Characteristics of a Pious Husband

On the Day of Judgment :Allah will ask men if they fulfilled their obligations towards their families. They who fear Allah will do their best to direct the way his wife and children live by educating himself and his family to living according to the Sunnah of the Prophet(Sallallahualaiyhi wassallam) and the Holy Qur’an, the final word of Allah.The Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said, “The best of you is the best one to his family.” [Al-Tabarani]To share food with her, to provide herwith (decent) clothes as he provides himself, to refrain from smacking her, and not ignoring her but in the house. [Ahmad]One should not hate his believer wife.If he dislikes some of her attitudes, hewould (surely) like others (attitudes). [Muslim]Woman was created from a bent rib and will not be made straight for you on one way (that you like). If you want to enjoy her, you enjoy her while she is still bent. If you want to straighten her up, you will break her. Breaking her is divorcing her. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]Do (volunteer) fasting (some days) and do not fast (in other days), pray at night (some nights) and sleep (in other nights). Your body has a right on you (to rest), your eye has a right on you (to sleep), and your wife has a right on you. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]Fear Allah in (treating) women. [Muslim]Be advised to treat women righteously. [Al-Bukhari & Muslim]And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing that Allah brings through it a great deal of good. [4:19]The Prophet (Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said,”A Dinar (a currency) that you spend on your family, a Dinar that you spend on a poor person and a Dinar that you spend in the sake of Allah. The one that carries the most reward is the one that you spend on your family.” [Muslim]The Prophet(Sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said to Saaid ibn Abi Waqqas,”Know that no charity that you give whether small or large, for the sake of Allah, but you will be rewarded for it, even the bite (of food) that you put in your wife’s mouth.” [Bukhari & Muslim]by Al-Islaah Publications

Won’t Marry/ Can’t Marry

if one chooses not to marryor is unable to get married.The first post on marriage covered theintroduction to marriageand generally what Islam portrays regarding marriage.From the topics mentioned, "If one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married" is the next topic to be discussed.Islam is a flexible religion but has its boundaries; its flexibility allows one to adopt it as a way of life and implement its teachings into every situation; whereas its boundaries restrict man from becoming too engrossed into certain acts and therefore becoming extreme in following their desires. Flexibility and boundaries set by Islam have created a perfect balance for man to achieve good both in this world and the hereafter, it is a balance that allows man to be successful in both the worlds.Marriage also has boundaries and flexibilities; it is a matter which has been regarded as half of one's Imaan (religion). Marriage is taken seriouslyin Islam as it allows people to live in a clean and moral society where desires are fulfilled in a human and shameful manner. It is an act that increases the number of believers and will cause our beloved Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم to be proudby having the largest number of believers.The Prophet of Allah صلي الله عليه و سلم has clearly forbidden people from celibacy:"There is no celibacy in Islam"[Sahih al-Bukhari]However, in life it is not always possible to adopt the Sunnah act of marriage. There come in life situations that restrict that do not allow one to get married.Therefore, it is necessary to mention the ruling of marriage; is it Mustahab (desired/recommended), Sunnah (way of the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم, therefore encouraged), Wajib/Fardh (obligatory).Similarly, there will be times when marriage will be ruled as Makrooh (disliked) or Haraam (forbidden).At this time we will deal with those rulings that concern that person who chooses not to marry or does not have the means to.According to Imams Abu Hanifah marriage is Sunnah and recommendatory. It is an act of worship and one should strive in fulfilling this act.However, if one is in a position where he cannot control his desires then it is Wajib (necessary) for such a person to get married as he will not be able to save himself from sinning.However, a person is excused from marrying, so much so that he should refrain from it, if he does not possess the means of supporting his wife or the capability of fulfilling her rights.The question remains for that person who wishes to marry but does not possess the means, what should he do? Hadhrat 'Abdullah رضي الله عنه narrates that:"We were with the Prophet صلي الله عليه و سلم whilewe were young and had no wealth whatsoever. So Allah's Apostle صلي الله عليه و سلم said, "O young people! Whoever amongst you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower his gaze and guard his modesty, and whoever is not able to marry, should fast, as fasting is a shield for him (from desires)."[Sahih al-Bukhari]In this Hadeeth it is clearly mentioned that one who cannot marry should fast as the fasting will act as a shield for him from his desires. However, whilst doing this one should make an effort to resolve the matters that are stopping him from marrying.As a final note, it should be remembered that not being financially able and being in a position to provide for one’s wife means the basic essentials that are necessary. Having an elegant and extravagant wedding and inviting people is not part of ‘essentials’ and is in actual fact totally discouraged and forbidden in Islam. However, in today’s society we see people going to the extent oftaking out loans to organise a ‘wedding to remember.Insha Allah this topic will be mentioned in later posts and how choosing the correct partner will save one from committing such a grave sin from the first day of such a blessed and auspicious act of worship.May Allah give us all the courage and strength to save ourselves from the sins of desires and may He also give those people who are in need of marriage the means and a pious partner. Aameen.Posted byZain

