Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat – Night of Salvation

 Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat – Night of Salvation

Shabaan is the 8th month of the Islamic calendar and the month in which the holy night of Shab-e-Baraat is celebrated.

In brief:

What to do in between Magrib and Isha of Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat – Night of Salvation

Recite three Surathul Yaseen

-         1) For Magrifrath for who died from us

-         2) For Barakath in Food

-         3) For Long age with health

Recite one Surathul Dukhan

Recite following dikr 100 times : Ya hayyu ya Khayoom bi rahmathika asthagees

Recite following dikr 100 times : Hasbiyallahu nihmal vakeel

Recite following swalathu Nabbi 100 times :  (Sallallahu Ala Muhammed SallallahuAlahi wa sallam) or any other swalathu Nabbi

Recite following dikr 70  times Allahumma Innaka Haleemun du ina atthin la thwakkatha lana fahfu annaa bi hilmilmika ya Allah

Laylat al-Bara’ah – Night of Salvation 

The 15th night of Shabaan is a very blessed night. According to the Hadith
Shareef, the name of this Mubarak night is “Nisf Shabaan” which means 15th
night of Shabaan. The reason for this special night to attain its name of
Laylat al-Bara’ah, meaning the Night of Salvation, Seeking Freedom from
Azaab and Calamity, is that in this night the Barkaat and acceptance of
repentance may be accomplished. Laylat al-Baraa’ah in Persian, as well as
in Urdu, is called

Shab-e Bara’at.It is the special night of seeking forgiveness and repenting to Almighty
Allah, remembering our past sins and sincerely settling the mind that one
will never commits sins in the future. All the deeds that are against Shari’ah
must be totally avoided so that our Du’a and Istighfaar, hopefully, will be
accepted. Muslims should check themselves and A’la Hadrat, Imam Ahmad
Rida Fadil e-Bareilly (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) has given a beautiful advise in
this regard. This great Imam said: “Verily the auspicious night of Shab-e-
Bara’a is drawing near when the deeds of the slave will be presented to the
Almighty Allah. I humbly supplicate in the Darbar-e-Aqdas of the Almighty
Allah that through the Wasila-e-Uzma of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla
Allahu alaihi wa Sallam) He forgives the sins and transgressions of all
Muslims. Aameen.

“On this occasion, it should be the duty of all Sunni Muslims to forgive one
another and to make sure that whatever debts owed to one another is
settled. The importance of Huqooq al-Ibaad cannot be over-emphasised as
this is among the pre-requisites for proper Ibaadat. I pray that all Muslims
humbly remember this night and try as much as possible to perform
Ibaadat and other pious deeds so that their Record of Deeds be presented
in all dignity.

“Finally, I pray that the Almighty Allah assists you and I and the Muslim
Ummah wherever you may be. Muslims should be aware of sincerity and
honesty in all their deeds. May Almighty Allah forgive all of us. Aameen.”
Faqeer Ahmad Rida Qaderi (may Allah forgive him)

How to welcome the Night

On this auspicious night, you should perform fresh Ghusal and Wudhu and
perform the two Rakaat of Tahhiyatul Wudhu. In every Rakaat, after the
Suratul Fatiha, you should read Ayatul Kursi once and Surah Ahad 3 times.
Also perform eight Rakaats of Salah with four Salaams.In each Rakaat after
the Surah Fatiha, you should read the Ayatul Kursi (once) and Surah Ahad
fifty times.

What to Recite immediately after Sunset

After sunset, you should recite “La Hawla walaa Quwwata illa Billahil-aliyil
Azeem” forty times with three times Durood Shareef before and after. It is
mentioned that by reciting this, Almighty Allah will forgive forty years of
your sins and forty Hoors will await to serve you in Jannat al-Firdous.

Countless Mercies

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) has stated: “Verily!
Almighty Allah directs His Special Grace on the world on this Night. He
forgives my Ummah more than the number of wool that is found on the
sheep of the Bani Kalb”. We should remember that in those days the Bani
Kalb possessed the most number of sheep that any other tribe.

How great is the Mercy of Almighty Allah on this night that He forgives
millions of Muslims. We also realise from this that these numbers can only
pertain to the Ahl as-Sunnah Wah Jama’ah collectively, for the righteous
followers of the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki and Hanbali indeed number millions
of Muslims.

The visitors of this Night

It is narrated that the departed souls (Arwaah) of the Muslims visit the
houses of their friends and relatives on this night and proclaim: “O people
of the house! You stay in our houses and enjoy the wealth that we have left
behind. You use our children and take work from them, please perform our
Esaale Sawaab. Verily our deeds have become complete, while your record
of deeds is still spread”.

