What is Talbiyah " ٱلتَّلبِيَة " (in relation to Hajj)

Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam which must be performed by all adult believers, both men and women, who have the adequate means to embark upon the journey to Makkah and sustaining them during the period of their stay. This ritual is purely performed to please Allah and performing it once is sufficient in one's life time. 

When one gets in to the state of Ihram (the two plain sheets of white cloth), one is advised to recite Talbiyah " ٱلتَّلبِيَة " so long one remains in the state of Ihram. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to recite Talbiyah and advised others to do so. Today we share the Hadith in which the actual wordings of Talbiyah have been mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Note: Talbiyah is also recited while performing Umrah and after getting into the state of Ihram. Read more about Umrah in our earlier post: How to perform Umrah 

This Hadith is quoted in Jami` at-Tirmidhi: The Book (#9) on Hajj - كتاب الحج عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم   / Chapter # 13 What Was Been Related About the Talbiyah / باب مَا جَاءَ فِي التَّلْبِيَةِ‏) as Hadith number 825 as under:

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ مَنِيعٍ، حَدَّثَنَا إِسْمَاعِيلُ بْنُ إِبْرَاهِيمَ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ تَلْبِيَةَ النَّبِيِّ، صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَتْ ‏ "‏ لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ وَالنِّعْمَةَ لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنِ ابْنِ مَسْعُودٍ وَجَابِرٍ وَعَائِشَةَ وَابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ وَأَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ‏.‏ قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى حَدِيثُ ابْنِ عُمَرَ حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ ‏.‏ وَالْعَمَلُ عَلَيْهِ عِنْدَ بَعْضِ أَهْلِ الْعِلْمِ مِنْ أَصْحَابِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَغَيْرِهِمْ وَهُوَ قَوْلُ سُفْيَانَ وَالشَّافِعِيِّ وَأَحْمَدَ وَإِسْحَاقَ ‏.‏ قَالَ الشَّافِعِيُّ وَإِنْ زَادَ فِي التَّلْبِيَةِ شَيْئًا مِنْ تَعْظِيمِ اللَّهِ فَلاَ بَأْسَ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ وَأَحَبُّ إِلَىَّ أَنْ يَقْتَصِرَ عَلَى تَلْبِيَةِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏.‏ قَالَ الشَّافِعِيُّ وَإِنَّمَا قُلْنَا لاَ بَأْسَ بِزِيَادَةِ تَعْظِيمِ اللَّهِ فِيهَا لِمَا جَاءَ عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ وَهُوَ حَفِظَ التَّلْبِيَةَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ثُمَّ زَادَ ابْنُ عُمَرَ فِي تَلْبِيَتِهِ مِنْ قِبَلِهِ لَبَّيْكَ وَالرَّغْبَاءُ إِلَيْكَ وَالْعَمَلُ ‏.‏

Ibn Umar narrated:

"The Prophet would say the following for the Talbiyah: "Labbaik Allahumma labbaik. Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik. Innal-hamda wan-ni;mata laka wal-mulk, la sharika laka." ('I respond to Your call O Allah! I respond to Your call. You have no partner. I respond to Your call. All praise, thanks and blessings are for You. All sovereignty is for You. And You have no partners with You).'"

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Repeatedly reciting Talbiyah takes the attention of the pilgrims to Allah alone to please Him. The recitation also purifies and rids them of worldly concerns. Talbiyah is to be repeated time and again. Those who have performed Hajj would truly understand the importance of the divine dimensions of Talbiyah and its ability to strengthen your connection with Allah (SWT).

It is advised that when reciting the Talbiyah, women are directed to recite the Talbiyah softly or in a subdued voice. At the same time, men should raise their voices and chant together the verses of Talbiyah. If you don’t remember the exact words of Talbiyah, you can also say the translation in English or any other language. However, it is recommended to recite the Arabic verses of Talbiyah as much as possible while performing Hajj or Umrah. 

Talbiyah can be divided into six parts as follow:

 لَبَّيْكَ اللَّهُمَّ لَبَّيْكَ Labbayka Allahumma labbayk (Here I am, O Allah! Here I am)

The term “Labbayk” here means “I am persisting in obeying You, O Allah! I will stick to Your obedience and submission.” The repetition of “Here I am” is to keep the call to Allah (SWT) active and lasting. This response was given by Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to call onto Allah (SWT), as said in the Quran:

“And proclaim the pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways.” [Al-Hajj 22:27]

In short, the purpose of reciting the aforementioned verse altogether is to express your respect and affection for Allah (SWT).

