Gate of Al- Rayyan in Jannah for those who will Fast !

Gate of Al- Rayyan in Jannah for those who will Fast !

Allaah has enjoined upon the Muslims fasting the month of Ramadaan, and He has promised a great reward to those who fast. Because the virtue of fasting is so great, Allaah has not specified the reward for it, rather He said – in a hadeeth qudsi –“… except for fasting, for it is for Me, and I shall reward for it.”

The virtues of the month of Ramadaan are many. For example, that which Allaah has promised those who fast, namely the gate of al-Rayyaan. This is the name which was narrated in the hadeeth whose authenticity is agreed upon. Sahl (may Allaah be pleased with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyaan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who fasted?’ They will get up, and none will enter it but them. When they have entered, it will be locked, and no one else will enter.” (al-Bukhaari, 1763; Muslim, 1947).

Among the ahaadeeth which explain the reward for fasting are the following:

It was narrated from Abu Salamah that Abu Hurayrah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadaan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.’” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, al-Eemaan, 37).

It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

 ‘Allaah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except for fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it.” Fasting is a shield and when one of you is fasting he avoid sexual relations with his wife and quarreling. If somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By the One in Whose hand is my soul, the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allaah than the smell of musk. The fasting person will have two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.’”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1771)

It is known that Paradise has many gates, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Adn (Eden) Paradise (everlasting Gardens), which they shall enter and (also) those who acted righteously from among their fathers, and their wives, and their offspring. And angels shall enter unto them from every gate.”

[al-Ra’d 13:23]

“And those who kept their duty to their Lord (Al-Muttaqoon – the pious) will be led to Paradise in groups till when they reach it, and its gates will be opened (before their arrival for their reception) and its keepers will say: Salaamun ‘Alaykum (peace be upon you)! You have done well, so enter here to abide therein.”

[al-Zumar 39:73]

In the saheeh ahaadeeth it says that there are eight gates:

It was narrated from Sahl ibn Sa’d (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “In Paradise there are eight gates, among which is a gate called al-Rayyaan, which none will enter but those who fast.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3017).

It was narrated from ‘Ubaadah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“Whoever bears witness that there is no god but Allaah alone, with no partner or associate, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger, and that ‘Eesa (Jesus) is the slave of Allaah and His Messenger, and a word which Allaah bestowed on Maryam and a spirit created by Him (cf. al-Nisa’ 4:171), and that Paradise is true and Hell is true, will have the right to be admitted by Allaah to Paradise through whichever of the eight gates he wishes, because of his good deeds.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3180; Muslim, 41)

One of the bounties that Allaah has bestowed upon this ummah is that He opens all the gates of Paradise during the month of Ramadaan, not just one gate. Whoever says that there is a gate in Paradise called Baab al-Radwaan has to produce evidence for that.

It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allaah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:

“When Ramadaan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”

(Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3035; Muslim 1793)

We ask Allaah to make us among those who will enter Paradise. May Allaah bless our Prophet Muhammad.

Ramdan Techniques

Ramdan Techniques 

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I want you to imagine that you are selected for Olympics to represent your country. Now, the final event is the 4 x 400 meters relay and you are the last person among the four. All the 3 have finished running and now it is your turn. You start your race really quick, in the middle you maintain a medium pace, and in the final 100 meters, you sprint. You know that the success of this race lies on finishing this final lap.

If Ramadan is a race, then is the last 10 day, the final lap ? You are not sure whether you will represent olympics again in your life. Same way, you are not sure if you will represent ramadan once again in your life.

So -this final lap is the chance. To get the best out of it. To successfully win and get the best you want from this ramadan.

our site presents the final ramadan technique : “Olympics 4×400 Meters relay technique”.

Follow the below 5 points and inshah Allah, you will win the relay – with your best performance ever in your life.

1) Increase Your Ibadath : Do I’tikaf.

