Whilst the People Sleep
by Islamic Nation on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 10:22pm
Praying at night necessitates Jannah as was previously mentioned. Allah said:Verily, the pious will be in the midst of gardens and springs, taking joy in the things which their Lord has given them. Verily, they were before this Muhsinun. They used to sleep but little of the night. And in the hours before dawn, they were asking for forgiveness, and from their properties was [given] the right of the beggar, and the deprived. (Adh-Dhariyat 15-19)
Thus He described them as being awake at night, seeking forgiveness in the early hours of the morning, and spending from their wealth. Some of the Salaf would be asleep and something would come to them saying: Stand and pray. Don’t you know that the keys to Jannah lie with those who stand at night? They are its treasurers.
Standing at night entitles one to the highest levels in Jannah. Allah said to His prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam), “And in some parts of the night offer the Salah with it (ie. recite the Qur’an), as an optional salah for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to the highest level in Jannah.” (Isra: 79) Hence, He made the highest level in Jannah the reward for his (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) tahajjud at night.
‘Awn Ibn Abdullah said, “Indeed Allah will enter into Jannah people who will be given until they cannot accept anymore. However, there will be people on the higher levels above them, and when they look at them they will recognize them. They will say, “Our Lord they are our brothers who used to be with us. By what were they favoured above us?” He would say, “Indeed they used to be hungry whilst you were all filled. They used to thirsty whilst you were all satiated, and they used to stand whilst you were all asleep” It also necessitates the pleasures of Jannah that no eye has ever seen anything similar to it in this life. Allah says: “Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend out of what We have bestowed on them. No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.” (As-Sajdah 16-17)
Al-Bukhari narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (salAllahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Allah says I have prepared for My servants what no eye has seen, no ear has heard and no human heart can imagine.” Recite if you wish, “No person knows what is kept hidden for them of joy as a reward for what they used to do.”(Al Bukhari 8/515 and Muslim 4/2174) Some of the Salaf have said (regarding this ayah): They hid their deeds for Allah’s sake so He hid their reward.
Al-Hasan Al-Basri was asked about how is it that those who perform tahajjud have the brightest faces. He replied, “That is because they seclude themselves in devotion to Allah so He beautifies them with light from His light.” Karaz Ibn Wabrah said that it had reached him that Ka’b used to say, “The angels look down from the sky at (holding in esteem) those who make tahajjud just as you all look up to the stars in the sky.”
Some people complained to Ibn Mas’ud, “We are not able to stand at night.” He told them, “That is because your sins have distanced you all.” It was said to Al-Hasan Al-Basri, “It is very difficult for us to stand at night.” He said, “Your sins are holding you back.”
Kamis, 02 September 2010
Explanation of Soorah al-Qadr
Islamic Nation ~ Explanation of Soorah al-Qadr
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 3:42am
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
1. Verily, We sent it down in the night of al-Qadr.
2. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is?
3. The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by their Lord's permission with all Decrees.
5. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.
Allah, Most High informs us that He sent down the Qur'aan in the night of Al-Qadr, and it is the blessed night referred to in the Words of Him, Almighty, All-Powerful: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr >>. The night of Al-Qadr occurs in the month of Ramadhaan, as Allah says: <> (Soorah Al-Baqarah 2:185).
Ibn `Abbaas, amongst others, explains that the complete Qur'aan was sent down from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz (the Preserved Tablet) in the night of Al-Qadr to Bait Al-`Izzah (the House of Glory) in the lowest heaven, from whence it was revealed piecemeal to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam according to events which took place during his life over a period of twenty-three years.
Then, Allah says, in order to make clear the greatness of the matter of the night of Al-Qadr, which He has chosen for sending down of the Noble Qur'aan: << And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >> It is narrated on the authority of Mujaahid that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa salam mentioned a man from Bani Israa'eel who carried his sword in the Way of Allah for a thousand months; the Muslims were amazed at this until Allah revealed: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >>." (i.e. the thousand months during which the man carried his sword in the Way of Allah). (Narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim)
Ibn Jareer narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid that there was a man from Bani Israa'eel who used to spend the night in prayer then in the morning he would fight the enemy in the Way of Allah during the day, until the evening and he did this for a thousand months and so Allah revealed the Soorah: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr >> until the verse: << The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >> That is, standing in prayer on that night is better than the actions of that man. Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid (also), that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months' good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)
Ibn Abi Haatim relates, on the authority of Mujaahid that it means: The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months without the night of Al-Qadr. This was also said by Qataadah ibn Da'aamah and Ash-Shaafi’i and others, including Ibn Jareer, and it is the correct interpretation and it is like the saying of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "To spend the night in the Way of Allah is better than a thousand nights not spent in worship." (Narrated by Ahmad)
Likewise, it is narrated that whoever goes to Friday prayers neatly-dressed, with a pure intention, it will be written for him the reward of a year's good deeds, as if he had fasted on it and spent its nights in prayer and in other acts of worship.
It is reported from Abu Hurairah that he said: "When the month of Ramadhaan came, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The month of Ramadhaan has come, a blessed month in which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad. This was also narrated by An-Nasaa'i).
It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim).
<< Therein descend the angels and the Spirit >> That is, innumerable angels descend with uncounted blessings and mercy, as they descend when the Qur'aan is recited and they surround those sitting in circles in remembrance of Allah and they lower their wings in the presence of the sincere seeker of knowledge in honour of him. As for the Spirit, it has been said that what is meant by it is the angel Jibreel `alayhis salaam and that he is mentioned thus to distinguish him from the other angels. It was also said that it means a group of angels, and Allah knows best. (see the Tafseer of Soorah An-Naba', verse 38)
<< With all decrees >> Sa'eed ibn Mansoor narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid, that it means the night is safe from the machinations of the devils, that they cannot commit evil or harm on it. Qataadah and others said it means that the Divine Decrees are issued at that night, the appointed time of everything is fixed and the blessings are apportioned, as in the words of Allah: << Therein [that night] is decreed every matter of ordainments >> (Soorah ad-Dukhaan 44:4)
<< Peace! Until the appearance of dawn >> Sa'eed ibn Mansoor narrates, on the authority of Ash-Sha'bi, that it means the angels send their salutations of peace upon those who are occupied in prayer in the mosques until the dawn. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "It is the night of twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth and verily, the angels on that night are innumerable." Al-A`amash says, on the authority of Abu Lailaa that the verse means that the whole night is goodness, therein is no evil - until the appearance of the dawn. This is supported by a narration on the authority of `Ubaadah ibn As-Saamit that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The night of Al-Qadr is to be found in the last ten (nights of Ramadhaan), whoever stood in prayer during these nights, wishing for the reward of them will have his sins forgiven by Allah, both the earlier and the later; and it is the night of witr. (an uneven number). Nine, seven, five, three or the last night of it." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad).