If the people of the house perform the Esaale Sawaab and Khatam Shareef
on this night, then the Arwaah depart will the Sawaab extremely happy and
overjoyed all the time making Du’a for the people.

Visit to the Cemetery

Hadrat Ayesha Siddiqa (radi Allahu ta’ala anha) reports: “One night, which
was the 15th of Shabaan, I did not find the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu
ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) in the house so I went in search of him. After a long
search, I found him in Baqiah (the cemetery of Madinah) offering Du’a for
the deceased and praying for their forgiveness”. (Baihaqi)

A special point must be made to visit the cemetery during this night and
pray for the deceased buried therein, as the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla
Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) is been reported as having visited the cemetery
on this night and spending a long time therein, lamenting, reading and
praying for the deceased.

To keep Fast

According to the Hadith Shareef which is narrated by Ibne Habaan (radi
Allahu ta’ala anhu) that Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam)
said: “When the night of 15th Shabaan arrives spend the night awake and
keep fast the next day”.

Hadrat Abu Hurairah (radi Allahu ta’ala anhu) reports that the Most
Beloved (salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) of Allah ta’ala said often in his
Khutba (sermon): “O people! Lighten and cleanse your bodies by way of
fasting during Shabaan, so that it shall be easy and helpful to you for the
fast during Ramadan. Whoso fasts for three days during Shabaan, all his
past sins are wiped off”. (Baihaqi) Fasting is also recommended on the 13th,
14th and 15th of Shabaan.

How to spend the Night

On this night, perform Nawaafil, recite the Qur’an Shareef, recite abundant
Durood Shareef, Istighfaar and Kalima Tayyibah. It is also mentioned that if
one reads Surah Dukhan seven times on this night, Almighty Allah will
reward you with 70 worldly needs and 70 deeds for the Hereafter.

Do not be amongst deprived of Mercy

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) said: “Almighty
Allah forgives all Muslims on this night, besides the fortune tellers, the
magicians, the alcoholics, those who disrespect their parents and those
who take part and encourage adultery”.

In another narration, the following people have also been mentioned:

1. One who deals in usury (Riba),

2. One who wears his trousers below his ankle with pride and arrogance
(In Arabia, people displayed their wealth and boasted in this manner),

3. One who creates disunity among two Muslims,

4. The person who unjustly takes away the right and property of another
Muslim and has not yet rectified himself.

All these persons are not shown Mercy on this auspicious Night.

A humble appeal to seek pardon and ask Allah’s forgiveness

Dear Muslim brothers, the Bountiful Allah in His Infinite Mercy has
provided us with such an auspicious night so that we may take advantage
of it and repent for our sins,and thus obtain His Grace and Favour. It is for
us to take full advantage of it. During this night, offer special prayers and
repent sincerely for our past sins and ask for His Forgiveness.

Also on this night the Doors of Mercy and Forgiveness are opened wide,
and those who sincerely grieve over and repent for their past sins and seek
forgiveness from Allah are pardoned and forgiven by the Grace of Allah the
Merciful.

Each Tasbih or Du’a should begin and terminate with the recital of Durood
Shareef and one who wishes for the acceptance of his Du’as should use the
Wasila of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu ta’ala alyhi wa Sallam).

Hadrat Ghawth al-A’zam, Shaykh Abd al-Qadir al-Jilani (radi Allahu anhu)
has mentioned in his famous”Gunyat-ut Talibeen” that the month of Shaban
according to some narrations is related to Rasoolullah (salla Allahu alayhi
wa Sallam). So, it is our duty, as the Ummat of Rasoolullah (Salla Allahu
ta’ala alayhi wa Sallam) to love and respect this month more than any other
month (besides Ramadan). We should also offer abundantly salutations
(Salaat-o-Salaam) upon the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu ta’ala alayhi
wa Sallam).

While we are praying and asking for ourselves and family, we should also
remember in our Du’as the Muslim Ummah facing calamities in many parts
of the world, that may Allah Ta’ala grant them the strength and Istiqaamat
(steadfastness) in Deen. Those weak Muslims who are under pressure from
the West and modernisation, may Allah Ta’ala guide them and show them
the right path so that they be in touch with their glorious past. Aameen.
May Almighty Allah guide us on the path of the Ambiya and the Awliya.
Aameen.

Nafil Salaah to be read on Shab-e-Baraat

Basharat of Jannat : Sayyiduna Rasulullah (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) is
reported to have said that Allah Ta’ala instructs and assigns 100 angels to
the person who performs 100 Nafil Salaahs on this auspicious night – 30 of
which will bring the good news of Jannat, 30 angels to protect one from
the Azaab (Punishment) of Dozakh (Hell), 30 to remove all misfortunes and
miseries of this world and 10 angels to protect one from Shaitaan.

