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8/6/2019 Practical Steps for Making Good Use of Ramadhan
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/practical-steps-for-making-good-use-of-ramadhan 1/43
Practical steps
for
making good
use of
Ramadan
Written by Dr. Ilham Badr Al Jabry
Translated by www.alssunnah.net
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Introduction
All praise be to Allah. We praise Him and seek His Help and
Guidance. We seek refuge with Allah against the evils of ourselves
and the evils of our deeds. Whom Allah guides there is no one can
mislead and whom Allah misleads no one can guide. And I bear witness that there is no god but Allah Alone who has no partner
and I bear witness that Muhammad is His Servant and Messenger.
The Blessed month of Ramadan approached full of goodness and
blessings. Whoever is given mercy therein shall be successful,
whoever is deprived of its good shall be of the losers, and whoever
does not get provision (of piety) therein for the Last Day shall be
blameworthy.
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
"Ramadan approached, so the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said: This month has come and therein is one night which is
better than a thousand month. So, the one who is deprived of its
good shall be deprived of all good and no one shall be deprived of
its good but a loser." (1)
Ka`b ibn `Ujrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Gather around the
pulpit. So, we gathered. When he ascended the first step, he said:
Amen! When he ascended the second step, he said: Amen! When
he ascended the third step, he said: Amen! When he descended,
we said: O Messenger of Allah, we heard you saying something
you did not use to say before. He said: Gabriel came to me and
said: May the one who attends Ramadan and his sins are not
forgiven be wretched! I said: Amen! When I ascended the second
step, he said: May the one who hears your name but do not send
peace and blessings upon you be wretched! I said: Amen! When I
ascended the third step, he said: May the one whose both parents
are alive or one of them, but does not enter Paradise be wretched!
I said: Amen!" (2)
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A month that is full of goodness a Muslim should be ready for and
exert efforts to seize the opportunity because its days are few and
elapse quickly as Allah (Glory be to Him) described: "A fixed
number of days." Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and
his Companions used to get ready for it since the crescent of Rajab. When they saw the crescent, they supplicated: "O Allah,
bless Rajab and Sha`ban for us, and make us reach Ramadan."
(3)
Ma`la ibn Al Fadl said: They (the Companions) used to invoke
Allah (may He be Exalted) six months to reach Ramadan then
invoke Him another six months to accept their deeds which they
did during Ramadan.
Yahya ibn Abu Kathir said: Of their supplications: "O Allah! keepme safe until Ramadan, make me benefit from Ramadan, and
accept my deeds."
In order to benefit from Ramadan, we should do several steps
which I shall mention in short as follows:
First, preparing oneself.
Second, stimulating the spiritual energy.
Third, knowing the reality of fasting.
I conclude these steps by mentioning the glad tidings of accepting
the Fast.
These steps are:
The first step is preparing oneself:
In the beginning, dear Muslim brother, I shall ask you some
questions so that you can evaluate yourself and know your condition and to know whether you are foremost in good deeds,
you are moderate, or from those who wrong themselves?
So, answer sincerely between yourself:
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Are you from those who keep to the obligatory Salah by
establishing their pillars, obligations, and perform them in
submissiveness?
Are you from those who perform Zakah (obligatory charity)?
Are you from those who safeguard their hearings, sights, tongues,
and body organs from committing things that incur the wrath of
Allah?
Are you from those who are keen to be dutiful to their parents?
If you are a woman, are you from those who wear Hijab (head
cover to the waist) as Allah loves or not?
Finally, are you contented with yourself and ready to meet your
Lord?
After answering these questions, I shall ask you more questions
which do not need much efforts to answer. Just answer yes or no.
- Do you wish to be in the highest ranks of Paradise, which is Al
Firdaws? Recite Allah's Saying and enjoy the descriptions of
Paradise. "But for him who fears the standing before his Lord,
there will be two Gardens (i.e. in Paradise). * Then which of the
Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn and men) deny? * Withspreading branches. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord
will you both (jinn and men) deny? * In them (both) will be two
springs flowing (free). * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord
will you both (jinn and men) deny? * In them (both) will be every
kind of fruit in pairs. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will
you both (jinn and men) deny? * Reclining upon the couches lined
with silk brocade, and the fruits of the two Gardens will be near at
hand. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn
and men) deny? * Wherein both will be Qâsirât-ut-Tarf [chastefemales (wives) restraining their glances, desiring none except
their husbands], with whom no man or jinni has had deflowered
before them. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you
both (jinn and men) deny? * (In beauty) they are like rubies and
coral. * Then which of the Blessings of your Lord will you both (jinn
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and men) deny? * Is there any reward for good other than good?"
(5)
Do you wish to have the pleasure and love of Allah?
Do you desire to lead a good life in this world and to have aneverlasting bliss in the Hereafter?
The answer is yes for sure.
Dear brother, you should know that the chance is still in your hand
while you still in the worldly life, and all you have to do is to set an
appointment to place your feet on the path of Paradise!
One month, one year, or many years before your death?!
Do not wonder because I know as you know that ages of peopleare not known except to Allah (He may be Exalted).
However, many people delay repentance and forget about time
and death, as if they will live as Noah (Peace be upon him) lived.
When they reach twenty of age, they claim that they shall live to
the sixty and when they live to the sixty, they claim that they shall
live to one hundred, and they do not know that death is closer to
him than the leather strap of their shoes.
Whisper in yourself: I have to start now, in this moment, while I am
reading these lines.
You may wonder how to start! Here is this piece of sincere advice
which will help you put your feet on the path of Paradise:
Dear Muslim brother, let it be known that the Paradise dwellers are
those who were described by two qualities: Faith and righteous
deeds. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And whoever does righteous
good deeds, male or female, and is a (true) believer [in theOneness of Allâh (Muslim)], such will enter Paradise and not the
least injustice, even to the size of a speck on the back of a date-
stone, will be done to them." (6)
Allah (He may be Glorified) also says: "Verily, those who believe
(in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous
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good deeds, and humble themselves (in repentance and
obedience) before their Lord, they will be the dwellers of Paradise,
to dwell therein forever." (7) And the Ayahs mentioned in this
meaning are numerous.
Faith as defined by scholars is: Saying by tongue, belief by heart,and work by organs. It is increased by obedience and is decreased
by disobedience. (8)
It was reported in a Hadith from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be
pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said: "Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth
but He looks to your heart and to your deeds." (9)
If the heart is filled with faith, you can see that in the actions of the
body organs, i.e., the actions of a person shall be pious. However,
if the heart is filled with hypocrisy and evil, they will appear on the
body organs as well, i.e., the actions of a person shall be evil. The
Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Pay attention! There is a piece
of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body
becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and
that is the heart." (10)
Exactly like a seed when it is planted in the earth; if it is good, it will
bring out good plant, but if it is bad, it will bring out a bad pla nt
which has no good. Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "The vegetation
of a good land comes forth (easily) by the Permission of its Lord;
and that which is bad, brings forth nothing but (a little) with
difficulty. Thus, do We explain variously the Ayât (proofs,
evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) for a people
who give thanks." (11)
Sheikh `Abdul-Rahman As-Sa`dy (may Allah bestow mercy on his
soul) said when he explained this Ayah: This is an example of thehearts when revelation comes down upon them, it gives them
revival, as water is the matter of the entire life.
When revelation comes to good hearts, they accept and know it,
then give the output according to their root and kind elements. As
for the wicked hearts which do not contain any goodness, when
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revelation comes to them, it will not find a place for reception but
will find them neglectful and heedless or opposing. Then it will be
like rain which passes by sands and rocks without affecting them.
(12)
The heart is affected by diseases exactly as bodies, so it feels sickand may die while a person is heedless. May Allah protect us
against the inattentiveness of hearts. The life of the heart would be
with faith and with the codes of Islam. Allah (Glory be to Him) says:
"Is he who was dead (without Faith by ignorance and disbelief) and
We gave him life (by knowledge and Faith) and set for him a light
(of Belief) whereby he can walk amongst men - like him who is in
the darkness (of disbelief, polytheism and hypocrisy) from which
he can never come out? Thus it is made fair-seeming to the
disbelievers that which they used to do." (13)
Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "O you who believe! Answer Allâh (by
obeying Him) and (His) Messenger when he (peace be upon him)
calls you to that which will give you life, and know that Allâh comes
in between a person and his heart (i.e. He prevents an evil person
to decide anything). And verily, to Him you shall (all) be gathered."
