Effect of the acts of worship on a Muslim’s life – Manchester Salafi Bookstore
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Remember the Reward – Shaykh Al-Uthaymin
It is essential that during worship, a person remains conscious that they are performing the act in pursuit of reward. When one is mindful of this, they are more likely to carry out the action in the best possible manner. Intellect naturally guides a person to understand that the reward corresponds to the quality of the deed—if it is performed well, the reward will be greater; if it is lacking, the reward will be less. I believe this is an issue many people overlook, as they fail to pay proper attention to this important aspect.
Tafsir Surah Az-Zumar pg.27
Moon sighting in different countries – Introduction
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Abdul Aziz Bin Baz, may Allah have mercy upon him, was asked: This questioner from the Republic of Egypt says: What should be the stance of the brothers regarding the fasting in the month of Ramadan when the sighting of the crescent moon vary from one country to another and across other Islamic countries? May Allah reward you with good.
Answer: It is correct that each people of a country has its own sighting. Every country has its own sighting. If the people of Egypt fast based on their sighting, the people of Sham based on their sighting and the people of Morocco based on their sighting, there is no harm. However, if it is easy (possible) for them to fast based on a single sighting, it would be more preferable and better; if that is made easy (possible) due to the statement of the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, “Fast when you see it, and break your fast when you see it.” This applies to the entire Ummah. Thus, if it is made easy (or possible) for them to fast based on the sighting of Saudi Arabia or another Islamic nation that judges by Allah’s Sharia, establishes Allah’s commands, and this sighting is confirmed by witnesses, but not calculations, there is no harm; this is better. If they all fast based on a single sighting, this is better due to the general proofs.
However, if that is not easy (i.e. it is impossible or unfacilitated), and the regions and countries are distant, while each people of a country fast based on their own sighting, there is no harm . This is the position that carries the greatest weight according to a group of scholars. The Committee of Senior Scholars have studied this matter and they hold that there is no hindrance (or obstacle) with regards to every country acting upon their own sighting if it is not made easy (i.e. not possible) for them to establish the prayer (i.e. Eid prayer) based on a single sighting. As for calculating the start and end of Ramadan, it is not permissible. The obligation is to act upon the sighting because the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Fast when you see it (the moon) and break your fast when you see it. If the moon is obscured (or concealed due to cloud cover or not seen), complete the month (as 30 days)”. It is not permissible to depend on calculation to affirm (or confirm) the month of Ramadan- neither its beginning nor its end, nor the month of Dhul Hijjah. The obligation is to act upon the sighting, and if the cresecent is not sighted when the (new) month is about to enter, then complete Shabah (as 30 days). If the crescent is not sighted when the month of Ramadan is about to end, complete Ramadan as 30 days. This is what is obligated to all Muslims wherever they may be. [1]
Imam Muhammad Ibn Salih Al-Uthaymin, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
If it is established that the crescent has been sighted in a place among the Muslim countries based on how the Sharia clarifies regarding its sighting, it is obligatory to act accordingly. (If) your country does not adhere to this, it is not permissible for you to publicly express your disagreement due to the trial, chaos and dispute it would cause. Instead, if able when the crescent moon of Ramadan is sighted, you begin the fast discreetly and break your fast discreetly when the crescent of Shawwaal is sighted. As for openly opposing, this is not permissible and it is not something Islam has commanded. [2]
[1] https://binbaz.org.sa/fatwas/17754/%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85-%D8%B5%D9%8A%D8%A7%D9%85-%D9%83%D9%84-%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF-%D8%AD%D8%B3%D8%A8-%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%8A%D8%AA%D9%87-%D9%84%D9%84%D9%87%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%84#:~:text=%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%20%D8%A3%D9%86%20%D9%84%D9%83%D9%84%20%D8%A3%D9%87%D9%84%20%D8%A8%D9%84%D8%AF,%D8%B1%D8%A4%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D8%AF%D9%88%D9%84%D8%A9%20%D8%A5%D8%B3%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%8A%D8%A9%20%D8%AA%D8%AD%D9%83%D9%85%20%D8%A8%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%B9
[2] Majmu Al-Fatawa 19/44
The Comprehensive Message
In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
Muhammad’s, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, Ummah is not in need of anyone after him; rather the only need they have is someone to convey what he came with.
