Offering Our Salaah Perfectly
Allah says:
وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلَاةِ ۚ وَإِنَّهَا لَكَبِيرَةٌ إِلَّا
عَلَى الْخَاشِعِينَ
“And seek help in patience and in salaah. Truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khashi’un (those who have devotion).”
(Surah Baqarah 2: 45)
Khushoo’ means devotion, humility, awe and the full awareness of Allah. Rasulullah (SAW) told us that it would be the first thing taken from his nation, so much so, that when one entered the Masjid, one would not be able to find anyone there who possessed Khushoo’. All of us can identify with this Hadith of Rasulullah (SAW) from what we have seen of others and from what we can acknowledge in ourselves. There are strategies, set forth in the examples of Rasulullah (SAW) and his companions, that if implemented will increase us in Khushoo’ and enable us to perform the salaah perfectly.
There are numerous examples, but let us take a look at the following:
preparing for salaah;
waiting for the salaah;
reciting the Qur’an correctly and
remembering death.
If any one of us were invited to meet with someone who is important, like the president of the company for which we worked, he would make sure that his hair and clothing were neat and clean. He would take special care to make sure that he smelled and looked his best. How many of us roll out of bed in the mornings, barely making the proper wudu, and feeling perfectly fine in standing in front of the Lord of the Universe in our pj’s.
Rasulullah (SAW), advised us to wear our best clothes when going to the Masjid to offer salaatu Jumuah.
Rasulullah (SAW) also taught us to make the wudhu properly. When we make wudhu, we should pay attention to what we are doing, and not go about it haphazardly, because it serves not only to cleanse us, but also to prepare us mentally for the task we are about to perform.
When we finish with our wudhu, we should sit quietly and wait for the Mu’adhin to pronounce the time for the salaah. We should not be talking or joking or catching up on work or school assignments, but we should be repeating his words and contemplating them in our hearts. Between the Adhan and the Iqama is the best time to make du’aa to Allah. By staying mindful of Allah before the salaah, it will be easier to do so within it.
At the start of the first takbeer, we should be aware that Allah is watching over us. Even though we can not truly see Him, we should be aware that He sees us. He knows if we are truly present, in our minds and hearts or not. One of the ways to be truly present in the prayer is to recite the Qur’an properly and with understanding. Rasulullah (SAW) would recite the Qur’an one verse at a time in a slow and methodical manner. He never rushed his recitation.
Allah says:
أَوْ زِدْ عَلَيْهِ وَرَتِّلِ الْقُرْآنَ تَرْتِيلًا
“Or a little more; and recite the Qur’an in slow, measured rhythmic tones.” (Surah Muzammil 73: 4)
When the companions stood in salaah, they would sweat and shake and cry, out of fear and hope in Allah. We, on the other hand, go through our salaah like robots, with our hearts and minds busy somewhere else.
The best way to cure this is to remember death. If you knew this was your last salaah, how would you perform it? This level of attentiveness and awareness of Allah is what we should be striving for, every time we stand to make the salaah. For the believers, the first thing they will be called to account for on the Day of Judgment will be their salaah. If this is in order, then the rest of their affairs will be in order. Inshallah by developing Khushoo’ in our salaah , we would able to offer our salaah perfectly, and in doing so we can safeguard our affairs in this life and the next.
Aameen.
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Virtues and Sunnah’s of Jummah
The Virtues and Sunnah’s of Jummah
Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) narrated: on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needs and prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so. (Abu Dawood 1046)
1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of the hair etc (Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161)
2. To have a bath (Ghusl) (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
On one Friday, Rasulallah said: “O Muslims! Allah Ta’ala has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the Miswaak. “ (Ibn Majah)
3. To use Miswaak (Ibid)
4. To use Attar (Perfume) (Ibid)
5. To wear nice clothes (Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah)
6. To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for Jummah
Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah. “ (Bukhari and Muslim)
7. To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast (Tirmidhi)
8. One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One
should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress.
9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)
10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the musallies in order to get to the front. (Abu Dawood)
11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively (Ibn Majah)
12. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue.
13. Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without raising hands or moving the lips (I.e. dua should be made in the heart only without the movement of the lips or the tongue) (Aadaab -E – Zindagee)
14. To read:
Surah Al A’ala (Sura no 87) in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah and Surah Gaathia (Surah no 88) in the second rakaat. (Bukhari)
15. Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id
“Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.” (Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al- Habir)
16. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said,
“Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me.” (Ibn Majah)
17 . Making abundant dua on Jummah
Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
18 . Reciting Durood 80 times after Asr:
According to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) :
Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship.”
19. Abu Hurraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said:
The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin. (Muslim, 233)
20. It was narrated from Abu Hurraira that the Prophet (Pbuh) said:
Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days. (Muslim, 857)
Al-Nawawi (Ra) said:
The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: what is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah
until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.
21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.
Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said:
“Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.” (Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)
22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.
It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)
Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) said in Zaad al-Maâ’aad, 1/285:
Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:
What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one’s best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech.
May Allah give us the ability to act upon all of these virtuous deeds and Sunnah of Rasulallah (Pbuh). Ameen
Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (RA) narrated: on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needs and prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so. (Abu Dawood 1046)
1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of the hair etc (Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161)
2. To have a bath (Ghusl) (Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
On one Friday, Rasulallah said: “O Muslims! Allah Ta’ala has made this day a day of Eid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use the Miswaak. “ (Ibn Majah)
3. To use Miswaak (Ibid)
4. To use Attar (Perfume) (Ibid)
5. To wear nice clothes (Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah)
6. To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for Jummah
Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once the khutbah commences, the angels close the register and begin listening to the khutbah. “ (Bukhari and Muslim)
7. To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast (Tirmidhi)
8. One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One
should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress.
