Salaat Time

Ayaat 190-193 ~ Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

190. Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding –

191. Who remember Allah while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.

192. Our Lord, indeed whoever You admit to the Fire – You have disgraced him, and for the wrongdoers there are no helpers.

193. Our Lord, indeed we have heard a caller [i.e., Prophet Muhamed (SAWS)] calling to faith, [saying], ‘Believe in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, so forgive us our sins and remove from us our misdeeds and cause us to die among the righteous.

Sura 3. Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

Commentary ~ The wealth of the soul

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The Caliph Othman Ibn Affan (May Allah be pleased with him) said about the richness of the soul:

“The wealth of the soul puts the soul above all need, even if poverty bites hard causing pain.

Any difficult period, endure it with patience even if prolonged, because it is not made ​​to last and ease necessarily will follow.”

Hadith ~ Worldly distress

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Narrated Abu-Huraira (May Allah be satisfied with him): ‘The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “He that relieved his brother from a worldly distress Allah will relieve him from distress in the Hereafter, he that veiled a defect of a Muslim Allah will veil him in life and in the Hereafter, and he that eased (the state of) an insolvent (brother) Allah would ease (his state) in life and in the Hereafter. Allah will support him that supports his brother. He that took a way searching for knowledge Allah will facilitate a way to Paradise for him. There is no group of people who sit in a mosque reciting Allah’s Book and studying it among themselves except that tranquility will descend on them, mercy will overshadow them, and the Angels will encircle them. And he whose deed caused him to lag behind his affinity will not bring him forward.”

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous) (Abridged)
By Imam An Nawawi Vol. (1)
Publisher: Dar Al-Manarah
ISBN: 977.6005.23.3
Chapter 29, Page 294, Number 151

Ayaat 94-97 ~ An-Nahl (The Bees)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

94. And do not take your oaths as [means of] deceit between you, lest a foot slip after it was [once] firm, and you would taste evil [in this world] for what [people] you diverted from the way of Allah, and you would have [in the Hereafter] a great punishment.

95. And do not exchange the covenant of Allah for a small price. Indeed, what is with Allah is best for you, if only you could know.

96. Whatever you have will end, but what Allah has is lasting. And We will surely give those who were patient their reward according to the best of what they used to do.

97. Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.

Sura 16. An-Nahl (The Bees)

Ayaat 177 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

177. Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ The Signs of an Ignorant Person

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abud-Darda (May Allah be satisfied with him) said: “The signs of the ignorant one are three: self-conceit, much talk in that which does not concern him, and forbidding others from something he himself commits.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 179

Hadith ~ Who is most deserving

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: A person came to the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) and asked: “Who among people is most deserving of my fine treatment? The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Your mother”. He again asked: “Who next?” “Your mother”, the Prophet (SAWS) replied again. He asked: “Who next?” The Prophet (SAWS) said again: “Your mother.” He again asked: “Then who?” Thereupon the Prophet (SAWS) said: “Then your father.”

In another narration: “O Messenger of Allah! Who is most deserving of my fine treatment?” The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Your mother, then your mother, then your mother, then your father, then your nearest, then nearest”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Commentary: This Hadith tells us that the rights of the mother are three times more important than that of the father.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 40, Page 106, No 316

Ayaat 2-4 ~ Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

2. The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely –

3. The ones who establish prayer, and from what We have provided them, they spend.

4. Those are the believers, truly. For them are degrees [of high position] with their Lord and forgiveness and noble provision.

Sura 8. Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War)

Commentary ~ Is beautiful

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Words of the Caliph ‘Umar (may Allah grant him His Satisfaction):

Equity (justice) is beautiful, but it is even more so among princes.

Generosity is beautiful, but it is even more so among the rich.

Scrupulous fear (Taqwa) of Allah is beautiful, but it is even more so among scholars.

Patience is beautiful, but it is even more so among the poor.

The return to Allah is beautiful, but it is even more so among the youth.

Modesty is beautiful, but it is even more so among women.

