Forty Benefits in Supplicating for Your Prophet ﷺ (Part 2)

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11 – By increasing in supplicating for Peace and Blessings of Allaah to be upon the Prophet, it is a cause for Allaah making the affairs easy for His Servant.

12 – It is a means for which a person gains closeness to the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] on the Day of Judegment.

13 – It is a good word which one utters or reminds others of in times of hardship.

14 – It is a means in which the needs of a person are brought about.

15 – By increasing in sending Peace and Blessings of Allaah upon him, Allaah and His Angels in turn send Peace and Blessings upon the person.

16 – It is cause of gaining purification from sins and cleansing of the heart.

17 – It is a means in which a person could gain the glad tidings of Jannah before his death. This was stated by Haafidh Aboo Moosa and he qouted narrations supporting this.

18 – It is a means in which he avoids any hardship on the Day of Judgement.

19 – It is a means in which one can gain the supplication of the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] in response, as his soul is restored in order to respond.

20 – It is a means in which a person may be reminded of something he may have forgotten.

To be completed.

[Jalaa’ al-Afhaam Fee Fadl as-Salaat wa as-Salaam ‘ala Muhammad Khayr al-Anaam (Pg. 515 - 527)]

Chapter of at-Tayammum: Is it a Temporary or an Actual Purification? (Part 2)

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A-The scholars differed on whether at-Tayammum removes impurities or if it’s a temporary measure.

Some of the scholars have stated that at-Tayammum physically removes the impurities (i.e. it is like Wudhoo).

Others were of the view that at-Tayammum is only a temporary measure and it doesn’t physically remove impurities. Once a person finds water or once the time for prayer expires, they must renew their purification – either by doing at-Tayammum again or using water (if they find it).

The correct opinion with al-‘Uthaymeen is the first one based on the following:

-Allaah, the Most High, Said after mentioning at-Tayammum, “Allah does not want to place you in difficulty, but He wants to purify you” [5:6]

-The Hadeeth, “The earth has been made a Masjid and a means of purification.”

The word “Tahoor” here has a Fatha which means it is used to purify by.

-A principle in the Sharee’ah is that if something is used to substitute something else then it takes the same ruling – so water has been substituted by earth so it takes the same ruling.

B-Based on the differences of opinion above, we have various sub-rulings that they differed on:

-If at-Tayammum is only a temporary measure then this means that if at-Tayammum was performed for a Naafilah, then something Waajib can’t be done by it, because the Waajib action is higher than the Naafilah. So if a person makes at-Tayammum to touch the Mushaf then he can’t pray Nafl prayers, because this is higher.

However, the correct opinion is that at-Tayammum is a physical purifier and one is allowed to pray optional prayers do other acts of worship such as reciting from the Mushaf etc.

-If at-Tayammum is a temporary measure then this means that the Tayammum is nullified at the end of the prayer time and must be renewed for each prayer.

Some said that at-Tayammum is valid from one prayer time to the next but they stipulated that it is not allowed to make at-Taymammum during the Makrooh times to pray in.

However, again the correct opinion is that at-Tayammum lifts all forms of impurity and is not nullified except that which nullifies Wudhoo.

-If we say its temporary then one must have the intention of making at-Tayammum as well as having the intention for the action of worship they intend to pray by it also. If this is missing, then the Tayammum is void.

However, al-Uthaymeen says that the correct opinion is that at-Tayammum is not temporary, and once he performs it then he is pure.  

Al-Uthaymeen explains that at-Tayammum carries the same rulings connected to water, however this is in removing spiritual impurities major and minor.

As for physical impurities it doesn’t remove it, but this is the view of the Madhab.

But the correct opinion is that physical impurities aren’t removed by at-Tayammum because there is no textual evidence for this.

Also, removing the state of ritual impurity is an act of worship, whereas removing physical impurities isn’t. Therefore, one must remove impurities with whatever means possible and they don’t need a religious intention for doing this.

The person must try and remove the impurities they have on themselves or on their clothes. If they are unable, then they make at-Tayammum to remove the spiritual impurities but are allowed to pray with the physical impurities until they are able to remove it.

Chapter of at-Tayammum: Definition and Origins (Part 1)

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Definition

The linguistic definition of Tayammum is “to have an intent”.

Technically it means to “worship Allaah, the Most High, by wiping his face and hands with earth”.

Its Origins

From its virtues is that it is has been given to this Ummah and not to any other nation before us. Jaabir [may Allaah be Pleased with him] narrated that the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him] said, “We have been given five that hasn’t been given to any other Prophet before me;…the earth has been made as a place of praying and purification.” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (307) and Muslim (291)]

As for the nations before us, they had to purify themselves with water, and if they didn’t find any then they would have to wait until they did. This indeed is a great deal of difficulty.

