(STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION)

THE UNIVERSAL LIGHT

"O YE IN SIN! GET YE APART THIS DAY! DID I NOT ENJOIN ON YOU O, CHILDREN OF ADAM, THAT YE SHOULD NOT WORSHIP SATAN FOR THAT HE WAS AN ENEMY TO YOU AVOWED.
BUT VERILY HE DID LEAD ASTRAY A GREAT MULTITUDE OF YOU,
SO EMBRACE YE THE FIRE THIS DAY FOR THAT YE PERSISTENTLY REJECTED TRUTH"(AL QURAN)

IS IT NOT HE(ALLAH) THAT TEACHES MAN THAT WHICH HE KNOWS NOT.

IS IT NOT HE(ALLAH)THAT GIVES MAN THAT WHICH HE HAS NOT.

THEN WHICH OF THE FAVOURS OF YOUR LORD DO YOU DENY.

"AND CERTAINLY WE SHALL MAKE THEM TASTE THE LOWER PUNISHMENT(IN THIS WORLD)BEFORE THE HIGHER ONE(IN THE HEREAFTER), THAT THEY MAY PERHAPS RETURN TO THE RIGHT PATH".

"AND GUARD YOURSELF AGAINST A PUNISHMENT WHICH MUST NOT FALL EXCLUSIVELY ON THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE WRONGDOERS, BUT WILL EMBRACE ALL GOOD AND BAD MEN(PEOPLE)".(AL QURAN)

"ARE THEY WAITING ONLY FOR THE HOUR(OF JUDGEMENT)THAT IT SHOULD COME ON A SUDDEN? AND THE SIGNS THEREOF HAVE COME. HOW THEN CAN THEY TAKE WARNING WHEN IT(THE RESURRECTION)HAS OVERTAKEN THEM?".

"ON THE DAY WHEN A MAN FLEES FROM HIS BROTHER AND HIS MOTHER AND HIS FATHER AND HIS WIFE AND HIS CHILDREN, EVERY MAN ON THAT DAY WILL HAVE CONCERN ENOUGH TO MAKE HIM HEEDLESS TO OTHERS".(AL QURAN)

HAZRAT UTHMAN (RA) EXPLAINING A QURANIC VERSE (BENEATH IT THEIR WAS A TREASURE FOR THEM) SAID THAT THE TREASURE MEANS A GOLD TABLET, ON WHICH WAS WRITTEN THE FOLLOWING:

I WONDER AT THE MAN WHO KNOWS THAT HE IS GOING TO DIE AND INDULGE IN LAUGHTER

I WONDER THE MAN WHO KNOWS THAT THIS WORLD WILL COME TO AN END ONE DAY, BUT HANKERS (RUN) AFTER IT

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO KNOWS THAT EVERYTHING IS PREDESTINED SHOULD LAMENT THE LOSS OF ANYTHING

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO BELIEVES IN THE RECKONING IN THE HEREAFTER SHOULD AMASS WEALTH

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO HAS THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE FIRE OF HELL SHOULD COMMIT ANY SIN

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO BELIEVES IN ALMIGHTY ALLAH SHOULD REMEMBER ANYBODY OTHER THAN HIM

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO BELIEVES IN PARADISE SHOULD FEEL ANY PLEASURE IN ANYTHING OF THIS WORLD

(ACCORDING TO ANOTHER AHADITH IT WAS ALSO ADDED)

I WONDER THAT A MAN WHO KNOWS THAT SATAN IS HIS ETERNAL ENEMY SHOULD OBEY AND FOLLOW HIM

CHAPTER

1) THE LIGHT OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW)

2) THE LIGHT OF PATIENCE

3) THE LIGHT OF FEAR

4) THE LIGHT OF JUDGEMENT

5) THE LIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE (ZIKR)

6) THE LIGHT OF THE QURAN)

7) THE LIGHT OF PRAYER (SALAAT)

8) THE LIGHT OF FASTING (RAMADHAN)

9) THE LIGHT OF FAITH (IMAAN)

CHAPTER 1

THE LIGHT OF THE PROPHET (SAW)

"TAKE WHATEVER THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH GIVES YOU AND ABSTAIN FROM WHATEVER HE FORBIDS YOU"

"INDEED IN THE PROPHET OF ALLAH IS THE PERFECT ROLE MODEL FOR YOU TO FOLLOW" (AL QURAN)

"IT WILL NOT BE LONG WHEN DIFFERENT NATIONS HAILING FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD WILL BECOME UNITED ON ENMITY WITH YOU IN SUCH A WAY AS HUNGRY PEOPLE RUSH TOWARDS A DINING CLOTH".
THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS ASKED: "O PROPHET OF ALLAH WILL THIS HAPPEN BECAUSE OF OUR SMALL NUMBER?"
THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "NO, BUT YOU SHALL BECOME LIKE THE FOAM OF FLOOD WATER. YOUR HEARTS WILL HAVE BECOME WEAK, AND YOUR FEAR WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE HEARS OF THE ENEMY. YOU WILL BEGIN TO LOVE THE WORLD AND HATE DEATH".

"ISLAM WILL AGAIN BECOME A STRANGER AS IT WAS A STRANGER IN THE BEGINNING"

HAZRAT USAMAH BIN ZAID (RA) HAS SAID THAT ONCE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) CLIMBED UP A HILL TOP AND SPOKE THE FOLLOWING WORDS:
"ARE YOU BEHOLDING WHAT I AM BEHOLDING?."
HIS COMPANIONS REPLIED:"NO."
THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "I INDEED AM BEHOLDING DISORDERS AND TRIALS FALLING DOWN ON YOUR HOUSES LIKE THE RAINS."

"ALMIGHTY ALLAH DOES NOT PUNISH THE GENERAL PUBLIC FOR THE SINS COMMITTED BY SOME PARTICULAR MAN UNLESS FORMER REMAIN SILENT SPECTATORS, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE ABLE TO CONDEMN THE SINS BEING COMMITTED BEFORE THEIR EYES. IN SUCH A SITUATION ALLAH INFLICTS HIS PUNISHMENT ON ALL HIGH AND LOW WITHOUT DISTINCTION."

"I SHALL BE WAITING AT MY POOL FOR THOSE WHO WILL BE RETURNED TO ME. SO AFTER ME SOME MEN WILL BE ARRESTED. I SHALL THEN SAY: 'THEY BELONG TO MY UMMAT'.
IT SHALL BE SAID TO ME: 'YOU DO NOT KNOW THAT THESE MEN HAD TAKEN THE OPPOSITE PATH'."

IN ANOTHER AHADITH:

"I SHALL BE YOUR FORERUNNER AT THE POOL. SOME OF YOU SHALL BE SENT TO ME. WHEN I TURN MY ATTENTION TO RECEIVE THEM, SOME OF THEM WILL BE SEPARATED FROM ME AND THEN I SHALL SAY: 'O ALLAH! THEY ARE MY COMPANIONS'. ALLAH WILL REPLY: 'YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT THEY DID AFTER YOU'."

"COMPETE IN DOING GOOD DEEDS BECAUSE TRIALS AND DISORDERS ARE GOING OCCUR LIKE THE PORTIONS OF A DARK NIGHT, SUCH A MAN WILL BE A BELIEVER IN THE MORNING BUT WILL BECOME A DISBELIEVER IN THE EVENING. HE SHALL SELL HIS DEEN (FAITH) FOR THE RESOURCES AND GAINS OF THE WORLD."

"SUCH DISORDERS AND MISCHIEF IN WHICH A SITTING MAN WILL BE BETTER THAN A MAN STANDING. THE MAN STANDING WILL BE BETTER THAN A MAN WALKING. THE MAN WALKING WILL BE BETTER THAN THE MAN RUNNING WHO WILL PEEP INTO THESE DISORDERS AND MISCHIEF WHICH WILL IN TURN TOWARDS HIM. SO IF A MAN FINDS ANY PLACE OF SHELTER, HE SHOULD TURN TOWARDS THAT."

HAZRAT HUZAIFAH (RA) HAS REPORTED:

"I SAID TO THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW), THAT WE WERE IGNORANT PEOPLE BEFORE ISLAM AND PROFESSED SHIRK (POLYTHEISM/IDOL WORSHIPPING). THEREAFTER, WE WERE ENABLED BY ALMIGHTY ALLAH TO EMBRACE ISLAM AND WE CAME TO VIRTUE AFTER GIVING UP VICES AND SINS. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT WE SHALL RELAPSE INTO VICE AFTER HAVING COME TO VIRTUE?.THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: 'YES'.
THAN I ASKED: 'SHALL ANY VIRTUE EVER FOLLOW THAT VICE?'
THE HOLY PROPHET REPLIED: 'THERE WILL BE VIRTUES WITH SOME MIXTURE OF VICES.'
I ASKED THE NATURE OF THAT VICE. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: 'THE PEOPLE WILL NOT FOLLOW THE MODEL OF MY LIFE, SOME OF THEIR DEEDS WILL BE GOOD AND SOME WILL BE BAD.' I ASKED IF THEIR WOULD AGAIN BE VICE TO FOLLOW THIS VIRTUE?. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: 'YES, VICE WILL FOLLOW THIS VIRTUE, ALSO, SOME PEOPLE WILL INVITE OTHERS TOWARDS THE GATES OF HELL. THEY WILL PUT INTO HELL THOSE WHO RESPOND TO THE INVITES.' I REQUESTED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) TO INFORM ME OF THE IDENTITIES OF THOSE PERSONS. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: 'APPARENTLY THEY WILL BE LIKE US; THEIR SKINS AND TONGUES WILL BE LIKE OURS.' I ASKED: 'O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH! IF THESE TRIALS AND DISORDERS RISE DURING OUR LIVES, WHAT SHOULD WE DO?' THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: 'HOLD FAST TO THE PARTY OF MUSLIMS AND THEIR IMAM.' I ASKED: 'WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF THERE IS NEITHER A PARTY OF MUSLIMS NOR ANY IMAM?' THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: 'KEEP YOURSELF APART FROM ALL SECTS. IN SUCH A CRISIS IF YOU ARE FORCED TO EAT ROOTS OF TREES, DO EAT ROOTS OF TREES UNTIL DEATH OVERTAKES YOU'."

"CERTAINLY THE THRONE OF IBLEES (SATAN) FLOATS ON THE SEAS FROM WHERE HE SENDS ABROAD HIS DETACHMENTS (FOLLOWERS) WHO CREATE DISSENSION AMONG THE PEOPLE.

DEAR TO IBLEES IS HE WHO RETURNS TO HIM WITH ATTAINMENT OF GREAT DISCORD AND SAYS: 'I LEFT NO STONE UNTURNED UNTIL I CREATED SEPARATION BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE'. BEING PLEASED WITH HIM, IBLEES DRAWS HIM NEAR AND EMBRACES HIM AND PRAISES HIM: 'HOW NICE YOU ARE'."

"THE BACK OF THE EARTH IS BETTER FOR YOU THAN ITS BELLY WHEN, THE RULERS AMONG YOU ARE THE BEST OF YOU AND YOUR RICH MEN ARE MOST GENEROUS OF YOU AND YOUR AFFAIRS ARE SETTLED WITH CONSULTATION WITH ONE ANOTHER. ON THE OTHER HAND THE BELLY OF THE EARTH IS BETTER FOR YOU THAN ITS BACK WHEN, YOUR RULERS ARE THE WORST OF YOU, YOUR RICH MEN ARE MOST NIGGARDLY OF YOU AND THE SETTLEMENT OF YOUR AFFAIRS HAVE BEEN ENTRUSTED TO YOUR WOMENFOLK."

"THAT NATION CAN NEVER BE PROSPEROUS AND SUCCESSFUL THAT HAS ENTRUSTED ITS AFFAIRS TO A WOMEN."

"FEMININE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO A SIGN OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT."

"IN THE PERIOD NEAR THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT THE WIFE WILL BE A PARTNER IN THE BUSINESS OF HER HUSBAND."

"IN THE PERIOD NEAR THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT A MAN WILL PREPARE HIMSELF (IN DRESS) AS DOES A WOMEN. MEN AND WOMEN WILL RESEMBLE ONE ANOTHER."

"IN THE PERIOD NEAR THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT THE WOMENFOLK WILL WEAR SUCH GARMENTS AS WILL BE TRANSPARENT AND TIGHT-FITTING, SO THEY WILL APPEAR NAKED. ON THEIR HEADS WILL BE BULGES LIKE THE HUMPS OF CAMELS. CURSE THEM, AS THEY ARE THE ACCURSED ONES."

"ANOTHER SIGN OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT IS THAT A TIME WILL COME UPON THE PEOPLE WHEN THE SLAVE GIRLS WILL BE CONSULTED AND THEIR WILL BE FEMALE RULERS AND THE FOOLS WILL BE GOVERNORS."

"FORTUNATE IS CERTAINLY HE WHO IS SAVED FROM TRIALS (SAYING THIS THRICE) AND FORTUNATE IS HE WHO IS EXPOSED TO THE TRIALS, BUT REMAINS PATIENT." THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) EXPRESSED REGRET AT THIS.

"INDEED IN THE DAYS NEAR TO THE DAYS OF RESURRECTION, KILLINGS OF ONE ANOTHER WILL TAKE PLACE . THIS KILLING WILL NOT BE AGAINST THE INFIDELS, BUT SOME MEMBERS OF THE UMMAT SHALL KILL SOME OTHER MEMBER. A MUSLIM SHALL MEET HIS MUSLIM BROTHER AND SHALL KILL HIM. THE PEOPLE OF THOSE ENSUING DAYS WILL BE DEPRIVED OF THEIR WISDOM AND SOME FOOLISH PERSONS WILL BECOME THEIR DEPUTIES. MOST OF THEM SHALL THINK THAT THEY COMMAND SOME IMPORTANCE ALTHOUGH THEY SHALL HAVE NO IMPORTANCE."

"THE AGES SHALL COME CLOSER AND KNOWLEDGE SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE PEOPLE AND DISORDERS AND MISCHIEF SHALL RISE, MISERLINESS SHALL SPREAD AND DISORDERS SHALL BE ON THE INCREASE."

WHEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS ASKED: 'WHAT IS FITAN' (DISORDER), THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "MURDER."

"TO WORSHIP ALLAH DURING PERIODS OF TRIALS AND DISORDERS IS LIKE MIGRATING TO ME."

"I FEAR MISLEADING LEADERS FOR MY UMMAT. WHEN THE SWORD IS PLACED ON MY UMMAT, IT WILL NOT BE TAKEN OFF TILL THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT."

"A TIME WILL COME ON THE PEOPLE WHEN HAVING PATIENCE WITHOUT ONES DEEN (FAITH) WILL BE LIKE TAKING IN ONES HANDS EMBERS (BALLS) OF FIRE."

"WHEN FOURTEEN HABITS ARE BORN INTO MY UMMAT, CALAMITIES WILL BEGIN TO DESCEND ON THEM.

1) WHEN PUBLIC PROPERTY IS MISAPPROPRIATED AS PERSONAL PROPERTY.

2) DEPOSIT IN TRUST IS TAKEN AS WAR BOOTY.

3) ZAKAT (OBLIGATORY ALMS) IS REGARDED AS A PENALTY.

4) HUSBANDS BEGIN TO OBEY THEIR WIVES.

5) SONS DISOBEY THEIR MOTHERS.

6) PEOPLE DO GOOD TO THEIR FRIENDS AND OPPRESS THEIR PARENTS.

7) NOISE IS CREATED IN MOSQUES.

8) THE MEANEST FELLOW OF THE COMMUNITY BECOMES ITS LEADERS.

9) A MAN IS RESPECTED FOR FEAR OF HIS WICKEDNESS.

10) INTOXICANTS AND NARCOTICS COME INTO USE OPENLY.

11) MEN BEGIN TO WEAR SILK GARMENTS.

12) MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS ARE IN GENERAL USE.

13) DANCING AND MERRY MAKING PARTIES ARE HELD EVERYWHERE.

14) THE PEOPLE LIVING IN ENSUING TIMES CURSE THEIR BYGONE ELDERS AND SAINTS.

IN SUCH A SITUATION THE PEOPLE SHOULD WAIT FOR THE DESCENT OF DIVINE PUNISHMENT. THIS MAY BE EITHER IN THE FORM OF RED WIND-STORM AND EARTHQUAKES."

TALKING TO HIS COMPANIONS, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "YOU ARE IN A PERIOD OF TIME IN WHICH YOU ARE SURE TO PERISH WHEN YOU NEGLECT EVEN ONE-TENTH OF WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO DO. THEREAFTER A TIME WILL COME WHEN A MAN WILL ATTAIN SALVATION EVEN IF HE ACTS UPON ONE-TENTH OF WHAT HE HAS BEEN ORDERED TO DO. TO REMAIN STEADFAST ON DEEN (FAITH) IN THOSE DAYS WILL BE LIKE HOLDING EMBERS (BALLS) OF FIRE IN ONES HAND. THE REWARD FOR WORSHIP DURING THE DAYS OF DISORDERS AND TRIALS WILL BE EQUAL TO THE REWARD OF MIGRATING TO ME."

"THE COMMUNITY OF BANI ISRAEL WAS TORN INTO 72 SECTS AND MY UMMAT WILL BE TORN INTO 73 SECTS OF WHICH ONLY ONE SECT WILL GO TO PARADISE, THE REST BEING DRIVEN TO HELL."

WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE SECT THAT WILL ENTER PARADISE, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "THAT SECT WHICH I AND MY COMPANIONS BELONG."

"I FEAR FOR YOU SIX VICES, THESE ARE:

1) TO APPOINT FOOLS AS RULERS.

2) TO SHED HUMAN BLOOD.

3) TO PURCHASE AND SELL COURT JUDGEMENTS.

4) TO IGNORE THE RIGHTS OF CLOSE RELATIONS.

5) TO MAKE THE QURAN A MEANS OF MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN THE COMING GENERATIONS AND

6) THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SOLDIERS.

"NO DOUBT AFTER ME SUCH IMAMS (LEADERS) SHALL COME WHO WILL MAKE YOU INFIDELS IF YOU OBEY THEM, AND WILL KILL YOU IF YOU OPPOSE THEM. THEY WILL BE THE IMAMS OF INFIDELITY AND STRAYING."

"INDEED, THE PEOPLE ENTERED THE FOLD OF ALLAH'S DEEN (FAITH) IN GROUPS AFTER GROUPS AND THEY WILL ALSO LEAVE ALLAH'S DEEN IN GROUPS AFTER GROUPS."

"SO VIOLENT THE TRIALS AND DISORDERS AND OPPOSITIONS SHALL APPEAR, THAT INSTEAD OF BECOMING A MURDERER YOU SHOULD BECOME THE MURDERED, IF IT IS POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO DO SO."

"IF YOU COME TO KNOW WHAT I KNOW, YOU WILL WEEP BITTERLY AND LAUGH RARELY. HYPOCRISY WILL BE RAMPANT TRUSTFULNESS AND HONESTY WILL BE TAKEN AWAY, ALLAH'S MERCY WILL BE WITHDRAWN, THE TRUSTWORTHY WILL BE BLAMED AND TRUSTS WILL ENTRUSTED TO THE TRUSTLESS AND THE BLACK MOUNTAINS OF TRIALS AND DISORDERS WILL OVERPOWER ALL LIKE DARK NIGHTS."

"DURING THE LATER DAYS OF THE WORLD, THEIR WILL BE POLICEMEN ON WHOM THE MORNING AND EVENING WILL COME WHILE ALLAH IS ANGRY WITH THEM, YOU SHOULD THEREFORE, TRY TO KEEP APART FROM THEM."

IN ANOTHER AHADITH THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAS SAID:

"TWO COMMUNITIES OF MY UMMAT WILL BE IN HELL AT WHOM I SHALL NOT CAST A GLANCE. OF THOSE WILL BE THAT HAVING IN THEIR HANDS WHIPS LIKE COWS TAILS WITH WHICH THEY WILL BEAT THE PEOPLE."

"BE CAUTIOUS OF TRIALS AND DISORDERS (DUE TO THE IMPROPER USE OF THE TONGUE), AS THE EFFECT OF THE TONGUE IS LIKE THAT OF A SWORD."

"ALMIGHTY ALLAH IS NOT PLEASED WITH AN EXCESSIVE TALKER WHO MOVES HIS TONGUE IN SPEAKING AS A COW MOVES HIS TONGUE WHILE EATING ITS FODDER."

"A TIME WILL COME UPON THE PEOPLE WHEN THEY WILL NOT MIND AT ALL WHETHER THEY ARE EARNING THEIR MONEY THROUGH LAWFUL OR UNLAWFUL MEANS."

"I FEAR FOR MY UMMAT TWO VICES:

1) THEY SHALL BE ENGAGED IN SATISFYING THEIR DESIRES AND WILL BE HANKERING AFTER WEALTH.

2) THEY WILL RELINQUISH PRAYERS AND RECITING OF THE HOLY QURAN, THE HYPOCRITES WILL LEARN THE QURAN AND DISPUTE WITH THE SCHOLARS WITH THIS (KNOWLEDGE)."

"YOU ARE SURE TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PAST UMMATS AT EVERY STEP AND MOVEMENT. IF THEY ENTERED THE BURROW OF A WATER LIZARD YOU TO WILL ENTER THAT." WHEN ASKED, IF THIS MEANT FOLLOWING THE JEWS AND THE CHRISTIANS, THE PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED TO THIS IN THE AFFIRMATIVE (AGREED).

"TIME WILL COME UPON THE PEOPLE WHEN THE BELIEVER WILL BE MORE DISGRACED THAN HIS GOAT."

"THE EARTH SHALL VOMIT OUT THE PIECES OF ITS LEVER LIKE PILLARS OF GOLD AND SILVER. A MURDERER WILL COME AND SAY THAT HE COMMITTED MURDER FOR THE SAKE OF THIS. A BETRAYER OF A CLOSE RELATION WILL COME AND SAY THAT HE BETRAYED THE RELATIONS FOR THIS. A THIEF WILL COME AND SAY THAT HIS HAND WAS SEVERED FOR THIS, THAN THOSE PEOPLE WILL CALL HIM BUT, BUT THEY COULD GET NOTHING FROM IT."

"SO TREACHEROUS THE YEARS WILL COME UPON THE PEOPLE IN WHICH A LIAR WILL BE CERTIFIED TO BE TRUTHFUL AND THE TRUTHFUL WILL BE REGARDED AS UNTRUSTWORTHY AND A SILLY PERSON WILL TALK ON PUBLIC ISSUES."

"A TIME WILL COME ON MY UMMAT WHEN THE NUMBER OF RECITERS OF THE QURAN WILL INCREASE AND THAT OF THE JURISTS WILL DECREASE; KNOWLEDGE WILL BE TAKEN AWAY AND MURDERS WILL BECOME VERY COMMON. THEN A TIME WILL FOLLOW WHEN SUCH PEOPLE WILL RECITE THE QURAN BEYOND WHOSE THROATS THE RECITATION SHALL NOT DESCEND (I.E. IT WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON THEIR HEARTS)."

"A TIME WILL COME UPON MAN WHEN A MAN WILL BE ALLOWED TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HUMBLENESS AND SINS. A MAN WHO GETS THAT TIME SHOULD CHOOSE HUMBLENESS IN PREFERENCE TO SINFULNESS."

"YESTERDAY WAS BETTER THAN TODAY AND TODAY SHALL BE BETTER THAN TOMORROW. THIS COMPARISON SHALL HOLD GOOD TILL THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT."

"NO TIME WILL COME UPON YOU EXCEPT THAT WHICH IS FOLLOWED BY A TIME WORSE THAN IT. THIS WILL CONTINUE TILL YOU MEET YOUR LORD."

"IT IS EXPECTED SHORTLY THAT A MANS BEST WEALTH WILL BE HIS SHEEP WITH WHICH HE WILL RUN AWAY TO THE HILLS AND TRACTS WHERE RAIN DROPS FALL, IN ORDER TO SAVE HIS IMAAN (FAITH) AND FIND REFUGE FROM MISCHIEF AND DISORDERS."

"WHEN THE PEOPLE SEE A TYRANT AND DO NOT GRASP HIS HAND, THEN ALLAH WILL SOON SEND ON THEM HIS TORMENT."

"INDEED EVERY UMMAT (COMMUNITY) HAS TO FACE ONE OR ANOTHER TRIAL AND TROUBLE AND THE TRIAL OF MY UMMAT IS WEALTH."

"YOUR POSSESSIONS AND YOUR PROGENY ARE BUT A TRIAL FOR YOU."

"THE EXAMPLE OF THIS WORLD IS LIKE THAT CLOTH WHICH HAS BEEN TORN INTO PIECES FROM BEGINNING TO END, EXCEPT THAT ONLY ONE PIECE OF THREAD IS STILL LEFT IN IT WHICH MAY BREAK AT ANY TIME."

"A TIME SHALL COME UPON THE PEOPLE WHEN THE EXAMPLE OF THE MAN HOLDING FAST TO HIS RELIGION WILL BE LIKE HOLDING IN HIS HANDS BALLS OF FIRE. FROM THE WORLDLY STANDPOINT THAT MAN WILL BE FORTUNATE WHO IS HIMSELF MEAN-MINDED AND IS THE SON OF A MEAN-MINDED FATHER. THERE WILL BE MORE LEADERS AND FEWER HONEST MEN. BEFORE THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT THEIR WILL BE FREQUENT RISE OF DISORDERS AND DISTURBANCES, FIGHTING AND MURDERS AND INCREASING NUMBER OF SUDDEN DEATHS. THE PEOPLE WILL GO TO GATES OF THE MOSQUE ON RIDING ANIMALS AND SITTING ON VERY THICK COSY SADDLES. THEIR WIVES WILL BE NAKED, ALTHOUGH THEY WILL BE PUTTING ON CLOTHES. THEIR HEADS WILL BE LIKE THE HUMPS OF CAMELS (HAIR STYLES) , THEY WILL WALK FLIRTING, ATTRACTING TOWARDS THEM THE ATTENTION OF THE PEOPLE. SUCH PEOPLE NEITHER ENTER PARADISE NOW WILL THEY GET THE SMELL OF ITS FRAGRANCE. A BELIEVER WILL BE MEANER THAN A SLAVE GIRL IN THE LIGHT OF THESE WORLDLY WISE PERSONS. A BELIEVER WILL BEHOLD THESE VICES BUT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO STOP THEM AND HIS HEART WILL BE BURNING INWARDLY ON THIS ACCOUNT."

"THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT WILL NOT ARRIVE UNLESS THE PEOPLE TAKE PRIDE AMONG ONE ANOTHER IN BUILDING MOSQUES."

"THE HOUR SHALL NOT TAKE PLACE UNLESS PIETY BECOMES A TALE, AND ABSTENTION AN ACT OF OSTENTATION OR MERE SHOW."

"WHEN THE TIME DRAWS NEARER(TO THE HOUR), CLOAKS WILL BECOME VERY COMMON; TRADING ACTIVITIES WILL BE BRISK; WEALTH WILL INCREASE;

THE RICH WILL COMMAND RESPECT BECAUSE OF THEIR WEALTH; LEWDNESS WILL BE PREVALENT; BOYS WILL BECOME RULERS; THE NUMBER OF WOMEN WILL INCREASE; TYRANNY OF THE RULERS WILL BECOME A COMMON FEATURE;

THE PEOPLE WILL DEFRAUD IN WEIGHT AND MEASURE; IT WILL BE EASIER FOR MEN TO BRING UP PUPPIES THAN THEIR OWN CHILDREN;

THE ELDERS WILL NOT BE RESPECTED NOR WILL THE MINORS BE SHOWN MERCY; THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN;

MEN SHALL COMMIT ADULTERY WITH WOMEN ON THE ROADSIDES; PEOPLE WILL PUT ON SHEEP'S-SKIN GARMENTS AND THEIR HEARTS WILL BECOME HARD LIKE WOLVES.

AT SUCH A TIME THE BEST MAN WILL BE HE WHO RESORTS TO FLATTERY."

"ONE SIGH OF THE HOUR IS THAT CHILDREN WILL BECOME A CAUSE OF ANGER AND THE RAINS WILL BECOME A CAUSE OF HEAT AND THERE WILL BE A GREAT NUMBER OF WICKED PERSONS."

"IT IS AMONG THE SIGNS OF THE HOUR THAT THERE WILL BE MORE RAINS BUT LESS GROWTH AND PRODUCE, MORE RECITORS (OF QURAN) BUT LESS JURISTS, MORE RICH MEN BUT LESS TRUSTWORTHY MEN."

"DURING LATER AGES, SUCH GENERATION WILL BE BORN THAT WHEN THEY MEET ONE ANOTHER THEY WILL COMMENCE THEIR GREETINGS WITH WORDS OF CURSES."

"IT IS A SIGN OF THE HOUR THAT A RELATIVE WILL COMPLAIN TO A RELATIVE, BUT THE LATTER WILL MAKE NO RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT. BEGGARS WILL BE ROAMING ABOUT BUT NOTHING WILL BE PLACED ON THEIR HANDS."

"IT IS AMONG THE SIGNS OF THE HOUR THAT PEOPLE HAVING CHILDREN WILL BE SAD ON ACCOUNT OF THE DISSOBEDIANCE OF THEIR CHILDREN AND THE CHILDREN WILL BE HAPPY; REBELLION, JEALOUSY AND MISERLINESS WILL ARISE; THE PEOPLE WILL PERISH, LYING WILL INCREASE AND TRUTH WILL DECREASE. THE PEOPLE WILL DIFFER FROM ONE ANOTHER IN THEIR AFFAIRS AND WILL FOLLOW THEIR LUSTS. THE JUDGES WILL PRONOUNCE THEIR JUDGEMENT ON THE BASIS OF CONJECTURES."

"IT IS ONE OF THE SIGNS OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT THAT THE MARKETS WILL COME CLOSER AND CLOSER."

WHEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS ASKED WHAT WAS MEANT BY THIS HE (SAW) REPLIED:

"THE PEOPLE WILL COMPLAIN TO ONE ANOTHER ABOUT INADEQUATE PROPHET."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID THERE ARE 72 SIGNS INDICATING THE NEARNESS OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT.

"WHEN YOU SEE THAT:

1) THE PEOPLE ARE IGNORING AND MISSING THEIR PRAYERS.

2) THEY ARE BETRAYING THEIR TRUSTS.

3) THEY ARE EATING USARY.

4) TELLING LIES WILL BECOME AN ART AND CONSIDERED LAWFUL

5) THEY ARE BUILDING HIGH RISE BUILDINGS.

6) THEY ARE SELLING THEIR FAITH FOR THE GAINS OF THE WORLD.

7) THEY ARE BREAKING THE TIES OF RELATIONSHIPS.

8) THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE HAS BECOME WEAK.

9) LIES BECOME TRUTH AND TRUTH BECOME LIES.

10) THEY (MEN) BEGIN TO WEAR SILK.

11) TYRANNY AND OPRESSION BECOMES PREVALENT.

12) THE NUMBER OF DIVORCES INCREASES.

13) SUDDEN DEATH BECOMES COMMON.

14) THE UNTRUSTWORTHY ARE TRUSTED.

15) THE TRUSTWORTHY ARE DISTRUSTED.

16) LIARS ARE TRUSTED UPON.

17) THE TRUTHFUL ARE BELIED.

18) THERE IS A INCREASE IN SLANDER.

19) THE RAINS BECOME HOT.

20) BOYS BECOME A CAUSE OF ANGER.

21) RULERS BECOME LIARS.

22) MINISTERS BECOME LIARS.

23) THE TRUST WORTHY BECOME TRUSTLESS.

24) THE MINISTERS BECOME TYRANTS.

25) THE RECITERS OF THE HOLY QURAN WILL BE SINNERS.

26) THE PEOPLE WILL PUT ON SHEEP SKIN GARMENTS.

27) THEIR HEARTS WILL BECOME MORE PUTRID THAN ROTTEN DEAD MEAT.

28) THEIR HEART WILL BECOME MORE BITTER THAN ALOE.

29) ALLAH SHALL COVER THEM WITH TROUBLES AND TRIALS IN WHICH THEY WILL BE WANDERING ABOUT LIKE THE WANDERING OF TYRANT JEWS.

30) DINARS (GOLD) WILL BE IN ABUNDANCE.

31) THE WHITE METAL (SILVER) WILL BE IN GREAT DEMAND.

32) SINS WILL BE COMMITTED IN INCREASING NUMBERS.

33) PEACE AND SECURITY WILL DETERIORATE.

34) THE SCRIPTURES WILL BE LAVISHLY DECORATED.

35) PULPITS WILL BE RAISED HIGH.

36) MOSQUES WILL BE DECORATED WITH DECORATIVE AND BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS.

37) LOFTY MINARETS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.

38) WINE WILL BE DRUNK FREELY.

39) THE HEARTS WILL BECOME DESOLATE.

40) THE PUNISHMENT OF THE SHARIAH WILL BE SUSPENDED.

41) SLAVE GIRLS WILL GIVE BIRTH TO THEIR MASTERS.

42) NAKED, UNCLAD AND POVERTY STRICKEN MEN WILL BECOME KINGS AND RULERS.

43) WIVES WILL TAKE PART IN THEIR HUSBANDS BUSINESS.

44) MEN WILL IMMITATE WOMEN.

45) WOMEN WILL IMMITATE MEN.

46) PEOPLE WILL SWEAR BY NAMES OTHER THAN THE NAME OF ALLAH.

47) THE MUSLIM SHALL BEAR WITNESS WITHOUT BEING ASKED TO.

48) THEY WILL BID SALAAM (GREET) ONLY TO KNOWN PERSONS.

49) THEY WILL STUDY LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE FOR THE SAKE OF EARNING WORLDLY GAIN.

50) THEY WILL PRETEND TO WORK FOR THE HEREAFTER BUT WILL DO SO FOR THE SAKE OF WORLDLY RESOURCES.

51) THEY WILL TAKE WAR SPOILS AS WEALTH.

52) THEY WILL TAKE TRUSTS AS WAR SPOILS.

53) THEY SHALL REGARD ZAKAT AS A FINE/PENALTY.

54) THEIR LEADERS WILL BE THE WORST OF THE COMMUNITY.

55) MAN SHALL DISOBEY HIS FATHER.

56) HE SHALL OPPRESS HIS MOTHER.

57) MAN SHALL HARM HIS FRIENDS.

58) MAN WILL OBEY HIS WIFE.

59) THE VOICE OF SINNERS SHALL RISE FROM THE MOSQUES.

60) SINGING GIRLS SHALL BE KEPT AS MISTRESSES.

61) MUSIC AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS WILL BECOME VERY COMMON.

62) WINE SHALL BE DRUNK OPENLY IN THE ROADS.

63) PEOPLE SHALL DO WRONG WITH A SHOW OF PRIDE.

64) JUSTICE SHALL BE SOLD AND PURCHASED.

65) THERE WILL BE AN INCREASE IN THE POLICE FORCE.

66) THE HOLY QURAN SHALL BE RECITED IN ARTISTICALLY MUSICAL TONES.

67) SOCKS MADE OF BEAST SKINS SHALL BE IN USE.

68) THE LATTER GENERATIONS OF THIS UMMAT SHALL CURSE THEIR PAST ANCESTORS.

69) THEN AWAIT FOR RED-WIND STORMS.

70) THE SINKING DOWN OF THE EARTH.

71) DISTORTION OF FACES.

72) RAINS OF STONES FROM THE SKY."


"IN THE PERIOD CLOSE TO THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT THE BELIEVER WILL FEEL TERRIFIED, WHILE WALKING AMONG THE PEOPLE."

"THE NUMBER OF DEGRADED ONES WILL INCREASE GREATLY, BUT, THAT OF THE RESPECTED ONES WILL DECREASE GREATLY."

"DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS WILL INCREASE; THE PEOPLE WILL BE JEALOUS OF ONE ANOTHER; THEIR DESIRES WILL BECOME INTENSE; THEY WILL NOT BE TRUE TO THEIR WORDS; BRIBERY WILL BECOME RAMPANT; USURY WILL BE PREVALENT AND THE BUSINESSMEN WILL CHARGE MORE THAN THE PRICE OF AN ITEM IN CASE OF DEFERRED PAYMENT."

"AT THAT TIME SUCH RECITERS OF THE QURAN WILL APPEAR WHOSE WORSHIP SHALL BE TO CURSE ONE ANOTHER. THEIR NAMES WITH THE ANGELS IN HEAVEN WILL BE THE DIRTY ONES."

"AT THAT TIME THE OLD MEN SHALL PRETEND TO BE YOUNG."

"AT THAT TIME RELIGION WILL BE DISGRACED AND THE WORLD SHALL BE ESTEEMED; HOUSES OF BRICKS AND CEMENT SHALL BE BUILT; THE SHARIAH PUNISHMENT SHALL BE SUSPENDED AND MY SUNNAT SHALL BE REJECTED."

"AT THAT TIME A MAN WILL BE DISLOYAL AND HARSH TO HIS PARENTS BUT FAITHFUL TO HIS FRIENDS. HE WILL SWEAR WITHOUT BEING ASKED FOR THAT. THEY WILL TAKE OATH WITH DIVORCE AND IT IS ONLY THE SINNERS WHO TAKE SUCH OATHS. OCCURANCE OF SUDDEN DEATHS WILL BE COMMON AND MAN WILL USE A WHIP TO BEAT OTHERS."

"A MAN WILL BEAR WITNESS WITHOUT BEING ASKED TO DO SO. HE WILL GREET ONLY THOSE WHOM HE KNOWS. HE WILL ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE FOR SOMETHING OTHER THAN DEEN. THEY WILL EXPRESS AFFECTION WITH THEIR TONGUES, BUT SHALL HARBOUR MALICE IN THEIR HEARTS."

"THE PEOPLE WILL RESPECT A MAN, SO THAT THEY MAY REMAIN SAFE FROM HIS MISCHIEF."

"THE IGNORANT WILL CLIMB THE PULPITS."

"MEN SHALL PUT ON CROWNS AND THE PATHS AND PASSAGES WILL BECOME CONGESTED BECAUSE OF IDLE PERSONS SQUATTING, ENGAGED IN GOSSIPS."

"THE INNOCENT SHALL BE KILLED TO PROVOKE THE GENERAL PUBLIC."

"MY UMMAT SHALL FACE MANY DIFFICULTIES AND HARDSHIPS IN LATER TIMES FROM AUTHORITIES OF GOVERNMENT (IN RESPECT OF FAITH). ONLY THREE TYPES OF MEN WILL REMAIN SAFE FROM THEIR WOES.
FIRSTLY:
THE PERSON WHO HAS UNDERSTOOD FAITH CORRECTLY AND LAUNCHED A CRUSADE WITH HIS HEART, TONGUE AND HANDS AGAINST THESE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. THIS MAN HAS GONE AHEAD OF ALL ON ACCOUNT OF HIS STRIVING.
SECONDLY:
IN THE SECOND POSITION STANDS THAT MAN WHO RECOGNISED ALLAH'S DEEN THEN ACKNOWLEDGED ITS TRUTH WITH HIS TONGUE (OPENLY DECLARES IT).
THIRDLY:
IN THE THIRD POSITION STANDS THAT MAN WHO DID RECOGNISE ALLAH'S DEEN, BUT KEPT SILENT. IF HE SAW ANYONE DOING GOOD, HE LOVED HIM, BUT HATED HIM HEARTILY WHOM HE SAW DOING BAD DEEDS. THIS MAN WILL DESERVE SALVATION IN SPITE OF THE FACT HE KEPT HIS LOVE AND ENMITY CONCEALED."

"O, MUSLIMS! WHAT WILL BE YOUR CONDITION WHEN YOU SHALL CHANGE YOUR SUITS OF CLOTHES EVERY MORNING AND EVENING; WHEN AFTER REMOVING ONE CUP ANOTHER CUP WILL BE PLACED BEFORE YOU; YOU WILL DECORATE YOUR HOUSES WITH CURTAINS AS THE KA'BAH IS COVERED."

HEARING THIS, THE NOBLE COMPANIONS (RA) SAID: "O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH! THEN WE SHALL BE BETTER THAN WE ARE NOW, WE WILL NOT HAVE TO WORK HARD FOR EARNING OUR LIVELYHOOD AND SHALL BE FREE TO DEVOTE OURSELVES TO WORSHIP."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "NO, YOU ARE BETTER TODAY THAN IN THOSE DAYS. APPARENTLY YOU ARE TODAY IN POVERTY, BUT YOU ARE RICH WITH THE WEALTH OF IMAAN (FAITH). IN THOSE FUTURE DAYS YOU WILL APPARENTLY BE RICH IN WORLDLY RESOURCES BUT POOR IN THE WEALTH OF IMAAN."

"BY ALLAH, I HAVE NO FEAR FOR YOUR POVERTY. WHAT I FEAR IS THAT YOU MAY BE GRANTED MORE OF THE WORLDLY RESOURCES AND YOU MAY GET ENTANGLED AND THAN YOU MAY PERISH AS THEY HAD PERISHED."

"IN MY UMMAT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A GROUP WHICH WILL HOLD FAST TO THE COMMAND OF EXALTED ALLAH. THEY WILL REMAIN IN THIS STATE (OF BELIEF) TILL THEIR DEATH. THEY SHALL SUFFER NO LOSS WHETHER ANYONE OPPOSES THEM OR HELPS THEM."

"A GROUP OF MY UMMAT SHALL EXIST TILL THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT WHICH WILL RECIEVE HELP FROM ALLAH AND HE WHO DOES NOT HELP THEM WILL DO NO HARM TO THEM."

"DURING THE LATER DAYS OF THIS UMMAT, THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WHO WILL ENJOIN RIGHT AND FORBID WRONG AND WILL FIGHT AGAINST THE MISCHIEF MAKERS. THEY WILL BE AWARDED THE SAMES WAGES AS THEIR PREDECESSORS HAD BEEN AWARDED."

"IN EVERY COMING AGE THERE WILL BE SCHOLARS AND LEARNED MEN WHO WILL REMAIN PURIFYING THAT AGE FROM EXAGGERATION, DISTORTION OF FACTS BY DISTORTERS FROM LIES OF LIERS AND MISINTERPRETATION OF IGNORANTS PEOPLE."

"EXALTED ALLAH SHALL CONTINUE TO SEND IN THIS UMMAT IN EVERY CENTURY SUCH MEN WHO WILL RENOVATE THIS RELIGION."

"BEWARE! I HAVE INDEED BEEN GIVEN THE QURAN AND OTHER DIRECTIONS LIKE THOSE CONTAINED IN THE QURAN. BEWARE! A TIME WILL COME WHEN A CONTENDED MAN SITTING COMFORTABLY IN HIS SEAT WILL SAY:
'THE QURAN IS SUFFICIENT. TAKE AS LAWFUL OR UNLAWFUL WHAT THE QURAN HAS DECLARED LAWFUL OR UNLAWFUL (AHADITH IS NOT NECESSARY).'
THE COMMAND OF THE PROPHET ABOUT THE LAWFULNESS OR UNLAWFULNESS OF ANYTHING IS JUST LIKE THE COMMAND OF ALLAH ABOUT THE LAWFULNESS OR UNLAWFULNESS OF THAT THING."

"IN THE TIMES TO COME GREAT HYPOCRITES AND LIARS WILL BE BORN WHO WILL TELL YOU THINGS WHICH NEITHER YOU NOR YOUR FOREFATHERS HAVE HEARD PREVIOUSLY. PROTECT YOUSELF FROM THEM AND PROTECT THEM FROM YOURSELF, LEST THEY WOULD MISGUIDE YOU AND INVOLVE YOU IN SOME TRIAL."

"AFTER ME WILL COME LEADERS WHO SHALL NOT ACCEPT MY GUIDANCE, NOR WILL THEY ADOPT MY WAYS AND PRACTICES. FROM AMONG THEM SHALL SOON STAND UP PEOPLE WHO WILL HAVE HUMAN BODIES BUT SATANIC HEARTS."

"IT IS SURE THAT A TIME WILL COME UPON THE PEOPLE WHEN THERE WILL BE NONE BUT HE IS AN EATER OF USARY. EVEN IF THERE IS ANYONE WHO DOES NOT EAT USURY, THE SMOKE MUST TOUCH HIM."

"ALLAH SHALL ACCEPT NEITHER THE OPTIONAL NOR THE OBLIGATORY DEEDS OF HIM WHO HAS LEARNT THE ART OF TWISTING FACTS, SO THAT HE MAY ENTRAP THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE."

"WHEN YOU SEE THAT THE BELLY OF MECCA HAS BEEN CUT ASUNDER IN THE FORMS OF TUNNELS AND ITS BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN RAISED HIGH UP TO THE HILL-TOPS. THAN KNOW THAT MATTERS HAVE REACHED THEIR CLIMAX."

"YOU SHALL CONCLUDE PEACE WITH THE CHRISTIANS WHICH WILL BE A PEACE OF SECURITY AND SAFETY. THEREAFTER, YOU AND THE CHRISTIANS BOTH WILL MAKE A WAR AGAINST ANOTHER CHRISTIAN GROUP. YOU SHALL BE VICTORIOUS IN THIS WAR AND A LOT OF WAR-BOOTY WILL FALL IN YOUR HANDS. ON RETURNING SAFE AND SOUND YOU SHALL STAY IN PLAINS CONTAINING BIG HILLOCKS AND MANY TREES. AT THIS TIME A CHRISTIAN SHALL GET UP WITH A CROSS IN HIS HANDS DECLARING, THAT THE VICTORY WAS ACHIEVED BY VIRTUE OF THE CROSS. ON HEARING THIS, A MUSLIM WILL SNATCH FROM HIM THE CROSS IN A FIT OF ANGER AND BREAK IT. AS A RESULT THE CHRISTIANS SHALL BREAK THE TREATY OF PEACE AND ASSEMBLE TO FIGHT WITH THE MUSLIMS. THE MUSLIMS ALSO SHALL TAKE UP ARMS TO WAGE A BATTLE AGAINST THE CHRISTIANS. THEN ALLAH SHALL CONFER MARTYRDOM ON THESE MUSLIMS FIGHTERS."