The Guardian of Imaan : After performing Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs
of Nafil. In the first rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah Ikhlaas 3 times
and Surah Falaq once.In the second rakaah, after Surah Fatiha, recite Surah
Ikhlaas 3 times and Surah Naas once. After Salam, make Du’a and ask Allah
to protect your Imaan.

Barakah in Rizq : After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil. Thereafter,
read Surah Yasin once, Surah Ikhlaas 21 times and Du’a Nisf Shabaan once.
Then, make Du’a for Barakah in Rozi and ask Allah not to make you
dependent on anyone.

Long Life filled with Piety : After Maghrib Salaah, read 2 rakaahs of Nafil.
Read Surah Yasin once. Then read Du’a Nisf Shabaan once. Thereafter,
make Du’a for long life filled with piety and righteousness.

Reward for ten thousand good Deeds : Anyone who performs 20 rakaahs of
Nafil after Maghrib in such a way that after Surah Fatiha, recites Surah
Ikhlaas 10 times in every rakaah, will be rewarded abundantly by Allah
Ta’ala, and ten thousand good deeds will be recorded in his Amal Namaa
(Book of Deeds).

Death with complete Faith/Imaan : Anyone who performs 2 rakaahs of Nafil
on the last Friday of Shabaan between Maghrib and Esha will die with full
faith and Imaan. After Surah Fatiha, one should read Ayatul Kursi once,
Surah Ikhlaas 10 times and Surah Falaq and Surah Naas once in both
rakaahs. If the person who reads Nafil in such a way dies until the next
Shabaan, will die with Imaan, Inshaa-Allah.

The performing of Salaatul Tasbeeh on this night is also very virtuous.Laylat al-Bara’ah or Shab-e-Barat – Night of Salvation

SHAHADA (The Declaration of Faith) – Part -2 Prophet-hood of Muhammed Musthafa (SAW)

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

As salaam alaykum ramatullahi wa barakthu "May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His mercy and blessings"

Dear friends, 

Today I would like to introduce you about the Second part of Shahadath Kalima. That is Prophethood of Muhammed Musthafa (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) . No one can be Muslim without accepting the prphethood of the messenger of Allah. In our era Muhammed Musthafa (SAW) is the messager of Allah. So in Shadath Kalima we need to declare the Oneness of Allah along with Prophethood of Muhammed Musthafa (SAW).  Allah sends specially selected men for leading the mob. They are the link between Allah and normal human being. Allah reveals them His message through Angel Jibreel and  Jibreel giving to Prophets. 

They are not like normal human being. They are special in their ability and that is the reason they can see angel and accept the messages from Allah. 

They are special but they are not GOD or His children. They are merely slave of Allah and His Messenger.  But through them we can ask for help from GOD even though they are not right now with physical appearance because ultimately Allah is the helper may be these prophets are mean for it.

All prophets are send for particular community or society except Prophet Muhammed (SAW) who is for All human and non human ,all world and whatever Allah created.

Muhammed (SAW) is the Leader all messengers of Allah and He is the Last Prophet of Allah. Nobody will come as prophet after him. Occasionally saying Isa (AS) will come in the last timings of the world but not as prophet but as the propagator and ruler  of Muhammed (SAW)'s messages only.

Very small description about the History of Muhammed Mustahafa (SAW)

as follows

The people of ancient Arabia were misguided and misled. They disobeyed Allah and worshipped idols. Then Allah Ta’ala favoured mankind by sending them the best creation of Allah; the Master of humankind and jinns; the greatest personality on earth; the beloved of Allah, Prophet Muhammad Mustafa Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam.

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was born in the month of Rabi’ Awwal in the year 571 C.E. He was a descendant of Prophet Ismail ‘Alayhissalam. His father, Abdullah, died several weeks before his birth. His mother, Amina died during the return journey from Madinah, at a place called Abwa. He was raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, until the age of eight. After his grandfather’s death, his uncle, Abu Talib, took care of him. Abu Talib treated Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) very kindly.

Under the guidance of Abu Talib, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) began to earn his living as a businessman and a trader. At the age of twelve, he accompanied Abu Talib with a caravan as far as Syria. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was popularly known as ‘al-Ameen’ (the trustworthy) and ‘al-Sadiq’ (the truthful) for his good deeds. His name, Muhammad means “the praised one”.

