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Month: January 2014

Tafsir of Surat Al Qadr (The Night Of Power) : Tafsir Ibn Kathir

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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَـهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ 

وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

(1. Verily, We have sent it down in the Night of Al-Qadr.) (2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is) (3. The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.) (4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter.) (5. There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)

The Virtues of the Night of Al-Qadr(the Decree)

Allah informs that He sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Al-Qadr, and it is a blessed night about which Allah says,

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةٍ مُّبَارَكَةٍ

(We sent it down on a blessed night.) (44:3)

This is the Night of Al-Qadr and it occurs during the month of Ramadan. This is as Allah says,

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ

(The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an.) (2:185)

Ibn `Abbas and others have said,

“Allah sent the Qur’an down all at one time from the Preserved Tablet (Al-Lawh Al-Mahfuz) to the House of Might (Baytul-`Izzah), which is in the heaven of this world. Then it came down in parts to the Messenger of Allah based upon the incidents that occurred over a period of twenty-three years.”

Then Allah magnified the status of the Night of Al-Qadr, which He chose for the revelation of the Mighty Qur’an, by His saying,

وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ – لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ

(And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.)

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah “When Ramadan would come, the Messenger of Allah would say,

قَدْ جَاءَكُمْ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ، شَهْرٌ مُبَارَكٌ، افْتَرَضَ اللهُ عَلَيْكُمْ صِيَامَهُ، تُفْتَحُ فِيهِ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ، وَتُغْلَقُ فِيهِ أَبْوَابُ الْجَحِيمِ، وَتُغَلُّ فِيهِ الشَّيَاطِينُ، فِيهِ لَيْلَةٌ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ، مَنْ حُرِمَ خَيْرَهَا فَقَدْ حُرِم

(Verily, the month of Ramadan has come to you all. It is a blessed month, which Allah has obligated you all to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are shackled. In it there is a night that is better than one thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good, then he has truly been deprived.)”

An-Nasa’i recorded this same Hadith. Aside from the fact that worship during the Night of Al-Qadr is equivalent to worship performed for a period of one thousand months, it is also confirmed in the Two Sahihs from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said,

مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِه

(Whoever stands (in prayer) during the Night of Al-Qadr with faith and expecting reward (from Allah), he will be forgiven for his previous sins.)

The Descent of the Angels and the Decree for Every Good during the Night of Al-Qadr

Allah says,

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

(Therein descend the angels and the Ruh by their Lord’s permission with every matter.)

meaning, the angels descend in abundance during the Night of Al-Qadr due to its abundant blessings. The angels descend with the descending of blessings and mercy, just as they descend when the Qur’an is recited, they surround the circles of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and they lower their wings with true respect for the student of knowledge. In reference to Ar-Ruh, it is said that here it means the angel Jibril. Therefore, the wording of the Ayah is a method of adding the name of the distinct object (in this case Jibril) separate from the general group (in this case the angels). Concerning Allah’s statement,

مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ

(with every matter.) Mujahid said, “Peace concerning every matter.” Sa`id bin Mansur said, `Isa bin Yunus told us that Al-A`mash narrated to them that Mujahid said concerning Allah’s statement,

سَلَـمٌ هِىَ

(There is peace) “It is security in which Shaytan cannot do any evil or any harm.” Qatadah and others have said, “The matters are determined during it, and the times of death and provisions are measured out (i.e., decided) during it.” Allah says,

فِيهَا يُفْرَقُ كُلُّ أَمْرٍ حَكِيمٍ

(Therein is decreed every matter of decree.) (44:4)

Then Allah says,

سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

(There is peace until the appearance of dawn.)

Sa`id bin Mansur said, “Hushaym narrated to us on the authority of Abu Ishaq, who narrated that Ash-Sha`bi said concerning Allah’s statement,

تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَـئِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ – سَلَـمٌ هِىَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ

(With every matter, there is a peace until the appearance of dawn.) `The angels giving the greetings of peace during the Night of Al-Qadr to the people in the Masjids until the coming of Fajr (dawn).”’

Qatadah and Ibn Zayd both said concerning Allah’s statement,

سَلَـمٌ هِىَ

(There is peace.) “This means all of it is good and there is no evil in it until the coming of Fajr (dawn).”

Specifying the Night of Decree and its Signs

This is supported by what Imam Ahmad recorded from `Ubadah bin As-Samit that the Messenger of Allah said,

لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ فِي الْعَشْرِ الْبَوَاقِي، مَنْ قَامَهُنَّ ابْتِغَاءَ حِسْبَتِهِنَّ فَإِنَّ اللهَ يَغْفِرُ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ وَمَا تَأَخَّرَ، وَهِيَ لَيْلَةُ وِتْرٍ: تِسْعٍ أَوْ سَبْعٍ أَوْ خَامِسَةٍ أَوْ ثَالِثَةٍ أَوْ آخِرِ لَيْلَة

(The Night of Al-Qadr occurs during the last ten (nights). Whoever stands for them (in prayer) seeking their reward, then indeed Allah will forgive his previous sins and his latter sins. It is an odd night: the ninth, or the seventh, or the fifth, or the third or the last night (of Ramadan).)

The Messenger of Allah also said,

إِنَّ أَمَارَةَ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ أَنَّهَا صَافِيَةٌ بَلْجَةٌ، كَأَنَّ فِيهَا قَمَرًا سَاطِعًا، سَاكِنَةٌ سَاجِيَةٌ، لَا بَرْدَ فِيهَا وَلَا حَرَّ، وَلَا يَحِلُّ لِكَوْكَبٍ يُرْمَى بِهِ فِيهَا حَتْى يُصْبِحَ، وَإِنَّ أَمَارَتَهَا أَنَّ الشَّمْسَ صَبِيحَتَهَا تَخْرُجُ مُسْتَوِيَةً لَيْسَ لَهَا شُعَاعٌ، مِثْلَ الْقَمَرِ لَيْلَةَ الْبَدْرِ، وَلَا يَحِلُّ لِلشَّيْطَانِ أَنْ يَخْرُجَ مَعَهَا يَوْمَئِذ

(Verily, the sign of the Night of Al-Qadr is that it is pure and glowing as if there were a bright, tranquil, calm moon during it. It is not cold, nor is it hot, and no shooting star is permitted until morning. Its sign is that the sun appears on the morning following it smooth having no rays on it, just like the moon on a full moon night. Shaytan is not allowed to come out with it (the sun) on that day.)

This chain of narration is good. In its text there is some oddities and in some of its wordings there are things that are objectionable. Abu Dawud mentioned a section in his Sunan that he titled, “Chapter: Clarification that the Night of Al-Qadr occurs during every Ramadan.” Then he recorded that `Abdullah bin `Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah was asked about the Night of Al-Qadr while I was listening and he said,

هِيَ فِي كُلِّ رَمَضَان

(It occurs during every Ramadan.)” The men of this chain of narration are all reliable, but Abu Dawud said that Shu`bah and Sufyan both narrated it from Ishaq and they both considered it to be a statement of the Companion (Ibn `Umar, and thus not the statement of the Prophet ).

It has been reported that Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri said,

“The Messenger of Allah performed I`tikaf during the first ten nights of Ramadan and we performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said, `That which you are seeking is in front of you.’ So the Prophet performed I`tikaf during the middle ten days of Ramadan and we also performed I`tikaf with him. Then Jibril came to him and said; `That which you are seeking is ahead of you.’ So the Prophet stood up and gave a sermon on the morning of the twentieth of Ramadan and he said,

مَنْ كَانَ اعْتَكَفَ مَعِيَ فَلْيَرْجِعْ فَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ، وَإِنِّي أُنْسِيتُهَا، وَإِنَّهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ فِي وِتْرٍ، وَإِنِّي رَأَيْتُ كَأَنِّي أَسْجُدُ فِي طِينٍ وَمَاء

(Whoever performed I`tikaf with me, let him come back (for I`tikaf again), for verily I saw the Night of Al-Qadr, and I was caused to forget it, and indeed it is during the last ten (nights). It is during an odd night and I saw myself as if I were prostrating in mud and water.)

The roof of the Masjid was made of dried palm-tree leaves and we did not see anything (i.e., clouds) in the sky. But then a patch of wind-driven clouds came and it rained. So the Prophet lead us in prayer until we saw the traces of mud and water on the forehead of the Messenger of Allah , which confirmed his dream.”

In one narration it adds that this occurred on the morning of the twenty-first night (meaning the next morning). They both (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) recorded it in the Two Sahihs. Ash-Shafi`i said, “This Hadith is the most authentic of what has been reported.” It has also been said that it is on the twenty-third night due to a Hadith narrated from `Abdullah bin Unays in Sahih Muslim. It has also been said that it is on the twenty-fifth night due to what Al-Bukhari recorded from Ibn `Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said,

الْتَمِسُوهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ فِي تَاسِعَةٍ تَبْقَى، فِي سَابِعَةٍ تَبْقَى، فِي خَامِسَةٍ تَبْقَى

(Seek it in the last ten (nights) of Ramadan. In the ninth it still remains, in the seventh it still remains, in the fifth it still remains.)

Many have explained this Hadith to refer to the odd nights, and this is the most apparent and most popular explanation. It has also been said that it occurs on the twenty-seventh night because of what Muslim recorded in his Sahih from Ubay bin Ka`b that the Messenger of Allah mentioned that it was on the twenty-seventh night. Imam Ahmad recorded from Zirr that he asked Ubayy bin Ka`b, “O Abu Al-Mundhir! Verily, your brother Ibn Mas`ud says whoever stands for prayer (at night) the entire year, will catch the Night of Al-Qadr.” He (Ubayy) said, “May Allah have mercy upon him. Indeed he knows that it is during the month of Ramadan and that it is the twenty-seventh night.” Then he swore by Allah. Zirr then said, “How do you know that” Ubayy replied, “By a sign or an indication that he (the Prophet ) informed us of. It rises that next day having no rays on it — meaning the sun.” Muslim has also recorded it. It has been said that it is the night of the twenty-ninth. Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal recorded from `Ubadah bin As-Samit that he asked the Messenger of Allah about the Night of Decree and he replied,

فِي رَمَضَانَ فَالْتَمِسُوهَا فِي الْعَشْرِ الْأَوَاخِرِ، فَإِنَّهَا فِي وِتْرٍ إِحْدَى وَعِشْرِينَ، أَوْ ثَلَاثٍ وَعِشْرِينَ، أَوْ خَمْسٍ وَعِشْرِينَ، أَوْ سَبْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ، أَوْ تِسْعٍ وَعِشْرِينَ، أَوْ فِي آخِرِ لَيْلَة

(Seek it in Ramadan in the last ten nights. For verily, it is during the odd nights, the twenty-first, or the twenty-third, or the twenty-fifth, or the twenty-seventh, or the twenty-ninth, or during the last night.)

Imam Ahmad also recorded from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah said about the Night of Al-Qadr,

إِنَّهَا لَيْلَةُ سَابِعَةٍ أَوْ تَاسِعَةٍ وَعِشْرِينَ، وَإِنَّ الْمَلَائِكَةَ تِلْكَ اللَّيْلَةَ فِي الْأَرْضِ أَكْثَرُ مِنْ عَدَدِ الْحَصَى

(Verily, it is during the twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth night. And verily, the angels who are on the earth during that night are more numerous than the number of pebbles.)

Ahmad was alone in recording this Hadith and there is nothing wrong with its chain of narration. At-Tirmidhi recorded from Abu Qilabah that he said, “The Night of Al-Qadr moves around (i.e., from year to year) throughout the last ten nights.” This view that At-Tirmidhi mentions from Abu Qilabah has also been recorded by Malik, Ath-Thawri, Ahmad bin Hanbal, Ishaq bin Rahuyah, Abu Thawr, Al-Muzani, Abu Bakr bin Khuzaymah and others. It has also been related from Ash-Shafi`i, and Al-Qadi reported it from him, and this is most likely. And Allah knows best.

Supplication during the Night of Decree

It is recommended to supplicate often during all times, especially during the month of Ramadan, in the last ten nights, and during the odd nights of it even more so. It is recommended that one say the following supplication a lot: “O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.” This is due to what Imam Ahmad recorded from `A’ishah, that she said, “O Messenger of Allah! If I find the Night of Al-Qadr what should I say” He replied,

قُولِي: اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

(Say: “O Allah! Verily, You are the Oft-Pardoning, You love to pardon, so pardon me.”)

At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah have all recorded this Hadith. At-Tirmidhi said, “This Hadith is Hasan Sahih.” Al-Hakim recorded it in his Mustadrak (with a different chain of narration) and he said that it is authentic according to the criteria of the two Shaykhs (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). An-Nasa’i also recorded it.

This is the end of the Tafsir of Surah Laylat Al-Qadr, and all praise and blessings are due to Allah.

Posted from: Tafsir Ibn Kathir english Publication © Dar us Salam

Spreading the Good News of Ramadaan : Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan

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Author:’Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Source:Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg. 13-15)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon (for al-manhaj.com)

Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Peace be upon him) said: “Ramadaan has come to you – a blessed month. Allaah has made it obligatory on you to fast in it. During this month, the gates of heaven are open, the gates of the Hellfire are closed and the evil devils are chained. To Allaah belongs a night in it, which is better than a thousand months. Whosoever is prevented from its good, then he has been deprived.” [1]

The hadeeth is a glad tiding to the righteous servants of Allaah, of the coming of the blessed month of Ramadaan. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) informed his Companions of its coming and it was not just a simple relaying of news. Rather, his intent was to give them the glad tidings of a magnificent time of the year, so that the righteous people who are quick to do deeds can give it its due estimate. This is because the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) explained in it (the hadeeth) what Allaah has prepared for His servants from the ways towards gaining forgiveness and His contentment – and they are many. So whoever has forgiveness escape him during the month of Ramadaan, then he has been deprived with the utmost deprivation.

From the great favors and bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon His servants is that He has prepared for them meritous occasions so that they may be of profit to those who obey Him and a race for those who rush to compete (for good deeds). These meritous occasions are times for fulfilling hopes by exerting in obedience and uplifting flaws and deficiencies through self-rectification and repentance. There is not a single occasion from these virtuous times, except that Allaah has assigned in it works of obedience, by which one may draw close to Him. And Allaah possesses the most beautiful things as gifts, which He bestows upon whomsoever He wills by His Grace and Mercy.

So the one who achieves true happiness is he who takes advantage of these virtuous months, days and hours and draws closer to His Guardian in them, by doing what is prescribed in them from acts of worship.

Thus perhaps he will be showered with one of the many blessings of those occasions and be helped by it, with an assistance that is enough to save him from the Fire and what it contains, such as its blazing heat. [2]

Being able to reach Ramadaan is itself a magnificent bounty that is bestowed on the one who reaches it and rises to its occasion, by standing in prayer during its night and fasting during its day. In it, he returns to his Protector — from disobeying Him to obeying Him, from neglecting Him to remembering Him, from remaining distant from Him to turning towards Him in submissive repentance.

A Muslim must be conscious of this bounty and acknowledge its magnitude. For indeed, many people are prevented from fasting, either because they die before they reach it, or because they are not capable of observing it or because they oppose and turn away from it. Thus, the one who fasts must give praise to his Lord for this bounty and should welcome this month with joy and delight that a magnificent time of the year out of all the occasions for performing obedience is welcomed. He should exert himself deeply in doing good deeds. And he should invoke Allaah to grant him the ability to fast and stand in night prayer, and that He provide him with seriousness, enthusiasm, strength, and energy in that month. And that He awaken him from heedless oversleeping so that he may take advantage of these virtuous times of good.

It is unfortunate to find that many people do not know the value of this virtuous occasion, nor do they consider it to be sacred. So the month of Ramadaan no longer becomes a significant time for obedience, worship, reciting the Qur’aan, giving in charity and making remembrance of Allaah. Rather, to some people, it becomes a signifcant time to diversify their foods and drinks and to prepare different types of meals before the month begins. Some other people do not know Ramadaan except as a month of sleeplessness and constant recurring gatherings, while sleeping by day. This is to the point that some among them sleep past the time of the obligatory prayers, thus not praying them in congregation or in their proper times. Other people do not know Ramadaan except as a signifcant time for conducting worldly affairs, not as a significant time for conducting affairs for the Hereafter. Thus, they work busily in it, buying and selling, and they stay in the market areas, consequently abandoning the masaajid. And when they do pray with the people, they do so in such a hurried manner. This is because they find their pleasure in the market places. This is the extent that the notions and views (of Ramadaan) have been changed.

Some of the Salaf used to say: “Indeed Allaah, the Most High, has made the month of Ramadaan as a competition for His creatures, in which they may race with one another to His pleasure, by obeying Him. Thus, one group comes first and so they prosper and another group comes last and so they fail.” [3]

Also, the individual does not know if this is perhaps the last Ramadaan he will ever see in his life, if he completes it. How many men, women and children have fasted with us the past year, and yet now they lie buried in the depths of the earth, relying on their good deeds. And they expected to fast many more Ramadaans. Likewise, we too shall all follow their path. Therefore, it is upon the Muslim to rejoice at this magnificent occasion for worship. And he should not renounce it, but instead busy himself with what will benefit him and what will cause its effect to remain. For what else is it, except numbered days, which are fasted in succession and which finish rapidly.

