Excellence of the Morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr Prayers

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 188
Excellence of the Morning (Fajr) and ‘Asr Prayers

1047. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who The observes Al-Bardan (i.e., Fajr and `Asr prayers) will enter Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1048. Abu Zuhair `Umarah Ruwaibah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “He who performs Salat (prayers) before the rising of the sun and before its setting, will not enter the Hell.”
[Muslim].

1049. Jundub bin Sufyan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who offers the dawn (Fajr) prayers will come under the Protection of Allah. O son of Adam! Beware, lest Allah should call you to account in any respect from (for withdrawing) His Protection.”
[Muslim].

1050.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are angels who take turns in visiting you by night and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn (Fajr) and the afternoon (`Asr) prayers. Those who have spent the night with you, ascend to the heaven and their Rubb, Who knows better about them, asks: `In what condition did you leave My slaves?’ They reply: `We left them while they were performing Salat and we went to them while they were performing Salat.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1051. Jarir bin `Abdullah Al-Bajali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he looked at the full moon and observed, “You will see your Rubb in the Hereafter as you see this moon having no difficulty in seeing it. So try your best to perform the prayers before the rising of the sun and that before its setting.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1052. Buraidahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who misses the `Asr Salat (deliberately), his deeds will be rendered nul and void.”
[Al-Bukhari].

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

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 182
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].

 

Time for the Duha (Forenoon Optional) Prayer

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
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 to Perform Tahiyyat-ul-Masjid (Upon Entering the Mosque)

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 208
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].

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

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 197
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 Proceeding towards the Mosque Walking

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 189
The Excellence of Proceeding towards the Mosque Walking

1053. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who goes to the mosque in the morning or in the evening, Allah prepares for him a place in Jannah whenever he goes to the mosque in the morning and returns from it in the evening.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1054. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who purifies (performs Wudu’) himself in his house and then walks to one of the houses of Allah (mosque) for performing an obligatory Salat, one step of his will wipe out his sins and another step will elevate his rank (in Jannah).”
[Muslim].

1055. Ubayy bin Ka`b (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There was a man of the Ansar whose house was the farthest from the mosque. As far as I know, he never missed Salat (in congregation). It was said to him: “If you buy a donkey, you may ride upon it in the dark nights and in the hot days.” He said: “I do not like that my house should be situated close to the mosque. I desire that my walking towards the mosque and returning home be recorded to my credit.” Upon this the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah has gathered all (rewards) for you.”
[Muslim].

1056. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: There were some plots of land lying vacant around the mosque. The people of Banu Salamah decided to move to this land and come nearer to the mosque. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) heard about it and said to them, “I have heard that you intend to move near the mosque.” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah! We have decided to do that.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Banu Salamah! Stay in your houses, because your footprints (when you come to the mosque) will be recorded.” He said this twice. They said: “We would not have liked it, had we moved near the mosque.”
[Muslim].

1057. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The person who will receive the highest reward for Salat (prayer) is the one who comes to perform it in the mosque from the farthest distance. And he who waits for Salat to perform it with the Imam (in congregation) will have a greater reward than the one who observes it alone and then goes to sleep.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1058. Buraidah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Convey glad tidings to those who walk to the mosque in the darkness. For they will be given full light on the Day of Resurrection.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1059. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates the ranks (in Jannah).” The Companions said: “Yes (please tell us), O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Performing the Wudu’ properly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next Salat (prayer) after a observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”
[Muslim].

1060. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When you see a man frequenting the mosque, testify that he is a believer because Allah says: `Allah’s mosques are visited only by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

 

Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 172
Desirability of Supplications during the Journey

980. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Three supplications are answered without doubt. The supplication of the oppressed, the supplication of the traveller, and the supplication of the parent for his son.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 161
Supplication for the Deceased after his Burial

946. Abu `Amr (also called Abu `Abdullah and also Abu Laila) from `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: After the burial of a dead man, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would stand by the grave and say, “Ask Allah to forgive your brother and supplicate for him for steadfastness because he is being questioned (about his deeds) now.”
[Abu Dawud].

