Islam Is a Way of Life: The Many Blessings of Muharram

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Many Blessings of Muharram

Fiqh of Islamic Months: The Month of Muharram
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Question:
Fiqh of Islamic Months: The Month of Muharram

Answer:

Fiqh of the Islamic Months
The Month of Muharram
The First Month of the Islamic Calendar
Extracted from Lataif al-Ma`arif of Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (Allah have mercy on him)

In the Name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate

This is the first of a regular series of posts, inshaAllah, giving the fiqh of the months of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, based on the comprehensive work by Imam Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali (Allah have mercy on him, 736-790 AH), Lataif al-Ma`arif fi ma li Mawasim al-`Am min al-Wadhaif. Imam Ibn Rajab filled his magnificent work with hadiths, sayings of the righteous, and treasures of knowledge and wisdom. Only a small handful of the vast oceans of this wisdom is translated, because of the large size of the work, which is close to 600 pages in length.
Details relevant to Hanafi fiqh will be added to this, inshaAllah.
Faraz Rabbani.

Duties of the Month of Muharram
1. It is the best of months for general voluntary fasts, after Ramadan.
2. It is especially recommended to fast the 10th of Muharram (known as the Day of `Ashura), with a day before it or after it. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar, quoting Kasanis al-Badai`]
3. It is also virtuous to give in charity on this day.
Extracts from Ibn Rajabs Lataif al-Ma`arif, regarding the month of Muharram:

The Virtues of Fasting in the Month of Muharram and Its First Ten Days
Muslim reported from Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him), that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said , The best of fasts after the month of Ramadan are in the Month of Allah, which you call Muharram. And the best of prayer after the obligatory prayer is the night prayer. [Muslim, 1163]

This refers to general voluntary fasts according to Imam Ibn Rajab (Allah have mercy on him): These are best in the month of Muharram, just as the best general voluntary prayer is night prayer.
The virtue and honor of this month can be attested to by the fact that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) called it, the Month of Allah. (Shahr Allah) Such ascription is only made by Allah to the most special of His creation, such as the ascription of the Prophets Muhammad, Ibrahim, Ishaq, Ya`qub, and others to his slavehood (Allahs peace and blessings be on them all), and His ascription of the House (Ka`ba) and the camel to himself.

Given that Allah ascribed fasting, between all spiritual works, to Himself [saying, It is Mine,] it was suitable that this month, which is also ascribed to Allah, be selected for this particular form of worship.
Fasting is a secret between the servant and his Lord. This is why Allah Mighty and Exalted says, [in the divine hadith (hadith qudsi)], Every action of the son of Adam is his, except for fasting. It is Mine, and it is I who reward it. [Bukhari and Muslim, from Abu Hurayra]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) also said, The fasting person has two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord.[Muslim]

Night Prayer
As for voluntary night prayer (qiyam al-layl), it is superior to voluntary prayer during the day because it is closer to secrecy, and nearer to sincerity (ikhlas).
Allah Most High said, Lo! the vigil of the night is (a time) when impression is more keen and speech more certain. [Quran, 73.9]
This is because the time of the night vigil (tahajjud) is the best of times for voluntary prayer, and the closest a servant gets to his Lord. It is a time when the doors of the skies are opened, supplications answered, and needs fulfilled.

Allah Most High has praised those who wake up at night in His remembrance, supplication, seeking forgiveness, and intimate entreating (munajat), saying, Who forsake their beds to cry unto their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of that We have bestowed on them. No soul knows what is kept hid for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.[Qur'an, 32.16-17]
And, Or he who pays adoration in the watches of the night, prostrate and standing, bewaring of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord? Say: Are those who know equal with those who know not? But only those of understanding will pay heed. [Qur'an, 39.9]
And He said to His Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace), And some part of the night awake for it, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to a praised estate. [Qur'an, 17.79]

It has been said that those who worship at night will enter Paradise without reckoning, and that standing in night prayer shortens the length of one's Standing on the Day of Judgment.
This is why the Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) said, Stick to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you. Night prayer is a means of closeness to Allah Most High, of expiating for bad deeds, avoiding sins, and keeping away illness from one's body. [Tirmidhi (3543], Bayhaqi, and others; it is a sound (hasan) hadith]
Similarly, it has been related that fasting is a means for good health. The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) is reported to have said, Fast, and you shall have good health. [Ahmad, from Abu Hurayra]

Lovers have no time more joyous than when they are alone in entreating their Beloved. This is the healing for their hearts, and the great thing that they could long for.
This is why Abu Sulayman al-Darani would say, The people of the night find more joy than the people of distraction (lahw) in their distractions. Were it not for the night, I would not like to remain living.

