WHAT'S THE RIGHT WAY TO PERFORM TAHAJJUD?

Tahajjud Prayer is part of the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), which Muslims are preferred to follow all the time.

In his famous work, Fiqh As-Sunnah, Sheikh Sayyid Sabiq elaborates on the subject as follows:

Ordering His Messenger to perform Tahajjud, Allah Almighty says what means:

{And during a part of the night, pray Tahajjudbeyond what is incumbent on you; maybe your Lord will raise you to a position of great glory.} (Al-Israa’ 17:79)

This order, although it was specifically directed to the Prophet, also refers to all Muslims, since the Prophet is a perfect example and guide for us in all matters.

Moreover, performing Tahajjud Prayers regularly qualifies one as one of the righteous and makes one earn Allah’s bounty and mercy. In praising those who perform the late night Prayers, Allah says what means:

{And they who pass the night prostrating themselves before their Lord and standing.}(Al-Furqan 25:64)

Next to these Quranic verses, there also exist a number of hadiths that reinforce the importance of Tahajjud.

`Abdullah ibn Salam reported:

“When the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came to Madinah, the people gathered around him and I was one of them. I looked at his face and understood that it was not the face of a liar. The first words I heard him say were: ‘O people, spread the salutations, feed the people, keep the ties of kinship, and pray during the night while the others sleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.’” (At-Tirmidhi.)

Salman Al-Farsi quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Observe the night Prayer; it was the practice of the righteous before you and it brings you closer to your Lord and it is penance for evil deeds and erases the sins and repels disease from the body.” (At-Tabarani)

Etiquette of Prayer

The following acts are recommended for one who wishes to perform the Tahajjud Prayer:

Upon going to sleep, one should make the intention to perform the Prayers. Abu Ad-Darda’ quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:“Whoever goes to his bed with the intention of getting up and praying during the night, but, being overcome by sleep, fails to do that, he will have recorded for him what he has intended, and his sleep will be reckoned as a charity (an act of mercy) for him from his Lord.” (An-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah)

On waking up, it is recommended that one wipes the face, use a toothbrush, and look to the sky and make the supplication which has been reported from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).

Abu Hudhaifa reported:

“Whenever the Prophet intended to go to bed, he would recite: (With Your name, O Allah, I die and I live).” And when he woke up from his sleep, he would say: (All the Praises are for Allah Who has made us alive after He made us die (sleep) and unto Him is the Resurrection.)” (Al-Bukhari)

One should begin with two quick rak`ahs and then one may pray whatever one wishes after that. `A’ishah said:“When the Prophet prayed during the late-night, he would begin his Prayers with two quick rak`ahs.”(Muslim)It is recommended that one wakes up one’s family, for Abu Hurairah quoted the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:“May Allah bless the man who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up his wife and who, if she refuses to get up, sprinkles water on her face. And may Allah bless the woman who gets up during the night to pray and wakes up her husband and who, if he refuses, sprinkles water on his face.” (Ahmad)

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) also said:“If a man wakes his wife and prays during the night or they pray two rak`ahs together, they will be recorded among those (men and women) who (constantly) make remembrance of Allah.” (Abu Dawud.)

If one gets sleepy while performing Tahajjud, one should sleep. This is based on the hadith narrated by Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who quoted Allah’s Messenger as saying:“When one of you gets up during the night for Prayer and his Quranic recital gets mixed up to the extent that he does not know what he says, he should lie down.” (Muslim.)

Recommended Time for Tahajjud

Tahajjud may be performed in the early part of the night, the middle part of the night, or the latter part of the night, but after the obligatory `Isha’ Prayer (night Prayer).

While describing the Prophet’s way of performing Prayer, Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“If we wanted to see him praying during the night, we could see him praying. If we wanted to see him sleeping during the night, we could see him sleeping. And sometimes he would fast for so many days that we thought he would not leave fasting throughout that month. And sometimes he would not fast (for so many days) that we thought he would not fast during that month.” (Al-Bukhari, Ahmad and An-Nasa’i.)

Commenting on this subject, Ibn Hajar says:

“There was no specific time in which the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would perform his late night Prayer; but he used to do whatever was easiest for him.”

Best Time for Tahajjud

It is best to delay this Prayer to the last third portion of the night. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) quoted the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) as saying:

“Our Lord descends to the lowest heaven during the last third of the night, inquiring: ‘Who will call on Me so that I may respond to him? Who is asking something of Me so I may give it to him? Who is asking for My forgiveness so I may forgive him?’” (Al-Bukhari)

Amr ibn Absah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that he heard the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) saying:

“The closest that a slave comes to his Lord is during the middle of the latter portion of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah the Exalted One at that time, then do so.” (At-Tirmidhi)

The Number of Rak`ahs in Tahajjud

Tahajjud Prayer does not entail a specific number of rak`ahs that must be performed, nor is there any maximum limit that may be performed. It would be fulfilled even if one prayed just one rak`ah of Witrafter `Isha’.

Samurah ibn Jundub (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“The Messenger of Allah ordered us to pray during the night, a little or a lot, and to make the last of the Prayer the Witr Prayer.” (At-Tabarani and Al-Bazzar)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE FIVE DAILY PRAYERS?

Praying five times a day is considered so important to Muslims that we call it one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In other words, along with the declaration of faith, fasting in Ramadan, paying of Zakat and going on pilgrimage once in one’s life to Makkah, prayer is considered essential if we are to call ourselves Muslims.

As with everything in Islam, there is a reason behind all the things we do. Sometimes, if we don’t understand these underlying reasons, many things can just appear as external rules and regulations. Modern men and women are not looking for extra burdens to put on their backs, so there is much more to praying than observing a regulation.

Contrary to what many people think, there is much more to prayer than just asking for things! Of course, we ask things of Almighty God, but we can also spend time thanking Him and praising Him. Indeed, the angels in heaven exist just to do this.

In the holy Quran we read: 
{Most surely, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find solace.}(13:28)

In the Call to Prayer (the Adhan), which is called from the mosque five times a day, the caller says these words: “Come to prayer. Come to Success.” In the Call for the Morning Prayer, he even adds the phrase, “Prayer is better than sleep.”

There is really nothing more beautiful in a Muslim country to wake up in the morning to hear Allah’s name being mentioned from every part of the city. Even for those who are the only Muslims in their town, though, the morning Call to Prayer reminds them just how beautiful a gift prayer really is.

Imagine an air-raid siren being sounded in time of war. People hear the siren and run as fast as they can to take cover from the bombs that would soon be falling on them.

The Adhan is like this air-raid siren, but instead of calling people to take shelter from bombs it is asking them to come to God Almighty and take shelter from the cares of this life. You see, prayer is not an escape from reality. It is an escape to reality. In prayer we can put all things in perspective and see what is really important in life.

When our foreheads are touching the ground in prayer we can’t fool anyone. Maybe in life we manage to fool others by the way we dress or by the words we use. Sometimes we even manage to fool ourselves. But Allah is not to be fooled. He not only created the heavens and the earth and everything in between, but He also knows every leaf that falls from every tree. This is why we can truly be ourselves in His presence when we pray.

For Muslims, praying is not a regulation. It is a gift.

So why five prayers, and why at certain set times during the day? You know, of all the Pillars of Islam, praying five times a day was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in heaven. At first, he was told that Muslims should pray fifty times, but Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) urged Muhammad to go back and say that this was too much.

