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“Gardens of Sunnah” / “Riyadh as Sunnah” is a famous compilation in the English language of the blessed Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, by Muhammad Abdul Mannan Ridwi
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Table of Content Chapter Name Page Number About 3 1-Durood and Salaam 4 2-Definition of Sunnah 11 3-What Does Qur'an Say 12 4-What Does Hadith Say 15 5-What Do Khulafa E Rashideen Say 19 6-What Do Sahaba Say 24 7-What Do Salaf Say 28 8-The Complexion Of The Prophet 34 9-Non Muslims 35 10-Invitation To Islam 38 11-Bismillah 42 12-Sleeping 48 13-Waking Up 55 14-Siesta 59 15-Dreams 60 16-Toilet 63 17-Abulution 69 18-Bath 76 19-Cleanliness 82 20-Miswak 84 21-Azaan 90 22-Salaah 97 23-Fardh Salaah 110 24-Nafl Prayers 120 25-Jumu'ah 133 26-Home 139 27-Mosque 145 28-drink 152 29-Eating 157 30-Favourite Food 166 31-Dress 173 32-womens Clothing 183 33-Amama 189 34-Ring 193 35-Shoes 197 36-Khuffs 201 37-Beard 203 38-Hair 213 39-Oil and Comb 218 40-Surma 222 41-Itr 223 42-Beauty 227 43-Nails 233
44-Talking 237 45-Greetings 243 46-Humour 250 47-Weeping 254 48-Walking 257 49-Sneezing and Yawning 260 50-Gathering 265 51-Gift 268 52-Consultation 272 53-Marriage 275 54-Intercourse 287 55-Walima 294 56-Child is Born 298 57-Names 303 58-Aqiqa and Qurbani 307 59-Children 312 60-House Work 319 61-Guest 322 62-Neighbours 327 63-Business 331 64-Quran 339 65-Naat 347 66-Travel 350 67-Sports 358 68-Eid 361 69-Sick 365 70-Dua 374 71-Death 380 72-Debt 388 73-Complete 391
About this Book “Gardens of Sunnah” / “Riyadh as Sunnah” is a famous compilation in the English language of the blessed Sunnah of the Beloved Prophet sallAllahu alayhi wa sallam, by Muhammad Abdul Mannan Ridwi. It consists of over 70 chapters and 800 pages, all of which have been brought to you in this app. This app has been developed by TheSunniWay.com, we are grateful to brother Muhammad Abdul Mannan for giving us permission and providing us with the digital version of the book, enabling us to create this application and thus serve the general public of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaa’ah. If you notice any errors, please email us at [email protected] Allah’s (The Exalted) name I begin with, The Most Affectionate, The Most Merciful
CHAPTER ONE SALAWAAT AND SALAAM Prayers on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) All Praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) Countless Salawaat, and Salaams upon His most perfect and highest of creation, the Messenger of Allah (The Exalted) (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Firstly, we will begin with sending the Salawaat (blessings) on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and some of its benefits, Allah (The Exalted) says: “Surely Allah (The Exalted) and His Angels send blessings on the messenger. O you who believe! Send Blessing (Salawaat) and Salutations (Salaams) on the Prophet with worthy Salutation.” (Surah Al-Ahzab; Surah No: ; Verse: 56) Blessings and mercy of Allah (The Exalted) upon you, O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). And upon your decedents and companions, O beloved of Allah. This makes it clear that the quality of being a believer is dependent on and evident by praying on the Prophet. When Allah (The Exalted) sends Salawaat and Salaams upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), He is blessing His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When the Angels and the Muslims send Salawaat and Salaams to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), they are actually showing Allah their respect for the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The invocation of blessings on the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is styled in Arabic as “Salawaat,” in Persian as “Durood,” and in Urdu as “Salawaat-o-Salaam.” It is recorded that Abi bin Kaab (may Allah be pleased with him) inquired from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as to how much time should he dedicate for reading Salawaat. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “As much as you wish.” He then asked, “Should I not dedicate a quarter of my time?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “As you wish, if you increase the recitation it would be better for you.” He further asked, “O Master! If it is better, should I not dedicate half my time?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “As you wish. If you increase it though, it would be better for you.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Abi bin Kaab (may Allah be pleased with him) then remarked, “O Master! Should I not, therefore, dedicate my entire time in the recital of the Durood?” To this the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “ If you do this, then all your obligations will be fulfilled and all your sins will be forgiven!” (Mishkaat)
From the above hadith we clearly realise the excellence of reading the Salawaat as much as possible. O Allah! (The Exalted) Grant us the strength to increase the recital of the Salawaat. Aameen. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said, “He who reads a single Salawaat upon me, Allah (The Exalted), blesses him ten times, ten of his sins are forgiven and elevates him ten times.” (Mishkat) ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) also narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “On the Day of Resurrection, the closest to me from amongst the people will be those who have sent me the most amount of Salawaat.” (Tirmidhi) ‘Abd-Allah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that Allah (The Exalted), and His Angels bestow mercies on him seventy times who but once invokes blessings on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Ahmed) Once there was a Sultan who became very ill. Six months passed by without any cure in sight. A few people went to the Sultan and told him that ‘Abu Bakr Shibli (may Allah be pleased with him) had arrived in the city. The Sultan requested the great Saint to visit and to make supplication (Dua) for his health. ‘Abu Bakr Shibli (may Allah be pleased with him) visited the Sultan on his request for he knew that the Sultan was very generous to his subjects and that he was also a very pious person. When ‘Abu Bakr Shibli (may Allah be pleased with him) sat next to the bed of the Sultan, he assured the Sultan that he would recover very soon. Abu Bakr Shibli (may Allah be pleased with him) then recited a few Salawaat and passed his hands along the body of the Sultan. A few minutes later, the Sultan awoke as if from a dream. He felt as if he had never been sick. (Rahhatul Quloob) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) reports the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), as saying: “The most miserly is he before whom there is talk about me and he does not invoke blessings on me.” (Tirmidhi) There are many people who are heedless, even when the verse of the Qur’an is recited that “Allah (The Exalted) and His angles send blessings…” people still do not recite Salawaat. How unfortunate are these people! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying: “That gathering of people will be altogether harmful if Allah (The Exalted) is not remembered there and blessings are not invoked on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Muslim) A man fell sick and was about to die. He was shivering and fearing the tortures of the grave and the tortures of the Day of Judgement. All of a sudden, a pious man caught hold of his hand and told him be perfectly at ease as the Salawaat he had recited in abundance during his lifetime is certain to come to his rescue. The man, thereafter, died very peacefully. (Nuzhat-ul-Majalis) Forty Hadith on the excellence of reciting Salawaat (blessings) and salaam (salutation)
On the day of judgement the closest person to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will be the one who recited Salawaat the most in this world. (Tirmidhi, kanzul-ummal) One who recites Salawaat once, Allah (The Exalted) sends ten blessings upon him and eradicates ten of his sins and raises him ten in status. (Mishkat) You decorate your meetings by Salawaat on me because your Salawaat would (turn out to) be light for you on the “day of judgement.” (Jame’ah Saghir) One who recites Salawaat would be bestowed with an amazing light on the bridge of “Pul Sirat,” and the one bestowed with this light would not be from the ones from hell. (Dalailul Khayrat) Undoubtedly on the “day of judgement” the individual who will be able to find himself free from difficulties would be the one who had recited Salawaat in abundance. (As-Shifa) On the “day of judgement” some groups of people shall come to me at my reservoir (Howdhe Kawthar) whom I will recognise because of their recited Salawaat in abundance. (Kashful-Ghumma) One who recites Salawaat once upon me, Allah (The Exalted) blesses him times and one who recites Salawaat ten times Allah (The Exalted) bestows one hundred blessings upon him and the one who recites Salawaat one hundred times, Allah (The Exalted) writes between his two eyes “ this person is free from hypocrisy and the fire of hell” and will be kept on the day of judgement with the martyrs. (Attarghib-Wattarhib) When an individual recites Salawaat once, Allah (The Exalted) blesses him ten times. It is up to an individual whether one recites more or less (in number). (Alqoul-ul-Badi’ ) One, who recites Salawaat one thousand times daily, would not die until he sees his place in Paradise. (Attarghib-Wattarhib) One who recites Salawaat ten times, Allah (The Exalted) bestows one hundred blessings upon him, and one who recites Salawaat one hundred times, Allah (The Exalted) bestows one thousand blessings upon him, and one who recites Salawaat more than this with love, I will be his intercessor and witness on the day of judgement. (Alqoul-ul-Badi’ ) One who recites Salawaat once, Allah (The Exalted) writes ten rewards for him, forgives ten of his sins and elevates him by ten grades and this is equivalent to freeing ten slaves. (Attarghib-Wattarhib) As long as an individual recites Salawaat, Allah’s (The Exalted) angels continue reciting Salawaat on him. It is up to you whether you recite Salawaat more or less in. (Alqoul-ul-badi’ ) One who recites Salawaat upon me I will intercede for that person on the day of judgement. (ibid)
One who, because of his love for me and inclination towards me recites Salawaat three times every day and three times every night, it is Allah’s (The Exalted) right to forgive that individual’s sins of that day and that night. (Attarghib-Wattarhib) One who desires at the time of his being presented to the court of Allah (The Exalted) that He is pleased with him, one should recite Salawaat excessively. (Kashful-Ghumma) When you forget something recite Salawaat, Allah (The Exalted) willing, you shall remember. (Saadat-ud-Daerain) When two friends meet each other, shake hands, and recite Salawaat on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) before they depart all their past and future sins are forgiven. (Attarghib-Wattarhib) Reciting of Salawaat upon me would be light for you on the day of judgement in the darkness of the bridge of ‘Pul Sirat.’ And one who desires on the day of judgement he be given compensation in abundance one should recite Salawaat abundantly. (Saadat-ud-Daerain) Reciting Salawaat upon me is the protector of your supplications and the reason Allah (The Exalted) being pleased with you and purity of your deeds. (ibid) One who writes Salawaat upon me in a book; as long as my auspicious name remains in the book, the angels Keep repenting for him. (ibid) One who wrote any point of learning from me and with that one also wrote the Salawaat then as long as that book is read he would continue to be rewarded. (ibid) On the day of judgement Allah (The Exalted) will raise the scholars and the ink will be emitting fragrance. When in the court of Allah (The Exalted), He will say, you had been sending Salawaat to My beloved for a long time. Angels! Take him into paradise.” (ibid) One who read the Qur’an, praised Allah (The Exalted) then recited Salawaat upon me, he has found good from its places. (Alqoul-ul-badih) One who recites Salawaat fifty times in a day I will shake hands with him on the day of judgement. (ibid) For every thing there is purity. For the purity of the believers hearts is to recite Salawaat upon me. (ibid) One who recited Salawaat abundantly in his life, at the time of his death Allah (The Exalted) will order all his creation to pray for his forgiveness. (Nuzhatul Majalis) On Friday night (i.e. Thursday night) and on Friday meaning recite Salawaat abundantly because your Salawaat is presented to me. (Jameh Saghir) Recite Salawaat on Friday in abundance as it is the day witness, this day the angles are present. And undoubtedly one who recites Salawaat upon me and before he has finished his recitation, it is presented to me. (ibid)
Recite Salawaat on the day of Friday and the night of Friday (Thursday night) upon me in abundance as whosoever does I shall be his witness and intercede on the “day of judgement.” (ibid) When the day of Thursday comes Allah (The Exalted) calls the angels, who have papers of silver and pens of gold. They write names of those who recite the most Salawaat on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace. (Saadat-ud-Daerein) One who recites one hundred Salawaat on Fridays, when he comes on the day of judgement; he will have such a light that if distributed amongst the entire creations it would suffice all of them. (Dalaya-tul-Khairat) Recite Salawaat in abundance on Thursday night and Fridays because the rest of the week the angels keep conveying to me your Salawaat but, one who recites Salawaat on Thursday night and Friday I hear it myself. (Nuzhatul, Majalis) One who forgets to recite Salawaat upon me has lost the way to paradise. (Alqoul-ul-Badi’ ) A miserly person is he who hears my name and does not recite Salawaat upon me. (Mishkat) Three types of people will be deprived of seeing me: The "one" who is disobedient to his parents; The "one" who does not follow my Sunnah: and, The one before whom mention of my name was made, (but) did not recite Salawaat upon me. (Alqoul-ul-Badi’ ) The people who sit in gatherings and do not recite Salawaat, if those people are entered into paradise but they would be over-whelmed with grief when they see the reward. (ibid) One who mentions my name but did not recite Salawaat upon me will go to hell. (ibid) Every type of work done without the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) and Salawaat upon me remains without blessings and cut off from goodness. (Matale-ul-Musarrat) One who recited Salawaat he undoubtedly has opened seventy doors of mercy for himself and Allah (The Exalted) instils love for him in the hearts of others. Therefore only one who bears grudge against him who has hypocrisy in the heart. (kashful Ghumma) “ I pray for all those who recite Salawaat upon me.” The messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, Angels of Allah (The Exalted), showers seventy blessings on a person who recites Salawaat once. BENEFITS OF RECITING SALAWAAT ON THE PROPHET May Allah bless him and grant him peace
Reciting maximum number of Salawaats alleviates all hardships. Anyone who recites Salawaat will overcome all of his or her troubles. Ablution (wudhu) is blessed further if Salawaat is recited during or after it. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated, “Whoever sends Salawaat to me, when accepted, Allah (The Exalted) forgives seventy years of his (minor) sins. With Salawaat and Salaam a person’s (minor) sins are forgiven. When one recites Salawaat he becomes closer to the Messenger of Allah (The Exalted), may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ‘Whoever makes Salawaat a habit will be under the shade of the throne (Arsh) on the day of judgement’ . Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states, until you do not recite Salawaat at the beginning and end of your supplication, the supplication remains stationary between the earth and the sky. One who recites Salawaat one hundred times in a day, one hundred of his needs will be fulfilled; from them thirty will be fulfilled in this world and seventy in the hereafter. One should not write Salawaat in short form as it is forbidden i.e. S.A.W, SAAS, S, or P.B.U.H etc. as there is no meaning to it, however, the Salawaat should be written in full, (SallAllahu ‘Alaihi Wa Sallam or may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Bahre Shairat) Try and make a habit of reciting Salawaat / Durood 313 times a day. It may take approximately five minutes. If this is too much for you then work up to it, start of with 100. The shortest durood is as follows: Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa Sallam. Rules: To recite Durood once in a life time is obligatory (Fardh) and in every gathering it is necessary (Wajib). If you took the name of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or heard it from someone else and if the name of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was mentioned many times in a gathering then every time you should recite the Salawaat and if you forgot at that time then recite it when you remember. (Durre Mukhtar, Bahre Shairat etc.) It is desirable to send blessing at the following times: The eve of Jumu’ah (Thursday night), on the day of Jumu’ah (Friday), in the morning and evening, on safa and marwa, in a sermon with emphasis, at the end of the Adhan, at the time of Iqamah, at the beginning of supplication and at the end and in the middle, after dua-e-Qunoot, at the time of Hajj when the Talbiyya has finished, at the time of meeting and departing, at the time of ablution, when you forget something, whilst praying and teaching, especially whilst praying a hadith in the beginning and end when writing a ruling, at the writing, at
the time of wedding, when carrying out a big task, after writing the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) name, some scholars say it is necessary (Wajib). You have read the benefits of reciting the Salawaat, now let us practice this virtuous deed as much as possible and gain blessings in our day-to-day lives and please our Beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and our Creator, Insha-Allah. * * * * * * * Durrod-e-Taaj O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon our Leader and Lord, Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who is sublime, who had ascendancy (to the throne of Allah (The Exalted)), who rode on Buraque (heavenly carrier) and who held high the banner of spiritual eminence. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him who removes the evil forces and plague, famine, disease and all sufferings. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him, whose name has been written, exalted, favoured for intercession and engraved upon the (Divine Tablet) with the (Divine) Pen. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him who is the Leader of Arabs and non-Arabs (Leader of Mankind), whose body is sanctified, scented, pure and radiant (with Divine Light) in the House of Allah (The Exalted) (in Makkah) and the Mosque of the Prophet (in Medina). O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him who is the Bright Sun, the (full) Moon in the dark night, Centre of Elevation, Light of Guidance, Refuge for all Creation and Torch in the dark. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him who is blessed with (exemplary) character, seeker of forgiveness for people of all nations, gracious and generous. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him whose protector is Allah (The Exalted), whose servant is Gabriel, whose mount is Buraque, whose journey is the Ascent (Me’ raj), whose position is the Ultimate Point in the Havens, whose desire is Ascendance to the highest spiritual eminence, which is also his goal and purpose and which he attained. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him, the Leader of Apostles, the Last of the Prophets, Intercessor of Forgiveness of Sinners, Affectionate with the Homeless, Mercy for all the Worlds. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him, the Comfort of the Lovers, the Craving of the Devotees, a Sun amongst Knowers of Allah (The Exalted), a Torch for those following the Path of Allah (The Exalted), Guiding Light for those who are Close to Allah (The Exalted).
O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him, the Lover of the Poor, the Lowly and the Needy, the Leader of all Human beings and Jinns, the Prophet of the Two Qiblas (Ka’ba and Aqsa), the Leader of Prayers in the Two Qiblas, our Channel of Grace in the Two Worlds. O Allah (The Exalted) Send Blessings upon him, who has closest proximity to Allah (The Exalted’s) Throne, who is beloved of the Sustainer of the Two Easts and the Two West’s, Grandfather of Hasan and Hussain, Father of Qasim, Muhammad the son of ‘Abdullah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Divine Light from the Light of Allah (The Exalted). O ye, who crave the Divine Light of his grace, pray for Allah (The Exalted’s) blessing upon him, his progeny and his companions and extol him in a befitting manner. CHAPTER TWO DEFINITION OF SUNNAH Allah’s (The Exalted) blessings and peace be upon our Lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and on his family and Companions. Acting upon what the Prophet of Islam Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has shown mankind, is called ‘ following the Sunnah’ . Following the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is obligatory upon every Muslim, as the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is in reality following the Qur’an. Three types of Sunnah According to the dictionary, the following words explain the Sunnah; the features, life, and the way shown. In the language of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the Companions it denotes the whole of lawful practices followed in the Religion, particularly the perfect path of Prophets (upon them all be peace), whether pertaining to belief, religious and social practice, or ethics. In its technical sense Sunnah has three meanings: Sayings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) meaning the Hadith. Actions the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did, meaning his practises. Approval, the actions of the companions in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that were not sanctioned by him. Also something attributed whether physical or moral ascribed to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), whether before or after he proclaimed his Prophethood.
To follow the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) means using him as an example. For instance, the way to pray, as well as the manner and etiquettes of eating and drinking, this means acting upon the way shown by the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) throughout our daily lives. Important to follow Muslims are the best of creation and have been given the Islamic Sacred Law (Shariah). This is why all actions are to be done according to the Sunnah. In the same way as it is necessary (Wajib) to believe in the Prophets (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), to follow the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is also vital. Some acts are “obligatory” (Fardh) to follow; some are “necessary” (Wajib) and some teachings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are to teach us (his followers) etiquette and manners and are known as “Sunnah” , and some fall into the category of “desirable” (Mustahab) or “supererogatory” (Nafl). By following the blessed Sunnahs, we will find benefit not only in this world throughout day-to-day life, but also in the hereafter. One can gain satisfaction of the heart, internal peace, and peace of mind. Faith (Iman) will become firm and steadfastness on Islam will increase. Many benefits can be gained by following the blessed Sunnahs in terms of status, i.e. by acting upon the blessed Sunnahs you can gain closeness to Allah (The Exalted) and His Beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Al-Siba'i, Al-Sunna wa Makanatuha fi al-Tashri' al-Islami (p.47)) Three reasons for following anyone There are three reasons why people will follow someone; 1) due to fear, 2) greed, 3) or love. This means the reason for following may be because of a person, a ruler, or due to fear of losing something such as wealth. Following for these reasons holds no meaning and is useless. If the following is done because of wealth or worldly pleasure, then this type of following is meaningless too. Following in reality means to follow with love and sincerity, anything done with love is accepted by Allah (The Exalted). The only purpose of following is due to love and gaining the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted). This is the reason why it holds such a high status. CHAPTER THREE WHAT DOES THE QUR'AN SAY ABOUT FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH? O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his wives and his descendants just as You blessed our master Abraham and sanctify our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his wives and descendants just as You sanctify our master Abraham for You are the Praiseworthy the Mighty. Allah (The Exalted) has emphasised the necessity of following the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) throughout the Qur’an, highlighting that to follow the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is actually Islam.
“O beloved, you say, “ If you love Allah, you should follow me. (Only then) Allah will love you and will forgive your sins. And Allah is The Forgiver and the Merciful.” (Surah Ale Imran, Surah No: 3, Verse: 31) This obligation to love the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) means to obey him, to remember him, to follow his example, and to be proud of him as Allah (The Exalted) is proud of him, since Allah has boasted about him in His Book. Reason For Revelation ‘Abd Allah Ibn Abbas states, “The reason why this verse was revealed was that the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told the people of Quraish to stop worshipping the idols in the Ka’ba, however, the non-Muslims said, ‘We worship the idols in love of Allah’ The Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told them to follow the religion of their forefathers Ibraheem (upon whom be peace). The revelation came indicating you will be true lovers of Allah (The Exalted) when you follow the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not want to worship the idols and the one who displeases the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) displeases Allah (The Exalted)” (Khazain ul Irfan) We find from this verse that if you want to make yourself a friend of Allah (The Exalted) and want the love of Allah (The Exalted), then to follow the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is vital. If you want to gain closeness to Allah (The Exalted), follow the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Sunnah. Those who do not follow the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and adopt their own ways and the ways of the non-Muslims, their claim to love Allah (The Exalted) and His Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is effectively false. Obeying Allah Through The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “And he who obeys the command of Allah and His Messenger and remains in the company of those who are blessed by Allah including Ambia (Prophets of Allah) the Siddiqeen (truthful), the Shuhada (the Martyrs) and the Saliheen (the righteous) how excellent they are as company.” (Surah Nisa, Surah No: 4, Verse 69) The manner in which the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will be with his sincere devotees in Paradise is like how a king would be with selected servants in the royal chamber. Guidance Is In Following “O beloved you Say, ‘Obey Allah and obey His Messenger; therefore, if you turn your face, then for the Messenger is that which was made incumbent on him and for you is that whose burden was put upon you, and if you will obey the Messenger, you will be guided. And upon the Messenger there is no responsibility but to deliver clearly.” (Surah Noor, Surah No: 24, Verse: 54)
This means obey Allah (The Exalted) and His Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) completely. Accepting every command of theirs. It should be remembered that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the object of absolute obedience. Every order of his is to be obeyed at all times. If everyone turned against Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) it will not cause any harm to them. Guidance is dependent on the obedience to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Only if you follow in his footsteps will you obtain guidance. Obligation To Follow The Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) The reason why the Beloved Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sent, was so we can use him as an example. To follow the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is obligatory, those who are not pleased with his teachings have rejected the Prophethood (Risalah), and those who do not believe in Prophethood are out of the folds of Islam. (Khazain ul Irfan) The Best Example “Undoubtedly, you have the best in the following of the Messenger, for him who hopes for Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Surah Ahzab, Surah No: 33, Verse: 21) We are asked to know about our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), about his life, about his miracles, about his birth, about his manners, about his faith, about his signs, about his seclusions, about his worship, and is not this knowledge an obligation for every Muslim? What is better than acquiring knowledge of his life? This will make Allah (The Exalted) happy with us because then we will be able to know the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) better, and be readier to take him as an example for ourselves, to correct ourselves, and to imitate him (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and thus gain salvation in this life and in the next. It could also mean that Allah (The Exalted) had made life of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) an example of His power. This tells us that a truly successful life is that which is designed on his footsteps. If our living, dying, sleeping, staying awake are all designed on the footsteps of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), then all these activities would be an act of worship. (Nur-uk-Irfan. 33:21) The Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, “Allah has sent me for the completion of behavioural patterns and the best of the deeds.” (Bukhari) Only If We Obeyed! “The day when their faces turning up and down will be fried in the Fire, they will say, ‘Oh, would that we have obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.” (Surah Ahzab, Surah No: 33, Verse: 66) We do not want to be experiencing embarrassment and regret in the hereafter by not following the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Planting a seed out of season will not benefit, i.e. it will not bear fruit. Hence, we should begin to follow the
Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this world and we will see the fruits in the next. Whatsoever The Messenger Gives You Take It. “And whatsoever the Messenger gives you, take it, and whatsoever he forbids you, abstain from that. And fear Allah; undoubtedly, the torment of Allah is severe.” (Surah Hashar, Surah No: 59, Verse: 7) Whatever the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has bought us is from Allah (The Exalted), we should take it and practise it and be happy with what we have as it is only for our benefit. Opposing The Sunnah Opposing his command and changing his Sunnah is misguidance and innovation. It is threatened by Allah (The Exalted) with utter privation and punishment. Allah (The Exalted) says: “And whoso opposes the Messenger after the right way has become clear and follows a way other than the way of Muslims, We shall leave him on his own conditions and shall cause him to enter Hell; and what is an evil place of returning!” (Surah Nisa, Surah No: 4, Verse: 115) The reason why Muslims are suffering around the world is because we have left the reading and practising of the Qur’an. O Allah! (The Exalted) give the Muslims the ability to come back to the Qur’an, to read it, to practise it and to preach it, Ameen! CHAPTER FOUR WHAT DO THE AHADITH SAY ABOUT FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH? O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his family just as You blessed our master Abraham and sanctify our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) just as You sanctify our master Abraham and the family of Abraham in all worlds for You are the Praiseworthy the Mighty. Who Will Drink From The Pool Of Kouthar? Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he went to the graveyard and started to praise his followers (Ummah). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said “some men will be driven away from my Basin (Haudh al Kouthar) as a stray camel is driven off. I will call to them, ‘Come here! Come here!’ It will be said, ‘They made changes after you.’ Then I will say, ‘Get away! Get away’” (Muslim, Malik, Abu Dawud and Nasa’ i. )
Allahu Akbar, I ask, what are we going to do on the Day of Resurrection when everyone will be worried about themselves and when the fortunate people will be given the sweet water of the Pool of Kouthar. What state will we be in if we leave the blessed Sunnah? ‘O Allah! Give us the ability to follow the Sunnah, give us sincerity in our deeds, and forgive our sins, Ameen!’ Answering The Call The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ It is like someone who builds a house and lays out fine feast in it and sends out a summoner. Whoever answers the summoner enters the house and eats from the feast. Whoever does not answer the summoner does not enter the house and eat from the feast.” (Bukhari and Muslim) If we want to enter Paradise we should answer the call of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and that is simple, to follow in his way. He Who Does Not Practice My Sunnah Is Not From Me! ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He who does not follow my Sunnah is not from me.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Nasa’ i and Ibn Majah) Look at the importance in following the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) if we do not follow the Sunnah, how can we call ourselves true Muslims because Islam is about following Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Abu Ayyub Ansari narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whosoever is against my Sunnah is not from me.” (Bukhari, Muslim Musnad Ahmad, Nasa’ i, Bayhaqi, Tabarani etc.) Who Is a True Believer? Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “None of you truly believe, until I am dearer to you than your father, your children and all mankind.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Nisa’ i and Ash-Shifa.) Perfection of faith is dependent on love of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) because Allah (The Exalted) and His angels (upon them be peace) are constantly raising his honour. Let us become true followers by doing what is best for a true believer, become a Muslim by name and by nature by loving what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked, and refraining from those things that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked, Inshallah! Enter Paradise With The Messenger Of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He who loves my Sunnah, loves me, and he who loves me will enter with me in Paradise.” (Tirmidhi and Kanzul Ummal.)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, that Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “All of my Ummah will enter Paradise except those who refuse.” It was said, “Who will refuse?” He replied. “Whoever obeys me enters Paradise and whoever disobeys me has refused.” (Bukhari) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) does not want his followers to go into the Hell fire by following the practices of the non-Muslims and he is telling us if you want paradise follow me. Is this not a warning for us? Will we say I did not know when we are questioned about this? We have no excuse! Make sincere intention from today, start to learn and follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and drown yourself in his love. Respected brothers & sisters of Islam, today we see our Muslim brothers not only shaving their beard but also disliking it. We hear sisters of Islam asking their fiancés or husbands to shave off their beards otherwise they will leave them and also sisters wanting to wear the Jilbab and Hijab but the husband’s not allowing them to. We will all be in difficulties in this world and the hereafter, however, if we follow the Sunnah, will the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) not assist and intercede for us? What will happen to us on the Day of Resurrection? You have just read the Hadith above. May Allah (The Exalted) protect all of our Muslim brothers/sisters, Ameen! Obeying Allah Through The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Abu Salama ibn ‘Abdur-Rahman (may Allah be pleased with him) heard Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) say that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever obeys me has obeyed Allah. Whoever rebels against me has rebelled against Allah. Whoever obeys my Amir has obeyed me. Whoever rebels against my Amir has disobeyed me.” (Bukhari and Muslim) Reviving One Sunnah Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever brings the Sunnah to life has brought me to life. Whoever brings me to life will be with me in Paradise.” (Al-Isbahani. Ash-Shifa, Part Two, Chapter One, section three, The obligation to follow… p.219) Subhanallah! There are so many Sunnahs that we can start to practise. At least make the intention to begin starting with the small Sunnahs in this book and build the love of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in our hearts and we will then want to practise more Sunnahs Allah willing, and we hope to be with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in Paradise. Reward Of 100 Martyrs Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that “At the time of corruption, if one revives a Sunnah (i.e. by practising it) one will be rewarded equivalent to one hundred martyrs in Islam.” (Baihaqi, Ash-Shifa with reference to At-Tabarani. 40 Hadith, sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him, with reference to Mishkat.)
As time goes by some people leave practising the Sunnah, then he who revives a Sunnah and asks others to practise the Sunnah will gain his reward as well as the reward of others. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that “Whosoever at the time of corruption of the Ummah hold tight to my Sunnah will be rewarded with the reward of a hundred martyrs.” (Targheeb wat-Tarheeb, Jami’ Saghir by Imam Suyuti.) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also said: “Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnahs which was eliminated after my time will receive the reward of all those who practice it without their reward being diminished.” (Tirmidhi (hasan), Book of knowledge; al-Baghawi, Shah al-Sunnah 1:233. Ash-Shifa with reference to Ibn Majah who considers it hasan.) If you practise a Sunnah and tells others and they practise and tell others and so on, you will be rewarded with the reward of all those who practise it who learnt it from you and through you. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Those of his Ummah who would hold fastidiously to his Sunnah at the end of time would each be given the reward of fifty of his Companions.” (Tirmidhi, book of Tafsir al-Qur’an, Abu Dawud, book of Malahim, Ibn Majah, book of Fitan, al-Tabarani in al-Majma’al-Kabir (17:117), al-Khatib al-Baghdadi in his Tarikh (8:426), Ibn Kathir in his Tafsir (3:208), and others.) Allahu Akbar! Just look at the reward one will get; however, Shaytan will do everything to stop us from practising. Do not be discouraged, ask Allah (The Exalted) for help and guidance and strive in following the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Follow the Qur’an and Sunnah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I leave behind two things, the Qur’an and my example (Sunnah) and if you follow these you will never go astray.” (Bukhari) In another hadith the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I am leaving you something, taking hold of which will prevent you from going astray: the Book of Allah and my family, the People of my House. So take care how you follow me regarding them.” (Tirmidhi) Let us understand what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said and left behind for us, O Muslims! Follow the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), change our life for the better, and see the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted) being showered upon us. It is because of his mercy that we have not been punished like the Ummahs in the past. This mercy is none other than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
O Allah! (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow the words and practise the words and actions of Your beloved, to have respect for his words and not to belittle any of his saying, Ameen. CHAPTER FIVE WHAT THE FOUR CALIPHS OF ISLAM SAY? Section One Al-‘ Irbad ibn Sariyya relayed the warning of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said, “You must follow my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs. Cling to it fiercely ( Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Hakim, Ibn Majah, and Tabarani.) and beware of new things. These new things are innovations, and every innovation is misguidance.” (Darimi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Musnad Ahmad, Mustadrak al-Hakim, Talkis al-Mustadrak by al-Zahabi, Talkhis al-Habir by al-Asqalani and Takhrij Ahdaith Usul by al-Bazqawi.)Jabir added, “Every misguidance is in the fire.” (Muslim) We will take a brief look the way in which the first four caliphs of Islam observed the Sunnah. ABU BAKR (may Allah be pleased with him) AND FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH Abu Bakr As-Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was the closest friend of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and had the privilege of spending day and night in the company of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Although the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not posses a shadow, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the shadow of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as he would accompany the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in travelling, taking part in battles mirroring the way the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) worshipped Allah (The Exalted). Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) did the same; to such an extent that he even followed the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in eating, drinking, sleeping, walking and talking. Even if it would be the smallest Sunnah, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) followed it. First Caliph After the passing away of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from this world, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was appointed as the first successor. In his first sermon he said, “Follow me until I follow Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) but when I stop following the commands of Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) do not follow me.” (Adab-e-Sunnat, p.27) Raf’ i Ta’ i (may Allah be pleased with him) states, ‘Once I went to Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him for some advice’ , he said, “May Allah (The Exalted) shower his mercy and blessings upon you, pray Salaah, keep fast, give Zakah, perform
Hajj, and follow every Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Ibid. p.27) The advice of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) is to follow the five pillars of Islam, but do not leave it at that, also observe the Sunnah too. Resolve The Problem By The Sunnah Whenever a case or a problem arose, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) would first resolve the problem through the book of Allah (The Exalted) or the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and thereafter would make a decision. (Ibid. p.27) Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ I have not omitted doing anything that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to do. I feared that I would deviate if I left out any of his commands.” (Ash-Shifa. Part Two, Chapter One, Section four, p222.) At The Time Of Death Only some time before the death of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) he asked Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) “How many sheets did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) have for his shroud and what day was his death? The reason for this question was that I have spent all my life following the blessed Sunnah, I also want to follow the blessed Sunnah at my death when the shroud is given to me too.” (Bukhari.) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘As for you, Abu Bakr, you will be the first of my Ummah to enter Paradise.’” (The History of the Khalifahs. p. 41) Subhanallah! He has been given the guarantee of Paradise by the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this world, yet he did not discard his Salaah, nor the other pillars of Islam, nor did he discard the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but he followed it very closely and he advised others to do so too. Section Two ‘UMAR (may Allah be pleased with him) AND FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH ‘Umar’s (may Allah be pleased with him) life was based on following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). ‘Umar’s (may Allah be pleased with him) dress was simple according to the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) dress. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) always spent his life as simple as possible so both the poor and the rich could follow his blessed lifestyle equally. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) spent a simple life even when he was ruling Rome and Iran. (Adab-e-Sunnat, p.28) Prepare For The Hereafter
Once Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) said, ‘Now that Allah (The Exalted) has given you all this you should spend your life accordingly’ , ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘Have you forgotten the life of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? I swear by Allah (The Exalted) I will follow the footsteps of my master so that I get the best in the hereafter’ . ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) kept talking about the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the extent that tears flowed from the eyes of Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her). (Ibid. p.28) Leaving The Sunnah Once Yazeed bin Abi Sufyan and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) sat to eat. After the normal food was laid down, some special food was laid. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) pulled his hand away and said, ‘ I swear by Him who holds ‘Umar’s life, if you leave the Sunnah and the way shown by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then Allah (The Exalted) will take away what has been given to you.’ (Ibid. p.29) The Straight Path Sa’eed bin Maseeb narrates that, “‘ Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) (from a journey) came to Madinah and gave a sermon. After praising Allah (The Exalted) he said, ‘O people! The way of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) meaning the Sunnah, has been left for you, you have to follow it this is the straight path for you, do not make people go astray.’” (Ibid. p.30) ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote to his governors telling them to learn the Sunnah, the shares of inheritance and the dialects, saying, “People will try to argue with you (i.e. by using the Qur’an), so overcome them with the Sunnah. The people of the Sunnah have the greatest knowledge of the Book of Allah.” (Ash-Shifa. Part Two, Chapter One, Section four, p220.) When ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) prayed two cycles at Dhu’ l-Hulayfa, he said, “ I do as I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) doing.” (Ibid.) When ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) looked at the Black stone, he said, “You are a stone and can neither help nor harm. If I had not seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) kiss you, I would not have kissed you.” ( Ash-Shifa. Part Two, Chapter One, Section four, p221.) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘While I was asleep I saw myself in Paradise, and there was a woman performing ablution beside a palace. I said, “Whose is this palace?” They said, “ It belongs to ‘Umar.” (The History of the Khalifahs. p. 119) Subhanallah! ‘Umar (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is also granted Paradise and look at how close he would follow the Sunnah! O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Ameen. Section Three
‘UTHMAN (may Allah be pleased with him) AND FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was also a very strict follower of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and was drowned in his love. He always feared Allah (The Exalted) and did nothing that would displease Allah (The Exalted) or His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He would often cry due to the fear of Allah (The Exalted), death, and the concern of the hereafter and tears would flow from his eyes. Bay’ah With The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) He loved the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and all his blessed actions, to the extent that he did not let any impurity get on the hand with which he gave oath (bay’ah) to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him) peace. Smiling After Ablution He loved the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) so much that he would observe all the actions and followed them. Once ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) smiled after Wudhu and was asked why he smiled? He replied, ‘ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) do the same.’ (Ibid. p.30-1) Follow Me or Leave Me ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) spent his life practising even the smallest Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and gave invitation to others to practise the Sunnah. When he became the Caliph, he stood in front of the people and said, “Follow me until I follow the Sunnah and leave me as soon as I leave the Sunnah. If I leave or move away from the Sunnah then show me the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Ibid. p.32) Passing Funeral Once a funeral was passing ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) when he suddenly stood up and said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would do this.” (Adab-e-Sunnat, p. 31) Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gathered his garments around him when ‘Uthman entered and said, ‘Should I not feel shy of a man of whom the angles are shy?’ (The History of the Khalifahs. p. 162) Subhanallah! This is the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying this, however, we do not feel shy at all when we go against the teaching of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). O Allah! (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow in the footsteps of ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him), Ameen.
Section Four ‘ALI (may Allah be pleased with him) AND FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) was another companion immersed in the love of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and carefully followed the Sunnah. If anyone had any questions about rules and regulations or the Sunnah, they would ask ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). Hunted Meat Once at the time of Hajj someone presented the meat of a hunted animal to ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). There was a disagreement among the people. ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘You can eat the meat’ . However, some people who were in the state of Ihraam objected. ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘ It is permissible to eat the meat but not permissible to hunt it yourself. However, if someone else hunts it that is not in Ihraam it is acceptable’ . Some people said, ‘This is not the Sunnah’ . ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) thought why did ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) not tell us about this ruling? ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) then said, ‘Those people who remember this incident give evidence for me, once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in the state of Ihraam and some meat was presented that was hunted, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘We are in the state of Ihraam give it to those who are not in Ihraam’ . From the gathering twelve people gave evidence to this incident and the meat that was hunted was not eaten. (Ibid. p.33-4) Instructing Others To Follow The Sunnah In the same way that ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) would act upon the Sunnah he instructed others to follow too. When he became the ruler after ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him). ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) appointed Qais bin Sa’ad (may Allah be pleased with him) the governor of Persia. He advised him to pass this message on to the people of Persia, that ‘Always follow and act upon the Sunnah and as long as you hold tight onto Allah’s book and the Sunnah, Allah (The Exalted) will always assist you. Those who turn their faces away from the Sunnah will be discarded.’ (Ibid. p.34) When ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) joined the Hajj and ‘Umrah together, ‘Uthman said to him, “Why do you do this, when you know that I have forbidden the people to do it?” He replied, “ I do not abandon a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) for the statement of anyone.” (Ash-Shifa. Part Two, Chapter One, Section four, p220.) ‘Ali (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I am not a Prophet nor have I received revelation, but I act according to the Book of Allah (The Exalted) and the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as I can.” (Ibid.)
Abu Surayhah or Zaid ibn Arqam (may Allah be pleased with them) related from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he said, ‘He for whom I am his master (mawla), then ‘Ali is his master.’ (The History of the Khalifahs. p. 185) Habashi ibn Jinadah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘ that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “‘ Ali is from me and I am from ‘Ali.’” The History of the Khalifahs. p. 185 The caliphs of Islam feared Allah (The Exalted) and loved the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). They are those to whom the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave them glad tidings of Paradise in this world, however, they did not leave following the Sunnah but followed it very closely. People nowadays say ‘You don’ t need to do all this, as long as you have a clean heart because Allah (The Exalted) is ‘Raheem’ (Most Merciful) and Ghaffaar (Most Forgiving)’ of course Allah (The Exalted) is the Most Merciful, however, remember He also is Al-Mumeet (The Slayer). If those who are guaranteed Paradise did not leave the Sunnah, then what can be said of us who do not know of our destination? May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow in the footsteps of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen (The Four rightly guided Caliphs). CHAPTER SIX WHAT DID THE MEN AROUND HIM SAY? O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Your slave Your Messenger. Seventy-three sects The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The Banu Isra’ il split into seventy-two sects. My Ummah will split into seventy-three. All of them will be in the Fire except for one.” the companions asked, “Who are they, Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Those who base themselves on what I and my Companions are doing today.” ( At-Tirmidhi) With The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Rabee’ah (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and when I bought him his water for ablution and what he required, he asked me to make a request. I said, ‘ I ask to accompany you in paradise.’ He said, “ If I had any other request to make and I replied that-that was all.”” (Muslim and Mishkat. ) The companions could not bear separation from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this world nor did they want to be separate in the hereafter, such was their love for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). May Allah (The Exalted) give us such love too.
Thouban (may Allah be pleased with him) was such a zealous devotee of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who could not bear the separation from the Master. One day he came in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) extremely sad and dejected. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked the reason for this he replied, “When I cannot bear your separation in this worldly life, how will I gaze your beloved vision in the hereafter. My beloved master would be in the highest abodes of Paradise while I would be wondering elsewhere. For me paradise will become a place of fear without you.” In response to this the verse was revealed: “He who obeys the messenger of Allah he indeed obeys Allah. And he who obeys the command of Allah and His Messenger and remains in the company of those who are blessed by Allah including Ambia (Prophets of Allah) the Siddiqeen (truthful), the Shuhada (the Martyrs) and the Saliheen (the righteous) how excellent they are as company.” (Surah Nisa, Surah No: 4, Verse 69) It is because of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we are shown the way to paradise. Such was the love of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all). Love For The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Ibn Ishaq (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the father, brother and husband of one of the women of the Ansar were killed in the Battle of ‘Uhud fighting for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). She asked, “What has happened to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” They said, “He is as well as you would like, praise be to Allah (The Exalted)!” She said, “Show him to me so I can look at him.” When she saw him, she said, “Every affliction is as nothing now that you are safe.” (Ash-Shifa: Part Two, Chapter one, Section three, On what is related from the Salaf… p. 223.) Respected brothers/sisters! This was the true love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) even when the close members of her family died she asked about the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Now let’s picture ourselves on the Day of Resurrection. If we have followed the Qur’an and the Sunnah, then the following hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will suffice, “My intercession is for those who have unshakable faith in Islam and whose heart confirms their tongues.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Hakim and Bayhaqi.) One of the benefits of following the Sunnah is that our problems and difficulties will be no more, as we have now become slaves of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the beloved of Allah (The Exalted) with this in mind, ask ourselves who can come in our way? True Believer ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) once said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “ I love you more than anything except my soul which is
between my two sides.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “None of you will believe until I am dearer to him than his own soul.” ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with) said, “By the One who sent down the Book to you, I love you more than my soul which is between my two sides.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “’ Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) now you have it!” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim. Ash-Shifa: Part Two, Chapter Two, Section one, On the necessity of loving the Prophet, p. 225.) Respected brother/sister! ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with) sacrificed his life for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If we were asked today to sacrifice some time we would be ready, but when the time comes to practice the deed then we take a few steps back. Let’s make our faith stronger by reciting the Qur’an and reading about the sacrifices given by our predecessors, Insha-Allah. Love of Allah (The Exalted) And The Sunnah Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “When will the Last Hour come, Messenger of Allah?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘What have you prepared for it?” The person replied, “ I have not prepared a lot of (voltentry) prayer or (voltentry) Fast or (voltentry) Charity for it, but I love Allah (The Exalted) and his Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘You will be with the one you love.’ (Al-Bukhari. Ash-Shifa: Part Two, Chapter one; Section two: On the reward for loving the Prophet… p.224 ) Who Would You Like to be Raised With? Respected Brothers/sisters of Islam! Do we want to be raised with the football stars, the actors and pop stars on the Day of Resurrection? Let us stop dressing like them, copying the latest hairstyle, talking and walking like them. We are Muslims, and Muslims should not have idols, no one to look up to except the beloved of Allah, mercy onto the worlds, leader of all leaders, Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and those who followed the Prophet! How Much Love? Someone asked ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him “How was your love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” He replied, ‘By Allah (The Exalted) we loved him more than our wealth, our sons, our fathers and our mothers, and more than cold water in a time of great thirst.’ (Ash-Shifa: Part Two, Chapter one; Section three: On what is related from the Salaf… p.225) ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was seen making his she-camel turn round in a particular place and was asked why. He said, “ I don’ t know. I once saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) doing it, so I do it.” (Ash-Shifa. Part Two, Chapter one, Section four, what is related by the Salaf… p221.) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) once saw the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) following the pumpkin around the plate. He said, “ I have loved pumpkin from that day.” (Ibid, p.228)
When a person truly learns who the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was, about his qualities, his attributes, his life, we will find that there is no-one on this earth like the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). A prominent and common name attributed to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is Mustafa and it means ‘ the Chosen one’ . The fact of the matter is that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the most excellent and chosen creation of Allah (The Exalted). When looking at the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from any perspective we find that he is ‘ the Chosen one’ since Allah (The Exalted) has created him in such a way. He is the most excellent in linage, his birth place, his Prophethood, the city of Madinah, things associated with him, his attributes, the place he is buried, etc. in all he is exalted and elevated. For example the family of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is superior then the family of the other Prophets (upon them be peace), the companions of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are superior than the companions of other Prophets (upon them be peace) and the followers of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are superior to the followers of other Prophets (upon them be peace), hence, Allah (The Exalted) states in the Qur’an: “You are the best among all those nations appeared unto mankind.” (Surah Ale-Imran. Surah No: 3. Verse: 110) It is narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that “Allah (The Exalted) has made the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the Chosen one for himself.” (Musnad of Imam Ahmad, Bazar, Majma Kabir al-Tabarani.) He was from the best of the Banu Hashim, and the stock and core of the Quraysh. He was from the noblest and mightiest of the Arabs, both on his paternal and maternal side. He was from the people of Makkah, from the noblest of lands in the reckoning of Allah (The Exalted) and of His slaves. The Best of Each Generation Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I was sent from the best of each generation of the children of Adam (upon whom be peace),generation after generation, until I was in the generation from which I came.’” (Bukhari.) ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ‘ the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah created Creation and He placed me among the best of them from the best of their generations. Then He selected the families, and He put me among the best tribe. Then He selected the families, and He put me among the best of their families. I am the best of them in person and the best of them in family.’” (Bayhaqi and Tirmidhi.) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that ‘ the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Jibrail (upon whom be peace) came to me and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have been to
all the places on earth but have not seen anyone greater than Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and not seen any tribe greater than Banu Hashim.’” (Sharah Shifa. 1:263 with reference to Bayhaqi, Abu Na’eem and Tabarni. ) Noblest Man Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was more handsome, courageous and generous than anyone else because he was the noblest of all men, and he was the most good natured.” (Bukhari & Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was therefore, the collection of all qualities of bodily and spiritual perfection. The acts and deeds of one possessing these merits will be a model of the best deeds; he will be of the highest standard. Shining Like The Sun Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that “ I have never seen a more handsome person than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It seemed as if his blessed face was shining like the sun. When he smiled the walls seemed to flash.” (Madarij-un-Nubuwah) Praised by a Companion My eyes have never seen anyone; More handsome than you. No woman has ever given birth To anyone more beautiful than you. You have been created free from All faults, As if, you have been created in accordance With your own wishes. By Hassan Bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him). O Allah! (The Exalted) give us the ability to learn about Your beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), to love him, to love his family, to love his companions, to love those who loved him and who love him, and give us a place with him in Paradise, Ameen. CHAPTER SEVEN THE LIFE OF THE PIOUS Section One O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the Prophet, and his wives the Mothers of the Believers and his descendants and the People of his House just as You blessed our master Abraham for You are the Praiseworthy the Mighty.
The Sunnah is a Miracle In the time of Shaykh Junaid al Baghdadi (may Allah have mercy on him) there was a person who was looking for a spiritual guide (a Shaykh) to give oath to (Bay’ah). He was looking for someone, who could perform miracles, as he wanted the greatest Shaykh of his time. Someone asked him to meet Shaykh Junaid al Baghdadi, so he went to see what miracles he could see in this Shaykh. He was offered a place in the guesthouse but he wanted to be closer to observe him and the Shaykh accepted. One of the first things he noticed was that when the Shaykh would go out he would wear a beautiful Jubbah (garb) but once he came home he removed this clothing and wore clothing made of rough cloth. The reason for wearing a beautiful garb was to please persons like him and the reason for the rough cloth was to please his soul. Another thing the guest observed was that the Shaykh ate very simple and tasteless food but gave delicious food to his guests to honour them. He ate simple food to control his desire (Nafs). Finally, the man decided to leave as he did not observe any miracles but before leaving, he went to meet the Shaykh who asked him whether he obtained what he was looking for. The guest replied in the negative and then he was asked if he saw any action against the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The guest replied that you followed the Sunnah very closely, the Shaykh then told him: “The establishing of Sunnah is more important than a miracle.” Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! Let’s think for a second how long ago this incident took place, approximately one thousands years ago and still we remember our predecessors we find that following the Sunnah raises the status of the follower in this world and in the hereafter. Let us follow the pious so we have their shade in the hereafter. ( Adaab-e-Sunnat, p.44-5) Shaykh Junaid al Baghdadi's Statement He says, “All paths are closed for the people, except for that man who followed in the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) footsteps. So he who followed the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Sunnah and regarded his method as crucial, then all the paths of good deeds are open for him.” Some people claim to be Sufis without following the Shariah and the Sunnah. It is impossible to reach Allah (The Exalted) without following the Shariah and the Sunnah. There are many lessons to be learnt from the following incident: Once, Shaykh Junaid Baghdad( (may Allah have mercy on him) came to the shores of the river Tigris and began the dhikr of “Ya Allah.” He then walked over the water as if on solid ground and crossed the river. Before he crossed, a man was also waiting for transport to go across. When the man saw the Shaykh crossing, he said, “Oh Shaykh! I would also like to go across.” The Shaykh said, “Repeat Ya Junaid! Ya Junaid! And follow me.” The man did that and began walking on the water. As he reached the middle of the river, the Shaytan confused his mind by saying, “Who is greater, Allah or the
Shaykh? The Shaykh himself is saying ‘Ya Allah! Ya Allah! but orders you to say ‘Ya Junaid, Ya Junaid’ . This is Shirk. Abstain from this and imitate the Shaykh who says ‘Ya Allah, Ya Allah?’" The cursed Shaytan misled the man and he began to say “Ya Allah” . As soon as he invoked the Name of Allah, he began drowning and screamed for help. The noble Shaykh watched this and shouted to him, “Say ‘Ya Junaid, Ya Junaid, as I ordered you to do!” The man did so and was amazed to feel the water under his feet transformed as hard as the ground. He crossed over to safety. When he reached the banks, he inquired from the Shaykh, “O Shaykh! I cannot understand this. You said ‘Ya Allah, Ya Allah’ and crossed over safely. But when I invoked His Glorious Name, I began drowning?” The Noble Walī replied “O ignorant! You have not as yet understood Junaid and have dreams of understanding Allah!” Sub(ān-Allāh! Shaykh Sufyan Al-Thawri’s Statement Sufyan Thawri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Words without action are baseless. Words and actions are baseless without sincere intention. Words with action and sincere intention are baseless if they are not in accordance with the Sunnah.” (Sufyan Al-Thawri: Volume: 7; Page: 32) Shaykh Abu Bakr Shibli Abu Tayyab Ahmad Maqatal Baghdadi (may Allah have mercy on him) states that “On the day Shaykh Abu Bakr Shibli passed away, I was sat at Ja’ far Khuldi’s house, a servant of Shaykh Abu Bakr Shibli came and who was present when Shaykh Shibli passed away. The servant was asked by Ja’ far Khuldi (may Allah have mercy on him) ‘What did you see at the time of the death of Shaykh Shibli?’ The servant said, “When he could not talk he signalled with his hand to make him perform ablution. I did this but forgot to make him wipe the beard with his fingers. Shaykh Shibli caught my hand in order to make him perform the Sunnah.” Listening to this Ja’ far Khuldi (may Allah have mercy on him) said, ‘What is to be said of a person when near death and could not talk but still did not miss the wiping of the beard.’” (Adaab-e-Sunnat, p. 42) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan It has been recorded that Mawlana Naee'muddeen Muradabadi once asked A’ la Hadhrat Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan the reason for him being so severe upon those who disrespected the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan replied, “O Mawlana! I am severe upon those people, because instead of insulting the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) they should rather make me the target for their insults. I do not have any interest in what they are calling me. At least, while they are busy insulting me, my beloved master is spared from these insults.” (Imam Ahmad Raza Khan, His Academic and spiritual Services. ) This is true as a person doesn’ t care if anyone insult him but to insult one he loves he will become defendant and try to protect in which ever way possible. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan and Following The Sunnah
Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan’s says, “There was once a rumour in Bareilly, (his home town) that a Plague had appeared. Co-incidentally, at that moment, my gums became extremely inflamed. It continued to such proportions that it became difficult for me to open my mouth. I also had a high fever, coupled with inflamed glands. The doctor, who was called, looked at me closely for a few minutes. He exclaimed that I had the Plague. I could not speak at that moment, or else I could have told him that his diagnosis was incorrect and false.” “ I was certain that I did not have the Plague or any other major disease, simply because I had recited a supplication as explained by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite this supplication which would protect the person from such an illness. Whenever I saw a serious illness, I recited this supplication; therefore, I was protected against it, including the Plague.” “Thereafter, with extreme respect, I proclaimed aloud, ‘O Allah! Prove that the words of your Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is true, and that the words of the doctor is false’ . At that moment a voice on my right advised me to use the Miswak and black pepper. With a little difficulty, I performed brushing with the Miswak and kept the black pepper on my tongue as a tablet. Infinite, indeed, is the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted)! Within a few minutes, I had gained my strength and sent the doctor away by proving that his diagnosis was false and baseless.” (ibid) This was the belief of Shaykh Ahmad Raza on the sayings of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Following of The Smaller Sunnah A similar incident showing the great trust that Shaykh Ahmad Raza had in Allah (The Exalted), and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is recorded by Mawlana Mohammed Shareef. He says, “Once, when Shaykh Ahmad Raza was returning from Hajj by ship with his father, there was a great storm. The storm reached such intensity that the Captain advised the passengers to wear their shrouds (kafans) for he could see no escape from such a storm. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan noticing the concern on the face of his father, inquired as to what had transpired. His father replied, ‘My beloved son, I have no concern for myself, rather it is for you that I am sad’ . The young Shaykh replied, ‘O father! If the captain has lost hope then let him do so. We should have complete faith in Allah (The Exalted), and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In accordance with the commands of the beloved Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when entering this ship, I recited the supplication, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated that, “Whosoever, recites this supplication when entering a ship, that ship would not be destroyed. Therefore, I have absolute certainty that generations may change, yet, this ship would never sink.’” Subhanllah! Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan having merely spoken these words, when the captain arrived and began informing the passengers that the storm is subsiding and that there was no need for concern! (ibid) Daal Di Qalb Me Azmate Mustafa
Sayyidi Ala Hazrat Pe Lako Salaam Placed in the hearts the respect of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace Thousands of salutations be upon Ala Hazrat Who Can Follow The Sunnah? Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! Whoever and whatever you may be, you would find a shining example in the life of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to illuminate your behaviour. If you have the life of the Prophet before you, you can find examples of all the Prophets, Nuh, Ibraheem, Ayyub, Yunus, Yusuf, Musa and Isa (upon them all be peace). If the life and character of each Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) were deemed to be a shop selling the wards of one commodity, that of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would verily be a variety store where goods of every description can be had to suit the tastes and needs of all. O Allah! (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow in the footsteps of the pious and get close to you, Ameen. Section Two Love For The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) There are many signs one can have to love the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Some of the signs a person must possess are as follows: 1) The first sign is that he will emulate him, apply his Sunnah, follow his words and deeds, obey his commands and avoid his prohibitions and take on his adab (manners) in ease and hardship, joy and despair. 2) He will prefer what the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has laid down as law and encouraged, over his own passions and appetites. 3) Another of the signs of love for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is to mention him often. Whoever loves something mentions it a lot. 4) Another is great yearning to meet him. Every lover yearns for their beloved. 5) One who loves him will exalt and respect him when he mentions him and display humility and abasement when he hears his name. The Scholars are unanimous concerning the obligation to magnify and exalt the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his Family, and his Companions. It was the practice of the Pious Predecessors and the Imams of the past that whenever the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his Family was mentioned in their presence they were seized by reverence, humbleness, stillness, and dignity.
Ja’ far ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Ali ibn al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali (this is Ja'far al-Sadiq) (may Allah be pleased with them) would turn pale whenever he heard the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his Family mentioned. Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) would not mention a hadith except in a state of ritual purity (ablution). ‘Abd al-Rahman ibn al-Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) would turn red and stammer whenever he heard the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his Family mentioned. As for ‘Amir ibn ‘Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awamm al-Asadi (one of the early Sufis (may Allah be pleased with them)), he would weep until his eyes had no tears left in them. When a hadith was mentioned in their presence they would lower their voices. ( “Wasilat al-islam bi al-nabi ‘alayhi al-salat wa al-salam” (The Means to Islam Through the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). p. 145-146.) ) Ismail Haqqi (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes: “The name of Mahmood Sultan’s servant was Ayaz whose son was called Muhammad. Once the Sultan was in need of ablution so he called out “O son of Ayaz bring some water.” Ayaz heard this and was anxious what has my son done wrong that the sultan called Ayaz’s son and not by his name Muhammad. When the sultan saw Ayaz anxious he asked for the reason and he said ‘You did not take his name and called my name?’ , the king smiled and said “ I didn’ t have ablution and was ashamed of bringing this name on my tongue this is why I said Ayaz’s son.” (Ruhul Bayan, Surah 22. Vol: 7 p. 334.) This is the respect of a Sultan in front of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). 6) Another sign is love those who love the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the people of his house and his Companions, both the Muhajirun and Ansar, for his sake. Such a person will also be hostile to those who hate them and curse them. Whoever loves anyone, loves those he loves. 7) Another sign of it is love for the Qur’an which the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) brought, by which he guided and was guided, and whose character he took on so that ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “His character was the Qur’an.” Part of love for the Qur’an is its recitation and acting by it and understanding it, and loving his Sunnah and keeping within its limits. 8) Another sign is to have compassion for his Ummah, giving them good counsel, striving for their best interests and removing what is harmful from them just as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was “…most kind and Merciful.” (Surah Tawba, Surah No: 9, Verse: 128) O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us the ability to have all the qualities of loving and following the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Sunnah, Ameen.
CHAPTER EIGHT The Prophet’s Complexion O Allah (The Exalted) widen for Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his place in Your Eden and reward him doubly with the goodness of Your Favour granting him untarnished felicitations from the victory of Your Reward, which is plentiful and fitting and from Your Lofty Gift. Hasan bin ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “ I enquired to Hind bin Abi Haalah about the noble features of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He had often described the noble features of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in detail. I felt that I should hear from him personally, some of the noble features of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) so that I could make his description a proof and testimony for myself and also memorise them, and if possible, try to emulate and adopt them. The uncle described the noble features by saying, “He had great qualities and attributes in him, and others also held him in high esteem. His blessed face shone like the full moon. He was slightly taller than a man of middle height, but shorter than a tall person. His blessed head was moderately large. His blessed hair was slightly curled. If his hair became parted naturally in the middle he left it so, otherwise he did not habitually make an effort to part his hair in the middle.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. p. 13) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was of a medium stature, he was neither very tall nor short. He was very handsome, of medium built and his hair was neither very curly nor very straight. He had a wheat coloured complexion. When he walked, he leaned forward slightly.” (ibid p. 9) Baraa bin ‘Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was a man of medium build, he had broad shoulders, he had dense hair which reached his ear-lobes, he wore a red stripped lower garment and shawl. I never saw anybody or anything more handsome than him.” (ibid p. 10) Blessed Face Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “ I have not seen anyone more beautiful than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and on whose blessed face, it seemed as if the sun was moving.” (Mishkat) Abu Ish-haq (may Allah be pleased with him) says “A person once asked Baraa bin ‘Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him), ‘Was the blessed face of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) shining like a sword?’ He replied: ‘No, but like a full-moon with its roundness.’” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. p.16) Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “The blessed front teeth of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) were a bit wide. They were spaced and were not close together. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) talked, a light emitting from his blessed teeth could be seen.” (ibid p. 18)
Jaabir bin Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) says: “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a wide mouth. There were red lines in the whiteness of his eyes. He had little flesh on his heels.” (ibid p. 15) Blessed Body Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) says, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was so clean, clear, beautiful and handsome as thought his body was covered and moulded in silver. His blessed hair was slightly curled.” (ibid p. 17) Blessed Hands A Companion states, “ I have not felt anything cooler and more beautifully scented than the blessed hands of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Tabarani) Perfect Human Nature The noble person of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stands pre-eminent, dignified, and mighty in all qualities, habits, and manners. To comprehend and to describe all these noble qualities and merits, is beyond human capacity, since all those excellencies which can be imagined to be as attainable are possessed by the beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). All the Messengers and Prophets are only reflections of his light. So praise be to Allah (The Exalted) the Cherisher of the worlds for He is the owner of all goodness. May Allah bless him and his family in measure of his beauty, sublimity, and perfection, and greet him. In short, Allah (The Most High) sent the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as an example for this Ummah. Islam is meant for all human beings who are to be born till the Last Day and it will lead the Ummah on every front, for Allah (The Exalted) has openly declared: "This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favour upon you and have chosen Islam as religion for you.” (Surah Maida, Surah No: 5, Verse: 3) “And undoubtedly, you possess excellent manners.” (Surah Qalam, Surah No: 68, Verse: 4) CHAPTER NINE IN PRAISE OF THE PROPHET (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) O Allah (The Exalted) raise that which Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) built up over all that mankind has built up and ennoble his place and his sojourn with You, and complete for him his light and reward him with Your approval so that his
testimony is accepted and his word is Pleasing to You, making him the one whose utterance is just and whose course is distinct and whose argument mighty. Diwan Chand Sharma wrote: “Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the soul of kindness, and his influence was felt and never forgotten by those around him.” ( D.C. Sharma, The Prophets of The East, Calcutta, 1935, pp. 12) John Austin says: “ In little more than a year he was actually the spiritual, nominal and temporal rule of Medina, with his hands on the lever that was to shake the world.” (John Austin "Muhammad the Prophet of Allah," in T.P.'s and Cassel's Weekly for 24th September 1927.) John William Draper says: “Four years after the death of Justinian, A.D. 569, was born at Mecca, in Arabia the man who, of all men exercised the greatest influence upon the human race . . . Mohammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). . .” (John William Draper, A History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, London 1875, Vol. 1, pp. 329-330. ) Sarogini Naidu: the famous poetess of India says about Islam: “ It was the first religion that preached and practiced democracy; for in the mosque, when the call for prayer is sounded and worshippers are gathered together, the democracy of Islam is embodied five times a day when the peasant and king kneel side by side and proclaim: ‘God Alone is Great’… I have been struck over and over again by this indivisible unity of Islam that makes man instinctively a brother.” ( (S. Naidu, Ideals of Islam, video Speeches and Writings, Madras, 1918, p.169).) Lamartine says: “ If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislations, empires, peoples and dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then inhabited world; and more than that, he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls. . . his forbearance in victory, his ambition, which was entirely devoted to one idea and in no manner striving for an empire; his endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death; all these attest not to an imposture but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was twofold, the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with words. Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he?” (Lamartine, HISTOIRE DE LA TURQUIE, Paris, 1854, Vol. II, pp. 276-277.)
Annie Besant says: “It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher.” (Annie Besant, THE LIFE AND TEACHINGS OF MUHAMMAD, Madras ,1932, p. 4.) Bosworth Smith says: “He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports.” (Bosworth Smith, MOHAMMAD AND MOHAMMADANISM, London, 1874, p. 92.) Michael H. Hart says: “My choice of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level.” (Michael H. Hart, THE 100: A RANKING OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS IN HISTORY, New York: Hart Publishing Company, Inc., 1978, p. 33.) W. Montgomery Watt says: “His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement - all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.” (W. Montgomery Watt, MOHAMMAD AT MECCA, Oxford, 1953, p. 52.) Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay say: “ It is not the propagation but the permanency of his religion that deserves our wonder, the same pure and perfect impression which he engraved at Mecca and Medina is preserved, after the revolutions of twelve centuries by the Indian, the African and the Turkish proselytes of the Koran. . . The Mahometans (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) have uniformly withstood the temptation of reducing the object of their faith an devotion to a level with the senses and imagination of man. ‘ I believe in One God and Mahomet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the Apostle of God' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol; the honours of the prophet have never transgressed the measure of human virtue, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion.” (Edward Gibbon and Simon Ocklay, HISTORY OF THE SARACEN EMPIRE, London, 1870, p. 54.) The Meaning of the name Muhammad, means ‘Praised One’ . The non-Muslims have even praised the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Allah (The Exalted) states in the Qur’an: “And we have exalted for you your remembrance.” (Surah Inshirah, Surah No: 94, Verse: 4)
CHAPTER TEN INVITATION TO ISLAM O Allah (The Exalted) grant Your blessings and your favours and Your Mercy to the Master of the Messengers and the Leader of the pious and Seal of the Prophets, our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Your slave and Your Messenger, the Pioneer of Goodness and Guide to the Goodness, the Messenger of Mercy. Allah (The Exalted) sent Prophets (upon them all be peace) to guide mankind and finally He sent our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), to guide mankind, this has to continue and the responsibility has been left on this Ummah. Allah (The Exalted) did not have to send the prophets (upon them all be peace) he could have guided without them; however, this is the way He chose to do so. Allah (The Exalted) states: “And let there be such a group among you, that they may call towards goodness and command what is just and forbid evil. And the very same attained to their goals.” ( Surah Aale Imran, Surah No: 3, Verse: 104) Call Towards The Truth In Makkah the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), spent thirteen years, calling people towards the worship of Allah (The Exalted) and dissuading people from worshipping others. Even after a lot of difficulties and having stones thrown at him he continued to spread the word of Allah (The Exalted) and inviting people towards the truth. The Taif Incident The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and Zaid bin Haritha, (may Allah be pleased with him) went to Taif to preach the oneness of Allah (The Exalted), and invite people to Islam. When preaching, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), received so many injuries that he became unconscious. Not only that but the blessed shoes of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), were filled with blood as the women, children and slaves stoned the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In spite of all these hardships and sorrow faced in this journey, not a single person embraced Islam, but the heart of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), was full of love and glorification of Allah (The Exalted). When his people rejected him, Jibrail (upon whom be peace) came to him and said, “Allah (The Exalted) has heard what your people say to you and how they reject you. He has ordered the angles of the mountains to obey whatever you tell them to do.” The angel of the mountains called him, greeted him and said, “Send me to do what you wish. If you wish, I will crush them between the two mountains of Makkah.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Rather, I hope that Allah (The Exalted) will bring forth from their loins those who will worship Allah (The
Exalted) alone and not associate anything with Him.” (Bukhari, Muslim, and the rest of the Sahih Sitta (the six books of Hadith).) Alhamdulillah! This is exactly what happened. Continue to Preach Islam The position of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), was that of a caller (Da’ i). By his blessing the position of his followers was too, and still is that of conveyor of Allah’s word. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is the final Prophet. His responsibility extended therefore, to the final Day of Resurrection. He came to communicate the message of monotheism to all the people coming into the world until Day of Judgement. He had to leave the world at the end of the normal human life span. Now the question arose as to who should shoulder the responsibility of communicating the divine message. There was no doubt that this responsibility was to be carried out by the Muslim community. With the Muslim community it still rests. In fact, the Muslim community has, on the Prophet’s behalf, to discharge this responsibility until the Day of Resurrection. Pass on The Message The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said, “Why do I need to hold your waist and save you from fire? Listen, Allah (The Exalted) will call me and He will surely ask me whether I communicated His message to His servants. I will say, ‘Yes, my Lord, I have communicated Your message.’ “Listen, those who are present must communicate this message to those who are not present.” Whatever a person knows, they should pass it on to others. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Pass on from me even if it be one verse.” (Mishkat)Unfortunately the Muslims don’ t have time to promote good and forbid evil. We are too busy with our families, friends and our businesses, people don’ t have time to offer their own Salaah in piece but have time for other things such as following the latest fashions. Have you seen a non-Muslim adopting the Islamic dress or any other Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? However, the Muslims have gone further by practising what the non-Muslims do, what a shame it is! O Muslims! Wakeup, and wakeup those around you before the angles of death takes our soul away. Allah (The Exalted) states: “You are the best among all those nations appeared unto mankind, you command to good, and forbid evil, and keep faith unto Allah.” (Surah Aale Imran, Surah No: 3, Verse: 110) May Allah (The Exalted) give us understanding of our responsibility and take it seriously, working towards a better hereafter, Insha-Allah! How to Promote Good? We can promote good and forbid evil by becoming good Muslims and making sure our actions and intentions comply with the Qur’an and Sunnah. The scholars will promote
good and forbid evil with the pen, i.e. by writing books, the rulers will do it by their power and the normal public will do it face to face in a loving manner. Promoting Good by Our Pious Mahdi Hassan Barkaati (may Allah have mercy upon him), states, “When I used to go to Bareilly, A’ la Hadhrat Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah have mercy upon him) would personally bring out the food for me, and he would also wash my hands. Once, while washing my hands, he requested me to give him my ring and bangle which were made of gold. I immediately presented them to him. Later, I departed to Bombay. When I returned to Mahrerah, my daughter informed me that there was a parcel for me from Bareilly. I opened the parcel and found enclosed the ring and bangle. There was also a note in it which A’ la Hadhrat wrote presenting the jewels to my daughter.” (Imam Ahmad Raza. His Academic and Spiritual Services.) Subhanllah! Look at the respect and wisdom that Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan showed towards his superiors. He practised upon the law of promoting good and forbidding evil and at the same time showing great respect towards Mahdi Hassan Barkaati (may Allah have mercy upon him). No Mercy Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “Continue to promote good and forbidding evil, if not then Allah (The Exalted) will place a tyrant ruler who will not respect your elders, neither have mercy on your young, they will ask for help but will not be assisted and will ask for forgiveness but will not be forgiven.” (Muqashifatul Quloob and Faizan-e-Sunnat. p. 264) Just take a look at the position of the world today and make up your minds. These places did not promote good and forbid evil, hence, evil spread and the cities and countries have been destroyed with millions of lives by tyrant rulers! Punishment The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “An angle was ordered to turn a city upside down. The angle said, ‘O Allah! (The Exalted) There is a person who has never committed wrong who is present in this city.’ Allah (The Exalted) said, “Go and turn it upside down as this person did not even feel the slightest when people were sinning.”” (Kimiya-e-Sa-aadat and Faizan-e-Sunnat. p. 266/7.) Supplications Not Accepted! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I swear by the One who has my life in His hand (of power)! Either you promote good and forbid evil, or Allah (The Exalted) soon will sent His punishment, then you will make supplications but your supplication will not be accepted.” (Tirmidhi.) Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! We can see from this Hadith that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is enjoining each member of the Muslim community to continue the invitation (dawah) and mission after him until the Day of Rising. It is now our responsibility to act upon this Sunnah, as after the Messenger of
Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), there is no other Prophet to come and what we have been taught through the Qur’an is that there is no heavenly book to come either. Therefore, in every era to promote good and forbid evil is necessary (Wajib). “And command good and forbid evil.” (Surah Hajj, Surah No: 22, Verse: 41) The Muslim believes that excersing his mind and seeking knowledge and discovering the signs of Allah (The Exalted) in the universe is an obligation, because of the saying of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): “Seeking knowledge is a duty on every Muslim” . (Bukhari) Therefore the Muslim must continue to pursue knowledge, as long as the breath of life remains in his body. The fact that Allah (The Exalted) has raised the status of those who have knowledge, and described them alone as truly fearing Him, should be enough to encourage the Muslim to apply himself to seeking knowledge. Now it is obligatory on every Muslim to pray five times a day and necessary for men to pray with congregation in the Masjid. Try and call people towards Salaah and advise people to remember Allah (The Exalted) at all times. Pick a day during the week to get a couple of friends together, go and call people towards Allah (The Exalted) in a sweet and loving manner. Also, choose a day when you can learn about Islam and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Leave the dark, evil, corrupt society and enlighten all the hearts with the love of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Manners of Promoting Good To promote good means ‘To instruct someone for Salaah’ and to forbid evil is to ‘stop someone swearing or lying etc.’ both are obligatory. One should be a practising Muslim as this will make a greater impact. To seek knowledge from the books written by scholars of Ahle Sunnah. When promoting good, do it in a loving manner and when forbidding evil then explain in a nice way. If done with anger it will have the opposite effect and the person will hate not only you but mainly Islam due to ignorance and finding it a burden. Do not rebuke someone in front of people but take them to a side on a one-to one basis and explain nicely, it will affect the heart, Inshallah. The intention should be for the sake of Allah (The Exalted) and following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The person promoting good and forbidding evil should posses’ good manners. Whatever you tell others, make sure you practice it yourself.
It is important to have patience as you will have difficulties, problems, and obstacles in your way. Do not be heart broken but compare it with the difficulties of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Prepare yourself for making sacrifice. Do not get into an argument with anyone, leave that to the scholars. O Allah! (The Exalted) give us the ability to work towards good and forbid evil with sincerity and in a nice beautiful manner. Give us the understanding of knowledge, the wisdom behind it, to practise it and to preach it, Aameen. CHAPTER ELEVEN VIRTUES OF BISMILLAH O Allah (The Exalted) send Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the Most Praised Station, the envy of those who came first and those who came last. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) always commenced everything in Allah’s name (Bismillah-Hirrahma Nirraheem) and when making an intention to do something he would say If Allah (The Exalted) desires (Insha-Allah). Victory The letter, which Prophet Sulaiman (upon whom be peace) wrote to Bilqees (the Queen of Yemen) began with Bismillah from the blessing of which Allah (The Exalted) granted Yemen and its queen. (Tafsir Noor-ul-Irfan. Vol: One; On Bismillah.) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) commenced the writing of the Treaty of Al-Hudaibiyah with Bismillah as a result of which he was granted victory of Makkah. (ibid) Commentary When a person pronounces this formula (i.e. Bismillah Hirahmaa Nirraheem) he acknowledges his weakness and it increases his trust in Allah’s (The Exalted) help and support. Furthermore when a person becomes accustomed to utter the name of Allah (The Exalted) before every action, this will naturally prevent him from performing any deed which is subject to Allah’s (The Exalted) wrath and anger. For he will surely feel ashamed to disobey Allah (The Exalted) while invoking Him for help and support. (Tafsir Imdad-ul-Karam; Vol: One; Surah Fatiha) Imam Qurtubi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) writes that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “ If a person has pain in his body he should place his hand on the affected area and recite this verse (Bismillah…) three times.” and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Bismillah… is a healing for all diseases.” (ibid; with reference to Tafsir Qurtubi.)
One has to keep in mind that any act should be done with firm belief in Allah (The Exalted). Incomplete Act Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “A permissible act that has been started without mentioning the name of Allah (The Exalted) meaning Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem, that act will stay incomplete.” (Faizan-e-Sunnat: On Bismillah with reference to Mata Li’ul Massaraat) We wonder at times why our work remains incomplete; we have our answer, and this is to follow the Sunnah. Let us start from today with Allah’s (The Exalted) name in every permissible act we do, Allah (The Exalted) willing it will reach completion. 76,000 Rewards Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say that, “Whosoever prays Bismillah, for every letter he will get 4,000 good deeds written in his book of deeds, 4,000 (Minor) sins will be forgiven and 4,000 grades will be raised for that person.” (Firdous-ul-Akbaar. Vol: 4. p. 24. Hadith No: 5573) Subhanallah! The reward and benefits are many. Let us practise this Sunnah and gain the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted) and see blessings in our work. Saved From Destruction Imam Fakhrudeen Raazi states, “He who writes the ‘Bismillah’ and put’s it on the front of his door, then he will be saved from destruction of this world. Even if it is a non-Muslim.” So what will be the benefit for that Muslim who keeps a habit of writing ‘Bismillah’ and keeps a habit of reciting it at all times? (Tafseer-e-Kabeer) Subhanallah! Blessing of Bismillah There was once a pious person who was preaching the virtues of ‘Bismillah’ . In that gathering there was a Christian girl who was listening to the virtues of ‘Bismillah’ . Whilst listening to the virtues she found many benefits from it and embraced Islam. From that moment onwards she performed the recitation of ‘Bismillah’ at all times, when sitting, standing and walking! Infact, she did so in all the work she carried out. As she was from a Christian family, the girl’s parents started to get upset with her as she embraced Islam and left their religion and would recite Bismillah at all times. She faced difficulties from her parents due to this but she did not leave the recitation. Her father was a close friend of the king and would look after his ring. Once he gave the ring to his daughter to look after, the girl prayed Bismillah and put it in her pocket. During the night when the girl was fast asleep, the father crept up to the girl’s room and quietly took the ring out of his daughter’s pocket then threw the ring into the river so that no one could find it. A fish swallowed the ring so there was no chance of finding this ring even if they wanted to.
In the morning, a fisherman went fishing and by coincidence, caught the fish that had swallowed the ring and brought it in front of the girl’s father. The father took the fish and gave it to the girl to cook as guests were coming. As per habit the girl prayed Bismillah and took the fish, as she went to cut the stomach by praying Bismillah and the same ring that her father had thrown into the river was found. The girl prayed Bismillah put the ring into her pocket cooked the fish and put it in front of her father. After the meal was completed, the father asked the girl for the ring, the girl prayed Bismillah, and gave him the ring, the father was surprised to see the same ring that he had thrown in the river right in front of his very eyes. The father wanted to kill her because she became a Muslim and she was reciting ‘Bismillah’ . The girl was saved from the death penalty by the blessings of Bismillah. You can see from this that the blessings of reciting Bismillah are countless and we should in all permissible acts recite Bismillah at all times. (Lama Aani Sufiya) Power of Bismillah Once some non-Muslims asked the Sword of Allah, Khalid bin Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) show us something that the truth of Islam becomes apparent to us. Hence, he sent for some poison, recited Bismillah and ate it. With the blessings of Bismillah the poison had no affect. Seeing this these people proclaimed, “ Islam is the truth” . (Tafsir-e-Kabir) This was the faith of the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all) in Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to strengthen our faith, to follow the Sunnah, and guide us in the straight path, Ameen. Shaytan Stays With You Jaabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “When a person enters into his house and when eating he recites Bismillah, then Shaytan says to his off spring, ‘We can not stay in this house nor can we get any food.’ At the time of entering if you do not recite Bismillah he says ‘Now we have found a place to stay,’ and at the time of eating, if Bismillah is not recited he says, ‘We have found a place to stay and found food too.’” (Sahih Muslim. ) Muslim & Non-Muslim Devil Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Once a Muslim’s devil(Shaytan) and a non Muslim’s devil met together. The non-Muslim’s devil was very healthy, big and warmly wrapped up wearing nice clothes and had oil in his hair whilst the Muslim’s devil was in a very bad state as he was skinny and weak with no clothes. The non-Muslim’s devil asked ‘Brother! Why are you in this state?’ He replied: ‘ I am with such a person who, when he eats he remembers Allah (The Exalted) by reciting ‘Bismillah’ that is why I have to stay hungry and do not get any share out of his food. When he drinks water, he recites ‘Bismillah’ so I have to stay thirsty. When applying oil on his hair he recites ‘Bismillah’ , this is why my hair is in this situation, and when wearing his clothes he recites ‘Bismillah’ too.
The non Muslim’s devil said: ‘ I am with such a person that whatever he does he never recites ‘Bismillah’ , this is why I am healthy and I get to eat with him, drink with him and take part in all his activities.’ (Mawahibul Laduniya) Do not let Shaytan take part in anything you do. Do not even be influenced by Shaytan either, recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem and gain reward and blessings from Allah (The Exalted). Parents Are Forgiven In Shar’atul Islam it states; “ If there is a piece of paper of the floor which has ‘Bismillah’ written on it and someone out of respect picks it up then Allah (The Exalted) will enter the person as one of His friends, and will free his parents from punishment and will be raised on the Day of Judgement with the martyrs.” (Tadhkiratul Wa’ idheen.) Respected brothers/sisters! It is a shame that people are headless of verses of the Qur’an when it comes in Newspapers or on pamphlets. These are thrown away without any care in dustbins and on the roads. Those who work for publishers or now someone who does, please be aware or make them aware and be careful not to print any religious material if there is a chance of it being disrespected. Those who distribute these types of papers and pamphlets also take care, Allah (The Exalted) will reward you! Alcoholic Becomes a Friend of Allah (The Exalted)! Bishr Hafi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) before repentance was an alcoholic. Once he was going somewhere in the state of intoxication when he saw a piece of paper on the floor with Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem written on it. Out of respect he picked it up and placed it on a high place. That very night a pious man heard in his dream saying, “Go! Say to Bishr you respected my name and placed it on a high place, I will purify you and give you piety in this world as well and the next.” This man though in his heart that Bishr is an alcoholic and a wrong doer, I may have seen a wrong dream, hence he performed ablution, offered two cycles of voltentry prayer and went back to sleep. He again saw the same dream and this happened three times and this time he heard, “This message is for Bishr go and give him this message!” Hence, in the morning the pious man went looking for Bishr and found that he is sat in a gathering of alcoholics. He went there and shouted for Bishr, people said, “He is drunk and is unconscious!” “Tell him somehow that there is an important message for him and the messenger is stood outside,” said the pious man. The people went and told Bishr, Bishr said to them ask him what message he has brought for me? “Allah’s message,” said the pious man. When he was told this he became very excited and came out and to hear the message and made sincere repentance. Since that day he started to walk without shoes due to respect. This is the reason he is famously known as ‘Hafi’ , this means to the stay bear footed. (Tadhkirat-ul-Awliya.) Subhanallah! Look at the status of a person who recites the name of Allah (The Exalted), how much Allah (The Exalted) elevates him, just imagine the blessings and reward of a person who recites it will sincerity in everything they do? Saved From Punishment
A person before he died made a will that when he passes away ‘Bismillah’ be written on his forehead as well as his Kafan (shroud), hence, his will was carried out. Someone saw him in a dream and asked his state and he said, ‘When I was placed in the grave, the angles of punishment came and when they saw the Bismillah they said: “You are saved form the punishment.’” (Durr-e-Mukhtar.) Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! We learn from this that if we want the blessings of Allah (The Exalted) then we should remember Allah (The Exalted) and say ‘Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem’ in all our actions. Regardless of whether you start an assignment, coursework, writing a letter or even putting a key into the door. Make a habit of this Sunnah and Insha-Allah there will be blessings in everything we do. It is necessary to recite ‘Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem’ with the correct pronunciation and also to recite it so loud that it can be heard at least by yourself. People when reciting quickly miss or add letters to it which is forbidden, as it could change the meaning. When Not to Recite Bismillah should not be read at the time of committing unlawful acts, in Fatawa-e-Alamgiri it states: “At the time of drinking alcohol, adultery or gambling to pray Bismillah is Kufr (disbelief).” (Fatawa-e-Alamgiri, Vol: One, p. 273) May Allah (The Exalted) save us from sinful acts and give us the ability to follow the Sunnah, Ameen. Wisdom in Not Reciting Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi states, “Pay attention to why ‘Bismillah’ is not written in Surah Tawba (Surah No: 9), similarly at the time of sacrificing an animal, the complete Bismillah is not said, but ‘Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.’ is said. What is the wisdom behind it? The reason is that throughout the Surah Tawba there is mention of war and death and this is a punishment on the non-Muslims, as for sacrificing an animal, a life is taken and this is a hard time, so do not talk about the mercy (of Allah) at that time. He who recites the complete Bismillah will be saved from Allah’s (The Exalted) punishment.” (Tafseer-e-Naeemi, Vol: One, p. 43) Mercy of Allah Prophet Isa (upon whom be peace) once, passed by a grave with punishment being carried out in it. After some time he passed by again and he saw light and was being showered with the mercy of Allah (The Exalted). He was surprised and asked Allah (The Exalted) to show him the reason. It was said, “O Isa! (upon him be peace) He was punished as he was very sinful, however, before he died his wife was expecting a child. A boy was born and today he was sent to learn, the teacher taught him to recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem, and I was ashamed to punish him as his son had taken my name.” (ibid p. 100) 19 Letters in Bismillah
There are 19 letters in Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem and there are 19 angles of punishment at the hell fire. With the blessings of each letter each angles of punishment will be removed. (Tafseer-e- Kabir, Vol: One, p. 102) Manner And Benefits of Bismillah In Shami it states, “At the time of smoking a Hukkah or eating any strong smelling thing (i.e. onions) it is better not to pray Bismillah.” (Faizan-e-Bismillah p. 132) It is not permissible to pray Bismillah in the toilet (nor say anything else.) (ibid p. 132) There will be no blessings in that work which Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem is not recited. (ibid p. 133) Shaykh Abul Abbas Ahmad bin ‘Ali Buni states that, “Whosoever for seven days recites Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem 786 times, Allah (The Exalted) will fulfil any need, be it for something good, removing evil or running of a business.” (Shamshul Ma’arif. P. 73) Whosoever at the time of sleeping recites Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem twenty-One times; will be protected from Shaytan, thieves, a sudden death and all types of misfortune. (Idha. p. 73) Whosoever at the time of sunrise recites Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem three-hundred times and Salawaat three-hundred times, Allah (The Exalted) will give sustenance which can not be imagined. One will become rich within a year by praying this everyday. (Ibid. p. 73) To improve memory recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem 786 times and blow in some water and drink. Allah (The Exalted) willing your memory will become strong. (Ibid. p. 73) Write Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem on paper thirty-five times and hang it in the house, the Shaytan will not enter and there will be many blessings. If hung in a shop then there will be blessings. (Ibid. p. 73/4) On the first of Muharram (1st Islamic month) write Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem 130 times and whosoever keeps it on them will not have any evil in their house or to the person throughout their life. (Ibid. p. 74) A woman whose child does not survive, write Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem 61 times to keep with her. Allah (The Exalted) willing all the children will survive. (Ibid. p. 74) Write Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem 70 times and place in the shroud of the deceased person (near the head) as the questioning will become easy. (Ibid. p. 74) Learn it and let a Qari hear it, as incorrect pronunciation could have the opposite affect. (Ibid p. 74) When writing as an amulet (Taweez) then leave those letters open that have wholes in them (i.e. Meem and Haa etc.)
