645. The BEST Adhkaar For The First Ten Days Of Dhul Hijjah

By Asma bint Shameem 

1. One of the best adhkaar in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah is dhikr in general and the *Takbeeraat* specifically. 

Allaah says:

“and *MENTION the Name of Allaah on APPOINTED days”*

[al-Hajj 22:28]

That’s what the Sahaabah would do. 

 “Ibn ‘Umar and Abu Hurayrah 

radhi Allaahu anhumaa used to go out to the market-place on first ten days of Dhu’l-Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people used to recite Takbeer because of their Takbeer.” 

(al-Bukhaari) 

Maymoon ibn Mihran (from amongst the Successors [Tabi’een]) said: 

“I remember a time when the people would perform their Takbeeraat so much during the ten days that I would compare it (the sound of their voices) to waves.”

2. And from the best dhikr is to say *Subhaan Allaah, Alhamdulillaah, Allaahu Akbar and laa ilaaha illallaah* a lot in the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: 

"There are no days on which good deeds are greater or more beloved to Allaah than on these ten days, so recite much Tahleel (saying Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah), Takbeer (saying Allaahu akbar) and Tahmeed (saying al-hamdu Lillaah)." 

(Ahmad 7/224; Saheeh by Ahmad Shaakir)

3. The best dhikr *specifically on the Day of Arafah* is:

‎لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“The best of du’aa’ is du’aa’ on the day of ‘Arafah, and the best that I and the Prophets before me said is 

‎لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللهُ ، وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ ، وهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

‘Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu la shareeka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer”

“There is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate; His is the dominion, to Him be praise, and He has power over all things.” 

(al-Tirmidhi-hasan by al-Albaani) 

Of course also do a lot of *Istighfaar*, other adhkaar and send salutations on the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

And Allaah knows best

644. When The Day Of ‘Arafah Falls On A Friday

By Asma bint Shameem 

When Arafah falls on a Friday, does that mean it is “Hajj Akbar”? 

Is this Hajj more virtuous than others?

There is a common *misconception* among people. 

They think that if the 9th of Dhul Hijjah falls on a Friday, then it is called a “Hajj-e-Akbar” meaning greater Hajj. 

And that this hajj is more “special” and more “virtuous” than Hajj that falls on other days. 

Or that this hajj is equivalent to “seven” Hajj or seventy etc. 

But that is not true. 

There’s no proof of that from the authentic sources. 

Actually “Hajj Akbar” is Hajj itself and “Hajj Asghar” is Umrah, according to the majority of the scholars. 

Ibn Hajar said: 

“The scholars differed in opinion in regard to what is meant by the minor Hajj, and the majority of them are of the view that it is ‘Umrah. 

It was also said that the minor Hajj is the day of ‘Arafah and the greater Hajj is the day of Al-Adha [i.e. the day of ‘Eid] as on this day the remaining rituals (of Hajj) are completed…”

Although Hajj on a Friday is *just as virtuous* as Hajj falling on any other day, it is still something GOOD , and SPECIAL when the day of Arafah falls on a Friday,. 

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

“There is nothing narrated from the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam about there being any special virtue in the Day of ‘Arafah falling on a Friday, but the scholars said that if it happens to fall on a Friday, that is a *good thing*. 

As for the commonly-held view that Hajj on a Friday is equivalent to seventy Hajjs, that is not correct.” (Al-Liqa al-Shahriyyah, 34/question no. 18) 

Some special virtues of Arafah falling in a Friday:

Ibn al-Qayyim said:  

“The correct view is that Friday is the best day of the week and the day of ‘Arafah and the day of Sacrifice are the best days of the year, as are Laylat al-Qadr and the night before Friday. 

Hence if the day of ‘Arafah falls on a Friday, it is superior to all the other days in several ways: 

1. Coincidence of two days that are the best of days.

2. It is a day in which there is an hour when prayers are answered. Most (scholars) are of the view that it is the last hour after ‘Asr, and the people in the place of standing are all there to offer du’a and beseech Allaah.

3. It falls on the same day that the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam did Hajj.

4. People all over the world gather there to listen to the khutbah and pray Jumu’ah, and that coincides with the gathering of the people of ‘Arafah on the day of ‘Arafah in ‘Arafah.

So the Muslims’ gathering in their mosques and their standing to offer du’a and beseech Allaah coincide in a way that does not happen on any other day.

5. Friday is an ‘Eid, and the day of ‘Arafah is an ‘Eid for the people in ‘Arafah, hence it is makrooh for those who are in ‘Arafah to fast on this day.

Ibn Taymiyah said: 

The day of ‘Arafah is only an ‘Eid for those who are in ‘Arafah because they are “gathered” there, unlike the people in other regions, who only gather on the Day of Sacrifice. 

So it is an ‘Eid for them. 

What is meant is that if the day of ‘Arafah falls on a Friday, it is two ‘Eids in one.

