574. When Praying Behind An Imaam, From Where Should The Row Start?

By Asma bint Shameem 

QUESTION

*When praying behind an Imaam, from where should the row start?*

*From right BEHIND the Imaam or from the RIGHT side?*

ANSWER

You should start the row from right *BEHIND* the Imaam. 

And then as more people come, they should stand to the right and the left, trying to balance out the distribution of the people. 

And if the row is pretty much balanced out, with people on both the right and left sides of the row, behind the Imaam, then the right side is preferred. 

Imaam an-Nawawi said:

“It is recommended for the Imaam to stand in the middle and for them to spread to either side.”

 Al-Manaawi said:

“...put him (i. e. Imaam) in the middle of the row so that everyone on his right and left can have a share of hearing him and being close to him.”  (Fayd al-Qadeer)

But I heard that the row should start from the right side!

Yes it’s true that it’s the right side of the row is preferred. But this depends on the situation. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen explains this beautifully. 

He said:

“Straightening the rows also means preferring the right side to the left, but that is not to be taken in ABSOLUTE terms..., because if it were in absolute terms...the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam would have said, “Complete the rows from the right hand side” but he said: “Complete the first row, then the next.” 

If the right and the left are more or less equal, then the right side is given preference, such as if there are five on the left and five on the right, and an eleventh man comes, we would tell him to go to the RIGHT, because the right is BETTER than the left when both are equal or almost equal, and there is no obvious difference between the right and the left of the row. 

But if one side is further away, then there is no doubt that joining the left, if it is closer, is BETTER than joining the right, if it is far away. 

This is indicated by the fact that if there is a group of three, it is prescribed for the imam to stand between the other two. 

This indicates that the right is NOT better in ABSOLUTE terms, because if it were better in absolute terms, it would be better for BOTH people to be to the right of the Imaam. 

But it is prescribed for one to be on the RIGHT of the Imaam and one on his LEFT, so that the Imaam will be in the MIDDLE and there will be no imbalance between the two sides.”  [al-Sharh al-Mumti’ (3/10)]

What about women praying with the Imaam?

When a sister is starting a row, she should align herself with the Imaam in such a way that she’s standing right behind the Imaam even if she’s all the way back in the women’s section. 

Then as more sisters join her, they should stand to the right and left of her. And extend on each side this way. 

Conclusion

So when you’re starting a new row behind the Imaam, stand right “*behind*” him. 

Then the next person should join you on the right. 

And the next should join on your left. 

And so on. 

Try to follow these GENERAL guidelines. 

This way the row would be considered balanced out on both sides, even if there are slightly more people to the right. 

And Allaah knows best

573. Is Nutmeg Haraam?

By Asma Bint Shameem

The majority of the scholars say that we shouldn’t use nutmeg because it is something that intoxicates. 

And anything that intoxicates is not allowed in Islaam. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Every intoxicant is khamr, and every intoxicant is haram.” (Muslim)

However some of the ulama say that it’s allowed to use nutmeg in a very small quantity as flavoring in food. 

Shaikh Hatem al-Hajj explains the hadeeth of “intoxicants” quoted above. 

He said:

“The statement of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam above calls any substance that will result in “sukr” khamr. 

Sukr is translated as intoxication, and that may lead to the inclusion of many substances under the name of “khamr”. 

It is rather more accurate to consider sukr to be the state or condition that follows the ingestion of khamr, which includes the classical symptoms of euphoria, excitement, confusion and stupor and come, ending in death in the case of overdosing.

Sukr (as explained above), not simply intoxication, is the effective cause (illah) that needs to be present in a substance to be given all of the rulings of khamr.

I now believe there are differences between the effects of khamr (as in alcoholic beverages) and other CNS depressants “intoxicants”.

Thus, the right position is the permissibility of its use in small amounts when mixed with other spices. 

Of note here, is that in KSA, It is permitted to import if it constitutes 20% or less of the final food product, which goes in agreement of the position chosen here above.

