The Fifteenth of Sha'baan

The 15th of Sha'baan is fast approaching, and along with it the millions of ideas on what you should and shouldn't do or else you will end up in Heaven or Hell.

So far I have come across the following things:

~ Do fresh Ghusul and Wudu: First of all, tell me what exactly is 'fresh' Ghusul?

~ Forgive others: Someone once asked me what if I forgive them for this day or until the end of Ramadan and then go back to not forgiving them?

~ Settle all your current debts: What if we don't have the means to settle the current debts? Should we take loan from someone else to settle current debts and then leave the loan to be settled until the 15th of Sha'baan of next year.That would turn into one vicious cycle - 'The Debt Settling Cycle of 15th of Sha'baan'?

I am, by no means, suggesting that performing Ghusul and Wudu, forgiving others, and settling debts is wrong. But why do it just on this day?  

I came across this article which suggested  a number of Dua'as to be read a certain number of times, fasting on this day, Wazeefa for fogiveness (I don't even know what Wazeefa is!) and performing a certain number of Nawafil Salaat. It all sounded very complicated and overwhelming!And none of it was supported by a reference to any authentic Ahadith. 

I received a message this afternoon which read: 'In these five nights (one of them being 15th of Sha'baan), Allah (SWT) does not grant 'Maghfirah' to those who commit Shirk, hold grudges, drink alcohol, murder unlawfully and women with a bad character.

Think about it for a minute...

Would Allah (SWT) forgive anyone who has committed these deeds? The answer is no. Not unless that person seeks for forgiveness and sincerely repents and never goes down that wrong path again. There are other conditions that come with seeking forgiveness and repenting, which will be discussed in another article.

Misconceptions of Sha'baan:

#1: Fasting on 15th of Sha'baan is a deed of great reward.

Fasting ONLY on 15th of Sha'baan is a bi'dah (innovation) and not according to the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Thus should be totally avoided. Fasting frequently in Sha'baan was the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). However, he (peace be upon him) prohibited his ummah from fasting after 15th of Sha'baan due to fear of becoming too weak to be able to fast in Ramadan.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said :

“When half of shaban has passed, do not fast” 

(Abu Dawood Bab 12: Hadith 2337- Classed Hasan Sahih by Albani)

#2: Shab-e-Baraat - the 15th of Sha'baan is a Special Night for prayers in Islam.

There is no such thing as Shab-e-Baraat. Word Shab-e-Baraat never appears in the Qur'an or Hadith. Shab-e-Baraat is infact NOT an Arabic Word.

#3: On this blessed night Allah Tala descends down to forgive people.
Allah (SWT) descends down EVERY night to forgive the people who repent.

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said:

“When it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Blessed, the Superior, descends every night to the heaven of the world and says, ‘Is there anyone who invokes Me (demand anything from Me), that I may respond to his invocation; Is there anyone who asks Me for something that I may give (it to) him; Is there anyone who asks My forgiveness that I may forgive him?’“

[Bukhari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 333]

#4: This is the blessed night on which the taqdeer (destiny) is decided.

Who will live, who will die, who will get how much rizq, etc. The following verses of the Qur'an are presented as evidence stating that this verse is talking about a blessed night on which everything is decreed and that night is 15th of Sha'baan.

"Verily, We Sent it down on a blessed night. Verily, We are ever warning. There in is decreed every matter of ordainments. As a command from Us. Verily, We are ever sending, (As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower."

[Surah Dukhaan 44:4]

The verse is being misquoted. This verse is about a Night in Ramadan NOT Sha'baan. The verse is talking about revelation of Qur'an on a blessed night. Read the first four ayahs of Surah Dukhaan again!

Indeed we sent IT (i.e. The Quran) on a blessed night (Lailtul Qadr in Ramadan) Allah (SWT) has informed us in Surah Baqarah that the Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan.

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an." 

