Fiction written by Syed Mustafa Ahmad My dear nears and dears, I hope you are doing good. But I am not doing good. Being unwell, I am writing this suicide note for every one, who has time to read. Well, it is a fact that life is a sweet gift from Allah. Serving one’s Creator is the best deed in the whole world. However, as Ghalib said that knowing truth and every kind of virtue, my heart does not incline towards these. Same is the case with me. More or less, I know that the nature of life is that it must be lived according to the wishes of Allah. But I am fed up with this drama. I need escape. For me, it is quite difficult to carry it on. I have reasons to end my life. And with a heavy heart, I will discuss some causes in the following lines. First is unemployment. I have no job to have the monetary security. As it is a fact that without money, it is quite difficult to carry on. From religion to society, everything depends on money. In this way, I have decided to quit. I am happy in doing this. I have no regret in doing this. Second is corruption. Having got distinctions in both tenth and 10+2 classes, I am not able to get a class fourth job. I want an orderly post. However, I think this is quite far from my reach. 92% in 10+2 means that I must get the class fourth job but due to corruption, I can never dream of it. Incompetent students or candidates over the meritorious candidates. So, in this atmosphere, I quit. Third is my hardworking parents. Well, it is a fact that every parent has to work hard in order to sustain their children as well as themselves. But it makes no sense when the hard work doesn’t have the near end. Grey colour of my father’s hair and the crooked fingers of my mother force me to quit. I know my death will hurt my parents a lot. But seeing them in this situation, is hurting me more than ending my life. If I cannot provide them happiness now, I think I can never provide them. I am not a pessimistic but being an optimistic in the present situation, is to live in a fool’s paradise. Fourth is Covid-19. I was working in a private school for a meagre salary. However, Covid-19 has acted as the last nail in the coffin of my gloomy life. Earning 4,000 rupees a month, meant a lot for me. I would purchase books, magazines, newspapers, etc., for further studies but all my dreams were shattered on the floor when I was awakened from the deep slumber of dreams by Covid-9. At the present, I am good for nothing. Fifth is religion. It teaches morality. But on the ground level, immorality rules. For me, religion is an opium. It has been created in order to fulfil wishes and interests of a dominant group, without bothering for other groups. I have seen religion as a source of misery. Even though I believe in God, but the never-ending miseries have forced me to opt for escapism. Sixth and last is sweet death. For me, death is a thing to be embraced tightly. I am uncomfortable at the present because I cannot bear separation from death. Death will enable me to bring a full stop to all those things that have been haunting me day in and day out. At the end the day, I again repeat that I have no hesitation in ending my life. I beg forgiveness from everyone who had been hurt by me in any way. I don’t owe anything to anyone. My body is a gift from Allah and I am going to Him. However, without obeying Him in letter and spirit. I am sorry, my nears and dears! Good bye! Note: This a fictitious story, written in response to the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir. By: Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. Volcanoes and earthquakes, tornadoes and firesCan rip off possessions and precious desires.A terrorist’s bomb or a cyclone or floodCan nip hopeful plans and sweet dreams in the bud. The same goes for accidents, war and disease:They halt us from doing the things that we please.A cancer, a heart attack, coma or strokeReduces an unfinished job to a joke. Both nature’s disasters and sickness that killsOr deadly encounters with devilish willsForewarn of the parting of spirit from dust,When time grimly reaps what we guarded in trust. Our losses foreshadow the final one: death.And yet we were built to hold on to the breathBestowed at our birth with a will to survive.We have to believe Heaven wants us alive! This instinct—survival—innately informsOur hearts to fight on in the battles and storms,To press through the setbacks, the struggles, the strife,Priority set on the treasure called “life.” What now is instinctive foreshadows a goal,An eternal journey awaiting the soul.It points to a future that we cannot seeBeyond the destruction we zealously flee. These troubles foreshadowing death must be met.Yet as they play out, let no pilgrim forgetThat God the Creator-Preserver is Love….Fear’s shadows will fade in faith’s glory above! ( David L. Hatton) Poverty is one of the calamities that Allah swt has decreed should happen, either to a specific person or a family or a society. Poverty has negative effects on people’s beliefs and conduct. Immoral behaviour becomes widespread to a large extent because of poverty, as a means of meeting people’s needs, so theft, murder, zina and sale of haraam things become widespread. Undoubtedly these things have a negative effect on individuals and societies. Allah swt tells us that some of the mushrikeen used to kill their children, the apples of their eyes, either because of the poverty in which they were living or for fear of poverty that might befall them. Allah swt says of the first case (interpretation of the meaning): “kill not your children because of poverty — We provide sustenance for you and for them” [al-An’aam 6:151]And He says of the second case (interpretation of the meaning): “And kill not your children for fear of poverty. We shall provide for them as well as for you. Surely, the killing of them is a great sin” [al-Isra’ 17:31]In al-Saheehayan there is narrated the story of a woman of the Children of Israel who, when she needed money and felt under pressure, she could not find anyone but her paternal cousin who wanted to have his way with her in return for giving her money. Then Allah swt saved her from that after she reminded him of Allah swt and told him to fear Him. Whatever the case, it is well known that poverty leads to crimes and corruption. Many nations suffer from it and are looking for solutions to this problem, but to no avail, and there is no solution except in Islam, which brought rulings for all people until the Hour begins. There are the three points which will surely be helpful only if its implemented.1: Teaching people to believe truly that provision comes from Allah swt and that He is the Provider (al-Razzaaq), and every calamity that Allah swt decrees is for a reason, and that the poor Muslim should be patient in bearing his calamity and strive to relieve himself and his family of poverty.2: Seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty. The Sunnah relates to us what the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to do and what he taught his ummah to do, which is seeking refuge with Allah swt from poverty, because of the effect that it has on a person, his family and his society. 3: Encouragement to help the needy and support the weak. The one who really deserves. It was narrated that al-Nu’maan ibn Basheer said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The likeness of the believers in their mutual love, mercy and compassion is that of the body; when one part of it is in pain, the rest of the body joins it in restlessness and fever.