Tag: eid

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Current Affairs articles

We Need One Ummah, Not One Eid

Every Eid same drama, same “unity” palaver. But hang on unity is from the Sunnah? The Quran endorses unity! The Qur’an and Sunnah teaches us a lot of things… tazkiyah and purity of the heart being number 1. 

What is the point of one Eid when the hearts aren’t one? The hearts aren’t united?

What is the point of one Eid when we pray Salah shoulder to shoulder but the Ummah isn’t one? 

What is the point of one Eid when our marriages aren’t unified? Surtis don’t marry bharuchis and Indians don’t marry Pakistanis? 

What is the point of one Eid when your masjids don’t allow all Muslims to be members? When your Islamic schools give preference to the four holy Masjids because they are ‘from the ghom’?

Can someone tell me what really is the point? I don’t understand. 

Have one Eid or a dozen Eids, but this Ummah will always be fragile until we learn to live like brothers.

Allah purify our hearts from jealousy and malice and unite this Ummah on the best day of the year. Ameen.

Ismail ibn Nazir Satia (one who is in dire need of Allah’s mercy, forgiveness and pleasure)

1 Shawaal 1443

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Valuing the Last Ten Days of Ramadān

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

By Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

The month of Ramadān is full of blessings. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

And it is a month the first part [first ten days] of which is mercy, the middle part [middle ten days] is forgiveness and the last part [last ten days] is emancipation from the Fire (of Jahannam). (Ibn Khuzaymah)

Having passed through the first ten days of ‘mercy’, we find ourselves in the second ten days of ‘forgiveness’ and approaching the last ten days, wherein Allāh ta‘ālā emancipates His servants from the Fire of Jahannam. Now, we will find people with different mind-sets; some will count down the days in eager anticipation of ‘Īd after which they will not have to stay hungry and thirsty for long hours anymore; some will have spent the major part of Ramadān exerting much effort in devotion to Allāh ta‘ālā and thus feel that they can now relax in the last ten days as they have, in their opinion, carried out much ‘ibādah already; and some will not have done anything of note until now and feel that there is no point of doing anything in these remaining days.

All these mind-sets are incorrect, as the last ten days of Ramadān hold great significance and virtue over the first twenty days of Ramadān. One only needs to examine the conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the last ten days to understand their virtue.

The Conduct of Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam during the Last Ten Days

Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā reports that when the last ten days of Ramadān would enter, Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, stay awake at night and awaken his family. (Al-Bukhārī)

In this hadīth, Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā has mentioned three things:

1.  Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would tighten his waist belt, which refers to preparation for exerting himself in ‘ibādah.

2.  Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would stay awake throughout the nights of the last ten days of Ramadān and worship Allāh ta‘ālā.

3.  Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would awaken his family also for ‘ibādah and tahajjud so that they too can acquire the blessings of the blessed nights.

The fact that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would especially exert much effort in devotion during the last ten days of Ramadān, shows the virtue and significance of these last ten days. And why would Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam not exert effort during these last ten days, when they have been specified for the Night of Qadr. Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said,

Seek Laylat-ul-Qadr during the last ten days of Ramadān. (At-Tirmidhī)

The Virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr

Laylat-ul-Qadr is a night full of blessings and goodness. ‘Ibādah carried out on Laylat-ul-Qadr is better than ‘ibadah carried out continuously for a thousand months (83 years and four months). Allāh ta‘ālā says:

Verily! We revealed it (the Qur’ān) during the Night of Qadr (from Al-Lawh Al-Mahfūz to the first heaven). Do you know what is the Night of Qadr? The Night of Qadr is much better than a thousand months. The angels and the Rūh (Sayyidunā Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām) descend in it by the Command of their Rabb with every decision. It (this night) is full of peace. And (all of this) remains (from sunset) until the break of dawn. (97:1-5)

Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

During the Night of Qadr, Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām descends with a group of angels and they make du‘ā of mercy for every servant who stands or sits remembering Allāh ta‘ālā (engaged in worship). (Al-Bayhaqī)

Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam also said:

Whoever stands in worship during the Night of Qadr with Īmān and hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven. (Al-Bukhārī)

