Dua'a (Supplication)
|Day 3
Taught By: Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda
|Du’aa
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
[The following was the talk given by Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda for Day 3 of Ramadan Prep online]
A Qur’anic passage on Du’a
1) Kaf, Ha, Ya, ‘Ayn, Sad.
2) [This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah
3) When he called to his Lord a private supplication.
4) He said, “My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy.
5) And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir
6) Who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You].”
7) [He was told], “O Zechariah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.”
8) He said, “My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?”
9) [An angel] said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.’ ” – [19: 1-9]
- The above Qur’anic passage is derived from Surah Maryam and is also known as the Surah of Mercy.
- It provides us insight us to how we should make du’a to Allah (SWT).
- Ayah (1) Allah (SWT) begins with the mysterious letters
- Ayah (2) Allah (SWT) describes this scenario as a reminder.
- Ayah (3) Zakariyya (a.s) was making du’a in a state of desperation calling out to his lord passionately, emotionally, and privately [in a private supplication]. He found time to have a personal moment that was private between him and Allah (SWT).
- Ayah (4) What exactly did he say? He states how he is weak and extremely old. In this way, he stated his weakness before Allah. Because you are talking to the one who is the highest and superior, free of all needs so the etiquette is to state our weakness and desperation and to humble ourselves before Him (SWT). However, at the same time he tells Allah that he has never returned empty handed or turned down from him and thus expresses his hopefulness at his du’a being answered.
- Ayah (5) He states why he is making du’a. He’s making dua hoping Allah (SWT) out of his kindness will give him the gift of son and the son would support him and his mission.
- Ayah (6) Next, he doesn’t just state that he wants a son but that he wants a son who is pleasing to Allah and one whom Allah is pleased with. Furthermore, he asks that the son be a prophet, messenger and a leader of his family and his people.
- Ayah (7) Allah states that he has granted his du’a and gives him glad tidings of a son whose name would be Yahya (a.s).
- Ayah (8) Prophet Zakariyya (a.s) is surprised on how he would have a son at such an old age as some tafasir state how he was 70. 80 and even 100 years of age so it was a great miracle.
- Ayah (9) Allah (SWT) states its easy for Him (SWT). He (SWT) can fulfill supplications and grant whatever his slaves request him. He further says how created him (Zakariyya) when he was nothing so it is an easy matter for Allah. He just says Be and It is!
Thus the above verses of the Qur’an shed light on how to make dua, why we make dua, what to keep in mind when making dua and also the outcome of dua when it is made properly.
We learn the following:
- Zakarriya (a.s) was humble and hopeful.
- He praises and glorifies Allah (Rabbi – My Lord)
- He turns this into an intimate conversation whereas our duas are just formalities or supplications we recite. But, here we find Zakariyya (a.s) talking to Allah. He turns this into a heart felt conversation with Allah (SWT).
- When he present his request and situation in this manner, Allah takes care of him. Not only does Allah give him a son but makes him a Prophet, modest, pious and one that took care of his parents. One that practiced charity and most importantly was cognizant of Allah (SWT) and had a strong relationship with his Lord.
- Shows how a prophet of Allah would make dua to Allah and gives us perspective to follow the same manner of making dua.
Nature of Du’a
- Making du’a is a command from Allah (SWT) and a sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). It is a great manifestation in our trust and belief in Allah.
- Dua is Ibadah. ”The dua is worship” [Abu Dawud]
- Dua is the essence of worship and our servitude and slavery to Allah (SWT).
- Allah says in the Qur’an:
My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.” — (Surah Baqarah, 2: 186)]
- Allah (SWT) states that He answers the call of the caller.
- This issue of dua is then not a question of ’If’ or ‘will it be answered’ but ‘When” it will be answered.
- It is guaranteed in the Qur’an that our duas will be answered. Allah (SWT) is waiting to answer our duas and supplication.
- The responsibility and delay in our dua being answered is on us not supplicating when we should, not Allah (SWT).
- Another verse of the Qur’an states that no one can remove any affliction upon us except for Allah (SWT).
Conditions for the Acceptance of Du’a
1) Call out to Allah with sincerity, humility and privately.
2) Avoid asking for Haraam and inappropriate things.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “The supplication of a slave continues to be granted as long as he does not supplicate for a sinful thing or for something that would cut off the ties of kinship and he does not grow impatient.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah! What does growing impatient mean?” He (SAW) said, “It is one’s saying: ‘I supplicated again and again but I do not think that my prayer will be answered.’ Then he becomes frustrated (in such circumstances) and gives up supplication altogether.”
- We cannot ask for something which in sinful. Now, we will say that is common sense why would we ask Allah (SWT) for something sinful? However, its important to remember that also asking for something through which you will have to go through impermissible means falls into this category.
- The Prophet (SAW) also mentions as long as he doesn’t ask for something that would cut off the ties of kinship.
- And lastly, not to be impatient and rush your dua. i.e, saying “I made dua but it wasn’t answered”, so you lose hope and discontinue making dua. We should refrain from this because this is showing disrespect to Allah and showing negativity in our resolve and determination.
3) Having solid conviction that Allah (SWT) will answer the dua.
- We should be hopeful and positive and not despair in the mercy and help of Allah (SWT).
The Prophet said, “When anyone of you does Dua then don’t say “Oh Allah! Forgive me if you want“, “Have mercy on me if you want“, “Give me subsistence if you wish” rather believe completely that He will do whatever He wishes. Nobody can force Him.” (Bukhari)
- And know very well that Allah does not answer that dua that comes from a heart that is disconnected from Allah. Dua comes from the heart and not the tongue. Words can be beautiful as we make them but if it is coming from a dark heart than Allah does not answer that dua. However, if our dua comes from a heart that is illuminated with love and mercy of Allah (SWT) then that dua will be fulfilled even if our words are broken when we supplicate.
- Each and every single Muslim that makes a dua, that is not asking the fulfilling of a sin or damaging relations then Allah gives him one of the three things:
1) The person is granted the request or dua as it is
2) A replacement is given in the Akhirah.
3) Allah will take away some harm in exchange.
- The above (part of a hadith) shows us that no matter what, its still a win win situation.
- Another hadith also states how no matter how much dua we make, Allah’s ability to fulfill is greater than the capacity of all of us making dua!
Prophetic Manner of Making Du’a
1) Begin and end every supplication with the praise and the sending prayers upon the beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW).