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5665) and Muslim (2586). Before understanding the problems of middle-class family we should first understand what is a middle-class family.A middle-class family is a social group that consists of ordinary people who usually have good jobs and are neither rich nor very poor. The whole world is suffering from Coronavirus Pandemic and during this Pandemic we can see rich class are busy in learning new skills and hobbies while the poor class is suffering for life and death and both the rich and the poor class is getting attention. But there’s an another class of which nobody talks and care about. When all is shut and all is dwindling at an unprecedented pace it is necessary to evaluate our situation. Enormous government schemes, all lined up at the time of Covid-19 range from feeding the poor to the old. Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, relief package aims at feeding the poor with essential food supplies, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee and National Rural Livelihood Mission on the other hand, each target on transferring small amounts to the bank accounts of the below poverty families. Apart from these we have farmers being front-loaded and paid under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojna to widows, single women account holders and the Divyang category being paid substantively under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package. Thus, each provide for the rural sector to get an upward push amidst this financial stoop. We all know how badly people are being affected during and after lockdown.The economy is shrinking at a great rate. The government took a number of measures to ensure the least number of casualties in this pandemic and also that lower class and people with no jobs should have food and shelter. The upper class already had proper facilities and is still going well. However, the future still holds bleak for, a middle class. A middle-class person is a self-respecting person. They do not dare to ask for food and essential things from anyone. Whatever resources they have, they always live their lives. They never ask for too much but the amount in which they can live and fulfill their small dreams. They are busy solving their big problems and enjoying their small happy moments. Those who have to pay monthly rent, those who are working in a private company and are not getting salary or are getting less salary than their expenses, are the ones facing some major issues. Whatever happens, the middle class is always left behind. Conclusion: The Muslim knows that poverty and richness, and whether things are given to one or withheld, are all subject to the decree of Allah swt. So he bears hardships with patience when they come, and he thanks Allah swt, may He be exalted, for good times when he finds them. But he is required to work and seek to earn a living so as to relieve himself and his family of poverty. But if someone is unable to do that because of health reasons or problems in his land, then Islam relieves him of poverty by means of zakaah and charity that are given by the rich. This is the share of their wealth that the poor are entitled to.
Covid-19 is back again, so what do we learn from it? Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), is a contagious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. From december 2019 till date what have we learned? The answer is in one line, “no sadness goes on and no joy lasts forever”. The things that cross our minds and make us feel distressed are things in the past that have caused grief, things in the future that we are worried about, and things in the present which concern us. People react differently to stress and worries, depending on how many things are concerning them, whether the worry is continuous or not, and on whether they have faith in their hearts or are rebellious and sinful. We may describe people’s hearts as being of two types: either the heart is the throne of Allah swt, filled with light, life, happiness, joy and all the treasures of goodness; or it is the throne of the Shaytaan, wherein is distress, darkness, death, grief, worry and anxiety. People’s worries and concerns also differ, according to the differences in their motivations, circumstances and individual responsibilities. The believer knows that this world is fleeting, its luxuries few, and that whatever pleasures exist in it are always imperfect. If it causes a little laughter, it gives many reasons to weep; if it gives a little, it withholds far more. The believer is merely being detained here, as the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him), said: “This world is the prison of the believer and the Paradise of the Kaafir [disbeliever].” This world is also fatigue, pain, misery and suffering, so the believer feels relief when he departs from it. Abu Qataadah ibn Rib’i al-Ansaari, (may Allah swt be pleased with him) used to say that a funeral passed the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him), and he said: “He is now relieved, and people feel relieved of him.” The people asked: “O Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him), how can he be relieved and people feel relieved of him?” He said: “The believing slave [who dies] is relieved of the fatigue and pain of this world and has gone to the mercy of Allah swt; when the rebellious slave dies, people, land, trees and animals are relieved of him.” For the believer, death brings a respite from the distress, worries and pain of this life, as is stated in the Hadeeth: “When the believer is about to die, the angels of mercy bring white silk and say: ‘Come out content, with the pleasure of Allah swt upon you, to the mercy of Allah swt and sweet fragrance and a Lord who is not angry.’ So [the soul] comes out like the best fragrance of musk and the angels hand it to one another until they bring it to the gate of heaven. They say: ‘How good is this fragrance that has come from the earth!’ They bring it to the souls of the believers, and they rejoice over it much more than you do when one who has been absent returns. They ask him: ‘What did so-and-so do? What did so-and-so do?’ then (the angels) say: ‘Leave him alone, for he was suffering the distress of the world.’ When he asks: ‘Did not so-and-so come to you?’ They say: ‘He was taken to his home in the Pit [i.e. Hell].’ When the Kaafir is about to die, angels of punishment bring sackcloth and say: ‘Come out discontent, with the wrath of Allah swt upon you, to the punishment of Allah swt.’ So [the soul] comes out like the worst stench of rotten meat, and they take it to the gate of the earth. They say: ‘How foul is this stench,’ until they bring it to the souls of the disbelievers.” This understanding of the reality of this world makes it easier for the believer to bear afflictions, pains, distress and anxiety; because he knows that they are an inevitable part of the nature of this life. In the event of a calamity or epidemic, the remedy is to repent to Allah swt, may He be exalted, and humble oneself before Him and beseech Him, and to right any wrongs that have been done, and also to seek forgiveness a great deal, glorify Allah swt a great deal, send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him), ask Allah swt for well-being, and take measures to protect oneself and treat sickness, such as quarantine, and vaccinations and medical treatment if they are available. With regard to taking measures such as quarantine and seeking medical treatment, this is indicated by the teachings and practice of our Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him), as he instructed us to seek medical treatment, and highlighted the importance of taking precautions against infection; he instructed us not to put sick camels with healthy camels, and not to travel to a land where a plague is occurring.The Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Seek medical treatment, for Allah swt, may He be glorified and exalted, has not created any disease but He has also created a remedy for it, except for one disease: old age.” narrated by Ahmad (17726) and the authors of as-Sunan, Abu Dawood (3855), at-Tirmidhi (2038), and Ibn Maajah (3436). Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.And the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever eats seven ‘ajwah dates in the morning, will not be harmed by any poison or witchcraft that day.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5769) and Muslim (2057).Al-Bukhaari (5771) and Muslim (2221) narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “No sick camel should be put with a healthy one.”And the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “If you hear of the plague in some land, do not enter it, and if it occurs in a land where you are, do not leave it.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari (5728) and Muslim (2218). Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muhammad]; then We seized them with poverty and hardship that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us]. Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves? But their hearts became hardened, and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing” [al-An‘aam 6:42-43]. Ibn Katheer (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said in his Tafseer (3/256):“And We have already sent [messengers] to nations before you, [O Muhammad]; then We seized them with poverty” that is, impoverishment and destitution “and hardship” – this refers to disease, sickness and pain“that perhaps they might humble themselves [to Us]” that is, that they might call upon Allah swt, humble themselves before Him, and fear Him. Allah swt, may He be exalted, says: “Then why, when Our punishment came to them, did they not humble themselves?” That is, why, when We tested them with that, did they not beseech Us and show humility before Us?“But their hearts became hardened” and never softened and became humble“and Satan made attractive to them that which they were doing” namely shirk (associating others with Allah) and committing sins. End quote.Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“Do they not see that they are tried every year once or twice but then they do not repent nor do they remember?” [at-Tawbah 9:126]. Calamities only come down because of sin, and cannot be removed except by repentance, as al-‘Abbaas (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said in his du‘aa’ when he prayed for rain (istisqaa’).Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said in al-Fath (2/497): az-Zubayr ibn Bakkaar described in al-Ansaab the du‘aa’ (supplication) that al-‘Abbaas offered during this event and the time during which it occurred. He narrated, with his isnaad (chain of narrators) that when ‘Umar (may Allah swt be pleased with him) prayed for rain by virtue of the supplication of al-‘Abbaas, he said: O Allah, no calamity comes down except because of sin and it cannot be removed except by means of repentance. End quote. With regard to seeking forgiveness: it is a means of attaining good health, strength and well-being. Allah swt, may He be glorified and exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“And [saying], Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer of favor his favor” [Hood 11:3] “And O my people, ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and increase you in strength [added] to your strength. And do not turn away, [being] criminals” [Hood 11:52]. May Allah swt relieve us of this calamity and epidemic. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
BENEFICIAL PERSON IN THE EYES OF MAULANA WAHID-UD-DIN KHAN
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad When Maulana Wahid-Ud-din khan has left this ephemeral world forever, I was persuaded to remind his some words, even though he consisted an ocean of words. He used to say that God has created innumerable species for a purpose. He believed that Allah is the intelligent maker. Whatever is created, can never be useless. Everything is good at its place. Among all the creations, man is above all. He has been gifted with amazing faculties that make him extra ordinary. He has the potential to reach the pinnacles of glory or reach the lowest position. In this way, the ball is thrown in a human being’s court to decide what to become. Here, in this article, I would like to discuss qualities of a worthy person in the backdrop of khan’s view. First is his or her personality. He or she knows his or her personality well. He has introspected and has learnt that who I am. Where from I came? Where I am going to? He knows the rights of His Creator as well as people. He knows that the most important deed in God’s eyes is manner. Treating His creation with etiquettes, is an important characteristic of the worthy person. He always wants to take full advantage of the situation where he can help anyone, regardless of creed, color, sex, etc. In short, his personality is a realized personality. Second is foresightedness. He always looks at the end of the tunnel, however, he lives carefully in the present. Moments of happiness or sadness don’t bother him very much because he knows that all the worldly happiness or sadness is temporary. Moreover, it is not advisable to get entrapped in the snares of worldly comfort and ease. He, after careful observation, has come to conclude that I have to live here in order to have the best in the Hereafter. Third is humility. He never is arrogant. He is down to Earth. He speaks according to situation. He never speaks against the needs of situation. After a careful observation, he has come to conclusion that sometimes it is better to keep silent because the need of the hour demands that. If he feels that his speaking can prove disastrous, he remains silent. In this way, his humility is real humility. He never bothers what others say. He does for the satisfaction of the heart and His Creator. Fourth is morality. He is good in conduct and business with everyone. He never loses sight of the fact that in order to please His Creator, he has to do what he is entitled to do. If a person does wrong to him, he never thinks of harming him or her. Being aware of the fact: a true person does good to everyone for the sake of God, in this way, he sets an example. He, sometimes, forces his opponent to think differently about him. Fifth is silence. It is one of the most important characteristics of the worthy person to remain silent. He reads less but ponder over the things that he has learnt. According to one of the great scientists that was discussed in the monthly, Science Reporter, a person told him that I read a large number of books. The scientist was pleased. But he remarked that your way of reading is not good. If you read in this fashion, then it means that you have no time to think. You only add knowledge but without understanding anything. However, it doesn’t mean that they are silent in the times of speaking. At the moments of speaking, he speaks through many ways. Sixth and last is his or legacy. Knowing his deeds, almost everyone in the society wants to imitate him or her. Such is an attraction of his or her personality that everyone is ready to copy his or her style. He or she doesn’t feign but still people feel that it is an honor to be like him or her. Really, a worthy person is an asset. Now, it is up to us to decide whether we want to become a ray of hope or keep disturbing others in whatever manner we can do. The need of the hour is to prepare ourselves as the real models of truth, love, humility, etc., and become beneficial person.REFERENCES SPIRIT OF ISLAM( AN ENGLISH MAGAZINE) AL-RISALA( AN URDU MAGAZINE)
The first thing is to give something in charity in secret. Allah swt says, “If you give charity openly then what a good thing it is; and if you give to beggars in secret it is better for you than everything, and He will remove some of your sins. And Allah is Aware of what you do.“(Qur’an 2:271).
