ALHAMDOLILLAH

PRAISEBE TO ALLAH

Nasrullah Aref Qaisrani

PRAISE BE TO ALLAH I take refuge in Allah from Satan, the outcast.

In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.

PRAISE be to Allah, the Creator, Owner and Cherisher and Sustainer of the universe. Peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, the last prophet of Allah sent to the world.

I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and I bear witness that Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihe wa Sallum is His servant and Prophet Sent to the world.

I take refuge in Allah from the evils of my self and from the errors in my deeds.

The one whom Allah guides there is none to lead him astray. And the one whom Allah leads astray there is none to guide him thereafter.

Every creature in the heavens and the earth PRAISES Allah consciously or unconsciously. But man is not an ordinary creature. Man has been created with a higher conscious level and has been given freedom to be either thankful or thankless to his creator. “We showed him the Way: whether he be grateful or ungrateful (rests on his will).” [076:003]

So the choice of being grateful (Shukr) or ungrateful (Kufr) differentiate man from other creatures of lower consciousness. Alhamdolillah (PRAISE be to Allah) is a conscious PRAISE of Allah, usually as an expression of relief or joy by a human being, not as a social animal but as

• the most conscious creature of Allah, • the Deputy/Viceroy/Representative of Allah on earth, • the creature for whom Allah has created and subjugated all the

universe, • The creature who is the best regarding acquiring knowledge and

having the spirit to realize himself as well as his Creator,• The creature for which Allah ordered all of His angels to prostrate.

Alhamdolillah is said by a servant of Allah consciously from the context of Love, respect, thankfulness, obedience, honor, glorification, and as an expression of relief & joy in a very sincere way from the core of his heart, mind and spirit.

Since the blessings of Allah are countless so a true servant always remains PRAISEFUL to Allah submitting to His will even when he is tested by loss of few of these countless blessings.

PRAISE BE TO ALLAH EVERYWAY, EVERYTIME AND EVERYWHERE.

PART-1UNDERSTANDING “AL-HAMD” ( THE PRAISE) (i) AL-HAMD-''Al-hamd'' is the first word of the first Aya (verse) of the first Sura of the Noble Quraan.

-English word ''PRAISE'' is the closest equivalent to the word ''Hamd''.

“Those who rejoice in what they have been given (The Book); And they love to be PRAISED for that which they have not done; so do not consider them to be immune from the torment, And for them is a painful torment”. 003/188

-So PRAISE is subject to something done good. i.e. PRAISE is subject to performance.-PRAISE without performance is Flattery (Flattery is the PRAISE that is excessive, insincere or fake).

(ii) CAUSES OF PRAISE: PRAISE is subject to doing/having something good. e.g. Good work, skill, knowledge, achievement, effort, ability, performance, beauty, courage, grace, success, act, deed, feat, quality, characteristic, feature, benefit, etc.

(iii) DEFINITION OF PRAISE: a-General:In general terms PRAISE can be defined as follows:“PRAISE is an expression of the feeling (or belief) of admiration, respect, gratitude, pleasure or warm approval for somebody/something for performing/possessing something good.”

b -Quranic: The Quranic meaning of the word ‘Alhamd’ are more specified to the PRAISE of Allah S.w.T. (Subhanahu wa ta’aala: glorified & exalted) because Allah S.w.T. is the ultimate origin of everything good and ultimate owner of everyone, everything, hence the ultimate PRAISEWORTHY.

“Alhamd is an act of expressing PRAISE, glorification, greatness, and

exaltation of Allah S.w.T. as a manner of worship. ‘Alhamd’ is also an expression of relief or joy for the blessing(s) of Allah S.w.T. and is more close to thanksgiving in this regard.”

(iv) FORMS OF PRAISE: Many terms represent PRAISE and sometimes are interchangeable. e.g. Hamd, Takbeer, Tasbeeh and Shukr etc.

(a) HAMD: For the glorification of Allah S.w.T. “So PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the heavens and the Rabb of earth, Rabb of the worlds.” 045:036(Rabb: Allah who is the Cherisher, the Sustainer, the Owner, the Creator, the God)

“PRAISE be to Allah who created the heavens and the earth and caused the darknesses and the Light. Even then those who denied, set up equals to their Rabb” 006:001

Their prayer in it will be, “Glory be to You O our ALLAH”, and their greetings in it will be “Peace!” and in the end their prayer will be,” PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds” 010/010

(b) TAKBEER: Expressing the greatness of Allah S.w.T.

And say, “PRAISE be to Allah who has neither took anyone as son, nor there is any partner to Him in the Kingdom and nor there is any ‘supporter-in-weakness’ to Him” and proclaim His Greatness, in a great manner. 017/111

“So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off and PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds.” 006/145

“And (O the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihe wa Sallum) you will see the angels surrounding the Throne from all sides Glorifying their Rabb through His PRAISE. And Justice in them will be done rightly and it will be said, “PRAISE be to Allah, Rabb of the worlds” 039/075

(C) TASBEEH: Expressing exaltation of Allah S.A.W.

