EID al-Fitr - Excellence of Eidain and Method of Performing the Eid Prayer

I. Hadrat Anas reported that when the Holy Prophet came to Madinah, the people had two days in which they used to entertain and amuse themselves. He asked: "What are these two days?" They said: "We used to amuse ourselves and take pleasure in these two days during the Days of Ignorance (jahiliyyah). The Messenger of Allah said, "Allah has substituted for you something better than these two; the Eid of Adha  (sacrifice) and the Eid of Fitr . [Sunan Abi Dawood - Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 162]

II. Hadrat Abu al-Huwairith reported that the Messenger of Allah wrote to Hadrat 'Amr ibn Hazm, when he was in Najran, asking him to observe the prayer early on the Eid of Adha (sacrifice) and late on the Eid of Fitr, and to admonish the people. [Mishkaat - Book on Prayer, Vol 1, Page 127]

III. Hadrat Jabir ibn Samurah reported, "I prayed with the Messenger of Allah the two Eid prayers more than once or twice, without an Adhan or Iqamah." [Sahih Muslim - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 290]

IV. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah did not go (to the place of prayer) in the morning on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he ate some dates, and he used to eat an odd number. [Sahih Bukhari - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 130]

V. Hadrat Buraidah reported that the Holy Prophet did not go out on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr till he had eaten some food; and that he did not eat any food on the day of Eid-ul-Adha (sacrifice) till he had prayed. [Sunan Tirmidhi - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 120]

VI. Hadrat Jabir reported that on the day of Eid the Holy Prophet used to return by a different route from the one he had taken when going out. [Sahih Bukhari - Book on the two Eid Prayers, Vol 1, Page 134]

Important Notes:

1. To greet, embrace and shake hands with one another, after the Eidain prayer is an act of reward; and which is also a means of increasing love and affection between Muslims and a way of expressing ones joy and happiness.

2. It is not permissible for females to perform the Eidain prayers, as there shall be mixing between the men and the women in the Eidgah (place where the Eid prayer is performed). This is why it is not permissible for females to go to the Masajid to perform salaah with congregation; whether they go in day or at night; whether for Jum'ah or for Eidain; whether they are old or young. [This has been stated in Tanwir al-Absar and al-Durr al-Mukhtar Page 114]

Yes, however, before Zawal women can perform the 2 or 4 rak'ats Chasht (Salatud Duha) prayer at home, after the Eidain prayer has finished. [Bahar-e-Shari'at – Vol. 1, Chapter 4, Page 94]

3. If only the women have their own congregation for salaah, then this is also not permissible, as the congregation held by women between themselves (to perform salaah) is not allowed, in fact it is strictly disliked (Makruh-e-Tehrimi). [This has been stated in Fatawa-e-'Alamgiri Vol. 1 Page 80, also in al-Durr al-Mukhtar Page 77]

4. Even if women pray the Eidain prayer on their own, then this is also not permissible as it is a condition to establish the Eidain prayer that it is performed with a congregation. Yes! Women should pray the nafl (supererogatory) salaah on that day; at home, on their own. Insha'Allah they shall receive the blessings and rewards of that day.

 

Method for performing the Eid Prayer

The method is to make intention for Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-ud-Duha for two Rakats Wajib and then lift your hands up to your ears and say 'Allahu Akbar' and then fold them below the navel as normal.

Now pray 'Sana' and then say Allahu Akbar and lift your hands up to your ears and release them and again lift your hands and say Allahu Akbar and release them again and then lift your hands again and say Allahu Akbar and then fold them.

This means fold your hands after the first and fourth Takbeer and in the second and third Takbeers release your hands. The best way to remember is that if the Imam shall recite after the Takbeer then fold your hands and when he shall not recite (after a Takbeer) release your hands and hang them on the side.

After folding your hands after the fourth Takbeer the Imam will silently recite 'A'udhubillah' and 'Bismillah' and then he will pray Surah al-Fatiha ('Alhamd Sharif') and a Surat loudly and then go into Ruku and Sijdah and (thus,) complete one Rak'at (unit).

Then in the second Rak'at the Imam will first pray the Alhamdu and a Surat then lift your hands to your ears and say Allahu Akbar and release them; and do not fold them and repeat this twice. Therefore a total of three times the Takbeer shall be said. On the fourth time say Allahu Akbar and without lifting your hands go into Ruku.

This therefore means that in the Eid prayer there are six extra Takbeers; three before Qira'at (recitation) and after Takbeer-e-Tahrima in the first Rak'at and three after Qira'at in the second Rakat and before the Takbeer for Ruku.

Also in all the extra Takbeers you must lift your hands and between two Takbeers a gap of three Tasbeehs should be made and it is Mustahab in the Eid prayer to recite after Alhamdu, 'Surah al-Jumu'ah' in the first Rak'at and 'Surah al-Munafiqun' in the second or in the first pray 'Sabbih Isma Rabbik al-A'la' and in the second 'Hal Ataaka Hadeethul Ghasihiyah'. [al-Durr al-Mukhtar Pages 113-114, Bahar-e-Shari'at]

Method of performing the Eid prayer has been taken from the English version of the book "Qanoon-e-Shari'at", by 'Allama Shamsul 'Ulama Shamsuddin Ahmed al-Radawi, the student of Sadr al-Shari'ah, Allama Mufti Amjad 'Ali al-'A'azmi.

..:: EID al-Fitr [1432H | 2011] Mubarak!! ::..

 

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Shahzad Afzal
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Laylat al-Qadr... The Night of Power

..:: Laylat al-Qadr | The Night of Power ::..

I. Hadrat Anas ibn Malik reported that when Ramadan came, the Holy Prophet said, "Indeed this month has come to you, and in it is a night more virtuous than a thousand months. So, whosoever is deprived of its blessings is deprived of all blessings. No one is kept deprived of its blessings, but only those who are unfortunate." [Sunan Ibn Majah, Vol. 1, Page 119]

II. Hadrat 'Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, "Seek Lailatul Qadr on an odd numbered night (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and the 29th) among the last ten (nights) of Ramadan." [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 270]

III. Hadrat 'Aishah reported: "I asked the Messenger of Allah: tell me what should I say (pray) on Lailatul Qadr if I know which night it is?" He said: say,

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّى
"O Allah, You are forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me." [Sunan Tirmidhi, Vol. 2, Page 191]

IV. Hadrat 'Aishah reported that the Messenger of Allah used to strive hard in devotion in the last ten nights more than at any other time. [Sahih Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 372]

V. Hadrat Anas reported that the Messenger of Allah has said, "When Lailatul Qadr comes, Gabriel comes down with a company of angels who invoke blessings on everyone who is standing or sitting remembering Allah the Great and Glorious. Then when their festival day comes, i.e. the Eid day, He (Allah) speaks proudly of them to his angels saying, "O My angels, what is the reward of a hired servant who has fully accomplished his work?" They say, "Our Lord, his reward is that he should be paid his wages in full." He says, "O My angels! My male and female servants have fulfilled what I have made obligatory for them, and then have come out raising their voices in supplication. By My Might, Glory, Honour, High dignity and Exalted Station, I will certainly answer them." Then He says, "Return, I have forgiven you and changed your evil deeds into good deeds." The Messenger of Allah said, "Then they return having received forgiveness." [Mishkat, Vol. 1, Page 182]

VI. Hadrat 'Aishah reported that when the last ten days began, the Messenger of Allah used to prepare himself rigorously for devotion; remain awake at night and (also) keep his family awake. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 1, Page 271]

Shaykh 'Abd al-Haq "Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi" states under the commentary of the above Hadith that:

