EID ATTENDANCE: A MUST FOR ALL WOMEN.

EID ATTENDANCE: A MUST FOR ALL WOMEN.

Eid is here again, it is a time of celebrating with our families, friends, gaining blessings & proclaiming the greatness of Allah.

Umm ‘Atiyyah (radiallahuania) said: The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) COMMANDED us to bring the (women) out on both Eids & to bring out adolescent girls, menstruating women and virgins, but the menstruating women were to stay away from the prayer, but were to witness goodness and the gathering of the Muslims. I said: “O Messenger of Allaah, what if one of us does not have a jilbab (the outer garment)?” He said: “Let her sister lend her a jilbab.” (Bukhari). EID IS ALSO A MUST FOR WOMEN.

Sh. Ibn ‘Uthaymeen  explained: all women are  commanded to go out for eid including menstruating women but the menstruating women should avoid  staying  in the musalla(specific or designated prayer area) but it is permissible for her to pass through or to take something  she needs from it, without staying there. There is so much goodness, dhikr and du’a’ they may experience there. Al-Shawkaani said:…so long as they are not going through ‘iddah  or  other major excuses.

They must go out looking decent, not wearing adornment, makeup or perfume, so that they may combine following the Sunnah with avoiding fitnah. There is no hadith prohibiting women from going to the masjid whether for the 5 daily Salah, Jumah salah or Eid salah. In fact, the prophet’s masjid has a door & a decent space for the women.

Abdullah Bin Mas’ud: Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: It is more excellent for a woman to pray in her house than in her courtyard, and more excellent for her to pray in her private chamber than in her house. (Abu Dawud). This is not a prohibition from going to the masjid as wrongly interpreted by some muslims , but a concession for them to suit their divine make up & responsibility.

The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) also said, ‘Do not prevent the female servants of Allah from going to the mosque of Allah.’(Muslim) “If the wife of any one of you asks permission (to go to the mosque) do not forbid her.” (Bukhari). .

Muslim women may have many reasons to go to the masjid e.g. teaching, learning, salah etc. A Muslim woman must go out covering her awrah whether she is going to the masjid, mall or to visit her friends.

What some women do of wearing adornment, makeup and perfume is because of their ignorance and negligence on the part of their guardians (fathers & husbands). Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said, “If any of you women leave out to go to the mosque, do not approach scented perfume.(Muslim). The misbehaviour of some women should not be used to justify outright ban on women going to the masjid, not making decent praying spaces available for the women in the masjid or to make women disobey the prophetic command of going to Eid ground.

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*COMMON ERRORS DURING EID*

*COMMON ERRORS DURING EID*
1⃣ *SPENDING NIGHT OF EID IN WORSHIP* Some people think that it is prescribed to spend the night of Eid in worship based on a *WEAK hadeeth which says, “Whoever stays up on the night of Eid, his heart will not die on the day when hearts die.” This hadeeth is NOT saheeh. (Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Da’eefah wa’l-Mawdoo’ah by Shk. al-Albaani).*Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: “The ahaadeeth in which the nights before the two Eids are mentioned are falsely attributed to the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam).” So DO NOT single out the night of Eid for Ibaadah, as this is a kind of bidah that is NOT proven from the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam), unless it is part of your USUAL nightly routine.
2⃣ *CELEBRATING “CHAND RAAT”* Some people spend the night before Eid, singing, dancing ,listening to music, with free mixing of men and women, lack of hijab and Hayaa’.They forget the promise they made to Allah to stay away from haram. *Do you really want to throw away all your hard work and effort you put in worship during the best days of the year (1st 10 days of dhul hijjah) for just a few hours of utterly useless waste of time?*.The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam), “There will be among my ummah people who will regard adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments as permissible.” (Bukhaari).
3⃣ *FASTING ON DAY OF EID.It is haram to fast on the Day of Eid*“He [the Prophet sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam)] forbade fasting on the day of (Eid) al-Fitr and the day of al-Nahr (Eid al-Adha).” (Bukhaari).
4⃣ *GRAVE VISIT*Some people have the custom or culture of going out to the graveyard on the day of Eid to greet the occupants of the graves, *but the occupants of the graves have no need of any greeting or congratulations*.Visiting the graves is not something to be done specially on the day of Eid ,Friday or any particular day.The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) visited the graves at night, in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah narrated by Muslim.And the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Visit the graves for they will remind you of the Hereafter.” Visiting graves is an act of worship, & acts of worship are not acceptable unless they are in accordance with sharee’ah. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) did not single out  friday or  the day of Eid for visiting the graves as a routine act or a festival like action, so we should not do so either. *To do so is bid‘ah*(Ahkaam al-Janaa’iz wa Bidauha by al-Albaani).
5⃣ *FREE MIXING*It is haraam for women and men to mix and mingle with each other if they are not mahrams at any time of the year or during Eid. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Beware of entering upon women.” They said, “O Messenger of Allaah, what do you think about the brother-in-law?” he said: “The brother in law is death.” (Bukhaari).
6⃣ *PERFUME & MAKE UP, NO HIJAB*This is a problem which is widespread, and many people take this matter lightly, but *it is FARD (OBLIGATORY) for a matured/an adult Muslim woman to wear proper Islamic hijab not cultural hijaab and cover herself according to sharia*. Remember sisters, you will be asked about this on the Day you stand in front of Allaah. *“O Prophet! Tell your wives and your daughters and the believing women to draw their cloaks all over their bodies. That will be better, that they should be known (as free respectable women) so as not to be annoyed. And Allaah is Ever Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful” [al-Ahzaab:59]* The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Any woman who puts on perfume and passes by people so that they can smell her fragrance, is an adulteress.” (al-Nasaa’i)
7⃣ *HUGGING & SHAKING  NON MAHREM.It is haraam to  embrace, hug or shake hands of non-mahrams, EVEN if it is Eid!*.The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam), “There will be among my ummah people who will regard adultery, silk, alcohol and musical instruments as permissible.” (Bukhaari). One should always observe the limits prescribed by Islam.Although it is from the Sunnah to enjoy the celebration of Eid, one should avoid parties that contain free mixing, and flirting, instruments of the devil, or staying up late to the point of missing Salatul Fajr, etc.
8⃣ *NOT PRAYING THE EID SALAH* Some people think it is not a big deal if they don’t pray Salatul Eid.The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) commanded all Muslims including women who are menstruating, old, young & in seclusion to attend. *Those who culturally prohibit women from going for Eid, Jumah or regular salah should  fear Allah & obey the command of the Rasul*
9⃣ *NO – TAKBEERAAT* Saying the takbeeraat out loud is one of the greatest Sunnahs on the day of Eid because Allaah says: *“(He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allaah [i.e. to say Takbeer (Allaahu Akbar: Allaah is the Most Great)] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” [al-Baqarah:185]*The time for takbeer of eid ul adha *begins when it is proven that the new moon of Dhul hijjah 1st has been sighted or thirty days of Dhul qadah have been completed and it ends at the sunset of 13th Dhul hijjah*. (Majmoo’ Fataawa Ibn ‘Uthaymeen).Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, laa ilaaha ill-Allaah, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, Allaahu akbar, wa Lillaahi’l-hamd (Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great, there is no god except Allaah, Allaah is Most Great, Allaah is Most Great , Allaah is Most Great, and all praise be to Allaah).Men should raise their voices reciting this dhikr in the marketplaces, mosques and homes, but women should not raise their voices too loud in the presence of non mahrem.

