Itikaf in Ramadan- Rules, Types and Virtues of Itikaf

Ramadan is the holy month of blessings in which Muslims all around the globe fast for the sake of Allah Almighty.  Ramadan is the best opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and getting closer to Allah (SWT). Muslims passionately spend this time for seeking forgiveness of their sins and getting close to Allah Almighty. This devotion rises to its highest especially in the last ten days of Ramadan. One of the standout rituals of the last ten days of Ramadan is the Sunnah of Itikaf. Itikaf is a form of worship that Muslims perform during last ten days of Ramadan.

In Itikaf Muslims spend the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion in a Mosque for a certain time; all they do is pray to Allah Almighty seeking forgiveness and blessings. In Itikaf one should stay with the intention to worship Allah (SWT) by praying formal or informal prayers although prayer is not a condition therein. Hazrat Aisha (RA) reported about our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that: “He (SAW) used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari)

Rules for Itikaf

While performing Itikaf there is certain that we all should know about. Below we will discuss them:

• A person should stay in a mosque for the duration of the Itikaf except for certain things as described in the prophetic sayings: Aisha (RA) reported that: When the Prophet (SAW) observed I’tikaf, He (SAW) did not enter the house except to relieve himself. (Muslim)
• Fasting is the basic condition of Itikaf.
• For men, Itikaf should be in a mosque but for women, the place where she normally prays Nimaz is acceptable to perform Itikaf.
• It is better to perform Itikaf in Mosque where Juma prayer is offered. Besides, same rules irrespective of gender are applied to perform Itikaf.
• Women should get permission for Itikaf from her husband.
• If one needs to buy something for food and there is no one to do the buying for him, it is not a wrong for him to do it.
• The alms for invalidating an Itikaf is to set free a slave or if this is not possible, fast for two consecutive months or if this also is not possible, feed sixty poor people.
• Duration for Itikaf is three continuous days at least. It could be more but not less than three days.
• Complete it in the Mosque where it was started. Hence, going out of the Mosque without an acceptable reason will invalidate the Itikaf.

Types of Itikaf

There are three types of Itikaf which are mentioned below:

• Wajib Itikaf: This Itikaf becomes compulsory when someone makes it obligatory upon himself/herself. It is like when a person makes a vow to Allah Almighty that if Allah fulfills a certain wish of his/her, he/she will undertake to perform so many days Itikaf. In this case, the moment his wish is fulfilled, Itikaf becomes compulsory. This becomes a Wajib duty on him/her from that moment onward until performing Itikaf.
• Sunnah Itikaf: This was the general practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and it means to seclude oneself inside the Masjid for the last ten days of Ramadan. It should be for at least 3 days or maximum 10 days during last ten days of Ramadan.
• Nafil Itikaf: There is no specific time or number of days for Nafil Itikaf. A person may form the Niyyah for any number of days at any time of the year.

Virtues of Itikaf

There are many benefits or virtues of Itikaf some of them are mentioned below:

• To Perform Itikaf during last ten days of Ramadan is equivalent to the reward of two Hajj and Umrah.
• Itikaf is one such act that guarantees protection from the fire of Hell. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in His hadith: “Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one-day Itikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.”(Tabarani)
• Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that our beloved Prophet (SAW) said about one who engages in Itikaf, “That he is safe from sin & he also gets that reward which everyone (outside Itikaf) gets for pious deeds.”(Ibn Majah)
• Observing Itikaf is an excellent way of doing away with sins and receiving a reward from multiple sources.
• Itikaf provides protection from the evil consequences of excessive talking and also allows the person to concentrate towards Allah Almighty by offering Taraweeh, reading Quran, making Dhikr, reciting dua, and so on.
• When a Muslim restricts him in the mosque for Itikaf, he is prevented from performing certain acts which are permissible in common routine and in certain cases there is a high reward for such acts.

The month of Ramadan itself is one of the greatest blessings that a Muslim receives. Within this holy month of blessings, the virtues of Itikaf are also a great advantage and a source of mercy and blessings from Allah Almighty that can help a Muslim seek forgiveness and attain reward for the present moment and the months to come till the next Ramadan. May Allah give us the strength to utilize this Ramadan in a better way! Ameen

Significance of Ramadan & Fasting from Quran & Sunnah

Ramadan is the month of countless blessings in which fasting is obligatory on every Muslim. Ramadan is the month that closes us to Allah (SWT) and reveals unto us His clear commandments because this is the month in which Allah revealed the Quran on His last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The month of Ramadan holds great importance in the life of Muslims. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include prayer and charity. 