After hearing about Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam)’s impressive character, Sayyidatna Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha), a rich business woman, offered Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) money to take some goods for trade to Syria. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) set out for Syria along with Maisarah, a slave of Sayyidatina Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha). After the trip, Maisarah told Sayyidatina Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha) all about the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Sayyidatina Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha) was fascinated by Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Therefore, she married him (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and Sayyidatina Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha) were blessed with two sons and four daughters. Their first son, Qasim died at the age of two while their second son, Abdullah, died during his infancy. Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) four daughters were Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima (Rady Allahu ‘Anhunna).
Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) usually went to a cave in Mount Hira for meditation. Sometimes, he would remain in the cave for a month. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was forty years old when Jibril (peace be upon him) appeared before him and revealed the first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq of the Qur’an. After the revelation, Sayyidatina Khadija (Rady Allahu Anha) became the first woman to accept Islam.

Jibreel (peace be upon him) visited Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and revealed verses of the Qur’an over a period of twenty-three years. Sometimes, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) would receive some parts of a chapter or a whole chapter. They were memorized as soon as they were revealed. These verses were collected in a book, known as the Qur’an.
The first few people to accept Islam were his cousin Hazrat Ali, his servant Hazrat Zayd ibn Harithah, his friend Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Rady Allahu Anhum) and his daughters. They accepted Islam by testifying that ” There is no deity except Allah. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) is Allah’s Messenger”.
In the first three years of Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) mission, forty people accepted Islam. He then began to preach Islam in public. The leaders of the Quraish did not accept the new religion. Some of them tried to bribe Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) with money and power, including an offer to make him a king. But our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) refused to abandon Allah’s message. When this did not work, they tried to convince his uncle, Abu Talib, to allow them to kill Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Therefore, his uncle tried to dissuade him from preaching. But Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) said ” O uncle, if they were to put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to stop me from preaching Islam, I would never stop. I will keep on preaching until Allah makes Islam prevail or I die. ”

The tribe of Quraish began to persecute Muslims by beating and torturing them. The first person to die by this means was a Muslim woman called Umm Ammar. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was publicly humiliated. They threw dirt on him while he was walking on a street and while he was praying in the Kabah. Despite all these hardships, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was told by Allah Ta’ala to be patient and preach the message of the Qur’an. When the punishment became unbearable for Muslims, the Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam), advised them to go to Abyssinia (Ethiopia).

The Quraish made life miserable for Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). They made a ban on contact with the Prophet’s (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) family. The ban lasted for three years. After the ban was lifted, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) lost his wife, Sayyidatina Khadijah (Rady Allahu Anha) and his uncle, Abu Talib.

After Sayyidatina Khadijah’s death, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) married Sayyidatina Sawdah (Rady Allahu Anha). She was fifty years old. Later, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) married Sayyidatina Aisha (Rady Allahu Anha). Sayyidatina Aisha (Rady Allahu Anha) was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Rady Allahu Anhu), a close companion of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam).

Since his uncle, Abu Talib died; Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) went to Taif, a city south of Makkah, to preach there. But the people of Taif laughed at him. Their children threw stones at our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Jibreel (peace be upon him) visited Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and suggested that the angels were ready to destroy the town. But Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) refused and prayed for the future generations of Taif to accept Islam.

After the incident at Taif, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) experienced the events of Isra and Mi’raaj. During the event of Isra, Jibreel (peace be upon him) took Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) to Masjid Al-Aqsa, a mosque in Jerusalem, at night. Here, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) lead the other Prophets in prayer. After this, the event of Mi’raaj took place. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was taken to the heavens. It was on this journey that he received the gift of the five daily prayers. He was then taken back to Makkah. When Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) mentioned these events to the people of Makkah, they laughed at him. However, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) described the Masjid al-Aqsa to them and told them that a caravan will be arriving soon. The non-believers were later astonished when this turned out to be true.

The leaders of Quraish were getting angry at Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). They decided to kill him. The leaders chose a young man from each clan of Quraish. These men were responsible for attacking Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Jibreel (may peace be upon him) informed Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) about the plan and instructed him to leave immediately. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) advised Hazrat Ali (Rady Allahu ‘Anhu) to sleep in his bed. He then met with Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (Rady Allahu Anhu) and both of them went into hiding in a cave in Mount Zauwr.
The next morning, the men raided the house of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). After finding out that he had left, they set out for the mountains in search of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Abu Karz, a man known for his skills in tracking footprints, followed the tracks of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) to the cave. They examined the cave and noticed that a web had covered it’s mouth. They thought that it was impossible for Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) to hide in the cave. So, they departed.
Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) spent three nights in the cave. When he was sure that the Quraish had ended their search, he travelled to Madinah. This journey is known as “Hijra”. The Islamic calendar begins with this event. Upon the arrival of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam), the people of Madinah greeted him with great respect and treated him with hospitality.
After the migration to Madinah, the enemies of Islam increased their attack on Muslims. The Battles of Badr, Uhud and the Allies took place and were fought near Madinah. Many men gave their life for Islam. This resulted in many widowed women and lots of orphaned children. Therefore, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) married several widows like Sayyidatina Zainab bint Khuzaimah, Umm Habibah and Umm Salamah, may Allah be pleased with them.. All his wives, especially Sayyidatina Aisha (Rady Allahu Anha), reported many hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad).