6. It coincides with the day when Allaah perfected His religion for His believing slaves and completed His Favor upon them, as it is proven in Saheeh al-Bukhaari that Tariq ibn Shihab said: 

“A Jew came to ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab and said: 

O Amir al-Muminin, there is an Aayah which you read in your Book; if it had been revealed to us Jews and we knew the day on which it was revealed, we would have taken it as a festival. 

He said: Which verse is that? 

He said: “This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” [al-Maidah 5:3]. 

‘Umar ibn al-Khattab said: 

“I know the day which it was revealed, and the place in which it was revealed. 

It was revealed to the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam in ‘Arafah, on a Friday, when we were standing with him in ‘Arafah.

7. It coincides with the day of the greatest gathering and the great standing of the Day of Resurrection, for the Day of Resurrection will take place on a Friday as the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: 

“The best day on which the sun rises is Friday. On it Adam was created, on it he was admitted to Paradise, on it he was expelled therefrom, and on it the Hour will begin. 

On that day there is an hour when no Muslim slave asks Allaah for something good but He will grant it to him.” 

8. It coincides with the day when Allaah gives people “more” in Paradise, which is a Friday. 

So if ‘Arafah falls on that day, it is extra special and enjoys a virtue that is not shared by any other day.

For these reasons and others, Friday is superior to other days. 

But as for that which is commonly spoken of among the common folk, that it is equivalent to seventy-two Hajjs, this is false and there is no basis for it (in any report) from the Messenger of Allaah or from any of the Sahabah or Tabi’een. 

And Allah knows best.”

(Zaad al-Ma’ad, 1/60-65) 

So today is a SPECIAL day. 

Let us take advantage of this special day.

Let us make the most of it. 

And Allaah knows best

643. Making Duaa For Children, Especially On The 7th To 10th Of Dhul Hijjah PROVEN From The Sharee’ah?

By Asma bint Shameem

Unfortunately, this is a very common bid’ah that has spread among the people, especially from the Subcontinent. 

Surely we all want to make duaa for our children, their health, guidance, wellbeing etc. 

But there’s *NO PROOF* from the Sharee’ah that duaa should be made for children, *especially* on the 7th to 10th of dhul Hijjah, or that it is more likely to be accepted just because ibraaheem Alayhis Salaam made duaa for his children.

You see, all acts of ibaadah are “*tawqeefi*”. 

What that means is that we MUST have “*evidence*” for that in order for us to practice it. 

If there’s evidence for it, we do it. 

And if there’s no evidence for it, we don’t do it. 

Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala says:

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion”

[al-Maa’idah 5:3].

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam said: 

“There is nothing by means of which one may draw close to Jannah and move far away from Hell but it has been explained to you.”

(at-Tabaraani in al-Kabeer 1647; saheeh by al-Albaani in as-Saheehah, 1803)

That means that Allaah has *completed* the religion for us; whatever is not prescribed in the Sharee’ah is NOT part of Islaam.

Our Deen is *complete*. 

Nothing can be added to it. 

Nothing can be deleted from it. 

No one can come up with a “new” way of ibaadah. 

Or do something that is different from what the Sharee’ah of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam teaches us. 

When we look at the practice of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, we will see that the Prophet ﷺ did *NOT* specifically pick out these days of Dhul Hijjah to make duaa for his children. 

Nor did he tell the sahaabah to do it. 

If making duaa on these specific days was something good, or “special”, wouldn’t the Prophet ﷺ or the Sahaabah have made duaa for their children?

Weren’t they the keenest for their children’s guidance and Aakhirah?

Yes, these are blessed days, but the blessed days are the first *TEN* days of Dhul Hijjah. 

And we can make duaa in these days….

ANY duaa.

Regarding ANY thing. 

For ANYbody. 

Not just specifically for our children.

There is no hadeeth that tells us that these days should be picked or that there’s any “special virtue” in these days for specifically making duaa for kids.

If it was good, surely the Prophet ﷺ would have told us about it. 

But there’s no evidence of that. 

Shaykh Sa’d Al-Humayd said:

“It is important to note that duaa’ is an act of worship, and every act of worship should only be done on the basis of evidence (daleel).”

Acts of ibaadah are not subject to anyone’s personal opinion and it is not permissible to do any acts of worship except those which are approved by the Sharee'ah. 

If we do any such Ibaadah that’s not proven from the authentic practice or teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam, it would NOT be accepted by Allaah; instead it would be *rejected* and *thrown back at us* and thus would be of no use. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

"Whoever innovates anything in this matter of ours (i.e., Islaam), that is not part of it, will have it rejected." 

(al-Bukhaari).

 *Bottom Line:*

There’s *no evidence* of making duaa for our children specifically on the 7th to 10th of Dhul Hijjah. 

We don’t have to pick just these specific times or days for making duaa for our kids. 

Rather we can and “should” make duaa for them any time and any place. 

And we should choose times when duaa is most likely to be accepted such as 

-the middle of the night 

-in our salaah, during sujood and in tashahhud before Tasleem

-at the time of breaking the fast

-during laylatul qadr

-in between adhaan and iqaamah

-when it rains etc 

But to pick a specific time or day or place to especially make duaa for children or for “ANY” act of ibaadah, that requires EVIDENCE from the practice/teachings of the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam.

