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Obligation of Jihad

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Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 234
Obligation of Jihad

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And fight against the Mushrikun (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah) collectively as they fight against you collectively. But know that Allah is with those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (9:36)

“Jihad (holy fighting in Allah’s Cause) is ordained for you (Muslims) though you dislike it, and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you and that you like a thing which is bad for you. Allah knows but you do not know.” (2:216)

“March forth, whether you are light (being healthy, young and wealthy) or heavy (being ill, old and poor), and strive hard with your wealth and your lives in the Cause of Allah” (9:41)

“Verily, Allah has purchased of the believers their lives and their properties for (the price) that theirs shall be the Jannah. They fight in Allah’s Cause, so they kill (others) and are killed. It is a promise in truth which is binding on Him in the Taurat (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel) and the Qur’an. And who is truer to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain which you have concluded. That is the supreme success.” (9:111)

“Not equal are those of the believers who sit (at home), except those who are disabled (by injury or are blind or lame), and those who strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Allah has preferred in grades those who strive hard and fight with their wealth and their lives above those who sit (at home). Unto each, Allah has promised good (Jannah), but Allah has preferred those who strive hard and fight, above those who sit (at home) by a huge reward. Degrees of (higher) grades from Him, and forgiveness and mercy. And Allah is Ever Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (4:95, 96)

“O you who believe! Shall I guide you to a trade that will save you from a painful torment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger (Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)), and that you strive hard and fight in the Cause of Allah with your wealth and your lives: that will be better for you, if you but know! (If you do so) He will forgive you your sins, and admit you into Gardens under which rivers flow, and pleasant dwellings in `Adn (Eden) Jannah; that is indeed the great success. And also (He will give you) another (blessing) which you love: help from Allah (against your enemies) and a near victory. And give glad tidings (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) to the believers.” (61:10-13)

The Qur’anic Ayat relating to the subject under study are many. The Ahadith are also many; these include the following:

1285.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked, “Which deed is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Faith in Allah and His Messenger.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked, “What is next?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Jihad (holy fighting) in the Cause of Allah.” Then he was asked: “What is after that (in goodness)?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Hajj Mabrur (which is accepted by Allah).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1286.   Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Which action is dearest to Allah?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Performing As-Salat (the prayer) at its earliest fixed time.” I asked, “What is next (in goodness)?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Kindness towards parents.” I asked, “What is next (in goodness)?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “To participate in Jihad in the Cause of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1287.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Faith in Allah and Jihad (fighting, struggle) in the Cause of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1288.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily! Setting out in the early morning or in the evening in order to fight in Allah’s way is better than the world and what it contains.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1289.   Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “Who is the best among men?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “A believer who strives in the way of Allah with his wealth and life.” The man asked again, “Who is next to him (in excellence)?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Next to him is a man who is engaged in worshipping his Rubb in a mountain valley, leaving the people secure from his mischief.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1290.  Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observing Ribat (e.g., guarding the Islamic frontier for the sake of Allah) for a single day is far better than the world and all that it contains. A place in Jannah as small as the whip of your horse is far better than the world and all that it contains. An endeavour (fighting) in the Cause of Allah in the evening or in the morning is far better than the world and all that it contains.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1291.   Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as saying, “Observing Ribat in the way of Allah for a day and a night is far better than observing Saum (fasting) for a whole month and standing in Salat (prayer) in all its nights. If a person dies (while performing this duty), he will go on receiving his reward for his meritorious deeds perpetually, and he will be saved from Al-Fattan.”
[Muslim].

1292.  Fadalah bin `Ubaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The actions of every dead person come to a halt with his death except the one who is on the frontier in Allah’s way (i.e., observing Ribat). This latter’s deeds will be made to go on increasing for him till the Day of Resurrection, and he will be secure from the trials in the grave.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1293.  `Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Spending a day on the frontier in Allah’s way is better than one thousand days in any other place.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1294.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah guarantees that he who goes out to fight in His way believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Messenger, will either be admitted to Jannah or will be brought back to his home (safely) from where he has set out, with whatever reward or share of booty he may have gained. By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, if a person is wounded in the way of Allah, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound in the same condition as it was on the day when he received it; its colour will be the colour of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk. By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, if it were not to be too hard upon the Muslims, I would not lag behind any expedition to fight in the Cause of Allah, but I have neither abundant means to provide them conveyance (horses) nor all other Muslims have it, and it will be hard on them to remain behind when I go forth (for Jihad). By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, I love to fight in the way of Allah and get killed, to fight again and get killed and to fight again and get killed.”
[Muslim].

