The Ambitions of Those Who Program Themselves to Worship

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Ibn Rajab said in Lataa’if (Pg. 551):

The righteous before us used to find great pleasure in pushing their bodies to fast extremely hot days. When they were asked why, they would say, “This is the price and it’s a bargain. If people only knew, they would all want to buy it.” This is proof that righteous deeds was highly valued by them and none truly appreciate this and acted upon it except a small party. It is too hard and difficulty for them and this typifies their (lacking of) ambitions. End quote. 

"I Will Not Miss Anything From the Dunya, Except..."

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Aboo Na’eem in Hilyah al-Awliyaa’ (2/88) reported that ‘Alqamah used to say, “I don’t cry at the fact that the Dunyaa is eventually going to finish, but I cry because I won’t be able to taste the thirst of fasting anymore or the pleasure of standing during the long nights in winter.”

Aboo Na’eem in Hilyah al-Awliyaa’ (8/23) reported that Ibraaheem bin Adham said, “If it wasn’t for three things in the Dunyaa, I wouldn’t mind being a spec from the creation of Allaah (i.e. something completely insignificant); fasting that brings about extreme thirst, standing the long nights in winter, and striving (to learn and implement) upon the Book of Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.”

Ibn Mubaarak (Pg. 95), al-Bayhaqee in Shu’ab al-Emaan (3/414) and Ibn ‘Asaakir in Taareekh Dimisqh (26/40) reported that as ‘Aamir bin ‘Abd Qays approached his death he began to cry. When asked why he was crying, he replied by saying, “I am not crying in fear of death, nor am I crying because I will miss the Dunyaa but I am crying because I will miss the thirst of fasting on a hot day and the standing the long winter nights.”

Ibn Abee ad-Dunyaa reported in al-Muhtadhareen  (Pg. 157) and Ibn ‘Asaakir in Tareekh Dimishq (31/196) reported that as Ibn ‘Umar approached his death he said, “I have no regrets from anything from the Dunyaa except three; I will miss the extreme thirst of fasting a hot day and the depths of the night and I regret that I did not fight the transgressing party of renegades (i.e. al-Hajjaaj bin Yoosuf).”

It is reported in Ibn Abee Shaybah (7/230) that Sa’eed bin Jubayr said upon the death of Ibn ‘Umar, “He will not miss anything except the extreme thirst of fasting a hot day and the joy of walking to the Salaat.”

The Doors are Open for You to Enter it by Fighting Your Desires

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Shaykh al-Islaam Ibn Taymiyyah [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

The sole objective of the month of Ramadhaan is to rectify the hearts and program them to do righteous deeds. For this reason, the doors of Jannah are casted wide open and the vices to evil are restrained, thus the doors of the Hell-fire are bolted. The Shayaateen are fastened in chains, so that their corruption is reduced and their plots are not accomplished, unlike other times of the year. The way they trap the children of Aadam to fall into their plots is by appealing to their desires, however here, the alleyways to desires are constrained. If the paths are constrained, the Shayateen are consequently repelled.

[Majmoo’ al-Fataawaa (14/167)]

The Best of You are Those Who Value Ramadhaan

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Imaam Muhammad bin Idrees ash-Shaafi’ee [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

The best of people are those who increase in their value in Ramadhaan, seeking to following the example set down by the Messenger of Allaah [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him]. The Ummah is in great need of what will benefit them as a nation, increasing in acts of worship such as preserving their fasts and extra Salaat. End quote. 

[Al-Haawiyyah Fee Fiqh as-Shaafi’ee (3/479)]

Tafseer: “as it was prescribed for those before you”

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“O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious - see V.2:2).” [al-Baqarah 2:183]

Imaam as-Sa’dee [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

Allaah, the Most High, has Honoured the slave with fasting. Obligating the fasting of Ramadhaan replicates the same obligation that was upon the nations before us; this is because all commands found in the Sharee’ah are of profound benefit. This is irrespective of time and place. So for this Ummah, the obligation of fasting is a great opportunity. It allows us to compete with the nations before us in order for our deeds to be perfected and be even more fruitful in reward. End quote.

[Taken from Tafseer as-Sa’dee 1/86]

The Levels of Endurance of the Salaf

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Aboo Na’eem in Hilyah al-Awliyaa (6/222) reported that ‘Ataa used to fast the days of summer which had intense heat. When his thirst would get severe he would say to himself, “Oh body of mine! You want to force me to relax? I will never put water in you again after this day!? (i.e. rebuking himself in order for him to strive harder).”