“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him. And there is nothing which does not glorify Him through His PRAISE but you do not understand their glorification. In deed He is Forbearing and Forgiving.” 017/044

“And the thunder glorifies Him by PRAISING Him and the angels (glorify Him) out of His fear. And he sends down the thunderbolts and strikes with them whomever He wills. Yet they dispute concerning Allah and He is mighty in prowess.” 013/013

(D) SHUKR: Thanks giving to Allah S.w.T. Expressing relief or joy.

“And we gave knowledge to Davood (David) and Sulaiman (Soloman) and they said, “PRAISE be to Allah who preferred us over many of His believing slaves” 027/015

“PRAISE be to Allah who gave me, at elderly age, Ismail and Is’haq (Isac). Surely my Rabb is the Listener of the call.” 014/039

“And we shall remove whatever rancor is in their hearts. Rivers will be flowing beneath them. And they will say,” PRAISE be to Allah who guided us to this. And we would never be able to be guided if Allah would not guide us. Surely the Rasools (prophets) of our Rabb were sent rightfully. And it will be announced that this is the Jannah (Paradise) for which you were promised.” 007/043

(v)TYPES OF PRAISE :

1-PRAISE BY WORD: It consists of words only, whether written or spoken. There are sincere feelings also.

And say, “PRAISE be to Allah Who has neither took anyone as son, nor there is any partner to Him in the Kingdom and nor there is any ‘supporter-in-weakness’ to Him” and proclaim His Greatness, in a great manner. 017/111 “And when you have embarked on the ship, along with whoever is with you,

then say: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who has saved us from the wrongdoing folk.” 023/028

And they will say,” PRAISE be to Allah who removed the grief from us. Surely our Rabb is the Forgiving, the Appreciative.” 035/034

2- PRAISE BY DEED: Words may not be there for PRAISE but Actions speak louder than words.

Surely we have granted you Al-Kaothar (the abundance).So offer prayer to your Rabb and offer sacrifice. 108:001-002

Did not He found you orphan thus sheltered you?And He found you astray thus guided you?And He found you poor thus made you rich?So concerning the orphan, oppress not.And concerning the help-seeker, repulse not.And concerning the ‘Nemah’(prophetic revelations, hikmah etc) of your Rabb, so proclaim. 093:006-011

3-PRAISE BY WORD AND DEED:

“So do glorification by PRAISE of your Rabb and be among those who prostrate by obeisance.” 015:098

“Certainly the people who believe in our signs are those, when they are reminded of them fall into prostration and glorify by the PRAISE of their Rabb, and they do not scorn.” 032:015

4- PRAISE BY WORD AND DEED, HEART AND SOUL:

This is the ultimate and absolute PRAISE subject to Submission and Surrender.

“Certainly those who are near your Rabb, disdain not to worship Him, and they glorify Him and they prostrate to Him.” 007:206

“Say: ‘my worship and my rituals/sacrifice and my life and my death are for Allah the Rabb of the worlds.” 006:162

PART2:

WHO IS WORTHY OF PRAISE?

Everyday we observe people PRAISING their fellow human beings like Kings, Leaders, and Heroes etc. These Kings/heroes are PRAISED due to their excellence in certain attributes like power, sovereignty, authority, knowledge, Justice, mercy, wealth etc.

None of these kings/leaders/heroes is perfect in his self and attributes.1-There are certain limits to his self and attributes.2-His self and his attributes are limited in certain time frame and space frame. 3-His self and attributes are limited in consistency.4-He has a limited level of balance and harmony among his attributes.5-He has a certain limit of dependence on others for his self and his attributes.And many other limitations too in his self and attributes.

But there exists a King of the kings,1-Who is absolutely perfect in His self and His attributes.2-Whose self and attributes are above the limits of time and space.3- Whose self and attributes are absolutely constant (invariable) since pre-eternity.4-Who has an absolute harmony and balance in all of His attributes.5-Who is absolutely independent and sovereign regarding His self and His attributes.

Any good characteristic or capability for doing goodness that a creature can possess, it is not its own but given by Allah, the ultimate and absolute Creator and Owner.

