The Aqeedah and Manhaj of AhlusSunnah wal Jamah

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Prohibition of Calumny

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Chapter 257
Prohibition of Calumny

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“A slanderer, going about with calumnies.” (68:11)

“Not a word does he (or she) utter, but there is a watcher by him ready (to record it).” (50:18)

1536. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The person who goes about with calumnies will never enter Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1537. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) passed by two graves and said, “Both of them (the persons in these graves) are being tortured, and they are not being tortured for a cardinal sin. But indeed they are great sins. One of them used not to save himself from being soiled with his urine, and the other one used to go about with calumnies (among the people to rouse hostilities, e.g., one goes to a person and tells him that so-and-so says about him such and such evil things).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1538. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I tell you what `Al-`Adhu’ (falsehood and slandering) is? It is calumny which is committed among the people.”
[Muslim].

The Superiority of Hastening to Break the Fast, and the supplication tosay upon Breaking it

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Chapter 222
The Superiority of Hastening to Break the Fast, and the supplication to say upon
Breaking it

1233. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break the Saum (fasting).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1234. Abu Atiyyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:   Masruq  and  I  visited `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) and said: “O Mother of the Believers! There are two Companions of Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and neither of them holds back from doing good acts; but one of them hastens to break Saum (fasting) and hastens to perform the Maghrib prayer, while the other delays breaking Saum and delays performing Salat (prayer).” She asked, “Who is the one who hastens to break Saum and perform the Maghrib prayer?” Masruq said, “It is `Abdullah (meaning `Abdullah bin Mas`ud).” She said, “The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to do so.”
[Muslim].

1235. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah the Most High says: `From amongst my slaves, the quicker the one is in breaking the Saum (fasting), the dearer is he to me.”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

1236. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “When the night approaches from this side (i.e., the east) and the day retreats from that side (i.e., west) and the sun sets, then it is time for a person observing Saum (fasting) to break his fast.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1237. Abu Ibrahim `Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: We were with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) on a journey and he was observing Saum (fasting). When the sun set, he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to a person, “Dismount and prepare the ground roasted barley drink for us.” Upon this he replied, “O Messenger of Allah, there is daylight still.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Get down and prepare barley drink for us.” He said, “But it is still daytime.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) again said to him, “Get down and prepare barely drink for us.” So he got down and prepared a barley liquid meal for him. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) drank that and then said, “When you perceive the night approaching from that side, a person observing Saum (fasting) should break the fast.” And he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) pointed towards the east with his hand.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1238. Salman bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.”
[Abu Dawud].

1239. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date-fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date-fruits; he would take three draughts of water.
[At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Supplicating in one’s Absence

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Chapter 251
The Excellence of Supplicating in one’s Absence

Allah, the Exalted, says:

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

“And ask forgiveness for your sin, and also for (the sin of) believing men and believing women”. (47:19)

“Our Rubb! Forgive me and my parents, and (all) the believers on the Day when the reckoning will be established.” (14: 41)

1494. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Whenever a Muslim supplicates for his (Muslim) brother in his absence, the angels say: `May the same be for you too‘.”
[Muslim].

1495. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The supplication of a Muslim for his (Muslim) brother in his absence will certainly be answered. Everytime he makes a supplication for good for his brother, the angel appointed for this particular task says: `A   meen! May it be for you, too‘.”
[Muslim].

Martyrdom without Fighting

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Chapter 235
Martyrdom without Fighting

1353.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The martyrs are of five kinds: One who dies of plague; one who dies of disease of his belly; the drowned; one who dies under the debris (of construction, etc.), and one who dies while fighting in the way of Allah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1354. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whom do you reckon to be martyr amongst you?” The Companions replied: “The one who is killed in Allah’s way.” He said, “In that case, the martyrs among my people would be few.” The Companions asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Then who are the martyrs?” He replied, “He who is killed in the way of Allah  is a martyr; he who dies naturally in the Cause of Allah is a martyr; he who dies of plague is a martyr; and he who dies of a belly disease is a martyr; and he who is drowned is a martyr.”
[Muslim].

This Hadith shows the care Allah has for this Ummah, which is the best Ummah of mankind. (Editor’s Note)

1355. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who is killed while defending his property is a martyr.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1356.   Sa`id bin Zaid bin `Amr bin Nufail (May Allah be pleased with him) reported, one of the ten Companions who were given the glad tidings of entering Jannah reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “He who dies while defending his property is a martyr; he who dies in defence of his own life is a martyr; and he who dies on defense of his faith is a martyr, he who dies in defence of his family is a martyr.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1357.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and asked, “O Messenger of Allah! What shall I do if someone comes to me with the intention of taking away my property?” He replied, “Do not hand over it to him.” The man asked, “What shall I do if he fights me?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Then fight him.” “What will be my position in the Hereafter if he has killed me?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “In that case you are a martyr.” The man asked: “What if I killed him?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “He will be in the Hell-fire.”
[Muslim].

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

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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].


