Combating Evil

Combating Evil

Shaykh Muhammad Saalih al-Munajjid

Man is a weak being, who feels inclinations towards both good and evil. He may be weak and be tempted to follow the path of immorality and deviation, and evil may push him to the way of wrongdoing and transgression. The Sheytaan may make evil deeds attractive to him, and justify every deviant action to him. But the element of good may stir his conscience, make him feel regret and push him to come back to the truth and respond to the call of reason.

People vary with regard to their capability, willpower, purity of soul and spirituality. Some of them train themselves to follow the way of virtue, noble deeds and right attitudes, so they resist their desires and deviant inclinations, and make themselves adhere to the straight and right way. These people can confront evil and bear all kinds of hardship for that purpose. They never lose hope that good will prevail and evil will be defeated.

Others follow their desires and cannot adhere to what is right. They ignore many of the commands of Allah and His Messenger, and are too weak to confront evil. So they have no hope that good will prevail. It all depends on whether or not a person is striving against his desires and his own self that bids him to do evil, so that he will receive guidance from Allah Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

"As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our paths" [al-'Ankaboot 29:69]

There follow some beautiful expressions of this striving, as uttered by Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him:

"O feet of patience, keep going, for what remains is only a little. Remember the sweetness of worship, then the bitterness of striving will become easier for you." (al-Fawaa'id)

"Go out to the field of struggle and strive to sow seeds. Irrigate the tree of regret with the water of tears" (Badaa'i' al-Fawaa'id, 3/742)

"It was said: Love is sincerity in striving to obey the commands of Allah and pure sincerity in following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)." (Tareeq al-Hijratayn, 1/460)

"Whoever gives up striving completely, his religious motives will become weak and his motive to follow his desires will become strong, but when he trains himself to go against his desires, he can defeat them whenever he wants." ('Uddat al-Saabireen, 1/46)

The believer who is striving knows that goodness will remain and will prevail, no matter how intense the darkness, how great the calamity, how prevalent and widespread the evil and how many limits are transgressed. And Allah is the One Whose help we seek.

Magic and Fortune-Telling

Magic and Fortune-Telling

 

By Abdullah K. Abdurrahman

 

 

For thousands of years people have been fascinated, awed and fearful at the unknown and mystical, being heedless of the dangers and harm that they inflict. As Muslims it is imperative to understand these evil-filled practices and to protect ourselves from them.

Magic

Having the power to do supernatural and seemingly impossible things is referred to as 'magic'. It can be categorized as either sorcery, which is magic that uses the power of evil spirits for evil purposes; or as illusionism, which is the skill of performing tricks in which you seem to make things appear, disappear or change, as if by magic.

Ruling

Both sorcery and illusionism are unlawful in Islam. Sorcery can only be performed with the aid of devils whose help is attained when the performer attributes them as partners to Allah in worship. Illusionism does not involve polytheism, but may none-the-less lead one astray. It is a sin because it implies an act of disobedience. Magic is a destructive act, and therefore Islam warns against it. Believers should avoid magic and magicians; take precautions to heed the danger they represent and attempt to expose their false allegations.

The following evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah has asserted this ruling.

Allah says: 'And indeed they knew that the buyers of it (magic) would have no share in the Hereafter. And how bad indeed was that for which they sold their own selves, if they but knew.' [The Qur'an 2:102]

Abu Hurairah, radhiallahu anhu, related that 'The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: 'Avoid seven most dangerous things.'

The Companions asked: 'O Messenger of Allah! What are these things' He, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, answered: 'Making anyone or any thing a partner of Allah; practicing magic; killing a living being whose life has been declared sacred by Allah without justification; practicing usury; misappropriating the property of an orphan; running away from the infidels in a battle; and slandering chaste, innocent, believing women.' (Bukhari and Muslim)

Ordained Punishment

According to Islamic law, the penalty that awaits every sorcerer is death. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam, said: 'Kill every sorcerer, for this is the punishment ordained by Allah.' Umar ibn al-Khattab sent messages to his viceroys in those countries under Islamic rule ordering them to kill all sorcerers. This was later confirmed by Uthman Ibn Affan, Hafsah Bint Umar, Abdullah Ibn Umar, and Jundub Ibn Abdullah, radhiallahu anhum.

Fact or Fiction

An illusion has an effect on the onlookers that seemingly make things or happen when in reality, they do not. Musa, alayhes salam, said:

'Nay, throw you (first)! Then behold, their ropes and their sticks, by their magic, appeared to him as though they moved fast.' (Qur'an 20: 66).

Spells can have a genuine effect that can manipulate the body; even to the extent that it can cause sexual impotence. It may also make the affected person go insane, as it disturbs the emotional balance. Allah says in the Qur'an:

' And from these (angels) people learn that by which they cause separation between man and his wife, but they could not thus harm anyone except by Allah's leave.' (2: 102)

Breaking a Magic Spell

The best way to break a spell is by reciting assigned verses from the Qur'an and to utter specific invocations specially worded by the Prophet, sallallahu alayhe wa sallam. Another allowable method would be to use medicines lawfully prescribed for the particular case under examination. What is unlawful, however is to use magic as a means to break a spell because this is likely to be done by the aid of devils.

Protection From Magic

Holding fast to Allah, seeking refuge with Him and putting trust in Him, can attain protection from magic. Also, we should do what is right in the sight of Allah, and turn away from sin. But more specifically we can recite the following verses and sayings: Whoever recites verse 255 of the Surah of al-Baqarah (No 2) before going to bed, Allah sends him a keeper that protects him against the devils until he wakes up. Recite verses 285 and 286 of the Surah of al-Baqarah.

Say: 'I seek refuge with Allah?s perfect words from the evil of what He has created.' Say the following three times: 'In the name of Allah, Whose mention is a protection against whatsoever harm is on the Earth or in the Heavens. Verily, He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.'

Fortune-Telling

Fortune-telling is the belief that some people possess the ability of telling other people what will happen to them in the future by using magical or mystical methods. These rulings also apply to people who claim knowledge of the unseen, such as geomancers, palmists, shell-diviners, etc. A fortune-teller uses devils who eavesdrop in the Heavens; Allah says in the Qur'an: 'Shall I inform you (O people!) Upon whom the devils) descend' They descend on every lying, sinful person. Who lends an ear (to the devils and they pour what they may have heard of the Unseen from the angels), and most of them are liars.' (26:221-223) This knowledge of what the angels may have said is then passed to the people who are often prepared to believe what the fortune-teller says. The problem is that what people believe is true, has been embellished or changed, omitting the truth.

Ruling: Fortune-telling is considered 'Shirk Akbar' (the major and serious form of polytheism) for two reasons. First, it implies the acquisition of knowledge of the Unseen, which is unique to Allah, (alone). 'Say: 'None in the Heaven and the Earth knows the Ghaib (unseen) except Allah, nor can they perceive when they shall be resurrected.' (Qur?an 27: 65). This means that any one who believes that he possesses such knowledge is certainly claiming the acquisition of a Divine attribute that Allah (alone) possesses. Second, it involves using devils and holding fast to them, a ritual that can only be perfected when the performer is in complete submission to that damned species. This is a form of polytheism.

The Danger of Attending Fortune-Telling Assemblies

In recent years, the number of fortune-tellers has dramatically increased, only being outnumbered by those who attend their assemblies and believe what they are told. Some people are fascinated and impressed by observing those who cannot miss the opportunity to make fortunes out of imparting their fabrications. People who attend fortune-telling assemblies are divided into three groups: Those who go to fortune-tellers to ask them about the future without truly believing in their falsehoods and without having the slightest intention of disclosing their falsehood to the public. People in this group are sinful and their prayers are not accepted for forty days.

Those who believe in the prophecies of the fortune-tellers and go to ask them about the future. These people are regarded as disbelievers since they deny the truthfulness of the Qur'an:

'Say: None in the Heavens and the Earth Knows the Ghaib (Unseen) except Allah.' (27: 65)

Those who go to fortune-tellers and only ask them in order to examine the truthfulness of their prophecies; then disclose their deceit to the public. These types of people publicize that fortune-tellers only offer misguidance that can make believers go astray. However, if someone uncertain that he is capable to take on such a task and accomplish it perfectly, he should not attempt it. Such a weighty undertaking could pose a risk to himself, and result in failure that may likely tempt people even further.