Al-Bukhari and Muslim record from ‘Aishah that during the last ten days of Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah would wake his wives up during the night and then remain apart from them (that is, being busy in acts of worship). A narration in Muslim states: “He would strive [to do acts of worship] during the last ten days of Ramadan more than he would at any other time.”

Aisha reported that With the start of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers. [Bukhari]

2) Wet your tongue with Dikr : Increase the number of Salawath on Prophet(SA)

While you are at work, or traveling in car/bus, try to tell Dikr. Increase the number of salawath you tell on Prophet(SA). Let your tongue be wet with Dikr and salawath. 

3) Personal Dua list and do deep sincere dua.

One of the best times to do this is during the last part of the night.

Ask yourself what you really want from Allah. Make a list of each and everything, no matter how small or how big it is, whether it deals with this world or not. Allah loves to hear from us. Once this list is ready, you can do three things:

Ask Allah to give you those things. Think about what actions you have taken to get those things
Develop a work plan to get those things in future.

4) Never Miss Laylathul Qadr

Look out for the night of power in the Odd nights of ramadan. This night alone is enough to fill your book with 80 years of worship.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger said: Whoever stands (in prayer) in Laylatul Qadr while nourishing his faith with self-evaluation, expecting reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven. [Bukhari and Muslim).

5) Get your sins wiped out.

Let us repent. Turn back to Allah. Ask Him forgiveness for all the mistakes we did in our life – knowingly and unknowingly. Let us clean our records and work for a new beginning. Let us all move back to Allah in sincere Touba and cry during the nights to make Him accept our good deeds, and wipe out our bad deeds, and join among those slaves who are granted protection from Hell fire. Ameen.

Let us all try brothers and sisters, to make this ramadan our best ramadan ever.

May Allah accept Ameen!!

