> Easy & Rewarding Good deeds for us to do everyday this Ramadan!

[salman]

wa as-salamu alaykum

akhee, I did read your post and I meant that I will bring up the other side of argument. Jazak Allah khayran for your kind comments

akhee, you are trying to be extreme in this matter by not presenting the arguments by other side. I did recognize that some muhaditheen do regard the hadith of salatul tasabeeh as hasan li ghayrihi and NOT SAHIH. The hadith is not even recognized as flat out hasan let alone sahih.

Then there are other muhaditheen like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Trimidhi, (rahimahumullah) etc. who declared the hadith to be having no basis in Islam.

Thirdly, it is an acadmic crime to compare the implication of triminlogies used by early muhadithoon (i.e., Imam Trimidhi rahimahullah) with the latter ones. In the language of Imam Trimidhi, rahimahullah, the ghareeb and hasan hadith is da'eef and hasan sahih is hasan and a hadith is sahih only when he says sahih.

For this reason, we should be careful before we say anything or copy paste stuff and do bit of verification.

Fourthly, Mufti Desi is not hujjah to us and due to number of errors in his creed and other issues, you cannot expect us to buy his arguments on face value.

Regarding Awwaabeen, just because they are narrated in Sunnan Trimidhi does not mean they are authentic. Please tell me how does one man saying that fullan hadith is sahih constitues as a consensus?

Lastly, when you introduce the argument that some muhaditheen say that in issues of fadhayal da'eef ahadith can be acted upon, please do kindly mention the conditions for acting upon da'eef ahadith.

and Allah knows best

[the_truth]

Originally Posted by salman

wa as-salamu alaykum

akhee, I did read your post and I meant that I will bring up the other side of argument. Jazak Allah khayran for your kind comments

akhee, you are trying to be extreme in this matter by not presenting the arguments by other side. I did recognize that some muhaditheen do regard the hadith of salatul tasabeeh as hasan li ghayrihi and NOT SAHIH. The hadith is not even recognized as flat out hasan let alone sahih.

Then there are other muhaditheen like Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Trimidhi, (rahimahumullah) etc. who declared the hadith to be having no basis in Islam.

Thirdly, it is an acadmic crime to compare the implication of triminlogies used by early muhadithoon (i.e., Imam Trimidhi rahimahullah) with the latter ones. In the language of Imam Trimidhi, rahimahullah, the ghareeb and hasan hadith is da'eef and hasan sahih is hasan and a hadith is sahih only when he says sahih.

For this reason, we should be careful before we say anything or copy paste stuff and do bit of verification.

Fourthly, Mufti Desi is not hujjah to us and due to number of errors in his creed and other issues, you cannot expect us to buy his arguments on face value.

Regarding Awwaabeen, just because they are narrated in Sunnan Trimidhi does not mean they are authentic. Please tell me how does one man saying that fullan hadith is sahih constitues as a consensus?

Lastly, when you introduce the argument that some muhaditheen say that in issues of fadhayal da'eef ahadith can be acted upon, please do kindly mention the conditions for acting upon da'eef ahadith.

and Allah knows best

Asalaamu Alaikum wr wb, my brother there is a clear difference of opinion here as there is on many issues in Islam. One should respect that fact. You go your way and ill go mine. If you want to take good from it you can and anything you want to leave then you can leave. Lets leave it at that. Rememeber me in your duas please, Jazakallah

[the_truth]

If a person says "Subhanallah" (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. [Muslim]

[sirajstc]

......

[the_truth]

Simple quick Dhikr after Making Wudu.

RasulAllah sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam said, "If anyone of you, after perfecting his wudu, says, 'Ash hadu an laa ilaaha illAllah, wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan 'Abduhu wa Rasooluh (I bear witness that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his slave and Messenger), the eight gates of Jannah will open for him and he will be permitted to enter from whichever he wishes" (Muslim).

[the_truth]

Every Nafil prayed is the Reward of praying a Fard Salaah!

In this most blessed month of Ramadhan all good deeds are multiplied. Every Nafil one prays one will gain the reward of a fard Salaah!

The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

[the_truth]

40 Quick, Easy & Rewarding Good Deeds to do Everyday in Ramadhan!


In this most blessed month of Ramadhan ALL good deeds are multiplied:


The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.


Therefore all of the following good deeds are worth COUNTLESS more rewards in the month of Ramadaan who's reward ONLY Allah knows and he will reward for them how he likes:


1. Earn a thousand good deeds in Minutes

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Is anyone of you incapable of earning one thousand Hasanah (rewards) a day?" Someone from the gathering asked, "How can anyone of us earn a thousand Hasanah?" Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said: "Glorify Allah a hundred times by just saying “Subhanallah” and a Good deeds will be written for you, or a thousand sins will be wiped away.” (Muslim 4:2073)

2. One of the Rare Treasures of Paradise

Hadhrat Abu Dharr [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah [Saw] said: “Should I not tell you of one treasure of the unlimited treasures of Paradise?” I replied spontaneously “Oh Rasulallah (Peace be upon him) that would be an honour indeed!” Rasulallah (Saw) said: “That rare treasure is LA HAWLA WA LA QUWWATA ILLA BILLAH.” (“The strength to do good and to refrain from evil comes from the grace and mercy of Allah!”) -(Ibn Majah)

Hadrat Abu Dharr al-Ghifari (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that "my beloved friend” (the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may Allah's blessings and peace be upon him) has enjoined five things upon me. He has commanded me to love and be close to the poor and the downtrodden, and he has commanded me to look at those in the world who are of lower rank than me, and not at those who are of higher rank, and he has commanded me to be kind to the kinsman and to preserve and keep intact the bond of kinship, and he has commanded me not to ask for anything from anyone as a favour and he has commanded me to speak the truth at all times though it may be bitter for others, and he has commanded me to care nothing for the rebuke of those who revile and villify in the path of Allah, and he has commanded me to recite much the Kalima of: Laa Hawla wa laa Qawwuta Illaa Billah (there is no power or strength but in Allah) because all these things are from the treasure-house (of Allah) which is under the ninth heaven. (Ahmad)

3. A Date Palm planted in Paradise for the one who Recites this

Hadhrat Jaa'bir [Ra] narrated that Rasulallah(Peace be upon him) said: “For the person who recites SUB-HAN'ALLAH HIL AZEEM WA BI-HAM'DIHI, [Pure and perfect is Allah in his glory and praise], - A date palm will be planted for him in Paradise” (Tirmidhi)

Another Narration says:

4. Forgiveness for Sins Even Though they are like the Foam of the Sea:

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “Whoever says, ‘Subhan Allaahi Wa bihamdihi, {Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise}. One hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea. (Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #414)


5. We Can Earn Over a BILLION Rewards in Just a Few Seconds!

Narrated ‘Ubaadah that the Messenger of Allah said, “Whoever seeks forgiveness for the believing men and believing women, Allah will write for him a good deed for each believing man and believing woman.” (Tabarrani)

6. That Which Shall Have no Equal on the Day of Resurrection:

Narrated Abu Huraira:Allah’s Apostle said, ”Whoever says one hundred times in a day:

“Laa ilaaha illallaah wahdahuu laa shareeka lahu, lahu-l-mulk wa lahu-l-hamd wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shai’in qadeer,”

(“None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Alone Who has no partners, to Him belongs Dominion and to Him belong all the Praises, and He has power over all things (i.e. Omnipotent)”,}

he will get the same reward as given for manumitting ten slaves; and one hundred good deeds will be written in his accounts, and one hundred sins will be deducted from his accounts, and it (his saying) will be a shield for him from Satan on that day till night, and nobody will be able to do a better deed except the one who does more than he.” (Bukhari, Book #75, Hadith #412)


7. Four Phrases that are Heavier on the Scales than an Entire Morning of Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah):

The Mother of the Believers, Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith reported that the Prophet came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet said, ”Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four phrases three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are:

Subhan-Allah Wa bihamdihi, ‘adada khalqihi, wa rida-a nafsihi, wa zinatah ‘arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi

(Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise).” (Muslim)


8. A Phrase that Comes with Rewards in the MILLIONS:


On the authority of Abdullah ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet said: “Whoever enters a market and says:

‘Laa ilaaha ill Allah Wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul Mulku Wa lahul Hamdu yuhyi Wa yumeetu Wa huwa Hayyun laa yamoot, bi yadihil khayr, wahuwa ‘alaa kulli shay’ in qadeer’

{There is nothing worthy of worship but Allah, He is alone without partner, to Him belongs the dominion and the praise, he causes life and death and He is the Living One and will never die. In His Hand is all good, and He is over all things capable.)

