The Prayer of Mohammad (PBUH): A Brief Introduction

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3laikum!

Without further ado, I will begin this series with the importance of Salah.

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Salah is one of the central elements of being a (practicing) Muslim and an integral part of Islam. It is the Second pillar out of the Five pillars of Islam, after the Shahadah (Testimony of Faith), along with Saum (Fasting in  Ramadan), Zakah (Giving charity) and Hajj (Annual pilgrimage to Mecca). These five are the core of Islamic worship and what defines us as Muslims.

Observing Salah is a daily ritual and forms the framework of every Muslim’s day from the Fajr (Pre-dawn) prayer till the ‘Isha prayer.

The Importance of Salah in Islam.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called prayer “the pillar of religion.” No fundamental element of Islam has been stressed as much as prayer in the Holy Qur’an. Allah mentions Salah in over 700 verses of the Qur’an and it is also mentioned in countless hadiths mentioned by Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). A few are mentioned below

And when you have completed the prayer, remember Allah standing, sitting, or [lying] on your sides. But when you become secure, re-establish [regular] prayer. Indeed, prayer has been decreed upon the believers a decree of specified times. (Surah An-Nisa 4:103) (1i)

And enjoin prayer upon your family [and people] and be steadfast therein. We ask you not for provision; We provide for you, and the [best] outcome is for [those of] righteousness. (Surah Taha 20:132) (1 ii)

Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do. (Surah Al Ankaboot 29:45) (1 iii)

Salah is an obligation upon every adult and sane Muslim, which is performed five times a day. According to Islamic Laws and Jurispudence, there are a some obligations and conditions that are required to be fulfilled by us before we stand to pray.

In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says:

I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. (Surah Adh-Dhariyat 51:56) (2 i)

In Surah Al Baqarah, Allah says:

Maintain with care the [obligatory] prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah , devoutly obedient. (Surah Al Baqarah 2:238) (2 ii)

Establishing prayers in the form of the daily five or the du’a (supplications), then, is a willful, directed action by the believer, seeking direct, unmediated communication with Allah. Prayers are a responsibility carried out by every Muslim and hence, it depicts the manifestation of Islamic freewill, that even if you are submitting yourself to Allah, the decision to pray lies with every individual. In this way, prayer is a uniquely “human” form of worship.

The Holy Qur’an says:

The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [ Allah ] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving. (Surah Al Isra 17:44) (3)

History of Salaah

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was given the glad tidings of Prophethood when he was forty years old. The very first order he was given by Allah was to pray. There are a number of hadiths which are quite lengthy so the excerpt below is the concise version of the events that occured which is called Isra wal Miraj, or the Night of Ascension. (The hadiths are referenced below, if you’d like to read it yourself)

“It is related that the archangel Jibrīl came to him, and a spring of water gushed out from the rocks in front of them. Jibrīl then showed the Prophet how to perform the ablution that is a prerequisite of the ritual prayer in Islam. Jibrīl then showed the Prophet how to offer the ritual prayer to Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) then went home and showed his wife Khadījā ¯ what the archangel Jibrīl had taught him.

After that, the Messenger of Allah began to pray two cycles (rakahs) of ritual prayer twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening. From that time forward, the Prophet never went through a day without praying. In the ninth year of the Prophet’s mission, he was taken by the archangel Jibrīl on a miraculous journey by night to Jerusalem and, from there, ascended to the heavens on the Buraq and the Divine Presence.

During this tremendous journey, Allah commanded the Prophet and his followers to observe the ritual-prayer fifty times a day. Returning from the Divine Presence, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met Prophet Moses who said, “Seek a reduction for your people can not carry it.” The Prophet did so and it was granted. After many such dialogues the command was reduced to observe five prayers, which would be the equivalent of the original command to observe fifty.  For this reason, Muslims feel a great debt to the Prophet Moses for this intercession on their behalf.” (Ritual Prayer, Islamic Supreme Council; 4i, 4ii, 4iii)

PS: For a more in-depth reading of the events that occured during that night, I’d suggest you read the following links.

http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/fasting/ascen3.htm

http://www.islamawareness.net/Isra/hadith.html

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Next week: The Conditions of Salah, and an intro to Taharah.

Jazakallah Khair

References:

1. i)   http://quran.com/4/103
   ii)  http://quran.com/20/132
   iii) http://quran.com/29/45
2. i)  http://quran.com/51/56
   ii) http://quran.com/2/238
3. http://quran.com/17/44
4. i) http://sunnah.com/bukhari/59/18
   ii) http://sunnah.com/muslim/1/318
   iii) http://sunnah.com/bukhari/63/113

New Series! : The Prayer of Mohammad (PBUH)

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3laikum!

Yes I know, I haven’t updated in a month and I feel terrible about it. But it is the beginning of the new Islamic Year and I would like to start anew with my blog, with weekly updates InshaAllah! Since I started this blog with a ‘series’ dedicated to a certain topic, I want to restart this blog with a series dedicated to Salah, it’s various attributes and try to show the way our Prophet (PBUH) prayed.

This will be an extremely detailed series starting from a post about the prayers, the importance of praying 5 times a day, the history behind praying 5 times a day, the intention, wudoo, the actual prayer, and the Sunnah associated with every act of Salah.

I would ask all of you to make du’a for me that InshaAllah, may Allah give me the strength to go on and work on this topic and help me be sincere with my efforts.

Jazakallah Khair

The Ten Days of Dhul Hijjah

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3laikum!

I just got back from my holiday and even though I’d said that I would start updating the blog but I did not have any of my reading material with me and due to a considerable lack of time I really couldn’t update my blog. But I am back now, alhamdulillah! And I wish to start the blog again, starting with the topic that is currently making rounds on the internet which is the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah that I’ll be discussing in detail below.

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The Significance of Dhul Hijjah

In Islam, there are days or months that are considered more special than others. For example, the entire month of Ramadan is dedicated to fasting, the significance of fasting 6 days in Shawwal etc.

