Tag: ramadhan

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Spirituality

Forgive me?

Bismillah…
 clement-percheron-632728-unsplash.jpg
As Sha’ban draws to an end, we will swiftly approach the blessed, holy and spiritual month of Ramadhan.
A month of mercy.
A month of blessings.
A month of forgiveness.
On the topic of forgiveness, many will be sending “mass” texts to their contacts asking for forgiveness and to overlook any mistakes made throughout the year. People generally start this on 15th Sha’ban (a night of forgiveness) or just before Ramadhan.
In oversight, this all looks good and well. And in a day and age of arrogance and ego where people hardly accept and apologise we should appreciate these messages. I have no qualms with that.
My gripe is that this is becoming a fashion, a trend. Most of us don’t even write our own messages, we just copy and paste from the last sender. No, I’m not judgemental, I know because the wording and emojis are all the same? Just replace the name with yours.
Sometimes the messages are bereft of sincerity and remorse. You really are calling me judgemental now. No again, I’m not. Many times people send the messages when they have wronged you, and when you bring up their hurtful words and actions…. they get defensive and haughty. Huh?!
Why apologise then if you’re not sincere and don’t really mean it. Brothers and sisters, my point is don’t just copy and paste. Please. For the love of Allah, if you really have wronged someone approach them, visit them, make efforts to see them. If they’re in another town or country “call” them and settle the issues. Lastly, if all else fails text them. Matters can be dealt with (easily) in this world or harshly in the hereafter. Remember, there are rights of Allah (Huqooqullah) and rights of the servants (Huqooqul Ibaad). Allah will forgive you if you don’t pray Salah and Fast in Ramadhan. But if you abuse the rights of any human; your wife, children, family members or neighbours they will be able to take revenge on Qiyamah, In Sha Allah.

Let’s stop these ‘meaningless’ broadcasts!

Abu Huraira reported (Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said,

“Do you know who is bankrupt?” They said, “The one without money or goods is bankrupt.” The Prophet said, “Verily, the bankrupt of my nation are those who come on the Day of Resurrection with prayers, fasting, and charity, but also with insults, slander, consuming wealth, shedding blood, and beating others. The oppressed will each be given from his good deeds. If his good deeds run out before justice is fulfilled, then their sins will be cast upon him and he will be thrown into the Hellfire.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2581

Grade: Sahih(authentic) according to Muslim

عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ أَتَدْرُونَ مَا الْمُفْلِسُ قَالُوا الْمُفْلِسُ فِينَا مَنْ لَا دِرْهَمَ لَهُ وَلَا مَتَاعَ فَقَالَ إِنَّ الْمُفْلِسَ مِنْ أُمَّتِي يَأْتِي يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ بِصَلَاةٍ وَصِيَامٍ وَزَكَاةٍ وَيَأْتِي قَدْ شَتَمَ هَذَا وَقَذَفَ هَذَا وَأَكَلَ مَالَ هَذَا وَسَفَكَ دَمَ هَذَا وَضَرَبَ هَذَا فَيُعْطَى هَذَا مِنْ حَسَنَاتِهِ وَهَذَا مِنْ حَسَنَاتِهِ فَإِنْ فَنِيَتْ حَسَنَاتُهُ قَبْلَ أَنْ يُقْضَى مَا عَلَيْهِ أُخِذَ مِنْ خَطَايَاهُمْ فَطُرِحَتْ عَلَيْهِ ثُمَّ طُرِحَ فِي النَّارِ

2581 صحيح مسلم كتاب البر والصلة والآداب باب تحريم الظلم

This was an islamic perspective, now let’s look at forgiveness from a counselling/healing perspective:

When it comes to forgiveness there is one key word in holistic healing and that is “let go.”

Unforgiveness imprisons you in your past, causing you to hold onto anger, guilt and shame because of situations and things that happened in the past leading to anxiety, depression and even physical health issues.

Unconditional forgiveness: Forgiving someone unconditionally means no longer holding onto any grudges or negative feelings towards someone. Forgiveness should be unconditional. Even when the perpetrators do not apologise we must be prepared to “let go” and not “hold on”

Forgiving someone is not for the other person.. it is for yourself. Forgiving someone does not mean that you condone their behaviour and that it’s ok. It simply means you are not willing to hold on to the negative feelings as it is like dragging chains. You set yourself free. It is releasing yourself from the pain of holding onto the grudges and negative feelings.