1295.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever is wounded while fighting in the way of Allah, will come on the Day of Resurrection with blood oozing from his wound having the colour of blood but with the fragrance of musk.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1296.   Muadh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Jannah becomes incumbent for a Muslim who fights for the Cause of Allah for a period as long as the time between two consecutive turns of milking a she-camel. He who receives a wound or a bruise in the Cause of Allah will appear on the Day of Resurrection as fresh as possible, its colour will be the colour of saffron and its fragrance will be that of musk.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1297.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One of the Prophet’s Companions came upon a valley containing a rivulet of fresh water and was delighted by it. He reflected: `I wish to withdraw from people and settle in this valley; but I won’t do so without the permission of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).’ This was mentioned to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and he said (to the man), “Do not do that, for when any of you remains in Allah’s way, it is better for him than performing Salat (prayer) in his house for seventy years. Do you not wish that Allah should forgive you and admit you to Jannah? Fight in Allah’s way, for he who fights in Allah’s Cause as long as the time between two consecutive turns of milking a she-camel, will be surely admitted to Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1298.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “What other good deed could be an equivalent of Jihad in the way of Allah?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You do not have the strength to do it.” (The narrator said:) The question was repeated twice or thrice, but every time he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) answered, “You do not have the strength to do it.” Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “One who goes out for Jihad in the Cause of Allah is like a person who observes Saum (fasting), stands in Salat (prayer) constantly, recites the Ayat of the Qur’an and does not exhibit any lassitude in fasting and prayer until the participant of Jihad in the way of Allah returns.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1299.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best life is that of the man who holds his horse’s rein in Allah’s way and flies on its back to the places from whence he hears a war cry or the clatter of arms, seeking martyrdom or slaughter on the battlefield; or that of a person who goes to stay on the top of the hill or in a valley, and there he performs Salat (prayer), pays the Zakat and worships his Rubb till death overtakes him. He has no concern with the affairs of anyone except the doing of good.”
[Muslim].

1300.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In Jannah there are a hundred grades which Allah has prepared for those who fight in His Cause; and the distance between any two of those grades is like the distance between the heaven and the earth.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1301.  Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone is pleased with Allah as his Rubb, with Islam as his religion and with Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) as (Allah’s) Messenger, surely, he will be entitled to enter Jannah.” Abu Sa`id was delighted with this and requested the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to repeat it. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it again and then said, “There is also another act by which Allah will elevate the position of a (pious believing) slave in Jannah to a grade one hundred degrees higher. And the distance between any two grades is equal to the distance between heaven and earth.” He asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) what it was and he ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) replied, “Jihad in the way of Allah; Jihad in the way of Allah.”
[Muslim].

1302. Abu Bakr bin Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari reported: I heard my father saying in the presence of the enemy: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The gates of Jannah are under the shades of the swords.” A man with a shaggy appearance got up and said, “O Abu Musa! Did you hear the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) say that in person?” Abu Musa replied in the affirmative; so he returned to his companions and said: “I tender you farewell greetings.” Then he broke the scabbard of his sword and threw it away. He rushed towards the enemy with his sword and fought with it till he was martyred.
[Muslim].

1303.   Abu `Abs `Abdur-Rahman bin Jabr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It will not happen that the feet soiled with dust while (doing Jihad) in the way of Allah, will be touched by the fire (of Hell).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1304.    Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one who weeps out of Fear of Allah will enter Hell until milk recedes to the udder, and the dust endured while striving in the Cause of Allah and the smoke of Hell will never subsist together.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1305.    Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Two eyes will never be touched by the fire of Hell; an eye which weeps out of Fear of Allah and an eye which spends the night in guarding in the Cause of Allah                                                                                  .”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1306.   Zaid bin Khalid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who equips a Ghazi (fighter) in the way of Allah is as if he has taken part in the fighting himself; and he who looks after the dependants of a Ghazi in his absence, is as if he has taken part in the fighting himself.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1307.   Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of charities is to provide canopy in the Cause of Allah, to pay wages to a servant in the way of Allah, and to provide a camel in the way of Allah (to be used by a Mujahid).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1308.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A young man from the Aslam tribe said: “O Messenger of Allah! I would very much like to fight in the way of Allah but I do not have anything with which to equip myself for fighting.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Go to so-and-so, for he had equipped himself (for fighting) but he fell ill.” So, he (the young man) went to him and said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sends you his greetings and says that you should hand over to me the equipment that you have procured.” The man said to his wife: “Give him the equipment which I have collected for myself and do not withhold anything from him. By Allah! Allah won’t bless something you withheld (in this respect).”
[Muslim].

1309.    Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent an expedition to Banu Lahyan and said, “One man from every two should join the fighting force, and the reward will be shared amongst them equally.”
[Muslim].

Another narration in Muslim is: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let one of every two men go forth”, and added: “Whoever stays behind (and looks well after the family and the property of those who have joined the expedition) will get half the reward of the warrior.”

1310.    Al-Bara (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man equipped with arms came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Should I go and fight or should I embrace Islam first?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Enter in the fold of Islam and then fight.” He embraced Islam and fought until he was killed. Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He accepted Islam for a short time but was rewarded much.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1311.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No one who has entered Jannah will desire to return to this world even if he should be given all that the world contains, except a martyr. For he will yearn that he should return to the world and be killed ten times on account of the dignity that he will experience by virtue of his martyrdom.”

Another narration is: “On account of the excellence and distinction, he will experience as a result of martyrdom.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1312.   `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah forgives every sin of a martyr, except his debt.”
[Muslim].

Another narration in Muslim is: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Being martyred in the Cause of Allah expiates for everything, except debt.”

1313.   Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stood up among his Companions and said, “Jihad in the way of Allah and belief in Allah (with all His Attributes) are the most meritorious of actions.” A man stood up and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Inform me if I am killed in the way of Allah, will my sins be blotted out?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes, in case you are killed in the way of Allah and you remained patient, hopeful of reward, and advancing forward without retracing back (i.e., while fighting).” Then he said, “What was your question?” He inquired again: “Inform me, if I am killed in the way of Allah, will all my sins be blotted out?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “If you remained patient, hopeful of reward and always fought without turning your back upon enemy, everything, except debt, will be forgiven. Jibril has told me this.”
[Muslim].