"Shadda Mizarahu" (tied his lower garment) is a metaphor that the Messenger of Allah used to devote himself completely for the worship of Allah, more than usually in the last ten days of Ramadan. Or, this is metaphor that the Messenger of Allah isolated and secluded himself from his blessed wives. [Ashi'ah al-Lam'at – Vol. 2, Page 115]

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Extracted From

Anwaar al-Hadith, Page 162 / 163

by Hadrat Allama Mufti Jalal al-Din Qadiri al-Amjadi

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Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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Gems of Wisdom by Ameer al-Mu'mineen Sayyiduna 'Ali al-Murtuda Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

• To meet somebody with gaiety and cheerfulness is the first act of a good deed.
• It is also an act of prayer to ponder over the work of nature.
• To have suspicion in one's belief is equivalent to polytheism.
• Improper modesty is the course of misfortune. Very few people are convincing company.
• Showing appreciation is the reason for receiving Divine blessings, and ungratefulness is the reason for receiving difficulties or hardship.
• Respect is from amongst the excellent of marvels and charity is from amongst the most excellent forms of worship.
• Death is an uninvited companion.
• In every second are hidden difficulties.
• To be victorious over your worship is an excellent feat.
• An intelligent person lowers himself to attain a high status while a foolish person raises his status thereby disgracing himself.
• Intelligence falls into 2 categories: Natural disposition and adaptation.There is no benefit from accommodated intelligence without the intelligence of natural disposition: for example sunlight is useless to one who cannot see.
• Friendship is a relationship proficient from birth.
• To be ashamed of ones sins augment ones eyes, to be proud of ones good deeds destroys ones eyes.
• The companion that destroys worship, his desires and extensive worship for one day is the enemy of the soul.
• An intelligent person always remains sad and remorseful.
• In idleness one is reminded of gallantry.
• To combine charity with obligation is wickedness.
• To speak ill of an open sinner is not backbiting.
• A persons true worth is hidden under his tongue.
• To forgive is the best form of revenge.
• A wise person is he who due to his previous experiences goes about doing things a different way.
• Even though there is fear in speaking the truth, yet in it is salvation. Though it is simple to lie yet in it is definitely destruction.
• Restlessness combined with patience is definitely more inconvenient.
• A poor person is he who has no friends.
• Knowledge with practise is liberating and practise without sincerity is useless.
• Poverty, whom many people feel ashamed of, is better than that wealth which leads to sins and wrong doings making a person face dishonour and disgrace.
• There is never a shortage of experiences and an intelligent person is he who progresses by it.
• To fear difficulties is a strange condition of adversities.
• To forgive easily is supreme respectability and to be vengeful is extreme meanness.
• The recognition of a respectable person is when anyone is generous then he too treats that person with generosity and if anyone is meek towards him then he too becomes docile, and a wicked person is that person, when approached with submission then he treats that person with generosity and if he is approached with generosity the he becomes negligent.
• The reason the 'Ulama are poor and helpless is, because the ignorant are plenty who do not understand their value.
• For a criminal to plead guilty is the best form of amnesty or intercession.
• An intelligent person when remaining silent ponders about the Almighty SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala and His creation, and wherever he looks, he learns a lesson from around him.
• Distant hopes (for some act/deed done) and sincerity of action does not go hand in hand.
• Impatience cannot erase what had been ordained by Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala but it destroys your rewards.
• Greed does not increase ones sustenance rather it decreases ones respect among the people.
• You cannot live without women although they are from the mischiefs of evil.
• A person would remain in whatever condition he chooses.
• An evil person does not behave well towards others because he regards them similar in character as himself.
• Knowledge is better than wealth, because knowledge protects you while you protect wealth.
• Weigh down the Scales of Good deeds with charity
• A person though being underprivileged continues to do pious acts, should be encouraged to keep his strength to continue that good act.(i.e. we should assist in improving his circumstances so that he can continue doing good)
• Respect is gained through good behaviour and wisdom and not through wealth or family ties.
• Another form of persevering with patience is to control ones nafs (desires).
• Majority of the time a persons hasty and rash decisions leads him to regret his actions, and if he does not become regretful then understand this; his lunacy becomes established.

• Remove the evil from ones own heart first before you endeavour to remove the evils from anothers.
• Whosoever forgets Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala then Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala makes that person to even forget his most beloved.
• Whosoever makes an effort to seek the faults of others he will ultimately find a fault.
• The more greed you find in a person the lesser he trusts in Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• This World is a corpse. Indirectly, people become kinsmen. Kinsmen in its greed to obtain its wealth, thus not even halting to destroy one another.
• Every person draws his opinions from the type of experiences he has.
• Ask your heart about the condition of friendship because it is such a witness that does not accept a bribe.
• As long as any speech is locked away in the mouth, then you are its owner. When it leaves your mouth then from that point onwards it owns you.
• To redress the time that you have squandered in your youth in your old age becomes nothing short of an accomplishment.
• Learn from him who is more knowledgeable than you and teach him, who lacks knowledge, from what you know.
• To spend time pondering and seeking advice is similar to be in quest of a counsellor's guidance.
• It is an astonishment that a person who has no control over his destiny continues to uplift and pursue his wishes.
• A miser leads a lifestyle of the poor in this World because he is afraid to spend his wealth, yet he would have to give account with the wealthy in the Hereafter and face the same punishment.
• Safeguard yourself from having very high expectations because the joy received from the gifts of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala are driven away. It diminishes its value in your eyes, making you ungrateful and thankless.
• It is extreme wretchedness to keep the company of unpleasant people and to ill-treat your own.
• Only that amount from your possessions are for you alone which you have sent ahead of you to the Hereafter the balance of that wealth which you have left, in this World belongs to your heirs.
• Shariah (Islamic Law) have drawn your attention towards illustrious counselling for only one reason and that is, the advisers' opinion is entirely pure and the person seeking advice, his opinion is mixed with desire.
• If you come to a person's assistance then keep secret about it and if anyone came to your assistance then make it evident.
• That person who affords the creation of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala their dues then he would also afford his dues to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• The person who listens to backbiting is an accomplice to backbiting and the one who does evil deeds, he definitely is negligent.
• If only the people of this World had complete knowledge then today's business and its present condition would be deranged.
• Sometimes everything goes so well and sometimes even with all the assistance the job still remains incomplete.
• Sometimes grave damage is caused by good news and sometimes good comes out of a bad venture.
• O! World –whoever is not aware of your treachery and is not disgusted with your acquaintance then though he many be alive yet he is dead and should be mourned.
• The extreme of modesty is when a person is modest of himself also.
• How can anybody bring a person back on the correct track when that person chooses to remain on the wrong track.
• An idiot's wisdom is behind while an intelligent persons tongue is behind his wisdom.
• The beauty of a gift is this that whatever has to be given should be given quickly and it should not be kept waiting in anticipation.
• Women, Intelligent and lesson seeking people can be lectured to, but the immature would gain no benefit from it.
• That person who does contrary to the truth, then Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala himself opposes and confronts him.
• That person who resides close to his enemy, then his body wastes away would sorrow and he becomes lean and thin.
• That person who always remains unhappy, then that which makes him happy or gives him pleasure would never be known.
• That person, who is not in the habit of being civil, is set right by maltreatment.
• That person damages his faculty of reason, who finds pleasure in everything he does.
• That person who adopts certain principles in any big venture than those principles become established in his life.
• Whosoever is ruled by his tongue, then he should be made aware of his destruction and his decision of death is made by it.
• That person who does not have high hopes, his actions are true.
• That person who when praised is thankful to those that praise him, in reality that is not thankfulness but a joke.
• That person, who quickly answers a question with no consideration, is generally blinded to the consequences his actions would lead to.
• That person who is careless though he has the knowledge of becoming wealthy, soon realises he can never attain that wealth.
• That person, who cannot keep his own secret, would certainly not be able to keep the secret of others.
• That person, who has ill thoughts, would always look suspiciously at others.
• That person who does not respect himself, then he should not expect to be respected by others.
• That person who cannot make peace with himself can never bring about peace between others.
• That person, who does not benefit from his own alertness, cannot benefit from the vigilance of his protectors.