Hadith ~ Lost Opportunities

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Verily Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious will say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘O son of Adam, I was ill but you did not visit Me.’ He would say: ‘O my Rubb (Lord), how could I visit You and You are the Rubb of the worlds? Thereupon Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine was ill but you did not visit him? Did you not realize that if you had visited him (you would have known that I was aware of your visit to him, for which I would reward you) you would have found Me with him? O son of Adam, I asked food from you but you did not feed Me.’ He would submit: ‘My Rubb, how could I feed You and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Allah would say: ‘Did you not know that such and such a slave of Mine asked you for food but you did not feed him? Did you not realize that if you had fed him, you would certainly have found (its reward) with Me? O son of Adam, I asked water from you but you did not give it to Me.’ He would say: ‘My Rubb, how could I give You (water) and You are the Rubb of the worlds?’ Thereupon Allah would say: ‘Such and such slave of Mine asked you for water to drink but you did not give it to him. Did you not realize that if you had given him to drink you would have found (its reward) with Me?'” (Muslim)

Commentary: The person who is more beneficial to the slaves of Allah is loved most by Allah. Allah likes it very much if somebody serves His creatures and treats them well. Allah will give him the best reward for it. Here, one has been urged in an effective and eloquent way to visit the sick and treat the needy nicely by offering food and drink.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 144, Page 272, No 896

Ayaat 9-11 ~ Hud

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

9. And if We give man a taste of mercy from Us and then We withdraw it from him, indeed, he is despairing and ungrateful.

10. But if We give him a taste of favor after hardship has touched him, he will surely say, “Bad times have left me.” Indeed, he is exultant and boastful –

11. Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward.

Sura 11. Hud

Commentary ~ Do not scold the One Who asks of You

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

A story has been related about a man who one day sat with his wife to eat barbecued chicken. A beggar then knocked on the door, and when the man went to answer it, he scolded the beggar and drove him away. It was the Will of Allah that afterwards that same man should become poor and should be bereft of all material possessions; because of his poverty, he had to divorce his wife. She married another man, and one day she was sitting with him to eat a barbecued chicken, when someone knocked on the door. The man said to his wife, “Give this chicken to the man at the door.” When she opened it, she was shocked to realize that it was her first husband. She gave him the chicken and returned, crying. Her husband asked her what was the matter, and she informed him that the man at the door was her previous husband. She then told him about the story of the beggar that her previous husband had scolded and sent away, and her husband said, “By Allah, I was that beggar.”

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 117

Hadith ~ Ten first days of Dhoul-Hijjah / Day of Arafat

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

According to Ibn Abbas (ASH), the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “There are no days when the actions are the most loved by Allah then these days (meaning the first ten days of Dhoul-Hijja)”. They said: O Messenger of Allah! Not even jihad in the service of Allah? “He said:” Not even jihad in the service of Allah unless it is a man who came offering his life and his money and didn’t return with either. ” (Narrated by Al Bukhari)

Abu Qatada (ASH) said: “We asked the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) on the fasting of the day of Arafat. He said: “It absolves the sins of the past year and current year.” (Narrated by Moslem)

*: This year the 1st day of Dhoul-Hijjah is Friday the 7th of June 2024, insha Allah.
*: This year the 9th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, the day of Arafat, is Saturday the 15th of June 2024, insha Allah.
*: This year the 10th day of Dhoul-Hijjah, Eid Ul-Adha, is Sunday the 16th of June 2024, insha Allah.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
ASH: May Allah be satisfied with him

Riyad as-Salihin (The gardens of the virtous)
of the Imam Mohieddine Annawawi 631 – 676
Translation and commentary by Dr Salaheddine Keshrid (Tunisia)
Editor: Dar Al-Gharb Al-Islami
Hadith 1: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1247
Hadith 2: Chapter 111, Page 367, No 1248

Ayaat 12-15 ~ Al-Hadid (Iron)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

12. On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], “Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.” That is what is the great attainment.

13. On the [same] Day the hypocrite men and hypocrite women will say to those who believed, “Wait for us that we may acquire some of your light.” It will be said, “Go back behind you[1] and seek light.” And a wall will be placed between them with a door, its interior containing mercy, but on the outside of it is torment.

