The True Essence of Eid al-Fitr

In this day and age, many Muslims eagerly await the end of Ramadaan and the coming of Eid-ul-Fitr to gain their ‘freedom’ in order to go back to committing sin and disobeying Almighty Allah [May ALLAH Forbid]. Many people start on the day of Eid itself and engage in shameful and reprehensible behaviour in the name of celebration. We should remember that celebration does not mean committing sin, but rather it involves remembering Allah Ta’ala and being grateful to Allah Ta’ala for showering His Mercy and Bounties upon us. Let us look at the true essence and significance of Eid-ul-Fitr, and the way in which those pious servants close to Almighty Allah celebrated Eid.

Eid is a day of celebration for Muslims, a day of happiness. On this day, Muslims perform two rakaats of prayer, meet one another, shake hands and embrace and give charity to the poor and needy. Islam teaches protecting the poor, helping the helpless, and easing the pain and sufferings of orphans and the meek at every turn, and they should not be forgotten, especially on the day of Eid. That is why Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) ordered us to pay the Sadqa-e-Fitr before performing the Eid Salaah so that Muslims remember their poor brothers on this occasion and include them in their happiness.

 

It is reported on the authority of Hadrat Anas (Radiallahu Ta’ala Anh) that when Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came to Madina Shareef, the people of Madina would celebrate two festivals. They were asked what these days were and they replied, “We used to celebrate on these days in the days of ignorance.” Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) said, “Allah Ta’ala has granted you two better days than these days; Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha.” [Abu Dawood]

 

Regarding Eid-ul-Fitr, Rasoolullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) once said, “When the month of Ramadaan is over, and the night of Eid-ul-Fitr has arrived, that night is called the Night of Prize. Then, in the early morning of Eid-ul-Fitr Allah Ta’ala will send His angels forth to visit all the towns and cities on the earth below. Once they have made their descent, they will position themselves at the entrances to all the streets and alleys. There, in a voice that is audible to every being created by Allah Ta’ala, apart from the jinn and humankind, they will issue a proclamation saying, “O Community of Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam), come forth into the presence of a Noble and Generous Lord, who will grant you gifts in abundance and forgive your terrible sin!” Then when the believers have emerged and presented themselves at their place of prayer, Allah Ta’ala will say to His angels, “O My angels, what is the recompense of the hired labourer, once he has done his job?” The angels will reply, “Our Lord and our Master, You will pay him his wages in full!” So Allah Ta’ala will say, “I now call upon you to bear witness, O My angels, that I have conferred My acceptance and My forgiveness as the reward for their fasting and night vigil during the month of Ramadaan.” Allah Ta’ala will then say, “O My servants put your requests to Me now, for this I swear by My Might and My Majesty, you will not ask Me this day, in this gathering of yours for anything connected with your life hereafter, without My granting it to you; nor for anything connected with your life in this lower world, without My attending to your need. By My Might and My Majesty, I will not put you to shame, nor will I expose you to disgrace amongst those who are faithfully committed to observing the laws (of Shariah). Now you may depart, knowing that you have been forgiven. You have won My approval, and I am well pleased with you.”” [Ghunyalit Taalibi Tareeqal Haq, Vol. 3]

 

Subhaanallah! How Merciful is our Rabb, even though we are such wretched sinners.

Excellence of Eidain and Method of Performing the Eid Prayer

I. Hadrat Anas reported that when the Holy Prophet came to Madinah, the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: “What are these two days?” They said: “We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha  (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr . [Sunan Abi Dawood – Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 162]

 

II. Hadrat Abu al-Huwairith reported that the Messenger of Allah wrote to Hadrat ‘Amr Ibn Hazm, when he was in Najran, asking him to observe the prayer early on the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and late on the Eid of Fitr, and to admonish the people. [Mishkaat – Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 127]

 

III. Hadrat Jabir ibn Samurah reported, “I prayed with the Messenger of Allah the two Eid prayers more than once or twice, without an Adhan or Iqamah.” [Sahih Muslim – Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 290]

 

IV. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd number. [Sahih Bukhari – Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 130]

 

V. Hadrat Buraidah reported that the Holy Prophet did not go out on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he had eaten some food; and that he did not eat any food on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (sacrifice) till he had prayed. [Sunan Tirmidhi – Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 120]

 

VI. Hadrat Jabir reported that on the day of Eid the Holy Prophet used to return by a different route from the one he had taken when going out. [Sahih Bukhari – Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 134]

 

NOTES:

 

1. To greet, embrace and shake hands with one another, after the Eidain prayer is an act of reward; and which is also a means of increasing love and affection between Muslims and a way of expressing ones joy and happiness.

