aspirations, reflections, life, afterlife.

This brother devoted his time and effort to them.  He ran to them to help ease any of their hardship he was made aware of.  They were the ones who he thought to be his soul or even closer.  But as the days went on, they turned away from him.  As the entire world turned their backs on him, so too did the brothers and students he thought so highly of. He pleaded they listen and asked his family to contact them—to no avail. The brothers had no mercy on the tears dripping uncontrollably down the cheeks nor the weeping heart aching with pain. They turned their back on him. 

 They lied and procrastinated to the family and made the family feel like a burden.  And in the end they disappeared like a mirage leaving the family with no help or hope in obtaining help from any of Allah’s creations.The darkness in this elderly man’s dark cell became even darker.  He felt betrayed and abandoned and thought back to how he would have treated those very same brothers if the tables were turned.  Never in his wildest dreams would he have abandoned any of his brothers or students.  The more he thought about what he would have done, the more he was convinced that his brothers and students were treacherous and deceitful.This elderly brother found his days with no daylight.  He was the imam of a big center.  He performed their marriage ceremonies, he buried their dead.  He was there for them in their hardships and helped them resolve family problems.  By Allah’s mercy, his counseling kept families intact and he helped bring people closer together. And now, they all turned their backs on him, with no exceptions.

I said to him, “Enough ya Sheikh! Enough grief and enough crying. Enough feeling used when WE USED THEM!”

He said, “How?”

I said, “For years, when we were there to bury their dead, when we performed their marriage ceremony, when we lectured them, when we held classes for them, when we let them in our houses night after night for lengthy times when we could have closed the doors to them, when we were in our peak and it was in their honor and benefit to be around us, we did it for the sake of Allah and in pursuit of reward from Allah. We never took compensation and we ask that Allah Subhanu Watala accepted it all and inshallah put it in our balance of good deeds.  We in return were the winners and they the losers.”He lowered his head thinking.

I continued, “In addition to the main test we are going through, Allah subhanahu watala tested us with such friends and former students because he wants to teach us not to ask or complain but to Him.Not to love but Him…Not to ask but Him…Not to turn but to Him…Not to knock but on His door…”

 I went on, “Allah wanted us to know that no matter how many friends, students and supporters we had, He was the best, the most lasting one to turn to, the most exalted and complete.  He wanted us to know that He will not forsake us, even though the ENTIRE world did; enemies and friends alike. Allah is waiting for our call even though we abandoned Him for so long.  He is eager to answer us despite our transgressions and sins.”He is Allah…The Most Merciful…The one who heals the broken hearts…The one who gives the oppressed their long awaited victory….The one who is more merciful to you than your own mother…The one closer to you than your jugular vein,

Why turn to the doors of those who can’t hurt nor help…Why not turn to the only door that can harm and benefit….Do not complain to the creature but rather to the creator, complain to Allah subhanahu watalah and ask HIM, who will not turn your hands empty…Complain to the one who hears your cry while people are asleep…Waste no time complaining to those who rejected your mail and calls from prison….Complain to the one who sees your tears and aching heart while people are mindless of it…And complain not to those who brushed your family away when you sent them to seek their help.

Complain to the one who listens to your complain when others are neglectful…Do not grieve because Allah is with you and will not leave you…Why would you need anyone else when you have Allah?Even though it is a lesson from Allah to teach his awaliaa’(his friends) to be fully and only attached to Him and only Him just as he took Yousif from Yaqoob alayhim alsalam when Yaqoub became overly attached to his son, a lesson scholars of Islam continuously went through.

The famous scholar Ibn Abdel Hady in his book مراقي الجنان بالسخاء وقضاء حوائج الإخوان and Aldahaby in سير أعلام النبلاء narrated that   Ibn Abdel Hady found in the handwriting of his sheikh (Ibn Kands) that Abu Jafar AlHarawy said, “I was with Hatem al-Asam heading to hajj when we reached Baghdad.  He told me,  ‘Oh Abu Jaafar, let us meet Ahmad Bin Hanbel since we are passing in his town.’  We sought his house and headed there.

We knocked on the door and he opened. “Hatem al-Asam said, “Oh Abu Abdallah(meaning Ahmad bin Hanbal). I’m your brother Hatem.”Imam Ahmad greeted him and warmly welcomed him.

Imam Ahmad then asked Hatim, “How can we protect ourselves from the people?”

He said, “O Ahmad in three ways/qualities!”

“What are they?!” asked Imam Ahmad.

He said,

1.to give them from your wealth, and to not take money from them; 2.to be in service of them(teach them, bury their dead, visit their ill, open your house for them, advise them…etc) and not to ask them to do any service for you or to take anything in return; 3. and lastly, to bear their harm and not harm them in return.

Imam Ahmad then lowered his head and poked the ground with his finger then lifted his head and said to Hatem, “It is extremely difficult. It is extremely difficult.” Hatem responded, “Do all that and you still might not be at peace from people, and you still may not be at peace, and you still may not be at peace.”

What caused one of the biggest Imams of his time to ask Hatim--one of the wisest men of his time--such a question and to get such an answer but that they had been betrayed by those close to them.  The question came with agony because Imam Ahmad suffered in prison where all but a few who were close to him turned on him during that difficult trial of his life when he was tested and imprisoned.