SPEAKING TO ONE OF THE COMPANIONS (RA), THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: " O ABU ZAR, WHAT WILL BE YOUR CONDITION IF YOU HAPPEN TO FALL AMONG MEAN PEOPLE LIKE DATE-PALM SKIN?" SAYING THIS THE PROPHET (SAW) ENTANGLED HIS FINGERS.

ABU ZAR (RA) SAID: "O, PROPHET OF ALLAH, WHAT DO YOU COMMAND ME TO DO.?"

THE PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "BE PATIENT, BE PATIENT, BE PATIENT. BEHAVE WITH THEM AMICABLY AND OPPOSE THEM IN THEIR BAD DEEDS."

"GUARD YOURSELF FROM SINS BECAUSE, SINS ATTRACT ALLAH'S WRATH."

"CERTAINLY, A MAN IS DEPRIVED OF HIS SUSTENANCE ON ACCOUNT OF HIS SINS."

"THERE ARE FOUR SUCH VICES THAT I SEEK REFUGE WITH ALLAH FROM YOUR BEING AFFLICTED WITH:

1) A NATION IS AFFLICTED WITH PLAGUES WHEN IT BEGINS TO COMMIT LEWDNESS OPENLY, OR IT MAY BE AFFLICTED WITH SUCH DISEASES WHICH NEVER SPREAD DURING THE DAYS OF THEIR ANCESTORS.

2) WHEN A NATION COMMITS THE SINS OF GIVING SHORT MEASURE AND SHORT WEIGHT, IT WILL FACE FAMINE AND TYRANNIES OF ITS RULERS.

3) IF A NATION STOPS PAYING ZAKAT (OBLIGATORY ALMS), THE RAINS OF MERCY WILL BE WITHHELD FROM THE NATION. THEY WOULD HAVE NO RAIN, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF CATTLE AND ANIMALS.

4) IF A NATION IS ADDICTED TO BREACH OF TRUST AND PLEDGE, EXALTED ALLAH SHALL IMPOSE ON THEM AN ENEMY FROM AN ALIEN NATION WHO WILL ROB THEIR MONEY BY FORCE."

"A TIME IS DRAWING NEAR WHEN ALL GROUPS (OF NON-BELIEVERS) WILL INVITE ONE ANOTHER TOWARDS THEM, JUST AS THOSE TAKING FOOD ON A DINING CLOTH INVITE ONE ANOTHER TO PARTAKE OF THE FOOD."

A COMPANION (RA) ASKED IF THEY WOULD BE SMALL IN NUMBER?

"NO, YOU WILL BE VERY LARGE IN NUMBER BUT YOU WILL BECOME WORTHLESS LIKE RUBBISH, LIKE PIECES OF STRAW FLOATING ON THE SURFACE OF FLOODWATER. EXALTED ALLAH SHALL TAKE AWAY YOUR AWE AND FEAR FROM THE HEARTS OF YOUR ENEMIES. INSTEAD YOUR HEARTS WILL BE FILLED WITH FEAR AND WEAKNESS."

ANOTHER COMPANION (RA) ASKED WHAT WOULD BE THAT WEAKNESS?.

THE PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: " IT WOULD BE LOVE OF THE WORLD AND HATRED OF DEATH."

"EXALTED ALLAH HAS SAID: ' I AM THE MASTER OF ALL KINGS; THEIR HEARTS ARE IN MY HANDS. WHEN MY SERVANTS OBEY ME, I TURN TOWARDS THEM THE HEARTS OF THEIR KINGS/LEADERS WITH MERCY. BUT WHEN MY SERVANTS DISOBEY ME, I TURN THE HEARTS OF THE KINGS/LEADERS TOWARDS THEM WITH ANGER AND TORMENT, SO THAT THESE KINGS/LEADERS SUBJECT THE DISOBEDIANT SERVANTS TO SEVERE PUNISHMENT AND TORTURE."

"WHEN ALLAH DESIRES TO TAKE REVENGE ON ANYONE, THE CHILDREN DIE IN LARGE NUMBERS AND WOMENFOLK BECOME BARREN."

"WHEN MY UMMAH BEGIN TO REGARD THE WORLD AS SOMETHING VERY GREAT, THE VALUE OF ISLAM SHALL BE BANISHED FROM THEIR HEARTS. WHEN MY UMMAH SHALL GIVE UP ENFORCING WHAT IS RIGHT AND FORBIDDING WHAT IS WRONG, IT WILL BE DEPRIVED OF THE BLESSINGS OF REVELATION (HOLY QURAN). AGAIN WHEN THE PEOPLE OF MY UMMAH BEGIN TO ABUSE ONE ANOTHER, THEY SHALL LOSE ALLAH'S PLEASURE AND ESTEEM."

"BY HIM IN WHOSE HANDS IS MY SOUL, IT IS INDISPENSABLE THAT YOU SHOULD ENFORCE WHAT IS RIGHT AND FORBID WHAT IS WRONG. IF YOU DO NOT FOLLOW THE ADVICE, ALLAH SHALL SOON SEND ON YOU A PUNISHMENT AND IF YOU PRAY TO HIM (FOR SAFETY) YOUR PRAYER SHALL NOT BE GRANTED."

"IF THERE IS AMONG A COMMUNITY EVEN ONE SINNER AND THERE IS NONE TO STOP THE SINNER FROM HIS SINS, INSPITE OF THE ABILITY TO DO SO, EXALTED ALLAH IS SURE TO SEND HIS PUNISHMENT ON HIM BEFORE HIS DEATH."

SPEAKING TO ONE OF THE COMPANIONS (RA), THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "O, AMR! WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF YOU FALL AMONG THE GROUP OF WORTHLESS AND MEAN PEOPLE, LIKE DATE-PALM LEAVES, WHO BREAK THEIR PROMISES, BETRAY THEIR TRUSTS AND GO AGAINST ONE ANOTHER LIKE THIS (ENTANGLING HIS FINGERS)."

HAZRAT AMR (RA) ASKED: "WHAT DO YOU COMMAND US TO DO AT THAT TIME?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "IN SUCH A TIME KEEP WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF YOUR HOUSE, CONTROL YOUR TONGUE, TAKE WHAT YOU KNOW TO BE GOOD AND SHUN WHAT IS BAD. MIND YOUR OWN AFFAIRS AND DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE AFFAIRS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC."

"IF THEIR IS ANYONE WHO SAYS BY WAY OF CRITICISM THAT ALL THE PEOPLE HAVE PERISHED, THEN HE HIMSELF HAS PERISHED MORE THAN THE PEOPLE."

"TO BE ENGAGED IN WORSHIP DURING TRIALS AND DISORDERS CARRIES RECOMPENSE EQUAL TO THAT OF MIGRATING TO ME."

"O MY SON! IF YOU HAVE THE CAPACITY TO GET UP IN THE MORNING AND CONCLUDE THE DAY IN THE EVENING IN SUCH A CONDITION THAT YOU HAVE NO MALICE AGAINST ANYONE, THAN YOU MUST DO SO. THIS IS MY SUNNAT. HE WHO DOES SO, LOVES ME AND HE WHO LOVES ME WILL RESIDE WITH ME IN PARADISE."

"THE MAN WHO ACTS UPON MY SUNNAT AT THE TIME OF THE CORRUPTION OF MY UMMAT, WILL BE GRANTED THE REWARD OF ONE HUNDRED MARTYRS."

"IN THE LATER AGES MY UMMAT SHALL FACE GREAT HARDSHIPS. ONLY THAT MAN SHALL BE SAVED FROM IT WHO HAS AQCUIRED A RIGHT KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELIGION OF ALLAH."

"I FEAR FOR MY UMMAH MISGUIDING LEADERS AND WHEN IN MY UMMAH THE SWORD IS KEPT IN ITS SHEATH, IT WILL NEVER BE TAKEN OUT TILL THE DAY OF RESURRECTION."

WHEN A WAR BREAKS OUT AMONG THE VARIOUS TRIBES AND GROUPS/SECTS OF THE MUSLIMS, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAS GIVEN ADVICE SAYING:

"IF THEIR IS ANY LEADER OF THE MUSLIMS WHO IS KNOWN TO BE TRUE AND SINCERE, YOU SHOULD CO-OPERATE WITH HIM AND ASSIST HIM IN SURPRESSING THE REBELS. IF THEIR IS NO MUSLIM LEADER OR HE IS NEITHER TRUE NOR SINCERE OR IT BECOMES DIFFICULT TO DECIDE WHICH OF THE CONTESTING PARTIES IS RIGHT AND WHICH IS WRONG, THEN IN SUCH A SITUATION YOU SHOULD KEEP YOURSELF AWAY FROM BOTH."

"AFTER ME SUCH LEADERS AND GUIDES WILL COME AS WILL NOT FOLLOW MY PATH, NOR WILL THEY ACT UPON MY SUNNAT. MANY OF THEM WILL HAVE HUMAN BODIES BUT SATANIC HEARTS."

WHEN ASKED BY COMPANIONS (RA): "O MESSENGER OF ALLAH! WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE FIND THESE PEOPLE?"

THE PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "LISTEN TO THE COMMANDS (OF ALLAH) AND ACCT UPON THEM EVEN IF YOU ARE BEATEN AT YOUR BACK AND YOU ARE DEPRIVED OF ALL YOUR WEALTH."

"WHEN THE PERIOD OF DISORDERS IS AT ITS PEAK, DO NOT GO NEAR IT, NOR DISTURB IT, BUT WHEN IT COMES TO YOU FACE TO FACE, THEN FIGHT THE MISCREANTS."

"EXALTED ALLAH DID NOT SEND BEFORE ME ANY PROPHET WHO DID NOT HAVE SUCH HELPERS AND COMPANIONS AS DID NOT ACT UPON HIS SUNNAT (PATH) NOR DID THEY NOT FOLLOW HIM. HOWEVER, AFTER THEM CAME THEIR SUCCESSORS WHO SAID THINGS WHICH THEY DID NOT ACT UPON, BUT DID ACT, WHICH THEY HAD NOT ORDERED TO DO. HE IS A BELIEVER WHO FIGHTS AGAINST THEM. HE IS ALSO A BELIEVER WHO FIGHTS THEM WITH HIS HEART. BEYOND THAT, THERE IS NO BELIEF. NOT EVEN EQUAL TO A MUSTARD SEED."

SPEAKING TO HAZRAT KHALID BIN ARFATAH (RA), THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"O KHALID, THERE WILL INDEED ARISE AFTER ME NEW PROBLEMS, TRIALS AND GROUPS AND SECTS AND DIFFERENCES. O KHALID, BECOME THE MURDERED SERVANT OF ALLAH INSTEAD OF BECOMING THE MURDERER."

"THEIR IS A MAN WHO TAKES PART IN A BATTLE ABOUT WHICH IT IS NOT KNOWN WHETHER IT IS FOR A RIGHT OR WRONG CAUSE, WHO BECOME ANGRY FOR THE SAKE OF RACIALISM, WHO INVITES AND PROMOTES ONLY RACIALISM. IF THIS MAN IS KILLED, HE DIES THE DEATH OF THE PERIOD OF IGNORANCE."

ACCORDING TO ANOTHER AHADITH:

"HE IS NOT FROM AMONG US WHO INVITES PEOPLE TO RACIALISM AND FIGHTS IN THE CAUSE OF FANATICISM AND DIES FOR IT."

A COMPANION (RA) ASKED: "O MESSENGER OF ALLAH, WHAT IS RACIALISM?"

THE PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "IT IS TO ASSIST ONE COMMUNITY ON TYRANNY."

"IN THE LATER AGES THERE WILL BE SOLDIERS WHO WILL BEGIN THE DAY UNDER ALLAH'S ANGER AND BEGIN THE NIGHT UNDER ALLAH'S ANGER. SO BEWARE AND DO NOT JOIN THEM."

"TO KILL A MUSLIM IS A MORE GRIEVIOUS ATROCITY IN THE SIGHT OF ALLAH THEN THE ANNIHALATION OF THE ENTIRE WORLD."

"IT IS A MAJOR SIN TO SPEAK ILL OF A MUSLIM, AND IT IS INFIDELITY TO KILL HIM."

"THE FIRST ACCOUNT ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT WILL BE TO SETTLE THE ACCOUNTS OF BLOODSHEDDING."

"WHEN TWO MUSLIM BROTHERS DRAW THEIR SWORDS AT EACH OTHER, THEY ARE BOTH STANDING ON THE VALLEY OF HELL. THEN IF ANYONE OF THEM KILLS THE OTHER, BOTH SHALL ENTER HELL."

"A TIME WILL COME WHEN THE MURDERER HIMSELF SHALL NOT KNOW WHY HE HAS KILLED HIS VICTIM NOR SHALL THE VICTIM KNOW WHY HE WAS BEING MURDERED. IN SUCH A SITUATION THE MURDERER AS WELL AS THE MURDERED BOTH SHALL ENTER HELL."

IN ANOTHER AHADITH:

"WHEN TWO MUSLIMS CONFRONT EACH OTHER, SWORD IN HAND, WITH THE INTENTION OF FIGHTING AND ONE KILLS THE OTHER, BOTH SHALL ENTER HELL."

THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED: "THE MURDERERS ENTRY INTO HELL IS UNDERSTANDABLE, BUT WHY SHOULD THE ONE MURDERED ENTER HELL?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "BECAUSE THE MURDERED ALSO HAD INTENDED TO MURDER HIS COMPANION."

"IF A MAN HELPS IN THE MURDER OF A MUSLIM EVEN WITH A SINGLE WORD, HE WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE EXALTED ALLAH WITH THESE WORDS WRITTEN ON HIS FOREHEAD:'THIS MAN HAS BEEN BARRED FROM ALLAH'S MERCY."

"THE TIME WILL BECOME CLOSER AND CLOSER, KNOWLEDGE WILL BE TAKEN AWAY, DISORDERS AND DISTURBANCES WILL APPEAR. MISERLINESS WILL GROW AND 'HARAJ! HARAJ!' WILL INCREASE."

THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED: "WHAT IS 'HARAJ'?"

THE PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "IT IS MURDER."

"SHOULD I NOT TELL YOU AN ACT WHICH IS SUPERIOR TO FASTING, PRAYER AND ALMSGIVING.?"

THE NOBLE COMPANIONS (RA) SAID: "YES, KINDLY DO LET US KNOW THAT."

THE PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "THAT ACT CONSISTS IN ESTABLISHING PEACE AND HARMONY BETWEEN TWO PERSONS, IF THE RELATIONS BETWEEN THEM HAVE BEEN EMBITTERED BY MUTUAL DIFFERENCES AND ANMITIES."

"WHOEVER SEE'S A FORBIDDEN THING BEING DONE, HE SHOULD PREVENT IT BY THE USE OF HIS HAND,

AND IF HE HAS NO CAPABILITY FOR THIS ACTION THEN HE SHOULD PREVENT IT BY HIS TONGUE,

AND IF HE CANNOT DO THIS EVEN, THEN HE SHOULD AT LEAST CONSIDER IT A VICE (SIN) IN HIS HEART,

AND THAT IS A VERY LOW LEVEL OF ONE'S FAITH."

"WHEN MY FOLLOWERS WILL BEGIN TO ADORE THE WORLDLY BENEFITS, THEIR HEARTS WILL BE DEPRIVED OF THE DIGNITY AND IMPORTANCE OF ISLAM,

AND WHEN THEY STOP ENJOINING GOOD AND FORBIDDING EVIL, THEY WILL BE DEPRIVED OF THE BLESSINGS OF THE REVELATION,

AND WHEN THEY WILL ABUSE EACH OTHER, THEY WILL FALL FROM THE ESTEEM OF ALLAH."

"NONE OF YOU CAN BE A TRUE MUSLIM, UNLESS HIS DESIRES ARE SUBJECT TO THE RELIGION THAT I HAVE BROUGHT."

"WHOVER DESIRES THE HARVEST OF THE WORLD HEREAFTER WE GRANT INCREASE IN HIS HARVEST,

AND WHOEVER DESIRES THE HARVEST OF THIS WORLD, WE GIVE HIM THE FRUIT THEREOF, BUT THERE IS NO PORTION FOR HIM IN THE HEREAFTER."(AL QURAN)

"ALLAH SAYS: 'O SON OF MAN, DEVOTE YOURSELF TO MY WORSHIP, AND I WILL FREE YOUR BOSOM FROM THE WORLDLY ANXIETIES, AND WILL REMOVE YOUR POVERTY, OTHERWISE I WILL FILL YOUR HEART WITH A THOUSAND WORRIES AND WILL NOT REMOVE YOUR POVERTY'."

"SHALL I TELL YOU A THING BY WHICH YOU CAN ATTAIN GOOD IN THIS WORLD AND THE HEREAFTER? REMEMBER, IT IS THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO REMEMBER AND GLORIFY ALLAH DAY AND NIGHT."

"ALL MY FOLLOWERS WILL ENTER PARADISE, BUT, NOT THOSE WHO HAVE DENIED ME."

THE COMPANIONS (RA) SAID: "WHO WOLD DENY YOU?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "THOSE WHO FOLLOW ME WOULD ENTER PARADISE, BUT THOSE WHO DISOBEY ME, THEY IN FACT DENY ME."

"NO ONE OF YOU CAN BE A TRUE MUSLIM UNLESS HIS WISHES ARE SUBORDINATE TO THAT WHICH I HAVE BROUGHT DOWN. THAT IS DEEN."

"WHENEVER YOU PEOPLE PASS THROUGH THE GARDENS OF PARADISE, PARTAKE OF THEIR FRUITS."

"THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED: "WHAT ARE THE GARDENS OF PARADISE?"

"THE PROPHET (SAW) ANSWERED: "THE ASSEMBLIES WHEREIN KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM AND THE HOLY QURAN IS TAUGHT."

"HAZRAT LUQMAN (RA) INSTRUCTED HIS SONS IN THESE WORDS: KEEP THE COMPANY OF SCHOLARS, AND LISTEN ATTENTIVELY TO THE WORDS OF THE WISE, FOR THEREWITH ALLAH REVIVES THE DEAD HEART, JUST AS HE REVIVES THE DEAD EARTH WITH HEAVY RAIN, AND THE WISE ALONE UNDERSTAND THE RELIGION."

ONE OF THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ONCE: "WHO CAN BE THE BEST COMPANION FOR US?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "SUCH A PERSON THAT WHEN YOU SEE HIM, YOU REMEMBER ALLAH, WHEN YOU LISTEN TO HIM, YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM IS INCREASED, WHEN YOU SEE HIS ACTIONS YOU ARE REMINDED OF THE LIFE HEREAFTER."

"NONE OF YOU CAN BE A TRUE MOMIN UNTILL HIS LOVE FOR ME IS MORE THAN HIS LOVE FOR HIS PARENTS, CHILDREN AND ALL THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD."

"ANY ASSEMBLY (GATHERINGS) OF MUSLIM, WHO DO NOT REMEMBER ALLAH, DO NOT SEND SALUTATION TO HIS MESSENGER (SAW), WILL FACE DISSAPOINTMENT ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT."

THE HOLY PROPHETS (SAW) LAST FAREWELL SPEECH AT MECCA

CATCHING HOLD OF THE HANDLES OF THE DOOR OF THE KA'BAH, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ADDRESSED THE PEOPLE SAYING:

"O PEOPLE!"

THE COMPANIONS (RA) RESPONDED TO THE CALL BY SAYING:

"LABBAYK O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH MAY OUR FATHERS AND MOTHERS BE RANSOM FOR YOU."

THE PROPHET (SAW) BEAGAN TO WEEP AND HIS WEEPING ASSUMED BITTERNESS. THEREAFTER THE PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "O PEOPLE, I AM GOING TO LET YOU KNOW THE SIGNS OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT. IT IS AMONG THE SIGNS OF THE HOUR TO MISS PRAYERS AND BE INCLINED TO LUSTS, TO RESPECT RICH MEN."

HAZRAT SALMAN (RA) SAID: "O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH WILL THIS HAPPEN?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "YES, I SWEAR BY HIM IN WHOSE HAND IS THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD (SAW). O SALMAN, AT THAT TIME ZAKAT WILL BE CONSIDERED AS A FINE AND TRUSTS AS WAR-BOOTY. THE LIAR WILL BE TRUSTED AND THE TRUTHFUL WILL BE BELIED. TRUST WILL BE ENTRUSTED TO THE TRUSTLESS AND THE TRUSTWORTHY WILL BE TREATED AS TRUSTLESS. THE INCAPABLE WILL MAKE SPEECHES."

WHEN THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "THE INCAPABLE PERSONS WILL MAKE SPEECHES TO THE PEOPLE AND NINE OUT OF TEN WILL REJECT THE TRUTH. ISLAM WILL DISAPPEAR AND WILL REMAIN ONLY FOR NAME SAKE. THE SCRIPTURES WILL BE DECORATED WITH GOLD. THE MALES OF MY UMMAH SHALL BECOME FAT AND BULKY. THE SLAVE GIRLS WILL BE CONSULTED. BOYS WILL MAKE SPEECHES FROM THE PULPITS. CONVERSATION WITH THE WOMENFOLK WILL BECOME A VERY COMMON FEATURE. AT THAT TIME, MOSQUES SHALL BE DECORATED LIKE CHURCHES AND SYNAGOGUES. PULPITS SHALL BE BUILT HIGH. ROWS (IN PRAYERS) WILL INCREASE IN NUMBER BUT WITH JEALOUS AND DIVIDED HEARTS AND WITH MULTIPLIED DESIRES."

THEN HAZRAT SALMAN (RA) ASKED WITH SURPRISE:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH WILL THAT HAPPEN?"

" THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"YES O SALMAN, I SWEAR BY HIM IN WHOSE HANDS IS MY SOUL, THIS WILL HAPPEN. AT THAT TIME A BELIEVER WILL BECOME THE MEANEST PERSON OF MY UMMAT. THE HEART IN HIS CHEST WILL MELT LIKE THE MELTING OF SALT IN WATER ON SEEING THE SINS BEING COMMITED, WHICH HE CANNOT STOP. MEN WILL TURN TO MEN AND WOMEN WILL TURN TO WOMEN FOR THEIR PLEASURES. BOYS WILL BE ATTACKED BY MEN (IN LUST) AS ARE ATTACKED YOUNG GIRLS.. O SALMAN, AT THAT TIME THE RULERS WILL BECOME SINNERS, THE MINISTERS WILL BECOME WRONGDOERS AND THE TRUSTWORTHY SHALL BECOME TRUSTLESS, WHO WILL MISS THEIR PRAYERS AND FOLLOW THEIR LUSTS. SO, IF YOU GET THAT AGE (TIME), OFFER YOUR PRAYERS IN THEIR PRESCRIBED TIMES. O SALMAN, AT THAT TIME, SOUL CAPTIVES WILL COME FROM THE EAST AND SOME FROM THE WEST. THEIR BODIES WILL BE LIKE THOSE OF PEOPLE, BUT THEIR HEARTS WILL BE LIKE THE HEART OF SATAN. THEY WILL NOT RESPECT THE ELDERS, NOR WILL THEY FEEL PITY ON THE MINORS. O SALMAN, THE PEOPLE WILL GATHER AROUND THIS SACRED HOUSE (OF ALLAH) FRO HAJ. THEIR RULERS WILL PERFORM HAJ AS A SPORT AND RECREATION, THEIR RICH MEN FOR BUSINESS, THEIR POOR MEN FOR BEGGING AND THEIR RECITERS (OF THE QURAN) ONLY FOR SHOW AND REPUTATION."

THEN HAZRAT SALMAN (RA) ASKED AGAIN IN SURPRISE:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, WILL IT SO HAPPEN?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "YES AND BY HIM IN WHOSE HANDS IS MY SOUL, O SALMAN, AT THAT TIME LIES AND FALSEHOOD SHALL PREVAIL AND A COMET WILL APPEAR. THE WIFE WILL TAKE PART WITH HER HUSBAND IN BUSINESS AND THE MARKETS WILL BECOME CLOSER AND CLOSER."

HAZRAT SALMAN (RA) ASKED: "WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "THIS MEANS THEIR DEPRESSION IN TRADE AND DECREASE IN PROPHETS. O SALMAN, AT THAT TIME ALLAH SHALL SEND DOWN A WIND IN WHICH THEIR WILL BE SERPENTS OF YELLOW COLOUR WHICH WILL PICK UP BY THEIR HEADS THE SCHOLARS WHO SAW SINS COMMITTED BUT DID NOT STOP THAT."

THEN HAZRAT SALMAN (RA) ASKED: "O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, WILL THIS HAPPEN?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED: "YES, BY THE OATH OF HIM WHO COMMISSIONED MUHAMMAD (SAW) WITH THE TRUTH."
RETURN





CHAPTER 2

THE LIGHT OF PATIENCE

"THE WORST TRIALS IN THIS WORLD ARE RESERVED FOR THE PROPHETS, THEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE NEXT TO THEM, AND THEN FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEST OF THE REST."(HADITH)

"THEY PREFER OTHERS ABOVE THEMSELVES EVEN THOUGH POVERTY BECOMES THEIR LOT." (AL QURAN)

FOR NINE YEARS, SINCE HIS (SAW) SELECTION BY ALLAH FOR HIS MISSION, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAD BEEN DELIVERING THE MESSAGE OF ALLAH IN MECCA AND MAKING ALL OUT EFFORT TO GUIDE AND REFORM HIS COMMUNITY. EXCEPT A FEW PERSONS WHO HAD EITHER EMBRACED ISLAM OR WHO HELPED HIM, THOUGH NOT EXCEPTING HIS CREED.

ALL THE REST OF THE PEOPLE IN MECCA LEFT NO STONE UNTURNED, IN PERSECUTING AND DERIDING HIM AND HIS FOLLOWERS. HIS UNCLE ABU TALIB WAS ONE OF THOSE GOOD-HEARTED PEOPLE WHO HELPED HIM, INSPITE OF NOT EXCEPTING/ENTERING THE FOLD OF ISLAM.

THE FOLLOWING YEAR, ON THE DEATH OF ABU TALIB, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS NO LONGER SAFE IN MECCA AS ABU TALIB WAS A ELDER OF QURESH WHILE HE WAS ALIVE. THE QURESH GOT A FREE HAND AND ACCELERATED THEIR SINISTER AND CRUEL ACCTIVITIES/ASSAULTS WITHOUT CHECK AND HINDRANCE.

AT TAIF, THE SECOND BIGGEST TOWN OF HIJAZ, THEIR LIVED BANU THAQIF. A CLAN (COMMUNITY) STRONG IN NUMBER. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) LEFT FOR TAIF IN THE HOPE OF WINNING THEM OVER TO ISLAM, THUS GIVING THE MUSLIMS A PLACE OF SAFETY FROM THE PERSECUTION OF THE QURESH, AND ALSO ESTABLISHING A BASE FOR THE FUTURE PREACHING/SPREADING OF ISLAM. ON REACHING TAIF HE VISITED THE THREE CHIEFTANS (LEADERS/ELDERS) OF THE CLAN, PLACING BEFORE THEM THE MESSAGE OF ALLAH AND CALLED UPON THEM TO STAND BY HIS (SAW) SIDE. INSTEAD OF ACCEPTING HIS (SAW) MESSAGE, THEY REFUSED EVEN TO LISTEN TO HIM (SAW) AND NOTWITHSTANDING THE PROVERBIAL (CUSTOM) ARAB HOSPITALITY, EACH OF THEM TREATED THE PROPHET (SAW) MOST CONTEMTUOUSLY AND RUDELY. THEY PLAINLY TOLD HIM THAT THEY DID NOT LIKE HIS (SAW) STAY IN THEIR TOWN.

ONE SAID: "HEY, ALLAH HAS MADE YOU A PROPHET." IN RIDICULE.

THE SECOND SAID: "COULD ALLAH NOT LAY HIS HANDS ON ANYONE ELSE OTHER THAN YOU, TO MAKE HIS PROPHET?"

THE THIRD SAID: "I DO NOT WANT TO TALK TO YOU, FOR IF YOU ARE IN FACT A PROPHET, THEN TO OPPOSE YOU IS TO INVITE TROUBLE, AND IF YOU ONLY PRETEND TO BE ONE, WHY SHOULD I TALK WITH A IMPOSTER."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW), WHO WAS A ROCK OF STEADFASTNESS AND PERSERVERANCE, DID NOT LOSE HEART OVER THE ATTITUDE OF THE CHIEFTANS AND TRIED TO APPROACH THE COMMON PEOPLE. BUT, NOBODY WOULD LISTEN TO HIM (SAW). INSTEAD THEY ASKED HIM TO CLEAR OFF FROM THE TOWN AND GO WHEREVER ELSE HE LIKED. WHEN HE (SAW) REALISED THAT FURTHER EFFORT WOULD BE IN VAIN, HE (SAW) DECIDED TO LEAVE TOWN.

BUT, THEY WOULD NOT LET HIM DEPART IN PEACE, SETTING THE STREETS MISCREANTS/TROUBLEMAKERS AFTER THE PROPHET (SAW). THEY HISSED THE PROPHET (SAW), HOOTED AT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW), JEERED AT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND ALSO THREW STONES AT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AS HE LEFT THE TOWN.

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS PELTED WITH SO MANY STONES THAT HIS (SAW) BODY WAS COVERED WITH BLOOD, AND THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SHOES WERE CLOGGED TO HIS FEET. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) LEFT THE TOWN IN THIS WOEFUL DISTRESSED AND DISTRAUGHT STATE.

WHEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS FAR OUT OF THE TOWN AND SAFE FROM THE MISCREANTS, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) PRAYED TO ALLAH THUS:

"O MY ALLAH. TO THEE I COMPLAIN OF THE FEEBLENESS OF MY STRENGTH, OF MY LACK OF RESOURCES AND MY BEING UNIMPORTANT IN THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE. O, MOST MERCIFUL OF ALL THOSE CAPABLE OF SHOWING MERCY. THOU ART THE LORD OF THE WEAK, AND THOU ART MY LORD. TO WHOM ART THOU TO ENTRUST TO ME. TO AN UNSYMPATHETIC FOE (LOT) WHO WOULD SULLENLY FROWN AT ME, OR AN ALIEN TO WHOM THOU HAS GIVEN CONTROL OVER MY AFFAIRS? NOT IN THE LEAST DO I CARE FOR ANYTHING EXCEPT THAT I MAY HAVE THY PROTECTION FOR MYSELF. I SEEK SHELTER IN THY LIGHT. THE LIGHT WHICH ILLUMINATES THE HEAVENS AND DISPELS ALL SORTS OF DARKNESS, AND WHICH CONTROLS ALL AFFAIRS IN THIS WORLD ASWELL AS THE HEREAFTER. MAY IT NEVER BE THAT I SHOULD INCUR (INVITE)THY WRATH (PUNISHMENT), OR THAT THOU SHOULD BE DISPLEASED WITH ME. I MUST REMOVE THE CAUSE OF THY DISPLEASURE TILL THOU ART PLEASED. THERE IS NO STRENGTH NOR POWER BUT THROUGH THEE."

THE HEAVENS WERE MOVED BY THE PRAYER, AND JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) APPEARED BEFORE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) GREETING HIM WITH:

"ASSALAM O ALAIKUM" AND SAID: "ALLAH KNOWS ALL THAT HAS PASSED BETWEEN YOU AND THESE PEOPLE. HE HAS DEPUTED AN ANGEL INCHARGE OF THE MOUNTAINS TO BE AT YOU COMMAND."

SAYING THIS, JIBRAIL (AS) USHERED THE ANGEL BEFORE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). THE ANGEL GREETED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND SAID:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, I AM AT YOUR SERVICE. IF YOU WISH, I CAN CAUSE THE MOUNTAINS OVERLOOKING THIS TOWN ON BOTH SIDES TO COLLIDE WITH EACHOTHER, SO THAT ALL THE PEOPLE THEREIN WOULD BE CRUSHED TO DEATH. OR YOU MAY SUGGEST ANY OTHER PUNISHMENT FOR THEM."

THE NOBLE PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"EVEN IF THESE PEOPLE DO NOT ACCEPT ISLAM, I DO NOT HOPE FROM ALLAH THAT THERE WILL BE PERSONS FROM AMONG THEIR PROGENY WHO WOULD WORSHIP ALLAH AND SERVE HIS CAUSE."

WHEN THE QUREYSH PLACED A SOCIAL BAN ON THE COMMUNITY OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW), BANU HASHIM FOR PROTECTING THE PROPHET (SAW). THEY MADE UP A DOCUMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT NONE OF THEM OR THEIR COMMUNITY WOULD ASSOCIATE WITH AND BUY OR SELL TO THOSE WHO SIDED OR SUPPORTED WITH BANU HASHIM'S COMMUNITY, UNLESS THEY SURRENDERED THE PROPHET (SAW) FOR THE DEATH PENALTY. ALL OF THE QUREYSH SIGNED THIS DOCUMENT ON THE 1ST MUHARAM OF THE 7TH YEAR OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) MISSION, AND THE DOCUMENT WAS HUNG UP AT MECCA IN ORDER TO GIVE IT SANCTITY.

FOR THREE LONG YEARS THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND HIS COMMUNITY WERE ISOLATED IN A AREA OF ONE OF THE GORGES THAT RUNS DOWN TO MECCA. FOR THREE LONG YEARS NOBODY COULD SEE THEM NOR COULD THEY SEE ANYBODY. THEY COULD NOT PURCHASE ANYTHING IN MECCA NOR FROM ANY TRADER COMING FROM OUTSIDE. IF ANYONE OF THEM WAS FOUND OUSIDE THIS NATURAL PRISON. HE WAS BEATEN MERCILESSLY AND IF HE ASKED FOR ANYTHING IT WAS FLATLY REFUSED.

SOON THEIR STOCKS HAD BECOME EXAUSTED AND THEY WERE REDUCED TO FAMINE RATIONS. THEIR WOMEN AND ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN AND SUCKLING BABIES WOULD CRY WITH HUNGER. THIS WAS HARDEST ON THEM THEN THEIR OWN STARVATION. DURING THE LAST PERIOD OF THE THREE YEARS, THEIR ONLY SOURCE OF FOOD WAS THAT WHICH THE HUSBANDS OF THE HASHIMITE WOMEN, MARRIED INTO OTHER COMMUNITIES AND MANAGED TO SMUGGLE FOOD INTO THE AREA IN THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT.

BY THE GRACE OF ALLAH AFTER THREE YEARS, THE DOCUMENT WAS EATEN UP BY WHITE ANTS AND THE SOCIAL BAN WAS LIFTED. THE SEVERITY OF THE SUFFERINGS AND HARDSHIPS WHICH THEY BORE DURING THAT THREE YEARS CANNOT BE IMAGINED. BUT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND HIS SAHABAH (RA) REMAINED STEADFAST IN THEIR FAITH AND ALSO KEPT BUSY BY SPREADING THE LIGHT OF ISLAM AMONG THOSE WHO WERE IN DISTRESS, THUS INCREASING THEIR FAITH.


HAZRAT UMAR (RA) VISITS THE HOLY PROPHETS (SAW) HOUSE:

ONCE HAZRAT UMAR (RA) WENT TO SEE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AT HIS (SAW) HOUSE.
WHEN HAZRAT UMAR (RA) ENTERED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ROOM, HE SAW THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) LYING ON A DATE PALM LEAF MAT. THE CROSSED PATTERN OF THE MAT COULD EASILY BE SEEN IMPRINTED ON HIS (SAW) BODY. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAD A LEATHER BAG FILLED WITH THE BARK OF THE DATE PALM LEAF AS HIS PILLOW. HAZRAT UMAR (RA) NOTICED THE CONTENTS OF THE ROOM CONSISTED OF ONLY THREE PIECES OF TANNED SKIN AND A HANDFUL OF BARLEY LYING IN A CORNER. HAZRAT UMAR (RA) LOOKED ABOUT, BUT FAILING TO FIND ANYTHING ELSE BEGAN TO WEEP.

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "WHY ARE YOU WEEPING?"

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) REPLIED: "O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, WHY SHOULD I NOT WEEP? I CAN SEE THE MATS PATTERN IMPRINTED ON YOUR BODY, I AM ALSO BEHOLDING ALL THAT YOU HAVE GOT IN THIS ROOM. O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, PRAY THAT ALLAH MAY GRANT AMPLE PROVISIONS FOR US. THE PERSIANS AND THE ROMANS WHO HAVE NO TRUE FAITH AND WHO WORSHIP NOT ALLAH, BUT THEIR KINGS THE KAISER AND THE COSROES, PRESENTLY LIVE IN GARDENS WITH STREAMS RUNNING IN THEIR MIDST. BUT THE CHOSEN PROPHET (SAW) AND THE EXALTED SERVANT OF ALLAH DOES LIVE IN SUCH A DIRE POVERTY."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS RESTING AGAINST HIS PILLOW, BUT WHEN HE HEARD HAZRAT UMAR (RA) TALKING LIKE THIS, THE PROPHET (SAW) SAT UP AND SAID:

"O UMAR, ARE YOU STILL IN DOUBT ABOUT THIS MATTER? THE EASE AND COMFORT IN THE HEREAFTER ARE MUCH BETTER THAN THE EASE AND COMFORT IN THIS WORLD. THE UNBELIEVERS ARE ENJOINING THEIR SHARE OF THE GOOD THINGS IN THIS VERY WORLD, WHEREAS WE HAVE ALL SUCH THINGS IN STORE FOR US IN THE NEXT."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) PLEADED: "O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FOR ME. I WAS REALLY IN THE WRONG."

SOMEONE ONCE ASKED HAZRAT AISHAH (RADHIALLAHO ANHA) ABOUT THE BEDDING OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) IN HER (RA) HOUSE. HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) REPLIED:

"IT CONSISTED OF A SKIN FILLED WITH THE BARK OF DATE PALM."

THE SAME QUESTION WAS ASKED TO HAZRAT HAFSAH (RA). HAZRAT HAFSAH (RA) REPLIED:

"IT CONSISTED OF A PIECE OF CANVAS WHICH I SPREAD DOUBLE-FOLDED UNDER THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). ONCE I LAID IT FOUR-FOLDED IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE IT MORE COMFORTABLE. THE NEXT MORNING THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ASKED ME: 'WHAT DID YOU SPREAD UNDER ME LAST NIGHT?'. I REPLIED THE SAME CANVAS BUT I HAD FOUR-FOLDED IT INSTEAD OF THE CUSTOMERY DOUBLE-FOLD. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: 'KEEP IT AS IT WAS BEFORE. THE ADDITIONAL SOFTNESS STANDS IN THE WAY OF GETTING UP FOR TAHAJUD PRAYERS'."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ONCE SAID:

"MY LORD OFFERED TO TURN THE MOUNTS OF MECCA INTO GOLD FOR ME. BUT MY SUPPLICATION TO HIM WAS: O ALLAH, I LIKE TO EAT ONE DAY AND FEEL HUNGRY THE NEXT, SO THAT I MAY CRY BEFORE THEE AND REMEMBER THEE WHEN I AM HUNGRY, AND BE GRATEFUL TO THEE AND GLORIFY THEE WHEN MY HUNGER IS GONE."

"ABSTINENCE IS AN ASSET OF A MOMIN."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ONCE ASKED THE PEOPLE HE WAS SITTING WITH ABOUT THEIR OPINION OF A PASSERBY:

"WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS PERSON?"

THEY (RA) REPLIED:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, HE IS THE SCION OF A GOOD FAMILY. BY ALLAH, HE IS SUCH THAT IF HE SEEKS MARRIAGE THE HAND OF A WOMEN OF THE MOST ILLUSTRIOUS FAMILY, HE WOULD NOT BE REJECTED. IF HE RECOMMENDS ANYBODY, HIS RECOMMENDATION WOULD READILY BE ACCEPTED."

A LITTLE LATER, ANOTHER PERSON PASSED BY AND THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ASKED THE SAME QUESTION TO HIS COMPANIONS (RA) ABOUT THIS PERSON. THEY (RA) REPLIED:
"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, HE IS A POOR MUSLIM. IF HE IS BETROTHED SOMEWHERE, CHANCES ARE THAT HE WILL NOT GET MARRIED. IF HE HAPPENS TO RECOMMEND ANYBODY, HIS RECOMMENDATION IS NOT LIKELY TO BE ACCEPTED. IF HE TALKS, FEW WOULD LISTEN TO HIM."

THEREUPON THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REMARKED:

"THIS LATTER PERSON IS BETTER THAN A WHOLE LOT OF SUCH PERSONS AS THE FORMER."

THE MEANING FOR THIS IS THAT A PERSON BELONGING TO A GOOD FAMILY AND HAS ESTABLISHED HIMSELF WITHIN THE SOCIETY OR WORLD, HAS BECOME SO ABSORBED WITH THE WORLD THAT HE HAS FORGOTTEN ALLAH OR REMEMBERS ALLAH VERY LITTLE. BUT A PERSON WHO HAS VERY LITTLE AND HOLDS LITTLE RESPECT IN THE WORLD SEEMS TO REMEMBER ALLAH MORE AND ALSO FOLLOWS OUT COMMANDMENTS OF ALLAH THEREFORE PUTTING HIMSELF IN A HIGHER RANK THAN THE WELL REPECTED PERSONS OF THIS WORLD. THE POOR MUSLIM THROUGH HIS SORROWS AND PAINS REMEMBERS ALLAH FREQUENTLY THUS BRINGING HIM CLOSER. IT IS A WELL KNOWN FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE WHO DO NOT SUFFER MUCH AND HAVE MANY WORLDLY BENEFITS, ENJOY THEMSELVES WITH THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND SELDOM REMEMBERS ALLAH. BUT WHEN A CALLAMITY BEFALLS THEM, THEY CALL OUT AND REMEMBER ALLAH. WHEN ALLAH TAKES AWAY THEIR DISTRESS THEY AGAIN FORGET ALLAH. IT IS STATED THAT MAN IS GIVEN ATLEAST TWO CHANCES IN A YEAR TO COME BACK ONTO THE PATH OF ALLAH THAT IS STRAIGHT. BUT UNFORTUNATELY MANY HAVE GONE ASTAY.

A PERSON ONCE CAME TO THE PROPHET (SAW) AND SAID:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"THINK WELL BEFORE YOU SAY THIS."

THE PERSON REPLIED: "I HAVE ALREADY GIVEN THIS THOUGHT. I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH."

THE PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"THINK ONCE AGAIN BEFORE YOU DECLARE SUCH A THING."

THE PERSON REPLIED: "I STILL LOVE YOU VERY MUCH, O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAHY."

THEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "WELL IF YOU ARE SINCERE IN WHAT YOU SAY, THEN BE PREPARED TO FACE PRIVATION AND WANT COMING TO YOU FROM ALL DIRECTIONS, FOR IT PURSUES ALL THOSE WHO LOVE ME, AS SWIFTLY AS WATER RUNNING DOWN A STREAM."

SUFFERINGS OF SOME OF THE SAHABAH (RA):

HAZRAT BILAL (RA) WAS AN ABYSSINIAN SLAVE OF A DISBELIEVER IN MECCA. HIS CONVERSION TO ISLAM WAS NOT LIKED AT ALL BY HIS MASTER AND HE (RA) WAS PERSECUTED MERCILESSLY.

UMMAYAH BIN KHALAF WAS ONE OF THE WORST ENEMIES OF ISLAM AND WOULD MAKE HAZRAT BILAL (RA) LIE DOWN ON BURNING HOT SAND AT MIDDAY AND WOULD PLACE A HEAVY ROCK ON HIS CHEST, SO THAT HE COULD NOT EVEN MOVE A LIMB. UMMAYAH WOULD SAY:

"RENOUNCE/REJECT ISLAM OR SWELTER AND DIE ."

HAZRAT BILAL (RA) BEING SO ABSORBED WITH THE LOVE OF ALLAH WOULD SAY:

"AHAD(THE ONE ALLAH), AHAD."

THEY WOULD WHIP HIM AGAIN AND AGAIN AT NIGHT AND IN THE DAY REPEAT THE PROCESS MAKING HIM LIE ON BURNING HOT SAND. THEIR INTENTION WAS TO MAKE THE HOT SAND PENETRATE THE CUTS OF HIS SKIN (FROM THE WHIPPING) MAKING THE TORTURE AS UNBEARABLE AS POSSIBLE. SO CRUEL AND HEARTLESS WERE THESE PEOPLE.

HAZRAT BILAL (RA) WAS TORTURED SO MUCH THAT EVEN THE TORTURERS WOULD GET EXHAUSTED AND THEY WOULD TAKE IT IN TURNS TO TORTURE HIM.

BUT HAZRAT BILAL (RA) KEPT REPEATING:

"AHAD,AHAD."

UNTILL BY THE MERCY OF ALLAH, HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) BROUGHT HIS FREEDOM.

HAZRAT ABUZAR GUIFARI (RA) EMBRACED ISLAM ON HIS FIRST MEETING WITH THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ADVICED HIM TO GO BACK TO HIS COMMUNITY (THE GHUIFAR CLAN) AND NOT TO MAKE AN OPEN DECLARATION OF HIS EMBRACING ISLAM AS THEY THE QUREYSH WOULD HARM HIM, AND TO RETURN TO MECCA WHEN THE MUSLIMS GAINED THE UPPERHAND.

