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Local or international sighting of moon? – Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen

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al-Aqalliyaat al-Muslimah – Page 84, Fatwa No.23

Question:

Should we fast and end our fast according to the sighting of the new moon in Saudi Arabia or should we do it according to the sighting of the new moon in the country where we are?

Response:

There are as many as six different opinions amongst the scholars concerning this issue. However, there are two main points of view.

The first is that everyone should sight the moon in their own country and those countries where the moon rises at the same time should follow them. The reason for this is that the time at which the moon rises, varies from place to place.

The second opinion is that the beginning of the new month need only be confirmed in any one of the Muslim countries. If the sighting of the new moon is confirmed in any Muslim country, it is then obligatory for all Muslims to use that sighting to begin the fast of Ramadhaan or end it. According to this last opinion, if the new month is confirmed in Saudi Arabia it is obligatory upon all Muslims, in all parts of the world, to fast if it is the beginning of Ramadhaan and to end their fast if it is the beginning of Shawwaal. This is the most common opinion held by the followers of the madhhab of Imaam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal.

However, the first opinion is more correct because of the evidence in the Qur’aan, Sunnah and because of analogy. With regards to the Qur’aan, Allaah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:

{The month of Ramadaan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever witnesses the month should fast it…}, [Soorah al-Baqarah, Aayah 185].

This last sentence is a conditional sentence, and the ruling contained in a conditional sentence is established for whomever the condition applies to and it is annulled for anyone for whom the condition does not apply. So the sentence: «Whoever witnesses the month should fast it» implies that whoever does not witness it does not fast it.

It is well known amongst astronomers that the time the moon rises differs from place to place. The moon might be seen in one place and not in another. Therefore, according to the verse, whoever does not see it is not obliged to fast.

With regards to the Sunnah, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

«If you sight it (the new moon of Ramadaan), then fast and if you sight it (the new moon of Shawaal),then end the fast. And if it is obscured from you, then complete thirty days (of Sha’baan»).

He (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) said:

«If you sight it».

He therefore linked the ruling to the sighting and if a ruling is linked to an effective cause, then that ruling is annulled in the absence of that cause.

With regards to analogy, we say that in as much as the times for beginning the fast and breaking the fast every day vary from place to place so, in the same way, the times for the beginning and ending of the monthly fast also vary. We here in Riyadh, for example, begin our fast every day before the people in Al-Hijaaz and we also break our fast before they do. It is, therefore, obligatory upon us to start fasting while they are still eating. On the other hand, at the end of the day we are eating while they are still fasting. If, therefore, each place has its own ruling due to the variation in the time that the sun rises and sets, the same also applies due to the variation in the time that the moon rises and sets.

Therefore, the answer to the question is clear. It is obligatory for you to follow the sighting of the new moon in the place where you are.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
al-Aqalliyaat al-Muslimah – Page 84, Fatwa No.23
http://wp.me/p1VJ3-49

From the Etiquette of a Son with his Father – Al-Bukhari, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad

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Abû Hurayrah – Allâh be pleased with him – once saw two men. He asked one of them, “How is this man related to you?” He replied, “He is my father.” Abû Hurayrah said,

“Do not call him by his name, do not walk in front of him and do not sit before he does.”

Al-Bukhârî, Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Shaykh Al-Albânî graded its chain of transmission sahîh in Sahîh Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Vol. 1 p19.

Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/tag/abu-hurayrah/

Supplications Upon Breaking the Fast & Responding to the Mu’aththin – Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-Uthaymeen

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Question:

Is there any supplication reported from the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and the Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, at the time of breaking the fast? Should the fasting person repeat what the Mu’aththin says, or continue breaking his fast?

Answer:

The supplication at the time of fasting is most likely to be answered, because it is at the end of an act of worship, and in most cases, a human self is at its weakest point just before he breaks his fast. The weaker a person is physically, and the more tender-hearted, the greater is his feeling of repentance and humility towards Allaah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful.

The supplication which is reported from the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam is:

اللهم لك صمت و على رزقك أفطرت

(Allaahumma Laka Sumtu Wa ‘Ala Rizqika Aftartu.)

“Oh, Allaah! For Your sake I have fasted and with Your sustenance I have broken my fast.”[1]

When he broke his fast, the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam also said:

ذهب الظمأُ، وابتلت الروق و ثبت الأجر إن شاء الله

(Thahabath-Thama’u Wabtallatil-‘Urooqu Wa Thabatal-Ajru In Sha’ Allaah.)

“Thirst has gone, the arteries are moist, and the reward is sure, if Allaah wills.”[2]

Although there may be some weakness in these two Ahadith, some of the Scholars have declared them to be Hasan; and in anycase, if you supplicated using these words or any others words that came to your heart when breaking your fast, then it is most likely to be answered.

As for answering the Mu’aththin when a person is breaking his fast, it is lawful, because of the saying of the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam:

إذا سمعتم المؤذن فقولوا مثل ما يقول

“If you hear the Mu’aththin, then say what he says.” [3]

applys to all situations, except those which there is some evidence to show otherwise.

______________________

[1] Reported by Abu Dawud in the Book of Fasting.

[2] Reported by Abu Dawud in the Book of Fasting, in the Chapter: What to Say When Breaking the Fast (2357).

[3] Reported by al-Bukhari in the Book of Athaan, in the Chapter: What is Said When the Caller is Heard (611); and by Muslim in the Book of Prayer, in the Chapter: the Recommendation of Saying What the Mu’aththinSays (384).

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen
Fatawa Arkaanul-Islaam, DARUSSALAM, Vol.2, p.670

Umar and the Black Stone – From Ibn Hajr, Fath Al-Bârî, and other hadîth commentaries

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Al-Bukhârî reports that ‘Umar – Allâh be pleased with him – came to the Black Stone (performing tawâf, circumambulation), kissed it, and said, “I know that you are a stone, you do not cause benefit or harm; and if it were not that I had seen Allâh’s Messenger – peace and blessings of Allâh be upon him – kiss you, I would never have kissed you.”

Al-Bukhârî, Al-Sahîh, Chapter on what has been said about the Black Stone.

Points to note

· The illustrious Companion and Caliph ‘Umar reminded us in this narration of the pure belief that benefit and harm are not caused by created objects and thus should not be sought from them. Only Allâh has control over these things.

· We are reminded that acts of worship are taken from Allâh’s Messenger, and a person is not supposed to make up his own way of worship, he must follow the manner of worship that the Prophet taught and practiced.

· We also learn that once an action is confirmed in the Sunnah, the believer submits and complies and practices it because it is confirmed that Allâh’s Messenger did it, even if we don’t know the wisdom behind it.

· This narration is also an example of how a responsible person tries to clarify and do away with any misunderstandings that people may have about matters of faith. The people had recently left their unbelief and polytheism, so ‘Umar wanted to make it clear that kissing the Black Stone is by no means done as an act of devotion to it, as people used to do with their stone idols.

Adapted from Ibn Hajr, Fath Al-Bârî, and other hadîth commentaries.

Source: http://www.sayingsofthesalaf.net/index.php/umar-and-the-black-stone/

Do not anticipate Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it – Permanent Committee

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Q: If it is cloudy or overcast, is it obligatory or prescribed to observe Sawm (Fasting) on the Day of Doubt (the 30th of Sha‘ban) as a precaution, in case the month has begun?