It is We Who have created you: why will ye not witness the Truth?Do ye then see?- The (human Seed) that ye throw out.Is it ye who create it, or are We the Creators?We have decreed Death to be your common lot, and We are not to be frustrated.

from changing your Forms and creating you (again) in (forms) that ye know not.And ye certainly know already the first form of creation: why then do ye not celebrate His PRAISES?See ye the seed that ye sow in the ground?Is it ye that cause it to grow, or are We the Cause?Were it Our Will, We could crumble it to dry powder, and ye would be left in wonderment,(Saying), "We are indeed left with debts (for nothing): "Indeed are we shut out (of the fruits of our labor)" See ye the water which ye drink?Do ye bring it down (in rain) from the cloud or do We?Were it Our Will, We could make it salt (and unpalatable): then why do ye not remain grateful?See ye the Fire which ye kindle?Is it ye who grow the tree which feeds the fire, or do We grow it?We have made it a memorial (of Our handiwork), and an article of comfort and convenience for the denizens of deserts.Then celebrate with PRAISES the name of thy Rabb, the Supreme![056:057-074] (Translation: Yousuf Ali)

Allah is the only absolute reality with absolute existence. Everyone everything else has relative reality and relative existence. (Everyone everything on it has to perish. And only the face of your Rabb, full of Majesty and Honor will exist forever. 055:026-027).

To Him belongs the Kingdom and to Him belongs the PRAISE. He creates and owns everyone, everything. He exalts and abases. He makes people Rich or Poor. In His hand is the Good and He has authority over everything. He is the only centre of all our PRAISE, prayer and prostration. His pleasure is the goal of every good deed of ours.

“Say, my prayer and my rituals/sacrifice, my life and my death are for Allah, the Rabb of the worlds.” 006:162

So Allah is the ultimate and absolute creating and driving force of the universe. Hence the ultimate and absolute owner of everyone everything.

Hence the ultimate and absolute goodness. Hence the ultimate and absolute PRAISEWORTHY. PRAISE be to Allah.

(a)"ALHAMDOLILLAH” FROM THE RABB TO THE SERVANT:

When this statement (ALHAMDOLILLAH ) is as an announcement from Rabb to the Abd (servant) it usually means Glorifying and Exalting Allah.

“So the roots of the people who did wrong were cut off and PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds.” 006/145

“And (O the Prophet PBUH) you will see the angels surrounding the Throne from all sides Glorifying their Rab through His PRAISE. And Justice in them will be done rightly and it will be said, “PRAISE be to Allah, Rab of the worlds” 039/075

(b)"ALHAMDOLILLAH” FROM THE SERVANT TO THE RABB:

When this statement is from Abd (servant) to the Rabb(Cherisher-Allah) it can mean PRAISE, glorification and/or thanksgiving.

Their prayer in it will be, “Glory be to You O Allah”, and their greetings in it will be “Peace!” and in the end their prayer will be,” PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds” 010/010

“The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them glorify Him. And there is nothing which does not glorify Him through His PRAISE but you do not understand their glorification. In deed He is Forbearing and Forgiving.” 017/044

“PRAISE be to Allah who gave me, at elderly age, Ismail and Is’haq (Isac). Surely my Rabb is the Listener of the call.” 014/039

His self and All His attributes exist since pre eternity. He is Ghaniyun Hameed. He was Hameed even in pre eternity when nothing did exist and He will be Hameed even when everyone everything will lose existence at the end of this world.

Allaho Akbar. Allaho Akbar. La ilaaha illallaho wallaho Akbar. Allaho Akbar. Va Lillahil HAMD.

PART-3

ALHAMDOLILLAH AS A VALUE OF MUSLIM SOCIETY:

Alhamdolillah can be translated as "PRAISE be to Allah". "All PRAISE be to Allah"

“Allah has purchased from the Believers, their Selves and their assets as there is Jannah (paradise) for them….”. (009:111).

Faith, in its true sense, means thorough submission & surrender to Allah.

A Muslim acknowledges the countless blessings of Allah and expresses his Shukr saying Alhamdolillah always. Unlike astray civilizations, the Allah-centric slaves of Allah are not ego-centric and Allah only is the focal point of their beliefs, acts and words. Allah is the Purposeful being and the purpose of His slave should be in accordance with the purpose of Allah. So the purpose of every thought and act of a slave of Allah is to win the pleasure of Allah only.

We prefer to say Jazakallah instead of Thank you. When a poor hungry slave of Allah is offered a meal from a rich slave of Allah, upon finishing the eating both say,

“ALHAMDOLILLAH HILLAZI AT’AMANA WA SAQANA WA JA’ALANA MINAL MUSLIMEEN” (PRAISE be to Allah who fed us with food and drink and included us among those who submit to Him).

Then both say JAZAKALLAH (May Allah reward you) to each other. The poor one says Jazakallah for satiating his physical need by the food. And the rich one says Jazakallah for satiating his spiritual need by accepting the offer and giving him the opportunity to please Allah and to thank Allah for His blessings.

Similarly instead of saying wow! Hurrah! Oh! Ah! Oops! Ouch! Hello! Hey! Huh! Hooray! Alas! Boo! Poo! Shit! Cool! Crap! Snap! Damn! Woot! Etc,

the slaves of Allah are taught to express their feelings focusing Allah only.