IT WAS THE SPIRIT OF THE SAHABAH (RA) WITHIN HIM. KNOWING THE SUFFERINGS AND HARDSHIPS THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS FACING TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM, HAZRAT ABUZAR (RA) FELT THAT HE SHOULD ALSO FOLLOW HIS PROPHET (SAW) AND SAID:

"O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, BY HIM WHO IS THE MASTER OF MY SOUL, I MUST GO AND RECITE THE KALIMAH IN THE MIDST OF THESE UNBELIEVERS."

TRUE TO HIS WORD, HE WENT STRAIGHT TO HARAM AND RIGHT IN THE MIDST OF THE UNBELIEVERS, IN HIS HIGHEST VOICE HE DECLARED:

"LA ILLAHA ILLALLAHO MUHAMMADUR RASULULLAH (SAW)"
I BEAR WITNESS THAT THERE IS NO GOD EXCEPT ALLAH AND MUHAMMAD (SAW) IS HIS MESSENGER.

HEARING THIS THE UNBELIEVERS JUMPED ON HIM FROM ALL SIDES BEATING HIM. HE WOULD SURELY HAVE BEEN BEATEN TO DEATH IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE UNCLE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ABBAS (WHO HAD NOT YET EMBRACED ISLAM). ABBAS INTERVENED BETWEEN HAZRAT ABUZAR (RA) AND THE CROWD SAYING:

"DO YOU KNOW WHO HE IS? HE BELONGS TO THE GUIFAR COMMUNITY WHO LIVE ON THE WAY OF OUR CARAVANS TO SYRIA. IF HE IS KILLED, THEY WILL WAYLAY US AND WE SHALL NOT BEABLE TO TRADE WITH THAT COUNTRY."

THIS APPEALED TO THE CROWD AND THEY LEFT HAZRAT ABUZAR (RA) ALONE.

THE NEXT DAY HAZRAT ABUZAR (RA) REPEATED THE SAME EPISODE AND ABBAS AGAIN INTERVENED AND SAVED HIM FROM BEING BEATEN TO DEATH.

IT WAS THE SPIRIT OF THE SAHABAH (RA) AND THE SPIRIT OF ISLAM, THE FEAR OF ALLAH AND THE WAYS OF THE PROPHET (SAW) EMBEDDED IN THEIR HEARTS WHICH ENABLED THEM TO UNDERGO SO MUCH SUFFERING FOR THE WAYS OF ISLAM. THAT TO ME SEEMS TO BE THE REAL ISLAM. NOT WHAT THE PEOPLE CALL ISLAM TODAY. THE PEOPLE OF ISLAM TODAY SEEM TO FOLLOW THEIR OWN WAYS AND IF THEY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY THEY ALSO WOULD CHANGE THE WORDS OF ISLAM JUST AS THE CHRISTIANS AND THE JEWS HAVE DONE TO SUIT THEIR NEED.

HAZRAT KHABBAB BIN ARAI (RA) IS ALSO ONE OF THOSE BLESSED PERSONS WHO OFFERED HIMSELF FOR SACRIFICE AND SUFFERINGS IN THE WAY OF ALLAH. HE WAS THE SIXTH OR SEVENTH PERSON TO EMBRACE ISLAM AND THEREFORE SUFFERED FOR A LONG PERIOD. HE WAS MADE TO PUT ON A STEEL ARMOUR AND LIE IN THE SUN TO SWELTER AND SWEAT. VERY OFTEN HE WAS MADE TO LIE ON BURNING SAND, WHICH CAUSED THE FLESH ON HIS BACK TO WASTE AWAY. HE WAS THE SLAVE OF A WOMEN. WHEN SHE CAME TO KNOW THAT HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) WAS SEING THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SECRETLY, SHE USED TO BRAND HIS HEAD WITH A HOT IRON ROD.

DURING THE CALIPHATE OF HAZRAT UMAR (RA), HE ONCE ASKED HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA ABOUT THE DETAILS OF HIS SUFFERINGS AFTER EMBRACING ISLAM. HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) SHOWED HAZRAT UMAR (RA) HIS BACK.

SEEING THIS HAZRAT UMAR (RA) SAID: "I HAVE NEVER SEEN SUCH A BACK BEFORE."

HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) SAID: "MY BODY WAS DRAGGED OVER HEAPS OF SMOULDERING (BURNING) CHARCOAL AND THE BLOOD AND FAT FROM MY BODY PUT OUT THE FIRE."

IT IS SAID THAT, WHEN ISLAM WAS SPREADING AND THE MUSLIMS WHERE CONQUERING ALL THE SURROUNDING TERRITORIES, HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) USED TO WEEP AND SAY:

"ALLAH SEEMS TO BE COMPENSATING US IN THIS WORLD FOR ALL OUR SUFFERINGS AND PERHAPS NOTHING WOULD BE LEFT IN THE HEREAFTER."

HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) SAID THAT ONCE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) PERFORMED AN UNUSUAL LONG RAKKAT WHILE LEADING SALAAT. WHEN THE SAHABAH (RA) ASKED THE REASON FOR THIS, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"THIS WAS THE SALAAT OF YEARNING AND HUMILTY. I ASKED THREE BOONS (GIFTS/MERCIES) FROM ALLAH. I BESOUGHT (ASKED/BEGGED):

"O ALLAH, LET NOT MY UMMAT PERISH BY FAMINE, LET NOT MY UMMAT BE ANNIHILATED BY THE ENEMY GAINING THE UPPER HAND AND LET NOT MY UMMAT FIGHT AMONG THEMSELVES.

ALLAH GRANTED THE FIRST TWO PRAYERS BUT NOT THE THIRD ONE."

HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA) MADE HIS JOURNEY TO THE HEREAFTER IN THIRTY SEVEN HIJRA AND WAS THE FIRST SAHABAH (RA) TO BE BURIED AT KOOFAH.

HAZRAT ALI (RA) ONCE PASSED BY HIS GRAVE AND SAID:

"MAY ALLAH BLESS AND SHOW MERCY ON HAZRAT KHABBAB (RA). HE EMBRACED ISLAM WILLINGLY. HE EMIGRATED WITH GREAT PLEASURE IN ALLAH'S PATH AND SPENT HIS WHOLE LIFE IN STRIVING AND SUFFERING FOR ISLAM. BLESSED IS THE PERSON WHO IS MINDFUL OF THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, PREPARES FOR HIS RECKONING, REMAINS CONTENDED WITH VERY LITTLE OF THIS WORLD AND IS ABLE TO PLEASE HIS LORD."

THE FIRST AND ILLUSTRIOUS BATTLE OF ISLAM WAS CALLED 'BADR'. IT WAS A GREAT HONOUR FOR ALL THOSE WHO TOOK PART IN THIS BATTLE AS THE VICTORY GAVE ISLAM A SOLID GROUND AND A WARNING TO OTHERS.

THE SECOND BATTLE WAS CALLED 'UHAD'. ON THE EVE OF THE BATTLE OF UHAD, HAZRAT ABDULLAH-BIN-JAHSH (RA) SAID TO HAZRAT SA'D-BIN-ABIWAQAS (RA):

"O SA'D, COME LET US PRAY TOGETHER. LET EACH PRAY TO ALLAH FOR THE GRANT OF HIS SOUL'S DESIRE AND THE OTHER WILL SAY AMEEN TO IT. THIS WAY THE PRAYERS ARE LIKELY TO BE ANSWERED BY ALLAH."

HAZRAT SA'D (RA) AGREED AND THEY BOTH WENT TO A CORNER TO PRAY. HAZRAT SA'D (RA) PRAYED FIRST SAYING:

"O ALLAH, WHEN THE BATTLE RAGES TOMORROW, LET ME FACE A STRONG AND FIERCE ENEMY, LET HIM ATTACK ME WITH MIGHT AND MAIN AND LET ME REPULSE HIM WITH ALL MY STRENGTH. THEN O ALLAH, LET ME BE TRIUMPHANT BY KILLING HIM FOR YOUR SAKE AND ALLOW ME TO HAVE HIS POSSESSIONS AS BOOTY."

HAZRAT ABDULLAH (RA) SAID: "AMEEN" AND STARTED HIS PRAYER:

"O ALLAH, LET ME FACE ONE OF THE TOUGHEST FIGHTERS AMONG THE ENEMY TOMORROW. LET HIM ATTACH ME WITH FULL FURY AND LET ME ATTACK HIM WITH MY FULL STRENGTH. THEN, LET HIM HAVE THE UPPER HAND AND KILL ME. HE MAY CUT MY NOSE AND EARS FROM MY BODY. WHEN I APPEAR BEFORE YOU ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, YOU MAY ASK ME, 'HOW DID YOU LOSE YOUR NOSE AND YOUR EARS, O ABDULLAH?', TO WHICH I MAY REPLY, THESE WERE LOST IN THE WAY OF ALLAH AND HIS PROPHET (SAW). THEN THE LORD WILL SAY, 'YES, SURELY THESE WERE LOST IN MY WAY'."

HAZRAT SA'D (RA) SAID: "AMEEN."

ON THE DAY OF THE BATTLE OF UHAD, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) GAVE SPECIAL ORDERS TO FIFTY ARCHERS TO GUARD A SMALL PASSWAY/AREA AT THE REAR WHICH WAS A WEAKNESS FOR THE MUSLIMS IF NOT GUARDED. THEY WERE TOLD NOT TO MOVE FROM THAT POSITION UNTILL FURTHER ORDERS WERE GIVEN TO THEM. HOWEVER, WHEN IT SEEMED THAT THE MUSLIMS HAD WON THE BATTLE AND THE ENEMIES WERE RETREATING, SADLY SOME OF THOSE ARCHERS LEFT THEIR POSITIONS TO PURSUE THE BOOTY. DESPITE THE PERSON IN CHARGE OF THE FIFTY ARCHERS TRYING TO RESTRAIN THEM BY SAYING:

"THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) GAVE US SPECIAL ORDER TO STAND GUARD HERE."

NO MORE THAN TEN ARCHERS OBEYED.

NEGLECTING THE ORDER OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) CHANGED THE VICTORY OF UHAD INTO DEFEAT.

A GROUP OF ENEMIES SLIPPED THROUGH THE PASS, WHICH COULD NOT BE GUARDED BY TEN MEN. THE MUSLIMS WERE NOW TRAPPED BETWEEN A GROUP OF ENEMIES FROM BEHIND AND ANOTHER GROUP OF ENEMIES FROM THE FRONT.

THIS WAS A VERY HARD TIME FOR THE MUSLIMS. THE ENEMIES STARTED TO SHOUT LIES IN THE RAGE OF THE BATTLE THAT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAD BEEN KILLED. MOST OF THE SAHABAH (RA) LOST THEIR BALANCE OF MIND ON HEARING THIS AND THEIR WAS CONFUSION AND DISTRESS AT A TIME WHEN FULL CONCENTRATION WAS REQUIRED.

HAZRAT ANAS (RA) SAW HAZRAT SA'D-BIN-MO'AZ (RA) PASSING INFRONT OF HIM AT THE TIME WHEN SOME MUSLIMS WERE BUSY WITH THE BOOTY AND SHOUTED:

"O SA'D, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

HAZRAT SA'D (RA) REPLIED: "BY ALLAH, I SMELL THE FRAGRANCE OF PARADISE COMING FROM MOUNT UHAD."

SAYING THIS HE THREW HIMSELF INTO THE VERY THICK OF THE ENEMY AND FOUGHT TOOTH AND NAIL UNTILL HE MET HIS MARTYDROM. WHEN HIS BODY WAS DISCOVERED AT THE END OF THE BATTLE, AT LEAST EIGHTY WOUNDS OF ARROWS AND SWORDS WERE COUNTED ON HIS BODY. IT HAD BEEN SO MAULED AND MUTILATED THAT ONLY HIS SISTER COULD RECOGNIZE THE BODY AND THAT BARELY BY HIS FINGERTIPS.

HAZRAT ALI SAID:

"WE WERE SURROUNDED BY THE ENEMY AND I COULD NOT SEE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). I FIRST SEARCHED FOR HIM AMONG THE LIVING AND THEN AMONG THE DEAD, BUT I COULD NOT SEE HIM (SAW) OR FIND HIM (SAW). I SAID TO MYSELF, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR HIM TO FLY FROM THE BATTLEFIELD. IT SEEMS ALLAH IS ANGRY WITH US DUE TO OUR SINS AND HE HAS LIFTED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) UPTO THE HEAVENS. THERE IS NO WAY FOR ME EXCEPT TO JUMP INTO THE ENEMY LINES AND FIGHT UNTILL I AM KILLED. I THEREFORE ATTACKED THE ENEMIES, CLEARING THEM WITH MY SWORD UNTILL I CAUGHT SIGHT OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). I WAS EXTREMELY HAPPY AND WAS SURE THAT ALLAH HAD BEEN PROTECTING HIM THROUGH HIS ANGELS. I APPROACHED HIM AND STOOD BY HIS SIDE. MEANWHILE AN ENEMY CONTINGENT ADVANCED TO ATTACK THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID

'ALI, GO AND CHECK THEM.'

I FOUGHT AND REPULSED THEM SINGLE HANDEDLY, KILLING QUITE A FEW OF THEM. AFTER THIS YET ANOTHER GROUP CAME TO ATTACK THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AGAIN CALLED OUT:

'ALI, GO AND CHECK THEM.'

I FOUGHT WITH THAT GROUP SINGLE HANDEDLY AND PUT THEM TO THEIR HEELS."

IT WAS AT THIS BATTLE AT THE END WHEN HAZRAT JIBRAIL (AS) DESCENDED DOWN FROM HEAVEN AND PRAISED HAZRAT ALI (RA) FOR HIS VALOUR AND DEVOTION TO THE PROPHET (SAW).

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: "ALI BELONGS TO ME AND I BELONG TO HIM."

HAZRAT JIBRAIL (AS) SAID: "I BELONG TO YOU BOTH."

HAZRAT ABDULLAH (RA) AND HAZRAT SA'D-BIN-ABIWAQAS (RA) BOTH SAW THEIR PRAYERS ANSWERED. HAZRAT SA'D (RA) SAID:

"HAZRAT ABDULLAH (RA) PRAYER WAS BETTER THAN MINE. IN THE EVENING I NOTICED HIS EARS AND NOSE STRUNG IN A THREAD."

HAZRAT HANZALAH (RA) HAD JUST BEEN MARRIED BEFORE THE BATTLE OF UHAD. WHEN HE HEARD THE BREAKING NEWS ABOUT THE DEFEAT OF THE MUSLIMS HE POSTPONED HIS BATH THAT WAS INCUMBENT ON HIM, GRABBED HIS SWORD AND JOINED THE BATTLE JUMPING INTO THE ENEMY CONCENTRATION FIGHTING AND PENETRATING UNTILL HE WAS MARTYED. NOT KNOWING HAZRAT HANZALAH (RA) FAILURE TO TAKE THE BATH WHICH WAS INCUMBENT ON HIM, THE SAHABAH BEGUN TO BURY HIM. JUST BEFORE HIS BURIAL, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"I SEE THE ANGELS WASHING HANZALAH'S BODY."

HAZRAT ABU SAEED SA'AD (RA) NARRATES:

"ON HEARING THIS FROM THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW), I WENT TO HAVE A LOOK AT HAZRAT HANZALAH (RA) FACE AND NOTICED DROPS OF WATER TRICKLING FROM HIS HAIR."

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) THE BELOVED WIFE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW):

ONCE HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) RECIEVED A GIFT OF TWO BAGS CONTAINING ONE LAKH (100,000) DIRHAMS. SHE STARTED DISTRIBUTING THE MONEY AMONG THE POOR, UNTILL BY EVENING SHE WAS NOT LEFT WITH A SINGLE DIRHAM. SHE WAS ALSO FASTING THAT DAY AND HER MAID SERVANT SAID TO HAZRAT AISHAH (RA):

"I WISH WE HAD KEPT ONE DIRHAM FOR OURSELVES TO GET SOME MEAT FOR IFTAAR." AS SHE GAVE HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) SOME BREAD AND A LITTLE OLIVE OIL FOR IFTAAR.

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) REPLIED: "DO NOT BE SORRY NOW. IF YOU HAD TOLD ME AT THAT TIME, I WOULD HAVE PERHAPS SPARED ONE DIRHAM."

ANOTHER TIME WHEN HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) WAS FASTING, SHE HAD ONLY ONE PIECE OF BREAD FOR IFTAAR. A POOR MAN CAME AND BEGGED FOR SOME FOOD. HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) TOLD HER MAID SERVANT TO GIVE HIM THE PIECE OF BREAD. THE MAID SERVANT SAID:

"IF I GIVE HIM THE PIECE OF BREAD, THERE WILL BE NOTHING LEFT FOR YOUR IFTAAR."

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) REPLIED: "NEVER MIND, LET HIM HAVE THE PIECE OF BREAD."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ONCE SAID:

"WHATEVER YOU SEND IN ADVANCE BY SPENDING IT IN THE PATH OF ALLAH IS YOURS, AND WHATEVER IS LEFT BEHIND BELONGS TO YOUR HEIRS."

HAZRAT FATIMA (RA) THE BELOVED DAUGHTER OF THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW):

HAZRAT ALI (RA) HUSBAND OF HAZRAT FATIMA (RA) NARRATES:

"FATIMAH (RA) USED TO GRIND THE GRAIN HERSELF, WHICH CAUSED BLISTERS ON HER HANDS. SHE CARRIED WATER FOR THE HOUSE IN A LEATHER BAG, WHICH LEFT A MARK ON HER CHEST. SHE CLEANED THE HOUSE HERSELF, WHICH MADE HER CLOTHES DIRTY. ONCE SOME WAR-CAPTIVES WERE BROUGHT TO MEDINA I SAID TO HER TO GO THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND REQUEST HIM (SAW) FOR AN ASSISTANT TO HELP YOU IN YOUR HOUSWORK. SHE (RA) WENT TO HIM, BUT FOUND MANY PEOPLE AROUND HIM. AS SHE WAS VERY MODEST, SHE COULD NOT BE BOLD ENOUGH TO REQUEST THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) IN THE PRESENCE OF PEOPLE. THE NEXT DAY THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) CAME TO HER HOUSE AND SAID: 'FATIMAH (RA), WHAT MADE YOU COME TO ME YESTERDAY?'. SHE FELT SHY AND KEPT QUITE. I SAID, O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, FATIMAH (RA) HAS DEVELOPED BLISTERS ON HER HANDS AND CHEST, ON ACCOUNT OF GRINDING AND CARRYING WATER. SHE IS CONSTANTLY BUSY IN CLEANING THE HOUSE AND IN OTHER DOMESTIC JOBS, CAUSING HER CLOTHES TO REMAIN DIRTY. I INFORMED HER ABOUT THE CAPTIVES AND ADVICED HER TO GO TO YOU (SAW) AND MAKE A REQUEST FOR A SERVANT."

IT IS ALSO NARRATED THAT HAZRAT FATIMAH (RA) MADE A REQUEST SAYING:

"I AND ALI OWN ONLY ONE BEDDING AND THAT ALSO IS A SKIN OF GOAT. WE USE IT IN THE MORNING TO PUT THE FEED OF THE CAMELS."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"FATIMAH, BE PATIENT. THE PROPHET MOSES (AS) AND HIS WIFE OWNED ONLY ONE BEDDING, WHICH WAS THE CLOAK OF MOSES (AS). FEAR ALLAH, ACQUIRE TAQWA (RIGHTOUSNESS) AND FULFILL YOUR OBLIGATIONS TO ALLAH AND ATTEND TO YOUR DOMESTIC JOBS. WHEN YOU GO TO BED, RECITE 'SUBHANALLAH' 33 TIMES, 'ALHAMDOLILLAH' 33 TIMES AND 'ALLAH'O'AKBAR' 34 TIMES. YOU WILL FIND THIS MORE HELPFUL THAN AN ASSISTANT."

HAZRAT FATIMAH (RA) SAID: "I AM HAPPY WITH WHAT ALLAH AND HIS PROPHET (SAW) WOULD BE PLEASED WITH."

IN ANOTHER HADITH IT IS STATED:
"SUBHANALLAH 33 TIMES, ALHAMDOLILLAH 33 TIMES, LA ILLAHA ILLALLAH 33 TIMES AND ALLAH'O'AKBAR 34 TIMES."
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CHAPTER 3

THE LIGHT OF FEAR

"WHOEVER FEARS ALLAH, ALLAH WILL MAKE A WAY FOR HIM OUT OF EVERY DIFFICULTY AND PROVIDE HIM FROM WHENCE HE HAS NO EXPECTATION." (AL QURAN)

ALLAH SAYS:

"I DO NOT IMPOSE TWO FEARS ON MY SLAVE. IF HE DOES NOT FEAR ME IN THIS WORLD, I SHALL GIVE HIM FEAR IN THE NEXT WORLD, AND IF HE FEARS ME IN THIS WORLD, I SHALL SAVE HIM FROM ALL FEARS IN THE HEREAFTER." (AL HADITH)

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAS SAID:

"NONE OF YOU SHOULD DIE EXCEPT, WITH A STRONG HOPE IN THE MERCY OF ALLAH."

"HOLD ALMIGHTY ALLAH IN CONSTANT FEAR. IF PRE-CHANCE YOU COMMIT ANY SIN, HASTEN AT ONCE TO DO SOME VIRTUOUS DEED SO THAT SIN IS ATONED AND WRITTEN OFF."

"I HAVE NOT COME ACROSS ANY SIGHT MORE TERRIFYING THAN THAT OF THE GRAVE."

"BUT FOR FEAR THAT YOU MIGHT GIVE UP BURYING THE DEAD, I WOULD HAVE PRAYED TO ALMIGHTY ALLAH TO LET YOU HEAR THE TORTURE OF THE GRAVE. WITH THE EXCEPT OF MEN AND JINNS, ALL OTHER CREATURES HEAR THE PUNISHEMNT IN THE GRAVE."

ONCE THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) CAME TO THE MASJID FOR SALAAT, WHERE HE NOTICED SOME PEOPLE LAUGHING AND GIGGLING. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REMARKED:

"IF YOU REMEMBERED YOUR DEATH OFTEN, I WOULD NOT SEE YOU LIKE THIS. THINK OF YOUR DEATH OFTEN. NOT A SINGLE DAY PASSES WHEN THE GRAVE DOES NOT CALL OUT: 'I AM A WILDERNESS, I AM A PLACE OF DUST, I AM A PLACE OF WORMS.'

WHEN A MOMIN IS LAID IN THE GRAVE, IT SAYS:

'WELCOME TO YOU. IT IS GOOD OF YOU TO HAVE COME INTO ME. OF ALL THE PEOPLE WALKING ON THE EARTH, I LIKED YOU BEST. NOW THAT YOU HAVE COME INTO ME, YOU WILL SEE HOW I ENTERTAIN YOU.' IT THAN EXPANDS AS FAR AS THE OCCUPANT CAN SEE. A DOOR FROM PARADISE IS OPENED FOR HIM IN THE GRAVE AND THROUGH THIS DOOR HE GETS FRESH AND FRAGRANT AIR FROM PARADISE.

BUT WHEN AN EVIL MAN IS LAID IN THE GRAVE, IT SAYS:

'NO WORD OF WELCOME FOR YOU, YOUR COMING INTO ME IS VERY BAD FOR YOU. OF ALL THE PEOPLE WALKING ON THE EARTH, I DISLIKED YOU MOST. NOW THAT YOU HAVE BEEN MADE OVER TO ME, YOU WILL SEE HOW I TREAT YOU.' IT THAN CLOSES UPON HIM SO MUCH, THAT THE RIBS OF ONE SIDE PENETRATES INTO THE RIBS OF THE OTHER. AS MANY AS SEVENTY SERPENTS ARE THAN SET UPON HIM, TO KEEP BITING HIM TILL THE DAY OF RESURRECTION. THESE SERPENTS ARE SO VENOMOUS THAT IF ONE OF THEM HAPPENED TO SPURT OUT ITS VENOM UPON THE EARTH, NOT A SINGLE BLADE OF GRASS WILL GROW. THE GRAVE IS EITHER A GARDEN OF PARADISE OR A PIT OF HELL."

ONCE WHEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WAS GOING ON A JOURNEY, HIS SHE-CAMEL TOOK A FRIGHT. SOMEONE ASKED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO HER?. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED THAT SOMEBODY WAS BEING PUNISHED IN THE GRAVE AND THE CRIES OF THE PUNISHED HAD FRIGHTENED THE SHE-CAMEL.

"FEAR OF ALLAH IS THE ROOT OF ALL WISDOM."

"ALLAH SAYS: 'I DO NOT IMPOSE TWO FEARS ON MY SLAVE. IF HE DOES NOT FEAR ME IN THIS WORLD, I SHALL GIVE HIM FEAR IN THE NEXT WORLD. IF HE FEARS ME IN THIS WORLD, I SHALL SAVE HIM FROM ALL FEARS IN THE HEREAFTER'."

"ALL THINGS FEAR A PERSON WHO FEARS ALLAH, WHILE EVERYTHING IS A SOURCE OF FEAR TO HIM WHO FEARS SOMEBODY OTHER THAN ALLAH."

"THE FACE THAT GETS WET WITH THE SMALLEST DROP OF TEAR FROM THE FEAR OF ALLAH IS SAFE FROM ENTRANCE INTO THE FIRE OF HELL."

"NO DROP IS MORE DEAR TO ALLAH THAN TWO DROPS. A TEAR DROP SHED IN FEAR OF ALLAH, AND A DROP OF BLOOD SHED IN THE PATH OF ALLAH."

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) NARRATED:

"WHENEVER A STRONG WIND BRINGING DENSE CLOUDS STARTED BLOWING, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) FACE TURNED PALE WITH THE FEAR OF ALLAH. HE BECAME RESTIVE (UNEASY) AND WOULD GO IN AND OUT WITH PERTURBATION (AGITATED/DISTURBED) AND WOULD RECITE THE FOLLOWING PRAYER:

' O MY ALLAH, I ASK OF THEE THE GOOD OUT OF THIS WIND, THE GOOD OUT OF THAT WHICH IS IN THE WIND, I SEEK REFUGE IN THEE (ALLAH) FROM THE EVIL OF THIS WIND, FROM THE EVIL OUT OF THAT WHICH IS THE OUTCOME OF THIS WIND.'

AND FURTHER WHEN IT BEGAN TO RAIN, SIGNS OF DELIGHT APPEARED ON HIS FACE. I SAID TO HIM ONCE: O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, WHEN CLOUDS APPEAR EVERYBODY IS HAPPY AS THEY FORETELL RAIN, BUT WHY IS IT THAT I SEE YOU SO MUCH PERTURBED (AGITATED) AT THAT TIME?

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: 'O AISHAH, HOW CAN I FEEL SECURE THAT THIS WIND DOES NOT PORTAIN (CONTAIN) ALLAH'S WRATH? THE PEOPLE OF A'AD WERE PUNISHED WITH THE WIND. THEY WERE HAPPY WHEN THEY BEHELD (SAW) THE GATHERING OF DENSE CLOUDS, BELIEVING THAT THEY BROUGHT RAIN, BUT ACTUALLY THESE CLOUDS BROUGHT NO RAIN BUT UTTER DESTRUCTION TO A'AD'."

THE HOLY QURAN RELATING TO THIS INCIDENT:

"THEN WHEN THEY (A'AD) BEHELD A DENSE CLOUDS COMING TOWARDS THEIR VALLEY'S, THEY SAID: 'HERE IS A CLOUD BRINGING US RAIN.' NAY, BUT IT IS THAT VERY CALAMITY WHICH YOU DID SEEK TO HASTEN, A WIND WHEREIN IS A GRIEVOUS PENALTY, DESTROYING ALL THINGS BY COMMANDMENT'S OF ITS LORD. AND MORNING FOUND THEM SO THAT NAUGHT COULD BE SEEN, SAVE THEIR DWELLINGS, THUS WE TREAT THE GUILTY FOLKS."

HAZRATB ABU DARDA (RA) SAYS:

"WHENEVER THERE WAS A STORM, THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WOULD GET DISTURBED AND WOULD GO TO THE MASJID."

AT ONE TIME THE SUN WAS IN AN ECLIPSE AND THE SAHABAH (RA) LEFT WHAT THEY WERE DOING, THE YOUNG BOYS, PRACTICING ARCHERY ALL HASTENED TOWARDS THE MASJID TO SEE WHAT THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WOULD DO AT THAT TIME. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) STARTED A SALAAT OF TWO RAKAAT'S, WHICH WERE SO LONG THAT SOME PEOPLE FAINTED AND FELL DOWN. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WEPT IN HIS SALAAT AND SAID:

"O MY LORD, THOU HAS SAID THAT THOU WOULDST NOT PUNISH THEM AS I AM WITH THEM AND SO LONG AS THEY SEEK FORGIVENESS."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) THEN ADDRESSED THE PEOPLE:

"YOU SHOULD HASTEN FOR SALAAT WHENEVER YOU HAPPEN TO FIND THE SUN OR MOON IN ECLIPSE. IF YOU HAPPEN TO KNOW THE SIGNS OF THE LAST DAY AS I DO, THEN SURELY YOU WOULD WEEP MORE AND LAUGH LESS. IN ALL SUCH HAPPENING, REPAIR TO SALAAT, PRAY TO ALLAH AND DISTRIBUTE ALMS TO THE POOR."

THE HOLY QURAN SAYS:

"BUT ALLAH WOULD NOT PUNISH THEM WHILE THOU ART WITH THEM, NOR WILL HE PUNISH THEM WHILE THEY SEEK FORGIVENESS."

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) ONCE ASKED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW):

"IS THEIR ANYBODY AMONG YOUR FOLLOWERS WHO WILL GO TO PARADISE WITHOUT RECKONING?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED:

"YES, THE PERSON WHO OFTEN CRIES OVER HIS SINS."

HAZRAT UQBAH-BIN-AMIR (RA) ONCE ASKED THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW)

"WHAT IS THE WAY TO SALVATION?"

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) REPLIED:

"HOLD YOUR TONGUE, STAY INDOORS AND CRY OVER YOUR SINS."

SOME OF THE SAHABAH'S (RA) FEAR OF ALLAH:

ONCE HAZRAT UMAR (RA) WAS BUSY WITH SOME IMPORTANT WORK WHEN A PERSON CAME TO HIM AND COMPLAINED ABOUT SOME PETTY GRIEVANCE AND REQUESTED FOR ITS REDRESS. HAZRAT UMAR (RA) LAID A LASH (WITH HIS WHIP) ACROSS HIS SHOULDER AND SAID:

"WHEN I SIT FOR THAT PURPOSE, YOU DO NOT COME TO ME, BUT WHEN I AM ENGAGED IN OTHER IMPORTANT WORK, YOU COME WITH YOUR GRIEVANCE TO INTERRUPT ME."

THE PERSON WALKED AWAY, BUT HAZRAT UMAR (RA) SENT FOR HIM AND HANDED HIS WHIP OVER TO HIM AND SAID:

"YOU NOW LASH ME TO EVEN THE MATTER."

THE PERSON SAID:

"I FORGIVE YOU FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) WENT HOME, PRAYED A SALAAT OF TWO RAKAAT'S IN REPENTANCE AND UPBRAIDED HIMSELF SAYING:

"O UMAR, YOU WERE LOW, BUT ALLAH ELEVATED YOU. YOU WERE WANDERING ASTRAY BUT ALLAH GUIDED YOU. YOU WERE BASE BUT ALLAH ENNOBLED YOU AND GAVE YOU SOVEREIGNTY OVER HIS PEOPLE. NOW ONE OF THEM COMES AND ASK'S FOR REDRESS OF THE WRONG DONE TO HIM AND YOU BEAT HIM. WHAT ANSWER HAVE YOU TO GIVE BEFORE ALLAH?"

ONCE HAZRAT UMAR (RA) WAS JOURNEYING ON HIS USUAL ROUND TOWARDS HARRAH (A SUBURB IN MADINAH) WITH HIS SLAVE ASLAM. HAZRAT UMAAR (RA) SAW A DISTANT FIRE IN THE DESERT AND SAID:

"THERE SEEMS TO BE A CAMP. PERHAPS IT IS A CARAVAN THAT COULD NOT ENTER THE TOWN DUE TO NIGHT-FALL, LETS GO AND LOOK AFTER THEM AND ARRANGE FOR THEIR PROTECTION DURING THE NIGHT."

WHEN HE REACHED THERE, HE FOUND A WOMEN AND SOME CHILDREN. THE CHILDREN WERE CRYING. THE WOMEN HAD A PAN OF WATER OVER A FIRE. HAZRAT UMAR (RA) GREETED HER WITH SALAAM AND WITH HER PERMISSION WENT NEAR HER.

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) ASKED: "WHY ARE THE CHILDREN CRYING?"

THE WOMEN REPLIED: "BECAUSE THEY ARE HUNGRY."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) ASKED: "WHAT IS IN THE PAN?"

THE WOMEN REPLIED: "ONLY WATER TO SOOTHE THE CHILDREN SO THAT THEY MAY GO TO SLEEP IN THE BELIEF THAT FOOD IS BEING PREPARED FOR THEM. AH! ALLAH WILL JUDGE BETWEEN UMAR (RA) AND ME, ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT FOR NEGLECTING ME IN MY DISTRESS."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) BEGAN TO WEEP AND SAID: "MAY ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON YOU. HOW CAN UMAR KNOW OF YOUR DISTRESS?"

THE WOMEN REPLIED: "WHEN HE IS YOUR AMIR (LEADER), HE MUST KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED ABOUT US."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) QUICKLY RETURNED TO THE TOWN AND STRAIGHT AWAY WENT TO BAITUL-MAL (ALMS KEPT FOR THE POOR) TO FILL A SACK WITH FLOUR, DATES, FAT AND CLOTHES AND ALSO DREW SOME MONEY. WHEN THE SACK WAS READY HE SAID TO HIS SLAVE ASLAM:

"NOW PUT THIS SACK ON MY BACK, ASLAM."

ASLAM SAID: "NO PLEASE, AMIR-UL-MOMINEEN (RA)(LEADER OF THE FAITHFUL), I SHALL CARRY THIS SACK."

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) REFUSED TO LISTEN TO ASLAM, EVEN ON HIS PERSISTANT REQUEST TO ALLOW HIM TO CARRY THE SACK. HAZRAT UMAR (RA) SAID:

"WHAT!, WILL YOU CARRY MY LOAD ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT? I MUST CARRY THIS BAG, FOR IT IS I WHO WOULD BE QUESTIONED (IN THE HEREAFTER) ABOUT THIS WOMEN."

ONCE WHEN HAZRAT UMAR (RA) WAS RECITING SURAH YUSUF IN FAJR PRAYER, HE CAME TO THE VERSE:

"I ONLY PLEAD MY DISTRESS AND ANGUISH UNTO ALLAH."

HE WEPT SO MUCH THAT HE COULD NOT RECITE ANY FURTHER. IN TAHAJJUD (NIGHT PRAYER), HE WOULD SOMETIMES FALL TO THE GROUND AND WOULD GET INDISPOSED WITH EXCESSIVE WEEPING.

IT WAS THE TABUK EXPEDITION WHEN THE MUSLIMS WERE GETTING READY TO FACE THE FORCES OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE, WHEN THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) ASKED FOR CONTRIBUTION FROM THE SAHABAH (RA) FOR EQUIPMENT. IT WAS ON THIS OCCASION THAT HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) CONTRIBUTED ALL HIS BELONGINGS. WHEN ASKED BY THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WHAT HE HAD LEFT FOR HIS FAMILY?
HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) REPLIED:

"I HAVE LEFT ALLAH AND HIS PROPHET FOR THEM."

THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

"ABU BAKR'S (RA) NAME SHALL BE CALLED OUT FROM ALL THE GATES OF PARADISE AND HE WILL BE THE FIRST OF MY FOLLOWERS TO ENTER IT."

RABIA'AH ASLAMI (RA) HAS SAID:

"ONCE I HAD SOME ARGUMENT WITH HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) DURING WHICH HE UTTERED A WORD THAT I DID NOT LIKE. HE REALISED IT IMMEDIATELY AND SAID TO ME,

'BROTHER, PLEASE SAY THAT WORD BACK TO ME IN RETALIATION.'

I REFUSED TO DO SO. HE PERSISTED AND EVEN SPOKE OF REFERRING THE MATTER TO THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW). BUT I DID NOT AGREE TO UTTER THAT WORD. HE GOT UP AND LEFT ME. A FEW PEOPLE REMARKED:

'LOOK, HOW STRANGE! THE PERSON DOES WRONG TO YOU AND ON TOP OF THAT HE THREATENS TO COMPLAIN TO THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW).'

I SAID TO THEM:

DO YOU KNOW WHO HE IS? HE IS ABU BAKR (RA). TO DISPLEASE HIM IS TO DISPLEASE THE PROPHET RASULULLAH (SAW) AND TO DISPLEASE THE PROPHET RASULULLAH (SAW) IS TO DISPLEASE ALLAH, AND IF ALLAH IS DISPLEASED THEN WHO CAN SAVE RABIAH'AH FROM RUIN?

I WENT TO THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) AND TOLD THE WHOLE STORY TO HIM. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID:

'YOU WERE RIGHT IN REFUSING TO UTTER THAT WORD. BUT YOU COULD HAVE SAID THIS MUCH IN REPLY, O ABU BAKR (RA), MAY ALLAH FORGIVE YOU'."

HAZRAT IBN UMAR (RA) USED TO WEEP SO MUCH FOR THE FEAR OF ALLAH THAT HE LOST HIS EYESIGHT. HE ONCE SAID TO SOMEONE WHO SAW HIM:

"YOU WONDER AT MY WEEPING. EVEN THE SUN WEEPS FOR THE FEAR OF ALLAH, EVEN THE MOON WEEPS WITH HIS FEAR."

HAZRAT ABU SULAIMAN DAARANI (RA) HAS SAID:

"THERE IS NOTHING BUT RUIN FOR A HEART THAT IS DEVOID OF FEAR OF ALLAH."

HAZRAT ABDULLAH-BIN-ABBAS (RA) WAS ONCE WALKING IN MECCA, WHERE HE HEARD A GROUP OF PEOPLE EXCHANGING HOT WORDS. HE GREETED THEM WITH 'ASSALAM'O' ALAIKUM' THEY REQUESTED HIM TO SIT DOWN BUT HE REFUSED AND SAID:

"MAY I TELL YOU ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHOM ALLAH HOLDS IN HIGH ESTEEM? THESE ARE THOSE THAT HIS FEAR (OF ALLAH) HAS DRIVEN TO ABSOLUTE SILENCE, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NEITHER HELPLESS NOR DUMB. RATHER THEY POSSESS ELOQUENCE AND HAVE POWER TO SPEAK AND SENSE TO UNDERSTAND. BUT CONSTANT GLORIFICATION OF ALLAH'S NAME HAS OVERPOWERED THEIR WITS THAT THEIR HEARTS ARE OVER AWED AND THEIR LIPS ARE SEALED. WHEN THEY GET ESTABLISHED IN THIS STATE, THEY HASTEN TOWARDS RIGHTOUSNESS. WHITHER HAVE YOU PEOPLE DEVIATED FROM THIS COURSE."

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CHAPTER 4

THE LIGHT OF JUDGEMENT


"AND THOU WILL SEE EVERY NATION BOWING THE KNEE;

EVERY NATION WILL BE CALLED TO ITS RECORD;

THIS DAY SHALL YE BE RECOMPENSED FOR ALL THAT YE DID" (AL QURAN)

"TRULY MAN IS, TO HIS LORD UNGRATEFUL AND TO THAT FACT HE BEARS WITNESS BY HIS DEEDS" (AL QURAN)

IT IS SAID IN THE EARLY DAYS, PEOPLE COULD SEE SATAN. A PERSON APPROACHED HIM SAYING HOW COULD HE BE LIKE HIM. SATAN TOLD HIM THAT HE HAD NEVER RECIEVED SUCH A REQUEST BEFORE AND ASKED HIM WHAT PROMPTED HIM TO ASK THIS. THE PERSON TOLD HIM THAT HE WISHED IT FROM HIS HEART. SATAN TOLD HIM TO NEGLECT YOUR SALAAT AND TO SWEAR FREQUENTLY, NOT CARING WHETHER YOU ARE DOING IT TRUTHFULLY. THE PERSON TOLD SATAN THAT HE SWEARS BY ALLAH NEVER TO GIVE UP SALAAT AND NEVER TO SWEAR FALSELY. SATAN TOLD HIM NEVER BEFORE HAD HE BEEN TRICKED BY A HUMAN BEING TO GIVE HIS ADVICE. HE WAS DETERMINED NEVER TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

A PERSON ONCE SAW SATAN IN A DREAM COMPLETELY NAKED. THE PERSON SAID TO SATAN ARE YOU NOT ASHAMED OF BEING NAKED IN THE MIDST OF MEN. SATAN REPLIED:

"BY ALLAH, IF THESE WERE MEN I WOULD NOT HAVE TOYED WITH THEM AS DO BOYS WITH THEIR TOYS. REAL MEN ARE THOSE WHO MADE ME ILL, WHO HAVE MADE ME WORRIED SO MUCH THAT MY BODY HAS BECOME LEAN AND THIN AND MY HEART BURNT. THOSE ARE THE REAL MEN." AND HE POINTED TO A GROUP OF SUFI'S (SAINTS).

ABU SAEED KHAZAZ ALSO STATES THAT HE SAW A DREAM THAT SATAN ATTACKED HIM. ABU SAEED TRIED TO BEAT HIM WITH A STICK, BUT SATAN DID NOT CARE FOR BEING BEATEN. THEN ABU SAEED HEARD A HEAVENLY VOICE SAYING THAT THE DEVIL IS NOT SCARED AWAY BY THE BEATING, HE IS ONLY FRIGHTENED BY THE SPIRITUAL LIGHT IN THE HEART.

QUOTATIONS FROM THE HOLY QURAN

"SATAN ONLY SEEKETH TO CAST AMONG YOU ENMITY AND HATRED BY MEANS OF STRONG DRINK AND GAMES OF CHANCE, AND TO TURN YOU FROM REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH AND FROM HIS WORSHIP. WILL YE THEN NOT LEAVE OFF THESE BAD HABITS"

"RESTRAIN THYSELF ALONG WITH THOSE WHO CALL UPON THEIR LORD AT MORNING AND EVENING, SEEKING HIS PLEASURE; AND LET NOT THINE EYES OVERLOOK THEM, DESIRING THE POMP OF THIS WORLDLY LIFE;

AND OBEY NOT HIM WHO'S HEART WE HAVE MADE HEEDLESS OF OUR REMEMBRANCE, WHO FOLLOWS HIS OWN LUSTS AND WHOSE CASE HAS GONE BEYOND ALL BOUNDS."

"IS NOT THE TIME RIPE FOR THE HEARTS OF THOSE WHO BELIEVE TO SUMMIT TO ALLAH'S REMINDER?"