May Allaah make us, as well as you, from among those who are foremost in attaining good deeds.

Footnotes:

1. This hadeeth is reported by Ahmad and An-Nasaa’ee. See Ahmad Shaakir’s checking of the Musnad (no. 7148) and Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb of al-Albaanee (1490) as well as Tamaam-ul-Mannah (395)

2. These are the words of Ibn Rajab in Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif: pg. 8

3. Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif of Ibn Rajab: page 246

Some of the Merits of Ramadaan : Abdullaah bin Saalih Al-Fawzaan

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‘Abdullaah bin Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg. 27-29)
Al-Ibaanah.com

Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Every deed of the Son of Aadam will be rewarded ten to seven hundred times its worth. Allaah, Mighty and Sublime, said: ‘Except for the fast, for indeed it is for Me, and I will reward it. He leaves off his desires and his food for My sake. There are two times of joy for the one fasting. The time of joy when he breaks his fast and the time of joy when he meets His lord. And the scent coming from the mouth of the one fasting is more pleasant in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk.'” [1]

This hadeeth is proof for the virtue of fasting and the great station it possesses in the sight of Allaah. Four of its many virtues occur in this hadeeth, and they are:

1. Those who fast will receive their reward in full without any reckoning, for every good deed is rewarded ten to seven hundred times its like in worth, except for the fast. Indeed, its reward is not limited to this number, but rather Allaah will reward it with manifold its likes in worth. This is because the fast is from (the forms of) patience and Allaah has stated:

“Verily, the patient ones will be given their reward in full without any reckoning.” [2]

Al-Awzaa’ee said of this (ayah): “It will neither be weighed for them nor measured, but rather it will simply be served to them as food is served.” [3]

2. Indeed Allaah connected the fast to Himself in conjunctive form, above all other types of deeds. And this conjunction is enough to show its noble status. This, and Allaah knows best, is due its state of encompassing the entirety of the day. Thus, one can find that the individual fasting has neglected his desires, while his soul constantly yearns after them. This, along with its lengthened duration, is not found in anything else besides the fast, especially in the days of summer due to their length and severity in heat. The individual’s abandonment of the things he desires is an act of worship, which will be rewarded. This is because the fast is a secret kept between the servant and his Lord. No one knows of it except Allaah, the most High. It is an inward (hidden) action, which cannot be seen by the creation, thus riyaa’ (showing off) cannot enter into it.

3. When the one who fasts meets his Lord, he will be delighted by his fast due to what he will see in it from its abundance, good standing and his reward by having his fast accepted, which Allaah granted him in the first place.

As for his joy at the time when he breaks the fast, then it is due to the completion of the act of worship and its being free from evil and those things that have been forbidden in it. This is from the praiseworthy types of joy since it is a joy that emanates from the obedience to Allaah and the completion of the fast, due to which great reward has been promised. This is as Allaah says: “Say: By the grace and mercy of Allaah, and by that, then rejoice.” [4]

4. The breath coming from the mouth of the one fasting is more pleasant in the sight of Allaah than the scent of musk. This beautiful smell will be for the Day of Judgement for that is the day when the rewards for deeds will be manifested. This is based on one narration of the hadeeth: “…more pleasant in the sight of Allaah on the Day of Judgement…” [5]

Likewise it will be in the life of this world, since that is the time for the manifestation of the signs of worship, due to the report:

“And the scent coming from the mouth of the one fasting when he breaths out from the food (he ate previously) is more pleasant in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk” [6]

This scent, although disliked by the people who smell it in this world will, however, be more pleasant in smell in the sight of Allaah than the scent of musk. This is because it is something that originates from the obedience to Allaah.

Ibn Hibbaan (rahimahullaah) said: “The sign that will mark the believer on the Day of Judgement is the brightness (of their faces) due to their ablution (wudoo’) in this world, causing a distinction between them and the rest of the nations. And their mark on the Day of Judgement due to their fasting will be pleasant smelling breath, more pleasant in the sight of Allaah than the scent of musk. This is in order that they may be known amidst that group for that deed. We ask Allaah to grant us blessing on that day.” [7]

And from the merits of Ramadaan is that Allaah has distinguished those who fast with a specific door from the doors of Paradise. No one more righteous than them will enter through it. Sahl Ibn Sa’ad (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Verily, there is a door in Paradise, which is known as Ar-Rayyaan. On the Day of Judgement, the ones who fasted will enter in through it, no one other than them will enter in through it. And when they have entered, it will close, so no one will enter through it (after them).” [8]

And in addition to the wording: “And whosoever enters will be given to drink. And whosoever drinks will never feel thirsty again.” [9]

However, these merits will not be attained except by the one who fasts with sincerity by abstaining from food, drink, intercourse, abstaining from hearing the unlawful, looking towards the prohibited and earning from unlawful means. Thus his body limbs must fast and abstain from sinful acts. His tongue must fast and abstain from lying, foul speech and false swearing. This is the legislated fast, the result of which will be great reward. And if this is not so, then the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said: “Whosoever does not abandon false speech and acting upon it, then Allaah has no need for him to abandon his food and drink.” [10]

And Abu Hurairah (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Perhaps, all that one who fasts will get from his fast is hunger and thirst. And perhaps all that one who stands at night in prayer will get from his standing is sleeplessness.

Footnotes:

  • [1] Al-Bukhaaree (4/103) and Muslim (1151)
  • [2] Surat-uz-Zumar: 15
  • [3] Tafseer Ibn Katheer (7/80)
  • [4] Surah Yoonus: 85
  • [5] This wording is found in the hadeeth of Muslim (Book of Fasting: 163)
  • [6] Reported by Ibn Hibbaan and Ahmad
  • [7] See Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan (8/211)
  • [8] Al-Bukhaaree (4/111) and Muslim (1152)
  • [9] This increase to the hadeeth is found in the Saheeh of Ibn Khuzaimah (no. 1903)
  • [10] Al-Bukhaaree (10/473)
  • [11] Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Hibbaan and others with an authentic chain of narration

The Ruling on a Sick or Traveling Person Fasting : Imaam ibn Al-‘Uthaimeen

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Imaam Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen
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Lesson Three: The Ruling on a Sick or Traveling Person Fasting

Allaah, the Most High, says: And whoever amongst you is sick or on a journey, then (he may make up) the same amount of missed days on other days. Allaah wants ease for you and He doesn’t want to make things difficult for you.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 185]

A sick person falls into two types:

First: Whoever has an illness that is permanent and there is no anticipation of it being cured (near term), like cancer for example, this person is not required to fast. This is because he does not have a condition in which it is expected that he will be able to do it (i.e. the fast). However, for every day missed, he must feed a needy person whether if it is by him gathering the same amount of needy people as the days he missed and feeding all of them at once as Anas bin Maalik (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) used to do when he was old, or it could be by dividing up the food for the needy people according to the days missed and then giving every needy person a quarter of a Prophetic saa’, i.e. what weighs about half a kilo and 10 grams of good wheat. It is better if one serves meat or fat along with it in order to compliment the meal. The same applies to an elderly person that is not able to fast, in that he should feed a needy person for every day missed.

Second: Whoever has a temporary illness that they will recover from, such as a fever and what resembles that. This kind of illness has three scenarios:

1. Fasting will not burden or cause harm to him. Such a sick person is obligated to fast since he has no excuse to abandon it.

2. Fasting will be difficult on him but it won’t cause any harm to him. In this situation it is detested for him to fast because one is actually refraining from using Allaah’s allowance, while at the same time he is burdening himself.

3. Fasting will harm him. In this situation, it is forbidden for him to fast because of the harm that he will be inflicting upon himself. Allaah says: “And do not kill yourselves. Verily Allaah is All-Merciful to you.”

[Surah An-Nisaa: 29]

And He says: “And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 195]

And in a hadeeth, the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “There is to be no harming (of others) nor harming (of oneself).” Reported by Ibn Maajah and Al-Haakim, and An-Nawawee said: “Its paths of narrations strengthen one another.”

One can find out if fasting will be harmful to a sick person by (1) that person feeling it to be harmful on himself or by (2) him being informed of it by a trustworthy doctor. When a person who falls under this category of being sick breaks his fast, he must make up the number of days he missed when he recovers. But if he dies before he recovers then making up the missed days is no longer binding upon him, since he is only obligated to fast the number of days missed on other days, which he was not able to reach.

A traveler falls into two types:

First: Whoever intends by traveling to cheat his way out of fasting. It is not permissible for such a person to break his fast, since cheating one’s way out of Allaah’s obligations does not remove those obligations from him.

Second: Whoever does not intend the above by traveling. This person may fall into one of the following three situations:

1. Fasting is extremely difficult upon him. In this case, it is forbidden for him to fast since one time “The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was fasting while on the military expedition to conquer Makkah, when news reached him that the people found it difficult to fast and they were looking at him to see what he would do. So he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) called for a cup of water after ‘Asr and drank from it while the people were looking at him. Later it was said to him: ‘Some people are still fasting.’ So he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) replied: ‘Those are the disobedient ones. Those are the disobedient ones.’” [Reported by Muslim]

2. Fasting is difficult upon him, but not so severe. In this situation it is detested (makrooh) for him to fast since he is refraining from one of Allaah’s allowances, while putting a burden upon himself.

3. Fasting is not difficult upon him. In this case he may do whatever is easiest on him – whether it is fasting or choosing not to fast. This is based on Allaah’s statement: “Allaah wants ease for you and He doesn’t want to make things difficult for you.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 185]

The word “want” here takes on the meaning of love (i.e. He loves ease for you). If there is no difference between fasting or not fasting, then fasting is more preferable, because this is what the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did, as is reported in Saheeh Muslim from Abud-Dardaa (radyAllaahu ‘anhu) who said: “We went out (on a journey) with the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) during Ramadaan under intense heat conditions to the point that each of us would put his hand over his head (to cover it) due to the severe heat (of the sun). And no one would be fasting among us except for the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and ‘Abdullaah bin Rawaaha.”

A traveler is considered to be traveling from the time he leaves his country to the time he returns to it. And if he takes up residency in the land he travels to for a period of time, he is considered to be traveling as long as he holds the intention that he will never reside there after the objective for which he traveled there for in the first place is fulfilled.

So he is entitled to all of the allowances a traveler has even if the length of his residency extends for a long time. This is since the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did not mention any time limit defining when a travel ends. And the foundation with regard to this issue is that one remains in a traveler’s state and under its rules until there comes a proof that the travel has ended and that its rules fail to apply.

There is no difference in breaking the fast while traveling between a time-constrained travel, such as Hajj, ‘Umrah, visiting a relative, business travel, and so on and between a continuous travel, such as journeys made by car service drivers such as taxis or other larger forms of transportation (i.e. buses). When these drivers exit from their countries, they all enter into the state of travelers and it is permissible for them to do whatever other travelers are permitted to do, such as not fasting during Ramadaan, shortening the four rak’ah prayers into two rak’ahs, and combining the Dhuhr and ‘Asr prayers and Maghrib and ‘Ishaa prayers, when there is a need for it.

Abstaining from the fast is better for them than fasting, if that is easier for them. And they can make up the days missed during the winter. This is because these car service drivers have their own country, which they ascribe to. So when they are in their country, then they are considered residents and whatever applies for or against all other residents also applies for and against them. And when they travel, they are considered travelers and whatever applies in favor or against travelers also applies in favor or against them.

Questions Concerning Ramadhan

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Al-Istiqaamah Issue No.5 – Ramadân 1417H / January 1997

DETERMINING THE BEGINNING OF RAMADHAN

[Q]: Is it permissible to rely upon astronomical calculations in determining the start of Ramadhan?

[A]: “The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam ordered the Muslims saying: “Do not fast until you see the new moon, and do not stop fasting until you see it, and if it is concealed by clouds then count out (the thirty days of Sha’ban) for it.”1 And he ‘alayhis-salatu was-salam said: “We are an illiterate nation that neither writes nor calculates (i.e. using astronomical calculations). The month is either like this, or this (Meaning: Sometimes it is of twenty-nine days, and sometimes it is of thirty.) “2

And it is established in the Sahih (no.1903) of al-Bukhari from Abu Hurayrah radiallahu ‘anhu that the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Fast when it (the moon) is seen, and cease fasting when it is seen, so if it is concealed by clouds then complete thirty days of Sha’ban.” And he sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Do not fast until you have seen the moon, and if it is concealed by clouds then complete thirty days.”3 There are plenty of ahadith in this connection, and all of them point towards the obligation of actually sighting the moon, or if unable, then to complete the number of days in the absence of observing it. These narrations also point towards the impermissibility of using astronomical calculations in this regard. And Shaykhul-Islam Ibn TaymiWah has actually stated an ijma’ (consensus) from the People of Knowledge about the impermissibility of relying upon astronomical calculations in this regard – and this is the truth about which there is no doubt.” And with Allah alone is the ability.”5

BRUSHING ONE’S TEETH WHILST FASTING

[Q]: Is it permissible to use a miswak to brush one’s teeth, whilst fasting. And it it permissible to use toothpaste as well? What if some blood appear whilst I brush my teeth, doe this invalidate my fast?

[A]: “There is no problem in cleaning one’s teeth either using water, miswak or toothbrush, whilst fasting. Some have held it to be makruh (detested) to use a miswak whilst fasting, since it changes the smell of a person’s breath. However, what is correct is that it is recommended to use a miswak in the beginning and the end of the day, since doing so does not change the odour, rather it just cleanses the mouth from impurities and small pieces of food that become lodged in one’s teeth. As regards to the use of toothpaste, then it is makruh (detested), since it contains a distinctive taste and flavour which may then get mixed with one’s saliva and then be swallowed. Thus, whosoever needs to use it should do so after suhur (the pre-dawn meal), before the time of Fajr and fasting begins. However, if one can safeguard allowing the toothpaste and salvia to be mixed then swallowed, then there is no harm in using such toothpaste. If – whilst cleaning’s one teeth with water, miswak or a toothbrush – a small amount of blood flows out, then this does not break the fast, and Allah knows best.”6

CONCERNING THE TARAWIH PRAYER

[Q]: Some people insist that there is an ijma’ (consensus) from the four well known Imams – Abu Hanifah, Malik, ash-Shafi’i and Ahmad ibn Hanbal, rahimahumallah – on praying only twenty rak’ahs for tarawih. Is this correct?

[A]: “This is an erroneous claim. This is what has been stated in the Hanafi books of fiqh (jurisprudence), for we do not find any book that can be authentically ascribed to Abu Hanifah (d.150H) rahimahullah. Rather, what is apparent from looking into al-Muwatta of Imam Muhammad (one of the main students of Abu Hanifah) is that Abu Hanifah’s madhhab (school of thought) was to pray eleven rak’ahs.

Imam Muhammad includes a chapter in al-Muwatta (p.110), stating: “Chapter: Establishing the Night Prayer in the month of Ramadhan, and the virtues contained in it.” Under this chapter he relates four ahadith. The first, third and fourth narrations do not make mention of any specified number of rak’ahs for the tarawih prayer, rather they just mention the excellence of establishing Prayer in congregation and the excellence of the night prayer in Ramadhan. However, in the second narration eleven rak’ahs is mentioned. Then Imam Muhammad said (p.111): “And we take all of this.” … Thus, he has shown that his madhhab is eleven rak’ahs, and this can only be the madhhab of Imam Abu Hanifah – rahmatullah ‘alayhi – as well.

Ash-Shafi’i (d.204H) – rahimahullah – said: “There is no limit to its maximum, since it is an optional prayer. Thus, if the standing is lengthened, whilst the number of prostrations is shortened (i.e. the number of rak’ahs is fewer), then that is good and that is what is most beloved to me. However, if the number of prostrations and bowings are increased (i.e. the number of rak’ahs are increased), then this is also good.”7 So it is affirmed that Imam ash-Shafi’i – rahimahullah – does not advocate restricting the number of rak’ahs to twenty. Rather, he gives preference for there to be fewer rak’ahs and an increase in the length of standing.

Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d.241H) has approved of eleven rak’ahs as well as twenty – as Shaykhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah says in al-Ikhtiyaratul-‘Ilmiyyah (p.38) and Shah Waliullah says in al-Misriyyah (1/174) and al-Musaffa (1/177).

Imam Malik (d.179H) – rahimahullah – also supports eleven rak’ahs, as Shaykhul-Islam ibn Taymiyyah mentioned in al-Ikhtiyarat (p.38) and as Jalalud-Din as-Suyuti mentions in al-Hawi lil-Fatawa (p.350), where he said: al-Juri, one of our companions said, from Malik who said: “That which ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab gathered the people upon is more beloved to us. and that was eleven rak’ahs, and that was the prayer of Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.” It was said to him: Eleven rak’ahs with the Witr? So he said: Yes, and thirteen is close.” Then he said: “I do not know from where they have introduced these numerous ruku’s (bowings).”8

Praying eleven rak’ahs is based upon a number of authentic narrations, from them:-

[1] What al-Bukhari relates in his Sahih (no.2013) from Abu Salamah ibn ‘Abdur-Rahman who relates that he asked ‘aishah radiallahu ‘anha: How was the Prayer of the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in Ramadhan? So she said: “Allah’s Messenger, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam did not used to pray more than eleven rak’ahs during Ramadhan or in other than Ramadhan. He would pray four rak’ahs, and do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray another four, and do not ask about their beauty and length. Then he would pray three (witr).”

