! !

Mini Treats
Virtues of D
eeds fr
and Ahadith om the Qur’an
o f P ro p h e t
.
 Each day & moment is a sugar-coated
treat and a joy—when lived with Faith.

Mini Treats:"
unveiling secrets on
how to be super rich
always with daily treats
!"
(with Allah’s help). "

The Messenger of Allah said: The reward of deeds depend on the

intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has
intended.” (Al-Bukhari: 1/1/1, Part of a long Hadith)

The more Ihtisaab we have (seeking the

reward from Allah), the more the reward and
virtues we can attain. A sweet, priceless trade…
Let’s get the maximum reward, by renewing
our intentions every time we perform them!
In order to understand and benefit from the virtues mentioned
later in this book, it will be beneficial to first understand the
meaning of Faith ( ) and Ihtisaab.

The Meaning of Faith

Faith ( ) is firm belief
without any doubts in Allah,
His Angels, His Books, His
Messengers, in the Last Day
(Day of Judgment), and in fate
(decree/Qadar)—both in its
good and its evil aspects.
When the Prophet was asked about Iman by the angel Jibreel, he replied:
“Iman is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His Books, His Messengers, the
Last Day, and to believe in Qadar, and what it brings of good or bad.”
(Reported by Muslim)

The place of the faith is in the heart, which means that no one can measure
faith because only Allah knows the reality. It is only in Allah’s hands to
open one’s heart to faith and as long as you strive and are truthful to Allah,
yourself, and others, He will guide you, beautify faith for you in your heart,
and gradually increase your love for faith. The fact that only Allah can put
the faith in your heart shows how much we are in constant need of Allah,
and is a reminder of the abundant favors Allah has bestowed on each of us.

So if you have a sincere desire to increase in faith, make

du’aa to Allah to open your heart. You will then be drawn
towards everything that will make you stronger in faith. For
example, when you strive to avoid listening to music, Allah
will put the love of listening to the Qur'an in your heart
along with the feeling of hatred for the music.
Faith has two parts:
(1) Input ! Knowledge: When (2) Output ! Action: When you fill
your heart with this knowledge,
you acquire knowledge it will make your faith stronger
about Allah and each of the and this will show through your
pillars of faith, your faith actions. This includes the actions
of the heart, tongue and limbs.
will gradually increase, and When you fill your heart with
your doubts will begin to knowledge about Allah (input),
disappear. For example, your heart will have an action –
knowledge of your Creator, His such as the love for Allah, Fear
beauty, His magnificence, His for Him, Hope in Him. When
glory, His greatness, how He your heart is certain and firm
deals with His creation, is one of
the constant inputs that your with knowledge, then the
heart needs and yearns for. You worship and deeds that were
also need to fill your heart with once difficult for you will
the knowledge about the Day of
Judgment along with the other then become easy to act
pillars. These are all necessary upon.
nourishments for the heart.

Faith =
Knowledge (The Belief) +
Action
You can call someone a Muslim based on the outside appearance, such as
when you see a person fasting, praying, reading the Qur’an, going for
‘Umrah and Hajj etc.; however, you cannot call a person a believer (mu’min)
by just looking at the outside. Only Allah knows whether the faith is true in
one’s heart or not.

Without faith, the heart is like a barren desert. When full of faith, the heart
is like a garden.

Faith increases and decreases so we need to recharge (renew) it

always. If it wearies, then the heart hardens quickly. Hence, we
need to renew the faith all the time. That is why the pillars of
faith (about Allah, the Angels, Messengers and Prophets, the
Books, etc.) are mentioned in different places in the Qur’an.
 Ihtisaab ( )
(Hoping for the Reward)
The more the virtues you hope and intend to
earn, the higher the reward. The word Ihitsaab
means seeking the reward from Allah. This
means if you do every deed, whether an act of
‘ibaadah or any other lawful mundane act,
hoping the reward from Allah then you will be Seeking the reward
rewarded for it according to your sincerity. The from Allah also
more the Ihtisaab, the more will be the virtues
and the balance of good deeds on the Day of keeps a person
Judgment. away from Ar-
Riyaa or seeking
worldly benefits.

An example for Ihtisaab is as follows: when you

observe the fast, you do it in order to carry out
an obligatory command of Allah; you hope that
Allah will make this fast an intercessor for you
on the Day of Judgment and that it will be your
source of joy and companionship when you are
alone in the grave.

Ahmad reported on the authority of Asma’ bint Abi Bakr (may Allah be
pleased with her): “When a person enters his grave, if he is a believer, he
will be surrounded by his deeds, his prayer (Salaat), and his fast. The angel
will come (to make him sit) from the direction of the Salaat and his Salaat
will return to him. Then he (the angel) will come from the direction of the
Siyaam (Fast), and his fast will drive him back. Then the angel will call to
him: “Sit” and he will sit.” (Majmu’ Az-Zawa’id by Al-Haithami)
Heedlessness in intention is blameworthy. Acknowledge and be conscious
When you acknowledge your concern you
of your intentions.
will find that, too frequently, you are not practicing Ihtisaab
in many actions, rather you are doing them habitually and
perhaps robotically. Ihtisaab will turn the habits into true
acts of worship. It will make you perform the deed with
consciousness of the good intention, hoping for the reward
from Allah; intending: “O My Lord! I am doing this deed (action) hoping
that You accept it from me and hoping that You make it an intercessor for
me when I meet you.” This is not uttered by tongue but it is intended in the
heart.!

Another example is when you read the Qur’an, you hope to receive a good
deed for reciting every letter and that this good deed will be multiplied by
ten. Accordingly, you read with the following intentions (in your heart, not
verbally): “O Lord, I am reciting the Qur’an, hoping that You will give me
the reward for my recitation.” You do not recite because you are told to
recite it during Ramadan, or because it is just a tradition, or because it is
only a habit. You should know what is waiting for you of reward for your
recitation, and this should be your motivation.

Is the one who is anxious to pray the Maghrib prayer on

time because he does not want to miss the television series
or football match before it starts, like a person who offers
the Maghrib prayer on time, hoping to be with Allah along
with the virtuous people? The answer is emphatically, “No.”

“They are not equal.” (Surah As-Sajdah, 32:18)

And they can never be equal.
Many people are heedless of Ihtisaab. They perform
many deeds without hoping for the reward from Allah (Ta’ala); they do it
just because it is a good deed. Therefore, prior to performing any good
deed, e.g. performing Wudu’, one should bring the following intentions to
his heart1:

1. Carrying out the command of Allah. For example, when you intend to
perform Wudu’, you are implementing Allah’s command in Surah Al-
Ma’idah:

“O you who believe! When you intend to offer as-Salaat (the prayer),
wash your faces and your hands…” (Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:6)

So you should feel that Allah is commanding you and say, “We hear and
we obey.”

2. Following the example of Allah’s

Messenger , as if he is in
front of you performing Wudu’
and you are following him.

3. Ihtisaab (hoping for the reward

from Allah), which is forgiveness
of sins with every drop when you
perform Wudu’.!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
Al-Muhajiroon, Issue 15-5
The Virtues of… Page
1. Wudu’ (Ablution) and Purification 1

f
.

o
2. Prayer 8

3. Actions Within the Prayer 14

ab le
T
4. Voluntary Prayers 24

5. The Night Prayer & The Last 34

Third of the Night

6. The Congregational Prayer 44

s
7. Straightening the Rows and 51
Filling in the Gaps in
Congregational Prayer

te n t
8. The Fajr Prayer in Congregation

9. The ‘Asr and ‘Isha Prayers

55

59
C o n
10. Fasting 64

11. Loving Someone for the Sake of 72

Allah

12. The Remembrance of Allah 79 17. Seeking Knowledge 117

13. Study Circles 89 18. Good Manners 123

14. Repentance and Seeking 94 19. The Noble Qur’an 130

Forgiveness
20. Some Chapters of the Qur’an 140
15. Supplications 103
21. Obedience to Parents 155
16. Sending Blessings to the Messenger 110
of Allah 22. Visiting the Sick 163

23. Maintaining Ties of Kinship 169

24. Zakaah & Sadaqah 175

25. Helping People 187

26. Marriage 192

27. The Everlasting Good Deeds 196

28. Patience 210

29. Pardoning 223

!
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THE VIRTUES OF WUDU’
!
!
(ABLUTION) AND PURIFICATION
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Expiation of Sins
! Amongst the Believers
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
Opening of the Eight
!
Reward of Performing Wudu’ Gates of Paradise
! According to the Sunnah ( )!
! (the Way of the Prophet )
!
!
( )!
!
! Prophet Will Recognize
! You on the Day of Judgment
! Light on the Day of Judgment from the Traces of the Wudu’
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! An Angel’s Invocation
! Elevation of Ranks in Paradise
During the Night
! ( )!
! ( )!
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! Accepted Supplication Key and Prerequisite to Salaah
! ( )!
!
( )!
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-1-
WHEN WE HOPE FOR THE REWARD (IHTISAAB) FROM ALLAH, WE WILL
FEEL THE PLEASURE AND TASTE THE SWEETNESS OF OUR DEEDS. WE
WILL NOT DO GOOD DEEDS JUST AS A HABIT, BUT WILL LOVE DOING
THEM.

Wudu’ (Ablution)
and Purification
( )
• We perform wudu’ many times during the day, as it is a means for
Salaah, reading the Qur’an, and performing tawaaf in Makkah.
• It is important to note that wudu’ is, by itself as well, an act of worship,
even though sometimes wudu’ is associated only with prayer.
• When you make wudu’, enjoy it because you are purifying yourself for
the meeting with Allah and He loves the person who keeps himself
clean. We should present ourselves to our Lord in the best form.

When performing wudu’, our intention

must be in the heart and does not need to
be uttered out loud.

The Virtues of Wudu’ (Ablution) and Purification

( )
Before performing wudu’, we should think about the virtues in order to get
the maximum reward from Allah.

1. AMONGST THE BELIEVERS ( ):

The one who renews ablution after a state of breaking it, even if
it is not for prayer or other acts of worship, was given the title of
a ‘believer’ ( ) by the Messenger of Allah .

-2-
The Messenger of Allah said: “Try to go straight, although you will not
be able to do so. Act, and the best of your actions is the prayer. And only a
believer is constant in his wudu’.” (Malik, Book #2, Hadith #67)

This differentiates one who is always in a

state of wudu’ and one who is only doing it
before performing an act of worship.

2. EXPIATION OF SINS ( ): The Prophet

mentioned that all
(minor) sins will be washed away from the limbs that wudu’ is
performed upon. Outwardly, we clean ourselves through wudu’ to
prepare for the meeting with Allah; this is tangible purification.
Inwardly, Allah washes away our sins if our wudu’ is done with this
intention in the heart and is performed in the best manner; this is
intangible purification.

'Uthman bin 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: the
Messenger of Allah said, "He who performs the wudu’ perfectly (i.e.,
according to Sunnah), his sins will depart from his body, even from under
his nails." (Muslim)

'Uthman bin 'Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw the
Messenger of Allah performing Wudu' the way I have just done it and
said, "He who performs Wudu' like this, his previous sins will be forgiven
and his Salaah and walking to the mosque will be considered as
supererogatory act of worship." (Muslim)

-3-
3. REWARD OF PERFORMING WUDU’ ACCORDING TO THE SUNNAH -
THE WAY OF THE PROPHET ( ):
When we perform wudu’ and wash the required limbs three times, then
we are following the way of the Prophet Muhammad and all other
Prophets (peace be upon them all).

4. OPENING OF THE EIGHT GATES OF PARADISE

( ): After completing wudu’, the one who says
the du’aa below is promised the honor of being called upon from all the
eight gates of Paradise.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever of you performs wudu’ carefully

and then affirms:
‘Ash-hadu an laa ilaaha illallaahu Wahdahu laa shareeka Lahu, wa ash-
hadu anna Muhammadan 'abduhu wa Rasooluhu. “I testify that there is
no true god except Allah Alone, Who has no partners and that
Muhammad is His slave and Messenger,”
the eight gates of Jannah are opened for him. He may enter through
whichever of these gates he desires (to enter).” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith
#1032)

5. LIGHT ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT ( ): Light will shine

from us on the Day of Judgment as a result of performing our wudu’
properly.

The Messenger of Allah said: “On the day of Resurrection, my nation will
be radiant from prostrating and shining from wudu’.” (Al-Tirmidhi, Book #2,
Hadith #610)

-4-
6. PROPHET WILL RECOGNIZE YOU ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
FROM THE TRACES OF THE WUDU’ ( ): Our face
and limbs will be radiant, allowing the Prophet to recognize us on the
Day of Resurrection.

Abu Hurairah reported that once the Messenger of Allah went to the
Baqee cemetery and said: “May you be secured from punishment, O
dwellers of abode of the believers! We, if Allah wills, will follow you. I wish
we see my brothers." The Companions said, "O Messenger of Allah! Are not
we your brothers?" He said, "You are my Companions, but my brothers are
those who have not come into the world yet." They said; "O Messenger of
Allah! How will you recognize those of your Ummah who are not born
yet?" He said, "Say, if a man has white-footed horses with white foreheads
among horses which are pure black, will he not recognize his own horses?"
They said; "Certainly, O Messenger of Allah!" He said, "They (my followers)
will come with bright faces and white limbs because of wudu’ and I will
arrive at the Haud (Al-Kauthar) ahead of them.” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith
#1029)

7. ELEVATION OF RANKS IN PARADISE ( ):

Performing wudu’ in times of hardship (for example, having to use very
cold water in very cold weather) elevates our rank in Paradise. One level
to another in Paradise is the same as the distance between the heavens
and the earth.

-5-
The Messenger of Allah said: “Shall I not tell you something by which
Allah effaces the sins and elevates ranks (in Jannah)?" The Companions
said; "Certainly, O Messenger of Allah." He said, "Performing the wudu’
thoroughly in spite of difficult circumstances, walking with more paces to
the mosque, and waiting for the next Salaah; and that is Ar-Ribat, and that
is Ar-Ribat.” (Muslim, Book #1, Hadith #131)

8. AN ANGEL’S INVOCATION DURING THE NIGHT ( ):

For the one who sleeps in a state of wudu’, an angel is assigned
to him during the night that supplicates to Allah to forgive him.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The one who sleeps in a state of

purity, an angel spends the night with him, and he doesn't wake up
but the angel says, ‘O Allah forgive Your slave so and so, for verily
he spent the night in a state of purity.’” (Al-Albani)

9. ACCEPTED SUPPLICATION ( ): If one is in a state of

wudu’ before sleeping, wakes up during the night, and makes a
du’aa (even while still in bed), his supplication is accepted, in
shaa’ Allah.
10. KEY AND PREREQUISITE TO SALAAH ( ): Wudu’ is an
essential key to the acceptance of the prayer. The wudu’ is also
essential for maintaining khushoo’ (concentration and complete focus
with the presence of the heart during the prayer).

-6-
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of
Allah said to Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) "Tell me about the
most hopeful act (i.e., one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah)
you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of
the steps of your shoes in front of me in Jannah.'' Bilal said: "I do not
consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make Wudu' (or took a
bath) in an hour of night or day, I would immediately perform Salat
(prayer) for as long as was destined for me to perform.” (Al-Bukhari,
Muslim)

-7-
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF PRAYER
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Acceptance of All Deeds Best of Deeds
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
! Prayer is Light Forgiveness of Sins
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Rank Among the Truthful Prevention from Evil
! Ones and the Martyrs Deeds and Sins
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
! Pleasure of Allah Love of Allah
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Paradise
!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! -8-
-1-
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF AN INTENTION IS IHTISAAB
(HOPING FOR THE REWARD FROM ALLAH) AND THIS SHOULD BE BASED
ON THE KNOWLEDGE FROM THE QUR’AN AND SUNNAH, AS WE
CANNOT MAKE UP OUR OWN REWARDS.

Prayer
( )
• The virtues of prayer apply to both the obligatory and voluntary prayers,
but especially the obligatory.
• On the Day of Judgment, Allah will hold us accountable for our prayers
first and foremost, so our prayer is important and precious.

The Virtues of Prayer

( )
1. ACCEPTANCE OF ALL DEEDS ( ): If our prayer is
correct, then all others deeds will be accepted. Prayer is the
foundation for all other deeds, so make the intention that all your other
deeds are accepted before performing your prayer.

2. BEST OF DEEDS ( ): Prayer is the best of all deeds that

can be performed. If you do the best, you will be amongst the best.
3. PRAYER IS LIGHT ( ): The Prophet said prayer is light—a
beautiful light similar to moonlight. Whether obligatory or voluntary,
that prayer is light in which you are fulfilling the conditions of the
Salaah. You need to perform the actions while also having the core of
Salaah (khushoo’), which means to have complete focus and
concentration with the presence of a heart full of faith and to be aware of
the meaning of what you are saying. If you find it difficult, do not feel
disappointed, as Allah sees your effort and you will be rewarded for
your struggle.

-9-
 Even if you don’t reach the maximum khushoo’, you should try
your best and seek help from Allah while relying on Him,
because the greater the khushoo’ in your prayer, the more you
will enjoy it and you will then long for the next prayer.
When you begin your prayer, it is important to feel and acknowledge the
special connection between you and Allah, as you are in front of your
Creator and close to the One you love. You are talking to the One Who is
perfect and you are dealing with the One Who is the King. The moment
you say “Allahu Akbar” and begin your prayer, Allah’s face is in front of
your face. This is true for everyone, though millions may be praying at
the same time, as Allah is All-Able. Feel the presence of Allah while
praying by knowing Who your Creator is; He is the Most Merciful, the
Most Great, the Most Forgiving, the Most Generous.

The prayer that is performed with faith (your heart is busy

thinking about Allah and His greatness) is the real prayer that
will be the light for you, not the one in which you just go
through the motions of prayer as a habit while the heart is
absent. The light that you will get from Allah appears in the
heart, on the face, in life, in the grave, and on the bridge (Siraat)
on the Day of Judgment.
In the Heart: This light will provide tranquility, peace, and protection from
evil by reforming your heart and making you abstain from sins. If you see
yourself sinning after the prayer, this indicates faults in the prayer—how
can you be in front of Allah one moment and then commit a sin the next?
Make du’aa to Allah and He will make it easy.

“My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my

descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.” (Surah ‘Ibrahim, 14:40)

On the Face: This light will reflect on your face. After the lights of the
prayer enter the heart and reform the inside, Allah allows the light to shine
to the outside and show on the face.

- 10 -
In the Life: This light will provide guidance when making decisions and
when dealing with people and in our worldly affairs.

In the Grave: This light will remove the darkness in the grave.

On the Bridge: And finally on the Day of Judgment, we will have to cross
the bridge (As-Siraat), which is thinner than hair and sharper than a sword
and it is dark. Our prayer will be a means to provide us with the light to
cross the bridge.

The benefit of knowing that the Prophet said Salaah is Nur is a

way to assess the quality of your prayer stands and motivates you to
not miss the prayer. Alhamdulillah—Allah gave us the special
blessing ( ) of prayer to meet Him and connect to Him!
4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ): Not only during the wudu’ is
there an expiation of sins, but also during the prayer.

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah's Messenger said: "The five prayers,
and Al-Jumuah (the Friday prayer) to Al-Jumuah are atonement for what is
between them, as long as the major sins have not been committed." (Sahih)

Jabir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah said,
“The five daily Salaah (prayers) are like a great river running by your door
in which you take a bath five times a day.” (Muslim)

5. RANK AMONG THE TRUTHFUL ONES AND THE MARTYRS

( ): This is a reflection of the great generosity of
Allah to allow us to be amongst the ranks of the truthful and the martyrs
by remembering this virtue and placing this intention in our heart.

- 11 -
‘Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani said: “A man from Qudaa’ah came to the
Messenger of Allah and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! What do you think
if I testify that there is no god except Allah, and that you, Muhammad, are
His Messenger, and I pray the five daily prayers, and fast in the month (of
Ramadan), and pray at night in Ramadan, and pay zakaah?’ The Prophet
said: ‘Whoever dies on that will be among the siddeeqeen (those who tell
the truth) and the martyrs.’” (Narrator ‘Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani, At-Targheeb
wat-Tarheeb of Hafidh al-Mundhiree rahimahullaah, Classified as Hasan)

How many times do we pray? Yet we never think about how our
obligatory prayers can make us among the truthful ones and
martyrs, which are statuses so high, we assume they are out of our
reach. When we have Ihtisaab in our heart, however, Allah will
honor us with the ranks granted to the truthful ones and martyrs,
Subhan Allah.!!
6. PREVENTION FROM EVIL DEEDS AND SINS ( ):
One of the virtues of prayer is that is protects you from falling into sins
and evil deeds (like backbiting, lying, etc.).

“Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and
establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and
the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do.”
(Surah Al-‘Ankabut, 29:45)
- 12 -
7. PLEASURE OF ALLAH ( ):
The pleasure of Allah is the greatest gift of
all, greater than Paradise itself.
Seeking Allah’s pleasure is not limited only to prayer, but includes all
other acts of worship. And when we have this feeling of wanting Allah’s
pleasure, then Allah will be pleased with us.

When Allah the Almighty is pleased with us, it will also be

reflected in this life through others being pleased with us.
8. LOVE OF ALLAH ( ): When you do something for
someone because you want them to be happy with you and to love you,
they have no idea what is in your heart and only see the outer action.
With Allah, this is not the case; He knows everything that is in your
heart. So how do you attain Allah’s love? When you are truthful in
seeking Allah’s love, then Allah will give His love to you
according to how strong the intention is in your heart.
9. PARADISE ( ): While praying, we should hope for admission into
Paradise, which Allah has prepared for His righteous slaves. May Allah
admit all of us to Paradise, Ameen!

Allah Almighty will give us the reward according to the intentions

that we make in our heart. Therefore, with the right intentions,
we can cause our good deeds to rise to higher levels so that they
become excellent deeds—with great honor in front of Allah.

- 13 -
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF ACTIONS
!
!
WITHIN THE PRAYER
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Saying ‘Ameen’ After
! Opening Supplication Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
Gates of Heaven
! Open Forgiveness of Sins
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
! Allah Responds to
!
!
Your Supplication
! ( )
!
!
!
!
! Bowing
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Magnification
! of Allah Elevation in Rank in Paradise
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Sins Will Fall
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 14 -

!
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF ACTIONS
!
!
WITHIN THE PRAYER
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Prostration
! ( )
!
!
!
! Elevation in Paradise by Removal of One Sin
!
!
One Degree ( )! ( )!
!
!
! Sins will Fall Closeness to Allah
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Companionship of the Hellfire Will Not
! Prophet in Paradise Touch the Forehead
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
! First Declaration (At-
!
! Tashahhud Al-Awwal)
! ( )!
!
!
!
! Sending Salaam to the Pointing of the Index Finger
! Righteous Slaves (and it (harsher on the Shaytaan
! than being hit by iron)
!
reciprocates back to you)
( )! ! ( )!
!
!
!
!
- 15 -

!
!

OUR MIND AT TIMES WANDERS DURING THE PRAYER; THIS HAPPENS

WHEN WE DO NOT REALIZE THE VIRTUES OF EACH OF THE ACTIONS IN
THE PRAYER.

Within the Prayer

( )
• Prayer is one of the pillars of Islam. The Prophet Muhammad was
initially given the commandment to pray 50 times a day. This was
decreased to 5 times a day, but on the Day of Judgment, the 5 prayers
will be equivalent to 50 on the scale. This reflects the great love and
mercy that Allah has for His creation.

SALAAH (PRAYER) IN ARABIC HAS THREE MEANINGS:

1. As-Silah (Connection): Silah is a connection between a slave of Allah
and the Creator, as prayer is the only command
that Allah ordained during the night journey (Al-
‘Isra’ wal-Mi’raj) when the Prophet was taken
up to the heavens. This shows us the utmost
importance of prayer. All other commands
(zakaah, fasting, etc.) were prescribed on the
earth.
2. Du’aa (Invocation): The prayer, from the beginning when you say
Allahu Akbar until the end when you say salaam,
is a du’aa. In every stage, there is a du’aa and
when you realize that, you will pray with faith.
3. Rahmah (Mercy): If you pray with faith (the presence of the heart),
Allah will shower you with mercy in the dunya
by taking care of all your worries and affairs and
will do the same in the Hereafter.

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!

The Virtues of Actions Within the Prayer

( )
Opening Supplication ( )
1. GATES OF HEAVEN OPEN ( ): You want to open
your prayer with the best supplication, as you are presenting
yourself to your Creator, magnifying Him, and ascribing the best
attributes to Him. There are various opening supplications but
the following is one supplication that will open the gates of
heaven.

In a narration by Ibn Umar: “While we were praying with the Messenger of

Allah , a man among the people said:
'Allahu Akbaru kabira, wal-hamdu Lillahi kathira, wa subhan-Allahi
bukratan was asila. “Allah is Most Great and much praise be to Allah
and glorified be Allah at the beginning and end of the day.”
The Messenger of Allah said: 'Who is the one who said such and such?' A
man among the people said: 'I did, O Messenger of Allah.' He said: ' I like it,'
and he said words to the effect that the gates of the Heavens had been
opened for it.” Ibn Umar said: “I never stopped saying it since I heard the
Messenger of Allah say that.” (An-Nasaa’i, Hadith #886)

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!

Saying ‘Ameen’ After Reciting Surah Al-Fatihah

( )
As the Imam says ‘Ameen’ after reciting Surah Al-Fatihah when praying in
congregation, the angels say it as well. If you say ‘Ameen’ and it coincides
with that of the angels and the Imam, it results in two things:

1. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “When the Imam says 'Ameen' then (all of
you) say 'Ameen.' For whoever's 'Ameen' concurs with the 'Ameen' of the
angels, then his past sins will be forgiven.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #2 Hadith
#251)

2. ALLAH RESPONDS TO YOUR SUPPLICATION ( ): What

is this supplication? It is the best supplication from Surah Al-Fatihah
where we ask Allah to guide us to the Straight Path. Alhamdulillah,
Allah has even guided us as to what we should say and what we should
ask for because we do not know what is good for us.

We need Allah to take us to the right path and make us be firm on it until
our death. If we say this supplication with sincerity, Allah will make us
follow the path of the messengers, martyrs, truthful ones, and the
righteous, without us even realizing it! Do not underestimate the
supplication.

In another part of a similar narration, the Messenger of Allah said: “Make

your rows straight, then let one of you lead the others. When he says the
takbir, then say the takbir; when he says: "Wa lad-daallin" then say
"Ameen" and Allah will answer you.” (An-Nasaa’i, Hadith #1172)

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!

Bowing ( )
This is a posture during the prayer: bowing to your Lord. Be aware in your
mind during this act that you are bowing to Allah, the One Who is Perfect
in all His actions.

1. MAGNIFICATION OF ALLAH ( ): This is a worship of the

heart. The more you struggle to maintain this intention (of magnifying
Allah), the more Allah will put His magnificence in your heart. Before
you bow, your heart should bow down to Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Glorify your Lord in Ruku' (bowing) and
exert yourself in supplication in prostration. Thus, your supplications are
liable to be accepted.” (Muslim, Book #16, Hadith #1427)

2. ELEVATION IN RANK IN PARADISE ( ): Allah will elevate

you one level in Paradise, and the distance between one level to another
is the same as the distance between the Heavens and the earth.

3. SINS WILL FALL ( ): A person loaded with sins, when in

the position of bowing, has his sins fall off (like leaves falling from the
tree).

The Messenger of Allah said: “When a person stands in prayer,

he carries his sins on his neck, when he bows and prostrates, they
fall from him.” (Sahih, Book #3, Hadith #387)

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!

Prostrating ( )
While making sujood, we should thank Allah for
allowing us to prostrate to Him. This is the best
position that mankind can be in and it is a great honor
from Allah to allow us to prostrate to Him.

Why does the sujood come at the end of the raka’ah? You start
the prayer with the opening supplication to welcome the King, then you
speak to Allah with His kalaam, then you magnify Allah, and then you
praise Him. These are all preparations for the sujood in order that you may
deserve to be in such an honorable position.

1. ELEVATION IN PARADISE BY ONE DEGREE ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Perform Salaah more often. For every
prostration that you perform, Allah will raise your position one degree
and will remit one of your sins.” (Muslim, Book #1, Hadith #107)!
2. REMOVAL OF ONE SIN 3. SINS WILL FALL ( ):
( ): Refer to the Hadith mentioned
Refer to the Hadith above. before (given in the ruku’
section). The more time spent in
a position of prostrating
(sujood), the more the sins will
fall away.

4. CLOSENESS TO ALLAH ( ): This is the closest one can be to

his/her Creator. We are low and Allah is the Most High. He is above the
seventh heaven and rose over the throne in a manner that suits His
Majesty. Allah is in the highest place, yet He is the closest to you when
you are in sujood. The more you humble yourself, submit to Allah, and
go into sujood, the closer you are getting to Him. Sujood, however, is not
only the prostrating of the self, but also the prostrating of the heart so
that your soul can be near to Allah.

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!

The Messenger of Allah said: “A slave becomes nearest to his Rabb when
he is in prostration. So increase supplications while prostrating.” (Muslim,
Book #16, Hadith #1428)

5. COMPANIONSHIP OF THE PROPHET IN PARADISE ( ):

Increase your prayers, as this increases the number of your sujood and
increases your chance of accompanying the Prophet in Paradise.

