Articles

Working with Weak Learners

Question:

Assalamu alaykum warahmatullahi wabarakaatuh.

In the grade O class there is a student that finds recognising zabr, zer and pesh very difficult. Can Moulana please advise what should be done with him?

In the grade 2 class there is a student that cannot learn anything at all. It takes him very very long to learn and he keeps on forgetting whatever he learns. Can Moulana also advise what should be done with him? Jazakallah khair ahsanal jazaa

Answer:

Muhtaram

Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu.

I make dua that you be well.

Many a times in a maktab you have students of this nature who cannot learn and comprehend for some reason. We should try our best to still teach them even though they may be extremely weak. Their presence in the madrasah is better than being in some other evil environment outside the Madrasah.

These weak children in our makaatib are actually a source of great blessing for us. The Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) says, “Innama tunsaruna wa turzaquna bidufaaikum” Allah Ta’ala’s help and sustenance descends upon us on account of these weak children. Many a times, it is these weak children who later on in life become such stars of Islam that they will make our names shine in this world and the next.

The following are some ways we can adopt that may be beneficial for us to reach the child:

Take out time every day and make special dua for him by taking his name.
Visit his home and request his parents to assist in teaching him at home. If his parents are not in a position to teach him then ask some neighbour or anyone else in the community to help him.
Give out some sadaqah every now and again, even if it’s a small amount, on his behalf requesting Allah Ta’ala to remove any blockages that may be hindering his progress.
Try to allocate some special time out of maktab time to give him special attention. (e.g. a Saturday morning)
Show him lots of love and attention from your heart. This will help to make him open up to you.
After giving him his sabak in class, pair him up with a bright pupil who may help him learn his sabak.
Always use encouraging words to lift his self-esteem. Never ever discourage him.

It is mentioned that Hadhrat Imaam Shafiee (RA) once sat with a student and explained a masalah to him 78 times until eventually he understood it. In this day and age, this is our challenge, to be able to work with such children.

May Allah Ta’ala make your task easy for you and crown your efforts with success. Aameen.

bilal2024-02-26T14:57:29+00:00February 26th, 2024|Categories: Articles, FAQ|

The Importance of the Maktab

THE MAKTAB

The maktab system, throughout the annals of history, has proven to be one of the most vital means of preserving our Deen. Wherever a maktab was established, Deen-e-Islam remained in that area. The basic knowledge of Islam is learnt at this primary Madrasah. Today, whatever Deen we have is mainly because of what we learnt in the maktab. Therefore, we should strive to ensure that this system continues to flourish till the day of Qiyaamah. Every locality should establish a maktab and show the greatest importance, to it for verily this is the foundation of Islam. All other works of Deen will rest on this foundation. It has been noticed, in those areas where no maktab system exists, very quickly Muslims lose their identity and even leave the fold of Islam, Allah forbid.

THE SYLLABUS

To run a maktab efficiently, it is imperative to have a proper syllabi and curriculum in place. This helps in developing the children into good practicing Muslims. Over the years many organisations have developed good, notable kitaabs which has helped children learn the basics of Islam. These books need to be reviewed regularly to ensure that children are adequately equipped to combat the challenges they face in life.

THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPERVISION

After establishing the maktab, it is necessary that the maktab be supervised by a group of learned Ulama to ensure that a good level of ta’leem is maintained. The supervision team will be able to assist teachers in improving their teaching methods and uplifting the level of ta’leem at the maktab. Internally, the principal of the maktab should also go from class to class inspecting the quality of education imparted. This helps to maintain a high standard of ta’leem at our makaatib.

IMPROVING ON QUR-AAN READING

By and large, the Qur-aan reading in our makaatib need serious attention. We have to try to improve the standard of Tajweed, pronunciation and fluency of Qur-aan reading. Qur-aan sabaks must be repeated several times daily to perfect the reading of the children. Asaatizah should create a passion within themselves to become excellent Qur-aan teachers.

