The virtue of reciting Qul-Huwa Allahu Ahad (Surat Al-Ikhlas) - Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Qur'an is the fountainhead of Islam. It comprises of 114 chapters, called Surahs, dealing with varying subjects for the guidance of the mankind.  However, if there is one single chapter or surah which sums up the oneness of Allah, it is Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, Arabic: ٱلإخْلَاص, (also known as the Declaration of God's Unity and al-Tawhid (Arabic: التوحيد, "Monotheism")) which is based on the very basic theme of Islam which revolves around the Oneness of Allah. Although the stress on Oneness of Allah this has been highlighted at many a place in the Qur'an, yet Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ, comprising a mere four verses, clearly defines the concept of monotheism, for in Islam there being none equal or comparable to Allah.

The English translation of the  is as follows, which clearly pronounces Oneness of Allah and that Allah neither begets nor is born, nor there is none who can call him equal to Allah:

 

1 Say, "He is Allah, [who is] One,

2 Allah, the Eternal Refuge.

3 He neither begets nor is born,

4 Nor is there to Him any equivalent."

Explaining the Surah, renowned Muslim scholar Ibn Kathir (an Arab Islamic exegete born in the 14th century, historian and scholar and expert on tafsir, tarikh and fiqh, who is considered a leading authority on Sunni Islam) says: "When the Jews said, `We worship Uzayr, the son of Allah', and the Christians said, `We worship the Messiah (Isa), the son of Allah', and the Zoroastrians said, `We worship the sun and the moon', and the idolaters said, `We worship idols'. Allah revealed to His Messenger, Say: "He is Allah, One. He is the One, the Singular, Who has no peer, no assistant, no rival, no equal and none comparable to Him." 

Owing to its importance, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has also is quoted to have laid emphasis on the recitation of this surah and immense reward attached to it. This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 66 - Virtues of the Qur'an /  كتاب فضائل القرآن / Chapter 13:  The superiority of Qul-Huwa Allahu Ahad (Surat Al-Ikhlas) (No.112) / باب فَضْلِ قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ‏) as Hadith 5013, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Said Al-Khudri:

A man heard another man reciting (Surat-Al-Ikhlas) 'Say He is Allah, (the) One.' (112. 1) repeatedly. The next morning he came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and informed him about it as if he thought that it was not enough to recite. On that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Him in Whose Hand my life is, this Surah is equal to one-third of the Qur'an!"

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ يُوسُفَ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَالِكٌ، عَنْ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنِ أَبِي صَعْصَعَةَ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ، أَنَّ رَجُلاً، سَمِعَ رَجُلاً، يَقْرَأُ ‏{‏قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ‏}‏ يُرَدِّدُهَا فَلَمَّا أَصْبَحَ جَاءَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَذَكَرَ ذَلِكَ لَهُ وَكَأَنَّ الرَّجُلَ يَتَقَالُّهَا فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏"‏ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ إِنَّهَا لَتَعْدِلُ ثُلُثَ الْقُرْآنِ ‏"‏‏.‏

Many scholars have narrated many benefits of reciting Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ. it is believed to be the means of earning Allah's love and attaining paradise. It also banishes poverty and increases sustenance. In addition, the constant recitation of this Surah makes a person worthy of having the archangel Jibraeel participate in his/her funeral prayer.

However, the supreme reason of recitation of Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ remains unflinching resolve of a believer that there is no god but Allah, the Al-Ahad (الاحد)-The One, The Only One, and Al-Wahid (ٱلْوَاحِدُ)-The Manifestation of Unity. Anyone who believes in Oneness of Allah is the most blessed of the entire mankind. And Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ cements one's affirmation to Oneness of Allah. That is why the reward of reciting Sūrat al-Ikhlāṣ is equated to recitation of one third of Qur'an. Let us take advantage of the importance of this surah and recite it much too often to bag the reward equivalent to recitation of 1/3rd of the Qur'an.

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.