Muhammad’s message is comprehensive, universal and preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness and preservation is not limited to (any time, place or situation), rather it is comprehensive for those to whom Muhammad was sent [the whole world] and likewise with regards to everything that is needed in the fundamental and subsidiary issues of the religion.
Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all embracing and universal- nothing else is needed besides it. It has not isolated any affair of truth needed by his Ummah in their sciences and deeds. The Messenger of Allah did not leave this world until he acquainted his Ummah with everything. He even taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet; the etiquettes of sexual relations; the etiquettes of sleep and after waking up; the etiquettes of eating, drinking and travel.
He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with the affairs of illness, good health, poverty and wealth. He acquainted them with all the affairs of life and death. He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the hell fire and the day of judgement in such a manner as if one has seen them with the naked eye. He informed them about their Lord and His Perfect Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone is their true object of worship.
He acquainted them with the Prophets of old and their nations – the events that took place between them and their nations – in such a manner as if one was present at that time. He acquainted them with all the means to good and the paths of evil- in general and in detail- which no other prophet informed his nation. He acquainted them with death and what will take place in the grave – either bliss or punishment. He acquainted them with the evidences and proofs of Tawhid [i.e. the oneness of Allah in His Lordship, Names and Attributes, and that Allah alone has the right to be worshipped].
He acquainted them with Prophet hood and the affairs of the Afterlife, and he refuted all the sects of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If only they knew and understood these affairs in the correct manner [i.e. the manner it should be understood], they would not be overcome by their enemy. He acquainted them with the plots of Iblees and the ways through which he approaches them, and the ways to repel those plots and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it. He taught them how to live their daily lives and had they acknowledged and acted upon this; their worldly affairs would be firmly established. He brought them all the means of success in this life and the next, and they do not need anyone besides him. So how can it be said that the path of Muhammad is in need of something else outside of it. The reason for such a claim is due to the weak and little understanding of a person. Allah [The Most High] said:
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe.
Allah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims).
Allah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord (i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil), and a healing for that (disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.) in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy (explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.) for the believers.
An Excerpt from I’lam Al-Muwaqqi’een 4/375-377
The Comprehensive, All-Encompassing and Universal Message
Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy upon him, said:
The Ummah of Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, does not require anyone after him; their sole necessity is for someone to convey his teachings. The message of Muhammad is all-encompassing, universal, and (perfectly) preserved. This universality, comprehensiveness, and preservation are not confined to any (specific time, place, or circumstance); instead, they extend to all those to whom Muhammad was sent, as well as addressing all the fundamental and subsidiary matters of the religion.
Muhammad’s message is sufficient, all-encompassing, and universal—there is no requirement for anything beyond it. It has addressed every aspect of truth necessary for his Ummah in their knowledge and actions. Allah’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, did not depart from this world without imparting to his Ummah all that they needed to know. He taught them the etiquettes of using the toilet, sexual relations, the etiquettes of sleep and waking, eating, drinking, and traveling. He acquainted them with the etiquettes of speech and silence; the etiquettes of keeping company with the people and seclusion. He acquainted them with matters regarding illness, good health, poverty and wealth, and all matters regarding life and death.
He described Allah’s throne, the angels, the jinn, the fire of hell, and the Day of Judgment in a way that made them feel as though they were witnessing these realities with the naked eye. He conveyed knowledge about their Lord, His Perfect Names and Attributes, emphasising that Allah is the only One who deserves their worship. He acquainted them with the ancient Prophets and their respective nations- the events that transpired between them as if one were witnessing those moments firsthand. He informed them of all the avenues leading to righteousness and the various paths of wrongdoing, both broadly and specifically, in a manner that no other prophet had conveyed to his people. He acquiainted them with death and will take place in the grave, whether they be of joy or torment. Additionally, he presented the evidences and proofs of Tawhid (pure Islamic Monotheism). He acquainted them with Prophethood and the matters concerning the Afterlife, while also countering all factions of disbelief and misguidance. He acquainted them with war strategies- how to confront the enemy, the way to achieve victory and conquests. If they were aware of and comprehended these matters appropriately, they would not be defeated by their adversary.