Muslims believed that during the month of fasting the gates of heaven are open and the devils are chained up; this makes Ramadan a spiritually peaceful time for Muslims. In the holy Quran Almighty Allah said about Ramadan in these words: “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you that you may attain Taqwa.” (Quran, 2:183)

Significance of Ramadan Actual Significance of Fasting in Islam

Apart from an obligation to fast in the month of Ramadan, Allah (SWT) revealed Quran as well. The Holy Quran states: “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).” (Quran,2:185)

The act of fasting is not only one that is full of reward and blessing but it is a protection against sins. “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)

The act of fasting leads us to paradise. It is stated in hadith in these words: Abu Umaamah (RA) said: I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah Prophet (PBUH), tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise’. He (SAW) said: ‘Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it.’ (Imam Nasai)

Fasting teaches self-discipline or self-restraint; the ability to control worldly desires and spend time in prayer and meditation. Laylatul Qadar also lies in the month of fasting which is among the blessed nights in which Allah (SWT) forgives His believers. In the Quran Allah says: “Allah has made Laylatul-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah says…The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn.” (Quran, 97:1-5)

Abu Huraira (RA) related that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life, he could not make up for it.” (Bukhari)

Aisha (RA) related that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhari)

Itikaf & Its Virtues in the Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the Holy Month of countless blessings and mercy. From the day it starts, it aims at providing the Muslims with best chance and a great opportunity to seek forgiveness for their sins and move closer to Allah Almighty. Muslims devout to it and this devotion rises to its highest during the last ten days of Ramadan, as the month is about to end and no one knows if he or she be able to make it till next Ramadan.

The standout rituals of the last ten days of Ramadan is the Sunnah of Itikaf. It is a ritual in which Muslims spend the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion and in this seclusion, all they do is pray to Allah Almighty seeking forgiveness and blessings. The lines below give a brief intro of Itikaf and its virtues in the last ten days of Ramadan.

Itikaf:

Hazrat Aisha (RA) reports about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the following way:

“He used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days or Ramadan until Allah the Mighty & Majestic, took him.” (Bukhari)

From this hadith it is clear that Itikaf is not something which Prophet (PBUH) observed or performed only once in His lifetime, rather it was on of the Ramadan Deeds of Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) which He did on regular basis throughout His life in the last ten days of Ramadan. Therefore, if a Muslim cant observe Itikaf on regular basis throughout the year, then he or she must try observing it whenever the chance and time is available.

Virtues of Itikaf:

Besides the fact that Itikaf is in the last ten days of Ramadan in which Muslims go for excessive prayers, Holy Quran recitation and nawafil, the virtues of Itikaf are many more. The lines below discuss the major virtues of Itikaf which a Muslim must eye and intend to attain when fulfilling this tremendous Sunnah.

The Increased Reward:

Perhaps the biggest virtue of Itikaf in the month of Ramadan is the great reward it comes with. There is no denying the fact that any act of piety and virtue receives multiple times greater reward in Ramadan compared to ordinary days, however, if the last ten days are spent in Itikaf, the blessings and reward increase exponentially. In one of His hadiths, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“He who observes the ten days Itikaf during Ramadan will obtain the reward of two Hajj and two Umrah.” (Bayhaqi)

From this hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) it becomes clear that the reward of Itikaf is equivalent to the reward which a person attains from two Hajj and two Umrahs. Both Hajj and Umrah are the two of most sacred of acts which a Muslim can perform and their reward also is unmatchable by any other deed. Moreover, another thing about both these acts is that these are to be performed by people who can arrange the means of performing them; therefore, performing them once in a lifetime is a great achievement for a Muslim.

Therefore, from this a Muslim can guess and try to understand the importance of Itikaf. This one simple act which one can perform in home or a mosque nearby gives a Muslim a reward equivalent to two Hajj and two Umrah, for a single one of which people work all their life. Hence, for a Muslim it is imperative to try observing Itikaf whenever the opportunity is available in Ramadan.

Protection From Hell:

Another reason why Muslims feel lucky for the month of Ramadan is the fact that it provides them a chance to seek forgiveness from Allah Almighty. This seeking of forgiveness and its consequent provision from Allah Almighty actually protects a Muslim from the fire of Hell, which he or she is deserving because of the sins they commit. Therefore it is imperative that Muslims perform those very acts that guarantee them protection from the fire of Hell. Itikaf is one such acts that guarantees protection from the fire of Hell. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in His hadith:

“Whosoever for Allah’s sake did even one days Itikaf, Allah would keep him away from Jahannam by trenches.” (Tabarani)

This hadith makes the fire-protection benefits of Itikaf clear to a Muslim. Moreover, the thing to notice from this hadith is that this protection from Hell is the reward a Muslim gets from a single day of Itikaf, therefore, the benefit of performing Itikaf throughout the last ten days of Ramadan are unimaginable. Hence more the reasons for a Muslim to perform Itikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan.

