VOICE OF GLOBAL UMMAH
Volume 147, September 5, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
Volume 147, September 5, 2010
St. Louis, Missouri, USA
Editors: Mohamed & Rashida Ziauddin
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent and the Most Merciful
EDITORIAL:
* IT'S EXCELLENCE:
* WHEN IS IT ?
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.
* HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM SEEK LAILATUL-QADR ?
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.
He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)
It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.
From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)
From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)
Ramadaan, the 9th month of the hijree calendar, is well known for:
(1) Siyaam (abstaining from food, drink, and sex (during period of fasting); paying extra-attention to refraining from lying, backbiting, slander, vain talk, fighting that is not for the cause of Allah, etc; and for abstinence from such things as smoking, music, movies, unnecessary television, cursing etc. from dawn to dusk and
(2) Taraweeh: a replacement for tahajjud of multiple two-rakaat prayers.
However, besides practicing more Taqwaa (Allaah-consciousness) not enjoying certain amenities of life for several hours, and being vigilant there are other acts of worship particular to Ramadaan.
Most notably is Zakaat ul-Fitr, also called Sadaqah al-Fitr. Fitr means breaking a fast; zakaah is an alms-tax which literally means to purify, to grow; and sadaqah means contribution or donation. Zakaat ul-Fitr is compulsory to be paid on every Muslim.
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah prescribed the Zakaat ul-Fitr on every slave, free person, male, female, young and elderly among the Muslims [Bukhaaree Vol I no.579. Muslim no. 2149, Abu Daawood no. 1608].
The head of the house hold may give the required amount for ones house. Sadaqah al-Fitr is compulsory on one even if he or she embraced Islam in the last seconds of Ramadaan.
The same applies if a woman gives birth. Conversely, If someone dies before the close of Ramadaan his or her heirs are excused from paying for the deceased.
Zakaat ul-Fitr must be paid before Salaat ul-Eed. If one misses paying it before the prayer without a good reason it is not considered Zakaah but Sadaqa (charity).
Naafi' transmitted that Ibn Umar used to pay fitr a day or two before the Eed prayer [Bukhaaree & Muslim, Abu Daawood]. Whoever pays fitr after the Eed prayer wlll not get the blessings of it because it will be rendered as regular Sadaqah [see Abu Daawood no. 1605]
It would be strongly advisable for one to pay Zakaah ul-Fitr before the prayer because it purifies the faster of idle deeds and vain talk committed during Ramadaan [Abu Daawood no. 1605] as well as providing its recipients in time for the Islamic holiday.
The amount of Zakaat ul-Fitr is one saa (two handfuls/kilo/40 grams/4.5 lbs/112 oz/beaker of dates, barley, raisins, cheese, grain of wheat [see Muslim no.2151 & 2154].
Some scholars say any topic of food that is common in a particular region can be given for fitr, e.g. flour, ground beef, or milk in the United States.
One Saa = 2.5 Kg = 5.5 pounds
HADITH I :
Narrated Anas (r.a.):
Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.s.) said:
"Whoever possesses the (following)three qualities will have the sweetness of faith
(1): The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else;
(2) Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah's sake;
(3) who hates to revert to atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the Fire."
(Bukhari & Muslim)
HADITH II:
Abu Ayyub (R.A) reported:
The Messenger of Allah said:
"He who observes As-Saum (the fasting) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year."
(Muslim)
THE END
In continuing the spirit of Ramadan, this issue's focus is on Lailatul-Qadr and Zakatul-fitr / Sadaqah Al-fitr. We would like to share below articles obtained from e-mail of Islamic Mailing Group.
LAILATUL-QADR
Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:
* IT'S EXCELLENCE:
As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)
And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:
" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)
* WHEN IS IT ?
It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.
Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by Al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)
Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by Al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)
The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said:
"Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )
"Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )
However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said:
"Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)
"Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)
This explains Prophet Mohamed (SAW) saying:
"I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)
"I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)
In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.
* HOW SHOULD A MUSLIM SEEK LAILATUL-QADR ?
One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.
He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)
It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)
O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.
From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)
From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)
A NOTE ON ZAKATUL-FITR / SADAQAH AL-FITR
Ramadaan, the 9th month of the hijree calendar, is well known for:
(1) Siyaam (abstaining from food, drink, and sex (during period of fasting); paying extra-attention to refraining from lying, backbiting, slander, vain talk, fighting that is not for the cause of Allah, etc; and for abstinence from such things as smoking, music, movies, unnecessary television, cursing etc. from dawn to dusk and
(2) Taraweeh: a replacement for tahajjud of multiple two-rakaat prayers.
However, besides practicing more Taqwaa (Allaah-consciousness) not enjoying certain amenities of life for several hours, and being vigilant there are other acts of worship particular to Ramadaan.
Most notably is Zakaat ul-Fitr, also called Sadaqah al-Fitr. Fitr means breaking a fast; zakaah is an alms-tax which literally means to purify, to grow; and sadaqah means contribution or donation. Zakaat ul-Fitr is compulsory to be paid on every Muslim.
WHO SHOULD PAY ZAKATUL-FITR/SADAQAH AL-FITR
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah prescribed the Zakaat ul-Fitr on every slave, free person, male, female, young and elderly among the Muslims [Bukhaaree Vol I no.579. Muslim no. 2149, Abu Daawood no. 1608].
The head of the house hold may give the required amount for ones house. Sadaqah al-Fitr is compulsory on one even if he or she embraced Islam in the last seconds of Ramadaan.
The same applies if a woman gives birth. Conversely, If someone dies before the close of Ramadaan his or her heirs are excused from paying for the deceased.
WHEN SHOULD ZAKATUL-FITR / SADAQAH AL-FITR BE PAID ?
Zakaat ul-Fitr must be paid before Salaat ul-Eed. If one misses paying it before the prayer without a good reason it is not considered Zakaah but Sadaqa (charity).
Naafi' transmitted that Ibn Umar used to pay fitr a day or two before the Eed prayer [Bukhaaree & Muslim, Abu Daawood]. Whoever pays fitr after the Eed prayer wlll not get the blessings of it because it will be rendered as regular Sadaqah [see Abu Daawood no. 1605]
It would be strongly advisable for one to pay Zakaah ul-Fitr before the prayer because it purifies the faster of idle deeds and vain talk committed during Ramadaan [Abu Daawood no. 1605] as well as providing its recipients in time for the Islamic holiday.
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF ZAKATUL-FITR/SADAQAH AL-FITR ?
The amount of Zakaat ul-Fitr is one saa (two handfuls/kilo/40 grams/4.5 lbs/112 oz/beaker of dates, barley, raisins, cheese, grain of wheat [see Muslim no.2151 & 2154].
Some scholars say any topic of food that is common in a particular region can be given for fitr, e.g. flour, ground beef, or milk in the United States.
One Saa = 2.5 Kg = 5.5 pounds
HADITH I :
Narrated Anas (r.a.):
Allah's Apostle (s.a.w.s.) said:
"Whoever possesses the (following)three qualities will have the sweetness of faith
(1): The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else;
(2) Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah's sake;
(3) who hates to revert to atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the Fire."
(Bukhari & Muslim)
HADITH II:
Abu Ayyub (R.A) reported:
The Messenger of Allah said:
"He who observes As-Saum (the fasting) in the month of Ramadan, and also observes As-Saum for six days in the month of Shawwal, it is as if he has observed As-Saum for the whole year."
THE END
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