A: It is not permissible to perform Sawm on the Day of Doubt (so called because there is doubt concerning it – is it the last day of Sha’ban or the first day of Ramadan), even if the sky is cloudy, because the Messenger (peace be upon him) said,

“Fast when you see it (the new moon of Ramadan) and stop fasting when you see it (the new moon of Shawwal); but if the clouds obstruct your sighting of the new moon, complete the month of Sha‘ban thirty days.”

He (peace be upon him) also said,

“Do not precede Ramadan by fasting one or two days before it begins, unless for a person who observes a habitual pattern of Sawm, then let them fast it.”

As for what is narrated about Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), that he used to observe Sawm on the 30th of Sha‘ban if it was cloudy, this was his Ijtihad (juristic effort to infer expert legal rulings), but the correct opinion is contrary to this; it is obligatory not to observe Sawm (on that day). Ibn ‘Umar practiced Ijtihad in this case, but his Ijtihad opposed the Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet), may Allah forgive him!

The correct opinion is that the Muslims must not observe Sawm on the 30th of Sha‘ban, if the new moon of Ramadan is not sighted. If it is cloudy, it is obligatory not to observe Sawm. It is not permissible to start observing Sawm until the sighting of the new moon is confirmed or Sha‘ban is completed with thirty days. This is what is obligatory on Muslims, and it is not permissible to oppose the Nas (Islamic text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah) according to the words of one person, whether he is Ibn ‘Umar or anyone else, because the Nas (Islamic text from the Qur’an or the Sunnah) takes precedence over all opinions, as Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) says:

And whatsoever the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him) gives you, take it; and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain (from it) [Surah Al-Hashr 59:7].

He (may He be Glorified and Exalted) also says:

And let those who oppose the Messenger’s (Muhammad peace be upon him) commandment (i.e. his Sunnah — legal ways— orders, acts of worship, statements, etc.) (among the sects) beware, lest some Fitnah (disbelief, trials, afflictions, earthquakes, killing, overpowered by a tyrant) should befall them or a painful torment be inflicted on them. [Surah Al-Nur, 24: 63]

Source: http://www.alifta.net

‘Ammaar ibn Yaasir said: “Whoever fasts on the day concerning which there is doubt has disobeyed Abu’l-Qaasim (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).” This was narrated by al-Tirmidhi and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 553.

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said in his commentary on the hadeeth “Do not anticipate Ramadaan by fasting one or two days before it begins…”:

The scholars (may Allaah have mercy on them) differed concerning this prohibition and whether it meant that this is haraam or makrooh. The correct view is that it means it is haraam, especially on the day of doubt.

Sharh Riyaadh al-Saaliheen, 3/394.

The scholars of the Standing Committee said concerning the day of doubt,

“The Sunnah indicates that it is haraam to fast this day.” (Fataawa al-Lajnah, 10/117)

It is not permissible to exchange old gold for new gold and pay the difference in value

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Question :

What is the ruling regarding some of the owners of the gold shops stipulates a condition on the person selling them used gold that he must buy new gold from them?

Answer :

This is not permissible, because it is conniving to sell gold for gold with some difference between the qualities, and conniving is prohibited in the Islamic Law, because it is deception and playing with the Laws of Allah.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaimin

Source: Fatwa Islamiyyah – Dar-us-salam publications

The ruling on exchanging used Gold for new Gold, like for like, while taking a Fee for Craftsmanship

Question :

What is the ruling concerning many of the people who have gold shops who deal with buying used gold (called Al-Kasr), and they take it to a gold merchant and exchange it for new gold that is specially crafted and that matches the weight of the old gold exactly? Then they take a fee for the craftsmanship of the new gold.

Answer :

It is confirmed from the Prophet Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam that he said:

“Gold for gold, silver for silver, wheat for wheat, dates for dates, barley for barley, salt for salt like for like, equal for equal, hand to hand (i.e., paid on the spot) .”

Muslim no. 1587.

It is also confirmed from him that he said:

“Whoever increase or seek an increase, then indeed he has committed a Riba transaction.”

Muslim no. 82/1584,1588.

It is also confirmed from him that he was given some good dates, so he asked about them. The people said, “We would take a Sa’ of this for two Sa’s (of bad dates) and two Sa’s for three Sa’s. So, the Prophet  Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam commanded that the sale be canceled and he said:

“This is Riba, exactly.”

Then he directed them to sell the power quality dates for cash, and then to use that cash to buy good dates.

From these Hadiths you can tell that what the questioner mentioned of exchanging gold for gold while adding a fee for the craftsmanship done to one of them is a forbidden matter. It is not permissible and it is included in the Riba transactions that the Prophet  Sallallaahu alaihi wa sallam prohibited. The safe method in this is that the used gold be sold for a price without any secret understanding or agreement. Then, after its owner takes money, he buys the new thing. It is better that he search for the new thing in another place and if he does not find it he may return to the person to whom he sold the gold and buy with the cash. If the person increase the price, there is no harm in that. The important thing is that there is no trading of gold for gold while paying some difference, even if the is due to some special craftsmanship work. This is if the merchant is a merchant, then the buyer can say, “Take this gold and make if for me how I want it to be fashioned, and I will give you the cost for the work when the work is finished,” there is no harm in that.

Ash-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaimin

Source: Fatwa Islamiyyah – Dar-us-salam publications

What is meant by the middle course in religious matters? – Shaykh Uthaymeen

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Source : Transcribed from: Fatawa Arkan-ul-Islam | Islamic Verdicts on the pillars of Islam | Volume 1: Creed and Prayer |

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen

A. The middle course in religious matters means that a person should not be excessive, exceeding the limits set by Allah, the Almighty, the All-Powerful, nor be deficient, by not fulfilling what Allah, the Most Glorified, the Most High has ordained.

The middle course in religious matters is to hold fast to the way of the Prophet salAllahu alayhi wa sallam, while excess in religious matters is to exceed it, and deficiency is not to attain it.

An example of this is that a man says: I want to stand for the night prayer and I will not sleep any of the time, because prayer is one of the best forms of worship, so I love to spend all the night in prayer. We say: This is excess in the religion of Allah, and it is not right, for something like this happened during the life of the Prophet salAllahu alayhi wa sallam: A number of people met and one of them said: I stand in prayer and I do not sleep, while another said: I fast and I do not break my fast, while a third said: I do not marry women. The Prophet salAllahu alayhi wa sallam was informed of this and he salAllahu alayhi wa sallam said:

“What is wrong with people who say such and such? I fast and I break my fast, I stand in prayer and I sleep and I marry women, so whoever dislikes my Sunnah is not from me.” [Bukhari, 6101; Muslim, 1401]

So, these people intended to act excessively in the religion, and the Messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam declared that he was innocent of them, because they expressed excessiveness in his Sunnah which includes fasting, breaking the fast, standing in prayer, sleeping, and marrying women.

As for the one who is deficient, he is the one who says: There is no need for me to perform supererogatory acts of worship, so I shall not do so, but will perform the obligatory acts only. He might also be deficient in the obligatory acts. This is the one who is deficient.

The moderate person is the one who acts in accordance with what the Messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam and the rightly guided caliphs followed.

Another example would be that of three men before whom is a sinful man, and one of them says: I will not give salutations of peace to this sinner and I will cut him off and stay away from him and not speak to him. The second one says: I will keep company with this sinner and give salutations of peace to him and smile at him and invite him to my house and accept his invitation, and in my opinion he is not but a righteous man. The third one says: I hate this sinner for his sins and love him for his faith and I will not cut him off except when cutting him off is a means of improving him, but if cutting him off does not result in improving him, instead causing him to increase his sinfulness, then I will not cut him off.