EID MUBARAK, TAQABBALA LLAHU MINNA WA MINKUM.

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CLEAR THE FOG: DESCRIPTION OF EID SALAH

CLEAR THE FOG: DESCRIPTION OF EID SALAH

The Eid prayer is one where the imam attends and leads the people in praying two rak’ahs. ‘Umar (r.a) said: “The prayer of al-Fitr is two rak’ahs and the prayer of al-Adha is two rak’ahs, complete and not shortened, on the tongue of your Prophet, and the one who fabricates lies is doomed.” Saheeh al-Nasaa’i.

One of the rulings of Eid is that the prayer comes before the khutbah, because of the hadeeth of Jaabir ibn ‘Abd-Allaah who said, The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) came out on the day of al-Fitr and started with the prayer before the khutbah. Bukhaari.

Another proof is the hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed (raa) who said: The Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to come out to the prayer place on the day of al-Fitr and al-Adha, and the first thing he would start with was the prayer, then he would go and stand facing the people, while the people were sitting in their rows, and he would preach to them and advise them and command them.  If he wanted to send out a military expedition he would do so and if he wanted to tell the people to do something he would do so, then he would leave.

Abu Sa’eed said: The people continued to do that until I went out with Marwaan – who was the governor of Madeenah – on Eid al-Adha or Eid al-Fitr, and when we came to the prayer-place, there was a minbar that had been built by Katheer ibn al-Salt. When Marwaan wanted to ascend it before he prayed, I grabbed his garment and he pushed me away and climbed up and delivered the khutbah before the prayer. I said, “You have changed it by Allaah.”

He said, “O Abu Sa’eed, what you knew has gone.”

I said, “What I know, by Allaah, is better than what I do not know.”

He said, “The people will not sit and listen to us after the prayer, so we did it before the prayer.” Bukhaari.

Who was correct?  Abu sa’eed or Marwan?. Read how the prophet cleared the fog below.

I attended the Eid prayer along with the Messenger of Allah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam). When he finished the prayer, he said: We shall deliver the sermon; he who likes to sit for listening to it may sit and he who likes to go away may go away. (Sunan abu Dawud)

In the first rak’ah he should say Takbeerat al-ihraam (say “Allaahu akbar” to start the prayer), after which he should say six or seven more takbeers, because of the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (raa), “The takbeer of al-Fitr and al-Adha is seven takbeers in the first rak’ah and five takbeers in the second, apart from the takbeer of rukoo’.” Sahih Abu Dawood.

Then he should recite al-Faatihah, and recite Soorat Qaf in the first rak’ah. In the second rak’ah he should stand up saying takbeer, and when he has stood up completely he should say takbeer five times, and recite Soorat al-Faatihah then Soorat al-Qamr. The Prophet () used to recite these two soorahs during the two Eids. Or if he wishes he can recite Soorat al-A’la in the first rak’ah and Soorat al-Ghaashiyah in the second, because it was narrated that the Prophet () used to recite al-A’la and al-Ghaashiyah in the Eid prayer.

The imam should revive the Sunnah be reciting these soorahs so that the Muslims will become familiar with the Sunnah.

After the prayer, the imam should address the people. Part of the khutbah should be addressed specifically to the women, telling them of the things that they should do and warning them against the things that they should avoid, as the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to do.

See Fataawa Arkaan al-Islam by Shaykh Muhammad ibn ‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him), p. 398; Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah, 8/300-316)for details.

