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Monday, September 6, 2010

Virtues of the Last 10 Nights

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the trustworthy Prophet Muhammad and upon all his family and companions.

1. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to strive hard (in worship) during the last ten days of Ramadan in a way that he did not strive at any other times. [Muslim, 1175, from 'A'ishah]
2. Among the things he did were secluding himself in I'tikaf and seeking Laylat al-Qadr during this time. [Al-Bukhari, 1913; Muslim, 1169]
3. In al-Sahihayn it is reported from the hadith of 'A'ishah that when the last ten days of Ramadan came, the Prophet (peace be upon him) would stay up at night, wake his family and gird his loins. [al-Bukhari, 1920; Muslim, 1174] Muslim added: he strove hard and girded his loins.

Her phrase "girded his loins" is a metaphor for his preparing himself to worship and strive hard in worship, more than usual. It has the meaning of "rolling up one's sleeves" to worship (i.e. getting ready to make a great deal of effort).

It was also said that it was a metaphor for keeping away from women and abstaining from sexual relations.

The phrase "stay up at night" means that he would stay awake, spending the night in prayer, etc. It was reported in another hadith that 'A'ishah said: "I never saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) recite the entire Quran in one night, or spend a whole night in prayer until the morning, or fast an entire month, except in Ramadan." [Sunan al-Nasa'i, 1641] The words "stay up at night" may mean that he spent most of the night in worship, or that he did not stay up for the entire night, but he did that at the times of 'Isha' and Suhur, and other times, in which case it would mean that he stayed up for most of the night.

The phrase "and wake his family" means that he would wake his wives to pray qiyam. It is known that he (peace be upon him) used to wake his wives all year round, but he used to wake them to spend part of the night in qiyam. In Sahih al-Bukhari it is reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) woke up one night and said, "Subhan Allah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter." [al-Bukhari, 1074] It was also reported [in Sahih al-Bukhari] that he (peace be upon him) used to wake 'A'ishah when he wanted to pray Witr. [al-Bukhari, 952] But when he woke his wives during the last ten nights of Ramadan, this was more persistent than at other times of the year.

The fact that he (peace be upon him) did this indicates the importance he attached to worshipping his Lord and making the most of this special time.

The Muslim should follow the example of the Prophet (peace be upon him) for he is the best example, and he should strive hard in worshipping Allah. He should not waste the hours of these days and nights. For we do not know, perhaps this time will never come again, for the spoiler of pleasures, i.e. death, which must come to all men, may come and snatch him and his life will end; then he will feel regret at the time when regret will be of no avail.

Among the unique virtues of these special nights is that Laylat al-Qadr is among them. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
1. "Ha-Meem. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran and none but Allah (alone) knows their meanings.]
2. By the manifest Book (this Quran) that makes things clear.
3. We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our oneness of Lordship and in Our oneness of worship].
4. Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments.
5. As a command (or this Quran or the Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messengers),
6. (As) a mercy from your Lord. Verily, He is the all-Hearer, the all-Knower." [Noble Quran 44:1-6]

Allah sent down the Quran on this night which the Lord of the worlds has described as blessed. It was reported from a group of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) Salaf - including Ibn 'Abbas, Qutadah, Sa'id ibn Jubayr, 'Ikrimah, Mujahid and others - that the night on which the Quran was sent down was Laylat al-Qadr.

The phrase "therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments" means, on that night the destiny of all creatures for the coming year is decreed. On that night it is written who will live, who will die, who will be saved, who will be doomed, who will be destined for Paradise, who will be destined for Hell, who will be granted honor, who will be humiliated, where drought and famine will occur, and everything else that Allah wills in that year.

What is meant by the idea that the destiny of all creatures is written on Laylat al-Qadr is - and Allah knows best - that on Laylat al-Qadr they are transferred from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz. Ibn 'Abbas said: "You may see a man furnishing his home or plowing his field, and he is one of those who are going to die," i.e. it has been decreed on Laylat al-Qadr that he is one of those who are going to die (in the coming year). And it was said that on this night, the destiny of people is shown to the angels.

The meaning of "Qadr" is veneration or honor, i.e. it is a night that is venerated because of its special characteristics, and because the one who stays up during this night becomes a man of honor. And it was said that Qadr means constriction, in the sense that the knowledge of precisely when this night is, is hidden. Al-Khalil ibn Ahmad said: it was called Laylat al-Qadr because the earth is constricted by the great numbers of angels on that night, and Qadr means constriction. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "But when He tries him, by straightening his means of life [fa qadara 'alayhi rizqahu]." [Noble Quran 89:16], i.e. by constricting or reducing his provision.

And it was said that Qadr means Qadar, i.e. that on this night the decrees for the coming year are ordained, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments" [Noble Quran 44:4] and because Allah's decrees are decided and written down on this night.

