Virtues of performing Hajj

Hazrat Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said:
“Whoever performs Hajj for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall remain from it as free from sin as the day on which his mother gave birth to him.’

Hazrat Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said:
“Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous pilgrimage except Jannah”

Hazrat Ayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“There is no day in which Allah sets free more souls from the fire of hell than on the day of Arafaat. And on that day Allah draws near to the earth and by way of exhibiting His pride remarks to the Angels: “What is the desire of these servants of mine.”
“Hazrat Talhaa (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“Apart from the day of the battle of Badr there is no day on which the Shaytaan is seen more humiliated, more rejected. More depressed and more infuriated, than on the day of Arafaat, and indeed all that is only because of beholding the abundance of descending mercy (on that day) and Allah’s forgiveness of the great sins of the servants.” (Mishkaat)

Hazrat Ibn Shimaastah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports we were present around Hazrat Amr Ibn al-Aas (radhiyallahu anhu) before he passed away. He cried for a long time and then related the story of his embracing Islam. He said: “When Allah caused Islam to enter my heart, I came to Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and said: ‘O messenger of Allah, put forth your hand that I may swear allegiance. ‘When Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stretched forth his hand, I withheld mine. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) inquired: “What troubles you ‘O Amr?” I said: I went to make a condition that Allah shall forgive my previous sins”. Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) replied: ‘O Amr, do you then not know that Islam washes away all sins committed in disbelief, and that the Hijrat (migration) washes away all sins committed before Hajj?”

Hazrat Sahl bins Sa’ad (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“When a Muslim shouts Labbaik, then verily every stone, tree and all the ground to his right and to his left recites the same, and this continues till that cry reaches the end of the earth,”

Hazrat Abu Moosa (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“The Hajji shall intercede on behalf of four hundred families or he said four hundred people from his family, and verily does he return from Hajj (sinless) as on the day his mother gave birth to him.”

Hazrat Ibn Umar (radhiyallahu anhu) report that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“When you meet a Hajji (on his way home) then greet him, shake hands with him and ask him to beg forgiveness of Allah on your behalf before he enters his home, for his prayer for forgiveness is accepted since he is forgiven by Allah for his sins.”

Hazrat Buraidah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“The expenses incurred during Hajj is like that incurred in Jihaad; rewarded seven hundred times.”

Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“A Hajji never becomes poor and destitute.”

Hazrat Aayesha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that she once sought permission from Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) to go for Jihaad. Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Your Jihaad is Hajj.”

Hazrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said:
“Whoever desires to perform Hajj, should hasten towards performing it.”

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said:
“Whoever sets forth in a journey to perform Hajj and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Haaji until the day of Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth to perform Umrah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mu’tamir until Qiyaamah; and whoever sets forth on a journey to fight in the way of Allah and passes away on route, for him shall be written the reward of a Mujaahid until the day of Qiyaamah.”

Hazrat Ibn Abbaas (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that a Sahabiyah (a Muslim lady who saw Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) once said to Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam):
“O Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaihi Wassallam), the obligation of Hajj has come at a time now when my father is a very old and weakly man. He is unable to remain seated on a camel (or horse). Can I then proceed to perform Hajj on his behalf?”
Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Yes, you can.”

Another Sahabi (radhiyallahu anhu) also came with a similar request: “O Rasullullah (Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam), my sister made vow that she would perform Hajj. Now she has passed away. What should we do?”
Rasullullah(Salallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) replied: “Should she have passed away while she owed someone something, would you have settled that debt?”
The man replied: “Yes indeed.”
Rasullullah (Sallallahu Alaiyhi Wassallam) said: “This is a debt due to Allah. Settle it.” (Mishkaat)

Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) reports:
“Verily Allah causes three people to enter into Paradise through one Hajj; The deceased, (on whose behalf this Hajj is being performed) the Haaji performing it and he (the heir or others) who makes possible its performance (by financial aid).”

Source: Al-Islaah publications

Effects of Worship in Ramadhan

Ramadan - Quran

Experience has shown that effects of ibaadat (worship) in the blessed month of Ramadhan remain upon the remainder of the year. Whomsoever practises any virtue informally therein, ease of performing A’amale Salihah overtakes them thereafter.

