The Blessed Days of Dhu al-Hijjah
(It’s virtues and various acts to perform)
Adapted from Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali’s Lata’if al-ma’arif on the section of Dhu al-hijjah
Ustadha Bint Ahmad
(Al-Zahra Institute, London)
With the name of Allah, the All-Merciful, the Very-Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah alone and blessings and peace be upon his beloved, Muhammad, his family, his companions, all of them.
In the Qur’an, Allah takes oaths by various entities to highlight their importance. From amongst these entities, one aspect by which He takes an oath is time. Time is one of the greatest bounties of Allah bestowed upon mankind. In the pursuit of living a life in the obedience of Allah, it is essential that every individual continually reflects over this blessing.
Time in and of itself is a great bounty. However, from amongst the twelve Islamic months of the year, Allah has made some times superior than others. Some times are golden times in which the reward of simple acts is multiplied abundantly. Examples illustrating this are in the following verses where Allah specifically makes mention of certain important periods in the Muslim calendar:
Allah says: “Among them are four sacred months…”. (al-Tawbah: V26)
And he says: “The hajj is known months”. (al-Baqarah: V197)
And he says: “The month of Ramadhan in which the Qur’an was revealed”. (al-Baqarah: V185)
These special days are full of virtues and acts of obedience by which one can draw close to Allah. During these virtuous days Allah unveils an extra compassion from his benevolent nature through which one can attain whatever he wishes from Allah’s favour and mercy upon him. The fortunate one is a person who enriches himself in these virtuous days, months and hours, by using them to attain the nearness of Allah and carrying out the acts of His obedience. It will surely be that such a person will acquire a moment from these virtuous times to have gained the fortune of everlasting success. One has the great potential to become from among those who are guaranteed a place in paradise and freedom from the fire of hell. (May Allah make us from amongst such people, Ameen)
A common phrase used by time conscious individuals is ‘Time is of the essence’. A believer is ever more conscious about time as one is unaware of when they will breathe their last. For this reason every Muslim strives to live an obedient life and is constantly striving to increase in righteous deeds. There are certain times, days and months where the rewards of righteous deeds are multiplied and attaining salvation in these days becomes easier. From amongst these days are the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.
DHU AL-HIJJAH
The month of Dhu al-hijjah is named after the performance of the sacred pilgrimage (hajj) which occurs within it. Although this year every Muslim will not undertake the wonderful journey of hajj, it is still important to be aware of the blessings of this month. With the days of Dhu al-Hijjah fast approaching, it is necessary for each of us to understand its sacredness, the incidents which occurred within it and the virtuous acts in which to participate in order to attain the nearness of Allah.
The virtues within this month can be divided into:
a. The virtues of the first 10 days
b. The virtues of the 9th Dhu al-Hijjah (yawm al-‘arafah)
c. The day of ‘Id (yawm al-nahr)
d. The 11th,12th and 13th Dhu al-Hijjah (ayyam al-tashriq)
Along with understanding the virtues it is equally important to know which acts should be performed to truly benefit and attain the nearness of Allah in these extra special days. After discussing the virtues of each of the four above, a few acts to carry out will also be stated.
THE VIRTUES OF THE FIRST 10 DAYS
In the Qur’an Allah takes an oath:
“And the 10 nights” (Al-Fajr: V 2)
Many of the Qur’anic exegetes including Ibn ‘Abbas, Mujahid and many from them state that the ten nights mentioned in this verse refer to the first ten days of Dhul al-Hijjah, and this is the correct opinion. (Ibn Kathir)
The ten nights by which Allah takes an oath are full of merits. The days in and of themselves are virtuous as are the performance of righteous deeds within them. This can be understood from the words of our beloved Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace).
Ibn ‘Abbas narrates: The Messenger (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days” (i.e the first ten days of Dhu al-hijjah). (Bukhari)
Jabir narrates: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There are no days more virtuous to Allah than the ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah”. (Ibn Hibban)
Hafidh Ibn Hajr al-Asakalani mentions:
The reason why the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah are distinguished is due to it being the time in which the foundational worships are collectively carried out i.e. salah, fasting, charity and hajj are carried out in conjunction with one another. These acts are not carried out collectively in any other days. (Sharh Bukhari: Fath al-Bari)
ACTS ONE CAN PERFORM ON THE FIRST 10 DAYS
After becoming aware of the various virtues the first ten days enjoy, it is essential that one does not let these day pass without performing righteous deeds and striving to attain eternal success. These are golden days where a believer can easily be forgiven and elevated as well as attain the pleasure of Allah, Most High.
Some of the acts one can undertake are:
1. Fasting the first nine days or as many as one can keep.
Hunaydah ibn Khalid narrated upon the authority of his wife who said, "Some of the wives of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) told me that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) used to fast the Day of ‘Ashurah, the first nine days of Dhu al-Hijjah, and three days out of every month". (Ahmad, Nasa’i)
2. Dhikr (the remembrance of Allah). This can be done by saying the takbir (Allahu akbar), the tahmid (al-hamdu li-Allah), the tasbih (subhana al-Allah) and the tahlil (la ilaha illa al-Allah).
Allah says, “…and recite Allah’s name in specified days” (al-Hajj: V28).
The specified days refer to the first ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah. By remembering Allah in these days one will be directly following the recommendation in this verse.
3. Performing the ‘Umrah and Hajj. This is only time in the year Muslims can undertake the journey of Hajj. This physical and spiritual journey entails one leaving behind many luxuries and totally submitting one’s self to Allah to be cleansed and elevated. One of the reasons why the ten days are so blessed is because they coincide with some of the days of hajj.
4. Repentance. During these blessed days there is a great opportunity to benefit from the extra benevolence unveiled from Allah, hence; one should set side time to repent for all sins- minor and major.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “The one who repents from sins is like he who has no sin”. (Ibn Majah, Baihaqi)
5. Refraining from sins.
It is important that each Muslim acknowledges that in order to gain the maximum benefit from righteous actions, it is essential to abstain from sins. Even if a person cannot perform any supererogatory acts, the least one should do is refrain from sin. One must be mindful of every type of sin, from the violation of the rights of Allah, to the rights of the creation of Allah, including sins of the physical body and sins of the tongue.
6. Increase in supererogatory acts in general.
These are days in which any righteous deed is more beloved in the eyes of Allah and more virtuous than if the very same acts were to be performed in the normal days of the year. This could include:
a. Recitation of the Qur’an.
Often after the month of the Ramadhan one loses the habit of reciting the Qur’an regularly. Use these days to increase in the recitation of the beautiful words of Allah to re-establish daily recitation.
b. Maintain ties.
When one becomes busy with work or studying maintaining good relationships with family, neighbours and friends becomes difficult. These days are a prime time to maintain good ties.
c. Supplicating to Allah.
This is a believer’s link to conversing with Allah. One should use these days to express ones gratitude and ask for ones lawful worldly needs as well as salvation in the hereafter.
d. Giving in charity.
THE VIRTUES OF THE 9TH DHU AL-HIJJAH (YAWM AL-‘ARAFAH)
There are numerous virtues of the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah which is known as yawm al-‘Arafah. This is the day where the pilgrims assemble on the plain of ‘Arafah to complete one of the essential rituals of the Hajj. From among the many merits of this day, a few are:
1. This is the day the religion was perfected and the blessings of Allah were complete. The following verse was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) on the day of ‘Arafah:
Allah says: “Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and have completed My blessing upon you, and chosen Islam as Dīn (religion and a way of life) for you”. (Al Maidah: V3)
The completion of Allah’s blessing refers to forgiveness for ones sins by Allah, as without it the blessings of Allah cannot be complete. This brings to light the importance of being forgiven by Allah.
2. Allah takes an oath by it twice in the Qur’an with the words shaf’ and shahid which some of the exegetes explained as both being the day of ‘Arafah, thereby highlighting the importance of this day.
Allah says: “And by the odd (shaf’)” (Al-Fajr: V3)
And Allah says: “And by that which attends (al-shahid)…” (Al-Buruj: V3)
The odd day refers to the 9th of Dhu al-Hijjah. Ibn Abbaas said: ‘… the odd is the Day of Arafah”. This is the view of ‘Ikramah and Dhahhak also. (Ibn Kathir)
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: “The shahid is the day of ‘Arafah”. (Al-Tirmidhi, Musnad Ahmad)
3. It is the best of all days.
Jabir narrates: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “The best of days is the day of ‘Arafah”. (Ibn Hibban). However there are other scholars of the opinion that the day of sacrifice (10th Dhu al-Hijjah) is the best day on the Islamic calendar.
