Ramadan and Fireflies

by Huma Ahmad
   
   "When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened
   and the gates of (Hell) Fire are closed and the devils are
   chained."(Bukhari) With fantastic imagery this hadith informs all
   Muslims that the month of Ramadan is a special month unlike others.
   
   During the 30-odd days of Ramadan, which falls in February of this
   year, Muslims all over the world will join together and strive to
   worship Allah.
   
   One way in which many will consciously try to improve their Islam in
   the month is through prayer, since there are rewards and invocations
   for doing so. For example, relates Abu Huraira "Whoever establishes
   prayers during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping
   to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven."
   
   Muslims will also fast during the month from dawn to sunset. "Oh you
   who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
   those before you, that ye many learn piety and righousness" (TMQ
   2:183)
   
   Allah adds,"...And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only
   knew." (TMQ 2:184) Indeed the benefits of fasting are many. We learn
   Taqwa (God-conscousness) and self-restraint, we know what it is to
   feel hunger and deprivation, we unknowingly increase our health as
   doctors have proven and so on...
   
   Ramadan though is not just about fasting and praying in themselves.
   These are the first steps in trying to purify one's soul and
   increasing one's Im'aan, which is the real goal. Forgetting school 
   or work problems, and concentrating on oneself and improving one's
   relationship with Allah is the true purpose.
   
   "Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide
   to mankind and a clear guidance and judgement (so that mankind will
   distinguish from right and wrong).." (TMQ 2:183) We actively learn
   this right and wrong by controlling our thoughts, our speech, our
   behavior and by avoiding evil. Each Muslim along with praying and
   fasting, must also refrain from hurting others, from swearing, from
   taking in harmful things, etc.
   
   Along with being a strong personal Deen for the individual, Islam is
   also practical and designed for the people as a whole to satisfy 
   their needs and promote happiness. This is why Muslims pray the 
   Tarweeh prayers in Jama'ah, why Mosques hold special community 
   dinners inviting everyone, and why the Day of Eid is so special. You 
   can feel the love of Allah between Muslims all through the month. 
   Nowhere is brotherhood so much a part of worship. If you visit the 
   mosques late at night during Ramadan and see all the devoted people 
   standing together praying to the Almighty, you would never have 
   cause to doubt the power of Islam.
   
   Unfortunately though, we sometimes deviate from the true meanings.
   
   The designation of the first day of Ramadan is argued upon endlessly
   by different groups,to the extent that Muslims in the same community
   will start fasting on different days and thus celebrate Eid at
   different times. We ignore the Quranic injunction to "...hold fast
   altogether, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be
   not divided amongst yourselves." (TMQ 3:103)
   
   Iftar dinners also divide the communties. There are the `Pakistani'
   Iftars, the `Arab' Iftars...new Muslims and young members of the
   community (ie. college students) are often excluded. At community
   dinners those who don't come to the mosque regularly just sit and
   watch the various cliques and contribute only `Salaams'.
   
   We should remember all the Muslims and remember the true purpose of
   these events we hold. "O mankind! We created you from a single 
   (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, 
   that ye may know each other..." (TMQ 49:13) Our culture is Islam 
   first. Let us not forget this and wipe out any kind of racism or 
   prejudice that exists within ourselves.
   
   Ramadan, as opposed to something that divides, can even be used as 
   an effective Daw'ah tool for Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. An 
   atmosphere of warmth, food and piety can truly go a long way!
   
   When the long-awaited Eid arrives, it is almost always celebrated by
   everyone in the community. Mostly it is a joyous time of celebration
   and thankfulness. But Eid too can deviate into a display of fashions
   and cars. For a few Muslims it is the only occassion they come to 
   the mosque (except for the other Eid) and it is looked upon as a 
   ritual duty. The Eid Khutbah is never heard as people leave or get 
   up to socialize.
   
   In growing up, Ramadan was a time when all the Muslims in our
   community would come together and share Islam. We would play outside
   after the dinners and even try to catch fireflies for each other. We
   would marvel at these little sparkling bugs together, one of Allah's
   most fascinating creations. Perhaps somewhere along the way we have
   lost this true remembrance of Allah in all that we do. The need to
   learn about Islam and to strive has been lost to culture, bid'ah and
   straying.
   
   Communties need to recognize these problems and develop effective
   target solutions for them. They are not residual effects, but are
   symptoms of growing problems that will get worse.
   
   Would we be following Islam as we do if the Prophet (SAW) was with 
   us today? As a community or as individuals? Would we spend Ramadan 
   in the same way if we knew it was our last (Audhu'billah)? Would so 
   many of us remain ignorant of our deen and our own souls? Or would 
   we ask forgiveness and start again?
   
   May Allah forgive us and guide us all. Ameen.
   
   "When My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close 
   (to them):I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he 
   calleth on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, 
   and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way." 
   (TMQ 2:188)

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Reality and Obligation in Ramadan

Source: Al-Jumuah Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 9

During this Ramadhan do not let the sweetness of our deeds vansh into the night, leaving only emptiness. When one contemplates the texts on fasting, its wisdom and goals in Shariah, and looks at the reality of the Muslim communities, one realizes a wide gap between the reality and our obligations. Remember that Ramadhan is a bounty that Allah blessed His servants with, to strengthen their faith, and increase their piety (Taqwa). Allah said: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." (Al-Baqarah 2:183). This article is an attempt to present the essential causes of this gap, and to some remedies. primary reason for the gap is ignorance about the goals of fasting and the wisdom behind it. Many Muslims ignore the purpose and wisdom of fasting. Fasting is done merely to conform to the social environmet without contemplation. If one is not aware of the divine wisdom of Shariah and its fruits in this world and in the hereafter, one will not apply it in the right way.

Goals of Fasting

Achieving Taqwa: is one of the most important wisdom of fasting. Fasting brings on Taqwa as it lessens the desire of the stomach and mutes the sexual appetite. Whoever fasts frequently would overcome these two desires more easily. This deter against committing abominations and sins and assist in controlling life leading to Taqwa.

Strengthening willpower and acquiring patience: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam called Ramadhan the month of patience as it increases one's will power to control his desire and the selfishness of his soul. This training allows him to be strong in following Allah's commands. The most important being to carry the Message and propel it forward. The person trains himself to be patient in obeying Allah by stopping at the limits set by Allah both by way of action and abstention. Allah said: "These are the limits set by Allah, so approach them not." (Al-Baqarah 2:187)

Fasting is pure worship: The fact that he is abstaining from food and drink both in public and in secret shows his honest faith and strong love of Allah, and his knowledge and feeling that Allah is all-knowing of everything. For this reason Allah has made the reward for fasting greater than for any other type of worship. Allah said in the hadith Qudsi: "Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied [in rewards], the good deed by ten of its like, up to seven hundreds, up to whatever Allah wills, except fasting, it is for Me and I will reward it. He abandons his desire and his food for My sake.." (Related by Muslim) lbn al-Qayyim said: "...And people may see that a person is not eating in front of them, but the fact that he is really abandoning his food and his desire for the sake of God is a thing that nobody can find out about, and that is the essence of fasting." (Zaad al-Ma'ad 2/29).

Relieving Muslims from life's distractions: Eating, drinking, and socializing all distract a person and weaken ties with Allah. It is by the Mercy of Allah that Muslims are ordered to fast so as not to be bothered by the intrusion of these activities. Nor by the thought about them nor the anticipation for them when devoting themselves to the all types of worship Either reading the Qur'an, offering additional prayer or making I'tikaf. For this reason the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is a shield, and a secure fortress against Hell fire" (Related by Ahmad).

Discovering Allah's Blessings: A person experiences the hardship of the poor. He should then be thankful to Allah Who has blessed him with His bounty while others are deprived. This should make him more sympathetic and willing to share this bounty. The poor rediscovers that fasting helps a person be more devoted to worship. More able to concentrate and meditate. He should then be able of this devotion all year long, a blessing he should thank Allah for.

Acquiring strength and endurance:It has been discovered that depriving the body of food for a period of time helps its defense and endurance mechanism. This in turn this protects the body from certain diseases.

Remember that fasting is not only dependent on abstentions: Many believe that fasting consist only of certain abstentions, forgetting that Allah established certain acts of worship with fasting. Among which are:

Qiyamul-layl: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever performed the night prayer during Ramadhan out of belief and anticipating God's rewards, will be forgiven his previous sins."(Related by Muslim).Performing Umrah: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "An Umrah during Ramadhan is like a Hajj with me." (Related by al-Hakim).