A year after the Battle of the Allies, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and fifteen hundred Muslims left for Makkah to perform Hajj. On their journey, they were stopped from entering Hudaybiyah. In this city, some negotiations took place that allowed them to come next year. This treaty attracted many people from Arabia. Many people came from different parts of Arabia and accepted Islam.

Two years later, the Quraish violated the Treaty of Hudaybiyah. So, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) marched to Makkah with an army of 10,000 Muslims. Before entering the city, he told the citizens of Makkah that anyone who remained in his home or in the Kabah, would be safe. The army entered Makkah without fighting and Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) went directly to the Kabah. He thanked Allah, the Almighty for allowing the entry to Makkah. He then pointed at each idol and recited this verse from the Qur’an, “Truth has come and falsehood will neither start nor will it reappear.” One by one the idols fell down. Thus, the Kabah was cleaned. Next, he forgave the leaders of Quraish and the people of Makkah. The people of Makkah then accepted Islam, including the enemies of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam).

Within a year, almost the whole of Arabia had accepted Islam.
Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) performed his first and last pilgrimage during the tenth year after Hijra. 120,000 men and women performed pilgrimage with him. He received the last revelation during this pilgrimage.Two months later, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) fell sick and after several days left his earthly existence on Monday, 12th Rabi Awwal in Madinah. He was 63 years old.

 Our beloved Nabi (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) lived a very simple and modest life, even though he could have lived like a king. He (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) and his family used to go without cooked meals for several days at a time, eating dates and dried bread. During the day, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was the busiest man, he performed his duties as the head of state and a family man. He was the most devoted man during the night. He (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) used to spend one to two- thirds of every night in prayer and meditation. Prophet Muhammad’s (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) possessions consisted of mats, jugs and other simple things.

 At the end of his mission, Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was blessed with several followers. Thousands prayed with him and listened to his sermon. Hundreds of sahaba (companions) would find time to be with him during the five daily prayers. They used to seek his advice for their everyday problems. Among them were Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Ali, Imam Hassan, Imam Hussain and many others, Rady Allahu Anhum.

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) had a beautiful appearance. His sweat was more fragrant than musk and his perspiration shone like pearls. He (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) talked so clearly that someone could count the number of words he spoke. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) never struck anybody with his hand, but he did fight for Islam. He (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) used to forgive his enemies and release prisoners of war. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) was the last Prophet of Allah. All sincere Muslims try to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Many Muslim scholars have composed qasidas in praise of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam). Rasulullah’s (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) favours upon his Ummah are unlimited. Our Nabi (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) said, ” You do not have (complete) Imaan (faith) until I am more beloved to you than your father, children and the rest of mankind.” Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam) is the connection between Muslims and Allah. We can never get close to Allah unless our hearts are filled with the love of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam).

Please include me in your prayer

SHAHADA (The Declaration of Faith) – Part -1 Oneness of Allah

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

As salaam alaykum ramatullahi wa barakthu "May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His mercy and blessings"

Dear friends, 

Today I would like to introduce you about the first part of Shahadath Kalima. That is oneness of Allah. It is also called as Tawheed. The Arabic phrase, shahadtha kalima, is a simple statement; sincerely believing in the meanings of it and the faith behind it can change one's life forever.

It consists of two parts: first half is tawheed the unity and oneness of Allah. This fundamental concept of Islam is expressed by Allah himself in His book Qur'an: "He, Allah is one. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And none is like Him."

The second part of kalima is risalah: the acceptance of Prophethood. Muslims accept that all Prophets were chosen by Allah to lead people in the right way, the basic message of His oneness to all nations and society, in their own languages, at different times. Adam was the first Prophet and Muhammed the final of all messengers to mankind. There were so many prophets were came for different community and different time but Muhammed is not for particular society or time. He is special and entrusted to all community & world till the dooms day

ONENESS OF GOD

Muslims believe in one God, Allah. None has the right to be worshiped but Allah; there is no partner unto Him. He has power over everything. Islam is based on this concept which Allah has expressed in The Qur'an.

Before Nuh Nabi (AS), there was no shirk and prophets were mainly sent to teach and give warning for their life style. They were wrong in the sense of doing sin and uncontrolled life method. But at the time of Nuh (AS), people were started to do worship to some great personalities of that time. They created the idol of those persons and they considered these idols represent those great personalities which can help them. They considered these idols are partners of Allah and it can bring goodness and badness to them. So Nuh (AS) gave them clear direction and warning to throw these idols and worship Allah only. Few of them believed him and others vanished by big flood which was the calamity from Allah on them. From Nuh(AS) era onwards shirk (worshiping others ) has started.