If we understood the virtues and the blessings of this great night, we too would exert great effort towards acquiring these blessings just as our pious predecessors did. It is reported regarding Qatādah rahimahullāh that he would complete the entire Qur’ān every three nights during the first twenty days of Ramadān and every night during the last ten days. In order to become deserving of the virtues of Laylat-ul-Qadr, one must exert every effort and do everything he can. One easy way of becoming deserving of the blessings of the Night of Qadr is to observe the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān. Sayyidunā Abu Sa‘īd Al-Khudrī radhiyallāhu ‘anhu narrates that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said,

Verily, in search of Laylat-ul-Qadr I performed i‘tikāf of the first ten days and then extended it to the next ten days for the same purpose; then I was told that this night is in the last ten days; so those who are performing i‘tikāf with me should perform the i‘tikāf of the last ten days. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim)

The Importance and Virtue of I‘tikāf

We learn from the Sīrah of our beloved Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that the i‘tikāf of the last ten days of Ramadān was a practice that he sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would not miss. Sayyidah ‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā said that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would observe i‘tikāf in the last ten days of Ramadān until he passed away. (Al-Bukhārī, Muslim)

Sayyidunā Anas radhiyallāhu ‘anhu said that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam observed i‘tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān. One year he could not observe the i‘tikāf, so the following year he observed i‘tikāf for twenty days. (At-Tirmidhī)

Mentioning the virtues of i‘tikāf, Sayyidunā Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhu says that Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said,

He (the one observing i‘tikāf) refrains from sins (as he confines himself to the boundary of the masjid) and is rewarded for all good deeds (that he cannot do due to being in i‘tikāf e.g. visiting the sick or participating in janāzah salāh) like that person who carries out good deeds. (Ibn Mājah)

The one performing i‘tikāf, through the blessing of staying within the confines of the masjid, is able to refrain from sins which he may have committed outside of the masjid. Along with this, he is able to engage in so many worships e.g. salāh, dhikr, tilāwat, du‘ā. Moreover, every moment of his is a means of reward as i‘tikāf in itself is also a worship; hence the one performing i‘tikāf gains the reward of i‘tikāf even whilst eating and sleeping.

I‘tikāf: A Fortune

The one observing i‘tikāf is extremely fortunate for he disassociates himself from everything and throws himself into the Court of His Lord and Creator. He remembers Him, praises Him, glorifies Him and sincerely seeks His Forgiveness; he cries over his past mistakes and beseeches His Creator for His Mercy and seeks nothing but His Pleasure. His days and nights are spent only in this pursuit. The author of Marāqī-Al-Falāh states that if i‘tikāf is observed with sincerity, then it is amongst the most virtuous deeds.

Our Task in Hand

So if one is able to perform i‘tikāf during the last ten days, he should most definitely do so. The ladies should also perform i‘tikāf at home. If one is not able to perform i‘tikāf for all of the last ten days, he should perform i‘tikāf for however many days he is able to. And if one is so busy that he cannot spend even one day in i‘tikāf then the least he should do is value each and every moment of the last ten days, especially the nights. He should refrain from every minor and major disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā carry out actions which please Him to acquire Divine Pleasure.

May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq to value the remaining days of Ramadān, especially the last ten days. May He bless us with the virtue of Laylat-ul-Qadr. May He accept those who have intended to carry out the Sunnah i‘tikāf and may Allāh ta‘ālā make this Ramadān a turning point in our lives and enable us to live a life of obedience until we depart from this world. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah (Vol. 27 No. 5/6, May/June 2018)

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Ramadhan

We can truly celebrate Eid…

ras malai
When Muslims will unite,
They will no longer bicker and no longer fight.
When Palestine (and all Muslim lands) will be liberated,
And Muslims will no longer be incarcerated.
When the recipients of Zakah will no longer be eligible,
Because people in power will be fair and responsible,
When youth will repent and do sincere Tawbah,
We won’t see them drunk and intoxicated, just see them sensible and sober. 
When injustice and lies will be extinct and dead,
Fairness and truth will be widely spread. 
We can truly celebrate Eid when we have pleased Allah,
And entered that first step in Jannah…in alFirdaws al-A’laa!
Ismail ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
10th Dhul Hijjah 1438
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Current Affairs articles

Qurbani – ‘Sacrifice’ or comparing the price?