AlhamduLillah
As salatu wasalam Ala Rasoolillah
2) Call out to Allah using the beautiful and blessed names of Allah (SWT)
The prophet (SAW) said : “Allah has ninety-nine names , and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.”
3) Send blessings and prayers upon the beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW). This is one of the ways to getting closer to Allah.
An example to elaborate this point is when someone shows love to one of our family members or someone we deeply care and love, we appreciate and love is filled in us for that person. Similarly, the prophet (SAW) is very beloved to Allah and more love we show to the prophet, Allah will love us!
4) Make dua as if you are a beggar. Like a beggar who has not eaten for days and days, he will cling onto you to ask for food or money similarly we need to show the same desperation when we make dua to Allah. We need to cry and plead because only He (SWT) can fulfill our duas.
This is a good way to humble yourself and break your ego.
5) Raise your hands.
6) Do not be doubtful.
7) Keep in mind the recommended times for making dua. [My note: See link for a list of all times dua is most likely to be answered http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Best_Times_For_Dua.pdf]
Major Barrier in the acceptance of Du’a
1) Avoid doing haram in your life. Refrain from wearing, working, consuming for impermissible means.
- We have an individual responsibility to live our lives based on Taqwa and not on Fatwas.
- When we find justifications for our sins, we only damage ourselves and our relationship with Allah because our duas are rendered unacceptable.
Powerful Dua to be Recited especially in Ramadan
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’
He (The Prophet PBUH) said:
‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’
“(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
- “Allahhumma innaka Afuwwun” – ‘Allahuma’ – inclusive of all the attributes and qualities of Allah (SWT)
- It is a powerful and emphatic way of calling Allah (SWT). This is why many prophetic duas start with “Allahuma”
- We are directly talking to Allah. Oh Allah! You excessively, continuously, consistently overlook the wrongdoings.
- “Tuhibbul afwa” – You love to overlook shortcomings and sins.
- “Fa-fu anni”- So disregard my shortcomings!
- This is such an elaborate and deep supplication that we should recite often especially in Ramadan and especially in the last ten days of Ramadan!
The Prophet’s dua night before the Battle of Badr
- The night before the Battle of Badr— Abu Bakr (RA) walked into the tent of the Prophet (SAW) late at night and found the Prophet (SAW) making dua to Allah. The Prophet (SAW) had his hands raised above his head, he was crying with tears streaming down his face, and insisting desperately, praying for the victory of the Muslims. He was praying so hard that this shawl that the Prophet (SAW) wore, became undone. Then Abu Bakr (RA) came and picked up the shawl and started crying himself, and Abu Bakr (RA) says to the Prophet (SAW) – “Oh Messenger, your Dua has been accepted by Allah (SWT)
- The fact that the Prophet (SAW) made this dua night before the battle of badr shows us how crucial it is to make dua before anything in your life.
- We should proceed everything with dua, before any significant moment in our lives – an interview, exam, or any other task. This way every great accomplishment will be blessed like in the account of the battle of badr.
- Whether your du’a is granted or not, do not lose patience, have sabr in Allah (SWT).
- A Dua that one makes in someones absence is accepted by Allah (SWT) (Make dua for Shayk ANJ and his family and Ramadan Prep Team)
Q and A
- Advice for the Youth – Make goals of what you want to accomplish in Ramadan even if they are small. i.e I will not swear, or backbite.
- Don’t recite Qur’an in your Sajdah unless Rabbana duas from Qur’an but should not be intended as Qur’an.
- There is consent that a person can recite in another language in the nawafil and sunnah prayer – specifically in sajdah
- You can ask others to make dua for you but don’t insist on others all the time. Fulfill your responsibility of making dua.
- You can make dua for a person who has passed away, in fact it is very important to make dua for the deceased.
- http://makedua.com/ – great website to learn amazing duas. Shaykh ANJ’s students also make an app of Hisnul Muslim.
Allahuma Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Samee’ul ‘Aleem!
Taught By: Shaykh AbdulNasir Jangda
|Du’aa
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
[The following was the talk given by Sh. Abdul Nasir Jangda for Day 3 of Ramadan Prep online]
A Qur’anic passage on Du’a
1) Kaf, Ha, Ya, ‘Ayn, Sad.
2) [This is] a mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zechariah
3) When he called to his Lord a private supplication.
4) He said, “My Lord, indeed my bones have weakened, and my head has filled with white, and never have I been in my supplication to You, my Lord, unhappy.
5) And indeed, I fear the successors after me, and my wife has been barren, so give me from Yourself an heir
6) Who will inherit me and inherit from the family of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, pleasing [to You].”
7) [He was told], “O Zechariah, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be John. We have not assigned to any before [this] name.”
8) He said, “My Lord, how will I have a boy when my wife has been barren and I have reached extreme old age?”
9) [An angel] said, “Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, ‘It is easy for Me, for I created you before, while you were nothing.’ ” – [19: 1-9]
- The above Qur’anic passage is derived from Surah Maryam and is also known as the Surah of Mercy.
- It provides us insight us to how we should make du’a to Allah (SWT).
- Ayah (1) Allah (SWT) begins with the mysterious letters
- Ayah (2) Allah (SWT) describes this scenario as a reminder.
- Ayah (3) Zakariyya (a.s) was making du’a in a state of desperation calling out to his lord passionately, emotionally, and privately [in a private supplication]. He found time to have a personal moment that was private between him and Allah (SWT).
- Ayah (4) What exactly did he say? He states how he is weak and extremely old. In this way, he stated his weakness before Allah. Because you are talking to the one who is the highest and superior, free of all needs so the etiquette is to state our weakness and desperation and to humble ourselves before Him (SWT). However, at the same time he tells Allah that he has never returned empty handed or turned down from him and thus expresses his hopefulness at his du’a being answered.
- Ayah (5) He states why he is making du’a. He’s making dua hoping Allah (SWT) out of his kindness will give him the gift of son and the son would support him and his mission.
- Ayah (6) Next, he doesn’t just state that he wants a son but that he wants a son who is pleasing to Allah and one whom Allah is pleased with. Furthermore, he asks that the son be a prophet, messenger and a leader of his family and his people.
- Ayah (7) Allah states that he has granted his du’a and gives him glad tidings of a son whose name would be Yahya (a.s).