He acquainted them with the schemes of Iblees, the methods by which he seeks to influence them, and the strategies to counteract those schemes and plans. He acquainted them with the soul- its characteristics and faults- in such a manner that they are not in need of anyone else to tell them about it.
He instructed them on how to navigate their everyday existence, and had they recognized and implemented his teachings, their worldly matters would have been securely established. He provided them with all the means necessary for success in both this life and the hereafter, rendering them independent of any other guidance. Therefore, it is unfounded to assert that the path of Muhammad requires any external support. Such claims stem from a limited and insufficient understanding on the part of the individual. Allah said:
أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِهِمْ أَنَّا أَنزَلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَرَحْمَةً وَذِكْرَىٰ لِقَوْمٍ يُؤْمِنُونَ
Is it not sufficient for them that We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) which is recited to them? Verily, herein is mercy and a reminder (or an admonition) for a people who believe. [29:51]
Allah [The Most High] said:
وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ الْكِتَابَ تِبْيَانًا لِّكُلِّ شَيْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
And We have sent down to you the Book (the Qur’an) as an exposition of everything, a guidance, a mercy, and glad tidings for those who have submitted themselves (to Allah as Muslims)]. [16:89]
Allah [The Most High] said:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ جَاءَتْكُم مَّوْعِظَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَشِفَاءٌ لِّمَا فِي الصُّدُورِ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةٌ لِّلْمُؤْمِنِينَ
O mankind! There has come to you a good advice from your Lord [i.e. the Qur’an, ordering all that is good and forbidding all that is evil], and a healing for that [disease of ignorance, doubt, hypocrisy and differences, etc.] in your breasts, – a guidance and a mercy [explaining lawful and unlawful things, etc.] for the believers. [10:57]
An Excerpt from “i’lam al-muwaqqi’in 4/375-377
Ramadhaan Reminder – Day 19 – Umrah is obligatory once during a person’s lifetime.
In the name of Allah, the most Beneficent and the most Merciful, all praise is due to Allah and may the praise and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammed (صلى الله عليه وسلم ), his family and his companions.
As for what’s next, then Umrah is obligatory once during a (person’s) lifetime/lifespan upon the one who’s capable, and whatever he adds after the one (first), then it is voluntary. And Umrah consists of pillars, and they are: Al’Ihraam (intention & clothing at the Meeqaat), At’Tawaaf (circulating the Ka’bah, 7 times) As’Sa’ee (walking between As’safa and Al’Marwa, 7 times), and (Umrah) also consists of obligations, seven and (Umrah) also contains recommended (actions).
And Umrah is legislated during any time, legislated at any time, so for the one en route to Mecca, then he purifies himself and wears ihraam at the meeqaat point which he passes by on his way (to Mecca) and as for the one without a meeqaat, then he is to make ihraam at his house, from where he began so, from his house. Or the one who has (already) arrived and passed by his meeqaat point and didn’t (initally) want Hajj nor Umrah but then wanted to preform Hajj, then he makes ihraam from the point he made his intention, from where he started just as the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said: “he makes his ihraam from the point he intended for Hajj and Umrah” except for the one who is in Mecca, for he makes his ihraam from at’taneem (masjid on the outskirts of sacred point in Mecca) or from al’hiil outside of the sacred boundaries of Mecca, and he also doesn’t make ihraam for Umrah from Mecca, so that he may gather between hiil and haram so he goes to the closest point outside of the boundaries (of Mecca) and makes ihraam from there, like At’Taneem (a Masjid outside of the boundaries) and Az’Zaahir (an area outside of the boundaries in Mecca) and other than that from Al’Hiil from the boundaries of Mecca and the boundaries of Al’Haram, so he leaves from the boundaries of Al’Haram and makes his ihraam for Umrah.
And Umrah in Ramadan has virtue, a great virtue as the Umrah in Ramadan is like (preforming) Hajj, so Umrah in Ramadan is like Hajj in a narration, (as) the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم ) said: “Like Hajj with me” so it contains a great virtue, Umrah during Ramadan and these are the pillars of Islam (assuming is a continuation from a previous lesson) and from them is Hajj and Umrah, and Umrah is a smaller Hajj and consists of a great virtue and it is legislated throughout the whole year, different to Hajj which has a specific time.