Introduction to Marriage

Marriage in Islam - An IntroductionMarriage in the dictionary is explained as the name given to when a man and a woman"formally unite for the purpose of living together". In Islam, it is an act which is given great importance both from a religious view point and asocial viewpoint.The subject of marriage is vast and contains manytopics; these topics include:01. If one chooses not to marry or is unable to get married.02. When to get married.03. Love marriages, arranged marriages and force marriages.04. How to choose a suitable spouse.05. How to get married.06. Leading a happy, married life.07. Rights & responsibilities of the husband.08. Rights & responsibilities of the wife.09. Etiquettes involved in a married life.10. Upbringing of children.11. Responsibilities towards one's children.12. Marrying more than one wife (*new*)Marriage is an act which completes and encompasses the many teachings of Islam. It has been thus narrated in a Hadeeth that when a person marries, he has complete half of his religion and so he should fear Allah regarding the remaining half.Shame, modesty, moral and social values and control of self desire are just a few of the many teachings of Islam. Furthermore, these are just a few of the many worships that a person can complete by performing the ritual of marriage. Through marriage a person can be saved from many shameless and immoral sins and through marriage he has is more able to control his desire.Therefore, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) has said:"O young men! Whoever is able to marry should marry,for that will help him to lower his gaze and guard his modesty."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]The creation of mankind has been made such that man requires a spouse to complete all that a man requires. Whilst Adam (Alayhis Salaam) was in Jannah he felt a particular loneliness and in response to this loneliness Allah Ta'ala created Hawa (Alayhas Salaam) as a companion for him. This clearly shows that Allah chose women to act as a companion for man and so that they can remove that loneliness and live in harmony. Allah has created our spouses from a part of us. It is a bond that is created by Allah Himself so that we can find peace and tranquillity within our spouses.Allah has stated in Surah al-Rum:"And among His signs is that He has created for you mates from among yourselves,that you may dwell in tranquillity with them;and He has put love and mercy between you.Verily in that are signs for those who reflect."[Surah al-Rum - 30:21]In conclusion, it is simple to deduce that marriage is a form of worship as well as a social necessity. We have been asked to increase the Ummah (followers) and the only permissible way in Islam is through Marriage.Marriage is a strong oath that takes place betweenthe man and women in this world, but its blessings and contract continues even in Jannah.Marriage is the way of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), and whosoever goes against this practice has been reprimanded.Hadhrat Anas ibn Malik narrates:A group of three men came to the houses of the wives of the Prophet asking how the Prophet worshipped (Allah), and when they were informed about that, they considered their worship insufficient and said:"Where are we from the Prophet as his past and future sins have been forgiven."Then one of them said: "I will offer the prayer throughout the night forever."The other said: "I will fast throughout the year and will not break my fast."The third said: "I will keep away from the women and will not marry forever."Allah's Apostle came to them and said,"Are you the same people who said so-and-so?By Allah, I am more submissive to Allah and more afraid of Him than you;yet I fast and break my fast, I do sleep and I also marry women.So he who does not follow my tradition in religion,is not from me (from my followers)."[Saheeh al-Bukhari]Therefore, Islamically, we are all encouraged to get married and not turn away from the ways of our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Salaam).It should be remembered that this duty of marriage is for both men and women. Just as mencomplete half their religion through this act, it is also the same for women.