Offering Iftar (meal) to those who fasted. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person has the same reward as him, except that the reward of the fasting person will not be diminished." (Related by Ahmad).

Reading and completing the Qur'an: The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting and [reading] Qur'an will intercede for the person: fasting will say: O Lord I forbade him eating and drinking so let me intercede for him, and the Qur'an will say: I deprived him from his night sleep so let me intercede for him," he then said: "So they will intercede." (Related by Ahmad). The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to recite the whole Qur'an to Angel Jibreel each Ramadhan.

Giving in charity: Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam was the most generous among people, and he was more generous during the month of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim).

I`tikaaf: which is to confine oneself in the masjid for prayer and invocation leaving the worldly activities. Ibn Abbas radhiallahu anhu said: "The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to perforrn I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Related by Muslim). It is surprising that many people have abandoned I'tikaf though the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam never abandoned it from the time he arrived to Madinah until he died.

Supplication: In the verses dealing with fasting, Allah said: "And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad) concerning Me, then answer them, I am indeed near to them. I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me." (Al-Baqarah 2: 186). This is an encouragement for the fasting person to increase his invocation. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Three invocations will be answered: The invocation of the fasting person, the invocation of the oppressed, and the invocation of the traveler." (Related by Muslim).

Repentance: Ramadhan is the time of repentance and return to Allah, for it is a time when the devils are chained, and when many people are saved from hell fire every night by the grace of Allah.

Applying oneself in all good deeds in the last ten days of Ramadhan: Aysha radhiallabu anha said: "When the last ten days come, he sallallahu alayhe wa sallam would pray most of the night and wake his family, and apply himself, and tighten up his loincloth.", and she also said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alayhe wa sallam used to strive in the last days of Ramadhan more than he did during the other days." (Related by Muslim).

Abstaining from vain talk: Sins decrease the reward of fasting although they do not annul it. The Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Fasting is not [only] abstaining from eating and drinking, but abstaining from vain and obscene talk, so if someone insulted you or wronged you say: I am fasting." (Related by al-Hakim) and he also said: 'Whoever does not abandon lying, then Allah does not need him to abandon his food and drink." (Related by al-Bukhari).

Common errors made during Ramadhan

Excessive spending: Ramadhan should be a time to avoid being wasteful, and learning to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing the needs from the luxuries. Unfortunately, many people go beyond their limits to spend during Ramadhan. Whether in the varieties of food that they savor each night, or by the other types of spending.

Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day: Some people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting. Ramadhan is not a time of being lazy, and this do not allow the full benefit from the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only inverted their nights into days and vice versa. In addition, some may spend a great portion of the night indulging in eating and drinking and socializing

Spending more time in socializing: Because people invite each other more often during Ramadhan they do tend to spend more time socializing with friends, and relatives. While it is a good deed to feed the fasting person, this should not result in precious time lost in vain talk. Use the occasion for remembering Allah and offering additional prayers, and for the Da'wah to Allah.

Insisting on performing a certain number of Rakaas during the Tarawih (night) prayer to the point of not praying behind the Imam and thus forfeiting the benefit of congregational prayer. This might also bring hatred and disagreement between the Muslims of one community.

Reading Qur'an too fast: Some insist on finishing the whole Qur'an once or more, even if they have to read very fast. Although reading the Qur'an many times is desirable, this should not be done hastily, especially during the Tarawih prayer without pondering upon its meaning. Allah ta'ala said: "This is a Book which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses," (Saad 38:29), and the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam said: "Those who read the Qur'an in less than three days do not grasp [its meaning]"

Socializing in l'tikaf: Many people are eager to do I'tikaf but some confine themselves in the masjid not to pray and worship Allah but to talk and socialize.

The ways of doing good are numerous in Ramadhan Many people try to perform more than they are able to. By going beyond their capabilities, they end up not performing any deed in the desired way.

Scholars and Dai'ahs should assume a more prominent role in educating the people - both by talking to them and by giving the best example in their behavior which should comply to the Shariah and following the Sunnah.

The Muslim should realize that his priorities dictate that he does what benefits him in the Hereafter and should not put worldly interests first.

The Muslim should apply himself to deepen his sense of following the Sunnah of the Prophet sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, in every aspect of his life, at all times and especially during the month of Ramadhan. This necessitates seeking more knowledge about the Fiqh of fasting and its etiquette, assimilating the wisdom and goals of fasting, and facilitating the means that allow all the Muslims to benefit from their fasting.

We ask Allah to accept our fast and our good deeds.

Ameen.

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The Month of Mercy

By Dr. Yunus Aidaroos

"Ramadan is a month whose beginning is Mercy, whose middle is Forgiveness and whose end is freedom from the fire."

-Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh)

Mercy > Forgiveness > Freedom from Fire

Ponder on the inherent logical sequence ( subhanAllah ) of the above! We cannot be exempt from fire without first being forgiven. And to be forgiven, we must be graced by Allah's mercy.

The first one third of Ramadan (10days ) is MERCY from Allah

1. Can we expect to receive mercy if we only deprive our bodies of food and drink? Of course not. Because Ramadan is meant for SPIRITUAL development through fasting. Physiologically, by fasting the body eliminates toxins efficiently and the mind becomes clear for "power thinking" so that one may ponder on the meaning of the Qur'an, Hadith and the necessity of Zhikr. One must also do some self-analysis to monitor and correct one's behaviour if necessary. With meditation the mind becomes quiet and so should our tongues!

2. Allah is looking for a sincere commitment from us and not just physical starvation till sunset and then returning to the status quo. Ramadan does not end at every iftar. It ends only on sighting the hilal of Shawwal. So the hard spiritual work must carry on for the whole of the month.

3. One must plead for mercy and sincerely cry to receive it because without it, we are stuck at stage one and our prospects of "freedom from fire" will be bleak.

4. Therefore this stage one is for sincere confession to Allah that we are weak and sinful and that we desperately need His mercy. We have only about 10 days to qualify to stage two.

The second one third of Ramadan is ----- FORGIVENESS

1. We must now beg for Allah's forgiveness because we have broken so many of His rules and covenants and disobeyed His commands during the year, both knowingly and unknowingly. We must say istighfaar day and night and ask in every sajda for forgiveness. We must be afraid that if Allah does not forgive, we will surely be among the losers. Here again, Allah will be assessing the degree of sincerity in our repentance. He looks not for lip service but for soul service!

2. We must also be forgiving to other people's mistakes and tempers.

The last one third of Ramadan is ......... FREEDOM FROM FIRE

These are our last ten days or so. Instead of just focusing on Laylat Al-Qadar (the night of power) one should intensify supplications for the whole last third of Ramadan. If possible and affordable then do go for Umrah ... it will be probably the most spiritually fulfilling experience you will have, aside from Hajj. And Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to having done a Hajj with our Rasool pbuh! At the completion of the last fast, be optimistically hopeful that you will be alive to give similar pious worship during the forthcoming Ramadans. And if you remain guided in your life then you'll be will be admitted to Paradise, insha'Allah, by the Ryan gate of Paradise! Indeed Allah swt does not break His promise to his slaves.

NOTE:

The month after Ramadan is Shaw'wal.

Those who fast just 6 days of this month, get the reward of fasting the WHOLE of the year! So if one has missed fasting for 12 yrs of his/her life, just 6 days ( in any order) of Shaw'wal fasting gives one an opportunity to make up for our past deficiency of fasting days. SubhanAllah , isn't Allah swt indeed SUPER-MERCIFUL?

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Those who Fast will be Called from the Gate of al-Rayyaan

From Islam Q&A, by Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid (www.islam-qa.com)

Praise be to Allaah.

Firstly:

Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims fasting the month of Ramadaan, and He has promised a great reward to those who fast. Because the virtue of fasting is so great, Allaah has not specified the reward for it, rather He said – in a hadeeth qudsi –

“… except for fasting, for it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.”

The virtues of the month of Ramadaan are many. For example, that which Allaah has promised those who fast, namely the gate of al-Rayyaan. This is the name which was narrated in the hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon. Sahl (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947).

Among the ahaadeeth which explain the reward for fasting are the following:

It was narrated from Abu Salamah that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Eemaan, 37).

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Allaah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Fasting is a shield and when one of you is fasting he avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling. If somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. The fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.’”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1771)

Secondly:

It is known that Paradise has many gates, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate.”