1314.    Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Tell me where I will be if I am killed while fighting in the way of Allah?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “In Jannah.” The man threw away the few dates which he had in his hand, jumped into the battlefield and fought on till he was killed.
[Muslim]

1315.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and his Companions reached Badr before the polytheists, and when they arrived, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed: “Let no one of you advance ahead of me.” When the polytheists came near, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Now stand up and proceed towards Jannah which is as wide as are the heavens and the earth.” `Umair bin Al-Humam (May Allah be pleased with him) asked: “Is Jannah as wide as are the heaven and the earth?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied in the affirmative. `Umair remarked: “Great!” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked him what had urged him to say so. He replied: “Nothing, O Messenger of Allah! But hope that I might become one of the inhabitants of Jannah.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You will definitely be among them.” `Umair then took some dates out of his quiver and began to eat them, but after a short time he said: “If I survive till I eat my dates, it will mean a long life.” So he threw away the dates which he had with him and then fought with the enemy till he was killed.
[Muslim].

1316.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some people came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said to him: “Send with us some men who may teach us the Qur’an and the Sunnah.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent seventy men from the Ansar. They were called Al-Qurra` (the reciters) and among them was my maternal uncle, Haram. They used to recite the Qur’an, ponder over its meaning and learn (its wisdom) at night. In the day, they used to bring water and pour it in pitchers in the mosque, then they would collect wood and sell it; and with the sale proceeds, they would buy food for the people of As-Suffah and the needy. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent the reciters with these people but these (treacherous people) fell upon them and killed them before they reached their destination. (While dying) they supplicated: “O Allah convey from us the news to our Prophet that we have met You (in a way), that we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.” (The narrator said:) A man attacked Haram from behind and smote him with a spear which pierced him. Whereupon Haram said: “By the Rubb of Ka`bah, I have met with success. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to his Companions, “Your brethren have been slain and they were saying: “O Allah! Convey from us to our Prophet the news that we have met You (in a way) that we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1317.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My uncle Anas bin An-Nadr (May Allah be pleased with him) was absent from the battle of Badr. He said: “O Messenger of Allah! I was absent from the first battle you fought against the pagans. (By Allah!) if Allah gives me a chance to fight against the pagans, no doubt, Allah will see how (bravely) I will fight.” On the Day of Uhud, when the Muslims turned their backs and fled, he said, “O Allah! I apologize to You for what these (i.e., his companions) have done, and I denounce what these (i.e., the pagans) have done.” Then he advanced and Sa`d bin Mu’adh met him. He said: “O Sa`d bin Mu’adh! By the Rubb of An-Nadr, Jannah! I am smelling its aroma coming from before (the mountain of) Uhud,” Later on, Sa`d said: “O Messenger of Allah! I cannot achieve or do what he (i.e., Anas bin An-Nadr) did. We found more than eighty wounds by swords, spears and arrows on his body. We found him dead and his body was mutilated so badly that none except his sister could recognise him by his finger.” We used to think that the following Ayah was revealed concerning him and other men of his sort: “Among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah (i.e., they have gone out for Jihad, and showed not their backs to the disbelievers), of them some have fulfilled their obligations (i.e., have been martyred).” (33:23).

1318.  Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Last night two men (angels) came to me (in a dream) and made me ascend a tree and then admitted me into a nice and excellent house, the like of which I have never seen before. One of them said: `This house is the house of martyrs‘.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1319.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Umm Ar-Rubaiy`i bint Al-Bara’, who was the mother of Harithah bin Suraqah, came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Will you not tell me about Harithah? (He was killed in the battle of Badr). If he is in Jannah I shall show endurance, but if he has met another fate, I may exert myself in weeping for him.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “O mother of Harithah, in in the gardens of Jannah there are many ranks, and your son has attained Al-Firdaus, the highest.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1320.    Jabir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The dead body of my father, who was mutilated by the enemy, was brought and placed before the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). I got up to uncover his face but the people stopped me, and the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The angels continue to cover him with their wings.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1321.    Sahl bin Hunaif (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who supplicates Allah sincerely for martyrdom, Allah will elevate him to the station of the martyrs, even if he dies on his bed.”
[Muslim].

1322.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who supplicates sincerely for martyrdom, it will be granted to him even though he is not killed on the battlefield.”
[Muslim].

1323.    Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The martyr experiences no more pain in being slain than one of you experiences from the stinging of an ant.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1324. `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them)  reported: On one occasion the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was confronting the enemy. He waited until the sun had declined. Then he stood up to address the people and said, “O people! Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; (but) when you encounter them, show patience, and know that Jannah is under the shades of the swords.” Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Allahumma munzilal-kitab, wa mujriyas-sahab, wa hazimal-Ahzab, ihzimhum wansurna alaihim (O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and support us against them).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1325.   Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Supplications at two times are never turned down (or said, “Are seldom turned down”), a supplication after the Adhan has been proclaimed, and a supplication during the battle combating the enemy.”
[Abu Dawud].