Rabi'a b. Ka'b said: I was with Allah's Messenger one night, and I
brought him water and what he required. He said to me, “Ask (anything
you like).” I said, “I ask your company in Paradise.” He said, “Or
anything else besides it.” I said, “That is all (what I require).” He
said, “Then help me to achieve this for you by devoting yourself
often to prostration.” (Muslim, Hadith #489)!
6. HELLFIRE WILL NOT TOUCH THE FOREHEAD
( ): On the Day of Judgment, Allah will call upon
They will be recognized
the angels to remove believers from the Fire.
by their foreheads, which will not have been burnt as a result of
prostrating to Allah during this lifetime.

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!

The Messenger of Allah said (part of a longer hadith about As-Siraat): “I

will be the first one to cross it, and when Allah has finished passing
judgment among His creation, and has brought forth from the Fire those
whom He wants to bring forth, Allah will command the angels and the
messengers to intercede, and they will be recognized by their signs, for the
Fire will consume all of the son of Adam except the place of prostration.
Then the water of life will be poured on them, and they will grow like seeds
on the banks of a rainwater stream.” (An-Nasaa’i, Hadith #1140)

First Declaration (At-Tashahhud Al-Awwal) ( )

1. SENDING SALAAM TO THE RIGHTEOUS SLAVES
( ): This will reach all angels, jinns, and
righteous slaves in the Heaven and on the earth (dead and alive)
to ask for removal of sins and protection, and this will be
reciprocated with the same salaam back to you — like when we
make du’aa for somebody else in their absence and we get the same.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Say,

'At-tahiyyatu lil-laahi was-salawaatu wat-taiyyibatu. Assalaamu 'Alaika
aiyyuha-n-Nabiyyu warahmatu-l-laahi wa-barakaatuhu. Assalaamu alainaa
wa-'alaa 'ibaadi-l-laahis-saaliheen. Ashhadu al-laa ilaaha illal-laah wa
ashhadu anna Muhammadan `Abduhu wa Rasooluh. “All the
compliments are for Allah and all the prayers and all the good
things (are for Allah). Peace be on you, O Prophet, and Allah's
mercy and blessings (are on you). And peace be on us and on the
good (pious) worshippers of Allah. I testify that none has the right
to be worshipped but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and
Apostle.”

- 22 -
!

So, when you have said this, then you have surely sent the greetings to
every good (pious) worshipper of Allah, whether he be in the Heaven or on
the Earth.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith #1202)

2. WILL HURT THE SHAYTAAN MORE THAN IRON

( ): The moving of the index finger
during Tashahhud will hurt the Shaytaan more than iron, as you
are renewing your Shahaadah and bearing witness that there is no god
but Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger.

The Messenger of Allah said: “This is harsher on the Shaytaan than iron,
meaning the index finger (moving during Tashahhud).” (Al-Albani, p.159)

- 23 -
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
VOLUNTARY PRAYERS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
! !
Complete the Shortcomings
!
of the Obligatory Prayer Love of Allah
! ( )
! ( )
!
!
! Enter Paradise from
!
the Gate !of Prayer
! ( )
!
!
!
!
VOLUNTARY
AR-RAWAATIB PRAYERS
! PRAYER OF FAJR
( )!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
Enter Paradise and Have a
!
!
House Built There Better Than This World
! ( )! ( )
!
!
!
! VOLUNTARY PRAYERS
!
!
OF DHUHR
! ( )
!
!
! An Hour in Which the
!
Gates of Heaven are Opened Protected from Hellfire
! ( )!
( )! !
!
!
!
!
! - 24 -

!
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
VOLUNTARY PRAYERS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! VOLUNTARY
! PRAYER OF ‘ASR
! ( )
!
!
!
!
Allah’s! Mercy
! ( )
!
!
!
! VOLUNTARY PRAYERS
!
!
OF DHUHA
! ( )
!
!
! Following the Advice
! Reward of Hajj and ‘Umrah of the Prophet
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Prayer of Those Who Repent Charity for"#$!
All the Joints
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Guardianship of Allah
!
!
Until the End! of the Day
( ! )!
!
!
!
!
- 25 -

!
!

IF ALLAH HAS BLESSED US WITH TIME AND HEALTH, WHY WOULD WE

NOT USE THESE BLESSINGS TO COME CLOSER TO ALLAH? ESPECIALLY
IN THE TIME OF EASE, WE SHOULD INCREASE THE NAWAAFIL
(VOLUNTARY PRAYERS) SO THAT WE CAN BE RICH IN GOOD DEEDS.
.

Voluntary Prayers
( )
Voluntary prayer should never be underestimated, even if it is just 2 raka'ah
(e.g. 2 raka’ah after performing wudu’). It has been said that the people
in their grave will regret missing out on even 2 extra units of prayer.
They will wish to come back to the earth just to perform them
because they will have seen the reality and realized the worth of this
simple act of worship.

The Virtues of Voluntary Prayers

( )
1. COMPLETE THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE OBLIGATORY PRAYER
( ): On the Day of Judgment, Allah will first hold
us accountable for our obligatory prayers. If there are any shortcomings,
then our voluntary prayers can compensate.

On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) from
the Prophet , who said: Allah (mighty and sublime be He) says: “The first

- 26 -
!

of his actions for which a servant of Allah will be held accountable on the
Day of Resurrection will be his prayers.” If they are in order, then he will
have prospered and succeeded: and if they are wanting, then he will have
failed and lost. If there is something defective in his obligatory
prayers, the Lord (glorified and exalted be He) will say: “See if My
servant has any supererogatory prayers with which may be
completed that which was defective in his obligatory prayers.”
Then the rest of his actions will be judged in like fashion. (At-
Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, An-Nasaa'i, Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

2. LOVE OF ALLAH ( ): Allah appreciates it when we perform

our obligatory acts of worship (prayer, fasting, etc.) and doing additional
voluntary acts of worship will help us earn the love of Allah and draw us
nearer to Him by earning His Pleasure.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily Allah ta’ala has said: ‘Whosoever
shows enmity to a wali (friend) of Mine, then I have declared war against
him. And My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more loved
to Me than the religious duties I have obligated upon him. And My
servant continues to draw near to me with nafil (supererogatory)
deeds until I Love him. When I Love him, I am his hearing with
which he hears, and his sight with which he sees, and his hand with
which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask
[something] of Me, I would surely give it to him; and were he to
seek refuge with Me, I would surely grant him refuge.” (Al-Bukhari,
Hadith #6502)

3. ENTRANCE TO PARADISE FROM THE GATE OF PRAYER

( ): There are different gates to enter from in
Paradise and each gate is assigned to a certain act of worship. Therefore,
when we perform voluntary prayers in this lifetime, in addition to the
obligatory ones, the Gate of Prayer will call upon us to enter Paradise
from that gate on the Day of Judgment.
- 27 -
!

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of
Allah said, "He who spends a pair in the way of Allah will be called from
the gates of Jannah: 'O slave of Allah! This gate is better for you' and one
who is constant in Salat (prayer), will be called from the Gate of Salat; and
whoever is eager in fighting in the Cause of Allah, will be called from the
Gate of Jihad; and who is regular in observing Saum will be called from Ar-
Raiyan Gate. The one who is generous in charity will be called from the
Gate of Charity." Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "O
Messenger of Allah ! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you!
Those who are called from these gates will stand in need of nothing. Will
anybody be called from all of those gates?" He replied, "Yes, and I hope that
you will be one of them." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Ar-Rawaatib (Voluntary Prayers Associated

with the Obligatory Prayers) ( )
Sometimes, especially with the Rawaatib prayers, we struggle; so what
makes praying these raka’ah easier? Ihtisaab, or hoping for the reward from
Allah!

The Rawaatib prayers are the voluntary prayers that are associated with the
obligatory prayers, and they include:!!

2 + 2 Raka’ah 2 Raka’ah
Before Dhuhr and 2 After
Raka’ah After! ‘Isha!

2 Raka’ah 2 Raka’ah Total of

Before Fajr! After 12 Raka’ah!
Maghrib!

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!

Note: All the Rawaatib prayers should be performed after the Adhaan and
all should be performed in units of 2 raka’ah. The 2 raka’ah before Fajr are a
highly recommended Sunnah, which means these should be performed
even while traveling. The other Rawaatib prayers are not performed while
traveling.
!!
1. ENTER PARADISE AND HAVE A HOUSE BUILT THERE
( ):
Praying the 12 raka’ah stated above warrants Paradise and a house in
Paradise. Just think—how beautiful will the house be that Allah has
prepared for His servants? Even Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her)
never left these 12 raka’ah after she heard the following Hadith:

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays in a day and night

12 raka'ah, there will be built for him a house in Jannah, 4 before
Dhuhr, 2 after it, 2 after Maghrib, 2 after 'Isha, 2 before Fajr.” (At-
Tirmidhi, Hadith #380)

The Voluntary Prayer of Fajr ( )

1. BETTER THAN THIS WORLD AND WHAT IT CONTAINS
( ): It is highly recommended to pray the 2 raka’ah
after the Adhaan of Fajr and before the Fajr obligatory prayer. This
encourages building steadfastness in order to select prayer over sleep.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The two raka'ah before the dawn (Fajr)
prayer are better than this world and all it contains.” (Muslim, Book #9,
Hadith #1102)

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!

The Voluntary Prayers of Dhuhr ( )

1. AN HOUR IN WHICH THE GATES OF HEAVEN ARE OPENED
( ): The prayer of the 2 + 2 raka’ah after the
Adhaan of Dhuhr and before the Dhuhr obligatory prayer not only
includes part of the virtue of having a house built in Paradise, but also
includes the opening of the gates of Heaven.

Abdullah bin As-Sa’ib (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The
Messenger of Allah used to perform four rak'ah prayer after the
declining of the sun before Dhuhr prayer and would say,
"This is an hour at which the gates of heaven are opened, and I like
that my good deeds should rise to heaven at that time." (At-Tirmidhi,
Book #9, Hadith #1117)

2. PROTECTED FROM HELLFIRE ( ): For the one who prays 2 +

2 raka’ah before Dhuhr, 4 obligatory raka’ah, 2 raka’ah after, and
another 2 raka’ah after, then Allah forbids the Hellfire from touching
His servant. It might be a struggle to pray the last 2 raka’ah, but the
reward is great.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays four raka'ahs before

Dhuhr and four after, the Fire will not touch him.” (An-Nasaa’i, Book #20,
Hadith #1828)!

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!

The Voluntary ‘Asr Prayer ( )

1. ALLAH’S MERCY ( ): Allah’s mercy will be upon the one who
prays 2 + 2 raka’ah after the Adhaan of ‘Asr but before the ‘Asr
obligatory prayer.

The Messenger of Allah said: “May Allah have mercy on a man

who performs four raka'ah before the ‘Asr prayer.” (Abu Dawud & At-
Tirmidhi, Book#9, Hadith #1120)

The Voluntary Forenoon (Dhuha) Prayer ( )

The timing for this prayer begins 15-20
minutes after sunrise and ends 15-20
minutes before Dhuhr (noon prayer).
• It can be prayed anytime during this timeframe. The minimum prayer is
2 raka’ah and it can also be prayed in additional multiples of 2 (i.e. 2, 4, 6,
or 8 – all in units of 2 raka’ah).

1. REWARD OF HAJJ AND ‘UMRAH ( ): If you remain in a

state of worship (reading Qur’an, making dhikr, acquiring knowledge,
etc.) after the Fajr prayer until 15 minutes after sunrise and then offer
your Dhuha prayer, you will get the reward of a complete Hajj and
‘Umrah. Ibn Baz said that women can also avail this opportunity when
praying at home.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays Fajr in congregation, then

sits remembering Allah until the sun has risen, then he prays two raka'ah,
then for him is the reward like that of a Hajj and ‘Umrah.
Complete, complete, complete.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #2, Hadith #589)
- 31 -
!

2. FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE PROPHET

( ):

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend, the
Messenger of Allah directed me to observe fast for three days in every
month, to perform two raka'ah (optional) Dhuha prayer at forenoon and to
perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. (Agreed upon)

3. PRAYER OF THOSE WHO REPENT ( ):

Praying the Dhuha prayer approximately from when it becomes
hot until mid-morning is the prayer of Al-Awaabeen ( )—
those who are sincerely, frequently, and truly repenting to Allah.
So pray with this sincere intention, and attain this honorable title.

.
Zaid bin Arqam (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I saw
some people performing Dhuha (prayers) in the early forenoon and
warned them (saying): These people must know that performing
Salaah a little later is better. The Messenger of Allah said, "The
Salaah of the penitent is to be observed when the young ones of
camels feel the heat of the sun (i.e., when it becomes very hot).”
(Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1143)

4. CHARITY FOR ALL THE JOINTS ( ): The Prophet

advised us to perform a charity for each joint in our body, hence a total
of 360 charities per day in equivalent to our joints as a sign of gratitude
for the soundness of our body. The Dhuha prayer suffices for this.

- 32 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “In the morning, charity is due on every
joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah's
Glorification (i.e. saying Subhaan Allah) is an act of charity, and every
utterance of His Praise (i.e. saying Alhamdulillaah) is an act of charity and
every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e. saying Laa ilaaha illa
Allah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M'aruf (good) is an act of charity,
and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two raka'ah Dhuha
prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).”
(Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1140)

5. GUARDIANSHIP OF ALLAH UNTIL THE END OF THE DAY

( ):
The one who prays Dhuha in the beginning of the morning as 2
+ 2 raka’ah, will have the guardianship of Allah until the end of
the day.

The Messenger of Allah said: Allah, Blessed and Most High said: "Son of
Adam: Perform four raka'ah for Me in the beginning of the day it will
suffice you for the latter part of it." (At-Tirmidhi, Book #2, Hadith #477)

- 33 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
THE NIGHT PRAYER
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
Following the Advice Best Voluntary Prayer After
! of the Prophet the Obligatory Prayers
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
! Be Among the Righteous Expiation of Sins
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Forbids/Protects from
Honor of the Believer
! Falling into Sin
! ( )!
( )!
!
!
!
! Competition in Goodness Wake Up in the Morning in a
! Brings You Closer to Allah Good and Energetic Mood
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Love of Allah Enter Paradise in Peace
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Entrance to Paradise
!
!
with a Special Room
( ! )!
!
!
!
!
- 34 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
LAST THIRD OF THE NIGHT
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Allah Descends to
! Granted Supplication
the First Heaven
! ( )
! ( )
!
!
!
!
Blessed Time to
! Intercession
! Memorize the Qur’an
!
( )!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Elevation of Rank Mercy from Allah
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Title of Those Who Honorable Title According to
! Remember Allah! Number of Verses Recited!
!
!
!
!
!
! Sleep Will Count as Charity
!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 35 -
THE HEART IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF A BELIEVER. THAT’S
WHY IN ISLAM, THE FOCUS IS ON THE BELIEVER’S HEART SINCE ALL
INTENTIONS MUST BE IN THE HEART. ALLAH ONLY WANTS SINCERITY,
WHICH IS AN ACTION OF THE HEART. WHEN WE STRUGGLE TO HAVE
THE RIGHT INTENTIONS, WE ARE DEALING WITH ALLAH, WHO GIVES
US COUNTLESS REWARDS FOR OUR STRUGGLE. BY ESTABLISHING THE
NIGHT PRAYER, WE CAN ATTAIN ALL THE FOLLOWING VIRTUES
SPECIFICALLY FOR THE NIGHT PRAYER PLUS THE VIRTUES OF THE
PRAYER ITSELF. ALHAMDULILLAH FOR ALL HIS BOUNTIES AND
BLESSINGS!

The Night Prayer

( )
• The time for the voluntary night prayer begins after the ‘Isha prayer and
lasts until before the Fajr Adhaan.

The night is divided into three parts, with the last

third being the best time to perform this prayer.
• The prayer is prayed in units of 2 raka’ah + 1 single raka’ah. So it can be
a total of anywhere from 1 to 11 raka’ah (including the Witr). The
Messenger of Allah never prayed more than 11 raka’ah for the night
prayer. However, it is permissible to pray more than 11 raka’ah.
• The Witr must be the last odd raka’ah prayed. The Prophet observed
Witr prayer as a regular practice (Sunnah) and never left this prayer,
even when traveling.

Jabir reported Allah's Messenger as saying: He who amongst you is

afraid that he may not be able to get up at the end of the night should
observe Witr (in the first part) and then sleep, and he who is confident of
getting up and praying at night (i.e. Tahajjud prayer) should observe it at
the end of it, for the recitation at the end of the night is witnessed*, and that
is better.
*: meaning, "by angels" (Sharh an-Nawawi)
- 36 -
Note: Witr cannot be read twice in one day. If we pray our Witr earlier at
night and wish to pray more units later during that night, then we should
pray in units of 2 raka’ah so that the total number of raka’ah will remain an
odd number.

The Virtues of the Night Prayer

( )
1. FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE PROPHET ( ):

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: My friend, the
Messenger of Allah directed me to observe fast for three days in every

!
month, to perform two raka'ah (optional) Dhuha prayer at forenoon
and to perform the Witr prayer before going to bed. (Agreed upon)
2. THE BEST VOLUNTARY PRAYER AFTER THE OBLIGATORY PRAYERS
( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “The best month for observing Saum
(fasting) after Ramadan is Muharram, and the best Salaah after the
prescribed Salaah is Salaah at night.” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1167)
3. BE AMONG THE RIGHTEOUS ( ):
When praying the night prayer, it is as if you are following the footsteps
of the righteous.

- 37 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Observe the night prayer, it is a way of
following the footsteps of the righteous before you, a way of getting closer o
Allah, a means of forgiveness of sins, expiation of evil deeds, and a way of
curing the sickness of the body.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #3502)

4. EXPIATION OF SINS 5. FORBIDS/PROTECTS FROM

( ): FALLING INTO SIN !
There are numerous ( ): This
opportunities for the expiation prayer is a protection from
of sins. The night prayer is the committing sins—the sins we
most difficult of prayers, and so are tempted to commit and/or
the greater the struggle, the those sins that have become a
more the expiation of sins. Refer habit. Sometimes, we get
to the Hadith above. trapped in our sins and find it
hard to refrain from them. If we
strive to maintain this prayer, it
will be a means of protection
from our sins. Refer to the
Hadith above. !

6. HONOR OF THE BELIEVER ( ): This is a very private prayer,

since it is done during the night and hidden from the eyes of the people.
Hence, it is an honor for the believer.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The honor of the believer is in his night
prayer, and his respect is being self-sufficient from people.” (Al-Bukhari,
Hadith #884)

7. COMPETITION IN GOODNESS BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO ALLAH

( ): Compete to reach Allah with good deeds. All of us
are in a race to attain the love of Allah. Since the night prayer is offered
in the stillness of the night, it is one of the best ways to get closer to
Allah.

8. WAKE UP IN THE MORNING IN A GOOD AND ENERGETIC MOOD

( ): The Shaytaan will try to place obstacles for us
before sleeping to prevent us from praying on time in the morning and
ultimately making us wake up in a lethargic mood. The days you pray
the night prayer, you will feel more energetic than the days when

- 38 -
 you do not, despite the shorter hours of sleep, as your ability and
your strength is in Allah’s hands alone. He will bless it when you
use it to worship Him and come closer to Him.

The Messenger of Allah said: “When any one of you goes to sleep, the
Shaytaan ties three knots on his head, saying each time: "(Sleep) a long
night." If he wakes up and remembers Allah, one knot is undone. If he
performs wudu', another knot is undone. If he prays, all the knots are
undone and he starts his day in a good mood and feeling energetic.
Otherwise he starts his day in a bad mood and feeling lethargic.” (An-
Nasaa’i, Book #20, Hadith #1618)

9. LOVE OF ALLAH ( ): The night prayer is an act of worship that is

so private, that it not only makes you want to be closer to Allah and
attain the love of Allah, but also becomes a way to build sincerity of
worship (‘Ikhlaas).

10. ENTERING PARADISE IN PEACE ( ):

Entering Paradise in peace without having to bear the stress of the
Day of Judgment means entering without going into the trials of that
day, without entering the Hellfire at all, and without any harm.

'Abdullah bin Salam (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I heard the
Messenger of Allah saying, "O people, exchange greetings of peace (i.e.,
say: As-Salaamu 'Alaykum to one another), feed people, strengthen the ties
of kinship, and be in prayer when others are asleep, you will enter Jannah in
peace." (At-Tirmidhi)

- 39 -
11. ENTERING PARADISE WITH A SPECIAL ROOM
( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “In Paradise there is a room from which the
inside can be seen from outside, and the outside can be seen from inside, for
the one who uses good words, feeds people and spends his night in
prayer when people are sleeping.” (At-Tabarani)

Virtues of the Last Third of the Night

( )
There are many benefits of the night prayer with additional
virtues if prayed during the last third of the night.
1. ALLAH DESCENDS TO THE FIRST HEAVEN ( ):
The slave is closest to Allah during the last third of the night, when Allah
descends to the first heaven in a manner that suits His majesty.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah descends every night to the lowest
heaven when one-third of the first part of the night is over and says: Who is
there to supplicate Me so that I answer him? Who is there to beg of Me so
that I grant him? Who is there to beg f!"#$%&'&(()from Me so that I forgive
him? ” (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith #1808)

2. GRANTED SUPPLICATION ( ): Allah will grant what you

ask Him in the last one-third of the night, whether it is for this life or the
hereafter. Refer to the Hadith above.

- 40 -
3. BLESSED TIME TO MEMORIZE THE QUR’AN
( ): It is one of the best times to revise
your memorization of the Qur’an, as it will penetrate your mind and
heart during this blessed time, with the help of Allah.

4. INTERCESSION ( ): Your prayer offered at this time will intercede

for you on the Day of Judgment.

5. ELEVATION OF RANK ( ): Your rank on the Day

of Judgment will be elevated because of the night prayer.

6. MERCY FROM ALLAH ( ): You will receive a special

mercy from Allah for encouraging your household
to perform this prayer, especially when encouraging your
partner.

The Messenger of Allah said: “May Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala

have mercy on a man who gets up at night and prays, then he
wakes his wife and she prays, and if she refuses he sprinkles water
in her face. And may Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala have mercy on a
woman who gets up at night and prays, then she wakes her
husband and prays, and if he refuses she sprinkles water in his
face.” (An-Nasaa’i, Book #20, Hadith #1621)
7. TITLE OF THOSE WHO REMEMBER ALLAH: Be among those who
remember Allah frequently.

The Messenger of Allah said: “When a man awakens his wife during the
night and they both perform two raka'ah Salaah together, they are recorded

- 41 -
among the men and women who celebrate remembrance of Allah.” (Abu
Dawud, Book #9, Hadith #1184)

8. HONORABLE TITLE ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF VERSES

RECITED: Your title will be according to the number of verses you recite
during the night prayer. If you recite: 10 verses = not of the negligent
( ), 100 verses = the devotees ( ), and 1,000 verses =
you earn the reward of mountains of gold (hasanah) ( ).

The Messenger of Allah said: “The one who establishes the night prayer
with 10 verses will not be written among the negligent. The one who
establishes it with 100 verses will be written among the devotees. The one
who establishes it with 1000 verses will be written with the one who gets
multiple rewards.” (Abdullah bin Amo bin ‘Aas)

9. SLEEP WILL COUNT AS CHARITY ( ): Your

sleep will be counted as a charity if you fall asleep while praying the
night prayer. When the person sleeps, his soul is with Allah and his body
is in a state of worship.

The Messenger of Allah said: “If a man prays in the night and
sleep overcomes him during it, Allah writes for him the reward of
his prayer, and his sleep is Sadaqah for him.” (Malik, Book #7,
Hadith #225)

- 42 -
 When Can You Pray the Night Prayer?
Divide the night into three equal parts. The following is an example.

Start of the last

third of the night
( )
!

GOLDEN TIME
END:
Slightly 3h and 20m
before 3h and 20m 3h and 20m START:
the After
time of Last Third of 2nd Third of 1st Third of ‘Isha
Fajr the Night the Night the Night prayer
prayer

Last third of 2nd third of 1st third of ‘Isha prayer

the night ends at the night ends the night ends at 7:40 pm
5:40 am (time of at 2:20 am at 11:00 pm
Fajr prayer)

• You can pray Witr during any part of the night but the best time to pray
it is during the last third of the night, as Allah will descend to the
lowest Heaven in a manner that suits His Majesty and will ask
‘Does anyone have any request?’!
.
• The GOLDEN TIME is the last third of the night but the best time
within this golden time is the beginning of the last third of the night,
which is called . in Arabic. This is the time at which the
Prophet used to pray.
When you wake up during any part of this time and pray one raka’ah,
maybe three raka’ah, or even two raka’ah (because maybe you prayed the
Witr before sleeping since you were unsure if you would wake up), the
prayer will be considered Salaat-ul-Layl and you can attain the night
prayer’s virtues, in shaa’ Allah.
Even if you pray just the minimum one raka’ah and thank Allah, Allah will
make it easier for you to pray more if you are truthful. Do not put obstacles
in your path by thinking that you will not be able to concentrate since you
will be sleepy!
- 43 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
! Elevation and Forgiveness of
! Multiple Rewards Sins for Steps Taken to Masjid
!
! ( ) )
! ( .

!
!
!
!
!
! Supplication of the Angels Forgiveness of Sins
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Live in Goodness and
! Following the Sunnah
Die in Goodness
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Freedom from Praying at Home
! Hellfire and Hypocrisy is Best for Women
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 44 -
WHEN YOU KNOW THE VIRTUES (INTENTIONS) OF YOUR DEEDS, YOU
REALIZE THAT THE INTENTION TO PLEASE ALLAH IS A PRECONDITION
TO OBTAIN THESE REWARDS AND THEREBY THE QUALITY OF GOOD
DEEDS IS MORE IMPORTANT TO ALLAH THAN THE QUANTITY. ALSO,
HAVING THESE INTENTIONS ELEVATES YOU IN THE RANK OF REWARDS.
THEREFORE, YOU NEED TO REMIND YOURSELF AND RENEW YOUR
INTENTIONS CONSTANTLY.

The Congregational Prayer

( )
The congregational prayer in the Masjid is
obligatory for the men and there are numerous
virtues for doing so (as an encouragement).

The Virtues of the Congregational Prayer

( )
1. MULTIPLE REWARDS ( ): The prayer in congregation is
27 times better than praying alone.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Salaah in congregation is twenty-seven

times more meritorious than a Salaah performed individually.” (Agreed
upon)

2. ELEVATION AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS FOR STEPS TAKEN TO THE

MASJID ( ): Every step
towards the masjid elevates the person in rank and results in the
forgiveness of a sin. This Hadith encourages men to walk to the Masjid.

- 45 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “He who purified himself in his house, and
then he walked to one of the houses of Allah for the sake of performing a
Fard (obligatory act) out of the Fara'id (obligatory acts) of Allah, both his
steps (would be significant) as one of them would obliterate his sin and the
second one would raise his status.” (Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1553)

3. SUPPLICATION OF THE ANGELS ( ): Even waiting

for the prayer is considered as being in a state of prayer and that
in itself has a reward.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The angels supplicate in favor of one of

you so long as he remains in the place where he has performed Salaah
(prayer) in a state of wudu'. They (the angels) say: 'O Allah! Forgive him,
O Allah! Have mercy on him.’” (Al-Bukhari, Book #9, Hadith #1062)
4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever does wudu' properly, then walks
to (attend) the prescribed prayer, and prays with the people or with the
congregation or in the Masjid, Allah will forgive him his sins.” (Muslim,
Hadith #232)

5. FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH ( ): If you are praying the

obligatory prayer at home instead of the Masjid, then you have left the
Sunnah (this applies to men only).

- 46 -
Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “He who likes to
meet Allah tomorrow (i.e., on the Day of Requital) as a Muslim, should take
care and observe the Salaah when the Adhaan is announced for them. Allah
has expounded to your Prophet the ways of right guidance, and these
(the prayers) are part of the right guidance. If you have to perform
Salaah in your houses, as this man who stays away (from the
mosque) and performs Salaah in his house, you will abandon the
Sunnah (practice) of your Prophet and the departure from the
Sunnah of your Prophet will lead you astray. I have seen the time
when no one stayed behind except a well-known hypocrite. I also saw that a
man was brought swaying (on account of weakness) between two men till
he was set up in a row (in the mosque).” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1069)
.
6. LIVES IN GOODNESS AND DIES IN GOODNESS
( ): For the men who maintain their obligatory
prayers in the masjid, the Hadith states:

Narrated Abu Qilabah: from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah said:
"During the night, my Lord, Blessed is He, and Most High, came to me in
the best of appearances." He (one of the narrators) said - I think he said it

- 47 -
was during a dream - "So he said: 'O Muhammad! Do you know in what the
most exalted group busy themselves with?'" He said: "I said: 'No.'" He said:
"So He placed His Hand between my shoulders, until I sensed its coolness
between my breast." - or he said: "on my throat, so I knew what was in the
heavens, and what was in the earth. He said: 'O Muhammad! Do you know
in what the most exalted group busy themselves with?' I said: 'Yes, in the
acts that atone: and the acts that atone are; lingering in the Masjid after the
Salat, walking on the feet to the congregation, Isbagh Al-Wudu, in
difficulty, and whoever does that, he lives in goodness and dies upon
goodness, and his wrongs shall be like that of the day his mother bore
him…'" (Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Chapters on Tafsir, Part of a longer Hadith)

7. FREEDOM FROM HELLFIRE AND HYPOCRISY ( ):

The one (referring to the male) who makes sure to pray all
congregational prayers for 40 days on time, without missing the first
Takbeer of each, is freed from the Hellfire and hypocrisy. The
consistency indicates that this person’s heart is attached to the Masjid.
This is an honorable trait of one of the groups of people who will be
under the shade of Allah on the Day of Judgment.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever prays for forty days with the
congregation, always being present for the first Takbeer, it will be written
that he will be safe from two things: he will be safe from the Fire and safe
from hypocrisy.” (At-Tirmidhi)

- 48 -
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet
said, “Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give protection with
His Shade* on the Day when there will be no shade except His
Shade (i.e. on the Day of Resurrection), and they are: A just ruler; a
youth who grew up with the worship of Allah; a person whose heart is
attached to the mosque; two persons who love and meet each other and
depart from each other for the sake of Allah; a man whom a beautiful and
high ranking woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by
saying): 'I fear Allah'; a person who gives a charity and conceals it (to such
an extent) that the left hand might not know what the right has given; and a
person who remembers Allah in solitude and his eyes well up.” (Al-Bukhari,
Muslim)
*The Shade of Allah to which this Hadith refers to is the shade of His Throne.

