The month of Ramadhaan is the month of the Qur’aan

All praise is due to Allaah, Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon His Messenger, his household and companions.

Fellow Muslims! I implore myself and you all to fear Allaah; this honours the soul and brings it close to its Lord. No God-fearing person will ever fail and anyone who disregards the importance of piety will never be successful.

Dear Muslims! Whoever observes the condition of people in light of the current trials, tribulations and calamities that are occurring all over the world will see that the Muslims are in dire need of a generous guest that brings with it relief and progress. They are in need of this grand guest with whom they hope to be strengthened after a series of indescribable calamities and weakening incidents; hence their need for this great month of tranquillity and spiritual development. It is the month of self-examination, conscience reawakening and freedom from selfishness and lustful desires. Allaah says that which translates as: “O you who have believed! Decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous.”  (Al-Baqarah: 183).

Fellow Muslims! The month of Ramadaan is the month of the Qur’aan; a Book whose light will never fade and which is a path that never leads one astray. The Glorious Qur’aan is to man as the soul is to the body; it is a light for guidance. Whoever does not read the Qur’aan or put its injunctions into practice is dead, despite the fact that they may speak and move. Whoever does not put it into practice has gone far astray even if they are apparently successful in all areas of life.

Allaah says that which translates as: “Is one who is dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?” (Al-An’aam: 122).

A human being without the guidance of the Qur’aan is like any living being without air or water; all their endeavours will end up in bankruptcy. Allaah says that which translates as: “Say: ‘It is for those who believe, a guidance and a cure’ And those who do not believe – in their ears is deafness, and it (i.e. the Qur’aan) is upon them blindness. Those are being called from a distant place.” (Fussilat: 44).  

Fellow Muslims! There is no doubt that the relationship of many Muslims with the Qur’aan is one of abandonment of either its recitation or implementation of its injunctions. It is no exaggeration to say that the diseases of past nations have affected the Muslims, while they are unaware of this. Allaah says that which translates as: “And there are among them unlettered people who do not know not the Scripture except (indulgement in) wishful thinking, but they are only assuming.” (Al Baqarah: 78). The scholars ofTafseer say about this verse: ‘It means: they know nothing about the Book except for its recitation, for it never passed their lungs and throats. This is because of the fact that there was a spiritual absence in their recitation and therefore, they were unable to ponder over its meanings’.

Among the causes of the absence of reflection on the meanings of the Qur’aan is the failure to explore and understand the laws of Allaah in relation to human-beings and natural phenomena. Also to blame is the sanctification of erroneous concepts and wrong interpretations of life that have become widespread among people and which are caused by unrestrained love for this world and the hatred of death. Ziyaad Ibn Labeed Al-Ansaari, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam mentioned something and then said: ‘….and that is when there will be no more knowledge.’ We said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! How will knowledge disappear while we have the Qur’aan with us and we teach it to our children and while they will also teach it to theirs?’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam retorted: ‘I thought you were one of the most knowledgeable of the people of Madeenah! Are there not Jews and Christians who have their scriptures with them and yet they take no benefit from what is inside them?’ (At-Tirmidhi and others).

One is stricken with grief and shock when they see the stance that many Muslims have adopted with regard to the Book of their Lord. They have been covered by darkness and wander aimlessly; the foreign systems and ideologies that they have embraced have done nothing for them. How can it be that we have the light and yet follow the paths of other nations?

The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam lived for sixty-three years; we are used to  believing that old age and the vicissitudes of life cause hair to turn grey. What then will you think of a man who attributed grey hair to some verses of the glorious Qur’aan that he used to recite? Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, asked the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam about what caused some of his beard to become grey, he  sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: ‘It was caused by Soorah Hood, Soorah Al-Waaqi’ah, Soorah An-Naba’ and Soorah At-Takweer.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Brothers in faith! The blessed month of Ramadaan should be regarded as a wonderful opportunity for every Muslim to save himself from destruction and to purify their soul in preparation for the Qur’aanic guidance that is inherent in night prayer. Allaah says that which translates as: “Indeed, the hours of the night (i.e. the rising for Tahajjud prayer) are more effective for concurrence (of heart and tongue) and more suitable for words (i.e. for recitation of the Qur’aan and for hearing and understanding it).” (Al-Muzzammil: 6).

