mY sMaLL wOrLd

Posts will resume soon

2009-10-21T22:42:00.003+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum!

Due to unforeseeable circumstances, new entries have not been posted for quite some time now.

New posts will resume not later than the end of this month (October), InsyaAllah.

My apologies to all.

Comments are welcome.

Generosity In Ramadhan

2009-09-07T18:15:00.003+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates that

“The Messenger of Allah (saw) was the most generous person, and he used to be most generous in Ramadan…”

[Al Bukhari]

Imam Ash-Shaafi’e (May Allah have mercy upon him), once said,

‘It is beloved to me to see one increasing his acts of generosity during the month of Ramadhan, following the example of Allah’s Messenger, and for one’s own good. There are many who become over-occupied with fasting and Prayers, forgetting the other benefits of the month of Ramadhan [i.e. forgetting about the benefits and rewards for being generous towards others].’
[Lataa'if-ul Maaarif]

Night Prayers In Ramadhan

2009-09-02T18:56:00.001+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Narrated Abu Hurairah:

I heard Allah’s Apostle saying regarding Ramadan,

“Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

[Sahih Al Bukhari]

Excellence Of Tarawih Prayers

2009-08-31T18:28:00.002+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadhan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (SAW) said,

“Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadhan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”

[Muslim]

Commentary: This Hadith highlights the following points:

1. Qiyam (prayer at night) in the month of Ramadhan is a much-stressed act and has great importance from the viewpoint of reward and award.

2. The sins which are pardoned though are minor sins because major sins are not forgiven unless one makes sincere repentance and compensates those whom he has wronged.

3. That Qiyam during the month of Ramadhan was the practice of the Prophet (SAW). He performed this Qiyam in congregation with his companions. [It is not obligatory but is preferred that one prays Qiyam prayer during the month of Ramadhan].

4. Qiyam Ramadhan was later on named Tarawih. Since the Companions of the Prophet (SAW) used to make a lengthy Qiyam in them and they would take rest after performing every four Raka’ah. This is how these came to be named Tarawih (Rest prayer).

5. In Tarawih, that is Qiyam Ramadhan, lengthy Qiyam is a sunnah, but it must be borne in mind that the Qur’an must be recited according to the principles of ‘Ilm-at-Tajwid with clear and distinct voice at a slow pace.

Breaking The Fast

2009-08-29T18:21:00.003+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Sahl bin Sa’d (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“People will continue to adhere to good [welfare of the religion] as long as they hasten [in the early moments of the prescribed time, without any delay after the sunset] to break the Sawm (fasting).”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“Allah the Most High says: ‘From amongst My slaves, the quicker the one in breaking the Sawm (fasting), the dearer he is to Me.’”

[At-Tirmidhi]

Abu Ibrahim ‘Abdullah bin Abu Aufa (RA) reported:

We were with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) on a journey and he was observing Sawm. When the sun sets, he (SAW) said to a person, “Dismount and prepare the ground roasted barley drink for us.” Upon this he replied, “O Messenger of Allah (SAW), there is daylight still.” The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “Get down and prepare barley drink for us.” So he got down and prepared a barley liquid meal for him. The Prophet (SAW) drank and then said, “When you perceive the night approaching from that side, a person observing Sawm should break the fast.” And he (SAW) pointed towards the east with his hand.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary: This Hadith stresses that Sawm must be broken soon after sunset and without delay.

Merits Of Sahur

2009-08-28T18:04:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Anas (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“Eat sahur (predawn meal). Surely, there is a blessing in sahur.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary: This hadith tells us that sahur is the sunnah of the Prophet SAW, even if one takes a small quantity of food. This meal is blessed and maintains one’s energy and vitality during sawm. Against this, if a person goes to sleep after taking his dinner to save himself from the inconvenience of getting up before dawn or takes sahur early will be, on one side, disobeying the Messenger of Allah (SAW), while on the other side, he will be feeling hungry and thirsty very early and very much as he himself has increased the period of fasting by not taking the sahur.