And regarding this matter, there is NONE.

And Allaah knows best.

642. How To Throw The Pebbles At The Jamaraat Safely And Easily

By Asma bint Shameem 

1. First of all, please remember that the Jamaraat are NOT ‘Shaytaan’. 

That’s a misconception. 

They’re called “Jamaraat”. (Singular- jamarah)

2. The pebble does not HAVE to hit the wall itself. As long as it falls in the ‘well’, within the boundary, it should be fine 

But I advise, especially my sisters, not to throw the pebbles from far. 

The pelting of the stones has become such an EASY process for the last ten years or so. Otherwise it USED to be a nightmare 

But now with the building of the Jamaraat complex, there are multiple levels from where we can pelt the Jamaraat, the narrow ‘pillar’ has been replaced by a HUGE rectangular WALL, and the way to enter the area is different from the way to exit. 

This makes is SO MUCH SAFER than the horror it USED to be. 

Alhamdulillaah. 

In fact it is so safe that I’ve seen young kids, and old frail people, and people in wheelchairs and on crutches, doing it themselves. 

See the picture 1 below. 

This is how Jamaraat USED to be.

Look at the Jamaraat NOW

See picture 2 below. 

So how to do it ?

Follow the directions below to pelt the Jamaraat safely and EASILY. 

When you’re walking towards the Jamaraat, you’ll see a lot of people gathered at the beginning of the jamarah wall. 

See picture 3 below. 

(Imagine the black line is the wall as if you’re looking at it from the top as an aerial view. 

And the red dots are the people)

So instead of you doing the same, please BE PATIENT and KEEP WALKING till you get to the OTHER END of the Jamarah wall. 

Once you get to the other end of the Jamarah wall, walk SWIFTLY BUT CALMLY when the coast is clear, come ALL the way right UP TO the wall, then pelt the stones, one by one saying Allaahu Akbar with each stone.  

See picture 4 below

This way you can make throw your pebbles DIRECTLY at the Jamarah and you also can make sure your pebbles are not falling outside the ‘well’.

And there’s no shoving, pushing, or danger of falling etc. as well. 

Alhamdulillaah for everything. 

My drawings are not that great but I hope they’ll be enough to give you a general idea of what to do and what to expect when you pelt the stones In shaa’ Allaah. 

And Allaah knows best

641. Looking at the Ka’bah

By Asma bint Shameem 

QUESTION #1

*Is looking at the Ka’bah an act of ibaadah?*

*Am I rewarded for that?*

ANSWER

Just sitting there ‘looking’ at the Ka’bah is NOT an act of ibaadah by itself. 

Those who claim that it’s ibaadah for which you’ll be rewarded, have to bring PROOF of that from the Sharee’ah. 

However, if you’re looking at it, just admiring its Beauty, its Grandeur and Awe, then there’s nothing wrong with that 

Looking at the Ka’bah reminds us of the Majesty of Allaah, His Power, His Signs on this Earth. 

And if that helps you fear Allaah more and if it instills His Love in your heart, and encourages you to OBEY Him, then it’s *good* to look at it. 

One day Ibn Umar radhi Allaahu anhu looked at the Ka‘bah and said:

 “How great you are and how great your sanctity, but the sanctity of the believer is greater before Allah than you.” (at-Tirmidhi -saheeh by al-Albaani)

Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen said: 

“Looking at the Ka‘bah is not an act of worship. 

Rather if, when looking at the Ka‘bah, the individual intends to reflect upon this venerated structure to which Allaah has commanded His slaves to make pilgrimage, and increases in faith as a result of this reflection, then this is what is required in this regard. 

As for merely looking at it, that is not an act of worship.

(Majmoo‘ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il al-‘Uthaymeen 24/18) 

So looking at the Ka’bah to inspire you and motivate you etc is good.  

But to claim that ‘looking at the Ka’bah is an act of worship’ is not correct. 

Any of the ahaadeeth regarding this matter are graded as “weak” or “dha’eef” by scholars such as Shaykh al-Albaani. 

QUESTION #2

* Can I look at the Ka’bah during Tawaaf*?

ANSWER

Yes you may do that. 

There’s nothing wrong with looking at the Ka’bah while making Tawaaf. 

In fact, looking at the Ka’bah might even be *recommended* during Tawaaf, if by doing so, it gives you more khushoo and a better concentration in your duaas and ibaadah. 

Again, those who say it’s not allowed to look at the Ka’bah during Tawaaf have to bring PROOF of what they’re claiming, from the Qur’aan and/or authentic ahaadeeth. 

And Allaah knows best.

640. Is It Allowed To Read Ruqya And Blow On Oneself

By Asma bint Shameem

Yes it’s allowed to read ruqyah and blow on oneself or on water and drink that. 

A person can recite Qur’aanic verses into some water – then the sick person drinks from it and then pours the rest over himself whilst bathing just as the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did for Thaabit Ibn Qais Ibn Shammaas radhi Allaahu anhu. 

Thabit ibn Qays ibn Shammaas said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam entered upon Thabit ibn Qays (when he was ill. 