Matters relating to As-Saum (Fasting)

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Chapter 224
Matters relating to As-Saum (Fasting)

1242. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should complete his Saum (fasting), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1243. Laqit bin Sabirah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to talk to me about ablution. He said, “Perform the Wudu’ well (by washing those parts of the body, such as the face, hands and feet beyond what is required, like washing the hands up to the upper-arm instead of the elbow). Cleanse the base of your fingers and sniff water deep into the nose except when you are observing fast.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1244. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would wake up at Fajr time in a state of Janabah; so he would take bath before dawn and observe fasting.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1245. `Aishah, and Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would wake during Ramadan (fasting) in a state of major impurity without a wet dream, but on account of sexual intercourse and he would take a bath before dawn.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication before going to Bed

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Chapter 249
Supplication before going to Bed

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily! In the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the alternation of night and day, there are indeed signs for men of understanding. Those who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth.” (3:190,191)

1458.  Hudhaifah and Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate when he went to bed at night: “Bismik-Allahumma ahya wa amut (With Your Name, O Allah, I expire and return to life).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1459. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me and to Fatimah (May Allah be pleased with her) (Ali’s wife and the Prophet’s daughter), “When you go to bed, recite: Takbir (Allahu Akbar) thirty-three times and Tasbih (Subhan-Allah) thirty-three times and Tahmid (Al-hamdu lillah) thirty-three times.”

Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Recite Tasbih thirty-four times.”

Another narration is: The Messenger of Allah(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Recite Takbir thirty-four times.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1460. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When any of you goes to bed, he should shake off (or dust off) his bedsheet because he does not know what might have fallen on it after he had left it. Then he should recite: `Bismika Rabbi wada`tu janbi, wa bika arfa`uhu, in amsakta nafsi farhamha, wa in arsaltaha fahfazha bima tahfazu bihi `ibadakas-salihin [With Your Name, my Rubb, I place my side (upon the bed) and with Your Grace I will raise it up. If You withhold my soul (cause me to die), have mercy on it but if You let it go (let me live), guard it against which You guarded Your pious slaves].”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1461. `A   ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to bed, he would blow upon his hands recite Al-Mu`awwidhat; and pass his hands over his body.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1462. Al-Bara` bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever you intend to go to bed, perform Wudu’ as is done for Salat (prayer); and then lie down on the right side and recite: `Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wal-ja’tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja’a wa la manja minka illa ilaika, amantu bikitabik-alladhi anzalta, wa binabiyyik-alladhi arsalta [O Allah! I have submitted myself to You. I have turned my face to You, entrusted my affairs to You and relied completely on You out of desire for and fear of You (expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no resort and no deliverer from (hardships) except You. I affirm my faith in Your Book which You have revealed, and in Your Prophet whom You have sent].’ If you die during the night, you will die in the true religion. Let these words be your last words at night.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1463. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to his bed, he would say: “Al-hamdu lillah-illadhi at`amana wa saqana, wa kafana wa awana, fakam mimman la kafiya lahu wa la mu’wiya (Praise is due to Allah Who has fed us, provided us drink, satisfied us and gave us protection. Many are those who have no one to provide for them, or give them shelter).”
[Muslim].

1464. Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) intended to go to sleep, he would place his right hand under his (right) cheek and supplicate: “Allahumma qini `adhabaka yauma tab`athu `ibadaka (O Allah! Guard me against Your punishment on the Day when You will resurrect Your slaves).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

In a narration in Abu Dawud, Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: Before going to sleep the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would recite this Du`a three times.

Issues regarding Supplications, their Virtues and Supplications of theProphet

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Chapter 250
Issues regarding Supplications, their Virtues and Supplications of the Prophet
(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And your Rubb said: `Invoke Me, [i.e., believe in My Oneness (Islamic Monotheism)] (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation).”’ (40:60)

“Invoke your Rubb with humility and in secret. He likes not the aggressors.” (7:55)

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor).” (2:186)

“Is not He (better than your gods) Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls on Him, and Who removes the evil?” (27:62)

1465. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Du`a (supplication) is worship.”
[Abu Dawud].

1466. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) liked comprehensive supplications or (Al-Jawami` – i.e., supplications with very few words but comprehensive in meanings), and discarded others.
[Abu Dawud].

1467.  Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The supplication most often recited by the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was: “Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina `adhab-annar (O our Rubb! give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the punishment of the Fire).”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

In the narration of Muslim it is added that whenever Anas supplicated, he used to beseech Allah with this Du`a.

1468. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni as’alukal-huda, wat-tuqa, wal-`afafa, wal-ghina (O Allah! I beseech You for guidance, piety, chastity and contentment).”
[Muslim].

1469. Tariq bin Ashyam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever a man entered the fold of Islam, the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would show him how to perform Salat and then direct him to supplicate: “Allahumm-aghfir li, warhamni, wa-hdini, wa `afini, warzuqni (O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, guard me against harm and provide me with sustenance and salvation).”’
[Muslim].

