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.

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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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]

The Significance of the Battle of Badr and the Blessed Martyrs [رضوان الله تعالى عليهم أجمعين]

The Great Battle of Badr took place on the seventeenth of Ramadhan -two years after the Hijra – This was the first battle that the believers ever engaged in with the disbelievers – and it is – by far – the Most  Famous and Most Renown -becuase of the several extraordinary events that occured during it.   Beloved Prophet Muhammed(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)  had encouraged the Muslims to oppose the Quraish caravan which was returning to Makkah from Sham.The Muslims went out with 300 and some soldiers not intending to meet a caravan of about 40 men – not intending to fight but only to overpower them – The caravan escaped – but Abu Sufyan had already sent word to Quraish to come and protect it – The Quraish marched with enormous army of 1000 men – Six Hundred wearing shield-, 100 horses – and 700 camels- and luxurious provisions to last for several days. The disbelievers wanted to make this a victory that would put fear into the hearts of all the Arabs – They wanted to crush the Muslims once and for all and the odds were overwhelmingly in their favor.

Imagine that the believers with their small army (including only 2 horses), going out with the intent of meeting a mere 40 unarmed man and instead meeting a well- prepared army of *3 times* their size –   Beloved Prophet Muhammed(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) could have easily ordered the believers to fight and they would not have hesitated to comply – But – He  (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) wanted to emphasize to his followers that they should fight out of conviction and  Iman and to teach us a lesson in the process.

He gathered his followers to conduct Shura (Consultation) -Many of the Muhajireen ( the Muslims who emigrated from Meakkaha to Medinah) spoke up – using the most eloquent of words to describe their dedication –  But there was one of the Sahabah whom all the others envied for his statement to Beloved Prophet Muhammed (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) – He, Miqdad ibn al Aswad – rose up in front of the crowd and said – ‘Ya RasulAllah! – We will not say to you like Bani Israel said to Musa, ‘Go you and your Lord and fight – we are here sitting and awaiting – ‘[Surat al maa’idah]’ – Go by Allah’s blessing and we are with you!”

And so the Beloved Prophet Muhammed(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was very pleased- but in His great wisdom –  He waited silently – and some among the Muslims knew what He intended- So far only the Muhajiroon had given their consent- but it was the Ansar (the Muslims who lived in Medinah and welcomed the Muslims into their city) –  who had the most to loose in this stake and it was not a part of the pledge that the Beloved Prophet Muhammed(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had taken from the Ansar at ‘Aqabah) for the Ansar to fight with the Muslims in foreign territory – So- the great leader of the Ansar, Sa’d ibn Mu’adh spoke up- “Ya RasulAllah! Maybe you mean us?”-  The Beloved Prophet Muhammed (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)  responded in the affirmative.

Sa’d proceeded to give a beautiful speech in which he said – among many things: “O Messenger of ALLAH – we have believed in you and we believe that you are saying the Truth – We give you- based on that – our Covenant to listen to and Obey You -by ALLAH – the One Who sent you with the Truth – if you were to enter the sea- we would rush into it with you and not one of us would stay behind -May ALLAH show you in our actions what will satisfy your eyes – So march with us- putting our Trust in ALLAH ‘s Blessings”

Beloved Prophet Muhammed(صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)  was very pleased by this and said: “Forward and be of cheer- for ALLAH has promised me one of the two (the Caravan or the Battle) – and by ALLAH it is as if I now saw the enemy lying prostrate.”

ETIQUETTES OF THE MUSJID AND THE QIBLA

* Regarding engraving the Musjid doing gold and silver gilding in it
* Regarding the use of cement and plaster on the Musjid Walls
* Regarding teaching (Islamic Studies) in the Musjid  
* Only a Mu’takif should eat and drink in the Musjid
* A Musjid should not be used as a pathway
* Impermissibility of selling Taweez in the Musjid  
* Performing Nikah in the Musjid is Desirable
* Etiquettes of the Musjid  
* Makruh actions in the Musjid