Please refer to our reference page: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Calligraphy: Shahid Rana | Source of Hadith | Related References: | 1 | 2 |

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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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The reward of remembering Allah - Hadith e Qudsi attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

In our series of posts on Hadith e Qudsi, we share today a very exclusive Hadith in which Allah promises to be close to His servants if they try to come to close to Him. This is not easy thing to do for we may be remembering Allah with our thoughts scattered somewhere else. Unless our thoughts are totally focused on our Creator, we cannot expect a reciprocating response from Allah.

* Know the difference between Hadith and Hadith e  Qudsi

This Hadith e Qudsi attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 97 - Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed) /  كتاب التوحيد / Chapter 15:  “…And Allah warns you against Himself…” / باب قَوْلِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى {‏وَيُحَذِّرُكُمُ اللَّهُ نَفْسَهُ‏}‏) as Hadith 7405, given herein under:

Abu Huraira narrates that Prophet (ﷺ) said:

Allah says: 'I am just as My slave thinks I am, (i.e. I am able to do for him what he thinks I can do for him) and I am with him if He remembers Me. If he remembers Me in himself, I too, remember him in Myself; and if he remembers Me in a group of people, I remember him in a group that is better than they; and if he comes one span nearer to Me, I go one cubit nearer to him; and if he comes one cubit nearer to Me, I go a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him; and if he comes to Me walking, I go to him running.' 

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ حَفْصٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، سَمِعْتُ أَبَا صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ يَقُولُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى أَنَا عِنْدَ ظَنِّ عَبْدِي بِي، وَأَنَا مَعَهُ إِذَا ذَكَرَنِي، فَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي نَفْسِهِ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي نَفْسِي، وَإِنْ ذَكَرَنِي فِي مَلأٍ ذَكَرْتُهُ فِي مَلأٍ خَيْرٍ مِنْهُمْ، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ بِشِبْرٍ تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ ذِرَاعًا، وَإِنْ تَقَرَّبَ إِلَىَّ ذِرَاعًا تَقَرَّبْتُ إِلَيْهِ بَاعًا، وَإِنْ أَتَانِي يَمْشِي أَتَيْتُهُ هَرْوَلَةً ‏"‏‏.‏

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

You may now watch the video below in which eminent Muslim scholar Nauman Ali Khan in his Jum'uah khutbah explains that Allah Will Remember YOU (When Nobody Else Will)

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: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadith e Qudsi.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7405, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2675a, 

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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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Beware! Cases of blood-shedding will be decided first on the Day of Resurrection (Hadith Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)

The world was created by our Creator to be a place of peaceful dwelling for the man. Yet man has turned it into a battleground for shedding blood for killing others satisfies him. Right from killing of Abel by Caine, the killing is get intensified day by day. Everyday, new weapons of mass killings are being developed and for killing of one man, thousands innocent are being killed as a tragic outcome. The World Wars have been followed by small scale, yet far deadlier conflicts, and still yet our quest for killing is not being satisfied.

The recent spate of killing of innocent Palestinians, a large majority of which have been children, who perhaps never knew from where the death descended and why. Despite the large scale blood shedding, the world watches on happily with only a few whose conscious is till alive, but perhaps they are too weak to be heard or matter, so to speak. 

Blood shedding is the least liked act of the man and man has been warned in Qur'an (5:32):

Because of that, We decreed upon the Children of Israel that whoever kills a soul unless for a soul1 or for corruption [done] in the land - it is as if he had slain mankind entirely. And whoever saves one - it is as if he had saved mankind entirely. And Our messengers had certainly come to them with clear proofs. Then indeed many of them, [even] after that, throughout the land, were transgressors.

Such is the Divine disliking for the blood shedding that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had one indicated that the cases of blood shedding will be discussed first on the Day of Resurrection. This Hadith is mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 81 - To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq) /  كتاب الرقاق / Chapter 48:  Al-Qisas on the Day of Resurrection / باب الْقِصَاصِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ) as Hadith 6533, given herein under:

Narrated by `Abdullah:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "The cases which will be decided first (on the Day of Resurrection) will be the cases of blood-shedding. "

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عُمَرُ بْنُ حَفْصٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، حَدَّثَنِي شَقِيقٌ، سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ اللَّهِ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ أَوَّلُ مَا يُقْضَى بَيْنَ النَّاسِ بِالدِّمَاءِ ‏"‏‏.