When taking clothing of, recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem and the Jinn will not be able to see your Satr. (‘Amalul Yawmi wal Layl. by ibn Sunni p. 7) No matter how many times you open or close the doors or windows, when taking or placing any utensils make a habit of reciting Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem as the Jinn will not enter the house and will be saved from theft and using any of the goods/utensils. (Faizan-e-Bismillah. p. 137) When closing the doors of the house recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem the Jinn and Shaytan will not enter. (Bukhari) At night cover any open utensils whilst reciting Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem. (Idha.) In Muslim it states there is a night in the year when difficulties descend and enter into any utensils which are uncovered. Before sleeping recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem and wipe the bed three times, one will not be affected by difficulties. (Faizan-e-Bismillah. p. 128) Recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem when giving or taking there will be blessings in it. (ibid) To complete the chapter it is worth mentioning the translation of Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem. Mostly it is translated as “ In the name of Allah…” , and this is correct, however, Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan has translated Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem from the Qur’an as “Allah’s name I begin with…” Subhanallah! Not only does he translate it as it is in the Qur’an but literally he being’s with Allah’s name. The other translations begin with “ In the name” and then mention “Allah” . O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us the blessings of Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem and with every permissible act, give us the ability to recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem, Ameen. CHAPTER TWELVE SUNNAH OF SLEEPING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his family, his Companions, his children, his wives, his descendants, the People of his House his relations by marriage, his Helpers. His adherents, his lovers, his nation and all of us along with them, O Most Merciful of the Merciful. Sleeping is similar to death. That is why sleeping has been linked to death, and waking with life. When preparing to sleep we should fear that may be our eyes close and do not open again. This has happened many times; hence we should ask Allah (The Exalted) for forgiveness of our sins as it is not good to do so without. The pious would sleep little as the time spent in sleep is of no use. Only if we are successful and able to understand to reality of our life. For instance if someone has a life of 60 years and sleeps for 8 hours a day then we would have spend 20 years in sleep, that’s 1/3 of the life spent in sleeping. In these 20 years we did not achieve anything,
however, if we spend our sleeping in the way of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then Inshallah we will gain some benefit as this will become worship. Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that those who can not stay awake and worship and are engaged in sin. When completed the necessities such as Salaah etc. it is superior for them to go to sleep. At least one will abstain from sin. In a hadith it states to the nearest meaning that until a person is asleep the pen of deeds is lifted, meaning one is not bound by the Shariah. (Kimiya-e-Sa-aadat. Faizan-e-Sunnat, Sunnats of sleeping and awaking. p. 848) After Isha After the Isha congregational prayer, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would see the companions off before returning home himself. At his bed side, he would keep the following items; a Surma bottle (eye colouring), a comb, some oil, a pair of scissors, a Miswak, a mat or a folded cloth to lie on, a mirror and a wooden stick. (Faizan-e-Sunnat) Safety Check Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a house in Madinah with the inhabitants inside set on fire. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was informed about this and he said, “The fire is your enemy, this is why when you prepare for sleeping put it out.” (Bukhari) We should make sure that any appliances are not left on. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is teaching us how to live, those who follow him will succeed. Recite Bismillah According to the hadith narrated by Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘Recite Bismillah whilst closing the doors and cover any utensils i.e. water, food, etc. and switch off the light i.e. not leave it burning or the utensils open (ibid) so the Shaytan can not come in or use the utensils.” (Muslim & Mishkat) The reason is that something may fall inside the foodstuff & if candles are left lit it may catch fire. Wudhu Before Sleeping The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a person sleeps with wudhu, Allah (The Exalted) gives permission to his soul to circumambulate the ‘Arsh and bow to Allah (The Exalted). (Kashaf Mahjoob. Faizan-e-Shariat. p. 1175) Whilst sleeping in the state of wudhu, the reward of worship is being written for you in your book of deeds all night. Subhanallah! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “When one of you goes to bed then with the edge of your lower garment (or the edge of the duvet) clean to bed, what were you to know what is in the bed.” (Muttafak ‘Alay. Faizan-e-Sunnat. p. 852)
One may ask the question, why do we need to do this because they lived in a hot country and there is a chance small animal/creatures such as a snake or scorpion etc. may seek refuge, we don’ t have this problem here neither do we have sand or dust particles getting into our bed? I say that the Sunnah is for all mankind no matter who or where you are. Those who live in these climates and conditions can use this method and those who live in cold climates can use it too as there are other insects like bed mites which the visible eye can not see which can harm. Then to clean the bed is a great Sunnah and no matter where in the world you may be, one can practise it, Subhanallah! Angel & The Devil The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a person enters his bed (to sleep), an angel and a devil surround him. The devil whispers ‘Your awakening will end in evil’ and the angel says ‘ends in good.’ But if one sleeps after engaging in remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) the angels will protect him throughout the night.” (Hisnul Hasin) Going on One’s Stomach The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never laid on his stomach and if he saw anyone doing so he would wake them up by his feet and be very upset. Ya’eesh bin Tighfat Gafari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father that he states, “ I was reclining in the mosque on my stomach (due to chest pains), suddenly a person nudged me with his feet and said, ‘To lie down like this is disliked by Allah (The Exalted).’ When I turned to see who it was, I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah. Riyadhus Saliheen and Faizan-e-Sunnat. Manners of Sleeping. p. 852) In another similar hadith narrated by Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him it states; “ It is the way of the people from Hell.” (Ibn Majah) Meaning either the non-Muslims recline like this or the people of Hell fire will recline like this. Imam Shafa’ i (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that there are four types of sleep; One is to lie on the back this is the sleep of the Prophets, One is to sleep on the right side which is the sleep of the worshippers, One is to sleep on the left which is the sleep of the rulers And one is to sleep on the stomach that is the sleep of the devil. (Ihya-ul-uloom by Al-Ghazali) We should sleep according to the Sunnah as there are many benefits including health benefits. The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Bed
‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with he), states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) bed was made of animal skin, which had leaves of date trees.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Bed of the Prophet. p. 335) Imam Muhammad Al-Baaqir (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “Someone asked ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), ‘How was the bed of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?’ She replied, ‘ It was made of leather, in which was filled the coir of the date palm.’” (ibid p. 336) Hafsa (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked how was the bed of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in your house?’ (Imam Ahmad in his Musnad, Ibn Hibban in his Sahih and Bayhaqi.) she replied: ‘ It was a canvas folded into two, which was spread for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to sleep on. On one night I thought if I folded it into four and spread it, it would become softer. I folded it and spread it that way. In the morning the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked: ‘What did you spread for me last night?’ I replied: ‘ It was the same bed; I only folded it into four so that it may become softer’ . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: ‘Leave it in its original form. Its softness deprived me of my prayers (Tahajjud) at night.’ (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Bed of the Prophet. p. 336) ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sleeping on a mat, the marks of the mat were left on his blessed side. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) only if you would sleep on something better than this’ . The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘What have I to gain in this world, this world is like as if a traveller is travelling in the sun and he sits under a tree and gets up and goes.’’” (Madarijun Nabuwat) Look at the simplicity of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and we sleep on the best mattress available. There is no problem in sleeping on a good bed; however, you should make sure to wake up for Fajr Salaah. Unfortunately people stay in their comfortable beds and miss their Salaah but when it comes to waking up for work we will not miss a day. We should try to sleep on the floor at times following the Sunnah, Inshallah; you will not have a problem waking up for Salaah. The Pillow Abu Qataadah (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “ If the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) made an early journey-break in the last portion of the night on his travels, he slept on his right side. If he was staying there till before the morning, he lifted his right arm, put his head on it and slept.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Sleeping of the Prophet. p. 256) Meaning that he rested his blessed head on the inner part of his arm and the hand would be near his back. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade placing one leg on top of the other when reclining on your back. (Muslim)
This is when you have one leg raised and the other leg over it as there is a chance of the Satr being seen. There is no problem if both feet are stretched out and one is on top of the other. (Bahar-e-Shariat and Anwarul Hadith. p. 387) Supplication Position ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would lie down every night on his bed, he would raise his hands in the supplication position and pray. He would recite Surah Ikhlas (Qulhuwallahu Ahad) three times, Surah Falaq (Qul A’oodhubi Rabbil Falaq) once and Surah Naas (Qul A’oodhubi Rabbinnaas) once and blow on his palms and wiping his hands over his blessed body where they could reach, this was done thrice.” (Bukhari, Ibn Majah & Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) How The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Slept The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would put his blessed right hand under his blessed right cheek. (Bukhari) He would lie on his blessed right side facing the Qibla and rest on a pillow that was made from leaves of a date tree. (Abu Dawud & Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Bara bin ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) reports; “When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) retired, he put his right hand under his right check” . (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Sleeping of the Prophet. p. 254) Supplication Before Sleeping Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, before the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to sleep he would place his right hand under his cheek and pray this supplication: ‘Alla-humma Bis-mika Amu-tu Wa-Ahya’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted) with Your name I die and I live’ (Bukhari, Mishkat and Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Lesson From Supplication In the hadith the meaning of living and dying is to awaken and sleep. In Your name do I sleep and in Your name do I awake, meaning I do not stay headless of You at any time, O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability and this state, Aameen. The Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would talk to his wife and whilst praising Allah (The Exalted) he would go to sleep. The Messenger’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed eyes were closed but his heart was always in the remembrance of his creator. (Ash-Shifa: Chapter two; Section: One.) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not sleep until he recited Surah Sajdah and Surah Mulk. (Darami, Tirmidhi, Nasa’ i, Hakim narrated from Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him).) For The Guest Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “For a man he has a bed for himself, one for his wife, the third for a guest and the fourth is for Shaytan. (Muslim) Sleeping After ‘Asr Abu Ya’ la narrates from ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whosoever sleeps after ‘Asr Salaah and loses their intellect, has only themselves to blame.” (Bahare Shariat: Volume:17. Akhlaq Aur Aadaab. p. 88) To keep a spare bed is permissible for a guest; however, to have more then necessary leads to pride and arrogance due to excess wealth as this is from Shaytan. It is Shaytan who places evil whispers in us, hence we should abstain from having anything in access. Die as a Muslim Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O so-and-so, whenever you go to your bed (for sleeping) say, ‘O Allah (The Exalted)! I have surrendered myself over to you and have turned my face towards You, and leave all my affairs to You and depend on You and put my trust in You expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment. There is neither fleeing from You nor refuge but with You. I believe in the Book (Qur'an) which You have revealed and in Your Prophet (Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whom You have sent.’ If you die that night, you will die as a Muslim, and if you wake up in the morning you will receive the reward.” (Bukhari.Riyadhus Saliheen. Vol: 1. p. 674) Zaid bin Thabit complained to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) about his sleepless nights. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) advised him to read the following supplication: O Allah (The Exalted) the stars have sunk in and the eyes have become tranquil and quiet and You are alive and everlasting neither does sleep overcome You. O! The live and everlasting one make my night tranquil and give my eyes sleep. (Ibn Sunni) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever at the time of sleeping recites Ayat-ul-Kursi will themselves be protected and his neighbour, to the extent your neighbour’s neighbour, and the houses surrounding will be protected too.” (Bezawi) Sleepless Night Once the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spent a sleepless night. He would turn from side to side and could not sleep. His wife asked him: “O Prophet of
Allah! (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Why can you not sleep?” He responded, ‘A date was lying about. I took it up and ate it, lest it should be wasted. Now I am troubled that it may be from Sadaqah (charity).’ Respected brothers/sisters of Islam! Before going to sleep we should think of the sins we may have done and try our best not to do these again, repent and ask for Allah’s guidance. If you want to spend your night in worship then sleep the way our beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slept and offer Fajr Salaah with congregation. You will surely gain the reward of worshipping all night even though you were sleeping. Manners of Sleeping One should recite ‘Bismillah’ whilst closing the doors and latching the lock. (Bukhari) Containers with foodstuff including water should be covered with the recitation of ‘Bismillah’ . (ibid) To put out any burning fire i.e. candles, fireplace etc.. ( ibid) To switch off or put out anything that may catch alight if left on. (ibid) To discuss, with members of the household, matters relating to Islam. For example, by telling stories (of Sahabas, etc.) or simply talking about matters that pleases the family but within the confines of Shariah. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) To have available Surma and apply three times in the right and left eye. (ibid) It is desirable (Mustahab) to sleep with wudhu the Sunnah way. (Abu Dawud) To sleep in the state of purity, (Attargheeb) (i.e. with Wudhu and Ghusl if necessary). If one has just made Wudhu prior to the sleep then it would not be necessary to repeat the Wudhu. If one is not able to make Wudhu then tayammum (dry ablution) will suffice. To lay or spread the bed yourself. (Muslim) To clean the bed three times with a cloth before sleeping. (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Mishkat.) When a child reaches the age of ten, he must not sleep in the same room as his sister, mother or another woman except his wife. (Bahare Shariat: Volume:17 with reference to Mishkat, Durre Mukhtar & Radul Mohtar.) For two men to sleep on one bed or in one blanket is not permissible, it has been prohibited in the hadith. (Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 89. Bahar-e- Shariat, Vol: 17. Faizan-e-Sunnat. Manners of Sleeping. p. 858) A child of ten must not sleep in the same bed as the husband and wife. (Bahare Shariat: Volume:17 with reference to Durre Mukhtar. Akhlak Aur Aadaab, p. 90. Anwar-ul-Hadith.)
The feet should not be facing towards Makkah or Madinah. (Faizan-e-Sunnat. Manners of Sleeping. p. 858) Before sleeping recite ‘Bismillah’ and the three Quls, and thereafter to blow on the palms and rub three times on one’s entire body – beginning from the head and ending at the toes. (Shamil-e-Tirmidhi, sleeping of the Prophet. p. 256) To use a pillow is Sunnah (to rest one’s head on). (Muslim) The Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked lying on the stomach. (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) Do not have your feet facing the Qur’an or other religious books and if the books are higher than the feet there is no problem. (Faizan-e-Sunnat. Manners of Sleeping. p. 858) To recite any Surah from the Qur’an one remembers, especially Surah Mulk, Surah Sajdah, Surah Bani Israeel and Surah Zumar. (Hisnul Haseen. p. 72) To recite Surah Waaqi’ah before sleeping as this safeguards one from hunger and poverty. (Attargheeb) To recite Tasbih-e-Fatima and Kalimah Tayyab once, before sleeping. (Bukhari, Muslim, Mishkat Abu Dawud and Tirmidhi.) To keep a prayer mat for the Tahajjud prayer besides the head is a Sunnah. (Nisai) When going to sleep, remember your grave as you will be sleeping on your own with your deeds and no one will be there with you. (Bahare Shariat: Volume:17. Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 89) Remember Allah (The Exalted) because the state a person sleeps in is the state in which one will wake up. (ibid) Do not sleep after ‘Asr as there is a chance of loosing the intellect (Faizan-e-Sunnat. Mannaers of Sleeping. p. 857) and it is disliked (Makrooh) to sleep in the beginning part of the morning and between Maghrib and Isha. (Bahare Shariat: Volume:17. Anwarul Hadith., p. 388. Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 89) CHAPTER THIRTEEN SUNNAHS OF WAKING UP O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times those who have asked for his blessings upon him and bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as those who have not asked for his blessings upon him. Awaking is similar to life. When waking we should thank Allah (The Exalted) for bringing us back to life. Our eyes could have not opened, however, we are alive praise be to Allah (The Exalted). We should spend our day in accordance to the commands of Allah
(The Exalted) and in following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Rub The Palms on The Face As soon as one awakens rub both palms on the face and eyes so that the effects of sleep disappears. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi)When you wake up in the morning, recite Bismillah Hirrahma Nirraheem three times, blow on your palms, and wipe your palms on the body. Inshallah, the devil will not trouble you throughout the day. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Worship and devotion of the Prophet. p. 273) The Devil Stays in The Nose Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, “When you wake up from sleep, then put water up your nose three times in Wudhu as the devil stays in the nose.” (Nisai) Whilst asleep, phlegm comes down from the brain and gathers in the root of the nose. This is the reason a person becomes lazy and because of this phlegm a person gets headless which is Shaytan’s desire. (Anwar-e-Ghowth-e- Azam. Faizan-e-Sunnat. Sunnats of sleeping and waking. p. 851) Devil Sleeps at The End The Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, “When a person goes to sleep, the devil sits on the end and ties three knots and says ‘ the night is long keep sleeping.’ When the person wakes up and performs the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted), one-knot opens, when the person performs Wudhu the second knot opens and when Salaah is prayed the third knot opens, and he/she spends the morning in peace.” (Muqashifatul Quloob) If we do not offer the morning prayer then our day will be influenced by the Shaytan. Be free from the Shaytan’s influence by performing the morning prayer on it’s time. Wash Your Hands Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, “When you wake up from sleep to pray, wash your hands before you put them in the Wudhu water, for you do not know where your hands have spent the night.” (Muslim) Supplication For Waking up The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wake up in the middle of the night and would recite the following supplication: ‘Al-ham-du-Lil-la-hil-la-dhee Ah-yaa-naa Ba’da-Maa-Amaa-Ta-naa Wa-ilai-hin Nu-shoor’ ‘All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who has given us life after death and to Him is our raising’ (Bukhari & Shamail-e-Tirmidhi; )
Lessons From The Supplication The words life and death have been used in this supplication. We believe that Allah (The Exalted) will bring us back to life after giving us death. When we wake up, testify that as Allah (The Exalted) awakens us after putting us to sleep, similarly He will bring us back to life after death. By reading this supplication one will remember that one day I will die. So let us start making preparations for it. The last part of this supplication ‘Wa-ilai-hin Nu-shoor’ , means that we will return to Allah (The Exalted) and present our deeds, therefore if we have been performing good deeds then it will benefit us and if not then make your actions good and do not waste time in chasing the world. If you become the beloved of Allah (The Exalted) by following the Sunnah, Inshallah, the world will chase you! How Will You be Remembered? Mujahid (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that, “‘ Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said to me that, ‘O Mujahid! In the morning time, do not speak to yourself of the evening, and in the evening time do not speak to yourself of the morning. Take from your life something for your death and from your health something for your ill-health, for in truth, O ‘Abd Allah! You do not know what your name shall be tomorrow.’” (Tanbihul Ghafileen. Faizan-e-Sunnat. Sunnats of sleeping and waking. p. 854) Meaning today people will call you by your name and tomorrow you may be known as ‘Marhoom’ (deceased)! Nothing Will Harm You ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The servant who recites these words in the morning and evening, nothing will harm them ‘Bis-mil-lahi Wa Bil –la-hil La-dhi Laa Ya-durru Ma ‘As-mihi Shai-un Fil-ardi Wa-la-fis Samaa-i Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyoom’ Allah, the name I begin with, and Allah is He with whose name nothing on earth nor in the heavens can cause harm. O the everlasting, O the self existent.” (Tirmidhi) Fulfil Your Needs by Reciting Surah Yaseen Ataa bin Abi Rahaa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated that, “ If a person recites Surah Yaseen early in the morning then his needs for the day will be fulfilled.” (Mishkat) Respected brothers/sisters! Do not switch the T.V, radio on first thing in the morning, neither light a cigarette, but read the book of Allah (The Exalted) and your day without any doubt will be full of blessings Inshallah! How to Spend The Morning? It is said that people spend their morning in three ways; 1) some people spend it in desire of wealth,
2) Some spend it in desire of sin, 3) and some in desire to be guided. Those who desire for wealth can not get more than what Allah (The Exalted) has set for them. Those desiring for sin only see disrespect, and those desiring the straight path gain wealth and guidance. (Tanbihul Ghafileen) Paradise or Hell Fire? Someone asked Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) in what state did you spend your morning? He replied, “How will a person spend his morning when he is in worry when going from one house to the other and does not know his destiny whether if it is in Paradise or the Hell fire!” (Nuzhatul Majalis & Tanbihul Ghafileen) In today’s busy life we do not have Paradise or Hell in our minds but other things. We should keep this in mind as much as possible so that we become practising Muslims! Of The Pious A pious person said, “ In the morning a person should make four intentions: 1) To perform the obligations set by Allah (The Exalted), 2) To abstain from what Allah (The Exalted) has said to abstain from, 3) To deal with people justly, and 4) Whomsoever you do not talk to, to make up. If one makes these intentions in the morning, it is hoped that one will be included from one of the pious and become successful. (Tanbihul Ghafileen. Faizan-e-Sunnat, Faizan-e-Sunnat. Sunnats of sleeping and waking. p. 854) Make The Bed Qais bin Hazam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated that, “Where there is bedding laid out upon which no-one is sleeping, then the Shaytan sleeps on it.” (Ibn Abi Dunya. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya. Vol: 3. p. 75. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith. Vol: 3. p. 5.) After waking up we should make our bed and not leave it as the Shaytan will sleep in it. Advice It is not easy to spend a day as a good Muslim, however, remember the immense rewards and blessings of following the Sunnah. Success lies in following the Sunnah. Become an ambassador for Islam, represent Islam in a good way and gain the pleasure of Allah (the Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).
Manners of waking up To perform Miswak upon awakening is a Sunnah. (Abu Dawud & Musnad Imam Ahmad) To rub the eyes with the palms of the hands and recite the last ten verses of Surah Aale Imran. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Worship and devotion of the Prophet. p. 273) To wash the hands three times before doing anything and before inserting them into a container. (ibid) To pray the supplication for waking up and the Shahadah. (Bukhari.) Wake up remembering Allah (The Exalted) and pray Fajr Salaah. Make the intention of spending the day in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) obey the commands of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and assist those in need. (Alamgiri) Make the bed so that the devil cannot use it. CHAPTER FOURTEEN SUNNAH OF THE SIESTA O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as we have been ordered to ask for blessings upon him. This is known as ‘Kaylula’ and it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He would sleep at times in the summer in the afternoon after the Dhuhr prayer and having lunch for a short period. Those who worship Allah (The Exalted) throughout the night commonly follow this Sunnah. Sleeping After Jumu’ah Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The companions of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would observe Friday prayer first and then have a siesta.” (Bukhari) Abu Hazim states that Sahal bin Sa’d (may Allah be please with him) said; “Our Siesta and lunch was after the Friday prayer.” (ibid) When Not to Sleep Khawat bin Jubair (may Allah be pleased with him) has said, “Sleeping at day break is lack of wisdom, sleeping at midday is a habit and sleeping at sunset is foolish.” (ibid) To sleep at midday is Mustahab (preferable) and if one does so their tiredness will go away. (Alamgiri. Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 88. Bahar-e-Shariat.) It is said to sleep for a short while is approx. 20 minutes to an hour.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN SUNNAH OF DREAMS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as he deserves. What an amazing thing dreaming is. It is as if you are at the place in body and soul, but in reality it is the soul that is there but the body is in bed. As mentioned in the previous chapter, sleeping is like death and waking up is like rising after death. Dreaming is such that after death the soul of Muslim will be able to travel where it wishes; it will be like a bird being freed from a cage. Allah (The Exalted) has given us many signs to reflect on, may we understand these signs and contemplate on them and praise Allah (The Exalted). There are three types of dreams; 1) a good dream is from Allah (The Exalted), 2) a bad dream is from Shaytan; and 3) psychic, basically fears of a person, thoughts and doubts. The dreams of the Prophets (upon them all be peace) are revelations from Allah (The Exalted) and the friends of Allah (may Allah have mercy upon them) are shown inspirations by Allah (The Exalted) and are true. A Good Dream is From Allah (The Exalted) Abu Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said, “Whoever sees something pleasing do not mention it but to one you like, and when you see that you do not like then seek Allah’s refuge from its evil and the evil of the devil. Spit (without saliva) and do not mention it to anyone it will not do any harm.” (Bukhari. Anwar-ul-Hadith.) Abu Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A good dream is from Allah (The Exalted) and a bad dream is from Shaytan.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “A true dream is (seen) at the time of pre-dawn (Suhoor/Sehri). This is a blessed time as the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted) descends at this time.” (Tirmidhi & Darmi) On Having a Good Dream On having a good dream, recite ‘Alhamdulillah’ and relate it to an intimate contact of understanding who can interpret dreams, or a scholar. The scholars say do not tell your dream to an enemy. (Nizam-e-Shariat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said, “When one of you sees a dream that he likes, he should thank Allah (The Exalted) and make a mention of it.” (Muslim) Bad Dream “When one of you sees in a dream that he dislikes, he must spit (without saliva) on his left three times and say ‘ I seek refuge in Allah from the devil,(i.e. ‘A’oodhubillahi Minash
shaito Nirajeem’ ), three times and should not make a mention of it to anybody.” (Bukhari) “And turn from the side on which he was laying.” (Muslim & Mishkat) “Or get up and offer prayer.” (Bukhari) Narrating False Dreams The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ It is a great sin to conjure a false dream and narrate it.” (Bukhari) Some people tend to relate false dreams to gain respect in the community, however, remember it is Allah (The Exalted) who gives respect and also degrades a person. One should not under any circumstances relate a false dream. It was the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) noble habit to sit cross-legged after having performed the Fajr Salaah and ask the companions about their dreams. Whoever had seen a good dream, he would mention it. (Aadaab-e-Sunnat, p. 216/7. ) Seeing The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), saying, “Whoever sees me in a dream will see me in his wakefulness, and the devil cannot imitate me in form.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Musnad Ahmad, Sharah Sunnah, Muajjam al-Kabir, Zawaid, Fatawa-e-Radhwiyya, Vol: 2, p. 224, Jam’ i-ul-~Hadith, Vol: 4, p. 72) Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) Resembling The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Kulaub bin Shiaab Al-Kufi says that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated to me the blessed saying of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that whosoever sees me in a dream, has really seen me, because the devil cannot impersonate me. Kulayb says, I mentioned this hadith to ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and also told him that I was blessed with the seeing of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in my dream. At that moment I thought of Hasan bin ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). I said to ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that I found the image in my dream very similar to that of Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him). Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) verified my statement, that truly Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) was very similar to, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in appearance. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Dreaming of the Prophet. p. 453) Yazeed Al-Faarisi bin Hurmuz, who was a calligrapher of the Qur’an once saw, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in his dream during the time of ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). He related his dream to ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), used to say that the devil cannot imitate him, that person who has seen him in a dream has really seen him’ . After mentioning this he asked: ‘Can you describe this person whom you have seen in your dream?’ I replied: ‘Yes, I can, I will describe to you a man whose body and height were of a medium stature.
He had a wheat-coloured complexion with a bit of whiteness in it. Eyes like those that had khul on them. A smiling face. Beautiful and round face. A compact beard which surrounded his blessed face, and spread on the fore portion of the chest.” ‘Awf ibn Abi Jamilah, (a narrator of this hadith) says: “ I do not remember what other feature besides these, my teacher Yazeed, (who is a narrator of this hadith) described.” Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “ If you had seen him while being awake, you would not have been able to describe him any further.” (ibid p. 454) The devil can never come in the form of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), so whosoever see’s the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in a dream is very fortunate. The devil can come in other forms but see how Allah (The Exalted) has created his beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), in such a unique form. Not only this but the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), did not posses a shadow so no-one could stand on even the shadow of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and disrespect it in any way. Subhanallah! When ‘Abdullah bin Zaid Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) heard about the death of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), he was very depressed. He lifted his hands and pleaded to Allah (The Exalted), O Allah! (The Exalted) The sight of your beloved has gone away from my sight, O Allah! (The Exalted) My eyes do not desire the sight of the world, O Allah! (The Exalted) The sight of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), is no more then take my sight away! At that moment he became blind. (Madarijun Nabuwwah) Manners of Dreams If you have a bad dream refrain from telling anyone. (Bukhari) If you have a nightmare, spit (without the saliva) on your left side three times and change your sleeping position. (Muslim) One should pray A’oodhubillahi…and Ayatul Kursi for protection. Supplication For a Bad Dream 4. Recite the following supplication three times after a bad dream and the dream will not cause any harm. (Mishkat) ‘A’oodh-bi Kal-ima Til-lahit Taa-mati Min-Ghda-bihi Wa’ ifa-bi-hi Wa-Sharri ‘ iba-di-hi Wa-min Hama-zatish Shya-teeni Wa-ay Yah-Duroon’ ‘ I seek protection in the perfect words of Allah from His anger and punishment and from the mischief of His servants and evil prompting of the devil and against their coming even near me.’ If one has experienced a pleasant dream praise Allah (The Exalted) by saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ (Hisnul Hasin) and if wishes to relate it to somebody then relate it to a learned and compassionate person so that it is interpreted correctly. (Nizam-e-Shariat)
After a nightmare read: ‘A’oodhu Billahi Minash Shaito Nirrajeem’ once and spit (without saliva) on the left side thrice. Change the side of sleep and do not mention such dreams to anyone and Inshallah, no harm shall come. (Bukhari & Muslim) Those who interpret dreams should not do so at sunrise, midday, sunset and after Maghrib Salaah. (Fatahul Baari, Sharh Bukhari.) The best time is after Fajr. CHAPTER SIXTEEN THE SUNNAH OF GOING TO THE TOILET O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as he deserves. Everyone needs to go to answer the call of nature. All creatures also need to relieve themselves; however, the Muslims have been given the best etiquettes for relieving oneself. In Paradise we will not have to relieve ourselves. Instead we will perspire and even the perspiration will be beautifully scented like musk. (Ihya ul Uloom, Book of Remembrance of Death, The Raiment of Heaven’s…, p. 241) Subhanallah! However, in this temporary world we all need to relieve ourselves. Many people suffer from illnesses and find it very difficult to control themselves and when going to relieve one’s self it is very difficult. May Allah (The Exalted) free them from their illnesses, Ameen. Islam being a complete way of life has given us etiquettes and manners of even going to the toilet, we find that Islam has not left any stone unturned. We should follow Islam as much as possible and gain benefits and rewards. Let us learn some Sunnahs regarding the manners of going to the toilet. Privacy Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go to relieve himself he would go so far that no-one could see him.” (Abu Dawud) We should make sure that there is complete privacy whilst relieving one’s self; this is modesty that every Muslim should have. Covering The Head Habib bin Saleh (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) entered the toilet, he would put on his shoes and cover his head.” (Ibn Sa’ad) Which Foot? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would enter the toilet with his left foot, and exit with the right foot. (Tirmidhi) Removing The Clothing
Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go to relieve himself, he would not remove the clothing from his body until he was close to the ground.” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud.) Jinns and Devils Stay in The Toilets Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “These toilets are peopled by Jinn and devils, so when one of you goes there say, ‘ I seek protection in you from the male and female devil.’” (Ibn Maja) Meaning pray the supplication before entering the toilet. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “When one of you intends to go to the toilet then recite ‘Bismillah’ a veil will be placed between the jinn and the parts of your body.” (Nizam-e-Shariat, p. 35) This should be recited before entering the toilet. The Prophet Teaches This? Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that it was said to him, “Your Apostle (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) teaches you about everything, even about excrement?” He replied, ‘Yes, he has forbidden us to face the Qibla at the time of defecation or urination, or cleansing with the right hand or with less than three pebbles, or with dung or bone.” (Muslim) Facing the Qibla Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “When any one amongst you squats for answering the call of nature, he should neither turn his face towards the Qibla nor turn his back towards it.” (ibid) Facing or keeping the back towards the Qibla whilst going to the toilet is forbidden. We should take care of this at all times. If the toilet is facing the Qibla in your home then try and sacrifice some money and have it changed as you will be sinning every time you use the toilet. Even if children are taken to the toilet then it is the adult’s responsibility to make sure the child does not face or have the back towards the Qibla or the sin will lie on the adult. (Alamgiri. Bahar-e-Shariat. Qanoon-e-Shariat, Istinja - washing or cleaning the private parts.) Punished For Splashes And Backbiting Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) while passing through a graveyard heard the voices of two persons who were being punished in their graves. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘These two persons are being punished not for something major (it is not difficult to be save from it).’ The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then added, “Yes! (They are being tortured for a major sin) Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other would go about with backbiting (to make enmity between friends).” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then asked for a branch of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces, and put one on each grave. On being asked why he
had done so, he replied, “ I hope that their torture might be lessened, until these get dried.” (Bukhari , Janaiz..Muslim, Tahrah, Tirmidhi, Taharah. Abu Dawud, Tahrah. Ibn Majah, Tahrah. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 2, p. 146. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 232.) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that, “Whosoever says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would stand up and urinate do not believe them, he would urinate but sitting down.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Nisa’ i, Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 2, p. 147, and Jan;i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 232) Respected brother/sister! One of the reasons of the punishment in the grave is because of urinating standing up, Islam has given us a method to follow not only will you relieve yourself but you will be rewarded too. Don’ t forget, in this time when corruption is everywhere and by following one Sunnah, the reward of one hundred martyrs is awaiting for you! Another reason for the punishment in the grave is talking bad about other people, in today’s society many do not want to here good things about others. We should always speak well otherwise remain silent. There are major punishments of speaking ill of others be it true. For more details read my booklet on evils of backbiting. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from these major sins, Ameen! Using The Left Hand Abu Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) reported it from his father that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “None of you should hold the private parts with the right hand while urinating, or wipe with the right hand in the privy.” (Bukhari, Wudhu. Muslim, Taharah. Bayhaqi. Ibn Khuzayma. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p229. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 1, p. 661.) Do not use the right hand for cleansing (Istinja) as it goes against the Sunnah unless you have a problem with your right hand. We use the right hand for eating, drinking, shaking hands, reading the Qur’an etc. we should use the other hand for cleaning, holding shoes, cleaning the nose etc. Cleansing With Water ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to answer the call of nature, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) bought some water. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘What is this?’ He replied, ‘Water for cleansing (Istinja).’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ It has not been made necessary (Wajib) upon me after urinating to cleanse myself with water.’” (Nisa’ i. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 2, p. 166. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 230) Many are ignorant of the fact that if you cleanse yourself with tissue paper when you don’ t have access to water then you are unclean (napaak) and in need of a bath, this is incorrect and an excuse from Shaytan to miss Salaah. Some people when traveling miss their Salaah which is obligatory (Fardh) due to their ignorance. We go out of our way to make preparations and make sure we are financially secure; however, when we have to go on a journey, many do not prepare their journey for Salaah, i.e. a prayer mat, a container for cleansing (Istinja) etc. We should make sure we make preparations for Salaah before making any other preparations.
If impurity gets on your clothes or body and is more in size than a Dirham, then to clean it is compulsory, without cleaning it your Salaah will not count. If the impurity on your clothes or body is the same size as a Dirham, then to clean it is necessary (Wajib) and therefore if Salaah is prayed, you must repeat it as the Salaah is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi and to pray it again is Wajib. If the impurity is less in size than a Dirham, then to clean it is Sunnah and if Salaah is prayed, it will count but is against the Sunnah and to repeat it is better. (Qanoon-e-Shariat, Rules of impurity Ghaliza. Bahar-e-Shariat. ) No-one should make excuses that I did not clean (Istinja) with water so I need a bath or that I am unclean. Take appropriate cleaning material to the toilet. If you feel uncomfortable if at a service station or at work then at least wet some tissue and cleanse yourself with that other wise by cleansings without water and making sure the impurity is cleaned there is no problem, do not be ashamed of your religion as this is complete and perfect. Most importantly the Salaah should not be missed. Relieve Yourself First ‘Abd Allah bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say “When the time for prayer comes and one of you needs to relieve himself, he should do that first.” (Sunnan Abu Dawood & Tirmidhi) In the books of Hanafi Fiqh (Jurisprudence) it states it is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi to hold urine/wind or the need to go to the toilet. One should relieve themselves first as the Salaah will have to be repeated. (Qanoon-e-Shariah, Nur u I’dah) It is said that holding urine is harmful for the body, just as everything around a stream is destroyed if it is held up. (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a bedouin urinating in the mosque and told the people not to disturb him. When he finished, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked for some water and poured it over (the urine).” (Bukhari) Look at the teaching of our Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) some companions got up to stop him, however, he would have ran and made other parts of the Mosque impure. So the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, let him finish, as he was a new Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) called him and explained that this is the house of Allah (The Exalted) and should be kept clean from impurities. This companion said, ‘ I have never seen a teacher like the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).’ No More Stomach Ache A woman accidentally drank some of the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) urine. Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told her, “You will never complain of a stomach ache.” (Bukhari & Muslim, Al- Hakim & confirmed by adh-Dhahabi and ad-Daraqutni; Ash-Shifa; Chapter:2; Section: 3.) Ibn Jurayj (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the name of this woman was Baraka, but they disagree about her lineage. Some say it was Umme Ayman, who
would serve the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). She said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has a wooden cup which he placed under his bed, in which he would urinate during the night. One night he urinated in it and when he examined it in the morning, there was nothing in it.” He asked Baraka about that. She said, “ I got up and felt thirsty and drank it without knowing.” (Muslim & Bukhari) Muhammad ibn Sa’d, al-Waqidi’s scribe, related that ‘A’ isha (may Allah be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “When you come from relieving yourself, we do not see anything noxious from you.” He said, ‘‘ A’ isha (may Allah be pleased with her) don’ t you know that the earth swallows up what comes out of the prophets (upon them all be peace) so that none of it is seen?” (Although it has firm Isnad, this hadith is not well-known. It is related by ad-Daraqutni.) The urine or blood of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was clean as Allah (The Exalted) made him unique. How can some people say that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is like us? We believe that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a human, however, not like us. For instance, there are different types of stones of which all come from the earth. A diamond is also from the earth and if placed with an ordinary stone, no one would say that these two are the same, so those who say the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is like us, need to understand who the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is and what his virtues are. Manners of Going to The Toilet Supplication Before Entering When going to the toilet the messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear footwear. He would cover his blessed head (Ibn Sa’d) and before stepping into the room, he would read: ‘Bismillah’ (Ibn Abi Shaybah, Khazeena Rahmah, p. 35) ‘Allah-Hum-ma Inni A‘oodhu-bika Minal Khu-buthi Wal-kha-baith’ “O Allah I seek your protection from the male and female devils.” (Bukhari, Wudhu. Muslim, Haidh. Abu Dawud, Taharah. Tirmidhi, Taharah. Darimi, Wudhu. Nisa’ i, Taharah. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 228. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 4, p. 454.) We should try and learn these short supplications and practise them too. If we do not seek Allah’s (The Exalted) protection from the devils, then there is a chance we can be affected with mental illnesses from the devils. We can not see the devils and when you can not see your enemy they are more dangerous. May Allah (The Exalted) protect and give us the ability to follow the Sunnah, Ameen. Cover your head. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 888. Ibn Sa’ad.) Enter with the left foot. (Ibn Majah) Any item (e.g. ring, locket etc.) that has the names of Allah (The Exalted) or His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or any verse of the Qur’an,
should be removed before entering the toilet. (Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi & Nisai) An Amulet (Ta’weez) can be worn as long as it is covered. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 892) It is forbidden (Haram) to face or have the back facing towards the Qibla whilst relieving oneself. (Tirmidhi, Mishkat & Ibn Majah) It is best to lower oneself as much as possible before uncovering the body. (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi) Put slight pressure on the left leg it makes it relieving easier. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 888) One should be very careful about the splashing of urine (as this is a grave sin). One should sit to urinate. (Imam Ahmad, Tirmidhi & Nisai) One should not talk in the toilet without absolute necessity but if a person outside is calling and does not know then cough thrice to make them aware. (Mishkat & Abu Dawud) This includes the use of a mobile phone be it for texting as this is not the place to do such things. When two people talk when the body is uncovered Allah (The Exalted) is displeased. (Mishkat, Faizan-e-Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 880, & Nizam-e-Shairat) Hold the container in the right hand whilst cleansing with the left. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 889) The right hand should not be used to cleanse oneself. (Bukhari, Muslim & Abu Dawud) Unless there is a problem with the left hand then one can use the right hand. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 888/9) Use the left hand middle three fingers for cleanings. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 890) The sister should cleanse themselves with the lower palm of the left hand and do not separate the legs to wide. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 890) Wash in odd numbers i.e. 1, 3, 5 or 7 times. (ibid p. 889) When cleansing yourself, males should hold their penis from the top with the left hand index finger and the thumb. Gently work your way down (as if milking an animal) so if drops are left they will come out. (ibid p. 888) After performing urination, if you feel that another drop of urine will come, then it is wajib for you to perform ‘ Istibrao’ meaning after urination to perform some act that would force the urine left inside, to come out. (Bahar-e-Shariat & Qanoon-e-Shariat, Difference in winter and Summer for using a Dhela ) First wash the front then the back. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnahs of going to the toilet, p. 889)
After cleansing with water you can dry yourself with some tissue. (ibid p. 890) After you have relieved yourself, wash your hands up to the wrists thrice. (Bahar-e-Shariat. Qanoon-e-Shariat, Istinja - washing or cleaning the private parts) Without necessity do not look at your private parts as there is a chance of the memory becoming weak. (ibid p. 890) Do not sit on the toilet for a long time as there is a chance of getting piles. (ibid p. 891) Do not play with your clothing or body, nor look here or there, nor look above, and do not touch your body without necessity. (ibid p. 891) Do not spit or clean your nose in the toilet. (ibid p. 890) Soon as you have cleansed yourself cover yourself as soon as possible. (ibid p. 890) When leaving the toilet one should step out with the right foot. (Tirmidhi) Supplication on Leaving Once outside the toilet read this supplication: ‘Ghuf-raa-naka Al-ham-du-Lil-la-hil-ladhi Adh-haba ‘An-nil Adhaa Wa-‘Aa-faani’ “O Allah I seek Your pardon. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me discomfort and granted me relief.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah.) This supplication was to teach the Ummah to seek refuge in Allah (The Exalted) from Shaytan. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was free from the influence of the Shaytan. ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Everyone of you is given a companion from the Jinn and a companions from the angels.” The companions asked, “You as well, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Me as well, but Allah (The Exalted) has helped me against him and he has given up.” (Muslim. Ash-Shifa, The protection of the Prophets, p. 296) Subhanallah! Respected brother/sister of Islam, try to learn these short supplications and follow the blessed Sunnah in your day-to-day activities. By learning these supplications Allah (The Exalted) will be pleased. Remember, once you learn them do not forget them. There are so many benefits in following the Sunnah. The Sunnah only benefits, hence, it has been discussed in volume two. CHAPTER SEVENTEEN SUNNAH OF ABLUTION (WUDHU) O Allah (The Exalted) O Lord of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and
the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) grant to our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the rank of the Closest Access in The Garden. Ablution is such an act that not only does it cleanses a person physically but also spiritually. Let us learn about ablution and its benefits and gain the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted) through following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Sins Forgiven Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a believer performs ablution and washes the face, then from the face the sins fall with the water, where his eyes fell (on the unlawful) or with the last drop and when one washes both hands then the sins committed with the hands fall with the water or the last drop and when one washes the feet then the sins committed with the feet fall with the water or the last drop, to the extent one becomes clean and pure from sin.” (Muslim, Taharah. Ahmad. Bayhaqi. Sharah Sunnah. Tafseer ibn Katheer. ) Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy upon him) gave the ruling that once water has been used it becomes a major impurity (Najasat-e-Ghaliza) because Allah (The Exalted) gave him the ability to see the sins falling of people whilst they performed ablution. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 2, p. 62/6. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 249-52) ‘Abd-Allah Sanabhi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a Muslim performs ablution, sins of his mouth are forgiven while gargling, the sins of the nose are forgiven when water enters the nasal path, sins of the face, right upto the eye lids, are forgiven when the face is washed, the sins of the hands are forgiven and leave via the finger nails while the hands are washed, the sins of the head are forgiven and leave through the toe nails. Thereafter going to the mosque and offering ‘Salaah’ merits further awards.” (Imam Malik & Nisai) The commander of the believers ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “Whosoever performs ablution correctly their sins will leave their body, to the extent even from under the nails.” (Muslim, Taharah. Mishkat-ul-Masabih. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 2, p. 64. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 249) Parts Of Ablution Will Shine Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “My people will be summoned on the day of resurrection with bright faces, hands, and feet from the marks of ablution. If any of you can extend his brightness, let him do so.” (Bukhari, ablution. Muslim, Tahrah. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 1, p. 136. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 233/4) Continuous Engagement In Good Deeds
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Abu Hurayrah! When you perform Wudhu, say ‘Bismillahi Wal Hamdulillah’ , (Allah’s name I begin with and praise be to Allah) as long as you are in the state of Wudhu, the angels (Kiraman Katibeen) will continue to write good deeds in your name.” (Tabrani. Majmu’az Zawa’ id & Muhjam Saghir.) Subhanallah! ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever begins ablution by reciting ‘Bismillah…’ will have his entire self cleansed and purified. Else only those parts will be cleaned and purified which are normally washed during ablution.” (Sunan Bayhaqi. Dar al-Qutni. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 2, p. 92. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 252) Ten Rewards Abu Ghutayf al-Huzli (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “ I was in the company of Ibn ‘Umar, when the call was made for the noon (Dhuhr) prayer, he performed ablution and undertook the prayer. When the call for the afternoon ('Asr) prayer was made, he again performed ablution. However, I asked him (about the reason of performing ablution). He replied, ‘ the Messenger of Allah (The Exalted) said, “Whosoever performs ablution in a state of purity, ten virtuous deeds will be recorded (in his favour).”” (Muslim. Abu Dawud, Taharah. Targheeb wat Tarheeb. Sharah Sunnah. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 1, p764. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol:1, p. 248) Subhanallah! When already in the state of ablution and one performs fresh ablution without breaking the ablution, then you will receive ten virtuous deeds. It is desirable (Mustahab) to perform ablution when one already has ablution. Double Reward ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever performs complete ablution in winter gets double reward.” (Tabarani in Owsat. Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol:2, p. 10) Recite The Following The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) use to sit to perform ablution and recite the following supplication: ‘Allahum-magh Fir-li Dham-bi Wa-wasi’ li Fee Daari Wa-baarik-li Fee-rizqee’ O Allah! Forgive my sins, make my house plentiful, and bless me in sustenance. Remember the Prophets (upon them all be peace) are immune from sin this supplication was to teach the Ummah who would follow the Sunnah. The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Ablution ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) has related, “One day the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed Wudhu by pouring water over
both hands three times, then rinsing his mouth, snuffing up water (rinsing the nose) then washing his face three times. He then washed his right arm (including the elbow) three times and similarly the left arm three times and then wiping his head. He then washed his right foot three times and then washed his left foot three times.” He then said, “ I have seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performing ablution as I have just done now.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Perform Ablution Completely Laqit bin Sabirah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that when he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to tell him about Wudhu he said, “Perform ablution completely and let the water run between the fingers and toes, and snuff up water freely cleaning the nostrils fully unless you are fasting.” (Abu Dawood) Do not snuff the water up the nose when fasting but rinse it out and do not gargle water when fasting as there is a chance a drop of water will go down the throat breaking the fast. Al-Mustaurid bin Shaddad (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) rubbing between his toes with his little finger when he performed ablution.” (Tirmidhi) Save Your Heels From Hell Fire ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remained behind us on a journey. He joined us while we were performing ablution for the ‘Asr prayer which was due and we were just passing wet hands over our feet (not washing them thoroughly) so he addressed us in a loud voice saying twice or thrice, “Save your heels from the fire.” (Bukhari) It is obligatory to wash the feet when performing ablution. We should make sure that not even a pin point is left. Water should reach between the toes, behind and underneath the foot too. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to perform ablution according to the Sunnah, Ameen. Giving Water For Ablution Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) entered a lavatory and I placed water for his ablution.” He asked, “Who placed it?” He was informed accordingly and so he said, “O Allah! (The Exalted) Make him (Ibn 'Abbas) a learned scholar in religion (Islam).”” (ibid) Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that “The Muslim who sleeps with ablution and dies at night, will gain the status of a martyr.” (Nizam-e-Shariat, p. 7) Once while reciting Surah Al-Rum in the morning prayers, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) felt disturbed. After completing the prayers the
Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remarked that some of those who were praying with him were not thoroughly pure and clean. Presence of such followers in the gathering raises doubts in the mind of the Imam as to the correctness of the Qur’anic verses he is reciting. The Scholars state that there are seven benefits for the person who stays in ablution:1) the angels will stay with the person, 2) the angels continue to write good deeds, 3) the parts of the body perform Dhikr, 4) Allah (The Exalted) gives him the ability not to miss his Takbeer for Salaah, 5) the angels protect the person whilst he sleeps, 6) he will be saved from difficulties, 7) he will be under Allah’s (The Exalted) protection. (ibid) Use of Towel Mother of the believers, Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) states that a towel was presented to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), he did not even touch it and he did this to the water, meaning he rinsed it of himself. (Muslim, Taharah. Fatawa-e-Razwiya, Vol: 1, p. 239. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 255) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever after ablution wipes with a clean cloth there is no problem, although it is better not to so as on the Day of Judgement the water of ablution will be weighted with the deeds.” (Kanzul Ummal. Fatawa-e-Razwiya, Vol: 1, p. 239. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 257) It is not disliked (Makrooh) according to the Hanafi school, but it is desirable (Mustahab) to wipe. If possible do not make a habit of wiping but rinse and leave it slightly moist as on the Day of Judgment it can be weighted with our deeds. However, it is better to wipe it in cold weather as there is a chance of catching a cold. There are many hadith that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) at times used a towel and at times he did not. Evil Thoughts In Wudhu The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There is a Shaytan specified for ablution whose name is ‘Walhaan’ . Ask Allah (The Exalted) for protection from it.” (Mukashifatul Quloob) This Shaytan creates many doubts in a person’s mind, for instance whilst performing ablution he puts doubts such as, ‘You forgot to wash a part, ‘You only washed this part twice and not three times’ . In the same way he puts doubts in a person’s mind who already has ablution, ‘ that you have broken your ablution, A lot of the time has passed how can you keep wudhu for this long etc.’ Do not pay attention to this type of evil thought. What To Do? In the great encyclopaedia of Hanafi Islamic law book, Bahare Shariat by Allama Amjad ‘Ali (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes; if you have a doubt whilst performing wudhu regarding washing a part and it is the first time that this has happened, then wash this part again. However, if this keeps on occurring then do not pay any attention. Similarly if you doubt the fact you have wudhu or doubt that it has broken then there is
no need to perform wudhu. To perform it again is better when it is not a “ thought” and if it is just a “ though” then do not follow it, as this is from Shaytan. ‘Abd Allah Bin Mur’ah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Shaytan sees that you are easily deceived, then he tries even harder on you.” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) Respected brothers/sisters! A mere doubt nor a thought is not sufficient, one should be certain otherwise ablution does not have to be performed again. Breaking Of Wudhu The thought of breaking wudhu, or a drop of urine has come out or wind has been released etc. is all from Shaytan. Shaykh Ahmad Raza in his famous work, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya states, after citing some hadith that; ‘Sometimes the Shaytan gives thoughts and places doubts in a person praying Salaah, the Shaytan will come in front and spit near the private parts, and someone thinks a drop of urine has come out, at times he blows at the back and makes one think that he has let wind out. Do not break your Salaah until you feel wetness, hear or smell something!’ Meaning you have to be certain, just a mere thought is not good enough! You Are a Liar! Abu Saeed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that; “When the Shaytan comes to you to put thoughts that ‘Your wudhu has broken’ then reply straight away, ‘You are a liar’ . If the thought does not go by saying this then say; ‘O Shaytan, I prefer my Wudhu to be incomplete or broken or for me to pray three cycles rather than four then to follow you!’ When one says this, this will cut the evil thought from its roots. (Ibn Haban and Hakim.) This, however, does not by any means mean to pray without wudhu but means to rid you of the thoughts by Shaytan. Rid The Thought To save oneself from the evil thought of Shaytan use the following method; after wudhu sprinkle water on your lower garment (trouser), then if you have a thought that it may be a drop of urine then think it is the water that you have sprinkled. It is different if one has an illness of dropping urine; they may come under disability (mazoor), for more information see books of Fiqh. Ablution And Paradise Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) “Bilal, narrate to me that act you did at the time of morning prayer for which you hope to receive good reward, for I heard during the night the sound of your steps before me in Paradise.” Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ I did not do any act in Islam for which I hope to get any benefit but this that when I perform complete ablution during the
night or day I observe prayer with that purification that Allah (The Exalted) has ordained for me to pray.” (Muslim) Rabee‘ah bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with the water for his ablution and he said, “Ask for something and I will give.” He said, “ I ask for you companionship in Paradise.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Anything else?” He replied, “This is the only thing.” (Muslim, Abu dawud, Nasa’ i, Musnad Ahmad, Targheeb wat Taheeb, Muwatta, Al-Amn-wal-‘Ula,p. 150, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 4, p. 125) Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has been given the keys to paradise and can enter anyone whom he wishes. Methodology Of Wudhu To make ablution at home before going for Salaah. (Bukhari) Make the intention ‘ I am making ablution to get rid of minor impurity from my body’ . (Nisai) Intention made in the heart is sufficient. Great care should be taken when making ablution. (Tirmidhi) Recite the supplication for Wudhu, ‘Bismillhi WalHamdulillahi.’ Wash both hands up to the wrists three times. (Abu Dawud) Brushing the teeth with Miswak (tooth stick), if available, otherwise using the index finger of the right hand. (Maraqiyul Falah) To use Miswak in Wudhu is Sunnat-e-Muakeda (Bahar-e-Shariah & Durr-e-Mukhtar) (emphasized Sunnah). Gargling three times (not to the throat when fasting). (Abu Dawud) Sniffing water into the nostrils and blowing it out three times. (ibid) To wash the face from where the hair grows to the chin and from ear lobe to the other. (Bahar-e-Shariah, Vol:2) Passing of wet fingers through the beard (by wetting the right hand and starting from the hair that begins from near the neck, (Raddul Muhtar) fingers and toes. (Abu Dawud) To wash both arms including the elbow. (Bahar-e-Shariah, Vol:2) Masah (wiping) of the whole head once. (Raddul Muhtar) Together with the Masah make Masah of the ears. (Nisai & Raddul Muhtar) To wash both feet including the ankles. (Bahar-e-Shariah, Vol:2) Washing each part one after the other without pause, so no part dries up before completing ablution. (Maraqi)
To wash the parts of Wudhu in order. (Hindiya) To wash each part first from the right then left. (Bukhari) All parts should be rubbed and not merely made to pass water over them. (Nur ul Idah) Washing each bodily part three times. (Bukhari) To pray two cycles of Tahiyatul Wudhu, to repent and seek forgiveness for ones sins. (Imam Ahmad) If one stays in ablution the devil will run away. Imam Ahmad Raza was asked a question, ‘Why do we have to perform the Sunnah before the Fardh?’ He replied, ‘ In order for your ablution to be valid one has to check three things, 1) the water should be clean, this is done when one washes the hands, 2) to taste the water, this is done when one gargles and 3) to smell the water, this is done when one places water in the nostrils. Once these three conditions are fulfilled the ablution with that water will be valid. Subhanallah! Supplication After Wudhu ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever performs ablution fully and completely and then recites: ‘Ash-Hadu Allaah Ilaaha Il-lal-lahu Wah-dahu Laa Sharee Ka-lahu Wa-ash-ha-du-anna Muhammadan ‘Ab-duhu Wa-rasooluh’ ‘ I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone and has no partners and I bear witness that Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is His servant and Messenger’ all the eight doors of Paradise (Jannah) are thrown open for him. He may choose to enter from any of the doors.” (Muslim & Mishkat) ‘Allah-Humma-a’ j ‘Al-ni Minat Tawabeena WaJ-‘alni Minal Muta Tahireen’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted), make me from those who repent and from those who are pure.’ (Tirmidhi & Hisnul Hasin) May Allah give us all the ability to perform complete ablution and not be lazy or rush it. May we follow the Sunnah of the beloved Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN SUNNAH OF GHUSL (BATH) O Allah (The Exalted) O Lord of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), reward our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) just as he is deserving. Angels Do Not Enter The House ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Angels do not enter a house which has pictures (of living beings), dogs or the impure (junub).” (Abu Dawood) We should keep our homes free from pictures as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked them. Ghusl For Women Mother of the believers Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “Umme Sulaym (may Allah be pleased with him) told the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that Allah (The Exalted) is not shy of speaking the truth, therefore I ask you, is it necessary for women to take ghusl if they have a notural emission?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “Yes, if they noticed wetness.” Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with him) covered her face and asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) do women have nocturnal emission? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘Yes, if this was not true then how does a child resemble the mother?’” (Bukhari & Muslim) Before the wives of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) become, mother of all believers, i.e. in the marriage of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) they were free from having wet dreams as this is from the devil and the wives have been saved from the devil. (Nizam-e-Shariat, p. 48) Subhanallah! Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Bathing Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated through the mother of all believers Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) that she presented water to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) for bathing and thereafter drew a curtain. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) first washed his hands, then he poured water with his right hand onto his left side, and thereafter he relieved himself. After relieving, he patted the earth (for cleansing); washing his hands, gargled, drew water up his nose, and washed his face and arms. Then poured water on his head and body. He moved away from that spot and washed his feet. When offered a towel to dry himself, he would accept it, but jerked his hands to drain off as much water as possible. (Bukhari & Muslim ) Bathe Behind Closed Doors
Abu Yali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) noticed a man taking a bath in the open. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) later while addressing from the pulpit, he praised Allah (The Exalted) and said, “Allah (The Exalted) likes those who avoid shamelessness. Therefore while bathing draw a curtain and be away from the gaze of others.” (Abu Dawood) One should remember when going to the baths for swimming that the required body (Satre Aurat) is covered i.e. for men it is necessary to cover from the navel to and including the knees be in front of other men too. For sisters from the navel to the knees, only in front of other women with the condition there is no desire. (Hindiya & Bahare Shairat; Vol: 17) Punishment For Leaving a Space Dry ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated that, “ If one is negligent, and leaves a space even of the size of the width of hair unwashed while bathing for purity, he will be punished by fire.” (Abu Dawood) Respected brother/sister, it is important when in the state of impurity, you should not miss a single hair or even a pinpoint out. Make sure water reaches all parts of the body. Urinating In The Bath ‘Abd Allah ibn Al-Mughaffal Al-Muzani (may Allah be pleased with him) also said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), also forbade urinating at the place where one takes a bath.” (Bukhari) Only One Vessel Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) reported to me that she and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) took a bath from one vessel.” (Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take a bath from only one small vessel. Today we spend a long time in the bath and use buckets and fill the bath up, we should never waste water as to waste anything in Islam is unlawful and forbidden. From a Brass Vessel Zaynab bint Jahash (may Allah be pleased with her) related that she had a brass tub. She said that she used to wash the head of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from water poured into it. (Ibn Majah) From a Copper Vessel
‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the big copper vessel used to be prepared for her and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and they would take water from it together (for bathing). (Bukhari) Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would bathe with one Sa’a to five Madd of water and with one Madd he would perform ablution.” (Bukhari, Ablution. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 299. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 1, p. 579) Sa’a and Madd are measurements. One Sa’a is equivalent to 2.03 litres and five Madd is equivalent to 2.55 litres. The least amount of water used by the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) mentioned in the hadith is 1/3 of a Madd, which is equivalent to 0.17 litres and the most Wasting The Gift Of Allah (The Exalted) Once Mufti Azam-e-Hind, Muhammad Mustafa Raza (d.1981) ibn Ahmad Raza (d.1920) was at a place as a guest and near by was a tap that was dripping. He called the host and explained to him the sin of wasting water and advised to fix this straightaway, for as long as it keeps dripping you will get the sin. The host said, ‘Huzoor! I will do it right away’ , however, it was not put right for some time so Huzoor called him again and said,‘ I am leaving as you are not sorting this drip out and I feel uncomfortable and can see the gift of Allah (The Exalted) being wasted.’ The Host fixed the problem immediately and pleased him. (Faizane Sunnat, Manners of going to the toilet, p. 883) See how the friends of Allah (may Allah have mercy upon them all) feared Allah (The Exalted) however, we waste water and other gifts that Allah (The Exalted) has bestowed upon us. We buy water guns and water balloons for our children and let them waste water not thinking about those who don’ t have water to drink! Think about it and don’ t waste the gifts of Allah (The Exalted) otherwise we will be sorry if these gifts are taken away from us. Shaking Of Water The mother of the believers, Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) related that “She brought a cloth to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when he performed bath after intercourse. He handed it back and began to shake off water (from his body).” (Ibn Majah.) Using a Towel In a hadith, the mother of the believers Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) explaining the method of bathing she states that I presented a towel to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he did not take it but rinsed the water from his body. The narrator says that I mentioned this to Ibrahim who said the companions did not mind using a towel; however, they did not like to make a habit of it. (Bukhari. Abu Dawud, Taharah. Fatawa-e-Razwiya, Vol: 1, p. 239. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 255/6) Ablution After Bathing
‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed bath and offered two cycles of prescribed prayer and then offered the dawn prescribed prayer. She did not think that he performed ablution after performing the bath. (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Nisa’ i.) Many people have the misconception that you have to perform ablution after bathing as one is in the state of nakedness. Subhanallah! By removing clothing does not break your ablution nor by looking at someone else’s body does. Imam Shafi states that four things make the body strong; eating meat, using scent, taking a bath, and putting on linen clothes. (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Intention for Ghusal Nawaytu An Agh Tasila Liraf ‘ il Hadath I bath for purification Supplication after Ghusal Allahummaj ‘Alni Minat-Tawwabeena Waj ‘Alni Minal Mutatah-Hireen O Allah, make me from those who make repentance and from those who are clean and from those who have neither fear nor sorrow. Manners of Ghusl The following is the order of taking Ghusl. To make intention of bathing. Intention in the heart is sufficient. (Fatawae Razwiyya; Volume: 3; Baab Shuroot Al-Salaah.) To wash hands up to the wrists. To wash any impurity left on the body. To wash the private parts whether there is a need for this or not. To perform Wudhu (as one would for Salaah). Pour water over right shoulder three times then the left shoulder. Pour water over the head. Pour water over the rest of the body. Wash the feet. Rub water all over the body three times as if rubbing oil. To do all the above three times.
Not to face the Qibla (Makkah) To bathe in a closed place. Do not talk or pray anything whilst naked or in the bath. Do not pray or read anything. Put on clothing as soon as you complete bathing. Do not wear unclean underwear and have a bath. Do not waste water. Do not wear anything with the name of Allah (The Exalted) or His Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). NOTE: there are three obligatory (Fardh) aspects in Ghusl, if these are missed then Ghusl will not be valid and if Ghusl is Fardh (obligatory) then you will stay impure until Ghusl is performed in the correct manner. Fardh (Compulsory) Aspects In Ghusl To wash the mouth thoroughly making sure water reaches the throat and between the teeth, gums under the tongue etc. To rinse the nostril up to the soft bone making sure every hair is wet. To wash all the body making sure no hair is left dry including the hair of the head. What Aspects Makes it Obligatory To Bathe There are five aspects that make it obligatory for a person to have a bath, and they are as follows; The ejaculation of sperm from it’s place with lust. To have a wet dream. Meaning nocturnal emission that is the releasing of sperm whilst sleeping. The head of the penis to enter the vagina, whether it be with or without lust, with or without orgasm, the bathing would be obligatory on both. To become clean from menstrual pause (period). To become clean from blood after child birth. If sperm was ejaculated from it’s place but not due to lust, i.e. it was done by lifting a heavy load or falling from a height, then to bathe is not obligatory, however, the ablution is broken.
If semen dropped but was very thin and it came out whilst urinating or on it’s own accord without lust then the bath does not become necessary but the ablution will break. Things That Can And Cannot Be Done When Bathing Is Obligatory It is strictly forbidden to enter a mosque, to perform Tawaf (of Kaa’ba), to touch the Qur’an, or any part of the Qur’an whether it is in sections or volumes, (Hadiya, Alamgiri) to pray the Qur’an whilst viewing it without touching it, to pray the Qur’an verbally, to wear or touch a ring with a word of the Qur’an written on it when it is obligatory for you to bathe. If the Qur’an is wrapped in it’s cloth (Juzdaan) or has a napkin wrapped around it, then there is no problem touching it without bathing. (Hadiya, Hindiya) If a verse of the Qur’an is prayed but the intention was not to pray as part of the Qur’an, then there is problem. For example, to say ‘Bismilla Hirrahma Nirraheem’ for auspiciousness, or to say ‘Alhamdu Lillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen’ for thankfulness or to pray when in trouble or worried ‘ Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilahi Raji’oon’ or for praise the Surah Fatiha was prayed or Aayatul Qursi was prayed or another verse was prayed, however, the intention was not to pray a verse of the Qur’an, then there is no problem. (Hindiya etc.) To see the Qur’an, whether the words are seen and then prayed in the heart is allowed in any situation. To touch the Fiqh, Hadith or Tafseer books is dislike (Makrooh). Those who are menstruating say that I can not touch any book because I am unclean. Remember it is disliked and not forbidden, those who teach or have a habit of studying should continue to study as you may loose practise and your attention towards learning can be diverted. For details of Ghusl refer to Bahar-e-Shariah & Qanoon-e-Shariah, (Rules of Islamic Law) and other books of Fiqh. CHAPTER NINETEEN SUNNAH OF CLEANLINESS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the People of his House. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always keep his body and clothing clean, he would bathe on a regular basis and instruct the companions to stay clean too. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would clean his blessed nose with his blessed left hand and wash it with water and with the left hand he would carry his blessed slippers/shoes too. If anything unclean was on the clothing, it was also washed with the left hand and the rest of the activities were done with the right hand. When giving something or taking something he would use his right hand.
The Muslim, whom Islam wants to stand out amongst people, is very clean. He has high standards of personal hygiene, bathes frequently in accordance with the Sunnah and wearing ‘ Itr-fragrance (for men only). The true Muslim keeps his clothes and socks clean, checking them from time to time, to be sure that they have no unpleasant smell. One also wears perfume to help keep clean. Also taking care of the mouth, for no one should ever have to smell an unpleasant odour coming from it. One does this by cleaning the teeth every day with preferably a Miswak or toothbrush and toothpaste. Regrettably, some Muslims neglect these teachings that are at the heart of Islam, and do not pay heed to the cleanliness of their mouths, bodies and clothes. So you may see them going to the mosque or to other religious meetings and study circles, annoying their brothers with their unpleasant smell and offending the angles who surround these blessed gatherings. Dirty Clothing Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to visit us, and saw a man who was wearing dirty clothes. He said, ‘Could this person not find anything with which to wash his clothes?’” (Ahmad and Nisa’ i. ) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not like a Muslim to appear before people wearing dirty clothes, if he had the means to clean them. He encouraged Muslims always to dress in clean clothes and to present a neat and attractive appearance. Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) scent Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never passed through a place but a person who followed him would know that he had been there, from his lingering scent. (Al-Tarikh al-Kabir by Imam Bukhari.) Cleanliness Is Half of Iman The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Purification is half of faith.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah.) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “The religion is based on cleanliness.” (Ibn Hibban, a weak hadith.) Duty of a Muslim Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ It is the duty of every Muslim to take a bath (at least) once every seven days, and to wash his head and body.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
How urgent is the Muslims’ need to follow the guidance of this great Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in his command to take care of one’s hair and keep it neat in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Looking after one’s hair, according to Islamic teaching, involves keeping it clean, combing it, perfuming it and styling it nicely. Keeping The House Clean The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have exhorted the Muslims to keep the courtyards of their houses clean, for those who ordinarily keep the courtyard of their houses unclean resemble the Jews. (Tabrani) We should always make sure that we make our beds, put clothing away and not leave them lying around. Also not making a mess in the house or your work area be it in your home or at work. We should be ambassadors of Islam at all times. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that “Allah (The Exalted) has laid the foundation of Islam on cleanliness and neatness; and only he will enter Paradise who keeps himself clean and has the habit of remaining clean and neat.” Those brothers who are asked to come and pray Salaah make the excuse that I am unclean, I have to have a bath and unfortunately use the same excuse day in day out to miss Salaah, understand the above hadith! By perspiring or if you feel unclean is not enough, evidence of impurity has to be there. Birth of The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was born circumcised and his umbilical cord was already cut. It is related that his mother Amina (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “He was born clean and there was no impurity on him.” (Baihaqi) Subhanallah! Abu Saeed Khudri narrates that, “Malik Ibn Sinan (may Allah be pleased with him) drank the blood of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) on the day of ‘Uhud and licked it up. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) allowed him to do that and then said, ‘The fire will not touch you.’” (Tabrani) Of course the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is a human being, however, not like you and I but Allah (The Exalted) has made him unique. CHAPTER TWENTY SUNNAH OF MISWAK O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) until there remains not a single drop of blessings. Usage of Miswak
The use of Miswak is a means of purifying the mouth and is pleasing to Allah (The Exalted). (Bukhari) Sunnah of All The Prophet’s (upon them all be peace) The Miswak is a stick by which a person cleans the mouth. This is a great Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is also a Sunnah of all the Messengers of Allah (upon them all be peace), for they used the Miswak. (Tirmidhi and Tabarani.) Abu Ayyub Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that four things are the Sunnahs of all the prophets (upon them all be peace) 1) Circumcision, 2) To apply fragrance (Itr), 3) To use Miswak, 4) Marriage. (Tirmidhi) Seventy Extra Rewards For One Salaah ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that, “The prayer before which the Miswak is used is seventy times more excellent than that before which it is not used.” (Mishkat & Baihaqi) Ibn Abbas, ‘Ali and Ata (may Allah be pleased with them all) state that, “But it increases to 99 or 400 times.” (Maraqil Falaah Sharh Nurul Idah) This reward is based on sincerity, the more sincerity you have the more reward you get, it may be that you can get 70, 99 or even 400. Subhanallah! There are many benefits and one can gain so much reward. If we saw an advert stating the benefits of a product we would buy it. Don’ t forget the reward of following a Sunnah at the time of corruption and also reviving a Sunnah, we will not get these benefits elsewhere. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow this beautiful Sunnah, Ameen. Many Benefits Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Make Miswak a must do not be headless as there are twenty four benefits in Miswak, the greatest benefit is that Allah (The Exalted, is pleased, there is increase in wealth, it freshens the breath, it strengthens the gums, it relieves headaches, it relieves toothache and due to the light from the face and teeth the angles shake hands.” (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 903 with reference to Qushayri) The Miswak has benefits for a person in this world and the hereafter. The Miswak saves you from many types of illnesses in the mouth, with the gums and teeth. ‘Ali, Ata and ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be please with them all) state that Miswak strengthens a person’s memory, cures headaches, relieves the veins in the head, it gets rid of phlegm, strengthens the eye sight, keeps the liver healthy and helps digest food, increases intelligence, helps increase in family, lineage stays healthy in an old age, strengthens the stomach, purifies the heart, when exiting the Mosque the angles walk behind the person, the Prophets’ make supplication of forgiveness for the person, the Shaytan is displeased, the difficulties of death become easy and one remembers the Shahadah, when the angel of death comes to take the soul he will come as one of your friends and in some narrations it states he comes in the form when he takes the soul of a Prophet, you will get the book of deeds in the right hand, cross the bridge of Pul-Sirat with the speed of lightening, peace in the grave, if a person forgets to use the Miswak
who has a habit will still be rewarded, and the doors of paradise are opened for that person. (Footnote of Tahawi and Maraqil Falaah Sharh Nurul Idah) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Miswak increases the memory and rids phlegm.” (Maraqil Falaah Sharh Nurul Idah) The doctors say that the reasons for spots in the mouth are due to heat and acid from the liver and bacteria that is created in the mouth. One should use a Miswak as the saliva that is created from using the Miswak rids the illnesses. On Awakening ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Never woke from sleeping at any time of the day or night without cleaning his teeth with a Miswak before performing ablution.” (Muslim, Tahrah. Abu Dawood, Tahrah. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 285) To perform Miswak after sleeping when one awakes is a Sunnah. Whilst asleep the bad odours from the stomach comes towards the mouth which is why the mouth smells. With the blessings of this Sunnah the mouth will be cleansed. On Entering The House When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), intended to recite the Qur’an or sleep, he would use a Miswak. He did the same when entering the house. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “The first thing that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did on entering the house, was Miswak.” (Muslim) Part of Ablution Hassan bin ‘Atiyya (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Ablution is part of faith and using a Miswak is part of ablution.” (Tirmidhi. Sharah Sunnah. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol:1, p. 292. Author of Ibn Abi Shayba) The Emphasis Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), said that, “ If I had not found it hard for my followers or the people, I would have ordered them to clean their teeth with Miswak for every prayer.” (Bukhari, Tahrah. Musli, Taharah.) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has concern for us, he did not want to place any type of burden on us, however, unfortunately we have turned our backs on the Qur’an and the Sunnah. What answer will we give to Allah (The Exalted) on the Day of Judgment? Allahu Akbar! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I have told you repeatedly to (use) Miswak (the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), emphasised on the use of the Miswak).” (Bukhari)
Importance of Miswak Allama Sha’ rani (may Allah have Mercy upon him) states that, ‘Once Abu Bakr Shibli (d.334 A.H.) (may Allah have Mercy upon him) was in need of a Miswak at the time of wudhu, he looked for one but could not find one. He spent a Dinar and bought one and used it, people said, ‘You have over spent, can you buy a Miswak this expensive?’ Abu Bakr Shibli (may Allah have Mercy upon him) replied, ‘This world and all its contents in front of Allah (The Exalted) is not even compared to a mosquito, what answer will I give on the Day of Judgement when Allah (The Exalted) asks me, “Why did you leave the Sunnah of my beloved? The wealth that I gave you which (in front of me) is not equivalent to a mosquito, you did not spend it for this Sunnah?”” (Lawaqihul Anwar) Allahu Akbar! What more can be said about the importance of the Miswak. Miswak a Great Sunnah ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “He passed away in my house, on my day, between my chest and throat. And at death Allah (The Exalted) joined my saliva to his. For when my brother ‘Abd al-Rahman entered carrying a Miswak in his hand, he (the Prophet) began to look at it, and I knew that it pleased him, so I said; “Shall I bring it to you?” Yes, he nodded, so I handed it to him. He put it into his mouth, but it was too hard for him. “Shall I soften it for you?” I asked. Yes, he nodded, so I made it soft. And by him there lay a leather vessel containing water into which he started dipping his hand, saying, “No deity is there except Allah! (The Exalted) truly death has agonies!” then he lifted up his hand and said, “The Highest Companion! The Highest Companion!” and I said, “So by Allah! (The Exalted) he will not prefer us.”” (Bukhari, Riqaq) ‘ Inna Lil-La-hi Wa-inna Ilay-hi Ra-Jioon.’ Even on the death bed the Miswak was a beloved Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), because it pleases Allah (The Exalted). Let us grasp hold fast to this Sunnah, we brush our teeth anyway, why not use the Miswak too as you can carry the Miswak with you as there is no need for paste, as the Miswak comes form a tree which has natural benefits and you can use it whenever you want, after eating, before entering the house, etc. Cure For Illness ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “There is a cure for every illness in Miswak besides death.” (Delmi) Allama Amjad ‘Ali writes in Bahar-e-Shariat that, “The scholars state whosoever has a habit of using the Miswak, then at the time of death they will (be blessed with the) reciting of the Shahadah and one who takes drugs will not (Allah forbid). (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 904/5) Disadvantage of Toothbrushes According to researcher, 80% of illnesses of intestine and liver disease come from bad health. In general those who do not keep their teeth clean, bacteria will create more diseases in their body. Remember that the toothbrush is not a substitute of a Miswak as the researches have stated. When the toothbrush is used once, a bed of bacteria sits at
the bottom of the brush, even after washing the brush the bacteria will increase, with the brush the natural brightness of the teeth is lost, by using brush gaps are created between the gums and teeth. When gaps are created bits of food get stuck and bacteria grows, besides many illnesses in the eyes can be created, weakness in eyes as well as one can lose their eye sight. How to hold the Miswak According to ‘Abd Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) hold the Miswak in the right hand so that the small finger is below the Miswak and the thumb is below the tip and the other fingers are on top of the Miswak. (Raddul Mohtar) Do not hold it in the fist as there is a chance of illness. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 908) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes; “To keep the teeth healthy, a deed has been practised by the scholars, that is in the first cycle of the Witr prayer recites Surah Nasr, in the second Surah Lahab and in the third Surah Ikhlas.” (Fatawa-e-Razwiyya / Nizam-e-Shariat) Manners of Miswak The Miswak should not be too hard nor too soft. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 908) It be from trees such as Zaytoon, Peelu or Neem and not from a fragrant tree. (ibid) Rub the Miswak on the gums at least three times and dip it in water each time. (ibid) If the finger is to be used instead of the Miswak, then the upper and lower jaws on the right side are cleaned with the thumb and the left side is cleaned similarly with the index finger. (ibid) Put the Miswak upright when not in use. (ibid) There is a chance of becoming insane if placed on the floor. (Raddul Mohtar) The Miswak should be no thicker than the little finger and longer than the hand span as the devil sits on the end if longer. (Bahrur Raiq & Bahar-e-Shariah) It is not a problem if less than a hand span but not too short that it is difficult to use. Imam Shafi said, ‘cleansing the teeth increases wisdom’ . (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Use the right hand to perform the Miswak. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 908) Clean at least three times. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 908) Do not perform the Miswak in a up/down motion but use it from right to left as there is a chance of damaging the gums. (ibid) It is disliked to use the Miswak in the toilet. (ibid) Do not use it whilst lying down as there is a chance of bad temper. (Maraqil Falaah)
To perform Miswak in wudhu is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnat-e-Muakeda). (Abu Dawud, Durre Mukhtar. Bahar-e-Shariah; Vol: 4; with reference to Raddul Mohtar) Miswak is Sunnah for ablution and not for Salaah. (Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 293. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 1, p. 619) Do not throw away the Miswak or the bristles away but bury them. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnats of Miswak, p. 908) Use the Miswak from one end and not both. (ibid) Women can also use the Miswak. (ibid) One who uses the Miswak gets five rewards for each tooth. (Tazkiratul Waizeen) The companions would keep the Miswak on their ears even at the time of journey. Cut the bristles (tip) of the Miswak every 1-2 days and start fresh by biting to make it soft. It is permissible to use Miswak whilst fasting. However, it is not permissible to use a flavoured Miswak nor is it permissible to use toothpaste, when the taste enters the throat breaking the fast and it is wajib (necessary) to be made up. However, if it does not go down the throat it is Makrooh (disliked), but one should abstain if there is no need to do so. (Fatawa-e-Barkatiya, p. 314) It is Sunnah to use a Miswak on the day of Jumu’ah. (Musnad Imam Ahmad) According to a hadith, the use of Miswak will gain a person the reward equivalent to the number of new Muslims that revert until the day of judgement. (Tazkiratul Waizeen) To use the Miswak after eating, one will gain the reward of freeing two slaves. (Tazkiratul Waizeen.) Other times when the usage of Miswak is Sunnah For the recitation of the Holy Qur’an. For the recitation of Hadith. When the mouth emits bad odour. For teaching or learning the virtues of Islam. For making remembrance of Allah (The Exalted). Before intercourse. After entering one’s home.
Before entering any good gathering. When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst. After the time of Suhoor. Before meals. Before and after a journey. Before and after sleeping. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to practise this beautiful Sunnah with sincerity, Ameen. CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE SUNNAH TO PRAY ADHAAN, IQAMAH & OF THE MU’AZZIN O Allah (The Exalted) favour master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) until there remains not a single drop of favour. After the completion of Masjid-e-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) in the first year of migration from Makkah to Madinah, there had still been no medium through which the people could be informed of the time regarding congregational Salaah. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) consulted the companions regarding this, some suggested a fire be lit, while others proposed a bugle be used. These methods were not preferred by him as they were also used by the non-Muslims to gather people. Hence, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that someone should go around Madinah announcing the time of Salaah. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked this idea and ordered Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to do so, who would pass through the city saying, “As-Salaatu Jaam’ iatun” , for all five daily Salaah. It was during this time that a companion named ‘Abd-Allah bin Zaid Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) had a dream in which the Adhaan according to the Shariah (i.e. the present Adhaan) was being read - a dream thereafter seen by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and other companions as well. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) accepted this as an order from Allah (The Exalted) and instructed ‘Abd-Allah bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) to teach Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) its words seeing that he had a louder voice; and thus, from that day onwards and until the Last Day, the method of reading Adhaan had begun. (Zarqani, Vol: 1, p. 376. Seerat-e-Mustafa, p. 80.) Subhanallah! The Rewards The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once gathered the women (behind a Veil) and said; ‘O women when you hear Bilal saying the Adhaan and Iqamah reply to what he says, as Allah (The Exalted) will reward you for every word
100,000 and raise your status by 1000 and will forgive 1000 sins. The women said; ‘This is for the women what about for the men? The Prophet said; ‘ for men it is twice the reward.’ (Ibn Asakar) It is stated in the hadith that there is a lot of reward for calling the Adhaan. In one hadith it is stated, “ If people knew how much reward there is for calling the Adhaan, then they would be fighting with swords between them.” (Riwa’al Hamd) Allahu Akbar! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, three types of people would be on the mountain of black musk on the Day of Resurrection. They will have no accounting and they will have no anxiety till they become free; One who recites the Qur'an and leads the Salaah for those who are pleased with him, One who gives the Adhaan in a mosque to please Allah (The Exalted), and One who is troubled in the world regarding his livelihood but does not give up the deeds of the next world in searching it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The hand of mercy remains on the head of the person calling the Adhaan till he finishes.” Forgiveness ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The caller of Adhaan will be forgiven (equivalent) to the distance which it is heard, and everything wet and dry that hears it will ask for forgiveness for the caller.” (Kanzul Ummal. Kamil ibn Adi. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol:11, p. 445. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 2, p. 273) Subhanallah! Loud Voice ‘Abdur Rahman (may Allah be pleased with him) reports on the authority of his grandfather’s father Sa’ad who was the mua’azzin of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to put his fingers in his ears, saying that it made the voice louder. (Ibn Majah) ‘Aun bin Abi Juhaifa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father who said that, “ I saw Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) turning his face from side to side while pronouncing the Adhaan for the prayer.” (Bukhari) It is Sunnah to turn to the right at ‘Hayya ‘Alas Salaah’ and to the left at ‘Hayya ‘Alal Falah.’ Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Some of my companions told me that Hisham had said, “When the Mu’azzin said, ‘Haiya Alas-Salaah (come for the prayer).’ Muawiya said, ‘La hawla wala quwata illa billah (There is neither might nor any power except with Allah)’ and added, “We heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying the same.”” (ibid)
Kissing the Thumbs Shaykh Ali Qari Mati (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states that “When ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) heard ‘Ash-Hadu Anna Muhammad-ar-Rasulullah’ he replied by saying ‘Quratu ‘Ayni Bika Ya Rasulallah’ and he kissed his thumbs and placed them on his eyes. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whosoever liked the act of my beloved, his sins will be forgiven.”” (Tafseer-e-Roohul Bayan) In another hadith it states, “My intercession will become necessary.” (Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 438) Imam Hasan ‘Ali Jaddah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “Whosoever hears the Mu’azzin saying ‘Ash-Hadu Anna Muhammad-ar-Rasulullah’ and makes the following supplications: ‘Marhaban Bi-Habibi Wa Quratu ‘Ayni Muhammad bin ‘Abd-Allah Sallallahu ‘Alayhi Wa-Sallam’ and kisses the thumbs placing them on the eyes one will never become blind nor one’s eye will hurt.” (ibid p. 436 and Mozuaat Kubra, p. 210) Answer to the Adhaan Abu Said Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whenever you hear the Adhaan, say what the Mu’azzin is saying.” (Bukhari) It is stated in the hadith that ‘Paradise is for a person who replies to the Mu’azzin’ . (Hisnul Hasin) Distress At Death One should reply to the Adhaan, as it is wajib (necessary) to reply. Shaykh Ahmad Raza (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes: “Those who remain busy in chit-chat, it is feared that distress of death will be greater upon them (Allah forbid).” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) We should stop everything we are doing this includes writing, reading the Qur’an, not to make Salaam with another, not to reply to a Salaam etc. Journey Malik bin Huwairth (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, two men came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with the intention of a journey. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When (both of) you set out, pronounce Adhaan and Iqamah and the oldest of you lead the prayer.” (Bukhari) Shaytan Runs Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When the caller calls the Adhaan, Shaytan turns and runs.” (Bukhari, Adhaan & Muslim, Salaah.) Respected brothers! We should try and learn the Adhaan as it is a very blessed and rewarding deed. We should not feel shy or ashamed at all as you are calling people to prayer, how pleased will Allah (The Exalted) be when a servant is calling people to worship Allah (The Exalted)? Not only at this time but it is Sunnah to call the Adhaan in
the ears of a new born child as the Shaytan aggravates the child. We tend to wait until the mother and child comes home from hospital which could vary from days to even weeks and then call the local Imam, but by then the Shaytan has done his bit. We shouldn’ t keep this late, anyone can call the Adhaan in the child’s ear, hence, it be done as soon as possible. Terminology of Adhaan Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allah (The Exalted) is the Greatest. Ash-hadu Allah Ilaha Illallah, Ash-hadu Allah Ilaha Illallah I bear witness that there is no deity but Allah (The Exalted). Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah , Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar Rasulullah I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah (The Exalted). Hayya-‘Alas Salaah, Hayya-‘Alas Salaah Come to Prayer. Hayya-‘Alal Fallah, Hayya-‘Alal Fallah Come to success Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Allah (The Exalted) is the Greatest. Laa-Ilaha Illallah There is no deity but Allah (The Exalted). The following sentence is added at the call of Morning Prayer (Fajr) between the sentences six and seven. ‘As-Salaatu Khairum Minan Nawm’ (Salaah is better than sleep) NOTE: It is stated in the hadith that Paradise is for a person who replies to the Mu’azzin. (Hisnul Hasin) Durood When the Mu’azzin says Ash-hadu Anna Muhammadar-Rasool-Allah for the first time in Adhan then the listeners will kiss their thumbs placing them on the eyes saying: Sallallahu ‘Alayka Ya Rasool-Allah O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) may Allah (The Exalted) shower His mercy upon you When it is said for the second time, kiss the thumbs placing them on the eyes saying: Qurratu ‘Ayni Bika Ya Rasool-Allah Allahumma Matti’ Ni Bissami’ Wal Basar O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) you are the coolness of my eyes
O Lord! Make me one who benefits from listening and seeing Those who continue to perform this act, Allah (The Exalted) willing one will never loose their eyesight and if your eyesight is weak then this supplication will help. (Bashir-ul-Qari Sharh Sahih Bukhari) In Ehkam-e-Shariat, Shaykh Ahmad Raza (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) writes: “To say ‘Assalatu Was Salamu ‘Alaika Ya Rasool-Allah’ after Adhaan is desirable. (Mustahab) It has been approx. five and a half hundred years that this has been practised in Haramain Sharifain, Syria, and Damascus etc. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that “A supplication made between the Adhaan and the Iqamah is never rejected.” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) Try making supplication, go early to the Masjid and recite the Qur’an, do Dhikr or make supplication. Supplication between the Adhan and Iqamah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Supplication between the Adhan and Iqamah is never rejected.” The Companions asked, “Which supplication to we make?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: Allahumma Innee Asalukal ‘Afwa Wal ‘Aafiyata Fidunya Wal Aakhirah ‘O Lord! I seek forgiveness and relief from You in this world and the hereafter.’ (Tirmidhi in Salaah) Supplication after Adhaan Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever says when he hears the Adhaan: ‘Allahum-ma Rabba Haa Dhi-hid Da’watit-Taamma Was-Salatil Qa-aimah Aati Sayyidina Muhammadanil Wa-seelata Wal Fo-deela Wad-Dara-jatar-Rafee’ah Wab-bath Hu Maqa-mam Mah-mooda-nil Ladhi Wa ‘Attahu Warzuqna Shafa ‘Atuhu Yowmal Qiyamah Innaka La-tukhliful Mee ‘aad.’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted)! Lord of this perfect call and of the ever living prayer, grant means and honour to Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and raise him up to the position of glory which you hast promised him. and grant us his intercession on the day of judgement. Surely You do not go against Your promise.’ My intercession will become lawful for him on the Resurrection Day.” (Bukhari)
By reciting this supplication, the intercession of Rasulullah becomes necessary (Wajib).” (Mishkat) Leaving After Adhaan Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave us the order that until you are in the Mosque and the Adhaan has been called no-one should leave till Salaah has been offered.” (Ahmad. Mishkat-ul-Masabih. Targheeb wat-Tarheeb. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 513 & Fatawa-e- Razawiya, Vol: 3, p. 773) In another hadith it has been said that the person who leaves after the Adhaan has been called is a hypocrite unless he returns. To Ask For Rain Stand behind an Imam as one would do for the five times Salaah, the Imam will pray Surah Yaseen aloud and at the point of ‘Mubeen’ say the Adhaan loud and another method is on the top of the roof, or on your own or some people get together and say the Adhaan, with the blessing of Adhaan Allah (The Exalted) will send rain. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) The same method can be used to stop rain. Stop All Activities Whilst The Adhaan is Being Called A Junub (In need of ghusl) should also reply to the Adhaan. It is not Wajib for a woman in her period or who is still bleeding after childbirth, or a person who is listening to the Khutba, or a person praying the Salaah of Janaza, or a person engaged in sexual intercourse, or a person in the toilet to reply to the Adhaan. Whilst the Adhaan is being called, all talking, greeting and reply to the greeting should be stopped, and all other occupations should be stopped. Even the recitation of the Qur’an should be stopped if the sound of Adhaan is heard and it should be listened to and replied to. The same rule applies for Iqamah. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Alamgiri) If you are walking and you hear the sound of Adhaan, then stop, listen and reply to it. (Alamgiri, Bazazia) Who Should Call The Iqamah Ziyad bin Al Haris (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ordered me to call the Adhaan for the Fajr Salaah and I did so. Then Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) wanted to utter the Iqamah, but the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to him, “Your brother of Suda has called the Adhaan, and he who calls the Adhaan utters the Iqamah.” (Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi, Ahmad, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 422 & Fatawa-e- Razawiya, Vol: 2, p. 461) The time between the Adhaan and Iqamah Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to Bilal, “When you call the Adhaan speak slowly, when you utter the Iqamah speak quickly, and leave between your Adhaan and your Iqamah (except for Maghrib) time for one who eats to finish his food and one who drinks to finish his drink, and till one completes what is necessary.” (Tirmidhi, Tahrah. Baihaqi. Hakim. Mishkat-ul-Masabih. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol:1, p. 423)
This does not mean you set of few minutes before the congregation time or just to finish of your chores, but to leave everything you are doing and offer the Salaah. Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy upon him) states: At the time of Iqamah when should the Imam and the Muqtadi stand, well Imam Nawawi in his explanation of Sahih Muslim, part one, page 122 writes, and it also states in Fatahul Bari the explanation of Sahih Bukhari, part two, page 81, narrated by Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa and it is he who says stand in your rows when ‘Hayya ‘Alal Falaah’ is said. In Fatawa-e-Alamghiri it states if someone came during the time of Iqamah, then for them to stand and wait is Makrooh, they should sit down and wait until the Mukabbir (caller of Iqamah) says ‘Hayya Alal Falah’ then stand up. The same rule applies to those already present, they should not stand until ‘Hayya Alal Falah’ is called and the same order also applies to the Imam. Nowadays there has been a tradition made that until the Imam does not stand on his prayer mat the Iqamah is not started, this is against the Sunnah. (Qanoon-e-Shariat.) Methodology of Adhaan The Mu’azzin should be pious, mature Muslim male who is knowledgeable in the Laws of Shariah. For the Mu’azzin to have a loud voice. For the Adhaan to be called from a high place. For the Mu’azzin to put his index fingers in his ears whilst making the Adhaan. When giving the Adhaan face towards the Qibla. To pause when calling out the words of Adhaan. To turn to the right when calling out “Hayya ‘Alas Salaah” and to the left when calling “Hayya ‘Alal Falaah.” The Mu’azzin should not be in a state of uncleanness, i.e. without wudhu or ghusl. When making the call of Adhaan or Iqamah the Mu’azzin should not indulge in any conversation or worldly talk. Important Rules All the five Fardh Salaah and also the Jumu’ah Salaah where one goes into the Mosque to pray with Jama’ah (congregation) and is prayed at a designated time, then Adhaan for these Salaah is Sunnat-e-Muakedah (emphasised Sunnah), and it’s order is the same as wajib (necessary). If the Adhaan is not called, then all the people from there are sinners. (Khaniya, Hindiya, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Durr-e-Mukhtar)
If someone prayed Salaah at home and did not call the Adhaan then there is no problem because the Adhaan at Mosque would be sufficient for them. Although it is recommended (Mustahab) to say the Adhaan at home. The Adhaan must be called after the time for that Salaah has begun. If the Adhaan is called before the time then it must be called again. (Qazi Khan, Shareh Waqiya, Alamgiri) The time of Adhaan is the same as the time of Salaah. The recommended (Mustahab) time of Adhaan is the same as the Mustahab time of Salaah. If the Adhaan was called at the start of the time and the Salaah is prayed towards the end of the time, then the Sunnah will still be fulfilled. (Durr -e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) The Adhaan called by a clever child, or a blind person or a person without ablution is correct and permissible. (Durr-e-Mukhtar) However, to call the Adhaan without ablution is disliked (Makrooh). (Miraqul Falah) Adhaan should be called by those who recognise the times of Salaah. Those who do not recognise the Salaah times are not worthy of gaining the reward of Adhaan which is gained by the Mu‘azzin. (Bazazia, Alamgiri, Gunya, Qazi Khan) It is better if the Imam calls the Adhaan. (Alamgiri) To change the words of the Adhaan such as to change the word Allah to Aallah due to melody, or to change the word Akbar to Aakbar or Akbaar is all forbidden. However, it is better to call the Adhaan in a sweet sharp voice. (Hindiya, Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) The Adhaan should be called in a minaret or outside the Mosque, do not call the Adhaan in the mosque (Jamaat hall). (Khulasa, Alamgiri,Qazi Khan) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to learn the Adhaan and gain the blessings from it, Ameen. CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO THE SUNNAH OF SALAAH O Allah (The Exalted) have our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) until there remains not a single drop of mercy. Salaah is obligatory upon those Muslims who are sane, adult, male or female five times a day. Whosoever denies Salaah as obligatory becomes a non-believer (Kafir). To miss even one Salaah intentionally or to pray it out of its prescribed time is a major sin (i.e. making it Qaza). It is unfortunate that many Muslims do not have any concern whatsoever of Salaah, the mosques seem empty or couple of rows filled with elders.
