BISMILLAHIR RAHMAANIR RAHEEM
QUESTION AND ANSWER BY SHEIKH SHAFAYAT MOHAMED
You can send questions to [email protected]. Your questions will be answered in the order they were received
How important is marriage in Islam?
Al-Hamdulillaah in the Holy Qur'aan chapter 30 Verse 21 Allaah tells us that a husband-and-wife relation is from His sign to humanity. Allaah also tells us in this verse, about the peace, tranquility and love that He has establish in a husbandand-wife relationship from His mercy. Allaah has described the relationship between the husband and the wife, the way they support each other, consider each other’s feelings and opinions in a very beautiful way. In the Qur'aan chapter 2 Verse 187, Allaah says “they are clothing for you and you are clothing for them”. Just as some clothing protects us from rain, summer clothing keeps us cool to enjoy the summer. Similarly, the husband and the wife do exactly the same; they protect and support each other through good times and bad times. The husband and wife know pretty much each and everything about one another. They know each other’s strength and weakness. This is how the marital relationship should be. They could easily expose each other’s weaknesses and secrets to others but they don’t. They are each other's clothing. However, it's very important to remember, that the right clothing can add beauty and make a person look good. Similarly in marriage, a person needs to choose a spouse wisely. When Allah created Adam AS, He placed him in Jannah; surrounded by all types of luxuries, but Adam AS was lonely. Hence, Allaah created, from Adam AS, his wife Hawwaa AS. The Qur'aan and Sunnah have not only permitted marriage, but have established marriage and stressed the importance of marriage time and time again. Qur'aan and Sunnah should always be at the top of a person's mind before getting married. A person with Qur'aan and Sunnah in his or her life will treat their spouse in the most righteous manner. They would look after them, protect them, and support them through thick and thin. Second factor to consider is compatibility; in their nature, interests, etc. Marriage should make a person feel more comfortable and at ease rather than an added pressure and a burden in one's life.
What are some of the signs of Qiyaamah happening presently?
Alhamdulillaah according to Hadith, there are major and minor signs of Qiyamah. Some of the minor signs are happening right now some have already passed. Some of the signs are, the desert of Arabia turning green again; people competing in construction of tall buildings; trials and tribulations; time will pass rapidly; good deeds will decrease; people will become miserly; there will be much killing and murder; power and authority will be given to wrong people; honesty will be lost; the disappearance of knowledge and the earthquakes will increase; wealth will be in abundance, to the extent that it will be difficult to find someone in need of Zakaat; the consumption of intoxicants will be widespread; adultery and fornication will be prevalent; women will outnumber men, eventually the ratio will be 50 women to 1 man; p eople will strive for power about mosques; a dultery and fornication will be prevalent; paying Zakat becomes a burden and miserliness becomes widespread; charity is given reluctantly; when a man obeys his wife and disobeys his mother; and treats his friend kindly while shunning his father; when voices are raised in the mosques; female singers and musical instruments will become popular; women will be naked in spite of being dressed, these women will be led astray & will lead others astray; when untrustworthy people will be regarded as trustworthy and the trustworthy will be regarded as untrustworthy; the Masjid will be decorated, but the hearts of the people will be devoid of guidance; gangsters and evil people will prevail; various wines will be consumed excessively. Rasullulah SAW says : The major signs are like beads in a string. When a string is cut, all of them will fall down. So with the appearance of the first major sign, the rest will follow quickly one after the other. ALLAAH KNOWS BEST
What’s recommended when doing Qurbaani / Sacrifice?
