Fajr:
i) First two rakat Sunnat Mokadda
ii) Two rakat Fard

Zuhr:
i) Four rakat Sunnat Mokadda
ii) Four rakat Fard
iii) Two rakat sunnat Mokadda
iv) Two rakat Nafl (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

Asr:
i) Four rakat sunnat ghair mokadda (Optional but spiritually beneficial)
ii) Four rakat Fard

Maghrib
i) Three rakat Fard
ii) Two rakat Sunnat Mokadda
iii) Two rakat nafl (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

Isha:
i) Four rakat sunnat e Ghair Mokadda (Optional but spiritually beneficial)
ii) Four rakat Fard
iii) Two Rakat Sunnat Mokadda
iv) Two rakat Nafil (Optional but spiritually beneficial)
v) Three rakat Wajib
vi) Two rakat Nafil (Optional but spiritually beneficial)

Must be with Wudu for all Salahs. Do you know how to perform Wudu? Click here for instructions.

Reality of AngelsIn common folklore, angels are thought of as good forces of nature, hologram images, or illusions. Western iconography sometimes depicts angels as fat cherubic babies or handsome young men or women with a halo surrounding their head. In Islamic doctrine, they are real created beings who will eventually suffer death, but are generally hidden from our senses.

They are not divine or semi-divine, and they are not God’s associates running different districts of the universe. Also, they are not objects to be worshipped or prayed to, as they do not deliver our prayers to God. They all submit to God and carry out His commands.

In the Islamic worldview, there are no fallen angels: they are not divided into ‘good’ and ‘evil’ angels. Human beings do not become angels after death. Satan is not a fallen angel, but is one of the jinn, a creation of God parallel to human beings and angels.

Angels were created from light before human beings were created, and thus their graphic or symbolic representation in Islamic art is rare. Nevertheless, they are generally beautiful beings with wings as described in Muslim scripture.

Angels form different cosmic hierarchies and orders in the sense that they are of different size, status, and merit.

The greatest of them is Gabriel. The Prophet of Islam actually saw him in his original form. Also, the attendants of God’s Throne are among the greatest angels. They love the believers and beseech God to forgive them their sins. They carry the Throne of God, about whom the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, said:

“I have been given permission to speak about one of the angels of God who carry the Throne. The distance between his ear-lobes and his shoulders is equivalent to a seven-hundred-year journey.” (Abu Daud)

They do not eat or drink. The angels do not get bored or tired of worshipping God:

“They celebrate His praises night and day, nor do they ever slacken.” (Quran 21:20)
The Number of AngelsHow many angels there are? Only God knows. The Much-Frequented House is a sacred heavenly sanctuary above the Kaaba, the black cube in the city of Mecca. Every day seventy thousand angels visit it and leave, never returning to it again, followed by another group.^{^[1]}
The Names of AngelsMuslims believe in specific angels mentioned in the Islamic sources like Jibreel (Gabriel), Mika'eel (Michael), Israfeel, Malik - the guard over Hell, and others. Of these, only Gabriel and Michael are mentioned in the Bible.
Angelic AbilitiesThe angels possess great powers given to them by God. They can take on different forms. The Muslim scripture describes how at the moment of Jesus’ conception, God sent Gabriel to Mary in the form of a man:

“…Then We sent to her Our angel, and he appeared before her as a man in all respects.” (Quran 19:17)

Angels also visited Abraham in human form. Similarly, angels came to Lot to deliver him from danger in the form of handsome, young men. Gabriel used to visit Prophet Muhammad in different forms. Sometimes, he would appear in the form of one of his handsome disciples, and sometimes in the form of a desert Bedouin.

Angels have the ability to take human forms in some circumstances involving common people.

Gabriel is God’s heavenly messenger to mankind. He would convey the revelation from God to His human messengers. God says:

“Say: whoever is an enemy to Gabriel - for he brings down the (revelation) to your heart by God’s will...” (Quran 2:97)
Tasks of the AngelsSome angels are put in charge of executing God’s law in the physical world. Michael is responsible for rain, directing it wherever God wishes. He has helpers who assist him by the command of his Lord; they direct the winds and clouds, as God wills. Another is responsible for blowing the Horn, which will be blown by Israafeel at the onset of the Day of Judgment. Others are responsible for taking souls out of the bodies at the time of death: the Angel of Death and his assistants. God says:

“Say: the Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls, then shall you be brought back to your Lord.” (Quran 32:11)

Then there are guardian angels responsible for protecting the believer throughout his life, at home or traveling, asleep or awake.

Others are responsible for recording the deeds of man, good and bad. These are known as the “honorable scribes.”

Two angels, Munkar and Nakeer, are responsible for testing people in the grave.

Among them are keepers of Paradise and the nineteen ‘guards’ of Hell whose leader is named ‘Malik.’

There are also angels responsible for breathing the soul into the fetus and writing down its provisions, life-span, actions, and whether it will be wretched or happy.

Some angels are roamers, traveling around the world in search of gatherings where God is remembered. There are also angels constituting God’s heavenly army, standing in rows, they never get tired or sit down, and others who bow or prostrate, and never raise their heads, always worshipping God.

As we learn from above, the angels are a grandiose creation of God, varying in numbers, roles, and abilities. God is in no need of these creatures, but having knowledge and belief in them adds to the awe that one feels towards God, in that He is able to create as He wishes, for indeed the magnificence of His creation is a proof of the magnificence of the Creator.

What are some ways that help to pray Qiyam Allayl or tahajjud (late night voluntary prayers)?









According to a hadeeth narrated by Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Our Lord admires two men: a man who leaves his mattress and cover, and slips away from his wife and lover, to go and pray. Allaah says, ‘O My angels, look at My slave. He has left his mattress and cover and slipped away from his lover and wife to pray, out of hope for what is with Me and out of fear of what is with Me.” (Reported by Ahmad. It is a hasan (sound) report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 258).

Qiyaam al-Layl expels forgetfulness from the heart, as is stated in the hadeeth narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with them both), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites ten aayaat (verses)in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout , and whoever prays a thousand aayaat in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635).

Yahyaa ibn Mu’aadh said: “The medicine of the heart is five things: reading Qur’aan and pondering the meaning, having an empty stomach, praying at night (qiyaam al-layl), beseeching Allaah at the time of suhoor, and keeping company with righteous people.”

4 – Studying how the salaf and righteous people practised qiyaam al-layl and adhered to it. The salaf used to enjoy qiyaam al-layl and rejoice greatly in doing it. ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Wahb said: “Every type of pleasure is enjoyed only once, except for acts of worship, which are enjoyed three times: when you do it, when you remember it, and when you are given the reward for it.”

Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir said: “There is nothing left of the joys of this life except three: qiyaam al-layl, meeting one’s brothers in faith, and praying in congregation.”

Thaabit al-Banaani said: “There is nothing I enjoy more than qiyaam al-layl.”

Yazeed al-Riqaashi said: “A lot of tahajjud brings delight to the worshippers, and a lot of thirst (i.e., fasting), brings joy when they meet Allaah.”

Mukhallad ibn Husayn said: “I never woke up at night except I saw Ibraaheem ibn Adham remembering Allaah and praying, and this made me depressed, so I consoled myself with this aayah (interpretation of the meaning): ‘…That is the Grace of Allaah which He bestows on whom He pleases. And Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty’ [al-Hadeed 54:21].”

Abu ‘Aasim al-Nabeel said: “Abu Haneefah used to be called al-Watad (pole or pillar) because he prayed so much.”

Al-Qaasim ibn Ma’een said: “Abu Haneefah spent an entire night in qiyaam reciting this aayah (interpretation of the meaning): ‘Nay, but the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter’ [al-Qamar 54:46], repeating it and weeping, beseeching Allaah until morning came.”

Ibraaheem ibn Shammaas said: “I used to see Ahmad ibn Hanbal staying up at night to pray when he was a young man.”

Abu Bakr al-Marwadhi said: “I was with Imaam Ahmad for nearly four months in the army, and he never stopped praying qiyaam at night or reading Qur’aan during the day, and I never knew when he completed the Qur’aan, because he kept that secret.”

Imaam al-Bukhaari used to pray qiyaam and tahajjud at night until the time of suhoor, and he would read between a half and a third of the Qur’aan, and complete it at suhoor every third night.

Al-‘Allaamah Ibn ‘Abd al-Haadi said, describing the qiyaam of Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah: “At night he would keep away from people, and spend that time only with his Lord, beseeching Him continually and reciting Qur’aan, repeating different kinds of acts of worship by night and by day. When he began to pray, his body would start to tremble, leaning to the left and right.”

Ibn Rajab said concerning his shaykh Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim: “He was a man of worship, tahajjud and lengthy prayers. I have never seen his equal in worship and knowledge of the Qur’aan, hadeeth and principles of faith.”

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar said, describing his shaykh al-Haafiz al-‘Iraaqi: “I stayed with him, and I never saw him forsake qiyaam al-layl: it was like a habit for him.”

5 – Sleeping on one’s right side. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) taught his ummah (followers)to sleep on their right sides, as is reported in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side, then let him say, ‘Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi wa bika arfa’uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamhaa wa in arsaltahaa fahfazhaa bimaa tahfazu bihi ‘ibaadaka al-saaliheen (In Your Name, my Lord, I lay myself down and I get up again. If You take my soul, then have mercy on it, and if You send it back to me, then protect it with that with which You protect Your righteous slaves).’” (Agreed upon).

Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you want to go to bed, do wudoo’ as for prayer, then lie down on your right side.” (Agreed upon)

Hafsah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to bed, he would put his right hand under his right cheek.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani, Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4523).

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: “There is a reason for his lying on his right side, which is that the heart is located on the left, so if a person lays on his left side, he will sleep too deeply, because the heart’s position will be too comfortable, but if he sleeps on his right side, he will not be too settled, so he won’t sleep deeply.”

