Rabi’ul Awwal has arrived, again…

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Allah Ta’ala declares, “There certainly is an example in Allah’s Messenger for he who fears Allah and the last day and remembers Allah abundantly” (Surah Al-Ahzab, verse: 21)
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) said:
“He who holds firm to my Sunnah when corruption is rampant in my Ummah will attain the reward of a hundred martyrs.”
(Al-Bayhaqi fi-Zuhd; “hasan” –sound- according to Hafiz ibn Hajar; see: Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 174)
Sayyiduna Anas (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) affectionately advised him:
“Whoever cherishes my sunnah, indeed cherishes me and whoever loves me will be with me in Jannah.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2678. Classified as “hasan” –sound- by Imam Tirmidhi (rahimahullah)
 
Sentimental events
The above and other such verses and Hadiths are frequently heard and recited during the month of Rabi’ul-Awwal, the month in which the birth and demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) occurred.
Huge gatherings are held, sentiments are elevated and hearts become soft upon hearing the details of these events. Resolutions of adhering to the Sunnah are made, and love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is increased.
As Muslims, we believe that every Sunnah of our beloved Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is filled with nur (divine light) and blessing of Allah Ta’ala. Therefore, the illustrious Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) and Muhaddithun (Scholars of Hadith) took great pains in preserving the noble Hadiths and Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). Through their sacrifices Allah Ta’ala has facilitated a huge amount of literature in which the sacred Hadith is preserved up to this day so that it can be adopted even by the Ummati (follower) of the 15th century of Islam.
But alas! How pitiful is the condition of that “lover” of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) who resolved to adopt more Sunnahs of his beloved the previous year, but failed to do so thus far?
One who discards the Sunnah is warned severely by Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) with the words:
 “I curse him, Allah curses him and so does every Prophet of Allah”
(Mustadrak Hakim, vol.1 pg.36; Hidayatur Ruwat, Hadith: 105. Considered “sahih”- authentic- by Imam Hakim rahimahullah)
This clearly highlights the cause of most of the social mishaps prevalent in the Muslim community today.
How can the blessing and mercy of Allah be found in that home whose inhabitants abandon the Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam)?
Rabi’ul-Awwal has dawned once again, this time for approximately the 1496th time (2022) since the birth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam). During this long period, there were many who took such resolutions and stuck by them thereby attaining the virtues promised by Allah and his Messenger (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) as well as the success of both the worlds.
There is no certainty as to how many more Rabi’ul-Awwals we will witness. Hence let not the procrastination of Shaytan dominate us. Lets make an effort and also seek the assistance of Allah sincerely for the strength to adopt every Sunnah of our beloved Master (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) before it is too late.
 
Comprehensiveness of the Sunnah
The Sunnah of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) is not restricted to acts or places of worship only. Instead, it is comprehensive and covers all aspects and situations of life such as ones social and moral conduct, business dealings, one’s dressing etc. It also applies to all places whether the Masjid, business place, the home or even while one is on journey. In every situation, one should draw guidance from the lifestyle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam) thereby turning habits into acts of worship.
 
Not seasonal
The study of the Sirah (lifestyle of Nabi -sallallahu ‘alayhi wasallam-) is not only for Rabi’ul Awwal, rather it should be done throughout the year.
Every Muslim should endeavour to study the complete Sirah at least once in his or her lifetime under the guidance of a qualified ‘alim (scholar)
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15/01/2013

1000 DUROODS A DAY

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1000 Duroods A Day

Turning Holidays Into Holydays & Leisure Time Into Treasurable Time, In A Simple Way!
Regarding Durood Shareef, Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said:
“Whoever sends salutations upon me once, Allah will send salutations upon him ten times, ten of his sins will be erased and his rank will be raised by ten stages.” (Nasaai)
The following Hadith Shareef is a motivational Hadith which will make every Aashiq-eNabi (lover of our Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) enthusiastic to be a recipient of such glad tidings:
“The person who will be closest to me on the Day of Qiyaamah will be the one who used to recite the most Durood upon me in the world.” (Tirmizi)
Hereunder is a table which can be used as a guideline to recite at least 1000 Duroods a day, easily. Truly, reciting plenty of Duroods a day reserves a place very close to Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on the Day of Qiyaamah. A VIP seat or a VIP car of this world fades into insignificance in front of the honour and reserved ‘VIP’ seats for the reciters of the most Duroods on the Day of Qiyaamah! Allahu-Akbar!