لَبَّيْكَ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ لَبَّيْكَ Labbayka la shareeka laka labbayk (Here I am, You have no partner, here I am)

Shirk- associating partners with Allah (SWT) is the biggest sin in Islam. Therefore, this part of the Talbiyah portrays your willingness to please Allah (SWT) and to abstain from the act of Shirk. In simpler words, while reciting the verse, you call out to Allah (SWT) and tell Him that He is the one and only creator of the worlds and you have no intention to please anyone except Allah (SWT) as He has no partner, nor a son nor a father.

إِنَّ الْحَمْدَ Innal-hamda (Verily, all praise and thanks belong to You)

The word “Hamd” means to thank and praise. Therefore, the list can be endless with regard to showing gratitude, thanking Allah (SWT) and praising Him for all the blessings. Allah (SWT) has ninety-nine names in His praise, and so you can call out the ninety-nine names when you praise the Al-Mighty.

For example, while supplication (Dua), you can say, O Allah! You are Ar-Raheem- the best in showing continuous mercy. You are Ar-Rehman- the most merciful, and You are Al-Khaliq- the best creator.

وَالنِّعْمَةَ Wan-ni`mata (Verily, all blessings belong to You)

The purpose of this specific part of Talbiyah is to thank Allah (SWT) for all the amazing opportunities and blessings that He has showered upon you. You should start by thanking Allah (SWT) for gifting you the sacred chance to perform Umrah or Hajj despite all your deficiencies and sins. Furthermore, you should thank Allah (SWT) for everything in your life. For example, keeping you healthy, keeping all your senses active and working, helping you with your life plan, and most importantly, making you a Muslim.

After every prayer (Salah), you should recite Alhamdulillah thirty-three times and then thank and praise Allah (SWT) for all the blessings of your life.

لَكَ وَالْمُلْكَ Laka wal-Mulk (Verily, all sovereignty belongs to You)

The aforementioned part of Talbiyah refers to the fact that everything in this world only belongs to Allah (SWT). All belong to Allah (SWT) alone, from the sovereignty to the dominion to power to the kingdom, all belong to Allah (SWT) alone as He is eternal and absolute. This includes the richness and powers of the earth, the country you live in, the air you breathe, the sun, moon, stars, rain, light, and dark; in short, everyone and everything from humans to animals to jinns to angels belongs to Allah (SWT).

لاَ شَرِيكَ لَكَ La shareeka lak (You have no partner)

The last part of Talbiyah tells us that Allah (SWT) is alone and has no partner in sovereignty, praise, and thankfulness. Hence, we should only Love Allah (SWT) and pray to Him. You can pray by saying something similar to, “Everything that You have in Your life is because of Allah (SWT); You will always be His slave and will never be scared of anyone other than Him or Love anyone more than Him.”

You may listen to recitation of Talbiyah from the video shared herein under:

May Allah accept the presence of all pilgrims gathering in Makkah and accept their Hajj and prayers/supplications. May Allah also bless means and opportunity to those who have yet to embark upon Hajj. Ameen

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith | Other references: Talbiyah: What does it mean | Wikipedia |

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The Blessed Ten Days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than any other days

The onset of last month of Islamic Calander, Dhu'l-Hijjah, ushers in fathomless blessings from Allah to the believing men and women. The first ten days of this blessed month are mean a lot for the Muslims for Allah has promised countless blessings for the believers performing Hajj, for they leave the comfort of their homes and spend almost the entire life's savings to embark upon the journey to the holy lands to perform Hajj - the fifth pillar of Islam.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has indicated that the first ten days of Duh al Hijja are more blessed than Jihad. This Hadith is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8 Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr كتاب الصيام / Chapter # 39 Fasting the (first) ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) /  باب صِيَامِ الْعَشْرِ ) as Hadith number # 1727, quoted herein under:

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏"‏ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ يَعْنِي الْعَشْرَ ‏.‏ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ: ‏"‏ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ. إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَىْءٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.”

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

Those not lucky enough to proceed on Hajj should not be dismayed for their supplications and prayers are also duly accorded acceptance in court of Allah and they too are blessed. We must not let these ten days slip by without being rewarded for our good deeds and supplications. For one never knows whether these ten days will come to our lives again next year or not. 

Some of the desired acts during these 10 days are listed below, which should be undertaken more religiously than any other days of the year:

• Make most sincere repentance and make a pledge not to repeat past follies again
• Do Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah).
• Fast the first nine days especially the day of Arafa.
• Recite Qur'an.
• Give more Sadaqah / charity.
• Say Takbeer repeatedly throughout the day: (اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ لَا إلَهَ إلَّا اللَّهُ وَاَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ اللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَلِلَّهِ الْحَمْد) Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, La Ilaha Ilallahu Wallahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar, Wa Lillahil Hamd. (Translation: Allah is the greatest, Allah is the greatest. There is no deity besides Allah, and Allah is the greatest. Allah is the greatest, and all praises are for Allah only.
• Attending Pray Eid Salah /prayer.
• Sacrifice an animal to emulate the Sunnah of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) - an act that brings a believer closer to Allah. 
  