We say that the first person is excessive and extreme, while the second is excessively lacking and the third is moderate. This is what we say in all of the acts of worship and in conduct, the people are either deficient or extreme or moderate.

A third example is of a man who is a slave to his wife, she speaks to her husband in any way she wishes and he does not prevent her from doing evil, nor does he encourage her to strive for virtue. She possesses his mind and she becomes master over him. Another man is oppressive and arrogant, and deems himself superior to his wife and he pays no heed to her, and she is even less than a servant in his estimation. A third man is moderate and he treats her as Allah and His Messenger salAllahu alayhi wa sallam have commanded him:

And they (women) have rights (over their husbands as regards living expenses, etc.) similar (to those of their husbands) over them (as regards obedience and respect, etc.) to what is reasonable (Al Baqarah 2:228)”

“A believing man should not hate a believing woman. If there is some characteristic in her that he dislikes, there remains some other characteristic in her which pleases him.” [Muslim, 1469]

This last one is moderate while the first is extreme in his treatment of his wife and the other is deficient. And you should base all deeds and acts of worship upon this example.

Transcribed from: Fatawa Arkan-ul-Islam | Islamic Verdicts on the pillars of Islam | Volume 1: Creed and Prayer | Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih Al-‘Uthaymeen

Is wearing a watch on the right hand in accordance with the Sunnah?

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Shaykh ‘Abd al-‘Azeez ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

There is nothing wrong with wearing a watch on either the right or left hand, like a ring, because it is proven that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) wore a ring on his right hand and left hand. End quote.

Fataawa Islamiyyah (4/255)

—

Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Putting a watch on the right hand is not better than putting it on the left hand, because a watch is like a ring, and there is no difference between putting a watch on the right hand or left hand. But undoubtedly putting it on the left hand is easier with regard to correcting it and looking at it, and it is safer in most cases, because the right hand moves more so it is more likely to cause damage to it.

The matter is broad in scope, so we should not say that the Sunnah is to wear it on the right hand, because it is narrated in the Sunnah that it is permissible to wear a ring on both the right and the left hand, and a watch is like a ring. End quote.

Al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (6/110)

—

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ – alifta.net

Q 4: What is the ruling on men wearing watches on the right or left hand?

A: The ruling is flexible in this regard and it is permissible to wear it in the right or left hand, equally for men and women, just like rings.

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

The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’

Member – Deputy Chairman – Chairman
`Abdullah ibn Ghudayyan – `Abdul-Razzaq `Afify – `Abdul-`Aziz ibn `Abdullah ibn Baz

http://www.alifta.net/Fatawa/fatawaDetails.aspx?languagename=en&BookID=7&View=Page&PageNo=1&PageID=9382

Sincere Advice from the Sheikhah Umm Abdillah Al-Waad’eeyah

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This is the response to what the Sheikhah Umm Abdillah Al-Waad’eeyah, may Allah preserve her, had when a flyer was shown and translated to her, for a sisters beauty and spa gathering in the west. The request was made to the sister Umm Abdillah Al-Britaaniyah, may Allah preserve her, to ask the Sheikhah about this issue.

The response from the Sheikhah:

All praises are due to Allah. And may the prayer and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone without any partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is his slave and messenger. To proceed:

Firstly, it is upon every Muslim woman to know that Allah has made it obligatory upon her to remain at home. As He has said:

وَقَرْنَ فِي بُيُوتِكُنَّ وَلَا تَبَرَّجْنَ تَبَرُّجَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةِ ٣٣:٣٣

“And stay in your homes (Oh you women) and do not display your adornments or beauty like the days of Ignorance”

So this is the foundation, however if it becomes necessary for her to leave her home then there is no objection. Provided that she leaves for a reason permitted by the legislation of Al-Islaam. This is because of the speech of the Prophet:

قد أنِنَ الله لكُنَّ أنْ تُخْرُجْنَ لِحَوائِجِكُنَّ

“Indeed it has been permitted for you (women) to leave your homes”

Collected in the Saheeh of Imaam Muhammad bin Ismaa’eel Al-Bukhaari #5237

Furthermore, if she leaves her home then it is likewise obligatory upon her to wear Al-Hijaab in a well-mannered fashion with modesty. As for a woman leaving her home to such events mentioned in the question, then it includes wasting time. Also, it is from resembling the disbelieving women, which is forbidden. The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

من تشبَّهَ بِقومٍ فهو منهم

“Whoever resembles a people then he is from them”

Narrated from Abdullah bin ‘Umar Collected in the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad Vol. 2 page 50 and Graded Hasan by Imaam Al-Albaani

It also includes polishing the nails with nail polish. This act as a barrier against water when performing ablution. And whatever does this is prohibited. Except in the case of the menstruating woman. It also includes the women taking a bath or relaxing in water for hours. This legislatively is called “الحمامات” (Spas) and is prohibited (for women) because of the Hadeeth narrated by ‘Aaisha. She reported that the Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

أيُّما امرَأةٍ وَضَعَتْ ثِيابَها في غَيرِ بيتِ زَوْجِها, هَتَكَتْ ما بينَها و بينَ اللهِ

“Which ever woman takes off her clothing in other than her husband’s house then she has indeed ripped the protection between her and Allah.”

This Hadeeth is Saheeh collected in the Musnad of Imaam Ahmad

So to summarize, it is not permissible to attend such events because of the contradictions to the legislation of Al-Islaam it presents. Such as wasting time and spending a lot of money without a justified reason. Also, I add to this subject that perhaps the women maybe caused to expose her Awrah this is because the beautician may seek to treat her whole body or most of it.

The Prophet (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

لا يَنظُرُ الرَّجل أِلى عَوْرَةِ الرَّجل, و لا المَرْأَةُ أِلى عَوْرَةِ المَرْأةِ

“No man should look at another man’s ‘awrah, nor should a woman look at another woman’s ‘awrah”

Collected in the Saheeh of Imaam Muslim bin Al-Hajjaaj # 766. Narrated on the authority of Abi Sa’eed Al-Khudri

And perhaps it maybe a male beautician in which the prohibition and sin is far greater.

So stay far away from this oh Muslimaat. May Allah grant you all success with that. Accustom yourselves to staying in your homes and beware of resembling the disbelieving women because verily this leads to having amity (friendship, love, etc.) for the disbelieving women and love of resembling them inwardly. That is in relation to their belief.

Likewise, I advise you all to leave those lands that oppress its people and to have adherence upon this Haneef religion. And Allah is the one who grants success.

Al praises are due to the Lord of all existence.

…

Sheikhah Umm Abdillah Al-Waadi’eeyah
Translated by: Umm Abdillah Al-Britaaniyah
Darul Hadeeth Dammaaj

Striving Hard, Competing for Good Deeds in Ramadaan – Shaykh Ibn Baaz

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All Praise is due to Allaah, and may the peace and blessings be upon His Messenger Muhammad.

It is legislated for all the Muslims to strive hard in the various types of worship during this noble month.

  1. They should strive to pray voluntary prayers and
  2. recite the Qur`an with reflection and thinking.
  3. They should increase the glorification of Allaah [saying “SubhanAllaah”], declaring Allaah’s right to be worshiped alone [saying “La illaaha il Allaah”], praising Him [saying “Al-Hamdulillaah”], declaring His greatness [saying “Allaahu Akbar”] and seeking His forgiveness.

They should

  1. say legislated supplications,
  2. command the good, forbid the evil,
  3. invite to Allaah,
  4. be generous to the poor and needy,
  5. strive to be kind to parents,
  6. keep good family ties,
  7. honor the neighbor,
  8. visit the sick, and
  9. other types of good deeds.