Law: To paint the Musjid with lime (i.e. whitewash) and to use mortar is permissible. It is also permissible to use gold and silver gilding on the engravings or carvings (in the Musjid), as long as this has been done with the wealth of an individual and not with money belonging to the Waqf 1. If the Trustee of the Mosque used the Waqf funds of the Mosque to do such gold and silver carvings (decorations etc.), then he will have to make amends (i.e. pay the penalty for this). However, if the founder of the Musjid (i.e. the one who built the Mosque) had initially done such carvings and they have been damaged, then the Mutawali 2 of the Musjid can use the Musjid’s funds to rebuild this carving (i.e. to have it repaired). Some Masha’ikh 3 have mentioned that it is Makruh to do any decorations or carving etc. on the Qibla wall of the Mosque, as the heart of the Namaazi 4 will be diverted towards it. [Durr-e-Mukhtar, Raddul Muhtar]

Law: It is permissible to use cement and to plaster the walls of the Musjid, as this allows the building to remain intact. When plastering the Musjid, or when doing plating or when using mud plaster, one should not use water that is impure. [Alamgiri]

Law: To teach (Islamic lessons) in the Musjid is permissible, even though the Musal’las 5 and grass mats of the Musjid are used at the time of teaching. To eat, and sleep in the Musjid is only permissible for a Mu’takif 6 . This is Makruh for one who is not in I’tekaaf. If a person needs to eat or sleep in the Musjid, then he should enter the Musjid with the intention  of I’tekaaf, make some Zikr or pray some Namaaz, and after this, he can do that (i.e. eat or sleep). [Alamgiri]
___________________________________________________

1. Waqf refers to an Endowment for the sake of Allah
2. Mutawali here refers to a trustee of the Musjid
3. Masha’ikh refers to Pious Predecessors
4. Namaazi is the one who is performing his Namaaz
5. Musal’la refers to a prayer mat
6. Mu’takif is a person in I’tekaaf; i.e. one secluded to the Musjid for the remembrance of Allah.  

It is common in almost all parts of India, that during the month of Ramadan people generally break their fast in the Musjid. If there is an area outside the Musjid where Iftar can be made, then Iftar should not be made inside the Musjid. Otherwise, one should make the intention of I’tekaaf on entering.  There is no objection to making Iftar inside. However, one must still be fully cautious not to soil the mats or floors of the Musjid.

Law:  The Musjid should not be made a pathway (road /walkway). For example, if there are two doors in the Musjid and one needs to go somewhere, and it is easier for him to enter from one door and exit (in that direction) through the other door, then one should not do this. If a person went in (i.e. into the Musjid) with the intention that he would enter through this door and then exit through the other door (i.e. he will  use it as a walkway), and after entering he regretted this action of his, then he should not exit through the door from which he had intended to exit, but he should use another door. And some Ulama have stated that such a person should first pray Namaaz and then exit (the Musjid), and others have said that if he does not have wudu, then he should exit from the same door through which he entered. To enter the Musjid whilst wearing shoes is Makruh. [Alamgiri]

Law: Selling of Taweez in the Jaame Musjid is not permissible, like it is done by those who do this as a business  and compel people to pay a stipulated price to get a taweez. [Alamgiri]

Law: To perform a Nikah ceremony in the Musjid is Mustahab (desirable).  [Alamgiri] However one must be cautious not to cause any disturbance or din in the Musjid or do anything therein that is contrary to the sanctity of the Musjid. If one knows that the etiquettes of the sanctity or the Musjid will be violated, then one should not have the Nikah in the Musjid.

Law: One who has any impurity on his clothing or body should not enter the Musjid. [Alamgiri]

Law: One must observe the following Etiquettes of the Musjid:

Twenty Rakats for the Tarawih Prayer

 Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu eported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be Upon Him) has said,

من قام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه

“…whoever prays during the night in Ramadhan sincerely; seeking his reward from Allah, his former sins are forgiven.” [Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 259, Hadith 1815]

Hadrat Sa’ib ibn Yazid has stated that,

كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه فى شهر رمضان بعشرين ركعة

“We, (the Companions of the Beloved Prophet,) used to pray twenty rak’ats Tarawih prayer in the era of the Caliph ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab.” [Sunan al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 2, Page 224, Hadith 4801]

