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10 Guidelines for Madrasah Jalsas

The purpose and objective of a jalsa is to;
• Please Allah Ta’ala
• Motivate the pupils by allowing them to participate and giving them prizes for outstanding achievements.
• Pass on some message of Deen to the parents and others who will be attending the madrasah jalsa.

Jalsas should not resemble school concerts and fashion shows. Don’t be extravagant in preparing for the jalsa. No money must be spent on stage decor, props, costumes and other wasteful aspects. The jalsa is a platform to give a message of deen. By wasting money on these items a totally wrong message will be given.

Jalsa preparations should not impact on Madrasah times. Jalsa preparations should take place on Friday afternoons for 15 minutes and children should be called on Saturday mornings to prepare for the jalsa. Besides these two times, no other madrasah times must be used for jalsa prep.
Nazams must not have back ground music and resemble the tunes and lyrics of English and Hindi songs. The meanings of the naaths should be checked by some learned aalim that it does not contain any words of shirk or kufr, etc.

Dialogues maybe prepared which have a good message. No plays and dramas to take place in the jalsa.

Be very careful about intermingling of sexes. [preferably have a mothers only jalsa]
Baaligh boys should not be made to participate in the jalsa. They may participate in a jalsa that is especially for fathers.

Prizes given to pupils should be motivating and educational. Carefully select the prizes for the pupils.

Pupils should not be made to go out and collect funds for the jalsas.

The jalsa is not a concert to entertain the pupils and parents. A few days before the jalsa get all the children to also join the asaatiza to make dua that the jalsa should be a means of hidaayat for all.
2021-11-04T05:14:44+00:00November 4th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Hadhrat Abdullah Al-Muzani (Radiallahu anhu)

In the mountain ranges of Warqaan which is located between Makkah Mukarramah and Madinah Munawwarah, there lived a tribe known as Muzainah. A baby boy was born to parents, from this tribe, who were extremely poor. They named him Abdul Uzza. Not long after his birth, his father passed away leaving behind the young child as an orphan. However, this boy had a paternal uncle who was extremely wealthy and had no children of his own. Therefore he took the innocent young child under his care and showered him with love and kindness as though it was his own child. The youngster grew up to be an adult of fine manners and beautiful conduct. These qualities made him even more beloved to his Uncle.

This young man only came to know about Islam when Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made Hijrat (migrated) to Madinah Munawwarah. He was intrigued by this new Deen (Religion) and the final messenger of Allah Ta’ala. This spurred him on to gain whatever information possible regarding this ‘new Deen’. In a short period of time, Allah Ta’ala opened up his heart towards the beauty and perfection of Islam leading him to accept Islam without even setting his eyes on Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Initially he concealed his Islam and used to worship Allah Ta’ala in secrecy, away from the gazes of people. He had great hope that his uncle would also be guided to the beautiful Deen of Islam but it was not to be. Eventually, he could not contain himself anymore and openly proclaimed his belief in the Oneness of Allah and the risaalat (prophethood) of Nabi Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The desire to meet Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had consumed his heart and mind.

The news of his Islam caused his uncle to go into a fit of rage and he immediately threatened to withdraw all the privileges which he had afforded to the young man. This could not deter this fine lad as Imaan had penetrated deep into the recesses of his heart. He opted for the company of Rasullullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) and gave up everything else. With only a coarse cloth covering his body, he headed towards the blessed city of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The excitement and enthusiasm grew within him as he approached Madinah Munawwarah. He reached Madinah Munawwarah at night and spent the evening in the Masjid. At the time of Fajr salaah, he finally fulfilled his dream of seeing Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

After the Fajr Salaah, Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) called him and asked him who he was and from where he had come. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) changed his name from Abdul Uzza to Abdullah. Abdullah (radiallahu anhu) then took up residence in the blessed city of Madinah Munawwarah in the company of Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The world had called
him towards it but he chose to close his ears to its call and turned all his attention to the eternal life of the Aakhirah.

Abdullah radiallahu anhu, after migrating to Madinah, participated in all the battles which Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) had set out for. During the expedition of Tabuk, Abdullah (radiallahu anhu) asked Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) to make dua for him to be blessed with martyrdom. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made dua in his favour that he be honoured with martyrdom in such a way that he is protected from the sword of an enemy. Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) also explained to him that a person who falls ill and passes away through that illness will be considered a Shaheed (martyr) as well. Within a day after this dua, Abdullah radiallahu anhu developed a fever and passed on into the mercy of Allah Ta’ala.