6 – Sleeping in a state of tahaarah (purity). We have already quoted the hadeeth of al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him), in which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “When you go to bed, do wudoo’ as if for prayer.” (Agreed upon).

Mu’aad ibn Jabal (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “There is no Muslim who goes to sleep remembering Allaah and in a state of purity, and when he turns over he asks Allaah for good in this world and the next, but it will be given to him.” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ahmad. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5754).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Purify these bodies and Allaah will purify you, for there is no slave who goes to sleep in a state of purity but an angel spends the night with him, and every time he turns over, [the angel] says, ‘O Allaah, forgive Your slave, for he went to bed in a state of purity.’” (Reported by al-Tabaraani. Al-Mundhiri said, its isnaad is jaayid. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 3831).

7 – Going to sleep early. Sleeping straight after ‘Ishaa’ is the advice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and a good and healthy habit. One of the ahaadeeth that describe its virtues was narrated by Abu Barzah al-Aslami (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to prefer to delay ‘Ishaa’, and he did not like to sleep before it or talk after it. (Reported by al-Bukhaari).

Al-Haafiz Ibn Hajar reported that al-Qaadi ‘Ayaad said, concerning the phrase “He did not like to sleep before it”: “Because that could lead to one praying it too late, or delaying it until after the preferred time, and talking after it could lead to one sleeping before Fajr and missing it, or missing qiyaam al-layl.”

Ibn Raafi’ said: “ ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him) used to wave his stick at the people when darkness fell, and would say, ‘Get up and go, may Allaah help you to pray qiyaam at night!’”

Another matter that has to do with sleep is choosing a suitable bed, not one that is excessively luxurious or soft, because that makes a person sleep too much and become negligent, and causes laziness and carelessness. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: “The pillow of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on which he slept at night was made of leather stuffed with palm fibres.” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ahmad. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4714).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that ‘Umar ibn al-Khattaab entered upon the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) when he was lying on a mat of palm fibres that had left marks on his side. ‘Umar said, “O Messenger of Allaah, why do you not get something more comfortable than this?” He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “What do I have to do with this world? My relationship with this world is like that of a traveller on a hot summer’s day, who seeks shade under a tree for an hour, then moves on.” (Reported by Ahmad and al-Haakim. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5545).

‘Ali ibn Bakkaar (may Allaah have mercy on him) used to have a slave-woman who would spread out his bed for him, and he would touch it with his hand and say: “By Allaah, you are good, and by Allaah you are cool, but by Allaah I will not rest on you tonight.” Then he would get up and pray qiyaam until Fajr.

Also, one should not sleep too much or too deeply. Ibraaheem ibn Adham said: “If you are sleeping at night, and running about during the day, and always committing sin, how can you earn the pleasure of the One Who is directing your affairs?”

8 – Having the habit of reciting adhkaar (words of remembrance of Allah) prescribed by sharee’ah (Islamic law) before going to sleep, because these adhkaar are like a fortress which protects a person from the Shaytaan, by the permission of Allaah, and helps him to get up for qiyaam. Among these adhkaar is that mentioned in the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him), who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you goes to bed, let him clear his bed by hitting it with his garment, for he does not know what may have come onto it. Then let him lie down on his right side, then let him say, ‘Bismika Rabbi wada’tu janbi wa bika arfa’uhu. In amsakta nafsi farhamhaa wa in arsaltahaa fahfazhaa bimaa tahfazu bihi ‘ibaadaka al-saaliheen (In Your Name, my Lord, I lay myself down and I get up again. If You take my soul, then have mercy on it, and if You send it back to me, then protect it with that with which You protect Your righteous slaves).’” (Agreed upon).

‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to bed each night, he would put his palms together, blow in them, and recite Qul huwa Allaahu ahad, Qul a’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Naas, then he would wipe as much of his body as he could with his hands, starting with his head and face, and the front of his body, doing this three times. (Agreed upon).

Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites the last two aayahs of Soorat al-Baqarah, this will take care of him.” (Agreed upon).

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to bed, he would say: “Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi at’amanaa wa saqaanaa, wa kafaanaa fa kam mimman laa kaafeeya lahu wa laa mu’weeya lahu (Praise be to Allaah Who has fed us and given us to drink, and Who has given us enough, for how many are there who have no-one to suffice them or give them refuge).” (Reported by Muslim).

According to the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah in which he tells the story of how he captured the Shaytaan, the Shaytaan said to him: “When you go to bed, recite Aayat al-Kursi, ‘Allaah! None has the right to be worshipped but He, the Ever-Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists…’ [al-Baqarah 2:255 – interpretation of the meaning] until the end of it, because it will bring Allaah’s protection for you, and no shaytaan (devil) will approach you until morning comes.” Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) mentioned this to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he said, “He spoke the truth even though he is a liar.” (Agreed upon).

‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that when the Prophet’s daughter Faatimah (may Allaah be pleased with her) came to him and asked him for a servant, he (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to her and ‘Ali: “Shall I not teach you something that will be better for you than a servant? When you go to bed, say ‘Subhaan Allaah’ thirty-three times, ‘al-hamdu Lillaah’ thirty-three times, and ‘Allaahu akbar’ thirty-four times. This is better for you than a servant.” (Agreed upon).

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Recite ‘Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon’ when you go to sleep, for it is a renunciation of shirk.” (polytheism) (Reported by al-Bayhaqi. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1172).

Hafsah (may Allaah be pleased with her) reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) went to bed, he would put his right hand under his right cheek and say: ‘Rabbi qinee ‘adhaabaka yawma tab’athu ‘ibaadaka (My Lord, save me from Your punishment on the Day when You resurrect Your slaves).’” (Reported by Abu Dawood, Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4532).

Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When you go to bed, do wudoo’ as if for prayer, then lie down on your right side, then say: ‘Allaahummah aslamtu nafsi ilayk, wa wajahtu wajhi ilayk, wa fawwadtu amri ilayk, wa alja’tu zahri ilayk, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilayk, laa malja’a wa laa manjaa minka illa ilayk. Aamantu bi kitaabik alladhi anzalt, wa bi nabiyyik alladhi arsalt (O Allaah, I submit myself to You, I turn my face to You, I delegate my affairs to You and I rely totally on You, out of fear and hope of You. There is no refuge or sanctuary from You except in You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent).’ Then if you die, you will have died on the fitrah, (natural state) , so make these the last words you speak.” (Agreed upon).

Similarly, the Muslim should have the habit of reciting adhkaar prescribed by sharee’ah when waking up, such as that reported by Abu Hurayrah, who said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you wakes up, he should say: ‘Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi radda ‘alayya roohi, wa ‘aafaani fi jasadi wa adhina li bi dhikrihi (Praise be to Allaah Who has restored my soul, given health to my body, and allowed me to remember Him).” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and al-Nisaa'i, Saheeh al-Jaami’, 326).

‘Ubaadah ibn al-Saamit (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever turns over at night and says ‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘a’l kulli shay’in qadeer. Al-hamdulillahi, subhaan Allaah wa laa illaaha ill-Allaah wa Allaahu akbar wa laa hawla wa laa quwwata illa Billaah (There is no god but Allaah Alone, with no partner or associate. His is the Dominion and the Praise, and He is Able to do all things. Praise be to Allaah, glory be to Allaah. There is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great and there is no strength and no power except in Allaah),’ then says, ‘Allaahumma ‘ghfir li (O Allaah, forgive me),’ or some other du’aa’, it will be answered, and if he does wudoo’ and then prays, his prayer will be accepted.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari)

Imaam Ibn Battaal said: “Allaah has promised through His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) that whoever wakes up from his sleep pronouncing words of Tawheed, submitting to His sovereignty, recognizing His blessings by praising Him, exalting Him above that which does not befit Him by glorifying Him (saying ‘Subhaan Allaah’), submitting to Him by magnifying Him (saying ‘Allaahu akbar’) and admitting one’s utter dependence upon His help, then if he makes du’aa’ it will be answered, and if he prays his prayer will be accepted. Everyone who hears this hadeeth should apply it and make the most of it, and make his intention sincerely for his Lord, may He be glorified and exalted.”

Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: “When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) woke up, he would say: ‘Al-hamdu Lillaah illadhi ahyaanaa ba’da maa amaatanaa wa ilayhi al-nushoor (Praise be to Allaah Who has brought us back to life after having caused us to die, and unto Him is the resurrection).’” (Reported by Muslim).

Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that when the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) woke up he would wipe the sleep from his face with his hand, then look at the sky and recite the final ten aayaat of Soorat Aal ‘Imran: “Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth…” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:190 – interpretation of the meaning].” (Reported by Muslim)

Imaam al-Nawawi said: “This indicates that it is mustahabb (recommended) to wipe away the traces of sleep from one’s face, and to recite these aayaat when getting up from sleep.”

9 – Being keen to take a nap or siesta during the day, whether before zuhr or after. Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Take a nap, for the shayaateen do not take naps.” (Reported by al-Tabaraani. Al-Saheehah, 2647).

Ishaaq ibn ‘Abd-Allaah said: “Taking a nap is one of the deeds of good people. It revitalizes the heart and helps one to pray qiyaam al-layl.”

Al-Hasan al-Basri passed by a group of people in the marketplace in the middle of the day, and heard the racket they were making. He said, “Do these people take a nap?” It was said to him, “No.” He said, “I think their nights must be bad.”

10 – Avoiding eating or drinking too much. Eating and drinking too much are two of the main obstacles that prevent people from praying qiyaam al-layl. Al-Miqdaam ibn Ma’d Yakrib (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Man fills no vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to have a few mouthfuls to give him the strength he needs. If he has to fill his stomach, then let him leave one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Maajah. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 5674).