FOR WOMEN, PRAYING AT HOME IS BEST ( ):

The best reward for the women (with regards to the prayer) is
when they pray at home. However, the Messenger did not forbid
them from going to the Masjid.

The Messenger of Allah said: “A woman's prayer in her house is

better than her prayer in her courtyard, and her prayer in her
bedroom is better than her prayer in her house.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith
#1173)

The Messenger of Allah said: “When women ask permission for going to
the mosque, do not prevent them.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #1173)

- 49 -
Special Reward for the Women Only ( ): This reward is
given to the woman who fulfills her five prayers, fasts Ramadan, protects
her chastity, and obeys her husband.

The Messenger of Allah said: “If a woman prays five times in a day, fasts
one month (Ramadan), protects her chastity, obeys her husband, it will be
said to her: enter Paradise from any gate of Paradise you
. want.” (Al-Albani)

Women (just like men) should do what is pleasing to

Allah and they will attain a great reward. If they simply
obey Allah and follow His commandments, they will be
told on the Day of Judgment they will be given the choice
to enter from any of the eight gates of Paradise they choose.
So be pleased with what Allah has legislated for you.
Remember—worship is not about what you desire, but it
is what Allah wants from you and what is pleasing to Him.

- 50 -
!
!
!
! THE VIRTUES OF STRAIGHTENING
!
! THE ROWS AND FILLING IN THE GAPS IN
!
! THE CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Best/Greatest Step
Allah Praises You
! Towards Allah
! ( )
( !
)
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Connection with Allah Unity in Congregational Prayer
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Elevation in Rank House in Paradise
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 51 -
WE HOPE FOR THE REWARD OF OUR DEEDS FROM ALLAH, AS WE ARE
NEEDY AND ALLAH IS AL-GHANI (THE RICH), THE ONE WHO
GENEROUSLY PROMISES US DIFFERENT REWARDS FOR ALL OUR
‘IBAADAH—EVEN FOR A SMALL ACT LIKE STRAIGHTENING THE ROWS
AND FILLING THE GAPS IN CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER.

Standing in Rows in
Congregational Prayer
( )
• Complete the rows, straighten them, and fill the gaps in the
congregational prayer.

How do we make the rows in

congregational prayers?

Begin by completing the first row.

( ) Next, begin the following row from
!
the middle and behind the imam.
Fill the gaps ( )—move ( )
!
forward if you find a gap of even
one person. Stand with your feet
slightly apart, parallel to your
shoulders. Your feet should touch
those of the person next to you.
! Straighten the rows. ( )
!

Note: Even if the prayer has started but a gap is

found, it is recommended to take a step and fill the
gap. This is a type of movement that is allowed
during the prayer.

- 52 -
 The Virtues of Straightening the Rows and
Filling the Gaps in the Congregational Prayer
( )
1. BEST/GREATEST STEP TO ALLAH ( )

2. ALLAH PRAISES YOU ( ): Allah praises you and when He

does, everything will praise you. The angels make a supplication for the
one who fills the gaps and straighten the rows with etiquette.

3. CONNECTION WITH ALLAH ( ): The mercy of Allah is upon

those who fill the gaps and straighten the rows.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Arrange the rows in order, stand shoulder
to shoulder, close the gaps, be accommodating to your brothers, and do not
leave gaps for Satan. Whoever joins up a row, he will be joined to
Allah (i.e., to the Mercy of Allah); and whoever cuts off a row, he
will be cut off from Allah (i.e. from His Mercy).” (Abu Dawud, Book
#9, Hadith #1091)

4. UNITY IN CONGREGATIONAL PRAYER ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Stand in straight rows and do not differ
among yourselves, or else your hearts will differ due to disaccord. Let those
be nearest to me who are mature and endowed with understanding (of the
religion), then those who are nearest to them in these respects and then
those who are nearest to them.” (Muslim, Book #1, Hadith #349)

- 53 -
5. ELEVATION IN RANK ( ): Allah elevates you one rank.

6. HOUSE IN PARADISE ( )

This Sunnah is often neglected; we should make

a sincere effort to remind ourselves and others
and teach our children about its importance.

- 54 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE FAJR
!
!
PRAYER IN CONGREGATION
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Under Allah’s Guardianship As if Prayed the Whole Night
!
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Complete and Perfect Light
! Entry into Paradise
! on the Day of Judgment
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Will Not Enter the Hellfire Witnessed by Angels
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Not Amongst
! the Hypocrites
!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 55 -
A MUSLIM MAN SHOULD OBSERVE THE FAJR PRAYER AND HASTEN TO
PERFORM IT IN CONGREGATION AT ITS APPOINTED TIME (JUST AS HE
PERFORMS THE REST OF THE OBLIGATORY PRAYERS). MANY PEOPLE
COMMIT AN ENORMOUS SIN OF NEGLECTING THE FAJR (DAWN)
PRAYER IN CONGREGATION. THIS IS ONE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
HYPOCRISY. (SHEIKH BIN BAAZ)

The Fajr Prayer in Congregation

( )
• The virtues of congregation refer only to men.

The Virtues of the Fajr Prayer in Congregation

( )
1. UNDER ALLAH’S GUARDIANSHIP ( ): Allah will protect you
from all types of harms.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He

who offers the dawn (Fajr)
prayers will come under the Protection of Allah. O son of Adam!
Beware, lest Allah should call you to account in any respect from (for
withdrawing) His Protection.” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1049)!

2. AS IF PRAYED THE WHOLE NIGHT ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who observed the ‘Isha prayer in
congregation, it was as if he prayed up to the midnight, and

- 56 -
he who prayed the morning prayer in congregation, it was as if he
prayed the whole night.” (Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1523)
3. COMPLETE AND PERFECT LIGHT ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
( ): This light will appear on the Siraat (the bridge
over the Hellfire on the Day of Judgment), which will be covered in total
darkness. The light given will be according to one’s faith and good deeds
and those who performed Fajr in congregation will get a perfect,
complete light.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Give glad

tidings to those who walk to the mosques in the
dark, of perfect light on the Day of Resurrection.”
(Ibn Majah, Book #5, Hadith #830)

4. ENTRY INTO PARADISE ( ): This reward is for those who

perform both the Fajr and ‘Asr prayers in congregation.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who observes Al-Burdain, (i.e., Fajr
and 'Asr prayers) will enter Jannah.” (Agreed upon, Book #9, Hadith #1049)

5. WILL NOT ENTER THE HELLFIRE ( ): This refers to offering

prayer before the sunrise and sunset (Fajr and ‘Asr).

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who performs Salaah (prayers) before
the rising of the sun and before its setting, will not enter the Hell-fire.”
(Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1048)

6. WITNESSED BY ANGELS ( ): The angels come in succession

during the day and they change shifts during the Fajr and ‘Asr prayers.

- 57 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Angels take turns among you by night
and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn and afternoon prayers. Those
(of the angels) who spend the night among you, then, ascend, and their
Lord asks them, though He is the best informed about them: How did you
leave My servants? They say: We left them while they were praying and we
came to them while they were praying.” (Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1464)

7. NOT AMONGST THE HYPOCRITES ( ):

A hypocrite does not pray the Fajr prayer in congregation.

The Messenger of Allah said: “No Salaah is more burdensome to

the hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the ‘Isha (night)
prayer; and if they knew their merits, they would come to them
even if they had to crawl to do so.” (Agreed upon, Book #9, Hadith #1073)!!
!
!

- 58 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
‘ASR AND ‘ISHA PRAYERS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! The virtues of
!
! the ‘asr prayer
! ( )
!
!
!
!
! Entry into Paradise Will Not Enter the Hellfire
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Witnessed by the Angels Double Reward
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! The virtues of
!
!
The ‘isha prayer
! ( )!
!
!
!
! As if Prayed up to the Will Not be Among
!
! Middle of the Night the Hypocrites
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 59 -
 ‘Asr and ‘Isha Prayers
( )
• The virtues of the ‘Asr prayer mentioned below refer to the performance
of the prayer itself (whether alone or in congregation), whereas the
virtues of the ‘Isha prayers refer specifically to the congregational prayer.
Allah knows best.

The Virtues of the ‘Asr Prayer

( )
& A Warning for Those Who Miss It
1. ENTRY INTO PARADISE ( ): This refers to both the Fajr and
‘Asr prayers.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever makes necessary for himself to

pray before sunset and sunrise will enter Paradise.” (Muslim, Musnad
Ahmad)

2. WILL NOT ENTER THE HELLFIRE ( ):

This refers to both the Fajr and ‘Asr prayers.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who performs Salaah (prayers) before
the rising of the sun and before its setting, will not enter the Hell.” (Muslim,
Book #9, Hadith #1048)

- 60 -
3. WITNESSED BY ANGELS ( ): We are surrounded by angels
day and night; their shifts change during the Fajr and ‘Asr prayer.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Angels take turns among you by night
and by day, and they all assemble at the dawn and afternoon prayers. Those
(of the angels) who spend the night among you, then, ascend, and their
Lord asks them, though He is the best informed about them: How did you
leave My servants? They say: We left them while they were praying and we
came to them while they were praying.” (Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1464)

4. DOUBLE REWARD ( ): This virtue is especially for the ‘Asr

prayer.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Surely this prayer was offered to people
before you, but they missed it. Whoever protects it will have double reward,
and there is no prayer after it until the sun sets.” (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith
#1964)

5. DEEDS ARE NULLIFIED FOR THE ONE WHO MISSES ‘ASR

INTENTIONALLY ( ): This is a warning for the
one who deliberately misses the ‘Asr prayer or decides to pray it
right before Maghrib. To delay ‘Asr till the end of its time
resembles the prayer of a hypocrite.

- 61 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “The one who leaves the Asr prayer
deliberately, until the time finishes, all his deeds are null.” (Imam Ahmad,
#26946)

6. AS IF ONE HAS LOST EVERYTHING ( ):

Another warning for the one who misses the ‘Asr prayer is that it
is as if one has lost one’s family and wealth. Imagine what a big
loss this is! In fact, the ‘Asr prayer is so significant that people
used to offer condolences for the one who missed ‘Asr during
the time of the Salaf.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who missed his afternoon

prayer it is as though he was deprived of his family and property.”
(Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1450)

The Virtues of the ‘Isha Prayer

( )
1. AS IF PRAYED UP TO THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who observed the ‘Isha prayer in
congregation, it was as if he prayed up to the midnight, and he who prayed
the morning prayer in congregation, it was as if he prayed the whole night.”
(Muslim, Book #6, Hadith #1523)

2. WILL NOT BE AMONG THE HYPOCRITES ( ):

The hypocrite does not pray the ‘Isha prayer in congregation, as it is
burdensome to him.

- 62 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “No Salaah is more burdensome to the
hypocrites than the Fajr (dawn) prayer and the ‘Isha (night) prayer; and if
they knew their merits, they would come to them even if they had to crawl
to do so.” (Agreed upon, Book #9, Hadith #1073)

- 63 -
 THE VIRTUES OF FASTING
( )

Command from Allah and

The Practice of the Prophets
a Means to Attain Taqwa
( )
( )

Countless Reward—A
Two Occasions of Joy
Surprise Reserved by Allah
( )!
( )!

The Supplication of the

Protection from the Hellfire
Fasting Person is Granted
( )!
( )!

Means of Intercession
Means of Forgiveness
on the Day of Judgment
( ) ( )

A Way to Paradise
( )

- 64 -
 Fasting
( )
Fasting is a noble act of worship that draws
the believer closer to Allah. It is an institution
for the purification of the soul and develops
self-control.

Definition: Fasting means to abstain from food and drink, and relations
with one’s spouse (with the intention in the heart) from dawn to sunset.

Fasting builds one’s self to abstain from blindly following one’s desires. It
trains to guard our heart and actions, and go against our desires (even
lawful ones) seeking Allah’s pleasure alone. If we are able to abstain from
the lawful, then we should be able to abstain from the unlawful, such as
lying, backbiting, slandering, cursing, bad behavior, and other forbidden
deeds as well. Hence, it is a training to attain Taqwa.

Fasting weakens the whispers of

Shaytaan to control and overcome us.

The Messenger of Allah said: Anas b. Malik reported the Messenger of

Allah (May peace be upon him) as saying: “The devil flows in a man like his
blood.” (Sahih Al-Albani, Sunan Abi Dawud 4719)

As the Shaytaan flows through your veins, he can see your weaknesses and
thus tries to misguide you with his whispers. But when you fast, your blood
veins shrink and so the Shaytaan is restricted and doesn’t have as much
power over you.

Fasting is food for the soul. You as a human being consist of body and soul.
In this life, our focus is more on the body and fulfilling its needs. However,
the nourishment of the soul is worship, which indeed is truly fulfilling, and

- 65 -
in fact more essential than even the food and drink. During fasting, the
demands of your body take a backseat while your focus shifts to the
nourishment of the soul.

Fasting also makes you considerate towards others, as you merely begin to
taste the suffering of those less fortunate than yourself. You see your own
weaknesses; you realize how poor you are to Allah, and how much you
need Him—even to quench your thirst with a glass of water. Fasting softens
your heart and cuts you down to your own deserving size; it is a cure for
arrogance and a way to instill gratitude ( ) to Allah.

There are many virtues of Ramadan and fasting expressed in the Qur’an
and in the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet . Even if only one of these
virtues were told to us it would have been enough to motivate us to fast
with ihsaan (excellence). But out of Allah’s vast Mercy and Generosity, He
pours upon us numerous rewards and virtues for this noble deed. And
hence, what seems like a difficult act of worship becomes easy and a delight
for the soul.

The Virtues of Fasting

( )
1. A COMMAND FROM ALLAH AND A MEANS TO ATTAIN TAQWA
( ):
Behind all the worship, the greatest goal is to achieve Taqwa.

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it has been
prescribed for people before you so that you will (learn how to) attain
Taqwa" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

- 66 -
Taqwa means to guard your heart from falling into sins and from
earning Allah’s anger. How? By doing what Allah has commanded
and abstaining from what He has forbidden out of utmost love for
Him, longing for His reward, and fearing His Anger and
Punishment. Fasting builds Taqwa, as one strives to overcome his
own desires (even the halal ones), to attain Allah’s pleasure, and
protect himself from His Anger.
Indeed the person who has attained Taqwa has attained excellence in the
worship of our Lord. In many verses of the Qur'an Allah says that the
reward of the people of Taqwa is Paradise. The people of Taqwa are the
successful people in this life and in the Hereafter where they will be the
dwellers of Paradise.

2. THE PRACTICE OF THE PROPHETS ( ):

'Abdullah bin 'Amr (may Allah be pleased with them) reported: The
Messenger of Allah said, “The Salat which is dearest to Allah is that of
(Prophet) Dawud; and As-Saum (the fasting) which is dearest to Allah is
that of (Prophet) Dawud. He used to sleep half the night, get up to perform
Salat for one-third of it, then sleep through the remaining one-sixth of it;
and he used to observe Saum on alternative days.” (Agreed upon)

3. COUNTLESS REWARD – A SURPRISE RESERVED BY ALLAH

( ):

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed
receiving ten times its like, up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High

- 67 -
said:'Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense
for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.' For the fasting
person there are two times of joy; a time of joy when he breaks his fast and a
time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth
of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of Musk.” (Ibn
Majah)

4. TWO OCCASIONS OF JOY ( ): (Refer to the Hadith above.)

“A time of joy when he breaks his “and a time of joy when he meets
fast”: his Lord”:
• The joy of satisfying his • A surprise and ultimate joy
hunger and thirst. awaits him when he meets his
• The joy at experiencing Allah’s Lord on the Day of Judgment.
bounty and favor upon him to
complete his fast with hope
and longing that Allah accepts
and rewards him.
.
5. PROTECTION FROM THE HELLFIRE ( ):

Allah's Messenger said, "Whoever fasts a day in the way of Allah, Allah
will place between him and the Fire a trench like that between the heavens
and the earth." (Tirmidhi)

6. THE SUPPLICATION OF THE FASTING PERSON IS GRANTED

( ):

`Abdullah Ibn `Amr Ibn al-`Aas also reported that the Messenger of Allah
said: "Indeed there is for the fasting person, when he breaks his fast, a
supplication which is not rejected". (Ibn Majah, al-Hakim and others; Sahih)

- 68 -
7. A MEANS OF INTERCESSION ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT
( ):

`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah said: "The fast
and the Qur'an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of
Resurrection. The fast will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from his food and
desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.' The Qur'an will say: 'I
prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.' And their
intercession will be accepted." (Ahmad)

8. A MEANS OF FORGIVENESS ( ): It is a reality that

none of us are perfect. We are weak, full of shortcomings, and
we find ourselves committing sins out of ignorance or out of
submission to our desires and whims. However, Allah is the
Most Merciful, the oft-Forgiving, and as part of this infinite
Mercy, He has opened for us different ways of expiating our sins
and gaining His forgiveness. Among the most important and
beneficial of these ways of forgiveness is fasting in general and in
Ramadan in particular.

Abu Huraira narrated that Allah's Messenger said: "Whoever observes

fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain
Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari)

- 69 -
Abu Wa'il narrated from Hudhaifah that 'Umar said: "Which of you
remembers what the Messenger of Allah said about the Fitnah?" So
Hudhaifah said: "I do." Hudhaifah said: "A man's Fitnah is in his family, his
wealth, his children, and his neighbors. It is atoned for by the Salat, fasting,
charity, and by commanding good and forbidding evil." 'Umar said: "I am
not asking you about this. Rather, about the Fitnah that spreads like the
waves of the sea." He said: "O Commander of the Believers! Between you
and it is a closed door." 'Umar said: "Will it be opened or broken?" He said:
"It will be broken." He said: "Then it will never be closed until the Day of
Judgment." (Sahih, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, Chapters on Al-Fitan)

9. A WAY TO PARADISE ( ):
If a person achieves Taqwa, he/she is among al-Muttaqeen.
Allah, in many places in the Qur'an, says that the house of al-Muttaqeen
is al-Jannah (Paradise)—as was described in the virtue "A Means to
Attain Taqwa."

- 70 -
"Verily, the Muslim men and women, the believing men and women, the
men and women who are obedient (to Allah), the men and women who are
truthful (in their speech and deeds), the men and women who are patient,
the men and women who are humble (before their Lord), the men and
women who give charity, the men and women who fast, the men and
women who guard their chastity (from illegal sexual acts) and the men and
women who remember Allah much. Allah has prepared for them
forgiveness and a great reward (i.e. Paradise)." (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:35)

Abu Umamah reported: “I came to the Messenger of Allah and said: 'Order
me to do a deed that will allow me to enter Paradise.' He said: 'Stick to
fasting, as there is no equivalent to it.'” (Ibn Hibban, an-Nasa'i, and al-Hakim:
Sahih)

Narrated Sahl: The Prophet said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-
Rayyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of
Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said,
'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none
except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed
and nobody will enter through it." (Bukhari)

- 71 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF LOVING SOMEONE
!
!
FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Strongest Bond in Faith Completion of Faith
!
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Sweetness of Faith Attaining the Love of Allah
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Under the Shade of the Throne Upon Pulpits of Light
! on the Day of Judgment
!
of Allah on the Day of Judgment
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Special Companionship
! with Allah
!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 72 -
ISLAM IS BASED ON LOVE AND PEACE. LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH
WITH THE CORRECT INTENTIONS CAN CHANGE THE SIMPLE EMOTION
OF LOVE INTO MOUNTAINS OF GOOD DEEDS. THIS IS ALL FROM
ALLAH’S BOUNTIES AND BLESSINGS.

Love for the Sake of Allah

( )
In Islam, the emphasis is on quality; simple
things can turn into worship and you can
earn multiple rewards by just having the
right intention.

The Virtues of Love for the Sake of Allah

( )
1. THE LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH IS THE STRONGEST BOND OF
FAITH ( ):

.
The Messenger of Allah said: “Oh Abdullah bin Mas'ood. I said: I am
here oh Messenger of Allah. He said: do you know what is the
strongest bond in faith? I said: Allah and His Messenger know. He
said: a guardianship for Allah—love for the sake of Allah and
hatred for the sake of Allah.” (Ibn Al Hajr Al Asqalani)

- 73 -
2. COMPLETION OF FAITH ( ): When you love someone
for the sake of Allah, then this is a sign of completion of faith.
However, to love one another for the sake of Allah means that
the love is not due to any worldly benefit or desire, but is the
sole outcome of their faith and obedience to Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “If anyone loves for Allah's sake, hates for
Allah's sake, gives for Allah's sake, and withholds for Allah's sake, he will
have perfect faith.” (Abu Dawud, Hadith #4681)

3. SWEETNESS OF FAITH ( ): When you love Allah and His

Messenger and then love others for the sake of Allah, then you will
taste the sweetness of faith.

The Messenger of Allah said: “None will have the sweetness of Faith till
he loves a person and loves him only for Allah's sake, and till it becomes
dearer to him to be thrown in the fire than to revert to disbelief after Allah
has brought him out of it, and till Allah and His Apostle become dearer to
him than anything else.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #78, Hadith #6110)

4. ATTAINING THE LOVE OF ALLAH ( ): Allah obliged His

love for those who love for the sake of Allah, and indeed, attaining His
love is the greatest achievement for a believer.

- 74 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “A man set out to visit a brother (in Faith)
in another town and Allah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the
angel, the latter asked him, ‘Where do you intend to go?’ He said, ‘I intend
to visit my brother in this town.’ The angel said, ‘Have you done any favor
to him?’ He said, ‘No, I have no desire except to
visit him because I love him for the sake of
Allah, the Exalted, and Glorious.’ Thereupon
the angel said, ‘I am a messenger to you from
Allah (to inform you) that Allah loves you as
you love him (for His sake).’” (Muslim, Book #1,
Hadith #361)

Abu Idris Al-Khaulani (may Allah have mercy on him) reported1: I once
entered the mosque in Damascus. I happened to catch sight of a young man
who had bright teeth (i.e. he was always seen smiling). A number of people
had gathered around him. When they differed over anything they would
refer it to him and act upon his advice. I asked who he was and I was told
that he was Mu'adh bin Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him). The next
day I hastened to the mosque, but found that he had arrived before me and
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
Muwatta by Imam Maalik

- 75 -
was busy in performing Salaah. I waited until he finished, and then went to
him from the front, greeted him with Salaam and said to him, "By Allah I
love you." He asked, "For the sake of Allah?" I replied, "Yes, for the sake of
Allah". He again asked me, "Is it for Allah's sake?" I replied, "Yes, it is for
Allah's sake." Then he took hold of my cloak, drew me to himself and said,
"Rejoice! I heard Messenger of Allah saying,
'Allah, the Exalted, says: My love is due to those
who love one another for My sake, meet one
another for My sake, visit one another for My
sake and spend in charity for My sake." (Hadith
Sahih, Book #1, Hadith #382)

The Messenger of Allah said: “No two men love one another, but the
better of them is the one whose love for his brother is greater.” (Adab al
Mufrad)

5. UNDER THE SHADE OF THE THRONE OF ALLAH ON THE DAY OF

JUDGMENT ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Seven

people will be shaded by Allah
under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except
His. They are: a just ruler; a young man who has been brought up in the
worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers
the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque); two persons
who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in
Allah's cause only; a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of
- 76 -
noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: ‘I am afraid
of Allah; a person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does
not know what his right hand has given, a person who remembers Allah in
seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #24, Hadith
#144)

6. UPON PULPITS OF LIGHT ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

( ): This refers to the people from different nations,
tribes, languages, etc. who met each other in this life for the sake of
Allah. On the Day of Judgment, they will be honored and beaming such
with light that even the Prophets will envy them.

Mu'adh (bin Jabal) (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of
Allah said, "Allah, the Exalted, has said: 'For those who love one another
for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of
Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs." (At-
Tirmidhi)

7. SPECIAL COMPANIONSHIP WITH ALLAH ( ):

“Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning

them, nor will they grieve.” (Surah Yunus, 10:62)

- 77 -
The Messenger of Allah said, “Allah says, ‘I do not combine for my
servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me
in this world I will cause him to fear on the Day of Judgment, and if he fears
Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on the Day of Judgment.’” (Sahih
al-Jami, Sheikh Albani has verified this Hadith in Saheeh At-Targheeb, this Hadith
is said to be Sahih Hassan)

A scholar was asked to describe the people who loved each other
for the sake of Allah. He said:

“The brotherhood for Allah is based on loving each other for the
sake of Allah; they work together towards the obedience of Allah,
and cooperate amongst each other to obey the commands of
Allah.”

.
The best company is made up of those people who come
together to obey Allah. What a beautiful relationship that
is! May Allah make us among those who really deserve
this love and may Allah make it continue till the time
we meet Him. May Allah never deprive us from this
blessing of loving each other for the sake of Allah, Ameen!

- 78 -
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Highest Degree of Worship
Best of Deeds
! and Better than Charity
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Forgiveness of Sins
! They Will Precede Everyone
! and Entry into Paradise
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Remember Allah—
! Life of the Hearts
Allah Will Remember You
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Special Companionship
! CONTINUED ON
of Allah
! THE NEXT PAGE…!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 79 -

!
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Peace and Tranquility
Removes Regret
! of the Heart
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Safeguard/Protection
! Fortress from the Devil
! from Hypocrisy
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Under the Shade of the Throne
! Removes Grief and Sorrow
of Allah on the Day of Judgment
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Praise of Allah and Light for the Slave in this
! Supplication of the Angels Life and the Hereafter
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 80 -

!
!

WHEN OUR HEART IS CONSTANTLY THINKING ABOUT ALLAH DURING

EVERY STEP THAT WE TAKE, THIS WILL BRING US CLOSER TO ALLAH.
THE FOLLOWING VERSE FROM THE QUR’AN SHOULD MAKE US PONDER
AS TO HOW WE CAN BE AMONG THOSE WHOSE LIFE AND DEATH ARE
FOR ALLAH’S SAKE ONLY. WE SHOULD BE LIVING ONLY FOR ALLAH,
AS A MUSLIM IS ONE WHO SUBMITS TO ALLAH ALONE.

“Say, ‘Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, my living and my dying are

for Allah, Lord of the worlds.’” (Surah Al-‘An’am, 6:162)

Remembrance of Allah
( )
The remembrance of Allah includes all kinds of worship
with the heart, tongue, and limbs, and can be done in
any condition or situation. The prayer, supplication,
glorifying and praising Allah, acquiring knowledge,
pondering and reflecting upon the Qur’an and the signs
of Allah, good utterances, and even good thoughts
about Allah are some of the ways of remembering Allah.

• You remember Allah and think of Him while you cannot see Him, but
He sees and hears you all the time.
• When you deal sincerely with Allah, the One who is Perfect, He showers
you with blessings and bounties.

- 81 -
!

The Virtues of the Remembrance of Allah

( )
1. BEST OF DEEDS ( ): The remembrance of Allah is the best of
deeds that one can do. The Messenger of Allah reminded us to keep
our tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.

‘Abdullah bin Busr (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: One of the
Companions said, "O Messenger of Allah. There are many injunctions of
Islam for me. So tell me something to which I may hold fast." He said, "Keep
your tongue wet with the remembrance of Allah." (At-Tirmidhi)

2. HIGHEST DEGREE OF WORSHIP AND BETTER THAN CHARITY

( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Shall I not inform you of the best
of your actions which are the purest to your Rabb, which exalt you
to the high ranks, which are more efficacious than spending gold
and silver (in charity), and better for you than you should encounter
your enemies whom you will smite their necks and they will smite
your necks?" They said, ‘Certainly.’ He said, ‘Remembrance of
Allah the Exalted.’” (Al Tirmidhi, Book #16, Hadith #1441)
3. THEY WILL PRECEDE EVERYONE ( ):

- 82 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “‘The Mufarridun have gone ahead.’ He

was asked, ‘Who are the Mufarridun?’ He replied, ‘Those men and
women who frequently celebrate the remembrance of Allah.’”
(Muslim, Book #16, Hadith #1436)

4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ENTRY INTO PARADISE

( ):
These are the main goals for any act of worship. Forgiveness of sins is
means of attaining protection from the Hellfire and entry into Paradise is
the ultimate and highest achievement for a believer. Remembrance of
Allah is the root of all worship—be it prayer, fasting, or reciting the
Qur’an.