Please watch an informative video on the importance of the first ten blessed days of the Dhu'l-Hijjah:

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Fasting during the first 10 days of Duh al Hijja (Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

Fasting during the first 10 days of the month of Duh al Hijja is the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and especially on the ninth of Duh al Hijja, which is the day of Arafat, because fasting on this day means our sins from the previous and coming year will be expiated. This practice is Sunnah for Muslims and is highly recommended. 

This Hadith is quoted in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim The Book (#7) of Fasting - كتاب الصيام   / Chapter # 39 Fasting the (first) ten days (of Dhul-Hijjah) / باب صِيَامِ الْعَشْرِ‏) as Hadith number # 1727 as under:

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ مُحَمَّدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو مُعَاوِيَةَ، عَنِ الأَعْمَشِ، عَنْ مُسْلِمٍ الْبَطِينِ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ جُبَيْرٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ، قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ ‏"‏ مَا مِنْ أَيَّامٍ الْعَمَلُ الصَّالِحُ فِيهَا أَحَبُّ إِلَى اللَّهِ مِنْ هَذِهِ الأَيَّامِ ‏"‏ ‏.‏ يَعْنِي الْعَشْرَ ‏.‏ قَالُوا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ قَالَ: ‏"‏ وَلاَ الْجِهَادُ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ. إِلاَّ رَجُلٌ خَرَجَ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فَلَمْ يَرْجِعْ مِنْ ذَلِكَ بِشَىْءٍ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

It was narrated from Ibn ‘Abbas that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:

“There are no days during which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these days,” meaning the (first) ten days of Dhul- Hijjah. They said: “O Messenger of Allah! Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah?” He said: “Not even Jihad in the cause of Allah, unless a man goes out with himself and his wealth and does not bring anything back.”

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)

However, fasting on the 10th day of Duh al Hijja is prohibited being the Eid. This is specially mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as it appears in number of Hadith books as under:

With regard to fasting on the day of ‘Eid, this is haram (prohibited), as is indicated by the marfoo’ hadeeth of Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allah be pleased with him): “He [the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)] forbade fasting on the day of ‘Eid) al-Fitr and the day of al-Nahr (the day of sacrifice, i.e., ‘Eid al-Adha).” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, no. 1992; Muslim, 827) 

For Id-ul-Adha, falling on the 10th day of Duh al Hijja, is a special day of festivities, especially for those who have just performed Hajj a day earlier and is a day to thank Allah for having blessed them with the opportunity to perform Hajj.  

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. 

Please refer to our page: Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The month of Pilgrimage - The Hajj to know more about Dhu al-Hijja and Hajj. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Who will return from Hajj as being born anew

This post is being written at a time when the intended pilgrims have already reached Makkah for the performance of Hajj. We pray that the presence and Hajj of all those present there by accept in the court of Allah and they return home safely, duly blessed and rewarded.

In one of his Hadiths, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has mentioned those returning from Hajj as being born anew for adhering to the norms and pre-conditions of the Hajj. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 25 - Hajj (Pilgrimage كتاب الحج / Chapter 4: The superiority of Al-Hajj-ul-Mabrur /باب فَضْلِ الْحَجِّ الْمَبْرُورِ) as Hadith 1521, given herein under:

حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، حَدَّثَنَا سَيَّارٌ أَبُو الْحَكَمِ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا حَازِمٍ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ أَبَا هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ سَمِعْتُ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ ‏ "‏ مَنْ حَجَّ لِلَّهِ فَلَمْ يَرْفُثْ وَلَمْ يَفْسُقْ رَجَعَ كَيَوْمِ وَلَدَتْهُ أُمُّهُ ‏"‏‏.‏

Narrated by Abu Huraira: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, "Whoever performs Hajj for Allah's pleasure and does not have sexual relations with his wife, and does not do evil or sins then he will return (after Hajj free from all sins) as if he were born anew."

This Hadith in fact is the repetition of the Divine commandment mentioned in the 197th verse of Surah 2. Al Baqarah (The Cow) as appended below:

ٱلْحَجُّ أَشْهُرٌۭ مَّعْلُومَـٰتٌۭ ۚ فَمَن فَرَضَ فِيهِنَّ ٱلْحَجَّ فَلَا رَفَثَ وَلَا فُسُوقَ وَلَا جِدَالَ فِى ٱلْحَجِّ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ يَعْلَمْهُ ٱللَّهُ ۗ وَتَزَوَّدُوا۟ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ ۚ وَٱتَّقُونِ يَـٰٓأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ ١٩٧

˹Commitment to˺ pilgrimage is made in appointed months.1 Whoever commits to ˹performing˺ pilgrimage, let them stay away from intimate relations, foul language, and arguments during pilgrimage. Whatever good you do, Allah ˹fully˺ knows of it. Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!