Among these special days of worship, there are the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah that may start tomorrow or day after tomorrow that Allah has preferred for us. We understand it’s importance from the following hadith:

Ibn ‘Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There are no days during which the righteous action is so pleasing to Allah than these days (i.e., the first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” He was asked: “O Messenger of Allah, not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah?” He (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad in the Cause of Allah, except in case one goes forth with his life and his property and does not return with either of it.” (Sahih Bukhari 2/457; Riyaadh As Saliheen) (1)Hence, from this hadith we know that the good deeds performed during these ten days are most rewarded, more than any other time of the year.

In the Qur’an, Allah swears by the following Ayahs. Taking an oath is indicative of it’s importance. Allah says:

By the dawn. And by the ten nights. (Surah Al Fajr 89:1-2) (2)

Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: “This is the correct opinion.” (Tafseer Ibn Katheer, 8/413)

So what we gather from the references above are:

• Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) gave his testimony over the importance of these 10 days that are becoming on us. And that these days are one of the best days that come in any Muslim’s life.
• This season is for people to do righteous deeds because it is among these days that the Hajj is performed.
• We need to do continuous Dhikr and a lot of Tasbeeh, Tahmeed and Takbeer which are (but NOT limited to):
  

  Subhan-Allah
  Alhamdulillah
  Allaahu akbar
  La ilaaha illallahThe dhikr are not limited to these four. There are innumerous ways and duaas to glorify Allah and we must remember to recite these as much as possible.

• These days include the Day of Arafah (mentioned below)

The Importance of the Day of Arafah

The day of Arafah is the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah, the day before Eid (which is the 10th of Dhul Hijjah). There are numerous blessings associated with this day.

• Fasting that day expiates the sins of two years, the previous one and the coming year.
  

  Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

  The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of ‘Arafah. He said, “It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.” [Muslim; Riyadh As Saliheen]. (3)

• It is a day in which Allāh completed the revelation of the religion, perfected this bounty bestowed upon us and was satisfied with Islam as our religion:

Prohibited to you are dead animals, blood, the flesh of swine, and that which has been dedicated to other than Allah , and [those animals] killed by strangling or by a violent blow or by a head-long fall or by the goring of horns, and those from which a wild animal has eaten, except what you [are able to] slaughter [before its death], and those which are sacrificed on stone altars, and [prohibited is] that you seek decision through divining arrows. That is grave disobedience. This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so fear them not, but fear Me. This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion. But whoever is forced by severe hunger with no inclination to sin – then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (Surah Ma’ida 5:3) (4)

• Allāh promises the pilgrims to bestow his mercy on them on the day of Arafah and forgives their sins so that when they return home they return free of sins just like the day when their mothers gave birth to them
  

  Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
  The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,

  “Whoever performs Hajj (pilgrimage) and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), nor commits sin, nor disputes unjustly (during Hajj), then he returns from Hajj as pure and free from sins as on the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. (5)
  

• It is a day when many people will be emancipated from the fire of Hell
  

  ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported:

  The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There is no day on which Allah sets free more slaves from Hell than He does on the Day of ‘Arafah.”[Muslim]. (6)

Things to do during the 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

1. Pray Salah on time
2. Make a lot of Dhikr and dua.
3. Pray nawafils and sunnahs
4. Give charity to those in need
5. Stay in a state of purity/wudoo
6. Fast on the Day of Arafah
7. Wake up for Qiyaam ul Layl
8. Lengthen prayers
9. Make udh-hiyah/qurbaani
10. The Sunnah for that individual who does the sacrifice when the month of Dhul Hijjah begins that he doesn’t clip his nails or cut any of the hair on his body until he slaughters. As for the rest of his family, they are not included in this restriction and they can do that. (7)

And you can add a lot more than the things mentioned above!

The next post will cover the significance of this Eid, and more details on Dhul Hijjah

Jazakallah Khair!

References

1. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/259
2. http://quran.com/89/1-2
3. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/9/260
4. http://quran.com/5/3
5. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/11/4
6. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/11/7
7. https://www.facebook.com/assim.alhakeem/posts/10151913237656678

The Six Fasts of Shawwal

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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 Assalamu3laikum!

Hope all you guys had a very blessed Eid! Well, all I can say that I can truly feel Shaytaan’s back in action as it’s getting so hard to find time for things I never gave a 2nd thought in Ramadan! May Allah keep us steadfast and give us the willpower to stay firm on our deen 🙂

InshaAllah, I’ll be traveling on the 17th so the blog will be on a hiatus for a week or so. I will be starting a new series dedicated to ‘The Prophet’s Prayer’ which I will do in detail so that we can improve our Salah performing ‘skills’. May Allah grant me the ability to do so. Ameen.

The virtue of fasting six days of Shawwaal

• Fasting six days of Shawwaal after the obligatory fast of Ramadaan is Sunnah Mustahabbah, not obligatory. 

• It is recommended for the Muslim to fast six days of Shawwaal, and in this there is great virtue and an immense reward. Whoever fasts these six days will have recorded for him a reward as if he had fasted a whole year, as was reported in a saheeh hadeeth from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him).

   

  Abu Ayyoob (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.” (Narrated by Muslim, Abu Dawood, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah). (1)
  

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) explained this when he said: “Whoever fasts for six days after (Eid) al-Fitr has completed the year: (whoever does a good deed (hasanah) will have ten hasanah like it).”

According to another report: “Allaah has made for each hasanah ten like it, so a month is like fasting ten months, and fasting six days completes the year.” (al-Nisaa’i and Ibn Maajah) (2)

It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah with the wording: “Fasting for the month of Ramadaan brings the reward of ten like it, and fasting for six days brings the reward of two months, and that is the fasting of the whole year.”

The Hanbali and Shaafa’i fuqaha’ explained that fasting six days of Shawwaal after fasting Ramadaan makes it as if one has fasted for an entire year of obligatory fasts, because the multiplication of the reward applies even to naafil fasts, because each hasanah brings the reward of ten like it.

Another of the important benefits of fasting six days of Shawwaal is that is makes up for any shortfall in a person’s obligatory Ramadaan fasts, because no one is free of shortcomings or sins that have a negative effect on his fasting.