The Ayaat of at-Tayammum were revealed because A’aishah [may Allaah be Pleased with her and her father] used to beautify herself for the Prophet. Once, whislt travelling, her necklace fell off and she dismounted her camel in order to look for it. The entire camp were waiting for her to find her necklace whilst they had no water, so these Aayaat were revealed. Usayd bin Hadheer said about this, “This is from the greatest of blessings you have, oh family of Aboo Bakr.” [Reported by al-Bukhaaree (334) and Muslim (367)]

Fitnah al-Maal - The Compromise (Part 3)

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Shaykh Sa'd bin Nasir ash-Shathree (may Allaah Preserve him) said:

Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, ordered one of His Prophets from Banee Israa’eel, to make Taaloot their king. 

The nation disputed this decision:

“How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth” [al-Baqarah 2: 247]

They were delirious because of money!  They supposed wealth was everything.

If a person gave you a proposal saying, "We would give you all the wealth you have ever desired on the condition that you abandon the Sunnah.” Would you do this? I doubt that any one of us would ever commit such a crime.

If we fell, we would be guilty of giving precedence of the Dunyaa over the Aakhirah. Its only a Sunnah, its not obligatory, yet despite this, we would fear a painful torment to befall on those who would compromise in this situation.

How many of us are there have left out what is obligatory upon them caused by their desire for wealth? Some don’t pay off debts, others at work don’t do their job properly, whilst others deceive consumers when trading, and the list is endless. All of these are examples of those who have sold their religion for the price of temporary benefit in the Dunyaa.

The rectification? We all must realise the true status and purpose of having wealth. How many have saved up riches but has only accumulated in exchange for anger, a corrupt state and a punishment in the Dunyaa before having it multiplied in the Aakhirah.

As, the Glorified, Said:

“So let not their wealth or their children amaze you (O Muhammad ); in reality Allah's Plan is to punish them with these things in the life of the this world, and that their souls shall depart (die) while they are disbelievers.” [at-Tawbah 9: 55]

Fitnah al-Maal - The True Nature of Wealth (Part 2)

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Shaykh Sa'd bin Nasir ash-Shathree (may Allaah Preserve him) said:

All praises belong to Allaah, the Lord of the creation. The One Who Gives wealth to whomsoever He Pleases. He Witholds Giving it to those whom He Pleases. None can prevent His Decree in giving and not can permit giving to those whom He has denied. He extends provision to whomsoever He Wills.

We praise Him, the Glorified, we thank Him and extol Him and I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allaah, having no partners, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Slaves and His Messenger – may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him, his family, his companions and all those who follow them, in abundance until the Last Day.

To begin:

Wealth is a sensitive topic – nations have been destroyed by it and others have been saved from doom by it. So how can we save ourselves from destruction and be from those who use our wealth to gain salvation?

Many today, don’t realise the true reality and nature of wealth. They don’t even realise what true and actual wealth really is. Most are lost in this regard. Just like when the people at the time of Qaaroon witnessed his riches and said:

“"Ah, would that we had the like of what Qarun (Korah) has been given? Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune."” [al-Qassas 28: 79]

However, the scholars of Islaam even at that time, rebuked them:

“"Woe to you! The Reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are patient (in following the truth)."” [al-Qassas 28: 80]

What was the outcome for those who were fooled by their love for wealth?:

“So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves.” [al-Qassas 28: 81]

Fitnah al-Maal - Introduction (Part 1)

Follow @AhleDhikr All Praises are for Allaah Alone - I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad is His Messenger and Slave, may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him, his family, companions and all those who follow them in goodness until the Last Day.

To proceed,

This is a new series in which extracts from the lecture entitled, "The Distresses of Wealth" delivered by our noble mentor and Shaykh, Shaykh Sa'd bin Naasir ash-Shathree [may Allaah Preserve him and his father] will be posted.

Globally, Muslims are being challenged by their wealth and the enemies of Allaah from the man and Shayaateen are using it to distract and wrestle with the religious commitment of the Ummah. Hence, there is an increased need for this topic in which the Shaykh gives a degree of different perspectives to the Muslims' approach to wealth and in illustrating the transiency of this Dunyaa.

I ask Allaah, the Most High, to make this beneficial for ourselves and place the benefits found within it upon the scales of good deeds for the Shaykh, on a day in which no wealth nor child will avail another.

Upon him I rely and with his Name I begin...

He didn’t fear for us poverty but he feared for us wealth and ingratitude

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Taken from Sharh Muqadimmah Ibn Maajah, Tape 2

It was narrated that ‘Amr ibn ‘Awf (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “By the One whose Hand is my soul, it is not poverty that I fear for you, rather what I fear for you is that worldly riches may be given to you as they were given to those who came before you, and you will compete for them with one another as they competed with one another, and you will be destroyed as they were destroyed.”