[2] Jabir radiallahu ‘anhu said: ”Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam led us in the month of Ramadhan with eight rak’ahs and witr. Then on the following night we gathered in the mosque and hoped that he would come out, and we continued in that state until morning. Then we entered our houses, so we said: O Messenger of Allah we gathered in the mosque last night hoping that you would pray with us. So he said: “I feared that it would become prescribed (i.e. obligatory) for you.”9

[3] Imam Malik relates in his al-Muwatta (no.248): From Muhammad ibn Yusuf, from as-Sa’ib ibn Yazid who said: “‘Umar ibn al-Khattab ordered ‘Ubayy ibn Ka’b and Tamim ud-Dari to lead the people in Prayer with eleven rak’ahs. And the reciter would recite some hundreds of Verses until one of us would lean upon a stick because of the length of standing, and we had not used to finish until the appearance of Fajr.”10

[4] ‘Ubayy ibn Ka’b came to Allah’s Messenger sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and said: O Messenger of Allah, something happened with me last night – meaning in Ramadhan. So he said: “And what was that ‘Ubayy?” He said: Some women in my house said, we do not recite the Qur’an, so can you lead us in Prayer? So I lead them in eight rak’ahs and prayed the witr. And this was a Sunnah of his approval, since he remained quiet and he did not say anything.11

So all this goes to show that insisting that there is a consensus on praying only twenty rak’ahs for tarawih – claiming this to be the only view of all the four well-known Imams – is not only incorrect, but is against the established evidence. As regards a detailed discussion regarding the whole issue, then this is not possible here, nor is it the place to discuss the correctness, or merits, of praying twenty rak’ahs over eight, or vice-versa. Rather, one can find such discussions in the relevant chapters in the books of fiqh, whilst remembering that: “Difference in opinion must not be a source of obstinacy nor anger.”12

WHAT SHOULD I DO IN RAMADHAN?

[Q]: What should a fasting person do, and what is obligatory upon him?

[A]: “The fasting person must increase in obedience to Allah and to keep away from all the prohibited meters. It is obligatory upon the fasting person to safeguard the obligatory duties and to distance himself from all the prohibitions. So he should pray the five daily Prayers in their correct times and in congregation, and abandon lying, backbiting, cheating, dealing in usury, and all other prohibited matters. The Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever does not abandon falsehood in speech and action, then Allah the Mighty and Majestic has no need that he should leave his food and drink.”13″14

EYE DROPS AND VOMITING

[Q] Is it permissible to use eye or ear-drops whilst fasting, or does it invalidate the fast? And does vomiting also break the fast?

[A]: “Whosoever uses eye or ear drops for medicinal purposes, then this does not invalidate their fast, and this is the correct opinion. This is because such drops are not termed as being food or drink – neither are they called so by convention, nor by Islamic terminology – and this is because such drops are administered through those places which food and drink are not administered.

However, if taking such drops could be delayed until the night, then this would avoid entering into any difference of opinion.

Similarly, whosoever vomits whilst fasting, then this does not invalidate their fast. This is because Allah does not burden a soul with more than it can bear, and also that the Shari’ah (Divinely Prescribed Islamic Law) is built upon facilitating ease and removing hardships, as Allah – the Most High – said: “And We have not made for you any hardships in the Religion.” [Surah al-Baqarah 2:222].

Also, the Prophet sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whosoever has an attack of vomiting, then no atonement is required of him, but whoever intentionally vomits, then let him atone for it.”15″16

1. Related by al-Bukhari (1906) and Muslim (no.1080), from Ibn ‘Umar radiallahu ‘anhu.
2. Related by al-Bukhari (no.1913), from Ibn ‘Umar radiallahu ‘anhu.
3. Related by al-Bukhari (no.19O7), from Ibn ‘Umar.
4. Refer to Fathul-Bari (4/159) of al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr.
5. Answered by Shaykh ‘Abdul-‘Aziz bin Baz in Fatawas-Siyam (p.13).
6. Answered by Shaykh Ibn Jibrin in Fatawa-Siyam (p.40).
7. Quoted by Ibn Nasr al-Marwazi in Qiyamul-Layl (p.92).
8. Tanqid Sadid bi Risaliti Ijtihad wa Taqlid (pp.266-268) of Shaykh Badi’ ud-Din as-Sindi.
9· Related by Ibn Nasr (p.90) and others. Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajr indicated in Fathul-Bari (3/10) that the narration is strong.
10. Shaykh al-Albani says in Salatut-Tarawih (p.45): “And its chain of narration is Sahih Jiddan (extremely authentic)”
11. Hasan: Related by Ibn Nasr al-Marwazi (p.90). It was authenticated by Shaykh al-Albani in Salatul-Tarawih (p.68).
12. From adabul-Khilaf (p.7) of Shaykh Salih al-Humaid.
13 Related by al-Bukhari (4/99), from Abu Hurayrah radiallahu ‘anhu.
14. Answered by Ibn al-‘Uthaymin in Fatawas-Siyam (pp.24-25).
15. Sahih: Related by Abu Dawud (2/310). It was authenticated by Ibn Taymiyyah in Haqiqatus-Siyam (p.14).
16. Answered by the Committee of Major Scholars in Fatawas-Siyam (p.44).

Reading the Qur’aan in Ramadaan : Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan

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Author:’Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Source:Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg.63-65)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon (al-manhaj.com)

Abu Umaamah (radhi Allaahu anhu) reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “Recite the Qur’aan for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgement as an intercessor for its Ashaab (those who read, memorize and implement it).” [1]

This hadeeth indicates the virtues of reciting the Qur’aan, the greatness of its reward and that it will intercede for its holders on the Day of Judgement towards their entrance into Paradise.

An-Nawaas Ibn Sama’aan (radhi Allaahu anhu) reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) say: ‘The Qur’aan will be brought on the Day of Judgement as well as the people who used to act upon it. Surat-ul-Baqarah and Aali ‘Imraan will then approach them.’ The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) likened them to three examples, which I have not forgotten afterwards. He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: ‘As if they were two clouds or two dark black canopies with light between them both or like two flocks of birds stretching their wings in the air pleading for the one who recited them.'” [2]

‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr (radhi Allaahu anhu) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “The fast and the Qur’aan will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgement. The fast will say: ‘My Lord, I restricted him from food and drink, so allow me to intercede for him.’ And the Qur’aan will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, so allow me to intercede for him.’ So they will be allowed to intercede.” [3]

Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur’aan much during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month. He should take advantage of the nobleness of time during this month, in which Allaah revealed the Qur’aan.

There is a special merit to reciting the Qur’aan in the nights of Ramadaan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allaah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

It is reported that Jibreel used to meet with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) during each night of Ramadaan and they would study the Qur’aan together. [4] So if making thikr (remembrance of Allaah) were better than the Qur’aan or equal to it (on these nights), they would have done that all the time or at certain times along with constantly gathering for that occasion.

Thus, this hadeeth illustrates the precedence of studying the Qur’aan during Ramadaan and gathering together for that occasion as well as turning towards one who is more prominent in the memorization of it.

The predecessors of this ummah would recite the Qur’aan constantly during Ramadaan. And when they would fast, they would sit in the masaajid and say: “We will guard our fast and not backbite anyone.”

They would recite the Qur’aan in their prayer and out of it. ‘Uthmaan (radhi Allaahu anhu) would complete the recitation of the (whole) Qur’aan once a day. And some of the Salaf would complete it during their qiyaam in Ramadaan every three nights. Some of them would do it every seven days and some every ten days.

Ash-Shaafi’ee would complete the Qur’aan sixty times during Ramadaan, while reciting it outside of prayer. Al-Aswad would recite the whole Qur’aan every two nights of Ramadaan. Qataadah would always compete the Qur’aan every seven days. He would do it every three days in Ramadaan, and during the last ten days, he would do it every night. Their reports concerning that are famous.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said: “The forbiddance of reciting the Qur’aan in less than three days (as stated in a hadeeth) has only been mentioned in regards to its being done on a normal basis. As for the specific times that are virtuous, such as the month of Ramadaan and especially the nights in which the night of Al-Qadr is sought. Or those places that are virtuous, such as Makkah for the one who enters it without residing there, then it is recommended to recite the Qur’aan a lot in these times and places, seeking the merits connected with their time and place. This is the opinion of Ahmad, Abu Ishaaq and other scholars. And the actions of others indicate that as has been stated previously.” [5]

The person reciting the Qur’aan must observe the proper etiquettes of recitation. Some of them are that: He make his intention sincerely for Allaah, that he recite it whilst being in a state of purity, that he use the Siwaak and that he recite it while pondering on its meaning and observing total consciousness. Allaah says:

“A Book, which We have revealed to you in order that its verses may be pondered upon, so that the people of understanding may be reminded.”

Also, from the etiquettes of the recitation is that one does not stop his reciting in order to speak to someone else. Indeed, when many people sit to recite the Qur’aan, and there are people sitting next to them, a majority of the time, they stop their recitation and speak to their neighbors. This is not proper since it is turning away from the recitation without a valid reason.

And it is on the one who recites, to act upon the Qur’aan, making permissible its Halaal and forbidding its Haraam, so that the Qur’aan can be a proof for him on the Day of Judgement and intercede for him in entering the gardens of bliss.

Footnotes:

[1] Saheeh Muslim [2] Reported by Muslim (804) [3] Saheeh Muslim (804) [4] Al-Bukhaaree (1/30) and Muslim (2308) [5] Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif: pg. 102-103

Ramadan A Reminder of Unity : Shaykh al-Albanee

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By Imam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source: Silsilatul-Ahaadeeth As-Saheehah (1/442-445)
Translated by Al-Istiqaamah Newsletter [1]
al-manhaj.com

Abu Hurayrah (radhi Allaahu anhu) related that the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wa sallam said:

“Fast when they fast, end the fast when they end theirs, and sacrifice the day that they sacrifice.” [2]

Al-Bayhaqee relates by way of Abu Haneefah, who said: ‘Alee ibn al-Aqmar related to me, from Masrooq, who said: I entered upon ‘Aaishah on the day of ‘Arafah, so she said: “Serve Masrooq with some gruel, and make it more sweet.” Masrooq said: Nothing prevented me from fasting this day except that I feared that it may be the day of Sacrifice. So ‘Aa’ishah said to me: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.” This chain of narration is jayyid (good) due to what has preceded.

Understanding This Hadeeth:

Imaam at-Tirmidhee says after quoting the hadeeth: “One of the people of knowledge has explained this hadeeth by saying: Its meaning is to fast and end the fast along with the Jamaa’ah and the majority of people.”

As-San’aanee said in Sublus-Salaam (2/72): “In this (hadeeth) is a proof that being in agreement with the people is accepted in establishing ‘Eed, and that the individual person who believes that it is the day of ‘Eed – because of the sighting of the moon – then it is obligatory upon him to be in agreement with the people, and that the ruling of the people – concerning the Prayer, breaking the fast, and sacrificing – is binding upon the individual.”

Ibn al-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) mentioned this meaning in Tahdheebus-Sunan (3/214), and said: “It is said: In it a refutation of those who say that whosoever knows the positions of the moon due to astronomical calculations, then it is permissible for him to fast and end the fast, even if others do not know. It is also said: That the individual witness who sees the moon, but the qaadee (judge) has not accepted his testimony, then there is no fasting for him, just as there is no fasting for the people.”

Abul-Hasan as-Sindee said in Haashiyah ‘alaa Ibn Maajah, after mentioning the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah which was related by at-Tirmidhee: “And its apparent meaning is: That there is no room for individual (opinions) to enter into these affairs, nor to act individually in this. Rather, this affair goes back to the Imaam (the Leader of the Muslims) and the Jamaa’ah (united body of Muslims under the Imaam). It is obligatory upon the individuals to follow the Imaam and the Jamaa’ah. From this is that is an individual sights the moon, but the qaadee rejects his witness, then the individual has no right in these matters, but rather he must follow the Jamaa’ah in this.”

And this is the meaning which is evident from the hadeeth, and which is emphasized by the fact that ‘Aa’ishah (radhi Allahu anha) used it with Masrooq when he prevented himself from fasting on the day of ‘Arafah, fearing that it could be the day of Sacrifice. So she explained to him that there is no weight given to his individual opinion in this, and that he should follow the Jamaa’ah. So she said to him: “The day of Sacrifice is when the people sacrifice, and the day of ending the fast is when the people end their fast.”

Unity is One of the Goals of the Sharee’ah

And this is what is befitting for the easy-natured and tolerant Sharee’ah (Prescribed Islaamic Law), one of the goals of which is uniting the people together, unifying their ranks and keeping away from them all that would split their comprehensive unity – from the individual opinions. So the Sharee’ah does not give any weight to the individual opinion in matters concerning ‘ibaadah jamaa’iyyah (collective acts of worship), such as Fasting, ‘Eed and Prayer in congregation – even if the opinion is correct, from one angle. Do you not see that the Sahaabah (the Companions) – radiallaahu ‘anhum – used to pray behind each other. So from them were those who held the view that touching a woman, or the flowing of blood from the body invalidates the wudhoo’ (ablution), along with those who did not hold this view. From them were those who would complete the Prayer whilst traveling, whilst others shortened. Yet these, and other such differences, did not prevent them from collectively praying behind a single Imaam and deeming it to be acceptable. And this is because they knew that tafarruq (splitting-up) in the Religion is more evil than having ikhtilaaf (differences) in some opinions. Indeed, the matter with one of them reached the extent that he would not even deem acceptable any opinion which differed with the great Imaam in the major gatherings; such as the gathering at Minaa (during Hajj), to the extent that he would totally abandon acting upon his opinion in that gathering – fleeing from that which could result from this evil, because of acting according to his own opinion.

Thus, Abu Daawood relates (1/307) that ‘Uthmaan (raa) prayed four rak’ahs at Minaa, so ‘Abdullaah ibn Mas’ood criticized him saying: “I prayed two rak’ahs with the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and two rak’ahs with Abu Bakr, and two rak’ahs with ‘Umar, and two rak’ahs with ‘Uthmaan in the beginning of his rule, then he completed it (i.e. by praying four rak’ahs). After that the ways became divided with you all. So I hope from these four rak’ahs, that two of them would be accepted.” Then Ibn Mas’ood prayed four rak’ahs. So it was said to him: You criticized ‘Uthmaan, yet you prayed four? So he said: “Differing is evil.”

Its chain of narration is Saheeh (authentic), and something similar to this is related in the Musnad (5/155) of Imaam Ahmad, from Abu Dharr (radhi Allaahu anhu).

So those who continue splitting-up with regards to the Prayer, and who refuse to follow the local Imaams in some mosques – especially in the witr Prayer during Ramadaan – using as proof that this is against their madhhab (school of thought), then they should reflect upon the above mentioned hadeeth and athar (narration). Likewise, those who claim knowledge of astronomy and who, due to their opinion, fast and end their fast alone – preceding or lagging behind the majority of Muslims, not seeing any problem in doing so – should also reflect upon the previously quoted proofs. So all of them should consider, and reflect upon the knowledge that has been mentioned. Perhaps they will find for themselves a cure for their ignorance and self-delusion, so that they may then become a unified rank along with their Muslim brothers – for indeed the Hand of Allaah Subhanahu wa Taa’ala is over the Jamaa’ah.

Footnotes:

[1] Silsilatul-Ahaadeethus-Saheehah (1/442-445), the hadeeth authentications have been abridged and edited.

[2] Saheeh: Related by at-Tirmidhee (2/37). Shaykh al-Albaanee authenticated it in As-Saheehah (no.224)

 

Concerning the Number of Rak’aat of the Taraaweeh Prayer (Q&A) : Imaam ibn Al-‘Uthaimeen

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From the recently released Al-Ibaanah Book publication “Lessons on Fasting, Taraaweeh & Zakaat + 48 Questions & Answers on Fasting”

Question 2

Question: Is there a specific number (of rak’aat) for the Night Prayer or not?

Answer: There is no specific number (of rak’aat) that one is obligated to abide by when performing the Night Prayer. So if a person spends the whole night in prayer, there is no harm in this. And if he prays twenty rak’aat or fifty rak’aat, there is nothing wrong with this either. However, the best number (of rak’aat) to pray is that which the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to do, which was either eleven or thirteen rak’aat. This is because when the Mother of the Believers, ‘Aa’ishah, was asked about how the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would pray in Ramadaan, she replied:

“He would not exceed eleven rak’aat whether in Ramadaan or out of it.” [1]

However, these rak’aat must be done in the prescribed manner. One must prolong his recitation, bowing, prostrating, standing after bowing, and sitting between prostrations in it. This is contrary to what the people do today – they pray in a rush and prevent the followers from doing what they are required to do in prayer.