[Surah Al Baqarah 2:185]

Conclusion

There is no Sahih report that speaks of the virtue of the middle of Sha’baan that may be followed, not even  in the chapters on al-Fadaa’il (chapters on virtues in books of hadith, etc.). Some maqtoo’ reports (reports whose isnaads do not go back further than the Taabi’een) have been narrated from some of the Taabi’een, and there are some Ahadith, the best of which are mawdoo’ (fabricated) or da’eef jiddan (very weak). These reports became very well known in some countries which were overwhelmed by ignorance. These reports suggest that people’s lifespans are written on that day or that it is decided on that day who is to die in the coming year. On this basis, it is not prescribed to spend this night in prayer or to fast on this day, or to single it out for certain acts of worship. One should not be deceived by the large numbers of ignorant people who do these things. And Allah (SWT) knows best.

If a person wants to pray qiyaam on this night as he does on other nights – without doing anything extra or singling this night out for anything – then that is OKAY. The same applies if he fasts the day of the 15th of Sha’baan because it happens to be one of the ayyaam al-beed, along with the 14th and 13th of the month, or because it happens to be a Monday or Thursday. If the 15th of Sha’baan coincides with a Monday or Thursday, there is nothing wrong with fasting on that day, so long as he is not seeking extra reward that has not been proven (in the saheeh texts).

And Allah (SWT) knows best.

A Living Heart

The following article was e-mailed to us by our teacher at the Islamic Centre. It's very interesting, informative and essential for us as Muslims. Here's to hoping you will benefit from it...

The Prophet (peace be upon him) is our role model. He is the best example of the practical application of Islam, because he not only spoke about Islam but lived it in all spheres of his life. Allah سبحانه وتعالى says

 “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern.” 

[Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21]

In order for us to adopt this pattern, we need to introduce certain changes into our lives. In fact, we need to re-analyse our whole Islamic practices, the internal aspects and the external ones. Usually Muslims place great emphasis upon "`ibādāt" [acts of worship]. Now we need to focus on the motives behind these ibādāt and upon “Mu`āmalāt” [interacting with one another, dealings and relationships]. How many times do we hear about a Muslim who prays and fasts but is not trustworthy, or about a Muslimah who wears a complete Islamic hijab but lies, backbites, or scorns others while flaunting her Islamic appearance! So we need to look at the "inner Muslim", examine our hearts and attain the true Islamic personality.

Angel Jibreel عليه السلام visited the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked him about Islam, īmān and ihsān (piety). The Prophet's response was that ihsān is "to worship Allah as though you see Him; for if you do not see Him, indeed, He sees you." Jibreel عليه السلام had asked about the inner Muslim, the conscience or the essence of a person. 

Ihsān is an outward expression of taqwā. And taqwā is inner piety, the love of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, fearing Him and avoiding displeasing Him. Ihsān is the willing to do more than one’s duty and to be satisfied with less than one’s right, seeking the acceptance of Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone.

Thus, we need to look into our inner selves in order to find out whether we possess this kind of piety or not. We should ask ourselves: “What kind of hearts do we have? Is it assured المطمئنة/ sound السليمة/ returning in repentance المنيبة/ fearful and trembling الوجلة/ humbly submitting المخبتة? Or is it harsh الغليظة/ deviating الزائغة/ heedless الغافلة/ hard القاسية/ wrapped المغلفة/ sealed المختومة/ sick المريضة/ covered في أكنة/ blinded العمياء/ distracted اللاهية/ sinful الآثمة/ or disapproving المنكرة?

We should ask ourselves: “Why do we pray, why do we fast or give zakāt?” “Why do we memorize the Qur’an?” “Why do we go for hajj or `umrah?” “Are these acts of worship done for Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone or for the people's attention and pleasure?” “Are they done for our own satisfaction; to convince ourselves that, “I have done my part, so where’s my reward?", “Will people get impressed with my righteousness?” If so I am exceptional – I can now be a leader in my community!!!

Sufyān bin `Abdillah ath-Thaqafi رضي الله عنه asked:

"O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam, about which I will not need to ask anyone other than you." The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "Say, I believe in Allah, and then remain upright."