Allah Almighty then said ten times, and again Moses (peace be upon him) persuaded Muhammad (peace be upon him) to plead that this was too much. Finally, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was told that Muslims must pray five times a day, and Allah added, “I have enforced My obligation and made it light for my servants. He who prays these five prayers will be rewarded as if he had prayed fifty. What I decree cannot be changed.” (Al-Bukhari)

The regulation of praying at certain set times is not just a random idea. The whole idea is to permeate the whole of one’s day with the remembrance of Allah. Some new Muslims say that they lead very busy lives and ask if it is OK to say all the five prayers together in the evening when they have more time.

It is precisely because we live busy lives that we must pray at certain times. The times are simple: when we get up, at noon, in the middle of the afternoon, in the early evening and at night. By praying at these set times we give a routine of prayer to our day. We wake up thinking of Allah and we spend the day interrupting all of our busyness to think of Him again.

So, if you are new to Islam is it easy to adjust to the routine of praying at five fixed times a day? Well, in my own case it certainly wasn’t easy and it took me some time to get used to it. So if at first you are not feeling all that uplifted by getting up to pray at four in the morning, stick with it. The routine itself will help you. By doing good things we become good people. The routine of prayer will make you a better Muslim.

A few simple tips might help. If you find it difficult to get up for the Dawn Prayer, then buy yourself a loud alarm clock, or even two or three, and have them so far out of your reach that you have to get up to turn them off! You might at first even get your telephone company to give you a wake-up call.

As well as an alarm clock, you can also get an alarm clock that will sound the call to Prayer five times a day. There are many Muslim bookshops that sell these and you could probably even get one online. This kind of clock is especially helpful if you live in a country where the Adhan is not called publicly. If that is not possible, set your mobile phone to vibrate and be reminded of the prayer times even while you are in the office!

A problem people sometimes have in prayer is that they are distracted and cannot concentrate. Well, it all depends on how well prepared we are. If we are going to our prayers straight from watching a football match or a sitcom on the TV, then our thoughts will not be on Allah alone. So we need to take time in preparing for prayer.

This, in fact, is what the Ablution gives us time to do. As we wash away the dirt that clings to our bodies, we prepare for the prayer to wash away the dirt that clings to our hearts and our lives.

So, for those new to Islam, setting off on a journey of prayer will bring great benefits. The greatest one of all is that it will help us to put our lives into perspective, seeing that all things come from Allah and that it is to Allah that all will return.

FAJR - THE FIRST WAR AGAINST SHAITAN (DEVIL) ,

A scholar was once asked "why is the air pure at the time of Fajr" ??...the scholar answered...." because No Hypocrites get up to pray Fajr".

Fajr is the most precious time you'll have a quiet and intimate relationship with Allah (Subhanahu wata'ala).

Shaitan tries to limit your praying because he knows your praying will limit him.

The two rakat of sunnah of Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.

Praying Fajr is the first war against shaitan, we live in the world where loosing the mobile signal is worse than loosing the Fajr Prayer.

Fajr Tips......

● Make Intention

● Make Dua

● sleep Early

● Set Multiple Alarms

● Place Alarm at a Distance

● Ask Someone to Wake you up.

Let's do a promise to ourself In sha Allah we will never miss Fajr . This message for all...please don't miss the Fajr prayer.
Fajr prayer is better than sleep.
Ya Allah only you know the secrets of our heart...please accept our prayers, Duas and good deeds. Ameen.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYING ON TIME

Subhan Allah! How many times have we delayed our prayers for absolutely no reason, than rushed to pray at the last few minutes, and expected no punishment for our actions? Allah says in Sourat Al Maun: "Woe to the worshipers who are unmindful of their prayer." (Quran 107: 4-5) We need to start taking our prayers more seriously by praying as soon as the Adhan goes off. As my friend used to say "hayyah alasalah now, not later!" The Adhan is calling you to pray now, so don't delay it. InshAllah, this story will be a beneficial reminder for you and me on the importance of not delaying our prayers.

"There were only 15 minutes left before Salat-ul Isha.

He quickly made Wudhu and performed Salat-ul Maghrib.

While making Tasbih, he again remembered his grandmother and was embarrassed by how he had prayed.

His grandmother prayed with such tranquillity and peace.

He began making Dua and went down to make Sajdah and stayed like that for a while.

He had been at work all day and was tired, so tired.

He awoke abruptly to the sound of noise and shouting.

He was sweating profusely.

He looked around.

It was very crowded.

Every direction he looked in was filled with people.

Some stood frozen looking around, some were running left and right and some were on their knees with their heads in their hands just waiting.

Pure fear and apprehension filled him as he realized where he was.

His heart was about to burst.

It was the Day of Judgment.

When he was alive, he had heard many things about the questioning on the

Day of Judgment, but that seemed so long ago..

Could this be something his mind made up?

No, the wait and the fear were so great that he could not have imagined this.

The interrogation was still going on.

He began moving frantically from people to people to ask if his name had been called.

No one could answer him.

All of a sudden his name was called and the crowd split into two and made a passageway for him.

Two angels grabbed his arms and led him forward.

He walked with unknowing eyes through the crowd.

The angels brought him to the centre and left him there.

His head was bent down and his whole life was passing in front of his eyes like a movie.

He opened his eyes but saw only another world.

The people were all helping others.

He saw his father running from one lecture to the other, spending his wealth in the way of Islam.

His mother invited guests to their house and one table was being set while the other was being cleared.

He pleaded his case,

'I too was always on this path..

I helped others.

I spread the word of Allah.

I performed my Salah.

I fasted in the month of Ramadhan.

Whatever Allah ordered us to do, I did.

Whatever he ordered us not to do, I did not.'

He began to cry and think about how much he loved Allah.

He knew that whatever he had done in life would be less than what Allah deserved and his only protector was Allah He was sweating like never before and was shaking all over.

His eyes were fixed on the scale, waiting for the final decision.

At last, the decision was made.

The two angels with sheets of paper in their hands, turned to the crowd.

His legs felt like they were going to collapse.

He closed his eyes as they began

To read the names of those people who were to enter Jahannam.

His name was read first.

He fell on his knees and yelled that this couldn't be,

'How could I go to Jahannam?

I served others all my life,

I spread the word of Allah to others'.

His eyes had become blurry and he was shaking with sweat.

The two angels took him by the arms.

As his feet dragged, they went through the crowd and advanced toward the blazing flames of Jahannam.

He was yelling and wondered if there was any person who was going to help him.

He was yelling of all the good deeds he had done, how he had helped his father, his fasts, prayers, the Noble Qur'an that he read, he was asking if none of them would help him.

The Jahannam angels continued to drag him.

They had gotten closer to the Hellfire.

He looked back and these were his last pleas.

Had not Rasulullah [SAW] said,

'How clean would a person be who bathes in a river five times a day, so too does the Salah performed five times cleanse someone of their sins'?

He began yelling,

'My prayers? My prayers? My prayers.?'

The two angels did not stop, and they came to the edge of the abyss of Jahannam.

The flames of the fire were burning his face.

He looked back one last time, but his eyes were dry of hope and he had nothing left in him.

One of the angels pushed him in.

He found himself in the air and falling towards the flames.

He had just fallen five or six feet when a hand grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back.

He lifted his head and saw an old man with a long white beard.