MUJAAHADATU-SH-SHAYTAAN Resistance against Sheytaan

MUJAAHADATU-SH-SHAYTAAN

Prepared by Abul-Layth

Allah says,

As for those who strive hard in Our cause, We will surely guide them to Ours Paths (Allah’s religion) [Sooratu-l-'Ankaboot, 29: 69].

Therefore, guidance is dependent upon striving hard, not just making an effort, but to truly struggle with all one's might! The word Allah uses for striving is ‘jaahada’. From the verb (a doing word if you like) 'Jaahada' come the words 'jihaad' and 'al-mujaahadah'. Ar-Raaghib al-Asfahaanee (rahimahullaah) defines these words in his famous book on the language of the Qur’an, ‘Mufradaatu-Ghareebi-l-Qur’aan’ thus: ‘the words jihaad and al-mujaahadah both mean to exhaust ones resources to resist the enemy. Jihad is of three types:

1. Resisting the apparent enemy

2. Resisting the shayateen (Iblees)

3. Resisting the temptations of the self.

Shaykh Abdu-l-Qaadir al-Jilaanee (rahimahullaah) has mentioned that there are four targets for the plots of Shaytaan: the qalb (the heart), the nafs (lower self), the 'aql (the mind), and the hawa (passionate instincts/ desires). Concerning this he said,

'On the one hand the angel is inculcating taw in the heart. The devil, on the other hand, is busy instilling fujoor (moral depravity) in to the nafs. As a result the nafs tries to persuade the qalb to use the limbs and organs of the body for impious and immoral purposes.

Within the physical constitution there are also two target areas: the 'aql (the mind) and the haw aa (passionate instincts). The functioning of each of theses is subject to the will of a controlling influence, namely, that of helpful guidance (tawfeeq) and that of seductive [satanic] temptation (ighwaa').'

Allah says,

Say: ‘I take refuge with the Lord of Mankind, the King of mankind, the God of mankind, from the evil of the slinking whisperer' [Sooratu-n-Naas, 114: 1-4]

Mullah (rahmatullah) said regarding these ayat, ' This means that Sheytaan likes to make himself comfortably at home in the heart of the human being. When someone remembers Allah, he slinks away and feels ill at ease, but whenever a person becomes forgetful, he stretches himself out in comfort over his heart.' Similarly Muqaatil (rahmatullah) said,

'He [the slinking whisperer] is the Devil in the shape of a pig attached to the heart within the physical body of the son of Adam, where he infiltrates himself smoothly as the flow of blood. Allah has given him control over that human being. Such is the import of His words:

[The slinking whisperer] who whispers in the breasts of men [Sooratu-n-Naas, 114: 5].

Thus, when the son of Adam becomes absentminded, the Devil insinuates his suggestions into his heart, until he swallows up his heart completely. He is called the Slinker [khannaas] because, when the son of Adam remembers Allah, he slinks away from his heart, leaves it and makes his exit from that person's physical body.'

Shaky al-Jilaanee (rahmatullah) further mentions in his book 'al-Ghunya', the inner nature of the struggle that we must all take care of:

The struggle with Sheytaan is an inner struggle, for it is waged by the heart in the core of one's being, and by faith (eman). When you struggle with him, therefore, your help and support is Ar-Rahmaan (the All-Merciful), your mainstay is the Al-Malik (the King) and Ad-Dayyaan (the Judge), and your hope is in the Face of Al-Jaleel Al-Mannaan (the Majestic Benefactor).

The jihad against the Kuffar is the outer battle with the sword and the spear, in which your support is provided by the ruler and the armed forces, and in which your hope is to enter the gardens of Paradise. If you are slain in the struggle with the unbelievers, your reward will be life everlasting in the abode of perpetuity. But if you are killed in the course of waging war on Sheytaan and while you are committed to opposing him, due to the expiration of you appointed term and because your moment to die has arrived, your reward will be the Face of Ar-Rabbi-l-'Aalameen (the Lord of all the Worlds) at the meeting with Him. If you are slain by a kaffir, you will be a martyr. But if you are killed by the Devil through following him obediently and carrying out his orders, you will be an outcast, banished from the nearness to Al-Malik Al-Jabbaar (the All-Compelling King).

The jihad against the kuffar has an end and there comes a time when it is over. But the jihad against the Devil and the nafs is one that has no final limit and no point of termination. As Allah has said:

And serve your Lord until the Certainty comes to you [Sooratu-l-Hijr, 15:99].

That is to say, till death and the meeting [with Him], for ibadah is performed by offering opposition to Sheytaan and haw aa (passionate instincts/ desires).

Allah has said:

The they will be thrown on their faces into it (the Fire of Hell) - they and the ghaawoon (the devils, the perverse, and those who were in error), and the hosts of Iblees, all together [Sooratu-sh-Shu'araa', 26: 94-95].

We must renew our efforts, redouble our defences, and strive to clothe ourselves in the armour of Allah's protection from the evil of Sheytaan and of our own selves, for all good is from Allah alone. And as al-mujaahadah can also be described as at-tazkeeyah we need to recognise that it is unattainable by the greatest of all our efforts unless it is to Allah alone to Whom we turn for all our requirements and all help, as Allah has informed us,

Oh you who believe! Do not follow the steps of Sheytaan Whoever follows the footsteps of Sheytaan, then indeed he commands al-fahshaa (indecency, etc.) and al-munkar (evil deeds, polytheism, etc.). And had it not been for the grace of Allah and His Mercy upon you, none of you would be pure from sins. But Allah purifies whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower [Sooratu-n-Noor, 24:21].

Abdu-l-Ghanee an-Naabulsee said in encouraging striving, 'Al-Mujaahadah against the nafs is a form of ibadah Only those who have 'ilm (knowledge) acquire this. However, it is an obligation upon every Muslim' [Sharhu-t-Tareeqati-l-Muhammadeeyah, 1/323].

In encouraging us not to waste time, we find a succinct advice from Shu'bah ibnu-l-Hajjaaju-l-Basree, 'Do not sit idle, for indeed Death is seeking you!'

If al-mujaahadah can be described as at-tazkeeyah, then what can we learn about at-tazkeeyah? At-Tazkeeyah is to purify, and it is one of the tasks of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and by extension a task before us all. Allah said,

It is He Who has sent to the unlettered ones a Messenger from amongst themselves, reciting to them His signs, purifying them and teaching them the Book and the Wisdom, whereas before that they had been in clear misguidance [Sooratu-l-Jumu'uah, 62:2].

Tazkeeyah comes before teaching, as Allah has given precedence to it over teaching, and that is because tazkeeyah is one of the fruits of acting upon knowledge. Therefore, one should be aware that if his knowledge increases but he does not increase in taw, then there is something wrong with his knowledge and something wayward with his actions. Connected to this we must know that the greatest of all the fruits of tazkeeyah is sabr (patient perseverance) and zuhd (praiseworthy abstinence from the world), and the fruit of cilm (knowledge) is surely yaqeen (certitude and certainty). ‘So he who gains both… is one of the Imams of the Deen; and this is testified to by the saying of Allah,

And We made leaders, giving guidance by Our Command, whilst they had sabr and had yaqeen in Our Signs’ [Sooratu-s-Sajdah, 32:24].

Shaykhu-l-Islaam Ibn Taymeeyah used to say, ‘Through sabr and yaqeen leadership in the deen is attained’ This is indeed the case as both are the actualisations of two of the Prophet’s (SAW) tasks and who other than he (SAW) is the leader of all the Imams!

'Abdullah ibnu-l-Mubaarak used to say, ‘the latter part of this ummah will not be rectified, except by that which rectified its first part: zuhd and yaqeen!’ And zuhd cannot be attained except by means of sabr, which cannot be attained except through tazkeeyah, which is itself, mujaahadah. And yaqeen cannot be attained except through purified Shareecah knowledge.

This process of mujaahadah will drive away the trials of the heart, namely the trials relating to false desires and the trials relating to doubts. Ibnu-l-Qayyim said, ‘the first causes intentions and desires to be corrupted, and the second causes knowledge and beliefs to be corrupted’.