The Deen (Religion) of Islam

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), The Deen (Religion) of Islam Sheikh Muhammad Salih Ibn al-Uthaymeen Sharh Usul Al-Iman (pages 4-7) The Deen (religion) of Islam: It is the way of life that Allah sent the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him with. By it, Allah terminated the validity of all other religions, perfected this religion for His worshippers, completed His favor upon them and has chosen only this religion for them - no other religion will be accepted by Him from anyone. Allah - the Most High - said: "Muhammad is not the father of any man amongst you. Rather he is the Messenger of Allah and the Khatam (last and final) of the Prophets." [Noble Quran 33:40]. "This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion." [Noble Quran 5:3] "Indeed the religion with Allah is Islam." [Noble Quran 3:19] "Whosoever seeks a religion other than Islam, never will it be accepted from him, and in the Hereafter he will be one of the losers."[Noble Quran 3:85] And Allah - the Most High - obligated all of mankind to take Islam as their religion. So Allah said, whilst addressing His Messenger peace and blessings be upon him: "Say: O Mankind! Indeed I have been sent to you all as the Messenger of Allah; to Whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. None has the right to be worshipped except Him; it is He who gives life and cause death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger - the Prophet who can neither read nor write - who believes in Allah and His Words. So follow the Messenger of Allah so that you may be rightly-guided." [Noble Quran 7:158] And in Sahih Muslim (1/93), from Abu Hurairah that Allah's Messenger peace be upon him said: "By Him in whose Hand is the life of Muhammad! There is no one from this nation, be he a Jew or a Christian, who hears of me and dies whilst not having Iman (faith) in what I have been sent with, except that he will be one of the companions of the Hellfire."  And Iman (faith) in the Prophet implies: affirming that which he was sent with, along with acceptance of it and submission to it. Without these two matters, mere affirmation is not sufficient. This is why even though Abu Talib (the Prophet's uncle) affirmed what was sent to the Prophet peace be upon him and that Islam was the best of religions, yet he did not accept his message nor submit to it; and thus he did not have Iman in the Prophet peace be upon him. The religion of Islam contains all that was beneficial from the previous religions. It is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation. Allah - the Most High - said, whilst addressing His Messenger peace be upon him: "And We have sent down to you the Book in truth, confirming the Scripture that came before it, testifying to the truth contained therein whilst exposing the falsehood that has been added therein." [Noble Quran 5:48] That Islam is suitable for implementation in any age, any where and by any nation does not mean that it becomes submissive to nations - being altered and changed by them - as some people falsely think. But rather it means that whenever it is truly adhered to then it brings benefit and goodness to that nation, as well as reforming and correcting it - in whatever age or place. The religion of Islam is the religion of truth. It is the way of life that Allah - the Most High - guaranteed His help and victory to those who truly adhere to it, and that He would make it dominant over all other religions. Allah - the Most High - said: "It is He who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, that it may prevail over all other religions, even if the pagans detest it." [Noble Quran 9:33] And Allah - the Most High - said: "Allah has promised to those amongst you who truly have Iman (true faith and belief) and act in obedience to Allah and His Messenger, that He will grant them ruler ship upon the earth, just as He granted it to those before them, and that He will establish their Religion for them and grant them the authority to practice their Religion which He chose and ordered them with. And He will certainly change their situation to one of security, after their fear. Providing that they worship and obey Me, not associating anything else in worship with Me. Then, whoever rejects this favor by disobedience to their Lord - then they are the rebellious transgressors." [Noble Quran 24:55] The religion of Islam is a complete religion comprising both 'Aqidah (beliefs) and Shari'ah (laws). It commands them with taw heed (to single out Allah alone for worship) and prohibits them from shirk (associating partners with Allah, in that which is particular to Him). It commands them with being truthful and prohibits them from lying. It commands them with 'Adl (justice) and prohibits them from injustice and oppression. It commands them with fulfilling trusts and prohibits them from acting treacherously.  It commands them keeping promises and prohibits them from breaking them.  It commands them with kindness and good treatment of parents and prohibits them from disobedience to them in that which is not sinful. It commands them with joining the ties of relations and prohibits them from severing them. It commands them with good treatment of neighbors and prohibits the causing of harm to them. In short, Islam orders alls that is good, from manners and morals, and prohibits all that is evil from it. Likewise, it orders all actions which are righteous and good and prohibits all actions that are evil and harmful. Allah - the Most High - said: "Indeed Allah enjoins upon you justice, kindness and the giving of good to relatives and near ones. And He prohibits you from all shameful and evil deeds, oppression and transgression. Thus He admonishes you, that you may take heed and be reminded." [Noble Quran 16:90]

