The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of 'Arafah, 'Ashura' and Tasu'a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Chapter 227
The Excellence of Observing Saum on the Day of 'Arafah, 'Ashura' and Tasu'a (i.e., 9th of Muharram)

1250. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about the observance of Saum (fasting) on the day of `Arafah. He said, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year and the current year.''
[Muslim].

Commentary: The ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah is called Yaum-`Arafah . On this day, pilgrims stop and stand in prayers at `Arafat which is the most important ritual of Hajj, so much so that Hajj is deemed incomplete without it. On that day, the pilgrims are engaged in the remembrance of Allah and prayers as that is their most important worship on that day. For this reason, Saum is not desirable for them, but for other people, Saum has a special merit. The importance and merit of this Saum can be judged from the fact that it expiates sins for two consecutive years: the previous year and the current year. But these sins relate only to the minor sins, not the major ones, or become a means of elevation of one's status.

1251. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) observed Saum (fasting) on the day of `Ashura' and commanded us to fast on this day.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary: `Ashura' 10th of Muharram. In another Hadith, it is stated that when the Prophet (PBUH) emigrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah, he saw that the Jews were fasting on this day. He asked them why they did this on that day, and they told him that they did it for the reason that Allah granted Prophet Musa emancipation from Pharaoh on this day, and so they observed Saum in token of their joy. On this, he (PBUH) said that in this happiness of Prophet Musa, Muslims have a greater right to observe Saum than the Jews. Consequently, he also observed Saum on 10th of Muharram. Then, he said that if he lived the following year, he would observe Saum on 9th of Muharram also so that they would make themselves different from the Jews. According to another Hadith, he (PBUH) ordained the Muslims to observe Saum on `Ashura' and in addition one more Saum on 9th or 11th of Muharram in opposition to the Jews. (Musnad Ahmad, Vol.4, P-21, edited by Ahmad Shakir; and Mujamma` Az-Zawaid, Vol.3, P-188). Thus observance of two Saum on this occasion is a Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). These two Saum can be observed either on 9th and 10th or 10th and 11th of Muharram. It is regrettable indeed that present-day Muslims do not follow this Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH) and instead observe the baseless practices of mourning assemblies (Majalis), which is a grave sin practised by Shi`ah.

1252. Abu Qatadah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about observing As-Saum (the fast) on the tenth day of Muharram, and he replied, "It is an expiation for the sins of the preceding year.''
[Muslim].

1253. Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "If I remain alive till the next year, I shall also observe fast on the ninth of Muharram.''
[Muslim].

Commentary: Some people think these words stand to mean that `he will observe Saum on the 9th of Muharram only. But this interpretation does not agree with other Ahadith. In order to oppose the Jews, he (PBUH) resolved to observe one more Saum with that of 10th of Muharram and ordained it for the Muslims. In this connection, we have quoted above the authority from Musnad Ahmad. Hence, the meanings we have given in the translation of the text are correct.

Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

The Virtues of Dhul-Hijjah

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

By Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Dec. 21, 2005

We are now approaching the month of Dhul-Hijjah, the month of Hajj. This is the month upon which Allah has bestowed the days of `Arafah, `Eid Al-Adha, and the Days of Tashreeq, which are the three days following `Eid. This is a special month, a month in which we are encouraged to double our efforts in performing our acts of worship and our good deeds. If we have missed the opportunity to increase our worship during the last Ramadan, or if we have missed the opportunity to fast the six days of Shawwal, then let it be known, that right now, spread in front of us, is a golden opportunity. An opportunity to be closer to Allah. An opportunity to increase our worship. This golden opportunity is the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Let us grab this opportunity before it leaves us. Let us do more dhikr, more Prayer, and more fasting. Let us recite Al-Qur’an more. Allah says in Surat Al-Fajr: [And by the ten nights] (Al-Fajr 89:2). According to most scholars, the 10 days mentioned in that verse refer to the first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah. Allah mentions it and swears by it in that verse because of its virtues. This is strengthened by the hadith: “There are no days during which good deeds are more beloved to Allah than these (ten) days.” He was then asked, “Not even jihad in the path of Allah?” He replied, “Not even jihad in the path of Allah, except for a person who goes out with his self and his wealth, and comes back with nothing.” (Al-Bukhari and others) So let us increase our `ibadah in these virtuous days, which come but once a year— an opportunity that is better than any offer on earth. If we look around, sometimes we would see a petrol station offering a 15 percent discount. We would then see cars snaking out of that petrol station. Everyone is trying to grab that offer of just 15 percent discount. These 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah offer a much better offer—an offer that has its rewards waiting for us in the Hereafter, the day when nothing will be of value except those who had prepared for it. A day which Allah describes in the Qur’an as [the day when wealth and children will be of no use, except those who come with clean hearts] (Ash-Shu`ara’ 26:88–89). In a previous sermon we touched upon the need to have proper resolutions and how to achieve them. Let us put into practice what we have heard. Let us all make this resolution to double our efforts in worshiping Allah in these virtuous days of Dhul-Hijjah. Let us not wait till we get home to make that resolution. Let us do it now! And when we get home, or to office, let us jot down those resolutions on paper so that we may not forget them. If we want to do more sunnah prayers, write it down, and be specific on the type of prayers. If we want to fast on these days, jot down on our calendar or organizer which days will we fast. If we want to pray the Tahajjud Prayers, write it down. And set our alarm clock to ring at least half an hour before Fajr Prayer so that we may have time to do at least do three rak`ahs of Witr Prayer. If we want to lessen the sins of our tongue, put in on paper that we will be quieter and only say those things that are necessary. And as a return, we will say more dhikr and istighfar silently. If we want to read the Qur’an more, jot it down on our organizer and calendar, the amount we will read each day. Is it half a page? A full page? Or more than that? Write it down. And remember this: Failure to plan is planning to fail.

*Based on a Friday Sermon, January 13, 2005/Dhul-Hijjah 3, 1425. Courtesy of the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore.

Source

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

Hajj Articles

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Click here (on my blog)

More good articles: IslamOnline

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

The Character of the People of the Quraan

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

The Character of the People of the Quraan

“…It befits him to employ…taqwa of Allaah secretly and openly, by exercising caution (wara') with regards to the sources of his food, drink, dress and earnings. He is perceptive about his time and the corruptions of its people, that he may beware of them regarding his religion. He concentrates on his own situation, having the aspiration to reform whatever is corrupt in his affairs, guarding his tongue and choosing his words. If he speaks, he speaks with knowledge when he sees speech to be correct. If he remains silent, he remains silent with knowledge when he sees silence to be correct. He rarely delves into that which does not concern him. He fears from his tongue things more severe than he fears from his enemy. He imprisons his tongue the way he imprisons his enemy, so that he may be safe from its evil and bad consequences… He is accommodating in countenance, pure in speech. He does not allow himself to be praised for qualities he has, how then for qualities he does not have? He is wary of his self, that it should overcome him for what he desires, of the things that will anger his Master. He does not backbite anyone. He does not look down upon anyone. He does not abuse anyone. he is not happy at the afflictions of others. He neither transgresses upon anyone, nor envies him.

…He has made the Qur'aan, Sunnah and Fiqh his guide to every good and beautiful quality, guarding all his limbs from what has been forbidden. If he walks, he walks with knowledge. If he sits, he sits with knowledge. He strives hard so that people may be safe from his tongue and hand. He does not behave ignorantly: if someone behaves ignorantly towards him, he is forbearing. He does not oppress: if he is oppressed, he forgives. He does not transgress: if he is transgressed upon, he has patience. He restrains his fury to please his Lord and enrage his enemy. He is humble in himself: when the truth is presented to him, he accepts it, whether from one younger or older. He seeks status from Allaah, not from the creatures. He despises arrogance, fearing for his self from it…If the people wear fine luxury, he wears of the Halaal that which conceals his private parts. If his circumstances eases, he eases. If they tighten, he tightens. He is content with little, so it suffices him…He follows the obligations of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah: he eats food with knowledge, he drinks with knowledge, he dresses with knowledge, he sleeps with knowledge, he has union with his wife with knowledge, he accompanies his brothers with knowledge, visiting them with knowledge, seeking permission to enter upon them with knowledge, and greeting them with knowledge; he treats his neighbour with knowledge.