Abu Juhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to a man who burped in his presence: “Stop your burping, for the people who eat the most in this life will be the most hungry on the Day of Resurrection.” (Reported by al-Haakim. Saheeh al-Jaami’, 1190).

Sufyaan al-Thawri said: “You should eat little, so that you will be able to pray qiyaam al-layl.”

Ma’qal ibn Habeeb saw some people eating a lot, and said, ‘I do not think that our companions want to pray qiyaam al-layl.”

Wahb ibn Munabbih said: “There is no son of Adam dearer to his shaytaan than the one who eats and sleeps a lot.”

11 – Striving against oneself to pray qiyaam al-layl. This is one of the best means of helping oneself to pray qiyaam, because human nature is inclined towards wrongdoing, so the one who follows his own inclinations will be led to doom and destruction. Allaah has commanded us to strive against our own selves, as He says (interpretation of the meanings):

“And strive hard in Allaah’s Cause as you ought to strive…” [al-Hajj 22:78]

“And as for those who strive hard in Our Cause, We will surely guide them to Our Paths. And verily, Allaah is with the muhsinoon (good-doers).” [al-‘Ankaboot 29:69]

“Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope, and they spend (charity in Allaah’s Cause) out of what We have bestowed on them” [al-Sajdah 32:16]

Fadaalah ibn ‘Ubayd (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The mujaahid (warrior) is the one who strives against his own self for the sake of Allaah.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ibn Hibbaan. Al-Saheehah, 549).

According to the hadeeth of ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Aamir (may Allaah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When a man from my ummah gets up to pray at night, striving against his own self to get up and purify himself, there are knots on him. When he washes his hands in wudoo’, one knot is undone. When he washes his face, another knot is undone. When he wipes his head another knot is undone. When he washes his feet, another knot is undone. Then Allaah says to those who are veiled (in the Unseen): ‘Look at this slave of Mine, he is striving against his own self and asking of Me. Whatever My slave asks of Me shall be his.” (Reported by Ahmad and Ibn Hibaan. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 627).

Muhammad ibn al-Munkadir said: “I struggled against my own self for forty years until it became right.” Thaabit al-Banaani said: “I struggled for twenty years to make myself pray qiyaam al-layl, and I enjoyed it (qiyaam al-layl) for twenty years.” ‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez said: “The best of deeds are those which we force ourselves to do.” ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Mubaarak said: “The souls of righteous people in the past used to push them to do good deeds, but our souls do not do what we want them to do except by force, so we have to force them.” Qutaadah said: “O son of Adam, if you do not want to do any good except when you have the energy for it, then your nature is more inclined towards boredom and laziness. The true believer is the one who pushes himself.”

12 – Avoiding sin. If the Muslim wants to be one of those who earn the honour of speaking to Allaah in the depths of the night, let him beware of sin, for the one who is contaminated with the stain of sin will not be helped to pray qiyaam al-layl. A man said to Ibraaheem ibn Adham, “I cannot pray qiyaam al-layl, so tell me the cure for this.” He said, “Do not commit sin during the day, and He will help you to stand before Him at night, for your standing before Him at night is one of the greatest honours, and the sinner does not deserve that honour.”

A man said to al-Hasan al-Basri: “”O Abu Sa’eed, I sleep in good health, and I love to pray qiyaam al-layl, and I prepare water with which to purify myself, so why can I not get up?” Al-Hasan said: “Your sins are restricting you.” He said, may Allaah have mercy on him, “The slave who commits a sin will be denied the opportunity to pray qiyaam at night and to fast during the day.”

Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Ayaad said: “If you cannot pray qiyaam al-layl, or fast during the day, know that you are indeed deprived and restricted, chained by your sins.”

13 – Checking oneself and rebuking oneself for not praying qiyaam al-layl. Checking oneself is one of the signs of the righteous and truthful. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! Fear Allaah and keep your duty to Him. And let every person look to what he has sent forth for the morrow, and fear Allaah. Verily, Allaah is All-Aware of what you do.” [al-Hashr 59:18].

Imaam Ibn al-Qayyim said: “If the slave is responsible and accountable for everything, even his hearing, sight and innermost thoughts, as Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning), ‘…Verily, the hearing, and the sight, and the heart of each of you will be questioned by Allaah’ [al-Isra’ 17:36], then he should check on himself before he is brought to account.”

Qiyaam al-layl is an act of worship that connects the heart to Allaah, may He be exalted, and enables it to overcome the temptations of life and to strive against one’s own self, at the time when voices are stilled, eyes are closed in sleep, and sleepers are tossing and turning in their beds. Therefore qiyaam al-layl is one of the measures of sincere determination and one of the qualities of those who have great ambitions. Allaah has praised them and distinguished them from others in the Qur’aan, where He says (interpretation of the meaning): “Is one who is obedient to Allaah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)? Say: ‘Are those who know equal to those who know not?’ It is only men of understanding who will remember.” [al-Zumar 39:9]

Qiyaam al-layl is “sunnah mu’akkadah” (confirmed Sunnah), which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) urged us to do when he said, “You should pray qiyaam al-layl, for it is the habit of the righteous people who came before you, and it will bring you closer to your Lord, expiate for bad deeds, prevent sin, and expel disease from the body.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi and Ahmad).

According to a hadeeth, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The best of prayers after the prescribed prayers is qiyaam al-layl.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) always had the habit of praying qiyaam al-layl, and never gave it up, whether he was travelling or staying at home. Even though he, among all the sons of Adam, would be the one to have all his past and future sins forgiven, he prayed qiyaam al-layl until his feet became swollen, and when he was asked about that, he said, “Should I not be a grateful slave?” (Agreed upon).

This is how the noble salaf were, may Allaah have mercy upon them. Abu’l-Darda’ (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “Pray two rak’ahs in the darkness of the night for the darkness of the grave.” Ahmad ibn Harb said: “I am astonished at people who know that the delights of Paradise lie above them and the horrors of Hell lie beneath them. How can they sleep in between them?”

When ‘Umar ibn Dharr saw that night had come, he would say: “Night has come, and night has dignity, and Allaah is most deserving of reverence.”

For this reason, al-Fudayl ibn ‘Ayaad said: “I met some people who feel ashamed before Allaah to sleep for too long in the depths of the night. Such a person may be resting on his side, and when he moves, he says to himself, ‘This is not your right. Get up and take your share of the Hereafter.’”

Al-Hasan said: “We do not know of any deed more difficult than the struggle to stay up at night or to spend money.” It was said to him, “Why do the mutahajjadeen (those who pray Tahajjud at night) have the most beautiful faces?” He said, “Because they spend time alone with the Most Merciful, so He adorns them with some of His light.”

The women of the salaf also used to strive to pray qiyaam al-layl with energy and determination. Where are the women of our own age when it comes to such great deeds? ‘Urwah ibn al-Zubayr said: “I came to ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) one day to greet her, and I found her praying and reciting the aayah (interpretation of the meaning), ‘But Allaah has been gracious to us, and has saved us from the torment of the Fire’ [al-Toor 52:27], repeating it and weeping. I waited for her, but I got bored of waiting, so I went to the market for some things I needed, then I came back to ‘Aa’ishah, and she was still praying and reciting this aayah and weeping.”

Anas ibn Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Jibreel said to me, ‘Go back to Hafsah, for she fasts a lot and prays a lot at night (qiyaam al-layl).’” (Reported by al-Haakim, Saheeh al-Jaami’, 4227).

Mu’aadhah al-‘Adawiyyah, one of the righteous Taabi’aat (successors of the companions of the Prophet) spent her wedding night, along with her husband Silah ibn Ashyam, praying until Fajr. When her husband and son were killed in the land of jihaad (battle), she would spend the whole night in prayer, worshipping and beseeching Allaah, and she would sleep during the day. If she felt sleepy whilst she was praying at night, she would tell herself: “O soul, there is plenty of sleep ahead of you.”

When Habeebah al-‘Adawiyyah prayed ‘Ishaa’, she would stand on the roof of her house, wearing her chemise and khimaar (i.e., covered in proper Islamic dress), then she would say, “O my God, the stars have come out, people have gone to sleep, and kings have closed their doors, but Your door is open. Every lover is alone with his lover, but here I am standing before You.” Then she would start to pray and talk to her Lord until the time of suhoor. When the time of suhoor came, she would say, “O Allaah, this night is ending, the day is coming, and I wish I knew whether you have accepted this night (of worship) from me, so that I could congratulate myself, or if it has been rejected, so that I might console myself.”

‘Amrah, the wife of Habeeb al-‘Ajami, prayed qiyaam al-layl one night whilst her husband was asleep. When the time for suhoor came, and her husband was still asleep, she woke him up and said to him, “Get up, my master, for the night has gone, the day has come and ahead of you lies a long road with little provision, and a small group of righteous people who have gone before us, and we are still here.”

We ask Allaah to help us to remember Him, to thank Him and to worship Him properly. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.


Sheikh Muhammed Salih Al-Munajjid

It is true that the first learning center for a child is the mother’s lap. The mannerisms of the parents are reflected in the children.


<div style="margin-left:25px;">The story of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani is famous: When he was traveling with a caravan, a gang of thieves robbed the caravan, when it came time to check Abdul Qadir Jeelani (Rahmatullahi Alaih), an eighteen year old young man, the thieves inquired if he had any valuables to which told them about money which had been sewn in his clothes by his mother. The thieves asked out of curiosity as to why he let them know of the sewn money to which he told them that his mother had advised him before leaving ‘to never lie’ upon which the thieves become ashamed and repented to Allah.


It is the duty of the parents to be an example to their children and advise them. Allah (Subhanahu Ta’ala) tells us of the advise that Luqman Hakeem gave to his son, “Behold, Luqman said To his son by way of instruction: “O my son! Join not others with Allah; association with Allah is indeed the highest wrong-doing.”