This is due to the Prophet’s (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) statement:

“Allaah looks at your competing for good works during it and He proudly tells the angels about you all. Therefore, show Allaah goodness from yourselves. For verily, the wretched person is the one who is deprived of Allaah’s Mercy during it (Ramadaan).”

– Majma ‘uz-Zawa’id 3:142; Kanzul-‘Ummal no. 23692.

This is also due to what is reported from him (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) that he said:

“Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

This is also due to his (salallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) statement in the authentic hadith:

“An ‘Umrah performed during Ramadaan is equal to a performance of Hajj – or he said – a Hajj with me.” – Al-Bukhari (no. 1863) and Muslim (no. 1256).

The ahadith and narrations that prove the sanctioning of competing, and being aggressive in performing the various acts of goodness in this noble month are numerous.

Allaah is the one Who is asked to help us and the rest of the Muslims to do all that contains His Pleasure and to accept our fast and standing for night prayer. We ask Him to correct our situations and protect us all from the deviations of trials and temptations. Likewise, we ask Him to make the leaders of the Muslims righteous, and unite their word upon the truth. Verily, Allaah is the Guardian of that, and He is capable of doing it.

Source: Fataawa Islamiya, pp. 220-221

Last part and 15th of Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) – Dr. Saleh As-Saleh [Audio|En]

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Dr Saleh as Saleh ( Rahimahullah ) clarifies beautifully.

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Download Mp3 – Shaban – Last part and 15th of Shaban

Shab-e-barat : Specifying the day of the 15th of Sha’baan by fasting or reciting the Qur’aan or performing naafilah prayers

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Question:

We see some people specifying the 15th of Sha’baan with particular supplications and reciting the Qur.aan and performing naafilah prayers. So what is the correct position concerning this, and may Allaah reward you with good?

Response:

That which is correct is that fasting the 15th of Sha’baan or specifying it with reciting (the Qur.aan) or making (particular) supplications has no basis. So the day of the 15th of Sha’baan is like any other 15th day of other months. So from that which is known is that it has been legislated for a person to fast the 13th, 14th and 15th of every month, however, Sha’baan is characterised unlike the other months in that (except for Ramadhaan) the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to fast more in Sha’baan than any other month . So he used to either fast all of Sha’baan or just a little. Therefore, as long as it does not cause difficulty for a person, it is befitting to increase in fasting during Sha’baan in adherence to the example of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 612
Fataawa Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen – Volume 1, Page 190


Standing the night of the 15th of Sha’baan in prayer and fasting during it’s day

Question: Is standing the night of the 15th of Sha’baan in prayer and fasting during it’s day legislated?

Response: Nothing firm and reliable has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) that he stood in prayer in the night and fasted during the day of the 15th of Sha’baan. So the night of the 15th of Sha’baan is like any other night, and if someone is a regular worshipper during other nights, then he may stand the night in prayer on this night without assuming anything special (because of it being the night of the 15th of Sha’baan). This is because specifying a time for any act of worship requires a authentic proof, so if there is no authentic proof then the act is regarded as an innovation and all innovations are misguidance. Likewsie, regarding specifically fasting during the 15th day of Sha’baan, then no (authentic) proof has been established on the authority of the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) to indicate the legislation of fasting on that particular day.

As for that which is mentioned from the ahaadeeth regarding this subject, then all of it is weak as the people of knowledge have indicated. However, whoever has the habit of fasting the 13th, 14th and 15th (of every month), then he can continue and fast during Sha’baan as he fasts during the other months, without assuming anything special about the 15th of Sha’baan. Also, the Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) used to increase in fasting during this month (Sha’baan), however, he did not particularise the 15th day, rather proceeded as per norm.

Shaykh Ibn Fowzaan
al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa asla lahu – Page 614
Noorun alad-Darb Fataawa Shaykh Saalih Ibn Fowzaan – Volume 1, Page 87


Giving sadaqah specifically on the night of 15th of Sha’baan

Question:

When my father was alive, he entrusted me to give sadaqah (charity) according to my means on the 15th of Sha’baan every year, and likewise I have been doing this ever since. However, some people have admonished me for doing so saying it is not permissible. So is giving sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan permissible according to the willment of my father or not? Kindly advise us and may Allaah reward you with good.

Response:

To specify the giving of sadaqah on the night of the 15th of Sha’baan every year is an innovation, and despite your father having entrusted you with that, it is not permissible. It is befitting you give this sadaqah without specifying the night of the 15th of Sha’baan, rather do so every year and in whichever month, but without particularising any one month (on a consistent basis). However, it is permissible to do so in the month of Ramadhaan (for the evidence which indicates so).

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) and his family and his companions.

The Permanent Committee for Islaamic Research and Fataawa

al-Bid’u wal-Muhdathaat wa maa laa Asla lahu – Page 611
Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. – Fatwa No. 9760

Some Points of Benefit regarding Shirk and Bidah

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Source: : Al-Istiqaamah Magazine, Issue No.7 – The Beginnings of Deviation

Firstly: That Shirk began during the time of Noah ‘alayhis-salaam, due to the excessive love and veneration that the people had for certain dead pious Muslim.

Imaam al-Qurtubee (d.654H) – rahimahullaah – said: “The initial images that were made of these righteous men were done in order that the people could be reminded about their righteousness and so strive in being righteous; as they strove. So they worshipped Allaah by the graves of these righteous men. Then a people came after them who forgot the intent of their fore-fathers’ actions. So Shaytaan whispered to them saying: Your fore-fathers used to worship these images and held them in great veneration.”13

Secondly: “That Shaytaan is eager to misguide mankind and to plot against them. He comes from the angle of exploiting man’s emotions, and lures them into doing acts that are (apparently) good. Thus, when Shaytaan saw amongst the people of Noah their great love and esteem for the righteous, he tricked them into going beyond the bounds in their love, and he got them to make and place statues of these dead pious Muslims in their places of gatherings. The objective of this was to make them swerve away from the right path.

Thirdly: That Shaytaan does not only observe the present generation, and seek to deceive only them; but he also wishes to misguide and deceive future generations. Thus, when he could not plunge the present generation, from the people of Noah, into Shirk, he eagerly awaited the next generation’s arrival, in order that he could misguide them.”14

Fourthly: That the worshipping of dead pious Muslims continues to be practiced amongst the Ummah even today. The difference being is that the names have changed. Thus, instead of worshipping Wadd, or Yaghooth, or Ya’ooq; people have instead directed the same practices of Shirk – like supplicating directly to the pious dead, and taking them as intercessors between them and Allaah – to others; such as to Shaykh ‘Abdul-Qaadir al-Jeelaanee in Iraaq, or al-Baydaawee in Eygypt, or Chishtee in India, etc. However, changing the name of a thing, does not change its reality.