Alhamdulillaah The following are some references pertaining to
your questions: Sahih Al-Bukhari - Narrated byAl Bara - The Prophet (S.A.W) said (on the day of Id-al-Adha), “The first thing we will do on this day of ours, is to offer the (‘Id) prayer and then return to slaughter the sacrifice. Whoever does so, he acted according to our Sunna (tradition), and whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) before the prayer, what he offered was just meat he presented to his family, and that will not be con- sidered as Nusak (sacrifice).” (On hearing that) Abu Burda bin Niyar got up, for he had slaughtered the sacrifice before the prayer, and said, “I have got a six month old ram.” The Prophet said, ‘Slaughter it (as a sacrifice) but it will not be sufficient for any-one else (as a sacrifice after you).” Al-Bara’ added: The Prophet said, “Whoever slaughtered (the sacrifice) after the prayer, he slaughtered it at the right time and followed the tradition of the Muslims.”
Conditions for Sacrifice
A sacrificial animal should satisfy the following conditions: 1. It should be two years old, if it is an animal other than a sheep. As for sheep, even a six month old lamb may be sacrificed, but it should be fat and healthy. As for a camel, it must be at least five years old, a cow two years old, and a goat a year old at least.
2. It should be healthy and free from all physical defects. It should not be one eyed, nor should it limp, be mangy, or very thin and weak.
Selecting One’s Own Sacrificial Animal
Malik has reported from Hisham bin ‘Urwah and he from his father that he used to tell his sons: “O my sons! Do not slaughter an animal in the name of Allah such as you will be embarrassed to present as a gift to a close and respected friend of yours. Allah is the Most Honorable and Most Generous, and He is the most deserving to be offered the best of what you have.” Sa’id bin Mansur reported that Ibn ‘Umar once mounted in Makkah on a nice she-camel, which he liked very much, and said, “Excellent! Excellent!” admiring it. Then he dismounted, marked it as an offering, and a sacrifice for the pleasure of Allah
What are the virtues of giving optional charity?
Alhamdulillaah Optional charity is known as Sadaqah, which is given for the sole purpose of pleasing Allaah. The Prophet (saw) said “Treat your sick ones with charity.” Hence, it is very virtuous to give Sadaqah when a loved one falls ill in order to help cure disease and avert ill-fate. The Prophet (saw) also said that “Sadaqah appeases the Lord’s anger and averts an evil death.”The Prophet (saw) said “Give Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” Allaah says in chapter 57 Verse 18 “Indeed, the men who practice charity and the women who practice charity and [they who] have loaned to Allaah a goodly loan - it will be multiplied for them, and they will have a noble reward.“The Prophet (saw) said: “Charity extinguishes the sins like water extinguishes a fire.” Chapter 3 verse 92"By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love. And whatever you spend; indeed, Allaah is knowing of it.” The Prophet said: “Your smile for your brother is a charity. Your removal of stones, thorns, or bones from the paths of people is a charity. Your guidance of a person who is lost is a charity” Sadaqah is a way to earn rewards after death. By giving Sadaqah Jariyah in either our name or that of a loved one who has passed on, we can earn continuous rewards now and in the hereafter. Examples of Sadaqah Jariyah include building a well, school, hospital, or masjid. The following verse is proof of the importance of Sadaqah for rewards in the hereafter CH:63 VERSE 10 :“And give charity from what We have provided for you before death comes to one of you and then you will say, My Lord! If only You delayed me for a short while, I would give in charity and be one of the righteous.”
What does Islam say about anger? Do Not Let Your Anger Control You
Anger is a natural instinct . However, it is required that man keeps it under control, which if he does so, he will save himself from many difficulties. If man does not control his anger he is prone to commit innumerable sins. Anger gives rise to arrogance; it gives root to jealousy; an angry man bears malice and is also hostile. When faced with anger, one should seek refuge in Allaah from satan. “I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected devil.” The Holy Prophet SAW says, “If you feel the rage of anger in you then, if you are standing, sit down. If the feeling persists in that posture, then lie down.” The Prophet SAW has also said,“When you become angry, remain silent.” By remaining silent and calm , one will be in complete control of one’s mind and senses thus allowing one to control his or her anger. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; while in reality you are the one who get burnt.” The following are some advice given by the Holy Prophet SAW pertaining to anger Inshaa Allaah: Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that a man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Advise me.” He said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his request several times, and each time the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told him, “Do not become angry.” In another Hadith the Holy Prophet SAW said, Do not become angry and Paradise will be yours.The Prophet SAW also said, “Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allaah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection.” The Mes- senger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The strong man is not the one who can overpower others (in wrestling); rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he gets angry.”Allaah Knows Best
What are some of the things that we can do as Sadqa Jaariya for ourselves and Parents who have passed away?
