Benefits, Rewards and Method of Performing Tahajjud Prayer

Salah is one of the core components of the Islamic ideology. A prayer is generally a means of remembrance of Allah SWT, and getting His mercy and blessings. It is of two types: first is the obligatory Namaz, which is to be offered five times a day at specific times with no choice of skipping it under normal circumstances, while second is the Nafl (supererogatory prayer) which is optional and one is not answerable to the Almighty for not performing it.

“Nafl” is an Arabic word, which means “to get something extra”. There are many kinds of non obligatory supplications such as Tahayiat-ul-wudu (offering two raka`ts right after ablution), Ishraak (after Fajr, praising the Lord through Tasbeeh till the Sun has risen, then performing two or four raka`ts), Chaasht (carrying out at least two raka`ts when the Sun has set high), and Tahajjud (praying in the later part of night) etc. The last one has been even emphasized to be executed in the Holy Quran:

“And from [part of] the night, pray with it as additional [worship] for you; it is expected that your Lord will resurrect you to a praised station.” [Quran, 17: 79]

The above mentioned Ayah shows that there is one supplementary mode of requesting God, the Exalted for His compassion, which is performed during night time, and it results in finding a blessed rank on the Day of Resurrection. The prayer that has been referred to here is indeed the salah of Tahajjud.

Timing Of This Salah

Tahajjud prayer is implemented in the final third of a night after waking up from one`s sleep. It cannot be offered straight away after Isha, but only following one`s sleep, neither when the time is near to Fajr.

Conditions And Format Of This Namaz

For the matter of carrying out the Salah of Tahajjud, one should:

1. Make a clear intention of performing Tahajjud and arrange to wake up at last part of the night by using Alarm Clock
2. Make and sustain complete state of cleanliness and carry out compulsory Wudu (ablution) as performed before any other normal prayer
3. Move to a clean and quiet place in the house being away from distractions
4. Remove all kinds of worldly matters, woes and worries from one`s heart to better concentrate on meeting with Allah SWT and attaining His Mercy
5. Offer at least two raka`ts  up to 12, depending on one`s willpower,
6. Consider praying Tahajjud with one`s family members to benefit them from this highly rewarding Salah
7. Try to emulate the Prophet (PBUH) during this auspicious hour of the night, as narrated by Hazrat A`isha (R.A):
   “ Allah’s Apostle used to offer eleven Rakat and that was his prayer. He used to prolong the prostration to such an extent that one could recite fifty verses (of the Quran) before he would lift his head. He used to pray two Rakat (Sunna) before the Fajr prayer and then used to lie down on his right side till the call-maker came and informed him about the prayer.” (Bukhari)
8. Make this Namaz part of one`s routine as Rasulullah (PBUH) has disliked this act. Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar (R.A):
   “O’Abdullah! Do not be like so and so, who used to offer Thahajjud at night and then stopped offering it.” (Bukhari)
9. Not forget to supplicate to Allah SWT for one`s just and rightful requests in order to get benefited from this exceedingly rewarding hours of darkness

Importance Of Tahajjud Prayer

As it is quite difficult to rouse from one`s slumber in especially after a daylong hectic routine, that is why this salah results in achieving the greatest amount of rewards and great status from the Gracious God.

“And those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing (in prayer)” [Quran, 25: 64]

It means that offering Namaz of Tahajjud is one of the supreme signs of the true disciples of Islam that is why Allah SWT has declared them as His loyal servants in the above verse of Furqan e Hameed. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to offer this Namaz frequently, which increases it importance in a Muslim`s life manifold.

“The best of prayers after the prescribed prayers is prayer in the depths of the night, and the best of fasting after the month of Ramadan is fasting the month of Allah, Muharram.”(Muslim)

This Hadith is the testimony of the fact that the night prayer is the most desirable form of supplication near the Almighty after the ones which are mandatory to act upon. It has also been referred to as the source of attaining nearness to the Almighty.

“Be vigilant in standing up [in prayer] at night, for it was the practice of the pious before you. It is a means of gaining proximity to Allah Ta’ala, expiation for transgressions and a barrier from sins.” (Tirmidhi)

It means that Tahajjud salah has always been the way of the devotees of God`s instructions. And it is the great means of getting Allah`s closest attention, which is the key towards piety and faithfulness.

The Messenger (PBUH) has regarded this Salah as a great source of getting rid of satanic influence and attainment of almost all kinds of just desires and aspirations.