TO ALLAH WE RETURN

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), TO ALLAH WE RETURN The Ayah and it's Meaning Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji'un -- Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return. [Noble Quran 2:156] The translation of the verses mentioned before and after this ayah is: And certainly, We shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirin (the patient). [Noble Quran 2:155] Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.'' [Noble Quran 2:156] They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e., who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. [Noble Quran 2:157]  When do we recite this ayah?  A prevalent perception in our society is that the words Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji'un are only recited at the time of someone's death. However, this perception is not correct. This ayah is to be said in cases where a person has suffered any kind of loss, be it the death of a person (Muslim or non-Muslim) or any living creature, loss of wealth or property, deterioration of health, etc. There is one Hadith where the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is quoted to have said "Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji'un" when the lamp went off at night. Ayesha (May Allah be pleased with her) asked him, "O Messenger of Allah. Is this also a calamity?" Allah's Messenger replied, "Yes. Whatever hurts or causes difficulty to a Muslim is a calamity and on bearing it patiently, it carries Allah's promise of reward."  The Virtues of reciting the Ayah As mentioned before, Allah asks us to be those who are patient [As-Sabirun] during calamities by reciting the ayah "Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji'un". In the very next ayah Allah tells us of the reward for this practice: They are those on whom are the Salawat (i.e., who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones. [Noble Quran 2:156] Muslim narrated in his Sahih that Umm Salamah said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "There is no person who is afflicted with a calamity and says, 'Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better' - but Allah will reward him for his affliction and compensate him with something better." She said: When Abu Salamah died, I said: Who is better than Abu Salamah, the companion of the Messenger of Allah? Then Allah caused me to say it and I said it. She said: Then I married the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him).  Alhamdulillah (praise be to Allah), who could be a better husband than the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? It is narrated in the Hadith that the Messenger of Allah said: "When a man's child dies, Allah, may He be exalted, says to His angels: 'Have you taken the soul of the child of My slave?' They say, 'Yes.' He says, although He knows best, 'Have you taken the apple of his eye?' They say, 'Yes.' He says: 'What did My slave say?" They say: 'He praised You and said "Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi Raji'un" (Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return).' Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, says: 'Build a house for My slave in Paradise and call it the house of praise.'" [Narrated and classed as good Hadith by al-Tirmidhi and al-Albani].  A Reminder Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.  This ayah reminds us that whatever is in this world belongs to Allah and is a Blessing from Him. If, for example, a person had given some money as loan to his friend for some time and now he wants the money back. Is the person doing anything wrong in wanting back his own money? Similarly when a person dies, Allah is only taking back the soul of His creation. By reciting this ayah at the time of someone's death, we remind ourselves that the creation has returned to his Creator. We also should bear in mind that just as the departed soul we ourselves will one day return to our Lord and be answerable for our deeds on the Day of Judgment before our entry into Paradise (Allah willing) or the Hellfire. With this is mind we should always strive to attain Allah's Mercy, for no one but Allah knows the appointed time of death. In a Hadith, Allah's Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) says, "How wonderful is the case of a believer; there is good for him in everything and this applies only to a believer. If prosperity comes to him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and if adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him." [Muslim]

Patience

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), Patience Preserves the Health of Hearts and Bodies By Ibn Al Qayyim Ibn al-Qayyim said in The Prophetic medicine regarding patience:Patience is half of faith; for this is a quality composed of patience and gratitude (Shukr). As one of the ancestors (Salaf) has said: Faith is in two halves: one half patience, one half gratitude.  And the Most High said: "Indeed in that there are signs for each one who is patiently persevering and truly grateful" [Noble Quran 14:5] Patience in relation to faith is like the head in relation to the body. It is of three types: 1. Patience concerning the obligations (Fard) laid down by Allah, that one should not neglect them; 2. Patience in abstaining from actions forbidden by Him, that one should not commit them; 3. Patience concerning His judgments (Qadr) and decrees (Qadar), that one should not resent them. Whoever perfectly fulfills these three degrees has perfected patience. For the pleasure of this world and the next, their blessings, and victory and conquest can only be reached over the bridge of patience, just as no-one reaches Paradise except by crossing over the Path. 'Umar b. al-Khattab said: We attained the best of life through patience. If you reflect on the degrees of perfection acquired in the world, you will see that they are all dependent on patience. And if you reflect on imperfection, which one is blamed for possessing, you will see it all stemming from lack of patience. Thus courage and purity, goodness and love of others, all this is the patience of an hour. Most sicknesses of the body and heart arise simply from lack of patience. And there is naught like patience for preserving the health of hearts, bodies and spirits. For it is the great remedy, the mighty antidote, even if it were to contain only the company of Allah.. "..for Allah is with the patient" [Noble Quran 2:153] ....and His affection for them for indeed... "Allah loves those who are patient" [Noble Quran 3:146] ....and His giving victory to His people 'for victory comes with patience'; and that it is a good for the people of patience, "And if you show patience, that is indeed the best course for those who are patient" [Noble Quran 16:126] ....and that it is the cause of prosperity; "O you who believe! Persevere in patience, vie in perseverance, be ever vigilant, and fear Allah, that perchance you may prosper" [Noble Quran 3:200]

Living in The Age

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you),

Living in The Age of "Email Forwards"

The advent of modern technology has provided an unprecedented platform for individuals and groups to manufacture and spread false information about Islam at a large scale. This phenomenon is carried out by both, people who are members of the faith and others who are open adversaries of Islam. Whilst the latter group is less successful in its attempts to penetrate and circulate false teachings among Muslims, the first group for a long time, has had almost total success with very little opposition.

