The Salaf and their Attitude to Laylat al Qadr

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Chapter 39: Virtues of the Last Ten Days of Ramadhaan
Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 142-149)

Those who want Laylat al-Qadr and wish to seek it will not spend their time socializing; rather they will focus on giving their attention to their Master and paying attention on getting closer to Him. On this night, they run from people and abandon yourself from them.

Allaah, the Most High, says:

1. Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree)

2. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr(Decree) is?

3. The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).

4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrael (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees,

5. Peace! (All that night, there is Peace and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.

[Surah Qadr 97: 1-5]

The scholars differed on the wisdom on having Laylat al-Qadr and the descending of the Angels on this night:

Some said that that the Angels descend from the command of their Lord because His Slaves on earth have beautified themselves on this night, and they have busied themselves with acts of worship from fasting and praying during the night, so that the Angels may witness this. So that they may witness the Masaajid being alit and that Allaah says to them, “You have refuted yourselves about the children of Aadam. You said; ‘Will You place therein those who will make mischief therein and shed blood, - while we glorify You with praises and thanks…’ so I said to you, ‘I know that which you do not know’ so go out to them on this night until you witness them praying and prostrating and bowing, so that you may know that I have chosen them above the ‘Aalameen.”

Imaam Malik [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “It has reached me that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] saw the life expectancy of people, as Allaah Willed, so he saw them becoming shorter in age throughout the ages until this Ummah would have the shortest life expectancy so Allaah give this Ummah Laylat al-Qadr which is better than one thousand months.”

It is narrated that Mujaahid [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] mentioned men from the children of Israaeel, that they wore their armor fighting in the path of Allaah for one thousand months so the Muslims got amazed by this so Allaah revealed, ‘The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).’ [al-Qadr 97:3].”

An-Nakha’ee [May Allaah Mercy on him] said, “Good deeds on that night are equivalent to doing them for one thousand months.”

It is narrated in Bukhaaree and Muslim on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah have Mercy on him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Whoever stands Laylat al-Qadr, with Eeman and hope then Allaah will forgive all his previous and forthcoming sins.”

In the Musnad of Ahmad it is reported on the authority of ‘Ubaadah bin al-Saamit that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “People don’t stand during the night seeking it except that their sins are forgiven their previous and forthcoming sins once they meet it (i.e. Laylat al-Qadr).”

It also narrated in the Musnad of Ahmad and Nasaa’ee on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said about Ramadhaan, “In this month there is a night which is better than one thousand months, whoever is prevented from its goodness is indeed deprived.”

Juwaybir said that I asked ad-Dahaak [May Allaah have Mercy on him], “Those who are on their menses or those who are travelling or those who are sleeping on this night, do they get the reward of Laylat al-Qadr?” He replied, “Yes, whoever Allaah has accepted their deeds will receive their reward on the Laylat al-Qadr.”

My brothers, it is about having your deeds accepted and not just about striving on this night. What matters is the purity of your heart, not just the extent of worship with your limbs. How many people have stood during the night but his hearts not in it and how many people have slept during the night but their hearts are still connected to the Dhikr or Allaah? So the first one, he stands but his heart is still disobedient.

However, the slave who seeks and strives to gain the goodness of this night by working hard  on doing good deeds, then you should know that doing the deeds that you are created to do will be made easy for you.

So the one who has been created to be pleased then doing righteous deeds, the deeds that are needed for him to become happy, will be made easy for him. As for the one whom one who has been created to be wretched then doing evil deeds will be made easy for him to do.
4. Certainly, your efforts and deeds are diverse (different in aims and purposes);

5. As for him who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah and fears Him,

6. And believes in Al-Husna.

7. We will make smooth for him the path of ease (goodness).

8. But he who is greedy miser and thinks himself self-sufficient.

9. And gives the lie to Al-Husna (see Verse No: 6 footnote);

10. We will make smooth for him the path for evil;

[Shams 92:4-10]

Virtues and Benefits in Being Charitable in Ramadhaan

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Chapter 37: The Virtue of Giving in Charity and Reciting the Quraan in Ramadhaan

Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 125-134)

It is narrated in Bukhaaree and Muslim on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that he said, “The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] used to be the most kindest and generous of people, and he was especially kind and generous in Ramadhaan when Jibreel would meet with him at night and they would study the Quraan together. And the kindness and generosity of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] was like the wind when it was sent with good.”

Imaam Ahmad has a similar narration which adds the wording, “He would never ask for anything except it was given to him…”

In another narration reported by at-Tirmidhee on the authority of Sa’d bin Abee Waqaas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Verily Allaah is Generous and He Loves generosity, He is Kind and He Loves Kindness.”