- Ayah (8) Prophet Zakariyya (a.s) is surprised on how he would have a son at such an old age as some tafasir state how he was 70. 80 and even 100 years of age so it was a great miracle.
- Ayah (9) Allah (SWT) states its easy for Him (SWT). He (SWT) can fulfill supplications and grant whatever his slaves request him. He further says how created him (Zakariyya) when he was nothing so it is an easy matter for Allah. He just says Be and It is!
Thus the above verses of the Qur’an shed light on how to make dua, why we make dua, what to keep in mind when making dua and also the outcome of dua when it is made properly.
We learn the following:
- Zakarriya (a.s) was humble and hopeful.
- He praises and glorifies Allah (Rabbi – My Lord)
- He turns this into an intimate conversation whereas our duas are just formalities or supplications we recite. But, here we find Zakariyya (a.s) talking to Allah. He turns this into a heart felt conversation with Allah (SWT).
- When he present his request and situation in this manner, Allah takes care of him. Not only does Allah give him a son but makes him a Prophet, modest, pious and one that took care of his parents. One that practiced charity and most importantly was cognizant of Allah (SWT) and had a strong relationship with his Lord.
- Shows how a prophet of Allah would make dua to Allah and gives us perspective to follow the same manner of making dua.
Nature of Du’a
- Making du’a is a command from Allah (SWT) and a sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). It is a great manifestation in our trust and belief in Allah.
- Dua is Ibadah. ”The dua is worship” [Abu Dawud]
- Dua is the essence of worship and our servitude and slavery to Allah (SWT).
- Allah says in the Qur’an:
My servants ask thee concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: let them also, with a will, listen to My call, and believe in Me: that they may walk in the right way.” — (Surah Baqarah, 2: 186)]
- Allah (SWT) states that He answers the call of the caller.
- This issue of dua is then not a question of ’If’ or ‘will it be answered’ but ‘When” it will be answered.
- It is guaranteed in the Qur’an that our duas will be answered. Allah (SWT) is waiting to answer our duas and supplication.
- The responsibility and delay in our dua being answered is on us not supplicating when we should, not Allah (SWT).
- Another verse of the Qur’an states that no one can remove any affliction upon us except for Allah (SWT).
Conditions for the Acceptance of Du’a
1) Call out to Allah with sincerity, humility and privately.
2) Avoid asking for Haraam and inappropriate things.
The Prophet (SAW) said: “The supplication of a slave continues to be granted as long as he does not supplicate for a sinful thing or for something that would cut off the ties of kinship and he does not grow impatient.” It was said: “O Messenger of Allah! What does growing impatient mean?” He (SAW) said, “It is one’s saying: ‘I supplicated again and again but I do not think that my prayer will be answered.’ Then he becomes frustrated (in such circumstances) and gives up supplication altogether.”
- We cannot ask for something which in sinful. Now, we will say that is common sense why would we ask Allah (SWT) for something sinful? However, its important to remember that also asking for something through which you will have to go through impermissible means falls into this category.
- The Prophet (SAW) also mentions as long as he doesn’t ask for something that would cut off the ties of kinship.
- And lastly, not to be impatient and rush your dua. i.e, saying “I made dua but it wasn’t answered”, so you lose hope and discontinue making dua. We should refrain from this because this is showing disrespect to Allah and showing negativity in our resolve and determination.
3) Having solid conviction that Allah (SWT) will answer the dua.
- We should be hopeful and positive and not despair in the mercy and help of Allah (SWT).
The Prophet said, “When anyone of you does Dua then don’t say “Oh Allah! Forgive me if you want“, “Have mercy on me if you want“, “Give me subsistence if you wish” rather believe completely that He will do whatever He wishes. Nobody can force Him.” (Bukhari)
- And know very well that Allah does not answer that dua that comes from a heart that is disconnected from Allah. Dua comes from the heart and not the tongue. Words can be beautiful as we make them but if it is coming from a dark heart than Allah does not answer that dua. However, if our dua comes from a heart that is illuminated with love and mercy of Allah (SWT) then that dua will be fulfilled even if our words are broken when we supplicate.
- Each and every single Muslim that makes a dua, that is not asking the fulfilling of a sin or damaging relations then Allah gives him one of the three things:
1) The person is granted the request or dua as it is
2) A replacement is given in the Akhirah.
3) Allah will take away some harm in exchange.
- The above (part of a hadith) shows us that no matter what, its still a win win situation.
- Another hadith also states how no matter how much dua we make, Allah’s ability to fulfill is greater than the capacity of all of us making dua!
Prophetic Manner of Making Du’a
1) Begin and end every supplication with the praise and the sending prayers upon the beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW).
AlhamduLillah
As salatu wasalam Ala Rasoolillah
2) Call out to Allah using the beautiful and blessed names of Allah (SWT)
The prophet (SAW) said : “Allah has ninety-nine names , and whoever knows them will go to Paradise.”
3) Send blessings and prayers upon the beloved prophet Muhammad (SAW). This is one of the ways to getting closer to Allah.
An example to elaborate this point is when someone shows love to one of our family members or someone we deeply care and love, we appreciate and love is filled in us for that person. Similarly, the prophet (SAW) is very beloved to Allah and more love we show to the prophet, Allah will love us!
4) Make dua as if you are a beggar. Like a beggar who has not eaten for days and days, he will cling onto you to ask for food or money similarly we need to show the same desperation when we make dua to Allah. We need to cry and plead because only He (SWT) can fulfill our duas.
This is a good way to humble yourself and break your ego.
5) Raise your hands.
6) Do not be doubtful.
7) Keep in mind the recommended times for making dua. [My note: See link for a list of all times dua is most likely to be answered http://www.islameasy.org/pdf/Best_Times_For_Dua.pdf]
Major Barrier in the acceptance of Du’a
1) Avoid doing haram in your life. Refrain from wearing, working, consuming for impermissible means.
- We have an individual responsibility to live our lives based on Taqwa and not on Fatwas.
- When we find justifications for our sins, we only damage ourselves and our relationship with Allah because our duas are rendered unacceptable.
Powerful Dua to be Recited especially in Ramadan
اللْهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’
He (The Prophet PBUH) said:
‘Say: O Allah, You are pardoning and You love to pardon, so pardon me.’
“(Ahmad, Ibn Majah, and Tirmidhi).