1000-duroods-a-dayDownload

The Outcome of a Gathering Devoid of Zikr and Durood

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عن جابر رضي الله عنه قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما اجتمع قوم ثم تفرقوا عن غير ذكر الله وصلاة على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إلا قاموا عن أنتن جيفة (مسند أبي داود الطيالسي، الرقم: ١٨٦٣، ورواته ثقات كما في إتحاف الخيرة المهرة، الرقم: ٦٠٦٢)

Hazrat Jaabir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Whenever a group of people gather, and thereafter terminate their gathering and depart without remembering Allah Ta’ala or sending Durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the gathering, it is as though they have gathered around a foul smelling corpse and thereafter departed (i.e. the gathering which is void of Allah Ta’ala’s remembrance and Durood upon Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is so reprehensible that it is compared to a foul smelling corpse which no person wishes to go near).”

Giving up Sins through the Dua of Hazrat Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)

Hazrat Ja’far As-Saa’igh (rahimahullah) relates:

In the neighbourhood of Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (rahimahullah), there was a person who was leading a life of sin and vice. One day, he attended the discourse of Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah). Upon entering the majlis of Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah), he greeted the Imaam with salaam. Though Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah) answered his salaam, the man perceived that the Imaam had shown some disinclination towards him.

He addressed Imaam Ahmad (rahimahullah) saying, “O Abu Abdillah, I notice that you are feeling uncomfortable with my presence. (Perceiving that the Imaam’s natural aversion towards him was on account of the sins and transgression he was involved in, he said,) I wish to inform you that I have given up my life of sin and have resolved to lead a life of obedience and submission.”

He further explained to Imaam Ahmad bin Hambal (rahimahullah), “Last night, I had a dream of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came to me and asked, ‘Why do you not request me to make dua for you?’ I replied, ‘O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), due to my excessive sinning and leading a life of transgression, I feel extremely ashamed to come in your presence.’ Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, ‘Do not worry, even though you feel ashamed, stand up and I will make dua to Allah Ta’ala on your behalf.’”

He then says, “I stood up and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) made dua for me. Once I awoke, I found that Allah Ta’ala had placed natural aversion and resentment within my heart for all the sins I was involved in.” (Kitaabut Tawwaabeen Pg.264)

يَا رَبِّ صَلِّ وَ سَلِّمْ دَائِمًا أَبَدًا عَلَى حَبِيبِكَ خَيرِ الخَلْقِ كُلِّهِمِ

Ihyaaud Deen

Kareema and the Corona

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Ask our children:

  1. Where do sicknesses come from?
  2. Who cures us when we are sick?
  3. What should we do when we are sick?

Now tell them the story:

One day, Kareema was sitting in class when her teacher called out, “Listen up everyone! I have an announcement to make!” The entire class became quiet and all the girls listened very carefully to what the teacher was going to say.

The teacher said, “As many of you may have heard, there is a new sickness named the ‘Coronavirus’. This sickness is spreading through the whole world and thousands of people are becoming sick. We don’t want all of you falling ill, so school will be closed from tomorrow.”

That afternoon, when Kareema went to madrasah, everyone was only talking about the Coronavirus. Even little Suhail, who was just five years old, had something to say, “I’m not gonna go near any Toyotas!” Moulana heard this and asked him, “Why not?” Suhail thought for a moment and then replied, “I think people get the virus from Toyota cars – that’s why it’s called the ‘Corolla virus’.” The rest of the class had a good laugh.

After explaining to the class that they should not be laughing at a serious issue such as this, Moulana turned to Suhail and said, “No Suhail! It’s not a Corolla virus, it’s a Coronavirus! It has nothing to do with cars!” Just then, Faatimah raised her hand and asked, “Moulana! I’m scared of this sickness! I don’t want to die! What can I do? I don’t want anyone to sneeze near me and make me sick!”

When Moulana heard this, he called the children around his desk and said, “Ok! Let me explain to you about sicknesses.”

