al-furqan

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Shaban k Rozay

8th Month of Islamic Calendar... Sha'ban al-Mu'azzam

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پانچویں صدی کے مجدد سیدنا امام محمد غزالی رحمۃ اللہ علیہ فرماتے ہیں ''شعبان دراصل شعب سے مشتق ہے ۔ اس کا معنی ہے پہاڑ کو جانے کا راستہ، اور یہ بھلائی کا راستہ ہے۔ شعبان سے خیر کثیر نکلتی ہےــ'' (مکاشفۃ القلوب صفحہ ٦٨١)

ایک اور قول کے مطابق شعبان تشعب سے ماخوذ ہے اور تشعب کے معنی تفرق کے ہیں۔ چونکہ اس ماہ میں بھی خیر کثیر متفرق ہوتی ہے، نیز بندوں کو رزق اس مہینہ میں متفرق اور تقسیم ہوتے ہیں۔ (فضائل الایام والشہور صفحہ ٤٠٤/ ماثبت باالسنۃ صفحہ١٨٦)

سید الشیخ عبدالقادر جیلانی رضی اللہ عنہ فرماتے ہیں کہ شعبان میں پانچ حرف ہیں۔
١۔ شین
٢۔ عین
٣۔ باء
٤۔ الف
٥۔ نون

پس ''شین'' عبارت ہے شرف سے اور ''عین'' عبارت ہے علو سے اور ''با ''عبارت ہے بِرّ (یعنی بھلائی) سے اور ''الف ''عبارت ہے الفت سے اور ''نون ''عبارت ہے نور سے۔ لہٰذا اللہ تعالیٰ ماہِ شعبان میں اپنے نیک بندوں کو یہ پانچ چیزیں عطا فرماتا ہے۔ (غنیۃ الطالبین عربی، جلد۔١، صفحہ ٢٨٨، نزہۃ المجالس ج۔١، صفحہ ١٣١)

شب برات سے متعلق ارشاد خداوندی :

حٰمۤ o وَ الْکِتٰبِ الْمُبِیْنِ o اِنَّا اَنْزَلْنٰہُ فِیْ لَیْلَۃٍ مُّبٰرَکَۃٍ اِنَّا کُنَّا مُنْذِرِیْنَ o فِیْھَا یُفْرَقُ کُلُّ اَمْرٍ حَکِیْمٍo اَمْرًا مِّنْ عِنْدِنَا ط اِنَّا کُنَّا مُرْسِلِیْنَo (پارہ ٢٥، سورہ دخان، آیت ١ تا ٥)
ترجمہ :۔ قسم اس روشن کتاب کی بیشک ہم نے اسے برکت والی رات میں اتارا بے شک ہم ڈر سنانے والے ہیں اس میں بانٹ دیا جاتا ہے ہر حکمت والا کام ہمارے پاس کے حکم سے بے شک ہم بھیجنے والے ہیں۔ (کنز الایمان)

اس رات سے کون سی رات مراد ہے علمائے کرام کے اس میں دو قول ہیں۔ حضرت ابن عباس رضی اللہ عنہما و حضرت قتادہ رضی اللہ عنہ اور اکثر مفسرین کی رائے یہ ہے کہ وہ لیلۃ القدر تھی کیونکہ سورہ قدر میں اس کی وضاحت موجود ہے اور حضرت عکرمہ رضی اللہ عنہ اور جماعت کا خیال ہے کہ اس سے مراد پندرہ شعبان کی رات تھی۔

شعبان المعظم کی اہم ترین عبادت:
سیدنا شیخ عبدالقادر جیلانی رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہ فرماتے ہیں ''اس مہینے میں محبوب خدا صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم پر درود شریف کی کثرت کرنی چاہئے ، کیونکہ یہ مہینہ حضور پر نور شافع یوم النشور صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کا مہینہ ہے ۔ درود شریف اور اس مہینے کے وسیلے سے بار گاہِ الٰہی میں قرب حاصل کرنا چاہئے۔ (غنیۃ الطالبین عربی، جلد ۔١،صفحہ ٢٨٨)

فضائل میں احادیث:
نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا ،'' رجب اللہ تعالیٰ کا مہینہ ہے، شعبان میرا مہینہ ہے، اور رمضان میری اُمت کا مہینہ ہے۔'' (ماثبت با السنۃ صفحہ١٧٠بحوالہ جامع الکبیر بروایت امام حسن بصری رحمۃ اللہ علیہ)

محدث ویلمی علیہ الرحمۃ روایت کرتے ہیں، ''حضرت عائشہ رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہا نے فرمایا، میں نے حضور اکرم محمد رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو یہ فرماتے سُنا ، اللہ تعالیٰ چار راتوں میں بھلائی کی مہر لگاتا ہے۔

(١) شب عید الاضحی
(٢) شب عید الفطر
(٣) ماہ رجب کی پہلی شب
(٤) شب نصف شعبان۔

حضرت ابو امامہ باہلی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے مروی ہے ، نبی کریم رؤف الرحیم علیہ الصلوٰۃ والتسلیم نے فرمایا، ''پانچ راتیں ایسی ہیں کہ ان میں کوئی دعا رد نہیں ہوتی،

(١) رجب کی پہلی رات
(٢) نصف شعبان کی رات
(٣) جمعہ کی رات
(٤) اور
(٥) دونوں عیدوں کی رات۔