Allah will write for him a million good deeds erase a million of his bad deeds and build for him a house in Jannah.”

And in another narration, instead of mentioning that Allah will build a house in Jannah, it states, “and he will be raised one million levels.” (Tirmidhi).


9. Reciting Tasbeeh, (Subhanballah), Tahmeed (Alhamdolillah) and Takbeer Allahu Akbar), and enjoining what is Good and forbidding what is evil, and praying Salaatul Duha (Breakfast prayer).,

It was narrated from Abu Dharr that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “For every bone of the son of Adam a charity must be given each day. Every Tasbeehah (saying Subhaan Allah -Glory be to Allah) is a charity, every Tahmeedah (saying Al-hamdu Lillaah -praise be to Allah) is a charity, every tahleelah (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allah -There is no god but Allah) is a charity, every takbeerah (saying Allaahu akbar -Allah is Most Great) is a charity, enjoining what is good is a charity, forbidding what is evil is a charity, and two Rak’ahs (Nafil) offered in the mid-morning (Duha) is sufficient.” (Muslim, 720)

10. The Virtues of Reciting Tasbih at-I-Fatima

A well-known Tradition of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) has it that the Prophet's beloved daughter (and Hazrat Ali's (Ra) wife), Hazrat Fatima (Ra), used to perform all the domestic duties with her own hands. She had even to draw water from the well and to carry it home and to grind the corn in the millstone. One day she begged the holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) to provide her with a domestic servant upon which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) observed, "I will tell you of something that will serve you better than a domestic servant. Recite Subhaa-nallaah 33 times, Alhamdu lillaah 33 times, and Allahu Akbar 34 times after each Salaah and on retiring to bed. This will be of greater value to you than a servant."

Another Tradition says, "Whoever will recite after each Salaah 33 times Subhaa-nallaah, 33 times Alhamdu lillaah, and 34 times Allahu Akbar, and, at the end of it, the Kalima of ‘Laa ilaaha illal laahu wahdahu laa sharika lahu lahul mulku wa-lahul hamdu wa huwa alaa kulli shay-in qadeer’. (There is no Allah but one Allah. He is alone. No partner hath. He Him belongs sovereignty and unto Him belongs Praise and He is all-Powerful) all his sins will be forgiven even if they be as profuse as the foam of the sea."


11. How to Erase 2500 Sins in 5 minutes!

Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: ‘There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and easy. He should glorify Allah (say Subhaan Allah) ten times immediately after each prayer, and praise Him (say Al-hamdu Lillaah) ten times and magnify Him (say Allaahu Akbar) ten times.’

I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) counting this on his fingers. He said: ‘That makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales.

[Translator’s note: each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the number of daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty. Each of these good deeds of the tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat which will be added to the total of good deeds to be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgement].

12. Glorifying Allah 100 times when one goes to bed

When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him One hundred times: that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales.

Who among you does 2,500 bad deeds in one day?’ They said: ‘How could we not count (our sins)?’ He said: ‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this dhikr).’” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332).


13. Earning a 1000 good deeds and wiping away a 1000 bad deeds in Minutes

If a person says "Subhanallah" (glory be to Allah) 100 times, a thousand good deeds are recorded for him and a thousand bad deeds are wiped away. (Muslim)


14. Jannat becomes obligatory for the one who Recites the following

Abu Sa’id (Ra) said that Rasullallah (Peace be upon him) said, “Whoever says:

Radeetu billahi rabban, Wa bil-Islaami deenan, Wa bi-Muhammadin rasoolan

Jannah becomes obligatory for him (to enter). (Abu-Dawud)

- Best said in Morning and Evening with "Nabiyan wa rasoolan"


15. The Virtues of Reciting the First Kalimah

The declaration of belief in the oneness of Allah or kalimah tayyibah

Laa ilaaha ill-Allah

(There is no worthy of worship except Allah)

Hadrat Zaid bin ‘Arqam (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever says Laa ilaaha illal-laah…sincerely will enter the Paradise.”

It was said: And what is the [sign of] sincerity? He said: “That this kalimah stops him from those things which Allah has forbidden.” (Tabaraani in Awsat-ul-Kabeer)

“Do you not see how Allah puts forth the likeness of a good word (kalimah tayyibah)? It is like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and whose branches reach to the sky. It brings forth its fruit in all seasons by the command of its Lord. And Allah sets forth parables for men, so that they may take heed. And the likeness of an evil word (kalimah khabeetha- a word of shirk) is like an evil tree, which is uprooted from the face of the earth, and has no stability.” (Qur’an: 24-26)

16. Virtues of Reciting the Third Kalimah:

The word of glorification or the Kalima-e-Tamjeed

Subhāna-llāhi, wa-l-hamdu li-llāhi, Wa lā ilāha illā-llāhu, wa-llāhu akbar. Wa lā hawla Wa lā quwwata illā bi-llāhi-l-‘aliyyi-l-‘azīm

(Glory be to Allah. And praise be to Allah. And there is no god except Allah. And Allah is the Greatest. And there is no power and no strength except with Allah, the Most High, And Most Great)

Ibn Mas’ood (Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When I met Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) in the night of Mi’raaj (Night of ascension) he asked me to convey his Salaam to my Ummah and to tell them that the Paradise has a fertile soil and sweet water, and is like a vast field. And its plants are [the words above].”

Another version says: “Whoever recites the words above, a tree in Paradise is planted for him for each word he says.” (Virtues of Dhikr; Tirmidhi)

17. Virtues of reading the Fourth Kalimah:

The word of Oneness of Allah or the Kalima-e-Tawhid:

Lā ilāha illā-llāhu waḥdahu lā sharīka lahu lahu-l-mulku Wa lahu-l-hamdu yuḥyi Wa yumītu Wa huwa ḥayyu-llā yamūtu abadan abada, ḏū-l-jalāli wa-l-ikrām, biyadihi-l-khayr, wa huwa ‘alā kulli Shay’in qadīr.

(There is no god except Allah, Who is Alone and has no partners. For Him is the Dominion and for Him is all praise. He gives life and causes death. And He is living and will never ever die. Owner of Majesty and Honour: In His Hands is all goodness. And He has power over all things)

Abu Hurairah (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “A person who recites: Laa ilaaha illal-laahu wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahul-mulku wa lahul-hamdu wa huwa ‘alaa kulli shay-in qadeer, a hundred times daily will have reward equal to that of freeing ten slaves and one hundred good deeds will be written for him, and one hundred of his sins will be lifted from him, and for the whole day, he will remain immune from the Shaytaan until the evening, and on the Day of Judgment, no one will exceed him in merit except one who has done [these phrases] more.” (Agreed Upon)


18. Virtues of Reciting AYAT UL KURSI after Salaat

Rasulallah (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever recites Aayatul Kursi after every Fard (Fard Salat). Only death is keeping him/her from entering Jannah. (As soon as he/she dies, will enter Jannah) (Nisa'i, Ibne Habban, Ibnelsani A'n Abi Amatah Albahili Radiallah Anhu)

Another Hadith states that Reciting Ayatul Kursi after one Fard (Fard Salat) will cause a person to stay in Allah's protection until the next Salat. (Tibrani Fil Kabeer)

18.1 Recite Ayatul Kursi for protection

Imam Bihaqi (Ra) States: The one who recites Ayatul Kursi before falling asleep, Allah gives protection to his/her home and his/her Family.
(Marqat Sharah Mishkaat, Mulla Ali Qaderi, vol. 2 pp. 583)