14. They [i.e., the hypocrites] will call to them [i.e., the believers], “Were we not with you?” They will say, “Yes, but you afflicted yourselves[2] and awaited [misfortune for us] and doubted, and wishful thinking deluded you until there came the command of Allah. And the Deceiver [i.e., Satan] deceived you concerning Allah.

15. So today no ransom will be taken from you or from those who disbelieved. Your refuge is the Fire. It is most worthy of you, and wretched is the destination.”

Sura 57. Al-Hadid (Iron)

[1]: To where light was acquired, i.e., in the worldly life.
[2]: By hypocrisy or by falling into temptations.

Hadith ~ Breaking the Saum (Fasting)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Salman bin ‘Amir (MAPH) reported: I heard the Prophet (SAWS) saying, “When one of you breaks his Saum (fasting), let him break it on dates; if he does not have any, break his fast with water for it is pure.” (Abu Dawud).

Anas (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to break his Saum (fasting) before performing Maghrib prayer with three fresh date-fruits; if there were no fresh date-fruits, he will eat three dry dates; and if there were no dry date-fruits; he would take three draughts of water. (At-Tirmidhi).

Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “People will continue to adhere to good as long as they hasten to break the Saum (fasting).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Commentary Hadith 1 and 2: It is well to keep the priorities of things mentioned in the Hadith as one gets the reward of following the Sunnah in breaking his Saum.

Commentary Hadith 3: “Adhere to good” here means welfare of the religion as well as that of this world. Breaking the Saum early does not mean that it is terminated before the prescribed time. What it really means is without any delay after the sunset. One should not delay it for the mere reason that the rigour one has gone through in the Saum should be enhanced further, as is done by some people. There is no merit in such things because the real merit lies in following the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAWS). Welfare of the Muslims will, therefore, come in the share of the Muslims because of their following the Prophet’s Sunnah of breaking the Saum in the early moments of the prescribed time.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 222, Page 360, No 1238
Hadith 2: Chapter 222, Page 360, No 1239
Hadith 3: Chapter 222, Page 359, No 1233

Hadith ~ Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Whoever performs Qiyam during Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), with Faith and being hopeful of Allah’s reward, will have his former sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Ibn Umar (MAPH) reported: Some of the Companions of the Prophet (SAWS) saw Lailat-ul-Qadr (night of Decree) in their dreams in the last seven nights of Ramadan, whereupon the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “I see that your dreams all agree upon the last seven nights. Whosoever seeks it, let him seek it in the last seven nights.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to seclude himself (in the mosque) during the last ten nights of Ramadan. He would say: “Search for Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PHUB) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say: “Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Al-Bukhari)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: When the last ten nights (of ramadan) would begin, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) would keep awake at night (for prayer and devotion), awaken his family and prepare himself to be more diligent in worship. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) used to strive more in worship during Ramadan than he strove in any other time of the year, and he would devote himself more (in the worship of Allah) in the last ten nights of Ramadan than he strove in earlier part of the month. (Muslim)

Aishah (MAPH) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it? The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) replied: “You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).” (At-Tirmidhi)

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Commentary: There is a general belief that it is fixed, on the 27th night of Ramadan. But this is not correct. The hadith do not confirm this view. Allah Alim.

Commentary:
If you do duas, give sadaqah or any other good deed on the last ten evenings of Ramadan you are guaranteed one of the evenings to be the night of al-Qadr inchaAllah

If you started Ramadan on the evening of March 23rd, 2023, it means that the evening of Ramadan 21 falls on the evening of April 11th, 2023 inshaAllah. Allah Alim.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 214, Page 346, No 1189
Hadith 2: Chapter 214, Page 346, No 1190
Hadith 3: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1191
Hadith 4: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1192
Hadith 5: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1193
Hadith 6: Chapter 214, Page 347, No 1195

Commentary ~ Honesty

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Here is an anecdote told by the famous “Prince of Travelers” Sheikh Abu Abdullah Mohammed, better known as Ibn Battouta. This story comes to us from the 12th century.