Narrated by al-Bukhaari (2988) and Muslim (2961)

Shaykh Abd al-Kareem ibn Abd Allaah al-Khudayr [May Allaah Preserve him] said about this hadeeth;

If we look at the situation of the people today then we will realize that our relationship with wealth and money has never been seen before from the generation before us. This is because the treasures of the earth have been opened for us and Allaah has given us wealth that he hasn’t given to those before us but despite poverty is still present. If you read and study about the history of the Muslims, even if we look at the state of those in Baghdad before us then we will realize that these luxuries that we have in our lives today wasn’t given to those before us, including that of the black gold [oil]. If we look at Spain before us, you will find that the worldly luxuries were poured over them;

“And few of My servants are grateful” [Surah Saba’ 34:13]

They built palaces in Spain with parts of it made from gold, but if we look at their end, they were overcome by the Christians. They ridded of the Muslims, they killed them, took their place, used them as workers, they insulted their women and children because the luxuries they had wasn’t met with gratitude and thanksgiving to Allaah. So the conclusion was theirs;

“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My Punishment is severe.” [Surah Ibraaheem 14: 7]

The meaning here is not to do acts of disbelief, rather it means to deny the luxuries and favours upon you by not giving thanks.

The Salaf Sought for their Deeds to be accepted by Having Taqwaa

Follow @AhleDhikr It is from the practice of the Salaf as-Saalih to strive to make their deeds as perfect as possible, upon completion, they would seek for it to be accepted from them and they were always in a state of fear that their deeds would be rejected. These are the ones referred to:

“Verily! Those who live in awe for fear of their Lord;” [Mu’minoon 23:57]

It is also narrated from ‘Alee bin Abee Taalib [May Allaah be Pleased with him] that he said, “Seek to make your deeds accepted, have you not heard the statement of Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, ‘Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun’ [Maaidah 5: 27].”

Fudaalah bin ‘Ubayd said, “If I knew that Allaah has accepted from me even a minute atom’s weight of good deeds, this is more beloved to me than the whole world and all it contains. As he says; ‘Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun’ [Maaidah 5: 27]”

Ibn Deenaar said, “To fear that your deed will not be accepted is more difficult than doing the act itself.”

‘Ataa said, “One should be cautious that his deeds are not for Allaah.”

‘Abdul-‘Azeez bin Abee Ruwaad said, “You strive to do good deeds but upon completion, you should be worried on whether it will be accepted or not.”

...

These are the generations that came before us and they have succeeded and those who came after them have become spoilt and have become involved in idleness, laughing and playing. So the day will come that the successful will receive their rewards and those who are losers will be falsified.

Taken from Chapter 42: Saying Farewell to Ramadhaan in Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 160-169) by Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

Finished your Rituals with the Words of Tawheed and Istighfaar

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As for the statement of Tawheed [i.e. Laa ila Ila Allaah], then this statement expiates sins and it removes all traces of the sins that he had committed and thus, nothing remains of it. So the statement of Tawheed is like free a slave, and freeing a slave is like one has freed himself from the fire. Whoever says it and believes in it, sincerely with his heart, then Allaah makes the fire prohibited upon this person.

As for the words of Istighfaar or forgiveness, then increasing in it is a cause for you to attain the Forgiveness and Mercy of Allaah. 

Hasan al-Basree [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said, “Increase in asking for Allaah’s forgiveness because you don’t know when the Mercy of Allaah will fall upon you.”

Luqmaan the wise, told his son, “Oh son! Repeat Istigfaar upon your tongue, because there are hours in which Allaah doesn’t deny the person who asks.”
Allaah, the Most High, also combines the statement of Tawheed and the advice on being steadfast in asking for Istighfaar.

Allaah, the Most High, says:

“So know (O Muhammad) that La ilaha ill-Allah (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah), and ask forgiveness for your sin” [Muhammad 47:19]

It is also narrated from the Salaf that they said, “Iblees said, ‘Men are destroyed because of their sins and I have been destroyed because of Laa Ilaha Ila Allaah and Istighfaar.’”

Istighfaar is from the deeds that one must do upon completion of righteous deeds, such as upon the completion of Salaah, Hajj or Qiyaam al-Layl. It is also prescribed to say Istighfaar upon the completion of sittings and gathering, so if the gathering was a gathering of remembering Allaah and a beneficial gathering then we are closing the righteous deed by seeking Istighfaar and if the gathering had shortcomings or sins, then we are seeking to be pardoned and forgiven.

Therefore, it is binding that we finish by seeking forgiveness in Allaah.

