What Is Ramadan? Options

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The Night Preceding 'Eid-ul-Fitr'

It had been the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, that he would not sleep in the night preceding the day of Eid-ul-fitr. This night has been named in a Hadith as the Night of Reward (Lailatul Jaiza). Almighty bestows his rewards on those who have spent the month of Ramadan abiding by the dictates of Shari'ah, and all their prayers in this night are accepted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform nafl prayers in this night. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, is reported to have said:

Whoever stands up (in worship) in the nights preceding the two Eids expecting rewards from his Lord, his heart will not die when the other hearts will die. (Ibn Majah)

To benefit from this opportunity, one should perform as much worship in this night as he can, and should pray for all his needs and desires.

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The 'Eid Prayer

The second obligation on 'Eid day is to perform the 'Eid prayer. Some rules in this respect are mentioned hereunder:

1. The Eid prayer is Wajib (obligatory) on every male Muslim.

2. The Eid prayer can be performed any time between the Ishraq and Zawal.

3. It is preferable that the 'Eid prayer is performed at an open field and not in a mosque. However, if, it is difficult for any reason to perform it in an open field, it can also be performed in a big mosque.

4. It is not advisable to hold the 'Eid prayer in every mosque, rather it is preferable that the people from several small mosques get together to either perform it in an open field or, in its absence, in a big mosque which can accommodate a large number of people.

5. No Nafl Salah can be performed before the 'Eid prayer, neither in one's home, nor at the place of' Eid prayer. Similarly, Nafl prayer cannot be performed after the Eid prayer at the same place. However, it can be performed after one comes back to his home.

6. The Eid prayer has neither Adhan nor Iqamah.

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How to Perform Eid Prayer

The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Note: The way of 'Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi'i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations from the Holy Qur'an in both rak'ah. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi'i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

[zashakeel]

Six Fasts in the Month of Shawwal

It is commendable to keep six fasts in the month of Shawwal. The Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, has said:

Whoever completes fasts of Ramadan then adds to them the fast of six days in the month of Shawwal, it will carry the thawab of fasting for the whole year. (Sahih Muslim)

This hadith had described the great thawab of six fasts of this month. Therefore, the Muslims should take this opportunity of acquiring such an enormous reward from Allah. It is more preferable to start these fasts from the 2nd of Shawwal and keep fasting up to the 7th of it. However, if, they are kept in other days, it is hoped that the requirement of the above hadith may also be fulfilled.

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How to Perform Eid Prayer

The Eid Prayer has two rak'ah to perform in the normal way, with the only addition of six takbirs, three of them in the beginning of the first rak'ah, and three of them just before ruku' in the second rak'ah. The detailed way of performing the 'Eid prayer is as follows:

The Imam will begin the prayer without Adhan or Iqamah. He will begin the prayer by reciting takbir of Tahrimah (Allahu Akbar). You should raise your hands up to the ears, and reciting the takbir, you give a little pause during which you should recite Thana' (Subhanak Allahumma.......)· After the completion of Thana' the Imam will recite takbir (Allahu Akbar) three times, and after reciting each Takbir (Allahu Akbar) in a low voice, you should bring your hands down and leave them earthwards. But, after the third takbir, you should set them at the level of your navel as you do in the normal prayer.

After these three takbirs the Imam will recite the Holy Qur'an, which you should listen quietly. The rest of the rak'ah will be performed in the normal way.

After rising for the second rak'ah, the Imam will begin the recitations from the Qur'an during which you should remain calm and quiet. When the Imam finishes his recitation, he will recite three takbirs once again, but this time it will be before bowing down for ruku'. At each takbir you should raise your hands up to the ears, and after saying "Allahu Akbar' bring them down and leave them earthwards. After these three takbirs have been called and completed, the Imam will say another takbir for bowing down into the ruku' position. At this takbir you need not raise your hands. You just bow down for your ruku' saying, 'Allahu Akbar'. The rest of the Salah will be performed in its usual way.