“Indeed, the Muslim men and Muslim women, the believing men and
believing women, the obedient men and obedient women, the truthful men
and truthful women, the patient men and patient women, the humble men
and humble women, the charitable men and charitable women, the fasting
men and fasting women, the men who guard their private parts and the
women who do so, and the men who remember Allah often and the
women who do so - for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a
great reward.” (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:35)!

- 83 -
!

5. LIFE OF THE HEARTS ( ): The remembrance of Allah is

the nourishment of the heart. This is the key to keep your heart
alive and happy. If your heart remembers everybody and
everything else, but there is no place in it for remembering Allah
in it, then it is as if your heart is dead.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The similitude of one who

remembers his Rabb and one who does not remember Him, is like
that of the living and the dead.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #16, Hadith #1434)
6. REMEMBER ALLAH — ALLAH WILL REMEMBER YOU
( ): If Allah remembers us, imagine the great honor
of having our Creator, our Rabb remembering us! How can we not
remember Allah? May Allah make us among those who are
remembering Him, so that we can have the great honor of being
remembered by Allah, Ameen.

“So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not
deny Me.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:152)

7. SPECIAL COMPANIONSHIP OF ALLAH ( ): You will get the

support, protection, help, guidance, love, and victory from Allah. When
Allah, the King is our special companion, then we know that He is with
us (with His aid, support, love) all the time, in all situations. What a
comfort, joy, and honor to attain His Companionship!

- 84 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily Allah the Most

High said: I am with My slave when he remembers me,
and when he moves his lips.” (Ibn Hanbal, Hadith #10753)
8. PEACE AND TRANQUILITY OF THE HEART ( ): The
more we know and remember Allah, the more our heart and mind will
be at peace. We can only achieve this when we connect and attach our
heart to our Rabb alone.

“Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the
remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah
hearts are assured.” (Surah Ar-Ra’d, 13:28)

9. REMOVES REGRET ( ): If anyone sits in a gathering and only

indulges in worldly matters, then this will bring nothing but regret on
the Day of Judgment.

At the end of a gathering, it is important to say this supplication for

expiation of any gathering so that the time spent will not be a regret, but in
fact will be atonement for what takes place in the assembly:

Subhaanaka Allaahumma wa bihamdika, 'ash-hadu 'an laa 'ilaaha 'illaa 'Anta,

'astaghfiruka wa 'atoobu 'ilayka.

“Glory is to You, O Allah, and praise is to You. I bear witness that there is
none worthy of worship but You. I seek Your forgiveness and repent to
You.” (Abu Dawud)

- 85 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whenever a group of people sit in

a gathering in which they do not remember Allah the Exalted, nor
supplicate to elevate the rank of their Prophet, such a gathering will
be a cause of grief to them. If Allah wills, He will punish them, and
if He wills He will forgive them.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #5, Hadith #836)!
10. SAFEGUARD/PROTECTION FROM HYPOCRISY ( ): To
avoid any of the characteristics of the munaafiqeen (hypocrites), do
the opposite of what they do, i.e. do not be lazy while praying and
remember Allah all the time.

“Indeed, the hypocrites [think to] deceive Allah, but He is deceiving them.
And when they stand for prayer, they stand lazily, showing [themselves to]
the people and not remembering Allah except a little.” (Surah An-Nisaa’,
4:142)

11. FORTRESS FROM THE DEVIL ( ): Remembrance of

Allah renders the whispers of the Shaytaan powerless and makes it
weak.

“And if an evil suggestion comes to you from Shaytaan, then seek refuge in
Allah. Indeed, He is Hearing and Knowing.” (Al-‘A’raf, 7:200)

- 86 -
!

12. UNDER THE SHADE OF THE THRONE OF ALLAH ON THE DAY OF

JUDGMENT ( ): When you sit and think about
Allah in private in your heart—thinking about His blessings, His
bounties, His forgiveness, His protection, His greatness, His kindness,
all of this and more that He has bestowed upon you, and your eyes
become filled with tears of humbleness and gratefulness to have Allah
as your Lord, then this simple movement of your heart and gesture
will be great in Allah’s sight.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Sevenpeople will be shaded by Allah

under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except
His. They are: a just ruler; a young man who has been brought up in the
worship of Allah, a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers
the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque); two persons
who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's
cause only; a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth
for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: ’ I am afraid of Allah’; a
person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know
what his right hand has given, a person who remembers Allah in
seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #24,
Hadith #144)
.
13. REMOVES GRIEF AND SORROW ( ):
Studying the perfect names of Allah, asking for forgiveness ( ),
praising Allah ( ), and reflecting upon His blessings, all work
towards removing sorrow and grief.

14. PRAISE OF ALLAH AND SUPPLICATION OF THE ANGELS

( ): When you constantly remember Allah in
different ways: by yourself, with others, or in your heart, and always
think good of Him (never have negative thoughts about Him), then
Allah the most High will praise you and the angels will invoke for
you.
Isn’t the praise of Allah the best praise?

- 87 -
!

“O you who have believed, remember Allah with much

remembrance and exalt Him morning and afternoon. It is
He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask
Him to do so] that He may bring you out from
darknesses into the light. And ever is He, to the believers,
Merciful.” (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:41-43)
15. LIGHT FOR THE SLAVE IN THIS LIFE AND THE HEREAFTER
( ): How will Allah give you the light in this
life? Allah will guide you in this life, in all your decisions, and all your
dealings. Everything will be clear with the light of Allah. In the grave,
the light will brighten the darkness. On the Day of Judgment, the light
will help you cross the bridge of As-Siraat at a time when there will be
total darkness.

- 88 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF STUDY CIRCLES
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Angels Surround
Gardens of Paradise
! the Study Circles
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Allah Will Remember Them
! Forgiveness of Sins
! and Boast About Them
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Safe/Free from
! Accepted Supplication
Regret and Guilt
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Replacement of Sins
! Light Upon Their Faces
with Good Deeds
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 89 -
HOW WILL WE PERFORM THE GOOD DEEDS IN THE BEST MANNER TO
REACH EXCELLENCE? BY FOLLOWING THE CONDITIONS OF THE ‘AMAL
SAALIH; THIS MEANS DOING THE DEED ONLY FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH
AND FOLLOWING THE SUNNAH OF THE PROPHET .

Study Circles
( )
• Attending a study circle is still an act of remembering Allah, but it is
different in the sense that you are meeting others for the sake of Allah in
order to learn more about Allah.
.

The study circles (for learning the deen) are so

precious, honorable, and blessed, as the angels
surround them and Allah bestows His bounties and
blessings upon those present.

The Virtues of the Study Circles

( )
1. GARDENS OF PARADISE ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “When you come across gardens of

Paradise, pause for a while." The companions asked, "What are they?" He
replied, "The study circles.” (At-Tirmidhi)

2. ANGELS SURROUND THE STUDY CIRCLES ( ): The angels

surround the study circles and mercy and tranquility covers the
people gathered. That’s why is .

- 90 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “When a group of people assemble
for the remembrance of Allah, the angels surround them (with their
wings), (Allah's) mercy envelops them, Sakinah, or tranquility
descends upon them and Allah makes a mention of them before
those who are near Him.” (Muslim, Book #16, Hadith #1448)
3. ALLAH WILL REMEMBER THEM AND BOAST ABOUT THEM
( ): When you attend these study circles, Allah
honors you and talks about your magnificence in front of the angels.
That’s why it is emphasized to come to a study circle only for the sake of
Allah so as to not miss out on this honor!

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Mu'awiyah
(may Allah be pleased with him) came to an assembly in the mosque and
asked them: "What has made you sit together?" They replied, "We are sitting
here to remember Allah." He said, "I adjure you by Allah to tell me whether
nothing else has made you to sit together." They replied: "By Allah! We are
sitting only to remember Allah." Then he said, "I did not adjure you because
I suspected you. No one of my rank in the eyes of the Messenger of Allah
is the narrator of so few traditions as I am. The fact is that the Messenger of

- 91 -
Allah went out to a circle of his Companions and said, 'What
has made
you sit there?' When they replied that they are sitting together to
remember Allah and to praise Him for guiding them to Islam and
bestowing favors on them, he said, 'I adjure you by Allah to tell me
that nothing else has made you sit together.' On their reply that
there was certainly no other purpose, he said, 'I did not adjure you
because I suspected you, but Jibril came to me and told me that
Allah was talking proudly of you to the angels." (Muslim, Book #16,
Hadith #1450)!

4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ): We come to a study circle with

sins and as we leave, Allah expiates all of them.

The Messenger of Allah said: "No group sits in a gathering remembering

Allah, but that a caller calls from the heaven: stand with all your sins
forgiven.” (Al-Albani, Hadith #5609)

5. SAFE/FREE FROM REGRET AND GUILT ( ):

There is nothing worse than to have regret on the Day of Judgment.

The Messenger of Allah said: " If anyone sits in a gathering where he

does not remember Allah, he will bring grief upon himself (on the Day of
Resurrection), and he who lies down in a place where he does not
remember Allah, will bring grief upon himself (on the Day of
Resurrection).” (Abu Dawud, Book #5, Hadith #837)

6. ACCEPTED SUPPLICATION ( ): The study circles are one of

the blessed places where Allah accepts the supplications of the people
gathered.

- 92 -
7. REPLACEMENT OF SINS WITH GOOD DEEDS ( ):
The sins of the ones who attend study circles are replaced with
good deeds as a special favor from Allah. Nobody is more
generous than Allah, Al-Karim (The Most Generous)!
8. LIGHT UPON THEIR FACES ( ): These are people from
different nations, tribes, languages, etc. who meet each other in this life
for the sake of Allah. On the Day of Judgment, they will be beaming with
light that even the Prophets will envy.

The Messenger of Allah said: "Allah will resurrect a nation on the Day of
Judgment their faces will be alight, upon pulpits made of pearls. People will
be envious of them. They will not be prophets or martyrs. A Bedouin said:
oh Messenger of Allah, describe them to us. He said: they are the ones
who love for the sake of Allah, they belong to different tribes and
countries. They gather together to remember Allah.” (Al-Mindiri)

Never underestimate these great virtues.

Regular attendance at the study circles may become part of a
routine where we may forget to appreciate the value of these
gatherings. In our journey, our focus may shift from seeking
Allah’s pleasure to following our desires—such as seeking
praise from people, or gaining some worldly benefit.
However, we need to constantly stay focused and appreciate
all the bounties and blessings from Allah. May Allah make
us remember Him and these virtues endlessly so that we
can continue to hope for the reward from Allah! May Allah
make us a part of the study circles till the time we meet
Him and may He make us sincere throughout, Ameen!
- 93 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF REPENTANCE
!
!
AND SEEKING FORGIVENESS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Fulfillment of
! Love of Allah
Command from Allah
! ( )
! ( )
!
!
!
!
Allah Will be Happy with the
! Mercy of Allah
! Repentance of the Sinner
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Expiation of Sins Tree in Paradise
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Happy to Receive the Book of
! Answered Invocation
Records in the Right Hand
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Abundant Blessings Avert Calamities
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 94 -
IN THIS LIFE, WE ARE SURROUNDED BY SO MANY WORLDLY
DISTRACTIONS AND HENCE THE INTENTION OF DOING A DEED FOR THE
SAKE OF ALLAH IS EASILY OVERLOOKED OR FORGOTTEN. THUS, TO
REAP THE FULL REWARD OF OUR DEEDS, WE NEED TO CONSTANTLY
RENEW OUR INTENTIONS BY KEEPING THE VIRTUES IN OUR MIND ALL
THE TIME.

Repentance and
Seeking Forgiveness
( )
There are many deeds that have been mentioned
whose virtues already include expiation of sins, so
then why do we need to separately repent and seek
forgiveness from Allah? Seeking forgiveness from
Allah and repenting are by themselves considered
great acts of worship and have special rewards and
virtues.
• We should do (seeking forgiveness) all the time. If you love Allah,
you will constantly seek His forgiveness, because this is an act of
worship He loves.

The Virtues of Repentance

and Seeking Forgiveness
( )
1. FULFILLMENT OF COMMAND FROM ALLAH ( ): Allah,
the Most Loving, the Most Merciful, commands us to flee to Him with
constant repentance and forgiveness. This command is in order to reform
us.

- 95 -
“And ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. Indeed, my
Lord is Merciful and Affectionate.” (Surah Hud, 11:90)

2. LOVE OF ALLAH ( ):
We all seek the love of Allah, and repentance is one such act that can
help us attain the love of Allah. Allah hates those who are distant
from Him by not seeking His forgiveness. This noble deed is a
humbling act, which shows our dire need of our Lord at all times. Allah
loves those who never feel self-sufficient from Him.

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those
who purify themselves.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:222)

3. MERCY OF ALLAH ( ): We are always in need of the mercy of

Allah and especially so on the Day of Judgment. If we seek forgiveness
and repentance constantly, Allah will cover us with His Vast Mercy in
this life and the Hereafter.

“He said, "O my people, why are you impatient for evil instead of good?
Why do you not seek forgiveness of Allah that you may receive mercy?”
(Surah An-Naml, 27:46)

4. ALLAH BECOMES PLEASED WITH THE REPENTANCE OF THE SINNER

( ): We are so dear to Allah. Look at the greatness of
seeking repentance. We not only reap the benefits of having our sins
forgiven by Allah, but also being showered with His love and mercy.

- 96 -
 Allah, with all His
Majesty, is happy
when His slave repents,
even though He is the
Most Rich. Truly, this
is a powerful act of
worship.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah is more pleased with the repentance
of a believing servant than of a person who set out on a journey with a
provision of food and drink on the back of his camel. He went on until he
came to a waterless desert and he felt like sleeping. So he got down under
the shade of a tree and was overcome by sleep and his camel ran away. As
he got up he tried to see (the camel) standing upon a mound, but did not
find it. He then got upon the other mound, but could not see anything. He
then climbed upon the third mound but did not see anything until he came
back to the place where he had been previously. And as he was sitting (in
utter disappointment) there came to him the camel, till that (camel) placed
its nose string in his hand. Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His
servant than the person who found (his lost camel) in this very state.”
(Muslim, Book #51, Hadith #7134)

5. EXPIATION OF SINS ( ): Many times we equate repentance

with expiation of sins, but look at all of the virtues that come after
repenting and before this expiation—the love, mercy, and happiness of
Allah. Sometimes people cannot forgive those who wrong them, but
Allah is Ar-Rahmaan (the Entirely Merciful), Ar-Raheem (the Especially
Merciful), Al-Ghafoor (the Most Forgiving), At-Tawaab (the Acceptor of
Repentance), Al-Kareem (the Most Generous), and Ash-Shakoor (the
Appreciative) in accepting our repentance.

- 97 -
In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah Azz wa Jal says: “O My slaves, you commit sins
night and day and I forgive all sins, so seek My forgiveness and I shall
forgive you.” (This is part of a Hadith. Muslim, Book #32, Hadith #6246)

As long as you are sincere in seeking forgiveness, Allah will forgive

you—even your sins are equal to the foam of the sea. Allah will
continue to forgive His slave when he turns to Him in repentance,
as he (the slave) knows that he has a Lord who forgives and
pardons.
6. TREE IN PARADISE ( ): A special tree in Paradise will be
gifted to the one whose book of records includes much istighfaar. The
description of a tree in Paradise is that it is so vast, one would need 100
years to travel under its shade. So keep your heart and tongue busy
seeking forgiveness, even while sitting in the car or waiting in line, as
there is no restriction of time or place!

The Messenger of Allah said: "The tree of Tooba for the one who has
plenty of istighfaar in his book of records.” (Ibn Majah, Al-Albani)

7. HAPPY TO BE RECEIVING THE BOOK OF RECORDS IN THE RIGHT

HAND ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever loves that he be happy

to see his book of records should increase in istighfaar.” (At-Tabarani,
Hadith #1680)

- 98 -
8. ANSWERED INVOCATION ( ):
Seeking forgiveness constantly is a means for having your prayers
answered. The following story shows the power of istighfaar (seeking
forgiveness from Allah).
During his old age, while Imam Ahmed was traveling, he stopped by a
town. After the prayers, he wanted to stay for the night in the Masjid yard
because he didn’t know anyone in the town. Owing to his humility, he
hadn’t introduced himself to anyone thinking that if he did, he would be
welcomed by many people.
Failing to recognize Ahmed Ibn Hanbal, the caretaker of the Masjid refused
to let him stay in the Masjid. Frustrated, Imam Ahmed resolved to spend
the night in the Masjid yard. The guard became furious. As Imam Ahmed
was quite old, the caretaker had to drag him out of the Masjid. On seeing
this, a baker from a nearby place felt pity for this man (Imam Ahmed) and
offered to be the host to him for the night. During his stay with the baker,
Imam Ahmed observed that the baker would constantly recite istighfaar
(seek forgiveness from Allah). Imam Ahmed asked the baker if the constant
practice of saying istighfaar had any effect on him.
The baker responded, "By Allah! No du’aa (supplication to God) I made
except that it was answered but one."
"And what is that?" asked Imam Ahmed.
.
“To be able to see the famed Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal!” Replied the baker.
.
Allah had not only listened
On this, Imam Ahmed Ibn Hanbal said that
to his du’aa but had dragged him (Imam Ibn Hanbal) onto his (the
baker’s) doorsteps.
9. ABUNDANT BLESSINGS ( ): When you are seeking constant
forgiveness, you will be showered with blessings in this worldly life. But
your worldly benefit should not be your main concern; your
main concern should be bettering our Hereafter. (This virtue is
simply an encouragement and one of the endless fruitful results of this
noble deed.)

- 99 -
“And I [Nuh (peace be upon him)]1 said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord’.
Indeed, He is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky
upon you in [continuing] shower. And give you increase in wealth and
children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers." (Surah
Nuh, 71:10-12)

“And [saying], "Seek forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He
will let you enjoy a good provision for a specified term and give every doer
of favor his favor. But if you turn away, then indeed, I fear for you the
punishment of a great Day.” (Surah Hud, 11:3)

10. AVERT CALAMITIES ( ): If your sole concern is to repent

to Allah and attain His Pleasure, He will take care of all your
worldly worries and will remove your distress and calamities.
Caution: Don’t make solving your problem your main concern
when making istighfaar, though.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
http://www.quran4u.com/Tafsir%20Ibn%20Kathir/071%20Nuh.htm

- 100 -
The Best time to seek His forgiveness is during the early hours at pre–dawn.

“The patient, the true, the obedient, those who spend [in the way of Allah],
and those who seek forgiveness before dawn.” (Surah ‘Ali-‘Imran, 3:17)

The Best Istighfaar

Shaddad bin Aus (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Prophet
said, “The best supplication for seeking forgiveness (Syed-ul-Istighfaar) is to
say:

'Allaahumma Anta Rabbee, laa ilaaha illa Anta, khalaqtani wa ana 'abduka, wa ana
'ala 'ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu, a'udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka
bini'matika 'alayya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfir li, fa innahu la yaghfirudh-dhunuba
illa Anta.

- 101 -
‘O Allah! You are my Rabb. There is no true god except You. You have
created me, and I am Your slave, and I hold to Your Covenant as far as I
can. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I acknowledge
the favors that You have bestowed upon me, and I confess my sins. Pardon
me, for none but You has the power to pardon).' He who supplicates in
these terms during the day with firm belief in it and dies on the same day
(before the evening), he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah; and if anyone
supplicates in these terms during the night with firm belief in it and dies
before the morning, he will be one of the dwellers of Jannah.’” (Al-Bukhari)

This du’aa is the master of all the supplications of

forgiveness. Prophet said the one who says this du’aa
once in the morning and once in the evening not just
with the tongue, but with yaqeen (certainty) in the heart
and understanding, will be admitted to Paradise by our
Rabb (the Lord, the Nurturer, the Reformer).

- 102 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SUPPLICATIONS
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Closeness to Allah Fulfillment of Obligation
!
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Companionship of Allah Most Honorable Worship
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Supplication is Accepted
! Averts the Wrath of Allah
in All Conditions
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
CONTINUED
! ON
! THE NEXT PAGE…!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 103 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SUPPLICATIONS
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! The Slave Who Calls on Allah Opens for the Slave the Delight
! Does Not Return Empty-Handed of Talking to His Lord
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Includes Different
! Safeguards from Arrogance
! Kinds of Tawheed
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Reason for Finding Solace Reason for Attaining Feelings
!
!
and Comfort of the Heart of Love Between People
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Whoever Supplicates for His
!
!
Brother in His Absence Will
! Receive the Same for Himself
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 104 -
WHEN YOU REMEMBER ITS VIRTUES BEFORE DOING A GOOD DEED,
YOUR HEART WILL BE OCCUPIED BY THE LONGING FOR THESE
REWARDS. THERE WILL BE NO PLACE FOR ANY DISTRACTIONS. FILL
YOUR HEART WITH OBEDIENCE, THANKFULNESS, AND THE
REMEMBRANCE OF ALLAH. PROTECT YOUR HEART FROM BEING
OCCUPIED BY ANYTHING OTHER THAN ALLAH.

Supplications
( )
Most people think you should make supplications
only when you need something and you start
supplicating only after trying everything else. This
should not be the case, as you should always make
du’aa and never underestimate it or treat is as a last
resort.
• Supplications can be made in any state: sitting, standing, lying down,
walking, traveling, etc. Allah will respond to you regardless of your
condition.

The Virtues of Supplications

( )
1. CLOSENESS TO ALLAH ( ): Allah is closer to you than your
jugular vein and the closeness can be felt the moment you
invoke Him. Allah is close to the one who supplicates through Allah’s
Knowledge, Hearing, and Seeing. The power of Allah can be seen by the
fact that He is close to whoever supplicates to Him, whenever and
wherever.

- 105 -
“And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed
I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon
Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they
may be [rightly] guided.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)

2. DU’AA IS OBLIGATORY ( ): It is a command from Allah to

make du’aa and is not optional. This is the best invitation from your
Lord—to make du’aa to Him and He will respond to you.

“And your Lord says, "Call upon Me; I will respond to you." Indeed, those
who disdain My worship will enter Hell [rendered] contemptible.” (Surah
Ghafir, 40:60)

3. COMPANIONSHIP OF ALLAH ( ): One of the virtues of

supplicating is closeness to Allah, but in addition to this is His
special companionship, which means you will get His support
and help. If Allah is with you, no one can be against you.!

The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah the Exalted says: 'I am as

my slave expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers
Me. If he remembers Me inwardly, I will remember him inwardly,
and if he remembers Me in an assembly, I will remember him in a
better assembly (i.e., in the assembly of angels).’” (Agreed upon)
- 106 -
4. MOST HONORABLE WORSHIP ( ): When you have faith in
Allah and invoke Him while hoping for the reward from Him, He honors
this act of worship even though you do not see Him.

The Messenger of Allah said: “There is nothing more honorable to Allah

than du’aa.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #3370)

5. AVERTS THE WRATH OF ALLAH ( ): The one

who does not invoke Allah is as if he feels he is self-sufficient from Allah.
When you make du’aa, you will drive away Allah’s anger because this
act is beloved to Allah. He loves it even more when you acknowledge the
fact that you are in dire need of Him and that He is always there to listen
and respond.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The wrath of Allah is upon the one who
doesn't invoke Him.” (Ahmed bin Hanbal, Hadith #9507)

6. SUPPLICATION IS ACCEPTED IN ALL CONDITIONS

( ): A prayer is accepted if it comes from the
heart of the supplicant with sincerity. There are four ways in which a
du’aa is accepted:

Reward is
Delayed until
Immediately Averts an evil preserved until the
the right time
( )! ( )! Day of Judgment
( )
( )!

So when you invoke your Rabb, believe with certainty (yaqeen) that He will
respond (without doubt) to you in the most suitable way—as He is the All
Knower, the All Wise.

- 107 -
7. THE SLAVE WHO CALLS ON ALLAH DOES NOT RETURN EMPTY-
HANDED ( ):
We are talking about the Creator, the King of all, the One to whom the
Heavens and the earth belong. When we invoke Allah by raising our
hands, He will not return them without giving us what we supplicated
for.

Salman Al-Farsi narrated that the Prophet said: “Indeed, Allah, is Hayy,
Generous, when a man raises his hands to Him, He feels too shy to return
them to him empty and rejected.” (Sheikh Albani, Saheeh)

8. OPENS FOR THE SLAVE THE DELIGHT OF TALKING TO HIS LORD

( ): When you supplicate to Allah and feel His
closeness and His companionship, He allows for you the sweetest delight
of talking to Him. As soon as you begin your supplication, you are in
direct dialogue with your Creator, your Rabb (your Nurturer) and
nothing is dearer to the heart than Him! So enjoy these moments of
conversing with Him. You can talk to Allah and invoke Allah in any
language and He will respond to you. The best time for du’aa is during
prostration, when the slave is closest to Allah.

9. INCLUDES DIFFERENT KINDS OF TAWHEED ( ): There are

three kinds of Tawheed (oneness of Allah) that are inclusive in du’aa:

Oneness of Lordship Oneness of Worship

( ): Acknowledgement
( ): Acknowledgement
that Allah is the only One worthy
of Allah being the only Lord ( ).!
of worship..!

Oneness of His Perfect Names and Attributes

( ): Acknowledgement that to Allah belongs
the most perfect names and attributes—He is the All Hearer, the
One Who Responds, the Most Near, the All Able, the All Wise.!

- 108 -
10. SAFEGUARD FROM ARROGANCE ( ): The more du’aa
you make, the more it frees your heart from arrogance and humbles
you in front of your Lord ( ).
11. REASON FOR FINDING SOLACE AND COMFORT OF THE HEART
( ): You can say what is in your heart and pour out
your feelings to your Creator, and that will give you the best solace
and comfort.

12. REASON FOR ATTAINING FEELINGS OF

LOVE BETWEEN PEOPLE
( ): To increase the love
between you and whomever you love, make
du’aa in their absence. If you have any ill
feelings towards someone, then make sincere
du’aa for them as a way for Allah to remove the
traces of hatred, grief, jealousy, or any negative
feelings in your heart.

13. WHOEVER SUPPLICATES FOR HIS BROTHER IN HIS ABSENCE

WILL RECEIVE THE SAME FOR HIMSELF
( ):

Abu Dharr reported that Allah's Messenger said: There is no believing

servant who supplicates for his brother behind his back (in his absence) that
the Angels do not say: The same be for you too. (Muslim)

We cannot live without du’aa! Though we are the ones in

need, how greatly Allah appreciates it when our hearts turn
to Him that even our asking is full of virtues and rewards!
- 109 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SENDING BLESSINGS
!
!
TO THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
! Fulfillment of Allah Will Praise
!
!
Command from Allah You Ten Times
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
Light in the World Expiation of Sins and
! and Hereafter Removal of Stress
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! The Closest People to the
You Will Not be a Miser
! Messenger of Allah
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
! To Not Miss the
! Removal of Regret
Road to Paradise
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
! Blessings Sent on Friday are Intercession of the Messenger of
!
! Presented to the Prophet Allah on the Day of Judgment
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 110 -
 Sending Blessings to the
Messenger of Allah
( )
• To send blessings to the Prophet is itself a du’aa.
• It is important to send blessings to the Messenger of Allah , since it is a
part of offering your supplications and your supplication will not be
complete without it.

There are different kinds of blessings that

can be sent to the Prophet Muhammad :
Du’aa that Allah Du’aa that Allah Blessings for
praises the Prophet protects and preserves the Prophet
Muhammad him and his Sunnah Muhammad
( ) ( ) ( )

These should be said either when:

You are talking about the You hear someone
Prophet Muhammad else mention his name

The Virtues of Sending Blessings

to the Messenger of Allah
( )
.
1. FULFILLMENT OF COMMAND FROM ALLAH ( ):
The believers are commanded to ask Allah to send blessings upon the
Prophet . The more you believe, the more you will do this noble deed.
One of the main virtues in invoking peace and blessings on him is that
it fulfills Allah's commands and also complies with His and His angels’
act of invoking peace and blessings upon the Prophet .

- 111 -
“Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him
to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him
and ask [Allah to grant him] peace.” (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:56)

2. ALLAH WILL PRAISE YOU TEN TIMES ( ):

Allah will praise you 10 more times for sending Salaat on the
Prophet .

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever sends Salaat upon me, Allah
sends Salaat upon him ten times.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #2, Hadith #487)

3. LIGHT IN THE WORLD AND HEREAFTER ( ):

One of the ways to attain Allah’s praise is by sending blessings to
the Prophet . When Allah praises you, He brings you out from
the darkness of sins, ignorance, and innovations, into the light of
knowledge, Sunnah, and good deeds. The more you send
blessings to the Prophet , the more Allah will praise you, and
the more you will attain light in this life and the Hereafter.

"It is He who confers blessing upon you, and His angels [ask Him to do so]
that He may bring you out from darknesses into the light. And ever is He,
to the believers, Merciful.” (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:43)

- 112 -
4. EXPIATION OF SINS AND REMOVAL OF STRESS
( ): If you dedicate your entire du’aa to
sending blessings to the Prophet
, it will be sufficient to expiate
your sins, remove your distress,
and make you satisfied and
content—both in this life and the
Hereafter.