Being born anew means the purity of a newly born child who has a clean and unpolluted soul. That is to say, a person performing Hajj by imposing certain restraints on him as mentioned in the Hadith above will be 'dry cleaned' and all one's previous sins will be washed away and one will be a new person again, free of any impurity and sin.

The preconditions imposed on an intending pilgrim mean that one must abstain from certain acts which are otherwise allowed, like having marital relations with one's spouse. In addition, all pilgrims must abstain from acts that are otherwise forbidden like committing any kind of sin, or doing things that are evil. That is such acts like telling lies, backbiting, deceiving and harming others in any way, especially those who are performing Hajj with them. If one cannot abstain from evil and sin even during Hajj, what good are the hardships one has borne and money spent to come to perform Hajj.

Hajj is a difficult thing to do, especially during the summers when devoid of any shade, the pilgrims are exposed to the direct sun rays and the rigours of high mercury level. The weather effect compounded by walking miles and miles makes one jittery and one's tolerance level declines. Under such trying conditions, the Evil gets into motion and prompts to react even over small matters. This may lead to overactive emotions and one may indulge in fighting or use of abusive language. Thus, pilgrims are being advised to control their emotions and concentrate on the Hajj rituals and let go their anger peacefully, so that others are not harmed.

So, my brothers and sisters in Islam, especially performing Hajj, and even otherwise, should abstain from every sin and evil so that they are rewarded and blessed. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān. Also refer to our reference page: Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The month of Pilgrimage - The Hajj for more information on Hajj.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

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Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة): The month of Pilgrimage - The Hajj

Dhu al-Hijja (ذُو ٱلْحِجَّة) is the twelfth and final month of the Islamic calendar. It is the sacred month in which Muslims from all over the world flock the sacred city of Makkah in Saudi Arabia to perform the fifth pillar of Islam: The Hajj (The Pilgrimage). This why in Arabic, Dhu al-Hijja means "Possessor of the Pilgrimage" or "The Month of the Pilgrimage".

Hajj is obligatory once in lifetime for all able-bodied men and women who can financially afford to undertake the journey to Makkah and bear expenses for their stay during the Hajj rituals. Hajj is performed by men by just wearing two plain sheets of white clothes - hence it removes away any barriers between a billionaire and an ordinary many. Thus, this removes away any distinction of class, superiority of clan and culture as everyone stands equal in the house of Allah.

All pilgrims also visit the holy city of Medinah and visit and offer prayers at the mosque of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Some do it prior to the Hajj, while some do it after the performance of the Hajj as per the schedule of their Hajj plan.

9th of Dhu al Hijja is the actual day of Hajj. On this day, pilgrims gather in Arafat. They also throng the Mount Arafat (جَبَل عَرَفَات, romanized: Jabal ʿArafāt), and by its other Arabic name, Jabal ar-Raḥmah (Arabic: جَبَل ٱلرَّحْمَة, lit. 'Mountain of mercy'). It was the mount on which Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his farewell sermon. The mountain is approximately 70 m (230 ft) in height, with its highest point sitting at an elevation of 454 metres (1,490 ft). [Photo]

Although, the intending pilgrims start to arrive Makkah many days before the actual Hajj dates, the Hajj rituals commence on the eighth, ninth and the tenth of this month. The Day of Arafah, the day of Hajj, takes place on the ninth of the month. On this day, the Hajj sermon is given from Masjid-e-Nimrah outside the city of Makkah, to emulate the last sermon given by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which was given in 10th AD by standing on the Mt Arafat (photo above). Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice", begins on the tenth day and ends at sunset on the 13th.

Masjid Al-Namirah (Arabic: مَسْجِد نَمِرَة) - The khutbah (sermon) is delivered from Masjid Al-Namirah and Zuhr and Asr prayers are prayed together in the Arafat valley.

On the termination of Hajj, on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijja, Eid al-Adha is observed by Muslims on the hajj and around the world in commemoration of the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, علي السلام) to sacrifice his son Isma'il (Ishmael) for Allah. The sacrifice of animals continues till the 13th of the month. On this day, the Hajj rituals finally come to an end.