Note: The way of 'Eid prayer described above is according to the Hanafi school of Muslim jurists. Some other jurists, like Imam Shafi'i, have some other ways to perform it. They recite Takbir twelve times before beginning the recitations from the Holy Qur'an in both rak'ah. This way is also permissible. If the Imam, being of the Shafi'i school, follows this way, you can also follow him. Both ways are based on the practice of the Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam.

Khutbah: The Address of 'Eid-ul-fitr

In this Salah, Khutbah is a Sunnah and is delivered after the Salah, unlike the Salah of Jumu'ah where it is Fard and is delivered before the Salah. However, listening to the Khutbah of 'Eid Salah is wajib or necessary and must be heard in perfect peace and silence.

It is a sunnah that the Imam begins the first Khutba by reciting takbirs 'Allahu Akbar' nine times and the second Khutbah with reciting it seven times.

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The Prophet

Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam

Is a Mercy for Al -'Alameen

By Imaam Mohamed Baianonie


Alhamdulilaah, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala has given us the will power to fast during Ramadhaan and the strength to stand up in prayer during the Qiyaam of the nights. We are blessed to be gathered here together to pray the ‘Eid prayer and listen to the ‘Eid speech. Allaah, the Glorious, has guided us to this Deen (of Islam) and without His guidance we would be lost. We should be grateful we belong to this Ummah, the best nation that has ever existed. We have been honoured by Allaah, the Glorious, who has made us from the followers of the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who was sent as a mercy for all of mankind.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala sent our Prophet Muhammad as a mercy for all humans in this world and on the Day of Judgment. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala tells Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam in the Qur’aan, in what can be translated as, “We have sent you (O Muhammad) not, but as a mercy for the Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” [Al-Anbiyaa’ 21:107)]

The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said, “Surely, Allaah has sent me as a mercy for all creatures and as a guide to those who are pious.” [Reported by Imaam Ahmad] He also said, “Surely, I am a gifted mercy.” [Reported by Imaam Bayhaqi] One time, the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was asked to beg Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to punish the idol worshippers, but instead the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied, “Surely, I was not sent to curse, but surely, I was sent to be a mercy.” [Reported by Imaam Muslim]

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala describes the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a mercy, and similarly, the Prophet himself, describes himself in the same way. However, the question we should ask is, do we recognize him as a mercy and introduce him to others as a Prophet of mercy? If not, we need to teach our children, our families, all Muslims, and then non-Muslims about this remarkable man sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

We can start this mission by first learning about this man through focused studies on his biography. Afterwards, we need to spread this knowledge to others in the same focused manner. When we take a deeper look into the Prophet’s sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam life, we will realize how corrupt human society was before the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and how Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala rescued them with His Message. Allaah’s Message corrected peoples’ skewed beliefs, their acts of worship, their mistreatment of each other, and their impolite manners. With AllaahSubhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s Message, they were able to reach success in every part of this life, as well as in the Hereafter.

Our Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam practiced what he preached, and made himself the best example for everyone. If we take a close look at the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s life, we will realize how great his mercy and compassion was for all people, even the worst of his enemies. His mercy was not limited to human beings; in fact, he was just as merciful and compassionate to all of Allaah’s Creation, including animals, and even plants and trees.

We must make this day of ‘Eid a starting point for fulfilling our duties to this great man sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. We must present his message to all humanity; this is the best gift that we can give to anyone. This is the best gift that we can give to anyone at this time when global corruption and destruction is at an all time high. It is the least that we can do for the man who has saved us from total destruction and will intercede for us on the Day of Judgment.

In the past, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala totally destroyed nations who rejected their prophets ‘alayhimussalaam and stayed corrupt. Fortunately anyone, believer or not, from the time of the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam until the end of this world, will be protected from total annihilation even if they are corrupt and do not believe.

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala tells the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in what can be translated as, “We sent you not, but as mercy for the Alameen (creatures).” The companion Ibn ‘Abbass, radhiallaahu ‘anhu explained this verse and said, “Whoever believes in him (the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) will get mercy in this life as well as in the Hereafter, and the one who does not believe (in the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam), Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala has saved him from total annihilation in this life, since Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala used to wipe out the non-believing nations in the past.”