[al-Ra’d 13:23]

“And those who kept their duty to their Lord (Al-Muttaqoon – the pious) will be led to Paradise in groups till when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein.”

[al-Zumar 39:73]

In the saheeh ahaadeeth it says that there are eight gates:

It was narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate called al-Rayyaan, which none will enter but those who fast.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3017).

It was narrated from ‘Ubaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that ‘Eesa (Jesus) is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and a word which Allaah bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him (cf. al-Nisa’ 4:171), and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, will have the right to be admitted by Allaah to Paradise through whichever of the eight gates he wishes, because of his good deeds.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3180; Muslim, 41)

One of the bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon this ummah is that He opens all the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadaan, not just one gate. Whoever says that there is a gate in Paradise called Baab al-Radwaan has to produce evidence for that.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3035; Muslim 1793)

We ask Allaah to make us among those who will enter Paradise. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

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The Fourth Major Sin: Not Praying

Salaam alaikum wrt wbt,

Here is some evidence, that we not only have to pray 5 times a
day, but that we have to do it on time.

The following is from Al Kabaair -The Major Sins by Sh.
Adh-dhahabi

Allah most High says:

Then there succeeded them a generation which neglected prayers
and followed lusts. They will meet with destruction (Ghayy),
excepting the one who repents and believes and acts righteously.
(Quran 19:59-60)

Ibn abbas (RAA) explained that <> here does not mean
that they completely abandoned prayers, but that they delayed
them to the end of their prescribed times. Sa'id bin Musayyab, a
great Imam following the generation of the Companions,
elaborated on this, saying: "A person neglects if he delays the
noon prayer up to the afternoon prayer time, afternoon prayer up
to almost sunset prayer time, sunset prayer up to evening prayer
time, and evening prayer up to morning prayer time, while
delaying morning prayer until just before sunrise.  If anyone
dies without repentance while continuing in this manner, Allah
has promised Ghayy for him, and that is a valley in Hell which
is very deep and has foul food."

Allah Most High says:

Woe to the worshippers who are unmindful of their prayer. (Quran
107:4-5)

Saad bin Abi Waqqas said: "I asked Allah's Messenger (SAW) about
the meaning of 'unmindful,' and he replied: 'It is delaying it
(the prayer) up to the end of its prescribed time.'" (Bazar)

While Allah calls such people <, they are lazy and
perform the prayer very late. He has promised them <>
(Wayl), which signifies a great punishment.

Some say, "Wayl is a valley in Hell, exceedingly hot, and that
is the place for those who delay or miss the prayer, excepting
the ones who repent and correct their habits."

Allah Most High says:

O you who bleieve, let neither your wealth nor your children
distract you from the remembrance of Allah. And those who do so,
they will be the losers (Quran 63:9)

The commentators say: "The 'remembrance of Allah' in this verse
means the five daily prayers. If anyone is so busy in buying and
selling, or with his daily work of earning a livelihood, or with
his children, that he cannot perform prayers on time, he will be
among the losers."

The Prophet (SAW) said in this regard: "The first thing which
will be judged among a person's deeds on the Day of Resurrection
is the prayer. If that is in good order, he will pass the test
and prosper, and if that is defective, he will fail the test and
be a loser." (Tirmidhi)

Informing us about the inhabitants of Hell, Allah Most High
says:

(The people in Hell will be asked): "What caused you to enter
Hell-fire?" They will say: "We were not among those who prayed,
nor did we feed the needy. We used to engage in vain discourse
with the vain-talkers, and we used to deny the Day of Judgement,
until there came to us that which is certain (ie. Allah's
judgement)." Then no intercession by any intercessors will
benefit them. (Quran 74:42-48)

The Prophet (SAW) said: "The convenant between us and them (that
is, believers) is prayer, so if anyone abandons it he has become
an infidel." (Ahmad, Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood, Nisai, Tirmidhi). He
also said: "What lies between a man and infidelity is the
abanonment of prayer." (Muslim)

Allah's Messenger (SAW) is reported to have said: "If anyone
abandons the afternoon prayer, his deeds are of no avail."
(Bukhari). And he said: "If anyone abandons prayer deliberately
he has no claim upon Allah" (Sunan).

Abdullah bin amr bin al-As (RAA) said that the Prophet (SAW)
mentioned prayer one day saying, "If anyone keeps to it, it will
be light, evidence, and salvation for him on the day of
Resurrection; but if anyone does not keep to it, it will not be
for him light, evidence, or salvation; and on the Day of
Resurrection, he will be associated with Qaran, Pharoah, Haman,
and Ubayy bin Khalaf (a great enemy of Islam from among the
Quraish)." (Ahmad, Darimi and Baihaqi)

Some scholars have explained that the person who abandons prayer
will be raised with such a foursome because his neglect of
prayer may be due to his involvement with his property, his
country, his administrative work, or his trade, Therefore, if he
was involved with his property, he will be resurrected with
Qarun; if with his country, then with Pharoah; if with his
administrative work, then with Haman; and if with his trade,
then with Ubayy bin Khalaf, the trader among the unbelievers of
Mecca.

Mu'adh bin Jabal (RAA) reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as
saying: "If anyone abandons prayer intentionally he has no claim
to Allah Most High." (Ahmad)

Umar ibn al-Khattab (RAA) reported that a man asked the Prophet
(SAW):  "Messenger of Allah, what action is dearest to Allah
Most High?" The Prophet (SAW) replied: "Prayer at its proper
time. The one who does not pray has no religion. Prayer is the
main pillar of the religon (of Islam)." (Baihaqi)

After Umar had been stabbed, it was said to him, "As-salat, ya
amir ul-mumineen!" (The prayer, Leader of the Believers!) He
said, "Yes, truly!  If anyone misses the prayer, he has no share
in Islam," and thereupon he prayed while his wounds were
bleeding.

Abdullah bin Shaqiq (RAA) said that the Companions of the
Prophet (SAW) did not consider the abandonment of any good deeds
to be unbelief excepting the abandonment of prayer.

When Ali (RAA) was asked about a woman who did not pray, he
replied:  "The one who does not pray is an unbeliever." Ibn
Masood said that the one who does not pray has no religion, and
Ibn Abbas said: "The one who leaves off a single prayer
deliberately will find, when he meets Allah Most High, that He
is angry with him."

Allah's Messenger (SAW) said: "When a person meets Allah after
neglecting his prayer, he will meet him as if he had not
worshipped him at all, nor done any good deeds." And Ibn Hazm
said: "There is no greater sin after polytheism than missing a
prayer [That is to say, if one deliberately delays a prayer
until its time has passed, although he was able to pray it on
time, without any valid reason which permits delaying it before
its time.] and killing a believer without just cause."

Ibrahim Nakahi said: "The one who has left off the prayer has
become a disbeliever." Awn bin Abdullah said: "When a person is
buried, the first question which will be asked him will be
concerning the prayer. If that is accepted from him, his other
deeds will be looked at, but if that is not accepted form him,
no other deeds will be looked at."

Abdullah bin al-As reported Allah's Messenger (SAW) as saying:
"A person who conbines two prayers without excuse, enters a gate
among the major sins."

We seek Allah's guidance and help, for indeed. He is the
Generous, the Magnanimous, and the Most Merciful of all merciful
ones!

Read more »

GO BACK AND PRAY, FOR YOU HAVE NOT PRAYED!

By Muhammad Al-Shareef, LL.B. Shari’ah 

In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful 

During the night, Abu Lu’lu’ Al Majoosi hid in the shadows in preparation for the Fajr Salah where he would execute his satanic mission: to Murder the Ameer of the Believers: Umar ibn Al-Khattab - Radi Allahu Anhu.  Umar would lead the Fajr with a long surah, giving time for the community to join the congregation. As he led that Salah, Abu Lu’lu advanced from a dim pillar, a poisoned dagger hidden in his sleeve.  He jumped in front of Umar Radi Allahu Anhu and tore open his stomach with the dagger. Abu Lu’lu’ then attempted an escape through the congregation, slashing left and right, murdering in his path many others. One Companion threw a cloth over and – realizing that he was caught – Abu Lu’lu’ killed himself.  Umar completed the Fajr Salah and passed away later in his bed Radi Allahu Anhu. 