He (the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: 

“Remove the harm, O Lord of men, from Thabit ibn Qays ibn Shammas.”

He then took some dust of Bathan, and put it in a bowel, and then *mixed it with water and blew in it, and poured it on him.*”

(Abu Dawood 3885; hasan by Shaikh Ibn Baaz in Majmoo’ Fatawa, 9/408, 409)

Although some of the scholars considered this hadeeth as “weak”, others considered it *hasan* or good. 

In any case, some of the Sahaabah practiced this method of Ruqyah and it brought healing by the Permission of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“If a person blows with saliva after reciting Qur’aan, such as al-Faatihah – which is a kind of ruqyah and is the greatest kind of ruqyah that may be recited over a sick person – so he recites al-Faatihah then *blows into the water – there is nothing wrong with this. *

Some of the salaf did this, and it is effective and beneficial by Allaah’s leave. 

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to blow into his hands when going to sleep, after reciting Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad, and Qul A’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Falaq and Qul ‘A’oodhu bi Rabbi’l-Naas, then he would wipe his hands over his face and whatever he could of his body. 

And Allaah is the Source of strength.”

(Fataawa Al-Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 1/107)

Many scholars such as Wahb Ibn Al-Munabbih, Imaam Ahmad, Ibn Taymiyyah, Ibn Al-Qayyim, Shaykh Ibn Baaz, Ibn 'Uthaymeen, and Shaykh Ibn Ibraaheem Aal Ash-Shaykh, ALL said that it is permissible to perform Ruqyah this way.

And Allaah knows best.

639. Can I Use Prayer Beads (Masbahah/Tasbeeh) To Do Dhikr Or Should I Count On My Fingers?

By Asma bint Shameem 

Even though it’s *permissible* to use prayer beads for doing Tasbeeh and dhikr, it’s much BETTER to count on the fingers. 

Why?

Because using the fingers to do Tasbeeh and Dhikr is the SUNNAH. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam only used his fingers to count and do all kinds of dhikr. 

And he Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam encouraged his Ummah to do the same. 

He said:

“Count on your fingers, for they will be questioned and made to speak.”*

(Ahmad —hasan by al-Albaani)

So if it’s the Sunnah then why abandon that for something that’s NOT from the Sunnah and use prayer beads?

So is it “haraam” to use prayer beads or counters etc for dhikr and Tasbeeh?

No it’s not actually ‘haraam’ or ‘bid’ah’ to use counters, prayer beads, etc for dhikr but it’s much BETTER to use the fingers because that’s what the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam did and encouraged. 

Shaikh ibn Uthaymeen said:

“Doing tasbeeh with the masbahah is not haraam or bid’ah, but it is better not to do it, because the one who does tasbeeh with the masbahah has *SHUNNED something better*.”

Shaikh al-Albaani said:

“If there is only one bad thing about the masbahah, which is that it takes the place of the Sunnah of counting on the fingers,....then that is bad enough. How rarely I see people counting their tasbeeh on their fingers!” (Al-Silsilat al-Da’eefah (1/117)

So it’s allowed to use the prayer beads if it serves a PURPOSE, like it helps you to stay focused on the dhikr or if it helps you to count, etc. 

But it would be more recommended and closer to the Sunnah to use the fingers. 

But whatever you use to make dhikr and Tasbeeh, make SURE your HEART is ATTACHED to the dhikr and you KNOW what you’re saying. 

That’s because HEEDLESS Dhikr, when there’s no focus of the heart or the tongue on the dhikr, is INVALID  and is of NO USE. 

Think about it. 

If there’s no connection of what’s on the tongue, with the heart, what good would that do?

What rewards would that bring?

That would then just be ‘lip service’, wouldn’t it? 

....irrespective of whether one uses the fingers or prayer beads or anything else. 

I’ve personally seen people holding prayer beads and *religiously* moving one bead after another, literally for hours, while their eyes are glued to the screen, watching Indian movies! 

Subhaan Allaah! 

What kind of ‘Dhikr’ is that?!!

Imaam Al-Mannaawi said: 

“As for what heedless people used to do, of holding a masbahah which is very ornate and costly, and carrying it without any presence of mind or thought, and talking or listening to people, or talking to them whilst moving its beads through his fingers, when his heart and tongue are distracted by worldly matters, this is *blameworthy* and is *makrooh*, and it *is one of the worst of reprehensible deeds*.”

(Fayd al-Qadeer, 4/468)

And Allaah knows best

637. Which Surahs of the Qur’aan should I read Daily/Weekly?

By Asma bint Shameem 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam used to read certain specific Suwar (plural of Surah) and Aayaat of the Qur’aan on a regular basis at a specific time or day of the week and he encouraged us to do the same. 

But we can only read those Suwar on a regular basis for which there’s PROOF from the authentic ahaadeeth. 

If there’s no such proof, then reading any Surah of the Qur’aan on a specific day or a specific time or a specific number becomes an ADDITION to the Deen that was sent to the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa Sallam from Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. 

And that’s a big SIN. 

May Allaah protect us. 