• That person who is not grateful to the assistance of someone, then he should not expect to receive assistance form that source again.
• That person who cannot see the damage caused by evil soon finds himself caught in that same evil.
• That person who does not see the advantages of being a good Samaritan, then he will not possess the strength to do a person a good favour.
• It is a great misfortune upon the virtuous and honourable people that they have to, for the sake of hospitality and courtesy behave towards the evil and wicked people.
• To do good towards the creation of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala in that manner that really portrays one as really grateful to the Supreme Creator SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala. One cannot find a better method.
• That person who is free from sin becomes valiant and courageous, and that person who has any defect becomes a very big coward.
• That person who regards tomorrow as the day he would die, experiences no troubles when death really approaches him.
• That work or action that is not permissible in public, most likely is not permissible in private.
• To follow the commands of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala cannot be obtained except by compulsion.
• The essence of knowledge is to know while the essence of doing a person a favour is based on not reminding that person of that favour.
• That person whose knowledge exceeds his common sense becomes a nuisance to him.
• The friendship of a fickle person becomes distant over a small and distant word.
• That difficulty that possesses the hope of reward is better than that gift for which one is ungrateful.
• To distance yourself from that Salaah (prayer) with total confidence is better than to complete the Salaah under suspicion.
• Keep your distance from mischievous women and also be wary of gentlemen.
• To give advice in front of people is one form of censure.
• The friendship of the ignorant is inconsistent and changeable.
• That poor relative that meets his fellow relatives is better than that wealthy person who severs all ties with his relatives.
• The soundness of religion lies in the destruction of material values.
• Until you are totally aware of a person's nature do not put your trust in his nobility.
• Do not look down upon anyone until you have spoken to him.
• Though one finds no joy in it, one should continue doing good deeds.
• Do not think ill of that which you have no knowledge of. It may be possible that their is still information outstanding which had not reached you. If you cannot find a deserving person worthy of friendship do not befriend an unworthy person.
• A person of knowledge, though he may be in a despicable condition, does not think of him in a disgraceful manner. Though a fool may be in bad company do no think bad of him.
• Do not show pleasure in somebody's downfall, for you have no knowledge of what the future holds in store for you.
• Do not be trustworthy of enemies' good manners, for no matter how much one may use fire to heat water, yet it is enough to douse it.
• There is no generosity surrounding the circumstances of poverty, likewise there is no relationship of greed with good health.
• Difficulties are confronted with patience, and the protection of Allah 's SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala gifts is being grateful.
• There is no greater truth than death and there is no greater lie than to raise ones hopes.
• There are very few that have not caused harm to themselves by rush and hasty decisions, likewise it is a strange occurrence when a patient person is not successful.
• Little knowledge is the consequence of animosity in good deeds and sound knowledge is dependent on sound knowledge.
• When one takes what rightfully belongs to him, he should not be enraged although he should safeguard himself from misappropriating somebody else's rights or belonging.
• When a road is open towards peace from freedom then it is foolish to stay in fear and bondage.
• Just as it is unpleasant to say something ignorant, likewise there is no benefit in staying silent knowing the truth.
• An honest man though the generosity of truth reaches such a status that can never be attained by a lying untruthful deceitful and cunning person.
• A person's intelligence is ascertained by the charm of eloquence of his speech while his respectability is ascertained by the resolve of his actions.
• Seek refuge in Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala from the mischief of wealth and opulence for it is such a long mischief, that it becomes too late when one realises it.
• Safeguard yourself from the company of immorality and sin for vices very quickly become habits.
• The people have turned their attention away from obtaining ilm (knowledge – in this case religious knowledge) because they see an Alim (religious leader – priest) who does not practise on his education.
• To bestow gifts timorously, without delaying is the habit of the honourable, while to seek vengeance hastily is not amongst the characteristics of the respectable.
• Even if the Almighty creator Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala had not made unlawful things unlawful, the wise and intelligent would still refrain from the unlawful.
• Though the World may be in the possession of a person yet he never attains it.
• Speech presents itself with a few evils. The speaker requires time and opportunity.
• There is offering of Alms (sadqa) for every facet in life, and the charity of reasoning, Intelligent and wisdom is to exercise tolerance and forbearance towards the ignorant and foolish.
• That person has caused you a great harm, who had praised you and shown you respect through you are deserving of it.

• Whosoever has shown you dishonour and contempt and if you are wise then verily that person had done you a great favour.
• It is better to follow in a good deed that to lead in a bad deed.
• Your nafs will do that which you have befriended it to.
• That person for whom you painstakingly go out of your way to be hospitable and entertaining cannot really be your brother.
• One can never know and understand the feeling of good fortune until he tastes misfortune.
• Do not exceed the boundaries of bravery nor entirely surrender yourself by giving up hope.
• There is no fault or shame in journey. The sinful thing is that a man is subjected to obligation in his own native country.
• The person who exceeds the boundaries of politeness towards you has in actuality done you a grave wrong.
• Make your peace with your creator so that the hereafter becomes peaceful for you, and live harmoniously with one another so that you do not destroy the World.
• Tolerance and placidity is not that, when one is need and overpowered the he remains silent and when he becomes powerful then he seeks vengeance.
• The sign that a servant is showing pleasure towards his creator is when he shows pleasure in whatever fate decrees to him.
• For the seeing there is a lesson in every glance and an experience in every advise.
• The best deed that shows gratefulness to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala gifts is to share it with others.
• A sin committed deliberately is not deserving of forgiveness.
• To lessen gratefulness disinclines a benefactor to assist.
• If one does not know the answer to a question it is better to be honest and say you do not know, for by saying so one actually has half the knowledge to the question, but do not think great of the fact that you do not know.
• Kill the desires of the heart with education and knowledge and kill your anger with tolerance and forbearance.
• How can a person be happy with his age when every second added to it shortens it? Also how can a person be proud of the wellbeing of his body when it is a lifelong sign of wretchedness?
• Very few wishes are fulfilled and misfortunes are sometimes turned to fortunes.
• Sometimes you travel weapon less and sometimes dreams come true.
• If the fear of death is close to your heart then the pride of false hopes will never come near or overpower it.
• To agree on every word is a sign of a hypocrite while to disagree on every word is open signs of hostility and animosity.
• Silence is an adornment of beauty for an 'Alim and a veil against ignorance for the ignorant.
• Save yourself from the betrayal of a friend and the overpowering of an enemy.
• Do not put your trust in fake promises for it is an investment of the foolish.
• Disobedience and debauchery are the reasons that bring down punishment and the wrath of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, so steer clear of it.
• Shorten that speech which you seem to draw pleasure from, for this is better on your behalf and is a sign of excellence and marvel.
• Do not be ensnared by any talk of a mischievous person and do not isolate yourself from an honourable person because of his sternness or a minor fault.
• It is hard to fathom why we require that which is always in the hands of a vile person.
• The person who has the power to do the best deeds is that person who has complete control over his temper.
• The greatest lecture is when a person looks at a graveyard and gains a lesson from it.
• The greatest sin is that sin which looks minor in the eyes of the sinful.
• The rights exercised by mercy rightfully belong to three people: a) An 'Alim on whom the ignorant rule. b) The honourable and respectable person who is ruled by a vile and wicked ruler. c) That pious person who is subdued by an evil person.
• The rarities of the World are truth and trustworthiness while falsehood and untrustworthiness is in abundance.
• The best speech is that speech that is backed by sincere action.
• The greatest difficulties are on that person whose expectations are extremely high, benevolence high and abilities low.
• The most foolish person is he who thinks ill of the meanness of another yet finds no qualms in emulating that person.
• We are very thankful to the gifts bestowed by Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala such that to commit an act of sin arduous to the people.
• Very the dead are in the earth's stomach and the sick are on its back (i.e. The dead are buried while the living are embraced with difficulties)
• Verily poverty is demeaning to the soul, proper for the mind, and increases sorrow and anxiety.
• Verily big ideas cross the mind from time to time yet sound wisdom keeps it in check.
• Verily the best example in explaining the difference between this World and the hereafter is likened to a man with 2 wives, when he pleases one the other gets upset.
• Verily this World is a house full of difficulties. Whoever indulges quickly in it, and then difficulties afflict his life. Whoever is granted a little respite then he thinks of securing a livelihood or he is caught up in the separation of friends and relatives, close and dear.
• When wisdom is complete then speech becomes less.
• When you go away very far with great expectations then remind yourself with the sudden arrival of death.