So Allah has called it Laylat al-Qadr, because of its great value and high status with Allah, and because so many sins are forgiven and so many faults are concealed during this night. For it is the night of forgiveness, as it was reported in al-Sahihayn from Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." [Al-Bukhari, 1910; Muslim, 760]

Allah has given this night special characteristics which make it unique

1. It is the night on which the Quran was sent down, as we have stated above. Ibn 'Abbas and others said: "Allah sent down the Quran at one time from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to Bayt al-'Izzah in the first heaven, then it was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in stages according to events over twenty-three years." [Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/529]
2. Allah described it as being better than a thousand months, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): "The night of al-Qadr is better than a thousand months" [Noble Quran 97:3]
3. Allah described it as being blessed, as He said (interpretation of the meaning): "We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night" [Noble Quran 44:3]
4. On this night, the angels and the spirit [al-Ruh] descend, "i.e. many angels descend of this night because it is so blessed, and the angels come down when Allah's blessing and mercy come down, just as they come down when Quran is recited, and they surround the circles of dhikr (gatherings where Allah is remembered), and they beat their wings for the one who sincerely seeks knowledge, out of respect for him." [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/531]. The spirit [al-Ruh] is Jibril (peace be upon him) who is specifically mentioned in this manner as a sign of respect for him.
5. This night is described as peace, i.e. it is safe, for the Shaytan cannot do any evil or cause any harm on this night, as Mujahid said. [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/531]. On this night, many people are saved from punishment because of what they do to worship Allah, may He be glorified.
6. "Therein (that night) is decreed every matter of ordainments" [al-Dukhan 44:4 - interpretation of the meaning], i.e. the affairs of that year are dispatched from al-Lawh al-Mahfooz to the angels who record the decrees: who will live, who will die, what provision people will be given, what will happen until the end of that year, every matter of ordainments is decreed, and it cannot be altered or changed. [See Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 4/137, 138]. All of this is already known to Allah before it is even written down, but He makes known to the angels what is to happen, and commands them to do whatever they are enjoined to do. [Sharh Sahih Muslim li'al-Nawawi, 8/57].
7. Allah forgives the previous sins of the one who stays up and prays during this night out of faith and in hope of earning the reward from Him. It was reported in the hadith of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven, and whoever stays up during Laylat al-Qadr out of faith and in the hope of earning reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven." [Agreed upon]. The phrase "out of faith and in the hope of earning reward" means, believing in Allah's promise of reward for this, and seeking the reward, with no other aim or purpose, such as showing off etc." [Fath al-Bari, 4/251].

Allah has revealed a surah concerning this night which will be recited until the Day of Resurrection, in which He mentions the honor and great value of this night. This is the surah in which He says (interpretation of the meaning):
1. "Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (decree).
2. And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (decree) is?
3. The Night of Al-Qadr (decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months).
4. Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril] by Allah's permission with all decrees.
5. (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn." [Noble Quran 97:1-5]

The phrase “and what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (decree) is?” serves to draw attention to the importance and great significance of this night.

“The Night of Al-Qadr (decree) is better than a thousand months” means, it is better than over eighty three years, as we have already mentioned. This is a great virtue, the value of which no one can fully understand except the Lord of the worlds, may He be blessed and exalted. This encourages the Muslim to spend this night in prayer and to seek the Face of Allah by doing so. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to seek this night, hoping to gain some good from it, and he is the example for this Ummah.

It is mustahabb to seek it during Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights of the month. It was reported in Sahih Muslim that Abu Sa'id al-Khudri said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did I'tikaf during the first ten days of Ramadan, then he did I'tikaf during the middle ten days in a Turkish tent [the word qubbah, translated here as "tent", refers to a tent or any circular structure] in which a mat was placed. He said: “So he took the mat in his hand and put it at the side of the tent, then he raised his head to speak to the people, so they came closer to him. He said: "I did I'tikaf during the first ten days, seeking this night, and then I did I'tikaf during the middle ten days. Then someone came to me and told me that it is in the last ten days, so whoever among you wants to do I'tikaf, let him do so." So the people did I'tikaf with him. He said: "I was shown an odd-numbered night, in the morning of which I was prostrating in mud and water". Then in the morning of the twenty-first, he got up to pray Subh and it was raining; the roof of the Mosque leaked, and there was mud and water. He came out when he had finished praying, and there was mud and water on his forehead and nose. That was the morning of the twenty-first, one of the last ten days. [Sahih Muslim, 1167].

In a report, Abu Sa'id said: "It rained on the night of the twenty-first, and the roof of the Mosque leaked over the place where the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was praying. I looked at him, when he had finished praying Salat al-Subh, and his face was wet with mud and water." [Agreed upon]. Muslim narrated a hadith from 'Abd-Allah ibn Unays that was similar to the hadith of Abu Sa'id, except that he said, "It rained on the night of the twenty-third." According to a hadith narrated by Ibn 'Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/260].