That is the fiqhi position. 

However, the sincere believers are invited to practice pious caution in all affairs.”

 Dr. Wahbat al-Zuhayli said: 

“There is no reason why a small amount of nutmeg should not be used to improve the flavor of food, cakes and the like, but a large amount is haraam, because it is a narcotic. 

But to be on the safe side we should say that it is not allowed even if it is mixed with other things and there is only a small amount of it, because “that which intoxicates in large amounts, a small amount of it is haraam.” 

Shaikh Moosaa Richardson said:

“Nutmeg, like any other intoxicant, is impermissible to buy, sell, transport, store, etc. 

If it -or any other intoxicant- is found as a tiny amount in a much larger food or drink that has *already been prepared*, and the food or drink simply does not intoxicate, no matter how much is consumed, then we cannot categorize such a food or drink as an intoxicant.”

So, in other words, the Shaikh is saying that we can buy food products ALREADY containing nutmeg. 

But, to be on the safe side, it would be better to avoid using nutmeg *on our own* and cook or bake with it. 

I myself used to cook with nutmeg but once I found out that it’s not allowed to be used, I stopped using it and there’s no difference in the taste of the food at all. 

Everyone still loves my cooking and thinks it’s delicious Alhamdulillaah!

And Allaah knows best

572. What Is The Ruling On Cursing On Circumstances?

 By Asma Bint Shameem

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said: 

“The son of Adam abuses me. He curses time and I am time, for in my hand are the night and day.”

(al-Bukhaari 4549, Saheeh Muslim 2246)

And he said:

“Do not inveigh time for Allaah is Time." (Saheeh Muslim)

Inveigh means “to protest or complain bitterly” against something  

Imaam al-Nawawi said:

“They said: this is a metaphor, because the Arabs used to inveigh against time when disasters such as death, old age, loss of money, etc., happened. 

They would say, 

‘Woe to time’ and other phrases cursing or inveighing against time. 

So the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

‘Do not inveigh against time for Allaah is time’, i.e., do not inveigh against the One Who brings about those disasters, for that will be directed towards Allaah, for He is the One Who causes them to happen. 

Time (al-dahr) means al-zamaan (time) which cannot do anything in and of itself, for it is just one of the things that have been created by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala  

The meaning of the phrase “for Allaah is time” means that He is the One Who causes those events and accidents to happen, and He is the Creator of all that happens.” (Sharh Muslim, 15/3)

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen explains what this hadeeth means.

He said:

“Inveighing against time may be divided into three categories:

1. Where the intention is to convey information without blaming or condemning. 

This is permissible, such as when a person remarks, “We are suffering from the heat (or the cold) today” and the like, because deeds are judged according to their intentions, and in this case a person is merely describing what is happening without expressing discontent.

2. Where a person inveighs against time as the cause of events, as if by inveighing against it he means that time is what causes things to alternate between good and bad. 

This is shirk akbar (major form of shirk) because when a person attributes events to something other than Allaah, this means that he believes that there is another creator alongside Allaah.

3. Where a person inveighs against time but believes that the One who causes things to happen is Allaah, but he inveighs against time because of the bad things that happened. 

This is haraam because it is contrary to the sabr that is required, but it is not kufr because the person does not inveigh directly against Allaah. 

If he were to inveigh directly against Allaah, he would be a kaafir.” (Fataawaa al-‘Aqeedah, 1/197)

And Allaah knows best

571. What Is ‘Zawaal Time’ And Why Is It Important?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Zawaal time is the time just after the sun reaches its highest point or zenith during the day. After reaching the zenith or midday, the sun starts to decline (zawaal). 

And it is NOT at 12 noon necessarily. 

Why is it important?

Zawaal time is important because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam specifically told us not to offer any Salah at the time of the day when the sun is overhead at its highest point, until it has passed its zenith. 