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THE WITNESSED DAY

THE WITNESSED DAY

The day of Arafat is the essence & pinnacle of Hajj. On this great & momentous day, millions of worshippers gather on one plain, from every corner of the world, with only one purpose in mind – to respond to the call of their Creator. The virtues include:

1. IT IS THE DAY ON WHICH THE RELIGION WAS PERFECTED & ALLAH’S FAVOUR WAS COMPLETED. Umar ibn al-Khattaab (radiallahu anihu): a Jewish man said to him, “O Ameer al-Mu’mineen, there is an ayah in your Book which you recite; if it had come to us Jews, we would have taken that day as an ‘Eid (festival).” ‘Umar said, “Which ayah?” He said: “This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.” [5:3]. ‘Umar said, “We know on which day & in which place that was revealed to the Prophet (saw). It was when he was standing in Arafah on a Friday.”
2. IT IS A DAY OF EID FOR THE PEOPLE. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Yawm ‘Arafah (the day of ‘Arafah), Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice)& Ayyaam al-Tashreeq (3 days following Yawm al-Nahr) are Eid (festival) for us, the people of Islam. These are days of eating and drinking.” (authors of al-Sunan).
3. IT IS A DAY BY WHICH ALLAH SWORE AN OATH.  “By the witnessing day (Friday) & by the witnessed day (Day of ‘Arafaah).” [burooj 85:3].

Abu Hurayrah (ra):Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “The promised day is the Day of Resurrection, the witnessed day is the Day of ‘Arafaah, and the witnessing day is Friday.” (Tirmidhi).

It is the “odd” (Witr) by which Allah swore [al-Fajr 89:3]. “And by the even and the odd” Ibn ‘Abbaas, ikrimah & al-dahhaak said: “The even is the Day of al-Adhaa [10^thDhu’l-Hijjah] & the odd is the Day of ‘Arafah [9^th Dhu’l-Hijjah].

4. FASTING ON THIS DAY IS AN EXPIATION FOR 2-YEARS. Abu Qutaadah (radiallahu anihu): Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah. He said, “It expiates the sins of the previous & the coming year.”(Muslim).

This fast is mustahabb (highly encouraged) for those who are not on Hajj. Those who are on Hajj should not fast on the Day of ‘Arafah, because the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) was on Arafah & did not fast on this day.

5. IT IS THE DAY ON WHICH ALLAH TOOK THE COVENANT FROM THE PROGENY OF ADAM.

Ibn ‘Abbaas : the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Allaah took the covenant from the loins of Adam in Na’maan, i.e., ‘Arafaah. He brought forth from his loins all his offspring and spread them before Him, then He addressed them, and said: ‘Am I not your Lord? They said, ‘Yes, we testify,’ let you should say on the Day of Resurrection: ‘Verily, we have been unaware of this.’ Or lest you should say: ‘It was only our fathers aforetime who took others as partners in worship along with Allaah, and we were (merely their) descendents after them; will You then destroy us because of the deeds of men who practised Al-Baatil (i.e., ploytheism and committing crimes and sins, invoking and worshipping others besides Allaah)?’ [ 7:172-173.” Narrated by Ahmad and classed as saheeh by al-Albaani. And there is no greater day than this and no greater covenant than this.)

6. IT IS THE DAY OF FORGIVENESS OF SINS, FREEDOM FROM THE FIRE AND PRIDE IN THE PEOPLE IN ARAFAH. Aisha (radiallahu aniha):Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of ‘Arafaah. He comes close and expresses His pride to the angels, saying, ‘What do these people want?”.Ibn ‘Umar: the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “Allah expresses His pride to His angels at the time of ‘Ishaa’ on the Day of ‘Arafaah, He says, ‘Look at My slaves who have come unkempt and dusty (Ahmad).

 

Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: ‘The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafat’.(Tirmidhi)

Is there any particular virtue  if ‘Arafah falls on a Friday? http://islamqa.info/en/95283

Is it true that if ‘Arafah falls on a Friday when Jumu’ah prayer is held, it is equivalent to 7 or 70 or 72 Hajjs?. http://islamqa.info/en/95283.

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*THE ULTIMATE TESTS 2 of 2*

*THE ULTIMATE TESTS  2  of 2*

*But Ibrahim’s tests (alayhi salatu wasallam) were not over yet*. As Ismail was happily growing with the mother, Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) was visiting them occasionally. Ibrahim’s love (alayhi salatu wasallam) for his son knew no bounds.

*God wanted to test him once again by asking Ibrahim to slaughter his own son. It was an extraordinary test; but the father & the son took this as a divine will*.

They were just about to perform this act when God let an animal to be slaughtered instead.

*But as soon as the two had surrendered themselves to the will of Allah & Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam)  laid him down on his face, We called out to him: O Ibrahim, thou hast already fulfilled that dream vision.” (Q37:103-105)*.

It was a heavenly mercy on humanity. Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) was elevated & became *GOD’S FRIEND (KHALILULAH)*. *Thus came the rituals of Hajj commemorating Ibrahim’s & his family’s sacrifice & accomplishment in the tests from God*.

The rituals of Hajj, decreed on every able Muslim, *are directly linked to the wilful surrender of three noble souls on earth to God – IBRAHIM, HAJAR & ISMAIL.* The legacy & spirit of human self-surrender to God are embedded in this fifth pillar of Islam.Ibrahim surrendered to God wholeheartedly.

