Allah says: "Laylat-ul-qadr is better than 1000 months." [Sûrah al-Qadr: 3]
A thousand months – that is longer than most people live. Laylat-ul-qadr means "the Night of Decree". It is the night wherein Allah sent down the Qur'ân to the lowest heavens. Our good deeds on this special night are magnified in value, so that it is as if we have been offing those deeds for 1000 months.
When we compare our life spans to those of the people who witnessed the earliest Prophets, we see that our life spans are very brief. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The lifespan of the people of my community is from 60-70 years. Only a few people live longer than that." [Sahîh Ibn Hibbân (2980)]
The life spans of the people at the times of the earliest Prophets were much longer, even centuries. Noah (peace be upon him), for instance, remained among his people for 950 years. Nevertheless, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "We are the last community, but we will be the foremost on the Day of Resurrection. " [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (827) and Sahîh Muslim (1414)]
How can we – whose life spans are so fleeting – manage to be foremost among the nations on the Day of Resurrection? We have such little time to worship Allah and perform good deeds. The answer to this question is that we do so by availing ourselves of the opportunities that Allah has given to us.
One of the greatest of these opportunities is to be found in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on one of the odd nights: the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night. It is almost certain that one of these nights is Laylat-ul-qadr, for the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek Laylat-ul-qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, in the odd nights." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (2016) and Sahîh Muslim (1167)]
[We should keep in mind that the night precedes the day, so the 21st night of Ramadan is the night that precedes the 21st day or Ramadan, and not the night that follows it.]
Allah says: "Laylat-ul-qadr is better than 1000 months." [Sûrah al-Qadr: 3]
The night begins from the time of sunset until the time of dawn. This time period usually does not exceed 12 hours by much. Yet, what is the time-value of these few numbered hours? It is greater than 83 years!
We should do as the Prophet (peace be upon him) did, and strive with equal diligence on all ten of the last then nights of Ramadan, seeking this precious night. `Â'ishah tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, he would apply himself with diligence, stay up in worship throughout night, and wake up his family." [Musnad Ahmad (1050)]
Consider – if we follow the Prophet's example and as a consequence Allah blesses us to engage in worship on Laylat-ul-qadr for ten years, we will have the credit as if we engaged in that worship for 830 full years. If we find Laylat-ul-qadr for twenty Ramadans, we will be blessed with the credit of that worship for 1660 years.
By availing ourselves of this beautiful opportunity that Allah has given especially to us, we can truly be foremost in our deeds on the Day of Resurrection, even though our lives are so brief.
We should, therefore, beseech Allah from the start of Ramadan to bless us to worship Him on Laylat-ul-qadr. With Allah's help, it will be easy for us.
We should also keep in mind that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith, seeking Allah's reward, will be forgiven all his past sins. Whoever observes Laylat-ul-qadr in prayer, with faith, seeking Allah's reward, will be forgiven all his past sins." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1910)]
Life is short. None of us know how many years lie ahead before we die. We might not live to see another Ramadan. Therefore, if Allah blesses us to live to see the last ten nights of Ramadan, we should treat it as if it is our last, and do everything we can to make the most of it. We will have the strength to do so as long as we remind ourselves of the great blessing Allah has bestowed upon us by our being alive in these nights.
Most mosque are full of worshippers on the 27th night of Ramadan until Fajr, seeking Laylat al-Qadr. Is there any evidence that it is on this night? Is there any special worshp to be carried out on this night? Also, what is the case when different countries start Ramadan on different days - will some countries miss Laylat-ul-qadr on account of this dfference?
There is disagreement as to when exactly is Laylat-ul-qadr.
Those who say that it is the 27th night of Ramadan cite the statement of `Ubayy b. Ka`b: “I swear by Allah that I know which night it is. It is the night Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) ordered us to observe standing in prayer. It is the night on the eve of the 27th of Ramadan. Its sign is that the Sun will rise in the morning of that day white without exuding any rays.” [Sahîh Muslim (762)]
However, this is the statement of a Companion exercising his judgment (ijtihâd) which he based on the indications that he mentioned.
The majority of the scholars are of the opinion that this night is not specifically known, but that it is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. We favor the opinion adopted by Ibn Hajr that it is in one of the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Seek it in the last ten nights, in the odd nights.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (2016) and Sahîh Muslim (1167)]
It is a possibility that Laylat-ul-qadr may actually change from year to year. It may fall on the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night of Ramadan. And allah knows best.
A person should spend these nights in prayer, supplication, recitation of the Qur’ân, and the remembrance of Allah. There is no specific worship prescribed for this night, except for the supplication mentioned in the following hadîth: `Â’ishah asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I find Laylat-ul-qadr, what do you see that I should say in supplication?”
He replied: “Say: ‘O Allah! Indeed, You are the Pardoner; you love to pardon, so pardon me.” (Allâhumma! Innaka `afuww; tuhibbul-`afwa fa`fu `annî)
[Sunan al-Tirmidhî (3513) and Sunan Ibn Mâjah (3850). Al-Tirmidhî declared it “a good and authentic hadîth”. Al-Albânî also authenticated it.]
