Monthly Archives: August 2013
How to Pray for Someone (Hadith No. 1698)
Bismillah.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 203:
Narrated Anas (radiallaahu `anhu):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) paid a visit to Um-Sulaim (radiallaahu `anhaa) and she placed before him dates and ghee. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Replace the ghee and dates in their respective containers for I am fasting.” Then he stood somewhere in her house and offered an optional prayer and then he invoked good on Um-Sulaim (radiallaahu `anhaa) and her family. Then Um-Sulaim (radiallaahu `anhaa) said, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! I have a special request (today).” He said, “What is it?” She replied, “(Please invoke for) your servant Anas (radiallaahu `anhu).” So Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) did not leave anything good in the world or the Hereafter which he did not invoke (Allah to bestow) on me and said, “O Allah! Give him (i.e. Anas) property and children and bless him.” Thus I am one of the richest among the Ansar and my daughter Umaina told me that when Al-Hajjaj came to Basra, more than 120 of my offspring had been buried.
Imagine that. O_O
Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) did not leave ANYTHING GOOD IN THE WORLD OR THE HEREAFTER which he did not ask Allah to bestow on Anas (radiallaahu `anhu). That simply shows his generosity with duas. And how do we make dua for others? So little, so uninterested, as if it’s costing us money to pray for them. :/
Tell you what, whenever you pray for someone else, the angels say ameen to that dua for you. Even if you’re a miser, this is definitely something that will benefit you. Get it? ;)
Be generous with duas. If you can’t give someone anything else, a sincere and generous dua will suffice inshaAllah.
I just prayed for the hidayah (guidance) of my family and friends. Whom did you make dua for after reading this?
Fast Three Days a Month, Okay? (Hadith No. 1697)
Bismillah.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 202:
Narrated Abu Huraira (radiallaahu `anhu):
My friend (the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)) advised me to observe three things:
(1) to fast three days a month;
(2) to pray two Rakat of Duha prayer (fore-noon prayer); and
(3) to pray Witr before sleeping.
it is mustahabb to fast three days each month, and it is best to fast the ayaam al-beed, which are the 13th, 14th and 15th of the month.
It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Amr ibn al-‘Aas (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me:
“It is sufficient for you to fast three days every month, because for every good deed you will have (the reward of) ten like it, so that will be like fasting for a lifetime.”
Narrated by al-Bukhaari (1874); Muslim (1159).
Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) was asked:
It was narrated in the hadeeth that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) advised Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) to fast three days of each month. When should these fasts be observed, and should they be one after the other?
He replied:
It is permissible to fast these days one after the other or separately, and they may be at the beginning of the month, or in the middle, or at the end. The matter is broad in scope, praise be to Allaah, because the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did not state any specific days. ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) was asked: Did the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) fast three days of each month? She said: Yes. It was asked: In which part of the month did he fast? She said: He would not bother in which part of the month he would fast. Narrated by Muslim, (1160). But the 13th, 14th and 15th are better, because these are al-ayyaam al-beed.
Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 10/ question no. 376.
The Fast of David (Ahadith 1690 – 1696)
Bismillah.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 195:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (radiallaahu `anhu):
“Once Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to me,” and then he narrated the whole narration, i.e. your guest has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you. I then asked about the fasting of David (`alayhissalaam). The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) replied, “Half of the year,” (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 196:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (radiallaahu `anhu):
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, “O ‘Abdullah! Have I not been informed that you fast during the day and offer prayers all the night.” ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) replied, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)!” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Don’t do that; fast for few days and then give it up for few days, offer prayers and also sleep at night, as your body has a right on you, and your wife has a right on you, and your guest has a right on you. And it is sufficient for you to fast three days in a month, as the reward of a good deed is multiplied ten times, so it will be like fasting throughout the year.” I insisted (on fasting) and so I was given a hard instruction. I said, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! I have power.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Fast like the fasting of the Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) and do not fast more than that.” I said, “How was the fasting of the Prophet of Allah, David?” He said, “Half of the year,” (i.e. he used to fast on every alternate day).
Afterwards when ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) became old, he used to say, “It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month).”