9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam. (Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)
10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the musallies in order to get to the front. (Abu Dawood)
11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively (Ibn Majah)
12. When Rasulallah (Pbuh) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue.
13. Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without raising hands or moving the lips (I.e. dua should be made in the heart only without the movement of the lips or the tongue) (Aadaab -E – Zindagee)
14. To read:
Surah Al A’ala (Sura no 87) in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah and Surah Gaathia (Surah no 88) in the second rakaat. (Bukhari)
15. Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id
“Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.” (Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al- Habir)
16. Rasulallah (Pbuh) is reported to have said,
“Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me.” (Ibn Majah)
17 . Making abundant dua on Jummah
Rasulallah (Pbuh) said: “There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
18 . Reciting Durood 80 times after Asr:
According to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) :
Abu Hurraira (RA) reports that the Holy Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship.”
19. Abu Hurraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said:
The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin. (Muslim, 233)
20. It was narrated from Abu Hurraira that the Prophet (Pbuh) said:
Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days. (Muslim, 857)
Al-Nawawi (Ra) said:
The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: what is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah
until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.
21. Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.
Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said:
“Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.” (Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)
22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.
It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.” (al-Tirmidhi, 496)
Ibn al-Qayyim (Ra) said in Zaad al-Maâ’aad, 1/285:
Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:
What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one’s best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech.
May Allah give us the ability to act upon all of these virtuous deeds and Sunnah of Rasulallah (Pbuh). Ameen
Friday is the Best Day of The Week
Friday is the Best Day of The Week
Verily all praises and gratitude are due to Allaah, the One Who sent His messenger with Islam, so that it prevails over all other religions. Praise to the One Who lead us to Friday
To our topic; below are some points of reminder for the Muslims. These benefits can be shared with the family on the way to Jum’ah, at breakfast or lunch. The previous nations before us were lead astray from this day and Allaah has allowed this ummah to be successful to acknowledge it
Friday is the Best Day of the Week.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)mentioned that the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him)said
“The best day of the week the sun rises is Friday. Adam was created, placed in Paradise, and removed from there on Friday”
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2013)
The Jum’ah prayer is on Friday. A great emphasis has been put on the obligation for the Prayer. Furthermore this prayer is the best congregational salah. Whoever is heedless of this prayer, Allaah will place a seal over his heart.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah said,
Advise the people to avoid missing the Jum’ah prayer, because if they neglect it Allaah will place a seal over their hearts .Then they will be among the heedless
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2039)
Extra point of benefit: Shaykh Abdul Azeez bin Baz said,” To take a different road home from the one you go to Jum’ah on is sunnah as well. The hadeeth which deals with practicing this action for ‘Eid carries the same meaning for Jum’ah and Hajj. Refer to Al-Hullul Ibreezeeyah min Ta’leeqahtul Bazeeyah ‘Ala Saheeh Al-Bukhari.1/291
There is an hour during Friday when supplications are answered.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him),
“There is an hour on Friday when the servant stands, prays and asks Allaah for something it is given to him ”
Collected by Bukari in his Saheeh (5294)
Ibn Al-Qayyim(may Allaah have mercy upon him)mentioned that there is a difference of opinion about when this particular hour is. The most acceptable of opinions are two: 1st .This hour is from when the khateeb sits until he prays. 2nd. This hour is after Asr. And the 2nd point of view is the most superior.[ Zad Al-Ma’ad 1/389-390]
Giving charity on Friday is the best day of the week to do so. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Giving charity of Friday with regard to the rest of the week is the best day to do so. This is similar to the superiority of giving charity during Ramadhan with regard to the rest of the months.”
Ka’b(may Allaah be pleased with him)said,”
“Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”
Collected by Abdur Razzak in his Musanaf(5558). This narration’s isnad is Saheeh.
Friday is the weekly ‘Eid
Ibn ‘Abbas(may Allaah be pleased with him)conveyed that Allaah’s messenger(peace and blessings be upon him)said,
Verily today is an ‘Eid which Allaah has decreed for the Muslims. So whoever comes for the Prayer MUST PERFORM A GHUSL.....
Collected by Ibn Majah in his sunnan (1152)and At-Tabarani in Awsot(142).Graded as being Hasan through other narrations that support it i.e hasan lee Ghayreehee. by Al-Abani in Saheeh At-Targeeb wat Tarheeb 707
The servants’ past sins are forgiven on Friday
Salman Al-Faarasee(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him)said,”
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two people sitting together (in the masjid), then prays as much as (Allaah has) written for him and remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.
Collected by Bukhari in his Saheeh (843)
Dying during Friday, whether day or night is a sign of a good departure from this world and he/she will be safeguarded against the trials in the grave.
Ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him)said, the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings)said,”
“Any Muslim who dies on Friday Allaah will protect him from the trials of the grave”
Collected by At-Tirmithi in his Sunnan(1095) and Ahmed in his Musnad(14/268)Graded as being Hasan by Al-Albani in his checking for Sunnah At-Tirmithi# 1074
Verily all praises and gratitude are due to Allaah, the One Who sent His messenger with Islam, so that it prevails over all other religions. Praise to the One Who lead us to Friday
To our topic; below are some points of reminder for the Muslims. These benefits can be shared with the family on the way to Jum’ah, at breakfast or lunch. The previous nations before us were lead astray from this day and Allaah has allowed this ummah to be successful to acknowledge it
Friday is the Best Day of the Week.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)mentioned that the Prophet(peace and blessings be upon him)said
“The best day of the week the sun rises is Friday. Adam was created, placed in Paradise, and removed from there on Friday”
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2013)
The Jum’ah prayer is on Friday. A great emphasis has been put on the obligation for the Prayer. Furthermore this prayer is the best congregational salah. Whoever is heedless of this prayer, Allaah will place a seal over his heart.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah said,
Advise the people to avoid missing the Jum’ah prayer, because if they neglect it Allaah will place a seal over their hearts .Then they will be among the heedless
Collected by Muslim in his Saheeh (2039)
Extra point of benefit: Shaykh Abdul Azeez bin Baz said,” To take a different road home from the one you go to Jum’ah on is sunnah as well. The hadeeth which deals with practicing this action for ‘Eid carries the same meaning for Jum’ah and Hajj. Refer to Al-Hullul Ibreezeeyah min Ta’leeqahtul Bazeeyah ‘Ala Saheeh Al-Bukhari.1/291
There is an hour during Friday when supplications are answered.