So how can we begin on this road of struggle? Then I can only suggest to you and me both dear brothers the advice of Ibn cAwn when he said, ‘remembrance of people is a disease and the remembrance of Allah is the cure’. Imam ath-Thahabee commented on this, ‘Indeed, by Allah! It is very strange how we ignore the cure and race towards the disease! Allah said,

So remember me and I will remember you [Sooratu-l-Baqarah, 2:152]

And, The remembrance of Allah is greater

And He said,

Those who believe and whose hearts find tranquility in the remembrance of Allah Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do the hearts find satisfaction [Sooratu-r-Ra'd, 13:28].

However, this will not be achieved except by the grace of Allah And whoever persists in supplication and in knocking at the door, it will be opened for him.’

And the best speech is the Speech of Allah, so I leave you, my dear brothers with the greatest reminder from our Rabb, so merciful, wise and gentle upon His slaves,

 

Whoever hopes for the Meeting with Allah, then Allah's Term is surely coming, and He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. And whoever strives, strives only for himself. Verily, Allah is free of all wants from the 'aalameen (all creation) [Sooratu-l-Ankaboot, 29: 5-6].

May Allah grant the Muslims the ability and guidance to strive in His way always until they meet Him.

Wal-hamdulillaahi Rabbil-'aalameen.

The Strategy of Shaytan

The Strategy of Shaytan

To achieve his goal, Shaytan first lures mankind into Shirk and Kufr, such as visiting graves and invoking the dead or saints for help, practicing magic, etc. because associating partners with Allah is the greatest sin. 'Like when Shaytan says to man, 'Disbelieve in Allah.' But when (man) disbelieves in Allah, Shaytan says, 'I am free of you, I fear Allah, the Lord of the Alameen (mankind, jinn and all that exists).' [Soorah al-Hashr (59): 16] If Shaytan overcomes the son of Adam with this and succeeds to make him a disbeliever, then he is satisfied and pleased.



If he cannot manage to deceive people into committing Shirk and Kufr, he does not give up. He causes people to follow bidah (innovations) and take them as their religion like celebrating Mawlid, celebrating the night of Isra wal-Miraj, celebrating 15th Shabaan by fasting and praying and as Sufyan ath-Thawri said, 'Bidah is more dearer to the Shaytan than sin, for, one may repent from sin, but not from bidah.' Because when one sins, he knows that he is disobeying Allah and some time, he may turn to Allah and seek forgiveness and be pardoned. But one, who practices Bidah, deems his actions to be a form of worship to Allah and thus never even thinks of repentance. 'Say (O Muhammad), 'Shall We tell you the greatest losers in respect of (their) deeds? Those whose efforts have been wasted in this life while they thought that they were acquiring good by their deeds!' [Soorah al-Kahf (18): 104] meaning, 'they performed deeds that do not count, deeds that are not in accordance with the prescribed way that is acceptable to Allah' and 'they thought that there was some basis for their deeds and that they were accepted and loved.' [See, Tafseer Ibn Katheer]

If Shaytan fails at causing people to following innovations, he will move on to calling them to major sins like abandoning prayers - particularly if the person is well educated or respected, because a lot of people will follow his example. It is mentioned in the Qur'aan, 'Shaytan wants only to excite enmity and hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic drinks) and gambling, and hinder you from the remembrance of Allah and from As-Salaat (the prayer).' [Soorah al-Maidah (5): 91]

However, if the believer withholds, Shaytan is still not discouraged, he calls them to minor sins. It is recorded in Sunan Tirmidhee (2/230 (no. 1753), 'Shaytan has despaired of ever being worshiped in this land of yours, but he will be obeyed in matters that you think of as insignificant, and he will be content with that.' And Allah's Messenger (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) warned us concerning minor sins by giving an example of how a great fire can be kindled if small wooden sticks are collected in a place. Similarly, minor sins if allowed to accumulate, might destroy a sinner, he (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) said, 'Beware of the insignificant sins like a people who stayed (abode) in a valley, then this one brought a stick, that one brought a stick and others brought sticks too until they cooked their bread (meal). Verily, the person who commits these (minor) sins will be seized by these sins and be destroyed.' [Musnad Ahmad]



If the believer still emerges safe from his traps, Shaytan seeks to keep him occupied with permissible matters, like sleeping, eating, pursuing worldly affairs, etc. Spending one's time and efforts in these will earn him neither reward nor punishment, though he will miss the rewards he would have gained if he has spent his time in performing good deeds. If the believing slave is not deceived and manages his time well, Shaytan will make him busy with less virtuous deeds instead of what is more preferable and rewarding, in order for him to miss the reward of the best and most virtuous deed.

After employing all kinds of temptations and deceptive arguments, if Shaytan still does not succeed in his endeavors to divert the children of Adam from religious commitments, he resorts to corrupt their acts of worship and obedience, so that he can deprive them of the rewards. He seeks to stir up doubts in order to make a person feel anxious and uncertain. In Saheeh al-Bukharee, it is narrated from Abu Hurayrah y that the Messenger of Allah (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) said, 'When the call to prayer is given, the Shaytan runs away breaking wind loudly, so that he will not hear the adhaan. When the call to prayer ends, he comes back, but when the iqaamah starts, he runs away. And when the prayer begins, he comes back until he whispers into the heart of the person, and says to him, 'Remember such and such, remember such and such things that he did not remember before the prayer until he does not know how many raka'ahs he has prayed.' [Saheeh al-Bukharee (608)]



Such whisperings of Shaytan are the weakest of his tricks. The companions of the Messenger of Allah (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) complained to him (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) that they noticed some waswaas that they disliked and did not want to speak of, and he (sallalalhu alaihi wa-sallam) said to them, 'Praise be to Allah, Who has reduced his tricks to whispers.' [Saheeh Abu Dawood]



If the person is undefeated even after this, the next step of Shaytan is to harm the person by, for example, persecuting him or distorting his reputation and his devotion to the religion. This is intended to discourage the person from his commitment to the religion. Many scholars have been tortured or killed in prison because of their commitment to Islam!!

Supplication is a Cure

Supplication is a Cure

Supplication is from the most beneficial types of healing, it is the enemy of illness and affliction - repressing it and treating it, preventing its occurrence, removing it or at least alleviating it. It is the weapon of the believer as is reported by al-Haakim in his 'Mustadrak' from the hadeeth of Alee bin Abee Taalib (RA) from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication is the weapon of the believer, the pillar of the religion, and the light of the heaven and earth." (Abu Ya`laa)

Supplication takes one of three positions against illness:

• It is stronger than the illness and therefore represses it.

• It is weaker than the illness and therefore the illness overcomes it and afflicts the servant, however it is still possible that it alleviate the illness.

• That they be of equal strength and prevent each other from happening in the servant.

Al-Haakim reports from the hadeeth of Aa`ishah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Caution is of no avail against the decree but supplication benefits those things that have occurred and have not yet occurred. For indeed while the tribulation is descending the supplication meets it and they remain struggling with one another until the Day of Judgement." (Haakim, at-Tabaraanee)

He also reports the hadeeth of ibn Umar from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Supplication brings about benefit to those things that have occurred and those things that have not yet occurred. So devote yourselves to supplication O servants of Allaah!" (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh)

He also reports the hadeeth of Thawbaan from the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Nothing but supplication averts the decree and nothing but righteousness increases the life-span. Indeed a person is deprived of provision due to performing sins." (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh)

BEING EARNEST AND PERSISTENT IN SUPPLICATION

From the most beneficial of treatments is to be earnest and persistent in supplication. Ibn Maajah reports in his Sunan the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah from the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam that he said, "Allaah is Angry at whosoever does not ask of Him." (Mishkaat al-Masaabeeh)

Al-Awzaa`ee mentions from az-Zuhree from Urwa from Aa`ishah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah Loves those who are earnest and persistent in their supplications." (Uqailee)

Imaam Ahmad reports in his 'Kitaab az-Zuhd' from Qataadah from Muwarraq that he said, "I have not found a deserving similitude for the believer except in the case of a person on the sea floating on a raft supplicating to his Lord, 'my Lord! My Lord!' so that perchance Allaah, the Mighty and Magnificent, may save him." ['Kitaab az-Zuhd' of Imaam Ahmad [2/273, chpt. 'Akhbaar Muwarraq al-Ijlee.'] and Abu Nu`aym in 'al-Hilya' [2/235]]

BEING IMPATIENT WITH SUPPLICATION

From the reasons that prevent the servant from attaining the fulfilment of the supplication is his being hasty and impatient, so when the answer is delayed or slow in coming he becomes frustrated and gives up supplicating. This person is like the one who sows a seed or plants a flower, watering it and tending to it, then when it is delayed in appearing or flowering he leaves it and neglects it.