(14)
Dear Muslim brother, in order to know whether your heart alive,dead, or sick, you have to examine it well and expose it to the
Book of Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) and the Sunnah
of the Messenger (peace be upon him) because they contain the
qualities of the vivid, the sick, and the dead heart.
Here are these attributes:
Of the attributes of the vivid heart are:
Submissiveness: Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: "Has
not the time come for the hearts of those who believe (in the
Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) to be affected by Allâh's
Reminder (this Qur'ân), and that which has been revealed of the
truth, lest they become as those who received the Scripture [the
Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel)] before (i.e. Jews and
Christians), and the term was prolonged for them and so their
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hearts were hardened? And many of them were Fâsiqûn (the
rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh)." (15)
It was part of the Prophet's invocation: "O Allah, I seek refuge with
You against the knowledge which is not beneficial, and against a
heart which does not fear (You)." (16)
The distinctive sign of the people of submissiveness is to love
Salah and observe patience on everything that comes from Allah.
Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "And seek help in patience and
As-Salât (the prayers) and truly it is extremely heavy and hard
except for Al Khâshi'ûn [i.e. the true believers in Allâh - those who
obey Allâh with full submission, fear much from His Punishment,
and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)]."
(17) It is easy and light because submissiveness, fear of Allah, andhoping for His Reward entail that a person does these acts of
worship happily because he awaits reward and fears punishment.
(18)
Although the general rule of submissiveness is it should be in
heart, it shows up on the entire body organs. `Ali ibn Abu Talib
(may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that when the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) knelt down, he used to
say: "O Allah, it is for You that I bowed. I affirm my faith in You andI submit to You. I submit humbly before You my hearing, my
eyesight, my marrow, my bone, my sinew." (19)
Piety of the hearts: Piety means taking refuge against things that
may harm you in the Hereafter. (20)
Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Thus it is [what has been
mentioned in the above said Verses (27, 28, 29, 30, 31) is an
obligation that mankind owes to Allâh] and whosoever honors the
Symbols of Allâh, then it is truly from the piety of the hearts." (21) Allah (He may be Glorified) says: "Verily, those who lower their
voices in the presence of Allâh's Messenger (peace be upon him),
they are the ones whose hearts Allâh has tested for piety. For
them is forgiveness and a great reward." (22)
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Fear of the heart: Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "The believers
are only those who, when Allâh is mentioned, feel a fear in their
hearts and when His Verses (this Qur'ân) are recited to them, they
(i.e. the Verses) increase their Faith; and they put their trust in their
Lord (Alone)." (23) i.e., when the glory and power of Allah ismentioned, their hearts would not feel comfort for what they have
done of good deeds and think they are neglectful, so they feel fear
and worry. (24)
Therefore, when `A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with him) asked
the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the saying of
Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He): "And those who give that (their
charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their
hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been
accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for
reckoning)." (25) Are they the people who drink wine and steal
people? He said: "No, O daughter of As-Siddiq, they observe
fasting, perform Salah, and give in charity, but they fear that their
actions shall not be accepted. They are the people who hasten to
(all) good works." (26)
Of the qualities of a sick heart:
Aberration of hearts: Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "It is He Whohas sent down to you (Muhammad peace be upon him) the Book
(this Qur'ân). In it are Verses that are entirely clear, they are the
foundations of the Book [and those are the Verses of Al-Ahkâm
(commandments), Al-Fara'id (obligatory duties) and Al-Hudud
(legal laws for the punishment of thieves, adulterers)]; and others
not entirely clear. So as for those in whose hearts there is a
deviation (from the truth) they follow that which is not entirely clear
thereof, seeking Al-Fitnah (polytheism and trials), and seeking for
its hidden meanings, but none knows its hidden meanings except Allâh. And those who are firmly grounded in knowledge say: "We
believe in it; the whole of it (clear and unclear Verses) are from our
Lord." And none receive admonition except men of
understanding." (27)
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Sheikh `Abdul-Rahman As-Sa`dy (may Allah bestow mercy on his
soul) said in the explanation of this Ayah: [This book (the Qur'an)
contains Ayahs which are precise and crystal-clear in meaning
which is not misunderstood or misinterpreted with others. And of
which there are some Ayahs which are not entirely clear, bear some meanings, and nothing of them is probable but when they
are combined with the clear Ayahs, they become clear and the
meaning shows up. However, those in whose hearts there are
sickness, aberration, and deviation because of their bad intention
follow the Ayahs which are not clear in meaning to prove their false
point of view, and their fake opinions seeking to cause sedition,
distortion to the Book of Allah, and interpreting it to cope with their
views and opinions to mislead people]. (28)
Aberration is leaning to the way of error, therefore from the
invocation of the believers is: "(They say): Our Lord! Let not our
hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us, and grant
us mercy from You. Truly, You are the Bestower." (29)
Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of
Allah (peace be upon him) used to say frequently: "Ya muqallibal-
qulubi, thabbit qalbi `ala dinika" (O Controller of hearts make my
heart steadfast in Your religion).'' So, I said: O Prophet of Allah, we
have believed in you and in what you brought from your Lord, doyou feel fear for us? He said: Yes, the hearts (of all the sons of
Adam) are between two fingers out of the fingers of the
Compassionate Lord (as one heart) and He turns them to any
(direction) He likes." (30)
Grudge of the heart: Grudge is envy and hatred. It is a disease hits
the heart and causes it to die unless a person is aware of it. Abu
Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The dust that aperson endures in the cause of Allah and the flame of Hell cannot
gather in a person. Faith and envy cannot come together in the
heart of a person." (31)
Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned his nation
against grudge when he said: "There are three things concerning
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which the heart of a believer should feel no enmity or grudge:
devoting one's actions to Allah, giving counsel to Muslim rulers,
and adhering to the Muslim public opinion because their invocation
includes those who are behind (and surround) them (of Muslims)."
(32)These qualities purify the heart of grudge, betrayal, and evil. (33)
Harshness of the heart: Harshness of the heart is one of the
diseases of the hearts. Allah (may He be Exalted) was merciful
when He made His Messenger (peace be upon him) kind and soft,
He says: "And by the Mercy of Allâh, you dealt with them gently.
And had you (Muhammad peace be upon him) been severe and
harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so
pass over (their faults), and ask (Allâh's) Forgiveness for them;and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a
decision, put your trust in Allâh, certainly, Allâh loves those who
put their trust (in Him)." (34)
If the heart is harsh, it will have every bad quality whether it
appears immediately or later because mercy is taken out only from
a miserable person whose heart is harsh. (35)
Haughtiness: Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated
that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever in his heart
is an equal iota of haughtiness shall not enter Paradise.
Thereupon, a man said: Verily a person loves that his dress should
be fine, and his shoes should be fine. He (the Prophet) said: Verily,
Allah is Graceful and He loves Grace. Haughtiness is disdaining
the truth (out of self-conceit) and contempt for the people." (36)
When the Shaykh of Islam, Ibn Taymiyah (may Allah bestow
mercy on his soul) was asked about this Hadith: Whether it is
exclusively for Muslims or includes non-Muslims as well, he said:
[Haughtiness which goes against faith shall not admit a person to
Paradise. Of this kind of haughtiness is the haughtiness of Satan,
Pharaohs, and others whose haughtiness prevented them of faith.
However, all kinds of haughtiness is against the required faith. So,
whoever in his heart is an equal iota of haughtiness shall not fulfill
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the obligations of Allah and does not abandon what Allah has
forbidden him to do, but his haughtiness requires denial of the truth
and contempt of the people. This is the kind of haughtiness which
the Prophet (peace be upon him) explained. So, whoever wastes
the required obligations and oppresses people shall not be one of the Paradise dwellers nor shall he deserve to enter it, but rather he
shall be from the people who are given a threat of Hell-Fire.