The best among you are those who bring greatest benefits to many others. Charity preached by every religion of the world, is a way of bringing justice to society. And justice is the essence of religion, Islam has therefore made charity that is Zakah, obligatory and binding upon all those who embrace the faith; it has been made into an institution in order to give in permanence and regularity. You know that charity, is the Third Pillar of Islam, a major teaching. Being charitable and providing for the needy are important features of the Muslim character. Why is charity so important?The existence of countless starving, poor, hungry and destitute Muslims and non-Muslims in the world points to the need for this essential teaching to be put into practice. Affluent Muslims may not realize how their wealth could strengthen whole communities. Giving charity correctly is crucial to both the well-being of the needy as well as the ultimate happiness of the wealthy. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized this principle repeatedly. Every situation, good or bad, it’s a choice upon ourselves. Predicted on our intentions, whether it becomes a tool for good or for bad, the choice is yours. Either you can decide to follow it through to raise you up or you can complain about it, and send you down. That’s not theory, that’s a practise. If you practise it, you know that everything is due to Allah swt. And if you know that Allah swt acts with Hikma, with wisdom, then you know that in all occurrences, there is wisdom in that what happens to you. There is the opportunity for khayr and for goodness. 2ndly, being kind to people in word and deed, and all kinds of doing good. This is one of the means of removing worry, distress and anxiety. By this means Allah swt wards off worries and distress from the righteous and immoral alike, but the believer has the greater share of this, and is distinguished by the fact that his kindness to others stems from sincerity and the hope of reward, so Allah swt makes it easy for him to be kind to others because of the hope that this will bring good things and ward off bad things, by means of his sincerity and hope of reward. Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “There is no good in most of their secret talks save (in) him who orders Sadaqah (charity in Allah’s Cause), or Ma‘roof (Islamic Monotheism and all the good and righteous deeds which Allah has ordained), or conciliation between mankind; and he who does this, seeking the good Pleasure of Allah, We shall give him a great reward.” [al-Nisa 4:114] Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the Zaalimoon (wrongdoers)”[al-Baqarah 2:254] “The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah swt, is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allah swt gives manifold increase to whom He wills. And Allah swt is All-Sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower.262. Those who spend their wealth in the Cause of Allah swt, and do not follow up their gifts with reminders of their generosity or with injury, their reward is with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve”[al-Baqarah 2:261-262] “O you who believe! Spend of the good things which you have (legally) earned, and of that which We have produced from the earth for you, and do not aim at that which is bad to spend from it, (though) you would not accept it save if you close your eyes and tolerate therein. And know that Allah swt is Rich (Free of all needs), and Worthy of all praise”[al-Baqarah 2:267] “Believe in Allah swt and His Messenger (Muhammad), and spend of that whereof He has made you trustees. And such of you as believe and spend (in Allah swt’s way), theirs will be a great reward”[al-Hadeed 57:7]It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever gives charity equal to a date from good (halal) earnings – for Allah swt does not accept anything but that which is good – Allah swt will take it in His right hand and tend it for the one who gave it as any one of you tends his foal, until it becomes like a mountain.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1344; Muslim, 1014. It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There is no day on which the people get up but two angels come down and one of them says, ‘O Allah, give in compensation to the one who spends (in charity),’ and the other says, ‘O Allah, destroy the one who withholds.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1374; Muslim, 1010.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah said: ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 5073; Muslim, 993. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah swt will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “If anyone would like Allah swt to save him from the hardships of the Day of Resurrection, he should give more time to his debtor who is short of money, or remit his debt altogether.” (Muslim)If someone owes you money, it is considered charity if you show mercy, give the debtor more time to pay back his loan, or even cancel out the person’s debt. If charity is a person’s shade on the Day of Judgment, cancelling a person’s debt will also serve as a protection.It is considered better to give charity than receive it. One should be wary of repeatedly soliciting and taking from sadaqa and zakat funds. Those who refrain from taking these funds (so that more will be left for the other needy) will be provided for by Allah swt and be made self-reliant by Him.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The upper hand is better than the lower hand (he who gives is better than him who takes). One should start giving first to his dependents. And the best object of charity is that which is given by a wealthy person (from the money left after his expenses). And whoever abstains from asking others for some financial help, Allah swt will give him and save him from asking others, Allah swt will make him self-sufficient.” (Al-Bukhari) The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)On the day when all other shade will be gone, Allah swt will shade and shelter those who give charity and care for the poor. The Muslim’s sacrifice in this life will be their protection on the Day of Judgment. By sacrificing part of one’s wealth and giving it in charity, the individual is guaranteeing protection for themselves from tragedy and misfortune.The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi) suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