After that society, some kings also proclaimed that they are the representative of GOD or themselves as GOD like Farova at the time of Moosa (AS). But Allah gave right answer to them through Moosa (AS). Still Farova’s dead body has kept as the warning for all human being till doomsday.

Some society believed that Allah has kids like Christian believes, Isa (AS) is the son of Allah,the angels are the daughters of GOD or Uzar is the son of Allah like that. But Allah gave very clear answer to them by Surathul Ikhlas as  : "He, Allah is one. Allah is He on Whom all depend. He begets not, nor is He begotten, And none is like Him."

Allah is one:- He is the one and no partners or kids for HIM

Allah is He on Whom all depend:- Allah depends to none. But all others are depends to Him. He is the source of power and ability. Others are enjoying these ability as a blessings from Him. As other religion believes trinity of GOD and dependency of GOD is wrong. Our God Allah is independent to all.

He begets not, nor is He begotten: - He has no children and he is beyond the imagination of man. It is human thought that the god has organs like human and we human have a tendency to preview all according to our own wish. But Allah is not like anything which he has created.  

None is like Him: - He is the creator and we are created by him. It is a deficiency that the creator and created has same shape, dependency and ability. So Allah is free from all defects and he is the only one Perfect. None of created is same like him and He is not like any created one also.

He is Allah, besides whom there is no other God, the All-Knower of the unseen and the seen. Allah is the Most Benficent, the Most Merciful. He is Allah, the King, the Holy, the One, Free from all defects, the Giver of security, the Guardian, the All-Mighty, the Compeller, the Supreme. Exalted be Allah from all that they associate as partner with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Originator of all things, the Bestower of forms. His are the most Gracious Names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorify Him. And He is the All-Mighty and the Wise One. 

Blessed be He in Whose hand is the sovereignty, and He has power over all things. Who has created life and death, that He may test you which of you is best in conduct; and He is the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving. 

There is no god but He. It is He Who gives life and causes death, your Lord and the Lord of your forefathers. No, but they (unbelievers) divert themselves with doubts. 

Allah; there is no god but Allah, the Ever Living, the Eternal One. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. He is the Most Exalted, the Most Great. 

To Him belongs all what is in the heavens and the earth. And those (angels) who are near Him do not disdain to worship Him, nor they ever weary of His service. They glorify Him night and day, tirelessly never intermit. Have they (people) chosen earthly gods who (they think) can restore the dead (to life)? If there had been either in the heavens or the earth other gods than Allah, both (heaven and earth) would have been ruined. So glorified be Allah, the Lord of the Throne, far above what they attribute to Him. He cannot be questioned as to what He does, but they shall be questioned.

Have they chosen other gods besides Him? Say: “Bring forth your proof. This is the Message (the Quran) of those with me, and the Message (the previous Scriptures) of those before me.” But, most of them do not know the truth, and so they turn away. And We did not send any Messenger before you without inspiration to him: “There is no god but I; so worship Me (alone).” And yet they say, “The Compassionate God has begotten offspring.” Exalted is He! No, those (whom they so designate) are only His honoured servants. They do not speak before He speaks, and they only perform His commands. He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they cannot intercede for none, except for those whom He approves, and they tremble in awe of Him. And if any of them declares: “I am a god beside Him,” We shall requite such a one with Hell. Thus do We requite the wrongdoers.

I hope you could understand the message furnished above and Insha Allah we can discuss the the Prophet hood of Muhammed (SAW) later. Please pray for me.

The Five Pillars of Islam

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

As salaam alaykum ramatullahi wa barakthu "May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His mercy and blessings"

Dear friends, 

Today I would like to introduce you about five pillars of Islam. This is mainly functional pillars. We have already discussed the 6 pillars of faith in Islam separately in other post. Please have look at that after reading this post. I would like to give you more explanation about these five pillars separately later. Hope you will understand and enjoy this. Please include me in your prayer.

The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life:

• Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the prophethood of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam- SAW)
• Establishment of the daily prayers (5 times compulsory prayer)
• Concern for and almsgiving to the needy;
• Self-purification through fasting; and
• The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

1) Shahadah (Iman or Faith)

The first pillar of Islam is to believe and declare the oneness of Allah and prophethood of Muahmmed (SAW)

“Ash hadu anllahilaha illallahu wa ash hadu anna muhmmedarrasoolullah” (“There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God.") This declaration of faith is called the Shahadah, a simple formula that all the faithful pronounce. The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey God, and this is achieved through the teachings and practices of the Last Prophet, Muhammad.