947. `Amr bin Al-`as (May Allah be pleased with him) used to say: “When you have buried me, keep standing near my grave till (for the time it takes to) a camel is slaughtered and its meat is distributed, so that I may feel your nearness and know what to reply to the angels sent by my Rubb.”
[Muslim].

 

Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 162
Charity on behalf of the Deceased and Praying for him

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And those who came after them say: `Our Rubb! Forgive us and our brothers who have preceded us in Faith.”’ (59:10)

948. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: A man said to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam): “My mother has died suddenly. I think that if she were able to talk (alive) she would have given in Sadaqah (charity). So, if I give Sadaqah now on her behalf, will she get the reward?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes (she will be rewarded for that).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

949. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end, except for three: A continuous charity, knowledge by which people derive benefit, pious son who prays for him.”
[Muslim].

 

Praising the Deceased

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 163
Praising the Deceased

950. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some Companions happened to pass by a funeral procession (bier) and they praised him (the deceased). The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” Then they passed by another funeral procession and they spoke ill of the deceased. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He will certainly enter it.” `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “(O Messenger of Allah,) what do you mean by `He will certainly enter it?’‘ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “You praised the first person, so he will enter Jannah; and you spoke ill of the second person, so he will enter Hell. You are Allah’s witnesses on earth.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

951. Abul-Aswad (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to Al-Madinah, and while I was sitting beside `Umar bin Al-Khattab, a funeral procession passed by. The people praised the deceased, and `Umar bin Al-Khattab said: “He will certainly enter it.” Then another funeral procession passed by and the people praised the deceased. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “He will certainly enter it.” A third funeral procession passed by and the people spoke ill of the deceased. He said: “He will certainly enter it.” I (Abul-Aswad) asked: “O Amir Al-Mu’minin (i.e., Leader of the Believers)! What do you mean by `He will certainly enter it’?” He replied: “I said the same as was said by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `If four persons testify the righteousness of a Muslim, Allah will grant him Jannah.’ We asked: `If three persons testify his righteousness?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even three’. Then we asked: `If two?’ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, `Even two.’ We did not ask him (regarding the testimony) of one.”
[Al-Bukhari].

 

Desirability of returning Home by Day

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 176
Desirability of returning Home by Day

985. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When one of you stays away (from his family) for a long period of time, let him not surprise his family by night.”

  In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prohibited us from coming back to our family at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

986. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would not come (back) to his family by night. He used to come in the morning or in the evening (before dark).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 150
Helping a dying Person to Pronounce ‘La Ilaha Illahllah’

917. Mu`adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He whose last words are: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah) will enter Jannah.”
[Abu Dawud].

918. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Exhort your dying men to recite: `La ilaha illallah’ (There is no true god except Allah).”
[Muslim].

The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing aLeader

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 167
The Desirability of undertaking a Journey in a Group and appointing a Leader

958. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Were people to know of what I know about the dangers of travelling alone, no rider would travel alone at night.”
[Al-Bukhari].

959. `Amr bin Shu`aib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A single rider is (accompanied with) Satan and two riders are (accompanied with) two Satans. Three riders form a group.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

960. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When three persons set out on a journey, they should appoint one of them as their leader.”
[Abu Dawud].

961. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best number of companions is four; the best detachment is four hundred and the best army is four thousand; and twelve thousand men will not be defeated as a result of smallness of number.”
[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from aJourney for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 178
Desirability of Entering the Mosque near one’s Home upon returning from a
Journey for offering two Rak’ah Prayer

988. Ka`b bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) returned from a journey, he would proceed straight to the mosque and perform two Rak`ah of (optional) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

Chapter 177
Supplication at the time of returning Home and on seeing one’s Hometown

987. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We returned with the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) from a journey; and when we entered the suburbs of Al-Madinah, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are returning in safety, turning to our Rubb, worshipping Him and praising Him).” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) continued repeating these words till we entered Al-Madinah.
[Muslim].

Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during theJourney and other matters relating to the Journey

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 168
Etiquette of Staying, Riding, Encamping at night and sleeping during the Journey
and other matters relating to the Journey

962. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “When you travel through green and lush land, give the camels their due from the ground, and when you travel through a dry and barren land, make them walk quickly lest their strength falters. When you encamp at night, keep away from the roads, for beasts pass there and they are the resort of insects at night.”
[Muslim].

963. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) encamped at night during a journey, he would lie down on his right side, and when he stayed a little before dawn he would raise his forearm and place his head on the palm of his hand.
[Muslim].

964. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep to travelling by night because the earth is folded (traversed more easily) during the night.”
[Abu Dawud].

965. Abu Tha`labah Al-Khushani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the people encamped during the journey, they would disperse in the mountain passes and valleys. (When) the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) noticed this he said, “Your act of scattering in the mountain passes and valleys is from Satan.” Afterwards the Companions kept close together whenever they encamped.
[Abu Dawud].

966. Sahl bin `Amr known as Ibn Al-Hanzaliyyah reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) happened to pass by a camel whose belly was sticking to its back (because of hunger), whereupon he said, “Fear Allah in respect of these dumb (animals). Ride them while they are fit, and slaughter them and eat their meat when they are fit.”
[Abu Dawud].

967. Abu Ja`far `Abdullah bin Ja`far (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made me ride behind him one day and confided something to me which I shall never disclose to anyone. (`Abdullah added:) He ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) preferred to screen himself from others when responding to the call of nature, either behind a wall or the trunk of a date-palm.
[Muslim].

Al-Barqani added: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) entered an orchid belonging to an Ansari and saw there a camel. When it saw him, it began to groan and its eyes shed tears. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) approached it and patted it on the hump and the base of its head until it quieted down. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked, “Who is the owner of this camel? To whom does it belong?” An Ansari youth stepped forward and said: “It is mine O Messenger of Allah!” He said, “Do you not fear Allah in respect of this beast which Allah has placed in your possession? This camel is complaining to me that you starve it and put it to toil.”
[Abu Dawud].

968. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When we encamped, we would not offer (voluntary) prayers until we had unsaddled our beasts.
[Abu Dawud].

Supplication at the time of Riding

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 170
Supplication at the time of Riding

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“… and has appointed for you ships and cattle on which you ride. In order that you may mount on their backs, and then may remember the Favour of your Rubb when you mount thereon, and say: `Glory to Him Who has subjected this to us, and we could never have it (by our efforts). And verily, to Our Rubb we indeed are to return!”’ (43:12-14)

972. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) mounted his camel for setting out on a journey, he would recite: “Allahu Akbar (Allah is Greatest),” thrice. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would supplicate: “Subhanal-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. Allahumma inna nas’aluka fi safarina hadh al-birra wat-taqwa, wa minal-`amali ma tarda. Allahumma hawwin `alaina safarana hadha, watwi `anna bu`dahu. Allahumma Antas-Sahibu fissafari, wal-Khalifatu fil-ahli. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`ta’is-safari, wa kaabatil-manzari, wa su‘il-munqalabi fil-mali wal-ahli wal-waladi (Far removed from imperfection is the One Who has made this subservient to us, for we have no power to subjugate it, and certainly to our Rubb shall we return. O Allah, we ask You during this journey of ours for righteousness, piety and such deeds as are pleasing to You. O Allah, make easy for us this journey of ours and make the distance short for us. O Allah, You are our Companion during the journey and the Guardian of the family and the property in our absence. O Allah, I seek refuge in You from the hardships of travelling, unhappiness connected with ghastly scenes and evil turns in property and family).” When he returned, he recited this supplication making addition of these words: “Ayibuna, ta’ibuna, `abiduna, li-Rabbina hamidun (We are those who return; those who repent; those who worship and those who praise our Rubb).”
[Muslim].

973. `Abdullah bin Sarjis (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) proceeded on a journey, he would seek refuge in Allah from the hardships of the journey, and against deviation after guidance, and against the supplication of the oppressed, and occurrences of unpleasant events in the family and property. He would say: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min wa`tha’is-safari, wa kaabatil-munqalabi, wal-hauri ba`dal-kauni, wa da`watil-mazlumi, wa su‘il-manzari fil-ahli wal-mal.”
[Muslim].