It has been stated in Mirqat al-Mafatih:

إسناده صحيح

The chain of narration of this Hadith is sound (Sahih). [Mirqat al-Mafatih – Vol. 2, Page 175]

Hadrat Yazid ibn Ruman reports that

كان الناس يقومون فى زمان عمر بن الخطاب فى رمضان بثلاث وعشرين ركعة

“…during the time of Hadrat ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, people used to pray 23 Rak’ahs during Ramadhan (20 rak’ahs for Tarawih prayer and 3 rak’ats for witr.)” [Muwatta Imam Malik, Vol. 1, Page 115, Hadith 251]

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu narrates, [and] said that,

أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي في رمضان عشرين ركعة سوى الوتر

During the month of Ramadhan, aside from the praying of wit’r the beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aaihi wa Sallam would also pray 20 rak’ahs of Tarawih.

Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 164, Hadith 7692

At-Tabarani, Mu’jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 243, Hadith 798

At-Tabarani, Mu’jam al-Awsat, Vol. 5, Page 324, Hadith 5440

At-Tabarani, Mu’jam al-Kabir, Vol. 11, Page 393, Hadith 12102

Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4391

Abd bin Hamid, Musnad, Vol. 1, Page 218, Hadith 653

Khatib al-Baghdadi, Tarikh, Vol. 6, Page 113

Al-Haytami, Majma’ az-Zawaid, Vol. 3, Page 172

Ibn Abd-al Barr, al-Tamhid, Vol. 8, Page 115

Al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, Vol. 4, Page 254, Hadith 1908

Al-Asqalani, al-Diraya, Vol. 1, Page 203, Hadith 257

As-Suyooti, Tanwir al-Hawaliq, Vol. 1, Page 108, Hadith 263

Zahbi, Mizan al-Ae’tidal, Vol. 1, Page 170

Al-San’ani, Subul Islam, Vol. 2, Page 10

Al-Mizzi, Tahzib al-Kamal, Vol. 2, Page 149

Al-Zela’i, Nasb al-Rayah, Vol. 2, Page 153

Zurqani, Sharh Alal Muwatta, Vol. 1, Page 342

The Recitation of the Holy Qur’an and its Excellence

Hadrat Sayyiduna ‘Uthman Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has said,

خيركم من تعلم القران وعلمه

“The best among you is he who learns and teaches the Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 752] 

Hadrat Mu’adh al-Juhani Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has said,

من قرأ القرآن وعمل بما فيه ألبس والداه تاجا يوم القيامة ضوءه أحسن من ضوء الشمس في بيوت الدنيا لو كانت فيكم فما ظنكم بالذي عمل بهذا

“Whoever recited the Qur’an and acts according to its contents, on the Day of Resurrection his parents will be given to wear a crown whose light is better than the light of the sun in the dwellings of this world if it were among you. So what do you think of him who acts according to this?!” [Musnad aHmad, Vol 4, Page 446] 

Hadrat ibn Mas’ud Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has said,

من قرأ حرفا من كتاب الله فله حسنة والحسنة بعشر أمثالها ، لا أقول الم حرف ، ولكن ألف حرف ، ولام حرف ، وميم حرف

“Whoever recites a letter of the Book of Allah (the Qur’an) he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem are one letter; but Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter and Meem is a letter.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, Page 119 – Sunan Daarimi, Vol. 2, Page 320] 

There are 361, 267 letters in total in the Holy Qur’an. Thus, upon the recitation of the whole Qur’an one shall receive 3,212,670 rewards (good deeds).