PRACTICALS AND SUNNATS

Islam is a practical way of life. Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) taught Deen practically to the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum). More important than the theory, is the practical method of doing the Ibaadaat. Wudhu, Ghusal, Salaah, Aadaab of the toilet, Aadaab of eating, drinking, wearing clothes, etc. are things that a Muslim does every day of his life. If the pupils perfect these aadaab they will be able to continue their daily lives in accordance to the Sunnah. Asaatizah must take the pupils to the toilet, wudhu khana and the masjid to practically show them the practical method of doing these Ibaadaat.

AQEEDAH

The most important aspect of the maktab is to correct the Aqeedah and beliefs of the pupils. Imaani Mujmal and Imaani Mufassal is taught to them from Grade 0. These aspects have to be ingrained into them with the hope that they will live and die as Muslims. The lessons of tauheed, Risaalat and Ma-aad (belief in the hereafter) should regularly be taught to them. Pupils attending Christian Schools are bombarded with beliefs of Christ and the cross. They come into contact with priests who attempt to snatch away their Imaan. Theories of Evolution and the big bang is part of the school syllabus. Pupils are made to write assignments on this subject. At times one-third of the exam paper discusses questions on evolution compelling pupils to write answers in conflict with our Aqeedah. LGBTQ drives take place in all public schools where pupils are counselled in this regard. Most children feel that there is nothing wrong in being gay or lesbian. At the maktab these beliefs need to be properly taught to the children so that their Imaan is not shattered in any way.

TARBIYAT OF THE PUPILS

Together with ta’leem, tarbiyat is of utmost importance. Asaatizah should always be checking the behaviour and mannerisms of the students. Whatever is taught at the maktab must be implemented in their lives. Always check the dressing of the students, their manners, the way they speak and conduct themselves. It is the duty of the Ustaaz to ensure that the students are performing their five daily salaah and fasting in the month of Ramadhaan. This is part of the tarbiyat of the students.

CLASSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS (BOYS AND GIRLS)

This is extremely necessary. Most children leave maktab after Grade 7. We should try and have a class for them twice a week or at least once a week. Do not make the classes too difficult for them. Have a light program for them with no examinations. As far as possible encourage them to come to the Masjid for Salaah. A similar class should be held for girls. Saturday mornings may be a good idea to have the classes for the high school girls. If the boys cannot attend the maktab, have the class for them on a week day after Maghrib or after Esha depending on the season.

THE PARENTS

Keep regular contact with the parents of the children. This will help tremendously in the ta’leem of our children. The Ulama should conduct house visits and encourage parents to teach their children at home. This will also give us an idea of the home background of these pupils and how we should interact with them at Madrasah. Females can phone the mothers and encourage them to teach their children. The message book or diary could be used to correspond with parents and explain what work needs to be done.

KEEPING IN CONTACT WITH YOUR EX-STUDENTS

The Asaatizah of the Madrasah should try and maintain a ta’lluq with the ex-students of the maktab. Regularly, keep in contact with them. Visit them or at least phone them from time to time. Arrange youth programs with some activities and braai perhaps to draw them back to the madrasah. Once a year have an old boys / old girls program at the maktab and invite all the ex-students. Keep their phone numbers/e-mail addresses and regularly send articles/bayaans/clips to them.

CONCLUSION

The maktab is the life blood of our community. Every effort must be made to raise the standard of our makaatib. The preservation of the maktab system is in actual fact the preservation of Deen. All our Akaabir supported this service of Deen and encouraged that it must be established in every town and village. May Allah Ta’ala accept us all for the service and the khidmat of His Deen and may Allah Ta’ala be pleased with us. Aameen.

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bilal2024-01-06T07:24:07+00:00January 5th, 2024|Categories: Articles|

Good Health

Please find attached article on “Good Health”

These advices have been extracted from Behishti Zewar (part 8) which was written by Hadhrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (RA).

Hadhrat was a Hakeem and had great knowledge on good health. That is besides the fact that he was also Hakeemul Ummat.

There are many pertinent advices that Hadhrat gives for maintaining good health.

May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with sihhat and aafiyat. Aameen.