So let’s see what some of those Suwar are that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam read on a regular basis, daily or weekly. 

1. Reciting Surah al-Kahf on Fridays:

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever reads Soorat al-Kahf on the day of Jumu’ah, will have a light that will shine from him from one Friday to the next.”

(al-Haakim, al-Bayhaqi- saheeh by Shaykh al-Albaani)

2. Reciting Surah al-Mulk at Night

Abdullaah Ibn Mas’ud radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“Whoever reads 'al-Mulk’ every night, Allaah will protect him from the torment of the grave. 

At the time of the Messenger of Allaah sal Allaahu 'alayhi wa Sallam, we used to call it al-mani'ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allaah, there is a chapter [and] whoever recites it every night has done very well.”

(Saheeh at-Targheeb wat-Tarheeb 1475)

3. Reading the last two Aayaat of al-Baqarah at bedtime:

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever recites the last two verses of Soorat al-Baqarah at night, they will suffice him.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

4. Reciting Surah Bani Israa’eel and Surah az-Zumar at night:

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said: 

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam would not go to sleep until he had recited Bani Israa’eel (Soorat al-Isra’) and al-Zumar.”

(al-Tirmidhi -saheeh by al-Albaani)

5. Reading the Musabbihaat before sleeping 

Irbaadh ibn Saariyah radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam did not used to sleep until he recited the’Musabbihaat’ and he used to say ‘In them is an Ayah that is better than a thousand verses!’(at-Tirmidhi 3406; ‘Hasan’ by al Albaani)

The Musabbihaat refers to the surahs that begin with ‘Sabbaha lillah..’ or ‘Yusabihu Lillah..’ or ‘Subhaan..’ or ‘Sabihi…’ and they are seven surahs: 

Suratul Israa, 

Suratul Hadeed, 

Suratul Hashr,

Suratus Saff, 

Suratul Jumu’ah’, 

Suratut Taghaabun, 

Suratul Aa’laa 

6. Reading Surah al-Kaafiroon at bedtime:

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Recite Qul yaa ayyuha’l-kaafiroon then go to sleep at the end of it, for it is a disavowal of shirk.” 

(Abu Dawood  and at-Tirmidhi-saheeh by al-Albaani)

7. Reading Aayatul Kursi at bedtime:

Abu Hurayrah radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam appointed me to guard the zakaah of Ramadhaan, then someone came and started rummaging in the foodstuff … and at the end of the hadeeth he said: 

*“When you go to your bed, recite Aayat al-Kursiy, for there will remain with you a guardian from Allaah, and no devil will approach you, until morning comes.”*

The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

“He told you the truth although he is a liar. That was a devil.” (al-Bukhaari) 

8. Reading the last three Suwar of the Qur’aan at bedtime:

Aaishah radhi Allaahu anhaa said:

“When the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam went to bed every night, he would hold his hands together and blow into them, and recite into them Qul Huwa Allaahu Ahad, Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-falaq and Qul a’oodhu bi rabb il-naas. Then he would wipe them over whatever he could of his body, starting with his head and face and the front of his body, and he would do that three times.”

(al-Bukhaari)

9. Reading Surah as-Sajdah before sleeping:

Jaabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam never used to sleep until he had recited Alif-laam-meem tanzeel [al-Sajdah] and Tabaarak alladhi bi yadihi’l-mulk [al-Mulk].”

(al-Tirmidhi, Ahmad- saheeh by al-Albaani)

Someone asked Shaikh al-Albaani:

“Regarding the hadeeth that the Messenger Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam would not sleep until he recited Soorah Mulk, al – Isra, Zumar, and Sajdah, is this when he lies down on his bed at night, or before he lies down?

The Shaykh said:

“What is important is that he recites before he falls asleep, whether it is whilst he is sitting or lying then it is up to him” (‘Silsilah Huda wa Noor’ tape No. 323 at 3:42mins)

10. Reading Aayatul Kursi and the last three Suwar of the Qur’aan after Salaah. 

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever recites Aayat al-Kursiy immediately after each prescribed prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” (al-Nasaa’i- saheeh by al-Albaani)

And Uqbah Bin Aamir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu alaiyhi wa Sallam ordered him to recite the last three Surahs of the Qur’aan after every prayer.” 

(Ahmad - saheeh by al-Albaani)

11. Reading Surah al-Aa’laa, Kaafiroon and Ikhlaas in Witr. 

Abd al-Rahmaan ibn Abzaa radhi Allaahu anhu said that the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to recite Sabbih isma Rabbik al-Alaa (Surah al-Aa’laa), Qul yaa ayyuhaal-kaafiroon (Surah al-Kaafiroon) and Qul huwa Allaahu ahad (Surah al-Ikhlaas) in his witr prayer.” (al-Nisaai- saheeh by al-Albaani)

12. Reciting Surah al-Kaafiroon and Surah al-Ikhlaas in the Sunnah of Fajr and Sunnah of Maghrib:

 Abu Huraira radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam would recite in the prayer before dawn prayer the verses, ‘Say: O you unbelievers…’ (Surah al-Kaafiroon) and, ‘Say: He is Allah alone…’ (Surah al-Ikhlaas)” (Muslim)

And Ibn Umar radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam used to recite in the two Rak’aat for Fajr, and two Rak’aat after Maghrib prayer: “Say: O you unbelievers…” (Surah al-Kaafiroon) and, “Say: He is Allaah alone…” (Surah al-Ikhlaas)”

(at-Tabarani - Saheeh by al-Albaani)

13. Reciting Surah al-Ikhlaas 10 times:

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“Whoever recites Qul huwa Allaahu ahad ten times, Allaah will build for him a house in Paradise.”