✅ *He was a TRUE MUSLIM (SUBMITTER) & as such God made him the FATHER OF THE MUSLIM NATION.*

*… Keep the faith of your father Ibrahim. Allah named you MUSLIMS (SUBMITTERS) earlier and even in THIS BOOK, that the Messenger may be a witness over you and that you may be witnesses over all mankind… (22:78)*

After about 3,000 years, mankind saw Ibrahim’s prayer coming true *through Prophet Muhammad (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam), a descendant of Ismail, who rekindled & revitalised the original message of Islam to its peak*.

*Our Lord! Raise up in the midst of our offsprings a Messenger from among them who shall recite to them Your verses, and instruct them in the Book and in Wisdom, and purify their lives. Verily, You are the Most Mighty, the Most Wise. (Q2:129)*

Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) remained *visionary & missionary all through his life*. He witnessed the ignominy and sufferings of fellow human beings by others & by the enslavement to their own desires & man-made idols. He challenged the status quo & remained at the forefront of struggles by dedicating his whole life. HE SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING PEOPLE TO THEIR REAL DESTINY, I.E., AS GOD’S EMISSARY ON EARTH.He started this alone, but this multiplied manifold over the millennia by God’s grace.

Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) was chosen to lead humanity in its dark period. His legacy as a Prophet and a great leader is a living memory to mankind.

*We can learn from his life in the midst of another dark phase of human history today when our world is under the spell of Godlessnes, crude materialism & worship of Man made gods (Jesus, bhuda, vishnu etc)*.

*Request “Da’wah” or ask Questions(s) via whatsapp:+27623805003. DON’T FORGET TO SHARE. www.imadawah.com. (Dawah  Without  Borders).*

*THE ULTIMATE TESTS 1 of 2*

*THE ULTIMATE TESTS  1 of 2*

Over 4000 years ago when humanity stooped to crude idolatry; moral degeneration became embedded with material progress. *There came a man of vision & towering personality who redirected mankind towards their role of God’s ambassador on earth*.His obedience to Allah through free will, indomitable character such as patience & courage, an uncompromising commitment to UPHOLDING THE ONENESS OF GOD & UNPARALLELED SACRIFICE for his mission rewarded him with a covenant from God that his seeds would INHERIT THE LAND.

*And when his Lord tried Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) by His commandments & the later fulfilled them, He said: “behold I shall make thee a leader of men.” Ibrahim asked: “And of my offspring as well?”(Allah) answered: “My covenant does not embrace the evil doers. (Q 2:124)*

Truly, Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) was a nation, devoutly obedient to Allah. Naturally inclining towards the true faith, he was not amongst the idolaters. He was abundantly thankful for the blessings Allah bestowed upon him. He chose him, & guided him to the Straight Path. (Q 16:120-121).

Ever since Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) challenged idolatry in his early youth, human history has been directly influenced by his legacy. *As a link between Islam (the only divinely revealed religion to all prophets including Moses, Jesus & Muhammad peace be upon them all) & the now so called Judaism, Christianity – he set the course of our destiny*.

From childhood, he was inclined towards contemplation & inquisitiveness. He was not used to taking things for granted; he was always inspired to rationalise his arguments in order to re-discover his Lord (ALLAH).

*Then, when he beheld the sun rising, he said: “This is my Lord. This is the greatest of all.” Then, when it went down, he said: “O my people! Most certainly I am quit of those whom you associate with Allah in His Divinity. Behold, I have turned my face in exclusive devotion to the One who originated the heavens & the earth, and I am certainly not one of those who associate others with Allah in His Divinity. (Q6:78-78)*

His vision for the Oneness of God and ingenuity at striking at the heart of idolatry by *breaking all the idols, while leaving the biggest one, shattered the arrogance of the rulers. But they were conceited people & with their haughtiness they could only respond to this ‘threat’ by passing a severe punishment on him. He was thrown into a blazing fire.That was young Ibrahim’s first test in which he showed extraordinary courage & trust in God. The fire refused to burn Ibrahim by God’s will & he came out unscathed, “We [Allah] said, “O fire! be coolness and safety upon Abraham.” (Q21 Vs 69).*

Ibrahim could not stay in his own homeland & decided to leave Iraq with only a few of his family members.

*At an old age, Ibrahim was blessed with a lovely son, Ismail*.His love for Ismail was irresistible. *So, God wanted to test him again; the divine plan was strange indeed.* Ibrahim was asked by God to leave his beloved wife, Hajar, & the little son in a barren land, MAKKAH.Who then could imagine that about 3000 years later MAKKAH WOULD BECOME THE CENTRE OF A NEW WORLD, THE HEART OF A DIVINE CIVILISATION?

The test on Hajar was no less severe. As the food & water left behind by Ibrahim (alayhi salatu wasallam) were running short, Hajar’s suckling baby was not getting enough milk from her. Her agony turned into fear, as there was no human habitation nearby. Out of sheer desperation she was running between two hills, SAFA & MARWA, expecting to see someone who could help her & the little baby who was on the verge of dying.

✅Suddenly, to her ecstatic joy, she found water gushing forth from near the baby’s feet. *AN OASIS WAS CREATED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BARREN DESERT* where people started settling by her permission.Such was the divine plan to make *MAKKAH THE CENTRE OF GOD’S REVELATION LATER ON.*

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AMAZING: DAYS BETTER THAN RAMADHAN !!!

AMAZING: DAYS BETTER THAN RAMADHAN !!!

Praise be to Allaah Who has created time & has made some times, some months, days & nights better than others, when rewards are multiplied, as a mercy towards His slaves. This helps the Muslim to renew his efforts to gain a greater share of reward, prepare himself for death & supply himself in readiness for the Day of Judgement.