We are held accountable for the nights pursuant to how we fast in our own localities. And Allah knows best.
And Allah is most generous and merciful to His servants.
And Allah knows best
Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Ramadhan......
As I was finishing iftaar like usual with the stockpiles of fruit, kebabs, samosas and rice, the thought of leaving for tarawih salah enters my head. It wasn’t like the first couple of days of ramadhan when you’re eager to get to the mosque, be acquainted with old friends and join the congregation – the novelty was beginning to wear off. The thought of doing wudu, leaving the house, and not returning until late into the night, began to lose its appeal.
It is midway during ramadhan however (just when the fatigue starts to emerge), when one takes time to reflect and truly think about the benefits of offering tarawih salah – not to go to the masjid and have a jolly with friends you’ve been re-united with, or stand for 20 rak’ahs because it’s “the thing to do” in ramadhan, but to appreciate its context. The prophet (SAW) has regarded the tarawih salah as a means of forgiveness of sins. He (SAW) has said: "The one who observes the tarawih salah at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the sake of the recompense of the hearafter, will have all of his previous sins forgiven by Allah." (Bukhari, Muslim)
The key words being “faith” and “devotion”. Thus, let us not get distracted by the brother who keeps burping next to us (although his wife may need to put let spices in his dinner), or the brother who keeps fidgeting with his feet. Let us remain steadfast during the long and short surah’s. May Allah SWT open up our minds to truly comprehend the verses coming out of the imaams mouth. Let us not be distracted by a slight discomfort in our limbs and let us think instead of the many days and nights spent by the prophet (SAW) in a state of ibadah.
Let us briefly consider the medical benefits of tarawih prayers:
Therapeutic and spiritual benefits right from performing wudu to the physical movements in the salat – Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda.
After iftaar, blood glucose levels rise, along with plasma insulin. Liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose; which is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water during the tarawih prayers.
Physical & Emotional Well-being - It was noted that the five daily prayers (Salah) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour. Recent research studies performed on 17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-1950 give strong evidence that only moderate aerobic exercise, equivalent to jogging about 3 miles a day, promotes good health and may actually add years to life.
Elderly – Physiological activity generally diminishes with age, with osteoporosis being a common bone condition. Slow and regular movements of the salah can help improve joint flexibility and general improvement of the cardiovascular reserve.
Benefits on the skeletal muscle – Prevent the need for a chiropractor (trust me, not a pleasant experience !) and maintain muscle contractions, blood flow, respiratory efficiency, assertiveness and physical strength.
Mental Health – Well known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour, quality of life, well being, energy and reduces anxiety. Recitation (ayaat from the Quran) improves memory. In fact the tarawih salah is an ideal condition for ‘relaxation response’, releasing encephalins, beta-endorphins and others into the bloodstream.
Some of the things which helped me during the last Ramadhan was taking a large bottle of your favourite beverage with you to the masjid (I personally preferred the Ribena !) – although it may prove popular so be prepared to share ! I also went with a really good old school friend, alhamdulillah every day (although auditing unfortunately meant working away from home for a couple of days – this year, have cut out all overseas audits from the month of ramadhan, to ensure I don’t miss any of the tarawih salahs). However, the beauty about going with a friend is that we all have moments of weakness and your friend can help significantly in that respect. You can also take it in turn to drive – cutting the monotony out of the process. Over time, I tried to arrive in ample time before the salah, and endeavoured to read as much of the quran as possible, paying careful attention to the English translation – I found this to help incredibly with my concentration during the salah. Although its all too tempting to sit and natter, this can be savoured until the end ! …
May Allah swt make it easy for us to practice our deen. May He open our hearts to be hungry for knowledge and may He strengthen our imaan, allowing us to pray our tarawih salahs with utmost “faith” and “devotion”, allowing us to inshaAllah reap the rewards of this blessed month. Ameen…
It is midway during ramadhan however (just when the fatigue starts to emerge), when one takes time to reflect and truly think about the benefits of offering tarawih salah – not to go to the masjid and have a jolly with friends you’ve been re-united with, or stand for 20 rak’ahs because it’s “the thing to do” in ramadhan, but to appreciate its context. The prophet (SAW) has regarded the tarawih salah as a means of forgiveness of sins. He (SAW) has said: "The one who observes the tarawih salah at night during Ramadan with complete faith and devotion only for the sake of the recompense of the hearafter, will have all of his previous sins forgiven by Allah." (Bukhari, Muslim)
The key words being “faith” and “devotion”. Thus, let us not get distracted by the brother who keeps burping next to us (although his wife may need to put let spices in his dinner), or the brother who keeps fidgeting with his feet. Let us remain steadfast during the long and short surah’s. May Allah SWT open up our minds to truly comprehend the verses coming out of the imaams mouth. Let us not be distracted by a slight discomfort in our limbs and let us think instead of the many days and nights spent by the prophet (SAW) in a state of ibadah.
Let us briefly consider the medical benefits of tarawih prayers:
Therapeutic and spiritual benefits right from performing wudu to the physical movements in the salat – Takbir, Qiyam, Ruku, Sajda.