• When speech becomes less, then man usually speaks the truth.
• When fear of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala enters your heart then hurry towards him and seek repentance, and if the fear of any creation enters your heart then run away from him.
• Everything of note gradually becomes less and every happiness becomes insignificant one day.
• Whenever Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala loves a certain servant of his then he bestows upon him that guidance to take a lesson from the periods most dangerous and admonitory events.
• A respectable 'Alim adopts humility, but when a wicked person adopts knowledge then he commits bad deeds.
• When a person has a good character his speech becomes delicate and exquisite.
• If you cannot repay a favour, then at least show gratitude by thanking the person.
• When an ascetic (Zahid) runs away from the people then seek him out, but when an ascetic seeks the company of people then stay away from him.
• When you cannot fathom the wisdom of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala in certain things then do not add your fancy notions to it.
• When you cannot give the weak and oppressed anything then at least show mercy and kindness towards them.
• When you fear a command then enroll yourself into its obedience for the longer you fear the command the more difficult it becomes to execute or obey.
• When you identify certain good character traits that are common between you and another person then expect to find those qualities presenting itself.
• Those obligations which are compulsory upon you to fulfill, the onus to fulfill its obligations rests solely on you, and its obligations should not be shifted to others.
• The rewards bestowed upon a good deed are measured by the amount of effort that was put into it.
• That person who has not shown gratitude and thankfulness towards his fellow man, then he cannot be a person who would also show thankfulness to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• The advice of the old is better than the strength and power of the young.
• The beauty of a persons face is truly an excellent gift of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala upon us.
• To become totally hopeless in attaining something is better than facing dishonour and disgrace in obtaining it.
• Flattering the praise is amongst the greater performances of the Devil.
• The best speech and conversation is that, which does not cause grief and burden upon the listener.
• Speak to a person according to his intellect.
• The wealth of the wicked is a burden upon all creation.
• The many conditions surrounding the kindness shown to ones siblings are such that it is imperative that you should never break those ties.
• Ilm (education) is that treasure whose treasury remains always stocked and overflowing and its necessitude of fortune does not cause it any damage.
• Wisdom is that tree that is planted in the heart, grows in the mind and bears fruit on the tongue.
• The clear and apparent road is the road of truth and charity.
• If one overcomes his enemy then forgiving him is a way of showing gratitude to Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• Those who have supported falsehood then it is as if they have oppressed the truth.
• To outwardly put on a character of niceties and inwardly hold malice is bad for a person.
• The fire of conflict withers away the saplings of justice.
• Those who don't protect freedom are soon imprisoned by slavery.
• The protectors of injustices against freedom become imprisoned with slavery.
• When wisdom becomes complete then speech is reduced.
• The counsel of the elderly is more extensive than the show of strength of the young.
• People leave out certain foodstuff for the fear of ill health but they never think of abstaining from sin for the fear of Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala.
• Contentment is the biggest wealth.
• The person who does not learn a lesson from his experiences soon discovers his faculty of thought vanishes.
• The tolerance shown on the talks of the ignorant is its Zakah.
• The greatest wealth is intelligence and the greatest poverty is stupidity in the World.
• The greatest breach of trust in the World is treachery against a nation.
• There is no greater honour and dignity than absistence.
• Impatience does not change the decisions of Almighty Allah SubHanuhu wa Ta'ala, but the reward for patience is however forfeited.
• 'Alim is that person who acts upon what he preaches.
• Religion (Islam) is a treasure and 'Ilm (knowledge) is the route to it.
• Knowledge is greater than wealth, because you take care and protect your wealth, while knowledge takes care and protects you. Knowledge is governing while wealth is governed. By dispersing it, wealth is lessened while knowledge is increased.

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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Ameer al-Momineen Sayyiduna Mawla Ali al-Murtuda Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu

HIS POSITION IN THE SILSILA: Ameer al-Momineen, Asadullahil Ghalib, Haidar-e-Karaar Hadrat Sayyiduna Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu are the second Imam of the Silsila Aaliyah Qaadiriyah Barakaatiyah Razaviyyah Nooriyah.

BLESSED NAME: His name is Ali and is known as Abu al-Hassan and Abu Turab and his titles are Murtuda, Asadullah and Haidar-e-Karraar.

HIS FATHER: His father was Abu Taalib and Grandfather were Abdul Mutallib. Abu Taalib is the uncle of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam.

HIS MOTHER: His mother's name was Faatima bint Asad, bin Haashim, bin Abd Munaaf. Her Janazah was performed by Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and he gave his blessed Qamees (Kurta) to be used as her kaffan (shroud). He prepared her grave and first he himself laid down in her grave, so that it will be comfortable for her in the grave, and so that she may be adorned in the Garb of Jannat. [Noor al-Absaar]

MIRACULOUS EVENTS IN THE WOMB OF HIS MOTHER: When Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was in the womb of his mother, then she used to see astonishing dreams. She says, "When I was pregnant with Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, some bright people came to me and gave me glad tidings, and for as long as he was in womb, I felt very different, and whenever I intended to prostrate before the idols, I would have a severe pain in my stomach. In this way, I could not prostrate to any idol." [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

HIS BIRTH: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was born on a Friday. Some narrations quote the date as the 13th of Muharram and others state the 13th of Rajab. His birth occurred 30 years after the incident of Feel. He was born inside the Holy Kaa'ba, and none has been blessed with this excellence before him. [Noor al-Absaar]

His mother said, "When he was born, he did not drink milk for three days, and this, caused great sadness in my home. This message reached Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam arrived and took Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu in his blessed arms and showed great love to him. He then placed his tongue in the mouth of Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and Hadrat Ali suckled on the tongue of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and thereafter started to drink milk."

When Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was five years old, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam kept him at his blessed home and took care of him. He was thus groomed in the home of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam until he was ten years old.