He wiped some dust off himself and asked him,

'Who are you?'

The old man replied,

'I am your prayers'.

'Why are you so late! I was almost in the Fire!

You rescued me at the last minute before I fell in'.

The old man smiled and shook his head,

'You always performed me at the last minute, did you forget?'

At that instant, he blinked and lifted his head from Sajdah.

He was in a sweat.

He listened to the voices coming from outside.

He heard the Adhan for Salat-ul Isha.

He got up quickly and went to perform Wudhu.

Pass this on to your friends and family.... ...

Maybe, you can help someone open their eyes.

And who knows?

Maybe, this is a good deed that can help you during the day of judgement.

(IN SHA-ALLAH)"

BEFORE PERFORMING SALAH HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT THAT

"While you are listening to Adhan, the Compeller of heaven
and earth is calling you to meet Him"

While you are making Wudu, you are preparing yourself to
meet The KING of all the Kings"

While you are on the road to go to the Masjid or going to your
prayer mat , you are responding the call of Allah, the Great Lord of the Mighty Throne"

While you are making Takbirat al Ihram, you are standing
between the hands of you Creator The Authoritative"

While you are reciting Surat Al Fatiha, you are in a private and
intimate conversation with Your Lord, The All Hearing, The All
Knowing"

While you are performing the gestures of Salat, Angels (whose
number is known only by Allah), are still in ruku and others are still in sujud for thousands of years"

"While you are in sujud, you are in the greatest and the most
beautiful place: near to your Lord The One and Only"

"while you are making tasleem (salams at the end of prayer), the
most beautiful feeling that you can have in that moment is that
you can’t wait the next salat to meet your Lord The Most Compassionate, The Merciful"

3 STAGES OF TAHAJJUD

One of the most virtuous of the nawafil acts of worship is waking up in the middle of the night for tahajjudprayer.  This is that special time when the doors of mercy are thrown open and the angels are dispersed, seeking out those in need of their Lord. Yet, how unfortunate our situation is that we are deprived from this great bounty.

“Their sides shun their beds in order to pray to their Lord in fear and hope…” (Quran, 32: 16)

Abu Hurayrah (radiallahu anhu) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” (Muslim)

I remember anytime one of the narrations regardingtahajjud would come up in a text, or was mentioned by one of our teachers, the students would eagerly ask how they could become regular in this blessed act. Here are a few suggestions based on their responses.

Stage 1 – I just can’t wake up

Despite your best efforts (asking a friend to call, multiple alarms, sleeping early, making a firm intention at night, etc.) if you simply cannot force yourself to get up, pray your tahajjud prayer before you go to sleep.  Its time technically begins after Isha, so this can be a means of showing Allah that you are serious, and truly desirous of this great bounty. Couple this with dua admitting your inability and asking Allah for His bounty.

Stage 2 – I am sporadic in my tahajjud

If you are blessed to wake up for tahajjud on occasion, or get up most days, but miss a few here and there, be sure to “make-up” the prayer on the days that you don’t get up.  And of course couple this with dua.

Umar (radiallahu anhu) narrates that “I heard the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) say, ‘Whenever one of you sleeps through his night devotions, or through a part of them, then, if you perform them between the Fajr (i.e after Ishraq) and Dhuhr prayer, you will receive the same reward as if you performed them at night.’” (Muslim)

Stage 3 – I regularly wake up for tahajjud

Alhamdulillah, if you are at this stage you need to ensure 3 things:

1. Give shukr every night that Allah allowed you take advantage of this great blessing.

2. Admit to Allah that while you are unworthy of such a blessing, you are in need of it.

3. Beg Allah that He allow you to wake up the following night as well.

May Allah, Most High, allow each of us to be regular in our tahajjud prayers!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR CHILDREN PERFORM SALAAH ON THEIR OWN WITHOUT REMINDING THEM

My Daughter was 12 years old and salaah was like a heavy burden on her. One day I told her to perform her salaah and I watched her go off. She took her musalla and threw it on the ground. I asked her if she read her salaah and she replied, “yes.” I was devastated as I knew she was lying to me. I watched her closely and knew that she hadn’t performed her salaah. Believe me, without feeling I slapped her across her face. I know I shouldn’t have reacted with aggression but I was upset with her attitude. The situation has troubled me and I cried and I repented to Allah Ta’ala to forgive me. The slap, the talks, the reminders, all did not benefit my child in the least.

One day, one of my friends told me that she once went to visit one of her friends. Her friend was not very pious, but when the azaan was called out, she noticed her children rushing for salaah without any reminders or quarrels.

Quite shocked at what I saw, I asked her how her children perform salaah on their own without quarreling or a reminding them. She said to me, “My secret is that before I got married I make this Dua daily until today.

After she advised me to also read this dua, I also began reciting it daily. My Sisters and Brothers! Since I began to recite this dua, my daughter is now the first to perform her salaah without any reminders or quarrels. She gets up for Fajr Salaah without any alarms. Her brothers are now also eager to perform salaah without any difficulties. In fact now we have to ask her to wake us up for salaah.

I know You are now eager to know what dua this is.

This dua is in Surah Ibraheem [14], ayah # 40

رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِیۡ مُقِیۡمَ الصَّلٰوۃِ  وَمِنۡ ذُرِّیَّتِیۡ ٭ۖ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَآءِ

O my Lord! make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! and accept Thou my Prayer. "Rabbi-Ajal'ni muqeema salaati, wa min Dhurriyyati, rabbana wataqabbal duaa"

Start today, do not wait until you get married and until you have kids - "prevention is better than cure."

HOW MANY LITRES DO I USE?

Wudhu is a great Ibaadah (act of worship). Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is reported to have said that when a person performs wudhu in the proper manner, all the (minor) sins that were committed are washed off by means of the wudhu. However, certain acts spoil this great Ibaadah and deprive one of the full benefits and virtues of wudhu. Among these acts is the wasting of water.

1.3 LITRES

It has been very conservatively estimated that at average most people use more than six litres of water for one wudhu. This is in stark contrast to the amount of water that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used for his wudhu. Sayyidina Aisha (radhiyallahu anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used one mudd of water for wudhu and one saa for ghusal (Abu Dawood). One mudd amounts to approximately 1.03 litres and one saa is approximately 4.1 litres. In other words, we generally use more water for wudhu than Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) used for ghusal.

Once Hazrath Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) narrated the saying of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) that one mudd of water suffices for wudhu and one saa for ghusal. A person sitting there remarked: “It does not suffice for me.” Hazrath Jaabir (radhiyallahu anhu) silenced him by saying: “It sufficed for him [Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)] who was better than you and who even had more hair than you” (hence he would require more water than you to wash the head during ghusal) (Ibn Majah).

ISRAAF:

To use more than what is necessary is termed israaf. Regarding israafAllah Ta’ala declares: “Verily Allah Ta’ala does not love the wasters.” On one occasion Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked a person who was performing wudhu: “Why are you wasting water?” The person enquired: “Is there israaf even in wudhu?” Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) replied: “Yes indeed, (do not waste) even if you are at the bank of a river” (Ibn Majah).

 

Hence it is necessary to become conscious of this important aspect and refrain from wasting water during wudhu.