When we forgive and let it go it does not mean that we forgive and forget what has happened because those memories will always be there but it means we will not be triggered by those memories anymore.

You can never be free of bitterness if you have not forgiven someone.

If you have this burden in your heart that is weighing you down and you need to unfold this to the mercy of Allah who is Ghafoorurraheem most merciful of all go ask for forgiveness from others first, forgive others and forgive yourself also.

MUST WATCH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsQnySo3hcc
Ismail Satia (One who is in dire need of Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and pleasure).
15th Shaban 1438
Categories
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

 

 

Categories
Ramadhan

They think it’s all over!

vanda-teixeira-632984-unsplash.jpgAs Ramadhan draws to an end, in these last ten days we will see Masajid all over the UK complete their Qur’an in Taraweeh. 1000s of Qur’an will be completed all over the UK. Aside from that, most of us who do our personal reading will also complete our tilawah in our homes, along with our womenfolk and children! It’s the 23rd night tonight and a thought came to my mind.  Where I come from we have forty Masajid (Blackburn), Alhumdu Lillah – 40 in such a small town. Many Masajid have 2 or even 3 Taraweeh! It can safely be said, in this ONE town over *100 Quran* will be completed in Taraweeh! Not forgetting those who lead Taraweeh in their homes – Subhan Allah!
Brothers and Sisters, this is all from the sheer mercy of Allah SWT. Without His help, nothing, and I mean NOTHING is possible. What provoked me to share this message was a lecture delivered by our guest from South Africa, Mufti Abdul Kader Hoosen saheb. He is currently in Jaame Masjid delivering talks daily. He gave a Khutbah last Friday in Masjid Sajedeen and mentioned he had been to South America recently. He pointed out that what we have in Blackburn ALONE is not available in certain countries, especially those in South America. Some don’t have a *single* masjid, only 3 Musalla in one of those countries. They don’t have many Ulama or Hafidh. A recent count in Blackburn totalled almost 300 Ulama – Allah make them like the companions of Badr which were also just over 300. We must have double that number of Hafidh, in Blackburn.
But let us not be complacent – the tables can turn. There are countries which had far, far more than us… but there today, Muslims remain just by name- Allah protect us.
To conclude, let us keep our spirits up after Ramadhan and for the rest of our lives, in sha Allah. Preserve the future generations to come. And pray for a good leader in the UK.
(Dua for a fair and just leader)
اللهم لا تسلط علينا من لا يخافك فينا
ولا يرحمنا
Allahumma laa tusallit alaynaa mal laa ya khaafuka feenaa walaa yarhamunaa
O Allah! Do not give authority (to a leader) over us who doesn’t fear you and who doesn’t have mercy upon us.
These nights are the best nights of the year and there are moments of acceptance hidden in them; don’t miss out!
Ismail Satia,
Blackburn
23rd Ramadhan.
Categories
Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Ramadān

A Golden Opportunity to Become a Muttaqī

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Events and occasions give us an opportunity to track the passing of time; otherwise days, months and years would pass by without us realising. Whenever we look towards the future, it seems very distant; however, upon reflection over the past we realise how quickly time has elapsed. To understand the longevity of our future we have to evaluate it on our experience of the past.

As usual, the current Ramadān will also feel very long and the end will seem a long way away, but the reality of these days can be understood by the many Ramadāns we have experienced in the past; how short they were and how quickly they passed, and how after each Ramadān we felt that if only there were a few more days so that some beneficial action could be carried out. In order to save ourselves from such regret once again, it is of the utmost importance that we realise the great opportunity Ramadān is offering us and make the most of it.

The Objective of Ramadān

First and foremost we need to understand that Allāh ta‘ālā has granted us this great gift of Ramadān so that we may become muttaqīn – the people of taqwā.

Allāh ta‘ālā states:

O you who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as they were enjoined upon those before you, so that you may become people of taqwā. [2:183] 

My late Shaykh, Hadrat Hājī Fārūq rahimahullāh taught me the following supplication:O Allāh! You have given us this month so that we become people of taqwā; so make us from the people of taqwā.

What is Taqwā?