Brothers in faith! The blessed month of Ramadaan is a great opportunity for the Muslims to wake up for night prayers, seek refuge with Allaah and turn to Him for their needs, for none has the power to answer their call except Allaah alone. The Lord descends to the nearest heaven, in a way that befits his majesty, in the last third of the night and asks: “Is there anyone who seeks My forgiveness so that I can forgive him?” Do any of us ever reflect upon and appreciate this great period which is one of those in which supplications are answered? Tell me, what are the people doing in this last part of the night? Many a miserable soul missed this blessed period! Many people are in deep slumber at this time. It is saddening that some of those who are negligent of this great period are however, ready to go anywhere where they can lodge their complaints and seek solutions to their problems – from their fellow human beings, forgetting that it is only Allaah who is capable of removing sorrow and distress. He says that which translates as: “What is (the matter) with you that you do not attribute to Allaah (due) grandeur while He has created you in stages?” (Nooh: 13-14).

Imaam Tirmidhi reported that the Prophet of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘There are three persons whose supplications are never rejected: The just leader, the fasting person when he breaks his fast and the oppressed when he supplicates and whose supplication is raised above the clouds and the gates of heaven are opened for it and Allaah will say, “By My Glory! I shall assist you even if it is after a while.”’

Brothers in faith! There are however, some people who raise their hands in prayer and are impatient for a rapid answer; they may even feel despair if their supplications are not speedily answered. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “Allaah will answer the supplication of any one of you as long as he is not hasty and says: ‘I called my Lord and He did not answer.’”

The delay may also be caused by sins such as the failure to uphold the rights of kinship, or perhaps it may be due to the fact that the prayer emanated only from the tongue and was not rooted in the heart. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: ‘Allaah does not accept the supplications from an inattentive heart.’ The heart is not free from turning to the desires of this life and we all know that one who always looks back does not reach his goal in time.

Therefore, I implore you O Muslims, to make plentiful supplications to Allaah, for supplication is the essence of worship. Let nobody slight their requirements however great or small they may be. Allaah says that which translates as: “And your Lord says: ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.’ Indeed, those who disdain My worship will enter Hell (rendered) contemptible.” (Ghaafir: 60).

Here is an example for those in sorrow and distress: The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam entered the mosque one day and saw an Ansaari (a resident of Madeenah) man there by the name of Abu Umaamah. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam asked him, ‘O Abu Umaamah, why are you sitting in the mosque at a time that is not a prayer time?’ He replied: ‘I was forced to do so by sorrow and debt.’ The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam then asked: ‘Shall I teach you a supplication by which Allaah will remove your sorrow and pay for you your debts?’ He answered: ‘O yes, Messenger of Allaah!’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam then said: ‘Say every morning and evening: Allaahumma innee a’oodhu bikka minal-hammi wal hazan, wa a’oodhu bika minal-‘ajzi wal-kasal wa a’oodhu bika minal-jubni wal-bukhul wa a’oodhu bika min ghalabatid-dayn wa qahrir-rijaal.’ (Meaning: O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from anxiety and sorrow, weakness and laziness, miserliness and cowardice, the burden of debts and from being over powered by men.) Abu Umaamah said: ‘I did that and Allaah removed my distress and paid for me my debt.’ (Abu Daawood).

Fellow Muslims! The month of Ramadaan is a month of generosity and spending in ways that are virtuous. Let every Muslim take part in the generosity of this month and not hesitate to wipe the tears off the faces of orphans, widows and the destitute. Let everyone keep away from stinginess and covetousness for these are two of the bad qualities from which the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam sought refuge with his Lord from. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was the most generous of mankind and his generosity multiplied during the month of Ramadaan. He would never say ‘no’ when he was asked of anything.

