Dealing With Differences – An Excellent Article September 13, 2008
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Dealing with Differences
By: Yahya Emerick
“Islam teaches that wudu is done this way.” The man said confidently.
“But you’re wrong,” the young man replied. “That’s totally against the laws of Islam.”
“But it says in a hadith that.” The older man started saying.
“That’s a weak hadith!” The younger man interrupted.
“Oh Yeah! What’s your daleel (proof)? I read in a book that the blessed prophet said to…”
By this time both men were fuming. The young man screamed, “I read in a book, too, that…”
But before he could finish his sentence, the older brother pushed him and he pushed back. A fight would ensued if some quick-thinking brothers nearby didn’t break it up.
The two brothers eyed each other angrily and left in opposite directions. Those who remained just shook their heads in silence. Here were two brothers ready to fight over a difference of opinion.
The funny thing was, they both were right. They just didn’t know how to handle a difference of opinion. The blessed prophet once remarked, “Difference (of opinion) in my Ummah are a blessing.”
He didn’t mean that Muslims should argue about everything or be divided, rather, he was pointing out that it was good for Muslims to think, to reason together, to discuss things and that if they disagreed over something, that it was all in the pursuit of knowledge. If anyone uses differences of opinion to form competing groups, then they have done wrong and may find themselves in trouble on the day of judgment!
Allah is very harsh against those who make divisions. He said, “And be not like those who split up their way of life and become mere sects, each group rejoicing in what it (claims) it has.” (Qur’an 30:31-32).
Also he said, “As for those who divide their way of life and break up into sects, you have no part of them at all. Their affair is with Allah. He will tell them the truth of what they did in the end.” (Qur’an 6:159).
Once the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), said that the Jews divided up into 71 sects, or groups, the Christians into 72 and that his community would eventually be divided up into 73. Then he said they would all be in the fire except one. When the people around him asked which one was going to Paradise, he replied that it was the one which would follow his example.
We are blessed as a community in that we have our original book and the complete record of the life of our prophet. If anyone comes and says, “This or that is Islam,” we can easily check and verify whether or not it’s true. If it doesn’t come from the Qur’an or Hadith, then it can’t be Islam. So we must use those two sources to explain what Islam really is. Sincere people seek to learn and practice the truth and Allah guides those who seek him. Anything else is opinion.
On many occasions Muslims have disagreed over what something means or what to do. The key is to follow the Islamic manners of how to deal with differences. We don’t have to agree all the time, but we don’t fight over disagreements as if we were enemies. And if we are truly wrong and realize it, we must not stick to a false position out of pride or fear of “losing.”
An arrogant person refuses to accept logic and a proud and vain person never likes to listen to guidance. In contrast, the Qur’an states, “Those who, when they hear the signs of Allah being recited, humble themselves” So be humble where knowledge is concerned.
Before the battle of Khandaq, the Muslims had to decide what to do. Some wanted to go out and fight while others wanted to stay in the city and defend from there. The prophet listened to both sides and in the end, he agreed with those who wanted to defend from the city. He didn’t barge in with his own personal preferences nor did the Shura, or group discussion, become heated and full of antagonism. People disagreed over an issue but united after a majority decision was taken.
Allah, the exalted, gave us a formula for dealing with differences when he said in the Qur’an that this book is Al Furqan, the standard to go by. And further he instructed us to follow the example of the blessed prophet (Qur’an 33:21)
If we have a disagreement, especially between the followers of one Madhab (School of Fiqh) and another, we must respect each other’s opinions and present our evidence. In the end, even if neither side proves a point, we must be courteous and respectful. If we find our position is wrong, then we would be a fool to stick with something that is not true. Simply say, “Alhumdulillah,” and thank the brother or sister for helping you to understand Allah’s Shari’ah better. Khalifa ‘Umar once said, “Allah bless the person who makes me a gift of my own faults.”
I’ve seen countless showdowns between people with different opinions in which the end-result was ill will and hurt feelings. What’s even worse is that such a display of rude behavior on the part of people who are supposed to know Islam makes other Muslims shy away from the Masjid and Muslim gatherings. It has an even worse effect on new converts and potential converts. Muslims handle their differences with proper adab, or manners.
I still remember an inter-faith dialogue meeting I sat in on several years ago. There were about ten Muslims, ten Jews, and fifteen Christians. Over the course of several hours, it became obvious to all that the Jews present were completely disunited, to the point that secular Jews were arguing with the orthodox who were in turn calling the reform Jews fakes.
The Christians, who represented at least ten different sects, fared no better. They disagreed on just about everything when topics in their religion came up. Two Christians even got into an intellectual duel which lasted almost fifteen minutes. The moderator, who was a Lutheran preacher, saw that his forum was descending into chaos. So he tried to get the Muslims to go at each other’s throats also to deflect from the obvious disunity among the Jews and Christians present.