Now, the question arises what is taqwā? Once ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu asked Ka‘b Al-Ahbār radhiyallāhu ‘anhu the meaning of taqwā. In reply, Ka‘b radhiyallāhu ‘anhu, asked ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu if he had ever walked on a thorny path and if yes how he had passed through it. ‘Umar radhiyallāhu ‘anhu explained that he gathered his clothes and ensured that his clothes didn’t get caught by the thorns. Ka‘b radhiyallāhu ‘anhu said, “That is taqwā.” The explanation of Ka‘b’s statement is that we too should pass through this world very carefully, ensuring we do not fall prey to nafs and Shaytān and commit a sin; be it minor or major.

Taqwā is a nūr (light) which enlightens and spiritually strengthens the heart to such an extent that the person finds a natural dislike for sinful activities. This becomes a barrier between him and the disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā. This nūr of taqwā is acquired by forcing oneself to carry out the commands of Allāh ta‘ālā and stay away from His disobedience no matter what sacrifice one has to give. This sacrifice is called mujāhadah, and every time this is carried out a special nūr is created in the heart. The more the obedience the stronger the nūr, until eventually the heart is enlightened to such an extent that it will not tolerate the filth of any sin.

The similitude of this can be likened to a person who abhors dirt. If he needs to walk through a dirty path way, he will have a natural aversion for the dirt and will instinctively gather his clothes to ensure his clothes don’t get soiled. Similarly, once the heart has become filled with the nūr of taqwā, it will abhor sinful activities and places of evil and will develop an aversion to them, leading one to automatically safeguard himself.

On the other hand when a person disobeys Allāh ta‘ālā, the nūr of taqwā in the heart diminishes. The more sins a person commits, the more darkness engulfs the heart until a point comes when the heart becomes inclined towards disbelief. This very fact has been narrated in a hadīth of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

Virtues of Taqwā

We can understand from the above that taqwā is one of the greatest favours Allāh ta‘ālā has granted us as it guarantees us success of both worlds. Allāh ta‘ālā states:

Whoever fears the disobedience to Allāh, Allāh will create for him a way out (from difficulties), and provide him (with whatever he needs) from where he does not even imagine. [65:3] 

And whoever fears the disobedience to Allāh, Allāh will bring about ease for him in his affair. [65:6] 

Race with one another towards Forgiveness from your Lord and towards a Paradise the width of which spans the heavens and the earth. It has been prepared for the Muttaqīn. [3:133]

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has stated:

Verily the closest to me from the people are the Muttaqīn; wherever they may be and whoever they may be. (Ahmad)

Allāh ta‘ālā through His mercy, love and kindness has granted us this month of Ramadān which is full of blessings making it easy for us to carry out the commands of Allāh plus other spiritual deeds.

Ramadān and Taqwā

From the ahādīth and verses of the Qur’ān we can list some of the special blessings and virtues of Ramadān.

1.  This is the month in which the Qur’ān was revealed.

2.  This is the month in which the doors of Jannah are opened and the doors of Jahannam are closed.

3.  The shayātīn are chained.

4.  There is a night in this month which is better than a thousand months.

5.  Allāh ta‘ālā calls out: ‘O desirer of good hasten forward and O the searcher of evil, stop.’

6.  Allāh emancipates people from Jahannam in thousands.

7.  The first ten days of this month are of mercy, the middle ten days are of forgiveness and the last ten days are for emancipating servants from Jahannam.

8.  Allāh ta‘ālā readily accepts du‘ā in this month.

Allāh through His kindness has granted us these great blessings which boosts our efforts towards the path of taqwā.  Let us therefore value this blessed month and resolve to carry out the following:

1.  Taqwā and tawbah: Carry out all the commands of Allāh and abstain from all disobedience. Sincerely repent and seek forgiveness for all past negligence with a firm resolution never to return to it again.

2.  Tilāwah: The month of Ramadān has a strong connection with the Qur’ān. Allāh ta‘ālā states:

The month of Ramadān is the one in which the Qur’ān was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong…[2:185]  

     Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would revise the Qur’ān with Jibra’īl ‘alayhis salām during this month. The pious people gave much importance to reciting the Qur’ān in this month. The following few examples will suffice to make us realise how much effort we should exert.