حضور اکرم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے شعبان کی تیرہویں شب اپنی امت کی شفاعت کیلئے دعا کی تو آپ کو تہائی عطا ہوا، پھر چودہویں شب دعا کی تو دو تہائی عطا ہوا، پھر پندرہویں شب دعا کی تو سب کچھ عطا ہوا ، سوائے اس کے جو اللہ تعالیٰ سے بِدکے ہوئے اونٹ کی طرح بھاگے یعنی نافرمانی کرنے والا۔ (مکاشفۃ القلوب صفحہ ٦٨٢)

حضرت ابو امامہ باہلی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے مروی ہے کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم آمد شعبان پر فرماتے ، اس میں اپنی جانوں کو پاک کرو اور اپنی نیتوں کو درست کرو۔ (مکاشفۃ القلوب ٦٨١)

ابن اسحق نے حضرت انس بن مالک رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے روایت کیا کہ ام المؤمنین سیدہ عائشہ صدیقہ رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہا نے مجھے بتایا نصف شعبان کی شب رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم مسجد میں سجدہ کی حالت میں یہ دعا فرما رہے تھے ،

سَجَدَ لَکَ سَوَا دِیْ وَخَیَالِیْ وَاٰمَنَ بِکَ فَوَا دِیْ وَہٰذِہ یَدِیْ وَمَا جَنَیْتُ بِہَا عَلیٰ نَفْسِیْ یَا عَظِیْمًا یُّرْ جیٰ لِکُلِّ عَظِیْمٍ اِغْفِرِ الذَّنْبَ الْعَظِیْمَ سَجَدَوَجْہِیَ لِلَّذِیْ خَلَقَہ، وَصَوَّرَہ، وَشَقَّ سَمْعَہ، وَبَصَرَہ،
میرے بدن اور میری صورت نے تجھے سجدہ کیا میرا دل تجھ پر ایمان لایا اور یہ میرے ہاتھ ہیں جن سے میں نے خود پر زیادتی کی، اے عظیم! ہر بڑی بات میں اس پر امید کی جاتی ہے، بڑا گناہ معاف فرمادے میرے چہرے نے اس ذات کو سجدہ کیا جس نے اسے پیدا کیا اس کی صورت بنائی اور کان اور آنکھ بنائے

پھر آپ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے سر اٹھایا اور یہ دعا کی:
اَللّٰہُمَّ ارْزُقْنِیْ قَلْبًا تَقِیًّا نَقِیًّا مِّنَ الشِّرْکِ بَرِیًّا لَّا کَا فِرًا وَّ لَا شَقِیًّا
اے اللہ ! مجھے ایسا دل عطا فرما جو پر ہیزگار ہو شرک سے پاک ہو ، نیک ہو ۔۔۔۔۔۔ نہ کافر ہواور نہ ہی بدبخت ہو

پھر دوبارہ سجدہ کیا اور میں نے یہ پڑھتے ہوئے سُنا،
اَعُوْذُ بِرِضَائِکَ مِنْ سَخَطِکَ وَ بِعَفْوِکَ مِنْ عُقُوْبَتِکَ وَبِکَ مِنْکَ لَا اُحْصِیْ ثَنَآءَ عَلَیْکَ اَنْتَ کَمَا اَثْنَیْتَ عَلٰی نَفْسِکَ اَقُوْلُ کَمَا قَالَ اَخِیْ دَاؤ،دُ اَغْفِرُ وَجْھِیْ فِیْ التُّرَابِ لِسَیِّدِیْ وَحَقَّ لِوَجْہِ سَیِّدِیْ اَنْ یُّغْفَرَ
میں تیری ناراضگی سے تیری پناہ مانگتا ہوں تیری سزا سے تیری معافی کی پناہ تجھ سے تیری پناہ، میں تیری تعریف نہیں کرسکتا بس تو ایسا ہے جیسے کہ تو نے خود اپنی تعریف فرمائی میں وہی کہتاہوں جو میرے بھائی حضرت داؤود علیہ السلام نے کہا میں اپنے آقا کیلئے مٹی میں اپنے چہرے کو خاک آلود کرتا ہوں اور چہرے کا یہ حق ہے کہ اپنے آقا کیلئے خاک آلودہ ہو۔ (مکاشفۃ القلوب صفحہ٦٨٣۔٦٨٤)

شعبان میں روزوں کی فضیلت:

یوں تو عام طور پر ہر ماہ چند نفلی روزے جسمانی و روحانی اعتبار سے مفید ہوتے ہیں۔ اگر ہر ماہ کی تیرہ ، چودہ اور پندرہ تاریخوں (ایامِ بیض) کے تین دن مسلسل روزے رکھیں تو ایمانی درجات کی بلندی، روحانی بالیدگی اور ایمان پر استقامت کی ضمانت حاصل ہوتی ہے لیکن شرط یہ ہے کہ صحیح العقیدہ سنی شیخ طریقت کی راہنمائی حاصل ہو، جو اپنے مریدین کو کامل طور پر مسلک امام احمد رضا محدث و محقق بریلوی علیہ الرحمۃ و الرضوان کے دائرے میں رکھے اور صلح کلی کے فریب سے بچائے۔

نسائی میں حضرت اسامہ رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے روایت ہے کہ میں نے عرض کیا، اے اللہ کے رسول صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم ! میں آپ کو اس قدر روزے رکھتا نہیں دیکھتا جس قدر کہ شعبان میں آپ روزوں کا اہتمام کرتے ہیں، آپ نے فرمایا یہ وہ مہینہ ہے جس سے لوگ غافل ہیں یہ رجب اور رمضان کے درمیان وہ مہینہ ہے کہ جس میں لوگوں کے اعمال رب العالمین کے حضور پیش ہوتے ہیں، میں پسند کرتا ہوں کہ میرا عمل جب پیش ہو تو میں روزے کی حالت سے ہوں۔'' (مکاشفۃ القلوب صفحہ ٦٨١، جامع الصغیر، جلددوم، صفحہ٣٠١)