Similarly, whoever prevents them self from sinning therein, for the remaining eleven months abstentation will become easy. In reality, prevention from sins in Ramadhan is not too difficult because, it is established that the Shayateen are imprisoned. Consequently, less sinning occurs generally because of removal of this stimulant.

However, sins do not totally disappear because the other orchestrator: one’s nafs (self) is present. Even in this month it will instigate sins but, yes, its schemes will lesson because only one stimulant is now active.

Therefore, the impositions of this one month should be accepted. All parts (of one’s body) should be saved from sin.

Source: Ashrafs Blessings of Ramadhan

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Object of Ramadan

On a sweltering hot day your throat has become parched. You are in the privacy of your home and the refreshingly cool water is within hand’s reach. You desire to drink it, but you do not. Why? Simply because you are fasting and while fasting you cannot eat and drink. If somebody prompts you to nevertheless drink it and says: “Nobody is watching,” you will immediately rebuke him with the words: “But Allah is watching!”

ALLAH  TA’ALA IS WATCHING!
Subhanallah! Allah Ta’ala is watching. Allahu Akbar! Allah Ta’ala is All Hearing, All Knowing, He is Omnipresent. He sees and knows when we cheat while fasting, thus we resist all temptations of food, drink and lawful conjugal relations from dawn to dusk. We have learnt the lesson of Taqwa. We have learnt that lesson which the fasting was meant to teach us. Allah Ta’ala is watching! Yes, Allah Ta’ala is Watching! Every time there is an urge to eat or drink while fasting, the voice from within cries out: “Allah Ta’ala is watching!” Dozens of times daily for an entire month this reality is reaffirmed. Allah Ta’ala is watching. So deeply is it embedded in the heart that by the time Ramadhaan is over, a person becomes conscious of Allah Ta’ala to such an extent that he is now guided by an inner force that propels him in the direction of righteousness and turns him away from sin.

TAQWA
The fasts of Ramadhaan were prescribed for the purpose and object of attaining Taqwa. This is clearly declared in the Qur’an-al-Kareem. Taqwa simply is to obey the commands of Allah Ta’ala and refrain from all sin, The increased rewards for lbaadah (worship) in Ramadhaan and all the blessings of this great month should be considered as the bonus. The object is Taqwa. If one performs an abundance of Salaah, completes the recitation of the Qur’an thirty times and engages in many other acts of lbaadah, but fails to give up sins – one has failed to achieve the object and purpose of Ramadhaan. One has failed to firmly embed the reality of Taqwa in the heart, the Taqwa that cries out “Allah  Is watching” whenever one contemplates committing any transgression.

TEMPTATION
The dictates of Taqwa are not restricted to abstaining from drinking, gambling, adultery, transacting in interest and other such vices. Indeed Taqwa demands that while abstaining from all the above vices one also observes Taqwa in one’s business. When the temptation to cheat the customer beckons, or when one is tempted to buy stolen goods, or to indulge in fraud, at that time also the heart should cry out “Allah is watching” and it should restrain one from the sin.

RIGHTS
Similarly, Taqwa demands the fulfillment of the rights of the husband/wife, It also demands the joining of family ties. It demands respect for the elders and kindness for the young. Taqwa entails, among other aspects, being honest and clear in all monetary dealings and social interactions. Hence when there is a wedding or funeral, or at the time of distributing the inheritance of the deceased, the same level of Allah consciousness must be displayed as was apparent when refraining from drinking the cold water while fasting.

PURDAH
Likewise, when the laws of purdah are violated, does the heart cry out “Allah is watching”? Or when one intends to watch something on TV., which will most definitely involve one in zina of the eyes and ears, does one hear the voice from within: “Allah is watching,” as a result of which one refrains from that sin? The same pertains to the Shari’ aspects of appearance and clothing. How often have we done things to appease and please even the enemies of Allah Ta’ala and Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)? How often have we abandoned the dictates of Taqwa in order to earn a few coppers? Now is the time to sincerely repent. It is the time to say “Allah is watching” and to do everything to please Him. It is a time to acquire Taqwa.