The Day of `Ashura: The Tenth of Muharram

It is mentioned in Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him and his father) that he was asked about fasting the Day of `Ashura [10th of Muharram]. He said, I did not see the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) fast a day while more avid to seek its virtue than this day,meaning the Day of `Ashura. [Bukhari (2006), and Muslim (1132)].
The Day of `Ashura has great virtue, and tremendous sanctity (hurma). The virtue of fasting it was known among the Prophets (peace be upon them all). Both Prophet Nuh and Prophet Musa (peace be upon them both) fasted it.
The Prophet (Allah bless him & give him peace) used to fast this day even in Mecca, though he had not yet ordered others to do so, as mentioned in both Bukhari and Muslim. [Bukhari (2002), Muslim (1125)]

When he migrated to Medina, and found the People of the Book fasting this day and venerating it, he ordered the Muslims to fast it, and encouraged it so much that even the children would fast it.
It has been reported in both Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him), that, When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) reached Medina, he found the Jews fasting the Day of `Ashura, so he asked them, What is this day you are fasting?They said, This is a tremendous day. Allah saved Musa and his people on this day and drowned Pharaoh and his people. Musa fasted it out of thanks, so we fast it too. The Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, And we are more deserving of Musa than you are. So he fasted this day, and ordered that it be fasted. [Bukhari (2004) and Muslim (1130)]

At the end of his life, the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) made the determination not to fast this day alone, but with another day [f: either before or after it], in order to be different from the People of the Book.

It has been reported in the Sahih of Imam Muslim (Allah have mercy on him), also from Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) that, When the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) fasted the Day of `Ashura and ordered his companions to fast it, they said, O Messenger of Allah! This is a day that the Jews and Christians venerate.So the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) said, When next year comes if Allah wills we will fast the Ninth [of Muharram with it]. But the next year did not come before the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him) passed away. [Muslim (1134), Abu Dawud (2445)]
And it is reported in the Musnad of Imam Ahmad (Allah have mercy on him), from Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, Fast the Day of `Ashura and be different from the Jews by fasting a day before it or a day after it. [Ahmad]

Giving in Charity on the Day of `Ashura
It has been reported from Abd Allah ibn `Amr ibn al-`As (Allah be pleased with him), that Whoever fasts `Ashura it is as if he has fasted the entire year. And whoever gives charity this day it is like the charity of an entire year.

Mourning on the 10th of Muharram is an Innovation
As for the mourning and grieving of the Shiah on this day because of the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Husayn ibn Ali (Allah be pleased with him and his father), this is of the actions of those whose actions in this life are misguided while they think that they are doing well. Neither Allah Most High nor His Messenger (Allah bless him & give him peace) commanded us to mourn on the days of the tribulations of the Prophets, or their deaths, let alone anyone else.
[F: The fuqaha have mentioned that it is an innovation to consider Muharram a month of mourning. It is not disliked to marry in this month. It is a highly reprehensible innovation to participate in the rituals of the Shiah in mourning the death of Husayn (Allah be pleased with him).

Some of the Virtues of the Day of `Ashura
It is a day in which Allah forgave an entire people. Tirmidhi relates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said to a man, If you want to fast a month after Ramadan, then fast Muharram, for it has a day in which Allah forgave an entire people, and He turns to others in repentance in.[Tirmidhi (841)]

And Allah alone gives success.
Faraz Rabbani Amman, Jordan

Welcome to Islam

Know that the state of one's religious and worldly affairs depend upon soundness of one's reflection. Anyone who has a share of it has an abundant share of everything good. It has been said : 'An hour's reflection is better than a year's worship.' 'Ali, may God ennoble his face, has said: 'There is no worship like reflection.' And one of the gnostics; may God have mercy on them all, said: 'Reflection is the lamp of the heart; if it departs the heart will have no light.' Reflections by Imam Al-Haddad (ra)

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Hadith: Good Naturedly towards people.

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Rasullullah (saw) said: “Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Qanaa'ah (Contentment and satisfaction): Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu `Alayhi Wasallam has said: "Whatever Allah Ta'aala gives His creation, He examines them in it. If they are pleased with their fate, they are granted barakah in their rizq (sustenance). If they are not pleased, their rizq is not made extensive." - Musnad Ahmed; Uswah Rasul Akram Sallallahu `Alayhi Wasallam

Satisfaction with Taqdeer (Allah's knowledge of every happening): Sayyidina Rasulullah Sallallahu `Alayhi Wasallam has said: "Whatever Allah Ta'aala grants His bondsmen, He tests them with it. If they are content with their fate, He grants them barakah in their rizq (sustenance). If they are not content, He does not grant them barakah." - Musnad Ahmed.

Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah shows compassion only to those among His slaves who are compassionate.” (Al-Bukhâri and Muslim)

Narrated Abû Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “The strong man is not one who is good at wrestling, but the strong man is one who controls himself in â fit of rage.” (Al-Bukhâri and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Abu Aufa : Allah’s Messenger, at a time when he was face to face with the enemy, and was waiting for the sun to decline, stood up and said, “ O people! Do not long for an encounter with the enemy and supplicate to Allah to grant you security. But if you face the enemy, you should show patience and steadfastness; and keep it in mind that Paradise lies under the shade of the swords.” Then he invoked Allah, saying, “O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and help us in over-powering them.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “It is from the excellence of (a believer’s) Islam that he should abandon that which is of no benefit to him (in this world and the Hereafter).” (At- Tirmidhi )

Narrated ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab: I heard Allah’s Messenger saying. “If you all relied on Allah with due reliance, He would certainly give you provision as He gives it to birds who issue forth hungry in the morning and return with full belly at dusk.”(At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Be prompt in doing good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man would be a believer in the morning and turn to disbelief in the evening, or he would be a believer in the evening and turn disbeliever in the morning, and would sell his Faith for worldly goods.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by one of the seven afflictions.” Then (giving a warning) he said, “Are you waiting for such penury as will make you unmindful of devotion; or such prosperity as will make you corrupt, or such disease as will disable you, or such senility as will make you mentally unstable, or sudden death, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst apprehended of the Hour, and the Hour will be most bitter.” (At-Tirmidhi )

Narrated Ibn Abbas: Allah’s Messenger said, “There are two blessings in which many people incur loss. (They are) health and free time (for doing good).” (Al-Bukhari )

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “A strong believer is better and dearer to Allah than a weak one in all good things. Adhere to that which is most beneficial for you. Keep beseeching Allah for help and do not refrain from it. If you are afflicted in any way, do not say: ‘If I had taken this or that step, it would have resulted into such and such,’ but say only: ‘Allah so determined and did as He willed.’ The word ‘if’ opens the gates of satanic conduct.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Dharr: The Prophet said, “Do not disdain any good deed, even your meeting with your brother (Muslim) with a cheerful face.” (Muslim)

Narrated Jabir that he heard Allah’s Messenger saying, “Every good deed is charity.” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah will be happy with His slave who praises Him (i.e., says Al-hamdu lillah) when he eats and praises Him when he drinks.” (Muslim)

Narrated Ibn Mas’ud: The Prophet said, “Ruined are those who insist on hardship in matters of the Faith.” He repeated this three times. (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, “The religion (of Islam) is easy, and whoever makes the religion a rigour, it will overpower him. So, follow a middle course (in worship); if you can’t do this, do something near to it and give glad tidings and seek help (of Allah) at morn and at dusk and some part of night.” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: The Prophet said, “Do not ask me unnecessarily about the details of the things which I do not mention to you. Verily, the people before you were doomed because they were used to putting many questions to their Prophets and had differences about their Prophets. Refrain from what I forbid you and do what I command you to do best of your ability and capacity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Mas’ud ‘Uqbah bin ‘Amr Al-Ansari Al-Badri: Allah’s Messenger said, “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” (Muslim)

Narrated Tamim bin Aus Ad-Dari: Allah’s Messenger said, “Ad-Din (the religion) is sincerity and good will.” Upon this we said: “For whom?” He replied, “For Allah, His Book, His Messenger and for the leaders of the Muslims and their masses.” (Muslim)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “No one of you becomes true believer until he likes for his brother what he likes for himself.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: Allah’s Messenger said, “Beware! Avoid sitting on the roads (ways).” The People said: “There is no way out of it as these are our sitting places where we have talks.” Allah’s Messenger said, “If you have to sit there, then observe the rights of the way.” They asked, “What are the rights of the way?” He said, “They are the lowering of your gazes (on seeing what is illegal to look at), refraining from harming people (removal of obstruction), returning greetings, enjoining good and forbidding evil.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim )

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “There are three signs of a hypocrite: When he speaks, he lies; when he makes a promise, he breaks it; and when he is trusted, he betrays his trust.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As: Allah’s Messenger said, “A Muslim is one from whose tongue and hands the Muslims are secure; and a Muhajir (Emirgrant) is one who leaves (abandons) what Allah has forbidden.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Umamah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah decrees the (Hell) Fire and debars Paradise for the one who usurps the rights of a believer by taking a false oath.” One man asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Even if it should be for an insignificant thing?” He said, “Even if it be a stick of the Arak tree (i.e., the tree from which Miswak stick are taken).” (Muslim)