Though there is a small and growing circle of Muslims ever cautious and alert, aware of the dangers of false teachings and always demanding evidence and proof, the vast majority are completely oblivious to this predicament. Throughout the years, I have personally witnessed Imams of mosques, students at universities and the average Muslim at home or work, all inadvertently and naively involved in tampering with the pristine teachings of Islam. Commentaries are given of the Quran with the aid of strange and fictitious Israelite traditions, ahadith are quoted, unanimously agreed by the scholars as fabrications, irrational statements are dressed up and put into the mouth of early Muslim scholars to gain legitimacy, and ridiculous rumours are spread without anyone questioning its authenticity or asking for a reference. Emails in particular is used as a vehicle to spread false information from person to person with astonishing rapidity by encouraging recipients to forward messages, to everyone they know.

It is now quite normal to find our emails inundated with supposed miracles like the Shahadah in German trees, or new conversion stories like, Neil Armstrong hearing the Adhan on the moon and accepting Islam, or warnings on the birth of Dajjal or worst still fabricated ahadith on the merits of different actions.

Of course, this phenomenon is nothing new. Preachers, zealots, heretics, pamphleteers, story tellers and ignorant ascetics of every age give currency to legendary narratives and furnish it with a few of their own inventions. Conscious of this problem, in the early centuries of Islam, a group of Muslims scholars took on the challenge and dedicated their lives to preserve the authentic statements of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and to purge out later additions. They travelled long arduous journeys, leaving their families and children and sacrificing the luxuries of food and comfort, deciphering hundreds of manuscripts, interrogating a multitude of men and writing volumes of books all with the aim of protecting this faith and eliminating any fabrications.

Yet, the task is not over. Even today, the circulation of fables and fictitious legends continues via the pulpit, books, television and most recently the internet. If this trend continues unchecked it will lead to disastrous results.

It is only when we as Muslims work together, that we will be able to eradicate this problem. We must show a high level of caution and vigilance and avoid forwarding emails without verification. We must not quote or cite ahadith whose authenticity is unknown or doubtful. We should not feel inhibited or shy to ask someone for a reference or source.

In conclusion I would like to leave you with a few sayings of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the early Muslim scholars on the dangers of falsely attributing a statement to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the importance of verifying information before it is passed on to others.


The Seriousness of Telling Lies About the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)

On the authority of 'Ali, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Do not tell lies about me, for whoever tell lies about me will enter the Fire." [Reported by Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim]

It was narrated that Anas bin Malik said: "What prevents me from narrating many ahadith to you is the fact that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever tells a lie about me deliberately, let him take his seat in the Fire." [Reported by Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim]


The Prohibition of Passing On Any or Every Information That Reaches You Without Verification

It was narrated by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"It is sufficient lying for a man to speak of everything that he hears."[Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]

Imam Malik said: "You should know that no man who speaks of everything that he hears will be free of faults, and he will never be an Imam who speaks of everything that he hears."

He further states "A person will not become an Imam in knowledge if he relates everything that he hears, and he will not be an Imam if he narrates from every single person and narrates odd (weak) reports." [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]


The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) Warning Us of People Fabricating Stories & Ahadith

It was narrated by Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"At the end of my Ummah there will be imposters and liars who will narrate to you ahadith that neither you nor your forefathers ever heard. Beware of them and stay away from them, and do not let them mislead you or confuse you." [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]


The Importance of Isnad & Taking Knowledge Only From Recognized Authorities

Imam Muhammad bin Sirin said: "This knowledge (Hadith) is the foundation of religion, so watch from whom you learn your religion." [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]

Ibn Abu Zinad narrated that his father said: "In al-Madinah, I met one hundred men, all of whom were reliable, but no one accepted ahadith from them. It was said: "He is not one of its people." [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]