Dual Benefits:

All the prayers and virtuous deeds in Ramadan are committed with the objective of seeking forgiveness from the previous sins and gaining reward for the good deeds. Therefore, the dual benefits are the target of a Muslim. T he Sunnah of Itikaf is a perfect act that provides the chance of gaining this dual benefit.

Ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, (about him who engages in i’tikaf), “that he is safe from sin & he also gets that reward which everyone (outside i’tikaf) gets for pious deeds.” (Ibn Majah)

From this hadith it is clear, that although a person is in seclusion during Itikaf, however, the reward gain is not isolated rather a person keeps on getting the reward of the good deeds of others as well. Therefore, observing Itikaf is an excellent way of doing away with sins and receiving reward from multiple sources.

Bottom Line:

In a nutshell, the month of Ramadan in itself is one of the greatest blessings that a Muslim receives in an Islamic calendar. Within this month of blessings, the virtues of Itikaf are also another great advantage and a source of mercy and blessings from Allah Almighty that can help a Muslim seek forgiveness from what has forgone and attain reward for the present moment and the months to come till the next Ramadan.

Short Story About Iblis-Shaitan

In Islam, the Devil is known as ʾIblīs (Arabic: إبليس‎, plural: ابالسة ʾAbālisa) or Shayṭān (Arabic: شيطان‎, plural: شياطين Shayāṭīn). As indicated by the Quran, God made Iblis out of “smokeless fire or from the unadulterated fire of fire” (alongside the entirety of the other jinn) and made man out of mud. The essential trait of the Devil, is that he has the ability to cast insidious recommendations into the core of men, ladies, and jinn.

Iblis was glad and egotistical and viewed himself as better than Adam, since Adam was produced using earth and Iblis from smokeless fire. For this demonstration of insubordination, God reviled him to Hell forever, however gave him reprieve until the Day of Judgment (Qiyāmah), after Iblis mentioned it. Iblis acquired consent from God and promised that he would utilize this opportunity to lead every single human man and ladies off track to Hell as a method for vengeance against them. By declining to comply with God’s structure he was tossed out of Paradise and from that point he was classified “Shaytan”.

Almighty Allah additionally uncovered: And unquestionably, We made you (your dad Adam) and afterward gave you shape (the respectable state of an individual), at that point We told the holy messengers, “Prostrate to Adam’; and they prostrated, aside from Iblis, he would not be of the individuals who prostrate.

(Allah) stated: ‘What forestalled you (0 Iblis) that you didn’t prostrate when I told you?”

(Iblis) stated: “I am superior to him (Adam), You made me from fire, and him You made from earth.”

Few traditions about Satan

There were numerous conventions about Iblis at the hour of the Prophet Muhammad SAW. Ibn Masud, Ibn Abbas, and a gathering of the friends of the Prophet Muhammad said that Iblis had been the leader of the angels in the worldly sky. Ibn Abbas said in one portrayal that his name had been Azazil, and in another portrayal he said it had been Al-Harith. Ibn ‘Abbas additionally said that Iblis was a jinn and that they had once been the attendants of Paradise, with Iblis the most respectable, the most learned and the most devout of them. Another convention says that he had been one of the renowned four holders of wings (for example blessed messengers), before Allah changed him into the detestable Satan.

His vows against humans

Allah Almighty describes Iblis’ insubordination in another surah: (Remember) when your Lord said to the holy angels: “Genuinely I will make man from earth. So when I have formed him and inhaled into him (his) spirit made by Me, at that point you tumble down prostrate to him.” So the blessed messengers prostrated themselves, every one of them: aside from Iblis, he was pleased and was one of the doubters.

وإِذْ قُلْنَا لِلْمَلآَئِكَةِ اسْجُدُوا لاِدَمَ فَسَجَدُوا إِلآَّ إِبْلِيسَ أَبَي

“And when We said to the angels: ‘Prostrate to Adam’, they (all) prostrated except Iblis; he refused.” (Surah TAHA 116)

(Allah) stated: “0 Iblis! What keeps you from prostrating yourself to one whom I have made with Both My Hands. Are you excessively glad (to fall prostrate to Adam) or are you one of the high commended?” (Iblis) said “I am superior to he, You made me from fire, and You made him from dirt.”

(Allah) stated: “At that point get you from here, for verily, you are outcast. Also, verily!, My Curse is on you till the Day of Recompense.” (Iblis) stated: ‘My Lord! Give me at that point reprieve till the Day the (dead) are restored.” Allah stated: “Verily! You are of those permitted respite – till the Day of the time designated.” Iblis stated: “By Your Might, at that point I will without a doubt deceive them all, – aside from Your picked slaves among them (steadfast, dutiful, genuine adherents of Islamic Monotheism).”

