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

Read more >>

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

Read more >>

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

Read more >>

Twenty Rak'ats for the Tarawih Prayer

..:: The Tarawih Prayer ::..

Hadrat Abu Hurairah reported that the Messenger of Allah has said,

من قام رمضان إيمانا واحتسابا غفر له ما تقدم من ذنبه
"…whoever prays during the night in Ramadhan sincerely; seeking his reward from Allah, his former sins are forgiven." [Sahih al-Muslim, Vol. 1, Page 259, Hadith 1815]

Hadrat Sa'ib ibn Yazid has stated that,

كانوا يقومون على عهد عمر بن الخطاب رضى الله عنه فى شهر رمضان بعشرين ركعة
"We, (the Companions of the Beloved Prophet,) used to pray twenty rak'ats Tarawih prayer in the era of the Caliph 'Umar ibn al-Khattab." [Sunan al-Bayhaqi, Vol. 2, Page 224, Hadith 4801]

It has been stated in Mirqat al-Mafatih:

إسناده صحيح
The chain of narration of this Hadith is sound (Sahih). [Mirqat al-Mafatih – Vol. 2, Page 175]

Hadrat Yazid ibn Ruman reports that

كان الناس يقومون فى زمان عمر بن الخطاب فى رمضان بثلاث وعشرين ركعة
"...during the time of Hadrat 'Umar ibn al-Khattab, people used to pray 23 Rak'ahs during Ramadhan (20 rak'ahs for Tarawih prayer and 3 rak'ats for witr.)" [Muwatta Imam Malik, Vol. 1, Page 115, Hadith 251]

Sayyiduna Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu narrates, said that,

أن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم كان يصلي في رمضان عشرين ركعة سوى الوتر
During the month of Ramadhan, aside from the praying of wit'r the beloved Prophet SallAllahu Alaihi wa Aaihi wa Sallam would also pray 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih.

Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 164, Hadith 7692
At-Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Awsat, Vol. 1, Page 243, Hadith 798
At-Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Awsat, Vol. 5, Page 324, Hadith 5440
At-Tabarani, Mu'jam al-Kabir, Vol. 11, Page 393, Hadith 12102
Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4391
Abd bin Hamid, Musnad, Vol. 1, Page 218, Hadith 653
Khatib al-Baghdadi, Tarikh, Vol. 6, Page 113
Al-Haytami, Majma' az-Zawaid, Vol. 3, Page 172
Ibn Abd-al Barr, al-Tamhid, Vol. 8, Page 115
Al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, Vol. 4, Page 254, Hadith 1908
Al-Asqalani, al-Diraya, Vol. 1, Page 203, Hadith 257
As-Suyooti, Tanwir al-Hawaliq, Vol. 1, Page 108, Hadith 263
Zahbi, Mizan al-Ae'tidal, Vol. 1, Page 170
Al-San'ani, Subul Islam, Vol. 2, Page 10
Al-Mizzi, Tahzib al-Kamal, Vol. 2, Page 149
Al-Zela'i, Nasb al-Rayah, Vol. 2, Page 153
Zurqani, Sharh Alal Muwatta, Vol. 1, Page 342

 

The consensus ( Ijma') of the Companions

A companion of Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu, Sayyiduna Shutayr bin Shakil narrates that,

During the month of Ramadhan Sayyiduna Ali would read 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih and 3 wit'r.

Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7680
Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4395

Sayyiduna Abu Abd-ar Rahman Sulami Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said,

In the month of Ramadhan, Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu sent for all the Qur'anic recitors, and instructed one of them to lead 20 rak'ahs Tarawih, and Sayyiduna Ali himself would lead the wit'r prayer. [Al-Bayhaqi, Sunan al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Page 496, Hadith 4396]

It is narrated that,

Sayyiduna Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu ordered a person to lead the Muslims in the prayer of 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih, and this was aside from the wit'r. [Ibn Abd-al Barr, al-Tamhid, Vol. 8, Page 115]