After iftaar, blood glucose levels rise, along with plasma insulin. Liver and the muscles take up the circulating glucose; which is metabolised into carbon dioxide and water during the tarawih prayers.
Physical & Emotional Well-being - It was noted that the five daily prayers (Salah) produce the same physiological changes without any undesirable side effects as those produced by jogging or walking at about three miles per hour. Recent research studies performed on 17,000 Harvard alumni who entered college between 1916-1950 give strong evidence that only moderate aerobic exercise, equivalent to jogging about 3 miles a day, promotes good health and may actually add years to life.
Elderly – Physiological activity generally diminishes with age, with osteoporosis being a common bone condition. Slow and regular movements of the salah can help improve joint flexibility and general improvement of the cardiovascular reserve.
Benefits on the skeletal muscle – Prevent the need for a chiropractor (trust me, not a pleasant experience !) and maintain muscle contractions, blood flow, respiratory efficiency, assertiveness and physical strength.
Mental Health – Well known fact that exercise improves mood, thought and behaviour, quality of life, well being, energy and reduces anxiety. Recitation (ayaat from the Quran) improves memory. In fact the tarawih salah is an ideal condition for ‘relaxation response’, releasing encephalins, beta-endorphins and others into the bloodstream.
Some of the things which helped me during the last Ramadhan was taking a large bottle of your favourite beverage with you to the masjid (I personally preferred the Ribena !) – although it may prove popular so be prepared to share ! I also went with a really good old school friend, alhamdulillah every day (although auditing unfortunately meant working away from home for a couple of days – this year, have cut out all overseas audits from the month of ramadhan, to ensure I don’t miss any of the tarawih salahs). However, the beauty about going with a friend is that we all have moments of weakness and your friend can help significantly in that respect. You can also take it in turn to drive – cutting the monotony out of the process. Over time, I tried to arrive in ample time before the salah, and endeavoured to read as much of the quran as possible, paying careful attention to the English translation – I found this to help incredibly with my concentration during the salah. Although its all too tempting to sit and natter, this can be savoured until the end ! …
May Allah swt make it easy for us to practice our deen. May He open our hearts to be hungry for knowledge and may He strengthen our imaan, allowing us to pray our tarawih salahs with utmost “faith” and “devotion”, allowing us to inshaAllah reap the rewards of this blessed month. Ameen…
Saturday, 12 September 2009
Wife
By getting married you are not just getting a wife, you are getting your whole world. From now until the rest of your days your wife will be your partner, your companion, and your best friend.
She will share your moments, your days, and your years. She will share your joys and sorrows, your successes and failures, your dreams and your fears. When you are ill, she will take the best care of you; when you need help, she will do all she can for you; when you have a secret, she will keep it; when you need advice, she will give you the best advice. She will always be with you: when you wake up in the morning the first thing your eyes will see will be hers; during the day, she will be with you, if for some time she is not with you by her physical body, she will be thinking of you, praying for you with all her heart, mind, and soul; when you go to sleep at night, the last thing your eyes will see will be her; and when you are asleep you will still see her in your dreams. In short, she will be your whole world and you will be her whole world.
The best description that I personally have ever read describing the closeness of the spouses to each other is the Qur'anic verse which says: "They are your garments and you are their garments." (Surah Al Baqarah 2:187). Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans. Just imagine a journey in the winter of Alaska without garments! Our spouses provide us with the same level of comfort, protection, cover, and support in the journey of our lives on this earth as garments would do in the Alaskan journey.
The relationship between the spouses is the most amazing of all human relations: the amount of love and affection, intimacy and closeness, mercy and compassion, peace and tranquillity that fills the hearts of the spouses is simply inexplicable. The only rational explanation for these most amazing of all human feelings is that: it is an act of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, "And Allah has made for you Mates (and Companions of your own nature ..." (Surah Al Nahl 16:72)
Only our Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in His Infinite Power, Boundless Mercy, and Great Wisdom can create and ingrain these amazing and blessed feelings in the hearts of the spouses. In fact Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is reminding those who search for His signs in the universe that these feelings in the hearts of the spouses are among the signs that should guide humans to His existence as He says in the Qur'an, "And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Surah Al Rum 30:21)
But Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knows that the human heart is not a static entity, it is sometimes weak and at times dynamic. Feelings can and do change with time. Love may wither and fade away. The marital bond might weaken if not properly cared for. Happiness in marriage cannot be taken for granted; continuous happiness requires constant giving from both sides. For the tree of marital love to remain alive and keep growing, the soil has to be sustained, maintained, watered and nurtured.
Remember that our Prophet Muhammad Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam had found the time to go out to the desert and race with his wife Aisha. She outran him but later after she had gained some weight, he outran her. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam took his wife to watch the young Ethiopians playing and dancing their folk dances. The show of emotions is necessary to keep the marital bond away from rusting and disintegrating. Remember that you will be rewarded by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for any emotions you show to your wife as the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "One would be rewarded for anything that he does seeking the pleasure of Allah even the food that he puts in the mouth of his wife"
Never underestimate the importance of seemingly little things as putting food in your wife's mouth, opening the car door for her, etc. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam used to extend his knee to his wife to assist her up to ride the camel.