On the Day of Resurrection, some of his naafil deeds will be taken to make up the shortcomings in his obligatory deeds, as the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The first thing for which people will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be their salaah (prayer). Our Lord, may He be glorified and exalted, will say to His angels – although He knows best – ‘Look at the salaah of My slave, whether it is complete or incomplete.’ If it is perfect, it will be recorded as perfect, and if something is lacking, He will say, ‘Look and see whether My slave did any voluntary (naafil) prayers.’ If he did some voluntary prayers, [Allaah] will say, Complete the obligatory actions of My slave from his voluntary actions.’ Then all his actions will be dealt with in a similar manner.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood).  Hadith Qudsi (3)

Miscellaneous issues concerning the six fasts of Shawwaal

A lot of women ask if they have to make up for their missed fasts, and then fast in Shawwal. (This is also applicable to men who have missed their fasts). You must remember that I’m not a scholar, but there are two very clear opinions on this.

1. Better to complete missed fasts and then Shawwal fasts.
   Let me post the hadith below:

“Whoever fasts Ramadaan and follows it with six days of Shawwaal, it will be as if he fasted for a lifetime.”

The hadith clearly mentions ‘whoever fasts Ramadaan AND follows it with 6 days of Shawwaal’. Hence the condition of completing missed fasts becomes necessary in order to gain the reward.

• Can fast in Shawwaal and make up for missed fasts before the onset of next Ramadan.
  This condition is less favourable in the eyes of the scholars as it does not follow the above hadith by word. The only two hadiths that does support this condition is of Aa’ishah (RA) where it is narrated as follows:

 

• Aishah narrated: 

  “I would not make up what was due upon me from Ramadan except in Sha’ban, until the Messenger of Allah died.” (Graded as Hasan; Jami’ Al Tirmidhi) (5i)
• It was narrated that ‘Aishah said:

  “I would own fasts from Ramadan and I would not make them up until Shaban came.” (Graded as Sahih; Sunan An’Nasai) (5ii)

Also we must remember that the precise rewards for the deeds which we do for the sake of Allaah is something which is known only to Allaah. If a person seeks the reward from Allaah and strives to obey Him, his reward will not be lost, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did well in deeds. (Surah Kahf 18:30) (4)

Fasting consecutively for 6 days.

• There is no basis from the main hadith that we need to fast all 6 days in succession. The only condition mentioned is completion of the missed fasts of Ramadan and as long as the fasts are completed within Shawwal. Though scholars have mentioned that since it is generally disliked to fast on (only) Fridays, one must try to fast on other days too.

For other issues regarding fasting in Shawwal, I’d request you to headover to ‘www.islamqa.com‘ for detailed insights, answers to questions pertaining this month.

And Allah knows best!

Jazakallah Khair.

References:

1. http://www.sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/78
2. Saheeh al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb, 1/421
3. http://www.sunnah.com/qudsi40/9
4. http://quran.com/18/30
5. i) http://www.sunnah.com/tirmidhi/8/102
   ii) http://www.sunnah.com/nasai/22/230

What is Sadaqat-ul-Fitr?

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Clarifying the Rulings of Sadaqat’ul Fitr

By the Noble Shaykh Saleh ibn Fawzan al-Fawzan
Translated by AbuAbdulMalik

The Obligation of Giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr

Sadaqat’ul Fitr is a means of purification for those who fasted from vain speech and sins.

The Messenger of Allah (sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has made it compulsory upon the young and old, the male and female, the liberated slave and the servant. Sadaqat’ul Fitr is a purification for the body, food given to the poor, and comfort to the needy. The Muslim man is required to give Sadaqat’ul Fitr on behalf of himself, as well as those who are under his care such as his wife, children, family, etc. It is upon him to give Sadaqat’ul Fitr for each one of them, and it is even recommended that an individual fulfills it for his unborn child.

The Place of Giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr

• The place which one gives his Sadaqat’ul Fitr is the city in which he resides, and where he completed the whole Month.
• In addition, if the people on behalf of whom he fulfils the Sadaqat’ul Fitr is from a different city (from which he resides) then it becomes permissible for him to give it on behalf of them, along with his own Sadaqat’ul Fitr in the city where he lives.
• It is also permissible for him to give it on behalf of him and them in their city (where they reside).

The Time of Giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr

• The time for giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr begins from the setting of the sun on the night of Eid (i.e., when the new moon is sighted on the night before), and it continues until the Eid Salaah (on the next day), and it is permissible to distribute it one or two days before Eid.
• The evidence for this is the hadeeth collected in Sahah al-Bukharee on the authority of Ibn Umar (radhi-yAllâhu ‘anhu) that the Companions used to give Sadaqat’ul Fitr one or two days before the Feast (meaning the Eid Prayer).
• The delaying of giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr until before the Salaah on the morning of Eid is better, and if one does not fulfill this obligation before the Eid Salaah without a valid excuse, then he has sinned. It then becomes an obligation upon him to fulfill giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr throughout the rest of the day.
• And if he does not fulfill the obligation of Sadaqat’ul Fitr on the day of Eid, then he must make up for it after the day of Eid. This is based on the hadeeth collected by Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah on the authority of ibn Abbaas that the Messenger of Allah (sal-Allâhu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:

“If anyone pays it (Sadaqat’ul Fitr) before the feast prayer, it will be accepted as zakaah, and if anyone pays it after the prayer, it will be considered a charity like other charities.”

Therefore this clearly means that Sadaqat’ul Fitr must be given in its correct time in order to receive its reward. 

The times for giving Sadaqat’ul Fitr can be separated into four:

1. Permissible: this means one or two days before Eid;
2. The best time: this is between the setting of the sun on the night of Eid until before the Salaah;
3. A time that will suffice, but with a sin: this is the time after the Salaah until the end of the day;
4. The expiation time: this time is after the day of Eid.

The one who has the right to Sadaqat’ul Fitr

• The one that has a right to Sadaqat’ul Fitr is the one who has a right to Zakaatul Mal (i.e. the wealth from the compulsory Zakaat), from the poor and needy and similar to them.
• Therefore it must be given at its due time to the due recipients entitled to receive Zakaah, or to his Wakeel (i.e. his representative).
• It is not acceptable to give it to a person who is not a Wakeel (representative) of the one who has the right upon it.