Narrated Jarir bin ‘Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger said, Allah will not show mercy to him who does not show mercy to others.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar : Allah’s Messenger said, “ A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim. So he should not oppress him nor should he hand him over to (his satan or to his self which is inclined to evil). Whoever fulfils the needs of his brother, Allah will fulfil his needs; whoever removes the troubles of his brother, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Resurrection; and whoever covers up the fault of a Muslim, Allah will cover up his fault on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “A Muslim is brother to a Muslim. He should neither deceive him nor accuse him of lying, nor leave him without assistance. Everything belonging to a Muslim is inviolable for a Muslim; his honour, his blood and property. Piety is here (and he pointed out to his chest thrice). Despising one’s Muslim brother is enough evil for a person.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah will cover up on the Day of Judgement the defect (faults) of the one who covers up the faults of the others in this world.” (Muslim)

Narrated Ibn ‘Umar: Allah’s Messenger said, “A Muslim is a brother of Muslim, he neither wrongs him nor does hand him over to one who does him wrong. If anyone fulfils his brother’s needs, Allah will fulfil his needs; if one relieves a Muslim of his troubles, Allah will relieve his troubles on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “He who removes from a believer one of his difficulties of this world, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of Judgement; and he who finds relief for a hard-pressed person, Allah will make things easy for him on the Day of Judgement; he who covers up (the faults) of a Muslim, Allah will cover up (his faults) in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah supports His slave as long as the slave is supportive of his brother; and he who treads the path in search of knowledge, Allah makes that path easy, leading to Paradise for him; The people who assemble in a house from the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah, learning it and teaching, there descends upon them the tranquillity, and mercy covers them, the angels flock around them, and Allah mentions them in the presence of those near Him; and he who lags behind in doing good deeds, his high descent will not make him go ahead.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “On every joint of man, there is charity. Everyday when the sun rises, doing justice between two men is charity; and assisting a man to ride an animal or to load his luggage on it is charity; and a good word is charity; every step which one takes towards (the mosque for) As- Salat (the prayer) is charity, and removing harmful things from the way is charity.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Harithah bin Wahb: I heard Allah’s Messenger saying, “Shall I not inform you about those who are entitled to Paradise? It is every person who is, modest and humble (before Allah), a person who is accounted weak and is looked down upon but if he swears (hoping for Allah’s Bounty), Allah will certainly give him what he desires. Now shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud man.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “On the Day of Resurrection, Allah the Exalted will say: ‘Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there is no shade but Mine.”’ ( Muslim )

Narrated Abu Karimah Al- Miqdad bin Ma’dikarib: Allah’s Messenger said, “When a man loves his brother (for Allah sake) he should tell him that loves him.” (At-Tirmidi and Abu Dawud)

Narrated Abu Barzah: Allah’s Messenger said, “A slave of Allah will remain standing on the Day of Judgement till he is questioned about (four things) his life on earth and how he spent it, and about his knowledge and how he utilized it, and his wealth and how he acquired it and in what way did he spend it, and about his body and how he wore it out.” (At-Tirmidhi )

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “When a disbeliever performs any good deed, he is rewarded for it in this world; and in the case of a Muslim, Allah stores up his good acts for him in the Hereafter and provides him with subsistence in this life due to his obedience.” (Muslim)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah the Exalted has said: ‘O son of Âdam, I shall go on forgiving you so long as you pray to Me and aspire for My forgiveness, whatever may be your defaults. O son of Adam, I do not care even if your sins should pile up to the sky; and should you beg pardon of Me, I would forgive you. O son Adam, if you come to me with an earthful of sins and meet Me, not associating anything with Me (in worship), I would come to you with an earthful of forgiveness.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said, “O Allah, there is no life but the life of the Hereafter.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Anas: Allah’s Messenger said: “Three (things) follow a deed person: Members of his family, his possessions and his deeds. Two of them return; and one remains with him. The people and his wealth return; his deeds remain with him.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah Messenger said, “Ruin be to a slave of the Dinar; the slave of the Dirham, and the slave of the striped silk cloak. If he is given anything he is pleased, but if not, he is unhappy.” ( Al-Bukhari )