2. It is not permissible for females to perform the Eidain prayers, as there shall be mixing between the men and the women in the Eidgah (place where the Eid prayer is performed). This is why it is not permissible for females to go to the Masajid to perform salaah with congregation; whether they go in day or at night; whether for Jum’ah or for Eidain; whether they are old or young. [This has been stated in Tanwir al-Absar and al-Durr al-Mukhtar Page 114]

 

Yes, however, before Zawal women can perform the 2 or 4 rak’ats Chasht (Salatud Duha) prayer at home, after the Eidain prayer has finished. [Bahar-e-Shari’at – Vol. 1, Chapter 4, Page 94]

 

3. If only the women have their own congregation for salaah, then this is also not permissible, as the congregation held by women between themselves (to perform salaah) is not allowed, in fact it is strictly disliked (Makruh-e-Tehrimi). [This has been stated in Fatawa-e-’Alamgiri Vol. 1 Page 80, also in al-Durr al-Mukhtar Page 77]

 

4. Even if women pray the Eidain prayer on their own, then this is also not permissible as it is a condition to establish the Eidain prayer that it is performed with a congregation. Yes! Women should pray the nafl (supererogatory) salaah on that day; at home, on their own. Insha’Allah they shall receive the blessings and rewards of that day.

Numeral ‘786’ as ‘Bismillahir raHmanir raHeem’

I received an email in which someone tried to prove that the numeral ‘786’ does not refer to Bismillahir raHmanir raHeem and it is an innovation by ignorant people. Moreover he copied the 7-8-6 Numerals of Sanskrit Language then flipped/arranged them in a way that makes the symbol for Hari Krishna and said that it also spells out Hare Krishna.

 REFUTATION TO THE BASELESS ACCUSATION:

Praise be to Allah Almighty who is the Lord of the Worlds, and may Endless Blessings be showered upon His Most Beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (SallaAllahu Ta’ala ‘Alaihi wa Aalihi wa Sahbihi wa Baaraka wa Sallam)

Well, there are hundreds of scripts and languages in this world, take any sentence or numeric’s, write it in NON-TRADITIONAL styles, FLIP horizontally or vertically, ARRANGE it as you want and produce any rubbish as the people did. Don’t they have anything better to do with their time than mess around with stupid letters and flip them whatever? Ask then to Go and do some proper research in Quran and Hadith rather than wasting their little brain’s cells on imaginary letters. People use 786 to represent Bismillah as a short or to prevent disrespect when writing letters and posting.

‘786’ is indeed the numerical value of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem”, what difference does it makes if it coincides with the numerical value of the name “Hare Karishna”? A Muslim writes 786 with the intention of “Bismillah…”. It is mentioned in the first Hadith of Sahih al-Bukhari that for everyone it is their intention that matters. A person who performs Salah for the pleasure of Allah he is rewarded duly and the one who performs Salah to be noticed by people is not rewarded.

In the period of our beloved Prophet Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him, numerology (the knowledge of interpretation of words according to numbers) was present, as evident from the following incident.

Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Abbaas narrates, Abu Yasir Bin Akhtab, his brother Hayy Bin Akhtab and Ka’b Bin Asharaf asked Rasoolullah Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam “to swear and tell us if the Alif Laam Meem has been revealed on you as is”? Our beloved Nabi Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam replied “yes”. Hayy then said “if you are truthful then your Ummah will remain for a few years, so how can we accept this religion.” They pointed out that according to the knowledge of numerical value it is obvious from the letters of Alif Laam Meem that this nation will be obliterated within 71 years. Hayy asked, “is there any other word like this.” The Beloved Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam replied “yes, there is Alif Laam Meem Saad.” Hayy said. “this value is 161 which is more than previous”. Then he asked, “is there any more?” the Beloved Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam replied “yes there is Alif Laam Raa.” Hayy said “this is even more than first and the second, and we bear witness that your Ummah will only be dominant till 231 years.” Then he said “is there anything else besides these?” The beloved Rasool Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam replied “yes Alif Laam Meem Raa is also revealed on me.” Hayy said, “we won’t believe in you because we are not sure as to which one of your words we should believe.” Then Abu Yasir spoke, “we bear evidence that our Prophets have informed us that this Ummah will rule but they did not tell us for how long, so if Muhammad Sallallaho Alaihi wa Sallam is truthful in his statement then according to my understanding Alif Laam Meem, Alif Laam Meem Saad, and Alif Laam Meem Raa all will be gathered for this Ummah.” Then all the Jews got up and left by saying “your matter is doubtful to us.” [Hashiya Saikh Zaadah, Tafsir al Baydawi, Vol. 1, Page 65]

Sadaqat al-Fitr | Important Notes Regarding It

I. Hadrat ibn ‘Umar radi allahu anhu said, “The Prophet Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam made incumbent on every male or female, free man or slave, young or old, the payment of one Sa’ of dates or barley as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr. The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam commanded that this sadaqah be paid before one goes to perform the Eid prayer.” [Sahih Bukhari – Book on Zakah, Volume 1, Page 204]

II. Hadrat Hasan radi allahu anhu said: Hadrat Ibn Abbas radi allahu anhu preached the people towards the end of Ramadan, standing on the pulpit (in the mosque) of al-Basrah. He said: “Bring forth the sadaqah relating to your fast.” The people, as it were, could not understand. “Which of the people of Medina are present here? Stand for your brethren, and teach them, for they do not know” said Hadrat ibn ‘Abbas radi allahu anhu. He further added: “The Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam prescribed this sadaqah as one sa’ of dried dates or barley, or half a sa’ of wheat payable by every freeman or slave, male or female, young or old.” When Hadrat Ali radi allahu anhu came (to Basrah), he found that the price had come down. He said: “Allah has given prosperity to you, so give one sa’ of everything (as sadaqah).” [Sunan Abi Dawood – Book on Zakah, Volume 1, page 229]

III. Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn Tha’laba or Tha’laba ibn ‘Abdullah radi allahu anhu (narrator cannot recall exactly what the name was) ibn Abu Saghir radi allahu anhu, who narrates from his father that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam said, “One sa’ of wheat is enough from every two; young or old; freeman or slave; male or female. Those of you who are rich will be purified by Allah, and those of you who are poor will have more than they gave returned by Him to them.” [Sunan Abi Dawood – Book on Zakah, Volume 1, Page 228]

IV. Hadrat ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbas radi allahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam prescribed Sadqatul Fitr, so that the fasts (kept throughout the month of Ramadan) may be purified from any falsehood, wrongdoing or evil talk, and (at the same time) it shall assist to feed the poor and the needy. [Sunan Abi Dawood – Book on Zakah, Volume 1, Page 227]

V. Hadrat ‘Amr ibn Shu’aib radi allahu anhu reports from his father, who reports from his grandfather that the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam sent a person that he calls out loud in the streets of Makkah al-Mukarramah that Sadaqat ul Fitr is Wajib (necessary) upon every Muslim male or female; freeman or a slave; young or old. [Sunan Tirmidhi – Book on Zakah, Volume 1, Page 146]

Laylat al-Qadr ( Shab E Qadr ) | The Night of Power

Hadrat Anas ibn Malik radi allahu anhu reported that when [the month of] Ramadhan came, the Holy Prophet Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam said, “Indeed this month has come to you, and in it is a night more virtuous than a thousand months. So, whosoever is deprived of its blessings is [indeed] deprived of all blessings. No one is kept deprived of its blessings, but only those who are unfortunate.” [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol 1, Page 119]

Hadrat ‘Aishah radi allahu anha reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam has said, “Seek Lailatul Qadr on an odd numbered night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and the 29th) among the last ten (nights) of Ramadhan.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 270]

Hadrat ‘Aishah radi allahu anha reported: “I asked the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam: tell me what should I say (pray) on Lailatul Qadr if I know which night it is?” He said: say,