“ALHAMDOLILLAH”, “YARHAMKOMULLAH”,“MASHAALLAH”,“SUBHANALLAH”,“NAOZOBILLAH”,“ASTAGHFIROLLAH”,“ALLAHO AKBAR”,“BISMILLAH”,“BARAKALLAH”,“FEE SABEELILLAH”,“FEE AMANILLAH”,“ASSALAMO ALAIKUM”,“HASBONALLAH”,“INNA LILLAH E VA INNA ILAIHE RAAJEOON”,“LA HAOLA VALA QOVVATA ILLA BILLA HIL ALIYYIL AZEEM” etc etc.

NO THANKS PLEASE: “And for the sake of His (Allah’s) love, they feed the poor, the orphan and the captives/prisoners, with food. (And they say) “In fact we feed you for the sake of Allah. We neither wish to have any reward from you nor any thanks/ acknowledgement. We fear our Rabb regarding the Day which is frowning and distressful” [076:008-010]

PRAISE while awakening :

“PRAISE be to Allah who gave us life back after our death (sleep) and towards Him we will go after the Resurrection.” (Bukhari 11:113, Muslim 4:2083) “PRAISE be to Allah who secured me physically and returned my soul back to me and gave me opportunity to do His zikr”. (Trimzi 5:473, 2:144)

PRAISE while sleeping:

PRAISE be to Allah who fed us with enough food and drink and gave us place of shelter to reside. And how many are the people who neither have enough to eat or drink nor enough place of shelter to reside”. (Muslim 2085)

PART-4

ALHAMDOLILLAH ALA KULLE HAAL

(PRAISE BE TO ALLAH, WHATEVER BE THE CIRCUMSTANCES)

Alhamdolillah can be translated as "PRAISE be to Allah". "All PRAISE be to Allah"

(i) HAMD IS MORE GENERAL THAN SHUKR:

Every one, every thing in the heavens and the earth is PRAISING Allah whether consciously or unconsciously-The thunder, the mountains, the stars, the planets, the moons, the trees, the animals, the birds, the angels and many from mankind.

Every believer PRAISES Allah through Al-Fatiha at least 17 times a day in 5 obligatory prayers, regardless of being Sabir (patient) or Shakir (thankful), healthy or sick, Wealthy or rich, happy or sad, blessed or deprived.

-SHUKR: Shukr (thanksgiving) is an expression of relief or joy or recognition regarding something favorable or desired.

-SABR: Sabr (patience, forbearance) is an expression of patience, tolerance or forbearance regarding something unfavorable or undesired.

-A slave of Allah says “Alhamdolillahe Rabbil Aalameen” every day whether he/she is experiencing relief & joy and good quality of life or whether pains, hardships and calamities are threatening his/her life or quality of life.

-A slave PRAISES Allah in Fatiha in obligatory prayer even if he/she is on death bed or knows he/she will be killed within minutes by the enemy.

-The prophet (S.A.W.) as well as his companions (R.A.) always PRAISED Allah repeatedly and frequently in every prayer in the circumstances of Sabr as well as Shukr.

So Alhamdolillah is not necessarily an expression of relief or joy.

(ii)ALHAMDOLILLAH OF IMAM HUSSAIN:

Consider the Alhamdolillah (Al-Fatiha) of Imam Hussein R.A. in his last prayer under the shadow of swords & arrows while he was severely injured, hungry and thirsty for days, with most of his male family members martyred by the enemy in front of him. But in spite of all these pains, injuries, and hardships he never ceased to miss a single of his obligatory prayers reciting Al-Fatiha in it and PRAISING Allah saying Alhamdolillahe Rabbil Aalameen. So even in life threatening conditions like war we do shorten our prayer but we neither cancel nor delay our prayers and PRAISE. Alhamdolillah.

(iii)ALHAMDOLILLAH AS AN EXPRESSION OF SHUKR:

Alhamdolillah is a statement of Shukr in special circumstances of thanksgiving for some special favor of Allah. For example:

1-The statement of people of Paradise: And they will say,” PRAISE be to Allah who guided us to this. And we would never be able to be guided if Allah would not guide us…”. 007/043

2-The statement of Ibraheem A.S: “PRAISE be to Allah who gave me, at elderly age, Ismail and Is’haq (Isac). Surely my Rabb is the Listener of the call.” 014/039

In both statements the servants of Allah are saying that it was by the mighty power and Ability of Allah that they were able to get a specific favor otherwise they would never be able to get this favor. So in actual they glorified Allah as Haadi, Wahhab, Samee-ud-Dua.

Shukr is recognition or acknowledgement for some favor or blessing. The most common expression of Shukr by a servant is Sajda (prostration) of Shukr and prayer of Shukr in humbleness and humility. The best example of such prayer and humility can be seen in the actions of the Prophet S.A.W. on the conquest of Makkah.