“Al-hamdulillah Sadaqatul jariyah is an ongoing charity (continuous rewards) received by us (for good actions and deeds), that will not only benefit us in this life but will continue to benefit us after our death.“Allaah SWT says: “… and spend something (in charity) out of the provision which we have bestowed you before death should come to any of you and he should say, o my Rabb! Why do you not give me respite for a little while? I should then have given (largely) in charity, and I should have been one of the doers of good.” (Qur’aan, 63:10)“Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Seven deeds of a servant continue to be rewarded after his death while he is in his grave: knowledge to be learned, constructing a canal, digging a well, planting a date-palm tree, building a mosque, handing down a written copy of the Quran, and leaving a righteous child who seeks forgiveness for him after his death.”“It is narrated from ‘Aa’ishah that a man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him): “My mother died suddenly and she did not leave a will, but I think that if she could have spoken, she would have given in charity. Will she have a reward if I give in charity on her behalf?” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Yes.”“It was also narrated by Sa’d ibn ‘Ubaadah that his mother died when he was absent, and he said: “O Messenger of Allaah, my mother has died when I was absent. Will it benefit her if I give in charity on her behalf?” He said: “Yes.” He said: “I ask you to bear witness that my garden that bears fruit is given in charity on her behalf. ”“Therefore, the deceased can benefit from charity given on his behalf, which includes distribution of Qur'aan on their behalf, etc, digging a well, planting a tree, whether he does that during his lifetime or it is done by someone else on his behalf after his death. “The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When a person dies, all his good deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity, or beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who will pray for him.” “The following are recommended to do as Sadqa Jaariya Inshaa Allaah.“Donate and/or actively participate in the building of a Mosque; building or donating to build an Orphanage; raising or sponsoring an orphan; teach someone to recite Quraan, and every time they recite Quraan, you will get blessings, even after your death. If your student teaches Qur'aan to another person, every time that person reads the Qur’aan, you will get blessings from his recitation, even after you have long died until the end of this world; give copies of the Holy Qur'aan and each time someone reads from it, you will receive blessings; donating to build an Islamic school. When the students use the knowledge, they receive from the school, you get blessings, even after you have died; give away Islamic reading materials; teach someone to recite Dua and/or Dhikr ( Remembrance of Allaah ) and each time it is recited, you will gain blessings; help a student to continue his or her Islamic Education; donate to dig and build water wells or construct water tanks and when people use this well or tank you will receive blessings.; plant trees or donate for this cause, each time people or animals sits under the shade or eats from these trees, you will receive blessings, even after you have died; place a water cooler in a public place. Each time people drink water from it, you will gain blessings.“Abu Huraira (Radhiallahu anhu) reported: Allaah’s Messenger (salAllahu alayhi wa sallam) as saying: He who called (people) to righteousness, there would be a reward (assured) for him like the rewards of those who adhered to it, without their rewards being diminished in any respect.““The likeness of those who spend their wealth in the Way of Allah is as the likeness of a grain (of corn); it grows seven ears, and each ear has a hundred grains. Allaah gives manifold increase to whom He pleases. And Allah is All-Sufficient, All-Knower.” [Al-Baqarah 2:261]“Share or email this answer with your relatives, brothers, and sisters. If any of the above points are applied by them, you will receive blessings and you will continue to receive blessings until the day of judgment (if the deeds are continued)““Allaah Knows Best
Is Using SURMA Sunnah?