Allah (The Exalted) has done us a great favour of prescribing us with Salaah and if we make effort and offer Salaah, Allah (The Exalted) will reward us immensely. Let us read and understand the importance of Salaah and its rewards. Salaah Is a Pillar Of Islam ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “ Islam is founded on five pillars: bearing witness that there is no deity but Allah (The Exalted) and Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is His servant and Messenger: establishment of Salaah: paying of Zakah: performance of Hajj: and fasting in the month of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari and Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has compared Islam to a canopy resting on five supports. The Shahadah (submission to Islam) is the central support and the other four pillars are the remaining four supports, one at each corner of the canopy. Without the central support, the canopy cannot possibly stand, and if any one of the corner supports is missing, a collapse will result in the defective corner. Sins Fall Like Leaves Abu ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “ I was once sitting under a tree with Salmaan (may Allah be pleased with him). He caught hold of a dry branch and shook it till all its leaves fell off. He then said to me, “O Abu ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) will you not ask me why I am doing this?” “Do tell me,” I asked. He said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had done exactly like this before me, whilst I was with him under a tree. He caught a dry branch and shook it, till all its leaves fell off.” He said, ‘O Salmaan! (may Allah be pleased with him) will you not ask me why I am doing this?’ I replied, ‘Do tell me why you are doing this?’ he remarked: ‘Verily when a Muslim performs ablution properly and then observes his Salaah five times a day, his sins fall just as these leaves have fallen.” (Ahmad, Nasa’ i, and Tabarani with a Sahih chain.) Sins Washed Away Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked his companions, “Do you believe that dirt can remain on a person bathing five times a day in a stream running in front of his door?” ‘No’ , replied the companions, ‘No dirt can remain on his body’ . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remarked “So, exactly similar are the effects of Salaah offered five times a day. With the grace of Allah (The Exalted) it washes away all the (Minor) sins.” (Bukhari & Muslim) From One Salaah To The Other ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “At the approach of the our of Salaah, an Angel is deputed to proclaim, ‘Arise, O Children of Adam! And extinguish the fire that you have (by committing sins) kindled to burn yourselves. So, the people rise up, perform ablution and offer their Dhuhr Salaah. This causes forgiveness of their sins committed since day-break. The same is repeated at ‘Asr, Maghrib and ‘ Isha. After ‘ Isha
people go to the bed, but there are some busy themselves in good, while some others in evil.” (Tabarani in Kabeer and Targheeb.) When one offers their five times Salaah, the minor sins committed between the Salaah are forgiven. Not only that but when Salaah is offered with complete ablution with sincerity and concentration with the blessings one will leave even the major sins too, Insha-Allah! Paradise For Salaah Abu Qataadah bin Rab’ iyy (may Allah be pleased with him) says, “He heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, Allah (The Exalted) has said, “O Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have ordained five times daily Salaah for your followers. I have made a covenant with myself that whosoever is regular in performing Salaah at its fixed hour, shall be admitted into Paradise. Those of your followers who do not guard their Salaah, are not included in this covenant.”” (Durre Manthoor, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Abi Shaybah, Baihaqi and Sahih ibn Hibban.) Allahu Akbar! After the Day of Judgement there are only two places a person will be admitted, either Paradise or Hell. Allah (The Exalted) has promised Paradise for those who read five times a day. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “On the night of Me’ raj (ascension) fifty times Salaah become obligatory upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), then it was reduced to five, then a voice proclaimed ‘O beloved! What We say does not change and for these five you will be rewarded for fifty.’” (Tirmidhi) Forgiveness of Sins Abu Muslim (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I went to see Abu Umaamah (may Allah be pleased with him) whilst he was in the Masjid. I asked him if he had really heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “When a person performs ablution correctly and says his Fardh Salaah, Allah (The Exalted) forgives him all the (minor) sins committed in doing evil, by his ears in listening to evil, by his eyes in looking at evil and by his heart in thinking of evil.” He replied, ‘By Allah (The Exalted) I have heard these words from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) repeatedly.” (Ahmad with a Hasan chain.) When we offer our Salaah we have some hope of our forgiveness. If we don’ t offer Salaah then not only will we have no hope of forgiveness but our sins will continue to increase. Save yourself from hell and start offering Salaah five times a day on its prescribed time. Fear of Allah Nadhr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Once it became very dark during the day in Madinah. I quickly went to Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) to know if he had ever experienced similar conditions during the life of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He said, “During those blessed days, whenever
the wind blew strong, we would hurry to the Masjid lest it should be the approach of the Last Day.” Respected brother/sister! What is our situation? When it is bad whether let alone going to the mosque, we miss Salaah totally. Look at the fear the companions had. Why do we not fear Allah (The Exalted) like they did? Salaah is a fundamental pillar of Islam and should not be missed. Let us make the effort to observe five times daily Salaah. Beyond Expectation The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) tell your family members to pray Salaah, as Allah (The Exalted) will provide you with that beyond your expectation.” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Many are in great difficulties and have problems in their lives. They do not offer their Salaah on its prescribed time. We then wonder the reason why it is always me who is suffering. We depend on the scholars for an amulet (Taweez) and think it will all become well and good. Yes, you should seek get an amulet, however, follow the commands of Allah (The Exalted) by offering five times Salaah and following in the footsteps of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Insha-Allah your life will become full of blessings and when in difficulty you will just need to raise your hands and He (The Exalted) will give as you are a close and obedient servant to Him (The Exalted). Relief From Difficulty Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) happened to face any difficulty, he would at once resort to Salaah.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, ibn Jareer and Durre Manthur.) Do not loo for peace elsewhere but follow the Sunnah and observe Salaah, trust in Allah (The Exalted) and all will become well, Insha-Allah! Loosing Family and Wealth Naufil bin Mu’aawiyah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “A person who has missed one Salaah is like one who has lost all his family and wealth.” (Sahih ibn Hibban and Ahmad.) This is the answer to those baseless arguments within the family, no blessings in wealth, no peace of mind, always stressed and anxious etc. it is very simple and that is to offer Salaah and all will become easy. Respected brother/sister! We need Allah (The Exalted) and we need to thank Allah (The Exalted). Salaah was a gift to the beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and to his Ummah. Some brothers do not even pray the Jumu’ah, Allah forbid. If someone rejected your gift time after time and once came to ask for a favour, you probably think, ‘When I was giving you a gift you rejected many times and now you come and ask for something!’ , you would think twice of giving next time. Do not reject
the gift of Allah (The Exalted). May Allah (The Exalted) save us from missing our obligatory Salaah and save us all from the punishment in this world, in the grave and the hereafter, Ameen! Benefits of Salaah 1. The love of Allah (The Exalted) will start to increase. 2. The body will stay free from illnesses. 3. You will stay in the protection of the Angels. 4. You will gain blessings in the home. 5. Your face and body will become illuminated. 6. Allah (The Exalted) will protect you from the punishment of the grave. 7. Allah (The Exalted) will protect you from the fire of hell. 8. There will be ease in the questioning on the Day of Resurrection. 9. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will intercede for you. 10. You will be with the friends of Allah (The Exalted) without fear. 11. The greatest benefit for a believer will be the vision of Allah (The Exalted). (Tadh Kiratu Waidheen. Faizan-e-Sunat, p. 955) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When one stands for Salaah then Allah’s (The Exalted) mercy and reward is showered upon him from the heavens. When one stands for Salaah angels gather around the individual from the feet upto the sky. When one stands for Salaah, an angel says, “O worshipper! If you were able to see who you are conversing with, you would not wish to move from Salaah.” (Tanbihul Ghafileen. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 959) Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that: “Allah (The Exalted) will not look at that a person on the Day of Judgement who does not make his back bone straight between his bowing (Ruku) and prostration (Sajdah).” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Remember to stand after bowing ‘ ruku’ for the time it takes to say at least ‘Subhanallah’ once is necessary (Wajib), and do not rush your Salaah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that: “ If a person establishes prayer at its appointed time, undertakes ablution, makes his bow and prostration perfect and fears Allah (The Exalted) the prayer will illuminate him and say: ‘May Allah guard you as you have guarded me.’” (ibid) Increase In Reward
Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with him) was once sleeping, all of a sudden someone woke him up. When he looked, this person had hid and Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘Who are you and what is your name?’ The person said, ‘ I am the unfortunate Iblees who is very famous.’ Muawiya (may Allah be pleased with him) was surprised and said, ‘The job of Ibless is to make sure the Muslim does not get up for Salaah and makes them sleep? If you are Iblees than why have you woke me up for Salaah? Iblees said, ‘O such a person, the reason I woke you up is, if I made you miss your Salaah, you would have cried in sorrow and in the court of Allah (The Exalted) your reward would have increased by 200, this is the reason I woke you up so you don’ t get extra reward.’ (Faizane Sunnat, virtues of Salaah.) Subhanallah! Those close to Allah (The Exalted) when they unintentionally missed their Salaah they cried in fear and to seek Allah’s (The Exalted) forgiveness. However, we miss so many but not feel the slightest fear. Salaah has unfortunately no importance in our lives, we are too busy as if Allah (The Exalted) needs our Salaah. Remember, Allah (The Exalted) is not in need of anything but we are in need of everything. Every second of our lives are dependant on Allah (The Exalted) as we may be headless of the fact that we need oxygen, food, shelter etc. we are headless of the fact of being dependant, hence, we pray if we get time. Many times we indirectly refuse to bow our heads in the court of Allah (The Exalted). Remember the fact that we have to return to Allah (The Exalted), when our eyes close and those people and the materialistic world we use to run after will stop and nothing will be able to help you. Make an effort and do not be lazy or make silly excuses, do not become a companion of the Shaytan. There are many benefits in performing Salaah of which some are mentioned below. Position of Salaah ‘Abd Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) also heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “There is no Islam in a person when there is no Salaah by him. The position of Salaah in Islam is as the position of the head in a body.” Have you seen anyone without a head? It is impossible. In the same way there should be no Muslim who doesn’ t offer the five times Salaah on its prescribed times. It has been narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) read Salaah on a carpet, thin mat, or straws and on the sand or earth. (Tirmidhi) We should think for a moment that we have soft carpets and prayer mats, however, we still do not want to bow our heads in court of Allah (The Exalted) what answer will we give to Allah (The Exalted)? Salaah or Kufr? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The covenant observed between us and them (the non believers) is prayer, so the one who abandons it will be an infidel.” (Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Nasa’ i, Tirmidhi, ibn Maja and ibn Hayyan.)
Jabir bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying: “To discard Salaah is to be linked with Kufr” (Muslim and Ahmad.) Allahu Akbar! The Non-Muslims also fast, offer pilgrimage and give charity, however, they do not offer Salaah and that person who does not offer Salaah is linked with disbelief, although the person will not come out of the fold of Islam but it is a major sin, to say it is linked with Kufr is enough to make a person realise the importance of Salaah. Neglecting Salaah ‘Abd-Allah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) while talking about Salaah said, “For its votary, Salaah shall on the Day of Judgement, be a light for him, an argument in his favour, and a means of his deliverance. Whereas there will be no light, no defence and no deliverance from doom for him who does not guard his Salaah, and he shall meet the fate of Pharoah, Haamaan and Ubay bin Khalaf.” (Ahmad and Sahih ibn Hibban.) Allahu Akbar! Pharoah the great disbeliever has been so arrogant that he proclaimed himself ‘Lord the Highest’ and made his people worship him. Haamaan was his Chief Minister and accomplice. Ubay ibn Khalaf was the most active and severest enemy of Islam among the disbeliveers of Makkah who troubled the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The only destination for these people is the hell fire, has anyone of us got the ability to take this punishment and be raised with them? Even Shaytan Runs! It is said that a person was passing through the jungle and the Shaytan joined him who did not pray even one Salaah throughout the day. It was night time and the Shaytan began to run away from him, the person was surprised and asked the reason for running away. The Shaytan said, throughout my whole live it was only once that I rejected to prostrate to Aadam (upon whom be peace) and I was rejected and you today have missed all five prayers, I am starting to fear that you may be punished and I may be punished with you.” (Durratun Nasiheen. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 982) Importance of Congregation Believers are particularly encouraged, in several hadiths, to attend the congregational prayers in the morning and in the evening. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) explained that there is great reward for those who attend the Mosque for these two prayers (Fajr and ‘ Isha). It will suffice here to quote just two of these reports: ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever prays ‘ Isha in congregation, it is as if he stayed up half the night in prayer, and whoever prayed Fajr in congregation, it is as if he spent the entire night in prayer.” (Muslim)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “No prayer is a greater burden on the hypocrites than Fajr and ‘ Isha. If they knew how much (blessings) there is in them, they would come even if they had to crawl.” (Bukhari & Muslim) ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “A Salaah with congregation is twenty-seven times superior to Salaah performed individually.” (ibid and Tirmidhi.) Subhanallah! Congregational prayers should increase brotherhood amongst the people creating one society and one Ummah. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Salaah with congregation is twenty-five times superior to Salaah which is said in a house or in a shop. It is so because when a person performs ablution in right earnest and walks on to the Masjid, with the sole intention of performing Salaah, each step he takes, adds one blessings to his account and wipes out one sin therefrom. Again, if he keeps sitting in the Masjid after Salaah, the angels keep seeking Allah’s (The Exalted) blessings and forgiveness for him and as long as he keeps sitting in the Masjid waiting for Salaah, he goes on earning rewards as if he is busy in Salaah.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi and ibn Majah.) Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A person who is all sincere is constant in his Salaah with congregation for forty days, without missing the first takbeer, receives two rewards: one for deliverance from Hell and the other for freedom from hypocrisy.” (Tirmidhi) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “ If there are (even) three persons in a village or in a desert, and they do not say their Salaah with congregation, then Shaytan gets hold of them. Remember that congregation for Salaah is necessary for you. Surely a wolf devours a lonely sheep, and Shaytan is the wolf for men.” (Ahmad) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that: “ I oppose those people who do not pray in congregation and instruct that their houses should be burnt.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Abu Umama (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to the nearest meaning that “ If a person leaving congregation knew what there is for the one leaving it then one would drag themselves to come.” (Tabarani) Allahu Akbar! Respected brother! Although we pray our Salaah, we should pray in congregation. Distress of Shaytan When Shaytan sees a person praying Salaah he becomes distressed, Shame! With the blessings of Salaah this person will enter Paradise and I will go hell. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that: “When a person prostrates,
Shaytan runs whilst crying and says ‘Shame! People were given the command to prostrate and prostrated and will attain Paradise. I was ordered to prostrate and I rejected and I will get hell.’” (Muslim) What good…? On the 28th Dhul-Hijjah 23 A.H. in the Morning Prayer, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was attacked by a non-believing slave Abu Lulu’ Firoz who stabbed him six times. He was sat hiding behind the Mehrab before the Salaah. As soon as ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) commence Salaah and was reciting Surah Fatiha, the slave attacked. ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Auf (may Allah be please with him) stepped forward and quickly completed the prayer. The attacker tried to escape whilst injuring other companions but found himself captured so he committed suicide. ‘Umar was taken home and when he become conscious the first thing he said, “ Is there time for Salaah?” people said yes. He said, “Face towards the Qibla” , and in this state he offered the prayer praising Allah (The Exalted) that He gave him the ability to offer Salaah even in this state. What good is a person without Salaah and then he asked “Who was my attacker?” people told him and with relief he said, “All praise be to Allah (The Exalted) my attacker was not a Muslim so he would go to the fire because of attacking me. Allahu Akbar! Even in this state ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) did not miss Salaah nor made any excuses to miss it. This shows the importance of Salaah but we are so headless. If we offer Salaah our lives are not at danger but we make excuses, how can I leave work, I’m tired and other baseless excuses. May Allah (The Exalted) give us a better understanding, Ameen! Methodology of Salaah According to Hanafi Fiqh Sunan of Qiyam At the time of saying takbir-e-tahrimah the back be upright. The head not be bent downwards. (Tahtawi) The feet be placed four fingers apart. (ibid) For women the ankles will be joined. (ibid) The toes be facing the Qibla. (Raddul Muhtar) The gaze be fixed on the place of prostration. The Muqtadi (follower) should raise their hands to say takbir-e-tahrimah together with the Imam. (Tahtawi) Those people who are more learned in the laws relating to Salaah should stand immediately behind the Imam. (Tirmidhi) To raise hands up to the ears (for men) and to the shoulders (for women) before saying takbeer-e-tahrimah (the first saying of Allahu Akbar in Salaah). (Tahtawi)
While raising hands for takbeer to keep the fingers of both the hands raised with fingers naturally apart. The palms facing towards the Qibla. Saying takbeer-e-tehrimah and other takbeerat aloud by the Imam according to the need, while going from one posture to another. After saying takbeer-e-tahrimah the men fold their hands below the navel and women upon their chest having the right hand on top of the left. (ibid) For men the small finger and the thumb of the right hand form a circle around the wrist of the left hand. (ibid) The middle three fingers are spread over the forearm. (ibid) The women will fold their hands upon their chests in such a manner that the palm of the right hand is placed on the back of the left. A woman should not grip her wrist like men. (ibid) To read Thana (in the first cycle only). (I’ laa’us sunan) ‘Subha-nak-allah Humma Wabi-ham-dika Wa-tabaa-rakas-muka Wata-‘ala Jadduka Walaa Ilaaha Ghayruk’ O Allah! Glory and praise are for You. Your name is blessed. Your majesty is exalted, and there is no-one else worthy of worship except You. Sunan of Qira’ah To read Ta’wwudh, i.e. ‘Aoodhbillah (Tahtawi) (only in the first cycle). To recite the complete ‘Bismillah…’ in every cycle before Surah Fatiha. (ibid) To say ‘Aameen’ after the recitation of Surah Fatiha. (ibid) Only Surah Al-Fatiha should be recited in the third and fourth cycle of the Fardh Salaah. (ibid) But recite a Surah after Fatiha in all cycles of Wajib, Sunnah and Nafil Salaah. To recite Thana, T‘awwudh, Tasmia and Aameen silently. (Maraqi) Sunan of Ruku To say takbeer (Allahu Akbar) whilst going into ruku (bow). (Tahtawi) To grasp the knees in ruku with open fingers but women should keep their fingers together. (ibid) In ruku to keep the back and head level, to stretch the hands straight keeping them away from the ribs. The knees should also be straight for men. (Raddul Muhtar) Women should bend only to the extent that their fingers reach their knees, keeping the fingers together and the arms are kept close to the side. (Tahtawi)
The gaze be fixed between the feet for men and on the feet for women. To say EMBED CorelDRAW.Graphic.11 ‘Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem’ (Glory to my Lord, the Great) at least three or five or seven times when bowing. (ibid) For men to have the big toe on each foot pressed on the floor is Fardh, to have the next two toes on each foot is wajib, and the rest two on each foot are recommended. If a person prostrates without placing the toes correctly the Salaah will not count. (Bahar-e-Shariat & Qanoon-e-Shariat.) Whilst coming up from ruku the Imam will say EMBED CorelDRAW.Graphic.11 ‘Sami ‘Allahu Liman Hamidah’ (Allah hears those who praise Him) followed by Rabbana Lakal Hamd’ (Our Lord, praise be to You) by the Muqtadi (people praying behind the Imam). If one is performing Salaah on their own, recite both. (Raddul Muhtar) Sunan of Prostration To say “Allahu-Akbar” whilst going into prostration (Sajdah). (ibid) Whilst going into Sajdah first place the knees, the hands, then the nose and then the forehead on the ground. (Raddul Muhtar & Tahtawi ) In Sajdah to keep the fingers in the natural position facing Qibla. Men should keep their thighs away from their stomachs, forearms off the ground and upper arms away from ribs, women on the contrary, should be close to the ground i.e. stomach touching thighs, forearms on the ground with the elbows close to the ribs. (Tahtawi) The gaze be fixed on the nose. In Sajdah to read EMBED CorelDRAW.Graphic.11 ‘Subhana Rabbiyal ‘A’ala’ (Glory to my Lord, the Highest) at least three, five or seven times. Whilst raising the head from prostration to say ‘Allahu Akbar’ . (Raddul Muhtar) Whilst coming up from prostration first raise the forehead, then the nose, then the hands and then the knees. The hands placed on the thighs when raising ones self, which is done without sitting or seeking support upon anything. (Raddul Muhtar & Tahtawi) One should pause and sit momentarily between the two prostrations. (Tahtawi) Sunan of Sitting (Qai’dah) In Qa’ ida or Jalsa (sitting position) the men will place the left foot horizontally on the ground and to sit on it and to keep the right foot vertical so that the toes are facing the Qibla. Also both palms be placed on the thighs with the fingers facing towards the Qibla. (ibid) The women will sit on the left buttock with both feet horizontally on the floor toes pointing to the right. Both the hands be kept closed. (Raddul Muhtar & Tahtawi)
To say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and make the second prostration. The gaze be fixed on the lap. To recite the tashah-hud as follows: ‘At-tahiy-yatu Lil-laahi Was-salawatu Wat-tayyi-batu As-salaamu ‘Alayka Ay-yuhan Nabiyyu Warahmatullahi Wa-ba-rakatu. Assalamu ‘Alayna Wa ‘ala ‘ Iba-dillah Hisaliheen. Ash-hadu Allaah Ilaha Ilalaahu Wa-ash-hadu anna Muhammadan ‘Abduhu Wa-rasooluh.’ ‘All oral, physical and monetary worship is for Allah. Peace be on you, O Prophet and the mercy of Allah and His blessings. Peace be on us and on the righteous servants of Allah. I bear witness that no-one else is worthy of worship except Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.’ To raise the index finger of the right hand as one says ‘Ash-hadu Allah IIaaha’ in tashah-hud. (Tahtawi) To recite Durood-e-Ibrahim in the last Qai’dah (sitting) after tashah-hud. (ibid) Durood-e-Ibraheem Allahumma Salli ‘Ala Muhammadiw Wa ‘ala Aali Muhammadin Kama Sallayta ‘Ala Ibraheema Wa ‘Ala Aali Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed. ‘O Allah! Send mercy on Muhammad and his family as You sent mercy on Ibraheem and his family. Truly You are the praise-worthy and Glorious.’ Allahumma Baarik ‘Ala Muhammadiw Wa ‘ala Aali Muhammadin Kama Baarakta ‘Ala Ibraheema Wa ‘Ala Aali Ibraheema Innaka Hameedum Majeed. ‘O Allah! Bless Muhammad and his family as You blessed Ibraheem and his family. Truly You are the praise-worthy and Glorious.’ To read dua-e-Masura after Durood Ibrahim. (ibid) ‘Rabbij ‘Alni Muqeemas Salaati Wa-min Dhur-riy-yati Rabbana Wa-ta Qabbal du‘aa. Rabbanagh Firli Waliwa Lidayya Walil Mu’mineena Yawma Yaqoomul Hisaab.’ ‘O my Lord, make me and my children steadfast in the prayer. Our Lord, accept the prayer. Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the day of judgement.’ To turn the face to the right and left whilst making salaam. (ibid) Keeping the gaze fixed on the shoulder. Whilst making salaam to make the intention of greeting the angels, Imam and the fellow muqtadees. (ibid) The Imam should recite the salaam of the right side in a louder tone than that of the left.
The muqtadees should turn for their salaam with the Imam and not delay. (ibid) The masbooq should delay his standing up for the completion of his missed cycles till the Imam says his second salaam. (ibid) Supplication After Salaah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Whoever recites the following after Salaah shall attain the full reward of his Salaah. ‘Subhaana Rab-bika Rabbil ‘ Izzati ‘Amma Yasifoon Wa-salaa-mun ‘Alal Mur-saleen Wal-hamdu-lillahi Rabbil ‘Aa-lameen.’” ‘Pure is your Lord, the Lord of honour, from that that which they attribute (unto Him) And peace be on the messengers. And all praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds.’ SUNNAH AFTER THE COMPLETION OF SALAAH After the completion of Fardh Salaah to read ‘Allahu Akbar’ once and ‘Astaghfirullah’ three times with the last ‘Astaghfirullah’ read a bit audibly and dragged (pulled) slightly. (Tirmidhi) After the Fardh of Fajr and ‘Asr to engage in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) for a short while. (Attargheeb) The angels continuously make supplication of forgiveness and mercy for that person who after his daily Salaah remains seated in his place of Salaah. (ibid) He who recites Ya Rahmanu 100 times after every Salaah will be free from a heavy heart. He who recites Ya Rahmanu 100 times after every Salaah will be free from worldly calamities and people will be helpful towards him. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes; “To fold the entire prayer mat (Masallah) is a good act, however, some people fold the corner and say if left then the devil prays on it is baseless.” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) However, if you want to fold it, fold the complete mat. One should learn about the rules and regulations of Salaah as many people pray Salaah in the incorrect manner resulting in the Salaah being void. May Allah (The Exalted) guide us in the straight path, give us all the ability to offer our five times Salaah and for the brothers to offer their Salaah in congregation and give us all the ability to pray Salaah with its correct rules, Aameen.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE FAJR PRAYER O Allah (The Exalted) grant peace to our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) until there remains not a single drop of peace. Adam (upon whom be peace) offered two cycles of Salaah thanking Allah (The Exalted) for day light as he did not see darkness in Paradise. (Shaami. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 914) There is only day light in Paradise. When Adam (upon whom be peace) was sent to earth, it was night time, hence, when it became light he thank Allah (The Exalted). Rafi bin Khadij (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Observe morning prayer at dawn, for it is the practice most productive of reward.” (Abu Dawood) Two Cycles Sunnah Before Fajr Prayer The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Two Cycles of Sunnah prayer before Fajr is better than the world and all it contains.” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) Subhanallah! This is Sunnat-e-Muakedah and must be read. Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) related from Yahya Ibn Said (may Allah be pleased with him) that ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would pray the two cycles (Sunnah) of the dawn prayer (fajr) so quickly that I would say to myself “Has he recited the umm al-Qur'an (fatiha) or not?’” (Abu Dawood) Protection of Allah (The Exalted) ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever prays the Morning Prayer will be in the responsibility of Allah (The Exalted).” (Tabarani) This is the state every Muslim should be in by offering the Fajr Salaah and under the responsibility of Allah (The Exalted). We then need not to worry about the rest of the day, Insha-Allah all will be well. After The Fajr Prayer After praying the Fajr Salaah with congregation, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would turn towards the companions and ask if any one was ill so that I may visit him to enquire about his health? Has any one died that I may say his funeral prayer, on getting an answer he would do accordingly and he use to give them advice until sunrise then offer the Ishraaq prayer. Save Me From The Fire Of Hell
Muslim Taimi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone: ‘Allahumma Ajirni Minan Naar’ ‘O Allah, save me from the fire of Hell' If a person recites the above supplication and dies the same night, will be saved from Hell and if one recites it seven times after Fajr Salaah before speaking to anyone and dies that day will be saved from Hell. (Mishkat & Abu Dawood in Adab) Respected brother/sister! One should always wake up for the Fajr prayer. By bringing the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) into practice when waking up, by learning the supplications and offering the Fajr Salaah we will see success coming our way Insha’Allah. If one sleeps through the Fajr prayer, the angles come with the provisions for that day and return without leaving it with us. We now know one of the reasons why we have problems every day. Salman al-Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whoever went for the morning prayer, has gone with the flag of Islam, and whoever went to the market place has gone with the devil.” (Ibn Majah) Who do we represent when we leave in the morning? Let us all make the effort and obey Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and see how our day goes. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had heard of someone who would sleep throughout the night and wake up in the morning (missing Fajr prayer), the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said “This sort of person is such that the devil has urinated in the ear and has been left without the blessings of the morning.” (Muqashitatul Quloob & Nizam-e-Shariat) Respected brother of Islam! We should perform the way that our the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would enter and come out of the Mosque, now let us try and practice this Sunnah and bring it into our lives. Learn the supplications and show your friends how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has taught us and you should pray five times Salaah and try to pray with congregation in the mosque. Talk only about good things between Fajr and Sunrise. (Alamgiri) He who recites Ya Maliku (The Sovereign Lord) after morning prayers Allah (The Exalted) will make him prosperous. The Fajr Salaah consists of four cycles altogether; two Sunnah and two Fardh. Strive to wake up for Fajr, a method taught by the Sufis is that before going to sleep say to yourself, “O so and so (placing your name here)! Wake me up for Fajr.” Insha-Allah, your eyes will open at this time. DHUHR SALAAH
Ibraheem (upon him be peace) offered (Dhuhr) Salaah thanking Allah (The Exalted) for safeguarding his son Ismail (upn him be peace) and sacrificing a ram. (Tahawi. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 915) Abu Sa’ id al Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “When the heat is severe, say Salat-ul-Dhuhr, noon prayer.” (Bukhari) Four Cycles of Dhuhr Are Equal To Tahadjud The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said in a hadith that, “The four cycles before Dhuhr are counted equal (in reward) to the four cycles of Tahadjud.” Sunnah of Dhuhr The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who prays four cycles on declining of the sun and bows and prostrates well and recites the Qur'an well, seventy thousand angels pray for him and seek forgiveness for him up to night.” (Ihya ul uloom ) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If a man prays twelve cycles daily besides the obligatory prayers, a building will be built for him in Paradise. Two cycles before Fajr, four cycles before Dhuhr and two cycles after, four cycles before ‘Asr and two cycles after Maghrib.” (ibid) Look at the reward for offering the Sunnats. Many people offer the Fardh only as they have to get back to their busy life style in this temporary word. They do not realise and headless of the fact that by praying the Sunnats is a must and if missed one will be sinful. The reward for the Sunnats is a house in Paradise with bricks of Gold and Silver and which is the permanent abode, Subhanallah! After Dhuhr Salaah After the Dhuhr Salaah, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would eat and then take some rest. Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) would worship Allah (The Exalted) all-night and did not sleep until after Dhuhr Salaah and this was only for a short time because it was the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Just think how much love they had for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? However, it is unfortunate that today we have so much love for the world that we have forgotten the practices of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and have no doubt adopted the practices of the non-believers. We wonder why we are unsuccessful in the world and in religion and there is no blessing in our lives. Let us all bring the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in our life and watch the blessings of Allah (The Exalted) enter into our lives, Insha’Allah! He who recites Ya Quddusu (The Holy) after Zawwal (noon) regularly, his heart will be free from anxiety.
The Dhuhr Salaah consists of twelve cycles altogether, four Sunnah, four Fardh, two Sunnah and two Nafl. To recite four cycles before and two cycles after the four Fardh of Dhuhr is Sunnat-e-Muakedah, if not prayed one will be sinful. If one has arrived late, and congregation has started, he should hasten by walking bristly to join the congregation but should not run. (Tirmidhi) ‘ASR SALAAH ‘Uzayr (upon whom be peace) offered the ‘Asr Salaah to thank Allah (The Exalted) for bringing him back to life after one-hundred years, however, his conveyance (donkey) had decayed but he had some fruit which did not go off. Allah (The Exalted) bought him the donkey back to life and it was early evening when he thanked Allah (The Exalted). (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 914) You Will See Your Lord Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, ‘We were sitting with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he looked at the moon on the night and said, “You people will see your Lord as you see this full moon. You will have no trouble in seeing Him, so if you can avoid missing (through sleep or business, etc.) a prayer before sunrise (Fajr) and a prayer before sunset (‘Asr) you must do so.’” (Buhkari) It is Makrooh to pray any Salaah twenty minutes after fajr end time, before the Dhuhr beginning time (Zawwal-this time may vary) and twenty minutes before Maghrib. However, if one has not prayed that day’s ‘Asr then it should be prayed in this time and to delay it on purpose is a major sin. (Qanoon-e-Shariat) Sunnah of ‘Asr The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Allah (The Exalted) have mercy on the man who prays four Cycles before ‘Asr.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) made supplication for those who offer four cycles Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakedah (recommended) before ‘Asr. This Salaah falls under the desirable category, it is rewarding if you pray it and if you don’ t there is no sin nor will you be held responsible. Misfortune For Missing Salaah Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If someone misses the ‘Asr prayer it is as if he has suffered a great misfortune in his family and wealth.” (Malik’s Muwatta) Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related that, “Even if someone manages to pray before the time of the prayer has passed, the time that has passed by him is more important, or better, than his family and wealth.” (ibid)
Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related, Once ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) left after observing the ‘Asr prayer and met a man who had not been there. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked him, “What had kept him from the prayer.” Even though the man gave a good reason, ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “You have given yourself short measure.” (ibid) Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that , “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that the time of ‘Asr had began and people were in search for water to perform ablution but could not find any. Some water was bought to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in a small container, and he placed his blessed hands inside and ordered people to perform ablution. I saw that from his blessed hands the water was rising to the extent all the companions performed ablution.” (Bukhari, Tirmidhi and Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 4, p. 39) Subhanallah! In another similar hadith in Bukhari narrated by Jabir bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said even if there where 10,000 of us the water would have been sufficient, however, there where 1,500 of us. It is Sunnah to observe the four cycles Sunnah Ghair Muakedah before the Fardh of ‘Asr. (Tirmidhi) Praying four Cycles before Salat-ul-’Asr is a Sunnah, which has a great virtue. (ibid) NOTE-One should remember that the making of remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) and spending time in solitude is better than engaging in bad company and bad friends. To remain in the Masjid, in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted). The reward of such practises is that the performance shall merit the reward of freeing four slaves of the progeny of Ismail, upon whom be peace. (Attargheeb) As the sun begins to set do not allow children to go outside the homes and if they are outside ensure they are called in because it is at this time that groups of devils move around. (Al-Hisnul Hasin) He who recites Ya Ghaffaru Ighfirli (The Forgiver) daily after ‘Asr Salaah will be forgiven his sins. The ‘Asr Salaah consists of eight cycles altogether, four Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakedah and four Fardh. MAGHRIB SALAAH Dawud (upon whom be peace) offered the Maghrib Salaah for thankfulness that his repentance was accepted at the time of Sunset. He intended to pray four cycles but completed on three. (Tahawi. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 915) Allah (The Exalted) loves the practises of His Prophets (upon them all be peace). Supplication After Maghrib Pray this supplication after the three Fardh of Maghrib seven times:
‘Allahumma Ajirni Minan Naar’ ‘O Allah, save me from the fire of Hell' If a person recites the above supplication and dies the same night, one will be saved from Hell and if one recites it seven times after Fajr Salaah before speaking to anyone and if one dies on that day, he will be saved from Hell. (Mishkat & Abu Dawood in Adab) The performing of two cycles after Maghrib Fardh is Sunnat-e-Muakedah. (Tirmidhi) Close to wajib and if missed one will be sinful. The Maghrib Salaah consists of seven cycles, which are three Fardh, two Sunnah and two Nafl. ‘ ISHA SALAAH The ‘ Isha Salaah was offered by our beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 915) People Are Divided Into Three Groups Salmaan (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “After ‘ Isha the people get divided into three groups. There are some for which the night is a source of blessings and gain. They are those who spend it in the worship of Allah (The Exalted) while others sleep, for them the night brings great reward from their Lord. There are those who turn their night into sin and bring woe and misery. There is a third group of people who go to bed immediately after ‘ Isha; they neither gain nor lose.” Beautiful Recitation Al Bara (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) reciting Surah At-Tin Waz Zaitun (By the Fig and the Olive) in the ‘ Isha prayer and I have never heard anybody with a better voice or recitation than his.” (Bukhari) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would pray three cycles of witr after ‘ Isha reciting therein ‘Sabbihisma Rabbikal ‘Ala’ in the first cycle, Surah Kafiroon in the second cycle and Surah Ikhlas in the third cycle.” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came out (of his house) for ‘ Isha prayer at the time when one third of the night passed. He said, “Were it not that it would impose a burden on my people, I would normally pray with them at this time which is always preferable.” (Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would at times offer the witr prayer in the third part of the night. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan in ‘Ehkam-e-Shariat’ writes that one should learn to recite the dua-e-Qunoot in the third cycle of witr, however, if one does not know it them pray
dua-e-Jaami, if one does not know this then recite ‘Allahumaghfirli’ three times, if one does not know this then say Ya Rabbi three times the wajib will be fulfilled. Manners Of ‘ Isha To read four cycles Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakedah before the Fardh of ‘ Isha. (Mishkat) To read two cycles after the Fardh of ‘ Isha is Sunnat-e-Muakedah. (ibid) After these two Sunnah, instead of two Superogratory, read four cycles of Superogratory – when one prays four cycles one shall gain reward (reward) equal to the worship (Ibadah) of the night of Qadr. (Attargheeb) It is Makrooh (disliked) to speak of worldly affairs (unnecessarily) after ‘ Isha. (Mishkat) There are glad tidings for those who, although it is a moonless (dark) night and there are no other provisions for light. He still goes to read Salaah with congregation in the Masjid. (Ibn Majah) In the first cycle of witr after Surah Fatiha, it is desirable to recite- Sabbi Hisma Rabbikal ‘Alaa, and in the second cycle ‘Qul Yaa Ayyuhal Kafiroon’ , and in the third cycle ‘Qul huwallhu Ahadd’ . The Surah should be changed and not fixed for any Salaah. To read: ‘Subhaa Nal Malikil Quddoos’ (How perfect The King, The Holy one is.) Three times getting louder each time (so that you can hear) but making sure you do not disturb others. (Ibn Majah & Abu Dawud in Witr) There are glad tidings of Jannah for that person who performs ‘ Isha Salaah with Congregation with the first takbeer. (Takbeer-e-Oola). (Attargheeb) The ‘ Isha Salaah consists of seventeen cycles, four Sunnah, four Fardh, two Sunnah, two Nafl, three witr and two Nafl. Salaah For The Sick If a person due to illness cannot stand and pray Salaah then they should sit and pray Salaah. Whilst seated he should perform Ruku by leaning far forward and pray ‘Subhana Rabbial ‘Adheem’ and then sit back up straight and then go into Sajdah as normal. If he is not able to pray Salaah whilst being seated then he should lay down and pray. The method is to lay down flat and point the feet towards Qibla and keep the knees up and keep a pillow underneath the head so that the face is pointing towards Qibla and the head is higher than the rest of the body. To perform Ruku and Sajdah by actions, for the Sajdah lean the head completely forward and for the Ruku lean the head slightly forward. In the same way Salaah can also be prayed lying on your left or right side. When can an ill person miss Salaah ? When an ill person cannot even move his head then the Salaah is forgiven and there is no need to use the eyes to perform the actions or eyebrows or to pray with an intention
only in the heart. If six Salaah pass like this then there is no need to perform Qaza as this is also forgiven and there is no need for Fidya (monetary compensation). If the time like this is less than six Salaah then Qaza is obligatory even if the health is only a little better that the person can now move his head to perform the actions. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Bahar etc.) If an ill person is in a state whereby he cannot keep count of the cycles and Rukus or Sajdahs then there is no need for him to perform Salaah on time. (Durr-e-Mukhtar etc.) To stand in all Fardh Salaah, Witr, ‘Eid Salaah and the Sunnats of Fajr is obligatory and if Salaah is prayed whilst sitting down without genuine reason then the Salaah will not count. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) Because the Qayam (standing) is Fardh therefore without a genuine religiously recognised reason it cannot be missed, otherwise the Salaah will not count. Upto the extent that if you can lean on a stick, servant or wall then it is Farz to do this and if you can only stand for a small amount of time like whilst saying Allahu Akbar in Takbeer-e-Tahrimah then it is Fardh to start the Salaah whilst standing and then sit down afterwards otherwise the Salaah will not count. If you have a slight headache or flu or a cold or a small wound where people can walk about, is in no way a reason to pray the Salaah whilst being seated and if you have done so then it has not counted and you must pray Qaza for them. (Guniya, Bahar-e-Shariat) If a person leaks drops of urine or blood if he stands and doesn’ t if he sits then it is Fardh for him to pray whilst seated as long as there is no other way of stopping his illness. A person is so weak that if he goes to the mosque to pray the Salaah with Jamaat then he will have to sit down and pray Salaah, but if he remains at home then he can pray the Salaah standing, then it is Fardh for him to pray the Salaah at home with Jamaat if possible otherwise alone. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) If an ill person prays whilst standing then he cannot pray the Qur’an at all and if he prays whilst seated he can pray the Qur’an, then it is Fardh for him to pray whilst sitting down and if he can pray a little bit of the Quran whilst standing then it is Fardh to pray as much as he can whilst standing and then the remainder whilst seated. (ibid) If a blanket is put underneath the ill person praying Salaah and it has become impure but if you were to change it, it will become impure again then continue to pray the Salaah on the original blanket and if the blanket is changed then the new blanket will not become as impure as quickly but by changing the blanket it will cause great distress to the ill person then do not change it. (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Bahar) If a person is drowning and he can gain support from a stick then it is Fardh for him to pray the Salaah as long as Amar-e-Kasir is not performed and if he does not pray and he survives then he must perform Qaza. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Bahar) QAZA SALAAH AND MISSED SALAAH
To make a Salaah Qaza without genuine Shariah reason is a major sin and to pray the Salaah is Fardh and is necessary to perform repentance with sincerity. Besides the dislike (Makrooh) times Qaza Salaah can be offered at any time. Makrooh times: Twenty minutes after the sun has risen, twenty minutes before the sunsets and before the sun reaches mid point one can not offer Qaza Salaah. The Qaza for travelling is two cycles and for residence four will be offered. Sahib-e-Tarteeb should offer the normal Salaah but is Fardh to offer the Qaza Salaah on whom there is less then five Salaah pending. For a sahib-e-tarteeb it is not permissible to offer Salaah with congregation till the Qaza Salaah has been offered. There is Qaza only for Fardh and the three Witr of ‘ Isha will be offered. The Calculation It is important that you calculate the missed Salaahs. From the day you became an adult till those Salaahs that have been made Qaza count them individually, meaning the total number Fajr, Dhuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘ Isha and Witr. This calculation is easy as for the worldly thing we calculate to the nearest penny so the calculation of the Qaza can also be done. For instance you have calculated that you have missed in total 2,000 Fajr Salaah, Dhuhr in total is 1,000, likewise calculate and write them down and offer the Qaza for Fajr at the time of Fajr and Dhuhr at the time of Dhuhr etc. likewise offer all the Qaza Salaah in this manner and reduce the number of Salaahs. A simple way is that everyday before the Fardh Salaah or after offer one Qaza Salaah. For instance if you had 2,000 Fajr Salaah then before and after the Fardh Salaah keep offering the fajr Salaah and after ‘ Isha calculate how many Salaahs have been offered during the day and minus it from the total and at the end leave one Fajr Qaza out. In the same way start the Qaza for Dhuhr Salaah and at the end leave one Qaza of Dhuhr, do the same for ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘ Isha and Witr and then offer all five times Qaza in one go and now all praise be to Allah (The Exalted) you have become a Sahib-e-Tarteeb. The Method It is obligatory (Fardh) for every adult Muslim male and female to pray their Salaah. If a person began to pray Salaah few years after adulthood, it is obligatory to pray Salaah that has been missed. For example: If ‘Abdullah became an adult at the age of 15 years and he started to pray his Salaah at the age of 20 years, then he will have to pray 5 years of Salaah that he has missed. If a person doesn’ t remember when he became an adult, he should consider him becoming an adult at 12 years old. If a woman does not remember when she became an adult, she should consider her becoming an adult at 9 years old. During the monthly period cycle Salaah is not compulsory. Every one should perform their Qaza Salaah immediately, as no one knows when death will come (through illness & other reasons). It is recommended to pray your Qaza Salaah instead of Sunnat-e-Ghair Muakedah and Nafl Salaah, as it is obligatory to perform your Qaza Salaah first. On Blessed nights (such as Shabe Qadr, Shabe Baraat etc.) it is better to perform your Qaza Salaah . These Salaah can be prayed at any time except Sunrise, Midday and Sunset. All Salaah should be prayed as soon as possible without wasting time or laziness. Until the Qaza Salaah have been prayed no Nafl worship will be counted. The following question was ask to Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan:
Question: What do scholars of Islam say if one has many Qaza Salaah due? For Qaza Salaah, which Salaah have to be prayed? Is there any reduction for those who have many Qaza Salaah as it is difficult to perform, so that Qaza Salaah is made easier that is agreed (by scholars) as the time of death is not known? Answer: There are 20 Cycles of Qaza Salaah in a day, i.e. 2 Cycles of Fajr, 4 Cycles of Dhuhr, 4 Cycles of ‘Asr, 3 Cycles of Maghrib and for ‘ Isha 4 Cycles Fardh and 3 Witr (Wajib). When praying the Qaza Salaah, make the intention that I am performing my 1stor 2nd Qaza Salaah of Fajr or Dhuhr etc for the sake of Allah (The Exalted), facing the direction of the Ka’bah, then say ‘Allahu Akbar’ . (The intention is necessary from the heart but better to say it). In the same way make intention for the other Salaah by saying the Salaah you are intending to pray Dhuhr, ‘Asr etc. In every Ruku pray ‘Subhana-Rabiyal ‘Adheem’ once instead of three times and in Sajdah say ‘Subhana Rabiyal A’ laa’ once, it should be remembered in every Salaah when a person is fully in Ruku (and not whilst going into Ruku) one should start the ‘S’ of ‘Subhana Rabiyal ‘Adheem’ ) and when you complete saying the ‘Meem’ of ‘Adheem lift your head from Ruku, in the same way when you reach the in Sajdah start the Tasbih (Subhana-Rabiyal A’ laa) after completing the tasbih lift your head up from Sajdah. People pray the tasbih incorrectly whilst going into Ruku and Sajdah. In the Fardh Salaah, in the 3rd and 4th cycle instead of praying Surah Fatiha (Alhamdu-lillah-hirabbil-‘Aalameen) say ‘Subhanallah’ 3 times and go into Ruku, this is only for the 3rd and 4th cycle of a Fardh Salaah, this should be prayed when in the complete standing position then say ‘SubhanAllah’ then go into Ruku. In the 3 cycles witr of ‘ Isha, Surah Fatiha and a Surah should be prayed in all three cycles. In the last Qaida, after Attahiyaat, in place of the two Durood and Du’a you can pray ‘Allah-humma Sallai ‘Ala Muhammadiw-Wa’ala’ and complete your Salaah with Salaam. In the 3 cycle of wajib witr of ‘ Isha, in the last cycle after Surah Fatiha and a Surah say ‘Allahu Akbar’ whilst raising your hands place them under the waist and praying place of Du’a-e-Qunoot pray ‘Rabbigh Firlee’ three times. Allah Knows best. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 621/622) Alhamdulillah! We have been given an easy way to offer our Qaza (missed) Salaah, we should start this from today and do not delay as death can come at any time. Repentance Repentance is only correct when the Qaza is prayed and if you perform repentance but continuing not to pray the Qaza or committing the sin is not true repentance. (Radd-ul-Mohtar) It is quoted in the hadith that a person who performs Tawba (repentance) but continues performing that sin then he has not performed repentance but is playing a joke with Allah (The Exalted). The Qaza of Fardh Salaah is Fardh, the Qaza of Wajib is Wajib and the Qaza of Sunnat is Sunnat for those Sunnats that carry a Qaza such as the Sunnats of Fajr when the
Fardh has also been missed and the first Sunnats of Dhuhr when the Fardh has been prayed and the time of Dhuhr has not finished. (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) The Qaza of the two Sunnah of Fajr should be offered that day before Zawwal (midday according to Islam). If a person is so ill that they cannot pray Salaah even by actions and if this situation remains for six Salaah then the Qaza Salaah is not Wajib. (Alamgiri) It is obligatory for all adult Muslims to learn the Fardh rules of Shariat and being illiterate or a female is not an excuse. If you are not aware of your obligations and necessities according to Islam then you will be a sinner and caught in the grounds of punishment. Compensation for Salaah (Fidya) If a person’s Salaah has become Qaza and he dies then if he has left an order in his will to pay Fidya for his Qaza Salaah and he has left some money or goods, then Fidya should be paid from one third of the money or goods left by him and half Sa’a (approx. 4lb 8oz) of wheat or one Sa’a (approx. 9lb) of Sadaqah is to be given to the poor for every Fardh or Wajib missed. If the dying person has not left any goods then the next of kin can give to the poor from his own goods. The way to do this is the next of kin to give half a Sa’a to a pauper and he would become the owner, and the pauper would now as the owner give the goods back to the next of kin as a gift and now the next of kin would become the owner and to continue this process until all the Salaah have been counted for. If the person who has died has left some goods but is not enough then the same process should be applied. If the person who has died has not left an order in his will to give Fidya and the next of kin wishes to do so then they can. For whose Salaah there is fault or improper then they should repeat the whole lot as this is a good thing and if there is no fault then they shouldn’ t but if they would like to do so then they pray them after Fajr or ‘Asr and should pray all the Cycles in full (with a Surah attached) and for Witr after Qunoot they should perform Qaidah and then join another Cycle to make it a total of four. (ibid) Qaza-e-Umri does not exist Many people on the night of Shabb-e-Qadr or at the end of Ramadan pray two Cycles Salaah and believe that all their Qaza for a lifetime has been fulfilled; this is totally wrong and incorrect and is not possible. (Qanoon-e-Shariat) CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR VIRTUES OF VOLTENTRY PRAYERS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) among the First. O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) among the Last.
O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) among the Prophets. O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) among the Messengers. Respected brother/sister! We should spend our time in the worship of Allah (The Exalted) and not in sin or wasting the precious time that Allah (The Exalted) has given to us. We should not waste time in watching soaps, talking on the phone to a friend which is not important or reading literature that will not benefit and which one will have to answer for on the Day of Judgment. We should spend our time in the dhikr of Allah (The Exalted), Salaat-‘Alan Nabi (Durood), better still making up one’s missed prayers one will not get the opportunity after death. Let us learn about some of the voltentry prayers that we can pray and achieve closeness to Allah (The Exalted). TAHIYYA-TUL-WUDHU After performing ablution and before the water dries, to offer two cycles of Salaah is recommended (Mustahab). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever performs ablution and does it well, and with physical and mental concentration offers two cycles, for that person Paradise becomes necessary (wajib).” (Muslim) Ghusl After Ghusl to offer two cycles of prayer is recommended (Mustahab). If after performing ablution one offers any Fardh or other prayer, this will suffice for tahiyyatul wudhu. (Raddul Mohtar. Faizan-e-Sunnat, virtues of Salaah) TAHIYYATUL MASJID To fulfil the rights of the Masjid, offer two cycles when entering the Masjid which is Sunnah. Although it is better to pray four. Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever enter the Masjid, offer two cycles before sitting.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Manner Of The Salaah If you enter the Masjid at a time when Salaah is Makrooh (disliked), then perform dhikr, durood etc. the rights of the Masjid will be fulfilled. (Raddul Mohtar. Faizan-e-Sunnat) If you have performed a Fardh or Sunnah Salaah in the Masjid, tahiyyatul Masjid will be fulfilled, even if the intention was not made. Tahiyyatul wudhu is for those who have not entered the Masjid for Salaah but for lectures, dhikr etc. (ibid) If you are going to wait for Salaah, then offer tahiyyatul Masjid, however, as soon as you enter the Masjid you offer any Fardh or Sunnah then this will suffice. (ibid)
It is better to perform tahiyyatul Masjid before you sit and if you remember latter then perform it then. (Durre Mukhtar. Faizan-e-Sunnat) Tahiyyatul Masjid is sufficient once a day and not every time. (ibid) If someone went in the Masjid without wudhu and can’ t pray, then recite the following four times: “Subha-nal-lahi Wal-Ham-du-lil-lahi Wa-Laa-ila-ha Il-lal-lahu Wal-Laahu-Akbar” (ibid) (Pure is Allah (The Exalted) and praise be to Allah (The Exalted) and there is no deity except Allah (The Exalted) and Allah is great). TAHAJJUD PRAYER (The night prayer) Allah (The Exalted) states the virtue of those who wake up for the Tahajjud prayer in Surah Sajdah second ruku. Entering Paradise Without Accounting The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “People will be gathered in one field and a caller will say ‘Where are those who would leave their sleep’ , they will stand but will be few in number and will enter Paradise without accounting and then the people will be ordered for accounting.” (Baihaqi) Most Beloved Prayer ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told me, “The most beloved prayer to Allah (The Exalted) is that of Dawud (upon him be peace) and the most beloved fast to Allah (The Exalted) are those of Dawud (upon him be peace). He would sleep for half of the night and then pray for one third of the night and again sleep for its sixth part and would fast on alternate days.” (Bukhari) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would recite the last part of Surah Imran and offer Tahajjud prayer sometimes consisting of four, six or eight cycles with lengthy Surahs and he also offered on occasions three witr of ‘ Isha with them too. Then with total submission and extreme humbleness the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would make supplication for us, his beloved Ummah. Look at the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the Tahajjud Salaah was obligatory on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) but it is not for us. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remembered us in his prayers; we should remember him by following his Sunnah. Remember that ablution is obligatory for Salaah and that it is done properly the way the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has shown us. All parts should be washed carefully when passing water through the fingers and beard. Try to use the Miswak to clean the teeth, as not only does it make the gums
stronger but cleans the teeth and prevents disease and infection. The Salaah prayed after using a Miswak is seventy times virtuous than Salaah without a Miswak, Subhanallah! Why Pray Tahajjud? Al-Mughira (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would stand (in the prayer) or pray till both his feet and legs became swollen. He was asked why (he offered such an unbearable prayer) and he said, “Should I not be a thankful slave.”” (ibid) Should we not be thankful to Allah (The Exalted) and offer at least the five obligatory prayers on time? When To Pray? Aswad (may Allah be pleased with him) related that, I asked ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) about the night prayer (tahajjud and witr) of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as to what was the normal practice. She replied “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slept (after ‘ Isha) in the early part of the night. Thereafter he awakened (for tahajjud prayers) until the time of Suhoor (Sehri), thereafter he would say witr prayer. After that he would go to his bed and if he felt inclined, he would go to his wife. When he heard the adhaan he got up. If he was in a state of Janabah (impurity) he would take a bath otherwise he would perform wudhu and go to mosque for prayer.” (Tirmidhi) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would offer eleven cycles, and that was his prayer. He would prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Qur’an) before he would raise his head. He would pray two units (Sunnah) before the Fajr prayer and would lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.” (Bukhari) Sleeping Is a Condition The Salaah offered after ‘ Isha is called ‘Salatul Layl’ and the Salaah offered after sleeping be it for few seconds is called Tahajjud. Whatever is prayed before sleeping in not Tahajjud. (Bahare Shariat with reference to Raddul Mohtar) How Many Cycles? The time of Tahajjud commences in the last third of the night. Tahajjud is Sunnah and consists of a minimum of at least two cycles and a maximum of eight cycles. (Qanoon-e-Shariah) What To Pray? Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan states that; “ If possible recite as much Qur’an as possible, otherwise in every cycle recite Surah Fatiha and then Surah Ikhlas three times. One will receive the reward of completing a Qur’an in each cycle.” (Faizane Sunnat) One can recite any Surah as there is no restriction.
After Tahajjud After Tahajjud prayer, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take some rest or sit with the members of his family and talk about the Ummah. When Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) would call adhaan for Fajr prayer, then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would offer two Sunnah at home, in the first cycle after Surah Fatiha, Surah Kafiroon and in the other cycle after Surah Fatiha he would pray Surah Ikhlaas. (In the two Sunnah after the Fardh of Maghrib, he would recite the same Surahs at times). Call From The Unseen Ibraheem bin Adham (may Allah be pleased with him) was once asleep in the Ka’ba when a voice was heard from the unseen saying “The night prayer puts out the fire of hell and one will stay steadfast an the bridge of ‘Pul Sirat.’” After this he never missed the Tahajjud prayer. (ibid) Four Ways To Wake Up For Tahajjud 1) To eat less as it makes a person drink more if one eats more, 2) During the day do not work to much so that one becomes weak, 3) Do not miss the Siesta (Kaylula) as this is a Sunnah 4) Save yourself from sin as sinning makes the heart ‘hard’ and makes it difficult to wake up. Imam Thouri (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) said that, “Because of one sin I could not wake up for Tahajjud for five months.” People asked what was the sin? “Someone was crying and in my heart I thought he is showing others.” He said. (Tambihul Mughtareen) Allahu Akbar! Today thinking bad of someone in the heart is a thing of the pass, we have exceeded and feel no shame and talk bad about others to people, may Allah (The Exalted) save us from these Major sins and give us the ability to make true repentance and seek the knowledge of religion, Ameen! Four Spiritual Ways 1) Do not have hatred in the heart for any Muslim and free yourself from worrying about the worldly affairs, 2) To have the fear of Allah (The Exalted) and not to desire the world, 3) Find the virtues of standing in the night from the Qur’an, hadith and the life of the pious, 4) Have love of Allah (The Exalted) and most importantly thinking that Allah (The Exalted) knows your condition. (Faizane Sunnat) ISHRAAQ SALAAH Sins will be forgiven It is reported in a tradition that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone sits in his place of prayer when he finishes the Morning Prayer (Fajr Salaah) till he prays the two cycles of Ishraaq. Saying nothing but what is good; his sins will be forgiven even if more than the foam of the sea.” (Abu Dawood & Mishkat)
The fire of hell shall not touch the skin of that person who reads four cycles of Ishraaq Salaah. (Baihaqi) Subhanallah! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘After reading the Fajr Salaah with congregation continue to perform the dhikr of Allah (The Exalted) until after the sun rises then performs two cycles of prayer will be rewarded with Hajj and ‘‘ Umrah, this is called the Salaah of Ishraaq. (Tirmidhi ) How easy is it to gain the reward of Hajj and ‘Umrah! When To Pray? After offering the Fardh of Fajr, remain seated on the prayer mat till the sun rises and is sufficiently high. During this period it is better to remain busy in remembering Allah (The Exalted) reading the Kalima Shahadah or Durood or any other remembrance or supplication. He should not indulge in useless worldly talk or even business. When the sun is high, then one can offer two or four cycles of Superogratory prayer. The reward for this is equal to the reward of offering one Hajj and ‘‘ Umrah. If one was engaged in worldly affairs after the Fardh of Fajr and then offered Ishraaq Salaah, it would be valid. However, the reward will be reduced. (ibid) After Ishraaq After Ishraaq Salaah and breakfast, one should engage in the earning of permissible livelihood and then read Chasht Salaah at the time of Chasht. THE CHASHT SALAAH Abu Dhar Ghiffari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There is charity upon every bone (there are 360) in every declaration of the glorification of Allah (i. e. saying Subhan Allah) there is a Sadaqa, and every Takbir (i. e. saying Allahu Akbar) is a sadaqa, and every praise of His (saying Al-hamdu Lillah) is a Sadaqa and every declaration that He is One (La illha ill-Allah) is a sadaqa, and enjoining of good is a sadaqa, and forbidding of that which is evil is a Sadaqa, and all of these will suffice by offering two cycles of Chast.” (Muslim) Subhanallah!, Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ In return of one cycle of Chasht, 10,000 good deeds are written.” (Nuzhatul Majalis) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever holds fast (continuously offer) two cycles of Chast, his sins will be forgiven, be it the size of the ocean.” (Ahmad & Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! How Many Cycles To Pray? This is Sunnah and there are at least two cycles or at the most twelve cycles, and it is better to pray all twelve. In the hadith it states, “Whosoever prays twelve cycles of Chasht, Allah (The Exalted) will make a palace from gold for him.” (Tirmidhi & Ibn
Majah) The time for this is when the sun has well risen upto the start of midday, however, it is better to pray it when the sun has quarter risen in the sky. (Raddul Muhtar) When To Pray? The time for Chasht Salaah begins when the sun is bright and ends an hour before midday [Zawwal] (according to Shariah). One can pray it straight after the Ishraaq prayer. (Faizane Sunnat) Allah (The Exalted) sent a revelation to Musa (upon whom be peace) and asked “Would you not like the mountains to continuously supplicate to you?” “ Indeed my Lord” replied Musa (upon whom be peace). Allah (The Exalted) said that, “Offer the Chasht prayer continuously.” (Nuzhatul Majalis) One who is suffering from poverty and starvation recites Ya Wahhabu (The Bestower) frequently or repeats it 40 times in the last prostration (Sajdah) of Chasht prayer; Allah (The Exalted) will relieve him of his poverty and starvation. Whoever wants something, should perform prostration three times in the house, and lift the head and repeat this name 100 times; his want will be fulfilled by the Grace of Allah (The Exalted). Benefits Of Chasht Salaah One who leaves home with ablution and with the intention of Chasht Salaah gets the reward of an ‘Umrah. (Abu Dawud) Chasht Salaah is a minimum of two and at most twelve cycles of superogratory prayers. By reading only two cycles of Chasht Salaah, all the minor sins are forgiven and Sadaqah fulfilled for all the three hundred and sixty joints of the body. (Muslim) By reading four cycles of Chasht Salaah Allah (The Exalted) ensure the fulfilment of the daily tasks in an easy manner. (Ahmad) One who reads eight cycles of Chasht shall be written down as from the obedient and pious. (ibid) A house in paradise shall be made for one who reads twelve cycles of Chasht Salaah. (ibid) SALATUL AWWABEEN To observe six cycles superogratory after the two Sunnah of Maghrib Salaah, one gets the rewards of worshipping Allah (The Exalted) for twelve years. These six cycles are known as Salatul Awwabeen. Sins Forgiven Muhammad bin Ammar (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that he saw his father reciting six cycles after Maghrib Salaah and heard him saying that he had seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) doing that. Also that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ If any servant
of Allah(The Exalted) prays six cycles after Salatul Maghrib, his sins will be forgiven even if they are more than the foam of the sea.” (Mu’ jim Tabarani) The Reward! Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever after Maghrib before talking, offers two cycles Salaah, Allah (The Exalted) will give him a place in paradise.” Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “What if he prays four?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He becomes as if he has performed Hajj upon Hajj.” Then Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “What if he prays six cycles?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Fifty years of sins will be forgiven.” (Nuzhatul Majalis) Subhanallah! What more can be said about this Salaah! Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoso after Maghrib prays six cycles and does not say anything bad in-between them, then it will be equivalent to twelve years worship.” (Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah) Six Cycles in two cycle intervals is the minimum number of Cycles for Salatul Awwabeen, the maximum being twenty. The reward for this prayer is equivalent to superogratory prayers for twelve years. (Mishkat & Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! SALAT-UL-HAAJAT (PRAYER IN TIMES OF NEED) What To Pray? When one has a need from Allah (The Exalted) or requires something from a person or they are in some sort of difficulty, then carefully perform Wudhu, and pray two or four Cycles Superogratory Salaah. In the first cycle after Surah Fatiha pray ‘Ayatul Kursi’ three times. In the second cycle after Surah Fatiha pray Surah Naas once. (Qanoon-e-Shariat) Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “When anything distressed the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he prayed.” (Abu Dawood) The Blind Man A blind man went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, “ Invoke Allah (The Exalted) for me that he help me.” He replied, “ If you wish I will delay this, and it would be better for you, and if you wish I will invoke Allah (The Exalted) (for you).” He said, “Then invoke him.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to him, “Go and make an ablution, offer two cycles of prescribed prayer (Salat), then say, “O Allah, I am asking you and turning to you with your Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I am turning with you
to my Lord with your intercession concerning the return of my sight so that He will fulfil my need. ‘O Allah (The Exalted), allow him to intercede (with you) for me.”” The blind man went and did as the Messenger of Allah mentioned. Shortly thereafter, he returned to the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) session with his blindness cured. With regards to this hadith about the blind man being asked to make supplication with the Wasila of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Allama ‘Abdul Ghani Delhwi (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “ It proves the permissibility of mediation and that of the Messenger of Allah's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intercession. This command is that during his life, but also after his demise.” Thus, one is allowed to seek the Wasila of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) even after his demise. Then, after the physical death of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and during the time of the caliphate of ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) a man came to ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf (may Allah be pleased with him). This man complained to ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf out a matter which he needed to be fulfilled through the caliph, but which was not being fulfilled. ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf ordered the man to go to the place where ablution would be performed, perform ablution, perform two units of Salaah and after saying Salaam to say the following: “O Allah, I am asking you and turning to you with your Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Prophet of mercy; O Muhammad, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) I am turning with you to my Lord with your intercession concerning the return of my sight so that He will fulfil my need.” ‘Uthman ibn Hunayf told him to return after doing this, and they would go together to the caliph. This man went and performed what was told. However, instead of returning to him, he elected to go on his own to the caliph. When he reached the door of the caliph, the gateman took him by the hand and sat him on a carpet next to ‘Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) and he asked him “What is your need that you wanted fulfilling?” I forgot all about it until just now.” The man informed the caliph told him, “Whenever you have a need, come to me and I will satisfy it for you.” Subhanallah! This hadith carries proof that it is permissible is Islam for one to ask Allah (The Exalted) for things by the Messenger of Allah (The Exalted) during the lifetime and after his physical departure. Make The Following Supplication ‘Abd-Allah bin Abu Aufa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone wants something from Allah (The Exalted) or from a human being, perform ablution and let him make it well. Then offer two cycles of superogratory prayer, glorify Allah (The Exalted) and send blessed salutation on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and thereafter make supplication in the following words: - “There is no deity but Allah (The Exalted) the Clement and Generous, Glory be to Allah (The Exalted) the Lord of the mighty throne. Praise be to Allah (The Exalted), the Lord of
the Universe. I ask You which will guarantee Your mercy, actions that will make certain Your forgiveness, a supply of every virtue and freedom from every offence. Do not leave a sin of mine which You do not pardon, a worry which You do not remove, or a need that meets Your pleasure which You do not fulfil for me.” In a four cycle prayer you can recite the following, in the first cycle recite Surah Fatiha and ‘Ayatul Kursi’ and the other three recite Surah Fatiha and Surah Ikhlas, then Surah Falaq and then Surah Naas once. SALAATUL ISRAAR OR SALAATUL GOUTHIYA This is also a beneficial prayer for the fulfilment of needs. When one has a intention of anything good, one can offer this prayer. This is also known as Salat-ul-Ghouthiya. Shaykh ‘Abd Al-Qadir al-Jilani (may Allah be pleased with him) himself narrates this. Imam Abul Hassan Nurud-Deen ‘Ali bin Jarir Lakhmi writes in Bahjatal Asrar and Mulla Ali Qari and Shaykh Abdul Haqq Muhaddith Dehelwi (may Allah be pleased with them all) narrate from Ghouth Al-Azam (may Allah be pleased with him) after the two Sunnats of Maghrib, offer two cycles of voltentry prayer. In every cycle recite Surah Fatiha and eleven (11) times Surah Ikhlas (Qulhu Wallah) after completing the prayer, praise Allah (The Exalted) and recite Durood on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) eleven times, and say the following eleven times: Ya Rasool Allah Ya Nabi Allah Aghithni Wam Doodni Fi Qadaai Haajati Ya Qadiyal Haajaat. O Messenger of Allah! O Prophet of Allah! Help and assist me in fulfilling my need, O fulfiller of needs. Then walk eleven steps towards Iraq and on every step say: Ya Ghouth Thaqalayni Wa Ya Kareemat Tarafayni Aghithni Wamdudni fi Qadaai Haajati Ya Qadiyal Haajaati. O Helper of Man and Jin! O Generous to Man and Jin! Help me and assist me in fulfilling my need, O fulfiller of needs. Then make supplication to Allah (The Exalted) with the intercession of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace.) (Bahar-e-Shairat) SALAT-UL-ISTIKHAARAH (PRAYER FOR SEEKING GUIDANCE) What To Pray? Whenever one intends to do something one should take guidance from Allah (The Exalted). To seek such guidance from Allah (The Exalted) is called “ Istikhaarah.” It has been quoted in the hadith that when a person makes an intention for something then prays two cycles of Superogratory prayer. In the first cycle after Surah Fatiha pray Surah
Kafiroon and in the second cycle after Surah Fatiha pray ‘Surah Ikhlas’ . (Qanoon-e-Shairat) Make The Following Supplication Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, ‘When one intends to do something, one should say two cycles of Superogratory prayer and then say the following Supplication: O Allah (The Exalted), I ask Your guidance by Your knowledge. I ask you for power, and I ask You out of Your great abundance, For surely you have the power I do not, you have the knowledge and I don’ t. For You are the One who is aware of the unseen. O Allah (The Exalted) if You know that this matter is for me regarding my religion, my livelihood, and my future well being (or he said, “my affairs in this world and the next” ) ordain it for me and make it easy for me, then bless me in it. However, if You know that this matter is bad for me regarding my livelihood, and my future well being (or he said, “my affairs in this world and the next.” ). Turn it away for me, turn me away from it, ordain well for me where-ever it is, then make me pleased with it.” (Mishkat) It is better to perform this prayer seven times on different days and recite the above supplication, with ablution sleep facing the Qibla, before and after the supplication pray Fatiha and durood. If you see white or green in your dream then it is a good sign and one can go ahead with the deed, however, if one sees black or red, then it is not good and one should abstain from it. ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) told me, and Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) spoke the truth, that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say, “No one will commit a sin, then get up and purify himself, then pray, then ask Allah’s (The Exalted)forgiveness without Allah (The Exalted) forgiving him.” Helps When Taking Decisions i.e. Marriage etc. This Salaah will benefit one when taking decisions on a proposal for marriage or before setting out on a journey or undertaking any other important assignment, one should seek guidance from Allah (The Exalted) through Salatul Istikhaarah. There is no Istikhara for pious actions such as Hajj, Jihad etc. However, you can perform Istikhara to designate a fixed time for them. (Guniya) It is better to perform Istikhara at least seven times and then see wherever your conscience is fixed that is what is best for you. Many pious persons say that if you see whiteness or greenery in your dreams then it is good and if you see darkness or redness then it is a bad thing and you should stay away from it. (Radd-ul-Mohtar) SALATUL TAWBA (The repentance prayer) Humans make errors and when a person regrets this in the court of Allah (The Exalted) He forgives. Remember if you commit a sin it is necessary (wajib) to repent.
Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Whenever a person commits a sin, performs ablution and offers prayer then repents, Allah (The Exalted) will forgive that person.” (Faizane Sunnat) There is no prescribed way of offering this prayer, so offer two cycles and pray any Surahs and make sincere repentance. SALATUL TASBIH The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to his uncle Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him) “O uncle! Shall I not offer you? Shall I not forgive you? Shall I not give you? Shall I not do good to you? There are ten things that when you do them, Allah (The Exalted) will forgive your past, future, old, new, ones committed by mistake, and those committed intentionally, minor and major, those hidden and in open.” He then taught him the method of the prayer, then said, “ If possible offer everyday, if not then every Friday, if not then once a month, if not then once a year, if not then definitely once in a life time.” (Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi) How To Pray? There are many rewards for this prayer. There are four cycles for this. Besides the dislike times one can offer them at any time. It is better to offer it before the mid-day prayer (Dhuhr). The method is as follows: after the takbeer recite Thana and after that recite the following fifteen (15) times: ‘Subhanallahi Walhamdulil lahi Walaa ilaaha Illallahu Wallahu Akbar.’ Then recite ‘Aoodhubillah’ and ‘Bismillah’ and Surah Fatiha and a Surah then recite the same ten (10) times then go into the bow (ruku) and after reciting ‘Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem’ recite another ten (10) times then after coming out of the bow recite it another ten (10) times and go into prostration (Sajdah) and after’ Subhana Rabbiyal A’ la’ another ten (10) times then after the first prostration in the sitting position (Jalsa) recite another ten (10) times and then go into the second prostration and after the tasbih recite another ten (10) times and then stand and before you recite ‘Bismillah’ recite it fifteen (15) times, then likewise offer another three cycles. In every cycle recite it seventy-five (75) times and in total it will be three hundred (300) in the four cycles. Manners Of Salatul Tasbih It is better in the first cycle to pray Surah Takaathur after Surah Fatiha, in the second cycle to pray Wal-‘asr, in the third cycle to pray ‘Qulya Ayyuhal Kafiroon’ and in the fourth ‘Qul Huwallahu Ahad’ . If you don’ t know them then one can pray any Surah. In the bow and prostration after reciting ‘Subhana Rabbiyal ‘Adheem’ and A’ laa recite the prescribed Tasbih. (Shami) If Sijdah Sahw becomes necessary do not pray this tasbih. If you recite the tasbih anywhere less then ten times you can make it up elsewhere. (Durre Mukhtar)
Besides the disliked times you can offer it any time, and it is better to offer it before the Dhuhr prayer. SUN ECLIPSE The Salaah of Sun Eclipse is Sunnat-e-Muakedah and the Salaah for a Moon Eclipse is Mustahab. It is Mustahab to pray the Sun Eclipse Salaah by Jamaat but it can be prayed alone. If it is prayed with Jamaat then all the conditions are the same as per Jumu’ah except for the Khutba. The same person leads this Salaah as the same for Jumu’ah and if they are not available then the Salaah should be prayed alone either in the home or Mosque. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) Pray the eclipse Salaah when the eclipse is on the Sun and not after the eclipse has moved. If the eclipse has moved but it is still shadowing the Sun then you can still start the Salaah and whilst there is an eclipse and if a cloud covers it then still pray the Salaah. (Johra Nera) If the eclipse occurs during a time where Salaah is not allowed then do not pray the Salaah and perform Dua and if the sun then sets, then finish the Dua and pray Maghrib Salaah. (Johra, Radd-ul-Mohtar) The Salaah for Eclipse is prayed like a normal Nafl Salaah, that is two Cycles and in every Cycle one Ruku and two Sajdahs just like other Salaah. There is no Adhaan, Iqamah or praying loudly in the eclipse Salaah and perform Dua after the Salaah upto the time when the sky becomes clear. You can pray more than two Cycles but perform Salaam in either two or four Cycle intervals. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Fatahul Qadir) If people do not gather together then call them with these words “Assalaatul Jamia” . (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Fatahul Qadir) It is better to pray the Jamaat for the Salaah in either the ‘Eid place or the Jamia Masjid (the main Masjid) and if it’s prayed elsewhere then there is no harm. (Alamgiri) If you know them, then pray Surah Baqarah and Aal-e-Imran or its length size Surats and in Ruku and Sajdah also make them long and after Salaah perform a Dua until the eclipse is over. It is also allowed to delay the Salaah and extend the Dua. It does not matter whether the Imam when performing Dua is facing the Qibla or facing the congregation and this is actually better and all the Muqtadis should say Ameen and it is also all right for the Imam to lean when performing Dua on the stick or wall but not climb the Mimbar as this not allowed. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Bahar, Fatahul Qadir) If the sun eclipse and a funeral Salaah clash together then pray the funeral Salaah first. (Johra, Bahar) There is no Jama’ah (congregation) for the moon eclipse even if the Imam is present, all should pray on their own. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Hidaya, Alamgiri, Fatahul Qadir) Salaah is Mustahab During Times of Difficulty or Fear
It is Mustahab to pray two Cycle Salaah for the following situations; Hurricane, darkness during the day, fearful light during the night, strong storm, heavy snow, the sky goes red, lightning, thunder, plague or other disease spreading, earthquake, fear of an enemy or any other difficult situation.. (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to perform volentry prayers throughout our lives, in our spare time,following the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the companions and the pious, so we may get closer to Allah (the Exalted), Ameen! CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE SUNNAH OF JUMU’AH (FRIDAYS’ ) O Allah (The Exalted) bless, sanctify and grant peace to our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Your Prophet, Your Messenger. Jumu’ah: the king of the week Sa’ad bin Ma’adh (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Jumu’ah is the king of all days and it is esteemed before Allah (The Exalted), it is also greater than ‘Eidul Fitr and ‘Eidul Adha. It has five qualities: Allah (The Exalted) created Prophet Adam (upon whom be peace) on this day. This day he was sent to earth. He passed away on this day. Your lawful supplications are accepted on this day. The Day of Resurrection will be on this day. No angel in the heavens, the earth, the air, the mountains and in the sea who doesn’ t fear the day of Jumu’ah. (Ibn Majah) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Amongst all the days the best is Jumu’ah, Prophet Adam (upon whom be peace) was born, this day he entered Paradise, this day he came from Paradise to earth and the Day of Judgment will be on Jumu’ah.” (Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasa’ i, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 265, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 611) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Jibrail (upon whom be peace) came to me with a clean mirror in his hand and said: “This is Jumu’ah. Allah (The Exalted) has made it obligatory on you, so that it may be a festival for you and for your followers.” I asked: “What good is there in it for us?” He said: “You have got auspicious time in it. If a person seeks anything from Allah (The Exalted) at this time, Allah (The Exalted) has promised that He will give. If deprived of that, many additional things are given to the person in addition. If any people want to save themselves from any evil that day, Allah (The Exalted) saves the person from a greater calamity or a like
calamity that has been decreed on the person. The day of Jumu’ah is the best day for us and we shall call it on the day of resurrection as the day of grace.”” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) What a blessed day Jumu’ah is which has so many blessings, virtues and benefits for all. Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever prays in the night of Jumu’ah (on Thursday night) Surah Yaseen, Surah Hameem and Surah Adukhan, and when one wakes up, one is already forgiven. It is said that whoever prays Surah Kahaf on Friday he will be like that person who gave 10,000 dinars (in charity).” (Ghunyatul Talibeen) Subhanallah! We should spend special days and nights in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted). There are so many rewards to be gained. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to recite the Qur’an at least once a day, Ameen. Fearing on the day of Jumu’ah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Every angel fears the day of Friday, even the sky and the earth fear this day.” (ibid) Allahu Akbar! We look forward to the weekend and forget about the fact that the day of judgement will be on a Friday. Let us take head and prepare for this day. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “People will stop missing their Friday prayers or Allah (The Exalted) will stamp their hearts, then they will become of those who are heedless.” (Muslim) Those who do not even offer their Jumu’ah Salaah need to take heed, we don’ t want to become of those who can’ t even offer one Salaah a week out of thirty-five, can we really call ourselves Muslims? Hypocrite It is quoted in the ahadith that those who miss three consecutive Jumu’ahs have thrown Islam behind their backs, and they are hypocrites, and Allah (The Exalted) dissociates Himself from them. Some think its okay to miss two and pray the third without a valid Shar’ i reason. This is a major sin and no Salaah should be missed, as five times Salaah is obligatory, some people are always looking for short cuts and excuses suggested by Shaytan, such as ‘ I am no one to look after my business,’ ‘My clothes are not clean,’ or ‘ I can’ t get time of from work,’ etc. Let us fear Allah (The Exalted) and become a true believer and not a hypocrite. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Whoever believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the last day, for him the Jumu’ah prayer is Fardh. Hence, those who are ill, travellers, women, and children are not included in this.” (Ghunyatul Talibeen)
Bathing on Jumu’ah will wipe out sins The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “The bathing on Friday pulls out every sin (Minor) of man from its roots.” (Tabarani) Subhanallah! ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever comes for the Jumu’ah prayer should take a bath (before coming).” (Bukhari, Friday Prayer.) In a hadith it states, “Whosoever takes a bath on Friday will have his sins forgiven. When he leaves for Friday prayer ten rewards are recorded for each step and when he finishes the prayer, a reward of two years’ worship is recorded on his credit.” (Tabarani) Subhanallah! ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Whoever bathes on Jumu’ah his sins are buried and when he walks (for Jumu’ah Salaah) then on every step he receives twenty rewards and when the Salaah has finished then he receives reward equivalent to two hundred years of good deeds.” (ibid) There are many different rewards stated in different ahadith, however, one will definitely be rewarded more if one practises as many Sunnats as possible. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “On the day of Jumu’ah the angles stand at all entrances (where Jumu’ahs are performed) and write the names of people entering. The first to enter is (like) as if he has sacrificed a camel, after him the second person is (like) as if he has sacrificed a cow and the third person is (like) as if he sacrificed a goat, then the one who comes after is like he gave a chicken in the path of Allah (The Exalted) and the one who comes after is like as if he gave an egg in the path of Allah (The Exalted). When the Imam stands to perform the sermon the scrolls are closed and put away.” (Ghunyatul Talibeen) Subhanallah! Register your name Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Every Friday the angels take their stand at every gate of the mosques to write the names of the people according to the time of their arrival for prayer. When the Imam sits (on the pulpit) they fold up their scrolls and get ready to listen to the sermon.” (Bukhari) Respected brother! Those of us who go late, our names are not entered in the register and we are deemed absent from the Jumu’ah prayer. Try and go before the sermon, as there is a lot of reward. Make an effort to go to Jumu’ah early as possible and not at the last minute. Another important point is that the complete Salaah should be prayed and not only the Fardh. The four Sunnah before the Fardh and the four Sunnah and two Sunnah are all Moakedah (emphasised Sunnahs). Missing them is a sin. Clean Clothing
‘Abd-Allah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “Even if one has other garments he may wear for Friday the same two garments he wears everyday.” (Ibn Majah) It is not necessary to wear new clothes on Friday but better to do so, making sure they are clean. Special dress for Friday ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has reported that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a special suit that he would wear on Fridays. When he returned from the prayer we would fold and lay it aside to be taken out only on the next Friday.” (Tabarani) Useless talk ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ In the sermon (Khutba), if you said to your friend ‘Stay quiet!’ Then he has said a useless thing, for him there is no reward in this Jumu’ah.” (Abu Dawud, Ahmad, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 697, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 615. Ghunya-tut-Talibeen.) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “On the day of Jumu’ah at the time of the Imams sermon if one says “quiet” to someone, they have said a useless thing.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasa’ i, Ibn Majah, , Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 697, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 614) When the sermon is being recited, one should stay completely silent, to the extent even when the name of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is heard it is only permissible to send Salawaat in the heart and not aloud. Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related from Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) that he asked Ibn Shihab (may Allah be pleased with him) about talking in Jumu’ah after the Imam had come down from the pulpit but before he had said the takbir. Ibn Shihab said, “There is no harm in that.” (Al-Muwatta) Salman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A person who takes a bath on Friday and gains cleanliness in all respects and oiled (the hair) and (applied) scent, then set out for the sermon (Khutbah), sat without disturbing the people, and prayed Salaah, kept quiet whilst the Imam recites the sermon, all his sins will be forgiven from one Friday to another.” (Bukhari, book of Jumu’ah.) Subhanallah! Look at the numerous benefits, however, some stay away from these benefits and are unfortunate that they do not even pray Jumu’ah. This is the king of the week, all the creation fears Allah (The Exalted) on this day, why don’ t we? Saib bin Yazeed (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would stand on the pulpit (Mimbar) on
Friday, the Adhaan would be called in front of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) at the door, the same would happen in the time of ‘Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them).” (Abu Dawud. Hadith Hasan/ Sahih) This does not mean in the actual prayer area but outside. In Paradise Samara bin Jandab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Be present at the time of Friday sermon and be close to the Imam, if you remain far away, you will remain far in Paradise although you will enter Paradise.” (Abu Dawood) Let us go and sit nearest to the Imam as possible and not near the door. Many come at the last minute and are first to leave. If we want to be at a high degree in Paradise let us sit close to the Imam, Insha-Allah! If you want to be close to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in Paradise, and who doesn’ t desire this? This is a sign of being close to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). We will have to follow the Sunnah very closely. Needs Granted The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There is a time on the day of Jumu’ah that if a Muslim finds it, and calls Allah (The Exalted) for mercy then Allah (The Exalted) will grant his needs, and that time is very short.” In one hadith it states; “On the day of Jumu’ah if one desires something then find it between ‘Asr and Maghrib.” (Nizam-e-Shariat) This is a very blessed moment were supplications are accepted. Ask for whatever you want as long as it is permissible in Islam. The method and details of supplicating is mentioned in the chapter on supplication. Dying on Jumu’ah ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Muslims who die on the day or night of Jumu’ah, then Allah (The Exalted) will save them from the questioning of the grave.” (Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! May Allah (The Exalted) grant us this, Ameen! Manners of Jumu’ah Jumu’ah is Farz-e-‘Ain meaning obligatory on all individuals. Its obligation is more important than Dhuhr Salaah and those who reject it is a Kafir. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, etc.) It is
quoted in the hadith that those who miss three Jumu’ahs have thrown Islam behind them, and he is a hypocrite and is disassociated from Allah (The Exalted). (Ibne-Khuzaima, Imam Shafi’ i) Jumu’ah preparations should commence on Thursday evening, such as the clipping of nails and removing of hair, etc. (Ihya ulum adeen) To have a bath (ghusl) on Friday. (Bukhari, Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah) To use the Miswak. (ibid) To use ‘ Itr (scent). (ibid) To apply oil. (Bukhari) To wear one’s best clothes, not necessarily new; it should preferably be white as Allah (The Exalted) likes white clothes. (Abu Dawud) To proceed early to the Masjid for the Jumu’ah Salaah. The earlier one goes the greater the reward. (Bukhari, Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah) To walk to the Masjid if possible. (Ibn Majah) For every step is a reward of fasting for one year. (Tirmidhi) One should listen attentively to the Khutba (sermon) even if one does not understand it. (Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah) One should not speak nor warn others to keep quiet whilst the Khutba is in progress. When the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) name is mentioned in the Khutba, it is permissible to recite Durood in the heart only (without the movement of the lips or tongue). Between the two khutbas one should make supplication (only in their heart), without raising the hands. To read Surah Kahaf (Surah No: 18) before or after the Jumu’ah Salaah- according to one narration will expiate ones sins committed in the past week. To sit and face the Imam is desirable in the Jumu’ah sermon. To sit close to the Imam. (ibid) In a narration it states that on the day of Jumu’ah Allah (The Exalted) will release six thousand people from Hell. (Ihya ulum adeen) Do not kiss the thumbs when the name of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is mentioned in the sermon. This is only for the sermon. You should recite Salawaat in the heart and not with the tongue. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) If the rows are already filled, one must not jump over the shoulders of the people to get to the front. (Abu Dawud)
One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers etc. (Ibn Majah) Salawaat for Friday To recite Salawaat in abundance. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have said, “Recite Salawaat upon me in abundance on the day of Jumu’ah since they are presented to me.” (ibid) In one narration it is reported that the recitation of the following Salawaat eighty times after ‘Asr on Friday before standing up from the place of Salaah shall expiate eighty years of sin and shall merit the reward of eighty years of worship:- Allahumma Salli ‘Ala Sayyidina Muhammadinin Nabiyyil Ummiyi Wa’Alaa Aalihi Wassallimu Taslima May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to appreciate this day and make the most of it and to follow the Sunnah very closely, Ameen. CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX SUNNAH REGARDING ENTERING AND LEAVING THE HOME O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the Heavenly Assembly until the Day of Reckoning. Alhamdulillah, we are Muslims and should follow the appropriate etiquettes in entering and leaving the house. We should not rush in or enter the house in any other way but in accordance to the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In order to gain blessings and reward let us learn and put into practise the Sunnah of entering and leaving the home. Make Salaam Rib’ i bin Hiraash (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “A person from the tribe of Banu ‘Amir told me that he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) for permission, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in the house. The person asked, ‘Can I come in?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told a servant to go to him and show him the manner of asking for permission to enter, tell him to say, ‘Assalamu ‘ayaykum’ , may I come in?’ the person heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said: ‘Assalamu’ayikum’ , may I come in? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then gave him permission and he came in.” (Abu Dawood) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you enter your homes say Salaam to those in the house and when leaving the home also make Salaam.” (Hissan Haseen)
This is to let the household know that either you have entered or are leaving. Many youth feel independent and do not feel the need to let the family or at least their parents know if they are leaving or have come in the house. Even if you are the owner of the house, bring the Sunnah into practice and gain reward and blessings. From Poverty To Wealth Sahal bin S’ad (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “A person came in the court of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and complained about poverty. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you enter your home make Salaam and enter, whether it is empty or occupied, then send me salaam, and pray ‘Qulhuwallahu ‘Ahad’ once. This person did exactly as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had advised him and he became so wealthy that he helped his relatives and friends.” (Tafseer-e-Qurtubi & Al Qoulul Bad’ i) Subhanallah! When a person enters the house without the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) then the devil enters with him. Let us make a habit of making Salaam and if no one is in the house, send Salaam on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as the soul of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is present in the Muslims home. (Sharah Shifa) Rid Devil With Remembrance Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a person enters his house and when he eats making the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) the devil says, ‘Today I cannot spend the night here neither can I partake in your food’ . When a person does not make the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) the devil says ‘ I will spend the night here today’ , and at the times of eating when one does not remember Allah (The Exalted) the devil has found his food (which he can partake in).” (Ibn Majah. Also reported in Muslim.) Respected brother/sister! Make a habit of reciting ‘Bismillah…’ and reject Shaytan from influencing us or your family in anyway. One of the reasons why we have no blessings in our earnings or our homes is we don’ t remember Allah (The Exalted). By watching films and listening to music does not help at all, as the mercy is Allah (The Exalted) does not descend where haraam is taking place. Ask For Permission Before Entering Abu Musa Ash-Arim (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Ask for permission three times, if you get permission then it is permissible, if not then return.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Unfortunately, this is a great Sunnah which is neglected, some people just walk in without asking permission or knocking, and those who live in the house do not need permission but say Salaam or cough to let those in the house know you have come in. Remember do not just walk into anybody’s house without permission, be it your best friend or relative. If family members are resting in their rooms and you want to join them, it is appropriate to ask for permission or to knock on the door. Otherwise, you may see
them in a condition that neither you nor they may dislike. This applies to the entire household: immediate family or otherwise. ‘Ata ibn Yasar reported that, “A man asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “Should I seek permission to enter my mother’s room?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) answered, “Yes.” The man said, “We live together in the same house.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Ask permission to join her.” The man argued, “But I serve her!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Ask for permission. Would you like to see her naked?” The man replied, “No!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Then ask permission before entering.” (Al-Muwatta, chapter Isti’dhan) Stand On The Side ‘Abd-Allah bin Busr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go to someone’s house he would not stand in front of the door. He either stood on the left or right side, or said ‘Assalamu’alaykum, Assalamu’alaykum’ as in those days there was no curtain on the doorway.” (Abu Dawood) Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and knocked. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked ‘Who is it?’ I replied, ‘Me’ , the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then said “Me, what’s me?” as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked this’ .” (Bukhari in Isti’dhan & Muslim) Allahu Akbar! Knocking When someone asks who it is? You should mention your name. Whilst talking on the phone, it is good manners to mention your name before conversing as on many occasions you may not be able to recognise the voice of even your own family members. Knock at the door, or ring the door bell in a pleasant way and not louder than is necessary to make you presence known. Do not knock loudly and violently or ring the bell continuously. Remember that you are a visitor and or a thug or an oppressor raiding the house and frightening its occupants. A woman came to Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) seeking his opinion on a religious matter. She banged at his door loudly. He came out saying, “This is the banging of the police.” Likewise, Imam Bukhari reported in al-Adab al-Mufrad that the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to knock on the door of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with the tip of their fingers. Leave an adequate time between two knocks or rings. This will enable those performing ablution, praying, or eating to finish without making them rush. Some scholars estimate this interval to be that of the praying time of four cycles. Keep in mind that a person may have just started the prayers just before you rang the doorbell. After three spaced knocks, or intermittent rings, you may feel that the person you came to see is busy, otherwise he or she would have answered you. If this is the case, then leave.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If you sought permission three times, and were not granted, then you must leave.” (Bukhari, in Isti’dhan & Muslim in Adab.) Making your presence known When entering a house, make your presence known to those inside before you approach them. Avoid startling or frightening them and do not descend upon them suddenly. Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When a person enters his house, it is recommended that he makes noise by clearing his throat or tapping his shoes.” His son ‘Abdullah said, “When returning home from the mosque, my father used to announce his arrival before entering, by tapping with his shoes or clearing hid throat.” Comb In Your Eye Sahal bin Saidi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a person peeping from a hole into his room. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was scratching his blessed hair with a pitchfork. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw the intruder, he told him, “Had I known you were looking I would have poked your eye! Asking permission was prescribed to prevent intrusion.” (ibid) Abu Dahr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever before gaining permission moves the veil and looks into the house, he has done such a thing which was not permissible and if someone hurts his eye, it doesn’ t matter, and if someone went to such a house where there was no veil and the person’s sight (unintentionally) fell on the woman in the house it is not his fault, but the fault of the resident.” (Tirmidhi) Let this be a warning to those who look through peoples’ windows to see what they are doing or merely walk in as if they live there. If you needed some privacy and someone walked into our house, how would we feel? Islam has given people privacy as a right so beware and take care of the rights of people. No More Difficulty Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a person leaves the house, he is accompanied by two angels. When the person says ‘Bismillah’ the angels say you have chosen the right path. When a person says ‘La Howla Wala Quwata Illa Billah’ the angels say you are now free from difficulty, when a person says ‘Tawak Kaltu ‘Alallah’ the angels say now you are not in need of someone or anything. After this the two devils that are allocated to him meet him, the angels question these Shayateen, ‘What do you intend to do with him as he has chose the right path, he will be saved from difficulties and he is no longer in need of anyone.’” (Abu Dawud in Adab, Ibn Majah & Maraat-ul-Mana Jeeh in Names of Allah (The Exalted).) Subhanallah!
