Boy & King

In Surah Al-Burooj, Allah Ta'ala mentions about the people of the trench. Their story is recounted in a hadith reported by Imam Muslim (rah) as follows:

There was an infidel king who lived in bygone times. He had a soothsayer, or according to some narrations, a magician. The infidel king is identified as the ruler of Yemen. His name according to ibn Abbas , was Yusuf Dhu Nuwas, and he lived about 70 years before the birth of Rasulullah . The soothsayer said to the king that he should be given an intelligent boy, so that he could train him in the skill of foretelling or the black magic. Accordingly, the king sent a boy, Abdullah bin Tamir by name, to be trained by the soothsayer.

Whenever the boy went to his teacher, he had to pass by a Christian monk. He followed the true religion of Isa and worshipped Allah. Since the religion of Isa was the true religion in those days, the monk was, in fact, a Muslim. The boy sat with the monk and was very much impressed with his teachings. As a result, he frequented the monk's house and sat with him for long hours before proceeding to his teacher. Ultimately he had accepted Islam. Allah had blessed with such a strong faith that he was prepared to bear any pain and persecution for the sake of Allah. His teacher used to beat him for coming late.

On his way back from the occult teacher, he used to spend some time again with the monk and used to go home late. The family would then beat him up for being late. But he was so keen to have the company of the monk without fear of persecution. Through the blessings of this, Allah had gifted with many miracles [kiramah[.

Once a lion had blocked the path and prevented people from passing. They were perturbed. He picked up a stone and prayed, "Oh Allah! If the religion of the Monk is true, then kill this beast with this stone [so that people may pass]. And if the soothsayer or magician is true, then the beast must not die with my stone." So praying, he aimed at the lion and it died instantly. The news spread amongst the people that the boy possesses wonderful knowledge. A blind man heard about this and came up to him. He requested him to restore his sight. The boy conceded on the condition that he embraces Islam. The blind man agreed. The boy prayed and Allah restored his sight. The blind man became muslim.

The king came to know about these incidents, and he got the boy, the blind and the monk apprehended. They were brought before the king. He got the blind and the monk killed, and ordered that the boy be taken to the summit of a mountain and be thrown from there. But those who had taken him up there fell and died. The boy went home safely. Then the king ordered for him to be drowned in the sea. The boy escaped safely, while the people who took him to the sea were drowned.

The boy then himself told the king how to kill him. He told him to take an arrow from his quiver and place it in his bow, and reciting, "Bismillahi Rabbi" "In the name of Allah, my lord' they should shoot. They did that and the boy finally died. In this way the boy gave his life away, but seeing this the entire nation of the king cried out spontaneously: "We believe in Allah." At this the king was greatly enraged and after consultation with his cabinet, ordered for deep trenches to be dug and filled with fire.

An announcement was made that people should renounce their faith with Allah. If they refuse, they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Eventually, a woman carrying her infant child was brought to a trench, but she hesitated. Allah granted speech to her child, who said: "O Mother, be steadfast, because you are certainly on the truth." In this way, may people were burned. According to some reports, about twelve thousand people were burned to ashes and, according to other reports, the number is more than this.

In a narration of Muhammed Ibn Ishaq, it is reported that the place where the boy Abdullah ibn Tamir was buried had to be dug up for some important reason during the time of Sayyidina Umar . It was found that the body of Abdullah ibn Tamir was intact and he was sitting up. His hand was placed on his hip joint, where the arrow struck him. Someone moved the hand out from that place, and his wound started bleeding. When the hand was placed back the bleeding stopped. There was a ring in his finger which had the inscription, "Allah is my lord." The governor of Yemen informed Sayyidina Umar about this, and he wrote back in reply: "Bury the body back as it was with his special finger."

MUHARRAM

Meaning of the word "Muharram" : - The word Muharram means "Forbidden."

About the Month of Muharram : - Muharram is the month with which the Muslims begin their lunar Hijrah Calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Quran says, "The number of the months according to Allah is 12(mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these 12 months, there are 4 that are sanctified.