Unfortunately, Qurbani has become rather like car insurance, where one searches for the lowest “quote” and the cheapest price… this should not be the case.
We shouldn’t think of Qurbani or any obligation in Islam as a BURDEN, brothers and sisters. Rather we should fulfil it for solely the pleasure of Allah SWT.
Give to the “needy” countries.
Give to the “poorest” country.
Don’t go for the LOWEST quote!
Did you know, there are many Muslims who don’t eat meat all year round, only on Eid! Remember that, next time you’re licking your chicken legs and eating that Kobeda.
I feel sooner or later, we will have websites or apps (like ‘gocompare’… ‘goqurbani’) that will compare charities and countries then show which are the cheapest. Astaghfirullah…
My gripe is we earn thousands of pounds and when it comes to spending for Allah SWT, we are tight fisted – La Hawla Wa La Quwwata Illa Billa!
The saddest part of all of this is, how deep our selfishness goes. The word ‘Udhiyyah’ (Arabic), ‘Qurbani’ (urdu), actually means ‘sacrifice’. It really shows whether we love Allah or just love our pockets, our purses and our bank accounts.
Lastly, many of you reading this will be from Bangladesh/India/Pakistan. Let’s not just focus on these countries, we have many of our Muslim brothers and sisters around the world who are living in extreme poverty. I understand that some of these other countries have extortionate rates for an animal. But, if we all go for a £15 share in a cow from India and just want to absolve ourselves from this obligation, who will feed the Muslims in Iraq and Palestine where a large animal costs almost £2,000 (approx £300 per share). It is advised that family and friends get together and offer a ‘Nafl’ Qurbani in these countries, i.e. split the cost between them, if they can’t afford a full share. A great way of doing this is with the intention of Esale Thawab. This Eid, let’s not deprive anyone In Sha Allah.
Please bear in mind, Qurbani comes once a year and we eat meat on a regular basis in the UK.
ASK YOURSELF: ARE YOU SACRIFICING OR JUST COMPARING THE PRICES?!
(Mawlana) Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
1st Dhul Qa’dah 1438
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Ramadhan

Alhumdu-Lillah!

thomas-young-632972-unsplash.jpgAlhumdu Lillah. . . For another Ramadhan made easy by Allah.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the long summer fasts, parched lips and dry throats.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For reciting the Qur’an day and night.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For being kissed by the angels on completing the Qur’an.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the eyes that weeped at dawn in prayer
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the charity given with the right hand, that the left hand didn’t know.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the tiring, aching legs that stood all 20 Rakats in Taraweeh (may these legs carry us to Jannah).
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the sweet feeling at Iftar, quenching our thirst.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the unity and brotherhood in the Masajid.
Alhumdu Lillah. . . For the young children who fasted for the first time.
Alhumdu Lillah, thumma Alhumdu Lillah for the Day of Eid. A day of celebration and happiness.
Dear Brothers and Sisters, preserve your Ramadhan reward. Do not lose it by sin; backbiting and causing inconvenience.
Eid mubarak from Ismail ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure)
1 Shawwal 1438
تقبل الله منا ومنكم صالح الأعمال، وجعلنا وإياكم هداة مهتدين، وثبتا الله وإياكم على الطاعات
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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

‘Īd-ul-Fitr

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

The Night of ‘Īd
The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward.
1. Abū ‘Umārah radhiyallāhu anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallāllahu ‘alayhi wasallam said:
Whoever stays awake and performs ‘ibādah on the night of the two ‘Īds, with hope for abundant reward (from Allāh ta’ālā), his heart will not die on the day (i.e. Qiyāmah) when all hearts will be dead. (Targhīb)
2. Mu‘ādh Ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallāllahu ‘alayhi wasallam said:
Jannah is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th, 9th, 10th, of Dhul Hijjah, the night of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha‘bān. (Targhīb)
3. Imām Shafi‘ī rahimahullāh said: “Du‘ās are answered on the nights of Friday (the night between Thursday and Friday), the nights before the two ‘Īds and the 15th night of Sha‘bān.”