اُم المومنین سیدہ عائشہ صدیقہ رضی اللہ عنہا سے مروی ہے کہ میں نے محبوب خدا صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو رمضان المبارک کے علاوہ کسی مہینے میں مکمل روزے رکھتے ہوئے نہیں دیکھا اور شعبان سے زیادہ کسی مہینے میں روزے رکھتے نہیں دیکھا۔'' (بخاری شریف جلد اول صفحہ٢٦٤، مسلم, ش جلد اول صفحہ٣٦٥)

ام المؤمنین سیدہ عائشہ الصدیقہ رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہا فرماتی ہیں کہ رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو تمام مہینوں میں شعبان کے روزے زیادہ پسند تھے، پھر اسے رمضان سے ملادیا کرتے ۔ (جامع الترمذی جلد اول، صفحہ ٢٧٥، سنن ابو داؤد ، جلد اول صفحہ ٣٣٧، سنن ابن ماجہ صفحہ١١٩)

یہی روایت سیدہ ام سلمہ رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہا سے بھی ہے، جسے ابن ماجہ صفحہ ١١٩ ، اور ترمذی جلد اول صفحہ٢٧٥ پر ملاحظہ کریں۔

شبِ برأت کے فضائل و اعمال

(١) ام المؤمنین سیدہ عائشہ صدیقہ رضی اللہ عنہا روایت کرتی ہیں کہ میں ایک رات رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم کو نہ پاکر آپ کی تلاش میں نکلی آپ جنت البقیع میں تھے، آپ کا سر آسمان کی جانب اٹھا ہوا تھا، آپ نے مجھے فرمایا ، اے عائشہ کیا تمہیں ڈر ہے کہ اللہ اور اس کا رسول تم پر ظلم کرے گا؟ میں نے عرض کیا، یا رسول اللہ مجھے گمان ہوا شاید آپ دوسری ازواج کے پاس تشریف لے گئے ہیں۔ آپ نے فرمایا '' اللہ تعالیٰ پندرہویں شعبان کی رات آسمانِ دنیا پر (اپنی شایانِ شان) نزول فرماتا ہے اور بنو کلب قبیلہ کی بکریوں کے بالوں سے زیادہ لوگوں کی مغفرت فرماتا ہے۔ (ترمذی جلد اول صفحہ٢٧٥، ابن ماجہ صفحہ ٩٩) امام ترمذی علیہ الرحمہ فرماتے ہیں اس باب میں سیدنا ابو بکر صدیق رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے بھی روایت ہے۔

(٢)حضرت علی کرم اللہ وجہہ روایت کرتے ہیں رسول اللہ صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا ، نصف شعبان کی رات میں قیام کرو اور دن میں روزہ رکھو ، کیونکہ اللہ تعالیٰ اسی رات غروب آفتاب تا طلوع فجر آسمانِ دنیا کی طرف متوجہ رہتا ہے اور فرماتا ہے ''کوئی ہے مجھ سے مغفرت طلب کرنے والا کہ میں اسے بخش دوں ، کوئی رزق طلب کرے تو اس کو رزق دوں ، کوئی مصیبت سے چھٹکارا چاہے تو اس کو عافیت دوں۔ (ابن ماجہ شریف صفحہ نمبر٩٩)

(٣) حضرت ابو موسیٰ اشعری رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ سے روایت ہے ،''نبی کریم صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم نے فرمایا ! اللہ تعالیٰ شعبان کی پندرہویں شب ظہور فرماتا ہے اور مشرک و چغل خور کے علاوہ سب کی بخشش فرمادیتا ہے (سنن ابن ماجہ صفحہ ٩٩)

قبرستان حاضری کے آداب
قبرستان بہت گنجان ہوتا ہے قبروں کے درمیان قطعاً جگہ نہیں ہوتی کہ وہاں موم بتی یا چراغ جلا سکیں لیکن بعض نادان حضرات ایسا کرتے ہیں جو شرعاً منع ہے۔ اپنی موت کو بھی یاد رکھیں، خواتین قبرستان میں نہ جائیں ۔ قبرستان میں داخلہ کے وقت یہ دعا پڑھیں۔
اَلسَّلامُ عَلَیْکُمْ یَا اَہْلَ الْقُبُورِ الْمُسْلِمِیْنَ اَنْتُمْ لَنَا سَلَفٌ وَّ اَنَا اِنْشَاءَ اللّٰہُ بِکُمْ لَاحِقُوْنَ نَسْاَلَ اللّٰہَ لَنَا وَلَکُمُ الْعَفْوَ وَ الْعَافِیَۃِ

