Eid: Etiquettes and Rulings
"Eid" is an Arabic word referring to something habitual, that returns and is repeated. Eids or festivals are symbols to be found in every nation, including those that are based on revealed scriptures as well as others, because celebrating festivals is something that is an instinctive part of human nature. All people like to have special occasions to celebrate, where they can come together and express their joy and happiness.
The festivals of the other nations may be connected to worldly matters, such as the beginning of the year, the start of an agricultural season, the changing of the weather, the establishment of a state, the accession of a ruler,birth of their nation/leader and so on. They may also be connected to religious occasions, like many of the festivals belonging exclusively to the Jews and Christians, such as the Thursday on which they claim the table was sent down to Jesus, Christmas, New Year's, Thanksgiving, and holidays on which gifts are exchanged. These are celebrated in all European and North American countries nowadays, and in other countries where Christian influence is prevalent, even if the country is not originally Christian.
The Magians (Zoroastrians) also have their own festivals, such as Mahrajaan, Nowruz and so on.
The Baatinis have their own festivals too, such as "Eid al-Ghadeer", when they claim that the Prophet [an error occurred while processing this directive] (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) gave the khilaafah to 'Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) and to the twelve imaams after him.
The Muslims are distinguished by their festivals
The Prophet's words "Every nation has its festival, and this is your festival" indicate that these two Eids are exclusively for the Muslims, and that it is not permissible for Muslims to imitate the other nations in anything that is a distinctive part of their celebrations, whether it be food, dress, bonfires or acts of worship.
The Muslims have no festivals apart from Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhaa, because of the hadeeth narrated from Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came to Madeenah and the people had two days when they would play and have fun. He said, 'What are these two days?' They said, 'We used to play and have fun on these days during the Jaahiliyyah. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, 'Allaah has given you something better than them, the day of Adhaa and the day of Fitr.'" (Sunan Abi Dawood, 1134)
These two Eids are among the signs or symbols of Allaah which we must celebrate and understand the aims and meanings behind them.
There follows a discussion of some of the rulings and manners of the two Eids according to Islamic sharee'ah.
1 – Ahkaam al-Eid (Rulings on Eid)
Fasting
It is haraam to fast on the days of Eid because of the hadeeth of Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) forbade fasting on the day of Fitr and the day of Sacrifice (Adhaa). (Reported by Muslim, 827)
Ruling on the Eid prayers
Some of the scholars say that Eid prayers are waajib (obligatory) – this is the view of the Hanafi scholars and of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah (may Allaah have mercy on him). They say that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) always prayed the Eid prayer and never omitted to do it, not even once. They take as evidence the aayah (interpretation of the meaning), "Therefore turn in prayer to your Lord and sacrifice (to Him only)" [al-Kawthar 108:2], i.e., the Eid prayer and the sacrifice after it, which is an instruction, and the fact that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) ordered that the women should be brought out to attend the Eid prayers, and that a woman who did not have a jilbaab should borrow one from her sister.
Some scholars say that Eid prayer is fard kifaaya. This is the view of the Hanbalis. A third group say that Eid prayer is sunnah mu'akkadah. This is the view of the Maalikis and Shaafa'is. They take as evidence the hadeeth of the Bedouin which says that Allaah has not imposed any prayers on His slaves other than the five daily prayers. So the Muslim should be keen to attend Eid prayers, especially since the opinion that it is waajib is based on strong evidence. The goodness, blessings and great reward one gets from attending Eid prayers, and the fact that one is following the example of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) by doing so, should be sufficient motivation.
Essentials and timing of Eid prayer
Some scholars (the Hanafis and Hanbalis) say that the conditions of Eid prayer are that the iqaamah should be recited and the prayer should be offered in jamaa'ah (congregation). Some of them said that the conditions of Eid prayer are the same as the conditions for Friday prayer, with the exception of the khutbah, attendance at which is not obligatory. The majority of scholars say that the time for the Eid prayer starts when the sun has risen above the height of a spear, as seen by the naked eye, and continues until the sun is approaching its zenith.
Description of the Eid prayer
'Umar (r) said: "The prayer of Eid and al-Adhaa is two complete rak'ahs, not shortened. This is according to the words of your Prophet, and the liar is doomed."
Abu Sa'eed said: "The Messenger of Allaah (s) used to come out to the prayer-place on the day of Fitr and al-Adhaa, and the first thing he would do was the prayer."
The Takbeer is repeated seven times in the first rak'ah and five times in the second, the Qur'aan is to be recited after each.
It was reported from 'Aa'ishah: the Takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adhaa is seven in the first rak'ah and five in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo' . (Reported by Abu Dawood; saheeh by the sum of its isnaads)
If a person joining the prayer catches up with the imaam during these extra takbeeraat, he should say "Allaahu akbar" with the imaam, and he does not have to make up any takbeeraat he may have missed, because they are sunnah, not waajib.
With regard to what should be said between the takbeeraat, Hammaad ibn Salamah reported from Ibraaheem that Waleed ibn 'Uqbah entered the mosque when Ibn Mas'ood, Hudhayfah and Abu Moosa were there, and said, "Eid is here, what should I do?" Ibn Mas'ood said: "Say 'Allaahu akbar', praise and thank Allaah, send blessings on the Prophet (s) and make du'aa', then say Say 'Allaahu akbar', praise and thank Allaah, send blessings on the Prophet (s)…etc." (Reported by al-Tabaraani).
Recitation of Qur'aan in Eid prayers
It is recommended (mustahabb) that in the Eid prayers the imaam should recite Qaaf [soorah 50] and Aqtarabat al-saa'ah [al-Qamar, soorah 54], as it is reported in Saheeh Muslim that 'Umar ibn al-Khattaab asked Abu Waaqid al-Laythi, "What did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to recite at [Eid] al-Adhaa and al-Fitr?" He said, "He used to recite Qaaf. Wa'l-Qur'aan al-majeed [Qaaf 50:1] and Aqtarabat al-saa'ah wa anshaqq al-qamar [al-Qamar 54:1].".
Most of the reports indicate that the Prophet (s) used to recite Soorat al-A'laa [87] and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah [88], as he used to recite them in the Friday prayer. Al-Nu'maan ibn Bishr said: "The Messenger of Allaah (s) used to recite on the two Eids and on Fridays, Sabbih isma rabbika'l-a'laa [al-A'laa 87:1] and Hal ataaka hadeeth al-ghaashiyah [al-Ghaashiyah 88:1]." (Saheeh Muslim, 878).
Samurah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: "The Prophet (s) used to recite on the two Eids, Sabbih isma rabbika'l-a'laa [ al-A' laa 87:1] and Hal ataaka hadeeth al-ghaashiyah [al-Ghaashiyah 88:1]." (Reported by Ahmad and others; it is saheeh. Al-Irwaa', 3/116)
The prayer comes before the khutbah
One of the rulings of Eid is that the prayer should come before the khutbah, as is reported in Musnad Ahmad from the hadeeth of Ibn 'Abbaas, who testified that the Messenger of Allaah (s) prayed before the khutbah on Eid, then he gave the khutbah." (Musnad Ahmad, 1905. The hadeeth is also in al-Saheehayn).
Another indication that the khutbah should be after the prayer is the hadeeth of Abu Sa'eed (r): "The Prophet (s) used to go out to the prayer-place on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adhaa, and the first thing he would do was to pray, then he would stand up facing the people, whilst they were still sitting in their rows, and would advise and instruct them. If he wanted to send out a military expedition, he would decide about the matter then, or if he wanted to issue a command, he would do it then."
Abu Sa'eed said: "This is what the people continued to do until I came out [to the Eid prayers] with Marwaan, when he was governor of Madeenah, on either Adhaa or Fitr. When we reached the prayer-place, we saw the minbar, which had been built by Katheer ibn al-Salt. Marwaan wanted to get on the minbar before the prayer. I pulled on his cloak, and he pulled on mine in return, then he got on the minbar and gave the khutbah before the prayer. I said, 'You have changed it, by Allaah! ' He said, 'O Abu Sa'eed, what you know is gone.' I said, 'What I know, by Allaah, is better than what I do not know.' He said, 'The people will not remain sitting after the prayer, so we made it [the khutbah] before the prayer.'" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 956).
Anyone who wants to leave during the khutbah is allowed to do so
'Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa'ib said: "I attended Eid with the Prophet ] (s), and when he finished the prayer, he said: " We will give the khutbah, so whoever wants to sit (and listen to) the khutbah, let him sit, and whoever wants to leave, let him go.'" (Irwaa' al-Ghaleel, 3/96)
Not delaying the prayer for too long
'Abd-Allaah ibn Bishr, the companion of the Prophet (s), went out with the people on the day of Fitr or al-Adhaa, and objected to the fact that the imaam came very late. He said, "At the time of the Prophet (s) we would have finished by now," and that was at the time of al-Tasbeeh ." (Reported by al-Bukhaari )
Naafil prayers in the prayer-place
There are no naafil prayers to be done either before or after the Eid prayer, as Ibn 'Abbaas reported that the Prophet (s) used to come out on the day of Eid and pray two rak'ahs, with nothing before or after them.
This is the case if the prayer is offered in a prayer place or public place. If, however, the people pray the Eid prayer in a mosque, then they should pray two rak'ahs for Tahiyat al-Masjid ("Greeting the mosque") before sitting down.
If people did not know about Eid until the next day
Abu 'Umayr ibn Anas reported from his paternal uncles among the Ansaar who said: "It was cloudy and we could not see the new moon of Shawwaal, so we started the day fasting, then a caravan came at the end of the day and told the Messenger of Allaah (s) that they had seen the new moon of Shawwaal the day before, so he told the people to stop fasting, and they went out to pray the Eid prayer the next day." (Reported by the five. It is saheeh; al-Irwaa', 3/102)
If someone misses the Eid prayer, the most correct view is that he may make it up by praying two rak'ahs.
Women's attendance at Eid prayers
Hafsah said: "We used to prevent prepubescent girls from attending Eid prayers. Then a woman came and stayed at the fort of Banu Khalaf, and told us about her sister. Her sister's husband had taken part in twelve campaigns with the Prophet (s) and [she said], 'my sister was with him on six of them. She said, "We used to treat the wounded and take care of the sick. My sister asked the Prophet (s) whether there was anything wrong with her not going out [on Eid] if she did not have a jilbaab. He said, ' Let her friend give her one of her jilbaabs so that she may witness the blessings of Eid and see the Muslims gathering.'"' When Um 'Atiyah came, I asked her, 'Did you hear the Prophet (s) [say this]?' She said, 'May my father be sacrificed for him' – and she never mentioned him without saying 'may my father be sacrificed for him' – 'I heard him saying that we should bring out the young girls and those who were secluded, or the young girls who were secluded, and the menstruating women, so that they could witness the blessings of Eid and see the gathering of the believers, but those who were menstruating were to keep away from the prayer-place itself. " (Saheeh al-Bukhaari, 324).
Aadaab al-Eid (Etiquette of Eid)
Ghusl (taking a bath)
One of the manners of Eid is to take a bathe before going out to the prayer. It is reported in a saheeh report in al-Muwatta' and elsewhere that 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar used to take a bath on the day of al-Fitr before coming to the prayer-place. (al-Muwatta' 428)
It was reported that Sa'eed ibn Jubayr said: "Three things are sunnah on Eid: to walk (to the prayer-place), to take a bath and to eat before coming out." This is what Sa'eed ibn Jubayr said, and he may have learned this from some of the Sahaabah.
Al-Nawawi mentioned that the scholars were agreed that it is mustahabb to take a bath before the Eid prayer.
The reason why it is mustahabb to take a bath before Friday prayer and other public gatherings also applies in the case of Eid, only more so.
Eating before coming out
One should not come out to the prayer-place on Eid al-Fitr before eating some dates, because of the hadeeth narrated by al-Bukhaari from Anas ibn Maalik who said: "The Messenger of Allaah (s) would not go out on the morning of Eid al-Fitr until he had eaten some dates… and he would eat an odd number." (al-Bukhaari, 953)
It is mustahabb to eat before coming out because this confirms that we are not allowed to fast on this day, and demonstrates that the fast is now over. Ibn Hajar explained that this is to prevent people extending the fast and it also means obeying the commandment of Allaah. (Fath, 2/446). If a person does not have any dates, he can eat anything permissible for breakfast. On Eid al-Adhaa, on the other hand, it is mustahabb not to eat until after the prayer, when one should eat from the meat of one's sacrifice.
Takbeer on the day of Eid
This is one of the greatest sunnahs of this day, because of the words of Allaah (interpretation of the meaning):
"… (He [Allaah] wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah (say Takbeer – 'Allaahu akbar') for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him." [al-Baqarah 2:185]
Al-Waleed ibn Muslim said: "I asked al-Oozaa'i and Maalik ibn Anas about saying Takbeer aloud on Eid. They said, 'Yes, 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar used to say it aloud on the day of Fitr until the imaam came out. '"
Abu 'Abd al-Rahmaan al-Salami said: "On Eid al-Fitr they would say it louder than on Eid al-Adhaa." Wakee' said, "i.e., the takbeer." (Irwaa', 3/122).
Al-Daaraqutni and others reported that when Ibn 'Umar came out on Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adhaa, he would strive hard in making Takbeer until he reached the prayer-place, then he would continue making Takbeer until the imaam came.
Ibn Abi Shaybah reported with a saheeh isnaad that al-Zuhri said: "The people used to make Takbeer on Eid when they came out of their houses until they reached the prayer-place and until the imaam came out. When the imaam came out, they fell silent, until the imaam said Takbeer, then they said Takbeer." (Irwaa', 2/121).
The practice of making Takbeer from home to the prayer-place, and until the imaam comes in, was well-known among the salaf and was reported by a number of authors such as Ibn Abi Shaybah, 'Abd al-Razzaaq and al-Firyaabi in his book Ahkaam al-'Eidayn from a group of the salaf. An example of this is the report that Naafi' ibn Jubayr used to make Takbeer and wondered why people did not do so. He would say to people, "Why do you not make Takbeer?" Ibn Shihaab al-Zuhri said, "The people used to make Takbeer from the time they left their homes until the imaam came in."
The time for making Takbeer on Eid al-Fitr starts from the night of Eid until the time when the imaam comes in to lead the prayer.
The wording of the Takbeer
Ibn Abi Shaybah reported in al-Musannaf that Ibn Mas'ood (r) used to say Takbeer on the days of Tashreeq as follows: " Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, wa Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi'l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great… there is no god but Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, and to Allaah be praise)." Ibn Abi Shaybah reported it elsewhere with the same isnaad, but with the phrase "Allaahu akbar" repeated three times.
Al-Muhaamili also reported that Ibn Mas'ood used to say: "Allaahu akbaru kabeeran, Allaahu akbaru kabeeran, Allaahu akbar wa ajall, Allaahu akbar wa Lillaahi'l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great of All, Allaah is Most Great of all, Allaah is most Great and Most Glorious, and to Allaah be praise)." (al-Irwaa ', 3/126).
Congratulating one another
People may exchange congratulations and good greetings on Eid, no matter what form the words take. For example they may say to one another, "Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minkum (May Allaah accept [the fast and worship] from us and from you" or "Eid mubarak" and other similar permissible greetings.
Jubayr ibn Nufayr said: "At the time of the Prophet (s), when people met one another on the day of Eid, they would say, 'Taqabbal Allaahu minnaa wa minka (May Allaah accept [the fast and worship] from us and from you).'" (Ibn Hajar. Its isnaad is hasan. Fath, 2/446).
The practice of exchanging greetings was well-known at the time of the Sahaabah and scholars such as Imaam Ahmad and others allowed it. There are reports which indicate that it is permissible to congratulate people on special occasions. The Sahaabah used to congratulate one another when something good happened, such as when Allaah accepted a person's repentance and so on.
There is no doubt that congratulating others in this way is one of the noblest kinds of good manners and one of the highest social qualities among Muslims.
At the very least, one can return Eid greetings when they are given to you, and remain silent if nothing is said, as Imaam Ahmad (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: "If someone congratulates me, I return the greeting, but I do not initiate it."