Moulana then explained: “Allah Ta‘ala is the Creator of everything. Just as Allah Ta‘ala created all the animals and plants, He also created sickness and good health. Since Allah Ta‘ala is in control of everything, nothing in the world can happen without the permission of Allah Ta‘ala. Let me give you an example. Fire is very, very hot. If you put anything into fire, it will get burnt.”

Hearing this, Kareema remarked, “That’s why we never have braais at my house – because my father is always burning the meat!”

Moulana laughed and then continued: “But, when Nabi Ebrahim (‘alaihis salaam) was thrown into the fire, it did not burn him – because Allah Ta‘ala did not allow it to burn him. So, in the same way, there are many germs and viruses that are so small that you cannot even see them. These germs and viruses often make people sick. BUT – they can only make you sick if Allah Ta‘ala allows it.”

Nabeel asked, “Moulana, what should we do? Some people say that we should eat onions everyday!” Moulana answered, “You can do that if you want, but there is something much more important that we need to do. You see, when sicknesses spread, like the Coronavirus, it is often the punishment of Allah Ta‘ala. When the Muslims sin too much and make Allah Ta‘ala angry, then Allah Ta‘ala sometimes sends punishments to make them become good, pious people again. That is why we must make du‘aa to Allah Ta‘ala to save us from all sicknesses, beg Him to forgive us for our sins and promise him that we will be good people.”

Kareema asked again, “Moulana, is it true that if we take all the precautions, we won’t get sick?” Moulana said, “Kareema! It is important to take precautions, but we must never forget that Allah Ta‘ala has already decided what will happen to every person. This is what we call ‘taqdeer’. Nobody can escape or run away from taqdeer. If Allah Ta‘ala has decided that you will get the Coronavirus, then even if you hide on the moon, you will still get sick! This is because Allah Ta‘ala is in control of everything.”

Finally, Moulana said, “Everyday, I want you to sit with your family at home. Read Surah Yaaseen together and recite the following:

100 x Durood

100 x “Nastaghfirullah”

100 x “Subhaanallah”

100 x “Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal Wakeel”

After reading this, make du‘aa together, and ask Allah Ta‘ala to keep you safe. This is the most important thing to do at this time.”

When Kareema left madrasah that day, she understood that everything is in the control of Allah Ta‘ala. She and her family needed to turn to Him in du‘aa and istighfaar. That is the main solution to the Coronavirus.

Lessons:

  1. Allah Ta‘ala is the Creator of everything. Only He can save us from sickness.
  2. If we make Allah Ta‘ala happy, He will not punish us.

The Practice of Eighty Durood After Asr on Friday

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80 Durood_book

The Practice of Eighty Durood after Asr on Friday

Q: Is the eighty durood that is recited after Asr on Friday a practice which is established in Deen? Does it have a source in the Hadith of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)?​

A: The practice of reciting eighty durood after Asr on Friday is established in Deen. This practice is established from the following Hadith of Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu):

وعن أبي هريرة رضي الله عنه قال قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم من صلى صلاة العصر من يوم الجمعة فقال قبل أن يقوم من مكانه اللهم صل على محمد النبي الأمي وعلى آله وسلم تسليماً ثمانين مرة غفرت له ذنوب ثمانين عاماً وكتبت له عبادة ثمانين سنة (القول البديع عن ابن بشكوال صـ 399)

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who performs Asr Salaah on Friday and thereafter recites eighty times before standing up from his place  اللهم صل على محمد النبي الأمي وعلى آله وسلم تسليماً, eighty years of sins are forgiven for him and eighty years of (nafl) ibaadat are written for him”.

Allaamah Sakhaawi (rahimahullah) quoted this Hadith in his famous book, القول البديع, and did not declare it to be unworthy for practise, (as is his style in his book regarding Ahaadith which are not worthy for practise). Therefore, we understand that this Hadith is worthy for practise as Allaamah Sakhaawi (rahimahullah) clearly mentioned in the introduction of his book, القول البديع, that he will only include such Ahaadith in his book which are worthy for practise.

Allaamah Sakhaawi (rahimahullah) mentioned at the end of his book that he had personally examined the chains of the Ahaadith which he had qouted from Allaamah Ibnu Bashkuwaal in his book, (and among these Ahaadith is the Hadith which establishes the practice of eighty durood after Asr on Friday). Therefore, when this great Muhaddith, who was an expert in the science of authenticating Ahaadith, included this Hadith in his book on durood and regarded it worthy of practise, one may practise upon it.