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar: The Prophet took hold of my shoulders and said, “Be in the world as if you were a stranger or a wayfarer.” Ibn ‘Umar used to say: “When you survive till the evening, do not expect to be alive till the morning; and when you survive till the morning do not except to be alive till the evening; (Do good deeds) when your are in good health before you fall sick, and (do good deeds) as long as you are alive before death strikes.” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud: The Prophet said: “Do not crave after property lest you should be absorbed in the life of the world.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Ka’b bin ‘Iyad: Allah’s Messenger said, “Verily, there is a Fitnah (trial) for every nation and the trial for my nation (or Ummah) is wealth.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated K’ab bin Malik: Allah’s Messenger said, “Two hungry wolves sent in the midst of a flock of sheep are not more destructive to them than a man’s greed for wealth and fame is to his religion.” ( At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated ‘ Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As: Allah’s Messenger said, “Successful is the one who enters the fold of Islam and is provided with sustenance which is sufficient for his needs, and Allah makes him content with what He has bestowed upon him.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Richness is not in plenty of provisions; the (real) richness is the richness of the soul.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Ibn Mas’ud: Allah’s Messenger said, “The position of only two persons is enviable; a person upon whom Allah bestows His Bounties and gives him the power to spend in a righteous cause; and a person upon whom Allah bestows wisdom by means of which he decides the cases and with which he instructs.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Jabir: Allah’s Messenger never said ‘no’ to anyone who asked him for anything. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah the Exalted says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, you will also be spent upon.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As: A man asked Allah’s Messenger, “Which act in Islam is the best?” He replied, “To feed (the poor and the needy) and to salute everyone, whether you are acquainted with them or not.” ( Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Umamah: Allah’s Messenger said, “O son of Adam, if you spend what is surplus, it will be better for you; and if you retain it, it will be evil for you. You will not be reprimanded for withholding that which you need. First of all spend upon those who are your dependants, and the upper hand (i.e., the one that spends in the way of Allah) is better than the lower hand (i.e., the one that receives charity.)” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Wealth is not diminished by giving (in charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who displays humility towards another seeking the Pleasure of Allah, Allah exalts him in ranks.” (Muslim)

Narrated Asma’ bint Abu Bakr: Allah Messenger said to me, “Do not hold back; otherwise Allah will withhold from you.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “None of you should wish for death. If he is a righteous man, perhaps he may add to (his) good works, and if he is a sinner, possibly he may be repentant (in case he is given a longer life).” (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah loves a slave who is pious, free of all wants and self-concealing.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri: Someone asked Allah’s Messenger: “Who is the best man?” He answered, “A believer who strives in the Cause of Allah with his life and his wealth.” The man asked: “Who is the next?” He said, “One who retires into a narrow valley and worship his Lord.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Iyad bin Himar: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah has revealed to me that you should be courteous to one another. One should neither hold himself above another nor transgress against another.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Wealth is not diminished by giving Sadaqah (charity). Allah augments the honour of one who forgives; and one who serves another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah will exalt him in ranks.” (Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud, Allah’s Messenger said, “He who has, in his heart, a grain of arrogance will not enter Paradise.” Someone said. “How about a person who likes to wear beautiful clothes and shoes?” Allah’s Messenger said, “All of Allah’s Affairs are Beautiful and He likes beauty; arrogance means ridiculing and rejecting the Truth and despising people.” (Muslim)

Narrated Harithah bin Wahab: Allah’s Messenger said, “Shall I not inform you about the inmates of Hell? It is every violent, impertinent and proud person.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Salamah bin Al-Akwa’: Allah’s Messenger said, “A person continues to display haughtiness and arrogance till he is recorded among the arrogant and will be therefore afflicted with what afflicts them.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Abud-Darda: Allah’s Messenger said, “The heaviest thing to be placed in the balance of a believing slave on the Day of Judgement will be good behaviour.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Jabir: Allah’s Messenger said, “The dearest and nearest among you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be one who is the best of you in conduct; and the most abhorrent among you to me and the farthest of you from will be the pompous boastful braggarts, and Al-Mutafaihiqun.” The Companions asked him: “O Allah’s Messenger! We know about the pompous boastful braggarts, but we do not know who Al-Mutafaihiqun are.” He replied: “The arrogant people.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas: Allah’s Messenger said to Ashaj Abdul-Qasis, “You possess two such qualities as Allah loves. These are clemency and tolerance.” (Muslim)

Narrated ‘Aishah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah is kind and loves kindness in all matters.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Aishah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah is Kind and He loves kindness, and confers upon kindness which He does not confer upon severity, and does not confer upon any thing besides it (kindness).” (Muslim)

Narrated ‘Aishah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Whenever kindness is added to something, it adorns it; and whenever it is withdrawn from something, it leaves it defective.”(Muslim)

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, “Make things easy and do not make them difficult, cheer the people up by conveying glad tidings to them and do not repulse (them).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Jarir bin ‘Abdullah: Allah’s Messenger said, “He who is deprived of kindness and gentleness is, in fact, deprived of all good.” (Muslim)

Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As: Allah’s Messenger said, “Those who act justly will be seated upon pulpits of light before Allah. They will be those who do justice in their decisions, in matters relating to their families, and in all that is referred to them.” (Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “It is also charity to utter a good word.” ( Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day must not harm his neighbour, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day must show hospitality to his guest, and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated ‘Amr bin Shu’aib on the authority of his father and grant-father: Allah’s Messenger said, “Allah loves to see the marks of His Bounties on his slave.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Narrated Al-Bara’ bin ‘Azib: Whenever Allah’s Messenger went to bed, he would lie down on his right side and recite: “Allahumma aslamtu nafsi ilaika, wa wajjahtu wajhi ilaika, wa fawwadtu amri ilaika, wa’alija’tu zahri ilaika, raghbatan wa rahbatan ilaika, la malja’a wa la manja illa ilaika. Amantu bikitabikalladhi anzalta, wa nabiyyikal-ladhi arsalta (O Allah! I have submitted my soul to You, I have turned myself to You, entrusted my affairs to You and sought Your refuge for protection out of desire for You and out of fear of You ( expecting Your reward and fearing Your punishment). There is no refuge and no place of safety from You but with You. I believed in the Book You have revealed, and in the Prophet You have sent (i.e., Muhammad). ( Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Hurairah: Allah’s Messenger said, “Whoever sits in a gathering which indulges in useless talk and before getting up supplicates: ‘Subhanaka Allahumma wa bihamdika, ash-hadu an la ilaha illa Anta, astaghfiruka wa atubu ilaika ( Glory be to You, O Allah; praise be to You. I testify that none has the right to be worshipped but You; I ask Your Pardon and turn to You in repentance),’ he will be forgiven for (the sins he may have intentionally or unintentionally committed) in that assembly.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Verily, I have left amongst you the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of His Apostle which if you hold fast, you shall never go astray. (Bukhari)

The best word is the word of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad. (Sunan Ibn Majah)

None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Lord of the Heavens and the Lord of the Honorable Throne. (Bukhari)

You are calling a Hearer, One very close by; The One Who you are calling is closer to each one of you. (Bukhari and Muslim)

When Allah's Messenger (saas) was asked, "What is the biggest sin in the sight of Allah?", he said, "To set up rivals unto Allah although He alone created you." (Bukhari)

Fear Allah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition. (Tirmidhi)

Whoever accepted it [Allah's trial], will enjoy Allah's pleasure and whoever is displeased with it, will incur Allah's displeasure. (Tirmidhi)

Whoever seeks Allah's pleasure at the expense of men's displeasure, will win Allah's Pleasure and Allah will cause men to be pleased with him. And whoever seeks to please men at the expense of Allah's displeasure, will win the displeasure of Allah and Allah will cause men to be displeased with him. (Ibn Hibban, Saheeh)

Ponder on death a lot. Allah opens the heart of that person who thinks about death a lot and makes death easy for him. (Narrated by Abu Huraira)

By Allah, I seek the pardon of Allah and return penitently to Him every day more than seventy times. (Bukhari)

The Prophet (saas) said, "Carry on doing ?good deeds?, for everybody will find it easy to do ?what will lead him to his destined place?." Then he recited "As for him who gives ?in charity? and keeps his duty to Allah, and believes in the best reward from Allah ?i.e. Allah will compensate him for what he will spend in His way?. So, We will make smooth for him the path of ease. But he who is a greedy miser...for him, the path for evil." (Bukhari)

You have asked from Allah about durations of life already set, and the length of days already allotted and the sustenance the share of which has been fixed. Allah would not do anything earlier before its due time, or He would not delay anything beyond its due time. (Muslim)

Abdullah ibn Umar narrated, “Allah’s Messenger (saas) said, ‘Some hearts become rusty just as iron does when water affects it.’ On being asked what could clear them he replied, ‘A great amount of remembrance of death and recitation of the Qur’an.’” (Tirmidhi)

A wise person is one who keeps a watch over his bodily desires and passions, and checks himself from that which is harmful and strives for that which will benefit him after death; and a foolish person is one who subordinates himself to his cravings and desires and expects from Allah the fulfillment of his futile desires. (Tirmidhi)

A person asked Allah’s Messenger (saas): “What is faith?” He said: “When a good deed becomes a source of pleasure for you and an evil deed becomes a source of disgust for you, then you are a believer.” He again said to Allah’s Messenger (saas): “What is a sin?” Whereupon he said: “When something pricks your conscience, give it up.” (Tirmidhi)

Whoever has three things discovers the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than all else, that he loves another only for the sake of Allah, the Most High, and that he hates to return to disbelief as he would hate to be thrown into Fire. (Muslim and Bukhari)

Abdur Rahman bin Abi Bakra's father narrated that the Prophet (saas) said: "If Allah wants to do good to a person, he makes him comprehend the religion and of course knowledge is attained by learning." (Bukhari)

