Tag Archives: Ramadan

Aug 17 2012

Ramadaniyat 20: Zakat ul-Fitr, Life After Ramadan

Question

How much zakaat al-fitr is and when should it be paid?

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

It was proven from the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings ofAllaah be upon him) that he enjoined zakaat al-fitr on the Muslims,one saa’ of dates or one saa’ of barley, and he commanded that it begiven before the people went out to the (Eid) prayer. In al-Saheehaynit is narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased withhim) said: At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaahbe upon him) we used to give one saa’ of food, or one saa’ of dates,or one saa’ of barley, or one saa’ of raisins.

Some of the scholars have interpreted “food” (ta’aam) in this hadeethas referring to wheat; others interpreted it as meaning the staplefood of the country, whatever it is, whether it is wheat, corn, pearlmillet or whatever. This is the correct view, because zakaah is a helpfrom the rich to the poor, and the Muslim does not have to help withanything other than the staple food of his country. Undoubtedly riceis the staple food in the land of the Two Holy Sanctuaries (SaudiArabia) and it is a good and valuable food; it is better than thebarley that is mentioned in the text. Hence it is known that there isnothing wrong with giving rice as zakaat al-fitr.

What must be given is a saa’ of any kind of staple food, i.e., a saa’of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which isfour complete scoops as scooped up with two hands, according toal-Qaamoos etc. In modern weights this is equivalent to approximatelythree kilograms. If a Muslim gives a kilo of rice or some other staplefood of his country, that is sufficient even if it is not one of thetypes mentioned in the hadeeth, according to the more correct of thetwo scholarly opinions. There is nothing wrong with giving theequivalent amount by weight, which is approximately three kilograms.

Zakaat al-fitr must be given on behalf of all Muslims, young and old,male and female, free and slave. With regard to a foetus, it is notobligatory to give it on his behalf according to scholarly consensus,but it is mustahabb, because ‘Uthmaan (may Allaah be pleased with him)did that.

It is also obligatory to give it before the Eid prayer, and it is notpermissible to delay it until after the Eid prayer. There is nothingwrong with giving it one or two days before the Eid. Hence it is knownthat the earliest time when it may be given, according to the morecorrect of the two scholarly views, is the night of the 28th ofRamadaan, because the month may be twenty-nine or thirty days. Thecompanions of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaahbe upon him) used to give it one or two days before Eid.

Those to whom it must be given are the poor and needy. It was proventhat Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messengerof Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) enjoined zakaatal-fitr as a purification for the fasting person from idle and obscenespeech, and to feed the poor. Whoever gives it before the prayer, itis zakaat al-fitr, and whoever gives it after the prayer, it isordinary charity. This was narrated by Abu Dawood and classed as hasanby al-Albaani in Saheeh Abi Dawood.

It is not permissible to pay the value in money, according to themajority of scholars; this view has the stronger evidence. Rather itmust be given in the form of food, as the Prophet (peace and blessingsof Allaah be upon him) and his companions (may Allaah be pleased withthem) did. This is also the view of the majority of the ummah. We askAllaah to help us and all the Muslims to understand His religionproperly and adhere to it steadfastly, and to guide us, for He is theMost Generous, Most Kind.

Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn Baaz, 14/200.

This is the estimation of Shaykh Ibn Baaz (may Allaah have mercy onhim), who reckoned the weight of zakaat al-fitr as being approximatelythree kilograms.

This was also the estimate of the scholars of the Standing Committee (9/371).

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him) estimated it ingrams as being 2100 grams, as it says in Fataawa al-Zakaah, p.274-276.

This discrepancy occurred because a saa’ is a measure of volume, not weight.The scholars worked it out by weight so that it would be easier towork out. It is well known that the weight of grains varies; some arelight and some are heavy, and some are in between. In fact the weightof a saa’ of the same kind of grain may vary, and new may weigh morethan old. Hence if people err on the side of caution and give more,that will be better.See al-Mughni, 4/168, where it mentions something similar aboutworking out the nisaab of crops by weight.