We have deliberated on the importance of the month of Dhu al Hajja and Q&As about performance of Hajj / animal sacrifice and the famous sermon of Prophet on 9th of Dhu al Hajja in 10th AD. You may click on the following links to know more about Dhu al Hajja and Hajj:

Ihram ' إِحْرَام ':

• The prohibited actions during state of Ihram ' إِحْرَام '
• Penalties for violating the prohibitions of Ihram ' إِحْرَام ' during Hajj (and Umrah)

Hajj / Umrah

• Hajj: The pilgrimage to Makkah
• What is the significance of the first 10 days of Dhul Hajja
• How to perform Hajj: The Hajj rituals
• How to perform Hajj: Step by step guide
• The Day of Arafah - 9th Dhull Hijjah
• The last sermon of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ on 9th of Dhul Hajjah (10 AD)
• Rituals of 10th Dhul Hijjah - Yawm al-Nahr (the Day of Sacrifice)
• Hajj: Overnight stay in Muzdalifah when kings and ordinaries sleep together under open sky
• What are the three Jamarāt and why these are stoned as part of Hajj rituals
• The essence of ritual of animal sacrifice on 10th of Dhul Hajja
• Why do Muslims sacrifice animals on Eid al Adha

Hajj Thereafter

• Congratulations for performance of Hajj this year - what next?

You may like to read Hadiths related to Hajj from our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Hajj – the Fifth Pillar of Islam

We wish the very best of all those pilgrims present in Makkah and pray that Allah accepts their presence and accepts their Hajj. Ameen

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Believers! Do not go near ADULTERY [Zināʾ (زِنَاء)] because it is blatant lewdness and a very evil path

One of the oldest recorded sins is adultery, an act when man and woman indulge into sex outside their marriage. The word adultery is from adulterāre (“to pollute, defile, commit adultery”), a word formed ultimately from the Latin elements ad- “to, near” and alter “other.” That is polluting an otherwise scared relation between man and woman by defying all noble norms of the society and Divine Commandments as contained in all Divine religions. In simple words, adultery is the "voluntary violation of the marriage bed." That is, it destroys the sanctity of the bedroom, meant exclusively for husband and wife.

In Islam, Adultery is known as Zināʾ (زِنَاء) referring to unlawful sexual intercourse. According to traditional jurisprudence, zina can include adultery, fornication, prostitution, rape, sodomy, incest, and even bestiality. All such forms are strictly forbidden in Islam and sever punishment are prescribed in the Islamic law for unlawful sex destroys and compromises the very moral fiber of the inter personal relations and society as a whole.

While the menace of adultery is widespread in the non-Muslim countries, where even boys and girls indulge in this heinous act of lewdness even in their early teens, this menace is also creeping in to Muslim societies as well in the name of liberalism. Parents feel helpless to harness their children against this menace and stop them from falling into a depth of lewdness and evil ways.

In order to create awareness against unlawful sex outside marriage, today we share the 32nd verse of Surah 17. Al Isra (The Night Journey), also known as Bani Israil (The Children of Israel) which warns the believers even not to go near adultery, what to talk of committing the actual act:

وَلَا تَقۡرَبُوا الزِّنٰٓى اِنَّهٗ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً  ؕ وَسَآءَ سَبِيۡلًا‏ 

(17:32) Do not go near adultery because it is blatant lewdness and a very evil path.

"Do not even go near fornication." This commandment is meant both for individuals and society as a whole. It warns each individual not only to guard against adultery or fornication itself but against all those things that lead to or stimulate it. As regards society as a whole the commandment enjoins it to make such arrangements as prevent adultery and eradicate the means and stimulants that lead to adultery. Therefore, society should employ all those legal and educative means that help develop such an environment as preventing and eradicating indecency.

Finally, this article formed the basis of laws and regulations of the Islamic system of life. In order to fulfill its implications adultery and false accusation of adultery were made criminal offenses: regulations about "Purdah" was promulgated: the publication of indecent things was banned and drinking of intoxicants was made unlawful: restrictions on music, dancing and pictures which are conducive to adultery were imposed. Then such laws were enacted as made marriage easy, and cut at the root of adultery.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: The Command to avoid Zina (Unlawful Sex) and Everything that leads to it. Allah says, forbidding His servants to commit Zina or to approach it or to do anything that may lead to it:

(وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ الزِّنَى إِنَّهُ كَانَ فَاحِشَةً and come not near to unlawful sex. Verily, it is a Fahishah (immoral sin)) meaning a major sin, (وَسَآءَ سَبِيلاً and an evil way.) meaning, a terrible way to behave. 

