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

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Chapter 241
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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Chapter 243
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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Chapter 239
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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Chapter 248
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

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The Obligation of Gratitude

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Chapter 242
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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Chapter 221
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].

Remembrance of Allah in all Conditions

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Remembrance of Allah in all Conditions

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..” (3:190,191)

1444. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to remember Allah at all times.
[Muslim].

1445. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If anyone intends to have (sexual intercourse) with his wife, he should say: “Bismillah! Allahumma janibnash-Shaitana, wa jannibish-Shaitana ma razaqtana (In the Name of Allah, O Allah! Keep us away from Satan and keep Satan away from what You have bestowed upon us);’ and if Allah has ordained a child for them, Satan will never harm him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

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Safeguarding As-Saum (The Fast)

1240. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: `I am observing fast.”’
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1241. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.”
[Al-Bukhari].

The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting)for breaking the Fast

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The Merit of Providing something to the Person Observing Saum (Fasting) for
breaking the Fast

1265. Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1266. Umm `Umarah Al-Ansariyah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: Once the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) visited us and I served him some food. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) asked me to eat. I replied that I was observing (optional) fast. He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When people eat by a person observing fast, the angels keep asking Allah’s forgiveness for that person until they have had their fill.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1267. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came to visit Sa`d bin `Ubadah (May Allah be pleased with him) who presented bread and olive oil to him. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) ate it and said, “The observers of fast have broken their fast with you (this is the literal translation, but the meaning is: `May Allah reward you for providing a fasting people with food to break their fast’); the pious people have eat your food and the angels invoked blessings on you.”
[Abu Dawud].

The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence

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The Obligation of Hajj (Pilgrimage) and its Excellence

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) to the House (Ka`bah) is a duty that mankind owes to Allah, those who can afford the expenses (for one’s conveyance, provision and residence); and whoever disbelieves [i.e., denies Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah), then he is a disbeliever of Allah], then Allah stands not in need of any of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).” (3:97)

1271. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The superstructure of) Islam is based on five (pillars), testifying the fact that La ilaha illallah wa anna Muhammad-ar-Rasul-ullah [there is no true god except Allah, and Muhammad ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) is the Messenger of Allah], establishing As-Salat (the prayers), paying Zakat (poor due), the pilgrimage to the House [of Allah (Ka`bah)], and the Saum (fasting) during the month of Ramadan.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1272. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) delivered a Khutbah and said, “O people! Hajj (pilgrimage to the House of Allah) has been made incumbent upon you, so perform Hajj.” A man inquired: “O Messenger of Allah, is it prescribed every year?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) remained silent till the man repeated it thrice. Then he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Had I replied in the affirmative, it would have surely become obligatory, and you would not have been able to fulfill it.” Afterwards he said, “Do not ask me so long as I do not impose anything upon you, because those who were before you were destroyed on account of their frequent questioning and their disagreement with their Prophets. So when I order you to do something, do it as far as you can; and when I forbid you from doing anything, eschew it.”
[Muslim].

1273. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked: “Which deed is the best?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Faith in Allah and His Messenger.” Then he was asked: “What is next?” He replied, “Jihad (holy fighting) in the Cause of Allah.” Then he was asked, “What is after that?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Hajj Mabrur (an accepted pilgrimage).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1274. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage) and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1275. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The performance of) `Umrah is an expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous `Umrah; and the reward of Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted) is nothing but Jannah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1276. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I said: “O Messenger of Allah! We consider Jihad as the best deed, should we not then go for Jihad?” The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best Jihad for you women is Hajj Mabrur (i.e., one accepted by Allah).”
[Al-Bukhari].

1277. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of `Arafah.”
[Muslim].

1278. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “(The performance of) `Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj (pilgrimage).” Or said, “Equal to the performance of Hajj with me.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1279. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: A woman came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said, “Allah’s obligation upon His slaves has become obligatory on my father in his old age. My father is very old and incapable of riding. May I perform Hajj on his behalf?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1280. Laqit bin `Amir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I came to the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and said: “My father is a very old man and does not have strength to perform Hajj (pilgrimage) or `Umrah or to undertake the journey.” The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Perform Hajj and `Umrah on behalf of your father.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

1281.  As-Sai’b bin Yazid (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I was seven years old when I was taken to perform Hajj (pilgrimage). This was during the time the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the Hajjat-ul-Wada` (Farewell Pilgrimage).

[Al-Bukhari].

1282. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came across a caravan at Ar-Rauha’ and asked who the people in the caravan were. They replied that they were Muslims. They asked: “Who are you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I am the Messenger of Allah.” Then a woman lifted up a boy to him and asked: “Would this child be credited with having performed the Hajj (pilgrimage)?” Whereupon he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Yes, and you will have a reward.”
[Muslim].