Uqbah ibn Aamir al-Juhani radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

*“There are three times at which the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam forbade us to pray or to bury our dead:* 

1. *when the sun has clearly started to rise until it is fully risen,*

2. *when it is directly overhead at midday until it has passed its zenith, and* 

3. *when the sun starts to set until it has fully set.”* (Muslim)

But isn’t ‘midday’ at 12 noon?

No. Midday is NOT necessarily at 12 noon. 

Midday is the exact MIDDLE point between the time of Sunrise and Sunset and since these times vary from place to place AND from season to season even in the same town or city, so does its middle point. 

And so ‘midday’ may be at 12 noon OR it may be earlier or later. 

How to calculate ‘midday’?

To calculate midday or the highest point that the sun reaches on any given day, count the number of hours from sunrise to Sunset. 

Divide that in half. 

That’s the highest point of the sun. That’s midday. 

How long should I wait to pray?

Some ulama say that the time in which it’s prohibited to pray is about 15 minutes or so before midday. And some say it’s less than that, about 5-7 minutes. 

So first determine ‘midday’ then add about 10 minutes or so before it, to be on the safe side. 

This is the prohibited time to pray Salaah until the sun starts to decline. 

That’s when the time for Dhuhr starts and you can pray. 

So for example if sunrise is at 6 am and Sunset is at 8:30 pm, then you calculate that the number of hours between these two times. 

And that equals 14 hours and 30 minutes. 

Now divide that in half.

That gives us 7 hours and 15 minutes.

 

Add 7 hours and 15 minutes to sunrise time (that is, 6 am) so that means midday is at 1:15 pm. 

So to know the time when you can’t pray, add about 10 minutes before 1:15. 

In other words,  the prohibited time is from 1:05 pm to 1:15 or 1:20 pm in this particular time example. 

Similarly you can calculate midday according to the time for sunrise  and Sunset in your particular town or city. 

Keep in mind that it will also vary from month to month. 

Why is it prohibited to pray at midday?

We shouldn’t do our prayers at this time because the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam told us not to do so.

 

That’s reason enough for us as Muslims. 

We hear and we obey. 

We don’t question. 

However, the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam also told us that the Fire of Hell is stoked up at midday and  therefore we shouldn’t be praying at this time. 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Pray Fajr, then refrain from praying until the sun has risen and become high, for when it rises, it rises between the horns of the Shaytaan and at that time the kuffaar prostrate to it. Then pray, for the prayer is witnessed and attended until the shadow of a spear falls directly north (midday). Then refrain from praying, for at that time Hell is stoked up. Then when the shadow moves forward, pray, for the prayer is witnessed and attended, until you have prayed ‘Asr. Then refrain from praying until the sun has set, for it sets between the horns of the Shaytaan and at that time the kuffaar prostrate to it.” (Muslim)

Shaykh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“With regard to the prohibition on praying when the sun is near its zenith, this is because this is the time when the Fire of Hell is intensified, as was reported from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, so we should refrain from praying at these times.”

(fatwas of Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 1/354)

Are ALL kinds of prayers prohibited at this time?

No. 

The prohibition to pray at midday applies to GENERAL VOLUNTARY prayers, which the scholars call al-nafl al-mutlaq (general nafl prayer). 

But IF there’s a NEED and a REASON to pray at midday, it’s ALLOWED EVEN at the prohibited times. 

For example if you have to pray Tahiyyatul Masjid, or Tahiyyatul wudhu, or the two rak’ah after Tawaaf, or you have to pray the  istikhaarah Prayer etc., then it’s allowed to pray such prayers even at the prohibited times because there’s a REASON why these prayers are being done. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said about the hadeeth regarding prayer during the prohibited times:

“To sum up, this hadeeth is specific; if a person offers a prayer for which there is a reason, then it is not prohibited. 

What I have mentioned....is the correct view, because there is no prohibition on the prayers for which there is a reason.”

[Majmoo’ Fataawa al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (14/344)]

What about Qur’aan or sajdah at-Tilaawah at this time?