- “Allahhumma innaka Afuwwun” – ‘Allahuma’ – inclusive of all the attributes and qualities of Allah (SWT)
- It is a powerful and emphatic way of calling Allah (SWT). This is why many prophetic duas start with “Allahuma”
- We are directly talking to Allah. Oh Allah! You excessively, continuously, consistently overlook the wrongdoings.
- “Tuhibbul afwa” – You love to overlook shortcomings and sins.
- “Fa-fu anni”- So disregard my shortcomings!
- This is such an elaborate and deep supplication that we should recite often especially in Ramadan and especially in the last ten days of Ramadan!
The Prophet’s dua night before the Battle of Badr
- The night before the Battle of Badr— Abu Bakr (RA) walked into the tent of the Prophet (SAW) late at night and found the Prophet (SAW) making dua to Allah. The Prophet (SAW) had his hands raised above his head, he was crying with tears streaming down his face, and insisting desperately, praying for the victory of the Muslims. He was praying so hard that this shawl that the Prophet (SAW) wore, became undone. Then Abu Bakr (RA) came and picked up the shawl and started crying himself, and Abu Bakr (RA) says to the Prophet (SAW) – “Oh Messenger, your Dua has been accepted by Allah (SWT)
- The fact that the Prophet (SAW) made this dua night before the battle of badr shows us how crucial it is to make dua before anything in your life.
- We should proceed everything with dua, before any significant moment in our lives – an interview, exam, or any other task. This way every great accomplishment will be blessed like in the account of the battle of badr.
- Whether your du’a is granted or not, do not lose patience, have sabr in Allah (SWT).
- A Dua that one makes in someones absence is accepted by Allah (SWT) (Make dua for Shayk ANJ and his family and Ramadan Prep Team)
Q and A
- Advice for the Youth – Make goals of what you want to accomplish in Ramadan even if they are small. i.e I will not swear, or backbite.
- Don’t recite Qur’an in your Sajdah unless Rabbana duas from Qur’an but should not be intended as Qur’an.
- There is consent that a person can recite in another language in the nawafil and sunnah prayer – specifically in sajdah
- You can ask others to make dua for you but don’t insist on others all the time. Fulfill your responsibility of making dua.
- You can make dua for a person who has passed away, in fact it is very important to make dua for the deceased.
- http://makedua.com/ – great website to learn amazing duas. Shaykh ANJ’s students also make an app of Hisnul Muslim.
Allahuma Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Samee’ul ‘Aleem!
Salah: A Gift From Allah
|Day 2
Taught By: Dr. Farhan Abdul-Azeez
|Salah – A Gift from Allah
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
[The following was the talk given by Br. Farhan Abdul Azeez for Day 2 of Ramadan Prep online]
-> Background information before the Gift of Salah
- Hadith- It is related by Hadrat Anas (R.A) that the Messenger (SAW) of Allah said: “I was threatened in the path of Allah as no one had been threatened, and I was tortured in the path of Allah as no one had been tortured, and, once, thirty days and nights passed when there was nothing for me and Bilal to eat, which a living being could eat, except what Bilal had hidden under his arm.”
[Tirmidhi]
- `A’ishah (R.A) said to the Messenger, ”O Allah’s Messenger! Have you encountered a day harder than the day (of the battle) of Uhud”. The Prophet (SAW) replied in the affirmative and said, “..the worst trouble was on the day of ‘Aqabah…” [i.e, when he went to taa’if]
- The above ahadith describe the troublesome situations and hardships during what was named the Year of Sorrow wherein the Muslims faced an embargo for three consecutive years and the Prophet lost his loved ones.
- During this year of sorrow, the Prophet [SAW) lost two of his most beloved family members, Khadijah, his wife and Abu Talib, his uncle, who were his source of support and protection.
- Abu Talib was a means by which he got protection from the persecutors of Makkah and Khadija (R.A) provided him with emotional and psychological support in the face of rejection to the call of Islam.
- He later mentions in the coming years about his wife Khadijah (r.A)
"She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand."
- After the passing of the most beloved and important people in his life who had supported his mission and call to Islam, the people of Makkah became more bold in their attempts to diminish the message of God and so they threatened the Prophet with his life.
- Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. [Anfaal 8:30]
- In his attempt to seek protection and hope to call others to Islam, he headed off to Taa’if.
- Taa’if is 60 miles away from Makkah and the Prophet (SAW) went by foot with his adopted son Zaid Bin Haarithah so the Quraysh would not suspect that he was going anywhere.
- He embarked on this long journey without food and water (also leaving his daughters behind) but with a heart full of hope that the people of Taa’if would accept Islam and offer him their protection.
- The leaders of Taa’if however were very hostile towards his message and responded in a rude and mocking manner.
- One of them swore that he would tear down the covering of Ka’ba if Allah had sent him as His Messenger. Another mocked the Prophet (sa) saying,“Couldn’t Allah have found someone better than you to send!” As for the third he said, “By Allah, don’t let me speak to you ever again. If you are as you claim, the Messenger of Allah, then you are far too important to speak with me; on the other hand, if you are lying, it is not befitting for me to speak with you!”
- Not only did they respond rudely to the message, they sent hooligans and slaves to pelt the Prophet (SAW) with stones and chase him out of the city.
- Although Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) was trying theprotect the Prophet (SAW) with his entire body, the Prophet (SAW) was injured.
- The Prophet (SAW) mentions how he never raised his step to walk except that he was struck with a stone. His shoes were clogged with blood!
- The Prophet (SAW) just kept running and running. He was so overwhelmed with grief and confusion that he states he was not even aware of his surroundings. The evil perpetrators had cursed and chased him for two consecutive miles until he took refuge in an orchard.
- After such humiliation, grief and pain. He (SAW) turned to Allah and said:
“O Allah! Unto You do I complain of my weakness, of my helplessness and of my lowliness before men. O most Merciful of the merciful. O Lord of the weak and my Lord too. Into whose hands have you entrusted me? Unto some far off stranger who receives me with hostility? Or unto a foe whom you have empowered against me? I care not, so long as You are not angry with me. But Your favouring help, that were for me the broader way and the wider scope. I take refuge in the light of Your countenance whereby all darknesses are illuminated and all things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest You make descend Your anger upon me or lest Your wrath beset me. Yet it is Yours to reproach until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might except through Thee.”
- After getting no help from Taa’if, He (SAW) returns to Makkah but cannot even enter his own city. He stands outside of Makkah and then stays in to the cave of Hira sending messages asking someone from the Quraysh to offer him protection. Until, finally someone does offer it.