The types of foods that should be given as Sadaqat’ul Fitr

• As for the type of foods that should be given and the permissibility for people using the staple food of their country, then there is a hadeeth related in the two Saheehs and other books of hadeeth stating that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) enjoined Sadaqat’ul Fitr to be paid with one Sa’a of dates, or oneSa’a of barley on every Muslim, free or slave, male or female, young or old.
• The five staple foods in the time of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) were: wheat, barley, dates, raisins, and cheese. Ibn Qayyim al Jawziyah (raheemullah) states these (the five food types) used to be the staple food in Madeenah, thus people living in a village or city were staple food differs from the above are to pay one Sa’a (approximately 3 kilograms) of their own staple food (as Sadaqat’ul Fitr).
• Thus, if their staple food is other than grain, such as milk, meat or fish, they are to give Sadaqat’ul Fitr thereof, whatever it may be. This is the opinion of the majority of the scholars, which is regarded as the correct one in this regard, and there are no other contrary opinions to be followed. This is because Sadaqat’ul Fitr is legally legislated to support the needy on the day of the Feast with the same staple food of the people in the same place where they live.
• Therefore, it is sufficient for the Muslim to give the needy flour as Sadaqat’ul Fitr, though it is not one of the five food types of the food mentioned in the hadeeth of the Prophet (PBUH) in this regard. Though bread and cooked food can be useful for the needed, and cost little to prepare for eating, grains are likely to be more useful to them since it can last for a longer time.

The Permissibility of Giving Money as Sadaqat’ul Fitr

• It is not sufficient for a Muslim to give money which is equivalent to the value of the legally prescribed amount of staple food as Sadaqat’ul Fitr, and that is because it contradicts the Quran and the Sunnah of Messenger of Allah (PBUH).
• Know that money was present in the time of the Prophet (PBUH), and had it been sufficient to give money, he would have clarified this to his Ummah, therefore whoever gives a legal opinion to use money instead of grain for Sadaqat’ul Fitr, has given a legal opinion based on his own Ijtihaad (assessment), and he has wronged himself and sinned in his Ijtihaad.
• This giving of money instead of grain for Sadaqat’ul Fitr is a contradiction to the Sunnah, likewise the one that makes Ijtihaad in this affair cannot transmit a narration from the Prophet (PBUH), and none from his companions that money was used for Sadaqat’ul Fitr.

 Imaam Ahmad (raheemahullah) said: “A Muslim is not to pay the poor money instead of the prescribed amount of staple food for Sadaqat’ul Fitr.” It was said to him, “Umar ibn Abdul Aziz used to accept money for Sadaqat’ul Fitr.” He (Imaam Ahmad) replied, “How could they adhere to the sayings of so-and-so, and ignore the hadeeth of the Prophet (PBUH) stated in this regard. Ibn Umar said Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) enjoined Sadaqat’ul Fitr to be paid with one Sa’a.”

From the Acts of Worship on the Day of Eid

Allah (SWT) says in Surah al-Baqarah, ayah 185:

“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allâh [i.e. to say Takbîr (Allâhu Akbar: Allâh is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.”

And from that which Allah has set for you as an act of worship at the end of this month is the Eid Salaah, and this is the greatest form of remembering Allah, the Most High (i.e., Salaah), for Allah says in Surah Al-A’laa, Ayaahs 14-15:

“Indeed whosoever purifies himself (by avoiding polytheism and accepting Islâmic Monotheism) shall achieve success, And remembers (glorifies) the Name of his Lord (worships none but Allâh), and prays (the five compulsory prayers and Nawâfil – additional prayers)”

Some of the Scholars say about these verses that they refer to Sadaqat’ul Fitr and Salaatul Eid, and the Best Knowledge is with Allah. May Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet (PBUH), his progeny and Companions.

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The Sunnah of Eid-ul-Fitr

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3alaikum!

I know I took a massive break and missed some important topics to blog about, but things were really hectic during the last 10 days of Ramadan at my place. I started this blog with the intention to cover Ramadan and its various aspects, and I’m so grateful to everyone who has read and shared this blog. May Allah bless you all!

Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, and falls on the 1st of Shawwaal every lunar year.

Sunnah Of ‘Eid

Source: Taken from “Ad-Dawah illallaah Magazine”

It is true to say that although much information has reached us about Fasting and Ramadaan – authentic or otherwise, we know very little about the etiquettes of ‘Eid: what we are recommended to do in this day and what is obligatory for us to do. Below is a brief list of some of the prescribed practices of ‘Eid.

SUNAN AL-’EID

1. It is established from the Companion Ibn ‘Umar, that he used to bath on the morning of ‘Eid. The tabi’ee, Sa’eed ibn al Musayyib said: “The sunnah of the fitr is three: walking to the Prayer ground, eating before going out and taking a bath.” [Saheeh – Al Firyaabee & al-Irwaa (2/104)]

2. It is known that the companion Ibn ‘Umar would also dressed in his best clothes for the two ‘Eids as reported by Ibn Hajr in his Fathul-Baaree (2/439).

3. It is compulsory on all adult sane Muslims to pray the ‘Eid prayer. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and his Companions never ceased doing it and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam commanded everyone including women, children and the elderly to attend. Even menstruating women should go to the place of congregation so that they may partake in the blessings .[Bukharee and Muslim]

4. It is Sunnah to eat dates before we leave for Al-’Eid prayer to show openly that we are not fasting on this day. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, used not to leave for Al-Eid [al- Fitr] prayer except after eating some dates. [Reported by Anas bin Maalik & collected in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40 no.73) & Ahmad.]

5. It is Sunnah to say takbeer loudly when leaving our homes to go to ‘Eid prayer and repeat these till the prayer starts. [Silsilatal- Ahaadeeth-Saheehah (no 171).]