Nevertheless, if a person repents or does good deeds to expiate
his sins, or has been afflicted by ordeals to expiate his sins or
something of the like, haughtiness which prevents him from
entering Paradise shall be removed and accordingly he shall enter
it]. (37)
Of the attributes of the dead heart:
The death of the heart is disparate and divided into degrees, so
there is a type of death different from the other; here are some
kinds of deaths starting from the lower to higher:
Heedlessness of the heart: Heedlessness is what distracts a
person from the things that concern him, therefore anything that
distracts a person and takes him away from important matters are
called heedlessness. (38)
Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "Draws near for mankind their
reckoning, while they turn away in heedlessness. * Comes not to
them an admonition (a chapter of the Qur'ân) from their Lord as a
recent revelation but they listen to it while they play. * With their
hearts distracted (by evil things)." (39) i.e., neglectful and turning
away from mentioning Allah and busy themselves with things that
do not concern them rather than contemplation and understanding.
(40)
Thus, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) warned againstmuch laughter. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Do not laugh much, for much laughter kills the heart." (41)
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The covered heart: It is a result of the continuation of committing
sins and frequent indulgence in amusement. Allah (Glory be to
Him) says: "Nay, but their hearts are covered from (understanding)
this (the Qur'ân), and they have other (evil) deeds, besides, which
they are doing." (42) [It is something that covers and prevents theheart from understanding the lessons, admonition, and proofs
which are mentioned in the Book of Allah]. (43)
[Indulgence in lusts is a result of weak insight, lack of knowledge,
and following one's desires, so, the heart is covered by sins and
Satan adorns these sins to him and makes him see wrong as right
and vice-versa. Consequently, a person will be in severe trouble
and begins to ignore the best interests of himself and oppresses
himself by harming it, thinking that he benefits it by this way. When
a person reaches this stage, his heart begins to refuse and deny
everything which he does not like because in this case the heart
will not be able to differentiate between good and ugly except
through whims and desires, at this point the heart is called the
denying heart]. (44)
The denying heart: It is the heart which does not accept advice,
and the remembrance of Allah will not affect therein. (45)
Allah (He may be Glorified) says about the descriptions of theinfidels: Your Ilâh (God) is One Ilâh (God - Allâh, none has the
right to be worshipped but He). But for those who believe not in the
Hereafter, their hearts deny (the faith in the Oneness of Allâh), and
they are proud." (46)
Allah (He may be Glorified) says about the description of people:
"They recognize the Grace of Allâh, yet they deny it (by
worshipping others besides Allâh) and most of them are
disbelievers (deny the Prophethood of Muhammad peace be upon
him)." (47)
Thus, denial is of two types:
The first: Denial resulted from the lack of knowledge because of
indulgence in the joys of life and that is something a person denies
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by heart and does not admit it by tongue. This sickness may be
cured when soft light of pure disposition finds its way to his heart.
The second: Denial of haughtiness and repudiation which is
resulted from disbelief after complete knowledge. (48)
Having diagnosed the conditions of the heart, we have to know the
cure and the causes of sickness so that we can avoid them and
keep the heart safe.
Dear Muslim brother, pay attention to a very important matter
which is: It is not enough to know the reason and the cure, but you
should hasten to take the medication before sickness destroys
your heart.
The sickness of the heart is like the sickness of the body if the sickdoes not hasten to the cure, his sickness may increase and the
cure will become difficult or a person may die.
A sick person may not want to take medication and turns away
from the cure, but the reasonable person who fears destruction
has to observe patience and force himself to take medication until
the cure.
The causes of hearts' sickness:
The greatest disease for the heart is crimes and sins. Allah (may
He be Glorified and Exalted) says: "Nay! But on their hearts is the
Rân (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn."
(49)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said commenting on this
Ayah: "When a person commits a sin, a black mark will be planted
in his heart. However, when a person stopped, sought theforgiveness of Allah, and repented his sins, his heart will be
polished. If he commits sins again, the black mark increase until it
covers the heart and that is the Ran which Allah mentioned in the
Ayah." (50)
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The Prophet (peace be upon him) said in the description of the
sick heart: "As for the wrapped heart, it is a heart that contains
belief and hypocrisy. The example of faith in this heart, is the
example of the herb that is sustained by pure water. The example
of hypocrisy in it, is the example of an ulcer that thrives on pussand blood. Whichever of the two substances has the upper hand, it
will have the upper hand on that heart)." (51)
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) explained the danger
of sins on the heart by saying:
"Temptations will be presented to people's hearts as reed mat is
woven stick by stick and any heart which is impregnated by them
will have a black mark put into it, but any heart which rejects them
will have a white mark put in it. The result is that there will becometwo types of hearts: One white like a white stone which will not be
harmed by any turmoil or temptation, so long as the heavens and
the earth endure; and the other black and dust-colored like a
vessel which is upset, not recognizing what is good or rejecting
what is abominable, but being impregnated with passion." (52)
The meaning of the Hadith: The Prophet (peace be upon him)
likened the presentation of temptations to the hearts one by one
with the mat straws which are handled by a craftsman one by one.So, any heart denies these temptations, his heart shall be marked
with a white mark and any heart accepts them, a black mark shall
be put therein until hearts will become of two types: A white heart
which holds fast with faith and therefore it is safeguarded against
temptations like a sleek stone which nothing is hung with. The
other type is the black heart which is like a cup that is turned
upside down. The meaning is: When a person follows his whims
and commits sins, darkness will cover his heart with every sin he
commits. When a person keeps on committing sins, the light of Islam shall be removed from him. The heart is like a cup, when it is
turned upside down, it spills what is therein. So, it does not benefit
from admonition or advice, and goodness will not affect it. For
more explanation, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "not
recognizing what is good or rejecting what is abominable, but
being impregnated with passion." (53)
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Beware of committing sins! How many favors sins wasted! How
many afflictions sins caused! How many houses and countries sins
destroyed!
Of the worst sins that destroys the heart after polytheism is
singing, for it grows hypocrisy in the heart. Ibn Mas`ud (may Allahbe pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) said: "Singing grows hypocrisy in the heart as water
grows herbs." (55)
Perhaps you, my Muslim brother, inquire: Why does singing grows
hypocrisy in the heart from among all sins?
Scholar Ibn Al Qayyim (may Allah bestow mercy on his soul) said:
[Let it be known that singing has qualities that grow hypocrisy in
the heart like water grows plants and herbs.
Of its properties: It distracts and prevents the heart from
understanding and pondering over the Qur'an and acting according
to it. The Qur'an and singing cannot be combined in one heart
because of the contradiction between them. The Qur'an prohibits
the following of one's whims, commands with chastity, avoidance
of the desires of oneself, the causes of error, and prohibits the
following of Satan's steps. However, singing commands with the
opposite of all these things by beautifying them, exciting bodies to
desires and lusts. So, it arouses the consonant, moves the souls to
every ugly act, and drives them to have illegal relationships.
Singing and wine are twins and they compete with one another to
incite people to do all deniable acts. The contract of Satan with
them is like the contract of brotherhood which cannot be annulled
because it is the spy of the heart]. (56)
Of the causes of the sickness of the heart are: Grudge, envy,
hatred for Muslims. Az-Zubayr (may Allah be pleased with him)reported from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) that he
said: "The disease of previous nations has crawled its way to you:
envy and hatred. Hatred is the shearer (Al Haliqa). I do not say
that it shears hair but it shears religion. By the One in Whose hand
Muhammad's soul is! You shall never enter Paradise until you
believe, and you shall never believe until you love one another.
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Shall I inform you of something which, if you do it, you shall love
one another?" They said: "Yes, O Messenger of Allah!" He said:
"Spread salutations among yourselves." (57)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) praised those who have pure
and sound heart toward his Muslim brothers. `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated: "Somebody asked: O
Allah's Messenger! Who is the best among the people? Allah's
Messenger (peace be upon him) replied: Every Makhmum Al Qalb
of truthful tongue. They said: We know "of truthful tongue", but
what is Makhmum Al Qalb? He said: The one who has a pious and
pure heart which contains no sin, oppression, grudge, or envy."