- Imagine the grief and sorrow after all the above events in which he had to face torture and difficulties.
- It was amongst this sensitive time frame that the event of Al- Isra Wal Miraj took place.
-> Isra – Wal – Miraj – Giving the Gift of Salah
- He (SAW) was honored with Isra Wal Miraj.
- Gibraeel (a.s) came to him with Buraaq, a white animal said to be larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. The Prophet (SAW) rode on this and it was said that one step of the Buraaq was as far as the horizon.
- The Prophet was taken to Masjid Al Aqsa and he tied his buraq to a ring outside was that was used by other Messengers to tie their animals. The prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled all the Prophets and he led them all in prayer.
- After, he (SAW) ascended to the upper heavens.
“When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, “Who is with you?” Jibril answered, “It is Muhammad.” The angel asked Jibril, “Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?” Jibril said, “Yes.” So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.”
- He attended all the seven heavens. In the seventh heaven, the Prophet (SAW) saw Sidratul Muntaha, a very big tree of Sidr and Bayt Al Ma’mur which is like the Ka’ba to the inhabitants of the skies. Every day, 70,000 angels go there to worship Allah and they don’t return. This show the great number in the creation of the Angels!
- The Prophet (SAW) also had the pleasure of seeing the bounties of paradises and its rivers.
He (SAW) described,
“..Behold there ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible. I asked: “What are these two kinds of rivers, Jibreel (alaihis-salaam)?” He replied: “As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the two visible are the Nile and Euphrates.”
- After a certain point that even Jibraeel a.s could not go past, Allah granted the Prophet (SAW) and his ummah a gift in an exclusive conversation between Him (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW). That gift was Salah!
- It was eventually reduced to five from fifty prescribed prayers!
-> Gift of Salah and its Virtues
- How do we view Salah? Do we see it as a Gift from our Creator or as a task that we have to do?
- If we looked at it as a gift, we would treasure it and love it just as the Prophet (SAW) and the companions did.
- The Prophet (SAW) viewed Salah as a coolness of his eyes and whenever he (SAW) got worried, he would hasten to Salah. He would say to Bilal, “Relieve us with it, O Bilal.”
- Relevant example – When we play basketball, we will for hours on end until we are sweaty, sore and tired but when our mother tells us to wash the dishes, we do not want to even though it is much more easy and refreshing than playing basketball and you don’t even have to smell and be sore. Why? The difference lies in how one looks at it. You love playing b-ball, so even two hours is too little. You want to keep on playing even if it means smelling bad and being sore in the morning.
- When it comes to Prayers, we wish for the Imam to recite short surahs and get annoyed when he recites a bit more than Surah Ikhlas!
- This was not the case with the companions and the Prophet (SAW). They understood the Gift of Salah. When they were in a battle against the tribe Juhayna, the Muslims still prayed Dhur Salah when it was time! They loved Salah more than they loved their own children. Such was their love!
- There’s no excuse when it comes to prayer. If you can’t stand, sit. If you can’t sit, use your eyes! Ustadh mentions how he received an emergency call to the operating room and he hadn’t prayed so he stood and prayed in the operation room.
- We must perform Salah even in difficult circumstances.
- When we are born adhaan is given but no salah. When we die salah is prayed but no adhaan. The adhaan given at the time of our birth is the adhaan for the salah prayed at the time of our death. That’s how short life is, the time between adhaan and salah.
- The most important thing in life is prayer. Not praying is the first reason for people going to Hell.
The conversation is stated in the Qur’an as follows:
“..What led you into Hell Fire?” They will say: “We were not of those who prayed.” (74:43)
-> Salah GEMS
1) Know that you are talking to Allah (SWT) in Prayer.
When someone you admire calls you, you will not want to end that conversation. Say, Kobe Braynt called, you will want to continue the conversation as long as possible and you will tell all your friends that he called! How then should you feel when you are talking to the All Might Allah!
In Surah Taha, Allah (SWT) asks Musa (A.S) “What’s in your right hand?” Musa (A.S) said, “This is my staff, I walk with it, I rest with it, I look after my flocks with it. I protect myself with it”. Why did Musa (A.S) go on this long about his staff? Who is he talking to? He was talking to Allah (SWT) He had the chance to speak to Allah (SWT) so he elongated it.
Let’s give a relevant example to prove the point. Say, you are in the newly engaged phase. You will look for any excuse to talk to your spouse to be. The conversation might go as follows.
“You look really nice in that t- shirt”.
“Yes, I bought it Kohls. It was on sale for $10 dollars. It’s 100% cotton and so comfortable”.
So, you go on and on about the t-shirt. But do you really care about the details of the t-shirt and how you got it? No? You only care about the one you are talking. It’s just an excuse to talk to them! Musa a.s did the same!
We talk to Allah by praying to Him (SWT).
2) Allah (SWT) mentions you when you pray (even if you commit so many sins, Allah is still willing to talk to you!)
“and the Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is greater”. [29:45] – meaning when that Allah’s remembrance of you is greater than your remembrance of Allah (SWT).
“So Remember Me and I will remember you”. (2:152) Every time you pray, your name will be mentioned in the heavens!
It is mentioned in the following hadith how the companion was overcome with emotion when he was told Allah had specifically mentioned him name.
Imam Ahmad recorded from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah said to Ubayy bin Ka`b, Verily, Allah has commanded me to recite to you:”Those who disbelieve from among the People of the Scripture.” (From Surah Bayyinah)Ubayy said, “He (Allah) mentioned me by name to you”The Prophet replied, Yes. So he (Ubayy) cried.
[Al-Bukhari, Muslim]
Furthermore, say if you were in a huge convention and your favorite shaykh spots you in the crowd and calls out your name in the middle of a speech. How would you feel? Honored? Happy? How then should the case be when Allah mentions you in the heavens!
3) Allah (SWT) looks at you when you pray. This is why you need to focus not just with your eyes but your heart towards Allah (SWT) because Allah (SWT) faces you as long as you don’t turn away from your heart. Concentrate! This your one on one time with Allah (SWT)
4) Salah is a means of forgiveness for our sins. Your sins are forgiven from prayer to prayer and from Jumu’ah to Jumu’ah. It is mentioned in a hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurayrah (R.A) Rasulullah (SAW) said: Five prayers and from one Friday prayer to (the next) Friday prayer is an expiation (of the sins committed in between their intervals) if major sins are not committed. (Sahih Muslim)
Furthermore, sins are washed away with proper Wudhu. The sins committed with your tongue, eyes, hands feet are washed away with the water when you are doing Wudhu so you come out with your sins being forgiven!