In a well-known narration of Fudaylbin ‘Ayyaad [May Allaah have Mercy on him] who said, “Verily Allaah, the Most High, says every night, ‘I am Generous and from Me comes Generosity. I am Kind and from me comes Kindness.’ For by Allaah, the Glorified, He is the Most Generous from those who have generosity and His Generosity multiplies is even more increased in the month of Ramadhaan. In this month He Comes Down as He says;

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad)concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor)…” [Baqarah 2:186]

Based on this, we know that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] was the most generous person from the children of Aadam, without doubt, just like he is the best from the children of Aadam and he is the most knowledge from children of Aadam, he was the bravest and was the most perfect in all praiseworthy characteristics. His [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] generosity was combined with his level of knowledge and wealth, making him [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] humbled in front of Allaah, the Most High, spreading His Religion and benefitting His Slaves in the best and most various ways he could. 

He [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] fulfilled the needs of people and he bore with their difficulties, and none of these praiseworthy characteristics were new to him, he had these even before Prophethood.

For this reason, his wife Khadeejah [May Allaah be Pleased with her] said to him as soon as revelation began, “By Allaah! Allaah will never disgrace you. You seal the ties of kinship, you honour your guest, you feed the poor, you donate to the destitute and you support the truth.” After the advent of Prophethood, we saw his praiseworthy characteristics grow even further.

In Bukhaaree and Muslim on the authority of Anas bin Maalik [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said, “The Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] was the best of people, the bravest of people and he was the most generous of people.”

Anas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] also said, “If a man gives up all his desires and cravings from the Dunyaa, then he will enter the evening with Islaam being even more beloved to him than the whole Dunyaa and what it contains.”

It is also narrated that Safwaan bin Ummayyah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “The Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] used to give me things and at that time I used to hate him immensely and continued to give me things until he became the most beloved of people to me.”

Ibn Shihaab [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “He [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] gave a hundred sheep on the day of Hunayn, then he continued to give until it reached hundreds and hundreds.”

These are a few examples of the generosity of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him], all of it was for the sake of Allaah. He would seek His Pleasure and he would give his wealth away freely to the poor or those who are in need or for the sake of Allaah or in ways which could strengthen in Islaam.  

This is the month in which Allaah and His Messenger were even more generous and from this there are many benefits.

This month is blessed and is better than other months in terms of gaining reward, so for example at-Tirmidhee reported Anas bin Maalik [May Allaah be Pleased with him] saying, “The best time to give Sadaqah is in Ramadhaan.”

Also, giving in Sadaqah and being generous in this month means we help and assist those who are fasting by day and standing by night, those who remember Allaah and in helping in all the acts of obedience that people indulge in during this month. By helping and assisting in this, it is a good chance for us to gain from this reward as well.

Also from the benefits of being generous in this month is that Ramadhaan is the month of Mercy and Forgiveness from Allaah. In this month He Frees people from the fire, especially on the Night of Power and Allaah, the Most High, is the Most Merciful upon His Slaves as the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Verily, Allaah is Most Merciful upon his Slave in having Mercy.” So being generous in this month especially is a means for Allaah, the Most High, being Generous to us, Giving to us from His Bounties and Blessings, as we have acted in the same way towards others.

Also from the benefits of being generous in this month is that fasting and charity are expiators of sins. They dispel sins like fire removes dirt from metal. So if we are fasting and generous and added to this we stand during the night, then this will help us to be diverted from punishment.

Also from the benefits of being generous during this month is that the charity one give compensates for any shortcoming he/she may have during his fasting and it eradicates any sin that he may have gained during his fasting. None of those who fast have fasted perfectly, therefore some of the scholars disliked for a man to say statements like ‘I have fasted the whole of Ramadhaan’ or ‘I stood for the whole of Ramadhaan’ so giving in charity makes up for the shortcomings in our acts of worship during this month. Furthermore, it is Waajib for us to give in Zakaat al-Fitr at the end of the month for this very reason. 

From the benefits of being generous in Ramadhaan is that the fasting person gives up food and drink for the sake of increasing his level of Taqwaa and this is even more enhanced when he gives up following his desires for the sake of Allaah. So by giving his away food to others who are fasting, despite the food being important to him, it increases his level of love for those whom he prefers over himself. This is also a way for one to give thanks to Allaah for the favours He has given, from the foods and drinks that He has Provided them with, so then he gives it away for His Sake, seeking his reward and appreciating the favour that He has Given him.