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّى

“O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol 2, Page 191]

Hadrat ‘Aishah radi allahu anha reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam used to strive hard in devotion in the last ten nights more than at any other time.” [Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 372]

Hadrat Anas radi allahu anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam has said, “When Lailatul Qadr comes, Gabriel comes down with a company of angels who invoke blessings on everyone who is standing or sitting remembering Allah the Great and Glorious. Then when their festival day comes, i.e. the Eid day, He (Allah) speaks proudly of them to his angels saying, “O My angels, what is the reward of a hired servant who has fully accomplished his work?” They say, “Our Lord, his reward is that he should be paid his wages in full.” He says, “O My angels! My male and female servants have fulfilled what I have made obligatory for them, and then have come out raising their voices in supplication. By My Might, Glory, Honour, High dignity and Exalted Station, I will certainly answer them.” Then He says, “Return, I have forgiven you and changed your evil deeds into good deeds.” The Messenger of Allah said, “Then they return having received forgiveness.” [Mishkat, Vol 1, Page 182]

Hadrat ‘Ayeshah radi allahu anha reported that when the last ten days began, the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam used to prepare himself rigorously for devotion; remain awake at night and (also) keep his family awake.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 271]

Sheikh ‘Abd al-Haq “Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi” radi allahu anhu states under the commentary of the above Hadith that:

“Shadda Mizarahu” (tied his lower garment) is a metaphor that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam used to devote himself completely for the worship of Allah, more than usually in the last ten days of Ramadan. Or, this is metaphor that the Messenger of Allah Sallallahu ta’ala’alayhi wa sallam isolated and secluded himself from his blessed wives. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at – Vol. 2 Pg. 115]

by Irfan Qadiri

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Golden Words of Wisdom by Ameer al-Mu’mineen Sayyiduna Mawla ‘Ali al-Murtudah Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu

Panch Naare Punjatan Ke Ek Naara Haidari ” YA ALI ” karamALLAHu wajahul karim !

• To meet somebody with gaiety and cheerfulness is the first act of a good deed.
• It is also an act of prayer to ponder over the work of nature.
• To have suspicion in one’s belief is equivalent to polytheism.
• Improper modesty is the course of misfortune. Very few people are convincing company.
• Showing appreciation is the reason for receiving Divine blessings, and ungratefulness is the reason for receiving difficulties or hardship.
• Respect is from amongst the excellent of marvels and charity is from amongst the most excellent forms of worship.
• Death is an uninvited companion.
• In every second are hidden difficulties.
• To be victorious over your worship is an excellent feat.
• An intelligent person lowers himself to attain a high status while a foolish person raises his status thereby disgracing himself.
• Intelligence falls into 2 categories: Natural disposition and adaptation.There is no benefit from accommodated intelligence without the intelligence of natural disposition: for example sunlight is useless to one who cannot see.
• Friendship is a relationship proficient from birth.
• To be ashamed of ones sins augment ones eyes, to be proud of ones good deeds destroys ones eyes.
• The companion that destroys worship, his desires and extensive worship for one day is the enemy of the soul.
• An intelligent person always remains sad and remorseful.
• In idleness one is reminded of gallantry.
• To combine charity with obligation is wickedness.
• To speak ill of an open sinner is not backbiting.
• A persons true worth is hidden under his tongue.
• To forgive is the best form of revenge.
• A wise person is he who due to his previous experiences goes about doing things a different way.
• Even though there is fear in speaking the truth, yet in it is salvation. Though it is simple to lie yet in it is definitely destruction.
• Restlessness combined with patience is definitely more inconvenient.
• A poor person is he who has no friends.
• Knowledge with practise is liberating and practise without sincerity is useless.
• Poverty, whom many people feel ashamed of, is better than that wealth which leads to sins and wrong doings making a person face dishonour and disgrace.
• There is never a shortage of experiences and an intelligent person is he who progresses by it.
• To fear difficulties is a strange condition of adversities.
• To forgive easily is supreme respectability and to be vengeful is extreme meanness.
• The recognition of a respectable person is when anyone is generous then he too treats that person with generosity and if anyone is meek towards him then he too becomes docile, and a wicked person is that person, when approached with submission then he treats that person with generosity and if he is approached with generosity the he becomes negligent.
• The reason the Ulama are poor and helpless is, because the ignorant are plenty who do not understand their value.
• For a criminal to plead guilty is the best form of amnesty or intercession.
• An intelligent person when remaining silent ponders about the Almighty SubHanuhu wa Ta’ala and His creation, and wherever he looks, he learns a lesson from around him.