Abdullah bin Umar narrated that Allah's Messenger (saas) said, "Do not wish to be like anybody except in two cases: The case of a man whom Allah has given wealth and he spends it in the right way; and that of a man whom Allah has given religious wisdom ?i.e., the Qur'an and Sunnah? and he gives his verdicts according to it, and teaches it to others." (Bukhari)

Whoever meets Allah, without associating partners with Him, will enter Paradise; and whoever meets Him as one who associated anything with Him, will enter the Fire. (Muslim)

A wise man is the one who calls himself to account ?and refrains from doing evil deeds? and does noble deeds to benefit him after death; and the foolish person is the one who subdues himself to his temptations and desires and seeks from Allah the fulfillment of his vain desires. (Tirmidhi)

When one of you contemplates entering upon an enterprise, let him supplicate: O Allah, I consult You through Your Knowledge, and I seek strength through Your Power, and ask of Your Great Bounty; for You are capable whereas I am not and, You know and I do not, and You are the Knower of hidden things. O Allah, if You know that this matter is good for me in respect of my Religion, my livelihood and the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, make it easy for me, and bless it for me. But if You know this matter to be bad for my Religion, my livelihood or the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away from it, and grant me power to do good whatever it may be, and cause me to be contented with it. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. (Bukhari)

Goodness and comfort are for him who worships his Lord in a perfect manner and serves his Master sincerely. (Bukhari)

You possess two qualities that Allah loves. These are clemency and tolerance. (Muslim)

Every act of kindness is a charity. (Bukhari)

I was sent to perfect good character. (Malik's Muwatta)

By One in whose hand there is my life: None shall enter Paradise except one who has got good conduct. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din (The Book of Religious Learnings), Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001, Islamic Book Service, New Delhi, 2001, Volume II, p.236)

The most perfect believer in respect of faith is he who is best of them in manners. (Sunan Abu Dawud)

Everything is by decree—even incapacity and ability. (Malik's Muwatta)

When you ask for anything ask it from Allah, and if you seek help in Allah. Know that if the people were to unite to do you some benefit they could benefit you only with what Allah had recorded for you, and that if they were to unite to do you some injury they could injure you only with what Allah had recorded for you. The pens are withdrawn and the pages are dry. (Tirmidhi)

Strange are the ways of a believer for there is good in every affair of his and this is not the case with anyone else except in the case of a believer for if he has an occasion to feel delight he thanks [Allah], thus there is a good for him in it, and if he gets into trouble and shown resignation (and endures it patiently), there is a good for him in it. (Muslim)

If you put your faith completely in Allah, He will arrange for your sustenance in the same way as He provides for the birds. They go out in the morning with their stomachs empty and return filled in the evening. (Tirmidhi)

There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab and for a non-Arab over an Arab; nor for white over the black nor for the black over the white except in piety. Verily the noblest among you is he who is the most pious. (Bukhari)

Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah, and whoever obeys the ruler I appoint, obeys me, and whoever disobeys him, disobeys me. (Bukhari)

There is no god but Allah, He is One and has no partner, to Him belongs all praise and all authority, and He has power over all things, praise be to Allah, glory be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is the greatest, there is no power nor any authority but with Allah. (Fiqh-us-Sunna, Volume 4, p. 114)

Love Allah for the provision He gave you. Love me also as Allah loves me. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, Volume IV, p.288)

Make things easy for the people, and do not make it difficult for them, and make them calm ?with glad tidings? and do not repulse ?them?. (Bukhari)

Those who show no mercy will be shown no mercy. (Bukhari)

I swear by whom my soul is in his hand, you will not enter Paradise until you believe, and you will not believe until you love each other. Do you want me to guide you to something which if you practice, you will love each other? Spread greeting with peace among of you." (Bukhari)

The Prophet (saas)'s nature was the Qur'an. (Muslim)

Surely, Islam is pure, therefore be pure, because he can never enter Paradise who is not pure. (Ahmad Diya'al-Din al-Kamushkhanawi, Ramuz al-Ahadith, vol.1, 96/2)

O Allah, make my constitution and conduct good. O Allah, save me from bad character and conduct. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, VolumeII, p.234)

Convey my teaching to the people even if it were a single sentence. (Bukhari)

The most severe sin is to associate partners with Allah ?known as shirk?, while He has created you. (Bukhari and Muslim)

Whoever meets Allah, without associating partners with Him, will enter Paradise. (Kitaab At-Tawheed)

Should I not inform you of that which I fear for you even more than the dangers of Dajjal? It is the hidden idolatry: A person stands to pray and he beautifies his prayer because he sees the people looking at him. (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Idolatry is more hidden in my Ummah than the creeping of ants across a great smooth stone on a black night... (Tirmidhi)