Some of the Salaf were asked, ‘Why is fasting prescribed?’ and they would respond to this by saying, ‘So that the rich person may taste the feeling of feeding the poor and that they don’t become forgotten.’  And this is true as it is from some of the wisdoms of fasting this month. As we have previously stated, if one isn’t effected by his fasting then he has not truly rectified himself, so from the acts of the Salaf is that they would feed poor people during the time of Iftaar. Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] wouldn’t break his fast unless he has the poor sitting with him and if he didn’t find poor people to eat with, he would prevent his family from eating dinner for that night.

There are other benefits for being generous, Imaam ash-Shafi’ee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] would say, ‘The fasting person seeks to improve himself whilst fasting the month of Ramadhaan, following the practice of the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon him]. He would seek to attend to the needs of the Muslims and seek to better their situation, helping them to perform and facilitate their fasting and praying.’ Qaadi Aboo Ya’laa [May Allaah have Mercy on him] and others said something similar to this. 

Chapter 36: The fasting Person is Happy When He Meets His Lord

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Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 120-125)

When the fasting person meets his Lord, he will be in a state of happiness because he will find the reward for his fasting, a reward that is preserved with his Lord at a time when he needs his good deeds to be accounted for most. Allaah, the Most High, says:

“…and whatever good you send before you for yourselves, (i.e. Nawafil non-obligatory acts of worship: prayers, charity, fasting, Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), you will certainly find it with Allah, better and greater in reward...”

[al-Muzammil 73: 20]

And he, the Most High, says:

“On the Day when every person will be confronted with all the good he has done, and all the evil he has done, he will wish that there were a great distance between him and his evil…”

[Aal-Imraan 3:30]

And he, the Most High, says:

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom (or a small ant), shall see it”

[az-Zalzalah 99:7]

Ibn ‘Uyaynah said, “The reward for fasting will not be shorthanded or decreased in any way, rather Allaah has preserved it with him for the person who fasts until he enters Jannah.”

It is also narrated in Musnad Ahmad that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “There is no deed except that there will be a day where he will be rewarded for it.”

Those who fast are of two levels; those who leave food and drink seeking the reward and Jannah of Allaah, so they act in accordance to what is needed for them to obtain this. 

Allaah, the Most High, says:

“Verily! As for those who believe and do righteous deeds, certainly! We shall not suffer to be lost the reward of anyone who does his (righteous) deeds in the most perfect manner”

[al-Kahf 18:30]

Added to this, your deeds will not be lost or spoiled, rather fasting brings about a lucrative profit for the one fasts, as the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “If you leave something for the sake of Allaah, then Allaah will replace it with something better.” [Narrated by Ahmad in his Musnad] So the one fasts will have his fasting compensated by the reward of being able to eat and drink as much he pleases and as much as time as he wants to spend with women in Jannah. 

Allaah, the Most High, says:

“Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!”

[al-Haaqah 69:24]

Mujaahid and others stated that this Aayah was revealed about those who fast. Ya’qoob bin Yoosuf al-Hanafee said, “It has reached us that Allaah, the Most High, will Say to His Friends on the Day of Judgment, ‘Oh My Friends! I Looked at you often in the life of the Dunya and I Saw your lips become dry of thirst, your eyes sinking and I Saw your stomachs become dry. So today is your time of bliss, take your glasses and…

“Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!”

[al-Haaqah 69:24]”

Hasan al-Basree said, “It will be said to the Friend of Allaah by the Hoor al-‘Ayn, whilst they are laying with them near the rivers of honey, ‘I saw you from far away on a day when you were thirsty and because of this it was said to the Angels, ‘Look at My Slave, he left his wife, he desires, himself, his food and his drink all because of Me, Seeking what is with Me. Bear witness that I have Forgiven him this day’ and then you were made married to me.’”

It has been narrated in the two Saheehs, “Verily, in Jannah there are doors called ar-Rayyaan and this is allocated for those who fast, they will enter through them on the Day of Judgment. None other than them will enter it.”

In another narration it states, “…after they have entered, the doors will be locked behind them.”

In another narration, “Whoever enters through those doors will be given drink, upon drinking they will never be thirsty again.”

In a Hadeeth narrated by Tabraanee and others, on the authority of ‘Abdur-Rahmaan bin Samarah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said about one of his dreams, “I saw a man from my Ummah, his tongue was out due to his extreme thirst and every time he came close to the Hawd (a pool in Jannah) he was denied to drink from it, and this Hawd is exclusive for those who fasted in Ramadhaan.” 

It was also narrated that Anas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “Allaah has a banquet table which no eye has seen, no ear has heard or any mind kind imagine and none will sit on it except those who fasted.”