Try to always find some time for both of you to pray together. Strengthening the bond between you and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is the best guarantee that your own marital bond would always remain strong. Having peace with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will always result in having more peace at home.
Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam gave glad tidings for those couples who wake up at night to pray together. The Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam even urged the spouse who rises up first to wake the other spouse up, even by splashing cold water on his/her face.
Always try your best to be good to your wife by words and by deeds. Talk to her, smile to her, seek her advice, ask for her opinion, spend quality time with her and always remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said, "The best of you are those who are best to their wives"
Finally, it is common that spouses vow to love and honor their spouses until death do them part. I do believe that this vow is good or even great, but not enough! It is not enough that you love your wife. You have to love what she loves as well. Her family, her loved ones must also become your loved ones. Don't be like my colleague who was unhappy about his wife's parents coming to visit for few weeks. He candidly said to her "I don't like your parents." Naturally she angrily looked at him straight in the eye and said, "I don't like yours either." Also, it is not enough that you love her until death do you part. Love should never end and we do believe there is life after death where those who did righteousness in this world will be joined by their spouses (Surah Al Zukhruf 43:70) and offsprings.
The best example in this regard is the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam whose love for Khadija, his wife of 25 years, extended to include all those she loved; this love of his continued even after her death. It was many years after her death and he never forgot her and whenever a goat was slaughtered in his house he would send portions of it to Khadija's family and friends and whenever he felt that the visitor at the door might be Khadija's sister Hala, he would pray saying, "O Allah let it be Hala."
She will share your moments, your days, and your years. She will share your joys and sorrows, your successes and failures, your dreams and your fears. When you are ill, she will take the best care of you; when you need help, she will do all she can for you; when you have a secret, she will keep it; when you need advice, she will give you the best advice. She will always be with you: when you wake up in the morning the first thing your eyes will see will be hers; during the day, she will be with you, if for some time she is not with you by her physical body, she will be thinking of you, praying for you with all her heart, mind, and soul; when you go to sleep at night, the last thing your eyes will see will be her; and when you are asleep you will still see her in your dreams. In short, she will be your whole world and you will be her whole world.
The best description that I personally have ever read describing the closeness of the spouses to each other is the Qur'anic verse which says: "They are your garments and you are their garments." (Surah Al Baqarah 2:187). Indeed, spouses are like garments to each other because they provide one another with the protection, the comfort, the cover, the support, and the adornment that garments provide to humans. Just imagine a journey in the winter of Alaska without garments! Our spouses provide us with the same level of comfort, protection, cover, and support in the journey of our lives on this earth as garments would do in the Alaskan journey.
The relationship between the spouses is the most amazing of all human relations: the amount of love and affection, intimacy and closeness, mercy and compassion, peace and tranquillity that fills the hearts of the spouses is simply inexplicable. The only rational explanation for these most amazing of all human feelings is that: it is an act of Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, "And Allah has made for you Mates (and Companions of your own nature ..." (Surah Al Nahl 16:72)
Only our Almighty Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala in His Infinite Power, Boundless Mercy, and Great Wisdom can create and ingrain these amazing and blessed feelings in the hearts of the spouses. In fact Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is reminding those who search for His signs in the universe that these feelings in the hearts of the spouses are among the signs that should guide humans to His existence as He says in the Qur'an, "And among His signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves that you may dwell in tranquillity with them and He has put love and mercy between your hearts: verily in that are signs for those who reflect." (Surah Al Rum 30:21)
But Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala knows that the human heart is not a static entity, it is sometimes weak and at times dynamic. Feelings can and do change with time. Love may wither and fade away. The marital bond might weaken if not properly cared for. Happiness in marriage cannot be taken for granted; continuous happiness requires constant giving from both sides. For the tree of marital love to remain alive and keep growing, the soil has to be sustained, maintained, watered and nurtured.
Remember that our Prophet Muhammad Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam had found the time to go out to the desert and race with his wife Aisha. She outran him but later after she had gained some weight, he outran her. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam took his wife to watch the young Ethiopians playing and dancing their folk dances. The show of emotions is necessary to keep the marital bond away from rusting and disintegrating. Remember that you will be rewarded by Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala for any emotions you show to your wife as the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said "One would be rewarded for anything that he does seeking the pleasure of Allah even the food that he puts in the mouth of his wife"
Never underestimate the importance of seemingly little things as putting food in your wife's mouth, opening the car door for her, etc. Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam used to extend his knee to his wife to assist her up to ride the camel.
Try to always find some time for both of you to pray together. Strengthening the bond between you and Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala is the best guarantee that your own marital bond would always remain strong. Having peace with Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala will always result in having more peace at home.
Remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam gave glad tidings for those couples who wake up at night to pray together. The Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam even urged the spouse who rises up first to wake the other spouse up, even by splashing cold water on his/her face.