•   Imām Abū Hanīfah rahimahullāh would recite one Qur’ān in the day and one Qur’ān in the night daily.

•   Imām Shāfi‘ī rahimahullāh would recite one Qur’ān in the day and one at night daily in salāh.

•   Imām Bukhārī rahimahullāh would recite forty one Qur’āns during the month of Ramadān.

•   Hadrat Shaykh, Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh would recite one Qur’ān daily.

3.  Abundance of Kalimah Tayyibah and Istighfār: In one hadith, Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has directed us towards four things we should do in abundance during the blessed month: recitation of Kalimah Tayyibah, asking for forgiveness, asking for Jannah and seeking refuge from Jahannam. My late father taught me a du‘ā to be read in Ramadān when I was a child:

    

     Lā ilāha illallāh, astaghfirullāh, as’alukal jannah, wa a’ūdhubika minannār.

     There is no diety except Allāh, I seek forgiveness from Allāh, I ask from You (O Allāh) Jannah, and I seek Your refuge from the fire.

     It was only when I grew up and became a student of Dīn that I realised that this simple formula of du‘a was actually a way of practicing upon the instruction of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam.

4.  Du‘ā: There is much significance of making du‘ā in the month of Ramadān. Allāh ta‘ālā has discussed du‘ā in between discussing the rulings related to fasting in the month of Ramadān.

When My servants ask you about Me, then (tell them that) I am near. I respond to the call of one when he prays to Me. [2:186]

     In the hadīth of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam we find that du‘ā at the time of iftār is readily accepted. Similarly, at the time of suhūr du‘ās are readily accepted. We find in the hadith of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam that Allāh ta‘ālā descends in the last portion of the night and calls out to His servants saying,

‘Is there anyone who will make du‘ā to Me so that I may accept it? Is there anyone who will ask of Me so that I may fulfil his request? Is there anyone who will ask My forgiveness so that I may forgive him. (Al-Bukhārī)

5.  Spending in the Path of Allāh ta‘ālā: The month of Ramadān is also a month of charity. It is narrated that the generosity of Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam would increase in this month. Spending in the path of Allāh ta‘ālā holds much virtue; just giving someone a sip of water or a mere date grants a person the reward of the fasting person. Therefore, one should make an effort to spend as much as possible. Zakāt is to be given on its appointed time whether in Ramadān or outside of Ramadān. The important matter is that one should try and endeavour to spend in charitable causes as much as possible. It should also be noted that when spending in the Path of Allāh ta‘ālā, a person should endeavour to find the most fruitful places for his Hereafter. A person should not give away his charity to the first person who knocks at his door; rather one should make an effort to spend in the most opportune of places. It should be remembered that spending is our need and not the need of the recipient; it is we who are in need of the reward of charity and therefore it should be our effort to find places to spend.

6.  I‘tikāf: A special significance is given to i‘tikāf in the month of Ramadān. The fuqahā have stipulated that i‘tikāf of the last ten days in the month of Ramadān is Sunnah muakkadah ‘alal-kifāyah. Hence, if the people of a locality leave this sunnah then the whole locality will be liable. Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam carried out i‘tikāf in the last ten days of Ramadān throughout his life to the extent that he performed i‘tikāf of twenty days in the Ramadān before his demise. This was to compensate the i‘tikāf missed the previous year due to a reason and also to increase his devotion before departing from this world. I‘tikāf will go a long way in establishing taqwā and connecting one to Allāh ta‘ālā.

7.  Remembering Allāh ta‘ālā and doing good: Spend time in doing good as much as possible. Whilst standing, sitting and lying down – in every circumstance, keep the tongue moist with the remembrance of Allāh ta‘ālā.  

My dear readers! Occupy yourself in doing good and value every moment of this blessed month. Life is very short and this golden opportunity of Ramadān will very quickly slip away. If we pay heed then Inshā’allāh this Ramadān will become a golden Ramadān for us in which we will become people of taqwā, thus acquiring success in both worlds. May Allāh ta‘ālā grant us the tawfīq. Āmīn.

© Riyādul Jannah

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

A Simple Step to Success

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

As believers, we all have the responsibility to lead our lives according to the commands set out by Allāh ta‘ālā. While some are guiltier than others, from time to time we all find ourselves in breach of His laws.