These seasonal bonuses of worship give the opportunity to correct one’s faults & make up for any shortcomings. The wise person is the one who makes the most of these special months, days & hours & be safe from the flames of Hell. (Ibn Rajab, al-Lataa’if, p.8)”And worship your Lord until there comes unto you the certainty.”[15:99]”‘The certainty’ means death.” Among the special seasons of worship are the 1^ST 10-days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Ibn ‘Abbaas (radiallahu anihu): Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allaah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah?” He said, “Not even jihaad for the sake of Allaah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.” (al-Bukhaari).

Many facts indicate that these 10-days are better than all the other days of the year, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS, NOT EVEN THE LAST TEN DAYS OF RAMADHAN. But the last ten nights of Ramadhan are better than the nights of these 1^ST 10-days, because they include Laylat al-Qadr (“the Night of Power”), which is better than a 1000 months.

STILL WONDERING WHY?

1. Allaah swears an oath by them, indicative of their importance & great benefit. “By the dawn; by the ten nights” [89:1-2]. Ibn ‘Abbaas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujaahid & others said that this refers to the 1^ST 10-days of Dhu’l-Hijjah.”
2. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) testified that these are the best days of this world in above saheeh ahaadeeth.
   3. These ten days include Yawm ‘Arafaah(the Day of ‘Arafaah), on which Allaah perfected His Religion. Fasting on this day will expiate for the sins of two years.
3. These days also include Yawm al-Nahar(the Day of Sacrifice), the greatest day of the entire year & the greatest day of Hajj, which combines acts of worship in a way unlike any other day.
4. These ten days include the days of Umrah & of Hajj.

 

WHAT SHOULD WE STRIVE TO DO ON THESE DAYS?

1. PERFORMING HAJJ & UMRAH. One of the best deeds that one can do during these ten days is to perform Hajj to the Sacred House of Allaah. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam): “An accepted Hajj brings no less a reward than Paradise.”

 

2. SACRIFICE. One of the good deeds that will bring a person closer to Allaah during these ten days is offering a sacrifice, by choosing a high-quality animal.
3. FASTING.
   The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to fast on the 1^ST 9-days of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Hunaydah ibn Khaalid from his wife, that one of the wives of the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to fast on the 1^ST 9-days of Dhu’l-Hijjah & the day of ‘Ashoora’,& 3-days each month, the 1^st  Monday of the month & 2- Thursdays. (Nasaa’i, Abu Dawood saheeh ).

 

DHIKR

. ‘Abdullaah ibn ‘Umar (ra):Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “There are no days greater in the sight of Allaah & in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Him than these ten days, so during this time recite a great deal ofTahleel (“La ilaaha ill-Allaah“), Takbeer (“Allaahu akbar“) & Tahmeed(“Al-hamdu Lillaah“).” (Ahmad, saheeh).
It is Sunnah to say these & other praises of Allah during the 1^ST 10-days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, & to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street & every place where it is permitted to remember Allaah & mention His name out loud, as an act of worship & as a proclamation of the greatness of Allaah, may He be exalted. Men should recite these phrases out loud, & women should recite them quietly.

“That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, & also some worldly gain from trade, etc.),& mention the name of Allaah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28]

Ibn ‘Umar & Abu Hurayrah (radiallahuanihuma) used to go out in the marketplace during the 1^ST 10-DAYS of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, & the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea is to remind the people & revive the sunnah of reciting Takbeer in this period so that each one should recite it individually, NOT IN UNISON, AS THERE IS NO BASIS IN SHAREE’AH FOR DOING THIS.

SINCERE REPENTANCE: Repentance is obligatory at all times, but when the Muslim combines sincere repentance with good deeds during the days of most virtue, this is a sign of success, in sha Allaah. Allah says “But as for him who repented, believed & did righteous deeds, then he will be among those who are successful.” [28:67].It is extremely important   to repent sincerely to Allaah & to give up all kinds of disobedience & sins. Repentance means coming back to Allaah & foregoing all deeds, open & secret, that He dislikes, out of regret for what has passed, giving it up immediately & being determined never to return to it, but to adhere firmly to the Truth by doing what Allaah loves.

The time of departure is at hand when we will be trapped with our deeds in the grave. The journey is frightening, delusions are widespread, & the road is long, but Allaah is ever watchful, & to Him will we return & render account.

“So whosoever does good equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it, And whosoever does evil equal to the weight of an atom, shall see it.”[99:7-8].

O you whose hard heart is as dark as the night, is it not time that your heart was filled with light & became soft? Expose yourself to the gentle breeze of your Lord’s mercy during these ten days, for Allaah will cause this breeze to touch whomever He wills.

OTHER DEEDS.
Let us occupy ourselves at this blessed time by worshipping Allaah, praying (salaat), reading Qur’an, remembering Allaah, making supplication (du’aa’), giving charity, honouring our parents, upholding the ties of kinship, enjoining what is good & forbidding what is evil, & other good deeds & acts of worship. Doing more good deeds in general, because good deeds are beloved to Allaah & will bring a great reward from Him.

THESE 1ST 10-DAYS OF DHUL HIJJAH 1439.A.H BEGINS IN SHA ALLAH 12th/13^th of AUGUST 2018 BUT STILL SUBJECT TO MOON SIGHTING IN YOUR PART OF THE WORLD.