Karamaat (Marvels) of Sayyiduna Mawla Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anho

Countless Salutations be upon the cup-bearer of milk and potion; the approved one, the lion of Allah and the bravest of the brave… Countless Salutations be upon the shadow of power of the providence the lion striking with the sword and sovereign conqueror of Khyber!! ♥

CURE FOR A CRIPPLE: Allama Taaj al-Din as-Subki Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu states in his book Tabqaat that once Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu took Hadrat Imam Hassan and Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhum) and went to the Kaa’ba. Whilst in the Haram, they heard a person crying bitterly, begging Almighty Allah to forgive him. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu asked for this person to be brought before him. The person came to Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu dragging himself on the ground. He was a cripple. Hadrat Ali asked how he had become cripple and he said that he spent all his time openly committing sins. His father was a very pious Muslim who always warned him against sinning, but he took no heed. Once whilst his father was giving him advice, he became angry and beat his father up. His father became very sad and went to the Kaaba and cursed him. It was through the curse of his father, that he had become a cripple. The man said that he then realized his wrongs and repented sincerely in the Court of Allah and he also asked his father to forgive him. His father forgave him in fatherly love and was very pleased when he changed his life. The man then took an oath and said that his father asked to be brought back to Makkah, so that he may ask Allah to forgive his son and grant him cure. Whilst on their way to Makkah, their camel tripped, and his father fell off and was killed. The man said that from that day on he has been crying day and night in the Kaaba, begging Almighty Allah to grant him good health. When Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu heard this, he said, “If your father became pleased with you, then have faith that Almighty Allah is pleased with you.” Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu then read a few rakaats of Salaah and made dua for him. He then said, “Rise in the name of Allah! The cripple immediately stood up and was cured. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu said, AIf you had not taken an oath to say that your father had become pleased with you, then I would never had made dua for you.” [Tabqaat]

 

WALL STOPPED FROM FALLING: Hadrat Imam Jaa’far as-Saadiq Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu states that once Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was seated against a wall deciding a case, when people sitting in the hearing began to shout and become panic stricken. They asked Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu to move away as the wall that he was sitting against was about to collapse. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu said, “Continue with the hearing. Allah is the Best Protector” The case continued. After the case had come to an end and when Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu left the area, then only did the wall collapse without causing any harm to anybody. [Izaalat al-Khulafa]

 

A SPY BECOMES BLIND: There was a person who used to sit in the companionship of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu as a spy. He used to carry the information from the court of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu to the opposition. Once Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu confronted him concerning this, and he denied this by swearing an oath. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu got into Jalaal and said, “If you are telling a lie, then may Allah take your sight away.” The spy immediately became blind and from that day on walked around with a cane in his hand. [Shawahid an-Nabuwwah, Page 127]

 

ANGELS SERVE HIS HOME: Hadrat Abu Dharr Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu says, “Once the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam sent me to call Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu from his home. When I reached his blessed home, I saw that the flour mill was in motion by itself, without being operated by anyone. When I told the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam about this, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, ‘O Abu Dharr! There are some Angels of Allah that travel the earth. Allah has also given them the duty of assisting my family.’”

Ameer al-Mo’mineen Asadullah al-Ghalib Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtuda Karam ALLAHu Wajahul Karim

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA: Ameer al-Momineen, Asadullahil Ghalib, Haidar-e-Karaar Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu are the second Imam of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razaviyyah Nooriyah.

BLESSED NAME: His name is Ali and is known as Abu al-Hassan and Abu Turab and his titles are Murtuda, Asadullah and Haidar-e-Karraar.