Important thing here we have to consider that, firstly believe the above creed in your mind deeply and strongly and then secondly clearly say by your tongue.

It mainly involves mind and no need for health, wealth or sacrifice etc. This is the basic and most important pillar. One who dies with last word and believes as “Ash hadu anllahilaha illallahu wa ash hadu anna muhmmedarrasoolullah” (“There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of God."), he/she will be in heaven. No question about that even if he/she did not do other pillars of Islam (but he has to believe correctly about other pillars of Islam). 

2) Salath or Prayer

Prayer is the second pillar. Salath is the name for the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. The world's Muslims turn individually and collectively to Kaaba, The first mosque of Allah on the earth, to offer five daily prayers at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and evening. In addition, Friday congregational prayer (instead of noon prayer in Friday for men only) is also required. Although Salath can he performed alone, it is meritorious to perform it with another or with a group. It is permissible to pray at home, at work, or even outdoors; however it is recommended that Muslims Men perform prayer in a mosque. For women it is better to pray in their home in which room is more private for her. The main thing is that the place where we are doing prayer should be cleaned and free from dirty things.

It is compulsory to do prayer by all Muslims who are matured (achieved puberty), intellectually sound and free from all physical dirtiness (means free from menstruation etc).

There are some voluntary prayers which are called sunnath salath.

3) Zakath (The financial obligation upon Muslims.)

Almsgiving is the third pillar. An important principle of Islam is that everything belongs to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakath means”purification". Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need which are clearly specified by Islam. So it is not the favour of any giver but it is the right of the needy people as per Islamic rule.

There are two Zakath. One is Zakath of Wealth and another one is Zakath of health or Zkathul fitr.  Zakath of Wealth has to be paid by those who has money or ornaments (which are not using) equivalent to 595 gram silver in a year. 2.5% is the rate applied for Zakath. Some food grains, resin and dates also we needto pay Zakath. (detailed description already in the blog)

Zakathul Fitr is another Zakath which is obligatory to most of the Muslims.  2800 kg food is the normal Zakath which has to provide after completing Ramadan fasting for Eid. (Detailed description already in the blog)

An individual may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa-h, and does so preferably in secret.

 Although this word can be translated as "voluntary charity" it has a wider meaning. 
The Prophet said, "Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is an act of charity." The Prophet also said: "Charity is a necessity for every Muslim." He was asked: "What if a person has nothing?" The Prophet  replied: "He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity." The Companions of the Prophet asked: "What if he is not able to work?" The Prophet said: "He should help the poor and needy." The Companions further asked: "What if he cannot do even that?" The Prophet said: "He should urge others to do good." The Companions said: "What if he lacks that also?" The Prophet said: "He should check himself from doing evil. That is also an act of charity." 

4) Sawm or Fasting

Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sunset abstaining from food, drink, smoking and sex etc.

 Those who are sick, elderly, or on a long journey, and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing, are permitted to break the fast and  make up an equal number of days later in the year if they are healthy and able. Children begin to fast (and to observe prayers) from puberty, although many start earlier.

Although fasting is beneficial to health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. God states in the Qur'an:  "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may learn self-restraint." (Qur'an 2:183)

5) Hajj or Pilgrimage to Makkah

The pilgrimage to Makkah (the hajj) is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to do so. Nevertheless, over two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another.

 The annual hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments that strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God.

The rites of the hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include going around the Ka'bah seven times, and going seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar (Hajira, Abraham's wife) during her search for water. The pilgrims later stand together on the wide plains of 'Arafat (a large expanse of desert outside Makkah) and join in prayer for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought as a preview of the Day of Judgment.

The close of the hajj is marked by a festival, the 'Id al Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.

Hajj involves mental, health, wealth and sacrifice. The total involvements of all other 4 pillars of Islam

Eid ul Fitr & 6 fasts

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem "In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful”  

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

As salaam alaykum ramatullahi wa barakthu "May the peace of Allah be upon you, and His mercy and blessings" 

Dear friends, 

Today I would like to introduce you about Eid ul Fitr and the 6 Fasts of Shawwal. One of the meritorious aspects of Shawwal is that it has been chosen by Allah Almighty for the celebration of “Eid-ul-Fitr”, one of the two main annual festivals recognised by the Islam. This happy day as a sign of gratefulness by the Muslims on the accomplishment of Ramadhan, and as an immediate reward by Allah for those who spent the month of Ramadhan in fasting and performing other forms of prayer. In prescribing the ways to celebrate the happy day, Islam has adopted another unique approach. The festivals of other religions or nations normally comprise of some acts of rejoicing and enjoyment. The whole happy day is normally spent in dancing, drinking singing and playing. Islam has, conversely, prescribed a very simple, prestigious and more humane way to observe and celebrate the happy day. First of all, it is mandatory on all the well-off Muslims to start their day by paying ‘Zakathul -ul-fitr' to the poor of their society, so that they too may enjoy the day along with others, and may not be worried for earning their livelihood at least in that day of happiness.