In another narration Tariq said: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! What shall I say if I want to pray to my Rubb?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: `Allahumma-ghfir li, warhamni, wa `afini, warzuqni (O Allah! Forgive me, have mercy on me, protect me and provide me with sustenance).’ Surely, this supplication is better for you in this life and in the Hereafter.”

1470. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicated: “Allahumma musarrifal-qulubi, sarrif qulubana `ala ta`atika (O Allah! Controller of the hearts, direct our hearts to Your obedience).”
[Muslim].

1471. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Seek refuge in Allah against the turmoils, attacks of misfortunes, and evil of judgement and joys of the enemies.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1472. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to say: “Allahumm-aslih li diniyalladhi huwa `ismatu amri, wa aslih li dunyaya-llati fiha ma`ashi, wa aslih li akhirati-llati fiha ma`adi, waj`alil-hayata ziyadatan li fi kulli khair, waj`alil-mauta rahatan li min kulli sharrin (O Allah, make my religion easy for me by virtue of which my affairs are protected, set right for me my world where my life exists, make good for me my Hereafter which is my resort to which I have to return, and make my life prone to perform all types of good, and make death a comfort for me from every evil).”
[Muslim].

1473. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite: `Allahumma-hdini wa saddidni (O Allah! Direct me to the Right Path and make me adhere to the Straight Path).” Another narration is: `Allahumma inni as’aluk-alhuda was-sadad (I beg You for guidance and uprightness).”
[Muslim].

1474. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika minal-ajzi wal-kasali, wal-jubni wal-harami, wal-bukhli, wa a`udhu bika min `adhabil-qabri, wa a`udhu bika min fitnatil-mahya wal-mamat [O Allah! I seek refuge in You from helplessness (to do good), indolence, cowardice, senility, and miserliness; and I seek Your Protection against the torment of the grave and the trials of life and death].” Another narration adds: “wa dala`id-daini wa ghalabatir-rijal (And from the burden of indebtedness and the tyranny of men).”
[Muslim].

1475. Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I requested the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to teach me a supplication which I could recite in my Salat (prayer). Thereupon he said, “Recite: `Allahumma inni zalamtu nafsi zulman kathiran, wa la yaghfirudh-dhunuba illa Anta, faghfir li maghfiratan min `indika, warhamni, innaka Antal-Ghafur-ur-Rahim (O Allah! I have considerably wronged myself. There is none to forgive the sins but You. So grant me pardon and have mercy on me. You are the Most Forgiving, the Most Compassionate).”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1476. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumm-aghfir li khati‘ati, wajahli, wa israfi fi amri, wa ma Anta a`lamu bihi minni. Allahumm-aghfir li jiddi wa hazli, wa khata’i wa `amdi, wa kullu dhalika `indi. Allahumm-aghfir li ma qaddamtu wa ma akhkhartu, wa ma asrartu, wa ma a`lantu, wa ma Anta a`lamu bihi minni. Antal-Muqaddimu, wa Antal-Mu’akhkhiru; wa Anta `ala kulli shai’in Qadir (O Allah! Forgive my errors, ignorance and immoderation in my affairs. You are better aware of my faults than myself. O Allah! Forgive my faults which I committed in seriousness or in fun deliberately or inadvertently. O Allah! Grant me pardon for those sins which I committed in the past and I may commit in future, which I committed in privacy or in public and all those sins of which You are better aware than me. You Alone can send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone can send whomever You will to Hell-fire and You are Omnipotent).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1477. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate (in these words): “Allahumma inni audhu bika min sharri ma `amiltu, wa min sharri ma lam a`mal (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the evil of that which I have done and the evil of that which I have not done).”
[Muslim].

1478. `Abdullah bin `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate thus: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min zawali ni`matika, wa tahawwuli `afiyatika, wa fuja’ati niqmatika, wa jami`i sakhatika (O Allah! I seek refuge in You against the declining of Your Favours, passing of safety, the suddenness of Your punishment and all that which displeases You).”
[Muslim].

1479. Zaid bin Arqam (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) would supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika minal-`ajzi wal-kasali, wal-bukhli wal-harami, wa `adhabil-qabri. Allahumma ati nafsi taqwaha, wa zakkiha Anta khairu man zakkaha, Anta waliyyuha wa maulaha. Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min `ilmin la yanfau`, wa min qalbin la yakhsha`u, wa min nafsin la tashba`u, wa min da`watin la yustajabu laha` [O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the inability (to do good), indolence, cowardice, miserliness, decrepitude and torment of the grave. O Allah! Grant me the sense of piety and purify my soul as You are the Best to purify it. You are its Guardian and its Protecting Friend. O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the knowledge which is not beneficial, and from a heart which does not fear (You), and from desire which is not satisfied, and from prayer which is not answered].”
[Muslim].