Yet despite warnings and cautions, man is obsessed with killing. From petty disputes to inter sate disputes or to merely "safe guard" interest of one mighty power, war are being waged unnecessarily with no outcome. The decades long conflict of Vietnam and Afghanistan, the freedom struggle of Kashmiris and Palestinians are but a few few examples of our present times. May sanity prevails and such blood baths come to a halt. Ameen or else those who are blood thirsty and war mongers will be ushered in first for the ward of justice on the Day of the Resurrection!

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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

Hadith e Qudsi: Verily, Allah's Mercy prevails over His wrath

There are many non Muslims who while targeting the otherwise peaceful religion of Islam, label Allah as a tyrant and least merciful. I wonder how such an accusation can be levelled against the Creator of the entire universe to be a tyrant for it is His love and mercy that continues to ignore the crimes and atrocities of the demagogues, thus giving them time to repent and seek the Divine forgiveness so that Allah in His infinite mercy forgives them. 

Even if your sins are countless, Allah’s mercy is endless. “Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.”  Al Quran | 39:53

But instead of seeking mercy of Allah, these utterly naïve people not only live in a world of self illusions but also make a place for them in the burning fire of Hell when the Divine Court will be established on the day of Judgement.

* Know the difference between Hadith and Hadith e  Qudsi

With this premise in the backdrop, today we share a Hadith e Qudsi attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about the Divine promise of forgetting the sins and crimes of those who revoke His mercy to be forgiven.

Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His book with Him upon the Throne: Verily, My mercy prevails over My wrath.”

Aabic Text:

 لَمَّا قَضَى اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ كَتَبَ فِي كِتَابِهِ فَهُوَ عِنْدَهُ فَوْقَ الْعَرْشِ إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي غَلَبَتْ غَضَبِي

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 3194, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2751

Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

This simple, yet well meaning Hadith e Qudsi should be enough for those who view Allah as merciless and devoid of love for the humanity. Of course, when a limit has been crossed then wrath of Allah did  and does befall on the individuals, and even nations. We only need to read the history of 'Ad and Thamud and many other nations that boasted of their might and challenged to Divine supremacy, and were destroyed, only with their remains remaining as an example of Divine wrath.

Dear sisters and brothers in Islam, let us always seek mercy of Allah and beg Him no to unleash His wrath on us for we are too meek and weak to sustain the wrath when it is unleashed.

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.

Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadith e Qudsi (حدیثِ قُدسی) attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadith e Qudsi.

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Source of Hadith: | 1 | 2 |

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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

The only positive Fallout of Gaza Genocide: Jewish Reverts

No man has ever been born heartless. It is only that some hearts take time to soften while most hearts crumble to brutality committed against the man and the resultant pain and sufferings that emerge as a fallout of the heart wrenching brutal acts. 

The recent spate of genocidal barbarism by state of Israel against the Palestinians who are striving to find a piece of land for their independent existence has melted many a hearts, even that of the Jews, both within and without Israel. There have been numerous processions taken out by the Jews, specially in the USA, to condemn the barbaric accts of Israel police. Although, the use of force is justified to bring in peace, yet the merciless killing of children, even from point blank range smacks of carrying out gendercide of Palestinians.

It is strange that Jews, who once suffered at the hands of Hitler and were killed en masse, are resorting to the same tactics to carryout ethnic cleansing they themselves still condemn when it befell on them. How long this genocide will continue is uncertain to predict, but one thing is for sure that the amount of barbarism, human sufferings and pain of seeing thousands of children wrapped in coffins with mothers wailing has started to melt the hearts of the Jews - something that never happened before.

Now, while condemning the war crimes of Israel, there are incidents that Jews are reverting to Islam. In fact on the social media, a new term Jewish Reverts is being used to expose the atrocities of Israel and show an extreme reaction by reverting to Islam.