Iza jaa’a Nasrullah…….. ‘When comes the Help of Allah (to you, O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) against your enemies) and the conquest (of Makkah), and you see that the people enter Allah's religion (Islam) in crowds, So do glorification by the PRAISES of your Rabb, and ask for His Forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and forgives.’ 110:001-003

Man acknowledges Allah's blessings and expresses his Shukr through PRAISE and prayer. In turn Allah acknowledges man's Shukr and expresses His recognition (Shukr) by increasing His blessings to that servant.

“And remember! Your Rabb caused to be declared (publicly): "If ye are grateful, I will add more (favors) unto you; But if ye show ingratitude, truly My punishment is terrible indeed." 014:007

“And indeed We bestowed upon Luqman ‘Al-Hikmah’ (wisdom and religious understanding, etc.) saying: "Give thanks to Allah," and whoever gives thanks, he gives thanks for (the good of) his own self. And whoever is unthankful, then verily, Allah is All-Rich (Free of all wants), Worthy of all PRAISE. (The PRAISED One who is above any need or desire of being PRAISED by the Creatures) 031:012

The Acknowledgement or Shukr of the parents is expressed in the form of respect and praying for them.

“And your Rabb has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor”. 017:023

“And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: "My Rabb! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small." 017:024

(iv) IS AL-HAMD EXCLUSIVELY FOR ALLAH?

Regarding Shukr, Allah has used the words Shakir and Shakoor for Himself.

Shakir 002:158, 004:147

Shakoor 035:030, 035:034, 042:023, 064:017

Allah has used the words Shakir and Shakoor for His servants too.

Shaakir 016:121, 076:003

Shakoor 034:013, 017:003, 014:005, 031:031, 034:019, 042:033

But regarding the Hamd Allah has used the word Hameed for Himself not the word Haamid. 011:073, 022:064, 002:267, 014:008, 031:012, 064:006,

031:026, 035:015, 042:028, 057:024, 060:006, 041:042, 014:001, 022:024, 034:006, 085:008, 004:131

And Allah used the word Haamid for His slaves not the word Hameed.

Al Haamidoon 009:112

So does not it mean that Allah wants Alhamd to be exclusively for himself?

Allah has advised to pay Shukr to Him as well as our parents. But regarding Alhamd, Allah has not advised us to pay Alhamd to our parents or anyone else besides Himself.

-So Alhamd whether used as an expression of Shukr or Sana or Tasbeeh or Takbeer it is Exclusively for Allah only to whom belongs everyone every thing in heavens and earth.

His self and All His attributes exist since pre eternity. He is Ghaniyyun Hameed (The PRAISED One who is above any need or desire to be PRAISED by the creatures). He was Hameed even in pre eternity when nothing did exist and He will be Hameed even when everyone everything will lose existence at the end of this world.

(V)THE BELOVED IS ALWAYS DEAR TO THE LOVER

“Since the Beloved is always loved by the lover in all circumstances, from the core of one’s self, hence the Beloved will also be PRAISED by the lover in all circumstances, from the core of one’s self (Personal Love). And so the lover will PRAISE the Beloved whether he gets pain or gain. And at this stage, such lover must say truly and purely, “PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds, whatever be the circumstances. And such kind of lover PRAISES Allah S.W.T. truly in happiness & sadness in real sense.

It seems that superiority of Al-hamd over Shukr is due this same reason that in Shukr there is acknowledgement of some favor or blessing of Allah which results in the feeling of relief or joy. But in PRAISE, the beauty and goodness of the PRAISED One is in focus, whether this beauty and goodness lies in His self or performance and whether there are pains or gains because for a believer, pain given by Allah is also good like His blessings.

So PRAISE is more advanced, superior, and comprehensive in goodness & beauty having deep, durable effects both in the state of Pains & gains,

happiness & sadness, unlike Shukr. Because Shukr, due to its limited scope is subject to decay because Shukr is associated with the feeling of relief or joy due to some favor, therefore Shukr can end when the favor ends.”

Ref: Maktoobaat Imam Rabbani Part-2 Letter No. 33 (Letter from Sheikh Ahmad Sarhindi R.A. to Maolana Muhammed Sualeh Kolabi)

(vi) ALHAMDOLILLAH DISSAPPOINTS SATAN

Alhamdolillah is a key virtue of a Muslim, a true believer who submits to Allah consciously.

Allah has named the believer who is grateful to Him even in the circumstances of Sabr as Sabbarin Shakoor.

“Seest thou not that the ships sail through the ocean by the Grace of Allah?- that He may show you of His Signs? Verily in this are Signs for all who constantly persevere and give thanks.” [031:031]

PRAISING Allah and being grateful to Him in all circumstances is a common attribute of all the prophets of Allah.