رواه مسلم في صحيحه

 

Sufyān asked for a comprehensive meaning of Islam, one which may be practiced and enables a person to be rewarded with Jannah. Istiqāmah is mentioned in the Qur’ān; Allah سبحانه وتعالى gave good news of Paradise to those who remain upright:

قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّـهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ" "إِنَّ الَّذِينَ

“Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah" and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.”  [Surah Fussilat 41:30]

Remaining on the right course means to be steadfast and firm in most of what Allah سبحانه وتعالى has commanded - in all matters of faith, speech and action. The upright Muslim is one who remembers Allah سبحانه وتعالى in all conditions, especially when the shaytān incites him to fall into sin; he hastens to make tawbah. As Allah سبحانه وتعالى said:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا إِذَا مَسَّهُمْ طَائِفٌ مِّنَ الشَّيْطَانِ تَذَكَّرُوا فَإِذَا هُم مُّبْصِرُونَ

“Indeed, those who fear Allah - when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.”  [Surah al-A`raf 7: 201]

Practicing istiqāmah gives life to the heart; hence one’s heart gets connected to Allah’s book, actively.

Ibnul-Qayyim (رحمـه الله) noted: "The keys to obtaining a living heart lies in 1) reflecting upon the Qur'ān, 2) being humble before Allah in private and 3) abstaining from sins." 

Let’s analyse these three elements:

1) Reflecting upon the Qur'ān:

Allah سبحانه وتعالى says: 

كِتَابٌ أَنزَلْنَاهُ إِلَيْكَ مُبَارَكٌ لِّيَدَّبَّرُوا آيَاتِهِ وَلِيَتَذَكَّرَ أُولُو الْأَلْبَابِ

“[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.”  

[Sura Sad 38:29]

So, Allah سبحانه وتعالى informed us that He sent down this great book, al-Qur'ān, which is blessed in its words, meanings, commands, prohibitions and regulations. And among its blessings is that:

a) One who recites it even one letter of it will have a reward, and this reward is increased tenfold, as mentioned in the hadith reported by at-Tirmidhi (رحمـه الله).

b) One who recites it and acts upon it shall not be misguided in this world, nor shall he be in disgrace or misery in the Hereafter. This is stated by Ibn `Abbās (رضي الله عنه) in his commentary on Allah’s words:

فَمَنِ اتَّبَعَ هُدَايَ فَلَا يَضِلُّ وَلَا يَشْقَىٰ 

“Whoever follows My guidance will neither go astray [in the world] nor suffer [in the Hereafter].” 

[Surah TāHā 20: 123]

c) One who learns it and teaches it is considered from the best of people, as mentioned in the hadith, "The best of you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." [Sahih al-Bukhari]

d) It will be an intercessor on the Day of Judgement for those who used to act by it in this world. 

When reciting it one should reflect on its verses in such a way that if he comes across a command he says, “I hear and obey”. And when he comes across a prohibition he determines to abandon it for the acceptance of his Lord. And when he comes across a verse of mercy he hopes for Allah’s mercy and asks for it. And when he comes across a verse of punishment he fears his Lord and seeks refuge with Him from His punishment. And when he comes across a verse glorifying Allah سبحانه وتعالى and praising Him he glorifies Allah سبحانه وتعالى and praises Him. Allah says:

 أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ الْقُرْآنَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَا 

“Then do they not reflect upon the Qur'an, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” 

[Surah Muhammad  47:24]

And when He سبحانه وتعالى described the believers, He said:

وَإِذَا تُلِيَتْ عَلَيْهِمْ آيَاتُهُ زَادَتْهُمْ إِيمَانًا 

“and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith.” 

[Surah al-Anfāl 8: 2]

2) By humbling oneself to Allah in private: 

This means to desire and long for Allah’s acceptance and approval through supplication, seeking forgiveness, turning to Him, asking for His Paradise and for His protection from Hellfire at the time when He سبحانه وتعالى descends to the lowest Heaven, in the last third of the night. And to stand up for prayers, supplicate Allah sincerely, ask for His forgiveness, and to supplicate for the achievement of the good of this world and the next. 