Honesty descended from the Heavens and settled in the roots of the hearts of men ?faithful believers?, and then the Qur'an was revealed and the people read the Qur'an, -and learned from it- and also learned it from the Sunnah. Both the Qur'an and Sunnah strengthened their -the faithful believers'- honesty. (Bukhari)

Rejoice and hope for what will please you! By Allah, I am not afraid of your poverty but I am afraid that you will lead a life of luxury as past nations did, whereupon you will compete with each other for it, as they competed for it, and it will destroy you as it destroyed them. (Bukhari)

Those who are most aware of death and prepare themselves for it, are the wisest of people. (Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Volume 4, Number 13)

Do not envy one another; do not hate one another; do not turn away from another; and do not undercut one another, but be you. O servants of Allah, brothers. (Muslim)

Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one and it will wipe it out, and behave well towards people. (Abdul Wadoud, Forty Hadith An-Nawawis, translated by Ezzeddin Ibrahim and Denys Johnson-Davies, Third Edition, 1985)

There is nothing heavier in the scales than good character. (Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

Bad conduct destroys divine service as condiment destroys honey. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din,Volume III, p.52)

Honor a believer for his religion. Think him superior for good conduct and wisdom. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din,Volume III, p.53)

Verily, Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Pride is disdaining the truth ?out of self-conceit? and contempt for the people." (Muslim)

Do not turn away a poor man...even if all you can give is half a date. If you love the poor and bring them near you...Allah will bring you near Him on the Day of Resurrection. (Tirmidhi)

He who seeks repentance ?from the Lord? before the rising of the Sun from the west ?before the Day of Resurrection?, Allah turns to him with Mercy. (Bukhari)

Paradise is nearer to any of you than the strap of his shoe, and so is the ?Hell? Fire. (Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

Belief is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers… (Bukhari)

I will joke, but I only speak the truth. It is not lawful for a Muslim to frighten his brother. Do not dispute with your brother, not joke with him in mocking terms. Shame on him who speaks lies in order to entertain others. One cannot be a good believer until he ceases to tell lies, even in jest, and to dispute, even if he is in the right. Do not speak lies, even in jest. (Bukhari)

A believer loves for others what he loves for himself. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din,VolumeIII, p.68)

Don't hate one another, don't envy one another don't sell over the sale to another, don't dispute with one another and don't back-bite one another. The servants of Allah are brethren to one another. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din,Volume III, p.124)

The habits of earlier generations have attacked you–envy and hatred. Hatred is shaving. You will not enter Paradise till you believe. You will not believe till you love one another. Shall I not inform you what thing will establish you on it? Spread peace among you. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din,Volume III, p.167)

The best things that a man leaves behind after his death are a virtuous child who invokes Allah for him, a perpetual charity, the reward of which reaches him, and a beneficial knowledge which remains useful after him. (Abu Katada Hadith)

One of a child's duties to his father is to make his name and behavior fitting. (Al Hafiz ibn al-Dayba al-Shaybani, Taysir al-'usul ilaJami al-'usul, Volume 2, p. 512)

Be hospitable to your children and raise them to be well-behaved ... (Al Hafiz ibn al-Dayba al-Shaybani, Taysir al-'usul ilaJami al-'usul, Volume 2, p. 515)

The whole world is a provision, and the best object of benefit of the world is the pious woman. (Muslim)

The most perfect believer in faith is one who is the best of them in good conduct. The best of you is one who treats best with his wife among you. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, VolumeII, p.32)

The best of you, is the one who is best to his wives, and I am the best of you toward my wives. (Imam Ghazzali's Ihya Ulum-Id-Din, VolumeII, p.32)

...Shall I inform you about the people of the Fire? They comprise every cruel, violent, proud and conceited person. (Bukhari)

Among the people of Hell are there those who will be immersed in fire to their ankles, some to their knees, some to their waists, and some to their throats. (Muslim)

When the inhabitants of the Garden have gone to the Garden and the inmates of the Fire have gone to the Fire, death will be called and placed between the Garden and the Fire. Afterward the following announcement will be made: "Inhabitants of the Garden! There is no more death! Inmates of the Fire! There is no more death!" This will increase the delight of the inhabitants of the Garden and the grief of the inmates of the Fire. (Muslim)

When the dwellers of Paradise enter Paradise, an announcer will call: (you have a promise from Allah that) you will live therein and you will never die; you will stay healthy therein and you will never fall ill; you will stay young and you will never become old; you will be under a constant bliss and you will never feel miserable. (Muslim)

Islam Is a Way of Life

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The Many Blessings of Muharram

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Umm Mustafa

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