There are numerous videos on the social media (links given below) that show Jews reverting to Islam. Herein under, we one such video that show how genocide of Palestinians in Gaza is melting hearts and letting the Jews in unprecedent numbers enter the fold of Islam:

May Allah (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help the world to stop barbaric killing of the oppressed and weak who are fighting for their independence, specially in Gaza and Indian held Kashmir and melt the hard and merciless hearts to succumb to the wailing of mothers of innocent children being mercilessly slain. Ameen. 

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.

Disclaimer: The data / video for this post has been collected from the references given below or YouTube. 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.

To read personal accounts of many who have reverted to Islam, please visit our page: Embracing Islam: Revert Experiences.

You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 

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Let us continue to practice the virtues learnt during the Ramadan

Ramadan is the most blessed month of all other months of Islamic calendar. It is the month of learning and practicing virtues we do no otherwise practice in other eleven months of the year. It would not be wrong to say that Ramadan teaches us self discipline to learn the patience to abstain from what is otherwise Halal to us including food, intimate relations with our spouses, restraining our anger and harnessing our tongue to abstain from using foul language. It also conditions us to stand for long hours offering Traveeh  prayers at night and reciting Qur'an more than we recite otherwise.

With the end of the month of Ramadan, we suddenly revert to our habits, good or bad, of pre Ramadan months. But does this is the outcome of fasting for the entire months and exhibiting strict self discipline on us? Certainly not. Ramadan is in fact is a one month training camp for all of us to a strict practicing timetable to condition our behaviour for the rest of the eleven months. So what do we do?

Well, for one thing, let us stop abstaining ourselves from the Halal things and start to live our normal lives. Eat and drink during the day or even intimately meet our spouses. But that is all. Other than that, we must continue to practice the virtues learnt during the month. Some are given herein under:

The Suhoor, the food taken before the commencement of the fast of the day, every morning much before the pre dawn time, conditioned us to get up early morning, eat Suhoor followed by the pre dawn prayer (Fajr). This was normally followed by recitation of the Qur'an, usually one Juz /part every day. Now that the Ramadan is over and there are no Suhoor to taken, let us continue to offer the Fajr prayer if we were no regular in doing so before Ramadan.

Tarawih prayers coupled with the night prayer, Isha, attracted large number of believers who had otherwise never prayed the Isha prayer in the masjids. [Tarawih,  (Arabic: تَّرَاوِيح, romanized: tarāwīḥ), are special Sunnah prayers involving reading long portions of the Quran, and performing up to 20 rakahs, which are performed only in the Islamic month of Ramadan.] Now let us continue to offer Isha prayer in the masjid and be punctual as we have been during Ramadan. This should bring about a phenomenal change in our lives with regard to offering Isha prayer in the masjid.

Continuing with the offering of the practice of Tarawih prayer which entailed standing for almost an hour to listen to the Qur'an being recited, let us change over the Tahajjud prayer, the late night prayer which was the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. this non obligatory prayer is of immense value and rewards as at late night of the hour, one is all alone communicating and talking to his Creator. The getting up for Suhoor should not be replaced with offering tahajjud prayer.

The fasting itself is a good concept that can now be correlated to the many health  benefits of intermittent fasting. We are already tuned up after fasting for thirty days to abstain from eating and drinking. While we may not start fasting like that f Ramadan, we can reschedule our eating habits with long spells of food abstaining. This would be good for our health as we have experienced during Ramadan. 

While in Ramadan we abstained from foul language or telling lies or expressing our anger on petty matters,  why cannot we continue this healthy habit and remain happy, for foul language and anger is also hurting, may sometimes even lead to depression. So let us have a pleasant demeanor from now on and be happy and let others be so too.

In my reckoning, these are some virtues which we can easily adopt and continue with these for remaining part of the year, till next Ramadan. Try it, not difficult to achieve and be happy.

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.

Please consult our reference page: Ramadan - A month of fasting and Blessings, to learn more about Ramadan. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for our exclusive pages for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

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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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Enormous reward of sitting at the prayer mat and remembering Allah after one's As Salat (Prayer)

Muslims all over the world offer obligatory prayers, As Salat, five times a day. The As Salat is a means to communicate with the Master of the Universe, Allah. Therefore one should neither try to hurry up the prayer itself, nor should be in a hurry to get up from one's prayer mat after the As Salt is over. In fact the time after the prayer provides time for a servant of Allah to speak to Allah exclusively by oneself. Those who do so, have an enormous reward in waiting for them.