Narrated by Uqba ibn Amir (R.A):

“When one, out of two persons of my Ummah gets up at night and motivates himself for Wudhu despite not feeling to do so since, Shaytaan had tied knots on him. When he washes his two hands in Wudhu, one knot is loosened, when he washes his face, another knot is loosened when he wipes his head with wet hands another knot is loosened, when he washes his feet yet another knot is loosened. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala says to those behind the veil- His angels: “Look at My slaves! How much hardship he is enduring in dealing with his Nafs (inner self), so now whatever this slave asks of Me, it will be granted to him.” (Ahmad)

The above stated Hadith illustrates the great significance of the Salah of Tahajjud, whose positive effects start even with ablution resulting in freedom from persuasions of the Lucifer, who does not want to see a believer praying at this late hour of the night in front of Allah SWT. When one gets rid of Satan and its influence, resultantly it leads towards adoption of vital piousness and nearness to the Almighty, Who likes this act of His servant to the extent that He speaks to His Angels about it. Then, He tells them that He will grant His disciple with whatever it wishes for. All of this discussion elaborates the degree of importance of the Night Prayer, which is the greatest among all of the rest of Nafl (non obligatory) worships.

In short, this salah is the best one among the non obligatory prayers, and is the cause of getting Allah`s great Blessings and Mercy.

Sunnah Acts of Eid-al-Adha

Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid-al-Adha on 10^th of Zil Hajj to honor the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice His son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in order to fulfill the command of Allah. At the time of sacrifice Allah (SWT) intervened and provided him a sheep to sacrifice instead of His son Hazrat Ismail (AS).  Muslims celebrate Eid-al-Adha and sacrifice animals’ goat, cow, sheep, camels, and buffalos for the sake of Almighty Allah. After slaughtering animals the meat is then distributed among neighbors, relatives and needy people. However, slaughtering animals or wearing clothes isn’t all that one has to do in order to celebrate Eid-al-Adha.

Sunnah Acts of Eid-al-Adha

Sunnahs that every Muslim should follow in this holy occasion which are given below:

• Wake up early and offer Fajr prayer. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to wake up early in the morning and make preparations for the Fajr prayer and perform it, so we also should do it.
• In order to adorn yourself perform Ghusl, brush your teeth or do Miswak, apply perfume, and wear the best clothes.
• Eat something before leaving the house for Eid prayer.
• Go early to the place where Eid prayer is taking place.
• To say Takbeer (Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ILA-ha ill-lallah.Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. Wa-lilahill hamd) out loud because it is one of the symbols of that day.
• Go for Salat-al-Eid by taking a longer route on the way there and return by a different shorter route.
• Perform Salat al-Eid as it is Wajib Salah apart of being a Sunnah and shouldn’t be skipped.
• After performing Salat-al-Eid Muslims should greet each other.
• After performing Eid prayer those who are able to give sacrifice should slaughter animals and then distribute the meat among neighbors, relatives and poor people.

Being a Muslim it is the responsibility of every Muslim to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Let us celebrate the Day of Eid by caring for the weak, oppressed and needy in our community, sacrificing animals for the sake of Allah Almighty by upholding the commandments of Allah and the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). May Almighty Allah enable us all to fulfill His commands and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Ameen!

Importance of Eid-ul-Adha in Islam

In religion, Islam Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr after the end of Ramadan and Eid-ul-Adha also known as greater Eid, which marks the willingness of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) to sacrifice His son Hazrat Ismail (AS) in obedience to Almighty Allah. Eid means to celebrate and Adha refers to sacrifice so Eid-ul-Adha is also known as the festival of sacrifice in which Muslims sacrifice a domestic animal that is a cow, sheep, goat, or camel in one of the three days of Eid-ul-Adha for the sake of Allah Almighty. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha on 10th of Zil Hajj.

Muslims from all over the world who are physically and financially stable visit Makah to perform sacred pilgrimage Hajj in the holy month of Zil Hajj. We all should know that Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam and is obligatory on every Muslim once in a life if he/she is financially stable. After performing Hajj Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Adha and slaughter animals by saying the name of Allah at the time of slaughter, we are reminded that life is sacred. The meat from the sacrifice of Eid al-Adha is mostly distributed among others. One-third is eaten by immediate family and relatives, one-third is given away to friends, and one-third is donated to the poor and needy. This act of giving symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands.