ABSTAIN FROM SIN
This then is the object of Ramadhaan. This will only be achieved if we conduct ourselves in this great month with Taqwa. Or else the object of Ramadhaan will be defeated. Hence Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said: “He who does not forsake lying and other futile actions, Allah Ta’ala has no need for him to give up his food and drink.” Thus together with fasting, performing Salaah, reading the Qur’an, serving the cause of Deen, etc,, one must totally abstain from every sin in the month of Ramadhaan and adorn oneself with Taqwa. Insha-Allah this will then carry one along for the rest of the eleven months to abstain from all sins.

May Allah Ta’ala enable us to make this Ramadhaan a month where we will truly attain Taqwa. Aameen.

AL-HAADI, Volume 5 – Issue 4

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Repost from May 2018

Object of Ramadan

Virtues of Ramadhan

Virtues of Ramadan

It is related by Abu Hurairah (RAA) that the Apostle of God (sallallaho alaihi wa sallam) said “When the month of Ramadhan comes, the Gates of Heaven are thrown open and the Gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are put behind bars” In another report, the “Gates of Mercy” are mentioned in place of the “Gates of Heaven”. [Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary – Commenting of this Tradition, Shah Wali-ullah remarks that as the devout bondsmen apply themselves to worship and good-doings during the month of Ramadhan and spend their days in God- remembrance and recitation of the Qur’an while Fasting, and a major part of their nights in Taraweeh and Tahajjud, supplication and repentance, under the influence of their high spirituality and devotional exertions the hearts of the common Muslims, too become more inclined towards prayer and piety and they, on the whole succeed in abstaining from good many sins. Owing to the generation of the atmosphere worship and virtue in the Islamic circles, people who are not wholly disregardful of transcendental truths develop a fondness for things that are pleasing to God and an aversion for acts that are repugnant to Him. moreover, in this blessed month the recompense on even smaller acts of moral goodness is made much greater by God than on other days. In consequence of all this, the gates of Paradise are opened and of Hell are closed for such people and the devils are not left free to tempt and mislead them.

It would be clear that all the three things – the throwing open of the gates of Heaven, the shutting up of the gates of Hell and the binding of the devils in chains – are in respect only of the bondsmen who feel disposed towards good-doing in the month of Ramadhan, and out of the keenness to partake of its blessings engage themselves enthusiastically in worship and other religious duties. As for the Apostates, the negligent and the heedless who care little for Divine injunctions and produce no change in their daily lives at the advent of Ramadhan, these tidings do not apply to them,. When they have opted out, of their own accord, for the path of error and omission and taken willingly to follow Satan and doing his bidding there is nothing for them except disappointment with God as well.

It is related by Abu Hurairah that the Apostle of Allah (sallallaho alaihi wa sallam) said : “When the first night of the month of Ramadhan (comes), the devil’s and defiant Jinn are bound in chains and all the Gates of Hell are closed and non of them remains open and all the Gates of Heaven are thrown open and none of them remains closed and the heavenly herald announces, “O seeker of goodness and virtue! come forward; and O lover of wickedness and evil-doing! Halt, and do not come forward” and a large number of (sinning) bondsmen are released from Hell at the command of God (i.e., decision of forgiveness and deliverance is taken for them), and all this takes place on every night of Ramadhan.” [Tirmizi and Ibn-i-Maja]

Abdullah Bin Abbas narrates that the Apostle of God (sallallaho alaihi wa sallam) was superior to all men in generosity and the doing of good to the people in general, but in the month of Ramadhan his benevolence knew no bounds. In Ramadhan, Gabriel came to him every night and the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa sallam) recited the Qur’an to him. During Ramadhan the Prophet (sallaho alaihi wa sallam) appeared to be faster than the wind in generosity and benevolence. [Bukhari and Muslim]

From Meaning and Messages of the Traditions
By Shaykh Mohammad Manzoor Nomani (RA).

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The Wonderful Status of I’tikaaf

by Hazrat Muhammad Farouq Sahib

Fulfil one’s I’tikaaf in such a Masjid wherein the five daily Salaah is offered. A Masjid in terms of the Shariah. By means of this act Allah Ta’ala has granted us solitude while in a gathering. What more can be said!