Always try your best to be good to your wife by words and by deeds. Talk to her, smile to her, seek her advice, ask for her opinion, spend quality time with her and always remember that the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam said, "The best of you are those who are best to their wives"
Finally, it is common that spouses vow to love and honor their spouses until death do them part. I do believe that this vow is good or even great, but not enough! It is not enough that you love your wife. You have to love what she loves as well. Her family, her loved ones must also become your loved ones. Don't be like my colleague who was unhappy about his wife's parents coming to visit for few weeks. He candidly said to her "I don't like your parents." Naturally she angrily looked at him straight in the eye and said, "I don't like yours either." Also, it is not enough that you love her until death do you part. Love should never end and we do believe there is life after death where those who did righteousness in this world will be joined by their spouses (Surah Al Zukhruf 43:70) and offsprings.
The best example in this regard is the Prophet Salallaahu 'aliahi wa'sallaam whose love for Khadija, his wife of 25 years, extended to include all those she loved; this love of his continued even after her death. It was many years after her death and he never forgot her and whenever a goat was slaughtered in his house he would send portions of it to Khadija's family and friends and whenever he felt that the visitor at the door might be Khadija's sister Hala, he would pray saying, "O Allah let it be Hala."
Saturday, 5 September 2009
The planner
The head of the service personnel of Masjidun Nabawi was Shamsuddin Sawaab Lamti. He was a pious man who was kind and generous towards the poor. Now, Sawaab explains that that he had a close friend who used to frequent the gatherings of the ruler of Madinah.
This friend of his often kept him informed about any major developments that he had heard of. One day this friend came to him and said : “Something major has happened today.” Upon enquiry he explained : “A number of people have come from Syria and they have bribed the ruler of Madinah with a huge bribe to allow them to open the blessed graves and remove the bodies of Abu Bakr and Umar Radhi Allaahu Anhuma. The ruler has agreed to their request.”
Sawaab explains : “I became extremely worried. Shortly there after a messenger of the ruler of Madinah arrived saying that the ruler wanted to see me.”When I had come before the ruler he said to me: “Sawaab, some people will knock at the door of the Masjid tonight. Open the door for them and allow them do what they want to do. Do not interfere with them in any way.” Sawaab replied that we would do so.
Sawaab explains further : ” I came back and I spent the day crying without anybody knowing why I was so worried. At night, after we had performed Esha Salaah, we locked the doors of the Masjid as usual. Shortly afterwards, somebody knocked at the door known as Baabus Salaam. The ruler of Madinah used to live in a fort in front of Baabus Salaam. I opened the door. Forty people entered. I counted then as they walked by me one by one. They were carrying equipment that was normally used for digging and excavation work.They also had candles with them. They were heading towards the Sacred Chamber. But, I take an Oath by Allah, that they had not even reach the pulpit when the earth suddenly split beneath their feet and they were all buried together with their tools. No sign was left of them.”
Sawaab continues : “The ruler became anxious waiting for news regarding them and finally sent for me.”
He asked : “Sawaab, did some people not come to you?” Sawaab replied: “Yes, indeed. But, the earth has swallowed them.” The ruler said : “Think before you speak.” Sawaab insisted that he was speaking the truth and then took the ruler to see the spot where the incident had happened.
The ruler said : “This matter should remain here. If you mention this incident to anybody you shall be beheaded!”
This incident has also been mentioned by Samhoodi and others who mention that the number of people was fifteen or twenty and they were swallowed by the earth when they had gone only a few steps towards the Sacred Chamber. This incident happened in the middle of the seventh century after Hijra.
Lesson: “They plan and Allah also plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Imraan, verse 54)
No matter how carefully their plans may be, in the sight of Allah it is weaker than a spider’s web. Allah Azza Wajal is the ultimate Controler, Protector and Planner.
Reference : Wafa al-Wafa
And Allah knows best
This friend of his often kept him informed about any major developments that he had heard of. One day this friend came to him and said : “Something major has happened today.” Upon enquiry he explained : “A number of people have come from Syria and they have bribed the ruler of Madinah with a huge bribe to allow them to open the blessed graves and remove the bodies of Abu Bakr and Umar Radhi Allaahu Anhuma. The ruler has agreed to their request.”
Sawaab explains : “I became extremely worried. Shortly there after a messenger of the ruler of Madinah arrived saying that the ruler wanted to see me.”When I had come before the ruler he said to me: “Sawaab, some people will knock at the door of the Masjid tonight. Open the door for them and allow them do what they want to do. Do not interfere with them in any way.” Sawaab replied that we would do so.
Sawaab explains further : ” I came back and I spent the day crying without anybody knowing why I was so worried. At night, after we had performed Esha Salaah, we locked the doors of the Masjid as usual. Shortly afterwards, somebody knocked at the door known as Baabus Salaam. The ruler of Madinah used to live in a fort in front of Baabus Salaam. I opened the door. Forty people entered. I counted then as they walked by me one by one. They were carrying equipment that was normally used for digging and excavation work.They also had candles with them. They were heading towards the Sacred Chamber. But, I take an Oath by Allah, that they had not even reach the pulpit when the earth suddenly split beneath their feet and they were all buried together with their tools. No sign was left of them.”
Sawaab continues : “The ruler became anxious waiting for news regarding them and finally sent for me.”