The People Divide into Four Categories with respect to Sincerity and Adherence to the Guidance of the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Salam)

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Source :Class 42 from Lessons on Tawhid – Approximately 50 Classes – from Dar-ul-Hadith, Dammaj, Yemen new

These were lessons conducted on the book ‘al-Qawl-ul- Mufeed Fee Adillatit-Tawhid’ [Beneficial Speech in Establishing the Evidences of Tawhid] written by one of the major scholars of the Sunnah in Yemen, Shaikh Muhammad ibn Abdul-Wahhab al-Wasabi (may Allah preserve him).

al-Qisam al-Awwal (The First Category):

  1. They do not want by this from the people a recompense or thankfulness, and nor do they seek a high position with them, and they do not seek praise and position in their heart, and they are not fleeing from their rebuke. Verily, they see the people [who are alive] in the position of the people of the grave, those who do not control for them harm or benefit, or life or death, or resurrection. So actions for the people, and seeking a position with them,and hoping in harm or benefit from them [i.e. the general people], is not from them [i.e. these category of people]. Verily, it is from those who are ignorant of the situation and ignorant of their Lord. And whoever knows the people and puts them in their proper places, and knows Allaah, is sincere in his actions and his statements and his givings and his forgivings and his love and his hatred. So no one does actions and deeds for the creation other than Allaah except that he is ignorant of Allaah and ignorant of the creation. For verily, the one who knows Allaah and knows the people prefers actions and deeds for Allaah over actions and deeds for the people.
  2. So their actions, all of them, are for Allaah, and all of their statements are for Allaah, and their giving and their forgiving is for Allaah, and their love is for Allaah and their hatred is for Allaah, and their actions, both in the apparent and the hidden, are for the face of Allaah alone.
  3. Those who have gathered between Ikhlaas (sincerity) and Mutaabi’ah (following the guidance of the Prophet).
  4. And like this their actions, all of them, and their worship is in agreement with the command of Allaah, and with what He loves and what He is Pleased with. And Allaah does not accept from the people any action except this. And Allaah has tested His servants with life and death, so He said: Who has created death and life, that He may test you which of you is best in deed. (Al-Mulk 67:2)

And He has made that which is upon the earth as a beauty for them upon the earth so that He may test them which of them are best in actions and deeds. al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyyaad said: A beautiful action (al-‘Amal al-Hasan) is that which is sincere (Akhlasuh) and that which is correct (Aswabuh).

They said: Oh Abaa ‘Alee, what is sincere and what is correct? He said: Verily, if the action is sincere (Khaalis) but it is not correct (Sawaab): it is not accepted (Lam Yuqbal), and if it is correct but it is not sincere: it is not accepted, until it is sincere and correct. And a sincere [action] is: that which is for Allaah, and a correct [action] is: that which is upon the Sunnah.

And this is mentioned in His statement:

So whoever hopes for the Meeting with his Lord, let him work righteousness and associate none as a partner in the worship of his Lord. (Al-Kahf 18:110)

And in His (ta’aalaa) statement:

And who can be better in religion than one who submits his face (himself) to Allaah (i.e. follows Allaah’s Religion of Islaamic Monotheism); and he is a Muhsin (a good-doer). And follows the religion of Ibraaheem (Abraham) Haneefaa (Islaamic Monotheism – to worship none but Allaah Alone). (An-Nisaa’ 4:125)

So Allaah does not accept from the actions except that which is done sincerely seeking His Face, and that which is in agreement with His Order, and other than this is not accepted, rather it is repelled back on the person who does it at a time when he is in most need of it, and it is turned intoscattered ashes.

And in as-Saheehayn [i.e. al-Bukhaaree and Muslim] from the narration of ‘Aa’ishah (radiyAllaahu ‘anhaa) who narrated from the Prophet (Peace be Upon him), that he said: ((Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it will have it rejected)). And in the narration from Muslim: ((Whoever does a deed that is not ordered by us will have it rejected)).

So every action that is not in agreement [with the Sunnah], then it does not increase its doer except in distance away from Allaah, for verily Allaah (ta’aalaa) is only worshipped with what He has ordered to be worshipped with, not with opinions (Aaraa’) and desires (Ahwaa’).

al-Qisam ath-Thaanee (The Second Category):

  1. Those who have no sincerity and have no adherence to the Sunnah,so their actions and deeds are not in agreement with the legislation, and they are not sincere to the One who is worshipped.
  2. They are like the ones who beautify themselvesto the people, showing-off to them with that which Allaah has not decreed and that which the Messenger has not informed the people of. And they are the evilest of creation (Shiraarul-Khalq).
  3. And they are the most disliked and the most hated of people to Allaah (‘azza wa jall), and they havethe biggest portion of His (ta’aalaa) statement: Think not that those who rejoice in what they have done (or brought about), and love to be praised for what they have not done,- think not you that they are rescued from the torment, and for them is a painful torment. (Aali Imraan3:188)
  4. They are happy with what they do from innovation (Bid’ah) and misguidance (Dalaalah) and association (Shirk), and they love that they be praised as they are the followers of the Sunnah and the people of sincerity – and they are not from the people of the Sunnah or sincerity (Ahlus-Sunnati wal-Ikhlaas) –
  5. And this category of people are numerous, from the people who have gone astray from the ones who are alienated from the people of knowledge (‘Ilm), and poverty (Faqr), and worship (‘Ibaadah), from the Straight Path (Siraatul-Mustaqeem).
  6. For verily they do actions of innovation and misguidance to show-off and to be heard-off, and they love to be praised for that which they have not done from the following of the Sunnah, and possessing sincerity and knowledge. So they are the people of hatred and misguidance (Ahlul-Ghadabi wad-Dalaal).

al-Qisam ath-Thaalith (The Third Category):

  1. The one who is sincere in his actions and deeds,but his actions and deeds are not in agreement with the order of Allaah.
  2. And they are like the ignorant worshippers and the ones who are from the path of abstinence (Zuhud) and poverty (Faqr).
  3. And they are the ones who worship Allaah with other than what He has decreed and legislated, and they believe that their worship is bringing them close to Allaah.
  4. And they believe that listening to clapping and whistling is bringing them close to Allaah, and being isolated and leaving off the Jumu’ah [i.e. the Friday prayer] and the Jama’ah [i.e. the mandatory prayers] is also being close to Allaah, and continuing the fast until the night is also being close to Allaah, and fasting the two holidays (Siyaam al-‘Eedayn) of al-Islaam is also a way of being close to Allaah.
  5. And they try to get close to Allaah with actions of innovation (Bid’ah) and disobedience (Ma’aasee).
  6. So the sincerity of a person in this state does not benefit him because these actions that he does are from the actions of innovation. And the actions of the innovator are not accepted, and the proof being in the Hadeeth of Umm-ul-Mu’mineen ‘Aa’ishah (radiyAllaahu ‘anhaa), raised to the saying of the Prophet (Peace be upon him): ((Whoever introduces into this affair of ours that which is not from it will have it rejected)). Agreed Upon [i.e. reported by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim].

al-Qisam ar-Raabi’ (The Fourth Category):

  1. The one whose actions are in accordance with the Sunnah, but they are for the sake of other than Allaah.
  2. Such as obedience of the ones who show-off, and like the ones who fight to show-off, and because of great pride and great courageousness. And he does the Hajj so that it may be said that he has performed the Hajj.
  3. And he reads the Qur’aan so that it may be said that he reads the Qur’aan.
  4. And the actions of these people, from the apparent they seem righteous, but they are not righteous since they are performed for other than the sake of Allaah, so they are not accepted. Allaah (ta’aalaa) said: And they were commanded not, but that they should worship Allaah, and worship none but Him Alone (abstaining from ascribing partners to Him). (Al-Baiyinah 98:5)
  5. So they have not been ordered except that they worship Allaah with that which He has legislated and with sincerity to Him in all their worship.

And the people of sincerity and adherence (Ahlul-Ikhlaas wal-Mutaabi’ah), they are the people of:You (Alone) we worship, and You (Alone) we ask for help (for each and everything). (Al-Faatihah 1:5)

End of excerpt from the book Madaarij as-Saalikeen of al-‘Allaamah Ibnul-Qayyim (rahimahullaah) (1/95-97).