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala sent this Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam as a mercy for everyone, believers and non-believers. Humans are fortunate that on that Day of Judgment, the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam will beg Allaah, the Most Merciful, to relieve humans of the hardships that will befall them on that Day of Gathering.

Alhamdulilaah, Allaah, the Most Merciful, will accept the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s intercession and will remove the hardship from people on that Day of Gathering and will allow the believers and non-believers to move on to the next event of that day.

The Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam’s message was sent as a complete system for humans. Islam is a system designed by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala for humans. His system gives us the best recipe for attaining the pleasures of this life as well as those of the Hereafter.

Ever since humans have existed, they have faced problems and hardship because of their deviation from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s guidance. However, if they had followed Allaah’s guidance, then they would have reached happiness and success in this life as well as in the Hereafter.

This is the way it has always been throughout ancient human history until today. We know this from historical evidence from the Qur’aan. Without the Message of Allaah, the Most Merciful, humans would suffer in hardship until the Day of Judgment. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says what can be translated as, “But whosoever turns away from My Reminder (Revelations), verily, for him is a life of hardship, and We shall raise him up blind on the Day of Resurrection.” [Ta-Ha 20:124].

In the Qur’aan, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala describes all of His Revelations, the Torah, the Gospel, and the Qur’aan, as guidance, mercy, and light bestowed upon humanity. If we use these books of guidance then surely we will live successful lives in this world and the Hereafter.

Normally, humans must choose a way of life, some system to run their affairs. They can choose between two systems: either the system designed by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala through His messengers or a system developed by human beings. Certainly, there is a significant difference between both types. Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s system and His rulings are guidance, mercy, light, and healing. On the other hand, man-made systems are full of gaps, darkness, unhappiness, and are full of disease, loss and are cursed. That’s what we will find if we examine the state of humanity in the past and present. And this fact will hold true and continue on in the future.

The question we should ask is why is there such a big difference between Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s system and the man-made systems? This difference is because Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala is the Creator and the Creator Alone knows what benefits His creatures and what harms them, and Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala’s Knowledge is unlimited and always right, and full of Mercy and Wisdom. On the other hand, humans are Allaah’s Creation, and their knowledge no matter how sophisticated it gets will always be limited. Human knowledge varies from time to time, and while it may be correct at one point, it may be proven false later on. As we know, there were many scientific findings that were considered facts for many years until a scholar proved them false.

Despite what humanity has accomplished in scientific advances and discoveries, it is still suffering from many serious and complicated problems that threaten human existence and stability. These problems are economical, political, social, psychological, moral etc. This suffering exists because humanity has not discovered Allaah’s system and has not applied the rules of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala in their lives.

Islam is the Deen of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala and His system is the only way to rescue humanity from problems and dangers surrounding it today. Peace be upon all of Allaah’s prophets including Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus ‘alayhimussalaam and finally, Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who have delivered Allaah’s message of Islam to humanity.

As Muslims today, we have a great responsibility in rescuing and saving humanity. We should begin this century by presenting the greatest gift we can give to our families, our communities and all of humanity. There is no better gift then the knowledge and practice of Islam.

We can present this gift by having correct and strong emaan (faith). We must practice good deeds and apply Islam as a total way of life. The best way to call people to Islam is to show them our Islamic manners. This was the way the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam delivered the message of Islam to all people.

Finally, let us remember again how Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala described the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, “as a mercy for the Alameen (mankind, jinn, and all that exists).” And let us remember what the Prophet Muhammad sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam himself said, “Surely, Allaah has sent me as a mercy for all creatures and as a guide to those who are pious.”

I pray to Allaah to make this day of ‘Eid a good day for all of us and for all Muslims all over the world. And we ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to help us fulfill our duties, and to accept our righteous deeds. We ask Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala to forgive our faults and mistakes, and we beg Him to keep us on the straight path. We ask Him to give us the strength to be good examples of Islam like the Prophet sall Allaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and his companions. May Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala bring this day every year while you are in good health and emaan. Peace, mercy, and blessings from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala upon you all. Aameen.

[noorie]

Jazak'Allah.