Laylat al-Qadr is in the last ten days of Ramadan, as stated in the hadith of Abu Sa'id quoted above, and as stated in the hadith of A'ishah, and in the hadith of Ibn 'Umar who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten days of Ramadan." [The hadith of 'A'ishah was narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/259; the hadith of Ibn 'Umar was narrated by Muslim, 2/823. This wording is that of the hadith of 'A'ishah].

It is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights, because of the hadith of 'A'ishah who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd-numbered nights of the last ten nights." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/259]

We should seek it especially in the odd-numbered nights, i.e. on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. It was reported in al-Sahihayn that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek it in the last ten nights, on the odd-numbered nights." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1912, see also, 1913. Also narrated by Muslim, 1167, see also 1165].

According to the hadith of Ibn 'Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, when there are nine left, when there are seven left, when there are five left." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1917-1918]. So it is more likely to be one of the odd-numbered nights.

In Sahih al-Bukhari it was narrated that 'Ubadah ibn al-Samit said: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) came out to tell us when Laylat al-Qadr was, and two of the Muslims were arguing. He said: "I came out to tell you when Laylat al-Qadr was, and so and so were arguing, so it [the knowledge of when Laylat al-Qadr] was taken away from me. Perhaps this is better for you. So seek it on the ninth and the seventh and the fifth" [al-Bukhari, 1919], i.e. on the odd-numbered nights.

This hadith indicates how bad it is to argue and fight, especially with regard to matters of religion, and that this is a cause of goodness being taken away or concealed.

Shaykh al-Islam ibn Taymiyah said: "But odd-numbers have to do with what is past [i.e. when one starts counting from the beginning of the month], so it should be sought on the twenty-first, the twenty-third, the twenty-seventh or the twenty-ninth; or it may be with regard to what is left, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'when there are nine left, or seven left, or five left, or three left.' On this basis, if the month has thirty days, these will be even-numbered nights, so on the twenty-second there will be nine days left, on the twenty-fourth there will be seven days left. This is how it was explained by Abu Sa'eed al-Khudri in the Sahih hadith, and this is how the Prophet (peace be upon him) prayed qiyam during this month. If this is the case, then the believer should seek it in all of the last ten days." [al-Fatawa, 25/284, 285].

Laylat al-Qadr is more likely to be in the last seven days. Ibn 'Umar reported that a man among the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was shown Laytal al-Qadr in a dream, and that it was one of the last seven nights. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "It seems that your dreams agreed that it is one of the last seven nights, so whoever wants to seek it, let him seek it in the last seven nights." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1911; Muslim, 1165]. Muslim reported: "Seek it in the last ten nights, and if any of you are weak or unable to do that, then let him not miss the last seven."

It is most likely to be on the night of the twenty-seventh. It was reported, in a hadith narrated by Ahmad from Ibn 'Umar, and a hadith narrated by Abu Dawud from Mu'awiyah, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Laylat al-Qadr is the night of the twenty-seventh." [Musnad Ahmad and Sunan Abu Dawud, 1386]. The view that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is the opinion of most of the Sahabah and the majority of scholars, and Ubayy ibn Ka'b used to assert, without saying "insha'Allah", that it was the night of the twenty-seventh. Zurr ibn Hubaysh said: I said: What makes you say that, O Abu'l-Mundhir? He said: By the signs of which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told us: That the sun rises that morning with no visible rays. [Narrated by Muslim, 2/268].

Many marfu' ahadith were narrated which said that it was on this particular night.

Ibn 'Abbas also stated that it is the night of the twenty-seventh. He reached this conclusion by means of an amazing process. It was reported that 'Umar gathered the Sahabah together and included Ibn 'Abbas even though he was very young. They said, "Ibn 'Abbas is like one of our children. Why have you brought him here with us?" 'Umar said: "He is a youth who has a good mind and who asks lots of questions." Then he asked the Sahabah about Laylat al-Qadr, and they agreed that it was one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. He asked Ibn 'Abbas about it, and he said: "I think I know when it is, it is the night of the twenty-seventh." 'Umar said, "What makes you think that?" He said, "Allah made the heavens seven, and the earths seven, and the days seven, and He created man from seven, and He made Tawaf seven (circuits), and al-Sa'i seven, and the stoning of the Jamar seven." So Ibn' Abbas thought that it was the night of the twenty-seventh because of this analysis. This has been soundly reported from Ibn 'Abbas. Another of the ways in which the conclusion was reached that it is the night of the twenty-seventh is by noting that the word fihaa (therein) in the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): "Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibril]" [Noble Quran 97:4] is the twenty-seventh word of Surat al-Qadr [in the original Arabic].

There is no shar'i evidence (dalil) to support this manner of analysis, and there is no need for such calculations, because we have sufficient shar'i evidence available to us.