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bilal2024-01-15T17:55:20+00:00December 19th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

Holidays

Once again we have come to the end of our Madrasah year and everyone is awaiting the holidays. Children and parents look forward for these holidays to have a break from the busy lifestyles.

Whilst it is permitted in Islam to relax the mind and body, a Muslim shouldn’t become consumed by the holidays and forget Allah Ta’ala. Some people live for the holidays. They work the whole year just to have a holiday at the end of the year. For a Muslim, we understand that this life in the world is only temporary. We live for the hereafter. Our real holiday will be when we will enter into Jannah, Insha Allah.

When the holiday period comes, shaytaan and his agents work very hard to mislead the Muslims and take them away from Allah Ta’ala. Be very careful during this period not to fall into the trap of shaytaan and become unmindful of Allah Ta’ala.

The following are some important aspects to keep in mind during the holiday period:

A Muslim’s identity:

During the holiday period, many people remove their Islamic clothing and copy the dressing of the disbelievers. Ensure that we are all dressed like Muslims. Girls should wear loose clothing and keep their heads covered and boys must keep their pants above their ankles with their topees on their heads. Don’t feel shy to be a Muslim and dress like a Muslim. Remember that you are the Ummati of Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Don’t let our Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) down.

Be punctual with salaah:

Don’t miss out your salaah. We generally become lazy and end up missing many salaah, especially the Fajr Salaah. A Muslim must never miss out even one salaah.

Qur-aan and Zikr:

Daily make a point of reading some Qur-aan Shareef and some zikr. This will bring noor and barkat in our life.

Immodest and Shameless Behaviour:

Shamelessness and immodesty during the December period is the order of the day. People dress immodestly and parade the beaches and shopping malls. Try your best to avoid such places as the curse of Allah Ta’ala descends on such places. If you have to be in a public place, guard yourself from anything wrong. Always keep your gaze lowered.

Be alert and conscious about eating Halaal:

There are many restaurants nowadays that claim to be halaal. Don’t be fooled by some Arabic sign you see on the outside of a restaurant. Be sure of the halaal status of what you eat.

bilal2023-12-13T06:54:15+00:00December 13th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

When will Imaam Mahdi appear?

Once Moulana Ihtiramul Hasan Kandhlawi (RA) narrated:

Dr Abdul Carrim Saahib and myself were once discussing regarding the appearance of Imaam Mahdi. Doctor Saahib was of the opinion that he is to appear anytime now and I was insisting that there are certain signs mentioned in the Hadith that will appear before the appearance of Imaam Mahdi and those signs have not yet appeared. In order for Imaam Mahdi to make his appearance it is necessary to first witness those signs.

Thus, we went to Hadhrajee Moulana Inaamul Hasan Saahib (RA) to decide our matter. First Doctor Saahib explained his reasoning with proofs. Hadhratjee (RA) immediately broke all his proofs. When I heard this, I couldn’t contain my excitement because I felt that my case will now be strengthened.

But, I was totally dumbfounded when Hadhratjee (RA) broke all my proofs as well.

We both were now sitting silently when Hadhratjee (RA) said to us, “Bhai! Continue with the work you have been appointed to do. When the time is right for Imaam Mahdi to come he will come. What is the benefit in you wasting your valuable time in something that has not been entrusted to you?”

(Da’wat ki Baseerat aur uska fahm wa idraak – Page 187)

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bilal2023-09-25T08:53:16+00:00September 25th, 2023|Categories: Aakaabir, Articles|

Difficulties and Hardships experienced by those involved in the service of Deen

(This is a summary of a few letters written by Hadhratjee Moulana In’aamul Hasan Saahib (RA) to some jamaat saathies who were going through some difficulties and hardships)

My respected brother

May Allah Ta’ala help you, assist you and make things easy for you. Please do not become perturbed. For people of Imaan, these difficult conditions are actually a Rahmah (mercy) although we do experience difficulty. In these trying conditions one should resort to abundant Taubah and Istighfaar and then make fervent dua to Allah Ta’ala. Thereafter, one should also take some steps to relieve oneself from these conditions so long as it is not anything sinful. It is hoped that Allah Ta’ala will transform this museebat (difficulty) into a Rahmat (mercy).