Then after some ayaat, the advise continues,
O my son! If there be (but) the weight of a mustard-seed and it were (hidden) in a rock or (anywhere) in the heavens or on earth, Allah will bring it forth; for Allah knows the finest mysteries, (and) is well-acquainted (with them).

O my son! Establish regular prayer, enjoin what is Just, and forbid what is wrong; and bear with patient constancy whatever befalls thee; these are affairs of determination.

And swell not thy check (for pride) at men, nor walk in insolence through the earth; For Allah loveth not Any arrogant boaster.

And be moderate in thy pace, and lower they voice; for the harshest of sounds without doubt is the braying of an ass.

(Surah Luqman)

We can recall not to long ago in our Muslim culture that all the grown-ups in the community would take the role of guiders for the youth. No child dared acting up in front of elders in any gathering. All the elders held enough authority that they could discipline the child without having to face the wrath of the parents as is the case today. As a result, children tend to misbehave and disrespect elders because they no longer have fear discipline from anyone besides that parents and that too is seen little.

Parents find out too late that what they thought was giving ‘freedom’ to their children was really digging a hole for them. Being affectionate to your child is one thing but to let them free to do anything is not affection rather it is hurting the child. Ah, this is all a result of the parents forgetting the duty of teaching the child. More often the television takes the place of the parent and it is from here the child gains much of his/her ill-mannerisms. Today, I ask you to take my words to be a reminder and a word of caution.

When the child is able to speak a little, teach them the name of Allah. Before, mothers would put their children to sleep by chanting Allah Allah, but now it is by playing the music on the radio.

When children are mature do not do anything in front them which will ruin their mannerisms because they tend to copy these acts, they do whatever they see their parents doing. Never argue with your spouse in front of them because this leaves puts a lot of stress on the child and causes them to think that they are the cause of the argument. Never curse your children.

Pray Salah in front of them, recite Quran, take them to the Masjid with you, and tell them stories of our pious predecessors, they like to listen to stories very much. Hearing stories with lessons and morals will increase their good habits. When they are a little older, teach them the five Kalimat, Imane Mujmal, Imane Mufassal, and then teach them Salah.

Put them in under the teaching of an Allah-fearing, Mutaqee Saheehul Aqeeda Hafiz or Maulvi of to learn Quran Majeed and knowledge of the deen so they can learn of the beautiful religion to which they belong. Teach them the masail of gusul, wudu, and salah.

If Allah gives you taufeeq, make atleast on your children Alim or Alimah or Hafiz or Hafiza. A Hafiz will get three generations forgiven and Alim will get seven generations forgiven [on the Day of Judgement]. It is baseless to think that an Alim has no source of earning bread for his family. Know that one does not get more than destined by learning uloom of the dunya; one will get what Razzaq has written for him.

Teach your children simplicity and do not expose them to materialism. Teach them the value of doing thier own work. Send them to college, make them judges, make them doctors or any successful and halal career in this world but make them such that they take on these professions as honest Muslims who know their religion.

Omair Abdul Jabbar

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Isa bin Muhammad (Alaihir Rahmah) says that I once saw Abu Bakr bin Mujahid (Alaihir Rahmah) after his death in a dream reading the Holy Quran. I asked, "You have died, how are you reciting," upon which he said, "After every Salah and finishing of the Quran, I would pray "O Allah, give me the Taufiq to recite the Quran in my grave" and that is why I am praying." (Faizan-e-Sunnat)



Ahadith



The Holy Prophet said:

1) The best of you is he who learnt the Holy Quran and taught it to others. (Bukhari)

2) Undoubtedly, the heart gets rusted like metal gets rusted when water goes over it. The People asked, "How can they [hearts] be cleaned." The Prophet replied, "To remember death in abundance and to recite the Holy Quran." (Mishkat)

3) That chest which does not have any Quran in it is like an abandoned house. (Tirmizi, Darmi)

4) Whoever read the Quran and memorized it and belived its' Halal to be Halal and its Haram to be Haram [i.e., accepted it commandments of Halal and Haraam], Allah will accept the intercession for such 10 people on from him whom Hell had already become Wajib. (Tirmizi, Ibn-e-Majah)

5) Whoever is an expert in reciting the Holy Quran is with the Kiraman Katebeen and whoever reads the Quran with pauses and it is difficult for him, that is, his tounge does not move easily and he recites with difficutly for him there are two rewards. (Bahar-e-Shariat)

6) The one who has memorized Quran will be told to read and climb and recite with Tarteel (clear and distinct recitation) like you used to read with Tarteel in the Dunya; your place will be where you read your last Ayat. (Bahar-e-Shariat)

7) Allah says, "Whoever was kept busy with the [recitation] of Quran from my Zikr and asking me, I will give him better than those who I give to those who ask" and the excellence of the Word of Allah over all the other words is like the excellence of Allah over all his creation.

8) Learn the Quran and read it because whoever learned the Quran and read it and did Qayam with it is like a bag filled with Musk whose fragrance is spread everywhere and whoever learned the Quran and slept that is he did not do Qiyamul Layl is like a bag which is filled with Musk and its mouth has been closed. (Tirmizi, Ibn-e-Majah, Nisaee)

9) Read the Quran when you heart feels affection and attachment and when your heart becomes bored stand up that is stop reciting the Quran. (Saheeh Bukhari and Muslim)

10) Decorate the Quran with your (good) voices. (Mishkat)

11) O People of the Quran, do not make the Quran a pillow, that is do not be lazy and be careless, and read the Quran in the day and night like it is the Haq of Recitation, and spread it, that is, read with good voices or do not take compensation for it, and whatever is in it, reflect upon itso that you may attain success, and do not hurry in its reward because the reward for it is great (which will be given in the Akhirah). (Bahiqi)



Rewards for certain Surahs and Ayahs



The Holy Prophet said:

1) Surah Fatiha is a cure from every illness. (Darmi, Bahiqi)

2) Do not make your home a graveyard, the Shaitan runs from the home in which Surah Baqrah is recited. (Sahih Muslim)

3) Whoever memorized the first ten ayahs of Surah Kahf will be saved the Dajjal. (Sahih Muslim)

4) Whoever recites Surah Kahf on the day of Jummah, there will be a Nur brightened for him between two Jummahs.

5) Everything has a heart and the heart of the Quran is Surah Yaseen, whoever read Yaseen, Allah will write the reward of reading the Quran ten times from him. (Tirmizi and Darmi)

6) Whoever reads Surah Yaseen for the pleasure of Allah, his past sins will be forgiven so read this near your deceased. (Bahiqi)

7) (Reading) Qul hu WAllahu Ahad (Surah Ikhlas) is equal to [reading] one third of the Quran.

8) Whoever read Ayatul Kursi after every Fard Salah, he will be under the protection and security of Allah. (Dailmi on the Authority of Sayeduna Ali)

9) (On the Day of Judgement) a caller will say O Recitor of Surah Inaam, come to Jannat for loving Surah Inaam and its recitation.

10) Surah Tabarak (Surah Mulk) saves one from Hell.

11) Whatever task is not begun with Bismillahir Rahamnir Raheem remains incomplete and unfinished.



Ettiquteets and Rules of Tilawat:

1) To memorize one Ayah of the Quran is Fard-e-Aeen on every Mukallaf Muslim; to memorize the entire Holy Quran is Fard-e-Kafyah; to memorize Surah Fatiha and a small Surah or something similar like three small Ayahs or one long Ayah is Wajib-e-Aeen. (Durre Mukhtar)

2) To read the Holy Quran while looking at it is better then reading without looking at it because in this case one touches the Holy Quran, sees the Holy Quran, and reads the Holy Quran and all this is Ibadat. (Bahar-e-Shariat)

3) To read the Holy Quran in the restroom and such places of impurity is not allowed (Na-Jaiz)

4) It is Haraam that everybody read the Holy Quran in a gathering loudly at once, however, it is necessary to read loudly enough so that one can hear what he/she is reading, that is, if there is no other distraction like noise. (Bhare-e-Shariat) Also, many children read together at once in a Madrsa loudly for learning purposes and this is okay.

5) It is better to read the Quran loudly that is if somebody praying, sleeping, or somebody ill will not be distracted. (Gunyah)

6) If somebody is reciting the Quran incorrectly then it is Wajib to tell him/her unless if one fears jealousy and hate. (Gunyah)

7) To memorize the Holy Quran and then to forget it is a sin.

8) It is from the ettiqutes of respecting the Holy Quran that one does not put their back towards the Quran or spread their legs towards the Quran or sit in a high place when the Quran is beneath. (Bahare Shariat)

9) During recitation reflect on what you are reading. For example, when reading about punishment, one should repent; when reading about paradise, one should rejoice and pray for Jannah.

10) The way to do Sajdah of Tilwat is as follows: If one hears or reads the Ayat of Sajdah then he should stand with the intention of performing the Sajdah of Tilawat and saying Allahu Akbar should go into Sajdah and should recite the Tasbeeh of Sajdah atleast three times. Then, saying Allahu Akbar, one should stand up. To say Allahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is Mustahab. (Durre Mukhtar)



Lastly, learn how to read the Quran in the company of a Qualified Sunni Alim [and mature sisters must go to a Qualified Sister] who can teach them how to read as this is necessary. At times, while reciting many brothers and sisters unknowingly make mistakes in recitation which change the meaning which breaks their Salah. Likewise, send your children to Madrsas where they may learn how to recite the Quran with correct pronunciation and Qirat. If there is not a Madrsa in your town, then establish one. Knowledge of Islam leads one to Love Allah and helps to build a good moral character within the Muslim community. By learning the Quran, a Muslim saves his Salah, his Iman, and his Akhirah. Learning the Quran is not limited to just learning how to recite the Holy Book, rather, it is a life long process of learning how to recite it and understand what the Quran says. The noble Ulama have worked hard and written volumes of Tafseer which consists of Ahadith, Stories, and important points. After learning the Quran, we must practice it and spread the word into our family and community.