The importance of the prayer in Islam cannot be understated. It is the first pillar of Islam that the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned after mentioning the testimony of faith, by which one becomes a Muslim. It was made obligatory upon all the prophets and for all peoples. Allah declared its obligatory status under majestic circumstances. For example, when Allah spoke directly to Moses, He said, 

"And I have chosen you, so listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily, I am Allah! There is none worthy of worship but I, so worship Me and offer prayer perfectly for My remembrance." [Taha 13-14] 

Similarly, the prayers were made obligatory upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) during his ascension to heaven. Furthermore, when Allah praises the believers, such as in the beginning of surah al-Muminoon, one of the first descriptions He states is their adherence to the prayers. [Successful are the believers, those that offer their Salah with all earnestness and full obedience] - Al Mu’minoon 23/1-2 

The importance of prayer is demonstrated in many of the Prophet’s statements. For example, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 
"The first matter that the slave will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer. If it is sound, then the rest of his deeds will be sound. And if it is bad, then the rest of his deeds will be bad." [Recorded by al-Tabarani. According to al-Albani, it is sahih. Al-Albani, Sahih al-Jami, vol.1, p. 503. 

In reality, when the prayer is performed properly – with true remembrance of Allah and turning to Him for forgiveness – it will have a lasting effect on the person. After he finishes the prayer, his heart will be filled with the remembrance of Allah. He will be fearful as well as hopeful of Allah. After that experience, he will not want to move from that lofty position to one wherein he disobeys Allah. Allah mentioned this aspect of the prayer, 

"Verily, the prayer keeps one from the great sins and evil deeds" (al-Ankaboot 45). 

However amongst our community of Musalleen (those who perform Salah) we find some hazy actions that need to be brought back into focus. 

· Some do not concentrate on what they are saying. 
· Some speed when they pray 
· Some wander with their gaze during Salah, 
· The number of raka’aat performed is constantly forgotten. 
· For some, the Dunya hugs their hearts during Salah and clouds their minds. 
· Sometimes, before the Imam says Allahu Akbar, some in the congregation are already in the next prostration. 

Compare this to those that came before us: People used to think that ar-Rabee' bin Khaitham, due to his constant lowering of his gaze and keeping his head low (in Salah), was blind. He used to live behind the house of Abdullaah ibn Mas'ood for twenty years and when his servant girl used to see him she would say: Your blind friend is coming, and Abdullaah used to laugh at her speech. 

In Bukhari and Muslim, from Abu Hurayrah - Radi Allahu Anhu, a man entered the Masjid and the Messenger of Allah - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - was sitting.  The man prayed (2 raka’) and then came to the Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - and said salam.  The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - replied the salam and then said, “Go back and pray for you have not prayed.”  So the man went back, prayed (2 raka’) like he did the first time and then came back and repeated the salam.  The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - replied the salam and then said, “Go back and pray for you have not prayed.”  So the man went back, prayed (2 raka’) like he did the first time and then came back and repeated the salam.  The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - replied the salam and then said, “Go back and pray for you have not prayed.”  He said it three times until – on the third time the man said, “By He who sent you with the truth O Messenger of Allah, I do not know any better than this.  Teach me.”  The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - then said, “If you stand up for Salah say ‘Allahu Akbar.’  Then read what comes easy for you from the Quran.  Then bow until you are comfortable in your ruku’.  Then stand up until you are standing up straight.  Then prostrate until you are comfortable in your Sujood. Then sit until you are comfortable in your Juloos.  Then prostrate until you are comfortable in your Sujood.  And do this in your entire Salah.” 

Let’s go back and do our Salah again.  This is our topic for today. 

· Why do we come to the Masjid, why do we perform Salah?  We do it in application of the command of our Creater Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala.  Why should we then lose the blessing and reward because of a wandering heart and an itchy hand?  Concentration is the soul of our Salah.  Concentration is the fruit of our Eeman.  Yet regardless of this understanding, people still leave their Salah and only a small protion of it is written for them because of their imperfection of it. 

The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - said, “Verily, a man will leave from (his Salah) and only a tenth of his Salah is written for him, a ninth, an eighth, a seventh, a sixth, a fifth, a forth, a third, half.” – Abu Dawood and Tirmidhi. 

Uthman ibn Abi Dahshah said, “I have never prayed a Salah that I have not asked Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to forgive for my shortcomings in that Salah.” 

· Someone who short changes his Salah is a thief.  The Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - said, “The evilest thief is he who steals from his Salah.”  They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, how does he steal from his Salah?”  He - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - said, “He does not perfect it’s ruku’ and Sujood.” – authentic 

· Because of the speed some apply to their Salah, it is as if they are pecking up and down like a bird.  Narrated Ahmad, Abu Dawood and others, the Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - forbade that someone should peck (in Salah) like a crow…” 

Umar - Radi Allahu Anhu - once stood on the pulpit and addressed the community with a loud powerful voice, “A man may grow old in Islam and never have completed to Allah a single Salah!”  They said, “How is this?”  He said, “He does not perfect his concentration, nor his humbleness, nor his focus on Allah - Azza wa Jall.” 

Once, Ma’roof Al-Karkhee – Rahimahu AllahimahUllah – stood amongst some of his students and one said to the other, “Please lead the Isha Salah.”  The first student accepted but said, “I shall lead the Isha’ Salah on condition that you lead the Fajr Salah and not me.”  Ma’roof Al-Karkhe was shocked at what he said and commented, “By Allah, if you think that you’ll be alive at Fajr then – by Allah – you have not yet perfected your Salah.” 


Part II   How to Concentrate in Salah 

Al Qaasim ibn Muhammad - Rahimahu Allah - said, “I went out one day, and whenever I would go out I would always pass by Aisha - Radi Allahu Anha - and give her my Salam.  That day I went out and when I found Aisha she was praying Salat al-Duha, reciting over and over the verse of Allah 

[Saying: ‘Aforetime we were afraid with our families (from the Punishment of Allah). But Allah was gracious on us and saved us from the torment of the Fire.”] 
– At Toor 52/26-27 

She was crying and invoking Allah - Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala - and repeating the verse.  I stood there waiting until I got tired, she remained as I found her.  When I saw this I said to myself, ‘let me go to the market, do what I have to do and come back.’ So, after I had finished what I needed to do at the market, I returned to Aisha - Radi Allahu Anha.  She was as I left her, repeating the verse, invoking Allah, and crying. 

How do we concentrate in Salah?  From the Sunnah, the Prophet – Sal Allahu Alayhi wa sallam – taught the following: 

1. Come early for Salah and prepare yourself to concentrate. Repeat the Adhan to yourself with the Mu’adhdhin, and - after the adhan - say the prescribed supplication. Between the Adhan and Iqamah make dua’.  Do Wudu properly, cleanse your mouth, and wear your finest clothes. 

2. Aim to get the entire reward of your Salah. 

Abu Bakr ibn ‘Iyaash said, “I saw Habeeb ibn Thabit in Sujood.  If you saw him you would think he was dead (by how long he held his Sujood).” 

3. Contemplate the aayaat and adhkaar being recited during the prayer. 

Think about the meanings of the verses that you are reciting. Isn’t is disheartening that someone may perform Salah for decades, day after day, and he/she still does not know what they are saying? 
The Qur’aan was revealed to be pondered over! Allaah revealed: “(This is) a Book (the Qur’aan) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember.” [Saad 38:29]. 

4. Pray in congregation.  Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala commands 
[And perform Salah, give Zakah, and bow with those that bow.]  2/43 

5. Never miss your Nafl Salah, especially those that the Prophet - Sal Allaahu alayhi wa Sallam - used to pray constantly, especially Witr and the sunnah of Fajr 

6. Do not speed up your Salah. Take your time and do not allow your Salah to become the most invaluable action of your day. 

Ibn Wahb said, “I saw Ath-Thowree at the Ka’bah.  After Maghrib, he got up to pray and then prostrated.  He did not come out of that prostration until the Adhan for Isha’ was given.” 

7. Know that Allaah responds to your prayer 
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Allaah, the Blessed and Exalted has said: ‘I have divided the prayer between Myself and My slave, into two halves, and My slave shall have what he has asked for.” When the slave says ‘Praise be to Allaah, Lord of the Worlds,’ Allaah says, ‘My slave has praised Me.’ When the slave says, ‘The Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy,’ Allaah says, ‘My slave has extolled me.’ When the slave says, ‘Master of the Day of Judgement,’ Allaah says, ‘My slave has glorified me.’ When the slave says, ‘It is You alone we worship and it is You alone we ask for help,’ Allaah says, ‘This is between Me and My slave, and My slave shall have what he asked for.’ When the slave says, ‘Guide us to the Straight Path, the path of those whom You have favoured, not the path of those who receive Your anger, nor of those who go astray,’ Allaah says, ‘All these are for My slave, and My slave shall have what he asked for.’” (Saheeh Muslim, Kitaab al-Salaah, Baab wujoob qiraa’at al-Faatihah fi kulli rak’ah). [Words in italics are the translation of the meaning of Soorat al-Faatihah – Translator]. 