Looking one's best for Eid
'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: " 'Umar picked up a jubbah (long outer garment) made of silk that was for sale in the market, brought it to the Messenger of Allaah (s) and said, "O Messenger of Allaah, buy this and wear it for Eid and when the delegations come." The Messenger of Allaah (s) said, " This is the clothing of the one who has no share of the Hereafter…" (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 948).
The Prophet (s) approved of 'Umar's idea of looking one's best, but he rejected and denounced the idea of buying this jubbah because it was made of silk.
Jaabir (r) said: "The Prophet (s) had a jubbah that he would wear on Eid and on Fridays. " (Saheeh Ibn Khuzaymah, 1765).
Al-Bayhaqi reported that Ibn Umar used to wear his best clothes on Eid, so men should wear the best clothes they have when they go out for Eid.
Women, on the other hand, should avoid adornment when they go out for Eid, because they are prohibited from showing their adornment in front of non-mahrem men. A woman who wants to go out is forbidden to wear perfume or to show off in a tempting way in front of men, because she is only going out for the purpose of worship. Do you think that it is right for a believing woman to disobey the One Whom she is going out to worship and go against His commands by wearing attention-grabbing tight and brightly coloured clothes or by putting on perfume and so on?
Ruling on listening to the Eid khutbah
Ibn Qudaamah (r) said in his book al-Kaafi (p.234): "When the imaam has said the salaam (at the end of the prayer), he should give a khutbah in two parts, like the two Friday khutbahs, because the Prophet (s) did this. (The Eid khutbah) differs from the Friday khutbahs in four ways …
the fourth of which is: that it is sunnah and it is not obligatory to listen to it, because it was reported that 'Abd-Allaah ibn al-Saa'ib said: "I attended Eid with the Messenger of Allaah (s), and when he had finished the prayer, he said: "We are going to give a khutbah, so whoever wishes to sit (and listen) to the khutbah, let him sit down, and whoever wants to leave, let him go.'"
Al-Nawawi (r) said in his book al-Majmoo' Sharh al-Muhadhdhab, p. 23: "It is mustahabb for people to listen to the khutbah, although the khutbah and listening to it are not essential conditions of the Eid prayer. But al-Shaafa'i said: ' If someone does not listen to the khutbah of Eid, at the time of an eclipse, when prayers for rain are offered, or during Hajj, or he speaks during one of these khutbahs, or leaves, I would not like this, but he does not have to repeat the prayer ."
In al-Sharh al-Mumti' 'ala Zaad al-Mustanfi' by Ibn 'Uthaymeen, 5/192, it says:
"[Ibn Qudaamah's] words, 'like the two Friday khutbahs' means that he should give two khutbahs, even though there is a dispute in this matter, as we have referred to above. The Eid khutbah is subject to the same rulings as the Friday khutbah, even to the point that speaking during it is haraam, but it is not obligatory to attend, whereas attendance at the Friday khutbah is obligatory, because Allaah says :
"O you who believe! When the call for prayer on the day of Jumu'ah (Friday) is given, come to the remembrance of Allaah [Jumu'ah khutbah and prayer], and leave off business …" [al-Jumu'ah 62:9].
Attendance at the Eid khutbahs is not obligatory, and a person is allowed to leave, but if he stays he must not talk to anyone. This is what the author is referring to when he says 'like the two Friday khutbahs'."
One of the scholars said: "It is not obligatory to listen to th e Eid khutbahs, because if it was obligatory to attend and listen to them it would be haraam to leave. But as it is permissible to leave, it is not obligatory to listen."
Nevertheless, if talking disturbs those who are listening, it is haraam to talk because of this disturbance, not because of not listening. On this basis, if a person has a book with him during the imam's Eid khutbah, it is permissible for him to read it, because this does not disturb anyone. But according to the madhhab followed by this author, it is obligatory to listen to the khutbah if one is present.
To go out one by one route and come back by another
Jaabir ibn 'Abd-Allaah (r) reported that the Prophet (s) used to vary his routes on the day of Eid. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 986)
It was also reported that the Prophet (s) used to go out walking, and he prayed without any adhaan or iqaamah, then he would come back walking by a different route. It was said that this was so that the two different routes would testify in his favour on the Day of Resurrection, because on that Day the earth will speak about everything that was done on it, good and evil. It was also said that this was done in order to demonstrate the symbols and rituals of Islam along both routes; to pronounce the remembrance of Allaah; to annoy the hypocrites and Jews and to scare them by the number of people who were with him; to meet the people's needs by giving fatwas, teaching them and setting an example for them to follow; to give charity to those in need; or to visit his relatives and uphold the ties of kinship.
Warning against wrongdoing
Some people think that Islam tells us to stay up and pray on the night of Eid, quoting an unsound hadeeth which says that "whoever stays up and prays on the night of Eid, his heart will not die on the day when hearts die ." This hadeeth was reported with two isnaads, one of which is da'eef (weak), and the other is very da'eef. Islam does not tell us to single out the night of Eid for staying up and praying; if, however, a person habitually stays up and prays at night (qiyaam), there is nothing wrong with him doing so on the night of Eid as well.
Mixing of men and women in some prayer-places, streets, etc. It is a pity that this happens not only in mosques but even in the most sacred of places, al-Masjid al-Haraam [in Makkah]. Many women – may Allaah guide them – go out uncovered ,wearing make-up and perfume, flaunting their adornment, when there is such serious overcrowding in the mosques – the dangers of this situation are quite obvious. So those who are in charge must organize the Eid prayers properly, by allocating separate doors and routes for women and delaying the men's departure until the women have left.
Some people get together on Eid for the purpose of singing and other forms of idle entertainment, and this is not permitted.
Some people celebrate on Eid because Ramadaan is over and they no longer have to fast. This is a mistake, the believers celebrate at Eid because Allaah has helped them to complete the month of fasting, not because the fasting ,which some people regard as a heavy burden, is over.
We ask Allaah to accept our worship and our repentance. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.
And Allah knows best!!!
A piece of Jannah is up for sale ! Are there any buyers ??
Subhaan Allaah! The beautiful month of Ramadaan is flying by! Its blessed days and fragrant nights are soon about to leave. And it breaks our hearts to let it go.
Yet, O Muslim, Rejoice! For there is good news for you!
A great opportunity is about to dawn upon you......A once-in -a -lifetime chance!
It's an offer that you cannot pass by!
Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala, in his Infinite Mercy, has bestowed upon you a Great and Noble night.....
Its the Night of Power…. the Night of Divine Decree.
A Night in which angels descend and send salutations to the believers…
A Night of innumerable blessings…..full of PEACE and tranquility….
A Night…… in which, Ibadah is better than a thousand months.
"The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months." (Surah al-Qadr:3)
A thousand months! Subhaan Allaah!
That is equal to 30,000 nights or 83 years and 4 months!
Could there be a better chance for you than this??!!
Could there be a more Merciful Lord than this??!!
Subhaan Allaah wal Hamdulillaah!
Here is your chance to repent….to come back to the Most Merciful….to change your life for the better.
This is your chance to have ALL your previous sins forgiven!
"Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhaari)
This is a perfect opportunity to earn Allaah's pleasure…..being saved from Hellfire and entering Jannah. A time when your dua will surely be accepted.
What to do on Laylatul Qadr?
1) Search for this night in the LAST TEN nights of Ramadaan (not just the 27th)
Dont just single out one night for Ibadaat. Make sure to do it ALL TEN NIGHTS or atleast on 21st , 23rd , 25th , 27th ,29th nights , because the EXACT date for Lailatul Qadr is hidden from us.
What if Lailatul Qadr is some other night and not on the 27th ?? Have you ever thought about that? Then you would have no one to blame but yourself if you miss this great Night….this perfect opportunity of goodness and blessings.
"Seek Laylat al-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim)
2) Strive HARD in your search, worshiping Allaah sincerely and diligently
This your chance to earn Jannah. So give it ALL you got…. everything you have.
"The Prophet (pbuh)used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time." (Muslim, Ahmad)
3) Prepare for it mentally and physically
Take off work, if you can and go for Umrah or make Itikaaf in the Masjid.
Don't overtire yourself during the day, such that you don't have any energy left to worship the Almighty.
Plan out your worship schedule for the night
Take a nap during the day, if possible and remember…do not overeat!
4) Shun worldly pleasures
Don't waste A SINGLE MOMENT of your time, such as spending this precious time in the mall, shopping for Eid or in extravagant 'Iftaar-cum-fashion show' parties.
Stay away from anything and everything that might distract you from remembering Allaah (TV, movies, music, unnecessary phone calls, gossip, etc.)
"When the last ten days of Ramadaan began, the Prophet (pbuh) would tighten his waist-wrapper (meaning he would stay away from marital relations), spend his nights in prayer, and wake his family." (Muslim)
5) Spend these nights in prayer, reciting Quraan, making dua, doing istighfaar.
Stand LONG in Qiyaam….hands folded obediently…your head low, in shame…humbly
Eyes downcast….hearts trembling…tears rolling…..
Tears of regret and sorrow…..tears of repentance and shame
Spread out your hands….like a beggar, begging for his life….
Ask Allaah to forgive you and He will forgive you.
Beg for his Mercy and He will give it to you.
Beseech Him to guide you and save you from the torments of Hell.
Be determined that you will rectify your mistakes and improve your shortcomings
Resolve to be steadfast in your Commitment and be firm in your Deen
Read Quraan, do much Tasbeeh, glorify Allaah, praise Him and thank Him.
Make lots of dua for yourself, your family, your friends and the Muslim Ummah.
6) DONT BE THE ONE WHO SLEEPS and misses out on immeasurable goodness
One who misses this blessed night has indeed missed much goodness, for no one misses it except for the one from whom it is withheld.
"In it (i e. Ramadaan) is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable." (Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i)
There are many chances to sleep, but a chance like this is rare to come by ….only once a year. And that also if you are lucky to be alive next year.
Are you going to miss a golden chance like this one…..sleeping??
Or are you going to be like the one who maybe just prays a few rakaat and thinks he's done enough and is eager to go back to sleep??
Think about it......Isn't there plenty of time to sleep??
Haven't we been sleeping all this while, anyway?? Haven't we "SLEPT" enough, O Muslim??!!
Actually…….ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME WE WOKE UP???!!
Life is about opportunities. They say the wise man is the one who makes the most of his opportunities. Here is an opportunity to buy a piece of Jannah.
A piece of Jannah is up for sale! Are there any buyers??
The Duaa to make on Lailatul Qadr
Note: There is nothing that is narrated in the Quraan or Sunnah regarding Ibaadat such as prayer , duas, etc. that is to be specifically read on Lailatul Qadr EXCEPT just one hadeeth from Aisha (RA) when she asked the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam):
"I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?' He said, 'Say:
Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibb al-'afwa fa'affu 'anni
(O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me)."
(Tirmidhi)
All the other duas and formulas for prayers that you see in some books and papers that are to be read a certain number of times or to be read in a specific order, or to be read in Salaah in a specific way, are ALL bidah. There is NO PROOF in the Qur'aan or Sunnah for their validity. Stay away from that.
Remember, Allaah will accept your Ibaadah only and only if it is:
a) done sincerely for Him alone
b) if it is done according to what the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) himself did or said or approved of.
Otherwise it will be thrown back on the person who did it, without being accepted, no matter what it is.
He (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: "Every action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours [i.e. Islam] will be rejected." (Muslim)
May Allaah save us from that. Ameen.
Yet, O Muslim, Rejoice! For there is good news for you!
A great opportunity is about to dawn upon you......A once-in -a -lifetime chance!
It's an offer that you cannot pass by!
Allah Subhaanahu wa Taala, in his Infinite Mercy, has bestowed upon you a Great and Noble night.....
Its the Night of Power…. the Night of Divine Decree.
A Night in which angels descend and send salutations to the believers…
A Night of innumerable blessings…..full of PEACE and tranquility….
A Night…… in which, Ibadah is better than a thousand months.
"The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months." (Surah al-Qadr:3)
A thousand months! Subhaan Allaah!
That is equal to 30,000 nights or 83 years and 4 months!
Could there be a better chance for you than this??!!
Could there be a more Merciful Lord than this??!!
Subhaan Allaah wal Hamdulillaah!
Here is your chance to repent….to come back to the Most Merciful….to change your life for the better.
This is your chance to have ALL your previous sins forgiven!
"Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhaari)
This is a perfect opportunity to earn Allaah's pleasure…..being saved from Hellfire and entering Jannah. A time when your dua will surely be accepted.
What to do on Laylatul Qadr?
1) Search for this night in the LAST TEN nights of Ramadaan (not just the 27th)
Dont just single out one night for Ibadaat. Make sure to do it ALL TEN NIGHTS or atleast on 21st , 23rd , 25th , 27th ,29th nights , because the EXACT date for Lailatul Qadr is hidden from us.
What if Lailatul Qadr is some other night and not on the 27th ?? Have you ever thought about that? Then you would have no one to blame but yourself if you miss this great Night….this perfect opportunity of goodness and blessings.
"Seek Laylat al-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim)
2) Strive HARD in your search, worshiping Allaah sincerely and diligently
This your chance to earn Jannah. So give it ALL you got…. everything you have.
"The Prophet (pbuh)used to used to strive hard in worship during the last ten days of Ramadaan as he never did at any other time." (Muslim, Ahmad)
3) Prepare for it mentally and physically
Take off work, if you can and go for Umrah or make Itikaaf in the Masjid.
Don't overtire yourself during the day, such that you don't have any energy left to worship the Almighty.
Plan out your worship schedule for the night
Take a nap during the day, if possible and remember…do not overeat!
4) Shun worldly pleasures
Don't waste A SINGLE MOMENT of your time, such as spending this precious time in the mall, shopping for Eid or in extravagant 'Iftaar-cum-fashion show' parties.
Stay away from anything and everything that might distract you from remembering Allaah (TV, movies, music, unnecessary phone calls, gossip, etc.)
"When the last ten days of Ramadaan began, the Prophet (pbuh) would tighten his waist-wrapper (meaning he would stay away from marital relations), spend his nights in prayer, and wake his family." (Muslim)
5) Spend these nights in prayer, reciting Quraan, making dua, doing istighfaar.
Stand LONG in Qiyaam….hands folded obediently…your head low, in shame…humbly
Eyes downcast….hearts trembling…tears rolling…..
Tears of regret and sorrow…..tears of repentance and shame
Spread out your hands….like a beggar, begging for his life….
Ask Allaah to forgive you and He will forgive you.
Beg for his Mercy and He will give it to you.
Beseech Him to guide you and save you from the torments of Hell.
Be determined that you will rectify your mistakes and improve your shortcomings
Resolve to be steadfast in your Commitment and be firm in your Deen
Read Quraan, do much Tasbeeh, glorify Allaah, praise Him and thank Him.
Make lots of dua for yourself, your family, your friends and the Muslim Ummah.
6) DONT BE THE ONE WHO SLEEPS and misses out on immeasurable goodness
One who misses this blessed night has indeed missed much goodness, for no one misses it except for the one from whom it is withheld.
"In it (i e. Ramadaan) is a night better than a thousand months, whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable." (Ahmad, an-Nasaa'i)
There are many chances to sleep, but a chance like this is rare to come by ….only once a year. And that also if you are lucky to be alive next year.
Are you going to miss a golden chance like this one…..sleeping??
Or are you going to be like the one who maybe just prays a few rakaat and thinks he's done enough and is eager to go back to sleep??
Think about it......Isn't there plenty of time to sleep??
Haven't we been sleeping all this while, anyway?? Haven't we "SLEPT" enough, O Muslim??!!
Actually…….ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME WE WOKE UP???!!
Life is about opportunities. They say the wise man is the one who makes the most of his opportunities. Here is an opportunity to buy a piece of Jannah.
A piece of Jannah is up for sale! Are there any buyers??
The Duaa to make on Lailatul Qadr
Note: There is nothing that is narrated in the Quraan or Sunnah regarding Ibaadat such as prayer , duas, etc. that is to be specifically read on Lailatul Qadr EXCEPT just one hadeeth from Aisha (RA) when she asked the Prophet (Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam):
"I said, 'O Messenger of Allaah, if I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say on that night?' He said, 'Say:
Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibb al-'afwa fa'affu 'anni
(O Allaah, You are forgiving and You love forgiveness, so forgive me)."