In another Hadith the Jinn and Shaithaan do not come close to the house in which Ayatul Kursi is recited. (Tirmizi Altargheeb Wal Tarheeb Lilmanzari vol.2 pp.631)

18.2 Recite Ayatul Kursi for blessing in ones food

Hadrat A'isha Radiallah Anha states that a person arrived in the court of Rasulallah (peace be upon him)and complained that there is no Barakat (Blessings) in anything in his home. Rasulallah (peace be upon him)said, “You do not recite Ayatul Kursi, whichever Food and Curry you will recite Ayatul Kursi on, Allah will give Blessings on that Food and Curry. (Tafseer Dar Manshoor vol. 1 pp. 323)

19. Visiting a sick Muslim.

"There is no Muslim who visits another sick Muslim early in the morning but 70 thousand angels send blessings upon him until evening comes, and if he visits him in the evening, 70 thousand angels send blessings upon him until morning comes, and he will have a garden in paradise." [Tirmidhi]

20. Going to the Masjid in order to learn or teach

Attending lectures in the Masjid. "Whoever goes to the Masjid not desiring anything except to learn or teach what is good has the reward of a pilgrim who completed his Hajj" (Tabarrani)

21. Praying the 12 Sunnah Rakats each day

"Allah will build house in Jannah for whoever is diligent in observing 12 Sunnah rakat (as follows) 4 rakat before and 2 after Dhur, 2 after the Maghrib, 2 after Ishaa, and 2 before Fajr." (Tirmidhi)

22. Praying Fajr then worship until after Sunrise (15-20 min after sunrise)

"Whoever prays Fajr Salaat in congregation, then sits remembering Allah until sunrise, then prays 2 Rakats of Salat has a complete reward of Hajj and Umrah. (the Prophet (Peace be upon him) repeated the word 'complete' 3 times for emphasis) (Tirmidhi)

23. Reward for Reciting each letter of Holy Qur’aan.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn Mas’ood said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is a letter, rather alif is a letter, laam is a letter and meem is a letter.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2910)

23.1 Surah Fathiha The Mother of the Qur’an and a cure for every disease

Abu Sulaiman says that once a group of Companions were in an expedition (ghazwa) when they happened to come across an epileptic person, who was unconscious. One of the Companions recited Surah Al-Fatiha and blew in his ear. The epileptic person immediately cured. When Sayyidana Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was informed of this, he said: “It (Surah Al-Fathiha) is “The Mother of the Qur’an” (Umm al-Qur’an) and is a cure for every disease.”

[This narration has been recorded by Ath-Thua’lbi from Abu Sulaiman, who narrated it from Muawiya bin Saleh (RA), Tafseer Mazhari 1:31]

23.2 Surah Mulk which protects one from the Torment of the Grave

It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads Tabarakallahi Biyadihil Mulk [i.e. Surah al-Mulk] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. (an-Nasa’i)

23.3 Surah Zilzalah worth half of the Qur’an

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas and Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112)would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)

23.4.1 Surah Iklhas worth a third of the Qur’an

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) said to his Companions, “Are any of you unable to recite a third of the Qur’an in a night?” That was difficult for them and they said, “Which of us is able to do that, Messenger of Allah?” He said, “[The surah] ‘Say: He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the Everlasting Sustainer of all’ (112) constitutes a third of the Qur’an.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6:61 #534, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1010)

23.4.2 Surah Iklhas recited 200 times daily gets forgiveness of 50 years of sin

Anas ( RA) reported the Prophet (Peace be upon him) as saying, “If anyone recites two hundred times daily, Qul huwallahu ahad the sins of fifty years will be wiped out, unless he is in debt.” (At-Tirmidhi and Darami).

The latter version has ‘fifty times’ and he did not mention ‘unless he is in debt’

23.5 Surah al Falaq and An Naas protection from Jinn and evil eye

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al Falaq and An Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things. [At-Tirmidhi #1984, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1014]

24. 5 Reciting Qur’an whilst in Qiyaam (Standing in prayer)

Abd-Allah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allah be pleased with them both), narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

Whoever recites ten aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand aayaat (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).” (Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Saheeh al-Targheeb, 635).


24. Good manners are the Heaviest on the good deed scales

Abu Darda (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, "Nothing will be heavier on the Day of Resurrection in the Scale of the believer than good manners. Allah hates one who utters foul or coarse language.''


25.1 Dhikir of Allah during business or whilst working

Dhikir of Allah at intervals while engaged in business is a source of great reward and merit. It is mentioned in hadith that in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani)


25.2 We will regret the Seconds we wasted without remembering Allah

Hadhrat Mu'az [RA] narrated Rasulallah (Peace be upon him) said: “The Inhabitants of Paradise will not be grief stricken or sorrowful about anything they did in the life of the world except for the time they spent without being in the remembrance of Allah” (Tabaraani)


26.1 Do Dhikr of Allah even if its on Comfortable beds

Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khudri (Ra) narrates that Rasulullah (Peace be upon him) said:

“There are many people reclining on comfortable beds and making the Dhikr of Allah on earth. Allah will grant them elevated ranks (in the Aakhirah).”
(Ibn Habbaan)

Those indulging in luxury should not abstain from Dhikrullah. They too should be constantly engaged in the remembrance of Allah whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which whilst enjoying the comforts of the bounties which Allah has bestowed on them and Allah will give them elevated ranks in the hereafter.

26.2 Do so much Dhikr that people think your mad

Hadhrat Abu Saeed Khurdi (Ra) also narrates that Rasulullah (Peace be upon him) said:

“Engage in the Dhikr of Allah in such abundance that people comment that ‘you are insane’.” (Ahmed, Abu Ya’la, Ibn Habbaan)

26.3 Remember Allah in the places where people don’t usually remember Allah

It is mentioned in hadith that in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani)

27. Always thank Allah for EVERYTHING

A’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said, I asked, “Messenger of Allah, why do you exert yourself so much while all your sins have been forgiven?” To this he replied, “`A’ishah, should I not be a grateful servant of Allah?” (Muslim).

Anas bin Malik (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah is pleased with His slave who says: `Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)’ when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water.” (Muslim)

28. Praising Allah upon Sneezing and its Response

Abu Hurairah has related a Prophetic saying: "Allah likes sneezing and dislikes yawning. When anyone of you sneezes he should say “Alhamdulillah” and the hearer thereof should respond “Yar hamakullah” as it is a right of the one who sneezes." (Sahih Bukhari).

29. Allah will increase us the more thankful we are to him

-Allah likes those who are thankful [39:7]

-Allah rewards those who are thankful [3:144]

-Allah gives more benefits and blessings to those who are thankful [14:7]

-Allah protects those from harm who render Him thankfulness [54:34-35]

29.1 Dua to make in every dua to become of the appreciative

Allahumma a-inni ala Zikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibadatik

(O Allah! Help me to remember you, to thank you, and to worship you in the best of manners)

29.2 Thanking people

The Prophet (Peace be upon him)said, Whoever has a favour done for him and says ‘Jazaak Allahu khayran‘ has done his utmost to thank him. (At-Tirmithi)

30. Meet Your Brother with a happy face

Abu Dharr said, "The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, told me, 'Do not consider anything correct insignificant, even meeting your brother with a happy face." (Muslim)

31. Even Moving obstacles from peoples paths is a great reward

Abu Hurairra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "A man passed by a fallen branch in the middle of the road and said, 'By Allah, I will remove this from the path of the Muslims so that it does not inconvenience them' and he was admitted into the Garden." (Muslim)

32. Being kind to Parents is the best deed after Salat

It is narrated on the authority of Abdullah bin Mas'ood (may Allah be pleased with him), who observed:

"I asked Allah's Messenger (May peace be upon him) which deed was the best." He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'The Prayer at its appointed hour.' I (again) asked: "Then what?" He (the Holy Prophet) replied: 'Kindness to the parents… (Sahih Muslim: 120)

33. Sending Darud and Peace on the blessed Prophet (Peace be upon him)

The Holy Prophet as saying that "One sent by my Sustainer came to me and told me that 'Whoever from your ummah sends darud on you once ten good deeds are recorded on his behalf, his ten (minor) sins are pardoned and he is elevated by ten stages" (Sunan Nisai and Musnad Ahmed, AI-targhib li al Mundhari, P.157 volume 3)

And Anas (RA) a companion, has said that the eternally blessed Prophet said that "When my name is mentioned before anyone it is incumbent upon him to, send darud on me, and whosoever sends darud once, Allah sends His Mercy on him ten times (ibid.)