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 197:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed that I had taken an oath to fast daily and to pray (every night) all the night throughout my life (so Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) came to me and asked whether it was correct): I replied, “Let my parents be sacrificed for you! I said so.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “You can not do that. So, fast for few days and give it up for few days, pray and sleep. Fast three days a month as the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times and that will be equal to one year of fasting.” I replied, “I can do better than that.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, “Fast one day and give up fasting for a day and that is the fasting of Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) and that is the best fasting.” I said, “I have the power to fast better (more) than that.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “There is no better fasting than that.”
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 198:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):
The news of my daily fasting and praying every night throughout the night reached the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). So he sent for me or I met him, and he said, “I have been informed that you fast everyday and pray every night (all the night). Fast (for some days) and give up fasting (for some days); pray and sleep, for your eyes have a right on you, and your body and your family (i.e. wife) have a right on you.” I replied, “I have more power than that (fasting).” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Then fast like the fasts of (the Prophet) David (`alayhissalaam)”. I said, “How?” He replied, “He used to fast on alternate days, and he used not to flee on meeting the enemy.” I said, “From where can I get that chance?” (‘Ata’ said, “I do not know how the expression of fasting daily throughout the life occurred.”) So, the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, twice, “Whoever fasts daily throughout his life is just as the one who does not fast at all.”
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 199:
Narrated Mujahid from ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said (to ‘Abdullah), “Fast three days a month.” ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) said, (to the Prophet) “I am able to fast more than that.” They kept on arguing on this matter till the Prophet said, “Fast on alternate days, and recite the whole Qur’an once a month.” ‘Abdullah (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I can recite more (in a month),” and the argument went on till the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Recite the Qur’an once each three days.” (i.e. you must not recite the whole Qur’an in less than three days).
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 200:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As (radiallaahu `anhu):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said to me, “You fast daily all the year and pray every night all the night?” I replied in the affirmative. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “If you keep on doing this, your eyes will become weak and your body will get tired. He who fasts all the year is as he who did not fast at all. The fasting of three days (a month) will be equal to the tasting of the whole year.” I replied, “I have the power for more than this.” The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Then fast like the fasting of David (`alayhissalaam) who used to fast on alternate days and would never flee from the battle field, on meeting the enemy.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 201:
Narrated ‘Abdullah bin ‘Amr (radiallaahu `anhu):
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) was informed about my fasts, and he came to me and I spread for him a leather cushion stuffed with palm fires, but he sat on the ground and the cushion remained between me and him, and then he said, “Isn’t it sufficient for you to fast three days a month?” I replied, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more).” He said, “Five?” I replied, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more).” He said, “Seven?” I replied, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more).” He said, “Nine (days per month)?” I replied, “O Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)! (I can fast more)” He said, “Eleven (days per month)?” And then the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “There is no fast superior to that of the Prophet David (`alayhissalaam) it was for half of the year. So, fast on alternate days.”
Here’s another narration (not from this sequence in Bukhari) that helps understand the topic better:
It was narrated from Abu Qutaadah al-Ansaari (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was asked about his fasting. The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) got angry, then ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) said, “We are content with Allah as our Lord, with Islam as our religion, with Muhammad as our Prophet and with the oath of allegiance (bay’ah) that we have given.” Then he was asked about one who fasts for a lifetime and he said, “He did not fast and he did not break his fast.” [I.e., it becomes a routine for him such that he no longer feels the difference between fasting and not fasting] Then he was asked about fasting two days and not fasting for one day, and he said, “Who is able to do that?” Then he was asked about fasting one day and not fasting for two days, and he said, “Would that Allaah gave us strength for that.” And he was asked about fasting one day and not fasting one day (i.e., fasting alternate days) and he said, “That is the fasting of my brother Dawood (peace be upon him).” And he was asked about fasting on Mondays, and he said, “That is the day on which I was born and the day on which my mission began (or on which Revelation came down to me).” And he said, “Fasting for three days each month and Ramadaan each year is the fast of a lifetime.” And he was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Arafaah, and he said, “It expiates for the past year and the coming year,” and he was asked about fasting on the Day of ‘Ashoora’, and he said, “It expiates for the past year.” Narrated by Muslim, 1162.
It is clear from this hadeeth that fasting is encouraged, whether it is one or two days each year, one day each week, three days each month, fasting one day and not fasting two days or vice versa, or fasting one day and not the next. The matter is flexible. But the fast of Dawud (`alayhissalaam) is most encouraged because by fasting on alternate days, you never really get used to fasting and/or not fasting. It’s not easy, hence the reward.