In Saheeh Bukhaaree from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Your supplications will be answered as long as you are not impatient by saying, 'I have supplicated to my Lord but He has not answered.'" [Saheeh Bukhaaree [Eng. Trans. 8/236 no. 352]]

In Saheeh Muslim from the hadeeth of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The supplication of the servant will always be answered provided that he does not supplicate for something sinful or supplicate to sever the ties of kinship and provided that he is not impatient." It was asked, "O Messenger of Allaah, what is impatience?" He replied, "he says: 'I have supplicated and supplicated but I have not received an answer' then he becomes frustrated and leaves off supplicating." [Saheeh Muslim [Eng. Trans. 4/1430 no. 6595]]

In the Musnad of Ahmad from the hadeeth of Anas that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The servant will always be in a state of good as long as he is not impatient." They asked, "how is he impatient?" He replied, "he says, 'I have supplicated to my Lord but he has not answered.'" (Ahmad)

THE BEST TIMES FOR SUPPLICATION

When the servant combines in his supplication presence of the heart and its being attentive and devoting itself solely to Allaah, sincerely asking Him for the desired matter, doing so at one of the six times when the supplication is more likely to answered - these being:

• The last third of the night.

• At the time of the adhaan.

• Between the adhaan and iqaamah.

• At the ends of the prescribed prayers.

• From the time the Imaam ascends the pulpit to the time the prayer has finished on the day of Jumu`ah.

• The last hour after the prayer Asr.

Alongside this the servant appends to this fear and reverence in the heart, beseeching his Lord in a state of humility and submissiveness. He faces the Qiblah and is in a state of purity, he raises his hands to Allaah and begins by praising and extolling Him, then he invokes peace and blessings upon Muhammad, His servant and Messenger sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. He precedes mentioning his need by seeking forgiveness from Allaah and then he earnestly and sincerely makes his request as one who is needy and impoverished, supplicating to Him out of hope and fear. He seeks the means of getting close to Him by mentioning His Names and Attributes and making the religion sincerely for Him Alone.

Before making supplication he gives in charity. If all this is done then this supplication will never be rejected especially if the servant employs the supplications that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam informed us would be accepted or if his supplication includes mention of Allaah's Greatest Name...

{Translators' notes: the proofs for the above times and recommendations

1) From Abu Hurayrah (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Our Lord, the Blessed and Most High, Descend every night to the lowest heaven when only the last third of the night remains and says, 'who is calling upon Me so that I may respond? Who is seeking My forgiveness so that I may forgive Him." Reported by Saheeh Muslim [Eng. Trans. 1/365 no. 1656]

2) From Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "When the adhaan is proclaimed, the doors to the heaven open and the supplications are answered." (Tayaalisee)

3) From Anas (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The supplication made between the adhaan and the iqaamah will not be rejected." (Abu Daawood)

4) From Abu Umaamah (RA) that the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was asked, "When is the supplication most likely to be accepted?" He replied, "in the last depth of the night and at the end of the prescribed prayers." (at-Tirmidhee)

5) From Abu Musa (RA) that he heard the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam saying concerning the hour in which the supplications will be answered on the day of Jumu`ah, "It is between the time that the imaam sits (on the pulpit) and the time that the prayer is completed." (Muslim and Abu Daawood)

Shaykh Alee Hasan said, "this (time) is problematic, however this is not the place to explain it."

6) From Jaabir (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "The day of Jumu`ah has twelve hours, and during one of the hours you will not find a Muslim servant (of Allaah) asking Allaah for something except that He will give it to him. Seek it in the last hour after the prayer of Asr" (Abu Daawood) 

7) Abu Daawood reports the hadeeth of Fudaalah bin Ubaid that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam heard a man supplicating in prayer. He did not glorify Allaah and neither did he invoke blessings on the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "He made haste." He then called him and said to him or to those around him, "If any one of you prays, he should commence by glorifying his Lord and praising Him; he should invoke peace and blessings on the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and thereafter he should supplicate Allaah for anything he wishes." (an-Nasaa`ee)

8) From Alee (RA) that the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Every supplication is veiled until one has invoked peace and blessings upon the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam." (ibn Mukhlid in 'al-Muntaqaa')

SOME OF THE REASONS FOR SUPPLICATION BEING ANSWERED

Frequently we find the supplications that are answered to be those that combine dire need with the persons sincerely turning to Allaah Alone, or due to a good deed that the person performed before the supplication and Allaah made it to be the reason behind His answering the supplication as a way of showing appreciation, or the person supplicated at a time in which the supplication will be answered etc.

Someone may think that the reason of the supplication being answered lies in the wording of the supplication itself and he takes to this wording only, ignoring the other matters that this supplicator combined when supplicating. This is like a person who takes a medicine at a recommended time and in a recommended way and thereby benefits from it, another person sees this and thinks that taking the medicine on its own suffices to bring about benefit. This is incorrect and in fact this is an area in which many people have erred.

For example a person may supplicate at a time of dire need by the side of a grave and this supplication be answered. Now an ignorant person may see this and think that the reason behind the supplication being answered lay with the grave and not know that the reason actually lay in the person being in dire need and his sincerely resorting to Allaah. If this person, when being in this situation, had supplicated in a house from amongst the houses of Allaah then this would have been better and more beloved to Allaah.

SUPPLICATION IS LIKE A WEAPON

Supplications and seeking refuge are of the level of a weapon. The strength of the weapon lies in the strength of the one wielding it and not merely in its own natural strength. So when the weapon is complete having no defect and the arm wielding it is strong and any obstacles are absent - then the weapon will cause harm to the enemy, and when any of these three matters are absent then the desired effect of the weapon will also be absent. Similarly when the supplication, in and of itself, is corrupt, or the supplicator does not combine his heart with his tongue at the time of supplication, or for some reason there be an obstacle preventing the answer - then the desired outcome will not be achieved.

Say Subhanallah wa bi hamdih, 'adada khalqihi, wa ridaa nafsihi, wazinata 'arshihi, wa midaada kalimaatihi (Glory and praise be to Allah, as much as the number of His creation, as much as pleases Him, as much as the weight of His Throne and as much as the ink of His words) more than 15 times.

These words bring many more times the reward for other forms of tasbeeh and dhikr, as was reported in sahih hadith from the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)

Supplication and Its Manners, Times, Conditions and Mistakes

Supplication and Its Manners, Times, Conditions and Mistakes

Table of contents

Preface

Proofs Of Supplication From Qur’an

Proofs Of Supplication From Sunnah

Manners

Times Of Supplication

Conditions

Mistakes

Reasons For the Acceptance of Supplication

Reasons For the Rejection of Supplication

What Happens When Supplication is Made?

Selected Supplications from the Qur'an

Selected Supplications from Sunnah

Conclusion

Preface

In the name of Allah, The most Beneficent, The most Merciful.

Praise is to Allah whom we ask for help and forgiveness. We seek the protection of Allah from the evil of ourselves and the sins of our deeds. Whom Allah guides no one can misguide and whom Allah does not guide will never find a guide. And I testify that there is no God but Allah the One with no partner, and Mohammed is his Slave and Messenger, (SAW )  (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, meaning: may the peace and blessings of Allah be with him)

The subject of Supplication is very important.  Every Muslim must know how to supplicate the way that Allah has directed us.  I found it very important to write about this subject to guide our brothers in Islam to perform this kind of worship the correct way. I also ask Allah (SWT) (Subhanahu wa ta’ala, meaning: the Glorious and Most Exalted) to guide me to do good deeds and  May Peace and Blessings be upon the Prophet, his Family, Companions and all of his followers to the Day of Judgment.