In the Bekaa Valley in Syria, is the tomb of Abu Youssef Yacoub. It is said that in Damascus, he obtained a job working as a guard in an orchard belonging to the Sultan Nour Eddine. When the fruit harvest season came, the king accompanied by his first steward visited the garden that he was guarding. The guard Abu Youssef was ordered to go pick some pomegranates for the monarch. When he brought them, the steward took one of the fruits, broke it in half and ate a small quantity of the pale pink seeds. He made a frown of disgust, grumbled and spat while saying: “These fruits are sour, go and pick some more and try to choose better this time!” Abou Youssef promptly complied and then returned, laden with pomegranates larger than the first batch. The steward tasted them again but he made another frown that said that this second tasting was even worse than the first tasting. The steward got very angry and shouted at the guard: “It has been more than six months now that you have been assigned to guard this orchard and you do not know yet how to distinguish what is sour from what is sweet?” To which the honest guard replied: “Did you hire me to watch over the fruits or to eat them?”

Translated from Ibn Battouta “Prince of Travelers”
Author: Lotfi Akalay

Importance of Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) – Especially during Ramadan

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

And spend [in the way of Allah] from what We have provided you before death approaches one of you and he says, “My Lord, if only You would delay me for a brief term so I would give charity and be among the righteous.” (Koran 63.10)

…And whatever good you [believers] spend is for yourselves, and you do not spend except seeking the countenance of Allah. And whatever you spend of good (i.e., wealth, property, resources, time, effort, etc.) – it will be fully repaid to you, and you will not be wronged. (Koran 2.272)

Those who spend their wealth [in Allah’s way] by night and by day, secretly and publicly – they will have their reward with their Lord. And no fear will there be concerning them, nor will they grieve. (Koran 2.274 )

Say, “Indeed, my Lord extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts [it] for him. But whatever thing you spend [in His cause] – He will compensate it; and He is the best of providers.” (Koran 34.39)

Ibn Abbas (MAPH) reported: the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Quran to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (SAWS) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said: “Two angels descend every morning, and one says: ‘O Allah, give him who spends something, in place of what he spends.’ The other one says: ‘O Allah, give destruction to him who withholds”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 218, Page 356, No 1222
Hadith 2: Chapter 36, Page 99, No 295

Hadith ~ Two joyous occasions

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Allah the Exalted and Majestic said: ‘Every act of the son of Adam is for him, except As-Siyam (the fasting) which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.’ Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the breath of one observing Saum is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels pleasure when he breaks the fast. He is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Rubb (Lord).” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

In a narration by Al-Bukhari, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “Allah says: ‘(The person observing Saum) has abstained from food and drink, and sexual pleasures for My sake; fasting is for Me, and I will bestow its reward. Every good deed has ten times its reward’.”

In a narration by Muslim, the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said: “The reward of every (good) deed of a person is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah (SWT) says: ‘The reward of observing Saum is different from the reward of other good deeds; Saum is for Me, and I Alone will give its reward. The person observing Saum abstains from food and drink only for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joyous occasions, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time of meeting his Rubb (Lord). Surely, the breath of one observing Saum is better smelling to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

Commentary: “Khuluf”, is the smell that comes from the mouth of the person who observes Saum. It results from the thirst and hunger which the person has to suffer suring the Saum. The Hadith not only tells us the merits of Saum but also brings into focus the true significance of it. Saum is not thus mere abstention from food, drink and sexual intercourse, but also keeping away from all evils and vices and embracing virtues.

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 354, No 1215

Hadith ~ Protecting As-Saum (the Fast)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “When any one of you is observing Saum (fasting) on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise the voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: ‘I am observing fast.'” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “If one does not eschew lies and false conduct, Allah has no need that he should abstain from his food and his drink.” (Al-Bukhari).

Commentary Hadith 1: We learn from this Hadith that during Saum not only food, drink and intimate relations with one’s spouse are prohibited but the improper use of the tongue and the other organs of the body as well. When one is observing Saum, he should neither use abusive language nor talk foolishly nor tell lies nor make obscene conversation nor indulge in backbiting nor quarrel with anyone. If someone provokes him, he should keep himself quiet and remember that he is observing Saum and he has to abstain from such things. As far as possible, he should keep his tongue engaged in the remembrance of Allah and recitation of the Quran.