Zaid bin Thabit (RA) reported:

We took sahur with the Messenger of Allah (SAW) and then we stood up for (Fajr) salat (prayer). It was asked: “How long was the gap between the two?” He replied:

“The time required for the recitation of fifty ayat (of the Qur’an)”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Commentary: We learn from this Hadith that sahur should be taken towards the end of its timing. This is the sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). One should, however, take care that it is done before dawn.

Safeguarding The Sawm

2009-08-27T18:06:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said,

“When any one of you is observing Sawm on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: ‘I am observing fast.’”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said,

“If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and drink.”

[Al-Bukhari]

Matters Relating To Sawm

2009-08-26T17:54:00.002+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Abu Sa’id Al-khudri (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“Every slave of Allah who observes Sawm (fasting) for one day for the sake of Allah, Allah will draw his face farther from Hell-fire to the extent of a distance to be covered in seventy years.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Prophet (SAW) said,

“If any one of you forgetfully eats or drinks (while observing fasting) he should complete his Sawm (fastng), for Allah has fed him and given him to drink.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Excellence Of Observing Sawm

2009-08-25T17:29:00.002+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah says: The reward of observing Sawm is different from the reward of other good deeds; Sawm is for me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Sawm abstains from food and drink only for my sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rabb. Surely, the breath of one observing Sawm is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said,

“When Ramadhan begins, the gates of Jannah are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Sahl bin Sa’d (RA): The Prophet (SAW) said,

“In Jannah there is a gate which is called Ar-Raiyan through which only those who observe Sawm (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. None else will enter through it. It will be called out, “Where are those who observe fasting?” So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.”

[Muslim]

Two Joys For Those Who Fast

2009-08-24T18:19:00.005+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

On the authority of Abu Harayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

“Allah (swt) says: The fast is for Me and I will give the reward for it, as he (the one who observes the fast) leaves his sexual desire, food and drink for My Sake. Fasting is like a shield (from sins and the hellfire), and he who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he will meet his Lord (on the Day of Judgement). And the smell emanating from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the Sight of Allah than even the smell of musk.’”

[Bukhari and Muslim]

The Most Unfortunate People

2009-08-23T18:12:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

On the authority of Kaab ibn Ujrah (May Allah be pleased with him) it is related that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said,

“Come near to the mimbar”. And we came near the mimbar. When He (saw) climbed the first step of the mimbar, He (saw) said “Ameen”, When He (saw) ascended the second step, He (saw) said “Ameen”, When He (saw) climbed the third step, He (saw) said “Ameen” When He (saw) came down, We said “O Messenger of Allah (saw), we have heard from you today something which we have never heard before” He (saw) said, when I climbed the first step, the angel Jibraeel (as.) appeared before me and said,

“Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramadhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness”

Upon that I said ‘Ameen’. When I climbed the second step, he said,

“Destruction to him before whom my name is mentioned and then he does not make Dua for Allah’s blessing on me (by saying salawat, for example sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).”

I replied ‘Ameen’. When I climbed the third step, he said,

“Destruction unto him in whose lifetime both his parents or either one of them reaches old age, and (through failure to serve them) he is not allowed to enter Jannah”.

I said ‘Ameen’.

(Haakim, Baihaqi)

The First Day Of Ramadhan

2009-08-22T18:38:00.002+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

On the authority of Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them both) it is reported that he heard the Prophet (Peace be upon him) say:

“Verily, Jannah (Paradise) becomes perfumed with the sweetest fragrance in Ramadhan. From the beginning of the year till the end, it is being brightly decorated for the coming of this blessed month. And when the first night of Ramadhan appears, a wind blows from beneath the Arsh (Throne). It is called Mutheerah, and causes the leaves of the trees of Jannah to rustle and door handles to sound, whereby setting forth such a melodious sound as had never been heard before.

The dark eyed damsels of Jannah then step forth till they appear in the centre of the balconies of Jannah, exclaiming: Is there anyone making dua to Allah for us that Allah may join us in marriage to them?” Then these damsels call out: “O Ridwaan, keeper of Jannah, what night is this?” He replies: “Labbaik, this is indeed the first night of Ramadhan, when the doors of Jannah are opened to those who observe the fast from among the Ummah of Muhammad (saw)”.

