “Recite what has been revealed to you from the Book and establish the prayer. Verily, the prayer prevents one from evil and shameful deeds.“

The Prayer: is the light of the believers in their hearts and in their place of gathering (on the Day of Judgement). The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “The prayer is light.” And he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Whoever guards it (his prayers), it will be a light, a proof and a (means of) salvation for him on the Day of Judgement.” [Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Hibbaan and At-Tabaraanee]

The Prayer: is the joy and delight of the believers’ souls. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “My delight was placed in the prayer.” [Reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee]

The Prayer: wipes away sins and expiates evil deeds.

The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Do you think that if there was a river by the door of one of you and he bathed in it five times a day that there would remain any dirt on him?” They (the Companions) answered: “There would not remain any dirt on him.” The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “That is how it is with the five (daily) prayers, through them Allaah washes away the (minor) sins.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “The five (daily) prayers and Jumu’ah (prayer) to Jumu’ah (prayer) are an expiation for what (sins) occur between them so long as one is not guilty of major sins.” [Reported by Muslim]

The Prayer in Congregation:

Ibn ‘Umar (radiAllaahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Prayer in congregation is better than praying alone by twenty-seven degrees.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]

Ibn Mas’ood (radiAllaahu anhu) said: “Whoever would be happy to meet Allaah tomorrow as a Muslim, then let him preserve (in establishing) these five prayers from the place where they are called from (i.e. masjids), for verily, Allaah has legislated for your Prophet the ways of guidance. And indeed these (five prayers in the masjid) are from the ways of guidance. And if you were to pray in your homes as this man who refrains (to pray in the masjid) prays in his home, then you would have abandoned the Sunnah of your Prophet. And if you were to abandon the Sunnah of your Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) you would go astray. There is not a man that performs the ablution and does it well, then sets out to go to one of these masjids except that Allaah records a good deed for him for every step he takes and raises him up one level and erases one evil deed due to it. You have certainly seen us, and no one would refrain from the prayer (in the masjid) except the hypocrite whose hypocrisy was well known. And indeed a man would be brought supported by two men until he was made to stand in the row (for prayer).” [Reported by Muslim]

Al-Khushoo’ (Submissiveness) in the Prayer, which means that 1) the heart is present and attentive, and 2) preserving that condition – are both from the means of entering Paradise.

Allaah says: “Successful indeed are the believers. Those who in their prayers are submissive. And those who turn away from vain talk. And those who pay their Zakaat. And those who protect their private parts – Except in front of their spouses or those (women) whom their right hands possess, for indeed they are not held to blame (in that). So whoever seeks beyond that, then those are the transgressors. And those who keep their trusts and covenants. And those who preserve their prayers. They are the inheritors – the ones who will inherit Al-Firdaus (highest level in Paradise), in which they will abide forever.”

Being sincere to Allaah in the prayer and performing it according to the manner it is described in the Sunnah are the two fundamental conditions for its acceptance. The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Verily, actions are by intentions and every person will have what he intended.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] And he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Pray as you have seen me pray.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree]

Written by Muhammad Ibn Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen
On 4-13/1406H

Related Link: https://abdurrahman.org/salah

The Meaning of Worship (Ibaadah) : Shaykh ’Abdur-Rahmaan aalush-Shaykh

by AbdurRahman.orgJanuary 18, 2014February 19, 2015

Author:Shaykh ’Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Hasan aalush-Shaykh (d.1258H)
Source:His commentary Fathul-Majeed li-Sharh Kitaabit-Tawheed (1/84-90)
Translator:Al-Ibaanah Magazine

THE MEANING OF WORSHIP: [1]

The statement of Allaah, the Most High: “I did not create the Jinn, nor mankind, except to worship Me.” [Sooratudh-Dhaariyaat 51:56]

Shaykhul-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah (d.728H) – rahimahullaah – said:

“Worship (al-’Ibaadah) is obedience to Allaah by following that which He ordered upon the tongues of His Messengers.” He also said, “Worship (al-’Ibaadah) is a comprehensive term covering everything that Allaah loves and is pleased with – whether saying, or actions, outward and inward.” [2]

Ibnul-Qayyim (d.751H), rahimahullaah, said:

“Worship revolves around fifteen principles. Whosoever completes them has completed the stages of ’uboodiyyah (servitude to Allaah). The explanation of this is that ’ibaadah is divided between the heart, the tongue, and the limbs. And that for each one of these three come five types of rulings, covering all actions: waajib (obligatory), mustahabb (recommended), haraam (prohibited), makrooh (disliked), and mubaah (permissible).” [3]

Imaam al-Qurtubee (d.671H), rahimahullaah, said:

“The root of ’ibaadah is humility and submissiveness. The various duties that have been prescribed upon the people are called ’ibaadaat (acts of worship), since what is required is that these acts of worship must be done with humility and submissiveness to Allaah, the Most High.” [4]

Ibn Katheer (d.774H), rahimahullaah, said:

“And ’ibaadah is obedience to Allaah by acting upon what He commands, and abandoning what He forbids; and this is the reality and essence of Islaam. And the meaning of Islaam is: istislaam (submission and surrender) to Allaah, the Most High, along with the utmost compliance, humility, and submissiveness to Him.”

He also said whilst explaining the above aayah:

“Indeed Allaah, the Most High, created the creation so that they could worship Him alone, without associating any partner with Him. Whoever obeys Him will be completely rewarded, whereas whoever disobeys Him would be punished with a severe punishment. And He has informed that He is neither dependant, nor does He have any need for them. Rather, it is they who are in dire need of Him, in every condition and circumstance, since He is the One who created, sustains, and provides for them.” [5]

THE MEANING OF TAAGHOOT:

The statement of Allaah, the Most High: “And to every nation We sent Messengers, ordering them that they should worship Allaah alone, obey Him, and make their worship purely for Him; and that they should avoid at-Taaghoot.” [Sooratun-Nahl 16:36]

And at-taaghoot is from the word at-tughyaan, which means: going beyond the limits.

’Umar Ibnul-Khattaab (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said:

“The taaghoot is Shaytaan.” [6]

Jaabir (radiyallaahu ’anhu) said:

“The taaghoots are the soothsayers and fortune-tellers upon whom the devils descend.” [7]

Imaam Maalik (d.179H), rahimahullaah, said:

“Taaghoot: that which is worshipped besides Allaah.” [8]

So this is what has been mentioned by certain people. However, Imaam Ibnul-Qayyim, rahimahullaahu, has given a very comprehensive definition, so he said, “The taaghoot is all that which causes the person to exceed the limits with regards to that which is worshipped, followed, or obeyed. So the taaghoot in any nation is whosoever turns to other than Allaah and His Messenger for matters of judgement; or is pleased to be worshipped besides Allaah; or is followed without a clear proof from Allaah; or is obeyed in that which is known to be disobedience to Allaah.” [9]

Footnotes:

[1] Fathul-Majeed li-Sharh Kitaabit-Tawheed (1/84-90)

[2] Majmoo’ul-Fataawaa (10/149) of Ibn Taymiyyah.

[3] Madaarijus-Saalikeen (1/109)

[4] Al-Jaami’ li-Ahkaamil-Qur‘aan (1/225), and (17/56) of al-Qurtubee.

[5] Tafseerul-Qur‘aanil-’Adtheem (7/402)

[6] Related by at-Tabaree in Jaami’ul-Bayaan ’an-Ta‘weelil-Qur‘aan (no. 5834), al-Haafidh Ibn Hajar said in Fathul-Baaree (8/251), “Its chain of narrators is strong.”

[7] Related by at-Tabaree in his Tafseer (no. 5845)

[8] Related by as-Suyootee in ad-Durarul-Manthoor (2/22), by way of Ibn Abee Haatim.

[9] I’laamul-Muwaqqi’een (1/53)