3) And by abstaining from sins:

This is done by practicing jihādun-nafs: striving to purify the soul, to increase its faith and to incline it towards good while keeping it away from evil and unlawful desires and temptations. Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:

َالَّذِينَ جَاهَدُوا فِينَا لَنَهْدِيَنَّهُمْ سُبُلَنَاۚ وَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ لَمَعَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ 

“And those who strive for Us - We will surely guide them to Our ways. And indeed, Allah is with the doers of good."  [Al-`Ankabūt 29: 6]

Jihād an-nafs is the most intense type of struggle, the hardest and longest-lasting one in all times and conditions. It is one that makes a person fully awake, aware and knowledgeable of the weak points of his enemy [i.e., the devil and his strategies]. Without this striving, one will remain simply a Muslim in name – a shell that does not reflect the reality of Islam. Jihadun-nafs should produce both internal and external changes which continue until one achieves success.

Ibn `Aṭā as-Sikandary (رحمـه الله) said: 

“From the indications of achieving success in the end is turning to Allah in the beginning.”

Several traditions state that deeds are judged according to how they are sealed. One cannot judge someone by outer appearance and determine that he is destined for Paradise or for Hell, because this knowledge belongs to Allah سبحانه وتعالى alone. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “You must not be impressed by anyone until you observe that by which his life is sealed…” 

What appears to be righteousness and piety might possibly be a great amount of deeds invalidated [in the sight of Allah] by a person’s seeking worldly recognition and praise instead of Allah’s acceptance. 

It has been remarkably explained by our scholars that the three men who invoked Allah’s help when they were trapped by a rock that fell and closed the entrance of the cave, didn’t intercede with Allah سبحانه وتعالى through their good deeds. Rather, they asked Him to relieve them from their state of distress if He knew that their deeds were done sincerely for Him and had accepted them.

Therefore, one has to frequently review his motivation and be on guard against the continual attempts of shayṭān to enter his heart, corrupt his intention, and consequently destroy his good deeds. This is important in the case of every believer, but it becomes more important in the case of a student of knowledge or a worker for Islam. For he/she is expected to be a bearer of truth, representing the ideal Muslim. He is seen by others to represent the principles and moral standards of Islam in his personal conduct.

So it is essential that every student of Islam and every dā`iyah purifies his deeds from all forms of riyā’ [showing off] and make certain that they are done sincerely for Allah alone, so that Allah سبحانه وتعالى accepts them. The criterion of sincerity in a person towards his religion and fellow Muslims is in his devotion to Allah سبحانه وتعالى ; for one who is not sincere to his Creator can never be sincere with people.

Islam is a religion that encourages humbleness and selflessness; it disapproves seeking praise.  However, if one seeks the praise of others through the performance of an act of worship, his deed will not only be unacceptable, but he will be in danger of punishment in the Hereafter. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned the first three types of people to be sent to Hellfire: A man who died as a martyr, but had fought to be called brave. And a man who learnt the Qur’ān [taught it and recited it] to be called a scholar. And a man who was given from every kind of wealth, but spent it to be known as generous. For all these people, Allah will order that they be dragged on their faces to be cast into Hell. [Narrated by Muslim (Book # 020, Hadith # 4688)]

Showing off (الرياء) is to perform acts that are pleasing to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, with the intention of pleasing other than Him, either to be praised by them or to avoid their criticism. The primary cause of riyā’ is a weakness in faith. When a person does not have strong faith in Allah سبحانه وتعالى, he will prefer the admiration of people over the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. There are symptoms that are indicative of riyā’, and it is essential that a believer recognizes them and avoids them all, for there is the risk of becoming proud, an attributes that befits Allah سبحانه وتعالى, alone.

Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) quoted Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) saying:"Allah سبحانه وتعالى said: “Pride is My cloak, and grandeur is My robe, so whoever competes with Me, with respect to either of them, I shall cast him into Hell"  [Narrated by Sahih Muslim, vol. 4 #6349, Sunan Abu Dawud, vol. 3 #4079)]

Abū Sa`eed (رضي الله عنه) reported, “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) came to us while we were discussing the Dajjāl and said: "Shall I inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the danger of ad-Dajjāl? It is the hidden Shirk. A person stands to pray, and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him."  [Sunan Ibn Majah vol. 2, #3389]

Abū Mūsā al-Ash`ari (رضي الله عنه) reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) delivered a talk one day and said: "O People! Fear this Shirk (meaning riyā’), for it is more hidden than the crawling of an ant."  [Sunan Ibn Majah vol. 2, #3389]

Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) reported that Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) warned about three destructive things: “Desires that are followed, stinginess that is obeyed, and a person's self-admiration and conceit; and this is the worst of the three"

The difference between الرياء and السمعة: 

Al-`Izz bin `Abdus-Salām (رحمـه الله) said: 

“Riyā’ is to work for other than Allah, while sum`ah is to work for Allah,
and then talk to people about it.”