Some of the Salaf used to say, “Those who fasted will be eating from this table whilst others are being accounted for. They will say, ‘Oh Lord! We are being accounted whilst they are sitting to eat?’ It will be said to them, ‘They fasted whilst you are and they stood during the night whilst you slept.’” 

It was also narrated that some of the Salaf said that they saw Bashr bin al-Haarith in their dreams and he was sitting in front of a banquet table and he was eating and it was said to him, “Eat! Others have eaten. Drink! Others have drank.”

Night Prayer in Ramadaan

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“And those who spend the night before their Lord, prostrate and standing. And those who say: ‘Our Lord! Avert from us the torment of Hell. Verily! Its torment is ever an inseparable, permanent punishment.’” [Furqaan 25:64-65]

Standing in the night prayer is from the characteristics of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] as A’aisha [May Allaah be Pleased with her] said, “Do not leave the night prayer! For verily, the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] never left it, even when he was sick he would pray sitting.” [Agreed Upon]

It is also narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Whoever stands in Ramadhaan with Faith and Hope, his previous and forthcoming sins will be forgiven.” [Agreed Upon]

“And enjoin As-Salat (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salat (prayers)]. We ask not of you a provision (i.e. to give Us something: money, etc.); We provide for you. And the good end (i.e. Paradise) is for the Muttaqun (pious - see V.2:2).” [Taaha 20:132]

And Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] used to recite the Aaayah: 

“Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?" It is only men of understanding who will remember (i.e. get a lesson from Allah's Signs and Verses).” [Zumar 39:9]

Shaykh Abdul-Azeez aal ash-Shaykh, current Grand Muftee of Saudi Arabia [May Allaah Preserve him] said:

It has been narrated on the authority of Jaabir bin Abdullah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Verily, during the night there is a time that if a Muslim coincides with it by asking Allaah of the goodness of the Dunya and the Aakhira, it will be given to him by Allaah. And this happens every night.”

Look at this great opportunity, my Muslim brother, by standing in front of your Lord. The result of standing the night in prayer is that if you ask, you will be given and made steadfast upon the truth and true guidance, therefore, you will end your life upon a great deal of goodness.

Oh Muslim! Standing the night in prayer brings about many benefits, as the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “You should stand the night in prayer, it was from the habit of the pious people that came before you, it expiates your sins, it brings you close to your Lord, it takes away defects from your body and it prevents you from sinning.”

Therefore, standing the night in prayer has benefits; it means you are following the path of the pious, it means your sins will be removed from you, it means you will become close to Allaah, it removes diseases and harm from your body and it makes us from those who are obedient, as praying in the night helps us stay away from sins.

Some of the Salaf would be astonished by the beauty on the faces of people and when they were asked on the reasons for the face of the person shining, they would reply by saying, “Standing during the night makes your face beautiful in the day.”

Meaning, standing the night in prayer has great benefits and effects, its helps program one to be good deeds, bring about light and Taqwaa.

It was said to Ibn Mas’ood [May Allaah be Pleased with him], “I am not able stand during the night.” To which he replied, “Your sins have made it heavy for you, if you are truthful and really want to stand, then Allaah will help you. Have you not heard the statement of Allaah, ;

‘And if they had intended to march out, certainly, they would have made some preparation for it, but Allah was averse to their being sent forth, so He made them lag behind, and it was said (to them), "Sit you among those who sit (at home)."’ !?”

So standing the night in prayer is from the greatest of favours that Allaah can bestow upon you. The person who stands during this time becomes accustomed to its taste, he rejoices and it reaffirms his heard and opens it to the truth. The person who stands in prayer, recites the Quraan and ponders on it. He Glorifies Allaah, He Praises Allaah and He resorts to Him in all his affairs. So what favour of Allaah is greater than this? We will truly never comprehend the greatness of this favour and its effects on us, as some of the Salaf used to say, “Verily, the people of the night, during their night prayers, are in a state of bliss, just like when people who enjoy being entertained feel when they are being entertained.”

[Taken from the Khutbah; ‘The Night Prayer’]

Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him] said;

There is no doubt that leaving praying during the night is a great loss, it’s a loss for the pages and scrolls of the Muslim. The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “The best prayer is the night prayer after the obligatory ones.”