The best Darud is that which we read in our Salah and the shortest is to say "Salallahu Alaihi Wasallim"

34. Seeking forgiveness as much as possible everyday

Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was free of all sin, but even then he has said that "I beg for Allah's forgiveness seventy times or more every day" (Bukhari)

The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: "Whosoever regularly seeks Allah's pardon, Allah makes for him a way out of all tight corners, removes all his worries and grants him sustenance from sources he had never imagined." (Abu Damd, Kitab-al-Satat, Bab-al-Istighfar).

35. Planting Trees is like giving Sadaqa and a means of great Reward]

Planting plants and trees in appropriate places is an act of great merit

Anas (RA) has quoted Rasulallah (Peace be upon him):

"A man plants a tree or sows a field and a man or bird eats from it, the tree or field becomes a source of sadaqah for him." (Bukhari and Muslim)

36. Teach others beneficial Islamic things and have mercy of Allah and all creatures

Abu Umama has quoted the following words of our Prophet (Peace be upon him) “Allah the Most High and His Angels and all creatures of the Heavens and earth even the ants inside their ant-holes shower mercy one those who teach things of benefit to others.” (Jame-Tirmidhi)

37. Greet your Muslim brother whether you know them or not

Our holy Prophet (Peace be upon him), was asked as to which actions are good for Muslims. Among the actions which he enumerated was this: "You should greet people whether you know them or not."

It is reported about Abdullah bin Omar that sometimes he went out of the house only to greet any Muslims he met and thus to increase his merit. (Muvatta Imam Malik)

37.1 When entering ones house greet with salaam even when entering empty house

Our holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) instructed his personal servant Anas as follows, “Oh son! When you enter (your) house, greet your family members; this act shall be of benefit for both you and your family members." (Tirmidhi)

Even when entering an empty house one should greet with the intent that angels are being greeted.

37.2 Reward for giving FULL salaam is 30 good deeds

Imran bin Husayn(RA) recounts that once he and others were in the presence of the Prophet (Peace be upon him) when a man came and said, "Assalamu alaikum", to which the blessed Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said, "Ten" (i.e. the person who had greeted him had earned ten merits); then another man came and he "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah", to which the Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said "Twenty" (i.e. the person had earned twenty merits). Finally a third man came and said "Assalamu alaikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatu", to which the exalted Prophet (Peace be upon him) responded and said, "Thirty" (i.e. the person had earned thirty merits) (Abu Daud, Tirmidhi, Jami al Usul, p. 602. vol 6)

38. Love for the sake of Allah and be under his shade

One hadith says, “Allah shall ask on the Day of Judgement, ' Where are those who loved for the sake of my Greatness? Today when there is no shade save Mine, I shall have them in My Shade.'" (Sahih Muslim: Kitab al Birr wa al Silah)

Another tells us that "On the Day of Judgement, those who had mutual love for the sake of Allah's Greatness shall be on pulpits of light and all shall envy them." (Jami' Tirmidhi, Kitab al Zuhd)

39. We will be with those whom we love even the Prophet (Peace be upon him)

Anas (RA) Quotes that someone asked our blessed and exalted Prophet,"When shall come the Day of Judgement?" Our Prophet asked him "What preparation have you made for the Day?" The man said, "Nothing, but I have love for Allah and for His Messenger." The Prophet said, "You shall be (on that Day) with whom you love."

Anas (RA) says that these words of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) so pleased us as nothing had ever done. He further said, "I have great love for the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him) and with Abu Bakr (RA) and Umar(RA), may Allah be pleased with them, and because of this love, I shall be in their company, even though my deeds are not equal to theirs." (Sahih Bukhari, kitab-al-Adab, chapter Alamah al Hubb fi Allah).

40. Magnify ones intention and get even MORE reward doing good deeds!

Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Deeds (their correctness and rewards) depend upon intentions, and every person gets but what he has intended." (Agreed upon)

Ibn Al-Mubarak said: "May a small deed be magnified by the sincere intention; and may a great deed be diminished by the insincere intention"

If we do not correct our intention before doing a good act or deed then we will not get rewarded our deeds even if it is a great one, while we can magnify our humble deeds by a sincere intention.


Conclusion


Once we realise the greatness of fasting and what achievement it leads to, we must put all our efforts in performing fasting in the best manner possible. And since fasting is worship, it must be done solely for Allah's sake, and no intention is accepted, other than pleasing Allah and seeking His Face with all one's sincerity. Without a correct intention, no deed is of any value in the Hereafter. We Muslims must constantly verify our intentions and consider why we perform fasting. Do we do so merely because it is the practice of our parents and friends, or do we do so because it is part of our tradition, or perhaps because we simply want to conform to our environment in order to avoid any problems? A Muslim who realises that only that which is with Allah remains, and that He (Swt) is the only One who grants and withholds, would not be of those to which the Prophet (s.a.w.) alluded in the Hadeeth: "On the Day of Judgement, a caller will cry out, 'Whoever performed a deed for someone other than Allah may seek his reward from that for which he performed the deed' " [Saheeh al-Jami].

May Allah increase us in good in this most blessed of months and give us the ability to do excessive good deeds all throughout the year so that we may please Almighty Allah and get the closest to him and make him the happiest in order that we achieve the highest ranks of Paradise. Ameen


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10 steps to getting closer to Allah this Ramadan


Hadhrat Salmaan reports that on the last day of Sha'baan the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) addressed them and said, "Oh people, there comes before you now a great month, a most blessed month in which lies a night more greater in Virtue than 1,000 months; (LAYLATUL-QADR). It is a month in which each day should be observed by fasting, this has been made obligatory by the Almighty Allah."

In this most blessed month of Ramadhaan ALL good deeds are multiplied:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.


It should be the desire of every Muslim to draw nearer and closer to Almighty Allah the most compassionate and the most merciful. By drawing closer and near to Allah we gain his help in every aspect of our lives in this world and to be merciful to us so that we may gain mercy in the hereafter in order to enter Jannah in the next world.


When we call upon him he would answer our calls and when we ask of him for anything he would give it to us and when we draw nearer to him then our sincerity and intentions will enable us to become closer to him.


So we should strive to draw nearer to Allah, the Glorified the Exalted, who is the majesty of honour and generosity and the giver of peace, the most high and the most honoured.

What better time than any to draw closer to Allah than in the most blessed month of Ramadan when Almighty Allah makes it easy for us to do good actions so that we may draw closer to him.


So what can we do to draw closer to him in this blessed month? The following are 10 steps for us to draw closer to our Almighty Allah:



1. Fulfilling obligatory duties and abstaining from prohibited matters



The Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) has guided us. And Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted, has guided us how to draw near to Him. As He said According to Hadith Qudsi:


“Whoever draws near to Me among those drawn near by fulfilling what I have made obligatory on them….


You do not draw near to Allah except by fulfilling the obligatory duties which Allah has made obligatory on you; (that is) the obligatory duties from the obligatory duties (Faraid) such as Prayers, and Zakat (obligatory charity), and Hajj, and Fasting and being good to Parents and all these obligatory duties on you draw you near to Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted.


The faraid (obligatory duties) are the first things that draw you near to Allah. You do not reach the door of nearness nor do you reach to the presence of nearness except by fulfilling the obligatory duties. This is the first thing that draws you near to Allah, the Glorified and the Exalted, and you are in His Presence.


So the first thing we need to do is fulfil ALL of our obligatory duties and abstain from that which Allah and his messenger have forbidden us from.

In this most blessed month of Ramadhaan ALL good deeds are multiplied:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

What other time of the year are Fard acts rewarded 70 times or more? We must not miss a single Fard act in this blessed month and if we are not in the habit of praying then there is no other time of the year better than Ramadan to get into the habit of praying all the 5 Salaah.