Ways to avoid riyā’:

1) By making du`ā to Allah. The prophet (peace be upon him) taught this specific du`ā:

اللهم إنا نعوذ بك أن نشرك بك شيئًا نعلمه ونستغفرك لما لا نعلمه

“O Allah, we seek refuge in you from committing shirk knowingly and ask your forgiveness for what we may commit unknowingly"

2) By remembering Paradise and Hell and reflecting on the consequences of one’s deeds.

3) By concealing one's good deeds. Abū Hurayrah (رضي الله عنه) narrated the hadith of the seven types of people who will be in the shade of Allah’s throne on the Day of Judgment. Among them is:

“A man gave ṣadaqah and concealed it so [much] that his left hand did not know what his right hand has given, and a man who remembered Allah سبحانه وتعالى while alone and wept [fearing Him]. 

[Sahih Bukhari and Muslim]

Concealing a good deed is preferred unless there is a valid reason for showing it, such as encouraging ṣadaqah, teaching or demonstrating certain act, and so on. 

4) By being in the company of the pious people.

5) By learning about riyā’ and its indications, and to avoid it before it becomes a habit.

How to attain ikhlās (sincerity): 

1) Avoid shirk and do righteous deeds - the more good deeds we do the closer we get to Allah سبحانه وتعالى and the more sincere we become.

2) Do not give false impressions, making others believe that something you did was good when it wasn’t. 

3) Make efforts to seek more beneficial knowledge, and make sure your deeds are in accordance with the sharī`ah.

4) Do istighfār. The Prophet (peace be upon him), after 23 years of da`wah and nubuwwah, was instructed by Allah سبحانه وتعالى to seek forgiveness (istighfār).

5) Upon completing any good deed ask Allah سبحانه وتعالى to accept it and forgive any shortcoming. Imām Ahmad (رحمـه الله) used to say: 

“Before you do anything, check your intention, and then ask yourself: "Was it done for Allah?"

The Benefits Of Reading The Qur'an

Here is an email I received a while ago which I really wanted to share with everyone...

There are two main things you have to do. The first is to move your heart from dwelling on the things of this world and move it to dwell on the Hereafter, then focus all your heart on the Qur’an and ponder its meanings and why it was revealed. Try to understand something from every ayah and apply it to the disease of your heart. These ayaat were revealed (to treat) the disease of the heart, so you will be healed, by the permission of Allah.

—Ibn al-Qayyim [d. 751H/1350CE] on curing one’s heart

Will you become a better person?

The importance of knowledge is one of the main messages of the Qur’an. The word 'ilm' (knowledge) is mentioned more than 700 times in 87 different forms. In this piece you will find ten things you miss out on when you don’t understand the Qur’an. And yes, that also means you will gain ten beautiful gifts if you do understand the Qur’an! We all know why the Qur’an is sent down to us, right? To ponder and to take lessons from it. Pondering means to stop and think over or reflect upon something. But for many of us the Qur’an is the only book we do not actively THINK about. Do we think how every ayah can CHANGE us as a person? How every ayah can teach us a daily life lesson? Not really. Occasionally we come across ayat which shake us and move us to action, but it never seems to last for long. We come closer and move away from the Qur’an all the time.

Here are ten things you miss out on when you don’t understand the Book of Allah (SWT):

1. The Purpose of Revelation

If you don’t understand the Qur’an and keep on reading it, the very purpose of revelation is lost. Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an:

“A Book (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down to you, full of blessings that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of understanding may remember .” 

[Surah Saad 38:29]

How can you extract lessons from a book you do not understand? You can’t always carry a translation, especially while listening to the Qur’an in Salah, the most meaningful moments of your day. A world will open up for you if you know what you recite.

2. The Garden of the Mind

The mind is like a garden. If you don’t sow flowers, weeds will grow and even if you do sow flowers, weeds will still grow. You will need to remove these weeds continuously.