Its allowed to read the Qur’aan during  the prohibited times of prayers, and it’s also ALLOWED to do the sajdah for tilaawah at these times. 

That’s because sajdah at-Tilaawah is NOT ‘Salaah’. 

And the prohibition in the hadeeth  is for ‘salah’ at midday and not for reading Qur’aan or making ‘sujood’ or other ibaadaat. 

And Allaah knows best

570. Can We Go To Amusement Park?

“It is not permissible to go to places in which munkaraat (evil things) are prevalent, (particularly since) there is sufficient enjoyment in the things which Allaah has permitted for us, and we have no need of that which He (Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala) has forbidden for us.” 

(Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-'Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa., - Volume 12, Page 361, Question 2 of Fatwa No.9354)

And Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said: 

“These funfairs – as the questioner mentioned – include some evils. If there are any objectionable things in them, then if it is possible for a person to remove these objectionable things, then he is obliged to go there in order to remove them. 

If he cannot do that, then it is haraam for him to go there and in that case we say: 

Take your children out to the country and that is sufficient. 

But if he takes them to the funfair, in which there is mixing and foolish man who try to chat up women, and there are clothes that it is not permissible for a woman to wear, then it is not permissible to go there unless he is able to remove the objectionable things.”

(al-Liqa’ al-Shahri, 75/question no. 8)

And Allaah knows best

569. Rain Water Is A Blessing

By Asma Bint Shameem 

Rain water may be used when reading ruqyah over a person who’s sick or affected with magic or evil eye. 

Rain is a blessing and a mercy from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

And so rainwater is blessed. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to LOVE to wet himself with rain water. 

Anas radhi Allaahu anhu said

‘We were with Allaah’s Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam when rain fell upon us. 

Allaah’s Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

opened up his garment a bit so that the rain could touch his skin. 

We asked: “O Messenger of Allaah, why do you do this?” 

He Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam replied: 

*“Because it has just recently come from its Lord’.”* (Muslim)

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“We are given rain by Allaah’s mercy, Allaah’s providence, and Allaah’s grace.” 

(al-Bukhaari)

So rainwater may be used for ruqyah purposes. 

And Allaah knows best

568. Virtue Of Giving Charity

By Asma bint Shameem

We all know the virtue of *giving charity* for the sake of Allaah. 

It’s one of the *most BELOVED* deeds to Allaah and its something that’s rewarded 10 to 700 times or even more. 

Want to know the BEST DAY to give charity?

Yes you guessed it.... it’s *FRIDAY*!

Giving charity on Friday is the *best* day of the week to do so. 

Ibn Al-Qayyim said:

*“Giving charity of Friday with regard to the rest of the week is the best day to do so.*

*This is similar to the superiority of giving charity during Ramadhaan with regard to the rest of the months.”*

And Ka’b radhi Allaahu anhu said:

*“Giving Sadaqah on Friday is better than giving it on any other day of the week”* 

(Abdur Razzak in his Musanaf(5558)-Saheeh)

So just like there are certain times that are better than others, like Ramadhaan is better than other months, or Laylatul Qadr is the best night of the entire year, or the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the best days of the year, similarly Friday has *superiority* over other days.

Ibn al-Qayyim said:

*“I witnessed Shaykh ul Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah, when he would go out to the Jumu’ah prayer he would take whatever he could find at home of bread etc., and he would give that in charity, secretly on his way to the prayer.”*

(Zad by Ibn al-Qayyim 1/395)

So give sadaqah today, even if it’s ONE dollar. 

Do it *REGULARLY*...

*TODAY* and *EVERY FRIDAY*. 

And reap the rewards from your Rabb. 

“And whatsoever you spend of anything (in Allah’s Cause), He will replace it.” 