He brought up the old Sunni-Shi’a issues and tried to make disunity among Muslims, the primary topic of the gathering. None of us Muslims, about seven men and three women, had ever met before. We came from different regions of the metropolitan area. Three had identified themselves as Shi’a on the names list we all had. I wondered what would happen.
To my great relief, no matter which Muslim spoke, male or female, Sunni or Shi’a, we were all talking with one voice. We agreed on practically everything and felt a tremendous feeling of victory in our hearts. Despite the preacher’s repeated accusations, insinuations, biting remarks and finally, obvious attempts to divide us, we united as one and handled any differences respectfully and wisely. We had no shouting matches, no glaring differences or understandings. Indeed, after the meeting we knew we were all brothers and sisters while the Christians and Jews kept their distance from each other. They were pairing up with us to talk in the social time.
When we have differences, we must not forget that it does not take away from our primary bonds of Iman. On one occasion, Khalid ibn Walid and Saad ibn Waqqas were having a heated argument. After Khalid left, a friend of Saad’s started saying bad things about Khalid. Saad immediately stopped the man and told him, “The disagreement between us does not affect the bond of our Iman.” (From: God-Oriented Life)
Once ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, who was the Khalifa, or political leader, went up to a person he disliked and told him to his face, “I don’t like you.” The person merely answered back, “Are you going to take away my rights?” Umar replied, “I don’t like you, but I will respect your rights.” Clearly, that is the best example for us to follow with regards to dealing with the differences among us.
Yahiya Emerick was a former vice principal at an Islamic school, President of the Islamic Foundation of North America and a Muslim author and has written many articles that have been published in local as well as national magazines, both in North America and abroad. He was born into an American Protestant Christian family and converted to Islam in 1989. Amirah Publishing was founded by Yahiya Emerick in 1992 in order to further his ideal of publishing American-oriented literature on Islam. Emerick’s juvenile fiction books are amongst the very first examples of the Islamic Fiction genre.http://islamicfictionbooks.com/ifbauthors.html In addition to being an author he is also a lecturer and educator with national recognition. One of Emerick’s books has been adopted into the curriculum of Al-Azhar University in Egypt, the world’s oldest college and the foremost in Islam.
How BIG is YOUR LIGHT ? – Asma Bint Shameem September 13, 2008
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Salaam Walekum
Adil Khan
Permission is granted to circulate among private individuals and groups, to post onInternet sites and to publish in full text and subject title in not-for-profit publications.
September 13, 2008
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In the name of Allaah, the Most-Merciful, the All-Compassionate
Some Things To Do In Ramadaan
Compiled by Imran Ayub
1. Read Quraan
The blessed month of Ramadaan is the month in which the Qur’aan was revealed. Thus, this blessed month of Ramadaan is even more special in relation to the Qur’aan, because Allaah distinguished it by revealing the Qur’aan during it. Aside from recitation of the Qur’aan, learning the translation of the meaning, pondering over its Verses are also recommended and encouraged acts.[2]
Narrated Ibn Mas’ood (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever reads a single letter from Allaah’s book will receive a blessing and each blessing is worth ten times its value.”[3]
And he (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever reads one letter from the Book of Allaah, will receive one Hasanah (reward for a good deed), and one Hasanah comes with ten like it. I do not say that Alif – Lam – Mim is a letter. Indeed Alif is a letter, and Lam is a letter, and Mim is a letter.”[4]
Although the Qur’aan has been made easy to read and remember, it is also easy to forget, hence it is recommended to read it everyday. Narrated Aboo Moosa (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Keep on reciting the Qur’aan, for, by Him in Whose Hand my life is, Quran runs away (is forgotten) faster than camels that are released from their tying ropes.”[5]
One should have realistic goals for himself, and read as much as he can, even if just a few lines per day. If a person wants the Prophet’s intercession on the Day of Judgment, then he needs to read and act according to the Quran.[6] Aboo Umamah said he heard Allaah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) say: “Recite the Qur’aan, for on the Day of Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It…”[7]
As the mentioned above, we should be realistic and not go in extremes. Moderation and consistency is also very important. Try to make a plan for your self. Perhaps you should read a page of the Qur’aan, followed by its translation, and then followed by its Tafsir. This way, the verses will have a greater impact on you. The Qur’aan was sent as a guided, and its imperative we read it with understanding.
If we look at the practice of the Salaf: ‘Umar ibn al – Khattaab (may Allaah be pleased with him), is reported to have said, “Learn the Qur’aan five verses at a time, for verily, Jibreel used to descend with the Qur’aan for the Prophet (peace be upon him) five at a time.”[8]
For a good translation of the Qur’aan, I would recommend the one by Dr. Muhsin Khan www.thenoblequran.com
For a good Tafseer (commentary and explanation), Imam Ibn Katheer’s is considered one of the best: http://www.darussalam.com/product_info.php?cPath=71_54&products_id=435
2. Dua
One should make as much Dua for himself, family and the Muslim Ummah as much as he can during Ramadaan. Narrated Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “None of you will have faith till he wishes for his (Muslim) brother what he likes for himself.”[9]
Umm Darda’ reported: My husband reported that he heard Allaah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: “He who supplicates for his brother behind his back (in his absence), the Angel commissioned (for carrying supplication to his Lord) says: Ameen, and it is for you also.”[10]
3. Family ties
Ramadaan is a time where a person who may have problems or disagreements between his family members should clear them. There is great reward for one who upholds kinship.