اس ماہ کے اہم تاریخی واقعات
ختحویل قبلہ کا حکم ...١٦ شعبان٢ہجری، بوقت ظہرخ روزہ فرض ہوا...٢ہجری سیدنا حضرت امام حسین رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہ، کی ولادت ...٥ شعبان ٤ ہجری ولادت سیدہ بی بی زینب رضی اللہ تعالیٰ عنہاخ غزوہ سویق . . . ٤ ہجری غزوہ بنی مصطلق ...٥ہجری غزوہ ذات قَرَد ...٦ہجری جنگ یمامہ میں مسیلمہ کذاب کا قتل عہد صدیقی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...١١ ہجری مسجد نبوی شریف کی پہلی توسیع عہد ِ فاروقی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...١٧ ہجری جنگ جلولأعہد ِ فاروقی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...١٧ ہجری وفات حضرت قتادہ بن نعمان رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٢٣ ہجریخفتوحاتِ افریقہ، عہد عثمانی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٢٧ ہجری پہلا شفاء خانہ ، عہد امیر معاویہ رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٤٩ ہجری وفات مغیرہ بن شعبہ رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٥٠ ہجری وفات حضرت ثوبان و حضرت جبیر رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٥٤ ہجری سیدنا امام حسین رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ کی مدینے سے مکہ آمداور یزید کا بیعت کیلئے اصرار...٣شعبان ٦٠ہجری وفات حضرت حمزہ الاسلمی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٦١ ہجری وفات حضرت مسلمہ بن مخلد رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٦٢ ہجری وفات حضرت عرباض بن ساریہ رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٧٣ہجری وفات حضرت انس رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ (خادم رسول صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم )...٩٣ہجری شہادت حضرت سعید بن جبیر رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٩٥ ہجری وفات امام حسن بصری رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...١١٠ ہجری شہادت امام اعظم ابو حنیفہص ...٤شعبان ١٥٠ہجری وفات امام سفیان ثوری رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...١٦١ہجری ولادت امام مسلم رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ ...٢٠١ہجری آلِ امام زید بن امام حسن علیہما السلام نے یمن میں خلافتِ زیدیہ کی بنیاد رکھی ...٢٠٣ ہجری مامون الرشید نے موسیٰ برمکی کو سندھ کا والی بنایا...٢١٣ ہجری مامون کی رومیوں سے جنگ ...٢١٧ ہجری وفات حضرت سرّی سقطی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ (خلیفہ حضرت معروف کرخی رضی اللہ تعالی عنہ)...٢٥٣ہجری وفات مؤرخ ابن قتیبہ الدینوری...٢٧٦ ہجری وفات مشہور فقیہہ امام کرمانی علیہ الرحمہ...٢٨٠ہجری دمشق و مصر میں سنّیوں کی جان و مال پر قرامطیوں کے حملے...٢٨٩ہجری وفات ابن المر زبان ...٣٦٦ہجری وفات ابو بکر خوارزمی...٣٨٣ہجری وفات ابو القاسم صیدلانی ...٣٩٨ ہجری محمود غزنوی علیہ الرحمہ کا نگر کوٹ پر حملہ...٤٠٠ہجری وفات ابو الحسن قاسبی المعافری...٤٠٣ہجری وفات حافظ ابو بکر بن مردویہ الاصبہانی علیہ الرحمہ...٤١٠ہجری محمود غزنوی علیہ الرحمہ نے سومنات کا مندر توڑا...٤١٦ہجری خراسان پرسلجوقیوں کا قبضہ...٤٣٠ ہجری تخت نشینی مودود غزنوی...٤٣٣ ہجری وفات ابو الحسن بن القزوینی...٤٤٢ ہجری وفات ابو عثمان الصابونی...٤٤٩ ہجری وفات امام ابن حزم الظاہری...٤٥٦ ہجری جامع مسجد دمشق کو کئی بد عقیدہ گروہوں نے مکمل جلا دیا ...٤٦١ ہجری بیت المقدس پر نصرانی صلیبیوں کا قبضہ...٤٩٢ ہجری وفات محمد بن عبدالکریم الشہرستانی...٥٤٨ ہجری سلطان شہاب الدین غوری کا سندھ پر حملہ...٥٧١ ہجری وفات ابو البرکات ابن الانباری...٥٧٧ ہجری سلطان صلاح الدین ایوبی علیہ الرحمہ نے ٢٩ رجب کو بیت المقدس فتح کرکے یکم شعبان کو مسجد اقصیٰ میں نماز جمعہ کی امامت فرمائی... ٥٨٣ ہجری امام فخر الدین رازی علیہ الرحمہ کو حاکم افغانستان نے ظلمًا ہرات سے نکال دیا...٥٩٥ ہجری وفات حضرت بہاؤ الدین بلخی علیہ الرحمہ(والد بزرگوار مولانا رومی)...٦٢٨ ہجری تخت نشینی فیروز شاہ تغلق...٦٣٣ہجری ولادت صاحب نحو میر سید شریف جرجانی ۔۔۔۔۔۔٧٤٠ھ خامام ابن حجر عسقلانی (شارح بخاری) کی ولادت مصر میں ٧٧٣ھ وفات حافظ شیرازی ...٧٩١ ہجری وفات حافظ زین الدین العراقی...٨٠٦ ہجری وفات تیمور لنگ...٨٠٧ ہجری شام میں شدید زلزلہ اور تباہی...٨١١ ہجری ولادت حضرت مولانا عبد الرحمن جامی ٨١٧ھ حکومت سکندر لودھی کا قیام ...٨٩٤ ہجری حکومت ظہیر الدین بابر ...٩٣٢ ہجری وفات حاجی خلیفہ صاحب کشف الظنون۔۔۔۔۔۔١٠٦ ہجری مشہور مجذوب حضرت سرمد کی شہادت...١٠٧١ہجری بہادر شاہ ظفر کی گرفتاری...١٢٧٤ہجری خلافت عبدالحمید ثانی (عثمانیہ سلطنت)...١٢٩٣ہجری وصال شیخ الخطباء علامہ احمد ابو الخیر بن عبد اللہ الحنفی (جنت المعلیٰ) اعلیٰ حضرت کی تصنیف الدولۃ المکیہ پر تقریظ لکھی تھی) ۔۔۔۔۔۔١٣٣٥ھ ایران کی قاچاری حکومت کا خاتمہ...١٣٤٢ہجری وفات مولانا محمد علی جوہر...١٣٤٩ہجری وفات مولانا حسرت موہانی...١٣٧٠ہجری آزادی مراکش و تونس...١٣٧٥ہجری آزادی اردن ...١٣٧٦ہجری آزادی زنجبار...١٣٨٣ہجری۔ وصال مجاہد ملت فاتح سرحد علامہ عبد الحامد بدایونی (رفیق خاص قائد اعظم، راہنما تحریک پاکستان)۔۔۔۔۔۔١٢ جولائی ١٩٧٠ء

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Are You Making Dua & Receiving No Answer

Some people make a great deal of du’aa’ but receive no answer

Question:

What is the reason for the delay in response to du’aa’? Some people make du’aa’ but they do not get any response; they ask for a long time but do not see it having any effect, so you find the Shaytaan starting to whisper to such people and making them think badly of their Lord.