The act of sacrificing and then distributing also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need. We recognize that all blessings come from Allah, and we should open our hearts and share with others for the pleasure of Allah (SWT). The Greater Eid or Eid-ul-Adha also marks the end of Hajj, which is the five-day religious journey that takes Muslims to the Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

On the day of Eid-ul-Adha Muslims pray to Almighty Allah and glorify His name in order to remember His favors. On this occasion, Muslims remember the needy by extending a helping hand towards them and also by distributing the meat among them. May Almighty Allah give us the chance to perform Hajj once in a life and also to slaughter animals for the sake of Allah (SWT)! Ameen

Masnoon Acts for the Month of Dhul Hijjah

Dhul Hijjah is the 12^th month of the Islamic calendar. This holy month has importance because of Pilgrimage. According to our cherished Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the primary 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a unique time for devotion. For folks that aren’t capable of the tour for the pilgrimage, that is a unique time to recollect Allah and spend more time in devotion and precise deeds.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these 10 days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (Bukhari)

Allah Almighty will increase His forgiveness on the day of Arafat, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated in certainly considered one among His hadiths: “There isn’t any day on which Allah frees greater human beings from the Fire than the day of Arafat. He comes near and expresses His delight to the angels saying, ‘What do those human beings (the pilgrims) want?’” (Muslim)

It is Sunnah for the Muslim to fast on the first nine days of Zil Hajj, because fasting is one of the best of deeds. Almighty Allah says, “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, except fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it.”’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

The month of Dhul Hajj is considered as one of the blessed months in Islamic calendar. So do a lot of dhikr and seek forgiveness for all wrongdoings. Recite the Takbeer from the 9^th to the 13^th of Dhul Hijjah: 

Allahu Akbar,Allahu Akbar,Laa ilaaha illallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar,Wa lillahil Hamd.

Translation: “Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest and all praises are for Allah only.”

During the month of Dhul hajj give a lot of sadqa /charity as the reward will be increased by 70 times. “Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah, he will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I am not saying that “Alif, Laam, Meem” is a letter, rather I am saying that “Alif” is a letter, “laam” is a letter and “meem” is a letter” (Tirmidhi). In these ten days, those who don’t know how to read Quran should learn the holy Quran and those who can read it should recite it excessively to gain reward. In this holy month, Udhhiyyah (Qurbani) is carried out in remembrance of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Qurbani is carried out in 3 prescribed days 10^th , eleventh, and twelfth Dhul Hijjah.

In short, whatever little or greater good deed possible, a Muslim should strive towards performing it and at the same time seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty as well. May Allah forgive all of us. Ameen!

Virtues of Dhul Hijjah- Things to do in 1st 10 Days of Zil Hajj

The month of the Dhul Hijjah is one of the most important months in Islam. This is the month of Eid al-Adha and the month of Hajj. Dhul Hajj is the last month of Islamic calendar which reminds us of the sacrifice of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS) and His son Hazrat Ismail (AS). In this holy month, Muslims go to Saudi Arabia for performing Hajj and also celebrate Eid al-Adha by sacrificing animals for the sake of Allah Almighty. With the start of this holy month, Muslims from all over the world embarked on a journey of a lifetime that is for Hajj.

Those who can’t go for Hajj can do some special deeds in the first 10 days of Dhul Hajj. These 10 days are the best in the whole year, and it’s so important that we take advantage of them if we are not able to perform pilgrimage this time. We have no guarantee that we’ll live to see the next Dhul Hajj so make the most of the days while performing some special deeds. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “There is no deed that is better in the sight of Allah or more greatly rewarded than a good deed done in the (first) ten days of Al-Adha”. It was asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah unless a man goes out himself for Jihad taking his wealth with him and does not come back with anything.” (Bukhari)

Below mentioned are some acts of worship that one should perform in the first blessed 10 days of Dhul Hajj surely, they will help to gain the pleasure of Almighty Allah.