1326.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) set out to participate in Jihad, he would supplicate: “Allahumma Anta `adudi wa nasiri, bika ahulu, wa bika asulu, wa bika uqatilu (O Allah, You are my Supporter and my Helper. With Your help I get strength, and with Your help I bounce upon the enemy and defeat it, and with Your help I fight).”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1327.    Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had any fear of an enemy, he used to supplicate: “Allahumma inna naj`aluka fi nuhurihim, wa na`udhu bika min shururihim (O Allah! We put You in front of them, and we seek refuge in You from their evils).”
[Ahmad and Abu Dawud].

1328.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is goodness in the forelocks of horses till the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1329.   `Urwah Al-Bariqi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Goodness is tied to the foreheads of horses until the Day of Resurrection, i.e., reward (in the Hereafter) and spoils.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1330.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who keeps a horse for Jihad purposes, having faith in Allah and relying on His Promise, will find that its fodder, drink, droppings and urine will all be credited to him in his Scales on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1331.  Abu Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) with a she-camel wearing a nose-string and said: “This is (a gift) in the Cause of Allah.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You will have in return for it on the Day of Resurrection seven hundred she-camels and every one of them will be wearing a nose-string.”
[Muslim].

1332.  `Uqbah bin `Amir Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying from the pulpit, “Prepare to meet them (the enemy) with as much strength as you can afford. Verily! Strength is in archery, strength is in archery, strength is in archery.”
[Muslim].

1333. `Uqbah bin `Amir Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Lands shall be laid open to you, and Allah will suffice you (against your enemies), but none of you should neglect practicing his skill in archery.”
[Muslim].

1334. `Uqbah bin `Amir Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who learnt archery and then neglected it, is not from us.” (Or said,) “He has been guilty of disobedience (to Messenger of Allah).”
[Muslim].

1335.   `Uqbah bin `Amir Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Allah will admit three persons to Jannah for one arrow; the maker who has a good motive in making it, the one who shoots it, and the one who hands it up for shooting. So shoot and ride, but I like your shooting (more) than your riding. He who gives up archery after becoming adept in it for lack of interest, neglects a (great) blessing.” (Or said,) “One who does so is ungrateful.”
[Abu Dawud].

1336.  Salamah bin Al-Akwa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) happened to pass by a group of people who were having a shooting match. (Upon seeing them, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “Shoot, O sons of (Prophet) Isma`il, for your father was an archer.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1337.   `Amr bin `Abasah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “He who shoots an arrow for the sake of Allah, will have a reward equal to the emancipation of a slave.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1338.   Abu Yahya Khuraim bin Fatik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who makes a contribution in Allah’s way, will have his reward seven hundred times recorded to his credit.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1339.    Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for a day in the Cause of Allah, Allah will keep his face from Hell-fire at a distance of seventy years.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1340.   Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes Saum (fasting) for a day in the Cause of Allah, Allah will keep his face from Hell-fire at a distance equivalent to that between heaven and the earth.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1341.    Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who dies without having fought in the Cause of Allah or without having thought of doing so, will die with one characteristic of hypocrisy in him.”
[Muslim].

1342.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We accompanied the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in an expedition when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Some people have remained behind us in Al-Madinah, and we never cross a valley but they are with us. They share the reward with us because they have been held back by valid excuse.”

In another narration the wordings are: “...by any genuine excuse.”

In another narration the wordings are: “They are your partners in reward.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1343.   Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! One man fights for booty, another fights to win fame, and the third fights for show off.” Another narration is: “One fights for displaying his valour, another fights out of his family pride.” Another narration is: “One fights out of rage.” He asked: “Which of them is fighting in the Cause of Allah?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The one who fights so that Word of Allah (Islam) be exalted, is the one who fights in the Cause of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1344. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A detachment of soldiers, large or small, who fights in the way of Allah, gets its share of booty and returns safe and sound, receives in advance two-thirds of its reward (only one-third remaining to its credit will be received in the Hereafter). And a troop of soldiers, large or small, that returns disappointed and is afflicted by misery, will receive its full reward (in the Hereafter).”
[Muslim].

1345.  Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man sought permission from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to travel in the land. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Travel for my people is Jihad in the Cause of Allah, glory be to Him.”
[Abu Dawud].

1346.  `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The return from an expedition is an act as meritorious as fighting.”
[Abu Dawud].

1347.  As-Sa’ib bin Yazid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) returned from the battle of Tabuk, people went out from Al-Madinah to meet him and I also met him with other children at Thaniyah-tul-Wada`.
[Abu Dawud].

1348.  Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who neither takes part in fighting nor equips a warrior nor looks after his (the warrior’s) family, will be afflicted by severe calamities before the Day of Resurrection.”
[Abu Dawud].

1349.   Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fight the polytheists with your wealth, lives and tongues.”
[Abu Dawud].

1350.   An-Nu`man bin Muqarrin (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when I witnessed that if he did not begin fighting in the early part of the day, he would postpone fighting till the sun had declined, the blowing of the breeze had blown and the victory from Allah had come.
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1351.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; (but) when you encounter them, show patience.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1352.  Abu Hurairah and Jabir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “War is deception.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

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The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! the fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g., an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.” (2:183-185)

1215. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: `Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

   In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah says: `(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward‘.”

   In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (SWT) says: `The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb. Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

1216. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from the gates of Jannah: `O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you’ and one who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the Gate of Charity.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “O Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will anybody be called from all of those gates?” He replied, “Yes, and I hope that you will be one of them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1217. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Saum (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, “Where are those who observe fasting?” So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.”
[Muslim].