And Allaah knows best

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What After Ramadhan?

AlHamdulillahi wa kafaa, was-Salatu was-salamu `alaa `ibaadihi-lladheena StafaaWe leave the blessed month of Ramadan, its beautiful days and itsfragrant nights. We leave the month of the Qur’an, taqwa, patience,jihad, mercy, forgiveness and freedom from hellfire…

Have we fulfilled the requirements of taqwa and graduated from theRamadan school with the diploma of the God-fearing? Have we fought oursouls and desires and defeated them, or have we been overtaken by ourcustoms and blind imitations? Have we performed our actions in a way that fulfills the conditions for receiving mercy, forgiveness andrelease from the Fire? Many questions and numerous thoughts come to the heart of the sincereMuslim, who asks and answers with truthfulness.

What Have We Gained From Ramadan?

Ramadan is a school of iman and a ‘stop to recharge one’s spiritual batteries’ – to acquire one’s provision for the rest of the year. Forwhen will one take a lesson and change for better if not in the monthof Ramadan?

The noble month is a true school of transformation in which we changeour actions, habits and manners that are in variance with the Law ofAllah ‘azza wa jall. “Verily, Allah does not change the condition of apeople until they change what is in themselves.” [Ar-Ra`d, 11]If you are from those who benefited from Ramadan, fulfilled therequirements of taqwa, truly fasted the month, prayed in it withtruthfulness, and strove against your soul, then praise and thankAllah, and ask Him for steadfastness upon it until you meet your death.

Be not like one who has sewn a shirt and then destroyed it… Have youseen one who sewed a shirt or thawb, so when she looked at it, sheliked it. Then she destroyed it pulling a thread by thread for noreason. What would people say about such a person?! Or have you seenone who earns a fortune trading throughout the day, then when thenight comes, he throws away all that he earned, dirham by dirham. Whatwould people say about such a person?!

This is the condition of one who returns to sinning and evil doing after Ramadan and leaves obedience and righteous actions. So after hewas favored with the blessing of obedience and enjoyment ofcommunicating with Allah he returned to the blaze of sins and evilactions. How evil are the people who know Allah only in Ramadan!

My dear ones, falling short in one’s commitment to Islam after Ramadan is manifested in many ways, including:

•         Men leaving the five prayers in congregation, after theyfilled mosques for Taraweeh prayers, thus going to the masjid for recommended prayers and leaving obligatory ones.

•         Return to musical entertainment, forbidden films, women displaying their adornment beyond that which ordinarily appears thereof, free mixing etc.

This is not thankfulness for blessings and favors, nor is it the signof acceptance of one’s actions, rather this is opposition to favorsand absence of thankfulness.

These are from signs of one’s deeds not being accepted – and Allah’srefuge is sought – forone who truly fasts rejoices on the occasion of `eid, praises his Lord for helping him complete the fast, and remains fearful that Allah maynot accept his fasting, just as the Salaf would continue asking foracceptance of their actions in Ramadan for six months after it.

From signs that one’s deeds are accepted is that he or she hasimproved in his or her obedience to Allah `azza wa jall. “And rememberwhen your Lord proclaimed, ‘If you are grateful, I will surelyincrease you [in favor]…” [Ibrahim, 7] Increase you in good, faith andrighteous actions. So if the servant is truly thankful to his Lord,you will see him guided to more obedience and distanced fromsinfulness. Thankfulness is leaving sins, as the early Muslims said.“And worship your Lord until there comes you to the certainty [i.e.death].” [al-Hijr, 99]

The Muslim must continuously be in the state of obedience of Allah,firm upon His Sharee`ah, steadfast upon His Deen, so that he or she isnot of those who worship Allah only during one month or only in oneplace. Rather, the believer knows that the Lord of Ramadan is also theLord of other months, and that He is the Lord of all times and places,so he is steadfast upon the Sharee`ah of Allah until he meets Himwhile He is pleased with him. Allah ta`ala said, “So remain on a rightcourse as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turnedback with you [to Allah].” [Hud, 112] And, “So take a straight courseto Him and seek His forgiveness.” [Fussilat, 6] And the Prophet,sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, said, “Say ‘I believe in Allah’, then besteadfast.” [Muslim]

— If the fasting in Ramadan has ended, then there remains voluntaryfasting, such as fasting six days in Shawwal, on Mondays andThursdays, the three days in the middle of the month, the days of`Aashoora and `Arafat, and others.