The reward is mentioned by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in one of his Hadiths as mentioned in Sahi al-Bukhārī  (Book 10 - Call to Prayers (Adhaan) /  كتاب الأذان / Chapter 36:  (The reward of a person) who waits for As-Salat (the prayer) in the mosque and the superiority of mosques / باب مَنْ جَلَسَ فِي الْمَسْجِدِ يَنْتَظِرُ الصَّلاَةَ، وَفَضْلِ الْمَسَاجِدِ) as Hadith 659, given herein under:

Narrated by Abu Huraira: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said,

"The angels keep on asking for Allah's Blessing and Forgiveness for anyone of you as long as he is at his Musalla (praying place) and does not do Hadath (passes wind). The angels say, 'O Allah! Forgive him and be Merciful to him.' Each one of you is in the prayer as long as he is waiting for the prayer and nothing but the prayer detains him from going to his family."

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ بْنُ مَسْلَمَةَ، عَنْ مَالِكٍ، عَنْ أَبِي الزِّنَادِ، عَنِ الأَعْرَجِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ تُصَلِّي عَلَى أَحَدِكُمْ مَا دَامَ فِي مُصَلاَّهُ مَا لَمْ يُحْدِثْ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لَهُ، اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْهُ‏.‏ لاَ يَزَالُ أَحَدُكُمْ فِي صَلاَةٍ مَا دَامَتِ الصَّلاَةُ تَحْبِسُهُ، لاَ يَمْنَعُهُ أَنْ يَنْقَلِبَ إِلَى أَهْلِهِ إِلاَّ الصَّلاَةُ ‏"‏‏.‏

As Salat / prayer is a means of communication between the servant and his Master, Allah the Almighty. It is the time when one should shun all worldly thoughts and offer one's As Salat as if he is talking directly to Allah, praising Him, acknowledging the countless bounties he has been blessed with and supplicating to remain on the righteous path, As Siraat ul Mustaqeem.

Therefore, one should never be in a hurry to offer his prayer, and concentrate on his one to one connection with his Master. Still better would be to keep sitting at one's prayer mat and remember Allah by using His many attributes (99 Attributes of Allah) or reading Qur'an without getting up from his prayer mat, provided his wudu remains intact. As per the Hadith quoted above, the reward for doing so is enormous as angels keep asking Allah for the forgiveness of the servant of Allah. Let us bag the enormous reward of sitting on the prayer mat after our As Salat.

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.

Please refer to our reference pages: Collections of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Rewards for more Hadiths on the subject and Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about As Salat - Prayers

For more hadiths on varying subjects, refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and 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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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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A Supplication for forgiveness repeated 100 times by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Whenever we need to make a request to our company head or a superior, we rehearsed chosen words several times so that what ever we speak, every words is expressive of our earnest desire for request be accepted. In fact, it is the words that always matter. Carefully chosen words can eve melt a stubborn and least responsive boss.

Likewise, we should carefully select words when making a supplication to our Creator, the Lord of the universe. Some may ask why? The answer is that no one likes a ill worded request which really cannot be understood. Therefore, when we ask forgiveness from Allah, we should phrase our supplication in a way that not only we we put across our request for pardoning, but also we appreciate our Lord that He alone is the pardoner and no one else. 

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would often make supplications in the presence of others so that they should remember the well worded supplications for nothing could be better phrased by the revered Prophet of Allah.

This supplication is mentioned in Sunan Abi Dawud (Book # 8  Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr / كتاب  الاستسقاء / Chapter # 512 About Seeking Forgiveness / باب فِي الاِسْتِغْفَارِ

as Hadith number # 1515, quoted herein under:

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar:

We counted that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) would say a hundred times during a meeting: "My Lord, forgive me and pardon me; Thou art the Pardoning and forgiving One".