4. Fasting on this very day is expiation of two years of sin.
5. It is a day of forgiveness from sins and emancipation from the fire of hell.
A’ishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrates: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There is no day greater than wherein Allah frees slaves than the day of ‘Arafah. Verily Allah comes near, then he boasts about them (the servants) to the angels, then he says: “What do these servants want?” (Muslim)
ACTS ONE CAN PERFORM ON THE DAY OF ‘ARAFAH
On the day of ‘Arafah every believer should strive to be forgiven from sin and emancipated from the fire of hell. One should be mindful of performing the following acts whereby this can be facilitated:
1. Fast on the day of ‘Arafah. The fast of this day is expiation for a person’s sins of the previous and upcoming year.
Abu Hafsah (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
"Fasting on the day of 'Arafah absolves the sins for two years: the previous year and the coming year” (Muslim)
2. Prevent one’s self from engaging in sin.
3. Abundant recitation of the testimony of the oneness of Allah with sincerity.
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said. “The best supplication is the supplication of the day of ‘Arafah, and best is that which I and the prophets before me said: La ilaha illa-Allahu wahdahu la sharoka lahu, lahu al-mulku wa lahu al-hamdu wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir”. (al-Tirmidhi)
4. Be sincere in repentance.
5. Supplicate to be saved from the fire of hell and placed in paradise and to be blessed with the everlasting pleasure of Allah.
THE VIRTUES OF THE 10TH DHU AL-HIJJAH (YAWM AL-NAHR)
The tenth of Dhu al-Hijjah is known as the day of sacrifice (yawm al-nahr). This is the day where in Muslims across the world celebrate ‘Id al-Adhah.
Some of the virtues found in the Qur’an and hadith are:
1. Allah has taken an oath by the world al-Watr (the even).
“…and by the even (al-watr)” (Al-Fajr: V3)
Some Qur’anic exegetes state that the even refers to the 10th Dhu Al-Hijjah. This once again accentuates the importance of yet another day from the blessed ten days of Dhu al-Hijjah.
2. It is the best of days. Earlier it was discussed that the best of all days is the day of ‘Arafah, another groups of scholars state that the best of all days in the year is the 10th of Dhu al-Hijjah.
‘Abd Allah ibn Qurt (May Allah be pleased with him) narrates: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The best of days to Allah is the day of sacrifice (yawm al-nahr) then the day of qarr (11th Dhu al-Hijjah)”. (Abu Daud, Ahmad, Nasa’i, Ibn Hibban).
3. It is the greatest day of hajj.
Ibn ‘Umar (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) stood between the jamarat (area pelted with stones) on the Day of Sacrifice during his Hajj and said, “This is the greatest day of Hajj.” (Bukhari)
On this day many acts are performed by the pilgrims performing hajj:
a) Stoning Jamrah al-‘Aqabah
b) Offering the sacrifice
c) Shaving the head or cutting the hair
d) Tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah)
e) Sa’ie (running between al-Safa and al-Marwah)
4. It is the day of ‘Id for all Muslims.
The Companion Anas (Allah be pleased with him) said, “The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) migrated to the city of Medina and saw the people celebrating two days of festivities. He said, ‘What are these two days?’ The people of Medina replied, ‘They were days of festivities in the pre-Islamic era (jahaliyya).’ Then he said, ‘Verily Allah has replaced these two days with (what) is better for you—the day of Adha and the day of Fitr” (Abu Daud)
5. It is the day of the offering of the sacrifice of an animal.
This is an act that pilgrims and many non-pilgrims throughout the world participate in. It is a reminder of the Prophet Ibrahim’s (May Allah be pleased with him) total submission to Allah when asked by Allah to slaughter his son. Allah’s request to the Prophet Ibrahim was a test of his submission, dedication and devotion to Allah. Upon success, Allah substituted his son’s body (the Prophet Isma’il) with a ram.
By sacrificing an animal Muslims demonstrate their willingness to carry out rituals for the sake of Allah and making sacrifices to demonstrate utmost submission to Allah.
This incident is mentioned in the Quran.
Allah says: “And he (Ibrahim) said, “I am going to my Lord. He will show me the way. O my Lord, bless me with a righteous son (Isma’il).”So, We gave him the good news of a forbearing boy.Thereafter, when he (the boy) reached an age in which he could work with him, he (Ibrāhīm) said, “O my little son, I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you, so consider, what is your opinion?” He said, “O my dear father, do what you have been ordered to do. You will find me, inshā’allah , (if Allah wills) one of those who endure patiently.”So, (it was a great episode) when both of them submitted themselves (to Allah’s will), and he laid him on his forehead (to slaughter him), and then We called out to him, “O Ibrāhīm, you did make the dream come true.” This is how We reward those who are good in their deeds. This was indeed a trial that clearly demonstrated (their obedience).And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,and We left for him (a word of praise) among the later people,(that is,) “Salām be on Ibrāhīm! This is how We reward those who are good in their deeds.” (Surah al-Saffat: V99-110)
ACTS ONE CAN PERFORM ON THE DAY OF SACRIFICE (‘ID AL-ADHAH)
The day of ‘Id is can often confused with many celebratory days of other religions and cultures. Therefore, it is necessary for each Muslim to understand the day of ‘Id thoroughly. It is not a break from the worship or obedience of Allah. On this ‘Id (the ‘Id of sacrifice) Muslims are encouraged to participate in the act of slaughtering an animal for the sake of Allah alone. This act symbolises submission to Allah, it promotes selflessness (as a portion of the meat is encouraged to be distributed to family and the poor), and it is a reminder to be grateful for the blessings of Allah unto mankind. It is to be understood that this day is yet another great opportunity to attain the nearness of Allah.
The acts that can be performed are:
1. Slaughtering an animal (one who is required in the shari’ah must offer the sacrifice)
2. Maintaining family ties.
3. Being charitable.
4. Refraining from sin. It is important that on this day one does not neglect the obligatory acts like the five mandatory prayers.
THE VIRTUES OF THE 11TH, 12TH AND 13TH DHU AL-HIJJAH (AYYAM AL-TAHSRIQ)
The days of tashriq are the three days that follow the day of sacrifice. Although these days are not a part of the first ten days, they still entail reward and blessings.
Allah says, “And remember Allah in the appointed days” (Al-baqarah: V203)
The ‘appointed days’ refers to these very three days in which Muslims are commanded to remember Allah. Within these days one is not allowed to fast; this is a reminder to Muslims that even the rewards of virtuous deeds are dependent on when Allah has intended for them to be meritorious.
The Messenger of Allah said, “The days of Mina are days of eating, drinking and remembering Allah”. (Muslim)
In this hadith again reference is being made to the days of tashriq.
ACTS ONE CAN PERFORM ON THE DAYS OF TASHRIQ
The days of tashriq are the appointed as the days wherein one should abundantly remember Allah. One should always try to engage in the remembrance of Allah; in these days this should be increased. This can be attained by the following:
1. After every obligatory prayer (from the fajr of the 9th till the asr of the 13th Dhu al-Hijjah) the takbir of tashriq should be recited. That is:
‘Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, La ilaha illa-Allah, wa-Allahu akbar, Allah akbar, wa li-Allahi ‘L-hamd.’
‘Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. There is no God but Him. And Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest. And to Allah belongs all praise.’
2. Remembering Allah with the basamalah (bi-Smillah) and with the takbir (Allahu akbar) at the time of slaughtering the animal.
3. Remembering Allah at the time of eating and drinking by mentioning his name to begin and finishing by praising him. Being extra mindful of this if one normally forgets to do so.
4. Being abundant in all forms of remembering Allah.
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The fiqh of ‘Id, the slaughter and the takbir of tashriq has not been mentioned. Each reader is advised to read on these issues too. This article was for the purpose of stating the virtues and suggesting beneficial acts to perform on these special days.
May Allah grant us all the ability to understand the virtue of these blessed days and the ability to do righteous deeds to attain His everlasting pleasure. Ameen.
Summary
1) The first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah are the most virtuous days of the year.
2) Virtues of performing good deeds during these days and the necessity of utilising time.
3) Examples of good deeds:
a. Salaah.
b. Recitation of the Qur’aan.
c. Fasting.
d. Charity.
e. Hajj.
4) Sacrificing Udh-hiyah, and the Sunnah regarding it.
Slaves of Allaah! You are approaching virtuous days; they are the best days as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said in an authentic hadeeth: “The best days in this life are the (first) ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah”. Furthermore, Allaah swore by them in His Book, and when Allaah swears by something, it is a reflection of its great importance. Allaah says that which translates to: “By the dawn. And the nights of the ten days” (Al-Fajr: 1-2). These are the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah and they include the day of ‘Arafah, about which the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “There is no day in which Allaah Frees more of His slaves from The Fire than the day of ‘Arafah” (Muslim). These ten days are concluded by the day of An-Nahr (sacrifice); then follows the day of Al-Qarr. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The greatest days in the scale of Allaah are the days of An-Nahr and Al-Qarr” (Abu Daawood). The day of An-Nahr is the major day of Hajj and the day of ‘Eid; the day of Al-Qarr is the following day. Virtuous deeds have a magnified position during these days. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than the (first) ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah” (Ad-Daarimi), in another narration the companions asked: “Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Not even Jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except for a man who loses (sacrifices) both his wealth and life in a battle” (Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah, At-Tirmidhi).