He imposes strictly upon himself the honouring of his parents…He prays for their longevity and is thankful for them in old age….He maintains family relations and despises breaking them. If someone breaks off relations with him, he does not break off relations with them. If someone disobeys Allaah regarding him, he obeys Allaah regarding him. He accompanies the believers with knowledge, and sits with them with knowledge. He benefits those who accompany him, being an excellent companion for those whom he sits with. If he teaches another, he is gentle with him. He is not harsh with the one who makes a mistake and does not embarrass him. He is gentle in all his matters, extremely patient in teaching goodness. The learner finds comfort in him, and the one sitting with him is joyous at his company. Sitting with him brings goodness. He educates his companions with the ettiquettes of the Qur'aan and the Sunnah.

If he is afflicted with a difficulty, the Qur'aan and the Sunnah are two educators for him. He grieves with knowledge. He cries with knowledge. He is patient with knowledge. He purifies himself with knowledge. He prays with knowledge. He gives zakaat with knowledge. He gives charity with knowledge. He fasts with knowledge. He performs Pilgrimage with knowledge. He wages war with knowledge. He earns with knowledge and spends with knowledge. He eases in matters with knowledge and tightens in them with knowledge. The Qur'aan and the Sunnah have taught him his manners.

He looks through the pages of the Qur'aan in order to teach himself manners and is not pleased for himself to fulfil with ignorance the obligations imposed by Allaah. He has made knowledge and understanding his guide to every goodness…When he studies the Qur'aan his aspiration is not: when will I complete the surah? His aspiration is: when will I be enriched by Allaah, so that I am in no need of other than Him? When will I be of the pious? When will I be of those who excel? When will I be of those who have total trust? When will I be of those who humble themselves? When will I be of the patient ones? When will I be of the truthful ones? When will I be of the fearful ones? When will I be of the hopeful ones? When will I have non-attachment to the world? When will I have yearning for the Hereafter? When will I repent from sins? When will I recognise the widespread favours? When will I be grateful for them? When will I understand from Allaah His address? When will I understand what I recite? When will I overcome my self regarding its base desires? When will I strive in Allaah with a true Jihaad? When will I guard my tongue? When will I lower my gaze? When will I guard my chastity? When will I be ashamed before Allaah with true shame? When will I be preoccupied with my faults? When will I reform the corruptions in my life? When will I call myself to account? When will I take provision for the day of my Resurrection? When will I be pleased with Allaah? When will I have trust in Allaah? When will I be admonished by the warnings of the Qur'aan? When will I be preoccupied with His remembrance away from remembrance of other than Him? When will I love what He loves? When will I hate what He hates? When will I be sincere to Allaah? When will I purify my deeds for Him? When will I reduce my vain hopes? When will I prepare myself for the day of my death, when my remaining term shall have vanished? When will I build the life of my grave? When will I reflect upon the Standing and its severity? When will I reflect upon my solitude with my Lord? When will I reflect upon the Return? When will I beware that which my Lord has warned me of?

…He, the Mighty and Majestic said, ‘O you who have believed! Fear Allaah and let each soul see what it has sent forth for tomorrow; and fear Allaah: truly, Allaah is aware of what you do.’ [59:18]“

The Character of the Bearers and People of the Qur'aan by Imaam abu Bakr Muhammad ibn al-Husayn al-Aajurree (360AH)

Taken from: www.tawheedfirst.wordpress.com

(Got it from...MuslimWays)

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

[Video] Surah At Takwir: Mishary Rasheed

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

Video: Surah Noor 34-40 [Qari Ziyad Patel]

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]

Video: Arabic Alphabet Song

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim

In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Cute

The Prophet sal Allahu alayhi wa'sallam said:

"The Muslim is a unique Ummah among the whole of mankind:
Their Land is ONE, their War is ONE, their Peace is ONE,
Their Honour is ONE and their Trust is ONE."
[Ahmad]