Answer:
Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

The one to whom that happens should believe that there is a reason and great wisdom behind the delay in the response. Allaah, may He be glorified, is the Sovereign of all and none can put back His bounty or overturn His ruling or object to His giving or His withholding, if He gives by His bounty or withholds by His justice. We are His slaves and He does with us whatever He will.

“And your Lord creates whatsoever He wills and chooses, no choice have they (in any matter)”

[al-Qasas 28:68]

How can a slave fall short in honouring his master’s rights and then demand his rights in full?

It is His right to be obeyed and not disobeyed, to be remembered and not forgotten, to be thanked and not to be shown ingratitude. If you look at yourself and how you are carrying out your duties, you would think very little of yourself and you would feel humility and would realize there can be no salvation except by His forgiveness and mercy. So look at yourself as being a slave, for Allaah is the Creator and Controller.

Secondly:

Allaah has great wisdom and He does not give or withhold except for a reason. You may look at something and think that it is good but by His wisdom He does not decree it. A doctor may do things which appear to be painful but they are in the patient’s best interests. And for Allaah is the highest description. (cf. al-Nahl 16:60).

Thirdly:

Attainting the thing asked for may cause hardship to the one who is asking. It was narrated from one of the salaf that he used to ask Allaah to let him go out on a military campaign, but a voice called out to him: “If you go on a military campaign you will be taken prisoner, and if you are taken prisoner, you will become a Christian.” Sayd al-Khaatir, 1/109

Ibn al-Qayyim said: Whatever Allaah has decreed for His believing slave is a blessing even if that is in the form of withholding; it is a favour even if that is in the form of a trial, and the calamity decreed by him is fair even if it us painful. Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 4/215.

No one knows how his affairs will end up. He may ask for something which leads to bad consequences, and may even harm him. The Controller knows best what is in his best interests. “and it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you” [al-Baqarah 2:216]. One of the meanings of this verse is that we should not wish that the decree of our Lord was different or ask Him for things of which we have no knowledge, for perhaps that may harm us without us knowing. So we should not choose anything different than what our Lord has chosen for us, rather we should ask Him for a good end in what He has chosen for us, for there is nothing more beneficial for us than that.

Fourthly:

What Allaah chooses for His slave is better for him that what he chooses for himself. Allaah is more merciful towards His slaves than they themselves or their mothers are. If something happens to them that they dislike, that is better for them than if it did not happen, so His decree is all kindness and mercy. If the slave submits to Allaah and has certain faith that all dominion belongs to Allaah and all things are under His command, and that He is more merciful to him than he is himself, then he will find peace of mind regardless of whether his need is met or not.

See Madaarij al-Saalikeen, 2/215

Fifthly:

The response may be delayed because the person himself has done something which is an impediment to receiving a response or a cause of delay. Perhaps there is something haraam in his food, or perhaps there was some negligence in his heart at the time when he made the du’aa’, or perhaps he had committed a sin, as a consequence of which his du’aa’ was not answered. So when the response to the du’aa’ is delayed, this may prompt the person to check on himself and examine how he stands before his Lord, so that he will take stock of himself and repent; if the answer to his prayer came sooner, perhaps he would become heedless and think that he was doing fine, then he would develop a sense of self-admiration that may lead to his doom.

Delay or withholding of a response may be because Allaah wants to delay the reward for him until the Day of Resurrection, or Allaah wants to divert an equivalent evil from him, but he does not realize that.

Whatever the case, the fruits of du’aa’ are guaranteed, even if you do not see the response with your own eyes. So think well of your Lord and say: Perhaps He has answered me in a way that I do not know. It is narrated in a saheeh report that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim who does not offer any du’aa’ in which there is no sin or severing of family ties but Allaah will give him one of three things in return: either He will answer his du’aa’ sooner, or he will store it up for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent evil away from him because of it.” They said: “We will say a lot of du’aa’.” He said: “Allaah is more generous.” Narrated by Ahmad, 10749. al-Albaani said in Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb: it is hasan saheeh.

In conclusion, there are many reasons why a du’aa’ may not be answered or the answer may be delayed; we must ponder this and not stop making du’aa’, for du’aa’ will always be of benefit.

And Allaah knows best.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Dhikr after Salaah and before Sleeping

Bis-millahir-rahmanir-raheem.
As'salaamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatu,

My question is concerning dhikhr after every fard salat. I have read hadith that state recite "Allahu Akbar", "Al-hamdulillah" and "SubhanAllah" 33 times each. I was informed that it only a total of 30 times after each compulsory(Allahu Akbar, Al-Hamdulillah and SubhanAllah 10 times each). Which, if either, is the correct method for this particuliar dhikr? Also, it has been related to me that you perform the same before you go to sleep except you recite "Allahu Akbar" 34 times which will total one hundred.