What great virtues and what a great season! What an opportunity this is to collect greater rewards than that of Jihaad, which is the best deed after sound belief and punctual Salaah. This season represents a wonderful opportunity for those who want to compete in collecting rewards and a miserable loss for the idle, who shun such opportunities.
Slaves of Allaah! Compete for and rush towards the forgiveness of Allaah and paradise which is as wide as the heavens and earth and do not slacken and be unhurried, because the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Being laid-back is best in every matter except for good deeds” (Abu Daawood & Al-Haakim). One must compete and march forward when it comes to working for the hereafter as Allaah says that which translates as: “… So for this let the competitors compete” (Al-Mutaffifeen: 26) and also, “…So race to (all that is) good…” (Al-Baqarah: 148).
In this season, the roads leading to goodness are numerous, so do not miss out on any of them. The intelligent ones are those who exhaust themselves during this season to gain abundantly; you see many of them joining their days with their nights, continuously doing righteous deeds and hardly sleeping in order to get the most out of this season. On the other hand, you see those who put all their efforts into the attainment of worldly gains. The sad fact is that the result of all this effort would be, at most, the doubling of their capital - if indeed they do not actually lose it. As for the wise believers, nothing is dearer to them than increasing their efforts and righteous deeds that please the Lord, get them closer to Him and elevate their ranks; Allaah told us what pleases Him in His Book and through His messenger; Allaah will guide those who truly wish for goodness (if He Wills).
Salaah is one of the ways leading to goodness and something that Allaah loves. The slave must be keen to perform it in congregation as Allaah says that which translates to: “…And bow (in rukoo’) with those who bow” (Al-Baqarah: 43), and the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “He who hears the Adhaan (call for Salaah) and does not respond, his Salaah is not accepted, except with the congregation, unless he has a (valid) excuse” (Ibn Maajah) The excuse is either fear, sickness or rain.
A slave of Allaah who is guided would supply himself with optional Salaah in these ten days, because it is a path to goodness and something that Allaah loves. Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Salaah is the best thing that one can do, so perform as many as you possibly can” (At-Tabaraani) and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “Two light rak’ahs which you may think as insignificant to add to you deeds, is better for you than possessing the whole world” (Ibn Al-Mubaarak) he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said, as narrated by Abu Hurayrah, “The son of Aadam could not do anything more beneficial for himself than Salaah, reconciliation (between Muslims) and being well mannered” (Al-Bayhaqi and others).
These were three examples of good deeds that lead to righteousness, Salaah, reconciliation and being well mannered which are better than anything else that the son of Aadam can do, yet you see some people slight the performance of obligatory Salaah, let alone optional Salaah; you see them instigating disputes between people; and you see ill-mannered people who have lost out on the great reward for having a good character. So let us repent to Allaah from our sins, reform our situation and improve our manners.
A woman was praised in the presence of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam for her Salaah, fasting and other good deeds; her only flaw was that she harmed her neighbours. Upon hearing the praise, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “She is from the people of the Fire” (Ahmad). In reality, the guided ones are those who do all those things which please Allaah and refrain from all those things that cause His wrath, as some of the scholars said: “Wisdom is to perform what you are obliged to, in the correct manner and on time; he who is granted wisdom has attained a great deal of good”.
Some of the Ahaadeeth which mention the virtues of optional Salaah are as follows: “Prostrate as much as you can, because whenever you prostrate, Allaah elevates your rank by a degree and wipes out a sin from your record” (Muslim) and in another narration: “Whenever a slave prostrates to Allaah, Allaah writes a reward for him, wipes out one of his sins and elevates his rank by one degree; so prostrate as much as you can” (Ibn Maajah). The way to perform Salaah is as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam described: “The night Salaah is done two (rak’ah) at a time” (Al-Bukhaari) and in another narration: “The optional Salaah at night and during the day is done two Rak’ah at a time” (Ahmad, Ibn Maajah and others).
Slaves of Allaah! Another of the paths to righteousness and fields of competition is reciting the Qur’aan. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The best amongst you are those who learn the Qur’aan and then teach it” (Bukhaari) he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “He who recites a letter from the Book of Allaah will get a reward and each of these rewards will be multiplied ten times. I do not mean ‘Alif Laam Meem’ is one letter, but rather ‘Alif” is a letter, ‘Laam is a letter and ‘Meem’ is a letter ” (At-Tirmidhi) and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “If one of goes to the masjid and learns a verse or reads two verses from the Book of Allaah, is better for him than owning two she-camels, (reading) three are better than (owning) three, (reading) four are better than (owning) four and so on” (Muslim) and also, “Let him who wants to attain love for Allaah and His messenger read from The Book of Allaah”.
Another of the fields of goodness is fasting as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam encouraged us to “Fast on Mondays and Thursdays” (Ahmad & Nasaa’i) and “Fast the day of ‘Arafah” (Muslim) also: “Fast like the Prophet Daawood (who fasted every other day)” (Bukhaari & Muslim). I do not know of any specific reference that relates to any special virtue for fasting these ten days in particular, but, having said this I would add that one should still fast during these days because of the general texts encouraging good deeds during these ten days.
Another way is giving in charity; ‘Abdur-Rahmaan Ibn Saburah, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “(Every day) An Angel calls out in the heavens saying, ‘O Allaah! Bless and compensate for the wealth of the one who spends (for your sake) and ruin the wealth of the one who holds back (from spending)’” (At-Tabaraani) Also he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said to Bilaal, may Allaah be pleased with him: “Spend (charitably) O Bilaal! - and do not fear that Allaah will decrease your provision (due to your spending)” and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam addressed Asmaa’, may Allaah be pleased with her, saying: “Spend (charitably) and don’t count (i.e. don’t be cautious in spending in this manner) otherwise your provisions will become limited and don’t hold back (from spending in charity) otherwise your provisions will be held back” (Bukhaari & Muslim) The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “I swear that these three things are true: That giving in charity does not decrease the wealth of the slave …..…” (Ahmad & Tirmidhi). Giving in charity enables one to be among the seven categories of people who will be protected under the shade of the Throne of Allaah; regarding this, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “… and a man who gave charity so secretly that even his left hand would not know how much his right hand had spent” (Bukhaari & Muslim) also, “Charity given in secret extinguishes the wrath of Allaah”. One of the best forms of charitable giving is to give someone a drink of water as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “The best form of charity is giving someone water (to drink)” (Ahmad, An-Nasaa’i and Ibn Maajah).
O slaves of Allaah! One of the best deeds in these days is to initiate Hajj as a way of drawing closer to Allaah and fasting the day of ‘Arafah for those who are not performing Hajj. Allaah willing we will talk about the virtues of Hajj in another Khutbah. Offering a sacrificial animal is also one of the most virtuous deeds that one can perform. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “He who does not offer a sacrifice while being financially able to, let him not come close to our masjid (i.e. pray with us)” and he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam also said: “When the ten days (Dhu’l-Hijjah) have begun and one of you intends to offer a sacrifice, then let him not cut any of his hair or remove anything from his skin” (Muslim) in another narration he sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Let him not cut anything from his hair or nails until he sacrifices” (Ad-Daarimi).
These are examples of virtuous deeds, so take advantage of them; beware of laziness and neglect and know that Allaah Has favoured certain seasons over others, so let us take advantage of these opportunities and increase our righteous deeds; perhaps Allaah will forgive us for our sins and shortcomings.
Failing Plans and Allah(swt)’s Mercy
Today, my mother and I watched an aircrash investigation program on TV. The accident under investigation was a highly fatal one – an Air France Concorde had caught fire during takeoff on 25th July, 2000 and crashed within two minutes. There were no survivors. What caused it? A tiny scrap of metal that had broken off another airplane, ripped into one of the engines, cutting electrical cables and thus creating a spark sufficient to ignite the fuel tanks. The plane could not gain height and crashed just beyond the airport’s boundary.
What really struck me as I was watching the documentary, was the story of one couple aboard that plane. Teachers by profession, they had been saving up for twenty long years for a dream vacation that included flying on the Concorde. I wondered how they must have painstakingly set aside money for the trip, imagining all the fun they’d have. They must have had high hopes and made many plans. Could they have ever imagined they were heading not towards the culmination of a dream but the very final moments of their lives?
It made me wonder how we make plans for the future, dreaming up the perfect scenario how we want things to turn out. And then, if we come across a “glitch” in our grand scheme – a delay, an unexpected problem or a “failure” altogether – despair rules the day. Suddenly, it’s fate that is blamed for ruining those beautiful dreams. How pathetic it seems then! And yet… do we pause to wonder if maybe, just maybe, that failure was actually a great blessing in disguise? What if something much more terrible was around the corner and it was nothing but Allah(swt)’s Mercy that had averted it?
