Speaking Privately with Allaah

The Prayer: is a link between the servant and his Lord. The Prophet (saws) said: “Indeed, when one of you prays, he speaks privately with his Lord.” [Reported by Al-Bukhaaree]

And Allaah says in the qudsee hadeeth: “I have divided the prayer between Myself and My servant into two parts, and My servant will have what he asks for.

So when the servant says: ‘Al-Hamdulillaahi Rabb-il-‘Alameen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has praised Me.’

And when he says: ‘Ar-Rahmaan-ir-Raheem’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has extolled Me.’

And when he says: ‘Maaliki-yawm-id-Deen’, Allaah says: ‘My servant has honored Me.’

And when he says: ‘Iyyaaka Na’bdu wa Iyyaaka Nasta’een’, Allaah says: ‘This is between Me and My servant and My servant will have what he asks for.’

And when he says: ‘Ihdinaas-Siraat-al-Mustaqeem. Siraat-aladheena an’amta ‘alaihim. Ghairil-Maghdoobi ‘alaihim wa lad-Daalleen’, Allaah says: ‘This is for My servant and for My servant will be what he asks for.’” [Reported by Muslim]

The Prayer: is a garden of ‘ibaadaat (acts of worship), in which every splendid type of worship is found.

There is the takbeer, by which the prayer is initiated,
The standing in which the person praying recites the words of Allaah,
The bowing in which he extols his Lord,
The rising from the bowing position, which is filled with the praising of Allaah,
The prostration in which he glorifies Allaah by His highness and in which he implores him through supplication,
The sitting in which there is the tashahhud and (more) supplication and the closing with tasleem.

Source: Sifat Salaat-in-Nabee – Virtues of the Prayer – by Shaykh Muhammad Saleh Al Uthaymeen

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Four Birds & Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon him)

Source : Tafseer Ibn Kathir

(260. And (remember) when Ibrahim said, “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: “Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: “Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.” He said: “Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces), and then put a portion of them on every hill, and call them, they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.”)

The Khalil Supplicates to Allah to Show Him How He Resurrects the Dead

The scholars said that there are reasons behind this request by Ibrahim. For instance, when Ibrahim said to Nimrod, (My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death,) he wanted to solidify his knowledge about resurrection by actually witnessing it with his eyes. Prophet Ibrahim said,

(“My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: “Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: “Yes (I believe), but to be stronger in faith.”)

Al-Bukhari recorded that Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah said,

(We are more liable to be in doubt than Ibrahim when he said, “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” Allah said, “Don’t you believe” Ibrahim said, “Yes (I believe), but (I ask) in order to be stronger in faith.”)

The Prophet’s statement in the Hadith means, “We are more liable to seek certainty.”

The Answer to Al-Khalil’s Request:

Allah said,

(He said: “Take four birds, then cause them to incline towards you.”)
Scholars of Tafsir disagreed over the type of birds mentioned here, although this matter in not relevant due to the fact that the Qur’an did not mention it. Allah’s statement,
(cause them to incline towards you) means, cut them to pieces. This is the explanation of Ibn `Abbas, `Ikrimah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Abu Malik, Abu Al-Aswad Ad-Dili, Wahb bin Munabbih, Al-Hasan and As-Suddi.

Therefore, Ibrahim caught four birds, slaughtered them, removed the feathers, tore the birds to pieces and mixed the pieces together.
He then placed parts of these mixed pieces on four or seven hills. Ibn `Abbas said, “Ibrahim kept the heads of these birds in his hand.
Next, Allah commanded Ibrahim to call the birds to him, and he did as Allah commanded him. Ibrahim witnessed the feathers, blood and flesh of these birds fly to each other, and the parts flew each to their bodies, until every bird came back to life and came walking at a fast pace towards Ibrahim, so that the example that Ibrahim was witnessing would become more impressive. Each bird came to collect its head from Ibrahim’s hand, and if he gave the bird another head the bird refused to accept it. When Ibrahim gave each bird its own head, the head was placed on its body by Allah’s leave and power. ”

This is why Allah said,
(And know that Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise) and no one can overwhelm or resist Him. Whatever Allah wills, occurs without hindrance, because He is the All-Mighty, Supreme above all things, and He is Wise in His statements, actions, legislation and decrees.

`Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Ma`mar said that Ayyub said that Ibn `Abbas commented on what Ibrahim said,

(but to be stronger in Faith), “To me, there is no Ayah in the Qur’an that brings more hope than this Ayah.” Ibn Abi Hatim recorded that Muhammad bin Al-Munkadir said that `Abdullah bin `Abbas met `Abdullah bin `Amr bin Al-`As and said to him, “Which Ayah in the Qur’an carries more hope for you” Ibn `Amr said,

(Say: “O `Ibadi (My servants) who have transgressed against themselves (by committing evil deeds and sins)! Despair not.) (39:53).

Ibn `Abbas said, “But I say that it is Allah’s statement,

(And (remember) when Ibrahim said, “My Lord! Show me how You give life to the dead.” He (Allah) said: “Do you not believe” He (Ibrahim) said: “Yes (I believe)…)

Allah accepted Ibrahim’s affirmation when he merely said, `Yes.’ This Ayah refers to the doubts that attack the heart and the thoughts that Shaytan inspires.” Al-Hakim also recorded this in Al-Mustadrak and said; “Its chain is Sahih but they did not record it.”