"(THERE IS A MENTION OF THE HYPOCRITES). THE DEVIL HAS ENGROSSED THEM AND SO HATH CAUSED THEM TO FORGET THE REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH. THEY ARE THE DEVILS PARTY. LO, IS IT NOT THE DEVIL'S PARTY WHO WILL BE THE LOSERS"

"LO! I, EVEN I, AM ALLAH. THEIR IS NO GOD SAVE ME, SO SERVE ME AND ESTABLISH SALAAT FOR MY REMEMBRANCE. LO, THE HOUR IS SURELY COMING. BUT I WILL KEEP IT HIDDEN, THAT EVERY SOUL MAY BE REWARDED FOR THAT WHICH IT STRIVETH TO ACHIEVE"

"THEY ONLY ARE THE (TRUE) BELIEVERS WHOSE HEARTS FEEL A TREMOR WHEN ALLAH IS MENTIONED, AND WHEN THE REVELATIONS OF ALLAH ARE RECITED UNTO THEM, THEY FIND THEIR FAITH STRENGTHENED, AND WHO TRUST IN THEIR LORD, THEREAFTER MENTIONING THE OBSERVANCE OF SALAAT BY THEM IT IS STATED. SUCH IN TRUTH ARE THE BELIEVERS THEY SHALL ENJOY DIGNIFIED POSITIONS WITH THEIR LORD

AND BE BLESSED WITH HIS FORGIVENESS AND GENEROUS SUSTENANCE"

"ON THAT DAY, WE SHALL PRESENT HELL TO THE DISBELIEVERS PLAIN TO VIEW; THOSE WHOSE EYES HAD BEEN UNDER A VEIL FROM REMEMBRANCE OF ME"

"BUT YE CHOSE THEM FOR A LAUGING STOCK, UNTILL YHIS (PAST-TIME) CAUSED YOU TO FORGET

REMEMBRANCE OF ME, WHILE YE LAUGHED AT THEM. LO! I HAVE REWARDED THEM THIS DAY FOR AS MUCH AS THEY WERE STEADFAST. AND THEY VERILY ARE THE TRIUMPHANT"

"THEN WOE UNTO THOSE WHOM HEARTS ARE HARDENED AGAINST REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH. SUCH ARE CLEARLY IN ERROR"

"AND HE WHOSE SIGHT IS DIM TO THE REMEMBRANCE OF THE BENEFICIENT, WE ASSIGN UNTO HIM A DEVIL WHO BECOMES HIS COMRAD"

SAY; "WHETHER YE HIDE WHAT IS IN YOUR HEARTS, OR REVEAL IT, ALLAH KNOWS IT ALL, HE KNOWS

WHAT IS IN THE HEAVENS AND WHAT IS ON EARTH, AND ALLAH HAS POWER OVER ALL THINGS"

"ON THE DAY WHEN EVERY SOUL WILL BE CONFRONTED WITH ALL THE GOOD IT HAS DONE, AND ALL THE EVIL IT HAS DONE, IT WILL WISH THERE WERE A GREAT DISTANCE BETWEEN IT AND ITS EVIL. BUT ALLAH CAUTIONS YOU (TO FEAR) HIM AND ALLAH IS FULL OF KINDNESS TO THOSE THAT SERVE HIM"

"HERE IS A PLAIN STATEMENT TO MEN, A GUIDANCE AND INSTRUCTION TO THOSE WHO FEAR ALLAH. SO

LOSE NOT HEART, NOR FALL INTO DESPAIR, FOR YE MUST GAIN MASTERY, IF YE ARE TRUE IN FAITH. IF A WOUND HATH TOUCHED YOU, BE SURE A SIMILAR WOUND HATH TOUCHED OTHERS, SUCH DAYS OF (VARYING FORTUNES) WE GIVE TO MEN AND MEN BY TURN, THAT ALLAH MAY KNOW THOSE THAT BELIEVE, AND THAT HE MAY TAKE TO HIMSELF FROM YOUR RANKS MARTYR-WITNESSES (TO TRUTH) AND ALLAH LOVETH NOT THOSE THAT DO WRONG. ALLAH'S OBJECT ALSO IS TO PURGE THOSE THAT ARE TRUE IN FAITH AND TO DEPRIVE OF BLESSING THOSE THAT RESIST FAITH"

"DID YE THINK THAT YE WOULD ENTER HEAVEN WITHOUT ALLAH TESTING THOSE OF YOU WHO FOUGHT HARD (IN HIS CAUSE) AND REMAINED STEADFAST"

"AND O YE IN SIN! GET YE APART THIS DAY! DID I NOT ENJOIN ON YOU, O YE CHILDREN OF ADAM, THAT YE SHOULD NOT WORSHIP SATAN, FOR THAT HE WAS TO YOU AN ENEMY AVOWED, AND THAT YE SHOULD WORSHIP ME (FOR THAT) THIS WAS THE STRAIGHT WAY. BUT HE DID LEAD ASTRAY A GREAT MULTITUDE OF YOU. DID YE NOT THEN UNDERSTAND, THIS IS THE HELL OF WHICH YE WERE PROMISED, EMBRACE YE THE FIRE THIS DAY, FOR THAT YE (PERSISTANTLY) REJECTED (TRUTH), THAT DAY SHALL WE SET A SEAL ON THEIR MOUTHS, BUT THEIR HANDS WILL SPEAK TO US, AND THEIR FEET BEAR WITNESS TO ALL THAT THEY DID"

"DO NOT FOLLOW THOU THE LUST (OF THY HEART), FOR IT WILL MISLEAD THEE FROM THE PATH OF ALLAH, FOR THOSE WHO WANDER ASTRAY FROM THE PATH OF ALLAH, IS A CHASTISEMENT GRIEVOUS FOR THAT THEY FORGOT THE DAY OF ACCOUNT"

"SHALL WE TREAT THOSE WHO BELIEVE AND WORK DEEDS OF RIGHTOUSNESS, THE SAME AS THOSE WHO DO MISCHIEF ON EARTH? SHALL WE TREAT THOSE WHO GUARD AGAINST EVIL, THE SAME AS THOSE WHO TURN ASIDE FROM THE RIGHT?"

"(HERE IS) A BOOK (QURAN) WHICH WE HAVE SENT DOWN UNTO THEE FULL OF BLESSING, THAT THEY MAY MEDITATE ON ITS SIGNS, AND THAT MEN OF UNDERSTANDING MAY RECIEVE ADMONITION"

"SO HE GAVE NOTHING IN CHARITY, NOR DID HE PRAY, BUT ON THE CONTRARY, HE REJECTED TRUTH AND TURNED AWAY"

"WOE TO THEE (O MAN), YEA, WOE! AGAIN, WOE TO THEE (O MAN), YEA WOE! DOES MAN THINK THAT HE WILL BE LEFT UNCONTROLLED (WITHOUT PURPOSE)"

"YET THEY PLAY ABOUT IN DOUBT, THEN WATCH THOU FOR THE DAY THAT THE SKY WILL BRING FORTH A KIND OF SMOKE (OR MIST) PLAINLY VISIBLE"

"WE CREATED NOT THE HEAVENS, THE EARTH AND ALL BETWEEN THEM, MERELY IN (IDLE) SPORT. AND THOU WILT SEE EVERY NATION BOWING THE KNEE, EVERY NATION WILL BE CALLED TO ITS RECORD, THIS DAY SHALL YE BE RECOMPENSED FOR ALL THAT YE DID"

"IT WILL BE SAID: 'THIS DAY WILL FORGET YOU AS YE FORGOT THE MEETING OF THIS DAY OF YOURS, AND YOUR ABODE IS THE FIRE, AND NO HELPERS HAVE YE"

"THIS IS BECAUSE YE USED TO TAKE THE SIGNS OF ALLAH IN JEST, AND THE LIFE OF THE WORLD DECIEVED YOU, (FROM) THAT DAY, THEREFORE THEY SHALL NOT BE TAKEN OUT, NOR CAN THEY MAKE AMENDS"

"O YE WHO BELIEVE, IF YE HELP THE CAUSE OF ALLAH, HE WILL HELP YOU, AND PLANT YOUR FEET FIRMLY. BE NOT WEARY AND FAINT HEARTED CRYING FOR PEACE, WHEN YE ARE THE UPPERMOST, FOR ALLAH IS WITH YOU, AND WILL NOT PUT YOU IN LOSS FOR YOUR GOOD DEEDS, THAT ALLAH MAY FORGIVE THEE THY FAULTS OF THE PAST AND THOSE TO FOLLOW, FULFIL HIS FAVOUR TO THEE, AND GUIDE THEE ON THE STRAIGHT WAY (PATH), AND THAT ALLAH MAY HELP THEE WITH A POWERFUL HELP"

"IT IS HE WHO SENT DOWN TRANQUILITY INTO THE HEARTS OF THE BELIEVERS THAT THEY MAY ADD FAITH TO THEIR FAITH"

"HAS NOT THE STORY REACHED YOU OF THOSE WHO REJECTED FAITH AFORETIME? SO THEY TASTED THE EVIL RESULTS OF THEIR CONDUCT, AND THEY HAD A GRIEVIOUS CHASTISEMENT"

"SAY, 'IT IS HE WHO CREATED YOU, AND MADE FOR YOU FACULTIES OF HEARING, SEEING AND UNDERSTANDING. LITTLE THANKS IT IS YE GIVE"

"BY THE PEN AND BY THE RECORD WHICH MEN WRITE, THOU ART NOT, BY THE GRACE OF THY LORD, MAD OR POSSESSED. NAY VERILY FOR THEE IS A REWARD UNFAILING"

"AND SURELY THOU HAST SUBLIME MORALS SOON WILL THOU SEE, AND THEY WILL SEE, WHICH OF YOU IS AFFLICTED WITH MADNESS"

"VERILY IT IS THY LORD THAT KNOWETH BEST WHICH (AMONG MEN) HATH STRAYED FROM HIS PATH, AND HE KNOWETH BEST THOSE WHO RECIEVE TRUE GUIDANCE"

"SO OBEY NOT THOSE WHO DENY THE TRUTH. THEIR DESIRE IS THAT THOU SHOULD'ST BE PLIANT, SO WOULD THEY BE PLIANT"

"OBEY NOT EVERY MEAN SWEARER, A SLANDERER GOING ABOUT WITH CALUMNIES, (HABITUALLY) HINDERING (ALL) GOOD, TRANGRESSING BEYOND BOUNDS, DEEP IN SIN, VIOLENT (AND CRUEL) WITH ALL THAT OF A DOUBTFUL BIRTH SOON SHALL WE BRAND (THE BEAST) ON THE SNOUT"

"SUCH IS THE PUNISHMENT (IN THIS LIFE) BUT GREATER IS THE PUNISHMENT IN THE HEREAFTER IF ONLY THEY KNEW"

"SHALL WE THAN TREAT THE PEOPLE OF FAITH LIKE THE PEOPLE OF SIN? WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH? HOW JUDGE YE? OR HAVE YE A BOOK THROUGH WHICH YE LEARN, THAT YE SHALL HAVE THROUGH IT WHATEVER YE CHOOSE?"

"OR HAVE YE A COVENANT WITH US ON OATH, REACHING TO THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, (PROVIDING) THAT YE SHALL HAVE WHATEVER YE DEMAND?"

"ASK THOU, OF THEM, WHICH OF THEM WILL STAND SURETY FOR THAT?"

"THE DAY THAT THE SHIN SHALL BE LAID BARE, AND THEY SHALL BE SUMMONED TO PROSTRATE, BUT THEY SHALL NOT BEABLE, THEIR EYES WILL BE CAST DOWN, IGNOMINY WILL COVER THEM, SEEING THAT THEY HAD BEEN SUMMONED (IN THIS WORLD) AFORETIME TO BOW IN ADORATION WHILE THEY WERE WHOLE (AND REFUSED)"

"THEN LEAVE ME ALONE WITH SUCH AS REJECT THIS MESSAGE. BY DECREE SHALL WE DRAW THEM ON LITTLE BY LITTLE FROM DIRECTIONS THEY PERCIEVE NOT. A LONG RESPITE WILL I GRANT THEM. TRULY POWERFUL IS MY PLAN"

"NOW I DO CALL TO WITNESS THE LORD OF ALL POINTS, IN THE EAST AND THE WEST THAT WE CAN CERTAINLY SUBSTITUTE FOR THEM BETTER MEN THEN THEY, AND WE ARE NOT TO BE DEFEATED IN OUR PLAN"

"SO LEAVE THEM TO PLUNGE IN VAIN TALK AND PLAY ABOUT, UNTILL THEY ENCOUNTER THAT DAY OF THEIRS WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN PROMISED"

"WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU, THAT YE ARE NOT CONSCIOUS OF ALLAH'S MAJESTY, SEEING THAT IT IS HE THAT CREATED YOU IN DIVERSE STAGES? SEE YE NOT HOW ALLAH HAS CREATED THE SEVEN HEAVENS ONE ABOVE ANOTHER, AND MADE THE MOON A LIGHT IN THEIR MIDST, MADE THE SUN AS A GLORIOUS LAMP? AND ALLAH HAS PRODUCED YOU FROM THE EARTH, GROWING GRADUALLY, AND IN THE END HE WILL RETURN YOU INTO THE EARTH, AND RAISE YOU FORTH AGAIN AT RESURRECTION"

"THEREFORE BE PATIENT WITH CONSTANCY TO THE COMMAND OF THY LORD, AND OBEY NOT TO THE SINNER OR THE INGRATE AMONG THEM, AND CELEBRATE THE NAME OF THY LORD MORNING AND EVENING, AND PART OF THE NIGHT, PROSTRATE THYSELF TO HIM, AND GLORIFY HIM A LONG NIGHT THROUGH"

AS TO THOSE, THEY LOVE THE FLEETING LIFE AND PUT AWAY BEHIND THEM A DAY THAT WILL BE HARD. ASSUREDLY, WHAT YE ARE PROMISED MUST COME TO PASS, FOR THE DAY OF SORTING OUT. AH WOE, THAT DAY, TO THE REJECTERS OF TRUTH!

"DID WE NOT DESTROY THE MEN OF THE OLD FOR THEIR EVIL?"

AND ON SOME DID SATAN PROVE TRUE HIS IDEA, AND THEY FOLLOWED HIM ALL BUT A PARTY THAT BELIEVED. BUT HE HAD NO AUTHORITY OVER THEM EXCEPT THAT WE MAY TEST THE MAN WHO BELIEVES IN THE HEREAFTER FROM HIM WHO IS IN DOUBT CONCERNING IT. AND THY LORD DOTH WATCH OVER ALL THINGS"

"CERTAINLY THE PROMISE OF ALLAH IS TRUE, LET NOT THEN THIS PRESENT LIFE DECIEVE YOU NOR LET THE CHIEF DECIEVER, DECIEVE YOU ABOUT ALLAH. VERILY SATAN IS AN ENEMY TO YOU, SO TREAT HIM AS A ENEMY. HE ONLY INVITES HIS ADHERENTS, THAT THEY MAY BECOME COMPANIONS OF THE BLAZING FIRE.IF THY DO SEEK FOR GLORY AND POWER, TO ALLAH BELONGS ALL GLORY AND POWER. TO HIM MOUNTS UP (ALL) WORDS OF PURITY. IT IS HE WHO EXALTS EACH DEED OF RIGHTOUSNESS.

PATIENTLY, THEN PRESERVE, FOR THE PROMISE OF ALLAH IS TRUE, AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FOR THY FAULTS, AND CELEBRATE THE PRAISES OF THY LORD IN THE EVENING AND IN THE MORNING.CALL ON ALLAH, VERILY ALLAH WILL SURELY ANSWER THOU (PRAYER). VERILY ALLAH IS FULL OF GRACE AND BOUNTY TO MEN, YET MOST MEN GIVE NO THANKS.

SUCH IS ALLAH YOUR LORD, THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS, THERE IS NO GOD BUT HE, THEN HOW YE ARE DELUDED AWAY FROM THE TRUTH"

"SEE THEY NOT HOW MANY GENERATIONS BEFORE THEM WE DESTROYED? NOT TO THEM WILL THEY RETURN BUT EACH ONE OF THEM WILL BE BROUGHT BEFORE US FOR JUDGEMENT."

"WHAT IS THE LIFE OF THIS WORLD BUT AMUSEMENT AND PLAY? BUT VERILY THE HOME OF THE
HEREAFTER, THAT IS LIFE INDEED, IF THEY BUT KNEW.

DO THEY NOT TRAVEL THROUGH THE EARTH AND SEE WHAT WAS THE END OF THOSE BEFORE THEM? THEY WERE SUPERIOR TO THEM IN STRENGTH, THEY TILLED THE SOIL AND POPULATED IT IN GREATER NUMBER THAN THESE HAVE DONE. THERE CAME TO THEM THEIR MESSENGER WITH CLEAR (SIGNS) WHICH THEY REJECTED TO THEIR OWN DESTRUCTION. IT WAS NOT ALLAH WHO WRONGED THEM, BUT THEY WRONGED THEIR OWN SOULS.

IN THE LONG RUN EVIL WILL BE THE END OF THOSE WHO DO EVIL, FOR THAT THEY REJECTED THE SIGNS OF ALLAH, AND HELD THEM UP FOR RIDICULE."

"SO PATIENTLY PRESERVE, FOR VERILY THE PROMISE OF ALLAH IS TRUE, NOR LET THOSE EXCITE THEE WHO HAVE (THEMSELVES) NO CERTAINTY OF FAITH.

WHOEVER SUBMITS HIS WHOLE SELF TO ALLAH AND IS THE DOER OF GOOD, HAS GRASPED INDEED THE FIRMIST HAND-HOLD. AND TO ALLAH SHALL ALL THINGS RETURN.

ON THE DAY OF DECISION, NO PROFIT WILL IT BE TO UNBELIEVERS IF THEY (THEN) BELIEVE, NOR WILL THEY BE GRANTED REPITE."

AH WOE, THAT DAY TO THE REJECTERS OF TRUTH.

(O YE UNJUST) EAT YE AND ENJOY YOURSELF (BUT) A LITTLE WHILE, FOR THAT YE ARE SINNERS.

AH WOE, THAT DAY, TO THE REJECTERS OF TRUTH, THEN WHAT MESSAGE, AFTER THAT WILL THEY BELIEVE IN? CONCERNING WHAT ARE THEY DISPUTING? CONCERNING THE GREAT NEWS, ABOUT WHICH THEY CANNOT AGREE. VERILY, THEY SHALL SOON (COME TO) KNOW. VERILY, VERILY THEY SHALL SOON (COME TO) KNOW. VERILY THE DAY OF SORTING OUT IS A THING APPOINTED"

"BY THE SOUL AND THE PROPORTION AND ORDER GIVEN TO IT. AND ITS INSPIRATION AS TO ITS WRONG AND ITS RIGHTS. TRULY HE SUCCEEDS THAT PURIFIES IT, AND HE FAILS THAT CORRUPTS IT.

VERILY THE ENDS YE STRIVE FOR ARE DIVERSE, SO HE WHO GIVES IN CHARITY AND FEARS ALLAH AND IN ALL SINCERITY TESTIFIES TO THE BEST, WE WILL INDEED MAKE SMOOTH FOR HIM THE PATH TO EASE"

"AND HAVE IN THEIR MINDS NO FAVOURS FROM ANYONE FOR WHICH A REWARD IS EXPECTED IN RETURN FROM ANYONE. BUT ONLY THE DESIRE TO SEEK FOR THE COUNTENANCE OF THEIR LORD MOST HIGH.

AND SOON WILL THEY ATTAIN COMPLETE SATISFACTION. AND VERILY THE HEREAFTER WILL BE BETTER FOR THEE THAN THE PRESENT.

SO VERILY WITH EVERY DIFFICULTY THEIR IS RELIEF, THEREFORE, WHEN THOU ART FREE FROM THINE IMMEDIATE TASK, STILL LABOUR HARD, AND TO THY LORD TURN ALL THY ATTENTION.

PROCLAIM! AND THY LORD IS MOST BOUNTIFUL, TAUGHT MAN THAT WHICH HE KNEW NOT. NAY, BUT MAN DOTH TRANGRESS ALL BOUNDS IN THAT HE LOOKETH UPON HIMSELF AS SELF-SUFFICIENT. VERILY TO THY LORD IS THE RETURN OF ALL. KNOWETH HE NOT THAT ALLAH DOTH SEE?

VERILY MAN IS IN LOSS. BY THE LORD OF THE HEAVENS AND EARTH THIS IS THE VERY TRUTH.

WOE TO EVERY KIND OF SCANDAL MONGER AND BACKBITER. HE WILL SURE TO BE THROWN INTO THAT WHICH BREAKS TO PIECES."

"SO WOE TO THE WORSHIPPER WHO ARE NEGLECTFUL OF THEIR PRAYERS.

SAY O YE THAT REJECT FAITH. TO YOU BE YOUR WAY, AND TO ME MINE.

CELEBRATE THE PRAISES OF THY LORD AND PRAY FOR HIS FORGIVENESS, FOR HE IS OFT-RETURNING IN FORGIVENESS"

RETURN



CHAPTER 5

THE LIGHT OF REMEMBRANCE (ZIKR)

"REMEMBER BE, AND I WILL REMEMBER YOU"

"AND BE NOT YE AS THOSE WHO FORGOT ALLAH AND THERE FORE ALLAH CAUSED THEM TO FORGET THEIR SOULS (SUCH ARE THE EVIL DOERS)"(AL QURAN)

1. ‘Therefore remember Me, I will remember you. Give thanks to Me and reject not Me.’

2. When (during the Hajj) ye pass on in the multitude from ‘Arafaat’, remember Allah by the sacred monument. Remember Him as He hath guided you, although before this ye of those gone astray.

3. And when ye have completed your Hajj rites, then remember Allah as ye remember your fathers, or with a more lively remembrance. There are men who say, “Our Lord! Give unto us, your bounties in this world,” but they will have no portion in the Hereafter”

There are men (also) who say, “Our Lord! Give unto us in the world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and guard us from the doom of Fire.” For them, there is in store a goodly portion (in both worlds) out of that which they have earned. Allah is swift at reckoning.”

It is related in a hadith that the ‘Duaa’ of three persons is not rejected, rather it is surely accepted. (1) He who remembers Allah profusely (2) Wronged person (3) Ruler who avoids tyranny.

1. (During the Hajj) remember Allah all through the appointed days.

2. Remember thy Lord much, and praise Him in the early hours of night and morning.

3. (Talking of the wise men these are) such as remember Allah, standing, sitting, and reclining, and consider the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, and say, (after deliberation) “Our Lord! Thou has not created this in vain. Glory be to Thee! Preserve us from the doom of Fire.”

4. When ye have performed the act of Salaat, remember Allah, standing, sitting and reclining (We should remember him in all circumstances)

5. (The Hypocrites) when they stand up to worship, they perform it languidly and to be seen by men, and are mindful of Allah but little.

6. Satan seeketh only to cast among you enmity and hatred by means of strong drink and games of chance, and to turn you from remembrance of Allah, and from His worship. Will ye then leave off (these bad habits)?

7. Send not away those who call their Lord at morning and evening, seeking His countenance (Pleasure)

8. And call upon Him, making your devotion purely for Him (only)

9. Call upon your Lord humbly and in secret. Lo! He loveth not transgressors. Work not confusion in the Earth after the fair ordering thereof, and call on Him in fear and hope. Lo! The mercy of Allah is nigh unto the good.

10. Allah’s are the fairest names. Invoke Him by them.

11. And do thou remember thy Lord within thyself humbly and with awe, below thy breath, at morn and evening. And be thou not of the neglectful.

12. “They only are the (true) believers whose hearts feel a tremor when Allah is mentioned, and when the revelations of Allah are recited unto them, they find their faith strengthened, and who trust in their Lord. Thereafter mentioning the observance of Salaat by them it is stated. Such in truth are the believers they shall enjoy dignified positions with their Lord and blessed with His forgiveness and generous sustenance.”

13. And guideth unto Himself all who turn to Him in penitence; who have believed and whose hearts find satisfaction in the remembrance of Allah. Verily in the remembrance of Allah do hearts rest content!

14. Say (unto mankind): Call upon Allah, or Call upon the Beneficent, by whatever name you call upon him, it is well. His are the most beautiful names.

15. And remember thy Lord when thou forgettest.

16. Restrain thyself along with those who call upon their Lord at morning and evening, seeking His pleasure; and let not thin eyes overlook them, desiring the pomp of this worldly life; and obey not him whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance, who followeth his own lust and whose case has gone beyond all bounds.

17. On that day, We shall present Hell to the disbelievers, plain to view; those whose eyes had been under a veil from remembrance of Me.

18. A mention of the mercy of thy Lord unto His servant Zakariyya; when he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret.

19. And I shall pray unto my Lord. It may be that (And I have every hope), with prayer unto my Lord, I shall not be unblest.

20. Lo! I, even I, am Allah. There is no God save Me. So serve me and establish Salaat for My remembrance. Lo! The Hour is surely coming. But I will keep it hidden, that every soul may be rewarded for that which it striven to achieve.

21. And be not faint in remembrance of Me. (This is a piece of advice for Prophet Moses and Haroon (Alayhis Salam).

22. And (mention) Noah (Alayhis Salam) when he cried of old; We heard his prayer. (before times of Ibrahim (Alayhis Salam)

23. And (mention) Ayub (Alayhis salam) when he cried unto his Lord, “Lo! Adversity afflicteth me, and Thou are Most Merciful of all who show mercy.

24. And Zan-Nun Younus (Alayhis Salam), when he went off in anger (displeased with his community) and deemed that We had no power over him; but he cried out in the darkness (of the whale) saying “There is no God save Thee; be Thou glorified! Lo! I have been a wrong-doer

25. And (mention) Zakariah (Alayhis salam) when he cried unto his Lord, “My Lord! Leave me not childless, though Thou art the best of inheritors.”

26. Lo! They (the Prophets mentioned before) used to vie one with the other in good deeds, and they cried unto Us in longing and in fear, and were submissive to Us.

27. And give good tidings to the humble: whose hearts fear when Allah is mentioned.

28. (While talking to the unbeliever on the Day of Judgement, they will be asked whether they remember). Lo! There was a party of My servants who said, “Our Lord! We believe therefore forgive us and have mercy on us, for Thou art best of all who show mercy.”

But ye chose them for a laughing-stock, until this (past time) caused you to forget remembrance of Me, while ye laughed at them. Lo! I have rewarded them this day for as much as they were steadfast; and they verily are the triumphant.

29. (While praising men with perfect faith) Men whom neither merchandise nor sale beguileth from remembrance of Allah and constancy in prayer and paying to the poor their due.

30. But verily, remembrance of Allah is the most important.

31. (Those) who forsake their beds to call upon their Lord in fear and hope, and spend of what We have bestowed on them. No soul knoweth what joy is kept hidden for them as a reward for what they used to do.

Note: it is mentioned in a hadith that one who prays to Allah in the last portion of the night gains acceptance of Allah. If possible, you should remember Allah at this hour.

32. Verily in the messenger of Allah ye have a good example for him who looketh unto Allah and the Last Day and remembreth Allah much.

33. (while talking of the virtues of the believers) And men who remember Allah much and women who remember; Allah hath prepared for them His forgiveness and a vast reward.

34. O ye who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance. And glorify Him morning and evening.

35. And Noah (Alayhis Salam) verily prayed unto Us, and We are the best Who grant prayers.

36. Then woe unto those whose hearts are hardened against remembrance of Allah. Such are clearly in error

37. Allah hath (now) revealed the most beautiful message of the Qu’ran, a Scripture consistent with itself, repeating (its teaching in various aspects). Whereat doth tremble the skins of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah’s remembrance. Such is Allah’s guidance, wherewith be guideth whom He will.

38. Therefore pray unto Allah, making devotion pure for Him (only), however much the disbelievers may be averse.

39. He is the Living One, there is no Allah save Him. So pray unto Him, making devotion pure for Him (only)

40. And he whose sight is dim to the remembrance of the Beneficent, We assign unto him a devil who becometh his comrade.

41. Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is the messenger of Allah. And those with him are hard against the disbelievers and merciful among themselves. Thou seest them bowing and falling prostrate (in worship), seeking bounty from Allah and His acceptance. Their mark is on their foreheads from the traces of prostration. Such is their likeness in the Torah and their likeness in the Gospel-like as sown corn that sendeth forth its shoot and strengtheneth it and riseth firm upon its stalk, delighting the farmers. In the same manner, the Companions of the Prophet (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) were weak in the beginning and then grew in strength day by day, that He may enrage the disbelievers with (the sight of) them. Allah hath promised, unto such of them as believe and do good works, forgiveness and immense reward.

COMMENTARY

In these verses though the emphasis obviously is on the blessings occurring from ‘Ruki’ ‘Sajud’ and ‘Salaat’ but there is also an indication about the blessings associated with the second part of the Kalimah viz (Muhammad-ur-Rasulullah).

Imam Razi has related that in the treaty of Hudaibia, on the refusal and insistence of the unbeliever not to write (Muhammad Rasulullah) and to substitute it by ‘Muhammad bin Abdullah’, Allah Ta’ala asserts that He himself bears testimony to the Prophethood of Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). When the Sender confirms personally about a particular person to be his messenger, then the non-acceptance by any number of people does not matter. To confirm this testimony, Allah Ta’ala made the statement of Muahmmad Rasool Allah (Muhammad is a Prophet of Allah).

There are other important subjects in these Verses. One of them relates to the glow on the face of a blessed person. (Their marks is n their foreheads from the traces of sajdah). It has been explained that a person who keeps a vigil at night for prayers develops such a glow on his face.

Imaam Razi considers it an established fact that if two persons keep awake at night, one spending it in sensual and idle pleasures and the other uses his time in reciting the Qur’an, learning religious knowledge and offering prayers, they will get up with different facial expressions next morning. The latter described above will be because of his spiritual glow, will show himself quite a different person.

The third important thing that Imaam Malik and a group of scholars however established ‘Kufr’ for those people who talk ill of Sahaba and bear hatred against them.

42. Is not the time ripe for the hearts of those who believe to submit to Allah’s reminder?

43. (There is a mention of the hypocrites.) The devil hath engrossed them and so hath caused them to forget remembrance of Allah. They are the devil’s party. Lo! Is it not the devil’s party who will be the losers?

44. And when the (Friday) prayer is ended, then disperse in the land and seek of Allah’s bounty, (with the permission to engage yourself in worldly pursuits but even then) and remember Allah much, that ye may be successful.

45. O ye who believe! Let not your wealth nor your children distract you from remembrance of Allah. Those who do so, they are the losers. (These things will not last beyond the grave and Allah’s remembrance will prove useful in the Hereafter.)

46. And Lo! Those who disbelieve would fain disconcert thee with their eyes when they hear the message. ‘The Qur’an and they say, “Lo! He is indeed mad.”

Note: using the eyes in this manner indicates their extreme enmity. Hasan Basri (Rahmatullah alaih) advises blessing on a person, affected by malignant looks, after reciting this verse.

47. And whose turneth away from the remembrance of His Lord; He will thrust him into ever-growing torment.

48. And when the devotee of Allah, Muhammad (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) stood up in prayer to Him, they crowded on him, almost stifling him. Say (unto them, O Muhammad), I pray unto Allah only, and ascribe to Him no partner.

49. So remember the name of thy Lord and devote thyself to him whole-hearted devotion. (All other attachments should be reversed at that time and devotion to Allah should dominate).

50. Remember the name of thy Lord at morning and evening; and worship Him (a portion) of the night, and glorify Him through long night, in Tahajjud Salaat. Lo! These people who oppose you love the fleeting life, and put behind them (the remembrance of) a grievous day.

51. He is successful who purifieth himself (of evil manners) and remembereth the name of his Lord, so prayeth.

AHAADITH OF 'ZIKR' (REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH)

When the importance of Zikr has been emphasized in so many verses of the Holy Qur'an, the number of Ahaadith on this subject is naturally far too great; it is in proportion to the many voluminous books of Ahaadith. The Holy Qur'an is one book of only 30 parts, but the books of Ahaadith are many and each book contains a large number of Ahaadith.

For example, the Bukhari Sahreef alone consists of 30 voluminous parts, and similarly the Abu Dawood Shareef has 32 parts. There is no book of Ahaadith, which does not contain several Ahaadith on the subject of 'Zikr', and it is, therefore impossible to quote all such Ahadith in this small booklet. Of course, a single verse of the Holy Qur'an or a Hadith moves the faithful to good actions, but volumes of books would not move an unwilling person, who is like an ass carrying a load of books.

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HADITH NO-1

Allah's Taala treatment is according to one's expectations

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said,

"Almighty Allah says, 'I treat my slave (man) according to his expectations from Me, and I am with him when he remembers me. If he remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart; if he remembers Me in a gathering, I remember him in a better and nobler gathering (i.e. of angels) if he comes closer to Me by one span, I go towards him a cubit's length, if he comes toward Me by a cubit's length, I go towards him an arm's length, and if he walks towards Me, I run unto him."

Note: There are several points elaborated in this Hadith. The first point is that Allah deals with a man according to his expectations from Him. One should therefore always be hopeful of the mercy and benevolence of Almighty Allah and never be despondent of His blessings. Certainly, WE are extremely sinful and justly deserve punishment on account of our evil deeds, yet in no case should we feel despondent of the mercy of Allah, as He may perhaps totally forgive us.

"Lo! Allah forgiveth not if a cosharer (partner) be ascribed unto Him and forgiveth all save that to whom He will." (al-Nisa, 48, 116)

But Almighty Allah may or may not forgive; that is why the 'Ulama' say that true belief lies in between hope (of forgiveness of Allah) and fear (of His wrath). The Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) once visited a young Sahabi (companion), who was breathing his last, and asked him how he was feeling. He replied, "O! Messenger of Allah, I am hopeful of the mercy of Allah, and yet I am afraid of my sins." Therefore the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said "When the heart of a Believer is filled with these two feelings of hope and fear, Almighty Allah fulfils his hope and saves his hope and saves him from what he is afraid of."

It is mentioned in one Hadith that a believer thinks of his sin, as if he is sitting under huge rock that is threatening to fall on him, while for a transgressor his sin is no more than a fly which is easily scared off, i.e., he takes his sins very lightly. In short, one should be appropriately afraid of ones sins, and at the same time remain hopeful of Allah's mercy.

Hazrat Ma'az (Radiallaho anho) died of plague and, in the moments of death agony, he fainted many times whenever he regained consciousness for a moment, he would say, "Oh Allah! Thou Knowest that I love Thee. By Thy Honor and Glory, Thou Knowest this very well." Just before breathing his last, he said, "O Death, you are a welcome guest but have come at a time when there is nothing in the house to eat." Then he said, "O Allah! Thou Knowest very well that I always feared Thee, and today I die hopeful of Thy forgiveness. O Allah! I enjoyed life, not in digging canals and planting gardens, but in remaining thirsty in the hot weather, in undergoing hardships for the sake of Islam, and in taking part in the gatherings engaged in Zikr under the supervision of the Ulama."

Some Ulama have written that the fulfilment of expectations promised by Almighty Allah in the aforesaid Hadith is in its most general sense. It carries assurance not only in respect of forgiveness but also in respect of prayers, health, wealth and safety. For instance when a person prays to Allah sincerely believes that Allah shall accept his prayer, then his prayer is actually accepted, but if he has doubt (that his prayer would not be accepted), it is not accepted.

Thus, in another hadith it is stated that the prayer of a person is granted so long as he does not say that his prayer is not granted. The same is true in the case of all blessings relating to health, prosperity, etc. according to one Hadith, if a destitute person discloses his hunger to everybody, he is not relieved of his poverty, but if he shows submission to Gracious Allah, his condition may soon change for the better.

However hoping for the better from Almighty Allah is one thing, and being over-confident of His help and forgiveness is another thing. Almighty Allah has warned us against such an attitude in several verses of the Holy Qur'an e.g. "Let not the deceiver (the Satan) beguile you in regard to Allah." i.e. one should not be misled by the Devil to commit sins just because Allah is the most Merciful and the Forgiver. There is another verse, "Hath He knowledge of the Unseen, or hath he made a pact with the Beneficent. No, never."

The second point in this hadith is "Whenever a slave of Mine remembers Me, I am with him." In another Hadith, it is stated "So long as one's lips move in My remembrance I remain with him."i.e. Almighty Allah bestows His special care and mercy on him during all this time.

The third point is that Almighty Allah mentions him with favor to the angels, which signifies the value of Zikr. Firstly, this is because Allah created man such that inherently he is liable to be good as well to g o astray, as given below in Hadith No. 8. Submission on his part therefore deserves special appreciation. Secondly, at the time of Aadam's Creation, the Angels (who have no instinct for doing evil) could not understand the creation of man and had contended that he would cause blood-shed and trouble in the world, while they are always there to praise and glorify Almighty Allah. Thirdly, man's worship of Allah and submission to His will is more commendable than that of the Angels, because he does so on account of his faith in the unseen which, however is actually seen b the angels. It is to this fact that Allah refers in the Holy Book: "How would the man have not worshipped if he had actually seen the Paradise and the Hell." It is for this reason that Almighty Allah praises the noble deeds of those that worship and glorify Him without seeing.

The fourth point contained in the above in the above-mentioned Hadith is that if a man increases his devotion to Almighty Allah, the increase in His mercy and kindness upon him is proportionately far greater. "Getting near" and "running" signify immediate increase in His blessings and mercy. Thus, it is up to a person that, if he wants to enjoy more kindness and favors from Almighty Allah, he should increase his devotion to Him.

The fifth point in the above mentioned Hadith is that the Angels have been stated to be superior to man, while it is commonly known that man is the best creation of Allah. One reason for this has already been explained in the translation (of the hadith), that the angels are superior because they are innocent and are unable to commit sins. Secondly, they are superior because they are better tan the majority of men, including even the majority of believes; and yet some selected Believers like the Prophets (Alayhim Salam) are superior to the angels. There are other reasons as well, which are however left out in order to prevent the discourse from getting too long.

HADITH NO-2

Advice to keep tongue evry busy in Zikr

A sahabi once said, "O Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), I know that the commandments of Sahriat are many, but of these tell me the one that I may practice assiduously throughout my life." The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), replied, "Keep your tongue always moist (i.e. busy) with the 'Zikr' of Allah.

According to another Hadith, Hazrat Moaaz has said, "Once at the time of my departure from Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), I asked him to advise me of that action which is most pleasing to Almighty Allah: whereupon he replied, "At the time of your death, your tongue should be bus with 'Zikr' of Almighty Allah."Note:-By "my departure", hazrat Muaaz (Radhiallaho anho) refers to the occasion when he was appointed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as the Governor of Yemen and sent there for teaching and propagating Islam. It was at the time of that farewell that Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had given him some parting instructions.

By saying that "the commandments of Sahriat are many", the Sahabi had meant that although observance of every commandment is imperative, to specialize and attain perfection in each and every one is difficult; and so he wanted that Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam), may recommend him something of over-riding importance which he might hold fast to, and practice at al times and in all conditions of sitting, standing or walking. According to another hadith, a person who possesses the following four things is truly blessed, from the worldly as well as spiritual point of view-(1) A tongue ever absorbed in the Zikr of Almighty Allah.(2) A heart filled with gratitude of Allah.(3) A body capable of undergoing hardships.(4) A wife who does not betray her husband's trust in respect of her chastity and his (husband's) wealth.

The phrase 'Moist tongue' according to some Ulama means excessive utterance (of Zikr) and, idiomatically, it is used to convey excessive glorification and praise. But in my (author's) humble opinion it can have another meaning as well. It is always very sweet and pleasant to talk of one's beloved, as is the common feeling and experience of every lover. On this basis, the phrase (moist tongue) would, therefore mean that one should glorify with love the name of Almighty Allah, so as to feel love's sweetness in the mouth.

I have observed many times that when some of my religious elders do Zikr aloud, the flavor of the sweetness enjoyed by them is so transmitted to the listeners that their mouths also feel the sweetness and they share the ecstasy likewise. But this phenomenon is possible only where there is a genuine yearning for Zikr, and the tongue is accustomed to excessive Zikr. It is stated in one Hadith that the proof of one's love for Almighty Allah lies in one's love for the Zikr of Allah, and in the same way lack of Zikr betrays lack of attachment with almighty Allah. Hazrat Abu Darda (Radhiallaho anho) said, "That those who keep their tongues wet with the Zikr of Allah, will enter paradise smiling.

Hadith No.-3

Zikr - the best of all deeds (near Allah)

Rasulullah (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) once said to his companions, "Shall I tell you something that is the best of all deeds, constitutes the best act of piety in the eyes of your Lord, will elevate your status in the Hereafter, and carries more virtue than the spending of gold and silver in the service of Allah or taking part in JIHAD and slaying or being slain in the path of Allah." The Companions begged to be informed of such an act. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "It is the Zikr of Almighty Allah."

Note: This hadith is a generalized statement; otherwise, at times of specific need and emergency Sadaqa (charity) and Jihad (fighting in the path of Allah) etc, become more desirable, as stated in some other Ahaadith. These acts become more important during the hour of need, but the Zikr is for all times and therefore generally more important and virtuous.

According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "for everything there is a purifier or cleanser. (For instance, soap is used for cleaning the body and the clothes, while a furnace is used for purifying iron). The Zikr of Almighty Allah cleanses and purifies the heart, and provides the best protection against retribution in the Hereafter." This hadith describes Zikr as the purifier of the heart, and as such it also establishes superiority of Zikr over all other actions, because the value of every act of worship depends upon Ikhlas (sincerity of the intention), which in turn depends on the heart.

Therefore, according to some 'Shuyukhs', the Zikr in this hadith implies the Zikr of the heart as against the Zikr by the tongue. By the Zirk of the heart, they mean that the heart remains always conscious of, and in communication with Almighty Allah. This state of the heart is doubtless superior to all kinds of worship, because when this state is attained, then omission of any kind of worship is just not possible. All parts of the human body, internal and external, are controlled by the heart and submit completely to the being to whom the heart is attached; the conduct of true lovers bears ample testimony to this fact.

There are many more Ahaadith that describe the superiority of Zikr over all other actions. Somebody enquired of Hazrat Salman (Radiallaho anho) as to what action of man is most virtuous. He replied, "Have you not read in the Holy Qur'an, (Certainly the Zikr of Allah is most exalted"). Hazrat Salman (Radiallaho anho) had referred here to the first Ayat of Part 21 of the Holy Qur'an.

The author of 'Majalis-ul-Abrar', while commenting on this Hadith, has written that Zikr of Allah is described to be superior to Sadaqa, Jihad, and all forms of worship, because it is an end in itself, and all types of worship constitute only a means to achieve this end. Zikr is of two kinds: one is done by word of mouth and the other is in the form of deep meditation and contemplation. It is the latter form of Zikr that is implied in the Hadith, which states that meditation for one moment is better than doing worship for seventy years. Hazrat Sohail (Radiallaho anho) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "The reward of Zikr of Allah is seven hundred thousand times more than that for spending wealth in the path of Allah."

Thus, in conclusion, it is evident that Jihad and Sadaqa etc. assume more importance and become more virtuous due to the need of the hour. The Ahaadith, which describe their superiority, are therefore understandable. For instance it is stated in one Hadith that standing up for a short while in the path of Allah is more valuable than offering Salaat at home for seventy years. Although Salaat is unanimously admitted to be the best form of worship, yet taking part in Hihad at the time of an invasion by the infidels carries far greater reward.

HADITH NO-4

Constant Zikr - a means to elevation of status in Jannah

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), said, "There are many a people who do Zikr of almighty Allah, while lying comfortably in their soft beds, and for this, they will be rewarded with the highest positions in Paradise by Almighty Lord."

Note: Generally, the greater the sufferings and hardships one undergoes in the cause of religion, the higher will be his status in the Hereafter. But the Zikr of Allah is such a blessed act that, even if it is done in soft beds in this world, it will bring high rewards and elevated positions in the Hereafter. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "If you keep yourselves busy in Zikr all the time, the angels will shake hands with you in your beds as well as on your way."

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "The Mufarrid people have gone far ahead." "Who are the Mufarrid?" enquired the Sahabah. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "It is those who are intensely devoted to the Zikr of Allah." On the basis of this Hadith, the Shuyukhs have stated that the kings and rulers should not be prevented from Zikr of Allah, for they, by this means, can attain a lofty rank in the Hereafter.

Hazrat Abu Darda (Radiallaho anho) says, "Glorify Almighty Allah during the time of prosperity and happiness, and it will help you in times of distress and trouble."

Hazrat Salman Farsee (Radiallaho anho) said, "If a person remembers Allah in times of peace, pleasure and prosperity, then whenever he is in trouble and difficulty, the angels, being familiar with his voice, recognize him in his helplessness and intercede before Almighty Allah (for his forgiveness); but, if one who does not remember Allah in his time of pleasure and happens to pray for help at the time of difficulty, the angels find his voice to be quite unfamiliar and therefore do not intercede for him."

Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radiallaho anho) said, "Paradise has eight gates, one of which is exclusively reserved for those who are engaged in Zikr." It is said in one Hadith, "A person who constantly does Zikr of Allah is immune from hypocrisy in faith", and according to another Hadith, "He is loved by Almighty Allah."

Once during his return journey to Medina Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "Where are those who have gone ahead." The Companions said, "The fast travelers have gone ahead"; then Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "Those who remain ahead are the persons who remain constantly absorbed in Zirk. Whoever desires to enjoy himself in Paradise, should do Zirk of Allah excessively."

HADITH NO-5

A Zaakir is like the living and the forgetful like the dead

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "The contrast between a person who glorifies Almighty Allah and one who does not remember Him is like that between the living and the dead."

Note: Life is dear to all, and every one fear death. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) meant to say that one, who does not remember Allah, though (bodily) alive, is spiritually dead and his life is but worthless. A Persian couplet quoted here by the Author means, "(The lover says) My life (of loneliness) is no life; his is the life who lives in contact with the beloved."

Some Scholars have stated that the example refers to the condition of the heart: the heart that remembers Allah is really alive, while the one that does not, is described as dead. Some Scholars say that the contrast is in respect of gain and loss. A man who harasses a Zakir is as if he harasses a living being, and will be avenged for this neglectful, ill-treats a dead body, which cannot avenge itself.

Some Shuyukh say that the Hadith refers to the eternal life of Zakirs, because those who glorify Allah constantly with sincerity never really die, but instead remain (spiritually) alive even after passing away from this world. The 'Zakirs' also enjoy a special life after death, like the Martyrs, mentioned in a verse of the Holy Qur'an: (Nay, they are alive in the eyes of their Sustainer).

Al-Hakim Tirmizi writes, 'Zikr moistens the heart and softens it. A heart that is devoid of Zikr becomes dry and hard, due to the excessive heat of lust and base desires. All parts of the body likewise become stiff and abstain from submission to Allah; if you try to bend them, they break like a dry piece of wood, which can be used as firewood only.

HADITH NO-6

The superiority of zikr over charity

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "if a person has a lot of wealth and distributes it amongst the needy, while another person is only busy with the Zikr of Allah, the latter who is engaged in Zikr, is the better of the two."

Note: Spending in the path of Allah is a splendid virtue, but Zikr of Allah is more virtuous. How lucky are those well-to-do persons who, in addition to spending for the pleasure of Allah, remain also devoted to His Zikr.

According to one hadith, Almighty Allah also does 'Sadaqa' every day, i.e. showers his favors on the people, and everybody gets what he deserves, but the luckiest is the person who is favored with the ability to do His Zikr. People who are engaged in different occupations, such as trade, farming and service, should spare some time for Zikr every day and thereby earn great rewards. It should not be difficult to devote an hour or two out of 24 hours, exclusively for this noble purpose. A lot of our time is wasted in frivolous pursuits, and some of this can be easily spared for this most useful work

In another Hadith, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "the wisest of all people are those who keep track of time, with the help of the sun, the moon, the stars, and the shadows, for doing Zikr regularly."Now-a-days we can determine time with the help of watches, yet one should be able to judge time with the help of these natural agents, so that no time gets wasted in case the watch stops or goes out of order. In another Hadith, it is stated that the place where Zikr is done takes pride over other parts of the Earth.