1218. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Every slave of Allah who observes Saum (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1219.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1220.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1221. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observe Saum (fast) on sighting the crescent and terminate it on sighting it (the new moon), but if the sky is cloudy before you, then complete the number (thirty days) of the month.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat

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Strict Orders for Observance of Obligatory Salat

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Guard strictly (the five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e., the best prayer – `Asr).” (2:238)

“But if they repent and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, then leave their way free.” (9:5)

1074. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Which act is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “As-Salat at their fixed times.” I asked, “What next?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Being dutiful to parents.” I asked, “What next?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Striving (Jihad) in the way of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1075. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Islam is based on five (pillars): testifying that there is no true god except Allah and that   Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger; performing of Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat); the payment of Zakat; performing Hajj (pilgrimage) to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)]; and Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1076. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I have been commanded to fight against the people till they testify La ilaha illAllah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger, and to establish As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and to pay Zakat; and if they do this, then their blood and property are secured except by the rights of Islam, and their accountability is left to Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1077. Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sent me as a governor to Yemen and (at the time of departure) he instructed me thus: “You will go to people of the Scripture (i.e., the Jews and the Christians). First of all invite them to testify that La ilaha ill Allah (There is no true god except Allah) and that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger; and if they accept this, then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat (prayers) during the day and night; and if they accept it, then tell them that Allah has made the payment of Zakat obligatory upon them. It should be collected from their rich and distributed among their poor; and if they agree to it, don’t take (as a share of Zakat) the best of their properties. Beware of the supplications of the oppressed, for there is no barrier between it and Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1078. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Between a man and disbelief and paganism is the abandonment of Salat (prayer).”
[Muslim].

1079. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “That which differentiates us from the disbelievers and hypocrites is our performance of Salat. He who abandons it, becomes a disbeliever.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1080. Shaqiq bin `Abdullah reported: The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not consider the abandonment of any action as disbelief except neglecting Salat.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1081. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The first of man’s deeds for which he will be called to account on the Day of Resurrection will be Salat. If it is found to be perfect, he will be safe and successful; but if it is incomplete, he will be unfortunate and a loser. If any shortcoming is found in the obligatory Salat, the Glorious and Exalted Rubb will command to see whether His slave has offered any voluntary Salat so that the obligatory Salat may be made up by it. Then the rest of his actions will be treated in the same manner.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

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Merit of the (Optional) Duha (Forenoon) Prayer

1139. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: My Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) directed me to fast three days of each month, and to observe two Rak`ah Duha (optional prayer) at forenoon, and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1140. Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of everyone of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M`aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak`ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).”
[Muslim].

1141. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah of Duha prayer (at the forenoon) and would add to them whatever Allah wished.
[Muslim].

1142. Umm Hani, daughter of Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I went to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on the day of the conquest of Makkah. He was taking a bath at that time. When he finished the bath, he performed eight Rak`ah (of optional) prayers. This was during the Duha (forenoon).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur’an in a Pleasant Voice

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The Merit of Recitation of the Noble Qur’an in a Pleasant Voice

1004. AbU Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of AllAh (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur’an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1005. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1006. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reciting Surat Wat-Teen Waz-Zaitun (Chapter 95) during the `Isha’ prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1007. Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.”
[Abu Dawud].

1008. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite the Qur’an to me.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I like to hear it from others.” Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa’. When I reached the Ayah: `How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?’ (Having heard it) he said, “Enough! Enough!” When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

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The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

1222. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur’an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1223. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat)

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The Excellence of Standing in the First Row (In Salat)

1082. Jabir bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came out to us (once) and said, “Why do you not stand in rows as the angels do before their Rubb?” We asked: “O Messenger of Allah! how do the angels stand in rows before their Rubb?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “They complete each row beginning with the first and filling all the gaps.”
[Muslim].

1083. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1084.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of the men’s rows (in Salat) is the first row and the worst is the last; but the best of the woman’s row is the last and the worst of their rows is the first.”
[Muslim].

1085. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perceived a tendency among his Companions to stand in the back rows, he said to them, “Come forward and be close to me and let those who come after you, follow your lead. If people continue to fall behind (i.e., in acquiring virtues), Allah puts them behind.”
[Muslim].

1086. Abu Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to gently pat our shoulders when we were standing in rows at the time of Salat and say, “Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from each other lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those of you who are mature and prudent be nearer to me, and then those who are next to them.”
[Muslim].

1087. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep your rows straight (during Salat in congregation), for keeping the rows straight is part of the perfection of Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1088. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Iqamah had been announced, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) turned his face towards us and said: “Make your rows straight and stand close together, for I can see you from behind my back.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1089. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Straighten your rows; otherwise, Allah will create dissension among you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration in Muslim is: An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed us to keep our rows as straight as arrows. He continued stressing this until he realized that we had learnt it from him (recognized its significance). One day he came into the mosque and stood up. He was just about to say Takbir (Allah is  Greater) when he noticed a man whose chest was projected from the row, so he said, “O slaves of Allah, you must straighten your rows or Allah will certainly put your faces in opposite directions.”

1090. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, “Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement”. He would add, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1091. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah (i.e., from His Mercy).”
[Abu Dawud].