‘Umar bin ‘Abdul-‘Azeez also once wrote:

Say as your father Aadam [Peace be Upon him] has said:

“Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If You forgive us not, and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers.” [A’raaf 7:23]

Say as Nooh [Peace be Upon him] said:

“O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers.” [Hood 11:47]

Say as Moosa [Peace be Upon him] said:

“My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me” [Qasas 28:16]

Say as Dhun Noon [Peace be Upon him] said:

“La ilaha illa Anta [none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah)], Glorified (and Exalted) are You [above all that (evil) they associate with You]. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doer” [Mu’minoon 21:87]

It is also narrated that Aboo Hurayrah [May Allaah be Pleased with him] said, “Backbiting tears your fasts but Istighfaar repairs it. So whoever is able to repair his fasting then let him do so.”

Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 160-169) by Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

Advice to the pilgrim after the Hajj by Shaykh Saaleh al-Fawzaan (الله يحفظه)

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Shaykh Saaleh bin Fawzaan al-Fawzaan [May Allaah Preserve him]

Member of Committee of Senior Scholars and Permanent Council of Research and Fatwaa.

It is upon the Muslim to fear Allaah, The Glorified, The Most High, to rectify his deeds and to repent to Him from his sins, so that he returns in a better state than he was before the Hajj. So he must return to Allaah, repenting and returning to Him.

He must protect the obligations upon him and to increase in doing optional good deeds. He must refrain from what Allaah has Forbidden, because the Hajj increases one in obedience and Taqwaa of Allaah and it opens the future (of the pilgrim) to righteous deeds and to be steadfast upon them.

As for what some people say, ‘Hajj expiates ones sins so he can do whatever he wants after preforming it because he has been purified’ then this is from ignorance and deception, Allaah’s Refuge is sought. What is obligatory is actually the opposite of this. Truly, the one who performs the Hajj, then he should be in a better state than he was before it, by following the Hajj with good deeds, repentance to Allaah, abstaining from what is forbidden and that one remains steadfast on the religion until death approaches him. Allaah, the Most High, says:

“And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty (i.e. death).” [al-Hijr 15: 99]

So if one returns to sinning and disobedience after the Hajj then this has an impact on the Hajj and at times it may even nullify his Hajj, such as one who does Shirk with Allaah, the Exalted and Magnified.

So Hajj increases the believer in Tawqaa of Allaah, the Exalted and Magnified and that he returns home like the day his mother bore him, free from sins as the Prophet said, “Whoever performs Hajj and he doesn’t have intercourse or sin, then he returns like the day his mother gave birth to him”.

So Allaah has taken away your sins and has accepted your repentance, so don’t return to sin after this. By doing so, this is clear loss. So it is upon you to be pleased and rejoice with this favour and to be constant in repentance (or turning to Him) and obedience to Him, the Exalted and Magnified.

It is also upon you to enjoin what is good and to forbid what is prohibited and be a guide for your people when you return to them.

Explain to them what they need to understand from the rulings of the religion. To explain to your brothers and your family, the correct path. So call to Allaah, the Exalted and Magnified, and give caution to mistakes that they have fallen into. The Most High says:

“ And remember Allah during the appointed Days. But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allah (fear Him), and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him.”  [al-Baqarah 2:203]

At-Taqwaa is to obey Allaah, the Most High, with Light (i.e. knowledge) from Him, the Exalted and Magnified, seeking His Reward. It also means that one should leave sinning, fearing His Punishment. This is the definition of at-Taqwaa. It is called at-Taqwaa because it protects one from the punishment, so then He said:

”And Obey Allaah (i.e. fear Allaah)…”  [al-Baqarah 2: 203]

This is affair of at-Taqwaa. Fear Allaah by doing what He has Commanded you and abstaining from what He has Prohibited. Be constant on this after the Hajj, in every moment.

Then He said after that:

“and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him”  [al-Baqarah 2:203]

Meaning, you will be gathered on the Day of Judgement in front of Allaah, the Exalted and Magnified; a day when the first and the last will be gathered, on one plain, all of them standing in front of the Lord of all of creation. Barefooted, naked and uncircumcised. Then they will be reckoned for what they did and their deeds will be weighed on the scales:

“Then, those whose scales (of good deeds) are heavy, - these, they are the successful. And those whose scales (of good deeds) are light, they are those who lose their ownselves, in Hell will they abide.”

[al-Mu’minoon 23:102-103]

Then they will be given their records in the right hand or in the left hand, then they will be presented with the Siraat, which is a bridge that lies above the hellfire. There is nothing that will help one to cross the Siraat except ones deeds, as the Most High, says:

“There is not one of you but will pass over it (Hell); this is with your Lord; a Decree which must be accomplished.” [Maryam 19:71]

Every one of us will pass it, and Allaah’s help is sought.