— If standing in prayer at night during Ramadan has ended, then thereremains voluntary night prayer throughout the year. “They used tosleep but little of the night.” [Adh-Dhaariyaat, 17]

— If the charity in Ramadan and zakat ul-fitr have ended, then thereis the obligatory Zakat, and also there are many other open doors tocharity, voluntary actions and jihad.

— Reading of the Qur’an and contemplating it is not only for Ramadan,rather it is for all times.

Righteous actions are for all times and all places, so strive, O mybrother and sister, and beware of laziness. And remember that it isnot allowed for us to leave the obligatory actions or delay them, suchas the five daily prayers on time, in congregation etc.

And do not fall into forbidden actions, such as forbidden sayings,food and drinks, or by looking at or listening to what is forbidden.

Be steadfast and upright upon the Deen of Allah at all times, for youdo not know when you’ll meet the Angel of Death. Beware of him takingyou while you are in a state of sin. “O Allah, Who turns the hearts,keep our hearts steadfast upon Your Deen.”

I ask Allah to accept from us and you our fasting, our prayers andother righteous actions, that our condition after Ramadan be a betterone, that the state of our Ummah improves, that we are granted honourand that we truly turn to our Lord…Ameen

Aug 15 2012

Ramadaniyat 19: Eid Prep, Compilation of the Quran (cont’d), The Spirit of Fasting

Narrated Anas (bin Malik) (May Allah Be Pleased with him):

Allah’s Messenger (May Allah’s Blessings and Salutations be upon him) never proceeded (for prayer) on the day of Fitr unless he had eaten some dates.

Anas also narrated:

And he ate an odd number of them.

[Bukhari narrated it.]

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 Question:

I read your article about the compilation of the Qur’an. May I seek further clarification about the arrangement of verses in a long surah? For example, Surah 2 contains 286 verses and tackles many subjects. How was it arranged and why does it have the title, Al-Baqarah? (Nawaz)

Answer:

The arrangement of the Qur’anic verses is part of the revelation of the Qur’an. It is true that many surahs were not revealed on the same occasion. Indeed the Prophet(peace be upon him) used to receive revelations from different surahs during the same period. None of these surahs would have been completed yet, as some passages were initially revealed to deal with certain occasions and events. For example, 60 verses in Surah 3 comment on the events of the Battle of Uhud. Its other parts, comprising 140 verses, deal with other subjects and were not revealed on the same occasion. Nor was a surah necessarily revealed in its final order. Some later passages might be revealed before earlier ones. The final arrangement was determined by God. When the Angel Gabriel brought the Prophet a passage or a verse, he told him its position in its surah. He would say to him: “This goes after verse so and so in such and such surah.” The Prophet read out each surah as it was at the time. When a surah was complete, he would read it out in its final form and his companions would learn it in that order.

Each year in Ramadan, the Angel Gabriel would come to the Prophet at night and both of them would read the Qur’an together. In the last year of the Prophet’s life, they read it in full twice, in its present order. Thus, the arrangement of the surahs is also part of the revelation. As for titles, these are taken from each surah, referring to an important issue it discusses. This may be in one verse or in a long passage. An example of the first type is Surah 10, Jonah, where the Prophet Jonah (peace be upon him)is mentioned in one verse. An example of the second type is Surah 2, where the Cow story is discussed in a long passage. Some surahs have more than one title, but one of these is inevitably better known, because it is the one mentioned in the printed copies of the Qur’an.

http://www.arabnews.com/?page=5&section=0&article=117534&d=1&m=1&y=2009

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AVOIDANCE OF THINGS THAT CONTRADICT THE SPIRIT OF FASTING

Allah (SWT) says in Al-Qu’ran, “Eat and drink (freely), but do not waste: verily, He does not love the wasteful!”  (7:31)

Some people who fast waste money on meals both at the beginning and the breaking of the fast in Ramadan.  They prepare food enough for a crowd of people consisting of numerous dishes.  Then, at the end of this, they only eat a little and throw the remainder into the refuse.  This is contrary to the great teachings of Islam.