The fact that it is usually the night of the twenty-seventh - and Allah knows best - does not mean that this is always the case. It could be the night of the twenty-first, as mentioned in the hadith of Abu Sa'id quoted above, or it could be the twenty-third, as mentioned in the report of 'Abd-Allah ibn Unays quoted above. According to a hadith narrated by Ibn 'Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Seek it in the last ten days of Ramadan, when there are nine days left, and seven days left, and five days left." [Narrated by al-Bukhari, 4/260].

Some of the scholars thought that it is more likely that Laylat al-Qadr moves and does not come on a specific night each year. Al-Nawawi said: "This is the apparent meaning because of the conflict between the Sahih ahadith on this matter, and there is no way to reconcile the ahadith apart from saying that Laylat al-Qadr moves." [al-Majmu', 6/450].

Allah has concealed this night so that His slaves will strive to seek it, and will strive hard in worship, just as He has concealed the hour of Jumu'ah, and so on.

So the believer should strive hard during the days and nights of these ten days, seeking Laylat al-Qadr and following the example of our Prophet (peace be upon him) and he should strive in making du'a' and seeking to draw close to Allah.

It was reported that 'A'ishah said: "I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, what do you think, if I witness Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?' He said: 'Say, O Allah, You are forgiving and generous, and you love forgiveness, so forgive me.'" [Narrated by Imam Ahmad, al-Tirmidhi (3515) and Ibn Majah (3850). Its isnad is Sahih].

Thirdly, a greater virtue is attached to I'tikaf on this night than on any other night of the year. I'tikaf means staying in the mosque to worship Allah, may He be exalted. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to spend these ten days in I'tikaf, as stated in the hadith of Abu Sa'id quoted above. He spent the first ten days in I'tikaf, then the middle ten days, then he told them that he had been seeking Laylat al-Qadr, and that he had been shown that it was in the last ten days, and he said: "Whoever was doing I'tikaf with me, let him do I'tikaf for the last ten days." It was reported from 'A'ishah that the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to do I'tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, then his wives did I'tikaf after him. [Agreed upon]. There is also a similar report narrated from Ibn 'Umar.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) wanted to do I'tikaf, he would pray Fajr, then enter the place where he was to do I'tikaf, as was stated in al-Sahihayn from the hadith of 'A'ishah.

The four imams and others (may Allah have mercy on them) said that he entered it before the sun set, and they interpreted the hadith as meaning that he entered his place of I'tikaf and kept away from people after Salat al-Subh, not that this was the time when he started his I'tikaf. [See Sharh Muslim li'al-Nawawi, 8/68, 69; Fath al-Bari, 4/277]. It is Sunnah for the person in I'tikaf to keep himself busy with worship, and it is forbidden for him to have intercourse or to do anything that leads to it, because Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): "And do not have sexual relations with them (your wives) while you are in I'tikaf (i.e. confining oneself in a Mosque for prayers and invocations leaving the worldly activities) in the Mosques" [Noble Quran 2:187].

And he should not go out of the mosque except in the case of a pressing need.

The signs by which Laylat al-Qadr is known

The first sign: It was reported in Sahih Muslim from the hadith of Ubayy ibn Ka'b that the Prophet (peace be upon him) announced that one of its signs was that when the sun rose on the following morning, it had no (visible) rays. [Muslim, 762].

The second sign: It was reported from the hadith of Ibn 'Abbas narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah, and by al-Tayalisi in his Musnad, with a Sahih isnad, that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Laylat al-Qadr is a pleasant night, neither hot nor cold, and the following day the sun rises red and weak." [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, 2912; Musnad al-Tayalisi].
The third sign: It was reported by al-Tabarani with a hasan isnad from the hadith of Wathilah ibn al-Asqa' that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Laylat al-Qadr is a bright night, neither hot nor cold, in which no meteors are seen." [Narrated by al-Tabarani in al-Kabir. See Majma' al-Zawa'id, 3/179; Musnad Ahmad].

These three Sahih ahadith explain the signs which indicate Laylat al-Qadr.

It is not essential for the one who "catches" Laylat al-Qadr to know that he has "caught" it. The point is to strive hard and to be sincere in worship, whether or not one knows that one has "caught" it. It may be that some of those who do not know that may be better with Allah and higher in status than those who did know which night it was, because the former strove hard. We ask Allah to accept our fasting and our prayer at night, and to help us to remember Him and to thank Him and to worship Him properly. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Source:
http://www.fastramadan.com/last_10_nights.php

Dua for Laylatul Qadar


Saturday, September 4, 2010

When the Night Equals a Thousand by Muhammad Alshareef

It was narrated that in the days that Musa (alayhis salaam) wandered with Bani Israeel in the desert, an intense drought befell them. Together, they raised their hands towards the heavens praying for the blessed rain to come. Then, to the astonishment of Musa (alayhis salaam) and all those watching, the few scattered clouds that were in the sky vanished, the heat poured down, and the drought intensified.