Alhamdulillaah, to apply Surma is a Sunnah of the the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. He would apply Surma to his eyes before going to sleep and when going for Jumua prayer. He said, “Apply surmah regularly, for it clears the sight, makes the eye lashes grow and is the best of things beautifying the eyes”.The application of Surma is Sunnah for both men and women to apply three times in each eye. Surma, not only enhances the beauty of the eyes, but it can aslo be used for medicinal benefits to strengthen the eyesight and to cure other eye ailments. It was narrated from Ibn Abbas that the Messenger of Allaah said, “The best of your kohl (surma) is antimony, for it improves the eyesight and makes the hair (eyelashes) grow
What are the virtues of performing Umrah in Ramadhaan?
Al-Hamdulillaah- there are many Hadith on the virtues of performing Umrah in Ramadhaan.Performing Umrah in Ramadhaaan carries immense value and religious significance. Umrah in Ramadhaan is an opportunity to get the blessings of all five pillars of Islam. Hence, there so many people from all over the world, who go for Umrah for the extra blessings in Ramadhaan. A person's Imaan gets stronger; more blessings for Salaah; an opportunity to give Zakaat; fasting together with hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world and the blessings of Hajj by performing Umrah in Ramadhaan. Virtues of Umrah in Ramadhaan can be understood by the following Hadith: Hazrat Ibn ‘Abbaas RA said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to a woman from among the Ansaar – Ibn ‘Abbaas mentioned her name but I forgot it – “What kept you from performing Hajj with us?” She said: We only have two camels and the father of her son and her son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left us the other camel so that we could carry water on it. He said: “When Ramadaan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in (that month) is equivalent to Hajj.”In another Hadith, narrated by Ibn 'Abbas (Radhiallahu 'anhu):When the Prophet (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) returned after performing his hajj, he asked Umm Sinan Al-Ansari, "What did forbid you to perform hajj?" She replied, "Father of soand-so (i.e. her husband) had two camels and he performed hajj on one of them, and the second is used for the irrigation of our land."Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said (to her), "Perform Umrah in the month of Ramadhaan, (as it is equivalent to hajj or hajj with me (in reward)."The given Hadith clearly highlights the importance and benefits of Umrah in Ramadhan. It is considered the best time to perform Umrah and whoever performs it during the holy month of Ramadan gets the reward equal to a Hajj. However, it should be noted that performing Umrah in Ramadhaan does not discharge a person from the obligations of Hajj. Both the terms become equivalent in rewards but not in fulfilling the duty. Umrah is not obligatory whereas Hajj is compulsory for every Muslim if the person is capable of performing it.Millions of Muslims from every corner of the world go for Umrah in Ramadhaan, to achieve closeness to Allaah by fasting and worshipping together. It is truly a breathtaking sight to see so many people breaking their fast together during Iftaar with a common objective which is to connect to Allaah (SWT).Umrah is a spiritual journey and pilgrims travel to Mecca to seek the mercy of Allaah (SWT) with their heart filled with love and gratitude. It is an enlightening experience for every believer, one that they would remember for a lifetime and be always thankful. Umrah is a blessing throughout the year but it holds special significance in the sacred month of Ramadan, an experience that every Muslim should try to accomplish. InshaaAllaah
How important is Assalaamu Alaikum in Islam?
Al-Hamdulillaah - ASSALAAMU ALAIKUM is very important according to the teachings of Islam. Allaah SWT says in the Qur’aan Ch: 4 V: 86, “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allaah is ever, over all things, an Accountant.” Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! You will not enter Jannah until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do, you love each other. Promote salam amongst you”. Allaah (SWT) has commanded us to greet in return with something better than what we are greeted with, or to greet back with the same greeting. Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr: A man asked the Prophet (S.A.W), “What Islamic traits are the best?” The Prophet said, “Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” We do not have to know the people to greet them with salaam; rather we should give salaam to people we know and whom we do not know. Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W) said, “The riding one should greet the walking one, and the walking one should greet the sitting one, and the small number of persons should greet the large number of persons.”
