I’tikaf (Seclusion in the Mosque) in the Month of Ramadan

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 232
I`tikaf (Seclusion in the Mosque) in the Month of Ramadan

1268. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to observe I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1269. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to engage himself in I`tikaf (seclusion for prayers) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he passed away; thereafter, his wives followed this practice after him.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1270. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to observe I`tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I`tikaf for twenty days.
[Al-Bukhari].


The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 218
The Excellence of Spending out Charity during Ramadan

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

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

The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 213
The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan

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

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

 

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

Imam Al-Nawawi’s Riyad-us-Saliheen
Chapter 214
The Superiority of Lailat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

1193.  `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: When the last ten nights (of Ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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

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

Sahih Bukhari : Book 33: Retiring to a Mosque for Remembrance of Allah (I’tikaf)

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 33:

Retiring to a Mosque for Remembrance ofAllah (I’tikaf)

Volume 3, Book 33, Number 242:

Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:

Allah’s Apostle used to practise Itikaf in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 243:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) The Prophet used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 244:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the middle ten days of Ramadan and once he stayed in Itikaf till the night of the twenty-first and it was the night in the morning of which he used to come out of his Itikaf. The Prophet said, “Whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay in Itikaf for the last ten days, for I was informed (of the date) of the Night (of Qadr) but I have been caused to forget it. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water in the morning of that night. So, look for it in the last ten nights and in the odd ones of them.” It rained that night and the roof of the mosque dribbled as it was made of leaf stalks of date-palms. I saw with my own eyes the mark of mud and water on the forehead of the Prophet (i.e. in the morning of the twenty-first).


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 245:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet used to (put) bend his head (out) to me while he was in Itikaf in the mosque during my monthly periods and I would comb and oil his hair.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 246:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah’s Apostle used to let his head in (the house) while he was in the mosque and I would comb and oil his hair. When in Itikaf he used not to enter the house except for a need.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 247:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet used to embrace me during my menses. He also used to put his head out of the mosque while he was in Itikaf, and I would wash it during my menses.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 248:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

Umar asked the Prophet “I vowed in the Pre-lslamic period of ignorance to stay in Itikaf for one night in Al-Masjid al-Haram.” The Prophet said to him, “Fulfill your vow.”


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 249:

Narrated ‘Amra:

Aisha said, “the Prophet used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and I used to pitch a tent for him, and after offering the morning prayer, he used to enter the tent.” Hafsa asked the permission of ‘Aisha to pitch a tent for her and she allowed her and she pitched her tent. When Zainab bint Jahsh saw it, she pitched another tent. In the morning the Prophet noticed the tents. He said, ‘What is this?” He was told of the whole situation. Then the Prophet said, “Do you think that they intended to do righteousness by doing this?” He therefore abandoned the Itikaf in that month and practiced Itikaf for ten days in the month of Shawwal.”


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 250:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet intended to practice Itikaf and when he reached the place where he intended to perform Itikaf, he saw some tents, the tents of ‘Aisha, Hafsa and Zainab. So, he said, “Do you consider that they intended to do righteousness by doing this?” And then he went away and did not perform Itikaf (in Ramadan) but performed it in the month of Shawwal for ten days.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 251:

Narrated Ali bin Al-Husain:

Safiya, the wife of the Prophet told me that she went to Allah’s Apostle to visit him in the mosque while he was in Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. She had a talk with him for a while, then she got up in order to return home. The Prophet accompanied her. When they reached the gate of the mosque, opposite the door of Um-Salama, two Ansari men were passing by and they greeted Allah’s Apostle . He told them: Do not run away! And said, “She is (my wife) Safiya bint Huyai.” Both of them said, “Subhan Allah, (How dare we think of any evil) O Allah’s Apostle!” And they felt it. The Prophet said (to them), “Satan reaches everywhere in the human body as blood reaches in it, (everywhere in one’s body). I was afraid lest Satan might insert an evil thought in your minds.”