HADITH NO - 7

Inmates of Jannah regret the time not devoted to zikr

The Holy Prophet (sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "Those who are admitted into paradise will not regret over anything of this world, except the time spent without Zikr in their life."

Note: After their entry into Paradise, when they will see the huge reward (as large as mountains) for remembering Allah once, they will feel extremely sorry over their loss caused by the time spent without Zikr, as can b e well imagined. In this world, there are such blessed persons who would not relish this life if it were spent without the Zikr of Allah. Hafiz Ibn-e-Hajar writes in his book 'Manabbihat' that Yahya Bin Ma'az Razi (Rahmatullah alaih) used to say in his supplication:(O Allah! The night is no good unless spent in communion with You, the day is no good unless spent in worshipping You, this life is no good without Your Zikr, the next life will be no good without forgiveness from You, and paradise will not be enjoyable without beholding You).

Hazrat Sirri (Rahmatullah alaihe) says, "I saw Jurjanee swallowing roasted barley flour. He told me that he had compared the time taken in chewing bread and in eating barley flour; eating bread took so much longer than he could say (subhana Allah) seventy times in that time. Therefore, he had not taken bread for forty years, and had lived by swallowing barley flour alone."

It is said about Mansur-bin-Motamar that he never spoke to anybody after Isha prayers for forty years. Similarly, it is said about Rabi-bin-Haseem that it was his practice for twenty years that he noted down what he talked during the day, and would check at night whether that talking was necessary or not. Those pious scholars were particular that every moment of their life was spent in Zikr and in nothing else.

HADITH NO-8

Allah's pleasure and His angels surround the zaakir and Allah Taala praises them to His angels

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radiallaho anho) and Hazrat Abu Saeed (Radiallaho anho) both bore testimony to having heard from Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), that the gathering engaged in Zikr of Almighty Allah is surrounded by the angels on all sides, the grace of Allah and 'Sakina' (peace and tranquility) descend upon them, and Almighty Allah speaks about them, by way of appreciation, to His angels." Hazrat Abu Zar (Radiallaho anho) related that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said to him, "I advise you to fear Allah, as this is the root of all virtues; remain engaged in the recitation of Holy Qur'an and in Zikr of Almighty Allah, which will earn you an appreciation in the Heavens and serve you as a light in this world; keep silent for most of the time, so that you speak nothing but good, as this will keep the Devil away from you and make it easy for you to perform your religious duties, abstain also from too much laughing, for laughing weakens the heat and deprives the face of its spiritual glow (luminosity) always take part in Jihad as this is the sign of piety for my Ummah; like the poor and keep their company; compare your lot with persons lowre than you, and never look up to those higher than you, otherwise you will forger the bounties of Almighty Allah and become ungrateful to Him; try to retain ties with your relatives though they may try to break them; do not hesitate to speak out the truth, though it may be bitter for others; always obey Almighty Allah in spite of adverse criticism, find fault with your own self, and never with others; do not criticize others for the shortcomings that you suffer from. O! Abuzar (Radiallaho anho) there is no wisdom better than farsightedness abstinence from the unlawful is the best act of piety, and good manners constitute true nobility."

Note: The word 'Sakina' according to various scholars means tranquility and peace, as well as Allah's special mercy, as explained in detail in my book Fazail-I-Qur'an. For instance, Imam Nawavi (Rahmatullah alaihe) states that Sakina is a special favor consisting of tranquility mercy, etc. and is brought down (from the Heavens) by the angels.

This appreciation, in the presence of the angels, by Almighty Allah for those engaged in Zikr is for two reasons. Firstly, it is because the angels (as mentioned under the first Hadith) had submitted at the time of the creation of Hazrat Aadam (Alayhis Salam), that man would commit mischief in the world. Secondly, it is because the Angels are ever engaged in prayers, submission, and obedience to Almighty Allah, and are devoid of the very instinct for sin, whereas man has the instinct of obedience as well as of sin and (in addition) he is surrounded by things that lead him to negligence and disobedience, and has desires and lust ingrained in him. Therefore, prayers, submission, and abstinence from sin, despite all his handicaps, are more praiseworthy and creditable on his part.

In one Hadith, it is stated that when Allah created Paradise, he told the angel Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) to go and visit it. On his return from Paradise, he reported, "O Lord! By Your Greatness, whoever come to know of it, will do his best to enter it", that is to say, its pleasures, comforts, enjoyments and blessings are so intense that there will be no body who, after knowing and believing these, will not strive his utmost for admission into it. Almighty Allah then surrounded paradise with hardships and made it compulsory to offer prayers, observe fasting, take part in 'JIHAD', go for Haj, etc. for admission into it. Almighty Allah then sent Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) to visit it again. He saw these and then said, "O Allah! I fear that hardly anybody will be able to enter it." Similarly, after creating Hell Almighty Allah ordered Jibrail (Alayhis salam) to visit it. After witnessing the punishments, horrors, afflictions and tortures of Hell, he submitted "I swear by Thy Grandeur that one who comes to know of the conditions in Hell will never dare go near it." Then Gracious and Glorious Allah surrounded Hell with acts of indulgence, such as adultery, drinking wine, cruelty, disregard of the Divine commandments, etc. and then asked Jibrail (Alayhis salam) to visit it again. He saw it and submitted, "My Lord! I fear that hardly anybody will be able to escape it."

It is for this reason that, when a person obeys Almighty Allah expresses His pleasure about him. The angels mentioned in this Hadith and in so many other similar Hadiths belong to a special group who are duty-bound to visit the places and attend the meetings where people are engaged in Zikr. This is supported by another hadith wherein it is stated that there is a class of angels who are scattered all over, and when and wherever any one of them hears Zikr being recited he calls all his companions to come to that place, and partake of what they wanted. The y throng to the place and they fill it up to the sky, as mentioned in Chapter II under item 14.

HADITH NO -9

Allah Taala takes pride in the groups of Muslim engaged in Remembrance of Him

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) went to a group of Sahaba, (Radhiallaho anhum) and said to them, "What for are you sitting her?" they replied, "We are engaged in the Zikr of Almighty Allah, and are glorifying Him for His extreme kindness to us in that he has blessed us with the wealth of ISLAM" Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "By Allah, Are you here only for this reason? " "By Allah! Replied the Sahaba, (Radiallaho anhom) ; "We are sitting her only for this reason." Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) then said, "I asked you to swear not out of any misunderstanding, but because Jibrail (Alayhis salam) came to me and informed me just now that Almighty Allah was speaking high about you before angels."

Note: Inquiry of oath by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was simply to ascertain whether there was any other special thing, besides Zikr, which might be the cause of Allah's pride. It became definite that it was only because of the zikr of Almgihty Allah that He was proud of them. How lucky were those people whose worship was accepted, and the news of Allah's recognition of the Zikr on their part was revealed to them in this very earthly life through Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam).

Certainly, their sublime deeds deserved all this appreciation. Their heroic deeds are briefly described in my book named 'HIKAYAT-I-SAHABAH,' (i.e. The Stories of Sahaba). Mulla Ali Qari (Rahmatullah alaihe) interprets the pride on the part of Almighty Allah to mean that He wants the angels to realize, "Despite the fact these humans are full of temptations, the Devil is after them, desires are inside them, the worldly needs chase them, and yet they are engaged in glorifying Almighty Allah, and so many deterrents cannot prevent them from doing Zikr; and therefore your Zikr and glorification, in the absence of any such handicaps is comparatively insignificant."

HADITH NO -10

The angels' announcement of reward for those gathered together for Zikr of Allah

Anas (Radhiallaho anho) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "When some people assemble for the Zikr of Allah with the sole purpose of earning His pleasure, an angel proclaims from the sky, "You people have been forgiven, your sins have been replaced by virtues."

According to another hadith, "A gathering devoid of Zikr of Allah, would be the cause of dismay and sorrow on the Day of Judgement."

Note: It means that the participants of such a gathering will repent that they earned no blessings and wasted their time for nothing; may be, it led them to afflictions. In another Hadith, it is stated that the members of a gathering devoid of Zikr of Allah and 'Darood' on Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) are like those who get up from the dead body of an ass. According to another hadith, one should get the various transgressions (unwittingly) committed in a gathering condoned by reciting the following prayer at the conclusion of the meeting: "Glory be to Allah with all kinds of praises. Glory be to Thee. O Allah! With all Thy Praise; I stand witness that there is no one to be worshipped except Thee. I seek Thy forgiveness and turn (for mercy) to Thee."

It is narrated in another Hadith that any gathering devoid of Allah's Zikr and Darood Sharif will be a source of dismay and loss. Then, out of His sheer mercy, Allah may grant forgiveness, or He may demand an explanation and penalize. It is stated in another Hadith, "Do proper justice to a gathering by remembering Allah profusely, show the way to way-fares (if need be), and c lose your eyes or cast them down when you come across a forbidden thing.

Hazrat Ali (Karamallaho Wajhahoo) said, "Whosoever desires that his reward be weighed on the Day of Judgement in a large scale (i.e. his reward should be very big, as only weighty things, and not the small things, are weighed in big scales), should recite the following prayer at the end of a meeting: (Glory to Thy Lord - The Lord of Honor And Power. (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him). And peace be on the apostles, and Praise to Allah, the Lord and Sustainer of the Worlds).

The above hadith also includes the happy tidings that he sins will be replaced by virtues. Even in the Holy Qur'an, at the end of Surah Alfurqan, Almighty Allah mentions the good qualities of the Believers and then says:(As for such, Allah will change their evil deeds to good deeds; and Allah is ever forgiving and most merciful).

The following are some comments made by the commentators on this verse

1. All sins would be forgiven and only virtues would remain (in the account); that no sin is left behind (in the account) is itself a bid change.

2. Almighty Allah will enable them to do good deeds when otherwise they would have committed bad deeds, just as it is sometimes said, "the heat was replaced by the cold."

3. Their habits become related to virtues instead of vices, so much so that doing good deeds becomes their habit. Habits once formed become second nature, which does not change. The Persian Proverb meaning, that "The mountain can move, but not the habit" refers to this fact. This proverb is also derived from another Hadith, "You may believe if you hear that a mountain has moved from its place, but do not believe if you are told that the habits of somebody have changed."

This hadith implies that he change of a habit is more unlikely than a mountain changing its place. The question then arises what is meant when it is said that the Soofis and religious teachers reform the behavior of their disciples. The answer is that habits do not change, but the relationship of habits changes. For instance, if a man's temperament is such that he is prone to anger, it is difficult for him to get rid of his hot temperament through the training and exercises under the supervision of the Shaikhs, but they would reform him in such a way that, whereas formerly his anger led him to show unjustified cruelty and haughtiness, it will now be directed against transgression of Allah's commandments.

Hazrat Umar (Radhiallaho anho) at one time had left no stone unturned in hurting the Muslims, but after embracing Islam and remaining in the company of Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) he became correspondingly hard on the unbelievers and transgressors. So is the case with other aspects of one's conduct. This clarification leads us to the conclusion that Almighty Allah shifts the direction of the conduct of such people from vices to virtues.

Almighty Allah guides him to repent for his sins. He recollects his old sins, repents over them and prays for forgiveness. Thus, for every sin previously committed, he gets the credit of one repentance, which constitutes a devotion and a virtue.

If Allah Taalais pleased with the good deed of somebody, and through His sheer benevolence grants him virtues equal to his sins, there is nobody to question His authority. He is the Lord, He is the King, He is All-powerful, His mercy is boundless. Who can close the door of His forgiveness? Who can stop His bounty? He gives everything from His own treasures. He will exhibit His powers and unlimited forgiveness on the Day of Judgement.

Various scenes of reckoning on the Day of Judgement are described in Ahadith, as briefly given in the book, Bahjat-un-Nafoos. It is mentioned that reckoning will be conducted in different ways." Some people will be examined in Camera under the cover of (secret) Mercy; their sins will be recounted to them, they will be reminded of the occasion when each sin was committed by them and there will be no alternative for them but to confess all their sins. Due to the abundance of his sins, he will think that he is doomed, but the Lord will say, " I covered your sins during the worldly life and again I cover them now and forgive them all."

When such a person, along with others like him, will return from the place of reckoning, the people will see him and exclaim, "What a blessed person, he never committed any sin, " because they will have no knowledge of his sins. Similarly, in another mode of reckoning, the people will have minor as well as major sins to their account. Then, Almighty Allah will order that their minor sins may be converted into virtues, at which they (in order to get more virtues) will exclaim that many of their sins are not mentioned in their account.

In the same way, other modes of reckoning are also mentioned in Ahadith. An anecdote is mentioned in one hadith, wherein Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "I recognize the person who will be transferred from the Hell to the Paradise last of all. He will be summoned, and the angels will be directed that his major sins should not be mentioned and that only his minor sins should be read out, and he should be asked to give explanation for them. This trial will confess them all. Almighty Allah will then order that for every sin he may be given one virtue. At this, the man will speak out at once, "There are still many sins that have not been mentioned so far." While narrating this part of the story, even Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) smiled.

Firstly, to be the last one to come out of the Hell, as mentioned in this narrative does not mean a light punishment; secondly, it is not known as to who will be that lucky one whose sins will be converted into virtues. Hoping for the best from Almighty Allah and constantly begging for His mercy constitute the best form of submission. But one should never be over complacent in this matter. However, the above-mentioned Hadith shows that taking part in meetings of Zikr with Ikhlas leads to replacement of sins by virtues. But this Ikhlas is possible only through the grace of Almighty Allah.

The main point contained in this Hadith is that of Ikhlas (i.e. doing a thing only for the pleasure of Allah). That Ikhlas is the pre-requisite for all good deeds will be found in several other Ahadith in this book. In fact, the acceptance by Almighty Allah depends only on Ikhlas; every deed will be evaluated according to the degree of Ikhlas involved therein. According to the Sufees, Ikhlas on one's part requires that one's word thoughts and deeds should be compatible. It will be found in one Hadith that Ikhlas is that which prevent one from committing sins.

A story of a despotic king who was notorious for his tyranny and cruelty is related in the book "Bahja-tun-Nafoos". Once, a large consignment of wine was being brought for him in a ship. A pious man who happened to travel by that ship broke all the bottles or casks of wine except one, but nobody could stop him from that act. Everybody wondered how he dared to do this, for nobody has the courage to face the cruelty of the king. When the king was informed about it, he was surprised to learn how an ordinary person had the courage to do all that and also wondered why he left one cask intact.

The man was called for, and interrogated. He replied, 'My conscience had urge me to do this; you may punish me as you like." He was then asked why one cask was left unbroken? He replied: "At first I broke the casks of wine out of my religious sentiments, but when only one was left, my heart felt elated at having done something forbidden by religion. I then felt that breaking this last cask would be for the satisfaction of my ego. I, therefore, did not break it." Finding him selfless in what he did, the king ordered his release.

It is narrated in Ihya-al-Uloom that there was a pious man among the Israelies, who always remained busy in the worship of Allah. A group of people came to him and told him that a tribe living nearby worshipped a tree. The news upset him, and with an axe on his shoulder he went to cut down that tree. On the way, Satan met him in the form of an old man and asked him where he was going. He said he was going to cut a particular tree.

Then Satan said, "You are not concerned with this tree, you better mind your worship and do not give it up for the sake of something that does not concern you." This is also Worship", retorted the worshipper. Then Satan tried to prevent him from cutting the tree, and there followed a bout between the two, in which the worshipper overpowered the Satan. Finding himself completely helpless, Satan begged to be excused, and when the worshipper released him, he again said, "Allah has not made the cutting of this tree obligatory on you. You do not lose anything if you do not cut it. If it s cutting were necessary, Allah could have got it done through one of his many Apostles."

The worshipper insisted on cutting the tree. There was again a bout between the two, and again the worshipper overpowered the Satan. "Well, listen" said the Satan, "I propose a settlement that will e to your advantage." The worshipper agreed, and the Satan said, "You are a poor man, a mere burden on this earth. If you desist from this act, I will pay you three gold coin everyday. You will daily find them lying under your pillow. By this money you can fulfil your own needs, can oblige your relatives, help the needy, and do so many other virtuous things. Cutting the tree will be only one virtue, which will ultimately be of no use because the people will grow another tree."

This proposal appealed to the worshipper, and he accepted it. He found the money on two successive days, but on the third days there was nothing. He got enraged, picked up his axe and went to cut the tree. The old man again met him on the way and asked him where he was going. "To cut the Tree." Shouted the worshipper. "I will not let you do it", said the Satan. An encounter ensued between the two, and this time the Satan had the upper hand and overpowered the worshipper.

The latter was surprised at his own defeat, and asked the former the cause of his success. The Satan replied, "At first, your anger was purely for earning the pleasure of Allah, and therefore Almighty Allah helped you to overpower me, but now it has been partly for the sake of the gold coins and therefore you lost." Truly speaking, a deed performed purely for the pleasure of Allah alone carries great force.

HADITH NO -11

Zikr protects from the punishment of the grave

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "No other action of a person can surpass zikr of Almighty Allah in saving from the punishment in the grave."

Note: How serious is the punishment in the grave can be realized only by those who have the knowledge of Hadith on this subject. Whenever Hazrat Umar (Radhiallaho anho) visited a grave, he would weep so much that his beard would become wet with tears. Some one asked him, "How is it that mention of Paradise and Hell does not make you weep so much as you do when you come across a grave?" He replied, "the grave is the first of the many stages of the Hereafter. For him who is successful or safe during this stage, the later stages will also be easy; while for a person who is not exempted in this stage, the later stages will be even more difficult." Then he quoted Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as having said, "I have not come across any sight more terrifying than that of the grave."

Hazrat Aisha (radhiallaho anha) said that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) used to pray after every Salaat for protection against the chastisement in the grave. Hazrat Zaid (Radhiallaho anho) reported Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to have said, "I would have prayed to Almighty Allah to let you hear the torture of the grave. With the exception of men and Jinns, all other creatures hear the punishment in the grave."

According to a Hadith, once when Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was going on a journey, his she-camel took fright. Some one asked him what had happened to her. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied that somebody was being punished in the grave, and the cries of the punished had frightened the she-camel.

Once Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) entered the mosque and saw that some people were laughing very loudly. He said to them, "If you had remembered death quite often, you would not have laughed like this. Not a day passes when the grave does not proclaim; " I am the house of wilderness, the house of loneliness, and the abode of worms and insects." When a true believer is buried in a grave, it welcomes him, saying, "You are welcome here, you have done well to have come here. Of all the people walking upon the Earth, you were the dearest to me. Now that you have been made over to me, you will see my excellent behavior." Then the grave expands to the farthest point of sight, and a door of paradise opens into it. Through this door comes the scented air of the paradise. But when an unbeliever or a transgressor is buried, the grave says, "your coming here is unwelcome and abominable. You had better not come here. Of all the people who have been walking upon me, I hated you the most. Today you have been made over to me, and you will see my treatment." Then it narrows down and presses him mercilessly, till his ribs pierce into each other as the fingers of the two hands interlock each other. Then ninety or ninety-nine dragons are let loose upon him, and they will continue clawing at him till the Day of Resurrection. If one of those serpents or dragons were to blow on the Earth, it will be rendered incapable of growing any grass till the Day of Judgement. The n Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) continued, "The grave is either a garden out of Paradise or else a pit out the Hell."

According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) happened to pass by two graves. He said, "The two persons buried in these graves are being punished, one for back-biting and the other for polluting his body with his urine." It is a pity that many of our so-called civilized people regard 'istinja' (washing the parts after urination) as an undignified act, and even reducible it. Some Ulama regard such pollution by urine as a major sin. Ibn-I-Hajar makki has stated that, according to a correct Hadith, the punishment in the grave is generally due to neglect of cleanliness from urine.

It is narrated in one Hadith that interrogation in the grave will first be about (pollution with) urine. In short, the punishment of the grave is a very serious affair. Just as some types of sins lead to this affliction, in the same way certain virtuous acts provide special safeguard against it. It is stated in several Ahadith that recitation of the Surah Tabarakallazi every night guarantees security from the tortures in the grave, as well as from that in the Hell. The effectiveness of Zikr in this respect is evident from the above-mentioned hadith.

HADITH NO- 12

Exaltation and bright countenance of the gathering for the Zikr of Allah Taala

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "Almighty Allah will, on the Day of Resurrection or Qiamat, resurrect certain groups of people in such a state that their faces will be radiant with light, they will be sitting on pulpits of pearls and others will envy their lot. They will neither be from among the Prophets nor from among the martyrs." Somebody asked the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to let him have more details about these people, so that he may be able to recognize them. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "They will be the people who belong to different families and different places, but assemble at one place for the love of Almighty Allah and are engaged in His Zikr."

It is said in another Hadith, "In the paradise there will be pillars of emerald supporting balconied houses made of rubies and with open doors on all the four sides. These will shine like brilliant stars, and will be occupied by those people who love each other for the sake of Allah, and who assemble at a place and meet each other only for His pleasure."

Note: Nowadays, the religious devotees are criticized and ridiculed by everybody. The people may reproach them today as much as they like, but the reality will dawn on them in the Hereafter, when they will realize how these humble persons have been able to earn high fortunes and occupy such grand pulpits and such flats, whereas those who criticized and ridiculed them had earned nothing but misery and despair: "Soon the dust-cloud will clear away, and it will be seen whether you are riding a horse or an ass."

How blessed, in the eyes of Allah Taala, are the places where Zikr is practiced, which are the targets of abuse from all directions, can best be judged from Hadiths in their favour. It is stated in a Hadith that the houses where Zikr is practiced shine unto the residents of the skies, as do the stars shine unto the inhabitants of the earth. According to another Hadith, sakeenah (a very special blessings) descends on the gathreing engaged in Zikr, the angels surround them, the divine mercy covers them, and Allah Taala mentions them on His Throne.

Aboo Razi (radiyAllahu anhu), a sahabi, narrated that Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam) said: "Shall I tell you something that will strengthen your Imaan and earn you the blessings of Allah Taala, the Great, in both the worlds? It is the gatherings of those who do Zikr of Allah Taala; you should make it a point to take part in them and, when you are alone, do as much Zike as you can."

The virtues of assembling for the sake of Zikr have been described in different ways in so many other Ahadith. In one Hadith, it is stated that Salaat and gatherings for Zikr constitute the best 'Rabaat'. 'Rabaat' stands for guarding the boundaries of Dar us-Salam (the Muslim Territory) against invasion by the infidels.

HADITH NO-13

Gatherings of Zikr are described as gardens of Jannah

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "When you pass the gardens of Paradise, graze to your heart's content." Someone asked, "O Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), what is meant by the gardens of Paradise?" he replied, "Gathering for performing Zikr."

Note: What is meant is that if somebody is lucky enough to get access to such gathering, he should take full advantage of this, as these are the gardens of Paradise on this Earth. The words, "graze to your heart's content", signify that, just as an animal grazing in a green pasture or garden does not give up grazing in spite of being driven or beaten by its owner, similarly a Zakir (one who practices zirk) should not get pulled away from the gatherings for Zikr by the worldly anxieties and hindrances. The gatherings for Zikr a re likened to the gardens of Paradise, because just as there are no worries in the paradise, similarly gatherings of Zikr are safeguarded against every kind of calamity.

It is stated in one Hadith that the zikr of Almighty Allah cures all diseases of the mind, such as arrogance, jealousy, malice, etc. the author of 'Fawaid fis Salaat wal Avaid' has stated that constancy in Zikr is a sure safeguard against all kinds of calamities. According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "I enjoin in a fort against a strong enemy. One who practices Zikr is as it were in the company of Almighty Allah." Can there be any benefit greater than that of being in the company of the Almighty Lord? Moreover, it leads to satisfaction of the mind; it enlightens the heart and removes its callousness. In addition, there are many other material and spiritual benefits, which are enumerated, up to a hundred, by some Ulama.

man came to see Hazrat Abu Amama (Radhiallaho anho) and said to him, "I saw in a dream that whenever you went or came out, or sat or stood up, the angels prayed for you." Abu Amama (Radhiallaho anho) replied, "if you wish you can also earn their prayers." and recited the Ayat: "O you who believe! Celebrate the praises of Allah and do this excessively and glorify Him morning and evening. He sends blessings on you, as also his angels that He may bring you out from the depths of darkness into light, and He is full of Mercy to the believers."

(Al-Ahzab, 41-42)

These Ayats were quoted to show that the Mercy of the Almighty Lord and the prayers of the angels can be earned through Zikr. The more we remember Allah, the more He remembers us.

HADITH NO-14

Zikr compensates for lack in spending and labour in the Path of Allah

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "One who is too weak to bear the strain of keeping awake at night (in the worship of Almighty Allah), is too miserly to spend his wealth in the path of Allah, and is too cowardly to take part in Jihad, is advised to remain engaged in the Zikr of Allah."

Note: This shows that deficiencies in respect of non-obligatory form of worship can be atoned through profuse Zikr of Almighty Allah. Hazrat Anas (Radhiallaho anho) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "Zikr of Allah is a sign of Imaan (faith), and it ensures exemption from hypocrisy, and provides a safeguard against the devil and protection from the fire of Hell." Because of all these benefits, Zikr has been regarded as more virtuous than many other forms of worship; it is especially effective in providing protection against the Devil.

It is stated in one Hadith that the Devil, in a kneeling position, clings to the heart of a man, and when the man remembers Almighty Allah the devil becomes helpless sand frustrated and therefore draws back, but whenever he finds the man neglecting it he pollutes the heart with evil thoughts. It is for this reason that the Shuyukh advise practicing Zikr excessively, so that the heart remains free from evil thoughts and becomes strong enough to resist the Devil.

The Sahabahs (Radhiallaho anhum) who had developed this inner strength through the blessed company of Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) did not stand in such great need of exercising Zikr, but with the passage of time after Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), this resistive power of the heart became weaker and weaker, and the need to remedy this weakness through Zikr became correspondingly greater. In the present a ge, the hearts have become so degenerate that no amount of treatment can restore their strength to compare with that of the Sahaba. Nevertheless, whatever improvement is effected is worthwhile at this time when the disease has taken the form of an epidemic.

It is related about a holy man that he prayed to Almighty Allah that he may be shown how Satan prevails upon the heart. He found that the Satan sits like a mosquito over the left side of the heart under the back of the shoulder and then advances his needle-like snout towards the heart. If he finds the heart busy in Zikr he withdraws at once, but if the heart is idle he injects the poison of evil and sinful thoughts into it. It is stated in one Hadith that Satan keeps on sitting with the top of his nose over the heart, and if the heart is busy in Zikr he withdraws in disgrace, but if it is idle he makes a morsel of it.

HADITH NO-15

Do Zikr so much that people call you insane

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "Practice Zikr so excessively that people may regard you as a maniac." It is stated in another Hadith "practice Zikr so much that the hypocrite may regard you as insincere."

Note: It is clear from this Hadith that he taunts of madness and hypocrisy by the Munafiqs and by the foolish people should not make one give up the spiritual wealth of zikr. On the contrary, it should be done with such rapture and abundance that hose people may take you to be actually mad and let you alone. They will consider you mad only if you practice Zikr excessively and loudly, and not if you do it quietly.

Ibn-e-katheer has narrated, on the authority of Abdullah bin Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) "Nothing has been made obligatory by Almighty Allah without fixing maximum limit for it and excusing shortcomings in respect of it, except His Zikr, for which no limit has been fixed and no person, as long as he is sane is exempted from it." Almighty Allah has ordered in the Holy Quran; "Practice Zikr of Allah excessively." A person should do Zikr under all circumstances, whether by day or night; whether in the jungle or at sea; whether travelling or halting; whether in affluence or poverty; whether in sickness or health; whether loudly or quietly.

In his book Munabehat, Hafiz Ibn-I-Hajar writes that Hazrat Uthman (Radhiallaho anho); while explaining the Quranic verse:(Beneath it there was a treasure for them) said that the treasure meant a golden tablet, on which were written the following seven lines:-

1) I wonder at the man who knows that he is to die and indulges in laughter.

2) I wonder at the man who knows that this world will come to an end one-day, but handers after it.

3) I wonder that a man who knows that everything is predestined should lament the loss of anything

4) I wonder that a man who believes in the reckoning in the Hereafter should amass wealth.

5) I wonder that a man who has the knowledge of the fire of the Hell should commit any sin.

6) I wonder that a man who believes in Almighty Allah should remember anybody other than Him.

7) I wonder that a man who believes in Paradise should feel pleasure in anything of this world.

In some editions of that book, it is also added, "I wonder that a man who knows that Satan is his eternal enemy should obey and follow him." Hafiz (Rahmatullah alaih) has also stated on the authority of Hazrat Jabir (Radhiallaho anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had once said, "Hazrat Jibrail (Alayhis Salam) laid so much stress on doing Zikr that I felt that without Zikr nothing can benefit whatsoever." The above mentioned quotations show that one should practice Zikr as much as possible; giving it up simply because others may call one mad or hypocrite is fraught with serious loss to oneself. The Shuyukh have written that it is also a trap on the part of Satan that at first he discourages one from Zikr on the plea of avoiding criticism by the people and if he succeeds in this attempt, he is encouraged and exploits this fear of criticism for preventing the person from doing Zikr forever. Although one should not do any good deed for the sake of a show, yet if anybody happens to see it one should not thereupon give it up. Hazrat Abdullah Zalbajadeen (Radhiallaho anho), a Sahabi, became an orphan in his childhood. He lived with his uncle, who looked after him well. He had embraced Islam secretly and, when his uncle came to know of it, in his anger, he turned him out of the house stark naked. His mother was also displeased, but she took pity on him and gave him a sheet of coarse cloth, which he tore into two pieces, using one piece as a lower garment and the other as an upper covering for the body. He migrated to Madina, where he was always found before the house of Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and used to practice Zikr very loudly. Hazrat Umar remarked, "Is this man a hypocrite that he does Zikr so loudly? "No, said Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), "He is from amongst the Awwabin," i.e. those who ever turn to Almighty Allah." He died in the battle of Tabuk. The Sahabah saw a lamp burning in the graveyard. On approaching it, they found Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) standing in the grave and asking Hazrat Abubakr and Hazrat Umar (Radhiallaho anhuma) to make over their brother to him. The two made over the dead body to him for burial. After the burial, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) prayed, "O Allah! I am pleased with him Thou also be pleased with him." On seeing this scene, hazrat Ibn-e-Masood (Radhiallaho anho) wished that it should have been his corpse. Hazrat Fuzail (who was one of the great Shuyukh) stated, "To abstain from a virtuous act for fear of being seen by the people is in itself an act of hypocrisy, and a good action done with the intention to make a show amounts to 'Shirk' (false worship)." It is stated in one Hadith that some persons are the keys to Zikr, i.e. their very sight reminds and inspires other people to do Zikr of Allah. According to another Hadith, such people are the friends of Allah whose sight makes others remember Almighty Allah. It is stated in one Hadith, "The best amongst you are the people whose very sight reminds you of Allah." Similarly it is stated in another Hadith, "The best amongst you are those whose sight makes you remember Almighty Allah, whose words add to your knowledge, and whose actions induce you to work for the love of the Hereafter." Of course, such a condition can be attained by one who practices Zikr profusely. One who is himself indolent in this respect, his sight can hardly inspire others to remember Allah. Some people regard Zikr in loud voice as an innovation and forbidden in religion, but this view is due to lack of insight into the knowledge of Hadith. Maulana Abdul Hayee (Rahmatullah alaihe) has written a booklet 'Sabahatul Fikr' on this very subject, wherein he has quoted about fifty Hadiths in support of zikr in loud voice. However, it is subject to proper limitations, so as not to annoy anybody else.

HADITH NO-16

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said: "The following seven persons will be accommodated by Allah in the shade of His Mercy on the Day when there will be no other shade except His:(1) A just ruler, (2) A young man who worships Allah in his youth, (3) A person whose heart yearns for the Masjid, (4) those two persons who love, meet and depart only for the pleasure of Allah. (5) A man who is tempted by a beautiful woman and refuses to respond for fear of Allah. (6) A person who gives alms so secretly that the charity of one hand is not known to the other hand. (7) A person who practice Zikr of Allah in solitude, so that tears flow of his eyes."The flowing of tears can mean deliberate weeping, due to repentance over one's past sins, but it may also mean a spontaneous outburst of tears due to overwhelming passion of love. Sabit Banani has quoted the words of a pious man, "I come to know when a prayer of mine is accepted." When asked as to how he comes to know of it, he said, "that prayer, at the time of which the hair on my body stand up, my heart starts beating rapidly and my eyes shed tears, is accepted by Allah." Among the seven persons mentioned in the foregoing Hadith, is included also the person who weeps while doing Zikr in solitude. He combines two sublime qualities: first Ikhlas, which makes him remember Allah in solitude, secondly the fear or love of Allah, which makes him weep. Both these things are extremely virtuous according to a poet,'My work is to weep at night in remembering my beloved; and my sleep is to remain absorbed in thoughts of my beloved." In the Arabic text of the Hadith (a person who remembers Allah when he is unoccupied), the word' unoccupied' according to Shuyukh, has two meanings. It means in solitude, as is generally understood; but it also signifies the heart being free from all thoughts except of Almighty Allah, which constitutes the real solitude. The ideal is to have both forms of solitude, physical as well as mental. But if a person, even while in the company of others, has his heart free from all worldly thoughts and, being absorbed in the Zikr of Allah, happens to weep thereby, he will also be rewarded as mentioned in this Hadith, because the presence or absence of others makes no difference to him. His heart is free from the thoughts, not only of his companions, but also of everything other than Almighty Allah. The presence of others distract him from his attention towards Allah. To be able to weep for fear and love of Allah implies possession of great spiritual wealth. Fortunate is he who is blessed with it by Almighty Allah. It is stated in one Hadith that a person who weeps for fear of Allah will not be sent to Hell till the milk goes back into the teats of an animal (which is impossible). This implies that it is similarly impossible for such a person to go to Hell. According to another Hadith, a person who weeps for fear of Allah will not be punished on the Day of Judgement. It is stated in one Hadith that the fire of Hell is forbidden for two eyes- one that sheds tears for fear of Allah and the other that has remained awake in guarding the Muslims and Islam against the infidels. In another Hadith, it is stated that the fire of Hell is forbidden on the eye that has wept for fear of Allah, on the eye that has remained awake in the path of Allah, on the eye that has refrained from the unlawful and also on the eye that has been lost in the path of Allah. Yet another Hadith states that a person who remembers Allah in solitude is like one who goes all alone to fight against the infidels.

HADITH NO-17

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "an announcer will call out on the Day of Judgement, "where are the wise ones?" People will enquire, 'who are meant by the wise ones?' The reply will be, "They are those who always remembered Allah, whether sitting, standing or reclining, and pondered over the creation of the Heaven and the Earth, and would say, 'O Allah! Thou hast not created al this in vain. We glorify Thee; save us from the fire of Hell.' Thereafter a flag will appear for them, and they will follow this flag and will be told to enter Paradise and stay for ever." By "Pondering over the creation of Heaven and the Earth" is meant that they contemplate over the phenomena and secrets of the things created by Allah, and thereby strengthen their spiritual knowledge."The whole universe is like a garden planned and planted by Allah". As narrated by Ibni-Abi-Dunya, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) once approached a group of Sahaba who were sitting in silence. He asked them what they were thinking about. The Sahabah replied that they were pondering over the wonderful creations of Allah. Rasulullah (Sallallahou alaihe wasallam) appreciated it and said "Do not ever meditate over the 'Self' of Almighty Allah, (He is beyond comprehension), but do meditate over His creation.' Somebody once asked Hazrat Aisha (Radhiallaho anha) to relate some remarkable thing about Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam). She replied, "There was nothing about him that was not remarkable. Once he came home at night and lay down in my bed. After a short while, he said 'Let me pray to my Lord! Saying this, he got up, performed Wudhu and stood up in Salaat, during which he wept so profusely that tears flowed on to his chest. Then he continued weeping in the same manner while performing 'Ruku' and 'Sajdah'. He spent the whole night like this, till Hazrat Bilal came to call 'Azan' for the Morning Prayer. I pleaded with him, 'Almighty Allah has promised you His forgiveness, then why did you weep so much?' he replied, "should I not become a grateful slave of my Allah", and continued, "why should I not pray and weep when these verses have been revealed to me today:"Lo! In the creation of heaven and earth, and in the difference of night and day, are tokens (of His sovereignty) for men of understanding, such a remember Allah standing, sitting and reclining). Then he added, 'Destruction is for the person who, in spite of reading these verses, does not ponder over His creation." Amir bin Abd Qais said, "I heard from the Sahabah not from one or two or three, but from many of them that the light and radiance of faith lies in contemplation and meditation." Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho) narrated from Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) that a person lying on the roof of his house was looking at the sky and stars for some time, and then said, "I swear by Allah and I believe there is somebody who has created you all; O Allah! Forgive me for my sins." Thereupon Allah's mercy turned towards him and he was forgiven. Hazrat ibn-e-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) said that meditation for one Sa'at (a short duration of time) is better than worship throughout the night. Similarly, Hazrat Anas, (Radhiallaho anho) narrated that meditation over the creations of Allah is better than doing worship for eighty years. Somebody asked Umme Darda (Radhiallaho anho) as to what had been the best kind of worship done by her husband, Abu Darda (Radhiallaho anho). She replied it was meditation and contemplation. According to Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho) also Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said that meditation and contemplation for one SA'AT (a short duration of time) is better than worship for sixty years. It should not be deduced from the various quotations given above that meditation obviates the necessity of worship. If anybody neglects any form of worship, he is liable to the same penalty and punishment, as for a 'Fardh' or 'Wajib' if a 'Fardh' or 'Wajib' is abandoned, and so far a Sunnat or Mustahab if any of these is neglected. Imam Ghazali (Rahmatullah alaihe) has written that meditation is held to be superior to Zikr because, in addition to the essence of Zikr, it includes two additional things, of which one is recognition of Allah, for which meditation is said to be the key, and secondly the love of Allah, which is induced by deep thinking. It is this meditation which the Shuyukh call 'Muraqaba', and the virtue of which is narrated in many Ahadith. Hazrat Aisha (Radhiallaho anha) reported that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said 'Zikr Khafi' (without voice) which is not heard even by angels is rewarded seventy times over." When, on the Day of Resurrection, Allah will summon all the creation for reckoning, and the 'Kiraman Katibeen' (recording angels) will bring the recorded accounts of all the people, Allah will ask them to verify if there is any more good deed to the credit of a certain individual. They will submit that they had not omitted anything from his recorded account. Allah will then say, there is yet one good to his credit, which is not known to the angels, and it is his Zikr in silence. Baihaqi has quoted on the authority of Hazrat Aisha (Radhiallaho anha) that he Zikr that is not heard even by the angels is seventy times superior to the zikr that is heard by them. The following Persian couplet refers to the same thing:(Between the lover and the beloved, there is a code of communication that is not known even to the reporting angels). How fortunate are the people who do not remain idle from Zikr even for a moment. In addition to the reward that they will get for their outward prayers, their Zikr and meditation throughout their life will earn for them seventy times extra reward. It is for this reason that he devil remains worried. Hazrat Junaid (Rahmatullah alaihe) is stated to have seen Satan stark naked in a dream. He asked him whether he did not feel ashamed of the men around him. "Are these men?" replied the devil, "The Men are those who are sitting in the mosque of Shonezia, who have worried me so much that my body has become lean and thin, and my heart is burnt."Hazrat Junaid (Rahmatullah alaihe) writes that he went to the mosque of Shonezia and saw that a few men sitting there were deeply absorbed in meditation. When they saw Hazrat Junaid (Rahmatullah alaihe) they told him not to be misled by the deceptive words of the wicked Satan. Similar to this Masohi has also written about a dream. On seeing Satan in naked condition, he asked him whether he did not feel ashamed of being naked in the midst of men. The Satan replied, "By God! If they were men, I would not have toyed with them, as do the boys with their play ball. Real men are those who made me ill", and he pointed to the group of Shuyukh. Abu Saeed Khazaz also states that he once saw in dream that Satan attacked him and he tried to beat him back with a stick, but the Satan did not care for this beating. Then he heard a heavenly voice saying that the devil is not scared away by the beating, he is only frightened by the spiritual light in one's heart. Hazrat Saad (Radhiallaho anho) quoted Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to have aid, "The best Zikr is the Khafi (silent) one, and the best livelihood is that which just suffices", (i.e. it should neither be too insufficient to make both ends meet, nor too abundant as to drive one to vanity and vice). In another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is reported to have said, "Remember Allah through Kaamil Zikr'. He replied, 'Khafi' (silent) zikr." All the above quoted narration establish the excellence of zikr in silence. We have also read the Hadith that favors loud Zikr as of a mad man. Either form of Zikr is important under different sets of conditions. It is for the Shaikh (religious guide) of a person to prescribe the best form of Zikr for him at a particular time.

HADITH NO.-18

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) was in his house when the verse (keep yourself bound to the company of those who invoke their Lord morning and evening) was revealed to him. On this revelation, he went out in search of such people; he found a group of men who were engaged in Zikr. Some of them were with disheveled hair, parched skins, and clad in a single cloth i.e. except for the loincloth, the whole body was naked. On seeing them, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) sat down by them and said, "All praise is for Allah who has created in my Ummah such people that I have been ordered to sit in their company." According to another Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) went out in search of them and found them in farthest part of the mosque, where they were busy in doing Zikr of Almighty Allah. He said, "All Praise is for Allah who has created, during my lifetime, such people that I have been ordered to sit with them." Then he continued, "My life and death is with you (i.e. you are my companions in life and death)." It is mentioned in one Hadith that a group of Sahabah, including Hazrat Salman Farsi (Radhiallaho anho) was engaged in zikr of Allah, when Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) came to them. They became all silent. In reply to his enquiry as to what they were doing, they submitted that they were practicing Zikr of Allah. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "I saw that the mercy of Allah was descending upon you, and so I desired that I should join your company. Alhamdo lillah (All Praise is for Allah)" he then continued, "Almighty Allah has raised such people in my Ummah that He ordered me to sit in their company." It is from such orders of almighty Allah that the Shuyukh have deduced that the Shaikh should also sit with his disciples. In addition to the benefit that will thereby accrue of the Shaikh. In the effort to tolerate the vulgarities of the uncivilized and uninitiated people, his ego will undergo severe strain, and thereby he will develop humbleness in him. In addition to this, the get-together of the hearts is important for attracting the Mercy and Grace of Almighty Allah. It was for this reason that offering prayers in congregation was started, and this is why all the pilgrims (in uniform appearance) are made to pray to Allah together at the same time, in the valley of Arafat. This point has been repeatedly and specially stressed by Shah Waliullah (Rahmatullah alaihe) in his book, Hujjah-tul-Baligha. All these virtues as mentioned in many Ahadith relate to the group of people who are engaged in Zikr. On the other hand, if somehow one happens to be in a group of the negligent, and even there he keeps busy with Zikr of Allah, great reward is also promised for him, as stated in many Ahadith. On such occasions it is all the more necessary that one should remain absorbed in remembrance of Allah, so that he is immune from the evil effect of such company. According to one Hadith, a person who remains engaged in Zikr while in the company of the negligent is like one who remains steadfast in his allotted position in a Jihad (holy war), while his companions are fleeing for their lives. In another Hadith, he is like one who fights the infidels single-handed, after his companions have fled away. He is also likened a lamp in a dark house or a beautiful green tree in the autumn, when all the trees have shed their leaves. Almighty Allah will show him beforehand his abode in the Paradise; all his sins, even if equal to the number of all men and animals, will be forgiven. All these rewards are subject to the condition that one remains engaged in Zikr while in the company of the negligent; otherwise it is forbidden even to join n such meetings. According to one Hadith one should keep away from those so-called friendly gatherings where there is nothing but idle talk and merry making. A pious man once took his Negro maidservant to the bazaar. He leaving her at a place and asking her to await his return there went about the market. When he returned, he was upset to find her missing. He went home, when the maidservant was already there. She came to him and said, 'O Master! Do not be angry with me in the haste; you left me in the midst of people who were absolutely negligent in the remembrance of Allah; I feared lest some calamity should befall them, or the Earth should devour them, and I too be buried along-with them.'

HADITH NO.-19

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said that Almighty Allah says, "Do My Zikr for some time after Fajr Salaat and after Asr Salaat, and I will suffice for you during the intervening periods." In one hadith it is stated, "Do Zikr of Allah, he will look after your interests."Note: We work so hard for this worldly life, though not for the life Hereafter. We lose nothing if we remember Allah for a little while after Fajr and after Asr, because so many virtues have been mentioned for doing Zikr at these two times. When Almighty Allah promises His full help, what more is needed? According to one Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "I prefer sitting with those who remain busy in remembering Allah after Fajr prayer up to sunrise, to the noble act setting four Arab slaves free; and similarly I prefer sitting with the group who remain busy in Zikr of Allah after Asr Salaat up to sunset to setting four slaves free." According to another hadith, if a person offers Fajr Salaat in congregation and remains engaged in Zikr of Allah until sunrise, and then offers two rakaats of Nafl Salaat, his reward will equal to that of a perfect Hajj and Umra. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is also stated to have said, "offering Fajr Salaat in congregation, and then remaining busy in zikr until sunrise, is more precious to me than this world and all that it contains. Similarly, remaining busy in Zikr with a group after Asr till sunset is preferred by me to this world and everything that it contains." It is for this reason that the time after Fajr and Asr prayers is specially reserved for Zikr as a matter of routine by the Sufees Especially, the time after Fajr prayer is also reserved for Zikr, even by the Faqihs i.e. the Muslims jurists. It is stated in the book of 'Mudawwna' on the authority of Imam Malik (Rahmatullah alaih) that it is makrooh (undesirable) to indulge in talking during the time between Fajr and sunrise. From amongst the Hanafies the author of Dur-I-Mukhtar also regarded it undesirable to indulge in talking during this time. According to one hadith, if after Fajr prayer a person continues to sit in the same posture before talking recites the following Kalima ten times, ten virtues will be recorded to his account, ten sins remitted, his position in Paradise raised by ten degrees, and he will be protected from the Devil and other undesirables throughout the day.(Nobody is worthy of worship except Allah; He is one, and He has no partner. This world and the Hereafter belong to Him and he is worthy of all praise; life and death are controlled by Him, and He controls the destiny of everything). According to another hadith, whosoever, after 'Fajr' and 'Asr', recites three time the following prayer:(I seek pardon of Allah, except whom there is nobody worthy of worship and Who is living and eternal; I turn to Him). All his sins, even if big like the sea, will be forgiven.