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<div><div>Authenticity of Salatut Tasbih 0
by MoulanaMohammad • Du'a, Hadith, Islamic Months, Ramadhan, Salah, Scholar's hive • Tags: Salatul tasbeeh
In these times of neglect towards deen, its sad that some people prefer to discourage the masses from proven acts of worship. The sad part is that its all done in the name of promoting Islam! One such deed is: Salat al-Tasbih. In light of the great controversy regarding the authenticity of the ahadith about salat al-Tasbih, I present the following: The ruling regarding Salat al-Tasbih is that it is permissible and, in fact, very meritorious. (Shami, vol.2 pg.27) The hadith in question has been accepted as sahih (authentic) or hasan (sound) by various eminent masters of hadith.
Those that claimed that it was weak; did so on the basis of a few chains of narration that they had examined. However, if all the various chains be gathered, there will remain no doubt as to its authenticity. Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani (rahimahullah) states that sometimes a muhaddith classifies a certain hadith as weak, very weak or even as a fabrication based on one or two chains that are available to him, although there are other chains through which that hadith may be classified as hasan (sound) or even sahih (authentic). (Al-Nukat vol.2 pg.848-850) Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) then mentions the hadith of Salat al-Tasbih as an example for this and he accepts it to be either sahih (authentic) or hasan (sound) and not da’if (weak). (Ibid) Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah) says that many ‘Ulama, among them Imam ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak (rahimahullah), have accepted the virtue of Salat al-Tasbih. (Al-Tirmidhi vol.2 pg.348; hadith 481) Allamah Mundhiri (rahimahullah) mentions many muhaddithin have accepted it’s authenticity. From among them are: Imam Abu-Bakr al-Ajurri, Imam Abu Muhammad al-Misri (Ustadh of Allamah Mundhiri), Hafiz Abul-Hasan Maqdisi (Ustadh of Allamah Mundhiri), Imam Abu-Dawud and Imam Hakim (rahimahumullah) (Targhib vol.1 pg.468) Allamah Suyuti (rahimahullah) has enumerated up to 20 great muhaddithin who have accepted its authenticity. Besides the ones mentioned above, some of them are: Imams: Abu-Sa’eed al-Sam’ani, Khatib al-Baghdadi, Hafiz ibn-Mandah, al-Bayhaqi, al-Subki, Nawawi, ibn al-Salah, Abu-Musa al-Madini, al-Ala’i, Sirajuddin al-Bulqini, Zarkashi and others (rahmatullahi ‘alal
jamee’). (al-Lal al-Masnu’ah vol.2 pg.40) The following list of muhaddithin is of those who have written detailed articles on this matter: Imams al-Darani, Abu-Musa al-Madini, ibn Mandah, ibn Nasiruddin al-Dimishqi, al-Suyyuti and Ibn Tulun and others(rahimahumullah). Imam al-Bayhaqi (rahimahullah) states that ‘Salat al-Tasbih was the practice of ‘Abdullah ibn al-Mubarak and many pious predecessors of various eras. And that this in fact lends strength to its acceptability.’ (Shu’b al-Imam vol.1 pg.427; ‘Ilmiyyah) The books of Hanafi Fiqh support the view of its acceptance. (Refer Rad al-Muhtar vol.2 pg.27; HM Sa’eed). And several Shafi’i Jurists have also endorsed it, namely Imam al-Mahalli, Imam al-Juwayni, Imam al-Haramayn, Imam Ghazali, Imam Rafi’i and others. (Al-La-ali vol.2 pg.43; al-Adhkar of Imam Nawawi pg.242) Khatib Baghdadi (rahimahullah), states that there is no reason for not being permissible. Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has mentioned a quotation from Imam Malik from which it could be deduced that it was acceptable in his madhhab. (Refer Futuhat al-Rabbaniyya vol.4 pg.321) Qadi Iyad Maliki (rahimahullah) has also accepted its virtue. (Ibid) As far as Imam Ahmad ibn Hambal (rahimahullah) is concerned, Hafiz ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has stated that he had reserved his decision and was possibly inclined towards its acceptability later on. (Futuhat al-Rabbaniyyah vol.4 pg.318, 320) From the above, it is apparent that there can be no doubt regarding Salat al-Tasbih being an act of virtue which has been established authentically and is accepted by a large number of celebrated scholars of hadith as well as the scholars of Fiqh (jurisprudence). Imams Tajuddin Subki and Badruddin Zarkashi (rahimahumallah) have stated that it is from the fundamentals of din and anyone who discards it despite knowing its virtue is not on the correct path. (Futuhat vol.4 pg.321-322) Our senior ‘Ulama have always encouraged offering this salah on special occasions, like: Laylatul Qadr, Laylatul Bara’ah (15th night of Sha’ban) etc.
Click here for an article of the format and procedure of Salatut Tasbeeh, prepared by my student, Moulana Zeyad Danka of Dar Al-Mazeed Publications. And Allah Ta’ala Knows Bes</div></div>

Bismillah

Praise be to Allah and blessing and peace be upon His Messenger Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, his household and companion.

I came accross a FB discussion on the attached image, regarding benefits of Ayatul Korsi and felt I want to share it here.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/h...7164_n.jpg

<span><span>hira what ius the source of this information??????? please guys you got university education dont give us the MULLAH SHPEAL.,,,,, sawaabs are very difficult to earn and need a way of life all your life.......... look around yourself ...are we the kind of people that farishtas are interested in gaurding or allahs rank can be raised for?????????????</span></span>

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  Hira K Sudhan <span><span>uncle i started doing what u told me <span>:) i will get back to u once i will get answers</span></span></span>
  
  
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  Jawaid Ibrahim Khan <span><span>answers pehlay dhoondtay hain mairay bachay....saray jahan ko ghalat raastay pay chalnai ka hukm day kay phr answers dhooonti ho!!!! religion is written in the qurqn, if its not there its man made and religion is divine instruction. the only way to jannat is by being an upright and honest and tolerent and fair human being for all your life......no short cuts.</span></span>
  
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  Hira K Sudhan <span><span>yes uncle i started reading quran with translation .............. n yes i totally agree with you but i kinda believe in this ayat ul qursi benefits too thats y shared ...........</span></span>
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  Jawaid Ibrahim Khan <span><span>tell me something .......if any ayaat of the quran cud get you and me 70000 farishtas, why wud the holy prophet have to go to war,,,,,,,can you imagine how many farishtas he wud havw to help him.</span></span>
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  Ali Khan <span><span>Hira thanx for sharin correct and beneficial info.</span></span>
  
  
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  <div><div> <span><span>Bismillah, Praise be to Allah, and blessings and peace be upon His Final Messenger. thought to contribute to this important discussion by bringing authentic sources for the info, but first let me explain that Quran is a multipurpose book, including gaining knowledge, worshiping Allah, gaining hasanat, shifa, manual for our lives, how to deal with people, historical stories to give us signs and lessons to learn, foreseeing the future to refute .
  on believers arguments...etc</span></span>
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  <div> <span><span>Regarding the protection asepect secured by reciting Ayatul Kursi:
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  Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah's Apostle deputed me to keep Sadaqat (al-Fitr) of Ramadan. A comer came and started taking handfuls of the foodstuff (of the Sadaqa) (stealthily). I took hold of him and said, "By Allah, I will take you to Allah's Apostle ." He said, "I am needy and have many dependents, and I am in great need." I released him, and in the morning Allah's Apostle asked me, "What did your prisoner do yesterday?" I said, "O Allah's Apostle! The person complained of being needy and of having many dependents, so, I pitied him and let him go." Allah's Apostle said, "Indeed, he told you a lie and he will be coming again." I believed that he would show up again as Allah's Apostle had told me that he would return. So, I waited for him watchfully. When he (showed up and) started stealing handfuls of foodstuff, I caught hold of him again and said, "I will definitely take you to Allah's Apostle. He said, "Leave me, for I am very needy and have many dependents. I promise I will not come back again." I pitied him and let him go. In the morning Allah's Apostle asked me, "What did your prisoner do." I replied, "O Allah's Apostle! He complained of his great need and of too many dependents, so I took pity on him and set him free." Allah's Apostle said, "Verily, he told you a lie and he will return." I waited for him attentively for the third time, and when he (came and) started stealing handfuls of the foodstuff, I caught hold of him and said, "I will surely take you to Allah's Apostle as it is the third time you promise not to return, yet you break your promise and come." He said, "(Forgive me and) I will teach you some words with which Allah will benefit you." I asked, "What are they?" He replied, "Whenever you go to bed, recite "Ayat-al-Kursi"-- 'Allahu la ilaha illa huwa-l-Haiy-ul Qaiyum' till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no satan will come near you till morning. " So, I released him. In the morning, Allah's Apostle asked, "What did your prisoner do yesterday?" I replied, "He claimed that he would teach me some words by which Allah will benefit me, so I let him go." Allah's Apostle asked, "What are they?" I replied, "He said to me, 'Whenever you go to bed, recite Ayat-al-Kursi from the beginning to the end ---- Allahu la ilaha illa huwa-lHaiy-ul-Qaiyum----.' He further said to me, '(If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you, and no satan will come near you till morning.' (Abu Huraira or another sub-narrator) added that they (the companions) were very keen to do good deeds. The Prophet said, "He really spoke the truth, although he is an absolute liar. Do you know whom you were talking to, these three nights, O Abu Huraira?" Abu Huraira said, "No." He said, "It was Satan." ... (reported by Bukhari).</span></span>
  