He passed away as a muhaajir (one who migrates) for the sake of Allah Ta’ala, A mujaahid (warrior) in the path of Allah, in a strange land far away from his family and friends. The Sahaabah (radiallahu anhum) dug his Qabr (grave). Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) himself went down into his Qabr. Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallahu anhuma) passed his body to Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) who lowered him with his own Mubaarak hands into the Qabr. Thereafter Nabi (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) made the following dua, “Oh Allah, indeed I was pleased with him, so you also be pleased with him”.

Abdullah bin Mas’ood (radiallahu anhu) stood by the graveside witnessing this amazing sight and said; “If only I was the inmate of this Qabr. By Allah! I wish I was in his place even though I had accepted Islam 15 years before him.” Allah Ta’ala surely recompensed him in the most beautiful of ways.

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2021-09-27T16:55:55+00:00September 27th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Muzaakarah for Maktab Asaatiza (Teachers)

  1. Punctuality: Try and be in the class at least 5 minutes before the class time commences. This will Insha Allah assist the pupils also to be punctual in class. The Ustaad /Apa should leave the class only once the period is over. If for some reason we have to arrive late or stay absent from class, phone your principal or Supervisor and inform him of your absence.
  2. Preparation: Prepare thoroughly for the lessons so that maximum time is utilised for the benefit of the students. (Know what you are going to teach).
  3. Cell phones should be switched off during class times. At no time should any ustaad /Apa answer his cell phone during the class times. If mistakenly the cell phone rings, immediately switch it off.
  4. Try to complete all one’s necessities before class time. E.g. wudhu, istinjaa, etc. so that during class time there is no interruption to the classes.
  5. Be alert during class times, and try to extract maximum work from the pupils. Remember this time is an amaanah. At no time should any Ustaad / Apa sleep in the class. There should be a formal atmosphere in the classroom. Do not allow the students to undermine and interrupt the importance of the lesson.
  6. Don’t take any personal khidmat (service) from any student.
  7. Do not hit / physically abuse any child. ALL FORMS OF CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ARE TOTALLY ILLEGAL AND AS SUCH, UNACCEPTABLE!
  8. Dressing: Mu’allimahs must dress according to the Shariah. All Mu’allimahs must wear loose fitting, plain cloaks and don the Niqaab as this is a requirement of the Shariah. Please abstain from wearing jeans and tight fitting pants. Mu’allims should also dress appropriately with kurta, trousers above ankles and topee. Please abstain from wearing Jammies under the kurta.
  9. Tarbiyyah: Always be concerned about the tarbiyyah of the children. Teach them how to make salaam, say JazakAllah, Alhamdulillah, etc. Boys and girls must be separated from grade 5 upwards. Teach the girls the importance of staying away from boys, and vice versa. Be concerned about their practice on all the sunnats. E.g. drinking with the right hand, trousers above the ankles for boys, wearing their right shoe first. Fazaaile Aamaal: Daily read one section of the Fazaail-e-Aamaal to the children as prescribed.
  10. Salaah: It is the duty of the Mu’allim/ah to ensure that all children perform the Zuhr and Asr Salaah in the Madrasah. Encourage them to fill the salaah chart in the diary.

Please take note of the following:

  • Always work with Ikhlaas (Sincerity) for the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.
  • Always be Compassionate and kind to the students.
  • Utilise the time of the students constructively in class and out of class.
  •  Speak to the students on their level.
  • Be a perfect example and role model to the students.
  • Daily make dua for the students. The dua of the ustaad /Apa for his/her students is accepted
2021-09-13T16:57:25+00:00September 13th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Respecting the Azaan

Azaan is one of the outstanding signs of Islam. The words of the Azaan denote the oneness and greatness of Allah Ta’ala. The Muazzin calls out the Azaan five times a day inviting the Muslims to perform their salaah with jamaat in the house of Allah. The call of the Muazzin in actual fact is the call of Allah Ta’ala. When the Sahaabah (radiyallahu anhum) heard the Muazzin, they would respond immediately to his call and leave whatever they were doing. Instantly they would start walking to the Masjid for Salaah.

