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Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

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Chapter 212
Excellence of Standing in Prayer at Night

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And in some parts of the night (also) perform the Salat (prayer) with it (i.e., recite the Qur’an in the prayer) as an additional prayer (Tahajjud optional prayer – Nawafil) for you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)). It may be that your Rubb will raise you to Maqam Mahmud (a station of praise and glory, i.e., the honour of intercession on the Day of Resurrection).” (17:79)

“Their sides forsake their beds…” (32:16)

“They used to sleep but little by night [invoking their Rubb (Allah) and praying, with fear and hope].” (51:17)

1160. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept standing (in prayer) so long that the skin of his feet would crack. I asked him: “Why do you do this, while you have been forgiven of your former and latter sins?” He said, “Should I not be a grateful slave of Allah?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1161. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited me and Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her)  one night and said, “Do you not observe prayer (at night)?”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1162.  Salim bin `Abdullah bin `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with them) reported, on the authority of his father, that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “What an excellent man `Abdullah is! If only he could perform optional prayers at night.” Salim said that after this, (his father) `Abdullah slept very little at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1163.  `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Do not be like so-and-so O `Abdullah! He used to pray during the night, then stopped the practice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1164.  `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mention was made before the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of a man who slept throughout the night till morning. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remarked, “He is a man in whose ears Satan urinated.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].n

1165. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When any one of you sleeps, Satan ties three knots at the back of his neck. He recites this incantation at every knot: `You have a long night, so sleep.’ If he awakes and remembers Allah, one knot is loosened. If he performs Wudu’, the (second) knot is loosened; and if he performs prayer, (all) knots are loosened. He begins his morning in a happy and refreshed mood; otherwise, he gets up in bad spirits and sluggish state.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1166.  `Abdullah bin Salam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people, promote the greetings, feed (the poor and needy) and perform Salat when others are asleep so that you will enter Jannah safely.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1167.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best month for observing Saum (fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salat after the prescribed Salat is Salat at night.”
[Muslim].

1168.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Salat during the night should consist of pairs of but if you fear that morning is near, then pray one Rak`ah as Witr.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1169.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the night prayer in pairs (i.e., Rak`ah) and made it odd number by observing one Rak`ah (as Witr).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1170.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to leave off observing Saum (fasting) during a month until we thought that he would not observe Saum at all during it; and (sometimes) he would observe Saum till we began to think that he would not omit any day of that month. If one wished to see him performing Salat during the night, he could do that; and if one wished to see him sleeping at night, he could do that.
[Al-Bukhari].

1171.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud) prayers at night. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would prostrate so long as one of you might recite fifty Ayat (of the Qur’an). Thereafter, he would perform two Rak`ah before Fajr prayers and would lie down on his right side till the Mu’adhdhin would come and inform him about the time of (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1172.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not observe more than eleven Rak`ah (of Tahajjud prayers), be in Ramadan or any other month. First of all he would perform four Rak`ah. Ask not about their excellence and their length. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then perform four more Rak`ah; and do not ask about their excellence and their length. Then he would perform three Rak`ah (Witr prayer). (`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added) I submitted: “O Messenger of Allah! Do you sleep before performing the Witr prayer?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O `Aishah! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1173.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would sleep during the early part of night and stand in Salat during the latter part.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1174.  Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One night I joined the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) in his (optional) Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prolonged the Qiyam (standing) so much that I made up my mind to commit an act of wrong. He was questioned: “What did you intend to do?‘‘ He replied: “I intended to sit down and stop following him (in Salat).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1175.  Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I performed Salat with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) one night, and he started reciting Surat Al-Baqarah. I thought that he would go in Ruku` (bowing posture in Salat) at the end of one hundred Ayat, but he continued (reciting); and I thought that he would perhaps recite (this Surah) in the whole Rak`ah (prayer), but he continued the recitation; I thought he would perhaps bow on completing (this Surah). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then started reciting Surat An-Nisa’ which he followed with Surat Al-Imran. He recited leisurely. When he recited an Ayah which mentioned the tasbeeh, he would say Subhan Allah and when he recited the Ayah which tells how the Rubb is to be asked, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then ask from Him; and when he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) recited an Ayah asking one to seek Protection Allah, he would seek Protection of Allah. Then he bowed and said, “Subhana Rabbiyal-Azim (My Rubb the Great is free from imperfection)”; his bowing lasted about the same length of time as his standing, (and then on returning to the standing posture after Ruku`) he would say, “Sami’ Allahu liman hamidah, Rabbana lakal-hamd (Allah listens to him who praises Him. Praise be to You, Our Rubb!),” and he would then stand about the same length of time as he had spent in bowing. He would then prostrate himself and say, “Subhana Rabbiyal-A`la (My Rubb the Supreme is free from imperfection),” and his prostration lasted nearly the same length of time as his standing (Qiyam).
[Muslim].