HIS FEATURES: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was of excellent built and not very tall in height. He was tan in colour and very handsome. His face was very beautiful and would always be shining like the full moon. He had huge, black shining eyes. His shoulders were broad and well built like that of a lion. His beard was long and full. His body was very muscular, and his body was covered by a lot of hair.  His hands and wrists were very strong and firm. If he gripped anyone with his hands, the person would not be able to breath. His thighs and legs were also very strong and firm. He walked very swiftly in the manner that the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam walked. He was so healthy, that if he wished, he wore summer clothes in winter and winter clothes in summer. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

FAMILY TREE: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu son of Abu Taalib son of Abdul Mutalib son of Abd Munaaf son of Qasi son of Kilaab son of Marrah son of Lawi son of Ghaalib son of Fahar son of Maalik son of Nuzar son of Kinaana. [Tareekh al-Khulafa]

HE ACCEPTS ISLAM: Almighty Allah commanded the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam to propagate Islam amongst his family first and to correct their habits and behaviour. This, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam did and he first invited to Islam, Bibi Khadija Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. He also invited Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu who happily accepted Islam. He was the first amongst the youth (children) to accept Islam.[Ikmaal fi Asmaa ar-Rijaal]

HIS EXCELLENCE: Allama ibn Hajr Makki Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu writes in Zawaajir, that Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu asked Zar'raar to explain the qualities of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. He said, "His knowledge was vast. He was Aarif billaah, and strict in the issues of Deen. His spoke words of righteousness which differentiated right from wrong. His every decision was full of justice. He did not desire the pomp and splendour of this world. The night and the silence of the night was very dear to him. He would often cry in the fear of Almighty Allah, and he would sometimes be in deep meditation. He was always quick in assisting others. He always shunned his nafs. He preferred thick clothing.  He ate any food that was present, and did not give preference to its taste. When he was amongst us, he seemed like one of us and did not care about his status. Whenever anyone called him, he went to them. Even though he was so humble and we were so close to him, we still were very afraid to talk to him. He always respected those who were inclined to religious affairs. His friends were the poor and the needy. Even if a person was very famous and was guilty, he knew that his case would not be compromised by Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. A weak person never feared that he would look down upon him, due to his weakness."

Zar'raar then swore an Oath (Qasm) and said, "I saw that when it became dark and even the stars were hidden, he was standing in the Mimbar and firmly holding his beard and was in a state as if a snake had bitten him. He was weeping and calling out to Almighty Allah. He was saying, 'O Materialistic World, O Materialistic World! You have turned towards me. You have looked at me. Stay away from me! Stay away from me! Go and try to deceive someone else. I have given you three irrevocable divorces, in other words I have left you, because your age is less, your pleasures are destructive and there is much fear by being with you.' He used to be sad about himself and would spend his time weeping the fear of Allah."

When Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu heard this, he began to weep so bitterly that tears ran down to his beard, and he could not stop weeping, until he wiped his tears with his sleeves. The entire gathering also wept. Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah then said this as he wept, "Allah have mercy on Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. I swear by Allah, he was just as you have explained him to be." [Masaalik as-Saalikeen]

He is the fourth Khalifa of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and a lot has been said by great scholars in his praise. His praise is also present in the verses of the Quran and in the Hadith of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Imam Muhammad Ghazzali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu write in Ihyaa al-Uloom that on the night of Hijrat, when Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was asleep in the blessed bed of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Almighty Allah sent wahi to Hadrat Jibraeel and Hadrat Mikaeel (alaihimus salaam) that, "I have made the two of you brothers to one another and I made the age of one from amongst you more than that of the other. Is there any from amongst you that will give part of your age to the other?"

None answered from both of them. Almighty Allah said, "The both of you are not the example of Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu.  I have made him the brother of my Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Look, he is asleep in the bed of his brother and is willing to sacrifice his life for him. Both of you go to earth and protect him from his enemies. Hadrat Jibraeel u descended and stood at the head side of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and Hadrat Israfeel u stood at his feet, protecting him for the entire night." It was on this, that Almighty Allah revealed the verse, "Some person sells his life in pleasing Allah, and Allah is Most compassionate towards his servants." (Surah Baqara) [Kashful Mahjoob, Page 260]

Hadrat Ibn Abbas Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reports that once Hadrat Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu were very ill.  The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat Umar (radi Allahu anhum) came to visit the children. On leaving the Sahaba-e-Kiraam requested that Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu take some Nazr (vow) on behalf of the children. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, Bibi Faatima Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and their female servant all took the vow to keep three fasts each, so that Almighty Allah may bless both the children with shifa. All three of them kept the first fast, but there was nothing in the house for Iftaar. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu then bought three portions of flour on credit from a jew called Sham'oon. He gave one portion to Bibi Faatima Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, who made five breads with the flour. As the time of Iftaar arrived, and they were about to eat, a beggar came to their door and said, "Salaam upon you O Ahle Bait of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. I am a poor Muslim from amongst the poor Muslims. Please feed me with something and Allah shall feed you from the bounties of Jannat." When they heard this, all of them gave their bread to him, and they slept just by drinking water. The next day, they sat for Iftaar when they heard someone say, "I am an Orphan. Please assist me." Again, all of them gave their share of food to him. This happened on the third day again, when a captive asked for food, they gave all their food to him. When morning came, Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu took Imam Hassan and Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhum) to visit the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. When he saw how weak the children were, he went to Bibi Faatima Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and saw that she too had become weak. This caused much sadness to the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. It was then, that Hadrat Jibraeel Alaihis Salam descended with this verse of the Quran, "And they feed the poor, orphan and captive in His love." [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol 1, Page 145]

This verse of the Holy Quran was also revealed in praise of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, "Those who spend their wealth in charity during the night and the day, (both) discreetly and openly. For them, they have a generous reward by their Lord. They have no fear nor do they have any grief."

Hadrat ibn Abbas Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu states that Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu had only four dirhams with him. He distributed one dirham as charity at night and one dirham in the day. He then gave one dirham discreetly and one dirham openly. It was on this, that the above mentioned verse of the Quran was revealed. [Masaalik as-Saalikeen, Vol 1 Page 147]

Hadrat Dharr bin Hubaish Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reports that Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu said, "I swear in His Name who caused a tree to explode from a seedling and who created life, that the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said to me, 'O Ali! Only he shall have true love for you, who is a Momin and he who has enmity against you is a hypocrite.'" [Sahih al-Muslim]

Hadrat Imraan bin Haseen Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reports that the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, "Ali is mine and I am his, and he is the beloved of all the believers." [Sunan al-Tirmidhi]

Hadrat Sahl ibn Saad Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "On the day of Khaibar, the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Tomorrow I shall give this flag in the hand of that person, through whom Almighty Allah shall grant us victory. That person loves Allah and His Rasool SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, and Allah and His Rasool SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam love him.' When morning came, all the companions of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam came into the court of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam hoping that they would be the one who shall be chosen in whose hand the flag shall be given, but the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam asked, 'Where is Ali bin Abi Taalib Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu?' It was said that his eyes were sore through an infection. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said, 'Call him' He was thus called and the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam put his blessed saliva into his eyes and they became well, as if they were never sore. He SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam then gave the flag in his hand." [Sahih Bukhari - Sahih Muslim]

HIS CHARACTER: The life of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was a beautiful example of good character. It is stated that even though he was blessed with an exalted status, he never showed himself to be above others. He always lived a very simple and humble life. He also helped with the household chores. He would often be seen sewing a patch in his torn clothing. Even when the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam had commanded the Sahaba to dig a trench, Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu worked like an ordinary labourer.

HIS KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY: He was a very kind and generous personality. He never caused pain to anyone. Even if someone committed an error, he explained to him with great kindness and love. Hadrat Abu Dhar Ghaffari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was very exalted, brave, Truthful, soft hearted and kind. The desire to help the poor flowed in him like the huge waves of the sea. He used to travel far away from home, to assist the sick, old, poor, orphans, crippled and downtrodden."