DUA ( A weapon of a believer).By Sufaya Yousuf It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (Radiallhu Anhu) that the Messenger of Allah said: “(The Dua) of any one of you will be answered so long as he is not hasty in seeking a response and does not say, ‘I prayed but I have not had a response.Dua is a supplication, communication with Allah, most powerful, most merciful. It is a way through which a believer can make conversation with His master. We turn to Almighty Allah because we all know that only He can solve our problems, only He can fix our broken hearts no one else can ever do this. Because only He know the secrets of our hearts, the All-knowing, the most-powerful. Dua is a most compelling weapon works only for those who know how to use it sincerely and seriously. We can make dua in any language, when a women is in her menses and also in a state of ceremonial impurity.Allah (SWT) stated in the Holy Quran: “And your Lord says, “Call upon Me; I will respond to you.” Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible” (Quran, 40:60).Anas reported that Allah’s Messenger visited a person from amongst the Muslims in order to inquire (about his health) who had grown feeble like the chicken. Allah’s Messenger said: Did you supplicate for anything or beg of Him about that? He said: Yes. I used to utter (these words): impose punishment upon me earlier in this world, what Thou art going to impose upon me in the Hereafter. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger said: Hallowed be Allah, you have neither the power nor forbearance to take upon yourself (the burden of His Punishment). Why did you not say this: O Allah, grant us good in the world and good in the Hereafter, and save us from the torment of Fire. He (the Holy Prophet) made this supplication (for him) and he was all right. — Muslim ibn al-Hajjaj, Sahih Muslim[3]There is no fixed time or place for dua we can make dua at anytime or anywhere. We should try to make dua in every situation because it is only dua which can change one’s destiny. And it’s only dua that can get you closer to Almighty and increase your faith in your Lord. According to Hadith Dua has a uniquely ability to change the destiny.(Tirmidhi)All the Prophets (peace be up on them), as we find in the Quran, restored to supplications, as their ultimate ‘weapon’ to solicit Allah’s help when all their efforts would fail while reforming nations in their respective hostile environment.At the time of battle of Badr, the future of Islam was under threat because a small ill-equipped band of 313 Muslim soldiers faced an army of 1000 well armed. The Prophet (peace be up on him) spent his whole night on the eve of battle in supplicating and begging for help. And on the day Allah grant Muslims the greatest victory of History.In another Hadith it is mentioned that dua is a worship (sunan Abu dawood). Dua is an expression of total dependence on Almighty Allah knowing that every single condition good or bad, happy or sad is in hands of Almighty Allah. Dua is that act which connects a slave to his master. A slave lifts his hands as beggers does while lifting their begging bowls. Sometimes our duas are not being accepted, there is a option that the dua will be accepted later on in this life or in the Hereafter or the dua will be accepted by other means as one Hadith said, Jabir narrates from the Prophet, “Whoever does duaa to Allah, Allah fulfills his seeking or in exchange averts misfortune until the duaa is not related to sin or breaking some relation.” (Tirmidhi)Now a days, we only make dua when hardships befall us and is the last resort when, all else failed. However this should not be the case, we should always make Dua because it is a powerful weapon, it is a light in the darkest hours of our life. Dua is a source of comfort and ease in our difficult conditions. Prophet (saw) said, Whosoever desires that Allah answers his Duas in unfavourable and difficult conditions, he should make plentiful dua in days of ease and comfort.”We should always make dua for everyone because if we do so, the same thing will happen with us too. The Prophet said, ”Duaa for a person not present is accepted quickly by Allah”.May the above information strengthen our resolve for making more duas and may it benefit us in many ways. May Allah increase our knowledge and make this knowledge useful for us Ameen. By sufaya yousf. Currently pursuing bachelor at srinager. Sofisufaya1999@gmail.com
Syed Mustafa Ahmad It is an undeniable fact that in a civilized society, education is the most strongest tool. Since A long time, a civilized nation has been investing in education in whatever way they can. They are never lenient in spending over this resource. Education for them is the only motive of their life. A Chinese proverb says that for the secure future, a country or nation has to invest in education. So, it becomes clear that how important education is. If we look at different countries, we come across the happiest and the most developed countries of the world. When we delve deep into the causes responsible for their achievements, we see that they spend very less on defense , parties, shows, etc. They invest in human brains. Their motive is human development. Japan is a live-example of this. It is the third largest economy of the world. In 1945, they were devastated by the two atomic bombs. They made their destruction construction. Instead of falling into the depths of despair, they prepared themselves for something beneficial. They constructed from the grassroot level. What they do, is that they create human minds that they can enable them to reach the pinnacles of development and glory. However, in case of India and Pakistan, the situation is quite dismal. Both the countries are the product of bloody past. They live in past. Past grudges are still found in every domain of the countries. They look at each other through the lens of enemy. For this, they try everything that can help them to feel secure. In this way, they spend a lot of money over defense. This results in the deterioration of the major pillars of the country, particularly education. No university in both the countries is among the leading universities of the world. We don’t have world class research. This situation is not the product of a single factor. It is the handiwork of many things. First is religiosity. Religion has attained the most horrible shape in our society. Orthodoxy doesn’t not allow both the countries to look at the other side of the coin. Reasoning and enlightenment are alien to them. They believe that religion means to apply what is written in the so-called holy books. It doesn’t come to them that whether it is feasible or not. They want that whatever they believe in, should be found in nook and corner of their countries. In this way, the hard-earned money is spent on religious activities that have no sanction in religions. Second is that past is dearer to both the countries. They think that present is unsuitable for living. It is best for them to go back to that period, where myths ruled the roost. They are made to believe that once they were ahead of everyone. In this way, the past animosities, if present, persist in the present as well that make education a soft tool. They want the students to believe that in order to live, one has to go back into the past and follow that in letter and spirit. Third is syllabus. The Indus Valley Civilization syllabus has nothing to do with the present. Yes, it is our heritage. We should preserve it. However, it doesn’t make any sense when in the age of robotics, we are forced to learn those things that have no compatibility with the present. When people have begun to colonize the Mars, the students of both the countries are told to live the lives of glorious past that was half-glorious. In this way, education is compromised. The real meaning of education is to produce those people who can be problem solvers; nor problem creators. In the present, students have become frustrated and hence problem creators. Fourth and last is leniency. Both the countries are lenient in every manner. They abhor the word” hard-work”. What they want is that the heavens drop things for them, without any movement of our bodies. China has the principle of “ 9-9-6”. It means that they work everyday from 9a.m. to 9 p.m. for six days. It enables them to take lead in every sphere of life and has earned the tag of being the second largest economy of the world. Our condition is that some hours of learning or training make us tired. In this way, our educational system is out of context. Chinese students have a goal in their minds to make China “ great” in every respect. Hence, they prosper. In short, education must never be compromised. It should take lead. With it, health and hygiene should be given priority. When education is given its proper due, it means that other sectors will also prosper. The sooner this is achieved, the better it is for all of us. So, let us try our best to make creative education our priority. By: Syed Mustafa Ahmad