It is necessary for every Muslim to show the highest form of respect for the Azaan as well the person who calls out the Azaan. Respecting the Azaan is actually respecting Allah Ta’ala. Allah Ta’ala has promised a very high and lofty status for the person who calls out the Azaan. Hadhrat Bilal (radiyallahu anhu) was the Muazzin of Rasulullah H. He enjoyed a very high position amongst the companions of Rasulullah H. He would call out the Azaan in Masjidun Nabawi. Rasulullah H loved him a lot.

Respect for the Azaan

When the Azaan is called out, it will be best for us to stop whatever we are doing and reply to the call of the Muazzin. We should reply to the Azaan by repeating the words of the Muazzin.

Nabi-e-Kareem H has mentioned in a Hadith: “Whoever recites the following dua after the azaan it will be compulsory upon me to intercede for him on the Day of Qiyaamah.” (Bukhaari # 614)

اَللّٰهُمَّ رَبَّ هٰذِهِ الدَّعْوَةِ التَّامَّةِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْقَائِمَةِ اٰتِ مُحَمَّدَ ِۨالْوَسِيْلَةَ وَالْفَضِيْلَةَ وَابْعَثْهُ مَقَامًا مَحْمُوْدَ ِۨالَّذِي وَعَدْتَّهُ اِنَّكَ لَاتُخْلِفُ الْمِيْعَادْ

Incidents of those who respected the Azaan

There are many incidents of people who were honoured by Allah Ta’ala for showing respect to the Azaan. Hadhrat Moulana Thanwi (RA) mentions an incident of a woman who would respect the Azaan and instruct her household to remain quiet and listen respectfully to the Azaan. She was heard on her deathbed saying in clear Arabic, “These two men are ushering me into Jannah.” Her family commented that she enjoyed this privilege because of the respect she showed to the Azaan.

Zubaydah, was the wife of Haroon Ar-Rasheed. She did lots of charitable works and even dug a canal to provide water for the people of Makkah Mukarramah. When she passed away she was forgiven on account of her showing respect to the Azaan. On one particular day, she was partaking of meals and the Azaan was called out. She stopped eating, straightened the scarf on her head and listened to words of the Azaan replying carefully to each word of the Muazzin. Allah Ta’ala forgave her on account of the respect she showed to the Azaan.

May Allah Ta’ala bless us with the ability of showing respect to the Azaan.

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2021-09-06T16:46:01+00:00September 6th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Advice in Times of Fear

Presently, many are living in fear. People are scared of;

  1. The Virus and
  2. The Violence

Hadhrat Mufti Ebrahim Salejee Saahib (daamat barkaatuhu) has given the following advice in this regard;

  1. Always stay in the state of wudhu, as wudhu is a protection for us.
  2. Recite Aayatul Kursi after every Salaah and before sleeping. In this way we will remain in the protection of Allah Ta’ala.
  3. After every Salaah engage in Istighfaar for about a minute with deep remorse, seeking the forgiveness of Allah Ta’ala.
  4. Stay away from anything that is doubtful.
  5. Daily give some sadaqah even if it’s an act of kindness.
  6. Take out some time in the day and think deeply of Allah Ta’ala’s favours with a heart filled with gratitude and appreciation.

Insha Allah by adhering to these advices we will always remain in the protection of Allah Ta’ala.

2021-08-25T13:33:47+00:00August 25th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

How Should A Muslim View A Calamity?

By: Hadhrat Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saahib (RA)

For Muslims there are lessons to learn in the face of every calamity. Despite having faith in the absolute power of Allah Ta’ala, we are still not focused enough to remember Allah Ta’ala in the face of trials. All our attention is focused only towards material support which we hope will get us out of trouble. We do not take idols, icons and images as our saviours, but tragically the material support systems, the scientific conclusions, vaccines, logistics and rescuing squads have become no less than an idol for us! We become so impressed and engrossed in them that somehow we forget Allah Ta’ala and His absolute power.

Take sickness as an example. When we get sick, we think of nothing but our doctors, physicians and medication. Take the example of a storm or flood. Once we are in it, we hope to be rescued by some person. We feel that our destiny depends on them, and in doing so, we overlook the very Master of the universe in Whose control lies our destiny. We persist in doing this, despite the warning of the Qur-aan Shareef that hardships and accidents are generally the outcome of the evil deeds of human beings themselves and that this calamity is a mild sample of the punishment of the hereafter. When we look at it from this angle, these hardships are actually a mercy for the Muslims. Heedless people are given a wake-up call so that they may use this occasion to seek forgiveness for their evil deeds and start thinking about how to give up sins. In this way they could remain safe from the greater and harsher punishments of the hereafter.