Allaah, the Most High, said: “Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship? Such are they whom Allâh has cursed, so that He has made them deaf and blinded their sight.”[11]
Narrated Jubair bin Mut’im (may Allaah be pleased with him): That he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “The person who severs the bond of kinship will not enter Paradise.”[12]
Narrated Anas bin Maalik (may Allaah be pleased with him): Allaah ’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever loves that he be granted more wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged then he should keep good relations with his Kith and kin.”[13]
Narrated ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The word ‘Ar-Rahm’ (womb) derives its name from ‘Ar-Rahman’ (i.e. Allaah). So whosoever keeps good relations with it (womb i.e. Kith and kin), Allaah will keep good relations with him, and whosoever will sever it (i.e. severs his bonds of Kith and kin) Allaah too will sever His relations with him.”[14]
Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported Allaah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) as saying: “The earth will vomit long pieces of its liver like columns of gold and silver, and the murderer will come and say: It was for this that I committed murder. The breaker of family ties will come and say: It was for this that I broke the family ties; and the thief will come and say: It is for this that my hands were cut off. They will then leave it and will not take anything out of it.”[15]
4. Praying Qiyaam / Taraweeh/ Tahajjud (the Night Prayer)
Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him): I heard Allaah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allaah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”[16]
Please note: There’s a trend (especially with the youth), of not praying the whole day, except Taraweeh. This is very odd and it would be like someone working over time, but not working during the normal time!! I.e. how can you have any benefit from voluntary actions, if you are not doing the obligatory?
5. Making Da’wah
Ramadaan is a perfect time for Muslims to make Da’waah to those that are not practicing, as well as non-Muslims. One can do this by being a kind person and showing the right example of the good Muslim, or even reminding his fellow Muslims what the obligations are of Islam.
There is also an excellent Da’waah Course by Dr. Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, it’s free and very beneficial. It’s a must for anyone who wishes to give Da’wah. www.islamiconlineuniversity.com/moodle
6. Nawafil / Voluntary Prayers
At-tatawwu’, or nawafil or supererogatory prayers, have been legislated to make up for any deficiencies left in the performance of fardh Salah (obligatory prayers). In Salah, there are virtues that are not found in any other form of worship.
Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The first of his deeds for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is sound then he will have succeeded but if it is not sound then he will be lost and doomed. If anything is lacking from his obligatory prayers, the Lord will say: ‘Look and see whether My slave has any voluntary (prayers),’ and the shortfall from his obligatory prayers will be made up from that. Then all his deeds will be dealt with in like manner.”[17]
7. Duha Prayer
The Duha Prayer is a voluntary Salah prayer between the time after Fajr (i.e. Dawn) and the time before the Dhuhr prayer (i.e. forenoon). Ishraq, Salat – ul Awwabin (prayer of the penitent) and Duha are different Names for the same prayer. The minimum Rak’ahs for Duha prayer are two and the maximum are twelve. The preferable amount among them is four, which is supported and approved by the ahadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him). It may also be remembered that this Salah was a tradition of the previous Messengers and they used to perform it during their times. Hence this prayer is Sunnah and Mustahab (desirable).[18]
8. Sitting in the Mosque Until Sunrise
Anas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that he heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) say: “That I sit with people remembering Almighty Allaah from the morning (Fajr) prayer until sunrise is more beloved to me than freeing four slaves from among the Children of Isma’il. That I sit with people remembering Allaah from the afternoon (‘Asr) prayer until the sun sets is more beloved to me than freeing four slaves from among the Children of Isma’il.”[19]
Anas (may Allaah pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that, “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then sits and remembers Allaah (makes dhikr) until the sun rises, then prays two rak’ahs, will have a reward like that for Hajj and ‘Umrah, complete, complete, complete.”[20]
9. Make Dhikr Of Allaah
Allaah, the Most High, said in the Qur’aan, “O you who believe! Remember Allâh with much remembrance.”[21]
And He, the Most High, also said: “And remember your Lord by your tongue and within yourself, humbly and with fear without loudness in words in the mornings, and in the afternoons and be not of those who are neglectful.”[22]
Narrated Aboo Moosa (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The example of the one who celebrates the Praises of his Lord (Allaah) in comparison to the one who does not celebrate the Praises of his Lord, is that of a living creature compared to a dead one.”[23]
10. Fasting
Narrated Aboo Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allaah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allaah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.”[24]
Narrated Aboo Sa’eed (may Allaah be pleased with him): I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, “Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allaah’s Pleasure, Allaah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.”[25]
Narrated Sahl (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.”[26]
11. Itikaaf
Narrated ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with him): The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan till he died and then his wives used to practice Itikaf after him.[27]
12. Not Missing the Witr Salah
“Witr” literally means odd number. Witr has two different meanings in the Sunnah: The last one or three Rak’ahs of the night prayer, or it means all of the night prayers (because in essence they are odd – numbered). This discussion refers to the former meaning. We learn from the following hadith that Witr is not obligatory but desirable. But it would not be correct to show any slackness in performing it because every Muslim should do his best to follow the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him).[28]