Standing at night in prayer has great virtues, so it is incumbent that we are not negligent in it, or be lazy in relation to it, because you the Muslim has a need for it. So the Muslim must

Turn back to it and program himself to pray during the night, so that when the night comes he finds himself busy. This is because the soul follows whatever it is trained to do.  If one leaves praying the night prayer and becomes lazy, it will only increase him in laziness. However, if he programs himself to pray then it will eventually become easy for him, with the help of Allaah, the Exalted and Glorfied.

http://ramadhan.af.org.sa/node/858

The Worship of Fasting and Its Virtues

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It has been narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “All of the actions of the children of Aadam are for him and can be rewarded tenfold to seven hundred times, and Allaah, the Most High, said, ‘Except fasting, that is for Me and I Will Reward it. He leaves following his desires, food, drink all because of Me.’ The fasting person has two times where he is extremely happy; when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord. Verily, the smell that comes from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allaah than the perfume provided by musk.” 

[Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1894) and Muslim (1151)]

It has been narrated on the authority of Sa’d [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Verily, in Jannah there are doors called ar-Rayyaan and this is allocated for those who fast, they will enter through them on the Day of Judgment. None other than them will enter it. It will be said on that day, ‘Where are the ones who used to fast?’ So they will stand up in response and enter through its gates, once they enter, the doors will be shut behind them and none will be allowed to enter it after them.”

[Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1896) and Muslim (1152)]

It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Verily, when the fasting person breaks his fast has a supplication which will not be rejected.”

[Narrated by Ibn Maajah (1753) and Haakim in Mustadrak (1/422)]

It has been narrated on the authority of Ibn ‘Umar [May Allaah be Pleased with him] which can be attributed to the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] who said, “Even the sleep of the fasting person is worship, if he supplicates he is answered and his deeds are multiplied.” 

[Narrated by Musnad Daylamee (3576)]

The Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] also said, “Whoever fasts Ramadhaan, with Faith and Hope, his previous and forthcoming sins will be forgiven.”  [Agreed Upon]

The Grand Muftee, the Shaykh Abdul-Azeez aal ash-Shaykh [May Allaah Preserve him] said;

It is for the Muslim, when he fasts to hope to gain the benefits of it, he should know that fasting is from the foremost ways that a believer can strengthen his heart. Taqwaa in its reality, it to follow what Allaah has Ordered you to do, so you fulfill this command based upon knowledge and staying away from what He has Prohibited us from based upon knowledge. He does all of this seeking the Reward of Allaah and fearing His Punishment.

When the fasting person is prevented from eating and drinking and fulfilling his desires with women, from the moment the sunrises until it sets, he is in a state of responding to Allaah. Therefore, he is in state of rectifying himself, he is accounting and cleansing his soul as he has left all these things which he can normally have, for the sake of Allaah. So he leaves all this to get close to Allaah, and Allaah says about those who fear Him and respond to his call; 

“But for him who [the true believer of Islamic Monotheism who performs all the duties ordained by Allah and His Messenger Muhammad , and keeps away (abstain) from all kinds of sin and evil deeds prohibited in Islam and] fears the standing before his Lord, there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise).”

[Rahmaan 55:46]

It can be that some people appear to be fasting but when he enters his home; he eats, he drinks and goes to his woman. In front of people he is fasting but when in private, he is not. However, for the believer fasting is more than this, so when the believer is called to rectify himself by leaving of food, drink and intercourse, he leaves it because he has full certainty that Allaah Knows his inner and outer-self. 

“Say (O Muhammad ): "Whether you hide what is in your breasts or reveal it, Allah knows it, and He knows what is in the heavens and what is in the earth. And Allah is Able to do all things."” 

[Aal-Imraan 3:29]

Therefore, fasting increases one in having Ikhlaas with Allaah, it increases ones conviction in Allaah and it makes one humble in front of Allaah, the Exalted and the Glorified.

When the fasting person is asked to leave food and drink, he prevents himself from all of these things even though he is able to benefit from them. If he is asked to refrain, he will do so despite being starved at times. He does this to thank Allaah for the favours he has placed upon him; he does this by leaving what Allaah has told him to leave out of obedience to Him.

This is from the greatest of favours that Allaah has given the slave,  

“And He gave you of all that you asked for, and if you count the Blessings of Allah, never will you be able to count them. Verily! Man is indeed an extreme wrong-doer, - a disbeliever (an extreme ingrate, denies Allah's Blessings by disbelief, and by worshipping others besides Allah, and by disobeying Allah and His Prophet Muhammad ).” 

[Ibraaheem 14:34]

 And 

“And whatever of blessings and good things you have, it is from Allah” 

[Nahl 16:53]

Dear Muslim, thank Allaah that you are alive and well and that you are Muslim, because these are the conditions for one to fast. Think about the virtues of these days and those who are lost within in them, think about those who are not able to fast. So thank Allaah that He has given you this great benefit, the chance to get close to Him by doing good deeds. This is an opportunity to return to Him and to regret over your sins. This is a chance for those who constantly sin and transgress; repent to Allaah, in these blessed days and nights.