Flowers are the Guidance and the weeds are satanic thoughts. Allah (SWT) sows flower seeds into our brain every time we listen to Qur’an, especially in our prayer. If we don’t water them (ponder), they will be wasted and weeds may grow.

3. The Objectives of Recitation

There are 5 objectives of reading the Qur’an:

1. To receive rewards from Allah (SWT).

2. To gain knowledge.

3. To take action based on what Allah (SWT) is asking us to do.

4. To cure our heart and mind.

5. To talk to Allah (SWT).

How can you achieve all of these, especially the last four, if you don’t understand the Qur’an?

4. The Cleaning of the Heart

People know that Fajr is compulsory but very few come to the Masjid. Why? Not because they don’t know, but because their hearts are rusted. We have a major misconception that the Qur’an is a book of commandments only. The ayaat that deal with commandments constitute less than 10% of the total ayaat. The rest, 90% , is for the heart and mind. The heart keeps rusting and deviating because of sins. We need de-rusting and re-alignment.

Adam (AS) was asked not to go near the tree. Allah (SWT) says :

“But he forgot; and We did not find in him any determination.”

We humans have these weaknesses. We have several fitaan (trials) surrounding us. We need continuous reminders and warnings which come to us only through daily recitation and listening to the Qur’an. Allah (SWT) says about the Qur’an: 

“A healing for the (diseases) in your hearts”  [10:57]

Can there be a better cure than what Allah (SWT) has prescribed for you?

5. The Strengthening of the Heart

The Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in pieces. 

“And those who disbelieve say: Why has not the Qur’an been revealed to him all at once? Thus, that We may strengthen your heart by it and We have arranged it well in arranging.”  

[25:32]

The heart should be firm in belief to His promises and warnings. Continuous pondering of the Qur’an everyday during and after salah helps you strengthen your heart.

6. Daily ‘Talk’ (Munajaat) with Allah (SWT)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to interact with the recitation. 

“And when he recited the Verses which referred to the Glory of Allah, he glorified Him, the Great,

and when he recited the Verses that mention supplication, he supplicated,

and when he recited the Verses that mention seeking Refuge of the Rabb, he sought (His) Refuge.” .

Can you live without talking at least five minutes every day to your near and dear ones? Allah (SWT) is most beloved to us. He loves us more than seventy times than our mothers.Still we live without bothering as to what Allah (SWT) said to us today during salah.

7. Live Guidance

Whatever you read or listen to the Qur’an, remember that it is a live guidance from Allah (SWT) to each individual when he or she listens to Qur’an. Not appreciating the value of live guidance from Allah, our own Creator, is a HUGE loss. If you are wise you can never neglect this.

8. Relationship with Allah (SWT)

There are different dimensions to the relationship with Allah (SWT) – His Love, Sincerity, Trust in Him, Remembering Him directly and whenever we see His signs in creation, Pondering His creation and in His names, not complaining of Qadaa’, etc. This relationship is strengthened over time. It requires slow and steady cooking with regular heat coming from the Qur’an.

9. Qu’ranic Character

According to Aisha (RA): 

“His (the Prophet, peace be upon him) morals were the Qur’an.” 

The Qur’an is theory and the Prophet’s life was a practical demonstration of that theory (the Qur’an). We need to study the Seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and keep relating the ayaat of the Qur’an that we study to his life. This is a project in itself and requires one to ponder the verses every day along with the Seerah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

10. Qur’anic Vision

As a patient starts describing his problems, the doctor’s mind starts working on diagnosis and comes up with the relevant medicines. Similarly, we come across many situations and dilemmas in our life. We should be able to see solutions in the Qur’an corresponding to these situations. Only through continuous pondering and relating it to your daily life, you can attain this vision.

How do you ponder?

So, we know we should ponder upon its ayat. But do you know how to actually do that? HOW do you ponder? Here are five tips for maximizing your benefits from every ayah:

Firstly; when you read an ayah say to yourself ‘this is Allah ‘azza wajal’, don’t say you hear an

imam reciting, these are Allah’s words, direct from Him. Then think these words are directly addressing YOU. At the moment you read an ayah Allah (SWT) is watching you and how you REACT to His words! Form a direct relationship between you and the ayaat.