In 2002, I gave a lecture as the righteous scholars were being rounded up throughout the world and I mentioned how Shiekh Abdulhameed Kishk--the eloquent beacon of truth in the 60’s in Egypt--was imprisoned many times, as most righteous scholars are.  After every time he was arrested, he returned to the pulpit fiercer than he was before.  In the 1980’s, President Anwar Sadat felt threatened and rounded up the leaders of all faiths and all movements.  Across from Shikeh Abdulhammed Kishk’s cell was the cell of Egypt’s Coptic Pope Shenouda III.  Sheikh Kishk said he heard the Pope’s visitors throughout the day and night.  They never stopped coming and going, while Sheikh Kiskh said that he did not have a single visitor that inquired about him.  When he was finally released, he gave up the pulpit and retired, never again setting foot on that pulpit until he died in sujood (prostration) in 1995.

Keep in mind that Sheikh Kishk’s Khutbahs were not only the most popular khutbahs in Egypt during that time, but his eight track tapes and regular tapes had no competition and were the most widely produced tapes throughout the Muslim world.When I gave that lecture in 2002, a brother walked up to me and said, “Sheikh, if anything ever happens to you, know I will visit you and be there for you.”  In reality he was among the better ones of my former students who did call one time and only one time, when the news broke of my arrest; never to inquire again.

The same scenario was repeated in Kuwait where a famous eloquent khateeb in Kuwait was banned for one year from the pulpit for statements of truth he made.  Several days ago, I was able to find and contact his daughter and I inquired about her father’s status since that year of being banned was over a decade ago.  She informed me that when he was offered to go back to give khutbahs and speeches, he refused due to the lack of support and betrayal of those who  never missed a Khutbah in his masjid for over two decades before his hard times.

These are duaa’h and khateebs who definitely –inshallah- were doing what they did  for the sake of Allah but they are also human and the betrayal or silence of those one would have expected to be there for them in times of calamity is hurtful.  The action of such fake students halted the benefit of masses of the ummah.

Those may be the lucky ones but what’s to be said about  those who took the witness stand to clip a few years off their own sentence and lie and falsify testimony against their Shyookh because they were not men enough to handle the consequences of what their hands committed,  unable to accept the destiny of Allah subhanahu watala. 

 It goes further to blow your mind at those who went on to falsify testimony to please the Kuffar and give their Sheikh a life sentence in prison.Those who do not stand with their brothers in times of need are the ones who go to the waste basket of history. Imam Ahmad, Bukhari, Ibn Taymiyah,  among many others were imprisoned and considered outcasts and lived large portions of their lives in seclusion finding means to spread knowledge and truth.  Those who opposed them, turned on them, and stood against them were famous, prestigious and powerful during that time.  Their name died or was trashed in history, with their death.  If mentioned, they are mentioned in shame whilst Imam Ahmad, Bukhari, Ibn Taymiyah’s legacy, knowledge, and names lived on.

As for me, I believe what a famous Arabic poet once chanted,

 “May Allah reward all the calamities the best.  As difficult as they may get, I thank it only because it taught me my friend from my enemy!!”

Allah takes, but He replaces. He replaces better and more solid men and brothers with the traitors, the inconsiderate, weak and the fearful ones with no backbone. I just find it difficult to understand how they will answer to Allah when they stand before Him.Jaber and Abu Ayoub reported that the prophet sallah allahu aliyeh wasalam said, “Whoever  lets a Muslim down at a time when his honor is degraded and his rights/sanctity are violated except that Allah will let him down, in return, at a time he loves/wishes the victory from Allah.” 

 Narrated by Abu Dawood and Altabrany.Sahl Bin Haneef reported that the prophet sallah allahu aliyeh wasalam said, “Whoever sees a Muslim being humiliated (degraded or his rights transgressed) and did not give him victory while able to, Allah will humiliate him before all creations on the judgment day.”  Narrated by Ahmad.

عن جابر وأبي أيوب الأنصاري قالا قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم: ما من امرئ يخذل مسلما في موطن ينتقص فيه من عرضه وينتهك فيه من حرمته إلا خذله الله في موطن يحب فيه نصرته وما من امرئ ينصر مسلما في موطن ينتقص فيه من عرضه وينتهك فيه من حرمته إلا نصره الله في موطن يحب فيه نصرته رواه أبو داود والطبراني. وعن سهل بن حنيف عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم أنه قال: من أُذل عنده مؤمن فلم ينصره وهو يقدر على أن ينصره أذله الله عز وجل على رؤوس الخلائق يوم القيامة رواه أحمد. 

Since the beginning of time, this is something scholars have always struggled with.  They get betrayed once they face a hardship even though they had given so much to the very same people who turned on them.  It even happens that many not only turn away, but rather turn against!  They do that to go with the flow, to please the kuffar and to seek popularity and personal benefit.

It was supposedly narrated that Ali bin Abi Taleb said, “You will only know your true brother if he guards you during your hardship, absence and after death.”

Islam encourages and puts a great deal of emphasis on brotherhood, yet true brotherhood has become a rarity--like a rare currency or a precious jewel that you cannot easily find.