[My own note: Virtues of Wudhu - http://theicr.org/articles/wudu_final.pdf]
5) Going to the Masjid erases sins and raises ranks.
Whoever makes wudhu at home and then goes to the Masjid, you are rewarded for every step you take and your rank is raised!
6) Angels ask for your forgiveness before Salah.
Narrated Abu Hurarah: When he enters the mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on asking for Allah’s forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: ‘O Allah! Be Merciful to him, O Allah! Forgive him” as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind.
7) Every time you do ruku’ and sujood, your sins fall off of you. Upon “Allahu Akbar”, any bad deeds committed by our faculties begin to float until they reach our head and shoulders. And every time you do ruku’ and sujood, these sins fall off and away! (Reason to hold those positions longer)
The believer looks at the smallest sin as a mountain that can crush him, but the hypocrite looks at the same sin like a fly. Don’t look at how small the sin is but who you have sinned against!
8) When the Imam recites Surah Fatiah, say A’meen because if your A’meen coincides with that of the Angels, yours sins are forgiven!
9) Say the dua’a at the beginning of the prayer:
‘O Allaah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced The East from The West, O Allaah, purify me of my sins as a white robe is purified of filth, O Allaah, cleanse me of my sins with snow, water, and ice.’
“اللَّهُمَّ بَاعِدْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ، اللَّهُمَّ نَقِّنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ، كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَ بْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ بِالثَّلْجِ وّالْمَاءِ وَالْبَرَدِ”.
10) Every time you make sajda, your rank is raised and your sins are forgiven.
Make the following dua between sajdah:
“اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَاجْبُرْنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي، وَارْفَعْنِي”
“O Allah forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, support me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me.”
11) Angels ask for your forgiveness after Salah so long as you sit in the same position with your wudhu intact.
Narrated Abu Hurarah: When he enters the mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on asking for Allah’s forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: ‘O Allah! Be Merciful to him, O Allah! Forgive him” as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind.
12) Do Istighfar and Dhikr with Khushoo after Salah and before sleeping and after you wake up.
(My own note: List of beautiful Dhikr can be found here –http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/beautiful_dhikr.htm]
13) After every Salah, Say:
Subhan’Allah, (x33) Alhamdlillah (x33) and Allahu Akbar (x34) each and Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (making 100 times dhirk total)—All sins will be forgiven even if they are like foam of the sea.
14) Every good deed you do wipes away a bad deed. Pray the five prayers and do the dhikr of Allah (SWT). So many different ways to wipe away your sins!
15) Pray on time!
16) Salah is not an excuse to commit as many sins as you want. When we are kind but our kindness is take advantage of, do we not get angry or frustrated? How would then Allah (SWT) be? We can’t take advantage of his mercy and generosity towards us. If he wants, he could take away that mercy and all the rewards!
-> The Ultimate Gift!
- Surah Al-Ma’idah (118) : “If you should punish them- indeed they are your servants; but if you forgive them- indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might the Wise. (118). This is the day when the truthful will benefit and their truthfulness” from them are gardens [in paradise’ beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment.”
- Allah swt will ask the believer in Jannah – Are You pleased? Imagine that moment, meeting your lord and Him (SWT) asking you! Allah (SWT) will say “I have granted you my pleasure, for the sacrifice you made. I will never be angry with you ever again”
Allahuma Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Samee’ul ‘Aleem!
Taught By: Dr. Farhan Abdul-Azeez
|Salah – A Gift from Allah
Bismillah
Allahuma Sali Ala Muhammad
[The following was the talk given by Br. Farhan Abdul Azeez for Day 2 of Ramadan Prep online]
-> Background information before the Gift of Salah
- Hadith- It is related by Hadrat Anas (R.A) that the Messenger (SAW) of Allah said: “I was threatened in the path of Allah as no one had been threatened, and I was tortured in the path of Allah as no one had been tortured, and, once, thirty days and nights passed when there was nothing for me and Bilal to eat, which a living being could eat, except what Bilal had hidden under his arm.”
[Tirmidhi]
- `A’ishah (R.A) said to the Messenger, ”O Allah’s Messenger! Have you encountered a day harder than the day (of the battle) of Uhud”. The Prophet (SAW) replied in the affirmative and said, “..the worst trouble was on the day of ‘Aqabah…” [i.e, when he went to taa’if]
- The above ahadith describe the troublesome situations and hardships during what was named the Year of Sorrow wherein the Muslims faced an embargo for three consecutive years and the Prophet lost his loved ones.
- During this year of sorrow, the Prophet [SAW) lost two of his most beloved family members, Khadijah, his wife and Abu Talib, his uncle, who were his source of support and protection.
- Abu Talib was a means by which he got protection from the persecutors of Makkah and Khadija (R.A) provided him with emotional and psychological support in the face of rejection to the call of Islam.
- He later mentions in the coming years about his wife Khadijah (r.A)
"She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand."
- After the passing of the most beloved and important people in his life who had supported his mission and call to Islam, the people of Makkah became more bold in their attempts to diminish the message of God and so they threatened the Prophet with his life.
- Allah mentions in the Qur’an:
And [remember, O Muhammad], when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you or kill you or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners. [Anfaal 8:30]
- In his attempt to seek protection and hope to call others to Islam, he headed off to Taa’if.
- Taa’if is 60 miles away from Makkah and the Prophet (SAW) went by foot with his adopted son Zaid Bin Haarithah so the Quraysh would not suspect that he was going anywhere.
- He embarked on this long journey without food and water (also leaving his daughters behind) but with a heart full of hope that the people of Taa’if would accept Islam and offer him their protection.
- The leaders of Taa’if however were very hostile towards his message and responded in a rude and mocking manner.
- One of them swore that he would tear down the covering of Ka’ba if Allah had sent him as His Messenger. Another mocked the Prophet (sa) saying,“Couldn’t Allah have found someone better than you to send!” As for the third he said, “By Allah, don’t let me speak to you ever again. If you are as you claim, the Messenger of Allah, then you are far too important to speak with me; on the other hand, if you are lying, it is not befitting for me to speak with you!”