Proofs Of Supplication From Qur’an

All mighty Allah (SWT) said :

“And when My slaves ask you (O Mohammed) concerning Me then (answer them), I am indeed near (to them by my knowledge) I respond to the invocations of the supplicant when he calls on me (without any mediator or intercessor) So let them obey Me and believe in Me, so that they may be led to the right path.”  (Qur'an 2:186)

The Prophet (SAW) was asked by some of his companions: “Is Allah near so we invoke him or is he far so we call him? so Allah revealed this verse, - Allah (SWT) is near He can hear the supplicant anytime anywhere and respond to him if the supplicant invokes Allah (SWT) with a sincere heart and avoid interdictions of supplication.

Allah (SWT) also said:

“Invoke your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) with humility and in secret, He likes not the aggressors.”  (Qur'an 7:55)

Supplication is of two kinds.  One is worship and the other is a request.  So He commands to be invoked with humility which is insisting in request and continuously in worship and “secretly”  not loud to avoid “Ryea”  (showing off)

Allah (SWT) also said:

“And your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) said: “Invoke Me  (i.e. believe in My Oneness) (and ask Me for anything) I will respond to your (invocation) Verily! Those who scorn My worship  (i.e. do not invoke Me, and do not believe in My Oneness ) they will surely enter hell in humiliation!”  (Qur'an 40:60)

Allah (SWT) said:

“Invoke Me, I will respond to you” , so from His mercy for His slaves He has promised to respond to their invocations but for those who do not invoke Him, He has promised punishment because invocation of Allah (SWT) is an act of worship and refusing to invoke Him ( disbelieving in Him or having doubt in His ability to answer the invocation) is refusal to worship Him.

Proofs Of Supplication From Sunnah

Narrated An-Numan bin Bashir (Ra) (Radhiallahu anhu, meaning: may Allah be pleased with him): The Prophet (SAW) said: “Verily, Supplication is worship.”    (AI-Arbaa (The four) and AI-Tirmdhi, graded it Sahih (sound))

Narrated Anas (Ra): The Prophet (SAW) said: “Supplication is the Pith (essence) of worship.”    (At-Tirmidhi with a full chain of narrators)

Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): The Prophet (SAW) said: “Nothing is more honorable (most liked ) before Allah (SWT) than Supplication .”    (At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibban and Al-Hakim graded it Sahih)

From all the, Hadiths above we see that Supplication is a type of worship and it is honorable to Allah or liked by Allah (SWT).

Manners of Supplication

1. Supplication should start with, “Bismillah…In the name of Allah, Praise is to Allah, and Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon the Messenger of Allah and should end with (Peace and Blessing be upon the Messenger of Allah).”  

2. Supplication should be performed secretly and with a present (sincere) heart. Allah (SWT) said: “Invoke your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) with humility and in secret, He likes not the aggressors.”   (Qur'an 7:55)

3. Supplicate Allah (SWT) with humility and express your need of Allah (SWT). He said:   “Verily, they used to hasten on to do good deeds, and they used to call on Us with hope and fear, and used to humble themselves before us.”  (Qur'an 21:90)

4. Insist to Allah (SWT) in your supplication by repeating it many times.

5. Invoke Allah (SWT) by His Names and Attributes. He said: “And (all) the Most Beautiful Names belong to Allah, so call on Him by them.”   (Qur'an 7:180)

6. Supplicate Allah (SWT) by mentioning the righteous deeds you have done. Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (Ra), that he heard Allah’s  Messenger (SAW), saying “Three men, amongst those who became before you set out until night came and they reached a cave, so they entered it. A rock slithered down from a mountain and blocked the entrance of the cave. They said: “Nothing will save you from this except that you supplicate to Allah (SWT) by mentioning the righteous deeds you have done, etc.”   (Bukhari  and Muslim)

7. Admit your sins during your supplication. Allah (SWT) said: “Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him. But he cried through the darkness (saying): La ilaha illa Anta (none has the ,right to be worshiped but You) Glorified be You, Truly, I have been of the wrongdoers.”  (Qur'an 21:87)

8. Repeat each sentence of your supplication three times. From the long Hadith narrated by Ibn Masaud (Ra), and when the Prophet (SAW) finished his Salat, he raised his voice and supplicated on them and when he supplicated, he supplicated three times....”   (Muslim)

9. Face the Qiblah (Mecca) during your supplication. Narrated Abdullah bin Zaid (Ra): “Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) went out to his praying place to offer the Salat of Istisqa (rain) He invoked Allah (SWT) for rain and then faced Al-Qiblah and turned his upper garment inside out.”   (Bukhari)

10. Raise your hands while supplicating Allah (SWT) as in the Hadith of Abu Musa (Ra): when the Prophet (SAW) had finished from the battle of Hunain, he said “the Prophet (SAW) asked for water, performed ablution and then raised his hands saying 'O Allah forgive Ubaid Abi Amir.”   (Bukhari  and Muslim)

11. Be in the state of Purity during your supplication. (See the previous Hadith)

12. When making supplication for others, start with yourself first then include others. Allah (SWT) said about Noah (AS) “My Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  forgive me and my parents and him who enters my home as a believer, and all the believing men and women..”  (Qur'an 71:28)

13. Do not be aggressive when you are supplicating Allah (SWT) such as asking Him to make you a prophet and you know there will not be a prophet after Mohammed (SAW) or make you live for ever and you know every one will die.

14. Remember to include your parents in your supplication (if they are Muslims only or they died on Islam but if they are alive and they are non believers, you can not supplicate Allah (SWT) to have mercy on them or forgive their sins, you are only allowed to ask Allah (SWT) to guide them to the right path “Islam” )

15. Be patient.  Do not expect an immediate response from Allah (SWT) although this could happen.  But if it does not, then you should be patient and continue supplicating Allah (SWT) until you see the results. Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said: “The invocation of anyone of you is responded to by Allah (SWT) if he does not show impatience by saying; 'I invoked Allah (SWT) but my request has not been granted.’”      (Bukhari  and Muslim)

Times of Supplication

There are certain times supplication is more likely to be accepted by Allah (SWT) as the Prophet (SAW) said. These times are:

1. The Last Third Of The Night:

Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said: In the last third of every night our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) (Allah  (SWT)) descends to the lowermost heaven and says; “Who is calling Me, so that I may answer him? Who is asking Me so that may I grant him? Who is seeking forgiveness from Me so that I may forgive him?.”    (Bukhari)

2. Late at night, when people are sleeping and busy with worldly pleasures Allah (SWT) gives the believers an opportunity, or an answer hour if they can fight sleep and invoke Allah (SWT) for whatever they need.

3. Between Adhan and Iqama:

Anas (Ra) narrated that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said: “A supplication made between the Adhan and Iqama is not rejected.”   (An-Nasai and Ibn Hibban graded it sahih (sound))

4. An Hour On Friday:

 Narrated Abu Huraira (Ra): Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) talked about Friday and said: “There is an hour on Friday and if a Muslim gets it while offering Salat (prayer) and asks something from Allah (SWT), then Allah (SWT) will definitely meet his demand.”   And he (the Prophet (SAW) pointed out the shortness of that time with his hands.  (Bukhari)

Some said this hour is from the time the Imam (prayer’s  leader) enters the mosque on Friday’s  prayer until the prayer is over where others have said that it is the last hour of the day. (Note: when we say an hour here we do not mean the hour everyone knows  (60 minutes) but an unspecified period of time because the time counters which we use today came after the Prophet (SAW) had died

5. While Drinking Zamzam Water:

Jaber (Ra) narrated that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said:  “Zamzam water is for what it is drunk for.”    (Ahmed and Ibn Majah)

This means that when you drink Zamzam water you may ask Allah (SWT) for anything you like to gain or benefit from this water such as healing from illness.... etc.

6. While Prostrating:

Abu Huraira (Ra) narrated that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW), said:  “The nearest a slave can be to his Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) is when he is prostrating, so invoke (supplicate) Allah (SWT) much.  (Muslim) When a Muslim is in his Salat (prayer) he is facing Allah (SWT) and when he prostrates he is the nearest he can be to Allah (SWT) so it is best to invoke Allah (SWT) at this time.