This is an opportunity for those who fell short in doing good deeds; you know have a chance to make them up. So seek help in Allaah and seek to obey Him, return to Him and ask for sincere repentance for the sins you have committed and ask Allaah to help you do deeds that that are righteous and Pleased to Him.

[Taken from the Khutbah; ‘Verily, this is Fasting’]

Shaykh al-‘Allaamah Saaleh al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him] said;

“From the virtues of Ramadhaan is that your deeds are multiplied, so fasting is multiplied, all your other righteous deeds will be multiplied from tenfold to up to seven hundred times.

From the deeds that are multiplied is when one has sincerity in his fasting, if he has this then his fasting will be multiplied like no other deeds, as Allaah says in the hadeeth, ‘He left his desires, drinking and eating because of Me.’”

Also from the virtues of fasting is that Allaah has made fasting only for him, unlike other deeds. So He says, “Fasting is for me and I will reward it.”

Also from the virtues of fasting is that one is filled with joy, joy that he will experience in the Dunya and the Aakhira. So he has joy when he meets his Lord, this is a joy that is reserved for the Hereafter as there is no greater reward than seeing your Lord. 

“They said: "In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doing) (i.e. do not make them overpower us).”

[Yoonus 10:85]

In addition from the virtues of fasting is that the fasting person is that Allaah has made an exclusive entrance to Jannah for those who fast, none will enter before or after them, this is from the greatest forms of honouring of them.

Also from the benefits of fasting is that the fasting person will meet his friend without causing any harm to him as the fasting people are protected from harming others and falling into following their desires. Therefore, they are protected from the fire. This has been narrated in a Hadeeth which states that, ‘Fasting is a shield’ meaning it is a protection from all forms of harm affecting him.

Also from the virtues of fasting is that the fasting person has his supplication accepted. As Allaah, the Most High, says within the context of fasting, to incite those fasting to supplicate to him;

“And when My slaves ask you (O Muhammad ) concerning Me, then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by My Knowledge). I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on Me (without any mediator or intercessor). So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led aright.” 

[Baqarah 2:186]

Also from the virtues of fasting is that it has a medical benefit, it helps one to remain healthy as it was narrated that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Fast and be healthy.” [Narrated by Nasaa’ee, Aboo Na’eem, Hindee in Kanz al-‘Amal (32605), Haafidh al-‘Iraaqee said in Takhreej of Ahyaa (3/75)]

Therefore, fasting protects ones limbs internally and externally. These are some of the benefits of fasting; of which there are many more, many that we may never even comprehend. 

[Ithaaf Ahl al-Eemaan Bi Dars Ramadaan by Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan]

http://ramadhan.af.org.sa/node/857

The Salaf and the Quraan during Ramadhaan

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Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

It is narrated in Sunan Abee Dawood that ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Whoever stands to pray at night and recites ten Aayaat then he will not be recorded as the negligent. If one stands to pray at night and recites one hundred Aayaat then he will recorded as the obedient. If one stands to prayer and recites one thousand Aayaat a night then he will be recorded as those who are the Muqantareen.” The Muqantareen are those who have obtained a huge amount of reward.

Therefore, the one who prays in congregation should try to achieve what is mentioned in this Hadeeth, as it is was the practice of many from the Salaf that they would complete the Quraan every third night in their night prayers.

Some would complete it every seven nights as it was narrated to be the habit of Qataadah.

Some would complete the Quraan every tenth night as it was narrated about Aboo Rajaa’ al-‘Itaardee.

It was the habit of the Salaf to recite the Quraan abundantly in the month of Ramadhaan, within their Salaat and outside it.  

Aswad would recite the Quraan and complete it every two nights in Ramadhaan. 

Nakhaa’ee would complete the Quraan every two nights in the last ten nights of Ramadhaan but during the rest of the month he would complete it every three nights. Qataadah would complete the Quraan every week outside of Ramadhaan but within Ramadhaan he would complete the Quraan every three nights and in the last ten nights, he would complete it every night. 

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee would complete the Quraan sixty times in Ramadhaan and this was outside of his Salaah. 

It is narrated that Aboo Haneefah would do the same. 

Qataadah was narrated as giving the month of Ramadhaan specific importance in studying the Quraan.

When Ramadhaan would enter, it is narrated that Imaam az-Zuhree would recite the Quraan and feed the poor. 

Ibn ‘Abdul-Hakam said, “When Ramadhaan would enter, Maalik would leave studying Hadeeth and he would give importance to reciting the Quraan from the Mushaf instead.”