Tests, trials and tribulations are all from Allah Ta’ala and must afflict those involved in the work of Deen. Every person will be tested according to his ability and strength. This is the way of Allah Ta’ala and this is the sunnah of Nabi Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam faced opposition from his own household. Initially in Makkah Mukarramah, Abu Lahab and Abu Jahal opposed him. In Madinah Munawwarah the Jews opposed him. In Khaibar the Jews were then defeated but another opposition reared its ugly head in the form of the Munaafiqeen (hypocrites). This is how it was and this is how it will always be. Sayyed Ahmed Shaheed (rahmatullahi alayh) had to face defeat because his own people let him down. All these conditions will come to those serving Deen. There is only one way to remain firm (in these conditions) and that is tawajjuh ilallah i.e., turn to Allah Ta’ala. If we keep on turning to Allah Ta’ala, He will keep us firm (in all these difficult conditions).

Remember that these difficult conditions do not remain forever. Conditions must change. In Surah Alam Nashrah it is mentioned that with every difficulty there are two conditions of ease. Allah Ta’ala sends down one difficulty so that we can enjoy a double ease. It is like an exam. One has to first write the exam to get the 1^st position. It is for this reason that Allah Ta’ala says;

استعينوا بالصبر والصلاة

Seek (Allah’s help) with Sabr and Salaah

In difficult conditions make sabr and do that which Allah Ta’ala is commanding us to do. This is abdiyat and this is servitude. Jannah is actually the prize for the difficulties one goes through in this world. On the day of Qiyaamah when those who were afflicted with hardships in this world are called up and rewarded for their patience, those who were blessed only with comforts will then envy them. They will wish that their bodies were cut up with scissors so that they could have also obtained such high positions in the hereafter.

(Adapted from the book Da’wat ki Baseerat aur uska fahm wa idraak)

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bilal2023-09-16T09:07:08+00:00September 16th, 2023|Categories: Aakaabir, Articles|

Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Mazh’oon radiallahu anhu

During the time of jaahiliyyah, the Arabs used to consider wine, dine and song to be the ultimate way of life. However there were certain people amongst them who understood and realized that life has a deeper purpose and meaning. Amongst these wise men was a person by the name of Uthman bin Mazh’oon. He had made wine forbidden upon himself and if anyone enquired from him the reason for this, he would respond by saying that why should I consume something which clouds my mind and makes me do shameful actions.

These great qualities which he already possessed were a catalyst which prompted him to accept Islam without any deliberation or hesitation. On one occasion, during the initial years of Islam, Uthman radiallahu anhu was passing by a gathering of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam. He was asked to join to which he obliged. He saw Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam constantly lifting his Mubarak gaze towards the sky every so often as though he could see something.

Uthman radiallahu anhu was surprised at this strange behavior of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and enquired from him regarding it. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam explained to him that he could see Jibreel alayhis salaam coming down with wahy (divine revelation). Rasullullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam then went on to explain to him the beautiful verses which were revealed. Uthman radiallahu anhu says: “I barely heard these glorious words and Imaan already penetrated deep into the recesses of my heart. Muhammad sallallahu alayhi wa sallam became more beloved to me than myself and my children.”

During this early period of Islam, the Quraish were relentless in their persecution of the Muslims and they left no stone unturned in causing harm and oppression. The Sahaaba tolerated this difficulty as their belief in Allah Ta’ala was unshakable. Eventually Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam permitted them to migrate to the land of Abyssinia where they could practice Islam freely, having no fear of harm coming their way. Amongst those who made this first Hijrah in Islam was Uthman radiallahu anhu.

After a short period of time in Abyssinia, a false message was sent to the Muslims that the Quraish of Makkah have all accepted Islam and it is now safe to return. Uthman radiallahu anhu was from amongst those who returned only to find out that the conditions were no better. This time he remained and endured the hardships to such an extent that he lost his eye. The kuffaar would taunt him regarding this and he would retort by saying that how wonderful it will be if my other eye was also taken for the sake of Allah Ta’ala.