It is narrated on the authority of Ibn `Abbaas radhiallahu `anhu that Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "It is a night of magnanimity and joy, neither very hot, nor very cold; and the sun of the morning following it is weak and red-coloured." (Narrated by Abu Dawood At-Tayaalisi).
It is reported on the authority of Jaabir ibn `Abdillaah, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "Verily, I saw the night of Al-Qadr and then I was made to forget it, but it is (to be looked for) in the last ten nights, the night is clear and fine, neither hot nor cold as if there were a full moon and on this night, the devils do not go forth until the light of dawn." (Narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim) Scholars have differed as to whether the night of Al-Qadr was extant for the communities which preceded that of Muhammad sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam or whether it was specially designated for them. There are two schools of thought on this subject: Abu Mus'ab Ahmad ibn Abi Bakr az-Zuhri (d.42H) said that Maalik informed him that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam was shown the generations of old from mankind and it was as if the lifespans of his community were shorter, and so it was not possible to accomplish the same amount of deeds as those communities of old, who lived longer lives and so Allah gave him the night of Al-Qadr which is better than a thousand months. According to Maalik, this necessarily means that this community (of Muslims) has been specially favoured with the night of Al-Qadr. One of the Shaafi'i scholars said that it is the view of the majority of scholars of fiqh, and Allah knows best. The second view on this subject says that the night of Al-Qadr was given to the previous peoples as it was given to this community and the proof of this is the hadeeth which says that. (Ibn Katheer has not mentioned the hadeeth, however).
It is narrated that Abu Zarr radhiallahu `anhu asked the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "Oh, Messenger of Allah! Tell me about the night of Al-Qadr, is it in Ramadhaan, or another month?" He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam replied: "No, it is in Ramadhaan." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad). He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam also said: "…it is until they Day of Resurrection." And, "Look for it in the last seven days of Ramadhaan and do not ask me any more about it." (Narrated by An-Nasaa'i) -
This hadeeth proves that the night of Al-Qadr is only to be looked for in the month of Ramadhaan and not, as has been attributed to Ibn Mas`ood radhiallahu `anhu by the scholars of Koofa, that it is to be looked for throughout the whole year without any distinction. In line with this, Abu Dawood wrote in his Sunan: "Chapter: - Evidence that the night of Al-Qadr is in every Ramadhaan." He then went on to narrate on the authority of Ibn `Umar radhiallahu `anhu that he heard the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam being asked about the night of Al-Qadr; he replied: "It is in every Ramadhaan." And all of the men in this sanad are thiqaat. (trustworthy) except that Abu Dawood said that the narration is mawqoof.
It was also said that the night of Al-Qadr is on the first night of Ramadhaan, and that it is on the seventeenth of Ramadhaan - this was a saying attributed to Ash-Shaafi'i and Abu Dawood narrated a hadeeth on the authority of Ibn Mas`ood radhiallahu `anhu and said that it was marfoo`, while Al-Hasan Al-Basree said that it is the night of the Battle of Badr, and it was said:
The night of the nineteenth - this was attributed to `Ali and Ibn Mas`ood (may Allah be pleased with them both), and it was said: the twenty-first, according to the hadeeth of Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri radhiallahu `anhu in which he said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam made his I`tikaaf in the first ten days of Ramadhaan and we made I'tikaaf with him, then Jibreel `alayhis salaam came to him and said: "That which you are in quest of is still ahead of you." Then the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam addressed the people saying: "Whoever has made I`tikaaf with me, let him return, for I have seen the night of Al-Qadr and then was made to forget it; but verily, it is in the last ten days and on the odd days, and I saw myself as if I were prostrating in mud and water." - the roof of the Prophet's mosque was made from palm leaves and we could not see anything on the sky, but clouds came and it rained on us and the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam led us in prayer, until I could see the marks of rain and mud upon his forehead - a proof of what he had seen in his vision."
Another version has it that it occurred on the morning after the twenty-first; this is narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim, and according to Ash-Shaafi`i, it is the most authentic narration. He (Ash-Shaafi`i) says, concerning these apparently contradictory reports: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam when asked: "Should we search for it on such-and-such night?" would reply: "Yes." (In order to encourage them to pray on the all last ten nights), but the night of Al-Qadr is a fixed night and does not change." However, according to Ahmad, Ath-Thawri, Ibn Khuzaimah and others, it can occur any time on the uneven nights during the last ten days of Ramadhaan and this is closer to the truth, and Allah knows best.
Muslim reports that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam instructed `Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) to supplicate Allah saying: "Oh, Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness and so forgive me." (Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun, tuhibbul `afwa, fa`fu `annee) At-Tirmizi, An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Maajah narrated the same thing. According to Maalik, one should look for the night of Al-Qadr throught the last ten days of Ramadhaan and one should try not to identify which is the night of Al-Qadr, but should intensify one's devotions throughout. And the most preferred action is to increase one's supplications during the whole month of Ramadhaan, more in the last ten days, more still on the odd days, and especially in the aforementioned words to `Aa'ishah by Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam.