1092. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Stand close together in your rows, keep nearer to one another, and put your necks in line, for by Him in Whose Hands my soul is, I see the Satan entering through the opening in the row like Al-hadhaf (i.e., a type of small black sheep found in Yemen).”
[Abu Dawud].

1093. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fill (complete) the first row, then the one next to it; and if there is any deficiency (incompleteness), it should be in the last row.”
[Abu Dawud].

1094.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon those who are on the right side of the rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1095. Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we performed Salat behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we liked to be on his right side so that his face might turn towards us (at the end of the Salat). One day, I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicating, “O my Rubb! Shield me from Your Torment on the Day when You will gather (or said, `resurrect’) Your slaves.”
[Muslim].

1096. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let the Imam stand in the middle (so that those praying behind him should be standing both on his right and his left) and close the gaps.”
[Abu Dawud].

Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

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Chapter 207
Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

1143. Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw some people performing Duha (prayers) in the early forenoon and warned them (saying): These people must know that performing Salat a little later is better. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat of the penitent is to be observed when the young ones of camels feel the heat of the sun (i.e., when it becomes very hot).”
[Muslim].

Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of theNoble Qur’an

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Inducement towards the Recitation of some Special verses and Surah of the Noble
Qur’an

1009. Abu Sa`id Ar-Rafi` bin Al-Mu`alla (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I teach you the greatest Surah in the Qur’an before you leave the mosque?” Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), took me by the hand, and when we were about to step out, I reminded him of his promise to teach me the greatest Surah in the Qur’an. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is `Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil `Alamin (i.e., Surat Al-Fatihah) which is As-Sab` Al-Mathani (i.e., the seven oft-repeated Ayat) and the Great Qur’an which is given to me.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1010. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported about Surat Al-Ikhlas (Chapter 112): The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, it is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”

According to another version, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to his Companions, “Is anyone of you incapable of reciting one-third of the Qur’an in one night?” They considered it burdensome and said: “O Messenger of Allah, which of us can afford to do that?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Surat Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah (the) One] is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1011. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man heard another reciting Surat Al-Ikhlas repeatedly. The next morning he came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about it as if he considered it to be of little reward. On that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1012. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Surat Ikhlas is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an.”
[Muslim].

1013. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said: “O Messenger of Allah! I love Surat-Al-Ikhlas [Say: He is Allah, (the) One].” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Your love for it will admit you to Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1014. `Uqbah bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do you not know that last night certain Ayat were revealed the like of which there is no precedence. They are: `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of the daybreak’ (Surah 113), and `Say: I seek refuge with (Allah) the Rubb of mankind’ (Surah 114).”
[Muslim].

1015. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to seek protection against the evil of jinn and the evil eyes till Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas were revealed. After they were revealed, he took to them for seeking Allah’s protection and left everything besides them.
[At-Tirmidhi].

1016. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “There is a Surah in the Qur’an which contains thirty Ayat which kept interceding for a man until his sins are forgiven. This Surah is `Blessed is He in Whose Hand is the dominion.’ (Surat Al-Mulk 67).”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1017. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “He who recites the two Ayat at the end of Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1018. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Do not turn your houses into graveyards. Satan runs away from the house in which Surat Al-Baqarah is recited.”
[Muslim].

1019. Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Abu Mundhir! Do you know which Ayah in Allah’s Book is the greatest?” I replied: “It is `Allah la ilaha illa Huwal-Haiyul-Qayum (Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living...)’.” (2:255) Thereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) patted me in the chest and said, “Rejoice by this knowledge, O Abu Mundhir!”
[Muslim].

1020. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) put me in charge of charity of Ramadan (Sadaqat-ul-Fitr). Somebody came to me and began to take away some food-stuff. I caught him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” He said, “I am a needy man with a large family, and so I have a pressing need.” I let him go. When I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) next morning, he asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I said, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing need and a big family. I felt pity for him so I let him go.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.” I was sure, according to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) that he would return. I waited for him. He sneaked up again and began to steal food-stuff from the Sadaqah. I caught him and said; “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” He said, “Let go of me, I am a needy man. I have to bear the expenses of a big family. I will not come back.” So I took pity on him and let him go. I went at dawn to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) who asked me, “O Abu Hurairah! What did your captive do last night?” I replied, “O Messenger of Allah! He complained of a pressing want and the burden of a big family. I took pity on him and so I let him go.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He told you a lie and he will return.” (That man) came again to steal the food-stuff. I arrested him and said, “I must take you to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and this is the last of three times. You promised that you would not come again but you did.” He said, “Let go of me, I shall teach you some words with which Allah may benefit you.” I asked, “What are those words?” He replied, “When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi (2:255) for there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah, and Satan will not be able to approach you till morning.” So I let him go. Next morning the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked me, “What did your prisoner do last night.” I answered, “He promised to teach me some words which he claimed will benefit me before Allah. So I let him go.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “What are those words that he taught you?” I said, “He told me: `When you go to bed, recite Ayat-ul-Kursi from the beginning to the end  i.e.,[ Allah! none has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them (His creatures) in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Kursi encompasses the heavens and the earth, and preserving them does not fatigue Him. And He is the Most High, the Most Great].’ (2:255). He added: `By reciting it, there will be a guardian appointed over you from Allah who will protect you during the night, and Satan will not be able to come near you until morning’.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Verily, he has told you the truth  though he is a liar. O Abu Hurairah! Do you know with whom you were speaking for the last three nights?” I said, “No.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He was Shaitan (Satan).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1021. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever commits to memory the first ten Ayat of the Surat Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).”
[Muslim].