1176.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which Salat is the best?” He replied, ” The best Salat is that in which Qiyam (the duration of standing) is longer.”
[Muslim].

1177.  `Abdullah bin `Amr (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it; and he used to observe Saum on alternative days.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1178.  Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Every night there is a special time during which whatever a Muslim asks Allah of any good relating to this life or the Hereafter, it will be granted to him; and this moment comes every night.”
[Muslim].

1179.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you gets up at night to perform (Tahajjud) prayer, let him start Salat with two short Rak`ah.”
[Muslim].

1180.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stood for Salat at night, he would start his prayer with two brief Rak`ah.
[Muslim].

1181.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) missed his night (Tahajjud) Salat because of indisposition or the like, he would perform twelve Rak`ah during the day.

[Muslim].

1182.  `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “If anyone falls asleep and therefore fails to observe his Hizb (share) or part of it, if he observes it between the Fajr and the Zuhr prayers, it will be recorded for him as though he had observed it during the night.”
[Muslim].

1183.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens his wife to pray and if she refuses, he sprinkles water on her face (to make her get up). May Allah show mercy to a woman who gets up during the night and performs Salat, awakens her husband for the same purpose; and if he refuses, she sprinkles water on his face.”
[Abu Dawud].

1184.  Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man awakens his wife during the night and they both perform two Rak`ah Salat together, they are recorded among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah.”
[Abu Dawud].

1185.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you dozes off while performing Salat, he should lie down till his drowsiness has gone away from him. When one of you performs Salat while dozing, he may abuse himself instead of seeking pardon (as a result of drowsiness).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1186. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When anyone of you stands up for Salat at night and finds it difficult to recite the Qur’an accurately and he is unaware of what he is reciting, he should go back to sleep.”
[Muslim].

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].

 

Sunnah of Friday Prayer

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Chapter 203
Sunnah of Friday Prayer

`Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed along with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah (Sunnah prayer) after the Jumu’ah prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1126. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone of you performs the Friday prayer, he should perform four Rak`ah (Sunnah) after it.”
[Muslim].

1127. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would not perform any Salat (in the mosque) after the Friday prayer till he had returned to his house. He would then perform two Rak`ah there.
[Muslim].

Source: dar-us-salam english edition of riyad-us-saliheen

 

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

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Chapter 194
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].

The Superiority of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

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Chapter 214
The Superiority of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e., worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e., 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees. (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” (97:1-5)

“We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night [(i.e., the Night of Al-Qadr, Surah No:97) in the month of Ramadan, the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments (i.e., the matters of deaths, births, provisions, and calamities for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah). As a Command (or this Qur’an or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers). (As) a Mercy from your Rubb, Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (44:3-6)

1189. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1190. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Some of the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saw Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in their dreams in the last seven nights of Ramadan, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. Whosoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1191. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say, “Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1192.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to observe I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1193.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) 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].

1194.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year; and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month.
[Muslim].

1195. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka `afuwwun, tuhibbul-`afwa, fa`fu `anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

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Chapter 204
Desirability of offering Nawfil (Voluntary or Optional) Prayers at Home

1128. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O people! perform your (voluntary) Salat (prayers) in your homes because the best Salat of a man is the one he performs at home, except the obligatory Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1129. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Observe part of the [Nawafil (voluntary)] Salat (prayers) in your homes. Do not turn your homes into graves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1130. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you have finished your (Fard) Salat (prayer) in the mosque, you should observe some of your (Sunnah and Nawafil) Salat at home; Allah will bless your homes because of your Salat (in your homes).”
[Muslim]

1131. `Umar bin `Ata reported that Nafi` bin Jubair sent him to Sa’ib bin Ukht Namir to ask him about something that Mu`awiyah had seen him doing in Salat (prayer). He said: “Yes, I performed the Friday prayer along with him in the enclosure (Maqsurah), and when the Imam concluded the Salat with Taslim, I stood up in my place and performed the Sunnah prayer. When Mu`awiyah went home, he sent for me (and when I came) he said: “Never do again what you have done. When you have observed the Friday prayer, you must not start another Sunnah prayer till you have spoken to some one or have shifted your place; because the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ordered us not to follow up the congregational Salat with any other Salat until we have talked (to some one) or moved from the place.”
[Muslim].