After paying the ‘Zakathul-ul-fitr', the Muslims (Men) are required to proceed to offer ‘Eid prayer collectively. In this way, they are supposed to present themselves before their Creator and offer two rak'ats of this special type of prayer, which makes them receive blessings from Allah and start their celebration by these divine blessings.

After the Eid prayer also, they are supposed to rejoice the day in a responsible manner, without violating the limits prescribed for them and never indulging in the acts prohibited by Allah.

Keeping this point in view, we will now discuss specific rules prescribed for celebrating the day of ‘Eid-ul-Fitr.

The Night preceding ‘Eid-ul-Fitr'

It had been the practice of the Holy Prophet (SAW) that he did not sleep in the night preceding the day of ‘Eid ul –fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as, ‘THE NIGHT OF REWARD'. It means that Allah Almighty bestows his rewards to those who have spent the month of Ramadhan abiding by the dictates of Shari ‘ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl ( Sunnath prayer or voluntary prayer) prayers in this night. The Holy Prophet (SAW)  is reported to have said:

“Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die.

To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship in this night as he can, and should pray for all his needs and desires.

Before going to ‘Eid Prayer

The following acts are prescribed as Sunnah at the beginning of the day of Eid-ul-Fitr before proceeding to the ‘Eid prayer:

1. To wake up early in the morning.

2. To clean one's teeth with a Miswaak or a brush.

3. To have a bath.

4. To put on one's best available clothes.

5. To apply perfume.

6. To eat a sweet food, preferably dates (eat odd numbers like 3, 5, 7 etc), before the ‘Eid prayer.

7. To recite the following Takbir in the low voice while going to the ‘Eid prayer:

“Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar La ilaha illallahu  allahu akbar, allahu akbar wa lilla hil hamd.”

Zakath-ul-Fithr

(Described in details in another post in this blog -http://alimkmuhammed.blogspot.ae/2013/08/zakat-ul-fitr.html )

The ‘Eid prayer

The second obligation on ‘Eid day is to perform the ‘Eid prayer. Some rules in this respect are mentioned hereunder:

1. The ‘Eid prayer is a special voluntary prayer on every male Muslim.

2. The ‘Eid prayer can be performed any time between the ishraq and zawal.

3. It is preferable that the ‘Eid prayer is performed in a big mosque and not in open field. However, if, it is difficult to perform it in a mosque, it can also be performed in an open field but that place should be clean and good enough to perform prayer by all means.

4. The ‘Eid prayer has neither Azaan nor iqamah.

5.  It has two rakaath (one prayer unit). The first raka'h is initiated with Takbeer al-ihram, followed by the opening supplication. Then followed by seven Takbeers in the first raka'h and five more in the second rak'ah. Between each Takbeer pray dikr “subhanaallah val hamdulillah valahilaha illallahu allahu akbar” Then surathul fathiha and other one surath. Rest all like other normal prayer.

Khutbah: The address of ‘Eid-ul-fitr

In this Prayer, Khutbah is a Sunnah and is delivered after the Eid prayer. Listening to the Khutbah of ‘Eid prayer is necessary and must be heard in perfect peace and silence.

Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal

It is commendable to keep six fasts in the month of Shawwal. The Holy Prophet (SAW) has said:

“Whoever completes the fasts of Ramadhan then adds to them the fasts of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the reward of fasting for the whole year.” (Sahih Muslim)

This Hadith had described the great reward of six fasts of this month. The scholars have interpreted this Hadith by saying that according to the recognised rules of Islam, every good deed is rewarded ten times more reward of its origin, therefore, the reward of 30 days of Ramadhan amounts to the reward for 300 days. If the fasts of Ramadhan are followed by six more fasts, they carry the reward of 60 days more, raising the aggregate reward to 360 which is the number of dais in one year according to the Islamic calendar. Therefore, the Muslims should take this opportunity of acquiring such an enormous reward from Allah. It is more preferable to start these fasts from the 2 nd of Shawwal and keep fasting up to the 7 th of Shawwal. However, if they are kept in other days of shawwal (like Monday and Thursday which has special sunnath fasting), it is hoped that the requirement of the above Hadith may also be fulfilled.

Please include me in your prayer