Suhaib Ashraf BhatWhat has been stated by the scholars is that Paradise is in the seventh heaven and Hell is in the lowest level of the earth. Al-Bukhaari (7432) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “If you ask of Allah swt, then ask Him for al-Firdaws, for it is the middle of Paradise and the highest part of Paradise, and above it is the Throne of the Most Gracious.”Firstly: At-Tirmidhi narrated (2450) – and classed it as saheeh – that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever is concerned should set out when it is still night and whoever sets out when it is still night will reach the destination. Verily the merchandise of Allah swt is expensive, verily the merchandise of Allah swt is Paradise.”Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh at-Tirmidhi and elsewhere. Paradise is expensive merchandise, and al-Firdaws al-A‘la is the highest and best part of Paradise. No one reaches it except those whom Allah swt has singled out for more of His grace. At-Tirmidhi narrated (3174) – and classed it as saheeh – from Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “al-Firdaws is the highest part of Paradise, and the centre and the best of it.”Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Paradise is surrounded with difficulties and Hell is surrounded with desires.” Agreed upon. If Paradise is surrounded with difficulties and different kinds of hardships, then how about the highest of its degrees and the most sublime of its statuses? This indicates that the matter is not something easy. Ibn al-Qayyim (Rahimullah) said: The purest of all created things, and the most sublime, luminous, noblest and highest in both literal and metaphorical terms is the Throne of the Most Gracious, may He be glorified and exalted. Hence it was fit for Him to rise above it. Therefore the closer anything is to the Throne, the more luminous, pure and noble it is than that which is further away from it. Hence Jannat al-Firdaws is the highest, noblest, most luminous and best part of Paradise, because it is close to the Throne, for the Throne is its roof, and the further away anything is from it, the darker and more constricted it is. Hence the lowest of the low is the worst of places and the most constricted and furthest from all that is good. End quote. Al-Fawaa’id (p. 27). The people of al-Firdaws al-A‘la are the ones who hasten to do good as they are commanded. Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“And those foremost ((in Islamic Faith of Monotheism and in performing righteous deeds) in the life of this world on the very first call for to embrace Islam,) will be foremost (in Paradise).These will be those nearest to Allah swt.In the Gardens of delight (Paradise)”[al-Waaqi‘ah 56:10-12]. As-Sa‘di said: Those who are nearest to Allah swt are the elite of mankind. End quote. Tafseer as-Sa‘di (p. 833) Ibn Katheer (Rahimullah) said: Whoever competes in doing righteous deeds in this world and wins the contest, in the hereafter he will be among the first to attain reward and honour, for the recompense matches the nature of the deed and as you do, so you will be requited. End quote. Tafseer Ibn Katheer (7/517) Secondly: It should be noted that one of the best means of attaining what you want and being saved from what you fear is supplication (du‘aa’), for supplication is worship, as it was narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) in a saheeh hadith. As it is an act of worship that is beloved to Allah swt, it is a means of attaining one’s goal. When Allah swt wills good for a person, He causes him to take the measures that lead to it and He makes it easy to do the deeds that will qualify him to attain that. Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah swt and fears Him,And believes in Al-Husna,We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).But he who is a greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient,And gives the lie to Al-Husna,We will make smooth for him the path for evil”[al-Layl 92:5-10]. Al-Haafiz said: This indicates that al-Firdaws is above all of Paradise. Hence the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said, teaching the ummah and motivating them: “If you ask of Allah swt, then ask Him for al-Firdaws.” End quote. Thirdly: It should be noted that attaining high status in this world and the hereafter cannot be done by means of wishful thinking and dreaming; rather it can only be by taking the measures that lead to that. Otherwise there would be no difference between one who is honest and one who is a liar. This is by the wisdom of Allah swt, may He be exalted, that He has made His slaves accountable and enjoined certain things upon them. Allah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he will not find any protector or helper besides Allah swt.And whoever does righteous good deeds, male or female, and is a true believer in the Oneness of Allah swt (Muslim), such will enter Paradise and not the least injustice, even to the size of a Naqeera (speck on the back of a datestone), will be done to them”[an-Nisa’ 4:123-124]. Shaykh Ibn Sa‘di said:“It” that is, the matter of your salvation and purification “will not be in accordance with your wishes nor those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)”. “Wishes” refers to self-talk that is not based in actions, and which is accompanied by mere claims; if one wished the opposite, it would be all the same. This is general in meaning and applies to all matters, so how about if it applies to the issues of faith and eternal happiness?… His deeds either confirm that claim or demonstrate that it is false.End quote from Tafseer as-Sa‘di (205) Sincerity towards Allah swt:Muslim (1909) narrated from Sahl ibn Hunayf (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever sincerely asks Allah swt for martyrdom, Allah swt will cause him to attain the status of the martyrs, even if he dies in his bed.” An-Nawawi (may Allah swt have mercy on him) said: This indicates that it is mustahabb to ask Allah swt for martyrdom and it is mustahabb to have good intentions. End quote. ·Belief in Allah swt and in His MessengersAllah swt, may He be exalted, says (interpretation of the meaning):“Verily! Those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah swt Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous deeds, shall have the Gardens of Al-Firdaws (the Paradise) for their entertainment”[al-Kahf 18:107]. As-Sa‘di said: It may be that what is meant by the Gardens of al-Firdaws is the highest part of Paradise, the middle and the best thereof, and that this reward is for the one who perfected his faith and righteous deeds, and for the Prophets and those who are nearest to Allah swt. Or it may be that what is meant is all the levels of Paradise, so this reward includes all levels of people of faith, including those who are nearest to Allah swt, the righteous, and ordinary believers, each