In another narration, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “(Whoever commits to memory) the last ten Ayat of Surat Al-Kahf, he will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-Dajjal (Antichrist).”

1022. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While Jibril (Gabriel) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), he heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: “This is a gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened before.” Then an angel descended through it, he said: “This is an angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before.” He sent greetings and said: “Rejoice with two lights given to you. Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These (lights) are: Fatihah-til-Kitab (Surat Al-Fatihah), and the concluding Ayat of Surat Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word from them without being given the blessings it contain                                                          s.”
[Muslim].

Warning against forgetting the Qur’an

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Warning against forgetting the Qur’an

1002. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Read the Qur’an regularly. By the One in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul is, it escapes from memory faster than a camel does from its tying ropes.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1003. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The parable of one who knows the Qur’an by heart is as the parable of an owner of hobbled camel. If he remains vigilant, he will retain it; and if he neglects it, it will go away.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with theObligatory Prayers

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The Excellence of Optional Prayers (Sunnah Mu’akkadah) along with the Obligatory
Prayers

1097. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) the Mother of the Believers reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “A house will be built in Jannah for every Muslim who offers twelve Rak`ah of optional Salat other than the obligatory Salat in a day and a night (to seek the Pleasure of Allah).”
[Muslim].

1098. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah of optional prayers before Zuhr and two after the Zuhr (noon prayer), and two after the Friday prayer, and two after the Maghrib (evening) prayer, and two after the `Isha’ (night) prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1099.`Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is a Salat (prayer) between every Adhan and Iqamah; there is a Salat between every Adhan and Iqamah.” (While saying the same for the) third time (he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added), “It is for him who desires (to perform it).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

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Inducement to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

1144. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you enters the mosque, he should perform two Rak`ah (of voluntary prayer) before sitting.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1145. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he was in the mosque, and he said to me, “Perform two Rak`ah prayer.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur’an

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Desirability of Assembling for the Recitation of the Noble Qur’an

1023. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any group of people that assemble in one of the Houses of Allah to study the Qur’an, tranquillity will descend upon them, mercy will engulf them, angels will surround them and Allah will make mention of them to those (the angels) in His proximity.”
[Muslim].

The Excellence of As-Salat (The Prayer)

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The Excellence of As-Salat (The Prayer)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e., great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e., disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil, wicked deed).” (29:45)

1042. Abu Hurairahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Say, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day, would any soiling remain on him?” They replied, “No soiling would left on him.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ” That is the five (obligatory) Salat (prayers). Allah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1043. Jabiru (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The similitude of the five (obligatory) Salat  is like a river running at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day.”
[Muslim].

1044. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man kissed a woman. So he came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about it. Then Allah revealed this Ayah: “And perform the Salat, between the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds efface the evil deeds (i.e., minor sins).” (11:114) The man asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) whether this applies to him only. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It applies to all of my Ummah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1045. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.”
[Muslim].

1046. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu’ and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever.”
[Muslim].

Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak’ah Sunnah before FajrPrayer, their time and the Surah to recite in them

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Briefness to be Adopted in Performing the two Rak’ah Sunnah before Fajr Prayer,
their time and the Surah to recite in them

1104. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah short prayer between the Adhan (call to prayer) and the Iqamah of the dawn (Fajr) prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another narration, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer of Fajr and make them so short in duration that I used to think whether he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had recited Surat Al-Fatihah (in it) or not.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the narration of Muslim, `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to hear the Adhan (of Fajr prayer) he would perform two supererogatory Rak`ah prayer and would make them short.

1105. Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two short Rak`ah prayer when it was dawn and the Mu’adhdhin had called Adhan (for the Fajr prayer).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1106. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform his optional night prayers at night, two Rak`ah followed by two Rak`ah, and at the end he would conclude with an odd Rak`ah (Witr). Then he would perform two Rak`ah prayer before the dawn (Fajr) prayer after hearing the Adhan, and he would make them so brief as if he could hear the Iqamah being called.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1107. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to recite during the two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer: “Say (O Muslims): We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us...” (2:136) which is in Surat Al-Baqarah in the first Rak`ah and the Verse: “We believe in Allah, and bear witness that we are Muslims (i.e., we submit to Allah.” (3:52) in the second Rak`ah.

According to another narration, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited from Surat Al-`Imran the Verses: “Come to a word which is just between us and you…” (3:64).
[Muslim].

1108. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[Muslim].

1109.Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I observed the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for one month reciting in the two supererogatory Rak`ah of the Fajr prayer Surat Al-Kafirun (No. 109) [in the first Rak`ah], and Surat Al-Ikhlas (No. 112) [in the second Rak`ah].
[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer afterAblution

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The Excellence of Performing two Rak’ah of Voluntary Prayer after Ablution

1146. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him) “Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah.” Bilal said: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu’ (or took a bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

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The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e., after a sexual discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey, or any of you comes from responding to the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e., sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour to you that you may be thankful.” (5:6)

1024. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “On the Day of Resurrection, my followers (or Ummah) will be summoned `Al-Ghurr Al-Muhajjalun’ from the traces of Wudu’. Whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1025. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard my Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) as saying, “The adornment of the believer (in Jannah) will reach the places where the water of Wudu’ reaches (his body).”
[Muslim].