What is the reward recorded on your behalf for this action? Finally, what is the proper method for performing dhikr on the right hand ? Do you start with the thumb going down and left to right? Which joints to you count on? Your reply would be greatly appreciated, insha'Allah. Jazakullahkhair

Praise be to Allaah

The dhikr after salaah referred to in the question has been reported in a hadeeth reported by Abu Hurayrah from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “Whoever glorifies Allaah (says Subhaan Allaah) thirty-three times immediately after each prayer, and praises Allaah (says Al-hamdu Lillaah) thirty-three times, and magnifies Allaah (says Allaahu akbar) thirty-three times, this makes ninety-nine, then to complete one hundred says Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god except Allaah Alone, with no partner, His is the power and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things) – his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea.” (Reported by Muslim, 939).

A number of different descriptions of the dhikr after salaah have been narrated, an example of which has been referred to in the question. The evidence for this is the hadeeth of ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and easy. He should glorify Allaah (say Subhaan Allaah) ten times immediately after each prayer, and praise Him (say Al-hamdu Lillaah) ten times and magnify Him (say Allaahu akbar) ten times.’ I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) counting this on his fingers. He said: ‘That makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue, and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales. [Translator’s note: each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the number of daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty. Each of these good deeds of the tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat which will be added to the total of good deeds to be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgement]. When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him one hundred times: that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales. Who among you does two thousand and five hundred sayi’aat (bad deeds) in one day?’ They said: ‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this dhikr).’” (Abu ‘Eesaa said: This is a hasan saheeh hadeeth. Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332).

Among the adhkaar that may be recited before going to sleep, as referred to in the question, is that reported in the hadeeth of ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that Faatimah (upon whom be peace) came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and asked him for a servant. He said, “Shall I not tell you of something that is better for you than that? When you go to sleep, say ‘Subhaan Allaah’ thirty-three times, ‘Al-hamdu Lillah’ thirty-three times, and ‘Allaahu akbar’ thirty four times.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 4943).

As regards counting this tasbeeh, the Sunnah is to use the fingers of the right hand, although it is permitted to use the left hand. The evidence that the right hand is preferable was reported by Abu Dawood (may Allaah have mercy on him), who said: “ ‘Ubayd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar ibn Maysarah and Muhammad ibn Qudaamah, among others, told us: ‘Aththaam told us from al-A’mash from ‘Ataa’ ibn al-Saa’ib from his father from ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr who said: ‘I saw the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) counting the tasbeeh.’ Ibn Qudaamah said: ‘With his right hand.’” (Sunan Abi Dawood, Kitaab al-Salaat, Baab al-Tasbeeh bi’l-hasaa).

It was said in Haashiyat al-Tahtaawi: “It is correct that he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to count the tasbeeh on his right hand. It was reported that he said: ‘Count with your finger tips, for they will be asked and they will be made to speak.’ Ibn Hijr said: Counting the tasbeeh with the fingertips is better than using the subhah (prayer-beads or “rosary”).

The sunnah is to count with the fingertips by putting them on the palm of the hand. As to precisely which finger of the right hand one should start with, I have no specific information on this.

And Allaah knows best.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Importance of Friday!

Friday is the best day of the week. Imam Bukhari and Muslim reported that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had said,

"We (Muslims) came last and yet we are the first on the day of judgment. They have received the books before us (meaning Torah and Injil). We have received the book after them (meaning the Qur’an). Friday was their day to be glorified. However, they disputed on that while Allah had told us Friday is the day to glorify. Thus they will follow us. The Jews glorify Saturday, and the Christians glorify Sunday."

Also reported by Imam Muslim, Abo-Dawod, Al-Nesaii, and Al-Termithi, that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had said,

"The best day during which the sun have risen is Friday. It is the Day Adam was created. It is the day when Adam entered paradise and also when he was taken out from it. It is also the day on which the day of judgment takes place."

Muslims are supposed to do the following on Fridays:

• Men are obligated to participate in Friday Prayer. Allah (S.W.T.) said in Surat Al-Jumauah, (verse 9), what can be translated as, "O’ you who believe! When the call is proclaimed to Prayer on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business. That is best for you if you but knew."

In addition, prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) had warned from not attending Friday Prayer. Imam Muslim and Ahmad had reported that Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said about people who do not attend Friday Prayer, "I wanted to ask a man to lead people in the prayer so that I may go and burn houses of men who did not attend the Friday Prayer with us" He also said reported by Imam Muslim, Ahmad and An-Nesaii,

"Either they (meaning people who do not attend the Friday prayer) stop neglecting Friday prayers or Allah will set a seal on their hearts so they can not find the right path again."

In another authentic hadith reported by Abu Dawod, Termithi, An-Nesaii, and Ibn-Majah, that the prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"Who ever does not attend three Friday prayers, (without a valid excuse) Allah will set a seal on his heart"

• It is also recommended to increase supplication especially at the last hour of the day since it is the hour when requests are replied by Allah. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam An-Nesaii, Abu-Dawod, and Al-hakim, that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"Friday has 12 hours, one of which is the hour where cries are granted for Muslim believers. This hour is sought at the last hour after Asar."

• It is encouraged to wish peace be upon prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) during Fridays and Friday’s night because of an authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod, An-Nesaii, and Ibn-Majah, that the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"The best day is Friday. On Friday Adam was created, and died. On Friday is the first time the trumpet is blown (meaning when every creature dies) and the second time the trumpet is blown (referring to resurrection). So increase the number of times you wish peace upon me since this prayer will be shown to me."

They asked him, How will our prayers be shown to you after you have vanished. He replied, "Allah has prohibited earth to cause the body of prophets to decay."