13. Giving Charity
Allâh, the Most High, says in His Noble Book: “O you who believe! Spend of that with which We have provided for you, before a Day comes when there will be no bargaining, nor friendship, nor intercession. And it is the disbelievers who are the Wrongdoers.”[29]
Aboo Dharr (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported Allaah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) as saying: “In the morning charity is due from every bone in the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allaah’s glorification (Subhan’Allaah) is an act of charity. Every utterance of praise of Him (Alhamdulilah) is an act of charity, every utterance of profession of His Oneness (La ilaha illa Allaah) is an act of charity, every utterance of profession of His Greatness (Allaahu Akbar) is an act of charity, enjoining Maruf (good) is an act of charity, forbidding what is Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two rak’ahs which one prays in the forenoon will suffice.”[30]
14. Providing for one to open the fast
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever gives food to a fasting person with which to break his fast, will have a reward equal to his, without it detracting in the slightest from the reward of the fasting person.”[31]
The rich reward of helping others break their fast can be achieved to one’s best ability, and is not required for a people to over burden themselves in this regard.[32]
15. Be Consistent and Moderate
It’s very easy to have a sudden burst of energy and do a lot in one day and then not do anything during the rest of the month (due to tiredness). It’s Sunnah to be moderate and consistent. Don’t over burden yourself, and don’t look at what others are doing. You should do what you can to your ability (and properly) and be constant with those deeds.
Narrated ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her): Allaah’s Apostle (peace be upon him) said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allaah’s is the most regular and constant even though it were little.”[33]
Narrated ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her): The Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked, “What deeds are loved most by Allaah?” He said, “The most regular constant deeds even though they may be few.” He added, ‘Don’t take upon yourselves, except the deeds which are within your ability.”[34]
Narrated Alqama: I asked ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her), mother of the believers, “O mother of the believers! How were the deeds of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? Did he use to do extra deeds of worship on special days?” She (may Allaah be pleased with her) said, “No, but his (peace be upon him) deeds were regular and constant, and who among you is able to do what the Prophet was able to do (i.e. in worshipping Allaah)?”[35]
Oh Allaah allow us to make the most of Ramadaan. Oh Allaah, let us meet you with a clean heart, with all our sins erased. Oh Allaah grant us mercy, and make us from those that you have freed from hell fire. Oh Allaah allow us to be from those that you enter in heaven.
And It is Only Allaah Who grants success. May Allaah Exalt the mention of His slave and Messenger Muhammad (peace be upon him), and render him, his household and companion safe from Evil.
————————————————————
[1] ‘Ramadaan: Excellent Merits and Virtues Deeds’, p. 6
[2] ‘Fasting in Ramadaan’, p. 12 – 13
[3] Sunan at – Tirmithee; Classes Saheeh by Sheikh al – Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan at – Tirmithee, Vol. 3, Number 2327
[4] Sunan at – Tirmidhi, 5/175; authenticated by Sheikh al – Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan at – Tirmithee, 3/9; and Saheeh – ul – Jami’ As-Saghir 5/340
[5] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 6, Book 61, Number 552; Saheeh Muslim, Book 0004, Number 1727
[6] http://ahmadjibril.com/articles/ramadan.html
[7] Saheeh Muslim, Book 004, Number 1757
[8] Collected by al – Bayhaqi in Shu’ab al – Eemaan and quoted by as – Suyooti in al – Itqaan, Vol. 1, p. 124 – 5. As – Suyooti notes, however, that it is authentically reported that some passages were revealed ten passages as a time, and on some occasions only part of a verse would be revealed
[9] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 12; Saheeh Muslim, Book 001, Number 0072
[10] Saheeh Muslim, Book 035, Number 6589
[11] The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Muhammad 47:22 – 23
[12] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 13
[13] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 15
[14] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 73, Number 18
[15] Saheeh Muslim, Book 005, Number 2210
[16] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 32, Number 226; Saheeh Muslim, Book 4, Number 1662
[17] Narrated in Sunan at-Tirmithee, Number 413; Sunan Aboo Daawood, Number 864; Classed as Saheeh (authentic) by Sheikh al-Albaanee in Saheeh Aboo Daawood
[18] Commentary Bulugh – Al – Maram (Englsih), published by Darussalam, Hadith: 310
[19] Sunan Aboo Daawood, Number 3667; Classed authentic Hasan by Sheikh al – Albaanee in Saheeh Sunan Aboo Daawood, 2/698
[20] Sunan at – Tirmidhi; authenticated in Saheeh al-Jaami’, Number 6222
[21] The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Al-Ahzab 33:41
[22] The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah Al-A’raf 7:205
[23] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 75, Number 416; Saheeh Muslim, Book 4, Number 1706
[24] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 125
[25] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 4, Book 52, Number 93; Saheeh Muslim, Book 006, Number 2570
[26] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 31, Number 120; Saheeh Muslim, Book 006, Number 2569
[27] (Agreed Upon); Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 3, Book 33, Number 243; Saheeh Muslim, Book 006, Number 2640
[28] Prayer According to the Sunnah, compiled by Prof. Muhammad Zulfiqar, Darussalam publishers
[29] The Noble Qur’aan, Soorah al-Baqarah 2:254
[30] Saheeh Muslim, Book 004, Number 1557; Sunan Abu Dawud; and Musnad Ahmad
[31] Sunan at – Tirmithee, Number 804; Ahmad, 5/192; Sunan Ibn Maajah, Number 1746; ibn Hibbaan, Number 895; Imam Tirmithee declared it Saheeh and it is as he said; as quoted ‘Fasting in Ramadaan’, p. 62.