Rasullulah(saw) further said, “Allah says, “O Ridwaan open the doors of Jannah, O Maalik (Keeper of Jahannam) close the doors of Jahannam for those who fast from among the Ummah of Muhammad (saw). O Jibraeel proceed down to the earth and bind the rebellious shayateen (devils), put them in chains and cast them in the oceans so that they make no mischief, thereby spoiling the fast of the Ummah of My beloved Muhammad (saw).”

Allah commands a caller from the heavens to call out three times on every one of the nights of Ramadhan: “Is there anyone begging of Me that I may grant him his desire? Is there anyone repenting to Me that I may turn in mercy to him? Is there anyone begging for forgiveness that I may forgive him? Who is there who shall give a loan (i.e. give charity) to the One whose wealth does not diminish, and the One who duly fulfils without unjust deductions”.

[reported in Targheeb]

The Sermon Pt.2

2009-08-21T18:05:00.003+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

(continued from yesterday…)

“This is a month, the first of which brings Allah’s mercy (i.e. the first 10 days), the middle of which brings His forgiveness and the last of which brings freedom from the fire of Jahannam.”

“Whosoever lessens the burden of his servants (or those under his authority) in this month, Allah will forgive him and free him from the fire of Jahannam.”

“And in this month four things you should continue to perform in great number, two of which shall be to please your Lord, while the other two shall be those without which you cannot do. Those which shall be to please your Lord, are that you should in great quantity bear witness that there is no deity to worship except Allah (i.e. recite the Kallimah Tayyibah Laa ilaha illallah) and make much Istighfaar (repentance, beg Allah’s forgiveness with Astaghfirullah). And as for those without which you cannot do, you should beg of Allah, entrance into Paradise and ask refuge in Him from Jahannam.”

“And whoever gave a person who fasted water to drink, Allah shall grant that giver to drink from My fountain, such a drink where after that a person shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah.”

[Ibn Khuzaimah in his Saheeh]

The Sermon Pt. 1

2009-08-20T18:37:00.006+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum!

On the authority of Salman al Farsi (May Allah be pleased with him) it is narrated that during the last Jumu’ah of the month of Sha’ban the Prophet (Peace be upon him) recited a Khutbah (sermon) in which he said:

“O people, there come over you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in virtue than a thousand months. It is a month in which Allah has made fasting compulsory by day, and has made the Taraweeh a sunnah by night. Whosoever intends drawing near to Allah by performing any virtuous deed, for such a person shall be the reward like the one who had performed a Fardh (obligatory act) at any other time. And whoever performs a Fardh, shall be blessed with the reward of seventy Faraa-idh at any other time.

This is indeed a month of patience, and the reward for true patience is Jannah (Paradise). It is the month of sympathy towards one’s fellowmen. It is the month wherein a true believer’s rizq (sustenance) is increased. Whosoever feeds another Muslim who fasted, in order to break the fast at sunset, for the feeder there shall be forgiveness of sins and freedom from the fire of Jahannam (hellfire), and for such a feeder shall be the same reward as the one who fasted (who he fed) without that persons reward being decreased in the least.”

Thereupon we said, “O Messenger of Allah, not all of us possess the means whereby we can give a fasting person to break his fast.” (They were at the time under the impression that Rasullulah (saw) referred to a full meal). Rasullulah (saw) replied: “Allah grants the same reward to the one who gives a fasting person to break the fast a mere date, or a drink of water, or a sip of milk (for Iftar).”

To be continued tomorrow with Pt.2, InsyaAllah...

Preparing Oneself For Ramadhan

2009-08-19T15:23:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

Ramadhan is not only a month in which one gives up their food and drinks, remaining hungry from pre-dawn till dusk, but rather this month is much more than just that. It is a month of spirituality in which a believer is given the opportunity to gain a closeness to Allah (swt) not only by fulfilling the obligatory acts and increase in other types of worship such as charity and recitation of the Qur’an etc…, but more than that; by abstaining from sins and acts of disobedience.

Abstention from sins is all the more important in this month, particularly abstaining from sins related to the faculties of hearing, seeing, thinking and speaking. This is a month of purification in which we as believers are given the opportunity to cleanse ourselves of our sins and purify ourselves both physically and spiritually, through fasting and increased worship.