8. Pray with a barrier (sutrah) in front of you and pray close to it 
Another thing that will help one to have khushoo’ is paying attention to the matter of having a sutrah and praying close to it, because this will restrict your field of vision, protect you from the Shaytaan and keep people from passing in front of you, which causes a distraction and reduces the reward of the prayer. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you prays, let him pray facing a sutrah, and let him get close to it.” (Reported by Abu Dawood, no. 695, 1/446; Saheeh al-Jaami’, no. 651). 

9. Seeking Refuge in Allah from the Shaytaan. 
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught us the following methods of combatting the whispers of Shaytaan. 

Abu’l-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that he said, “O Messenger of Allaah, the Shaytaan interrupts me when I pray, and I get confused in my recitation.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “That is a shaytaan whose name is Khanzab. If you sense his presence, seek refuge with Allaah from him, and spit [dry spitting] towards your left three times.” [Abu’l-‘Aas] said: “I did that and Allaah took him away from me.” (Reported by Muslim, no. 2203) 

10. Pray as if you were told that after Salah you would be going back to Allah. 

Abu Bakr Al-Muzanee said, “If you want your Salah to benefit you, then say, ‘I shall die after this Salah!’” 

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Why are we not able to wake up for Fajr? (and some helpful tips)

Our Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) is our exemplar who
provided the best example in spending long hours of the night in
prayer and waking in time for Fajr Prayer. This record was
authentically known of him both in his teachings and his living
example as he did not like sleeping before Ishaa [night] Prayer
and discouraged his followers from useless talk after it.  

In this he was followed by his companions and all the muslims up to
a time not very far from our own days. They knew the reasons
which cause laziness and lessen motivation to observe prayers in
time (be such prayers Fard [obligatory] or Nafla [optional]) and
warned people against them so much that some of them are
reported to have said: "If you are unable to pray at night, then
that is a clear sign that your sins have shackled you and
deprived you of good deeds". Al-Hasan al-Basri was once asked:
"Why is it that we cannot uphold prayers at night?" He answered:
"You are shackled in your own sins".

Motivation is presently lacking among muslims. Otherwise they
would not have given in to sleep even if they had to stay awake
in the first part of the night. When one of them is required by
his work arrangements or for his own worldly benefit to wake
early at dawn, he would no doubt take the necessary precaution
not to miss his appointment. He will forsake his peace of mind
and have a restless sleep just for fear he might be punished or
have his salary reduced. When it comes to prayer, they have no
excuse especially when in our modern times Allah has provided us
with alarm clocks which would be set at any time we wish. The
problem therefore, is one of laziness. Such people do not know
what they are missing. The Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)
said with respect to those who do not observe Ishaa and Fajr
prayers:  "Had one of them known that he would find a wholesome
meal or two good targets, he would have come for Ishaa prayer."

All in all, for him who sincerely wants to purify his soul from
the attributes of the hypocrites, let him steer clear of
laziness, be active, put into practice the action inspiring
instructions laid out in our religion, accustom himself to take
the initiative and realise what he and everybody in his position
are missing in terms of the health of the body and great reward
from Allah. Only then will his performance improve, Allah
willing, and he will make up for what he has missed and follow
the lead of the best of generations.

Allah, the Most High and Exalted, is the Provider of success and
assistance.  Peace and Blessings be upon Prophet Muhammed, his
household and followers.

Signed,

Abdullah Ibn Abdur-Rahmaan al-Jibreen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Text
------------------------------------------------------------------------


Most surely all praise belongs to Allah, we praise Him and we
seek His Aid and Forgiveness. We seek refuge in Allaah from the
evils of our souls and from the evils of our actions. Whomsoever
Allaah guides there is none to misguides and whomsever He
misguides their is none to guide. I send prayers and blessing
upon our leader Muhammed with the best of prayers and the most
complete submission.

To proceed:

One of the ill-seeming phenomena and most serious precedents
boding impending danger and punishment, giving reason to fear
and calling for most urgent consideration on our part requiring
immediate investigation into its causes and treatment of its
symptoms is the fact that a growing number of observers of
prayer deliberately shun Fajr prayer in congregation and only
perform it at times other than its lawful time.

It may be the case that this is due to their wasting away long
hours at night engaged in idle and leisure pursuits. Our
ancestors not very long ago used to make a point of going to bed
early, to lock their doors after Ishaa prayer and to make their
dinner light so as to be able to wake up for Fajr prayer in an
energetic state. That is why they led a happy, peaceful and
healthy life experiencing the real taste of life.

The advent of modern civilisation spoiled both our religious
observances and our worldly arrangements. As a result, we have
fallen into laziness and inertia; our bodies grew fat and
flabby; we move about less frequently whilst showing a greater
readiness to sleep and a marked inability to perform the most
trivial of manual actions.

The present paper attempts therefore to suggest ways which may
be of help in inducing us to wake up for Fajr Prayer; for
instance:

ONE: 
 To make sure to go to bed early as the Prophet
(sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam)used to discourage sleep before
performing Ishaa prayer and especially engaging in conversation
after it. Certain cases were excepted, some of which are
enumerated by Imam Nawawi in his explanation of Muslim's
account. Nawawi, may Allaah have mercy upon him says:

The reason why converation after it is discouraged is the fear
lest it leads to staying awake for long , which might induce
drowsiness and difficulty with observing night prayers or Subh
[dawn] prayer in their permitted, preferred or best times. The
topics covered by this restriction are all fulfilling no good
useful purpose. However, as to useful verbal activities, such as
the pursuit of knowledge, listening to the wise tales of
righteous people, talking to one's guest or bride, or members of
one's family for the sake of company, interacting with
travellers with a view to protect themselves and their goods,
embarking on talks designed to conciliate between people or
intercede before them in a good cause or to enjoin good and
forbid evil and admonish people by pointing to a beneficial
course of action to follow etc...  there are no such
restrictions.

TWO: 
 To be assiduous in observing the Aadaab [good manners
prescribed in Islam] as to what to do before sleep such as
making Du'aa [supplication], bringing one's palms together, very
mildly spitting into them and reciting the last three soorah's
of the Qur'aan into them and them wiping them over one's face,
head and body, being physically and religiously pure and
performing a two rakah voluntary prayer after wudhoo [ablution].
A muslim has to ask his wife, parents, relatives or neighbours
to help waking him up.  Once waken up, he should not linger
lazily for long in bed, lest he acquires the vices of the
hypocrites who come to prayer showing ample signs of laziness
and lack of enthusiasm.

THREE: 

 To fill one's heart with faith and good deeds. Once faith
is alive in the heart, it induces the person to do good deeds
and strive unremittingly hard. Faith is like a tree which only
yields good fruit when irrigated from the streamlets of good
deeds, thus bringing about an improvement both in personal
conduct and at the interactional level with society at large.
The lack of such streamlets or water supplies proportionately
causes faith to wither and wilt. The heart is highly sensitive
to external hardening stimuli, such as excess food or drink or
aberrations in watching or listening (letting your eyes and ears
loose to what is unlawful for them). You should therefore
protect your heart from such external allurements.

FOUR: 

 To keep away from Ma'aasi [acts of disobedience to Allah]
by protecting the eyes, the tongue, the hearing and all the
senses from indulging in the perception of objects that Allah
has made unlawful for us. As an alternative, one should concern
himself with matters pertaining to the worship of Allaah, such
as devoting one's sight to the reading of Allaah's Book,
meditating over the creatures that Allaah has created in this
universe, reading books of knowledge etc. One member of the
rightly guided early generations was asked about the reason why
people found it difficult to uphold voluntary prayers at night.
He answered: "Your sins have shackled you". No doubt sins can be
a major cause for a persons inability to enjoy the blessings of
piety. As Imaam Ibn ul-Qayyim said, sins are wounds and some
wounds can be fatal.