An Imaam is a position of leadership. And when someone is a leader, he must do what is best and most fitting (for the people). As for an Imaam not having any concern except to leave early, this is wrong. Rather, a person should do what the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) used to do, such as prolonging his standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting in accordance to what is mentioned in the texts. He should also lengthen his supplication, recitation of the Qur’aan, glorification of Allaah and so on.

Question 3

Question: If a person prays behind an Imaam that performs more than eleven rak’aat, should he follow the Imaam or separate from him after he completes eleven rak’aat?

Answer: The Sunnah is to follow the Imaam since if he leaves before the Imaam finishes praying, he will not achieve the reward of having prayed the entire night. The Messenger of Allaah said:

“Whoever prays with the Imaam until he finishes, it is recorded for him that he prayed the entire night.” [2]

The Prophet said this in order to encourage us to strive to remain with the Imaam until he finishes.

The Companions even followed their Imaam at a time when he went beyond the prescribed limit for a particular prayer. And that was when ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Affaan finished praying four rak’aat at Minaa during Hajj in spite of the fact that the Prophet, Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthmaan (himself) – during the first part of his Khilaafah until eight years had passed – used to pray just two rak’aat.

So he prayed four rak’aat and the Companions criticized him for this even though they had followed him and prayed four rak’aat along with him.

Therefore, if this was the guidance of the Companions – which was striving to follow the Imaam until he finished – then what is wrong with some people who when they see the Imaam going beyond the number of rak’aat that the Prophet used to pray at night, i.e. eleven, they get up to leave in the middle of prayer? And we have even witnessed some people in Al-Masjid-ul-Haraam leaving before the Imaam finishes with the excuse that only eleven rak’aat are legislated in the Religion!

Question 36

Question: What is the ruling on the Taraaweeh Prayer and what is the Sunnah with regard to its number of rak’aat?

Answer: The Taraaweeh Prayer is a Sunnah (recommended act) that the Messenger of Allaah prescribed for his ummah. He (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) led his Companions in prayer three nights then left it off for fear that it would be made obligatory on them. So the Muslims remained in this state (of not praying in congregation) afterward during the rule of Abu Bakr and the start of ‘Umar’s Khilaafah. After this, the Commander of the Believers, ‘Umar, gathered them under Tameem Ad-Daaree and Ubay bin Ka’ab. So thereafter they began to pray (Taraaweeh) in congregation up until this time of ours, all praise be to Allaah. It is recommended to do it in Ramadaan.

As for the number of rak’aat to be prayed in it, then it is either eleven or thirteen. This is the Sunnah with regard to the Night Prayer. However, if one goes beyond this number, there is no harm or wrong in this since there were numerous accounts reported on the Salaf (Predecessors) stating that they would vary in the number of rak’aat – either going over or below this number. And they would not rebuke one another for this. So whoever exceeds the prescribed number should not be rebuked. And whoever limits his prayer to the number mentioned in the texts, this is better.

The Sunnah indicates that there is no harm in exceeding the prescribed number since it has been reported in (Saheeh) Al-Bukhaaree and other Collections from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar t that a man once asked the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) about the Night Prayer, so he responded:

“It is two (rak’aat) by two (rak’aat). Then if one of you fears that the morning (will come upon him), he should pray one (rak’ah), thus making odd (witr) what he prayed.” [3]

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) did not define a specific number to which one can restrict his prayer. Regardless, what is important with regard to the Taraaweeh Prayer is that one must be submissive, attentive and at ease when bowing, prostrating and getting up from these two positions. And he should not do as some people do by rushing through the prayer in a hurried manner, which prevents those praying (behind him) from doing the recommended acts, not to mention the obligatory acts in prayer, simply because he desires to be the first one out of the masjid so that the large gatherings of people could notice him. This contradicts what is legislated in the Religion.

What is obligatory upon the Imaam is that he fears Allaah with regard to those praying behind him and not prolong the prayer to the point that it burdens his followers and is not in accordance with the Sunnah. He must also not shorten the prayer to the point that those behind him are not able to do what they are obligated or recommended to do while in prayer.

This is why some scholars have stated: “It is disliked for the Imaam to rush through the prayer in such a manner that prevents the one following from doing what is prescribed (in the prayer).”

So if this is the case, then what about those who rush through the prayer in such a manner that prevents the one following from doing what is obligatory (in the prayer)?! This type of rushing is prohibited for the Imaam. We ask Allaah to keep us and our brothers firm and safe.

Question 37

Question: What is the ruling on combining all of the Taraaweeh Prayer or some of it with the Witr in one tasleem?

Answer: Doing such an act invalidates the prayer since the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“The Night Prayer is two (units) by two (units).”

So if he combines all of the rak’aat under one tasleem it will not be two by two. And by doing this he will have opposed the command of Allaah’s Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) when he said:

“Whoever does a deed that is not in accordance with our Command (i.e. Sunnah), it is rejected.” [4]

Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy on him, stated: “Whoever rises for the third rak’ah in the Night Prayer (i.e. without making tasleem), it is as if he has risen up to make a third rak’ah when praying Fajr.”

Meaning: If he continues to stand up after he remembers, his prayer becomes invalidated, as in the case of the Fajr Prayer. So based on this, if he gets up for the third rak’ah during the Night Prayer out of forgetfulness and then remembers, he should go back (to the sitting position) and make tashahhud. Then he should make the two prostrations of forgetfulness after the tasleem. If he does not do this, his prayer is invalid.

There is an issue I would like to discuss here, which is the understanding that some people derive from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah when she was asked about how the Prophet would perform the Night Prayer during Ramadaan. She replied:

“He would not exceed eleven rak’aat (for the Night Prayer) whether in Ramadaan or out of it. He would pray four rak’aat, but do not ask about how fine or long they were. Then he would pray another four rak’aat, but do not ask about how fine or long they were. Then he would pray three rak’aat.”

Some people think that based on this, he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would pray the first four rak’aat with one tasleem, the second set of four rak’aat with one tasleem and the last three rak’aat with one tasleem.

However, even though this hadeeth may imply this meaning, it is also possible that it means that he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) prayed four rak’aat with two tasleems then sat to rest and regain his energy. Then he prayed four more rak’aat in a similar manner (i.e. with two tasleems). This possible meaning, i.e. that he prayed two rak’aat by two rak’aat, seems more correct. However, he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would sit after the first four rak’aat to rest and recoup his energy. And likewise with the second set of four rak’aat, he (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would pray them two by two, then sit (again).

What supports this conclusion is the Prophet’s (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying: “The Night Prayer is two by two.”

Therefore this conclusion combines both his (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) action as well as his (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) statement. Even though we can derive from the wording that the hadeeth possibly means he would pray these four rak’aat with one tasleem, it is outweighed by the hadeeth we mentioned above, which is that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “The Night Prayer is two by two.”

If a person wishes to make Witr with three rak’aat, there are two ways of accomplishing this:

1. The first is that he makes the tasleem after the first two rak’aat then prays the third.

2. The second is that he prays all three together with just one tashahhud and one tasleem.

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 1147) and Muslim (no. 1670)

[2] Reported by Abu Dawood (no. 1375) and At-Tirmidhee (no. 1806) and authenticated by Al-Albaanee.

[3] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 990) and Muslim (no. 1695)

[4] Reported by Muslim (no. 4514)

Published on: September 22, 2006

The Inner Secrets of Fasting : Imam Ibn Qudamaah Al-Maqdisee

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Bismillaah

Imam Muwaffaq-ud-Deen Ibn Qudamaah Al-Maqdisee
This article is taken from the book Mukhtasar Minhaajul-Qaasideen (p. 38-41)
This article was translated by Isma’eel Ibn al-Arkaan, al-ibaanah.com

Know, that in the fast (Sawm) is a special quality that is not found in anything else. And that is its close connection to Allaah, such that He says:

‘‘The Fast (Sawm) is for Me and I will reward it.’’ [2]

This connection is enough to show the high status of fasting. Similarly, the Ka’bah is highly dignified due to its close connection to Him, as occurs in His statement:

‘‘And sanctify My House.’’ [3]

Indeed, the fast is only virtuous due to two significant concepts:

THE FIRST: It is a secret and hidden action, thus, no one from the creation is able to see it Therefore riyaa‘ (showing off) cannot enter into it.

THE SECOND: It is a means of subjugating the enemies of Allaah. This is because the road that the enemies (of Allaah) embark upon (in order to misguide the Son of Aadam) is that of desires. And eating and drinking strengthens the desires. There are many reports that indicate the merits of fasting, and they are well known

THE RECOMMENDED ACTS OF FASTING:

The pre-dawn meal (suhoor) and delaying in taking it are preferable, as well as hastening to break the fast and doing so with dates. Generosity in giving is also recommended during Ramadhaan, as well as doing good deeds and increasing in charity. This is in accordance with the way of the Messenger of Allaah. It is also recommended to study the Qur‘aan and perform I‘tikaaf (seclusion for worship) during Ramadhaan, especially in its last ten days, as well as increasing upon the exertion (towards doing good deeds) in it. In the two Saheehs, ’Aa‘ishah said: ‘‘When the last ten days (of Ramadhaan) would come, the Prophet would tighten his waist wrapper (izaar)’’ [4] The scholars have mentioned two views concerning the meaning of ‘tighten his wrapper (izaar)’ The first is that it means the turning away from women. The second is that it is an expression denoting his eagerness and diligence in doing good deed. They also say that the reason for: the last ten days of Ramadhaan was due to his seeking of the Night of al-Qadr (Laylatul-Qadr).

AN EXPLANATION OF THE INNER SECRETS OF FASTING AND ITS CHARACTERISITCS:

There are three levels of fasting, the general fast, the specific fast and the more specific fast. As for the general fast, then it is the refraining of ones stomach and their private parts from fulfilling their desires. The specific fast is the refraining of ones gaze, tongue, hands, feet, hearing and eyes, as well as the rest of his body parts from committing sinful acts. As for the more specific fast, then it is the heart’s abstention from its yearning after the worldly affairs and the thoughts which distance one away from Allaah, as well as its (the heart’s) abstention. From all the things that Allaah has placed on the same level. [5] From the characteristics of the specific fast is that one lowers his gaze and safeguards his tongue from the repulsive speech that is forbidden, disliked, or which has no benefit, as well as controlling the rest of his body parts. . In a hadeeth by al-Bukhaaree: ‘‘Whosoever does not abandon false speech and the acting upon it, Allaah is not in need off his food and drink.’’ [6]

Another characteristic of the specific fast is that one does not overfill himself with food during the night. Instead, he eats in due measure, for indeed, the son of Aadam does not fill a vessel more evil than his stomach. If he were to eat his fill during the first part of the night, he would not make good use of himself for the remainder of the night. In the same way, if he eats to his fill for suhoor, he does make good use of himself until the afternoon. This is because excessive eating breads laziness and lethargy therefore, the objective of fasting disappears due to one’s excessiveness in eating, for what is indeed intended by the fast, is that one savours the taste of hunger and becomes an abandoner of desires.
RECOMMENDED FASTS:

As for the recommended fasts, then know that preference for fasting is established in certain virtuous days. Some of these virtuous days happen every year, such as fasting the first six days of Shawwaal after Ramadhaan, fasting the day of ’Arafah, the day of ’Ashooraa, and the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah and Muharram. Some of them occur every month, such as the first part of the month, the middle part of it, and the last part of it. So whoever fasts the first part of it, the middle part of it and the last part of it, then he has done well. Some fasts occur every week, and they are every Monday and Thursday. The most virtuous of the recommended fasts is the fast of Daawood. He would fast one day and break his fast the next day. This achieves the following three objectives, the soul is given its share on the day the fast is broken. And on the day of fasting, it completes its share in full. The day of eating is the day of giving thanks and the day of fasting is the day of having patience. And Faith (eemaan) is divided into two halves- that of thankfulness and that of patience. [7] It is the most difficult struggle for the soul. This is because every time the soul gets accustomed to a certain condition, it transfers itself that. As for fasting every day, then it has been reported by Muslim, from the hadeeth of Aboo Qataadah that ’Umar (radiyallaahu ’anhu) asked the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): What is the case if one were to fast everyday? So he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘‘He did not fast nor did he break his fast or, he did not fast and he did not break his fast.’’ [8] This is concerning the one who fasts continuously, even during the days in which fasting is forbidden.
CHARACTERISITCS OF THE MORE SPECIFIC FASTS:

Know that the one who has been given intellect, knows the objective behind fasting. Therefore, he burdens himself to the extent that he will not be unable to do that which is more beneficial than it. Ibn Mas’ood would fast very little and it is reported that he used to say: ‘‘When I fast, I grow weak in my prayer. And I prefer the prayer over the (optional) fast.’’ Some of the Companions would weaken in their recitation of the Qur‘aan when fasting. Thus, they would exceed in breaking their fast (i.e.. by observing less optional fasts), until they were able to balance their recitation. Every individual is knowledgeable of his condition and of what will rectify it.
Footnotes:

[1] This article is taken from the book Mukhtasar Minhaajul-Qaasideen (p. 38-41) of the illustrious scholar and righteous Imaam, Ibn Qudaamah al-Maqdisee (d.529H). This article was translated by Isma’eel Ibn al-Arkaan and edited by Abu Khaliyl. There were also slight adaptions made to it, such as the exclusion of a couple of statements.

[2] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/118) and Muslim (no. 1151).

[3] Sooratul-Hajj: 26

[4] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/322) and Muslim (no. 1147).

[5] (Editors note: Additional comment is required here, The levels mentioned are levels of abstinence. The first of these three levels entails the abstinence which is fulfilled, the fast is considered complete in view of the one having met the legislated requirements [i.e. It does not have to be repeated or made up, the servant has indeed fasted.] The remaining levels deal with the value of the Fast. If the second is level is not met, the fast will be of less value to the servant, than if it were met and likewise for the third. Thus it is said that intentional eating and intercourse render the fast null and void, whereas committing other unlawful acts such, likes speaking falsely, placing the unlawful look to the opposite sex. And so on will constitute a sin of one degree or another, but not nullify the fast.

[6] Related by al-Bukhaaree (4/99)

[7] {Editors note: This statement is based upon an unauthentic Hadeeth, which has been reported by al-Kharaa‘itee and ad-Daylamee. One of its narrators was graded ‘‘abandoned’’ by an-Nisaa‘ee and adh-Dhahabee. Al-Manawee and al-Albaanee approved of its grading. See ad-Da’eefah (no. 625).

[8] Related by Muslim

Ramadhan Index Page: https://abdurrahman.org/ramadhan

 

Fasting: The Great Act of Worship : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

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By Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al- ‘ Uthaymeen

This revised edition, produced with the permission of the author and the translator, includes some corrections to the original translation, changes to the English, the addition of the Qur’aanic text, changes to the translations of the meanings of the Qur’aan and hadeeths, changes in the system of transliteration of Arabic terms, and the addition of references and some explanatory notes.

In response to our request to publish this revised edition, Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen wrote : “ Wa- alaykum us – salaam wa rahmatullaahi wa barakaatuh. As Dr. Saleh As–Saleh  has authenticated the translation of the booklet, I have no objection for you to print it on the condition that it will not have any copyright if we want to print it again. Written by Muhammad ibn Saalih Al – Uthaymeen, dated 1/9/1418 hijri. The booklet mentioned is the booklet on fasting.”

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih Al- ‘Uthaymeen.  

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

 All praise is due to Allaah, and may Peace and blessings be on His Messenger Muhammad.

THE VIRTUES OF RAMADHAAN

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated that Allah’s Apostle صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ When the month of Ramadhaan starts, the gates of Jannah (Paradise) are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and satans are chained.”(1) The gates of Jannah are opened in this month because a great deat of righteous deeds are performed, and as an encouragement for those who seek Allaah’s reward. The gates of Hell are closed because few sins are committed by believers. The Satans will be chained so that they may noy have the chance they have in other months to whisper into the hearts of the believers and misguide them.

Allaah has prescribed fasting and it obligatory upon all nations. He said :

) يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ) (البقرة:183)

O you who believe ! fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al – Muttaqoon (the pious). [Al- Baqarah (2) : 183]

If fasting were not a great act of worship, and the reward thereof were not so great, Allah would not have Presceibed it on all nations.

Among the virtues of fasting is that it is a means for atonement of sins. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said : “ He who observes the fast of the month of Ramadhaan out of sincerity and hope for the reward from Allaah will have his past sins forgiven.”(2) That is, when fasting is observed out of belief and without resentment to it as an act of worship or doubt in its reward, Allaah will forgive the past sins of the one who observes it.

Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم as saying : “ Allaah said: All the deeds of Adam’s children belong to them, except fasting, which belongs to me and I will reward it. Fasting is a shield (against the Hell and against the commission of sins). If one of you happens to be fasting he should avoid sexual relations with his wife, and should avoid quarrelling. Should someone fight or quarrel with him let him say, ‘ I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose hand my soul is, the smell of the month of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than that of the musk.”(3) It is a shield because it safeguards the believer from vain talk and wrongdoing, and hence protects him from Hell.

Of all the good deeds, Allaah has favored fasting to be greatly rewarded by Him and distinguished it with prestige when it is observed with the pure intention to please Him alone.