Uthman radiallahu anhu participated in the battle of Badr with Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and shortly thereafter he fell ill. This was to be his final sickness and he passed away not long after. When Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam received the news of his death, He was full of grief and sorrow as he had a deep affinity with this Sahaabi. Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wa sallam lifted the sheet which was covering Uthman’s face, he kissed him once, then again and then for a third time! Tears flowed down the Mubarak face of Nabi sallallahu alayhi wa sallam and all those around began to cry as well.
(Incidents from the lives of the Sahaabah-Volume 2)

bilal2023-08-14T17:53:55+00:00August 14th, 2023|Categories: Sahaaba|

The First Maktab in South Africa –1793

On the 06 April 1780, a prince by the name of Imaam Abdullah ibnul Qadhi, famously known as Tuan Guru was brought to the Cape of Good Hope as a prisoner of the Dutch. He was imprisoned at Robbin Island for fighting against the Dutch Rule in Indonesia. He hailed from Tidore in the Ternate Islands of Indonesia. His lineage traces up to Sayyidinah Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

In prison he wrote a few copies of the Qur-aan Shareef from memory and also authored a book called “Ma’rifatul Islam wal Imaan”, a book on Islamic Fiqh and Aqaaid. This shows the calibre of a Haafiz and an Aalim he was.

After spending 13 years in prison, he was released in the year 1793. He then went to live in Dorp Street, Cape Town.

Imaam Abdullah’s first concern when he was released was the establishment of a Madrasah and the building of a Masjid. He immediately established a Madrasah in a warehouse in Dorp Street which was the very first maktab established in South Africa. There were no specific teaching times as he spent the entire day teaching adults and children. This Maktab / Madrasah became the means of establishing Islam in South Africa as well as spreading Deen throughout our country.

It was for this reason that he gained the title “Tuan Guru” which means “Mister Teacher” in the Indonesian language.

In the year 1794 the government gave some allowance to the Muslims to build a masjid. Tuan Guru wasted no time and converted the Madrasah into a Masjid which became famously known as the Awwal Masjid, the very first masjid established in South Africa.

This Masjid is still standing in Bo-Kaap and a copy of the Qur-aan Shareef which was written by Tuan Guru in the prison of Robbin Island is still preserved in this Masjid.

Ta’limi Board (KZN)

10 Muharram 1445

bilal2023-07-29T06:33:11+00:00July 29th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

Muharram & Aashura

The first month in the Islamic Year is the month of Muharram and the last month is the month of Zul Hijjah. The Islamic year has approximately 355 days. The Islamic calendar is based on the movement of the moon in the sky. When the new crescent is sighted, this means that the new month has commenced.

Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, “After the fasts of Ramadhaan, the best fasts are during the month of Muharram.” It is reported from Ibn Abbaas (radiyallahu anhuma) that Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “The one who observes the fast of the day of Arafah, two years of his (minor) sins will be forgiven and the one who fasts during the month of Muharram, for each day that he fasts, he will receive the reward of fasting for an entire month.”

FASTING IN MUHARRAM

Before fasting became compulsory in the month of Ramadhaan, the fast of the 10th of Muharram was compulsory. This day is known as “The Day of Aashura”. When Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) made Hijrat to Madinah Munawwarah, he noticed the Jews in Madinah fasting on this day. When he asked them why they were fasting on this day, they replied that this was the day when Allah Ta’ala saved Moosa (alayhis salaam) and the Banu Israa’eel (the followers of Hadhrat Moosa alayhis Salaam) from the cruelty and oppression of Fir’oun (the wicked king of Egypt) and his people. Allah Ta’ala destroyed Fir’oun and his army by drowning them in the Red Sea and He saved and protected Hadhrat Moosa (alayhis salaam) and his people. When Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) heard this, he said, “We are closer to Moosa (alayhis salaam) than you.” He then instructed the Sahaabah to fast on this day and ordered them to encourage their children also to fast. The Sahaabah used to make toys for their children out of wool and if any child felt hungry and cried for food, then they kept them busy with these toys until the time of Iftaar.