Commentary Hadith 2: This Hadith exhorts those observing Saum to fulfill all the requirements of fasting. One should not conduct himself in such a manner that on the one side he observes Saum and on the other he is fearless of Allah. To save himself from Allah’s Wrath and to get the reward of the fasts, one must abstain from all sorts of vices, such as cheating, lying, backbiting, and using obscene language. The threat held against such people in this Hadith should make them fear that their Saum will go to waste and they would be deprived of its reward. It does not mean that such people should start eating and drinking during Saum but what is intended is that they should save themselves from all kinds of sins so that they may earn the reward of Saum.

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 223, Page 360, No 1240
Hadith 2: Chapter 223, Page 361, No 1241

Hadith ~ Whoever observes fasting

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who observes fasting during the month of Ramadan with Faith while seeking its reward from Allah, will have his past sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 355, No 1219

Ayaat 183-187 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

183. O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous –

184. [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers good [i.e., excess] – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.

185. The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month[1], let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.

186. And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided.

187. It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves[2], so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you [i.e., offspring]. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the night [i.e., sunset]. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His verses [i.e., ordinances] to the people that they may become righteous.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

[1] Also, “whoever is present during the month.”

[2] Prior to this revelation, marital relations were unlawful during nights preceding fasting. Some were unable to refrain and secretly disobeyed, but they did not deceive Allah.

Hadith ~ Fast when you see the New Moon (of Ramadan)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Fast when you see the new moon (of Ramadan) and break your fast when you see the new moon (of Shawwal.) If clouds prevent you from seeing it, complete thirty days in the month of Shaban (the one that precedes Ramadan). (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Commentary: (…) If the moon of Ramadan is not sighted on the 29th Sha’ban, then its thirty days be completed and Ramadan’s Saum be started on the next day. Similarly, if the moon for the month of Shawwal is not sighted on the 29th of Ramadan, thirty days of Saum must be completed before celebrating ‘Eid-ul-Fitr. This means that the sighting of the moon is necessary for keeping the Saum of Ramadan. Counting by celestial system is not sufficient for this purpose. (…)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 217, Page 356, No 1221

Ayaat 137-142 ~ Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

137. Similar situations [as yours] have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.

138. This [Quran] is a clear statement to [all] the people and a guidance and instruction for those conscious of Allah.

139. So do not weaken and do not grieve, and you will be superior if you are [true] believers.

140. If a wound should touch you – there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs – and Allah does not like the wrongdoers –

141. And that Allah may purify the believers [through trials] and destroy the disbelievers.

142. Or do you think that you will enter Paradise while Allah has not yet made evident those of you who fight in His cause and made evident those who are steadfast?

Sura 3. Surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran)

Commentary ~ The Answer To Your Supplications Is Delayed For A Reason

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

There is an interesting situation that confuses many: the believer who is afflicted with a calamity and then invokes Allah constantly, yet sees no signs of an answer to his prayers. Then when he comes near to the point of hopelessness, the true worth of his heart is found out. If he is pleased with what Allah decreed for him, without losing hope of Allah’s Favour, then in most situations it is at this point that such a person’s supplications are answered, answered because his test is over: his faith has shined through and the Devil has been defeated. So it is at the time of near hopelessness that the worth of man is judged. This meaning is alluded to in the saying of Allah:

“Or think you that you will enter Paradise without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They were afflicted with severe poverty and ailments and were so shaken that even the Messenger and those who believed along with him said, “When (will come) the Help of Allâh?” Yes! Certainly, the Help of Allâh is near!” (Quran 2:214)

After Ya’qub (peace be upon him) lost his son, much time elapsed, yet he never lost hope of relief. Instead of relief, another of his sons was then taken away, and even then he did not lose hope of Allah’s Favour and Mercy:

“So patience is most fitting (for me). May be Allah will bring them all (back) to me. Truly He! only He is All-Knowing, All-Wise.” (Quran 12:83)

And similar were the words and sentiments of (Zachariya) Zakariyyah (peace be upon him):

“And I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord!” (Quran 19:4)

Never, therefore, should one feel that too much time has passed by without his supplications being answered. One should realize that, whenever one is tested with hardship, one’s mettle and faith are being tested. To pass such a test, one must drive away the whispers of the Devil and then turn for help to the Most-Merciful, the Most-Generous, the Most-Wise.