• Perform Hajj and Umrah: No doubt, the best thing one can do on these blessed days is to perform Umrah and Hajj. Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that: “The Prophet (SAW) was asked which deed is best. He said, “Belief in Allah and His Messenger.” He was asked, then what? He said, “Jihaad for the sake of Allah.” He was asked, then what? He said, “An accepted Hajj.” (Muslim)
• Fasting: The first nine days of Dhul Hajj are a really good time to fast. We should try to fast on all nine days up until the day of Eid al-Adha as fasting on the day of Eid is not permitted. If one should not fast in all nine days fast on the ninth day of Dhul Hajj, because the Prophet (SAW) recommended us to do good deeds during this time, and fasting is one of the best of deeds one could do. “The Prophet (PBUH) used to fast on the ninth of Dhul Hajj, on the day of `Ashurah, on three days of each month, and on the first two Mondays and Thursdays of each month.” (An-Nisa’i)
• Give Charity: There are extra blessings in this holy month of Dhul Hajj so, take this opportunity and give charity. It does not matter how much we are going to donate always remember that whoever gives in the cause of Allah, He multiplies it when He returns it to you. Use this month to get into the habit of giving charity, no matter how small it is.
• Recite Tahleel, Takbeer, and Tahmeed: It is Sunnah to recite Takbeer (Allahu Akbar), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah) and Tahleel (Laa Ilaaha ill-Allah) during the first blessed ten days of Dhul Hajj. These words should be recited abundantly in the Masjid, homes, streets and every place where it is permissible to remember Allah Almighty. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says: “That they may witness things that are of benefit to them (reward of Hajj in the Hereafter and also some worldly gain from trade), and mention the Name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice).” (Quran, 22:28)
• Recite Quran: Many of us don’t quite understand the significance of Dhul Hajj and Eid al Adha. If someone wants to know about the significance of this holy occasion should return to the source of our knowledge that is the Holy Quran. Read the story of Ibrahim (AS) and remind yourself of his sacrifice. Try to understand the importance of his sacrifice to better understand why we sacrifice animals and what the significance of this Eid is.
• Perform the Sacrifice: One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allah Almighty during these blessed ten days is offering a sacrifice of an animal. Sacrificing an animal revives the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). He (AS) was ready to give up everything for the sake of Allah Almighty and submitted unconditionally to Allah’s commands by even offering his beloved son as a sacrifice. In hadith, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When anyone of you intends to sacrifice the animal and enter in the month of Dhul Hajj, he should not get his hair cut or nails pared till he has offered his sacrifice.” (Muslim)
• Make sincere Repentance: Allah loves those who repent to Him with complete submission. In these blessed 10 days of Dhul Hajj return to Allah by giving up all the deeds, open and secret, that He dislikes. Be regretful of your sins and disobedience and resolve to never return to sin and to firmly adhere to the path which Allah loves.
• Perform all good deeds: If one is not able to perform Hajj this year then he/she should perform every possible good deed during these blessed days of Dhul Hajj. Every act that is done with sincerity for the pleasure of Allah Almighty will bring you closer to Him.
• Forgive Others: Allah is the most forgiving and He (SWT) is not the only one who can forgive. We also should forgive other for the sake of Almighty Allah. Begin the New Year with a fresh start and a clean heart by forgiving those who did wrong with you. Allah loves those who forgive, so forgive others.

Significance for the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah

Zil Hajj is the 12^th month of Islamic calendar. This holy month has significance due to Pilgrimage that all Muslims around the world who are financially stable perform every year in Makah the city of Saudi Arabia. The Pilgrimage rites occur on 8^th to 12^th Dhul Hijjah. According to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are a special time for devotion, during these days Muslims who are performing Hajj can prepare themselves for Hajj and those who are not performing can do good deeds to earn rewards and blessings from Almighty Allah.

Allah Almighty increases His forgiveness on the day of Arafat, as Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadiths: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the day of Arafat. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels saying, ‘What do these people (the pilgrims) want?’” (Muslim)

Muslim should take the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah seriously and try to perform as many good deeds as one can in order to get closer to Almighty Allah and earn great rewards from Him.

• The significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah is mentioned in the Holy Quran.
• Dhul Hijjah is one of the four sacred months mentioned in the Holy Quran. The four sacred months are Dhul Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, Muharram, and Rajjab.
• The first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah are the most superior days in order to perform good deeds. Ibn Abbas reported our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadiths: “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these (first ten days of Dhul Hijjah).” Then some companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Not even Jihad?” He replied, “Not even Jihad, except that of a man who does it by putting himself and his property in danger (for Allah’s sake) and does not return with any of those things.” (Tirmidhi)
• In this Holy month, one of the most important pillars of Islam the Hajj takes place where Muslims from all around the world gather to worship Allah Almighty. Many other deeds are also performed such as voluntary fasts and charity in this blessed month especially in first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah.
• On the day of Arafat Islam was perfected as Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you and have approved for you Islam as religion.” (Quran,5:3)
• Fasting on the day of Arafat forgives sins. Abu Qatadah reported that Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “Fasting on the day of ‘Arafat is an expiation (of sins) for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it.” (Ibn Majah)
• Muslims have been instructed to glorify the name of Allah excessively. Known as Takbeer Tashreeq, we should recite the following after every Fardh salah commencing from the Fajr of the 9th of Dhul Hijjah until after Asar of the 13th of Dhul Hijjah.
• In this holy month, Udhhiyyah (Qurbani) is performed in remembrance of Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Qurbani is performed in three prescribed days 10th, 11th and 12th Dhul Hijjah.