“The Hajj (pilgrimage) is (in) the well-known months ..” – Surah Al’Baqarah | Verse 197
And it is the month of As’Shawaal and Dul’Qidaa and ten days from Dil’Hijaah, these are the months of Hajj, Umrah in Ramadan has a virtue as was mentioned, he said (صلى الله عليه وسلم ): “Umrah in Ramadan is like Hajj” and in (another) narration: “ .. like Hajj with me”.
So Umrah in Ramadan has a great virtue, so the Muslim should strive in completing Umrah in Ramadan so that he may attain this great reward.
All praise is due to Allah and may the praise and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammed (صلى الله عليه وسلم ), his family and his companions
Masjid Appeal 2024 👍
Please take this opportunity to begin this blessed month of Ramadhaan with good deeds and giving in charity, strive and gain reward from Allah – help donate and support this appeal.
💬 “Whoever builds a masjid for the sake of Allah, Allah will build for him a house in jannah”.
Let’s all continue making the masjid the best it can be! May Allah bless and reward you all with much goodness.
💸 Donate today – https://salafidawah.uk/appeal2024
NEW VIDEO! What Is the Ruling on Repeating Umrah Without Having Performed Hajj? – Shaykh Fawzaan
Question: In terms of the person who has not performed Hajj, and wishes to perform Umrah more than once. Is this [permissible] for him?
Watch the full video for the Shaykh's answer!
Links 🔗 from Video – salafidawah.uk/Online – Online Quran Lessons Salafischool.co.uk/online – Online Full Day Classes – TuitionClub.org/Online
Rulings of Hajj Pilgrimage, the Sacrifice & the Eid Prayer – Various Scholars
Attached is a comprehensive guide and rulings regarding:
- Hajj (it’s rulings; types of Hajj; how it is performed; it’s reward; meaning of ihraam; what is not allowed during ihraam; can Hajj be performed for someone else and more)
- Sacrifice of an animal for those not in Hajj (it’s rulings; who should undertake it; can it be shared amongst numerous families; if i live with my brother or father who slaughters? When to slaughter; rulings regarding the age and condition of the sacrifice; best animal to slaughter, how to distribute, rulings regarding cutting hair and nails and more)
- Eid Prayer (rulings and requirements for those not in Hajj)
Guide was compiled, summarised and translated by Ustaadh Rayyan Barker (hafidahullah).
Some Excellent Outcomes of Hajj- By Shaikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him]
In The Name of Allaah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy
Shaikh Abdul Muhsin Al-Abbaad [may Allaah preserve him] said: As for hajj, it is a great act of worship. Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) made it an obligation upon His slaves at least once in a lifetime. Hajj includes acts of worship related to wealth and physical actions. It has good outcomes and praiseworthy end results in the life of a person. The Noble Prophet (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said: ”(The performance of) Umrah is expiation for the sins committed between it and the previous one. And the reward of Al-Hajj Al-Mabroor (the one accepted by Allaah) is nothing but Paradise.”[1]
Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) said that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) was asked about the best of deeds, so he replied, ”To believe in Allaah and His Messenger.’’ The questioner then asked, ‘’What is the next (in goodness)?’’ He replied, ‘’To participate in Jihaad.’’ The questioner again asked, ‘’What is the next (in goodness)?’’ He replied, ‘’To perform Hajj Mabroor (which is accepted by Allaah…)” [2]
Abu Hurairah (radiyallaahu-anhu) also narrated that the Messenger of Allaah (sallal laahu alayhi wasallam) said: ”Whoever performs Hajj for Allaah’s sake only and does not have sexual relations with his wife and does not do evil or sins; then he will return (after hajj, free from sins) as if he was born anew.”[3]
A ‘Hajj Mabroor’ (the one accepted by Allaah) is the hajj a person performs in conformity with the Sunnah of the Noble Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam), and the sign of a ‘Hajj Mabroor’ is that a person’s becomes better than what he was before hajj. So if a person’s evil state of affairs changes to a good state, or changes from a good state to a state even better than that, then this is a clear sign that his hajj is Mabroor [accepted by Allaah].