Abu Hurayrah(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him),
“There is an hour on Friday when the servant stands, prays and asks Allaah for something it is given to him ”
Collected by Bukari in his Saheeh (5294)
Ibn Al-Qayyim(may Allaah have mercy upon him)mentioned that there is a difference of opinion about when this particular hour is. The most acceptable of opinions are two: 1st .This hour is from when the khateeb sits until he prays. 2nd. This hour is after Asr. And the 2nd point of view is the most superior.[ Zad Al-Ma’ad 1/389-390]
Giving charity on Friday is the best day of the week to do so. Ibn Al-Qayyim said, “Giving charity of Friday with regard to the rest of the week is the best day to do so. This is similar to the superiority of giving charity during Ramadhan with regard to the rest of the months.”
Ka’b(may Allaah be pleased with him)said,”
“Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”
Collected by Abdur Razzak in his Musanaf(5558). This narration’s isnad is Saheeh.
Friday is the weekly ‘Eid
Ibn ‘Abbas(may Allaah be pleased with him)conveyed that Allaah’s messenger(peace and blessings be upon him)said,
Verily today is an ‘Eid which Allaah has decreed for the Muslims. So whoever comes for the Prayer MUST PERFORM A GHUSL.....
Collected by Ibn Majah in his sunnan (1152)and At-Tabarani in Awsot(142).Graded as being Hasan through other narrations that support it i.e hasan lee Ghayreehee. by Al-Abani in Saheeh At-Targeeb wat Tarheeb 707
The servants’ past sins are forgiven on Friday
Salman Al-Faarasee(may Allaah be pleased with him)narrated that the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings be upon him)said,”
Whoever takes a bath on Friday, purifies himself as much as he can, then uses his (hair) oil or perfumes himself with the scent of his house, then proceeds (for the Jumu’ah prayer) and does not separate two people sitting together (in the masjid), then prays as much as (Allaah has) written for him and remains silent while the Imam is delivering the Khutba, his sins in-between the present and the last Friday would be forgiven.
Collected by Bukhari in his Saheeh (843)
Dying during Friday, whether day or night is a sign of a good departure from this world and he/she will be safeguarded against the trials in the grave.
Ibn ‘Amr (may Allaah be pleased with him)said, the messenger of Allaah(peace and blessings)said,”
“Any Muslim who dies on Friday Allaah will protect him from the trials of the grave”
Collected by At-Tirmithi in his Sunnan(1095) and Ahmed in his Musnad(14/268)Graded as being Hasan by Al-Albani in his checking for Sunnah At-Tirmithi# 1074
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Hidden Pearls
Pearls beautiful manifestations of Allah’s design and creation are born and found in the depths of the ocean within the protection of an oyster shell. Many divers risk their lives to attain these jewels, their shine unmarred, hidden away from human touch & sight. They are lessons in nature for heedful eyes.
Have we ever wondered why pearls, the purest and whitest of natural jewels are not found floating on the surface of the ocean for all to see? Have we pondered why all beautiful things are hidden, the pomegranate seeds in their peel white coconut in a coarse shell, diamonds in a mine? And the most beautiful Being beyond our imaginations Allah Ta’ala .
Among his best creation, the human being, Allah chose this honour for a woman in order to preserve, protect and purify her beauty and to make it eternal in paradise.
However, in recent years this great honour bestowed on a woman is now being looked down upon. A symbol of dignity for centuries, it is now being called a symbol of humiliation and imprisonment . Above everything else people have gone to the extent of saying that this ordainment is not there in the Quran. So let us see what Islam says about veil (Purdah).
A number of words have been used in the Quran to explain the dress code and conduct expected of a Muslim woman. Hijab or “purdah” as we call it, is not only a covering or outer garb but also the kind of conduct and intention that should accompany it. Yet the presence of only a good intention is not sufficient without any action to verify that intention.
You can perhaps vouch about your own purity of thought (which is also disliked by Allah because no one can claim to be free from sin) but how can you vouch for the intentions of the hundreds of men you choose to walk amongst? Intention is important but not sufficient by itself for repeatedly Allah says:
“Those who believed and performed good actions.” Hence, actions must accompany intention and in the following ayahs, Allah Ta’ala has stated certain specific actions that He wishes us to do.
1- Surah An-Nur: 31
states: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent and to draw their khumur over their juyub and not to reveal their adornment except to their husband’s fathers, or their sons or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex.”
The word ‘Khumur’(plural of khimar) is used for a head cover in Arabic. Alcohol is also called khamr because it overcomes or covers up the senses of a person. Before Islam, women would tuck this head dress behind their ears and throw its ends over their shoulders to leave their ears, necks and bosoms uncovered. So it was clearly ordained here to extend the head dress (or scarf or dupatta) over the bosoms so they serve their actual purpose of covering a woman’s attraction.
Then women are explicitly told about the people before whom they may reveal their adornment. It is vital to pause here and think, “What was the need of mentioning every mahram by name if there was going to be no difference in the woman’s attire before them and everyone else?” Not only the clothes but even the manner of walking should not be provocative or such that it draws attention to the women.