Fasting is a Shield

Fasting is a shield[Bukhari]Fasting is a shield for a person whichprotects them from Shaytan, Allah’s punishment and Jahannam. However, one needs to make sure the shield is not damaged in any way. Otherwise it will not be effective in doing its job. The actions that damage this shield and render it useless are sins like Backbiting, Lying, Evil Glance, Swearing, Nonsensical Conversation, Arguments, Slander, Haram Sustenance, and every other evil.Besides the compulsory fasting in themonth of Ramadan, one should try tofast during those days for which Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) has mentioned many rewards, for example:*.6 days of Shawwal*.Day of Aarafah*.Ashoora (9th & 10th or 10th & 11th of Muharram)Source: Riyadul Jannah Issue 2 Vol 13

Eye that Weeps

Anas said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, addressed us with a speech whose like I have never heard.He said, ‘If you were to know what I know, you would laugh little and weep much.’The Companions of the Messenger ofAllah covered their faces and sobbed.”[Bukhari, Muslim]

What is Better?

“It is better to sit alone than in company with the bad; and it is better still to sit with the good than alone.It is better to speak to a seeker of knowledge than to remain silent; but silence is better than idle words.”(Bukhari)

Flavour of Faith

It is related by Abbas bin Adbul Muttalib that he heard the Apostle of God say: “He tasted the flavour of Faith and experienced its sweetness who agreed with a truthful heart to accept God as His Cherisher, Islam as his religion, and Muhammad as his Prophet.” [Bukhari]Commentary:Just as all delicious foods posses a flavour but can be perceived only when one’s faculty of taste has not been lost or become perverted due to illness or any other cause, there is also a special sweetness in faith which can be enjoyed by those alone who have, willingly and earnestly, made Allah their Lord and Master, Muhammad (PBUH) their prophet and guide, and Islam their religion and way of life, and whose hearts have bowed in submission to God and yielded in obedience to the prophet and assented to be the adherents of the path of Islam. In other words, their bond with God, the prophet and Islam is not merely formal, hereditary or intellectual but real, sincere and genuine.Anas related to us that “Only he will taste the sweetness of faith who has these three qualities: the love of God and the prophet that comes to him before everything else, he loves whom he loves solely for the sake of God, and the idea of going back to apostasy after he has embraced Islam is as repugnant to him as being thrown into fire.”[Bukhari and Muslim]Commentary:The subject matter of this tradition is almost identical to that of proceeding one. It says that the sweetness of faith can only be perceived by him whose love for God and the Apostle is stronger that for anyone or anything else in the world, so much so that when he loves somebody, it is wholly for the sake of God, and who is so deeply devoted to the Islamic faith that the very idea of leaving it and reverting back to the apostasy is as painful to him as being cast into fire.Source: Bilal Academy

Hour of Accepted Dua on Jumuah

Rasulullah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:“There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makes dua in it, his dua will definitely be accepted. ”[Bukhari, Muslim]The ulama have differed in specifying that hour which has been mentioned in the Hadith. Shaykh Abdul Haq Muhaddith Dehlawi rahmatullahialayh has mentioned 40 different opinions in his book Sharh Sifrus Sa’aadah. However, from among all these opinions he has given preference to two opinions:(1) That time is from the commencement of the khutbah till the end of the salaat,(2) That time is towards the end of theday.A big group of ulama have given preference to this second opinion and there are many Ahadith which support this opinion. Shaykh Dehlawi rahmatullahialayh says that this narration is correct that Hadrat Fatimah radiallahuanha used to order her maid on Fridays to inform her when the day is about to end so that she could occupy herself in making zikr and duas. (Ash’atulLama’aat)

Importance of Good Manners

1.It is related by Abdullah Ibne Amr radhiyallahu anhu that the Apostle ofAllah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “The best of you are those who possess the best of manners.”Bukhaari and Muslim2.Abu Hurayrah radhiyallahu anhu related to us that the Apostle of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “Muslims who possess better moralsare the most perfect in Faith”.Abu Dawood and Daarami3.It is related by Abu Dardaa radhiyallahu anhu, that the Apostle of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “On the Day of Reckoning, the most weighty item in the Scales of Deeds will be good manners”.Abu Dawood and TirmiziCommentaryIt would not be correct to assume from the above Traditions that good morals were even superior to faith or the principal tenets like Imaan, Salaat, Sawm(fasting), Zakaat and Hajj. The Holy Companions to whom these sayings were directly addressed had already learnt from the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wasallam that among the various branches of Islaam, the most important were Imaan (faith) and the doctrine of Divine Unity, and, then, came the fundamental duties. As for the rest of the departments of religious life, some of them take procedence over others in various ways, and the place of moral virtues, undoubtedly, is very high, and in the attainment of success and salvation in After-life and the gaining of the countenance of the Lord, their significance is beyond question.4.Aaishah radhiyallahu anha relatesthat she heard the Apostle of Allah sallallahu alayhi wasallam say: “A Believer with good manners and a good moral disposition gets the same reward as he who fasts (permanently) and spends his nights in prayer”.Abu DawoodCommentaryIt shows that a person who is a true Muslim, both in Belief and Action, and, also, possesses good manners, but does not engage himself much in nafl (supererogatory) fasts and prayers attains the same degree of excellence, through moral goodness, as the one who, generally, stands up in prayer throughout the night and fasts all day long.riyaduljannah.com