• It is recommended that Muslims recite surat Al-Kahf, because of the authentic hadith reported by Imam Al-Baihaqee, and Al-Hakim, that the prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) had said,

Who ever recites surat Al-Kahf on Friday, Allah will give him a light to the next Friday."

• It is also recommended that Muslims clean and wash themselves and make sure they smell nice when they attend Friday Prayers. Imam Muslim and Bukhari reported that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"Every Muslim is obligated to bath on Fridays and wear his best cloth. Also, he should use perfume if he has any."

• It is important to come early to the Friday prayer. All of the hadith collectors, except Ibn-Majah, reported in an authentic hadith that the prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"If one washes himself and then went to Friday Prayer, it is considered as if he donated a camel for the sake of Allah. However, If he went in the second hour then it is considered as if he donated a cow and if the third hour then as if he donated a big sheep and if the fourth hour then as if he donated a chicken and if the fifth hour then as if he donated an egg. Then when the Imam starts delivering the speech the angels come and listen to it."

Also in anther authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod that the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"On Friday the angels come to stand on the doors of the mosque (masjid), the angels record who comes first, if the Imam starts delivering the speech, the angles close their files and come to listen to the speech."

• It is forbidden to work on Fridays when the call for the prayer is announced because Allah says in surat Al-Jumu’ah, (verse 9), what can be translated as,

"When the call is proclaimed to prayer on Friday hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off business."

• Also, it is forbidden to talk during the Khutbah. Several sayings of prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) covers this subject. In an authentic hadith reported by (the group of Ahadith collectors), except Ibn-Majah that prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) said,

If you told your friend to pay attention on Friday while the Imam is delivering the speech then you committed a sin of vain talk."

Another authentic hadith which was reported by Imam Ibn-Majah and Attermizi that prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said,

"Even who touches the gravel on the floor then he committed vain talk, and he who does commit that there will be no (Jumuah) Friday for him."

• It is also disliked to walk between sitting people during Friday gathering unless there is an empty spot to fill. In an authentic hadith reported by Imam Abu-Dawod, An-Nesaii, and Ahmad that, A man came and started walking between people during a Friday gathering while Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was delivering his speech, so the Prophet told him, "Sit because you caused harm to other people and came in late."

It was not legislated to consider Friday as a day off and not work during it. Because Allah (S.W.T.) said in surat Al-Jumu’ah, (verse 10), what can be translated as,

"And when the prayer is finished, then you may disperse through the land and seek of the bounty of Allah."

It was not a habit of any of the companions to consider Friday as a day to take off work. On the contrary Imam Al-Malek said, "It is disliked to take Friday off since we will be resembling the Jews and Christians for taking, respectively, Saturday or Sunday off."

Finally , there are two important matters for us in this country to be cautioned of. First of all, we must not neglect Friday Prayers because of work, study, or other matters. Every Muslims should make attending Friday Prayer as his top priority. It is important to do so since ignoring it three times with no valid reason will cause the heart to be sealed from the right path.

The second matter to watch for is the loosing of one’s interest in the importance of Friday. This is especially important for the growing generation who are used to the concept of weekend being Saturday and Sunday and know almost nothing about the importance of Friday in the eyes of Muslims. So it is our duty to remind them and ourselves about this great day which is the best day of the week and try to spend it according to Islamic teaching.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Lailat-ul-Qadr - The night of Power

LAILATUL-QADR

Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:
* Its excellence
As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:
" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)
* When is it?
It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.
Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)
The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said: "Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )
However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)
This explains his, SAW saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)
It is also known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." (Bukhari)
Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory.
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.
* How should a Muslim seek Lailatul-Qadr?
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.
He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)
It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.
From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)
From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)
* Its sign
[Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless.] Allaah's Messenger SAW described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, RA who said: that he SAW said: "On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tarmidhi, Ibn Majah)
From Abu Hurairah, RA who said: "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allaah's Messenger SAW, so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim) [Qaadi 'Iyaad said: "It contains an indication that it was towards the end of the month - since the moon does not appear like that when it arises except towards the end of the month."]
From Ibn 'Abbaas, RA who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah, al-Bazzaar with hasan isnaad)
Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator by performing extra actions in these last few days of the noble month of Ramadhan as it could be our last...

Laila-tul Qadr: Night of Power, Night of Destiny or Night of Majesty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~LAYLAT UL-QADR

Peace Until Fajr~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In each of the daily prayer we offer, we solemnly declare to Allah, “Iyyakana’budu” (You alone do we worship). While the intelligent and committedbeliever realizes that his very lifestyle spells worship, he knows,remembering the words of our Prophet (pbuh) that “Du’aa’ (supplication) isworship” [Tirmidhi, Abu Daud] Allah, the Most Merciful, has encouraged thebelievers to take advantage of certain times during the year to make du’aa’.Such an occasion presents itself annually during Ramadan — especially on theLailatul Qadr, the Night of Power. On this night, the single most importantevent in human history unfolded as, after the Glorious Quran was preserved inthe Protected Tablet, Jibril descended with the blessed book to reveal it,upon Allah’s command, to His Messenger (pbuh). Accentuating its significance,Allah says “and how would you know (the value of the) Night of Qadr [97:2]
"Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (inworship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]
So valuable is this Night of Qadr that the Quran devotes a special surah toit “Lailatul Qadr is better than a thousand months” [97:3] This one nightsurpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The most authentic account of theoccurrence of the Night indicates that it can occur on any one of the lastten, oddnumbered nights of Ramadan. The fact that the exact night is unknownreflects Allah’s will in keeping it hidden. Indeed, the Prophet (pbuh) wasprevented from telling us its precise time. One day, he came out to tell thecompanions the exact night. On the way he saw two men arguing with eachother. By the will of Allah, he(pbuh)forgot and subsequently remembered it.Afterwards the Prophet (pbuh) was instructed not to divulge this information.“Had I been allowed,” he (pbuh) remarked once, “I would have told you (ofits exact time).” [Masnad-e-Ahmad]