Two Haj and two Umrah, by means of a single days I’tikaaf, how far is one removed from Jahannum? A distance of five hundred years. Brothers! What we all desire and need is to be distanced from Jahannum and closeness to paradise.

Another amazing point is the fact that one who is waiting for Salaah is granted the rewards of being in Salaah. It is as if the person forming the intention for I’tikaaf has begun Salaah on the eve of the twentieth of Ramadaan and remains engaged in this Salaah for a full ten days and nights, till the sighting of the crescent for Eid after which he turns for Salaam and completes his Salaah. While fast asleep, he is in Salaah! While wide a wake, he is in Salaah! While eating, he is in Salaah! While drinking, he is in Salaah! At every instant during his stay in the Masjid he is in Salaah. At times this is actually so while at other times he is allegorically so. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to grant us the abundant Taufeeq for these actions to be performed during Ramadaan and that He make them easy for us and assist us therein.

O Allah! We are weak and helpless. We are assailed by different forms of illnesses. O Allah! Provide us with Your assistance from the unseen whereby we can imbibe all these aspects within us. Let us engage in the abundant recitation of the Quraan as in the case of Hazrat Raipuri who gave up all his correspondence as well as meeting people and was either occupied in fasting or recitation of the Quraan. This cycle continued over and over every day of the entire month. We beseech Allah Ta’ala to grant such devotion to us as well, along with I’tikaaf during the last ten days.

O Allah! Grant abundant Taufeeq to us as well as to our children and the other members of our household. O Allah! Grant us the Taufeeq to spend Ramadaan in keeping with the Sunnah as discussed. Grant us the Taufeeq to spend Ramadaan in the shadows of Your accepted servants, Ameen.

Source: Darul Uloom Al-Islamiyya , Port Elizabeth South Africa

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The First Ten days of Dhul Hijjah

Shaykh Maulana Saleem Dhorat
The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are full of virtues and great blessings. According to a large group of mufassireen (commentators of the Qur’aan), the ten nights mentioned in Soorah Al Fajr are the nights of the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Allah says:

By the Dawn; By the ten Nights; (89:1-2)

This oath substantiates the greatness and sacredness of these ten nights in the eyes of Allah. This is an extra ordinary oath; it is very reliable and significant and the wise men can understand that by this oath, Allah too attaches great importance and value to the ten nights of Dhul Hijjah.

The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam too, has clearly mentioned the importance and the virtue of these blessed moments. It is reported by Abdullah Ibne Abbaas radhiyallahu anhuma that the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Thereupon, some companions of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Not even Jihaad ? ” He replied, “Not even jihaad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of these things.”
Bukhaari V1 pp132

In another Hadeeth reported by Aboo Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “On no days is the worship of Allah desired more than in the (first) ten days of Dhul Hijjah. The fast of each of these days is equal to the fast of a whole year, and the worship of each of these nights is equal to the worship of Laylatul Qadr.”
Tirmizi V1 pp58

Moreover, what other virtue can be greater for these blessed days than the fact that certain specific devotions cannot be performed but in these specified days. Allah Almighty has specifically chosen these days for the fulfilment of two of the most important devotions, viz. Hajj and Qurbaani.

One may argue and say that there are other forms of devotions too, which are fixed to specific days and moments; hence what is the speciality of these particular days ? The answer to this argument is simple. Although there are other devotions too, which are also fixed to specific time, such as fasting in the month of Ramadhaan; but one may, if he desires, fulfil the devotion of fasting in days other than Ramadhaan i.e. as an optional devotion. On the contrary, the wuqoof of Arafaat (which is the essence of Hajj), the wuqoof of Muzdalifah, etc., cannot be performed but in these specified days.

If one was to remain in Arafaat for many months after the 9th Dhul Hijjah, he will not receive any reward whatsoever and it will never be considered an act of ibaadah.

Similarly, Qurbaani is performed only in three days one of which is 10th Dhul Hijjah. There is no possibility whatsoever of a nafl Qurbaani once these days have lapsed, so much so that qazaa Hajj or qazaa Qurbaani is not even possible. It is because of these distinguishing characteristics that the ulamaa have stated, in the light of Qur’aan and Hadeeth that after the days of the month of Ramadhaan, the greatest days in virtue are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

The reward of ibaadah in these days increases abundantly and the results are honoured with specified blessings and mercies by the Creator.