To those who turned their backs on their brothers during hardship, we cannot deny the bond of Islam amongst us, but you are “forgotten”!!!  We turn our backs as you have, and we’ll choose a direction different than that where you are and maybe we’ll find more dutiful brothers.

I mourned their death when they fell silent and turned away and it’s hard for the dead to come back.

At the end, we will remember not the words and torture of our enemies, but the silence and betrayal of our friends.

May Allah reward all the calamities the best.  As difficult as they may get, I thank it only because it taught me my friend from my enemy!!

So, although it's a prison rule, it's a good one. Years of living in close quarters with others has confirmed to me that the earlier you wake up and start your day, the less lazy you will appear throughout your day. When 'Umar arrived in Sham and saw that Mu'awiyah had become sluggish and slow, this is why the very first question he asked him was: "What is this, Mu'awiyah? Do you sleep during the duha (late morning)?" Indeed, an analysis of the attitude of the Salaf reveals that they looked down upon the habit of sleeping too much, particularly during the early part of the day:

* Sakhr al-Ghamidi related that Allah's Messenger said: "O Allah, bless my nation in its early-risers," and that when he would send out an expedition or army, he would send it out at the very start of the day. Sakhr himself was a merchant, and he would do business at the very start of the day. As a result, he became abnormally wealthy.

* 'Ali bin Abi Talib said: "Sleeping early in the day is a symptom of ignorance."

* Both al-Bukhari and Muslim record that a group of men came to visit Ibn Mas'ud one morning after the Fajr prayer. They hesitated to enter despite having been granted permission to enter his home. When he asked them why they hesitated to enter, they explained that they were afraid that his wife would be asleep in the home at this time. Ibn Mas'ud responded: "Do you think that my family would be so careless?" (Commenting on this, Ibn Muflih al-Hambali said: "One thing to take from this is that this is a time that shouldn't be neglected, and sleeping at such a time is discouraged.")

* Ibn 'Abbas saw one of his sons asleep during the duha time. He told him: "Get up! Do you sleep during the time that our provisions are apportioned for us?"

* One of the Tabi'un said: "The Earth cries out in anguish when a scholar sleeps after the Fajr prayer."

* The previous Prophets held the same attitude, as Prophet Dawud said to Sulayman: "Beware of too much sleep, as it will leave you poor while others are working."

* And 'Isa bin Maryam said: "There are two traits which I detest: i) sleeping during the day, particularly when one has not been kept up at night, and ii) laughing out loud except when due to amazement."

* And a poet said: "Indeed, sleeping during the late morning afflicts a man with confusion * And sleeping in the late afternoon is insanity."

Ibn Muflih commented on all of this, saying: "So, sleeping during the day is very harmful to your body, because it drains it of its energy and ruins your muscles, which need to be loosened up through physical activity."

I was moved to this prison (Marion CMU) a few months ago (from the CMU in Terre Haute). Prison moves are often sudden, with no forewarning. At 5 am one morning, a guard unlocks my cell door, walks in, and tells me that I'm going to be transferred to another prison, and have less than an hour to pack up my belongings. Realizing that I'd likely never see many of the brothers here again, I walk out into the pitch-black corridors of the CMU to stop at each cell and give my salams. This is a time when most people are asleep. However, at a number of the cells, I see that the lights are on inside. As I slowly approach each of the lit cells, I hear the soft hum of Qur'an being recited, and out of the corner of my eye, I see that each of these brothers is engrossed in Qiyam al-Layl:

* Allah's Messenger said: "Know that a believer's honor is manifested in his Qiyam al-Layl."

* And he said: "The closest that a worshipper is to Allah is in the second portion of the night. So, if you can be of those who remember Him at such an hour, do so."

* And he said: "Each night, when the final third of the night remains, Allah descends to the lowest heaven and says: 'I am the King! Who will call upon Me so that I may respond to him? Who will ask of Me so that I may give him? Who will ask My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?' And He remains like this until the time of fajr."

* And he said: "Stick to Qiyam al-Layl, as it was the habit of the righteous people before you. It brings you closer to Allah, it wipes out your sins, it dissuades you from sins, and it expels sickness from the body." (Commenting on this hadith, Ibn Rajab said: "One of the lessons of this hadith is that Qiyam al-Layl results in a healthy body, and cleanses it of disease.")

* And he said: "Ihsan (perfection) is to worship Allah as if you can see Him. Since you cannot see Him, know that He sees you."

With Qiyam al-Layl, there's no way to make a name for yourself before other people. There's nobody to show off to, locked inside a cell by yourself in the depths of the night in a prison in the middle of nowhere. There's no material gain whatsoever. Qiyam al-Layl is not even obligatory, and as al-Hasan al-Basri said, it's "the most difficult and intense" form of worship. What, then, would drive a man to voluntarily and happily crawl off of his concrete bunk in the middle of one of the coldest nights of one of the coldest winters, wash up with ice-cold tap water, and pray to One he cannot even see?

* Abu Sulayman ad-Darani said: "The people who make Qiyam at night enjoy their nights more than those who are busy with entertainment enjoy theirs. Were it not for the night, I wouldn't want to remain in this world."

* al-Fudayl bin 'Iyad said: "If you're unable to get up for Qiyam or fast during the day, know that you're deprived and shackled by your sins."

* One of the Salaf said: "For forty years, nothing made me sad except the rising of the Sun (i.e. the end of the time to perform Qiyam)."