6. It is preferable to pray the ‘Eid prayer on open ground and not at the masjid if possible. [Bukharee and Muslim]

7. Neither Adhaan nor Iqaamah are said for ‘Eid prayer. [Reported by Ibn ‘Abbaas and Jaabir ibn ‘Abdullah & collected in Saheeh al- Bukhaaree (Eng. trans. vol.2 p.40)]

8. It is Sunnah to say the extra takbeers i.e. say ‘Allaahu Akbar’ seven times in the first rak’ah and five times in the second. [Aboo Daawood, Ahmad & others.] It is preferable to only raise the hands to the shoulders after the first takbeer and then fold them upon the chest. However, it is authentically reported from Ibn ‘Umar radhiAllaahu ‘anhu that he would raise his hands with every takbeer.

9. It is Sunnah to take different routes to and from the prayer ground, preferably walking if possible. Jaabir reported that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam used to come back from the ‘Eid prayer on a path other than the one used in going to it. [Bukharee]

WHAT TO SAY ON THE DAY OF ‘Eid

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam would say takbeer loudly when travelling to go to the ‘Eid prayer. Ahadeeth have not reached us telling us exactly what he used to say, but Ibn Abee Shayhah narrated that Ibn Mas’ood, radhiAllaahu ‘anhu used to say the following:

Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, Laa eelaahaa ilallaah
Allaahu Akbar, Allaahu Akbar, wa lillaahil-hamd

Allaah is Great, Allaah is Great, there is none worthy of worship except He.
Allaah is Great, Allaah is Great, and to Him belongs all Praise.

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, who never spoke of his own desire, said:

“Three supplications are answered: the supplication of the fasting person, the supplication of the one who is oppressed and the supplication of the traveller” . [Saheeh – Reported by al-‘Uqailee in ad -Du’afaa.].

Therefore, in this month of Ramadaan, there is for you a supplication which will be answered. So seize this opportunity and call profusely upon Allaah during this month, and in particular at the time of breaking the fast (iftar), since the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:

“Indeed there is for the fasting person when he breaks his fast, a supplication which is not rejected.” [Reported in Ibn Maajah & others. Declared saheeh by al-Boosairee.]

And be sure in your heart that your du’aa will be answered and know that Allaah does not respond to a heedless and inattentive heart. Call upon Him with supplications for anything good and hopefully you will attain the good of this life and the Hereafter.

The Description of The Eid prayer, Number of Rakats and The Eid Takbirs

See Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy o­n him), p. 398;Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 8/300-316).

The Eid prayer is o­ne where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs.

‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, o­n the tongue of your Prophet, and the o­ne who fabricates lies is doomed.” Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 1420 and Ibn Khuzaymah. Classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

It was narrated that Abu Sa’eed said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to come out o­n the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha to the prayer place, and the first thing he would do was to offer the prayer. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 956

1. In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer),after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Irwa’ al-Ghaleel, 639.
   
   
2. Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids.

   Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

3. The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.
4. After the prayer, the imam should address the people.

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Ramadan Is Here! Exerting Oneself During the Last Ten Days of Ramadan

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3alaikum!

Exerting Oneself During the Last Ten Days of Ramadaan

Author:’Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Source:Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg. 133-135)

 

Aa’ishah (raa) said: “When the last ten days (of Ramadaan) would come, the Prophet (saws) would spend his night in worship, wake his family (at night), exert himself and tighten his Izaar (waistcloth).” [1]

This hadeeth is proof that the last ten days of Ramadaan have a special virtue over any other (set of days), in which one should increase in obedience and acts of worship, such as prayer, making dhikr (remembrance) and reciting the Qur’aan.

‘Aa’ishah (raa) has described our Prophet and role model, Muhammad (saws), with four attributes:

1. He (saws) would “spend his night in worship”, meaning he would not sleep during it. Thus, he (saws) would remain awake throughout it in worship and he would liven his soul by spending the night in sleeplessness. This is since sleep is the brother of death. The meaning of “spend his night” is that he (saws) would spend all of it in the state of qiyaam (night prayer) and performing acts of worship that are done for the sake of Allaah, Lord of the worlds. We must remember that the last ten days of Ramadaan are fixed and numbered.

As for what has been reported concerning the forbiddance of spending the entire night in prayer, which has been mentioned in the hadeeth of ‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr (raa), then it is in regards to someone who does that consistently throughout every night of the year.

2. He (saws) would “wake up his family” meaning his (saws) pure wives, the Mothers of the Believers, so that they may take part in the profiting of good, the dhikr (remembrance) and the acts of worship during these blessed times.

3. He (saws) would “exert himself”, meaning he (saws) would persevere and struggle in worship, adding more to his deeds than what he had done in the first twenty days (of Ramadaan). He only did this because the night of Al-Qadr occurs during one of these (last ten) days.

4. He (saws) would “tighten his Izaar (waistcloth)” meaning he would exert himself and struggle intensely in worship. It is also said that it means he (saws) would withdraw from women. This seems to be more correct since it inclines with what was mentioned previously and with the hadeeth of Anas (raa): “He (saws) would rollup his bed and withdraw from women (i.e. his wives).” [2]

Also, he (saws) would observe ‘Itikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadaan and the person who is in the state of ‘Itikaaf is restricted from interacting (sexually) with women.

So, O Muslim brother, strive to characterize yourself with these attributes. And guard the prayer you make in the depths of the night (tahajjud) with the Imaam in addition to the Taraaweeh prayer (which is prayed in the early parts of the night), so that your exertion in these last ten days may go beyond that of the first twenty. And so that you may achieve the attribute of”spending the night in worship” by praying.

And you must be patient in your obedience to Allaah, for indeed, the tahajjud (night) prayer is difficult, but its reward is great. By Allaah, it is a great opportunity in ones life and a profitable thing to take advantage of, for the one whom Allaah grants it to. And a person does not know if perhaps he will encounter one of Allaah’s many rewards during the night prayer, thus serving as assistance for him in this world and in the Hereafter.