(58)
Therefore, it was part of the invocations of the believers is thatreported in Allah's Saying: "And those who came after them say:
"Our Lord! 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 Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful."
(59)
After we have known the causes of the diseases of hearts here is
the cure: However, you should pay attention to procrastination
because the cure may be difficult for you or you may die before thecure.
Let it be known that early cure in young age is not like cure in late
conditions, the more delay, the more love of sin it will be.
First, sincere determination to walk in the Straight Path. Seeking
help with Allah and beseeching Him to reform your heart. It was
part of the Prophet's supplications: "Allahumma musarrifal-qulubi,
sarrif qulubana `ala ta`atika (O Allah! Controller of the hearts,
direct our hearts to Your obedience).'' (60) and "`Allahumma a`inni`ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni `ibadatika,' (O Allah, help me
remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in
the best manner)." (61)
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And "Allahumma inni as'alukal-huda wat-tuqa wal-`afafa wal-ghina
(O Allah! I ask You for guidance, piety, chastity and self-
sufficiency)"." (62)
Second, exerting efforts for abandoning all sins whether minor or
major because if minor sins are gathered, they will destroy theperson. `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Beware of minor sins because if they are committed by a person,
they will destroy him. The Messenger of Allah gave an example of
them like a people who camped in the bottom of a valley, and
watched what the people were doing. One man brought a stick,
another man brought a stick, and so on, until they gathered a huge
pile of sticks then lit fire and baked what they have thrown therein."
(63)
Perhaps what may help you in leaving sins is recalling the glory of
Allah (may He be Exalted) because whoever estimates the glory of
Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) as should fears to disobey
Him. Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) says: "They have not
estimated Allâh His Rightful Estimate. Verily, Allâh is All-Strong,
All-Mighty." (64)
Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "They made not a just estimate of Allâh such as is due to Him. And on the Day of Resurrection the
whole of the earth will be grasped by His Hand and the heavens
will be rolled up in His Right Hand. Glorified is He, and High is He
above all that they associate as partners with Him!" (65)
Being shy of Allah as should because Allah (may He be Exalted) is
the Granter of these great blessings which a person uses to
disobey Him day and night.
Allah (may He be Glorified and Exalted) granted you the blessingof sight, whereas others do not have sights then you use sights to
disobey Him by looking at the things which Allah prohibited.
He granted you the blessing of hearing, whereas others do not
have that blessing then you disobey Him by this blessing by
listening to things which Allah made unlawful.
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He granted you the blessing of movement; whereas others do not
have that blessing then you disobey Him by using this blessing in
disobeying Him.
Are you sure that the Compeller would not take it from you in a
blink of an eye? "Did they then feel secure against the Plan of Allâh? None feels secure from the Plan of Allâh except the people
who are the losers." (66)
Ibn Mas`ud (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Feel shy of Allah
as should We said: O Prophet of Allah, we are shy of Allah, thanks
to Him. He said: This is not the meaning of shyness, but shyness
is to preserve the head and what it contains, to preserve the belly
and what it contains, and to remember death and afflictions.Whoever wants the Hereafter should leave the adornment of
worldly life. Whoever does that has achieved the meaning of
shyness from Allah as should."
You should remember what you hope for from your Lord: His
Pleasure, Mercy, and Paradise. So, what you ask for is dear and
your wish is precious, so you should give up your lusts for them.
How can a person, who frequently commits sins, seek the pleasure
of Allah! How can the person, who walks in the way of Hell-Fire,
reach Paradise! His example is like a person who studies
engineering to be a doctor!
Dear Muslim brother, let it be known that Paradise is not just a
wish and is not attained by wishes. Allah (He may be Glorified)
says: "It will not be in accordance with your desires (Muslims), nor
those of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians),
whosoever works evil, will have the recompense thereof, and he
will not find any protector or helper besides Allâh." (68)
When the Jews and the Christians claimed that they are the
dwellers of Paradise, Allah said: These are their wishes and asked
them to submit a proof to that. Allah (He may be Glorified) says:
"And they say: "None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a
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Christian." These are their own desires. Say (O Muhammad peace
be upon him), "Produce your proof if you are truthful."" (69)
Listen carefully to the saying of the Messenger of Allah (peace be
upon him): "A wise man is the one who calls himself to account
(and refrains from doing evil deeds) and does noble deeds tobenefit him after death. However, the foolish person is the one who
subdues himself to his temptations and desires and seeks from
Allah the fulfillment of his vain desires." (70)
Do you wish higher degrees of Paradise? Do you want Al Firdaws
Al A`la (the highest rank of Paradise)? Then you have to restrain
your desires and lusts and to control yourself by the bridle of piety.
Here are the attributes of the dwellers of Paradise, may Allah help
us to reach their degrees and be of them. Allah (Glory be to Him)
says: "Successful indeed are the believers. * Those who offer their
Salât (prayers) with all solemnity and full submissiveness. * And
those who turn away from Al-Laghw (dirty, false, evil vain talk,
falsehood, and all that Allâh has forbidden). * And those who pay
the Zakât. * And those who guard their chastity (i.e. private parts,
from illegal sexual acts) * Except from their wives or (the slaves)
that their right hands possess, - for then, they are free from blame;
* But whoever seeks beyond that, then those are thetransgressors; * Those who are faithfully true to their Amanât (all
the duties which Allâh has ordained, honesty, moral responsibility
and trusts) and to their covenants; * And those who strictly guard
their (five compulsory congregational) Salawât (prayers) (at their
fixed stated hours). * These are indeed the inheritors * Who shall
inherit the Firdaus (Paradise). They shall dwell therein forever."
(71)
You should always remember Allah's Saying: "Or do those who
earn evil deeds think that We shall hold them equal with those who
believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) and do
righteous good deeds, in their present life and after their death?
Worst is the judgment that they make." (72)
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Third, sincere repentance. Allah (He may be Glorified) says: "O
you who believe! Turn to Allâh with sincere repentance!" (73)
Allah (Glory be to Him) mentioned the conditions of repentance
when He (may He be Glorified and Exalted) said: "And those who,
when they have committed Fâhishah (great sin as illegal sexualintercourse) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allâh and
ask forgiveness for their sins; - and none can forgive sins but Allâh
- and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they
know." (74)
- (remember Allah) by fear of His Punishment and showed
shyness to Him.
- (and ask forgiveness for their sins) i.e., asked for the pardon of
their sins.
- (and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done) give up what
they used to do and made up their minds not to go back again to
sins.(75)
What was the consequence of observing patience on obedience
and abstaining from sins? Listen to the Ever-Generous (Glory be
to Him) when He says: "For such, the reward is Forgiveness from
their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise),wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for
the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh's Orders)."
(76)
It is not one garden but many gardens and how excellent is the
reward of good-doers!
Allah (Glory be to Him) informed His Servants about the things
which bring about His Forgiveness. He says: "And verily, I am
indeed forgiving to him who repents, believes (in My Oneness, andassociates none in worship with Me) and does righteous good
deeds, and then remains constant in doing them, (till his death)."
(77)
- (who repents) sincerely.
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- (believes) have faith in Allah, His Angles, His Scriptures, His
Messengers, and in the Last day.