The True Treasure : I went to steal from him, but he stole from me – Inspirational Story

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A burglar scaled the wall of Maalik bin Dinar’s house one night and easily managed to get inside. Once inside the house, the thief was disappointed to see that there was nothing inside actually worth stealing. The owner of the home was inside at the time, he was busy performing prayer. Realizing that he was not alone, Maalik quickly ended his prayer and turned around to face the thief. Without showing any sign of being shocked or afraid, Maalik calmly extended greetings of peace and then said, “My brother, may Allah forgive you. You entered my home and found nothing that is worth taking, yet I do not want you to leave my home without taking away some benefit.”

He stood up, went to another part of the room, and came back with a jug full of water. He looked into the eyes of the burglar and said, “Make ablution and perform two units of prayer, for if you do so, you will leave my home with a greater treasure than you had initially sought when you entered it.”

Much humbled by Maalik’s manners and words, the thief said, “Yes, that is a generous offer indeed.”

After making ablution and performing two units of prayer, the burglar said, “O Maalik, would you mind if I stayed for a while, for I want to stay to perform two more units of prayer?”

Maalik said, “Stay for whatever amount of prayer Allah decrees for you to perform now.”

The thief ended up spending the entire night at Maalik’s house. He continued to pray until the morning. Then Maalik said, “Leave now and be good.”

But instead of leaving, the thief said, “Would you mind if I stayed here with you today, for I have made an intention to fast the day?”

“Stay as long as you wish,” said Maalik.

The burglar ended up staying for a number of days, praying during the late hours of each night and fasting throughout the duration of each day. When he finally decided to leave, the burglar said, “O Maalik, I have made a firm resolve to repent for my sins and for my former way of life.”

Maalik said, “Indeed, that is in the Hand of Allah.”

The man did mend his ways and began to lead a life of righteousness and obedience to Allah. Later on, He came across another burglar he knew. [His friend] said to him, “Have you found your treasure yet?”

He said, “My brother, what I found is Maalik bin Dinaar. I went to steal from him, but it was he who ended up stealing my heart. I have indeed repented to Allah, and I will remain at the door [of His Mercy and Forgiveness] until I achieve what his obedient, loving slaves have achieved.”

[al-Mawaa’idh wal-Majaalis: 85]

Source: The above is taken from the book “Stories of Repentance” from dar-us-salam publications

Woe Unto you, O Dinar !! – The Stories of Repentance

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Interesting Story !! Read on ..

There is an interesting story related about Dinaar al-‘Ayaar. Dinaar had a righteous mother who would constantly advise him to repent for his wayward, sinful existence, but as much as she tried, her words had no positive effect on him whatsoever. Then, one day, as he was walking by a graveyard, he stopped to pick up a bone. He was shocked to see how it crumbled and turned to dust in his hand. The sight of that bone had a profound effect on Dinaar. He began to think about his life and his past sins, and he then exclaimed, “Woe unto you, O Dinaar, you are going to end up like this crushed bone, and your body will turn into dust.” All of his past sins then flashed before his eyes, and he made a firm resolve to repent. Turning his gaze towards the sky, he said, “My Lord, I now turn to you in complete submission, so accept me and have Mercy on me.”

With a completely changed heart and state of mind, Dinaar went to his mother and said, “Mother, what does a master do when he captures his slave who had run away from him?” She said, “[To punish him] the master provides him with coarse clothing and low-quality food; and he ties his hands and feet so that he does not make another attempt to escape.” Dinaar said, “Then I want a garment made of coarse wool, low-quality barley, and two chains. Mother, do with me that which is done with a runaway slave. Perhaps my Lord will, upon seeing my humiliation and humility, have mercy on me.” Seeing that her son was adamant and resolute in his request, she complied.

At the beginning of every ensuing night, Dinaar would begin to cry and wail uncontrollably. And he would continue to repeat to himself the words, “Woe unto you, O Dinaar, do you have the power to withstand the Hell fire? How brazen you have been to have led a life that has made you deserving of the anger of the All-Mighty!” He would continue upon that state until the morning.

Turning wan and pale, Dinaar’s body slowly wasted away. Not being able to bear seeing him in that pitiable state, his mother said, “My son, be easy on yourself.” He answered, “My mother, let me remain tied for a short while, so that perhaps I can achieve long-term comfort later on. For tomorrow, I will be waiting a long time before my Majestic Lord, and I do not know whether He will order me to go to places of beautiful shade or to places of unspeakable horror.”

She said, “My son, at least rest for a while.” He said, “It is not present rest or comfort that I am seeking out. Mother, it is as if I see you and other people being led tomorrow towards Paradise, while I am being led towards the Hell-fire along with his inhabitants.” She left him then, and he returned to crying, worshipping, and reciting the Quran. One night, as he was reciting the Quran, he came across these verses:

فَوَرَبِّكَ لَنَسْأَلَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِين عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ َ
So, by your Lord [o Muhammad], We shall certainly call all of them to account, for all that they used to do.

[al-Hijr : 92-93]

As he contemplated the meanings and implications of these verses, he cried with such intensity that he fainted. His mother rushed to him and tried very hard to revive him, but he wouldn’t respond. She thought he had died. Looking into the face of her son, she said, “O my beloved one, O the joy of my heart, where shall we meet again?” In fact, Dinaar still had some life left in him, and hearing his mother’s words, he answered with a faint voice, “My mother, if you do not find me on the wide plains of the Day of Resurrection, then ask Maalik, the Custodian of Hell-fire about me.” He then made a croaking sound and died.

After she finished washing his body, Dinaar’s mother prepared him for his funeral. She then went out and made the announcement, “O people, come to the funeral prayer of one who has been killed by [fear of] the Hell-fire.” People began to come from all directions. It is said that during that era, no greater gathering came together and no amount of tears were shed as much as on that day.

On the same night that his funeral was held, one of Dinaar’s friends saw him in a dream, attired in a green robe. Dinaar was prancing around in Paradise, all the while reciting the verse:

فَوَرَبِّكَ لَنَسْأَلَنَّهُمْ أَجْمَعِين عَمَّا كَانُوا يَعْمَلُونَ َ
So, by your Lord [o Muhammad], We shall certainly call all of them to account, for all that they used to do.

During the dream, his friend heard him say, “By His Might and Majesty, He asked me [about my deeds]. Having mercy on me, He forgave me and pardoned me [my sins.] Lo! Convey news of this to my mother.”

The above story is taken from “The Stories of repentence” published by dar-us-salam

Allah’s Vast And Comprehensive Mercy : The Stories of Repentance

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Yusuf bin Al-Husain is the narrator of this story:

I was with Dhi-an-Nun on the edge of a stream, when we saw an extraordinarily large lizard crawling along the side of the stream. Something strange yet wonderful then happened. A frog surfaced from the stream, the lizard mounted its back, and the frog then swam to the other side of the stream, carrying its passenger on its back.

Dhi-an-Nun said, “There is something interesting about that lizard let us go and follow it.” We crossed the stream (which wasn’t so wide in width), and on the other side, we saw a drunken man who had passed out. Suddenly, a snake appeared before the prone body of the drunkard. It slithered its way up to the man’s navel to his chest, making a direct course to one of his ears.

The lizard we saw earlier then sprang into action. It jumped onto the snake and struck it violently, splitting its body into two. Returning to the edge of the stream, the lizard then mounted the frog again, and the two crossed to the other side of the stream, though both were still visible to us. Dhi-an-Nun woke up the drunkard, who slowly opened his eyes and became conscious of what was happening around him. Dhi-an-Nun said, “O young man, look how Allah has saved you! When this snake came to kill you, that lizard came and killed it. He then explained the entire story to the young man.