Charity

Asma’a reported that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w said: “Spend and don’tcount lest Allah counts for you, and don’t hoard up lest Allah withhold from you. Spend what you can.Bukhari & MuslimCommentary:If you keep strict account of your charity, Allah will also keep strict account of His gifts andwealthon you. This principle applies everywhere. Suppose a rich father gave his son some coins of silver andthen asked back for one of them. He did not return it fearing that it would fall short of purchasing sweets. His father laughed and said: “How foolish is the boy! He does not understand where the money comes from.” Had he returned it to him, he would have given him more, becausea father, is pleased with his son, he gives more.Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w said: “The Almighty Allah says: O son of Adam! Spend, you will then be spent for.”Bukhari & MuslimCommentary:You will be given wealth and rewards from the treasures of Allah, in case you give away in charity, because a cistern when vacated is usually filled up and that which remains filled up without consumption is not at all filled up. The Qur’an says: “And whatever thing you spend, it will be given in exchange.”Abu Omamah reported that the Messenger of Allah s.a.w said: “O son of Adam! That you spend wealth is good for you and that you withhold it is bad for you, and you should not be backbitten for miserliness. Begin with those who are in you family.”MuslimCommentary:First of all, every man should provide the necessities to his family membersand then there is the question of charity in case of surplus. In such a case, a gift to family members will bring greater rewards than a gift to strangers.Source: Bilal Academy

Insatiable Desire

It is related by Abdullah bin Abbas that the Apostle of God said: “Even if a man possesses two fields and two forests full of worldly goods, he will like to have a third, and man’s belly will get filled up only with earth [i.e., his insatiable appetite forwealthwillend only in the grave], and God shows compassion to the bondsmanwho turns his face towards Him.”Bukhari and MuslimCommentary:- Excessive desire for wealth is a common human failing to the extent that if a man’s fields andforests are overflowing with riches he will still not be satisfied and go onwanting an increase in them till the last moment of his life.Fondness for wealth ends only with death. There is a special favour of theLord on those who make Him, and not the material world, the object of their adoration. God grants them contentment and they lead a happy and peaceful life here in this world too.

Visiting the Sick

It is a Sunnah of our Beloved Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم to visit the sick. We should always visit those who are sick because it helps us to reflect and take heed, as those who are ill are close to Allah Ta’ala. We have only to consider that the sickperson has no one to call but Allah, nothing to reflect on but Allah, and his condition reminds us of the blessing of health.Hadrat Abu Moosa رضى الله تعالى عنه reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘Visit the sick, feed the hungry and free the one who is imprisoned (unjustly).’ [Sahih Bukhaari]Hadrat Abu Hurairah رضى الله تعالى عنه reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “On the Day of Qiyaamah, Allah Ta’ala will announce: O son of Aadam, I was sick yet you did not visit me. He will reply, ‘O Allah, how could I have visited You since you are Rabbul ‘aalameen? Allah Ta’ala will say: Did you not know that so and so slave of mine was sick, and yet you did not visit him? Should you have visited him you would have found Meby him.” [Sahih Muslim]Hadrat Ali رضى الله تعالى عنه reports that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘When a Muslim visits his sick Muslim brother in the morning, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the evening. And when he visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels make dua for his forgiveness till the morning, and he will be granted a garden for it in Jannah.’ [Timizi, Abu Dawood]Hadrat Anas رضى الله تعالى عنه reportsthat the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘When a person performs a proper wudhu (observing all its etiquette) and then goes to visit his sick Muslim brother with the intention of gaining sawaab, then he will be kept far away from the Fire of Jahannam by a distance equivalent of Sixty years.’ [Abu Dawood]Our Beloved Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم also said, ‘Whoever visits a sick person (for the pleasure of Allah), a Caller from the skies announces: Youare indeed blessed and your walking is blessed and you have (by this noble act) built yourself a home in Jannah.’ [Ibn Maajah]Hadrat Ibn Abbaas رضى الله تعالى عنه relates: It is part of the Sunnah that when you visit a sick person, you should shorten your visit to him and make the least amount of noise by him. [Mishkaat]Once our Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘The best type of visit to a sick person is when the visitor gets up to leave without delay.’ [Bayhaqi]If we act upon these simple teachings, then the visitors to a hospital will no longer remain a problem for those who are in charge of the administration of hospitals.Hadrat Umm Salmah رضى الله عنها relates that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘When you visit a sick person or (go to the home of) someone who has died, then speak only what is good, for the angels say ‘aameen’ to whatever you will say.’ [Sahih Muslim]Hadrat Abu Sa’eed Khudri رضى الله تعالى عنه reports that Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم said, ‘When you visit a sick person, speak in a reassuring way to him (about his age and his life).’ (For instance, tell him, ‘Alhamdulillah, your health has improved’ or ‘Inshaa Allah you will get better soon.’) Saying this will not delay what is predestined, but it will certainly make him feel happy.’ [Tirmizi, Ibn Maajah]Source: Sickness- also a Mercy from Allah