1480. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma laka aslamtu, wa bika amantu, wa `alaika tawakkaltu, wa ilaika anabtu, wa bika khasamtu, wa ilaika hakamtu. Faghfir li ma qaddamtu, wa ma akh-khartu, wa ma asrartu wa ma a`lantu, Antal-Muqaddimu, wa Antal-Mu`akhkhiru, la ilaha illa Anta (O Allah! to You I submit, in You I affirm my faith, in You I repose my trust, to You I turn in repentance and with Your Help I contend my adversaries and from You I seek judgement. O Allah! Grant me forgiveness for the faults which I made in past and those ones I may commit in the future, those which I committed secretly or openly. You Alone send whomever You will to Jannah, and You Alone send whomever You will to Hell-fire. There is none worthy of worship except You).” Another narration adds: “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (There is no strength to resist evil and no power to do good except through Allah).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1481. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min fitnatin-nari, wa `adhabin-nari, wa min sharril-ghina wal-faqri (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the trials and the torment of the Fire and from the evils of wealth and poverty).”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1482. Ziyad bin `Ilaqah reported: My uncle Qutbah bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min munkaratil-akhlaqi, wal-a`mali, wal-ahwa`i (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from undesirable manners, deeds, and aspirations).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1483. Shakal bin Humaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah, teach me a prayer.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: Allahumma inni a`udhu bika min sharri sam`i, wa min sharri basari, wa min sharri lisani, wa min sharri qalbi, wa min sharri maniyyi (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from the evils of my hearing, the evils of my seeing, the evils of my tongue; the evils of my heart and the evils of passions).”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1484. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika minal-barasi, wal-jununi, wal-judhami, wa sayyi’il-asqami’ (O Allah! I seek refuge in You from leucoderma, insanity, leprosy and evil diseases).”
[Abu Dawud].

1485. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma inni a`udhu bika minal-ju`i, fa-innahu bi’sad-daji`u; wa a`udhu bika minal-khiyanati, fa-innaha bi’satil-bitanah’ [O Allah! I seek refuge in You from hunger; surely, it is the worst companion. And I seek refuge in You from treachery; surely, it is a bad inner trait].”
[Abu Dawud].

1486. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A slave who had made a contract with his master to pay for his freedom, came to me and said: “I am unable to fulfill my obligation, so help me.” He said to him: “Shall I not teach you a supplication which the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) taught me? It will surely prove so effective that if you have a debt as large as a huge mountain, Allah will surely pay it for you. Say: `Allahumm-akfini bihalalika `an haramika, wa aghnini bifadlika `amman siwaka (O Allah! Grant me enough of what You make lawful so that I may dispense with what You make unlawful, and enable me by Your Grace to dispense with all but You).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1487. `Imran bin Husain (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) taught my father two statements to recite in his Du`a. These are: “Allahumma al-himni rushdi, wa a`idhni min sharri nafsi (O Allah! Inspire in me guidance and deliver me from the evils within myself).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1488. Abul-Fadl Al-`Abbas bin `Abdul-Muttalib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) to teach me a supplication. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Beg Allah for safety (from all evils in this world and in the Hereafter).” I waited for some days and then I went to him again and asked him: “O Messenger of Allah Teach me to supplicate something from Allah.” He said to me, “O Al-`Abbas, the uncle of Messenger of Allah! Beseech Allah to give you safety (Al-a’fiyah ) in this life and in the Hereafter.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1489. Shahr bin Haushab reported: I asked Umm Salamah (May Allah be pleased with her), “O Mother of the Believers! Which supplication did the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) make frequently when he was in your house?” She said: “He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicated frequently: `Ya muqallibal-qulubi, thabbit qalbi `ala dinika (O Controller of the hearts make my heart steadfast in Your religion).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1490. Abud-Darda’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “One of Prophet Dawud’s supplications was: `Allahumma inni as’aluka hubbaka, wa hubba man yuhibbuka, wal-`amalalladhi yuballighuni hubbaka. Allahumm-aj`al hubbaka ahabba ilayya min nafsi, wa ahli, wa minal-ma’il-baridi (O Allah! I ask You for Your Love, the love of those who love You, and deeds which will cause me to attain Your Love. O Allah! Make Your Love dearer to me than myself, my family and the cold water).”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

1491. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Recite frequently: `Ya Dhal-Jalali wal-Ikram! (O You, Possessor of glory and honour).”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

1492. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) made many supplications which we did not memorize. We said to him: “O Messenger of Allah! You have made many supplications of which we do not remember anything.” He said, “Shall I tell you a comprehensive prayer? Say: `Allahumma inni as’aluka min khairi ma sa’alaka minhu nabiyyuka Muhammadun sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. Wa `a`udhu bika min sharri mas-ta`adha minhu nabiyyuka Muhammadun sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam. Wa Antal-Musta`anu, wa `alaikal-balaghu, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah (O Allah, I beg to You the good which Your Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) begged of You; and I seek refuge in You from the evil where from Your Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) sought refuge. You are the One from Whom help is sought and Your is the responsibility to communicate (the truth). There is no power or strength except with Allah the Exalted, the Great.”’
[At-Tirmidhi]

1493. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: One of the supplications of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was: “Allahumma inni as’aluka mujibati rahmatika, wa `aza’ima maghfiratika, was-salamata min kulli ithmin, wal-ghanimata min kulli birrin, wal-fawza bil-jannati, wannajata mina-nar (O Allah! I beg You for that which incites Your Mercy and the means of Your forgiveness, safety from every sin, the benefit from every good deed, success in attaining Jannah and deliverance from Fire).”
[Al-Hakim].