2. Nawafil prayers (superogatory prayers)

In this most blessed month of Ramadhaan ALL good deeds are multiplied:

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

What better time than any to get closer to Allah by praying as many Nafl Salaah as one can. What other time of the yar are Nafil's rewarded equal to a fard act? Therefore we must do everything we can to pray as many Nafils as we can and to gain these huge rewards!


Allah says in Hadith Qudsi:

….and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him, so I become his sense of hearing with which he hears, and his sense of sight with which he sees, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My Protection, I will protect him..." [Bukhari]


A Source of Elevation for you


The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said: "Ask (anything)." Rabi'ah said: "I ask of you to be your companion in paradise." The Prophet said: “Anything else?" Rabi'ah said: "That is it." The Prophet (sallAllahu alayhi wasallam) said to him: "Then help me by making many prostrations (i.e., supererogatory prayers)." [Muslim]


Praying Tahajjud to get closer to Allah


Allah Most High said, “Establish worship at the going down of the sun until the dark of the night, and (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn. Lo! (the recital of) the Qur’an at dawn is ever witnessed. And some part of the night awake for its recital, as voluntary worship for you. It may be that your Lord will raise you to a praised estate.” [Qur’an, 17: 78-79]


Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer.” [Muslim]


Abu Umama al-Bahili (Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace be upon him, his family, and companions) said, “Hold fast to night prayer, for it was the way of the righteous before you, a way of drawing closer to your Lord, an expiation for wrong deeds, and a shield from sin.” [Tirmidhi, and others] In some narrations, there is an addition, “And it repels sickness from the body.”


And because night vigil time is the best of times for voluntary worship and prayer, and the closest a servant is to his Lord.

In Ramadan it should be easy for us to pray Tahajjud because one can pray it before Sehri. So one should not wake up on the last minute and have sehri and miss out on praying Tahajjud as at this time dua's are readily accepted.


So let us make the habit of reading as many Nawafil prayers as we can for more prayers means more prostrations and one is truly the closest to Allah in prostration.


….bow down in prostration and bring yourself the closer (to Allah)." (96:19)



3. Zikr (remembrance of Allah) and glorification of Allah



"…Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest." (13:28)


Remembrance of Allah indeed is the greatest virtue. (29:46).


O ye who believe, remember Allah much. And glorify Him morning and evening (33:42-43)


Remembrance of Allah is the foundation of all good deeds. Whoever succeeds in it is blessed with the close friendship of Allah.


The Prophet, peace be upon him, used to make remembrance of Allah at all times and also encouraged all of us to do the same. When a man complained, "The laws of Islam are too heavy for me, so tell me something that I can easily follow," the Prophet told him, "Let your tongue be always busy with the remembrance of Allah." [Ahmad].


Remembrance of Allah the best of deeds


The Prophet, peace be upon him, would often tell his Companions, "Shall I tell you about the best of deeds, the most pure in the sight of your Lord, about the one that is of the highest order and is far better for you than spending gold and silver, even better for you than meeting your enemies in the battlefield where you strike at their necks and they at yours?"The Companions replied, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Remembrance of Allah." (Tirmidhi,Ahmad)


Heart of those who don't remember Allah is dead whereas those who do is alive


Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The similitude of one who remembers his Rubb and one who does not remember Him, is like that of the living and the dead.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Some very rewarding dhikr include:


Subhan'Allah- 'Praise be to Allah'
Al-Hamdullilah- 'Thanks be to Allah'
Allahu Akbar – 'Allah is the Greatest.'
La ila ha illallah- There is no worthy of worship except allah
Subhanallahi Wabihamdihi - I deem Allah free of any resemblances to anything whatever in any repeat, and I glorify his praises

Read much of this zikr:

Subhaan-Allahi walhamdu-lillaahi, wa laa ilaa-ha illa-la ill-lal-lahu wallahu Akbar, walaa haula wala quoow-wata illa billa hil-Aliyyil-azeem.

"Glory is for Allaah and all Praise is due to Allah. There is none worthy of worship except Allaah. Allaah is the greatest. There is no power and no strength except with Allaah the Most High, the Great."


Zikr done in places where others don't remember Allah


Remember: in a place where people are oblivious to dhikir, remembrance of Allah is like being steadfast in jihad, when others are running away. (Targhib, p. 193, vol. 3 ref. Bazar and Tibrani)


Zikr can be done anywhere and anytime


A person may ask, ‘How can we do Zikr all the time whilst we have so many things to do in life such as we go to work, feed the family, pay bills, etc.? Well, the answer to this is that, firstly, it is the Sunnah of Allah's Messenger to work and feed the family which is rewarded by Allah and, secondly, that when a person is working or at school or wherever a person may be this does not mean that he should stop remembering Allah while he is working, while he is serving his customers or while he is programming his computer.


In fact the heart of the believer should be attached to Allah's remembrance throughout his day to day activities such that he protects himself from falling in love with the materials and temptations of this world and that his love for Allah and his Messenger grows stronger and stronger as time goes by. When a person begins to remember Allah all the time it is then that he becomes conscious of his actions. His heart also gains peace, tranquility, contentment and happiness!


"... And the men and the women who remember Allah much with their hearts and tongues. Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a great reward (i.e., Jannah).'' (33:35)




4. Calling upon Allah in Dua (supplication)



In order to build a close relationship with Allah we should always call upon him in all situations and circumstances whether we are happy or sad and we should ask him for all of our needs aswell as help and guidance in all aspects of our lives.


Allah the most compassionate says in the Holy Quran, "Call on Me. I will answer your prayer, but those who are too arrogant to serve me will surely find themselves humiliated in Hell" (40:60).


Allah the Exalted, has said: "And your Lord says: Pray unto me: and I will hear your prayer" (Quran 40:60),


"Call upon your Lord Humbly and in secret" (Quran 7:55),


"When My servants question thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calleth on Me" (Quran 2:186),


"Is not He (best) who listens to the (soul) distressed when it calls on Him, and who relieves its suffering." (Quran 27:62)

The fasting person's dua accepted

The prophet (Pbuh) declared, 'Three men whose dua is never rejected (by Allah) are: the fasting person until he breaks his fast (in another narration, when he breaks fast), the just ruler and the one who is oppressed.' [Ahmad, at-Tirmidhi - Hasan]

Subhanallah we should make dua as much as we can whilst we are fasting!


Dua’s are never wasted


Aisha radhiallaahu anha said, "No believer makes Dua and it is wasted. Either it is granted here in this world or deposited for him in the Hereafter as long as he does not get frustrated."


Allah’s anger at those who don’t make dua


In fact, it is even wrong to never make Dua, "Whosoever does not supplicate to Allah, He will be angry with Him." [Saheeh Jaami`as-Sagheer #2414]


Dua is a weapon for the believers


Rasullullah is reported to have said, “Dua is the weapon of a Muslim”.


Dua for ones brother in his absence


"The supplication that gets the quickest answer is the one made by one Muslim for another in his absence." [Abu Daw'ud and Tirmidhi]


So let us build a close relationship with Allah by making much dua to him. He loves it when his slave calls upon him and it angers him if his slave does not call upn him.


Let us have full hope that our dua’s will be accepted and if you think they won’t they know Allah is keeping the rewards for you in the hereafter and those rewards are so great that one would wish that none of there duas were excepted in this world just so that one can gain all the rewards for their duas in the next world.



5. Building a close relationship with the Qur’an

Ramadan is the month the Qur'an was sent down:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for mankind, clear proofs for the guidance, the Criterion; so whoever amongst you witnesses this month, let him fast it." (cf. Surah al-Baqarah 2:185)

Recite the Holy Qur’aan as much as we can for It will come as an intercessor for its reciter’ on the Day of Judgement [Muslim]


Learn the Qur’an and recite it, because the example of one who learns the Qur’an, reads it and recites it in Tahajjud is like an open bag full of musk whose fragrance permeates the entire place. And the person who has learnt the Qur’an but sleeps while the Qur’an is in the heart is like a bag full of musk but with its mouth closed.