[zashakeel]

Remaining Steadfast After Ramadhan

Shaykh Saleh al-Fouzan
Ahadeeth us-Siyam: Ahkam wa Adab
© Huda Ramadhan 1419AH

Sufyan ibn `Abdillah radhiallahu `anhu said: "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you." He said: "Say: 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast (upon that)." [Saheeh Muslim (38)]

The hadeeth is proof that the servant is obligated, after having eemaan in Allah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right or to the left.

If the Muslim lives through Ramadhan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He is ever watchful and witnessing over his servants at all times.

Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadhan and the rectification of one's statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadhan and striven in obedience. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.

Furthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Allah says: "And worship your Lord until the certainty (death) comes to you." [al-Hijr: 99]

If the fasting of Ramadhan comes to an end, then indeed the voluntary fasting is still prescribed throughout the entire year. If standing in prayer at night during Ramadhaan comes to an end, then indeed, the entire year is a time for performing the night prayer. And if the Zakat-ul-Fitr comes to an end, then there is still the Zakah that is obligatory as well as the voluntary charity that lasts the whole year.

This goes the same for reciting the Qur'an and pondering over its meaning as well as every other righteous deed that is sought, for they can be done at all times. From the many bounties that Allah has bestowed upon his servants is that He has placed for them many different types of righteous acts and provided many means for doing good deeds. Therefore, the ardor and zeal of the Muslim must be constant and he must continue to remain in the service of his Lord.

It is unfortunate to find that some people perform worship by doing different types of righteous deeds during Ramadhan. They guard strictly upon their five daily prayers in the masjid, they recite the Qur'aan a lot and they give in charity from their wealth. But when Ramadhan comes to an end, they grow lazy in their worship. Rather, sometimes they even abandon the obligations, both generally, such as praying in congregation, and specifically, such as praying the fajr prayer.


And they commit forbidden acts such as sleeping over the time of prayers, indulging in places of foolishness and entertainment, and mingling in parks, especially on the day of `Eed. Obtaining help from these evils is only through the grace of Allah. Thus, they demolish what they have constructed and destroy what they have established. This is an indication of deprivation and a sign of perdition. We ask Allah for His safeguarding and protection.

Indeed, this type of people take the example of turning in repentance and ceasing from committing evil deeds as something specific and restricted to the month of Ramadhan. And they stop doing these (good) acts when the month stops. Thus, it is as if they have abandoned sinning for the sake of Ramadhan, and not out of fear of Allah. How evil are these people who do not know Allah, except in Ramadhan!

Truly, the success that Allah grants His servant lies in the fasting of Ramadhan. His assisting him to do that is a great favor, thus the calls for the servant to be grateful to his Lord. This understanding can be found in the statement of Allah after completing the favor of the month of fasting:


"(He wants that you) must complete the same number of days, and that you must magnify Allah (by saying Allahu Akbar) for having guided you, so that you may be grateful to Him." [2:185][color=#009900]

The one who is grateful for having fasted, will remain upon that condition and continue to perform righteous deeds.

Verily, the true way of the Muslim is that of one who praises and thanks his Lord for giving him the ability to fast and make qiyam. His condition after Ramadhan is better than it was before Ramadhan. He is more receptive to obey, desiring to do good deeds and quick to enforce the obligatory acts. This is because he has gained benefit form this prominent institute of learning. It is that of one who fears for having his fast not accepted, for indeed Allah only accepts from those who fear Him.

The righteous predecessors would struggle to complete and perfect their deeds, hoping afterwards, that it would be accepted and fearing that it would be rejected. From the reports of `Alee, "Be more concerned with having your deeds accepted than the deed itself. Did you not hear Allah say: 'Verily Allah, only accepts those from those who fear Him. (i.e. possess taqwa).' [5:27] "[Lataa'if ul Ma`arif, p. 246]

`Aa'ishah said: "I asked the Messenger of Allah concerning the ayah: 'And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.' Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?" He said: "No, o daughter of as-Siddeeq. Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won't be accepted from them. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them." [Saheeh Sunan at-Tirmidhee 3/79-80]

So be warned and again be warned of turning backward after having attained guidance of going astray after persevering. And ask Allah to provide you with duration in doing righteous deeds and continuity in performing good acts. And ask Allah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadhan from us.