(Surah Saba:39)

And Allaah knows best

567. 7 Qu'ranic Du'as For Your Children

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah Sallalahu alayhi wa salaam said, “3 Duas are answered without a doubt: the Dua of an oppressed person, the Dua of a traveler, and *the Dua of a parent over his child.”*

Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1905

*1)* Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 38

هُنَالِكَ دَعَا زَكَرِيَّا رَبَّهُ قَالَ *رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِن لَّدُنكَ ذُرِّيَّةً طَيِّبَةً إِنَّكَ سَمِيعُ الدُّعَاءِ*

There did Zakariya pray to his Lord, saying: *"O my Lord! Grant me from Yourself a progeny that is pure: indeed, You are the hearer of   Duaa*

*2)* Surah As-Saaffat, Verse 100

*رَبِّ هَبْ لِي مِنَ الصَّالِحِينَ*

*"O my Lord! Grant me (a child) from among the righteous !"*

*3)* Surah Aal-e-Imran, Verse 38

*وَإِنِّي أُعِيذُهَا بِكَ وَذُرِّيَّتَهَا مِنَ الشَّيْطَانِ الرَّجِيمِ*

*"And I commend her and her offspring to Your protection from the Evil One, the Rejected."*

*4)* Surah Ibrahim, Verse 40

*رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِي مُقِيمَ الصَّلَاةِ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِي رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاءِ*

*O my Lord! make me one who establishes regular Prayer, and also (raise such) among my offspring O our Lord! and accept my Prayer.*

*5)* Surah Al-Furqan, Verse 74

وَالَّذِينَ يَقُولُونَ *رَبَّنَا هَبْ لَنَا مِنْ أَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعْيُنٍ وَاجْعَلْنَا لِلْمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا*

And those who pray, *"Our Lord! Grant unto us wives and offspring who will be the comfort of our eyes, and give us (the grace) to lead the righteous."*

*6)* Surah Al-Ahqaf, Verse 15

 قَالَ *رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِي فِي ذُرِّيَّتِي إِنِّي تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّي مِنَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ*

 *"O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such that You will approve; and make righteous  for me my offspring. Indeed, i have repented   to You and indeed, I am of the  Muslims."*

*7)* Surah Al-Baqara, Verse 128

*رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ*

*"Our Lord! make us Muslims, bowing to Your (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Your (will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for You are the Oft-Returning, Most Merciful.*

The factors that *prevent duaa from being answered* are 

1) Qalb Ghafil 

Oblivious (careless) Heart 

2) Haram sustenance 

3) Being Hasty 

4) Sin block the path of duaa

566. 4 Traits That Allaah Loves

By Asma bint Shameem 

Imam Ibn ul-Qayyim said:

“Generosity is one of the Attributes of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala; 

He gives and does not take; 

He feeds and is not fed; and He is the Most Generous One. 

The most beloved to Him is whoever acquires the same traits; 

He is Generous and He loves the generous; 

He is Knowledgeable and He loves the knowledgeable; 

He is Powerful and He loves the courageous; and

He is Beautiful and He loves beauty.” 

[al-Wabil as-Sayyib p. 43]

Subhaan Allaah!

Four beautiful traits that Allaah loves!

Let’s acquire these traits and gain the love of our Rabb. 

A) *Generosity* — SPEND in the path of Allaah 

B) *Knowledge* — start LEARNING the Deen of Allaah 

C) *Courage* — Fear NO ONE but Allaah 

D) *Beauty* — It’s the beauty INSIDE that counts. 

Be the owner of a beautiful heart and soul.

565. 7 Traps Of Shaytan

1. Misbehaving and not mannered in front of parents and in society - its 'Boldness' 

2. Act and promote 'fahisha' (Naked,Nude behavior) - Its Confidence 

3. No Hijab needed- attracting opposite gender with Shamelessness - Its 'Beauty and Fashion '

4. Illicit & Kafir style actions and #Zina (adultery, fornication, Lust) - Its 'Love ' 

5.Music, dance (like animals), alcohol and drugs,movies - Its 'Entertainment'

6. Wasting precious time of Life (youth and other ages) on useless activities and worst sins possible to commit . Its 'Exception and Needed'. 