Fasting during the month : -

Rasulullah has said, "The best fasts after the fasts of Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram."

Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his own accord is entitled to a great reward by Allah Ta'aala. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of the month of Muharram are most rewardable ones among the Nafl fasts.

There are many bounties of this month, especially the 10th of Muharram a.k.a. "Ashura".

According to the Ibn Abbas, when Rasulullahmigrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They said that it was the day on which Musaand his followers crossed the Read Sea miraculously and Firawn was drowned in its water. On hearing this from the Jews, Rasulullah said, "We are more closely related to Musa than you," and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of "Ashura."

Two of the many virtues of the 10th of Muharram

1) On this day he who spends more lavishly for the sake of his family members, Allah Ta'aala will bestow blessings upon the sustenance of the following year.

2) Abu Qataada has related that Rasulullahhas reported to have said, "It is my thought that by fasting on the 10th of Muharram, Allah Ta'aala will pardon the sins of the past year." [Tirmidhi]

Events of Muharram:

1) Hadhrat Hussain was martyred on this month.

2) Shaykain Tirmidhi & Haakim has narrated from Anas that the following verse, "Allah may forgive thee of thy sins that which is past and that which is to come." (Al-Fath) was revealed on the 10th of Muharram.

3) Rasulullah went to defeat Bani Muhaarin and Bani Tha'laba (Tribes of Bani Gatfan) in the year 4 A.H.

Zul-Hijjah

Meaning of the word Zul-Hijjah: - The month of "Hajj" (Pilgrimage)

About the Month of Zul-Hijjah: - The fifth pillar of Islam "Hajj" is performed in this sacred month. The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days in this whole month, Hajj is performed amongst these ten days.

Ahadeeth related to Zul-Hijjah: - Hadhrat Abu Huraira reports from Rasulullah :

"Amongst all days there are none better to engage in sole worship of Allah than in the ten days of Zul-Hijjah. To observe a fast on any of these days is equivalent to fasting throughout the year, to actively engage in prayer and worship throughout any of these nights holds such rewarding values leveling with Laylatul-Qadr, night of power. [Tirmidhi]

It has been stated in the Holy Qur'an:

"By the dawn: by the ten nights (ie, the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hijjah), and by the even and the odd (of all the creations of Allah) and by nights when it departs. There is indeed in them (the above oaths) sufficient proofs for men of understanding. (and that they should avoid all kinds of sins and disbelief."

Hadhrat Abu Qataadah Reports in a part narration from Rasulullah concerning the fast observed on the day of Arafat: "I have full confidence in Allah for the one who observes a fast on the day of Arafaat that his previous year's sins and the proceeding year's sins are forgiven." [Muslim]

Events of Zul-Hijjah:

1) Rasulullah performed the farewell Hajj and gave the historic sermon known as "Farewell Sermon"

2) Egypt was conquered by the army sent by Hadhrat Umar

3) Hadhrat Uthman was appointed as the 3rd Caliph

4) Also Bay'ate-Aqabah took place.

Matrimonies within Zul-Hijjah:

Hadhrat Fatimah was married in this holy month to the 4th Caliph Hadhrat Ali

Deaths in Zul-Hijjah

1) Hadhrat Umar met martyrdom 27th of Zul-Hijjah 26 A.H.

2) Hadhrat Uthmaan was martyred 18th of Zul-Hijjah 35 A.H..

Zul-Qa'da

Meaning of Zul-Qa'da: - Master of Truce or Month of rest, as the pagan Arabs did not have war or battles in this month.

About Zul-Qa'da: Is the eleventh month of the Islamic Calendar. Zul-Qa'da is a month amongst the months of Hajj.

Events taken place during the month of Zul-Qa'da:

1) The battle of 'khandaq (trench) or Ahzab' took place in 5 A.H.
2) 6 A.H.-Truce of Hudaubiyah
3) 6 A.H 'Bay'at-e-Rizwaan' (The oath of allegiance named Rizwaan)
4) The return to Makkah for the performance of Umrah by the Rasulullah and his Companions in 7 A.H.