It is narrated that Ka`b said: "Verily, whoever fasted the month of Ramadhaan resolving not to disobey Allah when he breaks his fast, will enter Paradise without reckoning or questioning. This is the end of the tafseer of Soorah Al-Qadr, all praise is due to Allah, and from Him proceeds all Grace.
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 3:42am
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
1. Verily, We sent it down in the night of al-Qadr.
2. And what will make you know what the night of al-Qadr is?
3. The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months.
4. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit by their Lord's permission with all Decrees.
5. Peace! Until the appearance of dawn.
Allah, Most High informs us that He sent down the Qur'aan in the night of Al-Qadr, and it is the blessed night referred to in the Words of Him, Almighty, All-Powerful: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr >>. The night of Al-Qadr occurs in the month of Ramadhaan, as Allah says: <
Ibn `Abbaas, amongst others, explains that the complete Qur'aan was sent down from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfooz (the Preserved Tablet) in the night of Al-Qadr to Bait Al-`Izzah (the House of Glory) in the lowest heaven, from whence it was revealed piecemeal to the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam according to events which took place during his life over a period of twenty-three years.
Then, Allah says, in order to make clear the greatness of the matter of the night of Al-Qadr, which He has chosen for sending down of the Noble Qur'aan: << And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >> It is narrated on the authority of Mujaahid that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa salam mentioned a man from Bani Israa'eel who carried his sword in the Way of Allah for a thousand months; the Muslims were amazed at this until Allah revealed: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr. And what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr is? The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >>." (i.e. the thousand months during which the man carried his sword in the Way of Allah). (Narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim)
Ibn Jareer narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid that there was a man from Bani Israa'eel who used to spend the night in prayer then in the morning he would fight the enemy in the Way of Allah during the day, until the evening and he did this for a thousand months and so Allah revealed the Soorah: << Verily, We sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr >> until the verse: << The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months >> That is, standing in prayer on that night is better than the actions of that man. Sufyaan ath-Thawree reports, on the authority of Mujaahid (also), that the night of Al-Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months' good deeds, prayers and fasting. (Narrated by Ibn Jareer)
Ibn Abi Haatim relates, on the authority of Mujaahid that it means: The night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months without the night of Al-Qadr. This was also said by Qataadah ibn Da'aamah and Ash-Shaafi’i and others, including Ibn Jareer, and it is the correct interpretation and it is like the saying of the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "To spend the night in the Way of Allah is better than a thousand nights not spent in worship." (Narrated by Ahmad)
Likewise, it is narrated that whoever goes to Friday prayers neatly-dressed, with a pure intention, it will be written for him the reward of a year's good deeds, as if he had fasted on it and spent its nights in prayer and in other acts of worship.
It is reported from Abu Hurairah that he said: "When the month of Ramadhaan came, the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The month of Ramadhaan has come, a blessed month in which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad. This was also narrated by An-Nasaa'i).
It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "Whoever stood in prayer on the night of Al-Qadr, in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven." (Narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim).
<< Therein descend the angels and the Spirit >> That is, innumerable angels descend with uncounted blessings and mercy, as they descend when the Qur'aan is recited and they surround those sitting in circles in remembrance of Allah and they lower their wings in the presence of the sincere seeker of knowledge in honour of him. As for the Spirit, it has been said that what is meant by it is the angel Jibreel `alayhis salaam and that he is mentioned thus to distinguish him from the other angels. It was also said that it means a group of angels, and Allah knows best. (see the Tafseer of Soorah An-Naba', verse 38)
<< With all decrees >> Sa'eed ibn Mansoor narrates, on the authority of Mujaahid, that it means the night is safe from the machinations of the devils, that they cannot commit evil or harm on it. Qataadah and others said it means that the Divine Decrees are issued at that night, the appointed time of everything is fixed and the blessings are apportioned, as in the words of Allah: << Therein [that night] is decreed every matter of ordainments >> (Soorah ad-Dukhaan 44:4)
<< Peace! Until the appearance of dawn >> Sa'eed ibn Mansoor narrates, on the authority of Ash-Sha'bi, that it means the angels send their salutations of peace upon those who are occupied in prayer in the mosques until the dawn. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurairah, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "It is the night of twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth and verily, the angels on that night are innumerable." Al-A`amash says, on the authority of Abu Lailaa that the verse means that the whole night is goodness, therein is no evil - until the appearance of the dawn. This is supported by a narration on the authority of `Ubaadah ibn As-Saamit that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "The night of Al-Qadr is to be found in the last ten (nights of Ramadhaan), whoever stood in prayer during these nights, wishing for the reward of them will have his sins forgiven by Allah, both the earlier and the later; and it is the night of witr. (an uneven number). Nine, seven, five, three or the last night of it." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad).
It is narrated on the authority of Ibn `Abbaas radhiallahu `anhu that Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said: "It is a night of magnanimity and joy, neither very hot, nor very cold; and the sun of the morning following it is weak and red-coloured." (Narrated by Abu Dawood At-Tayaalisi).
It is reported on the authority of Jaabir ibn `Abdillaah, that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam said, "Verily, I saw the night of Al-Qadr and then I was made to forget it, but it is (to be looked for) in the last ten nights, the night is clear and fine, neither hot nor cold as if there were a full moon and on this night, the devils do not go forth until the light of dawn." (Narrated by Ibn Abi Haatim) Scholars have differed as to whether the night of Al-Qadr was extant for the communities which preceded that of Muhammad sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam or whether it was specially designated for them. There are two schools of thought on this subject: Abu Mus'ab Ahmad ibn Abi Bakr az-Zuhri (d.42H) said that Maalik informed him that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam was shown the generations of old from mankind and it was as if the lifespans of his community were shorter, and so it was not possible to accomplish the same amount of deeds as those communities of old, who lived longer lives and so Allah gave him the night of Al-Qadr which is better than a thousand months. According to Maalik, this necessarily means that this community (of Muslims) has been specially favoured with the night of Al-Qadr. One of the Shaafi'i scholars said that it is the view of the majority of scholars of fiqh, and Allah knows best. The second view on this subject says that the night of Al-Qadr was given to the previous peoples as it was given to this community and the proof of this is the hadeeth which says that. (Ibn Katheer has not mentioned the hadeeth, however).