Imam 'Abd Allah bin Mubarak said: "The chain of narration (Isnad) is part of religion, were it not for the chain, anyone could say whatever he wanted." [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]

Imam Sufyan ath-Thawri said: "The Isnad is the weapon of the Believer. So if he does not have a weapon with him, what will he fight with?" [Sharaf Ashabal Hadith (1/15)]


Even People Who Appear Righteous Could Fabricate Ahadith Unintentionally

Imam Yahya bin Sa'id al-Qattan narrated from his father: "You will not see in good people anything worse than in telling lies about ahadith.

Imam Muslim commented: "This means, lies would flow from their tongues but they do not lie deliberately. [Reported by Imam Muslim in the Introduction to his Sahih]


Some Atatements From The Early Scholars

Imam 'Abdur-Rahman bin Mahdi: "it is not permissible for a man to be an Imam until he knows what is authentic (in Hadith) from what is not authentic."

Imam Sufyan ath-Thawri: "Increase in (the knowledge of) Hadith as it is a weapon (for you)."

Imam Sufyan al-Thawri: "The angels are guardians of the sky, and the scholars of Hadith are the guardians on Earth."

Imam Yazid bin Zari': "For every religion there are knights, and the knights of this religion are the scholars of Hadith."

'Imam Abd Allah bin Mubarak said: "The example of the one who studies his Religion without an Isnad is like the one who attempts to ascend a roof without a ladder." [Sharaf Ashabul Hadith (1/15)]

Abu Mansur bin Sallam al-Faqih said: "There is nothing heavier upon the people of heresy and more hated by them than listening to the Hadith and its narration with its Isnad." [Sharaf Ashabul Hadith (2/36)]


An Example of The Efforts That Were Taken By The Scholars To Ascertain The Authenticity of a Hadith

Al-Mu'mal ibn Isma'il was once informed of a Hadith on the authority of Ubay bin K'ab detailing the virtue of every Surah in the Quran.

Al-Mu'mal inquired of his teacher: "Who narrated (this Hadith to you)?"

The teacher replied: "A man in Madain, and he is still alive."

Al-Mu'mal continues: "So I traveled to meet this man in person. Once I met him, I asked him who had narrated the Hadith to him.

He replied: "A Sheikh in Wasiť and he is still alive."

So I traveled to Wasiť and asked the man who narrated the Hadith to him.

He replied: "A Sheikh in Basra".

So I traveled to Basra and asked the Sheikh the same question.

He replied that he was informed by a Sheikh in 'Abadan.

So I traveled to 'Abadan and asked the Sheikh who had narrated the Hadith to him.

The Sheikh got hold of my hand and took me to a house where some Sufis had gathered and among them was a Sheikh.

"This Sheikh reported the Hadith to me" said the man holding my hand.

So I asked: "O Sheikh, who reported this Hadith to you?"

The man replied: "No one reported the Hadith to me, but when I saw the people turning away from the Quran, I fabricated this Hadith to bring the people back to the Quran." [ash-Shadha al-Fayah 1/228]

Imam ash-Shawkani describing the efforts of the early Hadith scholars writes:

"The scholars went to great extents to inform the people of fabricated ahadith, and they exposed the fairytales of liars, and removed from the ahadith of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) the false attributions of the fabricators, the distortions of the transgressors, and the erroneous explanations of the ignorant..." [al-Fawa'id al-Majmu'ah: 3]

Deep Reverence and Devotion in Salah (خشوع)