They acknowledged Qiyam al-Layl to be extremely difficult, but their Iman turned it into a privilege. This way of thinking is completely alien to Western societies, which are rife with insincerity, selfishness, and materialism. But returning to the point of this article, ponder over this hadith:

* "When any of you goes to sleep, Shaytan ties three knots at the back of his neck, sealing each knot by saying: 'You have a long night ahead of you, so sleep.' If he wakes up and mention Allah, one knot is loosened. If he then performs wudu', another knot is loosened. If he then prays, all of the knots are loosened, and in the morning, he will be energetic and in a good mood. Otherwise, he will spend the morning grumpy and lazy."

Commenting on this hadith, Ibn Hajar said: "What is clear is that Qiyam al-Layl contains a hidden secret in its effect of improving your mood." This pattern becomes evident when looking at the examples recorded in the books. They're too many to list, but consider:

* 'A'ishah once described that at night, "Allah's Messenger would never miss Qiyam al-Layl. If he was sick or exhausted, he would pray it while sitting." Not only did this not tire him during the day, but as already mentioned, the effect it had was such that he never once yawned, and even had the energy to go out for battle in the earliest possible part of the day.

* Ibrahim bin Shammas said: "I knew Ahmad bin Hambal as a young boy, and he would stay up all night praying." And it was exactly this stage in his life regarding which al-Imam Ahmad himself described how early he'd start his day: "I would want to go out early to hear Hadith. So, my mother would grab my clothes and say: "At least wait for the Fajr prayer to be called and the people to wake up!""

[Point: It's part of the Sunnah to take a short mid-day nap (qaylulah) between the Dhuhr and 'Asr prayers. This is one way al-Imam Ahmad was able to get up for Qiyam, as his son 'Abdullah described: "My father would take a short mid-day nap, whether it was winter or summer. He wouldn't miss it, and would encourage me to do the same, citing the statement of 'Umar bin al-Khattab: "Take a qaylulah, because the devils do not."" There are narrations of Anas, Ibn 'Abbas, and others which also encourage this. Another habit which facilitates getting up for Qiyam is avoid sleeping before the 'Isha' prayer or staying up talking after it, due to the hadith stating that "the Prophet used to hate sleeping before 'Isha' and staying up to talk after it."

It's also worth mentioning that Qiyam al-Layl doesn't necessarily mean that one must stay up the entire night, or for any specified time. Rather, something as simple as waking up a half hour before dawn to pray two rak'at would qualify as night prayer.]

And from all the brothers I've lived with, it's the few who were constant in their Qiyam al-Layl who I observed to be focused, making the best use of their time, rarely (if ever) yawning, choosing their words carefully, having few material possessions (even by prison standards), and whose minds were occupied only with the loftiest of matters.

It was simple traits like these which allowed the Mujahidun of the past to alter the course of history. In 'al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah,' Ibn Kathir ends his section on the Battle of Yarmuk by describing the moment that the humiliated remnants of the Roman army arrived back at Antioch to report to their emperor, Heraclius, the details of how they'd been shattered by the army of Khalid bin al-Walid. Heraclius said: "Woe to you! Tell me about these people who fight you. Aren't they human beings like you?"

They replied: "Yes."

Heraclius asked: "Are you greater in number, or they?"

They replied: "Rather, we outnumber them many times over in every battle."

Heraclius then asked: "Why, then, do they defeat you?"

So, one of their elite stepped forth and explained: "Because they get up at night to pray, fast during the day, fulfill their promises, enjoin what is good, discourage what is bad, and are fair to each other, while we drink alcohol, fornicate, indulge in what is forbidden, break our agreements, violate and oppress others, encourage what angers God, discourage what pleases Him, and spread corruption on Earth."

The happy and successful believer is the one who makes the most of these special months, days and hours attempting to draw closer to Allah through acts of worship; he will most likely be touched by the blessing of Allah and will feel the joy of knowing that he is safe from the flames of Hell.

What are the ten days of Dhul Hijjah ? The ten days of Dhul Hijjah are the first ten days of the 12th Islamic calendar month called Dhul Hijjah. These are the days when most of the pilgrims make a journey to Makkah and perform their tasks of Hajj. Just as they have a special chance to get extra reward, the ones who were not able to go to Hajj are also given a special chance to get extra reward during these days.

What is the significance of these 10 days? 1)Allah (azza wajal) honored them by mentioning them in the Qur'an. Allah (azza wajal) says: : “That they might witness things that are of benefit to them (i.e., reward of Hajj in the Hereafter, and also some worldly gain from trade, etc.), and mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28]

The majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, because of the words of Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him and his father), “The appointed days are the first ten days (of Dhul Hijjah).” [This is related by al-Bukhari]

2) Allah (azza wajal) honored them when he swears an oath by them in the Qur'an as well, and swearing an oath by something is indicative of its importance and great benefit. Allah (azza wajal) says: (interpretation of the meaning): “By the dawn; by the 10 nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Ibn Abbas, Ibn al-Zubayr, Mujahid and others of the earlier and later generations said that this refers to the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Ibn Katheer said: “This is the correct opinion.”