‘Abdur-Razaaq said, “When Ramadhaan would enter, Sufyaan ath-Thawree would leave all the acts of worship he would normally do and he would give all his attention to reciting the Quraan.”

‘Aaishah [May Allaah be Pleased with her] used to recite the Quraan from the Mushaf in the morning during the month of Ramadhaan and once the sun had risen, she would sleep.

Sufyaan said, “When Ramadhaan would come, Zubayd al-Yaamee would draw his attention to the Mushaf and he would gather his companions whilst doing so.”

It has been narrated from the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] that he prohibited us from completing the Quraan within every three nights, however when we come across a time which is virtuous, like the month of Ramadhaan, especially the nights of this month, or a place that is virtuous, like being in Makkaah, then there is no restriction in how much Quraan you recite. 

This was the view of Imaam Ahmad, Ishaaq and others from the scholars of the Salaf. The evidence for this has proceeded as this was the view and the habit of many of the Salaf.

Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif: Chapter 37: The Virtue of Giving in Charity and Reciting the Quraan in Ramadhaan (Pg. 125-134) 

Chapter 35: Virtues of Ramadhaan and Fasting [Part 2]

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Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 114-120) 

“He leaves following his desires, food, drink all because of Me…”

[Narrated by Bukhaari (1894) and Muslim (1151)]

Some of the Salaf would say in relation to this, ‘Good news to the one who gives up following his desires in publically and when he is in private, when no one can see him.’ This is because the believer who is fasting seeks to please his Lord, so he gives up following his desires and gives preference to Pleasing Allaah, His Master, above his whims due to his Eemaan in Allaah and his attempt to get close to Him. So the reward is greater when one leaves off following his whims in desires when he is alone, only seeking to Please his Lord, rather the believer dislikes it just as he dislikes being physically harmed if he was alone. Therefore, the believers have the attitude that even if they were beaten and forced to eat during the daytime in Ramadhaan, then would not comply, they would continue their fast; this is a sign of their Eeman. Likewise, the believer hates for his desires and whims to get the better of him, especially with the fact that Allaah Knows their intent and that He would be Angry if they followed their desires and disobeyed their Master. So if we apply this rule; that the fasting person abstains from food, drink or intercourse then it will be even more so for the believer to stop himself from sinning and everything that Angers His Lord, in every time and every place.

So if the Eemaan of the believer is strengthened and made firm, sinning and Angering his Lord will become despicable to believer well, even more so than if he was beaten or fought against. For this reason, the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] has informed us that the sign for one tasting the sweetness of Eeman is when he hates to return to sinning and Kufr after Allaah has freed him and guided him away from it. Added to this, Yoosuf [Peace be Upon him] said:

“O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me”

[Yoosuf 12:33]

It was asked to Dhunn Noon al-Misree, “When will I truly love Allaah?” He replied by saying, “When what Allaah dislikes for us to do is met with patience with yourself.” And another person added, “It cannot be, that you love something which is hated by the one you love.” Most people transcend the path of life without truly experiencing true Eemaan or what it entails; therefore most people would leave acts of obedience, in this case fasting, with the slightest bit of harm. From their ignorance, they feel that staying away from sins will complete their Eeeman, so abstaining from sins like fornication/adultery, killing people, drinking alcohol etc. rather it is more than that, Eemaan is to make yourself patient from abstaining and removing all that causes the Anger and Displeasure of Allaah from yourself.  So programming yourself to seek the Pleasure of Allaah is from the sweetness of Eemaan. 

Chapter 35: Virtues of Ramadhaan and Fasting

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Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him] says in his book Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 114-120) 
It has been narrated on the authority of Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] who said that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “All of the actions of the children of Aadam are for him and can be rewarded tenfold to seven hundred times, and Allaah, the Most High, said, ‘Except fasting, that is for Me and I Will Reward it. He leaves following his desires, food, drink all because of Me.’ The fasting person has two times where he is extremely happy; when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord. Verily, the smell that comes from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allaah than the perfume provided by musk.” 

[Narrated by Bukhaari (1894) and Muslim (1151)]

In another narration the wording states, ‘All of the actions of the children of Aadam are for him except for fasting, it is for Me…’

In another narration narrated by Bukhaaree and Imaam Ahmad in his Musnad, it states; ‘Every deed has a reward but fasting is for Me and I will reward it…’

Perhaps, the first version of the narration gives an exception to fasting, which is that all ones good deeds are multiplied from tenfold to seven hundred times more, however fasting is the only exception to this multiplication, fasting can be rewarded and multiplied without any limit. This is especially the case as Allaah, the Exalted and the Glorified, has said that Fasting is for Him and He will Reward it, thus this reward has no limit. 