  
  December 15 at 10:37am · Like
  
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  <span><span>Abu Umaamah (RA) narrated that:
  The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
  “Whoever reads “Ayatul-Kursi” [Qur'an 2:255], after every obligatory prayer, nothing prevents him from entering Paradise except death (i.e. that he is still alive).”
  (An-Nasaa’ee, Ibn Hibbaan – Sahih)</span></span>
  
  
  December 15 at 10:38am · Like
  
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  <div> <span><span>It is reported by at-Tabarani that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said:
  “The one who recites Ayat-al kursi after the conclusion of an obligatory prayer, he is under the Care of Allah until the next prayer commences.”
  [at-Tabaraani's At Targheeb wat-Tarheeb (2:435)]</span></span>
  
  
  December 15 at 10:38am · Like
  
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  <div> <span><span>Abu Hurairah reports:
  “Whenever you go to bed, recite “Ayat-al-Kursi”– ‘Allaahu laa ilaaha illaa huwal-Hayyul Qayyuum’ till you finish the whole verse. (If you do so), Allah will appoint a guard for you who will stay with you and no satan will come near you till morning. “
  (Bukhari Book #38, Hadith #505)</span></span>
  
  
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  <span><span>One of Allah's Names and Attributes is Al Hafiz, if Allah Does not protect us, this Name would be deactivated and Allah's Names and Attributes are eternally active and operating. plus this is the right of each and every human being over Allah, it is Allah's duty to protect us, Allah teaches us means to do so, by for example reciting ayatul korsi before sleeping..etc, while Allah assigns angels to do so and other duties for son of Adam, that is why Allah Commanded them to make Sujud to Adam, those were the category of Maleka would be involved with son of Adam, other wise, higher rank angels were not commanded to so sujud, sujud to Adam here was not a sign of worship but rather an indicator for this group of angles that they would be involved with children of Adam, by Allah's Command.</span></span>
  
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  <div><div> <span><span>The aforementioned point is well established by means of the following noble Ayah:
  {لَهُ مُعَقِّبَاتٌ مِّن بَيْنِ يَدَيْهِ وَمِنْ خَلْفِهِ يَحْفَظُونَهُ مِنْ أَمْرِ اللّهِ إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُغَيِّرُ مَا بِقَوْمٍ حَتَّى يُغَيِّرُواْ مَا بِأَنْفُسِهِمْ وَإِذَا أَرَادَ اللّهُ بِقَوْمٍ سُوءاً فَلاَ مَرَدَّ لَهُ وَمَا لَهُم مِّن دُونِهِ مِن وَالٍ }الرعد11
  "For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves. But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector." (Quran 13:11)</span></span>
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  <div> <span><span>As you can read Jawaid Ibrahim Khan</span>, Allah Says guard him by the Command of Allah. Therefore, this is not something made up or imagined, this is blessing of Allah, gift of Allah, and if you ponder on the Ayah, it explains that they take turn in the protecting process and further Allah Is not Giving this execlusively to Muslims, but Allah Is Addressing His Creation, becuase this is His duty towards them.</span>
  
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  <div> <span><span>Allah Is Al Kareem, so if Allah Gives Hasanat for someone this is His Creation, plus Allah is Carious so Allah Provides opportunities equal to other situations for those who can not attain them. For example, if you perform Fajr in Jamaa, continue in the masjed reading Quran and doing dhikr till sun rise, then offer 2 rakaa voluntary, you receive equal reward of a Haj and Ummrah complete. Other example, fasting day of A`rafa expiates the sins of last and coming years. ..etc. This is Allah's World and Allah Is Carious and Generous. Those Names should continue being active.</span></span>
  
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• <div><div><div><div><div> <span><span>I like to bring the sequence of Ayahs in Surat Ra`ad ending by the one I posted already to understand the context:</span></span>
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  <div><div> <span><span>"And the disbelievers say: "Why is not a sign sent down to him from his Lord?" You are only a warner, and to every people there is a guide.*Allah knows what every female bears, and by how much the wombs fall short (of their time or number) or exceed. Everything with Him is in (due) proportion.*All-Knower of the unseen and the seen, the Most Great, the Most High.*It is the same (to Him) whether any of you conceal his speech or declare it openly, whether he be hid by night or go forth freely by day.*For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves. But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector." Again I reiterate, Allah Says for each person, believer or not, Muslim or not. This is Allahu Al Karim Al Mo`ety.</span></span>
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  <div> <span><span>As for this quote of Jawaid Ibrahim khan "can you imagine how many farishtas he wud havw to help him.
  Well, if you read Surat Al Emran, you will realise blessings and peace be upon him did not fight on his own: And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So fear Allah much [abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden and love Allah much, perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained] that you may be grateful.*(Remember) when you (Muhammad) said to the believers, "Is it not enough for you that your Lord (Allah) should help you with three thousand angels; sent down?""Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)."" (Quran 3: 123-125)</span></span>
  
  
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  <span><span>Alhamdulelah that we have the Quran to explain everything and the more we gain education and knowledge, the more we acquire skills of pondering and reflecting and realising Allah's incomparable blessing and Compassion.</span></span>
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  <div><div><span><span> Sorry everybody for long posts, but it was important to bring the authentic evidence proving benefits of Ayatul korsi and that we are ordained to recite it after Salat and before sleep.</span></span></div></div>
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  <div><div> <span><span>As for the 70000 angles, I did not fine any authentic hadeeth on ayatul korsi, as I know that this is granted by means of reciting Surat Dukhan as follows: Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Whosoever recites Surah ad-Dhukhan every night, seventy thousand angels will ask forgiveness for him’
  [at-Tirmidhi]
  
  Abu Hurairah (radiAllahu anhu) narrated that the messenger of Allah (salAllahu alayhi wasalam) said, ‘Whoever reads surat Ya-Sin in the night, he will be forgiven. And whoever reads Ha-Meem, the one in which smoke is mentioned, he will be forgiven.’
  [Abu Ya’la reported it</span></span>
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  <div><div> <span><span>Again, why would angles do this for people like us, because this is there duty, it is not because we deserve it, but because Allah Is the Gracious, All Giving, plus Allah Is Encouraging us to work, so it depends on us taking the first step towards Allah.</span></span>
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  <div> <span><span>And also I didnt find any authentic hadeeth on point #3.</span></span>
  
  
  <span><span><span><span><span>...thank you for your input......if you read hira's post very carefully you wud understand what i am saying..... "if you read this after fard salah....the only thing that saperates you from jannah is death" this statement conveys that only this one act takes you to jannah........sorry folks my mind can never accept that, and all the quotes that you refer to cannot be seperated out of context and each one used as a reward to paradise........you have to understand that for all these things to take effect you have to submit to all instructions of the almighty only then will these take effect........ if you are selling heroin to children of the world you cannot be granted anything by reciting any verse of the quran........ finally the point i am trying to make here is not whether these shortcuts work or not....what i am telling hira and her generation is not to propogate these as ways to attain the almighty's approval as that can only be attained by a lifetime of living by his instructions and having faith in his creations and looking after mankind and using the capabilities that he has bestowed us with in his name and for the benefit of his creations.</span></span></span></span></span>
  
  <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span>Jawaid, I did read Hira's post very carefully, and not showing off, Alhamdulelah I already know this hadeeth regarding reciting Ayatul Korsi after each obligatory Salat. This does not mean that this is the only means to grant you Janat though. It rather means it is one of the golden opportunities granted by our Allah ArRahman. Notwithstanding that what you mentioned in your last line is needed, but we have to combine both. And believe me, if one adopts this Sunnah of reciting it after each obligatory salat (according to authentic hadeeth), one would think hundred times before selling heroin during intervals between Salats. One need to be trained to do so. Certainly, one may not live all his/her life in proper status but Allah Accepts one when decides to change, so we can not also determine how and when Allah Destines one to Jannat, this is Allah's decision and we need to be careful of not falling into the trap of making decisions. But we can always use benefits as mentioned in hadeeth. Plus of course, I hope you did have time to read the rest of the references, you will also realise what is meant here. So we can not blame Hira and her generation for embracing the habit of reciting Ayatol Korsi for protection against Shaytan as mentioned in those authentic hadeeth of our beloved Messenger salla Allah a`lhyee wa sallam. These are not short cuts Jawaid or easy way, it needs training, will, and a lot to maintain and embrace, believe me. If you think about it, you will find that what you are calling for, " can only be attained by a lifetime of living by his instructions and having faith in his creations and looking after mankind and using the capabilities that he has bestowed us with in his name and for the benefit of his creations" means exactly what Hira, her generation and me are saying, which is adopting Quran and Sunnah, making benefit of Quran and Sunnah. And no need to thank me, Hira said she will look for the references, Allah Granted me the chance to do so, Alhamdulelah.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
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Current events in ME (Arab spring) is a destruction of the US supported belt protecting Israel.

Failure is defined as Israel surviving for 70 years and fails to adapt with the surrounding nations.

History will say about Israel: depending on external powers for survival is a stark mistake that would lead to destruction even if power size is as the USA.

USA, directly or indirectly supports a state called Israel that kills children for no reason.

Israelis and may be Americans are unaware of the sentiment that we as Muslims, regardless of our differences, we agree on that the elimination of Israel and liberation of Quds is a necessity.

When will the USA and Israel become convinced that killing children and innocent shall never attain peace.

For the Jews to achieve peace, the optimal solution is living under an Islamic regime that is committed to protecting their souls, money, culture, and religious freedom.

Netanyahu is asking for a 15 year cease fire with Arabs (yediot ahronot) we as Muslims have been foretold that Israel's ambition should be to survive for 15 years.