FIVE: 
 To bear in mind the great reward for attending Fajr prayer
in congregation on time, and the strong rebuke for him to fails
to observe it and to satisfy its conditions. Uthmaan ibn 'Affaan
related:

I heard Allah's Messenger (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) say: "He
who prays Ishaa in Jamaa'ah [congregation] is as if he has
prayed for half the night .  As to him who (also) prays Fajr in
congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night." [narrated by
Maalik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it]

Similarly, Bukhaaaree and Muslim and An-Nasaaee related on the
authority of Ibn Mas'ud (radiallaahu-anhu) that he said:

The case of a man who slept all the night up to sunrise (without
waking up for Fajr) was related to the Prophet
(sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) whereupon he said: "That was a man
in whose ear Shaytaan has urinated", or he said "in both his
ears".

The urinating is literally true, as Imaam Qurtubi says, since
Shaytaan urinates and has sexual intercourse and procreates in a
manner that Allah alone knows (1). To ascertain for yourself the
truth of this assertion, look at the faces of those who come to
deal in their daily business without having prayed Fajr in
congregation at due time; look at their faces at working hours.
You will surely ask Allaah for refuge from a lot as miserable as
theirs. But, after all what do you expect from a person in whose
heart Shaytaan has urinated!!!

SIX: 
 To realise the bad effects resulting from one's failure to
pray Fajr, such as the melancholic and depressive state of mind
and the loss of many religious and worldly benefits, and the
good effects resulting from managing to perform it. In this
respect the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said:

"Shaytaan ties three knots on the crown of any one of you in
your sleep.  He says upon each knot that he ties: "You have a
long night before you, therefore sleep". But if you wake up and
mention Allah, Most Exalted in remembrance one knot will be
untied. If you then make ablution another knot will be undone.
If you then proceed to pray the last knot will be disentangled.
Thus, you will feel in the morning energetic and in good
spirits. Otherwise you will feel in a despicable state, lazy".
[narrated by Maalik, Bukhaaree, Muslim and Abu Dawood]

The time following Fajr prayer is full of goodness and
blessings.  At-Tirmidhee narrated upon the authority of Al
Ghamdi that the Prophet (sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said: "O
Allah bless my Ummah in its early rising!" and whenever he
dispatched an expedition or army he sent them early at the
beginning of the day. Sakhr was a merchant who always sent his
merchandise early in morning thus, becoming wealthy (3). That is
why we find the craftsmen and traders are particular about
making good use of this time.  Those who sleep up to the late
morning have denied themselves the blessings of this early
hour.

There are many benefits to the health derived from waking up for
Fajr prayer.  For instance, the highest proportion of ozone gas
(O3) in the atmosphere is registered at dawn. It then gradually
fades away until comlplete disappearance by sunrise. This gas
has a very beneficial effect on the nervous system as it
vivifies the brain and energises the muscles such that when a
person inhales the beautiful breeze of the dawn, known as the
SABAA wind, he will experience a pleasure that is unparalleled
at any other time of the day or night (4).

SEVEN: 
 To lose no time to categorically clear yourself from the
stigma of hypocrisy. Because of the difficulty of waking for
this time, praying Fajr in congregation provides evidence that a
person has firm faith and is free from hypocrisy. That is why in
a hadeeth narrated by Bukhaaree and Muslim, the Prophet
(sallallaahu-alaihi-wasallam) said:

"Indeed, the most difficult of prayers to bear, for the
hypocrites, are Ishaa [night] and Fajr prayers. If only they
knew what they are missing , they would sooner come, even if
crawling on their knees".

The most worthy companion, Abdullaah and Ibn Mas'ood
(radiallaahu-anhu) asserts "The only one indeed who misses them
[i.e. Ishaa and Fajr prayers] is a confirmed hypocrite" (5). Ibn
Umar (radiallaahu-anhu) said "When we find a man missing from
the Ishaa and Fajr prayers we nurture suspicions about him"
(6).

If you want a criterion for evaluating a person's degree of
faith and truthfulness monitor his observance of Fajr prayer. If
he passes the test, that should be taken as a sign indicating
the strength of his Eeman [belief, faith]. Let us then testify
to his truthfulness since he managed to achieve the greatest
victory over himself and to be superior to the pleasure of
sleeping in bed. If he fails the test, this is an index to his
weakness in faith, a hardness in his heart, an indulgence in
self-gratification and a defeat against his own whims.

How is it then that he who indulges in sleep and misses prayer
should conceivably feel comfortable while people are delighting
in the mosques in the company of the Qur'aan, listening
raptuously to Allaah's message, and basking happily in His
gardens. He who prefers the pleasures of the bed to the pleasure
of the communion with Allaah is the real loser.

These are a few suggestions to help you wake up for Fajr prayer.
May Allah make them useful. Glory be to Allah, Most Exalted over
any false attributions and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of all
Beings.

Written by an anonymous student of Islamic knowlege with an
introduction by Sheik Abdullah Ibn Jibreen

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Summary of the Lessons, Rewards and Benefits of Prayer

You should know - My dear Brother and Sister Muslim that the following has been authentically reported from our Messenger (sas) regarding the lessons, benefits and rewards of the five daily prayers:


1. That Allaah the Exalted wipes away sins by the five prayers.
2. That the five prayers are an expiation for what occurs between them, if major sins are avoided.
3. That sins burn and destroy a person and thus it is necessary to extinguish that with the prayers.
4. That the muslim reaches the level of the truthful and the martyrs on account of his prayers, charity and fasting.
5. The superiority of prayer[1] over other actions.
6. That Allaah the Exalted bestowed a favour upon that companion by entering him into Paradise before his brother who died as a martyr because he prayed more than him.
7. That the prayer is light which illuminates the path of the servant in this world and the hereafter.
8. That an abundance of prostrations and prayers is the way to accompany the Messenger (sas) in Paradise.
9. That a two rakah prayer is more loved by the dead person than the world and what is in it.
10. That emptying the heart for Allaah in the prayer puts a person in the same condition as the day when his mother gave birth to him.
11. That should a person enter the Fire - refuge is sought from that - the angels will remove him from it and will recognise him by the marks of prostration.[2]
12. That the prayer participates in undoing the knots which Shaytaan places at the top of ones head.
13. That the night prayer is the most excellent prayer after the obligatory prayers.
14. That the one who prays at night obtains a reward which most of mankind do not.
15. Gratitude is shown to Allaah with the (obligatory) prayer and night prayer.
16. That the prayer most loved by Allaah is the prayer of Daawood (as) which is to pray for a third of the night and to sleep for two thirds of the night.[3]
17. That has Allaah has bestowed a favour upon His servant by the hour during the night in which the supplication is answered. It is befitting for the muslim that he aspires for it and seeks to find it so that he is given the good of this world and the Hereafter.
18. That the night prayer is an evidence for righteousness and taqwaa and it expiates the sins and prevents one from falling into them.
19. That Allaah Azzawajall covers the husband and wife who help each other in performing the night prayer with His mercy. If one of them refuses the other sprinkles water on his or her face.
20. That two rakahs of prayer at night makes a person amongst the men who remember Allaah often or the women who remember Allaah often.
21. That Allaah is amazed by the man who gets up from his sleep, leaving his bedsheet, his wife and his love for her in order to perform prayer. Allaah laughs at him and informs the angels about him.
22. That there is no jealousy or competition except with regard to two men, one of whom prays at night reciting the Qur'an which Allaah has bestowed upon him.
23. That whoever recited ten verses in the night (in prayer) will not be written amongst the heedless, a Qintaar of reward will be written for him and Allaah the Exalted will say to him: "Recite and rise by one degree with every verse", until he comes to the last verse he knows. Allaah favours him by giving him eternity.
24. That whoever prays at night with a hundred verses is written amongst the devout worshippers and whoever prays with a thousand verses is written amongst the Muqantareen and whoever prays with two-hundred verses is written amongst the devout worshippers and sincere ones.
25. That the one who walks to the prayer (in the mosque) is raised in ranks and has his sins removed, both while he goes to the mosque and when he returns from it.
26. That for every step he takes he receives ten good deeds.
27. That the muslim is written amongst the worshippers from the time he leaves the house till he returns to it.
28. That the one receiving the greatest reward for the prayer is the one who walks the furthest towards it and and then the one further than him (from the mosque).
29. That one step which a servant takes to the prayer in congregation is counted as an act of charity for him.
30. That taking many steps towards the mosque is from ar-Ribaat (guarding the frontiers)
31. That every time a servant leaves for the mosque in the morning or the evening Allaah prepares for him a feast in Paradise.
32. That Allaah makes the light of those who walk throught the darkness to the mosques complete and perfect on the Day of Judgement.
33. That the reward for the one who leaves his house in a state of purity for the obligatory prayer is like the reward of the pilgrim in the state of ihraam.
34. That the one who leaves for the mosque has a guarantee from Allaah in that he should provide for him sustenance and suffice him (in his affairs).
35. That the one who walks for the prayer in congregation, after having beautified his wudhoo and travels to visit Allaah the Exalted, is bestowed with a great favour in that Allaah honours those of his servants who visit Him, and Allaah's honouring of them is increasing their Eemaan, showing benevolence to them, rewarding them, raising their ranks, removing their difficulties and making their hearts content and happy.
36. The obligation to pray in congregation.
37. That the Prophet (sas) did not make a concession for the old blind man by allowing him to leave the congregational prayer. How then can those who are fit and well be allowed a concession?
38. That whoever abandons the congregational prayer has been threatened with heedlessness and having a seal placed on his heart.
39. That staying away from the congregational prayer is a sign of hypocrisy.
40. The extreme striving of the Companions (ra) for attending the congregational prayer inspite of difficult circumstances.