3) They are considered the most honorable and best days ever. Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn ‘Umar that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no day more honorable in Allah ’s sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah : La ilaha illAllah ), takbir (Allah is the greatest : Allahu akbar ) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah : alhumdulillah) a lot [on those days].” [Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shakir stated it is saheeh]

Narrated Ibn 'Umar: On the Day of Nahr (10th of Dhul Hijjah), the Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) stood in between the Jamrat during his Hajj which he performed (as in the previous Hadith) and said, “This is the greatest Day (i.e. 10th of Dhul Hijjah).” The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) started saying repeatedly, “O Allah ! Be Witness (I have conveyed Your Message).” He then bade the people farewell. The people said, “(This is Hajjat-al-Wada).” [Bukhari 2.798]

Ibn 'Umar narrated that at Mina, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Do you know what is the day today?” The people replied, “Allah and His Messenger know it better.” He said, “It is the forbidden (sacred) day. And do you know what town is this?” They replied, “Allah and His Messenger know it better.” He said, “This is the forbidden (sacred) town (Mecca). And do you know which month is this?” The people replied, “Allah and His Apostle know it better.” He said, “This is the forbidden (sacred) month.” The Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) added, “No doubt, Allah made your blood, your properties, and your honor sacred to one another like the sanctity of this day of yours in this month of yours in this town of yours.”

4) Worshipping in them is better than going to Jihad (the peak of matters of worship that you can do). There is nothing more of a collection of hadith but on jihad, but these days, worshipping is better than Jihad. The Prophet of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said for one to be better than one who worships in these days he must take his wealth and family and go to Jihad and does not come back and looses his wealth.

Ibn 'Abbas reports that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “No good deeds done on other days are superior to those done on these days [meaning the ten days of Dhul Hijjah].” The companions asked, “O Messenger of Allah , not even jihad in the way of Allah ?” He said, “Not even jihad, except for the man who puts his life and wealth in danger [for Allah ’s sake] and returns with neither of them.” [This is related by the group except Muslim and an-Nasa'i]

5) It is narrated from some of the sahabah and tabi'een, Saeed ibn Jubair (among others), that when the first ten days arrived they used to take advantage and worship in them as much as they could to the point that he could not do any more.

Why are these days so special? Ibn Hajar rahimahu Allah said the apparent reason they are so special is because the mothers of the acts of worship of Allah occur in them which does not happen in any other days (meaning salah (prayer), charity, fasting, and hajj).

Are these days better than the last ten days of Ramadan? Most scholars adopt the opinion that these days are better than the last ten days of Ramadan. However, what holds the last ten days of Ramadan at a higher status is the night of Power (Laylatul Qadr) which is equivalent to one thousand months (83.33 years).

The following hadith may shed some light in showing that worship during each of these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah with nightly prayer is like worshipping during the night of power (Laylatul Qadr).

Abu Hurairah relates that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “There are no days more loved to Allah for you to worship Him therein than the ten days of Dhul Hijjah. Fasting any day during it is equivalent to fasting one year and to offer salatul tahajjud (late-night prayer) during one of its nights is like performing the late night prayer on the night of power. [i.e., Laylatul Qadr].” [This is related by at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, and al-Baihaqi]

What do I do in these ten days? 1- Dhikr (praise of Allah (azza wajal)

a) Say tahlil La ilah illah Allah b) Takbir Allahu akbar c) Tahmid Alhamdu lillah d) Tasbeeh Subhan Allah

Ahmad and at-Tabarani record from Ibn 'Umar that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “There is no day more honorable in Allah’s sight and no acts more beloved therein to Allah than those in these ten days. So say tahlil (There is no deity worthy of worship but Allah : La ilaha illAllah ), takbir (Allah is the greatest : Allahu Akbar) and tahmid (All praise is due to Allah : alhamdulillah) a lot [on those days].” [Reported by Ahmad, 7/224; Ahmad Shakir stated it is saheeh]

e) Istighfar “Astaghfer Allah" The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: "Whoever wants his book given to him on the Judgment Day as he is happy then let him do alot of Istighfar.”

Do not only do Istighfar for yourself but rather for the entire Ummah because the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) taught us that when you do Istighfar for the entire Ummah you will get the reward for each one of them.

“Allahuma 'ghfir lilmu'mineen walmu'minat.”

f) Making salah and salam on the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) Every time you make salah and salam on the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) a angel goes to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and tells him that son of so and so did salam on you. Every time you do salah and salam on the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) the angel do salah and salam upon you, their salah and salam on you is asking Allah (azza wajal) to forgive you.

g) General tasbeeh that we know of in the authentic Sunnah These should always be on our minds and tongues, but more importantly in these days.

For instance, when one drives to work in the morning or leaves in the afternoon, or waits in a lobby for a turn, or just generally having spare time, and one does not know what to do, then one should praise Allah (azza wajal).

Abu Hamzah Albaghdady said “It’s impossible for you to claim you love Allah and not praise him continuously, and it’s impossible that you praise Allah continuously and not see the sweetness of that in this life; and its impossible you see the sweetness of praising Allah and then be preoccupied with other than him.”

Not praising Allah (azza wajal) cotinuously is a sign of a hypocrite. This is a danger in itself.

Allah (azza wajal) said “When the hypocrite stand up to worship they perform it languidly and to be seen of men, and they do not praise Allah but a little.” 4:142 Allah (azza wajal) said they praise Him but they do not do so but a little.