Secondly; whatever you read or hear, take the advice as that advice is for ME. Don’t take the ayaat as, these are for hypocrites, disbelievers, idolaters etc. You should look what is in there for YOU.

Thirdly; everything is part of al-Qadr, even the exact amount of oxygen we breathe every second of the day. So, every ayah you read is part of your destiny. Ask yourself ‘Why is Allah (SWT) is making ME read THIS today?’

Fourthly; while reading an ayah, focus your eyes, ears, your brain and your heart, don’t think of anything else. Use your imagination; visualize!

And finally fifthly; thank Allah (SWT) sincerely by ACTION.

To conclude, each ayah of the Qur’an demands something from us. To fulfil it, start with dua’!

The Importance of 'Ashoora'

Ashoora, or the 10th of Muharram, is this coming Saturday in some parts of the world and Sunday in others. It is the Sunnah of our Prophet to fast on this day.

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) observed Fasting on the day of Ashoora and commanded us to fast on this day.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (peace be upon him) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed fast in token of their joy. On this, he (peace be upon him) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe fast than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed fast on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe fast on the 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. 

According to another Hadith, he (peace be upon him) ordained the Muslims to observe fast on `Ashoora' and in addition one more fast on 9th or 11th of Muharram in opposition to the Jews.
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol.4, P-21, edited by Ahmad Shakir; and Mujamma` Az-Zawaid, Vol.3, P-188).

Thus the observance of two fasts on this occasion is a Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him). These two fasts can be observed either on 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and instead observe the baseless practices of mourning assemblies, which is a grave sin practised by Shi`ah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to be very keen to make sure he fasted on the day of ‘Ashoora’ because of its great status. Fasting on this day expiates minor sins from the past year.

It was narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:
I never saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) so keen to make sure he fasted any day and preferring it over another except this day, the day of ‘Ashoora’, and this month – meaning Ramadaan.'
Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1867. 

This is by the bounty that Allah bestows upon us, whereby fasting on one day expiates for the sins of a whole year. And Allah is the Owner of great bounty. 

Happy New Islamic Year 1434

November 15th marked the first day of the new Islamic year, 1434. Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Islamic Year.

The Islamic calendar (or Hijri calendar) is a purely lunar calendar. It contains 12 months that are based on the motion of the moon. and because 12 synodic months is only 354.36 days, the Islamic calendar is consistently shorter than a tropical year, and therefore it shifts with respect to the Gregorian calendar.

Each month starts when the lunar crescent is first seen (by a human observer’s eye) after a new moon.

Although new moons may be calculated quite precisely, the actual visibility of the crescent is much more difficult to predict. It depends on factors such as weather, the optical properties of the atmosphere, and the location of the observer. It is therefore very difficult to give accurate information in advance about when a new month will start. 

Years are counted since the Hijra, that is, Prophet Mohammed’s emigration to Medina in AD 622. Although almost 1390 (2012-622) years have passed in the Gregorian calendar, 1434 years have passed in the Islamic calendar, because its year is consistently shorter (by about 11 days) than the tropical year used by the Gregorian calendar.

Being a Muslim, what are your resolutions for the new year. Start with simple things that get counted as your good deeds. Don't be too hard on yourself. Set realistic goals and stick to them. Here are some ideas:

~ Pray five times a day, on time.

~ Recite a few verses from the Qur'an everyday, and learn its meanings.

~ Fast on Mondays and Thursdays.

~ Not get irritated by my parents when they tell me not to do this or that, and try to be as obedient as possible.

~ Give a small sum of money to the poor people, say once or twice a month.

~ Don't fight with your siblings.

~ Make up with someone you had a silly fight with.

Small things like these may make a big difference in your life. Let's begin a better life with this new year, let's prove that we are not Muslims with names, but with deeds like Sahaba (RA), let's strive for Akhirah!!!

The Days Of Tashreeq

What are the days of Tashreeq? What is special about them and distinguishes them from other days?