“There is no envy (acceptable) except in two (cases): a person whom Allah has given the Qur’an and recites it throughout the night and throughout the day. And a person whom Allah has given wealth, that he gives out throughout the night and throghout the day.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]


Virtues of reciting the Qur’an


“Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter.” [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]

Imagine then how much rewards will be gained for every letter of the Qur'an we recite?


Virtues of Surah Fathiha


The Prophet said, 'In the Fatiha of the Qur'an, there is a cure for all maladies(illnesses)' [Darimi 3236, also narrated by Ad-Darmi in his Al-Masnad and Al-Bayhaqi in Shu’bul Imaan, Tafseer Mazhari 1:30]


Surah Al-Fatihah is equivalent to two thirds of the Qur'an [Al-Bayhaqi and Al-Haakim, Tafseer Mazhari 1:31]


Virtues of Surah Mulk


It was narrated that Abdullah ibn Mas’ud said: Whoever reads Tabarakallahi Biyadihil Mulk [i.e. Surah al-Mulk] every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well. (an-Nasa’i)


Virtues of Surah Zilzalah, Al Kaafirun and Al Ikhlas


Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas and Anas Ibn Malik (Ra) reported that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) said, ‘Whoever recited Surah Zilzilah (99) would get the reward of reciting half the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Kaafirun (109) would get a reward as if reading a quarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recited Surah al Ikhlas (112) would get a reward as if reading one third of the Qur’an’. (At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)


Reading, understanding and implementing the Qur’an in our daily lives


The virtues of reciting the Qur’an are too numerous to list. In order to get closer to Allah we need to recite the Qur’an, understand it and implement it in our daily lives.


We should make a target of reading at least a chapter a day. If one can’t manage that then at least half a chapter. If one still can’t manage that then recite at least quarter of a chapter or even a page a day. However much we can manage we should try to recite each day with its meanings and implement what we learn into our daily lives.


Reading a little each day is better than reciting a lot once in a while. We should build a close relationship with the Qur’an which is in fact building a close relationship with Allah!


“Verily Allah raises nations by this book (the Qur’an) and puts down (i.e. destroys) others by it.” [Muslim]



6. Keeping good company




One of the most important things we must do, which sadly many people neglect, is that we should avoid bad company. People we should avoid taking as friends those who speak too freely, who miss Salah, who do not dress modestly, who backbite, slander etc.


The company of such people is poison; just even sitting and talking with them will lead one to commit sins. Just as a person who sits for a long time with a perfume seller begins to smell nice, and a person who sits by a gutter cleaner begins to smell awful, similarly a person who spends time in the company of the wicked eventually gets affected badly by them.


Rather, we should seek out pious friends who fear Allah taala and who have the qualities of humility, charity, compassion, modesty and knowledge. If we sit with them we will always benefit and they will be a means for us to get closer to Allah taala!


The Prophet (saws) said, “The case of the good companion and the bad companion is like that of the seller of musk and the blower of the bellows (iron-smith). As for the seller of musk, he will either give you some of the musk, or you will purchase some from him, or at least you will come away having experienced its good smell. Whereas the blower of the bellows will either burn your clothing, or at least you will come away having experienced its repugnant smell.” [Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim]


Remember: “All friends will be enemies of one another on that Day (Day of Judgment) except those of the virtuous.” (al-Qur’an 43:67)

If we continue to hang around with bad company and use foul language and bad speech then Allah is not in need of us leaving our food:

Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari)

So what better time than any to leave bad company and find good pious company.


7. Having fear and hope in Allah




Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people. (Surah Yusuf 12:87)


One must be hopeful of Allahs mercy and forgiveness and fearful of His punishment. It is this fear that should lead one to seek Allahs forgiveness with hope. Allah says:


Know that Allah is severe in punishment and that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. (Surat al-Maaidah 5:98)


In the above verse, Allah gives us reason to fear because His punishment is justly severe, as well as good reason to have hope, since He is the Most Forgiving and Merciful. There should be a balance between fear and hope and not too much or too less of one or the other.


We should always remain between fear and hope. For, the right and the approved kind of fear is that which acts as a barrier between the slave and the things forbidden by Allah. But, if fear is excessive, then the possibility is that the man will fall into despair and pessimism.


On the other hand the approved state of optimism is of a man who does good in the light of the Shari'ah and is hopeful of being rewarded for it. Or, conversely, if a man committed a sin, he repents sincerely, and is hopeful of being forgiven. Allah (swt) said:


"Verily, those who believed, and those who migrated and fought in the way of Allah, it is they who are hopeful of Allah's mercy. And Allah is very Forgiving, very Merciful." (Al-Baqarah, 218)


In contrast, if a man indulges in sins and excesses, but is hopeful that he would be forgiven without doing anything good, then, this is self-deception, mere illusion and false hope.


Abu 'All Rowzbari has said, "Fear and hope are like the two wings of a bird. If they are well balanced, the flight will be well balanced. But, If one is stunted, the Right would also be stunted. And, to be sure, if the two are lost, the bird will soon be in the throes of death."


Allah has praised the people of hope and fear in the following verse:


'Is one who worships devotedly during the night, prostrating himself or standing, fearing the Hereafter, and hoping for the mercy of his Lord (is equal to him who doesn't do these things)?' (Al Zumar, 9)


Hope then also demands fear. If that was not the case, one would be in a state of false security. Conversely, fear demands hope. Without that it would be despair.


Fear and hope, both should be equally proportioned in our hearts, in our worship, and in our dua to Allah. Allah says:


Call out to Him with fear and hope. (Surat al-Araaf 7:56)


They forsake their beds to call their Lord in fear and hope. (Surat as-Sajdah 32:16)


The Prophet said: "Whoever observes fast during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting)

So let us fast this month with the full hope of Allah's mercy and forgiveness and let us change our ways so that we can be sure to gain his forgiveness.


8. I'thikaaf


I’tikaaf means staying in the mosque for a specific purpose, which is to worship Allah. It is prescribed in Islam and is Musthahab (recommended) according to the consensus of the scholars. Imam Ahmad (RA) said, as was narrated from him by Abu Dawood: “I have not heard from any of the scholars that it is anything other than Sunnah.”

Az-Zuhri said: “How strange the Muslims are! They have given up I’tikaaf, despite the fact that the Prophet, Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, never abandoned this practice from the time he came to Madinah until his death.”

The benefits of I’tikaaf

There are many hidden benefits in the acts of worship and much wisdom behind them. The basis of all deeds is the heart, as the Messenger of Allah, Sallallahu 'Alayhi Wasallam, said: “In the body there is an organ which if it is sound, the entire body will be sound, and if it is corrupt, the entire body will be corrupt. That organ is the heart.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

What corrupts the heart most is distractions and preoccupations – such as food, drink, sex, talking too much, sleeping too much and socializing too much, and other distractions – which divert people from turning to Allah and cause the heart to be unfocused and unable to concentrate on worshipping Allah. So Allah has prescribed acts of worship, such as fasting, to protect the heart from the negative effects of these distractions. Fasting deprives a person of food and drink and sex during the day, and this denial of excessive enjoyments is reflected in the heart, which gains more strength for seeking Allah and frees it from the chains of these distractions which take a person from thinking of the Hereafter by occupying him with worldly concerns.

Just as fasting is a shield which protects the heart from the influences of physical excessive indulgence in food, drink and sex, so I’tikaaf offers an immense hidden benefit, which is protection from the effects of excessive socializing. For people may take socializing to extremes, until it has a similar effect on a person to the effects of over-eating.

I’tikaaf also offers protection from the evil consequences of talking too much, because a person usually does I’tikaaf on his own, turning to Allah by praying Qiyaam al-Layl (Standing in night for prayer), reading Quran, making Dhikr, reciting du’a, and so on.

It also offers protection from sleeping too much, because when a person makes I’tikaaf in the mosque, he devotes his time to drawing closer to Allah by doing different kinds of acts of worship; he does not stay in the mosque to sleep.

Undoubtedly a person’s success in freeing himself from socializing, talking and sleeping too much will help him to make his heart turn towards Allah, and will protect him from the opposite.