On The Day Of Arafa: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: The best supplication is the supplication on the day of Arafa.  (At-Tirmidhi and Malik)

7. When Waking Up at Night: Narrated Ubada Bin As-Samit that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said: “Whomever wakes up at night and says La ilaha illallahu wahdahu la shrika lahu lahulmulku, wa lahul hamdu, wa huwa ala kulli shai'in qadir. Alhamdu lillahi, wa subhanallahi wa la ilaha illallahu, wallah akbir, wa la hawla wala quwata illa billah” (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) He is the only one who has no partners. His is the kingdom and all the praises are for Allah (SWT) All the glories are for Allah(SWT) And none has the right to be worshipped but Allah (SWT) and Allah(SWT) is the most Great and there is neither might nor power except with Allah (SWT) and then says, Allahumma ighfir li (O Allah! Forgive me) or invokes Allah (SWT), he will be responded to and if he makes ablution and performs Salat (prayer), his Salat (prayer) will be accepted.  (Bukhari)

8. At The End Of The Obligatory “Salat” :

Narrated Abu Omamah (Ra): that Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) was asked, O Messenger of Allah, which supplication is heard (by Allah (SWT), he said the end of the night and at the end of the obligatory Salat (prayer)  (At-Tirmidhi)

This time is after saying “At-tahyat” , and before making Tasleem (finishing prayer)

9. The Night Of “Qadr”  (Decree):

This night is the greatest night of the year. This is the night which the almighty Allah (SWT) said about it, “The night of Al-Qadar (Decree) is better than a thousand month.”   (Qur'an 97:3)

10. During The Rain:

Narrated Sahel Ibn Saad (Ra): that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: Two will not be rejected, Supplication after the Adhan (call of prayer) and at the time of the rain.  (Al-Hakim and Abo Dawood)

The time of the rain is a time of mercy from Allah (SWT) so, one should take advantage of this time when Allah (SWT) is having mercy on His slaves.

11. At the Adhan: (See the previous paragraph)

12. The One Who Is Suffering Injustice:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said to Moaad Ibn Jabal (Ra), Beware of the supplication of the unjustly treated, because there is no shelter or veil between it (the supplication of the one who is suffering injustice) and Allah (SWT)  (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

The One who is suffering injustice is heard by Allah (SWT) when he invokes Allah (SWT) to retain his rights from the unjust one. Allah (SWT) has sworn to help the one who is suffering from injustice sooner or later as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said.

13. The Traveler:

The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said; Three supplications will not be rejected (by Allah  (SWT)), the supplication of the parent for his child, the supplication of the one who is fasting, and the supplication of the traveler,.  (Al-Bayhaqi and approved by Al-Albani)

During travel supplication is heard by Allah (SWT) if the trip is for a good reason, but if the trip is for a bad intention or to perform illegal things (making sins) this will not apply to it.

14. The Fasting: (See the previous paragraph)

15. The Parents Supplication for His Child: (See the previous paragraph)

Conditions for Supplication

1. One must know that only Allah (SWT) can answer his supplication and He is the only one Who can bring good to him. Allah (SWT) said: “Is not He Who responds to the distressed one, when he calls Him, and Who removes the evil, and makes you inheritors of the earth, generation after generation. Is there any god with Allah? Little is that you remember”   (27:62)

2. One must invoke Allah (SWT) alone and no others. Allah (SWT) said: “And the mosques are for Allah (Alone), so invoke not anyone along with Him”  (Qur'an 72:18)

3. One must be patient (see page 9)

4. One must think positively of Allah (SWT), must have faith in Him and believe that He has the ability to do anything He wants. Narrated Abu Hurairah (Ra): Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said: “Supplicate Allah with confidence He will answer you”   (At-Tirmidhi)

Mistakes in Supplication

1. Invoking other than Allah (SWT) such as prophets, pious people, stone, idols ... etc this is Shirk (polytheism)

2. Wishing to die. Some people when they get sick, and they do not heal soon, or they have some personal problems they start wishing for death.

3. Asking Allah (SWT) to hurry or give his punishment in this life.

4. Asking Allah (SWT) to break the bond of kin-ship.  (such as separating one from his parents)

5. Supplicating for sins to spread in the Islamic society.

6. The “Imam”  (prayer’s  leader) making supplication for himself without including the followers in his supplication. (during group prayer, At-taraweh in Ramadan)

7. Invoking Allah (SWT) to see if there is a response without a sense of genuine purpose.

8. Raising the voice during the supplication. It should be done secretly.

9. Saying Insha-Allah, (Allah willing) after the supplication. (Ex.: O' Allah forgive my sins if you will) Narrated Abu Huraira (Ra): the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “None of you should say: O' Allah forgive me if you wish, O' Allah be merciful to me if you wish, but he should always appeal to Allah (SWT) with determination, for nobody can force Allah (SWT) to do something against His will.  (agreed upon)

10. Invoking Allah (SWT) aggressively, (asking Allah  (SWT)) for impossible things such as asking Him to make you a prophet or immortality)

11. Asking Allah (SWT) to harm a Muslim.

12. Asking Allah (SWT) to have a Muslim commit a sin or die as a non believer.

Reasons for the Acceptance of Supplication

There are some reasons which cause the supplication to be accepted by Allah (SWT) They are:

Repentance to Allah (SWT): The almighty Allah (SWT) said “I said (to them): 'Ask forgiveness from your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  Verily, He is Oft Forgiving; He will send rain to you in abundance; And give you increase in wealth and children, and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers”    (Qur'an 71:10,12)

Good income: The income must be halal (good) as the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was asked by one of His companions, How could I have my supplication responded to? The messenger of Allah (SAW) said; “Make your income good and your supplication will be responded to.”  

Perform Supererogatory Deeds: Such as voluntary prayer and voluntary fasting.

Chose the preferred time for Supplication: (see above)

 Reasons for the Rejection of Supplication

As there are reasons for acceptance of a supplication, there are also reasons for rejection of a supplication. Here are some reasons which will cause Allah (SWT) to reject the supplication:

Illegal Income 

Committing a lot of Sins 

Having doubt in Allah (SWT) 

Being Aggressive When Supplicating

 What Happens When Supplication is Made?

When someone invokes Allah (SWT), one of the following will happen:

Allah (SWT) will respond to the supplicant and He will give him what he asked for.

Allah (SWT) will prevent the supplicant from being harmed.

Allah (SWT) will reward the supplicant with “Hasanat”  (good reward) which will be kept for him on the Day Of Judgment. 

Selected Supplications from the Qur’an

 “Rabana atina fey ad-dunia hasanah wa fey al-akhairatty hasanah waqana addab annar.”   (Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  give us in this world that which is good and in the Hereafter that which is good, and save us from the torment of the Hellfire) (Qur'an 2:201)

“Rabana atina men ladunka rahamah wa haia lana men amrina rashada.”   (Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  bestow on us mercy from Yourself, and facilitate for us our affair in the right way) (Qur'an 18: 10)

“Rabana la tawakhidna in nasina ow akhttaana”  (Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  punish us not if we forget or fall into error) (Qur'an 2:286)

“Rabana eghfer lana wa lee ekhwa nina aladhina sabaqowna bill eaman walla taga al fey qoolobana ghillan lil athina amanoo, Rabana ainka ra awaf on rahaim”  (Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer)  you are indeed full of kindness, most merciful) (Qur'an 59:10) 

Selected Supplications from Sunnah

The Prophet (SAW) said; “The best supplication for seeking forgiveness is to say, “Allahuma anta Rabi la ilaha illa anta, khalaqtani wa ana abduka, wa ana ala ahdika wa wa'dika mastata'tu A udhu bika min sharri ma sana'tu, abu'u laka bini'matika alaiya, wa abu'u bidhanbi faghfirli fa innahu la yaghfiru adh dhunuba illa anta.”  (O Allah you are my Lord! None has the right to be worshipped but You. You created me and I am Your slave, and I am faithful to my covenant and my promise as much as I can. I seek refuge with You from all the evil I have done. I acknowledge before You all the blessings You have bestowed upon me, and I confess to You all my sins. So I entreat You to forgive my sins, for nobody can forgive sins except You) The Prophet (SAW) added; “If somebody recites it during the day with firm faith in it, and dies on the same day before evening he will be from the people of Paradise. And if somebody recites it at night with firm faith in it, and dies before morning, he will be from the people of Paradise.”   (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet (SAW) said; “Oh people, repent unto Allah for I repent to Allah one hundred times every day.”    (Muslim)

(Repenting to Allah by saying “Atubu illa Allah” , I repent to Allah)

The Prophet (SAW) said; “If a Muslim asks Allah (SWT) with the supplication of Prophet Yunus (Jonah), he will be responded to”   (Ahmed)

The supplication is “La illaha illa anta subhanak ini kuntu mena ad-dalimean”  Means There is no God but You; Glory be to You, Verily I was one of the transgressors.