“And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (An-Nur; 31)
We, on the contrary, act against these commands and then except Allah to forgive us.
Men and women have both being asked to lower or restrict stray glances, not because the face is uncovered or covered but also to avoid eye contact or avoid seeing any haram (unlawful) thing that can open the door to many vices.
Eyes are windows to the soul and betray many an emotion; therefore controlling their unbridled usage was one of the steps to prevent unlawful relationships. Purdah was another step in the same direction
We need to then think about how the shariah (Islamic law), which is full of wisdom, could command the covering of the head and bosom, the lowering of certain gazes and a dignified walk but allow the face to remain uncovered? The face is where the main attraction of a woman lies. It is on the beautification of her face that the woman spends thousands of rupees, the face that attracts men and the face that is used in advertisements to promote many products.
2-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 53
It is clearly stated that the wives of the Prophet SAW are not allowed to remarry and if male strangers have any important thing to ask for, they should do so from behind a partition. Allah says:
“That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.”
Hence certain actions are necessary to preserve the purity of the heart. Allah Ta’ala is our Creator and is closer to us than our jugular vein. He knows the thoughts that arise in us even before we can realize them. He knows better what precautions and rules to make to save humanity from disaster.
In spite of being Mothers of the faithful and role models for us, the wives of the Prophet SAW have been given strict rules of conduct and attire. If these pious ladies have been ordered thus, where should we place ourselves?
3-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 59,
Allah Ta’ala ordains “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their jilbabs (cloaks) all over themselves. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as to not be annoyed. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The word ‘jilbab’ refers to an outer garment to be worn over the khimar and clothes when going out of the house. Beyond the security of the house, this dress will hide a Muslim woman’s adornment (face, body, clothes and jewellery) and also act as a mark of distinction to prevent any wrong advances.
Here, it is not the face that is meant to be a mark of recognition for any individual because this meaning would be inconsistent with the context and meaning of the rest of the ayah. Rather it is this attire that will help a woman be recognized as a Muslim woman about whom no evil hopes can be harboured.
To say that this order was for the olden days when such a need for security existed is a farce because are we implying that the time of Prophet SAW was worse than the corrupt and crime-ridden society of today? Are women more secure from threats to their person and honour today, or are cases of rape and sexual harassment on the rise in all parts of the world? Has the human nature changed with time? The answers are clear.
The word ‘ala’ (upon) signifies that this cloak must be hung from above a person so as to cover the face, body and clothes and not hung from the shoulders, etc. The form and design of the jilbab is not mentioned but rather left up to the conditions of each country or climate.
The Quran cannot be completely understood without ahadith and we must see how the initial and foremost recipients of this Divine Message acted upon it. We see that the wives of the Prophet SAW and the sahabiat had no hesitation in covering their faces and bodies when such an order came from their Lord. Hadhrat Aisha RA relates in context to the incident of slander against her:
“I kept sitting there and dozed off. Meanwhile a man, Safwan bin Muattal Aslami came to the place and saw me sleeping. He recognized me immediately because he had seen me before the commandment for hijabcame. He recited ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioon’. So I woke up and covered my face with my jilbab. ” (Bukhari)
Hence, though the word ‘face’ or ‘naqab’ may not be mentioned in the Quran in context to hijab, but it is mentioned in ahadith (like the hadith about not wearing naqab during Hajj). The test may be to see who submits to Allah’s commands as well as the Messenger’s SAW Sunnah.
An exception to this rule is when a man wishes to see the woman he is going to marry. This is allowed and recommended and this special permission shows that it is not possible to see the woman otherwise.
Old women who have no desire or produce no desire for marriage in others have been allowed to shed their outer clothes, which proves that the wearing of jilbab is necessary for young, marriageable women. Even for the old, Allah says,
“But to refrain (not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them.” (An-Nur: 60)
As far as leaving the face uncovered during Hajj (or namaz) is concerned, this is not necessarily applicable for the rest of our life too. Acts of worship have special requirements that are not practiced otherwise. We do not wear the ihram (2 sheets of cloth) in our daily life, nor do we observe the various restrictions of ihram except on the occasion of Hajj, we do not abstain from food or intercourse everyday from dawn till dusk like we do in Ramadan. So how can we make an exceptional act like uncovering the face a rule for the rest of our life?
On the other hand the command to abstain from using naqab (sewn cloth for covering face) during Hajj proves the fact that it is necessary otherwise or there would have been no need to stop women from wearing it on Hajj. Infact it is not forbidden to cover the face with an unsewn cloth for women on Hajj. Hadhrat Aisha narrates, “Men on camels used to pass by us while we were with the Prophet SAW and in the state of ihram. We would cover our faces with our jilbabs when they passed by us and then uncover them again.” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah).
This attire is not a hindrance but rather a blessing for the Muslim woman. If an entire nation can go around wearing masks to save themselves from catching the SARS disease, why can’t Muslim women do so to save themselves from other kinds of social ills? If a surgeon can perform the most delicate of tasks covered from head to toe, wearing a mask, why must a Muslim woman’s sight, hearing or breathing be obstructed by a cloth? Hijab is not a means of blackening the faces of women and reducing them to mere objects! Rather it is the culture of obscenity that is making women mere objects of attraction and a feast for the eyes.
Does keeping a pearl within a cover or a diamond in a safe place decrease its worth? Rather it increases it. It is when the woman’s outer appearance is hidden from public display that her inner qualities of intellect, wisdom and knowledge shine through.
Whenever the women of Jannah are mentioned in the Quran, their quality of being hidden and preserved is also mentioned which further enhances their beauty. They have been called Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified wives) and Lulu-el-Maknoon (Pearls kept hidden). Allah Ta’ala says:
“And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf (ones with lowered, restrained eyes) with wide and beautiful eyes. (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.” (As-Saffat: 48-49)
If we desire to be amongst these women in the gardens of Paradise, we will have to develop these qualities within ourselves from this world onwards to become one of the Hidden Pearls.