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

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Chapter 195
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].

The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation

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Chapter 191
The Excellence of Performing Salat (Prayers) in Congregation

1064. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Salat in congregation is twenty-seven times more meritorious than a Salat performed individually.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1065. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A man’s Salat in congregation is twenty-five times more rewarding than his Salat at home or in his shop, and that is because when he performs his Wudu’ properly and proceeds towards the mosque with the purpose of performing Salat in congregation, he does not take a step without being raised a degree (in rank) for it and having a sin remitted for it, till he enters the mosque. When he is performing Salat, the angels continue to invoke Blessings of Allah on him as long as he is in his place of worship in a state of Wudu’. They say: `O Allah! Have mercy on him! O Allah! Forgive him.’ He is deemed to be engaged in Salat as long as he waits for it.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1066. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A blind man came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I have no one to guide me to the mosque.” He, therefore, sought his permission to perform Salat (prayer) in his house. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) granted him permission. When the man turned away, he called him back, and said, “Do you hear the Adhan (call to prayer)?” He replied in the affirmative. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) then directed him to respond to it.
[Muslim].

1067. `Abdullah bin Umm Maktum, the Mu’adhdhin (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I said to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “There are many poisonous insects and wild beasts in Al-Madinah, and I am blind. Please grant me permission to perform Salat at home.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) enquired whether he could hear the call: Hayya `alas-Salah; Hayya `alal-Falah (Come to the prayer, come to the salvation). When he replied in affirmative, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed him to come (to mosque) for prayer.”
[Abu Dawud].

1068. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my life is, I sometimes thought of giving orders for firewood to be collected, then for proclaiming the Adhan for Salat. Then I would appoint an Imam to lead Salat, and then go to the houses of those who do not come to perform Salat in congregation, and set fire to their houses on them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1069.Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: He who likes to meet Allah tomorrow (i.e., on the Day of  Requital) as a Muslim, should take care and observe the Salat when the Adhan is announced for them. Allah has expounded to your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) the ways of right guidance, and these (the prayers) are part of the right guidance. If you have to perform Salat in your houses, as this man who stays away (from the mosque) and performs Salat in his house, you will abandon the Sunnah (practice) of your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), and the departure from the Sunnah of your Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) will lead you astray. I have seen the time when no one stayed behind except a well-known hypocrite. I also saw that a man was brought swaying (on account of weakness) between two men till he was set up in a row (in the mosque).
[Muslim].

1070. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “If three men in a village or in the desert, make no arrangement for Salat in congregation, Satan must have certainly overcome them. So observe Salat in congregation, for the wolf eats up a solitary sheep that stays far from the flock.”
[Abu Dawud].

 

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].

The Excellence and Obligation of the Payment of Zakat

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The Excellence and Obligation of the Payment of Zakat

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And perform Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat), and give Zakat.” (2:43)

“And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him), and perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) and give Zakat, and that is the right religion.” (98:5)

“Take Sadaqah (alms) from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it.” (9:103)