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THE GREAT SACRIFICE (UDHIYAH)

THE GREAT SACRIFICE (UDHIYAH)

Allah says “Say (O Muhammad): Verily, my Salah (prayer), my sacrifice, my living, and my dying are for Allah, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner. And of this I have been commanded, & I am the first of the Muslims” [6: 162]

WHAT IS UDHIYAH ? An  animal of the ‘an’am class (camel, cow, sheep or goat) that is slaughtered during the days of Eid al-Adha as a prescribed act of worship to draw closer to Allah. Al-Baraa’ ibn ‘Aazib (radiallahu anihu); the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam): “Whoever offers a sacrifice after the prayer has completed his rituals (of Eid) & has followed the way of the Muslims.” Bukhaari.

Whoever can afford to offer a sacrifice but does not do so, let him not approach our place of prayer.” (Ahmad).  Abu Ayyoob: “At the time of the Messenger of Allaah (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam), a man would sacrifice a sheep on behalf of himself and the members of his household, and they would eat from it & give some to others.” (Ibn Maajah).

CONDITIONS FOR THE UDHIYAH. The animal should reach the required age; 6-months for a lamb, 1-year for a goat, 2-years for a cow and 5- years for a camel.  Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “There are four that will not do for sacrifice: a one-eyed animal whose defect is obvious, a sick animal whose sickness is obvious, a lame animal whose limp is obvious and an emaciated animal that has no marrow in its bones.” (Saheeh al-Jaami’). If an animal has been selected for sacrifice, it is not permissible to sell it or give it away, except in exchange for one that is better. It is permissible to ride it if necessary. (Bukhari).

Prophet (saw) said: “Whoever sells the skin of his udhiyah, there is no udhiyah for him..” (Saheeh al-Jaami). ‘Ali (radiallahu anihu) said: “The Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) commanded me to take care of the sacrifice & to give its meat, skin and raiment (covering used for protection) in charity, and not to give anything of it to the butcher as a compensation . He said, ‘We will give him something from what we have.’” (Agreed upon).

HASTEN TO SACRIFICE & EAT FROM THE MEAT. Buraydah (ra) said: The Messenger (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) did not go out on the day of (Eid) al-Fitr until he had eaten, and he did not eat on the day of (Eid) al-Adha until he came back, then he would eat from his sacrifice. (Ahmad –saheeh).See Q(22:28; 22:36)

HOW TO TREAT & SLAUGHTER THE ANIMALS? It is forbidden (HARAM) to engage the animals in a fighting contest for entertainment or any other reason. The animals should be slaughtered using the divine & more humane Islamic method (scientifically proven) with sharp knives, in one stroke, throat, windpipe, carotids & jugular completely slit, spinal cord intact, well restrained, eyes covered & not killed in the presence of other animals.

Anas ibn Maalik (ra): “The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) sacrificed two white rams speckled with black. He slaughtered them with his own hand, said ‘Allaahu akbar’ & put his foot on their necks.”(Bukhari); This is on behalf of myself & any member of my ummah who did not offer a sacrifice. (Abu Dawud).

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ONE WHO INTENDS TO SACRIFICE.

Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “When you see the new moon of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if any one of you wants to offer a sacrifice, let him not remove anything from his hair or nails until he has offered his sacrifice.” (saheeh). Other restrictions of not wearing perfume, not having intercourse with his wife or not wearing sewn garments & so on are not applicable to him but to those in the state of  Ihram. Hair or nails may be removed as a result of health or other urgent necessities. If a person removes some of his hair & nails during the first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah because he was not planning to offer a sacrifice, then he decides to sacrifice, he should refrain from cutting his hair or nails from the moment he makes the decision. This only applies to the one who has bought it with his/her wealth not his/her spouse or children. For more details http://islamqa.info/en/70290

SACRIFICE ON BEHALF OF THE PROPHET & THE DEAD. The general principle is that charities/du’a (devoid of innovations) can be done for the reward to be dedicated to the dead at any time. If the deceased bequeathed wealth or an endowment for that purpose, these wishes must be carried out. Sacrificing an animal during or outside Hajj for charity & dedicating the reward to our dead also falls under this. What about sacrificing, reading Quran etc. for the reward to go to the prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) out of the love we have for him; it sounds good & laudable. Disappointedly, we don’t need to, because the companions & the best generations after them did not do it for the prophet. The prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) gets equivalent of all the rewards of good deeds that every human being who submits to Allah in this Ummah does. We should continue making salawats devoid of innovations for him. Some ignorant muslims go to  the worst level of  sacrificing in the name of the prophet (saw) instead of  the name of Allah. Allah & His prophet forbade this & it is Shirk (6:118-121). Amazingly, we  have selective love for the prophet; we find it easier to emphasise unnecessary things like mawlid nabiyy, sacrificing an animal on behalf of the prophet but we don’t find it easy to obey the commands of the prophet regarding his sunnah (good character & moral values, beards, no-hisbal, recommended acts of worships etc.). To all these, we simply say, “It’s Just a Sunnah”. Further details https://imadawah.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/its-just-a-sunnah-1-of-2/

https://imadawah.wordpress.com/2016/12/21/its-just-a-sunnah-2-of-2/

TIME TO SLAUGHTER The time for offering the sacrifice begins after the Eid prayer on Eid al-Adha & ends when the sun sets on the 13th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. So, there are 4-days of sacrifice. The 3 – days are specified because they are the days of Mina, the days of stoning (the Jamaraat) and the days of al-Tashreeq. It is forbidden to fast on these days. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “All of Mina is the place of sacrifice, and all the days of al-tashreeq are days of sacrifice.” (sahih). Whoever slaughters his sacrifice before the Eid prayer is over, or after the sun sets on the 13^th, his sacrifice is not valid except he has very cogent excuse(s).