Let us all try to increase our prayers and the remembrance of Allah Almighty on these 10 blessed days of Dhul Hijjah. We should also try to fast especially on the day of Arafat it is not for those who are performing Hajj due to their hardships during Pilgrimage. May Allah give us the strength to do good deeds in the first 10 days of Dhul Hijjah! Ameen

Why Should You dont despair the mercy of Allah?

Allah is the merciful and no one should dont despair the mercy of Allah. Messenger Muhammad (SAW) delivered message of his majesty to convey his mercy to all.

Allah has clearly told in some bold verses of Quran that after the evil deeds, if one makes repentance he forgives him and that is only by Allah (SWT).  Several hadiths and Verses clearly elaborate his mercy.

Dua for Forgiveness seekers

One who’s more desperate for Allah’s mercy should say this Dua to seek forgiveness most of the time;

“أَنْتَ وَلِيُّنَا فَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۖ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الْغَافِرِينَ وَاكْتُبْ لَنَا فِي هَٰذِهِ الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ إِنَّا هُدْنَا إِلَيْكَ”

Translation

You are our Protector, so forgive us and have mercy upon us; and You are the best of forgivers. And decree for us in this world [that which is] good and [also] in the Hereafter; indeed, we have turned back to You.

Why one should dont despair the mercy of Allah?

 You clearly should have an idea of this when you’ll read the below verse.

1. “Say My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins) Dont despair of the Mercy of Allah: verily He forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful”. And Allah accepts taubah from his slaves and he is the merciful. Now this is where your iman shoots out to the his majesty and pays shukr meanwhile he makes his imand strengthen and don’t despair the mercy of Allah.
2.  Abu ‘Ubadah bin ‘Abdullah, narrated that once his father told him that: “The Messenger  of Allah (ﷺ) said: ‘The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.” So, no matter if you have become sinful for all times, don’t delay to ask for his repentance and he’ll forgive you right away. Don’t challenge his mercy that his mercy is bigger then the things in the whole world and two worlds belong to him
3. Abdullāh ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) once narrated that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Those who are merciful will be shown mercy by the Most Merciful. Be merciful to those on the earth and the One in the heaven will be merciful to you.” Now. this hadith also shows that not only Allaw SWT forgives persons by being merciful but he wants same from his creatures. Ones who show mercy to his creatures make him pleased and there are great rewards for such people.
4. In the extension of already mentioned hadith, this hadith “God is not merciful to one who is not merciful to people.” ~ Sahih al-Bukhari no. 7465, Kitab al-Tawhid  Allah ordered human beings to be merciful with other creatures (including humans, animals, plants and other creatures) this hadith makes it super important to be merciful. That Alla won’t be merciful to you if you are are not merciful to his creature. And you know when Allah becomes no more merciful to you nothing could be in favor to you so it’s matter to think and perform well.

The above are most significant hadiths from authentic sources. These quotes from Allah’s Messenger will surely  strengthen your believe and dont despair the mercy of Allah.

Allah SWT is the most merciful and his mercy for all creatures is unmatched. No one can challenge his majesty for his forgiveness and mercy. Let’s we all ask for his repentance and and mercy for being sinful. May Allay SWT forgive all our evil deeds and make us among his favorite ones. Ameen!

5 major events and first ten days of Dhu’l-Qi’dah(Dhul Qadah)

In today’s discussion, we will have a brief overview of the 5 major events of  Dhu’l-Qi’dah(Dhul Qadah) and we will see how significant are the first ten days of this holy month. May Allah help us to understand our religion and may Allah SWT make our entire Islamic history a guideline for all of us. Ameen.

“Dhu’l-Qi’dah“(Zul Qadah) literally means “”possessor or owner of the sitting and seating place” “. During this month Muslim pilgrims from all around the world congregate at Mecca to visit the Kaaba. The Hajj is performed on the eighth, ninth and the tenth of this month. The day of Arafah takes place on the ninth of the month.

This is 11th month of Islamic calendar and a significant month in the history of Islam.