(Allah) stated: “truly, and reality I state, – that I will fill Hell with you (Iblis) and those of them (humankind) that tail you, together.” Surah 38: 71-85

Few verses from Quran about Iblis

[43:62] And let not the Shaitan prevent you (from Sirat Al-Mustaqeem); surely he is your open enemy.

[58:10] Secret counsels are only (the work) of the Shaitan that he may cause to grieve those who believe, and he cannot hurt them in the least except with Allah’s permission, and on Allah let the believers rely.

[59:16] Like the Shaitan when he says to man: Disbelieve, but when he disbelieves, he says: I am surely clear of you; surely I fear Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

[59:17] Therefore the end of both of them is that they are both in the fire to abide therein, and that is the reward of the unjust.

Few Sayings of Prophet Muhammad SAW about Shaitan

Muhammad said that during sleep Satan ties knots at the back of the head.

Allah’s Apostle said, “During your sleep, Satan knots three knots at the back of the head of each of you, and he breathes the following words at each knot, ‘The night is long, so keep on sleeping,’ If that person wakes up and celebrates the praises of Allah, then one knot is undone, and when he performs ablution the second knot is undone, and when he prays, all the knots are undone, and he gets up in the morning lively and gay, otherwise he gets up dull and gloomy.” Volume 4, book 54, Number 491.

How to Perform Salatul Hajat – The Prayer of Need

Muslims have been obligated to perform Salah five times a day. The implication of these prayers is to attain nearness to Allah SWT, forgiveness of wrongdoings and fulfillment of just wishes. God, the Exalted does not need us to pray to Him, rather it is us who actually require His assistance and guidance. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].” [Quran, 2: 45]

Apart from compulsory Namaz, there is great importance of Nawafil (Supererogatory prayers), which are means to gain something extra or as bonus, which include salat al Istikharah and Tahajjud etc. It is said that requests made to the Exalted One on some special occasions are never rejected, like after five obligatory prayers, late at night, in a state of prostration, an hour on Friday, the night of Qadar (decree), and during Adhan etc. Huzaifa (R.A) narrated the Apostle (PBUH) of Allah having said:

“Whenever a matter became serious, the Prophet (PBUH) turned to salah”. (Abu Dawood)

It means that one can plea to God at any time asking for His Help, for He is the Most Merciful and Beneficent. Among all voluntary appeals to Allah, there is also one important prayer, which is called Salat ul Hajat. It is observed for the purpose of completion of one`s particular Haajah (need). It is actually not similar to any other prescribed Namaz, but it is just one of the ways to beg the Almighty for one`s rightful wish.

He who makes wudu, and does it properly, then prays two rak`ats, Allah will grant him whatever he may pray for, sooner or later”. (Ahmad)

Although there are some disagreements among the scholars whether this should be considered as a prayer, but there is no doubt that one can request the Lord for anything any time. As in the Holy Quran, Allah SWT says:

“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.” [Quran, 2: 186]

There is no doubt that the Most Gracious listens to the invocations of the ones who ask from Him with strong belief and conviction in their hearts. The Messenger (PBUH) of Allah has been quoted by Abu Hurrerah (R.A) to have said:

“The Prophet (saws) said, “Nothing is dearer to Allah than one’s supplication to Him.” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

It means that the Gracious Lord likes the one who asks from Him alone for every need.

Format Of Salat-ul-Hajat

The procedure of Salaat-ul-Haajat is as follows:

1. First of all, making and maintaining a state of wudhu
2. Then performing two raka’ts Nafl Salaat
3. After the Salaat, reciting the praises of Allah SWT and Durood Shareef.
4. Reciting as much amount of Tasbeeh – and Durood Shareef as possible.
5. In the end, making a keen Dua e Hajat for the fulfillment of one`s requirement or obscurity.

 Dua (Supplication)

According to a narration, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has prescribed the following form of request to Allah Almighty:

“There is no god but Allah the Clement and Wise. There is no god but Allah the High and Mighty. Glory be to Allah, Lord of the Tremendous Throne. All praise is to Allah, Lord of the worlds. I ask you (O Allah) everything that leads to your mercy, and your tremendous forgiveness, enrichment in all good and freedom from all sin. Do not leave a sin of mine (O Allah), except that you forgive it, nor any concern except that you create for it an opening, nor any need in which there is your good pleasure except that you fulfill it, O Most Merciful!” (Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah)

Although this is a considered as a weak Hadith, but the fact remains that this supplication contains all the necessary ingredients for completion of one`s equitable wishes. The core constituents of this prayer contain praising the Lord in the most rightful manner, considering Him as the only One Who can fulfill one`s needs and asking Him for pardon, improvement in matters, liberty from transgression completely, and completion of deeds and needs that accompany His due Consent. Such is the beauty of this plea that if it is made having understood its overall meaning, it guides to purification of one`s heart from all wrongdoings and in turn leading to Allah`s blessings in the form completion of said prayers ultimately.