Have we ever wondered why pearls, the purest and whitest of natural jewels are not found floating on the surface of the ocean for all to see? Have we pondered why all beautiful things are hidden, the pomegranate seeds in their peel white coconut in a coarse shell, diamonds in a mine? And the most beautiful Being beyond our imaginations Allah Ta’ala .
Among his best creation, the human being, Allah chose this honour for a woman in order to preserve, protect and purify her beauty and to make it eternal in paradise.
However, in recent years this great honour bestowed on a woman is now being looked down upon. A symbol of dignity for centuries, it is now being called a symbol of humiliation and imprisonment . Above everything else people have gone to the extent of saying that this ordainment is not there in the Quran. So let us see what Islam says about veil (Purdah).
A number of words have been used in the Quran to explain the dress code and conduct expected of a Muslim woman. Hijab or “purdah” as we call it, is not only a covering or outer garb but also the kind of conduct and intention that should accompany it. Yet the presence of only a good intention is not sufficient without any action to verify that intention.
You can perhaps vouch about your own purity of thought (which is also disliked by Allah because no one can claim to be free from sin) but how can you vouch for the intentions of the hundreds of men you choose to walk amongst? Intention is important but not sufficient by itself for repeatedly Allah says:
“Those who believed and performed good actions.” Hence, actions must accompany intention and in the following ayahs, Allah Ta’ala has stated certain specific actions that He wishes us to do.
1- Surah An-Nur: 31
states: “And tell the believing women to lower their gaze and protect their private parts and not to show off their adornment except that which is apparent and to draw their khumur over their juyub and not to reveal their adornment except to their husband’s fathers, or their sons or their husband’s sons, or their brothers or their brother’s sons, or their sister’s sons, or their women, or the slaves whom their right hands possess, or old male servants who lack vigour, or small children who have no sense of feminine sex.”
The word ‘Khumur’(plural of khimar) is used for a head cover in Arabic. Alcohol is also called khamr because it overcomes or covers up the senses of a person. Before Islam, women would tuck this head dress behind their ears and throw its ends over their shoulders to leave their ears, necks and bosoms uncovered. So it was clearly ordained here to extend the head dress (or scarf or dupatta) over the bosoms so they serve their actual purpose of covering a woman’s attraction.
Then women are explicitly told about the people before whom they may reveal their adornment. It is vital to pause here and think, “What was the need of mentioning every mahram by name if there was going to be no difference in the woman’s attire before them and everyone else?” Not only the clothes but even the manner of walking should not be provocative or such that it draws attention to the women.
“And let them not stamp their feet so as to reveal what they hide of their adornment. And all of you beg Allah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.” (An-Nur; 31)
We, on the contrary, act against these commands and then except Allah to forgive us.
Men and women have both being asked to lower or restrict stray glances, not because the face is uncovered or covered but also to avoid eye contact or avoid seeing any haram (unlawful) thing that can open the door to many vices.
Eyes are windows to the soul and betray many an emotion; therefore controlling their unbridled usage was one of the steps to prevent unlawful relationships. Purdah was another step in the same direction
We need to then think about how the shariah (Islamic law), which is full of wisdom, could command the covering of the head and bosom, the lowering of certain gazes and a dignified walk but allow the face to remain uncovered? The face is where the main attraction of a woman lies. It is on the beautification of her face that the woman spends thousands of rupees, the face that attracts men and the face that is used in advertisements to promote many products.
2-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 53
It is clearly stated that the wives of the Prophet SAW are not allowed to remarry and if male strangers have any important thing to ask for, they should do so from behind a partition. Allah says:
“That is purer for your hearts and for their hearts.”
Hence certain actions are necessary to preserve the purity of the heart. Allah Ta’ala is our Creator and is closer to us than our jugular vein. He knows the thoughts that arise in us even before we can realize them. He knows better what precautions and rules to make to save humanity from disaster.
In spite of being Mothers of the faithful and role models for us, the wives of the Prophet SAW have been given strict rules of conduct and attire. If these pious ladies have been ordered thus, where should we place ourselves?
3-In Surah Al-Ahzab: 59,
Allah Ta’ala ordains “O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to draw their jilbabs (cloaks) all over themselves. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as to not be annoyed. And Allah is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
The word ‘jilbab’ refers to an outer garment to be worn over the khimar and clothes when going out of the house. Beyond the security of the house, this dress will hide a Muslim woman’s adornment (face, body, clothes and jewellery) and also act as a mark of distinction to prevent any wrong advances.
Here, it is not the face that is meant to be a mark of recognition for any individual because this meaning would be inconsistent with the context and meaning of the rest of the ayah. Rather it is this attire that will help a woman be recognized as a Muslim woman about whom no evil hopes can be harboured.
To say that this order was for the olden days when such a need for security existed is a farce because are we implying that the time of Prophet SAW was worse than the corrupt and crime-ridden society of today? Are women more secure from threats to their person and honour today, or are cases of rape and sexual harassment on the rise in all parts of the world? Has the human nature changed with time? The answers are clear.
The word ‘ala’ (upon) signifies that this cloak must be hung from above a person so as to cover the face, body and clothes and not hung from the shoulders, etc. The form and design of the jilbab is not mentioned but rather left up to the conditions of each country or climate.