Few Ahadith For the month of Dhu’l-Qi’dah

Narrated on the Authority of Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (saw) said: “There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.” Sahih (Sunan Ibn Majah, Chapter 9, Hadith#1727)

Narrated on the Authority of Bishr bin Suhaim The Messenger of Allah (saw) delivered a sermon on the days of Tashriq (11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul-Hijjah) and said: “No one will enter Paradise but a Muslim soul and these days are the days of eating and drinking.” (Ibn Majah, Chapter 9, Hadith#1720)

5 Major Events of the month of  Dhu’l-Qi’dah

(1) 1 Dhu’l-Qi’ dah, Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah صَلَح ٱلْحُدَيْبِيَّة‎, Ṣalaḥ Al-Ḥudaybiyyah) was an occasion that occurred during the hour of the Islamic prophet Muhammad SAW. It was a significant arrangement between Muhammad SAW speaking to the territory of Medina, and the Quraishi clan of Mecca in January 628 (relating to Dhu al-Qidah, AH 6). It assisted with diminishing strain between the two urban areas, confirmed harmony for a time of 9 years, 9 months and 9 days, and approved Muhammad’s adherents to restore the next year in a serene journey, later known as The First Pilgrimage.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was significant in Islam. After the marking of the settlement, the Quraysh of Mecca not, at this point believed Muhammad SAW to be an agitator from Mecca. They additionally perceived the Islamic state in Medina by marking the arrangement. The bargain additionally permitted the Muslims who were still in Mecca to rehearse Islam openly. Further, as there was not, at this point a consistent battle between the Muslims and the polytheists, numerous individuals rethought Islam, which prompted a lot more individuals to tolerate Islam. Also, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah made ready for some different clans to make arrangements with the Muslims. The bargain likewise fills in for instance that Islam was not only spread with the sword, as Muhammad SAW had a military that could have assaulted Mecca, however, Muhammad SAW decided to arrange as opposed to assaulting.

A stanza of the Quran was uncovered about the settlement, which signifies, “Verily we have allowed thee a show triumph” (Quran 48:1).

(2)  5 AH, the Muslims participated in the Battle of Trench(Ghazwat al-Khandaq)

The Battle of the Trench غزوة الخندق‎, Ghazwat al-Khandaq, otherwise called the Battle of Khandaq and the Battle of the Confederates غزوة الاحزاب‎, Ghazwat al-Ahzab), was a 30-day-long attack of Yathrib (presently Medina) by Arab and Jewish clans. The quality of the confederate militaries is assessed around 10,000 men with 600 ponies and a few camels, while the Medinan protectors numbered 3,000.

The generally dwarfed protectors of Medina, for the most part, Muslims drove by Islamic Prophet Muhammad SAW, burrowed a channel on the proposal of Salman Farsi which along with Medina’s regular fortresses, rendered the confederate Cavalry, comprising of ponies and camels futile, securing the different sides an impasse. Wanting to make a few assaults on the double, the confederates convinced the Muslim-united Medinan Jews, Banu Qurayza, to assault the city from the south. Be that as it may, Muhammad’s strategy wrecked the exchanges, and separated the alliance against him. The efficient protectors, the sinking of confederate confidence, and poor climate conditions made the attack end in a disaster.

The attack was a “clash of brains”, in which the Muslims strategically defeated their rivals while enduring not many losses. Endeavors to vanquish the Muslims fizzled, and Islam got persuasive in the district. As an outcome, the Muslim armed force assaulted the region of the Banu Qurayza clan, prompting their acquiescence.

(3) 6 AH, Pledge of the Tree

In March 628 CE (6 AH), Muhammad set for Mecca to play out the custom journey of Umrah. The Quraysh denied the Muslims passage into the city and posted themselves outside Mecca, resolved to offer obstruction even though the Muslims didn’t have any aim or groundwork for the fight to come. Muhammad SAW stayed outdoors outside Mecca at Hudaybiyyah and sent Uthman ibn Affan RA as his agent to meet with the pioneers of Quraysh and arrange their entrance into the city. The Quraysh caused Uthman RA to remain longer in Mecca than they initially arranged and wouldn’t advise the Muslims regarding his whereabouts. This made them accept that Uthman RA had been murdered by the individuals of the Quraysh. At this event, Muhammad SAW assembled his almost 1,400 Sahaba and called them to vow to battle till’ the very end and vindicate the demise of Uthman RA. This vow occurred under a tree and was in this manner known as the Pledge of the Tree. During the way toward vowing, each Sahaba preceded Muhammad SAW and vowed, with his hand on Muhammad’s.