Things To Consider While Carrying out Salat-ul-Hajat

1. Being in complete state of hygiene, having worn neat and tidy clothes and fulfilling the criterion of proper etiquettes like that of any other prayer
2. Choosing a place that is clean and away from noise and distractions
3. Keeping complete concentration while supplicating to the Almighty with a strong belief in His Merciful and Benevolent nature, and also asking from Him with great humbleness and meekness

The overall theme of this supplication is to achieve the just behavior while asking Allah SWT, because when one is requesting from the Almighty Lord, which requires a high degree of reverence.

In short, Salat-ul-Hajat is similar to any other prayer which results in attainment of one`s needs and wishes, but through its succinct pattern of execution, it also teaches us the correct way of asking god, the Exalted. May Allah SWT grant us His guidance to pray to Him in the most rightful manner! Aameen!

Worldly Desires That Weaken/Destroy Iman (Faith)

Every religion is based on some fundamental principles that one has to firmly trust in so as to be called its rightful follower like believing in the God/gods, following the specific Prophet/Prophets and accepting their Heavenly Books as true. The Islamic Faith includes considering Allah SWT as the Only God, following the Sunnah (Way of Life) of Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ as His Last Messenger and the Holy Quran as a means of true guidance.

“And who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].” [Quran, 2: 4]

The above mentioned Ayah stresses on fulfillment of conviction of a true disciple of Islam in terms of absolute commitment to whatever the Almighty Lord has commanded the past Prophets, His Apostle Hazrat Muhammad ﷺ and in the eternal life of after this one. The lack of recognition of the hereafter in one`s actions leads to deterioration of its Islamic Devotion through more and more pursuit of accomplishment of wishes of this life.

“Indeed! We have made that which is on the earth adornment for it that We may test them [as to] which of them is best in deed.” [Quran, 18: 7]

Thus, it is clear that the life in this world is nothing but a great examination of one`s reliance on Islamic Guidelines as human being is constantly persuaded towards the beautification of many distractions and longings on earth.

Some of the foremost worldly desires that weaken or even destroy a Muslim`s Iman (Faith) are described as follows:

Love of Wealth and Children

The entire system of living in the world centers on making enough income in order to live a successful life. Without wealth, no man can survive any longer on this planet. But keeping a balance between accumulation of material goods and completion of religious and social duties is very important. The common wish after wealth comes to be having sons and daughters, but they can also lead to forgetfulness of Allah SWT and avoiding many other responsibilities. As the Almighty Lord says in the Holy Quran:

“Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return.” [Quran, 3: 14]

In the previously stated Quranic verse, Allah SWT has regarded fading of one`s religious belief as it is lost in the apparent charm of many of the cravings and inclinations in this world such as women, children, wealth, and other possessions like domestic animals and property. These are all merely the delight of existence on earth, which itself is temporary; therefore, it means that none of its pleasures could last forever. That is why the Gracious God says in the end that indeed the most excellent gains for an individual rest with Him which everyone needs to pursue, i.e. Jannah (Paradise).

“O you, who have believed, let not your wealth and your children divert you from remembrance of Allah. And whoever does that – then those are the losers.” [Quran, 63: 9]

It shows that possessions and kids are simply forms of diversions, because they are the dearest things to a person in this world, so it could well result in forgetting Allah SWT, which is indeed the destruction of one`s Islamic faith. Therefore, one should not take wealth and children for granted in this life; rather it should remember its true purpose of existence, i.e. to please the Almighty Lord in order to be successful in the hereafter.

Increased Greediness in all Matters

It is in the human nature that almost every individual tries to get the most out of things. A person is never able to fully satisfy itself with what it has; rather it constantly keeps on looking for more and more. Fulfillment of a need results in wanting extra and wants ultimately lead towards realizing delights of life. Allah SWT refers to the covetousness of inhabitants of earth for worldly life in the following Ayah:

“And you will surely find them the greediest of people for life – [even] more than those who associate others with Allah. One of them wishes that he could be granted life a thousand years, but it would not remove him in the least from the [coming] punishment that he should be granted life. And Allah is Seeing of what they do.” [Quran, 2: 96]

The Almighty Lord, by conversing with His Messenger ﷺ in the above mentioned Quranic Verse, indicates towards the voracious temperament of the people in this world especially Jews who even believed in the hereafter and One God, yet they thought of living in this world for thousands of years. Therefore, being a true believer of Islam, a Muslim should avoid from having greediness in all matters as it will eventually cause the weakening of faith and retribution in the hereafter.