974. `Ali bin Rabi`ah reported: In my presence, a beast was brought to `Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) for riding. When he put his foot in the stirrup, he said: “Bismillah (With the Name of Allah).” When he had settled himself on its back he recited: “Al-hamdu lillahil-ladhi sakh-khara lana hadha, wa ma kunna lahu muqrinin, wa inna ila Rabbina lamunqalibun. (All praise belongs to Allah Who has made this subservient to us, for we had not the strength to overpower it; and to our Rubb shall we return).” He then recited thrice: “Alhamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah),” and then three times: “Allahu Abkar (Allah is Greatest).” Then he said: “Subhanaka inni zalamtu nafsi faghfir li, innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta (You are far removed from imperfection I have wronged myself, so forgive me, because none but You can forgive sins).” Then he smiled. It was asked: “Why have you smiled, O Amir Al-Mu’minin (Leader of the Believers)?” He replied: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) doing as I have done. I (i.e., Ali) asked him (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) the reason for smiling. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, `Your Rubb, Glorious is He, is pleased when His slave seeks His forgiveness. He (the slave) has firm faith that none except Allah Alone can forgive sins)’.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 153
The Ruling of crying and wailing over a Dead Person

Wailing is unanimously forbidden (Haram) as will be mentioned later on. There are some Ahadith which forbid us from crying over somebody’s death, and which inform us that the dead will be tormented in their graves as a result of their relatives crying over their death. This prohibition applies only to those cases where crying is accompanied with lamenting and wailing. Weeping without these two is, permissible; and the Ahadith in support of this are many, including the following:

925. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited Sa`d bin `Ubadah during his illness. He was accompanied by `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf, Sa`d bin Abu Waqqas and `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began to weep. When his Companions saw this, their tears also started flowing. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you not hear, Allah does not punish for the shedding of tears or the grief of the heart, but punishes or bestows mercy for the utterances of this (and he pointed to his tongue).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

926. Usamah bin Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A grandson (child of the daughter) of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was presented to him while the child was at his last breath. Tears began to flow from the eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). Sa`d said to him: “What is this, O Messenger of Allah?’‘ He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It is mercy which Allah has placed in the hearts of his salves. Allah bestows His Mercy on the merciful among His slaves.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

927. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to his son Ibrahim (May Allah be pleased with him) when he was breathing his last. The eyes of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) began shedding tears. `Abdur-Rahman bin `Auf  (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah, you too weep?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “O Ibn `Auf! It is mercy.” Then he began to weep and said, “The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Rubb. O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your departure.”
[Al-Bukhari].

Supplications in Funeral Prayers

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 157
Supplications in Funeral Prayers

To pronounce four Takbir (saying Allahu Akbar) in the funeral prayer. After the first Takbir, after saying A`udhu billahi minash-Shaitanir-rajim, recite Surat Al-Fatihah. After the second Takbir, send Salam [Allahumma Salli `ala Muhammadin wa `ala ali Muhammadin kama sallaita `ala Ibrahima wa `ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid. Allahumma barik `ala Muhammadin wa `ala ali Muhammadin, kama barakta `ala Ibrahima, wa `ala ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidun Majid. Then after the third Takbir, invoke supplication for the deceased and for the Muslims as we will mention later on, in sha’ Allah. After the fourth Takbir, supplicate Allah. (Some of the supplications of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), which are to be recited after the third Takbir are mentioned in the following Ahadith:)

935. Abu `Abdur-Rahman `Auf bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) offered a funeral prayer and I memorized his supplication. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) prayed: “Allahummaghfir lahu, warhamhu, wa `afihi, wa`fu `anhu, wa akrim nuzulahu, wa wassi` mudkhalahu, waghsilhu bil-ma’i wath-thalji wal-baradi, wa naqqihi minal-khataya, kama naqqaytath-thawbal-abyada minad-danasi, wa abdilhu daran khairan min darihi, wa ahlan khairan min ahlihi, wa zawjan khairan min zawjihi, wa adkhilhul-Jannata, wa a`idh-hu min `adhabil-qabri, wa min `adhabin-nar [if the dead person is a woman, one should change the ending of certain words in this supplication from hu to ha] (O Allah! Forgive him, bestow mercy upon him, pardon him, accord him a noble provision and make his grave spacious, wash him with water, snow and hail, purify him from sins as You have purified the white garment from soiling, give him a better abode in place of his present one, and a better family in exchange of his present one, and a better spouse in place of his present wife; admit him to Jannah and protect from the trial in the grave and punishment in the Hell).” (After hearing this supplication of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), Abu’ Abdur-Rahman ‘Auf bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) said: I wished I had been that dead man.
[Muslim].