1283. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performed the pilgrimage on an unsaddled camel which also carried his provisions (i.e., his Zamilah).
[Al-Bukhari].

1284. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Ukaz, Mijannah and Dhul-Majaz were markets during the pre-Islamic period. The Companions disliked trading there till the following Ayat of the Noble Qur’an were revealed: “There is no sin on you if you seek the Bounty of your Rubb (during pilgrimage by trading)…” (2:198)
[Al-Bukhari].

Excellence of Fair Bargaining and Matters Relation to it

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Excellence of Fair Bargaining and Matters Relation to it

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“And whatever you do of good deeds, truly, Allah knows it well.” (2:215)

“And O my people! Give full measure and weight in justice and reduce not the things that are due to the people.” (11:85)

“Woe to Al-Mutaffifun (those who give less in measure and weight). Those who, when they have to receive by measure from men, demand full measure. And when they have to give by measure or weight to (other) men, give less than due. Do they not think that they will be resurrected (for reckoning). On a Great Day? The Day when (all) mankind will stand before the Rubb of the `Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?” (83:1-6)

1367.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man demanded of the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) for repayment of a loan and was harsh to him. His Companions were about to attack him, but he (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Leave him, as the creditor is entitled to make a demand. Give him a camel of the same age as the camel that is due to him.” They said: “We find a better camel senior to it in age.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Then buy it and give it to him; verily the best of you is the one who is the best in discharging his obligations (repayment of loans).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1368.   Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “May Allah show mercy to a man who adopts a kind attitude when he sells, buys and demands for the repayment of loans.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1369.  Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who likes Allah to deliver him from the calamities of the Day of Resurrection, let him either give respite to a debtor or grant him remission (of loans) in straitened circumstances.”
[Muslim].

1370.  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “There was a person who used to loan money to the people and he used to say to his servant: `When an insolvent person comes to you, show him leniency so that Allah may forbear our faults.’ So when he met Allah (i.e., when he died), Allah forgave him.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1371.  Abu Mas`ud Al-Badri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A person from amongst the people who lived before you was called to account by Allah on the Day of Resurrection. No good deeds were found in his credit except that he being a rich man had (financial) dealings with people and had commanded his servants to show leniency to those who were in straitened circumstances. Upon this Allah, the Exalted, and Majestic said: `I am more entitled to this attribute, so waive (his faults).”’
[Muslim].

1372.  Hudhaifah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “A slave of Allah whom He had endowed with wealth, will be brought before Him. Allah will ask him: `What did you do in the world?’ (They cannot conceal anything from Allah.) He will say: `O my Rubb, You endowed me with Your wealth; I used to enter into transactions with people and it was my nature to be lenient to the insolvent ones. I used to give respite to those who were in straitened circumstances.’ Whereupon Allah will say: `I am more entitled than you to do this. So forgive my slave‘.” `Uqbah bin `Amir and Abu Mas`ud Al-Ansari (May Allah be pleased with them) said, “Thus we heard it from the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam).”
[Muslim].

1373.   Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who gives respite to someone who is in straitened circumstances, or grants him remission, Allah will shelter him in the shade of His Throne, on the Day of Resurrection, when there will be no shade except its shade.”
[At-Tirmidhi].

1374.   Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) purchased a camel from me and weighed more than its price.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1375.   Abu Safwan Suwaid bin Qais (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Makhramah Al-`Abdi and I procured some drapery from Hajar and brought them to Makkah. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came and bargained with us for some trousers and we sold them to him. We had a person who weighed the cloth in order to fix the price. The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “Weigh and add a little to it.”
[Abu Dawud and At-Tirmidhi].

The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of ‘Arafah, ‘Ashura’ andTasu’a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

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The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of ‘Arafah, ‘Ashura’ and Tasu’a
(i.e., 9th of Muharram)

1250. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of `Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.”
[Muslim].

1251. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of `Ashura’ and commanded us to fast on this day.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1252. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.”
[Muslim].

1253. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.”
[Muslim].

Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

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Emphasis on Performing two Rak’ah Sunnah before Dawn (Fajr) Prayer

1100. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) never omitted four Rak`ah prayer before the Zuhr prayer and two Rak`ah prayers before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari].

1101. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) did not attach more importance to any Nawafil prayer than the two Rak`ah of prayer before dawn (Fajr) prayer.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1102. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are better than this world and all it contains.”
[Muslim]

Another narration goes: “The two Rak`ah before the dawn (Fajr) prayer are dearer to me than the whole world.”