Cravings for Fulfilling Bodily Lusts

There come moments in one`s life when a person comes under satanic influence and commits actions of sins. Such acts of crime which are done in order to complete one`s physical desires eventually lead towards annihilation of a Muslim`s iman. The Seer and Hearer of all says in Furqan e Hameed:

“But if they do not respond to you – then know that they only follow their [own] desires. And who is more astray than one who follows his desire without guidance from Allah? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people.” [Quran, 28: 50]

It means that going after the path of one`s own wishes of worldly pleasures actually causes a person to go astray from finding Allah`s Assistance, which is due to deterioration of one`s religious and moral convictions.

Being Jealous of others

It is commonly observed that an individual, instead of focusing on its own self, goes on to having spitefulness for better things and qualities that others possess. Rasulullah ﷺ has regarded the feeling of resentment in such matters as a source of obliteration of one`s faith.

“Never can Iman and envy come together in the heart of a slave.” (Al- Nasa’i)

It means that one who feels jealous of others can never have the rightful level of Iman near Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

In short, Iman (Faith) is the most important attribute of any Muslim. Therefore, every true believer in the Religion of Peace should try its best to avoid the worldly desires described above and many other which distract one from fulfillment of the true meaning of Islamic Belief.

Significance of Shab-e-Miraj (Isra Night) in Islam

Shab-e-Miraj or Isra Night observed in the Holy Month of Rajab by Muslims all over the world. Every year on the night of 26^thof Rajab according to the Islamic calendar, Muslims observe Shab-e-Miraj (Isra Night) in which the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) went on a special journey to meet the Creator of this Universe Allah Almighty, crossing seven skies on the heavenly animal named ‘Al-Buraq.’ The Isra Night is also mentioned in Holy Quran in these words: “Exalted is He who took His Servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al- Aqsa, whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him of Our signs. Indeed, He is the Hearing, the Seeing.” (Quran, 17:1)

Shab-e-Miraj means the night of “Ascendance”. The Isra Night is the blessed night when the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was carried to the heaven and He (PBUH) reached a high stage of nearness to Almighty Allah which is beyond ordinary human perception. In Shab-e-Miraj the chief angel Gabriel came to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the heavenly animal “Al-Buraq”. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was first taken to from Masjid al-Haram, Makkah to Masjid al-Aqsa, Jerusalem. The miraculous journey then started and Prophet (PBUH) ascended to the skies to encounter another turning event in His life.  First Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) traveled with extreme honor and respect to Bayt-ul-Muqaddas in no time where all the Prophet’s welcomed and honored Him with great respect.

Shab-e-miraj

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led the prayer of all Prophets in Bayt-ul-Muqaddas. Shab-e-Miraj is the night, in which Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) visited all the heavens and reached Sidra-tul-Muntaha where no one ever enters before even the Angel Gabriel-e-Ameen. At Isra Night which is the special night, our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was blessed with the special gift of fifty prayers by Allah Almighty, which was reduced to 5 daily prayers that we observed now and made compulsory for all Muslims. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was blessed with the special closeness to Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the One who saw the Creator of Universe in Shab-e-Miraj.

In another verse of the Holy Quran, the details about Isra and Miraj stated in these words: “While he was in the highest part of the horizon: Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; So, did (Allah) convey the inspiration to His Servant (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. The (Prophet’s) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw? For indeed he saw him at a second descent. Near the Lote-tree beyond which none may pass: near it is the Garden of Abode. Behold, the Lote-tree was shrouded (in mystery unspeakable!) (His) sight never swerved nor did it go wrong! For truly did he see the Signs of His Lord the Greatest.” (Quran, 53:7-18)

The Isra Night or Shab-e-Miraj has so much significance because Allah Almighty blessed the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with His own sight. Allah Almighty Himself sent the Angel Gabriel-e-Ameen to call His last companion Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to blessed Him with His own sight. It is considered significant to worship on this Holy Night Isra. Furthermore, Shab-e-Miraj makes the belief of Muslims stronger because of miracles happened in Isra Night.

Verdict of Islam on Celebration of Valentine’s Day

With the arrival of February, the most awaited day of the month is the 14^th of February. Valentine’s Day or the day of love is celebrated on this date, and the event is celebrated all across the world with full enthusiasm and joy.

Muslims have special reservations towards this day. A majority of Muslims does not celebrate this day, while those who do it, do on the name of liberalism and religious freedom. The Quran tutoring academies who teach to Western Muslims, recommend them not to celebrate this day. The lines below with two verses of Quran clearly give the verdict on Valentine’s and other such celebrations.