ETIQUETTES OF THE MOBILE PHONE

Etiquettes of the Mobile Phone
Islam has never been opposed to advancement. However, certain advancements are such that together with their benefits come much harm. Whilst mobile technology and the mobile phone in particular has revolutionised the way we live, it is important that we utilise such technology appropriately.

Crude Manners
It is important to realise that there are certain etiquettes of speaking on the phone. For example when calling someone, many people do not first ask the person they are calling whether it is convenient for them to speak at that very moment. They simply begin a long conversation without any regard for the inconvenience they cause the person they have called. There are yet others who, whilst in the company of others, answer phone calls and begin to casually converse with whoever has called them. Doing this is akin to turning your face away from those in your company whilst in the middle of a conversation and engaging in conversation with someone else without any explanation or apology to the first. Such behaviour is indeed inappropriate and a reflection of crude manners.

Robber of Time
The mobile phone, whilst being a very useful item, can prove to be a robber of time too. People feel obliged to utilise the free minutes and texts they have within their contract. If one has an allowance of 500 minutes or 500 texts within his talk plan, it is not necessary to utilise all these minutes or texts. By calling people or texting them only to use up the allowance, we are wasting valuable time which could have been utilised in productive activities.

Text Messages
Nowadays, many people send ‘Jumu‘ah Mubarak’ text every week to friends and associates. The contents of many of these texts are not authentic and sometimes not in line with Islamic teachings. One needs to be cautious before forwarding any message of this nature. Many people forward these messages just because they apparently sound good irrespective of the message being incorrect. Do not forward any message until you are sure of its authenticity.

If you are keen to propagate the beau­tiful teachings of Islam by using the text facility then make sure it is something beneficial, correct and authentic. Moreover, the day of Jumu‘ah should not be fixed for this; any day and every day should be made mubarak by conveying a piece from the teachings of our beautiful dīn.

Name at the End of Text
Whenever you send a text message, it is important to write your name at the end of the text, because it is possible that the person you are texting has not saved your number on his mobile. As a result, he will be confused and inconvenienced when he receives the text due to not knowing who the sender is.

In The Masjid
When attending the masjid one should switch off his mobile. Failure to do so will result in one being disrespectful to the house of Allāh as well as being a means of disturbance to others if the phone were to ring. It is prudent not to even leave the phone in vibration mode. In this situation if the phone were to receive a call during salāh, not only will it divert the phone owner’s attention it will also disturb the person next to him. Many people immediately after the completion of salāh check their phones for possible missed calls or messages. This shows that although one was physically standing in the court of Allāh, mentally he was elsewhere. Thus we should switch our phones off before entering the masjid and not pay attention towards them until we leave.

Haram Sharīf
Many people would not even dream of answering a phone call whilst in the masjid when they are in their localities. However we observe the very same people freely using the mobile phone in the Haram Sharīf in Makkah and Madīnah. One should make a firm resolution and refrain from this for this leads to neglect and many other wrongs whilst in blessed places.

Musical Ring Tones
We should make sure that we have an appropriate simple ring tone on our mobile phone. To keep a musical ring tone is harām as the playing of music, or being a means of it being played is a sin. It is quite unfortunate that even when in Haramayn Sharīfayn whilst performing tawāf or presenting salām to the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, the musical tones of mobile phones are heard.
This is harām and a major sin. Safeguard yourself from such things that distance you from the Creator.

‘Islamic’ Ring Tones
The adhān, salām, tilāwah of the Glorious Qur’ān, nāt and nashīd are used as ring tones by many on mobile phones. The adhān has a set time and a purpose and should only be announced at the time for the stipulated purpose. Salām also has a specific purpose which is to greet one another. The Glorious Qur’ ān is the word of Allāh and has been sent for guidance of mankind. The Shari’ah has stipulated many rulings in regard to this great book. Nāt and nashīd are recited to inculcate and increase the love for our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam in our hearts. None of these should be used to inform us that someone is calling us. This is disrespectful. One should merely keep a simple ring tone for this purpose.

How Many Rings?
If when ringing someone one finds that the phone cuts off after a few rings or diverts to an answering machine, then the caller may try again. One should retry a maximum of three times for it may be that the person was busy and as he approached the phone it stopped ringing and thus he was unable to answer. However, there are some phones that do not divert or cut-off and keep ringing. In such cases the caller should let it continue ringing for that duration which would be considered normal, approximately ten rings. If the call is not answered then put the phone down because not answering indicates that the person is either occupied or does not wish to speak. Do not cause inconvenience by compelling.

Mobile and Teachers
It is not permissible for teachers at madrasah or school to use the mobile during their working hours for the madrasah and the school has purchased that time from them. This time does not belong to them; it has become the property of the employing establishment.

WHY CALAMITIES AND DESTRUCTIONS ARE HAPPENING TO MUSLIMS

One question that may arise in our mind is why are calamities and destructions happening to Muslims? 

Yes, indeed the oppressors are the wrong doers. They make destruction and kill Muslims and steal their properties. On the other side, it is worth for us to look on ourselves so that we can improve our weaknesses. I would like to quote a Hadith… and I don’t intend to elaborate on it. Let us read and we judge it ourselves :

The companion ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas RA narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: 

“5 matters result when 5 things happen: If people break their covenant with Allah, He will send an enemy against them; If they rule by other than the Law of Allah, poverty will spread among them; If they become deceptive in trade, Allah will deprive them of crops and they will be struck with famine; And if they withhold the payment of Zakaah, they will be struck with drought.” [At-Tabaraani]

In another narration he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “If they break the covenant of Allah and His Messenger, Allah will send an external enemy against them who will seize some of their possessions; If they do not rule by the Book of Allah, nor attempt to implement everything in it, Allah will spread enmity among them.”

Conversely, obeying Allah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam is the source of victory. Allah says: “O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you [by giving you victory].” [Surah Muhammad Ayah 7]

Indeed, Allah gives victory to those who deserve it. And most of the times defeat comes from ourselves. One night, Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqaas, may Allah be pleased with him, was checking on his army during the battle of Qaadisiyyah. He passed by the tent of one group of soldiers at night and found the men inside praying Qiyaam, or voluntary night-prayer, and remarked: ‘Victory comes from such a tent’ then he passed by another tent and found the men inside sleeping and remarked: ‘Defeat comes from such a tent.’

This was despite the fact that the men who were sleeping only missed a recommended prayer and not an obligatory one; yet Sa’d considered missing this recommended act to be a reason for defeat.

Let us avoid destructions, disasters and humiliation. Muslims have experienced too many appalling tragedies in their own land. It was Bosnia; Afghanistan; Iraq and now (always) Palestine, and tomorrow we never know whose turn. 

The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was once asked: 

“Would we be punished by disasters which befall us while we have righteous people amongst us?’ he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: “Yes, if evil becomes widespread.” 

Allah says clearly on this issue in al Quran: “And fear the Fitnah (affliction and trial, etc.) which affects not in particular (only) those of you who do wrong (but it may afflict all the good and the bad people), and know that Allah is Severe in punishment". [Surah Al-Anfaal Ayah 25]

Therefore, if Muslims truly wish for safety from destruction and given victory, then they must change and improve what is in them as Allah says that which translates as: “For each (person), there are angels in succession, before and behind him. They guard him by the Command of Allah. Verily! Allah will not change the good condition of a people as long as they do not change their state of goodness themselves. But when Allah wills a people's punishment, there can be no turning back of it, and they will find besides Him no protector.” [Surah Ar-Ra’d Ayah 11]

Allah Knows Best.