Further, the benefits of charity are not restricted to the beneficiary; the donor also has a share. An example of this is when a generous person gives in charity, their heart becomes gladdened and they become pleased with that. Therefore, this person will be encouraged to give more and gain extra rewards. As for the miser, whenever he thinks of giving in charity his heart feels constrained; he feels as if he is giving away a chunk of his life!, this in turn leads to his whole life feeling constrained. However, nothing destroys the tricks and insinuations of Satan more than giving sincerely in charity.

Allaah says that which translates as: “Satan threatens you with poverty and orders you to immorality, while Allaah promises you forgiveness from Him and bounty. And Allaah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Al-Baqarah: 268).

alminbar

RECEIVING RAMADAN

How should we receive the month of Ramadan? Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafidh (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) points us in the right direction. This is a summary of various lectures on the topic.

We are about to receive the master of all months, the best of all months, the month in which gifts constantly pour forth from the ocean of divine generosity. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ once mentioned Ramadan and said out of veneration: “Do they realise what is coming to them and what they are receiving?” The believer should reflect upon his connection with his Lord, the One who has made this month an opportunity for him to receive His gifts and His forgiveness. We should receive this month in three ways.

Firstly, we should have joy upon its arrival.

Allah says: Say: “In the bounty of Allah and in His mercy – in that let them rejoice! That is better than the wealth they amass.”¹Take a look at the manifestations of Allah’s bounty in this noble month. Sayyiduna Salman narrates that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ spoke to us on the last day of Sha`ban saying: “O people, a great and blessed month has approached, a month in which there is a night greater than one thousand months. Allah made fasting in this month a compulsory act and made praying in the night a voluntary act. Whoever seeks to draw close to Allah in it with a good deed will be rewarded like someone who performed a compulsory action at another time. Whoever performs a compulsory action in it will be rewarded like someone who performed seventy compulsory actions at another time. It is the month of steadfastness (sabr) and the reward of steadfastness is Paradise. It is the month of charity. It is the month in which a believer’s provision is increased.”²

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah made fasting Ramadan compulsory and made the night prayer recommended. Whoever fasts in it and prays in the night in a state of belief; seeking Allah’s reward, will be free of sins like the day on which his mother gave birth to him.”³ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ informed us that in this month gates of the heavens are opened,⁴ meaning that it is easy for our actions, our prayers and our repentance to find acceptance with Allah. It has also been narrated that when Ramadan enters, Allah orders the angels who carry His throne to stop praising Him and to seek forgiveness for the Ummah of Muhammad.⁵

The Prophet ﷺ said: “My Ummah has been given in Ramadan five things that no prophet before me was given. The first is that on the first night of the month of Ramadan Allah gazes upon them and if Allah gazes upon someone, He will never punish them. The second is the smell emanating from their mouths in the latter part of the day is sweeter in Allah’s sight than the scent of musk. The third is that the angels seek forgiveness for them every day and night. The fourth is that Allah says to Paradise: ‘Prepare yourself and beautify yourself for My slaves for they will soon find rest in My Abode in the place of My generosity after the hardship of this life. The fifth is that they will all be forgiven on the last night.”

Someone asked: “Is that Laylat al-Qadr? He replied: “No, look at workers: when they finish their work they are given their wages in full.”⁶

Secondly, we should be wary of things that prevent us from attaining the gifts that are bestowed.

Fasting and all acts of worship were legislated to allow us to attain true taqwa: O you who believe, fasting was prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain taqwa.⁷The essential meaning of taqwa is to place a barrier between yourself and the anger of Allah by obeying His orders and avoiding that which He has prohibited. The Ummah has lost this fear of Allah and as a result its enemies have been given power over it. Acceptance of our fasting and other acts is also based on taqwa: Allah only accepts (the actions) of people who possess taqwa.⁸

We should avoid any false speech. The Messenger of Allah ﷺsaid: “If someone does not leave false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for him to leave his food and drink.”⁹

We should avoid rude and obscene speech and argumentation. The Messenger of Allahﷺsaid: “Fasting is a shield. If someone is fasting let him not speak obscenely or argue.” He also said ﷺ: “Fasting is a shield, as long one does not pierce it.”