In  Ibn Abee Shaybah (7/151) at-Tabaqaat Ibn Sa’d it is reported that Ibraaheem an-Nakha’ee said, “al-Aswad used to fast a lot, even when he was travelling., to the extent that his colour would change due to extreme thirst. Despite this, he would insist on fasting the hottest of days and this was outside the month of Ramadhaan!”

It is also said that it was the cause for him losing his eyesight as mentioned in Taareekh Ibn Ma’een (3/390).

The Tarbiyyah of Your Mother...

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Ibn Abee Shaybah (2/280), at-Tabaree in Tahtheeb al-Athaar (1/149) and Aboo Na’eem al-Hilyah al-Awliyaa (2/47) all reported that al-Qaasim bin Muhammad said, “I saw the Mother of the Believers fast whilst she was travelling despite the intense heat of the day and the night.”

At-Tahaawee explained this narration in Sharh Ma’aanee al-Athaar (2/70) that this report is referring to A’aishah [may Allaah be Pleased with her and her father] and in another report with the extra wording that she incited us by saying, “This is what we need to strive for.”

Ibn 'Umar: I Have Achieved Nothing in My Life!

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Al-Bayhaqee also reported that Ibn ‘Umar [may Allaah be Pleased with him] once left al-Madeenah, travelling with some of his companions. When the time came to eat, they gathered around the mat at which point  a shepherd was passing by with his sheep. Ibn ‘Umar cried, “Oh shepherd, come and join us in our meal!” The shepherd excused himself by saying, “I am fasting.” Ibn ‘Umar then proclaimed, “You are fasting despite the heat of this day?! And you are looking after your animals despite the rough terrain of this mountain?! By Allaah! I have achieved nothing in my life!” .

Ibn Ma’een reported in his Taareekh (4/455) and al-Daynooree in al-Majaalasah (1/28) that Sa’eed bin Saalim said, “Rooh bin Zinnbaa’ was travelling and camped up at a place between Makkah and al-Madeenah. He prepared to eat his dinner, At which point a shepherd from behind the hills appeared, so Rooh called out to him, “Oh shepherd, join us in our food!” The shepherd replied, “I am fasting.” Rooh was startled, “You are fasting on a day with such intense heat!? All the acts of worship I have ever done are quashed compared to this act of yours.”

Miracles of the Salaf when Fasting in the Heat

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Ibn Sa’d reported in at-Tabaqaat al-Kubraa (8/224) that ‘Uthmaanbin al-Qaasim said, “When Umm Ayman made Hijrah, she lodged for the night near a place called ar-Rawhaa. She was fasting and had nothing to break her fast with, not even water. She was in a state of intense thirst. She saw a bucket of water came down from the sky. The water was gleaming white and she drank from it to her fill. She said about this experience that. “After drinking the water on that day, I have never felt thirst. Even if I am fasting an extremely hot day, I never feel thirsty.””

Oh People! I Am A Sincere Adviser To You All!

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Imaam Ahmad reported in az-Zuhd (Pg. 148) that Aboo Dharr [may Allaah be Pleased with him] used to say, “Oh people! I am a sincere adviser to you all! I am your brother! Pray during the depths of the night, out of fear for the darkness of the grave. Fast in the Dunyaa on the days when the weather is hot, protecting yourselves from the heat of the Day of Judgement. Give in charity, as giving in charity will make easy the Day of Difficulty. Oh people! I am a sincere adviser to you all! I am your brother!”a

Hoor al-'Ayn: Do You Know What Day We Got Married On?

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Ibn Rajab states in Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (Pg. 552) that Hasan al-Basree [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “The Hoor al-Ayn will say to the Friend of Allaah, as he enjoys a luxurious life, whilst he is laying with her besides his river of wine in Jannah when handing him a glass of it, “Do you know what day we got married on? It is the day when Allaah Looked at you whilst you were fasting in the heat of the summer, far apart from both ends of your fast (i.e. dusk and dawn). You were extremely thirsty and your body was very dry. So He Called upon the Angels and Said, “Look at My Slave! He left his wife (i.e. martial relations), his desires, his food and drink, all because of Me - seeking the bounties that I Possess. Bear witness that I have Forgiven him!" So that was the day you were forgiven and the day we got married.”” 