ACTS OF VIRTUE

There are certain specific acts of virtue in these blessed days of Dhul Hijjah which are enumerated and explained below:

1. Upon sighting the moon of Dhul Hijjah, those people intending to perform Qurbaani should neither cut their hair nor clip their nails until the Qurbaani is performed. This is a mustahab (desirable) act derived from Hadeeth of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam wherein he has said:

“A person should neither clip his nails nor cut his hair until he performs qurbaani”.
Ibne Maajah

Some ulamaa have explained the reason and wisdom behind this order of the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam thus that in this month, hundreds of thousands of people are blessed with the opportunity of visiting the sacred house of Allah in Makkah.

They enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the holy places and acquire maximum benefit from the blessed moments.

Whilst they are there in the state of ihraam certain acts become impermissible for them. Amongst them is clipping of nails and cutting the hair. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam instructed those of his followers who could not reach the blessed places, to imitate the pilgrims by not cutting the hair and clipping the nails so that the mercy of Allah can enshroud them too together with the pilgrims.

2. These days are so blessed that a day’s fast is equivalent to a year’s fast and a night’s devotion is equivalent to the ibaadah of Laylatul Qadr. The indication is towards the fact that we should endeavor to perform as many virtuous acts as possible in these days.

3. 9th Dhul Hijjah is the day of Arafah in which the main fardh of Hajj is performed i.e. wuqoof Arafah. This is a great moment for the pilgrims when the Mercy of Allah descends upon them in abundance and their sins are forgiven and du’aa accepted. Allah, through His Compassion and Mercy, has not deprived the non-pilgrims of his mercy, but rather, shown the way to His Pleasure. The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam was asked about the fast of the day of Arafah. He said, “It compensates for the (minor) sins of the past and the coming year.”
Ibne Maajah

Note: One should take note that the sins forgiven are minor sins. The major sins are not forgiven without tawbah.

4. The reciting of Takbeeraate Tashreeq after every fardh Salaat from the Fajr of 9th Dhul Hijjah to the Asr of 13th Dhul Hijjah (i.e. total of twenty three fardh Salaat). It is waajib upon men to recite this takbeer once after every fardh Salaat audibly. The women should recite it silently.

5. The Sunnah of Ibraahem alayhi salaam – the Qurbaani. It is to be performed on 10th, 11th or 12th Dhul Hijjah. One may sacrifice a thousand animals on days other than these, but it will never be regarded or considered a Qurbaani.

Here, a believer is taught a great lesson that an action or a place or a time does not hold any virtue in itself; but rather it is Allah’s command and order that changes the status, level and grade of things. Regarding Qurbaani, the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam said:
“There is nothing dearer to Allah during the days of Qurbaani than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horn, hair, and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allah before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open and happy heart.”
Tirmizi V1 pp275, Ibne Maajah V1 pp226

May Allah ta’aalaa bless us with spiritual gains and His Pleasure in these blessed moments. Aameen.

Source: Central Mosque

Asking forgiveness from friends on the night of salvation

MAS’ALA ON ASKING FORGIVENESS FROM FRIENDS ON SHABE BARA’AH (THE NIGHT OF SALVATION)
By Shaykh Abdul Raheem hafizahullah
There are texts going around asking people for forgiveness. Here are four points to take into account:
1) The tongue should always be kept under control. Dont hurt anyone. Keep the heart clean. If it’s clean then there’s no need to ask forgiveness from people.
Hadith 1: ‘Dont say something for which you would have to apologise the next day.
Remember! The heart is the king of the body. If the heart is under control, then the tongue, the eyes and ears etc will also be under control. The heart is the engine which drives the whole body.
Hadith 2: ‘A Jannati is he who’s heart is cleansed and who’s tongue is truthful.’
Hadith 3: ‘A Muslim is he from whose tongue and hands other Muslims feel safe.’
2) We are human beings. If we were to hurt someone’s feelings, we should ask for forgiveness immediately. We should not wait for Shabe Bara’ah!