Virtues of Iftari

Hadhrat Sahal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The people will remain prosperous so long as they hasten in breaking their fast (at the time of Iftaar).” [Bukhari]Hadhrat Abu Hurayra (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Allah Ta’ala said, ‘The most belovedof my servants in my sight are those who hasten when breaking fast’.” [Tirmidhi]Hadhrat Salman bin Amir (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “When one of you breaks his fast he should do so with dates for they provide blessing, but if he cannot get any he should break his fast with water for it is purifying.” [Mishkat]Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that the holy Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) said: “Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breakingfast (iftaar) is rejected.” [Ibn Majah]

Fasting in Ramadan – Ahadith from Riyad as-Salihin

217. Chapter: On the obligation to fast Ramadan and clarification of the excellence of fasting and what is connected to itAllah Almighty says,“You who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you,as it was prescribed for those before you..”to His words“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was sent down as guidance for mankind, with Clear Signs containing guidance and discrimination. Any of you who are resident for the month should fast it. But any of you who are ill or on a journey should fast a number of other days.”(W2:182-184; H2:183-185)1215. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Allah, the Mighty and Exalted said, ‘Every action of the son of Adam is forhimself except for fasting. It is Mine and I repay it.’Fasting is a shield. When someone is fasting, he should not have sexual relations nor quarrel. If someone fights him or insults him, he should say, ‘I am fasting’. By the One in whose hand the self of Muhammad is, the changed breath in the mouth of the faster is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk. The faster experiences two joys: when he breaks his fast he rejoices and when he meets his Lord he rejoices in his fasting.” [Agreed upon]In one variant of al-Bukhari, “He has left his food and drink and appetites for My sake. Fasting is Mine and I repay it. Any other good deed I repay with ten like it.”In a variant of Muslim, “Every action of the son of Adam is multiplied. A good action receives from ten to seven hundred times. Allah Almighty said, “Fasting is Mine and I repay it. He leaves his appetites and food for My sake. The faster experiences two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The changed breath in the mouth of the faster is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk.”1216. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The one who spends out two kinds of actions in the way of Allah will be summoned from the gates of the Garden and told, ‘O slave of Allah this is better.’ All the people who did the prayer will be called from the gate of the prayer. All the people who did jihad will be called from the gate of jihad. All the people who fasted will be called from the gate of Rayyan. All the people who gave sadaqa will be called from the gate of sadaqa.” Abu Bakr said, “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, Messenger of Allah. No one called from those gates will feel distress. Will anyone be called from all those gates?” He said, “Yes, and I hope that you will be among them.” [Agreed upon]1217. Sahl ibn Sa’d reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “There is a gate in the Garden called ar-Rayyan which those who fast will enter on the Day of Rising, and none but they will enter it.” It will be said, ‘Where are the fasters?’ They will stand up and none but they will enter it. When they have entered it, it will be closed and no one else will enter it.” [Agreed upon]1218. Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,said, “No slave fasts one day in the way of Allah without Allah putting his face seventy years’ journey away from the Fire on account of that day.” [Agreed upon]1219. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Anyone who prays in Ramadan motivated by belief and in expectation of the reward will be forgiven his past wrong actions.” [Agreed upon]1220. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When Ramadan comes, the gates of the Garden are opened, the gates of the Fire are closed and the shaytans are chained up.” [Agreed upon]1221. Abu Hurayra reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Fast when you see it (the new moon) and break the fast when you see it. If it is cloudy, then make Sha’ban complete with thirty days.” [Agreed upon]In the variant of Muslim, “If it is cloudy, you must fast thirty days.”218. Chapter: On generosity, charity and doing much good in themonth of Ramadan, and increasing that in the last ten days of the month1222. Ibn ‘Abbas said, “The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan when Jibril met him. Jibril used to meet him every night in Ramadan until it was over and the Prophet would go through the Qur’an with him. The Messenger of Allah was more generous with good things than the blowing wind.” [Agreed upon]1223. ‘A’isha said, “When the last tendays of Ramadan started, the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, used to pray during the night, wake up his family and intensify his efforts.” [Agreed upon]219. Chapter: On the prohibition against fasting before Ramadan after the middle of Sha’ban unless that fasting is connected to what is before it and coincides with his habit, like fasting Monday and Thursday1224. Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “None of you should fast a day or two before Ramadan except for a man who customarily fasts. He should fast thatday.” [Agreed upon]1225. Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Do not fast immediately before Ramadan. Fast when you see the newmoon and break it when you see it. If cloud obscures it, then complete the thirty days.” [at-Tirmidhi]1226. Abu reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “When half of Sha’ban remains, then do not fast.” [at-Tirmidhi]1227. Abu’l-Yaqatan ‘Ammar ibn Yasir said, “Anyone who fasts the daywhich is doubtful has rebelled against Abu’l-Qasim.” [Abu Dawud and at-Tirmidhi]220. Chapter: On what one says when seeing the new moon1228. Talha ibn ‘Ubaydullah reported that When the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,saw the new moon, he would say, “O Allah, make the new moon shine on us with security, belief, safety and Islam! My Lord and your Lord is Allah. It is a new moon of guidance and good.” [at-Tirmidhi]221. Chapter: The excellence ofsuhuranddelaying it as long as one does not fear the approach of dawn1229. Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Havesuhur. There is blessing insuhur.” [Agreed upon]1230. Zayd ibn Thabit said, “We usedto havesuhurwith the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace.Then he stood up for the prayer.” Anas said, “I said, ‘How long was there between theadhanandsuhur?’ He said, ‘Enough to recite fifty ayats.'” [Agreed upon]1231. Ibn ‘Umar said, “The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, had twomu’adhdhans: Bilal and Ibn Umm Maktum. The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “Bilal calls theadhanwhile it is still night, so eat and drink until Ibn Umm Maktum calls theadhan.” He said, “The time between the twoadhanswas only long enough for the one to go up and the other to come down.” [Agreed upon]1232. ‘Amr ibn al-‘As reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book lies in the eating ofsuhur.” [Muslim]222. Chapter: On the excellence of hastening to break the fast and that with which one breaks the fast and what one says after breaking the fast1233. Sahl ibn Sa’d reported that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, “People will continue to be all right as long as they hurry to break the fast.” [Agreed upon]1234. Abu ‘Atiyya said, “Masruq and I visited ‘A’isha and Masruq said to her, ‘There are two of the Companions of Muhammad, may Allah bless him and grant him peace,and neither of them is lacking in good. One of them hastensMaghriband fast-breaking and the other delaysMaghriband fast-breaking.’ She said, ‘Which one hastensMaghriband fast-breaking?’ He said, ”Abdullah – i.e. ibn Mas’ud.’ She said, ‘That is what the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, did.'