- (and does righteous good deeds) by heart, body, and the saying
of the tongue. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fear Allah
wherever you are, do good deeds after doing bad ones, the former will wipe out the latter, and treat people with good manner." (78)
- (and then remains constant in doing them) followed the Straight
Path, the generous Messenger, and the true religion. (79)
Dear Muslim brother, which is easier: Fighting one's desires for
moments until thinking of sins disappears or suffering the result of
sins for a long time and then repent sincerely until your repentance
is accepted? Ibn Al Jawzy (may Allah bestow mercy on his soul)
said:
[Some people say: I shall repent and change the bad deeds to
good ones. How fool those who live in dreams then death took
them suddenly before achieving their wishes! It is not right to
hasten wrong then wait for right. Repentance may not be accepted
or invalid, however if it has been accepted, the shame of the action
itself shall live with you forever. The bitterness of warding off sins
until it goes is much easier than waiting for repentance until it is
accepted].(80)
Now, after you have purified your heart from sins, begin to fill it
with faith and adorn it with obedience. The Messenger (peace be
upon him) said: "Hearts are containers and some of them are more
aware than others." (81)
Fourth, righteous actions increase faith, erase sins, protect against
the temptations of time, and make a person firm on religion. Abu
Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Be prompt in doing
good deeds (before you are overtaken) by turbulence which would
be like a part of the dark night. During (that stormy period) a man
would be a Muslim in the morning and an unbeliever in the evening
or he would be a believer in the evening and an unbeliever in the
morning, and would sell his faith for worldly goods." (82)
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[The meaning of the Hadith is: Exhortation to promptness to good
deeds before it is difficult to do them because of the numerous
temptations which distract and busy a person. The Prophet (peace
be upon him) described a type of these seditions and temptations
which is a person become a believer at night but when the morningcomes, he becomes a disbeliever or vice-versa (doubt from the
narrator). That is because of the great temptations and turmoil
pass by a person and make him between a day and a night
change his faith to disbelief and vice-versa. And Allah knows
best!]. (83)
It was reported also that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) said: "Hasten to do good deeds before you are overtaken by
one of the seven afflictions. Then (giving a warning) he said: Are
you waiting for poverty which will make you unmindful of devotion,
or prosperity which will make you corrupt, or senility which will
make you mentally unstable, or sudden death which will take you
all of a sudden, or Ad-Dajjal who is the worst expected, or the
Hour; and the Hour will be most grievous and most bitter.'' (84)
Of these righteous deeds is Salah. Thawban (may Allah be
pleased with him), the freed slave of the Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) said: "Make frequent prostrations before Allah, for you will not make one prostration without raising you a degree
because of it, and removing a sin from you, because of it." (85)
Rabi`ah ibn Ka`b Al Aslamy (may Allah be pleased with him) said:
"I used to spend my night in the company of Messenger of Allah
(peace be upon him) and used to put up water for his ablutions.
One day he said to me: Ask something of me. I said: I request for
your companionship in Paradise. He inquired: Is there anything
else? I said: That is all. He said: Then help me in your request bymultiplying your prostrations." (86)
The meaning of prostration in the Hadith is Salah. (87)
Of these righteous deeds is fasting. `Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah
be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace
be upon him) said: "Fasting and Qur'an intercede (i.e. for the
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Muslim) before Allah on the Judgment Day. Fasting says: O my
Lord! I prevented him from eating and lust, so accept my
intercession for him! And the Qur'an says: I prevented him from
sleeping as he stayed up at night reciting me, so accept my
intercession for him! He (the Messenger of Allah) said: So, Allahaccepts their intercession." (88)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast days from the
month of Sha`ban more than any other month. `A'ishah (may Allah
be pleased with him) narrated: "I never saw Allah's Messenger
(peace be upon him) fasting for a whole month except the month
of Ramadan, and did not see him fasting in any month more than
in the month of Sha`ban." (89)
[When the month of Sha`ban was like an introduction to Ramadan,fasting and reciting of the Qur'an were made desirable in that
month to receive Ramadan as should and souls get used to the
obedience of the Most Gracious]. (90)
Charity: Mu`adh ibn Jabal (may Allah be pleased with him)
narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said:
"Shall I guide you to the gates of goodness?
I said: Sure, O Messenger of Allah. He said: Fasting is a screen
(from Hell), charity extinguishes (i.e., removes) the sins as water
extinguishes fire." (91) Anas (may Allah be pleased with him)
narrated the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Verily,
charity puts off the Wrath of the Lord and protects a person against
bad death." (92)
Reciting the Glorious Qur'an: It is one of the easiest acts of
worship, however it is the greatest in reward. The Prophet (peace
be upon him) said: "Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah
will have a reward. And that reward will be multiplied by ten. I amnot saying that "Alif, Laam, Meem" is a letter, rather I am saying
that "Alif" is a letter, "laam" is a letter and "meem" is a letter." (93)
`Abdullah ibn `Amr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that
the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The one who
was devoted to the Qur'an will be told to recite, ascend and recite
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carefully as he recited carefully when you was in the world, for he
will reach his abode when he comes to the last Ayah he recited (in
the world)." (94)
Precession, precession to good deeds before it is too late and
before you are called by your Lord and then you will say: "My Lord!Send me back, * So that I may do good in that which I have left
behind! No! It is but a word that he speaks; and behind them is
Barzakh (a barrier) until the Day when they will be resurrected."
(95)
"Lest a person should say: Alas, my grief that I was undutiful to
Allâh (i.e. I have not done what Allâh has ordered me to do), and I
was indeed among those who mocked [at the truth! i.e. Lâ ilâha
illallâh (none has the right to be worshipped but Allâh), the Qur'ân,and Muhammad peace be upon him and at the faithful believers] *
Or (lest) he should say: If only Allâh had guided me, I should
indeed have been among the Muttaqûn (the pious). * Or (lest) he
should say when he sees the torment: If only I had another chance
(to return to the world), then I should indeed be among the
Muhsinûn (good-doers)." (96)
Dear Muslim brother, as soon as you put your feet on the Straight
Path and do your first step, Allah will bless it. Allah (Glory be toHim) says: "While as for those who accept guidance, He increases
their guidance and bestows on them their piety." (97)
He says: "And if We had ordered them (saying), "Kill yourselves
(i.e. the innocent ones kill the guilty ones) or leave your homes,"
very few of them would have done it; but if they had done what
they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have
strengthened their (Faith); * And indeed We should then have
bestowed upon them a great reward from Ourselves. * And indeed
We should have guided them to a Straight Way." (98)
Beware of hesitation, procrastination, the delay of repentance, and
persistence on committing sins because Allah (may He be
Glorified and Exalted) says: "And (remember) when Mûsa (Moses)
said to his people: "O my people! Why do you annoy me while you
know certainly that I am the Messenger of Allâh to you? So when
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they turned away (from the Path of Allâh), Allâh turned their hearts
away (from the Right Path). And Allâh guides not the people who
are Fâsiqûn (rebellious, the disobedient to Allâh)." (99)
Sheikh `Abdul-Rahman As-Sa`dy (may Allah bestow mercy on his
soul) said: [(So, when they turned away (from the path of Allah)) bytheir will, (Allah turned their hearts away from the Right Path) as a
punishment for them because of their deviation which they chose
and satisfied for themselves Moreover, Allah did not guide them to
guidance because they do not deserve goodness and they are
only fit to evil.
(And Allâh guides not the people who are Al-Fâsiqûn (the
rebellious and disobedient).) i.e., those who are characterized by
rebellion and disobedience. This great Ayah indicates thatmisleading a person is not injustice from Allah and they cannot use
it as a proof in their favor because they wished and desired that,
and they are the ones who closed the gates of guidance before
themselves after they have known it. As a result, Allah punishes
them with misleading, aberration, and turning their hearts away
from the truth as a punishment and justice of Him]. (100)
Let it be known that the path of Paradise is one which is through
the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of Messenger (peace be uponhim), so do not turn away from them and do not incline to whims
and false creeds.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "All my followers will enter
Paradise except those who refuse. They said: O Allah's
Messenger, who will refuse? He said: Whoever obeys me will
enter Paradise, and whoever disobeys me is the one who refuses
(to enter it)." (101)
The second step is: Stimulating spiritual energy
Stimulating spiritual energy is done by knowing the virtues of
Ramadan and the great reward of good deeds therein, here are
some virtues:
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Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "When Ramadan
begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are
locked and the devils are chained." (102)
Sahl ibn Sa`d (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that theProphet (peace be upon him) said: "There is a gate in Paradise
called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it
on the Day of Recompense and none except them will enter
through it. It will be said: Where are those who used to observe
fasts? They will get up, and none except them will enter through it.
After their entry, the gate will be closed and nobody will enter
through it." (103)
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that theMessenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "Allah (may He be
Glorified and Exalted) says: All the deeds of Adam's sons (people)
are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the
reward for it. Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from
committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual
relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight
or quarrel with him, he should say: I am fasting. By Him in Whose
Hands my soul is the unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth
of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the
time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will
meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting."