Hadrat Bara’ Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that when a man was reciting Surah al-Kahf, with a horse tied up with two ropes at his side, a cloud overshadowed him, and as it began to come nearer and nearer his horse began to jump. He went and mentioned that to the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in the morning who said,

 

تلك السكينة تنزلت بالقرآن

“That was the Sakinah [Tranquility in the form of Angels] which came down because of the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 749 – Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 268]

Hadrat Abu Sa’id al-Khudri Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that Hadrat Usaid ibn Huzair Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu said that one night, when he was reciting Surah al-Baqarah with his horse tied beside him, it started jumping. But when he stopped reciting it also kept quiet. When he again resumed recitation it again started jumping. So he again stopped reciting and it also kept quiet. Then he again recited and the horse again started jumping. So he finished reciting, for his son Yahya was near it and he was afraid it might injure him. When he had moved him back, he raised his head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it; and when he told the Holy Prophet of it in the morning he said, “you should have kept on reciting, O Ibn-e-Huzair, you should have kept on reciting.” He said, “I was afraid, O Messenger of Allah that it might trample on Yahya who was near it, so I went to him, and when I raised my head to the sky and saw something like a canopy with what seemed to be lamps in it, I went out but could not see them.” He asked, “Do you know what it was?” He said, “I do not.” He said,

تلك الملائكة دنت لصوتك ولو قرأت لأصبحت ينظر الناس إليها لا تتوارى منهم

“Those were the angels who had drawn near to listen to your voice. If you had continued reciting, the people would have looked at them in the morning and the angles would not have concealed themselves from the people.” [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 2, Page 750 – Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 269]  

Hadrat Abu Hurairah Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu reported that the Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka’b Radi Allahu Ta’ala Anhu, “What do you recite (from the Qur’an) in the prayer?” He recited Ummul Qur’an (Surah al-Fatiha). The Messenger of Allah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said,

والذى نفسى بيده ما أنزلت فى التوراة ولا فى الإنجيل ولا فى الزبور ولا فى الفرقان مثلها

“by Him in Whose power my soul is, nothing like it has been sent down in the Torah, the Injil (Bible), the Zabur, or the Qur’an. It is the Seven oft-repeated verses and the Mighty Qur’an which I have been given.” [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, Page 115]

Is there Zakaat on gold or silver

Question: What is the ruling of the Ulama-e-Ahle Sunnat wa Jamaat in the following cases:

(a) Is there Zakaat on gold or silver jewellery that is for daily use or that which has been kept away?
(b) Does the Nisaab of the Zakaat for jewellery remain as per the price of jewellery when it was purchased or does this fluctuate as per the market value of the jewellery and thus will it be calculated as per the price at the time of calculation for payment (of zakaat)?
(c) What is the ruling regarding that money which is invested in business, such as money that has been used to purchase material (cloth) or for rentable things etc? How does one give zakaat on this?
(d) What is the Zakaat that needs to be paid per one hundred?
(e) Can one give the money of Zakaat to a Kaafir, mushrik, wahabi, raafdhi (shia) or qadiani etc?
(f) Who is it best to first give one’s zakaat to? If one’s brother’s sisters or parents are not zakaatable, can they be given zakaat or not?
(g) That person who has fifty six rupees is Zakaatable (This was during that era). Now what should he give in Zakaat?
(h) Upon who is Qurbani necessary and is it waajib or fard?
(i) Nowadays in India, some Muslims stop us from making Qurbani of cows, as they wish to please the mushriks and they say that we should make Qurbani of goats. Now, what should we make qurbani of?

The Answer:

(a) There is full zakaat on the jewellery, whether it is worn at all times, or it is not worn at all. والله تعالى اعلم
(b) If gold is given in place of gold and silver for silver, then there is no need to pay the market related price. In doing so, one must give one fortieth of the weight of the said jewellery. However, if one wishes to give silver in payment of gold and gold in payment of silver, then the market related value will be used. The market related value at the time of making or purchasing the jewellery and the current market value will not be taken into account if it is before or after the year had come to an end, but the value taken into account will be after one complete year according to the Arabic month and date that he became zakaatable. The payment of zakaat will be according to the value at that particular time. والله تعالى اعلم

(c) At the end of the year, the market related value of the goods for business, will be used to pay the zakaat on it, which is one fortieth (2 ½ %) of its market related value. والله تعالى اعلم

(d) The easiest way, is to pay two and a half rupees on every one hundred rupees (Translators Note: Use the currency of your country, eg. R2.50 on every R100 in South Africa) والله تعالى اعلم

(e) It is haraam to give them Zakaat and if one does give them Zakaat, the zakaat will not be discharged. والله تعالى اعلم