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Footnotes

1 Its condition is that the Aqeedah of the person is correct, sound and in accordance with the Pious Predecessors of this Ummah.

2 The condition for being removed from the fire due to the intercession of the angels (and others) is that a person should be from the People of Tawheed. Intercession is only for the People of Tawheed.

3 Due to his (sas) saying: "...He used to sleep half the night, then prayer for a third and then go to sleep for a sixth of it." When a half is added to a sixth they give two-thirds.

English Translation by
Amjad ibn Muhammad Rafiq

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Notes on Shukr

SHUKR

thankfulness, gratitude. The twin of Sabr.

-As there is sabr in times of ni'mah, there is shukr as well.
- Quran: Nay, indeed it is Allah should you show ubudiyyah to, and show to Him gratitude.
- Quran: O you who believe, use of that which is good of what We have provided for you, and be grateful to Allah if you are truly ibaad.
- Quran: And if you show gratefulness, I will give you more.
- Quran: (shaytan says after being granted respite by Allah) I will come to them, from in front of them and from behind them, from their right and their left, and You will find most of them ungrateful.
- Hadeeth: O Mu'adh, I love you. Let me teach you something.. ( the duah at end of salah) Allahumma a'innee ala dhikrikah, wa shukrukah, wa hussni ibadatik.. ( Ya Allah help me to remember You, to show shukr to You, and to make the most beautiful of ibdadah)
- Rasulullah (saws) used to stand up nights in qiyamul-layl every night to the extent his feet swelled. Aisha (ra) asked him, why do you do this when Allah has already forgiven you everything before and everything after? He (saws) said: Then shall I not be a grateful 'abd (servant)?
("and we're too busy for this! Rasulullah saws was a busy man, wasn't he? Didn't he have important things to do? Yet He made qiyamul layl every night. But of course, we have school, or work, and we can't be tired for that. What are our priorities? Being strong and energetic in front of your boss, or being content and pleasing in front of Allah?)
- the more one has, the more one should fear, be scared and humble: Will I be able to show enough shukr for all that I have?

Shukr is to be shown in three ways:

(1): Shukru bil qalb: shukr of the heart. achieved by harboring and intending good for all of Allah's creation. (khayr meaning something pleasing to Allah swt)
(2): Shukru bil leesan: shukr of the tongue. celebrate with the tongue the praises of Allah (swt), Alhamdulillah = showing the world I am pleased with my Lord. Quran: As to the ni'mah of your Lord, celebrate it.
(3): Shukr bil jawaarih: shukr of the external senses. (amal, actions) everytime Allah gives us a ni'mah, we must use that ni'mah the way it was intended to be used by our Creator- and thus used in the way of His obedience, and not in the way of His disobedience.

- kuffr an- na'mah: rejection of Allah's ni'mah "There are divine words written on the pages of every ni'mah. But those words are not deciphered by everyone."
ex. Using the tongue in a harmful way is kuffran of ni'matul leesan ex. Using the eyes to look at things that are haraam is kuffran of the ni'mah of the eyes. ex. dressing inappropriately is kufrran of the ni'mah of our body ex. Using the intellect for the wrong type of knowledge, is kuffran as well.

Any ilm that does not bring us closer to Allah, is wrong. Rasulullah (saws) sought refuge in Allah from information that was not beneficial.

- Quran: If you were to count the ni'mah of Allah, you would not be able to ennumerate them. Verily Man is an ungrateful creature.

- How do we know what Allah wants us to do with this ni'mah? Ulamah says there are two ways:

1) a. What sharh' (Islamic law) teaches of the ni'mah or action b. seek help from the people of ilm (ijtihaad)
2) ali'tibaar- cotemplation, using the faculties we have been endowed with, with of course ilm and wisdom.

- Why does the universe exist in relation to us? (In relationship to itself, it exists to fulfill ubudiyyah to Allah, as is everything that has been created by Allah) No usul to Allah can exist without mahabba (love for Him), and you will not have hubb for Allah if you are not consistent in reflection of Allah (His attributes) and how they relate to the signs of Allah in His creation and bounties. Universe is made to reflect on the ni'im of Allah to gain hub for Allah (in relation to us).

Shukr + Sabr + Tawbaah = ingredients for happiness

-showing sabr in the ni'mah of Allah is shukr (by not transgressing the bounds set down by Allah)
some duah mentioned:
- In response to 'how are you?': "I celebrate the praises of my Lord to you and the rest of creation. Surely with my Lord I am pleased."
- In mornings and evenings: "Ya Allah whatever bounty has been my share and the bounty of the rest of creation has been from You and You alone; and I celebrate Your praise."
-For morning: "Ya Allah I woke up this morning having You, and the angels who carry Your throne, and all angels, and all of Your creation, witness that You are the One and Only God, and Muhammad is your messenger."
- Ni'mah is everything we like that happens to us, but there is one real ni'mah, the ni'mah of all ni'mahs: JANNAH Every other ni'mah are means to that end.

- Why is Jannah the only true, real ni'mah? Because of 4 things (all other ni'mah violate one of them):

1) eternal life without death - every other ni'mah is mortal

2) immortality with happiness - every happiness of dunyaa has moments of displeasure, grief, consequences.

3) ni'mah of knowlege - everyone, no matter how knowledgeable, has moments of ignorance, happiness of akhirah is ilm without jahil

4) wealth never tainted by moments of poverty and need.

- There are 4 types of ni'mah:


1) things that happen to us (nafiyyah) that are beneficial in the short term and the long: The pure ni'mah, beneficial in dunyaa and akhirah. ex. ilm in quran and sunnah, hussnul akhlaaq (good conduct).. These lead to pleasure in dunyaa and akhirah.

2) something harmful in both dunyaa and akhirah. ex. nifaaq

3) something beneficial to us now (dunyaa) but harmful to us in akhirah, considered a blessing by the ignorant, a calamity by the believers, a harm in disguise of benefit.

4) something harmful in the immediate future, but in the long run beneficial

-Before shukr, we need to know how to use Allah's ni'mah in the way He loves, by revealation, shari' ilm, sunnah, quran..
- People lack shukr for mainly two reasons, jahil (ignorance), and ghaffil (heedlesness, carelesness, also a form of jahil).
-kuffrun-na'mah - rejection of Allah's ni'mah. To prevent this: reflect on this world, ilm, amal, isit the hospitals to see Allah's nimah on you, visit the prisons, visit the graveyards.

The dead WISH for two rakah.

-If we are not thankful to Allah for a ni'mah, it will be taken away from us, if taken away, it is rarely returned.
- al-balaa: the opposite of ni'mah, a hardship, something we don't like. For ni'mah we show shukr, for balaa we show sabr. but a balaa to others might be a ni'mah to me. ex. jahil of how when and where we die- in this case it is a good thing because if we knew anxiety would be too much, so its a balaah of which I should show shukr. another ex. not knowing what other creatures are harboring of hate, conspiracies, and intent to harm, we would be concerned with these people everyday. ex. we don't know when duah is accepted on yawmul jummah (therefore we make duah throughout, a good thing) Every balaah should be looked at as a na'mah. It's all relative!