It is also permitted for women to do I’tikaaf (spiritual retreat) in a specific place in their house, whenever they have the time and are able to do so without neglecting their family duties and other responsibilities.

The same considerations would apply as in any other I’tikaaf: ones primary concern during the time should be towards worship, and unnecessary worldly activity should be avoided.

Even when one is in their monthly period, it is recommended in the Hanifa school to sit in a designated place of prayer (Mussallah) at home, after having made Wudhu, and make Dhikr for the time it takes to pray.

It is recommended for women to designate a place in their houses as their 'Masjid'. They can do I’tikaaf there at any time, even for a brief period of time, [Radd al-Muhtar] and attain the great rewards mentioned in the hadith’s for I’tikaaf (as long as they fulfil their other worldly and religious duties, as is the case for men).



9. Sincerely repenting to Allah




Allah says: O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and you would then seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you.


When a person sins and then sincerely turns to Allah for forgiveness, one will find Allah ready to accept his repentance and to forgive him, as this verse indicates:


And whoever does a wrong or wrongs himself, but then seeks forgiveness from Allah, he will find Allah forgiving and merciful. (Surat an-Nisaa 4:110)

Everyone commits sin and does wrong, but Allah is always willing to forgive and He always gives them a chance to repent and seek His forgiveness. A believer should never forget the fact that Allah is so forgiving. If Allah had willed, He could have held everyone accountable for his or her sins, but He has decreed that He shall allow His servants to seek His forgiveness and that He shall in fact forgive who and what He wills. In fact, Allah commands that His servants seek His forgiveness:


And seek Allahs forgiveness. Certainly, Allah is Forgiving, Merciful. (Surat al-Muzzammil 73:20)


Repentance is an act, which purifies the soul and brings the servant closer to Allah. It puts the heart at rest from guilt. It protects one from falling prey to his desires and lusts and increases his faith.


We must ask ourselves this question:Would we be willing to forgive anyone who hurts us and disobeys us constantly as easily as Allah is Able to forgive? Most probably, the answer would be no. But our Creator is the Most Kind and He is the Most Perfect.


Lo! Allah is a Lord of Kindness to mankind, but most of mankind give not thanks. (Surat al-Baqarah 2:143)


In Hadithi Qudsi, mankind is encouraged to seek Allahs forgiveness and repent, but there are five conditions of repentance, which must be met for ones repentance to be accepted. They are:


The first and most important is that the act of repentance be sincerely for Allah alone.


Secondly, the person must feel remorse and guilt over his actions so much so that he wished he had never done it in the first place.


The third condition is that the person must immediately cease performing the wrong and sinful act.


Fourthly, the repentant person must have a firm intention to never commit the sin again.


And lastly, the person must repent before it is too late, meaning before death approaches.


However, there is a condition. One must not associate any partners with Allah, which is shirk. And Allah does not forgive shirk and if one dies without believing in Allah alone as ones Creator, then he will be doomed to the Hellfire for all of eternity.


So, Allah emphasizes the importance of calling on Him alone. He has no and needs no partners, associates, wives, children, etc. There is no god, but Allah. None forgives sins except Him, so one who is seeking forgiveness should seek it only from Allah.


Allahs forgiveness and mercy is far greater and vaster than the sins of the creation. One must always have trust and hope in Allah in both good times and bad times and especially when seeking Allahs forgiveness. And the believer who calls out to his Lord for forgiveness demonstrates his true weakness and that he is totally dependent on the Creator.


When one confesses his sins to Allah and sincerely repents with hope in Allahs mercy, the heart should come to peace and the soul should feel rest. When a person has hope, he has no reason to despair because it only leads to destruction. Allah gives hope to all, especially those who despair that there is no reason to despair because Allah is the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. Allah praises those who repent and turn to Him:


And those who, when they commit a lewd act or wrong themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins and who forgives sins except Allah? And they do not persist in what (wrong) they were doing while they knew it. For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Lord and Gardens with rivers flowing through, wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is the reward of the doers (of good)! (Surah Ali Imran 3:135-136)

The Prophet said: "Whoever observes fast during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Book of Fasting)

Therefore let us strive to try and gain forgiveness for all of our past major and minor sins by feeling remorseful and crying to Allah asking of him sincerely and repenting to him with the intention NEVER to repeat such act! Let us leave our past behind and build ourselves a better future practising our beautiful way of life Islam!

Remember Allah loves forgiveness and loves to forgive so ask of him to forgive as much as possible!



10. Having good manners, character and being humble




Many of us think that “a perfect Muslim” is simply one who is correct in the observance of the salah (ritual Prayer), the fasting, the zakah (payment of a certain portion of one’s wealth to the poor), and the Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah). This indeed is not the case.


If the ritual observances do not help the person to be humble, virtuous and truly God-fearing, then he or she is not a real Muslim. A Muslim should be good and just in dealing with others, no matter their religion, and take special care to keep away from all the shameful and sinful things Allah has forbidden.


One can never get close to Allah by being arrogant, full of pride and having a bad character and manners. Those who have humility and are humble and have good character and manners are the closest to Allah and Allah raises their ranks in the hereafter. The best person is the one who is best towards others.


The superiority of good character:


Hadrat Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with him, relates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “Nothing is heavier in the scales of a believer on the Day of Judgement than his good behaviour. Allah detests a person who is obscene and shameless”. (Tirmidhi)

The best friend in the sight of Allah is he who is the well-wisher of his companions, and the best neighbour is one who behaves best towards his neighbours. (Tirmidhi)


Having humility and being humble:


The Prophet (PBUH) said: "He who was humble for the sake of God by one degree, God (SWT) would then elevate them to a degree till they reach the uppermost of high Orders, and he who was arrogant to God (SWT), God (SWT) would then lower him for a degree till he reaches the lowest of low Orders", (Narrated by: Muslim (Hadeeth: 6535).


Al-Nawawi said:


The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:“And no one humbles himself before Allaah but Allaah will raise him (in status).”


Humbleness is to know the value of oneself, to avoid pride, or disregarding the truth and underestimating people. As the Prophet sallallahu`alaihi wa sallam said, according to Muslim and others, "Al-Kibr is rejecting the truth and looking down upon people" [Muslim, Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].


Humbleness is for one who is important and significant and he fears to gain notoriety or to become too great among people. Humbleness is that one should humble himself with his companions.


Humbleness is to humble oneself to one who is below you. If you find someone who is younger than you, or of less importance than you, you should not despise him, because he might have a better heart than you, or be less sinful, or closer to Allah than you. Even if you see a sinful person and you are righteous, do not act in arrogance towards him, and thank Allah that He saved you from the tribulation that He put him through.


Remember that there might be some riyaa' or vanity in your righteous deeds that may cause them to be of no avail, and that this sinful person may be regretful and fearful concerning his bad deeds, and this may be the cause of forgiveness of his sins.


Humbleness is that your deed should not become too great in your eyes. If you do a good deed, or attempt to get closer to Allah ta`ala through an act of obedience, your deed may still not be accepted, "Allah only accepts from those who have taqwa (fear of Allah)." (Surat al-Maida: 27)


Humbleness is that, when you are advised, if Shaytaan calls you to reject the advice, you must negate him. Because the purpose of advice is that your brother points out the defects that you have.


The arrogant never gives credit to anybody or mentions good about someone, and if he needed to do so, he would also mention five defects of that person. But if he hears somebody reminding him about his own defects, he will not be flexible nor comply due to his inferiority complex. This is why it is among man's moral integrity to accept criticism or comment without any sensitivity or discomfort or feelings of shame and weakness.