Imam Ahmad recorded Abu Umamah saying that a young man came to the Prophet and said, "O Messenger of Allah! Give me permission to commit Zina (unlawful sex).'' The people surrounded him and rebuked him, saying, "Stop! Stop!' But the Prophet said:

(Come close) The young man came to him, and he said, (Sit down) so he sat down. The Prophet said, (Would you like it (unlawful sex) for your mother) He said, "No, by Allah, may I be ransomed for you.'' The Prophet said, (Neither do the people like it for their mothers.) The Prophet said, (Would you like it for your daughter) He said, "No, by Allah, may I be ransomed for you.' The Prophet said, (Neither do the people like it for their daughters. ) The Prophet said, (Would you like it for your sister) He said, "No, by Allah, may I be ransomed for you.' The Prophet said, (Neither do the people like it for their sisters.) The Prophet said, (Would you like it for your paternal aunt) He said, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Messenger! may I be ransomed for you.' The Prophet said, (Neither do the people like it for their paternal aunts.) The Prophet said, (Would you like it for your maternal aunt) He said, "No, by Allah, O Allah's Messenger! may I be ransomed for you.' The Prophet said, (Neither do the people like it for their maternal aunts.) Then the Prophet put his hand on him and said, (O Allah, forgive his sin, purify his heart and guard his chastity.) After that the young man never paid attention to anything of that nature.

Muhammad Asad Explanation:

Lit., "do not come near adultery", thus intensifying the prohibition. It is to be noted that the term zina signifies all sexual intercourse between a man and a woman who are not husband and wife, irrespective of whether either of them is married to another partner or not; hence, it denotes both "adultery" and "fornication" in the English senses of these terms.

Yusuf Ali Explanation:  

Adultery is not only shameful in itself and inconsistent with any self-respect or respect for others, but it opens the road to many evils. It destroys the basis of the family: it works against the interests of children born or to be born; it may cause murders and feuds and loss of reputation and property, and also loosen permanently the bonds of society. Not only should it be avoided as a sin, but any approach or temptation to it should be avoided.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi Explanation:

Until here (that is verses prior to the 3nd verse) the category of directives (justice, goodness and spending on kindred) which the Qur’ān wants its followers to observe are mentioned. From here onwards, the category of directives (lewdness, evil and arrogance) from which it forbids its followers is being mentioned. The first directive mentioned in this regard is that no one should even go near fornication. The reason stated for this is that it is open lewdness and a very dreadful practice. The implication is that no argument is required to prove its awfulness and lewdness. Human nature has always regarded it to be a grave sin and a terrible crime and will continue to do so as long as it does not get perverted. It is an indubitable reality that the institution of family is as essential a need for a person as air and water are. This institution can only sustain on natural feelings and emotions if the relationship between the spouses is permanent. If this aspect is missing, then a society can only consist of a herd of cattle which is devoid of natural and spiritual feelings and emotions; it cannot be founded on a right footing.

Because of this very terrible nature of fornication the Almighty has not merely forbidden it, He has asked us to not even go near it. This means that one should keep away from things that may lead to it or may ultimately entice a person to it.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

“Do not come near adultery. It is indeed an abomination and an evil way.” (Verse 32)

There is a definite link between the killing of children and adultery. We find that the prohibition of adultery here intervenes between the prohibition of killing one’s children and that of killing oneself. This takes into account the link to which we are here referring.

Adultery represents killing in various ways. It is a killing because it wastes life matter as it puts it in the wrong place. It is often followed by a desire to get rid of its natural consequences through abortion or infanticide. If the child is spared and allowed to live, it is abandoned to a life of misery and deprivation, which is a killing in a different form. Moreover, it is a killing of the community because family relations are thus lost, and blood ties are confused. People will have little trust that the children they bring up are their own. Thus, community relations become weakened and the spirit of the community more or less dies.

Adultery may also be described as a killing of the community for a different reason. The ease which it provides for the fulfilment of sexual desires makes marriage a redundant institution, and the family an unnecessary responsibility. We must not forget that the family provides the proper home where the young should be reared, and where sound human nature is consolidated. It is the home where sound upbringing can be ensured for boys and girls alike.

Throughout history, every community that allowed immorality to spread saw its own decline brought about. Some people may feel that this is not true, looking at the fact that Europe and the United States continue to enjoy power despite the fact that immorality is widespread there. Yet the results of such loose morality are now apparent in older nations, such as France. As for new nations like the US, it may take some time yet before such effects are visible. The case is like that of a young man who gives rein to his desire. The effects may not manifest themselves when he is young, but as he grows older, his decline is rapid.