(Saheeh al-Jaami al-Sagheer, 6472)

14. Reciting the last 10 Aayaat of Surah Aal-Imraan on waking up:

 Ibn Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhu said: 

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam woke up and started wiping the sleep from his face with his hand. Then he recited the last ten verses of Surah Al ‘Imran, then he got up and went to a water skin that was hanging there, and did wudu (ablution) from it and did it well, then he stood and prayed.” (al-Bukhaari, Muslim)

Some WEAK/FABRICATED AHAADEETH 

Listed below are some ahaadeeth that are very ‘popular’ among the people although they are either WEAK or FABRICATED. 

We should NOT be reading these Suwar DAILY or on a REGULAR basis at a SPECIFIC time because it’s NOT PROVEN that the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam read them regularly at specific times or days. 

There’s no need for any one of us to follow weak ahaadeeth because Alhamdulillaah we have plenty of SAHEEH ahaadeeth to work on. 

When a hadeeth is classified as ‘weak’, it means that it’s highly DOUBTFUL that the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam ever said that or did that or approved of that. 

So why indulge in something that’s doubtful and unsure?

And of course, a fabricated hadeeth is a LIE on the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

And that is a very grave sin. 

May Allaah save us. 

1. The ‘hadeeth’ about Surah ar-Rahmaan is Munkar (ODD).

“For everything there is a bride and the bride of the Qur’an is Soorat ar-Rahmaan,” 

Shaikh al-Albaani said:

“This is an ODD (munkar) hadith.” (Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth ad-Da‘eefah by al-Albaani (1350).

2. The hadeeth about Surah al-Waaqi’ah is WEAK:

“Whoever recites Soorat al-Waaqi‘ah every night, poverty will never touch him,” 

Shaikh al-Albaani said this is da‘eef (WEAK). (ad-Da‘eefah (289)

3. The ahaadeeth about Surah Yaseen are either WEAK or FABRICATED. 

“Everything has a heart, and the heart of the Qur’aan is Ya-Seen; whoever reads it, it is as if he has read the Qur’aan ten times.”

“Whoever reads Soorat Ya-Seen in one night will be forgiven in the morning.” 

“Whoever continues to read it every night then dies, will die as a shaheed (martyr).”

“Whoever enters the graveyard and reads Soorat Ya-Seen, their (punishment) will be reduced that day, and he will have hasanaat (reward) equal to the number of people in the graveyard.” 

”All the above narrations about Surah Yaseen are either WEAK or FABRICATED”

(al-Mawdoo’aat by Ibn al-Jawzi (2/313); and Silsilat al-Ahaadeeth al-Da’eefah wa’l-Mawdoo’ah by al-Albaani)

 4. The hadeeth about Surah al-Faatihah and Surah al-Muzammil is FABRICATED. 

“Any Muslim who recites the Opening of the Book (al-Faatihah) will be given as much reward as if he recited two-thirds of the Qur’aan, and he will be given reward as if he had given charity to every believer, man and woman… and whoever recites Soorat al-Muzzammil will be relieved of hardship in this world and in the Hereafter.” 

Ibn al-Jawzi said:

“This hadeeth about the virtues of the soorahs is undoubtedly FABRICATED.”

(Al-Mawdoo’aat, 1/391)

Alhamdulillaah, Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala has preserved the Deen through the ulama who spent their entire lives researching and sorting through literally thousands of ahaadeeth and thus they clarified for us, which ones of these ahaadeeth are authentic and which ones are not. 

And therefore made it EASY for us to follow only the authentic ones. 

Alhamdulillaah!

That’s the promise of Allaah to preserve the TRUE Deen till the Day of Judgment. 

Of course, the whole of the Qur’aan is Noble and Blessed. 

And it’s virtuous to read ALL of it. 

So read such Surahs as they come along with your daily recitation of the Book of Allaah. 

But to PICK OUT these specific Suwar and read them at certain times and days, although it’s not prescribed in the Sharee’ah to do so, is not correct. 

And falls under the category of bid’ah. 

May Allaah enable us to implement the true Sunnah of the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam and follow only the authentic ahaadeeth that are proven to be his practice.