Sayyiduna Yahya bin Sa'id Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu said that,

Sayyiduna Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu ordered an individual that he lead them in the prayer of 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7682]

Sayyiduna Naf'i bin Umar Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu states that,

Ibn Abi Malkiya would lead us in the prayer of 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih in the month of Ramadan. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7683]

Sayyiduna Abd-al Aziz bin Rafi' Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu states that,

Sayyiduna Abi Bin Ka'ab Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu would lead the people of Madinah al-Munawwarah during the month of Ramadan in the praying of 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih and 3 wit'r. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7684]

Sayyiduna Hata' Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu states that,

I have observed worshippers praying 23 rak'ahs of Tarawih comprising of the wit'r. [Ibn Abi Shayba, Musannaf, Vol. 2, Page 163, Hadith 7688]

Malik al-'Ulama Hadrat 'Allama 'Ala al-Din Abubakr ibn Mas'ud al-Kasani states:

It has been narrated that Hadrat 'Umar al-Faruq assembled all the companions in the month of Ramadhan to perform Tarawih behind Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka'b. so, he (Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka'b) lead them in the Tarawih prayer performing twenty (20) Rak'ats every night. No one from them ever refuted or disapproved of this. Thus, the Ijma' (consensus) of all the companions was on performing twenty rak'ats for the Tarawih prayer. [Bada'i al-Sana'i – Vol. 1, Page 288]

Imam Badr al-Din al-'Aini states in his renowned commentary on Sahih al-Bukhari entitled, "Umdat al-Qari":

'Allama ibn 'Abd al-Barr has states that it is the ruling of the majority of the scholars that tarawih is twenty Rak'ats. The scholars and jurists of Kufa, Imam al-Shafi'i and the majority of the Fuqaha have stated this, and this is the sound opinion as transmitted from Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka'b that no companion had a difference of opinion in it. ['Umdatul Qari – Vol. 5, Page 355]

Shaykh al-Islam, al-Imam al-Hafiz ibn Hajar al-'Asqalani states:

It is the Ijma' of the companions upon the fact that the Tarawih prayers consists of twenty rak'ats.

It has been stated in Maraqiy al-Falah the commentary of Nur al-Idah that:

Tarawih is twenty rak'ats, as the Ijma' of the companions is upon this.

'Allama 'Abd al-Hayy Faranghi Mahalli states:

It has been proven that the companions used to perform tarawih twenty rak'ats in the blessed eras of Hadrat 'Umar, Hadrat 'Uthman, Hadrat 'Ali and all those who came after them. Such reports have been transmitted by Imam Malik, ibn Sa'd, Imam Baihaqi and others. ['Umdah al-Ri'ayah hashiyah Sharh al-Waqayah – Vol. 1, Page 175]

Imam Mulla 'Ali al-Qari states:

The companions all agree (it is their consensus) upon the fact that Tarawih is twenty rak'ats. [Mirqat al-Mafatih – Vol. 2 Pg. 175]

 

The ruling of the Majority

Imam Tirmidhi states:

The majority of the scholars practice what has been transmitted from Hadrat 'Umar Faruq, Hadrat 'Ali and the other companions that Tarawih is twenty rak'ats. Imam Sufiyan al-Thawri, Imam 'Abdullah ibn Mubarak and Imam al-Shafi'i have stated the same (that Tarawih is twenty rak'ats). Imam Shafi'i has stated that we have found the residents of our city Makkah al-Mukarramah performing twenty rak'ats for the Tarawih prayer. [Tirmidhi – Chapter on worshipping the nights of Ramadhan – Page 99]

Imam Mulla 'Ali al-Qari has stated:

It is the conformity of all the muslims upon the twenty rak'ats for Tarawih. This is because Imam Baihaqi narrates with a sound chain of transmission that in the blessed era of Hadrat 'Umar, Hadrat 'Uthman and Hadrat 'Ali, the companions and all those who followed them (Tabi'un) performed twenty rak'ats for the Tarawih prayer. [Babu Fath al-'Inayah Sharh al-Nuqayah]