HADITH NO.-20

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) has said, "

The world and all it contents, are accursed (i.e. devoid of Allah's mercy), except the following three:

1) Zikr of Allah and everything that is near it,

2) The (Redligious) Alim, and,

3) The student (the Seeker of religious knowledge).

The first may mean either the things near to Zikr of Allah, in which case all the things that are helpful in doing zikr, such as eating and drinking in reasonable quantities, and all other necessities of life, as also all forms of worship are implied therein; or it may mean the things near to Allah, in which case it will mean all forms of worship of Allah, and the Zikr would mean special form of Zikr. In both cases, Ilm is included therein, because in the first case, it is Ilm that leads one to Zikr, and whereas an ignorant man cannot recognize Allah and in the second case because Ilm (i.e. religious knowledge) is the best form of worship. In spite of this, the Alim and the student have been specially mentioned separately for emphasis. Ilm, indeed, is a great wealth. According to one Hadith, 'Learning Ilm just for the pleasure of Allah is a proof of the fear of Allah, travelling in search of it is a worship, memorizing it is like glorifying Allah, making research in it is like Jihad, reading it is like charity, and teaching it to one's members of family promotes nearness to Allah. This is because Ilm enables one to distinguish between right and wrong; it is the road sign indicating the way to Paradise; to provides consolation in wilderness and a companion while travelling, because reading a book serves this dual purpose. Further, it is like a companion to talk to in solitude, a guide during pain and pleasure, and a weapon for friends against foes. Because of this, Almighty Allah raises the position of Ulama, because they propagate the right, provide a lead for others so that with their deeds, and their advice be sought and acted upon in all matters. The angels love to befriend them, and rub their wings over them to be blessed or to show love. All things, whether of land or in sea, including fish in the sea, beasts of the jungle, animals and even poisonous insects and reptiles like the snakes, pray for their forgiveness. All this is because Ilm is a light for the hear t as well as for the eyes; it urges one to be one of the best personalities of the Ummat, and enables one to attain high position in this life as also in the Hereafter. Its study is a virtuous as fasting, and its memorizing is like offering 'Tahajjud' prayer. It promotes good relations; and it helps distinguish between right and wrong; it is a prerequisite for good deeds and controls them. The blessed are inspired by it and the accursed are deprived of it." Though some authorities have questioned the overall authenticity of this Hadith, yet the virtues mentioned herein are by parts corroborated by many other Ahaadith. In fact, many additional virtues are mentioned in the books of Ahadith let alone the foregoing accounting for the specific mention of the 'Alim' and the student in the fore-mentioned Hadith.

Hafiz Ibn-I-Qayyam, a well-known Mohaddith has written an authentic book, named 'Alwabil-us-Sayyib', on the virtues of Zikr. He has stated therein that the virtues of Zikr are more than one hundred and he has listed seventy-nine of these which are briefly given below in the same order. Some of these include multiple benefits, and for this reason their actual number is more than one hundred:

1) Zikr keeps away the Satan and weakens his strength.

2) It is the cause of Almighty Allah's pleasure.

3) It relieves the mind of anxieties and worries.

4) It produces joy and happiness in the heart.

5) It strengthens the body and the mind.

6) It brightens the face and the heart.

7) It attracts one's subsistence.

8) It invests with awe and sweetness the Zakirs so that the Seeing Eye is filled with awe and pleasure at his sight.5) It induces love for Allah, which in fact is the spirit of Islam and the pivot of 'Deen', and the source of success and salvation in the Hereafter. He who seeks access to the love of Almighty Allah should do Zikr profusely. Just as reading and repetition is the door of knowledge, so Zikr of Allah is the gateway to His love.

9) Zikr involves Muraqaba (deep meditation), through which one reaches the stage of 'Ehsan', wherein a person worships Almighty Allah as if he is actually seeing Him. (The attainment of this stage of Ehsaan is the ultimate objective of the Shuyukh).

10) It helps realization of Allah so that by and by a stage is reached when he comes to regard Almighty Allah as his sole Cherisher, Guardian and Master, and he turns unto Him, in all afflictions

11) It is the key to nearness to Almighty Allah; the greater the zikr, the greater the nearness to Allah, and greater the indifference to Zikr, the greater the distance from Him.

12) It opens the door of Maarfat (realization) of Allah.

13) It makes one realize the greatness and grandeur of Almighty Allah, and strengthens the consciousness of His Omni-presence.

14) Zikr of Allah causes one's mention in the Court of Allah, as said in the Holy Book. (Remember Me, and I will remember you), and as stated in a Hadith; (whosoever remembers Me in his heart, I remember him in My heart). It has already been explained under other verses and Ahadith that even if there were no other good points in zikr, except that mentioned above this alone would have established its superiority over others. Nevertheless, there are many more virtues and benefits of zikr.

15) It gives life to the heart. Hafiz Ibni Taimia says that Zikr is as necessary for the heart as water for the fish. Imagine the condition of a fish out of water.

16) It is food for the heart and the soul; depriving them of zikr is like depriving the body of its food.

17) It cleans the heart of its rust. It has been mentioned in an earlier Hadith; everything rusts according to its nature; and heart rusts with worldly desires and indifference to purify which zikr is necessary.

18) It safeguards against pitfalls and lapses.

19) The heart of a neglectful person is tormented by a feeling of remoteness from Allah and nothing other than Zikr can rid the heart of this feeling.

20) The words of Zikr keep on moving round the Arsh of Almighty Allah, as stated in a Hadith.

21) If one remembers Allah in happiness, Almighty Allah remembers him in his afflictions.

22) It is a means to deliverance from Allah's punishment.

23) It causes Allah's peace and Mercy to descend while angels surround the person engaged in Zikr.

24) It saves the tongue from indulging in backbiting, loose talk, lies and abuses. It is a common experience that a man whose tongue remains engaged in Zikr does not commit these absurdities. On the other hand the tongue that is not used in Zikr, falls an easy prey to all kinds of useless talk.

25) The gatherings of zirk are gathering of angels, and gatherings without Zikr are gatherings of Satan. A person is free to have a choice between the two and verily man by instinct, is drawn towards what is akin to his temperament.

26) By virtue of Zikr, the Zakir is blessed as also the person sitting by him. Similarly the indolent person is accursed for his indolence as also the person sitting by him.

27) Zikr will save one from despair on the Day of Judgement. This is confirmed by one of the Ahadith which says that the gathering devoid of Allah's Zikr will cause sorrow and losses on that Day.

28) If Zikr is shared by tears and repentance in loneliness Zakir will be blessed under shadow of Allah's throne on the Day of Judgement, when hearts will jump to lips due to agony of intolerable heat of the Day.

29) Those who remain busy in Zikr are better rewarded by Allah than those who remain busy in 'Duaa' and supplication. According to one Hadith, Almighty Allah says that I will give better reward to one who is abstained by his engagements in Zikr from making 'Duaa' than all those who find time for making 'Duaa'.

30) In spite of the fact that Zikr is the easiest form of worship (the movement of the tongue being easier than the movement of any other part of the body), yet it is the most virtuous form.

31) Allah's Zikr helps plants of Paradise to grow.

32) Of all actions the reward and forgiveness promised for Zikr is the highest. According to one Hadith if on any day a person repeats one hundred times the Kalimah: (There is none worthy of worship except Allah, the One. There is no partner with Him; His is the kingdom, and for Him is all praise, and He is All-powerful to do everything), he is rewarded as for freeing ten slaves, and in addition one hundred virtues are written to his account and one hundred sins are forgiven. He remains protected against the devil throughout the day, and none is considered as having acted better than him except one who has recited these words oftener than him. Similarly, there are many other Ahadith proclaiming the superiority of Zikr over all other good deeds.

33) Due to incessant Zikr one is able not to forget one's soul. Forgetting one's soul leads to failure in both the worlds, because forgetting the remembrance of Allah leads to neglecting one's soul and all its best interests. So, says Allah in His book:(And be not ye as those who forgot Allah and therefore He caused them to forget their souls. Such are the evildoers). Thus, when one forgets one's soul he becomes careless and forgets his real interests which leads to his ruination just as a garden or field is invariably ruined when its owner fails to look after it. Protection against this ruination can only be provided by keeping one's tongue always busy in Zikr, so that Zikr should become as indispensable as water is at the extreme thirst, or food at the time of hunger, or house and clothes for protection against extreme of heat and cold. As a matter of fact, one should be more mindful of zikr than of these material necessities, which at the most can result in physical death, which is a small loss as compared with the spiritual death.

34) Zikr is the source of one's (spiritual) elevation whether done in bed or in the market, whether in good health or in sickness, or even when one is making most of the pleasures of life. Nothing but 'Zikr' can take a man to such spiritual heights, whereby his heart is so illuminated with the light of 'Zikr' that even asleep he is more wakeful than the neglectful person who wakes all through the night.

35) The Nur (radiance) of Zikr remains with a person in his life as well as in his grave. It will go in front of him on the 'Pulsarat' (waybridge) in the Hereafter. Almighty Allah says in the Quran: (Can he who was dead and whom we gave life, and a light whereby he can walk among men, be like him who is in utter darkness whence he cannot emerge). The one mentioned first is the faithful, who believes in Allah and shines with the light of His love, Zikr, and cognizance, while the second one is devoid of all these virtues. In reality this radiance (Nur) is a great blessing and leads to perfect success. That is why Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) used to beg for it in prolonged prayers, and prayed for Nur for every part of his body. As mentioned in many Ahadith Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) prayed that Almighty Allah may bless his flesh, bones, muscles, hair, skin, eyes and ears with Nur, and that he may be surrounded with Nur on all sides; he even prayed that he may be blessed with Nur from top to bottom, and that his whole person may be made into Nur. One's deeds will shine according to the Nur in oneself, so much so that the good deeds of some people (while going up to heaven) will shine like the Sun. similar Noor will be found in their faces on the Day of Judgement.

36) Zikr is the basic principle of Tasawwuf (Sufiism) and is in vogue in all the schools of Sufism. A person who gets conversant with Zikr enters the gateway to Almighty Allah, and one who enters this gate-way is sure to reach Almighty Allah, from whom he will get whatever he wants, for Allah's treasures are unlimited.

37) There is a cornier in the heart of a man, which can not be filled but with Zikr. When 'Zikr controls the heart, not only does it fill up this corner, but also does it lead the Zakir to contentment which wealth would fail to produce and to respect among people, which the family or party would fail to bring about, and to such control over people as a sovereign would never dream of on the other hand. the indolent comes to disgrace, in spite of all his wealth and riches, party strength and powers.

38) Zikr transform dispersion into concentration and concentration into dispersion; and remoteness into nearness and nearness into remoteness. This means that one is relieved of one's troubles, worries and fears, and is blessed with peace of mind. His mistakes and sins are forgiven, and the devils who are after him are dispersed away. It makes him to remember that the Hereafter is not far away, and the worldly life has little attraction for him.

39) Zikr does not allow one's heart to suffer from forgetfulness, which leads to ignore one's ultimate interest.

40) Zikr is just like a tree, the fruit of which is realization of Almighty Allah. The more Zikr is done, the stronger shall grow the root of this tree; and stronger the root of this tree the more abundant the fruit it will bear.

41) Zikr of Almighty Allah promotes nearness to Him and thereby earns His constant patronage. It is given in the Quran; (No doubt Allah is with those who fear Him.) it is stated in one Hadith (I am with my slave who remembers Me). According to another Hadith, Allah says, "Those who remember Me are My men, and I do not deprive them of My Mercy. When they repent, I am their friend, but when they do not repent I am their physician. I put them to worries to condone their sins." Nearness to Almighty Allah resulting from Zikr has no parallel. No words and no writing can describe this nearness. Its taste is known only to those who are blessed with it. (May Almighty Allah also bless me with the same).

42) Zikr of Allah is a meritorious as liberating of slaves, and spending in charity and Jihad in the path of Allah. (Many virtues of this kind have already been described and more will further be narrated in this book).

43) Zikr is the fundamental form of thanksgiving to Almighty Allah. One who does not do Zikr cannot thank him. It is stated in Hadith that Hazrat Moses (Alayhis salam) had asked Almighty Allah 'O My Lord! You have done me countless favors, teach me the manner in which I should thank you befittingly.' Almighty Allah said, "The more Zikr you do, the more thanks you offer." According to another Hadith, Moses (Alayhis Salam) if reported to have said, "O, Lord! How can I offer thanks worthy of Your greatness." Almighty Allah replied, "Let your tongues always remain engaged in Zirk."

44) According to Almighty Allah, the best of the pious people are those who always remain busy in Zikr, because piety leads to paradise, and Zikr to the nearness to Allah.

45) There is a sort of hardness in the human heart, and which is not softened by anything except Zikr.

46) In fact, Zikr is a remedy for all ills of the heart.

47) Zikr of Allah is the root of His love, and neglecting Zikr is the root of His enmity.

48) Nothing is more effective than Zikr in attracting Allah's blessings and in warding off His chastisement.

49) Almighty Allah grants His grace to those who do Zikr, and the angels pray for them.

50) One who grants to remain in the gardens of Paradise, even in this life, should sit in the gatherings of Zikr, because these are likened to the gardens of Paradise.

51) Gatherings of Zikr are also the gatherings of angels.

52) In the presence of the angels, Almighty Allah praises those who do Zikr.

53) One who is constant in doing Zikr will enter Paradise in high spirits.

54) All good deeds have been ordained because of Zikr.

55) A good deed becomes superior to others of its kind because of Zikr. Of the fasts, the one with more Zikr is the best; of the Hajj, one with excessive Zikr is more virtuous. Similar is the case with other good deeds like Jihad etc;

56) Zikr is a substitute of Nafl Salaat and other nonobligatory devotions. It is related in one hadith that the poor people once complained to Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) of the higher rewards available to the rich because of their wealth. They said, "These rich men offer prayers and observe Fast, just as we do, but they excel us by performing Umra and Hajj, and taking part in Jehad on account of their wealth". Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "Should I tell you something, so that none except one who practices it can excel you." He then advised them to recite after every Salaat: By this Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had indicated the importance of Zikr , to be the substitute for various kinds of worship, like Umra, Hajj, Jihad, etc.

57) Zikr is very helpful to all other forms of worship. Excessive Zikr crates love for various forms of worship, so that one starts taking delight in their performance and never feels bored or burdened while offering them.

58) Zikr is a solution to all difficulties, and remedy for all handicaps. It lightens every burden, and relieves every affliction.

59) Zikr dispels every fear of the heart. It has a special hand in inducing peace of mind and for relieving the heart of its fear. To free the heart of its fears and mind of its perplexity is one of the specific qualities of Zikr. The greater therefore, the amount of Zikr, the greater freedom from fear.

60) By Zikr one is blessed with divine help that associates in all one's doings. That is why some time man's achievements surpass his powers and he attains what was seemingly beyond his reach. This is perhaps the reason why Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) advised his daughter Fatimah (Radhiallaho anha) to recite (subhana Allah, alhamdoulillah) thirty three times each and (Allah akbar) thirty four times before going to bed at night, when she approached him for a helper, complaining that she was over-worked by the labor of grinding wheat and doing other house-hold jobs. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) further said, "The recitation of these kalimahs is better for you than a servant."

61) Those who are working the good for the life Hereafter are in a race, wherein the Zakirs shall remain ahead of all on account of their Zikr. On the Day of Judgement, says Umar Maula Ghufra, when people will be rewarded for their good deeds, many shall repent why they neglected Zikr when it was easiest of all good deeds and the highest in reward. In a Hadith Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) is quoted to have said, "The Mufrid people have surpassed all." He was asked, Who were the 'Mufrid' people, the Prophet (Sallallaho aliahe wasallam) replied, "Those who would toil hard for Zikr because it lightens their burdens."

62) Those who do Zikr are held truthful by Almighty Allah and those who are testified as such by Almighty Allah cannot be raised among those who belie the Day of Judgement. It is quoted on the authority of Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) that when a man utters. (there is no God but Allah and Allah is great) Allah proclaims, "My slave has spoken the truth, and nobody is worthy of worship except I, and I am Greatest of all."

63) Zikr causes houses to be built in Paradise by angels. When Zikr is stopped, the angels also stop construction of houses. When asked why a particular construction was stopped by the angels, they reply, 'The construction had to be stopped because funds for that were stopped, the fact is confirmed by a Hadith, which says when a man recites ( ) seven times, a tower is raised for him in Paradise.

64) Zikr provides protection against the Hell. If, due to any misdeed a Zakir deserves Hell, his Zikr acts as a defense between him and the Hell. The more his Zikr, the stronger will be this defense.

65) The angels pray for the forgiveness of those who do Zikr. It is related on the authority of Amr Ibnal Aas (Radhiallaho anho) that when a man says (Zikr) the angels pray to Almighty Allah for his forgiveness.

66) The mountain or plain on which Zikr is recited feels proud of it. According to a Hadith, one mountain asks another if any Zakir has crossed over it during the day. If the reply is in the affirmative, it feels happy.

67) Zikr guarantees immunity from hypocrisy, for Almighty Allah has described the hypocrite as (they do not remember Allah except very rarely). It is also related on the authority of Kaab Ahbar that Allah's frequent Zikr is free from hypocrisy.

68) Compared with other good deeds, Zikr carries a special taste, which is not to be found in any other action. Even if there were no other virtue to Zikr, this fine taste alone would have been a sufficient reward to justify it. Malik bin Dinar (Rahmatullah alaih) has said that nothing surpasses the taste of Zikr, which is the best and finest.

69) The faces of those who do Zikr remain bright in this life, and will carry a special radiance in the Hereafter.

70) One who is frequently engaged in Zikr, whether he is in or out of his house, whether he is stationary or traveling he will find, on the Day of Judgement, a large number of witnesses in his favor. Almighty Allah has described the Day of Judgement as (The day when the Earth will tell all that it knows). Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) asked his companions if they knew what those news would be. They expressed their ignorance. Then Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) said, "Whatever deed is done, good or bad, by any man or woman on the face of the Earth, the Earth will describe it all, with date, time and place." Hence, one who does Zikr at many places will find many witnesses in his favor.

71) As long as the tongue is busy in Zikr, it cannot indulge in lies, backbiting or any other kind of evil talk. The tongue will engage itself in useless talk if it is not in Zikr because it cannot remain quiet. So is the case with the heart; if it is devoid of love for Almighty Allah, it will be filled with the love of worldly things.

72) The devils are outright enemies of man and always create trouble for him and keep him surrounded. The miserable condition of one who remains surrounded by the enemies can well be imagined especially when the enemies are vindictive and every one of them wants to surpass the other in troubling him. Nothing except Zikr can protect him against these enemies. Many forms of 'Duaa' are mentioned in the Hadiths, so that if any of these is recited by a person, the Satan dare not come near him. If the same is recited at the time of going to bed, one remains safe from the Satan throughout the night. Hafiz bin Qayyam (Rahmatullah alaih) has also mentioned many such Duaas. In addition to these, the author has also mentioned in detail under six headings the relative merits of Zikr as also some of its virtues, which are specific to Zikr alone. Then he has also given seventy-five chapters on special Duaas, which are suited to specific times and occasions. For the sake of brevity, these have been excluded from this book. For those blessed with determination to act, the virtues of Zikr detailed above are more than enough and for those who are disinclined to act, thousands of such virtues would be of little avail.(Whatever good I have done is through the grace of Almighty Allah; I, therefore, depend on HIM and turn to HIM).

KALIMAH TAYYIBAH

Kalimah Tayybah, which is also called Kalimah Tauheed (utterance of Unity), has been mentioned in the Qur'an and the Hadith far more frequently than anything else. Since all the saints and Prophets had been sent specifically with the primary aim of propagating the Unity of Allah, its excessive mention can well be understood. In the Holy Qur'an, this Kalimah has been referred to by various names and in different contexts. It has been referred to as kalimah Tayybah (sacred utterance), (complete statement) (utterance of piety), (key of the heaven and earth), etc; as will be found in the Qur'anic verses given in the following pages. Imaam Ghazali (Rahmatullah alaih) has written in his book 'IHYA' that it is (utterance of Unity), (sacred utterance) (Strong rope), (call of truth), (price of paradise).

As this kalimah has been mentioned in various contexts in the Holy Qur'an, this chapter is divided into three parts. The first part includes those verses wherein the words of kalimah Tayybah do not occur, although it is implied therein. Each verse is followed by a brief explanation, as given by the Sahaba and by Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) himself.

The second part consists of those verses which contain the text of kalimah Tayybah i.e. (la illaha ila Allah) in full, or slightly modified, such as (la ilaha but Him) as the words of kalimah occur in these verses, their translation has not been considered necessary. Only the Surah and 'Ruku', in which the Ayat occurs, has been indicated. The third part includes the translation and explanation of those Ahadith that describe the virtues and importance of this Kalimah. (Whatever has been done is merely through Allah's grace).

PART - 1

This contains those Ayaat in which the words of Kalimah Tayybah do not occur, although it is implied therein:

(1) Seest thou not how Allah explains through a parable. Good words are like good tree that is firmly rooted and its branches reach the sky. It brings fruit at all times, under order from its Lord. So Allah explains through parables for men that they may take heed. The parable of evil words is like an evil tree. It is torn up by the root from the surface of the Earth. It has no stability.

Note:

Hazrat Ibne Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) has explained that the words "Kalimah Tayybah" in this Ayat mean Kalimah Shahadat, which is like a tree with its roots in he hearts of the Faithful and its branches spread out up to Heaven, by means of which the deeds of the faithful climb up to Heaven; and (ugly utterance) is the utterance of Shirk, which prevents any good deed from being accepted. In another Hadith, it is stated by Ibne Abbas that "bearing of fruit all the time" means that Almighty Allah be remembered day and night.

It was narrated by Hazrat Katadah Tabiee (Rahmatullah alaih) that somebody had said to Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), "The rich are able to earn great rewards (by virtue of spending their wealth in charity)"

Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "Tell me if anybody can reach the sky by piling up his goods one over the other. I tell you of something, which has its roots in the Earth and its branches spread out into the Heaven. It is recitation of the 'Kalimah' ( La ilaha illaLlah wallahu Akbar wa subhanallahi wal-hamdulillah) ten items each after every Salaat

(2) Whosoever desires glory and power (should know) that glory and all powers belong to Allah; Unto Him good words ascend and he exalts all righteous deeds.

According to the majority of commentators, the kalimah Tayybah in this Ayat means ( there is no God but Allah), but some are of the opinion that it implies the Kalimah of Tasbih as will be described in part II.

(3) The word of thy Lord finds its fulfillment in truth and in justice.

According to Anas (Radhiallaho anho), Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said that he Kalimah of the Lord means the Kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah). But many commentators are of the opinion that it means the Holy Qur'an.

(4) Allah will confirm those who believe in words that stand firm, in this world and in the Hereafter, and Allah sends wrong doers astray. Allah does what He wills.

Hazrat Baraa (Radhiallaho anho) stated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "At the time of interrogation in the grave, a Muslim bears witness to (La ilaha illaLlah Muhammadur-Rasulullah) and this is meant by the words (complete statement) in this Ayat.

Hazrat Aisha (Radhiallaho anha) also corroborated that it refers to the interrogation in the grave. Hazrat Ibne Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) said, "When a Muslim is about to die, the angels come to him, greet him, and convey the glad tidings of paradise; after his death, they accompany him and join his funeral prayer; and after the is buried, they make him sit up when in the grave questioning starts. He replies

(I bear witness that there is nobody worthy of worship except Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah). This is what is implied in this Ayat.

Hazrat Abu Katadah, (Radhiallaho anho) also said that (complete statement) refers to kalimah Tayyibah in this life, and the interrogation in the grave after death. Hazrat Taoos (Radhiallaho anho) also gave the same interpretation.

(5) Unto Him is the real prayer. Those unto whom they pray besides Allah respond to them not at all. They are like those who stretch forth their hands for water to reach their mouths but it reaches them not. The prayer of disbelievers astray.

Note: According to Hazrat Ali (Radhiallaho anho) as well as Ibn-Abbas and many others, the words (propagation of truth) means this kalimah.

(6) Say: O, people of scriptures! Come to an agreement between us and you; that we shall worship none but Allah and that we shall ascribe no partner unto Him, and none of us shall take others for Lords beside Allah. And if you turn away, bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims. (Al-Imraan, 64)

Note: This sacred Ayat is self-explanatory, in that the word kalimah in this implies Tauheed and kalimah Tayyabah. The same viewpoint has been categorically confirmed by Abu al Aalya and Mujahid (Radhiallaho anhuma)

(7) You are the best of people, evolved for mankind, enjoining what is right, forbidding what is wrong and believing in Allah. If only the people of scriptures had faith. It were best for them; among them are some who have faith most of them are transgressors.

Note: Hazrat Ibni-Abbas has stated (i.e. you enjoin the good means that you enjoin the people to believe in (La ilaha illaLlah) and obey Almighty Allah; and that this kalimah is by far the best and foremost of tall the good things.

(8) Establish regular prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approaches of the night. Lo! Good deeds annul ill deeds. This is a reminder for the mindful.

Note: The Explanation of this sacred Ayat is to be found in many Ahadith according to which Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) while referring to this Ayat had said that good deeds wipe out the sins from one's account. Hazrat Abuzar (Radhiallaho anho) says that he had once requested Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to give him some advice and Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied, "Hold Almighty Allah in constant fear. If per chance you commit any sin, hasten at once to do some virtuous deed so that the sin is atoned, and it is written off." Then Abuzar (Radhiallaho anho) continues to say that he asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) if this kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah) was also counted amongst the virtues. At this, Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) gave the reply that this Kalimah is the highest of all virtues. It is likewise quoted from Hazrat Anas (Radhiallaho anho) that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "whosoever, any time during the day or night, recited the kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah), his sins are washed off his account."

(9) a- Lo! Allah enjoineth justice and kindness and giving to kinsfolk. He forbids shameful deeds, injustice and rebellion. He instructs you in order that you take heed.

Note: There are different versions regarding the interpretation of the word (justice). In one version, Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) says that justice means to believe that nobody is worthy of worship except Allah, while (goodness) means to do one's obligations to Allah.

(10) O, you who believe! Fear Allah and say words straight to the point that He may make your conduct sound and forgive your sins. Whosoever obeys Allah and His Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam), he has attained the highest achievement.

Note: Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas and Hazrat Ikrama (Radhiallaho anhum) are both said to have been of the view that the meaning of (and speak words straight to the right) is to recite the kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah). According to one Hadith, three things constitute the best of all actions. The first is to do Zikr of Allah under all circumstances, in happiness and in grief, in poverty and in affluence; the second is to conduct oneself with impartiality even when one's own interests are involved; and the third is to help one's brother with money.

(11) Give good tidings to my servants, who hear advice and follow the best thereof. Such are those whom Allah guideth, and such are men of understanding. (Al-Zumur, 17-18)

Hazrat Ibn-I-Umar (Radhiallaho anho) said that Hazrat Saeed Farsi (Radhiallaho anho), all the three used to recite the kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah) even before they embraced Islam, and by the words (the best utterance) what is exactly meant in this sacred Ayat is this kalimah. Hazrt Zaid bin Aslam (Radhiallaho anho) has also said that this Ayat relates to three persons who used to recite the kalimah (La ilaha illaLlah) even in their days of ignorance, and they were Zaid bin Amr ben Nafeed, Abuzar Ghifari and Salman Farsi.

(12) He who brings the Truth and he who confirms it; such are the dutiful. They shall have all they wish from their Lord's bounty. Such is the reward of those who do good. (Al-Zumur, 33-34)

Note: The persons who brought the message from Almighty Allah are the Prophets (Alayhim-us-Salato-wa-Salam) and the people who brought a message from Rasulullah (Sallallah alaihe wasallam) are the 'Ulama' (May Allah accept their efforts). Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) is stated to have said that 'The true thing' means the kalimah (la ilaha ila Allah). According to some commentators, the words (one who brought the true message from Allah) refers to Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and the words (those who confirmed it) refer to the Believers.

(13) In the case of those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and afterwards are steadfast, the angels descend upon them saying, "Fear not, nor grieve but hear good tidings of the Paradise which you were promised. We are your protecting friends in the life of the world and in the Hereafter. There you will have all that your souls desire, and then you will have what you pray for. A gift of welcome from the Forgiving the Merciful." (Fussilat, 30-32)

Note: Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallah anho) said that the words (the remained steadfast) meant that they remained steadfast in their belief in the kalimah (la ilaha ila Allah). Hazrat Ibrahim and Hazrat Mujahid (Radhiallaho anhuma) both supported the interpretation that they stuck to the kalimah (la ilaha ila Allah) up to their death, and never indulged in Shirk of any kind.

(14) Who is better in speech than one who calls (men) to Allah and doeth righteous deeds and says, "I am among those who bow in Islam (The Muslims)" (Fussilat, 33)

Note: Hazrat Hassan (Radhiallaho anho) said that the words (invited towards Allah) refers to the calling of (La ilaha illaLlah) by the 'Muazzin'. Asim bin Hubaira (Rahmatullah alaihe) advised, "After finishing Azaan, one should recite (nobody is worthy of worship except Allah; Allah is the greatest, and I am from among the Muslims).

(15) Is the reward of goodness ought save goodness? Which is it, of the favors of your Lord that ye deny? (Ar-Rahmaan, 60-61)

Note: Hazrat ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) narrated that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had said, "The meaning of this Ayat is that Allah says, "Can there be any other reward than Paradise in the Hereafter for one whom I blessed in his worldly life with the recitation of kalimah (la ilaha ila Allah)." Hazrat Ikramah and Hazrat Hassan (Radhiallaho anhuma) have also said that the reward of (la ilaha ila Allah) cannot be anything but Paradise.

(16) Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon His Messenger and upon the believers and imposed upon them the word of self-restraint, for they were entitled to it and worthy of it.

Note: (Utterance of piety) in this Hadith means kalimah Tayyabah as explained in many narrations. Hazrat Abu Hurairah and Hazrat Salma (Radhiallaho anhum) quoted Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) as having said that it means (la ilaha ila Allah). The same view was expressed by hazrat Ubai bin Kaab, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas, Hazrat-I-Umar, and many other Sahabas (Radhiallaho anhum) Ataa Khorasani (Rahmatullah alaih) was of the view that it meant the whole kalimah Tayybah i.e. (la ilaha ila Allah, Mohammad rasool Allah), while Hazrat Ali (Radhiallaho anho) had said that it meant (la ilaha ila Allah, Allah is greatest). Tirmazi is stated to have quoted on the authority of Barra (Radhiallaho anho) that this implied (La ilaha illaLlah)

(17) 'Those will prosper who purify themselves.' (Al-A'ala, 14)

Note: Hazrat Jabir (Radhiallaho anho) has quoted Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) to have said that (became pious) means declared his faith in (la ilaha ila Allah, Mohammad rasool Allah) and gave up idol-worship. According to Hazrat Ikrama (Radhiallaho anho) tazaka means 'proclaimed' (la ilaha ila Allah) and this also was the view-point held by Ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho).

(18) ' As for him who gives and is dutiful (towards Allah) and belives in goodness. Surely we will ease his way unto the state of ease.'

(Al-Layl, 5-7)

Note: State of ease means Paradise, because it is Paradise where all kinds of comforts and facilities will be available. Its further elaboration is that Allah will go grace a man as to make good deeds easy for him, which will expedite his entry to Paradise. Many commentators are of the view that the above-mentioned Ayat was revealed in favor of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radhi Allaho anho).

According to Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) the word (good thing) mentioned in this Ayat means the kalimah (la ilaha ila Allah). Hazrat Abu Abdur Rehman Sulma also shares this view. Hazrat Imam Azam (Rahmatullah alaih) quoting on the authority of Abu Zubair and Hazrat Jabir (Radhiallaho anhuma) says that Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) explained that 'believe in goodness' means testified (La ilaha illaLlah) while 'denies goodness' means refused it!"

(19) He who does a good deed shall have ten times as much to his credit. He who does an evil deed will be awarded according to his evil. No wrong shall be done to them. (Al-An'aam, 160)

It is related when 'He who does a good deed...' was revealed, someone asked Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) if reciting of (La ilaha illaLlah) was also counted among their virtuous deeds. The Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) replied that it is the best of all virtues. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas and Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (Radhiallaho anhum) take (virtue) to mean (la ilaha ila Allah). Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho) also holds exactly the same view. Similar meanings were also narrated by Hazrat Abuzar Ghiffari (Radhiallaho anho) on the authority of Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) who held that (La ilaha illaLlah) was the best amongst all virtuous deeds.

According to Hazrat Abu Hurairah (Radhiallaho anho), one good deed is counted ten times over as a general principle but, for the Muhajirs compensation for one good is raised to seven hundred times.

(20) The revelation of this Book is from Allah, exalted in power, full of knowledge, who forgives sin and accepts repentance, strict in punishment, and hath a long reach. There is no god save He; to Him is the final goal. (Al-Ghaafir, 1-3)

Note: In an explanation of this Ayat, Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (Radhiallaho anho) states that Almighty Allah is the forgiver of sins, for one who says (La ilaha illaLlah), and acceptor of Tobah for one who recites (La ilaha illaLlah), and is the dispensor of severe punishment for one who does not proclaim (La ilaha illaLlah). The words 'hath a long reach' means (is All powerful) and (La ilaha illaLlah) refuted the Quraish, who did not believe in the Unity of Allah; 'to Him is the final goal' implies that one who says (La ilaha illaLlah) will return to Allah for entry into Paradise. While one who refutes (La ilaha illaLlah) will return to Him for entry into Hell.

(21) He who rejects false deities and believeth in Allah has grasped the firm hand-hold, which will never break. (Al-Baqarah, 256)

Note: Hazrat Ibn-I-Abbas (Radhiallaho anho) says that ( ) held the strong Rope menas that he proclaimed (la ilaha ila Allah). The same interpretation is also related from Sufian (Rahmatullah alaih).

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CONCLUSION.

PART- 2

This chapter includes such Ayaat as contains the Kalimah Tayyabah in full or in part, or else its equivalent in different words but having the same meaning. The kalimah Tayybah (la ilaha ila Allah) means that nobody is worthy of worship except Allah. The words (min ilahin ghayruh) and (La ilaha illa Hu) and (we do not worship anybody other than Allah) and (He is the only One worthy of worship) also mean the same thing. There are other similar Ayaat, which imply the same meaning as of Kalimah Tayyabah.

The surah and Ruku in which each such Ayat occurs has been indicated below, so that if desired one may be able to look up the translation of the Qur'an. In fact, the whole of the Holy Qur'an is an explanation of the Kalimah Tayyabah, because the basic objective of the Holy Qur'an and of the Deen of Islam is Tauheed. It is to propagate Tauheed that the messengers of Allah were sent to people at different times. Tauheed is the common objective of all the revealed religions, and for this reason the subject of Tauheed has all along been dealt with under different headings to establish its truth. The same Tauheed is therefore the object of Kalimah Tayyabah.

1. Your Allah is One Allah. There is no god save Him; Most Beneficent, the Merciful (Baqarah ,163)

2. There is no god but He - The Living, the Eternal (Baqarah, 225)

3. There is no god but He - the Living, the Eternal. (Ale-Imran, 2)

4. Allah Himself is witness, there is no god but He. The angels and the men of learning too are witness (Al-Imraan, 18)

5. There is no god but He-The Exalted in Power, the Wise (Ale-Imran-18)

6. There is no god save Allah, and Allah is Exalted in Power, the Wise. (Al-Imraan, 62)

7. Come to an agreement between us and you, that we shall worship none but Allah (Al-Imraan, 64)

8. Allah! There is no god but He; of surety, He will gather you together on the Day of Judgement. (Nisa, 87)

9. There is no god save One Allah. (Ma'ida, 76)

10. Say. In truth He is the One Allah. (An'am, 18)

11. Who- a god other than Allah, could restore them to you (An'am, 46)

12. That is Allah, your Lord. There is no god save Him (An'am, 102)

13. There is no god save Allah, and turn away from those joint gods with Allah. (An'am,106)

14. He said; shall I seek for you a god other than Allah. (A'iraaf,140)

15. There is no god save He (Allah). It is He that gives both life and death. (A'iraaf,185)

16. They were commanded to worship but One Allah. There is no god save he (Allah). (Taubah, 31)

17. Allah suffices me. There is no god save he (Allah). He is the Lord of the Tremendous Throne. (Taubah, 129)

18. This is Allah your Lord. Him, therefore, you should worship. (Yunus, 3)

19. Such is Allah your real Sustainer. (Yunus, 32)

20. He said, there is no god except Him (Allah), in Whom the Children of Israel believe, and I am of those who submit unto Him. (Yunus, 90)

21. I worship not what you worship other than Allah. (Yunus, 104)

22. Know you that this revelation is sent down in the knowledge of Allah, and there is no god save Him (Allah) (Hood, 14)

23. That ye serve none but Allah. (Hood, 26)

24,25,26 He said, "O my people worship Allah, you love no other god but Him. (Hood, 50-61-84)

27. Are many lords differing among themselves better or the One Allah, 'Qahhar'. (Yusuf, 39)

28. He has commanded that you worship none but Him. (Yusuf, 40)

29. Say, "He is my Lord, there is no god but He (Allah) (RA'd-30)

30. And let them know that He (Allah) is only one god. (Ibrahim-52)

31. There is no god but I, so do your duty unto Me. (Nehal-2)

32. Your Allah is one Allah. (Nehal-22)

33. He is just one Allah. (Nehal-5)

34. And do not set up with Allah any other god. (Bani Israil-39)

35. Say if there had been other gods with Him (Allah), as they say. (Bani Israil-42)

36. They said 'Our Lord is the Lord of the Heavens and of the Earth. Never shall we call upon any god other than Him (Allah). (Kahaf-15)

37. There are people who chosen other gods beside Him (Allah). (Kahaf-15)

38. The Revelation has come to me that your Allah is one Allah. (Kahf-110)

39. Verily, Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so serve Him. (Maryam-36)

40. Allah! There is no god but He (Allah) (Taha-8)

41. Verily, I am Allah. There is no god but I. So serve Me. (Taha-14)

42. But the god of you all is the one Allah; there is no god but He. (Taha-98)

43. If there were (in the Heavens and the Earth) other gods besides Allah, there would have been disorder in both of them. (Ambia-22)

44. Have they taken for worship gods besides Him (Allah) (Ambia-24)

45. It was revealed by Us (Allah) to him (The Apostle) that there is no god but I (Allah) (Ambia-25)

46. Or have they gods who can shield them from us? (Ambia-43)

47. Do you worship besides Allah things that can neither be any good to you, nor do you harm? (Ambia-66)

48. There is no god save Thou; Glory to Thee. (Ambia-87)

49. What has come to me by revelation is that your Allah is one Allah. (Ambia-108)

50. Your Allah is one Allah, submit unto Him. (Haj-34)

51-52. Worship Allah, you have no other god but Him (Allah). (Mominun-23)

53. Nor is there any god along with Him. (Mominun-91)

54. Therefore Allah. Exalted, the True King! There is no god save Him (Allah) (Mominun-114)

55. If any one invokes any other god besides Allah, he has no authority therefore. His reckoning is only with his Lord. (Mominun-117)

56. Can there be another god besides Allah? (Namal-64)

57. And He is Allah. There is no god but He. To Him be praise. (Qasas-70)

58. Is there other than Allah, who can give you a night. (Qasas-70)

59. And call not , besides Allah, on any other god. There is no god but He. (Qasas-88)

60. And our Allah and Your Allah is One. (Ankabut-46)

61. There is no god save Allah. How then are you deluded. (Fatir-3)

62. Lo! Thy Lord is surely One. (Saaffat -4)

63. For when it was said unto them, there is no god save Allah, they were scornful. (Saaffat-35)

64. Maketh he the gods One Allah? (Saad-5)

65. There is no god save Allah, the One, the Irresistible. (Saad-65)

66. He is Allah, the One, The Irresistible. (Zumar-4)

67. Such is Allah, Your Lord and Cherishes. His is the Sovereignty. There is no god save Him. (Zumar-6)

68. There is no god save Him, to Him is the final goal. (Momin-3)

69. There is no god save Allah. How then are you deluded? (Momin-62)

70. He is the living (one). There is no god but He. Call upon Him.

(Momin-65)

71. It is revealed to me that your god is One Allah. (Hamim-Sajdah-6)

72. Worship Ye none but Allah. (Hamim Sajdah-14)

73. Allah is our Lord and Your Lord. (Shura-15)

74. Did we appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Beneficent? (Zukhruf-45)

75. The Lord of Heavens and the Earth and all between them. (Dukhan-7)

76. There is no god but He. It is He who gives life and gives death. (Dukhan- 8)

77. Worship ye none other than Allah. (Ahqaf-21)

78. Know, there fore, that there is no god but Allah. (Muhammad-19)

79. And set not any other god along with Allah. (Zariyat-51)

80. Allah is he, than Whom, there is no other god. (Hashr-22)

81. We are guiltless of you and all that you worship beside Allah. (Mumtahna-4)

82. Allah! There is no god but He. (Taghabun-13)

83. He is the Lord of the East and the West; there is no god but he (Allah) (Muzammil-9)

84. I worship not that which ye worship, nor will you worship that which I worship. (Kafrun-2-3)

85. Say: He is Allah, The One and Only. (Ikhlas)

The above are the eighty-five verses, in which text of Kalimah Tayyabah or its equivalent in meaning has occurred. There are still many more verses, which equally convey the same sense and meaning of Kalimah as I have stated in the beginning of this section. The Tuaheed is the fundamental basis of Deen, and therefore the more acquainted a man is with the requirements of Tauheed, the more steadfast he shall be in Deen. Tauheed in the Holy Qur'an has been described from various view points and in various manners and aspects so that it may penetrate through the very depths of the heart; so it firmly settles there, leaving no room for anything else to enter.

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Ahadith on Virtues and Blessings of Kalimah Tayyibah

1. Kalimah Tayyabah the best remembrance and

"Alhamdulillah" the best supplication

2. Moses told that 'La ilaha illallah' outweighs the seven

Heavens and the earths

3. Sincere Zakir of 'La ilaha illallah' gains the Prophet's maximum intercession

4. Sincere Zakir of 'La ilaha illallah' to enter Paradise

5. Doors of Heavens opened for the reciter of 'Lailaha illallah'

6. Special announcement of Paradise for a gathering of Sahabah

7. Reward of Imaan by reciting 'La ilaha illallah'

8. Frequent recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' before death

9. Sincere recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' redeems from Hell

10. 'La ilaha illaLlah'-the keys to Paradise

11. Remission of sins through recitation of 'La ilaha illaLlah'

12. Trembling of the 'Pillar of Light' on the recitation of 'La ilaha illaLlah'

13. Believer of 'Lailaha illallah' free from worries in the grave

and on the Day of Judgement

14. 'La ilaha illaLlah' is weightier than ninety-nine registers of misdeeds

15. 'Lailaha illallah' is weightier than all that is in the Heavens and the earth

16. 'La ilaha illallah'-the weightiest testimony

17. 'La ilaha illallah' magnifies the good deeds of the Ummat

18. Inscription on the Gates of Paradise

19. Reciter of 'La ilaha illallah' enters the Fort of Allah

20. 'La ilaha illallah' the best Ziker and Istighfaar the best supplication

21. Ruin of Satan through recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' and 'Istighfaar'

22. Sincere dying of recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' ensures entry into Paradise

23. Direct ascent to Allah of 'La ilaha illallah; and a father's blessings (for his son)

24. Hell forbidden for the sincere reciter of 'La ilaha illallah'

25. Recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' by a dying person relieves the pangs of death and ensures entry into Paradise

26. Abu Bakr affirms that salvation lies in the Kalimah 'La ilaha illallah'

27. Umar affirms that 'La ilaha illallah' is the best Kalimah of salvation and piety

28. 'La ilaha illallah Muhammadur-Rasulullah' written on the Arsh

29. 'Isme Azam' identical with 'La ilaha illallah'

30. Redemption from Hell of all those who have recited 'La ilaha illallah'

or have an iota of Imaan

31. The Prophet (SAW) gives advice and instructions to a villager

32. Prophet tells Abu Bakr that the recitation of Kalimah Tayyabah

during lifetime demolishes sins

33. Recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' is the best of all deeds

34. A Kalimah which earns 1,40,000 virtues when recited ten times

35. Special kalimah which gets two millions blessings for its reciter

36. Supplication after 'Wudhu' that causes eight gates of Paradise to open

37. Reward for daily recitation of 'La ilaha illallah' hundred times

38. Teaching 'La ilaha illallah' to children and persuasion of its recitations on the death bed

39. 'La ilaha illallah; removes all sins

40. 'La ilaha illallah' is the most valuable of more than seventy branches of Imaan

 

VIRTUES OF THIRD KALIMAH

Ayaat mentioning the Third Kalimah viz Subhan Allah

Al-Hamdulillah

La ilaha illaLlah

Allaho Akbar

Ahadith on Virtues of the Words of Tasbeeh, 'Subhan Allah', 'Al-Hamdulillah', 'La ilaha illaLlah' and 'Allahu Akbar'.