The Prophet (SAW) heard someone Supplicating Allah (SWT) by these words, “Allahumma iny asa aluka bi'ani as-shadu anaka anta Allah la illaha ila anta al ahado assamad alathy lam yalid walam youlad walam yakun lahu kuffuan ahad” , (O Allah, I ask You by my testimony that You are Allah and that there is no God other than You. You are the Self Sufficient Who neither begets nor was begotten and to Whom there is none equal) Then the Prophet (SAW) said; “By Him whose my soul is in His hand, he has asked (the supplicant) Allah (SWT) by His supreme name. Allah will surely answer when one asks Him by His supreme name.”    (Ahmed and Abu Dawud) (This means, when someone is supplicating Allah (SWT), he should ask Allah (SWT) with these words by saying the words above then say his supplication)

Narrated Ibn Abbas (Ra): The Prophet (SAW) used to invoke Allah (SWT) at the time of distress, saying, “La ilaha illa Allah'u alAdearn al-Halim, La illaha illa Allah RabbulArsh il Adeem La illaha illa Allah Rabbus-samawti wa Rabbul-ardi wa Rabbul-arshil Karim.”   (None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Majestic, the Most Forbearing. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Tremendous Throne. None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the heaven and the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the earth and the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the Honorable Throne)  (Al-Bukhari)

Whenever the Prophet (SAW) paid a visit to a patient, or a patient was brought to him, he used to invoke Allah, saying, “Ethhib al-bass Rab-Annas eshfi wa anta a’s hafy la shifa'a illa shifa'oak shfa'an la yughadiru saqama.”   (Take away the disease, O the Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) of the people! Cure him as You are the One Who cures. There is no cure but Yours, a cure that leaves no disease)  (Al-Bukhari)

Narrated Abu Huraira (Ra), Allah’s  Messenger (SAW) said, “Whoever says, ‘Subhan allahi Wa bihamdihi’ (I glorify Allah’s  Praises) one hundred times a day, will be forgiven all his sins even if they were as much as the foam of the sea.”    (Al-Bukhari)

The Prophet (SAW), made the following statement: “Allahuma iniy a’udhubika minalbukhli.  Wa a’udhubika  min an uradda ila ardhalil umor. Wa a’udhubika  min fitnatid donya wa ‘adhabil qobor.”   O Allah! I seek refuge with You from miserliness; and I seek refuge with You from cowardice; and I seek refuge with You from being sent back to geriatric old age; and I seek refuge with You from fitnah (trial) of this world; and I seek refuge with You from punishment in the grave.”    (Al-Bukhari)

Conclusion

Brother Muslim, now after you have learned how to invoke Allah (SWT) the way the Prophet (SAW) did and ordered us to do so, you must always remember when you invoke Allah (SWT) that you are dealing with the Master of everything. The One who Created you so you should have the feeling of this great worship of Allah (SWT) In other words, just imagine, as you are asking promotion from your employer. Before anything else you have to do your job in the best way he likes you to do. So you will even work harder and give extra time just to please him. Then, you will choose the best time wherein he will be in a good mood, and you will ask him with the best words he likes to hear from you or to please him (your employer) So if you do that you will more likely get what you want from him. Think brothers, the same with Allah (SWT)  Invoke Allah (SWT) just the way He likes, so you will get from Allah (SWT) what you want and if you do not get what you asked for, you must know that the problem is with you and you must check your self and your Faith. At the end, I ask Allah (SWT) by His great names and His great attributes to lead me and you to the best of deeds with sincerity for His sake only and peace and blessings be upon the prophet, his family, companions and all of his followers till the last day.

(ISLAM) Four Great Imams Of Islam

 (ISLAM) Four Great Imams Of Islam quran teaching online in usa

The outside view of the Mazar of Hazrat Imam Al-Shafi'i
(May Allah be pleased with him) in the Shafi'i Mosque in Cairo.

IMAM SHAAFEE (150 A.H. - 204 A.H.) :
Mohammed bin Idris Al Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu) famously known as Imam Shaafa'ee was born in 150 A.H. and belonged to the Quraish tribe.

EARLY LIFE

When he was 10 years old, he came to Makkatul Mukarramah from Palestine where he grew up. He was very intelligent and had an excellent memory. He memorized the entire Holy Quran at the age of 7. By the age of 15, he had memorized the entire Muwatta of Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu). Before the age of 20, he studied Islamic Jurisprudence under the Mufti of Makkatul Mukarramah, Sayyiduna Muslim bin Khalil al Zanji and also Sayyiduna Sufyaan bin Uyayana (radi Allahu anhuma). Imam Maalik bin Anas (radi Allahu anhu) was also his teacher.

Mazar Hazrat Imam Al Shafi'i (May Allah be pleased with him) in Cairo


IN IRAQ
When the Governor of Iraq visited Madinatul Munawwarah, he was so impressed by Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu) that he persuaded him to become an Administrator. As Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu) was in conflict with the Government officials, he was deported to Iraq and brought in front of Haroun Rasheed who was very impressed with Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu).

He now studied Islamic Jurisprudence under Imam Mohammed Ash Shaybaani (radi Allahu anhu), who was the student of Imam Abu Yusuf (radi Allahu anhu), who was the student of Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu). Thus, Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu) became a master of both the Hanafi and Shaafa'ee School of Fiqh.


IN EGYPT
On his way to Egypt, he lectured in Makkatul Mukarramah in the Haram Shareef. Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu), who was studying at the time in Makkatul Mukarramah found great benefit from these lectures. Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu) then went to Baghdad where he spent 3 or 4 years and finally went to Egypt. He was now 50 years old.

In Egypt, scholars from all over the world came to study at his feet. His famous pupils were Sayyiduna Rabi bin Sulayman, Sayyiduna Abu Yacoob Al Ruwayta and Sayyiduna Abu Ebraheem bin Yahya Al Muzani (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).


HIS WORKS
"Kitaabul Umm" and "Ar Risaalah" are the two famous books on Islamic Fiqh written by him.


PASSES AWAY
Some reports say that he was injured seriously by a person called Fityan, while other reports mention that he passed away through natural illness on the last day of Rajab in the year 204 Egypt. Maalik Al Kaamil, the Ayyubid Sultan, built a Mazaar for him in 608 A.H.

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Imam Maalik (93 A.H. - 179 A.H.) :
Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) was born in 93 A.H. He was born in the period of the Ummayyad Dynasty. His full name is Maalik bin Anas.

EDUCATION

Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu's) grandfather and uncle were great scholars of Hadith. Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) learnt Ahadith from his uncle, Sayyiduna Abu Suhail Nafi (radi Allahu anhu). The Imam was a very keen scholar from his childhood days.


TEACHERS
Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) had many illustrious teachers. Most of them were great Taabi'i scholars who learnt under the Sahaba. Some of his teachers used to teach in Masjidun Nabawi. He learnt how to read the Holy Quran from Sayyiduna Abu Radim Nafi Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhu).

He also learnt Hadith under Sayyiduna Nafi, Sayyiduna Jafer Saadiq, Sayyiduna Mohammed bin Yahya Ansaari, Sayyiduna Abu Haashim Salmah, Sayyiduna Yahya bin Said and Sayyiduna Hishaam bin Urwah (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).


HIS PUPILS
Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu's) fame spread far and wide and many great scholars sat in his company learning Ahadith and other Islamic legal issues. Some 1300 scholars sat at his feet. They copied the "MUWATTA" from him. The "Muwatta" is a collection of Ahadith by Imam Maalik (radi Allah anhu). Many of his pupils copied the Muwatta, the famous among them being: Sayyiduna Yahya bin Yahya Al Masmudi, Sayyiduna ibn Wahab Abu Mohammed Abdullah and Sayyiduna Abi Abdullah Abdur Rahman Abdur Rahman (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).