What does Islam say about anger?
Anger is a natural instinct . However, it is required that man keeps it under control, which if he does so, he will save himself from many difficulties. If man does not control his anger he is prone to commit innumerable sins. Anger gives rise to arrogance; it gives root to jealousy; an angry man bears malice and is also hostile. When faced with anger, one should seek refuge in Allaah from satan. “I seek refuge in Allah from the rejected devil.” The Holy Prophet SAW says, “If you feel the rage of anger in you then, if you are standing, sit down. If the feeling persists in that posture, then lie down.” The Prophet SAW has also said,“When you become angry, remain silent.” By remaining silent and calm , one will be in complete control of one’s mind and senses thus allowing one to control his or her anger. Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; while in reality you are the one who get burnt.” The following are some advice given by the Holy Prophet SAW pertaining to anger Inshaa Allaah: Abu Hurayrah, may Allaah be pleased with him, reported that a man said to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), “Advise me.” He said, “Do not become angry.” The man repeated his request several times, and each time the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told him, “Do not become angry.” In another Hadith the Holy Prophet SAW said, Do not become angry and Paradise will be yours.The Prophet SAW also said, “Whoever controls his anger at the time when he has the means to act upon it, Allaah will fill his heart with contentment on the Day of Resurrection.” The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) also said: “The strong man is not the one who can overpower others (in wrestling); rather, the strong man is the one who controls himself when he gets angry.”
What are the benefits of Hajj?
Al-Hamdulillaah some of the benefits of hajj are as follows: One who performed Hajj would have obeyed the command of the Qur’aan in Ch:3 V: 97: “In it are clear signs [such as] the standing place of Abraham. And whoever enters it shall be safe. And [due] to Allah from the people is a pilgrimage to the House - for whoever is able to find thereto a way. But whoever disbelieves - then indeed, Allah is free from need of the worlds.” One who goes to hajj is regarded to have thanked Allaah for the bounties like health and wealth that Allaah has bestowed upon him or her. Hajj removes the sins of a person. Hajj helps people to understand that Islam is a religion of unity and solidarity. Hajj helps to get rid of psychological problems. Hajj dress code helps to prevent discrimination of color, race and nationality. The IMAAN of people who go to hajj becomes stronger. They learn to realize that all human beings are equal; hence, peace and love are attained.
Is Marriage compulsory in Islam?
Al-Hamdulillaah YES and NO. Marriage is based on individuals faith in God, their capabilities, their desires, needs and requirements etc,. Marriage becomes FARD or compulsory for the one who is certain to fall into adultery if he or she does not marry. Marriage is considered SUNNAH, which means that it is a practice of the Holy Prophet SAW. It is not obligatory but carries great blessings. Generally and practically, marriage is a blessing and bounty from Allaah. In the Holy Qur'aan Ch: 4 V: 1 “O mankind! reverence your Guardian-Lord, who created you from a single person, created, of like nature, His mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women;- reverence Allah, through whom ye demand your mutual (rights), and (reverence) the wombs (That bore you): for Allaah ever watches over you.” Ch: 30 V: 21 " “And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.” These verses indicate that marriage is a favor from Allaah, so everyone should make the intention and effort to get married. However, m arriage can also be classified as HARAAM or forbidden for that person who would oppress one's spouse if married.
What is the importance of Zhikr?