Sunnats of the Day of ‘Īd
1. To rise early.
2. To clean the teeth with miswāk.
3. To have a masnūn bath.
4. To dress in one’s best garments in an Islamic manner.
5. To use ‘itr (apply fragrance).
6. To eat dates or any other sweets before going for the ‘Īd-ul Fitr Salāh.
7. To go early for ‘Īd Salāh.
8. To go walking for ‘Īd Salāh.
9. To read the Takbīrāt of Tashrīq in a low voice while going for the ‘Īd Salāh.


Allāhu akbar Allāhu akbar lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu akbar
Allāhu akbar wa lillāhil hamd

10. To use different routes to and from the place of ‘Īd Salāh.
Mas’alah: It is harām to fast on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of Dhul Ḥijjah, (i.e. on ‘Īd-ul-Ad’hā and three days after) and the day of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr.

The Method of ‘Īd Salāh

1. Make niyyah (intention) of performing two raka‘āts wājib of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr behind the imām, with six wājib takbīr.
2. The first takbīr in the first rak‘ah is the takbīr tahrīmah which is followed by three wājib takbīr. Raise your hands to the ears in all four takbīr (saying the takbīr). However, after the first takbīr fold the hands under the navel and read thanā (sub’hānakallāhumma…). Thereafter, in the following two takbīr raise the hands up to the ears and drop them on the sides and after the fourth takbīr fold them again.
3. The imām will recite Sūrah-al-Fātihah and another sūrah and go into rukū‘ and sajdah etc. as usual.
4. In the second rak‘ah, after the recitation and before rukū‘ another three takbīr will be called. In all three takbīr raise the hands to the ears and drop them on the sides and go into rukū‘ when the fourth takbīr is called.
NOTE: Four takbīr are said together in each rak‘ah; at the beginning of the first rak‘ah and before going into rukū‘ in the second rak‘ah. The easy method of remembering when to drop the hands and when to fold is mentioned hereunder:
(a) Remember the following words: Fold, drop, drop, fold, for the first rak‘ah and drop, drop, drop, rukoo‘, for the second rak‘ah.
(b) Or keep the following general rule in mind: when there is something to be recited after a takbīr; the hands should be folded and when nothing is to be recited the hands are to be dropped to the sides.
Mas’alah: It is makrūh to offer any salāh in the masjid where the ‘Īd Salāh is to be performed, before or after the ‘Īd Salāh.
Mas’alah: It is also makrūh to perform any ṣalāh at home before the ‘Īd Salāh, but it is not makrūh after the ‘Īd Salāh. Hence, we should not perform nafl Salāh such as Ishrāq on ‘Īd day.
Mas’alah: If anyone missed the ‘Īd Salāh then he cannot offer it individually.
Mas’alah: Khutbah after the ‘Īd Salāh is sunnah. However, the listening of the khutbah is wājib.
Mas’alah: If anyone joins the ‘Īd Salāh after the imām has said the three takbīr in the first rak‘ah he should say his three takbīr immediately. If he joins while the imām is in rukū‘, then if he feels and has strong hope that he will say three takbīr and join the imām in rukū‘ then he should complete the takbīr before going into rukū‘. Otherwise he should join the imām in rukū‘ and say the three takbīr instead of the tasbīḥ of rukū‘.
NOTE: Whilst saying the takbīr in rukū‘, he should not raise his hands.
NOTE: If the imām rises from rukū‘ before one’s takbīr are completed, one should also rise with the imām and his takbīr will be remitted for him.
Mas’alah: If anyone missed the first rak‘ah and joined the imām in the second rak‘ah, he should say the three takbīr of the first rak‘ah after the recitation when he gets up to complete the missed rak‘ah. 
Mas’alah: If anyone joined the imām in the second rak‘ah after rukū‘, then he should perform two raka‘āts as mentioned above.

© Islāmic Da’wah Academy

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Ramadhan Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

When is Eid?

eid

This is a question on the tongues of many Muslims and in the minds of many already, as we near to the end of the holy month. Eid is a day of happiness and bliss. A festival ordained by Allah SWT, so much so, it is Haram to fast on the days of Eid (1st Shawwal, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th Dhul Hijjah). But the question still remains brothers and sisters, “When is Eid?”