[32] ‘Ramadaan: Rules and Related Issues’, p. 15
[33] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 471
[34] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 472
[35] Saheeh Bukhaari, Volume 8, Book 76, Number 473
The Book of Fasting Compiled by Abu Muhammad Abdur-Ra’uf Shakir September 6, 2008
Posted by aymenmd in Blogroll.1 comment so far
THE BOOK OF FASTING
527. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Do not fast for a day or two days before Ramadân except a person who is in the habit of observing a particular fast; he may fast on that day.” [Agreed upon].
528. Narrated ‘Ammâr bin Yâsir رضى الله عنهما: He who fasts on a day about which there is doubt (concerning the start of Ramadân) has disobeyed Abul-Qâsim صلى الله عليه وسلم [Al‑Bukhâri reported it Mu‘allaq (broken chain from his side), while Al‑Khamsa reported it Mausul (unbroken chain) and Ibn Hibbân graded it Sahih].
529. Narrated Ibn ‘Umar رضى الله عنهما: I heard Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, “Fast when you see the new moon, and break your fast when you see it; but if the sky is cloudy, calculate (the month as 30 days).” [Agreed upon]. Muslim has: “If it is cloudy, calculate (the month as) thirty days.” Al‑Bukhâri has: “Complete the number (of days) as thirty.” Al-Bukhari reported the Hadith of Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه : “Complete the number of (the month of) Sha‘bân as thirty days.”
530. Narrated Ibn ‘Umar رضى الله عنهما: The people tried to sight the new moon, so I informed the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم that I had seen it, so he fasted and commanded the people to fast. [Abû Dâ’ud reported it and Al‑Hâkim and Ibn Hibbân graded it Sahih].
531. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضى الله عنهما: A bedouin came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, “I have seen the new moon (of Ramadân).” He asked, “Do you testify that nothing is worthy of worship except Allâh?” He replied, “Yes.” He then asked, “Do you testify that Muhammad is Allâh’s Messenger?” He replied, “Yes.” He then said, “Bilâl, announce to the people that they should fast tomorrow.” [Reported by Al‑Khamsa. Ibn Khuzaima and Ibn Hibbân graded it Sahih; An‑Nasâ’i held that the stronger view is that it is Mursal (missing link after theTaabi’i)].
532.Narrated Hafsaرضى الله عنها , Mother of the Believers: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The fast of one who does not make intention to fast before dawn is not accepted” [Reported by Al‑Khamsa. At‑Tirmidhi and An‑Nasa’i are inclined toward the opinion that it is Mauquf (a saying of Hafsa). Ibn Khuzaima and Ibn Hibban authenticated it as Marfu‘ (attributed to the Prophet)].
Ad-Dâraqutni has: “There is no fast for the one who does not make the intention to fast during the night.”
533. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came to visit me one day and asked, “Do you have anything (to eat)?” I said, “No.” He said, “Then I am fasting.” Then he came to me another day and I said, “I had been given a present of some Hais (a mixture of dates and ghee). He said, “Show it to me, for I had began the day fasting.” Then he ate. [Reported by Muslim].
534. Narrated Sahl bin Sa‘d رضى الله عنه: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The people will continue to be on the right path as long as they hasten in the breaking of the fast.” [Agreed upon].
At‑Tirmidhi reports from the Hadith of Abû Huraira (رضى الله عنه) from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, who said that Allâh عزوجل said, “The most beloved to Me of my slaves is the one who hastens most in breaking the fast.”
535. Narrated Anas bin Mâlik رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Take a meal (just) before dawn, for there is a blessing in Sahur (taking a meal) at that time.” [Agreed upon].