Of course, this does not mean we stop making plans for the future altogether! That’s missing the point entirely. Rather, we must definitely make plans while praying and having solid faith in Allah(swt) that the outcome will be according to His Will, and that would be the best result possible! I do not know how people can find flaw with such a positive and forward-looking approach? Don’t they see how liberating it is to put your hopes in the best outcome and then patiently persevere with gratitude, even if the outcome is not exactly as initially planned? It’s a win-win situation, if you really understand what it’s all about. 
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated:
“Wondrous are the believer’s affairs. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so only for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and when something displeasing happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him.”
(Narrated in Sahih Muslim)
This is why it’s so important to be thankful to Allah(swt) in whichever state you are… and whatever the outcome is. Only Allah(swt) has Full Knowledge of what goes on in the heavens and the earth and what will happen in the future. How, then, can we even think of turning away, instead of towards, such an All-Powerful and Merciful Creator for all our hopes and dreams?
Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk!
It’s Hajj, SubhanAllah! Since my own Hajj in 2006, I’ve loved this time of the year because of the mixed emotions it evokes and all the memories. And even if I put that aside for a bit, just watching three million people pour into Makkah for the beginning of a unique pilgrimage is a massive dose to boost a weakling Iman.
The best part about Hajj is the way it brings together mankind – there’s NO, NO, NO discrimination on the basis of skin tones or bank accounts in Islam and no where is that more evident than in Hajj! There’s the dark-skinned pilgrim shading himself with his umbrella and a fair-skinned man will hand him a cool drink of water. The call to prayer is made and everyone lines up – all you can see is a mass of people, all dressed in the same pilgrim’s dress (two sheets of plain white, unstitched fabric for men) attesting to their faith in ONE God. They’re not here to bow down to an idol, a stone or any object created by God… they’re here because they believe in, worship, revere, love the One God… Who sent as His Messengers Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Ismail (Ishmael), Ishaq (Isaac), Yaqub (Jacob), Suleman (Solomon), Dawud (David), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), Mohammad… may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all (and all other Prophets that He sent with His Message to every nation).
The pilgrims cry “Labbayk, Allahumma Labbayk! Labbayka La Shareeka laka labbayk!”
“Here I am, O Allah, here I am! Here I am, and You have no partner (in worship i.e. You Alone are the Creator, Sustainer)!”
May Allah accept the Hajj of all the pilgrims who made the effort to perform this worship for Him in the best manner! May Allah pverlook any mistakes they may have made inadvertently! May Allah forgive us and them, all their previous sins! O Allah, bless us with your Mercy and grant us entry into Your Paradise!
-- A muslim Sister.
Salaah (prayer):
It is forbidden to perform naafil (supererogatory or “extra”) prayers when the sun is rising, when it is at its zenith, or when it is setting, because it rises and sets between the horns of the Shaytaan, and when the sun-worshipping kuffaar see it they prostrate to it. It is forbidden to pray after subh (fajr) until after the sun has risen. It is forbidden to pray after ‘asr until after the sun has set. These prohibitions apply to naafil prayers done for no specific reason; if they are done for a specific reason, such as tahiyyat al-masjid (“greeting the mosque”), there is nothing wrong with praying them at these times.
It is forbidden to make houses like graveyards by not praying naafil prayers in them; to follow a fard (obligatory) prayer with a naafil prayer without speaking in between (by making dhikr or otherwise) or by going out then coming back; or to pray anything but the two sunnah rak’ahs of fajr after the adhaan for fajr prayer.
It is forbidden to anticipate the imaam in any movement of the prayer; to pray standing alone behind a row; to look around during prayer; to raise one’s eyes to heaven whilst praying; or to recite Qur’aan during rukoo’ and sujood – although there is nothing wrong with reciting a Qur’aanic du’aa’ in sujood.
It is forbidden for a man to pray wearing only one garment, leaving both shoulders bare; to pray when there is food ready that one wishes to eat; to pray when one needs to pass water, stools or wind – because this is a distraction that keeps one from concentrating properly.
It is forbidden to pray in graveyards and bathrooms; to pray like a chicken pecking, bobbing up and down; to look around like a fox; to spread one’s arms like a beast of prey; to rest one’s forearms on the ground like a dog; to settle like a camel – which means always praying in the same spot in the mosque; to pray in the resting-place of camels, because this was created from the shayaateen.
It is forbidden to wipe the ground during prayer, but if it is necessary to do so, to smooth the gravel or whatever, then one sweep of the hand is enough. It is forbidden to cover the mouth during prayer; to raise one’s voice in prayer in such a way as to disturb other believers; to continue praying qiyaam al-layl if one becomes drowsy – in this case, one should sleep, then get up again; to pray qiyaam al-layl for the whole night, especially if this is done continuously.
It is forbidden to yawn and blow during prayer; to step over the necks of people (in the mosque); to tuck up one’s clothes and hair when praying.
It is forbidden to repeat a prayer that has been performed properly – which is of benefit to those who suffer from waswaas (insinuating thoughts from Shaytaan that make them doubt the validity of their prayer). It is also forbidden to stop praying if one is uncertain as to whether one has broken wudoo’ by passing wind – you should wait until you hear a sound or detect an odour. It is forbidden to sit in circles in the mosque before praying Salaat al-Jumu’ah; to smooth the gravel; to fidget and speak during the khutbah; or to sit with one’s knees drawn up to one’s stomach and with one’s garment drawn over them or one’s hands clasped around them during the khutbah.
It is forbidden to offer any prayer once the iqaamah for a fard prayer has been given; for the imaam to stand in a place that is higher than the congregation, unless it is for a valid reason; to walk in front of a person who is praying; for a person who is praying to allow anyone to walk in front of him or between him and his sutrah (object placed in front of him whilst praying as a kind of “screen” – people may, however, walk in front of the sutrah – Translator).
It is forbidden to spit towards the qiblah or to one's right during prayer – but one may spit to one’s left or beneath one’s left foot. It is forbidden for a person who wants to pray to put his shoes to his right or his left, lest he disturb the people beside him; he should put them between his feet. It is forbidden to sleep before ‘ishaa’ if one cannot be sure that one will not miss it; to speak after ‘ishaa’ except for a legitimate reason; to lead a man in prayer in his own place of authority, except with his permission; for a visitor to lead the head of the house in prayer, unless he asks him to; to lead a group of people in prayer when they have objections for a legitimate reason.
This article Alhamdulillaah teaches us about characters of those who are sincere about achieving shuhada.
The Martyred Youth & the Rein's Owner
Excerpted & translated by Nida'ul Islam magazine from the book:
"The Roads of Desires to the Fate of the Admirers"
A man called Abu Qudamah Ash-Shamy, who lived in the Prophet's Madinah, was known for his love for Jihad in Allah's cause and participating in expeditions to the land of the Romans. One day, while conversing with some of his companions in the Prophet's Holy Mosque in Madinah, they said: "O Abu Qudamah, tell us about the most amazing thing you have witnessed while in Jihad". He replied:
I once arrived at the city of Riqqa (in Iraq) seeking to purchase a camel to carry my weapons. One day, a woman entered to where I was sitting and said: "O Abu Qudamah, I was listening to what you mentioned about Jihad and your incitement for Muslims to join it. I have been blessed with more hair than many other women; I have cut it and made a horse's rein out of, and I have covered it with dust so that no one can recognise it. I wish that you take it with you, so that when you arrive to the land of the disbelievers, and the horsemen engage in battle, the arrows are fired, the swords are drawn, and the spears are pulled out, either use it if you find the need for it, or hand it to whoever needs it, for I wish that my hair will witness the battle and will get the dust in the Way of Allah. I am a widowed woman who had a husband and a number of relatives, who were all killed in Allah's Path; I would have joined Jihad had it been required of me." She then handed over the rein to me.
She then said: "O Abu Qudamah, know that my husband left me a son who is amongst the finest of youths: He has learnt the Qur'an, the art of swordsmanship, as well as archery; he prays at night and fasts during the day, and he is 15 years of age. He is currently away at a property which he has inherited from his father. Hopefully he will get back before your departure, for I wish to send him with you as a gift to Allah the Exaltand most High. And I ask you by Allah that you do not deprive me from gaining the rewards I seek."
Abu Qudamah said: I had departed from Riqqa with my companions, when I heard a horseman calling out from behind: "O Abu Qudamah, wait for me
for a while, may Allah have mercy on you." I stopped and said to my companions: Go forth while I check who it is. The horseman then approached me, hugged me, and said: "Praised be Allah who did not deny me from your company and did not turn me back disappointed". I said: "My beloved, let me see your face, for, if it is imperative on someone of your age to fight, I would command you to join us, otherwise I would turn you back". When he uncovered his face, I saw a young man who is like a full moon (in beauty), and who seems to have been living a wealthy life. I said: "My beloved, do you have a father?" He said: "No, in fact I am coming with you seeking revenge for my father who was martyred, perhaps Allah will grant me martyrdom as he granted my father". I said: "My beloved, do you have a mother?" "Yes", he replied. I then said: "Then go and ask her permission, if she permits you to go then come back, otherwise stay back with her".