(104)
Some good deeds are of great advantage, especially in Ramadan,
of which are the following:
Qiyam: The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever
performs Salah at night the whole month of Ramadan out of
sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous
sins will be forgiven." (105)
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The most stressed Qiyam is during the last ten days of Ramadan.
`A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: "With the start
of the last ten days of Ramadan, the Prophet (peace be upon him)
used to tighten his waist belt (i.e. work hard) and used to perform
Salah all the night, and used to keep his family awake for Salah."(106)
She also narrated: "The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon
him) used to exert himself in devotion during the last ten nights to
a greater extent than at any other time." (107)
That is for the sake of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree). Allah
(He may be Glorified) says: "The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is
better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allâh in that night
is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 yearsand 4 months)."
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever established Salah on
Laylat-ul-Qadr (the night of Decree) out of sincere faith and hoping
for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven."
(108)
It is desirable that a person invoke Allah frequently in that night.
`A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that she asked
the Prophet (peace be upon him): If it happen that I catch the Night
of Qadr, what should I say? He said: Say: O Allah, verily You are
All Forgiving and love forgiving, so forgive me." (109)
O people, who wasted their lifetimes in nothing, benefit from
Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree) to make up what you missed
because it equals a lifetime.
I'tikaf (retiring to the mosque for worship): Ibn `Umar (may Allah be
pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him) used to practice I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan." (110)
I'tikaf is one of the acts of worship that combines many acts of
worship, such as: Salah, recitation of the Qur'an, Adhkar
(invocations and Remembrances said at certain times on a regular
basis), Du`a' (supplication), fasting and others.
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Charity: Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The
Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous amongst the
people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when
Gabriel visited him to study the Qur'an with him. Gabriel used to
meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. TheProphet (peace be upon him) used to recite the Glorious Qur'an to
Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous
than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." (111)
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The best kind of
charity is charity in Ramadan." (112)
Reciting the Glorious Qur'an: It was mentioned previously that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) was studying the Qur'an with Gabrielin Ramadan, likewise the Companions of the Prophet (peace be
upon him) and the Righteous Predecessors were eager to recite
the Qur'an more frequently during this Blessed Month. `Uthman
(may Allah be pleased with him) used to recite the entire volume of
the Qur'an everyday. Al Aswad used to recite the Qur'an each two
nights. Ash-Shafi`y used to recite the Qur'an sixty times in
Ramadan outside Salah. The objective is to recite the Qur'an more
frequently than usual with meditation and consideration, not just
reading.
Feeding a fasting person: Zayd ibn Khalid (may Allah be pleased
with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever feeds a fasting person shall have an equal reward
without reducing the reward of the fasting person." (113)
Performing `Umrah (minor hajj) in Ramadan: It was reported from
the Prophet (peace be upon him) that "`Umrah (lesser pilgrimage)
in Ramadan equals Hajj (in reward)." (114)
After leafing through these virtues, it is better for a wise person to
exert efforts in this Month because it is just one month in the entire
year. It is a fixed number of days and soon it ends. Count yourself
in a time of test and examination. Amusement during the days of
tests is a kind of insanity and negligence in the worldly life, so how
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about fun and amusement during the preparation days for the
Hereafter?
Be keen not to waste any hour therein because hours are very
precious in Ramadan and are not comparable with any other.
Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "And Hell will be brought near that
Day. On that Day will man remember, but how will that
remembrance (then) avail him? * He will say: Alas! Would that I
had sent forth (good deeds) for (this) my life!" (116)
The third step is knowing the reality of fasting:
To many people, fasting is abstention from food and drink.
However, just abstaining from food, drink, and sexual intercourse
do not achieve the objective for which fasting was ordained. Thisobjective was mentioned by the Lord of all the Worlds when He
said: "O you who believe! Observing As-Saum (the fast) is
prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that
you may become Al-Muttaqûn (the pious)." (117)
So, the objective and the wisdom of fasting is (that you may
become Muttaqûn (pious)).
Yes, piety is that finest degree and highest rank.
There is no doubt that it is not achieved by just leaving food and
drink, hence fasting is greater than that. Abstention from these
matters, which are permissible by origin, was ordained in order
that a person leaves the unlawful matters. Drawing near to Allah
(may He be Exalted) by leaving the lawful matters is not complete
except after drawing near to Him by leaving the unlawfuls.
Whoever commits the unlawful matters then draws near to Allah
(may He be Exalted) by leaving the lawful matters is like a person
who leaves obligatory matters and draws near to Allah by thesupererogatory ones.
Therefore, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is a
shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting
should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave
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foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or
abuses him, he should tell him twice: I am fasting. (twice)."
In another narration in Sahih Al Bukhari: "nor should he raise the
voice." (118)
The meaning of (Shield) i.e., a protection and coverage. And the
meaning is that fasting covers and protects a fasting person
against committing of sins and indulgence in major sins which will
drive their doers to Hell-Fire. A person should also avoid obscene
language and should not do any of the fools' actions such as
shouting, raising the voice, and showing enmity. (119)
The fasting of a Muslim will not become complete only when he
leaves the permissible lusts but he should also leave what Allah
has made unlawful, such as: lying, backbiting, talebearing, and
aggression against people's blood, money, and honors. Therefore,
the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever does not give up
false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking
bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his
food and drink." (120)
The meaning of (false statement) is every bad utterance that is
against the Shari`ah and that includes backbiting and tale
bearing...etc. (121)
Here is the meaning of fasting not literally or idiomatically as we
used to define it, but as the venerable Companion Jabir ibn
`Abdullah Al Ansary (may Allah be pleased with him) defined when
he said: "When you fast, your hearing, sight, tongue should also
fast from lie and committing unlawful matters. Give up the harm of
your neighbor, adorn yourself with veneration and tranquility, and
do not make the day which you fast like other days." (122)
Therefore, fast as Allah commanded you to fast in order to achieve
the reward which Allah prepared for the fasting people. Abu Sa`id
Al Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the
Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever observes fasts
during the month of Ramadan, knows its boundaries, and avoids
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things which he must avoid his fasting shall remove his previous
sins." (123)
If your belly is the only organ which fasts, your share of fasting will
be as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A fasting person
may gain just hunger and thirst out of his fasting and the one whowakes up at night for Salah may gain only sleeplessness out of
that." (124)
Conclusion: Now, after Allah had guided you to follow the previous
steps and you fasted Ramadan as should, you should ask
yourself: Am I from the winners of Ramadan?
Back for more questions:
- Are you determined to continue obedience? Many people
perform 21 Rak`ahs in the last night of Ramadan but when the `Eid
comes they give up Salah. So, do not waste your share of staying
up at night for Salah even if you perform few Rak`ahs and likewise
all acts of worship.
- Are you determined to leave the past and start over? When `Eid
comes, some people indulge in committing unlawful acts and
demolishes what they have built.
Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And be not like her who undoes the
thread which she has spun, after it has become strong." (125)
Dear Muslim brother, the sign for accepting a pious act is
continuation in doing other pious actions.
Of the signs of accepting the fast of Ramadan is achieving the fruit
of fasting in your heart which is gaining piety, has it been achieved
in your hear?
May Allah guide you and me to observe fasting and Qiyam, and to
make us continue pious actions.
Written by Dr. Ilham Badr Al Jabry
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---------------------------
(1) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of fasting, chapter on
Hadiths reported about the virtue of the Month of Ramadan, Hadith
No. 1644- 1/526. Al Busayry said in Az-Zawa'id: in its chain of
narration is `Imran ibn Dawud Abu Al `Awwam Al Qattan whomscholars of Hadith have differed about his trustworthiness,
however the rest of the chain of transmission are trustworthy. Ad-
Dimyaty said in Al Matjar Ar-Rabih p. 345: Reported by Ibn Majah
with good chain of transmission.