The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal

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The Desirability of Fasting six Days in the Month of Shawwal

1254. Abu Ayyub (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who observes As-Saum (the fasts) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year.”
[Muslim].

The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha’ban

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The Prohibition of Observing Saum (Fasting) after the Middle of Sha’ban

1224. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) for a day or two days preceding Ramadan. However, if a person is in the habit of observing Saum on a particular day (which may fall on these dates), he may fast on that day.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1225. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not observe Saum (fasting) before the advent of Ramadan. Observe Saum at sighting of the crescent of Ramadan and terminate it at sighting the crescent (of Shawwal). If the sky is overcast, complete (the month as) thirty (days).”

[At-Tirmidhi].

1226. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When there comes the middle of Sha`ban, don’t observe Saum (fasting).”

[At-Tirmidhi].

1227. `Ammar bin Yasir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: He who observes the fast on a doubtful day, has in fact disobeyed Abul-Qasim, (i.e., Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)).

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

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The Desirability of Observing Saum (Fasting) on Monday and Thursday

1255. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about fasting on Mondays. He said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which I received Revelation.”
[Muslim].

1256. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Deeds of people are presented (to Allah) on Mondays and Thursdays. So I like that my actions be presented while I am fasting.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1257. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her)u reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to observe fast on Mondays and Thursdays.
[At-Tirmidhi].

The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves

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The Merit of Emancipation of Slaves

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep (i.e., the path which will lead to goodness and success). And what will make you know the path that is steep? (It is) freeing a neck (slave).” (90:11-13)

1358.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who sets free a Muslim slave, Allah will deliver from the fire of Hell every limb of his body in return for every limb of the slave’s body, even his private parts.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1359.  Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), “Which deed is most excellent?” He replied, “Faith in Allah and Jihad in His path.” I then asked, “Which slaves are most excellent (to set free)?” He replied, “Those who are held in high esteem by their people and whose value is higher.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Virtues of Knowledge which is Learnt and Taught for the sake of Allah

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Virtues of Knowledge which is Learnt and Taught for the sake of Allah

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And say: `My Rubb! Increase me in knowledge.” (20:114)

“Are those who know equal to those who know not?”’ (39:9)

“Allah will exalt in degree those of you who believe, and those who have been granted knowledge.” (58:11)

“It is only those who have knowledge among His slaves that fear Allah.” (35:28)

1376. Mu`awiyah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah said, “When Allah wishes good for someone, He bestows upon him the understanding of Deen.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1377. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Envy is permitted only in two cases: A man whom Allah gives wealth, and he disposes of it rightfully, and a man to whom Allah gives knowledge which he applies and teaches it.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1378. Abu Musa (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like abundant rain which fell on a land. A fertile part of it absorbed the water and brought forth profuse herbage and pasture; and solid ground patches which retained the water by which Allah has benefited people, who drank from it, irrigated their crops and sowed their seeds; and another sandy plane which could neither retain the water nor produce herbage. Such is the similitude of the person who becomes well-versed in the religion of Allah and receives benefit from the Message entrusted to me by Allah, so he himself has learned and taught it to others; such is also the similitude of the person who has stubbornly and ignorantly rejected Allah’s Guidance with which I have been sent.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

1379. Sahl bin Sa`d (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him), “By Allah, if a single person is guided by Allah through you, it will be better for you than a whole lot of red camels.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1380. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Convey from me even an Ayah of the Qur’an; relate traditions from Banu Israel, and there is no restriction on that; but he who deliberately forges a lie against me let him have his abode in the Hell.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1381. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.”
[Muslim].

1382. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who calls others to follow the Right Guidance will have a reward equal to the reward of those who follow him, without their reward being diminished in any respect on that account.”
[Muslim].

1383. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous decendant who prays for him (for the deceased).”
[Muslim].