HIS FATHER: His father was Abu Taalib and Grandfather were Abdul Mutallib. Abu Taalib is the uncle of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

HIS MOTHER: His mother’s name was Faatima bint Asad, bin Haashim, bin Abd Munaaf. Her Janazah was performed by Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and he gave his blessed Qamees (Kurta) to be used as her kaffan (shroud). He prepared her grave and first he himself laid down in her grave, so that it will be comfortable for her in the grave, and so that she may be adorned in the Garb of Jannat. [Noor al-Absaar]

MIRACULOUS EVENTS IN THE WOMB OF HIS MOTHER: When Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was in the womb of his mother, then she used to see astonishing dreams. She says, “When I was pregnant with Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu, some bright people came to me and gave me glad tidings, and for as long as he was in womb, I felt very different, and whenever I intended to prostrate before the idols, I would have a severe pain in my stomach. In this way, I could not prostrate to any idol.” [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

HIS BIRTH: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was born on a Friday. Some narrations quote the date as the 13th of Muharram and others state the 13th of Rajab. His birth occurred 30 years after the incident of Feel. He was born inside the Holy Kaa’ba, and none has been blessed with this excellence before him. [Noor al-Absaar].

His mother said, “When he was born, he did not drink milk for three days, and this, caused great sadness in my home. This message reached Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam arrived and took Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu in his blessed arms and showed great love to him. He then placed his tongue in the mouth of Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu and Hadrat Ali suckled on the tongue of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and thereafter started to drink milk.”

When Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was five years old, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam kept him at his blessed home and took care of him. He was thus groomed in the home of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam until he was ten years old.

HIS FEATURES: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu was of excellent built and not very tall in height. He was tan in colour and very handsome. His face was very beautiful and would always be shining like the full moon. He had huge, black shining eyes. His shoulders were broad and well built like that of a lion. His beard was long and full. His body was very muscular, and his body was covered by a lot of hair. His hands and wrists were very strong and firm. If he gripped anyone with his hands, the person would not be able to breath. His thighs and legs were also very strong and firm. He walked very swiftly in the manner that the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam walked. He was so healthy, that if he wished, he wore summer clothes in winter and winter clothes in summer. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

FAMILY TREE: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu son of Abu Taalib son of Abdul Mutalib son of Abd Munaaf son of Qasi son of Kilaab son of Marrah son of Lawi son of Ghaalib son of Fahar son of Maalik son of Nuzar son of Kinaana. [Tareekh al-Khulafa]

I’tikaaf [The Spiritual Retreat] and its Types

Hadrat Sayyidah ‘Aishah Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anha reported that the Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him used to engage in I’tikaaf. i.e. private devotions in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he met his Lord. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 271 – Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 371]

Hadrat Anas Radi ALLAHu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him used to engage in I’tikaaf in the mosque in the last ten days of Ramadan. But, one year he omitted the I’tikaaf so he engaged in I’tikaf during twenty nights the following year. [Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol 1, Page 334]

Important Notes:

1. It is sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah to perform I’itikaf in the mosque in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan, as stated by Hadrat Sheikh ‘Abd al-Haq “Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi”:

According to the Hanafi madhhab, I’itikaf is Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah as the Holy Prophet always used to perform it till he passed away. [Ashi’ah al-Lam’at Vol. 2 Pg. 118]

2. There are 3 types of I’itikaf:

a) Wajib – if one makes a “Minnat” (vow) of I’itikaf uttering the words of vow. Mere intention will not make I’itikaf wajib. For example, one says, “If my child becomes cured from his illness then I shall perform I’itikaf for three days.” Then to perform I’itikaf for three days with fast is wajib.

b) Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah – that one should enter the Masjid on the 20th of Ramadhan before sunset, with the intention of I’itikaf and to stay there till the end of Ramadhan i.e. leave the mosque after the Maghrib prayer on the 30th of Ramadan or if the moon for Eid was sighted on the 29th then to leave after the Maghrib prayer of that day. This I’itikaf is “sunnat-e-Kifayah” meaning that if I’itikaf was performed by even one person in a town then the religious duty shal be fulfilled on behalf of everyone. Otherwise, all shall be accountable for neglecting it.