1103. Abu `Abdullah Bilal bin Rabah (May Allah be pleased with him) the Mu’adhdhin of Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reported: I went to inform the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) about the time of the dawn (Fajr) prayer, and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and began to ask me about something till the day grew bright. Then I got up and informed the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) of the time of Salat. I informed him again but he did not came out immediately to lead As-Salat. When he came out, he led As-Salat. I said to him: `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) kept me busy and thus diverted my attention by asking about something and the morning grew bright. You also came out late. Upon that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I was engaged in performing two Rak`ah of Fajr prayer.” Bilal (May Allah be pleased with him)said: “O Messenger of Allah! You delayed As-Salat so long as the morning grew bright.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Even if the morning had become brighter than it had, I would have performed two Rak`ah of prayer in an excellent manner.”
[Abu Dawud].

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

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

1082. Jabir bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) came out to us (once) and said, “Why do you not stand in rows as the angels do before their Rubb?” We asked: “O Messenger of Allah! how do the angels stand in rows before their Rubb?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) replied, “They complete each row beginning with the first and filling all the gaps.”
[Muslim].

1083. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “If people came to know the blessing of calling Adhan and the standing in the first row, they could do nothing but would draw lots to secure these privileges.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1084.Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The best of the men’s rows (in Salat) is the first row and the worst is the last; but the best of the woman’s row is the last and the worst of their rows is the first.”
[Muslim].

1085. Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) perceived a tendency among his Companions to stand in the back rows, he said to them, “Come forward and be close to me and let those who come after you, follow your lead. If people continue to fall behind (i.e., in acquiring virtues), Allah puts them behind.”
[Muslim].

1086. Abu Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to gently pat our shoulders when we were standing in rows at the time of Salat and say, “Keep (the rows) straight; do not differ from each other lest your hearts should suffer from discord. Let those of you who are mature and prudent be nearer to me, and then those who are next to them.”
[Muslim].

1087. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Keep your rows straight (during Salat in congregation), for keeping the rows straight is part of the perfection of Salat.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1088. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: When the Iqamah had been announced, the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) turned his face towards us and said: “Make your rows straight and stand close together, for I can see you from behind my back.”
[Al-Bukhari].

1089. An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Straighten your rows; otherwise, Allah will create dissension among you.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

The narration in Muslim is: An-Nu`man bin Bashir (May Allah be pleased with them) said: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) directed us to keep our rows as straight as arrows. He continued stressing this until he realized that we had learnt it from him (recognized its significance). One day he came into the mosque and stood up. He was just about to say Takbir (Allah is  Greater) when he noticed a man whose chest was projected from the row, so he said, “O slaves of Allah, you must straighten your rows or Allah will certainly put your faces in opposite directions.”

1090. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) used to pass between the rows from one end to the other, touching our chest and shoulders (i.e., arranging the rows) in line and saying, “Do not be out of line; otherwise your hearts will be in disagreement”. He would add, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon the first rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1091. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to Allah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he will be cut off from Allah (i.e., from His Mercy).”
[Abu Dawud].

1092. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Stand close together in your rows, keep nearer to one another, and put your necks in line, for by Him in Whose Hands my soul is, I see the Satan entering through the opening in the row like Al-hadhaf (i.e., a type of small black sheep found in Yemen).”
[Abu Dawud].

1093. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fill (complete) the first row, then the one next to it; and if there is any deficiency (incompleteness), it should be in the last row.”
[Abu Dawud].

1094.`Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Allah and His angels invoke blessings upon those who are on the right side of the rows.”
[Abu Dawud].

1095. Al-Bara’ (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Whenever we performed Salat behind the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam), we liked to be on his right side so that his face might turn towards us (at the end of the Salat). One day, I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) supplicating, “O my Rubb! Shield me from Your Torment on the Day when You will gather (or said, `resurrect’) Your slaves.”
[Muslim].

1096. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him)reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Let the Imam stand in the middle (so that those praying behind him should be standing both on his right and his left) and close the gaps.”
[Abu Dawud].

The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

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The Merits of Ablutions (Wudu’)

Allah, the Exalted, says:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer As-Salat (the prayer), wash your faces and your hands (forearms) up to the elbows, wipe (by passing wet hands over) your heads, and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are in a state of Janaba (i.e., after a sexual discharge), purify yourselves (bathe your whole body). But if you are ill or on a journey, or any of you comes from responding to the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (i.e., sexual intercourse) and you find no water, then perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your faces and hands. Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you, and to complete His Favour to you that you may be thankful.” (5:6)

1024. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying: “On the Day of Resurrection, my followers (or Ummah) will be summoned `Al-Ghurr Al-Muhajjalun’ from the traces of Wudu’. Whoever can increase the area of his radiance should do so.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1025. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard my Khalil (the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam)) as saying, “The adornment of the believer (in Jannah) will reach the places where the water of Wudu’ reaches (his body).”
[Muslim].