MANKOOS MOULID

HADDAD RATHEEB

The Benefits of Bismillah

Aug 21st,2011

by zubair mohd.

If we were to give an exhaustive account of the benefits of the recitation of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” we would need more than a single volume to do justice to it. Apart from being part of every chapter in the Noble Qur’an (except the chapter of repentance – surah at-tawba), it is also the most often repeated verse in the Holy Qur’an.
It is narrated in Tafseere Burhaan that the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has said that when a person recites “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then five thousand ruby palaces are built for him in Jannah. Each palace has a thousand chambers made of pearls and in each chamber has seventy thousand thrones of emerald and each throne has seventy thousand carpets made from special fabrics and upon each carpet is seated a Hur-ul-Ein. A person asked for the condition necessary to get this great reward and the Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied that the person should recite the “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” with conviction and understanding.
The Holy Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) has also said that when a believer will have to cross the Pul-e-Siraat on the Day of Judgement, and he will say “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” then the flames beneath him will start dying down until Jahannam will cry out, ‘O believer, pass through quickly, your presence is causing my fire to die out!’
When a teacher teaches a child to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” the child, his parents and the teacher are all guaranteed freedom from hellfire. It is narrated that Prophet Isa (alayhis salam) was once passing by a graveyard and he saw a grave upon which the Wrath and Punishment of Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) was descending, so he quietly walked past. When he passed the same place after some time, he noticed that the Mercy and Blessings of Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) was being showered on the same grave. He was surprised at this and asked Allah (subhana wa-ta-’alaa) about what has happened and it was revealed to him that the man inside the grave was a sinner and was thus being punished for his sins. When he died, his wife was pregnant and soon gave birth to a son. When the boy grew older, his mother took him to a teacher who taught him to recite “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” and I felt that it would not be justice that this man’s son was calling My Name and I was punishing his father in the grave.
It is also mentioned that recitation of “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” with a loud voice is from the signs of a true believer.
May Allah make us all be among those who truly love Him. May He give us sincerity in both words and deeds Inshallah Ameen.

Listening to Quran

Aug 21st,2011

by zubair mohd

Listening to recitation is the perfume of the souls, the calmer of hearts, and the food of the spirit. Is is one of the most important psychological medicines. It is a source of pleasure, even to some animals – and pleasure in moderation purifies inner energy, enhances the functioning of the faculties, slows down senile decay by driving out its diseases, improves the complexion, and refreshes the entire body. Pleasure in excess, on the other hand, makes the illnesses of the body grow worse.
Abu Nu’aim states, in his Tib an-Nabbi, that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said that the benefits of listening to recitation are increased when it is understood – that is, when its meaning is understood. Allah Himself says:
…so give good news to My slaves, those who listen to the word and then follow the best of it…(Qur’an: 39.17-18)
Source: As-Suyuti’s Medicine of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم)

Qur’an

The Quran is the religious book of the Muslims and was revealed to the Last Prophet, Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم in the language of arabic, through the angel Jibraa’il over a period of 23 years.  The Quran was revealed in verbal form to the Prophet  صلى الله عليه وسلم, and was later compiled into the form of a complete book during the rule of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq رضى الله تعالى عنه though even before this it was memorised by thousands of companions and was recited in the presence of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
There are many virtues of reciting and memorising the Quran and stories contained within it are of exceptional importance to Muslims.  We attempt to share some of these in the articles below.  Please visit the Tafsir link (mariful Qur’an) to read the Quran in detail with commentary provided by a reliable and tradionally educated scholar.

Laylatul Qadr

Aug 21,2011

by zubair.m.k

(The Night of Power)
Crowning Glory
Laylatul Qadr is the crowning glory of the holy month of Ramadhaan. It is associated with the sending down of the Qur’an Majeed, the last Book of Allah on His last Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam), for the guidance of mankind. The Qur’an Majeed describes this Night.

إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ
وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ
لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ
تَنَزَّلُ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَٱلرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ
سَلاَمٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ ٱلْفَجْرِ
“We have indeed revealed this (message) in the Night of Power: And what will explain to you what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the Angels and the Spirit (Jibraeel) by Allah’s permission, on every errand: Peace! This until the rise of Morn!” (Surah 97)

The Night of Power is the night of spiritual bliss. Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said concerning Ramadhaan:

“Verily this month has come to you; and therein is a night which is better than a thousand Months. Whosoever is deprived of it, is deprived of all good; and none is deprived of its good except a totally unfortunate person”. (Ibn Majah)
“Whosoever stands up (in prayer) at the Night of Power out of faith and hopeful of reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”(Targhib)

Better than a thousand months
A thousand months are equivalent to 83 years and 4 months. Fortunate is the person who spends this night in prayer. The man or woman, who prays for the whole night during this Night, will deserve blessings and reward for the period as if he or she had been praying for eighty three years and four months consecutively. Since the Night of Power is better than one thousand months no one can actually measure the extent as to how much better it is.
Exclusive
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “Laylatul Qadr has been bestowed by Allah to my Ummah (People). It was not given to any people before this.” (Dur-Mansoor).
How manifest and replete the special bounties and mercies of Allah Ta’ala are upon this Ummat is quite really beyond imagination. It will therefore be extremely foolish to allow ourselves to be deprived of these great blessings at the expense of sheer laziness and a few hours of extra sleep.
Which Night is it?
Although there are different reports in different traditions regarding the exact night, it is almost unanimous that the blessed night occurs in one of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan and more probably in one of the last ten odd nights i.e. 2lst, 23rd, 25th 27th or 29th night.
The popular opinion is, however, in favour of the 27th Night of Ramadhaan but that is not absolutely certain. The traditions indicate that it is to be sought in one of the last ten nights and preferably in the last three odd nights. It was therefore the practice of the Holy Prophet (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) and his companions to make I’tikaaf in the Mosque for the whole time offering Divine service during the last ten days of Ramadhaan.
Hazrath Aisha (Radhiallaahu Anha) reported that the Apostle of Allah said: “Search for the Blessed Night in the odd (nights) from the last ten (nights) of Ramadhaan” (Bukhari).
Hazrath Aisha has narrated another saying:
“I asked: O Messenger of Allah! Tell me if I were to find a Night of Power, what should I recite therein?” Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised her to recite:

Al-laa-hum-ma in-na-ka ‘afoow-wan tu-hib-bul-’af wa fa-fu ‘an-ni.
O Allah! You are Forgiving, You love forgiveness, so forgive me. (Bukhari).

Special attention should therefore be given to the excessive recitation of this dua on the blessed night. Furthermore one may engage in lengthy rakaats of Tahajjud salaat, Tilaawat of the Qur’an� Dua, Zikr, etc.
The worship and the vigil of the Night of Power are a treat to the soul. The heart tends to melt into tears of heartfelt gratitude. The body is in a state of angelic ecstasy The soul strives to reach nearer to Almighty Allah. In this holy month of Ramadhaan let us strive to seek the Night of Power and its bliss. May Allah reward us with His bountiful blessings. Aameen.
Source: Jamiatul Ulama

RULES OF RAMDAN

Rules of Ramadan

by Mufti Muhammad Shafi (rah)

To Fast during the blessed month of Ramadan is the 3rd obligation of Islam. Whoever denies this obligation doesn't remain a muslim.

He who fails to fulfill this obligation is a grave sinner.

Rasulullah said: "Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan, with full faith in Allah Ta'ala and expectation of reward, all his past (minor) sins will be forgiven. (Sahih Bukhari; Hadith 38)

The Niyyah (Intention) of Fasting

Niyyah refers to the intention of the heart. Verbal utterance is not a condition.

Intention is a condition for the fast. If one doesn't make intention of fasting but abstains from eating and drinking, then too his fast will not be accepted.

It is better to make intention for the fast of Ramadan from the night before i.e. before subh sadiq and if not then at least one and a half hour before zawal (midday) with the condition that one abstained from eating and drinking during that day.