STORY:
The father of Abdullah ibn Mubarak Rahmatullahi Alayhi was once travelling. He passed by a garden where he saw an apple lying around. He picked it up and ate it as he was hungry. He immediately realised that he ate the apple without the owners permission. So he quickly went to the owner of the garden to ask for forgiveness. The owner owner noticed his piety and said: “I will only forgive you if you marry my daughter who is deaf, dumb, and blind.” He tried to wriggle his way out. But then he realised there is no other option so he agreed in order to get the forgiveness. He married her. She turned out to be perfectly healthy and Allah Taala granted them a pious child who we today remember as Abdullah Bin Mubarak Rahmatullahi Alayhi.
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alayhi was once practicing archery. He mistakenly hit someone’s small bridge and damaged it. He sat there and sent students to find the owner so he could pay for the damage. However, the owner forgave him. Imam Bukhari got so happy that he sat with the students and taught them extra lessons. 
So if any mistake happens, apologise there and then immediately. 

3) One should fulfil ‘Huqooqul Ibaad’ (the rights of the people) i.e the debts, inheritance matters, stolen goods, those taken by mistake, etc should be returned to the rightful owner.
Hadith: ‘Whoever owes some rights, whether monetary or to do with honour, should have them sorted out before a day comes in which there is no Dinaar or Dirham. If one has good deeds the person will be given, if not their sins will be taken and loaded on him’

4) People say our actions are closed on this blessed night.

This is a misconception. Books close at the time of death. The truth is that during Sha’baan, the guidelines for the following year are handed over to the angels. E.g Rains, crops, births, deaths, etc.. are finalised. Meaning that the guardians of Lawhe Mahfooz pass on the decisions for the following year to the angels of the lower level. This noting down and passing on continues until Laylatul Qadr, when everything is completed. 

SUMMARY:
1) Heart should be clean at all times.
2) Don’t wait for Shabe Bara’ah to ask for forgiveness from friends.
3) Major huqooqul ibaad such as debts, meerath, etc should be returned swiftly.
4) Book of deeds is not closed on Shabe Bara’ah, but decisions are noted down from Lawhe mahfooz and matters are finalised. 

Finally, Hadhrat Shaykh Zakariyyah Rahmatullahi alayhi says one should be really fearful on this night. Similar to the condition of a person in who’s name a warrant has been issued and is scared of the police who are after him. Our death warrant has been issued and the angel of death is after us. So we should be on our best behaviour to seek pardon from Allah swt. 

May Allah note our names among the pious when He decides to take back our souls.

May Allah forgive us and be pleased with us.

May Allah make the best decisions for us and for the whole Muslim Ummah. 
Ameen

Virtues of Madinah – pt2

 

Madinah

Narrated Zaid bin Thabit(radhiyallahu anhu): When the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) went out for (the battle of) Uhud, some of his companions (hypocrites) returned (home). A party of the believers remarked that they would kill those (hypocrites) who had returned, but another party said that they would not kill them. So, this Divine Inspiration was revealed: “Then what is the matter with you that you are divided into two parties concerning the hypocrites.” (4.88) The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Madinah expels the bad persons from it, as fire expels the impurities of iron.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “O Allah! Bestow on Madinah twice the blessings You bestowed on Makkah.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): Whenever the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) returned from a journey and observed the walls of Madinah, he would make his mount go fast, and if he was on an animal (i.e. a horse), he would make it gallop because of his love for Madinah. (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): (The people of) Bani Salama intended to shift near the mosque (of the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam)) but Allah’s Apostle disliked to see Madinah vacated and said, “O the people of Bani Salama! Don’t you think that you will be rewarded for your footsteps which you take towards the mosque?” So, they stayed at their old places. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There is a garden from the gardens of Paradise between my house and my pulpit, and my pulpit is on my Pool of water (Al-Kauthar).” (Bukhari)

Narrated ‘Aisha(radhiyallahu anha): When Allah’s Apostle reached Madinah, Abu Bakr and Bilal became ill. When Abu Bakr’s fever got worse, he would recite (this poetic verse): “Everybody is staying alive with his People, yet Death is nearer to him than His shoe laces.” And Bilal, when his fever deserted him, would recite: “Would that I could stay overnight in A valley wherein I would be Surrounded by Idhkhir and Jalil (kinds of good-smelling grass). Would that one day I could Drink the water of the Majanna, and Would that (The two mountains) Shama and Tafil would appear to me!”