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The best supplication offered on the Day of ‘Arafaat

…. is that of the Prophet Muhammad

Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu laa shareeka lah, lahul-mulku walahul-hamdu wahuwa ‘ala kulli shay-in qadeer

(There is no true God worthy of being worshipped except Allaah, alone, without any partners, to Him belongs the Kingdom, and all-praise is due to Him, and He is able to do all things).

Source : Hajj and Tawheed by Dr. Saleh as-Saleh ( Pg 25)

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Expression that is most loved by Allah

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me, “Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allah?” It is `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi’ (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’.”
[Sahih Muslim].

Obliterating Sins of the extent of the foam of the ocean

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “And he who utters: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’ one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:

Here sins mean minor sins and those which do not relate to the rights of people.

A Palm-tree will be planted in Jannah

Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, “For him who says: `Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),’ a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.”[At-Tirmidhi].

Commentary: Jannah is so vast that we cannot even imagine its vastness. The planting of trees in return for the Praise and Glorification of Allah is, therefore, neither something difficult nor surprising. So, there should not be any hesitation in accepting it as a fact. Some people take it is as a metaphor for a plentiful reward.

Meanings of “Al-`Adheem”

[Based on: The Qur’an, Tafsir Ibn Kathir and “Tauheed of the Prophets and Messengers” (tapes) by Ali al-Timimi]

Al-`Adheem. This name has two meanings to it. The first is that all the meanings of perfection and greatness belong to Allaah subhaanahu wa ta`aalaa and none else. His knowledge is perfect and all encompassing, his power is perfect and all encompassing, nothing weakens Him and His wisdom is perfect. The second meaning is that nobody should be therefore glorified or worshipped except for Allaah. And that any praise you give to the creation is because Allaah has given that quality to the object praised. So praise is again really due to Allaah. Understanding this makes a person subdued and makes him realize his need to worship the Creator of the universe and all that it contains.

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Light on the Tongue But Heavy on the Scales

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection)’.”

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Riyad-ul-Saliheen Commentary:

This Hadith affirms that man’s actions carry weight. On the Day of Judgement, his actions will be cast into the Balance. At that time Allah will endow these actions with weight, or according to some scholars, those records which register man’s actions will be weighed. This is quite possible for the reason that Almighty Allah is Capable of weighing things without even their physical form. This discussion apart, when actions will be cast into the Balance, the formula mentioned in the Hadith, the utterance of which is very easy, will prove weighty. Every Muslim should make it a practice to repeat them frequently.
Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet (PBUH) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].”[Sahih Muslim]. Commentary: The recitation of the words quoted in this Hadith is highly meritorious and rewarding because they are full of Praise and Glorification of Allah.

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The Best Hours of the Day – Fajr and Asr

Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle

Allah‘s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) encouraged the Muslims to safeguard Fajr and Asr.

Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and he looked at the moon on a full moon night and said,” Certainly you will see your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or worldly affairs) a Salah before sunrise and before sunset, you must do so.” He the recited Allah’s verse: “ And glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its’ setting.” [50:39] [ Bukhari 554]

* Ibn Rajab (may Allah have mercy on him) said,” This hadeeth establishes that Allah will be seen in Jannah. .. This hadeeth points to the great importance of Fajr and Asr prayers. They are the best out of the five daily prayers. And for that reason some people call both of them the middle prayer.” [ Fathul Bari 4/ 554 maktabul Ghurabah1996]

Angels come in succession at Fajr and Asr.

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that Allah’s Messenger (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said,” Angels come to you in succession by night and day and all of them get together at the time of Fajr and Asr prayers. Those who have passed the night with you ascend and Allah asks them, though he knows everything about you, “ In what state did you leave my slaves?” The angels reply: When we left them, they were praying and when we reached them they were praying.” [ Bukhari 555]

Whoever prays Fajr and Asr will enter Paradise. [ inshallah]

Abu Bakr ibn Abe Musa narrated that his father told him that Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever prays the the two cool Salat (Asr and Fajr prayers) will enter Paradise.” [Bukhari 574]

The Morning and Evening supplications are done at these times.

..and glorify your Lord by the praising of Him before the rising of the sun

and before its setting, and during hours of the night do also glorify (Him) and during parts of the day, that you may be well pleased [Taha 130 ]

..and sing the praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before the setting.[ Qaf 39 ]

The recitation of the Quran is witnessed at Fajr and Asr.

…and the morning recitation; surely the morning recitation is witnessed [Isra 78]

* Shaykh Muhammad ibn Salih AL-Uthaymeen (may Allah have mercy on him said,” This witnessing also applies to Asr, because the recording Angels gather together at that time too.”[ Sharhus Saheeh Al-Bukhari 1/143]

Allah will been seen in Jannah after Asr and Fajr

Jarir (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “ We were with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and he looked at the moon on a full moon night and said,” Certainly you will see your Lord as you see this moon and you will have no trouble seeing Him. So if you can avoid missing (through sleep or worldly affairs) a Salah before sunrise and before sunse, you must do so.” He the recited Allah’s verse: “ And glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its’ setting.” [50:39] [ Bukhari 554]

* Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali (may Allah have mercy on him) said,” Since these are the two special times when the people of Paradise will see Allah, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) urged the Muslims to safeguard them in this world. [Al-Muhajjah fee seerid Daleejah ]

Translated and compiled by Abu Aaliyah Abdullah ibn Dwight Battle
Doha, Qatar Jumadul Akhir 18, 1430

 

Source

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