The Compliance of the Salaf in Worshipping Allaah

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It is reported by ad-Daylamee in al-Firdaws (2/326) that Aboo Sa’eed al-Khudree [may Allaah be Pleased with him] in a report which can be attributed to the Prophet (i.e. Marfoo’) that he said, “Six characteristics, if one has them then he will be a true believer; making Wudhoo properly despite the bitter cold, coming to the Salaat early despite torrential weather, fasting plenty despite the heat, fighting the enemy on the battle-field, being patient when faced with a calamity and leaving of disputes even if you are right.”

Al-Bayhaqee in Shu’ab (3/22) reported that Aboo Hurayrah [may Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “Three things are from a person’s strong Emaan: to make Ghusl after marital relations on a cold night. Despite its bitter coldness, a person fights the difficulty only for the Sake of Allaah. That one fasts days in which the heat is intense and that a person prays in an empty land, none seeing him except Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.” 

In Ibn Abee Shaybah (2/299) in Chapter: The Fasting Person Cooling Down with Water narrated the following:

Ibn ‘Awn said that Ibn Sireen held the view that it is permissible for the fasting person to wet his clothes and wear it and even place it on his face.

And that ‘Uthmaan bin Abee al-‘Aas used to pour water over himself and indulge in it, and this was whilst he was fasting.

Ibn Rajab said in Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (Pg. 553):

Imaam Ahmad used to fast extensively to the point that he would almost collapse. He would often wash his face with water. When he was asked as to why he pushes his body to such limits by fasting days of extensive heat, he replied by saying, “It’s not a problem, I can always pour water on my clothes and wear them.”

Imaam Ahmad also reported in his book ‘az-Zuhd’ (Pg. 112) that Aboo Bakr bin Hafs would increase optional fasting during the summer and only have a break from fasting during the winter. 

The Status of Those Who Fast in the Summer

Follow @AhleDhikr It is reported in az-Zuhd of Ibn al-Mubaarak (Pg. 461), Ibn Abee ad-Dunyaa in al-Hawaatif (Pg. 23), Ibn Abee Shaybah (2/273), ‘Abdur-Razaaq (4/308), ar-Rooyaanee in his Musnad (1/374) and Aboo Na’eem in Hilyah al-Awliyaa’ (1/260) that Aboo Moosaa al-‘Ashaaree [may Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “Allaah has made it compulsory that those who fast facing dire thirst on a hot day during the days of the Dunya, that He quenches their thirst on the Day of Judgement.” For this reason, Aboo Moosaa [may Allaah be Pleased with him] used to purposely fast during the summer.

It is reported in al-Bayhaqee in Shu’ab al-Emaan (3/21) on the authority of Aboo Maalik al-Asharee that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “There are six types of Jihaad which are superior to all other forms of it; fighting the enemy for the Sake of Allaah on the battle-field with your weapon, fasting in summer, having the best of patience when afflicted with a calamity, leaving off arguments and disputes even if you have the truth with you, coming early to the Salaat even when the weather is bad and making Wudhoo in the bitter cold.” 

[Taken from Descriptive Benefits of Fasting in the Heat of the Summer by Shaykh Taariq bin ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Hamoodee al-Atharee [may Allaah Preserve him]

The Virtues of Fasting During the Summer

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The benefits behind fasting are numerous and known to us all, especially when fasting requires great levels of endurance.

Ibn Rajab [may Allaah have Mercy on him] said:

From the aspects that multiply the reward for fasting in the summer, is fasting during intense weather conditions. The difficulty in fasting, coupled with the acts of worship one does whilst fasting, multiplies the reward.

[Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (Pg. 551)]

He also said:

The patience of those who fast for the Sake of Allaah in the relentless heat, faced with starvation and thirst, is rewarded with a door from the many doors of Jannah made exclusive to them – the Doors of ar-Rayyaan. Whoever enters the Doors of ar-Rayyaan will drink from the water within it and they will never face starvation or thirst ever again.

[Lataa’if al-Ma’aarif (Pg. 554)]

From the hardships we put our bodies through is fasting the month of Ramadhaan during the summer. The month comes successively throughout the years in the summer season - year after year, starting from the end of the summer and being brought forward every year. During this period, the month of Ramadhaan is inevitably going to coincide with the peak of the summer heat. In this regard, there are a multitude of reports which contain lessons and warrants plenty of consideration (and these will be posted in a series of posts, Allaah Willing).