(4)  7 AH, The First journey – the arrival to Mecca for the presentation of Umrah by Muhammad SAW and his partners

The primary journey or Umrah of Dhu’l Qada (Pilgrimage of the eleventh month) was the main journey that Prophet Muhammad SAW and the Muslims made after the Migration to Medina. It occurred on the morning of the fourth day of Dhu al-Qi’ dah 7 AH (629 CE), after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah 6 AH (628 CE). The whole occasion was three days in length.

Prophet Muhammad SAW had announced that from the age of 40, he was getting divine revelations. He and his adherents, called Muslims, were mistreated by the decision of family of Mecca, the Quraysh, and drove out toward the northern city of Medina. A few furnished encounters followed, alongside the Muslims endeavoring an arrival journey to Mecca in 628, as coordinated by one of the disclosures. They were dismissed by the Quraysh, however, the Meccans agreed to a détente, and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah had an arrangement that the Muslims could return calmly to Mecca for a journey in 629.

(5) 8 Dhu’l-Qi’dah, Hajj was made incumbent upon Muslims in 8 AH

The Hajj حَجّ‎ “journey “; some of the time likewise spelled Hadj, Hadji or Haj in English) is a yearly Islamic journey to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the holiest city for Muslims. The journey, which endures around 5 to 6 days relying upon the lunar Islamic schedule, is an obligatory strict obligation for Muslims that must be completed in any event once in the course of their life by every single grown-up Muslim who are genuinely and monetarily fit for undertaking the excursion and can bolster their family during their nonattendance.

The exacting importance of the word Hajj is known to be “making a beeline for a spot for visiting”. In Islamic phrasing, Hajj is a journey made to the Kaaba, the “Place of Allah”, in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The ceremonies of Hajj are performed more than five or six days, starting on the eighth and consummation on the thirteenth day of Dhul Hijjah, the most recent month of the Islamic schedule. It is one of the Five mainstays of Islam, close by Shahadah, Salat, Zakat, and Sawm. The Hajj is the second-biggest yearly assembling of Muslims on the planet, after the Arba’een journey in Karbala, Iraq. The condition of being genuinely and monetarily fit for playing out the Hajj is called istita’ah, and a Muslim who satisfies this condition is known as a mustati. The Hajj is an exhibition of the solidarity of the Muslim individuals, and their accommodation to God (Allah). The word Hajj signifies “to go to an excursion”, which indicates both the outward demonstration of an excursion and the internal demonstration of goals.

Finally,

I would like to conclude today’s discussion with these words, that the month of Dhu’l-Qi’dah is full of important events that have great importance in Islamic history. Being a Muslim we should all must be aware of that.

May Allah SWT help us to stick to Islam and it’s ideology. Ameen.

Significance and Major Events of the Islamic Month Shawwal

Ramadan is the most sacred month in which the true disciples of Islam fulfill the 4^th Pillar of Islam, i.e. fasting for 30 consecutive days in order to please the Almighty Allah. Do you fall back to the same routine after Ramadan and trying to uphold the activities that you have once shunt in Ramadan? Do not forgo what you have in hands and what you have achieved in the last month of Ramadan. To continue this habit even after Ramadan, Allah has blessed the Muslims with the divine month of Ramadan,  Shawwal about which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of fasting in the month of Shawwal, it will be as if he had fasted the year through.” (Sahih Muslim)

The month of Shawwal is the 10th month in the Islamic calendar, Eid ul-Fitr is the start of the Holy month of Shawwal which Muslims celebrate with full of joy. Allah Almighty provided us with more blessings in the form of the 6 days of Shawwal, You can fast 6 days at any time during the month of Shawwal after Eid al-Fitr. The month of Shawwal is the only other month after Ramadan which is recommended for us to fast in.

It is considered that the practice of fasting in the month of Shawwal could serve as a wonderful way of assisting those of us who may have missed some fasts during Ramadan, as a result of illness, menstruation or traveling to make up for lost fasts. It is highly recommended to fulfill the missed fasts of Ramadan as soon as possible since this is an obligation and debt owed to Allah and this takes superiority over voluntary fasting.  