It was revealed to Musa that there was a sinner amongst the tribe of Bani Israeel who had disobeyed Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) for more than forty years of his life. “Let him separate himself from the congregation,” Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) told Musa (alayhis salaam). “Only then shall I shower you all with rain.”

Musa (alayhis salaam) then called out to the throngs of humanity, “There is a person amongst us who has disobeyed Allah for forty years. Let him separate himself from the congregation and only then shall we be rescued from the drought.”

That man waited, looking left and right, hoping that someone else would step forward, but no one did. Sweat poured forth from his brow and he knew that he was the one. The man knew that if he stayed amongst the congregation all would die of thirst and that if he stepped forward he would be humiliated for all eternity.

He raised his hands with a sincerity he had never known before, with humility he had never tasted, and as tears poured down on both cheeks he said, “O Allah, have mercy on me! O Allah, hide my sins! O Allah, forgive me!”

As Musa (alayhis salaam) and the people of Bani Israeel waited for the sinner to step forward, the clouds hugged the sky and the rain poured. Musa (alayhi salaam) asked Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala), “O Allah, you blessed us with rain even though the sinner did not come forward.”

And Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) replied, “O Musa, it is for the repentance of that very person that I blessed all of Bani Israeel with water.”

Musa (alayhis salaam), wanting to know who this blessed man was, asked, “Show him to me O Allah!”

Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) replied, “O Musa, I hid his sins for forty years, do you think that after his repentance I shall expose him?”

Ibn Jareer narrates on the authority of Mujaahid, that there was a man from Bani Israeel who used to spend the night in prayer. Then during the day he would fight the enemy in the way of Allah until the evening and he did this for a thousand months. And so Allah revealed: Verily, We have sent it (the Qur’an) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny or the Night of Power). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr is? The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah this night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months) (Al-Qadr 97/1-3).

Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) revealed the Qur’an in the most blessed month – the month of Ramadan. And on the 27th night of this month comes the Night of Al-Qadr (Laylatul Qadr), which is better than a thousand months. On the authority of Mujaahid, Sufyaan Ath-Thawree reports that Laylatul Qadr being better than a thousand months means that the good deeds performed on it, fasting on it, and standing in prayer on it are better than a thousand months worth of good deeds, prayer and fasting.

It is reported from Abu Hurayrah that when the month of Ramadan came, the Messenger of Allah said: “The month of Ramadan has come, a blessed month in which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast; in it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained. In it is a night better than a thousand months; whoever loses the benefit of it has lost something irreplaceable” (Imam Ahmad and An-Nasaa'i).

It is reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that Allah’s Messenger (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever stood in prayer on Laylatul Qadr in faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, he will have all of his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).

This one night surpasses the value of 30,000 nights. The sincere believer, who worries day and night about his sins and phases of neglect in his life, patiently awaits the onset of Ramadan. During it, he hopes to be forgiven by Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala) for past sins, knowing that the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) promised that all who bow down during the last ten days shall have all their sins forgiven. To achieve this, the believer remembers the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam’s) advice in different sayings wherein he used words like ‘seek’, ‘pursue’, ‘search’ and ‘look hard’ for Laylatul Qadr.

Laylatul Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. The mu‘min should search for it in the last ten nights of Ramadan, passing the nights in worship and obedience. For those who catch the opportunity, their gift is that of past sins wiped away.

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) illustrated for us some of the things we should be doing on this grand night. From his blessed Sunnah we find the following:

Praying Qiyaam (Night Prayer):

It is recommended to make a long qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylatul Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many ahadith, such as: “Whoever stands [in qiyaam] in Laylatul Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation [of Allah’s reward], will have all of his previous sins forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim).

Making Supplications:

It is also recommended to make extensive supplications on this night. Aisha (radi Allahu anha) reported that she asked Allah’s Messenger (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam): “O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylatul Qadr, what should I say during it?” And he instructed her to say, “Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa ‘fu ‘annee – O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness so forgive me” (Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi).

Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship:

It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylatul Qadr is likely to fall. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’aala). Aisha (radi Allahu anha) reported: “When the [last] ten nights started, the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izhaar [i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship], spend the whole night awake [in prayer], and wake up his family” (Bukhari and Muslim).

And she, (radi Allahu anha), said: “Allah’s Messenger (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more [in worship] on the last ten than on other nights” (Muslim).

Have we estimated Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) correctly? Life is about people who take advantage of their opportunities to win the love of Allah (subhaanahu wa ta’ala), and Laylatul Qadr is one of them.

Abu Darda (radi Allahu anhu) was one of those who found an opportunity and won that which is greater than the heavens and the earth. An adult companion of the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) cultivated his garden next to the property of an orphan. The orphan claimed that a specific palm tree was on his property and thus belonged to him. The companion rejected the claim, so the orphan boy went to the Messenger of Allah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) to complain. With his justness, the Messenger of Allah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) measured the two gardens and found that the palm tree did indeed belong to the companion. The orphan erupted crying. Seeing this, the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) asked the companion, “Would you give him the palm tree and to you is a palm tree in Jannah?” However, the companion in his disbelief that an orphan would complain to the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam), missed the opportunity and went away angry.