It is narrated that Abu Zarr radhiallahu `anhu asked the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam: "Oh, Messenger of Allah! Tell me about the night of Al-Qadr, is it in Ramadhaan, or another month?" He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam replied: "No, it is in Ramadhaan." (Narrated by Imaam Ahmad). He sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam also said: "…it is until they Day of Resurrection." And, "Look for it in the last seven days of Ramadhaan and do not ask me any more about it." (Narrated by An-Nasaa'i) -
This hadeeth proves that the night of Al-Qadr is only to be looked for in the month of Ramadhaan and not, as has been attributed to Ibn Mas`ood radhiallahu `anhu by the scholars of Koofa, that it is to be looked for throughout the whole year without any distinction. In line with this, Abu Dawood wrote in his Sunan: "Chapter: - Evidence that the night of Al-Qadr is in every Ramadhaan." He then went on to narrate on the authority of Ibn `Umar radhiallahu `anhu that he heard the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam being asked about the night of Al-Qadr; he replied: "It is in every Ramadhaan." And all of the men in this sanad are thiqaat. (trustworthy) except that Abu Dawood said that the narration is mawqoof.
It was also said that the night of Al-Qadr is on the first night of Ramadhaan, and that it is on the seventeenth of Ramadhaan - this was a saying attributed to Ash-Shaafi'i and Abu Dawood narrated a hadeeth on the authority of Ibn Mas`ood radhiallahu `anhu and said that it was marfoo`, while Al-Hasan Al-Basree said that it is the night of the Battle of Badr, and it was said:
The night of the nineteenth - this was attributed to `Ali and Ibn Mas`ood (may Allah be pleased with them both), and it was said: the twenty-first, according to the hadeeth of Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri radhiallahu `anhu in which he said: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam made his I`tikaaf in the first ten days of Ramadhaan and we made I'tikaaf with him, then Jibreel `alayhis salaam came to him and said: "That which you are in quest of is still ahead of you." Then the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam addressed the people saying: "Whoever has made I`tikaaf with me, let him return, for I have seen the night of Al-Qadr and then was made to forget it; but verily, it is in the last ten days and on the odd days, and I saw myself as if I were prostrating in mud and water." - the roof of the Prophet's mosque was made from palm leaves and we could not see anything on the sky, but clouds came and it rained on us and the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam led us in prayer, until I could see the marks of rain and mud upon his forehead - a proof of what he had seen in his vision."
Another version has it that it occurred on the morning after the twenty-first; this is narrated by Al-Bukhaari and Muslim, and according to Ash-Shaafi`i, it is the most authentic narration. He (Ash-Shaafi`i) says, concerning these apparently contradictory reports: "The Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam when asked: "Should we search for it on such-and-such night?" would reply: "Yes." (In order to encourage them to pray on the all last ten nights), but the night of Al-Qadr is a fixed night and does not change." However, according to Ahmad, Ath-Thawri, Ibn Khuzaimah and others, it can occur any time on the uneven nights during the last ten days of Ramadhaan and this is closer to the truth, and Allah knows best.
Muslim reports that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam instructed `Aa'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) to supplicate Allah saying: "Oh, Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness and so forgive me." (Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun, tuhibbul `afwa, fa`fu `annee) At-Tirmizi, An-Nasaa'i and Ibn Maajah narrated the same thing. According to Maalik, one should look for the night of Al-Qadr throught the last ten days of Ramadhaan and one should try not to identify which is the night of Al-Qadr, but should intensify one's devotions throughout. And the most preferred action is to increase one's supplications during the whole month of Ramadhaan, more in the last ten days, more still on the odd days, and especially in the aforementioned words to `Aa'ishah by Allah's Messenger sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam.
It is narrated that Ka`b said: "Verily, whoever fasted the month of Ramadhaan resolving not to disobey Allah when he breaks his fast, will enter Paradise without reckoning or questioning. This is the end of the tafseer of Soorah Al-Qadr, all praise is due to Allah, and from Him proceeds all Grace.
Easy Actions for which Rewards are Multiplied
Islamic Nation ~ Easy Actions for which Rewards are Multiplied
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 5:03am
How great will be the regret of those who waste the opportunity!
1. Preserving the ties of kinship: " Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his age lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
2. Performing many prayers in the two noble Harams (in Makkah and Madinah): "Prayer in this masjid of mine is superior to a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid al-Haram, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram is superior to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere." [Ahmad and ibn Majah]
3. Performing prayers in congregation. "Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
4. Praying `Isha and Fajr in congregation: "He who prays Isha' in Jama'ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night. As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night." [narrated by Malik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it]
5. Performing voluntary prayers at home. "Superiority of a man's prayer in his home over his prayer when people see him is like the superiority of an obligatory prayer over a voluntary one." [al-Bayhaqi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] "The most superior prayer of a person is in his home, except for obligatory prayers." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
6. Observing some manners of the day of Jumu`ah. "Whoever ghassala (washes his head, and it is said: has intercourse with his wife so that it be a means to lower the gaze from the haram that day) on the day of Jumuah, then comes in the earliest time and before the first khutbah, walks and doesn't ride, stays near the Imam, listens and does not speak - for each step [he makes] he has actions of one year, the reward of fasting and standing in prayer in it." [Ahl as-Sunan]
7. Salat ul-Ishraq. "Whoever prays al-ghadaa (i.e. al fajr) in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and `Umrah [The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, repeated 'complete' three times for emphasizing]." [at-Tirmidhi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]
8. Attending lectures in the mosque. "Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj." [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]
9. Performing `Umrah in the month of Ramadhan. "`Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to a Hajj with me." [al-Bukhari]
10. Performing obligatory prayers in the Mosque. "Whoever leaves his home in a state of purity to perform obligatory prayer, his reward is like that of a pilgrim (while) in the state of ihram [i.e. he receives reward similar to that of spending time in ihram during Hajj]." [Abu Dawud, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani] So one should be in a state of purity when leaving one's home, rather than the place for ablution within the mosque, except due to necessity.