Ibn Abbas said “There is no fard except that Allah put limits to it and excused you with excuses one may have except the Dhikr/praise of Allah its has no limited time span, no limited amount, and no excuse.”

Allah (azza wajal) said “Remember Allah , standing, sitting and reclining.” 4:103

*Important note on Takbeer should be loud for men during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: Takbeer. It is Sunnah to say Takbeer (“Allahu akbar”), Tahmeed (“Al-hamdu Lillah”), Tahleel (“La ilaha ill-Allah ”) and Tasbeeh (“Subhan Allah ”) during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, and to say it loudly in the mosque, the home, the street and every place where it is permitted to remember Allah (azza wajal) and mention His name out loud, as an act of worship and as a proclamation of the greatness of Allah (azza wajal).

Men should recite these phrases out loud, and women should recite them quietly.

Proof for saying it loud - the verse previously mentioned Allah (azza wajal) says: “And mention the name of Allah on appointed days, over the beast of cattle that He has provided for them (for sacrifice)…” [al-Hajj 22:28] The majority of scholars agree that the “appointed days” are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah,

The Takbeer may include the words: “Allahu akbar, Allahu akbar, la ilaha ill-Allah ; wa Allahu akbar wa Lillahil-hamd” (Allah is Most Great, Allah is Most Great, there is no deity worthy of worship but Allah; Allah is Most Great and to Allah be praise),“ as well as other phrases.

Takbeer at this time is an aspect of the Sunnah that has been forgotten, especially during the early part of this period, so much so that one hardly ever hears Takbeer, except from a few people. This Takbeer should be pronounced loudly, in order to revive the Sunnah and as a reminder to the negligent.

Ibn Umar and Abu Hurairah (radhi Allahu anhum) used to go out in the marketplace during the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah, reciting Takbeer, and the people would recite Takbeer when they heard them. The idea behind reminding the people to recite Takbeer is that each one should recite it individually, not in unison, as there is no basis in Sharee'ah for doing this.

2- Fast in these days what you can: The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said "Whomever fasts for the sake Allah will get for each day will be farther from hell by a trench the distance the sky is from hell.” Imagine if you fast these ten days, how far your distance will be from hell.

Rewards for fasting Sunnah is what Allah (azza wajal) says to the people in heaven “(And it will be said unto those therein): Eat and drink at ease for that which ye sent on before you in past days.” 69:24 A fasting person gets the reward of an accepted dua'a before he breaks his fast.

Allah (azza wajal) gives those who do rewards seven times as much reward, up to seven hundred, except fasting. Allah (azza wajal) said that is for Him and only for Him. We know that fasting is for Allah (azza wajal), prayer is for Allah (azza wajal) , and Dhikr is for Allah (azza wajal). But why do you think Allah (azza wajal) specify fasting as being for Him? It is because it is a secret worship where no one knows about it, no one knows if you really fasted or pretended but you so the reward of that is so large Allah (azza wajal) will compensate dearly for it.

Ibrahim bin Hani’ was fasting and thirsty on his death bed. So, his son brought him some water and told him to drink. He asked “Is it maghrib?” The son said “No.” The father said “For a day like this, people shall work.” He died fasting.

Nafeesah bint Hasan bin Zaid was on her death bed fasting. Her son tried to force her to eat, she said “Subhan Allah I been asking Allah to die fasting for 30 years. Do you want me break my fast now?” She died reciting the verse “Say: Unto whom belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and the earth? Say: Unto Allah . He hath prescribed for Himself mercy, that He may bring you all together to the Day of Resurrection whereof there is no doubt.” 6:12

3- Give charity: These are things we should all do throughout the year more so during these first ten days of Dhul Hijjah.

Allah (azza wajal) said “And whatsoever you spend (for good) He replaces it. And He is the Best of Providers.” 34:39

Ibn Katheer said Allah will replace the charity given in this life by giving the charitable believer the same back or more and in the life after with reward.

Ibn Umar heard the verse “You will not attain piety until you spend of that which you love. And whatsoever you spend, Allah is Aware thereof.” He looked around and could not find anything he loved more than a female slave he owned so he freed her for the sake of Allah (azza wajal).

Saeed bin Ubadah used to take 80 of the poor Muslims in the masjid per day to his family to feed them. His son inherited the generosity and spending for the sake of Allah (azza wajal). His name was Qais bin Saeed bin Ubadah. When he was wealthy he loaned money to people. When he got sick many people refrained from visiting him because most had borrowed from him and were thinking he may ask about the debt they did not have to pay with. When he found out why many did not visit him he said “Let any wealth that will get in the way of the brothers be demolished - I forgive them all.”

4- Recitation of Qur'an : This should be a daily habit more so during these days.

The recitors of the Qur'an are the special ones to Allah (azza wajal). The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered recitation of the Qur'an and said alif lam meem is not one letter but rather alif is letter and lam is letter and meem is latter and for each letter is ten hasanat. So you get thirty hasanat just for Alif - lam - meem.