While advising the friends who had joined me in I’tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān this year (1428AH), a thought came to my mind which I strongly felt would be helpful to a believer in keeping within the bounds of Allāh’s set commands. I would like to share this with my dear readers too.

Rasūlullāh sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam said:

Actions are judged on the final outcome (death). (Al-Bukhārī)

In light of this hadīth, every individual should imagine, before carrying out any action, that this may be his/her final action. If we carry out this exercise with full conviction, it will prove sufficient to keep us steadfast in abstaining from sins and fulfilling the commands of Allāh ta‘ālā. Furthermore, it will improve the quality of our good deeds and help us refrain from evil deeds.

Let us take an example to understand this better:

When a person stands for salāh, if he imagines that it could be his final action and that he may not get an opportunity to perform another salāh, he will be able to concentrate to a greater degree and develop greater sincerity. When another person, who intended to miss salāh out of laziness, imagines that these are his final moments, it will encourage him to perform his salāh.

Whenever an opportunity arises to sin, be it casting evil glances, backbiting, adultery or taking intoxicants, it should be imagined that these are one’s final moments. One should ask oneself: what if I was to die whilst in this state of sin? Rasūlullah sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam has said that every person will be resurrected in the condition in which he/she died, so how will I be able to face my Creator?

Inshā’allah, this exercise will prove helpful in keeping us on the path of Allah ta‘ālā’s pleasure and keeping us away from His displeasure.

© Riyādul Jannah (Vol. 16 No. 10/11, Oct/Nov 2007)

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

How to Benefit from Ramadān

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

 In order to fully benefit from this blessed month, the following is recommended:

1. Reading from Fadā’il-e-A‘māl of Shaykh-ul-Hadīth, Mawlānā Muhammad Zakariyyā rahimahullāh. We should sit down as a family at a set time, and read and listen to a portion daily. We should study this book before and during Ramadān.

2. Abstain from every disobedience to Allāh ta‘ālā. Safeguard your eyes, ears, tongue and even the mind. As many sins take place as a result of interacting with people we should minimize this.

3. Prepare a timetable and keep yourself occupied at all times. Stay away from every action and speech which has no benefit in this world or the Hereafter.

4. Make an assessment of all the deeds you have carried out daily. Ask yourself two questions:

a) Have I carried out any deed which will attract the Mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā?

b) Have I committed any sin which will deprive me of the Mercy of Allāh ta‘ālā?

5. Spend as much time as possible in reciting the Qur’ān. The Huffāz should set a target of reciting the whole Qur’ān 10 times, and the non-Huffāz at least 5 times.

6. Read salāh ‘alan Nabī sallallāhu ‘alayhi wasallam, the kalimah tayyibah, the third kalimah, istighfār, etc. in abundance.

7. Engage in du‘ā, asking Allāh ta‘ālā for all the needs of this world and the Hereafter, after the performance of good deeds, before iftār and at the time of Tahajjud.

8. Read in abundance:

    

     Lā ilāha illallāh, astaghfirullāh, as’alukal jannah, wa a’ūdhubika minannār.

     There is no diety except Allāh, I seek forgiveness from Allāh, I ask from You (O Allāh) Jannah, and I seek Your refuge from the fire.  

9. Spend in the Path of Allāh ta‘ālā during the days and nights of Ramadān. Allocate a budget and spend accordingly.

10. Spend the last 10 days in i‘tikāf, for these 10 days are the very cream of Ramadān. Every year Laylat-ul-Qadr (The Night of Power) rotates in these 10 nights.

© Riyādul Jannah 

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Ramadhan Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Sawm (Fasting)

By Hadrat Mawlānā Muhammad Saleem Dhorat hafizahullāh

Sawm (fasting) means to refrain from eating, drinking and cohabiting from subh sādiq (early dawn) to sunset with a niyyah (intention) of observing fast.

Fasting in the month of Ramadān is one of the five pillars of Islām and is fard (compulsory) upon every muslim who is sane and mature. Fasting has many physical, moral, and social benefits. However, Allāh ta‘ālā has made fasting compulsory so that we become pious and God-fearing.

Fasting will not be valid without niyyah. It is not necessary to express the niyyah in words. However it is preferable to recite Allāhumma asūmu laka ghadan (O Allāh tomorrow I shall be fasting for you only). In the case of Ramadān, it is better to make niyyah in the night. However, should a person fail to do so, then it is permitted to make the niyyah during the day before the majority of the day has passed.