11. Being from the people of the first row in congregational prayers. `Irbad bin Saariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to seek forgiveness for [the people of] the first row three times, and for [the people of the] second row once." [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]. "Allah and His Angels make salawat upon [the people of] the first row." [Ahmad, with a good isnad]
12. Prayer in Masjid Qubaa' in Madinah: "Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Qubaa' and prays in it has the reward like that of `Umrah." [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]
13. Saying what the caller to prayer says: "Say as they say [i.e. callers to prayer], and when you finish, ask and you will be given." [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i] That is, supplicate when you finish repeating after the caller to prayer.
14. Fasting Ramadhan and following it with six days of Shawwal. "Whoever fasts Ramadhan, then follows it with six (days) of Shawwal, it is like fasting all the time." [Muslim]
15. Fasting three days each month. "Whoever fasts three days each month, it s like fasting all the time." [at-Tirmidhi]. This is supported by the verse, "Whoever comes with a good deed for him is a tenfold [reward]." One day being equal to ten days.
16. Providing food for breaking of the fast: "Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast of a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way." [at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
17. Standing in prayer on Laylatul-Qadr. "Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months" [Qur'an 97:3], that is, superior to approximately 83 years of worship.
18. Jihad. "Standing of a man in a row (saff) in the way of Allah is superior to 60 years of worship." [al-Hakim, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] This is the superiority of standing in a row, so what about one who fights in the way of Allah for days, or months, or years?
19. Ribaat. "Whoever takes a post (at borders of Muslim lands, where an enemy may be expected) for a day and night in the way of Allah has the reward of fasting and standing in prayer for a month, and whoever dies in such a state receives a continuous reward similar to it, and is [also] rewarded with provision and saved from al-Fattaan." [Related by Muslim] Al-Fattaan is punishment of the grave.
20. Righteous actions in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. "There are no days in which righteous deeds are dearer to Allah than these ten [days of Dhul Hijjah]." They said, "O Messenger, even jihad in the way of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for the man who leaves with his wealth, and does not return with any of it (life or wealth)." [al-Bukhari]
21. Frequent recitation of Qur'anic soorahs. "Qul Huwa'Llahu Ahad" is equal to a third of the Qur'an and "Qul yaa ayyuha'l Kaafiroon" is equal to a fourth of the Qur'an." [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]
22. Al-Istighfaar. "Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man ad believing woman." [at-Tabarani, classed as Hasan by Al-Albani]
23. Fulfilling people's needs. "That I walk with my Muslim brother in [fulfilling his] need is dearer to me than being in i`tikaf in the masjid for a month." [Ibn Abi Dunya, classed as Hasan by al-Albani]
24. Dhikr. That I say 'Subhaan Allah, wal-Hamdu li'Llah, wa laa ilaaha ill Allahu wa'Llahu Akbar' is dearer to me than what the sun has risen upon." [Muslim]
"Whoever enters a market and says: 'Laa ilaaha ill Allah waHdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul Hamdu yuHyi wa yumeetu wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa `alaa kulli shay'in qadeer' [there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent.] Allah will write for him a million good deeds, erase a million of his bad deeds and raise him a million levels."[at-Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan by al-Albani] There are many other words of rememberance which are rewarded abundandtly, as is well known.
"There are two blessings which many people lose: good health and free time." [al-Bukhari]
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 5:03am
How great will be the regret of those who waste the opportunity!
1. Preserving the ties of kinship: " Whoever wishes that his provision be increased and his age lengthened, let him maintain the ties of kinship." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
2. Performing many prayers in the two noble Harams (in Makkah and Madinah): "Prayer in this masjid of mine is superior to a thousand prayers elsewhere, except for Masjid al-Haram, and prayer in Masjid al-Haram is superior to one hundred thousand prayers elsewhere." [Ahmad and ibn Majah]
3. Performing prayers in congregation. "Prayer in congregation is superior to praying individually twenty-seven times." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
4. Praying `Isha and Fajr in congregation: "He who prays Isha' in Jama'ah [congregation] is as if he has prayed for half the night. As to him who (also) prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he has prayed all night." [narrated by Malik and the wording is that of Muslim who also reported it]
5. Performing voluntary prayers at home. "Superiority of a man's prayer in his home over his prayer when people see him is like the superiority of an obligatory prayer over a voluntary one." [al-Bayhaqi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] "The most superior prayer of a person is in his home, except for obligatory prayers." [al-Bukhari and Muslim]
6. Observing some manners of the day of Jumu`ah. "Whoever ghassala (washes his head, and it is said: has intercourse with his wife so that it be a means to lower the gaze from the haram that day) on the day of Jumuah, then comes in the earliest time and before the first khutbah, walks and doesn't ride, stays near the Imam, listens and does not speak - for each step [he makes] he has actions of one year, the reward of fasting and standing in prayer in it." [Ahl as-Sunan]
7. Salat ul-Ishraq. "Whoever prays al-ghadaa (i.e. al fajr) in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays two units of prayer, has a complete reward of Hajj and `Umrah [The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, repeated 'complete' three times for emphasizing]." [at-Tirmidhi, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani]
8. Attending lectures in the mosque. "Whoever goes to the mosque not desiring except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj." [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]
9. Performing `Umrah in the month of Ramadhan. "`Umrah in Ramadhan is equal to a Hajj with me." [al-Bukhari]
10. Performing obligatory prayers in the Mosque. "Whoever leaves his home in a state of purity to perform obligatory prayer, his reward is like that of a pilgrim (while) in the state of ihram [i.e. he receives reward similar to that of spending time in ihram during Hajj]." [Abu Dawud, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani] So one should be in a state of purity when leaving one's home, rather than the place for ablution within the mosque, except due to necessity.