There are other people who fill the stomach with delicious foods at “Sehri”, so that one does not feel hungry until “Iftaar”.  When opening their fast, they indulge in excessive eating and drinking. This however, defeats the purpose of fasting, one of which is to empty the stomach of all contaminated material by reducing the intake of food.

Many people spend their fasting hours sleeping.  As a result it seems as if they did not fast.  The wisdom of fasting is that the one who fasts should experience the pangs of hunger and savour thirst in order to gain the pleasure of Allah (SWT).

There are also people who make no effort to do good for themselves by giving charity.  They do not honour their tables by allowing others to break their fast with them.

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As salamu alaykum.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

In what remains of Ramadan, I ask that you make du’a for Allah to Guide my parents and sisters, who are not Muslim.

Jazakum Allahu khayran,

Danyal

Aug 12 2012

Ramadaniyat 18: Eid Prep, Arrangement of the Qur-aan

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

Common Mistake # 18:  Wasting the last part of Ramadan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadan preparing forEid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah andLailatul Qadr.

However, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) used to strive the most during thelast ten days of Ramadan in worship [Ahmad, Muslim] and not inshopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadan so that you canutilize the time in Ramadan to the utmost.

Aa’ishah (RA) said: ‘When the (last) ten nights began, the Messengerof Allaah (s.a.w.w.) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e. strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake atnight and wake his family.’ [Bukhaari and Muslim]

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The Order of the Different Chapters of the Quran

Question:

How were the verses and chapters of the Qur’an ordered? And what wasthe last verse that was revealed?

Answer:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) detailed the order of verses andpointed out which verses belonged to which chapter. But as for theorder of the chapters, the Prophet (peace be upon him) arranged someof them and other chapters were ordered through the interpretative judgment of others.

For example, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) paired theSurahs al Baqarah and Al Imran, because of their superiority, and thesame can be said for these chapters: Sabih, Al-Ghashiyah, Al-Jumu’ah,and Al-Munafiqun.

The point here is that whatever the Prophet (peace be upon him)arranged, then it is according to his arrangement; and the rest of thechapters were ordered through the interpretative judgment of HisCompanions, may Allah be pleased with them. With this, then it is not allowed to alter it from what they agreed upon, rather we abide by theorder that appears in the Noble Mushaf.

Scholars disagree which verse was revealed last; some say that it isthe verse about Riba, while others say that it was:

“This day, I have I have perfected your religion for you, completed MyFavour upon you, and have chosen for you Islâm as your religion.” [AlMa’idah 5:3]

Sheikh Ibn ‘Uthaimin Fatawa Islamiyyah Vol. 7. pgs 53-54

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Ramadan International:  Pictures from around the globe 

Aug 9 2012

Ramadaniyat 17: Ramadan Diet, Finish Strong!

Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

Common Mistake # 16:  Mixing fasting and dieting

Do Not make the mistake of fasting with the intention todiet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (especiallysisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allahalone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a formof (minor) Shirk.

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Actions Specific to the Last Ten of Ramadaan

The Messenger – صلى الله عليه وسلم – used to specify the last ten days of Ramadaan with specific actions that he wouldn’t practice during the rest of the month.

Amongst them: Staying up at night, it is possible that what is meant is that he would stay up the whole night, in the Hadeeth of ‘Aa-ishah:

“The Messenger used to combine between sleep and prayer during the first twenty days, when that last ten came in, he would role up his sleves and tighten his Izaar.”[Narrated by Ahmad]

It is also possible that what is meant is; he used to stay up the majority of the night, this opinion is supported by a Hadeeth collected by Muslim on the authority of ‘Aa-ishah:

“I do not know that he ever stayed up until the morning for even one night.”