The Quran cannot be completely understood without ahadith and we must see how the initial and foremost recipients of this Divine Message acted upon it. We see that the wives of the Prophet SAW and the sahabiat had no hesitation in covering their faces and bodies when such an order came from their Lord. Hadhrat Aisha RA relates in context to the incident of slander against her:
“I kept sitting there and dozed off. Meanwhile a man, Safwan bin Muattal Aslami came to the place and saw me sleeping. He recognized me immediately because he had seen me before the commandment for hijabcame. He recited ‘Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raajioon’. So I woke up and covered my face with my jilbab. ” (Bukhari)
Hence, though the word ‘face’ or ‘naqab’ may not be mentioned in the Quran in context to hijab, but it is mentioned in ahadith (like the hadith about not wearing naqab during Hajj). The test may be to see who submits to Allah’s commands as well as the Messenger’s SAW Sunnah.
An exception to this rule is when a man wishes to see the woman he is going to marry. This is allowed and recommended and this special permission shows that it is not possible to see the woman otherwise.
Old women who have no desire or produce no desire for marriage in others have been allowed to shed their outer clothes, which proves that the wearing of jilbab is necessary for young, marriageable women. Even for the old, Allah says,
“But to refrain (not to discard their outer clothing) is better for them.” (An-Nur: 60)
As far as leaving the face uncovered during Hajj (or namaz) is concerned, this is not necessarily applicable for the rest of our life too. Acts of worship have special requirements that are not practiced otherwise. We do not wear the ihram (2 sheets of cloth) in our daily life, nor do we observe the various restrictions of ihram except on the occasion of Hajj, we do not abstain from food or intercourse everyday from dawn till dusk like we do in Ramadan. So how can we make an exceptional act like uncovering the face a rule for the rest of our life?
On the other hand the command to abstain from using naqab (sewn cloth for covering face) during Hajj proves the fact that it is necessary otherwise or there would have been no need to stop women from wearing it on Hajj. Infact it is not forbidden to cover the face with an unsewn cloth for women on Hajj. Hadhrat Aisha narrates, “Men on camels used to pass by us while we were with the Prophet SAW and in the state of ihram. We would cover our faces with our jilbabs when they passed by us and then uncover them again.” (Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah).
This attire is not a hindrance but rather a blessing for the Muslim woman. If an entire nation can go around wearing masks to save themselves from catching the SARS disease, why can’t Muslim women do so to save themselves from other kinds of social ills? If a surgeon can perform the most delicate of tasks covered from head to toe, wearing a mask, why must a Muslim woman’s sight, hearing or breathing be obstructed by a cloth? Hijab is not a means of blackening the faces of women and reducing them to mere objects! Rather it is the culture of obscenity that is making women mere objects of attraction and a feast for the eyes.
Does keeping a pearl within a cover or a diamond in a safe place decrease its worth? Rather it increases it. It is when the woman’s outer appearance is hidden from public display that her inner qualities of intellect, wisdom and knowledge shine through.
Whenever the women of Jannah are mentioned in the Quran, their quality of being hidden and preserved is also mentioned which further enhances their beauty. They have been called Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified wives) and Lulu-el-Maknoon (Pearls kept hidden). Allah Ta’ala says:
“And beside them will be Qasirat-at-Tarf (ones with lowered, restrained eyes) with wide and beautiful eyes. (Delicate and pure) as if they were (hidden) eggs (well) preserved.” (As-Saffat: 48-49)
If we desire to be amongst these women in the gardens of Paradise, we will have to develop these qualities within ourselves from this world onwards to become one of the Hidden Pearls.
Tsunami Masjids Miracle Report :: Miracle of Allah
Assalam Alaykum Brother and Sister/Friends ,
I hope you all remember Tsunami … The killing Tsunami distroyed every thing,Almost more than 2 Lakh people Effected in India.
Infact all the countries situated around the Bay of Bengal were affected by the tsunami waves in the morning hours of 26 December 2004 (between 0900 – 1030 hrs IST). The killer waves were triggered by an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale that had an epicenter near the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.
I have seen many videos,i think i have not seen a real big disaster than Tsunami.Indeed it hurts to see many peoples ded,many crying….but DEATH is something which everyone have to face.Our Creator takes us back in many ways…may be Tsunami was the way to take back those soals.All is the wish of Almighty.
After the Tsunami,there were few reports about the “Allah written of Tsunami wave and Mosque was saved in Tsunami….
Islam haters call this as some “accidental resemblance”.but not the Miracle of Allah swt.
You can view “Allah written on Tsunami wave” pictures here.
You can the Mosque Miracle pics here…
Every building washed away..everything except few Mosques…Yes,the same Tsunami which moved millions of TONs of SHIPs,hundered tons of Trains but was UNABLE to DISTROY the Mosque and One who was in Mosjid were saved by Tsunami…
But Islam haters who call this Miracle as “accidental resemblance” are also trying to proove it was fake…they show that many building were saved…but those building they r showing is far from ground zero of tsunami,at ground zero only Mosque was saved…
They also try to show to Mosque destroyed by natural disasters from other part of World.that these mosque were not saved,so the Almighty does not exist….but indeed they forget its WILL and wish of Allah swt,which mosque he want to save,which mosque he want to distroy.
This is a Report on Masjids saved in Tsunami….not 1 or not 2 not 3 but 27 Mosques were saved in Tsunami.You can also see the news agency report in video….
Allah swt said in Quran :
“We will show them Our signs in all the regions of the earth and in their own souls until they clearly see that this is the truth…” (Surah Fussilat 41:53)
I hope you all remember Tsunami … The killing Tsunami distroyed every thing,Almost more than 2 Lakh people Effected in India.
Infact all the countries situated around the Bay of Bengal were affected by the tsunami waves in the morning hours of 26 December 2004 (between 0900 – 1030 hrs IST). The killer waves were triggered by an earthquake measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale that had an epicenter near the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.
I have seen many videos,i think i have not seen a real big disaster than Tsunami.Indeed it hurts to see many peoples ded,many crying….but DEATH is something which everyone have to face.Our Creator takes us back in many ways…may be Tsunami was the way to take back those soals.All is the wish of Almighty.