The Shaytan is always trying to misguide, provoke us and places difficulties in our way, however, by following the Sunnah we can cut Shaytan from the roots and be in the protection of Allah (The Exalted). Supplication For Leaving The House Read the following supplication after leaving the house: ‘Bismillahi Tawak-Kaltu ‘Alallahi Wala Hawla Wala Quwata Illa billah’ Allah’s name I begin with (exiting the house), I trust Allah, (The Exalted) there is no power (to abstain from sin) and might (In performing good actions) except from Allah (The Exalted).’ (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud in Adab, & Ibn Majah) House means a place where you stay. Be that a house in which you live with the family or a room in the Masjid etc. when you exit this place recite the above supplication. Enter or leave your house or office with your right foot first, for this was the tradition of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Imam Abu al-‘Ala Hasan ibn Ahmad al-Hamazani, a great scholar of hadith of his time, was so keen on applying this Sunnah to the extent that if someone entered his house with their left foot first, he would ask them to go out and re-enter with their right foot first. He was so much respected that the sultan of the day would visit him at school and sit in front of him as his student. At one occasion he told the sultan to exit with his right foot first and walk on the left side of the road. When entering or leaving a house, do not push open the door violently or slam it shut, nor leave it to close by itself wildly. Such actions stand in contrast to the gracefulness of Islam to which you are honoured to belong. Close the door quietly with your hand. You may have heard a hadith wherein ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Gentleness adorns every act. Its absence will tarnish it.” (Muslim, chapter of Birr (kindness).) Be quiet and gentle if you enter a place where people are sleeping, whether during day or night. Be considerate. Do not cause any undue noise when entering or exiting. Telling your family If you leave home to a place other than your usual work, it is advisable to inform your family of your whereabouts. Knowing where you are keeps their mind at ease. The great Tabi’ i Qatada ibn Di’ama al-Sadusi (may Allah be pleased with him) disapproved of one going out without telling his family of his whereabouts. In this regard, Imam Ahmad reported that Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that he went to Abu Ma’shar to visit al-Sha’bi. His family said he was not home. Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “Where did he go?” his family answered, “We do not know.” Qatada (may Allah be pleased with him) disapprovingly said, “Are you saying he does not tell you where he goes?” They said, “Yes.” Telling your family where you are decreases their worries if you are late and will keep both of you at ease, as they will be able to reach you if they need to.
Manners Of Entering And Leaving The Home To make any remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) whilst entering the house. (Muslim & Abu Dawud) To say Salaam when entering the house, if there is no one in the house then say ‘Assalamu ‘Alayka Ayyuhan Nabbiyyu’ as in a Muslim’s house the soul of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is present. (Sharah As -Shifa ) Whether the door is open or closed stand on one side. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 670) If you do not get permission to enter then gladly leave. (ibid) To announce one’s arrival at home by knocking at the door or coughing, etc. (Nisa’ i) To greet those present in the house, with the Islamic greeting, whether it is one’s wife, children, or any other Muslim. Ask for permission when entering the house of others. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 670) Do not peep into someone’s house. (ibid) It is Sunnah for the person in the house to ask whom it is that has just come in. (ibid) If you go to someone’s house then keep your gaze down and do not look here and there. (ibid) Do not say things to the house owner that would break their heart or hurt their feelings. If there is a non-permissible thing i.e. Pictures of living things then explain to them in a nice way. (ibid) Make salaam both on entering and leaving one’s house. (Hisnul Hasin) It is mentioned in the hadith that the following supplication be read whilst one enter’s the house: Supplication For Entering The House ‘Allahum-ma In-nee As-aluka Khayral Mawlaji Wa Khayral Makhraj.Bismillahi Walajna Wa Bismillahi Kharajna. Wa ‘Alallahi Rabbina Tawakkalna’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted) I ask You the blessings of entering the home and the blessings of leaving. Allah’s (The Exalted) name I begin with, we leave and enter the house and upon Allah (The Exalted), Our Sustainer, we rely and depend.’ (Abu Dawood)
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN SUNNAH OF ENTERING THE MOSQUE O Allah (The Exalted) grant our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the position of the Closest Access the Pre-eminence and the noblest and greatest rank. Best Place On Earth ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The best place on earth are the Mosques and the worst are the markets.” (Hakim. Kanzul Ummal. Mughni. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 3, p. 591. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 503) People tend to spend more time in the town centres and market places where they should not be and spend minimal time where the mercy of Allah (The Exalted) descends and where you attain peace of mind. However, we spend more time in places like the cinemas and parties (places of trial and tribulation) and expect peace! May Allah (The Exalted) save us from such places and give us understanding of the religion of Islam, Ameen! When seeing a Mosque Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haqq Muhaddith-e-Dehelwi (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes in ‘Jazbul Quloob’ when passing by a Mosque it is desirable to recite Salawaat/Durood. One can recite any durood, however, a easy one to remember is as follows: Assalatu Was-Salaamu ‘Alayka Ya Rasool-Allah Wa ‘Ala Aalika Wa As-habika Ya Habeeb-Allah ‘Uthman bin Mazun (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the permission to leave the society and become a solitary person.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “For my followers to leave the world is to sit in the mosque and wait for the prayer.” (Mishkat) Subhanallah! Our position is that we don’ t want to leave our worldly affairs. We go when the Salaah has began and are the first to leave, proving that we are busy in the world. Let us try to go to the Mosque early and do not rush when leaving. You will feel so much peace and will not want to leave. Good Deeds, Sins Forgiven And Grades Raised ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When anyone walks to a mosque for congregational prayer, each of his steps obliterates one of his sins replacing it by a good deed, both whilst going and returning.” (Tabrani) Subhanallah! Light On The Day Of Resurrection
Buraida (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying, “Announce to those who make a practice of walking to Mosques during the times of darkness the good news that they will have complete light on the Day of Resurrection.” (Abu Dawood. Ibn Majah. Tabarani, Hakim. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 3, p. 473. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 515) Subhanallah! This reward is for those who make the effort although it may be dark and other obstacles. Complete Believer Abu Sa’ id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying “When you see a person who has made a habit of going to the Mosque, give evidence that he is a complete believer.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban. Tirmidhi. ibn Majah. Ahmad. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 513) 100,000 Rewards Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying, “A man’s prayer in his house is equivalent to a single observance of prayer. His prayer in a tribal mosque is equivalent to twenty-five. His prayer in a mosque in which Friday prayer is observed is equivalent to five hundred. His prayer in my mosque (Masjid-e-Nabwi, Madinah) is equivalent to fifty thousand, and his prayer in the sacred mosque (The Holy Ka’ba, Makkah) is equivalent to a hundred thousand.” (Ibn Majah) Subhanallah! There are so many rewards to earn in going to the mosque for Salaah. Worldly Talk The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Gossiping about worldly matters eats up good deeds as fire eats up fuel.” Another hadith states, when one begins talking about worldly affairs in the mosque, the angels say to him; “O friend of Allah, (The Exalted), be quiet,” if he talks again, they say “Enemy of Allah (The Exalted) be silent” and if he talks again they say “Allah’s curse be upon you! Hold your tongue!” (Raddul Mohtar) Allahu Akbar! The mosque is a place of worship, peace and not to bring the worldly affairs in. We don’ t want the curse of Allah (The Exalted) when we go to gain His pleasure. ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Nearer to the end of time there will be people that will talk about worldly affairs in the Mosques, Allah (The Exalted) has nothing to do with them.” (Sahih Ibn Hibban. Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 6, p. 403. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 508)
Allahu Akbar! Do not become one of those whom Allah (The Exalted) does not want anything to do with. The best way to do this is to sit in the front row and perform the Dhikr of Allah (The Exalted). To talk about permissible worldly affairs in the Mosque eats up good deeds as fire eats up wood. To talk about truthful and permissible things in the Mosque without need such as what is happening on the news or business is forbidden. If this is the case with permissible talk then what will be the state of those who backbite which is worse than committing adultery. (Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 509) Respecting The Mosque Wathila bin Asqa’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Save your Mosques from immature children, the mentally ill, business talk, arguing and raising the voice.” (Ibn Majah. Tabarani. Ibn Kathir. Fathul Qadeer. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 510) The reason for immature children is that they may make the Mosque impure, and the mentally ill needs attention at all times. The Mosque is not a place for arguing nor raising the voice, so it is important to have respect for the Mosque. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes in ‘Ehkam-e-Shariat’ that talking in the mosque about worldly affairs eats up good deeds as fire eats up wood, and to laugh in the mosque will bring darkness in the grave. These hadith have been mentioned many times but who listens! May Allah (The Exalted) give the ability to act upon them. Ameen. Do not shout or argue in the mosque as it is said thirty years of worship becomes void. Allahu Akbar! House In Paradise Abu Sa’ id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying “For anyone who removed from a mosque anything that was causing trouble to men (such as rubbish etc.) lying on the floor, Allah (The Exalted) will build a house for him in Paradise.” (Ibn Majah) Subhanallah! Even if you see a small piece of rubbish, thread etc. put it in your pocket and place it in the bin. Some have a habit of picking the rubbish and throwing it on the side or placing it in a plant pot. There is no point in this because someone is have to pick it up after anyway. Going Astray ‘Abd-Allah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) taught us the paths of right guidance among which was prayer to be said in the Mosque five times a day.” In another version he said: “ If anyone would like to meet Allah (The Exalted) tomorrow as a Muslim he should preserve in observing these five times prayer where the announcement for them is made. For Allah (The Exalted) has laid down for your Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the paths of right guidance, among which are the prayers. If you were to pray in your houses as this man (referring to a certain man) who stays away and prays in his house, you would abandon the practice of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and if you were to abandon the practice of your Prophet you would go astray.” (Muslim)
Assistance From The Unseen Shaykh ‘Abd Al-Qadir Jilani (may Allah be pleased with him) relates a hadith, “Some people spend time in the mosques, the angels of Allah (The Exalted) are close to such people. If these people are not present in the mosque the Angels go searching for such people and if they are ill, the Angels visit them and if these people are ever in need, the Angels help them.” (Al Fat-hul Rabbani) Subhanallah! You will find assistance from the unseen when you please Allah (The Exalted). ‘Etikaf (Seclusion) Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “One performing ‘Etikaf is saved from sin and all his rewards are continuously written as if he actually did them.” (Mishkat.) When in ‘Etikaf one will be saved from the sins that would be have been committed if not in ‘Etikaf and also those who would perform good deeds would be rewarded for them although one has not got the opportunity to perform them whilst in ‘Etikaf. For instance, if you would help your parents, a neighbour or a friend etc. do a job but did not get the opportunity, however, the reward will be written as if doing the deed. Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever with sincerity for the sake of Allah (The Exalted) in the month of Ramadhan performs ‘Etikaf for a day, will receive the reward of 300 martyrs.” (Tadhkiratul Waidheen.) Subhanallah! What great reward is awarded for such people who have the opportunity. How easy is it to earn such reward! If we have not had the opportunity to sit in ‘Etikaf for 10 days in the blessed night of Ramadan, then try and make the effort and it is an amazing experience. Try to perform it at least once in a life time and see the blessings it brings in your life. There are so many benefits in staying in the Mosque. Make the effort and perform it soon as possible as you never know what is going to happen. Many se excuses about work etc. we work every day, when will we get such an opportunity to stay in the Mosque. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to perform ‘Etikaf once in our lifetime, Ameen. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever performs ‘Etikaf between Maghrib and ‘ Isha and besides Salaah and reciting the Qur’an does not say anything, it is compulsory on Allah (The Exalted) with His mercy to prepare a palace (for that person in paradise).” (Kashful Ghumma. Faizan-e-Sunnat.) It does nt mean Allah (The Exalted) has to do it but Allah (The Exalted) will do so as it is His promise to reward such people. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever in the month of Ramadhan performed ‘Etikaf for 10 days, it is as if he has performed two Hajj and two ‘Umrah.” (Bayhaqi) Subhanallah!
Types Of ‘Etikaf There are three types of ‘Etikaf: 1) Wajib 2) Sunnah and 3) Voltentry. 1) The wajib is to be performed when you have made a promise and said with the tongue, “For the sake of Allah (The Exalted) I will perform ‘Etikaf for so many days or on such a day.” Once the action is completed it is necessary to perform ‘Etikaf and with this ‘Etikaf fasting is a condition and without fasting the ‘Etikaf is not correct. 2) This is performed in the last third of Ramadan, meaning the last ten days. i.e. from sunset of the twentieth of Ramadan you entered in the Mosque with the intention of ‘Etikaf and did not come out until the thirtieth sunset or if the moon is seen on the twenty-ninth sunset. If the intention of ‘Etikaf is made after sunset on the twentieth then the Sunnat Muakedah will not be counted. This ‘Etikaf is Sunnat-e-Kifaya meaning if one person within the community performs it then all will not be held responsible and if no-one performs it then all will be held responsible. Fasting is also a condition for this ‘Etikaf, but the Ramadan fasts are sufficient. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Hindiya.) 3) Except for the ‘Etikaf Wajib and the ‘Etikaf Sunnat, any other ‘Etikaf is Mustahab. Fasting is not a condition for ‘Etikaf Mustahab and it can be done for a little while. Whenever you go to Mosque, make the intention for this ‘Etikaf even if you are going for a short while and when you come out the ‘Etikaf will finish. For the intention, just the thought that I am performing ‘Etikaf Mustahab for Allah (The Exalted) is sufficient. (Alamgiri, Bahar etc.) If one is going to perform the wajib and Sunnah ‘Etikaf, it is necessary to learn the rules and regulations as they are very important to know for the ‘Etikaf to be accepted. Lost Items Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever hears someone looking for a lost item in the mosque then say, ‘May Allah (The Exalted) not give you your lost item,’ as the mosques are not made for such things.” (Muslim. Abu Dawud. Ibn Majah. Ahmad. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 6, p. 404. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 504) It is not permissible to look for lost items in the prayer hall. Business In Mosque Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you see someone in the Mosque buying/selling then say ‘May Allah (The Exalted) not benefit you in your business’ .” (Sahih ibn Khuzayma. Tirmidhi. Ahmad. Hakim. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 593. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 507) We should leave any buying and selling outside the Mosque. Bad Odour Abu Sa’ id Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever eats raw onions or raw
garlic do not come near us in the mosque.” (Muslim. Bayhaqi. Sahih ibn Khuzayma. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 6, p. 381. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 507) It is necessary to keep the Mosque free from smell and obligatory to keep it free from impurity. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 6, p. 381. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 508) One should make sure that the fragrances such as aerosols and incense sticks are free from impure ingredients. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states that four things strengthen the eyesight, to sit towards the Qibla, to use Surma before sleeping, to look at something green, and to keeping clothes clean. (Ihya ukl uloom by Al-Ghazali) Methodology of proceeding to the Masjid To make ablution at home. (Bukhari) To Pray Salawaat on the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Take small steps whilst walking for Salaah to the Masjid since every step shall merit reward. (Attargheeb) The left shoe should be removed first but the Masjid should be entered with the right foot. (Bukhari) Supplication for entering the mosque Whilst entering the prayer hall recite the following supplication: Bismillahi Wassalamu ‘Ala Rasool-lillah ‘Allah, the name I enter with and greetings be upon the Messenger of Allah’ (Ibn Majah in Masajid and congregation) ‘Allah-hummaf Tahlee Abwaba Rahmatic’ ‘O Almighty Allah (The Exalted) open for me the doors of Your mercy.’ (Ibn Majah in Masajid and congregation & Nisa’ i) Then make intention of Sunnah ‘Etikaaf as follows: ‘Nawaytu Sunnatal ‘Etikaaf’ ‘ I have made the intention of Sunnah ‘Etikaaf.’ (Raddul Mohtar) One is not allowed to sleep, eat or drink in the Mosque unless the above supplication has been recited and some form of worship is done. To recite ‘Bismillah’ , (Allah’s name I begin with) (Ibn Majah) and ‘Assalatu Was-Salamu ‘Alayka Ya RasoolAllah’ (Peace and Salutations be upon you O Messenger of Allah). (Ibn Majah & Faydhul Qadir) When entering the Mosque.
Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes in ‘Fatawa-e-Razawiyya’ , ‘Those who talk whilst the Adhan is being prayed will have difficulty at the time of death.’ It is disliked for a person to sit idle in a mosque. (Ihya uloom udeen) (i.e. one should make remembrance etc.) Try to sit in the first row, behind or nearest to the Imam or to the right or left. If a place is not available in the first row than the second, then the third and so on. Do not sit in the back rows when there is place in the first row. (Muslim) BENEFIT: This shall enable one to gain the great reward set aside for those reading Salaah in the first row and to pray in the first row is a totally different experience. One waiting for Salaah to begin shall get the same reward as one in Salaah; therefore, you should not talk about worldly affairs in the Masjid. (Bukhari) Any remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) between the Sunnah and Fardh shall merit additional reward. A great reward is achieved if one reads a tasbeeh each, i.e. a hundred times each, of the following:- ‘Subhanallahi Wabihamdi’ ‘Purity belongs to Allah and to Him belongs all praise.’ Whenever one goes to the Masjid the following should be kept in mind: Not to indulge in worldly talk. To make remembrance and even recite the Qur’an. Do not spit towards the Qibla direction even outside the Masjid. Not to play with ones body, clothing or carpet. Not to put fingers of one hand into the other nor crack ones knuckles. In brief one should refrain from all acts that violate the sanctity of the Masjid. Always take pains to ensure that Salaah is read with Congregation. (Muslim) The rows should be very straight with those praying with congregation standing so close that there is no gap between two people. The ankles and shoulders of people standing in one row should be in a straight line. (Bukhari & Muslim) Every Salaah should be read with humility, sincerity, dedication, and devotion as if it is ones last Salaah. One’s reward in Salaah with congregation is multiplied twenty seven times.
Supplication for leaving the Mosque Whilst leaving the Masjid step out with the left foot (Bukhari) and wear the right shoe first and read this supplication: ‘Allah-humma Innee As-aluka Min Fadlik’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted) verily I seek from you your bounty.’ (Muslim in Salaah, Mishkat & Ibn Majah) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to offer Salaah in the Mosque and have respect for the Mosque. Remember to leave the Masjid with one’s left foot first CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT SUNNAH OF DRINKING WATER O Allah (The Exalted) I have believed in our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and I have not seen him so do not deprive my heart of a vision of him and provide me with his companionship and have me die on his way and lead me to drink after from his Pool plentifully, blissfully, heartily, a drink after which we will never feel thirst. You are the Power of all things. Water is a great gift of Allah (The Exalted). Without it we will not survive. Humans as well as animals drink water. Both Muslims as well as non-Muslims drink. Everyone has a different way of drinking. A Muslim’s way should be according to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Hence, when we drink water or any other liquid in accordance to the Sunnah, our drinking becomes a rewardable act. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Liked… The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked sweet and cold water. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never made a noise whilst drinking water and when he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would drink milk, milk shake, (Sharbat) etc. he would give others first and then take himself. Drinking With The Devil Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a person drinking whilst standing, the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked him to vomit it back out” , the person ask ‘Why shall I vomit it out!’ the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said ‘Surely who drank with you is worse than a cat, that is the devil’ .” (Madarijun Nabuwat, part 1, p. 467)
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade drinking water standing up. It was asked, “What about eating?” he said, “That (i.e. eating whilst standing) is even worse” .” (Tirmidhi) We see Muslims’ walking in the town centres today eating and drinking whilst standing. Even at gatherings some eat and drink whilst standing and are ignorant of the Sunnah way. Let us take the sayings of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) seriously and start practising them wherever we are. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Do not drink water standing up, if you do it by mistake and you remember then vomit it out.” (Muslim) This is the importance of drinking whilst sitting. To drink water standing up is disliked (Makrooh-e-Tanzihi (Khazinah Rahmat, p. 109)) and we don’ t want to displease Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Sunnah is only beneficial and to save oneself from any harm to the health. It is praiseworthy (Mustahab) to drink the water of ablution standing up also the water of Zam Zam as this is Sunnah. (Tirmidhi) Zam Zam Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I presented some Zam Zam water to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he stood up and drank it.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Respected brother / sister! We are Muslims and we have been taught the manners of drinking. We should drink whilst sitting as even research has proved that to drink standing is bad for health. Muslims do not pay much attention in the Sunnah manner of drinking. Do not emulate or feel ashamed of the non-Muslims, as we have been given a way which is the best as it is shown by the best of all creation, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). One of the reason’s for drinking Zam Zam standing is because it is the Sunnah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the other reason is for respect. Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Na’eemi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that water drank by the pious can also be drank standing up. (Khazinah Rahmat, p. 109-10) Supplication for Zam Zam Allahumma Innee Asaluka ‘ Ilman naafiaw Wa Rizqaw Wasi ‘Aw-Wa ‘Amalan Mutaqabbalaw Wa Shifa ammin Kulli Daa’ ‘O Allah! I ask You for beneficial knowledge, increase in wealth, accepted deeds and cure from illness’ (Bahar-e-Shariat, part one, Vol: 3.) Whatever supplication you make after drinking this blessed water will be accepted. We should make good supplications for yourself, family and the Ummah. Drinking Like a Camel
Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Do not drink water in one breath like a camel. However, drink it in two or three breaths. Say ‘Bismillah’ and when you move the glass, praise Allah (The Exalted) by saying ‘Alhamdulillah.’” (Tirmidhi) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would breath three times (outside the container) in the course of a drink and said; ‘ It is more thirst quenching, harmless and healthier.’” (Muslim) Do Not Blow On Hot Stuff Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade from breathing or blowing in the container.” (Tirmidhi) Research proves that when one blows in a hot drink, the bacterium increases in the drink. These bacteria’s you will drink and will increase in the stomach, as there is warmth and this will create more illness in the stomach. Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Naeemi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) writes, “The tongue that has been engaged in the dhikr of Allah (The Exalted) and the air that is released thereof is a cure for illness.” (Asrarul Ehkam) Drink From Your Hands Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Wash your hands and drink from your hands as there is no glass or object cleaner than your hands.” (Ibn Majah) This is the Sunnah of Prophet Isa (upon whom be peace). (ibid) You can drink with your hands and use both hands and it is not permissible to drink with just one hand as water is wasted. People may want to practise the Sunnah by drinking with the hands, however, bear in mind that water or any drink is not wasted. Wasting Water Some people where with Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) a person had drank some water and threw the rest away. The Shaykh said, “You should not throw away the left over water, you could have placed it in another container as at the moment we have plenty of water, this is the reason we do not value a sip of water.” (Al-Malfooz: Vol:3) Suck The Water Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Suck the water when drinking, as it will digest easily and prevents illness.” (Delmi) How Did The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Drink?
The glass was held in the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) right hand and he would sit down and pray ‘Bismillah.’ The method of drinking is to take three small sips by sucking the water without making any noise and moving the glass away from the mouth each time and praising Allah (The Exalted) each time by saying ‘Alhamdulillah’ and at the end the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would say ‘Ash-shukru-Lillahi.’ Respected brother/sister in Islam! If you see any Muslim drinking with their left hand then advise them in a nice way and instruct them to act upon the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and gain the reward of reviving a Sunnah. Jazakallah Khayrah. Cover The Utensils Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) commanded us to cover any utensils, to close the tops of water bags and to turn the containers over.” (Ibn Majah) This is done when there is nothing to cover the utensils. Specially at night as there is a day in the year where difficulties descend and enters the utensils that are open. In the hadith it states if there is no cover then use a stick (i.e. pen etc.) and recite ‘Bismillah’ and place on top of the utensils. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 805) Serving Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “One who serves should drink last.” (Tirmidhi) Best Charity Sa’ad bin ‘Ubada (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I came in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and asked what type of charity do you like? He said, ‘Water’ .” (Abu Dawud. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 2, p. 22. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 2, p. 512) Fire In Stomach Umm Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever drinks from silver enters fire in their stomach.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Allahu Akbar! In another hadith narrated by Huzaifa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade eating and drinking from gold or silver and said that, “These are for the non-believers in this world and for you in the hereafter.” (ibid) One should also bear in mind that to wear a watch made from gold or silver or to use a pen with a tip of gold or silver is a sin.
Manners Of Drinking Pray ‘Bismillah Hirahma Niraheem’ (Tirmidhi) and drink with your right hand as the devil drinks and eats with the left hand. (Bukhari) To sit and drink. (Muslim) Drink by taking three separate sips and not all at once. Separate the utensil from the mouth each time. (Muslim & Tirmidhi) Whilst drinking, suck the drink and do not make a noise. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 816) Do not blow into any drink for cooling. (Tirmidhi) Say ‘Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen’ after drinking. (Bukhari & Tirmidhi ) It is not permissible to throw away the left over drink. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 809-10) Always cover the water that is left in a glass, jug or pot. (Ibn Majah) Drink where you can see in the container. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 816) Supplication After Drinking Water ‘Alhamdulilla Hilladhi Saqana ‘Adhbann Furotann Birrahmatihi Walam Yaj’Alhu Milhann Ujajann Bidhunoo Binaa’ ‘All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who has given us fresh sweet water through His mercy and did not make it salty and bitter due to our sins’ Supplication After Drinking Milk Pray ‘Bismillah’ and pray this supplication after drinking milk: ‘Allahumma Baarik Lana Feehi Wazidna Minhu’ ‘O Allah grant us blessings in it (the milk) and increase it for us.’ (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud in drink) Milk has both nutrients of food and drink. When a child is born all it has is milk and this is sufficient for so many months. This is why we should thank Allah (The Exalted) and ask Him to increase it for us. Not to drink from a big container like a jug or bottle etc. but from a cup or glass. (Bukhari & Muslim) One should not drink from a chipped end of a cup. (Abu Dawud)
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has prohibited the usage of gold and silver utensils. (Bukhari) In the hadith it states, whoever makes utensils make from earth for their house, as the angles visit that house. (Faizane Sunnat) Drinking water after meals is not the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) especially, if the water is very hot or cold as both are harmful. There is cure from (the drink) that a Muslim has drunk from. (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 816) One serving should drink last. (Tirmidhi) Nowadays, many people drink with the left hand mostly whilst eating and think it is against the practice to drink with the right hand, the Islamic practice is to drink with the right hand. To cover the utensils when not in use, be it with a stick if nothing else is available. (Bukhari & Muslim) Imam Shafi states that four things make the body idle, excessive sexual intercourse, too much thinking, too much drinking of water when hungry, and too much pepper. (Ihya uloom ad-deen) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would use utensils for drinking made from earth. He had a wooden cup (Faizane Sunnat, Sunnah of drinking water. p. 816), which had on its exterior a metal handle, and he would drink liquids from this. In another narration narrated by ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a glass cup. (Ibn Majah) O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to practise the Sunnah of Your beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whilst we drink. Ameen. CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE SUNNAH OF EATING O Allah (The Exalted) send to the soul of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) my greetings and my salutations. Food is a great gift from Allah (The Exalted). Within, it has many different tastes and nourishments to fulfil our need. By eating according to the Sunnah there will be many blessings. The manners of eating are very important to learn and perfect since they are repeated many times a day. One must learn how to eat properly whether eating alone, with family or with friends. To avoid pretences, you with your family should practice proper eating manners until it becomes a natural part of your behaviour. Enquire About Your Food
‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) had a slave who would give ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) a portion of his daily income as the master’s share. Once he bought him some food, and ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took a morsel out of it. Then the slave remarked: “You always enquire about the source of what I bring to you, but today you have not done so.” He replied: “ I was feeling so hungry that I failed to do that. Tell me now, how did you come by this food?” The slave said: “Before I embraced Islam, I practised fortune-telling. During those days I came across some people who I would practice some charms for. They promised to pay me later on, I met them and they were in a marriage ceremony, and they gave me this food.” ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Achh! You would have killed me!” he tried to vomit the food, but could not as his stomach was empty. Someone suggested drinking water to the full and trying to vomit it. Somebody remarked ‘May Allah (The Exalted) have mercy on you! You put yourself to such trouble for one single morsel.’ He replied that “ I would have thrust it out even if I had to lose my life. I have heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say that the flesh nourished by haraam (strictly forbidden) food is destined for the fire of Hell. I therefore made haste to vomit this morsel, lest any portion of my body should receive nourishment from it.” Allahu Akbar! We should make sure that our food is from lawful sources. Making sure the work we do is lawful, the food is lawful etc. if not then our supplications will not be accepted, nor our Salaah. Imam Ghazali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes in Ihya ul uloom from a pious person that, When a Muslim eats the first morsel of lawful food, his previous sins are forgiven. Subhanallah! ‘Abu Hurayrah And Hunger Once, ‘Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) after wiping his nose with a piece of fine linen remarked to himself “Look at ‘Abu Hurayrah! He cleans his nose with fine linen, today. I remember the time when he would lie down between the pulpit and the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) house. People took him to be suffering from epilepsy and put their feet on his neck. But there was no other illness with him, other than spasms of hunger.” Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, ‘ I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) pray to Allah (The Exalted) that he make me mustajab ad-da’waat (someone whose prayers are always accepted). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “O Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) make sure your earnings are lawful, Allah (The Exalted) will accept your prayers. A person eats a morsel of unlawful and his prayers are not accepted for forty days.”’ (Al-Kabair) Respected brother/sister of Islam! Look at the life of the companions and look at our lives. After reading the Sunnah and the hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we should understand that every thing that the
Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has shown us is only for our benefit, the companions acted upon all the saying of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). As Muslims, we should also start to follow the blessed Sunnah. Following the Sunnah is also counted as worship as in reality you are following the Qur’an. Washing The Hands ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying “Before and after eating perform ablution as it banishes poverty and is the practises of the Prophets (upon them all be peace).” (Tabarani) This means to wash the hands and rinse the mouth and not to perform ablution as one would do for Salaah. Eating Whilst Seated On The Floor Is Sunnah Qataada (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would eat his food from a mat (laid out on the floor).” (Bukhari) How To Sit The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to often squat down on his knees and sit on his heels for the meal. At other times he would raise this right leg and sit on his left. He used to say, “ I do not eat when reclining (ibid)… for I am but a slave, I eat as a slave eats and sit as a slave sits.” (Ahmad ibn Hanbal) The first principle of the law of Islam is that nothing can compare with any habit or act of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Anyone who does not believe this should beware; for Allah (The Exalted) has stated that He does not favour those who disbelieve. Everything else can be open to criticism but not the Qur’an or the Sunnah. Wherever we are in the world when the time comes to eat, the food should be arranged on the floor on a mat and we should sit and partake of it from there. In many of our homes today this beautiful Sunnah has been neglected. Muslims are sitting on chairs and tables moving away from the Sunnah. Islam is simple but we have made it complicated. To sit on a table is an innovation as it is contrary to the Sunnah. Covering The Head The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always cover his head when eating and he would wash both hands up to the wrist. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sat on the floor at the side of a mat and ate with three fingers of his right hand. The three fingers include the thumb, index, and the middle finger and he would start with ‘Bismillah’ and in between three morsels our master (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would say ‘Bismillah’ and say ‘Alhamdulillah.’ Recite Bismillah For Blessing
Wahshi bin Harmat (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Eat together and recite ‘Bismillah’ , there will be blessings for you in this.” (Imam Ahmed & ‘Abu Dawood) Food Becomes Lawful For Devil Hudhayfa (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “He who does not recite ‘Bismillah’ before eating, that food becomes lawful for the devil.” (Muslim) Eat together for blessing The people said, “‘ O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we eat but are not satisfied,” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “You may be eating separately,” they said, “Yes,” the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Eat together and recite ‘Bismillah’ there will be blessing.” (Ibn Majah) People have become very busy in their lifestyle and need to understand that it is the Sunnah to sit together and eat. Love and blessings will increase in the family, Insha-Allah! Not reciting ‘Bismillah’ is a means of loosing out on the blessings. Shaytan Partakes Ummayya bin Makhshi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, ‘A person was eating without reciting ‘Bismillah’ and just before he had finished and had one morsel left he recited ‘Bismillahi Awwalahu Wa Aakhirahu’ , the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) smiled and said, “The Shaytan was eating with him, when he recited the name of Allah (The Exalted) whatever was in his stomach he vomited it out.” (Abu Dawud) If ever we forget to recite ‘Bismillah’ then recite the supplication which has been mentioned above and Insha-Allah the Shaytan will not take part in the food and will be full of blessings. Use The Right Hand ‘Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, “Eat with the right hand and drink with the right hand and take with the right hand and give with the right hand. This is because the devil eats with the left hand and drinks with the left hand and gives with the left hand and takes with the left hand.” (Ibn Majah) Salmah bin Aku’ (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “A person was eating with his left hand in the presence of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Eat with the right hand.” He said, ‘ I can’ t eat with my right hand.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “May your right hand not be used.” (Muslim) Because of arrogance the person did not use his right hand and since that day he could not lift his right hand to his mouth.
Eat With Three Fingers ‘Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “To eat with three fingers is the practice of the Prophets (Peace be upon them).” (Ibn Annajjar) Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Eat with three fingers as it is Sunnah and do not eat with five fingers as this is the way of the bedouins.” (Hakim) Try to eat with three fingers, however, at times some foods do not allow you to do so, then eat with five as a last resort. Ka’ab bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate with three fingers and before wiping his hands he licked them.” (Muslim) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “To eat with one finger is the way of Shaytan, to eat with two is the way of the arrogant and with three is the way of the Prophets (upon them all be peace).” (Mawahibul Ladunya) Once Mamunur Rasheed (Khalifa Abbasi) was presented with some cutlery. The Qazi of the time, Imam ‘Abu Yusuf said, “Your grandfather ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) writes in his Tafsir under this verse, ‘And without doubt We have given respect to the children of Adam.” It states, “We made for them fingers with which they eat.” Mamunar Rasheed did not except the cutlery and ate with his fingers. (ibid) Food which can not be eaten with the fingers such as soup etc. can be eaten with a spoon, however, we should try and eat with our fingers and follow the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in foods that can be eaten with fingers. No Accounting Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Whatever a person eats and drinks and feeds his mother and father, will be accounted for, except for food eaten with friends.” Subhanallah! We learn that to have food with friends is a greatly rewarded act and love will increase between the Muslim communities. Wasting Food ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “ I came to the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) house, I saw a piece of bred, he picked it up wiped it and ate it and said, “‘ Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) appreciate good things, once this (bread) has left (taken away) it has not returned.” (Ibn Majah) Respected brother/sister of Islam! Today we see in weddings and in other functions that we take more food than required and leave food in our plates, which will inevitably be thrown away. This is a sinful act and we will have to answer for it on the Day of
Resurrection. We should take only small amounts of food and if we require more, we can always take more later. Always keep in your mind to clean the plates, save yourselves from sin, and fulfil the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Leaving Food For Shaytan Ma’qal bin Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) was eating when a morsel fell from his hand. He picked it up, cleaned it and ate it. The bedouins indicated with there eyes (what a low graded act), someone remark ‘May Allah (The Exalted) favour our leader as some people are indicating that you have all this food present and you pick the food that has dropped.’ Ma’qal bin Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Because of the Bedouins I will not leave that which I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). As we were ordered to pick up the morsel that has dropped and not to leave it for the Shaytan.” (ibid) No matter who is present do not feel ashamed in following the Sunnah, your love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will increase and Allah (The Exalted) will reward you for not wasting too. Once ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) saw a piece of bread on the floor and said to his slave, “Clean it and save it.” At the time of opening the fast he asked for it and the slave said, “ I have eaten it.”” Go you are free as I have heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “Whoever picks up and eats a piece of bread from the floor, before it reaches the stomach Allah (The Exalted) forgives the person. Now that the person is forgiven, how can I keep him as a slave”” said ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) (Tanbihul Ghafileen) The Plate Makes Supplication It is mentioned in the hadith that the plate and other vessels which are wiped and licked using fingers, pray for the person doing this and say; ‘May Allah (The Exalted) free you from the Hell fire the way you have freed me from the devil.’ Another version of the hadith says, the plates ask for your forgiveness. (Ibn Majah) Subhanallah! Supplication Before Eating: ‘Bismillahi Wa-‘Ala Baraka Tillah’ ‘Allah’s (The Exalted) name I begin with, and with the blessings of Allah (The Exalted)’ (‘Abu Dawood & Hakim ) Nothing Will Affect You Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that “When you pray this supplication, you will have no illness (nor be affected by anything): ‘Bis-mil-lahi Wa Bil –la-hil La-dhi Laa Ya-durru Ma ‘As-mihi Shai-un Fil-ardi Wa-la-fis Samaa-i Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyoom’
Allah, the name I begin with, and Allah is He whose name nothing on earth nor in the heavens can cause harm. O the everlasting, O the self existent..” (Tirmidhi & Deylmi ) If You Forget To Recite ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that “Whoever eats food, remember Allah (The Exalted) meaning recite ‘Bismillah’ and if in the beginning you forget to pray ‘Bismillah’ then pray the following: ‘Bimillahi Fi Awwalihi Wa-aakhirihi’ ‘Allah’s name I begin with at the beginning and end of it.’ (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) One can also pray ‘Awwalahu’ and ‘Wa-aakhiraha’ (Abu Dawud in Food) Not reciting ‘Bismillah,’ the devil has an opportunity to partake in the food. (Mishkat) Manners Of Eating Wash both hands up to the wrists before and after eating (Tirmidhi) but not to wipe them before you eat, as it is not the Sunnah and bacteria from the towel will come on the hands and will go down the stomach with the food increasing illness. To wash both hands and gargle before and after eating. (ibid) The habit of gargling the mouth together with washing of the hands after meals is a source of great blessing. (Ibn Majah) Place food on a Sufra (a ground cover made from leather). (Ihya ul uloom, Chapter 1, p. 4) Do not just wash the fingers, as this is not the Sunnah. (Alamgiri) Start and finish with salt or something that contains salt, as it banishes seventy illnesses. (Bazazaiya and Raddul Mohtar. Shu’ab ul Iman) After completing the meal wash your hands so that no smell remaining. (Akhlaaq aur Adaab, p. 29) Say ‘Bismillah’ loudly so that those who have forgotten are reminded. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 796) It is an emphasized Sunnah (Sunnat-e-Moakedah) to recite the praise of Allah (The Exalted) before and after meals. (Nur-ul-Irfan: Verse:7) To eat together and not individually, as this will bring more blessing. (‘Abu Dawud & Mishkat) Do not wipe your hands with bread. (Ihya ulum adeen)
To lean on something or to leave your head uncovered is disrespectful and against the Sunnah. (Bukhari & ‘Abu Dawud) To lean on the left-hand side is Makrooh (disliked). To keep each mouthful small and chew it well. (Ihya ulum adeen) Do not find fault in anything you eat. If you like it eat it otherwise do not pass any comment. (Bukhari) Eat with your right hand, similarly when taking food from a bowl and when giving to someone the right hand should be used. (Ibn Majah) If some food has been dropped then pick it up, clean it and pray ‘Bismillah’ , eat it, and do not leave it for the devil. (ibid) If a visitor comes, he should also be urged to join you. (Muslim) When taking the food out, take it out from the side and not the middle. Eat from the food, which is closest to you. (Tirmidhi) Sit the Sunnah way i.e. Squat with the buttocks away from the ground. (Both knees touching the stomach and the souls of feet on the floor) Sit on the left leg having the right knee raised touching the stomach Sit on both the legs as in the Tashahud posture (shins touching the ground). (Umdatul Qari) To use a red mat (dastarkhan) as it is the Sunnah of Musa, Isa (upon them be peace) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace.). (Faizane Sunnat) If a variety of dishes are served then it is permissible to partake in any that you wish and leave any that you are not inclined towards without passing any remarks. (Tirmidhi) Small pieces of meat should not be cut with a knife, but rather shred with the teeth, this assists in digestion. (ibid) Do not smell the food. (Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 31) To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah. (Tirmidhi) Do not eat hot food or hot drink, as there is no blessing in excessively hot food let it cool down. (Ahmad) Do not blow on the food to cool it. (Tirmidhi) When eating together, the most pious or eldest should be asked to begin. (Muslim) Talk about good things as to stay quiet is the act of the fire worshippers. (Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 31)
Take from one side of the dish and not from the middle. (ibid p. 30) After eating one should clean the plate (via their finger) as it is possible that Allah (The Exalted) may have kept blessings on that morsel left behind on the plate or the fingers. (ibid p. 31) Lick your fingers at the end in the following manner, middle finger, index finger, the thumb, little finger, and then ring finger. (Muslim & Tabarani) NOTE: do not place the entire finger inside the mouth, as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would lick the inner side of the finger first and then the outer. To remove shoes before eating as this is more comfortable. (Mishkat & Darimi) Hold the bread in the left hand and break it with the right hand. (Faizane Sunnat) When eating together then as far as possible we should eat till the end so that we can accompany the slow eater and if this is not possible then we should rather excuse ourselves when we finish eating. (Ibn Majah) To eat from a plate / bowl made from clay / earth is a Sunnah. (Madani Inamaat) Allama Safuwri relates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that (after eating) wash the plate and drink it. One who does this is as if freeing forty slaves from the people of Prophet Ismail (upon whom be peace). (Nuzhatul Majalis) In another place Imam ‘Abu Hamid al-Ghazali (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states, ‘Whoso cleans the dish they have eaten in and drinks the water will get the reward of releasing a slave.’ (Faizane Shariat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever cleans his plate and his fingers, Allah (The Exalted) keeps the person satisfied both in this world and the next.” (Nuzhatul Majalis) To use a toothpick after eating is a Sunnah. (Faizane Sunnat) One is rewarded with freeing two slaves if you perform Miswak after eating. (Tadhkirat ul Wa’ idheen) Few Rules Of Eating: Do not eat to the fill of your stomach, as you will feel lazy. Do not eat standing or walking, as it is Makrooh. (Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 31) When someone has asked you to join them to eat, do not say ‘Bismillah’ , as this has no meaning at this time, but say may Allah (The Exalted) give you more blessings or say ‘Barakallah’ . (ibid p. 31-2) If perspiration or tears fall in the food than it does not become unlawful. (ibid p. 32)
If the meat has burnt then to eat it is forbidden. (Alamgiri) You are not allowed to eat food from someone else’s land until you have permission. (Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 32) Do not wipe your hand or a knife on the chapatti. (Ihya ulum adeen) In all conditions we should be satisfied and content with the food we get no matter what the quantity or type is. We should always be happy and regard it as a bounty from Allah (The Exalted). (Malik) Supplication After Eating After eating pray this supplication: ‘Alhamdu Lillahil Ladhi At‘Amana Wasa Qanaa Waja ‘Alana Minal Muslimeen’ ‘All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who gave us food and drink and made us Muslims.’ (Tirmidhi, ‘Abu Dawud in food, Ibn Majah & Tabarani) You will not have to account for food eaten on the day of resurrection, if the meals are completed with this supplication. When Eating At Someone’s House When eating at some one else’s home the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would read the following; ‘Allahumma At‘ Im Man-at‘Amani Wasqi Man-saqani’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted), feed he who has fed me and quench his thirst who has quenched my thirst.’ (Muslim) CHAPTER THIRTY THE PROPHET’S (MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND GRANT HIM PEACE) FOOD O Allah (The Exalted) just as I have believed in our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) without seeing him, so do not deprive my heart of a vision of him. In order to love someone completely we should know some detail of their life. Hence, in order to get closer to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we will mention some of the foods of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Some of the foods that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate, mentioned or praised whether once in his lifetime or as a habit include, meat: of camel, cow, sheep, goat, chicken, halal birds and fish, whether dried in the sun or cooked with or without soup. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant
him peace) was very fond of Thareed which is bread soaked in meat curry. Foreleg of a lamb, shoulder, neck, back or sheep was also much to his taste. (Faizane Sunnat) It is reported that he liked honey, halwa (sweet), olive oil, vinegar, milk, butter, cheese, cucumber with salt, gourd (Kaddu or Dudi), loki (Ghia) and sattoo (powered baked barley), beetroot and marrow. The black aromatic seed (Kalunji), mustard seed, fenugreek (methi), dry ginger, black pepper and other spices. Fat, aloe, and bread too. Sometimes he had two fruits such as watermelon and dates. Dates – all types, ripe, dry etc. orange, apple, musk melon, grapes and other fruits. Bread ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that, “Till the demise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his family never ate a full stomach of bread made of barley for two consecutive days.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on the Bread… p. 141) Those who are poor can also follow the life of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). There is no stone unturned in Islam, hence, the Sunnah is the best of mankind. Barley Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his family spent many consecutive nights without food, because there would be no supper. The bread of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was mostly made of barley.” (ibid p. 142) There are many virtues and benefits in eating barley bread. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would also have barley soup. (Ibn Majah) Vinegar ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once said, ‘What a nice curry vinegar is.’” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on curry… p. 155) Vinegar is also a blessed food and is a great blessings to have in the house. Bird Safeena (may Allah be pleased with her) says that, “ I ate the meat of Hubaa-raa with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (ibid p. 157) Cheese ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was brought some cheese while in the area of Tabuk and that he asked for a knife, mentioned Allah’s (The Exalted) name and then cut it.” (Abu Dawud) Also, the companions used to eat cheese in Iraq and Syria.
Black Seed Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) related from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Use the Black Seed, because it contains a cure for every type of ailment, except for death.” (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi, Ahmad and Ibn Hibban) Pomegranate ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “Eat Pomegranate with its pulp, because it coats the stomach.” (Prophet’s Medicine, p. 275) Butter Two children of Busr said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came by us and we offered him some butter and dried dates, as he used to like eating butter and dried dates.” (Abu Dawud) Ginger Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Byzantine king gave the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a barrel of ginger as a gift and he gave each person a part of it. I too got a piece.” (Abu Nu’aym) Fish ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘We were allowed two dead animals and two bloods: fish and locust, and liver and spleen.” (Ahmad and Ibn Majah) Gourd Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) loved gourd (Dudi / Kaddu). Once food was presented to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or he attended an invitation where gourd was served. I knew the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) loved it. I searched for pieces from the curry and presented it to him.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on curry… p. 159) Gourd is from the pumpkin family and very good for health. Meat ‘Abd-Allah ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “We ate roasted meat with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the Masjid.” (ibid p. 161) Thareed Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘The virtue and excellence of ‘Aisha (may
Allah be pleased with her) over all other women is like the excellence of Thareed over other foods.’” (ibid p. 169) Thareed which is bread soaked in meat curry which was one of the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) favourite food. Fruit From Paradise ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Once a solar eclipse occurred during the lifetime of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He offered the eclipse prayer. His companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! We saw you trying to take something while standing at your place and then we saw you retreating.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I was shown Paradise and wanted fruit from it. Had I taken it, you would have eaten from it as long as the world remained.” (Bukhari) Subhanallah! Allah (The Exalted) has given the keys of Paradise to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in this world. Whosoever he desires to enter into Paradise he can do so. Olive Abu Usayd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Consume olive oil and apply yourselves with it, for it comes from a blessed tree.” (Tirmidhi & Ibn Maja) Olive is a very blessed food as it is from Paradise and mentioned in the Qur’an too. Dates ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘A family which has dates will not go hungry.’” (Muslim & Abu Dawud.) It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would have honey water for breakfast and at times had dry dates, which have been cut into pieces and soaked in a clay container overnight. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate watermelon with fresh dates.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on fruits, p. 188) Melon ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to eat melon with fresh dates. He used to say, ‘The heat of the one is broken by the coolness of the other, and the coolness of the one by the heat of the other.’” (Abu Dawud) Watermelons & Dates
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked watermelons, melons, and dates. For days sometimes, the whole household had to live on dates and water. Sometimes they even had to go without these. Allahu Akbar! Think how fortunate we are that Allah (The Exalted) has given us all these blessings, yet we do not appreciate them. We should follow the Sunnah very closely to please Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Prophet And Fruit Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) eat together musk-melon and dates.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on fruits, p. 188) ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Jaafar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate cucumbers with dates.” (ibid p. 188) Making Supplication For New Fruit Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the people saw the first fruit (of the season or of plantation) they brought it to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When he received it he said, “O Allah (The Exalted) bless us in our fruits, and bless us in our city; and bless us in our Sa's (a measurement) and bless us in our mudd (a measurement). O Allah (The Exalted) Ibrahim (upon whom be peace) was thy servant, Thy friend, and thy apostle, and I am your servant and your apostle. He (Ibrahim) made supplication to You for (the showering of blessings upon) Makkah, and I am making supplication to You for Madinah just as he made supplication to You for Makkah, and the like of it in addition. He would then call to him the youngest child and give him these fruits.” (Muslim) Subhanallah! There are many lessons from the above hadith, one of which is how he loved children; he would make them feel special. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to make the children in our community feel special too. Supplication For New Seasonal Fruit Rubayyi bint Mu’awwidh Ibn Afraa (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “My uncle Mu’aadh Ibn Afraa (may Allah be pleased with him) sent me with a plate of fresh dates, which had small cucumbers on it to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I took this to him. At that time some jewellery had been sent to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from Bahrain. He took a handful from it and gave it to me.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Alhamdulillah! We find from this that to return a gift is also a Sunnah. Supplication for new fruit
When a seasonal fruit is presented or seen recite Salawaat and place it on your eyes and lips and recite the following supplication: Allahumma Kama Arraytanaa Awwalahu Fa-arinaa Aakhirah O Allah (The Exalted) show us the last as you have shown us the first. (Bahar-e-Sharait & Khazinah Rahmah, p. 80) Thank Allah (The Exalted) For Everything We must always be very thankful to Allah (The Exalted) for all the abundance of food that he bestows upon us. We should remember the ways of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and feel ashamed if we see food being wasted. Do not waste food or Allah’s (The Exalted) wrath will fall. May Allah (The Exalted) be kind to help us make full use of His gifts and do so properly and wisely, Ameen! Muhammad ibn Aslam (may Allah have mercy upon him) knew the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate watermelon but did not eat it as he did not know the manner in which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate it. Allahu Akbar! This is how close the pious would follow the Sunnah. Honey Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ If anyone licks honey three mornings every month, he will not be afflicted with any serious trouble.” (Ibn Majah & Baihaqi) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would like sweet edible things and honey.” (Bukhari) Honey also has many benefits and is a great Sunnah that has been mentioned in the Qur’an. BENEFITS OF HONEY Honey has been shown to be excellent post-exercise muscle recuperation and energy repletion supplement maintaining optimal blood sugar levels throughout the two hours following exercise. Research around the world has shown that honey is an effective treatment for serious wounds and burns and the use of honey, as a wound dressing material, an ancient remedy that has been rediscovered, is becoming of increasing interest as more reports of its effectiveness are published. Medical research has shown its effectiveness as an antimicrobial agent that may help prevent infections caused by bacteria. Honey cleans the bowels, cures dehydration and phlegm, cleans the kidneys, liver chest and digestive system will be strengthened. It also cures urinal problems. Hair problems
can be cured, the hair will become lengthy, and the teeth will strengthen and stay clean. Honey is cure for all human diseases. (Al-Qur’an) FOODS THAT THE PROPHET (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) DISLIKED The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked raw onions and garlic and never ate them himself. If someone would come who had eaten these than he would be advised to wash his mouth thoroughly before coming near the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (When garlic or onion is cooked then there is no smell, and it is eatable without the smell). Abu Ayyub Ansari (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates that, “When food was brought to Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he ate out of that, and sent the remaining part to me. One day he sent to me the left-over; (I found that he) had not taken from it at all for it included garlic. I asked him whether that was forbidden, whereupon he said. “No, but I do not like it because of its odour.” “Then I also do not like what you do not like.” (Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whoever eats onions, garlic or leeks should not approach our Mosque, because whatever offends the sons of Adam may offend the angels.” (Muslim) Ata (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates that, ‘ I heard Jabir bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) saying, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever eats (from) this plant (he meant garlic) should keep away from our mosque.” I said, “What does he mean by that?” He replied, “ I think he means only raw garlic.” (Bukhari) Muawwiyah Ibn Qurrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade these two plants (i.e. garlic and onions) and he said, “He who eats them should not come near our mosque. If it is necessary to eat them, make them dead by cooking, that is, onions and garlic.” (Abu Dawood) Respected brother/sister in Islam! Regardless of whether a person is rich or poor, young or old, male or female whoever it is, in the day we eat at least twice. Would it not be good to eat the way the Master of all Prophets’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ate? And bring his teachings that are full of personal benefits for all, and praise Allah (The Exalted) that the food that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked has also been given to us. Advice Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states four things that make the body strong are; eating meat, inhaling scent, taking a bath and putting on linen clothes. (Ihya ulum udeen, p. 51) Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that four things that make the body weak are excessive sexual intercourse, too much worries, too much drinking of water when hungry, and too much acidy foods. (ibid p. 51)
He who eats seven dried dates on a daily basis then every worm in the stomach is destroyed. He who eats twenty-one red coloured raisins each day, will not feel any pain in body. (ibid p. 51) Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that three things make sexual desires increase, to eat meat of small birds, truffles, to eat pistachio nuts and to eat watercress. (ibid p. 51) Manners of fruit It is Sunnah to eat an odd number of dates i.e. 1, 3, 5 etc. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) loved watermelons, cucumbers and dates. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on fruits, p. 188) Do not buy or sell fruit that has not ripened. (Malik’s Muwatta) Make the supplication when a seasonal fruit is put in front of you. (Muslim) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would kiss and place seasonal fruit on his blessed eyes to thank Almighty Allah. One should not waste any type of food but should remember those who do not have food in the third world countries. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would serve the younger ones first and commence from the right side. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would hold the grapes by the stem and would pull them with his mouth and the juice would flow on his beard. O Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow the Sunnah of eating and the food he liked, Ameen. CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE THE SUNNAH OF DRESS O Allah (The Exalted) accept the great intercession of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), raise his rank high and give him that which he asks for in the Hereafter and in this Present life just as You gave to our master Abraham (upon whom be peace) and our liege-lord Moses (upon whom be peace). Allah (The Exalted) has given us clothing to cover ourselves and to look good. Clothing saves us from cold weather and protects us in the heat too. We have been ordered to cover ourselves, but unfortunately the situation has become such that clothing is not worn to cover and save oneself from harmful whether, but has become all about fashion.
The true Muslim takes good care of his clothes, so you will see him presenting a pleasant appearance, without being extravant. He is pleasant to look at and to meet, and does not annoy people with his careless, dishevelled appearance. He always checks himself before he goes out to meet people, and he makes himself look good in front of his Companions, as well as in front of his family. Let us learn about the importance of clothing and the Sunnah. Raised with those who you follow Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying, “He who copies any group of people is one of them.” (Abu Dawood) The intention of the above is that whoever adopts the ways and manners of the unbelievers and evildoers will be a partner in their sins. Respected brother / sister! Do not follow others, but follow our Prophet (may Allah be pleased with him). Whoever we dress like in this life, we will be raised with them. After reading this, we should change our dress to a humble and simple dress, the dress of our Prophet (may Allah be pleased with him). The sisters should follow the dress of the wives and daughters of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with him). Curse men and women Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “May Allah (The Exalted) curse the men who make feminine looks and the women who adopt the resemblance of men.” (Bukhari) If we look around us today this is exactly what is happening. Meaning the men are taking their facial hair (beards) and are looking more like the women and the women are trimming their hair and wearing jeans and tops. May Allah (The Exalted) save the followers of His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from the corruption of the devil. Ibn Abu Malayka (may Allah be pleased with him) told that when some one remarked to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that “A woman was wearing men’s sandals she replied that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) cursed masculine women.” (Abu Dawud, Mishkat-ul-Masabih, Fataw-e-Razwayia, Vol: 1, p. 9, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 16) Allahu Akbar! Men should only wear mens’ clothing and footwear. The women should only wear clothing and footwear that is for women. Do not even dress children with clothing of the opposite gender. Wear white Samurah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Wear white as they are clean and clothe the deceased in them too.” (Tirmidhi, Imam Ahmad, Nisai and Ibn Majah.)
Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “To meet Allah (The Exalted) the best clothing for the mosque and in the grave is white.” (Ibn Majah) White clothing was very much liked by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). We should try and wear white too and follow the Sunnah, Insha-Allah it will benefit us both in this world and the next. Wear what you want Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that “Eat and drink what you want (halal), give in charity and wear what you want (halal) until you do not over spend (waste) or have pride.” (Ibn Majah) This hadith is very much neglected, however, at the same time the most neglected is that many people do not check what they are eating, whether it is lawful or not. Allah forbid but there are people who know something is unlawful but make many excuses and follow the Shaytan and their desires by eating it. For a person who eats the forbidden, their Salaah and supplications will not be accepted and will be liable for the hell fire. We also learn to wear clothing according to the Shari’ah and do not show of with what you wear either. ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Allah (The Exalted) likes to see his favour on a person.” (Tirmidhi) Allah (The Exalted) likes to see his servants wearing good clothing, the way that our beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore his clothing. Wearing clothing below the ankles Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “He who wears his clothing below his ankles with pride (until it reaches the floor) Allah (The Exalted) does not look at him with mercy.” Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The clothing below the ankles will be in fire.” (Bukhari, Nasa’ i, ibn Majah & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 19) Abu Sa’ id (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The way to wear the lower garment for a Muslim is halfway to the calf and there is no problem from halfway of the calf to the ankles, however, if below, it is in the hell fire and whoever out of pride keeps the lower garment long Allah (The Exalted) will not look at him on the day of judgement.” (Ibn Majah) Allahu Akbar! Many people wear clothing below the ankles but when they come for Salaah they roll them up. To role any part of your clothing especially for Salaah is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi, meaning the Salaah should be repeated.
To lift the clothes, whether from the front or back, when going into Sajdah is Makrooh. (Majma` al-Anhar Vol. 1 Pg. 124, and al-Durr al-Mukhtar Vol. 1 Pg. 640. Fatawa al-`Alamgiriyyah Vol.1 Pg,. 105 and al-Bada`i al-Sana`i V. 1 OP 216 and al-Bahr al-Ra`iq V 2 P25) Hence, to “ tuck-in” the shirt in the trouser or to “ roll-up” the sleeves or to fold the trousers from the ankles [or inside] is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi. Any Salaah performed with an act that is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi, it is necessary (wajib) to repeat the prayer. (Durr al-Mukhtar V 1 P 337) Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “He who leaves his clothing below his ankles because of pride, on the day of resurrection Allah (The Exalted) will not see to him (with mercy). ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that my clothing stays below my ankles! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “You are not from those people.’” (i.e. who wear it with pride) (Bukhari) It is necessary for the sisters to cover their ankles as it is part of their covering (satr), hence to keep clothing above the ankles for women does not apply. Wearing A Tehband Akrama (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I saw ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) when he tied his lower garment he would leave the front end near this feet and the rear end was raised (higher than the front), ‘ I asked why do you tie it like this?’ He said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) would tie it like this.’ (Abu Dawud, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 20 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 9, p. 99) Sunnah Of The Tehband Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that we heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “A believer’s lower garment should be half way to the calf.” (Muslim, Ibn Mjah, Abu Dawud, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 21 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 9, p. 99) This is the Sunnah, however, it can be kept anywhere between halfway of the calves and above the ankles. Jewellery Abu Musa ‘Ashari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “From my followers (Ummaties) jewellery and silk is permissible for women and unlawful for men.” (Nisai) Silk is totally unlawful for males and only one silver ring, which is less than four and a half grams, is permissible. No silver chain etc. is allowed, even if an amulet (Taweez) is worn on it, also the amulet should not be in a box made from any type of metal. If Salaah is prayed with them on it will not count and is necessary (Wajib) to repeat it. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “‘ Aisha if you desire to meet me then from the worldly things stop at what you have, the amount that a traveller has when travelling. Save
yourself from sitting with the rich and do not think of your clothing as old until patched.” (Tirmidhi) It is the Sunnah to wear patched clothing. Unfortunately if clothing becomes ripped then people throw it away. However, when the fashion of wearing ripped and patched jeans is out, people want to get them and follow the fashion. The heart hurts to see the Muslims following the latest trend but when it is the Sunnah, we feel ashamed of following the beautiful Sunnah. Do we see any non-Muslim following the Sunnah? What face will we show to Allah (The Exalted) on the day of Judgement and to His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). We will say that yes we loved you but followed others, Allah (The Exalted) forbid, O Allah! Give us the ability to follow the beautiful Sunnah of Your beloved and give us a place with him in the hereafter, Ameen. Hudhyfah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ (for men) It is forbidden to wear silk and gold, as it is for the non-believers in this world and for us in the hereafter.” (Ibn Majah) Some men even after knowing that gold is forbidden still insist on wearing it. Fear Allah (The Exalted) as it is a punishable act. Supplication for clothing and forgiveness Mu’az bin Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever reads this supplication, his past sins will be forgiven: ‘Alhamdulillahil Ladhi Kasaani Maa-‘uwari bihe ‘Aowrati Wa-atajammalu Bihe Fee-Hayaati’” ‘All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who clothed me with which I covered my shame and with which I add beauty to my life.’ (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi in supplication & Mishkat) Respected brother / sister! Learn this supplication as it is very beneficial. If you don’ t get time or find it difficult, then write it on a piece of paper with a flap to cover the supplication as it be open to disrespect. Write the supplication and place it near where you place your clothing so that every time you wear your clothing you can read and learn it at the same time and Insha-Allah within a week you will have it memorized. Give to charity ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If a person recites the above supplication when dressing in new clothing and gives the old clothing to charity, then Allah (the Exalted) will protect him both in this life and the hereafter. Also he will be under Allah’s (the Exalted) cover (i.e. he will be protected from all calamities and his sins will be hidden).” (Mishkat) Subhanallah! Jinn look’s at you
While removing clothing recite ‘Bismillah…’ as the devil gets blinded and can’ t look at the private parts due to this. (Ibn Abi Shayba & Hisnul Hasin) Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Wear the top first and start from the right side.” (Tirmidhi) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear his upper garment from the right.” (ibid) Whenever we wear our clothing always start from the right side and when taking them of begin from the left. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He will not enter Paradise who has a grain of arrogance in his heart,” a man asked, “A man may like his dress to be nice and his shoes to be nice.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) answered, “Allah (The Exalted) is beautiful and likes beauty. Arrogance is to deny rights and look down upon people.” (Abu Dawud, Imam Ahmad & Hakim.) Wearing to show off! ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Whoever wears clothing to be known (to be recognised), on the day of resurrection Allah (The Exalted) will make them wear the clothing of disrespect and then set on fire.” (Tirmidhi, ibn Majah, Jam’ I Saghir, Sharah Sunnah, & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 11) Allahu Akbar! Those who pay for designer clothing and waste money by paying for the name on a garment are included in this. Do we want to wear the clothing of disrespect? Think of those people who are unfortunate, who do not have proper clothes and we want to pay so much to promote the name of a non-believer on our clothing and feel proud? Remember the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore simple clothing if he wanted he could have worn the most expensive robe as he had control of the Arabian peninsula, but he chose to be simple. Saalim ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “A person once was dragging his clothing (on the floor) with pride. He was swollen up by the earth and he will continue to be swollen up until the day of judgement.” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar! May Allah (The Exalted) save us from showing off and being proud and give us the ability to be simple and follow the beautiful Sunnah, Ameen. Clothing from paradise The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Whosoever whilst having the ability of wearing good clothing, but leaves it due to humbleness, Allah (The Exalted) will adorn him with the clothing of miracle (i.e. clothing of paradise).” (Abu Dawud)
Shaytan Wears Clothing Jabir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Fold your clothing (when not in use) or else life will come into them, as when Shaytan sees clothing that is folded, he doesn’ t wear it, and if Shaytan sees the clothing laying around he wears it.” (Jam’ i-ul-Zawaid, Kanzul Ummal & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 5 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 3, p. 75) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “When a girl becomes mature (baligha) then besides the face and hands upto the wrists, no other part should be open.” (Abu Dawud, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 22 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 3, p. 8) Wasted worship The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “ If a person buys clothing for ten dirhams (Arab currency) and one of those dirhams is from unlawful means (Haraam) then Allah (The Exalted) will not except his fardh or Superogratory Ibadah (worship).” We should make sure we earn, eat, drink wear and live lawfully according to the Shari’ah. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that four things make the body strong; eating meat, using scent, taking bath, and putting on linen clothes. (Ihya ulum udeen) The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Clothing Purified and defined As the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was the most purified and defined of all human beings, the signs were evident from his noble body, his clothes would never get dirty as a result of contact with his body. No lice would be found on his clothing and a fly never settled on his blessed body or clothes. (Sirat-e-Mustafa) Sunnat to wear a shawl ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that once in the afternoon heat, we were sat inside and someone said to ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), “Look at this! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is coming with a shawl over his head.” (Bukhari) Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would at times wear a shawl over his blessed head.” (Fatahul Bari, Vol: 8, p. 200. Sharah Bukhari bu Imam Suyuti, Vol: 6, p. 52) Kurta
Umm Salama (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “There was no clothing the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked more than the Kurta (upper garment).” (Ibn Majah) Sleeves Asma bint Yazeed bint Sukkan Ansari (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sleeves reached his wrists.” (Tirmidhi) Right Side Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore his Kurta he would start from the right.” (Tirmidhi) Lower Garment Safwan narrates that, “Before the migration (to Makkah) I sold a lower garment (i.e. trouser) to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) but he gave me a higher price then what it was worth.” (Nasa’ i, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 7 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 9, p. 83) Ibn Qays narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to us and bought a lower garment (trouser).” (Ibn Majah, Nasa’ i, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 6-7 & Fatawa-e-Razwiyya, Vol: 9, p. 83) It is obvious that purchasing will be for wearing, however, it is not proven anywhere. It is proven from authentic ahadith that the companions wore lower garments similar to very loose trousers. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear a kurta (upper garment) and a tehband (lower rap – Lungi). (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) The sleeves of the kurta were up to the wrists. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never wore half sleeves. When wearing the kurta he first would place his blessed right arm through the sleeve and then his blessed left arm through the left sleeve. (Tirmidhi) He then wore the rest of the kurta, but when taking the kurta off he would take out the left arm followed by the right arm. To wear short sleeves is against the Sunnah. (Bahare Shariat) The Tehband (lower garment) would be worn below the navel until above the ankles. (Hakim) To wear a Tehband (a cloth wrapped around the bottom half) is a Sunnah. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was pleased to see the companions wearing Pyjamas (lower garment) as it covered the satar (body) better
than the Tehband but the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not wear it himself. (ibid) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has instructed us not to wear our Pyjamas below our ankles and to wear them so that the ankles are covered is a major sin (if worn with arrogance). (Alamgiri) All the clothing (including shoes) was worn by the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) from the right-hand side followed by the left and when taking it off, it was taken off from the opposite side (meaning the left-hand side), this is the blessed Sunnah. The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) shawl was three foot by two foot. (Shamail-e-Rasool) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not throwaway clothing until worn patched. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) advised us to keep in mind those people who are poorer than us in the material world and those who are more pious and educated than ourselves in religious affairs. (ibid) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) loved white clothes. (Tirmidhi & Ibn Majah) Wear the lower garment whilst sitting down and the Amama (head gear) whilst standing. Whoever does the opposite will have an illness that there is no cure for. (Diya-ul-Quloob Fi Labas Al Mahboon & Faizane Sunnah, p. 735) Let us all act upon the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) after all we are Muslims. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would first wear any new clothes on a Friday and would thank Allah (The Exalted) when wearing them, he liked wearing white clothes as it signifies purity and from amongst coloured clothing he would like green the most. He would take particular care in covering himself with a wrap so that his body should not be visible. Dress neatly, even with friends and relatives. Dress properly when visiting your parents, a pious person, an elder, a relative or a friend. Your attire should be clean and elegant, not ugly or unsightly. We are attracted or repulsed by what we see, and if you look good in clean clothes, smelling nice, you will be pleasant to look at and people will be attracted to you and enjoy your presence. If you were the opposite, people will look down on you even if you were a relative or friend. To look neat while visiting or being visited is an instinctive trait in addition to being an Islamic manner. Tabaruk (Relics) To keep the clothing of the friends of Allah (may Allah be pleased with them all) is encouraged and is a good practice. If you wash them and rinse the water and give it to an ill person they will benefit from it. Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) the daughter of ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took out a garment and said this is the garment of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) which ‘Aisha (may
Allah be pleased with her) had when she passed away, it was passed to me, for the sake of cure we washed it and gave the water to the ill person. (Nizam-e-Shariat) Manners of Clothing For women to wear silk is permissible. (All books of Fiqh) To wear a silk hat under the Amama is not allowed. (Raddul Mohtar) The people of knowledge should wear clothing that enables others to recognise them, so that their knowledge is respect. (ibid) The length of the Kurta is to have it half way to the calf and the sleeves be a maximum to the knuckles. And the length of the sleeves is a span. (Faizane Sunnah, p. 734) To have gold or silver buttons is permissible for both men and women. If there is a chain on the buttons (i.e. hanging from the buttons) then this is not permissible for men as chain is in the same category as jewellery and for men it is totally forbidden. (Bahare Shariat) If there is a death, then to wear black clothing for this purpose is not permissible as it is a practise of the Christians. (Alamgiri) From the 1st to the 12th of Muharram you should avoid wearing three colours of clothing; Black, as it is a method of the Shi’ ites. Green, as it is a method of lamenters and red, as it is the method of the Kharjites. (Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan) You should wear your trouser (bottoms) whilst sitting until they reach up to the thighs. First with your right leg then left and then stand up and wear them fully and take them off in the same manner i.e. take it of up to your thighs, sit down and take your left leg out followed by the right. In the hadith it states that one who does the opposite will be afflicted with such an illness that there is no cure for. (Diya ul Quloob fi Libasil Mahboob) To wear your new clothes on Friday as it is Sunnah. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 736) To wipe your nose or face keep a small handkerchief. To use it to wipe perspiration is permissible but to keep it for pride is not allowed (i.e. for fashion or as a status symbol). (Alamgiri) Always pray ‘Bismillah…’ when wearing and taking the clothes off as the devil and jinn look at you if you don’ t. (Faizane Sunnat) Do not wear clothing that has pictures or dress children in them either, those who do so will be sinful. (Bahare Shariat. Faizane Sunnah, p. 734) Do not have bright colours or have things written on the clothing such as ‘Love me’ or anything rude or shameful. (Faizane Sunnat) First wear the upper garment and then the lower. (ibid p. 735)
When taking the clothes off, fold them and do not leave them laying around as Shaytan uses them. (Fatawae Razwiyya) Do not dress boys in the clothing of girls and do not dress girls in clothing of the boys. (Faizane Sunnah, p. 734) Men should keep their lower garments above their ankles and women below their ankles. (Tirmidhi) Do not cut clothing on Tuesdays as there is fear they will be burnt, sunk, or be stolen. (Al Malfooz & Faizane Sunnah, p. 735) When you take your clothes off, you should fold them and not leave them lying around otherwise the devil uses them. (Ibn Maja & Tabrani) It is not allowed for men to wear saffron be it dark so it is red or be it light so it is yellow for both the same rule applies. For women both colours are permissible. Besides these two colours all other colours are permissible be it yellow, red etc. however, it is better if males do not wear these especially if it is common that the opposite sex wear it, meaning it is a feminine colour. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar) This is not because of the colour but because it is common on women, if this is not the case then there is no problem. (Bahare Shariat) People today tend to wear tight clothing or shorts when on holiday, going for a swim or playing football. This is totally forbidden and displeases Allah (The Exalted) and his beloved Messenger (may Allah be pleased with him). In hot weather shorts are worn which is against the Sunnah. These types of clothing are of the non-Muslims and we, as the Ummah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) should abstain from wearing these. If you are at school or play for a team etc. or do a sport that requires you to show the Satr then you should explain to your teacher or the coach. If they do not co-operate then get a letter written by your parents or your teacher at your Madrasa or a respected elder in the community. If they still do not co-operate then you should leave that sport as the command of Allah (The Exalted) is being neglected. Respected brother/sister in Islam! Make sincere intention that from today we will dress according to the best of all creation, the beloved of Allah (The Exalted) who stood up all night crying for our forgiveness. The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) personal life never changed even when he became the ruler of the whole of Arabian peninsula. O Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to wear clothing according to the Shari’ah and in accordance with the Sunnah of Your beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen. CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO THE SUNNAH OF WOMENS DRESS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his wives and progeny and all the Prophets and Messengers and closest
angels and all the righteous slaves of Allah (The Exalted) in all the rain sky has rained since it was formed and bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in everything the Earth has produced since it was spread out. Naked on the Day of Resurrection The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Many women in spite of being dressed will be raised naked on the Day of Resurrection.” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar! Can we imagine all mankind will be present; do we want to be seen naked? The reason is because although they are clothed, they are not correctly clothed according to the Shari’ah. This could either mean, they wear tight clothing, see through, half sleeves etc. A women’s clothing should be loose and covered properly. It is necessary for a woman to wear clothes with full sleeves. Wearing of half sleeve kurtas is unlawful (forbidden) and a major sin (Ghuna-e-Kabeera). It should neither be thin that the contours of the body can be seen. Women who wear such dress will be raised naked on the Day of Resurrection; this needs serious consideration. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once said, “Two kinds of folks would be in the worst situation in Hell. Firstly, those officials who would carry with them whip’s looking like the tails of cows, and they would use them for whipping people. Secondly, those women who would be naked despite wearing clothes they would attract strangers (men) towards them and will themselves be attracted to them. Their heads will be hanging on a side like the humps of fast camels. They will neither enter Paradise nor would they even smell the fragrance of it despite the fact that the fragrance of Paradise will reach far distances.” (Muslim) Allahu Akbar! Respected Sister, let us take serious the sayings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and change our lives for the better. Those sisters who already observe this should speak to the other sisters and promote the Sunnah. Devil looks at you Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying that, “A women should be concealed, for when she goes out, the Devil looks at her.” (Tirmidhi) In order to save ourselves from the Shaytan, follow the Sunnah closely, Insha-Allah there will be blessings in our lives and homes too. Wearing a head scarf The reason for wearing a headscarf is to cover the hair. Some women wear the scarf in a manner that the front part of the hair is open, meaning the scarf is worn half way on the head, this is forbidden. Some women cover the front part but leave their plaits hanging from the back uncovered. This is also strictly forbidden. The correct method of wearing a scarf is to cover every hair, the ears, neck and chest should also be covered. If a scarf that is worn that the blackness or colour of the hair can be seen meaning it is
transparent it is not permissible to wear and if Salaah is offered in this manner it will not count and will have to be repeated. (Fatawa-e-Alamgiri: Vol: 1, page 54. Bahar-e-Shariat Vol:2, page 43) The Hair This means that the hair on the head should all be covered and not partly with either some hair from the front showing or from the back as seen in today’s society. Ears Both ears should also be covered with the scarf and not tie the scarf in such a manner that the ears are open. Neck and throat The neck and throat should also be covered with the scarf and not worn in such a manner that the neck or throat can be seen. Chest The chest should also be covered with either the scarf or the top as this is part of the covering for the woman. Dahya Qalabi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that, “Once the prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was presented with some material from Egypt called Qibtiyah. He gave me a piece of it and said, ‘Make a shirt for you from this and give the rest to your wife to make her scarf, but ask her to put lining underneath so that her body cannot be seen through it.’” (Abu Dawood) Once ‘Aisha’s (may Allah be pleased with her) cousin, Hafsah bint ‘Abdur-Rahman (may Allah be pleased with her) came to visit her. She was wearing a scarf made of thin material. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) took it and ripped it up and gave her one of her own scarves made of thicker material. (. Imam Malik) Women’s obligatory clothing In the privacy of the home, her nakedness when on her own is that which is between the navel and knees. In the prayer it means everything besides the face and hands. And when outside the home on the street, it refers to the entire body but the face and hands, just as in prayer. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes in Irfan-e-Shariat, “ If a women goes in front of a non-Mehram man in a state where any part of her hair, throat, neck, back or stomach, arms, legs can be seen, or the clothing is thin that it is see through than according to conscientious of the scholars it is forbidden and such a woman will be an open sinner (fasiqa) and if her husband is pleased with the way she dresses he is a “Dayooth” (cuckold) and for people to make him the Imam is a sin.” (Irfan-e-Shariat. P 81.) What is Satr-e-Aurat?
It is important to understand this as many seem to be ignorant about this fact. Satr-e-Aurat means to cover. In Bahar-e-Shariat an encyclopaedia of Hanafi jurisprudence it states under the section of Salaah that except for the five parts i.e. face, both hands upto the wrists and both feet upto the ankles all the body is aurat, meaning should be covered. This is split into thirty parts of the body, however, we will mention those that are most neglected. The same rule applies in Salaah. The head, meaning from the top of the head upto the start of the neck should be all covered without a single hair visible. The hair that hangs down should also be covered. The right ear The left ear The neck (and throat) The right shoulder The left shoulder The top right arm including the elbow The top left arm including the elbow The bottom right arm (below the elbow upto and including the wrist) The bottom left arm (below the elbow upto and including the wrist) The chest, below the neck/throat to the breasts The right breast The left breast The stomach, meaning from below the breasts upto and including the navel The upper back, meaning the other side of the chest Both armpits upto the lower back The right hip The left hip The vagina The posterior
The right thigh upto and including the knees, the knee is not a separate part but is included The left thigh upto and including the knees, the knee is not a separate part but is included Below the naval upto the start of the pubic hair and the lower back, is all one aurat. The right shin, from below the knee upto and including the ankle The left shin, from below the knee upto and including the ankle. Many Scholars have not included the back of the hands and the base of the feet as Aurat. (Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol: One. Section of Salaah.) Although the woman’s face is not an Aurat, it is still forbidden to expose it to non-permissible males (those a woman is not restricted to marry). Also it is forbidden for non-permissible males to look at their face. (ibid Vol: 2.) From the above we find that all the body should be covered outside Salaah in front of non-Mehram men as it should be in Salaah. Arms Many women cover their heads properly, however, neglect covering the arms and wear short sleeves due to ignorance and following fashion. This is part of the covering (aurat) and should not be neglected. Transparent This is also neglected due to ignorance and following the latest fashion and this is falsely seen as covering the body, however, if the clothing is transparent then it goes against the rules of covering. Tight clothing Many are seen with the correct head covering, however, the rules of covering are neglected and women are seen wearing tight clothing which is forbidden and should be avoided at all cost. Clothed but naked? ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that, “Once my sister Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) came to visit me. She was wearing a dress made of some thin Syrian material which you now call Saffak. When the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw her, he said, “These are kinds of clothes which have been prohibited in Surah Nur (because they show off your beauty).” He then asked Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) to change into something different.” (Baihaqi) Hijab and the family
People who live in the same household get so close to each other that at times they don’ t think about the principles of the Islamic law (Shariah). Therefore, Hijab is often not observed with the brother in law; although there is a strong emphasis on observing Hijab with them. ‘Uqbah bin Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once said that, “Do not go near Ghair Mehram women.” One man asked him, “O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) what is the command about the brother in law of a woman?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) responded, “The (dangers in not observing Hijab with) brother in law is like death.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Although a woman is required to observe Hijab with all Ghair Mehram men, to avoid coming in front of the brother in law without Hijab is as important as it is to avoid death. Similarly, men of the in laws have been instructed not to freely mix with their sister in law and not to look at these women. Veiling Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes: for women to veil (do parda) in front of their Shaykh (peer) is necessary (Wajib). There are Shaykhs in today’s day and age who sit with women and the women start to jump around the room and their voices can be heard outside the room, this is totally against the Shariah of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant hi peace) and is shamelessness. One should not take Bai’ah with such a Shaykh. (Ehkam-e-Shairat) Shaykh ‘Abdul Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehelvi (may Allah be pleased with him) writes in ‘Akhbar al-Akhyaar’ “There was a drought once, everyone supplicated but it did not rain. People went in the court of Shaykh Nizam-ud-Deen (may Allah be pleased with him) to ask him to make supplication, he went to his mother and held her hand and said, “O Allah! This is the hand of such a women upon whom no –non-permissible male has looked at, make it rain due to her, when he completed these words it rained heavily.” (Ghunah Gar Kwanteen. P.21) Subhanallah! Sisters should strictly follow the Shari’ah and become close to Allah (The Exalted). We need pious women who can be followed as an example in our societies. Paradise For Following The Sunnah Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that a man came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “When will the Last Hour come, Messenger of Allah?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘What have you prepared for it?” The person replied, ‘ I have not prepared a lot of (voltentry) prayer or (voltentry) Fast or (voltentry) Charity for it, but I love Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘You will be with the one you love.’ (Ash-Shifa: Chapter one; Section two: On the reward for loving the Prophet, with reference to Al-Bukhari.)