Al-Hamdulillaah Zhikr / Remembrance of Allaah is highly recommended in Qur’aan and Sunnah. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) used to make the Zhikr of Allaah regularly. In the Holy Qur’aan Ch: 2 V:152 Allaah says, “Remember me, I shall remember you and be grateful and not ungrateful.” Al-Quraan Ch:13 V:28 Allaah says, ”Those who believe, and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allaah: for without doubt in the remembrance of Allaah do hearts find satisfaction. A man complained, “The laws of Islam (beside the obligatory deeds) are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow,” the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) told him, “Let your tongue be always busy with the Zhikr of Allaah.” “The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said, ‘When you pass by a garden of Paradise, avail yourselves to it.’ The companions asked, ‘What are the gardens, O Messenger of Allaah?’ The Prophet Muhammad (SA.W) replied “The assemblies or circles of Zhikr. There are some angels of Allaah who go about looking for such assemblies of Zhikr, and when they find them they surround them.” Many a times people gather in a group and talk about trivial and irrelevant matters. Participating in such vain conversations is clearly not recommended in Islam. Therefore, we should constantly remember Allaah (SWT) and do Zhikr. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said: “If people sit in an assembly in which they do not remember Allaah nor invoke blessing on the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), it will be a cause of grief for them on the Day of Judgment.” The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) narrated: “Allaah (SWT) says: ‘I am to my servant as he expects of Me, I am with him when he remembers Me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him to Myself, and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I mention him in an assembly better than his, and if he draws nearer to Me a hand’s span, I draw nearer to him an arm’s length, if he comes near Me a Cubit, I draw nearer to him a fathom length, and if he comes to Me walking I run to him.”
Do we have to do Qurbaani / Sacrifice every year?
Al-Hamdulillaah Qurbani/Sacrifice should be done every year as long as the person has the means to do so. Hazrat Abu Hurairah R.A. reported that Rasulullah (S.A.W) said: “He who has the means and does not perform Qurbani, he should not approach our musallah (eid gah/place of performing Eid Salaah). This, Hadith certifies the tremendous importance of Qurbani in Islam and the reprehensible position of those who ignore this injunction. Hence no true Muslim who has the means will really omit performing the Qurbani without a valid excuse. Most Islamic Jurists have emphasized that it is Waajib (necessary) for the one who has the means to perform Qurbani. It is narrated from Hazrat Ibn Umar R.A. that Rasulullah (S.A.W) remained in Madinah Munawwarah for ten years and each year he performed Qurbani/Sacrifice. This Hadith indicates that Rasulullah (S.A.W) performed Qurbani every year that he was in Madinah Munawwarah and never omitted this practice. Such strict adherence to this act is a clear indication of it being Waajib. The blessings in doing Qurbani are indeed tremendous. It is reported in a Hadith that the Sahabah (R.A) enquired of Rasulullah (S.A.W) as to what the rewards of Qurbani were. Rasulullaah (S.A.W) replied that the person performing Qurbani will be rewarded for every hair on the body of the animal or for every fibre of wool in the case of sheep”. The first drop of blood from the Qurbani animal causes a person’s sins to be forgiven. Hazrat Ali R.A. reports that Rasulullaah (S.A.W) said to Hazrat Fatimah R.A.: “O Fatimah! Go and witness your Qurbani, because the first drop of blood that falls from it causes all your sins to be forgiven. On the Day of Qiyamah, this animal will be brought with its blood and flesh and will be placed on your scale increasing it seventy times more. Hazrat Abu Saeed R.A. after hearing of the great blessing asked Rasulullaah (S.A.W) whether this great favor was only for the family of Rasulullaah (S.A.W) because they are more worthy of this good action or is it for the family of Rasulullaah (S.A.W) and the entire Muslim Ummah? Rasulullah (S.A.W) replied that it is for both the descendants of Rasulullaah (S.A.W) and the entire Ummah.” Therefore no person who has the means should forego this great Ibadah and opportunity to earn blessings. With an open heart one should spend from the wealth that Allaah has granted and purchase the best animal that one can reasonably afford. The Quraan teaches us that Hazrat Ebrahim A.S. was prepared to sacrifice his one and only beloved son for the pleasure of Allaah. Therefore, if we truly love Allaah, we should at least spend and devote some of our time and wealth to do the Qurbani/ Sacrifice.