The answer to that is not one word or one day. One of the Salaf said, “My Eid is the day in which I do not commit a sin.” Further to this, I recently listened to a talk by his eminence, the honourable, Shaykh Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb (Hafidhahullah) of Leicester, UK. He explained when the ‘true’ Eid is, it really changed my perspective on Eid and this temporary life we are passing through. Below are a few things I happened to remember:

We do not know when we will depart from this transient and fleeting world, neither you know neither I know. Life and death are not guaranteed, perhaps this is the last advice of mine you will hear (because I no longer remain or you don’t). I plead to you sincerely with advice, cut off from your life of sins. Leave the television, music, lustful glances at Haram, the love of wealth, following your desires, all of this will be left behind (once you die). We have all fasted the month of Ramadhan, Alhumdu Lillah! Don’t you feel proud of yourself? Of course you do! This is the difference between sins and obedience. When you sin, the happiness is temporary, just five or ten minutes. But in obedience it is long lasting e.g. 20 years later you will remember these fasts, the Qur’an you read, the one Subhan Allah you said in the Masjid. And you will feel joy in your heart, this joy is forever and ever.

This is only when you obey Allah SWT, then every hour and every minute is Eid for you.

The moment you die, then your soul is content and happy, ready to return to Allah SWT, this will be Eid for you.

The angels will descend to welcome you, this will be Eid for you.

The moment you are lowered into your grave, like a garden of Jannah, this will be Eid for you.

On the day of judgement, Allah will give you shade under His throne, this will be Eid for you.

When you are given your books of deeds in the right hand, this will be Eid for you.

Crossing the bridge of sirat at the speed of lightning, this will be Eid for you.

Then, your final abode, Jannah! Allah’s angels will great you, “Salam! Salam!” This will be Eid for you.

Just imagine the angels doing Salam, the ecstatic feeling in your heart…

“The Messenger of Allah recited this Verse: ‘For those who have done good is the best reward and even more.’

 Then he said: ‘When the people of Paradise enter Paradise, and the people of the Fire enter the Fire, a caller will cry out: “O people of Paradise! You have a covenant with Allah and He wants to fulfil it.” They will say: “What is it?” Has Allah not made the Balance (of our good deeds) heavy, and made our faces bright, and admitted us to Paradise and saved us from Hell?” Then the Veil will be lifted and they will look upon Him, and by Allah, Allah will not give them anything that is more beloved to them or delightful, than looking upon Him.'” (Ibn Majah)

This will be Eid!

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Allah will say to the people of Paradise, “O the people of Paradise!” They will say, ‘Labbaik, O our Lord, and Sa`daik, and all the good is in Your Hands!’ Allah will say, “Are you satisfied?’ They will say, ‘Why shouldn’t we be satisfied, O our Lord as You have given us what You have not given to any of Your created beings?’ He will say, ‘Shall I not give you something better than that?’ They will say, ‘O our Lord! What else could be better than that?’ He will say, ‘I bestow My Pleasure on you and will never be angry with you after that.’ “ (Bukhari)

This will be Eid!

The Eids in the world will come and go, that happiness will come and go. A new child is born it is temporary happiness, you children’s wedding, the happiness is temporary. But the real happiness is the happiness of obeying Allah, pleasing Allah, having the love of Allah and feeling His benevolence. This is when every day is Eid, every night is Eid, every hour is Eid, in hardship you will feel it is Eid and in ease you will find it is Eid.

foodbaklawa

O Allah! Accept from us our Fasting, Tilawah, Sadaqah, Zakah, Qiyam and Taraweeh.

O Allah! Make this Ramadhan such, that I become a Wali of yours.

O Allah! Free our necks from the fire of Hell and grant us Jannah.

O Allah! Make this Ramadhan a turning point in our lives, so we become closer to You.

O Allah! Make this Eid a true Eid for us, one in which we abstain from disobedience and keep us all steadfast.

Ameen.

eid lantern

Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).

27th Ramadhan 1437

 ras malai

 

 

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

‘Īd – An Occasion of Happiness

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Allāh ta‘ālā, through His sheer Grace and Mercy only, grants us many moments and days of happiness throughout our lives. When we hear of engagements and weddings, or of the birth of a child, or anticipate the day of ‘Īd, we experience joy in our hearts. Despite all our shortcomings, disobedience and subsequent unworthiness, He does not deprive us of such occasions of happiness. These occasions are unique in the sense that each individual, no matter what condition he is in, experiences happiness to some degree at the mere thought of their arrival. This happiness is from Allāh ta‘ālā alone, as He is the one in whose control lies joy and sorrow. 