HOW TO SHARE THE UDHIYAH? Ahmad said: ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Abbaas (radiallahu anihu):‘He should eat one third (1/3) himself, feed one third(1/3)  to whomever he wants, & give one third(1/3)  in charity.” (reported by Abu Moosa al-Isfahaani in al-Wazaa’if; hasan. Ibn Mas’ood & Ibn ‘Umar said same.   http://islamqa.info/en/45757

Giving part of hudiyyah to non muslims is allowed unlike zakatul fitr ( which is given before eid ul fitr in Ramadhan) that is only meant for poor muslims  http://islamqa.info/en/180503

HOW LONG CAN THE UDHIYAH LAST? Narrated `Abis:  I asked Aisha, “Did the Prophet forbid eating the meat of sacrifices offered on Eid Al-Adha for more than three days?” She said: “The Prophet did not do this except in the year when the people were hungry, so he wanted the rich to feed the poor. But later we used to store even a trotter of a sheep to eat it fifteen days later.”

PROHIBITION ON EATING THE ANIMAL SLAUGHTERED BY SHI’AS, AHMADIYYAH ETC. https://islamqa.info/en/60046  https://islamqa.info/en/177012

PROHIBITION ON HARMING ANIMALS AND SETTING THEM AGAINST ONE ANOTHER https://islamqa.info/en/102828

MISCELLANEOUS RULINGS ON UDHIYYA.  http://islamqa.info/en/36432

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HAJJ & UMRAH SIMPLIFIED 4 of 4

HAJJ & UMRAH SIMPLIFIED 4 of 4

GOING TO MINA

When it has become very light, before the sun rises, he should go to Mina & hasten through Wadi Mahsar (which is a valley between Muzdalifah & Mina). When he reaches Mina he should stone Jamarat al-‘Aqabah, which is the last one that is closest to Makkah, throwing seven pebbles one after another, each of which should be approximately the size of a fava bean, saying “Allaahu akbar” with each throw. (The Sunnah when stoning Jamarat al-‘Aqabah is to face the Jamarah with Makkah to one’s left and Mina to one one’s right). When he has finished this stoning, he should slaughter his sacrificial animal, then shave his head or cut his hair if he is male; women should cut the length of a fingertip from their hair. This is the first stage of exiting ihraam, in which it becomes permissible to do everything except intercourse. Then, the pilgrim should go back to Makkah & do tawaaf & saa’i for Hajj. Then comes the second stage of exiting ihraam, after which everything becomes permissible which was forbidden whilst in ihraam.

The Sunnah is to put on perfume when one wants to go to Makkah to do tawaaf after stoning the jamarat & shaving one’s head, because ‘Aa’isha (radiallahuanihu) said: “I used to apply perfume to the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) before he entered ihram & when he exited ihraam, before he circumambulated the House.” Bukhaari.

Then after tawaaf & saa’i, he should go back to Mina & stay there for two night, the 11^th & 12^th of Dhu’l-Hijjah, & stone the three jamarats during those two days, when the sun has passed its zenith. It is better for him to go to the jamarats walking, but if he rides that is acceptable. He should stone the first jamarah, which is the one that is furthest away from Makkah & next to Masjid al-Kheef, with seven pebbles, one after another, and say “Allaahu akbar” after each throw. Then he should go forward a little and say a lengthy du’aa’(sunnah)

Then he should stone the middle jamarah as described above. Then he should move to his left & stand facing the qiblah, raising his hands, & offer a lengthy du’aa’ if he can. He should not omit to stand & make du’aa’ because it is Sunnah.

Then he should stone Jamarat al-‘Aqabah as described above, then he should go away & not offer a du’aa’ after that.

When he has completed the stoning of the Jamaraat on the 12^th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, if he wants he may hasten & leave Mina, & he may delay his departure & stay till night of the 13^th, & stone the three Jamaraat after noon as he did before. It is better to delay, but it is not obligatory unless the sun has set on the 12^th & he is still in Mina, in which case it is obligatory to stay until one has stoned the three Jamaraat after noon on the following day. But if the sun sets on the 12^th & he is still in Mina but not by choice, such as if he had already started out & boarded his means of transportation, but got delayed because of crowded conditions & traffic jams etc., then he is not obliged to stay there.

DEPARTING MAKKAH

When pilgrim wants to leave Makkah & go back to his country, he should not leave until he has performed the farewell circumambulation around the House  (tawaaf al-wadaa’).Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) said: “No one should leave until the last thing that he does is (tawaaf) around the House.”(Muslim). Another version, he told the people that the last thing they should do was (tawaaf) around the house, but he made an exception for women who were menstruating. (Bukhaari & Muslim.)

Women who are menstruating or bleeding following childbirth do not have to do the farewell tawaaf; neither should they stand by the door of al-Masjid al-Haraam to bid farewell, because that was not narrated from the Prophet (saw).

The last thing the pilgrim should do when he wants to leave is to circumambulate the House. If after the farewell tawaaf he stays and waits for his companions or to load his luggage or to buy something he needs on the way, there is nothing wrong with that, and he does not have to repeat the tawaaf, unless he intends to delay his journey, such as if he intended to travel at the beginning of the day and he did the farewell tawaaf, then he delays his travelling until the end of the day, for example; in this case he has to repeat the tawaaf so that it will be the last thing he does in Makkah.