Do we want to be raised on the day of Judgement with those who follow today’s fashion? Definitely not! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also said, “Whoever gives life to one of my Sunnahs which was eliminated after my time will receive the reward of all those who practice it without their reward being diminished…” (Tirmidhi (hasan), Book of knowledge; al-Baghawi, Shah al-Sunnah 1:233. Ash-Shifa with reference to Ibn Majah who considers it hasan.) Subhanallah! This is the chance to increase our rewards for the hereafter and abstain from sin. May Allah (The Exalted) give our sisters the ability to follow the Sunnah of the beloved wives and daughters of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen! CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE THE SUNNAH OF THE AMAMA (Head Gear) O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are stars in the sky and You alone are their counter. To wear an Amama is a beautiful Sunnah, especially for Salaah as the reward is great. Respected brother! Try to practise this Sunnah as there are many virtues and benefits. Shawl, Amama & a white cap His blessed shawl was four yards in length and a quarter in width to cover his blessed body. He would wear an Amama, the length of which was minimum seven arms length and maximum twelve, and he would wear a white hat. (Mirqat Sharah Mishqat. Akhlaaq-aur-Aadaab, p. 72) The Difference Rakana (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The difference between us and the polytheists is that we wear a hat under our Amama.” (Abu Dawud. Hakim. Abu Ya’ la. Qurtubi. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 639) The Crown of the Arabs Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The Amama is the crown of the Arabs, when they leave this, they will loose their respect.” (Jami Saghir. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 639) Wearing a hat and Amama
‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you enter the mosque wear a hat and tie the Amama, because the Amama is the crown of the Muslims.” (Kamil. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol:1, p. 640) Increase in Wisdom ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Tie the Amama your wisdom will increase.” (Hakim. Fat-hul-Bari. Kanzul Ummal. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 640. Tarikh Baghdad.) 10,000 rewards Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Salaah with an Amama is equivalent to 10,000 rewards.” (Musnad Firdos. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 643) Subhanallah! If these rewards had been in the form of money, we will do anything to get at it, however, this is better then money and the reward will be seen in the hereafter, Insha-Allah! Greater Rewards Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A voltentry or obligatory Salaah with the Amama is better then twenty-five Salaah without the Amama and one Jumu’ah with a Amama is equivalent to seventy Jumu’ah without a Amama.” (Jami Saghir. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 644. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 73) Subhanallah! What more can be said about the reward of wearing the Amama. Twenty-Seven Times More Reward Jabir bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Two cycles of Salaah with the Amama is more virtuous then seventy cycles without the Amama.” (Musnad Firdos, Vol: 6, p. 625. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 648. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 78) Black Amama Amr bin Hurais (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ I still have the scene before my eyes when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) delivered a sermon from the pulpit and that he was wearing a black Amama with its end hanging between the two shoulders.” (Muslim & Nisai) Meaning between his shoulders on his back. Angels send Salaam on you
Saalim bin ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I was present in front of my father ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar when he was tying the Amama, when he completed tying, he looked at me and said, “Do you keep the Amama as a friend?” I asked why not? He said, “keep it a friend, you will be respected and when the devil looks at you he will turn his back, O son! Tie the Amama, as the angels on the day of Jumu’ah tie the Amama and until the sunsets they continue to send salaam.” (Daimi, Kanzul Ummal. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 644. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 3, p. 79-80) Subhanallah! Crown of the angels Abaado bin Samat states that, “Make a practice of tying the Amama as it is the crown of the angels and hang it (the Shimla-tail) at the back.” (Baihaqi) Jabir Ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) entered Mecca. Qutaybah (another sub-narrator) stated that he entered Mecca in the Year of Victory, wearing a black Amama, but not wearing the Ihram.” (Muslim) Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) fastened an Amama, he would put the shimla between his shoulders (i.e. he would put it on the back).” (Tirmidhi) ‘Abdur-Rahman bin ‘Awf (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) put a Amama on me and let the ends hang in front of him and behind me.” (Abu Dawood) Length of the tail -Shimla The length of the shimla, meaning the tail was approximately one arm’s length. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore black or grey like coloured Amama (Turban) which has been mentioned in the hadith. However, the companions wore different colours i.e. Red, Yellow and Green. The practises of the companions are also known as the Sunnah as long as it was not condemned by the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Red, Yellow and Green In the battle of ‘Uhud Abu Dujanah (may Allah be pleased with him) was wearing a Red Amama, Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) was wearing a bright Yellow Amama and Husab (may Allah be pleased with him) was wearing a Green Amama. (Life of the Prophet by Hamza Yusuf ) Shawl in Salaah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) does not look at such a society with mercy whom do not tie there shawls under there Amama.” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 7, p. 299. Chadar Ke Madani Phool, p. 2)
The scholars state that if you wear a shawl in Salaah then tie it on the head and have the hope of the mercy of Allah (The Exalted). Manners of Amama Wear the Amama whilst standing facing the Qibla & take it off whilst sitting. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, Amama. p. 737) It is the Sunnah of the angels. (Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 643) Wearing a hat is proven by the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Alamgiri. Akhlaq-aur-Aadaab, p. 72. Bahar-e-Shariat.) Tie the Amama from the right (Clockwise). Do not have the length more than twelve arms as it is against the Sunnah. Take the Amama of the same manner you put it on but do not pull it off. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, Amama. p. 737. Akhlaq-aur-Aadaab, p. 72) The angels make salaam to those who wear an Amama. Wear the Amama as it is a sign of Islam and it distinguishes between a Muslim and non-believers. (Ainee & Baihaqi) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, when I ascended the sky (Me’ raj) I saw that most of the angels were wearing Amamas. (Tabrani) Make a practice of tying Amamas since it is a hallmark of the angels. Furthermore, tie them back in such a manner that the tail hangs at the back. (Baihaqi & Mishkat) It is against the Sunnah not to have a tail (Shimla) for the Amama. (Akhlaq-aur-Aadaab, p. 72) The shimla can either be a minimum of four finger lengths and the maximum is that it doesn’ t give you any problems whilst sitting. (Alamgiri. Akhlaq-aur-Aadaab, p. 72) Meaning it dose not cause any inconvenience. The difference between the polytheists and us is that we wear a hat under our Amama while the polytheists do not. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) would not venture out without an Amama. (Faiz ul Qadeer) Salaah with an Amama is equivalent to 10,000 cycles. (Daimi. Firdos. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 643) Those who wear the Amama on Friday Allah (The Exalted) and His angels send Durood on that person. (Barad. Majmu’a Zawaid. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 643)
Every round you tie on your head of the Amama, on the day of Resurrection you will be given light (Noor). (Barad) Tie the Amama, as your wisdom will increase. (Tabarani) Amama is the respect and the sign of Islam. (Daimi) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) pointed to the Amama and said, “There are only forty crowns of angels.” (Ibn Shadhan) With the Amama one Jumu’ah is equivalent to seventy Jumu’ahs. (Daimi) To stay bear head is not the Sunnah, you should try to put on the angels crown from time to time as it is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Shaykh Ahmad Raza (may Allah have mercy upon him) would tie the Amama and leave the tail over the right shoulder. (Hayat-e-Ala Hazrat) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to wear the Amama and revive a Sunnah and receive the reward of one hundred martyrs, Ameen. CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR SUNNAH OF THE RING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in every breath of every soul from the moment You created them. Alhamdulillah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also wore a ring made from silver. At times he a ring with a stone in it, and also a ring with a stamp. Let us learn more about the type of ring that is permissible and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Stamp Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intended to write letters to the kings of ‘Ajam (non-Arabs), inviting them to Islam, the people said that they did not accept letters without a seal (stamp) on them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) therefore had a ring made, the whiteness of which is still before my eyes.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intended to write letters to the kings, Kasra, Qaysr and Najashi, someone said that they did not accept letters without a seal (stamp) on them. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) therefore had a silver ring made, which said, ‘Muhammadur Rasool-Allah’ ” (Muslim) The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ring
Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore a gold ring or a silver ring and placed it’s stone towards the palm of his hand and had the name “Muhammad, the Apostle of Allah” ' (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) engraved on it. The people also started wearing gold rings like it, but when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw them wearing such rings, he threw away his own ring and said, “ I will never wear it,” and then wore a silver ring, whereupon the people too started wearing a silver ring. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) added, “After the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) wore the ring, and then ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and then ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) wore it till it fell in the Aris well from ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him).” (Bukhari) Anas (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ring was of silver and had a stone in it.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Anas (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore a silver ring on his right hand and the stone was of Habashi and was facing the palm.” (ibid) Anas (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ring was in that finger.” (Muslim) Meaning the left hand next to the little finger. We find that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had worn the ring on either the right or left hand. Ablution Abu Rafi’ (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) performed ablution he moved his ring around his finger.” (Ibn Majah) When making wudhu remember to take the ring off, if not at least move it so water reaches under the ring. To wash the arm is an obligation and if a pinpoint is left dry then the ablution will not count. Right or Left The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear his ring on the left hand third finger (the one next to the small finger). (Muslim) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stopped me from wearing a ring on the middle finger or the index finger.” (ibid) Gold Ring
‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a person wearing a gold ring so he took it and threw it away and said, ‘Does anyone like to hold (hot) coal in his hand?’ When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) left, someone said, ‘Pick up the ring and use it for something.’ He said, ‘ I swear by Allah (The Exalted) I will never take it when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has thrown it.’” (ibid) Allahu Akbar! Look at the love they had for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Gold was expensive at that time as it is today, however, the companions did not look at that. They looked at what pleased and displeased the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Those males who wear gold jewellery should understand that it is forbidden and is unlawful and if you do wear gold jewellery then you will be given the jewellery from the hellfire to wear on the day of judgement! Allah (The Exalted) forbid. May Allah (The Exalted) give us this love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in everything we do, Ameen. Bracelet of fire Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone wants to put a ring of fire on the one he loves, let him put a gold ring on him. If anyone wants to put a necklace of fire on the one he loves, let him put a gold necklace on him, and if anyone wants to put a bracelet of fire on the one he loves let him put a gold bracelet on him. Keep to silver and amuse yourselves with it.” (Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! For sisters it is permissible to wear gold but prohibited for brothers. We should abstain from making male children from wearing gold. Threw the ring Once a person came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wearing a copper ring. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “What is it that I can smell an idol from you.” The person threw the ring away. The next time the person came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wearing an iron ring, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I can see the jewellery of hell on you.” The person took the ring off and said, “O beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in what metal can I wear the ring” the messenger replied, “Silver” and not over one Mithqal.” (Tirmidhi) Meaning not over four and a half grams. Only one silver ring with a stone is permissible. It is forbidden to wear two rings or a silver chain/bracelet etc. (Ehkam-e-Shariat) Many are aware of gold being unlawful but not about silver. We hear many excuses that silver is permissible etc. This is due to their ignorance of the rules of Shari’ah. The above hadith backs up the rulings of the Scholars of its unlawfulness. Manners of the ring
To wear a gold or silver chain around the neck, around the wrist or to hang is not permissible. (Raddul Mohtar) To wear any type of jewellery for males, except a silver ring which is less than 4.5 grams is unlawful. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar. Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 79) This also includes two silver rings, silver chain and if worn when praying Salaah then it is Wajib to repeat your Salaah again. (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) To wear jewellery of other metals such as iron, brass, bronze, copper or zinc is forbidden for both males and females. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar. Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 79) There is no problem in wearing an iron ring that has been covered in silver and the iron can not be seen. (Alamgiri. Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 80) One can engrave their name on a ring, and the name of Allah (The Exalted) and the name of the Prophet too. But do not get “Muhammad Rasool-Allah” (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) engraved as this was only for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he said no one else should get this engraved on his or her ring. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wore a ring that was made of silver containing one stone. (Bukhari) The stone was green in colour and was kept facing inside the palm of the hand. (Muslim) The ring was worn in either the right or left hand, next to the small finger. (Muslim, Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar. Ibn Majah & Abu Dawood) Before going to the toilet, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take off the ring. It is Sunnah to have the stone facing the palm and for a female to keep the stone vice versa as for them to wear it is for beauty. (Hidaya) It is permissible to have a stone; however, if it has many stones then it is not permissible for men whether it be made of Silver. (Raddul Mohtar ) To wear a bracelet on the wrist is also not permissible. When performing ablution take the ring off or if tight then move the ring so water reaches under the ring. Do not wear on the index or middle finger. The weight of the ring should not be more than 4.5 grams according to the Shari’ah. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar) To wear more than one silver ring is unlawful and forbidden for males, to wear jewellery made from any other material is unlawful for males, and females can wear silver and gold. (ibid)
To make young boys’ wear gold jewellery is forbidden and the one who made them wear it is sinful, it is similarly forbidden to put henna on young boys’ . (ibid) Males are only allowed to wear henna in their hair or beard. To wear a ring with any type of stone is permissible i.e. ‘Aqeeq, Yaqoot, Zamurd, Firoza etc. (Durre Mukhtar) May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE SUNNAH OF SHOES O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in everything You have already created and in what You will create and in whatever is encompassed by Your Knowledge and then double all of that. To wear footwear is the Sunnah. It saves from damaging the feet from stones, glass, thorns etc. In winter it saves the feet from illnesses and in summer from the heat. Let us learn more about the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) footwear and what he said regarding it. The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) footwear The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear sandals made from skin or wooden sandals, he also wore leather socks, and at the time of Wudhu he would perform Masah (wipe over the socks). ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wearing shoes that had no hair (leather shoes without animal skin).” (Bukhari) Two Straps Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had two straps (on his footwear).” (Bukhari) Right First Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When one of you puts on footwear, wear the right first and when taking them off, take the left one off first. So that the right one be the first to be put on and the last to be taken off.” (Bukhari) Walking With One Shoe
Jabir (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade eating with the left hand and walking with one shoe.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) If one shoe is lost or there is a problem with the other, then do not just wear one. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Do not walk with one shoe, wear them both or take both of them off.” (Muslim) Wearing shoes whilst standing The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would wear his shoes while seated. Whenever he lifted up his shoes he did so with the index and middle finger of his left hand. (Tirmidhi) Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disallowed wearing shoes whilst standing. (ibid) This is for those who have a problem wearing their shoes standing, as it is difficult to tie the laces whilst standing. Look at the concern the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had for his followers, that he does not want to see us in any type of difficulty. However, who wants to listen to good advice today? People want to go their own way, it’s a free life do what you want. Remember follow the teachings and advice of Allah’s beloved (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and lay the path to Jannah for ourselves, the choice is ours! Placing under the Arm ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “To place the shoes under the arms is also a Sunnah.” (Abu Dawood) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “When one takes a seat, take your shoes off and your feet will be relaxed.” (Bazzaz) Curse Masculine women Ibn Abu Malayka (may Allah be pleased with him) told that when someone remarked to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that “A woman was wearing men’s sandals she replied that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) cursed masculine women.” (Abu Dawud, Mishkat-ul-Masabih, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 1, p. 9, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 16) Allahu Akbar! Men should only wear mens’ clothing and footwear. The women should only wear clothing and footwear that is for women. Do not even dress children with clothing of the opposite gender. Bear feet ‘Abd-Allah bin Burayda (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Someone asked Fadhala bin ‘Ubayd (may Allah be pleased with him) that ‘What it is that I see you bear
feet?’ He said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has ordered us to stay bear feet at times.’” (Abu Dawud) To walk bear feet at times is a great Sunnah. VIRTUES OF THE NALAIN OF THE PROPHET (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) The Nalain is an image of the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed footwear. Many books have been written on this subject by great scholars’ hundreds of years ago. We will mention some of the benefits for sake of blessings. Nalain Abu Ishaq (al-Zuhri) said: al-Qasim ibn Muhammad (ibn Abu Bakr al-Siddiq) said: Of the proven blessing of the likeness of the Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sandal is that whoever has it in his possession for tabarruk, it will safeguard him from the troublemaking of rebels and the mastery of enemies, and will be a barrier against every recreant devil and the evil eye of the envious. If the pregnant woman holds it in her right hand at the time of labour, her delivery will be easier by Allah’s (The Exalted) change and His might. Al-Qastallani also said that Abu al-Yaman ibn ‘Asakir wrote a volume on the image of the Prophet's (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sandal, and so did Ibn Hajj al-Andalusi. He relates the account of a pious Shaykh by the name of Abu Ja’ far Ahmad ibn ‘Abd al-Majid: I cut the pattern of this sandal for one of my students. He came to me one day and said: “ I saw a wonder yesterday from the blessing of this sandal. My wife was suffered from a pain that almost took her life. I placed the sandal on the spot of her pain and said: O Allah (The Exalted), show me the blessing of the owner of this sandal. Allah (The Exalted) cured her on the spot.” The Benefits Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan in ‘Fatawa-e-Razwiyya’ writes the virtues of the Nalain, he writes: “The scholars state whoever has the Nalain will be saved from: 1. Oppression 2. Evils of Shaytan 3. You will be saved from the jealous 4. At the time of labour keep it in the hand and it will become easy. 5. If kept on oneself at all times, one will be respected 6. You will see the Rowda (Prophet’s, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, shrine) 7. You will see the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in your dream 8. Not be separated from the group 9. Your group will not be robbed 10. The ship will not sink 11. The stock will not be stolen, 12. The supplication asked with its intercession will be accepted, 13. With which intention it is kept with will be fulfilled, 14. If placed on the part one has pain it will be relieved, 15. If asked for it’s intercession in the times of difficulties, the doors of success will open.” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) Manners of Shoes
It is not good to wear black shoes. ‘Abd-Allah bin Zubair and Imam Jaleel Muhammad bin Kathir (may Allah be pleased with them) forbade from wearing black shoes as it creates worries. (Ruhul Bayan ) It is good to wear yellowish (tan) shoes, ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Whoever wears tanned (yellowish) shoes their worries will be reduced.” (Nizam-e-Shariah) To wear shoes made from skin is Sunnah. (Alamgiri) Wear both shoes or take both off. (Muslim) Shake the shoes before wearing, so that stones or such things come out. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 743) Wear the right shoe first and then the left. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Take the left shoe off first and then the right. (ibid) Hold the shoes with the left-hand index and middle finger. (Tirmidhi) When taking shoes off put the shoes on one side so people do not trip over them. To carry the shoes under the arm is Sunnah. (Abu Dawud) Do not wear shoes standing up. (Tirmidhi) Try to walk bear foot at times as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has advised us to do so. (Abu Dawud) Women should not wear shoes of men and men should not wear shoes of women. As for those who do, Allah’s (The Exalted) curse is on them. (ibid) This also applies to clothing. A lot of sisters are seen wearing shirt and trousers, beware! If the shoes are turned over put them straight, and there will be no fear of poverty. (Sunni Behsti Zewar) Do not take someone else’s shoes if yours are lost as this would be stealing. Especially in large gatherings or when on pilgrimage to Makkah as the sin is multiplied by 1,000. It is a sin even though you think someone may have taken yours by mistake and you take someone else’s shoes. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 744) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow the Sunnah in wearing our shoes and seek blessings from the Nalain of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX SUNNAH OF KHUFFS (Leather socks) O Allah (The Exalted) bless them in all of Your Creation and as much as it pleases Yourself, in the decoration of Your Throne, in the ink Your Words and to the extent of Your Knowledge and Signs. The wearing of leather socks is a Sunnah and very beneficial. If one is on their travels and it is the time for Salaah, it is very convenient just to wipe over them which saves one from placing the feet in the sink and spilling water everywhere making it difficult for others to use. As Muslims we need to portray a good image of Islam and not leave water making a hazard for someone. Even at work it is very good as it saves time instead of washing the feet. One should remember that wiping can only be done on leather socks and not on ordinary socks. Buraydah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “Najaashi sent two simple black coloured socks as a gift to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He wore these and made masah (wipe) over after performing Wudhu.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Three days for a traveller ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has permitted travellers for three days and three nights and the residents a day and a night to wipe the Khuffs in Wudhu, provided they are worn in a state of purity.” (Dar Qutni) Remove them for bath Safwan bin Asaal (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that, “During travel the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would instruct travellers not to remove Khuff’s for three consecutive nights and days, unless a compulsory bath is to be taken.” (Tirmidhi & Nisai) Wiping over the khuffs Mugirah bin Shubah (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that, “ I have seen the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wiping over the khuffs while performing the Wudhu.” (Abu Dawood) ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passed wet hands over his Khuffs.’ ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) about it. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied in the affirmative and added, “Whenever Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates a hadith from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) there is no need to ask anyone else about it.”” (Bukhari) Subhanallah!
Ja'’ar bin ‘Amr bin Umaiya Ad-Damri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that my father said, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passing wet hands over his Khuffs.” (Bukhari) Urwa bin Al-Mughira (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, my father said, “Once I was in the company of on a journey and I dashed to take off his Khuff’s. He ordered me to leave them as he had put them on after performing ablution. So he passed wet hands on them.” (ibid) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Shurayh Ibn Hani (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ I came to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) to ask her about wiping over the socks.” She said, “You better ask ‘Ali Ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) for he would travel with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). We asked him and he said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stipulated (the upper limit) of three days and three nights for a traveller and one day and one night for the resident.” ( Muslim) Manners of Khuff’s If someone is wearing special socks they would therefore when they perform ablution, do not wash their feet but in fact just wipe their wet fingers over the Khuff then this is allowed. There are a few qualifications for performing Masah (wiping); The Khuff are long enough that the ankles are covered. If they are a few fingers short but the heel is covered, then the Masah is allowed. They are stuck to the feet, so that when wearing them you can walk freely. They are made from leather or at least the sole is made from leather and the rest made from other thick coated material. The socks worn which are made from either cotton or wool cannot be wiped over, it is obligatory to take them off and wash the feet. They must be put on after performing ablution. Meaning if you put them on and had not performed ablution, then you must take them off when you perform ablution. If they are worn after performing Tayammum, then to wipe over them is not allowed. They must not be worn when bathing is obligatory on you, or wear them and then bathing becomes obligatory for you. They must be worn only for a maximum fixed time, and this is for a non-traveller one day and one night (24 hours) and for a traveller three days and three nights (72 hours). From when the first time the ablution breaks the time starts. For example after performing ablution you wear the Khuff and then your ablution breaks at Dhuhr time, the twenty four hours would start from then. i.e. for a non-traveller the next day Dhuhr would be the full time and for a traveller the fourth day Dhuhr. They must not be ripped more than the feet’s three small toes in size or when walking open more than that gap.
If the Khuff were ripped or the seam opened but three fingers could not be seen, however, when walking more than three fingers could be seen then the wiping over them is not allowed. Meaning that in a ripped Khuff if more than three fingers can be seen then wiping (Masah) is not allowed otherwise it is. It doesn’ t matter much if the Khuff has a ripped part which is over the ankles. The measurement of ripping is from below the ankles. Method of performing Masah (wiping) over Khuff The method of performing Masah (wiping) over the Khuff is to stretch the right hand and wet three small fingers and from the start of the top of the Khuff from the toes and wipe and it is Sunnat to go upto the shins. Perform the same for the left Khuff. There are two (Fardh) obligatory aspects in performing Masah over the Khuff; Every Khuff’s Masah must be at least the same size as the three small fingers. The Masah must be on top of the Khuff. There are three Sunnats in performing Masah; To use the hands three finger’s full length. To stretch the fingers and wipe all the way upto the shins. When performing the Masah keep the fingers stretched apart. It is not allowed to perform Masah over the Amama (turban), the Burkha and Naqab (veil). What aspects breaks the Masah over the Khuff The actions that break the Masah (wiping) over the Khuff are as follows; Whatever actions break ablution also breaks the Masah. The Masah will finish as soon as the time has finished. In this situation it is sufficient to just wash the feet rather than perform whole of the ablution again. If you take the Khuff off, then the Masah breaks, whether you may have only taken one off. (All rules taken from Qanoon-e-Shariat.) CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN THE SUNNAH OF THE BEARD & MUSTACHE O Allah (The Exalted) bless our Master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), with blessings excellent and more gracious, with blessings equal to all requests
for blessings ever uttered by the whole of creation just as in like measure the whole of creation enjoys Your favour. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important that you read this chapter and not avoid it. Read it with an open mind and with a pure intention, Insha-Allah, Allah (The Exalted) will reward you. The beard is the Sunnah of all the Prophets (upon them all be peace) and also the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has emphasised on the lengthening of the beard so much, to the extent it is necessary (wajib) to keep a beard. Many people think that the beard is only a Sunnah, however, whatever is Fardh, Wajib, Sunnah and Mustahab are all Sunnah too, but fall into different categories depending on the emphasis in the Qur’an and hadith. Hence, the beard falls into the category of Wajib due to its emphasis laid in the hadith and the practises of the companions. The Prophet’s beard (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Imam Ghazali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes that, “The Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) beard was thick and so was ‘Abu Bakr’s (may Allah be pleased with him). ‘Uthman’s (may Allah be pleased with him) beard was thin and long and ‘Ali’s (may Allah be pleased with him) beard was broad covering his chest.” (Ihya ulum adeen) Jabir bin Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) beard was thick.” (Muslim, Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 43. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 7, p. 769) Beauty of Man Imam Ghazali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Without doubt, there are some angels who say, ‘Pure is He who gave men beauty with beards and hair for women.’” (Kimiya-e-Sa’aadat. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 533) The beard is a sign for the love of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Shaving is taking the beauty Allah (The Exalted) gave to man and falling in the trap of Shaytan. Deforming the creation of Allah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has said, ‘The devil said that he would teach them (men) other things whereby they would deform the figure made by Allah (The Exalted) (e.g. by shaving the beard, getting the body tattooed or pierced etc.).” (Nisai) Some changes in the figure are defamatory and are Haraam (strictly forbidden) while others are Wajib (Necessary) like the trimming of the moustache, cutting the nails, removing the hair under the arms and below the waist. Some other changes are permissible such as for men to shave their head or trim the beard after it exceeds a fist as it is Wajib (necessary) to keep a beard.
Cause of destruction today! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There were ten such habits amongst the people of Prophet Lut (upon whom be peace) which were the cause of their destruction. Amongst these habits he listed the shaving of the beard and the lengthening of the moustache.” (Ibn Asaakir) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Because of ten evil actions the people of Prophet Lut, (upon whom be peace) where destroyed. One of which was sodemy, the other drinking alcohol, shaving the beards and growing the moustache.” (Durre Manshoor) Nature ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There are ten things that are natural. To cut the moustache and lengthening the beard (are from amongst the ten things).” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nisa’ i, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 42. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 1, p. 77) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The person who imitates a nation is from amongst them.” (Abu Dawood) Go against the polytheists The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Act against (contrary) to the polytheists, trim closely the moustache and grow the beard.” (Muslim) Raised with those who you follow ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “He who imitates the non-believers and dies in that state, will be raised up with them on the day of resurrection.” Allahu Akbar! Our desire should be that we are raised with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and those who follow his Sunnah. If we are from those who shave or trim it under a fist then how can we expect to be raised with the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when we deliberately go against his Sunnah? Lengthening the beard and shortening the moustache Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ lengthen the beard and shorten the moustache.” (Bayhaqi, Kanzul Ummal, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 33) ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Shorten the moustache and
lengthen the beards.” (Bukhari, Muslim., Jam’ i-us-Saghir & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 32) Lengthen the beard and clip the moustache Kisra, the King of Persia, after having read the letter sent by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) inviting him to accept Islam, ordered his sub-ordinate Bayon (Badhun), the governor of Yemen, to send two people to bring the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) before him. Bayon accordingly sent two Messengers who according to the fashion of those days were clean-shaven and had long moustaches. When they appeared on the scene in front of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he very much disliked their unnatural appearances and said; “Woe to you, Woe to you. Who ordered you to adopt such appearances?” They said; “Our lord Kisra.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then told them, “My Rabb commanded me to lengthen my beard and clip my moustache.” (Tabari) It is reported in a hadith: “The one who sports a long moustache will be deprived of my intercession and Haudhe Kauthar. Munkar and Nakeer will be assigned to him with extreme wrath and indignation.” Trim the moustache The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever does not trim his moustache is not from us.” (Tirmidhi, Mishkat & Nasai) Mulla Ali Qari, (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states that, “We find from this hadith that the one who doesn’ t practise this Sunnah is to make him aware that he will not die as a Muslim.” (Mirqat Sharh Mishqat) Allah Akbar! This is very serious and a warning for those who grow their moustaches too big and don’ t trim it. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “One should not delay more than forty days trimming the moustache and trimming the nails.” (Muslim) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes: “To grow the moustaches so long that it covers the lips is unlawful and is the practise of the polytheists, the Jews, and the fire worshippers.” (Ehkam-e-Shariat) Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would trim the moustache and Prophet Ibraheem (upon whom be peace) did the same. (Tirmidhi) We should not grow our moustache, but trim them and should abstain from shaving it as Imam Malik (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) would detest those who shaved their moustaches.
Not from us The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever does not practise my Sunnah is not from me.” (Ibn Majah) What state will that person die if he dose not follow the Sunnah of growing a beard? Make the intention and do not shave any more, nor trim the beard under a fist. Allah (The Exalted) will reward you and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will be pleased. I have nothing to do with them… The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I have no connection with one that shaves, shouts, and tears his clothing e.g. in grief or affection.” (Bukhari & Muslim) We can make as many excuses as we want, about work, marriage, I’m too young etc. these are all from Shaytan. One does not know when one will die, but without warning. We need to be prepared for it, Insha-Allah! When everyone including the Prophet’s will be helpless, we will finally go to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and if he sees us without a beard or it being under a fist, who will we turn for assistants? We may shave to please the people of the world but think of our position in the hereafter. Scrapping The Feeling Once a person from Iran read the poetry of Mirza Kateel and thought he must be pious and decided to meet him. So he left Iran to visit this person. Coincidentally Mirza was at the barber’s and the barber was shaving his beard. Looking at this he was feeling uncomfortable and said in anger, “Shame, you are taking of your beard!” Mirza replied, ‘Yes I am getting my beard shaven, I am not scraping anyone’s feeling!’ this person replied, “Yes, you are scraping the feeling of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him) peace.” Mirza fainted after hearing this and when he became conscious he said, ‘Jazakallah for bringing me on the right way, you have opened my eyes.’ (Ma’dani Akhlaq) Making plans whilst apposing the Sunnah A youngster from Bangladesh once had a beard. He was like any other youngster and was soon going to get married. His parents told him to shave the beard of, so he went to the barber’s and unfortunately had it shaved off. Whilst on his way back home he was crossing a railway line and was hit by a train. All the plans for the wedding went down the drain. What use where the parents? He did not marry nor did he have a beard. (Faizane Sunnat, Chapter of growing a beard.) Allahu Akbar! What face will he show to Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? Wake up brothers; put all the excuses to one side. No one can say that if you have a beard you will not find a partner, remember that whatever Allah (The Exalted) has written for you no-one can change and if it is written that you will not get a partner than no-one can change that. The excuse that I will keep a
beard after I marry, or I am not ready, or when I get old, I need to enjoy myself etc. are all from the Shaytan so don’ t fall in this trap! Those brothers who keep short beards, pencil lines or under a fist length etc. should be aware that is not permissible and there is no reward in it. However, that brother who keeps a complete beard according to the Sunnah gets reward throughout the day and knight regardless of if he is sleeping. As soon as you become an adult and the beard starts to grow it is necessary (Wajib) to keep it. Whether the beard be in patches and only grows from one area you should not shave it. The teacher of the great Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him), his beard was short with some long strands of hair. (Tareek ibn Katheer) Some brothers shave so that their hairs grow quicker, this is a trick from the Shaytan don’ t fall in this trap. Soon as the beard starts to grow do not shave it. Shaytan’s trap In the hadith it states that, “When a man reaches forty and his bad deeds surpass his good, meaning the habit of bad deeds does not leave him, the devil strokes his face and says, “May I be sacrificed on this face as he will not come on the straight path.” (Aneesal Waidheen) May Allah (The Exalted) save us from the devils deception, Ameen! The beard Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has written a book called ‘Lam’atud Duha Fi I’ fail Luha’ on the importance of the beard. He has proved from this book that to keep a beard is necessary. He has quoted eighteen verses from the Qur’an, seventy two hadith and sixty sayings of the pious predecessors. However, in his other works he has mentioned regarding the size of the beard. Of which the conclusion is as follows; the hair that grows from near the ear, the jaw and the chin is included in the beard (to keep a goatee is not expectable). The width is from between the ear and the cheek. Any hair on the cheek area i.e. under the eyes is not counted as a part of the beard and can be removed if it disfigures the face. If the hair around the cheek areas does not grow too long then there is not a need to remove this hair. These are separate by nature and not part of the beard. (Rehnumaye Kamil) Practise of the Companions It was the practise of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he would hold his beard in his fist and whatever was left he would trim it. (Kitabul Aathar) Marwan bin Saalim (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I saw ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) taking his beard in his fist and what exceeded the fist he would trim. (Abu Dawud, Vol: 3, p. 33) It was the practise of ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he would hold his beard in his fist and whatever was left he would trim it (Ibn Abi Shayba) Ahnaf bin Qays was a wise, he was disabled in one leg, blind in one eye and his beard did not grow at all. His companions were not disappointed with him being diabled or one
eyed but very depressed because his beard did not grow, to the extent they would say that we desire that only if a beard was available for 20,000 then we would buy it for Hadhrat Ahnaf (may Allah be pleased with him). (Lam ‘Atud Duha Fil ‘ Ifail Luha) The pious had so much love for the beard, what a time it is that keeping a beard is seen to be a shortcoming. If someone wants to grow a beard then it is as if the Day of Judgment has come. The parents go against, brothers and sisters do not co-operate, the wives and friends tease. Just think for a moment, the beard is a Sunnah of whom we pray the Kalima of, who we believe in, when Allah (The Exalted) has given someone the ability, who are we to discourage them. Those who joke or tease others about their beards, remember! No-one has lived here forever nor will they do so. We will have to face Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), what face will we show? Rules and regulations of the beard ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would cut that portion (which exceeds the grip of the hand) of beard. (Tirmidhi ) Imam Muhammad (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, “Our practise is on this hadith and Imam Azam (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has said this too.” (Kitabul Aathaar) The Hanifies say, “To shorten the beard less than a fists length is haraam, strictly forbidden and on this is a consensus of opinion.” Also the “Beard length is one fist.” (Durre-Mukhtar) Ibn Jazm Zahari (may Allah be pleased with him) writes, “To clip the moustache and to let the beard flow (grow) is Fardh (obligatory).” (Al Mahly) Shaykh ‘Abd al-Haqq Muhaddith Dehelwi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) says that; “ It is necessary (wajib) to wear a beard to a fist's length, it is Sunnah that is the practice of all Prophets and is proven from the Messenger of Allah's (The Exalted) practice.” (Ashat ul Lam’at) Forbidden to trim under a fist Ibn ‘Abideen Hanafi (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ It is forbidden for a man to cut (i.e. trim) his beard.” (Less then a fist) (Radd al Mukhtar) “No one has called it permissible to trim it (the beard) less than fist-length as is being done by some westernised Muslims and hermaphrodites.” (Durre-Mukhtar) “ It is forbidden (haraam) for a man to cut off another's beard.” (ibid) Those who are barbers’ , need to take this seriously, as those who cut the beards of others’ are part in committing this major sin and that earning is also unlawful. In Hidaya ‘Kitabur Riyaat’ it state that, “ If someone shaves of someone else’s beard it falls in the same category as cutting of someone’s ears or nose and the compensation for this is the same as cutting someone’s ears or nose. Such people are completely empty from the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted).” (Hidaya)
Hence, a barber (who would shave beards) was encouraged to recite the Shahadah at the time of death, Allah forbid swore at the Shahadah and died. When the grave was dug for him it was filled with scorpions, another grave was dug and that was also filled with scorpions, he was buried in a grave full of scorpions. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 549) Allahu Akbar! Hair below the lip Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) further writes of which the conclusion is; the hair underneath the lower lip is also part of the beard. The hair below the bottom lip is included in the beard, it is not permissible to shave or trim it. Shah ‘Abdul Aziz Muhaddis Dehelwi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states in Sirate Mustaqeem and Shaykh ‘Abdul Haq in ‘Madarijun Nabuwa’ that “ ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, decreed that all persons who remove the hair below the bottom lip as ‘Mardoodush Shahaadah,’ meaning those whose testimony is rejected.” It is not permissible to shave even the sides of the mouth. The scholars have explained that to shave these hairs is a bidat. Someone gave evidence to ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) who would remove the hair from the sides, and he rejected his evidence. (Gharaaib) However, it is permissible to cut the hair from these hairs if it is a problem whilst eating, drinking or gargling. (Rehnamuaye Kamil) Keeping the Beard according to the Hanafi Madhab Imam ibn Humaam (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has mentioned that nobody has permitted the trimming of the beard lesser than a fist length. (Fathul Qadeer & Shaami) The Shafi’ i Madhab Imam Nawawi Shafi’ i (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, ‘The correct view (according to the Shafi’ i Madhab) is to let the beard to grow and it is Makrooh to trim the beard whatsoever.’ (Sharh Saheeh Muslim vol.2 pg.143) In another place Imam Nawawi Shafi’ i (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, ‘The most eminent view is to leave the beard and do not trim the beard whatsoever nor shave it.’ (Faizan-e-Sunnah, p. 559) Imam al-Iraaqi Shafi’ i (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, ‘… the best is to leave the beard totally and not to cut anything from it at all, and this is the view of Imaam al-Shafi’ i and his students.’ (Tarhu Tathreeb’ , vol:2, p.8)These are quotations from two great scholars of the Shafi’ i Madhab that do not permit the trimming of the beard at all, not even upto one fist. The Maaliki Madhab Imam Muhammad ‘Ayshi Maaliki (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, “To keep a beard is natural and we have been ordered to let it grow. However, if it exceeds a fist then there is no problem in trimming it.” (‘Lam’atud Duha Fi I’ fail Luha’ ) Imaam Abul-Waleed al-Baaji al-Maaliki (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has stated that: “ It has been narrated from Imaam Maalik (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) that he permitted the slight trimming of those hairs that are overgrown and are outside the general growth of the rest of the hair, and that Imaam Maalik (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) was asked about a beard that had grown extremely long, he replied that it be trimmed a bit.” Imaam Abul-Waalid Maaliki (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) explains the following, “And it has been narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayra (may Allah be
pleased with them) that they trimmed upto one fist.’ Hence, this is what was meant by Imaam Maalik (may Allah’s mercy be upon him).” (Al-Muntaqa vol:7 p.266) Imaam al-Qurtubi al-Maaliki (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has also mentioned something similar to this in his commentary of Sahih Muslim. (ibid vol:1 p.513) The Hanbali Madhab “The Sunnah is to leave the beard, to the extent do not trim even a little until it gets too long and out of nature. To shave it is completely forbidden. Hence it is not disliked to trim after a fist.” (Kashful Qanna’ Sharah Matanul Asna’ . Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 559) Imaam Saamiri Hanbali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) – who is an expert Hanbali Faqeeh (jurists) - states: “And he should not trim any bit from the beard except if he wishes to do so upto the extent of one fist. However, it will be best if he doesn’ t do so.” (Al-Mustaw’ ib vol.1 pg.260 – see Hukm al-Lihyah fil Madhaahibil arba’ah; Abdul-Aziz al-Nu’maani pg.50) Another Hanbali scholar, Imaam Shamsuddeen al-Maqdisi (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, ‘ It is forbidden to shave the beard and it is not Makrooh to trim what is in excess of a fist’s length… because this is supported by the practice of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).’ (Kitaabul Furoo vol:1 p.130) Similar verdicts are found in other sources of Hanbali Fiqh such as al-Mubdi of ibn Muflih, al-Insaaf of al-Maawardi; Kashful Qinaa, etc. (Hukm al-lihyah p.50) It is clear from all these quotations that it is permissible to trim the beard only up to a fist length. No one has explicitly mentioned that it is permissible to trim the beard lesser than a fist length. In fact, according to some of these quotations, it will be better not to trim the beard at all. Hafiz ibn Jareer al-Tabari (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) has stated that some Ulama have totally disliked that one trims his beard at all, while others have permitted trimming upto a fist length. (Fathul Bari vol:10 p.430) To shave is haraam To shave off the beard is forbidden (haraam) and one who shaves his beard is legally speaking an unrighteous fellow (fasiq-open sinner); hence, it is not permissible to appoint such a man as an Imam. To pray Taraweeh or any Salaah behind such an Imam is Makrooh-e-Tehrimi (near prohibition). (Shami) If prayed it is necessary to repeat the prayer. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Anyone who shaves has no claim to the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted).” (Tabarani) “The beard in its time (i.e. when it begins to grow) is the cause of handsomeness and adornment, which is completely lost upon shaving it.” (Hidaya) How to measure
Take the beard in your fist that is below the chin and take it towards the throat. Grip all the hair into your fist and in your hand you should only have a fist full of hair. Make sure no part of your hand is touching the chin. The hair that is below the fist can be trimmed. (Faizane Sunnat, p573) Respected brothers! We should not cut or trim our beards under a fist. If we are true Muslims then we will follow the Sunnah and this pleases Allah (The Exalted). Why are we taking the beauty of man off our faces and looking like women. Is this the respect we have for the Sunnah that we shave our beards and that same hair goes down the same drainpipe through which you urinate? Is this your love for the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? Do not make this mistake again as Qadi Ayaz, a great scholar states in his book Ash-Shifa that whosoever disrespects the blessed button of the shirt of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) his head should be separated from his body! Allahu Akbar! Manner of the Beard The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed beard was so thick and long that it filled his blessed chest. (Shamail Tirmidhi) To trim off the beard in excess of one fist length so that it becomes neat and tidy. (ibid) To trim the moustache. (Tirmidhi) (The hair of the moustache should not be allowed to reach the lip.) Imam Malik and Imam Shafi’ i detested those who shaved their moustache. The moustache be trimmed in such a manner that it looks similar to the eyebrows. (Raddul Mohtar, Durre Mukhtar & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 586) To dye the hair with ‘henna’ leaves (red colour) or to simply leave it white. (Imam Ahmad) To keep the moustache hair long from the sides is no problem. Some pious people would keep their moustache in this manner. (Alamgiri) The hair and nails should be buried and to flush them is disliked (Makrooh) as there is a chance of illness spreading. (ibid) To use black dye is forbidden and to use henna is permissible. Four things should be buried, blood, hair, nails and the cloth that has been used for the menstrual period (Haiz). (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us to true love of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and to keep a beard a fist in length, Ameen.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT SUNNAH OF THE HAIR O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with eternal and permanent blessings, for as long as the duration of all future nights and days, never-ending and eternal, with blessings equal to the duration of all the days and nights which have already passed with blessings as abundant as the rain contained in every downpour and in every shower which have ever fallen. Every part of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is unique, complete with beauty and of excellence. Let us read about the blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and gain blessing from them too. The hair of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) The blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in length was up to the middle of his blessed ears. In other traditions his hair was in line with the ears and in one tradition the hair reached the lobes of his blessed ears. Yet there are traditions reporting his hair reaching the shoulders or near the shoulders. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, p. 34-35) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that “The hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) reached up till half way of his blessed ears.” (ibid p. 34) Baraa bin Aazib (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was of average height, and the portion between the two shoulders was wide. His hair reached his ear lobes.” (ibid p. 35) Qataadah bin Da’aamah As-Sadusi (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “ I asked Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) “How was the hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” He replied, “ It was not very curly, nor too straight. It had a slight curl and was a bit straight, and reached upto his ear-lobes.”” (ibid p. 35) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed hair touched his blessed shoulders.” (Bukhari) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) would comb the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed hair and she would make the middle path in such a way that the hair would be divided into two sections from the middle and she would separate the hair of the forehead towards the two eyes. (Abu Dawood) These are some ahadith regarding the blessed hair. Some may have been narrated when the blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) where way to the ear, some narrated at the time when the blessed hair was near the ear lobe and some when the blessed hair was near the shoulders. Neck Hair
‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade from removing the hair from the neck besides when trimming the hair (of the head). (Tabarani) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes that to take off the hair (of the head) in a manner which leaves very little hair is against the Sunnah. To remove the hair of the neck at times of need is permissible, or else disliked. (Rehnumaye Kamil, part: 5, p. 23) This is when it looks untidy making it is permissible to clean it up as appearance is important in Islam. Do not remove white/grey hair ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Amr Ibn al-‘As (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Do not pluck out grey hair. If any believer grows a grey hair, he will have light on the day of resurrection.” (This is Sufyan's version). Yahya’s version says, “Allah (The Exalted) will record on his behalf a good deed for it, and will erase a sin.” (Abu Dawood) Subhanallah! Ka’ab bin Marrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Whoever has reached old age in Islam, on the day of resurrection for him will be light.” (Tirmidhi & Nisai) We find that if we grow white or grey hair, do not pluck them or remove them unless you are trimming your hair and that it part of it. Hair Styling Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “A child was brought to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whose hair was partly shaved and the rest uncut, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Either cut it completely or leave it completely.’” (Muslim, Mishkat & Abu Dawud) Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade from shaving part of the head and leaving the other.” (Bukhari & Muslim) We find that to have part of the hair shaven, like it is seen today is forbidden. Those who have their hair cut in such a manner should not do so and those parents who get their children’s hair cut in such a manner should not do so either. The Length Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan in Ehkam-e-Shariat writes: it is permissible to keep the hair till the shoulders as it is proven by the Sunnah and to keep the hair below the shoulders (for men only) is unlawful and the Salaah will become void (Makrooh-e-Tehrimi) and it will be necessary to repeat it. (Ehkam-e-Shariat, p. 127) To have the hair longer than the Sunnah is resembling women. Those who do so are cursed by Allah (The Exalted). Those who claim to be following the Sufis are misguided as lengthening to hair more than what the Shari’ah allows is going against Sufism. Sufism is about following the Shari’ah and not going against it.
Keeping the blessed hair of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) It is permissible to retain in one’s possession strands of hair belonging to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) summoned the barber and firstly presented the right portion of his head. Accordingly, he cut the right and instructed him to distribute his hair amongst people. According to ‘Ashiattul Lamaat’ each companion received a strand or two from the holy hair. Anas bin Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came (from Muzdalifah) to Mina and pelted stones on ‘Jamarah tul Uqba’ and then gave the sacrifice and then went to his house, then he called the barber and got the hair from the right side of his head removed and gifted them to Abu Talha Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) then he got the hair from the left side of his head removed and gave that Abu Talha Ansaari (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, “Distribute these hair amongst the companions.” (Bukhari, Muslim & Mishkat) Allahu Akbar! Why did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) do this? So that the Ummah who were going to come after him could at least see part of him. According to ‘Mawwahib’ , Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the companions assembled around the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) while he was having his haircut. They seized the opportunity to take possession of his hair the moment it was cut without allowing it to fall to the ground. (Muslim) Subhanallah! This was the love of the companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), they did not want the hair to fall on the ground due to respect. They cherished it more than their lives and passed it down generation after generation. They took the blessed hair with them when they left the blessed lands for spreading the religion of Islam and all praise to Allah (The Exalted) it has reached us. Muhammad bin Seereen narrates: “ I informed ‘Ubaidah (may Allah be pleased with him) that I have in my possession few strands of the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hair which was acquired through the good offices of Anas (may Allah be pleased with him).” Upon this ‘Ubadiah (may Allah be pleased with him) declared: “Even if I possess a single strand of his holy hair, I will cherish it as more beloved and precious than the whole world and whatever it contains.” (Faizan-e-Sunnah, p. 519) Allahu Akbar! Care For Illness ‘Uthman bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) says, “My wife gave me a bowl of water to take to Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) and my wife's habit was that whenever someone was effected by (someone's) evil eye (Nazar) or was ill, she would send that container filled with water to Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) because she had a blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then she would take that hair out which she used to keep in a
silver tube and dipped it in the water and stirred the water. And the patient would drink the water and because of it, become cured. (Bukhari-Mishkat) Subhanallah! Success In Battle Khalid bin Walid (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “ I was fortunate to have the blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I placed it in my hat, it was the blessings of the hair that I was always victorious in every battle.” (Ash-Shifa) Subhanallah! This was the belief of the companions and we should follow in their footsteps in order to be on the straight path and become successful Muslims. Hairs and Nails When the time of death came close of ‘Umar bin ‘Abdul-‘Aziz (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) he asked for some of the blessed hairs and nails of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to be bought and made a will that they be placed in his shroud. According to his will this is what happened. (Madaarijun Nabuwat) It is the Sunnah of the companions to keep the blessed hair, even after 1400 years; the true Muslims revive the Sunnah. Those who are against this Sunnah have no basis for their argument and are hypocrites. One should not follow them just by looking at the Salaah and beards and commitment to deen but should look at their beliefs regarding the love of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Disrespecting The Blessed Hair ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him). states, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with one of his blessed hair in his hand saying, “Whoever gives difficulty to one of my hairs, for that person paradise is forbidden.” (Kanzul ‘Ummal) Allama Yusuf bin Ismail (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states a saying of Imam Fakharudeen Al-Razi that, “Whoever disrespects one hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I will call them a non believer.” (Jawahirul Bihaar) Allahu Akbar! To call someone a non-believer is a enormous responsibility. We believe that the Prophets of Allah (upon them all be peace) are alive and even if any part of their body is separated from them, it is also alive. As stated in the hadith that, “Without doubt, Allah (The Exalted) has made it unlawful for the earth to eat the bodies of the Prophets.” (Ibn Majah) Alhamdulillah! I know an elder in our community who has had the hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) for many years. He started of with three and over the years they have grown long and have grown into branches and now has seven long hairs of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him). The elders in the community are witness to this as every year they are shown to the locals at the time of Milad and other special occasions. These are the very same hairs that Allah (The Exalted) has mentioned in the Qur’an.
Relics Abu Hafs Samarqandi (may Allah be pleased with him) writes in ‘Rownaqul Majaalis’ : In Balkh there lived a merchant of great wealth and provisions. When he passed away, his two sons divided his estate among themselves equally. Among the inheritance there were three hairs of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Each one took one. The elder brother suggested that they cut the third one in half, each then taking one piece. This suggestion filled the younger brother with distress and he exclaimed, “That shall never be done. The blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) shall not be cut.” The elder then suggested, “Will you be satisfied that these three hairs come to you as your portion of inheritance, while I take the rest of the estate?” The younger brother agreed to this with great pleasure and satisfaction. The elder brother then acquired all that the father had left behind. The younger brother had the three hairs. He kept those hairs on his person at all times. Very often he took them out, looked at them and recited Salawaat upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Not long thereafter, the elder brother had squandered and exhausted all his wealth, while the younger one became very wealthy. After some time the younger one died, someone from among the saintly ones saw a dream wherein the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) appeared to him and said, “ If there be anyone with any kind of need, let him proceed to the grave of this person, sit down there and beg of Allah (The Exalted) his need.” (Qawlu Badee) Allahu Akbar! This is the blessings bought by respecting and looking after the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah be pleased with him) hair. The same story is told in “Nuzhatul Majaalis” , but with a slight addition. The story there says that when the elder brother became a pauper and saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in a dream. He complained to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) of great poverty. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told him: “O unfortunate one, you turned away from my hair and your brother accepted them and whenever he looked at them, he recited Salawaat on me. For this reason, Allah (The Exalted) had made him most fortunate, both in this world and in the Hereafter.” When the elder brother awoke, he went forth and became one of the servants of his younger brother. Subhanallah! Respecting the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) and all that is connected to him brings satisfaction in both worlds! Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that, “ I went to the Nagina Mosque in Katyawaar on the 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal to perform a speech. The blessed hair was being shown and the Muslims where gaining blessings from it. They were reciting Salawaat and Salaam, some were crying, some were making supplication it was a very blessed atmosphere. A person was standing in the corner with a gloomy face. I asked him, “Why are you angry?” He said, “What is the evidence for this, that these belong to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)?” I did not reply but asked his name and he said, “‘ Abdur-Rahman” “What is your father’s name?” He said, “‘ Abdur-Raheem.” I then said, “What evidence do you have that ‘Abdur-Raheem is your father? And how do you know that it is because of him you were born?” He said in
hesitation, “O Scholar! The Muslims say that I am his son and it is sufficient to believe in Muslims” . Then I also said, “The Muslims also say that these are the blessed hairs of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) and it is sufficient to believe in Muslims” , and he become embarrassed.” (Faizan-e-Sunnah, p. 530) Manners of keeping the hair The males have a choice of either shaving their hair (of the head) or to grow them and part it from the middle. (Raddul Mohtar) It is not permissible to grow the hair like women below the shoulders. (Bahare Shariat) To shave part of the head is not permissible. (ibid) To part the hair on the sides is against the Sunnah. (ibid) Women are not allowed to cut or trim their hair even if the husband demands it, unless after the pilgrimage as it is a condition. (Durre Mukhtar) When combing the hair start from the right hand side. (Bukhari) It is better to leave the hair on the neck. (Raddul Mohtar) It is disliked (Makrooh) to shave the hair of the neck. (Alamgiri) This is when removed on its own, if removed with the hair of the head to neaten it up, otherwise if it looks a mess then there is no problem. (Rehnumaye Kamil, part: 5, p. 21-22) To part the hair in the middle is Sunnah. (Alamgiri. Rehnumaye Kamil, part: 5, p. 21) Women should put the hair that has been removed from the head, naval and under the arm in a place that no non-permissible man can see (Ghair Mehram). To use black dye is forbidden and to use henna is permissible. Four things should be buried, blood, hair, nails and the cloth that has been used for the menstrual period (Haiz). (Alamgiri) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to respect the blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) and other relics of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) and with the blessings from the blessed hair of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) remove the darkness of our graves, Ameen. CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE SUNNAH OF OILING AND COMBING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Your Prophet, and our master Abraham, your Friend, and all the Prophets and pure ones from the folk of Your earth and Your heaven, in all of Your creation and as it
pleases Yourself, in the decoration of Your Throne, in the ink of Your words, to the extent of Your Knowledge and Adornment of Your created beings with blessings repeated eternally as much as Your knowledge and to the depth of Your Knowledge and then double this with blessings, abundant and excellent and gracious, blessings equal to all the requests for blessings ever uttered by all of creation just as in like measure the whole of creation enjoy favour. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take care of his personal appearance. He would apply oil to his hair and beard and comb it too. Look after your hair Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever has hair, look after it.” (Abu Dawood) Meaning to wash the hair, to oil and comb it. ‘Ata bin Yasaar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to the Mosque. A person came whose hair and beard was unkempt. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) pointed at him in a manner which made it clear that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was advising him to comb his hair. The person combed his hair and came back. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ Is this not better than that person whose hair is unkempt, it is as if he is Shaytan.”” (Imam Malik) When to comb ‘Abd-Allah bin Mughaffal (may Allah be pleased with him) states that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade us from coming the hair everyday. (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) The scholars looking at all the hadith on combing have come to the conclusion that one should look after their hair and not leave it unkempt and not to comb it when there is not a necessity. Many when ever there is a mirror or they can see their reflection start to comb their hair when there is no need. Grooming of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used oil on his blessed hair and blessed beard, he also used water on his blessed beard, and then combed it. He combed his blessed hair on the head and sometimes parted them in the middle. He also combed his blessed beard with an ivory comb. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would apply plenty of oil in his blessed hair and beard and at times comb the beard and tie a cloth on his blessed head, the cloth would get covered in oil just like his blessed hair.” (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah less him and grant him peace) would apply a lot of oil and to save his blessed Amama, hat and other clothing from getting stained with
oil, he would wear a cloth on his blessed head. How unique is it that his cloth would never get any dirt nor lice, Subhanallah! Oil & water Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) has related, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would apply oil to his head frequently and washed his beard with water.” Non-Muslim & A Muslim’s Devil Abu Hurayrah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) narrates that, “Once a Muslim’s devil and a non Muslim’s devil met together. The non-Muslim’s devil was very healthy, big and warmly wrapped up wearing nice clothes and had oil on his head whilst the Muslim’s devil was in a very bad state as he was skinny and weak with no clothes. The non-Muslim’s devil asked ‘Brother! Why are you in this state?’ He replied: “ I am with such a person who, when he eats he remembers Allah (The Exalted) by reciting ‘Bismillah…’ that is why I have to stay hungry and do not get any share out of his food. When he drinks water, he recites ‘Bismillah…’ so I have to stay thirsty. When putting oil on his head he recites ‘Bismillah…’ , my hair is in this situation, and when wearing his clothes he recites ‘Bismillah…’ too.” The non Muslim’s devil said: “ I am with such a person that whatever he does, he never recites ‘Bismillah…’ , this is why I am healthy and I get to eat with him, drink with him and take part in all activities.” (Mawahib Ladunya & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 43-4) We learn from this that if we want the blessing then every thing we do, always say Bismillah. Regardless of whether you start an assignment, some coursework, writing a letter, or even putting a key into the door. Make a habit of this Sunnah and there will be blessings in everything you do, Insha-Allah!, or else the Shaytan will takes part in what you do. Comb of ivory The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a comb made from elephant’s teeth, he also used water on his blessed beard and then combed it. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 602) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Keep on combing the hair, as poverty will be taken away. He who combs the hair in the morning will stay in peace till the evening.” (Nuzhatul Majalis & Faizane Sunnat, p. 601) Save from calamities Ubay bin Ka’ab (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated that, “Whosoever combs their hair and beard at night will be saved from all calamities and will live longer.”’ (Nuzhatul Majalis) Subhanallah!
Look after your hair Abu Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I asked to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “ I have hair should I continue to comb it?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Yes, and look after it.” (Imam Malik & Faizane Sunnat, p. 599) As the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told him this, he would at times oil his hair twice a day. (Imam Malik) Subhanallah! Shaykh ‘Abd Al-Haq Muhaddith-e-Dehelwi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes that, “To comb the beard after ablution will rid one of poverty.” (Ashi 'Atul Lam 'Aat & Faizane Sunnat, p. 599) In another place the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) also said, “He who combs the eyebrows will be saved from difficulties.” (Nuzhatul Majalis & Faizane Sunnat, p. 601) ‘Abd Al-Rahman Safoori (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Whosoever combs the hair on Sunday, Allah (The Exalted) will grant many benefits, one who combs the hair on Monday will have his requirements fulfilled. One who combs it on Tuesday is granted easiness. On Wednesday he will be given gifts by Allah (The Exalted), On Thursday he will be given blessings in his reward. On Friday he will be granted happiness and Saturday Allah (The Exalted) keeps his heart clean from evil.” (ibid) Subhanallah! Imam Ghazali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes in Ihya ul-Uloom that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would comb his blessed beard twice a day.” (Ihya by Al-Ghazali & Faizane Sunnat, p.599) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always start from the right side, even whilst combing his blessed hair. (Tirmidhi & Faizane Sunnat, p. 601) Supplication for looking in the Mirror When combing his hair he would look in the mirror and when he saw his blessed face, he prayed the following supplication: ‘Allahumma Anta Hassanta Khalqi Fahassin Khuluqi’ . O Allah! You have beautified my nature, beautify my character too. (Sahih ibn Hibban in Supplication & Shamail-e-Rasool) The supplication is of course to teach his followers to ask Almighty Allah to give us a good character, as the character of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was unique and a shining example for his followers to follow. Manners of oil
When applying oil always pray ‘Bismillah…’ otherwise seventy devils will assist in applying oil in your hair. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 599) Whenever he wanted to grease his blessed hair, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would take some oil in the palm of his left hand. Apply a little on the right eyebrow then the left. Then apply some to the eyelashes first the right then left. Then pray ‘Bismillah…’ again and apply to the rest of the head from the front right then front left working your way back. (Uswae Hasana, Shamaile Tirmidhi & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 600) In the same manner when applying oil to the beard, pray ‘Bismillah…’ again and then apply it. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) applied oil in his hair he started from the front right side then front left and when applying oil to his beard he would apply it from the hair closest to the neck and work his way up. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 600) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would keep seven items besides his bed, bottle of oil; a comb; bottle of Surma; pair of scissors; miswak; mirror; and a stick for itching. (Faizane Sunnat, p. 600) O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us all the ability to look after our hair and to oil and comb it following the Sunnah of Your beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY SUNNAH OF ANTIMONY/COLLYRIUM – SURMA O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as those who have asked for blessings upon him. To apply Surma is a blessed Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When he would go to sleep at night he would apply Surma in his blessed eyes. We should also try to practice this Sunnah as we will gain the reward and benefit in following the Sunnah and the worldly benefits too. Best type of Surma ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “…among the best types of collyrium you use is ithmad, it clears the vision and makes the hair sprout.” (Abu Dawood) When to put Surma on Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a collyrium container out of which he applied collyrium every night, in each eye three times.” (Tirmidhi)
It is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to apply Surma when going to sleep. It stays in the eyes for longer and makes it more effective. Benefit of Surma Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘Apply antimony regularly, as it clears the sight, makes the eye lashes grow and is the best of things beautifying the eyes.’ (Ibn Sa’ad & Tirmidhi) How to put Surma on Imran Ibn Abi Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would apply antimony thrice in the right eye and twice in the left.” (Ibn Sa’ad) The application of Surma is Sunnah for both men and women and be done at night, three times in each eye. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that four things that strengthen the eyesight, to sit towards the Qibla, to use Surma before sleeping, to look towards something with green colour, and to keep the clothes clean. (Ihya uloom uddeen) Manners of applying the Surma Supplication for applying Surma ‘Allahumma Mat-Ti’Ni Bissam-e Wal Basar’ . ‘O Allah (The Exalted) give me benefit in listening and seeing’ (Hamara Islam, part one, lesson 12.) Thereafter apply some Surma in the right eye once then the left and so on three times. Listening and hearing are both gifts from Allah (The Exalted) hence we should only use them for permissible things and abstain from using them for the forbidden. For instance it should not be used to look at the opposite sex, dramas, films, listening to backbiting, swearing, listening to music but thank Allah (The Exalted) for these gifts and use them for listening and looking at the Qur’an and listening to Naats/Nasheeds etc. O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us the ability to apply the Surma at night before going to sleep and gain blessings from this beautiful Sunnah, Ameen! CHAPTER FORTY-ONE SUNNAH OF APPLYING FRAGRANCE (‘ ITR) O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the fullness of Your heavens and Your earth.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked aromatic things and perfume, he used them himself and recommended their use to others. On waking up he would relieve himself, perform Wudhu, and apply fragrance on his clothing. If fragrance was presented to him, he would never refuse it. He would use perfume at night too, especially on Fridays for Jumu’ah prayers. Naf’ i (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) would at times burn only ‘Ud and at times he would use ‘Ud and Camphor and say, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would do this.” (Muslim) To use any fragrance that burns like incense sticks or loban is permissible. If you burn these with the intention of the Sunnah then you will be rewarded for that. The Scholars say that ‘Ud opens the clogs and does away with gas; it also dries away unnecessary moisture while strengthening the intestines and brings relief and comfort to the heart. It helps the mind, sharpens the senses, constipates and helps relieve the enuresis, bed wetting that result from coldness of the prostrate. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that she used to perfume the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with the best scent available until he saw the shine of the scent on his head and bear. (Bukhari, Vol: 7, p. 528) Natural smell A sweet fragrance was naturally emitted from the blessed body of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In a narration Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, ‘ I did not smell anything more fragrant than the fragrance of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The fragrance was better than Amber and Musk’ . Subhanallah! Jabir Ibn Samura (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) touched my cheek and I felt a cool sensation and his hand were scented. It was as if he had taken his hand from a bag of perfumes.” (Muslim) Subhanallah! This was the natural fragrant from the Prophet’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hands. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slept on a rug in the house of Anas (may Allah be please with him) and being very warm he perspired. Anas’s (may Allah be pleased with him) mother brought a long necked bottle in which to put his blessed perspiration. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked her about this. She said, “We put it in our perfume and it is the most fragrant of scents.” (Bukhari) Subhanallah! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I have never smelt any ‘ Itr or fragrance better than the fragrance of the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed perspiration.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 615)
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that when a companion would desire to visit the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and would not find him, they would track him by his fragrance in the streets. (Madaarijun Nabuwah & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 620) Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went down the road, anyone who had followed him knew that he had passed that way because of his scent.” (Bukhari) If the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) shook hands with a man, his beautiful scent would remain on that man’s hand for the rest of the day, and if he placed his hand on the head of a child, that child would stand out from others by virtue of his sweet fragrance. Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) reported to have said, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) left this world I placed my hand on his chest. Many weeks have passed and I eat and wash this hand yet the fragrance still remains. Subhanallah! (Sharh Shamail-e-Tirmidhi & Khazinah Rahmah, p. 132) Spend a third on ‘ Itr ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) used to say that, “Whoever spends a third of his wealth on ‘ Itr is not being extravagant.” Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blew (for blessing) on his palm and wiped it over the back and stomach of ‘Uqbah (may Allah be pleased with him) as he complained of an illness to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It became so fragrant, and as he had four wives, everyone put on so much perfume, to equal that fragrance, but it could not overcome the fragrance that ‘Uqbah had. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 619) Do not refuse ‘ Itr Thumaamah bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) did not refuse perfume, and would say that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never refused (the acceptance of) perfume.” (Bukhari. Ahmad. Sharah Sunnah. Fathul Bari. Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 226 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 4, p. 516) Azra bin Thabit Al Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When I went to Thumama bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) he gave me some perfume and said, that Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) would not reject the gifts of perfume.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not reject the gifts of perfume.” (Bukhari) When someone offers us any fragrance do not refuse, if you don’ t want any then just take a small amount and you will get the reward of following the Sunnah.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever is presented with Raihan should not refuse it, because it is easy to wear and has a good scent.” (Muslim) Fragrance form Paradise Abu Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) states from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Whosoever is offered Raihaan (name of a fragrance) do not reject it as this is from Jannah (paradise).” Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Three things should not be refused: a pillow, fragrance (‘ Itr-oil), or milk.’” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 610) These three items are usually cheap and easy to give as a gift. The scholars say that if someone gives you these three items then do not refuse them as it could break the heart of the person giving it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not like to break anyone’s heart or feelings. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I would put a lot of fragrance on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the extent that you could see the shine on his blessed forehead and blessed beard.” (Bukhari & Muslim) We find from this hadith that to apply ‘ Itr on the beard is the Sunnah. (Shamail-e-Rasool & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 608) The smell from the Rose The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When I was taken into the sky then the earth started to cry because of my separation. When I was coming back from the ascension then my perspiration dripped on the earth, from which a red rose grew, whosoever wants to smell my fragrance, smell a red rose.” (Naseem-mur-Riyaad) Subhanallah! Use ‘ Itr without Alcohol We should also use ‘ Itr to follow the sweet Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Let’s start this from today and stop using other things that can be very expensive and contain alcohol. Make it a regular habit to rub perfume on Fridays when going for Jumu’ah prayer too. Imam Shafi’ i (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that four things make the body strong; eating meat, using scent, bathing and putting on linen clothes. (Ihya uloom ad-Deen) Women & perfume Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) has related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “An eye that looks at an unknown man or woman (with evil intent) commits adultery and a women who perfumes herself and then passes by a gathering of men is no better.” (Abu Dawood)
Allahu Akbar! If a woman applies any scent and a man can smell it, then it attracts him towards adultery, hence, for women to apply perfume of any type is unlawful. However, if applying to please her husband in her home only then that is encouraged. Maymuna bint Sa’d (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah (The Exalted) remains displeased with a woman who emerges from her home wearing perfume and gives men the opportunity to look at her, until she returns home.” (Tabarani) The Scholars say that fragrance is the fuel of the soul, which is the engine of the powers of the body. Therefore, various strengths and powers in the body are nurtured in the presence of fragrance. Fragrance for men & women Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said, “The perfume for men is that whose odour is apparent but whose colour is hidden and the perfume for the women is those whose colour is apparent but whose odour is hidden like henna and saffron.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) It is forbidden for men and children to use henna except on the hair and the beard. It is forbidden for females to use fragrance of any type. Manners of ‘ Itr To apply ‘ Itr on the hair and beard is Sunnah. (Shamail-e-Rasool & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 608) To apply ‘ Itr at night and before Jumu’ah prayers is a Sunnah. One should not refuse ‘ Itr when offered. To use ‘ Itr of Raihan and ‘Ud is Sunnah. (Muslim) Women should not use ‘ Itr or any perfumes but apply Henna. One should not use a fragrance that contains unlawful ingredient or alcohol. To burn ‘Ud and Camphor is a Sunnah. (ibid) CHAPTER FORTY-TWO SUNNAH OF BEAUTY (Henna, Filing of teeth, Hair, Jewellery, dye, etc.) O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him
peace) as many times as those who have not asked for blessings upon him and bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with as much blessings as is fitting for him and bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with as much blessings as is his due. Use of henna (mehndi) The Shariah (Islamic law) allows women to use henna. Hindh-Binte-‘Ukbah (may Allah be pleased with her) said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “ I want to take oath to you,” to which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “First go and colour your hands.” (Abu Dawud) Male or a Female? A woman wished to give the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) a book (from behind a curtain), the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) withdrew his hands and said, “ I cannot tell whether this is a male or a female’s hand.” The woman replied, “ It is a woman’s hand.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “ If it is a woman’s hand then the fingers should be coloured with henna.” (ibid) It is important to learn from the previous two hadiths that a woman can colour her hands and feet with henna. If a woman does not wish to colour her hands and feet then she should at least colour her fingernails, so that one can distinguish between a man’s hand and a woman’s hand. Therefore if a woman is interested in colouring her hands then she should not use nail polish, but should resort to henna as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) agreed with it. Men & Henna It is forbidden for men to apply Henna (Mehndi) on their hands or feet. If applied on a young boy then the person putting the henna on him is responsible for the sin. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 808) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that a person was bought to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whose hands and feet where coloured with henna. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “Why did he do this?” people replied that he imitates women. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Send him out of Madinah.” (Abu Dawud) Allahu Akbar! We find that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was displeased with men wearing henna on their hands or feet. It is permissible and Sunnah to apply henna on the hair and beard.
Abu Dhar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The best thing that changes white hair is Mehndi or Khatam.” (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud and Nasa’ i. ) Meaning apply either of these. Nail polish Women must beware of the fact that nail polish is mostly made from unlawful (Forbidden) ingredients such as pig, as are other forms of make-up such as lipstick etc. Every part of the pig is Haraam, and therefore to use anything that has been made from pig is strictly forbidden. Make up can only be used if non-animal ingredients are used and to please the husband in the home only and not the show to other people. Ghusl will not be acceptable It must also be noted that if one performs Wudhu (ablution) or ghusl (bath) whilst wearing nail polish or other things made of Haraam ingredients, one’s Wudhu or ghusl will not count. One should be aware of the fact that if a small part of the body is kept dry during ghusl or certain parts during Wudhu, it will not be accepted. So how can one’s ghusl or Wudhu be accepted if whole of the nails or where it is applied are kept dry due to make up? Filing the teeth Filing of teeth for beauty and plucking of eyebrows is a grave sin, and one will not be protected by Allah (The Exalted). ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that Allah’s (The Exalted) curse is on those who file their teeth and those who file them. Also on those who trim their eyebrows. Those who trim their eye brows and beautify their teeth are changing the creation of Allah (The Exalted). A woman came to ‘Abd-Allah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, “ I have heard that you have cursed such and such women.” ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Why should I not curse such people, as did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and as it states in the Book of Allah (The Exalted).” The woman said, “ I have read the Book of Allah (The Exalted) and did not find such a thing.” He said, “ If you read it (with attention) surely you would have found it, have you not read ‘…What the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gives you take it and what he forbids you abstain from it.’ “Yes, I have read this.” The woman said. “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has disallowed it.” Said ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him). In another narration it states that your wife does some of these things, to which he said, “Go and see if she does.” The woman went in and found that she didn’ t, to which ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ If my wife did such things I would not keep her with me.” (Bahare Shariat) Unlawful
It is haraam (strictly prohibited) to file teeth, pluck eyebrows and to wear a headpiece (i.e. wig made out of someone else’s hair for the sake of beauty). (Raddul Mohtar, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 208 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) These things will make Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) unhappy. It is a major sin for a woman to cut her hair even if her husband demands it, except on pilgrimage as it is a condition. If a person’s eyebrows get too long it is permissible to trim them. (Durre Mukhtar) It is also permissible to remove hair from arms, legs and chest for both males and females. However, for males it is better not to do so. If you are removing the hair from the arms as too much water is being used in ablution then it is better to remove them. Angels of mercy do not enter the house One should also be aware of the fact that angels of mercy do not enter the house of one who stays without performing ghusl (when it is Fardh for them to perform ghusl i.e. Junub). There will be no blessings in one’s livelihood and it is feared that one will suffer from poverty. One should also be aware of the fact that angels of mercy will not enter the house of those who keep photographs of living creatures (humans, animal’s etc.) displayed. Also of those who keep dogs in their homes. (Alamgiri, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 208 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) Angels of mercy do not enter the house in which unclean people reside. Have mercy on yourselves, fear Allah (The Exalted), and remember the hereafter. Make the intention, that as from today you will stop using these things, which displease Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). No matter what the occasion, whether it be Eid or a wedding, even if it is your wedding and you will only put it on once. It may be this once that Allah (The Exalted) may be displeased with us and open the doors of hell for us, Allah (The Exalted) forbid, Ameen. Noisy jewellery Women can wear gold or silver jewellery regardless of weight. Bronze, iron, copper, brass etc. is not permissible. If children wear forbidden jewellery, the person who has made them wear it is responsible for the sin. Jewellery worn by women on the feet must be of the sort that does not make any noise. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated, that “Angels do not enter the house of those who wear noisy feet jewellery.” (Abu Dawood) Ankle Jewellery can be worn by women as long as there are no bells, meaning there is no sound of jingling. The reason being that it attracts attention. ‘Abd-Allah ibn Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, ‘Our slave girl bought the girl of Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) to ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). She had bells (on the ankle jewellery that jingled) which ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) cut off and said: ‘ I have heard from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying: “With every bell there is a devil (Shaytan).”’’ (ibid Reference: Bahar-e-Shariah: Volume 16; Ring and jewellery) Allahu Akbar! A girl came to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) with bells (jingling) on her feet (ankle jewellery), she said: ‘Do not bring her near me until the jingles are cut. As I heard
form the Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say: “Angles do not enter that house which has bells or (ankle jewellery that) jingles.”’ (ibid) To dye the beard Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that Abu Qahafa father of ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was presented to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) on the day of the conquest of Makkah and his head and his beard were just like snow. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Change it with something and avoid black.” (Muslim) Meaning dye it with a colour and do not use black. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The best youth is he who follows the elderly and the worst of the elders is he who follow the youth.” (Ihya ulum adeen) To dye the hair or beard black is forbidden as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Black dye is the sign of the inmates of hell.” Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “The first to dye the hair with Mehndi and Khatam was Prophet Ibrahim and the first man to dye his hair black was Pharaoh.” (Ibn Najjar, Ihya ulum adeen, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 207 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) Mehndi and Khatam are the Sunnah of the friends of Allah (The Exalted) and enemies of Allah (The Exalted) use black dye. Types of dye? Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) in his book Ehkam-e-Shariat writes: Red or yellow dyes are good, and in the hadith concerning black dye it states it is of the non-believers. This is unlawful and the ruling of the permissibility is incorrect and void. He was asked, “What if the dye is from Wasma?” Ala Hadhrat replied, “ If it is from Wasma or Tasma it is unlawful.” He was then asked, “What if an old person wanted to marry a young woman?” Ala Hadhrat replied, “A bull would not turn into a calf by cutting of its horns.” He was then asked, “ In some books it states that Imam Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was martyred had dye of Wasma.” Ala Hadhrat replied, “ Imam Hasan, Hussain and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar, (may Allah be pleased with them all) they would put it on, as they were fighters.” (Ehkame Shariat) We find that the only time one can dye their hair or beard is when in jihad and that is to deceive the enemy. To apply dye to cover white hair is to deceive Muslims and to look young. To deceive Muslims is forbidden anyway.
Dying the hair ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Abbas, (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “At the end of time there will be people who will use this black dye like the crops of doves, these will not experience the fragrance of Paradise.” (Abu Dawood & Nasa’ i. ) Muhammad bin Sirin (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) narrates that, “ I asked Anas, (may Allah be pleased with him) “Did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) dye his hair?” Anas replied, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not have but a few Grey hairs.”” (Bukhari) Meaning he had no need to dye them. Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, “Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked whether the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used a hair dye or not.” Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had not enough grey hair to dye. I could even count the white hairs on his beard.”” (ibid) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that towards the last era there will be some people who will use dye to colour their hair and these people will not even smell the scent of paradise (the scent of paradise can be smelt from a distance of 500 years). Allahu Akbar! Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A true believer’s dye is yellow, a Muslim’s dye is red and a non-believer’s dye is black.” (Tabarani in Kabir and Hakim in Mustadrak.) Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Everyone from my Ummah will enter Jannah except those who reject.” The companions asked: “Who are those who reject?” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied: “The person who follows me will enter Jannah and the person who disobeys me has rejected.” Rules of Beauty To have extensions using someone else’s or even your own once taken out is forbidden. (Raddul Mohtar, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 207 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) It is allowed for women to wear artificial hair (not someone else’s) to extend their plats. It is permissible for women to apply henna on their hands and feet as this is for beauty. It is better not to, without any reason colour the hands and feet of young children. (Alamgiri, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 208 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) It is permissible to use henna on young girls as it is permissible for them to wear jewellery. (Bahare Shariat) It is preferable for females to be content with silver jewellery and not insist on gold.
It is permissible for women to place beads in their hair made from gold or silver. (Alamgiri, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 208 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) Whosoever wears gold jewellery due to pride shall be punished in the hereafter. Females should not wear such jewellery that creates a jingling noise with movement especially on the feet as the curse of Allah (The Exalted) is on them. Females can colour their nails with henna. (Abu Dawud) When the women are feeding their children, they should use a veil to cover up even in their own homes. (Faizane Shariat) If the eyebrows are too long then they may be trimmed, only if they have over grown. (Durre Mukhtar) It is permissible to remove the hair of the arms and the legs. (Dure Mukhtar) To take off the hair from the chest and back is not recommended. (ibid) You can remove the hair from the arms, feet and stomach. (ibid) To have a young girl’s ears pierced is permissible. Some even get the boys done too, this is not permissible. Boys are not allowed to wear jewellery. (Raddul Mohtar, Bahar-e-Shairat, Vol: 17, p. 207 and Akhlaq Aur Aadaab, p. 247) For women to wear glass bangles is permissible. (Rehnuma-e-Kamil) To use black dye is forbidden and to use henna is permissible. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to adopt beauty by following the Sunnah and abstaining from that which is forbidden, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-THREE TRIMMING NAILS & HAIR O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as You have ordered him to be blessed. Natural state Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who does not remove bodily hair from below the navel, and does not trim the nails, and does not trim his moustache, is not one of us.” (Tirmidhi, Nisai & Imam Ahmad) i.e. it is against our practice. Allahu Akbar!
To grow the moustache below the lips is forbidden and a sin. (Ehkam-e-Shariat & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 586) Those who grow their nails long following fashion should be aware that this is a very serious matter and should be stopped as it is not fit for a Muslim to grow the nails, we should be representable and an example to the rest. Natural things Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “Five are the acts of fitra (natural inclination): 1) circumcision, 2) removing the hair below the navel, 3) trimming the moustache, 4) cutting the nails, and 5) plucking the hair under the arms.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Before Jumu’ah Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) before going to Friday prayer would clip his nails and moustache.” (Ma’ riful Hadith) Every fifteenth day The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would get his nails pared every fifteen days. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Do not exceed forty days Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Do not let forty days elapse without trimming the moustache and paring the nails.” (Muslim) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “To trim the moustache and nails and remove the hair under the arms and the hair below the navel we have been given a time to take them off, do not leave them for more than forty days (meaning trim them within forty days).” (Muslim) When to cut nails The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “He who cuts his nails on Friday, will be in Allah’s (The Exalted) protection for the following week. He who cuts his nails on a Saturday will be spared from illness, and he who cuts his nails on Sunday will have poverty taken away from him. If someone is mentally unstable then by cutting his nails on Monday, this illness will be cured. He who cuts his nails on a Tuesday will also be protected from illness. It is better not to cut nails on Wednesday as there are hadith for and against, as Imam Tahawi said, paring nails on Wednesdays can cause leprosy. To cut nails on Thursday will cure illness such as leprosy.” (Durre Mukhtar) Once a scholar trimmed his nails on a Wednesday as this hadith was weak (Dhaif) and not authentic (Sahih). As he did not practise even a weak hadith as a consequence he became leprosy. That night when he went to sleep he saw the Messenger of Allah (may
Allah bless him and grant him peace) in his dream who said that, “Did you not hear that I warned you against trimming your nails on Wednesday?” The scholar said, “The hadith is weak.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Was it not sufficient that a hadith had reached you from me.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then wiped his blessed hands over the scholar curing him from his illness. The scholar repented and said that, “ I will never go against a hadith.” (Usool-e-Hadith, p. 44 & Naseem-ur-Riyaaz Sharah Shifa, Vol: 1, p. 344. Published by Darul Fikr, Beuirout, lebonon.) Subhanallah! Method of cutting nails ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the way of cutting the nails: FOR THE RIGHT HAND: start of with the index finger, forefinger, ring finger and little finger, then moving onto the LEFT HAND: little finger, ring finger, forefinger, index finger, thumb and lastly the thumb of the right hand. Then to wash the hands after cutting the nails. (Durre Mukhtar & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p.584) Diagrams of hand & feet EASY METHOD: - Follow the numbering on this picture. For toe nails - Start with the right foot small toe and proceed until the big toe, then start with the left foot big toe and & conclude with the small toe (Semi-circle). (Durre Mukhtar, Bahar-e-Shariat & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 584) There is no specified way recorded for trimming the nails but it is better to use the same method that Khilal (wiping in between the toes in ablution) is done. Request It is requested that you also follow this blessed Sunnah and cut your nails in this manner. The biggest benefit one can gain is that if you teach others the Sunnah and they act upon it then you will gain the reward for this until it is practised and passed on, Insha-Allah! What to do with them? After cutting the nails and hair of the body, one should collect them all and bury them, since we all are made from soil and thus the hair and nails should be put back to the earth. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 857) The consequence of keeping long nails There will be no blessing in your wealth. You will become poor. Illness will plague you.
Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) will be displeased with you. The devil sits on long nails. (Kimiyae Sa’aadat & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 585) Manners of cutting the fingernails & hair To remove the hair directly below the navel, under the arms and to trim the nails once a week is Mustahab (preferable), it is permissible after fifteen days and to leave it for after forty days is disliked (Makrooh). It is preferable on Thursday or Friday as it is stated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would do this before Jumu’ah Salaah. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 586) To wash the fingers after trimming the nails is desirable. (ibid p. 585) Do not bite your nails as it is disliked and a predisposition to infectious diseases. (Alamgiri & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 585) To get rid of the hair under the navel is Sunnah and the best day is Friday. (Ma’ riful Hadith) It is permissible to use hair removal cream. (Durre Mukhtar & Alamgiri) It is Sunnah to pluck and there is no problem in shaving the hair under the arms. (Raddul Mohtar & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 585) Do not remove the hair from inside the nose as it could affect an illness of sense. (Alamgiri & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 585) ‘Abd-Allah bin Basheer (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said that, “Tweezing of the nasal hair can lead to a disease called Aakilah (cancer or gangrene).” If the eyebrows become long, then to trim them is permissible. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 587) To take of hair in any part of the body when in the state of impurity (when bathing is obligatory) is disliked (Makrooh). (Alamgiri & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 587) The hair and nails should be buried and to flush them is disliked (Makrooh) as there is a chance of illness spreading. (ibid p. 585) Women should put the hair that has been removed from the head, naval and under the arm in a place that no non-permissible man can see (Ghair Mehram). As this is part of the Aurah and should be covered even after removing from the body. (ibid p. 587) Four things should be buried, blood, hair, nails and the cloth that has been used for the menstrual period (Haiz). (Alamgiri & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 586) Many are headless and do not bother cutting their nails nor removing the hair. We should consider whether this is acceptable for a Muslim, try to live according to the Sunnah, and do not give Islam a bad name by adopting Western ways and fashions.
O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us the ability to follow the Sunnah of Your beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and to keep both our internal and external selves clean, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR THE SUNNAH MANNER OF TALKING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whose Light is from the Light of Lights and who with a ray from his Secrets illuminated all Secrets. We have to communicate with people on a daily basis by talking. It is harmful to talk when it is not necessary and to observe silence is better than talking when there is no need. If we contemplate on the way we talk with people, we will find that it goes against how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would talk. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not shout nor speak so quietly that the person could not hear. Let us learn about the etiquettes of talking so that we may follow the Sunnah and be respected in our communities. Eye contact When someone wanted to talk to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) he would turn towards him fully and face him directly. Speak clearly ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) spoke it was very clear and every listening person could understand (what he said).” (Abu Dawood) Subhanallah! Some people talk in such a manner that it is either too fast or too quiet. Follow the Sunnah and speak so people can understand you. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would talk, he repeated it (that which he said) three times so that it could be understood.” (Bukhari) Subhanallah! We find that this is the way of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to face the person whilst talking, to speak clearly and if necessary to repeat it too. Control the tongue Uqba bin Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, I said: “O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) what is salvation? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “To save ones tongue from evil talk.” (Tirmidhi)
If we want salvation than we should not offend or break anyone’s heart by saying things that could or will offend. We should think before we speak and not speak and then think what we have said as it could be too late scaring someone’s heart for life. The parts of the body plead Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When one of you wakes up, the parts of the body plead to the tongue, ‘Fear Allah (The Exalted) for our sake! We are attached to you, if you take care we will be saved and if you deviate then we will be punished’ .” (ibid) The body pleads not to say anything wrong otherwise the other parts of the body will be punished and not the tongue. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that ‘He who protects his tongue and his genitals from sin, will enter Jannah.” (ibid) This has become a challenge in today’s society, many are lost in the love of the world and involved with acts that are worthy of hell fire, may Allah (The Exalted) save us. If we follow this advice we are guaranteed paradise, remember paradise is surrounded with difficulties and hell fire is surrounded by desires. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “To speak good is charity (Sadaqah).” (Bukhari & Muslim) This could be performing Dhikr, guiding someone or talking about the religion etc. how easy has it become to gain the reward of charity. Let us all make the effort to gain as much reward as possible and increase our bank balance for the hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The one who listens to people’s talk while he does not like such actions will have molten lead poured into his ears on the day of resurrection.” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar! Do not spy or false talk Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Beware of suspicion (about others) as suspicion is the most false of talk. And do not spy upon each other and do not listen to the evil talk of the people regarding the affairs of others, and do not have enmity with one another. But be brothers.” (ibid) This evil is wide spread in every community today. If a Muslim (Allah forbid) opens a video shop or a pub people will say, ‘O he is trying to earn a living’ , however, when someone does the work of deen (religion) many will oppose and start spreading slander. May Allah (The Exalted) guide us all in the straight path and strive to spread the deen for the sake of Allah (The Exalted). Many also say things that are not true to create friction between people. If someone comes to you with this type of talk then you should enquire about it before believing in it. Allah (The Exalted) mentions in the Qur’an:
“O believers! If any disobedient comes to you with any news make a strict enquiry lest you may hurt any people improperly then remain repenting on what you have done.” (Surah Hujurat, Surah No: 49, Verse: 6) Another bad habit that is wide spread is to ask to many questions about others and things that do not concern us. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “From the excellence of a person’s Islam, is that he or she leaves what does not concern him (or her).” Say that which is good or remain silent Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that “Anybody who believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the last day should not harm his neighbour. And anybody who believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the Last Day should entertain his guest generously and anybody who believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the last day should speak of that which is good or remain silent (i.e. abstain from all kinds of evil talk).” (ibid) Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states that, ‘When you feel hard hearted, tiredness and no blessing in your wealth then know that you have said something useless which is the reason.’ (Faizane Sunnat) He was a great Sufi and knew secrets from Allah (The Exalted) as was a friend of Allah (The Exalted) and close to Allah (The Exalted). Useless talk is forbidden Al Mughira bin Shuba (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has forbidden for you, (1) to be undutiful to your mothers; (2) to bury your daughters alive; and (3) to beg. And Allah (The Exalted) hates for you (4) vain and useless talk, or that you talk too much about others, (5) to ask too many questions (in disputed religious matters) and; (6) to waste wealth (by extravagance).” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar! Only if people took the sayings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) seriously and we would not be in the state we are in today, but we would be very successful Muslims. ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) would keep a piece of stone in his mouth so he does not get a chance to speak. (Kimiyae Sa’adat) This was the state of our pious, they only talked when necessary and when necessary they would use sign language to communicate. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “To keep silent is better than sixty years of worship.” (Bayhaqi) Look at this reward, keeping silent is not easy, however, the reward is great. Talking nonsense & raising one’s voice
Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related from Malik (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) that he heard that ‘Umar Ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) set aside an area near the mosque called al-Butayha and said, “Whoever wishes to talk nonsense or recite (useless) poetry or raise his voice should go to that area.” (Al-Muwwata) Meaning that these people are not worthy when they do such things. ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A believer does not taunt, curse, abuse or talk indecently.” (Tirmidhi) Unfortunately we find in our homes, friend circles, and in our communities that people can’ t say anything without cursing someone, without abusing people, or swearing and talking rude. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from this, Ameen. Remembering Allah (The Exalted) Junaid Baghdadi’s (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) tongue would stay moist in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted). Once he went to a barber and the barber asked him to stop the dhikr for a moment so he can trim his moustache and he is not hurt. Junaid Baghdadi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) replied, ‘You do your job, if my lips are cut then they will, but I will not stop the dhikr of Allah (The Exalted). (Aneesul Wazieen) They did not leave a moment spare, but remembered Allah (The Exalted) at all times, may Allah (The Exalted) also give us the ability to perform much dhikr, Ameen. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Those of you who will be dearest to me on the day of resurrection are those with the best character, and those of you who will be most hateful are those with character, those who talk much and are loud-mouthed and talkative (unnecessarily).” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! If we fall into this category then change your habits today. Do dhikr, say well or remain silent. Junaid Baghdadi (may Allah be pleased with him) was once given a bird as a gift; he accepted it and placed it in a gage. He kept it for some time but one day let it free, people asked, ‘Why did you let it free?’ He replied, ‘The bird said to me,’ ‘O Junaid! Shame, you get the satisfaction of visiting your friends but leave me far from mine and keep me locked’ ! I felt ashamed and let it free. Whilst it flew it said, ‘When a bird or an animal is busy in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) it is free and if not then it is locked up. O Junaid! It was only one day that I didn’ t make the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) and for this reason I was locked up. What will be the situation of those who do not remember Allah (The Exalted) often? O Junaid! I promise that I will never be it a state that I do not remember Allah (The Exalted).’ The bird then flew away. (Nuzhatul Majalis) Subhanallah! We should make remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) often. This can be done by learning the supplications in this book or setting a fixed dhikr such as reciting Salawaat and
Salaam 313 times a day. We should make a habit of reading the Qur’an and seeking knowledge and not wasting time standing on the streets, sitting with friends talking about useless things, or talking on the phone etc, etc. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “No two shall exchange whispers in the presence of a third person.” ( Abu Dawud in Adab) We learn two things from this, firstly this is so that the third person does not get the feeling that he/she is being talked about. Secondly, whispers are usually secrets, so if a friend entrusted you with a secret, do not betray it. Do not tell it even to your best friend or closest relative. The Art of listening If a person starts telling you, whether you are alone or in the company of others, something that you already knew very well, you should pretend as if you do not know it. Do not rush to reveal your knowledge or to interfere with the speech. Instead, show your attention and concentration. The honourable Tabi’ i Imam ‘Ata ibn Abi Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “A young man would tell me something that I may have heard before he was born. Nevertheless, I listen to him as if I had never heard it before.” Subhanallah! Answering a question If a colleague was asked about something that you know, do not rush to answer. Instead, you should not say anything until you are asked. This is better manner and a nobler attitude. It generates interest in what you say, whiles enhancing your respect. The honourable Tabi’ i Mujahid ibn Jabr (may Allah be pleased with him) recalled that Luqman the Wise said to his son, “ If another person was asked a question, never hasten to give the answer, as if you are going to gain booty or win a precious prize. By doing so, you will belittle the questioner, will offend the questioned and will join obnoxious people with your stupidity and ill-manners.” Talking on the phone Keep the following basic manners in mind when making phone calls. Identify yourself by saying your full name unless you are calling someone very close to you. Do not engage in conversation or answer questions until you know who is calling. Choose the right time for your call, whether calling relatives, friends, employees or officials. Make your conversation brief and to the pont, so it will not interfere with thir business, or other calls they themselves have to make or receive. Respected brother/sister in Islam! Every morning the parts of the body plead to the tongue to control itself. If you control your tongue then you will remain protected but if you do not control it, you will place yourself into difficulty. To say something good is better than to remain silent. To remain silent is better than to talk nonsense. Manners of talking
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would speak slowly and clearly. Do not talk nonsense. Offer thought to what you are about to say prior to speaking. Do not imitate another person the way they talk. (Faizane Sunnat) To mock them. Look at the person you are talking to and making constant eye contact. (ibid p. 680) Do not interrupt when someone is talking. (ibid) This is very disrespectful and neglected too. Do not shout when talking as people do today, it is against the Sunnah. (ibid) Smile facing the person whilst talking. (ibid) Do not lie to anyone. Do not swear or use abusive language whilst talking. Do not put your fingers in your ears or nose or spit. (ibid) These are bad habits especially whilst talking to someone. Refrain from the evils of slander and backbiting. It is not good to slap each others hand (giving fives) whilst talking. (ibid p. 681) In the time of ignorance the non-believers would circumambulate whilst naked and whistling around the Ka’ba. (Khazainul Irfan) If there are three people then two of them should not talk in secret leaving the third as it may be that the person may think that he/she is being talked about. Imam Shafi’ i (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states that to talk less and sit with the pious increases wisdom. (Ihya by Al-Ghazali) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not turn his face away from anybody and if somebody wished to whisper something to him then he would take his ear close to the speaker and not remove it until the speaker had completed. (Nisai) When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) wished to call somebody whose name he did not know he would call out to him with the words: “Ya Ibn ‘Abd Allah” (O son of Allah’s (The Exalted) slave). (Ibn Sunni) Refrain from using words of disrespect whether to youngsters or elders such as i.e. ‘Oy’ , ‘Ai’ , ‘Huh’ , ‘What’ ! etc. Try to perform sign language as much as possible to avoid talking when not necessary, or at least use minimum amount of words.