After the Tsunami,there were few reports about the “Allah written of Tsunami wave and Mosque was saved in Tsunami….
Islam haters call this as some “accidental resemblance”.but not the Miracle of Allah swt.
You can view “Allah written on Tsunami wave” pictures here.
You can the Mosque Miracle pics here…
Every building washed away..everything except few Mosques…Yes,the same Tsunami which moved millions of TONs of SHIPs,hundered tons of Trains but was UNABLE to DISTROY the Mosque and One who was in Mosjid were saved by Tsunami…
But Islam haters who call this Miracle as “accidental resemblance” are also trying to proove it was fake…they show that many building were saved…but those building they r showing is far from ground zero of tsunami,at ground zero only Mosque was saved…
They also try to show to Mosque destroyed by natural disasters from other part of World.that these mosque were not saved,so the Almighty does not exist….but indeed they forget its WILL and wish of Allah swt,which mosque he want to save,which mosque he want to distroy.
This is a Report on Masjids saved in Tsunami….not 1 or not 2 not 3 but 27 Mosques were saved in Tsunami.You can also see the news agency report in video….
Allah swt said in Quran :
“We will show them Our signs in all the regions of the earth and in their own souls until they clearly see that this is the truth…” (Surah Fussilat 41:53)
Staying Up Late, A Disease of Modern Times
In The name of Allah,The Most Merciful,The Most gracious
Staying Up Late, A Disease of Modern Times
They roam the streets when everyone is asleep. Or they may hang out with friends all night at the local ‘hookah place’. Or if they have nothing to do, some of them may even ‘egg’ some poor unsuspecting person’s house….’just because’.
And if they are not ‘out there’, they are indoors, up until the wee hours of the morning, watching movies, listening to music, playing video games or chatting on the Internet, just because it’s ‘summer vacation’.
Yes, that’s right, brothers and sisters, that’s our youth during the summer.
And even when it is not summer, they stay up late even then. They think it is ‘cool’ to do so.
And, unfortunately, this ‘disease of late nights’ has become so widespread that we, as parents, don’t think much of it either. In fact, many of us adults are afflicted with this same disease ourselves. We come back from parties and dinners late at night and we let our kids do the same.
However what we don’t realize is….. that’s not how Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’ala intended the order of things. In fact, it is quite contrary to the natural rhythm which Allaah has created in the universe and in mankind. Allaah says:
“It is He who has appointed the night a covering for you and sleep for a rest. The day He has appointed for rising.” (Surah Furqaan: 47)
Thus, the night is created for rest and the day for work and for seeking provision. Yet we do the exact opposite. We are up at night and sleep late into the day, sometimes, up to or even beyond Dhuhr time, and waste much precious time. ‘Umar Radhi Allaahu Anhu used to punish people the people who did this and say: ‘You stay up for the first part of the night, then sleep for the last part of it?’”.
If we look at how the righteous before us spent their nights, we realize that they used their nights as a means to earning Jannah; praying, reciting the Qur’aan, crying and supplicating to Allaah. However, some of us Muslims, today take their nights as a means of entertainment and fun and even, aaoodhu billaah, a means of haraam and sin.
Actually, the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) himself, did not like to stay up or even speak after Ishaa.
“The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to like to delay the ‘Ishaa’ prayer and he hated to sleep before it or talk after it”. (Bukhaari).
He also disapproved of staying up late and warned against it.
He (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Beware of staying up after people’s movements settle.”
Why did he do that? Because staying up late might cause many harms. Some of them are:
1. It may cause one to totally miss the Fajr prayer
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Between a man and kufr and shirk, there stands his giving up prayer.” (Muslim)
2. Even if you do wake up for Fajr, it is extremely hard to concentrate in the prayer or even know what one is saying.
3. Staying up late causes health problems, exhaustion, weakness, and loss of enthusiasm. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Staying up late is tiring and burdensome.” (Daarimi, Tabaraani, others)
4. It also leads to lack of responsibility and laziness, as it is extremely difficult to wake up early for school, job, etc. if you are up half the night. The person ends up sleeping late into the day, missing his work, and slacking in responsibility. Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyaad said: There are two qualities that harden the heart: sleeping too much and eating too much.
5. We also miss out on the most blessed part of the day is the early morning. The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) said:
“The early morning has been blessed for my Ummah.”(Saheeh al-Jaami’). That’s why whenever the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa sallam) sent out troops or an army, he would send them at the beginning of the day. But by sleeping late, we lose the blessings of this time and the profits we could have gained.
6. If we don’t sleep early, we can’t wake up in time for qiyaam ul-lail, a time for prayer, making dua and seeking forgiveness from Allaah, as the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Our Lord descends every night to the heavens when there is only one third of the night remaining and says: Who is supplicating to me so that I can respond to him? Who is asking Me for something so that I can grant him that which he is asking for? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I can forgive him”(Bukhaari, Muslim)
Is it befitting that we, as Muslims, miss this honorable and virtuous time and waste it either sleeping or following our desires?
7. Staying up late is also a major reason behind many of the moral crimes, community problems, car accidents, etc.
Exceptions to the rule:
The Ulama say that staying up late unnecessarily is nothing but a bad habit, unless it serves a purpose, such as praying and worshipping Allaah, seeking knowledge of Islaam, a person’s job, traveling, students preparing for exams, or other beneficial or permissible matters.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:
“Staying up late is for one of three categories of people; those traveling, those praying the night prayers, or those on their wedding night.” (Abu Ya’laa).
What Islaam encourages us to do is to sleep early, preferably right after Ishaa, then wake up early in time for
our prayers (Fajr and Tahajjud, if possible) and then take advantage of the blessings of early morning for our work and provision. We are also encouraged to take a nap during the day, either before Dhuhr or after, if we are able to.
The Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: “Take a nap, for the shayaateen do not take naps.” (al-Tabaraani–Saheeh). Ishaaq ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “Taking a nap is one of the deeds of good people. It revitalizes the heart and helps one to pray qiyaam al-layl.”
Brothers and sisters, realize that staying up late is a diseased lifestyle that takes one away from the religion of Allaah and encourages the following of ones lusts and desires.
One should avoid it unless there is a legitimate reason for it. Not only should we keep our kids away from it, we ourselves need to break this bad habit and develop healthy lifestyles and wholesome ways.
May Allaah enable us to realize the harms and evils of staying up late. May He enable us to utilize our time in the most productive manner, that is most pleasing to Him.
Aameen.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Acharya Mahant Dr. Saroopji Maharaj On Why I Embraced Islam?
A prominent Hindu personality, Acharya Mahant Dr. Saroopji Maharaj embraced Islam under the auspices of Maulana Abul Hassan Ali Nadvi. Saroopji's Islamic name is Dr. Islamul-Haq. He embraced Islam with his wife and daughter. Listed below is an excerpt from Dr. Islamul-Haq's interview with the Indian publication, Islamic Voice.
Q: How do you feel after declaring your entry into Islam?
A: It is an infinite favor of The Almighty upon me that He has blessed me with this invaluable wealth of the true Faith that is Islam. I feel that I am one of the most successful and fortunate persons in the world. While groping in the darkness of disbelief, I was regarded as 'Bhagwan' (God), whereas in this new world of light, I have attained my rightful status of 'man'.
Q: You have been very close to the Hindu trend of thought. Do you think that they are scared of the Muslims?
A: The Hindu society in India is not scared of the Muslims. It rather fears Islam for its exalted merits as compared with the deficient and weak religious tenets of Hinduism. Islam's greatness consists in the fact that it liberates man from the shackles of color, feature, race, clan, language, land, riches, class, rank, and status.
Islam provides lasting and firm entity. Islam calls men to bow down before The One and Only One Almighty. That is why they dread the might of Islam which liberates man from every sort of slavery and bondage, except the aspect of subservience to The Almighty. Islam is free from all the man-made formalities and rituals.
Q: Did you ever admit the greatness of Islam even before embracing it?
A: In early 1981, Acharya Vinoba Bhave (translator of the Holy Qur'an in Hindi language) invited me to his Ashram to deliver lectures. One of those present on the occasion was Dada Dharm Adhikari. He posed an intriguing question: "Swamiji, you have studied many religions of the world. Which one do you find the best for man?" I replied: "Islam." "But", he said, "Islam is a very much tied up religion." I replied: "The very one that is considered free, ties down man to continual slavery. Man is in need of a religion that has remained 'tied-up', a religion that keeps man under restraints in this world life, but sets him free in the world hereafter. In my opinion, it is Islam alone that qualifies to be the best religion."
Q: As a soldier of Islam, what message would you like to convey to the Muslims of the world?
A: It is my solemn request to the Muslim world that they should constantly keep in view and fulfill the conditions laid down by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) for walking across the river of this world so as to reach safely its other side.
If they make the slightest deviation, they are bound to drown themselves in the river, never to be rescued. There is still time for the Muslims to concentrate their vision on the right point. If they act so, they shall, Almighty willing, be crowned with success in all that they do.
The Islamic Bulletin
P.O. Box 410186, San Francisco, CA 94141-0186
info@islamicbulletin.org
Q: How do you feel after declaring your entry into Islam?
A: It is an infinite favor of The Almighty upon me that He has blessed me with this invaluable wealth of the true Faith that is Islam. I feel that I am one of the most successful and fortunate persons in the world. While groping in the darkness of disbelief, I was regarded as 'Bhagwan' (God), whereas in this new world of light, I have attained my rightful status of 'man'.
Q: You have been very close to the Hindu trend of thought. Do you think that they are scared of the Muslims?
A: The Hindu society in India is not scared of the Muslims. It rather fears Islam for its exalted merits as compared with the deficient and weak religious tenets of Hinduism. Islam's greatness consists in the fact that it liberates man from the shackles of color, feature, race, clan, language, land, riches, class, rank, and status.
Islam provides lasting and firm entity. Islam calls men to bow down before The One and Only One Almighty. That is why they dread the might of Islam which liberates man from every sort of slavery and bondage, except the aspect of subservience to The Almighty. Islam is free from all the man-made formalities and rituals.
Q: Did you ever admit the greatness of Islam even before embracing it?
A: In early 1981, Acharya Vinoba Bhave (translator of the Holy Qur'an in Hindi language) invited me to his Ashram to deliver lectures. One of those present on the occasion was Dada Dharm Adhikari. He posed an intriguing question: "Swamiji, you have studied many religions of the world. Which one do you find the best for man?" I replied: "Islam." "But", he said, "Islam is a very much tied up religion." I replied: "The very one that is considered free, ties down man to continual slavery. Man is in need of a religion that has remained 'tied-up', a religion that keeps man under restraints in this world life, but sets him free in the world hereafter. In my opinion, it is Islam alone that qualifies to be the best religion."
Q: As a soldier of Islam, what message would you like to convey to the Muslims of the world?
A: It is my solemn request to the Muslim world that they should constantly keep in view and fulfill the conditions laid down by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) for walking across the river of this world so as to reach safely its other side.
If they make the slightest deviation, they are bound to drown themselves in the river, never to be rescued. There is still time for the Muslims to concentrate their vision on the right point. If they act so, they shall, Almighty willing, be crowned with success in all that they do.
The Islamic Bulletin
P.O. Box 410186, San Francisco, CA 94141-0186
info@islamicbulletin.org
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