HIS BRAVERY: Hadrat Abbas Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu is the bravest amongst the people." It is for this reason that he is known as "Ashja'un Naas". Volumes can be written only on the bravery of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. Hadrat Abu Dharr Ghaffari Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reports that before Hijrat, when the kufaar were planning to martyr the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. (The incident of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu sleeping that night on the blessed bed of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam has already been explained in this book) and it also showed his bravery and his faith in the Holy Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He partook in all the great battles except in the Battle of Tabook. During one battle, Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and Hadrat Zubair bin Al Awaan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu killed 700 kufaar of the Banu Quraiza, in one day. [Madarij an-Nabuwwah]

Hadrat Abu Raafi' Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says that during the battle of Khaibar, the shield of Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was damaged. He went forward in the Love of Allah and His Rasool SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and uprooted the Door of the Fort of Khaibar with his bare hands and used it as a shied. After the battle, forty strong men together could not move the door from where it has kept by Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. [Zarkani, Vol 2, Page 230 - Taareekh al-Khulafa, Page 33]

BAY'AT AND KHILAAFAT: Ibn As'ad says that all the people of Madinah Munawwarah took the oath of allegiance at the hands of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. Hadrat Ali's Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu Khilafat lasted for 4 years 8 months and 9 days. [Tareekh al-Khulafa]

HIS VAST KNOWLEDGE: Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu attained great knowledge from the holy court of Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. Hadrat Abu Amar reports from Abu Tufail, that Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu said, "Ask me whatever you wish from the Quran. There is no ayat that I am not aware of. I even know whether it was revealed during the day or night, or it was revealed on soft our mountainous land." [Jaami' al-Manaqib]

Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu narrated five hundred and eighty six Ahadith (Sayings) of Rasoolullah SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. His knowledge, wisdom and decisions were so great that Hadrat Umar a-Farooq Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "The best judge amongst all the saHaba is Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu."

Hadrat Saeed ibn Habeeb Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "There was no person in Madinah Munawwarah except Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu who could say, 'Ask me what ever you want to know'"

Hadrat Abdullah ibn Mas'ood Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was also the possessor of great knowledge, but he too used to openly announce the following, "None has more knowledge of the Fara'idh than Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and none has more understanding than him." Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "If I wished to compile the commentary of Sura Fateh, then I would be able to load 40 camels with books (from this tafseer)."

LOVE FOR HADRAT ALI: The Muhaditheen have recorded that Hadrat Ali al-Murtuda Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu said, "The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said the following words about me, 'You have a special attachment with Hadrat Esa Alaihis Salam. The Jews hated him so bitterly that (Allah forbid) they accused his pure mother Bibi Maryam Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and the Christians went over the limitations in his love to such an extent, that (Allah forbid) they called him the son of Allah. Beware, since there will also be two groups in your case. One will be those, who in your love will hold you in such esteem, that they will transgress the limitations and the other group, will be those who will have dislike for you, and they shall target you with their accusations.'"

From these blessed words, it is evident that both the Kharijis and Shi'as are Misled and that the proper ones are the Ahle Sunnat wa al-Jama'at, who show great love to Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and yet we do not transgress the limitations.

HIS POETRY: In eloquence and command of language, there is none that can be equal to the people of Arabia. They have the ability to render beautiful impromptu verses of prose. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was also a very great poet. He wrote Praises to Allah, and many poems in praise of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam, which can be found in the books of history and Seerah. A few stanzas of his poems are being presented for attaining blessings.

Radeena Qismatal Jabaari feena
Lana ilmuw wa lil Juhhaali Maalu

"We are pleased with that which our Lord has distributed
That, he blessed me with knowledge and the ignorant with wealth."

Li Annal Maala Yufni Anqareebin
wa Innal ilma Yabqaa Laa Yazaalu

"Because very soon, the wealth will become less and be finished
And knowledge will remain, for there is no end for it."

WIVES AND CHILDREN: There are numerous opinions of the Ulama on the wives of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and how many they were. However, his first wife was Bibi Faatima Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, the daughter of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam. He was not allowed to remarry as long as she was in his Nikah. His second wife was Bibi Imaama, who was the grand daughter of the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam and the daughter of Sayyida Zainab Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. He married her because Bibi Faatima Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu asked him to do so before she passed away. His third wife was Hadrat Aasma bint Umais Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. She was married to his brother Hadrat Jaafar Tayyaar Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. After his demise, she married Hadrat Abu Bakr Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and after his demise, she came into the Nikah of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. His fourth wife was Hadrat Khaula bint Jaafar bin Qais Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. His fifth wife was Umm al-Baneen Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, His sixth wife was Umme Habeeb bint Rabiaa Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, His seventh was Sayyida Laila bint Mas'ood Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, His eight wife was Umme Sa'ad bint Urwah and his ninth wife's name is not known. There are numerous narrations concerning the number of children. Mufti Ahmad Yaar Khan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu said twelve sons and nine daughters. Allama Muhammad Mia Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu has mentioned 18 sons and 18 daughters.

INCIDENTS RELATING TO HIS SHAHAADAT: The shahaadat of Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was a very painful event in the history of Islam. Three Kharijies, Abdur Rahmaan bin Muljim, Bark bin Abdullah Tameemi and Amr bin Bukair Tameemi, planned to martyr Hadrat Ali, Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah and Hadrat Amr ibn al-A'as (Ridwaanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajmaeen) on the same day. These traitors planned to attack these Sahaba Kiraam Ridwaanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajmaeen) on the 17th of Ramadaan 40 Hijri. Bark went to Syria and attacked Hadrat Ameer Muawiyah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu who was only injured and was not martyred. Bark was captured. His hands and feet were cut off, and he was set free. Amr bin Bakeer went to Egypt to martyr Hadrat Amr ibn al-'Aas Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. On that day, Hadrat Amr Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was ill and he appointed Sahl Aamiri or Khaarija to perform the Namaaz. Thinking that he was Hadrat Amr Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu, Ibn Bukair attacked and killed him. He was captured and taken to Hadrat Amr Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and was killed. Early that morning Hadrat Ali awoke and told Hadrat Imam Hussain Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu that he had seen the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam in his dream. He said, "I told the Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam that I had attained no comfort from his Ummah. The Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam said that I should curse the tyrants, and I made this dua, 'O Allah! Take me away from these people and put me amongst better people and put such a person in my place who will be very bad for them."

Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was still talking to Hadrat Imam Hasan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu when the Muazzin announced the time for Salaah. Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu walked towards the Masjid for Salaah and as he entered the Masjid, Ibn Muljim the cursed came from behind a pillar and struck Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu on his blessed face, with a sword that was dipped in poison. The people in the Masjid arrested him and brought him before Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu. He said, "Imprison him, but make a soft bed for him and give him good food. If I survive, then I have the right to forgive him or avenge what he has done and if I pass away, then kill him also."

Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu passed away on the 21st of Ramadan from the severe injury caused by the attack on him. He passed away at the age of 63.

HIS FINAL ADVICE: Before his wisaal, he called Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (Radi Allahu Anhum) and said, "I advice you to remain pious and do not wish for the world even if it wishes for you. And if you lose any worldly belonging, then do not cry over it. Have mercy on the orphans, and help the weak." He then turned to one of his sons, Hadrat Muhammad bin Hanafiyah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu and gave him the same advice. He then read the Kalima and his soul travelled from this mundane world in to the heights of the hereafter. Inna Lillaahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raaji'oon!!

GHUSL AND KAFFAN: Hadrat Imam Hasan, Imam Hussain and Abdullah ibn Jaa'far (Ridwaanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een) gave him ghusl and tied his kaffan, which was three pieces of cloth. Hadrat Imam Hasan Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu lead his Janaaza Salaah. [Taareekh al-Khulafa]

MAZAAR-E-PAAK: There are numerous narrations relating to his Mazaar Shareef, but the most famous narration is that it is in Najf Ashraf in Iraq.

Shrine of Sayyiduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho in Mazar Sharif - Afghanistan

 
THE AQIDA OF THE AHL AS-SUNNAH WA AL-JAMA'AH

Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu was blessed with many beautiful qualities and splendours. It is the belief of the Ahle Sunnat wa al-Jama'ah that Hadrat Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu is the fourth Khalifa of Islam, which the Shias reject and thus oppose the other Khulafa. The belief of the Shias in this issue of Khilafat and in other related issues is totally corrupt. The Ahle Sunnat Wa Jama'at should stay away from them and keep them away from us. The Great Imam Aa'dham Abu Hanifa Sayyidi Nau'man bin Thaabit Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "The most exalted amongst the people after Huzoor SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam are Hadrat Abu Bakr, then Hadrat Umar, then Hadrat Uthman, then Hadrat Ali (Ridwaanullahi Ta'aala Alaihim Ajma'een)."