وَالسَّابِقُونَ الْأَوَّلُونَ مِنَ الْمُهَاجِرِينَ وَالْأَنصَارِ وَالَّذِينَ اتَّبَعُوهُم بِإِحْسَانٍ رَّضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ وَرَضُوا عَنْهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي تَحْتَهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا ذَٰلِكَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ

“And the first to embrace Islaam of the Muhajirun (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansar (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhajirun) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allaah is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success.” (Surah at-Taubah:100)

And Allaah knows best

636. Help! I Have Issues With My Mother-In-Law!

By Asma bint Shameem 

It’s sad that a lot of goodhearted sisters have issues with their mothers-in-law. 

This is a common problem among families, even though each of the families are educated, well mannered and god fearing. 

The root of the problem lies in the fact that the mother and the wife both feel that *their* rights over the man are *“more”* than the other’s rights. 

Or they feel “threatened” by the other’s presence. 

The mother feels she’s “lost” her son to “another” woman and on the other side, the wife feels that now that she’s his wife, she’s entitled to her husband’s sole attention and love, exclusive of anyone else.

But Alhamdulillaah, our Deen is balanced and tells us that each woman has her own place and her own rights. 

Do realize that the man you married is her son after all. 

And he must uphold his relationship with her. 

Just because he married you does not mean that he stopped being her son or that his duties towards her have stopped. No.

Rather, his responsibilities have increased because he must work hard to keep up his relationship with his mother, in addition to keeping good relationship with you. 

Both of you have rights over him. 

But also remember that HER rights take precedent over yours. 

It’s true that the wife has certain rights over her husband that he must uphold. 

So he must be kind and loving to his wife and provide for her and care for her. 

Allaah says:

“And live with them [wives] in kindness.”

[an-Nisaa’ 4:19].

The Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam said:

“I urge you to treat women well” [(al-Bukhaari (3331) and Muslim (1468)]

However, the rights of the mother (and father) are greater. 

The mother has the greatest rights of all people over her son.

And honoring, respecting and loving the parents is one of the most important duties of a  person. 

Allaah says:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. 

And that you be dutiful to your parents. 

If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor”

[al-Isra’ 17:23]. 

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said:

“Who among the people is most deserving of my good company?” 

He said, “Your mother.” 

He asked, “Then who?” 

He said, “Your mother.” 

He asked, “Then who?” 

He said, “Your mother.” …

(al-Bukhaari, 5514; Muslim, 4621).

That doesn’t mean that he neglects you. 

But you *must* understand that your husband has to be obedient and loving and kind to his mother. And take care of her, no matter what. 

Each of you has her own place in his life. 

You are not competing for the same spot in his heart.

Rather a mother’s love will remain in its place and a wife’s love will remain in its place. 

Each is separate from the other. 

It’s just like you love your husband. And you also love your father. 

And you love your son. 

Each love is separate and distinct from the other.

So don’t be jealous of her.

Don’t feel threatened by her and don’t worry about her. 

She can NEVER take your place. 

And you can never take HERS. 

My advice would be to develop a good relationship with your mother-in-law 

Treat her like your own mother. 

Or better yet, treat her like you would want “your” daughter-in-law to treat you. 

Even if she says something that you don’t like, ignore it. 

Let it go. 

And return her rudeness with gentleness, patience and kind behavior. 

Allaah says:

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. 

Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allaah ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend.” 

(Surah Fussilat: 34). 

If you treat her well, she will appreciate it and will respond with the same. 

Also don’t “expect” anything from her in return. 

Do it for the sake of Allaah. 

Do it because you know Allaah loves those who are kind to others and expect your rewards with “Him” and no one else.  

It’s true that a daughter-in-law is not obligated to serve her in-laws as an Islaamic ruling as such and there's no sin on her if she doesn’t. 

But if you treat your in-laws well, that's going to count as sadaqah or charity for you. 

It's something *mustahabb* or recommended and *liked* in Islaam. 

That's because if you treat your 

in-laws with respect and love, your husband will be pleased and will have love and respect for you in return.

And that will bring you two closer and elevate your status in his eyes. 

It is part of the good manners of a Muslim woman to consider the husband’s parents as hers so she thinks of them as family. 

And has love and sincerity for them. 

There IS definitely wisdom in this outlook that results in harmony and overall benefit in following the culture or times. 

If there’s any issue between the wife, and her in-laws, it should be resolved with forgiveness, love, kindness and understanding instead of keeping grudges and ill feelings. 

The KEY to a good relationship is to work things out amicably, with love, compassion and wisdom. 

And keep the best interest of the family at heart. 

And Allaah knows best

635. Do WOMEN Have To Untie Their Hair For Salaah?

 By Asma bint Shameem 

Women *CAN* offer their prayers in a bun or ponytail etc. 

And there’s *nothing wrong with that. *

Although the hadeeth is authentic, it does NOT apply to women. 

Rather, it applies only to *MEN*.

You see men in those days usually had long hair. 

And the Prophet Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam instructed the men to let their (long) hair prostrate with them when they go into sajdah. 

The hadeeth:

Abdullah ibn ‘Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhumaa said that he saw ‘Abd-Allaah ibn al-Haarith praying, and his hair was braided and tied up at the back. 

He went and started to undo it. 

When he finished praying, he turned to Ibn ‘Abbaas radhi Allaahu anhu and said: 

“What do you have to do with my hair?”