Hajj and Umrah include acts of worship, such as Tawaaf, which is not performed in any other place besides its designated place (i.e. around the Kabah). Tawaaf is an act of worship, which Allaah has specified to be carried out around the Baitul Ateeq [i.e. The Ancient House (the Haram)]. So when a person reaches Makkah, he [or she] performs Tawaaf around the Baitul Ateeq. He [or she] seeks nearness to Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) with an act of worship (i.e. Tawaaf) which one could not have being able to perform except in Makkah. That is because Tawaaf cannot be done except around the Noble Kabah. So this reminds a person and makes him [or her] aware of the fact that Tawaaf performed in any other place in the earth is not legislated by Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic). Therefore, it is not permissible to make Tawaaf around any tomb or any other place in the earth besides the Noble Kabah.
Also, this is the case with kissing and indicating with one’s hand towards the Black Stone and the Yemini Corner; for indeed Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) did not legislate for the Muslims to seek closeness to Him by kissing any other stone or indicating with one’s hand towards it except in those two places (i.e. the Black Stone and the Yemeni corner). And because of this when Umar Ibnul Khattaab (radiyallaahu anhu) approached the Black Stone, he kissed it and then said: ‘’No doubt, I know that you are a stone and can neither harm (anyone) nor benefit anyone. Had I not seen Allaah’s Messenger (sallal-laahu-alayhi-wasallam) kissing you, I would not have kissed you.’’ [4]
Also from the good outcomes of Hajj and Umrah is that when the one in Ihraam removes his normal clothing and wears the Ihram, which is worn by both the poor and the rich, it reminds him of the cloth he will be shrouded with when he dies; so he prepares himself for righteous actions and that is the best of all provision for the hereafter, as Allaah (The Most High) said: [وَتَزَوَّدُواْ فَإِنَّ خَيۡرَ ٱلزَّادِ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰۚ -And take a provision (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness, etc.)’’ [2:197]
Also from the good outcomes of Hajj is the gathering of the pilgrims at Arafah, which is a reminder of the gathering of the people on the Day of Judgement; so this (i.e. standing at Arafah) becomes a drive (or motive) for a person to prepare himself for that standing on the Day of Judgement by performing righteous deeds.
Also during Hajj the Muslims from the East and West regions of the earth get to meet one another; so they co-operate with one another and advise one another. They get to know the state of affairs of one another; so they share happiness and joy with one another, just as a person would share the pain that befalls his brother and then guides him towards what is obligatory to do regarding that. So they all co-operate upon righteousness and piety just as Allaah (Glorified Be He) commanded them.
[Abridged and slightly paraphrased. See link:
http://www.salaficentre.com/2017/08/good-outcomes-ibaadaat-acts-worship-life-muslim-shaikh-abdul-muhsin-al-abbaad-may-allaah-preserve/
References
[1] Bukhaari. Number 1773 and Muslim. Number 1349
[2]Bukhaari Number: 26 and Muslim Number 83
[3]Bukhaari Number: 1521 and Muslim 1350
[4] Bukhaari. 1597 and Muslim 1270
Explaining Sufi Doubts Abouts Graves in Masjids – Shaykh Alee Nasir (Hafidahullah)
Shaykh Alee Naasir Al-Faqeehi (hafidahullah) was approached by questioners at the end of his advice to those who come to the Prophets Mosque, regarding guidelines of how to give salaams upon the prophet, and the inhabitants of Al-Baqee (cemetery next to the Prophets Masjid) and clarifying the doubt spread by the soofis that the prophets grave is in the Masjid.
A man from Algeria came to the Shaykh and was genuinely confused and wanted clarification; the Shaykh (hafidahullah) exemplified the manners of a Scholar and a person of knowledge, in his dealing with the man.
He continued to explain and speak to him in a kind, gentle manner, explaining with evidences and proofs until the questioner was enlightened and the doubt had been removed from him.
We ask Allah to preserve the Shaykh and make his deeds heavy on his scales of good.
Shaykh’s Explanation of Chapter 30 of Kitab At-Tawheed utilising Explanation of Shaykh Al-Fawzaan (I’aanatul Mustafeed biSharh Kitab At-Tawheed) – Tuesday 4th April 2017