(2) - Reported by Al Hakim in Al Mustadrak in the book of
dutifulness and maintaining the ties of kinship, chapter on the
curse of Allah to the one who shows ingratitude to his parents
4/153, and he said: This an authentic Hadith, however Al Bukhariand Muslim did not report it. Adh-Dhahaby agreed to his judgment
on the Hadith.
(3) - Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad 1/259 and Ibn As-Sunny in
`Amal Al Yawm Wa Al Laylah (the work of day and night), Hadith
No. 664, p. 245. The chain of transmission contains Za`idah ibn
Abu Ar-Raqqad Al Bahily who is not a trustworthy narrator. Al
Haythamy said in Majma` Az-Zawa'id (collector of excrescences)
2/165: Reported by Al Bazzar and its chain of transmissioncontains Za'idah ibn Abu Ar-Raqqad. Al Bukhari said: Za'idah does
not narrate a good Hadith and others called him ignorant. An-
Nawawy also graded him as weak in Al Adhkar p. 171.
(4) - See Lata'if Al Ma`arif p. 280- 282.
(5) - Surat Ar-Rahman: 46- 60.
(6) - Surat An-Nisa': 124.
(7) - Surat Hud: 23.
(8) - See: Lum`at Al A`tiqad p. 93.
(9) - Reported by Muslim in the book of dutifulness and preserving
the ties of kinship, chapter on the prohibition of oppressing a
Muslim 16/121.
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(10) - Reported by Al Bukhari and Muslim: Reported by Al Bukhari
in the book of faith, chapter on the merit of the person who takes
caution for his religion- Fathul-Bary, Hadith No. 39 -1/126, and
reported by Muslim in the book of watering, chapter on taking what
is lawful and leaving what is doubted, Hadith No. 1559.(11) - Surat Al A`raf: 58.
(12) - Tafsir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 3/43.
(13) - Surat Al An`am: 122.
(14) - Surat Al Anfal: 24.
(15) - Surat Al Hadid: 16.
(16) - Reported by Muslim in the book of remembrance of Allah 18,Hadith No. 2722.
(17) - Surat Al Baqarah: 45.
(18) - See the heart and its function in the Qur'an and the Sunnah
p. 102.
(19) - Reported by Muslim in the book of the Salah of a traveler,
chapter on the Salah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his
invocation at night, Hadith No. 201 in full length.
(20) - Tafsir Abu As-Su`ud 1/27.
(21) - Surat Al Hajj: 32.
(22) - Surat Al Hujurat: 3.
(23) - Surat Al Anfal: 2.
(24) - Al Fruqat Al Lughawiyyah p. 202, excerpted from the
functions of the heart p. 129.
(25) - Surat Al Mun`minun: 60.
(26) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Tafsir, chapter on
Surat Al Mu'minun, Hadith No. 3225-5/9.
(27) - Surat Al `Imran: 7.
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(28) - Tafsir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 1/357.
(29) - Surat Al `Imran: 8.
(30) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of fate, chapter on
hearts are between two of the fingers of the Most Gracious, HadithNo. 2226-3/304, and said good and authentic Hadith.
(31) - Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih in the book of
biographies, chapter on the virtue of Jihad and Ihsan, Hadith No.
4587-7/62.
(32) - Reported by Ahmad 5/183 from the Hadith of Zayd ibn
Thabit. Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of rituals, chapter on
Sermons on the Day of Nahr (Sacrifice), Hadith No. 3056-2/1015
from the Hadith of Jubayr ibn Mut`im.
(33) - An-Nihayah fi Gharib Al Hadith 3/381.
(34) - Surat Al `Imran: 159.
(35) - Functions of the heart p. 224.
(36) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on the
prohibition of haughtiness - the explanation of An-Nawawy 2/89.
(37) - Majmu` Al Fatawa 7/677-678 in short.
(38) - Al Mufradat p. 455.
(39) - Surat Al Anbiya': 1-3.
(40) - Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 11/268 and Al Mufradat p. 455.
(41) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of asceticism, chapter on
grief and crying, Hadith No. 4193-2/1403. Al Busayry said in Az-
Zawa'id: Its chain of transmission is authentic and its narrators are
trustworthy.
(42) - Surat Al Mu'minun: 63.
(43) - Jam'i` Al Bayan of At-Tabary 18/35.
(44) - Functions of the heart.
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(45) - See Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 10/95 .
(46) - Surat An-Nahl 22.
(47) - Surat An-Nahl 83.
(48) - Functions of the heart 292.
(49) - Surat Al Mutaffifin: 14.
(50) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Tafsir, chapter on
Tafsir Surat Al Mutaffifin, Hadith No. 3390-5/105 and said: A good
and authentic Hadith
(51) - Reported by Ahmad 3/17 and the chain of transmission
contains Layth ibn Abu Salim who is not a trustworthy narrator.
(52) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on
mentioning the turmoil which are like the sea waves, the
explanation of An-Nawawy 2/172.
(53) - See the commentary of An-Nawawy 2/172, 173.
(54) - Lata'if Al Ma`rifah p. 277 and Ad-Dayyan one of the names
of Allah (may He be Exalted).
(55) - Reported by Ibn Abu Ad-Dunya in dispraising Musical
instruments Hadith No. 13, p. 38.
(56) - Ighathat Al Lahfan 1/193 .
(57) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the description of the
Resurrection Day, in a chapter that has no title, Hadith No. 2628-
4/74. Reported by Al Bayhaqy in As-Sunan Al Kubra (Hadith
compilations classified by jurisprudential themes), in the book of
testimonies, chapter on the testimony of the people of kinship
10/232. Al Mundhiry said in At-Targhib wa At-Tarhib, Hadith No. 7-4/12: Reported by Al Bazzar with a good chain of transmission, as
was reported by Al Bayhaqy and others.
(58) - Reported by Ibn Majah in the book of asceticism, chapter on
devoutness and piety, Hadith No. 4215- 2/1403. Al Busayry said in
Az-Zawa'id: This is an authentic chain of transmission and its
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narrators are trustworthy. Al Mundhry said in At-Targhib wa At-
Tarhib, Hadith No. 10- 4/14: Reported by Ibn Majah, Al Bayhaqy,
and others with an authentic chain of transmission.
(59) - Surat Al Hashr: 10.
(60) - Reported by Muslim in the book of Fate, chapter on Allah
directs the hearts as He wishes - the explanation of An-Nawawy
16/204.
(61) - Reported by Abu Dawud in the book of Salah, chapter on
asking forgiveness, Hadith No. 1522- 2/87 and An-Nasa'y in the
book of Salah, chapter on another type of invocation, Hadith No.
1303- 3/53.
(62) - Reported by Muslim in the book of invocation, chapter onsupplications 17/41.
(63) - Reported by Ahmad 1/402. Al Albany (may Allah bestow
mercy on his soul) graded it as authentic in As-Silsilah As-
Sahihah, Hadith No. 389 - 1/673.
(64) - Surat Al Hajj: 74.
(65) - Surat Az-Zumar: 67.
(66) - Surat Al A`raf: 99.
(67) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the description of the
Day of Resurrection, chapter which has no title, Hadith No. 2575-
4/53. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a
single narrator usually at the beginning of the chain of narration).
We only know it from the Hadith of Aban ibn Ishaq from As-
Sabbah ibn Muhammad.
(68) - Surat An-Nisa': 123.
(69) - Surat Al Baqarah: 111.
(70) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the description of the
Day of Resurrection, chapter which has no title, Hadith No. 2577 -
4/54. At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good Hadith. The Hadith was also
reported by Imam Ahmad 4/124 and Ibn Majah in the book of
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asceticism, chapter on recalling death and getting ready to it,
Hadith No. 4260- 2/1423. However, Al Albany (may Allah bestow
mercy on his soul) graded it as weak in Da`if Al Jami`, Hadith No.
4310- 4/167.
(71) - Surat Al Mu`minun: 1 - 10.
(72) - Surat Al Jathiyah: 21.
(73) - Surat At-Tahrim: 8.
(74) - Surat Al `Imran: 135.
(75) - See Al Jami` Li Ahkam Al Qur'an 2/210 211.
(76) - Surat Al `Imran: 136.
(77) - Surat Taha: 82.