The young man stood up and exclaimed: “O my lord, this is how you deal with one who disobeys you, then what will your mercy be like for the one who obeys you?” He then betook himself to the desert, vowing to dedicate his life to worship and to never return to the evils of the city.

The above is taken from “The Stories of Repentence” published by dar-us-salam

Story of a Man who did not fulfill the rights of others – The Stories of Repentance

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THERE IS HOPE UNTIL THE VERY END

One day, as Ali bin Abi Taalib and al-Hussain bin Ali were walking together, they heard a man supplicating to Allah. The man was begging Allah to forgive him for his evil crimes. His sincere tone and eloquent words aroused the interest of Ali, who turned to his son and said, “Do you not hear the man who is so very contrite because of his sins? Go catch up with him and call him.”

When al-Hussain caught up with the man, he saw that he was clean-looking, clean-smelling, with nice clothes and altogether handsome- except that he seemed to be paralyzed on the right side of his body. Al-Hussain said, “Answer the summons of the Leader of the believers, Ali bin Abu Taalib.”

Dragging his right side, the man followed al-Hussain back to where Ali was waiting for them.

“Who are you and what is your story,” asked Ali.

“My story is that of a man who did not fulfill the rights of others and is now being punished for that,” said the man.

“And what is your name?” asked Ali.

“Munaazil bin Laahiq,” said the man.

“And what is your story?” asked Ali.

“I was famous among the Arabs for my frivolous and sinful exploits. Merciful and kind, my father would constantly admonish me and advise me to mend my ways. He would remind me of Allah’s punishment, saying, ‘My son, do not go against He who punishes with the Hell-fire!’ When he would persist in advising me, I felt his voice grating on my nerves. I would get so frustrated that I would beat him with harsh blows. In response to my blows, he one day said, ‘By Allah, I will fast without breaking my fast and I will pray without stopping to sleep.’ He fasted for an entire week, but seeing no change in my behavior, he climbed a camel and set off to perform Hajj. His parting words were, ‘I am going to the House of Allah, and there I will seek help from Allah against you.’ When he reached Makkah, he embraced the curtain of the Kaa’ba and supplicated against me, asking Allah to make me paralyzed on one side of my body. By the One Who raised the sky and sends down the rain, no sooner did my father finish his supplication than I became paralyzed on my right side, which became like a piece of wood. Anyone that would then pass by me would point to me and say, ‘Allah answered his father’s supplication against him.'”

“What did your father do then?” asked Ali.

“O Leader of the Believers, after he became pleased with me, I asked him to go back and invoke Allah on my behalf. He agreed to do so. I walked alongside him as he rode on his camel, until we reached a place called the Valley of Arak. When we reached there, a group of birds flew away from a tree, their sudden movement frightened the camel. As the camel raced off in a state of fright, my father fell off it and died.”

It was certainly late for the man, but not too late, and so Ali advised him to continue to supplicate and to repent for his past misdeeds. Ali then parted from the man, but before leaving him, he taught him the supplication that a person in distress should say. [The narration does not specifically mention which supplication it was that Ali taught the man.]

The above story is taken from “The Stories of repentance” published by dar-us-salam

First go and see if all the people are asleep – Stories of Repentance

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THE EVER-LIVING NEVER SLEEPS

Both of them lived in a small town that was populated by only tens or hundreds of people. He was in love with her, and so when he saw her walking alone one night, he followed her until he had her cornered. When he came near to her, he said, “Woman, I crave for you.”

She said, “First go and see if all the people are asleep.”

Very pleased at her response, he walked around the town and returned. “Everyone is asleep,” he said.

“What about Allah Azza wa Jal?” she asked. “Is He sleeping at this hour?”

“Woman, what are you saying?” he exclaimed. “Indeed, Allah does not sleep: neither slumber nor sleep overtake Him.”

“The One Who hasn’t slept and doesn’t sleep sees us, even if people don’t see us,” she said. “Do you not fear He Who neither sleeps nor is heedless of anything that happens?”

The man left her alone with tears flowing from his eyes, having nothing in mind except the desire to repent to the One Who neither sleeps nor is heedless of anything that happens.

Source: The above is taken from “Stories of Repentance” published by dar-us-salam

The Story of Julaybib (Radhi Allaahu Anhu)

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His name was unusual and incomplete. Julaybib (Radhi Allaahu Anhu) means “small grown” being the diminutive form of the word “Jalbab.” The name is an indication that Julaybib was small and short, even of dwarf-like stature. More than that, he is described as being “damim” which means ugly, deformed, or of repulsive appearance. Even more disturbing, for the society in which he lived, Julaybib’s lineage was not known. There is no record of who his mother of his father was or to what tribe he belonged. This was a grave disability in the society in which he lived. Julaybib could not expect any compassion or help, any protection or support from a society that placed a great deal of importance on family and tribal connections. In this regard, all that was known of him was that he was an Arab and that, as far as the new community of Islam was concerned, he was one of the Ansar. Perhaps he belonged to one of the outlying tribes beyond Madinah and had drifted into the city or he could have even been from among the Ansar of the city itself.

The disabilities under which Julaybib lived would have been enough to have him ridiculed and shunned in any society and in fact he was prohibited by one person, a certain Abu Barzah of the Aslam tribe, from entering his home. He once told his wife: “Do not let Julaybib enter among you. If he does, I shall certainly do (something terrible to him).” Probably because he was teased and scoffed at in the company of men, Julaybib used to take refuge in the company of women. Was there any hope of Julaybib being treated with respect and consideration? Was there any hope of his finding emotional satisfaction as an individual and as a man? Was there any hope of his enjoying the relationships which others take for granted? And in the society emerging under the guidance of the Prophet, was he so insignificant as to be overlooked in the preoccupation with the great affairs of the state and in the supreme issues of life and survival which constantly engaged the attention of the Prophet?

Just as he was aware of the great issues of life and destiny, the Prophet of Mercy (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) was also aware of the needs and sensibilities of his most humble companions. With Julaybib in mind, the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) went to one of the Ansar and said: “I want to have your daughter married.” “How wonderful and blessed, O Messenger of Allah and what a delight to the eye (this would be),” replied the Ansari man with obvious joy and happiness. “I do not want her for myself,” added the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam). “Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah?” asked the man, obviously somewhat let down. “For Julaybib,” said the Prophet. The Ansari must have been too shocked to give his own reaction and he merely said: “I will consult with her mother.” And off he went to his wife. “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, wants to have your daughter married,” he said to her. She too was thrilled. “What a wonderful idea and what a delight to the eye (this would be),” she said. “He does not want to marry her himself but he wants to marry her to Julaybib,” he added. She was flabbergasted.