Furthermore, fasting is from the different types of patience, and Allaah, the Most High, says about the reward for the patient;

“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning (or limit)”

[az-Zumar 39:10]

This is why this month has been named by the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] as the month of patience. In another hadeeth, he [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Fasting is half of patience.” [Narrated by at-Tirmidhee]

Patience is of three types: being patient in being steadfast on obeying Allaah, patience in staying away from acts of disobedience to Allaah and having patience on what Allaah has Decreed for you, from the tests and trials of life. Fasting, however, combines all three types of patience. So one must be patient and striving in worshipping Allaah,

He must be patient with himself in not following his desires and he must be patient in what is decreed upon him during this fasting, so he will become hungry, thirsty, his body will become weak etc. So fasting combines the various forms of patience, and this is from the most virtuous deeds one can do.

As for good deeds, Allaah, the Most High, rewards the person who remains steadfast on doing good deeds for the act of doing the good deed and everything that is connected to it;

“That is because they suffer neither thirst nor fatigue, nor hunger in the Cause of Allah, nor they take any step to raise the anger of disbelievers nor inflict any injury upon an enemy but is written to their credit as a deed of righteousness. Surely, Allah wastes not the reward of the Muhsinun” [Tawbah 9:120]

It was also narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah in his Saheeh in the Chapter of Virtues of Ramadhaan, and the Hadeeth can be authentically attributed to the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him], that he said, “It is the month of patience and the reward of patience is Jannah.”

It is also narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said, “The reward for fasting is not known except to Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.” [Narrated by at-Tabaraanee but it is more correct to say that this narration is Mursal (the chain stops at a Taabi’ee)]

Based on this, your deeds may be multiplied due to the virtue of a particular place, such as having multiplied reward for being in Makkah or Madeenah as it has been narrated in the authentic Hadeeth, ‘A prayer in my Masjid is better than any other masjid by one thousand times except Masjid al-Haraam.’

It has also been narrated; ‘Fasting is multiplied in the Haram in Makkah’ as was narrated by Ibn Majah but this narration is weak. There is also another weak narration from the route of Ibn ‘Abbaas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] , ‘Whoever reaches Ramadhaan in Makkah and he fasts it and stands during its nights reciting what is made easy for him from the Book of Allaah, then he will have one thousand times the reward because of the month of Ramadhaan than any other time or place.’

The reward for deeds can also be multiplied due to the virtue of time, like the month of Ramadhaan or the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. It has been narrated about the virtues of the month of Ramadhaan in the Hadeeth of Salmaan al-Farsee [May Allaah be Pleased with him] where it states, ‘One who performs a voluntary good deed during Ramadhaan, then its reward is like that of an obligatory good deeds was performed in any other month. And one who performs an obligatory deed in Ramadhaan then its reward is as if he has performed seventy obligatory deeds in any other month.’

It is also narrated by Anas [May Allaah be Pleased with him] as was recorded by at-Tirmidhee, that he asked the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him], ‘Which charity is the best?’ He [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] replied, “Sadaqah in Ramadhaan.”

It is also narrated that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, as was recorded in the two Saheehs, “Performing ‘Umrah in Ramadhaan brings the same reward as Hajj.” In another narration, “Hajj performed with me.” In another narration, “The deeds of the person fasting will be multiplied.”

It has been narrated from Aboo Bakr bin Abee Maryam that his teachers used to say, “If one of you reaches Ramadhaan, then make sure you are constant in giving in charity because it is multiplied to an extent that you have given charity in the path of Allaah. And make Tasbeeh (to say Subhaan-Allaah) because it is multiplied to thousands like it.”

It is also narrated that Nakhaa’ee said, “Fasting a day in Ramadhaan is better than fasting a thousand days outside of Ramadhaan. Making Tasbeeh in Ramadhaan is better than a thousand Tasbeeh in outside of Ramadhaan. A Rak’ah in it is better than a thousand Rak’ah outside it. So if one is doing all of this whilst fasting, then all these deeds will have a reward that will be multiplied because of the virtues of this time, the month of Ramadhaan.”

Fasting is one of the pillars of Islaam, Allaah, the Most High, has made it obligatory for His Slaves to fast and Has Built Islaam upon it. Therefore, fasting brings about a multiplication of reward, because of the honour given to this time of year, this month is a month that one gets closer to Allaah, he increases in Taqwaa and thus, his reward is multiplied even more so than those nations that fasted before us.