1206.  Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The structure of) Islam is built on five (pillars): Testification of `La ilaha illallah’ (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is his slave and Messenger, the establishment of Salat, the payment of Zakat, the pilgrimage to the House of Allah (Ka`bah), and Saum during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1207.  Talhah bin `Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person with dishevelled hair, one of the people of Najd, came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). We heard the humming of his voice but could not fully understand what he was saying, till he approached close to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Then I came to know that he was asking about Islam. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “There are five (obligatory) Salat during the day and the night.” He said: “Am I obliged to perform any other (Salat) besides these?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No, but whatever you observe voluntarily.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) added, “There is the Saum of Ramadan.” The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to do anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No, but whatever you do out of your own free will. You may observe voluntary fasting.” And the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) told him about the Zakat (obligatory charity). The inquirer asked: “Am I obliged to pay anything besides this?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “No, but whatever you pay voluntarily out of your own free will.” That man turned back saying: “By Allah! I will neither make any addition to this nor will I decrease anything from it.” (Upon hearing this) the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remarked, “He is successful if he proves truthful (to what he is saying).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1208. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) appointed Mu`adh (May Allah be pleased with him) as governor of Yemen, and at the time of his departure, he instructed him thus: “First of all, call the people to testify `La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) and that I (Muhammad) am the Messenger of Allah, and if they accept this (declaration of Faith), then tell them that Allah has enjoined upon them five Salat during the day and night; and if they obey you, 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.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1209. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I have been commanded to fight people till they testify `La ilaha illallah’ (there is no true god except Allah) that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is his slave and Messenger, and they establish Salat, and pay Zakat; and if they do this, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1210. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) passed away, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) was appointed as his successor (caliph). Amongst the Arabs some men apostatised. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) resolved to fight them. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said to Abu Bakr: “How can you fight them when the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has declared: `I have been commanded to fight people till they testify La ilaha illallah (there is no true god except Allah); and if they do it, their blood (life) and property are secured except when justified by law, and it is for Allah to call them to account.” Upon this Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “By Allah, I would definitely fight him who makes distinction between Salat and the Zakat, because it is an obligation upon the rich to pay Zakat. By Allah I will fight them even to secure the piece of rope which they used to give to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).” `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “I realized that Allah opened the heart of Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) for fighting those who refused to pay Zakat, and I fully recognized that Abu Bakr ¨(May Allah be pleased with him) was right.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1211. Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “Direct me to a deed which may admit me to Jannah.” Upon this he (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) said, “Worship Allah and never associate anything with Him in worship, establish Salat, pay Zakat, and strengthen the ties of kinship.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1212. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A bedouin came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “O Messenger of Allah! Direct me to a deed by which I may be entitled to enter Jannah.” The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Worship Allah, and never associate anything with Him, establish Salat, pay the Zakat which has been enjoined upon you, and observe Saum of Ramadan.” He (the bedouin) said: “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is, I will never add anything to these (obligations).” When he turned his back, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who wants to see a man from the dwellers of Jannah, let him look at him (bedouin).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1213. Jarir bin `Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I pledged allegiance to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to establish Salat, to pay the Zakat and to have the welfare of every Muslim at heart.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1214. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any person who possesses gold or silver and does not pay what is due on it (i.e., the Zakat); on the Day of Resurrection, sheets of silver and gold would be heated for him in the fire of Hell and with them his flank, forehead and back will be branded. When they cool down, they will be heated again and the same process will be repeated during the day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years. (This would go on) until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah’s) slaves, and he will be shown his final abode, either to Jannah or to Hell.” It was asked, “How about someone who owns camels and does not pay what is due on him (i.e., their Zakat)?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “In the same way the owner of camels who does not discharge what is due in respect of them (their due includes their milking on the day when they are taken to water) will be thrown on his face or on his back in a vast desert plain on the Day of Resurrection and they will trample upon him with their hoofs and bite him with their teeth. As often as the first of them passes him, the last of them will be made to return during a day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years, until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah’s) slaves, he will be shown his final abode either to Jannah or to Hell.” It was (again) asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about cows (cattle) and sheep?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone who possesses cattle and sheep and does not pay what is due on them (i.e., their Zakat); on the Day of Resurrection, he will be thrown on his face in a vast plain desert. He will find none of the animals missing with twisted horns, without horns or with a broken horn, and they will gore him with their horns and trample upon him with their hoofs. As often as the first of them passes him, the last of them will be made to return to him during a day the measure whereof will be fifty thousand years, until Judgement is pronounced among (Allah’s) slaves; and he will be shown his final abode either to Jannah or to Hell.” It was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the horses?” Upon this he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The horses are of three types. One, which is a burden for the owner; another which is a shield, and another one which makes its owner entitled to reward. The one for whom these are a burden is the person who rears them for show or for pride or for causing injury to the sentiments of the Muslims. They will be a cause of torment for their owners. The one for whom these are a shield is the person who rears them for the sake of Allah but does not forget the Right of Allah concerning their backs and their necks (i.e., he lets a needy ride on them), and so they are a shield for him. Those which bring reward to the one who rears them in pastures and gardens are the ones that are used in the Cause of Allah (Jihad) by the Muslims. Whatever they eat from the meadows and the gardens will be recorded on his behalf as good deeds so much so that their droppings and urine will be counted for an equal number of good deeds for him. Even when they break their tying rope and every height from which they climb and every hoofprint which they leave will be counted as a good deed on behalf of the owner. When their owner leads them through a stream from which they drink, though he does not intend to quench their thirst, yet Allah would record for him the quantity (of water) of what they would drink on his behalf as good deeds.” It was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the donkeys?” Upon this he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Nothing has been revealed to me in regard to the donkeys in particular except this one Verse of a comprehensive nature: “So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it. And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant) shall see it.”’ (99: 8,9).
[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 Adhan