MUSTAHAB (DESIRABLE) ACTS IN FASTING

1.      To eat suhūr (the meal before subh sādiq).

2 .     To delay the suhūr up to a little before subh sādiq.

3.      To break the fast immediately after sunset.

4.      To break the fast with dates. If dates are not available then with water.

5.      To recite this du‘ā at the time of breaking the fast:-

Allāhumma laka sumtu wa bika āmantu wa ‘alā rizqika aftartu

O Allāh! I fasted for You and in You do I believe and with Your provision (food) do I break my fast.

THINGS MAKRŪH (DETESTABLE) WHILE FASTING

1.      To chew items such as rubber, plastic etc.

2.      To taste food or drink and spit it out.

3.      To collect one’s saliva in the mouth and then swallow it.

4.      To clean teeth or mouth with tooth powder or toothpaste.

5.      To complain of hunger or thirst.

6.      To quarrel or argue with filthy words.

THINGS THAT BREAK THE FAST

1.      To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation intentionally.

2.      To burn incense and inhale its smoke.

3.      If water goes down the throat while gargling.

4.      To vomit a mouthful intentionally.

5.      To swallow vomit intentionally.

6.      To swallow something edible, equal to or bigger than a grain of gram, which was stuck between the teeth. However, if it is first taken out of the mouth and then swallowed, it will break the fast whether it is smaller or bigger than the size of the grain.

7.      To drop oil or medicine into ear or nose.

8.      To swallow the blood from gums with saliva. However, if the blood is less than the saliva and its taste is not felt then the fast will not break.

9.      Snuffing.

10.     To eat and drink forgetting one is fasting and thereafter, thinking that the fast is broken, to eat and drink again.

11.     Smoking.

12.     To apply medicine to the anus.

13.     For women to apply medicine to the urinary organs.

14.     To swallow intentionally a pebble, piece of paper or any item that is not used as food or medicine.

In all the above circumstances, only a single fast will become qadā except in the case of number one (1), where qadā and kaffārah both will become obligatory. (Consult an ‘Ālim regarding the rules of kaffārah).

THINGS THAT DO NOT BREAK THE FAST

1.      To eat, drink or indulge in cohabitation in forgetfulness.

2.      To vomit without intention.

3.      To vomit intentionally, less than mouthful.

4.      To have a wet dream.

5.      To oil the hair.

6.      To use surma (collyrium) in the eyes.

7.      To drop water or medicine in the eyes.

8.      To clean teeth with wet or dry miswāk (a stick used for cleaning teeth).

9.      To apply or smell ‘itr (perfume).

10.     To swallow a fly, mosquito, smoke or dust unintentionally.

11.     To swallow one’s saliva or phlegm.

12.    Water entering the ears.

13.     To take an injection.

SUNNAH PRACTICES IN THE MONTH OF RAMADĀN

1.      To observe tarawīh.

2.      To increase the recitation of the Glorious Qur’ān.

3.      To observe i’tikāf during the last ten days of Ramadān.

 

AHĀDĪTH REGARDING THE VIRTUES OF FASTING

Sawm

Sawm is a shield, as long as he (the fasting person) does not tear it up. (An-Nasa’ī)

Note: Fasting is a protection from Shaytān or from Allāh’s ta‘ālā punishment in the hereafter. One who indulges in sins whilst fasting, such as lying, backbiting etc., they become the cause of the fast becoming wasted.

All good deeds are for the one who renders them, but fasting. Fasting is exclusively for me (Allāh). (Al-Bukhārī)

Fasting is a shield and a powerful fortress. (Ahmad, Al-Bayhaqī)

I swear by that being in whose possession is the life of Muhammad! The odour of the mouth of a fasting person is sweeter to Allāh than the fragrance of musk. (Al-Bukhārī)

Fasting is exclusively for Allāh, the reward of it (being limitless) no one knows besides Allāh. (At-Tabrānī)

Suhūr

Verily, Allāh and His angels send mercy upon those who eat suhūr. (At-Tabrānī)

Eat suhūr because in suhūr lies barakah. (Mishkāt)