@hsnww

http://www.islambasics.com/view.php?bkID=102&chapter=7

Stoning the Devil

By arriving to Minâ [An area close to Mecca on the road to ‘Arafah where pilgrims spend the Tashreeq days. It is the place of throwing pebbles at Jamarat and ritual slaughter of the sacrificial animal] the hajjis have fulfilled half the Hajj duty. The Hajj has two cornerstones without them it would never be complete and no expiations or whatever compensations are sanctioned to atone for them.

The first cornerstone is standing at ‘Arafât and the second is the Ifadah Tawâf [Pilgrims’ circumambulation of the Ka‘bah upon their return from Muzdalifah]. These are the two cornerstones of Hajj, in other than them it is permissible to make expiations and offer a sacrifice.

When proceeding onward from Al-Mash‘ar Al-Haram (the Sacred Monument) to Minâ for stoning the devil we must keep in mind an important issue: the story of Ibrâhîm (Abraham, peace be upon him) and his son Ismâ‘îl (Ishmael, peace be upon him). The story of manifest trial to which Allah subjected Ibrâhîm, who saw in a dream that Allah is commanding him to slaughter his son, Ismâ‘îl. A severe affliction fated by Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, but why? Because Ibrâhîm was an old man, while his son Ismâ‘îl was in the prime of youth. At an age when the father usually feels that his son is the continuation of his life and becomes proud of him, a son that lends a hand in the hardships of life. But over and above, his wife, Sarah (may Allah be pleased with her), was barren.

Which means the absence of causes to give Ibrâhîm another son, but surely the Originator of causes (The Causer Almighty Allah) is mightily able to give.

Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, commanded Ibrâhîm to slaughter his son Ismâ‘îl. If He commanded him to kill his son it would have been easier, because he could have assigned some people to kill Ismâ‘îl away from him. It was also possible to take his son Ismâ‘îl to a mountaintop then push him to see nothing.

But the command was to slaughter Ismâ‘îl, in plain words to seize the knife, take his son while looking at him, slaughter him with his own hands and the son sheds to death. A very painful experience even if he had many children. But how much harder would it be when having a lone son in the prime of youth on the one hand and being an old man with a barren wife on the other hand!! A deed not to be fulfilled except by someone whose love for Allah surpasses all that exists, a love higher than any kind of love. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) said:

“None of you will have faith till I am dearer to him than his father, his children and all people.”

That is the trial of faith undergone by Ibrâhîm in this specific point, which proved that Allah is dearer to him than anything else. Not by words but by deeds.

Ibrâhîm took his son to slaughter him in fulfillment of the Command given by Allah. Ibrâhîm did not want to surprise Ismâ‘îl by taking him to the mount and shocking him by the knife and the slaughtering, but he wanted to tell him first.

The Noble Qur’an relates that story in the Perfect Divine Revelation saying (what means):

“And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allâh), so look what you think!’” (As-Sâffât, 37: 102)

Ibrâhîm wanted to inform his son Ismâ‘îl about what would happen. But how did Ismâ‘îl, the Prophet, receive the Trial decreed by Allah? He replied as the Noble Qur’an narrates to us (what means):

“He said: ‘O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Inshâ' Allâh (if Allâh will), you shall find me of As-Sâbirin (the patient ones, etc.).’” (As-Sâffât, 37: 102)

Ismâ‘îl loved Allah more than his life and soul. So, the old man and the youth hastened with the knife, but will the devil leave the obedience of Allah be fulfilled without spoiling it? Of course not, his mission is to ruin the obedience shown to Allah on earth.

Satan came to Khalîl Allah (the close servant to Allah), Ibrâhîm, to ruin the summit of faith. He came to Ibrâhîm asking him: What do you intend to do to your son? What is the meaning of slaughtering him when you are an old man in need of him? How could you believe such a dream? It is a lie.

It is narrated that the devil was personified to one of the worshippers as a lad who served him for long. Once the old man went to perform the Fajr (Dawn) Prayer on a rainy day and muddy ground. The incarnate devil held the lamp for the old man while rising and falling in the mud. The people wondered how that old man tortured thus the lad who accompanied him on such a rainy muddy night. Whereas the pious man simply told them to leave him suffer for the One Who decreed sufferance upon him is Allah. As though Allah has cast in the soul of that old man that this boy is a devil.

The devil never gives up a trifle he may steal through. Even more, he tries by any means to force man to sin. Therefore, the devil left no possible way with Ibrâhîm, Ismâ‘îl and Hâjar without pursuing it, perchance he might ruin one of the highest and most rewarding obedience shown to Allah, that of Summit Faith.

The moment Ibrâhîm and his son Ismâ‘îl (peace be upon them) left the house, the devil embarked on his mission murmuring to himself: It is a trial, a severe affliction and if I failed to seduce those people in such an adversity never will I be able to.

He came to Hâjar and said to her, ‘Know you whereto Ibrâhîm has went with your son?’ She replied, ‘To perform some errands.’ The devil said to her, ‘He took him not for some errands but took him to slaughter him.’ Hâjar asked, ‘Why slaughters him?’ The devil replied, ‘He claimed that his Lord commanded him to do so.’ Upon that she said, ‘Away from my face. As along as Allah has commanded, He must be obeyed.’

The devil withdrew away from her disgraced and hurried to overtake Ibrâhîm and his son. He started with Ibrâhîm struggling to deter him from fulfilling the Command of Allah. He said to him, ‘Who told you that this dream is from Allah? Perhaps it was jumbled false dreams (chimeras), for what Allah would gain from slaughtering your son? Disobey the order; otherwise you would live to regret it. If you slaughtered him, the face of your son while dying would be enshrined in your memory. His face would forever remain before your eyes torturing you for the rest of your life. You are an eighty-four years old man and would never be blessed with a son after him.’ And he kept tempting Ibrâhîm, but Ibrâhîm never listened to him.

When the devil despaired of Ibrâhîm he went to Ismâ‘îl and said to him, ‘Your father would slaughter you.’ But Ismâ‘îl replied, ‘If Allah commanded him to do so, let him do what Allah willed.’ Then, he tried to prevent Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl from going to the place of slaughtering, known afterwards as Al-Kabsh Mount (The Ram Mount), for being the mount on which the sacrifice was sent down.

The devil strived to impede the progress of Ibrâhîm at the Jamrat Al-‘Aqabah [The closest stone pillar to Mecca, known as Large Jamrat] in Minâ in order to fulfill the Command of Allah; thereupon Ibrâhîm seized seven pebbles and stoned the devil. But the devil and his offspring despaired not and chased Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl, perchance they could hinder them from honoring the Command of Allah. So, Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl stoned them to drive them away.

This is the story of stoning, stoning the devil and we are commanded to stone the devil just as Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl (peace be upon them) did.

The moral of stoning the devil

After standing at ‘Arafat and having our sins forgiven, Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, wants to instructs us by the story of Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl with the devil to guard our penitence. We have to stone the devil within ourselves in a nonphysical sense, barring all his gateways to us. Whenever the devil attempts to approach us with his evil whispers we should not listen to him, but to stone him by our defiance to yield to his satanic temptations until he recedes and leaves us dispossessed of all power over us.

Just listening to the devil is the first step taken in disobedience. He wants to entice you into listening to him. Do not give him that chance. Do not listen to his temptations, but stone him at once by defiance.

Some people may wonder saying, ‘We are pelting a stone, so what is its connection with the devil? And does the devil exist in it?’

Some religious scholars say that the devils are imprisoned in these stones during the days of Minâ. To them we say, ‘Whether this is true or false, it constitutes, as aforesaid, a trial of the strength of faith within the hearts.’ For the purpose behind the principles of faith lies not in understanding them or grasping the wisdom behind. But the purpose lies in their being enjoined by Allah, all praise and glory be to Him; we kiss a stone (the Black Stone) and pelt another. The reason is that Allah, Blessed and Exalted be He, has commanded us and we must obey the Ordinance without trying to philosophize matters based on our limited weak minds. Since Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, has commanded, there must be a wisdom that we may or may not know, because there are many secrets in the universe we know nothing about.

Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, wants us to keep in mind that since we have completed the Hajj, which is paid for from lawful money and performed for the Sake of Allah and therefore is surely accepted and is Mabrûr [Hajj performed in accordance with the Prophet’s tradition and is accepted by Allah], the devil would never leave us in peace once our sins are forgiven. He would push us hard to err and sin anew. The moment we return from Hajj he would contrive to ruin our allegiance to Allah and cast disobedience within ourselves.

The Almighty wants us to learn that in the Hajj we have conquered the devil by forbearing from all what He has forbidden. Not only a forbearance that involves the constant prohibitions but it extended further to include some of the lawful acts. Thus, the forbiddance intensified, but despite that we won through and completed the Hajj rituals while engaged in the Remembrance of Allah and solely occupied with worship and supplication. Meaning, not only are we able to obey the doctrine but also are able to do higher and greater acts of obedience.

If we remember well this wisdom we will firmly adhere to the Fear of Allah after performing the Hajj rituals and inwardly we will realize that we are capable to show far more obedience and abide by it. Therefore, The Truth, all praise and glory be to Him, says (what means):

“So when you have accomplished your Manasik [(i.e. Ihrâm, Tawâf of the Ka'bah and As-Safâ and Al-Marwah), stay at 'Arafât, Muzdalifah and Mina, Ramy of J amarât, (stoning of the specified pillars in Mina) slaughtering of Hady (animal, etc.)]. Remember Allâh as you remember your forefathers or with a far more remembrance. But of mankind there are some who say: ‘Our Lord! Give us (Your Bounties) in this world!" and for such there will be no portion in the Hereafter.” (Al-Baqarah, 2: 200)

In order not to go astray or err, Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, wants us to always remember Him as we remember our fathers when away from us. To remember Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, because that is the gathering where all desires and affiliations no longer exist.

The Truth, Blessed and Exalted be He, wants to approach to the minds of His creatures the concept that makes their movement work together and not against one another. Our Remembrance of Allah should be far more than that of our parents.