“Ubayy bin Ka'b (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: When one-third
of the night would pass, Messenger of Allah would get up and call out,
"O people, remember Allah. The Rajifah (i.e., the first Blowing of the
Trumpet which will shake the whole universe and thus cause all life to
cease) has come, followed by Ar-Radifah (i.e., the second Blowing of the
Trumpet which will restore life and thus mark the Resurrection Day). Death
has approached with all that it comprises. Death has approached with all
that it comprises.” I said: “O Messenger of Allah, I frequently invoke Allah
to elevate your rank. How much of my supplications should I devote to
you?” He said, “You may devote as much as you wish.” When I suggested a
quarter, he said, "Do whatever you wish, but it will be better for you if you
increase it.” I suggested half, and he said, “Do whatever you wish, but it
will be better for you if you increase.” I suggested two-thirds, and he said,
“Do whatever you wish but it will be better for you if you increase it.” I
said, “Shall I devote all my supplications invoking Allah to elevate your
rank?” He said, “Then you will be freed from your worries and your sins
will be forgiven.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hasan, Book #1, Hadith #580)

- 113 -
5. THE FOREMOST, THE CLOSEST PEOPLE TO THE MESSENGER OF
ALLAH ( ): The closest and most special
to the Messenger of Allah are those who send the most blessings to
the Messenger of Allah .

Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of
Allah said: "The people who will be nearest to me on the Day of
Resurrection will be those who supplicate Allah more often for me." (At-
Tirmidhi)

6. WARNING OF THE TITLE OF A MISER FOR THE ONE WHO DOES NOT
SEND BLESSINGS UPON THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH
( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “The miser is the one in whose presence I
am mentioned but he does not supplicate for me.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #15,
Hadith #1403)

7. REMOVAL OF REGRET ( ): The gathering in which the

name of Allah and His Messenger is not mentioned will be a source of
regret on the Day of Judgment. It is important to always make your
gathering blessed with the remembrance of Allah and by sending
blessings to the Prophet .

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger
of Allah said, “If people sit in an assembly in which they do not
remember Allah or invoke blessings on the Prophet it will be a cause of
grief to them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Related by At-Tirmidhi who graded
it as Hasan)

- 114 -
8. TO NOT MISS THE ROAD TO PARADISE ( ): In order
to have your deeds be accepted by Allah, you must fulfill 2 conditions—
(1) perform the deed for the sake of Allah alone and (2) follow the
Sunnah of the Prophet . If someone neglects sending blessings upon
the Prophet when his name is mentioned, this means following the
Sunnah of the Prophet is not important to that person. The path to
Paradise is behind the Prophet , so you need to follow the footsteps of
the Messenger of Allah by following his Sunnah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The one in whose presence I am

mentioned and he missed sending blessings upon me will miss the
road to Paradise.” (Al-Albani, Hadith #6245)!!
!
9. BLESSINGS SENT ON FRIDAY ARE PRESENTED TO THE PROPHET
( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Among the best of your days is Friday. On
that day pray to Allah to exalt my mention frequently, for your such
supplications are presented to me.” (Abu Dawud, Book #9, Hadith #1158)

10. INTERCESSION OF THE MESSENGER OF ALLAH ON THE DAY OF

JUDGMENT ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Every Messenger is endowed with a

prayer which is granted and by which he would (pray to his Lord) and it
would he granted for him. I have, however, reserved my prayer for the
intercession of my Ummah on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, Book #2,
Hadith #513)

- 115 -
Narrated Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet
said: If any one of you greets me, Allah returns my soul to me and I respond
to the greeting. (Abu Dawud)

- 116 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
SEEKING KNOWLEDGE
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Means of Good from Allah
! Fulfillment of Obligation ( )
! ( )
!
!
! Angels Lower Their
!
! Wings Over the Seeker of
!
Allah Will Make the Knowledge and are Pleased
! Path to Paradise Easy )
! ( )! ( .
!
!
!
!
! Inhabitants of the Heavens and Superiority of the Learned Man
! Earth Seek Forgiveness for Him Over the Devout Worshipper
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! The Learned are Heirs Like the One Striving
!
!
of the Prophets in the Cause of Allah
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! State of Love and
! Elevation in Ranks
! Fear of Allah
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 117 -
 Seeking Knowledge
( )
The religious knowledge makes us closer to Allah and is the guide
on how to worship Him. That’s why in the Qur’an Allah makes a
stark contrast between those endowed with knowledge and those
who without, thus emphasizing the importance of seeking
knowledge for the sake of Allah.

“Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only
they will remember [who are] people of understanding.” (Surah Az-
Zumar, 39:9)

The Virtues of Seeking Knowledge

( )
1. OBLIGATORY FOR MUSLIMS ( ): Seeking and
acquiring religious knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim.
Why? Allah created us and placed us on this earth to worship
and submit to Him in order to go to Paradise. How can we
achieve this without knowing Allah and without knowing what
He has commanded us with?

- 118 -
2. MEANS OF GOOD FROM ALLAH ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “If

Allah wants to do good for
somebody, he makes him comprehend the Religion (i.e. Islam),
and Allah is the Giver and I am Al-Qasim (i.e. the Distributor), and this
(Muslim) nation will remain victorious over their opponents, till Allah's
Order comes and they will still be victorious.” (Al-Bukhari, Hadith #3116)

3. MULTIPLE VIRTUES FROM THE FOLLOWING HADITH:

The Messenger of Allah said:

He who follows a path in quest of knowledge, ALLAH WILL MAKE THE

PATH OF JANNAH EASY FOR HIM.
• Some people do ‘ibaadah and deeds incorrectly because their worship is not based
on a foundation of correct knowledge. That’s why seeking the path of knowledge
will make the way to Paradise easier.

THE ANGELS LOWER THEIR WINGS OVER THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE,

BEING PLEASED WITH WHAT HE DOES.
• Angels are honorable and magnificent creations of Allah and their noble job
is to carry out the commands of Allah. The angels worship Allah day and
night. These noble worshippers lower their wings for the seeker of
knowledge—what an honor!

THE INHABITANTS OF THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH AND EVEN THE
FISH IN THE DEPTH OF THE OCEANS SEEK FORGIVENESS FOR HIM.

- 119 -
• When the seekers of knowledge are busy acquiring knowledge, every creature
asks forgiveness for them on their behalf—even the creatures we often belittle,
such as the fish in the sea and the ants.

THE SUPERIORITY OF THE LEARNED MAN OVER THE DEVOUT

WORSHIPPER IS LIKE THAT OF THE FULL MOON TO THE REST OF THE
STARS (I.E., IN BRIGHTNESS).

THE LEARNED ARE THE HEIRS OF THE PROPHETS WHO BEQUEATH

NEITHER DINAR NOR DIRHAM BUT ONLY THAT OF KNOWLEDGE; and he
who acquires it, has in fact acquired an abundant portion.
• When the Prophet left the world, he only left behind the knowledge and to be
able to acquire and benefit from this inheritance is indeed a great treasure from
Allah.

(Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, Book #13, Hadith #1388)

4. LIKE THE ONE STRIVING IN THE CAUSE OF ALLAH ( ):

When you are seeking the path for knowledge, it is as if you are
struggling in the cause of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who goes forth in search of knowledge
is considered as struggling in the Cause of Allah until he returns.” (At-
Tirmidhi, Book #13, Hadith #1385)

5. ELEVATION IN RANKS ( ): The more you are acquire and

seek knowledge, the more your faith increases and the higher your
rank—both in this world and the Hereafter, in shaa’ Allah.

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“Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were
given knowledge, by degrees. And Allah is acquainted with what you do.”
(Surah Al-Mujadilah, 58:11)

6. STATE OF LOVE AND FEAR OF ALLAH ( ):

Acquiring the benefical knowledge fills one’s heart with the love
and fear of Allah, which are essential ingredients to abstain from
sins and hasten to do good.

“Only those fear Allah, from among His servants, who have knowledge.
Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Forgiving.” (Surah Fatir, 35:28)

7. WARNING OF EARNING THE HATRED OF ALLAH ( ): This

warning is for those who do not strive to acquire knowledge about the
deen, those who know too much about this world but are ignorant of
their deen and the Hereafter.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah hates all rude and arrogant,
shouting and clamorous in the market places - sleeping like a dead
donkey in the night (not performing night prayers), during the day
knowledgeable in worldly matters, ignorant about the Hereafter.”
(Ahmed, Graded saheeh by Al-Albani)

- 121 -
 Knowledge is Acquired with
Patience and Forbearance
( )
BENEFICIAL ADVICE: Acquire the knowledge one step at a time, gradually
increasing the hours you spend seeking it. Determination and patience is
the key to mastering this knowledge and the Tawfeeq (the guidance) comes
from Allah alone.

‘Indeed knowledge is the most miserly thing there is! For if you give it your
all, you will attain (only) some of it; and if you give it only some (of your
all), then it will elude you entirely.’ (Quoted in Wasaayaa wa tawjeehaat li
tullaab il ‘ilm pp 139 to 140, by Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al ‘Uthaymeen,
Translated by: Nasser ibn Najam)

- -
Welcome, O’ Seeker of Knowledge, to this noble journey. For
those who have just begun this journey - may Allah bless your
beginning steps. As for those who have been acquiring
knowledge for a while, may Allah keep you firm on this path.
May Allah make us steadfast on this path and help us to act
upon the knowledge acquired till we meet Him, Ameen!

- 122 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF GOOD MANNERS
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Will of the Prophet Complete Faith
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
Beloved by the Prophet
! Best Amongst the People
! and Will be Closest to Him
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Rank of One Who Fasts by
Heaviest on the Scales
! Day and Prays by Night
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
! House in the Highest
! Entry to Paradise
Place of Paradise
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
Good Remembrance in this
Fire is Forbidden for Him World is a Means to Paradise
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 123 -
THE HADITH MENTIONED EARLIER STATES: “THE REWARD OF DEEDS
DEPEND ON THE INTENTIONS AND EVERY PERSON WILL GET THE
REWARD ACCORDING TO WHAT HE HAS INTENDED.” (AL-BUKHARI,
PART OF A HADITH) IF YOU WANT TO BE RICH IN REWARDS, MAKE THE
INTENTION IN YOUR HEART FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH! THIS IS A GREAT
BOUNTY FROM ALLAH BESTOWED UPON US.

Good Manners
( )
• The blessing of good manners is a measure and result of your faith and a
special provision from Allah.
• Our role model in life is the Messenger of Allah .

“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)

“When Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) was asked

about the manners of the Messenger of Allah , she said:
His manners were the
Qur’an.” (Muslim)

This shows that To attain the virtues, it is important to have good

following the manners for the sake of pleasing Allah, whether others
Qur’an and the are good to you or not. Good manners should not be for
commandments pleasing others or for gaining some benefit out of others.!
of Allah leads to
good manners.!

- 124 -
 The Virtues of Good Manners
( )
1. WILL OF THE PROPHET ( ): The Messenger of Allah
was sent to us as a guide on how to deal with our Rabb, others, and
ourself.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Fear Allah wherever you are, do good
deeds after doing bad ones, the former will wipe out the latter, and
behave decently towards people.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #1, Hadith #61)

The Messenger of Allah said: “I was sent to perfect good character.”

(Malik, Book #47, Hadith #1643)

2. COMPLETE FAITH ( ): Having the best manners indicates

perfect and complete faith. We want our faith to be perfect, because the
light in our grave and while crossing the bridge of As-Siraat on the Day
of Judgement will depend on our level of faith.

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of

Allah said, “The believers who show the most perfect Faith are those
who have the best behavior, and the best of you are those who are the best
to their wives.” (At-Tirmidhi)

3. BELOVED BY THE PROPHET AND WILL BE CLOSEST TO HIM

( ):
Those who are of best of character will be the most beloved and the
closest to the Prophet on the Day of Judgement. Their character is

- 125 -
 constant, always reminding themselves of the virtues of having good
manners.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Indeed

the most beloved among you
to me, and the nearest to sit with me on the Day of Judgment is the
best of you in character. And indeed, the most disliked among you to
me, and the one sitting furthest from me on the Day of Judgment are the
pompous and the garrulous and the Muthafaihiqun." They said: "O
Messenger of Allah! We know about the Pompous and the garrulous, but
what about the Muthafaihiqun?"' He said: "The arrogant.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book
#23, Hadith #2150)

4. BEST AMONG PEOPLE ( ): The best among people are the

ones with the best manners and this is an outcome of the level of Taqwa.
Taqwa means to guard your heart from Allah’s anger by doing the
obligations and abstaining from sins with the guidance of Allah.

5. HEAVIEST ON THE SCALES ( ): Your good manners will

weigh the heaviest on the scales on the Day of Judgment. Do not expect
praise from others, instead be patient to attain the reward from Allah
alone.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Nothing is heavier on the

believer's Scale on the Day of Judgment than good character. For
indeed Allah, Most High, is angered by the shameless obscene
person.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #23, Hadith #2133)
6. RANK OF ONE WHO FASTS BY DAY AND PRAYS BY NIGHT
( ): A person with good conduct will reach the status of
one who fasts by day and prays by night. Look at the great generosity of
- 126 -
 Allah: it is not how much you do, but it is how sincere you are. Allah
wants your complete heart and not a shared heart.

The Messenger of Allah said: “A believer will attain by his good behavior
the rank of one who prays during the night and observes fasting during the
day.” (Abu Dawud, Book #1, Hadith #629)

7. HOUSE IN THE HIGHEST PLACE OF PARADISE ( ): A

house in the highest place of Paradise, which is under the throne
of Allah, is guaranteed for the ones with the best of characters.
It is not befitting for a believer who fasts, prays, and performs
acts of worship to have ill conduct and lack manners. A believer
will embody both good manners and proper worship.

The Messenger of Allah said: “I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who
gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a home in the
middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even for the sake of fun; and I
guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for one who has good
manners.” (Abu Dawud, Book #1, Hadith #630)

8. ENTRY TO PARADISE ( ): Many deeds can help someone enter

Paradise, but the majority of those who will enter Paradise will be those
of Taqwa (Al-Muttaqeen) and those of good manners. These two
qualities go hand in hand, as Taqwa inside the heart of a believer will
result in good manners. We should always strive to achieve both of these
in our lives.

- 127 -
Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger
of Allah was asked about that for which people are admitted into
Paradise the most, so he said: "Taqwa of Allah, and good character." And he
was asked about that for which people are admitted into the Fire the most,
and he said: "The mouth and the private parts." (At-Tirmidhi, Book #23,
Hadith #2135)

9. FIRE IS FORBIDDEN FOR HIM ( ): Being softhearted,

easy-going, and easily approachable are qualities that will save
someone from the Hellfire. Do not be the one who is arrogant,
unapproachable, and who loses his temper easily.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Shall I not tell you whom the (Hell) Fire is
forbidden to touch? It is forbidden to touch a man who is always accessible,
having polite and tender nature." (At-Tirmidhi, Book #1, Hadith #642)

10. GOOD REMEMBRANCE IN THIS WORLD IS A MEANS TO PARADISE

( ): If a person during his
life has good relations with people by being gentle and doing good
sincerely for the sake of Allah, Allah will give him a good reputation
after his death. So when people remember Him in good, this means he
will go to Paradise. May Allah make us praiseworthy when we leave
this dunya!

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: Some Companions

happened to pass by a funeral procession (bier) and they praised him (the
deceased). The Prophet said, "He will certainly enter it." Then they
passed by another funeral procession and they spoke ill of the deceased.
The Prophet said, "He will certainly enter it." `Umar bin Al-Khattab (may
Allah be pleased with him) said: "(O Messenger of Allah,) what do you

- 128 -
mean by `He will certainly enter it?'' He replied, "You praised the first
person, so he will enter Jannah; and you spoke ill of the second person, so
he will enter Hell. You are Allah's witnesses on earth." (Agreed upon)

Supplication

Allaahummahdini li-ahsanil-akhlaaqi, laa yahdee li-ahsaniha illaa ant. Wasrif annee

sayyiaha, laa yasrifu annee sayyiaha illaa ant.

“O Allah, Guide me to the best of manners, for none can guide me to the
best of it except You, and avert from me the worst of manners, for none can
avert from me the worst of it except You.” (Muslim) !

- 129 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
THE NOBLE QUR’AN
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
! Reward from Allah Ten Rewards for Each Letter
!
!
( ) ( )
!
!
!
! Intercession on the
Elevation in Ranks
Day of Judgment !
!
( )
( )
!
!
!
! Recite and Rise in Ranks Better Than This World
!
( ) and All it Contains
!
!
( )
!
!
! Be the Best
With the Angels
! Amongst the People
! ( )
!
( )
!
!
! Crown of Honor and
! The Qur’an is Light
Pleasure of Allah
! ( )
! ( )
!
!
!
! Parents will be Honored Bearers of the Qur’an
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
- 130 -
AMONGST ALL THE CREATION, ALLAH CHOSE AND HONORED AL-
INSAAN OUT OF HIS MERCY TO BE ABLE TO RECEIVE, TO READ, AND TO
PROPAGATE HIS WORDS. MAKE THE QUR’AN A PART OF YOUR
EVERYDAY LIFE BY READING, PONDERING, AND REFLECTING UPON IT.
IF YOU ARE TRUTHFUL IN YOUR INTENTIONS, ALLAH WILL MAKE IT
EASY FOR YOU. WHEN YOU INCREASE YOUR TIME WITH THE QUR’AN,
ALLAH WILL INCREASE THE BARAKAH (STABILITY AND INCREMENT) IN
YOUR TIME.

The Noble Qur’an

( )
• The Qur’an consists of the words of Allah, ; therefore, it must be
magnified and honored. The entire Qur’an as a whole was revealed from
the preserved tablet to the lowest heaven in the month of Ramadan on
the night of decree (Laylatul Qadr). From the lowest heaven, it was then
revealed in parts to the Prophet Muhammad through Angel Jibril
(peace be upon him) corresponding to the incidents taking place at the
time.

Hasan al Basri said: whoever wishes to talk to Allah, let him enter
into prayer (pray) and whoever wishes that Allah talk to him, let
him read the Qur'an.
Our relation with the Qur’an will be very important on the Day of
Judgment because of the accountability (hisaab) and recompense (jazaa).
The Qur’an is the criterion of right (what benefits us) and wrong (what
harms us). It guides us to the best way because it is the everlasting manual
for the life and Aakhirah.

The virtues of the Qur'an are endless; the following are only some
of the virtues of the Qur'an. It is the speech of Allah, about which Allah has
said that the mountains (made of hard rock) will be humbled by it. So
where are our hearts? Why are we not moved by the speech and words of
- 131 -
Allah? Because we deal with the Qur’an superficially; our eyes read the
Qur’an but the mind and heart are distracted.

“If We had sent down this Qur'an upon a mountain, you would have seen it
humbled and coming apart from fear of Allah. And these examples We
present to the people that perhaps they will give thought.” (Surah Al-Hashr,
59:21)

The Virtues of the Noble Qur’an

( )
1. REWARD FROM ALLAH ( ):
When you read the words of Allah and
perform any other acts of worship, then
hope for the reward of the most successful
business ever (refer to the next virtue).

“Indeed, those who recite the Book of Allah and establish prayer and spend
[in His cause] out of what We have provided them, secretly and publicly,
[can] expect a profit that will never perish.” (Surah Fatir, 35:29)

The reciter of the Qur’an should have a pure intention, for the sake of Allah
Almighty. He should be away from hypocrisy and showing off. Reciting the

- 132 -
Qur’an is one of the best acts of worship. Therefore, one should make his
heart present with his mind when reading the Qur’an to increase his
pondering (over the verses).

2. TEN REWARDS FOR EACH LETTER ( ):

This reward (great business) is that each letter is equivalent to 10
rewards.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of
Allah, he will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a ten-fold
reward. I do not say that Alif-Lam-Mim is one letter, but Alif is a letter, Lam
is a letter and Mim is a letter.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #9, Hadith #999)

When Allah puts the believer in a position to recite the words of Allah, he
needs to thank Allah constantly for this great ni’mah, as today people read
other books and manuals but forsake the Qur’an.

3. INTERCESSION ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT ( ):

On the Day of Judgment, the Qur’an will intercede for you.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Read the Qur'an, for it will come as an
intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim, Book #9,
Hadith #991)

4. ELEVATION IN RANKS ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily, Allah elevates some people with
this Qur'an and abases others.” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #996)

- 133 -
How will the Qur’an not go against us? We should take the
Qur’an very seriously by pondering and acting upon its meaning.

Pondering (Tadabbur) on the Qur’an means to reflect on how each verse

you read has an impact on your life and how it has changed you. After you
read a verse, ask yourself where am I standing with this verse? For example,
Allah says in the Qur’an:

“…And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a
great attainment.” (Surah Al-‘Ahzab, 33:71)

Ask yourself if you’re really obeying Allah.

Ponder if you’re really following His Messenger .
Before we are actually in front of Allah on the Day of Judgment, we are
getting a chance to have Allah speak to us through the Qur’an. When you
ponder upon the Qur’an, you are doing a self-analysis. You need to feel that
the One Who is speaking to you is Allah. As you understand that Allah is
speaking to you when you read each verse, this realization should make
your heart tremble. We need continuity and repetition while pondering
upon the verses of the Qur’an, as being hasty will be destructive to the
pondering.
Pondering is for everyone and not only for the scholars. Ask Allah to make
it easy for you because Allah said in the following verse:

“(This is) a Book (the Qur’ân) which We have sent down to you, full of
blessings, that they may ponder over its Verses, and that men of
understanding may remember.” (Surah Sad, 38:29)
.
5. RECITE AND RISE IN RANKS ( ): On the Day of Judgment, you
will be told to read and recite the Qur’an as you used to in this life and
your level in Paradise will be at the last verse you recite.
.

- 134 -
How will you remember these verses on the Day of Judgment?
These are the verses that you not only memorized by your tongue,
but the ones that also penetrated your heart—the ones that you
understood, acted on, and lived upon. These verses will be
imprinted in your heart and will not be erased or taken away at the
time you need them most.
For example, how would your heart remember the following verse?

“[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Lord of the worlds.” (Surah Al-Fatihah, 1:2)

Allah subhana wa ta'ala deserves all the praises—why? Huwa Rabbul

Alameen. The more you reflect, the more the heart will move towards this
verse. Your heart will be filled with an immense feeling of gratitude that
you will find difficult to express in words.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The one who was devoted to the Qur'an
will be told on the Day of Resurrection: 'Recite and ascend (in ranks) as you
used to recite when you were in the world. Your rank will be at the last
Ayah you recite’.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #9, Hadith #1001)

6. BETTER THAN THIS WORLD AND ALL IT CONTAINS

( ):
This stresses the importance of learning the Qur’an because it will be
worth so much more than the indulgences of this life.

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The Messenger of Allah said: “'Uqba b. 'Amir reported: When we were in
Suffa, the Messenger of Allah came out and said: Which of you would
like to go out every morning to Buthan or al-'Aqiq and bring two large she-
camels without being guilty of sin or without severing the ties of kinship?
We said: Messenger of Allah, we would like to do it. Upon this he said:
Does not one of you go out in the morning to the mosque and teach or recite
two verses from the Book of Allah, the Majestic and Glorious? That is better
for him than two she-camels, and three verses are better (than three she-
camels). And four verses are better for him than four (she-camels), and to on
their number in camels.” (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith #1909)

7. BEST AMONGST THE PEOPLE ( ): Everyone wants to be

the best, but the best ones in the sight of Allah are the ones who
learn the Qur’an and teach it. Even if you learn just one verse,
you can share this knowledge with anybody (your spouse,
children, etc.) and be among the best people; you don’t have to
be a teacher to share the knowledge. If you are sincere in
wanting to pass on the knowledge of the Qur’an, Allah will give
you the means to use your knowledge. Make your intention to be
a means of enlightening others with the knowledge of the Qur’an
just as you want to be a means to enlighten your own self.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The best amongst you is the one
who learns the Qur'an and teaches it.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #9, Hadith #3)

- 136 -
8. WITH THE ANGELS ( )/DOUBLE REWARD ( ):
Those who are well versed in reciting the Qur’an will be amongst
the angels on the Day of Judgment. As for the ones who read
with difficulty, they will get double the reward: a reward for
reading the Qur’an and a reward for their struggle. So never be
discouraged from reading the words of Allah!

The Messenger of Allah said: “The one who is proficient in the recitation
of the Qur'an will be with the honorable and obedient scribes (angels) and
he who recites the Qur'an and finds it difficult to recite, doing his best to
recite it in the best way possible, will have a double reward.” (Agreed upon,
Book #9, Hadith #994)

9. QUR’AN IS LIGHT ( ): It guides one from the darkness of

disobedience and ignorance to the light of obedience and knowledge in
this life. This light will shine in the darkness of the grave and on the
bridge of Siraat on the Day of Judgment. Not knowing your Lord, your
religion, and your Messenger in the dunya is equivalent to darkness.

“Alif, Lam, Ra. [This is] a Book which We have revealed to you, [O
Muhammad], that you might bring mankind out of darknesses into the light
by permission of their Lord - to the path of the Exalted in Might, the
Praiseworthy.” (Surah ‘Ibrahim, 14:1)

10. CROWN OF HONOR AND PLEASURE OF ALLAH

( ): On the Day of Judgment, everyone will be
resurrected bare and will then wear a gown according to their deeds.
The Qur’an will appear and beseech Allah to beautify the reciter of the
Qur’an with a special crown and a gown. And the Qur’an will further
ask Allah to be pleased with the reciter. What a great honor!

- 137 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “The Qur’an will come on the Day of
Judgment and will say: Oh my Lord adorn him (the reciter), so he will be
crowned with the crown of honor. Then the Qur’an will say: Oh my Lord,
increase for him. So he will be clothed with the dress of honor. Then it will
say: Oh my Lord, be pleased with him. So it will be said to him, recite and
rise (in ranks), and every verse will increase your rewards.” (At-Tirmidhi)

11. HONORING HIS PARENTS ( ): A crown and a gown of

light will be gifted to the parents of those who learned and acted upon
the Qur’an. If we learn and act upon the Qur’an, our parents
will get this honor; if our children learn and act upon the
Qur’an, we will get this honor. Thus, we truly need to encourage
each other to never leave the Qur’an and to make it our life and
companion.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever recites the Qur’an and studies it,
and obeys it, his parents will be crowned on the Day of Judgment with a
crown of light, the light of which will be like the light of the sun, and they
will be adorned with ornaments unlike any in this world, and they will ask:
Why have we been adorned thus? They will be told: Because your offspring
took the Qur’an (recited and studied it).” (Al-Hakim, Book #1, Hadith #756)

12. BEARERS OF THE QUR’AN ( ):

The ones who are knowledgeable about the Qur’an are the worthy
and special ones in the sight of Allah.

- 138 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Indeed for Allah there are the
worthy ones from the people. He was asked: Who are they oh
Messenger of Allah? He replied: Those who are bearers of the
Qur’an are the worthy ones in the eyes of Allah and are the special
ones.” (Sahih Al-Albani)
The Qur’an is a treasure and Allah describes the
Qur’an in itself using so many beautiful names:

The Book The Criterion The Mercy The Light

The Truth Admonition The Cure The Guidance

Every verse in the Qur’an is a message from Allah.

Every verse should increase your faith. Intend to be
among those who understand, ponder, and act upon
the whole Qur’an. If you keep this intention in your
heart, not knowing whether you will live to fulfill
this or not and you do not live long enough to
fulfill the intention, you will still get the honor!

However, when learning the Qur’an, we should focus on

pleasing Allah and should have Taqwa by guarding our
heart from wanting people’s praise and pleasing people.
- 139 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SOME
!
!
CHAPTERS OF THE QUR’AN
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Fatihah:
! The opening
!
( ! )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Revealed as a Light None Like it Revealed Before
! from the Heavens ( )
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Divided Between
A Cure for All Diseases
! Allah and His Slave
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 140 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SOME
!
!
CHAPTERS OF THE QUR’AN
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Surah al-Baqarah:
!
! The cow
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
Prevents Your House from Shaytaan Goes
! Becoming Like Graveyard Out of the House
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! To Read it is a Blessing and Contains the Greatest
! To Leave it is a Regret Verse in the Qur’an
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! The Last Two Verses of Surah Revealed as a Light
!
!
Al-Baqarah Will Suffice You from the Heavens
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Baqarah and Surah ‘Ali ‘Imran will
!
! Shade the Slave and Intercede on His Behalf
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 141 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SOME
!
!
CHAPTERS OF THE QUR’AN
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
! Surahs that begin Surah Al-‘Isra’ (The Night
! Journey), Surah Al-Hadid (Iron),
! with the praise of
Surah Al-Hashr (Banishment),
! allah ( ) Surah As-Saf (Ranks), Surah Al-
!
! Juma’ah (Friday), Surah At-
! Taghabun (Loss and Gain),
! Surah Al-A’ala (The Most High)
!
In These Surahs is a Verse
!
!
!
Better Than 1,000 Verses
( )! [ ]
!
!
!
! Surah al-kahf:
! the cave
!
!
( )!
!
!
!
! Protection from the
! Light on the Day of Judgment
Trial of the Dajjal
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
Light Between
! the Two Fridays
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
- 142 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SOME
!
!
CHAPTERS OF THE QUR’AN
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Mulk:
! The Sovereignty
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
It Will Intercede for the Saves the Reciter from the
! Reciter Until He is Forgiven Punishment of the Grave
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Kafirun:
!
! The Disbelievers
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Equivalent to a
! Freedom from Shirk
Quarter of the Qur’an
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 143 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SOME
!
!
CHAPTERS OF THE QUR’AN
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Ikhlas:
! The Sincerity
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
Equivalent to Love for This Surah Will
!
! One-Third of the Qur’an Make You Enter Paradise
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Surah Al-Ikhlas & Al-Mua’awadhtayn ( ):
!
!
Surah Al-Falaq: The Daybreak ( ) and
! Surah An-Nas: Mankind ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Reading These Surahs Three Times at Dawn
! and Dusk Will Suffice You in All Respects
!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 144 -
 Some Chapters of the Qur’an
( )
There are numerous misconceptions and
innovations regarding the virtues of certain chapters
in the Qur’an. These are largely based on weak
chains of Ahadith. It is important to focus on and
learn about the virtues from the authentic Ahadith.