The days of Tashreeq are the 11th, 12th and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah. There are several verses and ahadith which speak of their virtue: 

Allah (SWT) says: 

وَاذْكُرُواْ اللَّهَ فِى أَيَّامٍ مَّعْدُودَتٍ

“And remember Allah during the appointed Days”

[Al-Baqarah 2:203] 

These are the days of Tashreeq. This was the view of Ibn ‘Umar (RA) and most of the scholars. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said concerning the days of Tashreeq:

“They are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah.”

Dhikr (remembering Allah) is enjoined during the days of tashreeq in several ways: 

~ Remembering Allah immediately after the prescribed prayers by reciting Takbeer. This is prescribed until the end of the days of Tashreeq according to the majority of scholars.

~ Remembering Him by saying 'Bismillaah' and 'Allahu Akbar' when slaughtering the sacrificial animal. The time for slaughtering the hadiy and udhiyah lasts until the end of days of Tashreeq.

~ Remembering Allah when eating and drinking. It is prescribed when eating and drinking to say Bismillaah at the beginning, and to praise Him (say AlhamduLillah) at the end. 

According to the hadith narrated from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him): 

“Allah likes His slave when he eats something to praise Him for it, and when he drinks something to praise Him for it.”

Narrated by Muslim, 2734.

~ Remembering Him by saying Takbeer when stoning the Jamaraat on the days of Tashreeq. This applies only to the pilgrims on Hajj.

 

~ Remembering Allah in general. It is 'mustahabb' to make a lot of dhikr during the days of Tashreeq. ‘Umar (RA) used to recite Takbeer in Mina in his tent, and when the people heard him they recited Takbeer too and Mina echoed with the sound of their Takbeer. 

Allah says:

فَإِذَا قَضَيْتُم مَّنَـسِكَكُمْ فَاذْكُرُواْ اللَّهَ كَذِكْرِكُمْ ءَابَآءَكُمْ أَوْ أَشَدَّ ذِكْرًا فَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى الدُّنْيَا وَمَا لَهُ فِى الاٌّخِرَةِ مِنْ خَلَـقٍ - وِمِنْهُم مَّن يَقُولُ رَبَّنَآ ءَاتِنَا فِى الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الاٌّخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ

“So when you have accomplished your Manaasik [rituals of Hajj], remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!” and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.

And of them there are some who say: “Our Lord! Give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Fire!””

[Al-Baqarah 2:200-201] 

Many of the salaf regarded it as 'mustahabb' to make a lot of du’aa’ during the days of tashreeq. 

The words of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), “These are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah” indicate that eating and drinking during the days of Eid are means that help one to remember Allaah and obey Him; perfect gratitude for the blessing means using it to help one obey and worship Allaah, 

In His Book Allah commands us to eat of good things and thank Him for them. So whoever uses Allah’s blessings to commit sin is showing ingratitude for the blessing of Allah, so he deserves to have it taken away from him. 

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) forbade fasting on these days: 

“Do not fast on these days, for they are the days of eating, drinking and remembering Allaah.” 

Narrated by Ahmad, 10286; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in al-Silsilah al-Saheehah, 3573.

O Allaah, help us to do righteous deeds and make us steadfast until death; have mercy on us, O Most Generous Giver. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the World!

The Glorious Days Of Dhul Hijjah

Alhamdulillah, the blessed days are here one more time!

The glorious days of Dhul Hijjah are here. Rewards for good deeds are multiplied many times, and sins are forgiven much more. 

The days in which Allah gives us yet another chance to worship Him, to ask for forgiveness and correct our faults and make up for our shortcomings.The Prophet testified to that. He said:

"There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days." The people asked, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing."

[Bukhari]

Fasting on the Day of ‘Arafah:

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Dhul-Hijjah, because fasting is one of the best of deeds. 

In a hadith qudsi, Allah says: 

“All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.” [Bukhari, 1805]

The ten days of Dhul-Hijjah include Yawm al-`Arafah (the Day of `Arafah), on which Allah perfected His Religion. 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fasting the day of `Arafah expiates the sins of two years: the past one and the coming one. And fasting the day of Ashura expiates the sins of the past year.”

[Muslim]

Subhaan Allah wal-Hamdulillaah! 

Make the best of these days and ask Allah to bless our families with peace and happiness, InShaAllah!