Because no matter how long they live in the end they will die. But Allah is Eternal, never to die. If parents are the immediate cause of our coming into existence, Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, is the One Who originated and created us from nothing. The creatures are ascribed to The Creator; we are mere causes. Thus, we must remember the Origin in coming to be, The One Who originated things out of nothing far more than just remembering the causes.

After the triumph of Ibrâhîm, Ismâ‘îl and Hâjar (peace be upon them) and their firm stand in the adversity, the sacrifice was offered as the Noble Qur’an relates (what means):

‘“And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram); And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salâmun (peace) be upon Ibrâhim (Abraham)!’ Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinûn (good-doers - see V.2:112). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. And We gave him the glad tidings of Ishâque (Isaac, peace be upon him) a Prophet from the righteous.” (As-Sâffât, 37: 107-112)

When Allah ordered Ibrâhîm to slaughter his son he had no other children beside Ismâ‘îl, and then he was given the glad tidings of Ishâque (Isaac, peace be upon him). Despite the severity of the trial Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl resigned themselves to Allah and they complied with His Order. Therefore, Ibrâhîm was described in the Noble Qur’an as forbearing and ever oft-returning in repentance to Allah.

The act emphasizes that if we receive every Decree of Allah with contentment we will win the reward of obeying the Command of Allah. At the same time, Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, arrests fate, and that is exactly what happened with Ibrâhîm and Ismâ‘îl (peace be upon them). Allah, be ever gloried His Majesty and Might, says (what means):

“Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allâh), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering).” (As-Sâffât, 37: 107-112)

Meaning, Ibrâhîm actually began the execution and seized the knife to slaughter his son. But the knife slaughtered not, because a knife does not cut voluntarily but by the Command of Allah. Just as Allah, Blessed and Exalted be He, commanded the fire into which Ibrâhîm was cast by saying (what means):

“We (Allâh) said: ‘O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrâhim (Abraham)!’” (Al-Anbiyâ’, 21: 69)

And the fire complied and did not burn him. Similarly, Allah ordered the knife not to slaughter and it complied. At the moment of fulfilling the Command, Almighty Allah called Ibrâhîm as narrates the Noble Qur’an (what means):

“And We called out to him: ‘O Abraham! You have fulfilled the dream (vision)!’” (As-Sâffât, 37: 104-105)

Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, wants His creatures to believe in the wisdom of His Commands and proceed to their fulfillment with contentment. If you proceed to execute the Command with contentment, Allah raises His Decree. Therefore, memorize well this noble Qur’anic verse and remember it while in Minâ to realize that in all life incidents man lives through, Allah only raises His Decree when the afflicted person is contented with it. If you see a doom that lasted on an afflicted person, as a cureless disease in spite of all the applied remedies, or a hardship experienced either in children or property, and he was not freed from it despite the passage of a long time learn that the sufferer is not contented with the Fate of Allah and is complaining. The moment he feels contented and accepts the wisdom of Fate, he will be relieved from it.

Ibrâhîm fulfilled the vision and since he fulfilled it out of absolute contentment, willingness and submissiveness to the Wisdom of Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, in what He commanded, the doom was arrested and it was said to him, ‘Do not kill your son.’ Then a ram offered as a sacrifice descended from heaven. As if Allah, Blessed and Exalted be He, Himself ransomed Ismâ‘îl with that ram. Not only that, but instead of taking Ibrâhîm’s sole son, Ismâ‘îl, Almighty Allah gave him the glad tidings of a second son, Ishâque.

As a rule, anyone who proceeds to fulfill the Divine Commands, still within the veils of the Unseen, though blind to their wisdom but out of trusting the Divine Omniscience, will surely receive a great reward. The further steps the Decree beyond the power of imagination, the stronger the faith enclosed in the hearts. There are people who refuse to abide by the prohibitions set by The Creator for missing the wisdom behind, when the wisdom is unveiled and the harm that befalls man because of them becomes evident, they start to forbear. But their forbearance does not arise from belief in the Command of Allah, but out of belief in medicine, science or others.

We have to know that there is a difference between the duty man assigns to another and the duty The Creator enjoins upon His creatures. In the former, we have to know the wisdom behind it to fulfill it, but in the latter we fulfill it out of belief in the absolute Wisdom of Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, in whatever He legislated. Everything judged by Allah and our minds stand powerless to understand, we fulfill out of belief in the Omniscience of The Legislator.

When Imam ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) discussed wiping over footwear (when performing ablution), he said, ‘If the matter submits to reasoning power, wiping the underside of the foot would be more deserving than its outside. Because the underside of the foot is the part subjected to dirt. But the way lies in adapting the soul to approach A Lord Who wants you to approach Him with obedience, and never dare allow yourself to come near Allah with whatever sort of argument. For Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, cannot be questioned as to what He does or commands.’

When you come to stone the devil, you actually want to block the gateways through which he may steal into your soul, whether to attack the acme of your faith thus you stone the supreme devil, or the branches of your faith thus you stone the subservient devils. You stone the devil seven times. All is a physical matter that agrees with your corporality. But there is wisdom behind the Command that should not pass unnoticed; Allah, all praise and glory be to Him, wants us after performing the Hajj rituals to fully accept His Ordained Destiny with contentment no matter how it seemed to us. To be certain that whatever Allah has judged is surely the best.

Obedience and reasoning

During the Hajj the dialogue exchanged between the mind and obedience is continuous. Acts of obedience that bend the heads in mediation while performing the Hajj rituals as Tawâf [The devotional act of circumambulating (i.e. walking around) the Ka‘bah seven times while reciting prayers and supplication. Tawâf should begin and end at the Black Stone], Sa‘y [The devotional act of walking seven times between the knolls of As-Safâ and Al-Marwah which are located some distance from the Ka‘bah inside Al-Masjidul-Haram], kissing the Black Stone and stoning another, beside other rites.

We say that such matters are beyond the bounds of reason, for having to do with discipline in obeying Allah and accustoming the human soul to yield to the highest Command. For Allah, glory be to Him, did not just enjoin duties immoderately but based on Perfect Wisdom.

While stoning the devil you have to remember that he never leaves a question of faith without striving to ruin it. The devil pursued our master Ibrâhîm (peace be upon him), and every time Ibrâhîm drove him away he returned to him once again. By casting the stones we first obey the Command of Allah and revive the tradition of our father Ibrâhîm, out of faithfulness to the one who fulfilled all and named us Muslims before the revelation of the Noble Qur’an, about whom Allah, Blessed and Exalted be He, said in His Noble Qur’an (what means):

“And of Ibrâhim (Abraham) who fulfilled (or conveyed) all that (what Allâh ordered him to do or convey).” (An-Najm, 53: 37)

When we stone Iblis (the devil) in the Hajj we should be resolute not to obey him after returning home and we must feel that we have conquered him. That victory must subsist after the Hajj, because despite his conspiracies and evil insinuations to make us disbelieve we believed in Allah. Despite his struggles to make us join others in worship with Allah, we joined none. Then, we came to the Hajj and performed the rituals and thus transcended in obedience.

Stoning here symbolizes our victory over the devil on a day of damnation and manifest loss to the devils. The devil is accursed by Almighty Allah, the angels and the believers. The Curse of Allah on him is unseen to us but it exits and is continuous. Also, the angels’ curse on him is unseen to us but it exits and is continuous.

As for us we curse him in a physical sense; that is casting stones at him in Minâ. On that day the devil is seen in his most abject and contemptible state.

It is the day of revenge and retaliation against the devil that tempted you. It is the day of victory over your bitterest enemy, who must remain your archenemy. At the same time you have been taught a lesson to avail you in the rest of your life. Never lose sight of the devil nor give him the chance to conquer you ever again. Accept the Commands of Allah and His Prohibitions with love and be contented with His Ordained Destiny. If you seal all the devil’s passes, he will have no power over you. Not any trial Allah inflicts on you means an incurred anger because you do not see what Allah hides in His Decreed Fate. Perhaps, The Almighty has tried you because He wants you to earn a greater reward for your obedience and a higher compensation for not falling into sin, or to exalt you in Paradisal degrees. Surely, Allah, The All-Knower, knows the sincerity of your sought path and your heartily contentment with whatever destinies bring, so as to grant you the best of rewards for your sincerity and contentment.

After casting the pebbles of the Jamrat Al-‘Aqabah or Al-Jamrah Al-Kubrâ [The closest stone pillar to Mecca, known as the Large Jamrah or Jamrah of the supreme devil], you perform the Minor Ending of Ihrâm [This comes after concluding two of the three following rituals: Throwing the pebbles, Ifâdah Circumambulation or having one’s hair cut or shortened] then you must head for Mecca to perform the Ifâdah Tawâf [Pilgrims’ circumambulation of the Ka‘bah upon their return from Muzdalifah], which is the last cornerstone of Hajj. Afterwards, comes the Major Ending of Ihrâm [This comes after concluding three rituals: Throwing the pebbles, Ifâdah Circumambulation and having one’s hair cut or shortened. Then a pilgrim may act freely even to have conjugal relations], which sanctions to you the performance of all the acts that were forbidden during the Hajj.

If you have performed the Sa‘y between the knolls of As-Safâ and Al-Marwah during the Tawâf of Hajj you do not have to perform it in the Ifâdah Tawâf. But if you have not performed it yet, perform Sa‘y after the Ifâdah Tawâf.

There is voluntary Tawâf and Sa‘y to whoever craved a higher reward and compensation. Truly, nothing is dearer to Almighty Allah than performing additional acts like those He enjoined upon us: as offering Voluntary Prayers, fasting, giving charity or sacrificing animals. Because such deeds betoken that we not only perform what Allah has enjoined upon us but also perform beyond them voluntary acts, as a warm expression and a deep love of our servility to Allah, Whose Majesty reigns supreme.