HAJJ FAQs, COMMON MISTAKES DURING HAJJ & References:  www.islamqa.info/en/31822 http://www.islamqa.info/en/cat/472

Should a pilgrim wanting to visit the prophet’s mosque have the intention of visiting the grave or visiting the mosque?  www.islamqa.info/en/34464

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HAJJ AT A GLANCE

1.      IHRAM AT THE MI’QAT 2. ENTERING THE MASJID AL-HARAM 3. NIYYAH (INTENTION), 4.WELCOME TAWAF & SAA’I(BETWEEN SAFA &  MARWAH). 5. 8TH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH (DAY OF AL-TARWIYAH) 6. GOING TO MINA FROM MAKKAH 7.(9TH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH (GOING TO ARAFAT FROM MINA) 8. GOING TO MUZDALIFAH FROM ARAFAT 9.(10TH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH (PROCEEDING TO MINA FROM MUZDALIFAH) 10. (10TH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH (TAWAF AL-IFADHA IN MAKKAH). 11. (11TH – 13TH OF DHU’L-HIJJAH (RETURNING TO MINA FROM MAKKAH) 12. FAREWELL TAWAF IN THE HOLY CITY OF MAKKAH 13.DEPARTING FOR HOME.

 

 

 

 

 

HAJJ & UMRAH SIMPLIFIED 3 of 4

HAJJ & UMRAH SIMPLIFIED 3 of 4

SHAVING THE HEAD OR CUTTING THE HAIR

When the pilgrim who is doing Tamattu’ has completed seven circuits of saa’i, he should shave entire head or cut from all over his head. Shaving is better than cutting. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) made du’aa’ three times for those who shaved their heads & once for those who cut their hair  (Muslim). If the time of Hajj is so close that there will be no time for the hair to grow back, then it is better to cut one’s hair at this point, so that there will be some hair left to shave during Hajj. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) commanded his companions, during the Farewell Pilgrimage, to cut their hair during ‘Umrah, because they arrived on the morning of the 4^th of Dhu’l-Hijjah. Women should cut the length of a fingertip from their hair. The ‘Umrah of the one who is doing Tamattu’ is concluded, he should exit ihraam completely & can do everything that those who are not in ihraam do e.g. wearing regular clothes, perfume, intercourse etc.

Those who are doing Ifraad or Qiraan should not shave their heads or cut their hair, or exit ihraam, rather they should remain in ihraam until they exit ihraam on the day of Eid, after stoning Jamarat al-‘Aqabah.

On day of al-Tarwiyah; the 8^th day of Dhu’l-Hijjah, the one who is doing Tamattu’ should re-enter ihraam for Hajj in the morning from the place where he is in Makkah as before. He should form the intention of entering ihraam for Hajj & recite the Talbiyah, & say, “Labbayk Allaahumma Hajjan (Here I am, O Allaah, for Hajj).”

 

GOING TO MINA

The pilgrim goes to Mina & prays Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, ‘Isha’ & Fajr there, shortening the prayers but not joining them. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to shorten (making the 4-rak’ah prayers 2) his prayers in Mina but he did not join them. The people of Makkah & others should shorten their prayers in Mina, ‘Arafah and Muzdalifah because Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) used to lead the people in prayer during the Farewell Pilgrimage and there were people from Makkah with him, but he did not tell them to offer their prayers in full. But since the city has spread and incorporated Mina so that it is like one of the quarters of Makkah, then the people of Makkah should not shorten their prayers there.

GOING TO ‘ARAFAH

When the sun rises on the day of ‘Arafah, the pilgrim travels from Mina to ‘Arafah & stops in Namirah until the time of Zuhr (Namirah is a place just before ‘Arafah), if he can do so because It is Sunnah  but not obligatory. When the sun passes its zenith (i.e. when the time for Zuhr prayer begins), he should pray Zuhr and ‘Asr, two rak’ahs each,& join them together at the time of Zuhr, as the Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) did, so as to leave a lot of time for standing and making du’aa’.

Then after the prayer he should devote his time to making dhikr & du’aa’, raising his hands & facing the qiblah even if the mountain of ‘Arafah is behind him (the Sunnah is to face the qiblah, not the mountain. The Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) stood by the mountain & said, “I am standing here, but all of ‘Arafah is the place of standing.” Prophet’s du’aa’ in that great place of standing was: “Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk, wa lahu’l-hamd, wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the Dominion, all praise is due to Him, and He is able to do all things).”The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ made on the day of ‘Arafah.

GOING TO MUZDALIFAH

At sun set, the pilgrim goes to Muzdalifah. He should pray Maghrib & ‘Isha’ with one adhaan & two iqaamahs. If he fears that he will not reach Muzdalifah before midnight, he should pray on the way, because it is not permissible to delay ‘Isha’ prayer until after midnight.

He should stay overnight in Muzdalifah, then when dawn comes he should pray Fajr early, with the adhaan & iqaamah, & then head for al-Mash’ar al-Haraam (which is the site of the mosque in Muzdalifah) & proclaim the oneness and greatness of Allaah (by saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah & Allaahu akbar), and making du’aa’ as he likes (i.e., when the light of day appears before the sun has actually risen). If it is not easy for him to go to al-Mash’ar al-Haraam, he should make du’aa’ where he is. Prophet (sallAllaahu ‘alayhiwasallam) stood there & all of Muzdalifah is the place of standing. When he is reciting dhikr & making du’aa’ he should face the qiblah & raise his hands.