Fasting is so meritorious for a believer that he will have two occasions of joy. The first is at the time of breaking his fast, when he enjoys the bounties of Allaah because he has been favored with Allaah’s mercy to observe the fast while many others have been deprived of this great blessing. He will rejoice in the second occasion when he meets his Lord and enjoys the abundant reward for having observed fasting (4). In addition to this, fasting intercedes with Allaah on behalf of the believer on the Day of Judgment.(5)

WHEN DOES FASTING BEGIN AND END ?

Fasting begins upon sighing the new moon. Allaah said:

) فَمَنْ شَهِدَ مِنْكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ)(البقرة: من الآية185)

 So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadhaan), he must fast that month. [Al- Baqarah (2) : 185]

However, it is not incumbent on everyone to sight the new moon. Rather, if a trustworthy Muslim testifies that he has sighted it, then everyone must observe fasting. Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه narrated : “ A Bedouin came to the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم and reported, ‘ O Prophet, I have seen the new moon of Ramadhaan.’ Thereupon the prophe صلي الله عليه وسلم asked the man, ‘Do you bear witness that “ Laa ilaaha illaaah”. ( i.e. there is no god worthy of being worshipped beside Allah) ?’ ‘ I do,’ said the bedouin. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم further asked him whether he testifies that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. The Bedouin affirmed that, too. Thereupon, the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم asked Bilaal رضي الله عنه to announce to the people to begin their fast the next day.”(6)

Ibn ‘ Umar رضي الله عنه also confirmed the practice of sighting the new moon in his report : “ The People were seeking the new moon. Having sighted it myself, reported it to the prophet. صلي الله عليه وسلم He began his fast and ordered the people to begin theirs, too.”(7)

He who sights the new moon of Ramadhaan must inform those in authority in the Muslim government or community. Once the Muslim government announces the beginning of Ramadhaan upon the sighting the new moon it becomes binding on the rest of Muslims to begin their fast.(8)

It should be borne in mind, however, that astronomical calculations must be ruled out from the sharee’ah and must not be relied on for sighting the moon, as the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم has ruled that Muslims must begin their fast upon seeing the new moon, not upon calculating the month astronomically. It is only when it becomes hard to see the new moon due to weather conditions when Muslims may complete the month of Sha’baan, which precedes Ramadhaan, as Thirty days.(9) The lunar month is either 29 or 30 days. It has neither fewer nor more days.(10)

WHO SHOULD FAST AND WHO SHOULD NOT ?

Fasting is obligatory on the mature sane and healthy Muslim. Those who are immature (i.e. young children) are encouraged to fast. Exempted are those who suffer terminal illness, or are too old to fast. Allah does not overburden His slaves.

Permission to abstain from fasting is granted to the travelers who do not travel for the purpose of breaking their fast. Even though it is permissible to break fast durning travel, it is praiseworthy to fast while traveling if no hardship imposed. In any case, travelers should make up the days they missed fasting in Ramadhaan once Ramadhaan is over and they are back home.

As for those whose sickness does not allow them to fast, they fall into three categories:

  1. If it is neither hard nor harmful for them, they must observe fasting.
  2. If it is hard, but not harmful for them, they are permitted to break their fast.
  3. If it is harmful for them, then they must abstain from fasting.

It is stated in the Qur’aan:

) يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونَ تِجَارَةً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِنْكُمْ وَلا تَقْتُلُوا أَنْفُسَكُمْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ كَانَ بِكُمْ رَحِيماً) (النساء:29)

) وَلا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ)(البقرة: من الآية195)

Do not kill yourselves. [An- Nisaa’ (4) : 29] – Baqarah (2) : 195]

The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم was reported to have said, “ There is (to be) no harm or reciprocating harm.”(13)

The days that are missed in Ramadhaan must be made up once Ramadhaan is over.

During the monthly period or period of post-natal bleeding, women are to abstain from fasting,(14) but must make up the days they missed after the fasting month is over. The Pregnant or breastfeeding woman whose health or the health of the suckling baby might be affected by fasting should break her fast and make up the missed days after Ramadhaan.

It is also recommended for those who engage in combat in the way of Allah to break their fast. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم told his companions in one of the battles, “ You are going to meet your enemy in the morning, abstaining from fasting is better for your strength, so break your fast.” (15)

THE WISDOM BEHIND FASTING

Fasting is a great act of worship the Muslim performs by turning away from his own desires in order to please his Lord, hoping for His reward. Common sense dictates that one would not give up desired things except for the sake of more desirable ones, in this case the pleasure of Allah, which is the most sought after desire.

It is also a means if achieving piety and righteousness. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ He who does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah needs not his refraining from eating or drinking.”(16) In other words, Allah does not accept his fast.

The heart, through fasting, is inclined to maintain its tenderness since the desires are not sought, but rather shunned, and thus the heart tends to be more receptive to the words of Allah.

The rich person will, through fasting, be more appreciative of Allaah’s graces and bounties. He also will suffer the deprivation the poor and needy experience under normal circumstances. Thus he will be motivated to help them. Fasting helps depress pride or egoism and maintains humbleness. Moreover, fasting has health advantages by means of decreasing the intake of food and relaxing the digestive system. Great is the wisdom of Allah, and great are His Graces !

OBLIGATORY CONDITIONS OF FASTING

Performing the other acts of worship and duties is most important, and salaah is of particular importance, as without it no other act of worship is accepted by Allah.(17) Praying in congregation is a great aspect in our religion. Everyone should attend.(18) Its reward is twenty seven times greater than that which is performed individually.(19) At one time the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم was about to burn the houses on those who did not attend the congregational prayers.(20)

Refraining from bad behavior such as lying, cheating, music, smoking, backbiting and slandering others to create animosity among them. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ No slanderer shall enter paradise.”(21) The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ There will exist in ummah those who will deem unlawful things lawful (such as) fornication, silk for men, intoxicating beverages and musical instruments.”(22) my

PRAISEWORTHY ETIQUETTE OF FASTING

* Taking the meal of suhoor. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said: “ Take (the meal of) suhoor because there is blessing in it.”(23) He also said: “ The difference between our fasting and that of the people of the book is taking the meal of suhoor.”(24) Even taking a cup of water in lieu of a meal for suhoor has blessing in it, too.

  • Breaking the fast as soon as the sun sets.(25)
  • Making du’aa upon breaking fast.(26)
  • Reciting as much Qur’aan as possible during the monthe of Ramadhaan.

PRACTICES WHICH BREAK THE FAST

  1. Sexual intercourse in the daytime. The willful violation of the fast by this practice requires the fast of sixty consecutive days in order to make up for the day in which the intercourse took place.(27)
  2. Whllful ejaculation by means of kissing or caressing, etc. Wet dreams and unintentional ejaculation do not break the fast.
  3. Eating, drinking, smoking or taking any food substitutes, such as receiving blood, glucose, or I. V. substances while observing the fast.
  4. Willful, not unintentional, vomiting.
  5. Menstrual bleeding.(28)

Days in which the above practices 2 through 5 took place are to be made up a day for a day once Ramadhaan is over.

On the other hand, the application of kuhl ( surmah), eye, ear or nose drops do not break the fast; they are neither food nor a substitute thereof. Wearing perfumes, using the siwaak or toothbrush without toothpaste do not break fast since it has been reported that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم used to do so.(29)

QIYAAM OR TARAAWEEH PRAYER

Allah has made five daily prayers obligatory on the Muslims, which He, due to His Grace, made the reward thereof fifty-fold.(30) He also encourages the believers to perform supererogatory of naft prayers. Among these is the night prayer which falls between midnight and dawn. Allah praised those who engage themselves in prayer at night:

) تَتَجَافَى جُنُوبُهُمْ عَنِ الْمَضَاجِعِ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُمْ خَوْفاً وَطَمَعاً)(السجدة: من الآية16)

Their sides forsake their beds to invoke their Lord in fear and hope …. [As- Sajdah (32):16]

The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said : “ The best prayer next to obligatory is the night prayer.”(31) In another tradition he said : “O people ! Spread the (Islamic) greeting (i.e. by saying ‘ assalaamu alaykum”), give the food (to those who need it), connect your relatives (by visitation) and pray at night while the others are asleep, and you shall enter Jannah peacefully.”(32) Of the night prayer is Witr, the minimum of which is one rak’ah and maximum of which is eleven rak’ahs.(33)

Performing night prayer in Ramadhaan is far more superior to the performing in any other month by virtue of its recommendation by the prophet, صلي الله عليه وسلم who said, “Whoever prayed at night in it ( i. e. Ramadhaan) out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”(34)

Taraaweeh prayer is considered the night prayer in Ramadhaan, and, therefore, one should take good care the observe it, To pray taraaweeh in jamaa’ah (congregation) is a sunnah initiated by our beloved prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم and revived by the second Rightly-Guided Khaleefah, Umar رضي الله عنه (35) Though there has been a difference if opinion among the scholars in the past as to how many rak’ahs taraaweeh should be, all of them unanimously agreed that the best is to apply the sunnah of performing it with eleven rakahs only. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم did not pray more than eleven rak’ahs in Ramadhaan or any other month. ‘ Aa’ishah, the wife of the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ The prophet never prayed more than eleven rak’ahs at night in Ramadhaan or in any other month.(36)

The full reward of taraaweeh is obtained only when it is performed in jamaa’ah. The person who performs it in jamaa’ah will be considered, according to authentic tradition, as if he spent the rest of that night praying.”(37)

THE VIRTUES OF RECITING THE QUR’AAN.

There are two types of Qur’aan recitation :

1. Practical recitation, which means reading with belief in and application of the orders of Allah and refraining from the unlawful things.

2. Word recitation.

There are many hadeeths in which emphasis is laid on the great reward for those who recite the Qur’aan. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ The best of you is he who learns the Qur’aan and teaches it.”(38) He also said : “ The one who excels in reciting the Qur’aan will be in the company of the honored angels.”(39) And, “ The example of the believer who reads the Qur’aan is like that of the utrujah (a citrus fruit) which has a beautiful fragrance and a beautiful taste. While the example of the believer who does not read the Qur’aan is like that of the date fruit : It has sweet taste, but has no fragrance.”(40) He also said : “ He who recites One letter of the Book of Allaah, will be rewarded for it, and the reward will be multiplied in folds.”(41)

There are certain soorahs of the Qur’aan that have more reward for their recitation. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم verified that Satan does not enter the house wherein Soorat Al- Baqarah(42) is recited. When one recites Ayaatul-Kursi(43) at the night, as the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم informed us, he shall be protected by Allah, and Satan shall not come near him till he wakes up in the morning.(44) The same results may be achieded by the recitation of the last two verses of Soorat Al- Baqarah,(45) as well as the last three soorahs of the Qur’aan.(46)

Our pious predecessors used to busy themselves extensively in reciting the Qur’aan during the month of Ramadhaan. It was customary for them not to go beyond ten verses before they learned the rulings and the knowledge those ten verses contained.

ETIQUETTES OF READING THE QUR’AAN

The Qur’aan which we recete contains the actual words of Allah revealed to Muhammad صلي الله عليه وسلم . Therfore, we should observe the following when recition it :

1. Seek refuge in Allah before reading it (viz. أعوذ بالله من الشيطان الرجيم

“ A’oothu billaahi minash – shaytaanir-rajeem)”

2, Have the intention that the recitation thereof is purely to seek the pleasure of Allah alone.

3. Recite with an alert heart that you may comprehend its contents, imagining while reciting it that Allah is speaking to you though the Qur’aan.

4. Make sure you are clean before touching the Qur’aan. Do not read it when you are in the state of impurity.(47)

5. Do not read the Qur’aan in lavatories or similar places.

6. Read it slowly with pleasant sound and rhythm.

7. Prostrate wherever a verse requires prostration.

THE VIRTUES OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADHAAN AND LAYLAY AL-QADR

It has been reported that the Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم used to put extra effort in his devotion in the last ten days of Ramadhaan.(48) He used to awaken his family in the night that they may not lose the benefit of those bledded nights.(49) It is also reported that he used to make ‘ ittikaaf by spending the last ten days in the masjid.(50)

Laylat al Qadr means the night of honor and decree. It is sometimes erroneously into the night of power. The Prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم recommended to be sought in the last ten days of Ramadhaan. This night is valued to be better than a thousand months spent in devotion to Allah. One of the privileges of this night is that the Qur’aan was revealed in it. In it too, the angels descend to earth with blessings, goodness and mercy (51) . It is a peaceful night in which many are saved from the Hell. Forgiveness of past sins is granted to those who spend it busying themselves in prayer and the remembrance of Allah. (52) The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Seek it in the odd nights of the last third of Ramadan.(53)

Reference:

1. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 123, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans.) # 2361 & 2362. one wording of Muslim is “ the gates of mercy are opened.”

 2. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 125.

3. Saheeh Al – Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol.3, # 118 and #128, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans) # 2567.

4. Saheeh Al Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 128, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans). # 2567.

5. The Porphet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ Fasting and the Qur’aan intercede for the servant on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say : O my Lord ! I prevented him from food and desires, so accept my intercession for him ; and the Qur’aan will say : I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him. So their intercession will be accepted.” Reported by Ahmad, Al Haakim, Abu Nu’aym and others from ‘ Abdullaah ibn ‘ Amr. Its chain of narrators is hasan. [Fasting in Ramadaan by Shaykhs saleem Al- Hilaalee and ‘ Alee Hasan ‘ Alee ‘ Abdul – Hameed, p. 5]

6. Sunan Abee Daawud (English trans), # 2333 and # 2334. It is weak according to Al- Albanni.

7. Sunan Abee Daawud (English trans), # 2335. Its chain of narration is saheeh.

8. “Some scholars take into account the divisions amongst the Muslim countries related to the beginning and end of fasting. They advise that in the absence of one Khilaafah governing all Muslims, It is incumbent upon Muslims to follow their repective coutries as to when to fast and when to break the fast. This minimizes the divisions occurring within the same country where people fast according to different rulings.” (See Shaykh Al – ‘ Uthaymeen’s Ash- Sharh Al- Mummti” ‘ alaa zaadil- Mustaqni,” vol.6, p. 322 and Shaykh Al – Albaani’s Itmaa’tul- Minnah fee at- Ta’leeq ‘ alaa fiqhis-sunnah, p. 398). According to Shaykhul- Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah, “ The criteria upon which fasting becomes bound upon Muslims is that the informantion regarding the moon sighting reaches them in a reasonable amount of time to be able to act upon it.”

( Jaami lilikhtiaaraat Al- Fiqhiyah li-Shaykhul – Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah by Dr. Ahmad Mawaafi [ Dammam, Saudi Arabia: Daar Ibn Jawzi, 1413/1993], pp. 438-444.) And Allah knows best.

9. Saheeh Al- Bakhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 130,133, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans.), # 2363-2381. It should also be noted that it is not permissible to fast a day or two before Ramadhaan thinking that it might be Ramakhaan. Abu Hurayrah رضي الله عنه reported that the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ None of you should pre-empt Ramadhaan by fasting a day or two before it, except for a man fasting his usual fast, then let him fast that day.” ( Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 138)

10. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol. 3, # 132, 134-135, and 137, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans) # 2384-2390.

11. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English, vol. 3. # 181.

12. The Prophet # was asked about fasting on a journey and he said , “ Fast if you wish and break it if you wish “ . Saleh Al – Bukhaari (Arabic / English ) Vol . 3 # 164 and Saheeh Muslim ( English Tans. ) # 2487 ] Ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه said , “ Do not condemn one who obsees fast’ or one who does not observe it (in a journey ), for the messenger of Allah # observed it (in a journey), for the messenger of Allah # Observed fast in a journey or he did not observe it (too). [ Saheeh Muslinm (English Trans.) # 2471 ]

13. Ahmad, ibn Maajah; Saheeh [ Saheeh Al- Jaami. As sagheer, # 7517]

14. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol, 3. # 172. for more information on this subject, refer to The Natural Blood of Women by Shaykh ibn ‘Uthaymeen, translated by Dr. Saleh As- Saleh [ Buraidah , Saudi Arabia ; Dar Al- Bukhari, 1994]

15. Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 2486

16. Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 2486. In a fatwah (religious ruling), the Shaykh further explained that the fasting of a person who engages in forbidden speech is not invalidated, but its reward is diminished. The gravity of his sin may be such that it outstrips any reward for his fasting. [ Fataawa As – Siyaam ( Riyadh : Maktabt Al- Furqaan, n.d.)]

17. This is based upon the ruling of one group of scholars that whoever abandons the salaah is a kaafir, and thus, none of his deeds are accepted. The basis for this ruling is several hadeeths in which the prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم indicated that abandoning the prayer is disbelief, such as, “ Between a man and shirk and kufr is only the abandonment of the salaah.” [ Muslim and Ahmad; Saheeh Al Jaami As sagheer, # 2848] Another group of scholars divides those who do not pray into categories, judging them according to their intention. An excellent discussion of the two opinions can be found in the book on the issue of Takfeer by Shaikh Ahmad Fareed [ Suffolk , U. K : Jam’iat Ihyaa’ Minhaaj Al- Sunnah, 1997]

18. Saheeh Al – Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol.3, # 127. This statement is directed to men. As for the woman, the best place for her to pray is in her home. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “ Do not prevent your women (from going to) the masjids, but their houses are better for them.” [Ahmad, Abu Daawud, Al- Haakim saheeh. Saheeh al- Jaami As- Sagheer, # 7458]

19. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol, 1. # 618, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1365

20. This was because of the gravity of their sin. Saheeh Al – Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol. 1, # 617. and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1369.

21. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English, vol, 8, # 82, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 189 Also refer to The Bad Consequences of the Tongue by Shaykh Ahamad Zamzami ( Suffolk , U.K: Jam’iat Ihyaa’ Minhaaj al- Sunnah, 1995) and Gossip and its Adverse Effect on the Muslim Community by Husayn Al- Awayishah [ Bvirut: Ibn Hazm Publishing House, 1997]

22. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol. 7, # 494 (B).

23. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol, 3, # 146 , and saheeh Muslim (English trans.), #2412. The blessing in it is form obeying the prophet’s orders and following his example, as well as the physical blessing, which is nutrition for the body in order to have the strength to fast. [See Fataawa As- Siyaam, P 40]

24. Saheeh Muslim (English trans.) # 2413.

25. Saheeh al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English), vol . 3,#178. and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), #1491.

26. Sunan Abee Daawud (English trans). #2350. Also reported by Al- Bayhaqi, Al- Haakim and others, and Daraqutni declared its isnaad (Chain of narrators) to be hasan (acceptable).

27. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol, 3, #157, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 2457.

28. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, #172. This is regardiless of what time of day menses begins. This rule also applies to post-natal bleeding.

29. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said “ The stwaak is a means of cleansing the month and pleasing the Lord.” [ Saheeh al- Jaami, As- Sagheer # 3695]

30. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 1, # 345.

31. Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 2611-2612; See Saheeh Al- Jaami As- Sagheer #1116.

32. Reported by Ahmed, At- Tirmithi, Ibn Maajah and Al- Haakim, saheeh [ Saheeh Al- jaami, #7865].

33. Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1641.

34. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 3, # 226, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1662.

35. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol, 3.# 227-229. See also Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1667.

36. Saheeh Al- Bukhari (Arabic/English), vol. 2, # 248 & vol. 3, #330, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1607.

37. This is part of a lengthy hadeeth recorded by At- Tirmithi.

38. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 6, # 545 & 579.

39. Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1745.

40. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 6, # 538, and Saheeh Muslim (English trans), # 1743.

41. At- Tirmithi and Al- Haakim, saheeh [ Saheeh Al- Jaami As- Sagheer, 6469]

42. Saheeh Muslim (English trans) # 1707.

43. The 255 th ayah of Soorat Al- Baqaraj (2).

44. Saheeh Al- Bakhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 6, #530.

45. The first edtion of this booklet said “ the last ten ayahs,” but Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen confirmed that this was an error. The prophet صلي الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever recited the last two verses of soorat Al- Baqarah at night, that will be sufficient for him.” [ Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol. 6, # 530.]

46. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/English), vol, 6, #536-A.

47. i. e. if you need to make gust.

48. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari ( Arabic / English ), vol. 3 # 241 and Saheeh Muslim ( English Trans).# 2643-2644.

49. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari ( Arabic / English ), col.3, #241 and Saheeh Muslim ( English Trans) # 2643.

50. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari ( Arabic / English ), col.3, #241 and Saheeh Muslim ( English Trans)# 2636

51. Soorat Al- Qadar (97).

52. Saheeh Al- Bukhaari (Arabic/ English ), vol 1 # 34 & vol.3 # 231 and Saheeh Muslim (English trans.) # 1665.

53. Saheeh Al Bukhaari ( Arabic/ English ), Vol.3 # 234; See also vol.3, # 233-240.

Source: binothaimeen.com/soft/lang/Fasting.exe

Fruits of Ramadaan – From ad-Dawal ila-Allah Magazine

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From ad-Dawal ila-Allah magazine

Allah – the Most High – has favored us with countless blessings, the greatest of them being Islam itself. Within the religion of Islaam there are many favors; one is the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. However, many of us overlook this bounty and are thus left with an incomplete depiction of Ramadan, often viewing it as a month to get oneself into shape!! Or rigidly describing it as a training program teaching self-restraint. Most importantly Ramadan is an act of Ebadah (worship), the fulfillment of Allah’s commandments and one of the great mercies of Allah to His believers for both this world and the next.

lbn al-Qayyim [1] wrote in his famous book ‘Zaadul-Ma’aad 2/8587 :

‘From the Mercy of the Mighty and Most Merciful is that He prescribed for them fasting which will cut off the excesses of eating and drinking and empties the hearts of its desires which divert it on its journey to Allah -the Most High. He prescribed it in due proportion as will be appropriate and will benefit the servant with regard to this world and to the Hereafter; and it will not harm him, nor damage what is beneficial for him.”

The Virtues of Ramadaan

a) The Hellfire is locked and the gates of Paradise are opened

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“When Ramadaan comes the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of the Fire are locked and the devils are chained…” [2]

All praise is for Allah Who out of His infinite Mercy locks the gates of Hell, chains and shackles the devils and opens up the gates of Paradise in this month for His servants, making it easier for them to devote this special time to His worship. It makes it harder for the evil jinn to corrupt the people as they usually do, because Insha’ Allah the Muslims will be occupied with fasting, engaged in reading the Qur’aan, busy with extra prayers and in doing other righteous actions which help clean and purify their hearts.

b) Sins are Forgiven.

The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) explained to his Ummah that Ramadaan has such a high station that even if a Muslim’s sins were as much as the foam upon the sea, they would be forgiven through fasting in this month.

He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“He who fasts in Ramadaan due to eemaan and hoping for reward from Allah then his previous sins are forgiven.” [3]

Furthermore, in this month people are freed from the Hellfire every day and night, due to Allah’s extreme Mercy. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) told us in this regard that:

“There are in the month of Ramadaan in every day and night, those whom Allah grants freedom from the Fire, and there is for every Muslim a supplication which he can make and it will be granted.” [4]

This supplication, which is never rejected occurs at the time of breaking the fast. (See Sunan ibn Maajah, 1/557)

c) Lailatul-Qadr

Another virtue of this blessed month is that in it falls the night that is better than a thousand months, in which descends the angels and the Rooh, [5] and in which if one is standing in prayer out of faith and seeking reward, then his previous sins are forgiven. This is the Night of Decree – Lailatul-Qadr [6].

The Virtues of Fasting:

Fasting itself is an action which has many virtues and rewards, Allah – the one free from all imperfections – revealed in His Book “..and fast, it is better for you if you did but know.” [Soorah al- Baqarah (2) : 184]

To try and help us understand just how valuable it is, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) informed us that it is a shield against the Hellfire, a protection against desires, a cause to enter Paradise and a gate from the gates of Paradise has been particularized for it, as well as other merits.

A) A shield.

He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

‘Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the fire.” [7]

Fasting weakens and cuts off desires and since it is desires which lead to the fire, it can be seen how fasting acts as a protection against them, as a barrier, a shield, between the fasting person and the fire. It safeguards one from indulging in foul speech, quarrels and fights. It also develops the habit of self-control and restraint.

It is for this reason that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), ordered the men who are unable to marry, to practice the act of fasting. Fasting will cut off the sensual desire by diminishing the vigor of the body, calming and constraining it.

“O youths, whosoever amongst you is able to marry then let him do so, since it restrains the eyes and protects the private parts, and he who is unable, then let him fast because it is a shield for him.” [8]

b) A Cause for Entering Paradise.

Since fasting distances one from the fire, it brings one closer to Paradise. The Messenger (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) was asked by his Companion Abo Umaamah (radhi allahu anhu): “O Messenger of Allah tell me an action by which I may enter Paradise.” He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: “Take to fasting, there is nothing like it.” [9]

c) An Immense Reward

Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold rewards, each good deed receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High has said:

“Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will recompense it, he leaves of his desires and his food for Me. For the fasting person there are two times of joy; a time of joy when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, the smell coming from the mouth of a fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of Musk..” [10]

The main virtue of fasting, as with any action, is that it is done purely for the sake of Allah. The difference with fasting is that it is an act completely hidden from others so it is done merely for the pleasure of Allah (unlike for example: Prayer, Hajj etc.) and so Allah rewards His servant for it specially.

d) An Intercession

Another great virtue of fasting is that it will act as an intercessor with Allah on the Day of Judgement – a day when we will be in need of intercession.

He (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“Fasting and the Qur’aan intercede for a servant on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: “O my Lord I prevented him from food and desires so accept my intercession for him” and the Qur’aan will say: “I prevented him from sleep at night, so accept my intercession for him” So their intercessions will be accepted.” [11]

e) An Expiation for Various Sins

Allah – the Most High – has also made fasting an expiation for certain sins. This means if someone commits one of these sins then he can atone for it by fasting a fixed number of days. Fasting is an expiation for:

(i) Shaving the head while in a state of ihraam [i.e. while one is performing the rites of Hajj or Umrah.] due to some illness][Soorah al-Baqarah (2) :196]

(ii) One who is unable to carry out the obligatory sacrifice during Hajj – [Soorah al-Baqarah (2) : 196]

(iii) Accidentally killing one of the people with whom you have a treaty – [Soorah an-Nisaa (4) : 92]

(iv) Hunting game while in a state of ihraam – [Soorah al-Maaidah (5) :95]

(v) Violating an oath – [Soorah al-Maaidah (5) :893]

(vi) Dhihaar [This is the saying of husband to his wife: “You are to me like the back of my mother (i.e. awful to me) ] – [Soorah al-Mujaadilah (58) : 3 – 4]

f) Ar-Rayaan is for the Fasting People

Finally, Allah – the One free from all imperfections – has particularized a gate from the gates of Paradise for those who fast. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:

“Indeed, there is a gate of Paradise called ar-Rayaan. On the Day of Resurrection those who fast will enter through it; no one enters it except for them, end when they have entered, it is closed so that no one (else) enters it.” [12]

“The status of fasting and its place in Islaam should now be clear to us, by Allah’s permission, and also the great rewards awaiting the one who fasts seeking the pleasure of Allah. The rewards can, however increase or decrease depending upon how close it is upon the way of the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam). Therefore we must know the characteristics of his (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) fast, together with its obligatory duties, its manners and the relevant supplications and then put that into practice.”

“ May Allah – the Most High grant us the ability to do that which allow us to capture the fruits of this month and make us amongst those who enter His Paradise through the gate of Ar-Rayaan.”

FOOTNOTES

[1] Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (691-75). He was born in Damascus. He is one of great scholars of Islam: a muhaddith and a faqeh and the foremost student of Shaikhul Islam Ibn Taimeeyah. Among his famous books are Zaadul-Ma’aad and Ilaam ul-Muwaqqi’een and his length of poem on the tenets of faith, al-Qasida an-Nooniyyah.

[2] Bukhari Eng, v.3, # 123) & Muslim eng, v..2, # .2361 from Abo Hurairah, radhiAllahu anhu.

[3] Narrated by Aboo Hurairah and collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (Eng. Trans. Vol.3, no.125) & Saheeh Muslim (Eng. Trans. Vol.1, no.1664). The hadeeth applies to one who affirms the obligation of fasting in Ramadaan and hopes for the reward of doing it, being pleased with it, not feeling aversion to it, nor thinking that standing in its night is a hardship.

[4] Saheeh – Narrated by Jaabir and collected in Musnad Ahmad and al-Bazzar.

[5] See Soorah al-Qadr (97): 4.

[6] See the article titled ‘The Night of Qadr’ for more details on this special night.

[7]Saheeh – Jaabir in Ahamd 3/241,296.

[8] Narrated by Ibn Masood & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhari (Eng. Trans. Vol.3, no.129)

[9] Saheeh – an-Nisaaee (4/165), al-Haakim (1/421) and others. Authentic by Shaikh al-Albanee in Saheeh al-Jamee. (no.4044).

[10] Reported by Muslim from Aboo Hurairah (Eng. Trans. Vol.2, no. 2567).

[11] Hasan- Ahmad (6626), al-Haakim (1/554) & Aboo Nu’aam (8/161) from Abdullah Ibn Amr.

[12] Bukhari eng. v.3,#.120, Muslim eng. V.2, # 2569 from Sahl ibn Sa’ad radhi’Alaahu anhu.

Exerting Oneself During the Last Ten Days of Ramadaan : Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan

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Author:’Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Source:Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg. 133-135)
Translator:isma’eel alarcon (for al-manhaj.com)

‘Aa’ishah (raa) said: “When the last ten days (of Ramadaan) would come, the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would spend his night in worship, wake his family (at night), exert himself and tighten his Izaar (waistcloth).” [1]This hadeeth is proof that the last ten days of Ramadaan have a special virtue over any other (set of days), in which one should increase in obedience and acts of worship, such as prayer, making dhikr (remembrance) and reciting the Qur’aan.

‘Aa’ishah (raa) has described our Prophet and role model, Muhammad (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam), with four attributes:

1. He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would “spend his night in worship”, meaning he would not sleep during it. Thus, he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would remain awake throughout it in worship and he would liven his soul by spending the night in sleeplessness. This is since sleep is the brother of death. The meaning of “spend his night” is that he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would spend all of it in the state of qiyaam (night prayer) and performing acts of worship that are done for the sake of Allaah, Lord of the worlds. We must remember that the last ten days of Ramadaan are fixed and numbered.

As for what has been reported concerning the forbiddance of spending the entire night in prayer, which has been mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr (raa), then it is in regards to someone who does that consistently throughout every night of the year.

2. He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would “wake up his family” meaning his (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) pure wives, the Mothers of the Believers, so that they may take part in the profiting of good, the dhikr (remembrance) and the acts of worship during these blessed times.

3. He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would “exert himself”, meaning he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would persevere and struggle in worship, adding more to his deeds than what he had done in the first twenty days (of Ramadaan). He only did this because the night of Al-Qadr occurs during one of these (last ten) days.

4. He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would “tighten his Izaar (waistcloth)” meaning he would exert himself and struggle intensely in worship. It is also said that it means he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would withdraw from women. This seems to be more correct since it inclines with what was mentioned previously and with the hadeeth of Anas (raa): “He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would rollup his bed and withdraw from women (i.e. his wives).” [2]

Also, he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would observe ‘Itikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadaan and the person who is in the state of ‘Itikaaf is restricted from interacting (sexually) with women.

So, O Muslim brother, strive to characterize yourself with these attributes. And guard the prayer you make in the depths of the night (tahajjud) with the Imaam in addition to the Taraaweeh prayer (which is prayed in the early parts of the night), so that your exertion in these last ten days may go beyond that of the first twenty. And so that you may achieve the attribute of “spending the night in worship” by praying.

And you must be patient in your obedience to Allaah, for indeed, the tahajjud (night) prayer is difficult, but its reward is great. By Allaah, it is a great opportunity in ones life and a profitable thing to take advantage of, for the one whom Allaah grants it to. And a person does not know if perhaps he will encounter one of Allaah’s many rewards during the night prayer, thus serving as assistance for him in this world and in the Hereafter.

The righteous predecessors of this ummah would lengthen the prayer at night, exerting themselves. As-Saa’ib Ibn Yazeed said: “‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab ordered Ubay Bin Ka’ab and Tameem Ad-Daaree to lead the people in prayer with eleven raka’aat. The reciter would recite one hundred verses, to the point that we had to lean upon wooden staffs due to the long standing. And we would not stop until the early parts of Fajr.” [3]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Abee Bakr reported: “I heard my father (i.e. Abu Bakr) say: ‘During Ramadaan, we would finish (the night prayer) late and we would hurry the servants to present the food (of suhoor) for fear that Fajr (morning) would come upon us.” [4]

There are two struggles of the soul that the believer faces during Ramadaan: the struggle by day with fasting and the struggle by night with qiyaam (night prayer). So whosoever combines these two and fulfills their rights, then he is amongst the patient — those who will “be given their reward in full without any reckoning.” [5]

These ten days are the last part of the month and a person’s actions are based on his last ones. So perhaps, he will encounter the night of Al-Qadr, while standing in prayer for Allaah and thus have all his past sins forgiven.

And one must incite, animate and persuade his family to perform acts of worship, especially in these great times in which no one neglects it except that he has been deprived. What is more incredible than this is that while the people are performing prayer and making tahajjud, some individuals spend their time in forbidden gatherings and sinful events. This is indeed the greatest loss. We ask Allaah for his protection.

Therefore, embarking on these last days means entering into the profiting from righteous deeds in what remains of the month. From the unfortunate matters is to see that some people excel in righteous actions, such as prayer and recitation of the Qur’aan, in the first part of the month, but then signs of fatigue and weariness begin to show on them afterwards, especially when the last ten days of Ramadaan come in. And this is in spite of these last ten days possessing a greater standing than the first ones. Thus, one must persevere in striving and struggling and increase his worship when the end of the month draws near. And we must keep in mind that a person’s actions are based on his last ones.