Factors that invalidate the fast:

1) To apply medication to the nose or ears.

2) To intentionally vomit mouth full.

3) When water accidentally goes down the throat whilst gargling.

4) To ejaculate because of contact with a woman.

5) To swallow items that are not normally eaten, like a stick or a piece of iron.

6) To intentionally inhale the smoke of incense. Cigarettes and hukkah etc. follow the same.

7) After eating or drinking forgetfully, one assumes his fast is broken and thereby continues to eat intentionally.

8) Eating after subh sadiq with the impression of it being before subh sadiq.

9) To make iftar before sunset with the impression of it being after sunset.

*note: The above factors invalidate the fast and make Qada Wajib. However, Kaffarah is not necessary.

10) If one intentionally has intercourse with one's wife, eats or drinks intentionally, the fast breaks and Qada as well as Kaffarah become Wajib.

***Kaffarah means: to free a slave. If this is not possible, then to fast 60 consecutive days. If one fast is missed in between the entire 60 have to be recommenced. If one is unable to observe these fasts then one should feed 2 meals to 60 needy people. Nowadays Shari'i (lawful) slaves have become scarce, therefore the last two options would apply.

Sayyidina Abu Hurairah reports that Rasulullah said: He who misses one fast of Ramadan with no valid excuse, will not be able to compensate for it even if he fasts for an entire lifetime. (Sahih ibn Khuzaimah; vol:3, pg 238)

Those factors that neither nullify the fast nor do they render it makruh:

1) To use a Miswaak.

2) To apply oil to the moustache.

3) To apply medication to the eyes.

4) Inhaling of any fragrance.

5) To have a bath due to severe heat or thirst.

6) To take any type of injection.

7) To eat or drink forgetfully.

8) When smoke, dust or any insect enters the mouth unintentionally.

9) When water enters the ears.

10) Vomiting involuntarily.

11) Experiencing a wet dream.

12) When blood comes out from the gums but does not enter the throat. This will do no harm to the fast.

13) If a person was in need of a compulsory ghusl (bath) due to intercourse or a wet dream, and was unable to have a ghusl before subh sadiq and in this condition he makes the intention, no harm would be caused to this fast.

The 3 Mustahab (preferable) acts of Fasting:

1) To partake of Sehri.

2) To do so during the last portion of the night.

3) To make iftar as soon as the time sets in.

Factors that excuse a person from fasting in the month of Ramadan:

1) If one does not have the strength to fast due to sickness or if due to fasting, the illness will increase, then one is excused from fasting. However, it will be necessary to keep the qada later.

2) If a pregnant woman fears some harm on herself or her child due to the fast, she should not fast but keep qada later.

3) That woman who is breastfeeding her own child or any other child, and if due to fasting, the child will not receive milk, then she should not fast but keep the qada later.

4) One who is traveling a distance of at least 88km (48mi) is permitted not to fast. If one is able to fast without causing any difficulty or harm to oneself then it is better for one to do so. If fasting will cause harm to oneself or those traveling with one, then it is better not to fast.

5) If one commences the journey whilst one is fasting then it is necessary for one to complete the fast. And if one does not fast whilst on a journey, but one ate or drank something and in this state one returns home then one should abstain from eating and drinking for the rest of the day. If one did not eat or drink and one reaches home at such a time wherein it is permissible to make intention for the fast then it is necessary for one to make the intention and observe the fast.

6) If one is threatened with murder and is forced to break one's fast then it is permissible for one to break the fast and one should keep the qada later.

7) If one is overcome with sickness, thirst or hunger to such an extent that an expert Muslim doctor says that his life is in danger, then it is necessary for one to break the fast and to keep the qada later.

8) It is not permissible for a woman to fast during the days of haid (menses) and nifas (post delivery bleeding). It is necessary for her to keep the qada.

***It is necessary on the sick, the traveler, the woman in haid or nifas and all those who are excused from fasting that they respect the month of ramadan and do not eat during the day in front of others.