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 252:

Narrated Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur-Rahman:

I asked Abu Said Al-Khudri, “Did you hear Allah’s Apostle talking about the Night of Qadr?” He replied in the affirmative and said, “Once we were in Itikaf with Allah’s Apostle in the middle ten days of (Ramadan) and we came out of it in the morning of the twentieth, and Allah’s Apostle- delivered a sermon on the 20th (of Ramadan) and said, ‘I was informed (of the date) of the Night of Qadr (in my dream) but had forgotten it. So, look for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. I saw myself prostrating in mud and water on that night (as a sign of the Night of Qadr). So, whoever had been in Itikaf with Allah’s Apostle should return for it.’ The people returned to the mosque (for Itikaf). There was no trace of clouds in the sky. But all of a sudden a cloud came and it rained. Then the prayer was established (they stood for the prayer) and Allah’s Apostle prostrated in mud and water and I saw mud over the forehead and the nose of the Prophet.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 253:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

One of the wives of Allah’s Apostle practiced Itikaf with him while she ad bleeding in between her periods and she would see red (blood) or yellowish traces, and sometimes we put a tray beneath her when she offered the prayer.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 254:

Narrated ‘Ali bin Al-Husain (from Safiya, the Prophet’s wife):

The wives of the Prophet were with him in the mosque (while he was in Itikaf) and then they departed and the Prophet said to Safiya bint Huyai, “Don’t hurry up, for I shall accompany you,” (and her dwelling was in the house of Usama). The Prophet went out and in the meantime two Ansari men met him and they looked at the Prophet and passed by. The Prophet said to them, “Come here. She is (my wife) Safiya bint Huyai.” They replied, “Subhan Allah, (How dare we think of evil) O Allah’s Apostle! (we never expect anything bad from you).” The Prophet replied, “Satan circulates in the human being as blood circulates in the body, and I was afraid lest Satan might insert an evil thought in your minds.”


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 255:

Narrated ‘Ali bin Al-Husain from Safiya:

Safiya went to the Prophet while he was in Itikaf. When she returned, the Prophet accompanied her walking. An Ansari man saw him. When the Prophet noticed him, he called him and said, “Come here. She is Safiya. (Sufyan a sub-narrator perhaps said that the Prophet had said, “This is Safiya”). And Satan circulates in the body of Adam’s offspring as his blood circulates in it.”

(A sub-narrator asked Sufyan, “Did Safiya visit him at night?” He said, “Of course, at night.”)


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 256:

Narrated Abu Said:

We practiced Itikaf with Allah’s Apostle in the middle ten days (of Ramadan). In the morning of the twentieth (of Ramadan) we shifted our baggage, but Allah’s Apostle came to us and said, “Whoever was m Itikaf should return to his place of Itikaf, for I saw (i.e. was informed about the date of) this Night (of Qadr) and saw myself prostrating in mud and water.” When I returned to my place the sky was overcast with clouds and it rained. By Him Who sent Muhammad with the Truth, the sky was covered with clouds from the end of that day, and the mosque which was roofed with leaf-stalks of date palm trees (leaked with rain) and I saw the trace of mud and water over the nose of the Prophet and its tip.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 257:

Narrated ‘Amra bint ‘Abdur-Rahman from ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf every year in the month of Ramadan. And after offering the morning prayer, he used to enter the place of his Itikaf. ‘Aisha asked his permission to let her practice Itikaf and he allowed her, and so she pitched a tent in the mosque. When Hafsa heard of that, she also pitched a tent (for herself), and when Zainab heard of that, she too pitched another tent. When, in the morning, Allah’s Apostle had finished the morning prayer, he saw four tents and asked, “What is this?” He was informed about it. He then said, “What made them do this? Is it righteousness? Remove the tents, for I do not want to see them.” So, the tents were removed. The Prophet did not perform Itikaf that year in the month of Ramadan, but did it in the last ten days of Shawwal.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 258:

Narrated Abdullah bin Umar:

‘Umar bin Al-Khattab said, “O Allah’s Apostle! I vowed in the Pre-lslamic period to perform Itikaf in Al-Masjid-al-Haram for one night.” The Prophet said, “Fulfill your vow.” So, he performed Itikaf for one night.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 259:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

that ‘Umar had vowed in the Pre-lslamic period to perform Itikaf in Al-Masjid-al-Haram. (A sub-narrator thinks that ‘Umar vowed to perform Itikaf for one night.) Allah’s Apostle said to ‘Umar, “Fulfill your vow.”


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 260:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet used to perform Itikaf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and when it was the year of his death, he stayed in Itikaf for twenty days.


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 261:

Narrated ‘Amra bint ‘AbdurRahman from ‘Aisha: Allah’s Apostle mentioned that he would practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. ‘Aisha asked his permission to perform Itikaf and he permitted her. Hafsa asked ‘Aisha to take his permission for


Volume 3, Book 33, Number 262:

Narrated ‘Urwa:

Aisha during her menses used to comb and oil the hair of the Prophet while he used to be in Itikaf in the mosque. He would stretch out his head towards her while she was in her chamber.


Sahih Bukhari : Book 32: Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 32:

Praying at Night in Ramadaan (Taraweeh)

Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

I heard Allah’s Apostle saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 227:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, “Allah’s Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of ‘Umar’s Caliphate.” ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Abdul Qari said, “I went out in the company of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, ‘Umar said, ‘In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one Qari (Reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)’. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka’b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, ‘Umar remarked, ‘What an excellent Bid’a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.’ He meant the prayer in the last part of the night. (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night.”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 228:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

(the wife of the Prophet) Allah’s Apostle used to pray (at night) in Ramadan.


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 229:

Narrated ‘Urwa:

That he was informed by ‘Aisha, “Allah’s Apostle went out in the middle of the night and prayed in the mosque and some men prayed behind him. In the morning, the people spoke about it and then a large number of them gathered and prayed behind him (on the second night). In the next morning the people again talked about it and on the third night the mosque was full with a large number of people. Allah’s Apostle came out and the people prayed behind him. On the fourth night the Mosque was overwhelmed with people and could not accommodate them, but the Prophet came out (only) for the morning prayer. When the morning prayer was finished he recited Tashah-hud and (addressing the people) said, “Amma ba’du, your presence was not hidden from me but I was afraid lest the night prayer (Qiyam) should be enjoined on you and you might not be able to carry it on.” So, Allah’s Apostle died and the situation remained like that (i.e. people prayed individually). “


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 230:

Narrated Abu Salama bin ‘Abdur Rahman:

that he asked ‘Aisha “How was the prayer of Allah’s Apostle in Ramadan?” She replied, “He did not pray more than eleven Rakat in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to pray four Rakat —- let alone their beauty and length—-and then he would pray four —-let alone their beauty and length —-and then he would pray three Rakat (Witr).” She added, “I asked, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! Do you sleep before praying the Witr?’ He replied, ‘O ‘Aisha! My eyes sleep but my heart does not sleep.”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 231:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet said, “Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven .”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 232:

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar:

Some men amongst the companions of the Prophet were shown in their dreams that the night of Qadr was in the last seven nights of Ramadan. Allah’s Apostle said, “It seems that all your dreams agree that (the Night of Qadr) is in the last seven nights, and whoever wants to search for it (i.e. the Night of Qadr) should search in the last seven (nights of Ramadan).”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 233:

Narrated Abu Salama:

I asked Abu Sa’id, and he was a friend of mine, (about the Night of Qadr) and he said, “We practiced Itikaf (seclusion in the mosque) in the middle third of the month of Ramadan with the Prophet . In the morning of the 20th of Ramadan, the Prophet came and addressed us and said, ‘I was informed of (the date of the Night of Qadr) but I was caused to forget it; so search for it in the odd nights of the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. (In the dream) I saw myself prostrating in mud and water (as a sign). So, whoever was in l’tikaf with me should return to it with me (for another 10-day’s period)’, and we returned. At that time there was no sign of clouds in the sky but suddenly a cloud came and it rained till rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque which was made of date-palm leaf stalks. Then the prayer was established and I saw Allah’s Apostle prostrating in mud and water and I saw the traces of mud on his forehead.”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 234:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle said, “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 235:

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf (in the mosque) in the middle third of Ramadan and after passing the twenty nights he used to go back to his house on the 21st, and the people who were in Itikaf with him also used to go back to their houses. Once in Ramadan, in which he practiced Itikaf, he established the night prayers at the night in which he used to return home, and then he addressed the people and ordered them whatever Allah wished him to order and said, “I used to practice Itikaf for these ten days (i.e. the middle 113rd but now I intend to stay in Itikaf for the last ten days (of the month); so whoever was in Itikaf with me should stay at his place of seclusion. I have verily been shown (the date of) this Night (of Qadr) but I have forgotten it. So search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (of this month). I also saw myself (in the dream) prostrating in mud and water.” On the night of the 21st, the sky was covered with clouds and it rained, and the rain-water started leaking through the roof of the mosque at the praying place of the Prophet . I saw with my own eyes the Prophet at the completion of the morning prayer leaving with his face covered with mud and water.


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 236:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

The Prophet said, “Look for (the Night of Qadr).”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 237:

Narrated ‘Aisha:

Allah’s Apostle used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan ,”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 238:

Narrated Ibn Abbas:

The Prophet said, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan ,’ on the night when nine or seven or five nights remain out of the last ten nights of Ramadan (i.e. 21, 23, 25, respectively).”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 239:

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:

Allah’s Apostle said, “The Night of Qadr is in the last ten nights of the month (Ramadan), either on the first nine or in the last (remaining) seven nights (of Ramadan).” Ibn ‘Abbas added, “Search for it on the twenty-fourth (of Ramadan).”


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 240:

Narrated ‘Ubada bin As-Samit:

The Prophet came out to inform us about the Night of Qadr but two Muslims were quarreling with each other. So, the Prophet said, “I came out to inform you about the Night of Qadr but such-and-such persons were quarreling, so the news about it had been taken away; yet that might be for your own good, so search for it on the 29th, 27th and 25th (of Ramadan).


Volume 3, Book 32, Number 241:

Narrated Aisha:

With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.


Issues Related to the Legislative Rulings of al-I’tikaaf – By Shaykh Badr ibn Muhammad al-Badr al-‘Anazy (حفظهالله)

Translated by Abu Afnaan Muhammad Abdullah (حفظهالله)

This highly informative article is a compilation by our Shaykh ‘Badr ibn Muhammad al-Badr al-‘Anazy (حفظهالله) regarding several pertinent issues related to the issue I’tikaaf. The compilation is a series of questions that the Shaykh presented to his Shaykh the AllaamahSaalih ibn Muhammad al-Luhaydaan (حفظهالله). This article was translated by our noble brother Abu Afnaan Muhammad Abdullah (حفظهالله).

The issues addressed are:

1. When does the time for al-I’tikaaf start?

2. What is the shortest time (duration) of al-I’tikaaf?

3. What is the ruling of travelling for al-I’tikaaf in a masjid other than the threemasaajid?

4. What is the ruling of making al-I’tikaaf in a masjid where the Jumu’ah prayer is not established?

5. What is the validity of al-I’tikaaf in a room inside the masjid?

6. Does al-I’tikaaf become nullified by mere intention?

7. Is it permissible to leave from the place where one is making al-I’tikaaf for something that is necessary/inevitable?

8. Is it permissible to make al-I’tikaaf conditional (upon something else)?

9. Is it permissible to talk to friends while in the place of al-I’tikaaf?

10. Is fasting a condition for al-I’tikaaf?

11. What is the authenticity of the hadeeth: “There is no I’tikaaf except in the threemasaajid.”?

12. When does the time for al-I’tikaaf end?

13. Is it permissible to make up al-I’tikaaf for the one who didn’t make it?

14. Can the person making al-I’tikaaf go to the courtyard of the masjid?

Source: mpubs.org

Itikaaf of women : It is not done at home – Dr. Saleh as Saleh [Audio|En]