He asked : “Sawaab, did some people not come to you?” Sawaab replied: “Yes, indeed. But, the earth has swallowed them.” The ruler said : “Think before you speak.” Sawaab insisted that he was speaking the truth and then took the ruler to see the spot where the incident had happened.
The ruler said : “This matter should remain here. If you mention this incident to anybody you shall be beheaded!”
This incident has also been mentioned by Samhoodi and others who mention that the number of people was fifteen or twenty and they were swallowed by the earth when they had gone only a few steps towards the Sacred Chamber. This incident happened in the middle of the seventh century after Hijra.
Lesson: “They plan and Allah also plans. And Allah is the best of planners.” (Surah Imraan, verse 54)
No matter how carefully their plans may be, in the sight of Allah it is weaker than a spider’s web. Allah Azza Wajal is the ultimate Controler, Protector and Planner.
Reference : Wafa al-Wafa
And Allah knows best
Friday, 4 September 2009
The last 10 days of Ramadhan
What's so Important about The Last Ten Nights of Ramadan?
And What can I Do During this Time?
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special.
The first of these nights occurs on the eve of the 21st day of Ramadan. In other words, it is the night that commences after the completion of the 20th day of fasting. Sometimes there are only nine nights, whenever the month of Ramadan lasts for only 29 days.
Nevertheless, they are still traditionally referred to as "the last ten nights". The Prophet (pbuh) used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year. `A'ishah tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1920)] `A'ishah also says: "I had never known Allah's Messenger (pbuh) to read the entire Qur'ân in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting – except in Ramadan." [Sunan al-Nasâ'î (1641) and Sunan Ibn Mâjah (1348)]
When we say that the Prophet spent the whole night in worship, we should qualify it. This is because he would spend some time eating dinner, partaking of his pre-dawn meal, and other similar activities. However, he would spend most of the night in worship. Waking Up the Family `A'ishah informs us that the Prophet (pbuh) used to wake up his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Indeed, he used to wake up his wives for prayer throughout the year, but that was so that they could pray for a small fraction of the night. We know this, because Umm Salamah relates that the Prophet (pbuh) woke her up one night and said: "Glory be to Allah. What has been sent down of trials during this night? What has been sent down of treasures, so that the denizens of the bedchambers will be awakened? O Lord! To be clothed in this world by naked in the
Hereafter." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1074)] During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night than during the rest of the year. Exerting Oneself in Worship `A'isha tells us: "The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year." [Sahîh Muslim (1175)] The great jurist, al-Shâfi`î declares: "It is Sunnah for one to exert greater efforts in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan." [al-Majmû` (6/397)] When `A'ishah tells us that the Prophet (pbuh) would "tighten his waistbelt", she is speaking figuratively. The phrase means to set about to devote oneself fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand. Observing a Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikâf) Observing a retreat in the mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. `A'ishah tells us: "The Prophet (pbuh) used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1922) and Sahîh Muslim (1172)]
The practice of i`tikâf is a strongly recommended act. It is defined as remaining in retreat in the mosque for the express purpose of worship. The purpose of doing so is to devote one's heart exclusively to Allah. The person engaging in i`tikâf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah's blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.
A person observing i`tikâf does not leave the mosque except for what is absolutely necessary (like going to the bathroom). While in the mosque, he should busy himself with the remembrance of Allah. He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers and all other recommended prayers, like the Duhâ prayer. He should read as much of the Qur'ân as he can. He should spend less time eating and sleep as little as possible. He should avoid unnecessary talk.
However, he should engage in advising his fellow Muslims and in enjoining them to truth and to patience. Generosity It is encouraged for us to be extra generous during the last ten nights of Ramadan, without being extravagant or ostentatious in our giving. Ibn `Abbâs relates that: "Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan. Gabriel used to meet with him every year throughout the month of Ramadan, so the Prophet could recite the Qur'ân to him. Whenever Gabriel met with him, he became more generous than a beneficial breeze.." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1902) and Sahîh Muslim (2308)] Al-Nawawî states [al-Majmû` (6/398)]
Generosity and open-handedness are strongly encouraged in Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. By doing so, we emulate the example of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as well as of our Pious Predecessors. Also, this month is noble, and good works carried out in this month are more blessed than they are at any other time. Also, during this month, people are preoccupied with fasting and worship, and this distracts them from their livelihood, so they might need some assistance during this time.Seeking Out Laylah al-Qadr One of the greatest distinctions of these ten special nights is that one of them is Laylah al-Qadr – the Night of Decree. This is the greatest night of the year – better than a thousand months. This means that a Muslim can earn more rewards on Laylah al-Qadr than he would if – excluding this special night – he were worship his Lord for eighty-four years straight.. This is one of the immense favours that Allah has bestowed upon the Muslim community. Ibrâhîm al-Nakha`î says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months." Abû Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever spends Laylah al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1802) and Sahîh Muslim (760)] Belief in Allah, in this hadîth, means not only to believe in Allah, but to believe in the reward that we are promised for observing prayer on this night. Laylah al-Qadr is on one of the odd nights. `A'ishah relates that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Seek out Laylah al-Qadr