536. Narrated Salmân bin ‘Aamir Ad‑Dabbî رضى الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “When one of you breaks his fast, he should do so with some dates; but if he can not get any, he should break his fast with water, for it is purifying.” [Reported by Al‑Khamsa. Ibn Khuzaima, Ibn Hibbân and Al‑Hâkim graded itSahih].
537. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade continuous fasting. A man from among the Muslims said, “You fast continuously, O Messenger of Allâh!” He replied, “Which one of you is like me? During the night my Rabb (Allah) gives me food and drink.” When they refused to stop the continuous fasting, he fasted with them for a day and then another. Then, they saw the moon. He then said, “If the new moon had not appeared, I would have made you fast more (in this way).” It is as though it would serve as a punishment for them, when they refused to stop. [Agreed upon].
538. Narrated (Abû Huraira) رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever does not abandon falsehood and action in accordance with it and foolishness, Allâh has no need that he should abandon his food and drink.” [Reported by Al‑Bukhâri, and Abû Dâ’ud and the wording is his].
539. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to kiss and fondle while he was fasting, but he was the one among you who had most control over his sexual desire. [Agreed upon]. The wording is Muslim’s, and in another narration, he has the addition: “during Ramadân.”
540. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضى الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had himself cupped when he was wearing the Ihrâm (during Hajj or ‘Umrah) and had himself cupped when he was fasting. [Reported by al-Bukhari].
541. Narrated Shaddâd bin Aus رضى الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came across a man in Al‑Baqi‘ who was being cupped in Ramadân. He said, “The one who cups and the one who is cupped have broken their fast.” [Reported byAl‑Khamsa except At‑Tirmidhi. Ahmad, Ibn Khuzaima and Ibn Hibbân graded itSahih].
542. Narrated Anas رضى الله عنه: The first time when cupping – for one who is fasting – was disapproved was when: Ja‘far bin Abû-Tâlib had himself cupped while he was fasting; the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came across him and said, “Both of these have broken their fast.” Afterwards, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم allowed cupping for one who is fasting. Anas used to have himself cupped when he was fasting. [Ad‑Dâraqutni reported it and declared it to be strong].
543. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم applied kohl in Ramadân while he was fasting. [Reported by Ibn Mâjah through a weak chain of narrators]. At‑Tirmidhi said, “There is nothing authentic on this subject.”
544. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever forgets while fasting and eats or drinks should complete his fast, for it is Allâh who has fed him and given him drink.” [Agreed upon].
Al‑Hâkim has, “Whoever breaks his fast forgetfully does not have to make-up for that fast (al-Qadaa), nor expiate (al-Kaffaara) for it.” And the narration is authentic.
545. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever has a sudden attack of vomiting (while fasting), does not have to make-up the fast (al-Qadaa), but whoever vomits intentionally must make up the day.” [Reported by Al‑Khamsa; Ahmad found it defective and Ad‑Dâraqutni graded it strong].
546. Narrated Jâbir bin ‘Abdullâh رضى الله عنهما: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم departed to Makka in Ramadân in the year of the conquest. He and the people fasted till he came to Kurâ‘ Al‑Ghamim. He then called for a cup of water which he raised till the people looked at it, and then he drank. He was told afterwards that some of the people had continued to fast, and he said, “Those are the disobedient ones; those are the disobedient ones.”
In another narration : “It was said to him: The people have found the fast difficult, and are waiting for what you will do.” He then called for a cup of water after the‘Asr prayer and drank. [Reported by Muslim].
547. Narrated Hamza bin ‘Amr Al‑Aslamî رضى الله عنه: He said, “O Allâh’s Messenger! I find myself strong enough to fast while travelling, so is there any sin upon me (if I fast)?” Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “It is a permission given by Allâh and whoever acts upon it has done well. And whoever desires to fast would not be guilty of sin.” [Reported by Muslim. Its basic meaning is found in Al‑Bukhâri and Muslim from ‘Aisha’s report that Hamza bin ‘Amr had asked].
548. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضى الله عنهما : Permission was given for an old man to break his fast (in Ramadân) and feed a poor for every day, and no make-up (al-Qadaa) is required of him. [Reported by Ad‑Dâraqutni and Al‑Hâkim both of whom authenticated it].
549. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: A man came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, “O Messenger of Allâh, I am ruined.” He asked him, “What has ruined you?” He replied, “I had intercourse with my wife during Ramadân.” He then asked him, “Can you get a slave to free?” He said, “No.” He asked, “Can you fast two consecutive months?” He said, “No.” He asked, “Can you provide food for sixty poor people?” He said, “No.” He then sat down. Meanwhile an ‘Araq [a basket]containing [30 Saa’ of] dates was brought to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He said, “Give this as Sadaqa.” The man said, “Am I to give to one who is poorer than we are? There is no family – between the two mountains of al-Madina – more in need of it than mine.” The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم thereupon laughed till his premolar teeth appeared. He then said, “Go and feed your family with it.” [Reported by As‑Sab‘a and the wording is that of Muslim].