Footnotes:

[1] Al-Bukhaaree (4/269) and Muslim (1174)

[2] See Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif: pg. 219

[3] See Al-Muwatta (Eng. Dar El-Fiker): vol. 1, pg 154

[4] Also in the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik: vol. 1, pg. 156

[5] Surat-uz-Zumar: 15

The Description of The Eid prayer, Number of Rakats and The Eid Takbirs : Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

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See Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy o­n him), p. 398; Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 8/300-316).

The Eid prayer is o­ne where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, o­n the tongue of your Prophet, and the o­ne who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out o­n the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.

Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids. Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

After the prayer, the imam should address the people. Part of the khutbah should be addressed specifically to the women, telling them of the things that they should do and warning them against the things that they should avoid, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to do.

Concerning ‘Itikaaf : Shaykh al-Albanee

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Author:Imaam Muhammad Naasir-ud-Deen Al-Albaanee
Source:Qiyaam Ramadaan (pg. 34-41)
Translator:Al-Manhaj.Com Staff

It’s Prescription:

1. ‘Itikaaf (secluding oneself in the masjid) is a recommended act in Ramadaan as well as any other day in the year. The source for that is found in Allaah’s saying: “…while you are making ‘Itikaaf in the masaajid.” And there are also many authentic ahaadeeth about the Prophet’s (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) ‘Itikaaf and narrations from the Salaf about it also. They are mentioned in the Musannafs of Ibn Abee Shaybah and ‘Abdur-Razzaaq.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) made ‘Itikaaf in the last ten days of Shawaal,[1] and that ‘Umar (raa) said to the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): “I made an oath (to Allaah) in the Days of Ignorance that I would make ‘Itikaaf for one night in the Masjid Al-Haraam, (should I do it)?” The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) responded: “Fulfill your oath.” So he made ‘Itikaaf for one night. [2]

2. Observing it in Ramadaan is established in the hadeeth of Abu Hurairah (raa): “Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would make ‘Itikaaf for ten days in every Ramadaan. But when it was the year in which he died, he made ‘Itikaaf for twenty days.” [3]

3. The best time to do it is in the last part of Ramadaan because the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would make ‘Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadaan until Allaah took his soul (in death). [4]

It’s Conditions:

1. It’s observance is not legislated except in the masaajid, based on Allaah’s saying: “And do not have intercourse with them (your wives) while you are making ‘Itikaaf in the masaajid.” [5] And ‘Aa’ishah (raa) said: “The Sunnah for the one doing ‘Itikaaf is that he should not go out (of the masjid) except for some need that he must fulfill. He should not witness a funeral, nor should he touch his wife, or have intercourse with her. And there is no ‘Itikaaf except in a masjid that establishes the Jamaa’ah (congregational prayer). And the Sunnah for the one doing ‘Itikaaf is that he should be fasting (on the day he makes ‘Itikaaf).” [6]

2. The masjid should also hold the Jumu’ah prayers so that he is not forced to leave the masjid to pray the Jumu’ah prayer. This is because going out for it is an obligation, based on ‘Aa’ishah’s saying in one of the narrations from the previous hadeeth: “…and there is no ‘Itikaaf except in a masjid that holds the Jumu’ah prayer.” [7]

Furthermore, I came upon an authentic hadeeth that clearly specifies the “masaajid” mentioned in the previous ayah to mean the three masaajid: Masjid Al-Haraam, Masjid An-Nabawee and Masjid Al-Aqsaa. The hadeeth is: “There is no ‘Itikaaf except in the three masaajid.” [8]

According to what I came across, those among the Salaf who held this opinion were Hudhayfah Ibn Al-Yamaan, Sa’eed Ibn Al-Musayyib and ‘Ataa. However, he (‘Ataa) did not mention Masjid Al-Aqsaa. Others held the opinion that it was any congregating masjid (in which the Jumu’ah prayer is held), without restriction. And yet others disagreed saying it can even be done in the masjid of one’s home. And there is no doubt that adhering to what complies with the hadeeth about it is what deserves to be followed. And Allaah, Glorified and Exalted, knows best.

3. It is from the Sunnah for the one making ‘Itikaaf to observe fasting, as has been stated by ‘Aa’ishah (raa). [9]

What is permissible for the person making ‘Itikaaf:

1. It is permissible for him to leave the masjid in order to fulfill a need. It is also permissible for him to stick his head out of the masjid to have it washed and combed. ‘Aa’ishah (raa) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) entered his head in my presence while he was making ‘Itikaaf in the masjid, and I was in my apartment. So I would comb his hair, [and in one narration: I would wash it, even though there was the threshold between me and him, and I would be menstruating], and he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would not enter the house unless he had a [human] need, while making ‘Itikaaf.” [10]

2. It is permissible for the one making ‘Itikaaf and others to make wudoo (ablution) in the masjid, based on the saying of a man who would serve the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam): “The Prophet would make a light wudoo (ablution) in the masjid.” [11]

3. He may set up a small tent in the back of the masjid in which to make ‘Itikaaf. This is since ‘Aa’ishah (raa) would set up a khibaa [12] (tent) for the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) when he would make ‘Itikaaf. And this was from his (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) command. [13]

And one time he made ‘Itikaaf in a small tent that had a mat covering its doorway. [14]

The Allowance of a woman to make ‘Itikaaf and visit her husband (who is making ‘Itikaaf) in the masjid:

4. It is permissible for a woman to visit her husband while he is making ‘Itikaaf. And he may walk with her to bid her farewell up to the door of the masjid, based on the saying of Safiyyah (raa):

“The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) was making ‘Itikaaf in the masjid during the last ten days of Ramadaan, so I went to visit him one night, and his wives were with him. So I spoke to him for an hour, then I got up to leave and he said: ‘Don’t rush, I’ll go out with you.’ So he got up with me to escort me out.” And her dwelling used to be in the home of Usaamah Ibn Zayd. Then they walked until they reached the door of the masjid, which was by the door of Umm Salamah. Then two men from the Ansaar passed by and when they saw the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam), they rushed away. So the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: ‘Slow down! This is (my wife) Safiyyah Bint Huyai’ So they said: ‘SubhaanAllaah, O Messenger of Allaah.’ He (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: ‘Verily, the Devil flows through the human like the flowing of blood. And I feared lest he put some evil into your hearts.'” [Or he (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) said: “something into your hearts.”] [15]

In fact it is even permissible for a woman to make ‘Itikaaf along with her husband in the masjid or by herself, based on the statement of ‘Aa’ishah (raa): “One of the wives of Allaah’s Messenger (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) made ‘Itikaaf with him while she was in the state of Istihaada (bleeding between periods) [in another narration it states she is Umm Salamah] and she would see red (blood) or yellowish traces (come out of her). And sometimes we put a tray beneath her when she offered the prayer.” [16]

And she also said: “The Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) would observe ‘Itikaaf during the last ten days of Ramadaan, until he died. Then his wives observed ‘Itikaaf after him.” [17]

There is proof in this that it is permissible for the women to make ‘Itikaaf also. And there is no doubt that this is on the condition that their guardians grant them permission to do that. And it is also on the condition that the place is free from any fitnah and intermingling with men, based on the many evidences for that and also on the Fiqh principle: “Preventing an evil takes precedence over bringing about a good.”

5. Having sexual intercourse nullifies one’s ‘Itikaaf, based on Allaah’s saying: “And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are making ‘Itikaaf in the masaajid.”

And Ibn ‘Abbaas (raa) said: “If the person making ‘Itikaaf has sexual relations then he nullifies his ‘Itikaaf and must start it over again.” [18] There is no recompense (kaffaarah) that is binding upon him due to a lack of anything being mentioned about that by the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) and his Companions.

Footnotes:

[1] This is a portion of a hadeeth from ‘Aa’ishah reported by Al-Bukharee, Muslim and Ibn Khuzaimah in their Saheeh collections. I have referenced it in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (2127)

[2] Reported by Al-Bukharee, Muslim and Ibn Khuzaimah. The extra addition is from Al-Bukhaaree in one narration as is stated in my abridgment to it (995). And it is referenced in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (2136-2137) also.

[3] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Ibn Khuzaimah in their Saheeh collections and it is referenced in the previously mentioned source (2126-2130)

[4] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim and Ibn Khuzaimah (2223) and it is referenced in Al-Irwaa (966) and Saheeh Abee Dawood (2125)

[5] Surat-ul-Baqarah: 187. Imaam Al-Bukhaaree used this ayah as evidence for hat we have stated above. Al-Haafidh Ibn Hajr said: “The point of evidence found in this ayah is that if it were correct to do ‘Itikaaf in someplace other than a masjid, the forbiddance of having sexual relations would not be specifically mentioned, because sexual intercourse is forbidden during ‘Itikaaf according to the consensus of the scholars. So it is understood through the mentioning of “masaajid” that the meaning is that ‘Itikaaf is not correct except in it the masaajid.

[6] Reported by Al-Baihaqee with an authentic chain, and Abu Dawood with a sound chain. The following narration from ‘Aa’ishah RAA is also form Abu Dawood, and it is referenced in Saheeh Aee Dawood (2135) and Al-Irwaa (966)

[7] Al-Bayhaqee reported on Ibn ‘Abbaas that he said: “Verily, the most hated of things to Allaah are the innovations. And verily from the innovations is making ‘Itikaaf in the masaajid that are located in the houses.”

[8] Reported by At-Tahaawee and Al-Isma’eelee and Al-Baihaqee with an authentic chain of narration on Hudhaifah Ibn Al-Yamaan RAA. And it is referenced in As-Saheehah (no. 2786) along with the narrations from the Sahaabah that comply with it, and all of them are authentic.

[9] Reported by Al-Baihaqee with an authentic chain of narration and Abu Dawood with a sound chain of narration. Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim said in Zaad Al-Ma’aad: “It is not reported on the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) that he made ‘Itikaaf while not fasting. Rather, ‘Aa’ishah (raa) said: ‘There is no ‘Itikaaf except with fasting.’ And furthermore, Allaah did not mention ‘Itikaaf except with the fast. And the Prophet (Sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa Sallam) did not do it unless he was fasting. So the correct opinion is in the evidence, which the majority of the scholars adhere to: that fasting is a condition for ‘Itikaaf. And this is the opinion that Shaikh-ul-Islaam Abul-‘Abbaas Ibn Tamiyyah favored.” And he adds to this that it is not legislated in the Religion that one who goes out to the masjid for prayer or other than that is supposed to make an intention for the amount of time he will spend in ‘Itikaaf. This is what Shaikh-ul-Islaam clarified in his Ikhtiyaaraat.

[10] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim, Ibn Abee Shaybah, and Ahmad, and the first addition belongs to these last two (mentioned). It is referenced in Saheeh Abee Dawood (2131-2132)

[11] Reported by Al-Bayhaqee with a good chain and Ahmad (5/364) in abridged form with an authentic chain of narration.

[12] A khibaa is one type of house of the Arabs made from fur or wool, and it is not from hair. And it is set up on two or three props. See An-Nihaayah.

[13] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah. Her doing it is stated in the report of Al-Bukhaaree and his commanding it is stated in the report of Muslim.

[14] It is part of a hadeeth narrated by Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudree, reported by Muslim and Ibn Khuzaimah in their Saheehs. It is referenced in Saheeh Abee Dawood (1251)

[15] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim and also Abu Dawood, and the last part of it is form him (Abu Dawood). And I referenced it in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (2133 & 2134).

[16] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree and it is referenced in Saheeh Sunan Abee Dawood (2138). The other narration is from Sa’eed Ibn Mansoor, as is I stated in Fath-ul-Baaree (4/281). However, Ad-Daarimee (1/22) says that she is Zaynab, and Allaah knows best.

[17] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree, Muslim and others.

[18] Reported by Ibn Abee Shaybah (3/92) and ‘Abdur-Razaaq (4/363) with an authentic chain of narration. And what is meant by his saying: “must start it over” is that he must redo his ‘Itikaaf.

A Word for the Host – ad-Dawal ila-Allah Magazine

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From ad-Dawal ila-Allah Magazine

Ramdaan is a time when all Muslims, all over the world, see much more of one another, whether in the masjids whilst attending the taraweeh prayers or in each other’s homes at the time of Iftaar. Invitations are eagerly accepted, which is a good thing, for among the rights of a Muslim upon the other is that when he is invited he responds [1] and that is in obedience with the Messenger’s instruction:

“When any of you is invited to a dinner, he should accept the invitation…” [2]

Most of us are aware of the distinguished position a guest has in Islam, the right he has upon us of being entertained, as the Prophet mentioned in many Ahadeeth such as the following:

“He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him except that nothing will be reduced form the fasting person’s rewards.” [4]

What we’d like to draw your attention towards is how many times do we spare a thought for our host, the one who goes to the effort of preparing and providing food for his fellow Muslim? We can all relate to the joy and pleasure we feel when we break our fasts together, feeling in our hearts appreciation for the effort our host has gone to, feeling honoured that he/she took so much trouble for us. Yet many of us are unaware and unsure of how we, as guest, can ‘express’ our gratitude. Should we take a box of chocolate, or flowers, or perhaps make an impromptu speech after the meal to say how delicious the meal was?! Alhamdulillah! these are all good things, i.e. complementing and giving gifts to each other, but there is something we as guests can do which is highly recommended in the Sunnah of the Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) and that is to supplicate for our hosts, after finishing the food, with any of the following.

1. Akala ta’aamaakul abraaru, wasallatalaykumul mallaa ikaatu, wa aftara ‘indalkumus saa’imoon.

“May righteous eat along with you, the angels seek forgiveness ask Allah to send His Grace and Honor for you, and those who fast, break their fast along with you.” [5]

2. Allahumma at’im man at’amanee wasqi man saqaane.

“O Allah feed the one who fed me, and give the one who gave me drink.” [6]

3. Allahumma-maghfirlahum warhamhum wa baarik feemaa razaqtahum.

“O Allah forgive them, and have mercy upon them and place them in what you have provided them.” [7]

We should learn these supplications so that when we are invited to a meal and can express appreciation by supplication for our host with du’aas taught to us by our Prophet (sallallahu alahi wa-sallam) then never again should we feel stuck for word.

FOOTNOTES

1. See Sahih Muslim (eng. Trans. Vol.3, p.1183, no.5379)

2. Narrated by ibn Umar in Saheeh Muslim (eng trans. Vol.2, p.727, no.3337)

3. Saheeh – related by Bukhari (eng. Trans. Vol.8, p.99-100, no 156 ans 160) frm Aboo Shuraih al-Kabee ans Aboo Hurayrah t.

4. Saheeh related by Ahmad [4/114-6 and 5/192], at-Tirmidhee [no.804]. Ibn Majah [no.1746] and ibn Hibban [no.895] (See Sifat Sawmin Nabee).

5. Reported by Ibn Abe Shaibah [3/100], Ahmad [3/118] an-Nisaa’ee in Ahmalul Yawm [no.268], Ibn as-Sunnee [no.129] and Abdur-Razzal [4/311] through various chains. Its isnaad is Saheeh. NOTE: The addition which some people give to this hadeeth: wa dhakara kumullahu fee man indahu [and may Allah make mention of you to those neat Him] then it has no basis here at all so be aware.

6. Saheeh related by Muslim (eng.trans. vol.8, p.1133, no. 5103) from Miqdaad.

7. Saheeh related by Muslim (eng.trans. vol. 3, p.1127), no.5070 from Abdullah ibn Busr (radhi allahu anhu)

 

Advice for those Fasting in Ramadaan (Q&A) – Shaykh ibn Al-‘Uthaimeen

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Imaam Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaimeen
48 Su’aalan fis-Siyaam (binothaimeen.org)
Al-Ibaanah.com

Selected excerpts from the recently released Al-Ibaanah Book publication “Lessons on Fasting, Taraaweeh & Zakaat + 48 Questions & Answers on Fasting”

Question 5

Question: For many people in Ramadaan, their main focus is only that of basking in food and sleep. So Ramadaan becomes a month of laziness and inactivity. Likewise, some people play all night and then sleep during day. What is your advice to these kinds of people?

Answer: I believe that this in reality consists of a waste of time and a waste of money. If people do not have any other objective than to vary their meals, sleep during the day and spend the night doing things that are of no benefit to them, then this is without doubt a waste of a valuable opportunity, which may not repeat itself again for some people in their lifetimes.

Therefore, the determined one is he who goes through Ramadaan the way it should it be done, which is sleeping in the first part of the night, performing the Taraaweeh Prayer, and then standing in prayer during the last part of the night if one is able to. And one should not go to extremes in eating and drinking.

Those who have the ability should strive to feed those who are fasting (when its time to break the fast) either in the masaajid or in other places. This is since whoever feeds a fasting person, he will receive the same reward as the one fasting. So if a person feeds his brothers who are fasting, he will receive the same reward as them. Therefore, those whom Allaah has granted wealth should taken advantage of this opportunity to obtain a great reward.

Question 14

Question: What is the ruling on fasting in Ramadaan when one does not pray?

Answer: The one who fasts but does not pray, his fasting is of no use to him, nor will it be accepted from him, nor will it free him from his indebtedness (of prayer). In fact, fasting is not required on him so long as he does not pray.