OPPOSING THE JEWS

This remained the practice of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and the Sahaabah till the end of his life. In the 11th year of Hijri, after the fast of Aashura, before Rasulullah (aallallahu alayhi wasallam) passed away, he commanded the Sahaabah (radhiallahu anhum) to oppose the Jews and to add another day of fasting together

with the tenth. Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that if he lived till the following year, he would fast for two days; either the 9th and 10th or the 10th and 11th of Muharram. To fast on these days is optional and encouraged.

The lesson we learn from this is that we should always oppose the non-Muslims in their ways. As Muslims we are different from the rest of the world. We have our own way of dressing, eating, sleeping, etc. We follow the way of life of our beloved Rasulullah (sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) and not the way of his enemies.

SPENDING ON ONE’S FAMILY

Besides fasting, we should buy some extra food for our family on the day of Aashura. Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (radiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said, “Whoever spends freely upon his family on the day of Aashura, Allah Ta`ala will bless him with plentiful provisions for an entire year.” No other actions were done by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wasallam) or the Sahaabah on this blessed day. Therefore, all other practices which are regarded as acts of Ibaadah and virtues of Aashoorah will be without any benefit or reward, but will be a source of sin and punishment. May Allah Ta’ala protect us from such actions. Aameen

bilal2023-07-24T16:11:21+00:00July 24th, 2023|Categories: Articles|

Aamaal-e-Saalihah (Good Deeds) most beloved to Allah

عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيْهِنَّ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللّٰهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الْأَيَّامِ الْعَشَرَةِ قَالُوْا يَا رَسُوْلَ اللّٰهِ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ؟ قَالَ وَلَا الْجِهَادُ فِيْ سَبِيْلِ اللّٰهِ إِلَّا رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَيْءٍ . رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِىُّ

Hadhrat Ibn Abbaas radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said; “There are no days wherein good deeds are more beloved to Allah Ta’ala than on these ten days [of Zul Hijjah]. [The Sahaabah M] enquired, ‘O Rasulullah, not even Jihaad in the path of Allah.’ He H replied, ‘Not even Jihaad in the path of Allah except for that person who went out with his life and his wealth and did not return.’” [Tirmizi #757]

Fasting and staying awake at night in Ibaadah

عَنْ أَبِيْ هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللّٰهِ أَنْ يُتَعَبَّدَ لَهُ فِيْهَا مِنْ عَشْرِ ذِي الْحِجَّةِ يَعْدِلُ صِيَامُ كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِنْهَا بِصِيَامِ سَنَةٍ وَقِيَامُ كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْهَا بِقِيَامِ لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ . رَوَاهُ التِّرْمِذِيُّ

Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said; “There are no days wherein Allah Ta’ala loves that He be worshipped, more than the first ten days of Zul Hijjah. Fasting on one day (in these ten days) equals to the fasting of one year and staying awake at night [in ibaadah] equals to staying awake in Ibaadah on the night of Qadar.” [Tirmizi # 758]

From this Hadith we understand the importance of dedicating our time and effort during these days in the ibaadah (worship) of Allah Ta’ala. Who has the ability of fasting for so many years? If a Muslim makes an effort to fast on these mubaarak (blessed) days, he will receive the reward of fasting for so many years.

We try our best to find Laylatul Qadar in the last ten days of the mubaarak month of Ramadhaan. People all over the world sit in I’tikaaf with the hope of finding this Mubaarak night. At the end of Ramadhaan discussions ensue as to which night of Ramadhaan they felt was Laylatul Qadar. However, the exact night of Laylatul Qadar is known only to Allah Ta’ala. In the above mentioned Hadith, Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam is clearly telling us that Ibaadah done on these ten nights equals to the Ibaadah performed on Laylatul Qadar. How unfortunate will we be if we do not take advantage of this golden opportunity and gain great sawaab. May Allah Ta’ala bless us with the Taufeeq (ability) of spending our time profitably in these ten days. Aameen.