It has been reported by al-Bukhaaree (1843) and Muslim (1122), on the authority of Aboo Dardaa’ [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that he said:

We went out with the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon] on one of his travels during the heat of the summer. None of us were fasting except the Prophet and Ibn Rawaahah.

It is also reported by by al-Bukhaaree (2733) and Muslim (1119), on the authority of Anas bin Maalik [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that he said:

We were travelling with the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon], most of us were seeking shade because of the heat, but those who were fasting were completely exhausted. As for those who weren’t fasting, they were able to ride their animals and serve those who were fasting, to which the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon] said, “Today, the ones who are not fasting have outdone the others in reward.”

[Taken from Descriptive Benefits of Fasting in the Heat of the Summer by Shaykh Taariq bin ‘Abdur-Rahmaan al-Hamoodee al-Atharee (may Allaah Preserve him)]

To be continued...

The Salaf and the Quraan during Ramadhaan

Follow @AhleDhikr 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)

Fasting will Intercede for You

Follow @AhleDhikr Know that the believer during the month of Ramadhaan is faced with two great personal endeavors; 

1)    He fasts during the day

2)   He prays and recites the Quraan during the night

So if the believer makes himself patient upon these endeavors then he will have a great and unlimited reward.  

Ka’b said, “There will be a call on the Day of Judgment so that everyone who ploughed will be rewarded. The Ahl al-Quraan and the people of fasting will be given their reward without measure. They will also be interceded for with Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted.”

As it was narrated in the Musnad on the authority of ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] said, “Fasting and Standing in Prayer are two forms of intercession for the slave on the Day of Judgment. Fasting will say on that Day, ‘Oh my Lord! I prevented him from food and drink during the day’ and the Quraan will say, ‘I prevented him from sleeping during the night so except this intercession from us’, so it will be accepted from them both.”

So fasting will be an intercessor on the Day of Judgment as food and drink and the following of his desires were prevented for him. All of these are the same, he makes prohibited upon himself by fasting, food, drink, intercourse and that what comes after it, without falling into any Haraam forms of fulfillment of desire, he doesn’t follow his need for any of these for the sake of fasting. So he prohibits himself from the Haraam types of looking, the Haraam types of listening, all the various forms of income he may gain which are Haraam, he closes it all for himself; all because of fasting. So because of these restrictions that he places on himself due to fasting, fasting will be an intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment.

So when fasting will say on the Day of Judgment, ‘Oh my Lord! I prevented him from food and drink during the day’ it means that the fasting person protected his fast from what is prohibited as well as what is usually permissible for him. As for the one who fasts but doesn’t prevent himself from falling into obeying his desires and what Allaah had prohibited him, then he deserves to be beaten. 

Chapter 37: The Virtue of Giving in Charity and Reciting the Quraan in Ramadhaan from Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 125-134) by Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

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

Follow @AhleDhikr 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 publicly 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, and 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 [Part 1]

Follow @AhleDhikr 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.

The Worship of Fasting and Its Virtues

Follow @AhleDhikr 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 Ruling on Sending Peace and Blessings of Allaah Upon the Messenger

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Ibn al-Qayyim [may Allaah have Mercy on him and Purify his soul] said:

The scholars differed on the ruling of sending Peace and Blessings of Allaah upon the Messenger of Allaah when hearing his name.

Aboo Ja’far at-Tahaawee al-Hanafee was of the opinion that it is Waajib to supplicate by sending peace and blessings of Allaah upon him every time his name is mentioned. 

Others were of the opinion that sending peace and blessings of Allaah upon him when hearing his name was not an obligation, but something Mustahab (recommended), thus one is not sinning if he doesn’t do it. 

Others were of the opinion that it is obligatory to do it at least once in their lifetime because the command is an unrestricted command (الْأَمر الْمُطلق) which doesn’t necessitate repetition. So fulfilling the obligation to do it is is sufficed if one does it just once in their lifetime. This final opinion is the opinion of the majority; from them is Aboo Haneefah, Maalik, at-Thawree, al-Awzaa’ee and others. 

Qaadee ‘Iyyaad and Ibn Abdul-Barr also narrated this to be the opinion of the majority (and the correct opinion). 

Ash-Shaafi’ee and Ahmad both opined that it was an obligation every time his name is mentioned; the final opinion they held before they passed away.