He was asked: “How does one pierce it?”

“By lying or backbiting,” he replied.

There are four categories of people who are denied Allah’s forgiveness in Ramadan and at other times. They are those who sever kinship ties, those disobey their parents, those who have rancour in their hearts for other Muslims and those who are addicted to alcohol or drugs.

The believer should be extremely careful to break his fast on lawful food, for “Allah is good and only accepts that which is good and wholesome.”¹⁰ One of the early Muslims said: “When you fast, pay attention to what you break your fast on and who you break it with.”

Prepare to receive Ramadan with pure hearts, for by Allah, abundant prayer, fasting and recitation of the Qur’an will be of no benefit if your hearts are full of darkness.

Thirdly, we should strive to do good works to the best of our ability, for Ramadan is an opportunity to take provision and to gain great rewards.

It is narrated that an angel calls every night in Ramadan: “O seeker of good, approach! O seeker of evil, retreat!”¹¹ The believer must thus constantly seek good. He must constantly seek to rectify himself and their families and those over whom they have been given authority. They should spread goodness among the Muslims and among humanity. If he has these good and broad intentions he will then be called by the angel: “O seeker of good, approach!”

During Ramadan, Imam al-Shafi`i would complete the Qur’an once during the day and once during the night so that by the end of the month he had completed the Qur’an sixty times. People used to be so absorbed in worship during Ramadan that they would hardly see their relatives or their friends. They would see each other briefly at the Friday prayer but even then everyone would be busy with prayer and reciting the Qur’an. For this reason `Id would be a joyful occasion, because on that day it would be as if people were meeting each other for the first time after having been apart from each other for a whole month.

Since the gates of the heavens are open during this month we should take advantage of this, and plead with Allah for our needs to be answered. Are you concerned with the Ummah of Muhammad? This is the Lord of the Ummah of Muhammad promising you that He will answer your prayers. So plead with Him that the Muslims are granted relief from their sufferings; that their hearts are united; that the sick are healed; that the disobedient are given the ability to repent and that the ignorant are granted knowledge. Allah says: You sought relief from your Lord, and He responded to You. He said: Call upon Me and I will answer you. Nothing is too great for Allah. “Come to know Allah in times of ease, and He will be with you in times of hardship.”

Al-Sayyidah `A’ishah asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ what she should ask for if she knew that it was Laylat al-Qadr.

He replied: “Say: ‘O Allah, truly You are all-Pardoning, You love to pardon so pardon us.’”¹²

He also said ﷺ: “Do four things in abundance: two things with which you please your Lord, and two things which you cannot do without. As for the two things with which you please your Lord: your testifying that there is nothing worthy of worship other than Allah and your seeking His forgiveness. As for the two things which you cannot do without: your asking Allah for Paradise and seeking refuge in Him from the Fire.”¹³

So say these things in abundance, for they are the best things for which you can use your tongue. Say them in your homes, in the streets, in the mosques not just at Iftar or after Tarawih.

[On the basis of these two hadiths the scholars and people of Tarim repeat the following du`a throughout the month of Ramadan:

أشْهَدُ أن لا إلهَ إلا الله نَسْتَغْفِرُ الله نسأَلُكَ الجنَّةَ ونَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ النَّار(3)

Ashadu alla ilaha illallah, nastaghfirullah, nas’aluk’l-jannata wa na`audhu bika min an-nar

“I testify that there is nothing worthy of worship other than Allah and we seek the forgiveness of Allah. We ask You for Paradise and take refuge in You from the Fire.” (3 times)

اللهمَّ إنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنَّا(3) يا كَرِيم

Allahumma innaka `afuwun tuhibbu-l’`afwa f`afwa `anna

“O Allah, truly You are all-Pardoning, You love to pardon so pardon us” (3 times). On the third time say “O Most Generous” (Ya Karim).]