936. Abu Hurairah, Abu Qatadah, and Abu Ibrahim Al-Ash-hali (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) offered a funeral prayer and said: “Allahummaghfir lihaiyina wa maiyitina, wa saghirina wa kabirina, wa dhakarina wa unthana, wa shahidina wa gha’ibina. Allahumma man ahyaiytahu minna, fa’ahyihi `alal-Islam, wa man tawaffaiytahu minna, fatawaffahu `alal-Iman. Allahumma la tahrimna ajrahu, wa la taftinna ba`dahu (O Allah, forgive our living and our dead, our present and our absent, our young and our old, our male and our female. O Allah, whosoever of us You keep alive, keep him alive (faithful) to IslÀm, and whosoever of us You cause to die, let him die having Iman. O Allah, do not deprive us of our reward (for being patient) and do not subject us to trials after his death.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

937. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “When you pray over the dead, make a sincere supplication for him.”
[Abu Dawud and Ibn Majah].

938. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicated in course of funeral prayer: “Allahumma Anta Rabbuha, wa Anta khalaqtaha, wa Anta hadaytaha lil-Islam, wa Anta qabadta ruhaha, wa Anta a`lamu bisirriha wa `alaniyyatiha, ji’naka shufa`a’a lahu [if the dead person is a man, or laha if the dead person is a woman], faghfir lahu [or laha, if it is a woman] (O Allah, You are its Rubb; You created it; You guided it to Islam; You have taken its life back and You know best its insight and outer condition. We have come as intercessors, so forgive him).”
[Abu Dawud].

939. Wathilah bin Al-Asqa` (May Allah be pleased with him)  reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) led the funeral prayer of a Muslim man in our presence, and I heard him saying “Allahumma inna [name of the dead person] fi dhimmatika wa habli jiwarika, faqihi fitnatal-qabri; wa `adhaban-Nari, wa Anta ahlul-wafa’i wal-hamdi; Allahumma faghfir lahu warhamhu, innaka Antal-Ghafur-ur-Rahim [If the dead person is a woman, one can change hu in some words here with ha] [O Allah, (so-and-so son of so-and-so) is in Your Protection and inside the surroundings of Your Refuge. Safeguard him from the trial of the grave and the punishment of the Hell. You keep Your Promise and You deserve to be praised. O Allah! Forgive him and be merciful to him. Indeed, You are the Forgiving, the Merciful].”
[Abu Dawud].

940. `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: While offering the funeral prayer of one of his daughters, he recited four Takbir, and after the fourth Takbir he continued standing for a time equal to an interval between two Takbir, praying for her and seeking Allah’s forgiveness for her.” Then he said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.”

 Another narration is: He (Abdullah) recited four Takbir and remained standing in prayer for some time till we thought that he would recite the fifth Takbir. Then he gave Salam on the right and on the left. When he turned aside, we asked him about it. He replied: “I would add nothing to what I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) doing,” or he said: “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.”
[Al-Hakim].

 

Supplication when one is disappointed about his Life

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 147
Supplication when one is disappointed about his Life

911. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: While the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was reclining against me (during his last illness) I heard him saying: “Allahumma-ghfir li, warhamni, wa alhiqni bir Rafiqil-A`la (O Allah, forgive me, bestow Your Mercy on me and let me join with the exalted companions.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

912. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) when he was at the point of death. He had a drinking bowl with water in it. He would dip his hand into the bowl, and wipe his face. Then he would supplicate, “O Allah! Help me over pangs and agony of death.”
[At-Tirmidhi].