When something pleasant happened to the Prophet S.A.W. he used to say, “PRAISE be to Allah, by whose blessing good things happen.” And when something unpleasant happened to the Prophet S.A.W. he used to say, “PRAISE be to Allah in all circumstances.” Hakim 1:499, Albani in Sahi-ul-Jaamay 4:201

Iblees(Satan) kept PRAISING Allah in gains ( e.g. promotions in ranks) but refused to prostrate to Adam A.S. since it signaled the loss of his ranks.

The only creatures of Allah who are rebillious and unthankful to Allah consciously are Satan and his followers. Satan gets pleased by misleading people and making them unthankful to Allah.

“Satan has engrossed them so he has caused them to forget Zikr of Allah. They are the Satan’s party. Beware, it’s the Satan’s party who are the ultimate losers.” 058:019

Hence the PRAISE of a true believer pleases Allah and disappoints His enemy Satan. A true believer, who submits his will to the will of Allah,

never ceases PRAISING Allah whether he is subject to gains or losses, pains or pleasures, and increase or decrease in ranks. He is always pleased in the pleasure of Allah. He seeks good pleasure of Allah by PRAISING Him in Hamd, Shukr, Sabr, Zikr, Prayer, Fast, Sadaqa, Zakaut, Jihad, Hajj, Doing good to others, promoting the good and preventing the evil, and earning legitimate bread, etc.

(vii) PRAISE IS NOT AN ISOLATED VALUE

PRAISE is one of the many beautiful colors in the triumphant personality of a Muslim. “Triumphant are

• Those who turn repentant (to Allah),

• Those who serve him,

• Those who fast,

• Those who bow down,

• Those who fall prostrate,

• Those who enjoin the right and forbid the wrong,

• And those who keep the limits of Allah,

And give glad tiding to the believers”. 009:112

All the prophets of Allah from Adam to Muhammad Alaihimus salauto wassalam, and every of their submitter follower is Sabir, Shakir and Haamid at the same time. They consider the characteristics like Sabr, Shukr and hamd etc. as sub-features of the single main feature, SUBMISSION to Allah. They PRAISE Allah even if they have to sacrifice their lives, their family, their children, their homes, their jobs, their business and their assets in the way of Allah.

“Allah has bought from the believers, their selves and their assets as there is Paradise for them….”(009:111).

“and as far as the believers are concerned, their love for Allah is supreme(Over love for anyone, anything else)..” [002:165]

All creatures of Allah sing His prayers unconsciously but a believer submits to Allah consciously, loves Allah consciously and sings His PRAISES consciously. That is why Allah loves the conscious PRAISE by a conscious PRAISING person, a true Muslim believer of Allah. And that’s why the Prophet Sallallaho Alaihe wa Sallum has declared the PRAISE as an essential and integral part of every Prayer.

Allah is pleased with a Mo’min who PRAISES Him in prayer. But Allah is too much pleased when a group of believers PRAISE Him reciting Al-Fatiha in a Joint Prayer.

The Prophet of Allah Sallallaho Alaihe wa Sallum said, “The sentences which are most dearest to Allah are four:

1-Subhanallah (All the Glory be to Allah)

2-Alhamdolillah (All the PRAISE be to Allah)

3-La ilaha illallah (There is no God but Allah)

4-Allaho Akbar (Allah is the Greatest)” (Muslim, Ibne Maja, An Nisai)

The Prophet of Allah Sallallaho Alaihe wa Sallum said, “The best zikr is La Ilaha Illallah; And the best prayer is Alhamdolillah” (Trimzi, Ibne Maja, An Nisai)

And PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the worlds.

PART-5

ALHAMD AS IN HOLY QURAAN

1) PRAISE be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds; [001:002]

2) PRAISE be Allah, Who created the heavens and the earth, and made the darkness and the light. Yet those who reject Faith hold (others) as equal, with their Guardian-Rabb. [006:001]

3) And We shall remove from their hearts any lurking sense of injury;- beneath them will be rivers flowing;- and they shall say: "PRAISE be to Allah, who hath guided us to this (felicity): never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah: indeed it was the truth, that the messengers of our Rabb brought unto us." And they shall hear the cry: "Behold! the garden before you! Ye have been made its inheritors, for your deeds (of righteousness).” [007:043]

4) (This will be) their cry therein: "Glory to Thee, O Allah!” And "Peace" will be their greeting therein! and the close of their cry will be: "PRAISE be to Allah, the Cherisher and Sustainer of the worlds!” [010:010]

5) "PRAISE be to Allah, Who hath granted unto me in old age Isma'il and Isaac: for truly my Rabb is He, the Hearer of Prayer! [014:039]

6) Allah sets forth the Parable (of two men: one) a slave under the dominion of another; He has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed goodly favors from Ourselves, and he spends thereof (freely), privately and publicly: are the two equal? (By no means ;) PRAISE be to Allah. But most of them understand not. [016:075]