- Not only did they respond rudely to the message, they sent hooligans and slaves to pelt the Prophet (SAW) with stones and chase him out of the city.
- Although Zaid Ibn Haritha (R.A) was trying theprotect the Prophet (SAW) with his entire body, the Prophet (SAW) was injured.
- The Prophet (SAW) mentions how he never raised his step to walk except that he was struck with a stone. His shoes were clogged with blood!
- The Prophet (SAW) just kept running and running. He was so overwhelmed with grief and confusion that he states he was not even aware of his surroundings. The evil perpetrators had cursed and chased him for two consecutive miles until he took refuge in an orchard.
- After such humiliation, grief and pain. He (SAW) turned to Allah and said:
“O Allah! Unto You do I complain of my weakness, of my helplessness and of my lowliness before men. O most Merciful of the merciful. O Lord of the weak and my Lord too. Into whose hands have you entrusted me? Unto some far off stranger who receives me with hostility? Or unto a foe whom you have empowered against me? I care not, so long as You are not angry with me. But Your favouring help, that were for me the broader way and the wider scope. I take refuge in the light of Your countenance whereby all darknesses are illuminated and all things of this world and the next are rightly ordered, lest You make descend Your anger upon me or lest Your wrath beset me. Yet it is Yours to reproach until You are well pleased. There is no power and no might except through Thee.”
- After getting no help from Taa’if, He (SAW) returns to Makkah but cannot even enter his own city. He stands outside of Makkah and then stays in to the cave of Hira sending messages asking someone from the Quraysh to offer him protection. Until, finally someone does offer it.
- Imagine the grief and sorrow after all the above events in which he had to face torture and difficulties.
- It was amongst this sensitive time frame that the event of Al- Isra Wal Miraj took place.
-> Isra – Wal – Miraj – Giving the Gift of Salah
- He (SAW) was honored with Isra Wal Miraj.
- Gibraeel (a.s) came to him with Buraaq, a white animal said to be larger than a donkey but smaller than a mule. The Prophet (SAW) rode on this and it was said that one step of the Buraaq was as far as the horizon.
- The Prophet was taken to Masjid Al Aqsa and he tied his buraq to a ring outside was that was used by other Messengers to tie their animals. The prophet entered the masjid where Allah assembled all the Prophets and he led them all in prayer.
- After, he (SAW) ascended to the upper heavens.
“When the Prophet and Jibril arrived at the first heaven, Jibril requested the gate to be opened. The angel assigned to that gate asked Jibril, “Who is with you?” Jibril answered, “It is Muhammad.” The angel asked Jibril, “Was he dispatched? Is it time for him to ascend to the heaven?” Jibril said, “Yes.” So, the gate was opened for him, and Prophet Muhammad entered the first heaven.”
- He attended all the seven heavens. In the seventh heaven, the Prophet (SAW) saw Sidratul Muntaha, a very big tree of Sidr and Bayt Al Ma’mur which is like the Ka’ba to the inhabitants of the skies. Every day, 70,000 angels go there to worship Allah and they don’t return. This show the great number in the creation of the Angels!
- The Prophet (SAW) also had the pleasure of seeing the bounties of paradises and its rivers.
He (SAW) described,
“..Behold there ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible. I asked: “What are these two kinds of rivers, Jibreel (alaihis-salaam)?” He replied: “As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the two visible are the Nile and Euphrates.”
- After a certain point that even Jibraeel a.s could not go past, Allah granted the Prophet (SAW) and his ummah a gift in an exclusive conversation between Him (SWT) and the Prophet (SAW). That gift was Salah!
- It was eventually reduced to five from fifty prescribed prayers!
-> Gift of Salah and its Virtues
- How do we view Salah? Do we see it as a Gift from our Creator or as a task that we have to do?
- If we looked at it as a gift, we would treasure it and love it just as the Prophet (SAW) and the companions did.
- The Prophet (SAW) viewed Salah as a coolness of his eyes and whenever he (SAW) got worried, he would hasten to Salah. He would say to Bilal, “Relieve us with it, O Bilal.”
- Relevant example – When we play basketball, we will for hours on end until we are sweaty, sore and tired but when our mother tells us to wash the dishes, we do not want to even though it is much more easy and refreshing than playing basketball and you don’t even have to smell and be sore. Why? The difference lies in how one looks at it. You love playing b-ball, so even two hours is too little. You want to keep on playing even if it means smelling bad and being sore in the morning.
- When it comes to Prayers, we wish for the Imam to recite short surahs and get annoyed when he recites a bit more than Surah Ikhlas!
- This was not the case with the companions and the Prophet (SAW). They understood the Gift of Salah. When they were in a battle against the tribe Juhayna, the Muslims still prayed Dhur Salah when it was time! They loved Salah more than they loved their own children. Such was their love!
- There’s no excuse when it comes to prayer. If you can’t stand, sit. If you can’t sit, use your eyes! Ustadh mentions how he received an emergency call to the operating room and he hadn’t prayed so he stood and prayed in the operation room.
- We must perform Salah even in difficult circumstances.
- When we are born adhaan is given but no salah. When we die salah is prayed but no adhaan. The adhaan given at the time of our birth is the adhaan for the salah prayed at the time of our death. That’s how short life is, the time between adhaan and salah.
- The most important thing in life is prayer. Not praying is the first reason for people going to Hell.
The conversation is stated in the Qur’an as follows:
“..What led you into Hell Fire?” They will say: “We were not of those who prayed.” (74:43)
-> Salah GEMS
1) Know that you are talking to Allah (SWT) in Prayer.
When someone you admire calls you, you will not want to end that conversation. Say, Kobe Braynt called, you will want to continue the conversation as long as possible and you will tell all your friends that he called! How then should you feel when you are talking to the All Might Allah!
In Surah Taha, Allah (SWT) asks Musa (A.S) “What’s in your right hand?” Musa (A.S) said, “This is my staff, I walk with it, I rest with it, I look after my flocks with it. I protect myself with it”. Why did Musa (A.S) go on this long about his staff? Who is he talking to? He was talking to Allah (SWT) He had the chance to speak to Allah (SWT) so he elongated it.
Let’s give a relevant example to prove the point. Say, you are in the newly engaged phase. You will look for any excuse to talk to your spouse to be. The conversation might go as follows.
“You look really nice in that t- shirt”.