This is wisdom behind it is in His Statement:

“and know that you will surely be gathered unto Him”  [al-Baqarah 2:203]

When you see the variety of people who speak different languages, gather on the day of ‘Arafah, variation in their nationalities and colours, and you see the extreme crowding, then you should (also) remember Gathering (i.e. on the Day of Judgement). In fact, the Gathering (i.e. on the Day of Judgement) will be even more severe in massing. So the Gathering (i.e. on the Day of Judgement) will be an even greater gathering than the gathering of the Hajj. It (i.e. on the Day of Judgement) will gather from the first to the very last, all in one place. So if you saw the way they gathered during the Hajj, and you witnessed the variation in their languages and colours, you will also realise that they all differed in accordance to their deeds and ranks. You saw them all gathered. So this should remind you of the greatest gathering on the Day of Judgement, so prepare for it with doing righteous deeds.

Then, He says:

“And of mankind there is he whose speech may please you (O Muhammad  ), in this worldly life, and he calls Allah to witness as to that which is in his heart, yet he is the most quarrelsome of the opponents.
205. And when he turns away (from you "O Muhammad"), his effort in the land is to make mischief therein and to destroy the crops and the cattle, and Allah likes not mischief.
206. And when it is said to him, "Fear Allah", he is led by arrogance to (more) crime. So enough for him is Hell, and worst indeed is that place to rest!
207. And of mankind is he who would sell himself, seeking the Pleasure of Allah. And Allah is full of Kindness to (His) slaves.” [al-Baqarah 2: 204-207]

So look to see which group you belong to? Are you from the group which cling to the earth and corrupt it? Or are you from those who trade themselves to seek the Pleasure of Allaah? Trade: meaning they sell themselves to seek the Pleasure of Allaah, by striving for the sake of Allaah; preforming acts of obedience, being patient in times of difficulty, to seek the reward of Allaah, the Exalted and Magnified. So look! Are you from these or them?

So it is upon you to fear Allaah, the Glorified and the Most High, and to account yourself. That you return (after the Hajj) in a state that is better than before it, so that your Hajj will be an accepted Hajj, a toiling which has been met with thankfulness (from Allaah) and an expiation for sins.

And one should not say, ‘I have performed the Hajj and I can now rely on that.’ These people are deceived by their Hajj and their deeds. These people have not performed in relation to the Rights of Allaah except something very little. And this is IF Allaah has accepted it from you! Rather, the Rights of Allaah are far greater upon you, however He, the Glorified and the Most High, Makes the little that you do into something very big. He Multiplies your righteous deeds as a virtue and a favour from Him. (And on top of this) He Admits people into Jannah from His Favour and Mercy. If we were to depend on our deeds alone then we would perish! This is because what we accomplish is very little in comparison to the favour of Allaah upon us, however Allaah, the Glorified and the Most High, is ash-Shakoor (Appreciative), al-Haleem (Enduring on peoples mistakes), al-Gahfoor (Forgiving), ar-Raheem (Merciful).

So it is obligatory upon us to have good thoughts about Allaah, that we rely upon Him, The Glorified and The High. That we go back to in a better state then before, in obedience to Him and Taqwaa, and to place ourselves in front of Him so that the Hajj has a positive impact on our lives.

That we change our manners and degree of steadfastness. That we call to Allaah in our lands, explaining matters to our brothers and our families. That we remind them of Allaah, The Glorified and The Exalted. That we order them to obey Allaah and we forbid them from disobeying Allaah, so that our Hajj is accepted, our toiling is met with thankfulness (from Allaah) and our sins expiated.

With this I ask Allaah, The Glorified and The Magnified, that He Gives us and you Strength and Acceptance. That He Makes us firm on the truth and Make us die upon the truth. That He Shelters us and you from  misguidance and al-Fitnah, from the worst of al-Fitnahs, that which is apparent and what is hidden.

May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, upon his Family and all his Companions.

http://af.org.sa/en/node/2669

The Day of 'Eid is a Day of Joy for Having Deeds Accepted and Being Freed From the Fire

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

The day of 'Eid al-Fitr is a day celebration for all the believers of this Ummah because their necks have been freed from the fire. There are those who commit major sins but due to their good deeds, their fasting and praying, they are freed from the fire and accepted with the pious.

Similar to the day of al-Nahr, this is also an ‘Eid for the Muslims because the day before this ‘Eid is the day of ‘Arafah and on the day of ‘Arafah, Allaah Frees more people from the fire than any other day throughout the year.

So whoever is freed from the fire during these days before ‘Eid then the ‘Eid is truly a joyous occasion for him but those who have lost out on this opportunity to be freed, then ‘Eid is just a normal day for him.