The righteous predecessors of this ummah would lengthen the prayer at night, exerting themselves. As-Saa’ib Ibn Yazeed said:”‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab ordered Ubay Bin Ka’ab and Tameem Ad-Daaree to lead the people in prayer with eleven raka’aat. The reciter would recite one hundred verses, to the point that we had to lean upon wooden staffs due to the long standing. And we would not stop until the early parts of Fajr.” [3]

‘Abdullaah Ibn Abee Bakr reported: “I heard my father (i.e. Abu Bakr) say: ‘During Ramadaan, we would finish (the night prayer) late and we would hurry the servants to present the food (of suhoor) for fear that Fajr (morning) would come upon us.”[4]

There are two struggles of the soul that the believer faces during Ramadaan: the struggle by day with fasting and the struggle by night with qiyaam (night prayer). So whosoever combines these two and fulfills their rights, then he is amongst the patient — those who will “be given their reward in full without any reckoning.” [5]

These ten days are the last part of the month and a person’s actions are based on his last ones. So perhaps, he will encounter the night of Al-Qadr, while standing in prayer for Allaah and thus have all his past sins forgiven.

And one must incite, animate and persuade his family to perform acts of worship, especially in these great times in which no one neglects it except that he has been deprived. What is more incredible than this is that while the people are performing prayer and making tahajjud, some individuals spend their time in forbidden gatherings and sinful events. This is indeed the greatest loss. We ask Allaah for his protection.

Therefore, embarking on these last days means entering into the profiting from righteous deeds in what remains of the month. From the unfortunate matters is to see that some people excel in righteous actions, such as prayer and recitation of the Qur’aan, in the first part of the month, but then signs of fatigue and weariness begin to show on them afterwards, especially when the last ten days of Ramadaan come in. And this is in spite of these last ten days possessing a greater standing than the first ones. Thus, one must persevere in striving and struggling and increase his worship when the end of the month draws near. And we must keep in mind that a person’s actions are based on his last ones.

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References:

[1] Al-Bukhaaree (4/269) and Muslim (1174)

[2] See Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif: pg. 219

[3] See Al-Muwatta (Eng. Dar El-Fiker): vol. 1, pg 154

[4] Also in the Muwatta of Imaam Maalik: vol. 1, pg. 156

[5] Surat-uz-Zumar: 15

Ramadan Is Here! What Apps Should You Use In Ramadan (And Later)

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3alaikum!

This is no secret but I’m a massive fan of apps. I download apps on my Blackberry, iPod, my tab. I’m yet to do some hunting on my dad’s Lumia but I’ll probably do that by Saturday, ie if anyone wants me to.

This is just an assumption but I believe most of the popular Ramadan apps are on the iOS and Android platforms. So I’ll post some (tried and tested) app links that could be really beneficial to you guys!

(If you guys want  WP/Blackberry/Symbian OS apps then you’ll have to let me know personally!)

First of all, Alhamdulillah for people who make such apps, and invest their time to help us out, may Allah bless them ❤

1. Tracking your Prayers.

A lot of people I know personally struggle with praying 5 times a day. And no, I’m not going to judge them or their intentions. Because even telling someone that they do not pray 5 times a day might get earn you a ‘I’m judging you’ look, or the conversation becomes uncomfortable.

I found SO many free apps to log our daily prayers on! MashaAllah 😀

• Athan (Available on iOS and Android)

I found this the best in design on the iPod. This was not available for my Asus tab. You are asked to make an account or you ave the option of logging in with Facebook. It is quite easy to navigate from there.

This app does not take into consideration if you have prayed fardh, sunnah, or if you have prayed on time. This app ONLY accords for the 5 daily prayers. The ‘Prayer Book’ tab keeps an average of how many prayers you have offered/missed and the number of badges (PS: I LOVE BADGES) you have unlocked with your prayers. It can also be adjusted to your city by subtracting/adding days on the Hijri calendar. I had to do this on mine because Ramadan started in USA one day earlier than the Middle East. While this app has other features such as ‘Find a Masjid, Prayer Times’ etc., I would recommend to use this for solely the logging feature.

• QamarDeen (on iOS and Android)

This is the only app that has logging prayers (including Qiyam and Ishraq prayers), keeping track of how much Qur’an you’ve read, sadaqah (charity) you’ve given and fasting (Ramadan or voluntary) all in one.

• MuslimKit (on iOS only)

 The reason why I like this app is that it has the option to log prayers if you have offered sunnah prayers/late/in congregation. Apart from tracking your prayers, you can calculate dhikr/tasbeeh, stream Islamic radio around the world, Makkah/Madinah live video streaming, Khatamul Qur’an which records your recitation progress , daily hadiths etc. There’s also a Zakah calculator but I suggest you calculate Zakah with the help of an aalim. There are no badges to unlock here.

2) Dua apps

Supplications are such an important part of Islam. And we need to increase our ‘Ibaadah in this holy month. The apps that I’ll list below are based on the book ‘Fortress of the Muslim/Hisnul Muslim’ (I suggest you buy the physical copy too) which have dua’s for every occasion, their translations, transliterations etc.

• myDuaa (iOS) This is a paid app
• Hisnul Muslim (iOS and Android)
• Hisnul Muslim (iOS only)
• Doa & Zikr (Android only)

3) Qur’an apps

I just use one Qur’an app and that ie, iQuran for both iOS and Android. Because it has everything from tajweed, translation, audio recitations, bookmarking etc.! Best app available, hands down.

For those who are not comfortable reading the Uthmani script, I’ll add links to Urdu Qur’ans.

• Urdu Quran (iOS)
• 16-line Urdu Quran (Android)
• iTajweed – Color coded urdu Quran (Android)

There are many Qur’an apps with audio available but I suggest you download the qur’an mp3 files and then transfer them on your iOS/Android device.

4) Ramadan-related apps.

These apps mostly Ramadan-related that focus on giving sadaqah, reading Qur’an, hadiths etc.

• Ramadan Achievements (Android)
• Ramadan Tracker (iOS)
• Ramadan with Dua & Hadith (iOS and Android)

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If there are any more apps that you think should feature in this list, please leave a comment 🙂

Jazakallah Khair 🙂

Ramadan Is Here! Reading the Qur’aan in Ramadaan

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3alaikum!