One such occasion of happiness is the day of ‘Īd. However, when we entertain the thoughts of happiness that surround ‘Īd, many disobediences run through our minds. As far as the Dīnī aspects surrounding ‘Īd are concerned, only a handful are thought of, and even those, as mere rituals. At most, people will think of certain sunan of ‘Īd and ‘Īd salāh, and on ‘Īd-ul-Adhā the udhiyah (qurbānī). Thereafter, Zuhr, ‘Asr and the remaining salāhs of the day are almost unheard of. Even the Fajr salāh is missed by many especially when the days of ‘Īd fall in the summer months in the UK, because it is too early for them to make an effort to perform it. To perform the five times daily salāh is fard (compulsory) upon each and every believer, whilst the ‘Īd salāh is at most wājib, which, although of great importance, is albeit of a lower degree than fard. Therefore, being punctual in fulfilling a wājib whilst leaving aside a fard, is not the way a Muslim behaves, especially on an occasion of happiness. 

The happiness surrounding ‘Īd-ul-Adhā is based upon the great life of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām, in which he was tested numerous times by Allāh ta‘ālā, but never once did he waver or falter in his obedience to Him. He was tested during his youth; he was exiled by his father when he had no resources and was in need of his father’s support. But for Allāh ta‘ālā, he left him. Then again he was tested during his old age, when he was commanded to sacrifice his son Ismā‘īl ‘alayhis salām, when he needed him the most. Allāh ta‘ālā says,

“When his Lord put Ibrāhīm to a test with certain Words, and he fulfilled them…” (2:124)

It is this great life that we remember on the days of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā, and we are made to understand by Allāh ta‘ālā that just as My Khalīl Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām, who gave all sacrifices in order to carry out My commands, is being remembered throughout the world by millions of people, year in, year out, and will be remembered in the Hereafter, if you also live your lives according to My commands, I will also grant you honour and dignity both in this world and the Hereafter. 

‘Īd in no way means that we enjoy ourselves as we like, disobeying Allāh ta‘ālā by watching movies, intermingling freely with the opposite gender, consuming harām and generally neglecting our duties as Muslims. We should at all times, especially on this happy day of ‘Īd, purify our hearts from harbouring grudges, jealousy, hatred and ill-feelings towards our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters, which is against the spirit of the way of our beloved Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

In contrast, we should have a greater sense of remembering Allāh ta‘ālā: the one who granted us this day of happiness. On the occasion of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr, Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullāh would complete the recitation of the entire Qur’ān during the night, and another during the day, after having already completed its recitation 61 times over the month of Ramadān. Our salaf as-sālihīn (pious predecessors) would spend their days of ‘Īd in the obedience of Allāh ta‘ālā and in His remembrance, whereas we spend ours in His disobedience.

We should learn our lesson from the blessed sīrah of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām not to disobey Allāh ta‘ālā in the slightest, and submit totally to His command at every juncture in our lives, just like he ‘alayhis salām did. If we do this, then we will acquire the proximity of Allāh ta‘ālā and every day of our lives will be a day of ‘Īd; a day of happiness and ecstasy. A person who gains the proximity of Allāh ta‘ālā through obedience to Him experiences such happiness and ecstasy during every moment of his life, that in comparison to it the pleasures of the whole world amount to nothing. Moreover, the truth is that the pleasures we search for in the displeasure of Allāh ta‘ālā are superficial, fake, and hollow. They are nothing but illusions. True pleasure lies in the connection and strength of relationship with Allāh ta‘ālā, in love for the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, and in following his teachings in all aspects of life. 

It is this pleasure that our pious predecessors would experience. If that wasn’t the case, why would Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām have gone through so much for the sake of Allāh ta‘ālā? Why would Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullāh have recited the Qur’ān so much, even on the day of ‘Īd? One of our great predecessors, Mawlānā Fadl-ur-Rahmān Ganjmurādābādī rahimahullāh used to say that whenever he would go into prostration, he would not wish to raise his head again. Such was the feeling of ecstasy in worship and obedience. 