1. Two easy-to- utter Kalimahs that are most weighty in reward

2. Two Kalimahs enjoined on the angels

3. The bounties of Allah will have to be accounted for on the Day of Judgement And Zikr will help in this

4. Trees grow in the plains of Paradise on recitation of the third kalimah

5. Reciting 'Subhanallahe Wabehamdihi' makes up deficiencies in other deeds

6. Four phrases most liked by Allah

7. The Prophet advises recitation of 'Tasbeeh-e-Fatimah' to the destitute Muhajirin

8. Kalimahs that obtain forgiveness for countless sins

(Like the foam of the sea)

9. Reciter of 'Tasbeehat-e-Fatimah is not disappointed

10. Three kalimahs, each of which is equivalent in virtue to Mount Uhud

11. Five things that are very weighty near Allah

12. Prophet Noah's advice to his son

13. Rasulullah (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam)'s advice to an elderly woman

to recite three most rewarding kalimahs

14. Angels surround the (blessed) assemblies for Zikr

15. Reward of ten blessings for each letter of third kalimahs

16. Prayer for atonement of adverse consequences of a meeting

17. Third kalimah circulates round the throne of Allah

18. Merit of counting the Tasbeeh on fingers

19. A valuable form of Tasbeehat taught to Hazrat Juwayriah

20. Tasbeehat-e-Fatimah better than a servant

 

RETURN


CHAPTER 6

THE LIGHT OF THE QURAN

"AND WE SENT DOWN IN THE QURAN THAT WHICH IS A HEALING AND MERCY FOR BELIEVERS, THOUGH IT INCREASES FOR THE EVIL-DOERS NAUGHT SAVE RUIN" (AL QURAN)

IN PROGRESS

CHAPTER 7

THE LIGHT OF PRAYER (SALAAT)

"AND TRULY IT (SALAAT) IS HARD SAVE FOR THE HUMBLE-MINDED; WHO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE TO MEET THEIR LORD, AND THAT UNTO HIM THEY ARE RETURNING" (AL QURAN)

IMPORTANCE/VIRTUE OF SALAAT:

Ø SEEK ALLAH'S HELP WITH PATIENCE AND SALAAT AND TRULY IT IS INDEED HARD EXCEPT TO THE HUMBLE MINDED.
Ø AND ENJOIN SALAAT UPON THY FAMILY AND BE THYSELF CONSTANT THERIN. WE ASK NOT OF THEE TO PROVIDE SUSTENANCE. WE PROVIDE IT FOR THEE, AND THE HEREAFTER IS FOR THE RIGHTEOUSNESS.(QURAN)
Ø THERE FLESH AND THERE BLOOD REACH NOT ALLAH, BUT DEVOTION FROM YOU REACHETH HIM.(QURAN)
Ø THE BELIEVERS IN OUR REVELATION ARE THOSE WHO FORSAKE THEIR BEDS, TO CRY UNTO THEIR LORD IN FEAR AND HOPE, AND SPEND OF WHAT WE HAVE BESTOWED ON THEM. NO SOUL KNOWETH WHAT IS KEPT HIDDEN FOR THEM OF JOY,AS A REWARD FOR WHAT THEY USED TO DO.(QURAN)
Ø IS HE WHO WORSHIPS DEVOTEDLY IN THE HOURS OF THE NIGHT, PROSTATE OR STANDING, AFRAID OF THE HEREAFTER AND HOPING FOR THE MERCY OF HIS LORD TO BE ACCOUNTED EQUAL WITH A DISBELIEVER? SAY UNTO THEM, O MUHAMMAD (SAW) CAN THOSE WHO KNOW BE EQUAL WITH THOSE WHO KNOW NOT? BUT ONLY MEN OF UNDERSTANDING WILL PAY HEED.(BE CAUTIOUS)(QURAN)
Ø LO! MAN WAS CREATED VERY IMPATIENT, FRETFUL WHEN EVIL BEFALLETH HIM AND NIGGARDLY WHEN GOOD BEFALLETH HIM, SAVE THE WORSHIPPERS WHO ARE CONSTANT IN THEIR SALAAT.(QURAN)
Ø AND TRULY IT (SALAAT) IS HARD SAVE FOR THE HUMBLE MINDED: WHO KNOW THEY HAVE TO MEET THEIR LORD, AND UNTO HIM THEY ARE RETURNING.(QURAN)
Ø IN HOUSES WHICH ALLAH HATH ALLOWED TO BE EXALTED, AND HIS NAME SHALL BE REMEMBERED THEREIN, DO OFFER HIM PRAISE AT MORNING AND EVENING, MEN WHOM NEITHER MERCHANDISE NOR SALE BEGUILETH FROM REMEMBERANCE OF ALLAH AND ESTABLISHMENT OF SALAAT AND PAYING ZAKAT, WHO FEAR THAT DAY WHEN THE HEARTS AND THE EYEBALLS WILL BE OVERTURNED SO THAT ALLAH MAY REWARD THEM FOR THE BEST OF WHAT THEY DID AND INCREASE REWARD FOR THEM OUT OF HIS BOUNTY. ALLAH GIVES BLESSING WITHOUT MEASURE TO WHOM HE WILL.(QURAN)

SOME QUOTATIONS OF RASULULLA (SAW)

1) "SALAAT WAS THE FIRST AND THE FOREMOST THING ORDAINED BY ALLAH, AND IT SHALL BE THE FIRST AND FOREMOST THING TO BE ACCOUNTED FOR ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT".
2) "FEAR ALLAH IN THE MATTER OF SALAAT! FEAR ALLAH IN THE MATTER OF SALAAT!FEAR ALLAH IN THE MATTER OF SALAAT!".
3) "SALAAT INTERVENES BETWEEN MAN AND SHIRK".
4) "SALAAT IS THE MARK OF ISLAM. A PERSON WHO SAYS HIS SALAAT AT FIXED HOURS WITH SINCERETY AND DEVOTION OBSERVING ALL ITS REGULATIONS INCLUDING THE 'MUSTAHABBAT' IS SURELY A MOMIN".
5) "OF ALL THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN ORDAINED BY ALLAH, 'IMAAN' AND 'SALAAT'ARE THE MOST VALUED. IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER THINGS BETTER THAN SALAAT, THAN ALLAH WOULD HAVE ORDAINED IT FOR HIS ANGELS, SOME OF WHOM ARE ALWAYS IN 'RUKU' AND OTHERS IN 'SAJDAH'."
6) "SALAAT IS THE PILLAR OF ISLAM".
7) "SALAAT DISGRACES THE DEVIL".
8) "SALAAT IS THE LIGHT OF A MOMIN".
9) "SALAAT IS THE BEST JIHAD".
10)"ALLAH ATTENDS TO A PERSON SO LONG AS HE IS ENGAGED IN SALAAT".
11)"WHEN A CALAMITY BEFALLS US FROM HEAVEN, PEOPLE FREQUENTING THE MASJID ARE SPARED AND SAVED".
12)"IF SOME MAJOR SIN OF A MUSLIM LAND HIM IN HELL, THE FIRE WOULD NOT BURN THOSE PARTS OF HIS BODY WHICH HAVE TOUCHED THE GROUND WHILE HE WAS IN SAJDAH DURING HIS SALAAT".
13)"FIRE HAS BEEN FORBIDDEN TO TOUCH THOSE PARTS OF THE BODY WHICH TOUCHED THE GROUND WHILE PERFORMING THE SAJDAH".
14)"OF ALL THE PRACTISES, SALAAT MADE AT THE FIXED HOURS IS MOST LOVED BY ALAAH".
15)"ALLAH LIKES MOST A PERSON WHEN HE IS IN 'SAJDAH' PRESSING HIS FOREHEAD ON THE GROUND IN HUMILITY".
16)"A PERSON IN SAJDAH IS NEAREST UNTO ALLAH".
17)"SALAAT IS A KEY TO PARADISE".
18)"WHEN A PERSON STANDS IN SALAAT THE GATES OF PARADISE ARE LET OPEN AND ALL THE VEILS BETWEEN HIM AND ALLAH ARE LIFTED."(PROVIDED THE SALAAT IS OBSERVED CORRECTLY)
19)"A PERSON IN SALAAT (SO TO SAY) KNOCKS AT THE DOOR OF THE SOVEREIGN LORD, AND THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPENED FOR HIM WHO KNOCKS".
20)"THE PLACE OF SALAAT IN ISLAM IS AS THE HEAD IS TO THE BODY".
21)"SALAAT IS THE LIGHT OF THE HEART, LET THOSE WHO WISH, ENLIGHTEN THE HEART THROUGH SALAAT".
22)"IF A PERSON WISHES TO HAVE HIS SINS FORGIVEN BY ALLAH HE SHOULD PERFORM HIS 'WUDHU' PROPERLY, OFFER WITH DEVOTION TWO OR FOUR RA'KAAT OF 'FARDH' OR 'NAFL' SALAAT AND THAN PRAY TO ALLAH, ALLAH WILLING HE WILL BE FORGIVEN".
23)"ANY STRIP OF EARTH, ON WHICH ALLAH IS REMEMBERED IN SALAAT TAKES PRIDE OVER THE REST OF THE EARTH".
24)"THE DEVIL REMAINS SCARED OF A MUSLIM SO LONG AS HE IS PARTICULAR ABOUT HIS SALAAT, BUT NO SOONER DOES HE NEGLECT IT THAN THE DEVIL GETS ADVANTAGE OVER HIM".
25)"SALAAT AT ITS EARLY HOURS IS THE MOST EXCELLENT PRACTISE".
26)"SALAAT IS OFFERING OF THE PIOUS".
27)"AT DAWN, SOME PEOPLE GO TO THE MASJID AND SOME TO THE MARKET. THOSE GOING TO THE MASJID ARE THE FLAGBEARERES OF IMAAN".
28)"THE MERCY OF ALAAH DESCENDS UPON A PERSON STANDING IN SALAAT".
29)"SALAAT IN THE DEAD OF NIGHT IS MOST VALUED, BUT THERE ARE VERY FEW MEN WHO DO IT".
30)"JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) CAME TO ME AND SAID, "O MUHAMMAD! (SAW) HOWEVER LONG THOU LIVEST THOU SHALT DIE ONE DAY, AND WHOEVER, THOU MAY LOVE THOU SHALT DEPART FROM ONE DAY, SURELY THOU SHALT RECIEVE THE RECOMPENSE OF WHATEVER GOOD OR EVIL THOU DOES. NO DOUBT HONOUR FOR A MOMIN IS IN TAHAJJUD AND HIS DIGNITY IS IN CONTENTMENT AND RESTRAINT".
31)"TWO RAKAATS IN THE LATE HOURS OF THE NIGHT ARE MORE VALUABLE THAN ALL THE RICHES OF THE WORLD. BUT FOR FEAR OF HARDSHIP TO MY FOLLOWERS, I WOULD HAVE MADE THESE OBLIGATORY".
32)"KEEP OFFERING TAHAJJUD SALAAT FOR IT IS THE PATH OF RIGHTOUSNESS AND THE MEANS OF NEARNESS TO ALLAH. TAHAJJUD NAMAZ KEEPS ONE AWAY FROM SINS, CAUSES FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND IMPROVES THE HEALTH OF THE BODY".

33)"ALLAH SAYS 'O SON OF ADAM! DO NOT FEEL RELUCTANT IN OFFERING FOUR RA'KAATS IN THE EARLY PARTS OF THE DAY, FOR I SHALL SUFFICE THEE IN THY JOBS IN THE REST OF IT".
34)"ALLAH ACCEPTS THE PRAYER OF A PERSON WHO PRAYS TO HIM AFTER PERFORMING TWO RA'KAATS OF SALAAT, ALLAH GRANTS HIM WHAT HE PRAYS FOR, SOMETIMES IMMEDIATELY AND SOMETIMES LATER".
35)"ONE PRAYER IS GRANTED TO A PERSON BY ALLAH AFTER EACH FARDH SALAAT PERFORMED BY HIM".
36)"A PERSON WHO PERFORMS TWO RA'KAATS OF SALAAT IN SECLUSION, WHERE NOBODY EXCEPT ALLAH AND HIS ANGELS SEE HIM, RECIEVEA WRIT OF DELIVERANCE FROM THE FIRE OF HELL".
37)"FIRE FROM HELL IS FORBIDDEN AND PARADISE BECOMES DUE TO A PERSON WHO PERFORMS HIS 'WUDHU' PROPERLY AND SAYS HIS SALAAT ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPLES AND REGULATIONS".
38)"THE FOUR RA'KAATS BEFORE ZUHR HAVE THE SAME REWARD AS THE FOUR RA'KAATS OF TAHAJJUD".

Ø IN A HADITH ABU QATADAH BIN RABI (RA) SAYS HE HEARD RASULULLAH (SAW) SAYING ALLAH HAS SAID, "O MUHAMMAD! I HAVE ORDAINED FIVE TIMES DAILY SALAAT FOR THY FOLLOWERS, I HAVE MADE A COVENENT WITH MYSELF THAT WHOSOEVER IS REGULAR IN PERFORMING HIS SALAAT AT FIXED HOURS, HE SHALL BE ADMITTED INTO PARADISE. THOSE OF THY FOLLOWERS WHO DO NOT SAFEGUARD THEIR SALAAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS COVENENT".

Ø WHENEVER THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) HAPPENED TO FACE ANY DIFFICULTY, HE (SAW) WOULD AT ONCE RESORT TO SALAAT. WHENEVER A STRONG WIND BLEW, RASULULLAH(SAW) WOULD IMMEDIATELY ENTER THE MASJID AND WOULD NOT LEAVE UNTILL THE WIND HAD SUBSIDED SIMILARLY, AT THE SAME TIME OF SOLAR AND LUNAR ECLIPSE, RASULULLAH(SAW) WOULD AT ONCE START OFFERING SALAAT. SOHAIB (RA) WAS INFORMED BY RASULULLAH (SAW) THAT ALL THE PREVIOUS APOSTLES OF ALLAH (PEACE BE UPON THEM) ALSO USED TO RESORT TO SALAAT IN ALL ADVERSITIES.

Ø "FOR ITS DEVOTEES SALAAT SHALL ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, BE A LIGHT FOR HIM, AN ARGUMENT IN HIS FAVOUR, AND A MEANS OF HIS DELIVERANCE. WHEREAS THERE WILL BE NO LIGHT, NO DEFENSE AND NO DELIVERENCE FROM DOOM FOR ONE WHO DOES NOT GUARD HIS SALAAT, AND HE SHALL MEET THE FATE OF PHARAOH, HAMAAN AND UBBAY BIN KHALAF". (ALL THREE WERE GREAT ENEMIES OF ISLAM)

Ø RASULULLAH (SAW) ONCE MENTIONED A LONG DREAM HE HAD SEEN IN WHICH TWO MEN CAME AND TOOK HIM WITH THEM. BESIDES OTHERS, HE, RASULULLAH (SAW) REPORTED CERTAIN EVENTS WHICH HE HAPPENED TO SEE IN HIS DREAM. RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID: "I NOTICED THE HEAD OF A PERSON BEING CRUSHED WITH A HEAVY STONE. IT WAS STRUCK WITH SUCH FORCE THAT, AFTER CRUSHING THE HEAD, THE STONE ROLLED ODWN OVER A LONG DISTANCE. THE HEAD WOULD ASSUME ITS NORMAL SHAPE BY THE TIME THE STONE WAS BROGHT BACK FOR REPEATING THE PROCESS. THIS CONTINUED INCESSANTLY. ON ENQUIRING FROM MY COMPANIONS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE PERSON FIRST LEARNED THE QURAN, BUT FAILED TO KEEP IT UP AND ALSO WENT TO SLEEP WITHOUT OFFERING THE FARDH SALAAT".

Ø IN ANOTHER DREAM, RASULULLAH (SAW) SAW A GROUP OF PEOPLE BEING TREATED IN A SIMILAR MANNER. JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) INFORMED RASULULLAH (SAW) ON HIS QUERY THAT THOSE WERE THE PERSONS WHO USED TO NEGLECT THEIR SALAAT.

Ø "IF A PERSON DIES WITH SINCERE IMAAN, OBSERVING THE COMMANDMENTS OF ALLAH, PERFORMING SALAAT AND PAYING ZAKAAT, THEN HE DIES WHILE ALLAH IS PLEASED WITH HIM".

Ø RASULULLAH(SAW) ALSO SAID: "ALLAH SAYS, 'I HOLD BACK RETRIBUTION, DESERVED BY A LOCALITY, WHEN I SEE THEREIN SOME PEOPLE WHO FREQUENTLY VISIT THE MASJID, LOVE ONE ANOTHER FOR MY SAKE, AND PRAY FOR FORGIVENESS IN THE HOURS OF DARKNESS".

Ø "MASJID IS THE ABODE OF THE PIOUS. ALLAH HAS TAKEN UPON HIMSELF TO BLESS THE PERSON WHO SPENDS MOST OF THE TIME IN MOSQUE. ALLAH SHALL KEEP HIM IN COMFORT AND SHALL MAKE HIM CROSS THE SIRAAT (BRIDGE OVER HELL) WITH GREAT EASE. SURELY ALLAH IS PLEASED WITH SUCH A PERSON".

Ø "MASJIDS ARE THE HOUSES OF ALLAH, AND PEOPLE COMING THEREIN ARE HIS VISITORS. WHEN EVERYBODY TREATS HIS VISITORS KINDLY, WHY SHOULD ALLAH NOT BE KIND TO HIS GUESTS?"

Ø "ALLAH LOVES THE PERSON WHO IS ATTACHED TO THE MASJID"

Ø "ALL THE PEOPLE WILL BE GATHERED TOGETHER ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT AND THEY WILL ALL HEAR THE VOICE OF THE ANNOUNCING ANGEL. HE WILL SAY.'WHERE ARE THOSE WHO GLORIFIED ALLAH IN EASE AND ADVERSITY?' A GROUP WILL RISE UP AND ENTER PARADISE WITHOUT RECKONING. IT WILL THAN BE ANNOUNCED,'WHERE ARE THOSE WHO FORSOOK THEIR BEDS AND SPENT THEIR NIGHTS IN WORSHIP?' ANOTHER GROUP WILL RISE UP AND ENTER PARADISE WITHOUT RECKONING.THE ANGEL WILL AGAIN ANNOUNCE,'WHERE ARE THOSE WHOM TRADE AND BUSINESS DID NOT DISTRACT FROM REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH?' YET ANOTHER GROUP WILL RISE UP AND ENTER PARADISE"

Ø "GIVE GLAD TIDINGS TO THE MUSLIMS THAT THEY SHALL BE HONOURED AND EXALTED, AND THEIR RELIGION SHALL PREVAIL, BUT THEIR IS NO PORTION IN THE HEREAFTER FOR THOSE WHO EXPLOIT ISLAM FOR WORLDLY GOODS".

ONCE RASULULLAH (SAW) SAW ABU HURAIRAH (RA) LYING ON HIS STOMACH. RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID TO HIM: “ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM STOMACH PAIN?” HE REPLIED “YES”. THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: “THAN GET UP AND BUSY YOURSELF IN SALAAT, FOR THAT WILL HEAL YOU”.

ONCE RASULULLAH (SAW) IN HIS DREAM, SAW PARADISE AND HEARD THE FOOTSTEPS OF HAZRAT BILAL (RA) THERE. THE NEXT MORNING RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID TO HAZRAT BILAL (RA) “WHAT DEED OF YOURS HELPED YOU TO FOLLOW ME EVEN TO PARADISE?” HAZRAT BILAL (RA) REPLIED: “WHEN MY WUDHU LAPSES EVEN AT NIGHT, I PERFORMED FRESH WUDHU AND SAY AS MANY RA’KAATS OF NAFL SALAAT AS I CAN”.



RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS ALSO SAID:

“THE NAME OF A PERSON WHO NEGLECTS EVEN A SINGLE FARDH SALAAT INTENTIONALLY IS WRITTEN ON THE GATE OF HELL, WHICH HE MUST ENTER”.

“ALLAH WILL NOT CARE A BIT FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN NEGLECTING SALAAT INTENTIONALLY, AND FOR HIM SHALL BE AN AWFUL DOOM”.

“THERE IS NO PLACE IN ISLAM FOR A PERSON WHO DOES NOT SAY HIS SALAAT, AND THERE IS NO SALAAT WITHOUT WUDHU”.

“A PERSON WHO DOES NOT SAY HIS SALAAT SHALL STAND BEFORE ALLAH WHILE ALLAH SHALL BE ANGRY WITH HIM”.

“A SALAAT WITH JAMAAT IS TWENTY SEVEN TIMES SUPERIOR TO SLAAT PERFORMED INDIVIDUALLY”.

IN A HADITH IT IS STATED:

1) THERE IS A VARIATION FROM TWENTY FIVE TO TWENTY SEVEN ACCORDIND TO VARIATION OF IKHLAS (SINCERETY) IN DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS.
2) IN SIRRI (QUITE) SALAAT (I.E.ZUHR AND ASR) IT IS TWENTY FIVE, WHILE IN JAHRI (LOUD) SALAAT (I.E.FAJR, MAGHRIB AND ISHA) IT IS TWENTY SEVEN TIMES.
3) IN FAJR AND ISHA, WHEN IT IS SOMEWHAT INCONVIENIENT TO GO OUT DUE TO COLD AND DARKNESS, IT IS TWENTY SEVEN TIMES, BUT IN OTHER SALAATS IT IS TWENTY FIVE.

THERE ARE VARIOUS OPINIONS ABOUT THIS MATTER.

RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS ALSO SAID:

“SALAAT WITH JAMAAT IS TWENTY FIVE TIMES SUPERIOR TO SALAAT WHICH IS SAID IN THE HOUSE OR SHOP. IT IS SO BECAUSE WHEN A PERSON PERFORMS WUDHU IN RIGHT EARNEST AND WALKS ON TO THE MASJID, WITH THE SOLE INTENTION OF PERFORMING SALAAT, EACH STEP HE TAKE, ADDS ONE BLESSING TO HIS ACCOUNT AND WIPES OUT ONE SIN THEREFROM. AGAIN, IF HE KEEPS SITTING IN THE MASJID (WITH WUDHU) AFTER THE SALAAT IS OVER, THE ANGELS KEEP ON SEEKING ALLAH’S BLESSING AND FORGIVENESS FOR HIM AND AS LONG AS HE KEEPS SITTING IN THE MASJID WAITING FOR SALAAT, HE GOES ON EARNING REWARD AS IF HE IS BUSY IN SALAAT”.

“WORSHIP YOUR LORD AS IF YOU SEE HIM BEFORE YOU, COUNT YOURSELF AMONG THE DEAD, BEWARE OF THE CURSE OF THE WRONG ONES AND, EVEN IF YOU COULD CRAWL TO THE MASJID DO NOT MISS ISHA AND FAJR SALAAT WITH JAMAAT”.

“A PERSON WHO IN ALL SINCERETY IS CONSTANT IN HIS SALAAT WITH JAMAAT FOR FORTY DAYS, WITHOUT MISSING THE FIRST TAKBIR, RECIEVES TWO AWARDS: ONE FOR DELIVERANCE FROM HELL AND THE OTHER FOR FREEDOM FROM NIFAQ (HYPOCRISY)”.

“TWO PEOPLE PERFORMING SALAAT TOGETHER WITH ONE IMAAM ARE LIKED BY ALLAH MORE THAN FOUR PEOPLE SAYING SALAAT INDIVIDUALLY. SIMILARLY FOUR PEOPLE PERFORMING SALAAT WITH JAMAAT ARE LIKE BY ALLAH MORE THAN EIGHT PEOLPE PERFORMING SALAAT INDIVIDUALLY. SIMILARLY AGAIN, EIGHT PEOPLE PERFORMING SALAAT WITH JAMAAT ARE MORE LIKED BY ALLAH MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED PEOPLE PERFORMING SALAAT INDIVIDUALLY”.

“GIVE GLAD TIDINGS TO THOSE WHO GO TO THE MASJID FREQUENTLY DURING THE HOURS OF DARKNESS, FOR THEY WILL HAVE PERFECT LIGHT ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT”.

“BEAR TESTIMONY TO THE IMAAN OF THE PEOPLE FREQUENTING THE MASJID”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) RECITED A VERSE FROM THE HOLY QURAN:
“HE ONLY SHALL TEND TO ALLAH’S MASJID WHO BELIEVES IN ALLAH AND THE LAST DAY”.

“IF A PERSON IN SPITE OF HEARING AZAAN DOES NOT GO TO THE MASJID (AND HE PREFERS TO PERFORM SALAAT AT HOME) WITHOUT A STRONG EXCUSE, THAN HIS SALAAT IS NOT ACCEPTED”.
WHEN THE COMPANIONS INQUIRED AS TO WHAT WAS A STRONG EXCUSE, RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID: “ILLNESS OR FEAR”.

“IF THERE ARE (EVEN) THREE PEOPLE IN A VILLAGE OR IN A DESERT, AND THEY DO NOT SAY THEIR SALAAT WITH JAMAAT THAN SATAN GETS A HOLD OF THEM. REMEMBER THAT JAMAAT FOR SALAAT IS VERY NECESSARY FOR YOU. SURELY A WOLF DEVOURS A LONELY SHEEP, AND SATAN IS THE WOLF FOR MEN”.

“BE SINCERE IN ALL YOUR WORSHIPS AS SINCERITY WILL MAGNIFY THE VALUE OF AN ACTION, HOWEVER INSIGNIFICANT IT MAY BE”.

“BLESSED BE THE SINCERE, FOR THEY ARE THE GUIDING LIGHTS. THEY CAUSE THE WORST EVILS TO BE DRIVEN OFF THROUGH THEIR SINCERITY”.

“WHEN A PERSON OFFERS HIS SALAAT AT ITS FIXED HOURS WITH PROPER WUDHU, WITH HUMILITY AND SUBMISSION AND WITH QIYAAM, RUKU AND SAJDAH DONE SATISFACTORLY, THEN SUCH A SALAAT RISES UP IN A BRIGHT AND BEAUTIFUL FORM AND BLESSES THE PERSON IN WORDS: ‘MAY ALLAH GUARD YOU AS YOU HAVE GUARDED ME’. ON THE OTHER HAND, IF A PERSON IS NOT PUNCTUAL WITH HIS SALAAT NOR DOES HE PERFORM WUDHU, QIYAAM, RUKU AND SAJDAH PROPERLY, THEN THE SALAAT RISES UP IN A UGLY AND DARK SHAPE AND CURSES THE PERSON SAYING: ‘MAY ALLAH RUIN YOU AS YOU HAVE RUINED ME’. THEN IT IS FLUNG BACK LIKE A DIRTY RAG AT THE FACE OF THE PERSON”.

“WHEN A PERSON FINISHES HIS SALAAT, HE GETS ONE TENTH, ONE NINTH, ONE EIGHTH, ONE SEVENTH, ONE SIXTH, ONE FIFTH, ONE FORTH, ONE THIRD OR ONE HALF OF THE MAXIMUM REWARD (ACCORDING TO THE QUALITY OF THE SALAAT PERFORMED BY HIM)”.

“THE FIRST AMONG THE DEEDS OF A PERSON RECKONED ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT SHALL BE HIS SALAAT. A PERSON WILL SUCCEED AND ATTAIN HIS GOAL IF HIS SALAAT IS ACCEPTED, AND HE WILL FAIL AND LOSE BADLY IF IT IS REJECTED. IF ANY DEFICIENCY IS FOUND IN FARDH SALAAT, ALLAH WILL SAY (TO THE ANGELS): ‘LOOK FOR ANY NAFL SALAAT IN HIS ACCOUNT’. THEN THE DEFICIENCY IN FARDH SALAAT WILL BE MADE GOOD BY NAFL SALAAT. THE REST OF THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES (FAST, ZAKAAT ECT) WILL THEN BE RECKONED IN THE SAME MANNER”.

“THE WORST THIEF IS ONE WHO STEALS FROM HIS SALAAT”. THE COMPANIONS (RA) ENQUIRED, ‘HOW CAN ONE STEAL FROM HIS SALAAT? O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH’ RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLED, “WHEN ONE DOES NOT DO HIS RUKU AND SAJDAH PROPERLY”.

ONCE THE PROPHET (SAW) LOOKED UP TOWARDS THE SKY AND SAID, “THE KNOWLEDGE OF DIN (RELIGION) IS SOON TO BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THE WORLD”.
ZYAD (RA) ONE OF THE COMPANIONS PRESENT THAT DAY ENQUIRED, ‘HOW CAN THE KNOWLEDGE OF DIN BE TAKEN AWAY? O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH, WHEN WE ARE TEACHING THE QURAN TO OUR CHILDREN AND THIS PROCESS WILL CONTINUE IN OUR PROSPERITY.’ RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID TO HIM, “ZAYD! I ALWAYS TOOK YOU TO BE AN INTELLIGENT PERSON. DON’T YOU SEE THAT THE JEWS AND THE CHRISTIANS ARE ALSO TEACHING THEIR BIBLES TO THEIR CHILDREN? HAS THIS PREVENTED THEIR DETERIATION”.

UBADAH (RA) ON HEARING THIS HADITH SAID:
“MAY I TELL YOU THE FIRST THING THAT WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM THIS WORLD? IT IS DEVOTION IN SALAAT, YOU WILL SEE THAT NOT A SINGLE PERSON IN FULL CONGREGATION IS SAYING HIS SALAAT WITH DEVOTION”.


HUZAIFAH (RA) THE CONFIDANT OF RASULULLAH (SAW) WAS ALSO HEARD SAYING, “DEVOTION IN SALAAT SHALL BE THE FIRST THING TO DISAPEAR”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID:
“SEEK REFUGE IN ALLAH FROM SANCTIMONIOUS DEVOTION”. THE SAHABAH (RA) ENQUIRED, ‘WHAT IS SANCTIMONIOUS DEVOTION, O PROPHET (SAW) OF ALLAH’, RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED, “TO FEIGN CONCENTRATION, WITH NIFAQ (HYPOCRISY) IN THE HEART”.

“HYPOCRITICAL DEVOTION IS THAT IN WHICH A PERSON OUTWARDLY PRETENDS CONCENTRATION, WHILE HIS HEART IS DEVOID OF THAT”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) ONCE SAW A PERSON FONDLING HIS BEARD WHILE IN SALAAT, AND SAID, “IF HIS HEART WERE BLESSED WITH DEVOTION, THEN HIS ENTIRE BODY WOULD BE AT REST”.

QATADAH (RA) SAYS, “FOR DEVOTION IN SALAAT, THE HEART SHOULD BE FULL OF ALLAH’S FEAR, AND THE GAZE SHOULD BE DOWN”.

AISHAH (RA) ONCE ENQUIRED FROM THE PROPHET (SAW) AS TO WHAT HIS OPINION WAS ABOUT THE PRACTISE OF LOOKING AROUND WHILE IN SALAAT. RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED, “IT IS A DAMAGE TO SALAAT BY SATAN”.

“PEOPLE IN THE HABIT OF LOOKING UP WHILE IN SALAAT MUST GIVE UP THAT HABIT, LEST THEIR GAZE MAY BECOME FIXED AND NOT RETURN TO THEM”.

“OFFER EACH SALAAT WITH SUCH DEVOTION AS IF IT WERE THE LAST SALAAT OF YOUR LIFE”.

“SALAAT IS NO SALAAT IF IT DOES NOT PRESERVE ONESELF FROM LEWDNESS AND INIQUITY”.

“SALAAT THAT DOES NOT PREVENT LEWDNESS AND INIQUITY TAKES ONE AWAY FROM ALLAH INSTEAD OF BRINGING ONE CLOSE TO HIM”.

A PERSON WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW UP HIS SALAAT, HAS ACTUALLY OFFERED NO SALAAT. TO FOLLOW UP THE SALAAT IS TO SHUN (AVOID) LEWDNESS AND INIQUITY”.

ABUL’ALIAH (RA) SAYS:
“THERE ARE THREE ESSENTIALS OF SALAAT: SINCERITY, FEAR OF ALLAH AND HIS REMEMBRANCE. SALAAT IS NO SALAAT IF THESE THREE ARE MISSING. SINCERITY HERALDS VIRTUOUS DEEDS, FEAR OF ALLAH EXPELS VICES AND HIS REMEMBRANCE IS THE QURAN, WHICH IN ITSELF IS A GUIDANCE TOWARDS GOOD AND GUARDS AGAINST EVIL”.

IN THE BEGINNING OF ISLAM, IT WAS PERMISSABLE TO TALK OR TO RETURN GREETINGS DURING SALAAT. THEN A VERSE (FROM THE QURAN) WAS REVEALED, TALKING DURING SALAAT WAS ABSOLUTELY FORBIDDEN. RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID, “ALLAH AMENDS HIS COMMANDMENTS AS HE PLEASES. HE HAS NOW FORBIDDEN ANY TALKING DURING SALAAT” RASULULLAH (SAW) THAN RECITED THE VERSE, “AND STAND UP WITH QUNAT (OBEDIENCE) TO ALLAH”, AND ALSO SAID, “SALAAT IS NOW MEANT EXCLUSIVELY TO HYMM THE GLORY, PRAISE AND SANCTIFY OF ALLAH”. (SOME PEOPLE SAY ‘QUNAT’ MEANS SILENCE OR OBEDIENCE OR DEVOTION)

IT IS REPORTED THAT RASULULLAH (SAW) FEET WOULD GET SWOLLEN ON ACCOUNT OF STANDING FOR LONG HOURS DURING ‘TAHAJJUD SALAAT.

IT IS ALSO REPORTED, RASULULLAH (SAW) USED TO TIE HIMSELF UP WITH A STRING WHILE IN TAHAJJUD, SO THAT HE MIGHT PREVENT SLEEP OVER POWERING HIM. WHEN THE COMPANIONS (RA) REQUESTED HIM TO REDUCE HIS TOIL IN WORSHIP, AS HE HAD BEEN ASSURED OF FORGIVENESS IN SURAH ‘FATH’. (‘THAT ALLAH MAY FORGIVE THEE OF THY SINS THAT WHICH IS PAST AND THAT WHICH IS TO COME’) RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID, “WHY SHOULD I NOT THEN, BE A GRATEFUL SLAVE OF ALLAH”.

HAZRAT ALI (RA) SAYS, “ON THE EVE OF BADR, I NOTICED THAT RASULULLAH (SAW) STOOD UNDER A TREE, BUSY IN SALAAT AND CRYING BEFORE ALLAH ALL NIGHT LONG TILL DAYBREAK”.

ACCORDING TO A NUMBER OF HADITH IT SAYS:
ALLAH IS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH CERTAIN PEOPLE, ONE OF THEM IS HE WHO FORSAKES HIS BED SHARED WITH HIS DEAR AND LOVELY WIFE AND ENGAGES HIMSELF IN ‘TAHAJJUD’ ON A WINTER NIGHT. ALLAH IS VERY MUCH PLEASED WITH HIM, TAKES PRIDE IN HIM AND IN SPITEOF BEING ALL-KNOWING INQUIRES FROM THE ANGELS,
“WHAT MADE THIS SLAVE OF MINE FORSAKE HIS BED AND STAND UP LIKE THIS?”
THE ANGELS REPLY, ‘THE HOPE OF WINNING THY BOUNTY AND GRACE, AND THE FEAR OF THY DISPLEASURE’.
AT THIS ALLAH SAYS, “LISTEN, I BESTOW UPON HIM WHAT HE HOPES FOR AND GRANT HIM REFUGE FROM WHAT HE IS AFRAID OF”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) SAYS:
“NONE RECIEVES A BETTER REWARD FROM ALLAH THEN HE WHO IS BLESSED TO OFFER TWO RA’KAAT OF SALAAT”.

“FOR A GOOD SALAAT, KEEP YOUR BACK AND STOMACH LIGHT”.
THE BACK OF A PERSON IS SAID TO BE LIGHT WHEN HE HAS VERY FEW WORLDLY ENCUMBRANCES, AND HIS STOMACH IS LIGHT WHEN HE EATS MODERATELY TO AVOID INDOLENCE AND LAZINESS.

HOW TO PERFORM A GOOD SALAAT SUGGESTED BY THE SUFEES:
FIRSTLY, THERE ARE THREE POINTS THAT MUST BE MENTIONED.
1) OFFER SALAAT WITH THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PLEASING ALLAH.
2) TO UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS ONLY THROUGH THE GRACE AND FAVOUR OF ALLAH THAT WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER SALAAT.
3) TO HOPE FOR THE REWARD PROMISED BY ALLAH.

ACCORDING TO THE SUFEES: THERE ARE TWELVE THOUSAND VIRTUES IN SALAAT, WHICH CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH TWELVE POINTS. IF A PERSON IS TO AQUIRE FULL BENEFIT FROM SALAAT, THEN HE MUST TAKE CARE OF THESE POINTS. SINCERITY IS ESSENTIAL AT EVERY POINT.

1) KNOWLEDGE:-AN ACTION PERFORMED WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE IS FAR INFERIOR TO THE ONE DONE WITH FULL KNOWLEDGE. WE SHOULD THEREFORE KNOW:
A) WHICH OF THE ISLAMIC PRACTICES ARE FARDH AND WHICH IS SUNNAH.
B) WHAT IS FARDH AND WHAT IS SUNNAH IN WHUDU AND SALAAT.
C) HOW DOES SATAN CAUSE OBSTRUCTION IN THE PROPER OBSERVANCE OF SALAAT.

2) WUDHU:-WE MUST TRY TO:
A) CLEAN OUR HEARTS OF JEALOUSY AND MALICE, JUST AS WE WASH OTHER PARTS OF OUR BODY.
B) KEEP OURSELVES CLEAN OF SINS.
C) BE NEITHER WASTEFUL NOR NIGARDLY IN THE USE OF WATER.

3) DRESS:- IT SHOULD BE:
A) OBTAINED THROUGH HONEST LIVING.
B) CLEAN.
C) ACCORDING TO SUNNAH, EG. THE ANKLES SHOULD NOT BE COVERED.
D) SIMPLE, AND SHOULD NOT DISPLAY VANITY AND PRIDE.

4) TIME:-WE SHOULD BE:
A) ABLE TO TELL THE CORRECT TIME AT ANY MOMENT.
B) ALWAYS WATCHFUL ABOUT ‘AZAAN’.
C) PARTICULAR ABOUT THE TIME OF SALAAT, LEST WE SHOULD BE LATE FOR IT.


5) QIBLAH:-THERE ARE THREE THINGS TO BE ENSURED IN FACING ‘QIBLAH’.
A) WE MUST FACE QIBLAH PHYSICALLY.
B) HAVE THE HEART IN UNION WITH ALLAH, FOR HE IS THE QIBLAH OF THE HEART.
C) BE AS ATTENTIVE AS A SLAVE IS BEFORE HIS MASTER.

6) INTENTION:-FOR THIS WE NEED TO BE PARTICULAR ABOUT THREE THINGS:
A) WE MUST BE DEFINITE AS TO WHAT SALAAT WE ARE OFFERING.
B) REMAIN CONSTANTLY CONSCIOUS OF OUR PRESENCE BEFORE ALLAH, WHO SEES US.
C) HAVE PERFECT FAITH THAT ALLAH KNOWS ALL THAT IS IN OUR HEARTS.

7) TAKBIR TAHRIMAH:-THE ESSENTIALS OF TAKBIR TAHRIMAH ARE:
A) TO PRONOUNCE THE WORDS CORRECTLY.
B) TO RAISE BOTH HANDS RIGHT UP TO THE EARS, THIS SIGNIFIES THAT WE HAVE SEVERED OUR CONNECTION WITH ALL EXCEPT ALLAH.
C) TO FEEL THE GREATNESS OF ALLAH IN OUR HEARTS WHEN WE SAY ALLAH AKBAR

8) QIYAM:-WHILE IN QIYAM WE SHOULD:
A) KEEP OUR GAZE AT THE PLACE OF ‘SAJDAH’
B) FEEL IN OUR HEARTS THAT WE ARE STANDING BEFORE ALLAH.
C) NOT THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE.

9) QARA’AT:-THE ESSENTIALS OF QARA’AT ARE:
A) TO RECITE THE QURAN WITH TAJWID.
B) TO PONDER ON THE MEANING OF WHAT WE RECITE.
C) TO BIND OURSELVES TO WHAT WE RECITE.

10) RUKU:- THE ESSENTIALS OF RUKU ARE:
A) TO KEEP THE BACK QUITE STRAIGHT I.E. THE WHOLE BODY ABOVE THE LEGS SHOULD BE IN ONE HORIZONTAL LINE.
B) TO HOLD KNEES FIRMLY WITH FINGERS SPREAD APART.
C) TO RECITE TASBIH WITH HUMILITY AND DEVOTION.

11) SAJDAH:- THE ESSENTIALS OF SAJDAH ARE:
A) TO PLACE THE HANDS FLAT AND CLOSE TO THE EARS.
B) TO KEEP THE ELBOWS RAISED ABOVE THE GROUND.
C) TO RECITE ‘TASBIH’ WITH DEVOTION

12) QAADAH: THE ESSENTIALS OF QAADAH ARE:-
A) TO SIT UPON THE LEFT FOOT, KEEPING THE RIGHT ONE ERRECT.
B) TO RECITE TASHAHHUD WITH DEVOTION, KEEPING THE MEANING IN MIND, FOR IT CONTAINS GREETING FOR RASULULLAH (SAW) AND PRAYER FOR THE MUSLIM BRETHREN.
C) TO CONSIDER THE CONLUDING SALAM A DIFINITE GREETING TO THE ANGELS AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE ON THE RIGHT AND LEFT.

THE SUFEE’S SAY THAT SALAAT IS IN FACT A SUPPLICATION TO AND SPEECH WITH ALLAH AND THEREFORE NEEDS THOROUGH CONCENTRATION.

HATIM ZAHID BALKHI (RA) ONCE GAVE A DEFINITION ON HOW HE PERFORMED SALAAT:
“WHEN THE HOUR FOR SALAAT DRAWS NEAR, I PERFORM MY WUDHU THOROUGHLY AND GO TO THE PLACE OF SALAAT. WHEN I STAND FOR SALAAT, I VISUALISE KAABAH IN MY FRONT, SIRAT UNDER MY FEET, PARADISE ON MY RIGHT, HELL ON MY LEFT AND THE ANGEL OF DEATH OVER MY HEAD; AND I THINK THAT IT IS MY LAST SALAAT, AS I MAY HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO SAY ANOTHER; ALLAH ALONE KNOWS WHAT GOES ON IN MY HEART AT THE TIME. THEN I SAY ALLAHO AKBAR WITH FULL HUMILITY AND RECITE THE HOLY QUARAN, PONDERING OVER ITS MEANING. I DO MY RUKU AND SAJDAH WITH FULL HUMBLENESS AND SUBMISSION, AND FINISH MY SALAAT QUITE CALMLY, HOPING THAT ALLAH WILL ACCEPT IT THROUGH HIS MERCY, AND FEARING THAT IT MAY BE REJECTED IF IT IS JUDGED ON ITS MERIT.”

HATIM (RA) ALSO SAID:
“I HAVE BEEN DOING IT (SALAAT LIKE THIS) FOR THE LAST THIRTY YEARS.”

HAZRAT UMAR (RA) DURING HIS CALIPHATE HAD ISSUED A PROCLAMATION TO ALL THE OFFICERS UNDER HIM SAYING:
“I REGARD SALAAT AS THE MOST IMPORTANT DUTY. A PERSON WHO ENSURES SALAAT IS LIKELY TO OBSERVE OTHER INJUNCTIONS OF ISLAM AS WELL; BUT IF HE DISCARDS SALAAT, HE WILL MORE EASILY DAMAGE THE REST OF ISLAM.”

IT IS QUOTED IN THE QURAN:
“MEN WHO NEITHER MERCHANDISE NOR SALE BEGUILETH FROM REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH AND CONSTANCY IN SALAAT.”

IT IS SAID OF SALIM HADDAD (RA) (A TRADER AND GREAT SUFI) THAT ON HEARING AZAAN HE WOULD TURN PALE AND GROW RESTLESS. HE WOULD STAND UP IMMEDIATELY, LEAVING HIS SHOP OPEN AND RECITE THESE COUPLETS:

1) “WHEN THY SUMMONER STANDS UP TO SUMMON, QUICKLY I STAND UP.
TO RESPOND TO (THE SUMMON OF) THE MIGHTY LORD WHO HATH NO PEER.”
2) “I REPLY TO THE SUMMONS WITH COMPLETE SUBMISSION AND CHEER, ‘HERE AM I, O, BOUNTIFUL ONE.!
3) “MY FACE GROWS PALE WITH AWE AND FEAR, AND OCCUPATION WITH THEE DISTRACTS ME FROM ALL OTHER OCCUPATIONS.”
4) “I SWEAR BY THEE, NAUGHT IS DEAR TO ME SAVE THY REMEMBRANCE. NOTHING IS MORE RAVISHING FOR ME THAN THY SWEET NAME.”
5) “O WILL THERE BE A TIME FOR US TO BE TOGETHER? A LOVER IS HAPPY ONLY WHEN HE IS WITH HIS LOVE.”
6) “HE WHOSE EYES HAVE SEEN THE LIGHT OF THY BEAUTY CAN NEVER BE SOLACED. HE MUST DIE YEARNING FOR THEE.”


AISHAH (RA) SAYS:
“THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) WOULD BE AMONG US (FAMILY MEMBERS) TALKING AND LISTENING, BUT ON APPROACH OF SALAAT HOUR, HE WOULD ALL OF A SUDDEN BEHAVE AS IF HE HAD NEVER KNOWN US AND WOULD BE COMPLETELY ABSORBED IN ALLAH.”