Fasting in 6 days of Shawaal after having celebrated Eid ul-Fitr for three consecutive days demonstrates that a believer is humble and highly grateful to Allah SWT for all the blessings received during the festival. In the Holy Quran Almighty Allah says: “… Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran, 2: 185)

Fasting in 6 days of Shawwal is a sign that one has increased faith in its heart than normal Muslims, it proves that this act results in attaining the Love of the Most Merciful and becoming prominent in front of Him. Narrated by Abu Hurrairah (RA): “The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak believer, though there is good in both. Be avid for that which benefits you. Rely on Allah and do not deem yourself incapable…” (Muslim)

Major Events in the Month of Shawwal

Below mentioned are some of the Major events of the month of Shawwal:

• Hazrat Aisha (RA) got married to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in Shawwal, 10 years after Prophet hood which is 3 years before Hijrah.
• The Battle of Uhud also took place in this month, 3 years after Hijrah.
• Abu Talib, Uncle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) passed away from this world in the mid-Shawwal in the year 5 A.H.
• Hazrat  Aisha (RA) was born in Shawwal, 4 years after Prophet hood and 9 years before Hijrah.
• The battle of Badr and Uhud took place in the month of Shawwal.

Lailatul Qadr | Read Full Story about the Night of Power

Lailatul Qadr is considered the holiest night of the year for Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan. Lailatul Qadr falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan.  Muslims across the globe maximize their prayers and give their best in trying to attain the pleasure of Allah Almighty and forgiveness for all their sins during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.” (Quran, 97:3)

A major event took place in the last 10 nights of the blessed month of Ramadan is the arrival of Lailatul Qadr which is also known as the Night of Power, Destiny or Decree. Due to the merits of this blessed night, our beloved Prophet (SAW) used to exert Himself greatly in worships during Lailatul Qadr. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) in Lailatul Qadr out of Iman (faith) and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven” (Bukhari).

There is a story of seeking Allah Almighty by the young man of Arab almost 1400 years ago. It is the time when Arabs were involved in gambling, the society was full of corruption and hatred. There was not only the false belief in idols but idol worship inside the House of Allah itself and also prostitution was common. People were cheated in the marketplaces, killed for petty reasons and there would be no justice. The strong overpowered the weak, and slavery was widespread in Arabs at that time. It was the time that there existed a young man by the name of Muhammad (PBUH). He (SAW) was very disabusing by society. All of this corruption and evil in Arab society disturbed His noble soul.

He (PBUH) used to go to cave named Hira in solitude and meditate himself in the cave in days and nights before His 40^th birthday. In the month of Ramadan in 610 CE, the Prophet Muhammad was meditating as usual in the cave of Hira when He (SAW) was visited by the Angel Gabriel.  According to sources, Gabriel seized Him and squeezed the Prophet (SAW) to the point that He (PBUH) thought He was going to die, and issued a command. He said, “Iqraa’ which means Read!” The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was illiterate and responded that He (SAW) could not read. Two more times, Gabriel repeated the command and the Prophet (SAW) responded with the same answer. Then, Gabriel revealed the first verses of the Quran to the Prophet (PBUH): “Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from an embryo. Read and your Lord is Most Honorable and Generous. The One who has taught by the Pen. Taught man that which he had no knowledge of” (Quran, 96:1-5)

All of this was what happened on the Night of Power (Lailatul Qadr). Without any doubt in the history of mankind the greatest night is probably this night. Its implications for humanity are so far-reaching that is not possible to unravel for any of us. Lailatul Qadr is the night when Muhammad son of Abdullah and the husband of Khadijah (RA) became the Prophet and the messenger of Allah (SWT) the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Allah Almighty, the Most Powerful, and the Creator of all creation communicated His last message to mankind on that night. From above the seven heavens, Allah (SWT) sent down what is described as “guidance and mercy” which is the last holy book the Noble Quran.

That night Allah sent a message that turned the war-mongering, ruined society of Arabs into the greatest generation of humans that ever walked the face of this earth. That was the Night of Al-Qadr, Decree or Destiny. Allah talks about the significance of this night in Surah Al-Qadr of the Quran, what He says:

• It is the night in which the Quran was revealed
• The night of Qadr is better than a thousand months for worship
• Multitudes of angels and the angel Jibreel himself descend to the earth on that Day
• The command and decree of Allah is sent down for the next year
• Peace and tranquility is on that night until the break of dawn

Utilize this night in worshipping Allah Almighty and enjoy the peace when you are alone with Allah (SWT). Stay up throughout the last 10 nights of Ramadan, make time for Quran reading, make time for some memorization, even the short surahs, and make time for having the angels of Allah see you in a condition of obedience, peace, beauty, and connection with Allah. May Allah bless us all with an accepted Lailatul Qadr! Ameen