(Tirmidhi)
All the other duas and formulas for prayers that you see in some books and papers that are to be read a certain number of times or to be read in a specific order, or to be read in Salaah in a specific way, are ALL bidah. There is NO PROOF in the Qur'aan or Sunnah for their validity. Stay away from that.
Remember, Allaah will accept your Ibaadah only and only if it is:
a) done sincerely for Him alone
b) if it is done according to what the Prophet (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) himself did or said or approved of.
Otherwise it will be thrown back on the person who did it, without being accepted, no matter what it is.
He (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) said: "Every action that is not in accordance with this matter of ours [i.e. Islam] will be rejected." (Muslim)
May Allaah save us from that. Ameen.
Taraweeh Prayers
Mohammed (s.a.w) never prayed any prayer called Taraweeh prayer, nor did he pray any prayer after the Isha prayer except the usual nawafil prayers which for us is the Sunnah prayers (two rakayats). But Rasool (s.a.w) always prayed Tahjut prayers consisting of eight Rakayats and three rakayat witr. Tahjut prayer was Farl for Rasool (s.a.w) and for us it is sunnah, The below hadees very clearly states that Rasool (s.a.w) never prayed any special prayers in Ramadan.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 4.769 Narrated by
Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman
That he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in the month of Ramadan?" She replied, "He used not to pray more than eleven Rakat whether in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to offer four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length, and then four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length. Afterwards he would offer three Rakat. I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you go to bed before offering the Witr prayer?' He said, 'My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.' "
Since Tahjut was farl for Rasool (s.a.w) he prayed it as four rakayats, but we cannot pray it as four rakayats, we can pray it as only 2 + 2 and so on. And it would be sunnah for us. At this juncture we should remember that Mohammed (s.a.w) though he did not pray any extra prayer in Ramadan he advised us to pray as much prayer as possible each night to the extent that if anyone wants to pray the whole night it is permissible only in Ramadan. And Allah is ready to pour forth his Blessing on that person. So the question does not at all arise whether one should pray eight rakayats or twenty rakayats, one can pray as many rakayats as is possible for him. As to how this prayer i.e the special night prayer in Ramadan was innovated the hadees below clearly explains it:
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 3.227 Narrated by
Abu Huraira
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one qari (reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night (Tahjut prayer). (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."
Here we should note that though Omar (r.a.) innovated this practice he also said that it would be much better to sleep in this time i.e. at the time when they pray the Ramadan special night congregational prayer, and pray the Tahjut prayer during which the people usually sleep. And we should also note that Omar (r.a.) did not join in the congregational prayer. For he knew it would be best to emulate the Prophet who prayed only Tahjut prayers. But if one is to pray the whole night also it is permissible as Rasool (s.a.w) has permitted to do so.
In the below hadees it is clearly understood that during the time of Ramadan for a few days Rasool (s.a.w) conducted this Tahjut prayer in the Mosque and in congregation. But he did not make a practice of the same.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.229 Narrated by
Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers
One night Allah's Apostle offered the prayer in the Mosque and the people followed him. The next night he also offered the prayer and too many people gathered. On the third and the fourth nights more people gathered, but Allah's Apostle did not come out to them. In the morning he said, "I saw what you were doing and nothing but the fear that it (i.e. the prayer) might be enjoined on you, stopped me from coming to you." And that happened in the month of Ramadan.
We know that the congregation conducted by Rasool (s.a.w) was during the time of Tahjut prayer as in another hadees the Sahabas say Rasool (s.a.w) conducted the congregational prayer and recited long suras to the extent they feared that the suhr meals time (pre-dawn meals in Ramadan) would be over.
To conclude; pray as much as you can in Ramadan, but do not miss the Tahjut prayers. For Tahjut prayer is the most pleasing to Allah.
The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (PBUH) said, "Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allahs reward, will have his past sins forgiven." [Muslim].
This Hadith highlights the following points :
1. Qiyam in the month of Ramadan is a much-stressed act and has great importance from the viewpoint of reward and award.
2. The sins which are pardoned through it are minor sins because major sins are not forgiven unless one makes sincere repentance and compensates those whom he has wronged.
3. That Qiyam during the month of Ramadan was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH). During the course of a Ramadan, he made Qiyam for three nights consecutively, that is, he performed this Nafl Salat in congregation with his Companions. On the fourth night, when his Companions gathered for this purpose he said to them, "I am afraid it will be made obligatory for you." So, in spite of their desire to join him in this prayer, he did not lead the Salat that night. How many Rak`ah did he perform in congregation in these three nights is a pertinent question here. According to Ahadith their total comes to eleven; eight Rak`ah and three Witr. Thus the Masnun number of Rak`ah of Qiyam Ramadan is eleven.
4. This Nafl Salat has been interpreted in Ahadith as Qiyam Ramadan. Later on they were named Tarawih. Tarawih is the plural of Tarwihah. Since the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and the successors to the Companions used to make a lengthy Qiyam in them and they would take rest after performing every four Rak`ah. This is how these came to be named Tarawih (Rest prayer). (Four Rak`ah are called Tarwihah).
5. Tarawih are in fact Tahajjud prayers. For the sake of convenience and benefit of the maximum number of people, it is performed in the month of Ramadan soon after `Isha' prayer, along with the latter, which is the early time for Tahajjud prayers.
6. That the Tarawih were performed in congregation is established from the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH). He led this Salat on 23rd, 25th and 27th of Ramadan. During his caliphate, `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) started it again and ordered Ubayy bin K`ab and Tamim Ad-Dari to perform them in congregation. He enjoined them to perform eight Rak`ah Tarawih and three Rak`ah Witr. This practice has been going on ever since.
7. Some people say that performing Tarawih in congregation is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) because it was introduced in the reign of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him). But this is not correct because it is established that the Prophet (PBUH) did not continue it out of fear that it will be made obligatory; otherwise he would have carried on with it. When the fear that this practice be made obligatory was over, `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) gave it the form of a Nafl prayer and revived the mode of performing it collectively, and thus fulfilled the desire of the Prophet (PBUH). In spite of all these facts, it is still permissible for one to perform Tarawih individually in the late hours of the night.
Since ordinary people are not capable of performing it individually, the step taken by `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) is perfectly correct. If this had not been done, the majority of the people will have remained deprived of the blessings and reward of Qiyam-ul-Lail, which would have been a great deprivation indeed.
8. Twenty Rak`ah Tarawih is not confirmed from any authentic Hadith, nor its ascription to `Umar i(May Allah be pleased with him)is proved from any reliable Muttasil (connected) Hadith. A claim has been made in a Munqati` (disconnected) narration that in the days of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) people used to perform twenty, thirty-six and forty Rak`ah of Tarawih out of which one can at best infer the justification for more than eight Rak`ah Nafl prayer. Even then the Masnun Tarawih will be eight Rak`ah only, and more or less than that will be Ghair-Masnun.
9. In Tarawih, that is Qiyam Ramadan, lengthy Qiyam is Masnun, but it must be borne in mind that the Qur'an must be recited according to the principles of `Ilm-ut-Tajwid with clear and distinct voice at a slow pace. Many of the Qurra recite so fast that it is hard for one to understand, let alone concentrate on what is being recited. Such recitation is a means of retribution rather than reward.
A new system is now in vogue: According to this fashion, the whole Qur'an is finished within a few days and eight to ten parts of it are recited daily in Tarawih. There are hundreds of thousands people in the audience. After listening the Qur'an for a few days, these people console themselves that they have heard the entire Qur'an in Tarawih and are now free to pay full attention to their business to make the best of the `Eid season. They do not care to know whether the Qari is reciting the Qur'an or something else.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 4.769 Narrated by
Abu Salama bin Abdur Rahman
That he asked 'Aisha "How was the prayer of Allah's Apostle in the month of Ramadan?" She replied, "He used not to pray more than eleven Rakat whether in Ramadan or in any other month. He used to offer four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length, and then four Rakat, let alone their beauty and length. Afterwards he would offer three Rakat. I said, 'O Allah's Apostle! Do you go to bed before offering the Witr prayer?' He said, 'My eyes sleep, but my heart does not sleep.' "
Since Tahjut was farl for Rasool (s.a.w) he prayed it as four rakayats, but we cannot pray it as four rakayats, we can pray it as only 2 + 2 and so on. And it would be sunnah for us. At this juncture we should remember that Mohammed (s.a.w) though he did not pray any extra prayer in Ramadan he advised us to pray as much prayer as possible each night to the extent that if anyone wants to pray the whole night it is permissible only in Ramadan. And Allah is ready to pour forth his Blessing on that person. So the question does not at all arise whether one should pray eight rakayats or twenty rakayats, one can pray as many rakayats as is possible for him. As to how this prayer i.e the special night prayer in Ramadan was innovated the hadees below clearly explains it:
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 3.227 Narrated by
Abu Huraira
Allah's Apostle said, "Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." Ibn Shihab (a sub-narrator) said, "Allah's Apostle died and the people continued observing that (i.e. Nawafil offered individually, not in congregation), and it remained as it was during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr and in the early days of 'Umar's Caliphate." 'Abdur Rahman bin 'Abdul Qari said, "I went out in the company of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab one night in Ramadan to the mosque and found the people praying in different groups. A man praying alone or a man praying with a little group behind him. So, 'Umar said, 'In my opinion I would better collect these (people) under the leadership of one qari (reciter) (i.e. let them pray in congregation!)'. So, he made up his mind to congregate them behind Ubai bin Ka'b. Then on another night I went again in his company and the people were praying behind their reciter. On that, 'Umar remarked, 'What an excellent Bid'a (i.e. innovation in religion) this is; but the prayer which they do not perform, but sleep at its time is better than the one they are offering.' He meant the prayer in the last part of the night (Tahjut prayer). (In those days) people used to pray in the early part of the night."
Here we should note that though Omar (r.a.) innovated this practice he also said that it would be much better to sleep in this time i.e. at the time when they pray the Ramadan special night congregational prayer, and pray the Tahjut prayer during which the people usually sleep. And we should also note that Omar (r.a.) did not join in the congregational prayer. For he knew it would be best to emulate the Prophet who prayed only Tahjut prayers. But if one is to pray the whole night also it is permissible as Rasool (s.a.w) has permitted to do so.
In the below hadees it is clearly understood that during the time of Ramadan for a few days Rasool (s.a.w) conducted this Tahjut prayer in the Mosque and in congregation. But he did not make a practice of the same.
Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith
Hadith 2.229 Narrated by
Aisha, the mother of the faithful believers
One night Allah's Apostle offered the prayer in the Mosque and the people followed him. The next night he also offered the prayer and too many people gathered. On the third and the fourth nights more people gathered, but Allah's Apostle did not come out to them. In the morning he said, "I saw what you were doing and nothing but the fear that it (i.e. the prayer) might be enjoined on you, stopped me from coming to you." And that happened in the month of Ramadan.
We know that the congregation conducted by Rasool (s.a.w) was during the time of Tahjut prayer as in another hadees the Sahabas say Rasool (s.a.w) conducted the congregational prayer and recited long suras to the extent they feared that the suhr meals time (pre-dawn meals in Ramadan) would be over.
To conclude; pray as much as you can in Ramadan, but do not miss the Tahjut prayers. For Tahjut prayer is the most pleasing to Allah.
The Excellence of Optional (Tawawih) Prayer during Ramadan
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (PBUH) said, "Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allahs reward, will have his past sins forgiven." [Muslim].
This Hadith highlights the following points :
1. Qiyam in the month of Ramadan is a much-stressed act and has great importance from the viewpoint of reward and award.
2. The sins which are pardoned through it are minor sins because major sins are not forgiven unless one makes sincere repentance and compensates those whom he has wronged.
3. That Qiyam during the month of Ramadan was the practice of the Prophet (PBUH). During the course of a Ramadan, he made Qiyam for three nights consecutively, that is, he performed this Nafl Salat in congregation with his Companions. On the fourth night, when his Companions gathered for this purpose he said to them, "I am afraid it will be made obligatory for you." So, in spite of their desire to join him in this prayer, he did not lead the Salat that night. How many Rak`ah did he perform in congregation in these three nights is a pertinent question here. According to Ahadith their total comes to eleven; eight Rak`ah and three Witr. Thus the Masnun number of Rak`ah of Qiyam Ramadan is eleven.
4. This Nafl Salat has been interpreted in Ahadith as Qiyam Ramadan. Later on they were named Tarawih. Tarawih is the plural of Tarwihah. Since the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) and the successors to the Companions used to make a lengthy Qiyam in them and they would take rest after performing every four Rak`ah. This is how these came to be named Tarawih (Rest prayer). (Four Rak`ah are called Tarwihah).
5. Tarawih are in fact Tahajjud prayers. For the sake of convenience and benefit of the maximum number of people, it is performed in the month of Ramadan soon after `Isha' prayer, along with the latter, which is the early time for Tahajjud prayers.
6. That the Tarawih were performed in congregation is established from the conduct of the Prophet (PBUH). He led this Salat on 23rd, 25th and 27th of Ramadan. During his caliphate, `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) started it again and ordered Ubayy bin K`ab and Tamim Ad-Dari to perform them in congregation. He enjoined them to perform eight Rak`ah Tarawih and three Rak`ah Witr. This practice has been going on ever since.
7. Some people say that performing Tarawih in congregation is a Bid`ah (innovation in religion) because it was introduced in the reign of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him). But this is not correct because it is established that the Prophet (PBUH) did not continue it out of fear that it will be made obligatory; otherwise he would have carried on with it. When the fear that this practice be made obligatory was over, `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) gave it the form of a Nafl prayer and revived the mode of performing it collectively, and thus fulfilled the desire of the Prophet (PBUH). In spite of all these facts, it is still permissible for one to perform Tarawih individually in the late hours of the night.
Since ordinary people are not capable of performing it individually, the step taken by `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) is perfectly correct. If this had not been done, the majority of the people will have remained deprived of the blessings and reward of Qiyam-ul-Lail, which would have been a great deprivation indeed.
8. Twenty Rak`ah Tarawih is not confirmed from any authentic Hadith, nor its ascription to `Umar i(May Allah be pleased with him)is proved from any reliable Muttasil (connected) Hadith. A claim has been made in a Munqati` (disconnected) narration that in the days of `Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) people used to perform twenty, thirty-six and forty Rak`ah of Tarawih out of which one can at best infer the justification for more than eight Rak`ah Nafl prayer. Even then the Masnun Tarawih will be eight Rak`ah only, and more or less than that will be Ghair-Masnun.
9. In Tarawih, that is Qiyam Ramadan, lengthy Qiyam is Masnun, but it must be borne in mind that the Qur'an must be recited according to the principles of `Ilm-ut-Tajwid with clear and distinct voice at a slow pace. Many of the Qurra recite so fast that it is hard for one to understand, let alone concentrate on what is being recited. Such recitation is a means of retribution rather than reward.
A new system is now in vogue: According to this fashion, the whole Qur'an is finished within a few days and eight to ten parts of it are recited daily in Tarawih. There are hundreds of thousands people in the audience. After listening the Qur'an for a few days, these people console themselves that they have heard the entire Qur'an in Tarawih and are now free to pay full attention to their business to make the best of the `Eid season. They do not care to know whether the Qari is reciting the Qur'an or something else.
Laylat-ul-Qadr
Allah(swt) says:
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْر ٍ
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
سَلامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Peace!...This until the rise of morn![Quran 97:1-5]
Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power) is the night when the Quran was revealed. Allah(swt) informs us about the importance and value of this one night. To emphasize on its importance and value, Allah(swt) compares it to be better than a thousand months – Not 1 or 10 or 100 but even better than a 1000 months (about 83 years and 4 months). Muslims are not aware of the exact night but traditions inform us that Laylat-ul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadhan i.e. the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th:
Narated by Aisha: Allah's Apostle (s) said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." – [Bukhari Vol.3, Book 32, #234]
The above Hadith not only tells us that Laylat-ul-Qadr is in the odd nights of the last 10 days but also that, we as Muslims are to seek for this Night. This is a very special and blessed Night and we are not to indulge in decorations etc, but we are to worship to the best of our capacity and capabilities all night long in these odd nights. One of them is The Night and if we don't spend time lazing around and give it our best in all the odd nights, we will encounter Laylat-ul-Qadr.