This does not mean that the use of material means through medicine etc. should not be used. Instead what needs to be emphasised is that we should believe in Allah Ta’ala as the supreme controller of everything. As for the use of material means, we should use them too, taking them to be nothing but His blessings, because all means are His creation and His blessings which serve human beings under His command and will. The fire, the air, the water, the dust, and all forces on the face of the earth are subservient to the command of Allah Ta’ala. Unless He so wills, fire cannot burn, water cannot extinguish and medicine cannot bring any benefit. History teaches us that human beings who become heedless of Allah Ta’ala and start relying on their self-invented mechanisms face a relative increase in concerns and calamities.

Today, the number and variety of instruments invented to remove pain and difficulty and to improve comfort and luxury are things that man had not even dreamt of half a century ago. Despite this, man was not as sick and troubled as man is today. Similarly, we have vaccines to fight against epidemics, medical squads to cover accidents and advanced communication systems which would hasten the provision of emergency care and equipment. However, the more we increase our material defenses against accidents and calamities, the more we seem to be affected by them. On the other hand, in the past, the disobedience of Allah Ta’ala was not as bold as it is today. People used items of comfort as a blessing from Allah Ta’ala for which they were grateful. However, man today wants to use these same conveniences and measures with a sense of self-achievement and pride, which in actual fact is rebellion in disguise. Undoubtedly, despite all of our advancements we cannot save ourselves from hardships.

Therefore, a true Muslim, in order to remove his pain and anxiety at the time of distress, should first turn to Allah Ta’ala and rely on Him instead of only depending on material solutions to relieve him from his difficulty. If he fails to do that, he will meet the same end being witnessed today. Whatever material solutions there are available should be used as a blessing from Him. However, if we take a look at the remedy proposed by Qur-aan Shareef, the only one way of staying safe from all kinds of hardship is to turn to Allah Ta’ala, The Creator of the universe.[Adapted from Ma’aariful Qur-aan by Mufti Muhammad Shafi Saahib (rahmatullahi alayh)]

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2021-08-16T18:11:48+00:00August 16th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

A Muallim/ah’s Dua

O Allah the wise, the bestower of wisdom
Help me to remember that I work with the most precious of all your creation, an innocent child.
Help me always to remember that I am leaving my mark on him, which time will not erase.
Grant me sabr and patience with those who are slow to learn and tolerance with those who refuse to learn.
When I have to chastise them help me to do so with firmness and yet with love
Prevent me from using a sarcastic and biting tongue and
always help me to encourage and never to belittle those who do their best even if the best is not very good.
Help me to help the children, not only to store things in their memories, but create things in their minds and action in their lives.
Despite all the feebleness and weakness of my teaching,
Help me to remember that the future FLAG BEARERS of Islam are in my hands.
Help me O wise and merciful Allah to follow in the footsteps of the best teacher and the guide of humanity
Hadhrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam
Help us all O Allah! my learners and myself. Aameen!

2021-07-06T09:20:09+00:00July 6th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Ikhlaas (Good Intention)

Intention is a magical prescription that can turn sand into gold. The Hadith says “Verily actions depend upon their intentions.”

It is sometimes interpreted to mean that good intentions justify bad deeds and makes sins meritorious. This is completely wrong. Sin is always a sin no matter how noble the intention may be. For instance if someone breaks into a house to steal with the intention of giving charity then whatever he would steal will make him a thief deserving of the prescribed punishment. His good intentions would not earn him any merit nor would his sin be pardoned.

What this Hadith means is as follows:

  1. A good deed earns merit only if done with the right intention. For instance, salaah would earn merit when one performs it only for the divine pleasure of Allah Ta’ala; if one performs salaah to impress others, then instead of earning merit, he would earn punishment.
  2. The second interpretation which is germane to the present discussion is that all lawful deeds neither earn merit nor punishment, but if they are done with a good intention, they become acts of worship and earn merit.  For instance eating is lawful; but if one eats with the intention that food shall give him energy and that energy he shall spend in the service of Allah, the act of eating would earn merit.  Similarly if one eats with this intention that his physical body too has its rights and dues which nourishment or if one eats with the intention of getting taste and pleasure so that he can thank Allah Ta’ala, then this eating becomes an act of merit.

There is no lawful deed of life, which if done with good intention, does not become an act of merit.