Gems and Jewels
Compiled by: Abdul-Malik Mujahid
Publisher: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam
ISBN: 9960-897-59-1
Page 317

Hadith ~ Loves for his brother

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hamzah Anas bin Malik (May Allah be satisfied with him) who was the servant of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) reported that the Prophet (SAWS) said: “None of you truly believes (in Allah and His religion) until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” [Bukhari & Muslim]

SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection

40 Hadith Nawawi
Hadith No. 13

Ayaat 164-167 ~ Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

164. Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and earth are signs for a people who use reason.

165. And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah. And if only they who have wronged would consider [that] when they see the punishment, [they will be certain] that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.

166. [And they should consider that] when those who have been followed disassociate themselves from those who followed [them], and they [all] see the punishment, and cut off from them are the ties [of relationship],

167. Those who followed will say, “If only we had another turn [at worldly life] so we could disassociate ourselves from them as they have disassociated themselves from us.” Thus will Allah show them their deeds as regrets upon them. And they are never to emerge from the Fire.

Sura 2. Al-Baqarah (The Cow)

Commentary ~ The Target in the Shot

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said:

“Justice has one image and injustice has several. This is why it is easy to do injustice and it is difficult to stick to justice alone.

Both resemble the one who hits the target in the shot and the one who misses it.

To hit the target requires training, while to knowingly commit injustice requires nothing of the same.”

Hadith ~ A Muslim is the Brother of a Muslim

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection) said: “Beware of suspicion, for suspicion is the worst of false tales. Do not look for others faults. Do not spy one another, and do not practice Najsh (means to offer a high price for something in order to allure another customer who is interested in the thing). Do not be jealous of one another and do not nurse enmity against one another. Do not sever ties with one another. Become the slaves of Allah, and be brothers to one another as He commanded. A Muslim is the brother of a Muslim. He should neither oppress him nor humiliate him. The piety is here! The piety is here! While saying so he pointed towards his chest. “It is enough evil for a Muslim to look down upon his Muslim brother. All things of a Muslim are inviolable for his brother in Faith: his blood, his wealth and his honor. Verily, Allah does not look to your bodies nor to your faces but He looks to your hearts and your deeds.” (Muslim)

Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Chapter 271, Page 453, No 1570

Ayaat 16-36 ~ Maryam (Mary)

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In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

16. And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east.

17. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our Angel [i.e., Gabriel], and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man.

18. She said, “Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah.”

19. He said, “I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e., son].”

20. She said, “How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?”

21. He said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.’ “

22. So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a remote place.

23. And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said, “Oh, I wish I had died before this and was in oblivion, forgotten.”

24. But he[1] called her from below her, “Do not grieve; your Lord has provided beneath you a stream.

25. And shake toward you the trunk of the palm tree; it will drop upon you ripe, fresh dates.

26. So eat and drink and be contented. And if you see from among humanity anyone, say, ‘Indeed, I have vowed to the Most Merciful abstention, so I will not speak today to [any] man.’ “

27. Then she brought him to her people, carrying him. They said, “O Mary, you have certainly done a thing unprecedented.

28. O sister [i.e., descendant] of Aaron, your father was not a man of evil, nor was your mother unchaste.”

29. So she pointed to him. They said, “How can we speak to one who is in the cradle a child?”

30. [Jesus] said, “Indeed, I am the servant of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet.

31. And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has enjoined upon me prayer and zakah [2]as long as I remain alive

32. And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He has not made me a wretched tyrant.

33. And peace is on me the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I am raised alive.”

34. That is Jesus, the son of Mary – the word of truth about which they are in dispute.

35. It is not [befitting] for Allah to take a son; exalted is He![3] When He decrees an affair, He only says to it, “Be,” and it is.

36. [Jesus said], “And indeed, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.”

Sura 19. Maryam (Mary)

[1] There is a difference of opinion among scholars as to whether “he” refers to the baby or to the angel.

[2] It should be noted that Zakat is always associated with prayer, and was enjoined on other prophets before Islam.

[3] i.e., far removed is He from any such need.