The Virtues of Some Chapters of the Qur’an

( )
Surah Al-Fatihah: The Opening ( )
1. REVEALED AS A LIGHT FROM THE HEAVENS ( ): It
came as a light from the Heavens and from an angel that descended to
the earth for the first time.

Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: While Jibril
(peace be upon him) was sitting with the Messenger of Allah he
heard a sound above him. He lifted his head, and said: "This is a
gate which has been opened in heaven today. It was never opened
before." Then an angel descended through it, he said: "This is an
angel who has come down to earth. He never came down before."
- 145 -
He sent greetings and said: "Rejoice with two lights given to you.
Such lights were not given to any Prophet before you. These
(lights) are: Fatihah-tal-Kitab (Surah Al-Fatihah), and the
concluding Ayat of Surah Al-Baqarah. You will never recite a word
from them without being given the blessings it contains." (Muslim,
Book #9, Hadith #1022)

2. NONE LIKE IT REVEALED BEFORE

( ): There is no chapter like
Al-Fatihah, neither in the Torah, nor in the Bible.
It is unique, as it is divided between Allah and His slaves. And it was
revealed especially for the Ummah of the Prophet .

The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, did not
reveal in the Tawrah or the Injil anything like Umm Al-Quran (Al-Fatihah),
which is the seven oft-recited, and (Allah said) it is divided between Myself
and My slave will have what he asked for.” (An-Nasaa’i, Hadith #914)

3. DIVIDED BETWEEN ALLAH AND HIS SLAVE

( ): Surah Al-Fatihah is a prayer that Allah
will grant according to the sincerity of your heart. In this prayer, you are
invoking Allah for the “straight path.” When reciting this chapter, it is
better to pause after each verse to really contemplate on the One you are
addressing (Allah) and on what you are asking for (the precious gift of
guidance)!

- 146 -
Divine Hadith:
The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, said: I have
divided the prayer into two halves between me and my slave. One half of it
is for Me and one half of it is for My slave, and My slave has what he asks.
The slave says: Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds.
Allah the Blessed, the Exalted, says: My slave has praised Me.
The slave says: The Merciful, the Compassionate.
Allah says: My slave has spoken well of Me.
The slave says: Master of the Day of the Deen.
Allah says: My slave has glorified Me.
The slave says: You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help.
Allah says: This verse is between Me and My slave, and for My
slave is what he asks.
The slave says: Guide us in the straight Path, the Path of those whom You
have blessed, not of those with whom You are angry, nor those who are in
error.
Allah says: These are for My slaves, and for my slave is what he asks.”
(Malik, Book #3 Hadith #188)

4. A CURE FOR ALL DISEASES ( ): Read Surah Al-Fatihah

with complete certainty and belief that there is a cure for all diseases in it.
While reading, ponder over its meaning and have complete assurance
that it is only with the will of Allah that you can be cured.

The Messenger of Allah said: “There is a cure for every sickness in Surah
Al-Fatihah.” (Al-Bayhaqi, Ad-Darami)

Surah Al-Baqarah: The Cow ( )

1. PREVENTS YOUR HOUSE FROM BECOMING LIKE A GRAVEYARD
( ): The houses where the Qur’an is not being recited
become like graveyards. The devil especially flees from the house in
which Surah Al-Baqarah is being recited.

- 147 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Do not turn your houses into graveyards.
Satan runs away from the house in which Surah Al-Baqarah is recited.”
(Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1018)

2. SHAYTAAN GOES OUT OF THE HOUSE ( ): Refer

to the Hadith above.

3. TO READ IT IS A BLESSING AND TO LEAVE IT IS A REGRET

( ): It is important to contemplate, reflect,
and act upon the verses while reading them. This Surah is also a
safeguard from magic and from the touch of the devil.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Recite Surah Al-Baqarah, for to take

recourse to it is a blessing and to give it up is a cause of grief, and the
magicians cannot confront it.” (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith #1910, Part of a
longer Hadith)

4. CONTAINS THE VERSE OF THE FOOTSTOOL ( ): This Surah

contains the greatest verse of the Qur’an. If you read Ayat Al-Kursi after
every obligatory prayer, then Allah promises you Paradise. What more
we do we seek?

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever recites Ayat Al-Kursi after every
obligatory Salaah, nothing will prevent him from entering Paradise except
death.” (Sahih, Al-Albani)

5. THE LAST TWO VERSES OF SURAH AL-BAQARAH WILL SUFFICE

YOU ( ):
If you recite the last two verses of Surah Al-Baqarah at night, it
will remove your worries in this life and the Hereafter.
- 148 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “He who recites the two Ayat at the end of
Surat Al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” (Agreed upon, Book #9,
Hadith #1017)

6. REVEALED AS A LIGHT FROM THE HEAVENS ( ):

The last 2 verses of Surah Al-Baqarah also came as a light from the
heavens while Jibiril (peace be upon him) was sitting with the Prophet
. The gate of the heavens opened and a special angel came with Surah
Al-Fatihah and these last 2 verses of Surah Al-Baqarah. Refer to the
beginning of the chapter for the complete Hadith.

7. SURAH AL-BAQARAH AND SURAH ‘ALI ‘IMRAN

( ): These two chapters will appear as two
clouds or shades and they will shade the slave and intercede on his
behalf. Again, it is important to reflect and act upon these chapters.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Recite the Qur'an, for on the Day of
Resurrection it will come as an intercessor for those who recite It. Recite the
two bright ones, Al-Baqarah and Surah Al 'Imran, for on the Day of
Resurrection they will come as two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of
birds in ranks, pleading for those who recite them.” (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith
#1910, Part of a longer Hadith)

Surahs That Begin with the Praise of Allah ( )

Surah Al-‘Isra’ (The Night Journey), Surah Al-Hadid (Iron), Surah Al-Hashr
(Banishment), Surah As-Saf (Ranks), Surah Al-Juma’ah (Friday), Surah At-
Taghabun (Loss and Gain), Surah Al-A’ala (The Most High)

- 149 -
1. IN THESE SURAHS IS A VERSE BETTER THAN 1,000 VERSES
( ):

“The Messenger of Allah didn't sleep until he recited the Musabbihaat

(starting with the praise of Allah) and said in them is a verse better than
1000 verses.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #2712)

Surah Al-Kahf: The Cave ( )

1. PROTECTION FROM THE TRIAL OF THE DAJJAL ( ): The
Antichrist will not come to the one who has memorized and understood
the first 10 verses. The same applies for the last 10 verses of Surah Al-
Kahf.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever commits to memory the

first ten Ayat of the Surat Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-
Dajjal (Antichrist).” (Muslim, Book #9, Hadith #1021)

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever commits to memory the

last ten Ayat of the Surah Al-Kahf, will be protected from (the trial of) Ad-
Dajjal (Antichrist).” (Muslim)

- 150 -
2. LIGHT ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf

on Friday night, will have a light between him and the Ancient
House (Al-Ka’abah).” (Al-Albani)
3. LIGHT BETWEEN THE TWO FRIDAYS
( ): Having the light between the two
Fridays means having Allah’s
guidance during this timespan.
You can read Surah Al-Kahf anytime from after the Maghrib prayer on
Thursday till before the Maghrib prayer on Friday.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever recites Surah Al-Kahf on Friday

will have a light until the next Friday.” (Al-Albani)

Surah Al-Mulk: The Sovereignty ( )

1. IT WILL INTERCEDE FOR THE RECITER UNTIL HE IS FORGIVEN
( ):
It will intercede for you on the Day of Judgment (until you are forgiven)
and will also be a protection from the punishment of the grave. The
Prophet used to read Surah Al-Mulk in the night before he would go
to sleep. Read this Surah with understanding and while reflecting upon
the meaning.

- 151 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “There is a Surah in the Qur’an with 30
verses, it will intercede for the reciter until he is forgiven, and it is Surah
Tabarak (Al-Mulk).” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #2315)

2. SAVES THE RECITER FROM THE PUNISHMENT OF THE GRAVE

( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “It is a preventer, saves the reciter from the
punishment of the grave.” (Sahih)

Surah Al-Kafirun: The Disbelievers ( )

It is a protection and freedom from shirk, and it is equivalent to a quarter of
the Qur’an. The Prophet sometimes used to read this Surah before he
would sleep.

1. FREEDOM FROM SHIRK ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Recite Al-Kafirun as it is acquits from

shirk.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #2709)

2. EQUIVALENT TO A QUARTER OF THE QUR’AN ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Al-Kafirun is equal to quarter Quran.” (Al-

Albani)

- 152 -
 Surah Al-Ikhlas: The Sincerity ( )
It is equivalent to one-third of the Qur’an. It is a beautiful chapter
since Allah is describing Himself, and hence, whoever loves this
chapter enters Paradise.
1. EQUIVALENT TO ONE-THIRD OF THE QUR’AN ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Do any of you want to recite one-third of
the Quran in one night? They said how can we? He said recite Al-Ikhlas, it
is equal to one -third of the Quran.” (Muslim, Hadith #1480)

2. LOVE FOR THIS SURAH WILL MAKE YOU ENTER PARADISE

( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Anas reports that a man said oh

Messenger of Allah, I love this Surah. He said if you love it, it will make you
enter Paradise.” (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #2323)

Surah Al-Ikhlas & Al-Mua’awadhtayn ( )—

Surah Al-Falaq: The Daybreak ( ) and
Surah An-Nas: Mankind ( )
1. READING THESE SURAHS AT DAWN AND DUSK WILL SUFFICE YOU
IN ALL RESPECTS ( ): These three chapters will be
sufficient for you and will take care of your worries when you read them
3 times as part of your morning and evening supplications.

- 153 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and Al-
Mu'awwidhatain (Surah Al-Falaq and Surah An-Nas) three times at dawn
and dusk. It will suffice you in all respects.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #16, Hadith
#1456)

Simple deeds with the right intention that are according to the
Sunnah of the Prophet can lead to such an abundant reward!
The virtues should be taken how the Prophet said and taught
them. By inventing new virtues and new ways to do deeds (such
as the number of times to be recited/when be to recited), bid‘ah
(innovations) are formed. For example, many people think reciting
Surah Yasin in the morning and night is a Sunnah, however
all the Hadith regarding Surah Yasin are weak. (Sheikh Albani)

- 154 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Fulfillment of Most Beloved of Deeds to Allah
! Command from Allah is Being Dutiful to Parents
!
( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Parents are Most Deserving
! Being Dutiful to Them is Jihad
! of Your Good Treatment
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Allah Will Relieve Distress Blessing in the Provision
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Attempt to Return If Your Father is Pleased,
! Their Favor on You Allah Will be Pleased
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 155 -
ALLAH DID NOT BRING US IN THIS LIFE ALONE. WE NEED TO WORSHIP
ALLAH, BUT WE ALSO HAVE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (PART OF
OUR COVENANT WITH ALLAH) TOWARDS OTHERS THAT WE NEED TO
FULFILL. THE ONES THAT WE HAVE THE MOST DUTIES TOWARDS ARE
OUR PARENTS. IN SEVERAL VERSES OF THE QUR’AN, ALLAH MENTIONS
THE NEED TO BE DUTIFUL TO THE PARENTS RIGHT AFTER MENTIONING
THE COMMAND TO WORSHIP HIM.

Obedience to Parents
( )
• Parents have countless rights upon their children. These rights must be
fulfilled regardless of whether they are good or bad to the children,
whether they are Muslims or not.

Remember that when you are

dutiful to them, you are actually
obeying Allah.

The Virtues of Obedience to Parents

( )
1. FULFILLMENT OF COMMAND FROM ALLAH ( ): Taking
care of parents is a command from Allah that you must fulfill. Also, you
must deal with parents not by just being ‘good’ but by being the ‘best’ in
your dealing and mannerisms (i.e. the best dealing in relation to the rest
of people) sincerely for the sake of Allah.

- 156 -
“And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His
mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and
his gestation and weaning [period] is thirty months.” (Surah Al-‘Ahqaf,
46:15)

2. MOST BELOVED OF DEEDS TO ALLAH IS BEING DUTIFUL TO

PARENTS ( ): One of the most beloved
deeds to Allah, after praying on time and before Jihad for the
sake of Allah, is obedience to parents.

Narrated Al-Walid bin 'Aizar: I heard Abi `Amr 'Ash-Shaibani saying, "The
owner of this house." he pointed to `Abdullah's house, "said, 'I asked the
Prophet 'Which deed is loved most by Allah?" He replied, 'To offer
prayers at their early (very first) stated times.'" `Abdullah asked, "What is
the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet said, "To be good and dutiful to one's
parents," `Abdullah asked, "What is the next (in goodness)?" The Prophet
said, “To participate in Jihad for Allah's Cause." Abdullah added, "The
Prophet narrated to me these three things, and if I had asked more, he
would have told me more." (Al-Bukhari, Book #78, Hadith #6036)

3. PARENTS ARE MOST DESERVING OF YOUR GOOD TREATMENT

( ): Your mother, your mother, your
mother, then your father, are the most
deserving of your best treatment
amongst all people. This does not
mean that we should neglect our
father, but instead means that our
mothers have more rights and are also
more sensitive and in need of more
emotional support and love.

- 157 -
Abu Huraira reported that a person said: “Oh Allah's Messenger , who
amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment? He said: Your
mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your
nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness).” (Muslim, Book #46,
Hadith #6665)

4. BEING DUTIFUL TO THEM IS JIHAD ( ): Being dutiful to

your parents is a form of jihad itself. Why? Because with their old age,
they could be stubborn or forgetful or more demanding, but you should
remain patient and loving. Just remember how you were once like that as
a child and how they fulfilled your requests and demands patiently and
lovingly! Allah says in the Qur’an, when they have reached old age,
don’t say ‘uff’ to parents.

Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar: A man came to Prophet , seeking

permission to go for Jihad. So he said: 'Do you have parents
(living)? He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Then it is for them that you
should perform Jihad." (At-Tirmidhi, Hadith #1671)
5. ALLAH WILL RELIEVE DISTRESS ( ): When you are
being patient with your parents for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will relieve
your distress in this life.

- 158 -
Narrated `Abdullah bin `Umar: The Prophet said, "While three men were
walking, it started raining and they took shelter (refuge) in a cave in a
mountain. A big rock rolled down from the mountain and closed the mouth
of the cave. They said to each other, ‘Think of good deeds which you
did for Allah's sake only, and invoke Allah by giving reference to
those deeds so that He may remove this rock from you.’ One of them
said, ‘O Allah! I had old parents and small children and I used to graze the
sheep for them. On my return to them in the evening, I used to milk (the
sheep) and start providing my parents first of all before my children. One
day I was delayed and came late at night and found my parents sleeping. I
milked (the sheep) as usual and stood by their heads. I hated to wake them
up and disliked to give milk to my children before them, although my
children were weeping (because of hunger) at my feet till the day dawned.
O Allah! If I did this for Your sake only, kindly remove the rock so
that we could see the sky through it.’ So, Allah removed the rock a
little and they saw the sky.’” (Muslim, Book #50, Hadith #7125)
… .
6. BLESSING IN THE PROVISION ( ): The parents are the
most deserving to have their rights fulfilled, more than any other
blood relation. As a wife, your husband has more rights than
your parents. As for the husband, his parents have more rights
than his wife. So a as a wife, you should remind your husband to
be dutiful to his parents, as this will be a blessing for yourself
and your family. Remember, you are dealing with Allah, not with
people. People are just tests in this life.
- 159 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever loves that he be granted more
wealth and that his lease of life be prolonged then he should keep good
relations with his kith and kin.” (Al-Bukhari, Book #78, Hadith #6052)

7. ATTEMPT TO RETURN THEIR FAVOR ON YOU ( ):

You need to constantly appreciate all that your parents have done for
you, especially the labor pain and the difficulties that your mother went
through while raising you. You can never stop or refrain from not being
dutiful to them. The following Hadith shows how much more we need to
do for our parents, regardless of whether it is appreciated or not because
it is our duty to care for them.

Sa'id ibn Abi Burda said, "I heard my father say that Ibn 'Umar saw a
Yamani man going around the House while carrying his mother on his
back, saying, 'I am your humble camel. If her mount is frightened, I am not
frightened.' Then he asked, 'Ibn 'Umar? Do you think that I have repaid
her?' He replied, 'No, not even for a single groan.' (Al-Bukhari, Book #1,
Hadith #11)

8. IF YOUR FATHER IS PLEASED, ALLAH WILL BE PLEASED ( ):

If your father is pleased with you, Allah will be pleased with you. If your
father is angry with you, then Allah’s wrath will be upon you. This
shows how important relationships are and how strongly we must
maintain them, especially with our parents.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The Lord's pleasure is in the

father's pleasure, and the Lord's anger is in the father's anger.” (At-
Tirmidhi, Book #23, Hadith #2020)

- 160 -
9. ONE OF THE BIGGEST SINS—DISOBEDIENCE TO PARENTS
( ): Being undutiful to the parents, being rude or
disrespectful to them, or even saying statements such as ‘you
don’t know’ or ‘uff’ (word of irritation), etc. are some of the
biggest sins. The Prophet invoked ‘woe’ (destruction) to the person
who had his parents in this life and this did not lead him to enter
Paradise. One of the gates to enter Paradise is for being dutiful to parents
is; this is how serious and important it is.

Abu Huraira reported Allah's Apostle as saying: Let him be humbled

into dust; let him be humbled into dust. It was said: Allah's Messenger, who
is he? He said: He who sees either of his parents during their old age or he
sees both of them, but he does not enter Paradise. (Muslim, Book #46, Hadith
#6674)

10. AFTER THE DEATH OF ONE’S PARENTS ( ): After the death

of your parents, you can continue being dutiful to them by making
du’aa for them, giving charity on their behalf, and performing Hajj
and ‘Umrah for them.

Abu Usaid Malik bin Rabi'ah As-Sa'idi (may Allah be pleased with him)
reported: We were sitting with Messenger of Allah when a man of Banu
Salamah came to him and asked, "O Messenger of Allah! Is there any
obedience to parents left that I can show to them after their death?" He
replied, "Yes, to pray for them, to supplicate for their forgiveness, to fulfill
their promises after their death, to maintain the ties of kinship which cannot
be maintained except through them, and honour their friends." (Abu Dawud)

- 161 -
11. PARADISE IS FORBIDDEN FOR THE ONE WHO DISOBEYS HIS
PARENTS ( ): Allah forbids Paradise for
the one who is undutiful to his parents. On top of that, Allah will not
look at him on the Day of Judgment—what a humiliation and a source
of regret!

The Messenger of Allah said: “There

are three whom Allah will not
look on the Day of Resurrection: The one who disobeys his
parents, the woman who imitates men in her outward appearance, and the
cuckold. And there are three who will not enter Paradise: The one who
disobeys his parents, the drunkard, and the one who reminds people of
what he has given them.” (An-Nasaa’i, Book #23, Hadith #2574)

12. ALLAH WILL NOT LOOK AT THEM ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT

( ): This means the one who disobeys his
parents will not be honored. When Allah will not look at them, this by
itself is a punishment. Refer to Hadith above.

13. HASTENING OF PUNISHMENT ( ): Some sins are

not punishable in this life, but perhaps only in the Hereafter.
However, being disobedient to parents is a sin that will warrant the
hastening of the punishment of Allah in this life and the Hereafter.

“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day
the account is established.” (Surah ‘Ibrahim, 14:41)

- 162 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
VISITING THE SICK
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Fulfillment of
As if in a Garden of Paradise
! Obligation as a Muslim
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Du’aa of an Angel Du’aa of 70,000 Angels
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Drowned in the
! Companionship of Allah
Mercy of Allah
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Benefit Your Brother/Sister by Remember Allah’s
! Supplicating for Their Cure Blessings on You
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!

- 163 -
 Visiting the Sick
( )
• Visiting our Muslim brothers and sisters, especially when sick and in
need, is an essential part of our deen. When we do this with the sole
intention of pleasing Allah, the rewards are numerous and vast.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The believer is to the believer like parts of
a building, each one of them supporting the other.” (At-Tirmidhi, Book #23,
Hadith #2053)

For the support to be everlasting, it must

come from the heart and should be to
please Allah.

The Virtues of Visiting the Sick

( )
1. FULFILLMENT OF OBLIGATION AS A MUSLIM ( ): This is
one of the rights of a believer when he is sick. However, it is
fardh kifayah, meaning if one person or even a few people visit
the sick person, it will be sufficient (and will lift the obligation
from the rest).

- 164 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “A believer owes another believer five
rights: responding to greetings, visiting him in illness, following his funeral,
accepting his invitation, and saying 'Yarhamuk-Allah (May Allah have mercy
on you),' when he says 'Al-hamdu lillah (Praise be to Allah)' after sneezing.”
(Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith #238)

2. AS IF IN A GARDEN OF PARADISE ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who visits the sick continues to remain
in the fruit garden of Paradise until he returns.” (Muslim, Book #46, Hadith
#6717)

3. DU’AA OF AN ANGEL ( ): If you visit a sick person or simply

visit someone for the sake of Allah, a caller from the heavens will invoke
for you to be purified and your steps to be purified and to reserve a place
for you in Jannah. We regularly visit others but without such profound
intentions, so just a switch to the right intentions can bring such amazing
rewards.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whosoever visits an ailing person or a

brother of his to seek the Pleasure of Allah, an announcer (angel) calls out:
May you be happy,
may your walking be blessed,
and may you be awarded a dignified position in Jannah.”
(Hasan, Book #1, Hadith #362)

4. DU’AA OF 70,000 ANGELS ( ): When visiting the

sick in the morning, 70,000 angels invoke for you until the nighttime and
vice versa.

- 165 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “When a Muslim visits a sick Muslim at
dawn, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him till dusk. If he
visits him in the evening, seventy thousand angels keep on praying for him
till the morning; and he will have (his share of) reaped fruits in Jannah.”
(At-Tirmidhi, Book #7, Hadith #899)

5. COMPANIONSHIP OF ALLAH ( ): Allah is with the sick person.

So when visiting the sick person, Allah will be your companion and your
supporter.

Divine Hadith:
The Messenger of Allah said: “Allah (mighty and sublime be He)
will say on the Day of Resurrection: O son of Adam, I fell ill and
you visited Me not. He will say: O Lord, and how should I visit
You when You are the Lord of the worlds? He will say: Did you
not know that My servant So-and-so had fallen ill and you visited
him not? Did you not know that had you visited him you would
have found Me with him?” (Muslim, Hadith #18)
6. DROWNED IN THE MERCY OF ALLAH ( ): When you visit,
converse with, and accompany the sick person while cheering
him up and giving him comfort and consolation, Allah will cover
you with His Special Mercy.

- 166 -
Important Pointer: There is a certain etiquette and manner that should be
followed when visiting the sick. We must not burden them or sadden them
in any way. Also, we should call them in advance before visiting to make
sure that the sick person is not disturbed or uncomfortable with our
presence.

The Messenger of Allah said: “When a man visits an invalid, he plunges

into mercy to the extent that when he sits with him, it settles in him, or the
like of that.” (Malik, Book #50, Hadith #1731)

7. BENEFIT YOUR BROTHER/SISTER BY SUPPLICATING FOR THEIR

CURE ( ):
When visiting a sick person, there is a supplication to utter 7 times with
the belief that only Allah is the One who cures.

The Messenger of Allah said: “There is no Muslim worshiper who visits

one who is ill - other than at the time of death - and he says seven times:
As'alullah Al-'Azeem Rabbal 'Arshil 'Azeem an yashfik. “I ask Allah the
Magnificent, Lord of the Magnificent Throne to cure you.” (7 times)
except that he will be cured.” (Abu Dawud, Hasan, Book #24, Hadith #2227)

The Messenger of Allah visited a bedouin who was sick. Whenever he

visited an ailing person, he would say: Laa ba'sa, tahurun in shaa' Allah.
“No harm, (it will be a) purification (from sins), if Allah wills.” (Al-
Bukhari, Book #7, Hadith #907)

- 167 -
8. REMEMBER ALLAH’S BLESSINGS ON YOU ( ): This is
a ‘wake-up call’ moment reminding you to be grateful for the health and
body that you have and to be thankful for all the great blessings Allah
has bestowed upon you.

- 168 -
!

!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF
!
!
MAINTAINING TIES OF KINSHIP
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! One of the Most Part of the Will
! Beloved Deeds to Allah of the Prophet
!
( !
) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Signifies a High Level of Faith Expansion in Provision
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Blood Ties are Attached One of the Means
! to the Throne of Allah to Enter Paradise
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 169 -

!
!

ISLAM TEACHES US TO HAVE GOOD RELATIONS WITH EVERYONE, BUT

EVEN MORE SO WITH OUR RELATIVES. WHAT KIND OF A SOCIETY WILL
IT BE IF BROTHERS AND SISTERS, AUNTIES AND UNCLES, MOTHERS AND
FATHERS, AND OTHER RELATIVES DO NOT MAINTAIN RELATIONS OR
CONNECTIONS? THESE BONDS OF LOVE ARE FROM ALLAH AND
SHOULD TIE OUR HEARTS TOGETHER. NOT MAINTAINING THESE
RELATIONS OR CONNECTIONS SIGNIFIES A LACK OF CARE TOWARDS
THIS BLESSING.

Maintaining Ties of Kinship

( )
• Maintaining ties of kinship refers to maintaining ties with blood
relatives, both paternal and maternal.

ONE WHO CONNECTS THE TIES OF KINSHIP

( ): If the relations are cut, the wasil (or
connector) is the one who will reconnect this
bond. Even if your relatives cut their ties with
you, you should reconnect with them by calling
them, visiting them, and being kind and
helpful.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The person who perfectly maintains the
ties of kinship is not the one who does it because he gets recompensed by
his relatives (for being kind and good to them), but the one who truly
maintains the bonds of kinship is the one who persists in doing so even
though the latter has severed (cut) the ties of kinship with him.” (Al-Bukhari,
Book #1, Hadith #322)

- 170 -
!

The Virtues of Maintaining Ties of Kinship

( )
1. ONE OF THE MOST BELOVED DEEDS WITH ALLAH
( ):
There are many verses in the Qur’an that encourage us to maintain the
ties of kinship, as this affects the whole society.

“So give the relative his right, as well as the needy and the traveler. That is
best for those who desire the countenance of Allah, and it is they who will
be the successful.” (Ar-Rum, 30:38)
.

It is easy to maintain relations with relatives who are easy going and
get along well with you. The challenge is when your relatives are
difficult. However, Allah loves it when you strive for His sake.
Maintaining relations means you must keep in touch with them using any
suitable means, such as calling, visiting, or even sending a text message.
When you visit them, remember the etiquettes of visiting: choose a time
convenient for them and don't stay for too long (do not burden them). You
must also help them in any way they need (according to your ability), be it
financial or otherwise.
.
2. PART OF THE ‘WILL’ OF THE 3. SIGNIFIES A HIGH LEVEL OF
PROPHET ( ): FAITH
The Prophet has advised us ( ):
to maintan our kin relations and If we truly believe in Allah and
he would not have done so if it His Messenger , we will
had not been good for us and strive to maintain the ties of
our society. kinship. This is a sign of our
faith in Allah and the Last Day.
Our level of faith can be
measured in relation to our
relationship with our parents,
relatives, and our good
character with others
(generally).

- 171 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who believes in Allah and the Last
Day, let him be hospitable to his guest; and he who believes in Allah and
the Last Day, let him maintain good the ties of blood relationship; and he
who believes in Allah and the Last Day, must speak good or remain silent.”
(Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith #314)

4. EXPANSION IN PROVISION ( ): Maintaining ties with your kin

expands your provisions and increases your wealth. The best Sadaqah
(charity) is to give to your needy relatives first because they have
rights upon you. Also, the Hadith below mentions that for the person
who maintains ties, his life is prolonged—which means that Allah adds
barakah (increment and stability), whether it is in his life, health, or time.
.
Keep in Mind: This virtue is simply a means and a fruitful result of this
noble act in this life. However, seeking the benefit in this dunya should not
be our main concern when maintaining the ties with our relatives.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who desires ample provisions and his
life be prolonged, should maintain good ties with his blood relations.”
(Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith #310)

5. BLOOD TIES ARE ATTACHED TO THE THRONE OF ALLAH

( ): When you maintain ties with your relatives, Allah
will keep His ties with you. This could mean having your prayers
answered or attaining Allah’s help or support, etc. If you are cutting your
relations, then Allah will cut His ties with you. Be careful not to be a
means of cutting other relations as well. For example, if your in-
laws mistreat you and you stop talking to them, then this could
negatively pressure your husband and affect your children’s
relationship with their grandparents. This could also lead to
further division (disconnection) amongst other members in your
family.

- 172 -
!