7) Say: "PRAISE be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!” [017:111]

8) PRAISE be to Allah, Who hath sent to His Servant the Book, and hath allowed therein no Crookedness: [018:001]

9) And when thou hast embarked on the Ark - thou and those with thee,- say: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who has saved us from the people who do wrong.” [023:028]

10) We gave (in the past) knowledge to David and Solomon: And they both said: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who has favored us above many of his servants who believe!” [027:015]

11) Say: PRAISE be to Allah, and Peace on his servants whom He has chosen (for his Message). (Who) is better?- Allah or the false gods they associate (with Him)? [027:059]

12) And say: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who will soon show you His Signs, so that ye shall know them"; and thy Rabb is not unmindful of all that ye do. [027:093]

13) And He is Allah: There is no god but He. To Him be PRAISE, at the first and at the last: for Him is the Command, and to Him shall ye (all) be brought back. [028:070]

14) And if indeed thou ask them who it is that sends down rain from the sky, and gives life therewith to the earth after its death, they will certainly reply, "Allah!" Say, "PRAISE be to Allah!" But most of them understand not. [029:063]

15) Yea, to Him be PRAISE, in the heavens and on earth; and in the late afternoon and when the day begins to decline. 030:018

16) If thou ask them, who it is that created the heavens and the earth. They will certainly say, "Allah". Say: "PRAISE be to Allah!” But most of them understand not.031:025

17) PRAISE be to Allah, to Whom belong all things in the heavens and on earth: to Him be PRAISE in the Hereafter: and He is Full of Wisdom, acquainted with all things. 034:001

18) PRAISE be to Allah, Who created (out of nothing) the heavens and the earth, Who made the angels, messengers with wings,- two, or three, or four (pairs): He adds to Creation as He pleases: for Allah has power over all things. 035:001

19) And they will say: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who has removed from us (all) sorrow: for our Rabb is indeed Oft-Forgiving Ready to appreciate (service): 035:034

20) They will say: "PRAISE be to Allah, Who has truly fulfilled His Promise to us, and has given us (this) land in heritage: We can dwell in the Garden as we will: how excellent a reward for those who work (righteousness)!” 039:074

21) And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and PRAISE to their Rabb. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the Worlds!” 039:075

22) He is the Living (One): There is no god but He: Call upon Him, giving Him sincere devotion. PRAISE be to Allah, Rabb of the Worlds! 040:065

23) Then PRAISE be to Allah, Rabb of the heavens and Rabb of the earth, - Rabb and Cherisher of all the Worlds! 045:036

24) Whatever is in the heavens and on earth, doth declare the PRAISES and Glory of Allah: to Him belongs dominion, and to Him belongs PRAISE: and He has power over all things. 064:001

25) Behold, thy Rabb said to the angels: "I will create a vicegerent on earth." They said: "Wilt Thou place therein one who will make mischief therein and shed blood? - whilst we do celebrate Thy PRAISES and glorify Thy holy (name)?" He said: "I know what ye know not." 002:030

26) But celebrate the PRAISES of thy Rabb, and be of those who prostrate themselves in adoration. 015:098

27) Therefore be patient with what they say, and celebrate (constantly) the PRAISES of thy Rabb, before the rising of the sun, and before its setting; yea, celebrate them for part of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day: that thou mayest have (spiritual) joy.020:130

28) Only those believe in Our Signs, who, when they are recited to them, fall down in prostration, and celebrate the PRAISES of their Rabb, nor are they (ever) puffed up with pride. 032:015

29) And thou wilt see the angels surrounding the Throne (Divine) on all sides, singing Glory and PRAISE to their Rabb. The Decision between them (at Judgment) will be in (perfect) justice, and the cry (on all sides) will be, "PRAISE be to Allah, the Rabb of the Worlds!” 039:075

30) Those who sustain the Throne (of Allah) and those around it Sing Glory and PRAISE to their Rabb; believe in Him; and implore Forgiveness for those who believe: "Our Rabb! Thy Reach is over all things, in Mercy and Knowledge. Forgive, then, those who turn in Repentance, and follow Thy Path; and preserve them from the Penalty of the Blazing Fire! 040:007

31) Patiently, then, persevere: for the Promise of Allah is true: and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and celebrate the PRAISES of thy Rabb in the evening and in the morning. 040:055

32) The heavens are almost rent asunder from above them (by Him Glory): and the angels celebrate the PRAISES of their Rabb, and pray for forgiveness for (all) beings on earth: Behold! Verily Allah is He, the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 042:005

33) Bear, then, with patience, all that they say, and celebrate the PRAISES of thy Rabb, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. 050:039

34) Now await in patience the command of thy Rabb: for verily thou art in Our eyes: and celebrate the PRAISES of thy Rabb the while thou standest forth, 052:048