Zikr of Tasbeeh, Tahmeed, Takbeer and Tahleel

Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam has encouraged us in these days to recite Tasbeeh (Subhanallah), Tahmeed (Alhamdulillah), Tahleel (Laa-ilaha illallah) and Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) in abundance.[1]

In these ten days one should, as far as possible, keep the zikr of the third kalimah on his tongue. Recite this zikr as much as possible. Whilst walking, working, driving, lying down, etc. keep on reciting this kalimah. You will be rewarded immensely for this.

Clipping of nails and trimming of hair

عَنْ أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: إِذَا دَخَلَتِ الْعَشْرُ وَأَرَادَ أَحَدُكُمْ أَنْ يُضَحِّيَ فَلَا يَمَسَّ مِنْ شَعْرِهِ وَبَشَرِهِ شَيْئًا . رَوَاهُ مُسلم

Hadhrat Umm-e-Salamah radiyallahu anha reports that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said: “When the ten days [of Zul Hijjah] commence and any of you intend to make Qurbaani, then he should not remove his hair or trim his nails.” [Muslim: # 1977]

To practice on this Hadith, one should clip his nails and remove his hair before the crescent of Zul Hijjah is sighted. Thereafter, for the ten days of Zul Hijjah, he should neither trim his hair nor clip his nails until he has completed performing his Qurbaani. This act according to the Fuqahaa has been declared as Mustahab.

Fasting on the 9^th (Day of Arafah)

عَنْ أَبِيْ قَتَادَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰه عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلَّمَ صِيَامُ يَوْمِ عَرَفَةَ إِنِّيْ أَحْتَسِبُ عَلَى اللهِ أَنْ يُّكَفِّرَ السَّنَةَ الَّتِيْ قَبْلَهُ وَالَّتِيْ بَعْدَهُ وَ فِيْ رِوَايَةٍ اَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَ سَلَّمَ قَالَ مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمَ عَرَفَةَ غُفِرَ لَهُ سَنَةٌ أَمَامَهُ وَسَنَةٌ بَعْدَهُ

Hadhrat Abu Qatadah radiyallahu anhu narrates that Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “One who fasts on the day of Arafah, I have hope in Allah Ta’ala that He will forgive his sins of the previous year as well as his sins of the next year.” [Tirmizi # 749]

In this Hadith Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam mentions the virtue of fasting on the 9^th of Zul Hijjah. If anyone is unable to fast on the first 8 days of Zul Hijjah, he should at least try to fast on the 9^th of Zul Hijjah and have all his sins forgiven. How merciful is Allah Ta’ala! A person fasts for one day and Allah Ta’ala, The Most Kind, The Most Merciful, forgives all his sins for the past year as well as the coming year.

One Day Equals to a 1000 Days

Hadhrat Anas radiyallahu anhu has mentioned that the Sahaabah radiyallahu anhum would say that each of the first ten days of Zul Hijjah is equal to one thousand days in virtue, while the 9^th (day of Arafah) is equal to ten thousand days in virtue.

Staying awake on the night of Eid

Hadhrat Shaikhul Hadeeth, Moulana Muhammad Zakariyyah (rahmatullahi alayh) has mentioned the following Hadith in his famous book Fazaail-e-Ramadhaan,

عَنْ عُبَادَةَ بْنِ الصَّامِتِ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُوْلَ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ: مَنْ أَحْيَا لَيْلَةَ الْفِطْرِ وَالْاَضْحَى، لَمْ يَمُتْ قَلْبُهُ يَوْمَ تَمُوْتُ الْقُلُوْبُ

Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam said, “Whoever remains awake for Ibaadah on the nights before both the Eids, his heart shall not die on that day when hearts shall die.” [At Targheeb wat Tarheeb # 1655 & 1657]

This night too should be appreciated. Most of us enjoy our sleep on this night, whereas this night too is a night that should be spent in Ibaadah. “His heart shall not die” means that at the time when evil will overpower all, his heart shall stay alive (guarded against evil). It may also refer to the time when the Soor (trumpet) shall be blown to announce the day of Qiyaamah on that day he will not become unconscious.

[1] At Targheeb wat Tarheeb # 1782

bilal2023-06-16T09:04:14+00:00June 16th, 2023|Categories: Articles|