VIRTUES OF AZAAN AND THE MUEZZIN

It is reported by from Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that the pardon and forgiveness of sins of the one who calls to prayer(muezzin) is in proportion to the volume of his voice. All land and sea creatures will pray for his forgiveness.(AHMAD)

Hazrat Abu Huraira(R.A.) reported that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that shaytaan flees away perturbed when the call(azaan) to prayer is given. (BUKHARI , MUSLIM)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) reported that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) has said that one who for the sake of Allah calls for prayers for 12 years, Paradise for him is assured and for each day of his calling(the azaan) he gets 60 merits and for each day of call for standing to prayer(iqaamah) he gets 30 merits.  (HAKIM)

Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar(R.A.) reported that a person came to the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) and represented that the caller to prayer has gone ahead in virtue and merit. The Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said: you should repeat whatever the caller for prayer(muezzin) says and at the end of the call(azaan), pray to Allah. Whatever is prayed after the call(azaan), is granted.  (ABU DAWUD)

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri(R.A.) says that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that if the people knew the rewards for calling(azaan) for prayer, swords will be drawn for the right to call(azaan) for prayer.  (AHMAD)

Hazrat Anas bin Malik(R.A.) says that the Prophet(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) said that whatever is prayed for, between the call(azaan) to prayer and standing for prayer(iqaamah) is never rejected.  (ABU DAWUD, TIRMIZI)

THE MAGNIFICENCE OF TAHAJJUD SALAAT

It is said that: "For every good deed that an obedient slave and servant performs for the Pleasure of his Glorious Creator and Sustainer - Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala, the reward for it is specified in the Most Holy and Glorious Qur'an. Except for the regular performance of Tahajjud Salaat which commands an unusually high reward on account of its great worth, the reward is only known to Rahmathul Liel Ala'meen."

Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala tells us about those who forsake the comfort of their warm beds in His Remembrance in verses 16 and 17 of Surah Sajda:

 

"They forsake their beds of sleep, while they call on their Lord, in fear and hope. And they spend (in charity) out of the sustenance which We have bestowed on them." "Now no person knows what delights of the eye are kept hidden (in reserve) for them - as a reward for their good deeds."

 

Men and women "breathless with adoration" shun soft comfortable beds and luxurious sleep. The limbs of their bodies are exercised in offices of devotion and Ibadah in the performance of Tahajjud Salaat that is offered after midnight in the small hours of the morning. "In fear and hope": In spiritual fear lest their dedication to Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala should not be sufficiently worthy to be accepted and a spiritual longing of hope that their shortcomings will be overlooked by the Mercy of Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal. Their adoration is not shown only in constant Ibadah, but also in practical service and charity, out of whatever gifts they may have received from the Glorious Creator.

 

"Delights of the eye": An idiom for that which pleases most and gives most satisfaction. In our present state we can scarcely imagine the real bliss that will come to us in the future. What can be the delight that Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala has kept in store for them, concealing it from the eyes of all? Had it been something similar to the flowing streams, the magnificent mansions, and diverse bounties of Jannah, He would have described it - as in the case of other deeds, of which (at least) the Mala'eeka are aware.

 

This shows that the reward for the regular performance of Tahajjud Salaat is above all these and of a different kind; its greatness stands beyond that which can be communicated to anyone, especially the inhabitants of this lowly world. Do not liken the blessings and the bounties of this Doonya to those of the Aghirah. Do not imagine that Jannah and the gardens therein are similar to the gardens of this Doonya, only somewhat vaster and of a greater degree of grandeur.

 

There is the abode of Divine beneficence and the house of the hospitality of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala. The entire world is not comparable in grandeur to a single hair of a houri of Jannah. It is not even comparable to a thread of the garments made for its inhabitants. Despite all this, Almighty Allah has named none of these rewards for the regular performance of Tahajjud Salaat, and has only referred to the high station of theirs in the words of the verses quoted from Surah Sajda. But, alas, we are indolent, being not men of certitude. Otherwise, it would not have been possible for us to be neglectful to such a degree and to be so drowned in deep sleep till morning.

 

If the night vigils were to make us aware of the mysteries of Ibadah and were we to preoccupy our minds with the remembrance and contemplation of our Most Glorious Creator and Sustainer our nights would become mounts of ascent into the Divine Proximity. Our reward would be nothing other than the vision of the Absolute Beauty. Woe to us, we are negligent, we love our sleep and do not want to awake from slumber till the end of life and remain under the intoxication of nature. Woe to us, ever day increases in stupefaction. Woe to us who live on the animal plane, comprehending nothing but eating, drinking and lovemaking!

 

Whatever we do, even if it is performing our daily Salaat, that too is merely meant for catering to the needs of the belly. Do we imagine that the Salaat of Nabee Ebrahim Alayhis Salaam was similar to ours? He did not even speak to Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam of his wishes. He was Khalil-ul-Rahman - the friend of Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal and only turned to his Glorious Creator.

 

It is possible that after a period of performing regular Tahajjud Salaat and habituating ourselves to it, Rahmathul Liel Ala'meen will Insha'Allah help us and cover us with an invisible gesture of grace with the robe of His Rahma'h. In the Wasiyyah addressed to Hazrat Ali R.A. by our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam, he said:"O Ali! I enjoin you regarding certain habits that you must safeguard." Then our Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam prayed: "O Allah succour him." Then (continuing his advise) he said:

 

"Observe the night vigil." "Observe the night vigil." "Observe the night vigil."

 

The great significance of Tahajjud Salaat may be understood from the following tradition: It is reported that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam asked Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam to exhort him to something. Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam said:

 

"O Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam! Live you as you wish, for verily you will depart from this Doonya someday. And love whatever you like, for verily you will have to part from it. Act as you wish, for verily you will have to face it. Know that the distinction of a believer lies in his establishing the night vigil (Tahajjud Salaat) and his nobleness lies in refraining from (maligning) the people's honour."

 

The high degree of its significance can be understood from Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin's recommending it to our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam for had Sayyidina Jibra'eel Amin Alayhis Salaam deemed anything else as more important, he would have mentioned it while giving advice. It is said on the authority of Hazrat Abbas R.A. that our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam said:

 

"Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala appoints the night vigil (Tahajjud Salaat) as sustenance for His slaves. Man or woman, when he/she wakes up at night with sincere devotion towards Almighty Allah, performs Wudhu, and performs Tahajjud Salaat for the Pleasure of Almighty Allah with the purity of intention, with wholeheartedness and with tearful eyes, Almighty Allah appoints seven rows of Mala'eeka to pray behind him/her. No one except Almighty Allah can count their number on each side of each row, which extends from the east to the west. When he/she concludes the Salaat, Almighty Allah writes grades for him/her equal to their number."

 

It is reported from Hazrat Anas R.A. that he heard our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam say:

 

"Two Raka'ats of prayer performed in the middle of the night are dearer to me than the entire world and everything therein."

 

In a number of Ahadith it has been reported that Tahajjud Salaat is a Mu'min's honour and dignity, and is his/her adornment in the Akhirah, in the same way as children and wealth are the adornments of this world. Had there been no other merit besides this for Tahajjud Salaat, it would have been enough. We do not know what honour and distinction it is and what it means to possess the station of being befriended by Rahmathul Liel Ala'meen. All intellects fail to comprehend it.