Once we know that Forgiveness and ransom from the fire is given to those who fast and stand the nights in prayer during Ramadhaan (and exert themselves in the ten days of Dhul-Hijjah), then Allaah, the Most High, as ordered us to finish our rituals by doing Takbeer of Him in thanks:

“He wants that you must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [(i.e. to say Takbeer or Allaahu-Akbar) on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

The ability in giving thanks to Allaah is a favour that Allaah Blesses upon His Slaves, He Guides them and Give them the ability to fast and give them the enthusiasm that is needed in doing good deeds to that they may attain is Mercy, Forgiveness and ransom from the fire. Because of this, the slave should remember Him, give thanks to Him, fear Him as he ought to be feared.

Ibn Mas’ood [May Allaah be Pleased with him] explained that fearing Allaah as he ought to be feared means to obey Him and not disobey Him, to remember Him and not to forget Him, to give thanks to Him and not to be ungrateful to Him.

Taken from Chapter 42: Saying Farewell to Ramadhaan in Lataa'if al-Ma'aarif (Pg. 160-169) by Haafidh Ibn Rajab al-Hanbalee (d.795) [May Allaah have Mercy on him]

Fasting the Day of 'Arafah - Shaykh Muhammad al-'Uthaymeen (الله يرحمه)

Follow @AhleDhikr On the authority of Aboo Qataadah (May Allaah be Pleased with him) that the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked,"What is your view on fasting the day of 'Arafah?" He replied,"I hope that Allaah Will Expiate sins for the previous and forthcoming year." The man then said,"Oh Messenger of Allaah! What is your view on fasting the day of 'Aashoora?" He replied,"I hope that Allaah Expiates sins for the previous year."

It is narrated on the authority of Zayd bin Arqam (May Allaah be Pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting the day of 'Arafah and he said,"It expiates sins for the year you are in and the forthcoming year."

It is heavily emphasised to fast on the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah for the one who isnt preforming the Hajj. The day of 'Arafah is the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah and it is the most emphasised day from the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. This is because the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about fasting the day of 'Arafah and he (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) said,"I hope that Allaah Will Expiate sins for the previous and forthcoming year." Based on this, it is even more emphasised to fast the day of 'Arafah than the day of 'Aashoora because the Prophet only mentioned one year of expiation (for the day of 'Aashoora). 

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(Fasting on the day of 'Arafah) has two conditions: that the fasting is done by those who arent doing the Hajj and that one is not in 'Arafah. So what is apparent (from the statement of some of the scholars) is that if one is prevented from reaching 'Arafah, such as those who are not doing the Hajj or are doing the Hajj but are stuck in traffic and cant get to 'Arafah, then fasting is prescribed in such cases. What is also apparent (from the statement of the scholars) is that of one is physically in 'Arafah but is not doing the Hajj, such as those working there and the likes, then fasting is also prescribed for them.

The pilgrim at 'Arafah should not fast and it is not prescribed for them because the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) prohibited them to fast on the day of 'Arafah. Although this narration has some weakness in its authenticity, some people fasted on the day of 'Arafah with great difficulty so the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked for a bowl of milk be sent and he drank from it whilst everyone was watching him. This was done to explain to them that they should not fast because this day, (the pilgrims) are engaging in dua' and others acts of worship. Especially that the last part of this day is the most virtuous time to make dua'. So if people were to fast then the last part of thier day will be a time of tiredness and they would not be able to make dua'. Especially if the day of 'Arafah occurs in the summer where the days are long and hot. So if one gets tired then the great benefit of this day would be lost. It is possible for one to fast another time so based on this, the correct opinion is that fasting on the day of 'Arafah for the pilgrim is Makrooh as for those not on Hajj, then it is a confirmed Sunnah.

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-'Uthaymeen (May Allaah have Mercy on him)

http://af.org.sa/ar/node/2664

Ibn al-Qayyim: Ihraam is a Symbol of Humility and Submissiveness to The Creator

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Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in his poem al-Meemiyyah (verse 28):

They have exposed their heads out of humility

Out of humility for the One they are facing and submitting to

Shaykh Muhammad bin Saaleh al-‘Uthaymeen [May Allaah have Mercy on him] said in explanation:

“They expose their heads during the Ihraam out of humility to Allaah, the Exalted and the Glorified. This is something well known until our times today; that a person, if he wants to show respect and humility towards another person, they take off their head-wear. Soldiers take off their head-wear when they are presented in front of someone they want to respect and honour. Likewise, the Soofees take of their head-wear when they are in front of their scholars, those who are presumed to be from the friends of Allaah. However, taking off ones head-wear to show respect to a person one may meet is from the customs of the people (thus it has no Islaamic ruling to it). The one who has humility to Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted, means that they submit and are humble towards Him, as He, the Most High, says: “And (all) faces shall be humbled before (Allah), the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. And he who carried (a burden of) wrongdoing (i.e. he who disbelieved in Allah, ascribed partners to Him, and did deeds of His disobedience), became indeed a complete failure (on that Day)” [Taa-haa 20:11]. It is almost impossible to find someone from those who have been prevented to have humility and submissiveness with Allaah, that they uncover their heads out of humility to Allaah, the Glorified and the Exalted (i.e. they find it difficult to show humility and submissiveness to Allaah). If it wasn't for the fact that the whole of the woman is sacred for one to look at (‘Awrah) then it would be upon her to uncover her head out of honour to Allaah as well, however she (totally) remains an ‘Awrah (covered) for men thus she must remain covered. End quote. [Sharh al-Qaseedah al-Meemiyyah (pg. 25)]