7. To talk against and make mockery of religion , scholars , Prophets, Mujahideen Islam - It is independence and 'Freedom of Speech'. 

May Allah azza wajal keep us away from such traps and guide us to sirat Mustaqeem - Milat ul Ibraheem- the way of the Prophets- Ameen 

564. Useful Advice For Muslim Parents

Useful advice for muslim parents on raising children which will have good consequences when the child grows up! (by Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah)

1. Children should not be picked up and carried around until they are three months old or more, because they have only recently emerged from their mother’s wombs and their bodies are still weak.

2. They should be given only milk until their teeth appear, because their stomachs are weak and unable to digest food. When the baby’s teeth appear, his stomach has grown strong and is able to be nourished by food. Food should be introduced gradually.

3. When they approach the age where they will begin to speak and one wants to make it easy for them to speak, a little honey and salt should be placed on the infant’s tongue, because they contain substances that will reduce the excessive moisture that prevents speech. When the child begins to speak, one should prompt him to say Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah Muhammad Rasool Allaah.

4. When the time for the teeth to appear comes, the gums should be rubbed every day with butter and ghee.

5. The child should be protected against everything that may scare him of harsh and terrifying noises, frightening scenes and disturbing movements.

6. Complete breastfeeding lasts for two years. This is the right of the child if he needs it and cannot do without it. The Qur’aan confirmed that by adding the word kaamilayn (meaning complete or whole, in the verse “The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years” [al-Baqarah 2:233]). If the one who is breastfeeding the child wants to wean him, she should wean him gradually, and not wean him suddenly in one go; rather she should get him used to it slowly because of the harm that may be done by changing the child’s food and habit in one go.

7. It is mistreatment of children to allow them to eat their fill of food, and to eat and drink a lot. One of the most beneficial ways of training them is to give them less than their fill, so that they may digest well and be in good health, there will be less waste in their bodies and their bodies will be healthy, and they will have less sickness because of having less food waste in their bodies.

8. One thing that the child needs most urgently is close attention to his moral well being. He grows up with whatever the one who is raising him gets him used to when he is small. [If it is] resentment, anger, arguments, haste, being easily led by whims and desires, foolishness, hot-temperedness and greed, then it will be difficult for him to change that when he grows up. Hence you will find that most people are deviant in their character, because of the way they were brought up.

9. The child’s guardian should keep him from taking from others because if he gets used to taking, that will become natural for him, and he will grow up as one who takes and not one who gives. If the guardian wants to give something, he should give it by his hand [i.e., give it to the child to give away] so that that he will taste the sweetness of giving.

10. He should keep him away from lying and treachery more than he would keep him awa y from lethal poison. Once he lets him get the habit of lying and betrayal, he will have corrupted his happiness in this world and in the Hereafter, and deprived him of all goodness.

11. He should keep him away from laziness, idleness, a life of ease and too much rest, and he should force him to do the opposite. He should not let him rest more than is sufficient to restore his energy so that he can do more work, for laziness and idleness bring bad consequences and lead to regret. Yahya ibn Abi Katheer said: “Knowledge cannot be attained by letting the body rest.”

12. He should get him used to waking up at the end of the night, for that is the time when reward is allocated and prizes are awarded; some will take less and some will take more and some will be deprived. If he gets used to that when he is little, it will be easy for him when he grows up.

This is an excerpt from the book of: Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyyah (d. 751 AH), a famous book called Tuhfat al-Mawdood bi Ahkaam al-Mawlood. One of the most important chapters of his book is the sixteenth chapter, which is entitled Fi fusool naafi’ah fi Tarbiyat al-Atfaal tuhmad ‘awaaqibuha ‘ind al-Kabr (Useful advice on raising children which will have good consequences when the child grows up).

[Tuhfat al-Mawdood (194-203).]

563. 7 Prophetic Du'as For our Children

Parenting is the world's most challenging task, yet it can be the most satisfying and rewarding one, when done, the way Allah wants us to do !