Ibrāhīm ibn Adham rahimahullāh would say, “By Allāh! If the kings were to know the pleasure we are in, they would fight us with swords [to snatch it away from us].”

Abū Sulaymān Ad-Dārānī rahimahullāh would say, “The worshippers of the night in their worship experience more pleasure than those who engage in futility.” 

This was the feeling of ecstasy and pleasure that compelled Bilāl radhiyallāhu ‘anhu to say, “Ahad, ahad (Allāh is One, Allāh is One)” despite being brutally tortured.

This lesson that we learn at the occasion of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā, should be revised each time Allāh ta‘ālā grants us any kind of happiness. At occasions of happiness we should not forget our Compassionate Creator who has granted us the happiness. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us all the pleasure of His obedience, and keep us steadfast on the creed of Ibrāhīm ‘alayhis salām and his immense will of submission. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah (Volume 21, Issue 11)

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

‘Īd-ul-Adhā

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

First Ten Days of Dhul-Hijjah

Ibn ‘Abbās radhiyallāhu ‘anhumā relates that the Prophet sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

“Good deeds performed on other days are not superior to those performed on these (first ten days of Dhul-Hijjah).” The companions radhiyallāhu ‘anhum inquired: “Not even jihād?” He replied: “Not even jihād, except for that person who goes out putting himself and his wealth in danger and does not return with anything.” (Al-Bukhārī)

Night of ‘Īd

The nights of both ‘Īds are described in the hadīth as amongst the great and sacred nights in the Muslim calendar. To remain awake on the nights of ‘Īd and perform ‘ibādah is a source of great virtue and reward.

Mu’ādh ibn Jabal radhiyallāhu ‘anhu relates that Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

“Jannah is wājib (incumbent) for those who stay awake with the intention of making ‘ibādah on the following nights: 8th & 9th, the night of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the night of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr and the night of the 15th of Sha’bān.” (At-Targhīb)

Udhiyah (Qurbānī)

Udhiyah is a practice commanded by Allāh ta‘ālā:

“….so turn in prayer towards your Lord and sacrifice (animals).” (108:2)

‘Ā’ishah radhiyallāhu ‘anhā said:

“There is nothing more dearer to Allāh during the days of Udhiyah than the sacrificing of animals. The sacrificed animal shall come on the Day of Judgement with its horns, hair and hooves (to be weighed). The sacrifice is accepted by Allāh before the blood reaches the ground. Therefore sacrifice with an open heart.” (At-Tirmidhī, Ibn Mājāh)

Sunnahs on the day of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā

1. To rise early.

2. To clean the teeth with miswāk.

3. To have a masnūn bath.

4. To dress in one’s best garments in an Islāmic manner.

5. To use ‘itr.

6. To avoid eating before ‘Īd salāh.

7. To go early for ‘Īd salāh.

8. To go walking for ‘Īd salāh.

9. To read the Takbīrāt of Tashrīq in a loud voice while going for ‘Īd salāh.

Allāhu Akbar, Allāhu Akbar, Lā ilāha illallāhu wallāhu Akbar,
Allāhu Akbar, Walil lāhil hamd.

10.To use different routes to and from the place of ‘Īd salāh.

11.To eat the meat of Udhiyah (sacrifice) of one’s own offering, after the ‘Īd-ul-Adhā salāh.

Mas’alah: It is harām to fast on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th Dhul Hijjah, (i.e. ‘Īd day and three days after) and the day of ‘Īd-ul-Fitr.

The Method of ‘Īd Salāh 

1. Make niyyah of performing two raka’āt wājib of ‘Īd-ul-Adhā behind the imām with six wājib takbīr.

2. The first takbīr in the first raka’at is the takbīr tahrīmah which is followed by three wājib takbīr. Raise your hands to the ears in all four takbīr (saying the takbīr). However, after the first takbīr fold the hands under the naval and read thanā (subhānakallāhumma…). Thereafter, in the following two takbīr raise the hands up to the ears and drop them on the sides and after the fourth takbīr fold again.