1384. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The world, with all that it contains, is accursed except for the remembrance of Allah that which pleases Allah; and the religious scholars and seekers of knowledge.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1385. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who goes forth in search of knowledge is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1386. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A believer never satisfies doing good until he reaches Jannah.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1387. Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The superiority of the learned over the devout worshipper is like my superiority over the most inferior amongst you (in good deeds).” He went on to say, “Allah, His angels, the dwellers of the heaven and the earth, and even the ant in its hole and the fish (in water) supplicate in favour of those who teach people knowledge.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1388. Abud-Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who follows a path in quest of knowledge, Allah will make the path of Jannah easy to him. The angels lower their wings over the seeker of knowledge, being pleased with what he does. The inhabitants of the heavens and the earth and even the fish in the depth of the oceans seek forgiveness for him. The superiority of the learned man over the devout worshipper is like that of the full moon to the rest of the stars (i.e., in brightness). The learned are the heirs of the Prophets who bequeath neither dinar nor dirham but only that of knowledge; and he who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1389. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “May Allah freshen the affairs of a person who hears something from us and communicates it to others exactly as he has heard it (i.e., both the meaning and the words). Many a recepient of knowledge understands it better than the one who has heard it.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1390. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who is asked about knowledge (of religion) and conceals it, will be bridled with a bridle of fire on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1391. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah(sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not acquire knowledge with the sole intention of seeking the Pleasure of Allah but for worldly gain, will not smell the fragrance of Jannah on the Day of Resurrection.”
[Abu Dawud].

1392. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Verily, Allah does not take away knowledge by snatching it from the people, but He takes it away by taking away (the lives of) the religious scholars till none of the scholars stays alive. Then the people will take ignorant ones as their leaders, who, when asked to deliver religious verdicts, will issue them without knowledge, the result being that they will go astray and will lead others astray.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and itsExcellence, and its Manner

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The Obligation of Supplicating Allah to Exalt His Mention and its Excellence,
and its Manner

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Allah exalts the mention of His Messenger (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and His angels supplicate Him to do so. O you who believe! supplicate Allah to exalt his mention and to grant him safety and security.

1397. `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “Whoever supplicates Allah to exalt my mention, Allah will exalt his mention ten times.”
[Muslim].

1398. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “The people who will be nearest to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who supplicate Allah more often for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1399. Aus bin Aus (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Among the best of your days is Friday; so supplicate Allah more often for me in it , for your supplications will be displayed to me.” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah! How will our blessings be displayed to you when your decayed body will have mixed with the earth?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Allah has prohibited the earth from consuming the bodies of the Prophets.”
[Abu Dawud].

1400. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May his nose soil with dust in whose presence mention is made of me and he does not supplicate for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1401. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do not make my grave a place of festivity, and supplicate Allah for me, for your supplication reaches me wherever you are.”
[Abu Dawud].

1402. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whenever someone greets  me, Allah returns the soul to my body (in the grave) and I return his greeting.”
[Abu Dawud].

1403. `Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The miser is the one in whose presence I am mentioned but he does not supplicate for me.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1404. Fadalah bin `Ubaid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) heard some one supplicating after his prayer without praising Allah and without supplicating Allah for the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam). With regard to him, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “This man rushed.” Then he called him and said, “When any one of you have performed Salat (prayer) and wants to supplicate, let him praise Allah first then glorify Him in the beginning and then he should supplicate Allah for me. Then he may supplicate for whatever he likes.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1405. Abu  Muhammad  Ka`b  bin `Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to us and we asked him, “O Messenger of Allah, we already know how to greet you (i.e., say As-salamu `alaikum), but how should we supplicate for you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: `Allahumma salli `ala Muhammadin, wa `ala `ali Muhammadin, kama sallaita `ala `ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid. Allahumma barik `ala Muhammadin, wa `ala `ali Muhammadin, kama barakta `ala `ali Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum Majid [O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are Praised and Glorious.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1406. Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We were sitting in the company of Sa`d bin `Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him), when the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to us. Bashir bin Sa`d said: “O Messenger of Allah! Allah has commanded us to supplicate for you, but how should we do that?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) kept silent. We were much perturbed over his silence and we wished he did not asked him this question. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say: `O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as you exalted the family of Ibrahim. And bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are the Praised, the Glorified,’ and the method of greeting (i.e., Salam) is as you know.”
[Muslim].

1407. Abu Humaid As-Sa`idi (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Companions of the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “O Messenger of Allah! How should we supplicate for you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Say: `Allahumma salli `ala Muhammadin wa `ala azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kama sallaita `ala Ibrahima; wa barik `ala Muhammadin wa `ala azwajihi wa dhurriyyatihi, kama barakta `ala Ibrahima, innaka Hamidum-Majid (O Allah sent Your Salat (O Allah, exalt the mention of Muhammad and his wives and offspring as You exalted the mention of the family of Ibrahim, and bless Muhammad and the wives and  the offspring of Muhammad as you blessed the family of Ibrahim. You are the Praised, the Glorious‘.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The Excellence of Worship in the time of Tribulations

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The Excellence of Worship in the time of Tribulations

1366.   Ma`qil bin Yasar (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The reward of worship performed at a time of trials is equal in reward to an emigration to me.”
[Muslim].