He said: 

“I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

say: 

“The likeness of this one is that of a man who prays with his hands tied.”

(Muslim 492)

Shaikh Ibn Uthaymeen said:

“*This ruling APPLIES ONLY to MEN*, NOT WOMEN, because when praying the woman is commanded to cover herself and if we were to tell the woman to undo her hair when praying or let her braids prostrate with her, as we tell men to do, that might lead to it (her hair) becoming uncovered whilst praying, and it is not permissible to uncover it because it is ‘awrah. 

But the hair of a man is not ‘awrah, as is quite obvious.”

(Al-Liqa’ Al-Shahri 17)

And the statement of the scholars shows that they *understood clearly* the hadeeth *applies to MEN only*. 

And NOT women. 

They said:

“The fuqaha’ are unanimously agreed that it is makrooh to tie back the hair when praying. 

What is meant by tying back is wrapping the braid around the head *as women do*, or gathering the hair and tying it at the back of the head. 

This is makrooh but if a person (man) prays like that, his prayer is still valid.”

[al-Mawsoo‘ah al-Fiqhiyyah (26/109)]

It’s logical!

Just think about it....

The hair is part of the awrah of a woman and when she prays she must completely cover ALL her awrah, including the hair. 

If she were to “undo” her hair, then there’s a big chance that her hair would show from under her headcover, since women usually have long hair. 

So the hadeeth applies to MEN. 

And there’s nothing wrong with women tying their hair during prayer. 

And Allaah knows best

634. Got Distractions In Salaah? Then Do This

By Asma bint Shameem

When you get too distracted in Salaah and can’t seem to focus no matter how hard you try, then don’t worry. 

There is  a solution. 

One of the Sahaabah complained about the same thing to the Prophet sal Allaahu Alayhi wa sallam. 

He said:

"The Shaytaan comes between me and my Salaah and causes me problems with my recitation." 

So the Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam said: 

"That is a shaitan called *Khanzab*, so if you feel his presence, seek refuge in Allaah and spit drily (spittle) to your left three times." 

He  (the Sahaabi) said: "I applied this advice and Allaah has rid me of him." (Muslim)

Alhamdulillaah, what a beautiful Deen! 

It has a solution for every situation and every problem. 

So the next time you can’t concentrate in your Salaah, do the following:

1- Say Aoodhu billaahi min ash-Shaytaanir-Rajeem. 

2- Turn your head to the left and spit DRILY three times. 

3- Continue with your prayer. 

4- You can repeat this several  times as needed and in ANY position in the Salah. 

How do you spit drily?

Blow air out of your mouth in a manner that the minutest drops of saliva also come out with it. 

And Allaah knows best.

633. The Mercy Of The Most Merciful

By Asma bint Shameem 

The Mercy of the Most Merciful is boundless, unsurmountable, and BEYOND comprehension. 

And His Love for us is unimaginably profound. 

 Masud radhi Allaahu anhu said:

"A person may hope for some matter of trade or position of authority, until he is close to attaining it. 

Thereupon Allaah looks at him and says to His angels: "Divert it from him, for if he attains it I shall enter him into the Hellfire." 

Thus, Allaah diverts it from him and the slave of Allaah remains pessimistic, saying "So and so preceded me to it, So and so outwitted me," when in fact, it is a *FAVOR* from Allaah." (Ibn Rajab in Jami al-Ulum wal Hikam)

And Ibn al Qayyim said:

"The divine decree related to the believer is *ALWAYS* a bounty, _even_ if it is in the form of *withholding* (that which is desired), and it is a *blessing*, even if it appears to be a *trial*. 

And an *affliction* that has befallen him is in reality a *cure*, even though it appears to be a disease!

Unfortunately, due to the ignorance of the worshipper, and his transgressions, he does not consider anything to be a gift or a blessing or a cure unless he can enjoy it immediately, and it is in accordance with his nature. 

If he were only given a little bit of understanding, then he would have counted being *withheld* from as a *blessing*, and the *sickness* as a *mercy*, and he would *relish* the *trouble* that befalls him MORE than he relishes his *ease*, and he would *enjoy poverty* MORE than he enjoys *richness*, and he would be *more thankful* when he is blessed with *little* than when he is blessed with a *lot*." (Madaarij al-Salikeen 2/215-216)

And lastly, Sufyaan ath-Thawri said:

"Verily, when Allaah withholds, He actually *GIVES*, because He did not withhold on account of miserliness or stinginess, but rather He looked at the BENEFIT of the servant.

So the fact that He withheld is actually HIS CHOICE for the servant and His *excellent decision*."(Madaarij as-Salikeen 2/215)

Subhaan Allaah! 

The affliction is a *BLESSING*. 

The sickness is a *MERCY*. 

The problem is actually *RELIEF*. 

Allaah, ar-Raheem is actually  *blessing* us with every problem, every calamity. 

What a Merciful Master of such an ungrateful slave...

And yet we complain....?

فَبِاَىِّ اٰلَاۤءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبٰنِۙ‏

“So which of your Lord's favors will you then deny?”