(78) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of dutifulness and
preserving the ties of kinship, chapter on what has been reported
in how to treat the people, Hadith No. 2953- 3/239. At-Tirmidhy
said: This is a good and authentic Hadith.
(79) - See Taysir Al Karim Ar-Rahman fi Tafsir Kalam Al Mannan
5/179.
(80) - Talbis Iblis p. 44.
(81) - Reported by Ahmad 2/177, however it contains `Abdullah ibn
Lahi`ah who is not a trustworthy narrator.
(82) - Reported by Muslim in the book of faith, chapter on
exhortation to promptness of actions the explanation of An-
Nawawy 2/133.
(83) - Sharh Sahih Muslim of An-Nawawy 2/133.
(84) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of asceticism, chapter
on promptness of actions, Hadith No. 2408- 3/378. At-Tirmidhy
said this is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a single narrator usually at
the beginning of the chain of narration).
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(85) - Reported by Muslim in the book of Salah, chapter on the
excellence of prostration and exhortation to it - explanation of An-
Nawawy 4/205-206.
(86) - Reported by Muslim in the previous position.
(87) - Sharh Sahih Muslim of An Nawawy 4/205-206.
(88) - Reported by Ahmad 2/174 and Al Hakim in Al Mustadrak
1/554 and said: This is an authentic Hadith according to the
conditions of Imam Muslim, however Al Bukhari and Muslim did
not report it and Ad-Dhahaby agreed to his judgment on the
Hadith.
(89) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on the
fasting of Sha`ban and Imam Muslim in the book of fasting,chapter on the fasting of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in other
than Ramadan.
(90) - Lata'if Al Ma`arif p. 258.
(91) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of faith, chapter on
Hadiths that were reported about the sanctity of Salah, Hadith No.
2749 - 4/124. At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good and authentic
Hadith.
(92) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Zakah, chapter on
what has been reported in excellence of charity, Hadith No. 658-
2/86. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib (a Hadith with a
single narrator usually at the beginning of the chain of narration)
from this way, and was reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih - see
benevolence in the book of Zakah, chapter on Voluntary charity,
Hadith No. 3298- 5/131.
(93) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the excellence of theGlorious Qur'an, chapter on Hadiths that were reported about the
person who recites a letter from the Qur'an, Hadith No. 3075 -
4/248 and At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good, authentic, and Gharib
Hadith from this way.
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(94) - Reported by Abu Dawud in the book of Salah, chapter on the
desirability of reciting the Qur'an in a moderate tone, Hadith No.
1464 - 2/74, and reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of the
excellence of the Glorious Qur'an, chapter which has no title,
Hadith No. 3081- 4/250 and At-Tirmidhy said: This is a good andauthentic Hadith.
(95) - Surat Al Mu'minun: 99 100.
(96) - Surat Az-Zumar: 56 - 58.
(97) - Surat Muhammad: 17.
(98) - Surat An-Nisa': 66 - 68.
(99) - Surat As-Saf: 5.
(100) - Taysir Al Karim Ar-Rahman 7/367 -368.
(101) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of holding fast, chapter
on following the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon
him), Hadith No. 7280 - Fathul-Bary 13/248.
(102) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on
should it be said: Ramadan, Hadith No. 1899 - 4/112 and reported
by Muslim in the book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of the
Month of Ramadan - Sharh An-Nawawy 7/187 with the wordings of
Imam Muslim.
(103) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on
Ar-Rayyan is the gate of the fasting people, Hadith No. 1896 -
4/111, and reported by Muslim in the book of fasting, chapter on
the excellence of fasting - An-Nawawy 8/33.
(104) - Reported by Al Bukhari in several positions, of which: in the
book of fasting, chapter on should a person say: I am fasting whenhe is insulted? Hadith No. 1904 - 4/118 and reported by Muslim in
the book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of fasting - An-
Nawawy 8/31.
(105) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of Tarawih (voluntary
night Salah performed in Ramadan), chapter on the excellence of
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those who perform Qiyam in Ramadan, Hadith 2009 - 4/250, and
reported by Muslim in the book of the Salah of travellers, chapter
on the exhortation to perform Tarawih - the explanation of An-
Nawawy 6/40.
(106) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of the excellence of Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of Decree), chapter on acting during the
last ten days of Ramadan, Hadith 2024 - 4/269, and reported by
Muslim in the book of I'tikaf (retiring to the mosque for worship),
chapter on exerting efforts in the last ten days of Ramadan - the
explanation of An-Nawawy 8/70.
(107) - Reported by Muslim in the previous position.
(108) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of Tarawih, chapter on
the excellence of Tarawih, chapter on Laylat-ul-Qadr (the Night of
Decree) 4/255, and reported by Muslim in the Salah of the
travelers, chapter on the exhortation to Tarawih - the explanation
of An-Nawawy 6/40.
(109) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of invocations, chapter
which has no title Hadith 3580 - 5/195 and said: This is a good and
authentic Hadith, and was reported Ibn Majah in the book of
invocation, chapter on invoking Allah for pardon and good health,
Hadith No. 3850 - 2/ 1265, and was reported by Ahmad 6/171.
(110) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of I'tikaf (retiring to the
mosque for worship), chapter on I'tikaf in the last ten days of
Ramadan, Hadith No. 2025- 4/271.
(111) - Reported by Al Bukhari in several positions, of which: in the
book of fasting, chapter on the Prophet's best condition of
generosity was in Ramadan, Hadith No. 1902 - 4/ 116, and was
reported by Muslim in the book of virtues, chapter on the
generosity of the Prophet (peace be upon him) 15/86.
(112) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of Zakah, chapter of
Hadiths that were reported in the excellence of charity, Hadith No.
657 - 2/86. At-Tirmidhy said: This is Hadith Gharib, and Sadaqah
ibn Musa is not a trustworthy narrator.
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(113) - Reported by At-Tirmidhy in the book of fasting, chapter on
Hadiths that were reported om the excellence of those who offer
food for the fasting people, Hadith No. 804 - 2/151. At-Tirmidhy
said: This is a good and authentic Hadith, and reported by Ibn
Majah in the book of fasting, chapter on fasting during the Sacredmonths, Hadith No. 1746 - 1/ 555, and reported by Ahmad 4/114.
(114) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of `Umrah (the lesser
pilgrimage), chapter on performing `Umrah during Ramadan,
Hadith No. 1782 - 3/603, and reported by Muslim in the book of
Hajj, chapter on the excellence of performing `Umrah during
Ramadan 9/2.
(115) - Lata'if Al Ma`arif p. 352.
(116) - Surat Al Fajr: 23 24.
(117) - Surat Al Baqarah: 183.
(118) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on
the excellence of Fasting, Hadith No. 1894 - 4/103 - Hadith No.
1904 - 4/118. The Hadith was also reported by Muslim in the book
of fasting, chapter on the excellence of fasting - explanation of An-
Nawawy 8/31.
(119) - See: Fathul-Bary 4/104 and 118 Al Matjar Ar-Rabih p. 3376
- explanation of An-Nawawy 8/31.
(120) - Reported by Al Bukhari in the book of fasting, chapter on
whoever does not leave untruthful speech and acting by during
fasting, Hadith No. 1903 - 4/116, and in the book of Literature,
chapter on Allah's Saying (may He be Exalted): "And avoid false
speech", Hadith No. 6057 - 10/473.
(121) - See: Fathul-Bary 4/117-118.
(122) - Lata'if Al Ma`arif.
(123) - Reported by Ibn Hibban in his Sahih - benevolence, in the
book of fasting, chapter on the excellence of the Month of
Ramadan, Hadith No. 3424 - 5/183.
8/6/2019 Practical Steps for Making Good Use of Ramadhan
http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/practical-steps-for-making-good-use-of-ramadhan 43/43
(124) - Reported by Ahmad in his Musnad 2/373 and Ibn Majah in
the book of fasting, chapter on Hadiths that were reported in
backbiting and obscenities for a person who observes fasting,
Hadith No. 1690 - 1/539. Al Busayry said: Its chain of transmission
is weak.(125) - Surat An-Nahl: 92.