The Almighty in His wisdom kept this hidden from usfor many reasons (wa Allahu 'Alam). Perhaps He wants us to strive hard in ourworship during the last ten days of Ramadan so that we don’t become lazy,worshipping hard on just that one night and denying ourselves the benefit ofdoing the same on the other nights. “Had people not left their salah exceptfor that (one) night, I would have informed you (of its exact date).”[Al-Tabarani]

The sincere believer who worries day and night about his sinsand phases of neglect in his life patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan.During it he hopes to be forgiven by Allah for past sins, knowing that theProphet (pbuh) promised that all who bear down during the last ten days shallhave all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, he remembers the Prophet’s(pbuh) advice in differentsayings wherein he used words like “seek”, “pursue”, “search”, and “lookhard” for Lailatul Qadr (see tomorrows Post). Moreover, Allah and HisProphet (pbuh) provided us some signs of its occurrence.
Allah (swt) describes the night as “..peace until the rise of the morn.”[97:5] In various sayings, the Prophet (pbuh) described the night as serene,tranquil, and peaceful. The sun at sunrise would appear reddish and withoutits normal blazing and sharp rays. Ubayy (R) said : "On the morning of thenight of Qadr the sun would rise without any beams; (it is like) a wash basinuntil it raises." [Sahi Muslim]
Abu Hurairah (Rz.a) said : "We mentioned the night of Qadr to the Messenger ofAllaah (S.a.w) and he said: "Which of you remembers when the moon rises and it islike half a bowl." [Muslim]
Ibn Abbaas (Rz.a) said that the Messenger of Allaah (S.a.w) said : "The night of Qadr is a night of generosity and happiness, it is not hot and neither is itcold. The sun comes up in its morning weak, reddish." [Tabaranee, IbnKhuzaimah and Bazzaar]
The Prophet (pbuh) added that “the angel of earth on that night of Qadr willbe more numerous than all the pebbles of the earth.”
What should one do during the last ten days in pursuit of Lailatul Qadr? Thedevoted servant of Allah makes these nights alive with prayer, reading andreflecting on Quran. The long qiyaam prayer has been particularly recommendedduring the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated inmany hadeeths, such as the following:
Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates: "We fasted with Allah's Messenger(sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) atall until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us(that night - in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did notpray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until halfof the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah'sMessenger! Wouldn't you pray with us the whole night?' He replied:
'Whoever stands in prayer with the imaam until he (the imaam) concludes theprayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.'…" [Recordedby Ibn AbiShaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah,at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi.Their isnad is authentic.]
Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked, 'Do you like for a man topray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?' He replied, 'Pray withthe people' I also heard him say, 'I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam)with the imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu`alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man prays with the imaam until heconcludes,it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night." [Masaa'il]]
Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu`alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [andit is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward),will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; theaddition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the reportof `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among thesincere worshippers during that blessed night.
He makes du’aa’ to Allah, penitently beseeching Him for His forgiveness. Heis inspired by the Prophet’s (pbuh) words “Our Lord, most Exalted, Most highcomes down to the lowest heaven during the last third of each night andannounces (reassuringly): Whoever makes du’aa’, I shall answer it. Whoeverasks (for something halal) I shall grant it; and whoever seeks forgiveness, Ishall forgive him.” [Bukhari] The believer, conscious of Allah and theirsins, will continue to beseech Allah, in and out of prayer, during hisprostration.
`A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger(sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which nightis Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say:
"Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You areforgiving, and youlove forgiveness. So forgive me." [Recorded by Ahmad, IbnMajah, and at-Tirmithi]
Aa'isha (R) said: "When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu`alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from hiswives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake(in prayer), and wake up his family." [Bukhaaree and Muslim] For a time, theonly concern will be cleansing oneself of the forgetfulness that this lifepropagates in one’s heart, the sins that accumulate, darkening the heart,making it insensitive to disobeying Allah. He begs Allah to keep him awayfrom misfortunes in this world, the punishment of the grave, and the tormentof Hell. He asks Allah to make him patient and steadfast in struggling tomaintain his Islam in this world and asks Him to overlook his shortcomings,periods of laziness and neglect. Sincere devotion on that nightwill render the believer forgtful of the time, until he is surprised by theAdhan of Fajr. After Fajr, as the sun creeps above the horizon, reddish andweak in its appearance, without any rays, the effort at night will have beenworthwhile. The believer rejoices, knowing that this was quite possiblyLailatul Qadr and “whoever stays up (in prayer and remembrance of Allah) onthe Night of Qadr fully believing (in Allah’s promise of reward for thatnight) and hoping to seek reward (from Allah alone and not from people), heshall be forgiven for his past sins.” [Sahi Bukhari, Muslim]
It is narrated from Aa'isha (R) that she said: "I said: 'O Messenger ofAllaah, if I know what night is the Night of Qadr what should I say?." Hesaid: "Say: O Allaah you are pardoning and you love to pardon so pardon me. "[Ahmad,Ibn Majah,Tirmidhee]It is also the Night when all ordainments for the year are decreed. Allah (T)said, which means:
{By the manifest Book (the Quraan) that makes thing clear. We sent it (thisQuraan) down on a Blessed Night (i.e. the Night of Qadr) in the month ofRamadaan. Verily We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torments will reachthose who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness ofWordship]. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter (amran) ofordainment} [The Smoke 44:2-5]

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