11. Being from the people of the first row in congregational prayers. `Irbad bin Saariyah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: "The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, used to seek forgiveness for [the people of] the first row three times, and for [the people of the] second row once." [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]. "Allah and His Angels make salawat upon [the people of] the first row." [Ahmad, with a good isnad]
12. Prayer in Masjid Qubaa' in Madinah: "Whoever purifies himself in his house then comes to Masjid Qubaa' and prays in it has the reward like that of `Umrah." [an-Nasa'i and Ibn Majah]
13. Saying what the caller to prayer says: "Say as they say [i.e. callers to prayer], and when you finish, ask and you will be given." [Abu Dawud and An-Nasa'i] That is, supplicate when you finish repeating after the caller to prayer.
14. Fasting Ramadhan and following it with six days of Shawwal. "Whoever fasts Ramadhan, then follows it with six (days) of Shawwal, it is like fasting all the time." [Muslim]
15. Fasting three days each month. "Whoever fasts three days each month, it s like fasting all the time." [at-Tirmidhi]. This is supported by the verse, "Whoever comes with a good deed for him is a tenfold [reward]." One day being equal to ten days.
16. Providing food for breaking of the fast: "Whoever provides food for breaking of the fast of a fasting person receives the reward of the fasting person, without the reward of the fasting person being reduced in any way." [at-Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah]
17. Standing in prayer on Laylatul-Qadr. "Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months" [Qur'an 97:3], that is, superior to approximately 83 years of worship.
18. Jihad. "Standing of a man in a row (saff) in the way of Allah is superior to 60 years of worship." [al-Hakim, classed as Saheeh by al-Albani] This is the superiority of standing in a row, so what about one who fights in the way of Allah for days, or months, or years?
19. Ribaat. "Whoever takes a post (at borders of Muslim lands, where an enemy may be expected) for a day and night in the way of Allah has the reward of fasting and standing in prayer for a month, and whoever dies in such a state receives a continuous reward similar to it, and is [also] rewarded with provision and saved from al-Fattaan." [Related by Muslim] Al-Fattaan is punishment of the grave.
20. Righteous actions in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. "There are no days in which righteous deeds are dearer to Allah than these ten [days of Dhul Hijjah]." They said, "O Messenger, even jihad in the way of Allah?" He said, "Not even jihad in the way of Allah, except for the man who leaves with his wealth, and does not return with any of it (life or wealth)." [al-Bukhari]
21. Frequent recitation of Qur'anic soorahs. "Qul Huwa'Llahu Ahad" is equal to a third of the Qur'an and "Qul yaa ayyuha'l Kaafiroon" is equal to a fourth of the Qur'an." [at-Tabarani, classed as Saheeh by Al-Albani]
22. Al-Istighfaar. "Whoever seeks forgiveness for believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man ad believing woman." [at-Tabarani, classed as Hasan by Al-Albani]
23. Fulfilling people's needs. "That I walk with my Muslim brother in [fulfilling his] need is dearer to me than being in i`tikaf in the masjid for a month." [Ibn Abi Dunya, classed as Hasan by al-Albani]
24. Dhikr. That I say 'Subhaan Allah, wal-Hamdu li'Llah, wa laa ilaaha ill Allahu wa'Llahu Akbar' is dearer to me than what the sun has risen upon." [Muslim]
"Whoever enters a market and says: 'Laa ilaaha ill Allah waHdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul mulku wa lahul Hamdu yuHyi wa yumeetu wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa `alaa kulli shay'in qadeer' [there is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs dominion and praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living and does not die. In His Hand is all the good, and He is over all things competent.] Allah will write for him a million good deeds, erase a million of his bad deeds and raise him a million levels."[at-Tirmidhi, classed as Hasan by al-Albani] There are many other words of rememberance which are rewarded abundandtly, as is well known.
"There are two blessings which many people lose: good health and free time." [al-Bukhari]
Love of ALLAH (SWT)
Islamic Nation ~ Love of ALLAH (SWT)
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 4:30pm
Ibn al-Qaiyim mentioned ten causes that result in Allah's love for His slave and the slave's love for his Lord. [These ten are:]
First, reciting the Qur'an while pondering over its meanings and what is meant by it.
Second, getting closer to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after completing obligatory deeds. This is as is stated in a Hadith Qudsi: "My slave continues getting closer to Me by performing voluntary deeds until I love him." [al-Bukhari]
Third, continual remembrance of Allah under all circumstances, with one's tongue, heart and actions. The extent of one's love of Allah is determined by this.
Fourth, giving precedence to what He loves over what you love when you are overtaken by your desires.
Fifth, the heart being avid of Allah's Names, and Attributes and the heart roaming in that garden of knowledge.
Sixth, observing Allah's kindness, goodness and bounties, both hidden and open.
Seventh, and this is the most wonderful, the heart being soft, subdued and meek before Allah.
Eighth, being alone with Allah during the time when the Lord descends during the last portion of the night while reading His Book and ending that by asking for forgiveness and repenting.
Ninth, sitting with the beloved and sincere, benefitting from the most fruitful of their speech. And not to speak unless speaking is more beneficial and you know that it will improve your state and be beneficial to others.
Tenth, remaining away from every cause that comes between the heart and Allah.
These ten causes take the lovers to the station of true love and bring them to their Beloved.
by Islamic Nation on Tuesday, August 31, 2010 at 4:30pm
Ibn al-Qaiyim mentioned ten causes that result in Allah's love for His slave and the slave's love for his Lord. [These ten are:]
First, reciting the Qur'an while pondering over its meanings and what is meant by it.
Second, getting closer to Allah by performing voluntary deeds after completing obligatory deeds. This is as is stated in a Hadith Qudsi: "My slave continues getting closer to Me by performing voluntary deeds until I love him." [al-Bukhari]
Third, continual remembrance of Allah under all circumstances, with one's tongue, heart and actions. The extent of one's love of Allah is determined by this.
Fourth, giving precedence to what He loves over what you love when you are overtaken by your desires.
Fifth, the heart being avid of Allah's Names, and Attributes and the heart roaming in that garden of knowledge.