The Qur’ān even warns against ‘coming near’ to adultery, in order to give stronger emphasis that it is something to guard against. Since adultery is committed to satisfying a strong desire, steering away from it is safer. When adultery is made easy, resisting it becomes much harder. Hence Islam takes appropriate preventive measures. It dislikes the mixing of the two sexes where it is unnecessary, forbids that a man stay with a woman in a closed place, and prohibits the indecent appearance of women when they go out or attend social functions. It encourages marriage and recommends fasting for those who cannot marry. It disapproves of all types of barriers that prevent people from getting married such as exorbitant dowries. It makes it clear that no one should ever fear poverty as a result of having children, and encourages its followers to provide help to those who wish to marry in order to preserve their chastity. It also prescribes very severe punishments for the crimes of adultery and false accusations of adultery against others, without providing proper evidence to support the same. Such measures are taken in order to prevent the Muslim community from throwing itself on the slippery road to decline.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Believers! Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds

A question is often asked: Would all good people go to paradise? Well, the answer depends on what faith one is practicing. When it comes to the Divine religions, no matter which Divine religion one may be practicing, one has to know that the Divine religions have been sent down through selected prophets and messengers of Allah systematically. The initial religions were focused on specific people and communities. But as the communities grew, there was a need to have a religion that would encompass all what has been revealed (unpolluted though) and embody the final Divine Words to complete the Divine guidelines to the entire mankind till the earthly world exists. 

Thus, Islam was revealed unto Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the last and final Divine religion. And the truth that is contained in Qur'an and Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is so powerful that more and more non-Muslims are reverting to Islam. And this is the answer to the question I initially posed. 

Today, we share the 33rd verse from Surah 47. Muhammad, that asks the believers to believe in Allah and His messenger so that their good deeds do not get wasted. Although, followers of other Divine religions have faith in God, yet their concept of God differs. Islam lays down a very clear and definitive definition of God, Who is the Only Lord of the entire universe without any assistants and associates. Thus, those who rely solely on One True God and His messengers are the ones whose good deeds will never go waste. But others who only have faith in God but not in all His messengers may have to think about the reward of their good deeds.

Now read the selected verse of today and its explanation which will clear one's mindset:

يٰۤاَيُّهَا الَّذِيۡنَ اٰمَنُوۡۤا اَطِيۡعُوا اللّٰهَ وَاَطِيۡعُوا الرَّسُوۡلَ وَلَا تُبۡطِلُوۡۤا اَعۡمَالَـكُمۡ‏ 

(47:33) Believers, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not cause your work to be nullified.

Tafsir Ibn-Kathir: Nullifying the Disbelievers' Deeds and the Command to chase Them:

Allah then informs about those who disbelieve, obstruct others from the path of Allah, oppose the Messenger and contend with him, and revert from the faith after guidance has become clear to them. He indicates that those people can never harm Allah in the least, and rather they only harm themselves and become losers on the Day of Resurrection. He will nullify their deeds. Allah will not reward them even the weight of a mosquito (i.e., the smallest thing) for any good that they did before their apostasy, but would instead totally invalidate and destroy it. Their apostasy wipes away their good deeds entirely, just as the good deeds would normally wipe away the evil deeds. Imam Ahmad Ibn Nasr Al-Marwazi reported in Kitab As-Salah (the Book of Prayer) that Abu Al-`Aliyah said, "The Prophet's Companions used to think that no sin would harm a person who says `La ilaha illallah,' just as no good deed would benefit a person who joins partners with Allah. So, Allah revealed:

(أَطِيعُواْ اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَلاَ تُبْطِلُواْ أَعْمَـلَكُمْ Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deed (أَطِيعُواْ اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَلاَ تُبْطِلُواْ أَعْمَـلَكُمْ s.) This made them fear that some sins could nullify their deeds.' It has also been reported from Ibn `Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said, "We, the Companions of Allah's Messenger, used to think that good deeds would all be accepted, until Allah revealed,

( أَطِيعُواْ اللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُواْ الرَّسُولَ وَلاَ تُبْطِلُواْ أَعْمَـلَكُمْ Obey Allah and obey the Messenger and do not invalidate your deeds. ) So, we asked each other: `What is it that can nullify our deeds' So we said, `The major sins, great offenses that require admission into the Fire and immoral sins.'

The next verse comes with the Divine Warning!!

اِنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡا وَصَدُّوۡا عَنۡ سَبِيۡلِ اللّٰهِ ثُمَّ مَاتُوۡا وَهُمۡ كُفَّارٌ فَلَنۡ يَّغۡفِرَ اللّٰهُ لَهُمۡ‏ 

(47:34) Verily Allah shall not forgive those who disbelieved and barred others from Allah's Way and clung to their unbelief until their death.