 

Tahajjud Salaat bestows the most reward of all the Nawafils. One can perform anything from four, eight, twelve or twenty Raka'ats. The tradition in Bayhaqi relates that the performance of four Raka'ats is equal to four Raka'ats on Shab-e-Qadr. The performance brings a Muhmin near to Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala.

Kaffara (payments) of ones previous sins and is prohibitive for the future sins. (Ref: Tirmidhi Shareef). Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal bestows His Rahma'h (mercy) on those who willingly sacrifice the comfort of their sleep and warm beds for the remembrance and Pleasure of their Glorious Creator. (Refs. Abu Dawood, Nisai).

 

Rahmathul Liel Ala'meen sends out a message in the last part of the night announcing that if there is any appeal to Him it will be answered and if there is anyone seeking His forgiveness their Taubah will be accepted. The doors of Almighty Allah's Mercy are opened and this is the time when ones prayers and supplications are accepted. We should never ever become oblivious of the power and mysteries of Ibadah. If we cannot perform Tahajjud Salaat with sincerity of intention, we should at least strive for the delight that Almighty Allah has kept hidden from all the sights and recite the following prayer with full attention and sincerity of intention:

 

"O Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala! I humbly implore Thee to rescue me from the home of illusion and this abode of delirium. O Most Merciful Allah! Help me to return to the abode of eternity. Grant me the ability and preparedness to depart from this Doonya before such an opportunity is lost."

 

The light that we all seek through constant Ibadah in One Whose Brilliance illuminates the heavens and the earth as Almighty Allah declares in verse 35 of Surah An-Nur:

 

"Allah is the Light of the heavens and the earth."

 

Does anyone know of any being in the entire realm of existence , or in the spheres of fancy and imagination, or in the realm of rational abstractions, which possesses the attributes of absolute perfection and absolute beauty except the Sacred Essence of the Supreme Majestic Source of the Cosmos? Does anybody know of any absolute, immaculate beauty, except that of the Absolute Beloved?

 

Our Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam had a special fondness for Tahajjud Salaat. It was during this prayer that his feet used to swell up due to long stretches of standing in Qiyam. Those who are familiar with the lives of the illustrious Sahaba Ridwanullahi Ta'ala Alayhim Ajma'een and have a good grasp of the traditions, Islamic history, and the Sunnah of Almighty Allah's Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam will know how zealously vigilant they were in the regular performance of Tahajjud Salaat. Salatul Tahajjud had become a distinguishing feature of their programme of life, so much so that in the court of Emperor Heraclius it was said:

 

"They were worshippers by night and horsemen by day."

 

Imaan Hassen Al-Basri R.A. reported: "When the call of Truth came to them they affirmed it whole-heartedly and the conviction of it sank into the depths of their souls. Not only did their hearts but their bodies, their minds and their eyes bow in complete submission. By Allah! If you had seen them you would have thought that they were a people who had beheld everything with their own eyes. They heard the Word of Rahmathul Liel Ala'meen and submitted totally and completely. Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala has praised them in verses 63 and 64 of Surah Al-Furqan:

 

"The (faithful) slaves of Allah Most Gracious are those who walk upon the earth in humility, and when the ignorant address them they say, "Peace". Those who spend the night in adoration of Allah prostrate and standing."

 

Imaam Hassen Al-Basri R.A. also said: "These are the ones who remain standing erect in prayer for the sake of their Glorious Creator and cover their faces with dust, tears run down their cheeks and in whose hearts the love and fear of Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala is embedded. There must have been something for which they had deprived themselves of the sleep of the nights and which made their hearts tremble with the great Muhabbat of Allah."

 

The regular performance of Tahajjud Salaat had become the practice and distinguishing mark of all virtuous men, theologists, Mujahids, reformers and preachers. They obtained the energy and the fuel for the whole day's work from the sublime form of the night vigil. One who had not seen them at their devotions in the dark and silent hours of the night, could never know from where they derived their strength, enthusiasm and their superhuman capacity to endure cheerfully, day in and day out, the privations and hardships of religious preaching and endeavour. Salatul Tahajjud is a most beautiful gift given to us. Let us strive to awaken our hearts and inform it of the truth narrated from our Beloved Nabee Muhammad Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam who said:

 

"This world is the farmland of the Akhirah."

 

If we do not sow the seeds of righteous deeds in the few days of our life here on this Doonya, the opportunity will be lost forever. When we reach the threshold of the other world and death seizes us, deeds come to an end and all hopes are extinguished. If, Allah forbid, we continue to remain in the slavery of lusts and the captivity of various carnal desires until the Angel of Death arrives, it is possible that Shaythaan may achieve his ultimate objective of wresting away our faith. Let us wear the girdle of servitude to Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala - the Most Merciful and the Most Glorious, that we may Insha'Allah be free from every kind of servitude and slavery, that we may attain to the absolute kingdom of Rahmatul Liel Ala'meen in both worlds.

 

This Doonya is a Mu'min's prison and is not the abode of Divine award and the place of the manifestations of Almighty Allah's Kingdom. Let us clear our hearts of the dust from the mirror of our spirit and turn our hearts attention to the focal point of Absolute Perfection. Only then will we witness its effects in this world itself and our hearts will attain such an expanse that it will become the realm of the manifestations of Almighty Allah's total Sovereignty, thus becoming greater than all the worlds. Let us pay heed to the promise that Almighty Allah Subhanahu Wata'ala has made to us in verse 8 of Surah At-Tahrim:

 

"O you who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance: In the hope that Your Lord will remove from you your evil deeds, and admit you to gardens beneath which rivers flow, - The Day that Allah will not permit the Prophet and those who believe with him to be humiliated. Their Light will run forward before them and by their right hands, while they say, "Our Allah! Perfect our Light for us, and grant us forgiveness: For Thou has power over all things."

 

O Almighty Allah Azza Wajjal! forgive the Ummah of Your Beloved Nabee Sallallahoo Alayhi Wasallam. Unite their hearts with mutual love, set right their mutual affairs and grant them victory over Thine enemies. Ameen!

HOW PRAYER ACCELERATES THE TREATMENT OF THE SICK

Your Sustainer says, "Call on Me and I will answer you. Those who are too proud to worship Me will enter Hell abject." (Qur'an, 40:60)

According to the Qur'an, prayer, meaning "calling, giving expression, requesting, seeking help," is a person's turning sincerely to Allah, and seeking help from Him, the Almighty, the Compassionate and Merciful, in the knowledge that he is a dependent being. Illness is one of those instances when a person feels this dependence most and draws closer to Allah. Furthermore, sickness is a test, devised in His Wisdom, that takes place by His Will, and is a warning to remind people of the transience and imperfection of this life, and is also a source of recompense in the Hereafter for the patient and submissive. 

Those without faith, on the other hand, imagine that the way to recovery is through doctors, medicines or the advanced technological capabilities of modern science. They never pause to think that it is Allah Who causes their physical system to function when they are in good health, or Who creates the healing medicines and doctors when they are ill. Many turn only to Allah when they arrive at the opinion that doctors and medicines are inadequate. People in such situations seek help only from Allah, realising that only He can free them from their difficulty. Allah has revealed this mindset in a verse: 

When harm touches man, he calls on Us, lying on his side or sitting down or standing up. Then when We remove the harm from him he carries on as if he had never called on Us when the harm first touched him. In that way We make what they have done appear good to the profligate.(Qur'an, 10:12)

The fact is, however, that even in good health, or without tribulations or other difficulties, a person must pray and give thanks to Allah for the comforts, good health and all the other blessings He has imparted.