Amongst them: The Messenger – صلى الله عليه وسلم – used to wake his family for the prayer during the last ten days and not in other nights. Sufyaan at Thawree stated: Praying Tahajud in [the last part of] the night is beloved to me, and that a person strives in it, and wakens his family and children to pray if they are able. It has been authentically reported that the Messenger – صلى الله عليه وسلم – used to knock on Faatimah and Alee’s door at night and say to them: “Will you not wake up and pray.” [Collected by both Bukhaaree and Muslim.]

He used to wake ‘Aa-ishah up at night after he finished praying Tahajud before he prayed Witr. An encouragement has been narrated for the spouses, that each one wakes the other and lightly sprays water on their face. A narration in Muwata Maalik states that ‘Umar ibn al Khataab used to pray at night what Allaah willed him to pray, when the middle of the night approached, he would wake his family to pray and say to them: “The prayer, the prayer.” and recite this verse:

{ And enjoin the prayers on your family, and be patient upon them } [Taha: 132]

Abu Muhammad, Habeeb al Faarisee’s wife used to say to him at night:

“The night is passing, ahead of us is a long journey and our provision is scarce, the caravans of the righteous have passed on ahead of us while we remain.”O Sleeping one get up and lay down later,wake up my beloved, the time has come.Take from the night and its time,some remembrance while the sleeping one sleeps.One who sleeps until the night is gone,then when would he reach his home or tire.

Amongst them, is that the Prophet – صلى الله عليه وسلم – used to tighten his Izaar. The scholars differed about its meaning; amongst them are those who said that it is an idiom indicating his eagerness and his efforts in worship, this explanation is not free of scrutiny. The correct understanding is that it means he used to refrain from [sexual relations with] women. This is how the Salaf and the Imaams of the earlier generations explained it, amongst them is Sufyaan ath Thawree. He mentions in his Tafseer that he would not retire to his bed until Ramadaan was over, and in the Hadeeth of Anas, may Allaah be pleased with him: “He used to forsake his bed and refrain from [sexual relations with] women.”

Some of the Salaf explained the saying of Allaah:

{ So now have sexual relations with them and seek what Allaah has ordained for you. } [Al Baqarah: 187]

They explained that this is due to seeking Laylatul Qadr. The meaning is that when Allaah permitted sexual relations with women in the nights of fasting until the dawn becomes clear, He also ordered the seeking of Laylatul Qadr, so that the Muslims are not busy during the nights of this month with permissible pleasures that would make them miss Laylatul Qadr. It is from this angle that the Messenger used to have relations with his family during the first twenty days; he would then refrain and free himself to seek Laylatul Qadr in the last ten.

Amongst them; al ‘Itikaaf. In a Hadeeth collected by both Bukhaaree and Muslim on the authority of ‘Aa-ishah that the Messenger of Allaah – صلى الله عليه وسلم – used to practice ‘Itikaaf on the last ten days until he passed away. In Saheeh al Bukhaaree on the authority of Abu Hurayrah:

“The Messenger of Allaah used to practice ‘Itikaaf for ten days every Ramadaan, in the year that he passed away, he practiced ‘Itikaaf for twenty.”

The Mu’takif imprisons himself to the obedience and remembrance of Allaah, he cuts off all the issues that distract him, he turns to his Lord and all that draws close to Him with his heart, and nothing remains with him other than Allaah and what pleases Him. The more the knowledge of Allaah and love for Him is strengthened, the more a person is able to completely cut himself off from anything other than Allaah the Eleveated.

[Translators note] Al Haafidh ibn Rajab also mentions the issue of bathing between the Maghrib and ‘Ishaa and delaying breaking the fast until Sahoor on the last ten. Some of the scholars have declared that Hadeeth to be inauthentic so it has been omitted until the authenticity of the Hadeeth can be asertained.