The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “O Allah! Curse Shaiba bin Rabi’a and ‘Utba bin Rabi’a and Umaiya bin Khalaf as they turned us out of our land to the land of epidemics.” Allah’s Apostle then said, “O Allah! Make us love Madinah as we love Makkah or even more than that. O Allah! Give blessings in our Sa and our Mudd (measures symbolizing food) and make the climate of Madinah suitable for us, and divert its fever towards Aljuhfa.” Aisha added: When we reached Madinah, it was the most unhealthy of Allah’s lands, and the valley of Bathan (the valley of Madinah) used to flow with impure colored water. (Bukhari)

Narrated Zaid bin Aslam from his father: Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) said, O Allah! Grant me martyrdom in Your cause, and let my death be in the city of Your Apostle.” (Bukhari)

Ibn Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever has the means to die in Madinah, let him die there for I shall intercede on behalf of everyone who dies there.” (Bukhari)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said: ” O Allah ! Grant fertility to the fruits of Madinah and to our measures. Ibrahim was Your servant and friend. I am also Your servant and Prophet. He(Ibrahim(alaiyis salaam) had prayed to You for fertility for Makkah, but I pray to You for the fertility of Madinah and twice more than him.” (Muslim)

The Prophet’s Masjid in Madinah

Anas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “Whoever performs forty salaah in my Masjid, not missing one salaah in the Masjid, for him is granted exemption from the fire of Jahannam, and exemption and he shall remain free of hypocrisy.” (Ahmad, Tabraani)

Hazrat Anas(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that the reward of salaah in his masjid and in that of Masjid-e-Aqsa, is of fifty thousand salaahs, but the reward of salaah in the Ka’ba, is equal to hundred thousand salaahs. (Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that his masjid is unique, the foundation of which has been laid on piety. (Muslim)

Masjid-e-Quba
Hazrat Usaid bin Huzair(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that the merit of salaah in the Masjid of Quba is equal to performing one Umrah. (Tirmizi)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that every Saturday Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) would go to Masjid-e-Quba, sometimes walking and sometimes by conveyance, and he would perform two raka’at of salaah there.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Mount Uhud
Hazrat Anas bin Malik(radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that the mountain of Uhud loved him and he loved it. (Muslim).
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

Introduction and Virtues of Hajj

by Shaykh Abdur Raheem

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Virtues of Madinah – pt1

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Madinah is a sanctuary from that place to that. Its trees should not be cut and no heresy should be innovated nor any sin should be committed in it, and whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits sins (bad deeds), then he will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) came to Madinah and ordered a masjid to be built and said, “O Bani Najjar! Suggest to me the price (of your land).” They said, “We do not want its price except from Allah” (i.e. they wished for a reward from Allah for giving up their land freely). So, the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ordered the graves of the pagans to be dug out and the land to be levelled, and the date-palm trees to be cut down. The cut date-palms were fixed in the direction of the Qibla of the (Grand) masjid. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “I have made Madinah a sanctuary between its two (Harrat) mountains.” The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) went to the tribe of Bani Haritha and said (to them), “I see that you have gone out of the sanctuary,” but looking around, he added, “No, you are inside the sanctuary.” (Bukhari)

Narrated ‘Ali(radhiyallahu anhu): We have nothing except the Book of Allah and this written paper from the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) (where-in is written:) Madinah is a sanctuary from the ‘Air Mountain to such and such a place, and whoever innovates in it an heresy or commits a sin, or gives shelter to such an innovator in it will incur the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. And the asylum (of protection) granted by any Muslim is to be secured (respected) by all the other Muslims; and whoever betrays a Muslim in this respect incurs the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted, and whoever (freed slave) befriends (take as masters) other than his manumitters without their permission incurs the curse of Allah, the angels, and all the people, and none of his compulsory or optional good deeds of worship will be accepted. (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira (radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle said, “I was ordered to migrate to a town which will swallow (conquer) other towns and is called Yathrib and that is Madinah, and it turns out (bad) persons as a furnace removes the impurities of iron.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Humaid(radhiyallahu anhu): We came with the Prophet (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) from Tabuk, and when we reached near Madinah, the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “This is Tabah (meaning the good one).” (Bukhari)

Jaabir bin Samurah (radhiyallahu anhu) says; “I heard Rasulullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) say: ‘ Verily Allah named Madinah, Taabah(meaning the good one) or Tayyibah(the pure).”