Remembrance of Allah in the Morning and in the Evening

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Remembrance of Allah in the Morning and in the Evening

Allah, the Exalted, says:

وَاذْكُر رَّبَّكَ فِي نَفْسِكَ تَضَرُّعًا وَخِيفَةً وَدُونَ الْجَهْرِ مِنَ الْقَوْلِ بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ وَلَا تَكُن مِّنَ الْغَافِلِينَ

“And remember your Rubb by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear and without loudness in words in the mornings, and in the afternoons and be not of those who are neglectful.” (7:205)

وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ قَبْلَ طُلُوعِ الشَّمْسِ وَقَبْلَ غُرُوبِهَا

“And declare the perfectness of your Rubb before the rising of the sun, and before its setting.” (20:130)

وَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِبْكَارِ

“And declare the perfectness of your Rubb and praise Him in the `Ashi (i.e., the time period after the midnoon till sunset) and in the Ibkar(i.e., the time period from early morning or sunrise till before midnoon).” (40:55)

فِي بُيُوتٍ أَذِنَ اللَّهُ أَن تُرْفَعَ وَيُذْكَرَ فِيهَا اسْمُهُ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُ فِيهَا بِالْغُدُوِّ وَالْآصَالِ رِجَالٌ لَّا تُلْهِيهِمْ تِجَارَةٌ وَلَا بَيْعٌ عَن ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ وَإِقَامِ الصَّلَاةِ وَإِيتَاءِ الزَّكَاةِ ۙ يَخَافُونَ يَوْمًا تَتَقَلَّبُ فِيهِ الْقُلُوبُ وَالْأَبْصَارُ

“In houses (mosques) which Allah has ordered to be raised (to be cleaned, and to be honoured), in them His Name is mentioned in the mornings and in the afternoons or the evenings. Men whom neither trade nor sale diverts from the remembrance of Allah (with heart and tongue).” (24:36,37)

إِنَّا سَخَّرْنَا الْجِبَالَ مَعَهُ يُسَبِّحْنَ بِالْعَشِيِّ وَالْإِشْرَاقِ

“Verily, We made the mountains to declare the Perfectness of Allah with him [Dawud (David)] in the `Ashi (i.e., after the midday till sunset) and Ishraq (i.e., after the sunrise till midday).” (38:18)

1451. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

“He who recites in the morning and in the evening the statement: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with praising Him)’ one hundred times, will not be surpassed on the Day of Resurrection by anyone with better deeds than one who utters the same words or utters more of these words.”

[Muslim].

1452. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man came to the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and said, “What a trouble I suffered from a scorpion which stung me last night!” He (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Had you said in the evening: `A`udhu bikalimatillahit-tammati min sharri ma khalaqa (I seek the protection of Allah’s Perfect Words from the evil of whatever He has created),’ it would not have harmed you.”

[Muslim].

1453. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to say in the morning:

“Allahumma bika asbahna, wa bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur

(O Allah! With Your Power we have come to the morning, with Your Power we come to the evening, with Your Power we live, and we die, and to You will we return).”

In the evening he would say:

“Allahumma bika amsaina, wa bika nahya, wa bika namutu, wa ilaikan-nushur

(O Allah! With Your Power, we have come to the evening, by You do we live, by You do we die, and to You is the return).”

[At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

1454. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Abu Bakr asked, “O Messenger of Allah! Teach me some words so that I may recite them in the morning and in the evening.” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said,

“Recite these words: `Allahumma fatiras-samawati wal-ardi, `alimal-ghaibi wash-shahadati, Rabba kulli shai’in wa malikahu. Ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, a`udhu bika min sharri nafsi, wa sharrish-Shaitani wa shirkihi

(O Allah! Creator of the heavens and the earth! Knower of the hidden and the exposed! Rubb of everything and every one. I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but You. I seek Your Protection from the evil of my own self from the evil of Satan and from the evil of Shirk to which he calls).”’

The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) added: “Recite these words in the morning and the evening and when you go to bed.”

[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1455. `Abdullah bin Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When it was evening, the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate:

“Amsaina wa amsal-mulku lillah, wal-hamdu lillah. La `ilaha illallahu wahdahu la sharika lahu

(We have entered upon evening and the whole kingdom of Allah, too, has entered upon evening. Praise is due to Allah. There is none who has the right to be worshiped but Allah, the One who has no partner with Him).”

He (the narrator) said: I think that he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to follow the recitation with these words:

“Lahul-mulku, wa lahul-hamdu, wa Huwa `ala kulli shi’in Qadir. Rabbi as’aluka khaira ma fi hadhihil-lailati, wa khaira ma ba`daha; wa a`udhu bika min sharri ma fi hadhihil-lailati, wa sharri ma ba`daha; Rabbi a`udhu bika minal-kasali, wa su‘il-kibari; Rabbi a`udhu bika min `adhabin fin-nari, wa `adhabin fil-qabri

(His is the sovereignty and to Him is all praise due, and He is Omnipotent. My Rubb, I beg of you good that lies in this night and good that follows it, and I seek refuge in You from the evil that lies in this night and from the evil of that which follows it. My Rubb! I seek refuge in You from lethargy and the misery of old age. O Allah! I seek Your Protection from the torment of Hell-fire and the punishment of the grave).”

When it was morning, he (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) would recite the same, replacing the words:

“We have entered upon evening and the whole kingdom of Allah, too, has entered upon evening” with “We have entered upon morning and the whole kingdom of Allah entered upon morning.”