Asma’ was asked how the Prophet’s sahabah was whenever Qur'an was recited. She said their eyes would tear and creep the flesh. Just as Allah (azza wajal) said “Allah has (now) revealed the fairest of statements, a Scripture consistent, (wherein promises of reward are) paired (with threats of punishment), wherein it creeps the flesh of those who fear their Lord, so that their flesh and their hearts soften to Allah ’s reminder. Such is Allah ’s guidance, where h He guids whom He will. And him whom Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide.” 39:23

Ibn Mas'ood said “For us it was hard to memorize but easy to abide by it, but there will come a time where its easy for them to memorize but not easy to abide by it." Now, we are at time of both the absence of memorization and the absence of abiding by it.

Mujahid was asked about two people; One who recited AlBaqarah and Al Imran and in the same duration someone recited Al Baqarah alone, which is better? He told them the one who recited Al Baqarah because he got more time to comprehend.

We all love the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) and wish to see him on the judgment day, but imagine if he makes a complain to Allah (azza wajal) about you saying "And the messenger say: O my Lord! Lo! My own people make this Qur'an of no account.” 25:30

Ibn al Qayyim said abandoning the Qur'an is of 5 kinds:

a- abandoning the listening recitation of the Qur'an . (Some people even ask when they hear the Qur'an is there a dead person?) b- abandoning the halal/haram (prohibition/commands) c- abandoning the returning to Qur'an in our major and minor disputes. d- abandoning the comprehension and understanding of Qur'an e- abandoning the usage of Qur'an as a cure for our hearts. (Instead of using Qur'an to cure our depression and ill feelings we use other means.)

5- Making Continuous and Consistent Dua'a: One who does not make dua'a may fall under the wrath of Allah (azza wajal) because the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said “Whomever does not ask Allah, Allah will put his wrath on him.”

When you make dua'a desperately facing Allah (azza wajal) then know that Allah (azza wajal) will accept from you inshAllah. When scholars were asked how do we knew when Allah (azza wajal) would accept our dua'a? The response was when you become like a person who is drowning and seeks help from another desperately.

Seek the times dua'a is more likely accepted and among them are: 1- 1/3 end of night 2- before salah between Adhan and Iqamah 3- when the Imam is on the mimbar during Jumu'ah Friday 4- during the rain 5- in sujood

Start your dua'a in praising Allah (azza wajal) and the prophet Muhammad. Repent and ask for forgiveness, keep these things in mind when making dua: 1- Be persistent and cotinuously ask Allah (azza wajal) . 2- Have your heart there when you make dua'a. 3- Have wudu. 4- Give charity prior to dua'a. 5- Make dua'a in the times most likely accepted.

Imam Shawkani (rahimahuAllah) said “To know your dua'a is accepted is to have your heart ready, cry and shed tears to Allah, being persistent, and after that feeling, a burden taken off your shoulders.”

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said “There is no one who sleeps on taharah and gets up and makes dua'a except that Allah will accept his dua'a as long as its in good.”

6- Prayer of the night time: There are special see-through rooms in heaven for those who pray at night. Allah (azza wajal) laughs to those who pray at night. If Allah (azza wajal) laughs to someone he is in good shape. It’s the path of the righteous people, and keeper-away from sins.

Allah (azza wajal) said: “No soul knows what is kept hidden for them of joy, as a reward for what they used to do.” 32:17

Hassan Albasri (rahimahuAllah) said “No one leaves prayer of the night except because of a sin he commited.”

Aisha (radhi Allahu anha) said “Wallahi the prophet never left the prayer of the night time.”

7- Fasting and specialty of the day of Arafah (9th day of Dhul Hijjah): The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said “There is no day that Allah will free people more than the day of Arafah.”

There is no day that shaytan is seen more miserable than that day. This is because it is a day that all his prior work goes in vain. People on Arafat are repenting and those not in Hajj are fasting and asking Allah (azza wajal) for forgiveness.

Fasting this day will forgive a year prior to it and and a year after it.

Abu Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Fasting on the day of 'Arafah is an expiation for two years, the year preceding it and the year following it. Fasting the day of 'Ashurah is an expiation for the year preceding it.” [This is related by “the group,” except for al-Bukhari and at-Tirmidhi]

Hafsah reported, “There are five things that the Messenger never abandoned: fasting the day of 'Ashurah, fasting the [first] 10 [days of Dhul Hijjah], fasting 3 days of every month and praying two rak'ah before the dawn prayer.” [This is related by Ahmad and an-Nasa'i]

For those going to hajj it is better for them not to fast: Abu Hurairah stated, “The Messenger of Allah forbade fasting on the day of 'Arafah for one who is actually at 'Arafah.” [This is related by Ahmad, Abu Dawud, an-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah]

At-Tirmidhi comments: “The scholars prefer that the day of 'Arafah be fasted unless one is actually at 'Arafah.”

8- Sacrificing and slaughter of an animal on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah: Allah (azza wajal) the creator of the sky and earth the day and night has chosen some days over others to gather deeds. Sacrifice is one of these deeds.