Allah give us the biggest portion of all goodness. Make Ramadan a cause of rectification and the removal of tribulations.

Your Prophet ﷺwould expend great efforts in worship in Ramadan, and particularly in the last ten days, so emulate your Prophet ﷺ. Beware of striving at the beginning of the month and then becoming lazy towards the end, as “actions are judged by their endings.”¹⁴

Please also benefit from the Ramadan Reader, which includes an outline of Sayyidi Habib `Umar’s schedule for students of Dar al-Mustafa throughout Ramadan.

May Allah grant us His Enabling Grace to make the most of the blessed month and aid us in doing so by giving ease in observing at least some parts of the blessed schedule.

—

1 Yunus, 10:58

2 Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah

3 Narrated by Ahmad and al-Nasa’i

4 Narrated by al-Bayhaqi

5 Narrated by al-Daylami

6 Narrated by al-Bayhaqi

7  Al-Baqarah, 2:183

8 Al-Ma’idah, 5:27

9 Narrated by al-Bukhari, Abu Daud, al-Tirmidhi, al-Nasa’i and Ibn Majah

10  Narrated by Muslim

11  Narrated by Ibn Majah, al-Hakim, al-Bayhaqi and Ibn Hibban

12  Narrated by Ahmad, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi with a sahih chain of transmission

13  Narrated by Ibn Khuzayma

14  Narrated by al-Bukhari

copied from muwasala.org

Lessons from Surah Fatihah – Identifying the Straight Path

“Guide us along the Straight Way. The way of those whom You have bestowed Your Grace. Not of those who earn Your anger, nor of those who go astray.” (Qur’an, 1:6-7)

When we examine these verses, we find that it has some very interesting qualities that make it a unique prayer. In a short examination of the above verses, especially the section we have highlighted, we will find guidance on:

1. Having humility as a servant of Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala (Glorified is He) in the community
2. Ascribing success to Allah (swt) and not to oneself
3. The comprehensiveness of Islam
4. The social nature of the Islamic message

As we explore the garden of Surah Fatihah, we will pick these four fruits for today.

1. Humility

In this prayer which Allah (swt) revealed to us, it is clear that we are to ask for guidance upon the Straight Way. However, the nature of this path, its location, its signs, its characteristics, and its direction are all left out. We are given no indication as to how to get there, how to find the map for it. Instead, the path is described in one single way: “The Path of Those Whom You Have Favored”.

It is interesting that rather than pointing to concepts or ideas for the individual to discover on one’s own, Allah (swt) pointed to people. He tells us that this path is found with those whom His favor is upon. What is the point of doing this?

It has immediately turned us into students. We are seeking this path and when Allah (swt) points to the people whom He has favored, our minds become fixed on seeking out these people. Who are they? How can we be like them? How can we join their company? Rather than allowing us to feel arrogant that we are on the Straight Path, we have been directed towards others who may already be there. But again…who are they?

“All who obey Allah and the Messenger are in the company of those on whom is the Grace of Allah, – of the prophets (who teach), the sincere (lovers of Truth), the witnesses (who testify), and the Righteous (who do good): Ah! what a beautiful fellowship!” (Qur’an 4:69)

And here we have:

-How to join this company: Obey Allah and the Messenger ﷺ (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

-Who the company consists of: the Prophets, the Siddiqeen (the truthful sincere servants of God), the Shuhadaa (those who testify to the Truth with their speech, and if needed will defend the Truth and the innocent with their lives), and the Saliheen (those who are righteous in actions).

Allah (swt), then praises this group by calling it a beautiful fellowship.