3. The imām will recite the Sūrah Al-Fātihah and another sūrah and go into rukū‘ and sajdah etc. as usual.

4. In the second rak‘at, after the recitation and before rukū‘ another three takbīr will be called. In all three takbīr raise the hands to the ears and drop them on the sides and go into rukū‘ when the fourth takbīr is called.

Note: Four takbīr are said together in each rak‘at; at the beginning of the first rak‘at and before going into rukū‘ in the second rak‘at. The easy method of remembering when to drop the hands and when to fold is mentioned hereunder:

(a) Remember the following words: fold, drop, drop, fold, for the first rak‘at; drop, drop, drop, rukū‘, for the second rak‘at.

(b) or keep the following general rule in mind: when there is something to be recited after a takbīr, the hands should be folded and when nothing is to be recited the hands are to be dropped to the sides.

Mas’alah: it is makrūh to offer any salāh, in the masjid where the ‘Īd salāh is to be performed, before or after the ‘Īd salāh. Hence, we should not perform nafl salāh such as Ishrāq on ‘Īd day.

Mas’alah: It is also makrūh to perform any salāh at home before the ‘Īd salāh, but it is not makrūh after salāh.

Mas’alah: If anyone missed the ‘Īd salāh then he cannot offer it individually.

Mas’alah: Khutbah after the ‘Īd salāh is sunnah. However, the listening of the khutbah is wājib.

Mas’alah: It is wājib to say the Takbīr of Tashrīq after the ‘Īd-ul-Adhā salāh, according to some ‘ulamā; therefore one should recite it after the salāh.

Mas’alah: If anyone joins the ‘Īd salāh after the imām has said the three takbīr in the first rak‘at he should say his three takbīr immediately. If he joins while the imām is in rukū‘, then if he feels and has strong hope that he will say three takbīr and join the imām in rukū‘ then he should complete the takbīr before going into rukū‘. Otherwise he should join the imām in rukū‘ and say the three takbīr instead of the tasbīh of rukū‘.

Note: Whilst saying the takbīr in rukū‘, he should not raise his hands.

Note: If the imām rises from rukū‘ before his takbīr are completed, he should also rise with the imām and his takbīr will be remitted for him.

Mas’alah: If anyone missed the first rak‘at and joined the imām in the second rak‘at he should say the three takbīr of the the first rak‘at after the recitation when he gets up to complete the missed rak‘at.

Mas’alah: If anyone joined the imām in the second rak‘at after rukū‘, then he should perform two raka‘āt as mentioned above.

© Islāmic Da’wah Academy

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Ramadhan

Another Year… Another Eid. . .

Id

“If the hearts of the Muslims pronounced the takbir as much as their tongues do on ‘Eid, then the face of history would have changed.

If they always gathered as much as they do for Salat ul-‘Eid, then they would have defeated the enemy legions.

If their souls embraced as much as their hands shake one another, then they would have been able to deal with their differences.

If their souls smiled as much as their lips do, then they would have been with the people of the heavens.
If they sacrificed their ego and selfishness as much as they sacrificed their animals, then all of their days would have been ‘Eid.

And if they had worn the garments of good character like they wear the best of clothes, then they would have been the most beautiful nation on the face of this earth.”
(Dr. Mustafa as-Siba’i)

“Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum.”
“May Allah accept it from you and us”

May Allah allow all those who suffer in this life for the sake of Allah to enjoy the company of His Messenger (sall Allaahu’alayhi wa sallam)  in the highest level of Jannah, where every day will be an Eid In Sha Allah.

??عیدکم مبارک??
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ لَبِسَ الْجَدِیْدِ
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ خَافَ بِالْوَعِیْدِ
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ تَبَخَّرَ بِالْعُوْدِ
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ تَابَ وَلَا یَعُوْد
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ نَصَبَ الْقُدُوْرَ
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ سَعَدَ بِالْمَقْدُوْرِ
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ تَزَیَّنَ بِزِیْنَةِ الدُّنْیَا
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ تَزَوَّدَ بِزَادِ التَّقْوی
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ رَکِبَ الْمَطَایَا
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ تَرَکَ الْخَطَایا.
لَیْسَ الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ بَسَطَ الْبَسَاطَ
اِنَّمَا الْعِیْدُ لِمَنْ جَاوَزَ الصِّرَاطَ