The young man said: "O Abu Qudamah! Don't you recognise me?" "No", I replied. He said: "I am the son of the woman who gave you the trust. How fast did you forget my mother's request! I am -Insha' Allah- the martyr son of the martyr! I ask you by Allah not to stop me from going forth with you in Allah's way, for I memorise Allah's Book, and have knowledge of the Prophet's Sunnah, and I am experienced in horsemanship and shooting, and I have not left behind someone who is a better fighter than myself, so despise me not for my young age. My mother has taken an oath that I should not come back, and said: 'O son! If you meet the disbelievers, turn not your back to them, and offer your soul to Allah, and seek to be close to Allah, and the company of your father and your righteous uncles in the Heaven; and if Allah grants you martyrdom, then intercede on my behalf, for I was told that the martyr can plead on behalf of seventy of his relatives, and seventy of his neighbours'. She then hugged me, lifted her head to the heavens and said: 'My Lord, Master and God, this is my son, the flower of my heart and the dearest to my soul, I present him to you, so draw him nearer to his father'."
When I heard the youth's words, I wept in grief over his good character and the beauty of his youth, and out of pity for his mother's heart, and over my astonishment at her patience on being away from him.
We went on with our journey; we rested at nightfall, and took off in the morning. During that time the youth did not cease remembering Allah and glorifying Him. I observed his movements, and found that he was better than us when riding, and our servant once we dismounted. As we got closer and closer to the enemy, he would strengthen our determination, his spirit would fortify, his heart would purify, and the signs of happiness would cover him.
We proceeded until we were close to the land of the Kuffar. It was near sunset when we alighted. The young man was cooking food for us to break our fast when he fell asleep. He slept for a long time, and I could see him smiling during his sleep. When he woke up, I said to him: "My beloved, I saw you smiling while asleep". He said: "I saw a vision which I liked and made me laugh". I said: "What was it you saw?" He said: "I saw myself in an elegant green garden. While wandering in it, I faced a silver castle which had balconies made of pearls and jewels. Its doors were made of gold, and its curtains were lowered. I then saw some maids, whose faces were like the moons (in beauty), lifting the curtains. Upon seeing me, they said: 'Welcome'. I then heard some of them saying to the others: 'This is the husband of the 'Mardhiyyah' (Blessed)'. They then said to me: 'Come forth, may Allah have mercy on you'. When I approached, I saw a room on the top of the castle, it was made of red gold, and had a green bed made of jewels, and its legs were made of white silver. There was a girl on the bed whose face was like the sun, and had it not been for Allah's help I would have lost my sight, and I would have lost my mind, because of the brilliance of the room, and the beauty of the girl. Upon seeing me, the girl greeted me saying: 'Welcome, O Allah's servant and His beloved! You are mine and I am yours.' I wanted to hug her, but she said: 'Slow down, do not rush, you are not one of those who do wrong. However, we shall meet tomorrow at the time of Zuhur prayers, so rejoice!'."
Abu Qudamah said: I then told him: "My beloved, you saw but good, and good it shall be Insha' Allah."
Amazed at the youth's dream, we went to sleep. When we woke up, we rushed, mounted our horses, and the caller cried: "O Allah's horsemen! Mount, and rejoice with Paradise, 'March forth, whether you are light or heavy' [Qur'an, 9:41]." It was only an hour before the army of Kufur, may Allah humiliate it, approached as if they were locusts spread abroad. The first of us to attack them was the youth, who scattered them, dispersed their lines, and plunged into their ranks; he killed many of their men, and knocked down their heroes. When I saw him doing this, I caught up with him, grabbed his horse's rein, and said: My beloved, retreat! You are a young boy who is inexperienced in warfare. He replied: "O uncle! Did you not hear Allah's saying: 'O you who believe! When you meet those who disbelieve, in battle a field, never turn your backs to them', do you wish for me to enter the Fire of Hell?"
While talking, the Mushriks launched a great offensive, which caused us to separate, and each of us had to look after himself. When the two parties separated, the killed were countless. I rode around examining the killed, whose blood was flowing on the ground, and who could not be recognised due to the dust and blood which covered their faces.
While riding, I saw the youth between the horses' hooves, covered with dust and blood; he was saying: "O Muslims! For Allah's Sake, get my uncle Abu Qudamah to come to me!" Upon hearing his crying, I ran towards him. I could not recognise his face because of the blood, and the marks from the horses' footsteps. I said: "Here I am, this is Abu Qudamah". He said: "O uncle, by the Lord of the Ka'bah, my dream has come true. I am the son of the rein's owner!" Upon hearing this, I threw myself on him, kissed him between the eyes, wiped the dust and blood off his face, and said: O my beloved! Do not forget your uncle Abu Qudamah, make him amongst those you intercede on their behalf on the Day of Judgement! He replied: "The likes of you cannot be forgotten! You wipe my face with your gown? My gown is worthier. O uncle, leave it, for I wish to meet Allah in this state. O uncle! The Hoor (girl of Paradise) that I described to you, she's at my head, waiting for my soul to depart from my body, and she is saying to me:
'Hurry, I am longing for you.' O uncle, for the Sake of Allah, if He was to bring you back safely, take my blood-stained clothes to my poor, grieved and sad mother, present them to her, and tell her:
'Allah has accepted your gift'." He then smiled and said: "I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, no partner has He; He has kept His promise, and I bear witness that Muhammad is Allah's servant and Messenger; this is what Allah and His Messenger has promised us, and Allah and His Messenger were true to their promise." His soul then left his body.
We then enshrouded him with his clothes, and buried him, may Allah be pleased with him and us.
When we returned from our expedition and entered the Riqqa, I headed towards the house of the young man's mother. She came out, andseemed very worried. I greeted her, she answered my Salam and said: "Did you come as a condoler or as a rejoicer?" Explain to me what is a condolence and what is a rejoice to you, may Allah have mercy on you, I replied. She said: "If my son has come back safe, then you are indeed a condoler. Whereas if he has been killed in Allah's Path, then you are a rejoicer!" I said: Rejoice, for Allah has accepted your gift!
Upon hearing this she wept and said: "Did He accept it?" I said: Yes. Thereupon she said: "Praise be to Allah who spared him for me on the Day of Judgement.".
May Allah (SWT) give us the hikmah to take correct lesson from this and give us the iman and taqwa to act upon it.
Ameen
1. During civil disturbance adopt such an attitude that people do not attach any importance to you - they neither burden you with complicated affairs, nor try to derive any advantage out of you.
2. He who is greedy is disgraced; he who discloses his hardship will always be humiliated; he who has no control over his tongue will often have to face discomfort.
3. Avarice is disgrace; cowardice is a defect; poverty often disables an intelligent man from arguing his case; a poor man is a stranger in his own town; misfortune and helplessness are calamities; patience is a kind of bravery; to sever attachments with the wicked world is the greatest wealth; piety is the best weapon of defence.
4. Submission to Allah's Will is the best companion; wisdom is the noblest heritage; theoretical and practical knowledge are the best signs of distinction; deep thinking will present the clearest picture of every problem.
5. The mind of a wise man is the safest custody of secrets; cheerfulness is the key to friendship; patience and forbearance will conceal many defects.
6. A conceited and self-admiring person is disliked by others; charity and alms are the best remedy for ailments and calamities; one has to account in the next world for the deeds that he has done in this world.
7. Man is a wonderful creature; he sees through the layers of fat (eyes), hears through a bone (ears) and speaks through a lump of flesh (tongue).
8. When this world favors somebody, it lends him the attributes, and surpassing merits of others and when it turns its face away from him it snatches away even his own excellences and fame.
9. Live amongst people in such a manner that if you die they weep over you and if you are alive they crave for your company.
10. If you overpower your enemy, then pardon him by way of thankfulness to Allah, for being able to subdue him.
(Bearing in mind that one can make dua at any time and in any place; however, the following are the most preferable times, conditions and places.)
1. Lailatul Qadr
2. Deep in the last third of the night
3. Immediately after the mandatory prayers
4. Between the adhan and iqamah
5. An hour during every night -- [hadith states that Allah comes down to the sky of the earth during the last 3rd of the night and hears the duas of the believers]
6. At the time of the call to the mandatory prayers
7. At the time of rain
8. During jihad when the ranks of fighters (mujahidoun) advance in the path of Allah
9. An hour every Friday -- the soundest opinion regarding this hour is the last hour between the hours of Asr on the day of Juma, and it could be the hour of the khutba and salat.
10. At the time of drinking Zamzam water with true intentions
11. During sajda
12. At the time of waking up at night and there are hadith regarding what the Prophet r said in these duas
13. If you sleep after having made wudu then wake up at night and then make supplication
14. After you say dua Yunus, make your personal dua or one from Qur'an or sunnah and it is La illah ila Allah subhannaka inni kuntu min al thaalimeen.