(Replace the words “Amsaina, amsa, hadhihil-lailati, ma ba`daha with Asbahna, asbaha, hadhal-yaumi, ma ba`dahu, respectively.)

[Muslim].

1456. `Abdullah bin Khubaib (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite Surat Al-Ikhlas and Al-Mu`awwidhatain (Surat Al-Falaq and Surat An-Nas) three times at dawn and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1457. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who recites three times every morning and evening:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Bismillahil-ladhi la yadurru ma`as-mihi shai’un fil-ardi wa la fis-sama’i, wa Huwas-Sami`ul-`Alim (In the Name of Allah with Whose Name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in the heaven, and He is the All-Hearing and All-Knowing),’

nothing will harm him.” [Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

Source: Dar-us-salam English Publication of Riyad-us-Saliheen

Related Links:

The Obligation of Gratitude

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The Obligation of Gratitude

Allah the Exalted says:

“Therefore, remember Me (by praying, glorifying). I will remember you, and be grateful to Me (for My countless Favours on you) and never be ungrateful to Me.” (2:152)

“If you give thanks (by accepting Faith and worshipping none but Allah), I will give you more (of My Blessings).” (14:7)

“And say: `All the praises and thanks be to Allah.”’ (17:111)

“And the close of their request will be: `Al-hamdu lillahi Rabbil-`alamin [All the praise is due to Allah, the Rubb of `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)].”’ (10:10)

1393. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: On the Night of Al-Isra (the Night of Ascension) the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was presented with two drinking vessels: one full of wine and the other one full of milk. He looked at them. Then he took the vessel which was full of milk. Thereupon Jibril (Gabriel) said: “Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) Who has guided you to that, which is in accord with Fitrah (i.e., Islamic Monotheism; pure nature of Islam). Had you selected wine, your people would have gone astray.”
[Muslim].

1394. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Any matter of importance which is not begun with Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) remains defective.”
[Abu Dawud].

1395. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a slave’s child dies, Allah the Most High asks His angels, `Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?”  They reply in the affirmative. He then asks, `Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ They reply in the affirmative. Thereupon he asks, `What has My slave said?’ They say: `He has praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji`un (We belong to Allah and to Him we shall be returned). Allah says: `Build a house for My slave in Jannah and name it as Bait-ul-Hamd (the House of Praise).”’
[At-Tirmidhi].

1396. Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah is pleased with His slave who says: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water.”
[Muslim].

Merit of Suhur (Predawn meal in Ramadan) and the Excellence of Delayinghaving it till before Dawn

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Merit of Suhur (Predawn meal in Ramadan) and the Excellence of Delaying having
it till before Dawn

1229. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Eat Suhur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in Suhur.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1230. Zaid bin Thabit (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: We took Suhur (predawn meal) with the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and then we stood up for (Fajr) Salat (prayer). It was asked: “How long was the gap between the two?” He replied: “The time required for the recitation of fifty Ayat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1231. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) had two Mu’adhdhin: Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktum (May Allah be pleased with them). The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Bilal proclaims Adhan [call to Salat (prayer)] at fag end of night, so eat and drink till Ibn Umm Maktum pronounces Adhan.” Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) added: And the gap between their Adhan was not more than the time spent in one’s getting down and the other’s climbing (the minaret).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1232.  `Amr bin Al-`As (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The difference between our observance of Saum (fasting) and that of the people of the Scriptures is Suhur (predawn meal in Ramadan).”
[Muslim].

The Merit of the Dutiful Slave

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Chapter 238
The Merit of the Dutiful Slave

1362.   Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When a slave is sincere to his master and worships Allah well, He will have a double reward.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1363.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The faithful and diligent slave will have a double reward.” (Abu Hurairah added:) By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Abu Hurairah is! but for Jihad in the Cause of Allah, and Hajj and kindness to my mother, I would have preferred to die as a slave.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1364.   Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave who worships his Rubb (Allah) well and discharges efficiently and faithfully the duties which are assigned to him by his master, will have a double reward.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1365.   Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Three kinds of people will have a double reward: A man from the People of the Book who believes in his Prophet and (also) believes in Muhammad; a slave who discharges properly the duties towards Allah and towards his master; and a man who possesses a slave-girl and teaches her manners, educates her well, and frees her and then marries her.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Supplication at the Sight of the Crescent (At the outset of Every LunarMonth)

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Supplication at the Sight of the Crescent (At the outset of Every Lunar Month)

1228.  Talhah bin  Ubaidullah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: At the sight of the new moon (of the lunar month), the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to supplicate: “Allahumma ahillahu `alaina bil-amni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-Islam, Rabbi wa Rabbuk-Allah, Hilalu rushdin wa khairin (O Allah, let this moon appear on us with security and Iman; with safety and Islam. (O moon!) Your Rubb and mine is Allah. May this moon be bringing guidance and good).”
[At-Tirmidhi].

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