1026. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who performs the Wudu’ perfectly (i.e., according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under his nails.”
[Muslim].

1027. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) performing Wudu’ the way I have just done it and said, “He who performs Wudu’ like this, his previous sins will be forgiven and his Salat and walking to the mosque will be considered as supererogatory act of worship.”
[Muslim].

1028. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “When a Muslim, or a believer, washes his face (in the course of Wudu’), every sin which he committed with his eyes, will be washed away from his face with water, or with the last drop of water; when he washes his hands, every sin which is committed by his hands will be effaced from his hands with the water, or with the last drop of water; and when he washes his feet, every sin his feet committed will be washed away with the water, or with the last drop of water; until he finally emerges cleansed of all his sins.”
[Muslim].

1029. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) went to the (Baqi`) cemetery and said, “May you be secured from punishment, O dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish we see my brothers.” The Companions said, “O Messenger of Allah! Are not we your brothers?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “You are my Companions, but my brothers are those who have not come into the world yet.” They said; “O Messenger of Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born yet?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?” They said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “They (my followers) will come with bright faces and white limbs because of Wudu’; and I will arrive at the Haud (Al-Kauthar) ahead of them.”
[Muslim].

1030. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Shall I not tell you something by which Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?” The Companions said; “Certainly, O Messenger of Allah.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Performing the Wudu’ thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to the mosque, and waiting for the next As-Salat (the prayer) after observing Salat; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that is Ar-Ribat.”
[Muslim].

1031. Abu Malik Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said: “Wudu’ is half the Iman.”
[Muslim].

1032. `Umar bin Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “Whoever of you performs Wudu’ carefully and then affirms: `Ash-hadu an la ilaha illallahu Wahdahu la sharika Lahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadan `abduhu wa Rasuluhu [I testify that there so no true god except Allah Alone, Who has no partners and that Muhammad ((sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) is His slave and Messenger],’ the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him. He may enter through whichever of these gates he desires (to enter).”
[Muslim].

In the narration in At-Tirmidhi, it is added: “Allahummaj-`alni minat-tawwabina, waj-`alni minal-mutatahhirin (O Allah make me among those who repent and purify themselves).”

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

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1004. AbU Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of AllAh (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Allah does not listen so attentively to anything as He listens to the recitation of the Qur’an by a Prophet who recites well with a melodious and audible voice.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1005. Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to him, “You have been given a Mizmar (sweet melodious voice) out of the Mazamir of Prophet Dawud (David).”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1006. Al-Bara’ bin `Azib (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: I heard the Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) reciting Surat Wat-Teen Waz-Zaitun (Chapter 95) during the `Isha’ prayer. I have never heard anyone reciting it in a more beautiful voice than his.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1007. Abu Lubabah Bashir bin `Abdul-Mundhir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “He who does not recite the Qur’an in a pleasant tone is not of us.”
[Abu Dawud].

1008. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said to me, “Recite the Qur’an to me.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Shall I recite it to you when it was revealed to you?” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “I like to hear it from others.” Then I began to recite Surat An-Nisa’. When I reached the Ayah: `How will it be when We shall bring a witness from every people and bring you as a witness against them?’ (Having heard it) he said, “Enough! Enough!” When I looked at him, I found his eyes were overflowing with tears.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

 

The Excellence of As-Salat (The Prayer)

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Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha’ (i.e., great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse) and Al-Munkar (i.e., disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil, wicked deed).” (29:45)

1042. Abu Hurairahu (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “Say, if there were a river at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day, would any soiling remain on him?” They replied, “No soiling would left on him.” He (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, ” That is the five (obligatory) Salat (prayers). Allah obliterates all sins as a result of performing them.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1043. Jabiru (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The similitude of the five (obligatory) Salat  is like a river running at the door of one of you in which he takes a bath five times a day.”
[Muslim].

1044. Ibn Mas`ud (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A man kissed a woman. So he came to the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) and informed him about it. Then Allah revealed this Ayah: “And perform the Salat, between the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night. Verily, the good deeds efface the evil deeds (i.e., minor sins).” (11:114) The man asked the Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) whether this applies to him only. The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “It applies to all of my Ummah.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

1045. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) said, “The five (daily) Salat (prayers) and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in between, so long as major sins are avoided.”
[Muslim].

1046. `Uthman bin `Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu ’alayhi wa sallam) saying, “When the time for a prescribed Salat is due and a Muslim performs its Wudu’ and its acts of bowing and prostration properly, this Salat will be an expiation for his past sins, so long as he does not commit major sins, and this applies for ever.”
[Muslim].

Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

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Sunnah of the ‘Isha’ Prayer

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

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

 

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