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 3:51)

Ruling on Itikaf in a Masjid other than the Three Holy Masjids – Ibn Baz Fatwas

Fatwas of Ibn Baz

Q. What is the degree of authenticity of the Hadith: There should be no I`tikaf (seclusion for worship in a Masjid) except in the Three Masjids (mosques) If it is authentic, does it actually mean that there should be no I`tikaf except in the Three Masjids (i.e., the Sacred, Prophet’s, and Al-Aqsa)?

A. It is valid to observe I`tikaf in any Masjid other than the three Masjids, on condition that congregational Salah (Prayer) is established therein. For, if this condition is not fulfilled, it becomes invalid to observe I`tikaf there.

However, this does not apply if a person vows to observe I`tikaf in any of the three Masjids, for they are then obliged to fulfill their vow. May Allah guide us all to do what pleases Him.

As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah’s Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!).

Chairman of the Departments of Scholarly Research,
Ifta’, Daw`ah, and Guidance

Posted from http://alifta.org

* The ruling on whoever fasts but does not pray – Permanent Committee & Shaykh ibn Uthaymeen

Question:

I have witnessed some of the Muslim youth fasting, but they do not pray. Is the fast of the person who fasts but does not pray accepted? I have heard some of the preachers telling these youth to break their fast and not to fast, as he who does not pray has no fast?

Answer:

Whomever the prayer is obligatory upon and he intentionally abandons it, rejecting its obligation, then he has disbelieved according to the consensus of the scholars. Whoever abandons it due to being lax and lazy about it, then he has disbelieved according to the correct opinion from the opinions of the people of knowledge. When it is ruled that he is a disbeliever, then his fasting and other acts of worship are nullified. This due to Allah’s statement: And if they had associated partners with Allah, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them.

However such a person should not be ordered to abandon fasting. This is because his fasting will only increase him in goodness and closeness to the religion. Also, due to the fear of his heart, it is hoped that it will lead him to return to the performance of the prayer and repentance from abandoning it. And success is from Allah.

May Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and his Companions.

Permanent Committee for Research and Verdicts
Fatawa Islamiyah Page no. 247 Vol: 2

The Fasting of the One who has abandoned the Prayer – Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-`Uthaymeen

Question:

Noble Shaykh, what is the ruling upon the fasting of the one who has abandoned the prayer?

Answer:

Check the answer @ http://www.fatwaislam.com/fis/index.cfm?scn=sc&sc=10&c=2

[Book Reco] Sittings During the Blessed Month of Ramadan – Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen

Sittings During the Blessed Month of Ramadan - Shaykh Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen

Sittings During the Blessed Month of Ramadan, an amazing book by the Great Scholar Muhammad bin Salih Al-Uthaymeen, is filled with Qur’anic Verses, Prophetic Narrations, statements of wisdom from the early scholars, and beneficial poetry from scholars such as Ibn Rajab. It is made up of 30 chapters or Sittings, over 320 pages. This book includes details not only about Ramadan, but also details about Paradise, the hell fire, and the deeds done to reach either location. The Sheikh discusses, in detail, the rulings about Zakat Al-Fitr, as well as those who are qualified to receive the charity. This book is a book which both the student of knowledge and the laymen can tremendously benefit from. It is a book the whole family is in need of, and answers many reoccurring questions that are asked. every year, and includes diagrams and charts to make things easy to understand. Each chapter begins with a very poetic introduction, mentioning the Names and Attributes of Allah, and then transitions into the topic of that chapter. This book is a library builder and everyone is encouraged to benefit from this book and to convey the information to others. In conclusion, this book is a fun learning tool and teaching guide.