But someone else saw the opportunity – Abu Darda (radi Allahu anhu). He went to the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) and asked, “Ya RasulAllah, if I buy the tree from him and give it to the orphan shall I have that tree in Jannah?”

The Messenger of Allah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) replied, “Yes.”

Abu Darda (radi Allahu anhu) chased after the companion and asked, “Would you sell that tree to me for my entire garden?”

The companion answered, “Take it, for there is no good in a tree that I was complained to the Prophet about.”

Immediately, Abu Darda (radi Allahu anhu) went home and found his wife and children playing in the garden. “Leave the garden!” shouted Abu Darda. “We’ve sold it to Allah! We’ve sold it to Allah!” Some of his children had dates in their hand and he snatched the dates from them and threw them back into the garden. “We’ve sold it to Allah!”

When Abu Darda was later martyred in the battle of Uhud, RasulAllah (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam) stood over his slain body and remarked, “How many shady palm trees does Abu Darda now have in Paradise?”

What did Abu Darda lose? Dates? Bushes? Dirt? What did he gain? He gained a Jannah whose expanse is the heavens and the earth.

Abu Darda did not miss his opportunity, and I pray to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) that we do not miss our opportunity of standing to Allah on Laylatul Qadr.

Dear brothers and sisters, we do not obey, worship and revere Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) in a way befitting of His Majesty.

Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) revealed: No just estimate have they made of Allah, such as is due to Him. On the Day of Resurrection the whole of the earth will be but His handful, and the heavens will be rolled up in His right hand. Glory to Him! High is He above the partners they attribute to Him (Az-Zumar 39/67).

When someone dies we say inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon (indeed to Allah we belong and indeed to Him we shall return). This is not a supplication just for when a soul is lost. It is a supplication for every calamity that befalls a believer, even if his sandal were to tear. Why? Because everything belongs to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) and everything shall come back to him. Sit and try to count the blessings Allah has bestowed upon you. Have you ever tried to count stars?

And He has given you all that you ask for. But if you count the favors of Allah, never will you be able to number them. Verily, man is given up to injustice and ingratitude (Ibrahim 14/34).

We have not understood the weight of this Qur’an that we rest on our high shelves; this noble book that was sent to give life to the dead. For even if our hearts were as solid as mountain they would have crumbled to the ground in fear and hope of Allah’s punishment and mercy. Could it be that our hearts are harder than that mountain?

Had We sent down this Qur’an on a mountain, verily, you would have seen it humble itself and split asunder in fear of Allah (Al-Hashr 59/21).

Dear brothers and sisters, as you fill the Masajid for Qiyam-ul-Layl in the last ten nights of Ramadan, remember what Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala) wants you to know: that Allah is strict in punishment and that Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

There shall be a night, some night in your life, that you shall awaken in Jannah or Hellfire. On his deathbed, Anas ibn Malik (radi Allahu anhu) prayed to Allah (subhaanahu wa ta ‘aala), “O Allah, protect me from a night whose morning brings a journey to Hellfire.” Think about that morning.

Peace shall descend on Laylatul Qadr until the dawn. It may be that you shall leave the Masjid after Fajr one day soon forgiven by Allah, Glorious and Most High.

Source:
http://www.khutbah.com/en/ramadan_hajj/night.php

Tips for Ramadan Taraweeh (Tarawih) Prayers

Tip number one: Do not fill your belly to bursting point at iftaar time! I’m sure you’ve heard that many times already, but it’s worth repeating; it’s that important to remember. If the Masjid is too warm, you’ll get sleepy during Qiyam. If you go for all 20 rakaat, you’ll likely get a stitch! Would you eat a full meal an hour before swimming? The same logic applies here.

Tip number two: Try to avoid spicy/smelly foods at iftaar time. Instead, indulge your chili and garlic taste buds when you return home. Even if you brush your teeth real well before leaving for the Masjid, your breath will still smell of digesting curry, and it’s simply not good manners to inflict others with that kind of hardship! Especially when they’re trying to worship Allah in peace.

Tip number three: Don’t sit or lie down after iftaar. Get ready to leave for the Mosque straight away, as otherwise you’ll just get lazier, and more tired as the seconds tick by. Also, leave the dishes and cleaning until you return home, because it’s just a waste of your precious time at that moment, and it will make you late to get that good spot in the front row!

Tip number four: Take someone with you to the Mosque. Having company on your journey has many benefits: one, there is safety in numbers (especially important for sisters traveling late at night); second, if you’re car-pooling, you’ll get the reward of helping fellow Muslims in their worship (and of course, saving the environment); third, it may give you, or your companion, greater encouragement to fulfill the Sunnah of attending the Taraweeh prayers. Basically, it’s all good, insha’Allah!