The Qada (missed) Fasts

When one misses a fast due to a valid excuse, one should keep the qada fast as soon as one is able to do so. There is no guarantee of life. One has a choice of keeping the qada consecutively or separately.

If the traveler after returning home, or the sick person after recovering, do not live for so long whereby they could complete tall the missed fasts, they they will be responsible for only the amount of days for which they lived thereafter.

Sehri (Early morning meal)

It is sunnah for the fasting person to partake of sehri during the last portion of the night, before subh sadiq. This is also a means of acquiring blessings and rewards.

The sunnah of sehri will be fulfilled if one eats after midnight, but it is better to eat during the last portion of the night.

If the adhan was mistakenly called before subh sadiq, then too one is allowed to eat till the time of subh sadiq.

After partaking of sehri, it is sufficient for one to make the intention in one's heart. It is good to utter the following words verbally:

"Bi saumi ghadin nawaitu min shah ri Ramadan"

"I intend to fast tomorrow for Ramadan"

One should try to wake up early for sehri and offer a few rakat of Tahajjud salah. This is also a time for acceptance of duas (Tirmidhi)

Iftar (Meal after fasting)

It is makruh to delay the iftar after being certain that the sun has set. If however it is a cloudy day, it will be permissible to delay the iftar for a few minutes, in fact as a precaution it should be delayed for at least 3 minutes.

It is better to make iftar with dates although there is no harm in making iftar with anything else.

It is sunnah to recite the following dua at the time of iftar:

"Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala rizqika aftar tu"

"Oh Allah, I have observed the fast for your sake, and I have opened my fast with sustenance provided by you."

And the following dua should be recited after iftar:

"Zhahabaz zama u wab tallatil uruqu wa thabatal ajru insha Allah"

"The thirst has vanished, the veins have been moistened and the reward has been established - if Allah Ta'ala wills."

One should try and engage in dua at the time of iftar as duas are accepted by Allah Ta'ala at that time (At-Targhib, vol 2, pg 89)

Tarawih

1) During the month of Ramadan it is sunnah to perform 20 rakat of tarawih salah in congregation after the fard and sunnah of Salatul Isha.

2) To perform tarawih salah in congregation is "sunnah 'alal kifayah" i.e. if a congregation is taking place in the locality and one performs one's tarawih individually at home, the sunnah will be fulfilled although one will be deprived of the rewards of performing tarawih with jamat (congregation) and in a Masjid. On the contrary, if there is no congregation taking place in the entire locality then everyone will be sinful for neglecting this sunnah.

3) It is sunnah to complete the entire Quran in the tarawih salah. If there is no Hafiz (one who has memorized the entire Quran) available or he demands a fee for leading the tarawih salah then the tarawih salah should be performed by reciting the short surahs or whatever else is easy. The community should not pay for listening to the Holy Quran. To give or receive a fee for the recitation of the Holy Quran is haraam.

4) It is not proper for one Hafiz to perform 20 rakat of tarawih salah in 2 masajid on one night.

5) The one who has missed out a few rakat of tarawih should complete the missed rakat after the witr Salah.

6) It is a grave sin to recite the Quran so hastily that the letters are not pronounced properly. In such a case neither the imam nor the muqtadi (follower) receive any reward.

7) A child who hasn't reached the age of puberty should not be appointed as an imam.

***Tarawih is Sunnah muakkida (an emphasized sunnah) on the males as well as females. (Shami, vol 2, page 43)

***It is Makruh for women to observe their own congregation wherein they appoint a female as their imam. This includes the tarawih salah. (Shami, vol 1, page 565)

Ei'tikaf

1) Ei'tikaf means: to remain in the masjid with the intention of ei'tikaf. One may only leave the masjid to fulfil those needs that cannot be fulfilled inside the masjid, e.g. to go to the toilet, to make wudu, to take fard ghusl, etc.

2) It is "sunnah muakkida 'alal kifayah" to observe ei'tikaf during the last 10 nights of Ramadan i.e. if in a town or village no one observes ei'tikaf, the sin of abandoning this sunnah will be upon the entire community. And if one person observes ei'tikaf, the rest of the community will be absolved.