35) Celebrate the PRAISES of thy Rabb, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy). 110:003

36) Nay, thunder repeateth His PRAISES, and so do the angels, with awe: He flingeth the loud-voiced thunder-bolts, and therewith He striketh whomsoever He will. Yet these (are the men) who (dare to) dispute about Allah, with the strength of His power (supreme)! 013:013

37) The seven heavens and the earth, and all beings therein, declare His glory: there is not a thing but celebrates His PRAISE; And yet ye understand not how they declare His glory! Verily He is Oft-Forbear, Most Forgiving! 017:044

38) "It will be on a Day when He will call you, and ye will answer (His call) with (words of) His PRAISE, and ye will think that ye tarried but a little while!” 017:052

39) And put thy trust in Him Who lives and dies not; and celebrate his PRAISE; and enough is He to be acquainted with the faults of His servants.025:058

40) ALR. A Book which We have revealed unto thee, in order that thou mightest lead mankind out of the depths of darkness into light - by the leave of their Rabb - to the Way of (Him) the Exalted in power, worthy of all PRAISE! 014:001

41) For they have been guided (in this life) to the purest of speeches; they have been guided to the Path of Him Who is Worthy of (all) PRAISE. 022:024

42) To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth: for verily Allah, - He is free of all wants, Worthy of all PRAISE. 022:064

43) To Allah belong all things in heaven and earth: verily Allah is He (that is) free of all wants, worthy of all PRAISE. 031:026

44) And those to whom knowledge has come see that the (Revelation) sent down to thee from thy Rabb - that is the Truth, and

that it guides to the Path of the Exalted (in might), Worthy of all PRAISE. 034:006

45) ye men! It is ye that have need of Allah: but Allah is the One Free of all wants, worthy of all PRAISE. 035:015

46) He is the One that sends down rain (even) after (men) have given up all hope, and scatters His Mercy (far and wide). And He is the Protector, Worthy of all PRAISE. 042:028

47) Such persons as are covetous and commend covetousness to men. And if any turn back (from Allah's Way), verily Allah is Free of all Needs, Worthy of all PRAISE.057:024

48) There was indeed in them an excellent example for you to follow, - for those whose hope is in Allah and in the Last Day. But if any turn away, truly Allah is Free of all Wants, Worthy of all PRAISE. 060:006

49) And they ill-treated them for no other reason than that they believed in Allah, Exalted in Power, Worthy of all PRAISE! 085:008

50) Ye who believe! Give of the good things which ye have (honorably) earned, and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you, and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad, in order that out of it ye may give away something, when ye yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is Free of all wants, and worthy of all PRAISE. 002:267

51) They said: "Dost thou wonder at Allah's decree? The grace of Allah and His blessings on you, o ye people of the house! for He is indeed worthy of all PRAISE, full of all glory!” 011:073

52) And Moses said: "If ye show ingratitude, ye and all on earth together, yet is Allah free of all wants, worthy of all PRAISE. 014:008

53) We bestowed (in the past) Wisdom on Luqman: "Show (thy) gratitude to Allah." Any who is (so) grateful does so to the profit of

his own soul: but if any is ungrateful, verily Allah is free of all wants, Worthy of all PRAISE.031:012

54) No falsehood can approach it from before or behind it: It is sent down by One Full of Wisdom, Worthy of all PRAISE. 041:042

55) That was because there came to them messengers with Clear Signs, but they said: "Shall (mere) human beings direct us?" So they rejected (the Message) and turned away. But Allah can do without (them): and Allah is free of all needs, worthy of all PRAISE.064:006

56) To Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth. Verily we have directed the People of the Book before you, and you (o Muslims) to fear Allah. But if ye deny Him, lo! unto Allah belong all things in the heavens and on earth, and Allah is free of all wants, worthy of all PRAISE. 004:131

57) Of the wrong-doers the last remnant was cut off. PRAISE be to Allah, the Cherisher of the worlds.[006:045]

(Translation: Yousuf Ali)

HUMBLE REQUESTS:

1- The English translation of a Qur’anic verse is just for an approximate understanding of that specific verse and can never be a substitute of the original Arabic verse.

2- This note is humbly presented just for knowledge sharing purposes. The true meaning of the Holy Qur’aan is either best known by Allah Himself or His Wise Prophet Sallallaho Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sallam and the great scholars of Islam.

3- I humbly seek the advice and guidance of my brothers and Sisters in Faith to improve this note and make it more meaningful and understandable.

May Allah accept this humble attempt and forgive the errors in it and may He increase our Eemaan and our knowledge and guide us to His pure straight Path. Aameen. May Allah reward you the best.

Our Rabb! Accept from us: Indeed You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. And forgive us. Indeed You are the Forgiving, the Merciful. Aameen.