in the odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1913) and Sahîh Muslim (1169)] It is most likely one of the last seven odd nights. Ibn `Umar relates that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Look for it in the last ten nights. If one of you falls weak or unable to do so, then he should at least try on the seven remaining nights." [Sahîh Muslim (1165)] The most likely candidate for Laylah al-Qadr is the 27th night of Ramadan. This is indicated by the statement of `Ubayy b. Ka`b: “I swear by Allah that I know which night it is. It is the night in which Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) ordered us to observe in prayer. It is the night on the eve of the 27th of Ramadan. Its sign is that the Sun will rise in the morning of that day white without exuding any rays.” [Sahîh Muslim (762)] A Muslim should seek out this special night by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan engaged in various acts of worship. These include reciting the remembrances of Allah, reading the Qur'ân, and begging Allah's forgiveness. It is best for us to strive hard on all ten nights, because the Prophet (pbuh) said: The way we "look for" Laylah al-Qadr is by engaging in extra worship. When the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Look for it in the last ten nights" he did not mean that we should literally "look for" signs and indications that distinguish Laylah al-Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish Laylah al-Qadr from other nights are part of the Unseen. Allah says: " Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) – On this night, every wise matter is made distinct." [Sûrah al-Dukhân (3-4)] Allah says: "Laylah al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn." [Sûrah al-Qadr (3-5)] These are the ways in which Laylah al-Qadr is special. They are not things that we can see with our eyes. No one after the Prophet (pbuh) can see the angels. The last ten days have a special place in Islam because among them comes Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power). The Prophet said about this majestic night "Any Muslim who stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his/her previous sins shall be forgiven."
It is the night when the Qur'an was revealed.
It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), started
It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started
It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed
Allah says in what can be translated as :
"Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr) . And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
Therein descend the angels (ie. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." [97:1-5]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, (pbuh), said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi]
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allah will forgive his previous sins.
What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what should one do?
Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, (pbuh), said :
"Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". [Bukhari]
And Allah swt knows best.....
And What can I Do During this Time?
The last ten nights of Ramadan are very special.
The first of these nights occurs on the eve of the 21st day of Ramadan. In other words, it is the night that commences after the completion of the 20th day of fasting. Sometimes there are only nine nights, whenever the month of Ramadan lasts for only 29 days.
Nevertheless, they are still traditionally referred to as "the last ten nights". The Prophet (pbuh) used to single these nights out for worship and the performance of good deeds. He would exert himself in worship during these ten nights more than any other nights of the year. `A'ishah tells us: "During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) would tighten his waist belt and spend the night in worship. He would also wake up his family." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1920)] `A'ishah also says: "I had never known Allah's Messenger (pbuh) to read the entire Qur'ân in a single night, or to spend the whole night in prayer up until the morning, or to spend a whole month in fasting – except in Ramadan." [Sunan al-Nasâ'î (1641) and Sunan Ibn Mâjah (1348)]
When we say that the Prophet spent the whole night in worship, we should qualify it. This is because he would spend some time eating dinner, partaking of his pre-dawn meal, and other similar activities. However, he would spend most of the night in worship. Waking Up the Family `A'ishah informs us that the Prophet (pbuh) used to wake up his family during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
Indeed, he used to wake up his wives for prayer throughout the year, but that was so that they could pray for a small fraction of the night. We know this, because Umm Salamah relates that the Prophet (pbuh) woke her up one night and said: "Glory be to Allah. What has been sent down of trials during this night? What has been sent down of treasures, so that the denizens of the bedchambers will be awakened? O Lord! To be clothed in this world by naked in the
Hereafter." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1074)] During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (pbuh) would wake up his wives to pray for a much longer portion of the night than during the rest of the year. Exerting Oneself in Worship `A'isha tells us: "The Prophet would exert himself in worship during the last ten nights more than at any other time of the year." [Sahîh Muslim (1175)] The great jurist, al-Shâfi`î declares: "It is Sunnah for one to exert greater efforts in worship during the last ten nights of Ramadan." [al-Majmû` (6/397)] When `A'ishah tells us that the Prophet (pbuh) would "tighten his waistbelt", she is speaking figuratively. The phrase means to set about to devote oneself fully and wholeheartedly to the task at hand. Observing a Retreat in the Mosque (I`tikâf) Observing a retreat in the mosque is of the best things we can do during the last ten nights of Ramadan. `A'ishah tells us: "The Prophet (pbuh) used to observe a retreat in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan up until he died. His wives continued to observe this practice after his death." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1922) and Sahîh Muslim (1172)]
The practice of i`tikâf is a strongly recommended act. It is defined as remaining in retreat in the mosque for the express purpose of worship. The purpose of doing so is to devote one's heart exclusively to Allah. The person engaging in i`tikâf keeps this intention close to mind and seeks Allah's blessings. He should not forget the reason why he is observing this retreat.