IN A HADITH IT IS STATED:
“MY SAHABAH ARE LIKE GUIDING STARS. WHOSOEVER YOU FOLLOW, YOU WILL BE GUIDED ON THE RIGHT PATH.”

FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SEEK THESE GUIDING STARS, THEY WILL FIND THEM IN THE GARDENS OF PARADISE (KHANQAHS, DARBAARS). WHERE THE ZIKR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH IS HEARD DAY AND NIGHT.

IN A HADITH IT IS SAID:
“THE HOUSES WHERE ZIKR IS PRACTICED SHINE UNTO THE DWELLERS OF THE HEAVEN, AS DO THE STARS SHINE UNTO THE INHABITANTS OF THE EARTH.”

IN ANOTHER HADITH:
“SAKINAH (A VERY SPECIAL MERCY) DESCENDS ON THE GATHERING ENGAGED IN ZIKR, THE ANGELS SURROUND THEM, THE DIVINE MERCY COVERS THEM, AND ALMIGHTY ALLAH MENTIONS THEM ON HIS THRONE.”

RASALULLAH (SAW) HAS ALSO SAID:
“SHALL I TELL YOU SOMETHING THAT WILL STRENGTHEN YOUR IMAAN AND EARN YOU THE BLESSING OF ALLAH, THE GREAT IN BOTH THE WORLDS? IT IS THE GATHERING OF THOSE WHO DO ZIKR OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH; YOU SHOULD MAKE IT A POINT TO TAKE PART IN THEM, AND WHEN YOU ARE ALONE, DO AS MUCH ZIKR AS YOU CAN.”

THE QURAN SAYS:
“KEEP YOURSELF BOUND TO THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO INVOKE THEIR LORD – MORNING AND EVENING.”



RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS ALSO SAID:
“A PERSON WHO ASSOCIATED WITH A PIOUS MAN IS LIKE ONE WHO SITS WITH A MUSK-SELLER. EVEN IF HE DOES NOT RECEIVE ANY MUSK FROM THE LATTER, STILL THE PLEASANT SMELL WOULD BE A SOURCE OF PLEASURE TO HIM BUT BAD COMPANY MAY BE LIKENED TO A FURNACE; A MAN SITTING NEAR ONE CANNOT ESCAPE THE SMOKE AND THE FUMES, EVEN IF A SPARK DOES NOT FALL ON HIM.”

RETURN




CHAPTER 8

THE LIGHT OF FASTING (RAMADHAN)


“IF MY ‘UMMAH WOULD REALIZE WHAT RAMADHAN REALLY IS, THEY WOULD WISH THAT THE WHOLE YEAR ROUND SHOULD BE RAMADHAN” (RASULULLAH SAW)

“AND WHAT WILL EXPLAIN TO YOU WHAT THE ‘NIGHT OF POWER’ IS?”
“THE ‘NIGHT OF POWER’ IS BETTER THAN A THOUSAND MONTHS” (AL QURAN)

KAAB-BIN-UJRA (RA) SAYS:
“RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID: ‘COME NEAR THE PULPIT, AND WE CAME NEAR THE PULPIT’, WHEN HE ASCENDED THE FIRST STEP OF THE PULPIT HE SAID ‘AMEEN’. WHEN HE ASCENDED THE SECOND STEP HE SAID ‘AMEEN’. WHEN HE ASCENDED THE THIRD STEP HE SAID ‘AMEEN’. WE SAID O RASUL OF ALLAH (SAW) WE HAVE HEARD FROM YOU TODAY SOMETHING WHICH WE HAVE NEVER HEARD BEFORE. RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID, ‘WHEN I ASCENDED THE FIRST STEP JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) APPEARED BEFORE ME AND SAID: ‘WOE TO HIM WHO FOUND THE BLESSED MONTH OF RAMADHAN AND LET IT PASS BY WITHOUT GAINING FORGIVENESS.’ UPON THAT I SAID AMEEN. WHEN I ASCENDED THE SECOND STEP, JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) SAID: WOE TO HIM BEFORE WHOM THY NAME IS MENTIONED AND THEN HE DOES NOT RECITE DAROOD (INVOKE ALLAH’S BLESSING) ON YOU’. I REPLIED AMEEN. WHEN I ASCENDED THE THIRD STEP JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) SAID, ‘WOE UNTO HIM IN WHOSE LIFE TIME HIS PARENTS OR EITHER ONE OF THEM ATTAINS OLD AGE, AND (THROUGH FAILURE TO SERVE THEM) HE IS NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER JANNAH’ I SAID AMEEN”.

“THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN, THE MONTH OF BLESSINGS HAS COME UPON YOU, WHEREIN ALLAH TURNS TOWARDS YOU AND SENDS DOWN TO YOU HIS SPECIAL MERCY, FORGIVES YOUR FAULTS, ACCEPTS PRAYERS, APPRECIATES YOUR COMPETING FOR THE GREATEST GOODS AND BOASTS TO THE ANGELS ABOUT YOU. SO SHOW TO ALLAH YOUR RIGHTOUSNESS, FOR VERILY, THE MOST PITABLE AND UNFORTUNATE ONE IS HE WHO IS DEPRIVED OF ALLAH’S MERCY IN THIS MONTH”.

“DURING EACH DAY AND NIGHT OF RAMADHAN, ALLAH SETS FREE A GREAT NUMBER OF SOULS FROM HELL, AND FROM EVERY MUSLIM, DURING EACH DAY AND NIGHT, AT LEAST ONE PRAYER IS CERTAINLY ACCEPTED”.




“THERE ARE THREE PEOPLE WHO’S ‘DUA’ IS NOT REJECTED; THE FASTING PERSON UNTILL HE BREAKS THE FAST; THE JUST RULER; AND THE OPPRESSED PERSON, WHOSE ‘DUA’ ALLAH LIFTS ABOVE THE CLOUDS AND OPENS UNTO IT THE DOORS OF HEAVENS, AND ALLAH SAYS, I SWEAR BY MY HONOUR, VERILY I SHALL ASSIST YOU, EVEN THOUGH IT MAY BE AFTER SOME TIME”.

“FASTING IS A PROTECTIVE SHIELD FOR MAN, AS LONG AS HE DOES NOT TEAR UP THAT PROTECTION”.

“WHOSOEVER EATS DURING ONE DAY OF RAMADHAN, WITHOUT A VALID EXCUSE (ACCEPTABLE IN SHARIAH), SHALL NEVER BE ABLE TO RECOUP THAT DAY EVEN BY FASTING FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE”.

“MY UMMAH HAS BEEN GIVEN FIVE SPECIAL THINGS THAT WERE NOT GIVEN TO ANYONE BEFORE THEM. THE SMELL FROM THE MOUTH OF A FASTING MUSLIM IS SWEETER FOR ALLAH THAN THE FRAGRANT SMELL OF MUSK. THE FISH IN THE SEA SEEKS FORGIVENESS ON THEIR BEHALF UNTILL THEY OPEN THEIR FAST. ALLAH PREPARES AND DECORATES HIS SPECIAL ‘JANNAH’ EVERYDAY AND THEN SAYS (TO IT), ‘THE TIME IS NEAR WHEN MY FAITHFUL SERVANTS SHALL CAST ASIDE THE TRIBULATIONS (OF THE WORLD) AND COME TO YOU. IN THIS MONTH, THE REBELLIOUS ‘SHAYATEEN’ (SATANS) ARE CHAINED, SO AS NOT TO PROVOKE THOSE EVILS WHICH THEY NORMALLY DO DURING MONTHS OTHER THAN RAMADHAN. ON THE LAST NIGHT OF RAMADHAN, THE FASTING MUSLIMS ARE FORGIVEN”.
THE SAHABAH (RA) ENQUIRED:
“O MESSENGER (SAW) OF ALLAH, IS THAT NIGHT ‘LAYATUL QADR?” RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED:
“NO, BUT IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT A SERVANT SHOULD BE GIVEN HIS REWARD ON HAVING COMPLETED HIS DUTY”.

“VERILY ALLAH AND HIS MALAA’IKAH (SPECIAL ANGELS) SEND MERCY UPON THOSE WHO EAT SEHRI”.

“EAT SEHRI BECAUSE IN IT LIES GREAT BLESSING”

DURING THE TIME OF RASULULLAH (SAW), TWO WOMEN WERE FASTING AND SUFFERED THE PANGS (PAINS) OF HUNGER TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THE FAST BECAME UNBEARABLE AND BOTH WERE ON THE POINT OF DEATH. THE SAHABAH (RA) BROUGHT THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF OUR RASULULLAH (SAW), WHO SENT A BOWL (TO THE WOMEN) COMMANDING THEM TO VOMIT INTO IT. WHEN THEY BOTH VOMITED IN THE BOWL, PIECES OF MEAT AND FRESH BLOOD WERE FOUND IN IT. THE SAHABAH (RA) WERE GREATLY SURPRISED, UPON WHICH OUR RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID:
“THEY FASTED WITH HALAL FOOD FROM ALLAH, BUT PARTOOK (TOOKPART) OF HARAM FOOD BY BACKBITING OTHER PEOPLE”.
WHEN ONE OF THE SAHABAH (RA) ENQUIRED:
“WHAT IS BACKBITING?” RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED:
“TO MENTION SOMETHINGABOUT YOUR BROTHER BEHIND HIS BACK WHICH HE WOULD RESENT”.
THE SAHABAH (RA) THEN SAID:
“AND IS IT STILL BACKBITING IF THE THING MENTIONED ABOUT HIM IS REALLY TRUE?”.
RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED:
“IN THAT CASE (IF THAT WHICH WAS MENTIONED IS REALLY TRUE) IT IS PRECISELY BACKBITING; BUT IF WHAT MENTION IS FALSE, THEN YOU HAVE IN FACT SLANDERED HIM”.

ONCE RASULULLAH (SAW) PASSED BY TWO GRAVES AND SAID:
“ON BOTH THE INMATES OF THESE GRAVE, PUNISHMENT IS BEING INFLICTED IN THE GRAVE. ONE IS BEING PUNISHED BECAUSE OF BACKBITING, THE OTHER BECAUSE OF NOT HAVING TAKEN PRECAUTION WHEN PASSING URINE”.

“IN BACKBITING, BOTH THE BACKBITER AND THE ONE WHO LISTENS TO IT ARE EQUAL PARTNERS IN SIN”.

LAYLATUL QADR

RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID:

“WHOEVER STANDS IN PRAYER AND WORSHIP ON THE NIGHT OF POWER, WITH COMPLETE FAITH AND WITH SINCERE HOPE OF GAINING REWARD, ALL HIS PREVIOUS SINS ARE FORGIVEN”.

“ON ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) DESCENDS UPON THE EARTH WITH A GROUP OF ANGELS, PRAYING FOR BLESSINGS FOR EVERY SERVANT OF ALLAH WHOM THEY SEE IN WORSHIP, STANDING OR SITTING AND ENGROSSED IN ALLAH’S PRAISE. THEN ON EID DAY, ALLAH BOASTS ABOUT THEM TO THE ANGELS (WHO HAD BEEN CRITICAL AT THE TIME OF ADAMS CREATION), ‘O MY ANGELS, WHAT IS THE REWARD OF THAT WORKER WHO HAS DONE HIS JOB VERY WELL?’ THEY REPLY, ‘O OUR LORD, HIS REWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO HIM IN FULL’. TO THIS ALLAH REPLIES, ‘O MY ANGELS, VERILY MY SERVANTS, THE MALES AMONG THEM AS WELL AS FEMALES, HAVE TODAY DULY PERFORMED THEIR OBLIGATORY DUTY, THEREAFTER THEY SET FORTH TO EID PRAYER-GROUND, RAISING THEIR VOICES IN PRAYER TO ME. I SWEAR BY MY HONOUR, BY MY GRANDEUR, BY MY GRACE AND BY MY EXALTED POSITION, THAT I SHALL SURELY ANSWER THE PRAYER OF THESE PEOPLE’. THEREAFTER ALLAH ADDRESSES THE PEOPLE: ‘ GO FORTH, I HAVE FORGIVEN YOUR SINS, AND HAVE REPLACED YOUR EVIL DEEDS WITH RIGHTOUS ONES.”

RASULULLAH (SAW) SAYS:
“SEEK ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ AMONG THE ODD NUMBERED NIGHTS OF THE LAST TEN DAYS OF THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN”.

UBAADAH BIN SAAMIT (RA) SAID:
“ONCE RASULULLAH (SAW) CAME OUT (FROM MASJID) TO INFORM US OF THE TRUE DATE OF ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ UNFORTUNATELY, A QUARREL TOOK PLACE BETWEEN TWO MUSLIMS, WHEREUPON RASULULLAH (SAW) SAID, ‘I CAME OUT TO INFORM YOU AS TO WHEN ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ OCCURS, BUT BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE QUARRELLED WITH EACH OTHER, THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE CORRECT DATE WAS TAKEN AWAY; PERHAPS THAT IS BETTER FOR YOU. SO SEEK IT AMONG THE NINTH, SEVENTH AND FIVTH NIGHTS”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID AT ANOTHER TIME:
“MAINTAIN PEACEFUL AND GOOD RELATIONS AMONGST YOURSELF, FOR VERILY QUARRELS AMONG YOURSELVES DESTROY’S FAITH”.

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) REPORTS:
“I SAID, O MESSENGER (SAW) OF ALLAH, SHOULD I FIND MYSELF THE NIGHT ‘LAYLATUL QADR’, WHAT SHALL I PRAY FOR? RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED: ‘SAY, O ALLAH, THOU ART THE ONE WHO GRANTS PARDON FOR SINS. THOU LOVEST TO PARDON, SO PARDON ME”.

I’TIKAAF MEANS TO STAY SECLUDED IN THE MASJID WITH THE INTENTION OF I’TIKAAF. A PERSON IN I’TIKAAF IS NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE MASJID FOR WORLDLY NEEDS. HE MAY ONLY LEAVE THE MASJID TO GO TO THE TOILET OR TO PERFORM WUDHU. HE MAY LEAVE THE MASJID TO HELP A MUSLIM BROTHER IN NEED OR WHEN THE TIME INTENDED FOR THE PERSON IS COMPLETE. SOME PEOPLE SAY ‘IF ALLAH FULFILS A CERTAIN WISH, I WILL PERFORM I’TIKAAF FOR A NUMBER OF DAYS’. THEN THE I’TIKAAF BECOMES COMPULSORY FOR HIM.

ABU SAEED KHUDRI (RA) REPORTS THAT RASULULLAH (SAW) ONCE PERFORMED I’TIKAAF IN A TENT (INSIDE THE MASJID) FOR THE FIRST TEN DAYS OF RAMADHAN. THEREAFTER HE EXTENDED IT TO THE NEXT TEN DAYS. THEREAFTER, HE (SAW) PUT HIS HEAD OUT OF THE TENT AND SAID: “VERILY IN SEARCH OF ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ DID I PERFORM I’TIKAAF FOR THE FIRST TEN DAYS AND EXTENDED IT TO THE NEXT TEN DAYS FOR THE SAME PURPOSE;THEN I WAS TOLD THAT THIS NIGHT IS IN THE LAST TEN DAYS; SO THOSE WITH ME, I’TIKAAF SHOULD ALSO CONTINUE; I HAD INDEED BEEN SHOWN THAT NIGHT AND THEN MADE TO FORGET WHICH ONE IT SHALL BE, AND VERILY DID I SEE MYSELF PROSTRATING TO ALLAH WITH MY FOREHEAD IN MUD ON THE MORNING AFTER THAT NIGHT. THEREFORE SEEK ‘LAYLATUL QADR’ AMONG THE LAST TEN NIGHTS OF RAMADHAN; SEEK IT AMONG THE ODD DAYS”.

ABU SAEED (RA) SAYS:
“THAT SAME NIGHT IT RAINED. THE ROOF OF THE MASJID LEAKED, AND I SAW RASULULLAH (SAW) PERFORMING SUJOOD (PROSTRATION) IN MUDDY CLAY, AND THAT WAS THE MORNING OF THE 21ST NIGHT”.

THROUGHOUT RAMADHAN RASULULLAH (SAW) REMAINED IN IBAADAH (WORSHIP) AND PARTICULARLY, WHEN THE LAST TEN DAYS CAME ALONG, HE SET NO LIMITS IN EXERTING HIMSELF. HE HIMSELF REMAINED AWAKE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT AND SET THE EXAMPLE OF WAKING UP HIS FAMILY FOR THE SAME PURPOSE.

HAZRAT AISHAH (RA) SAYS:
“DURING THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADHAN, RASULULLAH (SAW) TIED HIS LUNGI TIGHTLY AROUND HIMSELF, STAYING AWAKE ALL NIGHT, AND AWAKING HIS FAMILY (FOR THE PURPOSE OF IBAADAH)”.

RASULULLAH (SAW) SAYS:
THE PERSON PERFORMING I’TIKAAF REMAINS FREE FROM SINS AND HE IS INDEED GIVEN THE SAME REWARD AS THOSE WHO DO RIGHTOUS DEEDS (INSPITE OF NOT HAVING DONE THESE DEEDS) AS A RESULT OF HAVING BEEN SECLUDED IN THE MASJID”.

“WHOEVER SETS FORTH IN THE WAY OF SETTLING A NECESSARY AFFAIR ON BEHALF OF HIS BROTHER, THAT SERVICE SHALL BE BETTER FOR HIM THAN TO PERFORM I’TIKAAF FOR TEN DAYS; AND WHOSOEVER PERFORMS I’TIKAAF FOR A DAY (THEREBY SEEKING THE PLEASURE OF ALLAH), ALLAH WILL SPREAD THREE TRENCHES BETWEEN HIM AND THE FIRE OF HELL, THE WIDTH OF EACH TRENCH BEING GREATER THAN THE DISTANCE BETWEEN HEAVEN AND THE EARTH”.

“WHOEVER PERFORMS I’TIKAAF FOR THE FINAL TEN DAYS OF RAMADHAN, FOR HIM IS THE REWARD OF TWO HAJJ’S AND TWO UMRAH’S; AND WHOEVER PERFORMS I’TIKAAF FROM MAGRHIB UNTILL ESHAA, DOING NOTHING EXCEPT PERFORMING ‘SALAAT’ AND RECITING THE QURAN, ALLAH WILL BUILD A PALACE FOR HIM IN JANNAH”.

“JANNAH (PARADISE) IS MADE FRAGRANT WITH THE SWEETEST PERFUMES IN RAMADHAN. FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF THE YEAR TILL THE END. IT IS BRIGHTLY DECORATED FOR THIS BLESSED MONTH. AND WHEN THE FIRST NIGHT OF RAMADHAN APPEARS. A WIND BLOWS FROM BENEATH THE ARSH (THRONE) IT IS CALLED ‘MUTHEERA’ AND CAUSES THE LEAVES OF THE TREES OF JANNAH TO RUSTLE AND DOOR HANDLES TO VIBRATE, THUS GIVING FORTH SUCH A MELODIOUS SOUND AS HAD NEVER BEEN HEARD BEFORE. THE DARK-EYED DAMSELS OF JANNAH THEN STEP FORTH TILL THEY APPEAR IN THE CENTRE OF THE BALCONIES OF ‘JANNAH’ EXCLAIMING, “IS THERE ANYONE PRAYING TO ALLAH FOR US THAT ALLAH MAY JOIN US IN MARRIAGE WITH HIM?” THEN THESE DAMSELS CALL OUT: “O RIDHWAAN, (KEEPER OF JANNAH) WHAT NIGHT IS THIS?” HE REPLIES: “LABBAIK, IT IS INDEED THE FIRST NIGHT OF RAMADHAN, WHEN THE DOORS OF JANNAH ARE OPENED TO THOSE WHO OBSERVE THE FAST FROM AMONG THE “UMMAH” OF MUHAMMAD (SAW)”. RASULULLAH (SAW) FURTHER SAID: “ALLAH SAYS: O RIDHWAAN OPEN THE DOORS OF ‘JANNAH’ AND O MALIK (KEEPER OF JAHANNAM, HELL) CLOSE THE DOORS OF JAHANNAM FOR THOSE WHO FAST FROM AMONG THE ‘UMMAH’ OF AHMED (SAW) O JIBRAIL, PROCEED DOWN AND BIND ALL THE REBELLIOUS SHAYTEENS (DEVILS), PUT THEM IN CHAINS, CAST THEM IN THE OCEANS, SO THAT THEY MAKE NO MISCHIEF, TO SPOIL THE FAST OF THE ‘UMMAH’ OF MY BELOVED MUHAMMAD (SAW). ALLAH COMMANDS A HERALD FROM THE HEAVENS TO CALL OUT THREE TIMES ON EACH ONE OF THE NIGHTS OF RAMADHAN:

“IS THERE ANYONE BEGGING OF ME THAT I MAY GRANT HIM HIS DESIRE?
IS THERE ANYONE REPENTING TO ME THAT I MAY TURN IN MERCY TO HIM?
IS THERE ANYONE BEGGING MY FORGIVENESS THAT I MAY FORGIVE HIM?
WHO IS THERE WHO SHALL GIVE A LOAN TO THE ONE WHOSE WEALTH DOES NOT DIMINISH, AND THE ONE WHO PAYS BACK WITHOUT ANY DEDUCTIONS”. RASULULLAH (SAW) FURTHER SAYS: “EVERYDAY AT THE TIME OF ‘IFTAAR’ ALLAH SETS FREE ONE MILLION SOULS FROM THE FIRE OF ‘JAHANNAM’ WHO HAD PERVIOUSLY BEEN FOUND TO DESERVE ‘JAHANNAM’. ON THE LAST NIGHT HE SETS FREE AS MANY MORE AS HAD BEEN SET FREE THROUGHOUT THE MONTH (OF RAMADHAN). ON THE NIGHT OF LAYLATUL QADR, ALLAH COMMANDS JIBRAIL TO DESCEND TO THE EARTH WITH A LARGE GROUP OF MALA’IKAH (SPECIAL ANGELS). THEY DESCEND CARRYING A GREEN FLAG, WHICH IS THEN PLANTED ON TOP OF THE KA’BAH. JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) HISELF HAS 100 WINGS, TWO OF WHICH ARE SPREAD OUT ON THIS NIGHT ONLY. HE SPREADS OUT THESE TWO WINGS SO THAT THEIR WIDTH EXTENDS FROM EAST TO WEST. JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) THEN SENDS OUT THE MALA’IKAH IN ALL DIRECTIONS TO OFFER SALUTATION TO ANYBODY THEY FIND STANDING IN PRAYER OR SITTING, PERFORMING ‘SALAAT’ OR CELEBRATING THE PRAISES OF ALLAH. THEY SHAKE HANDS WITH THEM AND SAY ‘AMEEN’ TO ALL THEIR PRAYERS (DUAA’S) UNTIL DAWN. WHEN DAWN COMES, JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) CALLS OUT: “DEPART ‘MALA’IKAH’ OF ALLAH, DEPART”, THE ‘MALA’IKAH’ THEN ENQUIRE: “O, JIBRAIL WHAT DID ALLAH DO REGARDING THE NEEDS THAT THE FAITHFUL ONES FROM AMONG THE ‘UMMAH’ OF AHMED (SAW) PUT BEFORE HIM?” JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAM) REPLIES: “ALLAH LOOKED AT THEM WITH MERCY AND PARDONED THEM ALL, EXCEPT FOUR KINDS OF PEOPLE”.
THEREUPON THE SAHABAH SAID: “WHO ARE THEY O, RASULULLAH (SAW)?”
RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED: “THEY ARE THE ONES WHO ARE ADDICTED TO WINE, THOSE DISOBEDIENT TO THEIR PARENTS, THOSE WHO CUT THEMSELVES OFF FROM THEIR NEAR RELATIVES, AND THOSE WHO HARBOUR ILL-WILL AGAINST THEIR FELLOW BEINGS AND BREAK OFF RELATIONS WITH THEM.”

AND THEN THE NIGHT OF EIDUL FITR, THE NIGHT IS CALLED LAYLATUL JAA’IZAH (THE NIGHT OF PRIZE GIVING) COMES ALONG. ON THE MORNING OF EID, ALLAH SENDS DOWN THE ‘MALAA’IKAH’ TO ALL THE LANDS OF THE EARTH, WHERE THEY TAKE THEIR POSITIONS ON ALL THE STREETS AND LANES, CALLING OUT WITH A VOICE THAT IS HEARD BY ALL EXCEPT MAN AND JINN: “O’ UMMAH’ OF MUHAMMAD (SAW) COME FORTH FROM YOUR HOUSES TOWARDS THE LORD, WHO IS NOBEL AND GRACIOUS. WHO GRANTS ABUNDANTLY AND PARDONS THE MAJOR SINS. “WHEN THEY PROCEED FOR THEIR EID ‘SALAAT’, ALLAH SAYS TO THE ‘MALAA’IKAH’: “WHAT INDEED IS THE REWARD OF THAT EMPLOYEE WHO HAS RENDERED FULL SERVICES?” THE ‘MALAA’IKAH’ REPLY: “ O OUR LORD AND MASTER, IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT HE SHALL RECEIVE HIS REWARD IN FULL FOR HIS SERVICES.” ALLAH THEN SAYS: “I CALL YOU TO WITNESS, O, MY ‘MALAA’IKAH’, THAT FOR THEIR HAVING FASTED FOR ME DURING THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN, AND FOR THEIR HAVING STOOD BEFORE ME IN PRAYER BY NIGHT, I HAVE GRANTED TO THEM AS A REWARD MY PLEASURE AND HAVE GRANTED THEM FORGIVENESS. O, MY SERVANTS, ASK NOW OF ME, FOR I SWEAR BY MY HONOUR AND GREATNESS, THAT WHATSOEVER YOU SHALL BEG OF ME THIS DAY IN THIS ASSEMBLY OF YOURS FOR THE NEEDS OF YOUR HEREAFTER, I SHALL GRANT YOU; AND WHATEVER YOU SHALL ASK FOR YOUR WORLDLY NEEDS, I SHALL GRANT WHAT IS TO YOUR ADVANTAGE. BY MY HONOUR DO I SWEAR, THAT I SHALL NEVER DISGRACE YOU IN FRONT OF THE TRANGRESSORS AND DISBELIEVERS. RETURN NOW FROM HERE; YOU ARE FORGIVEN. YOU HAVE INDEED PLEASED ME AND I AM PLEASED WITH YOU”.
THE MALAA’IKAH’, ON SEEING THIS GREAT REWARD BESTOWED UPON THE ‘UMMAH’ OF MUHAMMAD (SAW) ON THE DAY OF EID, BECOME GREATLY PLEASED AND HAPPY. (MAY ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS MOST MERCIFUL MAKE US AMONG THESE FORTUNATE BEINGS – ‘AMEEN’) (MAY ALLAH MOST GRACIOUS, MOST MERCIFUL GRANT US SINCERITY AND PURITY IN OUR HEARTS, SO THAT WE MAY BE ABLE TO PRAISE ALMIGHTY ALLAH WITH THE; PRAISE THAT IS WORTHY AND MEETS THE GREATNESS OF ALLAH THAT IS ACCEPTED BY ALMIGHTY ALLAH (AMEEN).



RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID: “THE DESTITUTE ONE FROM AMONG MY ‘UMMAH’ IS THAT PERSON, WHO SHALL APPEAR ON THE DAY OF ‘QIYAAMAH’, BRINGING WITH HIM RIGHTEOUS DEEDS LIKE ‘SALAAT’, SOWN (FAST) AND CHARITY; BUT HE HAD ALSO SWORN AT SOMEONE, FALSELY ACCUSED SOMEONE ELSE, AND HURT SOMEONE, WITH THE RESULT THAT ALL THESE PEOPLE SHALL COME FORWARD WITH COMPLAINTS AGAINST HIM, BEARING WITNESS AGAINST HIM. AS A PENALTY, HIS GOOD DEEDS SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY AND GIVEN TO THE INJURED ONES. AND WHEN HIS GOOD DEEDS ARE EXHAUSTED IN THIS MANNER, THEIR SINS SHALL BE LOADED UPON HIM, (WHEN HE IS NOT ABLE TO PAY THE FULL PENALTY THROUGH LACK OF GOOD DEEDS) BECAUSE OF THIS LOAD HE SHALL ENTER ‘JAHANAM’”.

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THE FINAL CALL:



THE NUR OF IMAAN


“ON NO SOUL DOTH ALLAH PLACE A BURDEN GREATER THAN IT CAN BEAR. IT GETS EVERY GOOD THAT IT EARNS, AND IT SUFFERS EVERY ILL THAT IT EARNS.
SO WORSHIP HIM, AND PUT THY TRUST IN HIM; AND THY LORD IS NOT UNMINDFUL OF AUGHT THAT YE DO” (AL QURAN)

IMAAN

FROM BUKHARI, (THE MOST FAMOUS COLLECTIONS OF HADITH) COMMENTATORS HAVE SAID:

COMPLETE IMAAN IN REALITY CONSISTS OF THREE COMPONENTS: FIRSTLY, CONFIRMATION BY THE HEART OF ALL THE ESSENTIALS OF IMAAN; SECONDARY, CONFIRMATION BY WORD OF MOUTH; AND THIRDLY, CONFIRMATION BY OUR PHYSICAL ACTIONS. THUS, THE BRANCHES OF IMAAN ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES, THE FIRST OF WHICH CONCERNS THE INTENTION, BELIEF AND ACTION OF THE HEART, THE SECOND CONCERN IS THE USE OF THE TONGUE AND THE THIRD CONCERN IS ALL THE REMAINING PARTS OF THE BODY. ALL THE THINGS OF IMAAN ARE INCLUDED IN THESE THREE CATEGORIES.

THE FIRST CATEGORY INCLUDES THIRTY ARTICLES OF FAITH:
1) TO BELIEVE IN ALLAH, IN HIS BEING AND HIS ATTRIBUTES, AND THAT HE IS ONE, HAS NO PARTNERS, AND NO LIKE OF HIM.
2) TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THINGS, EXCEPT HIM, WERE CREATED AFTERWARDS BY HIM, AND THAT ONLY HE HAS BEEN THEIR FOREVER.
3) TO BELIEVE IN HIS ANGELS.
4) TO BELIEVE IN THE REVEALED BOOKS.
5) TO BELIEVE IN THE APOSTLES (PROPHETS) OF ALLAH.
6) TO BELIEVE IN THE DESTINY, I.E. WHETHER GOOD OR BAD, IT IS ORDAINED BY ALLAH.
7) TO BELIEVE IN LIFE AFTER DEATH, INCLUDING INTERROGATION IN THE GRAVE, PUNISHMENT IN THE GRAVE, RESSURECTION, THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT, RENDERING ACCOUNT OF ONE’S DEED’S AND PASSING OVER THE SIRAAT BRIDGE (BRIDGE OVER HELL).
8) TO BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF PARADISE, AND THAT (BY THE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY ALLAH) THE BELIEVERS WILL LIVE IN IT FOREVER.
9) TO BELIEVE IN THE EXISTENCE OF HELL, WITH ITS SEVEREST PUNISHMENTS, AND THAT IT WILL LAST FOREVER.
10) TO LOVE ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
11) TO LOVE OR HATE OTHER PEOPLE FOR THE PLEASURE OF ALLAH (I.E. TO LOVE THE PIOUS AND HATE THE DISOBEDIENT ONE). IT INCLUDES, OF COURSE LOVING THE , SAHABAH, SPECIALLY MUHAJIRS, ANSARS AND DESCENDANTS OF RASULULLAH (SAW).
12) TO LOVE RASULULLAH (SAW) WHICH INCLUDES CHERISHING THE HIGH ESTEEM FOR HIM, OFFERING DAROOD ON HIM (SAW) AND FOLLOWING SUNNAH (I.E. HIS WAY OF LIFE).
13) TO PRACTISE IKHLAS (SINCERITY), WHICH INCLUDES AVOIDING SHOW AND HYPOCRISY.
14) TO DO ‘TAUBA’ (I.E. REPENT OVER ONE’S SINS FROM THE CORE OF THE HEART, AND TO DETERMINE NOT TO REPEAT THEM.
15) TO FEAR ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
16) TO HOPE AND PRAY FOR THE MERCY OF ALLAH.
17) NOT TO DESPAIR OF THE MERCY TO BE GRANTED BY ALMIGHTY ALLAH.
18) TO REMAIN THANKFUL TO ALLAH.
19) TO BE FAITHFUL IN ONE’S PROMISE.
20) TO EXERCISE PATIENCE.
21) TO SHOW HUMILITY, WHICH INCLUDES RESPECT FOR THE ELDERS.
22) TO SHOW KINDNESS AND PITY, WHICH INCLUDES KINDNESS TO CHILDREN.
23) TO BE RESIGNED TO ONE’S FATE.
24) TO PRACTICE ‘TAWAKKUL’ (I.E. TO DEPEND ON ALMIGHTY ALLAH).
25) TO REFRAIN FROM SELF PRAISE AND SELF AGGRANDISEMENT THIS INCLUDES SELF REFORMATION ALSO.
26) NOT TO HARBOUR RANCOUR AND JEALOUSY AGAINST OTHERS.
27) TO CULTIVATE MODESTY.
28) TO RESTRAIN ONE’S RAGE.
29) NOT TO DECIEVE, CHEAT OR SUSPECT OTHERS.
30) TO EXPEL FROM ONE’S HEART THE LOVE OF WORLDLY THINGS, INCLUDING THAT FOR WEALTH AND STATUS.

ACCORDING TO ALLAMAH AINEE (RA) THIS LIST COVERS ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF THE HEART. IF ANYTHING IS FOUND APPARENTLY MISSING, A LITTLE THOUGHT WILL SHOW THAT IT IS COVERED BY ONE ITEM OR ANOTHER OF THIS LIST.

THE SECOND CATEGORY INCLUDES THE FUNCTION’S OF THE TONGUE AND THERE ARE SEVEN ESSENTIAL’S IN THIS RESPECT:
1) RECITATION OF KALAMAH TAYYABAH (LAILLAHA ILLALLAHOMOHAMMADUR RASULULLAH (SAW)).
2) RECITATION OF THE HOLY QURAN.
3) ACQUISITION OF ILM (RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE)
4) PROPAGATION OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE TO OTHERS.
5) DUA, (I.E. SUPPLICATION)
6) ZIKR OF ALLAH, INCLUDING ISTIGHFAR (SEEKING FORGIVENESS).
7) TO ABSTAIN (AVOID LOOSE AND USELESS TALK,

THE THIRD CATEGORY INCLUDES BODILY ACTION. IN THIS RESPECT, THERE ARE FORTY ESSENTIALS WHICH ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE PARTS. THE FIRST PART INCLUDES ACTIONS THAT RELATE TO THE SELF OR PERSON OF AN INDIVIDUAL. THESE ARE SIXTEEN:
1) OBSERVING CLEANSINESS OF BODY, CLOTHES AND PLACE. THE CLEANSINESS OF BODY INCLUDES WUDHU AND OBLIGATORY BATH.
2) OFFERING SALAAT, INCLUDING FARDH, NAFL AND KADAA SALAAT. THIS WOULD MEAN OFFERING AND FULFILLING ITS PRE-REQUISITIES.
3) GIVING SADAQAH CHARITY, WHICH INCLUDES ZAKAAT, SADAQAH-TUL-FITR, VOLUNTARY ALMS, FEEDING PEOPLE, ENTERTAINING GUESTS AND LIBERATING SLAVES.
4) FASTING, OBLIGATORY AS WELL AS NON OBLIGATORY.
5) PERFORMING HAJJ, OBLIGATORY AND NON OBLIGATORY.
6) I’TIKAAF (REMAINING IN A MOSQUE IN FULL DEVOTION) WHICH INCLUDES SEARCHING FOR ‘LAYLATUL QADR’.
7) LEAVING ONE’S HOME FOR THE DEFENCE OF ‘DIN’ THIS INCLUDE’S HIJRAT (MIGRATION FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH)
8) FULFILLING ONE’S VOWS.
9) STEADFASTNESS IN ONE’S OATH.
10) PAYMENT OF ATONEMENT MONEY, IF DUE.
11) COVERING THE ESSENTIAL PARTS OF THE BODY, AS REQUIRED BY ISLAM, DURING SALAAT AND OUTSIDE SALAAT.
12) OFFERING OF SACRIFICE AND TAKING CARE OF ANIMALS TO BE OFFERED.
13) MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR A FUNERAL.
14) PAYMENT OF DEBT.
15) RECTITUDE IN DEALINGS AND ABSTAINING FROM USUARY.
16) GIVING CORRECT EVIDENCE AND NOT CONCEALING THE TRUTH.

THE SECOND PART WHICH INCLUDES ACTION INVOLVING TREATMENT WITH ONE’S RELATIVE’S AND OTHER’S HAS SIX ESSENTIALS.
1) GETTING MARRIED AS A SAFEGUARD AGAINST ADULTRY.
2) TO DISCHARGE OBLIGATION TOWARDS ONE’S FAMILY MEMBER’S, SERVANTS AND SUBORDINATES.
3) GOOD TREATMENT TOWARDS ONE’S PARENT’S AND BEING KIND AND OBEDIENT TO THEM.
4) BRINGING UP ONE’S CHILDREN IN A PROPER WAY.
5) REMAINING ON GOOD TERMS WITH ONE’S RELATIVES.
6) OBEYING ONE’S ELDERS AND FOLLOWING THEIR ADVICE.

THE THIRD PART INCLUDES EIGHTEEN ESSENTIALS WHICH RELATES TO OUR SOCIAL OBLIGATIONS TO SOCIETY IN GENERAL:
1) TO RULE ONE’S DOMAIN WITH JUSTICE.
2) TO SUPPORT THE RIGHTFUL PARTY.
3) TO OBEY THE RULERS, PROVIDED THEIR ORDERS ARE NOT AGAINST RELIGION.
4) TO WORK FOR THE BETTERMENT OF MUTUAL RELATION’S INCLUDING PUNISHING THE WRONG-DOER’S.
5) TO HELP OTHERS IN THEIR NOBLE DEED’S.
6) TO ENJOIN THE GOOD AND FORBID THE EVIL; IT INCLUDES WORK AND SPEECH FOR THE PROPAGATION OF RELIGION.
7) TO CARRY OUT THE PUNISHMENT ENJOINED BY RELIGION (FOR SPECIFIC OFFENCES).
8) TO TAKE PART IN JIHAD I.E. TO FIGHT IN THE PATH OF ALLAH. IT INCLUDES GUARDING THE DEFENCE LINES.
9) TO PAY OFF OUR DUES AND RETURN THE ‘AMANAT’ THIS INCLUDES PAYMENT OF KHUMS (PAYMENT OF TAX) EQUAL TO ONE FIFTH OF THE BOOTY.
10) LEND TO THE NEEDY AND TO PAY BACK DEBT.
11) TO DISCHARGE OUR OBLIGATION TO OUR NEIGHBOUR’S AND TO BE KIND AND HELPFUL TO THEM.
12) TO BE FAIR IN ONES BUSINESS DEALING’S; IT INCLUDES SAVING’S AND EARNING’S IN A LAWFUL MATTER.
13) TO BE CAREFUL IN EXPENDITURE; ONE SHOULD GUARD AGAINST EXTRAVAGANCE AS WELL AS MISERLINESS.
14) TO WISH ‘SALAAM’ AND TO REPOND TO THE ‘SALAAM’.
15) TO SAY ‘MAY ALLAH HAVE MERCY ON YOU’ WHEN SOMEBODY SNEEZES.
16) NOT TO BE THE CAUSE OF TROUBLE AND LOSS TO OTHERS.
17) TO AVOID IDLE AND USELESS PURSUITS.
18) TO CLEAR TROUBLESOME OBSTRUCTIONS FROM THE WAY.

RASULULLAH (SAW) HAS SAID:
“IMAAN HAS MORE THAN SEVENTY BRANCHES OF WHICH THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THE RECITATION OF KALIMAH TAYABAH (LAILLAHA ILLALLAHO MOHAMMADUR RASULULLAH SAW) AND THE LEAST ONE IS TO REMOVE SOME OBSTACLE (STONE, WOOD, THORN ECT) FROM THE WAY; AND MODESTY ALSO IS A SPECIAL REQUISITE OF IMAAN.



“WHENEVER YOU PEOPLE PASS THROUGH THE GARDENS OF PARADISE, PARTAKE (TAKEPART) OF THEIR FRUITS”. THE COMPANIONS (RA) ASKED “WHAT ARE THE GARDENS OF PARADISE?” THE HOLY PROPHET (SAW) SAID: “THE ASSEMBLIES WHEREIN KNOWLEDGE OF ISLAM AND THE HOLY QURAN IS TAUGHT”.

“SHALL I TELL YOU A THING BY WHICH YOU CAN ATTAIN GOOD IN THIS WORLD AND THE HEREAFTER? REMEMBER IT IS THE COMPANY OF THOSE WHO REMEMBER AND GLORIFY ALLAH DAY AND NIGHT”.

“THE EXAMPLE OF THIS WORLD IS LIKE THAT CLOTH WHICH HAS BEEN TORN TO PIECES FROM BEGINNING TILL END, EXCEPT THAT ONLY ONE PIECE OF THREAD IS LEFT WHICH MAY BREAK ANY TIME”

ACCORDING TO A HADITH IT IS SAID:
WHEN ALLAH CREATED PARADISE, HE TOLD HAZRAT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SLAAM) TO GO AND VISIT IT. ON HIS RETURN FROM PARADISE HE REPORTED: “O LORD! BY YOUR GREATNESS, WHOEVER COMES TO KNOW OF IT, WILL DO HIS BEST TO ENTER IT”. THAT IS TO SAY, ITS PLEASURE, COMFORTS, ENJOYMENTS AND BLESSINGS ARE SO INTENSE THAT THERE WILL BE NOBODY WHO, AFTER KNOWING AND BELIEVING THESE, WILL NOT STRIVE HIS UTMOST FOR ADMISSION INTO IT. ALMIGHTY ALLAH THAN SURROUNDED PARADISE WITH HARDSHIP’S AND MADE IT COMPULSORY TO OFFER PRAYER’S, OBSERVE FASTING, TAKE PART IN JIHAD GO FOR HAJ ECT. FOR ADMISSION INTO PARADISE. ALMIGHTY ALLAH THAN SENT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) TO VISIT PARADISE AGAIN. ON HIS RETURN HE SAID: “O ALLAH! I FEAR THAT HARDLY ANYBODY WILL BEABLE TO ENTER IT”

SIMILARLY, AFTER CREATING HELL, ALMIGHTY ALLAH ORDERED JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) TO VISIT HELL. AFTER WITNESSING THE PUNISHMENT, HORRORS, AFFLICTION AND TORTURES OF HELL, HE SUBMITTED: “I SWEAR BY THY GRANDEAUR THAT ONE WHO COME’S TO KNOW OF THE CONDITIONS IN HELL WILL NEVER DARE GO NEAR IT”. THEN THE GRACIOUS AND GLORIOUS ALLAH SURROUNDED HELL WITH ACTS OF INDULGENCE SUCH AS ADULTRY, DRINKING WINE, CRUELTY, DISREGUARD OF DIVINE COMMANDMENTS ECT, AND THEN ASKED JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) TO VISIT HELL AGAIN. JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) ON HIS RETURN SUBMITTED: “MY LORD! I FEAR THAT HARDLY ANYBODY WILL BE ABLE TO ESCAPE IT”.

HAZRAT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) CAME TO RASULULLAH (SAW) ONE DAY WHEN HE WAS VERY MUCH WORRIED AND SAID:
“ALMIGHTY ALLAH HAS SENT HIS SALAAM TO YOU AND HAS ENQUIRED WHY YOU LOOK SO SAD AND WORRIED. ALMIGHTY ALLAH KNOWS WHATEVER IS HIDDEN IN THE HEARTS, YET BY SUCH ENQUIRIES ALLAH MEANS TO INDICATE HONOUR, RESPECT AND FAVOUR”.
RASULULLAH (SAW) REPLIED:
“O JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY UMMAT, AS TO HOW THEY WILL FARE ON THE DAY OF JUDGEMENT”.
“IS IT ABOUT THE NON-BELIEVERS OR ABOUT THE MUSLIMS?” ASKED JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM).
“ABOUT THE MUSLIMS” REPLIED RASULULLAH (SAW).
JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) THEN TOOK THE PROPHET (SAW) ALONG TO THE GRAVEYARD WHERE THE PEOPLE OF THE TRIBE OF BANU SALAMAH WERE BURIED; THERE HE STRUCK A GRAVE WITH HIS WING AND SAID:
“STAND UP BY THE ORDER OF ALLAH”
OUT OF THAT GRAVE, AN EXTREMELY HANDSOME MAN STOOD UP AND HE WAS RECITING. ‘LAILLAHA ILLALLAHO MOHAMMADUR RASULULLAH (SAW)’. HAZRAT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) TOLD HIM TO GO BACK TO HIS PLACE, WHICH HE DID. THEN HAZRAT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) STRUCK ANOTHER GRAVE WITH HIS WING. OUT OF IT STOOD UP AN EXTREMELY UGLY PERSON WITH A BLACK FACE AND WORRIED EYES, WHO WAS SAYING, ‘ALAS THERE IS NOTHING BUT SORROW, SHAME AND HORROR’. HAZRAT JIBRAIL (ALAYHIS SALAAM) TOLD HIM TO GO BACK TO HIS PLACE AND THAN EXPLAINED TO RASULULLAH (SAW):
“THE PEOPLE WILL RISE UP ON THE DAY OF RESURRECTION IN THE SAME STATE THAT THEY WERE AT THE TIME OF THEIR DEATH”.
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