Dar Qutni have recorded in his Sunan that Syeduna Ali Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho said, "Whoever says that I (Ali) am more excellent than Abu Bakr and Umar, I shall punish him with the Hadd of a Slanderer." [as-Sawaa'iq al-MuHarriqah, Page 91]

The same narration is recorded in the famous Asma ar-Rijal book of Shia Madh'hab named, Rijal-e-Kashi, Page Number 338, Printed in Karbala.

The son of Sayyiduna Ali, Imaam Muhammad bin Hanafiyya narrates: 'I asked my father who was the best of people after the Holy Prophet and he answered "Abu Bakr". I asked him who is the best of people after Abu Bakr and he replied, "Umar"' [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 518]

Hadrat Abdullah bin Salma reports from Sayyiduna Ali, 'After the Noble Messenger, the best of people is Abu Bakr, then the best of people is Umar' [Sunan Ibn Majah, Page 11]

Hadrat Imam Jalal al-Din Suyooti Alaihir raHma records that Syeduna ALI Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anho said, "The most exalted amongst the people after Beloved Prophet SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam are Hadrat Abu Bakr and Hadrat Umar. And it is impossible for a heart of a Momin that My Love and Hatred towards Abu Bakr and Umar Radi ALLAHu Anhum resides together." [Tarikh al-Khulafa, Page 122]

Sayyiduna Gawth al-Aa'zam Sheikh Abdul Qaadir Jilaani Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu says, "The Aqida of the Ahle Sunnat wa al-Jama'ah is this, that the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad SallAllaho Alaihi wa Sallam is the Greatest of all Ummahs, and from the Ummah, the greatest are the Asharah al-Mubasharah. These are ten personalities, namely, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali, Talha, Zubair, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Sa'ad, Sa'eed and Abu Ubaidah Al Jarah (Ridwaanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een). From these ten, the most exalted are the Khulafa ar-Raashideen. From the four of them, the most exalted is Abu Bakr as-Siddique, then Umar al-Farooq, then Uthman al-Ghani and then Ali al-Murtuda." (Ridwaanullahi Ta'ala Alaihim Ajma'een).

--
Extracted From
Tadhkira Mashaikh-e-Qadiriya Ridawiya by Mawlana Abd al-Mujtaba Ridawi
English Translation: Chain of Lights by Aftab Qasim Ridawi (Durban - South Africa)

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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I'tikaaf (The Spiritual Retreat) and its Types

Hadrat 'Ayeshah Siddiqah Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anha reported that the Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him used to engage in I'tikaaf. i.e. private devotions in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he met his Lord. [Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1, Page 271 - Sahih Muslim, Vol 1, Page 371]Hadrat Anas Radi ALLAHu Ta'ala Anhu reported that the Holy Prophet Peace and Blessings be Upon Him used to engage in I'tikaaf in the mosque in the last ten days of Ramadan. But, one year he omitted the I'tikaaf so he engaged in I'tikaf during twenty nights the following year. [Sunan Abi Dawood, Vol 1, Page 334]

 

Important Notes:

1. It is sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah to perform I'itikaf in the mosque in the last ten days of the month of Ramadan, as stated by Hadrat Sheikh 'Abd al-Haq "Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi":According to the Hanafi madhhab, I'itikaf is Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah as the Holy Prophet always used to perform it till he passed away. [Ashi'ah al-Lam'at Vol. 2 Pg. 118]
2. There are 3 types of I'itikaf:
a) Wajib – if one makes a "Minnat" (vow) of I'itikaf uttering the words of vow. Mere intention will not make I'itikaf wajib. For example, one says, "If my child becomes cured from his illness then I shall perform I'itikaf for three days." Then to perform I'itikaf for three days with fast is wajib.
b) Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah – that one should enter the Masjid on the 20th of Ramadhan before sunset, with the intention of I'itikaf and to stay there till the end of Ramadhan i.e. leave the mosque after the Maghrib prayer on the 30th of Ramadan or if the moon for Eid was sighted on the 29th then to leave after the Maghrib prayer of that day. This I'itikaf is "sunnat-e-Kifayah" meaning that if I'itikaf was performed by even one person in a town then the religious duty shal be fulfilled on behalf of everyone. Otherwise, all shall be accountable for neglecting it.
There are many virtues and excellences for such an I'itikaf. Baihaqi has reported on the authority of Hadrat Imam Husain that the Messenger of Allah has stated, "whosoever performs I'itikaf for ten days in the month of Ramadan, it is as though he has performed two 'Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) and two Hajj (greater pilgrimage)."
c) MustaHab or Sunnat-e-Mu'akkadah – I'itikaf other than the two types mentioned above are "Mustahab" and "Sunnat-e-Ghair Mu'akkadah" [Fatawa-e-'Alamgiri, Vol 1, Page 197]

 

 3. The mu'takif (person performing the I'itikaf) should not engage himself in worldly talks (as this is strictly forbidden in the Masjid, and in the state of I'itikaf it is even more so). Rather, the mu'takif should engage himself in the recitation of the Holy Qur'an; reading the Ahadith (Sayings) of the Holy Prophet; sending Durud sharif (salutations) upon the Beloved Prophet in abundance; learning and teaching Islamic knowledge; reading the life of our Noble Prophet as well as the other Prophets, Saints; writing Islamic books; listening to Islamic lectures and being engaged in the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah, the Most Exalted. [This has been stated in Fatawa-e-'Alamgiri, Vol 1 Page 198]
4. The easy method of performing a Mustahab I'itikaf is to make the intention of I'itikaf, (with the intention of entry to the masjid,) when one enters into the Masjid. For as long as he shall remain in the Masjid, he shall also earn the reward of being in I'itikaf. The words for the intention of the I'itikaf are:
بسم الله دخلت و عليه توكلت و نويت سنت الاعتكاف۔ اللهم افتح لي ابواب رحمتكك
"With the Blessed Name of Allah have I entered (into the Masjid) and in Him have I placed my trust, and I have made the intention of the Sunnah of I'itikaf. O Allah open Your doors of Mercy upon me."

 

 

--
Extracted From

Anwaar al-Hadith, Page 163 to 165
by Hadrat Allama Jalal al-Din Amjadi al-Qadiri

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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Common mistakes in Ramadan !!!

Some Common Mistakes in Ramadhaan

  
Some Common Mistakes in Ramadhaan 
 

 

Taking Ramadhaan as a ritual

For many of us Ramadhaan has lost its spirituality and has become more of a ritual ( Stereotyped behaviour) than a form of Ibaadah. We fast from morning to night like a zombie (living dead) just because everyone around us is fasting too. We forget that its a time to purify our hearts and our souls from all evil. We forget to make Dua, forget to beseech Allah to forgive us and ask Him to save us from the Fire.  Sure we stay away from food and drink but that's about all ?

 

 

Too much stress on food and drink
	For some people, the entire month of Ramadhaan revolves around food. They spend the ENTIRE day planning, cooking, shopping and thinking about only food, instead of concentrating on Salaah, Quraan and other acts of worship. All they can think of is FOOD so much so that they turn the month of 'fasting' into the month of 'feasting'.

 

 

Spending all day cooking
Some of the sisters (either by their own choice or forced by their husbands) are cooking ALL day and ALL night, so that by the end of the day, they are too tired to even pray Ishaa, let alone pray Taraweeh or Tahajjud or even read Quraan. This is the month of mercy and forgiveness. So turn off that stove and turn on your Imaan!