The Messenger of Allah said: “The bond of relationship is suspending

from the Throne, and says: He who keeps good relations with me, Allah
will keep connection with him, but whosoever severs relations with me,
Allah will sever connection with him.” (Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith #323)

6. ONE OF THE MEANS TO ENTER PARADISE ( ):

There are numerous ways and means to enter Paradise and for
each person may have a different way. However, those who cut
ties of kinship will not enter Paradise.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The severer would not enter Paradise (the
one who severs the ties of kinship).” (Muslim, Book #46, Hadith #6684)

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Ayyub Ansari that once during the
journey of the Prophet a bedouin appeared before him and caught hold
of the nosestring of his she-camel and then said, Messenger of Allah (or
Muhammad), inform me about that which takes me near to Paradise and
draws me away from the Fire (of Hell). He (the narrator) said: The Prophet
stopped for a while and cast a glance upon his companions and then
said: He was afforded a good opportunity (or he had been guided well). He
(the Holy Prophet) addressing the bedouin said: (Repeat) whatever you
have uttered. He (the bedouin) repeated that. Upon this the Apostle
remarked: The deed which can draw you near to Paradise and take you
away from Hell is, that you worship Allah and associate none with Him,
- 173 -
!

and you establish prayer and pay Zakat, and do good to your kin. After
having uttered these words, the Holy Prophet asked the bedouin to release
the nosestring of his she-camel. (Saheeh Muslim)

Ties of kinship must be maintained even if the relatives

are not Muslims, as long as it does not affect your deen.
You must not participate in their celebrations. Remember
that the rights of Allah come above everything else. It is
important to mention here that the virtues do not apply
in the case of maintaining ties with non-mahram relatives.

- 174 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF ZAKAAH
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Purifies the Person from the Stinginess and Miserliness of His Soul
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Cornerstone of Islam Entry to Paradise
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 175 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SADAQAH
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Evidence of Full Faith
Multiple Rewards
! and One’s Truthfulness
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Allah Nurtures the Charity Freed from 70 Devils
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Two Angels Descend Shield from Hellfire
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Charity Towards Kin is Best CONTINUED ON
! ( )! THE NEXT PAGE…!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 176 -
!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF SADAQAH
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! One Who Spends on Orphans
! Glad Tidings for Those Will be Close to the
! Who Have Daughters Prophet in Paradise
! ( )
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Considered One Who Whatever a Muslim
! Strives for Allah Cultivates is Charity
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
Honored on the Day of
! Secret Charity Extinguishes
! Judgment by Being Under the
the Wrath of the Rabb
! Shade of Allah’s Throne
! ( )! ( )
! !
!
!
!
!
!
! Charity Can be in All Actions
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 177 -
 .

Zakaah and Sadaqah

( )
Zakaah ( ) is the obligatory charity and
Sadaqah ( ) is the voluntary charity.

The Virtues of Zakaah

( )
1. PURIFIES THE PERSON FROM THE STINGINESS AND MISERLINESS OF
HIS SOUL ( ):

“Take, [O, Muhammad], from their wealth a charity by which you purify
them and cause them increase, and invoke [Allah 's blessings] upon them.
Indeed, your invocations are reassurance for them. And Allah is Hearing
and Knowing.” (Surah At-Tawbah, 9:103)

2. CORNERSTONE OF ISLAM ( ): Paying the Zakaah

is obligatory and must be given every lunar year. It is one of the pillars of
Islam and without it fulfillment, one’s Islam is not complete.

3. ENTRY TO PARADISE ( ):
It is one of the means to be admitted to Paradise.

- 178 -
ZAKAAT-UL-FITR—THIS IS AN OBLIGATORY CHARITY TO PURIFY ANY
SHORTCOMINGS DURING THE OBLIGATORY FASTING IN RAMADAN
( ):
A purification of the fasting person
from vain talk, obscenity, or any Must be given
other shortages he may have Should be given in before the Eid
indulged in during his fast food staples prayers (Eid-
( ); ( ) ul-Fitr)
so this charity will purify and ( )
complete his fasts

Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allah
made Zakaat-ul-Fitr obligatory as a purification for the fasting person
from useless, non-beneficial speech (or acts) and obscene speech (or
behavior), and as a means of feeding the poor. So whoever gives it before
the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is an accepted Zakaah, and whoever gives
it after the prayer (Salat-ul-’Eid), then it is a form of charity (Sadaqah).”
(Abu Dawud, rated Saheeh by Sheikh Albani in Saheeh Abee Dawud)

The Virtues of Sadaqah

( )
1. EVIDENCE OF FULL FAITH AND ONE’S TRUTHFULNESS
( ):
The word ‘Sadaqah’ comes from the root word ‘sidq,’ which means
truthfulness. Performing charity is a proof and evidence of full faith and
one’s truthfulness, as one gives away what is beloved and spends
voluntarily for the sake of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The charity is proof.” (Muslim, Hadith

#223)

- 179 -
2. MULTIPLE REWARDS ( ): Whoever spends money or gives
charity seeking Allah’s pleasure alone, then its reward is multiplied at
least 700 times. The multiplication for other deeds and acts of
worship ranges from 10 times to 700 times, but for charity
specifically the minimum is at least 700 times.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who makes a contribution in Allah's

way, will have his reward seven hundred times recorded to his credit.” (At-
Tirmidhi, Book #12, Hadith #1338)

Allah will accept your deeds and give you better in return if you hope for
the reward from Allah.

Allah gave a parable in the Qur’an:

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a
seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains.
And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-
Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:261)

How Allah appreciates from you even a little deed like a seed! If
you do it purely for His sake, then Allah will multiply it for you
according to your faith and the intention in your heart.
3. ALLAH NURTURES THE CHARITY ( ): When you
perform charity for the sake of Allah, Allah will take care of it as if it is a
small horse until it grows, showing that Allah will nurture your charity

- 180 -
 and will never leave it obsolete. This is truly a great mercy of Allah. Your
Sadaqah is so dear to Allah because you voluntarily give up a part of
your wealth, which you love, only for the sake of Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who gives in charity the value of a
date which he legally earned, and Allah accepts only that which is
pure, Allah accepts it with His Right Hand and fosters it for him, as one of
you fosters his mare (horse), until it becomes like a mountain.” (Agreed upon,
Book #1, Hadith #561)

"Allah destroys interest and gives increase for charities. And Allah
does not like every sinning disbeliever.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:276)

4. FREED FROM 70 DEVILS ( ): When you perform

charity, Allah will free you from 70 devils. This shows (Allah
knows best) how many devils surround us, from the jinn and
humans.

The Messenger of Allah said: “A person does not take out

anything as charity but that 70 shayateen are freed from him.”
(Correct chain, Book #3, Hadith #264)

5. TWO ANGELS DESCEND ( ): Every morning, two angels

come down invoking for two types of people: (1) for the one who spends
for the sake of Allah and (2) for the one who withholds from charity,
such as a miser in money, smiles (which is also a Sadaqah), time, etc. For
- 181 -
 the one who spends for the sake of Allah, the angels invoke Allah to
bestow blessings on him; for the miserly, they invoke for destruction in
his life, house, time, etc.

The Messenger of Allah said:

“Two angels descend every
morning, and one says: 'O Allah,
give him who spends something, The other one says: 'O Allah,
in place of what he spends.'
give destruction to him who
withholds.'” (Agreed upon, Book
#1, Hadith #295)

6. SHIELD FROM HELLFIRE ( ): The smallest charity, even

half a date, will be a shield from the Hellfire.

The Messenger of Allah said: “He who among you can protect himself
against Fire, he should do so, even if it should be with half a date.” (Muslim,
Book #5, Hadith #2394)

7. CHARITY TOWARDS KIN IS BEST ( ):

It is preferable to give charity to your needy relatives before giving to
others. The best charity is when a man/woman spends on his/her
household with the intention to seek the reward from Allah. This itself is
a great Sadaqah.

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The Messenger of Allah said: “The best charity is that which is given to
your blood relatives.” (Al-Albani)

Salman bin 'Amir (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet
said, “Charity towards a poor person is charity, and towards a relation is
both charity and maintaining the ties (of kinship).” (Recorded by Tirmidhi)

8. GLAD TIDINGS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DAUGHTERS

( ): People worry and feel the need of spending
a great deal on raising daughters. There are special glad tidings for those
who have daughters and raise them well with patience.

The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever has three daughters, is

patient with them, feeds them, gives them drink, and clothes them,
they will be a shield for him from the Hellfire.” (Al-Baihaqi, Hadith
#8167)

9. ONE WHO SPENDS ON ORPHANS WILL BE CLOSE TO THE PROPHET

IN PARADISE ( ):
Anyone who sponsors (takes care of) an orphan will be in Paradise and
very close to the Prophet . Orphans are not only those in the
orphanages specifically, but can also be in families. There are different
ways of caring for them such as helping them, keeping in touch with
them, visiting them, taking care of them, and saying good words to them.

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The Messenger of Allah said: “I and the one who takes the responsibility
of an orphan will be in Paradise thus,” and he joined his middle finger and
forefinger.” (Abu Dawud, Hadith #5150)

10. CONSIDERED ONE WHO STRIVES FOR ALLAH

( ): The one who supports the widows and poor
(the weak ones in society), be it financially or even by spending time
with them, asking about them, and not neglecting them, their reward
is like that of the one who strives for Allah. This shows how Islam
truly nurtures all levels of society.

The Messenger of Allah said: "The one who strives to help the
widows and the poor is like the one who fights in the way of
Allah." The narrator said: I think that he added also: "I shall regard him as
the one who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as the one who
observes fasts continuously.” (Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith #265)

11. WHATEVER A MUSLIM CULTIVATES IS CHARITY ( ):

When you plant anything and a human or even an animal eats
from eat it, this too is considered a charity.!
So do not be upset if birds and insects eat from your tree, etc. If you
move homes, do not remove and shift your plants, because even these
will remain as a charity for you (through all those who benefit from it
after you leave).

The Messenger of Allah said: " Never a Muslim plants, or cultivates a

land, and out of that men eat, or the animals eat, or anything else eats, but
that becomes charity on his (planter's) behalf.” (Sahih Muslim, Book #23,
Hadith #4051)

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12. SECRET CHARITY EXTINGUISHES THE WRATH OF THE RABB
( ): The best of the charity is the one you
keep secret (i.e. you do not tell anyone about it). This will multiply
your reward with Allah and will extinguish Allah’s anger.

The Messenger of Allah said: "The secret charity extinguishes the wrath
of Allah.” (Sahih)

13. HONORED ON THE DAY OF JUDGMENT BY BEING UNDER THE

SHADE OF ALLAH’S THRONE
( ): Also, the ones who
give charity in secret will be honored on the Day of Judgment by
being under the shade of Allah’s Throne—on a Day when the sun will
be so close to us and where there will be no shade but the Shade of
Allah.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet
said, “Seven are (the persons) whom Allah will give protection with His
Shade on the Day when there will be no shade except His Shade (i.e. on the
Day of Resurrection), and they are: …a person who gives a charity and
conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand might not know what the
right has given…” (Part of a Hadith from Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

14. CHARITY CAN BE IN ALL ACTIONS ( ):

Sadaqah in English means charity, but when you know the religion
through the Arabic language, this word has another meaning: that
you spread the benefit and goodness to reach yourself and others.

Normally, we are quite narrow-minded when it comes to charity,

assuming it is only applicable to wealth. However, the religion of
Allah is so vast and so beautiful that every good you do is a Sadaqah.
Charity does not only have to be money, food, clothes, etc., as it can
even be doing actions for the sake of Allah. Even praising, thanking,

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 and magnifying Allah are all considered forms of charity because it is
benefitting you by earning reward for the Aakhirah.

On the authority of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him): Some
people from amongst the Companions of the Messenger of Allah said to
the Prophet , "O Messenger of Allah, the affluent have made off with the
rewards; they pray as we pray, they fast as we fast, and they give [much] in
charity by virtue of their wealth." He said, "Has not Allah made things
for you to give in charity? Truly every tasbeehah [saying: 'Subhan Allah'] is
a charity, and every takbeerah [saying: 'Allahu Akbar'] is a charity, and
every tahmeedah [saying: 'Alhamdulillah'] is a charity, and every tahleelah
[saying: 'Laa ilaaha illa Allah'] is a charity. And commanding the good is a
charity, and forbidding an evil is a charity, and in the bud`i [sexual act] of
each one of you there is a charity." They said, "O Messenger of Allah, when
one of us fulfills his carnal desire will he have some reward for that?" He
said, "Do you not see that if he were to act upon it [his desire] in an
unlawful manner then he would be deserving of punishment? Likewise, if
he were to act upon it in a lawful manner then he will be deserving of a
reward." (Muslim)

Islam takes care of everyone in a society: the poor and needy,

orphans, widows, and the sick. It guides us to strengthen
the ties between people and to not solely focus on ourselves.

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!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF HELPING PEOPLE
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Most Beloved People to Allah Most Beloved Deeds to Allah
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! More Beloved than I’tikaaf in Whoever Douses His Anger,
! Masjid An-Nabawi for a Month Allah Will Cover His Faults
!
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Whoever Suppresses His Anger, Allah Will Grant Him
! Allah Will Fill His Heart with Firmness on the Day When
!
! Pleasure on the Day of Judgment the Feet Will Stumble
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
! Allah Will be with Him
! Prevents a Bad End
! in His Hour of Need
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
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.

Helping People
( )
Helping people can be done financially, by
giving good advice, saying good words, or even
a small kind act like offering a drink of water.

The Virtues of Helping People

( )
1. MULTIPLE VIRTUES FROM THE FOLLOWING HADITH:

The Messenger of Allah said:

The MOST BELOVED PEOPLE TO ALLAH are the most beneficial.

• The people that are consistently the best and foremost in benefitting others are
loved by Allah the most.

The MOST BELOVED DEEDS TO ALLAH, the Most High, is to make a

Muslim happy, or to remove a problem/distress from him, or pay his debt,
or remove his hunger.
• Why are these deeds the most beloved to Allah? Because Allah wants all the
Muslimeen to be like one soul, where everybody helps each other to draw closer
to Him.

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To walk with a fellow Muslim to help in some of his need, is MORE
BELOVED TO ME THAN IF I DO I’TIKAAF IN MASJID AN-NABAWI FOR A
MONTH.

WHOEVER DOUSES HIS ANGER, ALLAH WILL COVER HIS FAULTS.

• When you are dealing with fellow Muslims, you may become impatient or lose
your temper at times due to misunderstandings or such situations. If you
control your anger, Allah will cover all your faults in this life and your faults
will not be exposed on the Day of Judgment.

WHOEVER SUPPRESSES HIS ANGER, WHEN HE CAN PROCEED WITH IT,

ALLAH WILL FILL HIS HEART WITH PLEASURE ON THE DAY OF
JUDGMENT.

AND WHOEVER GOES WITH HIS FELLOW MUSLIM FOR SOME NEED OF
HIS UNTIL IT IS FULFILLED, ALLAH WILL GRANT HIM FIRMNESS ON THE
DAY WHEN THE FEET WILL STUMBLE.
• This is referring to the Day of Judgment while crossing the Siraat, as it will be
very slippery and very narrow, covered with thorns.

And surely, bad manners spoil deeds (as vinegar spoils honey).

(Al-Albani)

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2. PREVENTS A BAD END ( ): We all fear from a bad
end, i.e. in a state of Allah’s displeasure. Helping others prevents
one from a bad end.

The Messenger of Allah said: "Producing good prevents a bad end and
trials and destruction, and the people of good in this world are the people of
good in the Hereafter.” (Al-Albani)

3. ALLAH WILL BE WITH HIM IN HIS HOUR OF NEED

( ):
If you relieve any distress for a Muslim, then Allah will relieve your
distress on the Day of Judgment. And surely there is a big difference
from the distress of this world compared to the distress of the Hereafter.

The Messenger of Allah said: "A Muslim is a brother of another Muslim.

So he should not oppress him nor should he hand him over to (his Shaytaan
or to his self which is inclined to evil). Whoever fulfills the needs of his
brother, Allah will fulfill his needs; whoever removes the troubles
of his brother, Allah will remove one of his troubles on the Day of
Resurrection; and whoever covers up the fault of a Muslim, Allah will
cover up his fault on the Day of Resurrection.” (Agreed upon, Book #1, Hadith
#233)

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4. MEANS TO ENTER PARADISE ( ):

It was narrated that 'Uthman bin 'Affan said: “The Messenger of Allah
said: ‘Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, admitted to paradise a man who was
easygoing in buying and selling, in paying off debts and asking for
repayment.’” (Sahaih, Sunan An-Nasaa'i 4696)

The way to Paradise can be found wherever you are, even in everyday
situations of buying and selling. Nobody is excluded from this opportunity
unless he excludes himself. Alhamdulillah! In Islam, the concept of worship
is so vast that it also includes maintaining relationships of peace with
people for the sake of Allah.

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and
aggression.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:2)

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!
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF MARRIAGE
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Advice of the Prophet Way of the Prophet
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Helps to Lower the Gaze
Wish of the Prophet
! and Protect the Private Parts
! ( )!
!
( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! One of the Means to Open Means to Get a Righteous
! the Doors of Provision Child Who Invokes for You
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 192 -
 Marriage
( )

The Virtues of Marriage

( )
1. ADVICE OF THE PROPHET ( )!
.
2. WAY OF THE PROPHET ( ): The Prophet encouraged
us for marriage.

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that some of the
Companions of Allah's Apostle asked his (the Prophet's) wives about
the acts that he performed in private. Someone among them (among his
Companions) said: I will not marry women;! someone among them said: I
will not eat meat; and someone among them said: I will not lie down in
bed. He (the Holy Prophet) praised Allah and glorified Him, and said:
What has happened to these people that they say so and so, whereas I
observe prayer and sleep too; I observe fast and suspend observing them;
I marry women also? And he who turns away from my Sunnah, he has no
relation with Me.” (Muslim, Book #17, Hadith #3469)!
- 193 -
3. WISH OF THE PROPHET ( ): The Prophet
encouraged marriage, as it is a way towards increasing the size of his
Ummah.

It was narrated that Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
The Messenger of Allah used to say: “Marry the one who is loving and
fertile, for I will feel proud of your large numbers before the other Prophets
on the Day of Resurrection.” (Narrated by Ahmad (12202), classed as Saheeh by
Ibn Hibbaan (3/338) and by al-Haythami in Majma’ al-Zawaa’id (4/474))

4. HELPS TO LOWER THE GAZE AND PROTECT THE PRIVATE PARTS

( ):

Narrated `Abdullah: We were with the Prophet while we were young and
had no wealth whatever. So Allah's Apostle said, “O young people!
Whoever among you can marry, should marry, because it helps him lower
his gaze and guard his modesty (i.e. his private parts from committing
illegal sexual intercourse etc.), and whoever is not able to marry, should
fast, as fasting diminishes his sexual power.” (Al-Bukhari)

5. ONE OF THE MEANS TO OPEN THE DOORS OF PROVISION

( ): When a person gets married, Allah opens
the doors of provision. Someone might say they cannot get married since
they are poor, but Allah is the One Who opens the gates of provision.

- 194 -
“And marry the unmarried among you and the righteous among your male
slaves and female slaves. If they should be poor, Allah will enrich them
from His bounty, and Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.” (Surah An-
Noor, 24:32)

6. MEANS TO GET A RIGHTEOUS CHILD WHO INVOKES FOR YOU

( ): A righteous child who invokes for his/her
parents is their Sadaqah Jaariyah. A person may not have done many
good deeds but if he has left behind a righteous child (son or daughter)
who seeks istighfaar (forgiveness) for him, then Allah will raise his rank
in Paradise.

Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with
him, said that the Messenger of Allah said, “Verily, Allah shall elevate
the grade of a righteous servant in Paradise, who will ask, ‘O Lord! How
did I earn this?’ Allah will reply, ‘Through your son's invoking Me
to forgive you.’” (Ahmad)

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of
Allah said, “When a man dies, his deeds come to an end except for three
things: Sadaqah Jariyah (ceaseless charity); a
knowledge which is beneficial, or a virtuous
descendant who prays for him (for the
deceased).” (Muslim)

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!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
EVERLASTING GOOD DEEDS
!
!
!
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
! More Beloved Than Anything
Most Beloved Phrases to Allah
! Over Which the Sun Rises
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
No Deed Will Rise Above
! Forgiveness of Sins
! This Deed That Day
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Plants of Paradise
! The Falling of Sins
!
are Cultivated
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Best Believer CONTINUED ON
! ( )! THE NEXT PAGE…!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 196 -
!
!
!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF THE
!
!
EVERLASTING GOOD DEEDS
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Allah Has Chosen
Shield from Hellfire
! These Words
! ( )
( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
Everlasting Good Deeds
! Heavy on the Scales
! Swarm Around the Throne
( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Makes Up for the One Who
! Each Phrase is a Charity
Cannot Recite the Qur’an Properly
! ( )!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! One of the Means
! to Enter Paradise
!
! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
- 197 -
 Everlasting Good Deeds
( )

“Wealth and children are [but] adornment of the

worldly life. But the enduring good deeds are better
to your Lord for reward and better for [one's] hope.”
(Surah Al-Kahf, 18:46)

What are the Everlasting Good Deeds?

( )

Glory be to Allah; to acknowledge that Allah is free

from all imperfections and deficiencies (Subhaan Allah).
• Negate from Allah all the imperfect attributes ( ). For instance,
He will never leave His creation without guidance, He can never be
unjust, He never feels tired, He never forgets, and He is never heedless.
• Negate from Allah any shortcomings in His Perfection ( ):
When you say Subhaan Allah, you attest to the fact that Allah’s attributes
are always perfect, never increasing or decreasing, because they are at
the maximum. His Seeing, His Hearing, His Mercy, and His Knowledge
(just to name a few of His attributes) are all perfect and never change; on
the other hand, for example, when you show mercy towards someone,
your mercy is not perfect and can increase or decrease.
• Negation of Similarity to Creation ( ): Another meaning
of Subhaan Allah is to negate Allah’s resemblance to anything from His
creation. No one can resemble Allah in any way. For example, you
cannot say to someone that he is merciful like Allah (Astaghfirullah!).

- 198 -
 No one is like Allah:

“There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the Hearing, the Seeing.”
(Ash-Shuraa, 42:11)

“Nor is there to Him any equivalent.” (Al-‘Ikhlas, 112:4)

Subhaan Allah (Tasbeeh) is said often when glorifying and exalting Allah,
but also needs to be said when you see something imperfect, evil, or
unjust or when you are experiencing trials in your life. You should
refrain from complaining or blaming, as sometimes this can create
doubts or negativity in your mind about your Creator. Remember that
everything is decreed by Allah, Who is full of mercy and full of justice.
When you say Subhaan Allah, you free Allah from all imperfections and
anything that does not suit His Majesty.

Note: If we experience good in the dunya, we should remember that it is

all from Allah. If we experience bad, then we should remember that it
may be due to our sins or mistakes (or because Allah wants to elevate
our ranks in the Paradise).

All praise and thanks be to Allah (Alhamdulillaah). (He is

Praiseworthy; nobody deserves full praises except Allah.)

Praising and thanking Allah because of His perfection in:

• His Names: He has the most beautiful names.
• His Attributes: To Allah belong the highest and most prefect Attributes.
For example, His words are the most perfect, His Forgiveness is the most
perfect, and His Mercy is the most perfect.
• His Actions: All His actions are perfect. If you are righteous, Allah will
deal with you with bounties and give you even more. Your life itself is a
favor from Allah. You should thank Allah for each aspect of your life
because of His countless bounties upon you and this includes blessings
such as your sight, your hearing, etc. You are drowned in Allah’s
blessings; Allah gives you faith and Islam as a way to Paradise and by

- 199 -
 giving you prayer, He gives you the privilege of the best deeds. If you
are an evildoer, your Lord will never oppress you; He will deal with you
with justice ( ). This is how Alhamdulillaah applies to Allah’s actions.
• His Commands (His Rules): We need to say Alhamdulillaah because Allah
knows what is good for us; He knows nothing can reform the people but
following Allah and His commands (Shariah – Islamic law). This is also
why there are rules of Halal and Haram, which may seem like a burden
to some, but are actually prescribed to benefit us.
• His Decree: All of Allah’s decree is perfect, whether you see it as good or
bad. People think that Alhamdulillaah should only be said when
something good happens. When good does happen, you should say:

Alhamdu lillaahil-lathee bini'matihi tatimmus-saalihaat.

“Praise is to Allah Who by His blessings all good things are perfected.”
(Al-Albani)

However, if something you don’t like happens, you should say:

Alhamdu lillaahi 'alaa kulli haal.

“Praise is to Allah in all circumstances.” (Al-Albani)

Alhamdulillaah should thus be said in all situations and this will make one
content and pleased. Every time you utter Alhamdulillaah with faith,
Allah fills your scale with weight. Praising and attributing Allah with
perfection is the best du’aa and is a blessing in itself. We can only say
Alhamdulillaah because Allah allowed us to praise Him. We need
to say an additional Alhamdulillaah to thank Him for allowing us
to say Alhamdulillaah. The best trade is with Allah, as it is success
all the way!

There is no deity worthy of being worshiped but Allah

(nobody deserves the attachment, love, and
magnification except Allah) (Laa ilaaha illa Allah).

- 200 -
 Allah is the greatest (Allaahu Akbar). Nobody is greater than
Allah. Nobody is above Allah.

You should also say Allaahu Akbar when you do something great in order to
remind yourself that Allah is indeed the greatest and highest, which will
also help keep you from feeling proud.

The Virtues of the Everlasting Good Deeds

( )
1. MOST BELOVED PHRASES TO ALLAH ( ):
It is important to say these words often, and there is no restriction as to
when and how much they can be uttered in a day.

The Messenger of Allah said: “The dearest phrases to Allah are four:
Subhaan Allah (Glory be Allah), Alhamdulillaah (Praise be to Allah), Laa ilaaha
illa Allah (There is no deity but Allah), Allaahu Akbar (Allah is Greater).
There is no harm for you in which of them begin with (while
remembering Allah).” (Muslim Sahih, Book #39, Hadith #5724)
2. MORE BELOVED THAN ANYTHING OVER WHICH THE SUN RISES
( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “The uttering of the words: "Subhaan Allah
(Allah is free from imperfection), Alhamdulillaah (all praise is due to Allah),
Laa ilaaha illa Allah (there is no true god except Allah), and Allaahu Akbar
(Allah is the Greatest)' is dearer to me than anything over which the sun
rises.” (Muslim, Book #16, Hadith #1409)

- 201 -
3. NO DEED WILL RISE ABOVE THIS DEED THAT DAY ( ):
Umm Hani bint Abi Talib came to the Messenger of Allah and said that
she was getting old and weak, and wanted to know an act of worship she
could do while sitting.
He replied to her:

Recite Subhaan Allah 100 times, it will be as if you freed 100 slaves from the
Bani Ismaeel (best lineage).

Recite Alhamdulillaah 100 times, and it will be as if you gave 100 saddled
horses ridden and collected for the sake of Allah.

Recite Allaahu Akbar 100 times, and it will be as if you sacrificed 100 best
camels in an acceptable sacrifice.
• Acceptance by Allah is guaranteed.

Recite Laa ilaaha illa Allah 100 times, and it will fill the space between the
heavens and the earth.

And no deed will rise above this deed that day, except that it is like this one.

(Al-Albani, Hadith #1553)

4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ): Sins are expiated even if your

sins are like the foam of the sea. This refers to the minor sins—
minor yet vast in number. The
major sins require sincere
repentance.

- 202 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever says 'Glory be to Allah' (Subhaan
Allah) thirty- three times and 'Allah is Greater' (Allaahu Akbar) thirty-three
times and 'Praise be to Allah' (Alhamdulillaah) thirty-three times, and seals
the hundred with 'There is no god but Allah, alone without any partner.
The Kingdom and praise belong to Him and He has power over everything'
(Laa ilaaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu'l mulku wa lahu'l hamd, wa
huwa ala kulli shay'in qadir) after every prayer will have his wrong actions
forgiven for him even if they are abundant as the foam on the sea.” (Malik,
Book #15, Hadith #49)
5. THE FALLING OF SINS ( ): Sins will fall as
the leaves falling off a tree.

The Messenger of Allah came across a tree with dried leaves. He struck it
with his staff, and the leaves fell. He told Anas (may Allah be pleased with
him), who was accompanying him: Surely saying all praise to Allah,
glory be to Allah, there is no god but Allah, and Allah is greater
than anything, makes sins fall from the slave as the leaves are falling
off this tree. (At-Tirmidhi, Book #5, Hadith #544)
.
6. PLANTS OF PARADISE ( ):
For each utterance of Subhaan Allah, Alhamdulillaah, Laa ilaaha illa Allah,
and Allaahu Akbar, the plants in paradise are being grown for you.

- 203 -
The Messenger of Allah said: “I met Ibrahim (peace be upon
him) on the Night of Ascension (Al-Asra), and he said to me: O
Muhammad, convey my greetings to your Ummah, and tell them
that Jannah has a vast plain of pure soil and sweet water. It is a
plain leveled land. The plants grow there by uttering: Subhaan Allah,
Alhamdulillaah, Laa ilaaha illa Allah, and Allaahu Akbar (Allah is free
from imperfection; praise be to Allah; there is no true god except
Allah; and Allah is Greatest)." (At-Tirmidhi, Book 16, Hadith #1440)
7. BEST BELIEVER ( ): There is no one better than one who
remembers Allah by saying the everlasting good deeds constantly, even
whilst free. They will indeed be among those who are very special to
Allah.