Sixth, observing Allah's kindness, goodness and bounties, both hidden and open.
Seventh, and this is the most wonderful, the heart being soft, subdued and meek before Allah.
Eighth, being alone with Allah during the time when the Lord descends during the last portion of the night while reading His Book and ending that by asking for forgiveness and repenting.
Ninth, sitting with the beloved and sincere, benefitting from the most fruitful of their speech. And not to speak unless speaking is more beneficial and you know that it will improve your state and be beneficial to others.
Tenth, remaining away from every cause that comes between the heart and Allah.
These ten causes take the lovers to the station of true love and bring them to their Beloved.
10 Useless Matters
Islamic Nation ~ 10 Useless Matters
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 4:04pm
There are ten useless matters:
1. Knowledge that is not acted on
2. The deed that has neither sincerity nor is based on following the righteous examples of others
3. Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter
4. The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him
5. A body that does not obey and serve Allah
6. Loving Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure
7. Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good
8. A mind that thinks about useless matters
9. Serving those who do not bring you close to Allah, nor benefit you in your life
10. Hoping and fearing whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.
However the greater of these matters are wasting the heart and wasting time. Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant hope. Destruction occurs by following one’s desires and having incessant hope, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allah.
How strange it is that when a servant of Allah has a [worldly] problem, he seeks help of Allah, but he never asks Allah to cure his heart before it dies of ignorance, neglect, fulfilling one’s desires and being involved in innovations. Indeed, when the heart dies, he will never feel the significance or impact of his sins.
by Islamic Nation on Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 4:04pm
There are ten useless matters:
1. Knowledge that is not acted on
2. The deed that has neither sincerity nor is based on following the righteous examples of others
3. Money that is hoarded, as the owner neither enjoys it during this life nor obtains any reward for it in the Hereafter
4. The heart that is empty of love and longing for Allah, and of seeking closeness to Him
5. A body that does not obey and serve Allah
6. Loving Allah without following His orders or seeking His pleasure
7. Time that is not spent in expiating sins or seizing opportunities to do good
8. A mind that thinks about useless matters
9. Serving those who do not bring you close to Allah, nor benefit you in your life
10. Hoping and fearing whoever is under the authority of Allah and in His hand; while he cannot bring any benefit or harm to himself, nor death, nor life; nor can he resurrect himself.
However the greater of these matters are wasting the heart and wasting time. Wasting the heart is done by preferring this worldly life over the Hereafter, and wasting time is done by having incessant hope. Destruction occurs by following one’s desires and having incessant hope, while all goodness is found in following the right path and preparing oneself to meet Allah.
How strange it is that when a servant of Allah has a [worldly] problem, he seeks help of Allah, but he never asks Allah to cure his heart before it dies of ignorance, neglect, fulfilling one’s desires and being involved in innovations. Indeed, when the heart dies, he will never feel the significance or impact of his sins.
Road to Dubai
Road to Dubai Via Love Being Muslim
On the road to Dubai, my husband stopped at a small mosque to offer the Asr prayer. As I sat in the car, I saw a figure approaching from the direction of a small group of houses. It took some time before I realised it was a man, crawling towards the mosque. He wore rubber sandals on his hands. His lower body dragged on the hard, rocky ground. The sweltering heat was beating down hard on his body. By the time he reached the courtyard of the mosque, I could see he was soaked and his face was flushed. Many men passed him on their way to the prayer, perhaps accustomed to seeing him everyday. One man came out of a shop and watched him for a while. He went back into the shop and came out with a cold drink. He opened it for the crawling man and they sat together for a minute. I heard them talking as the man who offered him the cold drink requested that he would help the crawling man to make it up the stairs to the mosque. He was concerned about making it on time, so he excused himself and continued his slow, laboured journey to the prayer.
I did not watch him as he mounted the stairs. I could not imagine how to help him. I was crying by then, remembering the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh): "The hypocrites find the Fajr and Isha prayers in congregation very oppressive. If they could know the virtues of these two prayers, they would certainly join them, even if they had to go crawling." (Bukhari, Muslim)This man, who literally did crawl even in the heat of the day, did not find the congregational prayer oppressive at all. May Allah reward all who struggle to please Him and may He always remind us of our own weaknesses through such people.
By: Um Yaqoob
On the road to Dubai, my husband stopped at a small mosque to offer the Asr prayer. As I sat in the car, I saw a figure approaching from the direction of a small group of houses. It took some time before I realised it was a man, crawling towards the mosque. He wore rubber sandals on his hands. His lower body dragged on the hard, rocky ground. The sweltering heat was beating down hard on his body. By the time he reached the courtyard of the mosque, I could see he was soaked and his face was flushed. Many men passed him on their way to the prayer, perhaps accustomed to seeing him everyday. One man came out of a shop and watched him for a while. He went back into the shop and came out with a cold drink. He opened it for the crawling man and they sat together for a minute. I heard them talking as the man who offered him the cold drink requested that he would help the crawling man to make it up the stairs to the mosque. He was concerned about making it on time, so he excused himself and continued his slow, laboured journey to the prayer.
I did not watch him as he mounted the stairs. I could not imagine how to help him. I was crying by then, remembering the Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh): "The hypocrites find the Fajr and Isha prayers in congregation very oppressive. If they could know the virtues of these two prayers, they would certainly join them, even if they had to go crawling." (Bukhari, Muslim)This man, who literally did crawl even in the heat of the day, did not find the congregational prayer oppressive at all. May Allah reward all who struggle to please Him and may He always remind us of our own weaknesses through such people.
By: Um Yaqoob
Rabu, 01 September 2010
The Boy who tried to escape Death...Chapter 2
The Boy who tried to escape Death...Chapter 2
by Islamic Nation on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 5:48am
Ahmad lay in his bed fast asleep. The time approached Salatul-Thuhur. Suddenly Ahmad woke up from the sudden shaking of his blankets.
“Ahmad! Wake up!” His father called as he shook him awake.