15. Dua of people after the death of a person (e.g. the dua of a person who is praying for someone who has just died)
16. Dua after praising Allah and giving salat on the Prophet (SAW) in the tashah-hud at the end of salat. Make your dua before the 2 tasleems.
17. At the time of dua, call upon Allah by the greatest of His names that, if called by them, He answers, and if asked by them, He gives (e.g. Ya Rahman, Ya Raheem, Ya Thal Jalaali wal Ikraam, Ya Al Ahad As Samad, lam yalid wa lam yulad wa lam yakum kuf wan ahad)
18. The dua of a Muslim for his brother or sister Muslim stemming from the heart.
19. Dua on the Day of Arafat
20. Dua during the month of Ramadan
21. Dua at the time of a Muslim gathering for the purpose of remembering Allah.
22. Dua at the time of a crisis by saying Inna lilahi wa inna ilaihi raje'oon, Allahuma ajurni fi museebati, wa akhlif li khairun minha. Verily, we belong to Allah, and verily, to Him is our return. O Allah, Bless me in my problem and replace it for me with something better than it.
23. Dua when the heart reaches out to Allah and is ready to be totally sincere
24. Dua of the oppressed against the one who is oppressing him
25. Dua of the father or mother for or against the son
26. Dua of the traveler
27. Dua of the one fasting until he breaks his fast.
28. Dua of the one fasting at the time of breaking fast
29. Dua of a desperate person
30. Dua of a just Imam
31. Dua of a son or daughter obedient to his or her parents
32. Dua immediately after wudu saying what has been mentioned in the hadith that is directly related to it (ablution)
33. Dua after stoning the small Shaitan (jamrat sugra) during Hajj
34. Dua after stoning the middle Shaitan (jamrat wusta) during Hajj.
35. Dua made inside the Ka'aba and the dua of one who prays inside the hijr as it is part of the house (bait Allah). [This is the semicircle to the right of the Ka'aba if you face the door.]
36. Dua on the mount of Safa during Umrah or Hajj
37. Dua on the mount of Marwa during Umrah or Hajj
38. Dua at any of the holy sites.
Note: The believer can call to his Lord at any time, wherever he is but these times and conditions and places are special and more care should be taken. Note: All of these circumstances are substantiated by hadith.
Customs and Manners of Making duas and the Causes for their Being Answered:
1. Faithfulness to Allah
2. To start with thanking Allah and praising Him and then giving salat on the Prophet (SAW) and ending the dua with the same.
3. To be serious in dua and certain that it will be answered
4. Persistence in the dua and not rushing it (Hadith says don't rush or be impatient. Don't say "I prayed for such and such a thing and Allah didn't answer my prayer. Allah dislikes that.)
5. To put your heart into the dua -- make it from your heart (even if you are reading the words, i.e., mean what you say)
6. Say dua in times of crises as well as times that are good -- don't just say dua in times of need only.
7. Ask Allah alone -- and no one else.
8. Do not make dua on someone's family or money or child or life -- that is, don't say I wish that that person's family be destroyed, or I pray that she loses all her money, or I wish his oldest son would fail or I wish that he would die.
9. Make dua in a moderately low voice -- not silent yet not completely out loud.
10. Know your sins (faults) and seek forgiveness for them and know and acknowledge the benefits and blessings you have been given and thank Allah for them.
11. The oppressor should make amends for what he has done and repent.
12. Turn to Allah with humility, desire and fear of Him.
13. Do not use rhymed prose when making dua.
14. The supplication is (said) three (times). [Hadith that states that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) when making dua, repeated it 3 times.]
15. Face the Qiblah when making dua.
16. Raise the hands during dua [sunnah, not wajib]
17. Make wudu before making dua when possible.
18. Don't pray for injurious or harmful things to happen to people (like praying someone has an unfortunate mishap, or falls down, or chokes or breaks his leg, etc.) Also remember, that the Angels say "Ameen" and the same for you," after your dua.
19. The person making dua should start with himself if he is going to pray for someone else.
20. To make intercession to Allah by use of His beautiful Names and superior Attributes, or by some good deed that the supplicator performed or by the dua of a good man living, who is in his presence (e.g., asking someone who is a good Muslim to make dua for you)
21. That the food and drink and clothing is halal and of a halal source
22. Do not make dua for a sin or cutting off of family ties.
23. To order that which is good and forbid that which is forbidden
24. Distancing one's self from all types of sin.
Ayath: "And your Lord says: Call on me; I will answer (your prayer). But those who are too arrogant to serve Me will surely find themselves in Hell in humiliation."
Ayath: "When my servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them). I listen to the prayer of every supplicant when he calls on Me. . ."
Hadith: "Dua is (a form) of worship; your Lord said, "Call on Me; I will answer you (your prayer).
Hadith: "Verily, your Lord (Blessed is He and Almighty) is alive, generous and if His servant raises his hands towards Him, He feels reluctant not to return anything to him."
Hadith: "Any Muslim who supplicates Allah with a supplication that does not contain any sin or cutting off of family relations, Allah will give him one of three things for it:1. Either He will speedily answer his dua
2. or He will save it for him until the Hereafter
3. or He will avert something bad from him equal to the value of his dua.
(Explanation: a dua has a certain relative value determined by Allah, so if a person says a particular dua, say 15 times in a day, then Allah protects him from something bad that is equal to the valued amount of his dua.)
A Hadith of the Holy Prophet(S) says:
No dua which has Basmalah (saying of Bismillahir Rahmaneer Raheem) at the beginning of it is rejected. A dua should begin in the name of Allah, putting all trust and hope in Him alone. Describing Him as Kind and Merciful creates confidence that the dua will not be rejected.
Send Blessings on Muhammad(S) and his Family(A)
A Hadith of the 6th Imam(A), Imam Ja’far Ibn Muhammad as-Sadiq(A) says:
Whoever has a wish he wants Allah to fulfill, let him begin with blessings on Muhammad(S) and his Family(A), then let him ask his wish, and end by sending blessings on Muhammad(S) and his Family(A). Allah is nobler than to accept the first and the last (the blessings) and reject the middle. Salawat is a dua for the Holy Prophet(S) and his Family(A). Whoever includes that dua is assured of the acceptance of his dua for himself.
Praise and Glorify Allah
Every Dua should begin with the praise of Allah, the recognition that He alone has the Power and Might over everything. A supplicant increases in his humility as he acknowledges the greatness of the Almighty. He realizes that everything is in the control of God, and if He wishes, the dua can be accepted and answered immediately.
Acknowledgement of Sins
When supplicating to Allah, one should be aware of and confess that one is a sinner, undeserving of the favor of Allah. Humility and apprehensiveness are commendable qualities in the one who supplicates.
Pray emotionally
Allah says in Hadith Qudsi to Nabi Isa(A) (Prophet Jesus(A) son of Mary(A)):
O Isa! When you ask from me, supplicate to me the supplication of the grief stricken, the overwhelmed, the one who has no helper . . . and do not supplicate to Me except in an emotional state. Your grief should be only one. Whenever you pray to Me in such a way, I shall answer you. A soft heart and tears are the best weapons of a human being in his quest to achieve nearness to Allah. When one prays emotionally, the Dua is very sincere and acceptance is assured.
Pray for others
Whoever prays for others pleases the Almighty greatly. A Hadith of our 5th Imam(A), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A) says:
Nothing is more swiftly answered than a Dua recited for others. According to the Holy Prophet(S), the Dua of a believer for other believers is returned to him as many times as the number of believing men and women from the beginning of creation to the Day of Judgement.
Have confidence that Allah will answer your Prayers
When praying, the supplicant must have trust that Allah will answer his prayers. A Hadith says, Whenever you recite Dua, assume that what you need is at the door.
Please don’t forget us in your adiyaat (plural of dua’ – supplications), especially in the blessed month of Ramadhan, as well as throughout the year.
QUESTION: There are many places in Iraq where it is said that if you recite dua at these places then hell is haraam for you. I have also heard that if you recite dua Jawshan - e - Kabeer on the three principal Shab - e - Kadr nights then the fire of hell will refuse to touch you. But, a lot of sinful people also do these activities, how can they be promised heaven without punishment? ANSWER: First and foremost, there is assumption in the question that if Hell is prohibited on someone, it automatically warrants entry into Paradise. This is not so as there is also A'araf to think of. Secondly, there are verses in the Holy Quran which say who will be banished to the fire of Hell. These include people who comitted acts that many of us may find ourselves committing htem quite often (May the Almighty protect us). For example, verse 50:24-26 which says, ' (It will be commanded) Cast ye two (angels) into hell every ingrate rebel; the forbidder of good, the transgressor, the doubter; who did set up with God other gods, then cast him ye two into the severe chastisement.' We find there are so many actions and deeds in our life that will (God forbid) result in the punishment of the Fire of Hell. Thus our only recourse is to the grace and mercy of the Almighty and this we invoke with Duas and other acts as mentioned in your question. We only hope and pray that Allah will accept our attempts to invoke His mercy and that He will forgive us our shortcomings - Amen Wa Minallaahit Tawfiq
“Allah the Almighty will bestow Benefits & Rewards accordingly on his servants whom recite surahs from the Holy Quran. This have been taken on the authority of the Holy Prophet , Imam Ali ibn abi talib, Imam Jafar al Sadiq and other Imams of the Ahl ul Bayt”.