Besides, we rely on our Greatest  weapon, DU'A

Amongst the many hurdles, we know that Shaitan is one of our greatest enemy & hence we need to seek refuge in Allah from his evil plots, *Even before the child is born !*

Hence, please make sure to protect our upcoming generations by consciously making dua before intimacy. 

Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) saying, 'There is none born among the off-spring of Adam, but Satan touches it. A child therefore, cries loudly at the time of birth because of the touch of Satan, except Mary and her child." Then Abu Huraira recited: "And I seek refuge with You for her and for her offspring from the outcast Satan" (3:36)

Sahih Al Bukhari 3134

*1) Du'a before  Intimacy*

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ اللَّهمَّ جَنِّبْنَا الشَّيْطَانَ، وَجَنِّبِ الشَّيْطَانَ مَا رَزَقْتَنَا

‘In the name of Allah. O Allah, keep the devil away from us and keep the devil away from that which You provide for us .’

Al-Bukhari 6/141

Muslim 2/1028

*2) Du'a for Protection from evil* 

Ibn 'Abbaas (ra)related that the Messenger of Allaah (sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam) used to commend al-Hasan and al-Husayn to Allaah's protection, saying:

أُعيـذُكُمـا بِكَلِـماتِ اللهِ التّـامَّة، مِنْ كُلِّ شَيْـطانٍ وَهـامَّة، وَمِنْ كُـلِّ عَـيْنٍ لامَّـة

I seek protection for you in the Perfect Words of Allah from every devil and every beast , and from every envious blameworthy eye.

Al-Bukhari 4/119

*3) Du'a when someone wears new clothes.*

When we see our children wear new clothes, we can make this du'a for them.

اِلْبَـسْ جَدِيـداً وَعِـشْ حَمِـيداً وَمُـتْ شَهِيداً

Wear new clothes, live commendably (a praise-worthy life)  and die a martyr (shaheed).

Ibn Majah 2/1178

Sahih- by Al-Albani

*4) Du'a for Aafiya*

اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالْآخِرَةِ، اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْأَلُكَ الْعَفْوَ وَالْعَافِيَةَ فِي دِينِي وَدُنْيَايَ وَأَهْلِي، وَمَالِي،

 

O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in this life and the next. O Allaah, I ask You for pardon and well-being in my religious and worldly affairs, and my family and my wealth.

Sahih ibn Majah 2/332

*5) Du'a for ease*

Seeking Allah help to make parenting easy each passing day.

اَللّٰهُمَّ لَاسَھْلَ اِلاَّ مَاجَعَلْتَهُ سَھْلًا وَاَنْتَ تَجْعَلُ الْحَزْنَ سَھْلًا اِذَا شِئْتَ 

O Allah! There is no ease except which You have made easy and You ease out the difficulty. 

Sahih ibn Hibban 2429

*6) Du'a for Anguish*

Protection for every moment as parents.

اَللّٰهُمَّ رَحْمَتَكَ اَرْجُوْ فَلَا  تَكِلْنِیْ اِلٰی نَفْسِیْ طَرْفَةَ عَيْنٍ وَّاَصْلِحْ  لِیْ شَاْنِیْ کُلَّهُ لَا اِلٰهَ اِلَّا اَنْتَ 

 O Allah! I hope for Your mercy, so do not entrust me to myself for the twinkling of an eye and set all my affairs straight, there is no deity except You. 