“Yes, I bought it Kohls. It was on sale for $10 dollars. It’s 100% cotton and so comfortable”.
So, you go on and on about the t-shirt. But do you really care about the details of the t-shirt and how you got it? No? You only care about the one you are talking. It’s just an excuse to talk to them! Musa a.s did the same!
We talk to Allah by praying to Him (SWT).
2) Allah (SWT) mentions you when you pray (even if you commit so many sins, Allah is still willing to talk to you!)
“and the Remembrance of Allah (SWT) is greater”. [29:45] – meaning when that Allah’s remembrance of you is greater than your remembrance of Allah (SWT).
“So Remember Me and I will remember you”. (2:152) Every time you pray, your name will be mentioned in the heavens!
It is mentioned in the following hadith how the companion was overcome with emotion when he was told Allah had specifically mentioned him name.
Imam Ahmad recorded from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah said to Ubayy bin Ka`b, Verily, Allah has commanded me to recite to you:”Those who disbelieve from among the People of the Scripture.” (From Surah Bayyinah)Ubayy said, “He (Allah) mentioned me by name to you”The Prophet replied, Yes. So he (Ubayy) cried.
[Al-Bukhari, Muslim]
Furthermore, say if you were in a huge convention and your favorite shaykh spots you in the crowd and calls out your name in the middle of a speech. How would you feel? Honored? Happy? How then should the case be when Allah mentions you in the heavens!
3) Allah (SWT) looks at you when you pray. This is why you need to focus not just with your eyes but your heart towards Allah (SWT) because Allah (SWT) faces you as long as you don’t turn away from your heart. Concentrate! This your one on one time with Allah (SWT)
4) Salah is a means of forgiveness for our sins. Your sins are forgiven from prayer to prayer and from Jumu’ah to Jumu’ah. It is mentioned in a hadith:
Narrated Abu Hurayrah (R.A) Rasulullah (SAW) said: Five prayers and from one Friday prayer to (the next) Friday prayer is an expiation (of the sins committed in between their intervals) if major sins are not committed. (Sahih Muslim)
Furthermore, sins are washed away with proper Wudhu. The sins committed with your tongue, eyes, hands feet are washed away with the water when you are doing Wudhu so you come out with your sins being forgiven!
[My own note: Virtues of Wudhu - http://theicr.org/articles/wudu_final.pdf]
5) Going to the Masjid erases sins and raises ranks.
Whoever makes wudhu at home and then goes to the Masjid, you are rewarded for every step you take and your rank is raised!
6) Angels ask for your forgiveness before Salah.
Narrated Abu Hurarah: When he enters the mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on asking for Allah’s forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: ‘O Allah! Be Merciful to him, O Allah! Forgive him” as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind.
7) Every time you do ruku’ and sujood, your sins fall off of you. Upon “Allahu Akbar”, any bad deeds committed by our faculties begin to float until they reach our head and shoulders. And every time you do ruku’ and sujood, these sins fall off and away! (Reason to hold those positions longer)
The believer looks at the smallest sin as a mountain that can crush him, but the hypocrite looks at the same sin like a fly. Don’t look at how small the sin is but who you have sinned against!
8) When the Imam recites Surah Fatiah, say A’meen because if your A’meen coincides with that of the Angels, yours sins are forgiven!
9) Say the dua’a at the beginning of the prayer:
‘O Allaah, distance me from my sins just as You have distanced The East from The West, O Allaah, purify me of my sins as a white robe is purified of filth, O Allaah, cleanse me of my sins with snow, water, and ice.’
“اللَّهُمَّ بَاعِدْ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ خَطَايَايَ كَمَا بَاعَدْتَ بَيْنَ الْمَشْرِقِ وَالْمَغْرِبِ، اللَّهُمَّ نَقِّنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ، كَمَا يُنَقَّى الثَّوْبُ الْأَ بْيَضُ مِنَ الدَّنَسِ، اللَّهُمَّ اغْسِلْنِي مِنْ خَطَايَايَ بِالثَّلْجِ وّالْمَاءِ وَالْبَرَدِ”.
10) Every time you make sajda, your rank is raised and your sins are forgiven.
Make the following dua between sajdah:
“اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي، وَارْحَمْنِي، وَاهْدِنِي، وَاجْبُرْنِي، وَعَافِنِي، وَارْزُقْنِي، وَارْفَعْنِي”
“O Allah forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, support me, protect me, provide for me and elevate me.”
11) Angels ask for your forgiveness after Salah so long as you sit in the same position with your wudhu intact.
Narrated Abu Hurarah: When he enters the mosque he is considered in prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and the angels keep on asking for Allah’s forgiveness for him and they keep on saying: ‘O Allah! Be Merciful to him, O Allah! Forgive him” as long as he keeps on sitting at his praying place and does not pass wind.
12) Do Istighfar and Dhikr with Khushoo after Salah and before sleeping and after you wake up.
(My own note: List of beautiful Dhikr can be found here –http://www.sunnah.org/ibadaat/beautiful_dhikr.htm]
13) After every Salah, Say:
Subhan’Allah, (x33) Alhamdlillah (x33) and Allahu Akbar (x34) each and Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah wahdahu laa shareeka lahu, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadeer (making 100 times dhirk total)—All sins will be forgiven even if they are like foam of the sea.
14) Every good deed you do wipes away a bad deed. Pray the five prayers and do the dhikr of Allah (SWT). So many different ways to wipe away your sins!
15) Pray on time!
16) Salah is not an excuse to commit as many sins as you want. When we are kind but our kindness is take advantage of, do we not get angry or frustrated? How would then Allah (SWT) be? We can’t take advantage of his mercy and generosity towards us. If he wants, he could take away that mercy and all the rewards!
-> The Ultimate Gift!
- Surah Al-Ma’idah (118) : “If you should punish them- indeed they are your servants; but if you forgive them- indeed it is You who is the Exalted in Might the Wise. (118). This is the day when the truthful will benefit and their truthfulness” from them are gardens [in paradise’ beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever, Allah being pleased with them, and they with Him. That is the great attainment.”
- Allah swt will ask the believer in Jannah – Are You pleased? Imagine that moment, meeting your lord and Him (SWT) asking you! Allah (SWT) will say “I have granted you my pleasure, for the sacrifice you made. I will never be angry with you ever again”
Allahuma Taqabbal Minna Innaka Antas Samee’ul ‘Aleem!