Fortunate are those who will get a chance to worship on this Night that is equivalent to 83 years and 4 months! That's more than the average age that a human lives till. So a Muslim praying this one Night will get the rewards and blessing as if he had spent time praying for 83 years and 4 months . Worship during 1 night = blessings of a lifetime!
This Night is a very special Night full of mercy in which Allah(swt) forgives the committed Muslim prostrating before Him:
Narated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (s) said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven." – [Bukhari Vol.1, Book 2, #34]
This Hadith is really important in conveying to us the clear message that worship must be done with clear intentions, conviction and the will to seek rewards of Allah(swt). If we want to worship to show off then we might as well not worship. We worship this one night out of sincerity and Allah(swt) the Most Merciful forgives all our past sins. Which one of us does not need sins forgiven? There is not a single person who does not need them erased! None of us are sinless, many we commit knowingly and many unknowingly, thus we should worship on this Night and get our sins erased. Do you not think we would be foolish to get laziness and sleep the best of us and make us miss an opportunity that we might never get again?
Prophet Muhammad(saw) used to exert himself worshiping in the last 10 nights of Ramadhan to a much greater extent:
Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten nights began Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour). – [Muslim Book 6, #2643]
As followers of Prophet Muhammad(saw) should we not walk on his footsteps and try to do what he practiced? Let's take a "vacation" from all the worldly talks, wants and needs and spend this night in worship.
What do we do on these odd nights?
1. Practice Itikaf on the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(saw). He(saw) used to go to the masjid in the last 10 days of Ramadhan for Itikaf.
Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. – [Muslim Book 6, #2638]
2. Do loads and loads of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) i.e. recitation of the Quran, more Salah etc.
3. In addition to the recitation of the Quran one can always sit and read the translation and tafsir and ponder upon what is read.
4. This Night is to get our sins erased so ask Allah(swt) to bestow upon us His Mercy and forgive our sins. Cry your heart out and ask for forgiveness!
5. Dua, dua, dua and loads of dua! In fact make an entire list and ask Allah(swt) for those. InshaAllah if our hearts are clean and its for our betterment Allah(swt) will surely fulfill them. Pray for our Muslim brothers who are suffering. Pray for your relatives, friends, loved ones, pray for everyone!
6. "It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that she asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say: "Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee" (O Allah! You are Oft-Forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me). (Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmithi)"
7. Missed Taraweeh most of Ramadhan? Nevermind! Make it to taraweehs in these last final days.
8. If you are a woman who is menstruating then naturally you cannot offer Salah or pick the Quran. However you can recite the Quran from memory, make dua, listen to the Quran, seek more knowledge about Islam etc. Allah(swt) knows that you cannot offer Salah and thus do not be disheartened that this natural biological process has caused you to miss out worshiping in these odd nights. Allah(swt) looks at the intentions and you must have the 'want' in your heart to perform Salah. Recite whichever Surahs you do know......long or short…doesn't matter....but do spend time in worship. It's your intentions that matter.
There is a lot one can do if he has the will to do so. Do what you can and as much as you can. 360 nights out of the 365 we spend snoring away, feeling lazy to wake up for tahajjud or fajr. The least we can do is spend these 5 nights out of the 365 in worship.
Remember we might not be around for such an opportunity next year.
إِنَّا أَنْزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ
We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ
And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِمْ مِنْ كُلِّ أَمْر ٍ
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
سَلامٌ هِيَ حَتَّى مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ
Peace!...This until the rise of morn![Quran 97:1-5]
Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power) is the night when the Quran was revealed. Allah(swt) informs us about the importance and value of this one night. To emphasize on its importance and value, Allah(swt) compares it to be better than a thousand months – Not 1 or 10 or 100 but even better than a 1000 months (about 83 years and 4 months). Muslims are not aware of the exact night but traditions inform us that Laylat-ul-Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadhan i.e. the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th:
Narated by Aisha: Allah's Apostle (s) said, "Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan." – [Bukhari Vol.3, Book 32, #234]
The above Hadith not only tells us that Laylat-ul-Qadr is in the odd nights of the last 10 days but also that, we as Muslims are to seek for this Night. This is a very special and blessed Night and we are not to indulge in decorations etc, but we are to worship to the best of our capacity and capabilities all night long in these odd nights. One of them is The Night and if we don't spend time lazing around and give it our best in all the odd nights, we will encounter Laylat-ul-Qadr.
Fortunate are those who will get a chance to worship on this Night that is equivalent to 83 years and 4 months! That's more than the average age that a human lives till. So a Muslim praying this one Night will get the rewards and blessing as if he had spent time praying for 83 years and 4 months . Worship during 1 night = blessings of a lifetime!
This Night is a very special Night full of mercy in which Allah(swt) forgives the committed Muslim prostrating before Him:
Narated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle (s) said, "Whoever establishes the prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards (not to show off) then all his past sins will be forgiven." – [Bukhari Vol.1, Book 2, #34]
This Hadith is really important in conveying to us the clear message that worship must be done with clear intentions, conviction and the will to seek rewards of Allah(swt). If we want to worship to show off then we might as well not worship. We worship this one night out of sincerity and Allah(swt) the Most Merciful forgives all our past sins. Which one of us does not need sins forgiven? There is not a single person who does not need them erased! None of us are sinless, many we commit knowingly and many unknowingly, thus we should worship on this Night and get our sins erased. Do you not think we would be foolish to get laziness and sleep the best of us and make us miss an opportunity that we might never get again?
Prophet Muhammad(saw) used to exert himself worshiping in the last 10 nights of Ramadhan to a much greater extent:
Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that when the last ten nights began Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) kept awake at night (for prayer and devotion), wakened his family, and prepared himself to observe prayer (with more vigour). – [Muslim Book 6, #2643]
As followers of Prophet Muhammad(saw) should we not walk on his footsteps and try to do what he practiced? Let's take a "vacation" from all the worldly talks, wants and needs and spend this night in worship.
What do we do on these odd nights?
1. Practice Itikaf on the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad(saw). He(saw) used to go to the masjid in the last 10 days of Ramadhan for Itikaf.
Aisha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) used to observe i'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. – [Muslim Book 6, #2638]
2. Do loads and loads of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) i.e. recitation of the Quran, more Salah etc.
3. In addition to the recitation of the Quran one can always sit and read the translation and tafsir and ponder upon what is read.
4. This Night is to get our sins erased so ask Allah(swt) to bestow upon us His Mercy and forgive our sins. Cry your heart out and ask for forgiveness!
5. Dua, dua, dua and loads of dua! In fact make an entire list and ask Allah(swt) for those. InshaAllah if our hearts are clean and its for our betterment Allah(swt) will surely fulfill them. Pray for our Muslim brothers who are suffering. Pray for your relatives, friends, loved ones, pray for everyone!
6. "It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that she asked the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say: "Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuh.ibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee" (O Allah! You are Oft-Forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me). (Reported by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and At-Tirmithi)"
7. Missed Taraweeh most of Ramadhan? Nevermind! Make it to taraweehs in these last final days.
8. If you are a woman who is menstruating then naturally you cannot offer Salah or pick the Quran. However you can recite the Quran from memory, make dua, listen to the Quran, seek more knowledge about Islam etc. Allah(swt) knows that you cannot offer Salah and thus do not be disheartened that this natural biological process has caused you to miss out worshiping in these odd nights. Allah(swt) looks at the intentions and you must have the 'want' in your heart to perform Salah. Recite whichever Surahs you do know......long or short…doesn't matter....but do spend time in worship. It's your intentions that matter.
There is a lot one can do if he has the will to do so. Do what you can and as much as you can. 360 nights out of the 365 we spend snoring away, feeling lazy to wake up for tahajjud or fajr. The least we can do is spend these 5 nights out of the 365 in worship.
Remember we might not be around for such an opportunity next year.
Ramadan- The Blessed Month
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month during which the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Muslims spend Ramadan fasting, offering voluntary prayers apart from the mandatory 5 times prayer each day, giving charity (Zakah) and reciting the Qur'an.
It is a month of self discipline and a time for refinement of the soul to enable us to be better human beings.
The Holy month of Ramadan
Allah chose the month of Ramadan to send down the Glorious Qur’an to bring mankind out of darkness and oppression into light and guidance. It is a month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, the Shaytaan is chained, the rewards of good deeds are multiplied, people rise to higher levels in Jannah (paradise), and evil deeds and sins are forgiven.
Muslims are required to fast during the day making sure that they avoid the things which would invalidate it- from vain talk and idle play to backbiting, spreading tales, and lying. Muslims are required to bring life to the nights of Ramadan through prayer and reciting Qur'an. In this month, extra care should be taken of the poor and needy by giving charity and showing them other forms of righteousness. They are required to strive against their own selves by increasing deeds of obedience and avoiding all sinful acts.
Allah says : "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 183
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe sawm (fasting) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 185
The Virtue of the Qur’an
Allah said: "…a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)".
Here Allah praised the Qur’an, which He revealed as guidance for the hearts of those who believe in it and adhere to its commands. Allah said: and clear proofs meaning, as clear and unambiguous signs and unequivocal proof for those who understand them. These proofs testify to the truth of the Qur’an, its guidance, the opposite of misguidance, and how it guides to the straight path, the opposite of the wrong path, and the distinction between the truth and falsehood, and the permissible and the prohibited.
The Obligation of Fasting during Ramadan
Allah said: "So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month".
This verse requires the healthy persons who witness the beginning of the month, while residing in their land, to fast the month. When Allah ordered fasting, He again mentioned the permission for the ill person and the traveler to break the fast and to fast other days instead as compensation.
Allah said: "…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days".
This verse indicates that ill persons who are unable to fast or fear harm by fasting, and the traveler, are all allowed to break the fast. When one does not fast in this case, he is obliged to fast other days instead.
Allah said: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you".
This verse indicates that Allah allowed such persons, out of His mercy and to make matters easy for them, to break the fast when they are ill or traveling, while the fast is still obligatory on the healthy persons who are not traveling.
Remembering Allah upon performing the Acts of Worship
Allah’s statement: "…and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you"
means: So that you remember Allah upon performing the act of worship.
This is similar to Allah’s statement: "So when you have accomplished your Manasik (rituals) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 200
and: "and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. And during a part of the night, glorify His praises, and after the prayers". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 50, Verse(s) 39-40
Similarly, several scholars have stated that reciting Takbir(i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) during ‘Id-ul-Fitr was specified by the verse that states: "(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you..."
Allah’s statement: "…so that you may be grateful to Him". means: If you adhere to what Allah commanded you, obeying Him by performing the obligations, abandoning the prohibitions and abiding by the set limits, then perhaps you will be among the grateful.
Therefore, it is the duty of every muslim to make full utilization of the month of Ramadan by devoting his/her time to prayers, reciting of the Qur'an, performing righteous deeds and abstaining from evil deeds and praising Almighty Allah for all the favours that He has bestowed upon us and seeking His blessings and pleasure so that he/she may rise in rank in the eyes of Almighty Allah as Allah states that the only criteria to distinguish men is piety and righteousness and not race, wealth, social status or any of the other things which are serve as distinguishing criteria in the eyes of humans.
"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is We( God Almighty) who have Created you all
From a single (pair) Of a male and a female,
And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into Nations and tribes,
That ye may recognise each other (Not the ye may despise each other.)
Verily the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13
It is a month of self discipline and a time for refinement of the soul to enable us to be better human beings.
The Holy month of Ramadan
Allah chose the month of Ramadan to send down the Glorious Qur’an to bring mankind out of darkness and oppression into light and guidance. It is a month in which the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, the Shaytaan is chained, the rewards of good deeds are multiplied, people rise to higher levels in Jannah (paradise), and evil deeds and sins are forgiven.
Muslims are required to fast during the day making sure that they avoid the things which would invalidate it- from vain talk and idle play to backbiting, spreading tales, and lying. Muslims are required to bring life to the nights of Ramadan through prayer and reciting Qur'an. In this month, extra care should be taken of the poor and needy by giving charity and showing them other forms of righteousness. They are required to strive against their own selves by increasing deeds of obedience and avoiding all sinful acts.
Allah says : "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that ye may ward off (evil)". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 183
Allah says in the Qur'an:
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe sawm (fasting) that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 185
The Virtue of the Qur’an
Allah said: "…a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)".
Here Allah praised the Qur’an, which He revealed as guidance for the hearts of those who believe in it and adhere to its commands. Allah said: and clear proofs meaning, as clear and unambiguous signs and unequivocal proof for those who understand them. These proofs testify to the truth of the Qur’an, its guidance, the opposite of misguidance, and how it guides to the straight path, the opposite of the wrong path, and the distinction between the truth and falsehood, and the permissible and the prohibited.
The Obligation of Fasting during Ramadan
Allah said: "So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasting) that month".
This verse requires the healthy persons who witness the beginning of the month, while residing in their land, to fast the month. When Allah ordered fasting, He again mentioned the permission for the ill person and the traveler to break the fast and to fast other days instead as compensation.
Allah said: "…and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe sawm (fasting) must be made up) from other days".
This verse indicates that ill persons who are unable to fast or fear harm by fasting, and the traveler, are all allowed to break the fast. When one does not fast in this case, he is obliged to fast other days instead.
Allah said: "Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you".
This verse indicates that Allah allowed such persons, out of His mercy and to make matters easy for them, to break the fast when they are ill or traveling, while the fast is still obligatory on the healthy persons who are not traveling.
Remembering Allah upon performing the Acts of Worship
Allah’s statement: "…and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you"
means: So that you remember Allah upon performing the act of worship.
This is similar to Allah’s statement: "So when you have accomplished your Manasik (rituals) remember Allah as you remember your forefathers or with far more remembrance". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 2, Verse 200
and: "and glorify the praises of your Lord, before the rising of the sun and before (its) setting. And during a part of the night, glorify His praises, and after the prayers". The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 50, Verse(s) 39-40
Similarly, several scholars have stated that reciting Takbir(i.e. saying Allahu Akbar) during ‘Id-ul-Fitr was specified by the verse that states: "(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you..."
Allah’s statement: "…so that you may be grateful to Him". means: If you adhere to what Allah commanded you, obeying Him by performing the obligations, abandoning the prohibitions and abiding by the set limits, then perhaps you will be among the grateful.
Therefore, it is the duty of every muslim to make full utilization of the month of Ramadan by devoting his/her time to prayers, reciting of the Qur'an, performing righteous deeds and abstaining from evil deeds and praising Almighty Allah for all the favours that He has bestowed upon us and seeking His blessings and pleasure so that he/she may rise in rank in the eyes of Almighty Allah as Allah states that the only criteria to distinguish men is piety and righteousness and not race, wealth, social status or any of the other things which are serve as distinguishing criteria in the eyes of humans.
"O Mankind!
Most certainly, it is We( God Almighty) who have Created you all
From a single (pair) Of a male and a female,
And it is We (God almighty) who have made you into Nations and tribes,
That ye may recognise each other (Not the ye may despise each other.)
Verily the noblest of you In the sight of Allah Is (he who is) the most Righteous of you." The Holy Qur'an, Chapter 49, Verse 13
ISLAM [Q & A]
What is ISLAM?
The Arabic word 'Islam' stands for 'Submission' or 'Peace'. In a religious context, it implies the peace that reaches out to one when one completely submits oneself to the will of Almighty God. This is achieved only when the indidual acts in accordance with the direction of his Creator in all spheres of life.
Who is the founder of Islam?
The Almighty God who created the universe, endowed man with a special gift of intelligence and thought, to enable him to discriminate between good and bad. Man has also been given, the freedom to choose his own path by either accepting or rejecting the instructions of the Almighty Creator. The divine revelations were conveyed by God to mankind through numberous prophets who preached the ideals to all communities during different periods of human history. The thousands of prophets whom God selected for human guidance have promulgated the basic doctrine with remarkable similarity.