A few instances shall elucidate the point:

  • Honest earnings, whether by trade, service, industry or agriculture, if done with the intention of rightly fulfilling the duties enjoined by Allah towards oneself and one’s family, would become an act of merit. Then if one further intends to spend after fulfilling the needs of himself and his family, in helping the poor and in other similar good deeds. He would earn further merit.
  • When a person engaged in learning intends to serve the humanity through his knowledge he would go on earning merit as long as he remains engaged in the acquisition of knowledge.  For instance a student of Deen who intends to propagate Islaam, a medical student to alleviate human suffering due to disease, an engineering Student to serve his people through his specialized knowledge etc. all these acts would become acts of merit because of the intention which motivates the doer.
  • A man, knowing that sustenance and subsistence is the responsibility of Allah which He shall fulfill without fail, engages in a particular profession or vocation with a view to serve humanity, his profession would earn him merit.

For instance if someone enters the medical profession consciously choosing it form among other professions in order to cure the sick, he would earn merit even if he charges for his services.  Such a man would not hesitate to provide free treatment for the poor and the destitute.

A cloth merchant, who enters this profession to provide clothes to people because clothing ones self is a religious duty, which would also earn merit.

Similarly a government servant, motivated by a desire to serve the common man and fulfill his needs, would earn merit. Thus every profession becomes meritorious, provided the intention is right.

  • If one dresses in finery not to show off his status or wealth, but to afford pleasure to others, it is an act of merit.
  • If one treats his children with love because it is a sunnah of our eternally blessed Nabi [Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam], it earns him merit.
  • If one does the household chores because this too is a sunnah of our eternally blessed Nabi [Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam], then this also merits reward in the hereafter.
  • A loving conversation with the wife and children is a sunnah of our eternally blessed Nabi [Sallallahu Alayhi Wassallam] and has so ordained, hence such an act is also meritorious if done to follow the sunnah.
  • Hospitality to guests, if shown in pursuance of sunnah is an act of merit.
  • Planting a sapling or plant in the house so that it may one day be of use to some man or animal or please the onlooker, would be a good deed.
  • Writing beautiful and legible to make it easy for the reader to read is an act of merit.
  • If a woman dresses herself in beautiful raiment and wears ornaments and adorns her self to please her husband or if a man remains clean and neat to please his wife, both are good deeds.
  • If permissible recreation is indulged to the extent needed to prepare oneself for duties, is a meritorious act.
  • If a watch is kept to know salaah times and to value time in order to do good deeds, is an act that earns merit.

These are a few common examples from everyday life which can earn much merit for the doer.

Imam Ghazaali (RA) states in his lhya’-ul ulum that every lawful action in human life that is done with the right intention, earns merit.  Even if husband and wife give mutual pleasure to each other, each with the intention of giving the other his or her due and making them pure, this too would give them merit.

By Hadhrat Mufti Taqi Uthmaani Saahib (daamat barakaatuhum)

2021-04-08T08:58:45+00:00April 8th, 2021|Categories: Articles|

The 15th Night of Sha’baan (Laylatul Bara’ah)

Introduction

Allah Ta’ala has afforded His servants certain selected opportunities whereby they may reap His infinite mercy and forgiveness. Some examples of these occasions are the month of Ramadhaan and Laylatul Qadr. The night of the 15th of Sha’baan is also one such opportunity.

Several Ahaadith explain the tremendous merit of this occasion. Amongst them is the fact that countless people are forgiven by Allah Ta’ala during this blessed night. It is due to this reason that it is called ‘The Night of Bara’ah’ (i.e. the night wherein judgment of salvation from Jahannam is passed). It is a special night in which the people of the earth are looked upon by special divine mercy.

Allah Ta’ala blesses us with this opportunity to prepare and cleanse ourselves before the blessed month of Ramadhaan arrives.

Virtues of this night

Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala looks upon His slaves in this night and forgives those who seek forgiveness and bestows His mercy upon those who make dua for mercy but leaves out those who have hatred (against a Muslim) as they were before, (and does not forgive them unless they free themselves from malice).

Hadhrat Aaisha (radiyallahu anha) has reported that Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] said, ‘This is the middle night of Sha’baan. Allah Ta’ala frees a large number of the people from the fire on this night, more than the number of the hair growing on the sheep of the tribe of Kalb.

The tribe of Kalb was a large tribe, the members of which owned many sheep. Therefore, the last sentence of the Hadith indicates the large number of people forgiven on this night by Allah Ta’ala.