according to his condition. This is more likely to be the meaning, because of its general nature.End quote from Tafseer as-Sa‘di (488). It was narrated from Abu Sa‘eed al-Khudri (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The people of Paradise will see the people of the chambers above them as they see a brilliant star far away on the horizon in the east or in the west, because of the difference in status between them.” They said: O Messenger of Allah swt, will those be the chambers of the Prophets that will be attained by no one else? He said: “No, by the One in Whose hand is my soul; they will be men who believed in Allah swt and believed in the Messengers.”Agreed upon. Al-Haafiz said: The words “and believed in the Messengers” mean in the true sense of the word, otherwise everyone who believed in Allah swt and believed in His Messengers would reach that level, and that is not the case. ·Doing wudoo’ when it is difficult, taking many steps to the mosque, and waiting for prayer after prayerIt was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Shall I not tell you something by means of which Allah swt erases sins and raises people in status?” They said: Yes, O Messenger of Allah swt. He said: “Doing wudoo’ properly at times when it is difficult to do so, taking many steps to the mosque, and waiting for prayer after prayer. That is constant readiness.” Narrated by Muslim (251) The acts of obedience that are mentioned in saheeh reports as means of being with the Prophet Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) in ParadiseMuslim (489) narrated that Rabee‘ah ibn Ka‘b al-Aslami (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: I used to stay overnight with the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) and bring him water for wudoo’ and whatever he needed. He said to me: “Ask.” I said: I ask to be with you in Paradise. He said: “Is there anything else?” I said: That is all, He said: “Help me to do that for you by prostrating a great deal.” Muslim also narrated (2983) that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah swt (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The one who sponsors an orphan, whether it is a relative of his or not, he and I will be like these two in Paradise,” and Maalik pointed with his forefinger and middle finger. And he narrated (2631) that Anas ibn Maalik said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: : “Whoever takes care of two girls until they reach puberty, he and I will come like this on the Day of Resurrection” – and he held his two fingers together. Imam Ahmad narrated (12089) that Anas or someone else said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (blessings and peace of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever takes care of two or three daughters, or two or three sisters, until they die before him or he dies before them, he and I will be like these two,” and he gestured with his forefinger and middle finger.Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in as-Saheehah (296) To sum up: striving hard in doing righteous deeds, hastening to do good deeds, persisting in righteous deeds and acts of kindness, and competing in doing good and righteous deeds form the basis for reaching what one most hopes for in this world and the hereafter, even if that ultimate goal is al-Firdaws. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
By Syed Mustafa Ahmad Students are an asset. They are past, present and future of a nation. It is they who keep the flame of development alive. The Poet of East, Sir Muhammad Iqbal, stressed upon this fact that the destiny of the students is not this worldly matter; but rising above the worldly bonds, is the main aim of students. Looking through this lens makes it clear how we sensitive we must be towards the development of students. No leniency is acceptable in this regard. If we look at the developed nations of the world, they invest in students. They have experienced old people, who guide the youth or students in the best possible way. Japan and China are some live examples. Instead on spending on other futile things, they want to make their nation supreme in every respect. So, they are sensitive towards the all round development of their students. However, in our case, there is no such thing. Students are left with no opportunities to prove their mettle. They have world class brains but the absence of opportunities and some other factors, hurt their cause. It should be kept in mind that it is not the product of a single factor; rather it is the combination of many factors. Let us try to know some of them. First is materialism. When the main objective of life is to pile up material things, then there are cent percent chances that students will be neglected. Indeed, it is happening in our society. The associated-thing with it is that education itself has become a source of earning as much as anyone can. In this situation, no doubt, we have students but they are good for nothing. They want to complete their education because they think that education is an end in itself. So, getting a piece of degree, make them to feel that we have invested a lot in earning these pieces of degrees, now, let us extract as much as we can. In this way, the main objective before students, is thrown to winds. Second is lack of knowledge. We do not know why we are here. When the elders and leaders do not their objective of life, it makes no sense that students of theirs can do miracles. They will toe the line and become good for nothing. Mark Twain says that only two days are important: One is when we are born and the day when we know why. This is the gist of life. Any sane person who, if asked, admits that there is an objective behind our creation. We are not useless. However, our ignorance has made it possible that neither we nor our students know anything about it. Third is imitation. Well, imitating others in good principles is a welcome step. However, imitating others blindly, is a curse. Everyone is different. No two people are same. But we tend to forget this thing. The main concern of our students is to imitate those who earn a lot and are respected by each and everyone. They forget themselves and at the end of the day, are not found in any place. It is a big fault of our society that let students follow others without looking at both sides of the coin. In this way, the marvellous brains are destroyed. Fourth and last is corruption. Students feel choked in a corrupted society. Their wings are clipped before taking a flight. In our corrupted state, merit is taken for granted while show off and bribery take a long flight which no one can imagine. What can a student do in this environment? Obviously, he or she will feel that it is useless to be enlightened. However, he or she enlightens himself or herself but in some other way. A student asides itself from the mainstream learning where question papers are sold. In this way, the very aim of education goes for a toss and enlightenment hangs its head in shame. In short, students should be taken care of. They have plastic minds. We are moulders. We have to come forward to mould them in the best manner. Let us to pledge that we will never let our students feel in want. Instead, we must be ready to help them in whatever way we can. Hope good sense prevails! By: SYED MUSTAFA AHMADADDRESS: HAJIBAGH, ZAINAKOTEAUTHOR AT ASNAAV ( AN ONLINE PORTAL)WWW.ASNAAV.COM
RAMADAN IS A BOOT CAMP FOR THE MUSLIM BODY AND SOUl.