Respected brother/sister in Islam! The mercy unto all the worlds did not leave any aspect of our lives untouched. We must know from interviews that one of the main things is body language and the importance of communication skills. Why should we then go elsewhere and adopt the teachings of others when one can learn everything from the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and become successful in this world and the hereafter? O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us all the ability to talk in the Sunnah way and abstain from talking evil and when not necessary, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE SUNNAH OF GREETING AND SHAKING HANDS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his family, the Sea of Your Lights, the Mine of Your Secrets, the Tongue of Your Proof, the Bridegroom of Your Kingdom, the Leader of Your Presence and the Seal of Your Prophets with blessings which last as long as You last and remain as long as You remain, blessings which please You which please him, and which make You pleased with us, O Lord of the Worlds. Allah (The Exalted) has instructed us to make Salaam with each other. This is a beautiful Sunnah. Unfortunately, many say other greetings which in reality doesn’ t mean much. For instance people say Hello, Good morning, how are you etc. etc. These are against the Sunnah and also when departing we should not use terms such as Ta-ta, good bye, Allah-Hafiz or Ghuda-Hafiz but say Salaam and then if you want to say the rest of them then you can do so. Closest to Allah, The Exalted Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “Those who are nearest to Allah (The Exalted) are they who are first to give a salutation (Salaam).” (Mishkat) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passed by some youngsters and he greeted (made salaam) them.” (Bukhari) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) made even children feel special by greeting them. If we bring these teachings in our lives, the children will respect the elders when they grow up. Salaam is for respect and as you respected the youth they will respect you when they grow up. Paradise for one who makes Salaam Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “You will not go into paradise until you bring faith and you are not a believer until you love each other, shall I not tell you what you have to do to love each other, make salaam.” (Muslim)
Subhanallah! Salaam is a supplication that you are making for the person and when you make supplication then it is evident love will grow between each other. Make Salaam upon entering and exiting Qatadah (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, ‘When you enter a house salute its inhabitants and when you leave say farewell invoking a blessing for peace on them.” (Baihaqi) To say Allah-Hafiz or Ghuda-Hafiz is not the Sunnah, but to make Salaam. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “When one of you meets his brother he should salute him. Then if he meets again after a tree, wall or stone has come between them, he should salute him.” (Abu Dawood) Good action in Islam ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and asked, “What is a good action in Islam?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Feed others and make salaam to all even if you do not know them.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Subhanallah! As long as you know that a person looks a Muslims we should make Salaam whether we know them or not. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes; if one cannot recognise if a person is a Muslim or a non-believer, it is not permissible to greet them first, as it is Sunnah to greet a Muslim and to a non-believer unlawful. (Ehkam-e-Shariat) Six rights of a Muslim Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that “A Muslim has six rights over another Muslim; To be visited when he is ill. To be assisted to his funeral. When he calls you, go to him. Make salaam when you meet him. Answer him when he sneezes. Talk good of him in his presence or in his absence. (Nisai) We should bring these in our lives and follow the beautiful Sunnah. When you fall into these category others will do as you have done.
Free from pride ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “He who makes salaam first is free from pride.” (Baihaqi) A person may feel that others should make Salaam with me; this is arrogance and is unlawful. Islam teaches to be pride free and be the first to make Salaam. There is more reward in being the first to greet. First make Salaam ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Make salaam before you talk, and do not talk to him who does not make salaam.” (Ibn Najjar) Reward of Salaam ‘ Imran bin Hussain (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that once a person entered the court of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, ‘Assalamu ‘Alaikum’ , the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied to the salaam and he sat down. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Ten rewards have been written’ . Then another greeted, ‘Assalamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullah,’ the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied to the salaam and he sat down. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Twenty rewards have been written’ . Then another greeted, ‘Assalamu ‘Alaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatu,’ the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied to the salaam and he sat down. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Thirty rewards have been written’ and stated a rule that ‘Reward increases in this manner.’” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi & Mishkat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Salaam is a name of Allah (The Exalted), when you are greeted give them a better reply or the same.” (Bukhari ) There is no reward saying ‘Morning’ or ‘How are you’ etc. However, in saying the Islamic greeting one is making supplication for the other person and the same time gaining rewards in his book of good deeds, Subhanallah! The Islamic greeting “Assalamu ‘Alaikum Warah Matullahi Wabarakatu” ‘Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah (The Exalted) be upon you’ . The reply Reply by saying: Wa ‘alaikum Salaam Warah Matullahi Wabarakatu” . ‘And Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah (The Exalted) be upon you too’ .
It is seen today that when someone says to pass on my salaams to such a person, the person says ‘Wa’alaykum Salaam’ . This is incorrect as the person asked you to pass the Salaams giving you a responsibility and didn’ t give you Salaams. If you can give the Salaams then say Insha-Allah or else you will be sinful.’ (Faizane Sunnat) Sins are forgiven The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would greet people by shaking hands. Muslim brothers should shake hands upon performing salaam. Bara bin Aazib narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “When two Muslims meet and shake hands, their minor sins are forgiven before they part.” (Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! ‘Umar bin Shu’ayb through his father narrates from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Those who copy those against us are not from amongst us. Do not copy the Jews or the Christians. The greetings of the Jews are with the fingers and the Christians greeting is with the palm of the hand.” (ibid) Do no just do this, if someone is far them if you are going to raise your hands then say Salaam too the person should reply not just raise the hands. Embracing each other Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that, “Whenever the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) companions met one another they would shake hands and on returning from a journey they would embrace one another.” (Tabrani) Zari (may Allah be pleased with him) who was a member of the deputation of ‘Abd-al-Qais said that, “When they came to Madinah they raced to be the first to dismount and kiss Allah’s Messenger’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hands and feet.” (Abu Dawood) Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) whether he had ever touched the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with his hands. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) replied in the affirmative and Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) kissed his blessed hands. (Al Adabul Mufrid) Once a very evil youngster passed away in Multan. Someone saw him in a dream and enquired, ‘What is your state?’ the youngster replied, ‘Allah (The Exalted) has forgiven me.’ When he was asked regarding his forgiveness he said, ‘Once Khaja Bahawi Zakariya Multani (may Allah have mercy upon him) was passing and I kissed his blessed hands, because of this I was forgiven.’ (Faizane Sunnat) We find there are blessings in kissing the hand’s of the pious and it is a Sunnah of the companions to.
To embrace is a Sunnah ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “Zaid bin Harith (May Allah be pleased with him) came to Madinah and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was in my house. Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) came and knocked. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stood up and dragging the cloth went towards him. He embraced him and kissed him.” (Tirmidhi) Shaykh-ul-Islam Baba Fareed-ud-Deen Ganje Shakar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) states that Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) was of the habit that whenever someone (pious) came into his gatherings he would stand and greet him and when the person left he would do the same. (Asrarul Awliya) Manners of greeting & shaking hands One who makes greeting first receives ninety rewards and the one who answers gets ten. (Keemiyae Sa’adat) That person, who greets first, without waiting for the other to greet, is closer to Allah (The Exalted). (Bukhari) One should greet people, even if you do not know them. (ibid) Say the full salaam – Assalamua ‘alikum Warah Matullahi Wabarakatu. ‘May peace, Allah’s (The Exalted) Mercy and blessing be upon you.’ It is Sunnah to give salaam and to reply is necessary (Wajib). (Durre Mukhtar) To answer to a salaam straight away is necessary (Wajib), if delayed; one will have to make repentance. (ibid) Say Salaam so the person can hear you and reply so the person who gave the Salaam can hear you. (Bazzaziya) If there are two groups and no one performed salaam, then they have missed a great Sunnah. (Alamgiri) The one walking should make salaam to the one sitting, the young should make salaam to the old and the small group should make salaam to the larger group. (Bukhari) Men should say salaam to women, but if a strange woman (Ghair Mehram) gives salaam to a man and she is old then reply so that she can hear. If the woman is young, answer so that she cannot hear. When you enter the house make salaam. (Alamgiri) If a non-believer makes salaam then reply ‘ ‘Alykum’ only. (Bukhari & Muslim) Meaning same to you. To make supplication for a non-Muslim is unlawful except that they bring faith.
If one says ‘Assalamu ‘Alykum’ , one can in reply say ‘Assalamu ‘Alykum’ this answer will suffice. (Alamgiri) If salaam is on a letter sent to you, it is also necessary (Wajib) to reply either by saying it or replying to it in writing. (Raddul Mohtar & Durre Mukhtar) In a gathering or a group when someone initiates salaam, one reply is sufficient and if no one replies, all will be sinful. (Alamgiri) Sisters should also make greeting to each other. (Baihaqi) When someone sends greeting through a third party reply in the following manner: If both are men, meaning the sender and the giver then answer by saying ‘Wa ‘Alayka Wa ‘Alayhis Salaam’ If both are women, meaning the sender is a woman and the giver is also a women then the answer will be 'Alaiki Wa 'Alai Has Salaam’ . If the sender is a man and giver is a woman then you will say 'Alaika Wa 'Alai Has Salaam’ . If the sender is a woman and giver is a man then you will say, 'Alaiki Wa 'Alai His Salaam’ . (Abu Dawud) All mean the same i.e. Peace on you and on them. If a sermon is being given anywhere, do not greet anyone nor talk i.e. Jumu’ah, wedding or a lecture. (Alamgiri) If someone had greeted you in a place where to greet is not necessary then to answer is not necessary either i.e. at the time of Adhaan, when in the toilet etc. (ibid) If one is greeted whilst eating and there is no morsel of food in the mouth then it is better to answer otherwise not necessary. (Raddul Mohtar) Pray the Salawaat (durood) when you meet and your past and future sins (minor) will be forgiven. It is Sunnah to shake with both hands and that the palms of both should meet. When two people shake hands, seventy virtues are divided the person who shakes hands the Sunnah way and with love will gain sixty-nine and the other person will receive one. Whilst shaking hands recite the following supplication: ‘Yaghfirullahu Lanaa Walakum’ . ‘May Allah forgive me and you’ . (Mishkat) Use both hands when greeting, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The perfect way for one to greet is to shake hands.” (ibid)
It is not correct to put the hand up alone or nodding the head but to say salaam whilst raising the hand is proper. (Ehkame Shairat) It is forbidden to shake with just the fingers; in the hadith it states this is the practice of the Christians. NOTE: Males must not shake hands with females. This rule applies to such females whom marriage is permissible with. Hence, it is permissible to shake hands with one’s mother, sister, daughter, aunt (maternal & paternal), grandmother and wife. The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) noble habit was to wait with the person meeting him until the person departed. In addition, he would not remove his blessed hands from that person who was shaking it, until the other removed his. Do not bow when making salaam to respected persons as it is disliked (Makruh), (Bahare Shariat) there is no problem in kissing the hands of a pious person, since this is a rewarding act. People tend to shake hands with one hand today, this is against the Sunnah. To kiss the hand and feet of parents is permissible. It is permissible to shake hands after each Salaah. (Rodul Mohtar) Another method of shaking hands which the Jurists (Fuqaha) have mentioned is with both hands whilst pressing the thumb as there is a vein which creates love. (Akhlaq Wa Adaab) Some people after shaking hands kiss their own hands, this is disliked, and one should not do this. (Zayla’ i) To kiss the floor in front of a Scholar or a pious person out of respect is forbidden (haraam). Whoever does this and those who are pleased with such an act both will be sinful. (Deylmi, Alamgiri & Bahare Shairat) It is disliked for women to kiss another woman on the cheek or lips. (Durre Mukhtar) It is forbidden to prostrate to someone to greet him, and if the intention is worship then this is Kufar. (ibid) When not to make Salaam Do not make salaam when people are engaged in praying the Qur’an, Dhikr or in a lecture etc. Do not say salaam if someone is calling the Adhaan and Iqamah or when the khutbah is being performed for a wedding or Friday sermon etc. Do not greet those who are in the toilet, bath and those who are singing or eating.
Do not make greeting in the mosque to those who are engaged in the recitation of the Qur'an, Dhikr or waiting for Salaah as this is not the time for greeting, nor is to answer to the greeting at this point necessary. (Alamgiri) Do not greet those who are teaching or talking about religion. Respected brother/sister in Islam! When meeting our Muslim brother/sister we should first say Salaam since this is in fact a supplication for them. After you have made salaam you can greet them in other ways, like people do today but you will not find a better greeting than the one that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has taught us. Make a habit of saying salaam when entering and leaving the house so the people in the house know you have entered or you are leaving and the good thing about this is that you will be rewarded for it. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to make Salaam and shake hands according to the Sunnah, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-SIX SUNNAH OF HUMOUR O Allah (The Exalted), Lord of the Haram, Lord of the Sanctuary, Lord of the Sacred House, and Lord of the Corner and Station of Abraham (these are all places connected with pilgrimage of Mecca). Send peace from us to our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used humour, it would always be the truth. He would call someone by saying, “O you with the two ears.” Also pointing out with the fact that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) when joking would not offend anybody. Let us learn more about the humour of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “The companions asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) you joke with us?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘Yes, I do not say but the truth.” (Bukhari & Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on humour, p. 225) Islam does not forbid a person from joking, however, we have to make sure we do not joke all the time. When joking always speak the truth and do not hurt anybody’s feelings. The pious people would not joke or laugh due to their worship and fear of Allah (The Exalted), Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy upon him) laughed once in his lifetime and he regretted even that one moment. Allahu Akbar! HUMOUR WITH A COMPANION The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a friend called Zahir (may Allah be pleased with him) who would often send him presents. One day Zahir (may Allah be pleased with him) was selling his goods in the market. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came from behind and embracing him by humour calling out, “ Is they’ re anybody to purchase this slave?” Zahir
(may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Let me go, Who is this?” When he turned round he recognised the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Whoever will purchase a slave like me, will be purchasing worthless goods!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “No, you are not defective in the sight of Allah (The Exalted), but more valuable.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, Chapter on humour, p. 226) Subhanallah! CHEERFUL ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ I have not seen anyone who makes a person more cheerful than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” The reason being that the cheerful nature of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was more of a source of happiness than sadness. (ibid) Subhanallah! TWO EARED ONE Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once told him jokingly, ‘Ya dhal udhu-nayn’ (O two eared one).” (ibid p. 224) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would address people with this type of humour that didn’ t offend anyone. However, one should also be careful even if this type of humour is used it could also offend a person with big ears. When using humour, think before as humour when not used at the right moment could have an unexpected reaction. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would associate with us and joke. I had a younger brother. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to him, ‘Aba Umayr, what did the Nughayr do?” (ibid p. 224) Nughayr is a type of bird. The Scholars have translated it as a white tailed red Pigeon. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) addressed this child by his kuniyyat (patronymic name). The animal had died, as a reason the child became grieved. In order to cheer him up the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked him, ‘What did the Nughayr do?’ or ‘What happened to the Nughayr?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) knew that the animal had died. THE BABY OF A CAMEL Anas Ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that a person requested to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he be given a conveyance. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “The baby of a camel shall be given to you.” The person said, “What shall I do with the baby of a camel O Messenger of Allah?” (I want one for a conveyance). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “Every camel is the baby of a camel.” (ibid)
The person thought that he would be given a baby camel unfit for riding. In this hadith, besides joking it also points to the fact that a person should listen carefully and understand what the other person is saying. WILL I ENTER PARADISE? Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) says that an old woman came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and made a request, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) make supplication that Allah (The Exalted) grants me entrance into Jannah.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “O Mother, an old woman cannot enter Jannah.” That woman started crying and began to leave. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Say to the woman that one will not enter in a state of old age, but Allah (The Exalted) will make all the women of Jannah young virgins.” (ibid p. 227) LAUGHING THE SUNNAH WAY The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never laughed aloud and those who did were told ‘ if you remembered your death you would not laugh like this.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never made a noise when laughing but his beautiful white teeth and a bright light appeared upon his blessed face. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “ I came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with a dish made with flour and milk that I had cooked for him, and told Sawdah (may Allah be pleased with her) as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sitting between me and her ‘Eat’ . She refused, so I said, ‘Either you eat, or I will fill your face!’ She still refused, so I put my hand in the dish and daubed her face with it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) laughed, put some in her hand, and told her: ‘Do the same to her!’” In another report: “He lowered his knee (moved out of the way) so that she could get her own back on me, then she took some from the plate and wiped my face with it, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) smiled.” (Kanz al-‘Ummal Vol: 7, p393 , Al-Haythami, Vol: 4, p. 316 & al-Muntakhab, Vol: 4, p. 393) JOKING HAS A LIMIT Someone told Sufyan Ibn Uyaynah (may Allah have mercy upon him) “Joking is also a calamity.” He replied, “ It is a Sunnah, only for those who know its bounds and also know how to joke in the appropriate manner.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Those who have a habit of joking should take a lesson from this. People joke and could indirectly hurt another person although they may laugh it of and not show it. EXCESSIVE LAUGHTER KILLS THE HEART
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Do not laugh too much, for verily excessive laughter kills the heart.” (Ibn Majah) REMEMBER DEATH Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to the Mosque for Salaah, where he noticed some people laughing. He remarked: “ If you remembered your death, I would not see you like this. Think of your death often, not a single day passes when the grave does not call out ‘ I am a place of dust; I am a place of worms’ . When a Mu’min (believer) is laid in the grave, it says; ‘Welcome to you. It is good of you to have come into me. Of all the people walking on the earth, I like you most. Now you have come into me, you will see how I entertain you’ . It then expands as far as the occupant can see. A door from Paradise is opened for him in the grave and, through this door; he receives the freshness and fragrance of Paradise. However, when a evil person is laid in the grave it says; ‘No word of welcome for you. Of all the people walking on earth, I dislike you the most. Now that you have been made over to me, you will see how I treat you!’ ‘ It then closes upon him so much that his rib of one side is squeezed into the rib of the other. As many as seventy serpents are then set upon him, to hurt him until the day of resurrection. These serpents are so venomous that if one of them happened to spurt its venom upon the earth, not a single blade of grass would ever grow.” The grave is therefore either a garden of Paradise or a pit of Hell. Allahu Akbar! Bakr Ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would throw melon-rinds at one another, but when the matter was serious, they were the only true men.” (Bukhari) Meaning when they joked they joked within the bounds but were serious men. SMILING ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “ I did not see anyone who smiled more than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, , Chapter on laughing, p. 216) ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Haarith (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that, “The laugh of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was but a smile.” (ibid) Jabir Ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “After I accepted Islam, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never prohibited me from attending his assemblies. Whenever he saw me he smiled.” (ibid p. 217) Supplication when you see a Muslim smiling ‘‘ Ad-Hakallahu Sinnaka’ ‘May Allah (The Exalted) keep you smiling’ (Bukhari in Manners.)
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Do not think little of any good deed, even if it is merely meeting your brother with a cheerful countenance.” (Muslim) Remember this does not mean to laugh aloud as this is disliked (Makrooh). (Khazeenah Rahmah, p. 34) Manners of using humour Do not joke at all times. Joke with the intention that it is the Sunnah. Do not offend anyone whilst joking. Do not remark on someone’s physical appearance (i.e. height) as this falls in the category of backbiting. Be it in front or behind one’s back. Always remember that there is a limit to humour. It occurs in a tradition that smiling upon seeing a Muslim is also Sadaqah (charity). (Ahmad) Always tell the truth. Once a person was eating with his left hand, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to eat with his right. Jokingly he said that my right hand is disabled, from that day onwards he was unable to use his right hand. (Muslim) May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to joke according to the Sunnah and take live seriously too, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN WEEPING/CRYING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the master of the First and the Last. Like the laughter of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) weeping was also without noise. His blessed eyes would be filled with tears that would roll down his blessed cheeks and minimum sound could be heard. Sometimes he cried on a death due to mercifulness and sometimes out of tenderness for the Ummah (followers) apprehending dangers. Often he burst into tears due to the fear of Allah (The Exalted) and at other times he did so while listening to the Words of Allah (The Exalted). This last action was due to the love and eagerness for Allah (The Exalted) and His Fear. PROPHET’S (MAY ALLAH BLESS HIM AND GRANT HIM PEACE) WEEPING ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Ash-Shikh-Kheer (may Allah be please with him) states that, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) praying with us, and I
heard the sound of his weeping coming out of his chest, which was like the sound of a boiling pot.” (Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! SUPPLICATION & WEEPING ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “We did not have a horseman with us on the day of Badar except Al-Miqdaad. Everyone amongst us was sleeping except for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who was under a tree, praying and weeping until the morning.” (Ibn Khuaymah) He made supplication for sinful people like you and me, may Allah (The Exalted) forgive us with the Sadaqa of His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). TWO EYES WILL NOT ENTER HELL Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Two eyes have been forbidden from being overcome by the fire. An eye which has wept out of the fear of Allah (The Exalted) and an eye which maintains vigil throughout the night guarding Islam and one’s family from Kufr.” (Haakim) Who cries today in fear of Allah (The Exalted) and who is bothered about saving oneself from Kufr. People listen to Music everyday that could contain words of Kufr, not realising and we use words that bring us out of the fold of Islam. For instance SALVATION Uqbah Ibn Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! What is salvation?” He replied: “To have control over your tongue, to be content with your house and to weep over your errors.” (Tirmidhi) It is seen today that people use their tongues for swearing, backbiting and we want bigger houses. Remember the Hadith of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said that, “For a man he has a bed for himself, one for his wife, the third for a guest and the fourth is for Shaytan. (Muslim) Also Weeping over our errors is a far thing as people are pleased when they sin and do not feel the slightest shame, some have lost their shame and modesty Allah (The Exalted) forbid. What will happen to our Imaan on our death bed? ALLAH (THE EXALTED) LOVES TEARS Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “There is nothing more beloved to Allah (The Exalted) than two drops and two marks. A teardrop shed out of
fear of Allah (The Exalted) and a drop of blood spilt for the sake of Allah (The Exalted). As for the two marks, one which is sustained for the sake of Allah (The Exalted) and one which is received in the course of carrying out an obligation commanded by Allah (The Exalted).” (Mishkat) LAUGH LESS & CRY MORE Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave us a sermon, the likes of which we had never heard before. He said, “ If you knew what I know you would laugh little and weep much!” Thereupon the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) covered their faces, weeping and sniffing.” (Ibn Maja) Allahu Akbar! These were true Muslims who feared Allah (The Exalted) and wept. If they thought they had committed a error they would weep and make repentance. REMEMBER DEATH Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, ‘ I would forbid you from visiting the graves, but now you should visit them, for indeed the hearts are softened, the eyes are made to shed tears, and it is a remembrance of the hereafter.’ (Haakim) In order to remove the love of the world, we should remember that we all have to die one day. We should visit the grave yard often to soften our hearts. TEARS THEN BLOOD Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “O people weep! For if you cannot weep then make yourself weep. Indeed the inhabitants of the Hellfire will weep until their tears pour down their cheeks, like streams until the tears are consumed and thereafter blood will pour down, and their eyes will be covered with ulcers.” Allahu Akbar! May we cry in this world and may Allah (The Exalted) save us from crying in the next. DO NOT CRY ALOUD The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade crying out aloud and beating of the chest but advised us to grieve for three days. Widows have permission to grieve for four months and ten days. Even when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would cry no sound was heard but tears would fill his blessed eyes and roll down his blessed cheeks. He wiped the blessed tears on his blessed head, face and beard and saying Hasbunal-Lahu Wani’mal Wakeel ‘Allah (The Exalted) is enough for me and he is such a great protector’ . BENEFITS OF WEEPING
Allah (The Exalted) will shade he who fills his eyes with tears when he mentions Allah (The Exalted) in a secret place on the day when there is no shade except his. (Bukhari & Muslim) They will not enter the Fire nor will it touch them. They succeed in achieving the love of Allah (The Exalted). They will be given uprightness in the world and the taste of the sweetness of faith. Tranquillity and peace of the soul will be achieved. Allah (The Exalted) will provide them with good provision that was not previously imagined. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to weep in the fear of Allah (The Exalted) and remember our finial destination and to make preparations for it. CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT THE SUNNAH WAY OF WALKING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) at every moment and every instant. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would walk behind his companions and would say let the angels come behind me. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would pray Bismillah when lifting his blessed feet, when walking up a high place he would praise Allah (The Exalted) by saying Allahu Akbar (Allah is The Greatest) and when walking down a lower place he would say Subhanallah (Allah is Pure). Whilst walking he would stay engaged in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) and would instruct others to do the same. Those who walk with their chests out and shoulders swinging side to side with arrogance, fear Allah (The Exalted) and learn the Sunnah way of walking. Walking Hasan Ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intended to walk, he would raise his blessed feet with force and would put them down inclining forwards (as if going down a hill.) He walked striding with modesty and his manner of walking gave an impression as if he was coming down from a high place. Instead of looking towards the sky and looking around, he preferred to look down.” Tufail (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” Someone asked how did you see him? He said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was fair in complexion and so beautiful, and when he would walk it seemed as if he was coming down a hill.” (Abu Dawood)
Gaze down The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would walk as if he was coming down a hill, looking down with his blessed shoulders slightly forward and would walk in a slightly faster speed than normal. (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not look here or there whilst walking but always kept his blessed gaze Iowered. Pace Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) says that, “ I did not see anyone more handsome than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It was as if the brightness of the sun shone from his auspicious face. I did not see anyone walk faster than him, as if the earth folded for him. One moment ago he would be here, and then there. We found it difficult to keep pace when we walked with him, and he walked at his normal pace.” (ibid p. 118) Do not walk between two women Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he forbade men from walking in between two women. (Abu Dawood) In another narration it states that if women come in front of you do not walk in between them but walk on the right or left side. Walking with pride Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “A person who had two sheets (blankets) wrapped around him was walking in an arrogant manner and showing off with pride, he was forced into the ground and will be forced into the earth until the day of resurrection.” (Bukhari) O brother/sister! Do not walk with pride, chest out, shoulders swinging side to side. If Allah (The Exalted) can punish this person he can punish us too! What have we got to be proud of? Pride belongs only to Allah (The Exalted). To understand who we really are read on. Muhalab bin Abi Sufuri who was a member of Hajjaj bin Yusuf’s tribe once came out wearing silk and walking with pride towards Mutarif (may Allah be pleased with him). Mutarif (may Allah be pleased with him) said, ‘O servant of Allah (The Exalted)! Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) dislike the way you are walking.’ He replied, ‘Do you not know who I am?’ Mutarif (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, ‘ I know you very well, in the beginning you were a impure liquid (in your father) and in the end you will be a dead corpse and everyone knows the impurity that you have inside you.’ Muhalab became shy and did not walk in the same manner again. (Muqashifatul Quloob) This is the reality of all of us. How will we face Allah (The Exalted) on the day of judgement, with modesty or pride?
Wahab (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, ‘When Allah (The Exalted) created Paradise he said, “You are unlawful for those who have pride and are arrogant.’” (ibid) The only destination for pride and arrogance is the hell fire. There are no advantages in being proud and arrogant. Three types of people will go to hell In one hadith it states that a neck will come out from the hell fire which will have two ears, two eyes and a tongue. It will say, ‘ I have been appointed to three types of people, the person who had pride in himself, those who made partners with Allah (The Exalted) and finally those who made pictures (portraits of living beings).” (ibid) Allahu Akbar! May Allah (The Exalted) save us all from these things, Ameen. Those with pride will go Head first into Hell Abu Salma bin ‘Abdur-Rahman (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and another companion met at a place, after some time, ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar left and tears poured out from the companion’s eye’s. People asked the reason for crying, he said: ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) had heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say, “Whoever has pride in their hearts equivalent to a piece of linseed (or rice) then Allah (The Exalted) will put such a person into Hell head first.” (ibid) Pride, meaning to think of oneself as being better than another person, this is the thing that destroys people. Respect and favour the elders Recognize the status of the elders and give them due respect. When walking with them, walk slightly behind and to their right. Let them enter and exit first, open doors for them and hold it until they enter. If you meet them, greet them properly and respectfully. If you discuss something with them, let them speak first and listen attentively and graciously. If your opinion differs, you should remain polite, calm and kind-hearted, and you should lower your voice. Never forget to remain respectful. When ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was young and was at a gathering of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his senior Companions, like ‘Abu Bakr and his father. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked his Companions, “Tell me which tree does not shed its leaves and is like the Muslim.” The Companions started suggesting names of desert trees. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) thought it was the palm tree. Since he was the youngest, and seeing ‘Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) silent, he shied away and said nothing. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told his Companions. “ It is the palm tree.” Later, ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) told his father that he knew the right answer but shied away. ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to his son, “For you to have said it right then would have been worth a lot to me.”
Manners of Walking Walk on the side and not in the middle of any street or pathway. Do not walk with pride, as Allah (The Exalted) dislikes those with pride. (Faizan-e-Sunnat, Chapter on walking, p. 781) Walk in a manner that is not too slow or too fast. (ibid) If someone is stood in the way, do not walk to the person too close but move and walk so that you do not cause the person any problems. Do not walk in-between women but walk on the side. (ibid p. 782) Do not make noise with your shoes when walking as this seeks attention and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked it. (ibid) If you are talking to someone then move to one side and do not stand in the way. Keep the gaze lowered whilst walking. (ibid) When you hear the adhaan stop, reply and then walk on. If you hear a donkey brow or a dog bark, recite Ta’awudh (A‘udhubillah…) because the donkey brows and the dog barks when it sees the devil. (Tirmidhi) If you hear a Cock crow, make supplication of mercy as it does this when it sees the angels. (Bukhari) Respected brother/sister in Islam! When walking up and coming down the stairs in your own homes or anywhere else bring this Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) into your lives and make your walking a worship too. May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to walk in the Sunnah manner, Ameen. CHAPTER FORTY-NINE THE SUNNAH OF SNEEZING AND YAWNING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the Heavenly Assembly until the Day of Judgement. There are etiquettes of sneezing and yawning. Unfortunately, we are far from the Sunnah and many do not know about these Sunnahs. If someone sneezes they will purposely say ‘Aachoo’ loudly or say ‘Haa’ loudly when yarning. This is against the Sunnah. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would sneeze, he would say ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah). The person who heard this would say ‘Yarhamuk-Allah’ (Bukhari in Adab) (may Allah have mercy on you), to this the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would answer ‘Yahdee Kumullah Wayuslih Baa lakum’ (may Allah, The Exalted, guide you). Remember
that to say ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) is Sunnah and the person who hears it, it is Wajib (necessary) to reply. (Durr-e-Mukhtar & Khazinah-Rahmah, p. 59) If someone sneezes and does not know the Sunnah then you should tell them what the Sunnah is. ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that “When one sneezes say ‘Alhamdullillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen (All praise be to Allah, Lord of all the worlds)’ .” (Tabarani) Angels reply ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that when one sneezes and says ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) then the angels say ‘Rabbil ‘Aalameen’ (Lord of the worlds) and if he says, ‘Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen’ , then the angels reply ‘Yar Hamuk-Allah’ (may Allah have mercy on you). (Tabarani) If there is no-one to answer If one sneezes and says ‘Alhamdulillah’ and their no-one to reply then say ‘Yaghfirullahu Lee Walakum’ (may Allah (The Exalted) forgive both you and me), as the angels reply to the person’s sneeze. (Mirat-ul-Manabih in Adab.) Hearing but not seeing If you have heard someone sneeze from but you don’ t see for instance someone behind a wall or in another room etc. then say, “Yarhmuk-Allahu In Hamit-Tallah” (If you have praised Allah (The Exalted) then may Allah (The Exalted) have mercy upon you). (ibid) This was the practise of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). Sneeze whilst talking & you have spoken the truth Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “The truth is at that time (when one is talking) when one sneezes.” (Tabarani) We find that when one is talking and sneezes then that is evidence of the truth. Subhanallah! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When one is saying something (talking) and sneezes then that is the truth.” (Akeem) Duties towards a Muslim The duties of a Muslim towards another Muslim are five; To return his greeting (salaam), To visit the sick, To accompany a (funeral procession) to his burial,
To accept his invitation, To respond to someone who has sneezed. (Nasa’ i) What is the reply Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that when someone from you sneezes then say ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) then the person who heard it will reply by saying ‘Yar Hamuk-Allah’ (may Allah have mercy on you), then he will say ‘Yahdeekumullah Wayus-leehu Baalakum. (may Allah have mercy on you).” (Bukhari) To reply is necessary When one sneezes, saying ‘Alhamulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) is a Sunnah and to reply is Wajib meaning necessary, otherwise one will be sinful. Reply not necessary after the third time If the sneezing person has flu/cold or any other difficulty and sneezes repeatedly, then it is not necessary to reply after the third time. (Mishkat & Mirat-ul-Manabih in Adab.) Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) say that, “Whosoever sneezes and says ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) then say ‘Yar Hamuk-Allah’ (may Allah have mercy on you) and if the person dose not say this then do not say ‘Yar Hamuk-Allah’ . (Muslim) Paradise for two dinars Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) was on his way to a riverside, nearby a boat was passing carrying passengers. Suddenly a person sneezed from the boat and said, ‘Alhamdulillah’ . The ship was travelling at speed and Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) started to look here and there. Nearby there was an empty boat; he asked the person whom the boat belongs to? ‘ I want to follow that boat how much will it cost?’ He said ‘Two dinars’ ; Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) agreed and got into the boat to follow the one carrying the passengers. When the boat got near to the other boat, Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) in order to reply to the answer to ‘Alhamdulillah’ (All praise be to Allah) he replied in a loud voice ‘YarhamukAllah’ (may Allah have mercy on you) from the ship a voice came saying ‘Yahdikumullah Wayusleehu Baalakum’ (may Allah have mercy on you). Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the owner of the boat, ‘Now my job is done take me back’ . The person was surprised and said, ‘You spent two dinars just to reply to the sneeze?’ He replied, “Yes.” As Soon as Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him) reached the riverside a voice from the unseen was heard “O Abu Dawud (may Allah be pleased with him)! With two dinars you have bought Jannah!” (Faizane Sunnat, p. 711) Subhanallah!
You have read the benefits of following a small Sunnah, let us try to follow each and every Sunnah and we will benefit in this world and the hereafter, Insha-Allah. Without doubt, following the Sunnah earns you paradise. This was the zeal of following the Sunnah of our pious, yet we do not pay any attention in following the Sunnah and at times feel ashamed. We feel ashamed of gaining reward and pleased in committing sin. Covering the face Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would sneeze he would cover his blessed face with his blessed hand or with a cloth and lower his voice.” (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) Allah (The Exalted) likes sneezing Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah (The Exalted) likes sneezing and dislikes yawning, so if someone sneezes and then praises Allah (The Exalted) then it is obligatory on every Muslim who heard him, to say May Allah (The Exalted) be merciful to you (Yar-Hamuk-allah). But with regards to yawning, it is from Shaytan, so one must try one's best to stop it, if one says 'Haa' when yawning, Shaytan will laugh at him.” (Bukhari in Adab) Yawning The Muslim who is sensitive and well-mannered does not yawn in a gathering if he can help it. If the urge to yawn overtakes him, then he tries to resist it as much as possible. Yawning is a sign of tiredness. Shaytan makes you feel tired when you do something good. When you yarn say ‘La Hawla Wala Quwwata Illa Billa Hil ‘Aliyyil ‘Adheem’ (There is no might or power except with the help of Allah (The Exalted) who is High and Exalted) to rid the influence of Shaytan. (ibid) ‘Ubada bin Samat and Sahddad bin Aws and Wathala (may Allah be pleased with them) narrate that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When someone wants to burp or sneeze do not raise your voice as the Shaytan likes the voice be raised.” (Bayhaqi in Shu’bul Imaan.) It is seen that people make others laugh by burping loudly, the Shaytan likes the voice be raised. We should change our bad habits and follow the blessed Sunnah. It is bad manners to burp aloud anyway. Do not make a noise Wathila (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “When one sneezes or yawns do not make a noise as the Devil likes this and that the voice is raised.” (ibid) “When one of you says ‘HAA’ the Devil laughs at him.” (Making noise whilst yawning). (Mishkat)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Yawning is from Shaytan and if anyone of you yawns, he should check his yawning as much as possible, for if anyone of you (during the act of yawning) should say: 'Haa', Shaytan will laugh at him.” (Buhkari) Cover the mouth Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “One should hold his hand over his mouth if he cannot help yawning.” (Muslim) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Yawning in prayer is an act of the Devil, so when one of you yawns he should restrain it as much as possible.” In another version the words are; “He should place his hand upon his mouth.” (Tirmidhi & Ibn Maja) When in the standing position in Salaah use the right hand and in the rest of the positions use the left hand to cover your mouth. (Faizan-e- Sunnah, p. 718) This is from devil The Grandfather of Adi Ibn Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Sneezing, drowsing, yawning in prayer, also bleeding after childbirth, vomiting and nose-bleeding are from (the acts of) Shaytan.” (Tirmidhi) Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “When someone yawns, place the hand over the mouth as the Shaytan enters the mouth.” (Muslim) Allahu Akbar! Manners of sneezing and yawning When sneezing, lower the head, cover your nose and mouth either with a cloth or with your hands, and keep the noise minimal. (Raddul Mohtar) If in a gathering and one sneezes a few times then to reply once is Wajib, after that if the person sneezing says Alhamdulillah it is desirable to reply. (Bazaziya and Alamgiri) If an elderly woman sneezes then the man should give the reply so that she can hear and reply to a young woman’s sneeze in your heart. (Alamgiri) If in Salaah you sneeze then do not say ‘Alhamdullillah’ . (Faizan-e Sunnat, p. 716) If one is in Salaah and someone sneezes and you reply then your Salaah has become Faasid, meaning your Salaah will become void and will have to be repeated. (ibid) Say ‘Alhamdulillah’ when you sneeze and the person hearing this will reply by saying ‘Yarhamuk-Allah’ and the person who sneezed will say ‘Yahdeekumullahu Wayuslih Balakum’ (may Allah, The Exalted, guide you) or say ‘Yaghfirullahu Lana Walakum’ (may Allah, The Exalted, forgive you and me) besides these do not say anything else. (Alamgiri)
If one says ‘Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen ‘Ala Kulli Haal’ after sneezing and wipes the teeth with one’s tongue, one will be saved from pain of the teeth and ears. (Hisnul Haseen. Faizan-e-Sunnat, p 715 & Khazinah Rahmah, p. 59) It is Sunnah to say ‘Alhamdulillah’ when one sneezes and Wajib to reply in such a manner that one can hear and reply straightaway, or else if replied is delayed one will have to repent as a wajib has been missed.. (Durre Mukhtar and Raddul Mohtar) Say ‘Alhamdulillah’ loudly so when others hear it, Allah (The Exalted) willing they will reply and you will gain the reward of all this. (Raddul Mohtar) Do not answer to a person who sneezes whilst any sermon (Khutba) is taking place, whether it be Jumu’ah, Eid or wedding. (Khaniya) If the person who is giving the reply says ‘Alhamdulillah’ before the person who is sneezing, then in one Hadith it states that the person will be free from pain of the teeth and ears and in another Hadith it states one will be free from back pain. (Raddul Mohtar) In a gathering if one person says ‘Alhamdulillah’ after sneezing then one person’s will suffice, however, it is better everyone replies. (ibid) To cover the mouth with the back of the left hand when yawning. (Faizan-e Sunnat, p. 718) Not to make a noise when sneezing or yawning. (ibid) If you can not stop yawning then grip the tongue gently with the teeth. (ibid) If you want to stop yawning, remember the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as he never yawned. (ibid) If one yawns, one should try and stop themselves from this. The way to do this is to hold the tongue, turn the lips inside the mouth, or remember the Prophets (upon them be peace) as they never yawned as they are protected from any influence from the Shaytan. (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow these beautiful Sunnahs in our lives and pass them on to others too, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY SUNNAH OF ENTERING INTO A GATHERING O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) until the earth bequeaths itself and what is on it to You and You are the best of those who inherit. The Prophet sat like…
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would also sit cross-legged and sometimes sat with his knees raised with the soles of his blessed feet on the ground and having his hands set under the arms. I have also seen him reclining on a pillow.” (Tirmidhi) Jabir bin Samra (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would sit after the Fajr Salaah until sunrise and would sit with his knees raised and his arms round his blessed knees.” (Faizane Shariat, p. 1142) Move for others Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Do not tell someone to move and take his place, but move yourself and make room for others.” (Muslim & Bukhari) If someone takes another’s place then you have taken someone’s right away. Wathila (may Allah be pleased with him) states that a person came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and he moved (made room for him), the person said, ‘Why do this for me?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘ It is a Muslim’s obligation to make room.’ (Bayhaqi) When one does this it will make the person welcome Insha-Allah! Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When we sat near the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and when he left with the intention of return, he would leave his blessed shoes or something else so people would stay.” (Abu Dawood) It is Sunnah to leave something if you are to return so that people know you are coming back. Do not sit between people The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “ It is not permissible to sit in between two people without permission.” (Abu Dawud & Riyadhus saliheen) Just look at the beautiful teaching of our leader, so that if two people are talking you do not disturb them. Subhanallah! Sit anywhere Jabir bin Samra (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When we went to the gathering of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we sat at the back of the gathering, (and did not squeeze our way through to the front).” (Abu Dawood, Al Kabair)
Hudhayfah bin Yamaan (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “He who sits in the centre of a gathering, then Allah’s (The Exalted) curse is on him.” (Al Kabair) Allahu Akbar! When one comes into a gathering one should sit where there is a space and not force oneself into the centre being inconvenient to others. Against the Sunnah Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone from you is sat in the shade and the shade moves away, only a part of it is shading you then move away.” (Abu Dawud) Meaning sit completely in the shade or in the sun and not in-between as this will cause problems with health. Leaving the gathering Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “When you leave a gathering, pray this supplication three times as you will be forgiven for any incorrect thing said and as for the good things said, Allah (The Exalted) will approve it just like a letter is stamped with a ring of approval.” Supplication for leaving a gathering “Sub-ha-nakalla-humma Wabi-ham-dika Wa-Ash-hadu-allaa Ilaaha illaa Anta Astagh-firuka Wa-atu-builayk.” ‘O Allah (The Exalted) You are pure, I praise You and testify that there is none worthy of worship but You. I seek forgiveness and pardon from You.’ (Tirmidhi) Benefit: If there was good talk in the gathering, this supplication will seal it and if there was futile and vain talk, then this supplication will compensate for it. (ibid) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Those who leave a gathering without the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) will regret it.” (Riyadhus Saliheen) This means that when we sit in a gathering talk about Allah (The Exalted) or the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and teach someone something, may Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to do this, Ameen! Manners of sitting Allah (The Exalted) should be remembered in every gathering, and in every gathering to recite Salawaat (durood) at less once. (Hisnul Haseen) It is not permissible for a person to sit, in a gathering between two people without their permission. (Tirmidhi)
It is incorrect to remove any person from his seat and to sit in his place. (Bukhari) To sit close together and not far apart. (Abu Dawud) If any person comes into a gathering, then out of respect for him to move giving him place, this shall make the new comer feel welcome. (Baihaqi) When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) intended to leave a gathering in which he would recite Astaghfaar ten-to-fifteen times. (Ibn Sunni) When you sit in a gathering sit with respect. (Faizane Shariat, p. 1148) Meaning do not look bored, to sit with the feet out etc. as the host will feel disrespected especially in the masjid. To sit in the place of your teacher or a respected person is disrespectful. (ibid) When you travel in a train or bus do not put your feet on the opposite seat. (ibid) Also when using a chair to reach something take of the footwear as these places are for people to sit and not make dirty. Sit with respect in front of your teachers and parents. (ibid) When you enter into a gathering do not go over people but sit where you find the closest place. ( ibid) When sitting make sure you’ re clothing covers your body properly. (ibid) It is offensive (Makrooh) to put your feet (soles) facing the Qibla (Makkah) or Madinah. (ibid p. 1149) When sitting, sit the Sunnah way. (ibid) Sit cross-legged as this is also a Sunnah. (ibid) To sit with one leg on top of the other is disrespectful. (ibid) This is when you are lying down and one leg is raised and the other is placed on top. There is a chance that the Satr-e-Aurat (parts that have to be covered) may be uncovered. Sit in good company and stay away from bad company. (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to sit in the company of the pious and keep us away from useless gatherings, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE SUNNAH OF GIFTS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Unlettered Prophet, and the family of Muhammad (may Allah
bless him and grant him peace) just as You blessed our master Abraham, for You are Praiseworthy, the Mighty. Increase love Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ In order to promote mutual love, exchange gifts amongst yourselves.” (Bukhari) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Exchange presents with one another. Presents remove ill-will from hearts.”” (Tirmidhi) Thank people Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who does not thank people does not thank Allah.” (Ahmad & Tirmidhi) We should appreciate and always thank one another by saying EMBED CorelDRAW.Graphic.11 Jazakallahu Khaira (Tirmidhi) (may Allah (The Exalted) reward you). If a friend, relative, or an acquaintance gives you a gift, thank them as soon as possible regardless of the value of the gift. It is good manners to show warm appreciation for such kind gesture and if you can, return with an appropriate gift. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whoever does you a favour then reward him, if you can not reward him, pray for him.” (Abu Dawud in Zakah & Bukhari in Adab al-Mufrad.) The hadith calls upon the receivers to return within their means. The reward means a gift equivalent to that received; if that is not possible, then a simple gift will do; and if that is not at hand, then a sincere prayer would suffice. It is recommended that the reward be better than the original gift. It is the essence of Islamic manners to return a nice gesture with a better one. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone is given a gift and has the means he should make a return for it. However, if he does not posses the means he should express praise, for he who expresses praise has given thanks, he who conceals a matter has been ungrateful. Also, he who dresses himself with what he has not been given is like he who puts on two garments of falsehood.” (Mishkat) We find from this that we should return a gift as it increases love and thank them too. Whether you like it or not, it is the thought that counts. Another thing we learn is that we should wear clothing which we can afford and do not wear clothing so that people will respect you as Allah (The Exalted) is displeased and these people will be given the clothing of disrespect on the Day of Judgment, Allah (The Exalted) forbid. Give in return!
‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would accept gifts and would give something in return.” (Bukhari) Perfume, oil, milk, or a pillow should not be refused, for in accepting them you will not be under an unbearable burden of obligation, on the other hand it would please the person who offers them. (Tirmidhi) Azra bin Thabit Al Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When I went to Thumama bin ‘Abd Allah (may Allah be pleased with him), he gave me some perfume and said, ‘Ana,( may Allah be pleased with him) would not reject the gifts of perfume.’ Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ‘The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not reject gifts of perfume.’ (Bukhari) Subhanallah! Baarakallahu Fee Ahlika Wa Maalik May Allah (The Exalted) bless your family and wealth (ibid) Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that “One who gives charity or who frees a slave at the time of his death is like one who gives gifts when he has more than enough.” (Ahmad & Nasa'i) Subhanallah! ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have two neighbours! To whom shall I send my gifts?” He said, “To the one whose gate is nearer to you.” (Bukhari) Look at the teachings of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Subhanallah! If you get two invitations at the same time then go to the invitation that is closest to you. THE PROPHET (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) NEVER SAID ‘NO’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was very generous and never said ‘No’ to anyone asking him for anything. If he had it, he would give it at once, if not he would gently ask the man to come for it some other time. Ibn Munkadir heard Jabir Ibn ‘Abd-Allah say that, “The messenger of Allah (The Exalted), was not asked for anything to which he said, ‘No,’” (ibid) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) and Sahl Ibn Sa’ad (may Allah be pleased with him) made similar reports. Whenever the servants of Madinah (the people of Madinah) would come with some water to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in the morning so that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would dip his blessed hand in their utensils so it would become blessed water. Even when it was very cold in the morning the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never said ‘No’ . (Seerate Mustafa) Most generous
Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), was the most generous of people in giving gifts and most generous of all in the month of Ramadan. When he met with Jibrail (upon whom be peace) he was more generous than even the wind which is sent forth.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Subhanallah! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “A man asked him for something and he gave him all the sheep between two mountains. The man returned to his people and said, ‘Become Muslim. Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gives the gift of a man who does not fear poverty.” (Muslim) Gave Camels away He gave a hundred camels to more than one person. He gave Safwan a hundred, then a hundred, and then a hundred. This had been his character since before he was entrusted with the message. Waraqa Ibn Nawafal told him, “You bear all and attain to what others are denied.” (Bukhari & Muslim) A man came and asked for something. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I do not have anything, but buy something on my account and when I get some money, I will pay for it.” ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said to him, “Allah (The Exalted) has not obliged you to do what you are not able to do!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked that, so a man of the Ansar said, “O Messenger of Allah (The Exalted)! Spend and do not fear decrease from the Master of the Throne!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) smiled and the pleasure could be seen in his face. He said, “ I am commanded to this.” (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has been given everything by Allah (The Exalted) and he distributes. Giving more in return It is mentioned that Mu’awwidh Ibn ‘Afra (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ I brought the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), a plate of fresh dates and cucumbers, and he gave me a handful of jewellery and gold.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! We find that to give a better gift in return is Sunnah. A man brought Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) a gift worth ten dirhams and the Imam presented him a gift worth five hundred dirhams. The man was surprised and said, “But Imam my gift was little, about a tenth of your gift.” “Your gift is more valuable,” the Imam answered. “You remembered me while I forgot you, I remembered you only after you had given me your gift. So your gift is better.” It is bad manner to receive a gift and remain silent without a word of thanks, as if it is your due right to be presented with gifts. It is equally ill-mannered to delay that to a later time or until you are reminded of the gift. The only time when he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said ‘No’
The only time when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said ‘NO’ , was when he said, ‘There is ‘NO’ deity, but Allah (The Exalted).’ Meaning when saying the Shahadah. We have read the virtues and benefits of giving gifts. When giving gifts we should give for the sake of Allah (The Exalted) and with the intention of following the Sunnah. We should also try and give Islamic gifts especially books of knowledge as we need to spread the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as possible. Manners of Gifts Both to receive and give gifts is Sunnah. One should not mention one’s personal needs before or after. One should not boast of one’s gesture after giving a present. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When returning from a journey, bring a gift for you’ re household be it stones.” (Abu Dawud) Accepting and giving presents is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). You should try to give a present no matter how small it is as it will create love between you and others. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to increase love between ourselves, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO SUNNAH OF CONSULTATION O Allah (The Exalted) bless our liege-lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the Unlettered Prophet, and the family of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) just as You blessed our master Abraham (upon whom be peace) for You are Praiseworthy, the Mighty. Our Beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) always gave advice in the light of the Holy Qur’an. When a revelation came to him, he told the companions and they would write it down. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) explained the verses in depth until the Ummah understood the purpose of the revelation from Almighty Allah. When people would ask questions the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would answer them with love and make them understand even when the Companions asked the same question repeatedly. When giving advice you should do it the way our Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did by explaining and not rushing. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The death of someone who dies without the leader of a group over him is as if he had died in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance.” (Hakim) Allahu Akbar!
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who obeys me obeys Allah (The Exalted), and he who disobeys me disobeys Allah (The Exalted). He who obeys the leader obeys me, and he who disobeys the leader disobeys me.” (Bukhari) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Hear and obey, even if the ruler placed over you is an Ethiopian slave with amputated extremities.” (Reliance of the Traveller, p. 644/5) No matter who your ruler is, as long as he is a pious Muslim and has knowledge of Islam and fears Allah (The Exalted), you should obey him even if the person is disabled. The purpose of his authority is Islamic unity, which could not be realized if obeying him were not obligatory. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He who helps another to argue without right remains under the hatred of Allah (The Exalted) until he gives up.” (Hakim) Allahu Akbar! It is offensive to contend against the words of anyone with authority over one or talk back, oppose, rebut, or disobey such a person in anything lawful, the prohibition applying to such people as a follower with his leader, son with parents, student with his teacher etc. all of this is very ugly behaviour and deserves disciplinary action, since each of these is obliged to obey the one over them. ‘Ali bin Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said that “Dispute brings about destruction.” (Al-Kabaair by Muhammad ibn Uthman Ad-dahabi) Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying: “A nation does not go astray after being on the right guidance until they start argumentation.” (Tirmidhi and ibn Dunya) We should not argue with our leaders (Ameer) in lawful matters. As long as they are knowledgeable and fear Allah (The Exalted) and are aware of the environment. We should obey them whether we understand or not. In the battle of Ahzab (trench), Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) suggested to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to dig a trench around Madinah. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) thought of it as a good idea and agreed to go ahead with it. Salman Farsi (may Allah be pleased with him) was a new Muslim. This proves that it is the Sunnah to consult with others. Allah (The Exalted) consulted with the Angels when creating Nabi Adam (upon whom be peace). This is mentioned in the Qur’an, does Allah (The Exalted) really need to make consultation with anyone? This also proves that consulting is a great matter and should be bought into practise even for minor things. Be it in the home or at work, bring Sunnah alive to be successful. ‘Ali Abu Rabati (may Allah have mercy upon him) states, ‘ I was accompanied by Abd-Allah Maruzi, he said, ‘During our journey one of us should be the leader, now tell me
are you my leader or vice versa?’ I said, ‘You are the leader.’ He said then listen, ‘What ever I ask from you, you will obey.’ I replied, ‘What ever I hear I will obey.’ He commanded me to bring a bag and I bought it. He placed all my clothing and goods it the bag and placed it on his back and began walking. I said ‘There is a lot of goods, let me at least carry my own as you will become very tried, however, he kept giving the same answer’ , ‘You choose me as your leader and have no right to over rule my command.’ One night it rained, all night he stood with a blanket over my head and did not let one drop fall on me (he himself was soaked) and when I tried to say something he would repeat ‘ I am the leader and you are a follower.’ I was crying inside and wished I did not choose him to be my leader.” (Faizan-e-Sunnah) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “When people gather for consultation/meeting and there is someone called Muhammad ad he is not invited there will be no blessings for them in this meeting.” (Kanzul Ummal, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 11, p. 165 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 165) Manners of advice All-important decisions that a person has to make should be reached through careful consideration. Whether domestic, business, religious or otherwise. To make consultation is really an order of Almighty Allah and the practice of the Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is therefore one of the high-ranking deeds of a Muslim’s life and offers great blessings, reward and success. However, it is essential to follow the example of our Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in making consultation and to adhere to the simple etiquette taught by him. Firstly, an Ameer (chairperson) is appointed. The Ameer will then mention whatever has to be discussed and will request for opinions of others present. Only those who are requested to do so should speak. Nobody else will have the right to speak simultaneously or to interrupt in any way. The Ameer can ask each one in turn for an opinion or he may just call upon a few for this. A person who is asked for an opinion should have a clear conscience and be very sincere. If a person’s opinion happens to be different to that of another’s he must not make unfair remarks or humiliate anybody but must simply state his own idea with perhaps a reason or two to support his suggestion. If someone sincerely wishes to talk about an important and relevant matter he must obtain the permission of the Ameer before doing so. The Ameer will finally make the decision. This will be done according to his discretion guided by the thoughts Almighty Allah places into his heart (Insha-Allah).
It is important to understand that in Islam our total reliance is solely upon Almighty Allah at all times. Once a decision has been given, everyone is obliged to strictly abide by it. If for some reason a decision fails to produce the desired result, nobody must complain because only Almighty Allah knows best. If someone’s suggestion was not followed he must never complain even if later it apparently appears that he was correct. The consultation is concluded with Supplication and there should be no other small meetings thereafter to criticise the pros and cons of what had previously transpired. May Allah (The Exalted) give the ability to make consultation before making any decision and follow the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE SUNNAH OF MARRIAGE O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) in all that Your knowledge encompasses, in everything that Your pen writes, in all that Your Will preordains, and as often as Your angels have blessed him, with eternal blessings, lasting as long as You last, remaining, by Your Grace and Your Generosity, until the end of eternity, never-ending, with no beginning to them, and no disappearing of them, for ever and ever. Marriage is a Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is a means of extending the family linage and bringing up children. Marriage in Islam offers tranquillity to the soul and peace to the mind, so that man and woman may live together in an atmosphere of love, mercy, harmony, co-operation, mutual advice and tolerance, and lay the foundation for raising a Muslim family in a nurturing, sound environment. Marriage is a union of souls, in the deepest sense. Allah (The Exalted) joins these two souls together so that they may enjoy tranquillity and stability in a marital home filled with sincere love and compassionate mercy. In Islam, the righteous woman is viewed as one of the joys of this life, and a great blessings to a man, for he comes home to her and relaxes after facing the struggles of life, and finds with her incomparable peace, comfort and pleasure. Let us learn about marriage and what it entails. Half of Faith Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “When a man marries, he gets his religion half perfected. Then he should keep fearing for the other half.” (Baihaqi)
One half of his religion means that he is saved from adultery and with the other half by fearing Allah (The Exalted). One hundred lashes or death When an unmarried male commits fornication with an unmarried female, they should receive one hundred lashes and exile for one year. In the case of a married male committing adultery with a married female, they shall receive one hundred lashes and be stoned to death. (Muslim) The reason for one hundred lashed and stone to death is because they had a lawful partner to fulfil their desires but went to the unlawful. Marry or fast Ibn Ma’sud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Young men, those of you who can support a wife should marry, for it keeps you from looking at strange women and protects you from immorality. However, those who cannot should devote themselves to fasting, for it is a means of suppressing sexual desire.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Lustful desires get stronger when one eats more. In order to rid these desires the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to fast as hunger suppresses the desires. Subhanallah! When a person can support a wife in terms of providing a home, food and clothing, one should marry as soon as possible to save one’s self from sin. By a home it means somewhere to stay and not necessary your own home, it could be living with parents or living on your own. Adultery The Zina (fornication) of the eye is to look, the Zina of the tongue is the word, and the Zina of the foot is walking towards the desires. (Abu Dawood) Islam cuts evil at it’s root. If one looks at a woman/man with desires it could lead to fornication/adultery. Islam does not even want its followers to even go down that path. This is the reason if you look at a wo/man you have committed fornication/adultery. When talking to a non-Mehram be it face to face, on a phone or via e-mail etc. this is also Zina. Keep your gaze lowered Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) has related that, ‘ I was with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) along with Maymuna (may Allah be pleased with her) when Ibn Makhtum (may Allah be pleased with him) approached and came in to visit him, so he told us to veil ourselves.” I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is he not blind and unable to see us?’ He replied, “Are you blind and unable to see him?”’ (Ahmed & Tirmidhi)
Respected brother/sister, we find from this that it is not permissible for a female to look at a male and vice versa. The gaze should be controlled. It is forbidden for any husband to allow strangers (Ghair Mehram) to visit, view or converse with his wife. In the same way, it is forbidden for a father to permit strangers to see, contact or speak to his daughter. Unfortunately this has become very common in today’s society and is not seen as a sin. Therefore save yourselves from the fire of Hell. To save yourself from ‘Fitna’ When you see a ‘ghair mehram’ who is not in close relation with you say: Allahumma Inni A‘oodhu Bika Min Fitnatin Nisaa ‘O Allah (The Exalted)! I Seek refuge in You from the seduction (Fitna) of women! This supplication will save you from the tribulation of the female. Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying that, “A woman should be concealed, for when she goes out the devil looks at her.” (Tirmidhi) Allahu Akbar! Sisters should dress the way Khadija, ‘Aisha or Fatima (may Allah be pleased with them) would dress, as this is most appropriate. These women have a very high status in Islam and are leaders in Paradise. Choosing a wife The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has reported that, “Do not marry women on the consideration of the beauty of their face and figure. It may be that their beauty may lead them to prediction. Nor marry them for the sake of riches and wealth, as their property may make them headstrong and disobedient. But marry them on the consideration of their piety. A jet black woman possessing good manners is better than a beautiful woman belonging to a good family who is ill mannered.” (Ibn Majah) Subhanallah! If you look at the obvious wisdom behind this saying we find that if one went for beauty then that could be lost in many different ways, i.e. she could loose it in an accident or by getting burnt etc. Also not to marry for wealth as one day people have wealth and the next day they have lost it all, anything could happen. But marry on the basis piety as every step she will take she will fear Allah (The Exalted). You will have no fear that she will run away with your money, or with someone else for a matter of fact. There are many wisdoms behind this hadith and when we look around our society we will find that a pious woman changes the family and the children get an Islamic upbringing and stay on the straight path, may Allah (The Exalted) guide us all in the straight path, Ameen. Mughirah Ibn Sha’bah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ I got engaged to a woman at the time of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He asked me, ‘Have you seen her?’ I said, ‘No.’ he said, ‘Go and have a look at her, because it is more fitting that love and compatibility be established between you.” (Nisai)
It is important that one should look at the partner whom one may marry as it helps to make the decision. If the parents say that you are going to marry someone from our family because I promised them so many years ago, and all the different reasons for this marriage to go ahead. One should talk to the parents and ask them why s/he is good for you. If it is because s/he offers five times Salaah and has good character and your families get on well with them then there should be no problem and one should marry such a person. However, if it is because of the benefit of your parents then this should be explained as it is the man and women who have to live together and spend the rest of their lives together. If they don’ t like each other then this is force marriage and is not valid according to the Islamic law. The ideal Muslim’s wife On the basis of this view of marriage and of women, the Muslim is not attracted by the empty-headed attitude displayed by some girls nowadays. Rather, he is attracted by a sound Muslim personality, and he takes his time in choosing a partner for life, looking for a partner who has the right Islamic characteristics which make for a stable and happy married life. Therefore he is not interested in the superficial beauty, grace and elegance that are the sole concern of empty-headed youngsters. Forced Marriages Khansa bint Khydam Ansariya (may Allah be pleased with her) related that her father gave her in marriage when she was a matron, and she disliked that marriage. She went to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and complained, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) declared the marriage invalid. (Bukhari, Abu Dawud, & Ibn Majah) If the man and woman are not happy with the marriage going ahead then when the Nikah is being carried out both parties are asked if they are willing to accept, they have a right to say no at this time. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) has narrated that, “When one with whose religion and character you are satisfied asks your daughter in marriage accede to his request. If you do not do so there will be temptation in the earth and extensive corruption.” (Tirmidhi) Persons to whom Marriage is forbidden Marriage is forbidden for males to the following persons: Mother Daughters Sisters Father’s sisters (paternal aunt) Mother’s sisters (maternal aunt)
Brother’s daughter (niece) Sister’s daughter (niece) Wife’s mother (mother in law) wives of your sons Grandmother (both sides) Granddaughters Wife’s daughter from a previous marriage The wife’s sister (as long as the wife is in his marriage) Females cannot marry the following: Father Son Brother Father’s brother (paternal) Mother’s brother (maternal) Brother’s son (nephew) Sister’s son (nephew) Husband’s father Grandfather Grandson Husband’s son (from previous marriage) Once the marriage has been agreed from both sides, there should be no contact between both man and woman that are going to get wedded. They are still not permissible for each other until the Nikah has been performed. It has unfortunately become wide spread and accepted in the community to go out together, to talk to each other on the phone, to go around each others homes etc. Allah (The Exalted) forbid, this is a major sin and those who agree with it will be held responsible and liable for punishment until sincere repentance is not made. Expenses on Nikah
The Mother of the believers, ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “No doubt the most blessed marriage is that which involves the least expenditure.” (Mishkat) Many weddings are seen today that go against this hadith. People spend so much on a wedding dress which is only worn once, on clothing, food that is wasted, hiring cars, stage decoration, jewellery etc. and when it comes to giving the Mehr (wedding gift) it is minimal. We spent so much on things that are contrary to the Sunnah and minimal on those things that are Fardh and Wajib! This is due to lack of knowledge and to please others and not to please Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Safiya bint Shayba related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) gave a feast with two mudds (one mudd = ¾ kilo) of barley when marrying one of his wives. (Bukhari) This was the simplicity of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Remember by following the Sunnah there are many rewards and at the time of corruption the reward of following and bringing back to life one Sunnah is the reward one hundred martyrs. Subhanallah! Music at weddings The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Music generates hypocrisy in the heart just as water causes the crops to grow.” The Qur’an has declared that a Munafiq (hypocrite) will be in the lowest ranks of Hellfire and will not find for himself any helper. His punishment will be the most severe.” Allahu Akbar! A large amount is spent on music, singing and dancing by women entertainers. A marriage without music, gramophone playing, blowing of trumpets and hiring of cars is considered a dull and drab affair. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “My Lord has commanded me to eliminate music and singing, idols and the cross (of the Christians) and other objects of ignorance.” (Mishkat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has prohibited such singing which arouses passions, desire, and lust and in which there are words of Kufr. Many songs have words of Kufr in them, if you listen to Music and songs repent and recite the Shahadah (Kalima) again and if married you may need to perform Nikah too. This is very serious yet people and headless regarding it. If we die in this state without faith (Imaan) then the only destination is hell fire, Allah (The Exalted) forbid. Respected brother/sister of Islam! There is yet time to repent and promise that as from today we shall safeguard ourselves and our children from the punishments by making certain that we are not assaulted by the evils of music. Nor are our womenfolk in contact with strangers whether at home or elsewhere especially at weddings! The time for action is now, before death overtakes us. Giving Blessings
It is recommended that you congratulate the bride and bridegroom, by repeating what the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “May Allah (The Exalted) bless you and bless your spouse and may Allah (The Exalted) unite you with prosperity.” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah & Tirmidhi in their Sunnan in the chapter of Nikah and authenticated by Ibn Majah and Hakim.) Pleasing the husband Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Whichever female dies while her husband was pleased with her, will enter paradise.” (Ibn Majah & Tirmidhi) In one narration it has been said, “The most perfect of the believers in faith is he who is the best of them in conduct, and they are those who are the best to their wives.” Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that when the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was asked which woman was best he replied, “The one who pleases (her husband) when he looks at her, obeys him when he asks her and does not go against his wishes regarding her person and property by doing anything of which he disapproves.” (Nisai & Baihaqi) Subhanallah! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “When a woman observes the five prayers, fasts during the moth of Ramadan, gives charity and obeys her husband, she may enter by any of the gates of Paradise that she so desires.” (Abu Nu’aim) Meaning she observes her five pillars and obeys her husband. We find that obeying the husband has been mentioned with the five pillars showing the importance of obeying the husband. Women who are ungrateful to their husbands Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Pay Sadaqah (charity) and offer repentance abundantly, for I have seen more women in the hell fire.” One of the persons asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) What is our fault that most of us would go to hell?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘You are more ungrateful to your husbands.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Whatever you have, you should be grateful for. Let us not look at those who are better of but those who are worse of. Mu’adh (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) advised that when a woman causes trouble to her Muslim husband in the world, his wife among the maidens (Hoors) says, “ (O worldly wife!) Do not cause him trouble. May Allah (The Exalted) wrong you. His stay with you is very short; soon he will part with you and come to us.” (Mishkat) Subhanallah! Nicknames
To call your husband by his name is disliked (Makrooh). (Alamgiri) Call by another name i.e. Hajji, or the father of your son/daughter etc. If your son is called ‘Abdullah then you can call your husband Abu ‘Abdullah (father of ‘Abdullah). Some call there husbands by nicknames, this should be avoided if you are shorting his first name i.e. to call Farouq as ‘Faz’ or Muhammad as ‘Mo’ etc. more details on this is covered in the chapter of names. The Rights ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “Who has the supreme right over the woman?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The husband.” She asked, “Who has the supreme right over the man?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “His mother.” (Targheeb) Basically the wife should be obedient to the husband and the husband to his mother. However, this does not mean the mother takes advantage over the daughter in-law. We should all fear Allah (The Exalted) and be considerate and understanding at all times. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Fear Allah (The Exalted) regarding you have married them with the trust of Allah (The Exalted) they have rights over you in respect of their food, clothing and lodging.” (Bukhari) The wife should be provided with the necessities such as a place to live, food and clothing. This by no mean means, the wife demands a separate house or the best clothing. She should consider and be satisfied with what the husband can afford. Treat women kindly The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Treat women kindly, for women were created from a rib. The part of it that is most bent is the top. If you try to straighten it you will break it, and if you leave it alone it will remain bent. So treat women kindly.” (Bukhari & Muslim) If she is mischievous or you don’ t agree with something then try and bring her round. There may be things that are not unlawful in Islam but you do not agree with then explain to her and leave her to it and at times is best to over look it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A Muslim wife should not be hated by a Muslim husband. If he dislikes some habits of his wife, he may like some others.” (Abu Dawud) The Best of men The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The believer who has the most perfect faith is the one whose behaviour is good, and the best of you are the ones who are best to their women.” (Tirmidhi) Men should learn about good character, what is acceptable and what is not in Islam.
Inviting others without permission The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “The woman is not permitted to fast (Superergratory) when her husband is present without his permission, (Abu Dawud) nor is she allowed to invite anyone into his house without his permission.” When a husband’s friend comes to visit and he is not in, the wife invites him in, one should strictly avoid this and only let him in when the husband is in. Most disliked by Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The lawful thing which Allah (The Exalted) dislikes most is divorce.” (Tirmidhi) Although divorce is permissible it is not to be taken lightly and we should try and resolve the problems through family or friends. People take this as a plaything. Due to lack of knowledge some do not know how to handle a situation and it ends up in divorce for minor things. May Allah (The Exalted) save us all from such things. Not bothering about the wife Once the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remarked, “A Dayyuth will never enter Jannah.” The companions enquired, “Who is a Dayyuth?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “A man who is not bothered about who visits his wife.” Allahu Akbar! Free mixing is not permitted in Islam and when a husband is not bothered and not stop people talking and mixing freely with his wife Shaytan takes advantage and will be regrettable. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “Allah (The Exalted) has prohibited three types of people from entering the garden: The one who is addicted to wine, the one who is undutiful to his parents, and the cuckold (dayyuth) who knows about his wife’s adultery and says nothing.” (Nisai & Hakim) Allahu Akbar! Supplication for bringing the bride home When the bride and groom meet in their privacy then the husband can hold his wife’s hair near the forehead and recite the following supplication: ‘Allahumma Inni As-aluka Khay-raha Wa-Khay-rama Ja-bal-taha ‘Alaihi Wa A‘oodhu Bika Min-sharriha Wa-sharrima Ja-baltaha ‘Alaihi.’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted) I seek the good in her from You and the goodness in the habit and character in her and seek refuge in You from her evil habits and character.’ Recite the above supplication whilst holding the forehead of the bride for blessing. (Mishkat, Abu Dawood in Nikah & ibn Majah)
After the wedding night, one should hold a feast to feed his relations, friends, and the poor people. (Tirmidhi) Wife’s martial obligations in the Hanafi School The wife’s serving her husband at home-by cooking, cleaning, and baking bread-is religiously obligatory for her, and if she does not, she is committing a sin, though it is not something that she may be forced to do by the court. (Reliance of the traveller) The best husband and the best wife The best husband is he who shows good character and good manners towards his wife. The best wife is she who acts upon the husband’s sayings as necessary. The best husband is he who does not show laziness to the rights of his wife. The best wife is she who always considers her husband’s well being. The best husband is he who looks after the wife’s needs such as food and clothing. The best wife is she who does not give the husband problems but gives him peace of mind. The best husband is he who does not look at other women beside his wife. The best wife is she who does not exceed the husband’s capacity in terms of income. The best husband is he who teaches the wife Islamic knowledge. The best wife is she who helps the husband at the time of problems. The best husband is he who is there for the wife when she is in distress. The best wife is she who stays indoors and protects the dignity of her husband. The best husband is he who keeps patience when the wife has no control over her tongue. The best wife is she who has patience when the husband does not treat her justly. The best husband is he who keeps an eye on the wife’s good points and forgives small mistakes. Rights of the wife Islam is the religion that emancipated women from the shackles of cruelty and oppressive cults and practices as foreseen in pre-Islamic Arabia. Islam announced a new status for women and gave her the following rights:
Livelihood: A wife has the right to be provided for and should not be forced to work to earn money. She also has the right of Mahr (wedding gift) and inheritance. Kindness: She has the right to be treated kindly by her husband. Marriage: She has the final say in the marriage. If she does not like her husband due to valid reasons then she may get a divorce and re-marry someone else. Similarly, a divorced woman or widow may re-marry someone else as well. The Qur’an and Hadith vividly highlight the type of attitude the husband should have towards his wife, denouncing all kinds of verbal and physical aggression. Rights of the Husband To maintain equilibrium between the status of the husband and wife, Islam gives rights to the husband as well, which the wife must adhere to. Obedience: The wife should obey her husband and honour his decisions in all matters except in matters where the husband is deviant from the right path. The wife should also remain aloof from company of those the husband disapproves of. Guarding: In the absence of the husband, it is her duty to protect his honour, his house and children. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The woman is the guardian of her husband’s house and is responsible for it.” (Bukhari) In order to indicate the most reverend, esteemed, honourable and glorious position a husband has in the life of a wife, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “ It is forbidden for a human being to lay in prostration before another human. Had it been permissible, every wife would have been ordained by Allah (The Exalted) to prostrate before her husband. The husband enjoys such a supreme status that if his whole body is covered with wounds and the wife licks them all with her tongue, the right of her husband is even then not fulfilled in full measure.” (Musnad Ahmad) A husband and wife are like two wheels of a bicycle. Both need to be in good working condition for the cycle to be functional. Otherwise the cycle will not function as intended. Similarly, if the husband and the wife are not at peace with each other the family will not be able to function properly. Conclusively it is necessary for a husband to show affection and kindness to the wife whilst it is necessary for a wife to show obedience to the husband. Ten Tips on how to be a successful Husband INCLUDEPICTURE "http://members.tripod.com/maseeh1/advices7/1x1.gif" \* MERGEFORMATINET Dress up for your wife, look clean and smell good. Just like the husband wants his wife to look nice for him, she also wants her husband to dress up for her too. Remember that the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always start with Miswak when returning home and always loved the sweetest smells.
Use the best names for your wife. Call your wife by the most beloved names to her, and avoid using names that hurt her feelings. Recognise all the good that she does and focus on that. If you see anything wrong that your wife does, as long as it doesn’ t contradict the Shariah, try being silent and do not comment! This is one of the ways the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used when he would see something inappropriate from his wives. It's a technique that Muslim men need to master. Smile at your wife whenever you see her and embrace her often. Smiling is Sadaqah (charity) and your wife is not exempt from the Muslim Ummah. Imagine life with her constantly seeing you smiling. Thank her for all that she does for you. Then thank her again! Take for example a dinner at your house. She makes the food, cleans the home, and a dozen other tasks to prepare. And sometimes the only acknowledgement she receives is that there needed to be more salt in the soup. Don't let that be; thank her! Ask her to write down the last ten things you did for her that made her happy. Then go and do them again. It may be hard to recognise what gives your wife pleasure. You don't have to play a guessing game, ask her, and work on repeating those things in your life. Don't belittle her desires. Comfort her. Sometimes the men may look down upon the requests of their wives. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) set the example for us; when on numerous occasions he comforted his wives. Be humorous and play games or sport with your wife. Look at how the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would race with his wife ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her). When was the last time we did something like that? Always remember the words of Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “The best of you are those who treat their families the best. And I am the best amongst you to my family.” Try to be the best! Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan in ‘Ehkam-e-Shariat’ writes; the wife has a right to be provided with a house to live in, to be offered Mehr on time, to be looked after and to be saved from anything against the Islamic Law. The right over the husband holds the status after Allah (The Exalted) and his Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) even to the extent more than the parents, she is not allowed to go anywhere without a permissible male and even to her parents house every eighth day and only from morning till evening. Manners of Marriage To marry is a Sunnah for a man of means. To send a proposal before Nikah is a Sunnah. To look for a pious and good person is a Sunnah. (Mishkat)
To marry a widow is a Sunnah. To hold the Nikah in the mosque on a Friday. (ibid) To hold the Nikah ceremony with simplicity and without any pomp and show. (ibid) The present day customs regarding engagement are contrary to the Sunnah. A verbal proposal and answer is sufficient. To unnecessarily delay Nikah after having reached the age of Nikah is incorrect. It is appropriate that the bridegroom be a few years older than the bride. There is nothing wrong in inviting one’s close associates for the occasion of Nikah. If the father is an Alim (scholar of religion) he should himself solemnise the Nikah. It is Sunnah to fix the amount of Mahr (dowry) according to one’s means. (ibid) The present day practice of the intermingling of sexes on occasions of marriage is an act of sin and is totally forbidden. Many today do not read Salaah during weddings. Everyone, even the bride’s groom must pray. One cycle Salaah of a married man is seventy times better than the Salaah of an unmarried man. (Ihya ulum ) It is Sunnah for the bridegroom to make Walimah. NOTE: In the Walimah, whatever is easily available should be fed to the people and care should be taken that there is no extravagant show and that no debts are incurred in the process. Muslims have unfortunately adopted unIslamic traditions. Displaying the bride on stage, wedding dresses, music and photography, etc. All this displeases Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to perform marriage in accordance to the Sunnah, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR SUNNAH REGARDING CONJUGAL RELATIONS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as You know him, as much as Your Book as much as the witnessing of Your angels and be pleased with his Companions and be merciful on his nations for You are Praiseworthy the Mighty. Reward for intercourse
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “To have intercourse with one’s wife is charity and a means of reward.” The companions questioned: ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Is their reward for fulfilling one’s desires also?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘Had he satisfied his desire in a wrong place would he not have sinned?” The companions replied, ‘Yes’ . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then said, ‘ In order to safeguard oneself from sin, one will undoubtedly merit reward.’ Subhanallah! A person is rewarded by even fulfilling his/her desires in the lawful way. Jarir ibn ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that he asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) about the unintentional glance (at a woman) and he (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Turn your gaze away.” (Muslim) ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever sees a woman and he desires her then go to your wife as she has the same things as her.” (Darami) Intentions at time of intercourse ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) is reported to have said in his advises, “At the time of intercourse, the following intention should be made: 1) Protection against Adultery (Zina) 2) Protection against gazing at other women (Ghair Mehram) 3) Attainment of pious and upright progeny, who will serve Islam.” (Etiquettes of sexual relations ) When intercourse is enjoyed with the correct intention, then not only is it an act of physical pleasure but it also becomes an act of reward. Apply ‘ Itr It is part of the habit of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that he would apply ‘ Itr (fragrance) and perform Miswak before intercourse. It is for this reason that the scholars state that a man should inform his wife of his intention to have intercourse from the morning in order that both are prepared fully at the appropriate time. The Messenger of Allah, (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a man has intercourse with his wife, the reward of producing a child is written for him and such a child becomes martyred fighting in the way of Allah (The Exalted).” (Ihya ulum Ad-din) Subhanallah! To Cover
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When one of you mates with his wife, let them not be naked like the ass and she-ass (like donkeys).” (ibid p.74) Meaning both partners should be covered in sheets. Recite Bismillah The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that when you copulate with your wife recite ‘Bismillah’ as from know until you perform bath the angels will continue to write good deeds in your account, and if a child is born from this copulation then you will be rewarded with every breath that the child takes and the reward of each breath of their children too. (Nizam-e-Shariat) Subhanallah! Subhanallah! However, This does not mean you don’ t have a bath until morning and miss the Fajr Salaah as Allah’s (The Exalted) curse is on such people. Foreplay The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There is a weakness in men when he approaches his wife and taking her without first talking to her, caressing her and laying her by her side, so that he uses her to satisfy his needs before she satisfies her need through him.” (Ihya uloom ad-deen, p. 74) Islam encourages foreplay and not just going suddenly to them. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Let none of you fall upon his wife as an animal would do. Let these be envy between them.” When they asked, “What is this envy?” He said, “Kisses and sweet words.” (ibid) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) prohibited going suddenly onto them (women). (ibid) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “ I never saw the private parts of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Ibn Majah) Bathing becomes obligatory According to the Hanafi Madh-hab, “When the penis part of the male touches the vagina of the female, a bath (Ghusl) becomes compulsory (Fardh).” (Bukhari & Malik’s Muatta) Whether one ejaculates or not. Perform ablution before sleeping ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) told the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “ I became Junub (impure) at night,” and he was told, “Perform ablution, after washing your private parts, and then sleep.” (Bukhari) However, both partners must perform bath before fajr Salaah and perform the Fajr Salaah. Preferable times
‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) observes in Wasaya: The result of conception as a result of copulation; On Monday night, is a child that will be a Qari (recitor); On Tuesday, a generous, big-hearted child; On Thursday, an upright, God fearing Scholar or a wise child; On Friday before Jumu’ah, a child born with fortune who will attain martyrdom at death; On Friday after Jumu’ah, a sincere child. (Rifaatul-Muslimeen) Subhanallah! Those days that are not mentioned, does not mean these days are bad luck, no day is bad luck but all days has its own virtue. Makrooh times It is disapproved (Makrooh) to indulge in sex during three nights of each month; the first, the last and the fifteenth. It is said that devil is at the coupling on these nights. It is also said that the devils mate on these nights. The undesirability of sex on these nights is narrated from ‘Ali, Mu’awiya and Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with them). (Ihya Ulum Ad-Din, p.74) These will be the Islamic days of the Hijri calendar. Unlawfulness of masturbation Masturbation with one’s hand is unlawful. Imam Shafi’ i (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) was asked in connection with masturbation about the words of Allah (The Exalted) “… those who guard their private parts, save from their wives whom their right hands own, for these are not blameworthy. But whoever seeks beyond that, those are the transgressors.” … and said that these Qur’anic verses restrict permissible sex to what is mentioned in them, since the last verse indicates that anything besides this is lawful. (Reliance of the traveller) We find that masturbating is not permissible in Islam. However, the husband may use his wife’s hands to masturbate and he may enjoy the region beneath her petticoat as he desires. (Ihya Ulum Ad-Din, p.75) The reason for the unlawfulness of masturbating with one’s self is that one partner will get their own desires fulfilled; hence there will be no need for them to go towards their partner leaving the other partner to suffer. Anal intercourse The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who has intercourse with his wife through her anus is accursed.” (Abu Dawood) It is strictly forbidden to have intercourse via the anus as it is forbidden to have intercourse whilst the woman is on her monthly period. This is one of the ways that diseases and viruses have spread through people. However, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) warned us that it is forbidden and research proves this fact! Whatever in Islam is forbidden, there is a strong reason for this and that it is not good for either ourselves or for the community that we live in. Permissibility of Contraception
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that, “We practised coitus interrupts (separating before ejaculation) during the time of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He came to know about it, but he did not prohibit it.” (Muslim) During the period of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the common practice was withdrawal just before ejaculation (coitus interrupts), thus preventing the entrance of semen. The purpose of contraception is that the seaman does not enter the womb. Unlawful to disclose secrets The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The disclosure of sex-related secrets by either a husband or his wife, is like a female devil who meets a male devil on the roadside and has intercourse in full public view.” (Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! May Allah (The Exalted) save us. The Muslims are following the non-believers. The non-believers don’ t have any shame and talk about the private life to others Allah (The Exalted) forbid, you should keep this private. Women should not talk about these issues to anyone nor should men. If there is a problem and you need to speak to someone then speak to someone who has knowledge and fears Allah (The Exalted). There is a way of asking questions too. If you have a problem then do not say “ I have so and so problem” but say “ If someone has such a problem…” etc. meaning do not let others know you have a problem. Curse on women The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “ If a man invites his wife to sleep with him and she refuses to come to him then the angels send their curses on her till the morning.” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar! One of the reasons for this is that the male is the weaker sex and if he does not get his desires fulfilled by his lawful partner then he will look and go towards the unlawful to fulfil his desires. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states four things which make the body idle, 1) excessive sexual intercourse, 2) too much worrying, 3) too much drinking of water when hungry, and 4) too much pepper. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states three things that reduce eyesight, 1) to look at impure things, 2) to look at the female genitals and 3) to sit with one’s back facing Ka’bah. Imam Shafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states three things, which increase sexual desires 1) to eat the meat of sparrows, 2) to eat pistachio and 3) to eat watermelon. Faiaz bin Nazih (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When the male organ of a man stands erect, he loses two thirds of his intellect.” (Ihya ulum Ad-din)
Manners of conjugal relations Intercourse should not be had merely with the intention of fulfilling one’s carnal desires but rather it should be to safeguard oneself from Haraam. For procreating; to fulfil the rights of the wife. By means of these intentions one shall gain reward and at the same time fulfil one’s desire. To have sexual intercourse only with one’s wife. (Muslim & Ibn Majah) Before actual coition, hold conversation of sexual love and give caresses and kisses. Play and toy in order to rouse sexual organs for easy cohabitation. To joke and play with one’s wife – i.e. to indulge in foreplay. (Tirmidhi) Intercourse should not be indulged on an empty stomach or on a full a stomach or with the urge for relieving oneself. (i.e., to go to the toilet). There should be complete privacy. Intercourse should not take place in the presence of babies. A sheet should cover both partners whilst having intercourse. (Ihya ulum Ad-din, p. 74) One should not face the Qibla during intercourse. The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would cover his head and lower his voice. (ibid) To make Miswak before intercourse. Some Scholars recommend intercourse on Friday and the night before it. (ibid) Intercourse is recommended once every 4 days. The husband should increase or decrease the amount of intercourse in accordance with his wife’s need to guard her virtue. (ibid p. 75) Imam Ghazali (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) writes that, It often happens that the females orgasm is delayed. To withdraw at this point will cause her pain. The husband should not be pre-occupied with his own satisfaction, because the women will often be shy. (ibid) Supplication before intercourse To read the following supplication before intercourse:- Bismillahi Allahumma Jannib-Nash Shaitana Wa-Janni-Bish Shaitana Ma Razaq-Tana. (Bukhari in Tawheed) Allah’s name I begin with, O Allah (The Exalted) Save us from the Devil and also save the children you (may) bless us with. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “After that, if Allah (The Exalted) decrees that they will have a child, the devil will never be able to
harm that child.” (Bukhari) Subhanallah! These supplications should be said in the heart as supplications can not be said aloud whilst unclothed. It is disliked to talk during intercourse; there is a fear of becoming deaf or speech problems. Similarly do not look at the woman’s private part as there is fear of the child becoming blind. To make sure both partners are covered and not completely naked like animals as there is a chance the child may become shameless. (Alamgiri & Fatawa-e-Razawiyya) Not to think (fantasise) of any person besides one’s partner whilst having intercourse. To think of any other person is similar to adultery. If there is an urge to engage in intercourse more than once, then between each act of intercourse it would be best to have ghusl, otherwise Wudhu will suffice and the least is to make Istinja (washing the private parts). (Mishkat) Supplication after intercourse To read the following supplication after intercourse:- ‘Allahuma La Taj-‘al Lish-shaitani Feemaa Razaqtanee Naseeba’ . ‘O Allah (The Exalted)! Do not grant the Devil a share in what you have provided me. It is best to make ghusl (to bathe) each time but it is permissible to bathe at the end. (Mishkat & Ihya ulum Ad-din, p. 75) It is Fardh upon both partners to make ghusl after having intercourse and it is best to bathe before sleeping. (Bukhari) If one cannot make ghusl then Wudhu will suffice and ghusl should be made later. It must be remembered that one can stay without ghusl only until twilight (before fajr Salaah as Allah (The Exalted) curses those who bathe after Fajr whilst missing the Salaah). The husband should only have intercourse with his wife after she has bathed after per period. (Ihya ulum Ad-din, p. 75) It is permissible to use temporary contraception. But not permanent contraception i.e. operation because if all children die in an accident etc. and they want to have children then this will not be possible with an operation or if both partners separate and she marries someone else and the husband wants children then this will not be possible either. If any of the wives of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had eye pain, he did not have intercourse until they recovered. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not consider drinking water after intercourse, exercise, eating, and bathing.