Many of our Akaabir and Buzrugaan-e-Deen used to diligently recite the eighty durood after Asr on Friday. Among them were the likes of Hazrat Shaikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya (rahimahullah), Hazrat Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi Saheb (rahimahullah) and Hazrat Moulana Yusuf Motala Saheb (rahimahullah).

In reply to a query regarding the practice of eighty durood after Asr on Friday, Hazrat Moulana Aaqil Saheb (a senior Muhaddith of India) had prepared a detailed response, establishing the practice of eighty durood after Asr on Friday.

Shaikh Muhammad Awwaamah حفظه الله, a senior ranking Muhaddith of this era, has also approved of this practice and regarded it to be established.

From among the senior ranking Muhadditheen and Ulamaa of the past and present who encouraged this practice or included it in their compilations are:

1. Allaamah Ibnu Bashkuwaal, a Muhaddith of the sixth century (d.578) (rahimahullah), mentioned the above practice in his book,

القربة إلى رب العالمين بالصلاة على سيد العالمين صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين

2. Allaamah Abu Muhammad Jabr bin Muhammed bin Jabr bin Hishaam al-Qurtubee, an Aalim and Faqeeh of the seventh century (d.630) (rahimahullah), the student of Allaamah ibnu Bashkuwaal, mentioned the above practice in his book,

مطالع الأنوار ومسالك الأبرار في فضائل الصلاة على النبي المختار

3. The author of al-Qaamus, Allaamah Majdud-Deen Fayruz-abadee, a Muhaddith of the ninth century (d.817) (rahimahullah), mentioned the above practice in his book,

الصلات والبشر على خير البشر صـ 130

4. Allaamah Alamud-Deen Saalih bin Umar al-Bulqeenee, a Muhaddith of the ninth century (d.868) (rahimahullah) mentioned the above practice in his book, التذكرة البلقينية صـ 44.

5. Allaamah Sakhaawi, a Muhaddith of the tenth century (d.902) (rahimahullah), mentioned the above practice in his book, القول البديع صـ 399

6. Allaamah Ibnu Hajar Makki, a Muhaddith of the tenth century (d.974) mentioned the above practice in his book,

الدر المنضود في الصلاة والسلام على صاحب المقام المحمود صـ 213

7. Allaamah Muhammad Khalil al-Muraadee mentioned in his book,

سلك الدرر في أعيان القرن الثاني عشر صـ 80

regarding Allaamah Ahmad al-Jibaali (d. 1147) (Rahimahullah) that he would advise his disciples to recite the eighty durood after Asr on Friday.

8. Allaamah Yusuf bin Ismaeel Nabhaani, an Aalim of the fourteenth century (d.1350) (rahimahullah) mentioned the above practice in his book,

أفضل الصلوات على سيد السادات صـ 25

9. Shaikhul Hadith Moulana Muhammad Zakariyya Khandelwi (d.1402) (rahimahullah) mentioned the above practice in his book, 70 فضائل درود صـ

10. Mufti Mahmood Hasan Gangohi Saheb (d.1417) (rahimahullah). Hazrat Mufti Saheb would recite the eighty durood after Asr on Friday and encourage others to do so as recorded in Hayaat-e-Mahmood 1/411.

11. Moulana Yusuf Motala Saheb (d.1441) (rahimahullah). Hazrat Moulana would encourage people to practise on this and he himself remained commited to it untill the end of his life.

12. Shaikh Muhammad Awwaamah حفظه الله, a senior ranking Muhaddith of this era, has also approved of this practice.

13. Hazrat Moulana Aaqil Saheb, a senior Muhaddith of India, had prepared a detailed response, establishing the practice of eighty durood after Asr on Friday.

Alhamdulillah, with the grace of Allah Ta’ala, we have prepared a book on this topic titled “The Practice of Eighty Durood After Asr on Friday”.

The kitaab provides insight into this issue and expels the doubts that people have regarding the practice of reciting eighty durood after Asr on Friday being an innovation in Deen.

The kitaab may be obtained from the Al-Haadi Online Bookshop or it may be downloaded from: http://ihyaauddeen.co.za/?p=10118

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)