I would love to know if you guys would like to see more of such articles (not written by me) which I come across over the internet. 🙂

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Reading the Qur’aan in Ramadaan

Author:’Abdullaah Ibn Saalih Al-Fawzaan
Source:Ahaadeeth As-Siyaam: Ahkaam wa Adaab (pg.63-65)

Abu Umaamah (raa) reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Recite the Qur’aan for indeed it will come on the Day of Judgement as an intercessor for its Ashaab (those who read, memorize and implement it).” [1]

This hadeeth indicates the virtues of reciting the Qur’aan, the greatness of its reward and that it will intercede for its holders on the Day of Judgement towards their entrance into Paradise.

An-Nawaas Ibn Sama’aan (raa) reported: “I heard the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) say: ‘The Qur’aan will be brought on the Day of Judgement as well as the people who used to act upon it. Surat-ul-Baqarah and Aali ‘Imraan will then approach them.’ The Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) likened them to three examples, which I have not forgotten afterwards. He (PBUH) said: ‘As if they were two clouds or two dark black canopies with light between them both or like two flocks of birds stretching their wings in the air pleading for the one who recited them.'” [2]

‘Abdullaah Ibn ‘Amr (raa) reported that the Messenger of Allaah (PBUH) said: “The fast and the Qur’aan will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgement. The fast will say: ‘My Lord, I restricted him from food and drink, so allow me to intercede for him.’ And the Qur’aan will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, so allow me to intercede for him.’ So they will be allowed to intercede.” [3]

Therefore, it is essential for the person fasting to recite the Qur’aan much during these blessed days and honorable nights. For indeed, there is a special virtue for the abundance of recitation in these days, which is not found in any other month. He should take advantage of the nobleness of time during this month, in which Allaah revealed the Qur’aan.

There is a special merit to reciting the Qur’aan in the nights of Ramadaan. For indeed, the night brings an end to the busy daily affairs, the enthusiasm is roused and the heart and the tongue mount upon reflecting. And Allaah is the one in whom we seek assistance.

It is reported that Jibreel used to meet with the Prophet (PBUH) during each night of Ramadaan and they would study the Qur’aan together. [4]

So if making thikr (remembrance of Allaah) were better than the Qur’aan or equal to it (on these nights), they would have done that all the time or at certain times along with constantly gathering for that occasion.

Thus, this hadeeth illustrates the precedence of studying the Qur’aan during Ramadaan and gathering together for that occasion as well as turning towards one who is more prominent in the memorization of it.

The predecessors of this ummah would recite the Qur’aan constantly during Ramadaan. And when they would fast, they would sit in the masaajid and say: “We will guard our fast and not backbite anyone.”

They would recite the Qur’aan in their prayer and out of it. ‘Uthmaan (raa) would complete the recitation of the (whole) Qur’aan once a day. And some of the Salaf would complete it during their qiyaam in Ramadaan every three nights. Some of them would do it every seven days and some every ten days.

Ash-Shaafi’ee would complete the Qur’aan sixty times during Ramadaan, while reciting it outside of prayer. Al-Aswad would recite the whole Qur’aan every two nights of Ramadaan. Qataadah would always compete the Qur’aan every seven days. He would do it every three days in Ramadaan, and during the last ten days, he would do it every night. Their reports concerning that are famous.

Al-Haafidh Ibn Rajab (rahimahullaah) said: “The forbiddance of reciting the Qur’aan in less than three days (as stated in a hadeeth) has only been mentioned in regards to its being done on a normal basis. As for the specific times that are virtuous, such as the month of Ramadaan and especially the nights in which the night of Al-Qadr is sought. Or those places that are virtuous, such as Makkah for the one who enters it without residing there, then it is recommended to recite the Qur’aan a lot in these times and places, seeking the merits connected with their time and place. This is the opinion of Ahmad, Abu Ishaaq and other scholars. And the actions of others indicate that as has been stated previously.” [5]

The person reciting the Qur’aan must observe the proper etiquettes of recitation. Some of them are that: He make his intention sincerely for Allaah, that he recite it whilst being in a state of purity, that he use the Siwaak and that he recite it while pondering on its meaning and observing total consciousness. Allaah says:

“A Book, which We have revealed to you in order that its verses may be pondered upon, so that the people of understanding may be reminded.”

Also, from the etiquettes of the recitation is that one does not stop his reciting in order to speak to someone else. Indeed, when many people sit to recite the Qur’aan, and there are people sitting next to them, a majority of the time, they stop their recitation and speak to their neighbors. This is not proper since it is turning away from the recitation without a valid reason.

And it is on the one who recites, to act upon the Qur’aan, making permissible its Halaal and forbidding its Haraam, so that the Qur’aan can be a proof for him on the Day of Judgement and intercede for him in entering the gardens of bliss.

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References:

[1] Saheeh Muslim [2] Reported by Muslim (804) [3] Saheeh Muslim (804) [4] Al-Bukhaaree (1/30) and Muslim (2308) [5] Lataa’if-ul-Ma’aarif: pg. 102-103

Ramadan Is Here! Part 2: What Should A Woman Do During ‘Those Days’?

Please read the disclaimer before reading the post!

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Assalamu3alaikum!

Continuing from where I’d left of in the last post, I will now conclude the 2 part series of things women can do during their periods.

5. Reading Up on Islamic books or anything related:

I’m sure some of us have Islamic books apart from the Qur’an at home that we can simply pick up and start reading. Alhamdulillah for my mother, who makes sure that I get my English Islamic books just like she gets her Urdu books at the same time 🙂 (FYI: I would recommend books from the Darussalam publishers.)

Allah says in the Qur’an:

O you who have believed, when you are told, “Space yourselves” in assemblies, then make space; Allah will make space for you. And when you are told, “Arise,” then arise; Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is Acquainted with what you do. (Surah Mujaadila) (1)

It was narrated from Jabir that :

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Ask Allah for beneficial knowledge and seek refuge with Allah from knowledge that is of no benefit.” (Hasan) (2)

Allah has given us the ability to think, to distinguish between the right and wrong:

We have certainly created man into hardship. Does he think that never will anyone overcome him? He says, “I have spent wealth in abundance.” Does he think that no one has seen him? Have We not made for him two eyes? And a tongue and two lips? And have shown him the two ways (obedience and disobedience) ? (Al-Balad 90:4-10) (3)

There is so much knowledge out there, waiting to be read by us, to be spread by us! Alhamdulillah with so much Islamic content available on the internet, I don’t see how we can go wrong.