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The Excellence of Adhan

1033. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Were people to know the blessing of pronouncing Adhan and the standing in the first row, they would even draw lots to secure these privileges. And were they to realize the reward of performing Salat early, they would race for it; and were they to know the merits of Salat after nightfall (`Isha’) and the dawn (Fajr) Salat, they would come to them even if they had to crawl.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1034. Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “The Mu’adhdhinun (callers to prayer) will have the longest necks on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Muslim].

1035. `Abdullah bin `Abdur-Rahman reported: Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) said to me: “I see that you like living among your sheep in wilderness. So whenever you are with your sheep or in wilderness and you want to call Adhan, you should raise your voice because whoever hears the Adhan, whether a human or jinn or any other creature, will testify for you on the Day of Resurrection.” Abu Sa`id added: “I heard this from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1036. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When Adhan for Salat is pronounced, the devil takes to his heels and breaks wind with noise so as not to hear the call. When the Adhan is finished, he returns. When the Iqamah is announced, he turns his back, and after it is finished, he returns again to distract the attention of one and makes him remember things which he does not recall in his mind before the Salat, and says `Remember this, and this,’ and thus causes one to forget how many Rak`at he performed.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1037. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When you hear the Adhan, repeat what the Mu’adhdhin says. Then ask Allah to exalt my mention because everyone who does so will receive in return ten rewards from Allah. Then beseech Allah to grant me Al-Wasilah, which is a high rank in Jannah, fitting for only one of Allah’s slaves; and I hope that I will be that man. If any one asks Al-Wasilah for me, it becomes incumbent upon me to intercede for him.”
[Muslim]

1038. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you hear the Mu’adhdhin (pronouncing the call to Salat), repeat after him what he says.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1039. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who says upon hearing the Adhan: `Allahumma Rabba hadhihid-da`wati-ttammati, was-salatil-qa’imati, ati Muhammadanil-wasilata wal-fadhilata, wab`athu maqaman mahmuda nilladhi wa `adtahu [O Allah, Rubb of this perfect call (Da`wah) and of the established prayer (As-Salat), grant Muhammad the Wasilah and superiority, and raise him up to a praiseworthy position which You have promised him]’, it becomes incumbent upon me to intercede for him on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1040. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who says after the Adhan: `Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallah Wah-dahu la sharika Lahu; wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa Rasuluhu, radhitu Billahi Rabban, wa bi Muhammadin Rasulan, wa bil Islami Dinan [I testify that there is no true god except Allah Alone; He has no partners and that Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger; I am content with Allah as my Rubb, with Muhammad as my Messenger and with Islam as my Deen],’ his sins will be forgiven.”
[Muslim].

1041. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The supplication made between the Adhan and the Iqamah is never rejected.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

 

Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

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Sunnah of Zuhr Prayer

1113. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I performed with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) two Rak`ah before and two after Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1114. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah supererogatory prayer before Zuhr prayers.
[Al-Bukhari].

1115. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) stayed in my house, he would perform four Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer) before Zuhr prayer. Then he would go out and lead Salat. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would then come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). He would lead the Maghrib prayer and come back and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer). When he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had led the `Isha’ prayer, he would enter the house and perform two Rak`ah (supererogatory prayer).
[Muslim]

1116. Umm Habibah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever observes the practice of performing four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer and four after the Zuhr prayer, Allah will shield him against the Fire (of Hell).
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1117. `Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform four Rak`ah prayer after the declining of the sun before Zuhr prayer and would say, “This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1118. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: If the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) could not perform four Rak`ah before Zuhr prayer, he would perform them after it (i.e., after the obligatory prayer).
[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

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The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

1187.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1188.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”
[Muslim].