Author: Ibn Rajab al HanbaleeReference: Lataa-if al Ma’aarif : P.207

http://subulassalaam.com/articles/article.cfm?article_id=64

Innovations During the Last Ten

Specifying the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan with a specific prayer

Ash Shuqayree cites from ‘Kitaab Sharh al Mawaahib: “…and even worse is what some people practice in some countries by praying ‘Salaat al Khums’ in this [last] Jum’ah claiming that it makes up for the missed prayers during the whole year or a whole lifetime. This is not permissible for reasons that are clear.” [As Sunnan wal Mubtadi’aat P.39, al Manaathir –Shaykh Saalih aal ash Shaykh P. 44]

Glorifying the last Thursday of Ramadaan

Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Abdul Wahhaab stated: “What takes place in Ramadaan concerning glorifying Thursdays, specifically the last Thursday of Ramadaan must be rebuked.” [Ad Durrah as Siniyyah 5/261]

Anasheed bidding farewell to Ramadaan

Shaykh Muhammad Jamaal ad Deen al Qaasimee stated concerning these Anasheed: “This distasteful custom that is practiced in most Masaajid, when there is only five or three nights remaining in Ramadaan, the Mu-adhins and other volunteers gather, when the Imaam finishes the Witr and gives Salaams, they leave off reading what was authentically reported such as Tasbeeh and take turns reading parts of a poem about the sorrow of the departure of Ramadaan. Whenever one of them finishes singing a part of it with a loud voice, his companions follow up with their part, exerting all their effort in singing and shouting it as loud as possible with a clamor that would make a person go deaf, rather a deaf person would be able to hear it. Their melody is willfully aided by the rest of those who come for the prayer.” [Islaah al Masaajid P.146, Tasheeh ad Du’aa P.510]

The statement of the Khateeb in the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan: ‘Laa Awhash Allaah minka yaa Shahr Ramadaan’

Ash Shuqayree stated: “As for the statement of the Khutabaa on the Manaabir on the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan; ‘Laa Awhash Allaah minka yaa Shahr Ramadaan, Laa Awhash Allaah minka yaa Shahr al Qur-aan., O month of lanterns, O month of Taraweeh, O month of victory.’ There is no doubt that this is embarrassing ignorance, it is a strange thing from them and those who author books, that they speak out such utterly useless speech to people while they know that the people are in need of understanding just one Ayah and one Hadeeth from the speech of Allaah and His messenger – صلى الله عليه وسلم. [As Sunan wal Mubtadi’aat P. 143, Islaah al Masaajid P. 146, Tasheeh ad Du’aa P.510]

The innovation of memorizing specific things in the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan

They are papers that they call ‘Hafaa-idh’ in the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan, they call this Jum’ah ‘the orphaned Jum’ah’, included in what they write in these papers; ‘Laa Alaa ila Alaa-uk…’

Shaykh Bakr Abu Zayd stated: “The Du’aa in the last Jum’ah of Ramadaan while the Khateeb is upon the Minbar saying: ‘’Laa Alaa ila Alaa-uk…’ This is innovation and misguidance, this supplication is innovated, a false talisman, they call it ‘At Tahweetah’. [Tasheeh ad Du’aa P. 510, As Sunan wal Mubtada’aat P. 140]

The Gatherings on Laylatul Qadr, the selling of sweets and the mixing that takes place

Al Imaam at Tartooshee stated: “Amongst the innovations is the gathering of people in al Andalus (spain) and selling sweets on the twenty seventh night of Ramadaan…and the mixing of men and women in their outings to witness this.” [kitaab al Hawaadith wal Bida’ P.150]

Specifying the night of ‘Eed with Qiyaam

It was reported in an inauthentic Hadeeth: “Whoever stands in prayer on the night of the two ‘Eeds anticipating the reward from Allaah, his heart would stay alive on the day that hearts die.” [Declared as extremely weak by al Albaanee – as Silsilah ad Da’eefah 521]