3) It is not necessary for one to remain quiet throughout the period of ei'tikaf. Rather it is makruh to do so. One should speak of good things and abstain from arguments and futile talks.

4) There is no specific form of 'ibadah (worship) to be observed during ei'tikaf. One could occupy oneself with salah, zhikr of Allah Ta'ala, reciting the Holy Quran, studying or teaching the knowledge of deen or any other form of 'ibadah.

5) If Jumu'ah Salah doesn't take place at that Masjid wherein one is observing ei'tikaf then one may leave that Masjid to attend the Jumu'ah salah at another masjid. One should calculate the amount of time in which one could reach the masjid, perform the sunnah and listen to the khutbah. If one delays a while in that masjid, no harm will be caused to the ei'tikaf.

6) If for no valid reason one leaves the Masjid even for a little while, intentionally or unintentionally, the Ei'tikaf will be broken and he will have to make qada.

7) If one intends to observe ei'tikaf during the last 10 nights of Ramadan, he should be in the masjid from before sunset on the 20th Ramadan up to the sighting of the moon of 'Eid. Thereafter the ei'tikaf ends.

8) It is not permissible for one toe leave the Masjid just to have a bath on a Friday or for the purpose of calling oneself.

*** A women may observe ei'tikaf in that area of her house which has been designated for salah. She can't leave that place without a valid excuse. (Shami, vol.2, pg441 ; Tahtawi, pg 382)

Laylatul Qadr

Because the life span of this ummah compared to the other ummahs is short, Allah Ta'ala, through his grace has specified a night in which the reward for his worship is multiplied up to more than a thousand months.

However, Allah Ta'ala has kept its exact date concealed from the people so that they will exert themselves in searching for this blessed night. This results in them acquiring even more reward. Laylatul Qadr is most likely to occur on one of the odd nights of the last 10 nights of Ramadan i.e. the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th night. It is even more likely to occur on the 27th night.

During these nights, one should exert one's self in the 'ibadah (worship) of Allah Ta'ala, tawbah (repentance) and dua. If one is unable to stay awake the entire night then according to one's ability one should perform nafl salah, recite the Holy Quran and make zhikr of Allah Ta'ala. And if this is also not possible for one, then one should at least perform the Isha and Fajr Salah with jamat. It has been reported in a hadith that this is equal to making 'ibadah the entire night.

It is a great loss for people to spend this night in lectures and huge gatherings. Lectures could be conducted on any other night. This opportunity for 'ibadah may never return. However those people who intend to stay awake the entire night may attend a lecture at the beginning of the night and thereafter occupy themselves with 'ibadah, nafl salah, zhikr, etc. 

The Method of performing Eid Salah:

1) One should first make an intention verbally, or in one's heart that one is performing 2 rakat salah of Eid that are wajib with 6 extra takbirs behind the imam.

2) Thereafter one should recite Allahu Akbar, fold his hands and recite Thana

3) He should recite Allahu Akbar for the 2nd and 3rd time raising his hands to his ears and placing it to his sides each time.

4) After reciting Allahu Akbar for the 4th time, he should fold his hands and continue with his salah as normal.

5) In the 2nd rakat after the imam has recited the qirat, he should recite Allahu Akbar thrice each time, erasing his hands to his ears and leaving them at his sides.

6) After saying Allahu Akbar for the 4th time he should go into ruku without raising his hands. After the salah the people should listen to the khutbah and return home.

***Sayyidina Jarir reports that Rasulullah said: "The fast of Ramadan is suspended between the sky and the earth, and it is only raised with the sadaqatul fitr" (At-Targhib, vol 2, pg 151-152)

***Sadaqatul Fitr is wajib (compulsory) on every adult who possesses the nisab of zakat. It is the responsibility of the father to give the sadaqatul fitr on behalf of his minor children who do not possess the amount of nisab. If they possess the amount of nisab, then it may be discharged from their own wealth. (Tahtawi)