When is Layla-tul-Qadr / The Night of Power and what should we do?
Allaah describes the “Night of Power’ as better than a thousand months. Angel Jibraeel and the angels descend therein, by Allaah’s permission according to Ch. 97 of the Holy Qur’aan..The Night of Power or Destiny is an extremely important night for Muslims. It is the night in which the Holy Qur’aan, was revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. The Qu’raan was revealed in Ramadhaan accroding to Chapter 2 V:185 and Chapter 97. Because the Night of Power is such a special night, many Muslims who want to gain extra blessings, spend the night by praying, supplicating and reading the Qur’aan etc., either in their privacy or in a mosque with other Muslims. There are also some Muslims who retreat/I’tikaaf in a mosque for the last ten days of Ramadhaan, which has been a strong practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. Aisha R.A., may Allaah be pleased with her, reported that the Prophet SAW said: Look for Laylatul Qadr on an oddnumbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadhaan (Bukhaari). The Prophet said: “Whoever prays during the night of Qadr with faith and hoping for its reward will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Bukhari and Muslim). We should try and make time to do extra ibaadat/worship in Ramaadhaan, while fasting and on the Night of Power Inshaa Allaah. Effort should be made to do I’tikaaf if possible; we should use every opportunity to make dua/ supplicate to Allaah; we should not forget to remember the dua given to Aisha R.A. by the Holy Prophet SAW, (Aisha R.A., may Allaah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allaah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ He said: ‘Say: O Allaah, You are Most Generous in pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me “Allahumma innaka `afuwwun kareem tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu‘annee)” Last but not least, extra effort should be made to read, study and ponder over the verses of the Holy Qur’aan. Ramadhaan, is the month in which the Qur’aan was revealed as a GUIDE TO HUMAN BEINGS, therefore, in addition to reading and listening to the Qur’aan in Ramadhaan and the Night of Power, Allaah expects us to make the sincere intention and effort to change our attitude, manners and lifestyle for better according to the Qur’aan and Sunnah Inshaa Allaah.
What are the virtues of Umrah in Ramadhaan?
-Abu Hurairah (RA) narrates that Nabi (SAW) said, ‘An Umrah to another Umrah will be redemption of sins for whatever (minor) occurs between them.’ (Bukhari, Muslim) -Ibne Abbas (RA) relates that Nabi (SAW said, ‘Umrah performed in the month of Ramadhaan will equal (in rewards) to that of Hajj or Hajj performed with Me (SAW).’ (Bukhari, Muslim) -Nabi (SAW) intended to perform Hajj. On learning of this, a woman told her husband to take her on Hajj with Nabi (SAW). Her husband said to her, ‘I do not possess a conveyance with which I can carry you upon.’ She said, ‘Take me on such and such a camel of yours.’ The husband said, ‘that is held up in the path of Allah.’ The man then went to Nabi (SAW) and said, ‘My wife conveys her Greetings to you and she has asked me to carry her on Hajj with you.’ I told her, ‘I do not have something to carry her upon.’ She then told me to carry her upon such and such a camel of mine.’ I told her that it is kept in the path of Allah.’ Nabi (SAW) told him, ‘If you carried her upon it for Hajj, it will still be in the path of Allah.’ She also told me to ask you (SAW), ‘What equals a Hajj with you O Nabi of Allah? Nabi (SAW) said, ‘Convey my greetings to her and inform her that Umrah performed in the month of Ramadhaan is equal to Hajj performed with me.’ (Abu Dawood) -Umme Ma’qal (RA) narrates that said, “O Nabi of Allah, I am a very old and sickly lady. Is there any action that I can do which will be sufficient for my Hajj? ‘Nabi (SAW) told her, ‘Umrah performed in the month of Ramadhaan equals Hajj.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi).
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