550. Narrated ‘Aisha and Umm Salama رضى الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to get up at dawn while in a state of Janâba (sexual impurity). Then, he would take a bath and fast. [Agreed upon]. And Muslim added in the Hadith of Umm-Salama: “He would not make up (the fast).”
551. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Whoever dies while some fast is due from him (which is unfulfilled), his heir must fast on his behalf.” [Agreed upon].
Buloogh al-Maraam – Kitaab as-Siyaam
Chapter 1
THE VOLUNTARY FASTING AND THE DAYS FASTING HAS BEEN PROHIBITED
552. Narrated Abû Qatâda Al‑Ansâri رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم was asked about the fast on the day of ‘Arafa, whereupon he said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year and the coming year.” And he was asked about fasting on the day of ‘Ashurâ’, whereupon he said: “It expiates the sins of the preceding year.” He was then asked about fasting on Monday, whereupon he said: “That is the day on which I was born, on it I was commissioned with Prophethood, and on it (the Qur’ân) was revealed to me.” [Reported by Muslim].
553. Narrated Abû Ayub Al‑Ansâri رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “He who fasts Ramadân, then follows it with six (days of fasting) from Shawwal, it will be (in terms of rewards) as if he has fasted a whole year.” [Reported by Muslim].
554. Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al‑Khudri رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “No slave (of Allâh) will fast for a day while engaged in Jihâd, without Allâh removing the Hell-fire a distance of seventy years from his face for that day.” [Agreed upon, and the wording is Muslim’s].
555. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to fast to such an extent that we thought he would never break his fast, and he would go without fasting to such an extent that we thought he would never fast. I never saw Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم fast a complete month except in Ramadân, and I never saw him fast more in any month than in Sha‘bân. [Agreed upon, and the wording is that of Muslim].
556. Narrated Abû Dhar رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم commanded us to fast three days in the month; on the thirteenth, the fourteenth and the fifteenth.” [Reported by At‑Tirmidhi and An‑Nasâ’i; Ibn Hibbân graded itSahih].
557. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “It is not lawful for a woman to fast (optional fasting), when her husband is present, except with his permission. [Agreed upon; The wording is that of Al‑Bukhâri]. Abû Dâ’ud added: “other than Ramadân.”
558. Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al‑Khudri رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade fasting on two days, the day of Al‑Fitr (breaking the fast of Ramadân) and the day of Al‑Adha (offering sacrifices). [Agreed upon].
559. Narrated Nubaisha Al‑Hudhali رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “The days of At‑Tashrîq are days of eating, drinking and the remembrance of Allâh, the Great and Glorious.” [Reported by Muslim].
Buloogh al-Maraam – Kitaab as-Siyaam
560. Narrated ‘Aisha and Ibn ‘Umar رضى الله عنهم: Nobody was allowed to fast on the days of At‑Tashriq except those who could not afford the Al‑Hady (sacrifices). [Reported by Al‑Bukhâri].
561. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Do not single out the night (preceding) Friday –from among the nights – for prayer; and do not single out Friday -from among the days – for fasting, unless it occurs during a day of fasting, which one of you normally observes.” [Reported by Muslim].
562. Narrated (Abû Huraira) رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “None of you should fast on Friday, unless he fasts (it together with) a day before it or a day after it.” [Agreed upon].
563. Narrated (Abû Huraira) رضى الله عنه: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “When the (month of) Sha‘bân is halfway through, do not fast.” [Reported byAl‑Khamsa. Ahmad considered it Munkar (rejected)].
564. Narrated As‑Sammâ’ bint Busr رضى الله عنها: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Do not fast on a Saturday except what has been made obligatory on you; and if one of you can get nothing but a grape‑skin or a twig from a tree, he should chew it.” [Reported by Al‑Khamsa, and its narrators are reliable, but it isMudtarib (narrated with irreconcilable contradictions in the chain). Mâlik rejected it and Abû Dâ’ud said, ‘It is Mansûkh (abrogated).’]
565. Narrated Umm Salama رضى الله عنها: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to fast mostly on Saturday and Sunday, and he used to say, “They are festival days for the polytheists, and I want to act contrary to them.” [Reported by An‑Nasâ’i. Ibn Khuzaima graded it Sahih and this is his wording].
566. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم prohibited fasting on the day of ‘Arafa at ‘Arafât. [Reported by Al‑Khamsa except At‑Tirmidhi; Ibn Khuzaima and Al‑Hâkim authenticated it, and Al‑‘Uqaili rejected it].
567. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar رضى الله عنهما: Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “He who observes perpetual fasting, has not fasted.” [Agreed upon]. Muslim reported it from Abû Qatada with the wording: “He has not fasted nor broken his fast.”
Buloogh al-Maraam – Kitaab as-Siyaam
Chapter 2
AL-I‘TIKAF AND OFFERING OF PRAYERS DURING THE NIGHTS OF RAMADAN
568. Narrated Abû Huraira رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “He who prays during the night in Ramadân with faith and seeking his reward from Allâh will have his past sins forgiven.” [Agreed upon].
569. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: When the last ten days of Ramadân began, Allah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. occupy himself with the worship of Allâh), stay awake all night, and awaken his family (for night prayers). [Agreed upon].
570. Narrated (‘Aisha) رضى الله عنها: When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم intendedI’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship), he prayed the dawn prayer and then entered his place of seclusion.[Agreed upon].
571. Narrated (‘Aisha) رضى الله عنها: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to engage in I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship) during the last ten days of Ramadân till Allâh, Who is Great and Glorious took his soul (to His Mercy). Then, his wives engaged in I’tikaf after him (i.e. after his death). [Agreed upon].
572. Narrated (‘Aisha) رضى الله عنها: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم would put his head in my room – while he was in the mosque – and I would then comb it. And he would never enter the house except for a need, if he was in I’tikaf(seclusion).[Agreed upon; the wording is Al‑Bukhâri’s].
573. Narrated (‘Aisha) رضى الله عنها: The Sunna for one who is observing I’tikaf(seclusion in a mosque for worship) is not to visit a sick person, nor attend a funeral, nor touch nor fondle a woman (one’s wife), nor go out for any need, except for that which is an absolute necessity. There is no I’tikaf without fasting, and no I’tikaf except in a congregational mosque. [Abû Dâ’ud reported it, and its narrators are acceptable, except that the strongest opinion is that the end of it (the last sentence) is Mawqûf (saying of a companion, i.e. ‘Aisha)].
Buloogh al-Maraam – Kitaab as-Siyaam
574. Narrated Ibn ‘Abbâs رضى الله عنهما: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Fasting is not incumbent on one engaged in I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship) unless he imposes it on himself.” [Reported by Ad‑Dâraqutni and Al‑Hâkim. The strongest opinion is that it is also Mawqûf (saying of a companion, i.e. Ibn ‘Abbas)].
575. Narrated Ibn ‘Umar رضى الله عنهما: Some of the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم companions saw in their dreams that Lailat-ul-Qadr was among the last seven nights (of Ramadân). Hence, Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “I see that your dreams agree regarding the last seven nights. Therefore, whoever is to seek it, should do so during the last seven nights.” [Agreed upon].
576. Narrated Mu‘âwiya bin Abû Sufyân رضى الله عنهما : With regard toLailat‑ul‑Qadr, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “It is the twenty-seventh night.” [Reported by Abû Dâ’ud. The strongest opinion is that it is Mawqûf (saying of a companion, i.e. Mu’awiya].
Forty different sayings were mentioned regarding the exact night of Lailat‑ul‑Qadrand I mentioned them in Fath Al‑Bâri [Explanation of Sahihal-Bukhari, by al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar].
577. Narrated ‘Aisha رضى الله عنها: I said, “O Allâh’s Messenger, tell me, if I know which night is Lailat‑ul‑Qadr, what (supplication) should I say in it?’ He said, “Say, O Allâh, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.” [Reported by the Al‑Khamsa except Abû Dâ’ud; At‑Tirmidhi and Al‑Hâkim authenticated it].
578. Narrated Abû Sa‘îd Al‑Khudri رضى الله عنه: Allâh’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Do not set out on a journey except to three mosques; i.e., Al‑Masjid Al‑Harâm (at Makka), my Masjid (at Al‑Madîna) and Al‑Masjid Al‑Aqsâ (Mosque of Jerusalem).” [Agreed upon].
The First Ashra(10) of Ramadan September 6, 2008
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In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
1st Ashra of Ramadan
Ashra is an Arabic word which means “ten.” In Islamic terminology, the 1st Ashra refers to the first 10 days of the Holy month of Ramadan. The second Ashra refers to the middle 10 days (11-20), and the third Ashra refers to the last set of 10 days (21-30).The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said:“It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle forgiveness, and its end is the emancipation from the fire (of hell).” – Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 93, pg. 342
The first ten days of Ramadan are known as the period of Mercy. It is indeed the sign of His Mercy upon us that we are blessed to observe Fast during Ramadan. Accordingly, we are encouraged to be more generous and kind to fellow beings, especially to be extremely respectful to elders and loving to the younger ones, and to be extremely generous to the needy and poor ones. Being that it will be our first days of experiencing hunger and thirst, this act of generosity should come naturally as it becomes easy to understand the hardship of the poor and needy. Among the few things to do in this month of mercy and charity, as instructed by the Prophet, peace be upon him, are, “Give alms to the poor and needy. Pay respect to elders, have sympathy to youngsters, to be kind to your relatives.” It is our undeniable duty to practice of guarding our tongue against unworthy words, eyes from seeing forbidden things, and ears from hearing voices that are evil.Source:Islam4All Yahoo Group
Common Errors Made During Ramadan September 6, 2008
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Common Errors Made During Ramadan
Common errors made during RamadhanAl-Jumuah Magazine, Vol 8, Issue 9