Hajj Begins with Taqwaa and Ikhlaas

Follow @AhleDhikr Shaykh ‘Abdul-Kareem bin ‘Abdullah al-Khudayr [May Allaah Preserve him]
Member of Permenant Committee of Senior Scholars and Member of Council of Senior Scholars
Jaami’ Shaykh ‘Abdur-Rahmaan ar-Raajihi, Shibrah, ar-Riyadh
17/11/1433 – 3/10/2012

All Praise be to Allaah and may the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon His Messenger, His Family and all those who follow them in goodness until the Last Day.

To begin:

Surah al-Hajj begins with the order for us to have at-Taqwa, Allaah, the Most High, says:

O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing. [Hajj 22:1]

Taqwa is to make a shield between you and the punishment of Allaah, to stay away from what Allaah has prohibited you from and to act upon all the various forms of good deeds, this is Taqwaa. And by having Taqwa one obtains goodness and assistance, so, for example, if someone wants knowledge then he needs to have Taqwa. 

Fear Allah; and Allah teaches you [Baqarah 2:282]

If someone wants provision;

And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine. [Talaaq 65:2-3]

So all acts of worship are made specific with at-Taqwa, so Taqwa means to do what you are commanded and stay away from prohibitions.

Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.) [Al-Ankaboot 29:45]

And, Allaah, the Most High, says about fasting;

Observing As-Saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun [Baqarah 2:183]

And, Allaah, the Most High, says;

But whosoever hastens to leave in two days, there is no sin on him and whosoever stays on, there is no sin on him, if his aim is to do good and obey Allah (fear Him)…. [Baqarah 2:203]

So attaining Taqwa is the goal and it is the advice of Allah, the Most High, for those nations that were sent in the before and the latter ones. So if someone prays and he doesn’t have Taqwa in his heart but he only does the actions and doesn’t have humility in his body, then he misses out on the purpose and sweetness of that action. So he may give in Zakaat as a ritual, but in his heart he hasn’t paid it any attention, he doesn’t intend by it to purify himself and his wealth, he doesn’t intend to help others then it is like he just given away his money.

If one intends to fast and doesn’t have a firm sense of Taqwa within himself, meaning he doesn’t stay away from what is Haram or to do what is Waajib, then he has gained nothing except starvation and thirst.

Likewise, when most people pray, they stand in front of Allaah, despite the status of as-Salaah being so high, they return home just like they left it. They leave their houses intending to a Waajib action and they return to their homes eating haram. It’s like that they haven’t benefitted from their Salaah at all. And in origin, as-Salah prevents us from this:

Verily, As-Salat (the prayer) prevents from Al-Fahsha' (i.e. great sins of every kind, unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.) and Al-Munkar (i.e. disbelief, polytheism, and every kind of evil wicked deed, etc.) [Al-Ankaboot 29:45]

This is divine information, a piece of information that cannot be incorrect or have a lie within it, 

And who is truer in statement than Allah? [Nisaa 4:87]

So the person himself is to blame. He prays but doesn’t pray the way the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him] prayed, as he said “Pray as you have seen me pray.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaaree (6705)]

Likewise we see people during Ramadan, they eat, the pray Fajr, sometimes they don’t even do that, then they sleep the length of the day until Maghrib. Is this the fasting that is prescribed?

…that you may become Al-Muttaqun… [Baqarah 2:183]

They miss praying their obligatory Salawaat during the day and they think this is what is required from them.

Likewise we some people stay in the masjid in I’tikaaf, instead of benefitting from this time to get close to Allaah, to abandon the Dunya. However, we’ve seen some people enter the masjid with newspapers to help keep themselves occupied! What does he gain from I’tikaaf? Has he got closer to Allaah, the Almighty? And as soon as ash-Shawwal has been announced, he’s gone. By Maghrib he’s praying in his home!?

So what’s the cure to all of this? Ibn al-Qayyim [May Allaah have Mercy on him] has given over twenty ways and causes. He states that the sickness of the heart is like the sickness of a dead person. So what is incumbent upon this person is to seek to bring his heart alive in his Salaah, in his Dua’a, in the time he recites Qur’aan, in his Dhikr and if he misses out on all of this then it is as if his heart is closed, locked away from goodness. 