Sa’ad (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullullah (sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: “I declare haraam that area between the rocky lands on both sides of Madinah, that it’s vegetation be not cut down nor that animals be hunted within it’s area.” Rasullullah(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) also said: ” For the believer, Madinah is the best place. If only they could understand it’s virtue fully, they would never leave it, and whoever departs from Madinah, having become disenchanted with it, Allah will send someone better to replace him. And whoever bears patiently the ordeals of Madinah, for him shall I be an intercessor(or witness) on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): If I saw deers grazing in Madinah, I would not chase them, for Allah’s Apostle said, “(Madinah) is a sanctuary between its two mountains.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): I heard Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “The people will leave Madinah in spite of the best state it will have, and none except the wild birds and the beasts of prey will live in it, and the last persons who will die will be two shepherds from the tribe of Muzaina, who will be driving their sheep towards Madinah, but will find nobody in it, and when they reach the valley of Thaniyat-al-Wada’, they will fall down on their faces dead.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Zuhair(radhiyallahu anhu): I heard Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “Yemen will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families, and those who will obey them to migrate (to Yemen) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew. Sham will also be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them, to migrate (to Sham) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew. ‘Iraq will be conquered and some people will migrate (from Madinah) and will urge their families and those who will obey them to migrate (to ‘Iraq) although Madinah will be better for them; if they but knew.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “Verily, Belief returns and goes back to Madinah as a snake returns and goes back to its hole (when in danger).” (Bukhari)

Narrated Sad (radhiyallahu anhu): I heard the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) saying, “None plots against the people of Madinah but that he will be dissolved (destroyed) like the salt is dissolved in water.”

Narrated Usama(radhiyallahu anhu): Once the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) stood at the top of a castle amongst the castles (or the high buildings) of Madinah and said, “Do you see what I see? (No doubt) I see the spots where afflictions will take place among your houses (and these afflictions will be) as numerous as the spots where rain-drops fall.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Bakra(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “The terror caused by Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal will not enter Madinah and at that time Madinah will have seven gates and there will be two angels at each gate guarding them.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There are angels guarding the entrances (or roads) of Madinah, neither plague nor Ad-Dajjal will be able to enter it.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Anas bin Malik(radhiyallahu anhu): The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “There will be no town which Ad-Dajjal will not enter except Makkah and Madinah, and there will be no entrance (road) (of both Makkah and Madinah) but the angels will be standing in rows guarding it against him, and then Madinah will shake with its inhabitants thrice (i.e. three earth-quakes will take place) and Allah will expel all the nonbelievers and the hypocrites from it.” (Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri(radhiyallahu anhu): Allah’s Apostle(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) told us a long narrative about Ad-Dajjal, and among the many things he mentioned, was his saying, “Ad-Dajjal will come and it will be forbidden for him to pass through the entrances of Madinah. He will land in some of the salty barren areas (outside) Madinah; on that day the best man or one of the best men will come up to him and say, ‘I testify that you are the same Dajjal whose description was given to us by Allah’s Apostle .’ Ad-Dajjal will say to the people, ‘If I kill this man and bring him back to life again, will you doubt my claim?’ They will say, ‘No.’ Then Ad-Dajjal will kill that man and bring him back to life. That man will say, ‘Now I know your reality better than before.’ Ad-Dajjal will say, ‘I want to kill him but I cannot.’ ” (Bukhari)

Narrated Jabir(radhiyallahu anhu): A bedouin came to the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and gave a pledge of allegiance for embracing Islam. The next day he came with fever and said (to the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) ), “Please cancel my pledge (of embracing Islam and of emigrating to Madinah).” The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) refused (that request) three times and said, “Madinah is like a furnace, it expels out the impurities (bad persons) and selects the good ones and makes them perfect.” (Bukhari)
Courtesy: www.everymuslim.com

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