The Messenger of Allah said: “There is nothing better with Allah than a
believer who aged in Islam, who says Subhaan Allah, Allaahu Akbar, and Laa
ilaaha illa Allah." (Al-Albani)
8. ALLAH HAS CHOSEN THESE WORDS
( ): Allah has chosen
these words for His slaves.
What an honor and abundant reward
from the Most Merciful for those who
utter His chosen words frequently!

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The Messenger of Allah said: “Verily Allah
has chosen four phrases: Subhaan Allah,
Alhamdulillaah, Laa ilaaha illa Allah, Allaahu Akbar.
Whoever says Subhaan Allah will have 20 good
deeds written for him, and 20 sins removed, the
same for Allaahu Akbar and Laa ilaaha illa Allah.
Whoever says Alhamdulillaah Rab al
alameen will have 30 good deeds
written for him, and 30 sins
removed." (Ahmed, Al-Albani)
9. SHIELD FROM HELLFIRE ( ):

The Messenger of Allah said: “Hold on to your shield from the fire. Say
glory be to Allah, all praise to Allah, there is no god but Allah, Allah is
greater than everything, there is no strength or power except with Allah.
They will come on the Day of Judgment preceding and following, and
protecting. They are the everlasting good deeds." (An-Nasaa’i)

10. SWARM AROUND THE THRONE ( ):

When you utter Al Baaqiyaat As-Saalihaat (the everlasting good
deeds/phrases) from your heart, these phrases will swarm around the
throne of Allah with a buzzing sound and will mention its reciter,
though Allah is all Aware, All Knower of its reciter. What a great
honor from Allah for those who utter these phrases!

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The Messenger of Allah said: “Surely whoever remembers Allah
with His majesty Tasbeeh, Takbeer, Tahleel and Tamheed, will
swarm around the Throne of Allah with a buzzing sound like
honey bees, mentioning its companion. Don't any of you love that
this happens to you, or it always remains whatever remembrance
you make?” (Ibn Majah)
11. HEAVY ON THE SCALES ( ):
On the Day of Judgment, the everlasting good deeds will weigh
heavily on the scales. Ibn Abbas said: good and bad deeds will be
weighed in the Scale that has a tongue and two pans. A believer will
be brought forward in a good state with his deeds and when his deeds
are put in one of the pans, it becomes heavier than the other. This is
mentioned in the verse:

“…So as for those whose scale (of good deeds) will be heavy, they will be
the successful (by entering Paradise).” (Surah Al-‘A’raf, 7:8)

The Messenger of Allah said: “From what is heavy on the scales is

Subhaan Allah, wa Alhamdulillaah, wa Laa ilaaha illa Allah, wa Allaahu Akbar.”
(Kashf Al Istar)

12. EACH PHRASE IS A CHARITY ( ):

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Some people said to Messenger of Allah : "O Messenger of Allah, the rich
have taken away (all the) reward. They observe Salat (prayers) as we do;
and give Sadaqah (charity) out of their surplus wealth." Upon this he (the
Prophet ) said, “Has Allah not prescribed for you (a course) following
which you can (also) give Sadaqah? In every declaration of the
glorification of Allah (i.e., saying Subhaan Allah) there is a Sadaqah,
and in every Takbir (i.e., saying Allaahu Akbar) is a Sadaqah, and in
every celebration of praise (saying Alhamdulillaah) is a Sadaqah, and
in every declaration that He is One (Laa ilaaha illa Allah) is a
Sadaqah, and in enjoining of good is a Sadaqah, and in forbidding evil is a
Sadaqah, and in man's sexual intercourse (with his wife) there is a
Sadaqah.” They (the Companions) said: “O Messenger of Allah, is there
reward for him who satisfies his sexual need among us?” He said, “You see,
if he were to satisfy it with something forbidden, would it not be a sin on
his part? Similarly, if he were to satisfy it legally, he should be rewarded.”
(Muslim, Book #1, Hadith #120)

13. MAKES UP FOR THE ONE WHO CAN’T RECITE THE QUR’AN
PROPERLY ( ):
Those who are unable to memorize chapters from the Qur’an can read
these phrases in their prayer. This is a gift for those who have
just reverted to Islam. They can utter these adkhaar until they are
able to memorize Surah Al-Fatihah and learn the prayer.

Narrated Abdullah ibn AbuAwfa: A man came to the Prophet and said:
“I cannot memorise anything from the Qur'an, so teach me something
which is sufficient for me.” He said: “Say Glory be to Allah, and praise be to

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Allah, and there is no god but Allah, and Allah is most great, and there is no
might and no strength but in Allah.” He said: “Messenger of Allah, this is
for Allah, but what is for me?” He said say: “O Allah, have mercy on me,
and sustain me, and keep me well, and guide me.” When he stood up, he
made a sign with his hand (indicating that he had earned a lot).
The Messenger of Allah said: “He filled up his hand with
virtues.” (Abu Dawud)
14. ONE OF THE MEANS TO ENTER PARADISE
( ): In the following Hadith, Prophet
mentions two actions—one to say after every obligatory prayer and
the second one to say before sleeping. If you say them consistently,
look at the reward that will accumulate on the scale that will lead you
to Paradise. Although it is an easy action, Shaytaan causes many
simple worldly distractions to prevent one from making dhikr of
Allah. Shaytaan wants you to miss this opportunity, because he
knows that this action will take you to Paradise. That’s why the
Prophet said to guard these actions all the time.

On the authority of Abdul-llah bin 'Amroo bin Al-'AaS (may Allah be

pleased with him) the Messenger of Allah said: “There are two traits no
Muslim servant keeps them except that he entered the Paradise. They are
easy and those who preform them are few. After every prayer he makes
Tasbeeh (saying Subhaan Allah) ten times, he praises Allah ten times [saying
Alhamdulillaah] and he makes Takbeer (saying Allaahu Akbar) ten times. That

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is a 150 on the tongue and a 1,500 on the scale. If he goes to bed, he makes
Takbeer 34 times, he praises Allah 33 times, and he makes Tasbeeh 33 times.
That is a 100 on the tongue and a 1000 on the scale. They said: O Messenger
of Allah, how come they are easy yet few people do them? He said: the
devil comes to one of you on his bed and makes him fall asleep before he
reads it and he comes to him [after the prayer] and reminds him of a matter
before he reads it.” The narrator said: I saw the Messenger of Allah
circling his fingers [indicating that it is easy yet few people do it]. (Sunan
Aby Da'ood no 5065 and Al-Albaanee graded it as authentic in Sahihut-Targheeb
no 606/Sahihul-Jaami' no 3230)

Bid’ah
Al Baaqiyaat As-Saalihaat (Subhaan Allah, Alhamdulillaah, Laa ilaaha illa Allah,
Allaahu Akbar), just like any other type of dhikr, cannot be recited loudly
together in a group. All types of dhikr need to be said individually. It is a
bid’ah to recite dhikr loudly together in a group of people and is forbidden.
However, this bid’ah stems from a misunderstanding of the statement that
all these kalimaat can be read together—together does not mean in a group,
but means that each kalimah does not have to be recited separately.

The gates to good can be found anytime and anywhere.

Busy yourself (your tongue and your heart) with these
kalimaat and imagine how many virtues you will get
and the virtues will be everlasting, Subhaan Allah!

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!
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THE VIRTUES OF PATIENCE
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! Allah’s Companionship Countless Reward
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( )! ( )!
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! Win Paradise and be
Forgiveness
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! Eases the Afflictions Provision from Allah
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!
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THE VIRTUES OF PATIENCE
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! Allah Replaces
! Patience is Light
with What is Better
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Way of the Messengers
! Praise of Allah
! and the Righteous Ones
( )!
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Special Mercy of Allah Elevation in Ranks
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and Trials Leads to Paradise
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 Patience
( )
• Patience is a command from Allah ( ). To be patient is not an
optional or recommended deed, but it is in fact an obligation.

“O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and
fear Allah that you may be successful.” (Surah ‘Ali ‘Imran, 3:200)

• Allah associates your faith with being patient. If your faith is strong, you
will see that your patience will be strong; if your faith is weak you will
see that your patience is weak.
• To be patient is to control yourself (your heart and limbs) from any
complaints or intolerance ( ). In Arabic, the word ‘sabbar’
( ) refers to the cactus, a plant which tolerates a lot of heat as
well as the thorns on it, and sustains on very little water. Having
patience is to be like the cactus.

Patience does not mean that one cannot cry or shed

tears at times of distress or loss.

“Patience is that the heart does not feel anger towards

that which is destined (for you) and that the mouth
does not complain.” –Ibn Al Qayyim al Jawziyah

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• THREE TYPES OF PATIENCE: Patience is not only restricted to when
facing an undesirable decree (problem), but also extends to the acts of
worship and in abstaining from sins.

Patience in worship Patience in abstaining Patience in facing an

( ): from sins undesirable decree
For instance, when ( ): ( ):
praying, fasting, For example, a This refers to being
performing ‘Umrah, person has the desire patient in the decree of
or making dhikr, you to backbite; Allah since its first
need to hold yourself. patience comes when moment (the instant it
Be focused and have the person patiently occurs) and to remain
the presence of heart. stops himself from patient thereafter. By
This is the best type committing this sin. showing patience even
of patience. in small matters (i.e.
waiting for the traffic
light, waiting in the
queue, results, salary,
food, waiting for
somebody to call, etc.),
it helps reinforce this
good characteristic in
every aspect of life.

• Human beings have been created impatient. We need to strive to remove

this trait and we cannot achieve this except with Allah’s aid and
guidance. The description of human beings in the Qur’an is as follows:

“Indeed, mankind was created

“Man was created of haste.” (Surah
anxious” (Surah Al-Ma’arij, 70:19)
Al-Anbya’, 21:37)

• What does it mean to be impatient? Impatience can be in the heart, the

tongue, or even expressed physically. Even saying ‘uff’ is considered
impatience.

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 The Virtues of Patience
( )
1. ALLAH’S COMPANIONSHIP ( ): Allah is with those who are
patient. What an honor it is to attain Allah’s companionship!
When Allah is with you, you will have everything. Allah will be
with you, Allah will love you, Allah will support you, and Allah
will be pleased with you.

As Allah says many times in the Qur’an: “Indeed,

Allah is with the patient.” Again, this reward can be attained even when
showing patience with the small things.

2. COUNTLESS REWARD ( ): The patient ones will earn

abundant reward, without limit. The more patient you are, the greater
the reward. We know that every good deed is rewarded 10 to 700 times;
with patience, though, the reward is countless (an open cheque
of reward!) just as the case when one is fasting.

“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” (Surah Az-
Zumar, 39:10)

3. GOOD FOR THE PERSON ( ): When you face a situation,

you have two options: either to be patient or impatient. If you seek the
good for yourself, then you will be patient. If you are ungrateful to Allah,
not content, and complain about your situation, then this will not change
anything, as this was decreed even before you were created! So why
complain?

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“And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of
that with which you were harmed. But if you are patient - it is better for
those who are patient.” (Surah An-Nahl, 16:126)

4. LOVE OF ALLAH ( ): Allah loves those who are patient.

They are patient in all aspects of their life by doing their obligations,
abstaining from sins, being patient in Allah’s decree, etc. The more you
are patient, the more you will attain Allah’s love and when Allah loves
you, the others around you will love you too.

“And Allah loves the patient ones.” (Surah An-Nahl, 3:146)

5. WIN PARADISE AND BE SAVED FROM THE HELLFIRE

( ): We are here on this earth for a short
By being patient, you are time but the hereafter is eternal, so be
going against your nature patient on this earth, and attain the
of being hasty and eternal reward of Paradise.
impatient, and hence the
reward is great.

“And their reward them for what they patiently endured [with] a garden [in
Paradise] and silk [garments].” (Surah Al-‘Insaan, 76:12)

6. FORGIVENESS ( ): If you are patient and do not complain, even for

a small thing like a prick, a cut, getting burnt from cooking, or fever, then
Allah will expiate your sins.

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“Except for those who are patient and do righteous deeds; those will have
forgiveness and great reward.” (Surah Hud, 11:11)

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allah said:
“Trials will continue to befall the believing man and woman, with regard to
themselves, their children and their wealth, until they meet Allah with no
sin on them.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, 2399; classed as saheeh by Al-Albaani in
Al-Silsilah Al-Saheehah, 2280)

7. EASES THE AFFLICTIONS ( ): If you are impatient while

performing the prayer or impatient during hardship, this will
only make the worship or the situation harder and more
burdensome for you. Patience will ease the hardship.

Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that: The Messenger of
Allah said, “When Allah intends good for His slave, He punishes him in
this world, but when He intends an (without an) evil for His slave, He does
not hasten to take him to task but calls him to account on the Day of
Resurrection.” (Jami’ At-Tirmidhi, Chapters On Zuhd)

(Narrated from the same chain of narration)! The Prophet said: “The
greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people,

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He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is
discontent with that earns His wrath.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi (2396) and
Ibn Majah (4031); classed as Hasan by Al-Albani in Saheeh At-Tirmidhi)

8. PROVISION FROM ALLAH ( ): The one who strives to

be patient, Allah will give him patience.

Some people of the Ansar asked the Messenger of Allah and he gave to
them. Then they asked him again, and he gave to them until he used up
what he had. Then he said, “What wealth I have, I will not hoard from you.
Whoever has forbearance, Allah will help him. Whoever tries to be
independent, Allah will enrich him. Whoever tries to be patient, Allah
will give him patience, and no one
is given a better or vaster gift than
patience.” (Malik, Book #58, Hadith
#1850)

9. ALLAH REPLACES WITH WHAT IS BETTER ( ): There

are times when we yearn for a specific kind of provision in life or we lose
something precious and valuable to us—if we practice patience at this
critical time (at the first moment of loss), then Allah will change
the situation to a better one. However, if we are impatient, then this
will only lengthen our trial and lead to a more complicated life.

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Umm Salamah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I heard the
Messenger of Allah saying, “When a person suffers from a calamity and
utters:
'Innaa lillaahi wa 'innaa 'ilayhi raaji'oon, Allaahumma ajirnee fee museebatee
wa akhliflee khayran minhaa. (“We belong to Allah and to Him we
shall return. O Allah! Compensate me in my affliction, recompense
my loss and give me something better in exchange for it.”)
then Allah surely compensates him with reward and better substitute.”
Umm Salamah said: When Abu Salamah died, I repeated the same
supplication as the Messenger of Allah had commanded me (to do). So
Allah bestowed upon me a better substitute than him (I was married to
Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah ). (Muslim, Book #7, Hadith #921)

Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The
Messenger of Allah said, "When a man's child dies, Allah, the Exalted,
asks His angels, 'Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?' and
they reply in the affirmative. He then asks, 'Have you taken the fruit of his
heart?' and they reply in the affirmative. Thereupon He asks, 'What did my
slave say?' They say: 'He praised You and said: 'Innaa lillaahi wa 'innaa
'ilayhi raaji'oon. (“We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return”).' Allah
says: 'Build a house for my slave in Jannah and name it Baitul-Hamd (the
House of Praise)."' (At-Tirmidhi)

10. PATIENCE IS LIGHT ( ): The more a person is patient, the

more it will give him light throughout his life—a light that is similar
to the sun (bright and illuminating)—and a light in the Hereafter as
well.

Look at the difference: for the prayer (Salaah), you have light (Nur)
that is like the light of the moon, soft and beautiful. There is no heat; it
is the coolness of the eyes. The light (diyah) associated with sabr is
like the sunlight, very shiny, bright, and illuminating with warmth.
You need to bear its strong rays and its strong light to see everything.

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 Patience (sabr) is bitter and is very difficult because it comes at a time
when the heart is broken. The Saabir is not happy but is patient and
this is why Allah gives the Saabireen such a great reward of radiant
sunlight on the Day of Judgment.

11. WAY OF THE MESSENGERS AND THE RIGHTEOUS ONES

( ): All of the messengers were tested with
patience. This is the way of the Messengers and the pious. Knowing
this is a huge comfort and encouragement to remain patient, as the
best of people were patient in the most difficult times. Nuh (peace be
upon him) was so patient that he made da’wah to his people for 950
years.

“And We certainly sent Noah to his people, and he remained among them a
thousand years minus fifty years, and the flood seized them while they
were wrongdoers.” (Al-‘Ankabut, 29:14)

The last messenger, our beloved Prophet Muhammad , gave the best
example of being patient. Although his people offended him, oppressed
him, and hurt him, he remained patient and treated them well, and in fact
used to seek Allah’s forgiveness for them.

12. PRAISE OF ALLAH ( ): 13. SPECIAL MERCY OF

Allah will praise those who are ALLAH
patient in front of the angels. They ( ):
will not only be gifted with one
praise, but in fact multiple praises
from Allah, as well as His mercy
and guidance.

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“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger
and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to
the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to
Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. Those are the ones upon whom
are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the
[rightly] guided.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:155-157)

14. ELEVATION IN RANKS ( ): People compete for ranks in

this life, but the true elevation and honor is only in the eternal life in
Paradise. The distance between one rank to another in Paradise is the
same as the distance between the Heavens and the earth. The more we
are patient, the higher we rise in the ranks of Paradise.

15. PEACE ( ): No hurt or harm will befall the patient ones. This
means they will enter Paradise in peace for being patient and the
angels will receive with greetings of salaam.

“Peace be upon you for what you patiently endured.

And excellent is the final home.” (Surah Ar-Ra’ad, 13:24)
16. PATIENCE DURING SICKNESS AND TRIALS WILL LEAD TO
PARADISE ( ):
Some people may not have many good deeds to lead them to
Paradise, but their patience through sickness and trials will be their
gateway towards it. This shows us that everybody has a different way
and means to attain Paradise. Allah’s pleasure can be attained
through diverse ways and thus no one is deprived of the opportunity
to strive for this goal. However, nobody should wish to be sick or face
trials to go to Paradise, as we should always hope and pray for our
well-being.

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'Ata' bin Abu Rabah reported: Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them)
asked him whether he would like that he should show him a woman who is
from the people Jannah. When he replied that he certainly would, he said,
“This black woman, who came to the Prophet and said, ‘I suffer from
epilepsy and during fits my body is exposed, so make supplication to Allah
for me.’ He replied: ‘If you wish you endure it patiently and you be
rewarded with Jannah, or if you wish, I shall make supplication to Allah to
cure you?’ She said, ‘I shall endure it.’ Then she added: ‘But my body is
exposed, so pray to Allah that it may not happen.’ He (Prophet ) then
supplicated for her.” (Agreed upon)

Prophet wanted to encourage everybody to strive to enter Paradise so he

gave the woman a choice between being cured and having patience and
thus entering Paradise. The woman chose patience and her choice made her
among the people of Paradise; she was given this glad tiding while she was
still alive.

17. PATIENCE—THE KEY TO VICTORY ( ):

Victory means that Allah will support you against your enemies, and
will help you fight the Shaytaan. In overcoming our desires, the
strongest enemy that we need to fight against is our own self. We
want to be victorious in this fight and for this we need a great deal of
patience (which can be attained with Allah’s help alone).

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“If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm strikes you, they rejoice
at it. And if you are patient and fear Allah, their plot will not harm you at
all. Indeed, Allah is encompassing of what they do.” (Surah ‘Ali ‘Imran,
3:120)

Allahummaj’alnaa minas saabireen.

“O Allah, make us from amongst the patient ones.”

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!
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!
!
!
THE VIRTUES OF PARDONING
!
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! Shows Firm Determination Brings You Closer to Taqwa
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
!
! Praise of Allah Forgiveness of Sins
!
!
( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Allah’s Pardoning Great Reward
! ( )! ( )!
!
!
!
!
!
! Allah Will Honor You Replace with What is Better
! ( ) ( )
!
!
!
!
! Allah Will Honor You Avert with What is Better
! (Follow the Footsteps)! ( a New Page
Opens )!
! of the Prophet
( )
! ( )
!
!
!
!
!
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 Pardoning
( )

What is Pardoning?
( )

Pardoning means overlooking the sin, not taking revenge, and repelling evil
with good—all with no negative feelings in the heart.

“Take pardoning, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the ignorant.”
(Surah Al-‘A’raf, 7:199)

Pardoning is of a higher degree than patience

and is a highly praised deed with great merit.

The Virtues of Pardoning

( )
1. SHOWS FIRM DETERMINATION ( ): Being patient and then
forgiving and overlooking is pardoning, which shows a firm
determination because it is not an easy act to practice and adopt.

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 The messengers Muhammad, Musa, Noah, Ibrahim, and Isa
(peace be upon them all) are known as ‘Ulu al’azmi
( ), as they were Prophets with firm determination.!

“And whoever is patient and forgives - indeed, that is of the matters

[requiring] determination.” (Surah Ash-Shuraa, 42:43)

2. CLOSER TO TAQWA ( ): Pardoning brings you

closer to Taqwa (which means guarding your heart from Allah’s anger
by doing the obligations and abstaining from sins with the guidance of
Allah), whereas those who seek revenge and keep a grudge (resentment)
cause harm to their own selves. Do not hold any ill feelings in your heart
towards anyone who has wronged you, even if it is difficult to let it go.
This is why this behavior is closer to Taqwa, as you are restraining and
suppressing your feelings (of resentment) and seek Allah’s pleasure
alone.

“And to forego it is nearer to righteousness.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:237)

3. PRAISE OF ALLAH ( ): Allah praises those who suppress

their anger and pardon people. They are not those who point at people’s
mistakes and neither do they seek revenge. Forgiving the person who
has oppressed or harmed you and overlooking their wrongs are indeed
very difficult things to do, but the praise and pleasure of Allah is greater.

“…and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the
doers of good.” (Surah ‘Ali ‘Imran, 3:134)

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Sometimes, people may oppress others by unjustly taking their land,
property, money, etc. In such cases, you are allowed to take your rights and
even make du’aa against the oppressors. However, to pardon and overlook
is a far greater and honorable deed and is considered an act of ihsaan (best
conduct). Allah praises the ones who pardon as al-‘aafeen an-naas and loves
those who do ihsaan (deal with the best conduct).

4. FORGIVENESS OF SINS ( ): Aishah (may Allah be pleased

with her) was slandered regarding her chastity ( ). Her father,
Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to end the financial
support he was providing for a Muhaajir called Mistah who was
involved in slandering his daughter. Abu Bakr had every right to end the
charity, but Allah wanted the best for Abu Bakr and so He sent down a
profound verse for Abu Bakr to pardon the man, though it was difficult.
What did he get in return?
Allah’s forgiveness!
Do not expect people to be perfect; you need to let go and forgive. If we
long for the forgiveness of Allah (despite our endless shortcomings),
should we not then overlook the faults of people?

“...and let them pardon and overlook. Would you not like that Allah
should forgive you? And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah An-
Nur, 24:22)

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“O you who have believed, indeed, among your wives and your children
are enemies to you, so beware of them. But if you pardon and overlook and
forgive - then indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.” (Surah At-Taghabun,
64:14)

Your spouses and children can be your enemies, as they may distract you
from the right path and make you fall into sins, such as making you lose
your temper, tempting you to wrongful temptations, or even challenging
your faith. Allah advises you to pardon and overlook. If you do that, Allah
will pardon and forgive your sins and be even more merciful to you.
The way you deal with people is how Allah will deal with you.
Do not point at people’s mistakes.

When you look at the Prophet , he set the best example for
pardoning. Look at how he dealt with the people of At-Taif—even
though they wronged him severely, he never invoked against them
and in fact invoked for them by saying: “I hope that Allah will raise
from among their descendants people as will worship Allah the
One, and will not ascribe partners to Him (in worship).'' (Al-
Bukhari, Muslim)

'Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked the Prophet
"Have you ever experienced a day harder than the day of the battle of

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Uhud?" He replied, "Indeed, I experienced them (dangers) at the hands of
your people (i.e., the disbelievers from amongst the Quraysh tribe). The
hardest treatment I met from them was on the Day of 'Aqabah when I went
to Ibn 'Abd Yalil bin 'Abd Kulal (who was one of the chiefs of Ta'if) with the
purpose of inviting him to Islam, but he made no response (to my call). So I
departed with deep distress. I did not recover until I arrived at Qarn ath-
Tha'alib. There, I raised my head and saw a cloud which had cast its
shadow on me. I saw in it Jibril (Gabriel) (peace be upon him) who called
me and said: 'Indeed, Allah, the Exalted, heard what your people said to
you and the response they made to you. And He has sent you the angel in
charge of the mountains to order him to do to them what you wish.' Then
the angel of the mountains called me, greeted me and said: 'O Muhammad,
Allah listened to what your people had said to you. I am the angel of the
mountains, and my Rabb has sent me to you so that you may give me your
orders. (I will carry out your orders). If you wish I will bring together the
two mountains that stand opposite to each other at the extremities of
Makkah to crush them in between."' But Messenger of Allah said, "I
rather hope that Allah will raise from among their descendants people as
will worship Allah the One, and will not ascribe partners to Him (in
worship)." (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

5. ALLAH’S PARDONING ( ):
You will attain Allah’s pardoning and that pardoning will come to you
when you need it the most—on the Day of Judgment. Pardoning is more
than forgiving. Some people forgive but do not forget, this is not
pardoning. Pardoning is to forgive and overlook.

We are full of faults and in dire need of Allah to

overlook our mistakes. We ask Allah for His
pardoning with the du’aa:

Allaahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa’fu 'annee.

"O Allah, You are Oft-Pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon us."
(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, At-Tirmidhi)

6. GREAT REWARD ( ): If you pardon and make reconciliation

(compromise), then your reward is due from Allah—surely an abundant,
great reward since it is coming from the Most Perfect and the Most
Giving, Allah.

- 228 -
“...but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation - his reward is [due] from
Allah.” (Surah Ash-Shuraa, 42:40)

7. ALLAH WILL HONOR YOU ( ):

If you pardon and forgive people, then Allah will honor you. Pardoning
others is not a sign of weakness or humiliation. In fact, it is a great
honor, as Allah will honor and elevate you in ranks.
At the conquest of Makkah, the Quraysh, who had fought bloody battles
against the Prophet , oppressed and killed the Sahaba, and had even
attempted to murder the Prophet , were now under the Prophet’s
control and he had the power and right to take any sort of revenge on them.

The Quraysh were absorbed in different thoughts when suddenly the

Prophet broke the silence and said, “What are you saying and what are
you thinking about me?” The astonished and frightened people, keeping in
mind the past favors of the Prophet, said with a broken voice: “We are not
thinking of anything about you except kindness and good. We consider you
to be our honorable brother and the son of our honorable brother (akhun
karim ibn akhin karim).” When the Prophet, who was inherently kind
and forgiving, heard these emotional sentences from them, he said
in reply: “I too say to you the same thing, which my brother Yusuf
said to his unkind brothers i.e., ‘Have no fear this day! May Allah
forgive you, and He is the Most Merciful of the merciful.’”

The Messenger of Allah said: "Wealth is not diminished by giving (in

charity). Allah augments the honor of one who forgives; and one who
displays humbleness towards another seeking the pleasure of Allah, Allah
exalts him in ranks.” (Muslim, Book #1, Hadith #556)

- 229 -
8. AVERT WITH WHAT IS BETTER ( ): If you pardon
someone, you win the person’s heart.Pardoning your enemy (who
has harmed you) will lead to removing enmity for you from his
heart and bring him closer to you. On the other hand, taking revenge
will add more enmity and hatred between people.

“And not equal are the good deed and the bad. Repel [evil] by that [deed]
which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is
enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend.” (Surah Fussilat,
41:34)

9. FOLLOW THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE PROPHET ( ):

Pardoning was a noble characteristic of the Messenger of Allah and he
is the role model we wish to emulate (follow).

10. OPEN A NEW PAGE ( ): Opening a new page is even

This means not even a trace of hurt or ill
better than pardoning.
feelings remain in the heart. In fact, you do not even recall the
past hurtful memories. How is this possible? This comes with a
pure heart ( ). Your heart is like glass that needs to be polished
and cleansed with repentance (Tawbah) and righteous deeds. The
more you strive constantly to purify your heart, the more you will
pardon people in this life, and the more you will be forgiven on the
Day of Judgment. So we ask Allah to grant us a pure heart, for indeed
it is a great provision from Allah.

Forgive and be forgiven by Allah!

- 230 -
 The Meaning of
Mercy ( )
Allah is the Most Gracious and the
Most Merciful; His mercy encompasses
all things and is the source of all the
compassion and mercy that exists in
the universe.

“My Mercy embraces all things...” (Surah Al-‘A’raf, 7:156)!

Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem. In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the
Most Merciful. This is a phrase that we say every day, several times per day.
However sometimes we forget how mighty a phrase it is and we forget that
mercy is one of His greatest attributes that we, as imperfect human beings,
constantly rely upon. 1 Allah is the Most Merciful; His mercy reaches
everywhere in the universe. We are living, sleeping, lying, seeing, and so
much more only because of His mercy.

The virtues and rewards for the righteous deeds are indeed
a great Mercy from Allah. It is only due to Allah’s mercy
That He allows us, and gives us the ability and strength to fill
our hearts, and busy our limbs with deeds pleasing to Him.
We may do simple deeds, but the reward is unlimited. A good word can
elevate us in rank, a half a date can save us from hellfire; and movements of
the heart can out weigh countless sins on the scale of good deeds. From this
we only begin to grasp the greatness of Allah’s Mercy, and realize that truly
through His Mercy alone can we enter and enjoy the Greatest Mercy of all—
Paradise.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1
http://www.i-mag.org/169-I-MAG/170-Issue-1-February-2005/author/128-Aisha-
Stacey.html, http://www.newmuslims.com/lessons/142/
 !

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