AS A TEACHER
Even Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu), his teacher, held Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) in great regard and respect and should sit in his study circle. Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) liked his students to read aloud while he listened. He used to sit on a high chair with students all around taking notes.


AS A MUHADDITH AND A JURIST
He was a great "Muhaddith" (A Scholar of Hadith). He was very careful in selecting Hadith, and after examining them thoroughly used to record it in his Muwatta.

As a Jurist, he was not afraid of giving a "Fatawa" (Legal Islamic Ruling) even if it was against the Caliph. He was once flogged for doing so.


PASSES AWAY
He passed away on the 11th of Rabi-ul-Awwal in the year 179 A.H. He was 86 years old. Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) is buried in Janatul Baqi in Madinatul Munawwarah.

He never wore shoes whilst in Madinatul Munawwarah. He never sat on a horse or used the toilets in this blessed city. He always went out of the city to relieve himself. He used to kiss the old buildings and the remains of old foundations, saying that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) may have walked by, touched it or saw it. Such was his adoration for Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

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Imam Abu Abdullah Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hambal :
Imam Abu Abdullah Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu) was born in Marw on the 20th of Rabi-ul-Awwal 164 A.H.

EARLY LIFE

His father, Sayyiduna Mohammed (radi Allahu anhu) was a warrior (Mujaahid) and lived in Basrah, Iraq. Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu) was a very intelligent child, keenly interested in furthering his Islamic education. At the age of 16, he began studying Hadith literature. It is said that he learnt almost a million Ahadith by heart. He became a famous Jurist.


HIS TEACHERS
Some of his teachers were Imam Shaafa'ee, Sayyiduna Bishar bin Al Mufaddal, Sayyiduna Ismail bin Ulayyah, Sayyiduna Jarir bin Abdul Hamid and Sayyiduna Yahya bin Said (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).

The great compilers of Ahadith, Imam Bukhaari and Imam Muslim (radi Allahu anhuma), including his teacher, Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu), have also reported Hadith from him. Imam Shaafa'ee (radi Allahu anhu), in spite of being the most learned in his time, used to refer to Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu) about certain Ahadith.


HIS PUPILS
Amongst his pupils, the most famous were Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Al Alhram, Sayyiduna Hambal bin Ishaaq and Sayyiduna Abul Qasim Al Baghwi (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).


HIS PIETY
Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu) was a very pious scholar who devoted all his life in the Science of Ahadith and Fiqh. He refused to eat in anyone's house who held a Governmental post. Being extremely poor with no food to eat at times, he used to still refuse to accept charity saying that he had full faith in Almighty Allah.


HIS WORKS
The most famous among his books are: Kitaabul A'maal, Kitaabut Tafseer, Kitaabul Naasikh wal Mansookh, Kitaabul Zahid, Kitaabul Masaa'il, Kitaabul Fadaa'il and Kitaabul Mansiq.

His most famous book is his "MUSNAD", a kitab in which he collected about 50 000 to 70 000 Ahadith.


IMPRISONMENT
Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu), in the later years of his life, was imprisoned and tortured by the ruthless rulers who went against him due to their un-Islamic beliefs and practises. Caliph Mutasim billah forced the Imam to accept the beliefs of the "Mu'tazalis" (a corrupt sect), but he refused, and was beaten to such a degree that his joints were dislocated. He was kept in heavy chains for 30 months in a prison in Baghdad. He still refused to accept the beliefs of the corrupt Mu'tazali Sect and was again beaten till he fell unconscious.


PASSES AWAY
On the 25th of Ramadaan in the year 221 A.H., Caliph Mutasim, in fear of the sin he committed, repented and set the Imam free. Imam Ahmed bin Hambal (radi Allahu anhu) forgave all the people except the Mutazalis. He passed away in the year 241 A.H.

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Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (80 A.H. - 150 A.H.)

Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu's) full name was Numan bin Thaabit bin Zuta bin Mah. He was born in Kufa in Iraq in 80 A.H. He belonged to the pious period of the Taabi'ins (Successors of the Sahabas).

DIVINE MISSION

It is stated in a Hadith Shareef which Imam al-Harizmi reported from Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radi Allahu anhumA) that Sayyiduna Rasulullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "Among my Ummah, there will come a man called Abu Hanifa. On the Day of Resurrection, he will be the light of my Ummah." Another Hadith Shareef states: "In every century, a number of my Ummah will attain to high grades. Abu Hanifa will be the highest of his time." These two Ahadith are recorded in "Durr al-Mukhtar."


EARLY LIFE
While still in his youth, he met great Sahaba like Sayyiduna Anas bin Maalik, Sayyiduna Sahl bin Saad and Sayyiduna Abul Tufail Amir bin Wathilah (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in). Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) was first brought up as a trader, but soon started taking deep interest in Islamic learning.


EDUCATION
He attended the lectures of Sayyiduna Hammad Basri (radi Allah anhu) in Fiqh and then began to study the Hadith. He learnt under great scholars in Kufa. In Basrah he studied under two great Taabi'ie scholars who had learnt Hadith under the Sahaba.

In Makkatul Mukarammah and Madinatul Munawwarah, he learnt under Sayyiduna Ata bin Abi Rabah and Sayyiduna Ikramah (radi Allahu anhuma). In fact, Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) had numerous teachers. Some historians say that he learnt Hadith from about 4 000 scholars.

Some of his famous teachers were: Sayyiduna Imam Baaqir, Sayyiduna Imam Jafer Saadiq, Sayyiduna Ali, Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah, Sayyiduna Abdullah ibn Umar, Sayyiduna Aqabah bin Umar, Sayyiduna Safwaan, Sayyiduna Jabir and Sayyiduna Abu Qatadah (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).

AS A TEACHER
When his teacher, Sayyiduna Hammad Basri (radi Allahu anhu) passed away, Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) was 40 years old and he began teaching. He became very famous and travelled many places. Students from all over the Muslim world came to him to listen to his lectures, interviews and debates. Imam Maalik (radi Allahu anhu) also learnt under him.

When he was 56 years old, Caliph Mansur came to power after the Ummayad dynasty was overthrown by the Abbasids in 132 A.H. Since Imam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) opposed the Caliph's ruthless killing of the Ahle Bait, he was arrested. The Caliph offered the Imam the post of a Qaadi (Judge), but he refused. The Caliph Mansur had him beaten with a stick 30 strokes. His feet bled. Caliph Mansur repented and offered Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) 30 000 pieces of silver. The great Imam refused once more. He was imprisoned again and thrashed 10 more strokes every day.


PASSES AWAY
In the Month of Rajab 150 A.H., Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) passed away while in Salaah. He had been poisoned by the orders of Caliph Mansur. His Janaza Salaah was performed six times and each time 50 000 people took part. People continued to come and pray for him for 20 days after he was buried. He was 70 years old.

In 459 A.H. a Mazaar (Tomb) was built for him by the Seljuki ruler Alp Arsalan. He lies buried in a Tomb situated near Baghdad in Iraq.


STUDENTS
Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) left behind about 980 students. The most famous among them being:

a. Sayyiduna Qadi Abu Yusuf (radi Allahu anhu)

b. Sayyiduna Imam Muhammed (radi Allahu anhu)

c. Sayyiduna Imam Zufur (radi Allahu anhu)


PERSONALITY
Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) earned his living by trading. Every Friday, he distributed 20 gold coins to the poor for his parents soul. For 40 years Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) performed the Fajr Salaah with the Wudu that he made for the Esha Salaah (ie. he did not sleep after the night prayer). He performed Hajj 55 times. He used to recite the entire Holy Quran once every day and once every night. Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) had so much of Taqwa (Piety) that for 30 years he fasted every day (except for the 5 forbidden days). He often read the Holy Quran in one rakaah or two. He did not accept any presents from anyone. He wore clothes like those of the poor. Imam A'zam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) once said: "I laughed once in my life and I regret it." He talked little and thought much. It is said that at the place where his soul was taken, he read the Holy Quran 7 000 times.

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