Fasting is a Shield

Fasting is a shield[Bukhari]Fasting is a shield for a person whichprotects them from Shaytan, Allah’s punishment and Jahannam. However, one needs to make sure the shield is not damaged in any way. Otherwise it will not be effective in doing its job. The actions that damage this shield and render it useless are sins like Backbiting, Lying, Evil Glance, Swearing, Nonsensical Conversation, Arguments, Slander, Haram Sustenance, and every other evil.Besides the compulsory fasting in themonth of Ramadan, one should try tofast during those days for which Rasoolullah (صلي الله عليه و سلم) has mentioned many rewards, for example:*.6 days of Shawwal*.Day of Aarafah*.Ashoora (9th & 10th or 10th & 11th of Muharram)Source: Riyadul Jannah Issue 2 Vol 13

Virtues of Ramadhan

It is related by Abu Hurairah (RAA) that the Apostle of God (sallallaho alaihi wa sallam) said “When the month of Ramadhan comes, the Gates of Heaven are thrown open and the Gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are put behind bars” In another report, the “Gates of Mercy” are mentioned in place of the “Gates of Heaven”. [Bukhari and Muslim]Commentary – Commenting of this Tradition, Shah Wali-ullah remarks that as the devout bondsmen apply themselves to worship and good-doings during the month of Ramadhan and spend their days in God- remembrance and recitation of the Qur’an while Fasting, and a major part of their nights in Taraweeh and Tahajjud, supplication and repentance, under the influence of their high spirituality and devotional exertions the hearts of the common Muslims, too become more inclined towards prayer and piety and they, on the whole succeed in abstaining from good many sins. Owing to the generation of the atmosphere worship and virtue in the Islamic circles, people who are not wholly disregardful of transcendental truths develop a fondness for things that are pleasing to God and an aversion for acts that are repugnant to Him. moreover, in this blessed month the recompense on even smaller acts of moral goodness is made much greater by God than on other days. In consequence of all this, the gates of Paradise are opened and of Hell are closed for such people and the devils are not left free to tempt and mislead them.It would be clear that all the three things – the throwing open of the gates of Heaven, the shutting up of the gates of Hell and the binding of the devils in chains – are in respect only of the bondsmen who feel disposed towards good-doing in the month of Ramadhan, and out of the keenness to partake of its blessings engage themselves enthusiastically in worship and other religious duties. As for the Apostates, the negligent and the heedless who care little for Divine injunctions and produce no change in their daily lives at the advent of Ramadhan, these tidings do not apply to them,. When they have opted out, of their own accord, for the path of error and omission and taken willingly to follow Satan and doing his bidding there is nothing for them except disappointment with God as well.It is related by Abu Hurairah that the Apostle of Allah (sallallaho alaihi wasallam) said : “When the first night of the month of Ramadhan (comes), the devil’s and defiant Jinn are bound in chains and all the Gates of Hell are closed and non of them remains open and all the Gates of Heaven are thrown open and none of them remains closed and the heavenly herald announces, “O seeker of goodness and virtue! come forward; and O lover of wickedness and evil-doing! Halt, and do not come forward” and a large number of (sinning) bondsmen are released from Hell at the command of God (i.e., decision of forgiveness and deliverance is taken for them), and allthis takes place on every night of Ramadhan.” [Tirmizi and Ibn-i-Maja]Abdullah Bin Abbas narrates that the Apostle of God (sallallaho alaihi wa sallam) was superior to all men in generosity and the doing of good to the people in general, but in the month of Ramadhan his benevolenceknew no bounds. In Ramadhan, Gabriel came to him every night and the Prophet (sallahu alaihi wa sallam) recited the Qur’an to him. During Ramadhan the Prophet (sallaho alaihi wa sallam) appeared to be faster than the wind in generosity and benevolence. [Bukhari and Muslim]From Meaning and Messages of the TraditionsBy Shaykh Mohammad Manzoor Nomani (RA).

Dua When Visiting the Ill

لَا بَأْسَ طَهُورٌ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُNo need to worry. It (this illness) is a means of cleansing from sins, if Allâh wills.(Bukhari)Source:Central Mosque

Dua When Ill or Having Disease

للَّهُمَّ رَبَّّ النَّاسِ أَذْهِبِ الْبَأْسَ رَبَّ النَّاسِ وَاشْفِ أَنْتَ الشَّافِيلَا شِفَاءَ إِلَّا شِفَاؤُكَ شِفَاءٌ لَا يُغَادِرُ سَقَمَاًO Allah, Lord of the people, remove all harm, give cure, for you are the one who cures. There is no curing except Your curing – a curing that leaves no illness.(Bukhari)Source:Central Mosque

Dua When You BecomeAngry

أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ“I seek refuge in Allah from the accursed Satan”.(Bukhari, Muslim

Dua When Seeing a Muslim Happy

أَضْحَكَ اللَّهُ سِنَّكَMay Allah, keep you laughing forever(happy).(Bukhari)Source:Central Mosque