The belief in and the profound reverence for all messengers and revealed scriptures from God forms an integral part of Islamic faith. Islam is not a religion founded by Prophet Muhammad (s). The Qur’an has most emphatically corroborated the fact that the Islamic conception of life was revealed to man by along chain of prophets chosen by the Almighty Creator.
Who are Muslims?
The word ‘Muslim’ means one who has submitted oneself to the Omnipotent Creator. A true Muslim is one who has disciplined his life in accordance with the instructions conveyed by God through His messengers. A person becomes a Muslim not by birth alone, but his faith and deeds.
How can one be a Muslim?
“I testify that there is none who deserves to be worshipped but Allah. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. By taking this solemn oath sincerely and endeavouring to regulate one’s life following the instructions conveyed by Allah through his messengers, one becomes a true Muslims. By declaring that there is none worthy of worship save Allah, and that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah, the believer announces his or her faith in God’s oneness, His sole right to be worshipped and that Muhammad is the last of the prophets. It also confirms his or her belief in all prophets and the scriptures they brought.
Why does Islam seem to be strict?
No prophet taught that religion is to be confined within the walls of places of worship. On the contray, Muslims are expected to follow the instructions of Almighty Allah in the Course of all their activities in life.
The word ‘Muslim’ means one who has submitted his self to the will of Allah, and for the same reason a true Muslim cannot compromise on anything that stands in the way of guiding his life according to divine strictures. The view that consciousness of God is to be confined only to the place of worship is alien to Islam always have religion foremost in their minds whereas many others consider religion as irrelevant in the present age.
What are the Islamic beliefs?
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, in the angels created by Him, in the revealed Scriptures, in the prophets through whom His revelations were made to mankind, in the Day of judgement and life after death, individual accountability for actions, and in God’s complete authority over human destiny.
What does faith in ‘one God’ mean?
Allah, the Creator and Protector of all beings in the universe, big and small, in His essence, His goodness and His deeds, remains alone and unique. One offers worship only to Him, who is Almighty, higherthan everyone else and Himself being perfect in everything. By monotheism, Islam implies, not the mere belief that there is just one God, but it powers the way for prayers and offerings to the one who is all Merciful and Omniscient.
Who is Allah?
The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is the shortened from of ‘al ilah’, The God, the one and only God, the first, the last, the eternal, the hidden, the manifest, the ultimate reality. Even non-Muslim Arabs use the term ‘Allah’ when they speak of God. The basic creed of Islam is this simple formula : ‘There is no God but Allah’ (La ilaha illallah). The Arabic term ‘Allah’ denoting God, is unique in many ways. It has no plural like ‘gods’; it has no gender like ‘goddess’; nor does this work generate a visual image of any kind. “Allah”, He is God, the One true God, He is the one whi deserves all worship and there is nothing comparable to him. Nevertheless, ninenty nine different attritutes of Allah are named in the Qur’an
Who are the angels?
Angels are the servants of God and they were created from light. They are beyond the realm and reach of human comprehension. They do not have freedom of action and can only carry out the commands of God.
What are the scriptures?
The Scriptures are the sacred books containing divine revelations from God which were conveyed through His messengers for the guidance of man. Prophets were sent to all peoples of all ages, to warm them and guide them to righteousness and virtue. The names of the four known scriptures are ‘the Thorah’, ‘the Zabur’, ‘theInjeel’ and ‘the Qur’an’. ‘The Thorah’ was revealed to Prophet Moses (a) and it is the gratest among the Israelities books. ‘The Zabur’ was revealed to Prophet David (a). ‘The Injeel’ which Allah revealed to Prophet Jesus (a), is a confirmation of the Torah and complement to it. ‘The Qur’an’, which was revealed to the last of the prophets, is but a restatement of the faith delivered to the prophets before him. The more the Qur’an is studies with an unprejudiced mind, the more this truth emerges, that the Qur’an is a confirmation of all the earlier scriptures and messages sent by God through His messengers who lived and preached among various sects of humanity.
Who are prophets?
Prophets are men, chosen by God at various stages and under varying circumstances of history, to lead men from darkness to light. The Qur’an repeatedly states the fact that prophets with the same message were sent to each and every community. The process of revelation continued unabated, sometimes in succession, at other times in brocken sequences until the period in history, when the termination of Divine revelation and messengership, with the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (s) became a significant milestone in the history of mankind.
It is true that the lives and mission of many a prophet has been made obscure and distorted by legends that grew around them or by people with vested interest, who used names of these prophets to exploit men and mislead them from the right faith. No prophet of God has claimed himself to be divine. They were all mortals who lived and passed away from this earth after completing their mission of conveying the basic message to mankind. Which was a call for the recognition and affirmation of God’s existence, uniqueness and Lordship over all creation. It is an integral part of Islamic faith to believe in all the prophets of God.
What does Islam say about life after death?
Death does not terminate man’s life. On the other hand, Islam teaches that is the door that opens to an eternal life after death. The appropriate reward for one’s earthly deeds, good or bad, is disbursed only in the Hereafter. The Islamic belief is that mankind will be ressurrected, on the Day of judgement, after every creation is destroyed. After being reborn, man will face a trial which will be in absolute control of the Almighty. Here, all the good and bad acts of men during his sojourn on earth will be unfurled before his eyes in order to be ultimately judged by God. The virtuous will be rewarded with virtue and the wrongdoers punished appropriately. Those who have made sacrifices and discharges noble deeds will receive the shelter of peace in Heaven and those who have denigrated their lives through vices and evil will be condemned to suffer the horrors of Hell. Islam inculcates the concept of accountability both in public and private life of a person by emphasising the paramount importance of life Hereafter for mankind.
What does faith in destiny mean in Islam?
The Law of God, the Creator and Ruler of the worlds, is a powerful, all pervasive law which governs all that comprises the universe. No creation can lodge this Law and man’s position is no different. Even man’s environment and physical constitution are regulated on the basis of this divine law. The good and the bad that befall him happen on the basis of divine Destiny. How they befall on each one is in accordance with the predetermined decision made by the Omniscient Creator, who is aware of the ultimate good and evil of mankind. Hence, Islam directs man to believe in Destiny, whether good or bad, which Allah has measured and ordained for all creatures according to His previous knowledge and as deemed suitable by His wisdom.
What are the fundamental sources of Islamic faith?
The sacred fundamental sources of Islamic faith are the Qur’an, and the practice and example of Prophet Muhammad (s).
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad (s) is the last of the prophets of Islam. It is through him that the religion of absolute submission to God, was perfected. Muhammad (s) is not just the successor of Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but of all the prophets who were sent across the world, whose names are either known or unknown. His mission was not to establish a new Religion, but on the other hand, to perfect the Religion taught by the earlier prophets.
How was the life of Muhammad?
Muhammad (s) was born at Makkah in AD 570. Having lost his father before his birth and mother at the age of seven, he grew up as an orphan. Despite the immoral circumstances prevailing in the Arabia of his time, Muhammad (s) was particularly well known for his personality radiating honesty, nobility, sincerity, generosity and trustworthiness. Muhammad (s), at the age of twenty five married Khadeeja, a forty year old trader. He started receiving divine revelations at the age of forty. Being chosen as a prophet, he preached the divine messages to the people of Makkah. Their response however was bitter, arrogant and violent. Beaten up, tortured, and threatened with death, he fled his motherland to Yarthib (Madeena) a city in the northern side of Arabia. Consequently a Muslim nation was formed in Madeena and its leadership was taken up by him. Battle after battle had to be fought while in Madeena when unbelievers attacked the Muslims seeking to destroy the religion of truth. Infact, they were battles fought for freedom to practice religion.
The most amazing success of the Prophet’s life is the tremendous success which he achieved in transforming the life of his followers in all aspects, in a span of just 23 years, he raised them from the depth of degradation to great moral and spiritual heights so as to make them a model for future generations. He passed away at the age of 63 in Madeena, having lived a most fruitful life.
Why is Muhammad called the last prophet?
The earlier prophets had been sent exclusively to particular regions or sects. We learn that many prophets had predicted the arrival of a great prophet who would be a blessing to the whole world. Muhammad (s) is indeed a prophet to the entire world. The messages presented through him are applicable to the last of man on earth. The super human powers which were bestowed on some prophets never lasted beyond their lives. However, the Qur’an which proves the prophethood of Muhammad (s), illustrates its consistency and supremacy and is open for verification by anyone. All authorities are unanimously agreed upon the fact that the life and mission of prophet Muhammad (s) was realised completely under the fullest glare of documented history. The whole life of Muhammad (s) has been recorded in detail and each incident, whether major or minor is worthy to be adopted as a model. It has been emphatically asserted that no messenger of God would appear after Muhammad and that all mankind ought to adopt the guidelines laid down in the Qur’an and to emulate the practice and example of Muhammad (s) since the religion of Islam was perfected by them.
What is Qur'an?
The Qur'an is the final sacred scripture presented through the Last Prophet of Islam. It contains nothing but the words of God. It is the scripture that can guide all mankind to the last day. For the same reason, the very God who presented it, promised mankind that the Qur'an will be protected and preserved to the last without any alternation or interpolation. The Qur'an is the only religious text that is free from any human tampering. It is at the same time a text that can guide men of all times through the right path and is also an irrefutable evidence for the prophethood of Muhammad (s).
Why is the Qur'an considered divine?
The Qur'an is a unique book, the like of which no man is capable of composing. Despite being compliled by an illiterate, who had displayed no literary flair until the age of forty, the unique literary style of the Qur'an, is one that remains absolutely inimitable. Amongst the existing scriptures, the Qur'an remains apart, for it can claim to be the only divine text that maintains the very from in which it was first presented. The moral codes laid down in the Qur'an are applicable for all times and matchless is the righteousness that they manifest. It is indeed a wonder, that over a spell of twenty three years, under varied circumstances, the Qur'an verses dealt with subjects that are vast and intense, without any discrepancy whatsoever. Incomparable and great is the transformation that the Qur'an engendered. In such a short span, the Qur'an transformed a degraded and depraved society to a point that attained the highest levels of moral excellence, making them the models for the future generations of men.
It has been proved beyond doubt that, word for word the prophecies in the Qur'an stem from a supreme source. It is a greater wonder that the Qur'an, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago, at a time when the world was in absolute darkness in the fields of science and technology, does not contain asingle statement that is contradictory to modern scientific knowledge. Yet another explicit evidence that indicates the supremacy of the Qur'an is that many of the findings of modern science attest the view that the Qur'an is indeed the word of the Almighty, the Creator of the universe.
What are the 'Five Pillars of Islam'?
There are five compulsory acts of worship that are paramount to Islam. They are the Vow of truth, Salaat (Prayer), Zakaath (Charity), Fasting and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
What is the Vow of truth?
"I testify that, none but Allah deserves to be worshipped and Muhammad (s) is the messenger of Allah". It is after taking this pledge that one becomes a Muslim. The person who chants this pledge vows that he will offer worship to the One and Only creator and none else, and that he will lead his life, following the practice and example of Prophet Muhammad (s).
What is Salaat (Prayer)?
It is the compulsory responsibility of every Muslim to offer Salaat five times a day. The timing to be strictly adhered to fall before sun rise, during midday, evening, after sunset and at night. The Salaat is to be perfomed after doing ritual ablutions which symbolises purification of body and soul. It is certain that the life of a true Muslim who sincerely takes the vow of truth and offers prayer five times, meticulously standing with folded hands, bowing, prostrating and sitting, thus involving oneself in a conversation with the Creator, will be freed of all wrongs.
What is Zakaath (Charity)?
The literal meaning of Zakaath is 'to purity'. It is not just a form of charity or almsgiving. Muslims are liable to set apart a share of their own wealth for those who suffer poverty and want in the society. This compulsory charity is known as Zakaath. The Zakaath rate of per annum is fixed at the rate of 2.5% for goods to be trade and 10% for agriculture produce, (5% if the produce is the result of irrigation). Certain minimum limits have been prescribed for each item, above which 'Zakaath' is due. The Zakaath is to be collected from those liable, by the government or by an institution entrusted by the community, in order to distribute to the deserving.
What is Fasting (Saum)?
It is the responsibility of a Muslim to abstain from taking food and drink and also to abstain from sexual intercourse during day time for a period of one month. Ramadaan, the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed, is the stipulated month for fasting. The believer who observes fasting for a month is able to elevate his self above all temptations of a physical nature.
What is Hajj (Pilgrimage)?
Every healthy and affluent Muslim should undertake a pilgrimage to Makkah, once in his life time. This pilgrimage is known as Hajj. People of different nationalities, languages and colours, gather in millions at Makkah during the month of Hajj. The concept of one humanity upheld by Islam is explicit during Hajj pilgrimage when the pilgrims have the same thought, carry the same prayer on their lips, and are uniformly dressed (the man using just 2 pieces of cloth-one to wear and the other to cover and the women covering all the parts of their bodies except their face and hands). A single humanity, where there is no discrimination between master or labourer, black or white, elite or lowly, native or foreigner, is symbolized by the multitude of humanity that assemble for this holy pilgrimage.
What is Ka'aba?
The Ka'aba is a place of worship situated in Makkah. It is the first shrine built to worship the Almighty. It was in the premises of the Ka'aba that Ibrahim (a), the prophet, abandoned his child and wife, obeying God's command. Ka'aba was rebuilt by Ibrahim and his son Ismayeel following God's command. Muslims around the world offer Salaat, facing Ka'aba. The Hajj rituals are performed in the premises of Ka'aba.
Do Muslims worship Ka'aba?
Muslims worship only the Omnipotent Creator of the universe. The Ka'aba is a creation, and being the first monument built for the worship of the One True God, Muslims revere it. The Hajj is performed around the Ka'aba, but it does not contrain any prayer to the Ka'aba. This applies also to the Salaat being performed facing the Ka'aba. He who worships the Ka'aba and offers prayers to it, does not belong to Islam.
What is the view of Islam with regard to Virtue and Vice?
Man is incapable of accurately distinguishing and understanding virtue and vice. Prophets were sent by the Almighty to enlighten man on the nature of virtue and vice. Prophet Muhammad (s) is the last prophet and therefore for any man after Muhammad (s), the yardstick to measure virtue and vice is simply the life of Muhammad (s) and the Qur'an, the sacred scripture presented through him. It is sufficient to look up the Qur'an and the ideal life of Muhammad (s) to comprehend the good and bad related to any subject.
What are the specialities of the charactor of a Muslim?
The Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad (s) enjoins each Muslim to have the following characteristics in each of his actions. They are honesty, justice, honouring of contracts, patience, perseverance, tolerance, mercy, humanity, affection, decency, love, respect etc.
What are the characteristics that ought not to be in a Muslim?
The Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad (s) make it clear that, Muslims ought not to harbour feelings of deceit, jealousy, greed, hatred, treachery, extravagance, miserliness, pride, hypocrisy, vainglory, mockery, falsehood, gossip, scandalmongering and short temper.
What is the Islamic stand with regard to food?
Islam does not accept the stand which recommends the absolute abstinence from food and drink, in order to attain salvation. While permitting the consumption of all good food and drink, Islam strongly and particularly disapproves excesses in this field. A true Muslim is one, who completely abstains from the forbidden food and drink such as carcass, pork, blood, alcohol and the meat that is slaughtered in the name of some one other than Allah.
What is the Islamic code of dress?
Garments are for beautifying and for covering one's body. The mode of dress should never display excess show and arrogance. Islam teaches a decent way of dressing to all women and men. The paramount purpose of clothing is to cover one's nakedness. No man or a woman should dress in a way which rouses sexual desire in a stranger. Women ought to fully cover all the parts of their bodies except the face and hands. The aim of prescribing such a dress code for woman is to protect her honour and to ensure her safety.
How do Muslims regard entertainments?
Islam, while allowing all entertainments that cheer one's mind and body, strictly states that they should not transgress the limits. Islam detests all those pleasures which keep man away from the consciousness of God and those that cause moral degeneration.
What is the Islamic view of marriage?