How many recite the Quraan and they don’t know what they are reciting and when they stop, they don’t know where they have stopped in the Qur’aan? How many people whiz through the pages and have not contemplated even on one Aayah. How many people recite from Yoonus (Surah 10) to Yoosuf (Surah 12) and their hearts have not trembled, despite the Prophet saying, “Hood (Surah 11) and it’s sisters have made my hair turn grey” [al-Silsilat al-Saheehah (2/679)].

So this affair is not something to be taken lightly and it requires a great deal of attention. People are wasteful in their times, in this bodies, in their manners, in their food and in their sleep. If food is placed in front of some people, he eats as if he is about to die. It’s his last meal. 

I don’t say people should be like Imaam an-Nawawee [May Allaah have Mercy on him], he never used to sleep on his bed except rarely, most often than not he would fall asleep doing some act of worship and when he wakes, he would continue, such as reacting the Quraan, or Dhikr or on his desk whilst writing.

The religion of Allaah is easy, we are neither extreme nor negligent, but how many people do you see wasting their time? Two, three hours during the night going in their social lives, he spends time with others in Istiraahah talking about the whole world, not benefitting from whatpeople have talked about. You don’t hear any form of Dhikr from them and this even occurs in the sittings of the students of knowledge. To Allaah I complain.

About hajj, the Prophet [Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon him said], “Whoever does Hajj for the sake of Allaah and does not have sexual relations (with his wife), commit sin, or dispute unjustly during the Hajj, will come back like the day his mother gave birth to him. [Narrated by al-Bukhaaree (1449) and Muslim 91350)]. 

Four or five days for this return in reward, everyone is able to do this! No one can say that they can’t stop sinning or bettering themselves for four or five days especially if this is the reward, all the days in his life are going to be wiped out from its sins, in return for four or five days of rituals. But are you able to do this? Some don’t program themselves so they aren’t able.

You are going to the best of places on earth, in the best of times during the month of hajj, being the guest of the best of hosts, Allaah the Most High, combining the best of places with this best of times, yet you will find some people are lost. This is because of the Hadeeth of truth;

“Know Allaah in times of ease, He will Know you in times of adversity.” [at-Tirmidhi (2516)]

Program yourself to make yourself of those who get a response in times of need. Despite the reward of these days most people can’t do it, they can’t program themselves during these days because they don’t have experience in how to. They don’t have a history of having Ikhlaas with Allaah, or being close to him by doing good deeds and at-Tawbah. So when someone comes back, he should be staring a new life….

“…like the day his mother gave birth to him.” [Narrated by al-Bukhaaree (1449) and Muslim 91350)]. 

And, and Allaah, the Most High, says;

…if his aim is to do good and obey Allah (fear Him)…. [Baqarah 2:203]

For those who have at-Taqwa, not everyone who does Hajj will have this result. Not everyone who does Hajj will have Taqwaa and it is upon you to fulfil this condition, because having Taqwa is the condition for you to be forgiven of your sins and returning with a new life with no sin.

So your Hajj is in your heart, if your heart is not in it then there is no Hajj for you.

It is narrated in Tareekh al-Baghdad that a man performed hajj three times, by foot. He walked all the way from Baghdad to Makkah, three times. When he got home after completing the third hajj, he entered his home quietly not to disturb his mother, he had no other family. Then he saw her sleeping, so he moved towards her quietly and lay down next to her, being careful not to wake her up. His mother partly woke up from her sleep and asked this man for some water, the bowl was around three arm-spans away. He didn’t respond. She asked again and he didn’t respond. She asked a third time and he didn’t respond so his mother cursed him. 

Thousands of miles this man has walked for the sake of Allaah in hajj, but the pleasure of his mother was three arm-spans away. He did Hajj which was optional but the obligation of obeying his mother was in the same house. So there is a doubt in this man’s intention and sincerity.

Usually people ask on how to do Hajj and its pillars and obligations and Sunnan etc. but they lack in actualising and realising that the first pillar of Hajj is their intention and sincerity to Allaah. 

This can even be applied to today, there are many students of knowledge who seek knowledge and attend the Duroos on a regular basis but if their mother asks from them something, they turn away or they say they are busy. Running around from Masjid to Masjid to seek knowledge but the pleasure of Allah is in their homes. Purify your intention! Some students even spend more time with their friends and other students than their mothers and family. So if their mother asks he quickly fulfils but if his friends want to take him Dammam, he will go for a few days.

Some have their family members living next door, in the same neighbourhood, the pleasure of Allaah is a few footsteps away, but they neglect this obligation. To Allaah I complain.

May the Peace and Blessings of Allaah be Upon His Final Messenger and all those who follow him until the Last Day.