One very important aspect of prayer is this: In addition to praying out loud, it is also important for a person to make every effort to pray through his or her deeds. Prayer by action means doing everything possible to attain a certain wish. For example, in addition to praying, a sick person may also have to visit an expert doctor, use medicines that will be of benefit, and receive hospital treatment if necessary, or some other form of special care. Because, Allah has linked everything that happens in this world to specific causes. Everything in the world and in the universe happens in accordance with these causes. Therefore, the individual must take the requisite measures in accordance with these causes, and yet await the outcome from Allah, with humility, submission and patience, in the knowledge that it is He Who brings about their results.

The positive effect of faith and prayer on the sick and the way these accelerate treatment is a matter that has attracted the attention of and is recommended by doctors. Under the heading "God and Health: Is Religion Good Medicine? Why Science Is Starting to Believe," the 10 November, 2003, edition of the famous magazine Newsweek took the curative effect of religion as its cover story. It reported that faith in God raised people's morale and helped them recover more easily, and that science had also begun to believe that people with religious faith recover more easily and quickly. According to a Newsweek survey, 72% of Americans say they believe that praying can cure someone and that prayer facilitates recovery. Research in Great Britain and the USA has also concluded that prayer reduces patients' symptoms and accelerates the recovery process. 

According to research conducted at Michigan University, depression and stress are observed to lesser extent in the devout. And, according to findings at Rush University in Chicago, the early death rate among people who worship and pray regularly is some 25% lower than in those with no religious convictions. Another study conducted on 750 people, who underwent angiocardiography, proved scientifically the "curative power of prayer." It was established that the death rate among heart patients who prayed decreased by 30% within a year after their operations.

Examples of the prayers mentioned in the Qur'an are:

And Ayyub when he called out to his Lord, "Great harm has afflicted me and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful," We responded to him and removed from him the harm which was afflicting him and restored his family to him, and the same again with them, as a mercy direct from Us and a Reminder to all worshippers. (Qur'an, 21:83)

And Dhu'n-Nun [Yunus] when he left in anger and thought We would not punish him. He called out in the pitch darkness: "There is no god but You! Glory be to You! Truly I have been one of the wrongdoers." We responded to him and rescued him from his grief. That is how We rescue the believers. (Qur'an, 21:87-88)

And Zakariyya when he called out to his Lord, "My Lord, do not leave me on my own, though You are the Best of Inheritors." We responded to him and gave him Yahya, restoring for him his wife's fertility. They outdid one another in good actions, calling out to Us in yearning and in awe, and humbling themselves to Us. (Qur'an, 21:89-90)

Nuh called out to Us and what an excellent Responder We are! (Qur'an, 37:75)

As has already been stated, prayer must not only be for alleviation of sickness, or other mundane problems. A sincere believer must always pray to Allah and accept whatever comes from Him. The fact that the benefits of prayer revealed in many verses of the Qur'an are now being recognised scientifically, once again reveals the miraculous nature of the Qur'an.

If My servants ask you about Me, I am near. I answer the call of the caller when he calls on Me. They should therefore respond to Me and believe in Me so that hopefully they will be rightly guided. (Qur'an, 2:186)

THE ENEMY TIES THE KNOT AROUND YOU

Concerning this point, Satan has many ways and means. It is recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said,

"During your sleep, Satan ties three knots at the back of your Necks. He breathes the following into them, 'The night is long so keep on sleeping.' If the person wakes and praises Allah, then one of the knots is unfastened. And if he performs ablution, the second knot is unfastened. When he prays, all of the knots are unfastened. After that he will be energetic and happy in the morning. Otherwise he would get up listless and grouchy."

It is also recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslimthat he said,

"When one of you rises from your sleep he should make ablution. He should rinse his nose three times. For Satan stays in the upper part of one's nose during the night."

Al-Bukhari also records that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about a man who sleeps until the morning comes, that is, after the time of the dawn prayer. He said,

"That is a man whom Satan has urinated into his two ears."

What we have mentioned is from among the ways that Satan hinders the human from doing some actions. He also whispers into the human a love for laziness, postponing or procrastinating actions and thinking about what a long period of time one has for such and such action or work. Ibn al-Jauzi has written on this topic, stating,

Iblees always hinders one. He says to a person, "Do not be hasty. Look closer into the matter." In the same way the one who is disobedient to Allah postpones his repentance. He sets his sights on his desires and he hopes he will repent later. But, as the poet said, "Do not rush to perform the sins you desire and think about the period of repentance beforehand." How many are determined to do something and then they postpone it. Perhaps a scholar is determined to return to his study. Satan says, "Rest for a while." Or a servant is alerted to the prayer at night and he says to him, "You have plenty of time." He will not stop making people love laziness and postponing of actions and he makes the person rely on hopes and dreams.

It is necessary for the energetic person to take matters into his own hand and act upon his energy. The energetic finds the time to do things and does not procrastinate and he turns away from just dreaming. The one who has a real fear of Allah does not feel safe of punishment. The soul never stops in its dispute about evil and facing the good. But it always expects that it will have plenty of time to complete the good. One of the early scholars said, "Beware of procrastinating. It is the greatest of the soldiers of Satan." The serious, non-procrastinating person and the one who rests on his hopes and puts off working are like two who are passing through a city while journeying. The serious, energetic one buys his provisions early and waits for his traveling out of the city. The procrastinator says, "I will wait, as perhaps we will stay here a month," and continues to put off buying his provisions and preparing for his departure, until the last minute wherein he becomes rushed and mistake prone. This is how people are in this world. Some of them are prepared and alert. When the angel of death comes, he is not sorrowful. Others are deceived by thinking they can procrastinate and they will despair when the time to move on comes. It is part of one’s nature to love laziness and dreams but then Iblees comes and builds upon that. This makes it difficult to struggle against him in that matter. But the one who is alert knows that he is in the middle of a battle. He knows that his enemy does not rest. And if it seems that he is resting, it is actually just part of his strategy…

QUESTION YOURSELF :DID I LIVE ISLAM TODAY?

Do you pray fajr (morning prayer) in the mosque in Jamaa?ah (gathering) every day?

Do you keep all prayers in the masjid in Jamaa?ah?

Did you read any portion of Allaah’s Book today?

Are you consistent in saying your thikr (words of remembrance) and praise of Allaah (T) and wird (regular daily dhikr) after every prayer?

Do you pray all the regular sunnah prayers (supererogatory prayers) before and after the fard prayers?

Were you humble and sincere in your prayers today, conscious of what you were reciting?

Did you reflect upon death and the grave?

Did you reflect upon the Last Day, its horrors and its perils?

Did you ask Allaah (three times) to let you into the Jennah? For, Anas, radhiallahu ?anhu, reported that the Messenger sallallahu ?alayhi wa sallam said:

When someone asks Allaah (three times) to let him into the Jannah, the Jannah says: ‘O Allaah, let him into his Jannah?’ And when someone asks Allaah (three times) to shelter him from the Fire, the Fire says: ‘O Allaah, protect him from the Fire’.” [At-Tirmidhee, an-Nasaa’ee, and al-Haakim; Saheeh al-Jaami? by al-Albaanee no. 6275]

Did you ask Allaah (three times) to protect you from the Hellfire?