[Jalaa al-Afhaam (Pg. 382)] 

TN: This article has been translated for the purpose of benefit and doesn’t promote laziness in sending peace and blessings of Allaah upon him.

A Short Word About Ramadhaan

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Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan bin Abdullah Aal-Fawzaan - May Allaah Preserve him

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

All Praise belongs to Allaah, the Lord of the ‘Aalameen and May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon His Messenger Muhammad, upon all His Family and Companions.

There is no doubt that this month is a month in which we increase in doing good deeds. Allaah, Glorified and Exalted, has made it a reoccurring favour for us, every year in the life of a Muslim he has this opportunity to act in this month. This month has features and advantages which distinguishes itself from the other months. So the Muslim should accept this month from his Lord as it is more virtuous than any other month. This is because, and Allaah Knows Best, for two reasons:

Firstly: The actions of a Muslim is insignificant, his lifespan is short, however due to the blessings placed by Allaah in this month, the deeds a Muslim does in this month is multiplied. This is perhaps because he is deficient in his life and because of this month being filled with blessings, his good deeds are multiplied as if he lived a life which is longer than his actual number of years.

Secondly: This month is a month of practice and training, it trains and programs us to do good deeds in the hope that we continue doing them after the month of Ramadan has ended. So it is a month of programming and training, making us steadfast and eradicating negligence and of our shortcomings. 

So as you can see, it is a great month as the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] described it. It is a great and blessed month. Allaah has Blessed it so that the deeds you do are multiplied to the degree that you will not even realize how much reward you will receive for it, depending on your intention and sincerity to Allaah, The Glorified and Exalted.

This month has acts of worship that have been obligated for us to fulfill, thus this month especially incites the Muslim to increase in doing good deeds, fulfilling his obligations, some of which are absolutely necessary for him to carry out, such as their five daily prayers, fasting etc. These are obligatory for a Muslim to implement, even more so in this month as they are from the pillars of al-Islaam.

Likewise, the Muslim is also encouraged to increase in voluntary acts of righteousness, and its types are many. Therefore, the Muslim in this month should not settle with doing what is obligatory upon him alone, even though there is great good in doing the obligatory deeds, however he should program himself and encourage himself to increase in accompanying these obligatory deeds with optional ones.

The scope of optional deeds one can perform is vast, however it depends on the individual, the slave of Allaah, on how close he wants to get to his Lord and the hope he has within himself and how determined he is. As for obligatory deeds, then this is absolutely necessary. Obligatory deeds are never waived from a person, it is binding that he carries them out, however he may perform them in the best manner he can.

"Allah burdens not a person beyond his scope"

[al-Baqarah 2:286]

As for optional acts of righteousness, then the subject is broad despite it involving a great amount of goodness. It is narrated in an authentic narration that Allaah, The Exalted and Glorified, said:

"My servant does not come close to me with something I Love except when he performs the obligatory deeds…"

So one gets close to Allaah, The Glorified and Exalted, by performing the obligatory deeds 

Then Allaah, The Exalted and Glorified, said:

"…and he continues to get closer to Me by doing optional deeds…"

So by doing optional deeds, the slave gets close to Allaah and His Love. This is the incitement we should have by doing these optional deeds. This is important because some people are very lazy and negligent in this regard, once they hear that a particular act of worship is Nafil or optional or if they find out it is recommended or Mustahab, they become lazy. They say, 'As long as it is not obligatory then it is Okay if I leave it.' They do not realise that this one optional deed may carry a great weight and it may be that he desperately needs the reward from this one deed. Besides, most of these deeds are easy and they do not create difficulty for the one performing them, however when they hear that it is not obligatory, they automatically become lazy and negligent of it. 

Sometimes, this laziness spoils over to the obligatory deeds, they become lazy and negligent of performing the obligatory deeds, so if one is lazy in himself in performing optional acts of righteousness ,then he will also become lazy in performing the obligatory ones. So the Muslim needs to pay attention to this.

Another thing we should pay attention to is that even if you fulfill your obligations, it does not mean that they are perfect. There will always be a shortcoming in them. This is always the case. There is no way that one can perform obligatory deeds without there being any form of shortcoming.
So if you have performed optional deeds, the shortcomings in your obligatory deeds will be strengthened by these optional deeds, as this appears in the Hadeeth. 

Therefore you are in need of doing optional deeds, so how can you neglect them whilst you are in need of them? You have shortcomings in your obligatory deeds, so don’t leave off performing optional ones. If you hear that doing a particular deed is opinion, then you may often become lazy and think the affair is all of a sudden easy, however you do not know the benefit of performing it, despite you being in need of it.