The first verse of Quran that can be consulted for the purpose of taking a verdict upon the celebration of Valentine’s Day is:

“Guide us to the Straight Way, The way of those on whom You have bestowed Your Grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your Anger, nor of those who went astray.” (1:6-7)

In these verses, the clear supplication of a Muslim is given. A Muslim needs to ask Allah Almighty for the way upon which the people passed who received blessings from Allah and not His anger, neither the path of those who went astray.

Now a Muslim needs to ask, whether the Valentine’s Day celebration is the Right Path? Is it the path on which the earlier Muslims followed? Is it the path that will lead to blessings from Allah Almighty?

The answer to all these questions is a big ‘No’.

Valentine’s Day celebration is not an activity of the followers of right path, it does not bring blessings of Allah Almighty, and rather it brings His anger. The reason for all this is that, if it had been an activity of righteous people, then all Muslims must have celebrated it before the Christians and Jews started it. If it were the celebrations of rightful people, then the Jews and Christians would have been Muslims. The fact is quite contrary, where it is a day where great expenditure is made by people to show their partner how much they love each other, without considering the constraints of gender laid forward by Islam. Moreover, it encourages the ill passion of carnal lover and sexual desire among individuals, a factor that is against Islamic preaching and truly a path of those who fall astray and receive the anger of Allah Almighty.

In Islam, husband and wife can show their love to each other and celebrate it, but this love does not rely on any special day, rather you can do it any time. So, if you are husband and wife and truly love each other, then every day is Valentine’s Day for you and every night is New Year eve.

Along with the recitation of Quran if a Muslim understands the meaning of the verses then he can easily find answers to problems. Regarding Valentine’s Day another verse of Quran that gives the clear message is:

“O you who have believed, do not take the Jews and the Christians as allies. They are (in fact) allies of one another. And whoever is an ally to them among you then indeed, he is (one) of them. Indeed, Allah guides not the wrongdoing people.” (5:51)

In this ayah, Allah Almighty forbids Muslims to join with Christians and Jews and not be an ally with them. Now if we view the characteristic of an ally, then one immediately gets to know that being ally means following the other ally and complementing to whatever they do. In this way, as the Valentine’s Day is celebrated by Christians and Jews, therefore, anyone who celebrates it is an ally of them. Thus, a Muslim who follows the instructions of Quran knows that celebrating Valentine’s day is an event of Christians and Jews, thus in order to be not one of them, a Muslim needs not to celebrate Valentine’s day.

In conclusion, the two aforementioned verses of Quran make it clear that celebration of Valentine’s Days is neither supported nor commended by Islam. Celebration of Valentine’s Day comes with no social, economical, or religious benefit, therefore, Muslims must condemn it and celebrate events only that are supported by Islam, and that come with benefit to humankind.

Importance of Time in Islam|Quran and Sunnah

We all are familiar with the most famous proverbs “Time is money” and “Time is Gold”. Time has great importance in the life of human being. Humanity has always been anxious with time, the passage of time, the measurement of time, and the scientific qualities of time. Time is a blessing on all of us. We should concentrate on how we use time according to Islamic perspective. Allah Almighty has clearly stated the value of time in Quran. We should make the use of time wisely to increase our faith in this life and the hereafter too.

Our beloved Prophet (SAW) said about time in Hadith: “There are two blessings which many people lose: (They are) health and free time for doing good” (Bukhari). From this saying, we can conclude that we should utilize our time for doing good deeds for the sake of Almighty Allah’s pleasure. We order our lives around time, in Islam lives are structured around the daily prayers.  We should offer prayers on time which are obligatory on every Muslim. In Islam believers are encouraged to be certain of time, to know its importance and to organize it intelligently.  If human beings do not waste or abuse time, but rather think of it as a blessing from Lord then they have every reason to hope for success both in this life and in the hereafter.

Importance of Time in Quran

Allah Almighty has mentioned everything in Quran which is the source of Guidance for us. Similarly, Allah has stated the importance of time in Holy Quran that we will discuss below:

Indeed, we displease Allah the Most High when we misuse time. We must remember that time must be spent to fulfill our very purpose in life that is to worship Allah during our lives. Allah makes the importance of time very clear in the Quran when He says:  “I have only created Jinns and Men that they may serve Me. No Sustenance do I require of them, nor do I require that they should feed Me. For Allah is He Who gives (all) Sustenance, Lord of Power, Steadfast forever).” (Quran, 51:56-58). From this verse we can say that we should use our time to worship Allah instead of doing some other useless things.

For every true believer knows that life on earth is temporary and its eternal accomplishment lies in terms of pleasing Allah (SWT) and living its life according to His Commandments. The Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran in Chapter Al-Asr about the importance of time: “By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” (Quran, 103: 1-3). The Ayahs explain the worth of time in life of a Muslim. The Creator of the world of the worlds declares time as a great measure of one`s success or failure. The Exalted One says that with every advancing moment of existence, human has a great warning that is associated with it.