Tip number five: Read an English translation of the Qur’an, bit by bit, every day. I personally do not know very much Arabic; just a few words that are oft-repeated in the Qur’an. Therefore, I tend to easily lose concentration during the recitation, and more importantly, I do not fully appreciate the wisdom, warnings, and lessons that are being shared with me through Allah’s words. That’s like 70% of the value of Taraweeh lost, right there! Therefore, this year I decided to take a few minutes out in my day to read the English translation of the part of the Qur’an that I predict the Imam will recite the same evening. I’ve asked around, and most Imams usually get through a Juz and a bit per night, in their aim to complete the Qur’an by the 27th night.

So with this new plan in mind, for the first four nights of Ramadan, I simply read the translation, and went to the mosque empty-handed, and waited for random familiar words to jog my memory. Alhamdulillah, it worked around 50% of the time, and my concentration improved greatly as I intensely listened out for my ‘cues’. However, there were still chunks of recitation where my face was all screwed up in confusion, as I had little idea of what was being said. On the fifth night, I decided to take the translation with me, so I could read short passages during the breaks in between each prayer unit. Alhamdulillah, this drastically improved my rate of recall, and I felt I had a good idea of what was being recited about 90% of the time! Though, admittedly, it does depend on the speed of the reciter.

For best results, calmly read the entire portion that you think will be recited (or as much as you can) before arriving at the Mosque. Then, during the rest breaks, speed-read through the few paragraphs that you predict will be recited in the following two rakat.

Of course, if you’re ‘in’ with the Imam, you could simply ask him for the exact bits of the Qur’an that he will be covering each night – I don’t have that luxury, hence all the ‘predictions’.

If you’re already blessed with a working knowledge of Arabic, masha’Allah, then try to read the tafseer regularly instead, for a deeper appreciation of the recitation.

Tip number six: Save up some dua. Depending on how many rakat your mosque completes per night, you will have multiple opportunities to make dua during the blessed moments of sujood. Pick a few ‘faves’ and try to fit them in when you can.

Tip number seven: A special one for the ladies. If you’re not in a state to pray Taraweeh due to menses or nifaas (post-childbirth bleeding), you can still benefit from the community spirit of worship, by sitting in a place away from the masallah (i.e. the place where people make sujood), with a copy of the English-Arabic Qur’an, and silently follow the Imam as he recites. Make sure not to touch the words of Allah directly in an impure state – wear gloves, or use some other clean barrier to touch the pages.

Disclaimer: I am aware of differences of opinion in this matter, so please consult with your Imam or other local knowledgeable person if you’re not sure. If you don’t wish to attend the Masjid, then you can always watch an online transmission of the Taraweeh from Masjid-al-Haram in Makkah Mukarramah.

Source:
http://muslimmatters.org/2009/08/29/tips-for-ramadan-taraweeh-tarawih-prayers/

Friday, September 3, 2010

18 Tips to Enjoy Taraweeh/Tahajjud!

One of the best experiences of Ramadan is the beauty of the night prayer, standing in Taraweeh/Tahajjud. Yet many people don’t feel the effect of night prayer upon their hearts, and instead complain of aching feet and back pains!

Here are some practical tips that would help you enjoy this experience each night inshaAllah:

1. Dress in your best: Dress smart (don’t go in your pjs); brush your teeth, perfume yourself (anything but smelling like fried food).

2. Eat healthy: Eat light during iftaar, get your tea/coffee or whatever gives you the “punch” so you have the ‘feel good factor’ before you pray.

3. Breath and relax: During Taraweeh, stand with your feet apart. Also, take long deep breaths during Salah. This is very helpful.

4. Read: Take your copy of the Quran and follow the Imam’s recitation. (Note: Please be aware of the difference of opinion, and kindly check with a local scholar.)

5. Plan to donate: Carry change/cash and make an intention to drop all of it in the charity box.


6. Distract children: If you have children who might distract others during prayer, take some Ramadan theme coloring activity sheets: See Ramadhan-coloring-pages.

7. Be positive: Go with the mindset that you’re going to enjoy the experience. Many people assume it’s going to be long, monotonous, slow recitation, etc. Get rid of such negative thoughts, they won’t help you!

8. Remember the rewards: Refresh your mind of the reward in performing this prayer, it’s exclusivity to Ramadan, and the exciting thoughts of being amongst hundreds of other Muslims.

9. Remember Allah & your last moments often: Recite adkhar as you walk to the Masjid and remind yourself that this may be your last prayer as we never know when our souls will depart from the world.

10. Aim for Ihsan: The best khushu of course, is to pray with being conscious of Allah (Subahanahu Wa Ta’la). Make Dua that Allah increases your concentration and the ability to focus.

11. Focus on the recitation: One of the many reasons why we can’t gain the heartfelt connection in Taraweeh is due to lack of focus and understanding of the Qur’an. Follow the recitation, even if you can’t understand the words and make the effort to listen to the words of your Lord.