Buy at http://www.rimarket.net/product-p/eng0008s.htm

Ramadhaan: An Opportunity For Immense Reward : Shaykh Abdullah an-Najmi [Audio|Ar-En]

Ramadhan is upon us

 

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 50:57)

[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/ramadhaan-an-opportunity-for-immense-reward-by-shaykh-abdullah-an-najmi.mp3]

Posted with permission from mpubs.org

The Salaf in Ramadhaan – by Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Zayd al-Madkhalee [Audio|En]

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 42:37)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/the-salaf-in-ramadhaan-by-shaykh-muhammad-ibn-zayd-al-madkhalee.mp3]

Posted with Permission from: mpubs.org

Ramadhan vs World Cup – Shaykh Salih b. Fawzan Al-Fawzan

Translated by Abu Abdillah Owais Al-Hashimi حفظه الله
Source: http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/15245

Question to Shaykh Salih Al-Fawzan:

Could you give some advice to the young Muslims, including students of knowledge, who watch World Cup matches late into a third of the night; and in the month of Ramadan matches will be played during the time of Isha and Tarawih prayers?

His response:

Muslims must leave diversion and play, and turn to the worship of Allah ‘azza wa jall, and not waste their time following matches or other types of diversion and play, especially in the blessed month of Ramadan.

It is upon Muslims in general, and the youth in particular – because some of them are very fond of football matches and watching them; and this has no benefit, rather it has harms because it involves wasting time. How can a person waste his precious time and waste this great season of Ramadan watching matches? This is a great loss which cannot be replaced. So they must stop this and turn to the worship of Allah, especially during the month of Ramadan. A person should make good use of his precious time by spending it in the obedience of Allah and standing in prayer for Allah at night. This is what he has been told to do, and this is what will remain for the people and this is what they will find kept for them with Allah ‘azza wa jall as reward in the Hereafter.

Video Courtesy: Bilal Nahim

Actions of Worship Legislated In The End of Ramadhaan – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

We continue with the talk from the previous day regarding the actions of worship specifically legislated for the end of this blessed month such as zakat fitr and other than this. (Check Rulings And Regulations Regarding Zakaat Al-Fitr)

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 41:56)[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/actions-of-worship-legislated-in-the-end-of-ramadhaan-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

Remembrance of Allah In The Blessed Month of Ramadhaan – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

This talk was given at Masjid Tawheed in Stone Mountain, GA.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 53:39)[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/rememberance-of-allah-in-the-blessed-month-of-ramadhaan-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

Ramadhaan: The Month Of Repentance – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

Taken from one of the works of our noble sheikh Abdur-Razzaaq al-Badr, hafidhahullah

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 56:50)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ramadhaan-the-month-of-repentance-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

Ramadhaan : The Month Of Forgiveness – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

Taken from one of the works of our noble sheikh Abdur-Razzaaq al-Badr, hafidhahullah

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 55:26)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ramadhaan-the-month-of-forgiveness-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

 

Ramadhaan : The Month Of Patience – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

Taken from one of the works of our noble sheikh, Abdur-Razzaaq ibn Abdil-Muhsin al-Badr, hafidhahum Allah.

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 01:02:51)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ramadhaan-the-month-of-patience-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com

Ramadhaan : The Month Of Taqwaa – Abu Muhammad Al-Maghribee [Audio|En]

Talk was taken from one of the works of our noble sheikh Abdur-Razzaaq al-Badr, hafidhahullah

Listen / Download Mp3 Here (Time 01:05:34)
[audio https://salafiaudio.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/ramadhaan-the-month-of-taqwaa-abu-muhammad-al-maghribee.mp3]

Posted from: http://followthesalaf.com