Tafsir Qur'an Wiki:

"Believers, obey God and obey the messenger, and do not let your deeds come to nothing."  (Verse 33) This directive suggests that within the Muslim community there were some who might not have been fully obedient, or who might have found it hard to fulfil some of the duties and sacrifices that combating the different powerful groups opposing Islam required. Some might have been tied by bonds of kinship or common interests with others on the opposing side and found it hard to sever such ties.

This directive had a profound effect on true believers. They were shaken by the implied threat that they might do something that would do away with their good deeds and bring them to nothing. Several reports speak of the way this verse was received. One of them mentions that "the Prophet's Companions used to think that when a person truly believed in God's oneness, then no sin he committed would harm him, in the same way as no good deed is of any use when done by a person who associates partners with God. However, when this verse was revealed, they feared that sins might ruin their good deeds: "Believers, obey God and obey the messenger, and do not let your deeds come to nothing."

 

`Abdullah ibn (Umar is quoted as saying: "We, the Prophet's Companions, used to think that every good deed would inevitably be accepted by God until this verse was revealed. We wondered what thing could render our deeds worthless. We thought that it must be cardinal and grave sins. However, God revealed this verse: "For a certainty, God does not forgive that partners should be associated with Him, but He forgives any lesser sin to whomever He wills." (4: 116) We stopped speaking about this issue. We only feared for those who committed cardinal sins and hoped for good reward for those who avoided them."

Such reports clearly show how true Muslims used to receive Qur'anic verses. They were profoundly affected by them, fearing every warning, careful lest it applied to them and keen to do what the Qur'an required of them. With such sensitivity, they achieved superb standards.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Verses, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Tafsir References: | 1 | 2 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In order to augment and add more explanation as already provided, additional input has been interjected from the following sources: 

• Tafsir Ibn Khatir
• Muhammad Asad Translation
• Yusuf Ali Translation
• Translation Javed Ahmad Ghamidi / Al Mawrid
• Qur'an Wiki
• Verse by Verse Qur'an Study Circle
• Towards Understanding the Quran

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites.

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Mention name of Allah before eating (Prophetic Etiquettes of Eating)

People ask why Islam is called Deen and not merely religion. The simple answer is that Islam lays down principles, guidelines and etiquettes for everything and every step that a man is about to make. From merely saying Good Morning, and changing this wish from various time periods of day, Islam teaches believers to say "As-Salaam-Alaikum  ٱلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكُمْ" meaning Peace be upon you. Likewise, one who is addressed, must reply in a befitting manner by saying "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" that is peace be upon you too. And so many other instances wherein believers are asked to take name of Allah when undertaking any task so that Allah's blessings are included in whatever a man is about to undertake.

And when it comes to eating, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ specifically instructed his companions to take the name of Allah before eating and using the right hand to eat. 

This Hadith is mentioned in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī  (Book 70 - Food, Meals كتاب الأطعمة / Chapter 2: Mention the Name of Allah on starting to eat, and eat with the right hand. /باب التَّسْمِيَةِ عَلَى الطَّعَامِ وَالأَكْلِ بِالْيَمِينِ) as Hadith 5376, given herein under:

حَدَّثَنَا عَلِيُّ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ، أَخْبَرَنَا سُفْيَانُ، قَالَ الْوَلِيدُ بْنُ كَثِيرٍ أَخْبَرَنِي أَنَّهُ، سَمِعَ وَهْبَ بْنَ كَيْسَانَ، أَنَّهُ سَمِعَ عُمَرَ بْنَ أَبِي سَلَمَةَ، يَقُولُ كُنْتُ غُلاَمًا فِي حَجْرِ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَكَانَتْ يَدِي تَطِيشُ فِي الصَّحْفَةِ فَقَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ يَا غُلاَمُ سَمِّ اللَّهَ، وَكُلْ بِيَمِينِكَ وَكُلْ مِمَّا يَلِيكَ ‏"‏‏.‏ فَمَا زَالَتْ تِلْكَ طِعْمَتِي بَعْدُ‏.‏

Narrated by`Umar bin Abi Salama: I was a boy under the care of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and my hand used to go around the dish while I was eating. So, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said to me, 'O boy! Mention the Name of Allah and eat with your right hand, and eat of the dish what is nearer to you." Since then, I have applied those instructions when eating. 

Thus, whenever one is about to eat, he should say: بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ  In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the Compassionate. And then begin eating with one's right hand. It should also be ensured that one starts eating from what is laid closest to him and not extending his hand and picking up dishes or food away from him. If at all a dish other than one in front is desired, the person closer to that dish may be politely asked to pass on the dish. This has been the practice of our revered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and we must emulate his Sunnah as much as we can.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page Etiquettes taught by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more etiquettes attributed to Prophet Muhammad.

You may also refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given below. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

Photo | Source of Hadith

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More