12. Translate the verses: To increase your understanding of the Qur’an in Taraweeh, firstly read the translation before the evening’s Taraweeh especially if you know which Surah the Imam is going to recite that day.

13. Search the Arabic words you know: Use whatever Arabic you do know to understand certain words from the Quranic recitation. When the Imam recites a verse with the word “naar” (fire) in it, imagine the hellfire, how hot it will be, and how it would feel to be in that fire. When you hear “Jannah” remember Paradise and all the bounties within.

14. Pick up some vocabulary: Similarly, make an effort of learning the more common Arabic words that appear in the Quran, e.g. the names and attributes of Allah. Some common words recited in the Quran can be found here: understandquran.com

15. Front rows: Get your spot in the first row. This minimizes distractions from fidgety people and everything else!

16. Get a Taraweeh buddy: Encourage someone who doesn’t generally attend Taraweeh to go with you or drive them to the Masjid if it’s far. This would strengthen your will to go each night inshaAllah.

17. Say Salam: Greet the person on either side of you at the Masjid with Salam and thank Allah for this beautiful religion of peace.

18. Get up & stand up for Allah: Remember when you stand in Salah that you’re standing in front of Allah. So no slouching or fidgeting, you’re standing in front of the King of Kings! Keep that in mind and that should straighten your back and help you focus more!

Try these steps above as you stand in longer night prayers, especially in these final nights of Ramadan and share with us below how you come away feeling next time.

Source:
http://productiveramadan.com/?p=1098

Thursday, September 2, 2010

How to Seek Laylatul Qadr by Shaykh Muhammad Nasir-ud-Deen al-Albani

Laylat ul-Qadr is the most blessed night. A person who misses it has indeed missed a great amount of good. If a believing person is zealous to obey his Lord and increase the good deeds in his record, he should strive to encounter this night and to pass it in worship and obedience. If this is facilitated for him, all of his previous sins will be forgiven.

1. Praying Qiyaam

It is recommended to make a long Qiyaam prayer during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr could fall. This is indicated in many hadeeths, such as the following: Abu Tharr (radhiallahu `anhu) relates: "We fasted with Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) in Ramadaan. He did not lead us (in qiyaam) at all until there were seven (nights of Ramadaan) left. Then he stood with us (that night - in prayer) until one third of the night had passed. He did not pray with us on the sixth. On the fifth night, he prayed with us until half of the night had passed. So we said, 'Allah's Messenger! Wouldn't you pray with us the whole night?' He replied: 'Whoever stands in prayer with the Imaam until he (the Imaam) concludes the prayer, it is recorded for him that he prayed the whole night.'…" [Recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah, Abu Dawud, at-Tirmithi (who authenticated it), an-Nasa'i, Ibn Majah, at-Tahawi (in Sharhu Ma`an il-Athar, Ibn Nasr, al-Faryabi, and al-Bayhaqi. Their isnad is authentic.]

[Point of benefit: Abu Dawud mentioned: "I heard Ahmad being asked, 'Do you like for a man to pray with the people or by himself during Ramadan?' He replied, 'Pray with the people.' I also heard him say, 'I would prefer for one to pray (qiyaam) with the Imaam and to pray witr with him as well, for the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "When a man prays with the Imaam until he concludes, it is recorded that he prayed the rest of that night." [Masaa'il]

Abu Hurayrah (radhiallahu `anhu) narrated that the Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever stands (in qiyaam) in Laylat ul-Qadr [and it is facilitated for him] out of faith and expectation (of Allah's reward), will have all of his previous sins forgiven." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim; the addition "and it is facilitated for him" is recorded by Ahmad from the report of `Ubaadah Bin as-Samit; it means that he is permitted to be among the sincere worshippers during that blessed night.]

2. Making Supplications

It is also recommended to make extensive supplication on this night. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported that she asked Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam), "O Messenger of Allah! If I knew which night is Laylat ul-Qadr, what should I say during it?" And he instructed her to say: "Allahumma innaka `afuwwun tuhibbul `afwa fa`fu `annee - O Allah! You are forgiving, and you love forgiveness. So forgive me." [Recorded by Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and at-Tirmithi. Verified to be authentic by Al-Albani]

3. Abandoning Worldly Pleasures for the Sake of Worship

It is further recommended to spend more time in worship during the nights on which Laylat ul-Qadr is likely to be. This calls for abandoning many worldly pleasures in order to secure the time and thoughts solely for worshipping Allah. `A'ishah (radhiallahu `anha) reported: "When the (last) ten started, the Prophet (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) would tighten his izaar (i.e. he stayed away from his wives in order to have more time for worship), spend the whole night awake (in prayer), and wake up his family." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

And she said: "Allah's Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam) used to exert more (in worship) on the last ten than on other nights." [Muslim]

Source:
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=406612891515