The virtue of this night established from these Ahaadith is that from the very beginning of the night Allah Ta’ala turns with special mercy and attention towards the creation and forgives those who repent and seek forgiveness.

Every Muslim should therefore value this night. Turn towards Allah Ta’ala with sincere regret and shame over sins committed and make a promise never to return to sin again and seek forgiveness from Allah Ta’ala. Seek forgiveness for oneself and all Muslims, living and deceased. Have firm hope and determination in the heart that Allah Ta’ala will surely show mercy and forgiveness.

Announcements

On this night, Allah Ta’ala descends to the first sky and announces, “Is there anyone seeking forgiveness that I may forgive him? Is there anyone seeking sustenance that I may grant it to him? Is there anyone in any difficulty that I may relieve him? These announcements continue till the time of Fajar.” [Ibnu Majah Page 99]

Those who are deprived

It is mentioned in a Hadith that on this night Allah Ta’ala does not cast a glance of mercy at a person who

  1. Associates partners with Him
  2. Who harbours hatred in his heart (against someone)
  3. Who cuts off family ties
  4. Who leaves his clothes hanging below his ankles
  5. Who disobeys his parents
  6. Who commits adultery
  7. Who commits murder
  8. Who has a habit of drinking wine.’ (Bayhaqi).

What should be done on this night?

In order to obtain maximum benefit from this auspicious night, one should allocate a specific portion of the night for solitude and ibaadah to Allah Ta’ala. Fervent dua and repentance should be a priority and make the sole intention of seeking Allah Ta’ala’s pleasure and reformation of the inner self. Other observances that may be practiced are:

  1. Salaah: Salaah is one of the most preferable acts to be performed during this night. There is no particular number of Raka’ats, but preferably it should not be less than eight. It is also advisable that each part of the Salaah like qiyaam (standing), ruku and sajdah should be longer than normal. Also try and recite as much Qiraat (Qur’an recitation) in salaah as possible.
  2. Tilaawah: The recitation of the Qur’an Shareef is another form of worship that is very beneficial on this night. After performing Salaah, or at any other time, one should recite as much of the Qur’an Shareef as possible.
  3. Zikr: Engage one’s tongue and heart in the remembrance of Allah Ta’ala. One should also recite abundant durood upon Rasulullah sallallahu alayhi wasallam. Zikr can also be recited while walking, lying on the bed and during other hours of work or leisure.
  4. Dua: The best benefit one can draw from the blessings of this night is dua. Dua itself is a great form of worship, and Allah Ta’ala grants a reward for each dua that a person makes.

Women during menstruation who cannot perform Salaah, nor recite the Qur-aan Shareef, should engage in reciting any form of zikr, tasbeeh, durood and they can also ask of Allah Ta’ala for any of their needs in whatever language they wish. They can also recite the Arabic duas mentioned in the Qur-aan Shareef or in the Ahaadith with the intention of dua.

  1. Fasting: On the day immediately following the Night of Bara’ah, i.e. the 15th of Sha’baan, it is mustahab (advisable) to keep fast.

What happens on Laylatul Bara’ah

By: Shaikhul Hadeeth, Hadhrat Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Kandhlawi (RA)

The Malaaikah are issued instructions for the whole year on this one particular night of the year. They are assigned duties for the year and informed that such and such things have been decreed for such and such person.

Many a man is engrossed in sports and pastimes while, in the heavens above, orders have gone out for his arrest. It has been decreed that he will suffer death and no one can intercede with Allah Ta’ala, or appeal to Him, to change His decree! Nor can the decreed hour of a man’s death be delayed by even a minute! A Hadith reports Ibne Abbaas (radiyallahu anhu) as saying: ‘You will notice that a person is walking about in the bazaars, though his name has been recorded in the list of those who are destined to die in that year.” Abu Nadhrah (radiyallahu anhu) says: “On this night, the angels are assigned their duties for the whole year. Orders are issued about the means of welfare apportioned for the year, about the evils to be suffered, about the sustenance to be provided, about the people destined to die, about the afflictions and about the high or low prices of commodities.”

‘Ikramah (radiyallahu anhu) says, “On the middle night of Sha’ban (Laylatul Bara’ah), all the events decreed for the year are assigned to the angels. The lists of people destined to die, and of those who will perform Hajj during the year are handed over to the angels. No changes can be made to these lists’

According to another Hadith, Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] once said: “(On this night), the angels are given the names of people who are going to die during the year from one Sha’baan to the next, with the specific hours of death destined for each person. Many a man gets married in this world and a child is born to him while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded in the list of the dead.”

Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) says: “Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] used to fast very frequently during Sha’baan, for it is in this month that a list is prepared of those who are destined to die during the year. And many a man is engaged in getting married while, in the heavens above, his name has been recorded among the dead; or, again, a man is preparing for Hajj while his name has been enlisted among the dead.”

Another Hadith reports that once Hadhrat Aaishah (radiyallahu anha) asked Rasulullah [sallallahu alayhi wasallam] why he fasted more frequently in the month of Sha’baan, to which he replied: “In this month, a record is made of those who are destined to die during the year and I wish that, when my name is recorded in the list of the dead, I should be fasting.”

A Hadith says that, every year, on the middle night of Sha’baan, Allah Ta’ala informs Izraeel (alayhis salaam), the Angel of Death, about all those who are destined to die during the year.

[Fazaail-e-Sadaqaat Page 653-654]

Important tips for this mubaarak night

  1. The Mubaarak night starts from Maghrib. Therefore one should commence whatever Ibaadat you can from the Maghrib Salaah.
  2. Perform the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat. It is mentioned in a Hadith that one who performs the Esha and Fajar Salaah with Jamaat earns the reward of staying awake the entire night in Ibaadat.
  3. Make as much Ibaadat as possible before going to sleep. Don’t allow shaytaan to deceive you saying that, “Go to sleep and wake up early for Tahajjud.” You may never wake up and the entire night will be lost.
  4. Shaytaan makes one very tired when engaging in Ibaadat. Hence to combat this, keep on changing from one Ibaadat to another. e.g. recite Qur-aan Shareef, thereafter make zikr, then do some kitaab reading, then read durood shareef, etc. and continue your Ibaadat in this manner.

The following are some of the Ibaadaat we can engage in on this mubaarak night;

  1. Recitation of Qur-aan
  2. Performing of Salaah (Tahajjud, Salaatut Taubah, Salaatush Shukar, Salaatul Hajaat, etc.)
  3. Performing of Salaatut Tasbeeh
  4. Istighfaar (at least 1000 times)
  5. Zikr of First kalimah, third kalimah, etc.
  6. Recitation of Durood Shareef
  7. Reading the Hizbul Azam or Munaajaat-e-Maqbool
  8. Collective ta’leem of Fazaail-e-Ramadhaan
  9. Teach your children their Qur-aan lessons.
  10. Engage in fervent dua.
  11. Do some collective ibaadat with your entire family e.g. zikr, durood shareef, ta’leem and dua. You may make the dua and the children in the home can say Aameen to the dua. May Allah Ta’ala bless us all with bara’ah (freedom) from the fire of Jahannam.
2021-03-22T18:28:47+00:00March 22nd, 2021|Categories: Articles|

Advice for Parents

Respected Parent / Guardian

Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatuhu

All praise is to Allah Ta’ala who has blessed us with Islaam and Imaan. May peace and salutations be in abundance upon our beloved Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam.

Allah Ta’ala declares in the Holy Qur’aan: ”O You who believe! Save yourself and your family from the fire of Jahannum whose fuel is mankind and stones!”

In a Hadith Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, ”Each of you is a Shepherd and you will be questioned regarding your flock.”

From the above it is deduced that we as parents have been entrusted with a very important responsibility towards our children. Allah Ta’ala has gifted them to us as a trust. It is our duty to fulfil this trust to the best of our ability, otherwise Almighty Allah Ta’ala will take us to task in the Hereafter.

The most important need of our children is proper upbringing and sound Islamic knowledge. Nabi sallallahu alayhi wasallam has said, ”The seeking of Knowledge is Fardh (compulsory) on every Muslim.” The Knowledge of Deen will protect their Imaan in the temporary life of this world and will save them from the fire of Jahannum in the hereafter.

It is only through the knowledge of Deen that our children will be obedient to us, respect us and take care of us when we need them the most. If we neglect imparting Islamic Education to our children, we as parents will suffer the consequences the most.

In order to provide our children with good Islamic education and to give them a strong and firm basis for their Islaamic development, some Rules and Guidelines have been formulated. This will greatly assist us to improve the discipline and level of education in the Madrasah, Insha Allah.

2021-03-08T17:57:06+00:00March 8th, 2021|Categories: Articles|
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