Umar (ra): There are four balaah for which I must be shakir:

1- the calamity is not in my deen. (ex. a criminal breaks into your house and steals your stuff. say alhamdulillah, because you should be thankful that shatan did not enter your heart and steal your eman.)
2- It could have been worse, bigger, and Allah has power over all things.
3- I am pleased with what Allah (swt) wanted to afflict me with. In my heart I am still satisfied, I am not stricken with discontent.
4- Every affliction is atonement for my sins.

"Let us embark together on this journey of knowledge.." (he just _says_ stuff like that, naturally)
- A recipe for disaster: Of the reasons of taking the avenues of destruction in this life and the hereafter: to love life, the heart feels serene and at ease in dunyaa.
- A recipe for success: Of the reasons of happiness in dunyaa and akhirah: the heart is restless and uneasy in dunyaa ( balaa' helps this)
- Then should we pray for balaa'?
NO! Rasulullah (saws) found someone doing that and said "Do not do that, do not do that, do not do that!" Hadeeth: Seek refuge in Allah from 4 things: from the exertion and affront of affliction, that one lives to reach a life of misery, from the harmful decree of affliction, and from the deceptive ways of the clans of the enemy. (ie we seek refuge in Allah from balaah, we do not ask him for it)
- Which is better, shukr or sabr?
We can't say, it is dependant upon what level of shukr or sabr it is. (ex. a man indulges in everything that is halaal, or one who uses that wealth in every way to get closer to Allah, the second is a higher level than the first)
- These are the keys to the treasure of happiness.
- Without these two wings of shukr and sabr, we cannot fly to happiness.
- Shukr is a fruit of being aware and conscious of Allah's bounty.
- Sabr is a fruit of being away of our own weaknesses, ignorance, transgressions, inadequacies and ugliness of the self.

The shortest path to Allah is the path of an 'abd. The thickest of veils between Allah and the 'abd is ad'daawaah (feeling of arrogance, deserving)
Ya Allah, make us of those who listen to the words of admonition and follow the best of them. Ya Allah, forgive us our sins, and grant us Your mercy.

Allahumma inne ala dhikrikah, wa shukrikah, wa hussni ibadaatik.

AMEEN!

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Notes on Sabr

SABR

-an essential element in fulfilling our ubudiyyah to Allah (swt)
- Rasulullah (saws) said: Sabr is a source of light
- In the Quran it says: [And practice sabr, for you are under Our gaze] One of the early ulamah used to carry a parchment with this ayah on it in his pocket, and he looked at it constantly.
- Sabr is human; animals know nothing more than their basic needs and instincts, all they can do is react; humans have been endowed with reason which balances instinct. We go from wanting food as baby, play as a child, zinnah in adolescence, until we reach puberty and are endowed with some reason.. but reason is not enough, it is not alone sufficient as guidance, the 'aql (intellect) needs 'naql (revealation) "Descartes said I think therefore I am, Ghazali before him said I will therefore I am, I say: I perform sabr, therefore I am human" This deen is the completeness of our maturity and our humanity.

So what is sabr?

The steadfastness of the religious call over the call to passion- if the deen overcomes the nafs, this is sabr

Sabr is an UPHILL BATTLE- when we're going downhill we're losing energy, when we're going uphill we're gaining potential energy. In sabr, we are gaining "spiritual potential energy".

There are 2 kinds of sabr (or two ways we can perform sabr):

1) when something we desire happens to us, something we like, we exhibit sabr in controlling our selves, not going into excess, not transgressing the bounds set down for us by Allah(swt)
Abdur Rahmad ibn Auf said: We were tried by hard times and we showed sabr, but when we were tried in ease and excess, we failed.

Hadeeth: I do not fear for you poverty; I fear for you plentifulness of dunyaa, and it will destroy you as it had destroyed nations before you.

Quran: O you who believe, do not let your families and your wealth draw you away from the dhikr of Allah; and whosoever does that is indeed the loser.

2) Sabr in what we dislike. In 3 areas of life:
a.) sabru ala ta'aat: in obeying Allah (swt). sabr against our nafs who dislikes it, whether in spirituality or mundane, sabr before, during and after the act of obedience.
b.) sabru anil ma'asee: to show sabr against disobedience to Allah (swt). We are attracted to do injustice to others thinking we are doing justice to ourselves. We live in an environment that is dangerously attractive, we need to have patience, constancy, steadfastness = sabr.
c.) sabr andil ma'asid: to show sabr in times of calamity, adveristy, pain, whether physical or emotional. Everything that is in the capacity of an individual to change, he should- but have sabr in what you cannot. Not reciprocating harm is sabr.

Hadeeth: whenever a museebah (hardship) befalls you (and you show sabr) Allah (swt) atones for you some of your sins

Hadeeth: Allah (swt) atones some of our sins not only by physical endurance but by emotional ones as well

Sa'ad ibn Abi Waqqas (ra) asked the Prophet (saws) "Ya Rasulullah, who amongst people are the most tried (subject to hardships)?" Rasulullah (saws) said: The Anbiyyah (messengers of Allah) and after them the Salihoon (righteous) and then in accordance to your eman, taqwaah etc, there will be more hardships, not less. Every mu'min will be tried by difficulties in accordance (proportion) to their deen. If in this person's deen is solidity (their deen is deeply rooted) the balaa' will increase, to purify, cleanse, strenghten, elevate the person. And if in the deen in this person there is riqaa (weakness, thinness), then that persons balaa will be weakened, until the person walks on the earth cleansed of sins until they meet Allah.

What are the adaab of sabr?

1- once the calamity befalls us, we must show sabr immediately without delay.
A woman was in the cemetary, crying, mourning her love, when Rasulullah (saws) said to her "show sabr". She said, not knowing who he was "thats easy for you to say, you have not lost a loved one". When the companions told her who he was, she asked for forgiveness and rasulullah (saws) said: Sabr is to be shown at the beginning of hardship.

2- al-itirjaa': to say immediately, sincerely, from the heart: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhee raji'uun" -Verily from Allah we come and to Him we return

3- the tongue and the senses do not act violently - use them correctly, don't get caught up in the pain of the moment

4- Hussnul sabr- sabrun jameel- the highest level, the most beautiful sabr

Sabr can be categorized into 3 levels:

1- Tarkus sabraa: the lowest level- when one does not complain but inside dislikes what's happening to them

2- Ar-ridhaa-bil-beelah: no complaint, to show satisfaction with the balaa (hardship), because they have yaqeen (certainty) that Allah only does to the 'abd what is best for them

3- Ash-shukr-alal-beelah: to have ridhaa (satisfaction) and to be grateful to Allah for the hardship because that person has yaqeen that this is to elevate his spiritual status- looks at the consequence, not the immediate event we are taught sabrun jameel in the story of yaqub and yusuf (as)
Ali (ra) said: Of the realization of the Majesty of Allah, and of knowledge of the right Allah (swt) has on His creation, is that when one is befallen with a calamity, one does not complain, does not even mention what has befallen him.

An 'abd should feel ashamed to describe the pain, we are complaining about the Creator to the creation?

ibn Qays (a tabi') said: I lost my eyesite 40 years ago, I have never told anyone.
an ulumah (didn't get the name): "Whosoever complains about a calamity that has befallen him to other than Allah, such an individual would never find the sweetness of ta'aa (obedience to Allah (swt)) in the heart"

How to attain sabr?

The cure to any disease of the heart (arrogance, anger, lack of hayaa)

1- ILM: brings desire and want to change, use the ilm the teacher conveys to you! brings about hazm- energy, resolve to change

2- AMAL: take it into everyday life, in your actions Qat'al asbaab- severing the ways and avenues to bad deeds. example: lowering the gaze for zinnah. for every haraam avenue, there is a halaal alternative.

No pain, no gain- condition your nafs and your qalb, or they will condition you
Work hard on uprooting the weeds of passion, disobedience and sin. Sow the seeds in your heart of the will to change and sincerity. Let the rain be the mercy and forgiveness of Allah purifying the land, our hearts.

The best door from which we can enter the majesty of Allah, is humility.

1- Always be conscious in our hearts and minds of Allah's nimaah
2- Always be conscious of our weaknesses, the sins we have committed. Have faqar- the opposite of pride, self-reliance, self-interest..

Qur'an: "InnaAllah ma'as sabireen: Verily Allah is WITH those who have sabr."

Ya Allah, make us of those who have sabr, and grant us Your mercy and Your forgiveness.
Ameen.

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