The Holy Quran contains cure for all ailments, physical and spiritual.
“We sent down in the Quran that which is a cure and mercy for the faithful”. (17:82)
“Say: For those who have faith, it (Quran) is a guidance and healing; but as for those who are faithless, there is a deafness in their ears and it is lost to their sight”. (41:44)
The Holy Prophet (saww) has said,
“The healing of my Ummah lies in three things: A verse from the book of Allah, eating honey and Cupper lancet”. (Aamaali of Shaykh Sadooq)
A man came once complained about the pain in his chest. The Holy Prophet (saww) said, “Seek healing from the Quran for Allah says: ‘It is a healing for what is in the breasts’”. (‘Uddah al-Da’ee)
Talking about the greatness of Quran, Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (as) said,
“Then Allah sent to him the Book as a light whose flames cannot be extinguished, a lamp whose gleam does not die, a sea whose depth cannot be sounded, a way whose direction does not mislead, a ray whose light does not darken, a separator (good from evil) whose arguments do not weaken, a clarifier whose foundations cannot be dismantled, a cure which leaves no apprehension for disease…Allah has made it a quencher of the thirst of the learned, a bloom for the hearts of religious jurists, a highway for the ways of the righteous, a cure after which there is no ailment…” (Nahjul-Balaghah)
In another sermon, Imam Ali (as) also said regarding Quran:
“Seek cure from it (Quran) for all your ailments and seek its assistance in your distresses. For verily it contains cure for the biggest diseases namely: unbelief, hypocrisy, revolt and misguidance”.
NOTICE:
Please keep in mind whatever takes place in result of reciting a surah all depends on the will of Allah the Almighty – Inshallah.
At Tur (52)
Write this surah on a plate & wash it off with water & sprinkle over the bite , it will inshall heal it.
Al Tahrim (66)
If this surah recited on a man who has been bitten by a scorpion, the poison will not be spreaded & will inshallah cure him fully.
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Al Qalam (68)
Write this surah on a paper & put around a neck of a person suffering from toothache it would dissapear at once. Alo any injury to the teeth it will heal immediately.
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Al Sajdah (32)
Write this surah on a paper & keep it with you, he will inshallah remain safe from pains in the join , fever & headache.
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Al shu ara (26)
Who writes this surah and washes off with water & the water is drunk it will inshallah cure any illness, & disease..
Ya sin (36)
Write this surah the heart of the holy Quran and hange around your neck will be safe from every illness.
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Aali Imran (3)
If this surah is wriiten on paper with saffron and hung around the neck of a woman whose pregnancy dosent last, she would inshallah by the command of Allah give birth to the child.
Also it helps if hanged around the neck of a woman who does not produce children, she will conceive and give birth.
Al Dhariyat (51)
Write this surah on a paper & put around the neck of a pregnant woman inshallah her delivery will be easy.
Al Haqqah (69)
If this surah is wriiten on a paper & put around a neck of a pregnant woman, her child will remain safe & sound in her womb.
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Al Fatihah (1)
Recite this surah 7 times keeping the mouth near the forehead & put the right hand on the forehead of the sick person. This will Inshallah cure him from any sickness.
Al Mujadilah (58)
Reciting this surah near a sick person will inshallah be cured from illness & would have a peaceful sleep
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Ya sin (36)
Write this surah the heart of the holy Quran with saffron and rose water and drunk for 7 days his memory will improve and memorise whatever he listens.
Al Fat-h (48)
Write this surah on a plate & wash it off with zam zam water will have excellent retaining memory .
Al Hashr (59)
Write this surah on a plate & wash it off with clean water & drink it, you will inshallah have a good memory & I.Q
Al Haqqa (69)
If this surah is written on a plate, washed with clean water & child drinks it, he will inshallah grow up into a very intelligent man with excellent memory & help in learning the Holy Quran by heart inshallah.
Al Muddaththir (74)
Whoso recite this surah regularly and at the end beesches Allah (SWT) to give him memory to learn the Quran by heart, Allah (SWT) will grant him the memory to memorise the Holy Quran before he dies.
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Al Muntaqim (The Avenger)
One who recites this name frequently will be victorious against his enemies.
54. Al Qawiyy (The Most Strong)
One who recites this name with the intention of not being harmed, will be safe from his enemy.
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Al Quddus (The Holy)
One who recites 100 times every day will be freed from a state of uneasiness, distress and, about future uncertainties.
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41. Ya Hafiz (The Preserver)
One who recites this name 16 times each day will be protected against disasters & calamities.
42. Al Halim ( The Forbearing One)
One who recites this name on a piece of paper and put it where the seeds are sown, this will prevent from any disaster & calamity.
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Al Fatihah (1)
Reciting this surah will cure Inshallah any deadly disease
Al Mumin (40)
If this Surah is written & kept with you inshallah will be cured from anyone suffering from spots, swollen testicles, pimples & boils.
Al Munafiqun (63)
Reciting this surah regularly will inshallah cure boils
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Al Mumin (40)
Writing this surah on a plate &wash with clean water , then mix it with fine flour , then dry it like biscuit , then grind it and give to patient it will inshallah cure heart troubles .
Fussilat (41)
Write this Surah in a plate then wash it with clean water ,mix it with flower and make it balls, then dry them , grind them and give the powder to the patient to eat it . Isnahhalh it will cure heart ailments.
Al Daher/Al Insan (76)
Who writes this surat on a plate, washes it off with clean water and drinks it, would get rid of heart ailments and make his body and mind strong.
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brahim (14)
Write this sura in a peace of white cloth & tie around the arm of a child, the child will not cry, weep & scream. He will not feel pain in teething & weaning.
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Bani Israil (17)
A child that has pauses in his speech & not very clear, write this surah & put it in a glass to be washed off & let the child drink it inshallah it will cure him.
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Al Qasas (28)
Write this surah & wash it off with rain water & drink it . I t will inshallah cure stomach & liver pains.
Luqman (31)
Write this Surah & wash it off with clean water & drink it. It will Inshallah cure you from suffering stomach ache & fever.
Al Dhariyat (51)
To cure stomach ache write this surah on a plate , wash it with clean water & drink it
Al Mursalat (77)
If this surah is wriiten on a plate and washed off with onion water and given to a person to drink the pain would inshallah go.
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Al Ankabut (29)
Write this surah & wash it off with water & drink it . It will inshallah cure malaria, cold & heaviness of chest. It will help you to have a goodnite sleep if you recite it in bed.
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Al Mumin (40)
Reciting this surah every night will give purification of the heart & sins will be forgive
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Taha (20)
Writing this surah on a green silk cloth & wears it around his neck before going to any interview he will inshallah be successful specifically in marriage, the results will be in your favour.
Al Ahzab (33)
Writing this surah on a deerskin & keep it in a casket in the house, inshallh ther will be many married proposals for your daughters, sister & other girls in the house.
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Aali Imran (3)
If this surah is wriiten on paper with saffron & hung around a tree that do not produce fruits, by the command of Allah, it would produce fruit.
Hijr (15)
To prosper in Business, write this surah on paper & tie on your hand or keep it in your pocket, you will always gain & profit in business deals.
Al Mumin (40)
Write this surah and keep where you work (business) inshallah the sales will increase .
Al Dukhan (44)
Writing this surah on a paper and kept in a trading premises Allah (SWT) will increase his sales & profit
Al Naziat (79)
Reciter of thsi surah will help him be safe from person whom he has fear from in his business. It would dissapear and will remain fully safe. It will also encounter his enemies, they would run away without inflicting any harm on him.
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Al Qalam (68)
Reciting this surah regularly and in his obligatory salat Allah (SWT) will never allow poverti afflict him & will have no problems in his sustenance inshallah.
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Al Zumar (39)
Reciting this surah Allah (SWT) will bestow on you honour & prestige in this world . Its recommended also to keep it with you.
Al Akhaf (46)
Write this surah in a plate & wash it with zam zam water & drink it , you will be loved , popular & listened to you by people .
Al Najm (53)
Reciting this surah regularly will inshallah be loved & respected by others
Al Qamar (54)
Write this surah on a paper on friday & wear it around your neck will will be inshallah very popular among people & would command respect & love
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Yusuf (12)
If you write this surah & drink its water you will have good luck & sustenance.
Al Rahman (55)
Write this surah & hang around neck it will inshallah get you great rewards & make your work easy.