By naming these four groups of people in the Qur’an as those whom the Grace of Allah is upon, He has pointed us not to a set of concepts, but to a community and a set of examples. From the teachings of the Prophets we take knowledge and the framework of Truth for all that follows. From the Siddiqin we derive the lessons and examples of sincere worship. From the Shuhada we see examples of those who act and struggle to testify to Truth. And from the Saliheen we see examples of righteous actions. So the one aiming for the Straight Path should seek out these people, their company, their examples, and learn from what they have.

This teaches the servant that he should think himself self-reliant in his journey towards God’s grace, but should remember that there are those in the past, and those in the community that he can seek out and be in good company with.

2. Ascribing Success to Allah

In mentioning the Straight Path, Allah (swt) does not simply provide a list of actions. Rather, He makes it clear that He is the One acting.

أَنْعَمْتَ – This word means “You bestow nai’mah (favor) upon” in reference to God. A subtle reminder that we are not the one’s who “earn” Allah’s grace, but that He gives it to us out of His mercy. Though we can attract his Mercy through sincerity, Allah (swt) is reminding us that it is not our deeds alone that bring guidance or forgiveness, but it is something that He bestows upon us as a Favor, a nai’mah. This again reminds the servant to be humble before Allah (swt).

3. The Comprehensiveness of Islam

Every group, methodology, and ideology will have some method or idea which it sees as the primary driver of Islamic reform for the individual and the community. Some groups oriented around Tasawwuf (self-improvement) will focus on spiritual purification. Others focused around societal change will focus on activism in the community – both social and political. Other organizations will focus on righteous deeds and worship. Yet others will focus on knowledge.

However we see that when Allah (swt) describes the people who have His Grace, they represent ALL of these various interests and agendas. They are according to Qur’an, 4:69:

–Nabiyeen/Prophets: The bearers of the Message of God, the deliverers of Knowledge from God to humanity, and the providers of the religious foundation for generation to come and all the groups that follow below.

–Siddiqeen/the Sincere and Truthful: Those whose hearts are purified and are sincere in their reverence for God and in their actions amongst people. Truthfulness emanates not only in their speech but in their actions, because their intentions are pure and for God alone.

–Shuhadaa/Witnesses: Those who actively strive to witness to the Truth under extraordinary circumstances, whether under threat of loss of life or wealth. They testify to Islam and call to goodness and benefit and may eventually find themselves giving all they have in order to defend innocent people and protect the lives of others.

–Saliheen/the Righteous: Those who dedicate extraordinary amounts of time to the doing of good deeds. Prayer, fasting, giving charity, visiting the sick, helping the orphan, remembering the name of God, reciting the Qur’an, and doing their utmost to have their limbs always in the worship of the Creator and in the service of His Creation.

It is amazing that in describing the people of the Straight path, the Qur’an mentions all of the various goals and methods – the seeking of knowledge, the purification of the soul, activism, and the doing of good deeds. Yet another testament to the fact that Islam is comprehensive, and calls for balance in the various priorities on the Straight path.

4. The Social Nature of the Islamic Message

By highlighting a set of people, instead of a list of to-dos, the Qur’an has pointed us towards a religion that is not individualistic, but is based around being part of a community. It is asking us to seek out people from whom we can learn, and good company with whom we can be.

As the Prophet ﷺ said, “A person is upon the religion of his/her friends.” The most intimate companions of a person will often affect his/her faith and will influence the direction of his/her life.  But if we know that we should seeking the knowledge and stay within the framework provided by the Prophet ﷺ, strive to be with people who show purity and sincerity as best as we can notice, spend time in circles of activism and call to good things, and work hard to do righteous actions and be in groups that do righteous actions, the Qur’an is telling us that while in that company, we are on the Straight Path – insha’Allah (God-willing).

Sources: Ma’riful Qur’an (Shafi Uthmani), Tafhim ul Qur’an (Maududi), Ibn Kathir, Tafsir Jalalayn

 

by ABDULASATAR AHMED

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