Did you read any of the hadeeth of the Prophet, sallallahu ?alayhi wa sallam?

Did you consider keeping away from evil companions?

Did you try to avoid excessive laughing and joking?

Did you cry today for fear of Allaah? 

Did you say the morning and evening thikr?

Did you seek forgiveness for your sins from Allaah for today?

Did you sincerely ask Allaah (ta?ala) for the Shahaadah (martyrdom) today? For, the Messenger of Allaah, sallallahu ?alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever asks Allaah (Ta?ala) for the Shahaadah with sincerity, Allaah will grant him the rank of martyrs, even if he dies in bed.”[Muslim and others]

Did you supplicate to Allaah to keep your heart firm upon His Deen?

Did you take advantage of the answerable periods (those during which supplications are answerable) to ask of Allaah?

ACCOMPANYING CELL PHONES WHEN PRAYING AT THE MASJID

QUESTION:

What is the Islamic ruling concerning entering the Mosque and performing prayer with one’s cell phone switched on? As soon as people start performing prayer in humility, mobiles start ringing causing distraction and annoyance to people at the Masjid. Please provide an Islamic ruling on this matter. Jazakum Allahu Khayran.

 

ANSWER:

In an attempt to keep the decorum of the Mosque as a place of worship, we advise brothers and sisters to switch off their cell phones upon entering the Masjid. This will help them as well as other people praying to perform their prayers in tranquility. 

In his response to the question, the prominent Saudi Islamic lecturer and author, Sheikh Muhammad Saleh Al-Munajjid, states the following: 

“Islam is keen that the Muslim’s prayer should be perfect in terms of focus and humility, far removed from anything that may distract the praying person from prayer. 

Anas ibn Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “We used to pray with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, when it was intensely hot. When one of us could not bear to press his face to the ground (because of the heat), he would spread his garment and prostrate on it.” 
(Reported by Al-Bukhari). 

In his commentary on the aforementioned Hadith, Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar, states: 

“The apparent meaning is that they used to do that in order to remove the distraction caused by the hot ground.” (Fath Al-Bari, 1/493) 

It is reported that Abu Sa?eed Al-Khudri, may Allah be pleased with him, said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, went into I’tikaaf in the Mosque, and he heard them reciting Qur’an in a loud voice. He drew back the curtain and said, “Each of you is conversing privately with his Lord, so do not disturb one another or raise your voices above one another when reading the Qur’an – or he said, when praying.” (Reported by Abu Dawud, 1332) 

The above Hadith clearly makes it forbidden for people to distract one another from prayer by the Qur’anic recital. 

In conclusion: Islam stresses on humility and concentration in prayer, and encourages us to be persistent in that. What we see of these cell phones in the situation you mention is something that causes people to lose concentration and humility in prayer, because it is a disturbance that affects the spirit and tranquility of prayer. 

We advise our brothers to switch off their mobile phones at the time of prayer.”

THIS IS MY WIFE'S TRUST

Once a group of Muslims were on their travels propagating Islam in Edinburgh. The Imam who was leading the prayer [in a public place] after completing it, was met by a few girls. One of the girls asked, "Do you know English?" The young man [who was leading the prayer] said, "I do". She said, "What is this that you have done?" The young man replied, "We have performed worship". The girl said, "But today isn’t Sunday". The young man said, "We do this five times a day". The young lady expressed, "That’s a lot".

The young man explained that if the blessings of Allah are kept in view, this is very little. And this is that action which brings about the spring of tranquility. This isn’t hardship, this is felicity. Then the girl extended her hand to bid farewell and the young man said, "Forgive me for my hand cannot touch you". She asked why? He said, "This is my wife’s trust". The girl collapsed to the ground, With tears in her eyes, she said, "How blessed is that wife who has such a husband, O that the men in Europe would be like this!"

10 TIPS ON HOW TO CONCENTRATE DURING SALAT (PRAYERS)"

10 TIPS ON HOW TO CONCENTRATE DURING SALAT (PRAYERS)"

1. Before standing up for Prayer, try to deal with all the minor urgent matters which demand your attention. If you are pressed by
hunger, eat first; if you are pressed to attend to the ...call of nature, relieve yourself; if you are
the parent of an infant, feed him or her, or keep him or her busy.

2. Perform your wudu’ (ablution) well, paying due care and attention.

3. Approach the Prayer with zest and passion as if it is the last prayer in your life before dying. Actually the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) taught us that we
could do nothing in this world that could ever surpass Prayer in merit and excellence.

4. Visualize that in your Prayer you
are going to have a special audience with Allah, Lord of the worlds, and that you are enjoying a direct communion with Him—which,
in fact, is true.

5. Think of the Prayer you are performing as if it were the last Prayer of your life. In fact, it
could very well be the last one, since no one is given a guarantee that he would live to perform another Prayer.

6. Picture the scene of the Last Day
when people will be lined up into two groups, one destined for Heaven, and another for Hell,
and ask yourself where you would be placed.

7. Focus your mind on what you are reading in your Prayer and recite simple suurats that you understand it's meaning and ponder on the
meaning whiles u recite.

8. If, in spite of your best efforts, your mind is still wandering, seek refuge in Allah and bring your mind back to Prayer.

9. Pray to Allah and beg Him to grant you true the joy of concentrating in your Prayer and
protection against the wanderings of your mind.

10. Place your eyesight to the one spot where you will be making your sujuud while you recite and avoid taking your eyes from that spot.

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A STORY OF A MAN WHO WAS GOING TO OFFER "FAJR" PRAYER!!

A STORY OF A MAN WHO WAS GOING TO OFFER "FAJR" PRAYER!!

A man woke up early in order to Pray the Fajr Prayer in the masjid.. He got dressed, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid.On his way to the masjid, the man fell and his clothes got dirty. He got up, brushed himself off, and headed home. At home, He changed His Clothes, made his ablution, and was, again,on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, He Fell again and at the Same Spot! He, again, got up, brushed himself off and headed home. At home he, once again, Changed His Clothes, made his ablution and was on his way to the masjid. On his way to the masjid, He Met a Man Holding a Lamp. He asked the man of his identity and the man replied 'I Saw You Fall Twice on your way to the masjid, So I Brought a Lamp so I can Light Your Way. 'The first man thanked him profusively and the two where on their way to the masjid. Once at the masjid, the first man asked the man with the lamp to come in and pray Fajr with him. The second man refused.The first man asked him a couple more times and, again, the answer was the same. The first man asked him why he did not wish to come in and pray. He man replied I am Shaitaan (devil/ evil) The man was shocked at this reply. Shaitan went on to explain, 'I saw you on your way to the masjid and it was I who made you fall. When you went home, cleaned yourself and went back on your way to the masjid, Allah forgave all of your sins. I made you fall a second time, and even that did not encourage you to stay home, but rather, you went back on your way to the masjid. Because of that, Allah forgave all the sins of the people of your household. I was AFRAID if i made you fall one more time, then Allah will forgive the sins of the people of your village, so I made sure that you reached the masjid safely..

'So do not let Shaitan benefit from his actions.Do not put off a good that you intended to do as you never know how much reward you might receive from the hardships you encounter while trying to achieve that good!!