Suhaib Ashraf Bhat. In His infinite mercy, Allah has sent the light of Ramadan to erase the night. He has sent the month of the Qur’an so that He might elevate us and bring us from our isolation to His nearness.”(Yasmine Mogahed) Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is deemed auspicious and the holiest. During this month, which consists of 29 to 30 days, Muslims worldwide observe Roza (a fast from sunrise to sunset). This month focuses on Sawm (fasting – one of the five pillars of Islam). It is a month which is venerated in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following: 1 – Allah swt has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam, as He says (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month” [al-Baqarah 2:185]and it was narrated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadeeth of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah swt and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad; establishing prayer; paying zakaah; fasting Ramadaan; and Hajj to the House (the Ka’bah).” 2 – Allah swt revealed the Qur’aan in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning): “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’aan, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…”[al-Baqarah 2:185]And Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).”[al-Qadr 97:1]3 – Allah swt has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah swt says (interpretation of the meaning): “Verily, We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is?The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah swt in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah swt’s Permission with all Decrees,(All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah swt to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”[al-Qadar 97:1-5] “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship]”[al-Dukhaan 44:3]Allah swt has blessed Ramadaan with Laylat al-Qadr. Explaining the great status of this blessed night, Soorat al-Qadr was revealed, and there are many ahaadeeth which also speak of that, such as the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadaan, a blessed month which Allah swt has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999. And Abu Hurayrah (may Allah swt be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1910; Muslim, 760. 4 – Allah swt has made fasting Ramadaan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins, as was proven in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 2014; Muslim, 760) from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah according to which the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” And al-Bukhaari (2008) and Muslim (174) also narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadaan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” The Muslims are unanimously agreed that it is Sunnah to pray qiyaam at night in Ramadaan. Al-Nawawi said that what is meant by praying qiyaam in Ramadaan is to pray Taraweeh, i.e., one achieves what is meant by qiyaam by praying Taraaweeh. 5 – In this month, Allah swt opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and chains up the devils, as is stated in al-Saheehayn (al-Bukhaari, 1898; Muslim, 1079), from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah who said that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “When Ramadaan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” 6 – Every night Allah swt has people whom He redeems from the Fire. Imam Ahmad (5/256) narrated from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah swt has people whom He redeems.” Al-Mundhiri said: there is nothing wrong with its isnaad; and it was classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987. Al-Bazzaar (Kashf 962) narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Allah swt has people whom He redeems every day and night – i.e., in Ramadaan – and every Muslim every day and night has a prayer that is answered.” 7 – Fasting Ramadaan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the previous Ramadaan, so long as one avoids major sins. It was proven in Saheeh Muslim (233) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next and from one Ramadaan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.” 8 – Fasting in Ramadaan is equivalent to fasting ten months, as is indicated by the hadeeth in Saheeh Muslim (1164) narrated from Abu Ayyoob al-Ansaari: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan then follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” 9 – Whoever prays qiyaam in Ramadaan with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer, because of the report narrated by Abu Dawood (1370) and others from the hadeeth of Abu Dharr (may Allah swt be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever prays qiyaam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Salaat al-Taraaweeh, p. 15 10 – ‘Umrah in Ramadaan is equivalent to Hajj. Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said to a woman among the Ansaar, “What kept you from doing Hajj with us?” She said, “We only had two camels that we used for bringing water.” So her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left the other for them to use for bringing water.” He said, “When Ramadaan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in Ramadaan is equivalent to Hajj.” According to a report narrated by Muslim, “… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.” 11 – It is Sunnah to observe i’tikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadaan, because the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) always did that, as it was narrated in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah swt be pleased with her) that the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadaan in i’tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i’tikaaf after him.” Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1922; Muslim, 1172. 12 – It is mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadaan to study the Qur’aan together and to read it a great deal. You may study the Qur’aan together by reciting it to someone else and by having someone else recite it to you. The evidence that this is mustahabb is the fact that Jibreel used to meet the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) every night in Ramadaan and study the Qur’aan with him. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 6; Muslim, 2308. Reading Qur’aaan is mustahabb in general, but more so in Ramadaan. 13 – It is mustahabb in Ramadaan to offer iftaar to those who are fasting, because of the hadeeth of Zayd ibn Khaalid al-Juhani (may Allah swt be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah swt Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah swt be upon him) said: “Whoever gives iftaar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that detracting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807; Ibn Maajah, 1746; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 647. May this Ramadan be successful for all of us and provide us with good health and wealth. Remove all our sins, May this holy month of Ramadan be a month full of blessings. May we all be showered with peace, joy and prosperity. Aameen. Suhaibbhatt85@gmail.com