It is the stern command of Islam that the sexual instinct natural to man should attain consummation only through wedlock. Matrimony is a holy act. Celibacy has been strongly prohibited. Marriage is viewed by Islam as a sacred contract. The dos and dont's that the two mates ought to adopt in matrimonial life have been prescribed by Islam.
Obeying these stipulations, man and woman can ensure a successful and blissful married life and peaceful life after death.
What is Islamic wedding?
When the father or guardian of the bride offers to give her in marriage to the bridegroom and when the accepts the offer in the presence of witnesses, the marriage is solemnised.The prescription of Islam is that the bridegroom ought to give the bride 'mahar' (dower) on the occation of the wedding and that the consent of the bride should be sought beforehand.
What are the responsibilities of man and woman in a family?
Going by the teachings of Islam, though the responsibilities and rights of man and woman are different in matrimonial life, they are complementary. It is the responsibility of the woman to maintain the home and rear the children. The man's duty is to protect his home and earn decent livelihood. Islam, which revers the motherhood of women, reposes the full responsibility on man to look after her and the children.
What is the Islamic view on polygamy?
Islam permits polygamy on condition that the husband treats the wives in a just manner. However the number of wives should not exceed four. It is sinful and mean to have extramarital relations. As per the strict code of Islam, on no account should a man stray towards another woman. A man who cannot satisfy his thirst for sex with one wife is allowed to resort to polygamy. Islam completely bans the heinous practice of disowning responsibility after having sexual relation with a woman. Instead, Islam permits, in unavoidable circumstances, a sacred arrangement for keeping wives legitimately, where they are protected and allowed their rights without any partiality.
There are contexts where the practice of polygamy becomes more of social necessity than a personal need. Especially when the number of women in a society exceeds that of men. Generally women out number men. During war times the proportion varies further, as men are more likely to die in action. Islam takes into account situations like this, when polygamy becomes socially indispensable, and permits it conditionally.
What does Islam say about divorce?
Islam gives necessary instructions for the preservation of family relashionship. Conformation to these instructions paves the way for a strong family bond and trouble free matrimonial life.However, Islam is not blind to the discords that may occur in family life. Islam recommends three practical and scientific methods to prevent the serving of family relashions due to discord caused by lack of discipline.
The first procedure recommends good advice, failing which one boycotts the bed. If this also fails, mild physical punishment can be given, without bruising her body or mind. When all the three methods fail, the relatives of the couple can arbitrate and try for a compromise.If this attempt also fails to reunite the couple, Islam permits a divorce in a decent manner. Islam is very stern on the issue of divorce and it is allowed only in absolutely unavoidable situation.
Who has the right for a divorse?
A divorse is possible for both man and woman who are certain that they cannot get along in any way with the partner. Only the manner of divorse varies a little between the man and the woman.
What does Islam say about bringing up children?
It is the duety of the parents to bring up children who are the blessing of family life, in a manner beneficial to their life on earth and life after death. Parents should take care of the material and spititual needs of the children. They should be loved and respected. Besides, they should be encouraged to do good and prevented from indulging in evil deeds. Islam permits minor punishments to correct wrong deeds without causing injury to their pride. Childre should be treated equally. Islam strongly desires that both boys and girls should be brought up with equal regard, without any discrimination.
How should one behave to one's parents?
Islam teaches that after the obligation to the Creator, one's great obligation is to one's own parents. It is a great sin to be impertinent, negligent and disobedient to them. Only if parents ask the children to act against God, they shall disobey. Even if the parents remain non Muslims, it is the responsibility of the Muslim children to look after them. It is the unavoidable responsibility of the children to protect their parents who have attained old age. Islam also teached that it is sinful to rebuke and abuse one's aged parents.
How are the societies that have been conceived by Islam?
Islam teaches that all men are the creations of the One and Only God and that they exist under His protection. It is from a single matter, the essence of clay, that everyone has been created. The origin of all humanity is from the first parent Adam and Eve. The distinctions that men have created have absolutely no place before the Almighty who created them. The worship offered only to One True God is the source of strength that can unite mankind. Narrowmin dednes and shrivelled outlook disappear when one prostrates before the Almighty.
When one realises that faith and good deeds alone are what makes a man noble in the presence of God, all haughtiness and arrogance fostered by pride and vanity evaporates from his mind and he becomes humble and pious. With the realisation that there is only one God, and that all men are His servants, with no distinction between the rich and the poor, the native and the foreigner, the fair and the dark, the elite and the lowly, the master and the slave,they prostrate only before him, the Almighty, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
This is the picture of the society that has been conceived by Islam, a society without narrow boundaries.
What does Islam say about the neighbourhood?
Just as relationship in a family, Islam views that the relationship between neighbours ought to be warm and cordial. The Prophet (s) advised decent behaviour to the neighbours without causing any kind of disturbance to them. He taught us to take into account the opinion of the neighbour with regard to one's character and personality. It is clear that the mutual responsibility amongst neighbours is indeed significant, as exemplified by the advice of the Prophet when he said that no true Muslim fills his belly when his neighbour is starving and that should be considered even if one has to dilute the broth by adding a little water.
Can a Muslim be communal?
Islam teaches that it is not one's birth, but good deeds and faith that determine one's nobility. The Islamic slogan 'One God for one mankind' aims at eliminating all the narrow views, like communalism, casteism, racism, etc...
Prophet Muhammad (s) declared in plain words that,
"He who invites to communalism, fights and dies for communalism, does not belong to us"
The followers of Muhammad (s) therefore can never be communal.
What are the Islamic directions in the financial front?
According to Islam all the resources on earth have been created for mankind. It is the right of every human being to make use of the natural resources. Everyone has the right to work hard and earn wealth. However, the earnings should not be the result of the explotation of others. Income can be earned through business, cultivation, hardwork, trade and the like. But in every transaction, clear moral instructions have to be observed. What one earns, while observing these moral laws, is his own and not of the society or of the nation. But it is the responsibility of the individuals to spend from their income, to meet the needs of the society and the nation.
While Islam sanctions business transactions and approves of fair profit, it prohibits profiteering and hoarding. It bans taking or giving interest and usury. In business, there ought not to be deceit, treachery or fraudulence. The field of production should be free from exploitation. No product should be marketed supressing its drawbacks. Miserliness and extravagance should be shunned. Aid should be provided to those who suffer from poverty. Zakath has been instituted for this.
What does Islam say about master-labourer relationship?
It is only natural that the master and labourer come to picture when production, trade and cultivation sets in. The relationship between the master and labourer does not warrant any conformation. On the other hand , it ought, to be of co-operation, as per the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet (s) has said that the income earned through one’s own labour is the best income
The labourer should be given the wages that they deserve. There should be a proper agreement with regard to the wages, between the employer and the labourer, before the work starts. The amount thus arrived at should be disbursed without making any deduction whatsoever and it should be paid even before the sweat of the labourer dries up. The employee should not be exploited and he should have complete security while doing the work assigned to him. It is the responsibility of the employee to endeavour sincerely for a satisfactory completion of the work assigned to him.
What should be the approach of Muslims towards non-Muslims?
The teachings of Islam state that the Muslim community should coexist in complete harmony and tolerance with people of other communities. The Qur’an prescribes that as long as the other communities do not oppress the members of the Muslim community, they ought to coexist in love and tolerance. This has been demonstrated by Muhammad (s) through his life. Even the subjects of a Caliphate have no right to hamper the freedom of faith nor the freedom of worship of the non-Muslim citizens. The ruler is liable for the complete protection of their lives and property. The Prophet (s) has taught that it is an unpardonable sin to be unjust to non-Muslim citizens.
What is ‘Jihad’?
Jihad means “effort”, “strive” or “struggle”. All efforts to sacrifice, adopting the divine path and in the pursuit of truth are Jihad. The control over self and the surrender to the will of God, in the first phase of Jihad. Jihad is the conquest of one’s self in order to ward off all kinds of temptations which might ultimately lead to evil.
Jihad is also the worthy utilization of one’s wealth, energy and time for the divine cause. Justn as it is imperative for a person to worship the One True God for becoming a member of the Islamic community, after pledging the vow of truth, it is also his responsibility to propagate the message of the true religion amongst his fellowmen. The efforts of sacrifice which from the path of fulfilling the aforementioned responsibility, is indeed Jihad.
The message of the true religion should be conveyed to others by making one’s own life the example of the teachings of the religion and also by resorting to the use of logic and good advice. Islam is averse to the idea of forced conversion. The Qur’an makes it very clear that in matters related to religion there ought to be no coercion, and the duty of the followers of the faith is just to enlighten the people and that if any person accepts the faith should be done it on his own accord.
Islam does not permit attack on innocent people in the name of religion. Islam permits the use of force if it is indispensable, to ensure freedom of religion in the event of a situation where the right to live according to the tenets of Islam is denied and the freedom to propagate religion is hampered. Islam has sanctioned war only to ensure the end of violence and restoration of peace. It is the stricture of the Qur’an that even in war one should not shed one’s dignity nor should one transgress the limits
In the event of a Muslim society being forced into war, all those who are able and healthy should volunteer. All these efforts of sacrifice to protect the true religion constitute Jihad. The armed war is but the last of them, which would be resorted to, when every other choice fails.
How did Islam Spread in the world?
The reason for the rapid spread of Islam was the attraction that the thinking people developed towards and ideal free from superstion upholding the worship of the ‘One and Only God’, the Creator and the pursuit of His messengers. It was only natural for those thinking people to be drawn to the practice of a faith that sought the path of ‘surrender to God’, at a time when their perceptions were fogged by false dieties, and their agents who posed as priests.
The ideal of ‘One God’, one humanity, simultaneously put forth by Islam, uproots the parochial beliefs put up in the name of ones birth. The access to the message of ‘one humanity’ experienced by those who were being oppressed in the name of religion and caste, further led to the propagation of Islam. The selfless and sincere lives led by Muslims who migrated different parts of the world for business purposes and the like, also drew the people of those countries to Islam.
To this day, Islam, which occupies the mind of man though manifold noble ways, continues to influence the thoughts and deeds of millions of peoples in all continents around the world, with its sterling ideals.
The Arabic word 'Islam' stands for 'Submission' or 'Peace'. In a religious context, it implies the peace that reaches out to one when one completely submits oneself to the will of Almighty God. This is achieved only when the indidual acts in accordance with the direction of his Creator in all spheres of life.
Who is the founder of Islam?
The Almighty God who created the universe, endowed man with a special gift of intelligence and thought, to enable him to discriminate between good and bad. Man has also been given, the freedom to choose his own path by either accepting or rejecting the instructions of the Almighty Creator. The divine revelations were conveyed by God to mankind through numberous prophets who preached the ideals to all communities during different periods of human history. The thousands of prophets whom God selected for human guidance have promulgated the basic doctrine with remarkable similarity.
The belief in and the profound reverence for all messengers and revealed scriptures from God forms an integral part of Islamic faith. Islam is not a religion founded by Prophet Muhammad (s). The Qur’an has most emphatically corroborated the fact that the Islamic conception of life was revealed to man by along chain of prophets chosen by the Almighty Creator.
Who are Muslims?
The word ‘Muslim’ means one who has submitted oneself to the Omnipotent Creator. A true Muslim is one who has disciplined his life in accordance with the instructions conveyed by God through His messengers. A person becomes a Muslim not by birth alone, but his faith and deeds.
How can one be a Muslim?
“I testify that there is none who deserves to be worshipped but Allah. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah”. By taking this solemn oath sincerely and endeavouring to regulate one’s life following the instructions conveyed by Allah through his messengers, one becomes a true Muslims. By declaring that there is none worthy of worship save Allah, and that Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah, the believer announces his or her faith in God’s oneness, His sole right to be worshipped and that Muhammad is the last of the prophets. It also confirms his or her belief in all prophets and the scriptures they brought.
Why does Islam seem to be strict?
No prophet taught that religion is to be confined within the walls of places of worship. On the contray, Muslims are expected to follow the instructions of Almighty Allah in the Course of all their activities in life.
The word ‘Muslim’ means one who has submitted his self to the will of Allah, and for the same reason a true Muslim cannot compromise on anything that stands in the way of guiding his life according to divine strictures. The view that consciousness of God is to be confined only to the place of worship is alien to Islam always have religion foremost in their minds whereas many others consider religion as irrelevant in the present age.
What are the Islamic beliefs?
Muslims believe in one, unique, incomparable God, in the angels created by Him, in the revealed Scriptures, in the prophets through whom His revelations were made to mankind, in the Day of judgement and life after death, individual accountability for actions, and in God’s complete authority over human destiny.
What does faith in ‘one God’ mean?
Allah, the Creator and Protector of all beings in the universe, big and small, in His essence, His goodness and His deeds, remains alone and unique. One offers worship only to Him, who is Almighty, higherthan everyone else and Himself being perfect in everything. By monotheism, Islam implies, not the mere belief that there is just one God, but it powers the way for prayers and offerings to the one who is all Merciful and Omniscient.
Who is Allah?
The Arabic word ‘Allah’ is the shortened from of ‘al ilah’, The God, the one and only God, the first, the last, the eternal, the hidden, the manifest, the ultimate reality. Even non-Muslim Arabs use the term ‘Allah’ when they speak of God. The basic creed of Islam is this simple formula : ‘There is no God but Allah’ (La ilaha illallah). The Arabic term ‘Allah’ denoting God, is unique in many ways. It has no plural like ‘gods’; it has no gender like ‘goddess’; nor does this work generate a visual image of any kind. “Allah”, He is God, the One true God, He is the one whi deserves all worship and there is nothing comparable to him. Nevertheless, ninenty nine different attritutes of Allah are named in the Qur’an
Who are the angels?
Angels are the servants of God and they were created from light. They are beyond the realm and reach of human comprehension. They do not have freedom of action and can only carry out the commands of God.
What are the scriptures?
The Scriptures are the sacred books containing divine revelations from God which were conveyed through His messengers for the guidance of man. Prophets were sent to all peoples of all ages, to warm them and guide them to righteousness and virtue. The names of the four known scriptures are ‘the Thorah’, ‘the Zabur’, ‘theInjeel’ and ‘the Qur’an’. ‘The Thorah’ was revealed to Prophet Moses (a) and it is the gratest among the Israelities books. ‘The Zabur’ was revealed to Prophet David (a). ‘The Injeel’ which Allah revealed to Prophet Jesus (a), is a confirmation of the Torah and complement to it. ‘The Qur’an’, which was revealed to the last of the prophets, is but a restatement of the faith delivered to the prophets before him. The more the Qur’an is studies with an unprejudiced mind, the more this truth emerges, that the Qur’an is a confirmation of all the earlier scriptures and messages sent by God through His messengers who lived and preached among various sects of humanity.
Who are prophets?
Prophets are men, chosen by God at various stages and under varying circumstances of history, to lead men from darkness to light. The Qur’an repeatedly states the fact that prophets with the same message were sent to each and every community. The process of revelation continued unabated, sometimes in succession, at other times in brocken sequences until the period in history, when the termination of Divine revelation and messengership, with the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad (s) became a significant milestone in the history of mankind.
It is true that the lives and mission of many a prophet has been made obscure and distorted by legends that grew around them or by people with vested interest, who used names of these prophets to exploit men and mislead them from the right faith. No prophet of God has claimed himself to be divine. They were all mortals who lived and passed away from this earth after completing their mission of conveying the basic message to mankind. Which was a call for the recognition and affirmation of God’s existence, uniqueness and Lordship over all creation. It is an integral part of Islamic faith to believe in all the prophets of God.
What does Islam say about life after death?
Death does not terminate man’s life. On the other hand, Islam teaches that is the door that opens to an eternal life after death. The appropriate reward for one’s earthly deeds, good or bad, is disbursed only in the Hereafter. The Islamic belief is that mankind will be ressurrected, on the Day of judgement, after every creation is destroyed. After being reborn, man will face a trial which will be in absolute control of the Almighty. Here, all the good and bad acts of men during his sojourn on earth will be unfurled before his eyes in order to be ultimately judged by God. The virtuous will be rewarded with virtue and the wrongdoers punished appropriately. Those who have made sacrifices and discharges noble deeds will receive the shelter of peace in Heaven and those who have denigrated their lives through vices and evil will be condemned to suffer the horrors of Hell. Islam inculcates the concept of accountability both in public and private life of a person by emphasising the paramount importance of life Hereafter for mankind.