Therefore, it is incumbent upon the Muslim to be active in being obedient to Allaah, train yourself, program yourself to do acts of obedient and don’t spare any opportunity  of doing good deeds if it presents itself. Do not become lazy. Your desires is like an animal, if you train it to come back then it will come back. If you leave the animal to fend for itself from the very beginning, then you will have no control over it. So your desires is like an animal that needs to be trained. 

Therefore, it is necessary that you program yourself to come back, return to doing good deeds and acts of obedience. There is no doubt that a person and his soul finds it difficult to program itself in being obedient, it becomes lazy, however it is a must that you strive and work hard in being patient. Patience comes after a long time of programming and training oneself in being obedience, if one does this then he will taste the sweetness in doing them and he will become accustomed to it.

Based on this, as soon as the Salaf heard about standing the night in prayer, they rushed to it. They worked hard and they became enduring upon it.  This is because, and there is no doubt in this, that if humans are sleeping at night, they have the warmth of their beds during the winter, or they are tired and they have a need to sleep during the night, despite all of this they make themselves firm in standing during the night in Salaah, then it will not be difficult for him to do this as he trained himself from the very beginning. He has become accustomed to its taste because doing good deeds and being obedient has a beautiful taste, only if people train themselves to accept its taste. 

Whatever the case, humans don’t obey intrinsically rather they need to be trained to obey.  Rather, they need to be programmed and become pleased in being obedient. So if you train yourself, it will become easy but if you leave it then it will be extremely difficult for you to return. These people are already overcome, they are overcome by themselves. They are overcome by laziness, the love and need of relaxing and they have lost the desire for the ending. 

People need to work hard and program themselves. If you obey your desires then it will overcome you and it will be very difficult for you to worship. However, if you grab yourself firmly and make yourself return then it will become easy for you and you will lose this laziness, as a result you will taste the sweetness of worshipping Allaah. Because of this, Allaah, the Most High, says:

"7. And by Nafs (Adam or a person or a soul, etc.), and Him Who perfected him in proportion;

8. Then He showed him what is wrong for him and what is right for him;

9. Indeed he succeeds who purifies his ownself (i.e. obeys and performs all that Allah ordered, by following the true Faith of Islamic Monotheism and by doing righteous good deeds).

10. And indeed he fails who corrupts his ownself (i.e. disobeys what Allah has ordered by rejecting the true Faith of Islamic Monotheism or by following polytheism, etc. or by doing every kind of evil wicked deeds)."

[ash-Shams 91:7-10]

The one who purifies himself is successful, if he purifies it by doing good deeds and acts of obedience by returning to the worship of Allaah. 

The one who is corrupted is the one who is engulfed by the dirt of the earth, he is debased and undignified; this is the corrupt one. This person thinks that he can get whatever he wants however in reality he is insulting himself. In contrast, if someone is given something and he uses this to obey Allaah then he will be honoured and dignified, even if it appears as if he is inferior to the other. It appears as if he is deprived from attaining what he desires and that he lacks in freedom however in reality, this person is honourable and his status is elevated.

So this is an extremely important affair so the Muslim must take it upon himself to make sure he understand it. He should understand it with awareness internally and externally, this month has many benefits and virtues, more so than any other month. The Muslim cannot live whilst wasting his life, he is getting older and this month is an opportunity for him. You have heard the statement of Allaah, the Most High;   

"Eat and drink at ease for that which you have sent on before you in days past!" [al-Haaqah 69:24]

Meaning, what you have done in the days that have passed of your life, from the acts of obedience in the world, then this will be said to them. In the hereafter, it will not be said to them, eat and drink and enjoy it. Be at ease because of what you did in the past. The opposite is also true, those who had wasted their past, then it will not be said to them, 'eat and drink' or 'be at ease' rather it will be said to them, "drink from the hell-fire, from the tree called Zaqoom (a tree in hellfire of which the roots come from the bottom of hell-fire and its fruits resemble that the heads of Shayaateen engulfed with thorns), from Hameem (extremely boiling and scalding water)"

So it is incumbent for the Muslim to be attentive to this. 

May Allaah enable us all to do what He is Pleased with and Loves and May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon His Family and all His Companions.

http://ramadhan.af.org.sa/node/1440