This is since one who does not pray is like a Jew and a Christian. So what do you think about a Jew or a Christian that fasts but yet remains upon his religion – is it accepted from him? No. Therefore, we say to this individual: “Repent to Allaah by praying, and (then) fast.” And whoever turns to Allaah in repentance, Allaah will accept his repentance.

Question 23

Question: Should children below the age of fifteen be ordered to fast as in the case with prayer?

Answer: Yes, children who have not yet reached the age of puberty should be ordered to fast if they are able to do it. This is what the Companions would do with their children.

The scholars have stated that a guardian should order whichever youth he possesses guardianship over to fast so that they could practice it and become attached to it, and so that the foundations of Islaam could become instilled in their souls to the point that it becomes like second-nature to them.

However, they are not required to fast if doing so will be difficult on them or bring harm to them. I would like to point out here an issue that some fathers or mothers do, and that is preventing their children from fasting, in direct opposition to what the Companions used to do.

They claim that they are preventing their children from fasting out of mercy and compassion for them. But the reality is that mercy for one’s children is in ordering them to practice the rites of Islaam and to grow accustomed and attached to them. This without a doubt is from the best and most complete forms of raising and cultivating one’s children.

It is authentically reported that the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Verily a man is a guardian for the members of his household and he will be questioned as to his flock.” [1]

That which is required for guardians with respect to those whom Allaah has given them authority over, such as family members and youth, is that they fear Allaah with regard to them and order them with what they were commanded to order them, such as implementing the rites of Islaam.

Question 27

Question: What is your opinion concerning people who sleep throughout the day in Ramadaan? Some of them pray in congregation while others do not. Is their fast valid?

Answer: The fast of these types of people is valid and they have fulfilled their responsibility. However, it is very deficient and in opposition to what Allaah’s objective is behind fasting. Allaah says:

“O you who believe. Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order that you may gain Taqwaa (fear and dutifulness to Allaah).” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 183]

And the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“Whoever does not abandon false speech, acting upon that (falsehood) and ignorance, then Allaah has no need of him abandoning his food and drink.”

It is well known that missing the prayer and not showing any concern for it is not from Taqwaa (dutifulness to Allaah) nor is it from abandoning acting on falsehood. So it contradicts what Allaah and His Messenger intended by the obligation of fasting.

It is strange that these people sleep the entire day and then spend the whole night awake. Perhaps they may even spend the night engaged in vain pastimes that have no benefit or in doing something unlawful by which they would be acquiring sin.

So my advice to these individuals and their likes is that they fear Allaah and ask Him to help them observe the fast in the manner that He is pleased with, which is spending the fast engrossed in dhikr (remembrance) of Allaah, recitation of the Qur’aan, praying and showing kindness to the creation as well as doing other things mandated in the Religion.

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was the most generous of people, and the most generous that he would be was in the month of Ramadaan when Jibreel would meet him and teach him the Qur’aan. So during this time, the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) would be more generous in spreading good than a pleasant breeze. [2]

Footnotes:

[1] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 2409) and Muslim (no. 1829)
[2] Reported by Al-Bukhaaree (no. 1902) and Muslim (no. 2308)

Published on: September 22, 2006

Three Ameens – Hadith

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Kaab Ibn Ujrah (radhi Allaahu anhu) relates that Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said Come near to the mimbar and we came near the mimbar. When He (peace be upon him) climbed the first step of the mimbar, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen”, When He (peace be upon him) ascended the second step, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen”, When He (peace be upon him) climbed the third step, He (peace be upon him) said “Aameen” When He (peace be upon him) came down, We said “O Rasool of Allah (peace be upon him), we have heard from you today something which we never heard before” He (peace be upon him) said When I climbed the first step, the angel Jibraeel (alaihi as-salam) appeared before me and said

“Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramdhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness”

upon that I said ‘Aameen’. When I climbed the second step, he said,

“Destruction to him before whom thy name is taken and then he does not make Dua for Allah’s blessing on me (by saying, for example , Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam).”

I replied ‘Aameen’. When I climbed the third step, he said

“Destruction unto him in whose lifetime his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Jannah”.

I said ‘Aameen’. (Hakim, Baihaqi)

Note In this Hadith, it appears that Jibraeel (alaihi as-salam) gave expression to three curses, upon which Rasulullah (peace be upon him) said Aameen every time. In al-Durr al-Mansoor it is reported that Jibraeel (alaihi as-salam) advised Rasulullah (peace be upon him) to say Aameen. Being an angel of such high mark, Jibraeel ‘s giving these curses is sure to be accepted. May Allah (Subhanahu wa Taala) in His infinite mercy grant us His help and save us from these three dangers.

The Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief

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Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina for the sick and for one who is grieving over a dead person. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to say, “I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) saying, ‘The Talbina gives rest to the heart of the patient and makes it active and relieves some of his sorrow and grief.’ ” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5689)].

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) said that whenever one of her relatives died, the women assembled and then dispersed (returned to their homes) except her relatives and close friends. She (may Allaah be pleased with her) would order that a pot of Talbina be cooked. Then Tharid (a dish prepared from meat and bread) would be prepared and the Talbina would be poured on it. Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) would say (to the women), “Eat of it, for I heard the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) saying, ‘The Talbina soothes the heart of the patient and relieves him from some of his sadness.’ ” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5690)].

Hisham’s father (may Allaah be pleased with them) said, “Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) used to recommend Talbina and used to say, ‘It is disliked (by the patient) although it is beneficial.’ ‘ [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5690)].

The Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) said, “I encourage you to use that which is disliked but beneficial (Talbina) for by the One whose hand Muhammad’s soul is in, it cleans the stomach of one of you just as dirt is cleaned from the face with water.” [Mustadrak of Haakim (7455), Saheeh as Dhahabi mentioned in ‘Talkhees’ taken from Maktaba Shaamilah, See also Mustadrak (8245) whose chain is upon the condition of Bukhaaree as Dhahabi mentioned].

Aisha (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated, “If any of the Messenger’s (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) family became ill, the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) would say, ‘It soothes the grieving heart and cleanses the ailing heart just as one of you cleans dirt off his face with water.’ ” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3445), hadeeth hasan].

Aishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger (Sallallaahu ءlayhi Wasallam) said, “You should eat the beneficial thing that is unpleasant to eat (Talbina), meaning broth. If any member of the Messenger of Allaah’s family was sick, the cooking pot would remain on the fire until one of two things happened, either the person recovered or died.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3446) hadeeth hasan].

Rights of the Relatives : Shaykh Muhammad Salih al-Uthaymin

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Source: Huqooq Da’at Ilayhal-Fitrah wa Qarrarthash-Sharee’ah (pp.11-13)

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

Relatives are those who are related to you through blood and close ties; such as the brother, the uncle, the aunty, or their children. Everyone who has a tie of relation with you has certain rights upon you in accordance with how closely they are related to you. About this, Allaah – the Most High – said: “And give to the relative his right.” [Soorah al-lsraa 17:26]. Allaah – the Most High – also said: “And worship Allaah alone, and do not set-up any partner to Him in worship, and be kind and good to the parents, and to the relatives.” [Soorah an-Nisaa 4:36].

So it is obligatory upon everyone to treat their relatives in the best possible manner, and to support them in accordance with their needs, and what they seek of help and support. And this is what is necessitated by the Sharee’ah (Prescribed Islaamic Law), the ‘aql (sound reasoning) and the fitrah (natural state).

And there are many textual evidences encouraging and urging silatur-rahm (joining the ties of relations); such as what Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu relates from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, that he said: “Indeed Allaah created the creation, until when He finished doing so, the Rahm (womb/ties of relation) stood-up and said: Is this the place of one who seeks refuge in You from those who severe and cut ties with me. So Allaah said: Yes, Indeed. Would it please you that I keep ties with those who keep ties with You, and cut-off ties with those who cut-off ties with you? So the Rahm said: Yes, indeed! So Allaah said: Then this is for you.” Then Allaah’s Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Recite if you wish: ‘Would you then, if you were given the authority, cause corruption in the land, and cut-off ties of relations. They are those upon whom is the curse of Allaah, so that He makes them deaf and blinds them.” [Soorah Muhammad 47:22-23].”2 The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said: “Whosoever believes in Allaah and the Last Day let him keep the ties of relations.”3

Unfortunately, many people do not fulfill this haqq (right) and transgress the bounds concerning this. Some of them do not seek to join ties with relatives or show kindness to them; neither through wealth, nor through good behaviour, nor through the giving of occasional gifts and presents nor through rendering help to them in their rimes of need. indeed, many days or months may pass without even seeing or visiting them. And sometimes, rather than seeking to join ties of relations, some people even intend to severe such ties, by seeking to harm their relatives – either through words, or action, or both. Such people may even keep close ties with those who are not relation, yet cut-off ties with relatives!

Some people only keep ties of relations with those who maintain ties with them, but cut-off from those who cut-off from them. So such people are not truly the waasils (those who keeps ties of relations), but rather they are those who do so based upon tit for rat. So they will only keep ties with those who keep ties with them whether relatives, or other than them. However, the true waasil (one who keeps ties of relations) is the one who keeps ties of relation for the sake of Allaah – regardless of whether his relations keep ties with him or not. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr radiallaahu ‘anhu relates that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “The waasil (one who keeps the ties of relations) is not the one who merely does so out of reciprocation. Rather, the waasil is the one who even when the relatives cut-off from him, yet he still maintains ties with them.” So a man asked: O Messenger of Allaah. I have relatives with whom I maintain ties of relations, yet they cut-off from me. I treat them kindly, yet they treat me in an evil manner. And I am forbearing and patient with them, yet they behave rudely and ignorantly towards me. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “If the situation is as you say, then it is as if you are filling their mouths with sand. And Allaah will continue to aid and support you as long as you continue doing what you are doing.”4

If there were no other rewards for keeping ties of relations, except that Allaah keeps ties with the waasil in this world and the Hereafter, and that He extends His Mercy due to it, and makes affairs easier through it, and removes distress and anxieties by it, then that would be more than sufficient. However, along with this, silatur-rahim (joining the ties of relations) brings with it closeness to one’s family and relatives, as well as love and compassion developing between one another, and their being mutual help, in times of ease and hardship. between one another, and other such joys and delights – as is experienced and well-known. And when ties of relations are not maintained, then each one of the aforementioned benefits turn to their opposites, and great harm comes to the society.

1. Huqooq Da’at Ilayhal-Fitrah wa Qarrarthash-Sharee’ah (pp.11-13)
2. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.1987) and Muslim (no.3456)
3. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.6138), from Abu Hurayrah radiallaahu ‘anhu.
4. Related by al-Bukhaaree (no.5911).

Showing Mercy Towards Children is a Means of Achieveing the Mercy of Allah : Umm ‘Abdillah Al-Waadi’iyyah

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From Umm ‘Abdillah Al-Waadi’iyyah’s “My Advice to the Women”

From Umm ‘Abdillah Al-Waadi’iyyah’s “Naseehati Lin-Nisaa’ ” (My Advice to the Women).   I typed this excerpt from the english translation published by Tarbiyyah Bookstore.  To save time in typing, I omitted the chains of narration for the ahadeeth (but still included all references), as some of them were rather long.  Other than that, I didn’t deviate from the translated text, translated by the brother Abul-Layth

Chapter: Whoever Does Not Show Mercy Will Not Be Shown Mercy (pages 117-122):

Aboo Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, salallahu ‘alaihi wa salam, kissed Al-Hasan while Al-Aqra ibn Haabis at-Tameemee was sitting near him.  A-Aqra said, “Indeed I have ten children and I have never kissed any of them.”  The Messenger of Allah looked at him and said,  “Whoever does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”  [Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 426/10]

From Shaddaad ibn Aws who said that the Messenger of Alah, salallahu ‘alaihi wa salam, said, “Verily Allah has perscribed al-ihsaan (excellence) for everything.  So when you kill, you should kill in the best manner.  And when you slaughter, you should slaughter in the best manner.  Let each of you sharpen his knife to provide ease for his animal.”  [Saheeh Muslim]

“Al-ihsaan” or “excellence” in the arabic language is procifency in performing an action, while perfecting it with sincerity.  In Islaamic law, Al-Ihsaan is what the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa salam, has explained in his statement:  “That you worship Allah as though you see Him, but since you are un able to see Him, then He most certainly sees you.”

Ibn Rajab said concerning the prophetic narration of Shaddaad, “This prophetic narration indicates the obligation of excellence in all of the actions.”  [Jami’Al-Uloom 151]

From the types of mercy which can be shown to a child is kissing him:  ‘Aa’ishah said that a Bedouin man came to the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa salam, and  said, “You (people) kiss the children and we do not kiss them.”  So the Prophet said, “Is there anything that I can do once Allah has removed mercy from your heart?”  [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 426/10]

‘Umayr ibn Ishaaq said, “I was with Al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee when we met with Aboo Hurayrah who said, “Show me where I might kiss you in the place where I saw the messenger of Allah kiss.”  He replied, “Al-Qameesah” (shirt or upper garment), He said, “So he kissed the front of his stomach.”  [Ahmed with a hasan chain]

From the types of mercy that can be shown to a child is carrying him while in prayer.  Abu Qataadah said that the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, came out to us with Umaamah bint Abeel-‘Aas on his shoulders.  Then he prayed.  When he bowed, he placed her on the ground and when he rose from bowing, he lifted her back off the ground.”  [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari]

On the authority of Abu Shaddaad, from his father, who said that the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, came out to us for one of the ‘ishaa prayers carrying Hasan and Husayn.  The Messenger of Allah stepped forward and set them both down.  Then he prayed and prostrated between their backs a single prostration that was lengthy.  My (Abu Shaddaad’s) father said, ‘Then I raised my head and the child was on the back of the Messenger of Allah while he was prostrating.  I then returned to my prostration.’  So once the Messenger of Allah had completed his prayer, the people said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, certainly you have prostrated between two backs in your prayer.  Certainly the length of this prostration led us to believe that something had happened or that revelation had decended upon you.’  He, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said, ‘None of that occured, rather this child moved around me and I didn’t wish to disturb him until he had finished.’  [hadeeth collected in An-Nasaa’ee, authenticated by Shaykh Muqbil]

From the types of mercy that can be shown to smaller children is playing with them:  Umm Khaalid bint Khaalid ibn Sa’eed said, “I came to the Messenger of Allah, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, along with my father and I was wearing a yellow shirt.  The messenger of Allah said, ‘Sanah, sanah!’ (this means ‘good’ in the ethiopian langauge)  Umm Khaalid further said, ‘Then I started playing with the seal of Prophethood.  My father admonished me, but the Messenger of Allah said (to my father) ‘Leave her.’  The Messenger of Allah then addressed me saying, ‘Ablee wa akhliqee, thumma ablee wa akhliqee, thumma ablee wa akhliqee.’ (Trans. note: This phrase ‘ablee wa akhliqee’ is used by the arabs to supplicate for an extended life.  Its meaning could be conveyed in the following expression: ‘May you live so long that your garments become worn and ragged.’)  So she (Umm Khaalid) remained this way until (this supplication for her became actualized and subsequently) she would be mentioned by the people,” meaning that she would remain until her garments became old and ragged.  [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 425/10]

Mahmood ibn Ar-Rabee’ said, “I remember when I was a boy of Five years old, the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, took water from a bucket with his mouth (majjatan majjahaa) and threw it in my face.”

Al-Haafidh said, ” ‘Majj’ is the expelling of water from the mouth.  It is said that nothing is refered to as ‘majj’ except if it is from a distance.   The action of the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, with Mahmood was either from his play with him or it was a means of blessing him with it just as he used to do with the children of his companions.”

Anas ibn Maalik said, “Certainly the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to spend time with us to the extent that he even said to my young brother, ‘Oh father of ‘Umayr, what did the little birdie do?’  ”  [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 526/10]

In addition, from the types of mercy that can be shown to a child is placing the child in one’s lap.  ‘Usaamah ibn Zayd said that the Messenger of Allah, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used to take me and place me on his thigh and he would place al-Hasan ibn ‘Alee on his other thigh, then he would come close to us and say, “Oh Allah!  Please be merciful to them, for indeed, I am merciful to them.”  [Saheeh Al-Bukhaari 434/10]

Therefore, this is how one might be affectionate with the smaller children concerning everything they might need or how they might be amused.  This is an appropiate means of showing them mercy and affection, as long as this does not lead towards bringing about improper behavior.

Certainly the Prophet, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, has praised the women of Quraysh because they possessed praiseworthy characteristics and from them is their affection for children.

Narrated upon Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah, salallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, said, “The best wome to ever ride the camel were the women of Quraysh.”  [Saheeh Al-Bukhari 511/9]

He also said, “The most righteous from the women of Quraysh are those who are most affectionate (“ahnaah”) to the child during its youth and who are most protective concerning their husband’s property.”  Al-Haafidh said that “ahnaah” is from affection, which is compassion and tenderness.

The mercy that is shown to the young children and other than them is from the reasons that cause a person to achieve the mercy of Allah.

It has also reached us from the Prophet, slallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, that he said, “He is not from us who does not show mercy to the young and does not honor the old.”

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