As-Salamu Alaykum (peace be upon you), How to Gain Khushu in Salah Dr. Mamdouh N. Mohamed Associate Professor at the American Open University What is Khushu'?  Khushu' during Salah is misunderstood by some people as crying and weeping. Rather, it is the presence of the heart during an act of 'Ibadah. When a person's heart is fully occupied of what he says or hears, he is in a true state of Khushu'. The concept of Khushu' in Salah is very essential. 1- It is a vital factor in making a person successful in this life and in later life. "Indeed, the believers, who have Khushu' in their Salah, are the winners." [Noble Quran 23:1-2] 2-It is a contributing factor for the acceptance of Salah. 3- It is a way to gain more rewards from the Almighty Allah; the more the Khushu' a person has, the more rewards he gets. 4- Without Khushu' the heart cannot easily be purified. Ways to Gain Khushu' A. Pre-Salah 1- A Muslim should know his Lord very well. Knowing whom one worships makes a person a better worshipper. Having clear and authentic knowledge about Allah increases His love in our hearts. Consequently, faith also increases. 2- Avoiding major and minor sins is very helpful in gaining Khushu', as the heart becomes more receptive to the words of Allah during and after Salah. 3- Reciting the Quran frequently and consistently softens the hearts and prepares it for Khushu'. Hard hearts do not gain Khushu'. 4- Minimize attachment to worldly matters. Gearing one's intentions towards the Afterlife helps against the temptations of life. 5- Avoid excessive laughter and useless arguments as they harden the heart and lead to heedlessness. 6- Stop working as soon as you hear the Adhan. When you listen attentively to the call of Salah repeat after the muezzin then offer the relevant supplication. This prepares you for a smooth transition from the business with worldly matters to the business with Salah. 7- Performing Wudu' immediately after hearing the Adhan prepares you for the pending Salah. Wudu' also works as a buffer zone before engaging in Salah. 8- Going to the mosque early for praying and continuing mention of Allah drives Satan away and help gain concentration. 9- The waiting time for the congregational Salah helps create a buffer zone between the state of mind before Salah and the state of during Salah. B. During Salah 1- The Iqamah itself is a final signal to the mind to be well prepared for performing the actual Salah. Remember what the messenger of Allah said to Bilal "Let us enjoy the comfort of the Salah." 2- When you stand facing the Qiblah remember the following: a. It might be the last Salah in your life. There is no guarantee to live longer to catch the next Salah. b. You are standing between the hands of Allah, the Lord of the worlds. How can you be busy with something else? c. The angel of death is chasing you. 3- Do not forget to make Isti'adthah. It wards off Satan's whispers. 4- Keep your eyes focused on the place of Sujud. This helps you gain more concentration. 5- When reciting the Fatihah, try to recall the response of Allah to you after every Ayah you say. (When you say: "al-Hamdu Lillahi Rabbil 'Alamin) Allah responds: "My servant praised me." etc. This feeling of speaking to Allah puts you in the right mood of Khushu'. 6- Beautifying the recitation of the Quran has a positive impact on the heart. 7- Recite the Quran slowly and reflect upon its meaning deeply. 8- It is recommended to change the Surah that your recite from time to time to avoid the mechanic-like state of repetition. 9- Alternate between the various authentic Sunan such as proclaiming a different opening supplication in every Salah. 10- Undoubtedly, understanding Arabic helps you focus on the intended meaning. 11- Interact with the recited Ayahs; a. if you hear an Ayah about Allah, glorify Him by saying"Subhanallah"; b. If you hear an Ayah about Hellfire, say "A'udthu Billahi Minan-Nar". c. If you hear a command to make Istighfar, do it. d. If you hear an Ayah that requests Tasbih, make Tasbih. 12- These forms of interactions are very helpful in keeping you focused. 13- When you prostrate, remember that this position brings you closer to Allah. Seize the opportunity to make sincere Du'a'. Invest these moments in making sincere supplications. C- Post-Salah 1. When you make Taslim, make Istighfar to Allah as you might have made during Salah. 2. When you praise Allah, thank Him from the bottom of your heart that you have experienced the beauty of Salah in your heart. Getting used to this habit prepares your for the next Salah, as you will always be eager to focus in your prayer. 3. One perfection leads to another perfection. If some one perfects his Salah once, he would be self-motivated to continue on the same level.