There are many virtues and excellences for such an I’itikaf. Baihaqi has reported on the authority of Hadrat Imam Husain that the Messenger of Allah has stated, “whosoever performs I’itikaf for ten days in the month of Ramadan, it is as though he has performed two ‘Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and two Hajj (greater pilgrimage).”

c) MustaHab or Sunnat-e-Mu’akkadah – I’itikaf other than the two types mentioned above are “Mustahab” and “Sunnat-e-Ghair Mu’akkadah” [Fatawa-e-‘Alamgiri, Vol 1, Page 197]

Rings And Jewellery in Islam

* On which finger should the ring be worn?
 * Silk and Gold are Haraam for men
 * Regarding the use of brass and iron rings
 * Ten things which are regarded as bad
 * Allowing girls to wear tinkling anklets is disallowed
 * A male is only allowed to wear one silver ring  
 * The ring of a male should not weigh more than one Mithqaal
 * Women are also not allowed to wear jewels from other metals
 * Regarding gemstones such as agate jasper etc.  
 * Impermissibility of manufacturing those items which are forbidden for males & females
 * Permissibility of using an iron tablet (piece) inside a ring or in other jewellery
 * Regarding embedding a gold pin in a precious stone
 * For whom is it Sunnah to wear a ring?
 * How and in which finger should the ring be worn?
 * What can be engraved on a ring?
 * Regarding the use of a ring with many stones for males
 * Regarding the use of a Chal’la for men
 * Permissibility of fastening the teeth with gold wire
 * Regarding the use of another persons teeth
 * Regarding fastening (resetting) your teeth that fall off
 * Regarding the use of jewellery and mehndi for men 

Hadith 1: It is in Sahih Muslim from Anas radi allahu anhu
that when Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam intended to have letters written to Kasra, Qaisar and Najashi, someone mentioned that they do not accept letters without a seal (i.e. a royal stamp) on them. Nabi Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam then had a silver ring made on which was engraved  ﺍﷲ ﺭﺳﻮﻝ ﳏﻤﺪ ‘Muhammadur Rasoolullah’ Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam  It is mentioned in the narration of Imam Bukhari that this was engraved in three lines. On the first line was ﳏﻤﺪ on the second line was ﺭﺳﻮﻝ and on the third line was the Name ﺍﷲ

Hadith 2: It is reported in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim from Ibn Umar  ﺭﺿﻰ ﺍﷲ ﺗﻌﺎﱃ ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam had a ring made from gold, and in one narration it has been mentioned that he wore it on the right hand and then threw it away and had a silver ring made, which had  ﺍﷲ ﺭﺳﻮﻝ ﳏﻤﺪ engraved on it. He Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam said, No person should engrave his ring with an engraving that is similar to that of my ring. Huzoor Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam wore his ring, with the gemstone would face his palm

Hadith 3: It is in Sahih Bukhari from Anas radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam’s  ring was made from silver and it also had a gemstone on it.

Hadith 4: It is in Sahih Bukhari and Muslim on the authority of Anas radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam wore a silver ring on his right hand and its stone was of Abyssinian origin, and it used to be worn facing his palm.

Hadith 5: There is a narration of Muslim from Anas radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam’s ring was on this finger. In other words, it was on the little finger of the left hand.

Hadith 6: It is in Sahih Muslim from Hazrat Ali radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam forbade me from wearing the ring on this finger or this finger. In other words, from wearing it on  the middle  finger or the Kalima (index) finger.

Hadith 7: Ibn Majah reported from Abdullah ibn Ja’far  ﺭﺿﻰ ﺍﷲ ﺗﻌﺎﱃ ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ and Abu Dawud and Nasa’i reported from Hazrat Ali radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam used to wear his ring on the right hand and Abu Dawud reported from ibn Umar  ﺭﺿﻰ ﺍﷲ ﺗﻌﺎﱃ ﻋﻨﻬﻤﺎ that he  used to wear it on the left hand. It can be deduced from both these Hadith that he  would sometimes wear it on the right hand and sometimes on the left hand, but Baihaqi has mentioned that wearing the ring on the right hand is inapplicable.

Hadith 8: Abu Dawud and Nasa’i have reported on the authority of Hazrat Ali radi allahu anhu
that Rasoolullah Sallallahu ta’ala alayhi wa sallam held silk in his right hand and gold in his left hand and then said ‘Both of these are Haraam (totally forbidden) for the men of my Ummat.’