Time is one of mankind’s most precious resources since it can never be replaced or renewed once it has passed. When we waste our time it is much like someone investing his capital impulsively and not using it to generate profit. Invest time in Good deeds, our beliefs form the basic foundation of our life, and those, whose beliefs are established on the Quran, are normal to act on those beliefs by giving themselves to doing good deeds or we can say by investing their time in doing good deeds. Allah Almighty says in Holy Quran: “O ye who believe! Obey Allah, and obey the messenger, and make not vain your deeds!” (Quran, 47:33). From this verse we can say that we should do our best to utilize our time in doing good deeds instead of wasting in useless deeds.

Importance of Time According to Sunnah of Prophet (SAW)

We have so many examples from the life of our Beloved Prophet (SAW) to know about the importance of time. Below we will discuss some of them so we can take lesson and can utilize our time in best manner.

The Prophet Mohammad (SAW), used to call on Muslims to take the initiative to do good deeds before any obstacles arise. He (SAW) said, “Lose no time to do good deeds before you are caught up by one of seven calamities awaiting you: a starvation which may impair your wisdom; a prosperity which may mislead you; an ailment which may damage your health; an old age which may harm your senses; a sudden death; the Dajjal (Antichrist); or Doomsday, which is indeed the hardest and most bitter.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Prophet (SAW) also said in one of His Hadiths: “Take advantage of five matters before five other matters: your youth before you become old; your health, before you fall sick; your wealth, before you become poor; your free time before you become preoccupied, and your life, before your death” (Musnad Imam Ahmad). The whole hadith is about the limited nature of our life and how the time is running out. We should utilize the time in best manner before it’s too late.

In another Hadith Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Allah said, ‘The son of Adam wrongs me for he curses Ad-Dahr (Time); though I am Ad-Dahr (Time). In My Hands are all things, and I cause the revolution of day and night’” (Al-Bukhari). The one who is misusing the time is doing things that are beyond Allah’s commandments. And those who act against Allah’s commandments will be in loss in this life and in the Hereafter too.

In short, humankind is told to be conscious of time.  Allah Almighty reminds us that life in this world is but temporary and we do not know our appointed time of death.  We should utilize our time in doing good deeds in best manner. As believers we must never waste or misuse time, instead we must value it as a blessing from Almighty Allah.  We must all understand that wasting even a single moment is an opportunity gone, never to return. We are accountable to everything that we did in this life and when our time in this world will be up we can’t do anything because our time in this world is up and that time will never going to come back. Time is precious we should try to invest it in best manner!

QURANIC MIRACLES

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You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.

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Fourteen centuries ago, God sent down the Qur’an to mankind as a book of guidance. He called upon people to be guided to the truth by adhering to this book. From the day of its revelation to the day of judgement, this last divine book will remain the sole guide for humanity.

The matchless style of the Qur’an and the superior wisdom in it are definite evidence that it is the word of God. In addition, the Qur’an has many miraculous attributes proving that it is a revelation from God. One of these attributes is the fact that a number of scientific truths that we have only been able to uncover by the technology of the 20th century were stated in the Qur’an 1,400 years ago.

However, the Qur’an is not a book of science, it is a book of Signs! Many scientific facts that are expressed in an extremely concise and profound manner in its verses have only been discovered with the technology of the 20th century. These facts could not have been known at the time of the Qur’an’s revelation, and this is still more proof that the Qur’an is the word of God.

In order to understand the scientific miracle of the Qur’an, we must first take a look at the level of science at the time when this holy book was revealed.

In the 7th century, when the Qur’an was revealed, Arab society had many superstitious and groundless beliefs where scientific issues were concerned. Lacking the technology to examine the universe and nature, these early Arabs believed in legends inherited from past generations. They supposed, for example, that mountains supported the sky above. They believed that the earth was flat and that there were high mountains at its both ends. It was thought that these mountains were pillars that kept the vault of heaven high above.

However all these superstitious beliefs of Arab society were eliminated with the Qur’an. In Sura Sad, verse 2, it was said: “God is He who raised up the heavens without any support…”(The Qur’an, 38:2). This verse invalidated the belief that the sky remains above because of the mountains. In many other subjects, important facts were revealed at a time when no one could have known them. The Qur’an, which was revealed at a time when people knew very little about astronomy, physics, or biology, contains key facts on a variety of subjects such as the creation of the universe, the creation of the human being, the structure of the atmosphere, and the delicate balances that make life on earth possible.

Now, let us look at some of these scientific miracles revealed in the Qur’an together