Whilst having intercourse or after bathing has become obligatory, if a person perspires and touches anything it will remain clean as the perspiration is clean even in the state when bathing is obligatory. (Muatta Imam Malik) It is Sunnah to have intercourse before the Walimah (feast) and Wajib (necessary) once in a lifetime of the marriage. Only those parts of clothing which have semen have to be washed as semen is impure. (Abu Dawud) Al-Mutakabbir (The Proud) – This is beneficial for those who do not have children or a barren woman. Before going to your wife recite this ten (10) times Allah (The Exalted) willing one will have a pious child. And also continue as much as possible reciting the following from the Qur’an: Rabbi La Tadharni Fardaw Wa Anta Khayrul Waritheen. O my Lord! Leave not me alone and You are the best inheritor. Unlawful intercourse It is forbidden and a major sin to have intercourse whilst one’s wife is menstruating. He is permitted to sleep with and caress her but she must keep her body covered from her navel to her knees in order to prevent any possibility of intercourse. (Ihya ulum Ad-din, p. 75) After childbirth till the stoppage of blood nearly upto the 40th day. During the hours of fasting. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to have conjugal relations in the lawful manner, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE INVITATION AND WALIMA O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as You know him. The Prophet’s Walimah Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) got married to Zainab, (may Allah be pleased with her) and invited people, no one from the wives of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had an invitation like this. People were fed with one goat.” (Bukhari &Muslim) Meaning that from all the invitations this was the biggest invitation as meat of a full goat was cooked.
In Sahih Bukhari another narration states after the first night the invitation that was made people were fed with full stomachs with chapatti and meat. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ In the Walimah of Saffiya the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) invited the Muslims, there was no meat nor bread. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ordered the floor mat to be placed and dates, cheese and fat (Ghee) was served.” (Bukhari) The Sunnah is to provide the guest with what is easily available. Those who get in debt with borrowing money to make sure that the guests get the best food available is against the Sunnah. One should only provide with that which one has the ability to do so. ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, “Whoever is given an invitation he should come.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim) Accepting Invitation Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whoever is given an invitation you should accept it, then it is upto you to eat or not.” (Sahih Muslim) If you are not hungry does not mean you don’ t attend, but it will please the host if you at least attend but are not obliged to eat. ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whoever has been given an invitation (in a wedding) and did not accept it they have disobeyed Allah (The Exalted) and his Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and whoever came without an invitation, he came as a thief and left with stolen goods.” (Abu Dawood) Allahu Akbar! It is necessary to go to an invitation and if not invited and you attend then you have left as a thief. For instance, if you made arrangements for an event, in this case it’s a wedding. You invite so many guest and others that are not invited attend then those who have been invited may not get the food that has been arranged for them as it may finish and the venue may be overcrowded and the guest may think what kind of organisation is this and people will have the wrong opinion of the host etc. Islam takes everything into consideration and the manners and etiquettes for everyday living have been laid down by Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If you have a valid reason for not attending then that should be explained to the host. A companion narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “When two people come to give an invitation at the same time then accept the invitation of those whose house is closest first and if those who came first then accept the one who came first.” (Ahmed & Abu Dawood) Subhanallah! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The worst feeling is that Walimah that is
where only the rich are invited and the poor are left out and whoever did not attend (without reason didn’ t go) has disobeyed Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” (Bukhari & Muslim) Islam is not only for the rich but the poor have a right too. It is better to feed the poor as at least they will appreciate it more. The Sunnah ‘Abd-Allah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states, “ (In weddings) You have a right to fulfil, that is to eat on the first day, (meaning it is proven you have to do this) and to eat on the second day is Sunnah and to eat on the third day is to let people know (meaning to let people know and to get known) whoever does something to let people know, Allah (The Exalted) will show them, meaning they will be punished.” (Tirmidhi) Many go against this and feed guest for more than two days going against the Sunnah getting into unnecessary debt. Even if one can afford to feed for more than two days it is against the Sunnah. Rights of the guest Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the Last Day should look after their guest.” (Bukhari & Muslim) To look after also means to respect and make sure they are happy and fulfil their needs. ‘Aqrama (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Two people who invite to compete and show, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disallowed to eat at such an invitation.” (Abu Dawud) Unfortunately this is the position of many. People want to compete with friends and family to have a bigger wedding with more expenses and show others so they talk about it. Fear Allah (The Exalted) and do not go against the Sunnah. RULES Walimah is a Sunnah Walimah is on the morning of the first night of marriage. Call your friends, family, close friends and the people of your society in accordance with one’s capacity and honour the guest. (Bahare Shariat) Those who are invited should go, as the host will be pleased. (ibid) To accept an invitation is Sunnat-e-Muakedah, which is close to wajib. (ibid) Besides Walimah to go to other invitations is also virtuous in order to attend a Muslim brother’s invitation and to please him.
If one is fasting (voltentry) then go and make dua for the host. (Alamgiri) The same rule applies besides the invitation to Walimahs, if you are not fasting then eat and make supplication. (Alamgiri and Raddul Muhtar) If the intention is for pride or so people praise you as it is seen in today’s day and age then it is better not to go to these types of invitations. Especially those with knowledge should not go. (Raddul Muhtar) It is Sunnah to go to an invitation when you know there is no music or any acts against the Islamic law. If you know these things will take place then do not go. After you got to the invitation you found that acts against the Islamic law are committed then return. If you can, stop them and if you do not have the power to, then have patience, this is when the person is not a leader or an Imam. If you are a leader for example if a Scholar or a Spiritual guide can not stop them he should leave and not sit nor eat there, if you knew from the beginning these things would take place. (Durre Mukhtar & Hidaya) The invitation for the Walimah is only for the first day or the following day. Meaning it can only be for two days after this the wedding and Walimah is over. (Alamgiri) Those who are eating on one mat (dastarkan) and if you take something and give it to someone else on another table; then is only permissible when you know the host will not mind. If you know the host will mind then it is not permissible but if you are in doubt and you do not know if he will mind then do not give. (ibid) Four things are important for the guest, 1) Sit where you have been asked to sit, 2) Be happy with what has been put in front of you. One should not say I could have eaten something better than this at my house or say things like people at invitations do today, 3) Do not get up without permission 4) When you leave make supplication for the host. (Bahare Shariat) The host should ask the guest to take more food but do not force them. The host should not stay completely silent and should not leave the food and go away but stay there. Do not get angry with those who are serving in front of the guest. (ibid) If there are not many guests then the host can sit down with the guest as this is good manners. If there are many guests do not sit with them but look after them and help in feeding them. Do not make the guest sit with those who they do not like. (Alamgiri) If someone has sent presents and the person has both lawful and unlawful goods. Then if majority of it is lawful there is no problem in accepting the present. The same rule applies when eating, if what he has presented, majority of it is unlawful then to accept the present or to eat there is not allowed until you find out it is lawful. (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow the Sunnah of Walimah closely, Ameen.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX SUNNAH WHEN A CHILD IS BORN O Allah (The Exalted) bless our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the family of the lord Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and all the Companions of our master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is indeed a joyous occasion when parents are blessed with the birth of a child. However, the extent of the joy will be enhanced even further if the laws of Shariah are observed. It is generally found that people celebrate on the birth of a boy and show dissatisfaction when a girl is born. Islam disapproves of this kind of behaviour. Children are great gift from Allah (The Exalted) and we should be thankful and rejoice irrespective of the gender of the new-born child. The birth of a daughter is a blessing and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that they would be a shield for the parents from Hell. Subhanallah! Those parents who give birth to a girl as their first child are indeed fortunate as the first born of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was a girl. Delivery Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that, “When it was time for me to deliver my child, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sent Umme Salmah and Zainab (may Allah be pleased with them) to me with the instruction that they read Aayatul Kursi, the Surah Al-Falaq and An-Naas.” Adhan and Iqamah After birth when an infant has been properly washed, Adhan (call to prayer) should be recited in the right ear and Iqamah in the left. When Husain (may Allah be pleased with him) was born, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) recited Adhan and Iqamah in his ears. (Tabrani) The Wisdom The reason and objective for the creation of humankind is to worship Allah (The Exalted). For this reason, a person is encouraged to recite the declaration of faith (Shahadah) before leaving this world as the last thing uttered and also it should be the first thing heard upon entering this world. As a result he or she will begin his or her life with the name of Allah (The Exalted) and will also end his or her life with the name of Allah (The Exalted). It is also a warning to parents who do not offer the prayer and are disobient to Allah (The Exalted). They should remember that when they were born, the instruction of prayer and good deeds was also recited into their ears. If they at this moment do not offer the prayer, how are they daring to have a call to prayer recited into the child’s ear and how will they face Allah (The Exalted) in the hereafter.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a child is born, the devil pinches the body with two fingers, except 'Isa (upon whom be peace) son of Maryam (may Allah be pleased with her) whom the devil tried to pinch but failed, for he touched the placenta cover instead.” (Bukhari) This is the reason why babies cry when they are born. Make supplication Asma (may Allah be pleased with her) daughter of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “She conceived ‘Abd-Allah bin Zubair (may Allah be pleased with him) in Makkah and gave birth to him in Qubah, then took him to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and placed him in his lap. He called for a date, chewed it and paced it in his mouth, after which he rubbed his palate and then made supplication for him and invoked a blessing on him…” (Mishkat) Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I was blessed with a son and I took him to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who named him Ibrahim, and put in his mouth the juice of a date (which he himself had chewed), and invoked Allah's (The Exalted) blessing upon him, and then gave him back to me.” (Bukhari) He was the eldest son of Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him). Tahnik With the entering of a sweet thing and saliva of a pious person into the newborn’s stomach, it can be hoped that Allah (The Exalted) shall make hi or her talk sweet, dulcet and pleasant and make his or her character enriched with piety and virtue. Blessings and benedictions are gained by taking the child to a virtuous and pious person. Just as the prophetic Companions were accustomed to taking their children to the noble Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) so that he may offer the tahnik and supplicate for their blessing. Breast-feeding A newborn infant has the most right over the mother’s milk and the mother has the most right over breast-feeding her newborn. Breast-feeding her own child is embedded within the nature and personality of the mother. This is one of those natural practises that can be found to exist in animals too, and hence animals suckle their suckling and feel comfort in doing so. The mother’s milk is pure from bacterium and as a result does not become the cause for any illness. This is because the milk goes directly from the mother’s breast into the child’s stomach whereas, the milk from cows and goats passes through many stages, containers and bottles; and at any point it can be affected by bacterium and microbes that can be harmful to the health of the child.
The other’s milk is neither too cold nor too warm; rather, it is completely in line with the child’s temperament. Whereas, the milk from cows and goats is warmed up. Hence, it can fluctuate and can harm and be uncomfortable for the child. The possibility of breast cancer is less in the mother who breast-feeds her child. Whereas, chances of breast cancer are greater in those mothers who do not breast-feed their children. The best nourishment for a newborn is the mother’s milk as it contains everything that a newborn requires. No artificial milk can pose as a replacement for the mother’s milk. Mothers do not only provide physical nourishment to the children with their milk; rather, they transfer and pass on tradition, morals and characteristics. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) stated, “Suckle children the milk of good and virtuous mothers.” (Tafsir Ruh al-Bayan, Vol: 1, p. 203) First words The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that “When your children begins to speak, then teach him or her to repeat, “There is no deity but Allah (The Exalted)” being unmindful as to when he dies. And when children lose their milk teeth, enjoin upon them to pray Salaah.” (Tirmidhi) If a child dies before his father or mother, the child will intercede for the parents. (Ihya ulum adeen) Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If a man has two daughters or sisters and teaches them good manners up to their marriage, he and I will be like these two fingers.” (Ihya ulum adee) Meaning he will be close to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) the index finger with the middle finger. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) says, ‘ I have no reward but paradise for a believer of mine who displays patience when I take away his favourite one, from the things of the world.” (Bukhari) It is natural and difficult for the parents when they loose a child; however, Allah (The Exalted) has paradise for their patience. When the son of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passed away at a very young age, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was also sad and he shed tears too. Khatna – Circumcision The meaning of circumcision is “ to cut off the foreskin that is at the tip of the reproductive organ.” In Islamic law it is the “ round part on the edge above the conical vascular body of the penis.”
To have circumcision is a Sunnah. Allah (The Exalted) states in the Qur’an: “Then We have revealed to you that follow the faith of Ibrahim who was separate from all falsehood and was not a polytheist.” (Surah An Nahl 16:123) Narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) that, “ I heard the Prophet the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “Five practices are characteristic of the Fitrah: circumcision, removing the pubic hair, cutting the moustache short (not shaving), clipping the nails and trim the hair of the armpits.” (Bukhari) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “ Ibrahim (upon whom be peace) did his circumcision with an adze (hand tool with steel cutting blade) at the age of eighty.” (Bukhar) The Wisdom Circumcision differentiates a Muslim from a non-Muslim. Cleanliness and purity is attained by it. Chances of sever illnesses such as cancer are restricted and reduced by it. Manners when a child is born The placenta and umbilical cord should be buried with due care since they are parts of the human body. Upon birth, the newly born child should be given a proper bath. Thereafter the first words to reach the child’s ears should be the affirmness of the Greatness and Oneness of Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophethood of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The giving of Adhan near his right ear and Iqaamat in his left ear by a scholar (Alim) or a pious elder of the family is sufficient for this. (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) This, however, should not be delayed. There is nothing better for a mother who has just given birth to a child than fresh grapes. (Ihya ulum Ad-din) Subhanallah! Grapes increases strength (Medicine of the prophet, p. 61) and cleans the stomach. To perform Tahneek (the placing of a date, softened by chewing, on the tongue of the newborn). An Alim or a pious elder of the family can carry this out. If such a person is not available then any Muslim male may perform this act. Honey may be substituted for dates, if dates are unavailable. (Bukhari) To give the newborn an appropriate name on the seventh day. (Abu Dawud) To make Aqiqah on the seventh day, (Abu Dawu) if this is not possible then fifteen or twenty-one days after the birth of the child. (Guide to Muslims Islamic & social affairs, p. 6)
Aqiqah is a form of Sadaqah whereby the child is safeguarded against misfortune, Insha-‘Allah. Gifts of alms should be distributed among the poor, voltentry Salaah should be prayed instead of parties, playing music and distributing sweetmeats, which is totally unnecessary. It is preferable to have a Meelad/Mawlid or Fatiha on the birth of a child and all other unnecessary customs, which has no basis in Islam, should be completely stopped. (ibid) It is Mustahab (preferable) to remove the baby’s hair on the seventh day after birth. Silver equivalent to the weight of the removed hair may be given as charity to the poor; otherwise its equivalent value in money will suffice. Saffron can be put on the head after shaving it. (Abu Dawud) The hair should be buried with due care and respect. The age for circumcision is from seven till twelve. Some scholars have said from birth till the seventh day and after. If an elderly new Muslim does not have the strength to have it done, then there is no need. However, if a young person embraces Islam, it he can do it himself then do so. If not possible then there is no problem. (Alamgiri) When circumcising a boy, if half of the foreskin is cut then the circumcision is done. However, if less then half is done then it be done again. (ibid) If circumcision has been done, however, the foreskin has grown again and the head of the penis is hidden then perform circumcision again and if the foreskin has grown that much then there is no need. (ibid) If a child is born where he has no foreskin then there is no need or circumcision. If there is some skin, show the person who carries out the circumcision, if it can be pulled out get the circumcision done, but if not then do not give the child difficulty. (ibid) It is the father’s job to perform the circumcision. If he is not present than the one who looks after his affairs when absent should do it. Then it is the grandfather’s job and if he is not present then the one who looks after his affairs when absent should do the circumcision. It is not the job for the child’s uncle (father’s brother’s or the sister’s husband). However, if they are responsible for the child’s upbringing then it can be done.” (ibid) To castrate (remove the testicles) is forbidden in Islam. (ibid) Science is today saying that if you have circumcision than many diseases are prevented and is very hygienic, but Islam told us fourteen centuries ago! May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to follow the Sunnah and obtain many virtues and benefits in this world and the hereafter, Ameen.
CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN SUNNAH OF KEEPING NAMES O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as all that is within range of Your Hearing. Today our parents choose names of those who are seen as famous but not in the view of Allah (The Exalted), Allah forbid, Ameen. If our children get to know the names of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and his family then they will relate everything according to their lifestyle. Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The child has a right that the father keeps a good name and teach good manners.” (Baihaqi) Abu Musa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “A son was born to me and I took him to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who named him Ibrahim, did Tahneek for him with a date, invoked Allah’s (The Exalted) blessing upon him and returned him to me.” (Bukhari) Names liked by Allah (The Exalted) Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that, “From your names, Allah (The Exalted) likes ‘Abd-Allah and Abdur Rahman.” (Muslim, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 11, p. 165 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 168) Abu Wahab Al Jushami (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Call yourselves by the names of the Prophets (upon them all be peace). The names dearest to Allah (The Exalted) are ‘Abd-Allah and ‘Abdur-Rahman, the truest are Harith and Hammam, and the worst are Harb and Murrah.” (Abu Dawood, Ahmad, Aadaab al-Mufrad, Baihaqi, Jam’ i Sagheer, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 11, p. 166 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 168) Dawudi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) dislikes the names Khalid and Malik as no-one will live forever and Malik belongs to Allah (The exalted) alone.” (‘Umdatul Qari, Fathul Bari, Fiqh Shehensha, p. 24 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 169) Keep good names Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “On the day of resurrection you will be called by your name and your father’s name so keep good names.” (Abu Dawood, Ahmad, Sahih ibn Hibban, Sharah Sunnan, Targheeb Wat Tarheeb, Tareekh Damish, Kanzul Ummal, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 124) When a child grows up and ponders over the good meaning of his or her name, then he or she will attempt to be good as his or her name. as an example, if any man has the name Siddiq (truthful), Tayyib (pure) or Sa’ id (fortunate); then he will attempt to behave
in a manner that is truthful, pure and fortunate. Similarly, if any woman has the name Siddiqa, Tayyiba or Sa’ ida; then she will attempt to behave in a manner that is also truthful, pure and fortunate. Who is illiterate? Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that, “Whoever has three sons, and from them he does not name one of them Muhammad, he is definitely illiterate (Jaahil).” (Tabrani, Ma’ jam Kabeer, Ma’ jam Zawaid, Kanzul Ummal, Haawi al-Fataw, Asrar al-Mar fu’ah, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 166) Saved from punishment if your name is… Nubeat bin Shureet (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Allah (The Exalted) said that ‘ I swear by myself whoever has his name on your name, I will not punish them.” Meaning he whose name is Muhammad will not be punished. Subhanallah! Our name may not be Muhammad; however, it is very virtuous to put Muhammad before our name. If by keeping the name of the Prophet with your name can save you from punishment then imagine how much the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) can directly benefit you! Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that, “Whosoever is called Muhammad or Ahmad will not go to Hell.” (Hafiz Abu Tahir Salfi, Bahar-e-Shariat & Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 250. A similar hadith has been narrated by Nabeet bin Shareet in Hilya Awliya, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 165) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that, “When you keep a child’s name Muhammad then respect him and make room for him in gatherings and do not associate bad with him.” (Hakim, Tabkaat, Kanzul Ummal, Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 166) Abu Raf’ i (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that, “When you keep a child’s name Muhammad then do not hit him nor neglect him.” (Bazzar, Kanzul Ummal Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 167) Imam Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “That house who has a person called Muhammad has more blessings.” (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 9, p. 203 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 167) The names of the noble Prophet (upon whom be peace) and those of the prominent pious men and women of the history of Islam are all good. If any man or woman has a name that is attributed to any noble person and he behaves in a wrongful manner, those watching can guide him that your name is attributed to such a noble and virtuous person, yet your actions are not so good.
Names of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) related from Ibn Shihab (may Allah be pleased with him) the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I have five names. I am Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). I am Ahmad. I am al-Mahi (the effacer), by whom Allah (The Exalted) effaces kufr. I am al-Hashir (the gatherer), before whom people are gathered. I am al-Aqib (the last).” (Al-Muwwata) ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) kept her name Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) because of her and those who love her have been saved from the hell fire.” (Kanzul Ummal, Fiqh Shehensha, p. 28 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 168) Do not call people by bad names ‘Abd-Allah bin Jarrar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “Do not call your brothers by bad names.” (Ashab Sunan Arba’ ) Meaning names that are offensive to the person. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would change bad names.” (Timidhi chapter of Adaab, Targheeb wat tarheeb, Kanzul Ummal, Jam’ I Sagheer Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Vol: 11, p. 165 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 142) Hisham bin ‘Urwa (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that his father said that, “ I called Hassan (may Allah be pleased with him) with bad names in front of 'Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her).” She said that, “Don't call him with bad names because he would defend the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) (against the pagans).” (Bukhari) We should not call anyone with nicknames or shorten the names as people do today. We should also not call ourselves with the names of non-Muslims. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “One of ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) daughter’s was called ‘Aasiya. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) named her Jameela.” (Muslim) Nicknames Ameer bin Sa’ad (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever calls a person by changing their name, the angles curse them.” (Kanzul Ummal, Jam’ i Sagheer, Ara-ah Adaab, p. 5 & Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 3, p. 170) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has ninety-nine names, one-hundred less one; and he who memorised them all by heart will enter Paradise.” (Bukhari) To count something means to know it by heart.
Jannah becomes Wajib upon one who memorises the ninety-nine names of Allah (The Exalted). Subhanallah! Important Rules: The parents have the first right in naming their child. It is better not to keep names that are not mentioned in the Qur’an or the Hadith or is not used in the Muslims. (Alamgiri) If a child is born dead, there is no need to keep a name, one can bury the child without a name. (ibid) If a child was born alive then died, keep a name then bury the child, if one does not know if it is a male or a female then keep a name that is used for both. (Durre Mukhtar) Names such as Rashid, Latif, Hafiz, Rauf etc. are the names of Allah (The Exalted), we should not called them but with ‘Abdul’ meaning ‘servant of’ before it. It is forbidden to call one with the names of Allah (The Exalted). To keep names such as ‘Abdul Mustafa, ‘Abdun Nabi, ‘Abdur Rasool is permissible as it is for respect and not of worship. This had been proven in the Qur’an and Hadith. (Bahare Shariat) The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) changed the names that praised oneself. Names such as Shamsdudeen, Zainudeen, Siraajuddeen, Fakaruddeen, Nizamuddeen should be avoided. (ibid) The question arises that the pious people would be called by these names so why is it we can not follow their footsteps? The answer is that these where pious scholars and have helped the religion, we are ignorant towards our religion and have not helped in the religion at all, so we are not worthy of having these names. Imam Mohyuddeen Nawawi (may Allah be pleased with him) besides being a great scholar would stop people from calling him Mohyudden. (Radul Mohtar) Allahu Akbar! To keep names such as Baksh after a Prophets or a saints name is permissible such as Nabi Baksh, Ahmad Baksh and Hussain Baksh etc. (Bahare Shariat) To keep names such as Muhammad Nabi, Muhammad Rasool etc. is not permissible as these are specific names of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). (Bahar-e-Shariat, Vol: 17 & Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 257) If one is unsure of any name then it is better to ask your local Imam. Do not call people by names that will bring pride in them, as this is a sin, but call them by names that they like. (Bahare Shariat) such as many call a person with some knowledge of Islam ‘Allama Saab’ . Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal was …… To call your teachers, parents or your husband by their names is disrespectful. (Alamgiri) Call you husband by another name i.e. Hajji, or the father of your son/daughter etc. If your son is called ‘Abdullah then you can call your husband Abu ‘Abdullah (father of
‘Abdullah). Some call there husbands by nicknames, this should be avoided if you are shorting his first name i.e. to call Farouq as ‘Faz’ or Muhammad as ‘Mo’ etc. more details on this is covered in the chapter of names. Do not call the Prophet by saying, ‘O Muhammad’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or ‘Ay Muhammad’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), but call him by ‘O Prophet of Allah’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), or ‘O Messenger of Allah’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The daughter of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would always say ‘O Messenger of Allah’ (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and not even ‘ father’ . To keep nicknames such as ‘Abu Bakr, ‘Abu Turaab or ‘Abul Hasan etc. is permissible as to keep these names is a form of relic (tabarruk) to gain blessings. (Raddul Mohtar) To keep the names of the Prophets (upon them all be peace) the companions or the pious people (the Salaf) with the name ‘Gulam’ in front is permissible. (Bahare Shariat) i.e. Gulam Mustafa, Gulam Nabi etc. Do not keep names such as ‘Yaseen’ ‘Taha’ etc. as these are part of the ‘Ayat-e-Muqati’at’ and the meaning is unknown. Some scholars say it belongs to the names of Allah (The Exalted) and some say it belongs to the names of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). These names may be specific names of Allah (The Exalted) or the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), hence, we should abstain from keeping them. (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to keep good names of our children, Ameen. CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT SUNNAH OF AQIQA / QURBANI O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as all that is encompassed by Your Vision. The 'Aqiqa (sacrifice) ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) slaughtered a goat on the occasion of Hasan’s (may Allah be pleased with him) birth, the son of Fatimah and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) and said that, “Oh Fatima! Shave the head of Hasan and pay silver equal to the weight of the hair as charity.”” (Tirmidhi) Yahya (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) related to me from Malik (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) from Jafar ibn Muhammad (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) that his father said, “Fatima, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) weighed the hair of Hasan, Husayn, Zaynab and Umm Kulthum and gave away in sadaqa an equivalent weight of silver.” (Muatta Imam Malik) Behaviour in the Aqiqah
Yahya (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) related to me from Malik (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) and he from Nafi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) that if any of ‘Abd-Allah ibn ‘Umar's (may Allah be pleased with him) family asked him for an Aqiqah, he would give it to them. He gave a sheep as Aqiqah for both his male and female children. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If anyone has a child born to him and wishes to offer a sacrifice on its behalf, he may offer two sheep for a boy and one for a girl.” (Abu Dawood & Mishkat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Two sheep are to be sacrificed for a boy and one for a girl, but it does you no harm whether they (the animal sacrifice) be male or female.” (Tirmidhi, Nasa’ i & Abu Dawud.) Yahya (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) related to me from Malik (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) from Rabia ibn Abi ‘Abd ar-Rahman (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) that Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn al-Harith at-Taymi (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said, “ I heard my father say that the Aqiqah was desirable, even if it was only a sparrow.” (Muatta Imam Malik) Meaning it is good to perform the Aqiqah. Shaving the head & name The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A boy is in pledge for his Aqiqah. Sacrifice is made for him on the seventh day, he is given a name and his head is shaved.” (Mishkat) Yahya (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) related to me from Malik (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) and he from Hisham ibn Urwa (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) that his father, Urwa ibn az-Zubayr (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) made an Aqiqah for his male and female children of a sheep each. (Muatta Imam Malik) Sunnah of Aqiqah Aqiqah is due to the happiness of when a child is born, the animal that is slaughtered is known as an Aqiqah. An Aqiqah is Mustahab (desirable) and it is better to perform it on the 7th day. If it cannot be performed on the 7th day then perform it whenever possible and the Sunnah will be fulfilled i.e. on the 14th, 21st or 28th. (Abu Dawud) Two goats can be slaughtered for a son and one goat for a daughter. Also a male animal for the boy and a female animal for the girl, if however, if this is vice-versa then it is also accepted. If you cannot afford to slaughter two, one female goat would also do for the boy. If you slaughter a cow or a buffalo then for the boy you would specify two parts and for the girl one part. You can mix parts of Aqiqah with a Qurbani animal. The same conditions apply for an Aqiqah animal as for the Qurbani animal.
The meat of the Aqiqah should be given to the poor, friends and relatives raw or cooked, or it can be served as a meal and all the people invited, in all these cases it is allowed. For pious prediction don’ t break the bones and if you do break them then this is not forbidden. You can cook the meat in whichever way suits you but to cook it salty is a means that the child will become with good characteristics. The Aqiqah meat can be eaten by all relatives such as the mother, father, grandfather, grandmother and others. The rule for the skin of the Aqiqah is the same as for the Qurbani animal, meaning you can make use of it yourself, give it to someone or give to a Madrasa or Masjid. SUNNAH OF QURBANI Qurbani is a worship with goods and is Wajib (necessary) upon every rich person. To sacrifice a specific animal on a specific day for the sake of Allah (The Exalted) for the intention to gain reward is called a Qurbani. Qurbani is Wajib upon every Muslim who is not a traveller and is the owner of Nisaab and is a free person. Just as Qurbani is Wajib upon all males it is also Wajib upon all females. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, etc) Qurbani is not Wajib upon a traveller, however, if he wishes to perform it voluntarily, then he can do so and will gain reward. (ibid) The owner of Nisaab means to have as much goods in addition to the basic necessities an amount of two hundred Dirhams (approx. £400-£500 and is always changing). (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Alamgiri, etc.) Time of Qurbani The time of Qurbani is from the break of dawn of the 10th of Dhul Hajj to sunset on the 12th of Dhul Hajj, meaning three days and two nights. However, it is better to perform it in the morning of the 10th, then 11th, then 12th. If the Qurbani is performed in a city then the condition is that it is performed after the ‘Eid Salaah and because there is no ‘Eid Salaah in villages and outskirts then it can be performed after the break of dawn. It is necessary to perform Qurbani at the time of Qurbani, therefore, if that much money or the same amount of goods to the value of an animal is given then the responsibility of Qurbani will not be fulfilled. (Alamgiri etc.) If the time of Qurbani has passed then a Qurbani can no longer be performed and if you had purchased an animal for Qurbani then give it as Sadaqa (charity) or give the amount of money equivalent to the value of a goat as Sadaqa. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Alamgiri, etc.) Rules of Qurbani
Once the conditions of Qurbani are fulfilled (as mentioned above), then to sacrifice one goat or sheep or lamb or one seventh of a camel, cow, buffalo is Wajib and no less than this can be performed. If a person’s share of a large animal is less than one seventh then their share of the Qurbani will not count (meaning, if eight people are jointly sacrificing one large animal then only seven of these people’s Qurbani will count). If there are less than seven people jointly performing Qurbani and the parts divided are equal to at least one seventh per person then the Qurbani will count. Every person that is jointly performing Qurbani have to make the intention that they are doing it to gain reward and not just to gain the meat and therefore a person wanting to perform an Aqiqah can also join in as this is done to gain reward. (Radd-ul-Mohtar) Rules of meat and the skin If the animal is bought jointly then the meat should be weighed and equally distributed. It should not be divided roughly because if it is divided un-equally then even if the person receiving less forgives them it will not be forgiven as the right is as per Shariat. (ibid Bahar) Then split your share into three parts and give one third to the poor as Sadaqa, one third to your relatives and one third for yourself and eat the meat yourself and give some to your wife and children. If you have a lot of children and a large family then you can keep all the meat for yourself and if you so wish you can give all of it to Sadaqa, however, it is better to keep one part of yourself. If you have performed a Qurbani on behalf of a deceased person then the rule of the meat is the same, however, if the deceased had requested for the Qurbani then give all the meat away as Sadaqa. If the Qurbani is from a deceased person then the meat cannot be eaten by yourself nor can it be given to a rich person, but it is Wajib to give all the meat away as Sadaqa. (Bahar) It is Mustahab for the person performing the Qurbani to eat the Qurbani meat as the first food of the day. (Barraur-Raiq) The meat of the Qurbani should not be given to infidels. The animal’s skin, reins, saddle etc. should all be given in Sadaqa. You can use the skin for yourself and make something out of it e.g. a leather bag or a mat for praying Namaz on. However, you cannot sell the skin and use the money for yourself, if this is done then the money has to be given as Sadaqa. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) Nowadays people usually give the skins to Madressas, this is allowed and if you sell the skin with the intention to give the money to the Madressas then this is also allowed. (Alamgiri, Bahar)
The meat of the Qurbani cannot be given to the person performing the Qurbani or skinning the animal as labour or salary. If however, you give it as a gift as you would do to friends then this is acceptable, but you cannot include it as a form of payment for his work. (Hidaya etc.) There are many places where the skin is given to the Imam. This should not be given as part of his salary but can be given as a gift or assistance. (Bahar-e-Shariat) Which animals can be used for Qurbani Animals for Qurbani - Camel, cow, buffalo, goat, ewe (male or female), eunuch, and large eunuch can all be used for Qurbani. (Alamgiri) Wild animals such as deer, white antelope, and reindeer cannot be used to perform Qurbani. A sheep or lamb is included in the eunuch category. Age of a Qurbani Animal A camel must be at least five years old; a buffalo must be at least two years old and a sheep or lamb or goat at least a year old. If they are younger than this then the Qurbani will not count. However, if a lamb or a eunuch’s young is so big at six months that by looking at it from a distance it looks to be a year old then it can be used for Qurbani. ( Durr-e-Mukhtar) What should a Qurbani Animal be like? A Qurbani animal should be big and healthy and should not have any faults. If there is a small fault with the animal then the Qurbani will count but is Makrooh and if there is a big fault then the Qurbani will not count. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Alamgiri) If a bull has no horns from birth then it is allowed and if the horns have been broken upto the root then it is not allowed to use it for Qurbani and if they are a little broken then it is allowed. (Alamgiri, etc.) A blind, lame, cross-eyed, mad, cut-ears, cut-tailed, teethless, cut-teats, dried teats, cut nosed, deaf from birth, a hermaphrodite (where an animal’s both sexual organ’s exist), an animal that only eats impurities then all of these animals cannot be used for Qurbani. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Bahar) If the illness is small and the lameness is not that bad so that the animal can walk upto the slaughter-house or the ears, nose etc. are less than a third cut then the animal can be used for Qurbani. (ibid Hidaya, Alamgiri) If when performing the Qurbani the animal jumped and shook and due to this it became faulty then there is no harm. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) If you performed a Qurbani and found that there is a live born inside then that should also be slaughtered and can be made use of, and if the young inside is dead then it should be thrown away. (Bahar-e-Shariat)
If after purchasing and before the Qurbani the animal give birth then the new-born should also be slaughtered and if it is sold then the money should be given away as Sadaqa and if it is not slaughtered before the Qurbani then give it away live as Sadaqa. (Alamgiri, Bahar) NOTICE: Just look at our master and king the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) big heart and concern that he made a Qurbani on behalf of his Ummah and thought of us, therefore, if a Muslim can then they should perform an additional Qurbani on behalf of the Holy Prophet then it would be a very good and fortunate act. (Bahar-e-Shariat) CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE LOVE TOWARDS CHILDREN: THE SUNNAH WAY O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as those who neglect to remember him do so. Children are a major issue in an Islamic society as today they are children but tomorrow they shall become parents. If they are not trained properly and educated adequately, it will be detrimental to the future of society. Children are a blessing of Allah (The Exalted) and a source of happiness for the parents. However, if not bought up in the Islamic environment they could be a source of sorrow. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had much love for the children and he would put them in his lap, put his blessed hands on their heads, and make supplication for them. He would kiss them on the forehead, play with them, make them smile, take them up in his arms, and would give them a ride on his horse or mule if he met them while riding. He would lengthen his prostration in prayer if a child rode on his blessed back. He would have love and affection and would always smile at them and joke with them by saying “O you with the two ears!” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Each of you is a shepard and each of you is responsible for his flock. The leader is a Shepard and is responsible for his flock; a man is the Shepard of his family and is responsible for his flock; a woman is the Shepard in the house of her husband and is responsible for her flock…” (Bukhari & Muslim) Islam has placed a burden of responsibility on the shoulders of all people, from which none may be excused. Above all, parents are responsible for providing their children with a sound Islamic education and upbringing. Be just? The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Muslims, Allah (The Exalted) desires that you should be just in dealing with your children.” (Tabarani) If you have two or more children then treat them equally, if you get something then do not forget the others, but bring them something too.
Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When giving, be just with your children just as you would like them to be good and just to you.” (ibid) Nu’man bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) likes that person who is just to his children to the extent even when kissing them.” (Ibn Najjar) Command children to pray Amr bin Shu’aib (may Allah be pleased with him) reports from his father that his grandfather reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Command your children to observe prayer when they are seven years old, and beat (lightly) them (for not praying) when they are ten years old.” (Ahmad, Abu dawud and Al-Hakim.) Every family which is aware of this hadith but the parents do not teach their children to pray when they reach seven or hit them if they do not do so when they reach ten, is a family that is failing in its duty and neglecting its children. These parents are sinners who are responsible before Allah (The Exalted) for this failure and neglect. There is no one in the world that showed more love towards children. However, when it comes to Salaah, even children have been ordered to be hit (lightly & not on the face). The home is the first environment in which these little ones grow: it is the milieu in which their inclinations, attitudes and personalities are formed. This explains the importance of the parents’ role in nurturing their young ones and paying equal attention to their physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Good manners are the best gift Amr bin Sa’eed bin al-Aas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “No father can give a better gift to his son than good manners.” (Tirmidhi & Hakim) Meaning teach them respect of the teachers, elders, youngsters and about general life, especially following the Sunnah. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Look after your children and teach them good manners.” (Ibn Majah) Playing with children The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would line up ‘Abd-Allah, ‘Ubaydullah and Kuthayyir, (may Allah be pleased with them) the sons of ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) and say: “Whoever reaches me first, I will give him such and such.” So they would race towards him and jump on his back and chest, kissing him. (Ahmad) Love towards children
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “ I never saw anyone who was more compassionate towards children than the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). His son Ibraheem (may Allah be pleased with him) was in the care of a wet nurse in the hills around Madinah. He would enter the house, pick up his son and kiss him, then come back.” (Muslim) Subhanallah! Respect youngsters and elders The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He is not one of us who does not show compassion to our little ones and recognise the rights of our elders.” (Ahmad) Show children mercy Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) kissed Hasan Ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and Aqra Ibn Habis (may Allah be pleased with him) said that ‘ I have ten children, and I have never kissed any of them.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.’” ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “A person asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘You kiss your children, we don’ t’ , and he said, “Allah (The Exalted) has taken the mercy from your heart so what can I do.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “When a man spends on his family with the intention of pleasing Allah (The Exalted), then it will be counted as Sadaqah (charity) on his part.” (ibid) Children are entitled to the following rights: A good name: children have a right to be given a good Islamic name. Islam denounces name-calling and distortion of ones name. A proper upbringing: Children are to be provided with a suitable upbringing with good food, adequate clothing, and residence, all in an appropriate morally Islamic environment. Love and kindness: They need to be shown tenderness and affection; this negates all types of verbal or physical abuse. Good training: They should be educated and trained into becoming well-mannered members of society. Inheritance: Their economic aspect is taken into consideration and so they are entitled to inheritance.
Let’s try to bring up our beloved children in the Islamic manner by giving them the environment that a Muslim deserves. When our children return from school ask them what they have learnt and also ask what they have learnt in the Madrasas too by sitting with them and go through their homework from school and the lessons given by the teacher from the Madrasas. Learn to support your children because if you do not do so then the bad and corrupted in society will support your children in the incorrect manner. The father of Today! A father will come from work today and put his feet up whilst watching the television and reading the newspaper and instruct the child to do his homework and will not sit with him/her and assist. This is one of the reasons why the children of today do not respect their parents because they have not supported their children and brought them up in the Islamic environment but have learnt bad manners from the media watching soaps and films etc. Success in both worlds If you want to be successful in this life and in the hereafter then follow the teachings of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and take them to the Masjid when the time for Salaah comes and instead of telling them to go whilst you remain at home. If you practice Islam then sons and daughters will learn from their parents. A very common saying ‘Like father like son’ , if the father is a good Muslim then Insha’Allah the son will follow in his footsteps. Leave behind good children Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said thatm, “When a man dies no further reward is recorded for his actions, with three exceptions. 1) Sadaqah which continues to be supplied, assisted in building a Islamic educational Institute, or 2) knowledge from which benefit continues to be preached, or 3) the prayer of a pious son for his dead father.” We hear shocking incidents that the father has died and the body is laying there and the son does not know how to offer the funeral (Janaza) prayer, he can’ t wash his fathers body, he doesn’ t know how to recite the Fatiha, Allah (The Exalted) forbid and give us the ability to learn and fulfil this part of the rights of the parents, Ameen. What do fathers leave behind today? We hear of situations today where the father’s body is in front of the son and the son does not know how to pray the Janaza (funeral) Salaah and does not know how to make supplication. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from illiteracy and give us all the ability to learn the knowledge of Islam and bring it into our lives by practising it. True Heroes of Islam ‘Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates: “ In the battle of Badr, I noticed two youngsters, one on either side. One of the boys caught my hand and said; ‘Uncle, do you know who Abu Jahl is?’ I said ‘Yes’ . The boy said, ‘ If I see him I will not leave him until I kill him or I am killed.’ I noticed Abu Jahl dashing in the battlefield on the
back of his horse. I said to the boys, “There is the object of your quest.’ Both of them immediately darted towards him and started attacking him with their swords, till I saw him fall from the horse’s back.” (Seerate Mustafa (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)) These boys were Ma’adh bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) And Ma’awwaz bin Afra (may Allah be pleased with him), may Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to bring up our children like these warriors of Islam. The following principles should be useful in establishing a childbearing method that is not too extreme. Start Early Although many parents believe that small children are too young to understand, their early years are probably the most important opportunity for parents to start them in the right direction. Once good patterns are established, they will be easy to maintain. Once bad patterns are established, they will be difficult to change. Have your Emotions Under Control while Instructing Children Don't discipline your child because you are angry with him, but rather because you want to teach him. Motive is important here. As a Muslim parent, your motive should be to help your child. Parents should Present a United Front Parents should discuss their strategy for training and disciplining their children and agree to work together as a team. If children realise that one parent is strict and the other is easy, they will play the parents against each other. When the strict parent stops them from doing something, they will go ask the easy parent for permission. Both parents need to tell the child the same thing. If parents sometimes disagree on how to discipline the child, they should discuss it privately, not in front of the children. Be Consistent Most experts on children agree that parents should be consistent. Constantly changing the rules and expectations will only confuse your child. If you stop him from writing on the walls today, and you allow him to write on the walls tomorrow, he will not understand when you get angry the next time he writes on the walls. If you inconsistently apply the rules, he will also test you at times to see whether you are going to be tough this time or easy. If, however, he knows from experience that you always stop him the first time, he will quickly learn it does no good to try to get away with something. Although consistency is essential, it does not mean that parents cannot change their minds about the rules. If you do change the rules, however, you must inform your child in advance so that he will know what to expect. This failure to be consistent is at the root of many parents' inability to control their children. Never Lie to your Children
If you lie to them “every now and then,” they may not believe you when you tell them the truth. This also applies to those situations when you tell your child to stop doing something, or you will put him in his room, spank him, or take away his toys. If you make that kind of a threat, you must stick with it. Otherwise, you have lied, and your child will not know when you are serious and when you are not. He will then be forced to test you again and again to see. ‘Abd-Allah bin Aami narrated that (When I was a child) one day my mother called and said “Come I will give you something, at that time the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sitting in our house.” He inquired from my mother: “What is it that you want to give him?” She replied: “ I want to give him dates,” He said, “ If you had given him nothing the sin of one lie would have been entered in your account.” (Mishkat) Don't Reward Crying If children realise that every time they cry, they get what they want, crying will become like money for them. Every time they want something, they will cry. On the other hand, if you teach them that crying doesn't get them anything, they will stop crying for things. Let them cry and cry and cry, but don't give in. In the beginning, it will be difficult, but be patient. Once they learn the lesson and stop crying for everything, you will be happy that you were firm. You can either listen to crying for a few days or for the rest of your life. It's your choice. Teach Your Child to Apologise When he/she Does Something Wrong This is important so that he will learn what is expected of him from others and from Allah (The Exalted). If he does something wrong, he should ask forgiveness from Allah (The Exalted) and apologise to any people who were hurt by his words or actions. This will be useful in developing his conscience. Accept Child's Apology Be quick to excuse your child when he apologises and shows that he is sorry for his disobedience or bad actions. When we do wrong, we seek forgiveness from Allah (The Exalted) and want to be excused. Likewise, we should excuse others. This will develop in your child a sense of mercy and prepare him for an understanding of the forgiveness of Allah (The Exalted). Always make it clear to the child that you love him, especially after he has been in trouble and apologised. Let him understand that no bad feelings remain. Apologise For Your Mistakes Don't be too proud to apologise to your child when you make mistakes. This will establish in him a belief in your sense of justice and prevent him from viewing you as nothing but a tyrant. Teach Islam From an Early Age Teach your child from an early age about Allah (The Exalted), the Prophets (upon them all be peace), the companions (may Allah be pleased with them all), and the great
heroes of Islam. If we develop in them a love for Islam and provide them with righteous examples for their heroes, they will be much less likely to go astray. A person wants to be like his heroes. If he admires the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), ‘Abu Bakr and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), he will try to follow their example. If he admires a rock star or a gang leader, he will want to be like them. If we inspire our children with good examples, when they are tempted to do wrong, they will Insha-Allah, remember these examples, and remain steadfast. Discipline Your Child Discipline should not become the domain of one parent. Mothers and fathers should both participate in the disciplining of their children. Although mothers often threaten their children by telling them that they will get into trouble when their father gets home, this method is not very useful for three reasons. First, discipline should be carried out immediately after the disobedience occurs so that the child will connect the disobedience with its consequences. If parents wait until later, the child may have forgotten why he got into trouble, and feel that the parents are not justified in disciplining him. Second, sometimes the child must be stopped immediately, and the mother cannot wait until the father gets home. The child must be taught to respond immediately to her commands as well as his father's. Third, making one parent responsible for disciplining the child may turn that parent into the “bad guy” in the child's eyes. The child should recognise that both parents agree on their methods of disciplining him. Although the degree to which various parents use them will vary, the following five methods might be used for disciplining your children. Respected brother/sister! You should also have love for children in the same way that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would love children. If you ever want to stop them from doing something wrong do not shout at them as they will have hatred for you but tell them by explaining in a nice way as the first teachings of Islam start with children. Teach them manners of eating, drinking and using the toilet etc. May Allah (The Exalted) help us all to love children and bring them up as good Muslims and staunch followers of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), Ameen! A question was asked to Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan; what rights do the parents have over their children towards the parents when they die? Answer: The first right is to bath them, shroud them offer the funeral prayer, and bury them. Make supplication and ask for their forgiveness. Give charity in their name and any good deeds you perform send them the reward. Pay of their debt as soon as possible. Perform Hajj on their behalf, and pay off any Zakah that needs paying. If they have willed for anything try to complete it as long as it is accordance to the Shariah.
Stick to the promises made by your parents; such as you will not go to such a place, you will not meet such a person etc. To visit their graves every Friday, recite the Qur’an and send them the reward. Be good with the relations and the friends of your parents. (Nizam-e-Shariat) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to bring up our children in the Islamic environment and with love, care and respect, Ameen. CHAPTER SIXTY SUNNAH OF HOUSEHOLD CHORES O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as those who remember him do so. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would gladly take part in the housework. Clean the house out, he would feed the animals, milk the goats, put patches on his clothes, bring water from the well and if need arose he would mend his shoes too. If anything were required for the home the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would get it. He would take part in helping the servants to grain the flour. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did not have any problem in doing the housework and would take part in doing as much work as possible. ‘Aisha, al-Hasan ibn ‘Ali, Abu Sa’ id al-Khudri and others (may Allah be pleased them all) described him that he would work in the house with his family. He would delouse his clothes, mend his sandals, serve himself, sweep the house and hobble the camel. He would take the camels to graze and eat with the servants. He would knead bread with them and carry his own goods from the market. (Ash-Shifa, Chapter two, The Prophet’s perfect Qualities of Character. Section 19, His humility, p. 68) Doing the housework Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would do the housework with his own blessed hands. He would sit with his servants and eat with them and would assist the servants with their jobs.” (Ash-Shifa ) Amrah (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that someone asked ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that, “What was the usual practise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) at home?” She replied: “He was a human from among other humans. He himself removed the lice from his clothing, milked his goats, and did all his work himself.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, p. 352) Lice were not found in the clothing of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is evident that lice appears from dirt of the body and multiplies with perspiration. The whole body of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant
him peace) was noor (light). There can be no questions of dirt in the same manner his perspiration was like rose that is used as a scent. How can it be possible for lice to live in the essence of rose. Therefore here it will mean that he looked for lice suspecting it from another person to have crept onto his clothing. The broken strap of his shoe ‘Abd-Allah bin Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Once the Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) strap broke off his blessed shoes and he was repairing it with his own hands. I requested, ‘O Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) give it to me I will repair it.’ On my request he said, ‘Of course you will repair it but I do not like to show my status by getting my jobs done by you.’ The companions would request the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) time and time to let them carry out the jobs, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would say, “ I do not like to live amongst you as a great person.” (Zurqaani) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) never thought of himself above others or any job below his dignity. When out with the companions he insisted in doing his share of the job in spite of their protests. The Prophet takes part Once on a journey a few companions indented slaughtering a goat. They distributed the work amongst themselves. One took the responsibility of slaughtering the animal, the other of removing the skin, one of cooking it. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I am responsible for collecting the wood needed for cooking.” The companions said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we will do all the work.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I also understand that you will gladly do all the work, but, I do not like my being the most distinguished in this group, and Allah (The Exalted) also does not like it.” (Shamail-e-Tirmidhi, p. 342) Abu Musa Al Ashari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “On every Muslim there is enjoined (a compulsory) Sadaqa (alms).” They (the people) said, “ If one has nothing?” He said, “He should work with his hands so that he may benefit himself and give in charity.” They said, “ If he cannot work or does not work?” He said, “Then he should help the oppressed unhappy person (by word or action or both).” They said, “ If he does not do it?” He said, “Then he should enjoin what is good (or said what is reasonable).” They said, “ If he does not do that?” He said, “Then he should refrain from doing evil, for that will be considered for Him as a Sadaqa (charity).” (Bukhari) Supplication when feeling tired Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to ask for a slave to assist her. Her hands had turned red due to grinding and drawing water. The colour of her face had also changed due to cooking and sweeping.
She came and found that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was not present. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) arrived he enquired, ‘Why did my daughter come?’ He was told, to ask for a slave. Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to her house and asked her, ‘You wanted a slave? There is no helper at the moment, however, when one is present then you will get one.’ He then said, ‘The worldly work is easy perform it whichever way you can. Be a good servant of Allah (The Exalted), fear him and look after your husband. I will show you such a deed that is better then a slave, before sleeping recite Subhanallah (All purity belongs to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah) 33 times, and 34 times Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest).’” (Musnad Imam Ahmad & Madarij-un-Nabuwah) This is the reason this tasbih is also known as Tasbih-e-Fatima. Many people to rid their tiredness turn to massage parlours and get massaged by the opposite gender which is strictly forbidden. Even if people get massaged by the same gender their bodies are not covered according to the Shari’ah (Islamic law). When a person recites the Tasbih given by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) it will rid you of tiredness as well as give you spiritual benefit. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from using forbidden methods of ridding tiredness and give us the ability to perform the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted), Ameen. Respected brother/sister in Islam! We should also take part in the housework and if we do it with the intention that doing the housework is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then the work will become worship and we will be rewarded for it. Subhanallah! Manners of Household chores Keep your rooms tidy. Put your clothes away. Try to iron your own clothes. Assist in shopping. Help in preparing the food. Take the food out yourselves. Wash the dishes yourselves. The women in the house are not slaves. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to take part in the house work and gain reward for it too, Ameen.
CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE SUNNAH REGARDING HOSPITALITY TO GUESTS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are created beings. Looking after guest gains you many rewards. Not only will it please the guest when you look after them but it will gain you satisfaction too. There is no better example in looking after the guest except in the life of the Prophet of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). It is up to you to eat Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Whoever is invited to a meal accept it, whether you desire to eat or not is your choice.” (Muslim) If you are not hungry does not mean you don’ t attend, but it will please the host if you at least attend but are not obliged to eat. Respect your guest Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace); “Whosoever believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the day of resurrection should respect his guest.” To look after also means to respect and make sure they are happy and fulfil their needs. Look after your guest Abu Lahoos Jismi (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from his father, he says ‘ I asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), I went to a person’s house and he did not look after me (as a guest), he has now come to my house, shall I look after him or get my own back?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, ‘Look after him.’ (Tirmidhi) This is the beautiful character of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), may Allah (The Exalted) give us a drop of the character of His beloved, Ameen! See the guest to the door Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “The Sunnah is this, that you see your guest to the door.” (Ibn Majah) Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “One should welcome his guest by
coming out of his door and while bidding farewell should accompany him to the door of the house.” (Baihaqi & Ibn Majah) You will not be called to account Ja’ far bin Muhammed Sadiq (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When you eat with your brothers and friends on a floor mat (dastarkhan), do not rush as this is the time that will not be accounted for.” Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Whatever a person eats and drinks and feeds his mother and father, will be accounted for, except for food eaten with friends.” Subhanallah! We learn that to have food with friends is a greatly rewarded act and love will increase between the Muslim communities. ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “To put food in front of brothers, to me is better than to set a slave free.” In a hadith it has been stated there are three times when one will not account for his deeds in front of Allah (The Exalted) the first is he who makes Sehri, he who makes Iftar (opens fast) and one who eats with his friends. Feeding the guest One of the companion's (may Allah be pleased with him) was keeping fast after fast, as he could not find anything to eat. Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) came to know of this. He told his wife, “ I shall bring a guest tonight. When we sit at the meal put out the lamp, pretending to set it right, and you are not to eat anything until the guest has taken his fill.” When Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) reported this to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) presence next morning, he was greeted with the happy news; “O Thabit! Allah (The Exalted) has very much appreciated your entertainment of the guest last night.” Subhanallah! The Prophet & his closest companions Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Once the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came out and met ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) and said, ‘What is it that has brought you out at this time?’ They said, ‘Hunger’ . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘ I swear by He who has my life in his hand, that thing that has bought you out of your houses has also brought me out too. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Get up’ they got up with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and went to an Ansari’s house. When they looked in the house, he was not there. When the Ansar’s wife saw the guest she said, ‘Welcome’ , the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked where is such a person?’ He replied ‘He has gone to get some sweet water’ , the Ansari came, and when he saw the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the companions, he said, ‘Alhamdulillah there
is no one more happy than me today, as I have respected guests’ . Then he brought a container with dates which had half cooked dates and wet dates too, he said to his guest, ‘Eat and took a knife out (meaning he had the intention to sacrifice a goat) the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Do not sacrifice the one that gives milk. ’ The Ansar sacrificed a goat, the guest ate the meat of the goat and ate dates and had some water. When they had completed the meal the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to ‘Abu Bakr and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both), ‘ I swear by He who has my life in his hand, on the Day of Resurrection we will be questioned about this. Hunger brought you out of your houses and before returning you were given this blessing.” (Muslim) Supplication The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once said, “Give a present to your brother.” The companions asked, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What present should we give?’ He replied, “When one goes to his Muslim brother’s house and takes meals there, then he should pray for the mercy and blessing of Allah (The Exalted) for him. This is the present (return) to him.” (Abu Dawood) Request that the guest take more Whenever the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would feed his guests he would request to them again and again to have more and stopped only when the guest said that he has had his fill. (Tirmidhi) Make supplication for the house owner. (Faizane Sunnat) Sunnah regarding the unexpected guest One should not go to another’s house at meal times. It is narrated in one hadith that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that ‘ It is forbidden to partake of the meals of another without being invited to do so.’ However, it is permissible and Sunnah to go to the house of one’s close companion without an invitation and to partake in meals thereof. One may place before an unexpected visitor whatever one has available (by way of food). However, one should not borrow money to obtain provisions for such visitors. If one does not have excess provisions then it is not necessary to feed the visitor. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘ It is a major sin to regard that which the host presents as little or for the host himself to feel it low to offer it to his guest.’ Sunnah regarding the invited guest The host should invite pious people rather than open sinners, as the latter shall spread wrong and sin. Special meals are prepared for the first day. (Bukhari)
A guest may be entertained and shown hospitality for a period of three days. Beyond the three days would be charity. (ibid) A person who does not accept an invitation has disobeyed Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) unless non-acceptance is justified by an acceptable reason according to Shariah. (Abu Dawud) Sunnah regarding both the unexpected and invited guests Although one’s host has not treated him with honour and respect when he was a guest at the host’s house, he must always treat that host with due respect and honour should he be a guest at his house. (Tirmidhi) One should not, as a guest, request anything that may cause inconvenience to the host. If a host were to ask his guest to make a choice then the easier of the options should be chosen. A guest should not inconvenience his host by overstaying. (Bukhari) The host must respect and honour his guest. (ibid) A guest should be seen off to one’s door. (Ibn Majah) A Visitor is not an inspector When you enter a home, whether as a visitor or an overnight guest, do not closely examine its contents as an inspector would. Limit your observation to what you need to see. Do not open closed closets or boxes. Do not inspect a wallet, a package or a covered object. This is against Islamic manners and an impolite betrayal of the trust your host has accorded to you. Uphold these manners during your visit and seek to cultivate your host’s love and respect, may Allah (the Exalted) bless and protect you. Burdening Hosts with Requests Whether visiting friends or relatives, one must avoid unnecessary requests that may cause inconvenience to the hosts. For example, avoid using their phone, going to the toilet, or performing your ablution. Good manners dictate that you should be considerate, for not every house may have theses facilities prepared for the convenient use of its guest. Its condition or location could be embarrassing for your hosts. Prepare yourself in the convenience of your home before paying visits. Your hosts will be very pleased if your visit was free of inconvenience and embarrassment. Duties of the host If you are having a guest overnight, be hospitable and generous. But do not exaggerate when providing food and drink to your guest. Moderation, not excess, is the Sunnah. You should try your best to make your guest’s stay pleasant and comfortable during the day and night. Inform your guest of the direction of the Qibla and show them the way to the bathroom.
Your guest will need to use towels after ablution, having a shower or washing hands after meals. Make sure that these are fresh and clean. Do not offer towels that you or family members have used. It is also nice idea to provide the guest with perfume and a mirror. Make sure the toiletries and bath accessories they will be using are clean and sanitized. Before leading your guest to the bathroom, inspect it and remove anything you don’ t want your guest to see. Your guest will need rest and a quiet sleep. Spare them the noise of the children and the house as much as possible. Remove intimate clothing from their view. If the guest is a man, remove all women’s clothing and belongings. This is a desirable and decent practise that will leave both feeling comfortable. Advice to Sisters If you want to visit your relatives or your Muslim sisters, carefully select the day and the hour of your visit and its duration. There are appropriate and inappropriate times for paying visits even to relatives and friends. Do your best to make the visit nice, brief and pleasant one. avoid turning it into a boring, wearisome, inquisitive and lengthy visit. Instead, it should be a visit whose purpose is to rekindle and nourish an old friendship or kinship. The visit is desirable if it is short and considerate, and it is undesirable if it is long and tedious during which conversation moves from being purposeful and valuable to being aimless and trivial. The honourable Taba’ i Muhammad ibn Shihab al-Zuhri (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “When a meeting becomes too long, Shaytan increasingly participates in it.” During the visit, make sure that most if not all of your talk is of value and benefit. Keep away from backbiting, gossip and idle talk. Astute Muslim women do not have time for such nonsense. The Test A rich person came in the court of Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) and invited him to dinner. The friends of Allah usually keep distance from the people who love the world so he did not except his invitation. The person pleaded and Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said on three conditions, if you except them I will except your invitation, he said, ‘Please say,’ the first condition is that ‘ I will sit where I desire, the second condition is that I will eat what I desire, and the final condition is that whatever I say you will do.’ He decided to accept the conditions, as he wanted the friend of Allah to come to the house. He was very excited and told people that on such a day a friend of Allah (The Exalted) is coming to my house. Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) went to the house and sat near where people had taken their shoes off, the host could not say anything due to the first condition that he agreed with, and when the food came people began to eat chicken etc. and Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) took out dried bread and was eating it. When dinner had finished he asked the host to get a large wok and heat it. When the dish became red hot Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) stood on it and gave an account of the food he had eaten and came of the red-hot wok. He told all present to
stand on the wok and give an account of what they had eaten. People were shocked and said you are the friend of Allah and this is a miracle we are the people of the world how can we stand on that? Hatim Asam (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said, “Remember that day, which will be 50,000 years and the sun, will be a mile away and the floor will be of copper! We have to answer for everything, you could not answer for one time, what miracle will you have on that day?” Listening to this people began to cry and repented. (Faizane Sunnat) Important Rules It is Sunnah to accept an invitation when you know there will be no songs and dance and if you know that there will be, as seen in most weddings nowadays, do not go. Remember four things when invited to any place: Sit in the place you are seated, if you sit where you want, you may overlook a private area of the house, or you may cause inconvenience to the house residents. (As a rule, you should take off your shoes unless your host asks you to keep them on. Remove your shoes at an appropriate spot, and set them in an orderly fashion.) Be pleased with what is presented to you, Do not leave until you have been granted permission and When leaving make a supplication for the host. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to respect and look after our guest, Ameen. CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO RIGHTS OF NEIGHBOURS O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are drops of rain. Islam is a religion of peace. It deals justly and kindly with each and every member of society without distinction of race, religion, and colour. For example, Islam guides its followers to treat the neighbours kindly as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Anyone who believes in Allah (The Exalted) and the Day of judgement should honour his neighbour.” (Bukhari) Excellent neighbour The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The most excellent neighbour is he who behaves best with his neighbour.” (Tirmidhi) The true Muslim does not restrict his good treatment only to neighbours who are related to him who are Muslims, but he extends it to non-Muslim neighbours too, so that the tolerance of Islam may spread to all people, regardless of their race or religion. ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Amr had a sheep slaughtered and asked his slave, “Did you give some
meat to our Jewish neighbour? For I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Jibrail (upon whom be peace) kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Meaning that the emphasis of the respect and rights of the neighbours was such that he thought a share of inheritance would be given to them. Subhanallah! Rights of neighbours ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘Do you know what the rights of your neighbours are?’ then he said; “When they ask for help assist them, when they ask for money give them, when in need give them, when they are ill visit them, when they are in a good position congratulate them, when in difficulty share their grief, when they die go to the funeral, do not erect your building without permission so the wind doesn’ t reach them, do not make them suffer with the fragrance of your cooking but give them some too, when you purchase fruit give them as a gift and if you don’ t want to, then secretly bring it into your house and that your children do not take it out in front of their children. (Faizane Sunnat) Allahu Akbar! This shows how we should be treating our neighbours on a daily basis. Keep in mind your neighbours The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whenever you cook soup, add extra water to it and have in your mind the members of the household of your neighbour. Then give them some of this (soup) with courtesy.” (Muslim) We should make extra food and at times give some to our neighbours too, this will increase love and friendship with each other. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “A man is not a true believer if he eats with satisfaction whilst his neighbour goes hungry.” (Mishkat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Muslim women, do not think that nay gift is too insignificant to give to a neighbour, even if it is only a sheep’s foot.” A sheep’s foot is a thing of little value, but it is better than nothing, and no woman should feel that any gift is not worth giving to a neighbour. Like for your neighbour too The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “By the One in whose Hands is my life! No one is a true believer until he likes for his neighbours whatever he likes for himself.” (Muslim) Allahu Akbar!
Many people do things to their neighbours which we ourselves would not like to be done to ourselves i.e. throwing rubbish into their bins or parking the car in front of their house etc. A companion (may Allah be pleased with him) asked, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! If I perform a good act how do I know that this is a good act; and when I have done something wrong that it is a bad act?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “When your neighbours disapprove of your act it is a bad act.” (Ibn Majah) Displeasing your neighbour Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “A person said ‘O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) such a woman offers plenty of Salaah, fasts and gives in charity, however, she gives difficulty to her neighbours with her tongue.” “She is from those of the hell fire,” said the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The person then said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) such a woman doesn’ t have much Salaah (voltentry), fast (voltentry) and she gives piece of cheese in charity but doesn’ t give difficulty to her neighbours.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “That woman is from those of paradise.” (Baihaqi) Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullah ibn Sallam (may Allah be pleased with him) came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and complained about his neighbour. “Have patience.” Said the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When he complained the second and the third time the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Place all your belongings outside in the street.” The narrator says when people saw this they enquired the reason. He said, “My neighbour teases me.” People passed and asked and said, “May Allah (The Exalted) guide his neighbour.” When the neighbour found out he was very sorry and advised him to take back his belongings and said, “ I will not give you difficulty.” (Muqashifatul Quloob) Do not have friends around late night, play music which is forbidden anyway, or horn on the streets as may be working nights, children may be sleeping etc. so have consideration for everyone. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “By Allah (The Exalted), he is not a believer! By Allah (The Exalted), he is not a believer! By Allah (The Exalted), he is not a believer.” ' It was asked, “Who is that, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “One whose neighbour does not feel safe from his evil.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Allahu Akbar! There were many mice in a pious person’s house and someone advised him to get a cat. He replied, ‘ I feel that the mice will leave my house and enter the house of my neighbour that means I will become such a person that doesn’ t like a difficulty but wants others to suffer the same difficulty.’ (Muqashifatal Quloob) The pious would always have others in mind too. Giving a gift
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O Muslim women! No one of you should consider insignificant (a gift) to give to her neighbour even if it is (a gift of) the trotters of a sheep.” (Bukhari & Muslim) You don’ t have to cook any special dish to give to your neighbour, even the smallest of gifts can be given such as fruits or sweets etc. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that I said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) I have two neighbours, to which of them should I send a present?” ' He replied, “To the one whose door is nearer to you.” (Bukhari) Incident! Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) rented a house. Next door was a Jew and Malik bin Dinar’s (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) room was near the door of the neighbour. The Jewish neighbour made a place where all impurities and waste which he would throw in the house of Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him). He did this for some time but Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said nothing Once the Jew asked Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) “Do you not suffer from my throwing the waste?” Malik (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said, “Yes I do, but I clean it up.” “Why do you go through this, do you not get angry?” asked the Jew. Malik bin Dinar (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said, “My Lord states in the Qur’an: And those who Listening to this verse the Jew’s heart became soft and he said, “Without doubt your religion is good, today I except Islam from the bottom of my heart.” He then accepted Islam. (Tazkiratul Awliya) We should be kind in our dealings and easy going with out neighbours. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “No-one should present his neighbours from fastening a piece of wood to his wall.” (Bukhari & Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “How many people will be hanging onto their neighbours on the Day of Judgment saying, “O My Rabb! He shut his door in my face and deprived his kind treatment and help.” (Aadaab al-Mufrad) The true Muslim is especially careful to avoid committing sins against his neighbour, because a sin against a neighbour is worse than other crimes, according to the words of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He quizzed his Companions about adultery and they said, “ It is forbidden, Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger have prohibited it.” He told them, “A man who commits adultery with ten women has committed a lesser sin than one who commits adultery with his neighbour’s wife.” Then he quizzed them about stealing, and they said, “ It is forbidden, Allah (The Exalted) and His Messenger have prohibited it.” He told them, “A man who steals from ten households has committed a lesser sin than the one who steals from his neighbour’s house.” (Musnad Imam Ahmad) Respected brother/sister in Islam! The true Muslim does not restrict his good treatment only to neighbours who are related to him or who are Muslims, but he extends it to non-
Muslim neighbours too, so that the tolerance of Islam may spread to all people, regardless of their race or religion. These are the beautiful teachings of the Prophet of Islam (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). If we act upon this Sunnah, there will be no corruption in the world and there will be global peace and prosperity amongst Muslims. May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to respect and look after our neighbours and be patience with them, Ameen. CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE SUNNAH OF BUSINESS / WORK O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are leaves on the trees. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was asked any question, he would answer it and help the people with their problems. If a person was physically fit then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would advise them to work, earn a living, and help them to start some work. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would give priority and look after neighbours, widows, the needy, and those without parents. He would also instruct the companions to help such people. To earn wealth is a responsibility upon he who is in need. If one has the means to provide for oneself and those under one’s care without working, then it is not compulsory for such a person to work. It is most important that one’s job does not by any means hamper or hinder one from fulfilling one’s other Islamic obligations, such as Salaah, fasting, and bringing up children etc. Lawful earnings The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The seeking of a lawful livelihood is compulsory after the compulsory acts like Salaah, Sawm, Hajj etc.” (Baihaqi) Honest & trusted The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) had become a successful merchant, not so much because people liked his work but because he was honest in his dealings and could be trusted. He never overpriced his goods nor weighed his goods incorrectly so as to cheat others. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) earned the reputation of being the most honest and just merchant of the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) soon earned the title of “Al Ameen” (the Trustworthy) and “As Saadiq” (The Truthful) from the people of Makkatul Mukarramah.
Respected brother/sister! If you can help those people who are needy then assist them and do not get angry with them as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) disliked this very much. He was gentle and never addressed anyone harshly. Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade Muzabana, and Muzabana is the selling of fresh fruit (without measuring it). By measure on the basis that if the measurement turns to be more than the fruit, the increase would be for the seller of the fruit and if it turns to be less that would be of his lost.” (Bukhari) Abu Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) reported from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The truthful trustworthy merchant will be with the Prophets, truthful and Martyrs.” (Tirmidhi) Do Not Sell Raw Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related that the messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) forbade selling fruit until it had started to ripen. He forbade the transaction to both buyer and seller. (Malik’s Muwatta) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) passed by a heap of corns. He trust his hand therein but his fingers touched moisture. He asked: “O owner of corn! What is this?” he replied, “Rain fell on it. O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace).” He enquired, “Have you not done so over the corn so that people may see it? Whoso acts with deceit is not of me.” (Muslim) Allahu Akbar! Waselah bin Asqa (may Allah be pleased with him) reported, “ I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “Whoso sells a defective thing without disclosing it continues to be in the wrath of Allah (The Exalted) or Angels continue to curse him.”” (Ibn Majah) Best occupation The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was once asked concerning the best occupation to engage in. He replied. “Trade and work which is done with one’s own hands.” (Tabarani) Become a millionaire The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever enters a business area (Markets or shops) and recites the following supplication then Allah (The Exalted) grants him a million rewards, forgives a million of his sins and elevates him one million times and there for him a house in Paradise.” (Tirmidhi in Supplication & Ibn Majah) Subhanallah! Supplication for entering into the market FOURTH KALIMA
‘Laa ilaha Illallahu Wah Dahu La Sharee Kalahu Lahul Mulku Walahul Hamdu Yuhyi Wayumeetu Wahuwa Hayyul La Yamutu Biyadihil Khayru Wahuwa ‘Ala Kulli Shayin Qadeer’ (Tirmidhi in Supplication) There is no deity except Allah (The Exalted), He is alone, He has no partner, His is the Kingdom and for Him is all praise, He gives life and death, He is forever living will never die, all goodness is in His hand and He has power over everything. Learn this supplication and benefit from it and pass on to others too. Partnership The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘Allah (The Exalted) proclaims, “ I am a one third share of a two man partnership until one of them acts dishonestly to his partner and in such event, I then leave them.” Allahu Akbar! We should fear Allah (The Exalted) at all times and say the truth as dishonesty will eradicate blessings from the business. Knowledge of Islamic Weighing business ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) declared, “Only he who has knowledge of the Islamic business laws shall trade in our business area.” It is important that we learn how the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) worked and how he did business. If one follows the Sunnah then no doubt they will have the blessings and success in this world and in the hereafter. The reason being is people open businesses and get into debt and make enemies which is against the teachings of Islam. On the other hand some open businesses that deal with unlawful goods or services, Allah (The Exalted) forbid. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever sells a defective article without disclosing its defect to the purchaser shall earn the permanent anger of Allah (The Exalted) and the angels continuously curse such a person.” We should not sell goods that are not suitable for selling. However, if you do want to sell the item, let the purchaser know the type of goods they are buying and if they have any problems etc. Weighing Fudhail (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) once saw his son weighing a dinar to give to someone and was cleaning the dirt around it. He said, “O son! This action is better than two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Kimiyae Sa’adat) For instance if someone is selling rice then the small stones and sticks that come with it should be removed and weighted without them.
To weigh less (of an article) than the intending purchaser is entitled to is a major sin. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that other nations before us have perished because of this sin. Ibn Mahmood (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I was sat with ‘Abd-Allah bin ‘Abbas, a person came and said, ‘We have come for Hajj and on our journey one of our companion died, we dug a grave but to our surprise a scary black snake came out, so we left that place and dug another grave, the same snake came from that grave too, we are in shock and have come to you!” Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Bury him near the snake, I swear by Allah (The Exalted)! If you dig all the earth you will see the snake everywhere.” We buried our companion with the snake and on our return home we asked his wife and she told us he would sell flour and would add sticks to his flour and would sell it. Allahu Akbar! Do not take oath for it reduces blessings The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has exhorted that we should refrain from taking oaths unnecessarily for although it helps in the sale of one’s goods, it reduces the blessings (barakah). Wages ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Give the employee his wages before his perspiration dries.” (Ibn Maja) People today do not pay for work that has been done. We should understand that they (workers) also have a family and expenses. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is telling us to give the money straight away for the work done. Returned goods The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever accepts returned goods, Allah (The Exalted) will wipe out (annul) his punishment.” Subhanallah! Many organisations have a fourteen day approval and this is a reason that you get repeat business. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is teaching us after sales service as well as customer service! Subhanallah! O Allah (The Exalted)! Give us the ability to make the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) our model. Seek early sustenance ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “One should seek sustenance early at dawn as there is blessings during that time.” Meaning start work early. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “We should seek sustenance with ease (not to search for more profit than reasonable).”
This leads to love of the world and when someone sees money they want more. Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “May Allah (The Exalted) have mercy on the tolerant man when he buys, when he sells and when he demands payment.” (Bukhari) Stolen goods The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever buys stolen goods knowing such goods have been stolen becomes a party to the act of theft.” There will be no blessings in the house of those that buy or sell stolen goods. Remember you will become part of the theft and be liable to the Hell fire. Forbidden The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “That body shall not enter paradise which has been nourished with Haraam.” (Ahmad) Those who sell alcohol or haraam food or provide a unlawful service that involves interest etc. should be aware. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has prohibited the sale of that which one does not possess. It is Haraam to indulge in the sale of Haraam items. Borrowing The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever borrows with the intention of usurping another’s wealth, Allah (The Exalted) destroys that person (the borrower).” (Bukhari) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ It is far better for one to put dirt into his mouth than to put something unlawful into it.” (Ahmed) Ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ If a man buys a cloak for ten dirham out of an unlawful source, Allah (The Exalted) will not accept his prayer as long as he puts the cloak on.” (ibid) Debtors The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ It is an act of cruelty to harass one’s debtors.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was once overheard making the following supplication: “ I seek refuge in Allah (The Exalted), from Kufr and
debts.” A companion (may Allah be pleased with him) hearing enquired, ‘O the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) are you equating the notion of debts to kufr?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “Yes.” (Nisai) Allahu Akbar! We should not get into debts this is very much disliked by Allah (The Exalted) and is a major issue. Once Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him) went to a funeral it was very hot and no shade. Near by was a person’s house, people said to the Great Imam to stand there. Imam Abu Hanifa (may Allah be pleased with him) said that “He is in debt with me and I fear that if I benefit from the shade of his house than in front of Allah (The Exalted) I do not want to be of those who take interest, as the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The benefit taken from creditors is interest.” So he stood in the heat. (Tazkiratul Awliya) Allahu Akbar! This was the fear that our pious had. May we follow there footsteps, Ameen. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Debts owing (to somebody) are Allah (The Exalted)’s flag in this world. Whomsoever Allah (The Exalted) wishes to disgrace; he places this ‘ flag of debt on them.” To fall into debt is a very bad thing and causes problem, we should try to abstain from this as families and friends break up. Unjustly Khoulah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Some people who plunge themselves into acquiring wealth of Allah (The Exalted) unjustly will deserve the fire on the day of resurrection.” (Bukhari) Many who try to earn easy money by unlawful means should be aware, i.e. V.A.T fraud etc. Time keeping Keeping appointment is vital to our lives. Time is the most precious commodity. Once wasted, it can never be recovered. If you made an appointment, whether with a friend, colleague or for business, you should do your utmost to keep this appointment. This is the right of the other person who, despite other commitments, favoured you with a part of their valuable time. If you do not come on time, not only have you disrupted their schedule but you have also marred your imaged and reputation. If your punctuality becomes poor, you will lose people’s respect. You should keep all your appointments whether they are with an important person, a close friend or a business college. You will then be responding to the call of Allah (The Exalted), “And fulfil the promise; undoubtedly the promise is to be questioned of.” (Surah Bani Israel, Surah No: 17, verse: 34) Today, fast and reliable communication means are available everywhere. Therefore, as soon as you realize you will be able to keep an appointment, you should inform the other
parties to enable them to utilize their time elsewhere. Do not be careless or irresponsible assuming that since the appointment is relatively unimportant, it does not merit a notice or an apology. This is totally irrelevant. Regardless of its importance, an appointment is a commitment that should be kept or properly cancelled in advance. Never make a promise while intending not to keep it. This is forbidden as it falls within lying and hypocrisy. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Three traits single out a hypocrite, even if he prays or fasts and claims to be Muslim: If he speaks, he lies. If he makes a promise, he does not keep it. If he is entrusted, he betrays the trust.” (Bukhari in Shahadah & Muslim in Iman.) During harm, one who recites Ya Mu’minu (The Guardian of faith) 630 times will be free from any harm and loss. Allah (The Exalted) will guard he who recites this name or writes it and keeps it with him. He who recites Ya ‘Azizu 40 times a day for 40 days Allah (The Exalted) will make him rich. He who recites this name 41 times after Morning Prayer, by the grace of Allah (The Exalted) he will be independent of need from others. Manners of Business One must always be honest in all his business dealings. (Tabarani) An honest and truthful businessman shall be in the shade of the throne of Allah (The Exalted). (Al-Isbihani) One must not break promises. One must not condemn the goods that one seeks to purchase. One must not unduly praise or exaggerate one’s goods when selling. One must not evade payment of one’s debt (or even leave its payment longer than necessary). One must not pressurise the person who owes money. One should assist others who seek to enter into business and trade. Allah’s (The Exalted) Mercy descends on one who is gentle at the time of buying, selling and requesting payment. (Tirmidhi) One’s employees (workers) should be treated with respect and consideration. Do not treat them like slaves and they will respect you. To sell alcohol, to buy, to carry, to serve, to bottle, to have anything to do with it is forbidden.
One should never allow greed to drive one to inflate prices with a view to making larger profits, as every person shall receive his sustenance (Rizq) as is ordained for him. Durood for blessings in wealth ‘O Allah (The Exalted) send blessings upon Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), who is your servant and Messenger and upon the believing males and females and the Muslim males and female.’ (Hisnul Hasin) It is important to remember that one should not pray Salawaat at the time of selling the goods. Important Rules: Do not do business until you know the laws of buying and selling and what is lawful and unlawful. (Alamgiri) If the person who is selling something has not told the buyer where the goods are from and the buyer knows that it belongs to so and so. If he thinks the goods are stolen, then do not buy them. If however, the buyer does not know if the goods belong to someone else, then to buy the goods is permissible, as the goods are in possession is proof that it belongs to the seller. (Hidaya) Do not sell your half of goods (property) until you let your partner know as to do this is Makrooh (disliked). (Alamgiri) If a shop buys from sources where most goods are unlawful, then there are three conditions reguarding the buying/selling of these goods: Goods that have been sold and possessed by the means of oppression should not be bought. The goods to be purchased are present, however, the lawful goods are mixed (i.e. Un/lawful milk) then those goods should not be purchased until the price is paid for the unlawful goods to it’s owner. You know the goods were stolen etc. and whatever you are buying is not part of the unlawful then to purchase that is permissible. (ibid) The shop owner should not stay engaged in business, when the time of Salaah comes, leave the work for the Salaah. (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to do business according to the Sunnah, Ameen.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR SUNNAH OF RECITING THE QUR’AN O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are beasts of the dessert. The Qur’an is the Book of Allah (The Exalted) given to this Ummah for guidance. It was revealed over approx. 23 years and will remain the only book to be unchanged until the Last Day. It is important to read the Qur’an on a daily basis and gain blessing and reward as well as guidance too. No blessings Anas and Jabir (may Allah be pleased with them) have reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “O Muslims, make it a point to recite the Qur’an regularly in your house, because the house in which the Qur’an is not recited remains devoid of blessings.” Unfortunately, many don’ t have time to read the Qur’an today. We wonder why there is no blessings in our homes, but continuous arguments, problems etc. Even if it is five verses everyday in the morning, it only takes two/three minutes, however, the reward is innumerable. Why switch on the TV or radio when you can gain peace of heart reciting the Qur’an? Make an effort and start from today, may Allah (The Exalted) reward you! Recitation of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would recite each verse distinctly and separately e.g. he would recite Alhamdulillahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen and pause – then he would recite Arahmaa Niraheem and pause – then he would recite Maaliki Yow Middeen and pause. ( Tirmidhi) When reciting silently you should recite it in a manner that you can hear yourself, as to recite in the heart will not gain you any reward besides the reward of looking. The same rule applies when praying Salaah too. (Bahar-e-Shariat) Recite silent or aloud ‘Abd-Allah bin Qais (may Allah be pleased with him) related that he asked ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), “Was the manner in which the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would recite the Glorious Qur’an, silently or loudly?” She replied, ‘Both silent and a loud’ . He said, “Praise and thanks be to Allah (The Exalted) that he has afforded us facility in every way.” (Tirmidhi) This means that one may recite the Quran silently or loudly according to the circumstances. Abu Sa’eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Allah (The Exalted) says, ‘ If one finds no time for my remembrance and for begging favours before Me, because of his
remaining busy with the Qur’an, I shall give him more than what I give to all those who beg favours before Me.’” (ibid & Darimi) Subhanallah! Reciting or teaching the Quran ‘Uqba Ibn Aamir (may Allah be pleased with him) has said, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) came to us while we were sitting on the suffah and asked if any one of us would like to go to the market of But-haan or Aqeeq and fetch from there two she camels of the finest breed without committing any sin.” We replied that every one of us would love to do so. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then said that, “Going to the Masjid and reciting or teaching two verses of the Qur’an is more precious and better than two she-camels. Three verses are most precious than three camels, and that similarly reciting or teaching of four verses is better than four she camels and an equal number of camels.” (Muslim & At Targeeb Wa Tarheeb) Subhanallah! Camels where an expensive mode of transport of that time. The Buthaan and Aqeeq where the best shopping centres of the time. Hence, reciting the Qur’an is better then these camels. Teach your child and get sins forgiven Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “Whoever teaches their children how to recite the Qur’an will have his past sins forgiven.” (Tabrani) Subhanallah! There are some who can read but will not teach and there are many who can’ t read who don’ t want to learn. Our children are suffering, we need to hold on to the Qur’an and success will kiss our feet, Insha-Allah! Make effort to learn and teach the Qur’an as it wasn’ t for our predecessors who worked hard to get the Qur’an and it’s teachings to us. We would not have this beautiful book. Let us carry on this mission and become devoted Muslims. Reward for parents The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever recites the Qur’an and practises whatever is in there, for his parents will be given a crown on the Day of Judgement the brightness of which is better than the sun if it was in your homes. What do you then think about the person who practises it?” (Abu Dawud) Double reward ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once said, “One who is well versed in the Qur’an will be in the company of Kiraaman Kaatibeen (Angels), and he who finds difficulty reciting the Qur’an but tries hard for learning, gets double the reward.” (Bukhari & Muslim) Subhanallah! We should make an effort to learn this beautiful book, there is everything inside, the knowledge of the past, present and future.
Two types of people will stand on the mountain of musk on the day of Resurrection. They will have no fear and will render no accounts; these people are those who recite the Qur'an for the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted) and those who become a leader of people who remain satisfied with them. (Ihya ulum adeen ) Subhanallah! Ascend the stages of Paradise ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “On the day of resurrection, it will be said to the Hafiz of the Qur’an, ‘Go on reciting the Qur’an and continue ascending the stages of Jannah. Also, recite in the slow manner you had been reading in the worldly life, your final abode will be where you reach at the time of the last verse of recitation.” (Tirmidhi) Not just reciting but practising and to read the Qur’an with the correct pronunciation. Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “He who does not know any Qur’an by heart is similar to an empty house.” (ibid & Darimi) Allahu Akbar! The more Qur’an we know the better, everyone should know at least the last ten Surahs, from Surah Feel to Surah Naas. If not then make it your aim to learn them and once you have learnt them do not forget them. Ten rewards for each letter Ibn Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whosoever reads one letter of the book of Allah (The Exalted) is credited with one blessing and one blessing is equal to ten rewards. I do not say ‘Alif Laam Meem’ is one letter, but Alif is one letter, Laam is one letter and Meem is one letter.” (Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! If one recites ‘Bismillah…’ one is rewarded with one hundred and ninety as there are nineteen letters. Just image the reward of reciting a page or so? ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) says that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Whoever reads the Qur’an and learns it by heart, and regards what it makes lawful as lawful and it’s unlawful as forbidden, will be admitted into paradise by Allah (The Exalted), who will accept his intercession of ten such persons of his family who shall have been doomed to Hell.” (Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah & Darimi) Subhanallah! Looking in & praying ‘Uthman bin ‘Abd-Allah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Reciting the Qur’an from memory carries one thousand degrees of spiritual reward, while reading the Qur’an from the book increases it up to two thousand degrees.”