“For God Sake! Why? It’s only 1:00pm in the afternoon!” Ahmad called out as he stretched around to stare at his alarm clock.
“It’s only 1:00pm?! Are you insane? Almost the whole population is out of bed, and you are acting as it is 6:00am!” His father answered in a shocked tone.
“Why are you waking me up?” Ahmad moaned.
“Because you are coming to the Mosque with me today for prayer. I want you to experience just one Prayer in your life!” His father sternly called.
Ahmad moaned as he struggled to sit up.
“Now, I will be up in two minutes with a cup of cold water to throw over you if you are not out of bed!” His father said as he left Ahmad’s room.
Ahmad stormed off to the bathroom to prepare himself in a fit of rage.
20 minutes later Ahmad and his father were off walking towards the Mosque.
“Ahmad, I cannot believe you are so angry with the thought of standing before Allah!” His father said as they walked together.
“I could be at home playing my computer; instead I am tiring myself out by having to stand for 10 hours in boring prayer!” Ahmad moaned.
“Are you crazy? No Prayer lasts that long, not even half of that time! Now pull yourself together because the way you are storming down this road seems to me you are suffering from constipation!”
“Dad! Those people must have heard! Yet again you embarrass me!” Ahmad yelled.
“Embarrass you? The way you are composing yourself on this street is humiliating me, your father…Right here we are, now behave yourself for once!”
Ahmad and his father entered the Masjid. His father carefully observed Ahmad as he performed Wudu while trying to teach him the proper steps of performing it.
Ahmad finished the Wudu with the sudden expression on his face seeming as if he had been working all day hard labour!
They both entered the Prayer hall and found a place in the front row. The Muadhdhin called out ‘Iqamah and everyone rose to stand in Prayer before their Lord. They all begun the Salat together with the Imam, and Ahmad stood before his Lord for the first time in his life…
During the Prayer his father heard sounds of sobbing to the left of him! It was his son! A small smile appeared on the fathers face while a sensation passed through his body with pure intentions of happiness that father and son stood side by side before their Lord in humbleness.
After the Prayer Ahamd’s Father looked towards his son and smiled.
“Mashah’Allah my beloved son! You see? Is there anything more beautiful than Prayer? You even cried to Allah!”
“No, no, no! I cried because I just realised that I left my mobile at home and I promised to call Mo.”
“WHAT! You ignorant little…” His father held his composure.
“You are telling me you cried because you let your friend down, while feeling NOTHING every time you let your Lord down? Let me tell you something! Allah has no need of you or any of us, so you better start acting like you need Him, because one day you WILL need Him!” His father quietly yelled.
Ahmad’s father got up and stormed outside and stood beneath a large green beautiful tree. He stared towards the ground and cried. The tears rolled down his cheeks and dropped to the floor out of fear and love towards his son.
That day neither father nor son spoke to one another.
Another day gone, another day closer to Ahmad’s death. Nine days remain…
by Islamic Nation on Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at 5:48am
Ahmad lay in his bed fast asleep. The time approached Salatul-Thuhur. Suddenly Ahmad woke up from the sudden shaking of his blankets.
“Ahmad! Wake up!” His father called as he shook him awake.
“For God Sake! Why? It’s only 1:00pm in the afternoon!” Ahmad called out as he stretched around to stare at his alarm clock.
“It’s only 1:00pm?! Are you insane? Almost the whole population is out of bed, and you are acting as it is 6:00am!” His father answered in a shocked tone.
“Why are you waking me up?” Ahmad moaned.
“Because you are coming to the Mosque with me today for prayer. I want you to experience just one Prayer in your life!” His father sternly called.
Ahmad moaned as he struggled to sit up.
“Now, I will be up in two minutes with a cup of cold water to throw over you if you are not out of bed!” His father said as he left Ahmad’s room.
Ahmad stormed off to the bathroom to prepare himself in a fit of rage.
20 minutes later Ahmad and his father were off walking towards the Mosque.
“Ahmad, I cannot believe you are so angry with the thought of standing before Allah!” His father said as they walked together.
“I could be at home playing my computer; instead I am tiring myself out by having to stand for 10 hours in boring prayer!” Ahmad moaned.
“Are you crazy? No Prayer lasts that long, not even half of that time! Now pull yourself together because the way you are storming down this road seems to me you are suffering from constipation!”
“Dad! Those people must have heard! Yet again you embarrass me!” Ahmad yelled.
“Embarrass you? The way you are composing yourself on this street is humiliating me, your father…Right here we are, now behave yourself for once!”
Ahmad and his father entered the Masjid. His father carefully observed Ahmad as he performed Wudu while trying to teach him the proper steps of performing it.
Ahmad finished the Wudu with the sudden expression on his face seeming as if he had been working all day hard labour!
They both entered the Prayer hall and found a place in the front row. The Muadhdhin called out ‘Iqamah and everyone rose to stand in Prayer before their Lord. They all begun the Salat together with the Imam, and Ahmad stood before his Lord for the first time in his life…
During the Prayer his father heard sounds of sobbing to the left of him! It was his son! A small smile appeared on the fathers face while a sensation passed through his body with pure intentions of happiness that father and son stood side by side before their Lord in humbleness.
After the Prayer Ahamd’s Father looked towards his son and smiled.
“Mashah’Allah my beloved son! You see? Is there anything more beautiful than Prayer? You even cried to Allah!”
“No, no, no! I cried because I just realised that I left my mobile at home and I promised to call Mo.”
“WHAT! You ignorant little…” His father held his composure.
“You are telling me you cried because you let your friend down, while feeling NOTHING every time you let your Lord down? Let me tell you something! Allah has no need of you or any of us, so you better start acting like you need Him, because one day you WILL need Him!” His father quietly yelled.
Ahmad’s father got up and stormed outside and stood beneath a large green beautiful tree. He stared towards the ground and cried. The tears rolled down his cheeks and dropped to the floor out of fear and love towards his son.
That day neither father nor son spoke to one another.
Another day gone, another day closer to Ahmad’s death. Nine days remain…
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