What does faith in destiny mean in Islam?
The Law of God, the Creator and Ruler of the worlds, is a powerful, all pervasive law which governs all that comprises the universe. No creation can lodge this Law and man’s position is no different. Even man’s environment and physical constitution are regulated on the basis of this divine law. The good and the bad that befall him happen on the basis of divine Destiny. How they befall on each one is in accordance with the predetermined decision made by the Omniscient Creator, who is aware of the ultimate good and evil of mankind. Hence, Islam directs man to believe in Destiny, whether good or bad, which Allah has measured and ordained for all creatures according to His previous knowledge and as deemed suitable by His wisdom.
What are the fundamental sources of Islamic faith?
The sacred fundamental sources of Islamic faith are the Qur’an, and the practice and example of Prophet Muhammad (s).
Who is Muhammad?
Muhammad (s) is the last of the prophets of Islam. It is through him that the religion of absolute submission to God, was perfected. Muhammad (s) is not just the successor of Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but of all the prophets who were sent across the world, whose names are either known or unknown. His mission was not to establish a new Religion, but on the other hand, to perfect the Religion taught by the earlier prophets.
How was the life of Muhammad?
Muhammad (s) was born at Makkah in AD 570. Having lost his father before his birth and mother at the age of seven, he grew up as an orphan. Despite the immoral circumstances prevailing in the Arabia of his time, Muhammad (s) was particularly well known for his personality radiating honesty, nobility, sincerity, generosity and trustworthiness. Muhammad (s), at the age of twenty five married Khadeeja, a forty year old trader. He started receiving divine revelations at the age of forty. Being chosen as a prophet, he preached the divine messages to the people of Makkah. Their response however was bitter, arrogant and violent. Beaten up, tortured, and threatened with death, he fled his motherland to Yarthib (Madeena) a city in the northern side of Arabia. Consequently a Muslim nation was formed in Madeena and its leadership was taken up by him. Battle after battle had to be fought while in Madeena when unbelievers attacked the Muslims seeking to destroy the religion of truth. Infact, they were battles fought for freedom to practice religion.
The most amazing success of the Prophet’s life is the tremendous success which he achieved in transforming the life of his followers in all aspects, in a span of just 23 years, he raised them from the depth of degradation to great moral and spiritual heights so as to make them a model for future generations. He passed away at the age of 63 in Madeena, having lived a most fruitful life.
Why is Muhammad called the last prophet?
The earlier prophets had been sent exclusively to particular regions or sects. We learn that many prophets had predicted the arrival of a great prophet who would be a blessing to the whole world. Muhammad (s) is indeed a prophet to the entire world. The messages presented through him are applicable to the last of man on earth. The super human powers which were bestowed on some prophets never lasted beyond their lives. However, the Qur’an which proves the prophethood of Muhammad (s), illustrates its consistency and supremacy and is open for verification by anyone. All authorities are unanimously agreed upon the fact that the life and mission of prophet Muhammad (s) was realised completely under the fullest glare of documented history. The whole life of Muhammad (s) has been recorded in detail and each incident, whether major or minor is worthy to be adopted as a model. It has been emphatically asserted that no messenger of God would appear after Muhammad and that all mankind ought to adopt the guidelines laid down in the Qur’an and to emulate the practice and example of Muhammad (s) since the religion of Islam was perfected by them.
What is Qur'an?
The Qur'an is the final sacred scripture presented through the Last Prophet of Islam. It contains nothing but the words of God. It is the scripture that can guide all mankind to the last day. For the same reason, the very God who presented it, promised mankind that the Qur'an will be protected and preserved to the last without any alternation or interpolation. The Qur'an is the only religious text that is free from any human tampering. It is at the same time a text that can guide men of all times through the right path and is also an irrefutable evidence for the prophethood of Muhammad (s).
Why is the Qur'an considered divine?
The Qur'an is a unique book, the like of which no man is capable of composing. Despite being compliled by an illiterate, who had displayed no literary flair until the age of forty, the unique literary style of the Qur'an, is one that remains absolutely inimitable. Amongst the existing scriptures, the Qur'an remains apart, for it can claim to be the only divine text that maintains the very from in which it was first presented. The moral codes laid down in the Qur'an are applicable for all times and matchless is the righteousness that they manifest. It is indeed a wonder, that over a spell of twenty three years, under varied circumstances, the Qur'an verses dealt with subjects that are vast and intense, without any discrepancy whatsoever. Incomparable and great is the transformation that the Qur'an engendered. In such a short span, the Qur'an transformed a degraded and depraved society to a point that attained the highest levels of moral excellence, making them the models for the future generations of men.
It has been proved beyond doubt that, word for word the prophecies in the Qur'an stem from a supreme source. It is a greater wonder that the Qur'an, which was revealed fourteen centuries ago, at a time when the world was in absolute darkness in the fields of science and technology, does not contain asingle statement that is contradictory to modern scientific knowledge. Yet another explicit evidence that indicates the supremacy of the Qur'an is that many of the findings of modern science attest the view that the Qur'an is indeed the word of the Almighty, the Creator of the universe.
What are the 'Five Pillars of Islam'?
There are five compulsory acts of worship that are paramount to Islam. They are the Vow of truth, Salaat (Prayer), Zakaath (Charity), Fasting and Hajj (Pilgrimage).
What is the Vow of truth?
"I testify that, none but Allah deserves to be worshipped and Muhammad (s) is the messenger of Allah". It is after taking this pledge that one becomes a Muslim. The person who chants this pledge vows that he will offer worship to the One and Only creator and none else, and that he will lead his life, following the practice and example of Prophet Muhammad (s).
What is Salaat (Prayer)?
It is the compulsory responsibility of every Muslim to offer Salaat five times a day. The timing to be strictly adhered to fall before sun rise, during midday, evening, after sunset and at night. The Salaat is to be perfomed after doing ritual ablutions which symbolises purification of body and soul. It is certain that the life of a true Muslim who sincerely takes the vow of truth and offers prayer five times, meticulously standing with folded hands, bowing, prostrating and sitting, thus involving oneself in a conversation with the Creator, will be freed of all wrongs.
What is Zakaath (Charity)?
The literal meaning of Zakaath is 'to purity'. It is not just a form of charity or almsgiving. Muslims are liable to set apart a share of their own wealth for those who suffer poverty and want in the society. This compulsory charity is known as Zakaath. The Zakaath rate of per annum is fixed at the rate of 2.5% for goods to be trade and 10% for agriculture produce, (5% if the produce is the result of irrigation). Certain minimum limits have been prescribed for each item, above which 'Zakaath' is due. The Zakaath is to be collected from those liable, by the government or by an institution entrusted by the community, in order to distribute to the deserving.
What is Fasting (Saum)?
It is the responsibility of a Muslim to abstain from taking food and drink and also to abstain from sexual intercourse during day time for a period of one month. Ramadaan, the month in which the Qur'an was first revealed, is the stipulated month for fasting. The believer who observes fasting for a month is able to elevate his self above all temptations of a physical nature.
What is Hajj (Pilgrimage)?
Every healthy and affluent Muslim should undertake a pilgrimage to Makkah, once in his life time. This pilgrimage is known as Hajj. People of different nationalities, languages and colours, gather in millions at Makkah during the month of Hajj. The concept of one humanity upheld by Islam is explicit during Hajj pilgrimage when the pilgrims have the same thought, carry the same prayer on their lips, and are uniformly dressed (the man using just 2 pieces of cloth-one to wear and the other to cover and the women covering all the parts of their bodies except their face and hands). A single humanity, where there is no discrimination between master or labourer, black or white, elite or lowly, native or foreigner, is symbolized by the multitude of humanity that assemble for this holy pilgrimage.
What is Ka'aba?
The Ka'aba is a place of worship situated in Makkah. It is the first shrine built to worship the Almighty. It was in the premises of the Ka'aba that Ibrahim (a), the prophet, abandoned his child and wife, obeying God's command. Ka'aba was rebuilt by Ibrahim and his son Ismayeel following God's command. Muslims around the world offer Salaat, facing Ka'aba. The Hajj rituals are performed in the premises of Ka'aba.
Do Muslims worship Ka'aba?
Muslims worship only the Omnipotent Creator of the universe. The Ka'aba is a creation, and being the first monument built for the worship of the One True God, Muslims revere it. The Hajj is performed around the Ka'aba, but it does not contrain any prayer to the Ka'aba. This applies also to the Salaat being performed facing the Ka'aba. He who worships the Ka'aba and offers prayers to it, does not belong to Islam.
What is the view of Islam with regard to Virtue and Vice?
Man is incapable of accurately distinguishing and understanding virtue and vice. Prophets were sent by the Almighty to enlighten man on the nature of virtue and vice. Prophet Muhammad (s) is the last prophet and therefore for any man after Muhammad (s), the yardstick to measure virtue and vice is simply the life of Muhammad (s) and the Qur'an, the sacred scripture presented through him. It is sufficient to look up the Qur'an and the ideal life of Muhammad (s) to comprehend the good and bad related to any subject.
What are the specialities of the charactor of a Muslim?
The Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad (s) enjoins each Muslim to have the following characteristics in each of his actions. They are honesty, justice, honouring of contracts, patience, perseverance, tolerance, mercy, humanity, affection, decency, love, respect etc.
What are the characteristics that ought not to be in a Muslim?
The Qur'an and the sayings of Muhammad (s) make it clear that, Muslims ought not to harbour feelings of deceit, jealousy, greed, hatred, treachery, extravagance, miserliness, pride, hypocrisy, vainglory, mockery, falsehood, gossip, scandalmongering and short temper.
What is the Islamic stand with regard to food?
Islam does not accept the stand which recommends the absolute abstinence from food and drink, in order to attain salvation. While permitting the consumption of all good food and drink, Islam strongly and particularly disapproves excesses in this field. A true Muslim is one, who completely abstains from the forbidden food and drink such as carcass, pork, blood, alcohol and the meat that is slaughtered in the name of some one other than Allah.
What is the Islamic code of dress?
Garments are for beautifying and for covering one's body. The mode of dress should never display excess show and arrogance. Islam teaches a decent way of dressing to all women and men. The paramount purpose of clothing is to cover one's nakedness. No man or a woman should dress in a way which rouses sexual desire in a stranger. Women ought to fully cover all the parts of their bodies except the face and hands. The aim of prescribing such a dress code for woman is to protect her honour and to ensure her safety.
How do Muslims regard entertainments?
Islam, while allowing all entertainments that cheer one's mind and body, strictly states that they should not transgress the limits. Islam detests all those pleasures which keep man away from the consciousness of God and those that cause moral degeneration.
What is the Islamic view of marriage?
It is the stern command of Islam that the sexual instinct natural to man should attain consummation only through wedlock. Matrimony is a holy act. Celibacy has been strongly prohibited. Marriage is viewed by Islam as a sacred contract. The dos and dont's that the two mates ought to adopt in matrimonial life have been prescribed by Islam.
Obeying these stipulations, man and woman can ensure a successful and blissful married life and peaceful life after death.
What is Islamic wedding?
When the father or guardian of the bride offers to give her in marriage to the bridegroom and when the accepts the offer in the presence of witnesses, the marriage is solemnised.The prescription of Islam is that the bridegroom ought to give the bride 'mahar' (dower) on the occation of the wedding and that the consent of the bride should be sought beforehand.
What are the responsibilities of man and woman in a family?
Going by the teachings of Islam, though the responsibilities and rights of man and woman are different in matrimonial life, they are complementary. It is the responsibility of the woman to maintain the home and rear the children. The man's duty is to protect his home and earn decent livelihood. Islam, which revers the motherhood of women, reposes the full responsibility on man to look after her and the children.
What is the Islamic view on polygamy?
Islam permits polygamy on condition that the husband treats the wives in a just manner. However the number of wives should not exceed four. It is sinful and mean to have extramarital relations. As per the strict code of Islam, on no account should a man stray towards another woman. A man who cannot satisfy his thirst for sex with one wife is allowed to resort to polygamy. Islam completely bans the heinous practice of disowning responsibility after having sexual relation with a woman. Instead, Islam permits, in unavoidable circumstances, a sacred arrangement for keeping wives legitimately, where they are protected and allowed their rights without any partiality.
There are contexts where the practice of polygamy becomes more of social necessity than a personal need. Especially when the number of women in a society exceeds that of men. Generally women out number men. During war times the proportion varies further, as men are more likely to die in action. Islam takes into account situations like this, when polygamy becomes socially indispensable, and permits it conditionally.
What does Islam say about divorce?
Islam gives necessary instructions for the preservation of family relashionship. Conformation to these instructions paves the way for a strong family bond and trouble free matrimonial life.However, Islam is not blind to the discords that may occur in family life. Islam recommends three practical and scientific methods to prevent the serving of family relashions due to discord caused by lack of discipline.
The first procedure recommends good advice, failing which one boycotts the bed. If this also fails, mild physical punishment can be given, without bruising her body or mind. When all the three methods fail, the relatives of the couple can arbitrate and try for a compromise.If this attempt also fails to reunite the couple, Islam permits a divorce in a decent manner. Islam is very stern on the issue of divorce and it is allowed only in absolutely unavoidable situation.
Who has the right for a divorse?
A divorse is possible for both man and woman who are certain that they cannot get along in any way with the partner. Only the manner of divorse varies a little between the man and the woman.
What does Islam say about bringing up children?
It is the duety of the parents to bring up children who are the blessing of family life, in a manner beneficial to their life on earth and life after death. Parents should take care of the material and spititual needs of the children. They should be loved and respected. Besides, they should be encouraged to do good and prevented from indulging in evil deeds. Islam permits minor punishments to correct wrong deeds without causing injury to their pride. Childre should be treated equally. Islam strongly desires that both boys and girls should be brought up with equal regard, without any discrimination.
How should one behave to one's parents?
Islam teaches that after the obligation to the Creator, one's great obligation is to one's own parents. It is a great sin to be impertinent, negligent and disobedient to them. Only if parents ask the children to act against God, they shall disobey. Even if the parents remain non Muslims, it is the responsibility of the Muslim children to look after them. It is the unavoidable responsibility of the children to protect their parents who have attained old age. Islam also teached that it is sinful to rebuke and abuse one's aged parents.
How are the societies that have been conceived by Islam?
Islam teaches that all men are the creations of the One and Only God and that they exist under His protection. It is from a single matter, the essence of clay, that everyone has been created. The origin of all humanity is from the first parent Adam and Eve. The distinctions that men have created have absolutely no place before the Almighty who created them. The worship offered only to One True God is the source of strength that can unite mankind. Narrowmin dednes and shrivelled outlook disappear when one prostrates before the Almighty.
When one realises that faith and good deeds alone are what makes a man noble in the presence of God, all haughtiness and arrogance fostered by pride and vanity evaporates from his mind and he becomes humble and pious. With the realisation that there is only one God, and that all men are His servants, with no distinction between the rich and the poor, the native and the foreigner, the fair and the dark, the elite and the lowly, the master and the slave,they prostrate only before him, the Almighty, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.
This is the picture of the society that has been conceived by Islam, a society without narrow boundaries.
What does Islam say about the neighbourhood?
Just as relationship in a family, Islam views that the relationship between neighbours ought to be warm and cordial. The Prophet (s) advised decent behaviour to the neighbours without causing any kind of disturbance to them. He taught us to take into account the opinion of the neighbour with regard to one's character and personality. It is clear that the mutual responsibility amongst neighbours is indeed significant, as exemplified by the advice of the Prophet when he said that no true Muslim fills his belly when his neighbour is starving and that should be considered even if one has to dilute the broth by adding a little water.
Can a Muslim be communal?
Islam teaches that it is not one's birth, but good deeds and faith that determine one's nobility. The Islamic slogan 'One God for one mankind' aims at eliminating all the narrow views, like communalism, casteism, racism, etc...
Prophet Muhammad (s) declared in plain words that,
"He who invites to communalism, fights and dies for communalism, does not belong to us"
The followers of Muhammad (s) therefore can never be communal.