The reason for this is that when you recite by look in the Qur’an you will need ablution to hold the Qur’an, one is rewarded for looking in the Qur’an and reading it too, hence, there is, more reward in reading the Qur’an by looking inside. Isa bin Muhammad (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said that, “ I saw ‘Abu Bakr bin Mujahid (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) in a dream and he was reciting the Qur’an. I asked, “You have left this world how are you praying?” he answered, “After every Salaah and on completion of the Qur’an I would supplicate, ‘O Allah (The Exalted)! Give me the ability to recite the Qur’an in the grave’ this is the reason.”” (Sharhus Sudoor) Supplications are accepted quicker after Salaah and recitation of the Qur’an. We should take advantage of these times and supplicate to Allah (The Exalted). Clean the rust from the heart ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “The hearts get rusted as does iron with water.” When the companions asked, “What could cleanse the hearts again?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “Frequent remembrance of death and recitation of the Qur’an.” (Shu’bul Imaan) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said: “The Prophets, angels, or anybody else cannot be better intercessors in rank than the Qur'an.” (Ihya ulum adeen) We should make a habit of reciting the Qur’an for this. Abu Sulayman (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) said: “The angels of Hell will grasp those who commit the Qur’an to memory but become disobedient to Allah (The exalted).” (ibid) Allahu Akbar! We should obey the laws of the Qur’an as those who have knowledge of the lawful and the unlawful who don’ t practise them are hypocrites. Shaykh Yafi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) states, “ In the city of Yemen I have heard from many pious people that once when people had been returning from a funeral, a loud bang was heard and a black dog came out of the grave and fled. A pious person who was present asked the dog, “Who are you?” it replied, ‘ I am the evil deeds of this decease’ the man enquired, “Did this (the bang) hurt you or the decease”? ‘ I was hurt, because the Surah Yaseen that he would recite came to him and did not let me go near and it hurt me and threw me out.’ (Rowdu Riyaheen) Subhanallah! Not only does the recitation of the Qur’an assist in this world but in the grave and the hereafter too. Respected brother/sister of Islam! Make your children memorise the Qur’an. Ignorant people have propagated the idea that this is very hard. It has been seen that the memory and general intelligence of the child who memorises the Qur’an improve considerably. Whatever education he/she goes for, they are always ahead of the class
fellows. Human succeed in this life and the hereafter because of the blessings of the Qur’an. How can those who do not understand the Qur’an nor make a move towards it be familiar with its blessings? Do Not Recite The Qur’an Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The impure or the menstruating must not recite the Qur’an be it one verse.” (Tirmidhi. Sharah Sunnah. Fatawa-e-Razwiyyah, Vol: 1, p. 796. Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 1, p. 237.) If sisters are teaching then they should break up the words by breathing and teach, however, do not recite the full verse in one breathe. (Bahar-e-Shariat) Manners of reading the Holy Qur’an To ensure that one’s body and clothes are clean. To ensure that the place where the Qur’an is to be recited, together with its surroundings, are clean. To use the Miswak before reciting the Qur’an. To make Wudhu before the recitation. To sit facing the Qibla. To place the Qur’an in a slightly higher position. To refrain from haste and urges to complete the recitation quickly. To weep when reading verses of fear and punishment and to express joy when reading verses of Paradise and glad tidings. To recite Ta-‘awudh (A‘oodhu) and Tasmiyya (Bismillah) at the beginning is Sunnah. (Gunya etc.) To read with a sweet (distinct and pleasing) voice and not in a “singing” tone. To read in a loud voice if one does not apprehend insincerity (on his own part) or cause a distraction to any person reading Salaah. To recite it leisurely and without haste, distantly pronouncing each letter. To pause at verses that promise Allah’s (The Exalted) favour, to long for Most High and ask of His bounty; and at verses that warn of His punishment to ask Him to save one from it. Not to let a day go by without looking at least once at the Qur’an. Not to use the Qur’an as pillow, or lean upon it.
To refrain from talk of any sort whilst reading the Qur’an. However, if one is compelled by circumstances to talk, then recite A‘oodhu if it is to answer the Islamic greeting, then one should resume one’s recitation with “Bismillah.” (ibid) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not make ‘khatm’ of the Qur’an (complete recitation of the Qur’an) any shorter than three days. Allah (The Exalted) will not punish the one who commits the Qur'an to memory and practises it. (Ihya ulum adeen) You can recite the Qur’an whilst laying down, however, the feet should be together. (Gunya) Meaning not higher than the Qur’an. If the Qur’an is recited aloud, then it is Fardh on all to listen, when the gathering is there to listen to the Qur’an, or else one person listing will suffice, if others are doing something else. (Gunya & Fatawe Razawiyya) For all the gathering to recite the Qur’an aloud is forbidden. If there are more than one, then they should recite quietly. (Durre Mukhtar) With the Qur’an also read the translation and explanation. Follow the laws of the Qur’an and spend your life accordingly. When one recites the verse of prostration (Sijda-e-tilawat) then offer the prostration. Recite the Qur’an with the correct pronunciation i.e the Seen, Sheen, Daal, Dhaal etc. Ask for forgiveness for the mistakes whilst reciting. Make supplication after the recitation. ‘Umar and ‘Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) would both kiss the Qur’an and place it on their face for respect. (ibid) A learned man said: there are sixty interpretations of every verse. Another learned man said: The Qur'an is the embodiment of 77,200 learning as every word is learning and it is increased four times. (Ihya ulum adeen) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes: at the time of Sunrise, Midday and sunset recite Salawaat and other dhikr, these three times are not worthy of reciting the Qur’an. (Ehkam-e-Shariat) Rules and regulations To memorise one verse of the Qur’an is obligatory (Fardh). To memorise the whole Qur’an is a communal obligation (Fardh-e-Kifaya).
To recite the Qur’an looking inside is more virtuous then praying by heart. As looking inside is not only reciting but there is reward for looking and touching and all this is worship. (Bahare Shariat) When reciting quietly it is important that you hear it yourself. (ibid) In a education institute or when children are learning, for them to recite aloud all at once is permissible as they are learning. Whilst reciting the Qur’an, if a respectable person i.e. a Scholar or a teacher or your parents walk in then the reciter can stop and stand up for respect. (Ghunya) To recite the Qur’an aloud is virtuous, this is when it doesn’ t disturb a person offering Salaah, or give difficulty to a ill person or a person who is sleeping. (ibid) If a person is praying incorrectly then it is necessary (Wajib) to correct them, on grounds that it is not done with pride or showing off. (ibid) To memorize the Qur’an and forget it is a major sin. It is reported that one who learns the Qur’an and then forgets it will come on the Day of Judgment with leprosy (Abu Dawud) and in the Qur’an it says such a person will be raised blind. The house in which there is a Qur’an, it is permissible to have intercourse with one’s partner with the condition that the Qur’an is covered. (Bahare Shariat) If going somewhere close the Qur’an, this is out of respect. However, some say if left open then the Shaytan reads it, there is no basis for this. (ibid) Amongst the respects of the Qur’an, one should not have their back, or feet pointing towards it. One should not sit in a higher place than the Qur’an nor have their feet above the Qur’an. (ibid) To keep the Qur’an wrapped in a cloth is respect. It has been the practise of the companions of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and those who came after them (Tabi’een). (ibid) If the Qur’an is very old that it is not readable then wrap it up in a clean cloth and bury it in a respectable place making sure that it is placed in something that the soil does not fall directly on the Qur’an. It should not be burnt. (Alamgiri) Do not place any type on book of top of the Qur’an, to the extent if the Qur’an is in a box then do not place a cloth on the box. (Bahare Shariat) If the Qur’an is dropped, Allah forbid, there is no compensation for it. (Faizane Sunnat) Rules of Sijdah-e-Tilawat It is Sunnah to say at the beginning and the end ‘Allahu Akbar’ in Sijdah-e-Tilaawat. Also to start the Sijdah by standing up and then going into Sijdah and then standing back up again after. Both of these Qayams are Mustahhab (desirable). (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar etc)
If you did not stand before or after the Sijdah or you did not say ‘Allahu Akbar’ or you did not pray ‘Subhana Rabbi’ ‘Aala’ , then your Sijdah will count. However, you should not miss Takbeer as it is against the procedure. (ibid & Radd-ul-Mohtar) When saying the Takbeer you do not lift your hands nor do you pray ‘Attahiyat’ or perform Salaam in Sijdah-e-Tilaawat. (Tanweer, Bahar) In total there are fourteen verses in the Holy Qur’an whereby whichever verse is prayed, both the person praying and listening will have to perform Sijdah-e-Tilaawat as it will become Wajib on them, whether the person listening made the intention of listening to it or not. If a verse of Sijdah is prayed in Salaah then it is Wajib in Salaah to perform Sijdah and if you delay it you will become a sinner. Delay means to pray three or more verses after the verse of Sijdah. If, however, the verse is at the end of a Surah then there is no harm in finishing the Surah. For example, in Surah Inshaaq if you performed Sijdah at the end of the Surah there is no harm. It is not a condition to state in the intention for Sijdah-e-Tilaawat the verse that you have prayed, but a general intention of Sijdah-e-Tilaawat is sufficient. Sijdah does not become Wajib by writing a verse of Sijdah or just by looking at the verse. (Qazi Khan, Alamgiri, Guniya) For the Sijdah to become Wajib, it is not necessary to pray the whole verse of Sijdah, but by just praying the word that makes the verse Wajib and a joining word before or after the word would make the Sijdah Wajib. (Durr-e-Mukhtar) By spelling or listening to the spelling of a verse of Sijdah does not make the Sijdah Wajib. (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar, Qazi Khan) If the translation of a verse of Sijdah is prayed or is heard then the Sijdah becomes Wajib, whether the person who heard it understands it or not that it was the translation of a verse of Sijdah. However, it is important that if he does not know then he should be informed. If, however, the verse is prayed and then the translation is prayed then it is not necessary to inform him that this was the translation. (Qazi Khan, Alamgiri, Bahar) If a child prays a verse of Sijdah then it becomes Wajib for those who hear it but not for the child. (Alamgiri etc.) To pray the whole Surah and to miss the verse of Sijdah is Makrooh-e-Tahrimi (close to haraam). (Qazi Khan, Durr-e-Mukhtar) If in one place one verse is repeated many times or heard many times then only one Sijdah is Wajib even if different people have prayed it. Also if you pray a verse and you hear the same verse from someone else, then again only one Sijdah will be Wajib. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to learn and read the Qur’an and strive to learn it with the correct pronunciation, Ameen.
CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE POETRY OF PRAISE – NAAT / NASHEED O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are creatures in the sea. Jihad of the tongue Naat is the name given to poetry that is written in praise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Many Companions were skilled in the art of writing poetry in praise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked his companions if anyone of them were prepared to do jihad against the disbeliveers with the pen by writing verses praising Allah, The Exalted, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and Islam. Hassaan bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) volunteered for this. Hassaan (may Allah be pleased with him) would stand and read naats whilst the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and other companions would listen. Ibn Sirin (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) said, “ It has reached me that as the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was riding on a camel on his way (to raid al-Taif after the battle of Hunayn) he called Kab (ibn Malik) to him and said, “Recite.” Kab (may Allah be pleased with him) recited the entire poem (of 24 lines), then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “By the One in Whose Hand is the soul of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), these lines will be harder upon them than the hurling of arrows.” Then accepted Islam after hearing Kab’s words. (Ibn Kathir, al-Bidaya wa al-nihaya’s Sirat Rasul Allah. ) The hadith master (hafiz) and historian ibn Sayyid al-Nas (d. 732) compiled a four-hundred-page anthology of over 180 male and female Companion-poets who recited naat in praise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). In his book, entitled Minah al-Madh (The gifts of praise), he lists each Companion alphabetically, identifying them by name and tribe, and quoting a few representative lines of naat from each. To name a few companions who would praise the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) ‘Abbad bin Bashir (may Allah be pleased with him) ‘Abd Allah bin Rawah (may Allah be pleased with him) ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) Abu Ayyub Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him)
Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) Dhakwaon bin ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) Hassan bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him). Ka’ab bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) Mughira bin Shu’ba (may Allah be pleased with him) (Sirate Mustafa) Muhammad bin Maslama (may Allah be pleased with him) Sa’ad bin Abi Waqas (may Allah be pleased with him) Sa’ad bin Mu’adh Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him) Zubair bin Al’Awaam (may Allah be pleased with him) Bara (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to Hassaan bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) with the idol worshippers, Jibrail (upon whom be peace) is with you. And the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to Hassaan (may Allah be pleased with him) you answer them on my behalf. (Bukhari & Muslim) The greatest reciter of naat among the Companions was undoubtedly the Ansari Hassaan ibn Thabit. His title was ‘Shair al-Rasul’ (The Prophet’s poet), as reported from ‘Aisha. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would have a special pulpit (Mimbar) in the mosque for Hassaan bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) to stand on it and recite couplets in appreciation of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) or answer on his behalf. He also prayed to Allah (The exalted) to strengthen him by spirit of holiness- Gabriel (peace be upon Him) (Ruhul Kudus) so long as he served the cause of Islam. (Bukhari, Abu Dawud & Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Verily, Allah (The Exalted) supports Hassaan with the Spirit of Holiness as long as he praised or defends Allah’s Messenger.” (Tirmidhi said this hadith was Hasan Sahih Gharib.) Hasaan Bin Thabit (may Allah be pleased with him) said in one of his poems: Wa Ahsanu Minka Lam Traqatu ‘Aynee My eyes have never seen anyone; More handsome than you; Wa Ajmalu Minka Lam Talidin Nissa’
No women has ever given birth To anyone more beauteous than you. Khuliqta Mubarra-am Min Kulli ‘Aybin You have been created free from All faults, Ka-Annaka Qad Khuliqta Kama Tasha’ It is indeed as if, you have been created With your own wishes. Whose Sunnah is it? It is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), the companions, and the pious predecessors to recite, to write, or to listen to naat in praise of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Merits of reciting Naat To invoke blessings and greetings on the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to the utmost, as naat is known to rouse in the soul an overwhelming desire to invoke blessings and salutations upon him. To purify one’s sincere love for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) above all other loves of the world, including that of parents, children, spouses, nation, and self. Naat rouses in the soul greater intensity and clarity for such rare love. To preserve the exalted fame of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), as Allah (The Exalted) Himself has raised him in His Book. The characteristics of naat are that it expresses and renews in vivid terms the great measure each national group understands best. To support the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and give him aid. It is known that praise a leader as the unifying symbol of a nation rouses people’s souls to bear arms and fight under his banner. This Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is the leader of Islam until the end of time. The Qur’an is full of the higest praises for the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Important Rules: There is no problem in saying verses that are permissible. If a verse contains description of a woman and she is alive then to say them is Makrooh and if she is dead then there is no problem. (Alamgiri)
It is forbidden for males to listen to the voice of a female praying or singing. To dance, clapping, guitar, sitar, keyboard etc. are all not permissible. (Radul Mukhtar) To play any instrument is totally forbidden in Islam except a one sided plain duff with no bells. This can only be played with a ‘dab’ ‘dab’ sound and not by making music out of it. (Radul Mokhtar / Alamgiri) People nowadays use music and Qawwali, jump and dance, to go to these gathering and to sit there is all not permissible. The only thing that has been proven from the Mashaiks, Sufis and pious people is that when someone said a verse of a poem their inner state (spiritual state) would change (Wajd) with the love of Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and they would stand up and do things without intention. Nowadays it is all a show and the people who gather in these sorts of gatherings are open sinners (Fasiqs) who don’ t keep a beard, miss Salaah, commit fraud, lie, etc. do these people really lose consciousness with the love of Allah (The Exalted) and the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)? Do you think that the Sufis would dance and play instruments in their gatherings, certainly not, this is degrading the names of the pious people, and you will have to answer for this on the day of judgement. (Alamgiri) “On the Day of Judgement, Allah (The Exalted) will pour molten lead into the ears of whoever sits listening to a songstress.” Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Song makes hypocrisy grow in the heart as water does herbage.” (Bayhaqi) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the understanding and open our minds, give us the ability to sit with rightly guided scholars and give us the ability to seek knowledge of Islam, Ameen! CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX THE SUNNAH OF TRAVEL O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as all there is water in the sea. People travel on a daily basis locally as well as throughout the world. By learning the Sunnah one will gain benefit and success through the journey. Loss in travelling alone & at night ‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ If a person knew how much loss there was in travelling alone and how many trials and afflictions come upon a person during the night then people would never travel alone.” (Bukhari) Allahu Akbar!
He preferd three people to travel together. One of the wisdoms behind this is that is something happened to one, one can stay with that person whilst the other goes for help, Subhanallah! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) that, “Travelling is an experience of torture. It deprives a traveller of his sleep, food and drink. When a person has accomplished his purpose of journey, he should return to his house hastily.” (ibid & Muslim) Forgiveness before leaving The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whosoever asks forgiveness in this way and the other person does not forgive, then on the Day of Resurrection that unforgiving person cannot meet me at the pool of Kawthar.” When travelling we should ask for our faults to be forgiven because one does not know if one will return again. What does Allah say? ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! Why did you smile?” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When a person recites a supplication and then says istighfar then Allah is pleased and says, “Look at how much my servant fears me, that even before going on a journey, he asks for forgiveness.” Subhanallah! Qasr (reduced) Salaah Yahya (may Allah be pleased with him) related that ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that, “The prayer was prescribed as two cycles, both when settled and when travelling. Then the travelling prayer was kept as it was, and an increase was made in the prayer when settled.” (Muwatta of Imam Malik) When a person travels more than 57.5 miles, it become necessary (wajib) to offer two cycles instead of four of the Fardh of Dhuhr, ‘Asr and ‘ Isha. The other Salaahs can be prayed and should be prayed in full. Travel in the morning The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “The best time to start a journey is in the first part of the day.” Meaning the morning. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “There should be a bottle of Surma (eye colour), a mirror, scissors, comb and a Miswak in a travel pack.” These are Sunnah to take with you whilst travelling, one may think they is no need for these, however, weather there is a need for them or not, there will be blessings as you are following the Sunnah.
Leader of the group ‘Ali Abu Rabati (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “ I was accompanied by ‘Abd-Allah Maruzi, he said, ‘During our journey one of us should be the leader, now tell me are you my leader or vice versa?” I said, “You are the leader.” He said “Then listen, whatever I ask from you, you will obey.” I replied, “What ever I hear I will obey.” He commanded me to bring a bag and I brought it. He placed all my clothing and goods it the bag and placed it on his back and began walking. I said “There is a lot of goods, let me at least carry my own you will become very tired, however, he kept giving the same answer,” “You choose me as your leader and have no right to over-rule my command.” One night it rained, all night he stood with a blanket over my head and did not let one drop fall on me (he himself was soaked) and when I tried to speak he would repeat “ I am the leader and you are a follower.” I was crying inside and wished I did not choose him to be my leader.” (Faizane Sunnat) Subhanallah! Becoming a leader is not about giving orders but to do work and be some sort of helper for the rest of the group. Difficulties in travelling A companion said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), “Oh Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) I suffer many difficulties in travelling and my business doesn’ t prosper either.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Recite five Surahs from the Qur’an, Al Kafiroon, Idha Jaa (Surah Nasr), Qul HuwaAllah (Surah Ikhlas), Qul-A‘udhu Bi Rabbil Falaq (Surah Falaq) and Qul-‘Audhu Bi Rabbin Naas (Surah Naas), and during the journey repeat ‘Allah, Allah (The Exalted)’ and you will not suffer any difficulty and your business will be a success.” Subhanallah! Those who go on a business trip be it to a close town, try and practise this and it will bring many blessings Insha-Allah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) told Jabir Mutim (may Allah be pleased with him) to recite the following five Surahs when on a journey: Surah Al Kafiroon Surah Nasr Surah Ikhlaas Surah Falaq Surah Naas Every Surah should be commenced with ‘Bismillah’ and ending at Surah Naas with ‘Bismillah’ meaning reciting ‘Bismillah’ six times.
Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When I went out on a journey and although I was wealthy and had more merchandise than my companions, my condition was worse than them. However, from the time I began reciting these Surahs, my condition was better upon my return than all of them and I would have most provisions from the journey.” (Hisnul Hasin) Subhanallah! Women travelling on their own Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “ It is not permissible for a man to be alone with a woman, and no lady should travel except with a Muhram (i.e. her husband or a person whom she cannot marry in any case; e.g. her father, brother, etc.).” Then a man got up and said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)! I have been enlisted in the army for such-and-such battle and my wife is proceeding for Hajj.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Go, and perform the Hajj with your wife.” (Bukhari) Look at the emphasis on being accompanied by a Mehram. At that time Muslims where little in number and where desperately in-need of as many fighters as possible, however, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said to his companion to accompany his wife. Unfortunately, this is very much neglected, many excuses are made, we will not be able to make these excuses in in the court of Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Let us begin to follow the shari’ah (Islamic law) as it has been laid down. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When returning from a journey, ring a gift for you’ re the household be it stones.” (Abu Dawud) After the journey The Messenger of Allah’s (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) blessed Sunnah was to return from a journey during Chast time. He would first go to the Masjid and perform two cycles Salaah. Thereafter he would stay in the Masjid for a little while before going home. (Bukhari & Muslim) When returning from a long journey at night one should not go home immediately, but rather spend the night in the Mosque and go home the next day. It was the habit of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), that when he returned from a journey he generally did so at the time of Chasht. He first went into the Mosque, read two Cycles of Superergratory Salaah and sat in the Mosque meeting the people for a little while before going home. Supplication when feeling tired Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) came to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to ask for a slave to assist her. Her hands had turned red due to grinding and drawing water. The colour of her face had also changed due to cooking and sweeping. She came and found that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was not present. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) arrived he enquired, ‘Why did my daughter come?’ He was told, to ask for a
slave. Then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to her house and asked her, ‘You wanted a slave? There is no helper at the moment, however, when one is present then you will get one.’ He then said, ‘The worldly work is easy perform it whichever way you can. Be a good servant of Allah (The Exalted), fear him and look after your husband. I will show you such a deed that is better then a slave, before sleeping recite Subhanallah (All purity belongs to Allah) 33 times, Alhamdulillah (All praise be to Allah) 33 times, and 34 times Allahu Akbar (Allah is the greatest).’” (Musnad Imam Ahmad & Madarij-un-Nabuwah) This is the reason this tasbih is also known as Tasbih-e-Fatima. Many people to rid their tiredness turn to massage parlours and get massaged by the opposite gender which is strictly forbidden. Even if people get massaged by the same gender their bodies are not covered according to the Shari’ah (Islamic law). When a person recites the Tasbih given by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) it will rid you of tiredness as well as give you spiritual benefit. May Allah (The Exalted) save us from using forbidden methods of ridding tiredness and give us the ability to perform the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted), Ameen. The best day to travel When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would set out or send someone on a journey, he thought of Thursday as an appropriate day for departure. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) considered himself a traveller in this world having no concern with comforts and luxuries. He was a living example of living in this world like a stranger or a passer by. He said, “Be in this world as though a stranger or a wayfarer.” (Imaam Nawawi) Gifts Do your best to bring some gifts to those receiving you, and likewise present your guests with a present. Always be prepared to reciprocate gifts with suitable ones. A gift, however, symbolic, will greatly enhance the pleasure of such a meeting. The joy of years every time your gift is seen or used. Manners of Travelling To read four Cycles of Superergratory Salaah before setting out on a journey. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) preferred a Thursday for commencing a journey. (Bukhari) It is Haraam to set out on a journey after the Jumu’ah Adhan and before the Jumu’ah Salaah. (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) refrained from setting out on a journey alone. (Abu Dawud) He preferred a group of three and he stated that if four companions set out on a journey then it was preferable.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has stated that if more than three persons are travelling in a group then one of them should be appointed as an Ameer (leader). (ibid) The leader of the group is the one who serves the group. Choose someone who practices the Sunnah. (Baihaqi) Before setting out on a journey one should meet one’s friends and relatives and make supplication for them that I hand over to Allah (The Exalted) your religion, your trustworthiness, and your result. Women must not travel without her husband or a man with whom marriage is permissible with (Ghair-Mehram) for more than three days or Fifty-seven and a half miles or more, because for women to travel alone is not permissible in Islam. (Durre Mukhtar & Raddul Mohtar) Take permission from your parents before travelling. (Alamgiri) You do not need permission from your parents for travelling to learn the knowledge of Islam this is not disobedience. (Alamgiri) When going on a journey, remember a few Sunnahs, Prayer mat, personal hygiene can, Miswak, comb, nail cutter, and stick. On dry ground the measurement is taken as miles and the total amount of miles are fifty seven and a half (57.5). (Fatawa-e-Razawiyya, Bahar-e-Shariat) When a person is travelling (more than 57.5 miles) Qasr Salaah is necessary, meaning instead of the four Fardh of Dhuhr you will pray two Fardh, the four Fardh of ‘Asr you will pray two and the four Fardh of ‘ Isha you will pray two Fardh. There is no Qasr for the two Fardh of fajr, three Fardh of Maghrib, and the three Witr of ‘ Isha, they have to be prayed in full. There is no Qasr in Sunnat and therefore should be prayed in full. In fact due to fear or if in a hurry you can miss the Sunnats but you cannot pray them as Qasr. (Alamgiri) Fardh, Wajib or Sunnat cannot be prayed on a moving train. Therefore when the train stops at a station pray these Namaz and if you see that the time is running out then pray the Namaz whichever way possible and then when you get the time repeat the Namaz. (Bahar-e-Shariat) IMPORTANT: A moving train should not be mixed with a moving boat or ship because if these are stopped then they wouldn’ t be stopped on ground and you can touch the ground from the train if you get off and you cannot do that on a ship. It is only allowed to pray Namaz on a ship when it is in mid water, if it is on the shore and you can get off then you must do this as praying on the ship in this situation is not allowed. If a traveller made the intention of staying at a destination for fifteen days or more, there is no Qasr once reaching the destination. Return home as soon as you have completed your work. (Bukhari)
Help your friends and others whilst on your travels. When leaving home leave your family, wealth in the hands of Allah (The Exalted). Make supplication when travelling as supplications are accepted more quickly. If you fear an enemy pray Surah Quraish, (Li-ila-Fi Quraysh) you will attain peace in any affliction. Pray ‘Ya Samadu’ 134 times every day and you will gain satisfaction from your food and drink. It is not permissible to pray any Fardh, Wajib, or the Sunnah of Fajr on a moving train. However, if the train is not to stop then you should pray it and repeat it later. If you are travelling by air (i.e. by plane), Salaah should be prayed and there is no need to repeat it. One should remember that it is obligatory (Fardh) to pray all the Salaah (besides Superogratory) whilst standing otherwise the Salaah will be void. Do not face any direction but find out the direction of the Qibla. If you encounter any problems, then it states in the hadith proclaim three time Ya ‘Aeinuni Ya 'Eibadallah, (O Allah's servants! Help me) (Hisnul Hasin) Only an intention of travelling is not sufficient but they have to leave the area, if it is a city then to leave the city, if it is a town to leave the town and if it is a city then not only the city but it’s associated landmarks then the journey has begun. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar) Supplication when leaving the home When leaving home at the beginning of a journey one should read the following supplication: ‘Bismillahi Tawak-Kaltu ‘Alallahi Wala Howla Wala Quwwata Illabillah’ “Allah’s name I begin with, I trust in Allah (The Exalted), there is no power and might except from Allah (The Exalted).” When one boards any vehicle, he should read: Bismillah. ‘Allah’s name I begin with’ . When seated, he should read: AlhamduLillah. ‘All praise be to Allah (The Exalted)’ . Supplication for travelling Thereafter one should read the supplication for travelling aboard any vehicle:
‘Alhamdulillah Subhaanal-Ladhi Sakh-Kharalana Hadha Wamakunnaa Lahu Muqrineen Wainna Ilaa Rabbina Lamun Qaliboon.’ “All praise be to Allah (The Exalted) purity belongs to He, who has subjected this conveyance for us and we were not capable of controlling it and, surely, to our sustainor we are to return.” (Abu Dawud in Jihad & Mishkat) After praying this supplication it is Sunnah to smile. Thereafter recite ‘Alhamdulillah’ and ‘Allahu Akbar’ three times. Supplication when you stop at a place When stopping en route at any place read: “A‘udhu Bikalimaa Tillahit Taammaati Min Sharri Maa Khalaq” ‘ I seek refuge in the perfect words of Almighty Allah from the evil of which he has created’ . As long as the person who utters these words remains at that place, nothing from (that place) shall cause him harm. No evil will harm till he departs from that place. (Muslim) Supplication when you enter a village When one enters any village, town or settlement one should read: “Allahumma Baarik Lanaa Feehaa.” ‘O Allah (The Exalted) Bless us in this (place). Supplication when one returns from a journey Upon returning from a journey one should recite: “ ‘Aa- iboona Ta’aiboona ‘Aabidoona Lirrabinaa haamidoon.” ‘We are returnees, of those who repent and we are worshippers and those who prostrate and those who praise our lord.’ (ibid) May Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to follow the Sunnah and make it easy for all of us gaining reward and blessings whilst travelling, Ameen.
CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN SUNNAH OF SPORTS / EXERCISE O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as all that the night has covered and the day has illuminated. Although the Muslim usually enjoys good physical health, because of his abstention from haram or harmful food and drink, and his avoidance of bad habits such as staying up late or indulging in activities that may be detrimental to his well-being, he must still make a concerted effort to improve his bodily strength. The healthy eating habits that he practices are supplemented by an organised excersice program, appropriate to his physical condition, age and social status. This gives strength, energy and vitality to his body, and provides immunity of illness. If he is to reap the benefits of excersice, he plans to exercise regularly and does not give up. All of this is done in an organised and systematic fashion, but in moderation, as this is the hallmark of the true Muslim in every place and age. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go into the fields for excersice. He had an interest in horse riding, and would ride on Camels, Mules and would also travel on donkeys. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would look after the animals on which he travelled in the same manner he would look after people. He would advise the owners of the animals to give them good food so that they do not stay hungry and not to take too much work from them. Swimming The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would go for a swim too. ( Shamail-e-Nabawi) In a hadith it states, Teach your children Archery, Swimming, and to earn lawfully. (Kanzul Ummal) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would spend a simple life. He would keep an interest in swimming, as it was the best exercise for the body. Once the companions were swimming with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), they were put into pairs and each companion would swim to the partner. The Prophet’s partner was ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) swam towards him and held his neck. Daggers ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that, “By Allah (The Exalted), I remember the messenger of Allah (The Exalted) standing on the door of my apartment screening me with his mantle enabling me to see the sport of the Abyssinians as they played with their daggers in the mosque of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He kept standing for my sake till I was satisfied and then I went
back and you can well imagine how long a girl of tender age who is fond of sports (could have watched it).” (Muslim) The Wrestler While the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was lying under a tree alone during the Kattan war, in the third year of Migration, a disbeliever who was a wrestler named Dasur came up to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) with a sword and said, “Who will rescue you from me?” the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied, “Allah (The Exalted) will rescue me.” Jibrail (upon him be peace) then appeared as a human being and struck the chest of the disbeliever. Having fallen, the sword fell too. Taking the sword in his hand the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Who will rescue you from me?” The disbeliever begged by saying, “There is no blessed person who will rescue me, except you.” The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) released and forgave him and after this incident the disbeliever accepted Islam. (Teachings of Islam, Part 2.) Subhanallah! The Prophet had the strength of 40 men Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “ I heard the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying, “One is not strong because of one's wrestling skilfully.” The companions said, “O Allah's Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) then who is strong?” He said, “He who controls his anger when he is in a fit of rage.” (Muslim) Strength is not always of physical but about the intellect. Walk in the gardens The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) liked to walk about in the gardens to which he sometimes retreated for relaxation. He would go to the green gardens for walks too. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that once, when she went on a journey with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), she challenged him to a race, and won. Later, when she had gained weight, she raced him again, but this time he won, and told her, “This is for that.” (Ahmad & Abu Dawud) Forbidden Burayda (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Whosoever plays chess it is as if he has placed his hands in the flesh and blood of a pig.” (Muslim, Ahmad & Abu Dawud) Anas, ‘Uthman and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saw a person running after pigeons and said Shaytan is running after the Shaytan.” (Abu Dawud & Ibn Majah)
Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has forbidden alcohol and gambling, and drums and said everything that intoxicates is forbidden.” (Bayhaqi) Manner of Leisure/Exercise To do archery (for target practice) is a Sunnah. To horse ride is a Sunnah as they (horses) were used in the battles. Also it is good excersie for the back. To wrestle and to swim. Males should make sure that the body is covered from below the navel including the knees and for women, is the same rule but only when in front of other women and when in front of men then all the body should be covered besides the hands and face. To wrestle with the intention of gaining strength is good and rewarding. (Bahar-e-Shariat & Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 165) Do not wear tight clothing when doing sports. Exercise with the intention that it is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and not only will you enjoy it but it would become worship too. Do not waste time in sports in which sins are committed. Do not swear or get angry whilst playing sports. One must not shout or cause mischief. One must not give difficulties to others but enjoy the sport. The Hadith has proved only three types of play, playing with your wife, riding a horse and shooting arrows. (Durre Mukhtar) To keep birds is permissible as long as it is not for flying (racing). (ibid) It is forbidden to make animals fight and to watch it. (Bahar-e-Shariat & Akhlaaq aur Aadaab, p. 165) May Allah (the Exalted) give us the ability to enjoy sports and physical excersice that pleases him, Ameen.
CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT SUNNAHS OF ‘EID O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) by morning and by the evening. Islam has granted us two such days throughout the year in which we celebrate and remember Allah (The Exalted). However, these days should be celebrated according to the Shari’ah (Islamic Law) and gaining the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted). Two better days Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) emigrated from Makkah to Madinahtul Munawwara, he found that the people spent two days in making celebrations.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “What kind are the two days?” people replied, “ In the days of illiteracy we made celebrations.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) remarked, “Allah (The Exalted) has given you two better days, one of which is ‘Eid-ul-Fitr and the other ‘Eid-ul-Adha.” (Mishkat) Barada (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “On the day of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would not go to the ‘Eid Ghah without eating and on ‘Eid-ul-Adha he would not eat anything until after Salaah.” (Ibn Majah) The reason being that ‘Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the month of Ramadhan and it was to show the followers that I am not fasting. Hearts will never die The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Whoever made intention of worship to gain reward on the night of ‘Eid, his heart will not die on the day, when all other hearts will die.” (ibid) Paradise is necessary Mu’adh Ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him) states that, “Whoever spends five nights in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) Jannah is Wajib for them.” Those nights are 8th, 9th, 10th Dhul-Hajj, ‘Eid-ul-Fitr, and 15th Sha’baan. (Isbahani) Bread made of Barley On the day of ‘Eid, a person came to ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and said that, “Why are you eating bread made from barley, today is ‘Eid?” ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) replied that, “ It is ‘Eid for those whose fasting has been accepted, whose sins have been forgiven, today it can be the day of ‘Eid for those who do not go against the commands of Allah (The Exalted).” (Ghunyatul Talibeen) Allahu Akbar!
Unfortunately, those who celebrate ‘Eid in a way it is not to be celebrated should take heed. Did we pray every Salaah (5 times a day) on its time throughout the blessed month of Ramadan, did we complete the Qur’an at least once, did we control our tongue from backbiting and swearing etc, did we pray every Tarawih prayer completed 20 cycles every day, or was Ramadan just about staying hungry and continuing to do those things that we were doing outside Ramadan? Then think are we really worthy of celebrating ‘Eid and how compare it with how the pious would celebrated it. Ramadan is meant to be a time for spiritual training for the next 11 months, however, the day of ‘Eid day for many has become such that Salaah is missed and we make a show of our selves to the non-Muslim community that this is Islam, we forget the teaching of the Qur’an, the Salaah we prayed has made no affect on ourselves and we have not become better Muslims. O People! Understand the teachings of the Qur’an and the Sunnah and become better people then only you will become good Muslims. ‘Eid is when the fast has been accepted People went to the court of the Caliph of the time ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), they saw the doors were closed and ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was crying. People were surprised and said, “O Leader of Muslims! You should be celebrating today, what is the reason for crying?” ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) replied, “O people! This is the day of ‘Eid and today whosoever has their Salaah and fast accepted no doubt for them it is ‘Eid today. However, whose Salaah and fasting may not be accepted and thrown on their faces, for those it is the day of sorrow, I am crying in the fear that I do not know if I have been accepted or rejected.” Allahu Akbar! Think for a minute, how did the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and the companions spend ‘Eid and how have we been spending our ‘Eid. Of course, it is a day of happiness this is the reason why Allah (The Exalted) has made an extra Salaah to be prayed which is necessary (wajib). It is unfortunate that people will go to the ‘Eid prayer but will miss their Fajr Salaah which is Fardh, not only that but the rest of the Salaahs are also forgotten during the day. Being Muslims we should celebrate ‘Eid in a manner that pleases Allah (The Exalted) and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and ask for forgiveness from Allah (The Exalted) and pray that He accepts our fasting and Salaah. Wahab bin Munabih states, “Whenever ‘Eid comes the Shaytan cries aloud. Seeing his state the other Shayateen gather and enquire the reason for being so sad. He says Allah (The Exalted) today has forgiven the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) hence, make them busy in their desires (i.e. sins).” (Muqashifatul Quloob) Hair and nails Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) reports that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘He who sees the new moon of the month of Dhul Hajj and intends to offer sacrifice should not cut his hair or nails until after the sacrifice.” (Muslim)
If you are going to perform Qurbani then it is desirable (Mustahhab) that from the first to the tenth of Dhul Hajj not to cut your hair or your nails. (Radd-ul-Mohtar, Bahar) This implies that it is better not to cut the hair or nails, but there is no sin if one does. It is rewarding if one desists. What is Takbeer Tashreeq The Takbeer Tashreeq is called from the ninth of Dhul Hajj from Fajr to the thirteenth of Dhul Hajj ‘Asr, after every Fardh Salaah that is prayed via main Jamaat and to call it once loudly is Wajib and three times is better. The Takbeer Tashreeq is as follows ‘Allahu Akbar Allahu Akbar La ilaha illallah Wallahu Akbar Allahu Akbar Walillahil Hamd.’ (Tanweerul Absar, Bahar) (Allah is the Greatest, Allah is the Greatest, There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the Greatest and all praise is due to Allah). The Takbeer Tashreeq is Wajib as soon as the Salaam is performed, meaning until an act has not been performed which takes him away from Salaah such as if he broke his ablution deliberately or walked outside the Mosque then the Takbeer is void but if the ablution broke on its own accord then you should still say the Takbeer. (Radd-ul-Mohtar, Durr-e-Mukhtar, Bahar) For Whom is Takbeer Tashreeq Wajib and when is it Wajib? Takbeer Tashreeq is Wajib upon those who live in the city or a person who has made the intention of staying in the city, whether it be a woman, a traveller or a person who resides in a village and if these people do not make the intention of staying in the city then the Takbeer is not Wajib upon them. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Bahar) Takbeer Tashreeq is also Wajib after the Jumu’ah Salaah but not after Nafl or Sunnats, however, you should also say it after ‘Eid Salaah. (Durr-e-Mukhtar) Rules of ‘Eid Salaah ‘Eid (meaning Fitr and ‘Eid ud Duha) Salaah is Wajib but not for all. It is only Wajib for those for whom Jumu’ah is Wajib and the conditions for it are the same as those for Jumu’ah except in Jumu’ah the Khutba is Wajib and for ‘Eid it is Sunnah. (Qazi, Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar) To miss the ‘Eid Salaah without reason is mis-guidance and Bid’ah. (Bahar) You should not say the Takbeer in a loud voice on the way to the ‘Eid Gaah. (Durr-e-Mukhtar, Radd-ul-Mohtar, Bahar.) There is no harm in going to the ‘Eid Gaah on a conveyance but those who have the strength to walk then it is better to do so and there is no harm to return back on a conveyance. (Johra, Alamgiri, Bahar) The time of ‘Eid Salaah starts once the Sun is at the height of a spear and the time remains until midday day. However, it is better to delay the ‘Eid-ul-Fitr Salaah and to pray the ‘Eid-ud-Doha early, and if the time reaches midday before performing Salaam then the Salaah will not count. (Hidaya, Qazi Khan, Durr-e-Mukhtar) When referring to midday it means midday according to Shariah.
Method of praying ‘Eid Salaah The method is to make intention for ‘Eid-ul-Fitr or ‘Eid-ud-Doha for two Cycles Wajib and then lift your hands up to your ears and say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and then fold them below the navel as normal. Now pray ‘Thana’ and then say Allahu Akbar and lift your hands upto your ears and release them and again lift your hands and say Allahu Akbar and release them again and then lift your hands again and say Allahu Akbar and then fold them. Meaning fold your hands after the first and fourth Takbeer and the second and third Takbeers release your hands. The best way to remember is that if there is something to pray after the Takbeer then fold your hands and where there is nothing to pray release your hands and leave them on the side. After folding your hands after the fourth Takbeer the Imam will quietly pray A‘udhubillah’ and ‘Bismillah’ and then he will pray ‘Alhamdu’ and a Surah loudly and then go into Ruku and Sajdah and complete one cycle. Then in the second cycle the Imam will first pray the Alhamdu and a Surah then lift your hands to your ears and say Allahu Akbar and release them and do not fold them and repeat this twice more, therefore a total of three times and on the fourth time say Allahu Akbar and without lifting your hands go into Ruku. This therefore means that in ‘Eid Salaah there are six extra Takbeers, three before Qirayat (recitation) and after Takbeer-e-Tahrima in the first Ruku and three after Qirayat in the second cycle and before the Takbeer for Ruku. Coming late If someone joins in the first cycle after the Imam has prayed the Takbeers then they should say all the three extra Takbeers together even if the Imam has started the Qirayat. (Alamgiri, Durr-e-Mukhtar) If you caught the Imam in Ruku then first of all say the Takbeer-e-Tahrimah and then if you know that you can pray the three extra Takbeers before the Imam lifts his head from the Ruku then pray the three Takbeers and then join the Imam in Ruku and if you fear that if you stayed to pray the three Takbeers the Imam would lift his head from Ruku then go straight into Ruku and without lifting your hands pray the three Takbeers quietly in Ruku and whilst you were praying the three Takbeers the Imam lifted his head from Ruku then you should also lift your head and leave the remaining Takbeers as these no longer need to be prayed. (Alamgiri etc.) If you joined in the second cycle then pray the first cycle’s Takbeer when you stand to pray the missed cycle. (ibid) If you joined in after the Imam had come back up from Ruku then do not say the Takbeers at this stage but pray them when you pray the missed cycle. (ibid) If you joined the Salaah in the last cycle just before the Imam performed Salaam then pray your both Cycles with Takbeers when you stand up. (ibid)
Manners of ‘Eid To rise earlier than usual. To cut the hair and the nails. To have a bath. To brush the teeth with Miswak. To be dressed in an Islamic manner. To dress in one’s best clothes (not necessarily new). To wear one silver ring (the weight should be less than four grams). (Ehkam-e-Shariat/Fatawa-e-Radhwiyya) To use ‘ Itr (non-alcoholic fragrance, and males only). To pray the Fajr Salaah in the Mosque in your area. To go to the place of ‘Eid Salaah early. To walk to the place of ‘Eid Salaah and in accordance with the Sunnah. To perform ‘Eid-u-fitr Salaah at the ‘Eid-ghah. Before ‘Eid Salaah eat an odd number of dates or anything sweet. To show happiness. To give Sadaqah (charity). To recite ‘ takbeeraat’ on the way to the place of prayer. To use a different route to and from the place of ‘Eid Salaah. To greet one another on ‘Eid day with the words: ‘Eid Mubarak! May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to celebrate ‘Eid according to the Sunnah, Ameen. CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE SUNNAH OF VISITING THE SICK O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are grains of sand.
If you become ill, remember that without illness we would not recognize the blessing of good health. Even sickness could bring blessings that only later we will become aware of. It could bring forced period of reflection and review of your lifestyle and the way you conduct your affairs. Many go thought difficulty and times of trial to discover later that indeed that was a blessings in disguise. Abu Saeed Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Any sorrow, poverty, worry, trouble, injury and any sort of calamity that hurts a Muslim even if a thorn hurts him, Allah (The Exalted) forgives his sins for this trouble.” (Bukhari) We should not be depressed but think that Allah (The Exalted) is forgiving my sins. The Beloved of Allah (The Exalted) has said, “For some believers, Allah (The Exalted) sets such a high position (in the hereafter) that he cannot reach it by means of his actions (in this world). In such event, Allah (The Exalted) involves him in pain either through illness or loss of wealth or anguish on account of his children and then Allah (The Exalted) grants him the ability to be patient so that he becomes entitled to that high position in Paradise.” Subhanallah! We should not utter words that go against the Shariah. ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates that, “When a person has a lot of sins, and has no good deeds, Allah (The Exalted) puts him in difficulty to compensate for his sins.” (Mishkat) Manners of Visiting The visitor should wear clean clothes with a fresh scent in order to make the patient feel better both spiritually and physically. At the same time, it is improper to wear fancy clothes that are more appropriate for parties and festivities. Likewise, wearing a strong perfume may annoy the sick. Visitors should keep their conversation light and avoid gloomy subjects that might exacerbate the patient’s distress. Avoid conveying bad news, such as a failing business, a death or similar stressful events. Also, visitors should not inquire about the details of illness unless the visitor is a specialized physician. Similarly, visitors should not recommend to a patient any food or medicine that might have helped them or someone else. Such recommendations, or rather interference, may lead the ill person out of ignorance or desperation try it, causing further complication or even death. Do not criticize or object to the treatment prescribed by the physicians in the presence of the ill person, for it will shake his trust in his doctor. If you are a specialized physician, you may want to discuss the case and its treatment privately with the doctor in charge. Ask for permission The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would visit those people who were ill and would stand on one side of the door, give greetings (salaam) in a loud voice and thereafter ask for permission to enter.
The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has forbidden standing in front of the doorway. The prescribed method is to say our name so that the person in the house knows who it is and take permission. After gaining permission you should enter the house and say salaam. Visiting the sick There are great rewards in visiting the sick. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Whosoever visits a sick person in the morning then seventy thousand angels shall invoke mercy on the visitor until the evening. And whosoever visits a sick person in the evening then seventy thousand angels shall make supplication for mercy upon that visitor until the morning and he shall also have a garden in Paradise.” (Tirmidhi) Subhanallah! We should make an effort to visit those who are sick and give them comfort, however, remember not to stay for long and do not be a burden on the ill person nor the family. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have said that, “The best form of visiting the sick is when one gets up and departs soon.” (Baihaqi) Fruits of Paradise Sauban (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as saying that, “When a Muslim pays a visit to his sick Muslim brother, he continues to gather the fruits of paradise until he returns.” (Muslim) Make supplication for good health The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would put his blessed hands on the forehead of the person who was ill and make a supplication for good health and advise the person to remember Allah (The Exalted) at all times. Mercy onto all worlds The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) visited the non-Muslims too, as he was ‘Rehmatul Lil’Alameen’ meaning a Mercy unto all the worlds. You may visit non-Muslims who fall ill, be they neighbours, relatives, co-workers, or business acquaintances. Imam Bukhari (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) visited his non-Muslim uncle Abu Talib on his death bed and urged him to embrace Islam. We should try to revive this Sunnah. There are many people in hospitals that do not get visitors. Get a team of brothers and sisters and revive this Sunnah, it is a great opportunity for dawah (preaching). A person from our locality who was approx 80 years old was ill in hospital. He was visited by couple of brothers and through there visit Alhamdulillah become a Muslim. Three months later he passed away (Inna Lillahi Wa
Inna Ilayhi Raji ‘oon From Allah (The Exalted) do we come and to him we shall return). 80 years of disbelief and all his passed sins wiped clean. Subhanallah! Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that, “A Jewish boy used to serve the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) preparing his ablution and bringing him his shoes. The boy became ill, and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) went to visit him. He found him gravely ill with his father sitting by his side. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) invited the boy to Islam by asking him to say, “There is no God but Allah.” The boy looked at his father who kept silent. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) repeated his request and the boy again looked at his father who told him, “Obey Abu’ l-Qasim.” The boy just before dying said, “ I bear witness that there is no God but Allah and that you are His Messenger.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “ I thank Allah (The Exalted) for enabling me to save him.”” (Bukhari in Jana’ iz) Comfort the ill person Abu Sa’eed (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “When you enter to visit an invalid, express a hope that he will live long. That will not avert anything, but it will comfort him.” (Tirmidhi) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When visiting a patient one should try to console him.” (By taking a gift or saying ‘ Insha’Allah you will get better before you know it’ .) Do not say things like, “O you’ re only young and this has happened to you” etc. but give them comforting words. Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) visited a sick person, he would sit at his head then say seven times: “ I ask Allah (The Exalted), the Rabb of the Mighty Throne, to heal you.”” (Adaab al-Mufrad) ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that, “The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to visit some of his relatives and wipe them with his right hand, saying ‘O Allah (The Exalted), Rabb of mankind, remove the suffering. Heal for You are the Healer. There is no healing except for Your healing, the healing which leaves no trace of sickness.” (Bukhari & Muslim) The Muslims conveyed this Sunnah of visiting the sick from one generation to another, and it remained a feature of their social life, a sign of their mutual ties, love, mercy and solidarity which would mend broken hearts, wipe the tears of the bereaved, lift the clouds of depression, relieve despair, establish ties of friendship, strengthen the ties of brotherhood, and encourage faithfulness and hope. Recite the four Quls ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) states that, “When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was ill, he recited the last two chapters of the Qur’an (Surah Falaq & Surah Naas), and blew his breath over himself and rubbed his hands over his body. When he was afflicted with his fatal illness, she began reciting the
last two chapters, blowing her breath over him (as he used to blow), and moving the hand of the Prophet over his body.” (Bukhari) Supplication of an angel Umme Salma (may Allah be pleased with her) has related the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “When you visit an ill person tell him to make supplication for you, for his supplication is like that of an angel.” (Ibn Majah) (Meaning the supplication will be accepted sooner). He who recites Ya Salamu (The source of peace) frequently will be free from calamities. By reciting this name 115 times to a sick person, Allah (The Exalted) will heal him. There is a cure for every illness Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) has reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has sent down both the diseases and the cure, and He has appointed a cure for every disease, so treat yourselves medically, but use nothing unlawful.” (Mishkat) Medical equipment and old age Usamah bin Sharik (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) whether they should make use of medical treatment, He replied “Yes, servant of Allah (The Exalted), make use of medical treatment, for Allah (The Exalted) has not made a disease without appointing a remedy for it, with the exception of one disease (i.e. old age/death.” ) (Tirmidhi) Advice The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would advise the patient to employ the services of a skilful and proficient doctor. He also advised the sick to control their diet (i.e. not to eat those things that shall have an adverse effect on one’s health). No cure in unlawful medication The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Allah (The Exalted) has not put a cure for us in Haraam things.” We should not use unlawful medication, as there is no cure in it. Some say that it is okay to use it for medical purpose, however, this is going against the teachings of Allah (The Exalted) and His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Allah (The Exalted) is the One who gives cure but laws have to be followed. Supplication for pain FOR PAIN: to place one’s hand on the place of pain and then with ‘Bismillah’ and Salawaat in the beginning and end recite the following supplication seven times: - A ‘udhubi Ilahi Wa Qudratihi Min Sharima AjiduWa-U-Hadhir.
‘ I seek protection in the might and power of Allah (The Exalted) from the evil of what I find and which I fear.” One shall Insha’Allah be relieved of the pain. Supplication for sores, wounds & infections FOR SORES AND WOUNDS: If there is an infection on the body, wet the index finger with saliva from the mouth, place it on the ground and then rub it on the infection while reciting: ‘Bismillahi Turbata Ardina BireeQati Ba’dina Liyushfa Saqeemana Bi-Idhni Rabbina’ “Allah’s name I begin with, I seek blessings. This is the soil of our land mixed with saliva of one of us so that it can cure our patient with the command and permission of our Rabb.” (Bukhari) The finger should then be passed over the wound. Forgiveness or die as a Martyr Whoever in the state of illness reads the following forty times, should he recover, his sins shall be forgiven, and should he die, he shall be granted the reward of a martyr. Subhanallah! ‘Laa Ilaha Illa Anta Sub-hanaka Inni Kuntu Minadhalimeen’ There is no deity, be thou glorified, indeed I am amongst the wrongdoers. If the above supplication is read then he shall be saved from the fire of hell. Pain in eyes: Recite: Allahumma Ma’ ti’ni Bibasari Waj’alhul Waritha Minni Wa-Arini Fil Uduw-we Thari wansurni ‘Ala man Zalamani. O Allah (The Exalted)! Preserve for me my sight and let me utilise it throughout my life and show me my vengeance in (my) enemy and help me against the one who has been cruel to me. Pain in Ears: Recite: Ka-un-lam Yasma’ha ka-unna Fi Udhunaihi Wagra, Nashsharhu Bi-Adhabin Aleem. There was deafness in both his ears, announce to him a grievous penalty. Dua for Depression:
Recite these verses: Laqad Jaa-Akum Rassoolum Min Anfusikum Azizun Alaihe Ma Annittum Harisun Alaikum Bil Mu’minina Raufur Raheem. Fa-in Tawallahu Faqul Hasbiyallah, La-illaha Illahu, Alaihe Tawakkaltu Wahuwa Rabbul ‘Arshil Adheem. Now hath come unto you an Apostle from amongst yourselves; it grieves him that ye should perish: Ardently anxious is he over you: to the belivers is he most kind and merciful. But if they turn away, say: Allah sufficeth me. There is no God but He: On Him is my trust, He the Lord of the Throne (of Glory) Supreme. Depression and pain in chest: Al-Ladheena Amanu Wa Tatmainu Quloobuhum Bi Dhikrillah ‘Ala Bi Dhikrillahi Tatma Innul Quloob. Those who believe and whose hearts find satisfactions in the remembrance of Allah (The Exalted) do hearts find satisfaction. Dua for throat infection: Fa Laula Idha Balaghatil Hulqoom Then why do ye not (intervene) when (the sould of dying man) reaches the throat. Dua for back ache and kidney infection and gall stone: Recite Surah Tariq Chapter 30, Surah No: 86 and Surah Alam Nashrah Surah No: 94. Dua for Headaches: Perform prostration to Allah (The Exalted). Benefit: the blood clots in the centre of the head and when you lower yourself to Allah (The Exalted) He no doubt will cure your aches. For all types of sickness: Recite Surah Fatiha for any sickness daily. Manners of visiting the sick When visiting the sick one should first greet him and then enquire about his health. One should not visit the sick for a long period (overstaying). (Baihaqi) One should always encourage the sick person and be careful not to speak of things that may cause them to despair and lose hope. (Tirmidhi) One should say the following when in the presence of the patient ‘Do not be afraid if Allah (The Exalted) wills this will be atonement for one’s sins.’ (ibid) Supplication for the patient
Make the following supplication for the patient seven times:- “As-alullahal ‘Adheema Rabbal ‘Arshil ‘Adheemi Aa-Yashfiaka” . ‘ I ask Allah (The Exalted) the great, the Lord of the great throne, to give you ‘Shifa’ – cure. (Tirmidhi & Abu Dawud) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that, “Whenever a Muslim visits a Muslim patient and reads the above supplication seven times then the patient will definitely recover from his illness except such illness which shall result in death.” (Abu Dawood) If possible, one should take a gift for the patient flowers etc. and if need be, assist financially, since the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has said that the best person is he who benefits mankind. Even when visiting the sick, one’s intention should be correct. That is to ‘gain Allah’s (The Exalted) pleasure.’ One should not force the sick person to eat or drink. (Mishkat) Request that the patient make supplication as his supplication is accepted. (Baihaqi) A sick person’s supplication is like that of the angels. (Ibn Majah) Supplication to save yourself Whoever reads the following supplication upon seeing another afflicted with sickness or difficulty will be protected from it. ‘Al-hamudulillahil Ladhi A’Faani Mim-Mabtolaka Bihi Wafodolani A’ la Katheerim Mimman Khalaka Tofdeela’ ‘All praise is due to Allah (The Exalted) who has relieve me from that with which He afflicted you and gave me excellence over many of whom he created’ . (Tirmidhi in Supplication & Mishkat) The reciter will be saved from the calamity that he has seen. (Mishkat) However, do not recite the supplication when you see the following three as they are a blessing from Allah (The Exalted). A person suffering from common cold & fever A person suffering from skin disease (eczema) A person suffering from eye disease (conjunctivitis) Read the supplication softly so that the person in difficulty may not hear it, on the other hand if the person in difficulty is engaged in sin then it should be read aloud so that he may learn a lesson. (Malfoozat-e-Ala Hadhrat, Part one, p. 4)
Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan and Following The Sunnah Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan’s says, “There was once a rumour in Bareilly, (his home town) that a Plague had appeared. Co-incidentally, at that moment, my gums became extremely inflamed. It continued to such proportions that it became difficult for me to open my mouth. I also had a high fever, coupled with inflamed glands. The doctor, who was called, looked at me closely for a few minutes. He exclaimed that I had the Plague. I could not speak at that moment, or else I could have told him that his diagnosis was incorrect and false.” “ I was certain that I did not have the Plague or any other major disease, simply because I had recited a supplication (stated above) as explained by the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) who said that if one sees a serious and deadly illness, he should recite this supplication which would protect the person from such an illness. Whenever I saw a serious illness, I recited this supplication; therefore, I was protected against it, including the Plague.” “Thereafter, with extreme respect, I proclaimed aloud, ‘O Allah! Prove that the words of your Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is true, and that the words of the doctor is false’ . At that moment a voice on my right advised me to use the Miswak and black pepper. With a little difficulty, I performed brushing with the Miswak and kept the black pepper on my tongue as a tablet. Infinite, indeed, is the Mercy of Allah (The Exalted)! Within a few minutes, I had gained my strength and sent the doctor away by proving that his diagnosis was false and baseless.” (ibid) This was the belief of Shaykh Ahmad Raza on the sayings of the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). When entering other peoples’ homes, enter the way that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has taught us and bring his teachings into our lives, may Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to act upon this Sunnah. Amulets (Taweez) and healing words Protective or healing words are permitted by Sacred Law (Shariah) and are called for when there is need for them, provided three conditions are met: That they consist of the word of Allah (The Exalted), His names, or His attributes. Note: the hadith prohibiting amulets being interpreted as referring to the beads and so forth that were used in the pre-Islamic period of ignorance. That they be in Arabic And that the user not believe the words have any effect in themselves, but are rather empowered to do so by Allah (The Exalted). (Mansur ibn Ali Nasif) Amr ibn Shu’ayb (may Allah be pleased with him) related from his father and he from his grandfather, that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to teach them for fearful situations the words, “ I seek refuge in Allah’s perfect
words from His wrath, the evil of His servants, the whispered insinuations of devils, and lest they come to me.” (Imam Nawawi) ‘Abd-Allah ibn Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) used to teach these words to those of his sons who had reached the age of reason, and used to write them and hang them upon those who had not. (Al-Majmu’ ) Important Rules: Medication is permissible when the intention is that the real cure is from Allah (The Exalted) alone. To use the hair, bones or any part of a pig is haraam. Other animals’ parts can be used on the condition that it has been slaughtered in the Islamic way. It is not permissible to use haraam substances in medication, such as glycol, glycerine etc. It is not permissible to use alcohol in medication even when using it externally. (Alamgiri) CHAPTER SEVENTY SUPPLICATING TO ALLAH (The Exalted) O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as many times as there are men and women. Another way in which the Muslim may strengthen his soul and connect his heart to Allah (The Exalted) is by repeating the supplications which it is reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) used to say on various occasions. So there is a supplication which he would say when he left his house, and others for entering the home, wearing new clothes, lying down in bed, waking up from sleep, etc. there is hardly anything that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) did that he did not have a supplication for, through which he asked Allah (The Exalted) so the Ummah can learn to ask Allah (The Exalted) to guide him, protects him from error, to take care of him and to decree good for him. Allah (The Exalted) is present, just ask! Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, ‘Allah (The Exalted) has said, “ I am present when my servant thinks of me and I am with him when he remembers me.’” (Mishkat) Raise your hands in supplication Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you make supplication, do
so with the palms of your hands and not backs upward, and when you finish, wipe your faces with them.” (Mishkat) Many people hold out their hands in different ways. The Sunnah is to held them with the palms facing upwards and the hands near the chest with a slight gap between the them and turn the hands as if holding a bowl. Keep confidence Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “When you make a supplication to Allah (The Exalted) make it with confidence that he will answer you. And remember Allah (The Exalted) will not answer the supplication of one who (at the time of prayer) is occupied elsewhere and is heedless of Allah (The Exalted).” (Tirmidhi) When making supplication do not be headless. Keep your mind towards Allah (The Exalted) and beware of what you are asking for. Make lawful Requests Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) has recalled the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying, “A servant is granted an answer provided he does not ask for anything sinful or for breaking ties of kinship, and provided he does not demand an answer quickly.” On being asked what demanding an answer quickly meant, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied that, “ It is when he says he has prayed and prayed and does not think he will be answered so grows weary in such circumstances and gives up supplication.” (Riyadh us Saliheen) We should never be impatient when asking, Allah (The Exalted) will give if it is better for us either now, or in the future or even in the hereafter but Allah (The Exalted) will except your supplications as long as they are lawful and better for us. It is not necessary that he gives us what we ask for but could be a substitute. Get closer to Allah Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) is reported to have said that, “While in prostration, a servant of Allah (The Exalted) is nearest to him. So make persistent supplications during prostration.” (Muslim) Go into prostration and make supplications as it is in this position one is close to Allah (The Exalted). Making supplication for others Abu Darda (may Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) saying that, “A Muslim’s supplication for an absent brother receives an answer. An angel is stationed at his head and as often as he makes supplication that his brother may be given what is good the angel who is put in charge of him says Ameen and may you receive the same.” (Mishkat)
How to make supplication Fudala bin Ubaid (may Allah be pleased with him) said that while the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was sitting, a man entered and prayed, saying, “O Allah (The Exalted), forgive me and show mercy to me.” Allah’s Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “You who are praying in a hurry. When you sit, you should praise Allah (The Exalted), invoke a blessing on me and then make your supplication.” (ibid) When making supplication be in mind as to what you are doing. Praise Allah (The Exalted), send Salawaat (durood) upon the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), make what every supplication as long as it is permissible and send Salawaat at the end and complete the supplication. Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) has related that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “Do not wish for death and do not ask for it in supplication. If one of you is absolutely hard put to it (and if for some reason life has become a hardship for him) then he should pray, “O Allah (The Exalted)! Grant me life as long as you know life to be best for me, and take me when you know death to be best for me.” (Nisai) Someone asked Ibraheem bin Adham (may Allah’s Mercy be upon him) that “What is it that we supplicate to Allah (The Exalted) but He doesn’ t accept it. He said, “You recognise the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) but do not follow his Sunnah, you know about the Qur’an but do not act upon it, you eat the bounties of Allah (The Exalted) but do not thank Him, you are aware of paradise but do not desire it, you know of hell fire but do not fear it, you know Shaytan but do not appose him but follow him, you know about death yet do not prepare for it, you bury the dead yet do not take any lesson from it, you have left your faults and are busy with the faults of others (then how will the supplications be accepted). (Ghunya tul Talibeen) Allahu Akbar! May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to recognise our state. Shaykh Sa’di Shirazi (may Allah’s mercy be upon him) said that, “Near the Kabah in the Haram people were busy in worship. I saw a person who was fixed to the wall of the Kabah crying making the following supplication, ‘O Allah! (The Exalted) If my deeds are not worthy in Your court, raise me blind on the day of Judgment.’ Those who were present had been surprised at such a supplication. The people asked this person, ‘O Shaykh! We expect peace on the day of judgment and you are asking to become blind, what is the reason?’ The person cried and answered, ‘What I mean is if my deeds are not worthy in the court of Allah (The Exalted) then I would like to be raised on the day of judgment blind because I do not want to be ashamed in front of people that day.” At that time all those who were present were astound by his reply, they did not recognise who this person was and asked, ‘O Shaykh! Who are you?’ He replied, “ I am ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani (may Allah be pleased with him).”” (Gulistan-e-Sa’adi & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 733) Allahu Akbar!
Shaykh ‘Abdul Qadir Jilani is a great saint. Our pious would cry and fear Allah (The Exalted). However, we do not have time to make supplication. Let us from today, take time and become close to Allah (The Exalted) and ask for anything and everything as long as it is lawful and you will feel the sweetness of it. Manners of Supplication To empty the heart of all thoughts and to make supplication from the heart. The body, clothes and place of supplication must be clean, tidy and pure. Before making supplication perform some virtuous act to attract the mercy of Allah (The Exalted). Charity in this regard is granted most effective. First fulfil any rights of anyone upon you, fulfil them or get them pardoned from those concerned. Abstain from forbidden foods, drink, clothing and transactions (business and all other works), supplications are rejected if one indulges in the forbidden. Repent from all previous sins before making supplication. Be in ablution, face the Qiblah and sit in the kneeling position. Sajdah position is the best position as this is the closet a person can get to Allah (The Exalted). Alert the organs and body of the fear of Allah (The Exalted) and make the heart present. In the Hadith it states, “Allah (The Exalted) does not listen to the supplication of an unconscious heart.” Always keep your vision downwards towards the ground or else Allah (The Exalted) forbid! There are dangers of losing one’s vision. To begin the supplication by glorifying the praise of Allah (The Exalted), followed by reciting Salawaat upon the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). Always remember the huge favour of Allah (The Exalted) and be shameful of it as Allah (The Exalted) is close to a distress heart. Use the most beloved names of Allah (The Exalted) when beginning your supplication i.e. Ya Rabbana etc. Present the following Waseelah (intercession) when making supplication to Allah (The Exalted): The names and attributes of Allah (The Exalted) His books especially the Qur’an His angels and Prophets,
His Awliya and the pious etc. If there are any virtuous deeds performed in your lifetime solely for the pleasure of Allah (The Exalted), present them as a Waseelah at the time of supplication. The hands raised to the shoulders in front forming a bowl shape with a slight gap between the hands parallel to the sky. Adopt a soft tone when making supplication because Allah (The Exalted) hears every sound and He is very close to everyone. Always excersice humility and cry while making supplication. Make sure that the supplication is meaningful. Supplications must be made with surety and determination. One must not say, “O Allah (The Exalted) if you wish then fulfil my desires.” There is no one to compel Allah (The Exalted) for anything whatsoever. The best supplications to ask are those mentioned in the Qur’an and hadith. One should make supplication for one’s self first, parents as they are the reason for your physical existence, brothers, sisters, family, friends, teachers, and the Ummah. As far as possible, choose good times and sacred places of acceptance when making supplication. Always conclude with ‘Aameen’ as this is a seal or stamp of supplication. After termination of the supplication, wipe both palms on the face as whatever blessings derived from the supplication accumulates in the palms is applied on the best external part of the body i.e. the face. Do not become hasty for your supplications to be accepted. Never look at your sins and never stop making supplications as Shaytan’s supplication was also accepted and was granted grace till Qiyamah. Increase your supplications in time of good health, prosperity and happiness so that you may not forget to make supplications to Allah (The Exalted) at times of hardships and sadness. Make supplication in privacy as it is stated in the hadith, “One supplication in privacy is equivalent to 70 supplications in public.” (Daylami) Perform Miswak because one is preparing to glorify Allah (The Exalted). Try as far as possible to make supplication in Arabic, if not then in the language you feel most comfortable with.
Do not scream nor whisper, at least it should be so audible that one can hear one’s words. To conclude the supplication with the praise of Allah (The Exalted) and Salawaat and Ameen. Supplication should be made for permissible things only. Supplication should be made with the conviction that it will be accepted. To cry whilst making supplication. If one cannot cry then simulate the act of crying as Allah (The Exalted) likes this better than one who is crying in reality. Each supplication can be repeated in multiples of three. Supplication can be made in congregation (i.e. one person making supplication and others saying Ameen) and individually. Do not make supplication of forgiveness for non Muslims, one can only ask for their guidance. (Alamgiri) Best supplication of all If one does not know how to make supplication, pray the following, as all supplications are included in this supplication: ‘Rabbana Aatina Fiddunya Hasanatow Wafil Aakhirati Hasanatow Waqina ‘Adhaban Naar’ ‘O Allah (The Exalted), give us good (success) in this world and good (success) in the hereafter and save us from the Fire of Hell’ When supplications are answered, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) has taught us to express our appreciation by saying: - ‘Al-Hamdu Lillahilladhi Bi-Izzatihi Wajalaa Lihi Tatimmus So-LiHaatu’ . ‘Praise be to Allah (The Exalted) that good works have been accomplished by His Power and Glory’ . The Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said; ‘Recite Surah Fatiha one hundred times and whichever supplication is made Allah (The Exalted) will accept it’ . (Nizam-e-Shariat) May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to supplicate in His blessed court and accept our supplications, Ameen.
CHAPTER SEVENTY-ONE SUNNAH RELATING TO DEATH AND BURIAL O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as pleases You. Death is such a thing that every soul will taste. We should make ourselves comfortable with the fact that we will die one day and not be scared. One of the reason’s that people don’ t like to learn about death is that we are drowned in the love of the world and are too busy in chasing it. However, that day will come when we will have to taste death, hence we should begin to make preparations for it. Martyr in Islam ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) “ Is there a person who (without martyrdom) will attain the status of a Martyr’ . The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) replied that, “The person who remembers death twenty times in the day (attains this status).” Remember death! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) was once going past a group of people who were laughing loudly, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “O people! Talk about those things in your gathering which remove desires’ , they asked, ‘What is this?’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘That is death!” (Kimiyai Sa’adat) When we get together we talk about those things that does not concern us, we end up backbiting, swearing and things that will take us to hell fire. Let us leave these types of talk and remember death which is our final destination. Live like a stranger Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) stated that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) held me by my shoulders and said, “Live in this world like a stranger or a traveller.” Do not think we will live forever, we run after the world as if we will. We prepare for our retirement, buy buildings, cars etc. whilst we do not know if we will live the next hour! Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) always said that, “When it is night do not wait for the morning and when it is morning do not wait for the night and when in good health and during life make preparations for death (meaning good deeds).” (Bukhari) Hard heart A woman came to ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) and said that, “My heart is hard what can I do to make it soft?” ‘Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) replied, “Remember death on a regular basis and your heart will become soft.” The woman
practised this deed and her heart no doubt became soft. The woman then thanked ‘A’ isha (may Allah be pleased with her). Talk about Qiyamah & Death ‘Umar bin Abdul-Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) had a habit, where every night he held a gathering of the scholars and talked about Qiyamah and death. All the people would cry in such a way as if there had been a death. Hasan Basri (may Allah be pleased with him) in his gathering talked about death, the Hell fire, and the Hereafter. Do not ask for death Do not ask for death as this is forbidden. If you must ask for it then say, ‘O Allah (The Exalted) keep me alive until life is good for me and give me death when that is better for me’ . (Bukhari & Muslim) Breaking unpleasant news If you must give the undesirable news of a tragic accident, or death of a close relative or a dear friend, break the news in a way that decreases its impact and makes it as mild and gentle as possible. For example, in the case of a death, you may say, “Recently, I learned that Mrs. Ahmad has been very sick. Unfortunately her condition has worsened lately. Today, I learned she has passed away. May the mercy of Allah (The Exalted) be with her.” One should start by giving the name of the person in question. Do not break the news of a death by asking, “Do you know who died today?” this unduly manner frightens the listeners and prompts them to expect the worst, like the death of someone who is very close to them. Instead, mention the name of the dead person before breaking the tragic news of the death, this will make the new more bearable by softening its impact and reducing the listener’s apprehension. Likewise, convey the news of any tragedy (such as a fire, drowning, car accident, etc.) in a similar fashion. Prepare the listener for the news in a way that minimizes its impact. Mention the name of the affected person in a kind way, not a shocking way. Some people have weak hearts and such bad news may cause them to faint and collapse. Choose the appropriate time to convey such news. It should not take place at a meal, before going to sleep or during an illness. Compassion and tactfulness are the best qualities you will need to handle such a situation. We belong to Allah (The Exalted) Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Allah (The Exalted) said, “ If I take away the loved ones on My believing servant in this world, and he bears that with patience and fortitude, then there is no other reward with Me for him than Paradise.”” (Bukhari) He also reminds them of the attitude that the believers should adopt at the time of death, according to the teaching of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as reported by Usamah ibn Zayd (may Allah be pleased with him) who said that,
“One of the daughters of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sent for him, calling him to come and telling him that her boy-or son- was dying. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, ‘Go back to her and tell her that what Allah (The Exalted) had taken belonged to Him, and to Him belonged what He granted, and He has an appointed time for everything. So tell her to have patience and to seek reward.” (Bukhari & Muslim) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The decease suffers in his grave because of people’s wailing over him,” and in another report, “as long as they carry on wailing over him.” (ibid) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “The woman who wails, and does not repent before she dies, will be raised on the Day of resurrection wearing a shirt of tar and a garment of scabs.” (Muslim) Allahu Akbar! After the burial After the burial, recite Surah Fatiha and the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah at the head side and the last verses of Surah Baqarah at the feet. (Mishkat) Stay a little while at the graveside and ask Allah (The Exalted) for forgiveness for the deceased and supplicate that he remains firm at the time of questioning by the angels. (Abu Dawood) Before leading the prayer Before leading the funeral prayer of a Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would ask if the deceased had any debt? If he was in debt then he would tell that person to whom he owed the debt, to lead his funeral prayer but if someone took responsibility of the debt then the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would lead the prayer. He would take part in lifting the body and would walk behind the funeral procession when not assisting and would also make supplication for them. “Three things accompany a person to his grave his wealth, his relatives, and his deeds. His wealth and his relatives turn back after his burial, but his actions go on and stay with him in the grave.” The method of praying the Salaah First of all to make the intention: Intention of funeral (Janaza) prayer: ‘ I make the intention to pray Salaah for Allah and to perform supplication for this deceased person’ . After making the intention raise the hands to the ears and whilst saying ‘Allahu Akbar’ fold below the navel. Pray Thana:
"Subhanakallah Humma Wabihamdika Watabarakasmuka Wa Ta'ala Jadduka Wa Jalla Thana'uka Wa Laa illaha Ghairuk". Glory be to You Oh Allah, and praise be to You, and blessed is Your name, and exalted is Your Majesty, and there is none to be served besides You. Without lifting the hands say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and pray Durood-e-Ibraheem, if another Durood is prayed there is no harm. Durood-e-Ibraheem Oh Allah! Shower Your mercy upon Muhammad EMBED Unknown and the followers of Muhammad EMBED Unknown, as You showered Your mercy upon Ibraheem, Upon im peace, and the followers of Ibraheem, upon him peace. Behold You are praiseworty, Glourious. Oh Allah! shower Your blessings upon Muhammad EMBED Unknown, and the followers of Muhammad EMBED Unknown as You showered Your blessings upon Ibraheem, upon him peace, and the followers of Ibraheem, upon him peace. Behold, You are Praiseworthy, Glourious. Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ and pray the following supplication for yourself and the deceased and for all Muslim Ummah: Supplication for an Adult "Allahum Magh Firli Hayyina Wa Mayyitina Wa Shaahidina Wa Ghaa'ibina Wa Sogeerina Wa Kabirina Wa Dhakarina Wa Unthana Allahumma Man Ahyaytahu Minna Fa'ahyihi ‘Alal Islam Wa Man Tawaffaytahu Minna Fatawaffahu ‘Alal Imaan” . O Allah! Forgive those of us that are alive and those of us that are indeed; those of us that are present, and those absent; those who are young, and those who are adults; our males and our females. O Allah! Whomsoever of us You keep alive, let him live as a follower of Islam, and whomsoever You cause to die, let him die a believer. If the deceased was either insane or a male child, after the third Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) instead of praying in M1.5 pray this: Prayer for a young boy: “Allah Hummaj ‘Alhu Lana Faratow Waj ‘Alhu Lana Dhukhrow Waj ‘Alhu Lana Shafi ‘Aw Wamushafa’a. O Allah! Make Him (this child) a source for our salvation; and make him a source of a treasure for us; and make him an intercessor for us, and one whose intercession is accepted. Prayer for a young girl: “Allah Hummaj ‘Alha Lana Faratow Waj ‘Alha Lana Dhukhrow Waj ‘Alha Lana Shafi ‘Ataw(n) Wamushafa’a. Translation is the same as above but replacing HIM with HER.
Say ‘Allahu Akbar’ for the fourth time and complete with Salaam to the right and left. If someone does not remember this supplication any other supplication will do. Out of all the four Takbeers of the Salaah, only lift the hands on the first Takbeer and not for the other three. At the fourth Takbeer, without praying anything else perform salaam and release your hands. In the Salaam ensure the intention is for the deceased, the angels and the people present. The Takbeer and Salaam should be prayed by the Imam loudly, and the rest of the people praying behind quietly. Donating the reward to the deceased The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) sacrificed two rams of predominately white colour, one for himself and the other for his followers. The evidence therein is that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) offered sacrifice animals and donated the reward to his followers, which includes both the living and the dead, both those who existed at his time and those who came after. (Bukhari & Muslim) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) relates that he said to the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) we give in charity, perform the pilgrimage, and supplicate for our dead. Does this reach them?” He replied, “Yes, indeed it reaches them, and they rejoice thereat just as one of you rejoices at the gift of a tray of food.” Distributing of food A question was asked to Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan regarding distributing food in the name of the decease, the answer is given here. The answer to this is that the food that is cooked and distributed in the name of the deceased is disliked and should not be eaten and to call people for the Fatiha food as a form of invitation is not allowed. It has been stated in Fatahul Qadir ' If the family of the deceased invite guests for food on the third and fortieth day then this is reprehensible innovation (Bid'at-e-Sayyiah) and is not allowed. This is because as per Shariah, to invite guests for food is done on a happy occasion and not on a sad occasion, however, to feed the poor and needy is allowed. Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan states a full Fatwa on this issue and called it ‘Jalus Soot An Nahi Dawat Anil Mawt' and in his Fatawa-e-Radhwiyya as follows;
Question: There is a common tradition in the sub-continent of India that after a person has died, his friends, family and neighbours etc. gather at his house and the traditions that occur at weddings occur here where people are invited to attend and food is distributed and this is done generally on the third or seventh day. Also the next of kin of the deceased arrange for the feeding of the guests and a large gathering is held. If the next of kin cannot afford it then they borrow the money and if they cannot arrange this then usury means is obtained to fulfil this obligation. If they do not do this then they are disrespected and looked down upon. Is this allowed in Shariah or not? Answer: Subhanallah! Oh Muslim. You are asking whether this is allowed or not? Ask how much of a sin there is for this impure tradition and how much will be the punishment? This invitation is in itself not allowed and is a Bi’dah. Imam Ahmad in his Musnad and Ibn Majah in his Sunan with a Sahih Isnad (authentic chain) narrates from Jarir Ibn ‘Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) “Our group of companions used to state that to gather at the house of the deceased and to arrange for the preparations of food for him used to regard it as part of the lamentation process for the deceased” The forbiddance has been stated in the hadith and a Hadith of multiple transmission (Mutawattir). Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes; to have the food of the friends of Allah (The Exalted) is permissible, as it is a source of blessing, the poor and rich may eat from this. (Ehkam-e-Shariat) To go once a week To go and visit the graves is the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). You should go once a week, either on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Monday. The best time to go is Friday is mornings. (Bahare Shariat and Qanoon-e-Shariat) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “ I had forbidden you from visiting the graves (before), but now you should visit them.” (Muslim) In another narration, he said, “Visit the graves, for verily it is a reminder of death.” (ibid) Anas bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that, “ I would forbid you from visiting the graves, but now you should visit them, for indeed the hearts are softened, the eyes are made to shed tears, and it is a remembrance of the hereafter.” (Haakim) Take shoes off The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) once saw a person wearing shoes he said, “Take your shoes off, do not make it difficult for the buried and they will not make it difficult for you” . Pray Surah Ikhlas eleven times
It is quoted in the Hadith that those who pray Surah Ikhlas (Qul Huwallahu Ahad) eleven times and then send the reward to the dead will gain a reward equivalent to the number of dead people. (Bahare Shariat and Qanoon-e-Shariat) Visiting at the time of sorrow The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Those who grief and visit their brother during the time of sorrow then Allah (The Exalted) will give them the outfit of miracle.” (Ibn Maja) The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) states that, “Those who beat their head and scream out and rip their clothes, I am unhappy with them.” Abu Hurayra (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said that, “Without doubt these graves are dark for the deceased, however, Allah (The Exalted) illuminates it with my supplication.” (Muslim, Bayhaqi, Sharah Sunnah, Fatawa-e-Radhwiyya, Vol 4, p. 47, Jam’ i-ul-Hadith, Vol: 4, p. 172) Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) not only assists us in the world but in the grave and in the hereafter with his intercession too. Manners of the funeral procession The face of a person on his deathbed should be turned to face towards the Qibla and he should be advised to recite the Kalima Shahadah and not forced. Surah Yaseen could be recited beside the person and pious persons should remain near him. Supplication on confirmation of death Read the following supplication upon the confirmation of death, “ Inna Lillahi Wainna Ilaihi Raji’oon.” ‘To Allah (The Exalted) we belong and to Him is our return’ . Supplication when closing the eyes Upon the confirmation of death the head and chin of the deceased should be fastened together with a strip of cloth and the eyes closed with the right hand index finger whilst reading this supplication: “Bismillahi Wabillahi Wa’Alaa Millati Rasulullah’ . Allah’s name I begin with and in accordance with the religion of the messenger’ . Hands and legs should be straightened, covered with a sheet and clothes removed.
Relatives and friends should be informed to enable more people to participate in funeral prayer and make supplication for the deceased. Do not delay in the shrouding and burial. To shed tears without wailing and complaining is permissible and only natural. It is permissible to kiss the deceased’s forehead. Food should be sent to the house of the deceased for the first day only. It is not proper for a Muslim to mourn for a dead person for more than three days. However, for a widow the mourning period is four months and ten days. To sympathise with the family of the deceased and encourage them to show patience and accept the will of Allah (The Exalted). If one has heard about the passing away of a fellow Muslim, attend the Janaza Salaah and burial. It is preferable to visit the graveyard (for men only). As this shall remind him of his own imminent death, and therefore enable him to lead a more righteous life. When the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) attended the funeral of any person, after the burial the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) himself would seek forgiveness for the deceased. Together with this the making supplication for staying steadfast in answering the angels (Munkar and Nakir’s) questions and the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) would also encourage the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) to do this. Manners of visiting the cemetery Do not sit, sleep, and walk on the graves. One should not wear shoes in the graveyard if possible. Supplication when entering the graveyard Enter from the feet side of the buried and stand facing them and say, ‘‘ Assalamu Alaikum, Ya Ahlal Quboor Yagh Firullahu Lana Walakum Antum Salafna Wanahnu Bil Aakhir’ ‘O people of the graves, Salaam on you. May Allah forgive us and you all. You left first and we will be coming later.’ Do not approach the graves near the head side of the buried as it will cause the dead person discomfort, meaning they will have to turn their head to look at you.
Pray Surah Fatiha and Alif Laam Meem upto Muflihoon, Ayatul Kursi, and Aamanar Rasuluh to the end of the Surah. One can also pray Surah Yaseen, Tabarak and Qul Huwallahu Ahad (Surah Ikhlas) twelve, eleven, seven or three times. Do not kiss or circumambulate around the graves. To place flowers, as whilst they remain wet they will perform the tasbeeh of Allah and satisfy the heart of the deceased. The desirable manner of visiting the graveyard is to offer two circuits of superogratory (Nafl), in each cycle pray Surah fatiha, Ayat ul Kursi once, and Surah Ikhlas three times and send the reward to the deceased. Four days are better for visit, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and it is better on the days of Eid and the first ten days of Dhul Hajjah. (Alamgiri) It is permissible to place a sheet of cloth known as a Ghilaaf over the graves of the pious saints so that the unaware public can respect the person resting and receive blessing. (Durre Mukhtar) Shaykh Ahmad Raza Khan writes: it is unlawful for the women to visit the graves of the Awliya and normal cemetery. When a woman leaves the house with the intention of visiting a shrine of a Awliya the curse of Allah is on her till she returns. (Ehkam-e-Shariat and Fatawa-e-Radhwiyya) In the same book he also writes: to circle anything besides the holy Kabah with respect is not permissible and to bow to anything besides Allah is unlawful in the Islamic law and there is difference of opinion among the scholars of kissing the grave. Our scholars have said that one should stand four arm lengths away from the grave as respect. (Ehkam-e-Shariat) M ay Allah (The Exalted) give us all the ability to remember and prepare for our death, Ameen. CHAPTER SEVENTY-TWO CHAPTER ON DEBT O Allah (The Exalted) bless our lord and master Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) as much as the ink of Your words. There are great rewards in lending money to others and great misfortune not repaying the debt. Many people are unaware of the misfortunes so let us read about this and avoid being a burden in the society. Abu Sa‘eed Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) states, “A deceased was bought to be prayed over (funeral prayer). The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “There is no debt on this person is there?” It was said, ‘Yes he is in
debt.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) asked, “Has he left any wealth to offer his debt?” It was said, ‘No.’ The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “You people offer his prayer (I will not).” ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “O Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) I will take responsibility to fulfil his debt.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) led the prayer and then said, “O ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) may Allah (The Exalted) save you from the fire and forgive you for it. There is no Muslim who takes the responsibility of fulfilling another’s debt and being forgiven on the Day of Judgment.” (Sharah Sunnah & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 484) Subhanallah! The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said, “He who has given his life for the sake of Allah (the Exalted) (i.e. martyred) will be forgiven all his sins except that of debt.” (Muslim ) Allahu Akbar! We find that debt is not to be taking lightly and should be fulfilled as soon as one has the means and to keep the creditor informed of your position. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace)said, “Whoso takes the wealth of others with the intention of re-payment then Allah (The Exalted) will pay his debt, and whoso takes the wealth of others and does not intend to repay it, then Allah (The Exalted) will destroy that person.” (Bukhari) Debt is the right of others therefore Allah (The Exalted) will not forgive until the person forgives. If the debtor had the intention to repay but died then Allah (The Exalted) will ask the creditor to forgive the debtor and He will give the gifts of paradise in turn. However, if the debtor did not have the intention to repay whilst having the ability to do so and died and the creditor did not forgive, then the debtor will have some good deeds taken of him. Shaykh Ahmad Raza writes in Fatawa-e-Razawiyya that ‘A person who with holds a debt of three Paysas (i.e. minimum amount be it few pennies) then on the Day of Judgment he will have to give 700 Salaah offered with congregation to the creditor.’ If this is the position of only few Paysas (few pence) then what will the position be for those who are in debt of hundreds. Imam Ghazali (may Allah have mercy upon him) writes that it states in a hadith, ‘Whoso takes a debt and intends to offer it then Allah (The Exalted) places some angles who continue to protect him and make supplication to repay his debt. And if the debtor has the ability to repay but with holds then sins are written for him whether he is in the state of fasting, offering Salaah or sleeping and the curse of Allah (The Exalted) is on him. If he can sell some of his goods to repay but doesn’ t he will still be sinful. If he gives something (in turn) to the creditor which the creditor dislikes he will still be sinful. He will not be forgiven until the debtor is pleased, as this is a major sin, but people think of it as normal.” (Kimiyae Sa’adat & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 486-7)
It was a habit of the Great Imam Azam Abu Hanifa (may Allah have mercy upon him) to lend people money for reward. Hadhrat Shafeeq (may Allah have mercy upon him) states that, “ I was with Imam Azam Abu Hanifa when a person hid and took a different route seeing the Imam. When the Imam found out he called him. when he came he asked him the reason for changing his route. He said, ‘ I owe you 10,000 dirhams and a long time has passed and I am in need and am ashamed.’ Imam Azam Abu Hanifa said, “Allah is pure! Because of me you are in this position? Go I have forgiven the debt, do not hide from me again and whatever fear you have of me forgive me!” (Jawahirul Bayan & Faizan-e-Sunnat, p. 483) Allahu Akbar! What amazing character was possessed by the Great Imam, Subhanallah! Manner of Debt If we have any debt then it should be cleared as soon as possible. If we are in need of money then we should only ask if we know we can repay it. We should not make false promises that I will give you on such a date or such a time, and then we are not to be seen and avoid that person and we don’ t answer the phone etc. these are stupid games which will cost us a lot on the day of judgement. We should consider that the person who I owe could also be in need. Even if the creditor doesn’ t ask for the money you should offer it as soon as possible. It may be that the person is shy of asking back his money. Do not hassle the debtor before it’s time is due. To help your Muslim brother who is in need is a great reward. Whatever amount you have given for someone to borrow, until that amount is returned it is written as if given in charity on a daily basis. (Al-Malfoozaat-e-Ala Hazrat. ) Giving Debt Allahummak Fini Bihalalika ‘An Haramika Wa Aghnini Bi Fadhlika ‘Amman Siwaak O Allah (The Exalted) suffice me give me lawful wealth abstaining me from the forbidden wealth and with Your Virtue ??? (Musdadrak in supplication. )
No one can have the sweetness of Sunnah until he takes the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to be their Master and considers himself as his follower. However great a person’s Knowledge, it remains useless without practice. “ I seek forgiveness from Allah (The Exalted) from such sayings which I do not practise upon” . (Imam Buseri, may Allah be pleased with him) (Completed on Friday, 26th Jammad-ul-Awwal 1424, corresponding to 25th July 2003, after Jumu’ah.) Revision of the 1st Edition completed in Shaban 1427, corresponding to 25th August 2006. All praise is to Allah (The Exalted) from beginning to end, and Salaah and Salaam on His beloved Messenger (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) for eternity. Muhammad ‘Abd al-Mannan, Razwi, Qadri
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