So, fasting is not just to abstain from taking food and drinks, but also to prevent our ears from hearing forbidden things such as irreligious songs and music, to prevent our eyes from viewing forbidden things, to prevent ourselves to the best of our ability from thinking about sinful things and finally last but not least to safeguard the tongue, ‘the boneless wonder’ which is responsible for and has so many sins related to it, such as lying, backbiting, slandering, gossiping etc… It is very important to safeguard the tongue from sins in this month, and it is for this reason why one of the pious predecessors used to refer to Ramadhan as ‘The Month of Silence’.

“And ask forgiveness for your sins and also for the believing men and believing women”

(Muhammad:19)

May Allah (swt) allow us all to gain the full blessings from this month and make it a month of reformation for us, so that we once and for all abandon disobedience to our Creator and become His (swt) obedient, pious and sincere servants. Amiin.

Ramadhan And The Quran

2009-08-18T18:30:00.005+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum!

Ramadan is the month of the Quran and generosity. Ibn Abbas says: “I have never seen anyone more generous than Rasullullah(saw), and he would be most generous in Ramadan when Jibril(as) would read the Quran with him”

Imam Malik used to close the books of hadith and fiqh in Ramadan and devote his time to the Quran.

Allah(swt) says: “The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed.” So the revelation of the Quran began in Ramadan.

Therefore, dear Muslim brothers and sisters, let us spend more time and give more focus on the Quran during the holy month. Hopefully, by diligently giving our attention to reading, revising, pondering, understanding and implementing the Quran in our daily lives, the Quran will become our companion in our lonely graves and our savior on the Day of Judgement. Amiin.

The Purpose Of Fasting In Ramadhan

2009-08-17T21:21:00.002+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum!

Allah, the Most High says,

“O you who believe! Fasting has been ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

[Al Qur’an 2:183]

A common question that Muslims are often asked, is ‘why do you fast?’ or ‘What do you achieve through fasting?’ Many Muslims attempt to answer these questions in a very philosophical way, explaining that fasting helps us to think about the poor and about those less privileged than us. Or that it allows us to feel the hunger and thirst that poor people around the world feel so that we may be grateful to Allah(swt) for the food that we have, or so on and so forth.

Although most of these answers maybe true, but the real answer is much simpler than that and is contained in the above verse of the Qur’an. It is that, firstly, fasting is a command from Allah(swt), and those that came before us (i.e. the nations that came before) were also commanded to fast. Secondly, the purpose for which we have been ordained to fast is so that we may attain Taqwa.

A Tabi’ee (A Companion from the generation after the Sahaabah) Talq ibn Habeeb (May Allah have mercy upon him) was asked to define Taqwa, so he said, ‘Taqwa is acting in obedience to Allah (swt), hoping for His Mercy, and Taqwa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah out of fear of Him.’

This is the purpose behind fasting, and this is what fasting in Ramadhan should lead us to, i.e. towards attaining Taqwa. The aim is to achieve Taqwa, the means to this achievement is fasting and the result of achieving this aim is the closeness and pleasure of Allah(swt), and immense reward from Allah in this world and in the hereafter.

The Meaning Of Ramadhan

2009-08-16T18:58:00.004+08:00

Assalamu’alaikum !

O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:183]

(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will,- it is better for him. And it is better for you that you fast, if you only knew. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:184]

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. Allah wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify Allah for guiding you, and to express your appreciation. [Surah Al Baqarah 2:185]

When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. [ Surah Al Baqarah 2:186]

Purification Of The Heart

2009-08-11T23:12:00.005+08:00

Assalamu'alaikum !

“The heart becomes sick, as the body becomes sick, and its remedy is at-Tawbah (repentance) and protection [from transgression].

It becomes rusty as a mirror becomes rusty, and its clarity is obtained by remembrance [of Allah].

It becomes naked as the body becomes naked, and its beautification is at-Taqwa [fear of Allah].

It becomes hungry and thirsty as the body becomes hungry, and its food and drink are knowledge, love [for Allah and His sake], dependence [upon Allah], repentance and servitude.”

[Al-Fawaid of Ibn al-Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (May Allah have mercy upon him)]

Salaam.