 

 

Eating too much

Some people stuff themselves at Suhoor (Sehree) until they are ready to burst, because they think this is the way to not feel hungry during the day and some people eat at Iftaar, like there is no tomorrow, trying to 'make up for the food missed.' However, this is completely against the Sunnah. Moderation is the key to everything.The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach; for the son of Adam a few mouthfuls are sufficient to keep his back straight. If you must fill it, then one-third for food, one-third for drink and one-third for air." (Tirmidhi, Ibn Maajah.  saheeh by al-Albaani). Too much food distracts a person from many deeds of obedience and worship, makes him lazy and also makes the heart heedless.

 

 

Sleeping all day

Some people spend their entire day (or a major part of it) 'sleeping away their fast'. Is this what is really required of us during this noble month? These people also are missing the purpose of fasting and are slaves to their desires of comfort and ease. They cannot 'bear' to be awake and face a little hunger or exert a little self-control. For a fasting person to spend most of the day asleep is nothing but, negligence on his part.

 

 

Wasting time

The month of Ramadhaan is a precious, It is so much precious so that Allah calls this month "Ayyamum Ma'doodaat" (A fixed number of days). Before we know it, this month of mercy and forgiveness will be over. We should try and spend every moment possible in the worship of Allah so that we can make the most of this blessing. However, there are some of us who waste away their day playing video games, or worse still, watching TV, movies or even listening to music. Subhaan Allah! Trying to obey Allah by DISOBEYING him!

 

 

Fasting but not giving up evil

Some of us fast but do not give up lying, cursing, fighting, backbiting, etc. and some of us fast but do not give up cheating, stealing, dealing in haraam, buying lotto tickets, selling alcohol, fornication, etc. and all kinds of impermissible things without realizing that the purpose of fasting is to not stay away from food and drink; rather the aim behind it is to fear Allah. "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious)" [al-Baqarah 2:183]  The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, and ignorance, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink." (Bukhaari)

 

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in Islam whether during Ramadhaan or outside of it, as it is one of al-Khabaa'ith (evil things). And this includes ALL kinds of 'smoking material' eg.cigars, cigarettes, pipes,'Sheesha', hookah etc."he allows them as lawful At Tayyibaat (all good and lawful things), and prohibits them as unlawful Al Khabaa'ith (all evil and unlawful things) [al-A'raaf :157]  It is harmful, not only to the one smoking, but also to the ones around him. It is also a means of wasting ones wealth. The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "There should be no harming or reciprocating harm."  This is especially true during fasting and it invalidates the fast.(Fatwa -Ibn 'Uthaymeen)

 

Skipping Suhoor (Sehree)
The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Eat suhoor for in suhoor there is blessing."(Bukhaari, Muslim). And he (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "The thing that differentiates between our fasting and the fasting of the People of the Book is eating suhoor." (Muslim)

 

Stopping Suhoor( Sehree) at 'Imsaak'

Some people stop eating Suhoor 10-15 minutes earlier than the time of Fajr to observe 'Imsaak'. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: This is a kind of bidah (innovation) which has no basis in the Sunnah. Rather the Sunnah is to do the opposite. Allah allows us to eat until dawn: "and eat and drink until the white thread (light) of dawn appears to you distinct from the black thread (darkness of night)" [al-Baqarah 2:187]  And the Prophet (pbuh) said: "….eat and drink until you hear the adhaan of Ibn Umm Maktoom, for he does not give the adhaan until dawn comes."  This 'imsaak' which some of the people do is an addition to what Allah has prescribed, so it is false. It is a kind of extremism in religion,  and the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said:   "Those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed, those who go to extremes are doomed." (Muslim)

 

Not fasting if they missed Suhoor ( Sehree)
Some people are too scared to fast if they miss Suhoor. However, this is a kind of cowardice and love of ease. What is the big deal if you missed a few morsels of food? It's not like you will die. Remember, obedience to Allah overcomes everything.

 

Eating continuously until the time for Maghrib is up
	Some people put so much food in their plates when breaking their fast and continue eating, enjoying dessert, drinking tea, etc., until they miss Maghrib. That is obviously not right. The Sunnah of the Prophet (pbuh) was that once he broke his fast with some dates, then he would hasten to the prayer. Once you are done with the prayer, you can always go back and eat some more if you wish.

 

Missing the golden chance of having your Dua accepted

The prayer of the fasting person is guaranteed to be accepted at the time of breaking fast. The Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Three prayers are not rejected: the prayer of a father, the prayer of a fasting person, and the prayer of a traveler." (al-Bayhaqi, saheeh by al-Albaani). Instead of sitting down and making Dua at this precious time, some people forego this beautiful chance, and are too busy frying samosas, talking, setting the food, filling their plates and glasses, etc. Think about it….Is food more important than the chance to have your sins forgiven or the fulfillment of your Duas.

 

Fasting but not praying
	The fasting of one who does not pray WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. This is because not praying constitutes kufr as the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Between a man and shirk and kufr there stands his giving up prayer." (Muslim) In fact, NONE of his good deeds will be accepted; rather, they are all annulled. "Whoever does not pray 'Asr, his good deeds will be annulled." (Bukhaari)

 

Fasting and not wearing Hijaab
Not wearing the Hijaab is a major sin as it is obligatory for Muslim women. (See Surah Nur, Surah Ahzaab). So fasting and not wearing hijaab certainly takes away enormously from the rewards of fasting, even if does not invalidate it.

 

Not fasting because of exams or work

Exams or work is NOT one of the excuses allowed by the Shariah to not fast. You can do your studying and revision at night if it is too hard to do that during the day. Also remember that pleasing and obeying Allah is much more important than 'good grades'. Besides, if you will fulfil your obligation to fast, even if you have to study, Allah will make it easy for you and help you in everything you do."Whosoever fears Allah, He will appoint for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect, Allah is Sufficient for whosoever puts his trust in Him." (Surah at-Talaaq 2-3)

 

Mixing fasting and dieting
DO NOT make the mistake of fasting with the intention to diet. That is one of the biggest mistakes some of us make (esp. sisters). Fasting is an act of worship and can only be for the sake of Allah alone. Otherwise, mixing it with the intention of dieting may become a form of (minor) Shirk.

 

Fighting over the number of Rakaah of Taraweeh
8/20	There is no specific number of rak'ahs for Taraweeh prayer, rather it is permissible to do a little or a lot. Both 8 and 20 are okay. Shaykh Ibn 'Uthaymeen said: "No one should be denounced for praying eleven or twenty-three (raka'ah), because the matter is broader in scope than that, praise be to Allah."

 

Praying ONLY on the night of the 27th
Some people pray ONLY on the 27th to seek Lailat ul-Qadr, neglecting all other odd nights, although the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) said: "Seek Lailat ul-Qadr among the odd numbered nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhaan." (Bukhaari, Muslim).	only 27th?

 

Wasting the last part of Ramadhaan preparing for Eid

Some people waste the entire last 10 days of Ramadhaan preparing for Eid, shopping and frequenting malls, etc. neglecting Ibadah and Lailatul Qadr. although, the Prophet (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam) used to strive the hardest during the last ten days of Ramadhaan in worship (Ahmad, Muslim) and not in shopping. Buy whatever you need for Eid before Ramadhaan so that you can utilize the time in Ramadhaan to the max.Aa'ishah (RA) said: "When the (last) ten nights began, the Messenger of Allah (Sal Allahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam)) would tighten his waist-wrapper (i.e., strive hard in worship or refrain from intimacy with his wives), stay awake at night and wake his family." (Bukhaari and Muslim).

--
Shahzad Afzal
http://www.pakistanprobe.com

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