 

The Excellence of using Miswak (Tooth-Stick)

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The Excellence of using Miswak (Tooth-Stick)

1196. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Miswak (tooth-stick) before every Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1197.  Hudaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) got up (from sleep), he would rub his teeth with Miswak (tooth-stick).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1198.  `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: We used to prepare for the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) a Miswak (tooth-stick) and the water for making Wudu’. Whenever Allah wished to awaken him from sleep at night, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would brush his teeth with Miswak, make Wudu’, and perform Salat.
[Muslim].

1199.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I stress upon you to use Miswak (tooth-stick).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1200. Shuraih bin Hani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her): “What was the first thing which the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would do when he entered his house?” She replied: “He would use Miswak (tooth-stick).”
[Muslim].

1201. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) once and noticed the tip of Miswak (tooth-stick) on his tongue.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1202.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The Miswak (tooth-stick) cleanses and purifies the mouth and pleases the Rubb.”
[An-Nasa’i and Ibn Khuzaimah].

1203. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are five acts which conform to the pure nature: Circumcision, removing of the pubic hair, clipping the nails, plucking the underarm hair and trimming the moustache.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1204.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are ten demands of pure nature: trimming the moustache, letting the beard grow, using Miswak (tooth-stick), snuffing up water into the nose (in ablution), paring the nails, washing the bases of the finger joints; plucking the underarm hair, removing of the pubic hair and removing impurities with water from the affected part after a call of nature.”

The subnarrator said: I forgot the tenth but it might possibly be the rinsing of the mouth (in ablution).
[Muslim].

1205. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Trim the moustaches and let the beard grow.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Observing Saum (Fasts) during Ramadan

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Chapter 217
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].

Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

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Chapter 201
Sunnah of the Maghrib Prayer

[In the previous chapter, the practice of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has been reported by `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) that he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to perform two Rak`ah Sunnah after the obligatory Maghrib prayer].

1122. `Abdullah bin Mughaffal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform two Rak`ah before Maghrib prayer.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) repeated it twice; when repeating it for the third time he added: “He who may so wish.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1123. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the principal Companions of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) rushing to the pillars (of the mosque) to perform two Rak`ah prayers behind them before the Maghrib prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1124. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: In the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we used to perform two Rak`ah (optional prayer) after sunset before the Maghrib prayer. It was asked: “Did Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perform them?” He replied: “He saw us performing it, but he neither ordered us to perform them nor did he forbid us from doing so.”
[Muslim].

1125. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we were in Al-Madinah, the moment the Mu’adhdhin finished the Adhan of the Maghrib prayer, the people hastened to the pillars of the mosque and performed two Rak`ah prayer behind them. A stranger coming into the mosque would think that the obligatory prayer had already been performed because of the number of people performing them.
[Muslim].

The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

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Chapter 185
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).”

The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

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Chapter 211
The Desirability of Prostrating out of Gratitude

1159. Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We left Makkah with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for Al-Madinah, and when we were near `Azwara,’ he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) alighted (from his riding-camel) raised his hands in supplication to Allah for a while and prostrated himself. He remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself (again), and remained for a long time in prostration. Then he stood up and raised his hands for a while, after which he prostrated himself for the third time. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I supplicated my Rubb and made intercession for my Ummah, and He granted me one-third of them. So I again prostrated myself in gratitude to my Rubb. Then I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah, and He granted me another third of them. Again I raised my head and supplicated my Rubb for my Ummah and He granted me the last third of them. So I fell into prostration out of gratitude before my Rubb.”
[Abu Dawud].

Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

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Chapter 202
Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

[Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) has narrated that he performed two Rak`ah after the Fard prayer of `Isha’ with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). `Abdullah bin Maghaffal has narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) has said, “There is a Salat between every Takbir and Adhan.”

This proves that apart from the four Rak`ah Fard, there are also two Rak`ah Sunnah of the `Isha’ prayer). See Ahadith No. 1098 and 1099.

 

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