“To Julaybib! No, never to Julaybib! No, by Allah, we shall not marry (her) to him,” she protested. As the Ansari was about to return to the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) to inform him of what his wife had said, the daughter who had heard her mother’s protestations, asked: “Who has asked you to marry me?” Her mother told her of the Prophet’s request for her hand in marriage to Julaybib. When she heard that the request had come from the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) and that her mother was absolutely opposed to the idea, she was greatly perturbed and said: “Do you refuse the request of the Messenger of Allah? Send me to him for he shall certainly not bring ruin to me.” This was the reply of a truly great person who had a clear understanding of what was required of her as a Muslim. What greater satisfaction and fulfillment can a Muslim find than in responding willingly to the requests and commands of the Messenger of Allah! No doubt, this companion of the Prophet, whose name we do not even know had heard the verse of the Quran:

“It is not for a believer, man or woman, when Allah and His Messenger have decreed a matter that they should have any option in their decision. And whoever disobeys Allah and His Messenger, he has indeed strayed in a plain error.” (The Qur’an, Surah al-Ahzab, 33:36)

This verse was revealed in connection with the marriage of Zaynab bint Jahsh and Zayd ibn al-Harithah which was arranged by the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) to show the egalitarian spirit of Islam. Zaynab at first was highly offended at the thought of marrying Zayd a former slave and refused to do so. The Prophet prevailed upon them both and they were married. The marriage however ended in divorce and Zaynab was eventually married to the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) himself. It is said that the Ansari girl read the verse to her parents and said: “I am satisfied and submit myself to whatever the Messenger of Allah deems good for me.” The Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) heard of her reaction and prayed for her: “O Lord, bestow good on her in abundance and make not her life one of toil and trouble.” Among the Ansaar, it is said that there was not a more eligible bride than she. She was married by the Prophet to Julaybib and they lived together until he was killed.

And how was Julaybib killed? He went on an expedition with the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam), peace be upon him, and an encounter with some mushrikin (polytheists) ensued. When the battle was over, the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) asked his companions: “Have you lost anyone?” They replied giving the names of their relatives or close friends who were killed. He put the same questions to other companions and they also named the ones they had lost in the battle. Another group answered that they had lost no close relatives whereupon the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) said: “But I have lost Julaybib. Search for him in the battlefield.” They searched and found him beside seven mushrikin whom he had struck before meeting his end. The Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) stood up and went to the spot where Julaybib, his short and deformed companion, lay. He stood over him and said: “He killed seven and then was killed? This (man) is of me and I am of him.” He repeated this two or three times. The Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) then took him in his arms and it is said that he had no better bed besides the forearms of the Messenger of Allah. The Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) then dug for him a grave and himself placed him in it. He did not wash him for martyrs and not washed before burial.

Julaybib and his wife are not usually among the Companions of the Prophet whose deeds are sung and whose exploits are recounted with reverence and admiration as they should be. But in the meagre facts that are known about them and which have here been recounted we see how humble human beings were given hope and dignity by the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) where once they was only despair and self-debasement. The attitude of the unknown and unnamed Ansari girl who readily agreed to be the wife of a physically unattractive man was an attitude which reflected a profound understanding of Islam. It reflected on her path the effacement of personal desires and preferences even when she could have counted on the support of her parents. It reflected on her part a total disregard for social pressures. It reflected above all a ready and implicit confidence in the wisdom and authority of the Prophet (Sallalaahu Alaihi wa Sallam) in submitting herself to whatever he deemed good. This is the attitude of the true believer.

In Julaybib, there is the example of a person who was almost regarded as a social outcast because of his appearance. Given help, confidence and encouragement by the noble Prophet, he was able to perform acts of courage and make the supreme sacrifice and deserve the commendation of the Prophet: “He is of me and I am of him.”

Transcribed from: Da’wah Publications, Issue #7, July 2008

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Sahih Muslim Book 031, Number 6045:

Abu Barza reported that Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) was there in a battlefield that Allah conferred upon him the spoils of war. He said to his Companions: Is anyone missing amongst you? They said: So and so and so. He again said: Is there anyone missing amongst you? They said: So and so and so. He then said: Is there anyone missing amongst you? They said: No. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: But I am missing Julaibib. They (his Companions) searched him amongst those who had been killed and they found him by the side of seven (dead bodies) whom he had killed and he had been killed (by the oppoments). Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him) came there and stood (by his side) and said: He killed seven (persons). Then (his opponents) killed him. He is mine and I am his. He then placed him upon his hands and there was none else to lift but Allah’s Apostle (may peace be upon him). Then the grave was dug for him and he was placed in the grave and no mention is made of a bath.

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The following is from Tafseer Ibn Kathir 

33. Surah Al-Ahzab

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Barzah Al-Aslami said: “Julaybib was a man who used to enter upon women and joke with them. I said to my wife, `Do not let Julaybib enter upon you, for if he enters upon you I shall do such and such.’ If any of the Ansar had a single female relative, they would not arrange a marriage for her until they found out whether the Prophet wanted to marry her or not. The Prophet said to one of the Ansar:

«زَوِّجْنِي ابْنَتَك»

(Give me your daughter for marriage.) He said, `Yes, O Messenger of Allah, it would be an honor and a blessing.’ He said,

«إِنِّي لَسْتُ أُرِيدُهَا لِنَفْسِي»

(I do not want her for myself.) He said, `Then for whom, O Messenger of Allah’ He said,

«لِجُلَيْبِيب»

(For Julaybib.) He said, `O Messenger of Allah, let me consult her mother.’ So he went to the girl’s mother and said, `The Messenger of Allah is proposing marriage for your daughter.’ She said, `Yes, it would be a pleasure.’ He said, `He is not proposing to marry her himself, he is proposing on behalf of Julaybib.’ She said, `What! Julaybib No, by Allah, we will not marry her to him.’ When he wanted to get up and go to the Messenger of Allah to tell him what the girl’s mother had said, the girl asked, `Who is asking for my hand’ So her mother told her, and she said, `Are you refusing to follow the command of the Messenger of Allah Follow his command, for I will not come to any harm.’ So her father went to the Messenger of Allah and said, `Deal with her as you wish.’ So he married her to Julaybib. Then the Messenger of Allah went out on one of his military campaigns, and after Allah had granted him victory, he said to his Companions, may Allah be pleased with them,

«هَلْ تَفْقِدُونَ مِنْ أَحَد»

(See whether there is anybody missing.) They said, `We have lost so-and-so, and so-and-so.’ He said,

«انْظُرُوا هَلْ تَفْقِدُونَ مِنْ أَحَد»

(See if there is anybody missing.) They said, `No one.’ He said:

«لَكِنَّنِي أَفْقِدُ جُلَيْبِيبًا»

(But I see that Julaybib is missing.) He said:

«فَاطْلُبُوهُ فِي الْقَتْلَى»

(Go and look for him among the dead.) So they looked for him, and found him beside seven of the enemy whom he had killed before he was himself killed. They said, `O Messenger of Allah, here he is, beside seven of the enemy whom he had killed before he was himself killed.’ The Messenger of Allah came and stood beside him and said,

«قَتَلَ سَبْعَةً وَقَتَلُوهُ، هَذَا مِنِّي وَأَنَا مِنْه»

(He killed seven before he was himself killed. He belongs to me and I belong to him.) He said this two or three times, then the Messenger of Allah carried him in his arms and held him while his grave was dug, then he placed him in his grave. It was not mentioned that he washed him, may Allah be pleased with him.” Thabit, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “There was no widow among the Ansar who was more sought after for marriage than that girl.” Ishaq bin `Abdullah bin Abi Talhah asked Thabit, “Do you know how the Messenger of Allah prayed for that girl” He told him: “He said,

«اللَّهُمَّ صُبَّ عَلَيْهَا الْخَيْرَ صَبًّا وَلَا تَجْعَلْ عَيْشَهَا كَدًّا»

(O Allah, pour blessings upon her and do not make her life hard.) And this is how it was; there was no widow among the Ansar who was more sought after for marriage than her.” This is how it was recorded by Imam Ahmad, in full.

[Listen to this 15 min inspirational story @ http://salaf-us-saalih.com/2015/08/26/ittibah-and-the-story-of-julaibeeb/]

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