It has been stated in the commentary of Tahtawi on Maraqiy al-Falah that:

By the continuous practice of Hadrat Abubakr al-Siddiq and the other Rightly-Guided Caliphs, it has been proven that Tarawih is twenty rak'ats. [Page 224]

'Allama ibn 'Abidin al-Shami states:

Tarawih is twenty rak'ats; this is the ruling of the majority of the scholars and the common practice of all Muslims from east till west. [Radd al-Muhtar – Vol. 1, Page 195]

Shaykh Zain al-Din ibn Nujaim al-Misri states:

Twenty rak'ats Tarawih is the ruling of the majority of the scholars. This is because it has been reported in the Muwatta of Imam Malik on the authority of Hadrat Yazid ibn Ruman that in the blessed era of Hadrat 'Umar al-Faruq the companions used to perform twenty-three rak'ats (twenty rak'ats for Tarawih and three rak'ats for the Witr.) [al-Bahr al-Ra'iq – Vol. 2, Page 66]

Imam Ali Qari al-Hanafi (d. 1014 AH), He said in Sharh al-Naqayah:

"Imam Bayhaqi has reported on genuine authority (sahih) about the performance of 20 rak'ahs of Tarawih during the periods of Umar, Uthman and Ali Radi Allahu Ta'ala Anhum, and hence there has been consensus (Ijma') on it."

It has been stated in al-'Inayah the commentary of al-Hidayah that:

Until the beginning of the Khilafah (reign) of Hadrat 'Umar al-Faruq, the companions used to perform the Tarawih individually. Thereafter, Hadrat 'Umar stated that, "I find it better to assemble all the companions (to perform the Tarawih) behind one Imam." Thus, he assembled all the companions to perform the Tarawih with congregation behind Hadrat Ubayy ibn Ka'b. Hadrat Ubayy lead them in the Tarawih performing 5 sets of four-rak'ats (tarwiha) i.e. performed twenty rak'ats.

In al-Kifayah it states:

Tarawih is twenty rak'ats in total. This is our (Hanafi) ruling and that of the school of Imam al-Shafi'i.

In Bada'i al-Sana'i it has been stated:

The number of rak'ats for the Tarawih prayer is twenty; five tarweha with one salam; every two salams is a tarweha (i.e. one salaam made after every 2 rak'ats. Therefore, two salaams means after four rak'ats). This is the ruling of the scholars in general. [Vol. 1, Page 288]

Imam al-Ghazzali states:

Tarawih is twenty rak'ats. [Ihya 'Ulum al-Din – Vol. 1, Page 201]

In Sharh al-Waqaya it has been stated:

Twenty rak'ats for the Tarawih is the Sunnah. [Vol. 1, Page 175]

In Fatawa-e-'Alamgiri (also known as "al-Fatawa al-Hindiyyah") it states:

Tarawih consists of five Tarweha; each tarweha is four rak'ats with two salaams (made at the end of two rak'ats). This has also been stated in al-Sirajiyyah. [Vol. 1. Page 108]

Shah Waliyullah Muhaddith-e-Dehlwi states:

The number of rak'ats for the Tarawih is twenty. [Hujjatullahil Baligha – Vol. 2, Page 18]

Wisdom behind twenty rak'ats for Tarawih

The wisdom behind it is that in total there are twenty rak'ats Fard and Wajib throughout the day and night; 17 rak'ats are fard and 3 rak'ats are Wajib. Tarawih is twenty Rak'ats so that in the month of Ramadan the status of these twenty rak'ats Fard and Wajib are elevated and so that the Tarawih prayer takes these twenty rak'ats to perfection. [al-Bahr al-Ra'iq Vol. 2 Page 67 – Tahtawi commentary on Maraqiy al-Falah – Radd al-Muhtar Vol. 1 Page 495 – al-Nahr al-Fa'iq] 

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

Read more >>