We can summarize the teachings of Islam about the Muslim character in the following list:


Be truthful in everything, don’t lie.
Be sincere and straightforward, don’t be hypocritical.
Be honest, don’t be corrupt.
Be humble, don’t be boastful.
Be moderate, don’t be excessive.
Be reserved, don’t be garrulous.
Be soft-spoken, don’t be loud.
Be refined and gentle in speech, don’t curse and use foul language.
Be loving and solicitous to others, don’t be unmindful of them.
Be considerate and compassionate, don’t be harsh.
Be polite and respectful to people, don’t be insulting or disrespectful.
Be generous and charitable, don’t be selfish and miserly.
Be good natured and forgiving, don’t be bitter and resentful.
Share and be content with what Allah has given you, don’t be greedy.
Be cheerful and pleasant, don’t be irritable and morose.
Be chaste and pure, don’t be lustful.
Be alert and aware of the world around you, don’t be absent-minded.
Be dignified and decent, don’t be graceless.
Be optimistic and hopeful, don’t be cynical or pessimistic.
Be confident and have deep faith, don’t be doubtful and wavering.
Be spiritually oriented and not materialistic.
Be confident of the mercy of Allah, don’t be despairing and lose heart.
Be diligent and vigilant of your duties, don’t be negligent.
Be thankful to Allah and constantly pray to Him, don’t be forgetful of His innumerable blessings.

Remember:

Allah's Messenger (pbuh) said, "Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari)

Therefore we should not use foul speech or slander, backbite or lie in this most blessed month and if we continue to do so then Allah is not in need of us fasting. Therefore know that the purpose of fasting is for us to perfect our character and change ourselves for the better. If we are not willing to do that then there is no point of us fasting as we would just gain hunger out of it. So let us make the effort and control our tongue!

Conclusion

Finally as the righteous say, "The love of Allah is the axis around which all good revolves." If you fall in love with Allah, and then strive to be true in your love--in accordance with the way of the Beloved of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), then you'll find nothing but increasing light and contentment in your life.


And Allah alone gives success.

[the_truth]

Countless Rewards for Every Letter Recited of the Qur'an!!!

Ramadaan is the month of the Qur'an so what better time to recite the noble Qur'an as much as is possible and at the same time get one can get into the habit of reciting the Qur'an for the rest of the year inshallah. In normal times outside of Ramadaan there is 10 rewards for every letter that one recites of the Qur'an: Rasulallah (Pbuh) says:

"Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e. his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter." [At-Tirmidhi, Ad-Darimi]

But in the blessed month of Ramadhan ALL good deeds are multiplied:

The Prophet peace be upon him said: “Whoever draws near to Allaah during it (Ramadaan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” – Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, no. 1887.

Therefore can you imagine how many rewards one can gain for every letter one recites of the Qur'an in this most blessed of months? COUNTLESS REWARDS!!!

So let us not waste a second for it may be our last! Let us get reciting and gain unimaginable rewards inshallah!

[the_truth]

Ramadan is not just for one month it is for everyday of our lives!


Asalaamu Alaikum Wr Wb, there are many of us both Muslim men and women who become Ramadan Muslims just for the month of the year.

Just for this one month we blow off the dust on our Qur'an and prayer mats. Some of our sisters put their make up away and bring out the hijaab and jilbaab and put it on for the month.

Then when Eid day comes our brothers get their wacky hairstyles cut many of which are gravity defying and patterns all over their head that even Siberian tigers would be envious of.

The sisters who mashallah wore hijaab and jilbaab for the month pack them away for another year to gather dust and get the makeup out to become hollywood and bollywood princess wannabe's for another year.

Is this the purpose of Ramadan that we only become practising Muslims for just this one month of the year and for the rest of the year we become only Muslim by name moderates who imitate the kufaar and hardly practice their faith?

Fair enough if we have done this for the past few years then there is nothing we can do about the past now but we can do something about it this Ramadan! We can make the necessery changes to our lives whilst we are still alive and let me tell you brothers and sisters we are VERY lucky to still be alive and be benefitting from this blessed month!

Therefore let us practise our beautiful way of life EVERYDAY throughout the whole year. Ramadan is like a training month for us where we train ourselves for the rest of the year.

If we were being given training at work so that we can become better at our job's and then after the training had finished we disregarded everything we learnt and did not implement any of it into our working lives throughout the year then what use was the training?

Our employer would have been so angry with us that they provided us with an opportunity for training and development but yet we did not even bother to implement it in our daily lives.

Sameway Allah has provided us with this most blessed month of Ramadan as a mercy to us and this month is where we can train and develop ourselves and improve ourselves as Muslims for the rest of the year in order to gain the fear of Allah and get closer to him. It is the chance for us to gain forgiveness of all of our sins and freedom from the torment of the grave and of the fire of hell who's feul will be men and stones. This month is to make us practising Muslims everyday of our lives and not just for one month a year in Ramadan.

Therefore let us change our ways and not let ourselves be one month Ramadan Muslims. There is no such thing as being part time Muslim for the only vacancy is for a full time practising Muslim.

Allah tells us In the Qur'an to enter fully into our deen and not partly:

O believers enter into Islam completely and do not follow the footsteps of Shaitan, surely he is your clear-cut enemy. If you falter after receiving the clear-cut message, then keep in mind that Allah is Mighty, Wise. Are they waiting for Allah to come down to them in the shadow of clouds, along with the angels, and make His decision known? Ultimately all matters will be presented to Allah for decision. (Surah Al-Baqara, Ayah 208-210)

Allah does not expect us to be perfect angels but he will judge us on what efforts we made throughout our lives. When you hear a person say "I try to read Salaah or i try to do what i can". Do you think they are really trying? Or are they just saying they are and decieving themselves? If we really tried we can do anything.

We can decieve ourselves but we cannot decieve Allah. Allah knows us better than we know ourselves and he knows what we are capable of and praying 5 times a day is not impossible for any of us.

If we calculate how long it would take to pray 5 times a day then you could sum it upto around 40 minutes a day. Now there are 1440 minutes in a day and 40 minutes out of 1440 of our day is ONLY 3% of a day and we still can't manage that? Many of us spend that much time eating, excreting or in front of a mirror and we can't even spend it praying and fulfilling the very purpose of our creation? We spend hours on end in front of the television or listening to Music or playing our playing the latest play station games or seeing who's poked us on facebook but we can't spend a few minutes praying to the one who has given us EVERYTHING we can possible imagine and far more? We are truly at loss!

Many of us work full time jobs having to work almost everyday of the year having to get up at early hours in order to do so. If we can do this then can't we pray Salaah 5 times a day for a few short minutes that it takes to pray them? If we really did try then we would not fail in praying our 5 prayers but we decieve ourselves and we end up wasting our lives decieving ourselves and then regret it later on when it is too late! Let us not be of those who will regret it forever!

So let us internalise these changes in our heads and immerse ourselves into our beautiful way of life and not let ourselves stop practising as soon as Ramadan is over for the best way to know if our Ramadan has been accepted or not is if we actually make changes to our lives after Ramadan is over. If we go back to how we were before Ramadan started then how can we except for our Ramadan to be accepted.

I'm not saying that we should become saints overnight but what i am saying is that we should at least fulfill our obligations to Allah and that is to establish our 5 times prayers and to keep away from that which Allah has forbidden.

We should also keep a close connection with our Masjid and not abandon the Masjid as soon as Ramadan is over. We should not put away our prayer mats and our Qur'ans on the highest shelf to gather dust for the rest of the year but we should continue using them everyday!

Our sisters should not out their hijaab and jilbaab away for another year to gather dust but shoudl realise that to cover is an obligation and would they rather want to please Allah or shaythan? Did our sisters not feel good and at peace wearing the hijaab and jilbaab? Was it not a freedom? Then do not put them away but continue to wear it throughout the year everyday of one's life.

Let us make changes to our lives now because we may not have a tomorrow. Death can strike at ANY second and many i personally knew died this year and they were all ages. Therefore do not think you can change later for death may come to you today or tomorrow. Shaythan says change tomorrow but we MUST change NOW!

This life is so temporary and short but the hereafter is FOREVER! Let us devote ourselves to something that will last forever not something that may end today! So let us devote ourselves to Allah and the Hereafter and we will benefit in this world and the next. Those who chase the hereafter then this world will chase them but if we continue to chase and devote our lives to this world then we will only get what is destined for us and we will not gain the hereafter or this world so we will lose out in both but if we chase the hereafter then we will gain both so it is a win win situation as oppose to a lose lose situation.

So let us make the choice now and take this opportunity to change otherwise when death comes then it will be too late and we will regret it for eternity and death awaits for NO ONE!

And Allah knows best in all matters