Al Muddaththir (74)
Reciter of this surat regularly will have no bad luck in life inshallah.
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Al An- Am (6)
To seek fulfilment of desires pray 4 rakat , in set of 2 rakats, starting with surat Al Fatihah & Al An-Am in each rakat, after the recitation of Al An-Am say this dua:
O Munificent O Munificent O Munificent
{Ya Karim Ya karim Ya karim}
Great, O Great , O Great; O Hearer of Prayer
{Ya Azim Ya Azim Ya Azim Ya Azam min kulli Azim Ya Sami Al Dua}
O He whom the alternations of days & nights do not effect Him
{Ya man la tughayyirutul ayamu wal layli}
Send blessings on Mohammed and his Children & have Mercy
{Salli ala Muhammed wa alli Mohammed }
and have mecrcy on my weakness, Poverty, destitution, & helplessness
{Wa arham dafi wa faqri wa faqati wa maskanati }
because You alone knows more than me about these things & about my needs
{Fa Innaka Alamu Biha minni Wa Anta Alamu hajati}
O He who he had Mercy on Yaqub & brought back his son Yusuf to him
{Ya Man Rahima Yaqub wa radda alayhi Yusuf quratta aynihi}
O He who had Mercy on Ayub when misfortunes & calamities surrounded him from all sides
{Ya Man Rahima Ayyuba badda hululi balaihi }
O He who had Mercy on Mohammed peace be on him, & looked after him against the evil unjust of Quraysh
{Ya Man Rahima Muhammed Alayhi Wa Alihi Saalmu Wa minal yatama awahu Wa nassarahu ala jababirata Quaraish wa tawaghitaha wa amanahu minhum}
O Helper, O Helper, O Helper
{Ya Mughithu Ya Mugithu Ya Mughithu }
Now Beseech Allah for your desires to fulfil your Needs.
Al Waqiah (56)
Reciting this surah regularly inhsallah his fulfilments will be achieved like : plenty of sustenance, good oppprtunity of wealth& be loved by people . Poverty will dissapear.
Al Hashr (59)
Whoso prays 4 rakat & recites this surat in every rakat after reciting surat Al Fatiha would inshallah achieve success in all his desired fulfillments activity that he undertakes.
Nuh (71)
Whoso recites this surah and beseeches Allah (SWT) for fulfillments, wishes and desires Allah (SWT) would give him what he want without delay
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Al Tahrim (66)
Whoso recites this surah regularly will help inshallah pay all his debts.
Al Muzzammil (73)
A regularly reciter of this surah will inshall remove poverty.
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Yunus (10)
If there has been a misunderstanding in your family & you want to know who is at fault, writing this surah together with all the names of your family members, the problem will be solved.
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Al Qasas (28)
Write this surah & wash it off with water & drink it . It will inshallah remove sorrows, worries, grief & doubts
Al Hadid (57)
If a person recites this surah regularly in his obligatory prayers neither he or his family will face any trouble or worries inshallah
Al Jumuah (62)
Reciting this surah every night will get rid of worries inshallah.
Al Jinn (72)
If a man in trouble recites this sura his worries and troubles will dissapear inshallah.
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At Tur (52)
Reciting this surah regularly will let free a prisoner
Al Hadid (57)
Whoso recites this surah will inshallah be freed from prison
Al Ma-arij (70)
Whoso recite this surah Allah (swt) will arrange his release & would safely inshallah go back to his family.
Al Jinn(72)
A prisoner who recites this surah will be freed from prison.
Al Rad (13)
If this surah is written on a paper after praying salat tahajjud & hang it on the door of a ruler who uses power unjustly, he would die soon.
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Al Anfal (8)
Writing this surah and hanging it around your neck, you will get your rights from the man in authority & you will have upper hand against him when you quarrel with him & come out fully satisfied.
Ya sin (36)
Write this surah the heart of the holy Quran with saffron and rose water and drunk for 7 days you will have an upper hand over whomsoever he debates.
Al Mursalat (77)
Whoso recites this Surah in a time of quarrel or conflict with his opponent he would have an upper hand against his enemy; also a man in authority or a judge would also help him against his enemy.
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Tawbah (9)
Writing this surah on a paper & keep it in his body he would be safe from thieves & fire .
Al Mujadilah (58)
Reciter of this surat regularly will be safe from theft
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Al Rahman (55)
If this surah is hanged in the house it will remain safe from all insects
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Al Jathiyah (45)
Writing this surah on a paper & keeping it with you will inshallah be safe from backbiters.
Al Dukhan (44)
Writing this surah on a paper & worn around the neck will remain safe from mischief of men in authority
Al Jumuah (62)
Reciter of this surah at daybreak & sunset every friday will be safe from the mischief of shaytan.
Al Taghabun (64)
Whoso recites this surah & goes to meet man in authority against him , inshallah he will be safe from his evil & mischief.
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Al Shura (42)
Write this surah on a plate and wash it off with clean water . Whoever drinks it will have a peaceful & safe journey (travelling).
Al Saff (61)
Recite this surah during a journey & inshallah will remain safe from thieves & problems until he returns safely to his house.
Al Naba (78)
Reciting this surah while travelling will have a safe journey.
Abasa (80)
To have a safe and protected jpurney recite this surah at the beginning of the journey.
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48. Al Haqq (The Truth)
One who recites this name will get his lost things.
49. Al Mu’id (The Restorer)
Recitation of this name 70 times will be helpful in safe return of the missing person.
50. Al Jami’ (The Gatherer)
One who recites this name will find lost things.
Dua’a to combat Black Magic
The Holy Prophet said : To keep the devils at bay and to destroy the effects of magic recite verses 54 to 56 of Al Araf.
INNA RABBAKUMULLAAHUL LAD’EE KHALAQAS SAMAAWAATI WAL ARZ’A FEE SITTATI AYYAAMIN THUMAS-TAWAA A’LAL A’RSH YUGHSHIL LAYLAN NAHAARA YAT’LUBUHOO H’ATHEETHAW WASH SHAMSA WAL QAMARA WAN NAJOOMA MUSAKHKHARAATIM BI AMRIH ALAA LAHUL KHALQU WAL AMR
TABAARAKALLAAHU RABBUL A’ALAMEEN UD-O’O RABBAKUM TAZ’ARRU-A’W WA KHUFYAH INNAHOO LAA YUH’IBBUL MU’TADEEN WA LAA TUFSIDOO FIL ARZ’I BA-DA IS’LAAH’IHAA WAD-O-OHU KHAWFAW WA T’AMA-A’A INNA RAH’MATALLAAHI QAREEBUM MINAL MUH’SINEEN
[Verily your Lord is Allah who created the heavens and the earth in six days, then established Himself on the throne. He draws the night as a veil over the day, which pursues it incessantly; and made the sun and the moon and the stars subservient to His command. Verily, His is the creation and the command. Blessed be Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Call on your Lord humbly and in secret. Verily Allah does not love the transgressors. And do not make mischief in the earth after it has been reformed; and call on Him fearing (His wrath) and longing (his mercy). Verily the mercy of Allah is near to those who do good]
.Recite verse 35 of al Qasas 7 times after the salat of tahajjud to destroy the effects of witchcraft
QAALA SANASHUDDU A’Z'UDAKA BI-AKHEEKA WA NAJ-A’LU LAKUMAA SULT’AANAN FALAA YAS’ILOONA ILAYKUMAA BI-AAYAATINAAA ANTUMAA WA MANIT TABA-A’KUMAL GHAALIBOON
[(Allah) said : "We will strengthen your arm with your brother and we will give you such authority that they will not be able to touch and of you. With our signs, both of you and your followers shall certainly triumph"]
To render null and void the intensity and evil effects of any kind of witchcraft and evil eye recite 121 times the last part of verse 87 of al Anbiya, after Fajr salat for 40 days.
Recite salawat 15 times then say : LAA ILAAHA ILLAAA ANTA SUBH’AANAKA INNEE KUNTU MINAZ’Z AALIMEEN
To over come any apparently impossible to manage difficulty recite the above noted verse as directed in (i) and also 730 times after praying a 2 rak-at salat after midnight with the following acts of self-discipline.
a. Do not eat animal meat
b. Eat any halaal (lawful) food purchased by halal (lawfully earned) money
c.Give alms to the poor.
TAWID OF IMAM HASAN BIN ALI
Whosoever recites the following prayer after every obligatory salat, or keeps its written text on the body, inshallah, he, his family and property will remain safe under the divine protection.
U-E’EDU NAFSEE WA D’URRIYYATEE WA AHLA BAYTEE WA MAALEE BIKALIMATILLAAHIT
TAAAMMATI MIN KULLI SHAYT’AANIN WA HAAMMATIN WA MIN KULLI A’YNIN LAAMMATIN
[I put myself, my children, my family, my property under (Allah's protection ) in the name of Allah's perfected words, from all devils, poisonous animals, and from every evil eye.]