Al Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated: “As for standing in prayer on the night of ‘Eed, then this is not pleasing to me, I have not heard of anybody doing so except ‘Abdur Rahmaan. I do not see it to be legislated because Ramadaan would have already past, and this night is not from it. I do not like to do it and nothing has reached us from our Salaf that they used to do it.” Abu ‘Abdullaah used to pray the obligated prayer on the ‘Eed and leave, he never prayed it with him and used to dislike that it was prayed in Jamaa’ah. [Badaa’i al Fawaa-id 4/93, As Sunan wal Mubtada’aat P. 153]

Constantly observing complete silence during ‘Itikaaf

Shaykhul Islaam ibn Taymiyyah stated: “As for remaining silent unrestrictedly while fasting or practicing ‘Itikaaf or otherwise, then this is an innovation with the consensus of the scholars. [Majmoo’ al Fataawa 25/292]

Muwafaqud Deen ibn Qudaamah stated while mentioning ‘Itikaaf: “As for remaining silent then this is not from the legislation of Islaam.” [Al Kaafee 2/293, Al Majmoo’ 6/376]

Author: Number of ScholarsReference: Number of references Number of references

[Taken from a longer post on Sahab.net by Jamaalud Deen al Jazaa-iree]

 http://subulassalaam.com/articles/article.cfm?article_id=65 

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Listen, Learn & Be Moved!

All from the comfort of your own home! Just go to www.RamadanFinishLine.com

The online event will inshaAllah take place on Saturday, Sep. 4th @ 4 PM

 

Speakers: Sh. Waleed Basyouni, Sh. Yaser Birjas, Hafidh Wisam Sharieff and other surprise speakers inshaAllah.

http://www.RamadanFinishLine.com

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Aug 8 2012

Ramadaniyat 16: Lailat ul-Qadr

Behold, We revealed it (the Qur-an) on the Night of Decree.

And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is?

The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.

The Angels and the Spirit descend in it by permission of their Lord with all kinds of decrees.

(The night is) peace until the rise of dawn.

Qur-an 97.1-5

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Common Mistakes Made During Ramadan

Common Mistake # 17: Praying only on the night of the 27th Ramadan

Some people pray only on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr,neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) said: ‘SeekLailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights ofRamadaan.’ [Bukhaari, Muslim]

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LAILATUL-QADR (www.jannah.org)Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur’aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah’s Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur’aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:

* Its excellenceAs regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

” Verily! We have sent it (this Qur’aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn.” (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says: ” We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur’aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

* When is it?It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.

Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: “Shall I seek it in such and such night?” So he would reply: “Seek it in such and such night.” And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)

The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah, RA, who said: “Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I’tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: ‘Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from ‘Ibn ‘Umar, who said: Allaah’s Messenger SAW said: “Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

This explains his, SAW saying: “I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven.” (Bukhari)

It is also known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, ‘Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: “I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth.” (Bukhari)

Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven – and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory.

In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.

* How should a Muslim seek Lailatul-Qadr?One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.

He SAW said: “Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven.” (Bukhari)

It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from ‘Aa’ishah, RA that she said: “O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?” He said: “Say: Allaahumma innaka ‘affuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘annee.” (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

O brother or sister! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.

From ‘Aa’ishah, RA who said: “The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) – (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

From ‘Aa’ishah, RA: “Allaah’s Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times.” (Muslim)

* Its sign[Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless.] Allaah’s Messenger SAW described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is.

From Ubayy, RA who said: that he SAW said: “On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up.” (Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tarmidhi, Ibn Majah)

From Abu Hurairah, RA who said: “We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allaah’s Messenger SAW, so he said: ‘Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'” (Muslim) [Qaadi ‘Iyaad said: “It contains an indication that it was towards the end of the month – since the moon does not appear like that when it arises except towards the end of the month.”]

From Ibn ‘Abbaas, RA who said: Allaah’s Messenger SAW said: “Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red.” (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah, al-Bazzaar with hasan isnaad)

Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator by performing extra actions in these last few days of the noble month of Ramadhan as it could be our last…