One important lesson: it’s good to commit to great tasks of worship when you have the energy and power to do so. But in lieu of ‘continuity and balance’, it’s advisable to commit to amounts you can continue even when weak or old. Learn this from the experience of Abdullah ibn Amr (radiallaahu `anhu) when he says:
It would have been better for me if I had accepted the permission of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) (which he gave me i.e. to fast only three days a month).
Continuity and Balance (Ahadith 1685 – 1689)
Bismillah.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 190:
Narrated ‘Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to fast till one would say that he would never stop fasting, and he would abandon fasting till one would say that he would never fast. I never saw Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) fasting for a whole month except the month of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than in the month of Sha’ban.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 191:
Narrated ‘Aisha (radiallaahu `anhaa):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) never fasted in any month more than in the month of Sha’ban. He used to say, “Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).” The most beloved prayer to the Prophet was the one that was done regularly (throughout the life) even if it were little. And whenever the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) offered a prayer he used to offer it regularly .
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 192:
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas (radiallaahu `anhu):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) never fasted a full month except the month of Ramadan, and he used to fast till one could say, “By Allah, he will never stop fasting,” and he would abandon fasting till one would say, “By Allah, he will never fast.”
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 193:
Narrated Anas (radiallaahu `anhu):
Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) used to leave fasting in a certain month till we thought that he would not fast in that month, and he used to fast in another month till we thought he would not stop fasting at all in that month. And if one wanted to see him praying at night, one could see him (in that condition), and if one wanted to see him sleeping at night, one could see him (in that condition) too.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 194:
Narrated Humaid:
I asked Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) about the fasting of the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam). He said “Whenever I liked to see the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) fasting in any month, I could see that, and whenever I liked to see him not fasting, I could see that too, and if I liked to see him praying in any night, I could see that, and if I liked to see him sleeping, I could see that, too.” Anas (radiallaahu `anhu) further said, “I never touched silk or velvet softer than the hand of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and never smelled musk or perfumed smoke more pleasant than the smell of Allah’s Apostle (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam).”
After reading all these narrations, the one who wants to overdo fasting and praying at night (or any other form of worship), and give up all the good of this world (zuhd) needs to answer one question: Is he more righteous than the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam)?
Continuity and balance. These two things will take you a long way inshaAllah. Whatever little/more you do of worship, continue it. And don’t overdo anything – not even worship. :)
As for the fiqh of fasting in Sha`baan, a summary has been posted here.
Your Soul has Rights on You (Hadith No. 1684)
Bismillah.
Volume 3, Book 31, Number 189:
Narrated Abu Juhaifa (radiallaahu `anhu):
The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) made a bond of brotherhood between Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) and Abu Ad-Darda (radiallaahu `anhu). Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) paid a visit to Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) and found Um Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhaa) dressed in shabby clothes and asked her why she was in that state. She replied, “Your brother Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) is not interested in (the luxuries of) this world.” In the meantime Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) came and prepared a meal for Salman (radiallaahu `anhu). Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) requested Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) to eat (with him), but Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I am fasting.” Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) said, “I am not going to eat unless you eat.” So, Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) ate(with Salman). When it was night and (a part of the night passed), Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) got up (to offer the night prayer), but Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) told him to sleep and Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) slept. After sometime Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) again got up but Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) told him to sleep. When it was the last hours of the night, Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) told him to get up then, and both of them offered the prayer. Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) told Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu), “Your Lord has a right on you, your soul has a right on you, and your family has a right on you; so you should give the rights of all those who has a right on you.” Abu Ad-Darda’ (radiallaahu `anhu) came to the Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) and narrated the whole story. The Prophet (sallallaahu `alayhi wasallam) said, “Salman (radiallaahu `anhu) has spoken the truth.”
This Hadith has a lot to learn from. It teaches you to be concerned about others, to give them the right advice at the right time. It teaches you wisdom and balance. Most of all, it teaches you to give everything and everyone their due right, including your own self. In the process of ‘killing’ your nafs, you might start overlooking your basic needs and rights – physical, mental and spiritual. The solution is in finding balance, not overdoing anything be it worship or any other activity.
The concept is very simple, yet some people might find it hard to practice. And I’m unable to do justice to the explanation, as always. :/
The purpose is to get the message across, and Allah is our Helper. :)
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