A person observing i`tikâf does not leave the mosque except for what is absolutely necessary (like going to the bathroom). While in the mosque, he should busy himself with the remembrance of Allah. He should make sure to offer the remembrances of the morning and evening and the prescribed remembrances for the five daily prayers. He should perform all of the Sunnah prayers and all other recommended prayers, like the Duhâ prayer. He should read as much of the Qur'ân as he can. He should spend less time eating and sleep as little as possible. He should avoid unnecessary talk.
However, he should engage in advising his fellow Muslims and in enjoining them to truth and to patience. Generosity It is encouraged for us to be extra generous during the last ten nights of Ramadan, without being extravagant or ostentatious in our giving. Ibn `Abbâs relates that: "Allah's Messenger (pbuh) was the most generous of all people in doing good, and he was at his most generous during the month of Ramadan. Gabriel used to meet with him every year throughout the month of Ramadan, so the Prophet could recite the Qur'ân to him. Whenever Gabriel met with him, he became more generous than a beneficial breeze.." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1902) and Sahîh Muslim (2308)] Al-Nawawî states [al-Majmû` (6/398)]
Generosity and open-handedness are strongly encouraged in Ramadan, especially during the last ten nights. By doing so, we emulate the example of Allah's Messenger (pbuh) as well as of our Pious Predecessors. Also, this month is noble, and good works carried out in this month are more blessed than they are at any other time. Also, during this month, people are preoccupied with fasting and worship, and this distracts them from their livelihood, so they might need some assistance during this time.Seeking Out Laylah al-Qadr One of the greatest distinctions of these ten special nights is that one of them is Laylah al-Qadr – the Night of Decree. This is the greatest night of the year – better than a thousand months. This means that a Muslim can earn more rewards on Laylah al-Qadr than he would if – excluding this special night – he were worship his Lord for eighty-four years straight.. This is one of the immense favours that Allah has bestowed upon the Muslim community. Ibrâhîm al-Nakha`î says: "Good works performed on this night are better than those performed consistently for a thousand months." Abû Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Whoever spends Laylah al-Qadr in prayer, believing in Allah and seeking His reward, will be forgiven all of his past sins." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1802) and Sahîh Muslim (760)] Belief in Allah, in this hadîth, means not only to believe in Allah, but to believe in the reward that we are promised for observing prayer on this night. Laylah al-Qadr is on one of the odd nights. `A'ishah relates that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Seek out Laylah al-Qadr in the odd nights during the last ten nights of Ramadan." [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (1913) and Sahîh Muslim (1169)] It is most likely one of the last seven odd nights. Ibn `Umar relates that Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said: "Look for it in the last ten nights. If one of you falls weak or unable to do so, then he should at least try on the seven remaining nights." [Sahîh Muslim (1165)] The most likely candidate for Laylah al-Qadr is the 27th night of Ramadan. This is indicated by the statement of `Ubayy b. Ka`b: “I swear by Allah that I know which night it is. It is the night in which Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) ordered us to observe in prayer. It is the night on the eve of the 27th of Ramadan. Its sign is that the Sun will rise in the morning of that day white without exuding any rays.” [Sahîh Muslim (762)] A Muslim should seek out this special night by spending the last ten nights of Ramadan engaged in various acts of worship. These include reciting the remembrances of Allah, reading the Qur'ân, and begging Allah's forgiveness. It is best for us to strive hard on all ten nights, because the Prophet (pbuh) said: The way we "look for" Laylah al-Qadr is by engaging in extra worship. When the Prophet (pbuh) said: "Look for it in the last ten nights" he did not mean that we should literally "look for" signs and indications that distinguish Laylah al-Qadr from other nights. The things that distinguish Laylah al-Qadr from other nights are part of the Unseen. Allah says: " Surely We revealed it on a blessed night. Surely We ever wish to warn (against evil) – On this night, every wise matter is made distinct." [Sûrah al-Dukhân (3-4)] Allah says: "Laylah al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by the permission of their Lord, with every decree. (This night is) peace, until the rising of the dawn." [Sûrah al-Qadr (3-5)] These are the ways in which Laylah al-Qadr is special. They are not things that we can see with our eyes. No one after the Prophet (pbuh) can see the angels. The last ten days have a special place in Islam because among them comes Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power). The Prophet said about this majestic night "Any Muslim who stands in prayer during the Night of Qadr out of faith and sincerity, his/her previous sins shall be forgiven."
It is the night when the Qur'an was revealed.
It is the night when the Message (the Final and seal of all messages) sent to Prophet Mohammed (pbuh), started
It is the night when the light, that would illuminate mankind to the end of life, started
It is the night when every matter of ordainment is decreed
Allah says in what can be translated as :
"Verily! We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr) . And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.
Therein descend the angels (ie. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." [97:1-5]
Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet, (pbuh), said " The blessed month has come to you. Allah has made fasting during it obligatory upon you. During it the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. There is a night [during this month] which is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of its good is really deprived [of something great]. [Ahmad, an-Nisa'i and al-Bayhaqi]
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allah will forgive his previous sins.
What happens to the person who witnesses Laylatul-Qadr? and what should one do?
Abu Hurairah Radhiya Allahu `anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah, (pbuh), said :
"Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan (faith and sincerity) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven". [Bukhari]
And Allah swt knows best.....
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