1026. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who performs the Wudu’ perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.”
[Muslim].

1027. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performing Wudu’ the way I have just done it and said, “He who performs Wudu’ like this, his previous sins will be forgiven and his Salat and walking to the mosque will be considered as supererogatory act of worship.”
[Muslim].

1028. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.”
[Muslim].

1029. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to the (Baqi`) cemetery and said, “May you be secured from punishment, O dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish we see my brothers.” The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah! Are not we your brothers?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not come into the world yet.” They said; “O Messenger of Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born yet?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?” They said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of Wudu’; and I will arrive at the Haud (Al-Kauthar) ahead of them.”
[Muslim].

1030. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?” The Companions said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Performing the Wudu’ thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next As-Salat (the prayer) after observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”
[Muslim].

1031. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Wudu’ is half the Iman.”
[Muslim].

1032. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever of you performs Wudu’ carefully and then affirms: `Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la sharika Lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa Rasuluhu [I testify that there so no true god except Allah Alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger],’ the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him. He may enter through whichever of these gates he desires (to enter).”
[Muslim].

In the narration in At-Tirmidhi, it is added: “Allahummaj-`alni minat-tawwabina, waj-`alni minal-mutatahhirin (O Allah make me among those who repent and purify themselves).”

Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

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Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

1100. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rak`ah prayers before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1101. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not attach more importance to any Nawafil prayer than the two Rak`ah of prayer before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1102. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains.”
[Muslim]

Another narration goes: “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world.”

1103. Abu `Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu’adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As-Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I was engaged in performing two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer.” Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: “O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak`ah of prayer in an excellent manner.”
[Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of FajrPrayer

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Chapter 198
Desirability of Lying down on one’s right side after the Sunnah of Fajr Prayer

1110.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had performed two Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.
[Al-Bukhari].

1111. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) finished the `Isha prayer, he would perform eleven Rak`ah before the Fajr prayer, concluding each two Rak`ah with Taslim (i.e., saying As-Salamu `Alaikum) and observing the Witr (odd) at the end. When the Mu’adhdhin finished proclaiming Adhan for the Fajr prayer and it was dawn, he would rise and perform two short Rak`ah, and then would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin came to (inform) him about Iqamah.
[Muslim].

1112. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you has performed two of Sunnah before the Fajr prayer, he should lie down on his right side.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

The Excellence of Friday Prayer

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Chapter 210
The Excellence of Friday Prayer

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Then when the (Jumu`ah) Salat is ended, you may disperse through the land, and seek the Bounty of Allah (by working), and remember Allah much: that you may be successful.” (62:10)

1147. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best day on which the sun has  risen is Friday. On that day Adam was created, he was admitted to Jannah, and he was expelled therefrom.”
[Muslim].

1148. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone performs Wudu’ properly, then comes to the Friday prayer, listens to the Khutbah (religious talk) attentively and keeps silent, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven, with the addition of three more days; but he who touches pebbles has caused an interruption. ”
[Muslim].

1149. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The five daily (prescribed) Salat, and Friday (prayer) to the next Friday (prayer), and the fasting of Ramadan to the next Ramadan, is expiation of the sins committed in between them, so long as major sins are avoided.”
[Muslim].

1150. Ibn `Umar and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying (while delivering Khutbah on his wooden pulpit), “Either some people (i.e., hypocrites) stop neglecting the Friday prayers, or Allah will seal their hearts and they will be among the heedless.”
[Muslim].

1151. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you intends to come for the Friday prayer, he should take a bath.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1152. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Taking a bath (before coming to Friday prayers) is obligatory on every adult.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1153. Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It suffices to perform Wudu’ properly for the Friday prayer; but it is better to take a bath.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1154. Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If a man takes bath on Friday, (or) purifies himself as much as he can with Wudu’, oils his hair, applies whatever perfume available in his house, sets forth for the mosque, does not separate two people (to make a seat for himself), performs Salat what is prescribed for him, remains silent when the Imam speaks, his (minor) sins between that Friday and the following Friday will be forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1155. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who takes a bath on Friday, like the bath for ceremonial purity, and then goes (to the mosque), he is like one who offers a camel as a sacrifice to seek the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the second hour is like one who offers a cow to win the Pleasure of Allah; and he who comes at the third hour is like one who offers a ram with horns (in sacrifice); and he who comes at the fourth hour is like one who offers a hen; and he who comes at the fifth hour is like one who offers an egg. And when the Imam ascends the pulpit, the angels (who write the names of those who come to the mosque before the coming of the Imam) close (their record) in order to listen to the Khutbah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1156. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said while talking about the merits of Friday, “There is a time on Friday at which a Muslim, while he (or she) is performing Salat and is supplicating, will be granted whatever he (or she) is supplicating for.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) pointed with his hand to indicate that this period of time is very short.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1157. Abu Burdah bin Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) said to me: “Did you hear your father narrating something from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) about the special moment during Friday?” I said: “Yes, I heard him report from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): `It occurs between the time when the Imam sits down (on the pulpit after the first Khutbah) and the time Salat is over.”’
[Muslim].

1158. Aus bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Among the best of your days is Friday. On that day pray to Allah to exalt my mention frequently, for your such supplications are presented to me.”
[Abu Dawud].

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