Iftār

Whosoever gives something to a fasting person in order to break the fast, for him there shall be forgiveness for his sins and emancipation from the fire of Jahannam; and for him (the one who gives) shall be the same reward as for him (whom he fed), without that person’s (the one who was fed) reward being diminished in the least. (Ibn Khuzaymah, Al-Bayhaqī)

Whoever gave a person, who fasted, water to drink,  Allāh shall give him a drink from my fountain whereafter he shall never again feel thirsty until he enters Jannah. (Ibn Khuzaymah)

The fasting person experiences two (ocassions) of delight: at the time of iftār and at the time he will meet his Rabb. (Al-Bukhārī)

Not a single prayer made by a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is rejected. (Ibn Mājah)

© Islāmic Da’wah Academy

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Shaykh Saleem Dhorat

Mawlana Islamul Haqq Saheb RH

The Death of Shaykhul Hadith Hadhrat Mawlana Islamul Haqq Saheb (Allah illuminate his grave).

[The father of Hadhrat Mufti Ikramul Haqq Saheb (Hafidhahullah) – Imam of Jaame Masjid, Blackburn & Senior Lecturer of Hadith at Jamiatul Ilm Walhuda, Blackburn]

As narrated by Hadhrat Mawlana Muhammad Saleem Dhorat Saheb (Allah lengthen his shadow). 23 Ramadhan 1436

A short story in Leicester.

Hadhrat Mawlana once came to Leicester for Jamat. When I heard he was coming I went to meet him at the Masjid at 5pm. Once Hadhrat had arrived, I said, “My house is free if you need to do ghusl.” He replied, “Yes! I need to, but let me ask the Ameer.”

I began to think who the Ameer could be? Hadhrat is an Alim of great calibre, who will be of higher status then him (to be an Ameer).

I happened to find out it was the father of a student (from Bury Darul Uloom).

Later they sat for Mudhakarah (discussion) before Asr. It was nearly the time for Ghusht (visiting houses). It had been decided Hadhrat will do Dhikr (rather than go for Ghusht).

After everyone left, I said, “Let’s quickly go, you can do ghusl then return.” He declined my offer saying, “I have been fixed for Dhikr, how can I leave the Masjid?”

This shows Hadhrat’s obedience to the Ameer and how careful he was in listening and obeying instructions.

Demise of Hadhrat.

The year he passed away Hadhrat came to Nottingham for a Khatme Bukhari Jalsa. After the Jalsa Hadhrat had a flight from Heathrow to Jeddah for Umrah. I offered Hadhrat, “Why don’t you drop by to Leicester on the way to the airport?” He refused, sadly.

So I humbly requested one more time, “When you return from Umrah, why don’t you come to Leicester on the way home from Heathrow?”

Hadhrat replied, “Why are you giving me baddua?”

I was confused and didn’t understand, how this was baddua.

Hadhrat further said, “I am going there to die (and be buried).”

I then understood what Hadhrat meant by “baddua” (curse).

Hadhrat spent the entire month in Umrah. It was the normal practice to complete the Qur’an on 29th Ramadhan in Haramayn Shareefayn. That Ramadhan, completion took place on 27th Ramadhan.

It was the 27th Ramadhan, night of Jumu’ah, Hadhrat finished his Taraweeh Salah in Masjid Nabwi (Sallallaho Alayhi Wasallam). He then retired to his hotel room.

Later, during the night he began Tahajjud Salah. He took long in completing, to the extent his son went to get the food for Sehri and his father was in Sajdah. The son returned with the food and Hadhrat was still in Sajdah… The son realised his father had returned to Allah!

Inna Lillah Wa Inna Ilay’hi Raji’oon

Some people just ask for a death in Medinah,

Some people just ask for a death in Ramadhan,

Some people just ask for a death in Sajdah,

Some people just ask for a death on a Friday,

Hadhrat had encompassed all these wishes in one death.

Allah accept his efforts, raise his status, enlighten his grave and grant him a lofty status in Jannatul Firdaws.

Allah grant us all such an amazing death.

Ameen Ya Rabb.

A clip of Hadhrat Mawlana Islamul Haqq Saheb (Allah raise his lofty status).

Ismail Ibn Nazir Satia

(One who is in dire need of Allah’s Forgiveness, Mercy and Pleasure)

1 Rabiul Awwal 1437