I’ll list some websites which are having Ramadan specials:

• Mufti Menk’s Pearls of Peace – Ongoing Ramadan series
• Muslim Matters ‘Ramadan 2013‘ series
• Ramadan Tafseer series Surah Ta Ha
• Ramadan TV
• Bayyinah Institute

If we have 7 days in hand, even these 7 days won’t be enough to see all the content that is available here. And then we wonder how is it that we have so much time on our hands.

6. Serving your parents:

Trust me on this. I do realise the first 1-3 days are horrible and you don’t feel like moving out of your bed. But, remember. Your mum/sister/aunt/relative/maid is probably working in the house while in the state of fasting. It won’t really kill us to assist them in the kitchen. Wash dishes, clear the table after iftar so that they can pray Maghrib in peace, and if you have to prepare for dinner then make sure you start the preps. I’m sure your mum will give you a lot of duas for just assisting her in these daily chores. 🙂

Narrated `Abdullah bin `Amr:

A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) asking his permission to take part in Jihad. The Prophet (PBUH) asked him, “Are your parents alive?” He replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (PBUH) said to him, “Then exert yourself in their service.” (Sahih Bukhari) (4)

Treating our parents with kindness, obeying them forms a big part of Islam. It is stressed both in the Hadiths and the Qur’an that it is one of the highest noble deeds in Allah’s eyes to obey them, treat them with kindness and respect. And that their status in Islam comes after worshipping Allah.

 

 

• The Quran says,

And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. – (Surah Al Isra 17:23) (5)

• Abu Huraira reported Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) as saying:

Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust. It was said: Allah’s Messenger, who is he? He said: He who sees either of his parents during their old age or he sees both of them, but he does not enter Paradise. (Sahih Muslim) (6)

• It is reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah that the Apostle of Allah observed:

The best of’ the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents. (Sahih Muslim) (7)

So a women in her menses should do what she can to serve her parents in anyway that she can like for eg clean the house so that her parents do less, attend to their every need etc. Surely she will be pleasing Allah so much and gaining unimaginable rewards!

7. Character.

A lot of us deal with our hormones all over the place during periods. Mood swings are horrible and nothing looks right. Been there, done that.

I think striving to be on character is something I (alongwith many others) need to learn. I feel so out of control that I have to stop myself to talk to people, in the hopes of not hurting their feelings. I’m sure a lot of us feel this way. But we can’t afford to live by this or be irrational. As much as we think we can’t control it, it is the opposite. Having sabr (patience) is important to us. Sometimes we feel the entire world is out to get us. But patience is a blessed virtue. It teaches us to be humble, to be strong, to be calm. A good muslim will never let his patience get better of himself/herself.

• Narrated AbuHurayrah:

The Prophet (PBUH) said: The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners. (Sunan Abi Dawud) (8)

• Abu Ad-Dardha narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:

“Nothing is placed on the Scale that is heavier than good character. Indeed the person with good character will have attained the rank of the person of fasting and prayer.”(Hasan, Jami Tirmidhi) (9)

Good character isn’t just limited to Ramadan, but outside of it as well. The person with a good character has the rank equivalent to that of the person who fasts and prays alhamdulillah. We should strive to be one of those who are not just muslims who pray or fast, but are of good mannerisms 🙂

Jabir bin ‘Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with them) said:

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “The dearest and the closest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who are the best in behaviour; and the most hateful and the farthest from me on the Day of Resurrection will be the talkative and the most pretentious and the most rhetorical.” (Riyadh Us-Saliheen, Tirmidhi) (10)

We should ask Allah (SWT) to help us be people of good conduct, character, patience as these traits will bring us closer to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and inshaAllah elevate us in rank in Jannah.

8. Volunteering/Charity

Even if you have a spare dirham, rupee, dollar, pound, give charity.

It was narrated from Anas that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

“Envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood, and charity extinguishes bad deeds just as water extinguishes fire. Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is a shield against the Fire.” (Ibn Majah) (11)

Charity should be paid secretly:

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Righteous deeds protect a person from an evil end; a charity spent in secret extinguishes Allah’s wrath; and maintaining good ties of kinship increases ones lifespan.” (Tabaraani)

 

Removing harmful objects from people’s way is charity:

Narrated AbuHurayrah:

The Prophet (PBUH) said: A man never did a good deed but removed a thorny branch from the road; it was either in the tree and someone cut it and threw it on the road, or it was lying in it, he removed it. Allah accepted this good deed of his and brought him into Paradise. (Sahih, Albani, Sunan Abi Dawud)  (12)

Providing for ones family is a charity:

Narrated Abu Masud Al-Badri:

The Prophet (PBUH) said, “A man’s spending on his family is a deed of charity.” (Sahih Bukhari) (13)

Participating as volunteers in events such as providing iftars to the needy, packing iftar, volunteering at the child-care section of the local masjid, giving charity (and not making a big deal out of it), volunteering at Ramadan forums.. So many to choose from! Just looking after your relatives baby cousins/sisters/brothers/children etc. will count as charity if you hope for a reward from Allah 🙂

Conclusion

At the end of this two-part series, the number of things I’ve suggested alhamdulillah, are more than enough and inshaAllah will suffice for the entire duration of our periods. We should remember that periods are not a limitation. We can do more, and strive to do more! May Allah guide us all and forgive our sins this Ramadan! 🙂

Jazakallah Khair!

 

References

1. http://quran.com/58/11
2. http://sunnah.com/ibnmajah/34/17
3. http://quran.com/90/4-10
4. http://www.sunnah.com/bukhari/56/213
5. http://quran.com/17/23
6. http://sunnah.com/urn/261890
7. http://sunnah.com/muslim/1/162
8. http://sunnah.com/abudawud/42/87
9. http://sunnah.com/urn/673060
10. http://sunnah.com/riyadussaliheen/18/228
11. http://sunnah.com/urn/1293120
12. http://sunnah.com/abudawud/43/473
13. http://sunnah.com/bukhari/64/57