Arabic Text:

حَدَّثَنَا الْحَسَنُ بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو أُسَامَةَ، عَنْ مَالِكِ بْنِ مِغْوَلٍ، عَنْ مُحَمَّدِ بْنِ سُوقَةَ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، قَالَ إِنْ كُنَّا لَنَعُدُّ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي الْمَجْلِسِ الْوَاحِدِ مِائَةَ مَرَّةٍ ‏ "‏ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَتُبْ عَلَىَّ إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ ‏"‏ ‏.‏

Grade:  Sahih (Al-Albani)

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.

Please refer to our reference page: Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ for more prophetic Supplications attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

You may also  refer to our reference page: Sunnah and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to know more about Hadiths and Sunnah of Prophet of Allah, and 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 Supplication

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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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Eclipse: The sun and the moon are two signs from Allah - Their eclipse is not related to birth and death

Whenever there is an eclipse of sun or moon, a  lot is written, mostly the expression of superstitions and their bad effect on man and the surroundings. In many cultures, people are forbidden to go out at the time of eclipse. even pregnant women are forbidden to go out, lest the eclipse effects the fetus. 

Although, many Muslims are to obsessed with the effects of eclipses, all this is superstition which has nothing to do with Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) says that the eclipse is a phenomenon that God has created. It does not happen for any human being's birth or death. He has taught us to offer a certain prayer during the eclipse, which is very special in its form and length.

Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim narrated that Ibn Mas’ud al-Ansari said: the sun was eclipsed the day Ibrahim, the son of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) died, and the people said, The sun is eclipsed because of the death of Ibrahim. The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: The sun and the moon are two signs from Allah, and they do not become eclipsed for the death or the birth of anyone. If you see that, hasten to remember Allah and to pray.

The revered wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ has been quoted as saying:

In the life-time of Allah's Apostle Muhammad ﷺ the sun eclipsed, so he led the people in prayer, and stood up and performed a long Qiyam, then bowed for a long while. He stood up again and performed a long Qiyam but this time the period of standing was shorter than the first. He bowed again for a long time but shorter than the first one, then he prostrated and prolonged the prostration. He did the same in the second Raka as he did in the first and then finished the prayer; by then the sun (eclipse) had cleared. He delivered the Khutba (sermon) and after praising and glorifying Allah he said, "The sun and the moon are two signs against the signs of Allah; they do not eclipse on the death or life of anyone. So when you see the eclipse, remember Allah and say Takbir, pray and give Sadaqa." The Prophet then said, "O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! There is none who has more ghaira (self-respect) than Allah as He has forbidden that His slaves, male or female commit adultery (illegal sexual intercourse). O followers of Muhammad! By Allah! If you knew that which I know you would laugh little and weep much.

In another Hadith, Abu Bakr narrates:

We were with Allah's Apostle when the sun eclipsed. Allah's Apostle stood up dragging his cloak till he entered the Mosque. He led us in a two-Rakat prayer till the sun (eclipse) had cleared. Then the Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "The sun and the moon do not eclipse because of someone's death. So whenever you see these eclipses pray and invoke (Allah) till the eclipse is over."

Aforementioned Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we should take eclipses as signs of Allah, which happen due to rotations of sun, earth and moon, and are part of normal celestial movements. These do not happen as a warning for a forthcoming calamity or death to someone. All we should do is remember Allah in such times and ask forgiveness. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is said to have led a four rakat prayer cycle, called Salat al-Kusuf as has been mention in the above referred hadiths.

“And from among His Signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. Prostrate yourselves not to the sun nor to the moon, but prostrate yourselves to Allah Who created them, if you (really) worship Him.” (Fussilat 41:37)

The eclipse prayer, Salat al-Kusuf, is an obligatory sunnah whenever there is an eclipse of the sun. [It is agreed that the Solar Eclipse prayer is a confirmed sunnah. There is disagreement about the lunar eclipse. The two famous positions are that the lunar eclipse prayer is recommended as al-Ujhuri stated.

Please watch an informative video by Mufti Menk on solar eclipse:

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: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ  for more Hadiths on the General Subjects.

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

Photo | Hadith References: | 1 | 2 |

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. 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.

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. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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