Abu Dawud 4/324

Sahih by Al Albani 

*7) Du'a for Protection from misery & grief*

اَللّٰهُمَّ اِنِّیْ اَعُوْذُ بِكَ مِنْ جَارِالسُّوْءِ وَمِنْ زَوْجٍ تُشَیِّبُنِیْ قَبْلَ الْمَشِیْبِ وَمِنْ وَلَدٍ یَکُوْنُ عَلَیَّ رَبًا وَّمِنْ مَّالٍ یَکُوْنُ عَلَیَّ عَذَابًا وَّمِنْ خَلِیْلٍ مَّاكِرٍ عَیْنُهُ تَرَانِیْ وَقَلْبُهُ یَرْعَانِیْ اِنْ رَّاٰی حَسَنَةً دَفَنَھَا وَاِنْ رَّاٰی سَیِّئَةً اَذَاعَھَا 

O Allah! I seek your protection from evil neighbour, and from a spouse who will cause me to age before my time, *and from children who will become a source of misery and grief for me*, and from wealth which will become a means of torment for me, and a treacherous friend whose eyes are always watching me, and in his heart, he is probing into my affairs. And if he sees any good in me, he will conceal it but if he comes across any faults in my character he exposes them to all. 

Silsilah Hadith Sahih 

3137

*8) Du'a for Protection & Baraka*

اَللّٰهُمَّ اَلِّفْ بَيْنَ قُلُوْبِنَا وَاَصْلِحْ ذَاتَ بَيْنِنَا وَاھْدِنَا سُبُلَ السَّلَامِ وَنَجِّنَا مِنَ الظُّلُمَاتِ اِلَی النُّوْرِ وَجَنِّبْنَا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَھَرَ مِنْھَا وَمَا بَطَنَ وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِیْ اَسْمَاعِنَا واَبْصَارِنَا وَقُلُوْبِنَا وَاَزْوَاجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّاتِنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا اِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيْمُ وَاجْعَلْنَا شَاكِرِیْنَ لِنِعَمِكَ مُثْنِیْنَ بِھَا عَلَيْكَ قَابِلِیْنَ لَھا وَاَتْمِمْھَا عَلَیْنَا 

 O Allah! Put affection amongst our hearts, reform our matters within us, guide us to the path of peace, save us from the darkness towards the light, save us from all kinds of obscenity; the apparent as well as the hidden; bless our hearing, our sight, our hearts, our spouses and *our children,* turn in mercy towards us. Indeed You are the One who greatly accepts repentance, most Merciful. Make us the ones most grateful for Your bounties so we may compete with one another in Praising You for these (bounties) and complete these (bounties) for us. 

Mustadarak Al Hakim 

Sahih -1016

*May Allah accept our du'a, Aameen*

562. Duaas And Adhkaar That The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi Sa Sallam Frequently Said During The Day And Night

 By Asma bint Shameem 

There are many duaas and adhkaar that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam frequently said during the day and night. 

All of them are beautiful, yet very deep and rich in meaning. 

Of these, the duaas most frequently said by the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam were:

a) Anas radhi Allaahu anhu  said that *the most frequent Dua'a* of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam 

was:

اللهم ربَّنا آتِنا في الدنيا حسنةً، وفي الآخِرةِ حسنةً، وقِنا عذابَ النارِ

"Allahumma atina fid-dunya hasanatan, wa fil-akhirati hasanatan, wa qina 'adhab-annar”

“O our Lord, grants us the best in this life and the best in the next life, and protects us from the punishment of the Fire.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

b) Umm Salamah radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

‘The supplication *he said most frequently* was: 

”‏ يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ ‏”‏

“O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion 

Yaa Muqallibal-quloob, thabbit qalbī `alaa deenik.

She said: 

‘So I said: 

“O Messenger of Allaah, why do you supplicate so frequently: ‘O Changer of the hearts, make my heart firm upon Your religion.’ 

He said:

‘O Umm Salamah! Verily, there is no human being except that his heart is between Two Fingers of the Fingers of Allaah, so whomsoever He wills He makes steadfast, and whomever He wills He causes to deviate.’”

(At-Tirmithi- saheeh by al-Albaani)

Subhaan Allaah so easy but SO Deep and SO comprehensive! 

Let’s memorize these beautiful duaas and let’s make them a FREQUENT part of OUR lives too, just as they were a part of the life of our Beloved; Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam. 

May Allaah forgive us and accept from us. Ameen