What are the Islamic directions in the financial front?
According to Islam all the resources on earth have been created for mankind. It is the right of every human being to make use of the natural resources. Everyone has the right to work hard and earn wealth. However, the earnings should not be the result of the explotation of others. Income can be earned through business, cultivation, hardwork, trade and the like. But in every transaction, clear moral instructions have to be observed. What one earns, while observing these moral laws, is his own and not of the society or of the nation. But it is the responsibility of the individuals to spend from their income, to meet the needs of the society and the nation.
While Islam sanctions business transactions and approves of fair profit, it prohibits profiteering and hoarding. It bans taking or giving interest and usury. In business, there ought not to be deceit, treachery or fraudulence. The field of production should be free from exploitation. No product should be marketed supressing its drawbacks. Miserliness and extravagance should be shunned. Aid should be provided to those who suffer from poverty. Zakath has been instituted for this.
What does Islam say about master-labourer relationship?
It is only natural that the master and labourer come to picture when production, trade and cultivation sets in. The relationship between the master and labourer does not warrant any conformation. On the other hand , it ought, to be of co-operation, as per the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet (s) has said that the income earned through one’s own labour is the best income
The labourer should be given the wages that they deserve. There should be a proper agreement with regard to the wages, between the employer and the labourer, before the work starts. The amount thus arrived at should be disbursed without making any deduction whatsoever and it should be paid even before the sweat of the labourer dries up. The employee should not be exploited and he should have complete security while doing the work assigned to him. It is the responsibility of the employee to endeavour sincerely for a satisfactory completion of the work assigned to him.
What should be the approach of Muslims towards non-Muslims?
The teachings of Islam state that the Muslim community should coexist in complete harmony and tolerance with people of other communities. The Qur’an prescribes that as long as the other communities do not oppress the members of the Muslim community, they ought to coexist in love and tolerance. This has been demonstrated by Muhammad (s) through his life. Even the subjects of a Caliphate have no right to hamper the freedom of faith nor the freedom of worship of the non-Muslim citizens. The ruler is liable for the complete protection of their lives and property. The Prophet (s) has taught that it is an unpardonable sin to be unjust to non-Muslim citizens.
What is ‘Jihad’?
Jihad means “effort”, “strive” or “struggle”. All efforts to sacrifice, adopting the divine path and in the pursuit of truth are Jihad. The control over self and the surrender to the will of God, in the first phase of Jihad. Jihad is the conquest of one’s self in order to ward off all kinds of temptations which might ultimately lead to evil.
Jihad is also the worthy utilization of one’s wealth, energy and time for the divine cause. Justn as it is imperative for a person to worship the One True God for becoming a member of the Islamic community, after pledging the vow of truth, it is also his responsibility to propagate the message of the true religion amongst his fellowmen. The efforts of sacrifice which from the path of fulfilling the aforementioned responsibility, is indeed Jihad.
The message of the true religion should be conveyed to others by making one’s own life the example of the teachings of the religion and also by resorting to the use of logic and good advice. Islam is averse to the idea of forced conversion. The Qur’an makes it very clear that in matters related to religion there ought to be no coercion, and the duty of the followers of the faith is just to enlighten the people and that if any person accepts the faith should be done it on his own accord.
Islam does not permit attack on innocent people in the name of religion. Islam permits the use of force if it is indispensable, to ensure freedom of religion in the event of a situation where the right to live according to the tenets of Islam is denied and the freedom to propagate religion is hampered. Islam has sanctioned war only to ensure the end of violence and restoration of peace. It is the stricture of the Qur’an that even in war one should not shed one’s dignity nor should one transgress the limits
In the event of a Muslim society being forced into war, all those who are able and healthy should volunteer. All these efforts of sacrifice to protect the true religion constitute Jihad. The armed war is but the last of them, which would be resorted to, when every other choice fails.
How did Islam Spread in the world?
The reason for the rapid spread of Islam was the attraction that the thinking people developed towards and ideal free from superstion upholding the worship of the ‘One and Only God’, the Creator and the pursuit of His messengers. It was only natural for those thinking people to be drawn to the practice of a faith that sought the path of ‘surrender to God’, at a time when their perceptions were fogged by false dieties, and their agents who posed as priests.
The ideal of ‘One God’, one humanity, simultaneously put forth by Islam, uproots the parochial beliefs put up in the name of ones birth. The access to the message of ‘one humanity’ experienced by those who were being oppressed in the name of religion and caste, further led to the propagation of Islam. The selfless and sincere lives led by Muslims who migrated different parts of the world for business purposes and the like, also drew the people of those countries to Islam.
To this day, Islam, which occupies the mind of man though manifold noble ways, continues to influence the thoughts and deeds of millions of peoples in all continents around the world, with its sterling ideals.
The evils of innovation [Bid'ath] in the religion
Allah says: “This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed my favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:4)
This verse embodies a clear statement that the religion has been completed and so has no need of addition and deletion, and Allah’s Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “There is nothing that Allah ordered you with except that I have ordered you with it, and there is nothing that Allah forbade you from except that I have forbidden you from it” (Al-Bayhaqee and others)
And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said: “There is nothing that will take you closer to paradise but that I have enjoined it upon you, and there is nothing that will take you closer to hell but that I have warned you from it” (Musnad ash-Shaafi’ee and others).
So the Prophet Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) fulfilled the trust placed upon him by Allah completely, explaining the religion to the people in its inward and outward form, making clear the lawful from the prohibited, the encouraged from the discouraged, even to the extent that he taught us the manners of going to the toilet.
Allah says in His Book,“And We have revealed to you a Book explaining everything” (Surah An-Nahl 16:89), and He says, “We have neglected nothing in the Book” (Surah Al-An’am 6:37).
So in the Qur’an are explained the principles of the religion, tawheed in all its various categories, even to the extent that it teaches us the manners of sitting in circles, visiting other peoples houses, the correct clothing etc.
The Importance of Sticking to the Sunnah
Allah says: “Indeed you have in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example for the one who hopes in Allah and looks to the Last Day.” (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21)
He also says: “So if you obey him (i.e. Muhammad), then you will be guided” (Surah Al-Furqan 25:54)
The Messenger of Allah said: “I have left behind me two things, if you cling to them you will never go astray. They are the Book of Allah and my Sunnah” (al-Haakim)
And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) also said: “And you will live to see great difference, so cling to my Sunnah and the sunnah of the rightly guided caliphs after me, even if it be with your teeth” (Bukhari)
The Taabi’ee, the Imaam, az-Zuhree commented, “clinging to the sunnah is to be saved, as Imaam Maalik said, ‘like the Ark of Noah’, he who embarked upon it was saved, and he who did not was destroyed.” (ad-Daarimee)
In these narrations is clear evidence that the way of salvation and safety is to closely follow the Sunnah of our Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam), and not to deviate from his path, not accepting the guidance of another individual, nor accepting a corrupted form of the Sunnah.
Allah says: “And whosoever contends with the Messenger after guidance has been made clear to him, and follows a way other than the way of the believers, We shall leave him in the path he has chosen, and land him in Hell, what an evil destination!”
The people will attempt to corrupt the Sunnah
We are taught in the revelation that the Sunnah shall become corrupted and this corruption would become the norm, so much so that the people who follow the Sunnah would become as strangers, and those that call to purifying the Sunnah would be slandered and reviled.
The Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “Islam began as something strange, and it shall return as something strange as it began. So Tooba (a tree in paradise) to the strangers.” It was asked, “who are the strangers?” He replied, “those that purify and correct what the people have corrupted of my Sunnah” (Tabaraanee in al-Kabeer [6/202])
And what is this corruption? It is none other than innovation, introducing into the pure religion of Allah new ways of worshipping Him that He has not taught, blemishing His religion with our whims and desires, something that Allah Himself condemns, “or do they have partners that legislate some religion which Allah has not given permission for?” (Surah Ash-Shura 42:21)
The Companion, Abdullaah ibn Mas’ud laments, “how will it be when the trials overcome you, in which the young grow old and the old grow senile. And the people take the bid’ah as the Sunnah, and when it changes they say: the Sunnah has changed. It was said: when will this be O Abu Abdurrahmaan? He replied: when your speakers are many and your scholars are few, and the wealthy ones are plenty and the trustworthy ones are few.” (ad-Daarimee)
How true this statement is today, that the innovations have become so widespread in the religion that the people have taken them to be the Sunnah. And when the true scholar speaks out against these innovations he is labelled as a ‘wahhabi’ by the people because to them it seems that he is changing the Sunnah. To Allah we complain of the ignorance of our times!
Only Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala has the right to tell us how to worship Him
“Follow that which has been revealed to you from your Lord, and do not follow as Friends and Protectors other than Him” (Surah Al-A’raaf 7:3)
From the tafseer of this verse we learn that this verse embodies a categorical statement that the privilege to tell people how to worship Allah belongs to Allah Alone. And how could it be otherwise when the true meaning of ibaadah is to worship Allah in a way which He is Pleased with and not according to our desires, “And who is more astray than the one who follows his own whims and desires devoid of revelation” (Surah Al-Qasas 28:50)
In this regard the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) said, “I warn you of the newly invented matters (in the religion),and every newly invented matter is an innovation, and every innovation is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire” (an-Nasaa’ee)
And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) used to say at the beginning of his lectures, “and the best speech is the Speech of Allah, and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad, and the worst of all affairs are the newly invented matters (in the religion) ” (Muslim)
And he (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) commanded us, “whosoever does an action which we have not commanded then it must be rejected.” (Muslim)And again, “whosoever introduces into this religion of ours that which is not part of it then it must be rejected” (Ahmad)
And in this hadith is a clear evidence that every action which is not legislated in the Shari’ah must be rejected’ [Jaami al-Ulum of ibn Rajab 1/120]
So every bid’ah that is introduced in the religion has to be rejected because only Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) have the right to legislate in the Shari’ah of Islam.
Shari’ah definition of bid’ah
Hence in the light of what has preceded we can now give the formal Shari’ah definition of bid’ah: “A newly invented way (in beliefs and actions) in the religion, in imitation of the Shari’ah, by which nearness to Allah is sought, not being supported by any authentic proof, neither in its foundations nor in the manner in which it is performed.” [al-I’tisaam 1/231 of ash-Shaatibee]
And in what has preceded is ample evidence for any fair-minded Muslim that all bid’ah is blameworthy, and in fact a major sin. But unfortunately the Muslims are in such a state today that the words of Allah and His Messenger (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) are no longer enough to convince them. And certain groups of people have come up with a new belief to assist them with the destruction of Islam. The belief of ‘bid’ah hasanah’, i.e. a good bid’ah, meaning that a scholar can introduce a new action of worship in Islam which can be considered to be good as long it does not contradict any of the principles of Islam. A belief that has absolutely no foundation in Islam at all. So we resort to the sayings of the Companions and the Imaams to illuminate the road ahead of these people.
The sayings of the Companions
Abdullaah ibn Umar (RA) states, “every innovation is misguidance, even if the people regard it as good.” (ad-Daarimee)
This narration is enough to demolish the concept of ‘a good bid’ah’, for you have amongst the most knowledgeable companions of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) saying the exact opposite. So who do you choose to follow, ibn Umar or these modern day Shaykhs and Mullahs who are Imaams of their own whims and desires.Abdullaah ibn Abbaas (RA) said, “do not sit with the people of innovation, for verily their sittings are a sickness for the hearts” [ash-shari’ah pg 65 of al-Aajurree (d.360)]
Mu’aadh bin Jabal (RA) used to say, whenever he sat in a circle of knowledge, “and I warn you of what is innovated, for all that is innovated is misguidance” [ash-shari’ah pg.55, also Abu Dawood with similar wording]
Abdullaah ibn Mas’ud (RA) said, “follow the Sunnah of Muhammad and do not innovate, for what you have been commanded is enough for you.” [ad-Daarimee]
Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman said, “every act of worship that the Companions did not do, do not do it” [Abu Dawood]
Is this not enough? That the Companions tell us to follow the way of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and not to make up new ways of worship? “whomsoever Allah guides to the truth, none can misguide him, and whomsoever Allah misguides, none can guide”! [Muslim]
The sayings of the 2nd & 3rd generation scholars
Hasan al-Basree said, “do not sit with the people of innovation, do not debate with them or listen to them” [ad-Daarimee 1/121]
Abu Aaliyah said, “learn Islam. Then when you have learned Islam, do not turn away from it to the right or to the left. But be upon the Straight Path and be upon the Sunnah of your Prophet and that which his companions were upon And beware of these innovations because they cause enmity and hatred amongst you, but stick to the original state of affairs that was there before they divided.” [al-Hilya of Abu Nu’aym 2/218]
Sufyaan ath-Thawree, “innovations are more beloved to Satan than sin. Since a sin may be repented from but an innovation is not repented from” [Sharh Usul I’tiqaad of al-Laalikaa’ee (d.414) no.238]
This is because the innovator believes that he is doing something good and therefore sees no need to repent. He also said, “so cling to the original state of affairs” [al-Hilya 6/376] meaning stick to the Way of Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) and his Companions.
Imaam al-Awzaa’ee said, “patiently restrict yourselves to the Sunnah, stop where the people stopped, say what they said, avoid what they avoided. Take to the path of the salaf, for indeed what was sufficient for them was sufficient for you.” [ash-shari’ah pg. 58]
Ibraaheem al-Masayrah said, “he who honours an innovator has assisted in the demolition of Islam” [Sharh Usul I’tiqaad 1/139]
The sayings of the Later Imaams
Imaam Abu Haneefah said, “stick to the narrations and the way of the salaf, and beware of the newly invented matters for all of it is innovation” [Sawnul Muntaq of as-Suyutee pg.32]
Imaam Maalik said, “he who innovates an innovation in Islam regarding it as something good, has claimed that Muhammad (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam) has betrayed his trust to deliver the message as Allah says, ‘this day have I perfected for you your religion’. And whatsoever was not part of the religion then, is not part of the religion today.” [al-I’tisaam]
He also said, “how evil are the People of Innovation, we do not give them salaam” [al-Ibaanah of ibn Battah (d.387) no.441]
Imaam Ahmad said, “the fundamental principles of the Sunnah with us are: avoiding innovations and every innovation is misguidance” [Usul as-Sunnah of Imaam Ahmad pg.1]
As for the narrations from Imaam ash-Shaafi’ee in which he categorises bid’ah into two, then it is weak as all of its chains of narrations depend upon unknown narrators. [al-Bid’ah of Shaykh Saleem al-Hilaalee, al-Masaabeeh fee Salaatit Taraaweeh of as-Suyutee with Alee Hasans footnotes].
Not only this but in his risalah he rejects the concept of istihsaan because ‘the person doing so has legislated in the Shari’ah’ i.e. without permission from Allah.
Imaam Bukhari said, “I have met more than a thousand scholars (then he mentioned the names of the more prominent in each of the lands that he travelled to) and I found that they all agreed on the following points: they all used to prohibit bid’ah – that which the Prophet and his Companions were not upon, because of the saying of Allah, ‘and hold fast to the rope of Allah and do not separate’” [Imaam Bukhari’s article on belief as quoted in Sharh Usul I’tiqaad 1/170. From amongst the scholars he met were: Ahmad bin Hanbal, Abu Ubaid al-Qaasim, ibn Ma’een, ibn Aasim, ibn Abee Shaybah.]
What’s narrated here is just a small number of the many authentic narrations that are found in various books, and Allah knows best. It is good to know that the early Imaams were prolific in writing and warning against bid’ah, and even today we have a number of books from them dealing just with this topic. Amongst them: Al-Bid’ah of al-Qarnushi, Al-Bid’ah of ibn Waddah, Al-I’tisaam of ash-Shaatibee and many more.
So once this topic becomes clear, a truth that none can deny, then know that all these innovations in the religions are a clear denial of the abovementioned verses and ahadith, for none were done by the Companions.
So reflect on following the hadith of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam): “So he who follows my Sunnah has been guided, and he who follows the innovations has been destroyed.” (Ahmad)And our Lord the Most High is the One that guides to attaining the truth.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)