Sacrifice on the 10th day has very great reward for those in Hajj and those not in Hajj as well. The timing for sacrifice is in the 10th day and 3 days following (11th, 12th, and 13th) It is to declare one Allah and to thank him and follow Ibrahim (alayhi salam)

Allah (azza wajal) said : “So pray unto thy Lord, and sacrifice.” 108:2 Allah (azza wajal) said : “Say: Lo! my worship and my sacrifice and my living and my dying are for Allah , Lord of the Worlds.” 6:162

Some scholars say this is Wajib, but the jimhoor (vast majority) say it is Sunnah Mu'akadah (important sunnah). Either opinion on the importance of sacrifice to those who can afford it is apparent in the prophet’s saying “Whomever plans not to sacrifice let him not come to our prayer area.”

When you sacrifice you say "bismillah Allahu akbar Allahuma 3any wa3an ahl baity" Translation “In the name of Allah - Allahu akbar - oh Allah this is for me and my family.”

Reputable scholars all agree that doing the sacrifice is better than giving its equivalent, because sacrifice is a worship in and of itself.

Seven people may participate or share in sacrificing a Cow or Camel.

A leader of the household can sacrifice for himself and for his dependants such as children, women and men like the sahabah and salaf used to do. One planning on sacrificing should not cut his hair or nails until sacrifice is complete. This only applies to the head of the house who is paying for the sacrifice and not his dependants.

One should eat a portion of his sacrifice and give a portion to the poor and relatives.

It is not requested that you do it by hand however that is the best, you may oversee the sacrifice as well or if unable give the power to someone to do this for you.

The sacrifice should be done after 'Eid prayer and you have until three days after, the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) ordered those who sacrificed before prayer to do it again.

9- Repentance: This should be done daily like the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) .

Allah (azza wajal) said: “Truly Allah loves those who turn unto Him, and loves those who have a care for cleanness.” 2:222

One hadith is saying about prophet Moses, when he prayed with his people for rain. Allah (azza wajal) answered Moses that there is one man among them, which has been sinful for 40 years and is against Allah (azza wajal) . Moses turned to his people and said that that man must go out, because he is the reason why their prayer was not accepted. The sinful man turned to Allah (azza wajal) and asked Him to cover his sins, after He has covered it for 40 years, and asked Him for forgiveness. Allah (azza wajal) saw that man’s repentance was sincere. Allah (azza wajal) accepted it and sent rain. Moses asked, why is it raining, before anyone of his people left. Allah (azza wajal) answered him that the man’s repentance was accepted and his sins forgiven.

Another hadith says: “Every man has mistakes, but the best among them are those, who make repentance.”

Allah (azza wajal) can change sins to good deeds as well, if He wants. He says: “Except those who repent and believe (in Islamic monotheism), and do righteous deeds; for those, Allah will change their sins into good deeds, and Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (25:70).

Allah (azza wajal) can accept repentance for all kinds of sins and forgive them. He says: “Say: 'O My slaves who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not of the Mercy of Allah : verily, Allah forgives all sins. Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most-Merciful.” (39:53).

But we should not postpone our repentance, because we do not know when we will die.

There are several things, which are helpful to do good repentance: a) conviction that Allah (azza wajal) can forgive, b) good behavior to the Muslims, c) prayer which is relation between man and Allah (azza wajal) d) good friendship e) to remind Allah ’s mercy always f) to remind the death g) patience which has two sides. Patience to be far from the sins and patience to do good deeds. h) Man’s sincerity to himself, i) to realize, that every man has his mission, as Allah (azza wajal) says: “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair preaching, and argue with them in a way that is better.” (16:125).

There are other things which obstruct repentance. They are opposite of things named above.

Rules for repenting: a) Regret and show remorse for what you did asking Allah (azza wajal) to forgive you. b) Plan on never going back to what you did. c) Do good deeds to cover up for the bad sins. d) If the sins concerns a person you must settle the dispute with him. (ie. If you backbit a Muslim or stole money you must ask for forgiveness and return the wealth. If you know that doing so will cause more problems then seek a way to mention the person you mentioned in evil in good in a similar setting. Or if you indirectly return the wealth then that’s good as well.)

10- Salah in general: Every twelve raka'at per day you do, you get a palace in heaven.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) recommended extra prayers for us because everytime we prostrate Allah (azza wajal) , it takes away a sin, and everytime you get up, Allah (azza wajal) adds a deed.

Note: It’s absolutely fine to test students to answer questions and engage in discussions (or else how are they going to learn), however this is not the case with how people are brought up in the west, they literally hold their ‘correct opinions’ on matters which a person who specialises in those fields would laugh at.

This has affected our noble manners and morals as Muslims, this has afflicted us with arrogance & we must strive to lower the wing of arrogance as much as possible to develop true humbleness. Moreover, we lack respect to our elders and teachers, whereas the way students would treat their Teachers in the Lands of the Muslims (despite it being considered Dār al-Kufr according to Ijmā’ - since the rulings of Kufr are enforced) is much different, carrying their shoes for them, walking right behind them as if they have done something wrong (to an outsider’s perception).

And a lack of concern to Tawhīd & Walā’ wal Barā’ is the reason why Muslim Parents are giving birth to future non-Muslim children and grand-children.

With regards to our perception: Munkar has become normalised to us, and that’s why when someone spends time in Makkah (or in a pure place) and comes back to live with the Mushrikīn, he becomes shocked at the lifestyle and how is it possible that he remained living there throughout his life (this is what happens with adapting to residing with the Mushrikīn - your heart becomes hardened and because you are unable to forbid every Munkar, it becomes normal to accept seeing it).